ATTACHMENT A
Naming Request
City of Carpinteria Naming / Renaming Request Form
CITY OF CARPINTERIA
NAMING / RENAMING REQUEST FORM
Attachment A to the City of Carpinteria Naming Policy
Instructions: Complete all applicable sections and attach supporting documentation. Requests are reviewed under the City of Carpinteria Naming Policy. Submission does not guarantee approval; the City Council retains final authority.
1. TYPE OF REQUEST
Naming an unnamed City Asset Renaming an existing City Asset
2. APPLICANT INFORMATION
Applicant Name: _________________________________________________________________________________ Organization / Group (if applicable): ___________________________________________________________ Mailing Address: ________________________________________________________________________________ City / State / ZIP: _____________________________________________________________________________ Phone: __________________________________________________________________________________________ Email: __________________________________________________________________________________________
3. CITY ASSET AND PROPOSED NAME
City Asset proposed for naming or renaming: _____________________________________________________ Location of City Asset: _________________________________________________________________________ Specific component or feature, if applicable: ___________________________________________________ Current official name (renaming requests only): _________________________________________________ Proposed name: __________________________________________________________________________________
4. BASIS FOR THE REQUEST
Check all that apply:
Location, geography, or natural feature
Significant event, place, or community history
Outstanding individual or organization
Major donation
Other: ______________________________________________
Rationale: Explain the proposed name, its relationship to the City Asset, and how it is consistent with the Naming Policy criteria. Use extra pages as needed. __________________________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________________ APN 001-180-062
APN 001-180-062
Vera Bensen Bioswale
Ted Rhodes on behalf of Citizens for the Carpinteria Bluffs PO Box 700
Citizens for the Carpinteria Bluffs
Carpinteria, CA 93014
[email protected]
Vera Bensen is a well -known local artist, beloved educator, and enviornmentalist who is oen of the co-founders of the Land Trust for Santa Barbara County (Land Trus) and the Citizens for the Carpinteria Bluffs. She was active with CVA for many years, including its leadershpi, in protecting the Carpinteria Salt Marsh when it was propsed as a site for a new marina. Therough her effors with the Land Trust, CVA, and Citizens, she went on to work for over fifty years helping save, acquire and protect the Carpinteria Bluffs Nature Preserve and Viola Fields.
City of Carpinteria Naming / Renaming Request Form
CITY OF CARPINTERIA — NAMING / RENAMING REQUEST FORM
5. SUPPORTING DOCUMENTATION AND COMMUNITY INTEREST
List and attach supporting materials, as applicable (e.g., historical records, photographs, maps, articles, biographies, letters, research, or other relevant documentation): __________________________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________________ Community interest or support: Describe any known community interest, support, or opposition and attach supporting materials, if available. __________________________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________________ 6. REQUESTS HONORING AN INDIVIDUAL Complete this section if applicable.
Name of individual: _____________________________________________________________ Describe the individual’s significant and lasting contributions and connection to Carpinteria and/or the City Asset: __________________________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________________ 7. REQUESTS RELATED TO A MAJOR DONATION Complete this section if applicable.
Donor name: _____________________________________________________________________________________ Estimated value of donation / contribution: _____________________________________________________ Describe the significance of the contribution relative to the value, cost, scope, creation, enhancement, or preservation of the City Asset: __________________________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________________ 8. ATTACHMENTS CHECKLIST Supporting documentation / research Evidence of community interest or support Map or photograph identifying the City Asset, if helpful Additional pages, if needed
Citizens of the Carpinteria Bluffs request with COSMAB support Vera Bensen
Local Heroes 2007 - SB Independent
Land Trust of Santa Barbara County Fall Newsletter 2016
City of Carpinteria Naming / Renaming Request Form
CITY OF CARPINTERIA — NAMING / RENAMING REQUEST FORM
9. SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION FOR RENAMING REQUESTS
Complete this section only for a renaming request. Renaming is considered only under limited circumstances and requires a higher level of justification than naming an unnamed City Asset.
1. Why should the existing name be changed? Describe the compelling reason or significant public or community interest served by the proposed renaming. __________________________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________________ 2. Describe what is known about the history, origin, significance, and length of time the existing name has been in use. __________________________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________________ 3. Explain why the proposed name has a stronger historical, cultural, geographic, environmental, civic, or community connection to the City Asset than the existing name, if applicable. __________________________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________________ 4. Describe any new historical information, changed circumstances, or other significant considerations affecting the appropriateness of the existing name, if applicable. __________________________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________________ 5. Could the intended recognition be accomplished by naming a component or feature instead of renaming the entire City Asset? If not, explain why. __________________________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________________ 10. APPLICANT CERTIFICATION I certify that the information provided is true and complete to the best of my knowledge. I understand that submission does not create a right or entitlement to naming recognition and that the City may request additional information.
Applicant Signature: ____________________________________________________________________________ Date: ___________________________________________________________________________________________ 11. SUBMISSION Submit to: City of Carpinteria, Parks, Recreation and Community Services Department, 5775 Carpinteria Avenue, Carpinteria, CA 93013.
City staff may contact the applicant for clarification or additional documentation. Complete requests will be processed in accordance with the Naming Policy.
FOR CITY USE ONLY
Date Received: Department / Staff Contact:
Request Complete: Yes No Additional Information Requested: Yes No Advisory Body / Review Committee: Review Date:
City Council Date: Final Action: Approved Denied Modified Request to Rename the Farmer Parcel at the Bluffs
Citizens for the Carpinteria Bluffs and memebers of the community have always been confused by the name "Farmer" informally attached to the property, thinking it reflects a history of farming. It is named that only because it was the last name of the sellers of the property.
It only became known as the "Farmer Parcel" aroudn the time of the initial acquistion of the Carpinteria Bluffs Nature Preserve & Viola Fields.
The is little historical value in retaining the current name of the property.
