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Happy New Year, Carlsbad!
I hope everyone had a restful and fun holiday. If you stuck around, maybe you had a chance between storms to show off our beautiful city to family and friends visiting from out of town. And if you traveled, let me be among the first to say, “Welcome home!”
This week I’ll be sharing some positive news about our local traffic emergency, plus these updates:
- New state laws focus on traffic safety
- Tamarack/Carlsbad Blvd intersection changes ahead
- How to get rid of old electronics
- Organics recycling 6-month check-in
- City programs to support your New Year’s resolutions
- New data re COVID in North County
- Winter Reading Challenge
- Teen program has openings
- Cannon Gallery exhibit opening
- International Film Friday
- Upcoming public meetings
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On the road to safer streets
On Tuesday, the Traffic & Mobility Commission met to review several projects and hear an update on our traffic safety emergency. Preliminary data was shared showing that we are starting to see a reduction in serious injury collisions in general, and e-bike collisions in particular, over these past four months.
We will be providing a more comprehensive update later this month to the City Council, so keep an eye out for that. In the meantime, city staff were busy over the holidays making sure those lucky enough to get a new bike or e-bike for the holidays knew the rules of the road.
We teamed up with Pedego, the electric bike store in the Village, to hand out e-bike safety tips and go over the Carlsbad specific laws that need to be followed. Here you can see one of the TV news stories about this effort. Many thanks to Pedego for helping us spread the word.
Also on the horizon is the launch of our Safer Streets Together pledge campaign, encouraging everyone who uses our roads to make this simple commitment:
“I care about my community and pledge to do my part
to keep Carlsbad's streets safe for everyone.”
Once you take the pledge, we will encourage you to put up a yard sign in front of your house or put a sticker on the window of your car (or both!) to help reinforce the expectation that everyone in Carlsbad needs to do their part to keep our streets safe. The pledge site is live, so if you want to be one of the first, please do. We are also looking for residents who would be willing to share a quote about why they took the pledge. More info to come next week.
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Safer Streets statewide
Carlsbad isn’t the only city that has seen increases in traffic collisions over the past few years. In fact, it’s a trend nationwide and throughout California. To help address this problem, several new state traffic safety laws went into effect with the new year. Here are a few:
Vehicles passing bicycle riders (AB 1909)
This new law requires drivers to change lanes before passing a cyclist to provide more room if another lane is available and traffic conditions permit the lane change to be done safely. If another lane is not available, or traffic conditions do not permit a safe lane change, drivers must slow down and pass only when it’s safe. The prior rule required cars to give people on bikes a 3-foot margin when passing, but that was difficult to enforce and there is not enough space in some situations.
E-bikes in bike lanes (AB 1909)
The law also ends the statewide ban on Class 3 e-bikes using bike lanes, equestrian trails, and hiking and recreational trails. Class 3 e-bikes are the fastest, traveling at up to 28 mph, and have a minimum age of 16 to ride. (Learn about the three classes of e-bikes).
Electric Bicycles: Safety and Training Program (AB 1946)
This new law requires the CHP to work with other traffic safety agencies and organizations to develop statewide safety and training programs for electric bicycle users. This training program, which will consist of electric bicycle riding safety, emergency maneuver skills, rules of the road and laws pertaining to electric bicycles, will launch on the CHP’s website in September 2023.
Harsher penalties for “sideshows” (SB 1472/AB 2000)
Sideshows are informal stunt driving events usually held in vacant parking lots and public intersections. They often involve donuts and other reckless driving while spectators run in between moving cars and stream the event on social media. SB 1472 expands the circumstances constituting “gross negligence” for vehicular manslaughter to include participation in sideshow activities. AB 2000 adds parking lots to the list of locations that prohibit sideshows (they’re already prohibited on public roads.)
Pedestrian crossings (AB 2147)
This law prohibits peace officers from stopping pedestrians for crossing the street outside of a crosswalk (jaywalking) unless there is an immediate danger of a collision. Other states have passed similar laws, citing the fact that jaywalking citations tend to be given primarily to people of color and in low-income communities. For traffic safety, we still recommend finding an intersection and ideally a crosswalk, whenever possible.
The CHP has more information about new laws that went into effect Jan. 1. The DMV put out a similar summary.
You may recall one of the elements of our Safer Streets Together Plan is to work with our state legislators on a program to license e-bike riders. We are working on this with our state lobbyist, and I will keep you posted.
