Mornings are getting chilly again as we get ready to wrap up October. And, we’re just about a week away from the end of daylight saving time on Nov. 6 and the next election (Nov. 8). But before all that, I’ve got some suggestions for making Halloween less scary on our roads plus these updates:

• A little paint goes a long way
• Checking out city libraries
• Partnership to increase trees
• Startup week kicks off in Carlsbad
• Election information
• Community meeting on illegal substances
• Beach Preservation Commission vacancy
• Día de los Muertos
• Upcoming meetings

Using paint to improve traffic safety

Who doesn’t love a chance to take a good thing and make it even better? We often hear residents, especially those traveling on two wheels, brag that you can tell instantly when you cross into Carlsbad because of the condition of the streets. We do take pride in keeping up with street maintenance through an annual street resurfacing program. 

In addition to a smoother ride, resurfaced streets provide a blank slate where traffic engineers can rethink the placement of the lanes.

• Here in Carlsbad, most of our roads were designed back when moving cars was the main objective.
• That thinking has changed in recent years. Now the focus is on moving people, making room for those who want to ride a bike or walk in addition to those who drive.
• Don’t worry, we get that driving is still going to be a main mode of transport in a city like Carlsbad.
• But making biking and walking more inviting helps reduce car traffic and air pollution while improving people’s health and sense of community.

Because so many of Carlsbad’s streets are very wide, we can usually make much more efficient use of the space while giving all users a better experience. Here’s an animation that shows how restriping works:

This year, more than 200 street segments were already scheduled to be resurfaced and restriped through this annual program.

• Starting this year, we are adding green paint in some bike lanes. This helps increase visibility of bicyclists in potential conflict areas.
• The City Council recently approved expanded resurfacing and restriping even more as a quick and cost-effective way to help everyone use our streets in a safe manner.

Here you can see this program in action:

Gathering more input on the Safer Streets plan

Today I am presenting the city’s Safer Streets Together plan to two city commissions, Planning and Traffic & Mobility. The City Council asked staff to get input from these two commissions and the public before considering what additional steps to take to improve traffic safety. You can watch the Traffic & Mobility discussion starting at 5 p.m. (Planning Commission was at 1 p.m., but it’s the same presentation).

If you’d like to weigh in on your traffic safety priorities, please email [email protected].

Halloween is almost here, let’s look out for one another

Starting this weekend with Halloween parties and continuing through Monday night, we are asking all Carlsbad residents to use extra care.

Plan ahead

• Help your kids choose costumes and shoes that do not restrict movement and can be easily seen in the dark. Use reflective fabric or tape, or bring along glow sticks to improve visibility.
• Use safe, non-toxic makeup rather than masks that can restrict vision.
• Talk to kids about good community behavior and the consequences of vandalism and other neighborhood pranks.

Drive safely

• Look out for more pedestrians than normal, including small children who might be more difficult to see.
• Slow down and give yourself extra time to get where you need to go.
• Be sure to enter and exit driveways slowly and carefully.

Be a responsible host

• If you are hosting a party with minors, be aware that the City of Carlsbad has something called a social host ordinance. This means that parents will be held accountable if kids get access to alcohol or other controlled substances.
• Serve plenty of food and provide non-alcoholic beverage options. 
• Collect car keys from guests who are drinking.
• Arrange rides or provide sleeping accommodations if needed.

Perhaps most importantly, be the eyes and ears of your area. Immediately report suspicious activity to the City of Carlsbad Police Department at 760-931-2197, and for emergencies, call 9-1-1

Reduce, reuse and recycle, Halloween style

However you may be celebrating Halloween, please keep our environment in mind.

1. Prevent wrappers and packaging from polluting our ocean: Choose candy bags or other food items that have the least amount of packaging. When you’re done with your treats, throw candy wrappers in the trash since they can’t be recycled.
2. Reduce your food waste. Plan your meals before shopping and try to buy only what you need. Consider freezing anything you won’t use within a couple of days to avoid throwing it in the compost bin. 
3. Compost your leftover pumpkins and other expired food waste. This year, you can put your leftover pumpkins or other food waste that you didn’t freeze into your green compost bin. The city’s trash hauler will then take it to a facility where it will be turned into compost and a nutrient-rich soil additive. 

Checking out city libraries

• The city’s library staff shared some interesting stats at Wednesday’s Board of Trustees meeting.
• Since the COVID closures, foot traffic at our three libraries has returned, as has demand for library Wi-Fi and computers.
• Patrons liked the option of curbside service, so that is continuing, although at a much lower volume now that our doors are open.
• The use of digital library materials continues to increase, although our print collection remains popular.

The city’s library staff are constantly evaluating trends and adapting their services and offerings to meet the community’s needs. If you haven’t been lately, check them out, in person or online. From learning how to use a 3D printer to tracing your family’s genealogy or enjoying musical performances, I am confident you’ll find something enriching and unexpected.

Trees planted at Stagecoach Park

Twenty-seven new trees were planted two weeks ago at Stagecoach Community Park, courtesy of the Arbor Day Foundation, through a collaboration with the City of Carlsbad and the nonprofit Tree San Diego.

