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News from the City of Carlsbad | July 3, 2024

I’m coming to your inbox a day early this week to share important holiday safety reminders along with an update on the successful prosecution of so-called burglary tourists that had targeted Carlsbad (thanks to some truly stellar police work!). Here’s the full rundown:

 

  • Burglars who targeted Carlsbad going to prison
  • Appreciating parks and recreation even more in July
  • Species spotlight: Red, white and blue edition
  • Tips for a safe Fourth of July
  • Irish folk and bluegrass this week at TGIF
  • Holiday city service schedule
  • Upcoming city meetings

Burglars who targeted Carlsbad are going to prison


Earlier this week the San Diego County District Attorney announced that three men who had targeted Carlsbad neighborhoods to steal high-end valuables are going to prison. I told you about this case of so-called “burglary tourists” a couple of months ago and how some very solid police work identified the suspects, who it turned out had hit more than 100 homes in San Diego County and were wanted in two states.


Quick aside: Like many city services, law enforcement often involves collaboration with other government agencies. Here’s how it works in a case like this:

  • If a burglary occurs in our city, the victim should immediately call the police (or complete an online crime report).
  • Our Police Department utilizes a wide variety of tools, tactics and resources to find out who is responsible. This step is extremely rigorous because the more evidence we can gather, the higher the likelihood of a successful prosecution.
  • Once we have completed this work, we turn the case over to the San Diego County District Attorney.
  • From this point on the DA takes the lead.
  • Having a strong working relationship with the DA’s office helps ensure we understand what is needed to meet the “beyond a reasonable doubt” standard required.


The group was part of a foreign traveling crew using the State Department’s Visa Waiver Program to get into the country, intending to commit “burglary tourism,” which has grown significantly in the past few years nationwide. In this case the men came from Chile and Italy.


Here’s a link to my original article about the case. It also has some important safety tips so you can feel confident you are doing everything you can to prevent your home from becoming a target.

  • As always, call 9-1-1 to report a crime in progress and the non-emergency line, 442-339-2197, to report suspicious activity.
  • The Carlsbad Police Department takes a “no call is too small” approach as part of its commitment to delivering an exceptional level of service to our community. 
  • Calls are prioritized by dispatch, so you don’t need to worry that you are pulling officers from something potentially more urgent. (We hear this concern from time to time.)


Public safety is a top priority in the City Council’s 5-Year Strategic Plan, and having our own local Police Department has served Carlsbad well.

  • Not only does the City Council invest significant resources in public safety, but we can control how to prioritize those resources to address Carlsbad’s specific needs.
  • For example, in this case the Police Department mounted an intensive 24/7 operation that went on for weeks, following every lead until they were confident they had the right people and sufficient evidence to back that up.
  • I am happy to report that effort paid off and I am so appreciative of the personal commitment and professional dedication shown by everyone involved. 

Appreciating parks and recreation even more in July


I know Carlsbad community members already appreciate the value of the city’s parks and recreation offerings. But, seeing as how July is officially Parks & Recreation Month nationwide, I wanted to take a minute to highlight just some of the many ways our Parks & Recreation Department supports the amazing quality of life residents enjoy so much.

Last September, the City Council approved an updated Parks & Recreation Department Master Plan, which will guide parks and recreation investments through 2030 based on community feedback, industry trends, city demographics and other factors. We are steadily implementing the plan, so I encourage you to follow along as we build new parks, community gardens, pickleball courts and more. Sign up for parks and recreation emails.


Visit our website to learn more and register for upcoming classes, programs and events.

Species spotlight: Red, white and blue edition


While we’re thinking about outdoor recreation, here are some Fourth of July themed native plants you can keep an eye out for on your next hike:


Red bush monkeyflower (Diplacus puniceus)

  • Bright red-orange tubular flowers that attract hummingbirds and butterflies
  • Found in coastal sage scrub and chaparral habitats 

 

Island morning glory (Calystegia macrostegia)

  • Large, white funnel-shaped flowers that bloom in spring and summer
  • Thrives in coastal bluffs and sandy soils, often seen climbing over shrubs and fences 

 

Annual lupine (Lupinus bicolor)

  • Delicate blue and white pea-like flowers that are popular for bumblebees
  • Add a splash of color to grasslands and open woodlands

Wildflowers like the red bush monkeyflower, island morning glory and annual lupine also attract pollinators, which are vital for ecosystem health and crop pollination.

