HomeMy WebLinkAbout2009-09-21; Parks & Recreation Commission; 0909-3; Amendment to Council Policy 48PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION - AGENDA BILL
AB#0909-3
MTG. DATE:
STAFF:
9/21/09
| SPICKARD
AMENDMENT TO COUNCIL POLICY NO. 48 "NAMING
RIGHTS OF PARKS AND MUNICIPAL FACILITIES"n
INFO
ACTION
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
Receive report and provide recommendations regarding pending revisions to Council Policy No.
48, "Naming Rights of Parks and Municipal Facilities."
ITEM EXPLANATION:
On May 18, 2009, the Parks and Recreation Commission received a presentation from city staff
regarding the naming of baseball field No. 1 at Poinsettia Park. At that meeting, the Commission
voted unanimously to recommend that the City Council posthumously rename the field to Thorp
Field in honor of Mitchell Thorp.
The naming rights proposal and the Commission's recommendation was presented to the City
Council for consideration at their meeting of July 21, 2009 (Exhibit 1). While the Council voted
unanimously to approve the naming rights proposal, the Mayor and Council members expressed
concern regarding the existing naming rights policy specifically related to the criteria for naming
rights.
The Mayor and Council Member Blackburn commented that the criteria for naming rights were
too vague and not clearly defined. As a result, the Council felt that the sheer volume of naming
requests would eventually far outweigh the number of available parks and facilities within the city.
The City Council requested that staff review and revise the naming rights policy criteria with an
emphasis on defining and evaluating what merits a "significant contribution" to the City of
Carlsbad. The Council's discussion may be reviewed in its entirety at:
http://carlsbad.granicus.com/MediaPlayer.php?view_id=2&clip_id=387 (Agenda Bill #19,908,
29:00 minute mark).
Recently, staff received an additional petition to rename an athletic field in the City of Carlsbad.
Prior to bringing the petition to the Commission for review and recommendation, staff is
requesting that the Commission consider Council's comments, review the existing version of
Council Policy No. 48, and provide their suggestions and feedback on how it may be revised to
be reflective of the City Council's direction.
Staff will return to the Commission with an amended version of Council Policy No. 48 for review
and comment prior to taking the final document to the City Council for approval. Once final
approvals have been obtained from City Council, staff may return to the Commission with the
recently received petition for consideration and recommendation, provided it is consistent with the
revised policy.
EXHIBITS:
1. City of Carlsbad Agenda Bill and Resolution (2009-191): "Proposal to Rename Baseball
Field No. 1 at Poinsettia Park to Thorp Field," July 21, 2009.
EXHIBIT 1
CITY OF CARLSBAD - AGENDA BILL
AB# it.Mt
MTG. 7/21/09
DEPT. CS/P&R
PROPOSAL TO RENAME BASEBALL
FIELD #1 AT POINSETTIA PARK TO
THORP FIELD
DEPT. HEAffr^S/
CITYATTY. *?&r .
CITY MGR. |/^
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
Receive a proposal to rename Baseball Field #1 at Poinsettia Park to Thorp Field, make a
determination regarding its approval, and if applicable, adopt Resolution No. 200t-H1
approving said renaming.
ITEM EXPLANATION:
In March 2009, Staff was contacted by The Thorp Family to discuss renaming Baseball Field
#1 at Poinsettia Park to Thorp Field in memory of Brad and Beth Thorp's late son, Mitchell
Thorp. Subsequently the Thorps submitted a written request for naming rights with information
about Mitchell's prior involvement in local baseball leagues and tournaments (including
Carlsbad Youth Baseball and La Costa Youth Organization), and his general love of the game
of baseball. After a lengthy battle against an unknown illness Mitchell Thorp passed away on
November 19, 2008 at the age of eighteen. The Thorps have since established the Mitchell
Thorp Fund with the intent to provide scholarships to selected local youth baseball participants.
