City Manager's Update 9-20-2019

New Pickleball Courts and Playground Premiere

On Saturday, Sept. 21, the Parks & Recreation Department opened two new recreational elements at Poinsettia Community Park. The new six-court pickleball area is a much-welcomed addition to the park by the many avid pickleball players in the community. Likewise, children of all ages have eagerly awaited the opening of the new playground area – with separate play equipment for kids aged 3-5 and 6-12. The playground has been designed for ‘inclusive play’ which creates an environment that welcomes kids and families of all abilities to learn, play and grow together. Prior to the opening of these elements, the consulting playground inspector told staff that “this is one of the most unique playgrounds I’ve seen in over 20 years!”

ArtWalk Carlsbad

The Parks & Recreation Department recently permitted the second annual ArtWalk Carlsbad, a two-day fine art festival on scenic Armada Drive. The event features live music, interactive art experiences, more than 175 artists showcasing all mediums of fine art, chalk artists creating temporary masterpieces, food, and beer and wine gardens.

Native Plant Talk

On Oct. 4, Leo Carrillo Ranch Historic Park is hosting a free native plant talk. Native plant expert, Susan Krywicki, will discuss the "new normal" concept of gardening, review key gardening and maintenance strategies, and appreciation of native plants in the garden, near wildland interface and in public places. Participants will learn about some of the most iconic California native plants that are easy to grow and love. Everyone is welcome, but must first register at carlsbadconnect.

Excellence in Resourcefulness Award

Carlsbad Municipal Water District has been designated the winner of the 2019 North American Excellence in Resourcefulness, Water Best Practice Award for its Advanced Metering Infrastructure. This Excellence in Resourcefulness award applauds a utility's method for addressing resourcefulness through the implementation of behavioral change and technology implementation that results in significant reduction of water usage and water waste. The award will be presented at Itron Utility Week on Oct. 14. The Advanced Metering Infrastructure program was also recognized recently by the American Public Works Association and the San Diego County Taxpayer Association. By successfully deploying Advanced Metering Infrastructure in 100% of the Carlsbad Municipal Water District’s service area, more than 30,000 meters are monitored in real time to provide more efficient system maintenance, reduced water loss and increased water conservation. Improved leak detection saves ratepayers millions of dollars.

New Text Messaging Service Keeps Community Informed

Thanks to a new text messaging service, residents along La Costa Avenue have been able to adjust and plan ahead for upcoming construction activities. One especially grateful resident was able to ensure school transportation for a special needs child was not disrupted because of information she received via text from the city. Paving work is now taking place along La Costa Avenue between El Camino Real and Camino de los Coches as part of the city’s annual pavement management program. To date, the text messaging service has logged 741 subscribers and growing. Thanks to this service, the public now has the ability to receive immediate construction updates on this project.

Enhancing Safety on the Coastline

The recently completed Encina Discharge Channel Bridge Railing Improvements Project along Carlsbad Boulevard north of Cannon Road is a shining example of interagency collaboration. Built in in 1954, only chain link fencing once separated drivers, bicyclists and pedestrians from the power plant’s discharge channel. This project installed safety railing on both sides of the bridge. In addition, the existing waterline was replaced and a wider sidewalk was provided on the east side to meet the new bridge sidewalk standards. This federally funded project had an overall cost of $1,580,000, yet the city share was only $188,000 of local TransNet funds, due to eligible reimbursements. City staff coordinated with representatives from NRG, Poseidon, Caltrans Sacramento, Caltrans San Diego and California Coastal Commission to make this important project happen.

Countdown to SumTotal Go Live!!!!

Only a little over a week to go before the new timekeeping application goes live on Oct. 1. This new timekeeping software will provide easier timesheet management, including the ability to see future vacation accruals. Other great improvements include:

• Streamlined method for supervisors to manage and approve their assigned staff’s timesheets.

• New single sign-on feature through the portal on your desktop allowing quicker access.

• New Payroll intranet webpage with access to quick reference guides, FAQs, Timesheet Approval Checklists and important updates.

Lastly, look for a survey later in October to help the team gauge your understanding of this change and its importance to the city.

