CARLSBAD — Hundreds of residents and dozens of organizations gathered at Poinsettia Park for an event aimed at helping students and families prepare for the school year.
Mayor Pro Tem Priya Bhat-Patel and Trustee Michele Tsutagawa Ward, president of the Carlsbad Unified School District board of trustees, organized the Back 2 School Bash on Aug. 20 in their personal capacities, Bhat-Patel said.
Two dozen organizations — including the Carlsbad Firefighters Association, Señor Grubby’s, Evolution Dance and Gelato Love — set up tents and offered food samples or demonstrations. Organizers estimated that more than 300 people attended the event.
“As parents, knowing what resources are available is really nice,” Bhat-Patel said.
She said that rather than having families search online for services or groups, “instead you can come and meet people to see if it’s compatible.”
The bash featured a karate demonstration by the Japan Karate-Do Organization led by national champion Lily Rashidi, 14, and Ophelia Evans, 10.
Ophelia’s mother, Kim Evans, described the organization as “a cultural center” in addition to a place to learn karate.
Kim said Grand Master Minobu Miki “is kind of like Mr. Miyagi in a way,” adding that her daughter had been more interested in ballet when she was younger but has grown to love karate, especially the weapons, after developing an interest in anime.
“She likes to compete, so we do tournaments too,” Kim said.
Also at the event, high school interns with Kids for Peace — a nonprofit known for the Great Kindness Challenge and the “Kindness Matters” sign visible from Interstate 5 at the Carlsbad Strawberry Company — used recycled materials to decorate signs of encouragement.
The signs will be hung at area schools to welcome students back from summer break.
Jill McManigal, the organization’s co-founder and executive director, said they “want people to feel welcome and excited to be back at school and to feel the joy of art, beauty and community.”
“We always want to bring joy and peace and positivity to everything that we do,” McManigal said. “That’s what we’re doing here.”
