Community Corner

🌱 Patch AM: What the Gelson’s-to-Ralphs switch means for La Costa shoppers

Coming up: Peace Out 2025 - NYE at the Living Coast on the Carlsbad Patch calendar

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Wednesday December 31st Patch AM
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Morning Carlsbad! We've got the scoop on the latest happenings in town. Read on to get looped in. ☀️

In today's newsletter:

  • What the Gelson’s-to-Ralphs switch means for La Costa shoppers
  • How and when Carlsbad will haul away your Christmas tree
  • How far can La Costa Canyon’s girls push in Division I?

Also on today's calendar: Peace Out 2025 - NYE at the Living Coast and 5 more events.

Find out what's happening in Carlsbadfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Today's riddle: I think I’ll wear only one boot today. 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

Find out what's happening in Carlsbadfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

  • Wednesday: Not as warm with rain, with a high of 65 and low of 59 degrees.
  • Thursday: Heavy rain in the morning, temps: high: 66, low: 57.
  • Friday: Cloudy with a shower in spots, with a high of 65 and low of 59 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. Gelson's agrees to sell La Costa storefront to Ralphs (thecoastnews.com) — Carlsbad shoppers in La Costa will see their neighborhood Gelson’s convert to a Ralphs on March 9, 2026, as the chain sells its struggling store at La Costa Avenue and El Camino Real. Gelson’s says it chose Ralphs to help retain as many employees as possible, while continuing normal operations at the site until the handoff.
   

2. Christmas tree disposal near me? How to recycle your tree in SoCal (desertsun.com) — Carlsbad residents can recycle their Christmas trees for free with curbside pickup on regular trash days, as long as all decorations, stands, and bags are removed. The service runs only for a limited time, so locals should confirm end dates through I Love a Clean San Diego and can also use green organics carts year-round if the tree fits with the lid closed.
   

3. La Costa Canyon girls' soccer builds on CIF title in Division I debut (thecoastnews.com) — Carlsbad readers can follow La Costa Canyon’s girls’ soccer team as it defends last year’s CIF-San Diego Section title while moving up to tougher Division I competition. With most of the roster returning, key performances from young standouts, and strong team chemistry, the Mavericks enter winter break confident ahead of January league play against San Marcos and Torrey Pines.
   

4. San Diego's biggest home sales of 2025 broke records (sandiegouniontribune.com) — Carlsbad makes this year’s list of San Diego County’s biggest luxury home sales, with two oceanfront properties on Carlsbad Boulevard and Tierra Del Oro closing at $20 million and $17 million. The roundup shows how record-breaking coastal deals in Del Mar, La Jolla, Coronado, and Carlsbad reflect growing demand from ultra-wealthy buyers seeking ocean views and privacy.
   

5. 4 Bike Types You Can Legally Ride Without A Motorcycle License In California (slashgear.com) — If you ride bikes or e-bikes in Carlsbad, remember that neither conventional nor electric bicycles are allowed on sidewalks, even though no license is required to ride them in California. This explainer breaks down which bicycles, e-bikes, scooters, and certain three‑wheel motorcycles you can legally operate without a motorcycle license, plus key age, speed, and helmet rules that matter on local roads.
   

📸 Around Carlsbad

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • San Marcos Basketball Amplifies Commitment to Youth Development Through Inclusive Training Camps —San Marcos Basketball Read on Patch
  • Know there are several awesome photos of today’s sunset already posted, but I thought I’d add one more.
    From my driveway. Living here at this spot for 30 years, I’m not sure I’ve seen the sunset quite like this before. (Nextdoor Rancho La Costa North)
  • 8 week old Chub Chub is for adoption through Doggie Bonez Rescue!
    He is sweet, sensitive, and loves to be near you. He plays with toys and is doing great with potty training. Please call or text Jen if interested in… (Nextdoor La Costa Greens)
  • Costco Wholesale Corporation posted a job opening for Maintenance Clerk in Carlsbad. Apply here.
  • California Staffing posted a job opening for Hiring - Assembler in Carlsbad. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Carlsbad here.

Ok Carlsbad! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!

-- The Patch AM Team

P.S. The answer to today's riddle: I heard there’s only a 50 percent chance of snow.
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