City of Carlsbad Newsletter: March 2026 by cityofcarlsbadnm

WELCOME!

Happy Spring, Carlsbad! With warmer days ahead and the time change bringing longer evenings, it’s the perfect season to get out and enjoy all the activities and events happening around town.

This month’s newsletter features a special message from the Mayor congratulating our CECHS and CHS BPA students on their success at state, highlights from the Cavern Theatre schedule including Alice in Wonderland and other nostalgic favorites, a department spotlight on Keep Carlsbad Beautiful with a look ahead to River Blitz 2026, an employee spotlight, and more community news. We hope you enjoy everything March has to offer!

Instagram:

@keep.carlsbad.beautiful

Facebook:

@cityofcarlsbadnmgovernment

@keepcarlsbadbeautiful

Indeed:

LinkedIn: @CityofCarlsbadNMTourism

YouTube:

Past Event Photos

Did you get snapped at our latest events? Check check our social media to see if you were snapped!

A MESSAGE FROM THE MAYOR

Dear Neighbors & Friends:

As we move into spring, the City of Carlsbad continues making steady progress on several important initiatives. We are currently in the process of finalizing the evaluation of RFPs for the affordable housing apartment complex planned at Kircher and Boyd We are excited to move this project forward and take another meaningful step toward providing affordable living options for residents who need them most.

Last month, I attended the International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC) conference in San Antonio alongside the Carlsbad Department of Development This national conference focuses on retail and commercial growth, and we returned with several positive leads. Carlsbad has strong potential for expansion, and we are excited about future opportunities to continue growing our market and local economy.

I would like to congratulate both the Carlsbad Early College High School and Carlsbad High School Business Professionals of America (BPA) chapters on their outstanding success at the state competition and for advancing students to nationals. Students from both schools demonstrated leadership, professionalism, and a strong commitment to excellence as they represented our community at the state level. A special congratulations to Dany Hernandez of Carlsbad High School, elected as the BPA State Vice President of Social Media, and Victoria Prado of Carlsbad Early College High School, elected as the BPA State Vice President of Community Relations, for their leadership and service at the state level.

Students from Carlsbad Early College High School who qualify for the national competition include Hanli Norman, Dhruvi Patel, Vivianna Martinez, Omar Machuca, Luke

Pabustan, Padmanabha Shah, Madison Buendia, Katia Quinonez, Briah Adame, Amiah Fuentez, Julianna Lopez, Ibzan Galindo, Lucero Hernandez, Lexi James, and Shylee Eiffert.

Students who qualified for nationals from Carlsbad High School include Eliana Britton, Daniel Brummett, Alexander Burns, Mario De Leon, Jack Dodd, Claudia Gamboa, Isaac Garcia, Kiera Granado, Grace Hendrickson, Bailey King, Kanyon Kitchens, Olivia Long, James Lopez, Bryce Mashaw, J.D. McCormack, Aubrey Methola, Lily Miller, Lily Moho, Ashtyn Olivas, Camila Perez Rojas, Mason Region, Maria Ruiz, Russell Silva, Arieanna Simonton, Miles Stephens, Jonatan Toyos Sanchez, Ryan Valenzuela, and Yuki Ye.

Carlsbad students continue to reflect the strength and success of their school’s BPA programs. We are proud of all our students for their dedication and wish all qualifiers continued success as they represent Carlsbad on the national stage.

Spring sports are in full swing at the Bob Forrest Youth Sports Complex. We ask everyone to please be mindful during practice and game hours, as traffic can be heavy. The second entrance to the complex is almost complete and will help create a safer and more efficient flow for families, athletes, and visitors. As we enjoy a busy t I community to be patient, kind, and respectful, and to supp and grow.

Sincerely,

CarlsbadMayorRickLopez

Email: mayor.office@cityofcarlsbadnm.com

Phone: (575) 887-1191

When spring arrives in Carlsbad, what are you most excited about?

If you could shadow another City department for a day, which experience would you choose?

If spring had a “reset button,” what would you use it for?

Which role do you end up playing most often during a workday?

For a million dollars, do you think you could give up all electronic devices (TV, Phone, Computer, etc.) for a full week?

