Carlsbadistan

Ride Your Bike To Work Day May 30

by The Editors on May 20, 2014

While we’re of that opinion that every day should be bike-to-work day, we realize that others need to start somewhere. What better way to try it out than on Friday, May 30, 2014 when the City of Carlsbad will be handing out goodies to everyone who rides to work. It’s all part of the National Annual Bike To Work Day organized by SANDAG to promote bicycles is a great way to commute. It’s also a great way to check out all the new, wider, hopefully safer bike lanes that are currently going in a long the coast.

“The City of Carlsbad encourages those who live and work in and around the city to join neighbors, friends and coworkers in celebrating Bike to Work Day with us,” said Rachael Shay, special events supervisor for the city. “The many miles of bike-friendly transportation systems in our community make it easy to take in Carlsbad from a different perspective.”

A pit stop located at the seawall at at Frazee Beach at Carlsbad Boulevard and Pine Avenue will supply commuters with snacks beverages, and other giveaways. For the official word from the City, follow the jump. [click to continue…]

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An Open Letter from CUSD Superintendent

by The Editors on May 19, 2014

Those who have children, siblings, or are themselves students in the Carlsbad Unified School District know that when the Poinsettia Fire broke out on the morning of Wednesday, May 14, 2014, the school district immediately began communicating with the community at large. It was great to see how quickly and efficiently the district could make sure the kids were safe and communicate that information with anxious parents and family members.

Now, CUSD Superintendent Dr. Suzette Lovely (right) recounts the details of May 14, 2014 in an open letter to the community giving us all a better idea of exactly how decisions were made as the day progressed.

Here it is:

Wednesday, May 14th began as a normal, albeit hot, day in CUSD. Then at 10:43 a.m. everything changed!

As we now know, the fire broke out near Poinsettia Lane and Alicante Road just east of El Camino Real. As Poinsettia Principal, Margie Giordani, watched the flames grow south of her campus, she called the District Office. Principal Giordani reported that School Resource Officer, Malcom Warfield had just arrived on scene and they would be sheltering in place. We immediately activated our EOC (Emergency Operations Center).

Ms. O’Connell and I tried to reach Poinsettia School to assist the principal. As we drove south on El Camino Real it was mayhem. Cars were stopped in the middle of the street, people were standing in the median taking pictures, and fire trucks were screaming by. We watched in horror as a huge plume of black smoke followed by a wall of flames arched over El Camino Real just north of Cassia Rd. When we finally arrived at Poinsettia Lane we were turned back by police. At this point the fire had not yet jumped El Camino Real – but within seconds it would.

At approximately 10:50 a.m. Ms. Giordani and Officer Warfield informed the EOC that due to the fire’s proximity to the school (and lack of foreseeable containment) they should begin evacuating students. Simultaneous to this – and unbeknownst to anyone at the EOC – burning embers had blown across El Camino Real. Dry brush in the canyons east and north of Aviara Oaks Elementary and Middle School had caught fire. Homes and businesses in the surrounding area were directly in the fire’s widening path.

For the jump for the rest of the letter. [click to continue…]

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The Miss Firecracker Contest At NVA

by The Editors on May 19, 2014

Carlsbadistan’s New Village Arts Theatre concludes lucky Season 13 with the hilarious Southern comedy The Miss Firecracker Contest. This play about small towns and beauty pageants is the comedic account of one woman’s attempt to save her tarnished reputation by becoming Miss Firecracker.

Full of the unusual characters that Beth Henley (Crimes of the Heart) is known for, The Miss Firecracker Contest bursts with humor, absurdity and heart. Featuring 2012 San Diego Theatre Critics Circle Award Winner (Outstanding Featured Performance) Samantha Ginn in the title role and directed by San Diego favorite Daren Scott.

For all the details, including show times and ticket prices, please follow the jump. [click to continue…]

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62nd Annual Boys & Girls Club Golf Classic

by The Editors on May 19, 2014

Pictured (L to R): Winning Foursome members Steve Farnsworth, Scott Buoy, Club CEO Brad Holland, Aleco Prevalos, and Rob Gough.

The Boys & Girls Clubs of Carlsbad scored big at their 62nd Annual Golf Tournament held April 24, 2014 at the Aviara Golf Club.

“The success of this tournament is a result of astounding contributions from so many individuals and companies throughout North County,” said Randy Ferren of California Bank & Trust, Steering Committee Chair. “While the day presented so many winners, we are pleased that the kids are the ultimate winners – and benefit from this generosity.”

For the official word from the Boys & Girls Club, follow the jump. [click to continue…]

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The Morning After The Poinsettia Fire

by The Editors on May 15, 2014

Sunrise at Ponto Beach.