Plans through Citizens and COSAMB are afoot to develop it into a more efficient bioswale. Naming the entire small parcelthe Veria Bensen Bioswale makes the most sense.
This parcel is only 1.54 acres. It acts as a bioswale for run-off stormwater from the Viola Fields and parking lot as well as a few other Bluffs II propertieis.
City of Carpinteria Naming / Renaming Request Form
In 2009, the City of Carpinteria acquired the Farmer Parcel of 1.54 acres through a quiet public acquisition effort that involved funds from the Citizens for the Carpinteria Bluffs, the City of Carpinteria, and Water Conservation Fund of the US Department of Interior through the California Department of Parks. This parcel is just north of Carpinteria Ave and East of Bailard Ave, directly across the street from the Carpinteria Bluffs Nature Preserve & Viola Fields. The City added this parcel to the Carpinteria Bluffs Nature Preserve to be managed by its Parks & Recreation Director under the advisory guidance of the Carpinteria Open Space Management Advisory Board (COSMAB).
As natural open space, the Farmer parcel has protected an important view shed at the Bluffs, has acted seasonally as a stormwater basin and bioswale, with concentrated stormwater runoff from the Viola Fields parking lot and several other Bluffs II parking lots during heavy rainfall. The stormwater moves through the parcel to the north before the water exits to the freeway stormwater ditches and, subsequently, into the Carpinteria Creek which outfalls to the ocean. The parcel has the potential of becoming a more effective bioswale when additional funding can be secured to restore ecological function and increase biodiversity.
A few months ago, Citizens for the Carpinteria Bluffs (Citizens) brought to COSMAB the issue of confusion by many Bluffs users with the “Farmer” name of this parcel who assume the name must allude to some prior historical use of farming of the property, when, in fact, the name merely reflects the last name of the parcel’s former owners. Citizens requested that COSBAB ask the City to consider renaming the parcel to something more appropriate. Citizens suggested renaming the Farmer Parcel the “Vera Bensen Bioswale” for Vera Bensen, a well-known local artist, beloved educator, and environmentalist who is one of the co-founders of the Land Trust for Santa Barbara County (Land Trust) as well as the Citizens for the Carpinteria Bluffs. Vera was introduced to land conservation originally by her good friend Lois Sidenberg, a founding member of the Carpinteria Valley Association, and became active with CVA in protecting the Carpinteria Salt Marsh when it was proposed as the site for a new marina. Through her efforts with the Land Trust, the CVA, and Citizens, Vera Bensen went on to work for over fifty years on helping save, acquire, and protect the Carpinteria Bluffs Nature Preserve & Voila Fields.
This proposed renaming seems both most appropriate and in keeping with a few past renaming opportunities the City has taken:
[From a Jan. 11, 2016 staff reporter regarding a request to rename an El Carro Park ballfield for David Patrick Crooks:] Many communities will consider naming requests for significant public improvements in several categories. The history of a major event, place or person may play an important role in naming of a public improvement in order to honor the history of a city, its founders, other historical figures, its heritage or prominent geographical locations. The Tomol Interpretive Play Area or Heath Ranch Park are examples in Carpinteria where the name is respective to Carpinteria's history and its Native American heritage.
Communities will also consider naming an important public improvement when a generous donation has been made to help fund a project. The City purchased the Carpinteria Bluffs Nature Preserve property from the Land Trust for Santa Barbara County with the understanding that the sports fields would be named the Viola Fields at the direction of a major donor to the acquisition effort.
In many cases, a community decides to name a public improvement based upon the contributions made by outstanding individuals and is often based on the contribution that person has made to the community in volunteerism and leadership.
For example, the Wayne Ferren Amphitheatre was named due to the exemplary vision and leadership exhibited by Mr.
Ferren in the planning and construction of the Carpinteria Salt Marsh Nature Park.
COSMAB recently voted to support this renaming request suggested by Citizens. This is a totally different situation than the issues of naming park benches, city trees, etc. with plaques honoring donors that Council recently discussed and that led Council to members direct staff to create a protocol for that. We understand that the renaming we request can be done rather simply, as it has been done similarly in the past for other renaming actions such as the name change to Wullbrandt Way, by two City Council members putting this request on a Council agenda for a subsequent resolution for the name change. This is something that we could have and should have done at the time of the acquisition, but alas, we didn’t.
Hence, the request for the renaming now.
City of Carpinteria Naming / Renaming Request Form
332 Anacapa St, Santa Barbara, CA 93101 805.966.4520 sblandtrust.org August 13, 2026
City of Carpinteria
APN 001-180-062
Re: Proposed Vera Bensen Bioswale
To whom it may concern,
The Land Trust for Santa Barbara County (Land Trust) is writing in support of Citizens for the Carpinteria Bluffs’ (Citizens) proposal to name a bioswale (APN 001-180-062) in honor of Vera Bensen.
The Land Trust has a long history of conservation in the City of Carpinteria. For more than 25 years, our organization has worked with the City and the Carpinteria Open Space Management Advisory Board (COSMAB) to protect and steward lands throughout the community. While the Land Trust does not have an ownership interest in this parcel, it is adjacent to our conservation easement at the Carpinteria Bluffs Nature Preserve and is managed in partnership with COSMAB and the City. Vera Bensen was also an important figure in the history of both the Land Trust and Citizens for the Carpinteria Bluffs.
Kyle Kusa
Land Stewardship Manager
Always ready to take on the challenge of land conservation in the Carpinteria Valley and beyond, Vera saw the lasting benefit of preserving the open spaces that would serve communities for generations to come. Often facing daunting odds, she rallied together with others who shared her foresight and determination, to protect local treasures including the Bluffs properties and the Salt Marsh open space. An inspiration to many, and herself a force of nature, Vera seemed to have boundless energy and enthusiasm with the single goal of saving the natural landscapes that n ow make the Carpinteria Valley a unique combination of agriculture, open space and small town charm.
