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News from the City of Carlsbad | Jan. 15, 2026

We’re continuing to take the necessary steps to speed up repairs to the storm drain infrastructure on the state-owned bluffs near Carlsbad Boulevard and Solamar Drive. The latest came Tuesday, when the City Council ratified last week’s emergency proclamation, allowing us to continue to accelerate work on the infrastructure damaged during the recent storms. Read on for next steps.

Also in today’s update, I’m sharing an inspiring video about how our Carlsbad City Library Homework Zone is helping students improve their grades and build confidence.

Here’s the full lineup:

• Update on storm drain damage caused by recent rain
• Making the grade in the Homework Zone
• Still time to join our Winter Reading Challenge
• How to safely dispose of household hazardous waste
• Get tax help at the Carlsbad Senior Center
• Community events and activities
• Road closures Sunday for Carlsbad Marathon
• Regional roles set for 2026
• Upcoming meetings
• Martin Luther King Jr. holiday city service hours

Storm-related local emergency ratified

As I shared with you last week, we proclaimed a storm-related local emergency on Jan. 7, 2026, to protect your safety and expedite repairs to storm drain infrastructure on the state-owned bluffs along Carlsbad Boulevard near Solamar Drive that were damaged by recent storms. During Tuesday’s meeting, the City Council adopted a resolution to ratify the proclamation. Staff can now move forward with executing a Public Works contract and authorizing the contractor to move forward with performing emergency work.

At this time, repairs are anticipated to begin this week and take several weeks to complete. In anticipation of construction beginning, an alternate walkway has been created around the affected area and has been widened for public use. Fencing and signs are in place diverting the public to use the alternate walking path. Please continue to use caution when in the area.

Making the grade in the Homework Zone

When eighth grader Santiago needed some help in his math class, he turned to the Carlsbad City Library Homework Zone.

After working with one of the city’s volunteer tutors, Santiago saw his math grade go from a C to an A-.



“The people that they have here, they’re really patient with me,” Santiago said in this video. “They make me feel welcome.” 

Kindergarten through 12^th grade students looking for extra support after school can get it for no charge at the Homework Zone at the Carlsbad City Library Learning Center.

• Homework help is available on a first-come, first-served basis when Carlsbad Unified School District is in session. (You don’t have to be in the school district to get tutoring, but here’s their 2025-26 calendar.)
• The program offers a welcoming, focused space where students can work through assignments, ask questions and build confidence in their learning.
• Trained staff and volunteers support students across a range of subjects, helping them stay on track and make the most of their time after school.

The Homework Zone meets Monday through Thursday after school from 4 to 5:30. No pre-registration is required – just head over to the help desk. 

Still time to join our Winter Reading Challenge 

Speaking of the Carlsbad City Library, our 2026 Winter Reading Challenge, “The Reading Olympics,” is reaching the halfway mark and our community is off to a strong start. As of Tuesday afternoon, participants had logged 181,816 minutes of reading — well on our way to reaching our goal of 250,000 minutes read.

There is still time to participate and help us cross that finish line!

How it works:

• Register through Beanstack.
• Stop by any library location to collect registration incentives, including Dave & Buster’s Power Vouchers, while supplies last. 
• Log the minutes you spend reading through Jan. 31.

Readers who log 240 minutes earn entries into raffles for experience-based prizes, such as free skate passes to the Ice Realm Skating Rink and music and vocal lessons from Ascend Music Studios. Children 4 and under are also getting in on the fun through a dedicated raffle with age-appropriate rewards. 

Set reading goals and discover new genres in the Winter Reading Challenge!

How to safely dispose of household hazardous waste

Cleaning out cabinets and garages for the new year often turns up items you’re not quite sure how to get rid of. For example, chemicals, cleaners and other household hazardous waste should never be placed in the trash or poured down the drain.

The good news is Carlsbad residents have several convenient options for safely disposing of household hazardous waste, including drop-off and pickup services.

To make it easier, this disposal chart shows residents where different materials should go. The city offers both drop-off and pickup options, depending on what works best for your household.

Household hazardous waste drop-off

Carlsbad residents can drop off household hazardous waste at the Household Hazardous Waste Collection Facility in Vista for free:

1145 East Taylor St.

Vista, CA 92084

Saturdays only

9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Door-to-door household hazardous waste collection

For residents who prefer pickup service, the city also offers front-door household hazardous waste collection:

• $10 per appointment
• No charge for residents 65 and older
• Schedule by calling 800-714-1195

This option can be especially helpful for residents with mobility concerns or large quantities of material.

What about household batteries?

