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Thanks for reading, and happy May! Connect

Welcome to the May Edition!

This month, the Mayor shares a message about the season ahead and all the ways our community is growing and thriving. In our Note from the Editor, we’re excited to roll out a new messaging and email subscription making it easier than ever to stay informed.

Our Department Spotlight features the Carlsbad Museum. Hear from Director Edward VanScotter about current exhibits and what’s in store May is also packed with activities across town, including events at the Rec Center and Library, plus updates from the Lake Carlsbad Golf Course.

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:

Thank you to everyone who helped make our recent Housing Summit a success While it was not a public event, it provided an important opportunity for key stakeholders to come together and discuss the future of housing in Carlsbad I also want to thank the Urban Land Institute, Homewise, the Ventana Fund, and the Carlsbad Department of Development for putting this Housing Summit together

This weekend, I’ll be taking part in the Mayor’s Miniature Golf Tournament on Friday, May 3, organized by the Age-Friendly Committee through the Carlsbad Chamber of Commerce. I’ll be going head-to-head with Mayor Pro Tem JJ Chavez, and the stakes are high the loser buys the winner dinner. I don’t plan on losing. I’m especially excited to see all the kids come out to play this weekend Best of luck to each of them It’s always a great time and a fun way to bring the community together.

As we move into the warmer months, I want to remind everyone about our current watering restrictions Residents with odd-numbered addresses may water on Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays, while even-numbered addresses may water on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays.

No watering is allowed on Mondays Watering should take place only before 10 a m or after 6 p.m. Thank you for helping us conserve this valuable resource.

We’re also excited to kick off the summer season later this month. The Carlsbad Water Park will open on Memorial Day weekend, beginning May 24 The splash pads at the beach area and sports complex will also open at that time. We are hopeful that the new splash pad near Friendship Park will be open as well. This splash pad includes a brand new bathhouse, and construction is nearly complete. We’ll keep you updated as we get closer.

As we celebrate Memorial Day this month, let us all take a moment to reflect on the sacrifices

made by the brave men and women who have served our country. Their courage and dedication are what make our freedoms possible, and we are forever grateful.

I also want to take a moment to wish a very Happy Mother’s Day to all the wonderful mothers in our community Your love, hard work, and dedication are truly appreciated, and we are lucky to have so many incredible women making a difference here in Carlsbad.

This month, I’d like to congratulate all of our 2025 graduates in the community. A special shout-out to Aniah Sepulveda, who has interned with my office at City Hall over the last year I’ve had the pleasure of working with Aniah, and I am confident that she will accomplish so much in her future I also want to recognize and congratulate our other outstanding City of Carlsbad interns: Joslyn Juarez, Hailey Digby, Sawyer Johnson, and Karina Perez. We are proud of all of you and look forward to seeing the amazing things you will do

Over at Lake Carlsbad Golf Course, the first nine holes are now open to the public, as is the new driving range. Work is moving along quickly and the par three course is next on our list.

We’re happy to give local golfers the best experience possible You’ll find the full schedule of 2025 tournaments included in this newsletter.

Finally, the lower lake at Lower Tansill Dam is currently being refilled. That’s great news as we prepare for another season of summer fun on the water

Sincerely,

CarlsbadMayorRickLopez

Email: mayor.office@cityofcarlsbadnm.com

Phone: (575) 887-1191

CONGRATULATIONS

to our City of Carlsbad interns on their 2025 graduation!

Aniah Sepulveda Mayor’s Office - City Hall

Sawyer Johnson Carlsbad Police Dept.

Karina Perez Carlsbad Police Dept.

Hailey Digby Carlsbad Municipal Court

Joslyn Juarez Carlsbad Public Library

CONGRATULATIONS

to the 2025 graduates of our City of Carlsbad employees!

Kason Perez

Anjelina Moreno

Kaitlyn Robertson

Michael Villareal

Lane Burkeen

Emily Souza

Caedon Carrasco

Deandra C. Balcazar

Keller Patterson

Daniel A Ramirez

Jonathan Lopez

Dario Duenez

Emiliano Zapata

We are proud to celebrate the accomplishments of the graduates in the families of our City of Carlsbad employees. Your hard work and determination have led you to this remarkable achievement. Congratulations on this significant milestone—we’re excited to see what the future holds for you!

Pets of the Month

Meet the adorable pets of our City of Carlsbad employees!

Name: Oliver

Pawrent: Avelina Childress

My great canine nephew from Baton Rouge LA visiting our great state in hopes of moving here this year.

