HomeMy WebLinkAbout2026-06-09; City Council; 11; District 2 Appointment of One Member to the Environmental Sustainability CommissionCA Review CKM
Meeting Date:
To:
From:
Staff Contact:
melissa.rhodes@carlsbadca.gov, 442-339-2007
Subject:
Sustainability Commission
Districts:
Recommended Action
Adopt a resolution appointing one member to the Environmental Sustainability Commission.
Executive Summary
The City Council is being asked to appoint one member to the Environmental Sustainability
Commission.
On April 22, 2025, the City Council approved the transition of the Beach Preservation
Commission to the Environmental Sustainability Commission. The terms of all Commissioners
were lengthened by 6 months or 18 months to coincide with the nominating Council Member
or Mayor’s term.
The purpose of the Environmental Sustainability Commission is to support the Carlsbad
Community Core Values of open space, the natural environment and sustainability, and the
Carlsbad Strategic Plan Goal of sustainability and the natural environment. The duties of the
commission are to investigate, research and make recommendations to the City Council on
topics, studies and programs, including natural resources and open space, beach nourishment
and shoreline preservation and climate adaptation and environmental sustainability.
The Environmental Sustainability Commission consists of seven members appointed by District
Council Members and the Mayor. In this case, the Council Member representing District 2 shall
nominate one individual to serve on the commission. Members must be residents of Carlsbad
and normally serve four-year terms, unless appointed to fill an unexpired term.
Explanation & Analysis
Commissioner Chris Woolsey was initially appointed to the Beach Preservation Commission in
July 2020, to fill the expired term of Commissioner Linda Petrucci for a term ending June 2024.
Commissioner Woolsey was reappointed to the Beach Preservation Commission in July 2024
with a term ending in June 2028. When the transition from the Beach Preservation Commission
to the Environmental Sustainability Commission was approved, this term was extended by six
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months, ending in December 2028. Commissioner Woolsey resigned on April 1, 2026.
Therefore, an unscheduled vacancy exists on the Environmental Sustainability Commission with
a term ending in December 2028.
The City Clerk’s Office received seven applications from residents wishing to serve on the
Environmental Sustainability Commission. In keeping with City Council Policy No. 88, the
representative Council Member from District 2 has chosen the following two applicants to
advance in the process and interview with the full City Council:
District 2 Representative Finalists
•Carolyn Alkire – District 1
•Rachel Barrales – District 1
Exhibit 2 contains the applications of the applicants moving forward in the interview process.
The Maddy Act (California Government Code Sections 54970-54974) requires that on or before
December 31 of each year the legislative body shall prepare a Local Appointments List, which
contains the appointive terms of Board and Commissioners that will expire in the next calendar
year. The name of the incumbent appointee, the date of appointment and the term expiration
date is also included on the list. Based on the prepared list, the City Clerk’s Office accepts
applications (available on the city’s website and in the City Clerk’s Office) for any upcoming
vacancies.
The current members of the Environmental Sustainability Commission are:
Commissioner District
Liam Ferguson 4
Members of the Environmental Sustainability Commissions are subject to the provisions of
California’s Political Reform Act of 1974 and must file statements of economic interest each
year. Every two years, commissioners must complete two hours of ethics training, workplace
harassment prevention training and fiscal and financial training. They must also adhere to the
City of Carlsbad’s Code of Ethics and Public Service Values for Board and Commission Members.
Fiscal Analysis
This action has no financial impact.
Next Steps
Following the appointment of one member to the Environmental Sustainability Commission,
the City Clerk’s Office will update the commission’s roster and coordinate the oath of office and
the filing of the appointee’s statements of economic interest, ethics training, workplace
harassment prevention training, fiscal and financial training and acknowledgement of the City
of Carlsbad Boards, Commissions and Committees Code of Ethics & Public Service Values.
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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(b)(5) and does not require
environmental review under CEQA Guidelines Section 15060(c)(3) because appointing an
individual to act as a city representative on a board, commission or committee is an
organizational or administrative government activity that will not result in direct or indirect
physical changes in the environment. The activities or projects undertaken by or that may be
considered by a board, commission or committee may require preparation of an environmental
document in accordance with CEQA and the CEQA Guidelines.
Exhibits
1.City Council resolution
2.Applications received from residents advancing to the interview process
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Exhibit 1
RESOLUTION NO. 2026-112 .
