San Carlos goals address resident concerns

Missing from the goal list that once was there in previous years is the city’s desire to encourage and support the creation, operation and access to child care facilities, Assistant City Manager Nil Blackburn said. 

While the city will continue focusing on this area of service, child care has become a part of routine city services, rather than a lofty goal to prioritize, Blackburn said. 

“I want to celebrate our accomplishment of taking child care off of our top level goals because all of the objectives were achieved,” Councilmember John Dugan said. “We will continue to work in this area … but it still is a high priority.” 

The strategic plan was developed over the course of community outreach and a dedicated staff retreat to identify areas in which the city will focus this year. Feedback has guided the city to “stay the course” when it comes to housing and the Northeast area specific plan, and update specifics for the other goals. 

After public outcry over the dangers of the Highway 101/Holly Street overpass for pedestrians after a November bicycle fatality, the city has made addressing this intersection its number one transportation infrastructure goal, Blackburn said. The city will work with regional agencies and partners to identify short- and long-term improvements that can be made, she said. 

San Carlos’ downtown revamp is underway, with the Planning Commission recently approving the finalized Downtown Specific Plan. The council is now looking to establish a firmer outline for phasing and financing the multiyear effort that will break ground later this year. 

While the city has dedicated resources to preparing for emergency situations or environmental disasters, councilmembers and staff discussed the need to educate the community on their efforts. Wildfire preparedness events will be held in early summer, Blackburn said, and the city will look to increase communication on how residents can best prepare. 

With a senior management analyst for sustainability hired, San Carlos will also work on updating its Climate Mitigation Action Plan by 2028 to address the significant impacts to greenhouse gases associated with the projected buildout for the next couple of decades, Blackburn said. 

For its recreation and services goal this year, the city is looking to complete its Parks Master Plan and finalize the North Crestview Park Master Plan. 

The next council meeting is slated for 7 p.m. Monday, April 28.