Good morning, Carlsbad. Here’s what’s new in the past 24 hours. As a reminder, you can get updates throughout the day via the city’s on social media and a dedicated website we have set up: carlsbadca.gov/COVID19
Carlsbad now has 14 confirmed cases
Cases in Carlsbad have more than doubled since last week, and we expect this trend to continue, not just in Carlsbad, but throughout the county. Having said that, Carlsbad has more than twice as many cases as other cities in the region except for San Diego. Even though we need to take this with a grain of salt due to the limited supply of tests, it remains simply imperative that everyone follow the stay at home order. This link has the full report of cases in the region. It’s updated daily around 5 p.m.
Beach, parks, trails now closed
Last weekend’s sunny weather coupled with the newness of the governor’s order resulted in far too many people on local beaches, trails and parks. Yesterday the county amended its public health order directing cities to close these public places when the proper physical distance couldn’t be maintained. We immediately took this step following the county’s order.
State beaches
Most people don’t realize that in Carlsbad, six of our nearly seven miles of coastline are owned and managed by California State Parks. The city has closed the beach from Oak Avenue north to the Oceanside border, but the rest are not in our control. Yesterday I sent an official request to the state asking that all state beaches and parking lots be closed to help protect the health of our community. So far, the only state park the governor has closed in San Diego County is Torrey Pines.
Sea Wall
The city has over the years negotiated agreements with the state to manage the upper and lower Sea Wall as well as the grassy area by the Ocean Street parking lot. Starting today, we will close the lower Sea Wall and have police officers in the area to remind people to keep their distance, unless they’re part of the same household. The upper Sea Wall will remain open to people using it for exercise, but no gathering or sitting on benches. Restrooms remain open. I firmly believe that education will solve the problem, but we are prepared to issue citations if it comes to that.
Stay at home order
We continue to get questions about what is and isn’t allowed in the “stay and home order,” like surfing, swimming, etc. The governor did not list every single activity, so please use your judgment. The goal is to stay at home and when you go out for “essential” needs, keeping your distance to avoid the risk catching or spreading COVID-19. It should go without saying, but if you’re sick, do not go out at all.
First responder resources
It will take the better part of today to get all the signs in place about the new closures. And, even when these signs go up, enforcement will be needed in some areas. I appreciate everyone’ vigilance in reporting instances of gathering, and we will do everything we can to break up groups and send people home. However, we cannot possibly have a law enforcement presence at every city trail and park and also be available for higher priority calls for service. We ask that you model the right behavior and encourage your friends and neighbors to do the same. Over time, as word spreads, people will get the seriousness of this situation.
Our first virtual City Council meeting
Tonight, the Carlsbad City Council will hold its first ever virtual meeting, with a video teleconference replacing a physical meeting. Here’s what’s on the agenda:
•Rescinding out of date City Council policies
•Weed abatement (reducing fire risk)
•A progress report on the city’s housing plan – how we are meeting state-mandated goals for producing new housing
•An agreement with the Scripps Institute for Oceanography and Coastal Conservancy to study sea level rise and potential ways to protect Carlsbad Boulevard
Members of the public may not watch City Council meetings in person for the time being, but you can watch on the city website and cable channel, Charter Spectrum Channel 24 and AT&T U-verse channel 99. Public comments can be sent by email to clerk@carlsbadca.gov . Here’s more information on the meeting, which starts at 5 p.m. We’ve kept the agenda on the short side to make sure this all works as it should. We did a test run with staff Friday.
Carlsbad at home
I know this is a stressful time for our community. We are continuing to hear examples of people helping each other and doing the right thing, whether it’s keeping 6-feet of distance in line at the grocery store or calling older neighbors to make sure they’re okay.
Yesterday at sunset, a city employee came upon a couple in their front yard. For the past eight days Brian and Jenn have sat in lawn chairs at the end of the day, waving and saying hello to people out for their daily walks. They said they’ve met a lot of new neighbors this way (from afar), and it’s really helped build a stronger sense of community along their street.
This is what Carlsbad is all about! Please share your own stories of #CarlsbadatHome, and we’ll share on our social media.
If you have questions not covered here, just reply to this email, communications@carlsbadca.gov. Our staff is monitoring it seven days a week and will follow up with you directly.
Please stay safe, stay home and continue to #Care4Carlsbad.
