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News from the City of Carlsbad | April 9, 2026

This week, I’m sharing a preview of construction plans to widen the next section of El Camino Real, an update on proposed Terramar street improvements and a look ahead to our Earth Day Celebration later this month.

Here’s the full lineup:

• Next section of road widening on El Camino Real
• Update on Terramar street improvements project
• Join us to celebrate Earth Month in Carlsbad
• Apply to serve on our Environmental Sustainability Commission
• Rattlesnake safety this spring
• Sprout some new skills with our Grow Your Garden program
• Community events and activities
• Several downtown streets to close for Carlsbad 5000
• What’s on the agenda for your next City Council meeting

Next section of road widening on El Camino Real



Construction will begin in the next few weeks to widen northbound El Camino Real between Poinsettia Lane and Camino Vida Roble. The work will start as a similar project a bit north to widen El Camino Real between Sunny Creek Road and Jackspar Drive wraps up over the next few months.

This widening effort is part of a series of improvements along El Camino Real designed to support traffic flow and enhance safety for everyone driving, biking or walking on this busy roadway. This project will:

• Widen the road segment from Cinnabar Way to Camino Vida Roble to provide necessary space to add a third northbound vehicle lane
• Restripe the road segment from Poinsettia Lane to Camino Vida Roble to add a third northbound vehicle lane
• Provide new sidewalks and new streetlights on the east side of El Camino Real
• Improve the median with landscaping 

What to expect during construction

Construction on this section of roadway is expected to start in the next few weeks and continue through early 2027. Work will take place Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m., weather and other factors permitting.

For protection, temporary concrete barriers will be installed to separate traffic from active work areas. These barriers will be removed once construction is complete.

While the barriers are in place, northbound and southbound lanes may be temporarily reduced to facilitate other improvements. Northbound lanes could be temporarily reduced to a single lane at times. Otherwise, the existing two northbound vehicle lanes will remain open.

Additional impacts

• There will be temporary closures of the bike lane through the construction area. Please watch for cyclists and share the road.
• The speed limit will be reduced to 45 mph during construction within the work zone.
• Traffic delays are possible. Drivers are encouraged to allow extra travel time.
• Noise and dust typical of roadway construction are possible. Crews will work as efficiently as possible to minimize inconvenience.

Update on Terramar street improvements project

After reviewing community input, the Carlsbad Traffic Safety & Mobility Commission on Monday recommended moving forward with resurfacing and restriping streets in the Terramar area, but holding off on adding sidewalks at this time. The commission noted the importance of preserving the area’s beach community character, minimizing potential parking loss and accounting for unknown factors that might arise from an adjacent land deal involving San Diego Gas & Electric and the owner of the former power plant site. With extensive review needed by several state agencies on the land deal, that process could take up to another seven years.

The City Council will consider the commission’s recommendation, along with community feedback at an upcoming meeting in May. Sign up to receive project updates.

Background on proposed Terramar improvements

A project has been planned for the Terramar area to address traffic and safety concerns for several years.

• Originally, the proposed project included a roundabout at Carlsbad Boulevard and Cannon Road, lane reductions on Cannon Road west of the railroad tracks and a traffic signal at Cerezo Drive.
• The City Council re-evaluated the project scope following community feedback on roundabouts. In fall 2025, the City Council asked staff to explore a smaller-scale project that could include new sidewalks and street resurfacing.

Since then, the city developed conceptual designs for sidewalk options, quantified potential parking impacts and conducted community outreach to gather input.

Parking impacts and community input

If new sidewalks are installed, some of the parking currently available off the shoulder of Carlsbad Boulevard would need to be removed.

Community members submitted nearly 350 online forms with input on potential sidewalks in the area and the related parking impacts.

• The city received input from Terramar residents and people who live in other areas and visit the area frequently.
• Feedback was split fairly evenly, with about 52% of responses opposed to sidewalks, with parking impacts cited as a common concern. The remaining 48% of responses supported sidewalks on one or both sides of the street.

