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News from the City of Carlsbad | March 27, 2025

On Monday, Cal Fire released its updated Fire Hazard Severity Zone map for Southern California, which classifies areas of Carlsbad that are most susceptible to wildfire.

You can view our updated webpage that explains the map, gives tips on things you can do to protect your home from wildfires and answers some common questions. I’d also like to point you to a video with our Fire Marshal giving an overview of the map and the safety measures we’re taking. More details are below.

Plus, I’ll share a behind-the-scenes video of our crew wrapping up a project that added 28 new parking spaces to the Village.

Here’s what’s in store for today:

• What the state’s updated fire zone map means for Carlsbad
• City to consider e-bike minimum age
• Update: More parking spots added to the Village
• Mark your calendar for Earth Month events
• New digital resource hub for small businesses
• Ruby G. Schulman Auditorium reopens
• Carlsbad Reads Together kicks off next week
• One week left to nominate Citizen of the Year
• Monroe Street Pool closes Monday for renovations
• Plan ahead to avoid traffic delays
• Community events and activities
• Upcoming city meetings

What the state’s updated fire zone map means for Carlsbad

Cal Fire’s updated Fire Hazard Severity Zone map classifies areas of Carlsbad as moderate, high and very high when it comes to levels of susceptibility to wildfire.

The state agency has updated the fire hazard severity zone map for the first time since 2007 to ensure that fire-preventative codes, regulations and laws apply in the most appropriate areas. Specifically, the map is accounting for conditions such as vegetation type, density, terrain, weather, winds and fire history. This is also the first time the map is classifying areas with moderate and high fire hazard severity zones within a local responsibility area.

The zones represent the fire hazard levels of an area based on the likelihood of a fire reaching it and its potential intensity. They do not indicate the risk of individual properties being damaged in a wildfire.

What does this mean for Carlsbad?

In certain areas, the map will guide city development standards and increase requirements for new buildings to have fire-resistant features as well as defensible space (buffers) between them and the surrounding wildland area.

• New construction in high and very high zones must adhere to ignition-resistant building standards.
• Property sellers in the high and very high hazard severity zones must disclose the designation in real estate transactions and an inspection is required by the Fire Department.
• The map is not expected to impact insurance coverage, as insurance companies have their own model that takes risk and other factors into account, according to Cal Fire.

The city is continuing to carry out brush management and wildfire mitigation efforts including:

• Conducting the city’s annual Hazard Reduction Program to require abatement of weeds and overgrown vegetation on vacant parcels.
• Managing brush on city-owned land by pruning trees, removing dead or dying trees and clearing invasive, non-native plants. 
• Employing a full-time wildfire mitigation specialist who works with homeowners associations and residents to ensure compliance with their respective fuel modification zones – the defensible space buffer between the boundaries of the HOA and the open space.
• HOAs and resident groups can also become FireWise USA recognized. Watch this video to see how it works and potential benefits.

In February, the City Council approved funding as part of the mid-year budget review for new fire mitigation and preparedness efforts, building upon the city’s existing initiatives. And just yesterday, myself and others on our leadership team participated in a wildfire training exercise to make sure Carlsbad is always ready to protect our community when it matters most.

You can provide feedback on the map through April 23. We’ve also prepared a short handout with more info on what the city is doing to minimize wildfire risk and a quick-reference checklist with actions you can take to protect your home from wildfire.

City to explore potential e-bike minimum age

When we asked for community input before launching the city’s Safer Streets Together program in 2022, the number one request was to require licenses or establish a minimum age for riding e-bikes. Last year, the city worked with Assemblymember Tasha Boerner to pass Assembly Bill 2234, which allows local governments in San Diego County the option to limit or prohibit anyone younger than 12 from riding an e-bike.

On Tuesday, the City Council voted to seek the public’s input on prohibiting anyone under age 12 from riding e-bikes. The Traffic Safety & Mobility Commission will hold a public hearing during a future meeting. The feedback would then be shared with the City Council.

I will keep you posted on the date of that meeting and how to provide comment. In the meantime, you can visit our Safer Streets Together website for safety tips and sign up for email updates. 

Update: More parking spots added to the Village

You should start to notice more open parking spots around the Village.

That’s because this week, city staff completed a project to add an additional 13 spots in the area. That’s on top of the 15 I told you about when we first started adding parking in January.

Our staff removed some “no parking” signs, restriped where appropriate and repainted red curbs where they are no longer needed (think of a red curb near a driveway that is no longer being used). While parking in the Village is a priority, so is traffic safety. Therefore, we didn’t add any additional parking that created visibility concerns.

In this video, you can go behind the scenes as our crew wrapped up the work Tuesday. 

New digital hub for small businesses

The City of Carlsbad is dedicated to supporting local businesses by providing tools and resources that help them succeed. That’s why we created a new Digital Resource Hub —an online platform where businesses can access key information, market data, and networking tools anytime, anywhere.

To help businesses make the most of this new resource, the city is hosting a virtual webinar to walk through the platform and demonstrate how it can be used to support business growth.

