So far these updates have focused on the day to day developments, new rules and guidelines related to the COVID-19 public health emergency. We’ll get to that, but today, I want to start with a reminder that your core city services continue to be available, just in slightly different ways.
Safety first
Obviously our public safety services are front and center during this emergency. I want you to know that we have developed very strict protocols for all of our first responders and other staff to ensure they have the protective equipment and training to help prevent exposure to and transmission of the coronavirus that causes COVID-19 as they perform their essential services.
Prevent the preventable
In addition to helping to slow the spread of COVID-19, staying at home helps reduce the number of accidents and other calls for service that come up in a typical day. While at home, please avoid risky activities, like teaching your kids to skateboard for the first time and other things that often lead to accidents. The county’s health officer calls it “preventing the preventable.” Like health care workers, our first responders need to be ready to assist with critical needs during this health emergency.
Crime prevention and reporting
While you are at home, why not take a look at your home’s security. The Police Department can help. Check out the home security guide on their website – an easy to use, comprehensive guide that addresses the physical security of your home. Don’t forget about your car out front. Make sure it is locked and that you have removed all your property, including your garage door opener. A garage door opener can be a key to your house. As usual, our Police Department is on duty and is out and about patrolling our neighborhoods. You can help by being the eyes and ears of your neighborhood. Report crime and suspicious activity, 24/7, when it is taking place. Dial 9-1-1 for a crime in progress and 760-931-2197 for suspicious activity. Check out the Police Department’s website to see all the things you can do online.
Storm patrol
Another core service that continues in full force is what we informally call our “storm patrol.” This is a group of mostly public works staff who monitor areas of the city prone to flooding, clear debris from storm drains and set up traffic control as needed to keep our roads safe. This is strenuous work that happens at all hours of the day and night, depending on the severity of the weather. We also continue to provide sandbags to residents who need them. You can pick them up at the city’s Oak Avenue location, 405 Oak Ave., from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday. You’ll need to show your ID as proof of residency, and there is a limit of 10 per property. For questions, please call 760-434-2980.
Cannon Art Gallery virtual tour
We have a stellar exhibit at the Cannon Art Gallery, which we sadly had to close due to the public health order. But, that doesn’t mean you can’t still enjoy it. Please check out this virtual video tour of “Edges Frayed.”
This exhibition brings together three Southern California artists: Bhavna Mehta, Michelle Montjoy and Irma Sofia Poeter, in a material-rich conversation about construction and connection. Using fine stitching and cutting, fraying fabrics and abstract shapes, text, color, texture, volume and shadow, their work weaves a narrative that seeks to clarify and extend the hidden layers of identity and understanding.
A complete list of how you can access city services during the COVID-19 emergency is available on our website.
The business of government
Last night we held a Traffic & Mobility Commission virtual meeting, the first of our boards and commissions to use this new format. For more than three hours, commissioners conducted their business, all from different locations, while the meeting streamed live on the city’s website. Other upcoming meetings include:
Wednesday, April 8, 6 p.m.
Housing Element Advisory Committee
This committee is helping city staff and decision makers update Carlsbad’s housing plan. Tomorrow, they’ll discuss considerations for future housing site selection criteria.
Wednesday, April 8, 2 p.m.
Carlsbad Tourism Business Improvement District
Wednesday, April 15, 6 p.m.
Planning Commission
Tonight’s City Council meeting
We’ve got a full agenda for tonight’s City Council meeting at 6 p.m., starting with certifying the results of the March 3 special election for City Council District 1. Congratulations to Cori Schumacher, who will be sworn in to her new seat via a virtual ceremony. Other items include:
•Appropriation of $3 million to cover costs related to the COVID-19 emergency
•Pavement management program
•Urgency ordinance prohibiting parking along the beach temporarily
•Public housing plans
•Formation of an ad hoc committee to develop strategies and potential measures for Carlsbad residents and businesses affected by COVID-19
•Temporary eviction suspension for commercial leases due to COVID-19 financial harm
You can watch online or on the city’s cable channel. Comments can be sent via email to the City Clerk at clerk@carlsbadca.gov prior to the start of the agenda item your comment relates to.
Latest numbers
Yesterday’s case numbers from the county show Carlsbad has 42 confirmed cases. Countywide, there are now 1,404 confirmed cases and 19 deaths. The county has started to provide case information by race/ethnicity because some people were asking for that. Around 27% of tests did not have accompanying racial data. The county shared that the numbers track with the broader demographics of San Diego County.
Officials continue to emphasize that the confirmed cases do not reflect the actual number of cases in the county, nor the current risk. The number of deaths are a statistic that is slow to report because they must be first be filed, confirmed and matched with a lab report. While there were no new deaths reported yesterday, that does not mean that they are not increasing. The need to stay at home to flatten the curve remains critical.
Here are the current details:
• State dashboard of statewide data
• County breakdown by age, gender, need for hospitalization
• Bar chart showing changes in number of cases over time
• Cases by city, ZIP code and a map
• Detailed look at cases requiring hospitalization
How to help
Our recruitment of volunteers to sew face coverings is off to a great start. Thank you to all who already reached out to us yesterday to volunteer. If you know how to sew, have a sewing machine (or supplies) and would like to get involved, email us at volunteers@carlsbadca.gov.
If you can’t sew, there are other ways you can help. Consider donating food or medical supplies, supporting local nonprofits and workers or donating blood if you’re healthy. We’ve compiled a list of resources for how you can help our community and others cope with this unprecedented public health emergency.
Stay informed
We are keeping our website and social media up to date, seven days a week, with new developments. I encourage you to follow along and encourage that your friends and neighbors do the same. Here are those links:
•carlsbadca.gov/COVID19
Please stay safe, stay home and continue to #Care4Carlsbad.
Scott Chadwick
City Manager