In early April 2009, Mr. and Mrs. Thorp submitted the attached proposal to rename Baseball
Field #1 at Poinsettia Park to Thorp Field. Included with the submittal were:
• The Thorp's background, benefits and reasons for this renaming
• The Thorp's proposed locations for the naming signage
• "The Mitchell Thorp Journey", a chronicle created for a fund raising walk-a-thon that
was held in Poinsettia Park on May 6, 2006
• Letters of support for the Thorp's proposal from the leadership of Carlsbad Youth
Baseball, La Costa Youth Organization; and Carlsbad High School Baseball Program
• Newspaper articles on Mitchell Thorp's battle with the mysterious illness
• Petitions, containing the signatures of approximately 1200 stated voters of San Diego
County, to rename Baseball Field #1 at Poinsettia Park to Thorp Field.
According to City Council Policy #48, entitled "Naming Rights of Parks and Municipal
Facilities", there are three types of naming situations the policy intends to address:
• The opening or reopening of parks, municipal facilities, and amenities within those
facilities;
• Providing recognition of financial contributions to the City of Carlsbad;
• Honoring persons, organizations, corporations, or foundations in recognition for their
significant contributions to the City of Carlsbad.
The policy further identifies the criteria for naming rights as:
• Honors individuals, living or deceased, who have made a significant contribution to the
City of Carlsbad;
• Consistent with the contribution level;
DEPARTMENT CONTACT: Kyle Lancaster, 760-434-2941, kyle.lancaster@carisbadca.gov
FOR CITY CLERKS USE ONLY.
COUNCIL ACTION: APPROVED D
DENIED D
CONTINUED D
WITHDRAWN D
AMENDED D
CONTINUED TO DATE SPECIFIC D
CONTINUED TO DATE UNKNOWN D
RETURNED TO STAFF D
OTHER - SEE MINUTES D
Page 2
• Longstanding affiliation with the City;
• Provides a sense of place, continuity, and belonging reflecting the geographic location,
community, neighborhood, or street where the park, municipal facility, or amenity
within the facility is located;
• Recognizes the historical and/or cultural significance of the area;
• Reflects unique characteristics of the site.
The naming criteria most in line with the Thorp family request to rename Baseball Field #1 at
Poinsettia Park to Thorp Field would be the consideration of "Honoring persons, organizations,
corporations, or foundations in recognition for their significant contributions to the City of
Carlsbad".
Growing up in Carlsbad, Mitchell had a passion for baseball. According to the proposal, he
started playing at the age of 4 and developed into an all star travel team player. He was active
in the La Costa Youth Organization and Carlsbad Youth Baseball. Thousands of people came
together to support the Mitchell Thorp Walkathon in 2006, and approximately 1,200 signatures
have recently been gathered in support of renaming Baseball Field #1 at Poinsettia Park to
Thorp Field. Brad Thorp, Mitchell's father, continues to coach Carlsbad youth today. The
Thorps have created the Mitchell Thorp Fund which will sponsor baseball events throughout
Carlsbad and a baseball scholarship program in Mitchell's name so other youth can develop
their game.
Staff met with Mr. and Mrs. Thorp at Poinsettia Park to review potential options and locations
for the naming signage of this proposal. If the City Council were to authorize the renaming of
this field, staffs recommendation for naming signage would be for the following: one brass
plaque (17" x 17") - mounted on the scorer's booth wall, adjacent to this field; and one metal
sign (12" x 42") - mounted on the backstop fence of this field. Such signage would be
consistent with the naming signs of the previously authorized Brierty Field at Pine Avenue Park.
On May 18, 2009, the Thorp's proposal was presented to the City's Parks and Recreation
Commission for review and determination of support. The Commission voted unanimously
(6-0, Commissioner Proulx absent) to recommend to rename Baseball Field #1 at Poinsettia
Park to Thorp Field.
FISCAL IMPACT:
There would be an insignificant direct fiscal impact to the city associated with this proposal. As
submitted, the city would not administer - nor select the recipients of - the Mitchell Thorp
scholarships. The potential naming signage would be purchased from the Mitchell Thorp Fund.
The installation and maintenance costs associated with these sign additions would be
absorbed within the existing Parks & Recreation - Parks Maintenance Budget.
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT:
This action has been determined to be exempt from environmental review, per CEQA
(14 Cal Code Reg Sec 15308).
