Team Carlsbad,
As expected, 2022 is already off to a fast-paced start in service of our community. Unfortunately, increasing COVID-19 cases mean that we must continue to be extra attentive to the health and safety of our community, our teammates and ourselves so we can maintain fully operational essential services.
COVID update
Since my last report out on 12/27, we’ve had 75 new positive COVID-19 cases, including 16 workplace exposures.
Even though this is a much higher number than we are used to seeing, it mirrors the increases countywide. In fact, the case rate in the Carlsbad community is lower than the county average and lower than many of our neighboring cities.
To keep exposure to a minimum, everyone who can is encouraged to work with their supervisor to telework. If your role requires you to report to the workplace, and even when you’re out and about, I cannot stress enough the importance of masking up, keeping your distance from others and staying home if you think you may have been exposed.
In last week’s City Manager Update, I passed along three important updates from the county about testing and vaccines, so please check that out for more information.
I want to thank Human Resources and the COVID-19 task force who are working around the clock to coordinate next steps with team members, individually notify those who have been identified as close contacts and generally care for the health, well-being and peace of mind of our workforce.
Doing our part to practice sustainability
To support environmental sustainability, one of the City Council’s top goals, all city printers will now print double-sided in black and white as the default.
This may not seem like a big deal, but it’s an actionable change outlined in the city’s recently approved Sustainable Materials Management Implementation Plan that will go a long way in reducing our carbon footprint and encouraging more sustainable, earth-friendly daily habits.
Don’t worry, you’ll still have the option to print single-sided and in color when absolutely needed.
Keeping you safe online
Cybersecurity is an ongoing effort and to help strengthen our system’s cybersecurity, those with city provided mobile devices will be prompted to provide multi-factor authentication every 30 days to access your email and other city apps. This means that once a month, you’ll need to provide your password and a second validation method to log into your programs. This is a simple, yet necessary layered defense that makes it more difficult for an unauthorized person to access our devices, network or databases.
Regardless of having a city phone, now’s a good time to strengthen your passwords with a mixture of letters, symbols and numbers.
Engagement survey launches Jan. 11
Being the best run local government starts with a highly engaged workforce. That’s why we have made it a priority to regularly check in with city staff through an employee engagement survey.
Look for an email from GP Strategies tomorrow, Tuesday, with a link to the survey. GP Strategies is in charge of the survey and analyzing the responses, which will be anonymous.
Please take some time to complete the survey before Jan. 31. Thank you in advance for your thoughtful participation.
Kudos
Just before the holidays, members of the Construction Management & Inspection team were recognized by the Construction Management Association of America's San Diego chapter with the Distinguished Owner Award for their professionalism and contributions to the construction management profession. It’s a high compliment to be recognized by peers and leaders within the industry and we’re proud how you represent Team Carlsbad! Thank you for helping improve the quality of life of our community by bringing construction projects to life!
Thoughtfulness on the job
I also wanted to give a shout out to the Public Works streets maintenance team for a great job during a recent sidewalk repair. While working, a couple of residents came across the crew and were so impressed, they wrote an email to the city complimenting the sidewalk repair crew for their thoughtfulness, courtesy and kindness.
Now that’s the spirit of Team Carlsbad!
In wrapping up, I hope your 2022 is off to a great start. Keep those kudos coming and I look forward to celebrating all our wins this year. Stay safe and stay healthy!