|
Finally, we have a sunny weekend in the forecast. With the return of dry weather, we can expect to see more people out and about, so please take a little extra time getting where you need to go. Today I’ll be sharing some information about the relationship between speeding and serious traffic injuries (hint: slowing just a few miles per hour can make a huge difference on our roads), plus these updates:
- Are we still in a drought?
- Your yard is soaked, here’s what to do next
- Are you throwing away batteries? Do this instead
- Try our new program and save money on your energy bill
- How to get into state parks like a VIP
- 2 reasons why Carlsbad teens are lucky and amazing
- If you live in District 2, mark your calendars
- What we’re talking about at upcoming meetings
| |
|
3 reasons to slow down on our roads
Getting people to slow down on our roads is one of the main goals of our three-pronged approach to traffic safety, the “three Es:”
Education
Sharing information about the impact of speeding and encouraging community members to model safe driving.
Engineering
Making changes to our roads – from changing the striping to extending curbs, installing traffic circles and roundabouts and other measures that have been proven to slow traffic. Evaluating streets where we may be able to lower the legal speed limit.
Enforcement
Increasing enforcement of speeding laws.
It’s important that Carlsbad takes a leadership role in slowing down traffic because the data show most speed related fatalities happen on local roads.
| |
Here is what the data says about speeding in Carlsbad: | |
Finally, slowing down has a dramatic effect on the severity of injuries caused during a collision: | |
|
So, please take this information to heart and make a commitment to drive at slower speeds. We are preparing to launch a campaign next week where you can make that commitment official – I’ll tell you all about it next Thursday.
If you’d like to see more data about speeding, here is a link to an interesting dashboard created by the U.S. Department of Transportation.
| |
|
What recent rain means for the drought
After all the rain we’ve received recently, not just in Carlsbad but throughout California, you might be wondering what it means for the ongoing drought.
The short answer is: The rains have helped, but conservation is still needed. Why? There are a couple of reasons – one of which is that we are dealing with three years’ worth of extremely dry conditions. So, a few weeks of heavy rain is not enough.
Another factor is where our water comes from. Some of our water comes from Northern California, where rains have been captured by reservoirs, but the areas feeding into the Colorado River remain very dry.
The San Diego region has invested heavily in creating new water supplies, so we are not depending on any single source, like we were in the 1990s. Creating water supplies we can control locally is a big part of the strategy. I’m proud that Carlsbad has long been a leader in promoting local sources, such as water recycling and desalination.
This chart shows how our region’s water sources have been diversified over the years:
|  | |
You can learn more about this on the San Diego County Water Authority website.
By investing in sustainable water sources and planning for our long-term water supply, we will make sure we’re ready to meet the needs of our community in the decades ahead. And, yes, conservation will always be a way of life here in Southern California.
Learn more about water conservation.
| |
 | |
What to do after it rains
With all the recent rain, you may notice more standing water around your home, which can become a breeding ground for mosquitoes. The County of San Diego asked us to pass along some information about its ongoing mosquito-control efforts and how you can help.
Keep mosquitoes from breeding around your home by:
- Cleaning out leaves and other debris from rain gutters and drains where water can become trapped.
- Dumping out any standing water in buckets, birdbaths, saucers under potted plants and children's toys.
- Adding mosquito fish (available free from the county) or a mosquito larvicide to water in backyard ponds, fountains and unfiltered pools.
-
Reporting any increase in mosquito activity to the county by calling 858-694-2888 or emailing vector@sdcounty.ca.gov.
The county conducts larvicide drops in lagoons and other waterways several times each year during mosquito breeding season. It also treats roughly 1,500 potential mosquito-breeding areas each year by hand at various sites around the county. The larvicide isn’t harmful to people or pets.
Learn more about mosquito prevention on the county’s website. If you have any questions about the county’s program, you can call 858-694-2888 or email vector@sdcounty.org.
| |
|
If you’re still throwing away batteries, do this instead.
Sustainability is one of our core community values in Carlsbad, and that starts with reducing and reusing. When it comes to batteries, if you need to use them, opt for rechargeable varieties. And when it’s time to get rid of batteries, never put them in the trash.
Carlsbad residents with home trash collection service can follow a simple three-step process to properly dispose of used batteries:
- Collect used household batteries.
- Place them in a clear zipper bag (1 quart or smaller).
- Place on top of blue recycling cart lid on your normal trash day.
That’s it. Your batteries will be collected and handled in an environmentally sensitive manner. Remember, place them on top of the lid and not inside the recycling cart.
Have other waste and recycling questions? Our Recycle, Reduce, Reuse webpage has helpful information or email us at reducereuserecycle@carlsbadca.gov.
| |
|
Try our new program and save money on your energy bill
Speaking of sustainability, conserving energy is a great way to help the environment and save money at the same time. If you’re not sure where to start, the city offers a free program to measure home energy use and then make recommendations on how to conserve and save.
How it works
Carlsbad homeowners can make a home energy score assessment appointment with a certified home energy score assessor to:
- Evaluate current energy efficiency
- Identify home improvements that can increase energy efficiency
- Offer energy-saving tips for using lights, electronics and appliances
- Provide recommendations for improving indoor air quality and comfort
How to sign up
- Appointments are first come, first served basis. We have a set amount of funding for this program, so if you’re interested, better to sign up now than to wait.
