Carlsbad, California
Carlsbad is a coastal resort city lying along the Pacific Ocean in the North County San Diego section of Southern California. Carlsbad is located 87 miles (140 km) south of Los Angeles and 35 miles (56 km) north of downtown San Diego. High property values, very high median family incomes, and high education levels have made Carlsbad one of the wealthiest communities in California and in the United States. A low population density, coastal location, thriving commercial sector, and an award-winning school district all contribute to the high standard of living in the area. It is one of the highest income places in the United States. The city is mainly known for shopping, tourism, a booming high-tech industry, and resort living.The 2009 population was estimated by the California Department of Finance to be 104,652. Carlsbad was incorporated in 1952, in large part to generate sufficient funding to connect with the water pipeline running through San Diego County, but also to avoid being annexed by Oceanside. The city has drafted ordinances protecting sensitive wildlife habitat, becoming one of the first municipalities in the State of California to do so. The city has also pledged to protect a specified amount of land within the city limits from development of any kind and spends significant funds to restore habitats destroyed by newer development projects.
History
Carlsbad's history begins with the Luiseño people who located one of their villages, Palamai, near what is today Agua Hedionda Lagoon. In the 1880s a former sailor named John Frazier dug a well in the area. He began offering his water at the train station and soon the whistle-stop became known as Frazier's Station. A test done on a second fresh-water well found the water to be chemically similar to one of the most famous spas in Europe, at Carlsbad in Austria-Hungary (now in the Czech Republic).To take advantage of the find, the Carlsbad Land and Mineral Water Company was formed by a German-born merchant from the Midwest named Gerhard Schutte together with Samuel Church Smith, D.D.Wadsworth and Henry Nelson. The naming of the town followed soon after, along with a major marketing campaign to attract visitors. The area experienced a period of growth, with homes and businesses sprouting up in the 1880s. Agricultural development of citrus fruits, avocados and olives soon changed the landscape. By the end of 1887, land prices fell throughout San Diego County. However, the community survived on the back of its fertile agricultural lands.The site of John Frazier's original well can still be found at Alt Karlsbad, a replica of a German Hanseatic house, located on Carlsbad Boulevard.The world's first skateboard park,[citation needed] Carlsbad Skatepark, was built here in March 1976. It was located on the grounds of Carlsbad Raceway and was designed and built by inventors Jack Graham and John O'Malley.
Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 40.8 square miles (105.6 km²) of which 37.4 square miles (97.0 km²) are land and 3.4 square miles (8.7 km²) are (8.24%) water, the majority of which is contained within three lagoons and one lake.The northern area of the city is considered to be part of the tri-city area, which consists of northern Carlsbad, southern Oceanside and western Vista.Most of the current city area, including many of its boasted attractions, has been annexed from neighboring unincorporated areas since the 1970s.
Northwest quadrant
The northwestern quadrant is Carlsbad's oldest region. The quadrant is located north of Palomar Airport Road and west of El Camino Real and is concentric with the ZIP code 92008. Though there are some newer developments, the area features many more established single family homes, and in some cases, apartments and condominiums. The fact that many areas in this quadrant existed many years ago is apparent by the fact that some streets (notably Highland Drive) lack sidewalks and/or street lighting.Hosp Grove, a grove of trees relatively untouched by development and now designated by the city for recreational use, is located in the northwest quadrant, along with the Buena Vista and Agua Hedionda Lagoons. The Buena Vista Lagoon is one of three the subject of controversy. The Concerned Citizens of Carlsbad is currently floating a Petition to stop the city council from rezoning the fields into new homes and a state of the art City Hall complex. San Diego Union Tribune articleCarlsbad Village, or downtown Carlsbad, is generally located along Carlsbad Village Drive (formerly 'Elm Avenue', the 1991 name-change prompting local consternation, a 'Locals Call it Elm' bumper-sticker campaign, and later license plate holders reading 'Locals Still Call it Elm'.) east of Carlsbad Boulevard (alsoPacific Coast HighwayorU.S. Route 101) and west of Interstate 5. It is currently in a process of ongoingredevelopment, and features many specialty shops, clothing stores, and restaurants.
