Don’t forget to “fall back” this weekend and read up on the latest news and events in Carlsbad:
- The latest COVID-19 news, including vaccine availability for those 5 to 11
- Many signs point to solid economic rebound in Carlsbad
- We’re going to start recycling food scraps and other “organic” material
- Water and wastewater rates going up, but still among the lowest
- What regional drought declaration means for Carlsbad
- More affordable homes being made available for sale
- New rules for infrastructure that improves wireless coverage
- Upcoming public meetings
|
|
COVID-19 update
The county put the word out yesterday that health care providers in our region have received the child dose of the Pfizer vaccine for children ages 5 to 11 and advised parents to make an appointment with their pediatricians. The majority of county-operated COVID-19 vaccination sites also carry the Pfizer vaccine, as do many pharmacies, clinics and other medical providers. Parents can also visit MyTurn.ca.gov or call the hotline at 833-422-4255 beginning today to find a nearby vaccination site.
Combating misinformation
The county held its second panel discussion yesterday to address incorrect information spreading about COVID-19. A new section of the county’s website includes the most common topics, such as whether or not kids can get and spread COVID-19 (they can) and if you need to be vaccinated if you have already had COVID-19 (it is recommended). Yesterday’s panel discussion will be uploaded to this page, where you can also watch the first one from Oct. 6.
Carlsbad cases
Active COVID-19 cases in Carlsbad ticked down a bit this week, but are still much higher than this time last year. As we head into the holiday season, we want to see COVID-19 numbers as low as possible, given the exponential nature of how the disease can spread when people gather.
|
|
Overall Carlsbad continues to have among the lowest case rates in the region. The chart below shows how we currently compare to our neighbors to the north and south, broken out by ZIP code. |
|
Fortunately, the vaccination rate in San Diego is high, at 82.4% of those 12 and up. This week’s rate doesn’t yet include kids 5 to 11 in the “eligible population.” When it does, the percentage will go down quite a bit, at least temporarily.
Carlsbad’s vaccination rate is higher than the county average in three out of four ZIP codes, but much lower in 92008. The county’s vaccination data by ZIP code includes those who have received at last one shot, not those who are fully vaccinated.
|
|
New treatment approved in Great Britain
The Associated Press reported this morning that Britain has given conditional authorization for an antiviral treatment produced by Merck. This is the first pill that has been proven to successfully treat COVID-19. The medication is awaiting review in the United States and European Union. The FDA said it plans to have a panel look at the data in late November. No word on how long it would take to become available, if approved here.
Continued caution
Earlier today the World Health Organization issued a warning, citing five consecutive weeks of increasing COVID-19 cases in Europe and prompting discussions of potential pre-holiday health restrictions. This is a good reminder that COVID-19 spread can easily flare up and to continue to do everything we can to limit spread here.
- Avoid crowds
- Wear a mask when indoors
- Stay home if you’re having COVID-19 symptoms
- Make sure your family is up to date on COVID-19 vaccinations and, if appropriate, boosters
|
|
Carlsbad economic indicators looking good
Most parts of the City of Carlsbad’s economy saw healthy gains in the first quarter of the fiscal year. Likewise, city revenues are up significantly, and so far we have spent less than anticipated. Combined, this means the city is starting the fiscal year in good financial shape.
|
|
- The city operates on a fiscal year that runs July 1 through June 30.
- Our Finance Department has provided quarterly updates to the City Council ever since the COVID-19 pandemic started, given the economic uncertainty it has caused.
- Thanks to a stronger than anticipated economic rebound and careful spending, the city ended the 2020-21 fiscal year with a more than $15 million surplus, funds that the City Council allocated to further shore up our overall fiscal health.
- Tourism, which was among the hardest hit sectors during the pandemic, has benefited from pent up demand. In Carlsbad, we saw the single highest quarter in the city’s history when it comes to hotel room tax revenue, for the period of July through September 2021.
More information
|
|
“Organics” recycling coming to Carlsbad
On Tuesday, the City Council approved updates to the city’s solid-waste regulations to align them with a state law that requires cities, businesses and residents across California to work together to reduce organic waste by 75% by 2025.
Changes
- Makes Carlsbad’s definition of organic waste consistent with the state’s definition, which includes food, landscape and tree trimmings, lumber, wood, manure, cardboard, paper products, printing and writing paper, and other plant and animal-based products.
Why
- Organic waste dumped in landfills releases methane, a greenhouse gas whose presence in the atmosphere affects the earth's temperature and climate system.
- Carlsbad developed a sustainable materials management plan in 2019 to ensure it was ready to comply with several new state environmental laws, including Senate Bill 1383, which requires organic waste recycling.
When
- In mid-2022 Carlsbad residents will begin to recycle food scraps. Republic Services, the city’s new trash hauler, will be providing kitchen food scrap pails for residents to use for collecting food scraps inside their homes before emptying it into the organics cart.
|
|
Proposed water rate increases
On Tuesday, the City Council set Jan. 11, 2022, as the public hearing to consider approving rate increases for water, wastewater and recycled water services for Carlsbad Municipal Water District* customers. If approved Carlsbad’s rates would continue to remain below the average in the region.
