Here in Carlsbad, we tend to get off a little easier when it comes to severe weather, but these last couple of weeks have been a challenge to say the least. Sharing weather-related news today along with these updates:

• Emergency preparedness resources
• Progress reported on traffic safety
• New COVID booster available
• Take a seat for the latest Cannon Gallery exhibit
• A family movie under the stars
• Supporting literacy and libraries
• Upcoming meetings
• Remembering 9/11

Weather watch, September edition

We are more fortunate than most when heat waves come, we're able to head to the beach or at least enjoy the ocean breezes. Nonetheless, these last couple of weeks have made Carlsbad feel like the tropics, even at night.

It’s looking like we’ll get some relief from the extra high temperatures starting Saturday, although not before seeing the effects of Hurricane Kay off the coast of Baja California.

• Expect strong winds and rain Friday and Saturday, along with dangerous surf.
• Some Carlsbad neighborhoods have already experienced power outages, and the state is asking for continued energy conservation, especially between 3 and 10 p.m. today, to help get us through tomorrow without widespread electricity shutdowns.
• You can read about “rolling outages” on the SDG&E Flex Alerts web page, including finding your home’s circuit number and comparing that to a map of potential outages.

Thank you to all Carlsbad residents and businesses who reduced their energy consumption this week. Here are some steps everyone can take to prepare for potential outages and reduce energy consumption during the Flex Alerts:

• If you must use major appliances, do so before 3 p.m.
• Close your window coverings to keep indoors cooler.
• If you have air conditioning, “pre-cool” your home prior to 3 p.m., then increase the thermostat to least 78 degrees or shut off the air conditioning altogether.
• Charge your devices before 3 p.m.

Heat/rain/wind

• City libraries, the Senior Center and community centers have air conditioning and are open through Saturday if you are looking for a place to get a break from the heat.
• Check around your home for lightweight patio furniture, cushions and other items that could cause damage if they’re picked up by high winds.
• Turn off your automatic irrigation system to save water and money.
•  If you have areas around your home prone to flooding, consider putting sandbags out. Here’s how to do that.

More tips to beat the heat

More emergency preparedness resources

Speaking of protecting yourselves and your home, September is National Preparedness Month, an annual event calling attention to the importance of preparing for disasters. Here are four top things you can start this weekend:

• Make an emergency plan
• Have a kit ready to go with supplies for people and pets
• Know how to get information during an emergency
• Prepare your home to prevent wildfires

You can find all the resources you need, including our quick-start Emergency Preparedness Guide, on the city’s Emergency Preparedness page.

Progress on traffic safety

It’s been a little over two weeks since our proclamation of a local emergency went into effect, and we are already seeing changes, from new green bike lanes in dozens of locations to enhanced enforcement and increased public awareness. I want to truly thank everyone for their efforts. Keeping our roads safe and inviting requires everyone to share in the responsibility of traffic safety.

Earlier this week, the City of Carlsbad’s Traffic & Mobility Commission met to advance several projects while providing feedback to city staff on the latest traffic data and a program to work with neighborhoods to address speeding concerns. The Traffic & Mobility Commission is a public forum for residents to provide feedback on traffic safety needs in the city and requests regarding traffic, bicycle and pedestrian safety. I encourage you to watch their monthly meetings, online or in person, and provide your input and ideas. 

Read meeting recap

Pedestrian safety

I mentioned last week that the city’s efforts are focused on all users of the road, not just bikes and e-bikes. This month the Police Department is sharing tips for being safe while walking, and I’d like to pass those along:

• Be predictable. Use crosswalks where drivers may anticipate pedestrians.
• Watch for approaching vehicles and practice due care when crossing the street. At 30 mph, a driver needs at least 90 feet to stop.
• Make it easier for drivers to see you at night – wear light colors and reflective material and use a flashlight (or your phone as a flashlight).
• Be careful crossing streets or entering crosswalks at night or on busy streets with higher speed limits.
• Practice safe walking routes and behaviors with your children.

Learn more

New COVID-19 booster

A new COVID-19 booster designed to protect against multiple strains of the virus has begun to arrive in San Diego.

• The so-called “bivalent” booster replaces the previous booster shot and is designed to generate an immune response to both the original COVID-19 virus and the more contagious BA.4 and BA.5 Omicron subvariants.
• The Pfizer/BioNTech version of the new booster is for people 12 and over, while the Moderna booster is for people 18 and older.

