Carlsbad residents urge city to prioritize park safety before summer influx

Concerns over public safety and homelessness took center stage at the Carlsbad City Council meeting on May 20, 2025, as community members urged immediate action on pressing issues.

A local resident passionately appealed to the council to prioritize safety improvements at a busy park intersection, warning that increased summer traffic could lead to a tragedy. "I see it every day," he stated, emphasizing the urgency of the situation. The council responded by directing him to the city’s traffic engineer for further discussion on potential solutions.

In a separate but equally significant discussion, Shana Rutman, a Carlsbad native and founder of the nonprofit Purses for Purpose, voiced her disappointment over the city’s ordinance banning car camping and RVs. She highlighted the lack of alternative safe parking options for unhoused individuals, contrasting Carlsbad’s approach with neighboring cities like Oceanside and Encinitas, which offer safe haven lots. Rutman questioned the city’s strategy, stating, "It just pushes the problem away from the city that should tackle and offer viable solutions."

City officials assured Rutman that efforts are underway to assist those living in their vehicles, with plans to connect her with the city’s coordinator for homelessness initiatives.

The meeting also included the unanimous approval of several consent calendar items and the adoption of two ordinances, although one council member voted against them. Additionally, the council discussed the closure of the former Carlsbad Tourism Business Improvement District, which has been replaced by a new district established in 2023.

As the city grapples with these critical issues, the discussions reflect a growing community concern for safety and the need for compassionate solutions to homelessness. The council's next steps will be closely watched as residents seek effective action before the summer season begins.