News

NCTD Now Takes Express Mode Apple Pay

by The Editors on March 23, 2025

After getting used to how easily we can hop on Metros, subways, and buses all around the world with just an iPhone, coming home to Carlsbad and attempting to purchase a Coaster ticket is always a headache. The Pronto app is difficult, and buying a ticket from the PRONTO machines usually means standing in line and then helping tourists figure out how to purchase a ticket before grabbing our own.

Thankfully, those days are over. As of March 19, 2025 all North Country Transit District and San Diego Metropolitian Transit System trains, trolleys, and buses take Apple Pay through iPhone Express mode (including Apple Watch).

“Today marks an exciting step forward in making public transit in San Diego more seamless and convenient,” said Stephen Whitburn, MTS Board Chair and San Diego City Councilmember, District 3. “Whether you’re heading to a Padres game, a concert, or simply commuting to your next destination, paying with Apple Pay empowers riders to hop onboard faster. We appreciate having the close collaboration with Apple to bring this feature to our transit systems.”

In Express Mode on an Apple iOS device you can set any payment method (click here for instructions) and then just wave your phone over a PRONTO validator and you’re good to go.

With Express Mode enabled for debit or credit cards, riders do not need to wake or unlock their iPhone or Apple Watch, or even open any apps, to pay and ride on MTS buses and Trolleys, and NCTD COASTER, SPRINTER, BREEZE and FLEX services. All users have to do is hold their Apple device near a PRONTO validator to securely pay with Apple Pay.

Occasionally, we are reminded that technology is a good thing. And this is one of them. Almost makes us want to jump a bus ride down the coast right now.

For all the official details, please follow the jump.
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Monroe Pool Closes For Renovations March 31

by The Editors on March 19, 2025

(Editors’ Note: 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, Carlsbadistan.

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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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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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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Wild Carts Lost On The Streets of Carlsbad

by The Editors on January 19, 2024

The City Council in Encinitas has taken action on loose shopping carts in their city and Carlsbad is seeing them stack up as well. Market reps in Encinitas have claimed they avidly round up their lost carts. Some residents, however, disagree.

This cart (branded as Pavilions) has been parked at the corner of Tamarack and Carlsbad Blvd. for most of the week, doing what in skateboarding would be called a boardslide.

On Friday morning, January 19, 2024 we called the Vons store on Tamarack and reported the lost cart. The friendly customer service representative took down the address and said, “We have a guy who picks them up for us. I’ll let him know when he comes in.”

In the interest of field testing Vons’ cart retrieval process, we’re letting the cart sit there, blocking the sidewalk, to see how long it takes before it is removed. Hopefully, it will be soon.

[Editors’ Note: The cart was gone in about an hour! Great work on Vons’ (or someone else’s) part. It appears making the call works. . . maybe. Good to know.]

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Santa Comes To Señor Grubby’s Carlsbad

by The Editors on December 7, 2023

Join the holiday party at Señor Grubby’s Carlsbad (377 Carlsbad Village Drive) on Wednesday, December 13, 2023 beginning at 6 PM.

Featuring photos with Santa, cookie decorating, face painting, music, food, drinks and MORE to raise funds and awareness for ‘Got your Back San Diego!’

As if we really need another reason to grab some fish tacos. Bring some canned soup to donate to a great cause.

[Link: Señor Grubby’s]

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Cards For A Cause Raises $45k For Clubs

by The Editors on December 4, 2023

The La Costa 35 Athletic Club, a local nonprofit organization, hosted its 12th Annual Texas Hold ‘Em Poker Tournament on November 4, 2023 benefiting the Boys & Girls Clubs of Carlsbad.

“There were 15 poker tables and close to 150 players,” said Tournament Director Rob Holzman. “In the end, it’s the kids who win. Over $45,000 in net proceeds was raised for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Carlsbad!”
. . . Adding to the atmosphere was catering from Gregorio’s Restaurant, Mendocino Farms, Baja Jerky, and BJ’s Restaurant, generous donations by HRE Performance Wheels for a full set of custom wheels and Haro Bikes for two Beach Cruiser E-Bikes, all of which were auctioned off to the highest bidder, and large screen TVs broadcasting the blinds as well as football games, courtesy of Home AV-TV & Design.

For the official word from the Boys & Girls Clubs of Carlsbad, please follow the jump.

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Rotary Oktober Fest at The Strawberry Fields

by The Editors on September 20, 2023

Join your friends and neighbors on October 7, 2023 in celebration of the changing season (and beer) at the 41st Annual Oktoberfest Fall Festival sponsored by the Carlsbad Rotary Clubs.

The event, held at The Strawberry Fields at 1050 Cannon Road in Carlsbad, features authentic German meals from Tip Top Meats, kids and adult activities, live German music, and of course a biergarten! For all the details please click the link.

[Link: Octoberfest]

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CUSD Makes Riding Bikes To School Difficult

by The Editors on June 10, 2023

The Carlsbad Unified School District is making it more difficult for students to get to school in 2023-24, as well as creating more costly bureaucratic headaches for itself thanks to a new bike and e-bike parking permit program. Next year, only bicycles or e-bikes that have been properly permitted and stickered will be allowed to park on CUSD school campuses.

Students riding a Bike or Ebike must complete an application and attend a Carlsbad Unified School District (CUSD) approved Bike & Ebike Safety Presentation. After completion of this application process, students will then receive a district-issued parking permit sticker (sticker) to be affixed to their Bike or Ebike. Stickers will be issued through each school office. Students who do not have a sticker visibly affixed to their Bike or Ebike will not be permitted to bring their Bike or Ebike onto any CUSD campus.

Bicycle safety education should be a part of Carlsbad school curriculum at every level, however, requiring permits and stickers for bicycles does nothing but make it more difficult for kids to ride a bike to school. 

Yes, kids need to follow the rules and be safe on their way to school, but discouraging bicycling to school by adding unnecessary permitting is a huge step backwards for a community of students that is leading the nation in the adoption of alternative forms of transportation. For all the official details, please follow the jump.

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