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News from the City of Carlsbad | Sept. 10, 2026

This week, the city declared a local emergency to expedite work to proactively stabilize a coastal bluff along a portion of south Carlsbad Boulevard ahead of possible strong El Niño conditions this winter. I’ll share more details on that, plus video of Veterans Memorial Park construction getting underway.

Here’s the full lineup: 


• Taking emergency action on city property in coastal areas
• Veterans Memorial Park starts to take shape
• Police warn of scams targeting older adults
• Scam emails targeting city permit applicants
• Cannon Art Gallery makes room for another exhibit
• Community events and activities 
• No coastal rail service this weekend
• Weekend work on Batiquitos Lagoon double tracking
• What’s on the agenda for your next City Council meeting
• Remembering 9/11, 25 years later

Update on Carlsbad beaches: taking emergency action on city property in coastal areas

In last week’s update, I shared with you some of the limitations we have as a city when it comes to making improvements or repairs to our coastline.

As a reminder, about 6 of Carlsbad’s 7 miles of coastline are owned and managed by the State of California through State Parks. This includes Tamarack State Beach. Because that beach and property belong to the State of California, the City of Carlsbad does not have the authority to lead the response or make repairs there. We must follow the state’s lead regarding their property.

But where we do have authority is on city property, including within our right of way. And that’s where we are taking action now.

As part of our preparation for the possibility of strong El Niño conditions this winter, city staff have been closely monitoring coastal areas under our control. During a routine inspection in June, staff observed bluff erosion along south Carlsbad Boulevard, north of the bridge at Las Encinas Creek.

We immediately took several precautionary steps, including placing cones and caution signs in the area, applying sealant to prevent moisture from getting into the pavement and protect any cracks, and continuing to closely monitor the bluff for movement.

We also brought in independent geotechnical experts to conduct a professional investigation of the bluff and roadway. Beginning in August, our staff worked with the California Coastal Commission on potential emergency stabilization measures and the permitting needed to complete the work.

On Tuesday, Sept. 8, we received the geotechnical report. It recommended emergency stabilization measures, including extending the existing rock revetment approximately 192 feet to the north.

The next day, on Sept. 9, the city declared a local emergency so we could expedite that work.

This is exactly the kind of quick, proactive action our city takes in areas under our authority. In fact, we’ve declared other emergencies this year which allows us to expedite repairs that would normally require a formal bidding process, which can take months. This underscores our commitment to regular maintenance and inspections, and dedication to swift action when infrastructure issues arise to minimize impacts to the community.

The existing rock revetment has been protecting Carlsbad Boulevard from erosion for years. The portion of the roadway currently protected by the revetment is holding steady. The additional revetment will extend that protection farther north, helping protect the bluff and roadway and maintain coastal access for people who walk, bike, drive or visit the area.

We are working with the California Coastal Commission to process the emergency permit needed for the project, and crews could begin placing heavy boulders, weighing several tons each, as early as next week. There may be intermittent lane closures and traffic impacts on southbound Carlsbad Boulevard while the work is underway.

I know coastal erosion is an issue that many people in Carlsbad are watching closely, especially as we prepare for the possibility of a strong El Niño. We will continue monitoring our city-owned coastal areas, working with our state partners where appropriate and taking action where we have the authority to do so.

We’ll keep you updated as this work moves forward.

Veterans Memorial Park starts to take shape

If you’ve been by the future home of Veterans Memorial Park lately, you’ve probably seen crews have started grading the site near Faraday Avenue and Cannon Road. This is one of the first and most important parts of the project. You can see what that work looks like in this video.

When it opens in about two years, the 93.7-acre park will give the community new places to gather, play, explore and reflect. Once complete, the park will include a Veterans Memorial Plaza, trails, viewpoints, picnic areas, playgrounds, fitness areas, a bike park, gathering spaces and public art. More than half of the site will remain protected habitat. 

What to expect during construction

Work is expected to take place at the site from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday, except federal holidays.

As with any project of this size, nearby residents and businesses may notice:


• Construction equipment
• Truck traffic
• Noise and dust
• Temporary traffic impacts during different phases of work

We know this kind of work can be inconvenient, and we appreciate your patience as this long-awaited park starts to take shape. We’ll share updates throughout construction, including information about road work, detours or other activities that may affect nearby residents, businesses, drivers, bicyclists or pedestrians.

You can also sign up to receive email updates about the park. 

Police warn of scams targeting older adults

The Carlsbad Police Department is seeing an increase in scams targeting older adults in our community, so we're asking everyone to stay alert. Scammers can be convincing and may impersonate government agencies, businesses or even people you know.  

In some recent cases, victims received an unexpected email or text message instructing them to call or text a phone number. Once contact was made, scammers provided instructions for sending large amounts of cash, including concealing money inside books and mailing the packages.

Our detectives have been working with the U.S. Postal Service and UPS to investigate these cases and attempt to recover victims’ money. It’s extremely difficult to recover funds once they have been sent, however Carlsbad Police have successfully recovered approximately $243,000 in cash for victims. Investigations are ongoing.

Please remember:


• Do not engage with unexpected or suspicious messages. If you receive an email, text message or phone call from someone you don’t know or weren’t expecting, don’t answer, respond or click any links.
• Never mail or send cash to someone who contacts you unexpectedly.
• Be suspicious of anyone who tells you to hide cash in a book, box or package.
• Never send gift cards or cryptocurrency at someone else’s direction.
• Scammers often create a sense of urgency or tell victims not to speak with family, friends, banks or police. Before sending money or providing personal information, stop and talk to someone you trust.

