Even though the weather says summer, we are beginning to shift our focus ahead just a bit, with some tips and reminders for those of you with kids going back to school. More on that plus these updates below:
- Agua Hedionda Lagoon reminders
- Back to school resources and tips
- Summer reading program report out
- Ringing a bell for peace with our sister city
- Register for fall classes
- Job readiness training
- TGIF Concert at Alga Norte
- Upcoming city meetings
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Agua Hedionda Lagoon rules reminder
Agua Hedionda is the only lagoon in Carlsbad that allows recreation, and we are so lucky to have this natural resource right in our own backyards. With our beautiful summer weather, Agua Hedionda Lagoon is busier than ever. With the increase in activity, it’s a good time to remind everyone about some important rules:
- Glass containers, smoking and alcohol use are prohibited
- Dogs must be kept on leash and away from the water and protected habitat
- Swimming and wading are not permitted in the lagoon unless you have a boating or paddle boarding permit
- Be aware of the different uses allowed in different parts of the lagoon (see the map below)
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Other reminders:
- Agua Hedionda Lagoon doesn’t have public restrooms, so please plan ahead.
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To operate any vessel on the lagoon, you must meet certain requirements and purchase a permit.
- Public access for launching non-motorized vessels is located at the south end of Bayshore Drive, where the public may also fish from the shoreline.
- Please do not trespass, and always be respectful of the private property on either side of the access points.
- Contact the Police Department to report violations.
- Emergencies – 9 -1-1
- Non-emergencies – 760-931-2197
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Back to school tips and resources
This is the last full week of summer for students in some parts of Carlsbad (Carlsbad is served by four public school districts in all), with others headed back the week after next.
From safety tips to homework help, the City of Carlsbad has programs, tips and reminders to help students and their families have a safe and successful start to the school year. Get all the details on our website.
Program for teens
Our Parks & Recreation team knows it can be hard for parents to find structured activities for students who are too old for after school care but may not want to come straight home.
L.I.T.E. – Leadership in Training & Education is an after-school program designed to provide younger teens in grades 6–9 a place to come after school and learn essential life skills in a fun and safe environment. We focus on career builders, communication, community service, finances, college, team builders and leadership. Daily homework assistance is also provided.
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Summer Reading Adventure wraps up
The City of Carlsbad closed out its 2022 Summer Reading Adventure on Saturday with some fun activities at the Dove Library, including a reading time with some furry friends. Certified therapy dogs from Love on a Leash were on hand to listen to readers share their favorite stories as part of a special edition of the library’s monthly Paws to Read program.
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This year’s Summer Reading Adventure theme was Read Beyond the Beaten Path, encouraging families to get outside and enjoy the many natural resources Carlsbad has to offer.
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2,141 people participated in the Summer Reading Adventure, compared to 1,488 last year.
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Participants completed a combined total of 22,525 activities. One of the most popular was “dip your toes in the ocean,” a perfect exercise for the Carlsbad community.
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By reading and completing activities, participants of all ages earned rewards including bucket hats, camping lanterns, handheld fans and more.
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829 people completed the full challenge by reading and logging at least 12 activities. That’s 270 more completions than last year.
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479 people earned a “Challenger reward” by reading and completing at least 24 activities.
I’d like to thank our amazing staff in the Library & Cultural Arts Department for making this year’s program better than ever. The Summer Reading Adventure may be over, but the Carlsbad City Library offers programs and services year-round to connect the Carlsbad community with important resources and encourage a love of reading. Learn more on the library website.
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Celebrating 77 years of peace
While on the topic of the library, children and families gathered at the Carlsbad City Library last Friday to connect with a community half-a-world away for a special program commemorating 77 years of peace between the United States and Japan.
In a live Zoom session with residents of Futtsu, Japan – Carlsbad’s Sister City – the two groups rang bells 77 times to carry out the 2022 Ringing of the Peace Bells. Each ring of the bell signifies one year that has passed since the dropping of the atomic bomb on Hiroshima. The event also featured a story time for children about the topics of peace and friendship and a Japanese-themed craft. You can see the highlights in the video below.
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Carlsbad has two sister cities: Futtsu, Japan, and Karlovy Vary, Czech Republic. Since 2010, the sister city program has been run by the nonprofit Carlsbad Sister City Ambassadors.