Scott Van Der Kar
Land Trust Board Member
30 Years of
Loving the Land
ATTACHMENT B
Aerial Image of City-owned property APN 001-180-062
ATTACHMENT C
Resolution No. 6493
RESOLUTION NO. 6493
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
CARPINTERIA, CALIFORNIA APPROVING THE NAMING OF CITY
OWNED PROPERTY APN 001-180-062, COMMONLY REFERRED TO
AS THE FARMER PARCEL, AS THE “VERA BENSEN BIOSWALE”
WHEREAS, the City of Carpinteria owns Assessor Parcel Number 001-180-062, commonly referred to as the Farmer Parcel; and
WHEREAS, the Carpinteria Open Space Management Advisory Board (COSMAB) considered a request from Citizen for the Carpinteria Bluffs at its September 5, 2025 meeting and recommended that the City Council rename the property the Vera Benson Bioswale; and
WHEREAS, the property functions as open space within the Carpinteria Bluffs Nature Preserve and serves as a seasonal stormwater conveyance and retention area, commonly functioning as a bioswale; and
WHEREAS, Vera Benson made significant and lasting contributions to the preservation of the Carpinteria Bluffs and open space resources within the Carpinteria Valley through her leadership, conservation advocacy, and services to the community; and
WHEREAS, earlier during this meeting, the City Council considered the City’s Naming Policy and, if adopted, has evaluated this request consistent with that policy; if the Naming Policy is not adopted, the City Council nevertheless retains authority to consider this naming request under its general legislative authority; and WHEREAS, the City Council finds that naming the property the Vera Bensen Bioswale appropriately recognizes Vera Bensen’s contributions while reflecting the property’s environmental function and its role within the Carpinteria Bluffs Nature Preserve.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED as follows:
SECTION 1. The above recitals are true and correct, and incorporated herein by this reference.
Resolution No. 6493
SECTION 2. The Carpinteria City Council hereby approves the naming of Cityowned property Assessor Parcel Number 001-180-062, commonly referred to as the “Farmer Parcel,” to the “Vera Bensen Bioswale.”
SECTION 3. The City Manager, or designee, is authorized to take such administrative actions as are necessary to implement this Resolution, including updating City records, maps, signage, and other official references, as appropriate.
PASSED, APPROVED AND ADOPTED on the 24th day of August, 2026, by the following vote:
AYES: COUNCILMEMBER(S):
NOES: COUNCILMEMBER(S):
ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBER(S):
ABSTAIN: COUNCILMEMBER(S):
________________________
Mayor, City of Carpinteria
ATTEST:
______________________________
Brian C. Barrett, MMC, CPMC
City Clerk, City of Carpinteria
I hereby certify that the foregoing resolution was adopted at a regular meeting of the City Council of the City of Carpinteria held on August 24, 2026. ______________________________
Brian C. Barrett, MMC, CPMC
City Clerk, City of Carpinteria
Resolution No. 6493
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
__________________________________
Jena Shoaf Acos, on behalf of Brownstein
Hyatt Farber Schreck, LLP acting as
City Attorney of the City of Carpinteria
Naming Request
APN 001-180-062
August 24, 2026
Jeanette Gant
Director, Parks, Recreation & Community Services Department
City of Carpinteria
COUNCIL AGENDA STAFF REPORT
ITEM FOR COUNCIL CONSIDERATION
Consideration of Resolution No. 6494 approving a Citywide Sponsorship Policy.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION
Adopt Resolution No. 6494 approving the City Council policy titled Sponsorship Policy . Sample Motion: I move to adopt Resolution No. 6494 approving the Sponsorship Policy.
BACKGROUND
The City of Carpinteria (City) has no formal policy establishing consistent procedures for the solicitation, acceptance, administration, and recognition of sponsorships.
On May 11, 20261
, the City Council adopted a Donation Policy establishing procedures for accepting charitable donations made to the City without expectation of recognition or other reciprocal benefit. The proposed Sponsorship Policy complements the Donation Policy by establishing a separate framework for sponsorships, which differ from donations because sponsors receive recognition in exchange for their financial or inkind support.
Also on this meeting's agenda is the proposed Naming Policy, which establishes criteria and procedures for the naming and renaming of City assets. While sponsorships, donations, and naming opportunities may all involve community support of City programs or facilities, they serve distinct purposes. Sponsorship recognition is generally temporary and associated with a specific event or program. Donations may be acknowledged in accordance with the Donation Policy but do not entitle the donor to recognition. Naming is a separate honorary designation considered by the City Council under the criteria established in the Naming Policy. While naming recognition may, in limited circumstances, be associated with a significant donation, it is not an entitlement or contractual benefit and remains solely at the discretion of the City Council. 1 https://carpinteriaca.portal.civicclerk.com/event/9/files/agenda/2793 Agenda Section: Administrative
Matters Agenda Item No.: 24
Council Meeting Date: August 24, 2026
Sponsorship Policy
August 24, 2026
Together, these policies provide a comprehensive and consistent framework for the appropriate stewardship of public resources.
Accordingly, staff is requesting that the City Council adopt Resolution No. 6494 (Attachment A) (Policy).
The Policy establishes a formal framework for the City's sponsorship program, including procedures for the solicitation, review, acceptance, administration, and recognition of sponsorships supporting City programs, services, activities, events, and initiatives.
DISCUSSION
The proposed Policy establishes definitions, eligibility criteria, administrative procedures, and legal safeguards governing sponsorship activities conducted by the City.
The Policy distinguishes sponsorships from donations by recognizing that sponsorships involve an exchange of value. Sponsors provide financial or in-kind support to the City and, in return, may receive limited recognition consistent with the policy. The policy expressly states that such recognition does not constitute advertising or imply City endorsement of a sponsor, its products, services, or viewpoints.
