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Carpinteria

Carpinteria History

   The Chumash Indians were the original inhabitants of the area near modern-day Carpinteria. The Chumash chose the location, which they called Mishopshnow, because of naturally occurring asphalt that they used to seal their canoes.
   When explorer Gaspar de Portola visited the region in 1769, he found the beach filled with wooden Chumash boats. He named the area La Carpinteria, which is Spanish for "the carpenter shop."
   The first American settlers came to Carpinteria in the 1840s, although the town was not laid out until 1887. The valley's rich earth made it ideal for growing walnuts and lima beans. Avocados were planted in the 1930s, and now nearly 20 percent of Santa Barbara County's avocados are grown near Carpinteria. In the 1970s, growers also began planting exotic flowers and fruits.
   The city incorporated in 1965. Agriculture remains a major industry, along with tourism, manufacturing and technology.

Activities

   The Carpinteria Valley Museum of History highlights the Chumash, Spanish and American pioneer cultures that helped to build Carpinteria. Each month, a flea market is held at the facility, with all booth fees contributing to the museum's operating costs.
   The black goo that the Chumash Indians used as canoe caulk is still visible at Tar Pits Park, which is located at Carpinteria City Beach Park. The coastal park offers spectacular views of the ocean and the nearby Channel Islands, as well as walking trails and native vegetation.
   The Bluffs also offer fantastic views of the ocean, the Channel Islands and the Santa Ynez mountains. These 52 acres of undeveloped coastal property are home to kestrels, kites and red-tailed hawks. Another spot for bird watching is Salt Marsh Nature Park, which is one of the most important wetlands in Southern California. This beautiful estuary, also known as El Estuaro, is a haven for migrating birds and rare native plants.
   The Harbor Seal Preserve is one of only four seal rookeries in Southern California. The preserve is home to almost 100 adult seals who give birth to their cubs along the Carpinteria shoreline.
   Linden Avenue is the main road that leads to the beach. It's also home to a number of restaurants, stores and antique shops. Another popular shopping area is Santa Claus Lane, which features such eclectic offerings as a surf shop, a candy shop and toy store, and an upscale market with a large selection of Santa Barbara County wines.
   See how the other half lives with a visit to the Santa Barbara Polo Club, which is located in Carpinteria. Polo matches are played each Sunday and are open to the public.
   Each year, Carpinteria hosts the California Avocado Festival, an October event devoted to good eating and family fun. Other annual events include the Christmas Parade of Lights, the Antique Car Show and Fourth of July festivities.

Carpinteria Fast Facts

   Location: Carpinteria is located along the Pacific coast, about 12 miles south of Santa Barbara
  *Total area: 7.27 square miles (2.7 square miles land area; 4.57 square miles water area)
  *Population: 14,194
  *Housing units: 5,464
   Average annual rainfall: 18.58 inches
   Average temperatures: 68ºF in summer, 55ºF in winter
*Information provided by 2000 Census

Schools

   There are seven public schools in Carpinteria: three elementary schools, one middle school and three high schools.

Beaches

   Carpinteria State Beach offers a mile of shoreline for swimming, fishing, tidepool exploring and camping. Seals and sea lions can be seen in the area, as well as occasional gray whales.
   Rincon Beach lies three miles east of Carpinteria at the Santa Barbara-Ventura county line. Surfers consider this beach among the best in California.
   Carpinteria City Beach features a gently sloping shelf that creates a pleasant swimming area. The mild waves have earned it the title "World's Safest Beach." But watch where you step: The beach is home to gooey natural asphalt deposits that will stick to your feet -- or anything else they touch.

Maps of Carpinteria

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