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News from the City of Carlsbad | April 2, 2026

This week, I’m sharing a new interactive annual report from our Fire Department that highlights how the team worked to keep the community safe in 2025. Plus, a behind-the-scenes look at the newest exhibit at the William D. Cannon Art Gallery, featuring more than 90 pieces that explore themes like nature and time. 

Here’s the full lineup:

• Fire Department releases 2025 Annual Report in interactive format
• Cannon Gallery’s new exhibit features lifelong themes
• Make plans to celebrate Earth Month
• Simple steps to stay safe before and during a power outage
• Last chance to nominate our next Citizen of the Year
• Early bird tickets available for Fiesta at the Rancho
• Community events and activities
• Upcoming meetings
• Reminder: New e-bike laws now in effect

Fire Department releases 2025 Annual Report in interactive format

The Carlsbad Fire Department has released its 2025 Annual Report in a new, interactive format using maps, data and storytelling all in one scrollable experience called a Story Map.

This year’s report offers a closer look at the people, programs and response efforts that keep our community safe. From emergency response to community outreach and public safety campaigns, the Story Map brings the department’s work to life through visuals, data and storytelling.

Explore the report to learn more about how the Carlsbad Fire Department continues to focus on prevention, response and community engagement, while serving our community with kindness each day.

Cannon Gallery’s new exhibit features lifelong themes

Nature. Love. Time. Memory.

These are the themes represented in the newest art exhibit at the William D. Cannon Art Gallery, called alchemy + light.

The exhibit features more than 90 artworks by seven contemporary female photographers from North County and includes large-scale installations that give visitors a chance to pause and reflect on connections with nature and others.

As Curator of Exhibitions Alyson Benford explains in this video, “This exhibit really is about time, place, capturing what is important, what are the things we can hold onto and what are the things we have to let go of.”

Gallery hours

Tuesday: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Wednesday: Noon to 7 p.m.

Thursday – Saturday: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Sunday: 1 to 5 p.m.

(Closed Mondays)

The exhibition will be on display through Aug. 23. You’re also invited to meet the artists at a special reception on April 18.



Artist reception

Saturday, April 18

3 to 5 p.m.

Cannon Art Gallery

1775 Dove Lane

Make plans to celebrate Earth Month

April is Earth Month, a time to appreciate Carlsbad’s natural surroundings and take simple steps that can help keep our beaches, lagoons, parks and trails clean and healthy. Throughout the month, the city will host events focused on reducing waste, reusing items and making more sustainable choices at home. 

Mark your calendar:

• April 11 – Shred & Recycle It! Event
• April 11 – Donate, Don’t Waste Collection Event
• April 18 – Earth Month Celebration
• April 25 – Arbor Day Tree Planting Volunteer Event
• April 25 – Creek to Bay Cleanup
• April 25 – Fixit Clinic
• April 25 – E-Waste Collection Event

We’ll kick things off on Saturday, April 11, with two opportunities to clear out items you no longer need and keep them out of the landfill.

Shred & Recycle It! Event

Saturday, April 11

9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Location provided upon registration

• Safely shred and recycle sensitive documents.
• Bring up to five standard-size boxes of paper.
• Advance registration and proof of Carlsbad residency are required (scroll down on the registration page to see additional available time slots).

Donate, Don’t Waste Collection Event

Saturday, April 11

9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

The Shoppes at Carlsbad southwest parking lot

2561 El Camino Real



• Donate gently used items like clothing, small appliances and electronics to support local reuse programs through Goodwill.

These events support the City Council’s 5-Year Strategic Plan goal to protect the environment and natural resources while helping keep Carlsbad clean and beautiful.

Simple steps to stay safe before and during a power outage

Last Thursday night’s brief but widespread power outage that affected residents across Carlsbad served as a good reminder that power disruptions happen without notice. While service was restored in just over an hour, it’s worth taking a few simple steps now to prepare for the next time the power goes out.