Name: Zico

Grand-Pawrent: Tammy Carrigan

He is a Belgian Malinois and he is my Grand dog!

Name: Bee

Pawrent: Aniah Sepulveda

She is lazier than me!

Name: Kai

Pawrent: Valeria Bannister

He is missing a leg and loves to snack on rocks!

A NOTE FROM THE EDITOR

We re excited to introduce a new subscription service designed to keep Carlsbad residents better informed Whether you're interested in City alerts, news, or public meetings, you now have the option to receive updates directly to your email or phone no social media needed.

To sign up, visit www.cityofcarlsbadnm.com. A slide will appear asking if you'd like to receive updates Just type in your email address and click “Subscribe ”

You can choose the topics that matter most to you:

Alerts (email or text)

City News & Announcements (email or text)

Public Meetings & Agendas (email only)

You’re in control—you don’t have to subscribe to e

We know that not everyone is online or on so connect with our community An upcoming water by-step instructions, and we’ll also offer in-perso walk people through the sign-up process

In the meantime, we encourage you to sign up through the City’s website and share this opportunity with your family and friends If someone you know could use help signing up, we hope you’ll lend a hand. Staying informed has never been easier and we’re here to help every step of the way!

Sincerely,

ValeriaBannister Communication Specialist

MAY EMPLOYEE POLLS MAY EMPLOYEE POLLS

We had our City of Carlsbad Employees take a brief poll about the upcoming month of May. See how your responses compare to theirs!

What's the best snack to keep at your desk?

If you could add one fun thing to the office, what would it be?

Which May event are you most excited about?

What’s your favorite summer treat to cool off in Carlsbad?

Which desert plant best represents your May mood?

Carlsbad Museum

DEPARTMENT SPOTLIGHT

Hello! I’m Edward VanScotter, and I’ve had the privilege of serving as the director of the Carlsbad Museum for just over two years now. I’ve been part of the museum for a decade, and it’s been an incredibly rewarding journey to watch it grow and connect with the community.

At the Carlsbad Museum, our mission is to preserve and share the rich history, heritage, and creative spirit of Car-lsbad and the surrounding area. Through our permanent exhibits, rotating traveling exhibitions, and community programming all offered with free admission we strive to make art and culture accessible to everyone. One of the highlights each year is our Summer Art Academy, which offers affordable, hands-on art classes for all ages and skill levels.

Spring is always a lively season for us! Right now, visitors can enjoy the Carlsbad Municipal Schools Art Exhibit, featuring the creativity of our local students, from Kindergarten through high school The secondary student exhibit wrapped up on April 16, but the elementary student showcase runs through May 3. It’s always inspiring to see the imagination and talent of our young artists on display. Of course, our perand our local history and art galleries are open year-round. Looking ahead to June, we’ll host the annual Carlsbad Area Artist Association exhibit, a fantastic showcase of our local artistic community.

Coming up soon, we’re excited to launch a new exhibit on May 9 titled "A Life in Layers: The Art of Alfred Morang "

A shot of the student art show that is currently installed

This exhibit, curated in-house, features work from the renowned Santa Fe artist, with a few pieces from our own collection and others generously loaned for this special display.

Choosing a favorite piece in the museum is tough, but one that stands out right now is The Passage of the Carlsbad Flume by Texas artist Jesus Toro Martinez. This large triptych painting, displayed in our front lobby, is made from trash collected during Carlsbad’s annual Riverblitz clean-up, transformed into a beautiful landscape scene It’s a powerful reminder of the connection between art, environment, and community.

Community engagement is a cornerstone of our mission. Every year, we proudly host three major community exhibits: one by the Zia Quilting Guild, one by the Carlsbad Area Artist Association, and the Carlsbad Municipal Schools Art Exhibit. Thanks to a Chevron Catalyst Grant through the Carlsbad Community Foundation, we’re also able to offer free guided tours for every fourth-grade class in the district last year bringing over 500 students through our doors!

This is a close-up of one of the flowers in Passage of the River Flume. This showcases how the painting was made of processed "trash” (shredded paper trash and mixed pigments).

Our educational programs are designed for all ages, from our Summer Art Academy to our "Second Saturday" workshop series Registration for this year ’ s Art Academy opens May 1, and we encourage everyone to get involved.

One fun fact many people don’t know: the Carlsbad Museum is the

Passage of the River Flume by Jesus Toro Martinez, as displayed in the lobby.

oldest municipal museum in the state of New Mexico! We opened in 1931 above the Carlsbad Public Library, and though the museum has changed names a few times over the years, our mission has always remained the same connecting people to our region’s history and creativity.

