City Council — April 13, 2026

Rincon Gateway Conservation Resolution

• The Council adopted Resolution 6449 approving the land transfer agreement and deed of conservation easement.
• Amendments to the Rincón Bluffs Preserve Endowment Agreement were also approved during the session.
• This project protects the eastern edge of the bluffs and maintains specific view corridors.

Revenue Enhancement Opportunities Report

• Staff presented four potential revenue measures requiring voter approval to address structural fiscal imbalances.
• Councilmembers identified the Transaction and Use Tax increase as the most viable option due to its burden sharing with visitors.
• The Council directed staff to initiate community engagement and pursue a strategy centered on the Transaction and Use Tax.

Legislative Updates

• The Council agreed to oppose SB 866 regarding homelessness reporting due to burdensome requirements.
• Members also agreed to oppose a proposed federal HUD rule affecting mixed-status family funding.
• Opposition stems from concerns over verifying immigration status for all household members.

Committee Reports and Other Matters

• Updates were provided on new train service launching in May and a pilot program for transit funding.
• Councilmembers proposed researching the renaming of the Farmer Parcel to honor local advocate Vera Benson.

Meeting Summary: Carpinteria City Council

1. Conservation and Land Preservation (Rincon Gateway)

• Public Comment: Speakers discussed the preservation of the Rincon Gateway property (2.4 acres). While some advocated for native species, others highlighted the historical value of the Eucalyptus trees lining the entrance to Camarillo. One speaker noted the trees serve as a critical stop for Monarch butterflies. Another speaker (Arturo Tejo) praised the preservation as a "Valentine's gift" and suggested renaming the site to emphasize its role as a gateway to the county and the spirit.
• Council Action: The Council unanimously adopted Resolution Number 6449. This approved the baseline conditions report, authorized the land transfer agreement from the Land Trust of Santa Barbara County to the City, approved the deed of conservation easement, and amended the Rincón Bluffs Preserve Endowment Agreement. The project is celebrated as a cornerstone for protecting the eastern edge of the bluffs and view corridors.

2. Revenue Enhancement Opportunities Report

• Context: Assistant City Manager Ryan Kintz and consultant Ken Duran (HDL Companies) presented a report on fiscal sustainability. The City faces a structural imbalance with $14.8 million in deferred maintenance and $134 million in unfunded infrastructure needs. Previous Prop 218 assessment district measures failed, resulting in a $1.2 million annual funding loss.
• Options Analyzed: HDL presented four potential revenue measures, all requiring voter approval:
• 1. Transaction & Use Tax (TUT): Increase the existing 1.25% by 0.25% to 1.5% (state cap is 2%). Estimated revenue: ~$694,000. 18% of revenue would come from non-residents. 2. Utility Users' Tax (UUT): Tax on utility bills (electric, gas, etc.). Estimated revenue: $597,000 – $1.7 million. Noted as potentially regressive. 3. Parcel Tax: Fixed tax per parcel regardless of value. 4. Business License Tax Reform: Shift from flat rate to gross receipts. Current revenue barely covers program costs.
• Council Discussion:
• Council members expressed concern over "voter fatigue" following the failed assessment districts.
• There was consensus that the TUT was the most viable option ("low-hanging fruit") because it spreads the burden to visitors (non-residents) and builds on an existing tax structure.
• Staff noted that Prop 218 (assessments) has strict legal limitations on messaging, whereas a general tax measure allows for broader community engagement and education.
• Polling data from FM3 showed a 75% "Yes" vote on the TUT prior to the failed assessments, though Council noted voter sentiment may have shifted.
• Council Action: A motion was made to receive the report, direct staff to pursue the TUT strategy, initiate community engagement/public education, and approve a contract amendment with Clifford Moss ($30,000 increase).
• Vote: The motion passed 4-1. Councilmembers Nomura, Solorzano, Clark, and Mayer voted "Aye." Mayor Alarcon voted "No," citing the need for a more robust strategy and community outreach plan before committing, stating she felt the current plan lacked strategic certainty.

3. Legislative Update

• SB 866 (Homelessness Reporting): The Council agreed to oppose the bill in its current form (consistent with League of California Cities recommendations) due to burdensome reporting requirements.
• HUD Rule (Mixed Status Families): The Council agreed to send a letter in opposition to a proposed federal rule requiring all household members to verify immigration status. The rule threatens funding for mixed-status families, impacting approximately 252 children in the Santa Barbara region.

4. Committee Reports and Other Matters

• Transit: Updates on new train service (starting May 4th) running from San Luis Obispo to San Diego through Carpinteria, and a $600,000 pilot for first-mile/last-mile transit funding.
• Land Naming: Councilmembers Clark and Mayer proposed researching the renaming of the "Farmer Parcel" (a small view corridor/easement) to honor Vera Benson, a local bluffs preservation advocate.
• Adjournment: The meeting adjourned at 11:22 PM.