2024-07-30; City Council; 05; Mayoral Appointment of Two Members to the Library Board of Trustees

CA Review CKM
Meeting Date: July 30, 2024
To: Mayor and City Council
From: Scott Chadwick, City Manager
Staff Contact: Tammy McMinn, Senior Deputy City Clerk
[email protected], 442-339-2953
Subject: Mayoral Appointment of Two Members to the Library Board of Trustees Districts: All
Reco
mmended Action
Adopt resolutions appointing two members to the Library Board of Trustees.

Executive Summary
The City Council is being asked to appoint two members to the Library Board of Trustees. The Library Board of Trustees may make recommendations to and advise the City Council in matters pertaining to the following:
• the duties and powers of the librarian and other library employees • the number of employees
• the purchase of equipment, real estate and buildings
• the advisability and desirability of facilities of the city library • the amounts of moneys required to operate the library • policies related to the administration of the city library The board consists of five members appointed by the Mayor and confirmed by the City Council.

Members must be residents of Carlsbad and normally serve four-year terms, unless appointed to fill an unexpired term.

Explanation & Analysis
Trustee Sherman DeForest was appointed to the Library Board of Trustees in July 2016 to fill the expired term of Trustee Bob Benson for a term ending in June 2020. Trustee DeForest was reappointed in July 2020 for a term ending in June 2024. There is currently a scheduled vacancy on the Library Board of Trustees for a term ending in June 2028. Trustee DeForest is not eligible for reappointment.

Trustee Gina McBride was appointed to the Library Board of Trustees in September 2019 to fill the unexpired term of Trustee Dane Pearson for a term ending in June 2020. Trustee McBride was reappointed in July 2020 for a term ending in June 2024. There is currently a scheduled vacancy on the Library Board of Trustees for a term ending in June 2028. Trustee McBride is eligible for and is seeking reappointment.

July 30, 2024
Item #5 Page 1 of 10

The City Clerk’s Office received eight applications from residents wishing to serve on the Library Board of Trustees. In keeping with City Council Policy No. 88, the Mayor has chosen the following two applicants to advance in the process and interview with the full City Council:

• Larry Laufer – District 3
• Gina McBride – District 4

Exhibit 3 contains the applications of the applicants moving forward in the interview process.

The Maddy Act (California Government Code Sections 54970-54974) requires that on or before December 31 of each year the legislative body shall prepare a Local Appointments List, which contains the appointive terms of Board and Commission members that will expire in the next calendar year. The name of the incumbent appointee, the date of appointment and the term expiration date is also included on the list. Based on the prepared list, the City Clerk’s Office accepts applications (available on the city’s website and in the City Clerk’s Office) for any upcoming vacancies.

The current members of the Library Board of Trustees are:

Trustee Member District
Laurel Moran 3
William Sheffler 1
Katrina Waidelich 2

Members of the Library Board of Trustees are subject to the provisions of California’s Political Reform Act of 1974 and must file statements of economic interest each year and complete two hours of ethics training every two years.

Fiscal Analysis
This action has no financial impact.

Next Steps
Following the appointment of two members to the Library Board of Trustees, the City Clerk’s Office will update the board roster and coordinate the oaths of office and the filing of the appointees’ statements of economic interest and ethics training certificates.

Environmental Evaluation
This action does not require environmental review because it does not constitute a project within the meaning of the California Environmental Quality Act under California Public Resources Code Section 21065 in that it has no potential to cause either a direct physical change in the environment or a reasonably foreseeable indirect physical change in the environment.

Exhibits

1. City Council resolution appointing one member to the Library Board of Trustees

2. City Council resolution appointing one member to the Library Board of Trustees

3. Applications received from residents advancing to the interview process July 30, 2024
Item #5 Page 2 of 10
RESOLUTION NO. 2024-194

A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CARLSBAD,

CALIFORNIA, APPOINTING ONE MEMBER TO THE LIBRARY BOARD OF

TRUSTEES
WHEREAS, Trustee Sherman DeForest was appointed to the Library Board of Trustees in July 2016, to fill the expired term of Trustee Bob Benson for a term ending in June 2020; and WHEREAS, Trustee DeForest was reappointed to the Library Board of Trustees in July 2020, for a term ending in June 2024; and
WHEREAS, Trustee DeForest is not eligible for reappointment; and WHEREAS, a scheduled vacancy on the library Board of Trustees exists with a term ending in June 2028.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Carlsbad, California, as follows:
l. That the above recitations are true and correct.

2. That the following Carlsbad resident is appointed to serve on the library Board of Trustees, for a term ending in June 2028, or until a replacement is appointed:

Larry Laufer
PASSED, APPROVED AND ADOPTED at a Regular Meeting of the City Council of the City of Carlsbad on the 30th day of J.!!!.y, 2024, by the following vote, to wit:

AYES:

NAYS:

ABSTAIN:

ABSENT:

BLACKBURN, BHAT-PATEL, ACOSTA, LUNA.

BURKHOLDER.

NONE.

KEITH BLACKBURN, Mayor
SHERRY FREISINGER, City Clerk
{SEAL)
Exhibit 1
July 30, 2024 Item #5 Page 3 of 10
QJv
RESOLUTION NO. 2024-195

A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CARLSBAD,

CALIFORNIA, APPOINTING ONE MEMBER TO THE LIBRARY BOARD OF

TRUSTEES
WHEREAS, Trustee Gina McBride was appointed to the Library Board of Trustees in September 2019, to fill the unexpired term of Trustee Dane Pearson for a term ending in June 2020; and WHEREAS, Trustee McBride was reappointed to the Library Board of Trustees in June 2020, for a ter"m ending in June 2024; and
WHEREAS, Trustee McBride is eligible for and seeking reappointment; and WHEREAS, a scheduled vacancy on the Library Board of Trustees exists with a term ending in June 2028.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Carlsbad, California, as follows:

1. That the above recitations are true and correct.

2. That the following Carlsbad resident is appointed to serve on the Library Board of Trustees, for a term ending in June 2028, or until a replacement is appointed:

Gina McBride
PASSED, APPROVED AND ADOPTED at a Regular Meeting of the City Council of the City of Carlsbad on the 30th day of :!.!!!Y, 2024, by the following vote, to wit:

AVES:

NAYS:

ABSTAIN:

ABSENT:

BLACKBURN, BHAT-PATEL, ACOSTA, BURKHOLDER, LUNA.

