Carlsbadcares

09/25/2026

Wow, sounds like a good idea however are they are going to clean up all the mold in that place…

Venerable venue, long vacant, will keep streetside facade, may add bar and live entertainment.

09/23/2026

She's BAACK..

Our favourite ex-Councilwoman and Surfer Savant is back on the blogosphere, serving up those trademark word salads on Substack. Meanwhile, she is endorsing Kyle Krahel for the BOS seat.

One could surmise this is plausibly not good for Kyle, as other sources tell us that (Name Redacted) scorched the earth (as usual) on her way out of her political director gig at IBEW Local 569.

Perhaps they decided that they did not owe "quid pro Cori" anymore for her many services rendered eons ago while serving on the Cori Choice Energy board.

In the meantime, if you are looking for some nostalgia (and like to read some crazy s..., look no further.

https://beneathsealevel.substack.com/?r=953oxm&utm_campaign=subscribe-page-share-screen&utm_medium=web

09/23/2026

From our friends at Carlsbad Pulse. Learn what's at stake in North County this October-November.

For years, local elections in North County have followed a predictable script: incumbent stability occasionally interrupted by a single-issue protest. But as we approach the 2026 cycle, the politic…

09/21/2026

Catherine is sucking the life out of Encinitas

09/21/2026

WILL IT BE THE END OF INCUMBENCY IN CARLSBAD IN 2026? PROBABLY NOT.

Are North County voters getting tired of incumbents with mostly public-service backgrounds? In Carlsbad, we shall see.

In Carlsbad, Mayor Keith Blackburn is a retired Carlsbad Police officer who first became a member of the Carlsbad City Council in 2008, two years shy of 20 years ago. In contrast, Blackburn's challengers this year, Eric Nixon (D) and Bill Arsenault (R), cut their teeth in the private sector. Strangely, Nixon, a Democrat, views Carlbad's problems and solutions from a very conservative perspective. Arsenault, a Republican, on the other hand, may not provide much of a contrast to the city's current mayor, who'd rather switch than fight.

In Carlsbad District 1, incumbent Melanie Burkholder, a former Secret Service agent turned counselor and crisis management expert, is facing challenger Nate Larsen. Larsen, a newcomer to Carlsbad politics, has a diverse background that is difficult to pin down. Burkholder is popular in Carlsbad, but her biggest challenge this year is reintroducing herself to her constituency: roughly one-third of the voting population in District 1 turns over every 18 months. Larsen's biggest challenge is himself: a quick glance is all it takes to see that his easy-going appearance and demeanor detract from a need to be more serious.

In Carlsbad District 3, the "Business vs. Public Service" pattern is especially evident. Wayland Lim, a former business consultant with corporate and nonprofit strategic expertise, challenges Priya Bhat-Patel, who is running for her third term on the city council. Lim's bid contrasts private-sector efficiency with public-sector largesse. For example, during Bhat-Patel's years on the mostly-Democrat city council, city staff has nearly tripled in size—from 417 ten years ago to around 1200 today—while the population of the city has remained largely unchanged.

So, will it be the devils you know or the people you don't who will get the nod to lead Carlsbad? It's almost time to decide.
gc.

09/02/2026

No wonder people have been loosing trust in our “Non-Profits 😡..

“Even given that sordid background, the Christian Law Enforcement Fellowship, whose mission is to provide mentorship and counseling to police officers, decided to bring him on as a chaplain. On Tuesday, Jerry Hara, the organization’s president, released a statement apologizing for the decision and announcing Fischer was no longer affiliated with the nonprofit.”

The Christian Law Enforcement Fellowship cut ties with ex-deputy Ricky Fisher after our story published.

08/29/2026

Just when you thought the “Flechers” left politics.

A San Diego Superior Court judge on Friday ruled against forcing an ex-Metropolitan Transit System staffer who accused ex-Chair Nathan Fletcher of sexual assault and harassment to cover the agency’s more than $775,000 in legal fees and costs.

08/28/2026

Kevin Sabellico is a perfect example of the revolving-door political career we should all be questioning.

Carlsbad residents had him as a Planning Commissioner. He then set his sights on a City Council seat, and now—after moving on from Carlsbad—he has been appointed by Supervisor Paloma Aguirre to the San Diego County Planning Commission, a powerful body that makes decisions affecting land use and development.

At some point, you have to ask: Is this about serving a community, or simply finding the next political position?

Carlsbad residents deserve public servants who are committed to the community—not political climbers looking for their next appointment.

New Supervisor selects campaign staffer over experienced community leaders.