News from the City of Carlsbad | Oct. 22, 2026 | | |
With the days getting shorter, there couldn’t be a better time to celebrate the 115 new pedestrian lights brightening the Barrio. In today’s update, I’ve got a video showing off the new lights, plus clips from our ribbon cutting ceremony Tuesday.
I’ll also update you on our Carlsbad Boulevard beach stairs replacement project, including a video showing community members already taking advantage of two new sets of stairs.
Here’s the full lineup:
- New pedestrian lights brighten the Barrio
- Beach stairs take a step toward completion
- Managing the water level at Lake Calavera
- New exhibition featuring local artists opens Oct. 23
- Crime Prevention Month and reducing crimes of opportunity
- Safely dispose of medication at Prescription Drug Take Back Day
- Apply to serve on a city commission
- Get your items repaired and enjoy fall-themed activities
- Día de los Muertos and more community events
- Beach update
- Upcoming meetings
- Recognizing our first responders
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New pedestrian lights brighten the Barrio
The Barrio is a bit brighter and safer for people walking at night now that new pedestrian lighting has been installed. The 115 new pedestrian lights were installed this summer and powered up in late September and October as part of a larger effort to improve safety and quality of life in the Barrio.
- The Barrio is one of the city’s earliest neighborhoods and home to two community centers, the senior center, Chase Field, Pine Avenue Community Park and a community garden.
- Better lighting can make a meaningful difference in helping people feel more comfortable getting around and enjoying their neighborhood after dark.
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These new pedestrian lights are shorter than typical streetlights with a warmer color that’s not as bright, ideal for illuminating sidewalks. We celebrated the completion of the project on Tuesday with a ribbon-cutting event that included the City Council and U.S. Rep. Mike Levin.
The city collaborated with Rep. Levin to secure up to $5 million in federal funding administered by the California Department of Transportation for traffic and lighting improvements in the Barrio. Half of that was set aside for the pedestrian lighting project, while the other half was earmarked for traffic-calming projects, including new stop signs, painted crosswalks, flashing pedestrian signs, a raised crosswalk and a traffic circle at the intersection of Pine Avenue and Harding Street.
Thank you to the community members who supported this project by providing feedback to help guide the placement of the new lighting. And thank you for your patience over the summer as the light poles were installed.
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Here's where the overall project stands:
- The stairs at both Maple and Sycamore avenues are now closed while crews complete the work.
- The sidewalk between Pine and Sycamore avenues will also be replaced and widened as part of this phase.
- To make room for construction crews and equipment, Carlsbad Boulevard will be reduced to one northbound lane and one southbound lane between Oak and Pine avenues and through the Chestnut Avenue intersection.
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We know construction and traffic changes can be frustrating, and we appreciate your patience while this work is underway. Crews are working as quickly as possible, and the project remains on track for completion by summer 2027.
You can follow the project’s latest updates on the city’s website.
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Managing the water level at Lake Calavera
If you’ve walked or biked around Lake Calavera Dam recently, you may have noticed that the water level is lower than usual. That’s intentional.
When the forecast calls for rain, the Carlsbad Municipal Water District proactively lowers the dam’s water level to prepare for any significant rainfall event.
The dam is operating normally and water district staff closely monitor water levels at all times. Lowering the dam level ahead of anticipated rain helps create additional capacity.
As rainstorms arrive, the dam’s water level may temporarily rise slightly with the rain but will then fall to a level set by the water district through controlled releases of water. Lowering it now is a proactive measure to help better manage high water levels and protect areas downstream.
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Beach update
I know many of us are watching what is happening along the beaches in Carlsbad closely, so I want to continue to keep you updated.
Late last week, State Parks staff notified us that they temporarily closed the restroom and part of the North Ponto parking lot at South Carlsbad State Beach, due to damage from Tropical Storm Rachel. This area is just north of Carlsbad State Campground, and south of the segment of Carlsbad Boulevard where the city is working to stabilize that bluff. According to State Parks, they expect the partial closure will remain in place until the parking lot and bluff have been evaluated.
They asked us to remind visitors to be aware of posted signs and follow instructions from staff. For added safety, if you plan to visit the area, State Parks recommends doing so around low tide, when more sand is exposed between the cliffs and waves, allowing you to maintain a safer distance from the bluffs.
I’ll continue to keep you posted on the next steps we learn from the state about this area and Tamarack State Beach parking lot.
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New exhibition featuring local artists opens Oct. 23
Starting Friday, Oct. 23, the city is bringing back our popular Cannon Biennial Exhibition, featuring artwork from more than 80 local artists.
Cannon Art Gallery is a focal point for arts and culture in Carlsbad, contributing to the character and connectedness that make our community special. The exhibition continues that legacy with a theme of “everywhere home,” inviting artists to explore the many facets of what it is to feel at home – a deeply personal experience that varies for everyone.
Take a look at this behind-the-scenes video when the artwork was installed last week.
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You can stop by to meet the artists and see the artwork during a reception on Saturday, Nov. 7. During the reception, the community is invited to vote for their favorite art piece to win the community choice award.
Artists reception: everywhere home
Saturday, Nov. 7, 2026
3 to 5 p.m.
William D. Cannon Art Gallery
1775 Dove Lane
If you can’t make it to the reception, don’t worry. The exhibition will be open until Jan. 3, and more interactive events will be scheduled soon. Visit the city’s website for more details, and sign up to receive emails from the Cultural Arts team to make sure you get the latest news and updates.
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Crime Prevention Month and reducing crimes of opportunity
October is Crime Prevention Month, a good reminder that a few simple habits can go a long way toward preventing crime.
