Collaborating for Resilient Communities
Mike Grim from the Environmental Management division represented the City of Carlsbad at the Third California Adaptation Forum in Sacramento, held by The Local Government Commission. Carlsbad’s innovative approach to climate change adaptation was featured in California’s Fourth Climate Change Assessment, which was newly released at the Forum. The biennial event brings together elected officials, jurisdictional staff, utility providers, scientists, and representatives from professional and non-governmental organizations to foster knowledge exchange, innovation, and mutual support to create resilient communities throughout the state.
Educating the Construction Industry on Preventing Storm Water Pollution
On August 30, the Construction Management and Inspection Division hosted two storm water pollution prevention workshops. The first workshop was geared towards contractors, developers, and those responsible for implementing BMPs at construction sites in Carlsbad. City staff switched gears in the afternoon and hosted a second workshop for homeowners, property managers, HOAs, and maintenance companies responsible for maintaining and inspecting privately owned treatment control best management practices (TCBMPs). TCBMPs are structural devices such as bioretention basins, storm drain filters, and vortex separators that help to prevent pollutants from entering our storm drain system. Shawnetta Grandberry and Cassidy McCarthy organized this event, with special help from presenters Joe McMahon and Scott Workman from Construction Management and Inspection, Jason Geldert from Community and Economic Development and Hallie Thompson from Environmental Management. The workshop was well attended and the city received positive feedback from those in attendance.
City Staff Rock StormCon
Danny Goggin from Streets Maintenance, along with Joe McMahon and Eric Martinez from Construction Management and Inspection, attended the StormCon conference August 13 to 16 in Denver, Colorado. StormCon is the nation’s largest forum that specifically addresses pollution prevention and surface water quality. Keeping staff well-informed and trained on these topics helps Carlsbad maintain its commitment to stewardship and sustainability.
Achieving Key Storm Water Certification
Congratulations to Scott Workman who recently completed his Qualified SWPPP Practitioner (QSP) certification. The QSP certification is granted by the State of California to those individuals who have demonstrated the knowledge, skill, and ability to implement and manage storm water compliance activities on construction sites in California. Scott has been with the city for more than nine years, serving as a construction inspector in Public Works for the last five years. In addition to the QSP certification, Scott is also certified in water collection and storm water inspections. Congratulations, Scott!
Even More Positions Filled in Library & Cultural Arts Department Ruben Valenzuela has been promoted to Library Assistant I, to fill the vacancy created by the recent retirement of Yvonne Lucente. Ruben’s training in cataloging and work in fulfilling interlibrary loans will be well utilized as Ruben undertakes a position with primary duties that include copy cataloging, bibliographic record maintenance and interlibrary loans. Ruben has a bachelor’s degree in literature and writing from California State University San Marcos, where he graduated Magna Cum Laude. He is currently enrolled in the Master of Library and Information Science program at San Jose State University.
Library Launches Mobile Printing
The library has launched mobile printing, which allows library users to print at the library from their own device (laptop, smartphone, etc.). It’s available for library users with a Carlsbad City Library card and allows for printing Microsoft® Word, Excel, Visio and PowerPoint, PDFs, images and text documents.
Beloved Object Gallery Opening The Beloved Object exhibition, running until Nov. 11 in the William D. Cannon Gallery at Dove Library, celebrates treasured objects from various Southern California collections and organizations. Each of the beautiful and engaging objects is a beloved possession. The objects reveal the personal taste of the collector, a cherished memory or a relationship between the artist and the collector. A Family Open Studios art-making event will take place in conjunction with the exhibition on Saturday, Oct. 13 from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Support the Library The Carlsbad Library & Arts Foundation, a nonprofit supporting the Library & Cultural Arts Department, is preparing for their annual gala Night at the Library on Saturday, Sept. 15. The event features dinner and live entertainment at the library, with a special performance by Broadway star Jeri Sager. Library supporters are invited to purchase tickets at https://www.carlsbadlibraryartsfoundation.org/.
Fall Season of Youth Programs in the Library September is library card sign up month, when children of all ages can show their library card at any Children’s Desk and receive a prize. Youth programming is starting fresh after an end-of-summer hiatus. Check the calendar for storytimes and events for babies, toddlers and preschoolers. Free homework assistance for students in grades 1-12 is available at all library locations Monday-Thursday from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. Finally, a new Tween Scene program takes place on Mondays at 3:30 p.m. at the Cole Library. Tweens in 4th - 6th grades can test their skills at online games like Fortnite or board games such as chess or Scrabble.
Weekend Events
The Parks & Recreation Department recently permitted two upcoming events. On Saturday, the Carlsbad Hi-Noon Rotary presents the 5th Annual Carlsbad Brewfest from 12 noon to 4:30 p.m. at Holiday Park. The event features over 34 craft breweries and cider houses, music, entertainment, games and food vendors. Event details and tickets are available on the Carlsbad Brewfest website. On Saturday evening, the whole family is invited to Family Movie Night at Stagecoach Community Park. Bring a chair and picnic, and enjoy a fun night of activities and a free outdoor showing of Despicable Me 3 at dusk. For more information, visit the city’s website.
Police Department Remembers Fallen Officer
On September 1, the Police Department took time to honor and remember Officer William “Billy” Jack. Jack was tragically killed on this day in 1991. He was just 30-years-old. Jack was a motor officer and was killed in a traffic collision. He was very proud to be a motor officer. Jack was known as “The nicest guy you ever met.”
DUI Prevention Public Service Announcements
The Police Department released the latest in a three-part series of DUI prevention public service announcements. The First, talked to the community about knowing and understand blood alcohol levels. It can be found here https://youtu.be/lodGESH5eBI. This next installment speaks about knowing your options for getting home safely before you head out for the evening. It can be found here https://youtu.be/hFVTtUMdu2o.
Carlsbad Hosts MWD Representatives
CMWD staff (Ela Karczewski, Ligeia Heagy, Terry Smith, Aaron Beanan, and Lindsey Stephenson) hosted representatives from the Metropolitan Water District's (MWD) Local Resources Program and On-site Rebate Program and Goldy Herbon (Recycled Water Program Specialist) from San Diego County Water Authority. Both MWD programs assist member agencies with developing diversified water supply portfolios to reduce dependence on imported water deliveries over the long term.
CMWD staff provided the group with tours of the Carlsbad Water Recycling Facility and two sites that were retrofitted to irrigate with recycled water – these projects have all benefitted from MWD’s program support. The group also discussed CMWD's upcoming recycled water application for continued support under the LRP program and a new application for desalinated water supply.