This Week in Carlsbad

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Here’s our round up of stories in the City of Carlsbad this week, including:

Expanded in person services
Housing plan next steps
Safe, shop local tips
Earth Month events
Summer camp sign ups
Topics for next week’s City Council meeting
New Carlsbad Reads Together events
North County transportation survey
Operation seagull rescue

In person services expanding

Like many organizations, the city is in the process of adapting our operations based on recent changes in health restrictions, including expanding our in-person services. When it comes to resuming more in-person services, we will be taking a phased approach:

Opened April 1

Police and Fire Headquarters front lobby services

Opening week of April 5

Community centers (10% occupancy, not to include Senior Center or Harding Community Center)
Leo Carrillo Ranch Park’s historic structures and visitor center (25% occupancy)
Libraries (browsing materials and self-serve checkout, limited days and hours)
Cannon Art Gallery (50% occupancy, limited days and hours)

Opening week of April 12

Building, planning and engineering counter by appointment only, 2 days a week
Faraday cashier, 2 days a week

More details are available on this dashboard where you can quickly find out what is open for in-person services and when.

Housing plan presented to City Council

We are updating the city housing plan, something required by state law to ensure the city is meeting the housing needs of all members of the community. This includes updating city housing policies and designating space for about 3,900 new housing units by 2029.

The Carlsbad City Council will consider approval of the housing plan update at their meeting next Tuesday, April 6, at 3 p.m.

You can review the latest draft of the housing plan and email comments or sign up to provide live comments by phone on Tuesday. The meeting can be watched via the city livestream. Next steps include submitting the plan to the state for final approval by April 15 and public input this summer on potential sites to rezone for future housing.

Proud to support safe, shop local tips

In partnership with Visit Carlsbad, Carlsbad Chamber of Commerce and Carlsbad Village Association, the city is proud to support stay safe, stay open efforts! Watch this short video, highlighting some safe ways to shop local and support Carlsbad businesses.

Order directly from the source instead of third-party services
Highlight, tag and share businesses on your social media
Gather friends, neighbors and family to adopt a shop
Order goodies directly from the source to send good cheer to others
Show your Carlsbad pride and purchase their merchandise like shirts, stickers and cups

Learn more stay safe, stay open tips.

Celebrate sustainability during Earth Month in April

Earth Month activities are back! Carlsbad residents are invited to join the city in celebrating Earth Month with events and activities designed to help you reduce your impact on the environment and live more sustainably. Upcoming events include:

E-Waste Drop-Off - April 3, 10, 17, 24

Household Hazardous Waste Drop-Off - April 10, 17, 24 (Please note the original April 3 date has been canceled by the facility)

10 Ways to Live a Sustainable Life Virtual Workshop - April 10

Creek to Bay Cleanup (in your neighborhood!) – April 24

Full event details and schedule

While summer programs may look a little different again this year, our top While summer programs may look a little different again this year, our top priority is to continue to create an environment that protects everyone’s safety and provides peace of mind. In our in-person sports camps, kids can build on fundamentals, keep fit, improve technique and master skills. Let your child express themselves in art camp by creating a masterpiece, sculpting or producing a video. In our science and exploration camps, kids will have the opportunity to explore the fascinating world of science and STEM through a variety of exciting hands-on experiments. We look forward to seeing you again this summer!

City Council look ahead

The agenda for the next City Council meeting on 4/6 is now available. Topics will include:

An update on the city’s investments
Hiring design firm for a project to repair the roofs of the historic Leo Carrillo Ranch buildings
Amending city laws on elections, campaign disclosures and campaign contributions
Updating the General Plan’s Housing Element, which guides city housing policies
An update on the city’s COVID-19 response and its costs
Awarding franchise for city’s trash disposal, including green waste and organics
Discussing a change to the regular agenda statement on public comments

Meeting starts at 3 p.m. Sign up by 2 p.m. if you want to provide live comments by phone. Otherwise, you can send your comment via email.

Upcoming Carlsbad Reads Together events

This reading program brings community members together and engages them in discussion about the same book, Educated: A Memoir by Tara Westover at the same time. Check out your book now and start reading so you can join in the fun in April. Join us for special virtual events like a virtual book discussion on April 5, a virtual visit with author Tara Westover on April 8, and many more programs for all ages.

North County transportation needs

The San Diego Association of Governments is working on a transportation plan specifically for North County that will connect Carlsbad, Vista, Oceanside, San Marcos and Escondido. In their plan to design affordable, convenient and cleaner transportation choices, they’re looking for the community’s input.

Check out SANDAG’s virtual engagement hub and take their transportation priorities survey now through April 30.

Carlsbad at Work: Operation seagull rescue

Last month, a seagull was seen struggling to free itself after being caught on a fishing line that then got snagged on the Senior Center roof. Custodians Josh Savini and Luis Ortiz went to the roof area and cut the gull free. Josh and Luis think that their efforts were appreciated even though the bird didn’t stick around to say thank you!