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CARLSBAD,
CALIFORNIA, APPOINTING ONE MEMBER TO THE ENVIRONMENTAL
SUSTAINABILITY COMMISSION
WHEREAS, Commissioner Chris Woolsey was initially appointed to the Beach Preservation
Commission in July 2020 to fill the expired term of Commissioner Linda Petrucci for a term ending in
June 2024; and
WHEREAS, Commissioner Woolsey was reappointed in July 2024 for a term expiring in June
2028; and
WHEREAS, on April 22, 2025, the City Council adopted Resolution No. 2025-088 approving the
transition of the Beach Preservation Commission to the Environmental Sustainability Commission; and
WHEREAS, as part of this transition, the vacancy being considered for appointment was
lengthened by 6 months to help transition the position term to coincide with the term of the District 2
Council Member; and
WHEREAS, Commissioner Woolsey resigned on April 1, 2026; and
WHEREAS, an unscheduled vacancy on the Environmental Sustainability Commission exists with
a term ending in December 2028.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Carlsbad, California, as
follows:
1.That the above recitations are true and correct.
2.The proposed action is not a “project” as defined by California Environmental Quality
Act, or CEQA, Section 21065 and CEQA Guidelines Section 15378(b)(5) and does not
require environmental review under CEQA Guidelines Section 15060(c)(3) because
appointing an individual to act as a city representative on a board, commission or
committee is an organizational or administrative government activity that will not result
in direct or indirect physical changes in the environment. The activities or projects
undertaken by or that may be considered by a board, commission or committee may
require preparation of an environmental document in accordance with CEQA and the
CEQA Guidelines.
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3.That the following Carlsbad resident is appointed to serve on the Environmental
Sustainability Commission, for a term ending in December 2028, to coincide with the
term of the District 2 Council Member, or until a replacement is appointed:
PASSED, APPROVED AND ADOPTED at a Regular Meeting of the City Council of the City
of Carlsbad on the 9th day of June, 2026, by the following vote, to wit:
AYES: Blackburn, Bhat-Patel, Acosta, Burkholder, Shin.
NAYS: None.
ABSTAIN: None.
ABSENT: None.
______________________________________
KEITH BLACKBURN, Mayor
______________________________________
SHERRY FREISINGER, City Clerk
(SEAL)
June 9, 2026 Item #11 Page 5 of 15
Carolyn Alkire
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04/03/2026
Boards, Commissions and Committees
Application for Appointment
Agricultural Mitigation Fee
Committee
Arts Commission X
Community-Police
Engagement Commission
Historic Preservation
Commission
Housing Commission
Library Board of Trustees Parks & Recreation
Commission
Planning Commission
Senior Commission Traffic Safety & Mobility
Commission
Investment Review Board
Personal Information
Name
Carolyn Alkire
Date of Birth:
Required for Voter Registration Verification
Home Address District No. 1
City ZIP
Primary Phone Secondary Phone
E-mail
Employment Status Employed
Occupation Economist
Employer Spatial Front, Inc.
Employer Address
Work Phone Mobile
Acknowledgements
Yes No
I am a resident of the City of Carlsbad. X
I am a registered voter in Carlsbad. X
I am willing to file financial disclosure statements. X
I am willing to complete two hours of state mandated ethics training every two years. X
Are you currently an officer of or employed by the City of Carlsbad? X
I am a Citizens Academy graduate. X
I am familiar with the responsibilities of the board/commission/committee(s) on which I wish to
serve.
X
I am willing to be interviewed regarding my qualifications for appointment by the City Council
or at the request of an individual Council member. X
Are you currently or have you ever been under contract with the City of Carlsbad? If yes, please
explain below. X
Exhibit 2
Environmental Sustainability
Commission
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Interest
I have been engaged in regional natural resource and environmental research, management, and policy,
both professionally and as a volunteer, for decades and am interested in becoming more involved in
advancing Carlsbad's goals and priorities.
Please describe your educational background
I earned a Ph.D. in Public Policy, with an Environmental and Natural Resource focus, and a M.S. and B.A. in
Economics.
Please describe relevant experience
My career has provided opportunities for research and furthering the advancement of policies related to
natural resource management, including marine resources, and climate resiliency. As a 20 year resident of
Carlsbad, I am familiar with the community and many environmental challenges and opportunities.