To help you stay safe before and during an outage, San Diego Gas & Electric recommends that residents:

• Create an emergency plan for your household, including pets.
• Put together a basic supply kit with items like flashlights, batteries, water and nonperishable food. Make sure everyone in your home knows the plan.
• Plug electronics and large appliances into surge protectors to help prevent damage when power is restored.
• Learn how to manually open and close electric garage doors, gates and security systems in case you lose power.
• Sign up through your account for outage notifications and keep your contact information up to date so you can receive timely updates.

A little preparation now can make an unexpected outage much easier to manage and help keep your household safe and comfortable.

The City of Carlsbad maintains a full emergency preparedness website to help you be ready when the unexpected happens. 

Last chance to nominate our next Citizen of the Year

Just a reminder that the city is accepting final nominations for Carlsbad Citizen of the Year and the deadline is tomorrow, Friday, April 3. You can play a big part in helping honor a Carlsbad resident who goes above and beyond serving our community.

This annual award recognizes residents who volunteer their time, energy and talents for the betterment of Carlsbad. Nomination forms are available on the city’s website and at City Hall, 1200 Carlsbad Village Drive. Email council@carlsbadca.gov or call 442-339-2830 with questions.

Early bird tickets available for Fiesta at the Rancho

Early bird tickets are now on sale for Fiesta at the Rancho at Leo Carrillo Ranch Historic Park. This special evening is a great way to celebrate local history and support student learning, with dinner, live entertainment, a silent auction and more.

Fiesta at the Rancho

Saturday, May 9

5:30 to 8:30 p.m. 

Leo Carrillo Ranch Historic Park

6200 Flying Leo Carrillo Lane

Tickets: $125 through April 18 (price increases to $150 on April 19)

Your support helps bring local history to life for more than 1,100 Carlsbad fourth graders each year through the California History and Art Program. The City of Carlsbad partners with Friends of Carrillo Ranch, Inc. to offer this hands-on learning experience.

More community events and activities

Speaking of fun things to do, here are some more activities and events happening soon at our city libraries, community centers and the Carlsbad Senior Center:

• Creative Crafting – Friday, April 3, 1 to 3 p.m., Carlsbad Senior Center
• Cinema Club Friday: "A Good Year" – Friday, April 3, 4 p.m. and 7 p.m., Dove Library
• EGGstravaganza – Saturday, April 4, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., Poinsettia Community Park
• Reel Wednesday: "Misery" – Wednesday, April 8, 4 p.m. and 7 p.m., Dove Library

Upcoming meetings

There’s no City Council meeting next week, but the Housing Commission and the Traffic Safety & Mobility Commission will meet. As always, these meetings will be livestreamed on the city’s website and available to watch afterward. See the full meeting schedule on our city calendar.

Monday’s Traffic Safety & Mobility Commission agenda includes a discussion on proposed street improvements for the Terramar area. Staff will share the results of a recent survey that nearly 350 people took to share feedback about the proposals to add new sidewalks on one or both sides of the street and to resurface and restripe Carlsbad Boulevard and Cannon Road in this area.

Although the survey is closed, you can still provide input by emailing traffic@carlsbadca.gov and attending the April 6 Traffic Safety & Mobility Commission meeting.

Traffic Safety & Mobility Commission

Monday, April 6, 4 p.m.

City Council Chamber

1200 Carlsbad Village Drive

Reminder: New Carlsbad e-bike laws now in effect



As I shared with you last week, Carlsbad’s new e-bike laws are now in effect. We’re starting with a 60-day warning period, during which officers are focusing primarily on education and increasing awareness of the new rules. These include the minimum riding age requirement of 12 and the prohibition of e-bikes at Poinsettia and Pine Avenue community parks.

During this time, our Police Department officers, rangers and senior volunteers are conducting additional patrols in the parks to help educate riders and enforce the ordinance.

We’re also working with local schools, and sharing updated information on the city’s website and social media. Officers may still issue citations if riders violate previously existing e-bike laws, which require riders to follow the same rules of the road as drivers.

The warning period will end May 25, which is also Memorial Day.

I also want to remind you that we are still in Spring Break season for many of our surrounding school districts. Please remember, whether you’re driving, biking or walking, look out for everyone on the road, put away distractions, and stay safe.

Have a great weekend!

Geoff Patnoe

City Manager