The Arbor Day Foundation covered the cost of the trees – just under $5,000 – and provided 50 volunteers who planted them at the park.

• Tree San Diego helped the city choose the right varieties for the site, including Deodor cedars, Vinegar trees, Willows, Camphor trees, California pepper trees and Canary Island pines.
• The trees will help support the City of Carlsbad’s Community Forest Management Plan, which guides the city’s efforts to increase its “urban tree canopy,” something that provides significant environmental benefits. 
• Over the next 50 years, the new trees will provide about $19,635 worth of benefits to the city, including:
• Improving air quality by reducing 477,724 pounds of atmospheric carbon dioxide. 
• Intercepting a total of 1,026,142 gallons of rainfall that could otherwise lead to soil erosion.
• Preventing 106,787 gallons of stormwater runoff that could pollute local waterways.

If you’re worried about water use, keep in mind that city parks are irrigated with recycled water, and trees provide valuable shade, reduce evaporation and help prevent erosion.

Learn more.

Carlsbad chosen to kick off San Diego Startup Week

The 10^th annual San Diego Startup Week conference for local entrepreneurs kicked off on Tuesday in Carlsbad Village.

• It’s only fitting that this year’s event was kicked off in Carlsbad, which has become a hot spot for startups.
• Fostering a healthy local economy is one of the top goals in the City Council’s recently adopted 5-Year Strategic Plan.

Startup Week brings together startup leaders, tech talent and investors across greater San Diego. These companies help drive innovation, create local jobs and generate revenue that flows into the community.

• In 2021, local companies drew $1 billion in venture funding to Carlsbad and our city’s economy grew to $14.6 billion.
• That’s second only in the region to the City of San Diego, according to a report presented to the City Council earlier this year.

The city is committed to ensuring our business community has tools and resources to grow and expand. If you’re a Carlsbad business looking for more information or resources, please contact our Economic Development Division at [email protected]. 

Election reminder

The Nov. 8 election is less than two weeks away, and voting has already begun. Here’s information about how to vote in Carlsbad:

Oct. 11 – Nov. 8*

You can drop off your signed and sealed mail ballot at all three city library locations during regular hours:

• 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday-Thursday
• 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday-Saturday

*Note on Election Day, Nov. 8, you can drop off your ballot at libraries from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Nov. 5 – 7, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. 

There are nine voting centers in Carlsbad, although you can go to a center in any location in the county. See the full list.

Nov. 8, 7 a.m. – 8 p.m.

All voting center locations will be open longer hours on Election Day.

What’s on the ballot

In 2022, the following city offices are up for election:

• Mayor
• City Council Member, District 1
• City Council Member, District 3
• City Treasurer
• City Clerk
• Measure J (Monroe Street Pool)

Find more information, including candidate statements, ballot language and more on the city’s website.

Community conversation about illegal substances

Earlier this week, the city’s police and fire departments joined Carlsbad Unified School District for a Parent University community conversation on illegal substances. Topics included:

• Various types of illegal substances, including the deadly fentanyl, their characteristics, symptoms and slang terms
• Recognition and treatment of overdoses 

We recorded the one-hour meeting, and I encourage you watch and share it with your friends and family members. It could save a life.

Beach Preservation Commission vacancy

If you are interested in serving on a city board or commission but are worried about the time commitment, the Beach Preservation Commission may be a good place to start. It meets every other month rather than monthly or twice a month.

• We currently have one unscheduled vacancy for a term that runs through June 2025.
• The commission meets on the first Tuesday of every other month to examine and report on topics related to beach and bluff erosion.
• Members must be Carlsbad residents and are appointed by the mayor, then confirmed by a majority City Council vote.

If you’re interested in serving, you can fill out an application online or pick one up in the City Clerk’s Office at City Hall, 1200 Carlsbad Village Drive. Applications are due by Friday, Nov. 4, at noon.

You can learn more about Beach Preservation Commission on the city’s website.

Día de los Muertos Open House

If you haven’t stopped by yet, you can still see the beautiful Día de los Muertos decorations at the city’s Leo Carrillo Ranch Historic Park during a special open house this weekend.

Día de los Muertos Open House

Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 29-30

9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Leo Carrillo Ranch Historic Park

6200 Flying Leo Carrillo Lane

FREE

The hacienda is adorned in traditional decorations and colorful ceramic art that includes an ofrenda (offering table) to the Carrillo family. The displays highlight the life of Leo Carrillo and his family while celebrating our local cultural heritage. 

Get involved: Upcoming meetings

The next City Council meeting will be held Nov. 8 at 5 p.m. in the City Council chamber. A link to the full agenda and staff reports will be available on the city’s website by the Friday before the meeting.

In the meantime, these city meetings are coming up:

• Oct. 27, 5 p.m. – Traffic & Mobility Commission
• Nov. 3, 6 p.m. – Arts Commission

Remember to slow down and stay alert when you’re on the road this weekend, and have a happy Halloween!

Scott Chadwick

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