Eucalyptus Avenue Holiday Lights
Last updated on November 9, 2023
The annual, month-long display of holiday lights on Eucalyptus Avenue is organized by its residents. This is not a City-sponsored event. With each passing year, the popularity of this tradition continues to grow and attract visitors from beyond San Carlos and throughout the Bay Area. As with any large event, the City of San Carlos has the duty and responsibility to balance the interests and needs of all its residents. While the larger San Carlos community has expressed appreciation for the efforts made by Eucalyptus Avenue residents to spread holiday cheer, they have also voiced concerns related to increased traffic, safety, and attendance.
In an effort to address the overflow of crowds, traffic, parking, and sanitation on and around Eucalyptus Avenue during the month of December, the City Council has approved the following measures. The measures are listed below:
Traffic Control and Safety
Traffic on Eucalyptus Avenue will be converted to one-way traffic (continuously) December 1 through December 25.
Water barriers will be placed (continuously) December 1 through December 25 along Eucalyptus Avenue at Tamarack Avenue, Cordilleras Avenue, and Orange Avenue.
The San Carlos Police Bureau of the Sheriff's Office will have an increased presence in the area on weekends to assist with traffic and safety.
Two private security guards will be stationed on Eucalyptus Avenue between Orange Avenue and Cordilleras Avenue and two private security guards will be stationed on Eucalyptus Avenue between Cordilleras Avenue and Tamarack Avenue during the hours of 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., Friday through Sunday, every weekend in December through December 24, to observe and report any criminal activity or nuisances to the San Carlos Police Bureau of the Sheriff's Office. Security guards will be dressed in identifiable, reflective gear for safety.
Electronic Signage
“Expect Delays on Brittan, Use Alternate Routes” Signs
Three signs will be placed at the intersection of Brittan Avenue and Alameda de las Pulgas.
One sign will be placed on Brittan Avenue close to El Camino Real.
Trash and Recycling
Trash and recycling bins will be made available and picked up hourly.
Restrooms
Availability
Due to demand and in order to reduce lines, the City will provide two portable restrooms with handwashing stations this year. The restrooms will be available Friday through Sunday, the first three weekends in December, and Friday through Monday, with removal on Tuesday, December 26.
Cleaning Schedule
The portable restrooms will be cleaned hourly.
Communications with Eucalyptus Avenue Residents
A letter was mailed to residents on September 26, 2023 to invite them to apply for permits and work with City staff.
In addition, by mid-November, residents will receive a second letter regarding portable restroom placement and alerting them to one-way traffic pattern that will be implemented on Eucalyptus from December 1 through December 25.