NONE.

KEITH BLACKBURN, Mayor
SHERRY FREISINGER, City Clerk
(SEAL)
Exhibit 2
July 30, 2024 Item #5 Page 4 of 10
Qt
Boards, Commissions and Committees
Application for Appointment
Agricultural Mitigation Fee
Committee
Arts Commission Beach Preservation
Commission
Community-Police
Engagement Commission
Historic Preservation
Commission
Housing Commission
Library Board of Trustees X Parks & Recreation
Commission
Planning Commission
Senior Commission Traffic Safety &
Mobility Commission
Personal Information
Name
Larry Laufer
Date of Birth:

Required for Voter Registration Verification
Home Address District No. 3
City Carlsbad ZIP 92009
Primary Phone Secondary Phone
E-mail
Employment Status Employed
Occupation Medical Doctor
Employer Retired Naval Medical Center
Employer Address
Work Phone Mobile
Acknowledgements
Yes No
I am a resident of the City of Carlsbad. X
I am a registered voter in Carlsbad. X
I am willing to file financial disclosure statements. X I am willing to complete two hours of state mandated ethics training every two years. X Are you currently an officer of or employed by the City of Carlsbad? X I am a Citizens Academy graduate. X
I am familiar with the responsibilities of the board/commission/committee(s) on which I wish to serve. X
I am willing to be interviewed regarding my qualifications for appointment by the City Council or at the request of an individual Council member. X Are you currently or have you ever been under contract with the City of Carlsbad? If yes, please explain below. X
Exhibit 3
July 30, 2024
Item #5 Page 5 of 10
-
-
r I I
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Interest
I want to contribute to the City of Carlsbad.

Please describe your educational background
B.A., Plan 11, University of Texas at Austin M.D., University of Texas Southwestern Medical School at Dallas Resident Physician, Parkland Memorial Hospital, Dallas Fellow in Reproductive Endocrinology, UCLA
Please describe relevant experience
Frequent user of Dove Library
Please describe your current or past community involvement El Fuerte Neighborhood Watch, Carlsbad, CA

July 30, 2024
Item #5 Page 6 of 10
Please list all service on boards, commissions or committees, private or public agencies, (including non-profit organizations)
Current American Red Cross Physician Volunteer at NMCSD (through Navy T.A.S.S.)

Additional information or comments
Author/co-author of 11 medical articles Co-author of chapter in Essentials of Obstetrics & Gynecology 4th Edition Past reviewer of Infertility & Sterility CV available on request First Board Preference is for Library Board

Submittal Information
Submit Date: January 8, 2024 12:22 PM

July 30, 2024
Item #5 Page 7 of 10

Boards, Commissions and Committees
Application for Appointment
Agricultural Mitigation Fee
Committee Arts Commission Beach Preservation
Commission
Community-Police
Engagement Commission Historic Preservation
Commission Housing Commission
Library Board of Trustees X Parks & Recreation
Commission Planning Commission
Senior Commission Traffic Safety &
Mobility Commission

Personal Information
Name
Gina Payne McBride
Date of Birth:

Required for Voter Registration Verification
Home Address District No. 4
City Carlsbad ZIP 92009
Primary Phone Secondary Phone
E-mail
Employment Status Retired
Occupation Volunteer Consultant
Employer McBride Financial and Philanthropic Concepts Employer Address
Work Phone Mobile

Acknowledgements
Yes No
I am a resident of the City of Carlsbad. X
I am a registered voter in Carlsbad. X
I am willing to file financial disclosure statements. X I am willing to complete two hours of state mandated ethics training every two years. X Are you currently an officer of or employed by the City of Carlsbad? X I am a Citizens Academy graduate. X
I am familiar with the responsibilities of the board/commission/committee(s) on which I wish to serve. X
I am willing to be interviewed regarding my qualifications for appointment by the City Council or at the request of an individual Council member. X Are you currently or have you ever been under contract with the City of Carlsbad? If yes, please explain below. X

July 30, 2024
Item #5 Page 8 of 10
-
-
r I I
~
l
~
~
l
l
~
L__ l
l
'-----
'
' I l
I ]
Interest

Please describe your educational background
California State University, Long Beach - American Institute Philanthropic Studies New York Institute of Finance College for Financial Planning, Denver, CO
Please describe relevant experience
Currently serving as Carlsbad Library Trustee ..... eligible for re-appointment and applying to serve another term. Also Served on Carlsbad Library and Arts Foundation Board of Directors Please describe your current or past community involvement Please see attached.

July 30, 2024
Item #5 Page 9 of 10
Please list all service on boards, commissions or committees, private or public agencies, (including non-profit organizations)
Please see attached.

Additional information or comments
Libraries are a critical institution for any community ... Carlsbad Library continually aspires and expands to provide more services to its citizens as more needs of the community come to light. I am proud to be a part of that mission and hope, and would be honored, to serve another term as Trustee ....

