March 2025

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.
[click to continue…]

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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

(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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