The policy establishes:
Definitions of sponsorship-related terms;
Eligible sponsorship categories for City programs, services, activities, events, and initiatives;
Procedures for developing fundraising plans and soliciting sponsorships; Review and approval requirements for sponsorship offers; Requirements for written Sponsorship agreements;
Standards governing acceptable sponsor recognition;
Eligibility criteria and restrictions for potential sponsors; Financial accountability requirements for sponsorship funds; and General legal, ethical, and operational requirements applicable to sponsorship activities.
To illustrate how the Sponsorship Policy could be implemented in practice, staff has developed a preliminary sample of potential sponsorship opportunities for City programs, services, activities, events, and initiatives (Attachment B). The sample includes examples from AgeWell
emergency preparedness program and identifies potential program or event costs that could be supported through sponsorships. The document is intended as a draft planning tool and illustrative example; the specific opportunities and sponsorship amounts may be refined as the City develops and implements its sponsorship program.
The policy also establishes safeguards to ensure sponsorships:
Sponsorship Policy
August 24, 2026
Serve a valid public purpose;
Do not influence City purchasing, permitting, or regulatory decisions; Do not create conflicts of interest;
Do not result in ongoing obligations beyond the sponsorship term unless specifically approved; and
Remain consistent with applicable laws and City policies.
The policy authorizes the City to decline sponsorship opportunities that are inconsistent with City interests or policy objectives and identifies categories of organizations that are generally ineligible for sponsorships.
Adoption of the policy provides staff with clear administrative procedures while ensuring sponsorship opportunities are administered consistently, transparently, and in a manner
POLICY CONSISTENCY
The proposed action is consistent with the Fiscal Year (FY) 2026/27 Strategic Plan Goal #1 Enhance Public Outreach, Education, and Transparency and #4 Maintain the Fiscal Sustainability of the City.
FINANCIAL CONSIDERATIONS
No additional funding requested. Staff time to prepare the report is included in the Adopted FY 2025/26 2026/27 General Fund Budget.
Sponsorships accepted pursuant to the policy may provide additional financial or in-kind resources to support City programs, services, and events. Sponsorship revenues will be administered in accordance with City financial procedures and applicable laws.
LEGAL AND RISK MANAGEMENT CONSIDERATIONS
The proposed policy has been reviewed
Management.
The policy includes provisions intended to minimize legal and operational risks by requiring written Sponsorship Agreements, establishing eligibility criteria for sponsors, clarifying that sponsorship recognition does not constitute City endorsement, and applicable law.
OPTIONS
1. Adopt Resolution No. 6494 approving the City Council policy titled Sponsorship Policy .
Sponsorship Policy
August 24, 2026
2. Provide direction to staff and continue the item to a future City Council meeting for further revisions.
3. Do not adopt Resolution No. 6494 and provide alternative direction to staff.
PRINCIPAL PARTIES EXPECTED AT MEETING
None.
ATTACHMENTS
A. Resolution No. 6494
B. Draft/Sample Sponsorship Opportunities
Staff contact: Jeanette Gant, Director,
Parks, Recreation & Community Services
(805) 755-4449, [email protected]
Signature
Reviewed by: Ryan Kintz, Assistant City Manager
(805) 755-4400, [email protected]
Signature
Reviewed by: Michael Ramirez, City Manager (805) 755-4450, [email protected] Signature
ATTACHMENT A
Resolution No. 6494
RESOLUTION NO. 6494
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
CARPINTERIA, CALIFORNIA, ADOPTING THE CITY COUNCIL
(POLICY NO. P-2026CC-004-000)
WHEREAS, the City of Carpinteria does not currently have a formal policy establishing consistent procedures for the solicitation, acceptance, administration and recognition of sponsorships; and
WHEREAS, on May 11, 2026, the City Council adopted a Donation Policy establishing procedures for the acceptance of charitable donations made to the City without expectation of recognition or other reciprocal benefit; and WHEREAS, the proposed Sponsorship Policy complements the Donation Policy by establishing a separate framework for sponsorships, which differ from donations because sponsors receive recognition in exchange for financial or in-kind support; and WHEREAS, the Sponsorship Policy establishes consistent procedures governing the solicitation, review, acceptance, administration, and recognition of sponsorships supporting City programs, services, activities, events, and initiatives; and WHEREAS, the Sponsorship Policy includes standards intended to ensure sponsorships serve a valid public purpose, are administered in a fair and transparent ; and
WHEREAS, the City Council finds that adoption of the Sponsorship Policy is in the best interest of the City and will provide clear administrative guidance while promoting accountability, consistency, and responsible stewardship of public resources; and
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Carpinteria as follows:
SECTION 1. ADOPTION OF POLICY
The
P-2026CC-004-000), attached as Exhibit 1.
Resolution No. 6494
SECTION 2. SUPERSEDING CONFLICTS.
This Resolution supersedes any prior City policy, directive, or administrative guidance to the extent it conflicts with the provisions of Exhibit 1. SECTION 3. EFFECTIVE DATE This Resolution shall take effect immediately upon its passage and adoption.
PASSED, APPROVED AND ADOPTED on this 24th day of August 2026, by the following vote:
AYES: COUNCILMEMBER(S):
NOES: COUNCILMEMBER(S):
ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBER(S):
ABSTAIN: COUNCILMEMBER(S):
________________________
Mayor, City of Carpinteria
ATTEST:
______________________________ Brian C. Barrett, MMC, CPMC City Clerk, City of Carpinteria
I hereby certify that the foregoing resolution was adopted at a regular meeting of the City Council of the City of Carpinteria held on August 24, 2026. ______________________________
Brian C. Barrett, MMC, CPMC
City Clerk, City of Carpinteria
Resolution No. 6494
APPROVED AS TO FORM: __________________________________ Jena Shoaf Acos, on behalf of Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck, LLP acting as
City Attorney of the City of Carpinteria
EXHIBIT 1 TO RESOLUTION NO. 6494
City of Carpinteria Sponsorship Agreement Template
52624671.1
CITY OF CARPINTERIA
SPONSORSHIP AGREEMENT
This Sponsorship Agreement ( ) is entered into by and between the City of Carpinteria, a California municipal corporation ( ), and ______________________________ ( ), effective as of ____________________ (
The Parties agree that the Sponsorship will support the City event or program identified below and will be administered in accordance with the City of Carpinteria Sponsorship Policy, as may be amended from time to time.
