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COVID updates, staff kudos and more!

Last Friday, the San Diego County reported 1,264 new COVID-19 cases, the highest single day since Feb. 5. This trend mirrors increases happening across the country and beyond, prompting new precautions and a lot of questions.


You may have read about LA County requiring masks indoors and other counties recommending indoor masking. So far, no new guidance has come from the California Department of Public Health or the County Public Health Officer. We are of course closely monitoring for any changes and will let you know if that happens.


In the meantime, please continue to follow all of the guidance and workplace rules already in place, including:

  • Screen yourself for any COVID-19 symptoms prior to reporting to work. You may do this at home or at one of our touchless thermometer stations.

  • Stay home if you have any COVID-19 symptoms.

  • Wear a mask indoors if you’re not fully vaccinated or have not yet completed your vaccine verification form and submitted it to your supervisor.

  • Wear a mask if you want to, even if it’s not required.

  • Wash your hands frequently with soap for 20 seconds.

  • Hold meetings virtually when possible. Avoid crowded indoor spaces.

  • Refrain from greetings such as handshakes, hugs and other gestures involving close contact with another person.

Within our city organization, we have had four new cases and two new workplace exposures to COVID-19 since last Monday. I can’t emphasize this enough: COVID-19 is still out there. Please do your part to help keep Team Carlsbad and our community safe.


Prevention plan

If you haven’t already, please review the city’s updated COVID-19 Prevention Plan, which outlines the city’s policies and procedures in place to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in the workplace. All employees are required to review the plan and acknowledge receipt by Aug. 13, 2021. Please make time for this as soon as possible.


City Council vacancy update

At tonight’s meeting, the City Council will finalize the appointment process for filling the remainder of the term for the District 1 City Council vacancy. An election was estimated to cost between $450,000 and $650,000 and could not take place until next April. I’ll share the outcome of those discussions in tomorrow’s City Manager’s Update.


New housing plan approved

Our new housing plan recently received the stamp of approval by the state, creating new opportunities for more affordable housing in Carlsbad. The city is required by state law to update its housing plan every eight years to ensure its meeting the housing needs of all members of the community. This process was a huge undertaking for all staff involved with lots of new state laws and regulations around housing passed in the last few years – not to mention a global pandemic thrown into the mix. The topic of future housing and growth management are extremely important to our community – so much so that an online survey conducted last year to gather public input received a record setting 4,200 responses.


The City of Carlsbad was one of few cities in our region to have our Housing Element policy document approved by the state, making the city eligible for state grants to help fund infrastructure projects, among other benefits. Kudos to our Community Development and Planning staff for rising to the challenge and getting this important document across the finish line!


Next up will be gathering input on preferred locations for new housing, a topic sure to draw a lot of interest from the community.


Utility of the Future

The Water Environment Federation and partner agencies have recognized the Carlsbad Municipal Water District as a 2021 Utility of the Future. WEF collaborates with the National Association of Clean Water Agencies, the Water Research Foundation and the WateReuse Association to honor utilities across the nation that demonstrate a commitment to a collaborative organizational culture that embraces continual improvement. Congratulations to the entire CMWD team, who will be officially recognized at the group’s annual conference in October.


Fire prevention officer of the year

Fire Prevention Specialist II Medi Maldonado was recently named the Fire Prevention Officer of the Year by the San Diego County Fire Prevention Officers Association. Medi has played a key role in the Fire Prevention Officers Association’s leadership for the past four years serving as president in 2019 and leading a complete makeover and upgrade of the association’s website. Medi has also been an advocate for expanding public education related to fire safety throughout Carlsbad and the San Diego County region. Congrats Medi! Thank you for all you do for the community of Carlsbad.





Officers recognized for DUI prevention efforts

Three of our PD officers were recently recognized with MADD California Law Enforcement Recognition Awards for their continued efforts to reduce the occurrences of driving under the influence.


Officer Tyler Hubka received the MADD Century Award in recognition of over 100 DUI arrests in 2020 (107 to be exact). Awards were also presented to Officer Jeffery Wolf (52 arrests) and Sergeant Nate Horton (25 arrests).


Thank you for your hard work and efforts to keep us all safe and reduce DUI deaths. Below is a photo of Officer Tyler Hubka with his award, alongside Assistant Police Chief (soon to be Police Chief) Mickey Williams.





Outdoor fun at the Aloha Plunge

After a year and a half hiatus from in-person events, our Parks & Recreation staff welcomed back community members to the Aloha Plunge event this past Saturday. Participants received floral leis as they entered Alga Norte and had the chance to play in island themed games, cross the challenging floating obstacle courses and learn to hula in the Polynesian show. The event was a huge success thanks to over 15 Alga Norte lifeguards and 30 volunteers who assisted in hosting a safe a fun event. Kudos to all involved!


Club Peacock collaboration

This summer, our Parks & Recreation and Library & Cultural Arts departments collaborated to offer several weeks of the popular Club Peacock art camp at Leo Carrillo Ranch Historic Park. Campers had the opportunity to explore their creativity and unique style through producing Ranch-inspired art. Using a variety of media students created art that strengthened their focus, increased self-expression and improved the capacity for learning – all while having fun! Instructors and volunteers helped students observe, envision, engage and reflect, developing a better understanding of art.


Below are a few photos of Carlsbad’s artists-in-the-making at Club Peacock.



Keep up the outstanding work!


That’s it for today. If you have good news to share, please send it to communications@carlsbadca.gov.


You can get more updates throughout the week, starting with tomorrow’s City Manager’s Update and on Friday through our This Week in Carlsbad newsletter.

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