CA Review CKM
Meeting Date: April 14, 2026
To: Mayor and City Council
From: Geoff Patnoe, City Manager
Staff Contact: Faviola Medina, Director of Constituent & Clerk Services [email protected], 442-339-5989
Subject: Council Member Request: Anti-Bullying in Carlsbad Public Places Proclamation
Districts: All
Rec
ommended Action
Consider a request from Mayor Pro Tem Bhat-Patel to discuss and consider a proclamation affirming the city’s commitment to the safety, dignity, and well-being of every child in our community and to declare that bullying behavior has no place in Carlsbad’s public spaces.
Executive Summary
Mayor Pro Tem Bhat-Patel submitted the email attached as Exhibit 1 to the City Manager on March 22, 2026. The email requested that the draft proclamation that she prepared affirming the city’s commitment to the safety, dignity and well-being of every child in our community and to declare that bullying behavior has no place in Carlsbad’s public places be placed on a future agenda for consideration by the Carlsbad City Council pursuant to Carlsbad Municipal Code Section 1.20.060(C). The proclamation as submitted was prepared in draft resolution format.
City Clerk’s Office staff placed the draft proclamation on the City of Carlsbad resolution template (Exhibit 2) for the City Council’s consideration should the City Council wish to adopt it as written.
Fiscal Analysis
No city funding is being requested.
Environmental Evaluation
The proposed action is not a “project” as defined by California Environmental Quality Act, or CEQA, Section 21065 and CEQA Guidelines Section 15378(a) and does not require environmental review under CEQA Guidelines Section 15060(c)(2) because the action is limited to the consideration of a proclamation or resolution affirming the city’s commitment to the safety, dignity, and well-being of every child in our community and to declare that bullying behavior has no place in Carlsbad’s public places. The action has no potential to cause either a direct physical change in the environment or a reasonably foreseeable indirect physical change in the environment.
April 14, 2026
Item #11 Page 1 of 6
Docusign Envelope ID: AD2E1067-9513-4C53-BD05-6457CD4AF373 Exhibits
1. March 22, 2026, email request from Mayor Pro Tem Bhat-Patel to place an item on a City Council agenda
2. City Council Resolution
April 14, 2026
Item #11 Page 2 of 6
Docusign Envelope ID: AD2E1067-9513-4C53-BD05-6457CD4AF373 1 Faviola Medina
From: [email protected]
Subject: Draft Proclamation for Consideration by City Council Attachments: Anti-Bullying Proclamation DRAFT_Priya Bhat-Patel.docx; Anti-Bullying Proclamation DRAFT_Priya Bhat-Patel.pdf
From: Priya Bhat-Patel <[email protected]> Sent: Sunday, March 22, 2026 9:41 AM
To: Geoff Patnoe <[email protected]>; Cindie McMahon <[email protected]> Subject: Draft Proclamation for Consideration by City Council Hello Geoff and Cindie,
As permitted by Carlsbad Municipal Code 1.20.060(c), I am requesting that the attached proclamation affirming the city’s commitment to the safety, dignity, and well-being of every child in our community and to declare that bullying behavior has no place in Carlsbad’s public places be placed on a future agenda for consideration by the Carlsbad City Council.
Thank you and please let me know if you have any questions.
Priya Bhat-Patel
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Exhibit 1
April 14, 2026
Item #11 Page 3 of 6
Docusign Envelope ID: AD2E1067-9513-4C53-BD05-6457CD4AF373
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CARLSBAD,
CALIFORNIA, AFFIRMING ITS UNWAVERING COMMITMENT TO THE
SAFETY, DIGNITY, AND WELL-BEING OF EVERY CHILD IN OUR
COMMUNITY, AND DECLARING THAT BULLYING BEHAVIOR HAS NO
PLACE IN CARLSBAD'S PUBLIC SPACES
WHEREAS, Carlsbad is a community that takes pride in its welcoming neighborhoods, its vibrant parks, and its deep commitment to the families and children who call this city home; and
WHEREAS, the parks, recreation centers, and public spaces of Carlsbad are cherished gathering places where children and families come together to play, build friendships, and enjoy the best of community life; and
WHEREAS, the City Council recognizes that bullying behavior in public spaces across our city can cause harm to children in our community, undermining the sense of safety and belonging that every child deserves; and
WHEREAS, bullying behavior in any form, whether physical, verbal, relational, or online, is a serious concern that can cause lasting emotional, psychological, and developmental harm to young people; and
WHEREAS, every child in Carlsbad, regardless of their background, age, or circumstance, deserves to feel safe, respected, and welcome in all public spaces , which includes our parks, recreation areas, and neighborhoods; and
WHEREAS, meaningful, lasting change requires the shared commitment of city government, local schools, families, and community members, working together in a spirit of partnership and mutual care.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Carlsbad, California, as follows: That the City of Carlsbad affirms its unwavering commitment to the safety, dignity, and well-being of every child in our community, and declares that bullying behavior has no place in Carlsbad's public spaces.
