Cool Rides Carpool Launches
On Aug. 19, the city launched Cool Rides, a carpool school pilot program in collaboration with the Carlsbad Unified School District and San Marcos Unified School District. This pilot program came out of research from the Sustainable Mobility Plan. The aim of the program is to increase carpooling among district parents. Parent outreach for the first three schools piloting the program, Hope Elementary, Aviara Oaks Elementary and Middle schools, began on Monday and continued throughout the week at the school’s residency verification events. City economic development and communications staff developed the pilot program with input from both school districts. The program seeks to increase carpooling at elementary and middle schools as a way to reduce vehicle miles traveled and idling time and help the city achieve its Climate Action Plan goals.
Try Carlsbad Connector for Lunch
From now until Sept. 30, city employees at Faraday or employees visiting Faraday can try the new Carlsbad Connector shuttle service at lunch for free. Download the Carlsbad Connector app and book your ride between noon and 3 p.m. Use the coupon code CityLunch. The pick-up stop is just at the bottom of the driveway on Faraday. For more information, visit www.CarlsbadConnector.com.
Library Celebrates Record Participation in Summer Reading Adventure The library’s Summer Reading Adventure, A Universe of Stories, came to a close on Aug. 11. Over 4,000 readers of all ages, from babies to adults, were registered for the program. Participants read for a total of 1.9 million minutes, a 10% increase from last year! Additionally, over 18,000 reading rewards were earned and 1,455 book reviews were written by readers in the program. A very special thank you to the Friends of the Carlsbad Library for generously supporting the Summer Reading Adventure year after year.
34TH TGIF Season Ends on a High Note
TGIF Concerts in the Parks concluded its 34th season on Friday, Aug. 16, at Alga Norte Community Park with capacity crowd for a duel of the decades (‘80s vs. ‘90s) and two retro bands that received rave reviews. The evening opened with performances by two of the winners from the Library’s Teen Talent contest. The season’s tally was nearly 30,400 in attendance and over 2,600 young artists who shared their talents at the Family Open Studios. A special shout-out to city colleagues from Parks & Recreation, Public Works, Fleet, Streets, Police and Fire Departments who all provided invaluable support and assistance throughout the summer.
Interdepartmental Team Effort Leads to Beach Chair Installation
Cultural Arts partnered with the Parks & Recreation and the General Services Department to plan and install Carlsbad’s first Art Beach Chair. Located near the fountain at State Street and Grand Avenue and unveiled at the recent Art in the Village, this new temporary art is planned as the first in a series of beach chairs to pop up throughout the city. Pictured here is the installation team (standing L-R): Cultural Arts staff Anthony Saucedo, Jake Ellis, Karen McGuire and General Service team members Terry Ennis & Christan Carr. (Seated L-R) Cultural Arts staff Chase Dougherty and Harrison Miles. Special thanks to Clayton Dobbs, Craddock Stropes and Claudia Huerta who also provided support and assistance. It was truly a City team effort!
Paper Rockets
Look up in the sky! It’s a bird! It’s a plane! It’s paper rockets!
Last Tuesday, Carlsbad summer camp participants, seniors and their families witnessed the first paper rocket launch at the Pine Avenue Community Center. The intergenerational project, organized by former Council Member Dr. Mark Packard, delivered summer fun for all ages. Dr. Packard brought his ideas, energy and homemade rocket launcher to help lead this exciting science, technology, engineering and math activity. Seniors and children alike were amazed as they watched their paper rockets built from scratch soar almost 300 feet into the air. The project was such a success that it will be returning in January as part of the Kids for Peace Grandfriends Kindness Project. The Grandfriends Kindness Project is a monthly intergenerational play date that begins at the Carlsbad Senior Center on Sept. 5. For more information and registration click here.
School Resource Officer Helps Eagle Scout Gain Promotion
School Resource Officer Tashoff gave a helping hand to a young Eagle Scout working toward the rank of First Class. To achieve the rank, the scout needed to write a report about a citizen’s constitutional rights as they pertain to law enforcement. Stephan met with the scout and provided an interview for his report.
Three Officers Promoted
The Police Department is pleased to announce the promotion of three officers. Jon Boyce, an 18-year veteran with the department was promoted to the rank of Sergeant. Joe Cosgrove, a 12-year veteran with the department was promoted to the rank of Corporal and Melissa Zavala, a 14-year veteran of the department was promoted to the rank of Corporal. Congratulations officers!
Military in Transition Firefighter for a Day
The Carlsbad Fire Department hosted Military in Transition at the Carlsbad Safety Training Center. The Military in Transition Firefighter for a Day Program is a nonprofit organization, which features quarterly events that introduce local military Veterans to careers in firefighting and emergency medical services. Participants are exposed to the process it takes to serve in these disciplines, as well as the rigorous, physical requirements of the position. This program is designed to help our veterans find a meaningful career path and employment beyond the military.