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News from the City of Carlsbad | March 13, 2025

Hope everyone is staying safe and dry amid this week’s series of storms. Speaking of safety, please make sure you have this number saved in your phone: 442-339-2197. That’s the Carlsbad Police Department’s non-emergency line, and in today’s update I’ll dive deeper into when you should call it and why you’ll want it when you’re traveling.

I’ll also give you a heads up on a series of road resurfacing projects around the city and highlight a habitat management milestone 20 years in the making.

Here’s today’s full lineup:

• Citywide road repairs and schedule
• 20 years of protecting Carlsbad’s natural spaces
• Working together to keep our trails in top shape
• Trail volunteer event next week
• How to reach Carlsbad Police when it’s not an emergency
• Extra enforcement on St. Patrick’s Day
• Community events and activities
• Apply to serve on the Historic Preservation Commission
• What’s on the agenda for your next City Council meeting

Citywide road repairs and schedule 

To make sure our community has a smooth drive, the City of Carlsbad is in the process of repairing nearly 40 miles of neighborhood and main city streets. By maintaining our roads now, the city also saves money in the long run because we avoid larger repairs later.  

• Our weekly construction map highlights areas where crews will be doing this work the week of March 17. 
• While it’s mostly residential streets, there are some road repairs on major roads like El Camino Real and Batiquitos Drive.

As a heads up, for the week of March 24, you may notice a bigger effect on traffic because the work transitions to the next stage on main city roads. This includes closing several lanes of traffic so crews can put down the slurry seal (which protects the underlying pavement) and add the temporary striping. 

You’ll see those areas reflected in the map we update in next week’s City Manager’s Update. However, we are taking steps to lessen the impact, including: 

• Aligning road repairs along areas with schools to be during spring break (or a Saturday depending on weather).  
• The city is not planning any night work and we are not reducing car lanes on these streets.

We appreciate your patience as we maintain our roads and your feedback on some of the changes you’re seeing.  

Remember, the construction map is updated every week to help you avoid or minimize traffic delays and detours that often come with construction. The map only shows city projects. It doesn’t include construction projects by local utilities, private companies or other agencies.    

20 years of protecting Carlsbad’s natural spaces

Carlsbad staff, conservation partners and community members came together last week to celebrate 20 years of the city’s Habitat Management Plan and learn about the latest accomplishments.

The plan helps protect and maintain more than 6,200 acres of habitat, ensuring that Carlsbad’s natural spaces remain healthy for generations to come. This year’s report highlighted recent conservation efforts, including removing invasive species, restoring sensitive habitats and monitoring rare plant and animal populations.



Some highlights from the 20th annual report:

• Managing invasive species – Crews removed non-native, invasive plants like Ward’s weed, which spreads aggressively and threatens native habitats. At Rancho Carrillo Preserve, crews also removed artichoke thistle and fennel to protect rare plants like San Diego thornmint and thread-leaved brodiaea.
• Enhancing sensitive habitats – At Poinsettia Station Preserve, conservation work led to a surge in endangered vernal pool plants, with California Orcutt grass increasing from 100 plants in 2019 to more than 1,500 today. To survive, this federally endangered species relies on seasonal vernal pools, one of California’s most threatened ecosystems. Vernal pools also support two species of endangered fairy shrimp, which are not found in any other habitat.
• Supporting at-risk wildlife – Efforts in preserves across the city are helping protect species like the coastal California gnatcatcher. A couple of years ago, the city reached a major milestone in efforts to preserve habitat for the coastal California gnatcatcher. Additionally, monitoring programs are tracking wildlife movement across the city. Motion detection cameras have captured deer, bobcats, skunks, coyotes and even a young mountain lion. 

The city’s efforts align with the City Council’s 5-Year Strategic Plan goal of protecting Carlsbad’s natural environment.

If you missed it, you can watch a recording of last week’s meeting and read the latest Habitat Management Plan annual report, covering efforts from November 2023 through October 2024.

Working together to keep our trails in top shape

On a sunny day last month, about 30 community volunteers worked alongside city staff to complete some maintenance and improvements at the Robertson Ranch East Trail.

The group installed water bars to help keep rain from pooling on the trail and cleared vegetation and weeds in the area. They also helped rehabilitate a dry crossing – a river that forms and flows whenever there is enough rain.

As a bonus, a representative from the Center for Natural Lands Management gave a presentation about native plants in coastal sage scrub habitat, which is a staple of Southern California.

Thank you to everyone who participated. You help make Carlsbad an amazing place to live and work. And that leads me to our next trail volunteer opportunity…

Trail volunteer event at Harbor Drive Trail

On Wednesday, the City of Carlsbad is hosting another trail volunteer event at Harbor Drive Trail. No special skills or experience are required. The city provides all the tools you need, plus training.

Harbor Drive Trail volunteer event

Wednesday, March 19

8:30 to 11:30 a.m.

Harbor Drive Trail

4165 Harbor Drive

Park on Harbor Drive or Chinquapin Avenue

If you’re planning to attend:

• Register in advance by creating an account in Better Impact, which allows you to review necessary forms and join our network of volunteers. While registration is preferred, it's not required for one-time participation.
• RSVP by emailing Ben Goldstein.
• If you come without being pre-registered, you can still volunteer by completing a waiver on site.
• On the day of the event, wear closed-toe shoes and long pants to protect against bugs and branches. Bring water, sunscreen and gloves. (If you don’t have gloves, we can provide them.) 