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Give input on changes to key coastal intersection
The City of Carlsbad is asking the public to review two options for reconfiguring the busy intersection of Tamarack Avenue and Carlsbad Boulevard and provide feedback to the Traffic & Mobility Commission by Feb. 6.
Both options include these improvements:
- Widening the walking path over the bridge just south of Tamarack Avenue.
- Relocating the bus stop out of the center median
- Adding street parking
The options differ in how they manage traffic flowing through the intersection. One features a traffic signal and the other a roundabout. The city’s first roundabout is north of the project site at State Street, and the City Council has approved another roundabout at Cannon Road and Carlsbad Boulevard.
This project is one of several that reflects a state “complete streets” law and City Council policy approved in 2015. Complete streets are safe and accessible to drivers, bicyclists, walkers and other road users, rather than focusing primarily on drivers.
The Traffic & Mobility Commission agenda and agenda packet will be available no later than Friday, Feb. 3. Sign up to get notified.
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Recycle old electronics
If you got a new phone, TV or other electronic device over the holidays, you may be wondering what to do with your old one. Before you toss any old batteries or electronics, remember that you should never put e-waste in your trash cart.
- E-waste includes electronics near or at the end of useful life such as cell phones, batteries, televisions, tablets, computers, printers and Bluetooth speakers.
- If dumped in a landfill, e-waste can leak toxic materials into soil and water supplies.
The City of Carlsbad offers convenient ways to recycle your e-waste, which helps protect the environment and keeps your data safe.
- Recycle batteries by placing them in a clear plastic bag on top of your blue recycle cart on your normally scheduled trash day.
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Schedule electronics collection through Republic Services up to three times per year for up to five items each time. To schedule, call 760-332-6464.
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Take e-waste, including broken holiday lights, to the Palomar Transfer Station at 5960 El Camino Real, Monday - Friday from 7 a.m. - 4 p.m. and Saturday - Sunday from 7:30 a.m. - 4 p.m.
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Organics composting tips
It’s been about six months since the City of Carlsbad introduced organic waste composting, a new state law and one of several sustainability initiatives we launched in 2022 aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
I hope you are getting used to separating your food scraps and similar organic matter into a separate container. We have created these tips and resources based on feedback and questions we have received since it started.
As a reminder:
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All food scraps go in your green compost cart. This includes coffee filters, tea bags and food-soiled papers like napkins, paper towels and greasy pizza boxes. You can continue to include yard waste like grass clippings, leaves, branches and plants. Here’s a great video that highlights what goes where.
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What does NOT go in your compost cart? Never put diapers, hygiene products, glass, plastic, pet waste, oil and grease, rocks and other items in your compost cart.
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Why should you compost your food scraps? Organic waste makes up nearly half of everything currently sent to landfills. As it decomposes, organic waste produces methane gas, which is 84 times more potent than carbon dioxide. Organic waste in landfills contributes to 20% of the methane generated in California.
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Bottom line – keep food waste out of the landfill. Composting food waste reduces greenhouse gas emissions and helps create a healthier, more sustainable Carlsbad. Please continue to make composting one of your regular household habits in 2023.
Thank you for doing your part! And if you have found a trick or tip to make organics composting more convenient, please share it with us and we will pass it along in an upcoming issue.
Holiday tree recycling
Speaking of compost, don’t forget we offer several environmentally friendly and convenient ways to get rid of your holiday tree through Jan. 15. Get all the details here.
P.S. We were contacted through social media over the weekend by a few residents whose trees were not picked on their normal trash day. If you are having any issues with this service, please contact us, and we will make sure you get taken care of:
Sustainable Materials Management Division
442-339-2646
reducereuserecycle@carlsbadca.gov
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Staying active in the new year
In the spirit of New Year’s resolutions, the City of Carlsbad has all kinds of programs and activities to help Carlsbad residents keep their minds and bodies active in the new year, including adult sports leagues, yoga classes, art, aqua fitness and more. Please take a look!
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Checking in on COVID
The County of San Diego reported a significant increase in COVID-19 infections following Thanksgiving. Here is the latest report covering COVID plus other respiratory viruses, which the county will be closely monitoring following the latest holiday season due to the increase in travel and indoor gathering.
If you are interested in seeing local numbers for COVID, here are a couple of resources:
In December the latest booster was approved for children 6 months and older, the last group to get the green light. Finally, here is the latest list of symptoms and advice for COVID, RSV and influenza from the County of San Diego.
