Public Comment for item 11
Briana Parra for February 9, 2026
From: [email protected]
Sent: Saturday, February 7, 2026 11:36 AM
To: CityClerk
Cc: Briana Parra; Rebecca Simonian; Andrew Haussler; Paul Armendariz Subject: Council Meeting Public Comment
Council-Meeting-Date = 2026-02-09
Item-Number = 11
Full-Name = Marlo Jenkins
Comment = I strongly support displaying IN GOD WE TRUST" in the Council Chambers! Sincerely Marlo Jenkins
Client IP = 166.194.132.120
Public Comment for item 11
for February 9, 2026
1 Briana Parra
From: [email protected]
Sent: Monday, February 9, 2026 7:35 AM
To:
Cc: Briana Parra; Rebecca Simonian; Andrew Haussler; Paul Armendariz Subject: Council Meeting Public Comment
Council-Meeting-Date = 2026-02-09
Item-Number = In God We Trust
Full-Name = Nancy Iskenderian
Comment = Please display In God We Trust • •
Client IP = 64.118.117.43
Briana Parra
From: [email protected]
Sent: Monday, February 9, 2026 7:36 AM
To: CityClerk
Cc: Briana Parra; Rebecca Simonian; Andrew Haussler; Paul Armendariz Subject: Council Meeting Public Comment
Council-Meeting-Date = 2026-02-09
Item-Number = In God We Trust
Full-Name = Nancy Iskenderian
Email = [email protected]
Comment = Please display In God We Trust • •
Client IP = 64.118.117.43
•
Briana Parra
From: [email protected]
Sent: Monday, February 9, 2026 7:45 AM
To: CityClerk
Cc: Briana Parra; Rebecca Simonian; Andrew Haussler, Paul Armendariz Subject: Council Meeting Public Comment
Attachments: Pearce god graphic.jpeg
Council-Meeting-Date = 2026-02-09
Item-Number = 11
Full-Name = Rachel Youdelman
Comment =
I read the detailed, ostensibly neutral Feb. 9 agenda item on "Potential Displays in the City Council Chamber, " to find a byzantine explanation of why displaying "In God We Trust" would not violate any rules or statutes.
What I did not find was a reasonable argument for why it or any other slogan should be displayed. Is the standard now merely "not illegal"?
Residents like me wonder: Where is the same urgency and fervor when it comes to affordable housing, preventing traffic deaths, or lowering utility costs?
The display of "In God We Trust" has been debated and litigated for decades. Today it doesn't land in a benign way. Its meaning has grown more visibly partisan as it aligns with a broader political effort to expand religion's role in public life, particularly amid the rise of Christian nationalism.
Anyone with access to Google knows the history of the motto, a relic of the Cold War and McCarthyism, when it was promoted by reactionary politicians who sought a symbolic, talismanic effect against communism, and that courts have generally upheld it despite its many legal challenges. Today's advocates for pushing religion into public spaces are aligned with their forebears of the 1950s.
The issue is not the motto itself so much as what its promotion signals about the proper boundary between civic authority and private belief. Christian nationalists may be interested to know that a succinct framing appears in the Gospels: "Render unto Caesar what is Caesar's, and unto God what is God's," a reminder that the legitimacy of both depends on keeping those spheres distinct.
But aside from arguments against or in favor of installing such a sign, it is far more significant that yet another ideological campaign has displaced the council's substantive policy work, reinforcing the perception that spectacle is being prioritized over problem-solving. Recurring battles over book bans, flags, girls' sports, and now religious signage divert public attention from issues that materially affect residents' lives.
Council member Diane Pearce has been the driving force behind these divisive initiatives. In this instance, she advances the disingenuous claim that "the community" is demanding action, despite apparent coordination with a small group of residents and her immediate appropriation of the issue, when she gave the impression that she was reading from a prepared statement at the September 8 meeting and promptly proposed private funding.
Pearce's fixation on performative, divisive disputes over spurious concerns diminishes both the council's authority and the city's reputation, while it distracts from the work residents expect their elected officials to do. Therefore, I urge her immediate resignation.
A city council exists to govern a diverse population, not to function as a cozy pond for local grandstanding frogs. When ideological crusades dominate the agenda, they signal a narrowing vision of the community itself. Residents deserve prudent leadership focused on tangible outcomes, not performative gestures that divide the very public the council is meant to serve.
Note: Attached find a grotesquely inappropriate promotional flyer which Pearce or her allies have circulated in support of the agenda item.