  • Pollinators, like bees, butterflies and even hummingbirds, help plants reproduce by transferring pollen from one flower to another, producing fruits and seeds.
  • Without pollinators, many of the plants we rely on for food and beauty wouldn't be able to survive.


Thanks to the city’s Habitat Management Plan, Carlsbad has set aside more than 6,200 acres of nature preserves where native plants and wildlife can thrive. Not only was Carlsbad one of the first in the region to create a Habitat Management Plan, protecting the natural environment is also a key goal in the City Council's 5-Year Strategic Plan.


Learn more about native species and habitats in Carlsbad on our website.

Tips for a safe Fourth of July


Carlsbad streets are sure to get even busier as friends, family members and other visitors seek relief from the heat. If you need to be out and about in the next few days, please give yourself extra time to get where you need to go and be extra vigilant in looking for people walking and bicycling.


Get a refresher on traffic safety tips on our Safer Streets Together webpage and be sure to follow the city’s Police and Fire departments on social media for regular reminders about beach safety, fire prevention, guarding against car break-ins and other issues that become a greater focus during busy holiday weekends and the summer in general.


Finally, remember to check our city construction map each week to see where city projects are happening around town that may impact traffic. (Don’t worry, there won’t be any regularly scheduled city road work on the Fourth of July.) 

Irish folk and bluegrass this week at TGIF 


This Friday’s TGIF concert at Stagecoach Park features Finnegan Blue, a San Diego-based Irish folk, rock and bluegrass band.


Finnegan Blue blends fiddles, guitars and bodhran drums with upbeat melodies and soulful harmonies in a repertoire that includes spirited jigs and heartfelt ballads. Some of you may have seen them in March when they performed at one of our Showtime at the Schulman concerts. (They were a big hit.)


TGIF Concerts in the Parks

Finnegan Blue

Friday, July 5

Field opens at 4 p.m.

Concert starts at 6 p.m.

Stagecoach Community Park

3420 Camino De Los Coches

View an event map


The new security check in process has gone smoothly at our first two concerts, but if you haven’t been yet this season, you can watch this video to see how the process works.


Other tips to make it a great night include:

  • Pack a picnic (food and drink are not for sale this year)
  • Bring a low back chair or blanket, sunscreen and bug spray.
  • Be familiar with what you can and can’t bring so you can sail right through our new security screening stations.


Getting there

  • These concerts always draw a crowd, so please carpool if possible to reduce traffic (or arrange to be dropped off).
  • If you live nearby, consider riding your bike and letting our bike valet handle the parking for you.
  • If you bike, please wear your helmet (it’s required for riders under 18), use front and rear lights and wear bright, high-visibility clothing to make sure drivers can see you.
  • If you’re driving, free parking is available at nearby La Costa Canyon High School. There isn’t shuttle service for concerts at Stagecoach because we have parking close by.
Learn more

City holiday service schedule


City offices in Carlsbad will be closed on Thursday, July 4, in observance of Independence Day. A full holiday schedule for city services is listed below:


  • Trash pickup: No delay
  • City offices: Closed
  • Emergency services: Regular service
  • City libraries: Closed
  • Cannon Art Gallery: Closed
  • City sculpture garden: Closed
  • City pools: Close at 2 p.m.
  • Community centers: Closed
  • Leo Carrillo Ranch Historic Park: Closed
  • Senior Center: Closed
  • No street sweeping on city holidays
  • Transit: For the holiday transit schedule, please visit gonctd.com or call 5-1-1

City meetings next week


There’s no City Council meeting next week, but several city boards and commissions are scheduled to meet. You can see our full meeting schedule on our city calendar.

 

You’re always welcome to attend these meetings in person. They’re also livestreamed on the city’s website and available to watch afterward.

 

It should be a beautiful Fourth of July in Carlsbad, but if you’re traveling over the holiday weekend, be aware that the National Weather Service is warning of excessive heat in many inland, mountain and desert areas across San Diego County and in many other parts of the country.

 

However you decide to celebrate our country’s independence, please stay safe, look out for one another and, as always, care for Carlsbad.


I’ll be back to my regular schedule next Thursday with more updates, news and tips designed to keep you engaged with your local government and make the most of everything Carlsbad has to offer.


Finally, I want to wish you and your loved ones a very happy Fourth of July.



Scott Chadwick

City Manager

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