The Carlsbad Chamber of Commerce hosted an informative and upscale Carlsbad State of the Community Luncheon last week. With 500 city, corporate, community staffers, leaders and local Chamber members in attendance, the Westin Resort and Spa was the venue for the event. Bret Schanzenbach, President & CEO of the Carlsbad Chamber was the MC.
Featured were three keynote speakers: Dr. Ben Churchill, Superintendent Carlsbad Unified School District, Matt Hall, Mayor of Carlsbad, and Claude Jones, Sr. Director of Engineering Walmart Labs, who shared updates on the state of operations and projects benefiting the community.
The overall takeaway is that Carlsbad is a thriving, modern community, committed to preserving its history, safety of its community, quality education, and continued growth and improvement. A case in point is its School District, already holding several CA Distinguished School and CA Blue Ribbon School awards, the District proudly employs Collaboration and Innovation when forging forward toward improvement. The latest HH bond for facility improvement over 10 years is in Phase I with plans to modernize and create infrastructure, STEAM labs, add solar, safety enhancements and 3 new buildings and an anticipated 300 new students. Programs of note and in need of continued community participation and contribution are Kids for Peace and Kindness Challenge. For more detailed updates on projects, happenings, and awards visit Carlsbad Unified School District’s website.
David Harrison, Emergency Preparedness Manager of Carlsbad presented a Commitment to Emergency Response Award to Rancho Carlsbad Home Owner Association Emergency Response Team. He issued a reminder that we are entering Wildfire Season. As we enter wildfire warning mode, remember to follow safety protocols, including: no sparks; if you see something, say something. For example, report persons engaging in prohibited activities, like operating power tools on high fire danger days. Also keep an eye out for upcoming training opportunities like, Emergency preparation workshops and the Earthquake Symposium in October.
Matt Hall, Mayor of Carlsbad presented a wealth of information in the State of the City address and introduced the 2019 State of the City Video. Local priority issues for focus include mental health and homelessness; projects with updates include Innovate 78– the collaborative between five North County Cities: Carlsbad, Oceanside, Vista, San Marcos, and Escondido; SANDAG and NCTD projects; technology solutions like the newly launched App for Carlsbad Connector (in partnership with SANDAG and NCTD), commuter van bringing commuters from the Coaster at Poinsettia Station to their workplace nearby in Carlsbad. Mr. Hall provided some highlight figures: over 300 residents are now Emergency CERT Trained; 10 of the fastest growing startups are in Carlsbad; strong commercial land development numbers; TOT (tourism tax) will reach 29 million this year; Legoland celebrates 20 years in Carlsbad and has 2 hotels contributing to the TOT; and the city is very proud of its school districts’ and community involvement with Kids for Peace and Kindness Matters Programs.
The City welcomes resident input and participation on most matters and encourages attendance at workshops, symposiums and town hall meetings. Find information to educate yourself further on topics, issues, projects, as well as find upcoming opportunities to participate and view the 2019 State of City Video here: Watch State of the City Video
Watch State of the City Video
