Punxsutawney Phil saw his shadow yesterday, portending six more weeks of winter. For us, that seems to mean three Santa Anas in a row and nighttime lows in the 40s. But spring will be here soon enough, and if COVID trends continue, so will a return to the optimism we felt this time last year. More on that in this week’s update, plus:
- And then there were three (redistricting maps)
- Two opportunities to serve your community (and plan the future!)
- Lighting project in the Barrio moving forward
- Nominations open for Citizen of the Year
- Celebrating Black history
- Art in Carlsbad
- Upcoming meetings
|
|
COVID-19 update
As predicted, new COVID-19 cases are declining sharply, although hospital capacity is still a concern (remember health officials say there is about a three-week lag between new infections and an increase in hospitalizations). The good news is that hospitalizations are not increasing.
|
|
The county cautions that reported case numbers do not reflect all cases, as home tests are becoming more available. Below are what the new case curve looks like countywide (this has daily numbers of cases reported) and active cases in Carlsbad (this is a weekly number we calculate based on the number of new cases in Carlsbad and the average time someone is thought to be contagious).
|
|
Indoor mask mandate update
The state’s indoor mask mandate is currently in effect through Feb. 15. We don’t know yet if it will expire or be renewed. In the meantime, the city must follow all county and state health mandates. We can always be stricter than the county and state, but we cannot be less strict.
Vaccine updates
Moderna’s vaccine has received full FDA approval for those 18 and older. In reading about this I learned the vaccine has an actual name: Spikevax.
Pfizer has begun the process of applying for emergency use authorization for those six months to 5 years of age. The FDA’s vaccine advisory committee is scheduled to meet about the application Feb. 15.
|
|
Commission narrows district maps to 3
A months-long process to create new City Council district boundaries is nearly complete, but you still have time to weigh in before a final decision is made on the new boundaries Feb. 17.
Why is this important? The new City Council district map will determine which neighborhoods will vote together to elect a City Council member. There are four City Council members who serve staggered four-year terms. Districts 1 and 3 are up for election this November.
What to know …
- Local governments must redistrict at least once every 10 years, based on federal census data, to reflect changes in population and to ensure that all districts have about the same number of residents.
- The city’s Independent Redistricting Commission has reviewed 65 proposed maps for the new boundaries and narrowed them down to three preferred options.
-
You can see one option now and the other two (which required some modifications based on commission feedback) next week.
- On Feb. 17, the commission will hold a final public hearing to discuss the maps and vote on the new boundaries.
-
You can share feedback about the proposed maps by emailing redistricting@carlsbadca.gov or commenting at the Feb. 17 public hearing, which starts at 6 p.m.
|
|
Applications due for two important committees
The application deadline is getting close for two committees that will help advise the City Council on important issues like preserving community character downtown and planning for future growth.
Why is this important? Carlsbad as a city is maturing, which means the challenges we face today are different than those we tackled in the past. The new plans, standards and strategies developed through these and other community involvement activities will influence Carlsbad for decades to come.
What to know …
-
We’re recruiting members for a new advisory committee that will help ensure we maintain an excellent quality of life and remain financially healthy as the city grows in the future.
-
We’re also looking for residents who live in the Village and Barrio to serve on a citizens committee that will help turn existing design standards for multifamily and mixed-use projects in the Village and Barrio into “objective design standards.” Under new state housing laws, creating objective design standards is one way that cities can retain influence over new development.
-
You can fill out and submit an application online for either committee. It’s the same form, so just make sure to select the committee you’re interested in.
- Applications are due by noon Feb. 7.
|
|
Lighting up the Barrio
Speaking of the Barrio, if you’ve been there after sunset recently, you may have noticed some streets and intersections have new streetlights. This is just the first step in a project to create an even more inviting environment in the Barrio and make sure people feel safe walking after dark.
Why is this important? Did you know the Barrio is Carlsbad’s oldest neighborhood? It’s also home to our senior center, a community center, Pine park and community garden and ballfields used by residents from throughout the city.
What to know …
- As we plan this next phase of lighting improvements, we’re looking for community input on which areas should be prioritized for the next round of installations.
-
You can use this mapping tool, which allows you to drop a pin in a specific spot where you think more light is needed in the Barrio.