Sponsored Event/Program:
City Department:
Event/Program Date(s):
Agreement Term: From __________________ to __________________ Sponsorship Type: Monetary In-Kind Combination
Total Sponsorship Value: $__________________
1. SPONSORSHIP CONTRIBUTION
Sponsor shall provide the following monetary and/or in-kind contribution to the City:
Monetary Contribution: $____________________________
In-Kind Contribution (describe goods/services and agreed fair-market value): ________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________ Contribution Due Date / Delivery Schedule: ________________________________________________________ Payment/Delivery Instructions: ____________________________________________________________
2. CITY RECOGNITION
Subject to this Agreement and the Sponsorship Policy, the City will provide the following Recognition during the Agreement term:
Sponsor name and/or logo on approved event/program materials Sponsor name and/or logo on approved signage
Recognition on an approved City webpage and/or social media Recognition in approved media releases, City publications, or promotional materials Onsite acknowledgement at the sponsored event/program
Booth or informational space at the sponsored event, if applicable Public acknowledgement by City staff and/or City Council, if applicable
City of Carpinteria Sponsorship Agreement Template
52624671.1
Other: __________________________________________________________________________ Recognition Details / Specifications: ________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________
3. CONDITIONS OF RECOGNITION
No Recognition shall be provided until this Agreement is fully executed and all required monetary or in-kind contributions have been received by, or otherwise approved by, the City. Recognition is temporary and limited to the term of this Agreement, subject to the conditions set forth in the Sponsorship Policy, a copy of which is attached as Exhibit A.
The City retains full editorial control over the placement, content, appearance, size, wording, timing, and manner of all Recognition. Recognition shall not include promotional messaging, product or service advertising, calls to action or other content intended to market the Sponsor. All Recognition is subject to the restrictions and requirements of the Sponsorship Policy.
4. LOGOS, TRADEMARKS, AND PROMOTIONAL MATERIALS
Sponsor grants the City a limited, nonexclusive, royaltyapproved name, logo, and trademarks solely for the Recognition described in this Agreement. Sponsor represents that it has the authority to grant such permission and is solely responsible for obtaining all permissions related to trademarks, copyrighted materials, photographs, logos, or other protected materials it provides.
-owned materials without the
-created materials that reference the City or the sponsored event/program are subject to prior City review and approval when requested by the City.
5. SPONSOR ACTIVITIES AT CITY EVENTS OR PROGRAMS
If Sponsor is provided a booth, table, demonstration area, or other physical presence, Sponsor shall comply with all City instructions, event rules, applicable laws, permits, safety requirements, and any site-specific conditions.
Sponsor may distribute only materials and items approved by the City and may not assign, share, or transfer its space or Sponsorship benefits without prior written City approval.
6. INSURANCE
No additional insurance requirements apply to this Sponsorship.
Sponsor shall provide insurance meeting the requirements specified by the City before participating in the sponsored event/program or undertaking activities under this Agreement. Applicable insurance requirements, if any, are attached as Exhibit B.
with City policy and risk-management requirements.
7. INDEMNIFICATION
To the fullest extent permitted by law, Sponsor shall indemnify, defend, and hold harmless the City, its officers, officials, employees, agents, and volunteers from and against claims, damages, liabilities, losses, costs, and expenses, including reasonable
Agreement or the acts or omissions of Sponsor, its officers, employees, agents, contractors, representatives, or invitees, except to the extent caused by the sole negligence or willful misconduct of the City. This provision includes claims arising from Sponsor-provided intellectual property or promotional materials.
City of Carpinteria Sponsorship Agreement Template
52624671.1
8. CITY CONTROL; CANCELLATION; TERMINATION; REFUNDS
The City retains full control over the sponsored event or program, including its content, scheduling, operation, modification, postponement, relocation, or cancellation.
The City may terminate this Agreement at any time, with or without cause, if the City determines in its sole Sponsorship Policy or applicable law.
If the City terminates this Agreement or cancels the sponsored event/program before it has been publicly advertised, promoted, or commenced, the City may, in its sole discretion, and in accordance with the Sponsorship Policy, provide a full or partial refund of a monetary Sponsorship contribution, as appropriate. Once the sponsored event/program has been publicly advertised, promoted, or commenced, Sponsorship contributions are non-refundable unless otherwise stated in this Agreement or required by law.
Any approved in-kind contribution already delivered or used by the City will be addressed by the Parties as reasonably appropriate under the circumstances; the City is not required to return consumed, installed, customized, or otherwise non-returnable goods or services.
9. COMPLIANCE WITH CITY POLICY AND LAW
Sponsor acknowledges that it has reviewed the City of Carpinteria Sponsorship Policy, and agrees that this Sponsorship is subject to that Policy, as may be amended from time to time. Sponsor shall comply with all applicable federal, state, and local laws. If there is a conflict between this Agreement and the Sponsorship Policy, the Sponsorship Policy shall control unless expressly authorized otherwise by the City.
Sponsor represents that it does not fall within any category of organizations or businesses identified in the Sponsorship Policy as generally ineligible for sponsorship.
Sponsor shall not engage in any activity in connection with this Sponsorship that creates an actual or perceived conflict of interest involving any City employee, elected official, appointed official, volunteer, or their immediate family members, including the provision of personal benefits to such individuals.