EXHIBITS:
1. Resolution No. 2009-191 Approving the Renaming of Baseball Field #1 at
Poinsettia Park to Thorp Field
2. Poinsettia Community Park Site Map
3. City Council Policy #48, 'Naming Rights of Parks and Municipal Facilities'
4. Proposal of Brad and Beth Thorp to Rename Baseball Field #1 at Poinsettia Park to
Thorp Field
5. Written consent from Mitchell Thorp's parents.
1
2
3
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21
RESOLUTION NO. 2009-191
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
CARLSBAD, CALIFORNIA, APPROVING THE RENAMING OF
BASEBALL FIELD #1 AT POINSETTIA PARK TO THORP FIELD
4
WHEREAS, Council Policy No. 48, entitled 'Naming Rights of Parks, and
5
Municipal Facilities', establishes the criteria and procedures for the naming rights of6
parks, municipal facilities, and amenities within parks or municipal facilities in
consideration of financial contributions or in recognition of any significant contributions
9 to the City of Carlsbad that it wishes to honor; and
WHEREAS, Council Policy No. 48 provides a procedure for applicants to submit
written proposals for naming rights of parks, municipal facilities, and amenities within
12 parks or municipal facilities; and
WHEREAS, Brad and Beth Thorp have consented to the renaming request and
14
followed that procedure in submitting a written proposal to rename Baseball Field #1 at
15
Poinsettia Park to Thorp Field; and16
WHEREAS, the Parks and Recreation Commission has reviewed the proposal
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19
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for consistency with the criteria identified in the Council Policy No. 48 and has
unanimously voted to recommend to the City Council's that it rename this baseball field;
and
WHEREAS, the City Council has reviewed the proposal and found it to be
22 consistent with Council Policy No. 48.
23 NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of
24 Carlsbad, California, as follows:
25
1. That the above recitations are true and correct.26
2. That Baseball Field #1 at Poinsettia Park is renamed to Thorp Field.
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28
v-HB if 1
PASSED, APPROVED AND ADOPTED at a Regular Meeting of the City Council
of the City of Carlsbad on the day of ,
1
2
3 2009, by the following vote, to wit:
4
AYES:
6
NOES:
7
ABSENT:8
9
10
11
CLAUDE A. LEWIS, Mayor
12
131| ATTEST:
14
15
16 LORRAINE M. WOOD, City Clerk
(SEAL)
17
18
19
20
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26
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IT 2-
CITY OF CARLSBAD Page 1 of 4
Policy No. 48
COUNCIL POLICY STATEMENT Date Issued 01/16/07
Effective Date 01/16/07
General Subject: NAMING RIGHTS OF PARKS AND
MUNICIPAL FACILITIES Cancellation Date
Supersedes No.
Specific Subject: Naming Rights Of Parks, Municipal Facilities, And Amenities
Within Those Facilities
Copies to: City Council, City Manager, City Attorney, Department and Division Heads,
Employee Bulletin Boards, Press, File :
BACKGROUND:
The intent of this policy is to:
• Confirm the current practice of naming parks, municipal facilities, and amenities within those
facilities, after significant geographical, neighborhood and historical elements;
• Recognize significant contributions that organizations or individuals have' made to the public life
and the well-being of the citizens of the City of Carlsbad;
• Provide guidance on how to apply for approval to name or rename parks, facilities, and amenities
within those facilities;
• Expand the current practice of naming parks to include all appropriate municipal facilities and
any amenities within a park or municipal facility.
PURPOSE;
To revise and establish the criteria and procedures for the naming rights of parks, municipal facilities,
and amenities within a park or municipal facilities in consideration of financial contributions or in
recognition of any significant contributions to the City of Carlsbad that it wishes to honor.
STATEMENT OF POLICY;
There are three types of naming situations this policy intends to address:
• The opening or reopening of parks, municipal facilities, and amenities within those facilities;
• Providing recognition of financial contributions to the City of Carlsbad;
• Honoring persons, organizations, corporations, or foundations in recognition for their significant
contributions to the City of Carlsbad.
Criteria for Naming Rights: j
• Honors individuals, living or deceased, who have made a significant contribution to the City of
Carlsbad;
• Consistent with contribution level;
• Longstanding affiliation with the City;
7
CITY OF CARLSBAD Page 2 of 4
Policy No. 48
COUNCIL POUC Y STATEMENT Date Issued 01/16/0?
