Happy New Year! Here at the city, we operate on a fiscal year that runs from July 1 to June 30. This means we have just begun a new budget cycle, working from the spending plan approved by the City Council last month. Over the coming weeks, I’ll provide updates on some of the new projects and initiatives we’ll be working on, which are summarized in this budget recap I shared a few weeks ago. In the meantime, this week’s news includes:
- Drinking water quality gets top marks
- Input on downtown design standards
- Parks & Rec programs making an impact
- TGIF moves to Poinsettia this week
- Protect yourself against catalytic converter theft
- Free movies at the library
- Warning for dog owners
- Help with electric bills
- Upcoming meetings
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Drinking water quality gets top marks
The Carlsbad Municipal Water District has released its latest water quality report, which shows we are meeting or exceeding all state and federal drinking water standards.
Water districts are required to publish information about drinking water quality in a report that comes out each July. This year’s report includes:
- Detailed water quality test results
- Information about where our drinking water comes from
- Conservation tips to help residents use water wisely
- Contact information for local, state and federal water agencies
You can find water quality reports for those agencies on their websites.
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Village and Barrio design standards
You have about 10 more days to weigh in on “objective design standards” for multifamily housing and mixed-use development in the Village and Barrio areas. We held a community workshop last week to talk about this project and get input in person. You can provide feedback through an online survey through July 18.
- The standards won’t change things like building heights or setbacks defined in the Village and Barrio Master Plan.
- Instead, they will add clarity and give specificity to what’s in the plan so Carlsbad can better preserve the unique character and charm of the Village and Barrio areas while complying with state laws designed to ease California’s housing crisis.
All of the input will be provided to the Design Review Committee, a group formed by the City Council to guide the development of these standards. Once a draft of the new standards is ready, we will make it available for public review and comment. The project is scheduled for completion by summer 2023.
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Parks & Rec programs making an impact
Making friends in a new city can be hard for anyone, but it can be especially daunting for teen-agers.
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This week, resident Max Baillie tells us how the city’s basketball program made a difference in his life when he moved to Carlsbad at age 13.
- In fact, he went on to volunteer as a coach for our rec league when he grew up so he could help other young people benefit from the same sense of belonging, teamwork and connection he found many years ago.
We're proud to profile Max as part of our Parks & Rec Month celebration
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TGIF moves to Poinsettia Park
On Friday, our TGIF Concerts in the Parks series moves to Poinsettia Community Park. This Friday’s show will feature the high-energy dance band The Mighty Untouchables, whose repertoire includes everything from Top 40 to disco to classic rock to jazz. If you’re planning to attend, please note the information below to make your evening fun and stress-free.
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- Field will open at 4 p.m. Concert starts at 6 p.m.
- Consider getting dropped off or carpooling to ease traffic.
- You can park offsite at North Coast Calvary Chapel, 1330 Poinsettia Lane, and take our free shuttle to and from the concert location.
- The shuttle runs from 4:15 to 9:15 p.m.
- Don’t forget to pack a picnic – no food and drink vendors this season.
- Please leave your furry friends at home.
- It never hurts to bring bug spray just in case.
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Preventing catalytic converter theft
Here’s an easy and free way you can help protect your car from catalytic converter theft. The San Diego County District Attorney’s Office is partnering with Midas to offer free catalytic converter engraving at all Midas locations in the county. The closest ones to Carlsbad are in Encinitas and Vista. Engraving your information on this car part makes it easier to prosecute thieves. Get the details.
Catalytic converters are a key part of a gas-powered car’s emissions system and help reduce the amount of harmful pollution going out the tailpipe. They contain expensive precious metals including platinum, palladium and rhodium, which costs over $11,000 per ounce.
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The City of Carlsbad has been working hard to prevent these costly crimes.
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Earlier this year, we became the first city in the county to require proof of ownership for anyone in possession of a catalytic converter not attached to a vehicle.
- In San Diego County, there were 393 reports of thefts of catalytic converters in 2020. In 2021, the number increased 423%, to 2,056 – and those were only the thefts that were reported.
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Free movies at Dove Library
If you’re looking for a midweek break, join us on Wednesday evenings for Cinema Club, featuring free movie showings at the Schulman Auditorium (at the Dove Library complex, 1775 Dove Lane). The theme of July’s line up is the great outdoors:
Wednesday, July 13, 6 p.m.
Indian Summer Comedy, Drama, Romance (1993, PG-13, 1h 37m)
Seven friends reunite for a week-long reunion at a summer camp in Ontario they used to attend as children which is now threatened with being closed down.
Wednesday, July 20, 6 p.m.