Submittal Information
Submit Date: June 18, 2024 3:22 PM

July 30, 2024
Item #5 Page 10 of 10
Tammy Cloud-McM inn
From:

Sent:

To:

Subject:
-----Original Message-----
Council Internet Email
Tuesday, July 30, 2024 4:06 PM
City Clerk
FW: Political slant
From: Linda Currie <lindacurrie@yahoo .com>
Sent: Tuesday, July 30, 2024 3:25 PM
To: Council Internet Email <[email protected]>
Subject: Political slant
All Receive - Agenda Item #.5,
For the Information of the:

CITY COUNCIL
Date~...JL CC ✓
CM V ACM ~ DCM (3)_::::

Plz stand up against attacks on v·olunteers for the Library Council. Let's be free for Carlsbad of politicization . Linda Currie
Sent from my iPhone
CAUTION: Do not open attachments or click on links unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. 1 Tammy Cloud-McM inn
From: Council Internet Email
Sent:

To:

Tuesday, July 30, 2024 5:00 PM
City Clerk
Subject: FW: Viewpoint discrimination in local government -----Original Message-----
From: Richard Newton <richard.newton .l@ma il.com>
Sent: Tuesday, July 30, 2024 4:36 PM
To: Council Internet Email <[email protected]>
Subject: Viewpoint discrimination in local government
Dear Mayor Blackburn and Council Members,
I am writing today to voice concern over the trend in modern politics to shun people who have views that differ from the establishment's preferred narrative .

All intelligent people should recognize that social and political issues are ofteri complex, with multi-faceted causes and effects. Any honest and accurate discussion of any issue should be inclusive in hearing from all sides. Ultimately truth will win out, and if a preferred political position cannot withstand The Truth, then it was a flawed position to begin with.

With this in mind, I am disappointed to hear about the rejection of Paul Hannosh from consideration for the Library Board, especially for the
reason that he simply stated patriotic values. In what universe do liberals think that patriotic love of America is a bad thing? If there are people who should be shunned, it is treasonous liberals who do not love or support America and its interests.

Please reconsider your position and support Paul's appointment to the Library Board.

Best regards,
Richard Newton
CAUTION: Do not open attachments or click on links unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. 1 From: Council Internet Email
To: City Clerk
Subject: FW: Item 5: Please Condemn Partisan Smear Campaigns Date: Tuesday, July 30, 2024 1:08:04 PM
-----Original Message-----
From: Catherine Clancy <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, July 30, 2024 11:46 AM
To: Council Internet Email <[email protected]>
Subject: Item 5: Please Condemn Partisan Smear Campaigns Dear City Council,
I was disappointed to hear of the partisan attack against a nominee for the Library Board based only on the nominee's personal political views. Carlsbad should be a community which respects the views of all citizens and allows anyone to serve the City.

I hope that each of you will condemn this smear campaign and not allow a fringe group turn every volunteer appointment into a divisive, partisan fight.

Please reinstate the volunteer who was originally nominated.

What happened to this individual has no place here in
Carlsbad.

Thank you,
Catherine Clancy
Sent from my iPhone
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All Receive - Agenda Item #____
For the Information of the:

CITY COUNCIL
Date: ______ CA____ CC____
CM____ ACM____ DCM (3)____
5 7/30/24 x x
x x x
From: Council Internet Email
To: City Clerk
Subject: FW: Volunteer position and Political Affiliations Date: Tuesday, July 30, 2024 1:08:21 PM
Importance: High

From: Boni Buscemi <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, July 30, 2024 11:46 AM
To: Council Internet Email <[email protected]>
Subject: Volunteer position and Political Affiliations
Importance: High

To: [email protected]
Subject: Library Board Nominee

Dear Mayor Blackburn & Councilmembers,

I am concerned that the Mayor's nominee for a volunteer position on the Carlsbad Library Board was publicly attacked last week by a partisan group simply for his political views. Carlsbad has many citizens with diverse political views, and personal political opinions should never be used to determine whether someone should serve on these non-partisan boards and
committees.

I hope the Council will send a clear message to the community that these types of attacks are inappropriate and not reflective of the values of the Carlsbad community.

Thank you,
Boni Buscemi
Citizen of San Diego County

CAUTION: Do not open attachments or click on links unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe.

From: Council Internet Email
To: City Clerk
Subject: FW: LIBRARY BOARD NOMINEE
Date: Tuesday, July 30, 2024 1:08:31 PM

From: Mary Alice Marino <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, July 30, 2024 11:50 AM
To: Council Internet Email <[email protected]>
Subject: LIBRARY BOARD NOMINEE

Dear Mayor Blackburn & Council members:

I hope the Council will send a clear message to the community that these types of attacks are inappropriate and not reflective of the values of the Carlsbad community.

Thank you,
Mary Alice Marino
4709 Kentner Ct., Carlsbad, CA 92010

CAUTION: Do not open attachments or click on links unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe.

From: Council Internet Email
To: City Clerk
Subject: FW: Library Board Nominee
Date: Tuesday, July 30, 2024 1:08:40 PM

From: Darlene Fink <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, July 30, 2024 11:55 AM
To: Council Internet Email <[email protected]>
Subject: Library Board Nominee

Dear Mayor Blackburn & Council-members,
I am concerned that the Mayor's nominee for a volunteer position on the Carlsbad Library Board was publicly attacked last week by a partisan group simply for his political views. Carlsbad has many citizens with diverse political views, and personal political opinions should never be used to determine whether someone should serve on these non-partisan boards and committees.

I hope the Council will send a clear message to the community that these types of attacks are inappropriate and not reflective of the values of the Carlsbad community.

Thank you,
Darlene Fink

CAUTION: Do not open attachments or click on links unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe.

From: Council Internet Email
To: City Clerk
Subject: FW: Library Board Nominee
Date: Tuesday, July 30, 2024 1:08:52 PM

From: JOSEPH MARINO <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, July 30, 2024 11:57 AM
To: Council Internet Email <[email protected]>
Subject: Library Board Nominee

Dear Mayor Blackburn & Councilmembers,

I hope the Council will send a clear message to the community that these types of attacks are inappropriate and not reflective of the values of the Carlsbad community.

Sincerely,
Joseph T. Marino
4709 Kentner Ct., Carlsbad, CA

CAUTION: Do not open attachments or click on links unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe.

