This Christmas, as with every other year, we know our local churches are busy preparing for their worship services. It’s important to remember that these services are only a small part of what our churches have to offer, however. These same churches assist every single day with food donations, providing rehab programs, helping those experiencing homelessness and in so many other ways. Carlsbad is proud to be a community that is driven by the faith of its residents.
Groups such as Faith, Hope and Love and Christmas Anonymous are wrapping up their holiday toy drives. Calvary Assembly of God, Jonah’s House and Oasis Church (Abundant Harvest) are just a few of the faith-based organizations that assist with food distribution.
Even today (on Christmas Eve), Robert and Patricia Jacquez are busy preparing their Christmas Eve event for the needy at Community of Hope.
If you are someone who is new to town, or even if you are just visiting, we hope you will consider attending one of Carlsbad’s excellent churches to celebrate Christmas this year. We have thoroughly enjoyed working closely with our local churches over the years on events such as the prayer breakfast.
As always, we ask that you not forget that many of our residents will be working through the holiday. This includes our police officers and doctors, as well as our local nurses, doctors and other medical center employees. It also includes, of course, our soldiers overseas. We thank everyone for their dedication and service.
Have a very Merry Christmas.
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Regarding trash pickup- solid waste pickup and the convenience station will be closed on Monday, Dec. 25. Monday’s scheduled trash pickup will be on the 26th and Tuesday’s scheduled pickup will be on the 27th. Regular schedules will resume on the 28th.
The swearing-in ceremony for newly elected officials will take place at 9 a.m. on Dec. 28 at the Janell Whitlock Municipal Annex, with officials taking over at midnight on Jan. 1, 2024. We will have a hall of fame induction for John and Julia Heaton at 1 p.m. on Dec. 29 at the museum, and an induction for Janell Whitlock at 2 p.m. on Jan. 29.
Finally, please don’t forget that the City of Carlsbad Transit will be offering a free safe ride service from 6 pm to 2 am on New Year’s Eve. You can schedule your ride in advance by calling 575-887-2121. Please utilize this free service or designate a driver.
Sincerely,
Carlsbad Mayor Dale Janway