Moonrise Kingdom Comedy, Drama, Romance (2012, PG-13, 1h 34m)
A pair of young lovers flee their New England town, which causes a local search party to fan out to find them.
Wednesday, July 27, 6 p.m.
The Kings of Summer Adventure, Comedy, Drama (2013, R, 1h 35m)
Three teenage boys spend a summer building a house in the woods together, and learn valuable lessons about family, friendship and independence.
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Increase in dog illness
Recently, the San Diego Humane Society reported an increase in canine respiratory symptoms among dogs at its shelters. Testing confirmed it’s an illness called canine pneumovirus.
To try to reduce new infections, for now, the Humane Society will not accept owner-surrendered dogs at its shelters in Oceanside, Escondido, San Diego and El Cajon, except in cases of emergency that threaten the health of the pet. Alternative options are provided on its website.
The City of Carlsbad contracts with the Humane Society for animal services, such as:
- Dog licensing and license renewal
- Adoptions
- Affordable community veterinary assistance programs such as spaying and neutering
- PAWS San Diego, a safety-net program for the elderly, home bound, chronically ill, homeless and other groups at risk of giving up their pets due to economic restraints
- Investigation and enforcement of animal cruelty laws and related activities
- Picking up and caring for injured domestic animals
- Addressing dangerous domestic animal situations
- Monitoring and responding to bites and enforcing rabies quarantine requirements
- Pet behavior modification programs
- Animal relinquishment, re-homing and euthanasia (upon owner’s request)
- Temporary boarding of pets belonging to people experiencing homelessness
Canine pneumovirus is a relatively new virus. According to the Humane Society, while it’s mild in most animals, a small number of dogs may develop pneumonia. If you notice cold-like symptoms in your dog at home, you should schedule an appointment with your veterinarian.
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Help with electric bills
Rising electric rates are a top concern for many people. SDG&E asked us to share this information if you or someone you know needs assistance:
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California Alternate Rates for Energy: Save 30% or more every month on your bill based on household income and number of people. Find out if you qualify at sdge.com/CARE.
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Family Electric Rate Assistance: If you don’t qualify for CARE and your household has three or more people, you could receive an 18% discount on your electric bill. Visit sdge.com/FERA to learn more.
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Arrearage Management Plan: If you have outstanding bills and are a CARE or FERA customer, you may be eligible for debt forgiveness. See if you qualify at sdge.com/AMP.
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Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program: Offers up to $1,000 in financial assistance toward your energy bill. This Federal assistance program also provides support for energy-related home improvements. Learn more at sdge.com/LIHEAP.
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Get involved: Upcoming meetings
The next City Council meeting will take place Tuesday, July 12, starting at 5 p.m. in the City Council chamber. Topics scheduled to be discussed include:
- Accepting a $66,800 donation from Friends of the Library
- The annual levy of assessments for four of the special districts that help pay for Carlsbad’s infrastructure
- Revisions to the Carlsbad City Employees’ Association salary schedule
- Awarding a contract for replacing and repairing the roofs at the Leo Carrillo Ranch
- An agreement to design an upgrade of the video and sound systems at the City Library’s Schulman Auditorium and Cannon Art Gallery
- Funding for the temporary trailers needed for offices during the renovation of the Police and Fire Headquarters
- Amending an agreement for the widening of El Camino Real to cover the additional costs of moving a water main
- Extending the agreement with the company that supplies emergency medical products to the Fire Department
- Accepting the Carlsbad Fire Department Foundation’s donation of a rescue watercraft and trailer for the Fire Department’s lifeguard program
- Considering whether to declare a segment of Aviara Parkway exempt from the standard for vehicle traffic set in the city’s Growth Management Plan
- Naming a library courtyard to honor former Mayor Pro Tem Ann Kulchin
- Refinancing a city bond issue to reduce the cost for homeowners for a special district that pays for infrastructure
- Appointing one member to the Senior Commission and one member to the Housing Commission
These additional city meetings are also scheduled for next week:
- July 11, 3 p.m. – Economic Development Subcommittee
- July 12, 9 a.m. – Legislative Subcommittee
- July 14, 6 p.m. – Housing Commission
This morning city officials attended the groundbreaking for a major renovation of New Village Arts. I’ll share details next week about this unique city partnership that has transformed an underutilized city building into an award-winning arts center.
Until then, I hope you can get out to enjoy some of the beautiful summer we are having here in Carlsbad.
Scott Chadwick
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Fun things to do
Quick Links
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CarlsbadConnects app is an easy way to report things that need repair or attention around town, like potholes, sidewalk cracks, traffic light outages, graffiti and code enforcement issues. Submit service requests anonymously or create a free account where you can track progress and see what other people have reported.
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