There are lots of ways for community members to support the museum: volunteer at events, help spread the word, or simply come visit and

bring a friend Every visit helps strengthen the bond between the museum and our community.

At the end of the day, I hope every visitor leaves with a deeper appreciation for the incredible stories, creativity, and heritage that live right here in Carlsbad Whether it’s discovering something new about our history or finding inspiration in a piece of local art, we want everyone who walks through our doors to feel connected and proud of the place we call home.

Sincerely,

EdwardVanScotter

Carlsbad Museum Director

This is a close-up of one of our Alfred Morang paintings, Streets of Santa Fe, showing his signature Impasto (heavy use of layered oils) painting style. It is one of the paintings in our upcoming Alfred Morang exhibit.

Thurs. May 1st:

MAY EVENTS AND DATES

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

Carlsbad Public Library Baby Time

Graduation Cap Decorating at Carlsbad

Public Library

Registration Carlsbad Museum Art

Academy opens

SENMC Mind CTRL Mental Health

Seminars: Journaling for Joy

Carlsbad Farmers & Makers Market

Carlsbad National Day of Prayer Event

Fri. May 2nd:

Carlsbad Public Library Toddler Time

Epitome of Youth Grand Opening

Karaoke/Open Mic at Guadalupe

Mountain Brewing Company

Carlsbad Relay for Life 2025

Sat. May 3rd:

Caffeine and Cultivate: Seed and Sprout

Swap

Carlsbad Public Library STEM Club

Cinco de Mayo Golf Tournament

Sat. May 3 . Continued: rd

Cinco de Mayo United Way Golf

Scramble

Mon. May 5th:

Cinco de Mayo at the Riverwalk

Recreation Center

Tues. May 6th:

Carlsbad Public Library Stitcher’s Anonymous

First Aid and CPR Training

Thurs. May 8th:

Spring into Summer at ECEC

Cheese Class

Carlsbad Farmers & Makers Market

Fri. May 9th:

Karaoke/Open Mic at Guadalupe

Mountain Brewing Company

Carlsbad Community Theatre presents 3

Murders and it’s Only Monday

Sun. May 11th:

Mother’s Day

Tues. May 13th:

Trivia Night at Milton’s Brewing

Thurs. May 15th:

NM Governor's Commission on Disability

CARLSBAD PUBLIC LIBRARY

EMPLOYEE SPOTLIGHTS

The Employee Spotlight section of the City of Carlsbad newsletter is a way for our supervisors and managers across all departments to recognize and celebrate hardworking employees. It’s an opportunity to highlight the individuals and teams who go above and beyond in serving our community. Each spotlight gives us a chance to show our appreciation and share the great work happening behind the scenes at the City of Carlsbad.

We would like to recognize the following employees who worked on an emergency sewer issue late into the night in the rainy and cold weather. Due to these employees' dedication, the City avoided a critical situation.

THANK YOU TO:

Albert Galindo

Albert Moisa

Anthony Hernandez

Bob Christesson

Drew Anderson

Eilas Bocanegra

Felix Valdez

Frank Orozco

Ivan Galindo

Kelly Smyer

Larry Harris

Luther White

Mathew Warner

Matt Eaker

Matt Flores

Mike Abell

Ron Myers

Quay Dominguez, City Clerk - IPRA Specialist

In the City of Carlsbad, transparency and public trust are central to our work in the City Clerk's Office. Quay Dominguez exemplifies this commitment as our dedicated Inspection of Public Records Act (IPRA) Specialist

Every day, Quay works diligently behind the scenes to ensure that every public records request is processed accurately, efficiently, and in full compliance with the law. From the moment a request is received, she carefully logs and tracks each detail, coordinating with multiple departments to gather the necessary documents while protecting sensitive and confidential information.

With strict deadlines to meet, Quay works with precision, ensuring that responses are completed within the legally required timeframe—no easy task when managing the high volume of requests received. Her expertise in interpreting state laws, redacting confidential details, and communicating clearly with requestors makes her an invaluable asset to our team.

Beyond the numbers and deadlines, Quay is committed to streamlining processes and improving efficiency Thanks to her hard work and dedication, the City of Carlsbad remains transparent, responsive, and accountable to the public.

