Here’s our round up of stories in the City of Carlsbad this week, including:

• Poinsettia Lane now open
• Homelessness programs approved
• Small business loans extended
• Earth Month beach cleanup recap
• New exhibit at Cannon Art Gallery
• Summer camp sign-ups
• Boards & Commissions vacancies
• City Council look ahead
• County emergency rental assistance
• Weekend rail closure canceled

On Thursday the Carlsbad City Council held an official ribbon cutting ceremony to celebrate the completion of a one mile stretch of Poinsettia Lane, east of El Camino Real. With the “missing link” complete, you can now go all the way to the coast on Poinsettia Lane, by car, on foot or on a bike. The new road segment has wide sidewalks and bike lanes with a buffer to create space between passing cars and cyclists.

Special consideration was given to the surrounding habitat, including designing a bridge that allows wildlife to safely pass underneath. Bat roosts are attached to the pillars of the bridge too. The surrounding landscape is irrigated with recycled water, as another way to help conserve natural resources.

City sets bold new approach to combat homelessness

More homeless response programs are coming soon. The Carlsbad City Council approved a comprehensive package of initiatives to achieve its goal of reducing homelessness by 50% in five years, one of the City Council’s top priorities. Under the direction of a new Housing & Homeless Services Department, the city will create bridges to permanent housing, while two new officers in the Police Department’s Homeless Outreach Team will help address resident concerns about unlawful activity. The city will also: 

• Hire a new contractor specializing in helping people access disability and social security benefits, CalWORKS and CalFresh benefits, veteran benefits, stimulus checks, employment programs and other aid available.
• Leverage county resources including the North County Homeless Pilot Program and a countywide homeless outreach program contract for additional outreach support.
• Enhance clinical services at the La Posada Emergency Shelter in Carlsbad.
• Operate a one-year hotel/motel room voucher pilot program.
• Extend and expand the Community Resource Center rapid rehousing program that provides short to medium term rental assistance to help households experiencing homelessness secure and maintain housing with appropriate resources.
• Form a homeless action subcommittee of the City Council to address local and regional goals related to homelessness and provide city staff support for the subcommittee.

 City staff will return to the City Council May 6 to formalize approval of funding for the new programs, as part of the city’s fiscal year 2021-2022 budget, which is estimated to be $5,516,418 for the next year. We’ll be seeking feedback from the community on the implementation of these new homeless outreach programs. Sign up for the homeless response email list to receive more information and future updates on homeless response efforts in Carlsbad.
Read more

Small business loans extended

Small businesses are at the heart of the Carlsbad community, which is why the Carlsbad City Council approved revisions and extensions of terms for the COVID-19 small business loan program. Under the revisions, more businesses have access to financial assistance when they need it most and more support handling the ongoing impacts from state and county health orders. Revisions include: 

• Extending the maximum micro-loan term from 18 months to 30 months
• Extending the maximum small business loan term from 30 months to 60 months
• Allowing for one extension of the repayment deferral in a way to help reduce default risk

 Carlsbad businesses can apply for one or both types of loans outlined in the city’s $5 million economic recovery and revitalization initiative including: Read more

Clean beaches, happy Carlsbad

New exhibit at Cannon Art Gallery

Here is a peek at the new exhibition on display at the Cannon Art Gallery. Material Pulses: Seven Viewpoints, is focused on contemporary textile arts and features 17 works by 7 fiber artists. The gallery is currently open for in person viewing Tuesdays and Thursdays from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Book a reservation today. 
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Summer’s calling: Sign up for camp today

Summer is the time to make memories, messes and new friends. Register for Carlsbad summer camps today! See full camps guide

Boards & Commissions vacancies     

Are you interested in getting involved in city matters? The City of Carlsbad is seeking residents interested in filling several vacancies on the following Boards and Commissions. Applications for these volunteer positions are available on the city’s website or in the City Clerk’s Office, 1200 Carlsbad Village Drive. Applicants must be Carlsbad residents and registered to vote in Carlsbad.

• Library Board of Trustees
• Beach Preservation Commission
• Community Development Block Grant Advisory Committee
• Buena Vista Lagoon Joint Powers Committee

City Council look ahead

The agenda for the next City Council meeting is now available. Topics will include:

• Update on city Investments
• Amending agreement for the design of the Fire Station 4 addition project
• Selling a city-owned property in Oceanside, the former site of a water storage facility
• A proposed development with 192 apartments along Palomar Airport Road
• A nine-unit condominium project proposed to be built on Roosevelt Street
• Appeals on business tax assessments filed by Callaway and Taylor Made
• Update on city’s COVID-19 response and its costs
• The cost of financial assistance on water bills during the pandemic
• Update on the cost and progress of the new Buena Vista Reservoir Park

 Meeting starts at 3 p.m. Sign up by 2 p.m. if you want to provide live comments by phone. Otherwise, you can send your comment via email. Check out the agenda and staff reports.

County emergency rental assistance