Please describe your current or past community involvement
Carlsbad Community Gardens Collaborative, Pine Park Community Garden Committee - Member* Aqua
Hedionda Homeowners Association - Board of Directors* Hospice of the North Coast - Volunteer* Carlsbad
High School Choral Boosters - Fundraising Chair Agua Hedionda Lagoon Foundation - Volunteer Earthwatch
Institute, Expedition Team Member - Andorran Pyrennes and Acadia National Park * Denotes current role I
have met many wonderful people volunteering and appreciate the dedication - and time - it takes to keep
valuable organizations exist without dedicated, consistent funding. It has also been interesting to learn how
organizations work "behind the scenes".
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Please list all service on boards, commissions or committees, private or public agencies,
(including non-profit organizations)
City of Carlsbad Agricultural Conversion Mitigation Fee Citizen's Advisory Committee - Chair*, Vice-chair,
and Member Carlsbad-Oceanside Arts League - Treasurer* Sierra Club, Maryland Patuxent Group,
Executive Committee - Treasurer * Denotes current role In these positions I contribute(d) to and/or
completed essential tasks.
Additional information or comments
As noted, I currently serve on the Agricultural Conversion Mitigation Fee Citizen's Advisory Committee. It
meets very infrequently and so I have been searching for another role within the City to contribute my time
and expertise (I understand I would need to resign from that Committee).
Submittal Information
Submit Date: April 3, 2026 6:37 PM
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Carolyn Alkire, PhD
Economist
Profile Economist with 30+ years’ experience in natural resource
management and policy issues, including those addressing U.S. fisheries and habitats. Knowledge of significant environmental laws and implementing regulations, including MSA, MMPA, ESA, and
NEPA.
Capabilities •Socioeconomic analysis
•Economic & statistical analysis
•Literature review & synthesis
•Data compilation, management & analysis
•Research & preparation of written reports
•Effectively communicate technical information
•Work with array of public & private sector interests
•
Education Environmental & Natural Resource
George Washington University
Dissertation: Supplemental Funding for National Land Stewardship
M.S. Economics, Statistics minor
North Carolina State University
Thesis: The Demand for Offshore Recreational Fishing in North Carolina: AnEconometric Analysis
B.A. Economics, cum laude
University of Richmond
Professional
Experience
Economist
Contractor, Spatial Front, Inc., in support of
Sustainable Fisheries Division, NOAA Fisheries
December 2025 – Current
Assist with the research and preparation of Fishery Management Plan amendments
and regulations for South Atlantic and Gulf fisheries for NMFS. Southeast Regional
Office.
Economist
Ocean Associates, Inc.
September 2024 – March 2025
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Carolyn Alkire, PhD
2
(NOAA’s) Performance, Risk and Social Science Office to develop research
methodologies, conduct data gathering and analysis, and deliver evaluations assessing
the impacts of key components of NOAA’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and Inflation
Reduction Act investments. Focused on estimating the economic impact of Climate
Resilience Regional Challenge grants and a comprehensive review of literature
addressing the monetary value of benefits of coastal risk reduction actions (e.g.,
benefit-cost, cost-effectiveness, damages avoided analyses).
Senior Analyst Contractor, Ocean Associates, Inc., in support of
Office of Protected Resources, NOAA Fisheries
January 2024 - September 2024
Reviewed draft Habitat Conservation Plans submitted by entities applying for
Incidental Take Permits under the Endangered Species Act (section 10(a)(1)(B)) and
determining the appropriate level of NEPA analysis. Prepared draft NEPA documents
required for issuance of Incidental Take Permits in coordination with Office of
Protected Resources staff.
Economist
Contractor, Ocean Associates, Inc., in support of
Northwest Fisheries Science Center & West Coast Regional Office, NOAA Fisheries
2022-2024
Prepared a report for the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) describing
West Coast commercial, recreational, and tribal fisheries and fisheries information
pertinent to consider in the offshore wind energy development process. Designed
tables, figures, and graphs to convey information. Assisted in the development and
presentation of a series of technical information-sharing workshops on fisheries regulations and socioeconomics for BOEM.