Effective Date 01
General Subject: NAMING RIGHTS OF PARKS AND
MUNICIPAL FACILrnES Cancellation Date
Supersedes No.
Specific Subject: Naming Rights Of Parks, Municipal Facilities, And Amenities
Within Those Facilities
Copies to: City Council, City Manager, City Attorney, Department and Division Heads,
Employee Bulletin Boards, Press, File
• Provides a sense of place, continuity and belonging reflecting the geographic location,
community, neighborhood or street where the park, municipal facility or amenity within the
facility is located;
• Recognizes the historical and/or cultural significance of the area;
• Reflects unique characteristics of the site.
Names will not be chosen that:
• Cause confusion due to duplication or names sounding similar to existing locations within the
City of Carlsbad;
• Are the names of companies whose business is substantially derived from the sale of alcohol,
tobacco, firearms, pornography, and/or sexually explicit goods or services;
• Are discriminatory or derogatory considering race, gender, creed, religious or political affiliation,
or other similar factors;
• Recognize the birth, marriage or anniversary of specific individuals.
The City of Carlsbad reserves the right to reject or revoke naming rights opportunities by individuals,
groups, or organizations whose views or public statements do not promote the mission, norms and
values, or interests of the City.
Names of persons, organizations, corporations, or foundations will be considered when they have
made a significant contribution to the City of Carlsbad by:
Enhancing the quality of life and well-being of the City and its Citizens;
Contributing to the historical or cultural preservation of the City;
Contributing toward the acquisition, development, or conveyance of land or building to the City;
Exemplary or meritorious contributions to the City;
A direct relationship or association that exists between a former place of residence of the person
or group and the parks, facilities, and amenities within those facilities to be named.
Where the name of an individual is recommended after an internal discussion, written consent shall be
obtained from the individual, their next of kin, or their estate prior to the City Council's public
consideration.
e
CITY OF CARLSBAD Page 3 of 4
Policy No. 48
COUNCIL POLICY STATEMENT Date Issued Q1/16/Q7
Effective Date 01/16/07
General Subject- NAMING RIGHTS OF PARKS AND
MUNICIPAL FACILITIES Cancellation Date
Supersedes No.
Specific Subject: Naming Rights Of Parks, Municipal Facilities, And Amenities
Within Those Facilities
Copies to: City Council, City Manager, City Attorney, Department and Division Heads,
Employee Bulletin Boards, Press, File
Where the naming opportunity Is the result of a financial contribution, the following factors must
be considered:
• The significance of the contribution made relative to the construction and operating costs of the
parks, municipal facilities, and amenities within those facilities;
• The cost of establishing the naming option (costs to be determined by the responsible Department
on an individual basis).
The duration of naming rights of parks, municipal facilities, and amenities within those facilities shall be
decided or negotiated on a case-by-case basis.
Naming rights of parks, municipal facilities, and amenities within those facilities may be renewed by
mutual agreement between all the parties.
Existing names will not be changed without consideration of the historical significance of the existing
name, the impact on the individual or organization previously named, the cost and impact of changing
existing signs, rebuilding community recognition and updating records (i.e. letterhead, databases, and
promotional materials).
Each naming right application will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
PROCEDURE;
Applicant(s) shall submit a written request for naming rights to the corresponding Department Director,
with justification to aid in considering the proposal. The proposed name shall be placed on the Board
and/or Commission agenda (if required), allowing appropriate time for review by the Board and/or
Commission and subcommittee if necessary, and to publicize and receive input from the public at the
Board and/or Commission meeting. The Board and/or Commission's recommendation will be forwarded
to the City Council for their determination of the official name.
In the case of City-sponsored support groups raising funds on behalf of the City (i.e; Friends of the
Library and/or Friends of Carrillo Ranch), it will be necessary to establish naming rights gift levels prior
to soliciting gifts and offering naming rights to prospective donors. No final commitment to name a park,
municipal facility or amenity within the facility can be made to a potential donor without the appropriate
CTTY OF CARLSBAD Page 4 of 4
Policy No. 48
COUNCIL POLICY STATEMENT Date Issued m/ifi/n?