Client IP = 24.23.15.102
2 * JOIN US AT *
CLOVIS CITY HALL
to discuss the approval of
"ADOPT THE MOTTO,
"IN GOD WE TRUST"
and proudly display in council chambers.
AT THE CLOVIS CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS
1033 5th Street • Clovis, CA
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 9TH
6:00 PM
Your support will be greatly appreciated!
•
Briana Parra
From: [email protected]
Sent: Monday, February 9, 2026 9:21 AM
To: City Clerk
Cc: Briana Parra; Rebecca Simonian; Andrew Haussler; Paul Armendariz Subject:
Attachments:
Council-Meeting-Date = 2026-02-09
Item-Number = 11
Full-Name = Rachel Youdelman
Comment = Attached is a rough draft of a policy guide for displays in council chambers. I'm taking the liberty of sending it to the council for consideration in creating such a guide, per the need suggested by council member Ashbeck.
Client IP = 24.23.15.102
City Council Chambers Décor, Signage, and Funding Policy Guide I. Purpose
This policy ensures that council chambers remain a professional, inclusive, and government- focused space that supports civic engagement while avoiding the appearance of political, religious, commercial, or donor influence.
II. Guiding Principles
Preserve the neutrality and dignity of public institutions.
Promote accessibility and inclusivity for all residents.
Maintain public trust by preventing real or perceived undue influence.
Ensure transparency and compliance with applicable laws.
Minimize distractions from official proceedings.
III. Permitted Displays
1. Official Government Symbols: Flags (U.S., state, and city), the city seal, and portraits of historically recognized civic leaders when formally approved by the council.
2. Functional Signage: Agendas, procedural rules, accessibility notices, emergency information, and wayfinding signs.
3. Civic Recognition: Temporary displays recognizing broadly supported civic observances or public service achievements, subject to council approval and defined time limits.
4. Historical or Educational Materials: Fact-based, nonpartisan items related to the city's history, governance, or community development.
IV. Prohibited Displays
: Political campaign materials or partisan messaging.
Religious messages or symbols that could reasonably be perceived as government endorsement.
• Commercial advertising or promotional materials.
Personal or ideological items belonging to elected officials, staff, or private parties.
Displays unrelated to official government functions or that are discriminatory, inflammatory, or disruptive.
V. Private Funding and Donations
General Rule: Barring any local, state, or federal prohibitions, the city may accept private unding or donated items for council chamber décor or signage only when doing so clearly serves a public purpose and does not compromise governmental neutralit or independence.
Approval Requirements
Permanent installations: Require approval by the City Council through a public vote and written finding that the donation serves a civic purpose. • Temporary items: May be approved by the City Manager (or designee) under established criteria, with periodic reporting to the council.
Independence Safeguards
To prevent actual or perceived influence:
• Donors shall have no control over content, messaging, design, placement, or timing once a gift is offered.
• Donations from parties with matters pending before the city-including contractors, bidders, permit applicants, regulated entities, or lobbyists-shall be prohibited. • Donations must be unconditional and may not be linked to any current or future governmental decision.
Recognition of Donors
• Donor recognition shall be modest and non-promotional. • Naming rights for any portion of the council chambers are prohibited. • Recognition plaques, if permitted, should be standardized, small in scale, and approved as part of the donation.
Transparency
• All accepted donations shall be publicly disclosed, including the donor's identity, the estimated value, and the public purpose served.
• Donations become city property upon acceptance, subject to all applicable policies.
Content Neutrality
Acceptance of privately funded items does not create a public forum. The city retains full discretion to decline donations that could reasonably be interpreted as ideological, sectarian, or advocacy oriented.
Preferred Practice
Because council chambers are a highly symbolic governmental space, the city should give strong preference to publicly funded décor. The council may prohibit private funding for permanent chamber displays if it determines that doing so best protects public confidence.
VI. Duration and Rotation
Temporary displays should generally not exceed 30-60 days.
When requests exceed available space, the city shall use a neutral, viewpoint- independent process such as scheduled rotation.
VII. Maintenance and Review
• The City Clerk or Facilities Department will maintain the chambers and ensure compliance.
• This policy should be reviewed every 3-5 years or sooner if legal standards evolve.
VIII. Enforcement
Unauthorized materials may be removed promptly. Repeated violations may result in restricted access to future display opportunities.