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Job readiness training
The city is launching a free program to help residents build job skills and bolster their chances of landing a new job in Carlsbad. The Carlsbad Job-Readiness Room program invites entry-level workers to take 15 hours of job-readiness skills training online, at a self-guided pace. The city will then help participants secure a job interview with a local company in one of three fields, including hospitality and tourism, manufacturing or general office administration.
This program is designed to be most useful for community members who have been out of the workforce, struggled to find work or are experiencing other barriers to employment.
Please check it out and help us spread the word. The program is a partnership between the city and the Carlsbad Chamber of Commerce. Any questions can be emailed to business@carlsbadca.gov.
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Sign up for fall classes
With summer winding down and new routines beginning, the City of Carlsbad has a full lineup of classes and programs to keep minds and bodies moving this fall, including sports leagues, fitness programs and weekly classes for adults and kids.
The complete schedule of programs is available in the city’s Fall Community Services Guide, now online. Registration just opened for programs including:
Aquatics (swim lessons, lifeguard training, aquatic fitness)
Dance (Latin, social, club, country line, teen cardio)
Sports (tennis, volleyball, basketball, pickleball)
More Information
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TGIF moves to Alga Norte Park
Our last two TGIF Concerts will be at Alga Norte Community Park, starting this Friday. This week’s headliner is the Detroit Underground, a high-energy band with lively rhythm and horn sections and a great group of vocalists covering genres like soul, funk, pop and R&B. If you’re planning to come, please take advantage of our free shuttle (details below). It will help keep traffic flowing smoothly and make sure your night starts and ends on the right note.
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Remember:
- The field will open at 4 p.m. Concert starts at 6 p.m.
- Consider getting dropped off or carpooling to ease traffic.
- You can park offsite at 5815 El Camino Real and take our free shuttle to and from the concert site.
- The shuttle runs from 4:15 to 9:15 p.m.
- Don’t forget to pack a picnic – no food and drink vendors this season.
- Please leave your furry friends at home (service animals are welcome).
- It never hurts to bring bug spray just in case.
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More tips and details on our TGIF webpage.
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Get involved: Upcoming meetings
The City Council meets Tuesday, Aug. 16, starting at 5 p.m. in the City Council chamber. Topics scheduled to be discussed include:
- Regular update on the city’s investments
- Accepting an additional refund of more than $414,000 to the Carlsbad Municipal Water District from the San Diego County Water Authority’s legal judgment against the Metropolitan Water District
- Changing the state’s classification of a section of Park Drive so speed limits can be enforced
- A request from the Chapters Café at the City Library on Dove Lane to continue to defer its rent payments because of the continuing impacts of the pandemic on its business
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Approving Escondido, Oceanside, San Marcos and Vista joining the Clean Energy Alliance, which was created to provide more renewable energy options to customers
- Designating a City Council member as the voting delegate and one as an alternate for the League of California Cities annual conference
- Adopt an ordinance adding language to the city's municipal code to specify that elected officials be provided the same benefits available to management staff
- Changing the amount the city pays to employees who decline health coverage
- An update on options to consider for a new City Hall, including sharing input gathered from the public, cost estimates and how various uses could fit on different sites
- Approving the Traffic & Mobility Commission’s work plan for the current fiscal year
- The Police Department’s update on crime statistics, crime trends and enforcement strategies
- Direction on which operations and procedures the city’s internal auditor will examine between now and June 30, 2023
A link to the full agenda and staff reports is available on the city’s website. You can watch the meeting live on the city’s website or cable TV channel.
In addition, these city meetings are planned next week:
- Aug. 17, 5 p.m. – Planning Commission
- Aug. 18, 4 p.m. – Traffic & Mobility Commission
State of the City video presentation
On Monday evening, we will be hosting our annual State of the City event, which is an opportunity to hear about recent and upcoming projects, initiatives and issues. After brief remarks from City Council members, we’ll show this year’s video and then adjourn to the courtyard for an informal reception.
State of the City video presentation
Monday, Aug. 15, 6 p.m.
Ruby G. Schulman Auditorium
Carlsbad City Library
1775 Dove Lane
The video will also be available for viewing on the city’s website and cable channel. In the meantime, here is a sneak peek we put together:
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That wraps up this week’s updates. I’ll be back next Thursday with more.
Scott Chadwick
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Fun things to do
Quick Links
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CarlsbadConnects app is an easy way to report things that need repair or attention around town, like potholes, sidewalk cracks, traffic light outages, graffiti and code enforcement issues. Submit service requests anonymously or create a free account where you can track progress and see what other people have reported.
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