Which animal would make the best work sidekick?

KEEP CARLSBAD BEAUTIFUL

DEPARTMENT SPOTLIGHT

Keep Carlsbad Beautiful (KCB) has proudly served our community since 1992 as an affiliate program of Keep America Beautiful. Our mission is to inspire and educate people to take daily action to beautify Carlsbad. Everything we do is focused on creating opportunities for residents, organizations, and businesses to care for the place we all call home.

One of our most recognized efforts is RiverBlitz, the annual Eddy County–wide Pecos River cleanup. KCB began planning and organizing this event in 2016, building on its roots as a grassroots Leadership Carlsbad project. RiverBlitz brings together volunteers from across the community to help protect one of Carlsbad’s most important natural resources. Through-out the year, we also collaborate with nonprofit and civic groups to remove litter from parks and public spaces. In addition, youth and adult groups can participate through contracted cleanup opportunities that allow them to fundraise waterways and landscapes.

t is another area we are proud to KCB has partnered with Carlsbad et and the Pearl of the Pecos ACD

e to bring artwork to downtown boxes and murals near the Eddy ourthouse. Recent projects include , prickly-pear mural Desert Blooms, ssible through a New Mexico Clean tiful grant, and the vibrant Neon

Desert retaining wall mural along San Jose Boulevard. Looking ahead, we plan to expand public art projects throughout Carlsbad in FY27.

Tree planting is also a key focus of our work. Through partnerships with the City’s Parks and Recreation Department and Tree Board, KCB has helped plant nearly 100 trees in public parks and green spaces over the past three years. We are especially grateful to Permian Resources for their continued support of these efforts. We also use our social media platforms and local publications to share code enforcement and solid waste information, helping residents stay informed and proactive.

Community involvement is essential to our success. Volunteers are welcome yearround to assist with litter pickup, community events, beautification projects, and education and outreach efforts. We also partner with Eddy County Teen Court, BPA t d t d th i ti t ide community service hours, including uirements.

RiverBlitz 2026 will take place on March 7, and I encourage everyone to participate. A clean Pecos River benefits our wildlife, recreation, tourism, and community pride. This event brings together residents, bus-

inesses, schools, and organizations for a morning of cleanup, followed by a lunch made possible by generous local sponsors. Year after year, our RiverBlitz volunteers truly show what it means to care for and take pride in our river.

There are also simple ways everyone can help keep Carlsbad clean and beautiful every day. Properly bagging trash, securing loads when hauling waste, and sharing our social media posts all make a difference. Over the past year, I’ve been especially encouraged by the community’s support of the single-use plastic bag ordinance, which has already led to noticeable reductions in litter.

If you ’ re interested in volunteering, partnering with us, or learning more, I invite you to reach out to me at msgarwood@cityofcarlsbadnm.com, follow Keep Carlsbad Beautiful and RiverBlitz on Facebook and Instagram, or register for RiverBlitz online. Together, small actions can make a big impact for Carlsbad

Sincerely,

MaryGarwood Community Development Director

EMPLOYEE SPOTLIGHT

The Employee Spotlight highlights hardworking City of Carlsbad employees who go above and beyond in serving our community. It’s a way for supervisors and managers to recognize their teams and share the great work happening behind the scenes.

YAMI DORADO - CASHIERS DEPARTMENT

Yami Dorado, our dedicated Account Clerk I (Part-Time), has truly gone above and beyond during her time in the Water Department. Her reliability, positive attitude, and willingness to step up wherever needed has made a meaningful impact in the Finance Department. Whether learning new processes or supporting coworkers, Yami consistently demonstrates professionalism and commitment to excellence.

Outside of work, Yami is just as dynamic. She is married to firefighter Engineer Josh Dorado and embraces an adventurous lifestyle She enjoys staying active at the gym, getting lost in a good book, bingeing a good show, and spending quality time with friends and family.

We are grateful for Yami’s hard work, resilience, and team spirit. Her contributions do not go unnoticed, and we are lucky to have her supporting our department.

Pets of the Month

of our City of Carlsbad employees!