Regular events in the village sponsored by the Carlsbad Village Association include a farmers market held every Saturday and Wednesday from 1-5pm, an Annual Art Street Faire ~ 'Art in the Village' the second Sunday in August from 9am - 5pm, Thursdays on the Coast Art Walk, an ongoing event with opening night receptions on the last Thursday of each month, Flavors of the Village Restaurant Week, and Carlsbad Village Clothes Show draw many people from throughout the region to downtown Carlsbad. The Carlsbad Chamber of Commerce hosts a bi-annual street fair, called the Carlsbad Village Street Faire, on the first Sunday in May and November. The Village Street Faire is the largest single day street faire in North America with almost 1,000 vendors and well over 100,000 people in attendance.The Barriowas the first Carlsbad neighborhood, built in the 1920s. It is densely populated byLatinosand is the site of the city's Centro de Información, a Spanish division of the Carlsbad City Library.
Olde Carlsbadrefers to the area south of the Buena Vista Lagoon, west of El Camino Real and north of Cannon Road. These were the original boundaries of the city of Carlsbad. The area features many historic buildings. It is perhaps the most socioeconomically diverse section of the city, where homes range from enormous mansions to modest, one story homes. Architectural styles in the area vary widely as well. A number of elementary schools are located within the area, as well asCarlsbad High Schooland the current site of Carlsbad Seaside Academy, Magnolia Elementary School. Carlsbad's only historic museum, the Magee House, is located in this area, and it is the home of theCarlsbad Historical Society.
Terramar
Northeast quadrant
The northeastern quadrant is located north of Palomar Airport Road and east of El Camino Real. With the exception of one shopping center, the area is almost exclusively residential. Because of the city's increasing population, the area was recently assigned the ZIP code 92010 by the U.S. Postal Service. The quadrant consists mostly of single family homes, with larger lots found in the older area known as Chestnut Hills. Newer homes are in Calavera Hills, and there is one big remaining residential area waiting to be built called Robertson Ranch.Calavera Hillsis aplanned communitylocated near the intersection of College Boulevard and Carlsbad Village Drive (the community is bordered on the north by the Oceanside-Carlsbad city boundary). The western portion (phase I) was constructed mostly in the 1980s and the eastern portion (phase II) was finished in the mid-2000s. Calavera Hills features two elementary schools, one middle school, a very large community park, numerouspocket parks, trails, an artificial lake, and single family, attached, and apartment units. Calavera Hills is subdivided into four neighborhoods (Barrington, Capistrano, Nantucket and Sheffield), each of which are maintained by a homeowners' association. Some, especially condominium developments, feature community pools. Calavera Hills Middle school is located in the area. Much of the community, especially around Calavera Lake, is designated open space. Numerous trails exist near Calavera Lake for public use, including a two-mile (3 km) hike up 513-foot (156 m) Calavera Mountain, a 22 million-year-old volcanic plug (which is a mass of volcanic rock that solidified in its vent and feeding system millions of years ago).
Summerhouseis a residential area built in 2005 and bordered by College Boulevard to the west and the to Calavera Natural Preserve to the east.
The Colonyis an established residential neighborhood located just south of Calavera Hills community park. Homes in The Colony are desirable due to unique cottage style homes with shingle facades, large front and backyards, and quaint street names (named after Scottish towns).
Tanglewoodis a condominium complex located between Carlsbad Village Drive, El Camino Real and Avenida de Lousia. Homes, landscaping, and a community pool are maintained by ahomeowner association. Although all units in the neighborhood are townhomes, all residents benefit from separate garage units.
Robertson Ranchis a proposed development bordered by Tamarack Avenue, College Boulevard, and El Camino Real. Development is anticipated through 2010. It will most likely be the site of three schools.
Sunny Creekis a smaller single family development centered along College Boulevard east of El Camino Real. Ashopping centeris proposed for the area, construction of which has been delayed numerous times. When completed, it will be the only shopping district in northeast Carlsbad outside of the Tri-City area.
The Summit (north)is a townhouse development located east of Marron Road and west of the unimproved Haymar Drive.
The Summit (south)is a residential area built on a series of small hills, bordered by El Camino Real, Tamarack Avenue, and Carlsbad Village Drive. It is made up of several developments including Tamarack Point, Falcon Hills, and Carlsbad Meadows, which were completed in the late 1990s.
