View as Webpage

News from the City of Carlsbad | April 3, 2025

Occasionally, our Carlsbad Police Department gets calls related to marine life. You could say it comes with the territory. Often, it’s just sea lions doing what sea lions do – lounging on rocks or beaches and not a cause for concern.

On Saturday night, however, officers did have to help a sea lion in need after it made its way onto Carlsbad Boulevard near Ponto Beach. I’ll tell you about that rescue, as well as these stories, in today’s update:

• Carlsbad Police help rescue stranded sea lion
• Put sustainability into practice this Earth Month
• Help shape the future of local clean energy
• Project begins to help improve traffic flow on El Camino Real
• Mark your calendar for TGIF Concerts
• Early bird tickets available for Fiesta at the Rancho
• Families dive into fun at Pirate Plunge
• Carlsbad 5000 street closures this weekend
• Community events and activities
• Upcoming city meetings

Carlsbad Police help rescue stranded sea lion

Last Saturday, Carlsbad Police officers responded to a call about a sea lion stranded on a stretch of Carlsbad Boulevard near Island Way (between Poinsettia Lane and Palomar Airport Road).

The animal was showing signs of domoic acid poisoning, a condition caused by a harmful algal bloom that has been affecting marine mammals along the coast since last summer. The bloom produces toxins that accumulate in fish and shellfish, which can sicken the sea lions, dolphins and birds that eat them.

Officers kept the animal protected from traffic until SeaWorld’s Rescue Team arrived. The sea lion is now receiving professional care at SeaWorld.

What you need to know

The toxins in these algae do not generally pose a risk to people swimming at the beach. Most Carlsbad beaches remain safe to enjoy. However, some areas are under separate water quality advisories based on bacteria levels, which are common near lagoon outlets. You can check the daily beach water quality conditions at www.sdbeachinfo.com.

Shellfish warning

Because of the algae bloom, the California Department of Public Health has issued a series of advisories related to shellfish:

• Avoid eating sport-harvested mussels, clams or scallops from coastal waters in Los Angeles and Santa Barbara counties.
• No warnings are currently in effect for San Diego County, but state health officials recommend avoiding recreational shellfish harvesting as a precaution.
• Commercially sold shellfish from approved sources are regularly tested and considered safe to eat.

How to report stranded marine mammals

If you see a marine mammal in distress:

• Call SeaWorld Rescue at 1-800-541-SEAL (7325) or email SSWC.Rescue@seaworld.com.
• Try to note the animal’s location, size, condition and time last seen.
• Thanks again to our Carlsbad Police Department and SeaWorld Rescue Team for their quick response.

Put sustainability into practice this Earth Month

April is Earth Month, a time to explore new ways to reduce waste, connect with others and take simple steps that make a difference. The city’s annual Earth Month events offer hands-on activities, practical tips and inspiration to support everyday sustainability.

Earth Month Celebration

Saturday, April 12

9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Pine Avenue Community Park

3209 Harding St.

Pick up an event activity BINGO card to guide your visit through interactive stations focused on reducing waste and rethinking everyday habits. Activities include pickling demos, natural fabric dyeing, DIY cleaning products, tips for proper disposal, a kids’ bike rodeo, basic bike maintenance and more.

Compost & mulch giveaway

Saturday, April 12

9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Carlsbad Senior Center parking lot

799 Pine Ave.

• Drive through the Carlsbad Senior Center parking lot to pick up compost and mulch for your garden or landscaping projects.
• Bring your own containers to be filled by Republic Services staff, who can assist in loading and lifting containers.
• Limited prefilled bags will be available (first come, first served).
• There is a limit of five 5-gallon buckets for a total of 25 gallons of material for either compost, mulch or a blend of the two.

Year-round pickup

Compost and mulch are also available year-round at the Palomar Transfer Station, Monday through Saturday, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., at 5960 El Camino Real.

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

Help shape the future of local electricity

Speaking of the environment, the Clean Energy Alliance asked us to share that they’re seeking public input on their draft 2025-27 Strategic Plan. Your feedback will help guide their programs and priorities for the next two years.

The Clean Energy Alliance is the not-for-profit entity that purchases cleaner electricity on behalf of Carlsbad and several other North County cities. (SDG&E still delivers the electricity and manages the infrastructure.)



The final version of the plan is scheduled for board review later this month.

You can review the draft plan and complete the short survey through Friday, April 14, at 5 p.m.

Project begins to help improve traffic flow on El Camino Real

Alleviating traffic congestion is a top priority for the city and next week, construction will begin on a project to improve traffic flow along northbound El Camino Real between Sunny Creek Road and Jackspar/Rancho Carlsbad Drive. The improvements will include:

• Adding a third northbound car lane with a buffered bike lane
• Constructing new sidewalks, curbs and gutters
• Adding new streetlights 

What to expect during construction

• Construction is anticipated through mid 2026 (pending weather and other factors) with work occurring Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• The northbound lanes through this area may be temporarily reduced to one lane for a couple of days while crews set up a concrete barrier to separate traffic from construction.
• After the barrier is in place, the existing two northbound car lanes in the area will remain open during construction.
• Speed limits will be temporarily reduced to 45 mph in the construction zone, so please slow down and watch for workers.
• Traffic delays are possible so please give yourself extra time to get where you need to go.
• Access for residents in the area will be maintained.
• The bike lane in the area will be closed. Bicyclists are encouraged to detour to College Boulevard, Faraday Avenue, Camino Hills Drive and Jackspar Drive.

