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News from the City of Carlsbad | August 2, 2024

As we head into August, temperatures are increasing, as are the number of beachgoers looking to enjoy just a few more weeks of summer. The City Council got an update this week on our smart traffic signals and how they are helping reduce delays, even during this busiest time of year. I’ll tell you more about that plus these stories in today’s update:

• Working together to keep our beaches clean
• E-bike safety training scheduled
• Rules for the roost: seeking input on backyard chicken ordinance
• New protections for non-smoking residents
• TGIF last week at Calavera Hills
• Upcoming city meetings

Keeping traffic flowing safely

Alleviating traffic congestion remains a top priority for the city’s Transportation Department. One way to do that is by adjusting the timing of red and green traffic signal lights.

• Years ago, our staff had to go out to the signal locations and manually adjust the timing through a control box.
• Today, signals can be controlled remotely through a centralized traffic management center.
• At Tuesday’s City Council meeting, staff announced they have completed all the signal connections to our network. (At the last City Council update in January, they still had about 5% of the signals to go.)
• Not only is adjusting traffic signal timing remotely much more efficient, it gives our transportation staff the ability to monitor traffic conditions in real time.

Before you ask, yes, unfortunately, you will still hit red lights when driving around Carlsbad. But with our system optimized to keep busy streets flowing, more people should get where they need to go a little more quicky.  

See the full transportation report.

Improving crosswalks along the beach

Just a reminder that our upgraded crosswalks along Carlsbad Boulevard are up and running at Oak, Sycamore, Maple, Cherry and Hemlock avenues.

• We’ve shortened the crossing distance with curb extensions, which also serve as a visual cue for drivers to slow down.
• New lights were put along the crosswalk in the pavement for added visibility.
• These new safety features are great, but not a substitute for drivers slowing down and using extra caution, especially during these busy summer months.

Working together to keep our beaches clean

Beaches in the City of Carlsbad were recently given straight A's on Heal the Bay’s annual Beach Report Card, something that could not be achieved without your help.

The annual report on beach water quality focuses on areas where all the water from streets and gutters eventually reaches the beach. Unlike the sewer system, which takes wastewater to a treatment plant before discharging it far out in the ocean, storm water goes straight from the street to the sand.

• That’s why we are so vigilant about enforcing rules that prohibit excess water running off properties from things like overwatering your garden or washing your car in your driveway.
• The water isn’t necessarily the problem.
• The problem is that water picks up dirt, chemicals, bacteria and other pollutants from sidewalks and streets as it makes its way to the curb and gutter.
• From there, it enters an underground system of pipes that direct it away from neighborhoods to prevent flooding (and it eventually ends up at our lagoons and the beach).

How you can help

So please continue to make sure you check your irrigation system regularly to make sure there’s no runoff.

• Check for broken sprinkler heads too.
• Be mindful of what products you use in your garden because they could eventually end up in the ocean.
• Contrary to what some believe, pet waste is not something “natural” that can get washed away in the street. It contains bacteria that harm marine life (and other natural processes, which is why is doesn’t go in your green bin either). Please dispose of pet waste only in the trash.

Finally, if you notice runoff in your neighborhood, please report it to our storm water hotline at 442-339-2799. Our team will contact the resident or business owner to let them know. We can give citations, but prefer to encourage voluntary compliance. Once we’ve made contact, most people fix the problem and don’t require any additional follow up.

Bike and e-bike safety class Aug. 17

With a new school year nearly upon us, the Carlsbad Police Department is hosting a bike and e-bike safety class in a couple of weeks. They’ll also cover safety tips and rules for pedal bikes.

The class is free, but registration is required.

Bike and e-bike safety class

Saturday, Aug. 17

10 to 11 a.m.

Georgina Cole Library

1250 Carlsbad Village Drive

If you have school-aged kids, be sure to check with your principal for any special requirements for parking an e-bike on campus. The Carlsbad Unified School District requires students to take a safety course to get a permit to bring their e-bikes to campus.

Learn more about bike and e-bike safety and sign up to make sure you receive the latest traffic safety updates. 

Polyester Express brings sounds of the ’70s to Calavera Park

This Friday at TGIF Concerts in the Parks we’re celebrating disco and the electric energy of the 1970s with Polyester Express.

Based right here in Carlsbad, Polyester Express entertains crowds all over the country with their elaborate costumes and choreographed performances. (Think Earth, Wind & Fire, with some modern R&B hits mixed in.)

This will be the last concert at Calavera Hills Community Park before we move on next week to Alga Norte Community Park for the last two shows of the season.

TGIF Concerts in the Parks

Polyester Express

Friday, Aug. 2

Calavera Hills Community Park

2997 Glasgow Drive

Field opens at 4 p.m.

Concert 6 to 8 p.m.

Field closes at 9 p.m.

If you’re planning to attend, here are a few tips to consider: 

• Take shuttle from Sage Creek High School, 3900 Cannon Road.
• If you live nearby, consider riding your bike and letting our bike valet handle the parking for you. 
• Pack a picnic (food and drink are not for sale this year).
• Be familiar with what you can and can’t bring so you can sail through our new security screening stations.
• Leave your furry friends at home, please. (Does not apply to service animals.)  

City to seek feedback on rules for backyard chickens

On Tuesday, the City Council asked staff to gather input from the community about rules for backyard chickens. For example, how many chickens should be allowed at single family residential properties, should roosters be allowed and where on the property could enclosures be built?

The topic came up when city staff presented proposed updates on some sections of the city’s municipal code – a collection of city regulations adopted by the City Council. The city regularly updates the municipal code to keep it consistent with state laws, add clarifications and address changes, like the emergence of e-bikes. 

Because single family residential properties are located throughout the city, the City Council wanted to make sure staff had time to get the word out and gather feedback from as many people as possible. The community input and proposed code changes will then be brought back for City Council consideration.

If you’d like to be notified when it’s time to weigh in, you can sign up for the email list, and we will keep you posted on next steps.

You can find out the zoning codes that apply to your property by entering your address on the city’s zoning map.

New smoke-free housing law to take effect next year

A new city law is scheduled to take effect Jan. 1, 2025, that will ban smoking (including vaping) in and around Carlsbad apartments, condos, care facilities and other multiunit homes, except for certain designated outdoor spaces.  

The new law is based on one of the programs in the city’s state-required housing plan (also known as the Housing Element). Every eight years all California cities are required to update their housing plans to outline how they will meet future housing needs and promote the production of “decent housing and a suitable living environment” for people of all income levels. 

Over the next five months, the city will be getting the word out to residents, landlords and property owners so they know about these new rules.

Upcoming City meetings

There’s no City Council meeting next week, but we will be holding meetings of city boards and commissions. You can see the details on our online calendar. They are open to the public and livestreamed on the city’s website if you see something that captures your interest.

Enjoy what promises to be a beautiful weekend, and remember our streets are safer when we all work together!

Scott Chadwick

City Manager