10. NO EXCLUSIVITY; NO PROCUREMENT OBLIGATION
Unless expressly stated below and specifically approved by the City, this Sponsorship is nonexclusive. Nothing products or services, or creates any ongoing obligation beyond the Agreement term. Sponsorships shall not create obligations inconsistent with the limitations set forth in the Sponsorship Policy.
Approved limited exclusivity, if any: __________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________
11. ASSIGNMENT
Sponsor may not assign, delegate, transfer, or substitute any rights or obligations under this Agreement without
12. GOVERNING LAW AND VENUE
This Agreement shall be governed by the laws of the State of California. Venue for any action arising out of this Agreement shall lie in a court of competent jurisdiction in Santa Barbara County, California. Nothing in this Agreement waives any requirement or defense available to the City under the California Government Claims Act or other applicable law.
13. NOTICES AND PRIMARY CONTACTS
CITY SPONSOR
Contact Name: __________________________ Contact Name: __________________________
City of Carpinteria Sponsorship Agreement Template
52624671.1
Title: _________________________________ Title: _________________________________ Email: _________________________________ Email: _________________________________ Phone: _________________________________ Phone: _________________________________
14. ENTIRE AGREEMENT; AMENDMENTS; ELECTRONIC SIGNATURES constitutes the entire agreement of the Parties regarding this Sponsorship. Any amendment must be in writing and signed by authorized representatives of both Parties. Electronic signatures and electronic copies of signatures may be used to the extent permitted by law and City policy.
15. AUTHORITY
Each person signing this Agreement represents that they are authorized to execute the Agreement and bind the Party on whose behalf they sign.
ACCEPTED AND AGREED:
CITY OF CARPINTERIA SPONSOR
By: __________________________________ By: __________________________________ Name: ________________________________ Name: ________________________________ Title: _________________________________ Title: _________________________________ Date: __________________________________ Date: __________________________________ Approved as to form (if required): _______________________________________ Sponsor Organization/Address: _______________________________________ Optional Attachments / Exhibits Exhibit A Sponsorship Policy
Exhibit B Insurance Requirements (if applicable)
ATTACHMENT B
Draft/Sample Sponsorship Opportunities
Sponsorship Policy
August 24, 2026
Jeanette Gant
Director - Parks, Recreation & Community Services Department
CITY COUNCIL • AUGUST 24, 2026
Sponsorship
Policy
A consistent framework for accepting
sponsorship support while protecting
the City’s interests.
Tonight’s requested action
Adopt Resolution No. 6494
Approve the City Council Sponsorship Policy.
Why now?
The City currently has no formal
sponsorship policy.
The policy creates consistent
procedures for solicitation,
acceptance, administration and
recognition.
What it enables
Financial or in-kind support for City
events and programs in exchange
for limited recognition.
Complements the City’s Donation Policy and proposed Naming Policy.
What is a sponsorship?
The key distinction is the reciprocal benefit.
2 City of Carpinteria | Sponsorship Policy | August 24, 2026
SPONSORSHIP
Financial or in-kind contribution
Sponsor expects limited recognition in
return
Recognition is temporary and tied to the
sponsorship term
DONATION
Charitable contribution
No expectation of recognition or other
reciprocal benefit
Handled under the City’s adopted
Donation Policy
NAMING
Separate honorary designation
Considered under the Naming Policy
Not an entitlement or contractual
sponsorship benefit
Recognition ≠ advertising or City endorsement
How the policy works
A clear administrative process from opportunity to recognition. 3 City of Carpinteria | Sponsorship Policy | August 24, 2026 1 Identify opportunity
Department develops a
Fundraising Plan for an
event or program.
2 Staff solicitation
Only City staff may solicit
sponsorships.
3 Review & approval
Director reviews;
approvals follow
delegated
authority /
procurement
thresholds.
4 Written agreement
Every approved
sponsorship requires a
Sponsorship Agreement.
5 Receive & recognize
Contribution is
received/approved
before recognition is
provided.
Financial accountability
Sponsorship revenues are processed and tracked in accordance with City financial procedures and applicable law.
Recognition with guardrails
The policy allows acknowledgement of support — not commercial promotion. 4 City of Carpinteria | Sponsorship Policy | August 24, 2026 Recognition may include
Sponsor name and/or logo on approved event materials, signage or websites
Recognition in media releases, City publications and promotional materials
Onsite acknowledgement or appropriate booth/informational space Public acknowledgement by City Council or staff
Key safeguards
No product/service advertising, promotional messaging or calls to action
No City endorsement or preferential treatment
No influence on procurement, permitting or regulatory decisions No conflicts of interest or ongoing obligations beyond the sponsorship term
City retains editorial control and may reject sponsorships inconsistent with City interests
What could sponsorship support?
Attachment B is a draft planning tool — examples and amounts may be refined. 5 City of Carpinteria | Sponsorship Policy | August 24, 2026
AGEWELL
Community Social Dance $4,500
AGEWELL
Día de los Abuelos $5,000
AQUATICS
Dive-In Movie $540–$740
LIBRARY
Seasonal Community Reads $2,000/yr
SUSTAINABILITY
Fix-it Fair $3,700
EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS
CERT Program $4,300
Staff Recommendation: Adopt Resolution No. 6494 approving the Sponsorship Policy.
Take Action
Home / Advocacy / Take Action
Cal Cities' advocacy efforts are strongest when joined by the voices of city leaders.
Below is a list of current legislative proposals that local officials should act on to support cities' top legislative priorities, along with sample support or opposition letters. 2026 Housing Bills
Action requested: Call your legislators today to take action on Cal Cities’ priority bills related to housing.
The legislative session ends on Aug. 31, leaving a small window to take action on these bills before they reach the Governor’s desk. Call your legislator today!
SUPPORT BILLS
*AB 2296 (Papan) Planning and zoning: housing element: regional housing needs allocation.
Allows cities to begin their housing elements six months earlier than the existing law, providing additional time and assistance needed to complete housing elements and get certified by the state on time.