Join us to Celebrate Earth Month in Carlsbad

Earth Month is a chance to celebrate everything that makes Carlsbad special, from our beaches and trails to our neighborhoods and parks. You can join the festivities Saturday, April 18, at the annual Earth Month Celebration, held at Poinsettia Community Park for the first time after a long tenure at Pine Park.

This family-friendly event brings together city staff, local organizations and community partners to share practical ideas you can use at home and in your daily routine to help reduce waste and repurpose everyday items.



This year’s theme, "Love Our Planet: There’s No Place Like Earth," focuses on simple ways to prevent food waste and give old textiles new life, with activities and demonstrations that make it easy to get started.

Whether you stop by for a quick visit or stay for the full event, there’s something for all ages. Here are some of the activities you’ll find:

• Learn how to use compost and mulch to grow fruits, vegetables and native plants
• Try hands-on workshops like pickling and making eco-friendly household cleaning products
• Swap gently used clothing and find something new-to-you
• Create simple upcycled items like T-shirt bags and beeswax wraps
• Talk with local experts about gardening, recycling, water conservation and more
• Enjoy live music and family-friendly activities throughout the event

Come learn something new, connect with others and get inspired to take small steps that support a more sustainable Carlsbad.

Earth Month Celebration

Saturday, April 18

9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Poinsettia Community Park

6600 Hidden Valley Road

Apply to serve on our Environmental Sustainability Commission

Speaking of protecting our environment, if you’re interested in getting involved and making a difference in our community, we currently have a vacancy on the city’s Environmental Sustainability Commission.

The commission investigates, researches and makes recommendations to the City Council on topics related to natural resources, open space, beach nourishment and climate adaptation.

Environmental Sustainability Commission

One vacancy

Deadline to apply: May 4 at noon

Applicants must be Carlsbad residents who are registered to vote in the city. You can apply online or pick up an application in the City Clerk’s Office at City Hall, 1200 Carlsbad Village Drive. 

Rattlesnake safety this spring

Don’t let the rain in the forecast this weekend fool you. The warmer weather we’ve had this spring means rattlesnakes and other wildlife are more active.

Rattlesnakes can show up in a range of places, including trails, parks, sidewalks and residential areas near open space. A few simple precautions can help reduce the risk of an encounter.

What to know about rattlesnakes

• Most bites happen between April and October, when both people and snakes are more active
• Snakes may hide in brush, tall grass, wood piles or shaded areas
• They often blend into their surroundings, making them hard to spot

How to stay safe outdoors

• Stay aware of your surroundings and avoid distractions like your phone
• Wear sturdy, closed-toe shoes when walking or working outside
• Keep dogs on a leash and close to you
• Stay on designated paths and avoid tall grass or overgrown areas
• Look carefully before stepping over rocks or picking up objects

Around your home

• Clear away wood piles, debris and dense vegetation where snakes may hide
• Keep yards tidy, especially near open space or natural areas

If you see a rattlesnake

• Keep your distance and slowly back away
• Do not try to touch or move the snake

If you need help

• Call 9-1-1 for any snake bite or emergency
• For situations where a rattlesnake poses an immediate risk to people or pets, contact the San Diego Humane Society Humane Law Enforcement team at 619-299-7012 (press 1 for Dispatch)

You can find more information about rattlesnake safety on the California Department of Fish and Wildlife website.

Sprout some new skills with our Grow Your Garden program

Spring is also a great time to try something new in your garden. The Carlsbad City Library’s Grow Your Garden program is an easy way to sharpen your skills and expand your plant collection.

The program features workshops on the second Saturday of each month where you can connect with other gardeners in our community and:

• Swap succulents, seeds, fruit, vegetables and herbs with your neighbors
• Learn new gardening techniques from local experts

At this Saturday’s workshop, Dr. David Boucher, a Master Gardener, will cover essential techniques for cultivating the perfect tomato. Learn about soil conditions, watering needs and how to ensure your tomatoes are thriving. 

Grow Your Garden: The Perfect Tomato

Saturday, April 11

10 a.m. to noon

Dove Library

1775 Dove Lane

Find the full schedule of our Grow Your Garden series on the library’s website. You can also pick up free seeds through our Seed Library program, available at the public service desks at all three Carlsbad library branches.