The proposed rate increases are needed to cover the increasing cost of buying water and to maintain our aging pipes and other infrastructure. Of the two options presented, the City Council voted for phasing the increases in over three years to lessen the burden on ratepayers. The rate increases will be considered at the Jan. 11 hearing. Customers have an opportunity to protest the increase. Look for an official notice in your mail.
*This can be a little confusing, but the Carlsbad Municipal Water District is a separate legal entity. The City Council also serves as the water district board of directors. Most of Carlsbad is served by the Carlsbad Municipal Water District, but those who live in the south get their water from the Olivenhain Municipal Water District, and a small portion of southeastern Carlsbad is served by Vallecitos Water District. Here is the map.
|
|
What the county’s drought activation plan means for Carlsbad
On Oct. 28, the San Diego County Water Authority activated level 1 of its drought response plan, which calls on all San Diegans to voluntarily reduce water use by 10%. The governor had already declared a statewide drought emergency that urged Californians to cut water use by 15%. The statewide reduction is also voluntary.
- The Carlsbad Municipal Water District has maintained what we call a “level 1 drought response” ever since the last drought.
- This means we are not planning any additional rules for now.
-
A list of actions included in Carlsbad’s level 1 drought response, along with programs and tips to help you conserve, are available on the city’s website.
San Diego, and by extension, Carlsbad, is in much better shape than other parts of the state because of ongoing conservation and major investments in new water supplies, like the desalination plant in Carlsbad.
Still, with a third year of potential drought on the horizon, we all need to do our part to reduce water use as much as possible.
|
|
Affordable housing program launching for low-income buyers
The city is launching a new affordable housing program that aims to put homeownership within reach for low-income households. Under the Affordable Housing Resale Program, the city purchases low-income units when owners want to move. This allows them to remain part of our affordable housing inventory rather than be converted back to market rate housing.
The first ones the city is putting up for sale are in the Mulberry community in Bressi Ranch. Home prices start under $200,000 for an 879-square foot, two-bedroom, one-bath unit. To qualify, buyers must not exceed the annual income shown on the chart below.
|
|
Applications can be submitted between Nov. 19, 2021, to Jan. 17, 2022, and will be reviewed in the order they’re received. Please help us spread the word about this opportunity.
|
|
Wireless coverage
The city is updating our guidelines for wireless communication infrastructure, such as antennas, that are on buildings and poles throughout Carlsbad to connect mobile phones and other wireless network services. The updates are needed to comply with state and federal laws, which significantly limit how cities can regulate this kind of infrastructure. We have written the guidelines to give the city as much control as possible over where this infrastructure can be installed and what it should look like.
|
|
Village Street Faire is back
If you’re planning to come downtown this weekend, be aware that the Carlsbad Village Faire is happening on Sunday, Nov. 7. Several streets in the Village will be closed from approximately 4 a.m. to 8 p.m.:
- Grand Avenue from Carlsbad Boulevard to Jefferson Street
- Washington Street from Carlsbad Village Drive to Grand Avenue
- State Street from Carlsbad Village Drive to Beech Street
- Roosevelt Street from Carlsbad Village Drive to the alley south of Beech Street
- Madison Street from Carlsbad Village Drive to Grand Avenue
- Christiansen Way between State Street and the east side of the Carlsbad Coaster Station entrance
- All the alleys in between the above streets
The Chamber of Commerce puts on the event. More information, including shuttle details, are on the chamber’s website.
If you go, keep an eye out for a Pop-Up Art event put on by our Cultural Arts Office. It’s inspired by the artwork of Brad Maxey, an exhibiting artist in the upcoming 2021 Cannon Invitational exhibit at the Cannon Art Gallery.
|
|
Sculpture garden Pop-Up Art event
The city’s Cultural Art Office has another “Pop-Up” event planned this weekend:
Saturday, Nov. 6
11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Meet some of the talented artists highlighted in the garden’s latest exhibit celebrating art showcased at the garden during the past 25 years. At this free event, guests can chat with some of the artists and get special insight into what inspired their pieces. Live music and refreshments are included.
These art events are part of the city’s Cultural Arts plan approved a few years ago by the City Council. The plan was created with community input and lays out a road map to enhance arts and culture in our city.
|
|
Time-change safety tips
Don’t forget Daylight Saving Time ends Sunday, Nov. 7. While you’re setting your clocks back, city public safety officials suggest making these other quick changes to help keep you and your home safe.
- Change the batteries in your smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors. Test smoke detectors monthly to make sure they work.
- Recycle old batteries by putting them in a plastic bag and setting them on top of your recycling cart on trash day.
- Make sure your home emergency kit is up to date. If you don’t have one, put one together this weekend.
- Adjust automatic timers controlling lights inside and outside your home.
- Trim landscaping to improve visibility. Earlier dusk means more shadows that make it harder to see.
- Change your outdoor exercise routine after dark. Walk or jog with a friend, always carry your phone, stay in well-lit areas and wear reflective clothing so you’re visible to motorists.
|
|
Get involved: Upcoming meetings
The City Council’s next meeting is Nov. 16 at 3 p.m. Meetings are still virtual, and information about how to watch and participate is included on the agenda.
Meanwhile, these city meetings are happening next week:
|
|
Fun things to do
Quick Links
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