OPPOSE BILLS
AB 1751 (Quirk-Silva) Missing Middle Townhome Ownership Act.
Requires local governments to ministerially approve townhomes that are less than three stories in multifamily zones and vacant single-family zones regardless of compliance with state-certified housing elements. In multifamily zones, a developer could propose smaller projects than planned in housing plans, meaning cities could be required to find additional housing sites to maintain housing element certification.
Agenda Section: Legislative Update
Agenda Item No.: 25
Council Meeting Date: August 24, 2026
SB 1117 (Cervantes) Accessory dwelling units and junior accessory dwelling units.
Dramatically limits impact fees cities can collect for accessory dwelling units larger than 750 square feet. For example, if a project applicant proposes a 1,000-square-foot unit, cities could only charge impact fees for 250 square feet, a 75% reduction in impact fees that provide essential infrastructure and public services for new housing development.
Resources: Links to each bill, including sample letters, are linked above. Asterisks indicate a Cal Cities-sponsored bill.
Questions? Contact RPAM or Brady Guertin, Legislative Advocate, Housing, Community, and Economic Development [email protected].
Oppose Unless Amended SB 1164 (Cervantes) Elections
Action Requested
Call your assembly member ASAP to oppose SB 1164 (Cervantes) unless amended.
SB 1164 overhauls the California Voting Rights Act (CVRA), which could expose cities to a new wave of election-related litigation for both at-large and district-based cities. The Assembly Appropriations Committee will soon hear the bill for fiscal review. The Assembly has until Aug. 14 to move fiscal bills out of the Appropriations committee.
The legislative session ends on Aug. 31, leaving a small window to amend SB 1164 (Cervantes) before it potentially reaches the Governor’s desk. Call your assembly member today!
What the Bill Does
SB 1164 is a well-intentioned response to recent federal court decisions that narrowed the federal Voting Rights Act. However, these changes would create uncertainty and increase legal risks for cities by broadening subjective standards into the CVRA framework that apply to virtually any “election policy or practice.” This would include district maps, polling locations, voter outreach programs, and other routine aspects of election administration. The bill also creates new legal standards for voter suppression and vote dilution, which would expand the scope of CVRA violation claims. However, the measure does not clearly define these concepts. The absence of objective benchmarks may make it difficult for cities to determine whether their practices meet legal requirements.
Why SB 1164 is important to Cal Cities members
• Eliminates meaningful safe harbor protections. Cities that have already transitioned from at-large to district-based elections — often at considerable cost — could face fresh legal challenges under the new framework. • Expands who can bring legal claims and allows lawsuits to be filed outside the affected jurisdiction. This could also increase the volume and complexity of litigation.
• Weakens dispute resolution. The bill allows lawsuits to proceed without warning. In fact, the bill exempts the Attorney General from providing notice altogether. As a result, cities may face litigation without a meaningful opportunity to address alleged issues voluntarily.
• Creates instability in local elections. Cities could face repeated legal scrutiny of their district maps, including pressure to revise them multiple times within short periods, potentially before and after each decennial census. This could create instability in local election systems and complicate long-term planning.
Links and Attachments: Cal Cities Letter
Questions? Please contact your regional public affairs manager with any questions.
Oppose SB 1013 (Cervantes) Automatic license plate readers.
Action requested: Submit an oppose unless amended letter to SB 1013 (Cervantes), which limits the use of automated license plate recognition (APLR) data. The bill will be heard in the Assembly Transportation Committee on June 22, 2026.
What does this bill do?
• Prohibits local governments from using APLR technology unless it is for locating vehicles or persons suspected of being involved in a public offense or locating a missing individual.
• Limits storage of ALPR data for 30 days unless it is retained in the evidence file of an active investigation or criminal proceeding or matches information on an authorized hot list (Amber Alerts, Silver Alerts, Missing Persons, and serious and violent felonies).
• Restricts inter-agency sharing beginning Jan. 1, 2027. New or changed ALPR contracts won’t have automatic access to any ALPR national databases. Sharing with other California law enforcement agencies can only be turned on manually and under specified conditions.
Why this is important to Cal Cities members: Cal Cities is in opposition to SB 1013 (Cervantes)unless amended to address concerns regarding the data limitations. ALPR technology has provided law enforcement with a significant tool that is employed in solving crimes, including serious violent felonies. Limiting data storage to 30 days will significantly restrict law enforcement’s ability to use this information if a case is reported after 30 days or if an investigation takes longer than 30 days.
While the intent of this bill is to restrict data sharing with the federal government, it also poses significant restrictions on sharing with other California law enforcement agencies during significant events, including human trafficking, sexual assault, and other cases that often require longer to solve and file charges.
Additional links and attachments: Cal Cities letter and sample city letter, click here.
Where to send your letter: Submit your letter in the legislative portal and then email a copy to [email protected].
Questions? Contact Jolena Voorhis, [email protected], or Serena Scott, [email protected].
Oppose AB 1383 (McKinnor) Public employees’ retirement benefits.
Action Requested: Call your senator ASAP to oppose AB 1383 (McKinnor), which makes significant changes to the Public Employees’ Pension Reform Act (PEPRA) that would result in substantial cost increases for cities and other public agencies. Senate Appropriations will hear AB 1383 for fiscal review this Monday, Aug. 3, as soon as lawmakers return from recess.
The legislative session ends on Aug. 31, leaving a small window to stop AB 1383 from reaching the Governor’s desk. Call your senator today! Key Messages
• AB 1383 would increase pension costs for local governments at a time when cities, like the state, are already managing rising pension obligations, stagnant revenues, and new federal and state mandates. Describe your city’s current budget situation using current data and specific examples and describe how increases to pension liabilities will impact your city’s budget. • The bill would weaken PEPRA reforms that have produced an estimated $5.8 billion in savings to date and are projected to save $26.5 billion over 10 years. • There is nothing optional about the new bargainable tier, especially when cities are already struggling with recruitment and retention. If one city adopts the new
tier, workers will go to that agency, forcing cities to pay up to keep up. Higher pension costs would put pressure on city budgets and could affect core services, staffing levels, workforce compensation, community programs, and overall fiscal stability.