Effective Date 01/16/07
General Subject: NAMING RIGHTS OF PARKS AND
MUNICIPAL FACILITIES Cancellation Date
Supersedes No.
Specific Subject: Naming Rights Of Parks, Municipal Facilities, And Amenities
Within Those Facilities
Copies to: City Council, City Manager, City Attorney, Department and Division Heads,
Employee Bulletin Boards, Press, File
approvals as outlined within this policy. The support groups will first establish recommended gift levels
for naming rights. The recommended gift levels will then be submitted to the corresponding Department
Director for its review and then submitted to the corresponding Board and/or Commission. The Board
and/or Commission's recommendation on the gift levels will then be forwarded to the City Council for
its final approval prior to the support group soliciting donations for naming rights.
t
THORP HELD
PROPOSAL
General Suhtect: To change the name of Poinsettia Park Held 1 to "THORP
FIELD*, as part of an overall plan to create an on-going living memorial and
a perpetual scholarship fund to help under-privileged kids play baseball.
Background: The Thorp family, along with the many Carlsbad citizens who
have signed our petitions, would like to propose that the City of Carlsbad
honor and recognize the significant contributions that Brad Thorp, and his
son Mitchell, have made to the public life of the citizens of Carlsbad and to
the baseball community.
Mitchell Thorp fought a long, hard battle that ended with his passing
November 19, 2008; and the story of Mitchell's Journey has touched many
hearts in this community and throughout the United States. Mitchell's
journey was reported widely in the media as we tried to find answers to his
condition (See inserts under "Media*); and he fought with all his might to
stay here with us.
Mitchell started playing baseball at the age of four, and he became an
outstanding player for the La Costa Youth Organization (LCYO), playing on
several tournament teams. Mitchell's father, Brad Thorp, played in the
Dodger organization prior to suffering an Injury, and he coached Mitchell and
his younger brother Matthew for many years. Brad served on the Board of
LCYO for seven years, and he has also coached for 12 years within LCYO and
the Carlsbad Youth Baseball (CYB).
Throughout Mitchell's illness, Brad continued to serve the community as a
coach and dinic instructor in CYB; and he continues today to assist the
pitchers In Carlsbad High School. Brad plans to continue his association and
support of the local baseball community for many years to come.
Criteria for Naming Rights: The Thorp Family - along with the 1,000+
Carlsbad citizens who signed the attached petitions (See section of signed
petitions) - feel that the three criteria of the Carlsbad City Council Policy 48
("Naming Rights of Parks and Municipal Facilities*) have been met by this
proposal.
Benefits & Reasons for naming Poinsettia Field l "THORP FIELD"
1. Poinsettia Reid 1 is the natural location for "THORP FIELD" for three
reasons.
a. Waikathon Legacy; Poinsettia Held 1 was the site of Mitchell's first
"Walk-a-thon", an event at which the community rallied around
Mitchell, and where nearly $100,000 dollars was raised for his
medical expenses.
b. Proximity to home. Poinsettia Field 1 is near the home in which
Mitchell was raised; and
M- re i r 4-
PROPOSAL
c. Polnsettla Field 1 was one of the last fields where Mitchell played
bad.
2. This Proposal has the support of the baseball community of Carlsbad.
The LCYO, CYB and CHS leadership have all expressed their
enthusiastic support for our efforts. These fine organizations are the
primary users of Polnsettla Field *l, and they believe tiiat this name
change will enhance the quality of the facility by preserving an
Important element of their history. (See letters of support)
3. We propose to provide a perpetual scholarship to be awarded to one
player in each of the youth leagues to play baseball. This scholarship
will be tied Into La Costa Youth Organization and Carlsbad Youth
Baseball application process at the beginning of each season.
4. We propose that a Mitchell Thorp Award be offered to honor one player
from each league who has demonstrated exceptional baseball talent
and outstanding citizenship in their league; to be awarded on
Championship Saturday.
5. As opportunities arise, it is our Intention to continue sponsoring annual
events - like Baseball trainings, workshops and soft ball games - to
raise money to help under-privileged kids play baseball, and to
contribute to the perpetual scholarship.
