February 28: Sable Offshore’s losing streak continues. The company has been trying to restart the oil pipeline that burst open at Gaviota in 2015, as well as three oil platforms off the coast. They were turned down again last week when a judge refused to drop an injunction keeping work from being done in that area. Sable was allegedly caught doing work without on the pipeline without permits and was hit with criminal charges. They tried to get around state rules by appealing to the federal government and succeeded, but that process is now being held up by a lawsuit. .
February 27: All train service through Carpinteria will be suspended the weekend of March 7. Rail officials say a full service shutdown is necessary between San Diego and San Luis Obispo to make necessary track repairs and to improve the line’s overall infrastructure. Amtrak bus alternatives will still be available and regular train service is expected to resume the morning of March 9..
February 26: Coastal View News is out with a sweeping overview of the Surfliner Inn project. The proposed two-story hotel by the railroad tracks has been a divisive issue among locals for years, and last week the city Environmental Review Committee got an earful from people who are opposed to the project. The Draft Environmental Impact Report for the hotel is now available for public viewing and comment at the city of Carpinteria website through March 9.
February 26: The south coast cannabis industry continues to be under siege. Eight cannabis farms in the Carpinteria Valley will be asking for an extension to the deadline for installing expensive odor-control equipment. A small group of locals has complained about the smell and demanded that the county require the systems, which negatively affect the farms’ bottom lines. In Santa Barbara, the city finance committee is considering raising the taxes at dispensaries within the city limits, despite reports that cannabis business owners are struggling because of existing taxes and fees.
February 25: A south coast man has filed a lawsuit against ICE, saying he suffered injuries during last year’s violent immigration raid at a Camarillo cannabis farm. He says he went to his job as a security guard at the farm last July 10th, but was stopped by ICE agents who wouldn’t allow him to move forward. Before he could leave he says he was attacked, with agents breaking out the window of his truck and firing tear gas inside. After that he was detained, strip searched and interrogated, all without a lawyer being present.
February 25: The new train service between LA and the south coast is on target to be up and running by early May. The News-Press reports state officials have given the green light to the new line, which replaces an earlier proposal to extend Metrolink service into the area. The new run will arrive in Carpinteria each day between 7:30 and 7:45, continue northward to San Luis Obispo, with return service starting in the afternoon.
February 25: A GoFundMe page has been set up for the family of a young Carpinteria woman who passed away suddenly Februarly 21. Adriana Gallardo had just given birth to a daughter the week before, and authorities say she died from complications of a lung ailment. The newborn is now being cared for by the grandparents.
Ongoing: Registration for spring workshops. “ 865 Linden Avenue, call 805-684-7789.
Ongoing: Improv, Tuesdays 7pm, $10 at the door. Magic In the Music March 7, 7pm The Doublewide Kings: March 14, 7pm. 4916 Carpinteria Ave., tix available at thealcazar.org
Ongoing: Carpinteira Songwriters Circle Tues. 4pm Babies Are the Best, Wed. 9am. Conversational Spanish, Tues. 2pm. 5141 Carpinteria Ave., carpinterialibrary.org.
March 1: Vinnie Berry Island Brewing Co. 1pm
March 6: The Youngsters Corktree Cellars 7pm
March 7: Magic In the Music Alcazar Theatre 7pm
March 14/15: Doublewide Kings Alcazar Theatre