Name: Tank

Pawrent: Rosalyn Gonsalez

This is Tank, he loves to open Christmas presents/car rides, and have his morning coffee

Name: Max and Loki

Grand-Pawrent: JoAnna Chavez hey both weighed around 20 pounds each and were truly spoiled! Sadly, they’ve both crossed over to kitty heaven now

Name: Frank and Lola

Pawrent: Kat Davis

They are not your typical pugs, as they are not lazy and sleepy; they are energetic and full of life

Name: Ducky, Chomper, Melo (Left to right)

Pawrent: Kendall Muñoz

All three dogs have one thing in common- zero concept of personal space

MARCH EVENTS AND DATES

For more information regarding any of these events or others please visit the official City Events Calander.

Mon. March 2nd:

Inspired by Science

Remote-Control Truck Workshop

Tues. March 3rd:

Carlsbad Public Library

Toddler Storytime

Zumba at SENMC

Wed. March 4th:

Carlsbad Public Library

Preschool Storytime

Carlsbad Public Library

LEGO Time

Thurs. March 5th:

Carlsbad Public Library

Baby Storytime

Jordan World GLOW Circus

Fri. March 6th:

Carlsbad Public Library Dr. Seuss Party

Sat. March 7th:

RiverBlitz 2026

Cub Scout Pack 27

Pancake Fundraiser

NM CreativeCon 2026

The Waddington Brothers

Tues. March 10th:

Carlsbad Public Library

Toddler Storytime

Zumba at SENMC

Wed. March 11th:

Carlsbad Public Library

Preschool Storytime

Carlsbad Public Library

LEGO Time

Thurs. March 12th:

Carlsbad Public Library

Baby Storytime

Author Event with Donna

Blake Birchell at Carlsbad

Public Library

Inkers Tattoo EXPO

Carlsbad Civic Center

Fri. March 13th:

Inkers Tattoo EXPO

Carlsbad Civic Center

Sat. March 14th:

Ody's Treasure Tales -

Financial Literacy for Kids at Carlsbad Public Library

Inkers Tattoo EXPO

Carlsbad Civic Center

March Makers Market at Nurvis Purvis

Sun. March 15th:

Inkers Tattoo EXPO

Carlsbad Civic Center

Mon. March 16th:

Yoga Classes at SENMC

Tues. March 17th:

St. Patrick’s Day

Carlsbad Public Library

Toddler Storytime

Zumba at SENMC

Wed. March 18th:

Carlsbad Public Library

Preschool Storytime

Carlsbad Public Library

LEGO Time

Brews & Books at Milton’s

Brewing

Thurs. March 19th:

Carlsbad Public Library

Baby Storytime

Fri. March 20th:

Dancing with the Eddy

County Stars

Sat. March 21st:

STEM Club at the Carlsbad

Public Library

Sun. March 22nd:

MEGA BINGO hosted by

Brittany's Hope at the Boys & Girls Club of Carlsbad

Bingo Hall

Tues. March 24th:

Zumba at SENMC

Toddler Storytime at Carlsbad Public Library

Wed. March 25th:

Carlsbad Public Library

Preschool Storytime

Carlsbad Public Library

LEGO Time

Thurs. March 26th: Carlsbad Public Library

Baby Storytime

Inspired By Science: Ozobot Workshop at the Carlsbad Public Library

Fri. March 27th:

Storytime at the Living Desert Zoo

Tues. March 31st:

3D Mammograms at the Carlsbad Family Health Clinic

For more information regarding any of these events or others please visit the official City Events Calander.

See page 35 for answer key.

DOWN:

Traditional stories and legends

A common way the holiday is celebrated

The container at the end of the rainbow

Treasure guarded by leprechauns

Said to lead to a pot of gold

Refers to ancient Irish culture

What everyone hopes to be on March 17th

The month St. Patrick’s Day is celebrated

ATTENTION –

North Mesa Senior Recreation

Center Closed

The North Mesa Senior Recreation Center will be CLOSED from Monday, March 9, through Sunday, March 15, as services are relocated to the new Cascades Recreation and Wellness Center.

We appreciate your patience and look forward to welcoming the community to our new center and continuing to serve you in our new location.

For additional information, please contact the North Mesa Senior Recreation Center staff at 575-885-6487.