April 14, 2026
Item #11 Page 4 of 6
Docusign Envelope ID: AD2E1067-9513-4C53-BD05-6457CD4AF373 Exhibit 2
RESOLUTION NO. 2026-076 .
A
RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CARLSBAD,
CALIFORNIA, AFFIRMING ITS UNWAVERING COMMITMENT TO THE SAFETY,
DIGNITY, AND WELL -BEING OF EVERY CHILD IN OUR COMMUNITY, AND DECLARING THAT BULLYING BEHAVIOR HAS NO PLACE IN CARLSBAD’S
PUBLIC SPACES
W
HEREAS, Carlsbad is a community that takes pride in its welcoming neighborhoods, its vibrant parks, and its deep commitment to the families and children who call this city home; and WHEREAS, the parks, recreation centers, and public spaces of Carlsbad are cherished gathering places where children and families come together to play, build friendships, and enjoy the best of community life; and
WHEREAS, the City Council recognizes that bullying behavior in public spaces across our city can cause harm to children in our community, undermining the sense of safety and belonging that every child deserves; and
WHEREAS, bullying behavior in any form, whether physical, verbal, relational, or online, is a serious concern that can cause lasting emotional, psychological, and developmental harm to young people; and
WHEREAS, every child in Carlsbad, regardless of their background, age, or circumstance, deserves to feel safe, respected, and welcome in all public spaces, which includes our parks, recreation areas, and neighborhoods; and
WHEREAS, meaningful, lasting change requires the shared commitment of city government, local schools, families, and community members, working together in a spirit of partnership and mutual care.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Carlsbad, California, as follows: That the City of Carlsbad affirms its unwavering commitment to the safety, dignity, and well - being of every child in our community, and declares that bullyi ng behavior has no place in Carlsbad's public spaces.
April 14, 2026
Item #11 Page 5 of 6
Docusign Envelope ID: AD2E1067-9513-4C53-BD05-6457CD4AF373 PASSED, APPROVED AND ADOPTED at a Regular Meeting of the City Council of the City of Carlsbad on the 14th day of April, 2 026, by the following vote, to wit:
AYES: Blackburn, Bhat-Patel, Acosta, Shin.
NAYS:
ABSTAIN:
ABSENT:
Burkholder.
None.
None.
_____________
_________________________
KEITH BLACKBURN, Mayor
_____________
_________________________
SHERRY FREISINGER, City Clerk
(SEAL)
April 14, 2026
Item #11 Page 6 of 6
Docusign Envelope ID: AD2E1067-9513-4C53-BD05-6457CD4AF373
From: Council Internet Email
To: City Clerk
Subject: FW: Anti-bullying item on agenda 4-14-26
Date: Tuesday, April 14, 2026 8:06:14 AM
-----Original Message-----
From: Michele Cyr <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, April 14, 2026 8:00 AM
To: Council Internet Email <[email protected]>
Subject: Anti-bullying item on agenda 4-14-26
Greetings Carlsbad council members-
I am writing in in support of item 11 on tonight’s Carlsbad City Council agenda regarding bullying. We must support efforts to fight this despicable, destructive behavior happening in our community and elsewhere. It is not OK.
We must stand up against it. Please vote in support of item 11! Thank you very much!
Michele Cyr
Sent from my iPhone
CAUTION: Do not open attachments or click on links unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe.
All Receive - Agenda Item #_____
For the Information of the:
CITY COUCNIL
Date: ___________ CA ____ CC____
CM ____ ACM ____ DCM (3) ____
11 4/14/2026 x x
x x x
From: Diana A
To: City Clerk; Teresa Acosta; Kevin Shin; Keith Blackburn; Priya Bhat-Patel; Melanie Burkholder Subject: Agenda #11 Support for Proclamation Declaring Bullying and Racism Have No Place in Carlsbad’s Public Spaces Date: Tuesday, April 14, 2026 8:45:36 AM
Dear Mayor Blackburn, Councilmember Acosta, Councilmember Shin, Mayor Pro Tem Bhat-Patel & Councilmember Burkholder,
I write to urge your support for Mayor Pro Tem Bhat-Patel’s proposed proclamation affirming the City’s commitment to the safety, dignity, and well-being of every child in our community and declaring that bullying and racism have no place in Carlsbad’s public spaces.
It is important that our City visibly demonstrate that we stand with every child and family—regardless of race, background, or identity. We are currently seeing attitudes in some parts of our area that tolerate racist behavior; this acceptance is harmful and detrimental to our community’s cohesion, safety, and future. Silence or inaction allows those behaviors to persist.
Our parks, libraries, and other public spaces must be safe, welcoming, and inclusive for everyone—especially children. A clear, formal proclamation from the City Council will send a powerful message that Carlsbad values respect, protects vulnerable members of our community, and will not tolerate harassment or discrimination.
I appreciate your willingness to stand up against bullying and racist acts. Thank you for supporting this proclamation and for continuing to prioritize the safety and dignity of all who live, work, and play in Carlsbad.
