Carlsbad, CA (September 13, 2023) – Marine Corps veteran Kevin Shin announced today that he will be running for Carlsbad City Council in District 2 for the 2024 election. Shin has been a longtime resident and homeowner in Carlsbad since 2007.
With over 25 years of experience in private and public service, Shin has developed a balanced and effective approach to leadership.
Shin is currently a Fire Captain for the Culver City Fire Department as well as a local small business owner. He enlisted in the United States Marine Corps in 1997 which brought him to North County San Diego and served honorably for 13 years.
“I have been fortunate having received so many opportunities at leadership from the Marine Corps, fire service, entrepreneurship, as well as serving various non-profit boards. As a husband and parent of two beautiful daughters, I feel that I represent the dreams and values of District 2 and the City of Carlsbad. It is my intention to provide my daughters and all citizens of this city with a Carlsbad that we can be proud of for years to come. I believe I have the leadership skills and life experience to proudly be your next Councilmember.”
Kevin Shin’s accomplishments have been recognized throughout the county. Congressman Mike Levin awarded Shin with the May 2022 Constituent of the Month for his creation of the Southern California Asian & Pacific Islander Festival. This event brought over 15,000 attendees to cherish traditions of over 30 cultures.
Also in 2022, Assemblymember Tasha Boerner awarded Shin with the 76th District Small Business of the Year. Shin owns The Switchboard Restaurant and was able to survive and thrive as he opened his doors in 2020 during the beginning of the pandemic. This year, the San Diego Business Journal and Asian Business Association awarded Shin with the 2023 Asian Pacific Islander Leaders of Influence.
Shin has served as a member of the board for various non-profit organizations such as the Oceanside Museum of Art, KOCT Public Television, Oceanside Chamber of Commerce, and The Nowell Family Foundation. He has also collaborated with the Make-A-Wish Foundation, San Diego Food Bank, Surfrider Foundation, and the North County LGBTQ Resource Center.
When it comes to priorities Shin states, “Public safety is paramount, which includes finding humane ways to help the homeless and those affected by homelessness. The growth and development of the city has reached a particular level where we need to be very cautious about how we approach future projects. Economic resiliency and workforce development for our local businesses to thrive are critical for a strong Carlsbad. We must constantly monitor our environmental impact and how we can keep Carlsbad’s natural landscape clean and protected for generations to follow. We must ensure that diversity, equity and inclusion be a framework for the city’s civic approach so that all of our residents, visitors, and city employees feel welcomed regardless of identity.”