6. We propose that the signage for THORP FIELD* will be paid for out
of the Mitchell Thorp Fund, using referrals from the Oty for design and
fabrication. We will submit back to the City for approval.
(See attached photo's for location and placement)
7. The Mitchell Thorp Fund has already been established, and Mitchell
Thorp's web site Is up and running at: www.mitchelfthorp.com
Mitchell's entire family, and a great many members of the Carlsbad
community, believes that his memory should live on for the sake of all those
who loved him so much; and the establishment of THORP FIELD" will
ensure that legacy.
All of those who loved Mitchell will be greatly honored to see The Mitchell
Thorp Journey' continue on for the benefit of others.
Sincerely,
/£*/
The Thorp Family f
12-
Proposed aignage itocatioou
a) Behind home pllate
</>OL
UIO
(DO
13
b) Off main parik access road, behind CF fence
(/XL
IUOtoo
/4
the
Mitchell Thorp
journey
From the friends of the Thorp's.
Mitchell is ratable to walk, talk or tee «nd hto family need* cor
help. Here's their «ofy.
Mitchell Thonv • wonderful IS yen old boy, ha* gram op in
Caiitbtd, California with hi* mom Beth, hi* dad Bid), and hi* 13
year old brother Matthew He mended Arian Oaks flanentary
•ndAstar. Middle SAooL MhAdl'f Me IMS been about family
feend* (port* and lib incredible pmkm far bwd^IL Mtehdl'f
dad ;ttchcd AAbaU wiA the Dodger* md hat • true love of dw
. Mitchell and Matthew have followed in dtdr father^
footttcpi ffl rff fli ipff ii up fwtiiipniffg In PtifiTtil *^ ewry
oppoituaiiy. Mfedidlfttrted in the LCYO(U Com Youth
OrgkBuition) leagne.it die age of 5, {d*yingT-4>«lL Hecontfaroed
through the Braaop uivutai (dcying an eveiy iB-tHf tmn
«ndtonrn»mcnt team he could. AB die while. Brad WM head
coadtforbodiKfitdtenandMatdiewandwtondieboajdof
LCYOfer7yean. After Bicnov MitdteUkft dte league to play
ODBlpCDtlVC tIAVU MtONUL Iu4 DfOUMT UM MB WCTC UttlOdOttd
to CYB (Caddwd Yondi Batehill), ^tere Matdiewb omendy
playing Pony with Brad as his coach.
m February 20H the midole of Mitchells sevejimg^
* f » _._*-.l^AZKK VCWSEvB •EBBIsyD IfflUI
idhis pain. Then,mSe}M0nber 2004,
M arttaTOPg hit eighth yidstyvMBC it occifnf JDCMsMfayy
fioc nni to CDROBtttnatfc MltonB OM WWBJFV been ft top
studemand very dlsciphnedwnhhis stndks;bmhbeca^
me pain was so severe mat MhtheO would have to continue
hit studies at home, m October 2004, MltcheO was checked into
Clnldrm's Hospital for a ccvm^worknp. After three days of MM
scans, CT scan* extensive blood workap, and other test* MhcheO
and his parents left the hospital with no answers. The tests all came
back negative/normal with no diagnosis made or cause found.
The next focus WM a possible TMJ or cranial problem from wearing
braces for the past two and half years. But after several months of
treatment locaDy nothing relieved the pain and, in fact, it continued
tomcrease.TheTh()rpswereaesperateforheh>andflewMitchento
Florida to see the most reputabk cranial doctor in the country. While
being treated in Florida, Mitchell started to experience myodonk
seizures; his body began to tremor, and the doctors encouraged Bern
and Brad to take Mitchell home Once again the Thorps were left
with no answer* and Mitchell's health continued to decline. There
was no reBef for his pain.
