HomeMy WebLinkAbout2026-04-14; City Council; 11; Council Member Request: Anti-Bullying in Carlsbad Public Places ProclamationCA 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
faviola.medina@carlsbadca.gov, 442-339-5989
Subject: Council Member Request: Anti-Bullying in Carlsbad Public
Places Proclamation
Districts: All
Recommended 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:Faviola.Medina@carlsbadca.gov
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 <Priya.Bhat-Patel@carlsbadca.gov>
Sent: Sunday, March 22, 2026 9:41 AM
To: Geoff Patnoe <Geoff.Patnoe@carlsbadca.gov>; Cindie McMahon <Cindie.McMahon@carlsbadca.gov>
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
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 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, 2026, 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 <michele.cyr@sbcglobal.net>
Sent: Tuesday, April 14, 2026 8:00 AM
To: Council Internet Email <council@carlsbadca.gov>
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
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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: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 AguirreD3 ResidentCarlsbad 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 bullyingbehavior 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 CityCouncil 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 thiscorrespondence 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 | ConsultantNorth 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