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Today we were out at Calavera Elementary and Middle schools talking to parents and spreading the word about our Safer Streets Together pledge campaign. It’s been fun to see the yard signs and window clings multiplying out in the community. We also kicked off our traffic safety workshop series last week, where residents learned about the “Dutch reach.” I’ll explain what that is plus share these updates below:
- See who is taking the pledge
- Welcome to a new City Council member
- What to know about Carlsbad’s economy
- Have a historic property? Learn how to get a tax break
- Know an amazing local volunteer? Tell us!
- Registration now open for classes, camps and more
- Get involved: Upcoming meetings
- Presidents Day schedule
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See who is taking the pledge
Earlier today, we teamed up with Calavera Hills middle and elementary schools to share traffic safety information with hundreds of parents and students. This is the third middle school stop we’ve made since launching the Safer Streets Together pledge campaign. We are focusing on middle schools first because younger students with e-bikes haven’t had driver’s education yet. We want to do everything we can to educate these young riders and their parents.
If you haven’t taken the Safer Streets Together pledge, please do. It only takes a minute and sends a strong message that here in Carlsbad we are all doing our part to keep streets safe.
Where to get signs and clings
Our Slow Down Carlsbad yard signs are very popular, as are the Safer Streets Together car window clings. You can get both at city libraries or stop by City Hall, where I have a good supply.
We’d love for you to share a photo of you and your Safer Streets Together swag too.
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Tip of the week: Two ways to avoid the door zone
The “door zone” is the space it takes for a car door to swing open when it’s parked along the street. Drivers and bicyclists need to be careful to avoid this common cause of collisions.
Drivers can avoid opening their doors in the path of an oncoming bike by practicing something called the Dutch reach (why Dutch? The practice is said to have originated in Holland).
- After you park, lean over to open your door with your RIGHT hand.
- Then, look in your side mirror and over your LEFT shoulder for bicyclists (or other cars).
- If you see bicyclists, wait until they safely pass to open your door.
Here’s a quick video that shows this simple technique in action.
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So how do you avoid these crashes when you’re on a bike?
Bicyclists have a few ways to avoid getting “doored” as they call it.
- We always recommend bicyclists plan out the best route to where they are going, based on traffic and the availability of bike lanes. (Whenever space allows, the City of Carlsbad includes a buffer between parked cars and bike lanes.)
- If you find yourself riding alongside parked cars, slow down and look for drivers who may be leaving.
- You can also ride at the outer edge of the bike lane, as traffic and your own comfort allow.
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Our traffic safety message is focused on being safer together, and this is a perfect example – drivers and bicyclists alike can take steps to avoid this common collision. And this weekend you can amaze your friends by explaining the Dutch reach!
Upcoming classes
The Dutch reach was one of several tips shared by the San Diego County Bicycle Coalition last week at our first of several workshops about traffic safety.
The next one is coming up is our first City Cycling Class, also led by the San Diego County Bicycle Coalition. This is a hands-on opportunity for beginners and experienced cyclists who want to brush up on road rules. The workshop includes one hour of lecture, one of parking lot drills and the third out on our streets.
Saturday, Feb. 25
9 a.m. - noon
Pine Avenue Community Center and Park
3209 Harding St.
Space is limited so register today.
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Welcome to our newest City Council member
The Carlsbad City Council held a special meeting Wednesday to appoint a new District 2 Council member to fill the vacancy created when Keith Blackburn was elected Mayor.
- After hearing presentations from seven applicants, the City Council unanimously voted to appoint Carolyn Luna.
- She was sworn in and then joined her new colleagues on the dais to discuss changes to who represents the city on various regional boards.
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You can find out more about Council Member Luna and the new regional agency responsibilities on our website.
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Carlsbad economy is growing, caution still prudent amid uncertainty
While acknowledging positive economic indicators, city finance staff advised continued fiscal discipline at the mid-point of the fiscal year, during a presentation to the City Council Tuesday.
- The City Council reviews the performance of the local economy, economic trends, city spending and future forecasts every three months as part of its stewardship and policy-making role.
- City staff cited uncertainty about the timing of the next recession, high inflation and global instability as reasons to continue closely monitoring Carlsbad’s short term financial health.
- Looking to the future, the city is also working to address a projected gap between the city’s long-term funding needs and anticipated revenues.
Our city Finance Director Zach Korach summed it up this way, “The city remains very financially healthy today, but we need to keep in mind that Carlsbad is entering a stage of life when the needs are changing, along with where the money will come from to meet those needs.”
Main sources of funding
The city relies on property tax, sales tax and hotel taxes to fund the majority of its day-to-day services, which is why tracking these three areas is important to the city’s overall financial health.
- All three are generating more funding than this time last year. However, costs are also increasing significantly.
- As a result, we need to remain vigilant to protect Carlsbad’s financial health and continue to monitor the economy and be ready to make adjustments as needed.
You can get the details on our website. And, if you want even more data, the city prepares a quarterly economic update, which is also on our website.
