THE FUTURE IS HERE Baxter the robot helps MiraCosta College kick off new campus.
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MAKE CARLSBAD YOUR HAVE-IT-ALL GETAWAY DESTINATION INSIDE SUMMER 2015
BUSINESS
BUSINESS WWW.CARLSBAD.ORG
WWW.CARLSBAD.ORG
AN AWARD-WINNING, MONTHLY PUBLICATION OF THE CARLSBAD CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
NORTH COUNTY’S
HAVE-IT-ALL
GETAWAY STAY, EAT, AND PLAY IN CARLSBAD
HOTELS, RESTAURANTS AND ATTRACTIONS THAT MAKE CARLSBAD THE PERFECT LOCATION FOR YOUR NEXT STAYCATION
JOURNAL
VOL. 32, NO. 6
JUNE/JULY 2015
AN AWARD-WINNING, MONTHLY PUBLICATION OF THE CARLSBAD CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
CPUC OKs plans for new power plant
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Peaker plant would replace Encina Power Station The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) has approved a 500-megawatt power purchase agreement between SDG&E and the Carlsbad Energy Center — a key milestone in NRG Energy’s efforts to develop a peaker plant needed to ensure reliability in Southern California following the closure of the San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station in 2013 and the impending retirement of the Encina Generating Station. The Carlsbad Energy Center will be constructed in an area between I-5 and the North County Transit District Railroad. The location is approximately 30 feet below the surrounding grade, reducing the plant’s visual profile. The plant will operate only during periods of peak demand and will help integrate a growing supply of intermittent renewable power such as from wind and solar. Water needs will be met through recycled water supplied by the Carlsbad Municipal Water District, conserving scarce drinking water for other uses. The City of Carlsbad backed the Carlsbad Energy Center as the best option for ensuring
5934 Priestly Drive 5934 Priestly Drive Carlsbad, CA 92008 Carlsbad, CA 92008
PRESORT STD U.S. Postage PAID Carlsbad, CA Permit #67
SEE CPUC, Page 4
CARUSO LAUNCHES SIGNATURE DRIVE An artist rendering of the land near the Agua Hedionda Lagoon gives a hint of what the project might look like.
‘Agua Hedionda 85/15 plan’ offers open space, retail
A
fter three years of holding community meetings and busing Carlsbad residents to its shopping meccas in Los Angeles, Caruso Affiliated has announced its plans for the more than 200 acres of land near the intersection of Interstate Highway 5 and Cannon Road. The plans will not only give Carlsbad an open-space shopping destination, but also access to more than 176 acres of open space near the south shore of the Agua Hedionda Lagoon. It would also expand farming in the area, which includes the Carlsbad Strawberry Company. Caruso Affiliated will move the plan forward through a ballot initiative. Caruso’s plan has been named the ‘Agua Hedionda 85/15 plan’ because it would create nearly 176 acres of open space (or nearly
85 percent of the total land) along with the 26 acres (15 percent) on which its retail center would be built. Caruso Affiliated has a contract with San Diego Gas & Electric to purchase the acreage. Rick Caruso, CEO and Founder of the Los Angeles-based company, introduced the plan during a press conference held at the picturesque promontory, with the lagoon in the background and farming all around. “After three years of conversations with Carlsbad residents, we saw an opportunity to do something very special and very unique,” Caruso said. “We saw the opportunity to combine the best of Carlsbad. Their love of open space and being outdoors, and a desire for a unique and best in house retail and dining experience.”
Caruso has not yet revealed plans on what the commercial development might look like or which stores would be featured, but said a look at The Grove in Los Angeles and other Caruso Affiliated properties could give a clue to the types of stores the center would bring to the City of Carlsbad. The open-air, pedestrianfriendly project would include shopping, dining and entertainment options in a setting that “enhances the traditional village identity and the beach character community of this town,” Caruso said. The open space area would include miles of trails; picnic areas and park benches with panoramic views of the lagoon, an outdoor
SEE CARUSO, Page 4
Rick Caruso, CEO and founder of Caruso Affiliated, presents the ‘Agua Hedionda 85/15 plan’ to the media on May 12.
BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT
Rediscover Carlsbad with a staycation What kind of traveler are you? Do you prefer to sit on a sunny beach watching the waves roll across the sand? Do you like to explore quaint shops and eateries? Do you travel with the little ones in your family, experiencing the world afresh through their excitement? Or are you looking forward to your next romantic getaway, complete with a massage, drinks, and an elegant dinner? Whichever type of traveler you are, your ideal destination might just be your hometown. The Carlsbad area is full of fun surprises, even for longtime residents. Rediscover the region’s boutique museums, nature reserves and historic sites. Make dinner reservations at a new restaurant, be a kid for a day at LEGOLAND California Resort, or explore the antique shops in the Village. Carlsbad’s charm isn’t only for out-of-towners, and
The fire pits are a popular amenity at Carlsbad Inn Beach Resort & Hotel budget-friendly activities abound. Your Carlsbad staycation can be as simple as you make it. The only requirement is to clear your calendar of everyday distractions. For the fullest experience — and less of a chance you’ll get pulled
back into routine tasks — treat yourself to two or three nights at a nearby resort. Grand Pacific Resorts, a Carlsbad-based hospitality company, manages several local properties
with home-like accommodations, including Carlsbad Seapointe Resort, Carlsbad Inn Beach Resort & Hotel, Hilton Grand Vacations Club at MarBrisa, and Grand Pacific Palisades Resort & Hotel. There is also a sister hotel, the Sheraton Carlsbad Resort & Spa. You’ve likely admired one or more of these resorts while going about your day. Perhaps you’ve attended a wedding at Grand Pacific Palisades overlooking The Flower Fields or seen the open air trolley, Ride the Tide, carrying guests to the beach. Perhaps you’ve indulged at TWENTY/20 Grill & Wine Bar or Ocean Pearl Spa, located only steps from the Sheraton’s luxurious guestrooms. If you’ve ever wondered about the European-style resort in the heart of
SEE SPOTLIGHT, Page 11