Household batteries are considered hazardous waste, but they’re easier to dispose of than many people realize. Non-lithium household batteries include alkaline, zinc-carbon, 9-volt, AA, AAA, C, D and some button cell batteries.

Residents have several battery recycling options:

• Curbside collection (single-family homes): Place batteries in a clear zipper bag and set them on top of your curbside recycling cart on collection day.
• Drop-off: Batteries are accepted at the Palomar Transfer Station Recycling Buyback Center at 5960 El Camino Real, Monday-Saturday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• New library drop-off bins: Household battery collection bins are now available at Georgina Cole Library and the Carlsbad City Library on Dove Lane. Look for bins near the entrances or ask at the help desk. The bins are for household batteries only. Please do not leave batteries outside or place other battery types in these bins. Fun fact: In their first six months, staff collected 683 pounds of household batteries properly diverted from the landfill! 

By handling these items correctly, you can be part of a cleaner, safer start to the new year.

Get tax help at the Carlsbad Senior Center 

Tax season is approaching but you don’t have to do it alone. The AARP will be back at the Carlsbad Senior Center this year to help people file their federal and state tax returns after guiding nearly 900 community members in 2025.

What you need to know:

• This free service is available for all ages and income levels (with a few exceptions for more complex cases).
• Appointments are available Tuesdays and Thursdays, Feb. 3 through April 14, from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.
• This year’s service is by appointment only to allow dedicated time for each person. Walk-ins will not be accepted.
• Schedule your appointment at the Senior Center front desk or call 442-339-2650, ext. 0.

Preparing for your appointment:

1. Review this information sheet to confirm your tax situation qualifies and follow the instructions about how to get ready.
2. Complete the intake form.

The information sheet and intake forms are also available at the front desk at the Senior Center.

Community events and activities

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



• Cinema Club Friday: "The Legend of the Vagabond Queen of Lagos" – Friday, Jan. 16, 4 p.m. and 7 p.m., Dove Library
• Reel Wednesday: "Molli and Max in the Future" – Wednesday, Jan. 21, 4 p.m. and 7 p.m., Dove Library
• Decades that Changed the Universe – Thursday, Jan. 22, 11 a.m. to noon., Carlsbad Senior Center
• Volunteer Expo – Saturday, Jan. 24, 10 to 11:30 a.m., Georgina Cole Library

Road closures Sunday for Carlsbad Marathon

While we’re talking about things happening around town, please know several roads will be closed on Sunday, Jan. 18, for the Carlsbad Marathon, Half Marathon and 5K.

The following roads will be closed from 5 a.m. to 2 p.m. on race day:

• Marron Road between Monroe Street and Jefferson Street
• Monroe Street between Marron Road and Carlsbad Village Drive
• Jefferson Street between Marron Road and Grand Avenue
• Laguna Drive between Jefferson Street and State Street
• State Street between Laguna Drive and Carlsbad Boulevard
• Carlsbad Boulevard, between the north city limits at the Buena Vista Lagoon and to the south city limits at La Costa Avenue (northbound lanes between La Costa Avenue and Poinsettia Lane will be open)
• Poinsettia Lane between Avenida Encinas and Carlsbad Boulevard
• Palomar Airport Road between Carlsbad Boulevard and Avenida Encinas

More information

• The Carlsbad Marathon begins and ends at The Shoppes at Carlsbad shopping center.
• Organizers expect 6,000 participants and 10,000 spectators, so be aware of increased traffic in surrounding areas.
• Public parking is available at The Shoppes at Carlsbad.
• For detailed route maps, parking and schedule of events, visit the marathon website.

Regional roles set for 2026

At Tuesday’s meeting, the City Council set its 2026 regional and statewide assignments, including roles with agencies that handle issues such as public transit, water and public safety. Under the Carlsbad Municipal Code, the City Council updates these assignments each calendar year.

You can see the full list here, which shows the range of assignments the City Council members are involved in to ensure the interests of our community are well represented. You’ll often hear City Council members reporting out on developments from these assignments at the end of the City Council meetings.

Upcoming city meetings

There’s no City Council meeting next week but the Planning Commission is scheduled to meet on Wednesday, Jan. 21 in the City Council Chamber. See the full meeting schedule on our city calendar. Board and commission meetings are also livestreamed on the city’s website and available to watch afterward.

Martin Luther King Jr. holiday city service hours

A reminder that city offices, libraries and community centers will be closed on Monday, Jan. 19, in observance of the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday. 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

Alga Norte Aquatic Center: 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.

Enjoy your weekend and thanks for reading.

Geoff Patnoe

City Manager