Digital Resource Hub Webinar

Thursday, April 3

10 to 11 a.m.

Register online

Mark your calendar for Earth Month events in Carlsbad

Earth Month starts next week, and the city is hosting a full lineup of events on Saturdays in April to help you reduce waste, conserve resources and care for the environment.

• Fixit Clinic – April 5, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., Dove Library
• Electronic waste collection event – April 5, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., Dove Library
• Earth Month Celebration – April 12, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Pine Avenue Community Park
• Compost and mulch giveaway – April 12, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Carlsbad Senior Center parking lot
• Shred & Recycle It! – April 26, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Location information provided upon registration. Sign up on the Republic Services website starting March 31.
• Donate, Don’t Waste collection event – April 26, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Alga Norte Community Park parking lot near the skate park
• Creek to Bay Cleanup – April 26, 9 a.m. to noon. Online registration opens April 1. 

Visit the city’s Earth Month webpage to learn more about these events, and I’ll share more details throughout April. This week, I’ll start with a deeper look at the first events.

Fixit Clinic and e-waste collection event

Saturday, April 5

10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Dove Library

1775 Dove Lane

• Work one-on-one with a volunteer coach who will help you bring new life to broken household items. See how it works in this video. If we can’t fix it, you’ll still walk away with a better understanding of how it works.
• Register in advance to help get matched with the right coach (walk-ins are also welcome).
• Try an upcycling activity using old library books—turn them into a picture frame, knife holder, flower display or heart decoration.
• Drop off old or broken electronics in the parking lot with Republic Services on-site to handle responsible recycling. 

We hope you’ll join us in celebrating Earth Month and take small steps that make a lasting difference.

Ruby G. Schulman Auditorium reopens

The city recently reopened the Ruby G. Schulman Auditorium at the Carlsbad City Library on Dove Lane after extensive renovations to its lighting and sound systems, including:

• Upgraded LED house and stage lighting
• A new state-of-the-art surround sound system
• A 4K front projector, a new rear projector and an enhanced camera system

The auditorium hosts a variety of events, including weekly film screenings, concerts and other performances. (See the full schedule.)

The community is invited to celebrate the renovations during a free event on Saturday, generously supported by the Carlsbad Library & Arts Foundation.

Ruby G. Schulman Auditorium Renovation Celebration

Saturday, March 29

5 p.m. Reception in the Ann Kulchin Courtyard

6 p.m. Concert featuring The Camarada Tango Quartet

1775 Dove Lane

Carlsbad Reads Together kicks off April 1

A reminder that Tuesday, April 1, is the start of Carlsbad Reads Together 2025, a month-long citywide book club where everyone reads the same book at the same time and can come together through related special events and activities. 

This year’s selection is "The Cemetery of Untold Stories" by Julia Alvarez. To encourage the whole family to participate in Carlsbad Reads Together, we’ve also selected books for teens and children that fit with this year’s theme, including some written by Alvarez.

All month long the city will be hosting unique events and activities that celebrate reading and writing and underscore the themes in “The Cemetery of Untold Stories.” 

One week left to nominate Citizen of the Year

Do you know a local volunteer who has given their time, energy and talents for the betterment of Carlsbad? If so, you have until Friday, April 4 to nominate them for Carlsbad Citizen of the Year.

This annual award, in its 58th year, recognizes residents who have provided outstanding service to our community.

Nomination forms are available on the city’s website and at City Hall (1200 Carlsbad Village Drive). Email council@carlsbadca.gov or call 442-339-2830 with questions.

Monroe Street Pool closure starts Monday for renovations

Remember, the Monroe Street Pool will temporarily close on Monday, March 31 for a reconstruction project that will take about 18 months. Sunday is the last day to use the pool.

Alga Norte Aquatic Center will be open throughout the closure.

We appreciate your patience and will work to minimize inconveniences. You can sign up to receive project email updates, and we will keep you informed on the pool's progress throughout construction.

Plan ahead to avoid traffic delays

Before you head out next week, don’t forget to check our construction map to see where larger city projects are happening that might affect your drive. Remember, the map only shows city projects. It doesn’t include construction projects by local utilities, private companies or other agencies. 

Community events and activities

Here are some city events and activities coming up at our libraries and community centers.

• Cinema Club Film Friday, “Copa '71” – Friday, March 28, 4 p.m. and 7 p.m., Dove Library
• March Mania – Hoop Madness (grades 6 to 8) – Friday, March 28, 6 to 8 p.m., Pine Avenue Community Center and Park
• Reel Wednesday, “Remains of the Day" – Friday, March 28, 4 p.m. and 7 p.m., Dove Library
• Tai Chi for Arthritis and Fall Prevention (all ages) – Wednesday, April 2, 8:30 to 9:30 a.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.

Upcoming city meetings

The next City Council meeting is Tuesday, April 15, starting at 5 p.m. in the City Council Chamber.

However, next week there are meetings scheduled for several of our city boards and commissions, including the Planning Commission, Arts Commission and Beach Preservation Commission.

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

Take care and I’ll be back next Thursday with more updates.

Geoff Patnoe

City Manager