From: Council Internet Email
To: City Clerk
Subject: FW: Library Board Nominee
Date: Tuesday, July 30, 2024 1:08:57 PM

From: Tracy Carter <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, July 30, 2024 11:58 AM
To: Council Internet Email <[email protected]>
Subject: Library Board Nominee

Subject: Library Board Nominee

Dear Mayor Blackburn & Councilmembers,

I hope the Council will send a clear message to the community that these types of attacks are inappropriate and not reflective of the values of the Carlsbad community.

Thank you.

CAUTION: Do not open attachments or click on links unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe.

From: Council Internet Email
To: City Clerk
Subject: FW: Library Board Nominee
Date: Tuesday, July 30, 2024 1:09:06 PM

From: D.MariaTrimble <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, July 30, 2024 12:08 PM
To: Council Internet Email <[email protected]>
Subject: Library Board Nominee

Dear Mayor Blackburn & Councilmembers,

I hope the Council will send a clear message to the community that these types of attacks are inappropriate and not reflective of the values of the Carlsbad community.

Thank you,
Deborah Trimble
Carlsbad Resident for 37 years
CAUTION: Do not open attachments or click on links unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe.

From: Diana A
To: Keith Blackburn; Priya Bhat-Patel; Teresa Acosta; Melanie Burkholder; Scott Chadwick; City Clerk Subject: Agenda #5
Date: Tuesday, July 30, 2024 1:09:11 PM
Dear Mayor Blackburn & City Council Members,
Thank you very much for selecting a qualified person to serve on the library committee, reflecting the values of our Carlsbad community. It is important that potential commission appointments are vetted, as they represent our City of Carlsbad.

This is in response to Scott Davison’s correspondence suggesting that this was an effort coordinated by Carlsbad Dems. Please note that my opinions are my own, and I do not speak on behalf of Carlsbad Democrats. Additionally, Stephanie Wells is not
a member of the Carlsbad Democrats. I would also like
to point out that, ironically, Scott Davison and other individuals who submitted their public comments, such as Gretchen Vurbuff, are Republicans (including Hannosh himself, as he has run as a Republican candidate).

My concern is based on Hannosh’s social media posts. In today’s world, what we post online is indicative of one's values, and in Hannosh’s case, his social media posts reflected divisiveness and did not reflect the values of someone who should be serving on the City of Carlsbad library commission.

Best regards,
Diana Aguirre
Citizen's Academy Graduate
Homeowner/Resident District 3
CAUTION: Do not open attachments or click on links unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe.

From: Council Internet Email
To: City Clerk
Subject: FW: Recent Library Board Nominee
Date: Tuesday, July 30, 2024 1:09:16 PM

From: Andrea Ryon <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, July 30, 2024 12:17 PM
To: Council Internet Email <[email protected]>
Subject: Recent Library Board Nominee

Dear Mayor Blackburn & Councilmembers,

I understand that the Mayor's nominee for a volunteer
position on the Carlsbad Library Board was publicly
attacked last week by a partisan group simply for his
political views. Carlsbad has many citizens with diverse political views, and personal political opinions should never be used to determine whether someone should
serve on these non-partisan boards and committees.

I strongly urge the Carlsbad City Council send a strong and clear message to the community that these attacks
are not acceptable nor supported in any way by the
citizens of Carlsbad!
Thank you,
Andrea Ryon
Carlsbad Resident in Carlsbad City Council District 1

CAUTION: Do not open attachments or click on links unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe.

From: Council Internet Email
To: City Clerk
Subject: FW: Library Volunteer Board attacks
Date: Tuesday, July 30, 2024 1:09:27 PM

From: Royal & Jennifer Barber <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, July 30, 2024 12:25 PM
To: Council Internet Email <[email protected]>
Subject: Library Volunteer Board attacks

Dear Mayor Blackburn & Councilmembers,

I hope the Council will send a clear message to the community that these types of attacks are inappropriate and not reflective of the values of the Carlsbad community.

Thank you,
Jennifer Barber

CAUTION: Do not open attachments or click on links unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe.

From: Council Internet Email
To: City Clerk
Subject: FW: Library Board Nominee
Date: Tuesday, July 30, 2024 1:09:40 PM

From: nancy white <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, July 30, 2024 12:51 PM
To: Council Internet Email <[email protected]>
Subject: Library Board Nominee

Dear Mayor Blackburn & Councilmembers,

I am concerned that the Mayor's nominee for a volunteer position on the Carlsbad Library Board was publicly attacked last week by a partisan group simply for his political views.

Carlsbad has many citizens with diverse political views, and personal political opinions should never be used to determine whether someone should serve on these non-partisan boards and committees.

I hope the Council will send a clear message to the community that these types of attacks are inappropriate and not reflective of the values of the Carlsbad community.

Thank you,
Nancy White

[email protected]
CAUTION: Do not open attachments or click on links unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe.

From: Council Internet Email
To: City Clerk
Subject: FW: Carlsbad Library position
Date: Tuesday, July 30, 2024 1:10:01 PM

From: Fran Sesti <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, July 30, 2024 12:55 PM
To: Council Internet Email <[email protected]>
Subject: Carlsbad Library position

Dear Mayor Blackburn & Councilmembers,

I hope the Council will send a clear message to the community that these types of attacks are inappropriate and not reflective of the values of the Carlsbad community.

Thank you,

Fran Sesti
7812 Gaviota Circle
Carlsbad, CA 92009
CAUTION: Do not open attachments or click on links unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe.

From: Council Internet Email
To: City Clerk
Subject: FW: The Rejection of Paul Hannosh for Consideration of Service on the Carlsbad Library Board Date: Tuesday, July 30, 2024 9:07:18 AM
From: [email protected] <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, July 30, 2024 12:14 AM
To: Council Internet Email <[email protected]>
Subject:

The Rejection of Paul Hannosh for Consideration of Service on the Carlsbad Library Board Dear Mayor Blackburn and Councilmembers,
I wanted to let you know that your recent decision to withdraw from consideration Mr.