Please take good care of yourselves and your loved ones.
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Winter reading challenge
Another fun way to start the new year is by participating in the City of Carlsbad’s Winter Reading Challenge, now through Jan. 31. This year’s theme, “All the Feels,” is about looking ahead to the future and encouraging readers to feel, experience and dive into how reading refreshes our emotions.
Winter Reading Challenge
Jan. 1-31
Our goal for the community (kids and adults) is to log at least 115,000 combined minutes of reading in January– that’s approximately one minute per resident. Here’s how it works:
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Register. Visit the Carlsbad City Library Beanstack page or use the Beanstack Tracker app to sign up for the Winter Reading Challenge.
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Record. Earn badges by reading and tracking the number of minutes you read in Beanstack.
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Reward. If you read and track 240 minutes during the month, you can earn an emoji stress ball reward. Pick up your reward at your local Carlsbad City Library through Feb. 7 while supplies last.
Learn more.
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After-school program for teens
If you know a young teenager looking for an after-school activity in 2023, please let them know about L.I.T.E. – Leadership in Training & Education. This city program gives younger teens in grades 6 - 9 a place to come and learn essential life skills in a fun and safe environment. We focus on career builders, communication, community service, finances, college, team builders and leadership. Daily homework assistance is also provided. The group meets at the Pine Avenue Community Center.
Learn more.
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New exhibition at Cannon Gallery
The City of Carlsbad’s Cannon Art Gallery is opening a new exhibition this weekend showcasing beautiful and intricate fiber arts created by 22 of the region’s most dynamic artists.
Contemporary Perspectives in Fiber Arts
Jan. 7 - March 18, 2023
William D. Cannon Gallery
FREE
Dove Library Complex
1775 Dove Lane
Opening reception
Saturday, Jan. 7
5 - 7 p.m.
FREE
The exhibition, Contemporary Perspectives in Fiber Arts, will highlight creative works including weaving, basketry, sculpture, quilting, felting, knitting and wearables. Admission is free.
There will also be a free opening reception at the gallery from 5 to 7 p.m. Saturday, hosted by the Carlsbad Friends of the Arts. The event is open to the public and will include light refreshments and a chance to meet some of the featured artists.
Learn more.
See a (free) movie at International Film Friday
If you love foreign films or want to expand your cultural experiences, we’re screening another critically acclaimed movie this week as part of the city’s International Film Friday series.
The Fencer (2015, NR, 1h 39m)
Friday, Jan. 6
4 and 7 p.m.
FREE
Schulman Auditorium
Carlsbad City Library complex
1775 Dove Lane
The Fencer is a historical drama made in Finland about a young Estonian fencer fleeing from the Russian secret police who is forced to return to his homeland, where he becomes a physical education teacher at a local school.
Seating is limited and is first come, first served. All films are free to the public.
Join us and learn more about upcoming films that will be featured.
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Get involved: Upcoming meetings
The next City Council meeting will take place Tuesday, Jan. 10, starting at 5 p.m. in the City Council chamber. Topics scheduled to be discussed include:
- Approving the plans and putting a project out to bid to make city parking lots in the Village and in three city parks more accessible to people with disabilities
- An agreement for a pilot program that will allow the city to expand and improve its home energy assessment program at no additional cost
- An agreement with a company to review fire safety plans
- The Carlsbad projects and programs to be funded by federal Community Development Block Grant funds in the next fiscal year
- The annual reports and work plans of the Parks & Recreation Commission, Senior Commission and Beach Preservation Commission
- An update on the city’s efforts to promote state laws that will benefit Carlsbad, including one providing protections against workplace harassment and another on e-bike rider safety training and licensing
- The city’s new Economic Development Strategic Plan
- Considering the options to fill the vacant District 2 seat on the City Council
- Choosing a Mayor Pro Tem (like a vice mayor) and appointing City Council members to represent Carlsbad with regional committees and agencies, like NCTD
- Appointments to the Parks & Recreation, Planning, Traffic & Mobility and Beach Preservation commissions
A link to the full agenda and staff reports is available on the city’s website. You can watch the meeting live on the city’s website or cable TV channel.
We have three other city meetings planned next week:
It’s been a soggy last couple of weeks, with more rain in the forecast next week. Please remember to leave extra time to get where you need to go and be extra patient and kind on our roadways. I’ll be back next week with more updates.
Scott Chadwick
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