Please share this information with parents, grandparents, neighbors and other loved ones. Knowing the warning signs can help prevent these crimes.

Scam emails posing as city targeting building and development permit applicants

While I’m on the topic of scams, we have also received reports of fraudulent emails from addresses ending in @usa.com posing as the city, targeting building and development customers requesting payment of permitting fees. These are not legitimate and were not sent by the city. Please do not respond or provide any personal or financial information. This widespread phishing scam is targeting city and county planning and zoning departments throughout the nation, and now has the FBI involved.



To protect yourself and avoid potential scams: 


• Check the sender’s address: Official city emails and invoices will always come from an official @carlsbadca.gov email address.
• Look for the official permit portal link: Legitimate city emails will only include a link to our secure online permit portal – eg.carlsbadca.gov – for payment. 
• Be cautious of emails from any other domain – they are not legitimate communications from our team. 
• Be wary of high-pressure tactics: Scammers often use high-pressure tactics to get you to act. If you feel rushed or uncomfortable, it’s a red flag. 

If you receive a suspicious message or are unsure whether it’s genuine, please contact our Planning Division directly at planning@carlsbadca.gov or 442-339-2600 before taking any action. We’re here to help ensure your experience with the city is both positive and secure. 

Cannon Gallery makes room for another exhibit

After five months on display, the alchemy + light exhibit closed last month at the Wiliam D. Cannon Art Gallery. Now the artwork is coming down as the gallery gets ready for its next exhibit.

Before we look ahead, thank you to everyone who stopped by alchemy + light. Here are a few highlights:

• The exhibit featured more than 90 photographic works by seven North County photographers from the True North Photo Society.
• More than 6,000 people visited the gallery for the exhibit.
• Another 1,300 guests took part in related programs, including artist talks, workshops and an open studio event.

This video offers a behind-the-scenes look as the artwork comes down and the gallery prepares for what’s next — the return of the city’s popular biennial exhibition, opening Oct. 23. The exhibition features local artists and will have a theme of “everywhere home,” exploring the many facets of what it is to feel at home, a deeply personal experience that varies for everyone.

Sign up to receive emails about the city’s Cultural Arts programs and events to be among the first to get all the details.

Community events and activities

Speaking of city programs that bring our community together, here are some more events and activities happening soon at our city libraries, community centers and the Carlsbad Senior Center:

• Cinema Club Friday: “Sergio Mendes in the Key of Joy” – Friday, Sept. 11, 4 and 7 p.m., Dove Library
• Caregiver Networks Club – Saturday, Sept. 12, 10 to 11:45 a.m., Carlsbad Senior Center
• Grow Your Garden: Vermicomposting Made Easy – Saturday, Sept. 12, 10 a.m. to noon, Dove Library
• Saturdays in the Courtyard Concert: The Night Owls – Saturday, Sept. 12, 5 p.m., Dove Library
• Family Movie Night: “A Minecraft Movie” – Saturday, Sept. 12, 5 p.m. fun zone and food vendors, movie starts at dusk, Stagecoach Community Park
• Reel Wednesday: “The Hotel New Hampshire” – Wednesday, Sept. 16, 4 and 7 p.m., Dove Library 

No coastal rail service this weekend

The North County Transit District asked us to remind you there will be no rail service Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 12 and 13, between the Oceanside Transit Center and Santa Fe Depot in San Diego due to routine maintenance and rail infrastructure work.

This kind of closure – called an Absolute Work Window – happens several times each year. Learn more on the NCTD service alerts webpage. Scroll to the bottom for the full list of 2026 dates.

Weekend work on Batiquitos Lagoon double tracking

During the weekend rail closure, Caltrans and SANDAG Build NCC crews will continue work on a project to replace the rail bridge at Batiquitos Lagoon. Work will include removing an existing track segment, improving the underlying soil and installing a new track switch that allows the tracks to split.

Crews will be working within the Batiquitos Lagoon beginning Friday at around 9:30 p.m. and will work continuously until early Monday morning. According to SANDAG, this is necessary to allow all planned work to be completed while trains are not operating during the Absolute Work Window. They have indicated this is allowed only in areas within the NCTD right of way. The Build NCC construction program can be contacted at 844-622-0050 or buildncc@sandag.org.

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

The next City Council meeting will be on Tuesday, Sept. 15, starting at 5 p.m. in the City Council Chamber. Topics include:

• A monthly report on how the city’s investments are performing
• Amending a contract for body worn cameras and associated services
• Updating the city’s conflict of interest code
• Updating the city’s records retention schedule and records management program
• Confirming the declaration of a local emergency to expedite proactive coastal bluff stabilization on south Carlsbad Boulevard north of the bridge at Las Encinas Creek

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

Three easy ways to participate

1. Sign up to get agendas and staff reports emailed to you directly
2. Provide feedback via email to clerk@carlsbadca.gov by 2 p.m. the day of the meeting 
3. Sign up to speak at the meeting or comment virtually

… and three 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)

The Carlsbad Planning Commission is also scheduled to meet next week. Board and commission meetings are livestreamed on the city’s website and available to watch afterward. See the full meeting schedule on our city calendar. 

Remembering 9/11, 25 years later

Tomorrow will mark 25 years since the tragic events of Sept. 11, 2001. I want to take a moment to honor the courage and sacrifice of the first responders, remember the lives that were lost and acknowledge the families, friends and communities who continue to carry that loss.

As we reflect on that day and the years since, I’m also reminded of the compassion, courage and strength so many people showed in coming together during an unimaginable time. May we continue to honor that legacy by looking out for one another and strengthening the sense of community that connects us all. 

Geoff Patnoe

City Manager