With the sun rising behind the smokey skies of Carlsbad and many roads still closed, we rolled out for a quick tour of the area most affected by the May 14, 2014 Poinsettia Fire. As we moved east on Poinsettia from Aviara we were amazed by two things. One, it could have been so much worse, and two, what a great job firefighters did containing the fire and protecting and saving hundreds of homes. (Click here for a map of Fire zone).

The fire, which reportedly started near Alga Norte Park, jumped from open space to open space seemingly right over neighborhoods driven west by high winds. First, on the Northeast side of Poinsettia and El Camino Real, then across El Camino Real down to Cassia and again over Poinsettia to the open space just west of Aviara Park to the Southwest of Palomar Airport Road and Camino Vida Robles to Paseo Del Lago where the only commercial building burned.

That Carlsbad only lost eight homes, one condo complex, and one commercial building is a testament to the skills of the crews fighting the fire. In location after location that we visited we saw where the fire had come right up to the side and backyards of dozens of homes, condos, and apartments, yet they were all untouched by the flames. Sure, the cars and the ground were covered in ash, but the fires were stopped short of damaging more buildings. And for that, we are grateful.

We just hope the fire fighters can do the same for our neighbors in San Marcos. Their Cocos Fire seems to be growing as the day goes on.

For more images from the Poinsettia Fire burn zone follow the jump. [click to continue…]

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Poinsettia Fire Lights Up Carlsbad

by The Editors on May 14, 2014

Recent Poinsettia Fire updates from the City of Carlsbad:

UPDATE, 5/20/14, 7:50 PM

Please Stay Out of Burned Areas
The City of Carlsbad is asking the public to stay out of fire damaged areas. These areas can be dangerous, and walking on the burned open space could further damage the habitat areas and hamper the regrowth and restoration of these natural areas. The city has posted photos of the burned areas on its Facebook page for residents interested in seeing the damage.

Red Cross in Carlsbad Wednesday
Red Cross client caseworkers will be in Carlsbad Wednesday assist fire victims.
Wednesday, 5/21, 11 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Alga Norte Community Park
Meeting Room (in Aquatic Center)
6565 Alicante Road, Carlsbad

Please bring:
Valid identification
Verification of damage (if your property is not already on a damage assessment list, damage assessment will need to be verified by a Red Cross team)
The Red Cross also has a number for victims, 858-309-1338

http://www.redcross.org/news/press-release/ca/san-diego/ONE-WEEK-REPORT:-AMERICAN-RED-CROSS-CONTINUES-TO-SUPPORT-THOSE-AFFECTED-BY-SAN-DIEGO-FIRES

How to Help
Ready Carlsbad is accepting cash donations to assist residents and business in Carlsbad. Visit www.carlsbad.org for more information.

The Salvation Army in North County is accepting donations of money, food, hygiene items, diapers, new baby toys, clothing and similar items for fire victims. No used items accepted. The North County Salvation Army center is located in Oceanside at 3935 Lake Blvd., 92056.

Beware of Scams and Price Gouging
Please refer to the San Diego County District Attorney’s office notice for information about how to avoid common charity, insurance, debris removal, restoration and contractor scams.

The Carlsbad City Attorney reminds the public that after the Governor declares a state of emergency, it is illegal for businesses to increase prices of essential goods and services by more than ten percent unless they can prove it was due to an increase in their supplier’s price. The prohibition on price gouging after a disaster applies to consumer food and services, goods or services used for emergency cleanup, supplies, medical supplies, home heating oil, building materials, housing, transportation, freight and storage services, and gasoline or other motor fuels. In addition, it is a misdemeanor during 30 days following the state of emergency proclamation for a hotel or motel to increase regular rates. You can report price gouging to the District Attorney’s Consumer Protection Unit at 619-531-4070.

No update on damage assessment.
No update on cause investigation.
No update on body found during the fire.

For damage details and other previously released information, visit the city’s online newsroom: http://news.carlsbadca.gov/news/carlsbad-fire-information

UPDATE 5/16/14, 3 PM

The City of Carlsbad is in the process of deactivating its Emergency Operations Center. The Fire Department has established a department operations center to continue to manage the Poinsettia Fire, which is still at 85 percent contained. Fire personnel are patrolling affected areas to respond to hot spots and flare ups. Some City of Carlsbad fire resources are being deployed to other fires in the county as needed.

No additional Carlsbad-specific updates are planned at this time. For general fire information, please refer to the San Diego County emergency site, http://www.sdcountyemergency.com/

UPDATE 5/16/14, 7:30 AM

Poinsettia Fire is 85 percent contained. Fire crews continue to respond to hotspots in Carlsbad. City of Carlsbad Emergency Operations Center remains open to assist with response and recovery efforts. All roads are open and evacuations have been lifted. Resource information for fire victims has been posted to the city’s home page. Weather continues to be favorable, with 5 mph winds and higher humidity forecast through the weekend. Three Carlsbad strike teams are being redeployed to assist with efforts in San Marcos. Air quality continues to be a concern. Residents should avoid strenuous outdoor activities.