What AB 1383 would do
CalPERS projects AB 1383 would increase the value of current benefits by $4.8 billion and accrued liability by $233 million by:
• Increasing the pensionable compensation cap for PEPRA public employees. • Reducing the retirement age for public safety employees from 57 to 55, applied prospectively.
• Creating a new fourth safety tier with a 3% at 55 formula that would be prospective and subject to collective bargaining.
Questions? Please contact your regional public affairs manager with any questions.
Sample city opposition letter
Oppose SB 866 (Blakespear) Planning and zoning: Housing Element Mandates:
Homelessness
Action Requested: Call your state senator to request a NO vote on SB 866 (Blakespear). SB 866 is eligible to be heard on the floor and can be taken up at any time before May 29.
What the Bill Does: SB 866 would require all but 14 cities to add extensive homelessness reporting to their housing elements. SB 866 targets cities without direct access to homelessness funding, placing extensive new reporting burdens on cities with the fewest resources.
NEW: To pass the bill off the Senate floor, the author committed to amendments that would apply SB 866 reporting requirements only to cities with populations between 50,000 and 300,000.
Background: Since 2019, HHAP has provided state funding to the 14 largest cities, all 58 counties, and 44 Continuums of Care. The other 469 cities in California do not get direct state support. To receive funding, HHAP recipients must submit regional plans that include system performance metrics. SB 866 would impose those same performance metrics as a new housing element requirement only for those cities that do not receive HHAP funding.
Why SB 866 is bad for cities:
• SB 866 mandates reporting on systems operated by counties, the state, and private entities, not cities. Despite a city's best intentions, it may be unable to collect this data, and under SB 866, it would have a non-compliant housing element as a result.
• The reporting required in SB 866 does not belong in a long-term housing planning document that, for most cities, is updated every eight years. The information would quickly become outdated and would no longer be responsive to the evolving needs of unhoused residents.
• SB 866 would create siloed data, requiring 469 cities to report this information through housing elements, while counties and larger cities do so through regional plans, raising concerns about how the state would synthesize this data into meaningful policy.
• Over 300 of the 483 cities in California have populations under 50,000, representing very small numbers of unhoused individuals. Requiring these cities to report this level of data without funding for homelessness programs will not move California forward in addressing homelessness.
Links and Attachments: Cal Cities’ opposition letter. Sample city opposition letter.
Who to call: Please call your senator and urge them to vote NO on SB 866.
Questions? Please contact your RPAM or Caroline Grinder, Cal Cities Legislative Advocate at [email protected].
Cal Cities opposition letter Sample city opposition letter Support $400 Million Funding Request for Proposition 36 Implementation Action requested: Submit a letter and call your legislator urging support of a $400 million budget request to fully fund Proposition 36.
Why is this budget request important for cities:
• California voters overwhelmingly passed Proposition 36, the Homelessness, Drug Addiction, and Theft Reduction Act, in 2024. This measure created a new Treatment-Mandated Felony to address the surge in retail theft and shoplifting.
• Last year, the Legislature provided approximately $100 million to begin Prop. 36 implementation, but no funding was provided for probation — a key factor to ensuring offenders are held accountable and receive treatment. • This $400 million budget request addresses the investments needed to expand service capacity, secure in-custody treatment, and allow for individualized planning and monitoring for those in our communities.
Additional background: Cal Cities is urging lawmakers to approve a $400 million request from Asm. Stephanie Nguyen and Sen. Catherine Blakespear for probation, accountability, and assessment. Cal Cities also testified in support of the funding during an Assembly Budget subcommittee in mid-March.
Links and attachments: Cal Cities support letter for the $400 million request and a sample city letter.
Where to send letters: Please send your letter to the staffer for Senate Budget Subcommittee #5 members (see below), your legislator, [email protected], and RPAM email.
Senate Subcommittee 5 members and contact email.
Laura Richardson (Chair) [email protected]
Maria Elena Durazo [email protected]
Kelly Seyarto [email protected]
Questions? Please contact Jolena Voorhis, [email protected] or Serena Scott, [email protected] with any questions. We can also assist, if you need help finding the best email address for your legislator’s staff.
Cal Cities Support Letter Sample City Letter
Oppose Unless Amended SB 866 (Blakespear) Housing Element Mandates:
Homelessness
What the bill does: SB 866 requires all but 14 cities in the state to add extensive and burdensome homelessness reporting requirements to their housing elements. This bill specifically targets cities that do not have direct access to state homelessness funding.
Why SB 866 is bad for cities:
• SB 866 only applies to cities that do not have access to direct state funding from the Homeless Housing Assistance and Prevention (HHAP) grant program, placing extensive new reporting burdens on those with the fewest resources. • SB 866 mandates reporting on metrics that nearly all cities lack the ability to collect. This information could only be collected through regional collaboration with counties, hospitals, jails, and other partners.
• The reporting required in SB 866 does not belong in a long-term housing planning document that, for most cities, is updated every eight years and would quickly become outdated and unresponsive to the evolving needs of unhoused residents.
Additional background: Since 2019, HHAP has provided state funding to the 14 largest cities, all 58 counties, and 44 Continuums of Care — leaving the other 469 cities in California without direct state support. To receive funding, HHAP recipients must submit regional plans that include system performance metrics. SB 866 applies these same metrics as a new housing element requirement only for cities that do not receive HHAP funding.
What cities need: Amend SB 866 to instead include all cities in the regional planning process. This will provide transparency into the system metrics that SB 866 includes, but through the same regional process already used by California’s largest cities.
Where to send letter: Provide Legislative Portal information to upload letter; [email protected]
Cal Cities opposition letter Sample city opposition letter