Paul Hannosh for a volunteer appointment to serve on the City of Carlsbad's Library Board is disappointing to me as a citizen voter and substantial property taxpayer.

It
makes no sense to discount Mr. Hannosh's qualifications for such a service based upon orchestrated, politically charged accusations from a group of local hyperactive Democrats.

Since when does a person's opposing political affiliation and his world view make him unfit for such a service?
I thought America was all about the open sharing and debating of ideas and about compromise in decision making, especially when it comes to decisions with everyone's taxes that affect other citizens.

Please don't let our Carlsbad Community become victims of such obviously self-serving political maneuvering by people afraid of open debate and compromise.

This is
especially important from a public relations point of view since everyone in our community should benefit from our valuable library resources, whatever their age, cultural or political perspectives!
Thanks for your consideration of these concerns of mine, Dean Szabo
101 Cannon Rd.

Carlsbad, CA 92008
(760)
473-8906
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All Receive - Agenda Item #____
For the Information of the:

CITY COUNCIL
Date: ______ CA____ CC____
CM____ ACM____ DCM (3)____
5 7/30/24 x x
x x x
From: Council Internet Email
To: City Clerk
Subject: FW: Item 5: Please Condemn Partisan Smear Campaigns Date: Tuesday, July 30, 2024 9:07:52 AM

From: stephen c murrell <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, July 30, 2024 2:58 AM
To: Council Internet Email <[email protected]>
Subject: Item 5: Please Condemn Partisan Smear Campaigns

I was disappointed to hear of the partisan attack against a nominee for the Library Board based only on the nominee's personal political views. Carlsbad should be a community which respects the views of all citizens and allows anyone to serve the City. I hope that each of you will condemn this smear campaign and not allow a fringe group turn every volunteer appointment into a divisive, partisan fight. Thank you,

Steve Murrell
CAUTION: Do not open attachments or click on links unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe.

From: Council Internet Email
To: City Clerk
Subject: FW: Public Comment on Item 5 - Dangerous Precedent on Appointments Date: Tuesday, July 30, 2024 9:09:48 AM
Attachments: image.png

From: Scott Davison <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, July 30, 2024 7:00 AM
To: Council Internet Email <[email protected]>
Subject: Public Comment on Item 5 - Dangerous Precedent on Appointments

Dear Mayor Blackburn and Carlsbad Councilmembers,
I was dismayed to hear of last week’s unprecedented smear campaign on a community member who applied for a volunteer role on the Carlsbad Library Board of Trustees, but even more shocked that the Mayor apparently capitulated to a small group of radical extremists and pulled the nomination of this fellow citizen based on his personal political views.

The Council has a decision to make on Tuesday: 1) speak out against this attempt to turn appointments of volunteer board and commission seats into divisive political battles with defamatory attacks against our fellow citizens, or 2) allow every future nomination for every board and commission to become a divisive, politicized battle over issues completely unrelated to the roles and duties of these positions.

Since the Mayor pulled the nomination of Mr. Hannosh and avoided a public discussion or vote at last week’s Council meeting, it is unclear whether he or the other Councilmembers actually believe the hateful and derogatory accusations made by the small but vocal group known as the Carlsbad Democrats club (a group ironically founded to promote “diversity” and “inclusion”). Sadly, the members of this fringe group have a well-documented history of false attacks on those they disagree with on issues in the Carlsbad Unified School District, and hold views far more extreme than even those which they leveled against Mr. Hannosh. I had not met Mr. Hannosh prior to last week, but if you are familiar with the gross exaggerations and hyperbolic rhetoric of this group, it is easy to pick apart their hyperbole and misinformation.

For now, I will address the claims made against him to clear the record and ensure that his reputation and character are not further damaged.

Antisemitism & “Racist Statements”
The most libelous claim made against Mr. Hannosh is that he is “anti-semitic” for using terms such as “globalist” and “America First.” These false associations have been easily debunked by the Jewish News Syndicate: https://www.jns.org/is-talk-of-globalism-an-antisemitic-dog-whistle/ . The
posts and comments made by Mr. Hannosh are not directed at Jews or even the existence of Israel, but rather America’s priorities of funding Israel’s war against Hamas and Ukraine while ignoring domestic issues like the border (a view shared by 77% of Americans in a recent poll) https://www.heritage.org/new-poll-battleground-states-reveals-ukraine-fatigue-border-security-top- priority. One of his comments criticizing globalists is made in response to (and in agreement with) a post by a proud Jewish entrepreneur and supporter of Israel, Dr. Eli David.

Bizarrely, Carlsbad Democrats President Chih-Wu Chang labels Mr. Hannosh a “racist,” even though the only examples of his social media posts which reference race are posts supporting Chaldean Americans and Vivek Ramaswamy, an India American.

What you will not find in any of Mr. Hannosh’s posts or comments is any of the known anti-semitic rhetoric calling for Palestinian liberation “from the river to the sea,” as many on the left, not the right, have been repeating over the last 9 months. That includes climate activist Greta Thunberg (https://x.com/TPostMillennial/status/1789034492667007147 ), who Diana Aguirre vocally
supported in her email criticizing Mr. Hannosh, despite Ms. Thunberg’s clear antisemitism and history of advocating for unlawful resistance.

Intolerance of Diverse Views in “Woke” Libraries
Ms. Aguirre additionally claims that Carlsbad libraries offer many books on Ms. Thunberg, “showcasing our commitment to diverse perspectives.” Ironically, her comment provided a perfect example of the lack of diverse views on climate change in our Carlsbad libraries. There are 57 books about Greta Thunberg, and every single one represents her and her views in a positive light. It is therefore Mr. Hannosh’s critical views of Ms. Thunberg’s climate activism that are diverse and unrepresented in our libraries. Notably, there is only 1 copy of Michael Shellenberger’s “Apocalypse Never,” the most widely known critique of climate alarmism, in Carlsbad libraries. If the Carlsbad Democrats are successful in preventing individuals with diverse views from being added to the Library Board, how diverse will the library truly be?
Recent data supports that public school libraries really do only offer books from the progressive left (https://www.thefp.com/p/the-truth-about-banned-books
). While Mr. Hannosh posted a parody video
poking fun at these woke “liebrarians,” his opponents’ attacks show that they either can’t take a joke or realize that the skit accurately describes our libraries. Sadly, it’s likely both, as the parody video portrays a library which hosts a drag queen performance, censors classic children’s books like Dr.