Outside of work, Quay keeps herself busy with various hobbies and passions. She is a dedicated plant mom, nurturing her ever-growing collection of greenery When she's not taking care of her plants, you can find her on the pickleball court, enjoying live concerts, or adding to her vinyl collection. Quay also has a creative side, which she is currently expressing through remodeling her home. Whether it’s music, sports, or home projects, she brings enthusiasm and dedication to everything she does!

Thank you, Quay Dominguez, for your unwavering commitment to upholding the principles of open government!

RELEASE – NOTICE OF CONSTRUCTION

J&H Services Inc. will begin sewer work along West Derrick Road between Production Lane and US 62/180 in Carlsbad, New Mexico, on April 21, 2025, and last approximately two months. To aid in the construction and increase safety during the work, W Derrick Road will be closed for westbound traffic with a detour. The only access will be for local businesses on Derrick.

Traffic control devices will be installed in this area. The general public is asked to remain clear of the construction area, and drivers who commute on this portion of the City are asked to please drive slowly and follow any detour signs in the area. Your Cooperation and observance of all construction signs will be greatly appreciated to help ensure the safety of the public and the construction crews.

The City of Carlsbad and J&H Services Inc. are committed to the safety of the traveling public and would like to thank you for your patience and assistance.

If you have any questions regarding this project, please contact:

J&H Services Inc: 505-896-9428 City of Carlsbad: 575-885-6313

LAKE CARLSBAD GOLF COURSE

We appreciate the community’s patience as we work to improve the Lake Carlsbad Golf Course so that it is enjoyable for everyone.

Here’s the latest timeline:

The Driving Range is OPEN.

The first playable 9 holes of the golf course are OPEN.

Construction on the Par 3 course will begin SOON, and it will temporarily close during this phase.

In the meantime, the miniature golf course remains open and ready for play. We encourage golfers of all ages and skill levels to enjoy this option while renovations are underway.

Thank you for your continued support as we enhance one of Carlsbad’s favorite recreational amenities. Stay tuned for further updates! For any questions, please call Lake Carlsbad Golf Course at (575) 885-5444.

HOLIDAY CLOSURES

Good Friday: Friday, April 18, 2025

MEMORIAL DAY: MONDAY, MAY 26, 2025

Juneteenth: Thursday, June 19, 2025

Independence Day: Friday, July 4, 2025

Labor Day: Monday, September 1, 2025

Veterans Day: Tuesday, November 11, 2025

Thanksgiving: Thursday, November 27, 2025

Day after Thanksgiving: Friday, November 28, 2025

Christmas Eve: Wednesday, December 24, 2025

Christmas Day: Thursday, December 25, 2025

New Year’s Day: Thursday, January 1, 2026

CITY COUNCIL

Rick Lopez, Mayor mayor.office@cityofcarlsbadnm.com

Ward 1

Edward Rodriguez | etrodriguez@cityofcarlsbadnm.com

Lisa Anaya-Flores | laflores@cityofcarlsbadnm.com

Ward 2

JJ Chavez | jochavez@cityofcarlsbadnm.com

Jeff Forrest | jjforrest@cityofcarlsbadnm.com

Ward 3

Karla Hamel Niemeier | kjniemeier@cityofcarlsbadnm.com

Mary Garwood | msgarwood@cityofcarlsbadnm.com

Ward 4

Anthony Foreman | arforeman@cityofcarlsbadnm.com

Mark Walterscheid | mewalterscheid@cityofcarlsbadnm.com

CITY ADMINISTRATION

Wendy Austin, City Administrator wdaustin@cityofcarlsbadnm.com

Ken Ahrens, Deputy City Administrator ksahrens@cityofcarlsbadnm.com

KC Cass, Chief Operating Officer kccass@cityofcarlsbadnm.com

www cityofcarlsbadnm com

City of Carlsbad Newsletter: May 2025

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Past Event Photos

A MESSAGE FROM THE MAYOR

CarlsbadMayorRickLopez

CONGRATULATIONS

CONGRATULATIONS

Pets of the Month

A NOTE FROM THE EDITOR

MAY EMPLOYEE POLLS MAY EMPLOYEE POLLS

Carlsbad Museum

DEPARTMENT SPOTLIGHT

MAY EVENTS AND DATES

CARLSBAD PUBLIC LIBRARY

EMPLOYEE SPOTLIGHTS

Quay Dominguez, City Clerk - IPRA Specialist

RELEASE – NOTICE OF CONSTRUCTION

LAKE CARLSBAD GOLF COURSE

HOLIDAY CLOSURES

CITY COUNCIL

CITY ADMINISTRATION