IX. Policy Objective
Council chambers exist to conduct the public's business. Décor, signage, and funding ractices must reinforce governmental legitimacy by ensuring that the space reflects the entire community rather than the preferences or influence of any individual or private entity.
Briana Parra
From: [email protected]
Sent: Monday, February 9, 2026 10:02 AM
To:
Cc: Briana Parra; Rebecca Simonian; Andrew Haussler; Paul Armendariz Subject: Council Meeting Public Comment
Council-Meeting-Date = 2026-02-09
Item-Number = 11
Full-Name = Sandy Fisk
Comment = I fully support our national motto In God We Trust for many reasons. It has been in existence for over 70 years and continues to clearly define our nation's heritage and values. This motto declaring our government trusts in God rather than its own lust for power, actually provides the very liberty and diversity our cities and nation seek, even to those who don't believe in it.
Client IP = 76.137.217.79
1 Briana Parra
From: [email protected]
Sent: Monday, February 9, 2026 10:07 AM
To: City Clerk
Cc: Briana Parra; Rebecca Simonian; Andrew Haussler, Paul Armendariz Subject: Council Meeting Public Comment
Council-Meeting-Date = 2026-02-09
Item-Number = 11
Full-Name = Ernie Fisk
Comment = I am in support of In God We Trust. It has and will continue to define our nation's heritage and values. It declares our trust in God rather than an 'government' that craves power and it supports very liberty that allows for more diversity in our cities and nation.
Client IP = 76.137.217.79
1 Briana Parra
From: [email protected]
Sent: Monday, February 9, 2026 10:16 AM
To:
Cc: Briana Parra; Rebecca Simonian; Andrew Haussler; Paul Armendariz Subject: Council Meeting Public Comment
Council-Meeting-Date = 2026-02-09
Item-Number = 11
Full-Name = sarah grady
Comment = I would like to see In God We Trust brought back to our city halls, government buildings, etc. and highly recommend it for our city display. It defines our nation's heritage and values as per most if not all of our original founding father documents. It declares a trust in God rather than in a 'government'. It also creates and allows for an environment of common ground/values so that the focus can be on bettering the lives of ALL in our community.
Client IP = 76.137.217.79
•
Briana Parra
From: [email protected]
Sent: Monday, February 9, 2026 10:39 AM
To: CityClerk
Cc: Briana Parra; Rebecca Simonian; Andrew Haussler; Paul Armendariz Subject: Council Meeting Public Comment
Council-Meeting-Date = 2026-02-09
Item-Number = 11
Full-Name = Leslie Iskenderian
Comment = I support the motto; "In God We Trust" to be displayed in the council chambers. It is on our legal tender and certainly should be something council members should keep in mind as they conduct business.
Client IP = 209.234.217.121
1 Public Comment for item 11 for February 9, 2026
Briana Parra
From: [email protected]
Sent: Monday, February 9, 2026 3:37 PM
To: City Clerk
Cc: Briana Parra; Rebecca Simonian; Andrew Haussler, Paul Armendariz Subject: Council Meeting Public Comment
Council-Meeting-Date = 2026-02-09
Item-Number = 0
Full-Name = Jon & Jennifer Starkey
Comment = We support the approval of adopting the motto "IN GOD WE TRUST" and proudly display in council chambers. Thank you!
Public Comment for item 11 for February 9, 2026
Briana Parra
From:
Sent: ordly, relizary , 2026 546 PM
To: CityClerk
Co: Briana Parra; Rebecca Simonian; Andrew Haussler, Paul Armendariz Subject: Council Meeting Public Comment
Council-Meeting-Date = 2026-02-09
Item-Number = 11
Full-Name = Cassandra Kinnish
Comment = l'd like to express the importance of inclusiveness. If the purpose of adding a motto to the city chambers is to show unity in our community through shared values then the council must side with inclusiveness. According to published information on the survey the phrase United We Stand recieved strong support, and is the right phrase to proceed with. Our community is growing and we should be an example to other communities in encouraging togetherness not decisiveness.
United We Stand
Client IP = 73.192.167.248
Agenda Item No. 11
Public Comment by
Bill Scott for
February 9, 2026
In God We Trust
It doesn't take much looking, to find original founding documents, that show our founding fathers created this
nation on the precepts contained in the Christian Bible.