Mid-year budget review
The city initiated a mid-year review of the fiscal year 2022-23 Operating Budget in November 2022.
- The goal was to review every department’s budget to ensure city spending was at or below what was planned and to look for new opportunities to save money.
- The city’s rate of spending was slightly lower during the first half of fiscal year 2022-23 than the same time last year.
- As of December 2022, the city had 46.9% of its budget remaining, compared to 46.5% the year before.
- In spite of significant inflation, following the review, no city department required additional funding to deliver the services expected for the remainder of fiscal year 2022-23.
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New ambulance approved
The only major change to the current fiscal year’s budget was moving up the timing of a city ambulance purchase by six months to lock in today’s price and help ensure the new ambulance is delivered by the scheduled replacement date in fiscal year 2023-24.
- Staff had been tracking ambulance costs, which have increased by $80,000 since 2019, $40,000 in the past 18 months alone.
- Supply chain issues also raised concerns that the city should get its order in sooner than normal.
- The city keeps all vehicles and equipment on a regular replacement schedule to avoid gaps in service and costly unanticipated repairs.
- This includes setting aside money on an ongoing basis so by the time the replacement is needed, money is available. The city had set aside $154,000 for the new ambulance so far.
- The City Council approved an additional $330,000. The new ambulance will replace one scheduled to be retired.
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Preserving Carlsbad’s historic character
The City of Carlsbad is launching a new Mills Act Program to help preserve and honor the city’s rich history and maintain Carlsbad’s unique character, both of which are key components of the Carlsbad Community Vision.
- The program allows the city to enter into contracts with property owners who want to actively restore and maintain their historic properties. Owners receive a property tax break in exchange for their efforts.
- The new program is 100% voluntary and designed to help owners of historic properties offset the cost of historic preservation.
- The city will mail letters to owners of properties that may be eligible for the program.
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Applications are now available on the city’s website and are being accepted through June 1 each year.
Learn more.
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Help us recognize outstanding Carlsbad residents
Do you know someone who has made a tremendous impact on our city? We’re now accepting applications for Carlsbad’s Citizen of the Year, an annual award that recognizes Carlsbad residents who have gone above and beyond to serve and improve our community.
A five-person committee appointed by the Mayor will consider the following criteria in selecting this year’s honorees:
- Long and faithful service to the community.
- Distinguished service in a position of responsibility.
- Enterprise, initiative, diligence, and care in the performance of a specific volunteer assignment.
- Outstanding contribution to the development, growth and welfare of the community.
The Citizens of the Year program is more than 50 years old. It honors people in our community who have given their time and energy to make the city a better place. The nomination process is easy. You can fill out and submit the nomination form on the city’s website. (You can also download the form and mail it in, if you prefer.) Nominations will be accepted through March 31.
Learn more.
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Spring classes for all ages
With warmer weather and longer days just around the corner, we’ve got a wide variety of classes and programs to help you stay active and energized. You can find the full schedule in our Spring Community Services Guide, but here’s a peek at some highlights.
Aquatics (swim lessons, lifeguard training, aquatic fitness)
Martial Arts (Karate)
Mind/body wellness (yoga, tai-chi, aerobics, cooking)
Dance (Latin, social, club, country line, teen cardio)
Sports (tennis, volleyball, basketball, pickleball)
Sports leagues (soccer, basketball, kickball, softball)
Preschool
Adults 50+
Special interest classes for youth
You can register now through our website.
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Register your kids for spring break camps
We also offer some fantastic spring break camps for kids that are fun, safe and affordable. The camps take place over different weeks in April to coincide with spring breaks for the Carlsbad, Encinitas and San Marcos unified school districts, which all serve Carlsbad students.
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Kidz/Explorers camp for kids 5 to 13, is a well-rounded full day camp that offers sports, crafts, waterplay, field trips and so much more. Camp meets April 10-14.
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Aquatics camp at the Alga Norte Aquatic Center offers group swimming lessons and introductions to water polo and diving. The camp is for kids 7 to 11 and meets April 10-14.
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Master Sports Basketball camp teaches campers 6 to 13 the key fundamentals of basketball. Our instructors will help them increase their ball skills and knowledge of the sport through fun drills and games. Camp meets April 3-7.
These camps fill up quickly, so please register early.
Learn more in our Spring Community Services Guide.
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Get involved: Upcoming meetings
The next City Council meeting will be held March 7 at 5 p.m. in the City Council chamber.
A link to the full agenda and staff reports will be available on the city’s website by the Friday before the meeting.
Meanwhile, these city meetings are scheduled next week:
City offices closed Monday, but no delay in trash service
Just a reminder that city offices will be closed Monday, Feb. 20, in observance of Presidents Day. Trash service will NOT be delayed, so make sure to put your bins out on your regularly scheduled trash day. You find the full list of holiday closures on our website.
I hope you enjoy the long weekend, and I’ll be back next week with more updates.
Scott Chadwick
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