Mitchell was again admitted to San Diego Children's Hospital m
June 2005. And again he underwent MW'* hnnbar puncture* blood
workap* and a very complfw series of tests. The neurologist*
psychiatrist* hospital physician* as weB as others who were
brought into mis case, had no answers for what WM happening to
MitcheD. His appetite was decreasing at an alarming rate. He had
lost 35 pounds and was now unable to either feed himself or walk
In July 2005, shortly after leaving Children's Hospital, Mitchell WM
admitted into the UCLA Pain Center. While mere, Mitchell's pain
was so intense mat the myodonk seizures became constant and the
tremors continuous. MhxheH spent most of his time unconscious
because the pain WM so severe. UCLA did yet another series of
tests. Watching their son suffer in these condition* while waning
for the test results WM a gut wrenching experience. Bern and Brad
took tarns staying at UCLA Hospital so Mitchell would never be
alone, they spent many nights walking the halls or in the UCLA
medical library looking for their own answers to MitcheH's pain. But
M test results started coming back; one after another the answers
were negative. There were again no findings. The doctors could no
longer give them the hope they so desperately sought.
Tlie limp* wet* faed with a very dfflbdt decision. ConsJdrring
MitdwO'sccedUc^wBerecoiilddieygor After 30 days at UCLA
and wJuft nesoed ID be very little time len^ the Tnorpa rctnnsBd
home. TneyontinKteJadcqorandamrtTitionist who agreed to work
with MhxheB at home. Tfceir first goals were to attempt to reduce hfc
pain and to dramatically increase his nutrients. As a man of their
time awake; and his tremors and senaaes have HituaUy stopped. For
the first time, m a very long, vary stressful time, there is hope.
The doctor's diagnosis is heavy metal toridry coupled with a viral
infection, wmdi atiixta tne <Biilial netvuua tyatem. Tnegoalnow
is to remove these metals from his body so It can be lesmred to its
therapies to achieve this goal He has come a long way, bat mere is
alongwaytogo. He soil cannot walk although he can get himself
ontof bed and scoot on die ground. He still cannot open his eyes,
ahhongh it appears mat one eye wiflnft half way. He still cannot
speak. It is Mitchell's hope, and the hope of aO those around him
thatj «« tluM» matala mrtt faln^fA (mm lily \>^yl mtt nf fl»«g fimrttrma
will return.
Please join us in supporting the Thorp family as they have
m trying to find a cnre for
their son. Mitchell's current and put medical expenses have reached
heights far beyond the Thorp's iiwnmce coverage. We are asking
care. Donations may be brought to Opening Day Ceremonies at
CYB and LCYO with checks made c« to rife MfedteB Thorp Fund"
or yon may send your check to:
The Mitchell Thorp Fund
AttDZ DUXICsB1 InOBOB
US Bank
1074 North Q Camino Real
EnchunuvCA 92024
If yon require former information please contact Terri Hear/ at
tehealytfpacbelLnet or Tom Watiuu at 4padre£snivHnrli>nia net.
Wegreadyappi t all of your help and support.
itchdlthorp.com
H • L ** ATTI-
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BKftapAn*
AttKCHttadCo
As mBy ofyot m nm, ow
ofo»AvntaniBfiotetaHbdldiMHMltethi]0«0d
Mtehdl MMd phyiag bdl at five yem oUL aod beca» • ottttodfef plqwftrteU Cote You*
^i|l ' -f-mff ^^^imfirftnmf nmrrmlnrnrariMmi^MiiiaiIM
•
to MTM *• ot»mnily M • ooMfc wd dUe ivkwiar ta CYB»
mCHbtadHfcfr School. Brad plan to unrtiMi kh MMeMoa mdmapatal•. ^ . * *yemto
90V0BU
•natim^lUslUdwffliMvidoamlntdoMhtftrlhBpn^Hbitette: """"* ***"
LC* YG
February 27,2009
RE:
The pwpoae of tWa letter M to offer oar endorsement aftdftifl support for the l^arp Family proposal for a
AJ many of you are awara, our cauanatoy suffered a great IciMlafltNoveadMrwmithepasamf of
MhcheOThorpattheafDof 18. Mhche41'sUfe was frs«bau> altered by a mysterkmulncMt^
ovwhk body five >«n«r!k)r.
his apferit never dtaunklMd, nor did his dram of one <hy n«mimtotfaebMebdldi«ondth«theloved
aonmck.