Police Department Introduces Employee Wellness App

The Police Department is providing employees with a high tech wellness solution to support mental health and well-being. The confidential wellness app provides access to therapists and peer support 24/7, to include modules on topics like emotional health, family support and stress management. The app supports law enforcement’s diverse work schedule and is aimed at strengthening workforce retention, resilience and well-being.

Chief Neil Gallucci Elected President of the California Police Officers’ Association

As the newly elected president of the California Police Officers’ Association, Chief Neil Gallucci speaks at the California Police Chiefs’ Association’s Women Leaders in Law Enforcement Training Symposium. The purpose of the training symposium is to bring together law enforcement professionals in a supportive and empowering environment, enabling them to learn from the knowledge and experience of others.

Lt. Bryan Hargett Graduates FBI National Academy

The National Academy, which began in 1935, is a professional development course for U.S. and international law enforcement leaders. Its mission is “to support, promote, and enhance the personal and professional development of law enforcement leaders by preparing them for complex, dynamic, and contemporary challenges through innovative techniques, facilitating excellence in education and research, and forging partnerships throughout the world.” The academy is a 10-week accredited program where participants relocate to Quantico, Virginia. Officers participate in a wide range of leadership and specialized training, where they share ideas, techniques, and experiences with each other, creating lifelong partnerships that transcend state and national borders.

Fire Department Aquatic Rescue Response Team

Carlsbad Fire Department recently certified 22 firefighters as Aquatic Rescue Response Team members. Personnel completed a 24-hour hands-on training course that focused on ocean rescue. This training provides personnel the knowledge, equipment and training to perform rescues in any of Carlsbad’s lagoons or the ocean, when lifeguards are not immediately on scene. These firefighters are spread across different shifts and apparatus, and have the capabilities to perform rescues whether they are on an ambulance, engine or truck. The program, which started with the inception of the lifeguard program, has already paid dividends with a previously certified Aquatic Rescue Response Team member performing a recent rescue of two people at Terramar Beach after being flagged down by a bystander while operating as an engineer on Truck 105.

Fire Department Probationary Testing

Six probationary firefighters recently completed their nine-month exam at the Safety Training Center, testing in the following disciplines: Auto extrication, Ladders, forcible entry, Rope rescue, miscellaneous tools and ventilation. Probationary firefighters train daily and are tested quarterly during their one-year probation. Each process is an all-day event and involves training, instruction, and leadership from all levels of the organization.

Fire Department Mutual Aid

During the past week Carlsbad Fire Department sent crews to assist with wildfires burning throughout the state. California is fortunate to have a robust mutual aid system that allows for jurisdictions to request resources from all across the state. Carlsbad assisted with the Horseshoe Fire in San Jacinto just north of Hemet and the Walker incident in the Plumas National Forest, just south of Susanville. When apparatus are deployed firefighters are called in from home to staff additional apparatus, so Carlsbad remains protected.

The Grandfriends Kindness Project

Thursday, Sept. 5, marked the first Grandfriends Kindness Project. On Sept. 5, the Senior Center, in collaboration with Kids for Peace, and with grant funding from the Carlsbad Foundation hosted the first Grandfriends Kindness Project, an intergenerational event that encourages youth and seniors to complete small acts of kindness together. The theme was “Planting a Friendship,” and participants potted succulents decorated with messages of kindness. The plants were delivered to homebound seniors and used as centerpieces in the senior center dining hall. Next month’s theme is, “What’s Your Story?” The program will take place on Oct. 3 during National Book Month. Join the Grandfriends to share your love of reading, donate a children’s book while learning new ways to be kind.

Teen Friday Nights @ Pine

Teen Friday Nights @ Pine launched on Sept. 6 with a fun dodgeball themed event. Middle school students formed teams with their friends and competed in a tournament for prizes. After the tournament, teens hung out to enjoy all the Pine Avenue Community Center amenities, including foosball, air hockey, basketball, pool, video games, computer lab and snack bar. Every Friday night, the Pine Avenue Community Center is reserved just for teens. On Oct. 25, the theme will be “Haunted Escape Room” and will feature several other chilling activities to activate the spirit of the season.