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News from the City of Carlsbad | Aug. 28, 2025

With Labor Day weekend upon us, I’m kicking off today’s update with some tips to help you celebrate safely. And with safety top of mind, I’ll share new data showing that crime is continuing to decline in Carlsbad.

Before I get to that, I want to thank everyone who attended one or more TGIF concerts this summer, along with all the city staff who worked to make it another great year. The season wrapped up last Friday, with approximately 25,000 attendees across nine concerts! This highlight video captures how each concert brings our community together. I’m already looking forward to next summer.

Here’s what’s in store in today’s edition:

• Labor Day weekend safety tips
• Crime in Carlsbad down 11%
• Chestnut Avenue underpass improvements complete
• City construction map helps you avoid traffic delays
• Join us for the State of the City on Sept. 9
• Upcoming community events
• City meetings
• Labor Day holiday city service hours

Labor Day weekend safety tips

Whether you’re celebrating Labor Day in Carlsbad or heading out of town, we want you to have a safe and happy weekend. Here are some reminders from the Carlsbad Police and Fire Departments on how to help make the holiday safe for everyone.

Traffic safety

If you’re driving, biking or walking anywhere this weekend, review these traffic safety tips before you get going.

• Expect heavier traffic on local roads and highways. Slow down and allow extra travel time.
• Look twice for people biking and walking, especially near the beach.
• Buckle up, stay alert and avoid distractions like texting or eating.
• On longer trips, take regular breaks to prevent fatigue.
• If you’re walking, look left, then right, then left again for approaching vehicles before you cross. A driver traveling just 30 miles per hour needs at least 90 feet to stop.

If you’re riding an e-bike

Please review the e-bike rules of the road — including Carlsbad-specific e-bike laws — and always wear a helmet.

Speaking of e-bikes, the city’s Traffic Safety & Mobility Commission will hold a special meeting on Sept. 16 to hear community input on a potential minimum age for e-bike riders. Learn more and how to provide input.

Drive safe

The Carlsbad Police Department is asking for your help this Labor Day weekend to keep dangerous drivers off the road. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 12,429 people lost their lives in drunk-driving crashes in 2023 — about one person every 42 minutes.

• To help prevent tragedies, Carlsbad Police will have additional officers on patrol through Labor Day weekend.
• Plan ahead — designate a driver or use rideshare services if you plan to drink.
• Remember, impairment isn’t just alcohol — prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicines and cannabis can also affect your ability to drive safely.
• Report drunk drivers by calling 911.

Beach safety

Planning to spend the day at the beach? Keep these safety tips in mind:

• Check in with the nearest lifeguard for water and surf conditions. Swim near a lifeguard tower and within your limits.
• Do the “stingray shuffle” in shallow water so rays can glide away.
• Keep kids within arm’s reach; take a quick photo and note your tower number when you arrive.
• If you see someone in trouble, flag a lifeguard or call 911.
• Alcohol and pets are not permitted on city beaches. 
• Bring a hat and/or something to give you shade, drink water and reapply sunscreen regularly.
• Clean up before you leave.

Report suspicious activity by calling the 24-Hour non-emergency hotline at 442-339-2197. In an emergency, always call 911.

Crime in Carlsbad down 11%

Crime decreased by 11% in the City of Carlsbad in 2024, compared to a 5% drop countywide, according to new data from the San Diego Association of Governments.  

Here’s how it breaks down, comparing calendar year 2023 to 2024: 

• Crimes against society, which include drug, narcotics and weapons violations, decreased by 19%, or 154 instances. 
• Crimes against property, which include robbery, motor vehicle theft and other stolen property offenses, decreased by 8%, or 280 instances. 
• Crimes against people decreased by under 1%, or four instances.  

Protecting quality of life and safety is a key goal of the City Council’s 5-Year Strategic Plan, and the Police Department maintains a multifaceted approach to address issues in the community. 

Earlier this year, the City Council approved adding six police positions to improve response times, enhance digital forensics services, aid with overall safety and preparedness for our special events, and assist in resolving internet crimes against children.  

Here are some recent examples of solid police work protecting the community:

• Recently, the Carlsbad Police Department worked with the FBI and San Diego County District Attorney’s Office to arrest two suspects in separate but similar elder fraud cases involving the theft of more than $140,000 in cash and gold bullion.
• Carlsbad’s Vice/Narcotics Intelligence Unit recently investigated a drug sales case in the city and in the process uncovered a much broader narcotics operation. The case led to the arrest of several individuals involved in large-scale drug distribution across San Diego County.

Chestnut Avenue underpass improvements complete

Caltrans and SANDAG recently completed construction of the new bike lane, enhanced sidewalks and upgraded crosswalks at the Chestnut Avenue I-5 underpass. The work is part of their Build NCC project, which also includes freeway and environmental improvements.

You may still see crews in the area from time to time as they put the finishing touches on the project, but the major construction is now done.

City construction map

While I’m talking about road work, don’t forget to check our construction map to see where city projects are happening that might impact your commute. The map is updated weekly to help you avoid or minimize traffic delays and detours that often come with construction.

Remember, the map only shows city projects. It doesn’t include construction projects by local utilities, private companies or other agencies.

Thank you for being patient, slowing down and moving over if you can in construction zones. When you see crews working in our community, know they are completing projects that help keep our streets safe and ensure the water and sewer infrastructure below the street operates smoothly. We know construction can cause traffic delays or other inconveniences, so crews work hard to finish quickly and minimize impacts. A little kindness goes a long way—please help keep everyone safe by showing respect in work zones.

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 Friday, "El 47" – Friday, Aug. 29, 4 p.m. and 7 p.m., Dove Library
• Navigating the Real Estate Market (Adults 50+) – Friday, Aug. 29, 1 to 2 p.m., Carlsbad Senior Center
• Open Studio, "Printed & Stitched" – Saturday, Aug. 30, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., Ann Kulchin Courtyard at Dove Library
• Reel Wednesday, “The Four Seasons" – Wednesday, Sept. 3, 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 Fall Community Services Guide.

State of the City planned for Sept. 9

We are also gearing up for our annual State of the City presentation, which will be held at the start of the next City Council meeting on Tuesday, Sept. 9.

State of the City

Tuesday, Sept. 9, 5 p.m.

City Council Chamber

1200 Carlsbad Village Drive

Join us in person, watch the livestream or watch on Spectrum channel 24 or AT&T U-verse channel 99. 

Upcoming city meetings

We have one city meeting on the schedule for next week, and that’s the Arts Commission next Thursday at 5:30 p.m. You can see the full board and commission meeting schedule on our city calendar.

You’re welcome to attend any city meetings in person and they’re also livestreamed on the city’s website and available to watch afterward.

Labor Day holiday city service hours

A reminder that all city offices will be closed on Monday, Sept. 1 in observance of Labor Day. Here’s our full holiday schedule for city services:

Trash pickup: No delay

City offices: Closed

Emergency services: Regular service

City libraries: Closed

Cannon Art Gallery: Closed

City sculpture garden: Closed

Alga Norte Aquatic Center: Closing at 2 p.m.

Community centers: Closed

Leo Carrillo Ranch Historic Park: Closed

Senior Center: Closed

No street sweeping on city holidays

Transit: For the holiday transit schedule, please visit gonctd.com or call 5-1-1

Have an excellent weekend and thank you for being part of this community.

Geoff Patnoe

City Manager