That statement is not hyperbole. It is like the statement, "the sun is hot", there is no legitimate argument against Probably the oldest relevant document is the Mayflower
Compact. I imagine most of you have heard of it, but how many have actually read it. It's a simple document,
written by a group of people who left Europe, because
they were either persecuted or ignored, for being Puritan Separatists. They chose to join the Virginia colonists.
They were blown off course almost 600 miles north, to
what is now Massachusetts. In 1620 there wasn't much in Virginia, but there was the beginning of a government
framework. Also as an English colony, they were under
the protection of King James. Massachusetts was
considered part of Virginia and still claimed by England, but there was absolutely nothing there. The Pilgrims
would be completely on their own. They agreed to a
compact, a simple document that described how they
would deal with each other. A democracy they would all
be part of and all would uphold. Something none of them had ever experienced. in writing this short document;
three paragraphs and 197 words, they referenced God six times, one of which specifies Christianity.
At the very beginning of American settlement, the Ideas that were to set us apart from the rest of the world, were put in place with the Mayflower compact; Individual
rights and freedom, limited government controlled by
consent of the people, and trust in God.
The Mayflower Compact
Agreement between the Settlers at New Plymouth, 1620
In the name of God, Amen. We whose names are underwritten, the loyal Subjects of our dread sovereign Lord King James, by the grace of God of Great Britain, France, and Ireland King, Defender of the Faith, &c.
Having undertaken for the glory of God, and advancement of the Christian Faith, and honor of our King and Country, a Voyage to plant the first Colony in the Northern parts of Virginia; do by these presents solemnly and mutually, in the presence of God and one another, covenant, and combine ourselves rogether into a civil body politick, for our better ordering and prescrvation and furtherance of the ends aforesaid; and by virtue hereof do enact, constitute, and frame such just and equal Laws, Ordinances, acts, constitutions, and offices from time to time, as shall be thought most meet and convenient for the general good of the Colony; unto which we promise all due submission and obedience. in witness whereof we have hereunto subscribed our names at Cape Cod the 11. of November, in the year of the reign of our sovereign Lord King James, of England, France, and Ireland, the eighteenth, and of Scotland the fifty fourth, Anio Domini 1620.
John Carver Edward Tilley Degory Priest
William Bradford John Tilley Thomas Williams
Edward Winslow Francis Cooke Gilbert Winslow
William Brewster Thomas Rogers Edmund Margesson
Isaac Allerton Thomas Tinker Peter Browne
Myles Standish John Rigsdale Richard Britteridge
John Alden Edward Fuller George Soule
Samuel Fuller John Turner Richard Clarke
Christopher Martin Francis Eaton Richard Gardiner
William Mullins James Chilton John Allerton
William White John Crackstone Thomas English
Richard Warren John Billington Edward Doty
John Howland Moses Fletcher Edward Leister
Stephen Hopkins John Goodman
•
© 2013 The Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History www.gilderlehrman.org
One hundred and fifty Five years after the Mayflower
Compact was composed, on April 18, 1775, 800 British
regulars, in Boston, started a night march to Concord
Massachusetts. Their purpose was to confiscate or
destroy a store of arms and ammunition. Paul Revere
rode thru the night to warn patriots gathered in Lexington and Concord. At Lexington he came to the home of Rev.
Jonas Clarke, where John Adams, Sam Adams, John
Hancock, and others were staying. They spread the word, to other patriots calling themselves minutemen. In the
morning, 70 formed up on Lexington Green to meet the
approaching British force. Both units lined up in parallel lines opposing each other. No orders to fire were given, but some one did. Contemporary sources are not sure
which side fired first, this was the "shot heard round the world", but both sides then fired a full volley. Since their weapons were flintlocks, they would take time to reload, and the British still had reserves who had not yet fired. So the minutemen left the field, leaving the British the
victors. 8 colonist lost their lives, and 10 were wounded.
Before that "shot heard round the world" was fired,
British Major Pitcairn, pronounced; "Disperse, ye villains, lay down your arms in the name of George the Sovereign
King of England." There is disagreement, whether John
Adams or Rev. Jonas Clarke provided the response, but
all agree on the words; "We recognize no Sovereign but
God and no King but Jesus." At the very beginning of our revolution the names of both God And Jesus were
attached to our cause.
