Carpinteria community rallying for dedicated pickleball courts and immigrant rights support

The Carpinteria City Council convened on July 14, 2025, to address various community concerns, with a focus on recreational facilities and immigrant rights. The meeting featured several public comments highlighting the need for dedicated pickleball courts and support for local immigrant communities.

The session began with a passionate appeal from community members advocating for the establishment of dedicated pickleball courts in Carpinteria. One resident shared that 11 local players had gathered at the municipal courts, expressing their desire to keep recreational activities within the city rather than traveling to Santa Barbara. The speakers emphasized the social and mental health benefits of pickleball, noting its rapid growth and inclusivity across age groups. They also offered to assist in fundraising and maintaining the proposed courts, underscoring the strong community support for this initiative.

Following the discussions on recreational facilities, the meeting shifted to address pressing issues faced by immigrant families in the area. Rogelio Delgado, a resident, raised concerns about the impact of recent immigration policies on local Hispanic communities, citing fears that have led to decreased attendance at community events. He urged the council to consider the implications of these policies on the local economy and the well-being of residents.

Becky Norton, co-founder of the Carpinteria Immigrant Rights Coalition, provided an update on the coalition's activities, which have gained significant traction since its formation. She reported over 300 interested individuals and 50 active members, highlighting the community's response to the recent arrival of ICE in Carpinteria. Norton requested that the city enhance its website to include immigrant resources and support the coalition's efforts to educate the community about their rights.

Deborah Dettner, also representing the coalition, made several urgent requests to the council, including the establishment of a direct communication line between the coalition's legal observer team and city staff during ICE activities. She urged the council to adopt policies that would protect residents from illegal impersonation of law enforcement and to support pending legislation aimed at safeguarding immigrant rights.

The meeting concluded with a commitment from the council to consider the requests made by community members and to explore potential partnerships to address both recreational and immigrant support needs. The discussions underscored the importance of community engagement in shaping local policies and resources.