How to reach Carlsbad Police when it’s not an emergency

The Carlsbad Police Department is committed to addressing all public safety concerns as part of its dedication to delivering exceptional service to our community. You can help maintain that high level of service by knowing which number to call when you need police assistance.

As a rule of thumb, use the non-emergency line, 442-339-2197, for incidents that aren’t dangerous or life threatening.

The line is staffed 24-hours a day by the same dispatchers who answer 911 calls, so rest assured the phone will be picked up. Here are some reasons to call the non-emergency line: 

• Reporting a past crime (theft, vandalism, fraud, etc.)
• Noise complaints (loud music or parties)
• Non-violent disputes or neighbor issues
• Minor traffic accidents without injuries
• Parking complaints
• Welfare checks on someone who is not in immediate danger

It’s also important to note that if you’re out of town and need to reach Carlsbad Police for an emergency back home, you’d need to call the non-emergency line, as 911 will route you to dispatchers in your current location.

When it comes to 911, call in situations like these:

• Crimes in progress (assault, robbery, burglary, etc.)
• Fires or explosions
• Medical emergencies (chest pain, severe bleeding, difficulty breathing, etc.)
• Car accidents with injuries or major road hazards
• Suspicious activity that may pose a threat
• Any other life-threatening situation

A big thanks to our dispatchers and all our first responders for watching out for our community. 

Extra enforcement on St. Patrick’s Day

I want to wish a safe and happy St. Patrick’s Day to all who celebrate.

If you’re planning to go out, please plan ahead and if need be designate a driver or use a rideshare service.

This weekend and on St. Patrick's Day this coming Monday, Carlsbad Police will have extra officers on patrol looking for signs of impaired driving.

We’re also asking our community to follow the “see something, say something” rule. If you see someone you suspect is driving under the influence, report it by calling 911. 

Apply to serve on the Historic Preservation Commission

If you have some experience and interest in historic preservation and want to help make a difference in our community, consider applying for a vacancy on the City of Carlsbad Historic Preservation Commission.

• The commission advises the City Council, Planning Commission and Housing Commission on how to identify, protect and preserve historic sites within the city.
• Applicants must have a background in architecture, archaeology, geology, history or a related field and must be Carlsbad residents who are registered to vote in the city.
• Commission members are nominated by the Mayor and approved/confirmed by a majority City Council vote.
• You can apply online or pick up an application in the City Clerk’s Office at City Hall, 1200 Carlsbad Village Drive. Applications are due by noon Tuesday, April 8.

Upcoming events

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

• Cinema Club Film Friday, “Lucky Grandma” – Friday, March 14, 4 p.m. and 7 p.m., Dove Library
• Shamrock Social (ages 10-14; $15) – Saturday, March 15, 6 to 9 p.m., Pine Avenue Community Center
• Digital Photo & Tech (adults 50+) – Wednesday, March 19, 2 to 3:15 p.m., Carlsbad Senior Center
• Reel Wednesday – “On the Basis of Sex” – Wednesday, March 19, showings at 4 p.m. and 7 p.m., Dove Library

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

What’s on the agenda for your next City Council meeting

The next City Council meeting is Tuesday, March 18, starting at 5 p.m. in the City Council Chamber. Topics include:

• Monthly update on how the city’s investments are performing 
• An agreement with the Carlsbad Police Management Association on compensation and benefits 
• A federal grant that will pay for shields for the Police Department’s SWAT team 
• A state-required report on the city’s progress in implementing its General Plan, with the focus on how the city has met its share of regional housing goals and implemented its housing programs   
• The annual report on the city’s Housing Trust Fund. The fund, generated primarily through developer fees, provides financial support for projects and programs to help people with lower incomes and in need of affordable housing   
• A code of conduct for all city public facilities, services, programs and events  
• Adopting an ordinance to amend the unlawful camping section of the Municipal Code to address concerns about people living in vehicles as part of the city’s efforts to reduce homelessness and its impact on the community
• A report on the city’s vacancies and its recruitment and retention efforts, which is required annually by state law  
• Declaring weeds and refuse on certain private properties around the city to be public nuisances so they can be removed as potential hazards 
• An update from the Fire Department 
• Options related to recent traffic lane reconfigurations on El Fuerte Street 
• A report on leashed and unleashed dogs in the city and where enforcement occurs 

The agenda and staff reports are available on the city’s website.

3 easy ways to participate

1. Sign up to get agendas and staff reports emailed to you directly
2. Provide feedback via email before the meeting 
3. Sign up to speak at the meeting

… and 3 ways to watch

1. Follow the meeting live on the city's website 
2. Watch the meeting live on the city’s cable channel: Spectrum channel 24 or AT&T U-verse channel 99
3. Watch a recording of the meeting afterward (online or on our channel)

Board and commission meetings are also livestreamed on the city’s website and available to watch afterward. You can see the meeting schedule on our city calendar.

Have a great weekend and I’ll be back next week with more city news.

Geoff Patnoe

City Manager