Mhchefl stated ptayinf tell it five yem old, and became m «*rtmdingpl«ywfcr the LaCortm Youth
OrBniz^k»(IXTO)»dpl^MioaaevtnJsiicc«Mfbltouni«D^ MHcbeU*i ftdMr, Brad, a
strong prcMpect m the Dodger orgniatkn prior to iuJwy, ooMhad MitcheUmdhv younger brother
MiMhewndaarvedonllwLCYObiMnlfiirMvmlyMn.
to serve the community M • coach md dink Jortmdar a CYB» tad cootfann today to
in Cvkted High School Brad plans to continue his iMKi^ioondwppoft of the local bwetNul
MUdwO was known in the coaanamty M oaxh fcr hii (
positive q>ait,aDdiiever^ndiii«fiudL In 2006, after liewiif of MitchdlU
with a waftathon event fix MitcheU's benefit Several hnodred friendi and wpportan attended, and
nearly S100K in medical eaqMOMt were nuMd. ft wu a day of great hope and formed lastinf memoria
forallwhopartkipated. The site of alii event u the piopoaedkxatioo for rkrp/faML
We believe that Mitchell's remembrance within the community shcMld not ead, for the sake of the family
AND the commi«itythM loved MitcheAaoanioh. FirthHiumKnt afTkfrf FleUvnU tsaan thi*. At the
itiin^tniafieldwiUprovideaiiaturaloirtkrtforthep
togivebacktodieoooiinunity.
This manorial wifl be an ongoing benefit to the coumnuty.
PhilUfbina
Wfc • «^^^nmoooi
LaCoKaY(
www.icvo.org
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Members of the CKy Gound,
l8y«^MfcMwecsfckferdaeetofH*years beta* hk ftw took hfen from inkcommunty...M^tttsln&^omdm&totoitytftotomaUfJoanr,.
The Impact that thk young men and hk famty have had on the communiy of Carkbad k bigger than Hilaeff and
p of Mnat icaly rnatten*
Many oT u§ to Q
The mt to
ttw ooungi of
* stopped up to UK
and they <tat w«i thk «vy (Mia* sRuMoaMB oonmunfty and h« boxim m bi^>lradcn tor iranyWank sudiai •Love',
Mkchefk tana on thk earth was cut short; but I can aswra you that thk young
on the omnuii> and the cttene of Carkbad Anap|ioprlaleniemarta1w«hetotooanttmetotoa^the
tt»*»tr¥eataren»lnd^ofthehii^iiiittt*iu>hlli>thMgoDeyoirf
The Carhbed Mgh School BHeMI Booctor Oub smnajy simoom the «Abrts to
honor Mfchel Thorp and hknjmly. ThtenieinorteJKelbeaiicilliei tiyuiUit Ue
the Ivge basefctf nM A Pokiseltli Park to
In Mteheffi Journey far yms to come.
nskkratton of thk worthy project
I Hgh School Booster dub
Bobbie Ankenbrandt
1 005 Whimbrel Court
Carlsbad, CA 92011
March 4, 2009
Dear Ann,
I know you are familiar with the tragic story of Mitchell Thorpe, a Carlsbad
teenager who battled a mysterious illness for four years before his death in
November, 2008.
As friends struggle to look for means of cnnffpifltfon,, a memorial in
Mitchell's memory has been suggested. Since baseball was an important focus and
passion in his life, connecting the two seemed to provide the answer.
I am writing to ask the Council's approval to name the baseball field at
Poinsettia Park (where Mitchell and his brother played, where his Dad coached,
and where his Mom cheered!) THORPE FIELD".
Upon Council approval, sponsors and supporters of this cause would, of
course, be responsible to provide the funds to implement an appropriate
commemorative inscription of this memorial and its placement at the field.
Thank you for giving this your priority consideration.
Bobbie Ankenbrandt
-20
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CONSENT FORM
We are the parents of Mitchell Thorp. It is our desire to have the field currently referred
to as Baseball Field If 1 at Poinsettia Park renamed in honor of our son. We understand that
upon approval of the City Council of the City of Carlsbad, Baseball Field #1 at Poinsettia Park will
be renamed for our son. We hereby consent and agree to have Baseball Field #1 at Poinsettia
Park renamed Thorp Field* in honor of our son Mitchell Thorp.
Signed this 14th day of July, 2009 at Carlsbad, California.
Brad Thorp Beth Thorp
Father of Mitchell Thorp Mother of Mitchell Thorp
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