Seuss and bans Christian book publisher Kirk Cameron.

Last August, Nikki Faddick, Stephanie Wells and newly-appointed Carlsbad Library Board Member Katrina Waidelich held a protest outside of the Kirk Cameron Brave Books family reading event at the Dove Library, because, as Ms. Wells wrote, “I personally don’t want the organizers of this event to feel like this kind of BS is welcome in our community.” Yet somehow the majority of the emails opposing Mr. Hannosh claim that he is the one who is divisive.

If it’s not obvious by now, the group opposing Mr. Hannosh clearly does not value true diversity, or they would be recommending Mr. Hannosh instead of attacking his opposing views. As Peter Thiel wrote in 1995, “You don’t have real diversity when you have a group of people who look different and think alike.” The Carlsbad Democrats clearly want a Library Board where everyone thinks alike, and thinks like them.
“Celebrating the Violence of January 6
th”
The email from Stephanie Wells is a textbook example of hyperbolic rhetoric, as she claims (in addition to the false accusations of antisemitism) that Mr. Hannosh’s repost of a video showing peaceful demonstrators on January 6th is “celebrating the violence” of January 6th. This language then extends to claiming his criticism of “woke” libraries is equivalent to a “public stance against libraries,” the stereotypical exaggeration they often use - that criticizing policies or individuals within an institution must mean you do not believe in the institution itself.

Labeling Opponents as Extremist to Hide Their Own Extremist Views The accusations that Mr. Hannosh holds extreme views and is “against libraries” are apparently intended to hide that those making the accusations are the actual extremists who, like Stephanie Wells, embrace radical ideas of “abolishing institutions” like the police. As Ms. Wells reposted last year on Twitter, “policing itself must be abolished” “BECAUSE THE INSTITUTION OF POLICING ITSELF IS RACIST” (image below). Shortly after Ms. Wells was confronted with this post, she deleted her entire Twitter account. What other extreme views was she trying to hide? Would she abolish libraries as well?
Both Stephanie Wells and Nikki Faddick represent Moms Demand Action and obtain recognition from the City on gun safety issues, even as the parent organization, Everytown for Gun Safety, exaggerates police violence and calls for “reimagining the role of police” to confront “American’s history of racism.” https://www.everytown.org/issues/gun-violence-by-police/ It is certainly
concerning that the City would publicly partner with such an anti-police extremist group while withdrawing Mr. Hannosh's nomination simply for sharing a parody about libraries.

An Opportunity for True Diversity
Many of those opposed to Mr. Hannosh’s appointment insisted that the Council respect diverse viewpoints, select a Library Board which reflects out community, and provide spaces in the libraries “where everyone can explore any topic and engage in community activities.” Yet they reject Mr.

Hannosh’s views because they are different than their own, ignore that he would reflect the views of thousands of fellow citizens, and are concerned that he would be a unique voice on the Library Board to truly guarantee that our libraries have content which allows everyone to explore any topic.

The Council has a unique opportunity to: 1) showcase its commitment to true diversity - of thought, and 2) condemn an unprecedented character attack against a community volunteer. Both will prevent these non-partisan appointments from devolving into divisive and contentious fights.

Let’s lower the temperature of political division and not let this become the normal practice for Carlsbad.

Sincerely,
Scott
Scott Davison
Director, Carlsbad Education Alliance
[email protected]
| (619) 905-7181
www.opencusd.org
Instagram: @cbadedalliance | Facebook: Educate Carlsbad | X: @CbadEdAlliance

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From: Council Internet Email
To: City Clerk
Subject: FW: Item 5: Please Condemn Partisan Smear Campaigns Date: Tuesday, July 30, 2024 9:10:09 AM

From: [email protected] <[email protected]> Sent: Tuesday, July 30, 2024 7:11 AM
To: Council Internet Email <[email protected]>
Subject: Item 5: Please Condemn Partisan Smear Campaigns

I hope that each of you will condemn this smear campaign and not allow a fringe group turn every volunteer appointment into a divisive, partisan fight.

Thank you,
Kelly Le Berthon
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From: Council Internet Email
To: City Clerk
Subject: FW: Item 5: STOP Partisan Smear Campaigns - Do Better! Date: Tuesday, July 30, 2024 9:10:30 AM

From: Gretchen Vurbeff <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, July 30, 2024 7:23 AM
To: Council Internet Email <[email protected]>
Subject: Item 5: STOP Partisan Smear Campaigns - Do Better!

Dear Mayor Keith Blackburn and the City Council,

I have been a resident of Carlsbad for 24 years, have been a neighborhood watch captain for 20 years, a volunteer in the schools and community, and a mother of two children who have benefitted from growing up here. It has been an amazing place to call home, to develop friendships, to work, to worship, to enjoy the outdoors, and to raise our family.

Here in Carlsbad, we respect the diversity of our people and views. Or do we? I was disappointed to hear of the partisan attack against a nominee for the Library Board based only on the nominee's personal conservative political views. Carlsbad should be a community which respects the views of all citizens and allows anyone to serve the City.

Furthermore, we should want a balance on our committees and commissions so that multiple perspectives are expressed and heard.