- These lighting improvements are part of the implementation of the Village and Barrio Master Plan and support the city’s goals of encouraging people to walk and bike instead of always using a car.
|
|
Citizen of the Year nominations open
Do you know someone who has made a tremendous impact on our city? We’re now accepting applications for Carlsbad’s Citizen of the Year, an annual award that recognizes Carlsbad residents who have gone above and beyond to serve and improve our community.
- The Citizens of the Year program is more than 50 years old. It honors people in our community who have given their time and energy to make the city a better place.
-
The nomination process is easy. You can fill out and submit the nomination form online on the city’s website. (You can also download the form and mail it in, if you prefer.)
- Nominees must be Carlsbad residents but can be nominated by someone outside the city.
- Honorees are selected by a five-person committee of Carlsbad residents and recognized during a ceremony at Carlsbad City Hall.
- Nominations will be accepted through March 31.
|
|
Celebrating Black History Month
February is Black History Month and it’s also National Library Lovers Month, so the Carlsbad City Library is celebrating with some great displays and resources.
- Cole Library, Dove Library and the Library Learning Center are all featuring special displays with historical and contemporary reading materials highlighting the black experience.
-
You can also find a broad range of eResources like the Black Freedom Historical Records, which are primary source documents that illuminate the challenges and triumphs the Black community has experienced in the pursuit of equality.
- On Feb. 7, a Virtual Tween Scene gathering will celebrate Black History Month and National Inventor’s Day by exploring the science of electricity and the contributions of Lewis Howard Latimer, the innovative African American genius behind Thomas Edison and Alexander Graham Bell. The light bulb and the telephone would have not been invented without him.
- The library is also inviting community members to share why you love the library by filling out paper hearts at any desk at the city’s three library facilities. When you turn in the heart, you’ll receive a Hershey’s kiss, and the hearts will be displayed in all library facilities throughout the month.
Visit the library’s webpage for hours and locations.
|
|
Meet artists Paul and Leslie Wilton
After visiting the library, consider stopping by the Carlsbad Sculpture Garden to see our latest exhibit, Another Glance: Celebrating 25 Years in the Garden, on display through May 28. Two of the featured artists are Paul and Leslie Wilton, highlighted in this video.
The Wiltons use scrap metal and recycled materials to create unique and colorful pieces, including “Deep Ocean,” which is now on display at the garden. Admission is free and the garden is open Tuesday through Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. It’s truly a hidden gem, so please let your friends know about it too.
|
|
Get involved: Upcoming meetings
Our next City Council meeting is Feb. 8. Here are some of the topics scheduled to be discussed:
- Annexing the Marja Acres development into a district that collects fees for street lighting and landscaping
- An $87,000 state grant that will pay for night vision binoculars for the Police Department and a trench rescue kit for the Fire Department
- A contract to resurface parts of El Camino Real, Cannon, College Boulevard, Palomar Airport Road and Alicante Road
- Adopting ordinances prohibiting the unlawful possession of catalytic convertors and approving an increase in compensation for City Council members
- Whether to continue holding virtual public meetings or resume in-person meetings
- The annual work plans for the Parks & Recreation Commission, Senior Commission and Beach Preservation Commission
- An economic and financial update for the second quarter of the fiscal year, with a mid-year update on the city budget
- Authorizing the use of the Calavera Community Park activity room and Pine Avenue Community Center gym as polling places for the 2022 elections
Remember, city meetings are still being held virtually and the City Council meeting starts at 3 p.m. You can find the full agenda and staff reports on the city’s website, along with instructions on how to watch the meeting and participate if you have comments you want to share.
These other city meetings are also coming up within the next week:
- Feb. 3, 6 p.m. – Arts Commission
- Feb. 7, 3 p.m. – Traffic and Mobility Commission
- Feb. 8, 9 a.m. – Legislative Subcommittee Meeting
Finally, I want to thank everyone who has shared input through our recent virtual workshop (our best attended to date) and several online surveys and other opportunities. We’ve heard from thousands of residents on topics including the environment, growth, our coastline, public safety and more. You still have time to weigh in – through this Sunday. Here is a link to our public input page.
The first opportunity to see how this feedback is used will be a special City Council meeting scheduled for March 16 to continue work on the five-year strategic plan.
Please be extra cautious these next few days as the weather gets drier and windier – prime conditions for wildfires. Take a break from yard work or anything else that could cause a spark, just to be safe.
Thanks, and I’ll be back next week with more updates
|
|
Fun things to do
Quick Links
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