Southeast quadrant
The southeast quadrant is located south of Palomar Airport Road and east of El Camino Real. It is the newest quadrant in Carlsbad with many planned communities. Notable communities in the southeast quadrant include Bressi Ranch, the Villages of La Costa, which includes La Costa Valley, La Costa Oaks North, La Costa Oaks South, La Costa Ridge, and La Costa Greens, and Rancho Carrillo. The ZIP code of the southeast quadrant is 92009.Bressi Ranchis an award-winning 623 homemixed-useplanned communitysouth of Palomar Airport Road and east of El Camino Real. Resting atop 585 acres (2.37 km2) in the heart of Carlsbad, Carlsbad’s Garden District is composed entirely of all-new construction and is the only community in the region to follow thesmart growthconcept. Bressi Ranch is home to eight premiere neighborhoods with homes ranging in price from $700,000 to over $2 million. Homes come as large as 6,280 square feet (583 m2) and many command views of the nearby Pacific Ocean, and surrounding hillside. At the center of the community is Bressi Commons, complete with a private clubhouse, Olympic-size swimming pool, wading pool, spa, and barbecue and picnic areas. Architectural diversity, numerous amenities, flower gardens that bloom year round, executive homes, a convenient location, and the integration of schools, offices, shopping, and neighborhoods have made Bressi Ranch a highly desirable North County community. Bressi Village is the community shopping center, which is home to Carlsbad’s onlyStater Bros.supermarket andTrader Joe’sgrocery store. There is also Bressi Ranch Corporate Center, which is a sprawling 132-acre (0.53 km2) corporate business park and one of the largest and newest inSan Diego County. Residents are served by the award-winningCarlsbad Unified School District. The community is also the site of the prestigiousPacific Ridge School, Poinsettia Elementary school, and a fully-integrated fitness and medical facility, Tri-City Wellness Center. Bressi Ranch Self Storage is a 144,000-square-foot (13,400 m2) state-of-the-art storage complex, which sits on the corner of Palomar Airport Road and El Camino Real. A $7 million, 18,600-square-foot (1,730 m2)Boys & Girls Clubs of Americaclubhouse is planned to open in 2010, as well as various restaurants and other venues. Also planned for construction is a 32-acre (130,000 m2) mega park.
La Costa Greensis a new residential development built on the hillsides east of the La Costa Resort North Golf Course between the future Alga Norte Park and Alga Road. Many homes in the La Costa Greens community have views of thePacific Oceanand the famous La Costa golf course. The neighborhood is anchored by The Presidio Club, which touts of providing a spa-like experience with a concierge on staff. The community amenities include a pool, spa, gym, tot lot, and two tennis courts. The homes are between 3,000 and5,000 square feet (500 m²)in size and the project is over halfway built out as of April 2006. With the exception of 24 houses, the community is served by theSan Marcos Unified School District.
La Costa Oaksis the second in the Villages of La Costa and is located east of Rancho Santa Fe Road at the end of La Costa Avenue. It is a planned community with home ranging in size from 3,000 to5,000 square feet (500 m²)that were built between 2003 and 2006.
La Costa Ridgeis the final phase of the Villages of La Costa. The top of a local mountain was shaved flat to enable construction of large ocean-view homes in this upscale guard-gated community. Residents are served by the La Costa Meadows Elementary School, the newer San Elijo Hills Middle School and the newly-renovated San Marcos High School.
La Costa Valleyis a planned community that was built between 1998 and 2001 near the Carlsbad-Encinitas border. The first of the Villages of La Costa was planned and built by master developer Arbuckle Development. The builders included Kaufman and Broad Homes (later to become KB Home), Shea Homes, Standard Pacific Homes, Greystone Homes (later acquired by Lennar), K. Hovnanian and Centex Homes. The Valley Club is the centerpiece to La Costa Valley that was sold with the slogan, 'Beverly Hills meets Mayberry', and is home to mostlyupper middle classfamilies. The Valley Club has social activities, a large swimming pool, and two tennis courts. The El Camino Creek Elementary School is located in La Costa Valley. The middle school isOak Crest Middle Schoollocated in central Encinitas and older students are served byLa Costa Canyon High SchoolandSan Dieguito High School Academy.
Rancho Carrillois a community centered on a picturesque canyon surrounding the historicLeo CarrilloRanch Park. Over half of the canyon and hillsides are dedicated as preserved open space and a year-round stream flows through the canyon. Rancho Carrillo offers a balanced mix of about 1,500 residences from condominiums and townhouses to large executive homes. Rancho Carrillo was designed in the theme of 'Old California' to match the park and is densely landscaped and laced with walking trails. There is an active social activities calendar with clubs and events offered in all seasons. The development is serviced byCarrillo Elementary Schooland is part of theSan Marcos Unified School District.
