Arrrrrr, Pirate Plunge Pillages Alga Norte

by The Editors on March 19, 2025

Looking for a fun evening of pirate-themed activities? Join us for the City of Carlsbad’s annual Pirate Plunge on Saturday, March 29, at Alga Norte Aquatic Center, from 5 to 8 p.m.

Pool activities and games

Come dressed in your swimsuit and enjoy a variety of pool activities and games, including:

  • Diving for treasure, ship raider races and walking the plank.
  • The splash pad will be open for younger children to enjoy.
  • Dry activities include a pirate ship slide, a photo op and a treasure hunt, where kids can follow a map to collect hidden treasures around the pool decks.

Additional information

  • Skip the lines! Pick up your wristbands at Alga Norte Aquatic Center the week before the event.
  • Online presale ends at 5 p.m. on the Friday before the event. If tickets are still available, wristbands can be purchased at the event.
  • Food will be available for purchase.
  • For safety reasons, only pool noodles and U.S. Coast Guard-approved floatation devices are allowed in the pool.
  • Event may be modified or canceled due to weather conditions.

Pirate Plunge

Saturday, March 29
5 to 8 p.m.
Alga Norte Aquatic Center
6565 Alicante Road

Tickets: $15 per person (children ages 3 and under are free but must be registered) Click the link to register.

[Link: Pirate Plunge]

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Carlsbad’s Saddest Backyard Hoops Court

by Eero Lloyd Neutra on March 19, 2025

We’re always on the hunt for great homes in Carlsbadistan. Occasionally, in that hunt we run into images of homes that just rip our hearts to shreds. Like this one. . . of the loneliest basketball court in the world. Images like these remind us of the age-old adage, “the wave of nostalgia is always a closeout!”

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Monroe Pool Closes For Renovations March 31

by The Editors on March 19, 2025

A bot wrote this post. . . LOL. Yes, we’re that lazy.

Alright, Carlsbadistan your beloved (or begrudgingly tolerated) Monroe Street Pool is about to become a construction zone for a whopping 18 months. Yes, you read that right. EIGHTEEN. MONTHS.

Monroe Pool: Gone Swimming… Indefinitely (Sort Of)

So, what’s the deal? Apparently, our little local watering hole is getting a “glow-up.” Or, as I like to call it, a full-blown, tear-it-down-and-start-over extravaganza. They’re talking fancy-pants upgrades like “modernized locker rooms” (because apparently, the current ones were built sometime during the Jurassic period) and “energy-efficient upgrades” (because, you know, saving the planet is trendy now).

Honestly, I’m just hoping they remember to put the water back in when they’re done.

But Wait, There’s More! (And It’s Called Alga Norte)

Don’t panic, fellow fishies! The city, in its infinite wisdom, has decided to point us all in the direction of Alga Norte Aquatic Center. Because apparently, we’re all just supposed to magically teleport there now.

Alga Norte, for those of you living under a rock, is like the Beyonce of pools. It’s got everything: competition pools, warm water pools, splash pads… basically, everything you need to pretend you’re on vacation while still stuck in Carlsbad.

Look, I get it. Renovations are necessary. But 18 months? That’s practically a lifetime in internet years. Just think of all the pool selfies we’ll miss out on!

Takeaways:

  • Prepare for construction noise that will make your eardrums bleed.
  • Dust off those Alga Norte directions; you’re gonna need ’em.
  • Start practicing your “I’m not bitter, just disappointed” face for when you see the finished product (if it ever gets finished).
  • Maybe start a petition to have the city provide free poolside margaritas at Alga Norte as compensation.

In the meantime, I’ll be over here, practicing my synchronized complaining. Stay salty, Carlsbad.

P.S. If anyone spots a rogue dinosaur fossil in the Monroe Pool construction zone, please let me know. I have some theories.

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Cool iPhone Cases from Pura Vida

by The Editors on February 18, 2025

Pura Vida, makers of the original friendship bracelet, is collaborating with Casely on a collection of phone cases that merge Pura Vida’s vibrant, laid-back aesthetic with Casely’s unique phone cases, power pods, and more; offering a functional lineup perfect for those who want to elevate their everyday essentials.

Put your style on the line with any of the three bold designs within the Pura Vida X Casely collection. Slim, fashionable, and protective, each colorful case will be available for all iPhone 13 through 16 models. Elevate your case game with matching Power Pods and Grippys to keep you powered up and picture perfect. As an added bonus, Pura Vida debuts their first ever phone chains ensuring your phone stays connected to you, so you can stay connected to your people.

Does this have anything to do with Carlsbad? Good question for which we have no answer. For more info follow the jump.

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Alga Norte Pool Reopening Delayed

by The Editors on January 15, 2025

As we predicted, the planned three month renovation of Carlsbad’s Alga Norte Pool complex has been extended three more weeks to the first week of March 2025 rather than the planned second week of February, according to an update from the City of Carlsbad.