The city’s General Plan and Growth Management Plan call for El Camino Real to be a six-lane roadway, and this project is one of several along this main corridor to help alleviate traffic congestion.

Thank you for your patience during your commute. Crews will work as quickly as possible and do everything we can to minimize inconveniences.

You can text ECR to 760-302-5500 to sign up for updates. 

And don’t forget to check the city’s construction map, which is updated weekly to help you avoid or minimize traffic delays and detours that often come with construction. The map only shows city projects. It doesn’t include construction projects by local utilities, private companies or other agencies.  

Mark your calendar for TGIF concerts

With spring underway, the countdown is officially on for the city’s popular TGIF Concerts in the Parks series. Nine concerts are planned again this year and we’ll be announcing the lineup as summer gets closer. In the meantime, save these dates on your calendar:  

Stagecoach Community Park

June 20, June 27, July 11 and July 18

Calavera Hills Community Park

July 25, Aug. 1 and Aug. 8

Alga Norte Community Park

Aug. 15 and Aug. 22

Please note – there will not be a concert on Friday, July 4. Because the holiday falls on the weekend, we are extending the season by one week.

I’ll share more details as we get closer to the first concert, including which bands will be performing and information about parking and shuttle service.

Keeping the concerts safe

The security changes we made at the concerts last year went smoothly and will continue in 2025.

• Security screening stations will be set up at the entrances to each concert venue.
• Professional event security guards will do bag checks and use a handheld wand to check for weapons and prohibited items. (Bottle openers, utensils and other picnic items are still allowed.)

This video shows how the process works.

Sponsor opportunities

The City of Carlsbad is once again offering local businesses the chance to be a part of the concerts by becoming a sponsor. Email arts@carlsbadca.gov for details.

Sign up to get email updates about TGIF Concerts in the Parks.

Early bird tickets available for Fiesta at the Rancho

Early bird discount tickets are now on sale for Fiesta at the Rancho, an annual fundraiser presented by Friends of Carillo Ranch, Inc. that helps local students experience history up close at Leo Carrillo Ranch Historic Park. The fiesta includes dinner and live entertainment under the stars, along with a silent auction and more.

Proceeds benefit the California History and Art Program, which brings over 1,100 local fourth graders to the ranch each year for hands-on learning. The program is a collaboration between the City of Carlsbad and the Friends of Carrillo Ranch, Inc.

Fiesta at the Rancho

Saturday, May 10

5:30 to 8:30 p.m.

Leo Carrillo Ranch Historic Park

6200 Flying Leo Carrillo Lane

Tickets: $125 through April 18

Tickets: $150 starting on April 19

Families dive into fun at Pirate Plunge

Speaking of fun, last Saturday night Alga Norte Aquatic Center transformed into a pirate’s playground for the annual Pirate Plunge. Families enjoyed pirate-themed pool activities like diving for treasure, cannonball contests and walking the plank. On dry land, kids took part in a treasure hunt, slid down a pirate ship and posed for photos with their crews.

Thank you to our Parks & Recreation staff for bringing the community together and making it all happen.

Several downtown streets to close for Carlsbad 5000

A heads up that several streets in downtown and the beach areas will be closed Saturday and Sunday for the Carlsbad 5000 race and events. This year’s races are expected to draw thousands of spectators and participants from all over the U.S. and many foreign countries.

You can see the full list of road closures on our website. The City of Carlsbad Police Department and volunteers will help cars needing to get in or out of closed or partially closed areas, as safety allows. 

Community events and activities

Here are some City of Carlsbad events and activities coming up soon at our libraries, community centers and the Carlsbad Senior Center.

• Cinema Club Film Friday, “Room” – Friday, April 4, 4 p.m. and 7 p.m., Dove Library
• Front Row Saturday – National Comedy Theater (all ages) – Saturday, April 5, 6 to 7 p.m., Dove Library
• Rummikub (Adults 50+) – Tuesday, April 8, 1 to 4 p.m., Carlsbad Senior Center
• Reel Wednesday, “Call of the Wild’ – Wednesday, April 9, 4 p.m. and 7 p.m., Dove Library

Find more activities and information in our city calendar, the Senior Center’s Seaside Insider newsletter and our Spring Community Services Guide.

Upcoming city meetings

The next City Council meeting is Tuesday, April 15, starting at 5 p.m. in the City Council Chamber, but next week we have meetings scheduled for the city’s Traffic Safety & Mobility Commission and Housing Commission.

Board and commission meetings are also livestreamed on the city’s website and available to watch afterward. You can see the full meeting schedule on our city calendar.

Before I sign off, just a quick reminder that next week is spring break for the Carlsbad Unified School District. You may notice more people out enjoying the beach or city parks so, as always, please help keep our streets safe by slowing down, staying alert and sharing the roadway.

Thanks for all you do to look out for each other.

Geoff Patnoe

City Manager