La Costa
La Costa refers to both a residential community of Carlsbad and the world-class golf and tennis resort and spa at its center. The community is located primarily south of Alga Road, east of El Camino Real, north of Olivenhain Road. and west of the north-south portion of Rancho Santa Fe Boulevard. The La Costa Resort and Spa consists of two 18-hole golf courses, resort hotel and condominium units, 19 tennis courts, and related retail businesses. Dr. Deepak Chopra operates the Chopra Center located at the resort. La Costa the community is mostly residential, with shopping centers, upscale boutiques, and fine dining restaurants. Because of overlapping district lines, schools within the community may be located in one of four school districts. La Costa Canyon High School and San Dieguito Academy serve residents of Encinitas, Rancho Santa Fe, and other surrounding communities, along with the southernmost portion of Carlsbad. The popular San Elijo Middle School and San Marcos High School serve students on the north side of the golf course. Real estate in La Costa is priced well above the average for both California and San Diego County.La Costa's development began in 1965, when Irv Roston and a partner of the Desert Inn hotel in Las Vegas purchased 3,500 acres (14 km²) of the scenic area. A golf course was developed and homes began to be sold. The 90-room Rancho La Costa Inn was built to accommodate the visitors. Then, the Spa was added and ultimately, another 2,000 acres (8 km²) were purchased as the Inn grew in size. Sports Shinko, a Japanese company, bought the Resort in 1987. After years of decline, it was purchased in 2001 by KSL Resorts, a California resort hotel group, who totally revamped the La Costa Resort, spending in excess of $140 million.Each February since 1999, La Costa Resort and Spa has hosted the WGC-Accenture Match Play Championship, one of the World Golf Championships events. The 2006 edition of the event was the last at La Costa. The Acura Classic, a WTA professional women's tennis tournament, was held at La Costa for many years, until recently being sold back to the WTA.
Southwest quadrant
The southwestern quadrant is located south of Palomar Airport Road and west of El Camino Real. The area is a mixture of business and residential communities. Because of the city's increasing population, the area was recently assigned the ZIP code 92011 by the U.S. Postal Service.Pontois a single family and mobile home residential community. While the mobile homes are quite established, the homes located in the neighborhood are new. A plan to develop a portion of the area is currently awaiting approval, although the plan is drawing opposition by concerned citizens. Among the new community types proposed for the area are live-work units, where a business owner is able to live one story above an establishment, eliminating the need for a commute. However, the proposed development directly abuts a protected wetland bird breeding ground. It is located near the city's southern border withEncinitas, west of Interstate 5.
Aviara
Aviara is a resort community in the hills of southern Carlsbad, overlooking the Pacific Ocean and Batiquitos Lagoon. The community has a total area of 1.6 miles (2.6 km)² and is just north of Encinitas, east of I-5 and west of La Costa. Just outside of Aviara at El Camino Real lies a movie theater, restaurants, jewelry boutiques, a branch of the Carlsbad City library, U.S. Post Office, and several salons. Aviara is located at 33°07′19″N 117°17′49″W / 33.121990°N 117.296811°W / 33.121990; -117.296811.
Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 78,247 people, 31,521 households, and 20,898 families residing in the city. The population density was 2,090.2 people per square mile (806.9/km²). There were 33,798 housing units at an average density of 902.8/sq mi (348.5/km²). The racial makeup of the city was 86.55% White, 0.96% African American, 0.42% Native American, 4.24% Asian, 0.20% Pacific Islander, 4.65% from other races, and 2.99% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 11.72% of the population.There were 31,521 households out of which 30.7% contained children under the age of 18, 54.3% were married couples living together, 8.6% had a female householder with no husband present, and 33.7% were non-families. 24.8% of all households were made up of single individuals and 8.2% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The mean household size was 2.46 and the mean family size was 2.96.23.3% of residents were under the age of 18, 6.2% from 18 to 24, 31.9% from 25 to 44, 24.6% from 45 to 64, and 14.0% 65 years of age or older. The median age was 39 years. For every 100 females there were 95.8 males. Among those 18 and older, there were 92.8 males for every 100 females.According to a 2007 Census estimate, the median income for a household in the city was $79,444, and the median income for a family was $100,932. Males had a median income of $54,826 versus $39,415 for females. The per capita income for the city was $34,863. About 3.4% of families and 5.9% of the population fell below the poverty line, including 7.3% of those under age 18 and 3.6% of those age 65 or over.
