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News from the City of Carlsbad | Feb. 13, 2025

This week, Carlsbad got its most significant rainfall in recent memory. I hope you were able to stay safe amid the wet and windy conditions.

In today’s update, I’ve got a behind the scenes video with our city crews in action as they responded to issues the storm brought. (Big thanks to the team for braving the elements.)

I also wanted to touch on a few items that may be of interest to our community, including:

• A public hearing set for April 22 to discuss utility rates
• A video of crews installing a water main in Terramar
• No charge blood pressure checks at the Senior Center

Additionally, I’ll introduce you to a member of our staff whose job is to bridge the gap between government and small businesses, which run the gamut from restaurants to law offices to boutique shops. Here’s today’s full lineup:

• Behind the scenes with the city’s storm patrol team
• Utility rates public hearing scheduled for April 22
• Meet the city’s new small business liaison
• Terramar water main installation
• Plan ahead to avoid traffic delays
• Heart health blood pressure screenings
• Community events and activities
• Presidents Day holiday city service hours
• Upcoming city meetings

Behind the scenes with the city’s storm patrol 

Before the first rain drop even fell, our city crews scoured Carlsbad to check on trouble spots, ensure storm drains were clear, and make sure equipment like pumps were working.

At the same time, Carlsbad community members stopped by the city’s public works yard in the Village and at Fire Stations 3, 4 and 6 to get sandbags ahead of the storm.

Once the rain and winds picked up, our crews responded to downed tree parts, potholes and flooding. We brought a camera along and put together a video showcasing some of their work.

Thank you to our team for getting out there in the cold, wet weather and to our community for your diligence amid the conditions. 

Public hearing set for April 22 to discuss utility rates 

As I mentioned a few weeks ago, the San Diego County Water Authority updated the City Council about its 14% water rate increase. The Carlsbad Municipal Water District purchases water from the Water Authority, so their increase affects us directly.

The city recently completed a study on how to best implement the increases, which are passed along to water districts all over the county and, ultimately, residents. Similar studies were also completed to evaluate the cost to provide sewer and recycled water service, which is impacted by aging infrastructure and inflation.

The results of these studies were presented to the City Council on Tuesday, and a public hearing to discuss utility rates was set for April 22, starting at 5 p.m. in the City Council Chamber.

If approved, Carlsbad’s rates would still be below the county average: A typical Carlsbad resident would see their monthly water rates go up about $36 over the next three years and sewer rates $26 over that same timeframe.

• The main driver of the water rate increase is the increasing cost of purchasing water from the San Diego County Water Authority.
• The need to replace aging infrastructure is the main reason for the increased sewer rates.

On the chart below, you can see how the city’s current and proposed rates compare to current rates of other water agencies in the county. This does not reflect any rate increases the other agencies listed might consider in the next few years.

Information about the proposed changes is being mailed to all customers. The city’s website also has details about the proposed rates and how to protest or object to the changes.

Three water and wastewater districts serve the City of Carlsbad. You can view water and wastewater district maps to find out which district provides service to your property. 

Meet the city’s new small business liaison 

Whether it’s a restaurant, law office or boutique clothing shop, the City of Carlsbad is packed with small businesses.

In fact, small businesses make up 98% of the businesses in Carlsbad, and their success is key to a vibrant city and making good on economic vitality goals set out in the City Council’s 5-Year Strategic Plan.

While the City of Carlsbad has always been responsive to questions or concerns from our small businesses, for the first time we have an employee dedicated to providing guidance to help them succeed.

That’s why I wanted to introduce you to our small business liaison, Rachel Maltz.

Rachel has been working in economic development in the city since 2022. Her focus during that time was to support businesses through new and improved programs that rely on data to ensure they fit their current needs. Previously, Rachel held positions with the San Diego Regional Economic Development Corporation and the City of San Diego.

Rachel is standing by to help small businesses with any questions that come up. She’s also working on a new website to help small businesses find key information at their fingertips, something we expect to be done by mid-summer.

If you’d like to get in touch with Rachel, she’s set up an online form or feel free to email her. Rachel says there is no question too large or small to ask, so when in doubt, please do get in touch.



Our staff recently caught up with Rachel to see what she’s been up to in her new role and you can read the interview on our website. 

Terramar water main installation 

If you’ve driven in the area of Carlsbad Boulevard and Cannon Road – an area known as Terramar – you’ve undoubtedly seen city crews replacing the area’s aging water and sewer pipes.

This week, our team replaced water mains as part of the project, and I want to share a video taking you inside the process. If you do travel through the area, please keep the construction crews in mind and share the road.  

Plan ahead to avoid traffic delays

Additionally, if you’ll be driving around town next week don’t forget to check our construction map to see where some larger city projects are happening that might impact traffic. The map is updated every week.

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

And just to close the loop on the downtown scramble intersections that I told you about last week, crews returned Tuesday morning to repaint the second one at Grand Avenue and Carlsbad Boulevard. (A scramble intersection is one in which pedestrians can cross in any direction, including diagonally.) Now, both scramble intersections in the Village have been repainted with better visibility. 

Heart health blood pressure screening 

In honor of Valentine’s Day, the Carlsbad Fire Department is offering blood pressure screenings for no charge at the Senior Center. The screenings are open to people of all ages.

Blood pressure screenings

Friday, Feb. 14

10 a.m. to noon

Carlsbad Senior Center

799 Pine Ave.

Heart Disease is the second leading cause of death in the county, according to the County of San Diego.

When it comes to blood pressure and heart health, knowledge is power. Making small changes to your life through diet and exercise can go a long way toward preventing heart disease, cardiac arrest and stroke. 

Upcoming events

Here are additional events and activities coming up at our libraries, community centers and the Carlsbad Senior Center.

• Valentine's Social (adults 50+) – Friday, Feb. 14, 1 to 3 p.m., Carlsbad Senior Center
• Cinema Club Film Friday, “Fences,” – Friday, Feb. 14, 4 to 6 p.m., Dove Library
• “Nathan Harrison, San Diego County’s first Black homesteader and a local legend” lecture – Saturday, Feb. 15, 10 to 11 a.m., Dove Library
• “Summer of Soul” documentary – Thursday, Feb. 20, 5 to 7 p.m., Library Learning Center
• “Silent Storytellers” reception – Saturday, Feb. 22, 3 to 6 p.m., Cannon Art Gallery (in the Dove Library complex)

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

Presidents Day holiday city service hours  

City offices will be closed on Monday, Feb. 17, in observance of Presidents Day. A full holiday schedule for city services is listed below:

Trash pickup: No delay

City offices: Closed

Emergency services: Regular service

City libraries: Closed

Cannon Art Gallery: Closed

City sculpture garden: Closed

City pools: Closed

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

Upcoming city meetings

The next City Council meeting is Tuesday, Feb. 25, at 5 p.m. in the City Council Chamber. The agenda will be available online by Friday, Feb. 21.

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.

Taking the home field one last time

My youngest daughter plays soccer for her high school team. She also happens to be a senior, and Tuesday was her very last home game. In other words, it was Senior Night, a tradition in which athletic programs across the country recognize athletes who are playing for the final time in front of the home crowd.

As I watched the families and teammates celebrate four years of high school athletic accomplishment, I am reminded of all the contributions of parents and coaches who have given their time and effort to help young athletes develop their skills and passion for sports. Thank you to all of them, especially to one of my daughter’s high school coaches, who just so happens to live here in Carlsbad.

Geoff Patnoe

City Manager