One year and three months later, on July 4th, the
Declaration of Independence was approved by the
Continental Congress. Contrary 10 popuiar belief, it was not signed that day. It took time, to have the document we know, hand written on parchment. It was not
available to sign till August 7. Printed copies were
available the next day. As fast as possibie copies were sent around the world. It was soon described as
"Thunderous Words." Again, God was invoked
repeatedly. In the first sentence we find the phrase,
"the laws of Nature, and of Natures God." In the last
Paragraph. We find the phrase, "appealing to the
Supreme Judge of the World." The last sentence, can be
found quoted as, "And for the support of this
Declaration, we mutually pledge to each other, our
Lives, our fortunes, and our sacred Honor". I believe it is intentionally misquoted. It should read," And for the
support of this Declaration, with a firm Reliance on the Protection of divine Providence, we mutually pledge to
each other, our Lives, our Fortunes, and our sacred
HOME / RESOURCES /
Text of the Declaration of Independence
Note: The source for this sranscription is the first printing of che Declaracion of Independence, the broadside produced by Jokm Dunlap on the night of July 4, 1776. Nearly every princed or manuscripe edition of the Declaration of Independence has slight differences in puncmarion, capiralization, and even wording. To find our more abour the diverse rexrual tradition of the Declararion, check our our Which Version is This, and Why Does it Matter? resource.
WHEN in the Course of human Evenes, it becomes necessary for one People to dissolve the Political Bands which have connected them with another, and to assume among the Powers of the Farth, the separate and equal Station to which the Laws of Nature and of Nature's Gos entitle them, a decont Respect to the Opinions of Mankind requires that they should declare the causes which impel them to the Separacion.
We hold these Truths to be self-evident, that all Men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with cerrain unalienable Righrs, thar among these are Life, Liberry. and the Pursuit of Happiness-. That to secure these Rights, Governments are inscruted among Men, deriving their just Powers from the Consent of the Coverned, char whenever any form of Goverument becomes destructive of these Ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to insciture new Government, laying its Foundation on such Principles, and organizing its Powers in such Form, as to chem shall seem most likely to effect their Safery and Happiness. Prudence, indeed, will dictate chac Governments long established should not be changed for light and cransient Causes; and accordingly all Experience hath shewn, char Mankind are more disposed to suffer, while Evils are sufferable, than to righr themselves by abolishing the Forms to which they are accustomed. But when a long Train of Abuses and Usurpations, pursuing invariably the same Object, evinces a Design to reduce them under absolure Despotism, it is their Right, it is their Ducy, to throw off such Government, and to provide new Guards for their future Securicy. Such has been the patient Sufferance of thess Colonies; and such is now the Noressity which constrains them to alter their former Systems of Governmenc. The History of the present King of Great-Britain is a History of repcated Injurics and Usurpations, all having in direct Object the Establishment of an absoluce Tyranny over chese Stares. To prove chis, let Facts be submitted to a candid World.
He has refused his Assent in Laws, the most wholesome and necessary for the public Good.
He has forbidden his Governors to pass Laws of immediare and pressing Importance, unless suspended in their Operation till his Assent should be obrained; and when so suspended, he has utterly neglected to attend to them.
He has refused to pass ocher Laws for the Accommodation of large Districts of People. unicss those Pcople would relinquish the Right of Represerstation in the Legislature, a Right inestimable to them, and formidable to Tyrants only.
He has called cogerber Legislarive Bodies ar Places unusual, uncomfortable, and distant from the Depository of their public Records, for che sole Purpose of fatiguing chen into Compliance wich his Measures.
He has dissolved Representative Houses repearedly, for opposing with manly Firmuess his Invasions on the Rights of the People.
He has refused for a long Time, after such Dissolutions, to cause orhers co be elected; whereby the Legislative Powers, incapable of Annihilarion, have returned to che Poople at largo for their exercise; the State remaining in the mean time exposed to all the Dangers of Invasion from wichour, and Convulsions within.
He has endeavoured to prevent the Population of these Stares; for chat Purpose obstructing the laws for Nacuralization of Foreigners: refusing to pass orhers to encourage their Migrations hither, and raising the Conditions of new Appropriations of Lands.
He has obstructed tbe Administration of Justice, by refusing his Assent to Laws fir escablishing Judiciary Powers.
He has made Judges dependent on his Will alone, for tho Tenure of their (Jffices, and the Amounr and Paymens of their Salaries.
He has crected a Multicude of new Offices, and sent hither Swarms of Officers to harrass our People, and car our their Substance.
He has kept among us, in Times of Peare, Sranding Armies, withour the consent of our legislatures.
He has affected to render the Military independent of and superior to the Civil Poser.
