Employee update, 11-22-21

Happy Monday everyone and happy Thanksgiving week. I wanted to start off by sending that message and from the bottom of my heart, I’m so thankful for each and every one of you. You spend your days delivering incredible services for this community. And you do it with a smile on your face (masked up, of course). You’re doing the things our community, residents and visitors come to expect and admire of you. On behalf of our entire leadership team and City Council, thank you for a job well done. Hope you have a safe and memorable Thanksgiving.

Since my last report out, we’ve had 2 new positive COVID-19 cases including 1 workplace exposure.

For our last 2 City Council meetings in December, City Council directed staff to keep hosting virtual public meetings.

Thankfully, Carlsbad as a whole has seen a decrease in active cases since early September with numbers plateauing.

But the case numbers are still not as low as they were in July when we returned to in-person meetings.

COVID cases in the United States exceeds 42 million, so with increased travel and indoor gatherings for the holiday, the CDC recommendations remain the same:

Get vaccinated. If you're fully vaccinated, get a booster shot. (All adults are now eligible for COVID-19 booster shots)

It’s also the return of what’s normally flu season. To help decrease the severity of flu symptoms, the city is offering free flu shots to employees this week on Tuesday, November 23 from 11 to 1 at Carlsbad Fire Station 5. No appointment is needed. But get your supervisor’s approval so we all know where we’re at.

Sharing some kudos…

Staff from Public Works and Community Development presented a workshop at a statewide conference, highlighting the city’s best practices n stormwater compliance.

The project team organized such a creative and interactive presentation, they got raving reviews from participants across the state, and turned an otherwise run of the mill topic to one that was engaging, fun and informative. Great job to the team!

I’d like to acknowledge Library Assistant Angelica Mejia who was selected from library staff across the state, to participate in a California libraries leadership development program.

And Police Sergeant Alonso Develasco who graduated from an 8-month intensive law enforcement program emphasizing leadership and ethical decision making in law enforcement.

Speaking of leadership, 14 members of Team Carlsbad graduated from Supervisor’s Academy last week, an intensive 10-session training in the areas of team development, performance management, conflict resolution, communication, and diversity, equity and inclusion. Congrats to our graduates!

Have a safe and happy Thanksgiving. Enjoy those Thursday football games (go Bears!) Take care and see you soon.