I ask you, "Are we willing to listen to everyone's perspectives?" Are we trying to choose volunteers who represent all of Carlsbad?
I hope that each of you will condemn this defamatory smear campaign which accused the volunteer of being a racist and anti-Semitic, even though there was no evidence of it. How are we letting this happen in Carlsbad? We must STOP partisan smear campaigns, respect one another, and not tolerate divisive, partisan fights for a volunteer appointment. Please bring balance back to our City. We can all do better! Thank you,
Gretchen Vurbeff
Carlsbad resident for 24 years
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From: Council Internet Email
To: City Clerk
Subject: FW: Public comments Item #5
Date: Tuesday, July 30, 2024 9:11:30 AM

From: Paul Hannosh <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, July 30, 2024 7:46 AM
To: Council Internet Email <[email protected]>
Subject: Public comments Item #5

Shalom Honorable Mayor and City Councilmembers,

I'd like to address the political driveby of Democrats of Carlsbad leaders in their form letter submissions trying to paint a false narrative of me with "Fake News". When council members are unfairly portrayed, they are allowed to set the record straight to put things back on the level. Are Mayoral Appointments going to turn into highly politicized witch hunts now and use viewpoint discrimination to deny anyone with conservative leanings to serve on a voluntary board position? What if conservatives do the same for the current nominee? I'm sure if someone dug a little, they might find something to object to. This Library position is about what the board member brings to the community, we don't want special interests discouraging volunteers just to maintain a monopoly on power.

Having come from the left in my college days, I've long since left the left behind due to it's hateful and intolerant rhetoric and actions. I agree with Dennis Praeger that the greatest threat to our Republic comes from the radical left. The Guinness Book of World records lists radical leftist leaders Mao and Stalin as the greatest mass murderers of all time in attacking their opposition. Sadly, we are seeing this similar modus operandi play out at the Federal level with the Democrat lawfare against President Trump, imprisonment of political opponents and now the disgraceful assassination attempt fueled by leftwing gaslighting calling Donald Trump the "next Hitler".

Similar tactics were used against me by using fallacious reasoning(poisoning the well) such that because I used the term "globalist" and support protecting American borders over foreign borders that I must be "antisemitic". That would be news to my many Jewish Friends, both secular and religious, who I've been very close to for decades. I've gone to their bar mitzvahs, seders, funerals, and holidays as they have celebrated my families traditions and milestones. We have vacations together and go to each others churches and synagogues. We spend life together and respect each other and when we have differences we engage in healthy discussions. I have a great love for all peoples as my Christian faith instructs me but especially for the Jewish people. I'm also part of an organization that has a mission to protect vulnerable and persecuted Christians in the Middle East, specifically the Holy Land and build bridges in the community to foster peaceful dialogue and preserve a Christian presence and maintain the region's rich religious heritage. This smear tactic is actually a projection of the lefts own antisemitism which has been on display since October

7. This type of libelous slander is offensive and dangerous as it diminishes the term "antisemitic" to just be an ad hominem attack on those you disagree with.

My views are informed by my Christian faith and therefore protected by the California Constitution which guarantees freedom from discrimination. As a veteran, I served to protect everyone's 1st amendment rights and as Casey Kasem once told me, "Sometimes being a quiet American does not always mean being a good American". When I see that the emperor has no clothes, I feel it's my obligation and right to point that out. Thought crimes are the things that Orwell warned of in his dystopia "1984". Advocates for libraries should encourage the free exchange of ideas. Let's leave the Chinese Social Credit system of oppression to the CCP.

Banning those who hold mainstream Republican views like me is not reflecting a diversity of views but leads to a W.A.R.(We are Always Right) mentality. Soon you'll be left with only slightly neomarxist to full blown communist views. I like to listen to all sides and make a point of getting my information from sources on the right and the left because for truth seekers like me, I hate being lied to. As Americans, we need to teach our young people how to debate the issues and where we disagree, be tolerant of differing views while still holding fast to our principles. My father left Iraq,(where libraries first came into being) in the 1950's because Christians were treated as second class citizens and bullied by Islamic supremacists. Sadly, I'm seeing some of the same tactics used by radical leftist to target their opponents and use divisive dog whistle demagoguery. We are after all created in the image of God so "can't we all just get along?"

“If you prick us, do we not bleed? if you tickle us, do we not laugh? if you poison us, do we not die? " Shakespeare
Kind regards,
Paul Hannosh
I have included my friends email below:

Dear Honorable Mayor and City Council,

I am a long-time friend of Paul Hannosh that has known him for over thirty years, and I am completely opposed to the attempts to smear his personal character. Paul has had wonderful friends from many diverse backgrounds because he is a very kind, conscientious person. I am Jewish, and he has always been very welcoming of me. He introduced me to his family, and I have become great friends with many of them, including his sister and cousin. They all know I am Jewish, and they have all been extremely welcoming of me for thirty years. I have attended many holiday get-togethers with his entire family, singing karaoke with them. His cousin is studying Hebrew and took me to Hebrew lessons. I have also seen Paul's wonderful daughter grow during the years. Therefore, I find attempts by people that have never even met him to label him as anti-Semitic as completely laughable. If you disagree with someone's political views, you should simply discuss them on their merits. You should not be using ad- hominem attacks, public smears, and blacklisting. That is inappropriate, and anyone that has been engaged in this should be extremely ashamed.

Paul is a very kind, conscientious person who has had friends from every background. Anyone that knows him can easily attest to that. This is not surprising since Paul comes from an ethnically diverse background with many different political views. They are all still very close, caring people. I tend to be much more liberal than Paul on most issues, but we still have been great friends for over thirty years.

I would like to give an example of the type of person Paul is. He has hosted exchange students from Europe and China. He is very welcoming of people and likes to share ideas with them, so this perfectly fits in with his nature. He would not be hosting people from many parts of the world if he was a racist.

I am very honored to be great friends with Paul and his family. I have shared many wonderful experiences with all of them because they are kind, decent people, and I have greatly benefitted from my lifelong friendship with Paul. I am extremely dismayed that people who have never even met him would slander his character in ways that are absolutely ridiculous since that is much easier for them than actually allowing people to maturely discuss diverse views in leadership positions. This sets a very bad precedent for all of us.