Economist
Contractor, Environmental Assessment Services, in support of
Northeast Fisheries Science Center, NOAA Fisheries
2020-2022
Researched and wrote Decline in on-demand fishing gear costs with learning (peer-
reviewed and published) projecting on-demand fishing gear cost decreases with
increased production using a learning model approach. The analysis focused on
commercial fishing vessels operating in federal lobster management areas in the
northeastern U.S., which represent the majority of the risk of entangling North
Atlantic right whales listed as critically endangered under the Endangered Species Act.
Assisted in the development, writing, and public release of NOAA Fisheries’ Ropeless Roadmap: A Strategy to Develop On-Demand Fishing, as well as supporting
materials (e.g., summary, presentations).
Senior Economist
Key-Log Economics, LLC
2017-2022
Conducted economic research and analysis using methods such as ecosystem
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Carolyn Alkire, PhD
3
analyzed potential economic consequences of proposed land/natural resource
use regulations or policies. Responsible for organizational development and
management, including project development and budgets, accounting, and
mentoring junior staff. Clients were primarily ENGOs.
Research Fellow
Project Drawdown
2016-2017
Completed research and analysis, data collection, and modeling, and wrote technical
assessments for three global climate solutions related to transportation. Summaries of
all Fellows’ assessments were summarized in the book Drawdown, published in 2017
and edited by Paul Hawken.
Senior Regional Economist
San Diego Association of Governments (SANDAG)
2007-2012
Managed economic, fiscal, and forecasting research, analyses, and reports to
support SANDAG initiatives and for agency members in coordination with staff
in other departments. Coordinated with a range of county and state entities
(e.g., CalTrans), as well as agency partners. Led the Economic Services Group.
Adjunct Professor, Economics
Palomar College, San Marcos, CA
2006-2007
Responsible for helping students learn the theory and application of micro- and macroeconomic principles.
Resource Economist, Ecology & Economics Research
The Wilderness Society, Washington, DC
1991-2005
Planned, researched, and prepared reports, primarily on economic and policy
issues associated with the management and use of federal public lands and resources. Responsible for all phases of project management: planning, research,
data collection, analysis, and writing for technical and general audiences, as well
as consultant contracts and budgets. Worked independently as well as in multi-
disciplinary, inter-departmental program teams. Interacted with a broad range of
interests, including Congressional staff, federal and state agency staff, academics,
media, trade associations, regional and local stakeholders, and other advocacy
groups.
Senior Analyst, Environmental Science & Policy
Labat-Anderson, Inc., Arlington, VA
1988-1991
Responsible for the preparation and review of documents to comply with federal
legislation (e.g., NEPA) and implementing regulations, evaluating economic aspects of proposed federal regulations and programs, and regulatory compliance reviews. Clients
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Carolyn Alkire, PhD
4
Associate, Energy
Decision Analysis Corporation, Inc., Vienna, VA
1987-1988
Assisted in the development of an enhanced oil recovery econometric production
forecasting model and verification of the FORTRAN source code and documentation
for the U.S. Department of Energy’s Production of Onshore Lower-48 Oil and Gas
Model.
Analyst
Sobotka & Co., Inc., Washington, DC
1983-1987
Responsible for economic and statistical analyses for regulatory documents (such as
Proposed Rulemakings, Regulatory Impact Analyses and Regulatory Flexibility
Analyses) related to implementation of the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act
Technical Skills
Experience using economic impact models (Bureau of Economic Analysis RIMS II,
IMPLAN) and statistical software (SAS, SPSS)
Expertise with publicly-available (e.g., county, state, federal, and international) data
sources and documents, and Zotero reference management software
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05/04/2026
Boards, Commissions and Committees
Application for Appointment
Agricultural Mitigation Fee
Committee
Arts Commission X
Community-Police
Engagement Commission
Historic Preservation
Commission
Housing Commission
Library Board of Trustees Parks & Recreation
Commission
Planning Commission
Senior Commission Traffic Safety & Mobility
Commission
Investment Review Board
Personal Information
Name
Rachel Barrales
Date of Birth:
Required for Voter Registration Verification
Home Address District No. 1
City ZIP
Primary Phone Secondary Phone
E-mail
Employment Status Employed
Occupation Climate Change Policy Consultant
Employer Arden Climate
Employer Address
Work Phone Mobile
Acknowledgements
Yes No
I am a resident of the City of Carlsbad. X
I am a registered voter in Carlsbad. X
I am willing to file financial disclosure statements. X
I am willing to complete two hours of state mandated ethics training every two years. X
Are you currently an officer of or employed by the City of Carlsbad? X
I am a Citizens Academy graduate. X
I am familiar with the responsibilities of the board/commission/committee(s) on which I wish to
serve.
