This year's State of the City Luncheon, held at the Four Seasons Resort Aviara, focused on the city of Carlsbad's Growth Management Plan, a concept designed for, by and with the community in mind.

Mayor Claude A. "Bud" Lewis, the Carlsbad City Council, and other Carlsbad officials gathered together with slightly over 450 city residents and business professionals on August 22 in the Four Season's Grand Ballroom to update them on the city's progress and development from the late 1800's until present day.

"The common thread has been the ability to come together and talk about the issues," said Mayor Pro Temp, Matt Hall, in a video presentation put together by the City of Carlsbad.

After a brief welcome by Chamber President & CEO, Ted Owen; the National Anthem sung by the Carlsbad High School Student Quartet; a State of the Chamber address by Chairman, Tim Stripe and a fabulous lunch prepared by the dining professionals of the Four Seasons, the attendees watched a 25-minute video presentation. The video covered all the major events, by decade, that the city has experienced. It also addressed the city's commitment to organized, structural growth planned and developed with a cohesive balance between City officials and the citizens.

Outlining the organized construction oath, the precursor to growth management, in the 1930's, to the rapid growth of the 70's that pushed the city to outline a plan, the video presentation served as the perfect instructional aide to educate the guests.

Overall, the predominate message was that the foundation of the city is based on citizen involvement along with careful strategic planning by city officials. Examples of this include the formation of Citizens' Committees; refinement of the Growth Management Plan and introduction of tourist attraction in the late 80's and early 90's as well as the opening of major roadways and construction of city amenities as needs arose.

In the future, an Alga Norte Aquatic Center as well as the golf course, scheduled for completion next summer are in the works. The concept of sustainable systems is what currently drives the city. Such advancements as the desal plant and village redevelopment are also on the plate in the future plans of the city.

Throughout it all, relationships have been the cornerstone of the community's health.

"Healthy community involvement and participation are the keys to success," remarked Mayor Lewis, "so folks, participate!"

The luncheon, presented by the Carlsbad Chamber of Commerce, was sponsored by SDG&E, CDS Printing, Poseidon Resources, Westfield and the Corky McMillin Companies.

In closing, Stripe thanked everyone for coming, noting that maintaining Carlsbad's unity in community will require the input, cooperation and patience of the entire community.

"Thank you for coming out today. I feel very confident that the city of Carlsbad will continue to maintain its commitment to quality and positive growth management," Stripe said.

The State of the City video aired Tuesday, August 29 on Time Warner Cable TV Channel 3 at 6:00 p.m. Contact the City of Carlsbad for more information on additional air dates and times by calling (760) 434-2830.

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