He has combined with others to subject us to a Jurisdiction forcign to our Constitution, and unacknowledged by our Laws; giving his Assent in their Acts of pretended Legislation:
For quartering large Bodies of Armed Troops among us:
for protecting them, by a mock Trial. from Punishment for any Murders which they should commir on the Inhabitants of these Scares:
For curting off our Trade with all Parts of the World:
For imposing Taxes on us withour our Consent:
For depriving us, in many (iases, of the Benefits of Trial by Jury:
for iransporting us beyond Seas to be tried for pretended O)ffences:
once an Example and fir Instrumens for introducing the same absolure Rule into chese Colonies:
For raking away our Charters, abolishing our most valuable laurs, and altering fundamentally the Forms of our Goveruments:
For suspending our own legislatures, and declaring rhemselves invested with Power to legislare for us in all Cases whatsoever.
He has abdicared Government herc, by declaring us our of his Protection and waging War against us.
He has plundered our Seas, ravaged our Coasts, burns our Towns, and destroyed the Lives of our People.
He is, at this Time, transporting large Armies of foreign Mercenaries in compless che Works of Death, Desolation, and Tyranny, already begun with circumstances of Cruelry and Pertidy, scareely paralleled in che most barbarous Ages, and socally unworthy the Head of a civilized Nation.
He has constrained our fellow Citizens taken Captive on the high Scas to bear Arms against their Councry, en become the Executioners of cheir Friends and Brechren, or to fall chemseives by cheir Hands.
He has excited domestic Insurrections amongst us. and has endeavoured to bring on the Inhabirants of our frontiers, the merciless Indian Savages, whose known Rule of Warfare, is a11 undistinguished I'escruction, of all Ages. Sexes and Conditions.
In every stage of these Oppressions we have Peritioned for Redress in the most humble Terms: (Jur repeared Peritions have been answered only by repeared Injury. A Prince, whose (haracter is thus marked by every act which may define a Tyrant, is unfit to be the Ruler ot a tree People.
Nor have we been wanting in Attentions to our Brirish Brethren. We have warned them from Time ro Time of Artempis by their Legislarure to extend an unwarrantable Jurisdiction ovor us. We have reminded them of the Circumssances of our Ernigration and Settlement here. We have appealed to their native Justice and Magnanimity, and sve have conjured them by the Ties of our common Kindred to disavow these Usurpations, which. would inevitably interrupt our Connections and Cerrespondence. They soo have been deal 1o che Voice of Justice and of Consanguiniry. We muss, ebcrefore, acquiesce in the Necessicy, which denounces our Separacion, and hold them, as we hold the rest of Mankind. Enemies in War, in Peace. Friends.
We, cherefore, che Represencatives of che UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, in General Congross, Assombled, appealing to the Supreme Judge of the World for che Roctirude of our Inrentions, do, in the Name, and by Authority of the good People of chese Colonies, solemnly Publish and Ieclare, 'That shese Unired Colonies are, and of Right ought to be, firer and Independent Stares: chat they are absolved from all Allegiance in the Bricish Crown, and That all political Connection berween chem and the Seace of Cirear-Bricain, is and oughe eo ise totally dissolved; and that as tree and Independent States, they have full Power to levy War. conclude Peace, contract Alliances, establish Commerce, and to do all other Acts and Things which Independent Seares may of righr do. And for the support of chis Declaration, wich a firm Reliance on the Protection of divine Providence, we mutually pledee to each other our lives, our Fortunes, and our sacred Honos.
Signed by Order and in Behalf of the Congress.
JOHN HANCOCK. President.
Arrest.
CHARLES THOMSON, Secretary.
•
•
The second paragraph of the Declaration of
Independence, to most people, is a misunderstood word
salad. However, these are the THUNDEROUS words that
makes us the Exception to all the world. Yet our schools fail to teach their meaning.
We hold these truths to be self-evident
The words that follow were NOT self-evident to the rest of the world. The self-evident truth to everyone else was the truth of, "The Devine Right of Kings." We were
creating a new paradigm.
We hold these truths to be self-evident,
That all men are created equal
This was NOT a racial statement. It was meant to
eliminate the deplorable difference between the
aristocracy and commoners. In almost the entire world,
everything was owned by a king, a khan, a pharaoh, a
kaiser, a czar, etc. He, (or she) and the aristocracy,
oligarchy, lords, dukes, and earls, lived lives of privilege, wealth, and comfort, while the commoners, and serfs,
made due with the scrapes that were left, and performed as slaves. Our founders believed the words of Galatians 3:28, "There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither Slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus". They were proposing a standard, where all are equal. While this was not written with racial intent, John Adams pointed out, you can't say that and support
slavery. He spent his entire life trying to end slavery. He didn't live long enough to see the end, but he never gave up. He is the example of endure to the end.
