WelcomeWelcomeThis page has been made available to the citizens of Carpinteria for the purpose of a "community conversation" about historic preservation. The city does not have any formal process to designate historic landmarks, the result of the community dialog is to establish an Historic Landmark ordinance and Commission.
What do you think of when asked about historic preservation? Have you given it much thought? How does historic preservation affect you as a citizen and a property owner? Why is historic preservation important? Why should we care about persevering our past? These and many more question surface when talking about the topic of historic preservation. Carpinteria does not have a formal landmark process—no landmark ordinance—no landmark commission. History is made and lost every day—what we do now will impact what happens tomorrow—certain elements of our town are important to keep. Over the next few weeks, I would like to set the stage for a community conversation about historic preservation, by writing a series of articles in the Coastal View that explore this topic. We’ll begin with a general overview, then move to the specific topic of a Historic Landmarks Ordinance and commission for Carpinteria.
Believe it or not, Carpinteria, California is like many small towns in America—they have close knit communities—there are issues that cross all kinds of barriers as everyday folks rally support to stop this or protect that—they have compact business districts—they have history. Over the years many issues find their way to the public hearing process, where elected or appointed decision makers, must sort through the mounds of reports and other project data to arrive at what is best for the community—based upon community input. During the time I have been on the Planning Commission, many interest groups have formed or strengthen as they have gained support for their cause. This is uniquely American! I can’t think of a single country where this is freely possible.
In Carpinteria we have champions of the creeks, of flora and fauna, of business, of education, of open space, and of housing, just to name a few. Many of us are members of these groups or at the very least support them. But—you knew there was going to be a “…but…”—there is no organized historic preservation effort in Carpinteria. Each of the groups mentioned above have a champion—a person who has a passion for the issue and decides to pick up the mantle and rally support. Yet, there is no voice for the historic structures in Carpinteria.
Let's make a voice for historic structures in Carpinteria!