Current estimates
According to estimates made by the CBRE Demographic Report in 2005, an estimated average household income for Carlsbad neighborhoods (92008, 92009, 92011) were $106,459, $108,364, and $111,483, respectively.
Politics
In the state legislature Carlsbad is located in the 38th Senate District, represented by Republican Mark Wyland, and in the 74th Assembly District, represented by Republican Martin Garrick. Federally, Carlsbad is located in California's 50th congressional district, which has a Cook PVI of R +3 and is represented by Republican Brian Bilbray.Carlsbad voters in 2008 approved making Carlsbad a charter city. City government is led by an elected mayor and four council members, elected at large. Mayor Claude 'Bud' Lewis has been mayor since 1986 and on the council since 1970. Carlsbad has no term limits. Other council members that year include Matt Hall, Mark Packard, Ann Kulchin and Julie Nygaard, a former councilwoman who was appointed in 2007 to replace Norine Sigafoose, who resigned, for personal reasons, with 18 months left in her term. Nygaard was appointed with the promise that she would not seek re-election. In the fall of 2008 Kulchin announced she would seek an eighth four-year term. Also in the race, for Kulchin's seat and the open seat vacated by Nygaard, were publisher and veteran journalist Thomas K. Arnold, police sergeant Keith Blackburn, and print shop owner Farrah Douglas, a city planning commissioner. They were joined by college student Evan Delaney Rodgers and retired Marine Glenn Bernard. Bernard has run for office in Carlsbad before. With support from the public labor unions, Kulchin and Blackburn won. Blackburn set a new record for campaign expenditures, pouring nearly $100,000 into his successful campaign. Douglas finished third, and Arnold came in fourth. Glenn and Rodgers came in fifth and last, respectively. It should be noted that Rodgers vowed to spend less than $100 of her own money on the campaign and succeeded. Both Glenn and Rodgers vowed right from the start not to use plastic campaign signs for ecological reasons.With Mayor Bud Lewis, who has been in office since 1986, stepping down at the completion of his latest four-year term in 2010, Carlsbad witnessed a heated battle pitting Matt Hall, a longtime city councilman, against fellow city councilman Keith Blackburn. Hall made pension reform the core issue of his campaign while Blackburn was supported by both the police and firefighter unions. Hall ultimately won by a significant margin, 46.5% to 40.7%, even though Blackburn had far more campaign signs and mailers, many of them funded by the unions. The council race for 2010 was won by incumbent Mark Packard and planning commissioner Farrah Douglas, who had run in 2008 but narrowly lost. Jon Wantz, a newcomer to Carlsbad politics, and frequent council candidate Bill Jubb also ran.
Economy
The GEO Group maintains its Western Regional Office in Carlsbad. California Pacific Airlines, a planned airline, has its headquarters on the grounds of McClellan-Palomar Airport.
Top employers
According to the City's 2008 Comprehensive Annual Financial Report, the top manufacturing employers in the city are:The top non-manufacturing employers in the city are:
Notable corporate headquarters
24 Hour Fitness, Fitness Centers
Aptera Motors, 300mpg vehicle startup
Atticus Clothing, apparel
AutoClaims Direct, Insurance claims technology firm
Callaway Golf Company, Golf equipment and apparel manufacturer
Cobra Golf, Golf equipment and apparel manufacturer
Gemological Institute of America, Headquarters
Hay House, new age publisher
Hot Dog on a Stick, restaurants
Invitrogen, Life science technology company
Islands Fine Burgers & Drinks, restaurant
Jazzercise, International dance fitness program
Jenny Craig, Inc., Weight management
K2 Sports, Winter sports equipment
Life Technologies, Biotechnology
No Fear, apparel
Razer USA Ltd, Computer peripherals manufacturer
Reef, Apparel
Rubio's Fresh Mexican Grill, Quick serve restaurants
Sierra Wireless, Research and development office, CDMA and EVDO products
TaylorMade-adidas Golf Company, Golf equipment and apparel manufacturer