Community events and activities

Here are some more activities and events happening soon at our city libraries, community centers and the Carlsbad Senior Center:

• Cinema Club Friday: "Enchanted April" – Friday, April 10, 4 p.m. and 7 p.m., Dove Library
• Donate, Don’t Waste Collection Event – Saturday, April 11, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. (rain or shine), The Shoppes at Carlsbad southwest parking lot, 2561 El Camino Real
• Shred & Recycle It! Event – Saturday, April 11, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. (rain or shine), Carlsbad location provided upon registration
• Saturdays in the Courtyard: Soto Six (moved inside due to rain in the forecast) – Saturday, April 11, 5 to 6 p.m., Schulman Auditorium at Dove Library
• Persian Woodblock Printing – Monday, April 13, 1:30 to 3 p.m., Carlsbad Senior Center
• Reel Wednesday: "Flipped" – Wednesday, April 15, 4 p.m. and 7 p.m., Dove Library

Several downtown streets to close for Carlsbad 5000

If you plan to visit downtown Carlsbad or the beach this weekend, be aware that several streets will be closed Saturday and Sunday for the Carlsbad 5000 race and events:

Saturday, April 11, 5 a.m. to Sunday, April 12, 5 p.m.

Grand Avenue from Carlsbad Boulevard to Washington Street

Sunday, April 12, 4 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Grand Avenue from Carlsbad Boulevard to Washington Street

Carlsbad Village Drive from Washington Street to Garfield Street

Christiansen Way from Garfield Street to Carlsbad Boulevard

Tamarack Avenue from Garfield Street to Carlsbad Boulevard

Carlsbad Boulevard from Carlsbad Village Drive to Beech Avenue

Sunday, April 12, 5:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Carlsbad Boulevard from Cannon Road to Beech Avenue

To avoid delays, please take alternate routes.

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. Those who need to get in or out of the race area during the event can use nearby streets not affected by race-day closures.

For more information, visit the event’s website.

What’s on the agenda for your next City Council meeting

The next City Council meeting will be on Tuesday, April 14, starting at 5 p.m. in the City Council Chamber. Topics include: 

• Monthly update on how the city’s investments are performing
• An agreement for the administration of the city’s workers’ compensation claims 
• Adjusting the settlement authority for liability claims and litigation 
• Terminating a no-longer-needed easement that gave the Carlsbad Municipal Water District access to a private property to install or maintain public infrastructure
• Extending MiraCosta College’s lease of the city-owned property on Las Palmas Drive that it uses for its Technology Career 
• The contract for fabricating public artwork for Veterans Memorial Park
• Appointing one member to the Senior Commission 
• Adopting an ordinance that would allow the city to impose citations and fines for fireworks violations 
• The annual review of the Police Department’s use of what’s considered military equipment, which is required by state law
• Authorizing the abatement of weeds, rubbish and refuse on private property in accordance with the 2026 Hazard Reduction Program
• A City Council Member request to consider a proclamation against bullying in Carlsbad’s public places 
• The annual Climate Action Plan report, highlighting the city’s progress in reducing greenhouse gas emissions
• An update of the city’s Traffic Management Program, which provides neighborhoods with traffic calming measures to slow drivers down 

The agenda and staff reports are available on the city’s website.

3 easy ways to participate

1. Sign up to get agendas and staff reports emailed to you directly
2. Provide feedback via email to clerk@carlsbadca.gov by 2 p.m. the day of the meeting 
3. Sign up to speak at the meeting

… and 3 ways to watch

1. Follow the meeting live on the city's website 
2. Watch the meeting live on the city’s cable channel: Spectrum channel 24 or AT&T U-verse channel 99
3. Watch a recording of the meeting afterward (online or on our channel)

The Carlsbad Planning Commission is also scheduled to meet next week. Board and commission meetings are livestreamed on the city’s website and available to watch afterward. See the full meeting schedule on our city calendar.

Have a great weekend!



Geoff Patnoe

City Manager