Crime rates in Carlsbad are low compared to many other cities in the region, and we work hard to keep it that way. Most crimes in Carlsbad are property crimes, so here are a few things residents and business owners can do to help protect their homes, belongings and businesses.
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Residential burglaries: Burglary crews may target unoccupied homes, stealing cash, jewelry and other valuables. Secure all doors and windows, avoid posting travel plans online, and consider security cameras, alarm systems and motion-activated lighting. Report suspicious people or activity around homes.
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Gym locker thefts: Theft at local fitness centers often involves wallets, credit cards and other valuables taken from lockers, either by accessing unlocked lockers or cutting locks to gain entry. Leave valuables at home when possible, use a sturdy lock, and immediately contact your bank if your cards are stolen.
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Commercial burglaries: In some recent commercial burglaries, suspects forced entry into businesses and stole various items. Business owners should secure all entrances, maintain exterior lighting and consider security cameras and monitored alarm systems.
Don’t forget about scams
Crime prevention also means protecting yourself from scammers. Be cautious of unexpected calls, texts or emails asking for money or personal information, especially if someone pressures you to act quickly or pay using gift cards, cryptocurrency, cash or other unusual methods.
Remember, scammers can make phone numbers and messages appear legitimate. If something doesn’t feel right, stop and verify the request independently before sending money or sharing personal information.
The Carlsbad Police Department is here to help keep Carlsbad safe, but residents also play an important role. Be the eyes and ears of your neighborhood and report suspicious activity. For non-emergencies, call 442-339-2197. If you believe a crime is in progress or there is an emergency, call 9-1-1.
You can also use the city’s crime mapping tool to view recent reported crimes in your neighborhood and review the latest regional crime report to see how Carlsbad compares.
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Safely dispose of medication at National Prescription Drug Take Back Day
Properly disposing of unwanted or expired medication helps keep our community safe and protects our environment, too. The city is hosting a drop-off event on Saturday, Oct. 24, as part of National Prescription Drug Take Back Day.
Saturday, Oct. 24
10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Safety Training Center
5750 Orion Street
Liquids and medical sharps such as needles and syringes cannot be accepted at Saturday’s take-back event, but pet medication is allowed. The city provides a safe way to dispose of sharps at the Palomar Transfer Station Buy Back Center.
If you can’t make it Saturday, the city offers a year-round Prescription Drug Drop Box at the Police & Fire Headquarters at 2560 Orion Way.
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Apply to serve on a city commission
If you love Carlsbad and want to help make a difference in our community, serving on a city commission is a great way to get involved. The city currently has openings on several commissions. It’s easy to apply online.
Applications are due by noon on Wednesday, Nov. 18.
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Get your items repaired and enjoy fall-themed activities
A special Fixit Clinic is coming to the Carlsbad City Library on Dove Lane on Saturday, Oct. 24 with a spooky fall theme.
Community members can bring broken or non-working items, including electronics, small appliances, bicycles, clothing and more, to work alongside volunteer coaches who can help troubleshoot and make repairs. The city will provide workspace, specialty tools and guidance. Even if an item cannot be fixed, you will learn more about how it was made and how it works.
In addition to repair support, attendees can take part in special fall activities, including:
- Swapping gently used Halloween costumes, accessories and decor
- Making fall crafts like monsters made of mason jars, pumpkins from old books and fall garlands from fabric scraps
- Bring a garden tool and one or two kitchen knives for free sharpening
- Drop off single-use plastic utensils for donation
- Drop off electronics for proper recycling at the free e-waste collection event hosted by Republic Services
Advanced registration is highly recommended to ensure participants are paired with the most appropriate coaches to repair their specific item. Walk-ins are welcome until 12:30 p.m.
Fixit Clinic
Saturday, Oct. 24
10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Carlsbad City Library on Dove Lane
1775 Dove Lane
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Día de los Muertos and more community events
The City of Carlsbad will celebrate Día de los Muertos at Leo Carrillo Ranch Historic Park on Saturday, Oct. 31, with live music, colorful decorations, activities and a traditional ofrenda dedicated to the Carrillo family. Ballet Folklórico San Diego will perform at 11 a.m., followed by Mexican folk music from Grupo Bella at 12:30 p.m.
Día de los Muertos
Saturday, Oct. 31
10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Leo Carrillo Ranch Historic Park
Additional parking available at Carrillo Elementary School
Free. No registration required.
Can’t make it on Oct. 31? The decorations will remain on display through Nov. 2, so you can stop by any time during regular park hours to explore them on your own.
Here are some more upcoming events and activities at our libraries, community centers and the Carlsbad Senior Center:
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Cinema Club Friday: “Tár” – Friday, Oct. 23, 4 and 7 p.m., Dove Library
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Saturdays in the Courtyard - Frank Lazzaro and the Middle-Earth Ensemble – Saturday, Oct. 24, 5 to 6 p.m., Dove Library
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Halloween Homecoming – Wednesday, Oct. 28, 9:30 to 11:30 a.m., Carlsbad Senior Center
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Reel Wednesday: “Sinners” – Wednesday, Oct. 28, 4 p.m., Dove Library
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Carlsbad High School Film Academy & Lecture: “The Quiet American” – Wednesday, Oct. 28, 7 to 9 p.m., Dove Library
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Recognizing our first responders
Saturday is National First Responders Day, so I want to take a moment to recognize the people who serve and sacrifice to help keep Carlsbad safe.
In the most difficult and unpredictable situations, you offer care, compassion and respect when our community members need it most.
Thank you for always heading toward the danger.
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Geoff Patnoe
City Manager
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