L to R: Carlsbad, Kidifornia Mini Mayor Anthony J. in his video submission;
campaign logo; City Architects Sidney F. and Jack S. alongside Mayor Matt Hall and Visit Carlsbad Executive Director Sam Ross.

CARLSBAD–Eight-year-old Carlsbad resident Anthony J. has taken Mayor Matt Hall’s declaration “Kids rule in Carlsbad” to heart and was voted the first Mini Mayor of Carlsbad, Kidifornia.

The destination’s tourism entity, Visit Carlsbad, said the names of the four members of the city’s first Kid-Cabinet, part of their family-friendly campaign to promote the city as the top travel destination for kids. By forming the first kid-run government, Visit Carlsbad paves the way for the city to become the capital of Kidifornia and raises awareness of the destination as ideal for families.

“The team was incredibly impressed with the many #MiniMayorCarlsbad contributions on social media, but Anthony’s submission stood out for its creativity, deep understanding of the city, and evident love for Carlsbad,” says Visit Carlsbad Executive Director Sam Ross. “Anthony showed the fun stuff, as well as places to learn, and the hidden jewels of the city, such as our very own volcano. He also supported an educational and environmental platform—which befits a true civic-minded politician.”

His full video submission can be seen here at www.goo.gl/Egbqum.

Carlsbad’s search for the Kid-Cabinet stems from Visit California’s own tourism campaign announced earlier this year, which renames the state Kidifornia and highlights a selection of family-friendly experiences to enjoy. “Kidifornia is all about family experiences,” says Caroline Beteta, Visit California president and CEO. “Kids rule here in The Golden State, and we’re thrilled to see Visit Carlsbad create the first kid-led government in Kidifornia.”

The first item on the agenda of Carlsbad’s Mini Mayor will be to deepen his appreciation of the city and connect with the residents, which Anthony and his family will do while enjoying the campaign prize including two nights at West Inn & Suites, dinner at Bistro West, lunch at Grubby’s, and park passes to Legoland CA. Over the coming year, Visit Carlsbad will work with the Mini Mayor to experience new kid-friendly tourism initiatives and keep the dialogue going with the kids of Carlsbad.

Carlsbad Mini Mayor Anthony J. begins his term in office aside his very own Kid-Cabinet, which includes Head of R&D Josh K., selected at random from participants in the campaign’s Kid’s Check Out Survey. The city’s first research project, an online survey on what kids love most about Carlsbad, revealed the following data:

  • When asked what they liked most about Carlsbad’s hotels, kids appreciate the well-appointed rooms (52%), followed by the food (32%) and the caring staff (16%)
  • Kids most love exploring Carlsbad’s beaches (62%), followed by outside sports (24%) and dining (14%)
    83% of the kids want to return to Legoland on their next trip to the destination, while only 8% would prefer doing outdoor sports as their top activity
  • 71% of the kids interviewed said the ocean was their favorite water experience, followed by resort pools (16%) and the lagoons (13%)
  • 71% of kids voted for pizza as their favorite food in Carlsbad, followed by tacos (22%) and smoothies (7%)
  • 53% of all kids who had visited in summer said they would most like to come back during the winter holidays, followed by visits in spring (33%) and fall (14%)

Dual City Architects Sidney F. and Jack S. were awarded their titles after successfully creating their own versions of the city’s capital building in sand at the Carlsbad, Kidifornia Beach Party held at the Beach Terrace Inn on October 21. The Kid-Cabinet members are currently working hard enjoying the city’s attractions, including a day at Carlsbad Watersports and the Sea Life Aquarium.

In accepting his new post, Mini Mayor Anthony J. graciously agreed to offer the 14 other #MiniMayorCarlsbad competition participants a family-sized pizza at the Intergalactic Headquarters of the Pizza Port Empire in Carlsbad Village.

“Our research shows kids are crazy about Carlsbad’s pizza and we thought this gift would be a great way to recognize their efforts in the search for the Mini Mayor” said Anthony. “It’s easy to share the love in Carlsbad!” he added.