Another Successful Operation Santa
Last weekend, Operation Santa took place throughout seven neighborhoods in Carlsbad. The is the 6th year the fire department, Carlsbad’s Firefighters Association, and the Carlsbad Christmas Bureau have teamed up to gather donations. Over 50 volunteers participated each night, to help fill a 24 foot trailer with gifts and food. These donations will be distributed by the Christmas Bureau on Saturday to help over 400 families. This year CBS and the CW covered the event
Carlsbad School District Awarded Grant
Carlsbad Unified School District Awarded Tobacco Grant With the assistance of the Police Department, the school district applied for and received a $345, 443.00 Tobacco Grant. The purpose of the grant is to aid in the enforcement of tobacco related laws and to address illegal sales and marketing to minors. The grant will give the School Resource Officers the tools they need to educate students on the danger of tobacco use.
Master of Urban Planning Program
CED’s own Paul Dan was accepted into the Master of Urban Planning program at the University of Southern California (USC). This interdisciplinary program will focus on progressive urban development with the application of land economics. Paul is a keen lifetime learner and with this program beginning January 2019, Paul is excited to be part of the Trojan family. We wish him every success.
Library Launches Streaming Music and Movie Services Carlsbad City Library now offers streaming services for indie and classic movies through Kanopy and high-quality music through Alexander Street. The services are free with a Carlsbad library card. Alexander Street Music features over 670,000 tracks from music genres such as classical, jazz, World and American roots. Kanopy features thousands of award-winning documentaries, film festival favorites, indie and classic films, educational and engaging children’s videos, and more. Enjoy viewing up to eight titles per month. These services made available with financial support from the Friends of the Library. Visit www.carlsbadca.gov/eresources and click “streaming.” Need a library card? Register online.
Opening Reception for Juried Biennial Exhibition On Saturday evening, the Cultural Arts office hosted an opening reception with nearly 600 attendees for the Cannon Art Gallery 2019 Juried Biennial. Attendees also included 43 of the 46 participating artists, as well as this year’s exhibition jurors, Robert L. Pincus, a renowned art critic and writer for the San Diego Union Tribune, and Maria Mingalone, the Executive Director at the Oceanside Museum of Art. The exhibition features 61 works by 46 artists who live or work in San Diego County, including nine Carlsbad residents. The exhibit runs through January 13 and features a diverse and eclectic mix of styles and mediums.
Adopt-A-Family Project
The Parks & Recreation Department recently permitted the Carlsbad Christmas Bureau’s Adopt-A-Family Project event on Saturday. Approximately 500 low income families are adopted by businesses, organizations and individuals who donate food and gifts to brighten and celebrate the holiday season. Tyler Street will be closed between Walnut Avenue and Oak Avenue from 6 a.m. to 11 a.m. on event day.
De-escalation Training
Last Wednesday, the Carlsbad Police Department introduced their first de-escalation training for Parks & Recreation Department staff at the Pine Avenue Community Center. Police Sergeant Richard Beronda and Police Corporal George Zavala, presented the training, offering strategies and tactics to avoid confrontations and dangerous situations that may arise while serving the public. The skills taught will empower part-time staff to provide top quality service at community centers with safety first as a priority.
Holiday at the Rancho
Thanks to a break in the rain, and the amazing parks staff who worked miracles to repair erosion damage from the storm this past weekend, the Parks & Recreation Department hosted their last special event for the 2018, Holiday at the Rancho. Over 600 people gathered at Carrillo Ranch, which was the perfect site for a holiday celebration. The event included a tree lighting, performances by local children’s’ choirs, an outdoor viewing of The Muppets Christmas Carol, crafts, cookie decorating, and a Carlsbad style snowball fight (with plush snowballs). The newly renovated stables at Carrillo Ranch were a festive setting for photos with our very special visitor, Santa Claus. This event was truly a team effort and we thank everyone who helped make it happen.