Work started in November, with crews draining the pool and removing the old plaster that lined the walls. During that process, the city identified additional pool repairs that need to be addressed to ensure the Alga Norte Aquatic Center will continue to serve the community for years to come. The city is taking the opportunity to complete that work now, and the aquatic center is scheduled to reopen the first week of March.

Will be interesting to see if they can stick to the deadline without discovering more that needs to be fixed. Can you tell we use the pool a lot? You’re right we do. One downside, as soon as Alga Norte reopens the Monroe Pool next to Carlsbad High will close for 18 months for their total remodel. Yes, that one and a half YEARS. Upgrades.

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Will Aptera Finally Deliver A Production Car?

by The Editors on January 6, 2025

Carlsbad’s struggling e-car maker Aptera has reportedly suggested that they may have a production car sometime in the future thanks to a partner ship with Pininfarina, according to a story on The Verge.

The once-dead and now-resurrected startup unveiled a new “production-intent” solar-powered electric vehicle that it made with a little help from legendary Italian automotive designers Pininfarina. And much like the last go-around, the new prototype is an ultra-efficient three-wheeled electric vehicle powered, in part, by embedded solar panels.

Always thought they looked a little too much like a lost Piper Cub, but it would be cool to see a few more on the road. And the staff can focus more on work now that Rouleur Brewing is no longer their neighbor.

[Link: The Verge]

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Rubio’s Shutters 48 California Locations

by The Editors on June 3, 2024

Carlsbad, California based purveyor of fine fish tacos Rubio’s Coastal Grill announced to employees on June 1, 2024 that they have closed 48 restaurants in California, reportedly giving employees in the affected stores zero warning nor severance, according to a story in the Orange County Register.

“Making the decision to close a store is never an easy one,” the company said in a statement. “Rubio’s … after a thorough review of its operations and the current business climate, has decided to close 48 underperforming locations in California as of May 31. The closings were brought about by the rising cost of doing business in California. While painful, the store closures are a necessary step in our strategic long-term plan to position Rubio’s for success for years to come.”

Looks like the once regal, local restaurant success story has fallen on hard times . . again. We never eat there, so maybe management knows what’s up. These closures leave the company with a total of 86 stores still operating in California, Arizona, and Nevada. More on this story as it develops.

[Editor’s Note June 6, 2024: The company has now filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection for the second time since 2020. This time the owners hope to sell the business.]

[Link: Orange County Register]

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Legoland World Parade Celebrates 25 Years

by The Editors on April 26, 2024

Hard to believe that it’s already been more than 25 years since we voted “NO” for a proposed Legoland theme park in our beloved city of Carlsbad, California. But it has. Somethings we predicted happened: Legoland built hotels and restaurants so they could keep more of their visitor’s money for themselves. But others, weren’t so bad. The park is still virtually invisible on its hillside and it doesn’t often cause the traffic jams we were so worried about. So, overall, not a bad addition to the City. Anyway. . . 

To celebrate the 25th birthday of the Carlsbad park Legoland is introducing some new costumed characters to what will be North America’s First LEGO® World Parade.

In honor of LEGOLAND California’s 25th birthday, Fire Chief Freya, Scuba Diver, Scallywag Pirate, Lloyd and Hopsy will star in The LEGO World Parade with an all-new original soundtrack that will have visitors bopping along throughout the summer. . . The Parade will be the perfect finale to a day spent riding, climbing, splashing, and building throughout the theme park’s 60+ rides, shows, and attractions.

Sounds like it will be an epic addition to your next visit to the park. For all the official details, please follow the jump.

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Hot Rods & Cool Treats At Pine Park

by The Editors on April 12, 2024

Grab the whole family and come on out for some good old-fashioned fun at the Hot Rods & Cool Treats Carnival on Saturday, May
11, 2024 at Pine Avenue Park, 3333 Harding Street in Carlsbad, California.

We’ll have activities for the young and young at heart, including Can-Knock-Down, Ring Toss, Frog Hopper and more. Enjoy crafts, face painting and a Fun Zone. Build your own sundae at the ice cream bar and vote on your favorite car in the classic car show.
We’ve also got live music covering decades of sounds.

What else you going to do on an overcast Saturday morning in May?

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8 New Pickleball Courts, 0 New Skateparks

by The Editors on February 15, 2024

Proving once again that Carlsbad, California is a city owned and operated by a cartel of those well over 50 years of age, the City has shamelessly announced that (after decades of ignoring skateboarders in Carlsbad) the City Council has approved locations for the “design and construction” of eight new, outdoor pickleball courts and NOT ONE new skateboard park. Not one.

When approving the master plan last September, the City Council considered how to best meet the growing demand for pickleball courts, ultimately deciding against converting existing tennis courts or creating shared courts, even though those options could be completed more quickly than designing and constructing new pickleball courts. Feedback from tennis players and pickleball players alike led the City Council to opt for new, dedicated pickleball courts. The proposed eight courts will take about two years to complete.

Guess the pickleball players are loud in more ways than one. For the official word from the City of Carlsbad, please follow the jump.

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