County health officials say initial supplies of the new booster will be limited. Contact your healthcare provider or pharmacy about when you can receive one. The county will be updating its vaccine events with information on the new booster, so stay tuned there as well. Learn more about the booster and where to get it on the county’s coronavirus vaccine website.

Family Movie Night

Our annual Family Movie Night is on for this Saturday at Stagecoach Community Park. As of now, it looks like the rain will subside in time, so city staff is proceeding as planned.

We will have movie-themed games and activities and a free showing of the Pixar film Up.

Saturday, Sept. 10

5 p.m. activities

7 p.m. movie

Stagecoach Community Park

3420 Camino de los Coches

For more information, visit the event webpage.

New exhibition at Cannon Gallery

Also on Saturday, the City of Carlsbad’s Cannon Art Gallery is opening a new exhibition showcasing one-of-a-kind chairs and celebrating the beauty, function and possibilities found in these essential everyday items.

The exhibition, The Chair, will feature selected works by 18 artists that range from fully functional furniture to pure art and sculpture. Admission is free.

The Chair

Sept. 10 - Dec. 3

William D. Cannon Art Gallery

Carlsbad City Library

1775 Dove Lane

There will also be a free opening reception at the gallery from 5 to 7 p.m. Saturday, hosted by the Carlsbad Friends of the Arts. The event will include light refreshments and a chance to meet some of the featured artists.

Visit the Cannon Gallery webpage to learn more.  

Supporting literacy and libraries in Carlsbad

Today is International Literacy Day. In the City of Carlsbad, we help advance literacy through programs that provide easy access to reading tools and resources at the Carlsbad City Library.

So if you’ve been thinking of getting a new Carlsbad City Library card, now is the time. With a library card, you can check out books, movies and music and access a wide range of resources that support life-long learning.

You can sign up for a library card at any Carlsbad City Library location by showing a photo ID and proof of your current address (you don’t have to be a Carlsbad resident). You can also fill out the online application to get a temporary card that will allow you to access most eResources.

In September, community members who show their library card at the Children's Desk or Information Desk at any of our three library locations will receive a fun incentive item.

Learn more

Get involved: Upcoming meetings

The next City Council meeting will be held Sept. 13 at 5 p.m. in the City Council chamber. Here are topics that are set to be discussed:

• An update on the city’s investments
• Amending the city’s employee benefits plan to keep it consistent with federal tax laws
• Closing a retirement account that is no-longer needed
• Allowing T-Mobile to sublease a wireless communication facility site at Calavera Hills Community Park to Dish Wireless
• An agreement to perform design services for the renovation of the city’s Emergency Operations Center
• Hiring a consultant to help the city re-prioritize and identify funding for future transportation improvements
• An agreement to evaluate whether it is feasible to build offices to centralize Fire Department administrative staff currently working in various locations
• Considering whether to ban overnight parking on Surfside Lane and Island Way
• Approving changes to the city’s Zoning Ordinance and another ordinance to make them clearer and to comply with state law
• An update from the Clean Energy Alliance, which provides energy from renewable sources for Carlsbad’s residents and businesses
• A report on the Police Department’s preparations for and expectations during an active shooter emergency
• An update on a study to protect south Carlsbad Boulevard, from Manzano Drive to Island Way, from future sea level rise by moving current southbound lanes to the east

A link to the full agenda and staff reports is available on the city’s website. You can watch the meeting live on the city’s website or cable TV channel.

One more city meeting is scheduled for next week:

• Sept. 12, 6 p.m. – Historic Preservation Commission 

Remembering 9/11

I want to acknowledge our country’s shared, somber anniversary approaching on Sunday, Sept. 11. As I remember the heroism and courage of the first responders and the thousands who lost their lives on 9/11, I also think about all the spouses, children, parents, siblings and friends who have had to live with that pain for the past 21 years. These loved ones are missed, but never forgotten.

Paying respects to Queen Elizabeth II

Earlier today we learned of the passing of Queen Elizabeth II, Britain’s longest serving monarch, at the age of 96. Carlsbad, along with government offices nationwide, have lowered our flags to half-staff as a symbol of respect for her leadership over the past 70 years.

Please stay safe this weekend and consider reaching out to friends and neighbors who might need support during the heat, rain and potential power outages. Our community’s care for one another has always been something that makes Carlsbad such a special place.

Scott Chadwick

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