“Yes, I’m here,” she said. “I’m here.”
The council member was wearing a hospital gown and face mask. Her background – like her fellow council members – was a blue, digital backdrop emblazoned with the city of Carlsbad’s seal.
The council meeting ran for an hour and 19 minutes, through six items, including public comment. Bhat-Patel attended the entire meeting, showing up on video from time to time, calm – still in the hospital.
Kristina Ray, the communication and engagement director for the City of Carlsbad, said having a council member dial in from the hospital, getting ready to give birth, was a first for the city.