Upper Deck, Sports and entertainment trading card manufacturer
ViaSat, Inc, Satellite communications
Schools
Carlsbad Unified School District
Encinitas Union School District-for Elementary schools in South Carlsbad
San Dieguito Union High School District-for Junior High and High schools in South Carlsbad
San Marcos Unified School District-for schools in southeast Carlsbad
Carlsbad High School
La Costa Canyon High School
Calavera Hills Middle School
Valley Middle School
Aviara Oaks Middle School
Carlsbad Seaside Academy (Independent Study)
Aviara Oaks Elementary School
Buena Vista Elementary School
Calavera Hills Elementary School
Carlsbad Seaside Academy (K-6 Alternative Education)
Hope Elementary School
Jefferson Elementary School
Kelly Elementary School
Magnolia Elementary School
Pacific Rim Elementary School
Poinsettia Elementary School
El Camino Creek Elementary School
La Costa Heights Elementary School
Mission Estancia Elementary School
Olivenhain Pioneer Elementary School
Army and Navy Academy: Military Prep
Pacific Ridge School
St. Patrick School
Montessori Arts and Sciences School
Beautiful Saviour Lutheran Elementary School
The Academy by the Sea: Camp Pacific
Palisades Point Christian Academy
Public libraries
Carlsbad City Library
Georgina Cole Library
Sister cities
Carlsbad has two sister cities, as designated by Sister Cities International:Futtsu,Japan
Karlovy Vary,Czech Republic
Attractions
Legoland CaliforniaandSea Life Aquarium
Army and Navy Academy (Red Apple Inn)
K1 Speed
Flower Fields of Carlsbad Ranch
Carlsbad Beaches
Carlsbad Skatepark
Batiquitos Lagoon
Buena Vista Lagoon
Carlsbad Lagoon
Carlsbad Historical Society
Museum of Making Music
Carlsbad Village Farmers' Market
TheCarlsbad Premium Outlets
New Village Arts Theatre in Carlsbad VillageNew Village Arts Theatre
Notable former and current residents
Marcus Allen, college and professional football star
Michael Austinmoore, of alternative rock bandVAST
Brian P. Bilbray, U.S. Congressman
Ron Blair, bassist forTom Petty and the Heartbreakers
Adam Brody, American film and television actor; playedSeth CohenonThe O.C.
Chad Butler, drummer forSwitchfoot
Brandon Chillar, linebacker for theGreen Bay Packers
Jonathan Compas, center forTampa Bay Buccaneers
S.E. Cupp, journalist and political commentator
David Díaz,Caldecott winning illustrator/author
Jon Foreman, lead singer of alternative bandSwitchfoot
Tim Foreman, brother of Jon Foreman and bassist forSwitchfoot
Ryan Gallant, profesional skateboarder
LeRoy Grannis,surfing photographer;LeRoy Grannis: Surf Photography of the 1960s and 1970s
Ryan Guy, football player forSt. Patricks Athleticin theRepublic of Ireland.
Tony Hawk: former resident; now lives in nearby Encinitas.Carlsbad High Schoolfeatures as a location inTony Hawk's Pro Skater 2software game.
Michellie Jones, Pro Triathlete, 2006 Ironman World Champion, 2000 Olympic Silver Medalist
Rod Laver, former world #1 Australian tennis player, retired in La Costa.
Sal Masekela,son of musicianHugh Masekela.CHSgraduate. TV host forWinter X GamesonESPN.
Emily O'Brien,The Young and the Restlessactress; 2003 graduateCHS
Ron Packard, U.S. Congressman
Bridget Regan, actress known for her role as Kahlan Amnell onLegend of the Seeker
Boris Said,NASCARSprint Cup Seriesrace car driver
Brian Simo, NASCARNationwide Seriesrace car driver
Staciana Stitts, 2000Summer OlympicsGold Medalist swimmer; graduateCHS
Sadie West,pornographic actress, 2010AVN Awardnominee – Best New Starlet Award
Shaun White, professional snowboarder, skateboarder, andWinter OlympicsGold Medalist; current resident of nearbyRancho Santa Fe.
Trivia
Carlsbad has hosted the annual Wall Street Journal's D Conference (All Things Digital or AllThingsD) at the former Four Seasons Resort Aviara. The conference brings together some of the biggest names in the technology industry and in the past has featuredSteve Ballmer,Sergey Brin,Mark Cuban,Philippe Dauman,Michael Dell,Larry Ellison,Carly Fiorina, ,Melinda Gates,Al Gore,Robert Iger,George Lucas,John McCain,Rupert Murdoch,Larry Page,Terry Semel,Eric Schmidt,Meg Whitman,Jerry Yang, andMark Zuckerberg.