-
To get started, fill out the application form.
Learn more.
| |
|
Visit state parks for free
Ready to get outdoors after the recent rain? Good news - you can now visit many California State Parks for free by checking out day passes from the Carlsbad City Library.
- The passes give you free daytime access to more than 200 participating state parks, including Carlsbad State Beach, South Carlsbad State Beach, San Elijo State Beach, Cardiff State Beach and Torrey Pines.
- Each pass can be checked out for up to 10 days. (They don’t cover camping or special attraction fees.)
- The passes are good for one passenger vehicle that can hold up to nine passengers.
- The passes are being offered to library card holders through a partnership with California State Parks and the California State Library.
Don’t have a library card? You can get one online.
Learn more.
| |
 | |
Two programs for Carlsbad teens
If you know some high-school age students who are into music or want to develop leadership skills (or both!), the City of Carlsbad has two great programs coming up.
Carlsbad Student Leadership Academy
- The Carlsbad Student Leadership Academy is an interactive program open to any high-school age students living in Carlsbad.
- Students learn how to be leaders, self-starters and change makers in their community.
- It’s a collaboration between the City of Carlsbad, Carlsbad High School and The You School, a local nonprofit.
-
Registration is open now.
Carlsbad Leadership Academy
Saturday, Feb. 4 and 11, 8:30 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Heritage Hall at Magee Park
258 Beech Ave.
Learn more.
Amped Music and Art Throwdown
Also coming up is the city’s Amped Music and Art Throwdown, featuring local teen bands, a student film showcase, an art exhibit and more.
-
High school aged artists can apply to compete in the throwdown or be featured in the film or art showcase.
-
Teens must submit a video of their band performance via link to kevin.gohres@carlsbadca.gov by Wednesday, Jan. 25.
- The top five bands chosen for the throwdown will be notified by Monday, Jan. 30.
Amped Art and Music Throwdown
Saturday, Feb. 11, 7-10 p.m.
Pine Avenue Community Center
3209 Harding St.
Tickets: $5, presale; $10 at the door
Learn more.
| |
|
Live in northeast Carlsbad? Here’s what to know about the City Council vacancy
A few important dates are coming up to fill the District 2 City Council vacancy created when Keith Blackburn was elected Mayor.
Feb. 2
Applications are due Feb. 2 at 5 p.m. from those interested in being appointed by the City Council to fill the remainder of the term, ending in 2024.
Feb. 8
District 2 residents can submit topics they would like applicants to address by emailing the City Clerk at clerk@carlsbadca.gov by Feb. 8 at 5 p.m.
Feb. 15
Eligible applicants will be invited to make a four-minute oral presentation at a special City Council meeting Feb. 15.
Feb. 24
The appointment must be made by Feb. 24 or else the seat will be filled by a special election held Nov. 7, 2023.
Learn more.
| |
 | |
Get involved: Upcoming meetings
The next City Council meeting will take place Tuesday, Jan. 24, starting at 5 p.m. in the City Council Chamber. Here are the topics scheduled to be discussed:
- Authorizing bidding for a project to upgrade several pressure-reducing stations in the city’s water system
- An agreement with SDG&E to move overhead utility lines on Valley Street and Magnolia Avenue underground to make way for new sidewalks
- An agreement with the San Luis Rey Band of Mission Indians to protect any Native American cultural items found during the replacement of water mains
-
Appropriating $327,000 to repair a collapsed slope located between El Camino Real and Trieste Drive, north of Tamarack Avenue
- Accepting an $83,000 state homeland security grant that will pay for active shooter trauma kits and radio equipment for the Police Department and automated external defibrillators for the Fire Department
- Accepting a $5 million state grant to help fund the development of Veterans Memorial Park, which will become the city’s largest park
- Giving up an easement on a residential property that is no longer needed for utility lines
- Adding two Public Works job descriptions to the range of salaries for members of the Carlsbad City Employees Association
- An update on the city’s investments
- Updating the limits on contributions to campaigns for city office to match the Consumer Price Index
- The annual review of compensation for City Council members, the City Clerk and the City Treasurer
- Twice a year report on the city’s transportation improvements projects
- An update on the city’s traffic safety emergency and progress to date, options for funding more emergency actions, if desired, and considering extending the emergency
- A request from New Village Arts for an additional $228,411 in city funds to help pay for repairs to the theater building on State Street that it leases from the city
A link to the full agenda and staff reports is available on the city’s website.
These city meetings are also planned next week:
I’ll have more to share on the traffic emergency next week, following Tuesday’s City Council discussion and the kickoff of our communitywide Safer Streets Together pledge campaign. In the meantime, thank you for continuing to use our roads with care and looking out for one another out there. It makes a difference!
And if you’re thinking of heading to the beach, please be aware that as of this writing, the County of San Diego has closed South Carlsbad State Beach at Ponto due to water quality. A local water/wastewater district upstream had a sewage spill a few days ago. You can bookmark this link, which has current information about water quality for all our beaches.
Finally, you might have heard about a small plane making an emergency landing at Carlsbad State Beach this morning. Our Fire Department responded to the call and evaluated the three people who had been on board, none of whom needed to go to the hospital, thankfully. This beach is operated by California State Parks, which is in charge of clearing the scene. State Parks is working with the FAA on this incident.
Scott Chadwick
| | |
|
|
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.
Read more
| | | | | |
