Weekly Insider

Welcome new Public Works Director

Paz Gomez, a 30-year professional in the public works field (and Carlsbad resident), will be joining our team as Public Works Director on August 13. She is a registered professional civil engineer, certified energy manager and green building engineer with a Master of Science degree in civil engineering from Stanford. Paz most recently served as deputy chief operating officer for infrastructure/public works at the City of San Diego, where she oversaw an $8 billion Capital Improvements Program and a staff of 3,700. Prior to joining the City of San Diego, Paz worked as a consultant for two worldwide engineering firms, following a distinguished career in the U.S. Navy. She will be meeting with staff throughout the city to familiarize herself with Carlsbad’s Public Works operations, so please help us to extend a warm welcome.

Public Records Portal "Soft Launch"

Starting Monday, Aug. 13, the community will have a new way to request public records from the city. Gov QA is the name of the new public records request portal that will make it easier to request records online. Previously fulfilled requests will also be available for people to review. This new system uses “deflection” tools that automatically point requestors, as they type, to relevant information that has been requested previously or is already available on the city website. We're doing a "soft launch" first and will then promote the new tool to the public in the next few weeks. Of course, as always, the Clerk’s office staff is just a phone call or e-mail away to assist anyone who may need assistance navigating the system. A big shout-out to Neill Collins from IT and Faviola Medina in the Clerk’s office for their many hours of work on this project. Thank you!

Leak Detection Program

As part of CMWD’s leak detection program, the contractor Matchpoint has completed the second phase of the potable water distribution leak survey. Using state-of-the-art equipment that can pinpoint even the smallest of water leaks, Matchpoint surveyed 315 miles of potable water distribution pipeline. There was a total of 14,373 valves and service connections surveyed for leaks. Of these, there were a total of 32 service connections leaking and 158 leaks on the customers side of the water meter. The service lines were repaired in a timely manner and all customers with leaks were contacted by CMWD Meter Services staff. Overall, the potable water distribution system was found to be low on the American Water Works Association’s (AWWA) leak index indicator. This project was part of CMWD’s ongoing preventative maintenance program to safeguard water supply, reduce water loss and help keep water rates low.

Summertime Programming Comes to an End This week brings the conclusion of the Library & Cultural Arts department’s Summer Reading Adventure and arts camps. As a last hurrah, kids were treated last weekend to John Abrams' Animal Magic, a lively program which combined world class magic with live exotic pets and zany comedy. On Sunday, adults enjoyed a Summer Reading panel featuring authors Michelle Gable, Liz Fenton, Jill Hall and Janna King. The authors shared the stories behind their books covering 1950s romances and scandals, a time-ticking mystery, romances entwined decades apart and darkness hidden by summer pleasures. Finally, the last two TGIF Concerts in the Parks are this Friday and next, at Alga Norte Park. Hope to see you there!

Good Life Travel Series On Tuesday, the library’s Good Life Travel Series kicked off with a lecture on Three Natural Treasures: Crater Lake, Yellowstone and Yosemite. Designed to enhance attendees’ travel experiences, the lectures continue the next three Tuesdays in August on the topics Great Castles of England: A Knight’s Tour, Traveling Light & Easy and Rediscovering Italy.