Sincerely,
Scott Linder

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From: Council Internet Email
To: City Clerk
Subject: FW: Public Comments Item #5
Date: Tuesday, July 30, 2024 9:52:13 AM

From: Susan Custer <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, July 30, 2024 9:36 AM
To: Council Internet Email <[email protected]>
Subject: Public Comments Item #5

Dear Mayor Blackburn and Councilmembers,
I am very disappointed that you would withdraw the nomination of Paul Hannosh from an appointment to the Carlsbad Library Board based on the gossip and opinion of a small group of community members. Allowing this kind of attack to influence your actions is a grave disservice to the community you are tasked with serving.

I have known Paul personally for several years and his service to the community would be a great benefit to the City of Carlsbad. Paul is welcoming and kind to people from all backgrounds, religions, cultures and races, etc. You can rest assured that Paul will work diligently for ALL residents of Carlsbad.

Sincerely,
Susan B. Custer

Susan B. Custer, Realtor
DeGasperis and Associates Real Estate
Phone: 760-672-1954
BRE # 01203418
[email protected]

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From: Council Internet Email
To: City Clerk
Subject: FW: Item 5: Please Condemn Partisan Smear Campaigns Date: Tuesday, July 30, 2024 9:52:27 AM

From: Laurene Ryan <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, July 30, 2024 9:37 AM
To: Council Internet Email <[email protected]>
Subject: Item 5: Please Condemn Partisan Smear Campaigns

Dear City Council,
I was disappointed to hear of the partisan attack against a nominee for the Library Board based only on the nominee's personal political views. Carlsbad should be a community which respects the views of ALL citizens and allows anyone to serve the City. I hope that each of you will condemn this smear campaign and not allow a fringe group turn every volunteer appointment into a divisive, partisan fight.

Thank you,
Laurene Ryan
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From: Council Internet Email
To: City Clerk
Subject: FW: Library Board Nominee
Date: Tuesday, July 30, 2024 9:52:43 AM

From: ann welton <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, July 30, 2024 9:50 AM
To: Council Internet Email <[email protected]>
Subject: Library Board Nominee

Dear Mayor Blackburn & Councilmembers,

I hope the Council will send a clear message to the community that these types of attacks are inappropriate and not reflective of the values of the Carlsbad community.

Thank you,
Ann Welton
6639 Daylily Dr
Carlsbad, CA 92011

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From: Council Internet Email
To: City Clerk
Subject: FW: Library Board Nominee
Date: Tuesday, July 30, 2024 10:04:00 AM

From: Peggy <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, July 30, 2024 9:55 AM
To: Council Internet Email <[email protected]>
Subject: Library Board Nominee

Dear Mayor Blackburn & Councilmembers,

I hope the Council will send a clear message to the community that these types of attacks are inappropriate and not reflective of the values of the Carlsbad community.

Thank you,

Peggy Bartley

"God's children are not for sale" Jim Caviezel

Sent with Proton Mail secure email.

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From: Council Internet Email
To: City Clerk
Subject: FW: Library Board Nominee - Please Read
Date: Tuesday, July 30, 2024 10:04:30 AM

From: Stephanie Griffin <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, July 30, 2024 9:59 AM
To: Council Internet Email <[email protected]>
Subject: Library Board Nominee - Please Read

Dear Mayor Blackburn & Councilmembers,

After hearing about the recent community news involving the Mayor's nominee for a volunteer position on the Carlsbad Library Board - I am writing out of grave concern for our community.

We are a diverse and vibrant community with varying different views on how the city should grow, what policies are adopted and what best makes Carlsbad “home.”

It’s that diversity that helps us thrive - with open communication, compassion and critical thinking.

However, when this volunteer nominee was publicly attacked last week by a partisan group simply for his political views, we CANNOT allow that to stand. His commitment to serve the Library in a non-partisan way should have been the ONLY focus.

I hope the Council will send a clear message to the community that these types of attacks are NOT appropriate in any way and not reflective of the values of the Carlsbad community.

It’s sad to see us turn against each other based on perceived beliefs versus goodwill, hard work and bipartisan compassion for our coastal community.

Warm regards,
Stephanie Griffin
Carlsbad, 92010

Sent from my iPhone
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From: Council Internet Email
To: City Clerk
Subject: FW: Library Board nominee
Date: Tuesday, July 30, 2024 10:04:41 AM

From: Danielle Buether <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, July 30, 2024 9:59 AM
To: Council Internet Email <[email protected]>
Subject: Library Board nominee

Dear Mayor Blackburn & Councilmembers,

I hope the Council will send a clear message to the community that these types of attacks are inappropriate and not reflective of the values of the Carlsbad community.

Thank you,
Danielle Buether
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From: Council Internet Email
To: City Clerk
Subject: FW: July 30, 2024 Agenda Item 5
Date: Monday, July 29, 2024 7:40:14 AM
From: George Corrales <[email protected]> Sent: Monday, July 29, 2024 7:32 AM
To: Council Internet Email <[email protected]>
Subject:

July 30, 2024 Agenda Item 5
Why would anyone want to apply for a commission or board of trustees given what a small group of left-wing activists with canned talking points did to applicant Paul Hannosh?
Is it any surprise that another applicant withdrew his name from the pool of applicants after witnessing the process deteriorate into ideological warfare?
If these letters have an impact on our council, we have a council that needs to be replaced with people who are more courageous and committed to true diversity and community service.

Personally, I would like to see a public condemnation of such treatment of private individuals. This one-dimensional woke mentality and culture must end. Carlsbad should take the lead in this effort. However, I predict it will not.

George Corrales
A Carlsbad resident for 38 years.

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All Receive - Agenda Item #____
For the Information of the:

CITY COUNCIL
Date: ______ CA____ CC____
CM____ ACM____ DCM (3)____
5 7/29/24 x x
x x x

Carlsbad City CouncilJuly 30, 2024

Carlsbad City Council
July 30, 2024