There are three points where Carlsbad Police Department is still controlling access to residents for safety reasons:
Black Rail Poinsettia
Black Rail Sapphire
Poinsettia Brigantine

The Carlsbad Police Department has established a Tip Hotline for the Poinsettia Fire. If you have any information regarding the origin of the fire or suspicious activity or persons who may be involved with the starting of the fires, please call 760-602-7599 or email PoinsettiaFire@carlsbadca.gov

Structure damage assessment remains at:
8 single family homes were destroyed or incurred substantial damage
3 single family homes sustained minor damage
1 multi-family 18-unit apartment building was destroyed
1 multi-family 18-unit apartment building incurred considerable damage
2 commercial buildings destroyed/substantially damaged
1 modular building was destroyed

All core city services are available today.

City Hall and the Faraday Center will be open for regular business today.
Dove Library will be closed today.
Cole Library is open today from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Library Learning Center is open today from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

All City of Carlsbad Parks & Recreation facilities will be closed today, with the exception of the Carlsbad Senior Center, located at 799 Pine Ave.
The Senior Center will be open normal hours 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.; all regularly scheduled services will be available and the Senior Center will continue to serve as a “cool zone.”

All Parks & Recreation classes are cancelled today.

Follow the jump for all the previous updates. . . [click to continue…]

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Tri-City Medical Center’s New CEO

by The Editors on May 6, 2014

Tri-City Medical Center has hired Tim Moran (right) as their new chief executive officer. He officially begins in the new position on June 23, 2014.

Moran is an experienced senior healthcare executive with more than 35 years of leadership experience and a track record of success serving as Chief Executive Officer, President and Administrator for hospitals in several states. . . “Tim brings extensive strategy and operations experience leading hospitals,” said Larry Schallock, Chairperson of Tri-City Healthcare District’s Board of Directors. “Our organization will benefit greatly from Tim’s collaborative leadership approach and strong focus on developing a close relationship with the community that we serve.”

For the official word from Tri-City Medical Center, please follow the jump. [click to continue…]

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Happy Hour Politics With Brad Dacus

by The Editors on May 5, 2014

On Thursday, May 15, 2014 Carlsbad’s Happy Hour Politics is presenting Brad Dacus and his topic The Eroding of your Moral Rights: How to Right Wrongs Legally at The Crossings at Carlsbad.

Brad Dacus served as Legislative Assistant to U.S. Senator Phil Gramm, and went on to receive his Juris Doctor from the University of Texas, School of Law. For the next five years, Mr. Dacus coordinated religious freedom and parental rights cases throughout the Western states. In 1997, Mr. Dacus founded Pacific Justice Institute, where he serves as President and continues to defend religious liberties and parental rights. The Pacific Justice Institute has a network with hundreds of volunteer affiliate attorneys and handles more cases on the West Coast than any other organization of its kind.

Yes, if you voted for President Obama we’re guessing you’d find some great people to argue with at this gathering. Happy Hour Politics begins at 5:30 PM and costs $15 (including appetizers) but you’ll have to buy your own drinks. For the official word from Happy Hour Politics, follow the jump. [click to continue…]

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When China Meets Latin America Music

by The Editors on April 24, 2014

The Carlsbad Music Festival is presenting a free event Tuesday, May 13, 2014 featuring internationally renowned pipa player and Carlsbad resident Wu Man and Son de San Diego.

Part of the San Diego Foundation’s Creative Catalyst Fund, the project explores cross-cultural exchanges between Chinese and Latin American plucking instruments, resulting in a musical dialogue between these two diverse communities. Through rehearsals, workshops, and performances, Wu Man and Son de San Diego discover and share the unique collaboration they have forged between the musical traditions of China and Latin America. . . “We have found common ground in love songs, silvery dawns, birdsongs, broken hearts, tales of sailing, and the sheer joy of dancing,” Eduardo Garcia, from Son de San Diego, explains. “This has proven to me once more the universality without borders that music is.”

The event begins at 7:30 PM on May 13, 2014 and will last one-hour at St. Michael’s by the Sea in Carlsbad, California. For the official word from the CMF, follow the jump. [click to continue…]

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Tekst Site First Anniversary Party April 19

by The Editors on April 16, 2014

Be Sure to stop by TEKST Gallery this Saturday, April 19th from 7:00 – 10:00 PM and enjoy live music, art, drinks, and more in honor of their website FiveSpotDerby.com’s 1 year anniversary! There will be over 50 works of art on display. Tekst is located at 2680 State Street, in Carlsbad, California. For more info click the link.