X
I am willing to be interviewed regarding my qualifications for appointment by the City Council
or at the request of an individual Council member. X
Are you currently or have you ever been under contract with the City of Carlsbad? If yes, please
explain below. X
Environmental SustainabilityCommission
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Interest
I hope to serve on the Environmental Sustainability Commission to leverage my professional skills and
education to benefit my community. Our beaches and open spaces make our community special, but the
preservation of our community’s natural resources depends on continued dedication to their protection.
While I currently work in international climate change policy, my interest has always been tied to impact on
the ground. From local government in the Bay Area to natural resource conservation in Mexico and a
Master’s degree at Duke, my experiences have prepared me with environmental expertise, familiarity with
local government processes, and a deep commitment to lasting change that meets the needs of our local
community. Having grown up in San Diego but recently returned after over a decade away, I bring a deep
sense of pride and responsibility in protecting our local ecosystems, paired with a fresh pair of eyes to
provide a new perspective for their care.
Please describe your educational background
My educational background has centered on climate change policy and adaptation, natural resource
management, and marine science. I have a Master of Environmental Management from Duke University
and a Bachelor of Science in Ecosystem Science and Policy from the University of Miami. My undergraduate
degree blended marine science and local climate adaptation, as I supported climate action planning for
Miami-Dade County and studied the impacts of El Niño on communities in the Galapagos. During graduate
school, I specialized in Environmental Economics and Policy, which included coursework such as Coastal
Resilience, Disaster Risk Management, Environmental Decision Making, Energy & the Environment, and
Community-Based Environmental Management. I also earned a certificate in International Development
Policy and led students to the annual United Nations climate change conference (UNFCCC COP). Outside of
my official degrees, I am currently taking a Soil Science course at Mira Costa.
Please describe relevant experience
My education and professional experience has prepared me to research and make recommendations to
promote responsible sustainability and care for Carlsbad’s natural resources. I am familiar with local
government climate action planning and developing adaptation measures, which I supported as an
AmeriCorps CivicSpark Fellow at the Santa Clara Valley Water District in San Jose. I gained further
experience in local community natural resource conservation as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Mexico. In the
years following, my career shifted to international carbon markets, in which I currently advise developing
country governments on establishing national policies to govern carbon markets to protect natural
resources and finance national sustainability priorities. Throughout my career, I have remained committed
to local climate and environmental priorities and conservation, which are principles I hope to leverage to
make a lasting impact in Carlsbad.
Please describe your current or past community involvement
My career has been governed by a sense of duty to contribute to my community and protect the local
environment. My first roles were to serve as an AmeriCorps Volunteer and a Peace Corps Volunteer, driven
by a passion to make the world a better place for people and the planet. Both of those positions required
me to spend substantial time speaking with government officials and community members to understand
community needs and priorities, and to develop strategies to protect the environment in line with those
objectives. In addition to those roles, I have volunteered for various organizations, including as an aquarium
volunteer at the California Academy of Sciences leveraging my marine science knowledge and as a text
banking volunteer with Voto Latino to support voter access. Most recently, I volunteer as a mentor for
current AmeriCorps CivicSpark fellows to support the next generation of local climate action-ers in building
their career and impact trajectories.
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Please list all service on boards, commissions or committees, private or public agencies,
(including non-profit organizations)
One example is the position I took within the Monitoring & Evaluation team while serving in the Peace
Corps to support volunteers in designing methods to measure and ensure the impact of their projects. This
involved researching best practices in evaluation techniques and designing tools for volunteers to use to
measure change. While I have not previously served on a city Commission or Board, I look forward to
learning the nuances of the position and working hard to make an impact for our community.
Additional information or comments
As an environmental professional and avid user of Carlsbad’s natural spaces, I care deeply about the work
of the Environmental Sustainability Commission. While this would be my first city Commission experience, I
am committed to learning and expanding my skillset to support the preservation and sustainability of our
community. If helpful, please see LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachel-barrales/
Submittal Information
Submit Date: May 4, 2026 9:20 AM
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