Tonight, the Carlsbad VIP was formally introduced to the Carlsbad City Council, as the organization's president, Frank Hutchins, led the mayor and council members through a presentation that detailed both the challenges and opportunities for partnership opportunities with the City. All board members and many from the original working committee were on hand to show their support.
After considerable discussion, the council agreed to have staff prepare a white paper and return for further consideration in the future. Hutchins assured the mayor and council that he would work with the acting city manager and staff to provide assistance, where needed.
Frank Hutchins explains the VIP's mission to the Carlsbad City Council.
Mayor Lewis, together with Council Members Ann Kulchin and Julie Nygaard, listen to the ten minute presentation by the Carlsbad VIP. Robin Young, Executive Director of the Carlsbad Village Business Association, provides support in Hutchins' presentation.
Carlsbad resident and former Carlsbad City Planning Commissioner, Jeff Segall, speaks in support of the Carlsbad VIP. While as Chairman of the Carlsbad Chamber of Commerce, Segall initiated the Downtown Enhancement Task Force, which helped lead the way for the eventual creation of the Carlsbad VIP.
Michael Burg, staff writer for the San Diego Union-Tribune, provided coverage on the evening's presentation, "Downtown business group wants $500,000 'seed money' from city."
(Council Members Matt Hall and Mark Packard voluntarily recused themselves from the presentation and discussion, due to property interests each has in the Village.)
Our 1st Annual Plant-A-Flower in the Village Day was a wonderful success. Fourteen "Flower Ambassadors" spread through the Village planting over 100 flowering plants on Roosevelt Street, State Street, Grand Avenue and Carlsbad Village Drive. 