Diana Aguirre
D3 Resident
Carlsbad Citizens Academy Graduate
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From: Chih-Wu Chang
To: Keith Blackburn; Teresa Acosta; Priya Bhat-Patel; Kevin Shin; Melanie Burkholder; City Clerk Subject: Agenda Item #11 - ANTI-BULLYING IN CARLSBAD PUBLIC PLACES PROCLAMATION Date: Tuesday, April 14, 2026 10:57:39 AM
Dear Mayor, Mayor Pro Tem, and Honorable Council Members, I am writing to express my support for the proposed proclamation by Mayor Pro Tem Priya Bhat-Patel, affirming our city’s commitment to the safety, dignity, and well-being of every child in our community.
It is appalling to learn that a black girl was under a racist bullying attack in the Poinsettia Park. Bullying in public spaces, especially racist bullying — parks, libraries, recreational areas — affects children’s sense of security and belonging in the very places designed for their enjoyment and growth. A formal proclamation sends a powerful, community-wide message that Carlsbad will not tolerate behavior that harms our children in public places.
I understand an anti-bullying proclamation alone will not end the problem of bullying, but I believe this proclamation will:
Reinforce a culture of respect and inclusion.
Signal that Carlsbad is a safe, welcoming community for all children.
Lay the groundwork for community education and awareness efforts.
I urge you to adopt this proclamation and to consider it a foundation for continued action on child safety and well-being in Carlsbad. Let's stand together with families and children to combat bullying.
Thank you for your leadership and attention to this important matter.
Best regards,
Chih-Wu Chang
Carlsbad Resident District 3
Be Kind
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All Receive - Agenda Item #_____
For the Information of the:
CITY COUCNIL
Date: ___________ CA ____ CC____
CM ____ ACM ____ DCM (3) ____
11 4/14/2026 x x
x x x
From: Kate Barker
To: City Clerk; Teresa Acosta; Kevin Shin; Keith Blackburn; Priya Bhat-Patel; Melanie Burkholder Subject: Agenda #11 Support for Proclamation Declaring Bullying and Racism Have No Place in Carlsbad’s Public Spaces Date: Tuesday, April 14, 2026 1:20:50 PM
Dear Members,
I am writing to support the Mayor's proclamation affirming Carlsbad's commitment to the safety, dignity, and well-being of every child in our community and to declare that bullying behavior has no place in Carlsbad’s public spaces.
Bullying and racism have no place in Carlsbad’s public spaces. Our parks, libraries, and streets must be safe, welcoming, and respectful for every child and family. I urge the City Council to support and adopt this proclamation to affirm our community’s commitment to the dignity and well‑being of all residents.
Sincerely,
Kate Barker
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From: S Austin
To: City Clerk
Subject: support ANTI-BULLYING IN CARLSBAD PUBLIC PLACES PROCLAMATION Inbox Date: Tuesday, April 14, 2026 3:51:14 PM
Attachments: Support of Proclamation.docx
Dear Mayor and Members of the Carlsbad City Council,
Please note that all members of the city council have been BCC'd on this correspondence to ensure transparency and collective accountability in addressing this important matter.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Satia O. Austin, PhD., M.Ed.
Adjunct Professor of History | MAT History
Educational & Instructional Support | Consultant
North San Diego County | President
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All Receive - Agenda Item #_____
For the Information of the:
CITY COUCNIL
Date: ___________ CA ____ CC____
CM ____ ACM ____ DCM (3) ____
11 4/15/2026 x x
x x x
April 14, 2026
To: Honorable Mayor and Members of the Carlsbad City Council,
Subject: Agenda Item #11 – Urgent Call to Action: Vote YES on Proclamation Against Bullying and Racism in Carlsbad Public Spaces
Message:
As a community leader, I am writing in support of Mayor Pro Tem Bhat-Patel’s proposed proclamation declaring that bullying and racism have no place in Carlsbad’s public spaces.
Let us be clear: racism and bullying are not “social issues” to be minimized or delayed; they are civil rights concerns that directly impact the safety, dignity, and mental well-being of children, families, and vulnerable residents in our community. Public spaces must never become environments where intimidation, exclusion, or racial harm is tolerated, ignored, or excused.
The City of Carlsbad has a responsibility to lead with moral clarity. I am calling on the City Council to take an unequivocal stand by voting YES on this proclamation. Anything less sends a message of indifference to those who experience harm in our parks, libraries, schools, and civic spaces. This is a moment for leadership, not hesitation. A vote in favor of this proclamation affirms that Carlsbad will not normalize hostility or allow racism and bullying to erode the fabric of community trust and belonging.
We fully expect our elected officials to protect the public good with courage, consistency, and accountability. To that end, I urge you to adopt this proclamation without delay.
Respectfully,
Dr. Satia Austin
President
North San Diego County NAACP
North San Diego County. P.O. Box 5786 . Oceanside . California . 92052