We hold these truths to be self-evident,
That all men are created equal,
That they are endowed by their Creator With certain
unalienable Rights
When we are created, we are given a gift that cannot be separated from us. This gift comes directly from God to us. It does not come to us, from God after being filtered by the king, who determines who is worthy. These God
given rights, are beyond government reach. It's up to us to insure these rights are not eroded, by remembering
where they came from.
We hold these truths to be self-evident,
That all men are created equal,
That they are endowed by their Creator With certain
unalienable Rights,
That among these are Life, liberty, and the Pursuit of
Happiness
The word "among", implies there are other "Rights".
During the creation of the Constitution, there was a
discussion about including a bill of rights within it. The winning argument was that the constitution was to
describe what the government CAN do. Limiting it to only these things, Article 1, Section 8, "The Enumerated
Powers". If it is not on this list the government cannot do it. If a bill of rights is included, saying what the
government can't do, and they want to do something not
on the list, they could point out, it doesn't say we can't do it. So, the Constitution lists what the government CAN do, and the first ten amendments, "The Bill of Rights", list things the Government CAN'T do. Plus, the tenth
amendment says, in case we didn't think of something,
you can't do that either!
:
We hold these truths to be self-evident,
That all men are created equal,
That they are endowed by their Creator With certain
unalienable Rights,
That among these are Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of
Happiness,
The next line is usually not included, I Believe this is intentional. It is the most important part, because it
describes the purpose of our government.
That to secure these Rights, Governments are Instituted among Men, deriving their just Powers from the Consent
of the Governed
Remember, this is our "self-evident truth". No one else would even consider this. Our Limited Governments
main purpose is to secure our God given rights. It is not there to tell us what kind of car we can drive, it is not there to tell us what we can use heat and cook with, and it certainly is not there to coerce us about our language. •
That is the foundation of our government. It is built on the bed rock of the Christian Bible. All of our rights and responsibilities are given to us from God. There is a wall of separation to prevent our LIMITED government from interfering with those rights and responsibilities.
James Madison, our fourth President, Paraphrased from
Federalist 45; "The Rights of the People are Many, The Powers of the Government are Few."
John Adams, our second President, gave a speech to the
military, four months after becoming the first Vice President, authorized by the new Constitution. Quoted from that speech; "We have no government armed with power capable of
contending with human passions unbridled by morality and religion. Avarice, ambition, revenge, or gallantry would break the strongest cords of our constitution as a whale goes through a net. Our Constitution was made only for a moral and religious people. It is wholly inadequate to the government of any other"
In a letter to Thomas Jefferson in 1813, John Adams made this statement; "The general principles on which the fathers achieved independence were the general principles of
Christianity".
CALIFORNIA FORECAST
SALES TAX TRENDS & ECONOMIC DRIVERS
DECEMBER 2025
Truckee, CA
Hal® Companies
888.861.0220 | [email protected] | hdlcompanies.com HdL® STATEWIDE 2025/26 | 2026/27
Companies SALES TAX TRENDS TOTAL 1.7% | 2.6%
Overview: The outlook for the U.S. and California economy is anchored to various policies and economic indicators, all of which add up to a limited anticipated improvement in sales tax revenues. Inflation has been mostly tamed as the Federal Reserve reduced the target interest rates three times in the latter part of this year. Consumers are constantly nervous about price increases, tied to ever-evolving tariff policies. Recent data shows state housing and labor markets have cooled. In summary, uncertainty leads customers to continue spending, albeit with an eye focused on essentials and value while awaiting a more stable, predictable economy.
2025/26 | 2026/27 2025/26 | 2026/27
Autos/Transportation 0.3% | 3.0% Fuel/Service Stations 1.9% | 3.7% National automobile sales have declined following the expiration of Revenues declined 3.8% in 3Q25, reflecting lower average fuel prices federal electric vehicle tax credits on September 30, 2025. In October, relative to 3Q24 and a sharper-than-anticipated price correction at the California New Car Dealers Association projected that sales will the pumps. From FY 2018-19 to FY 2024-25, consumption of motor remain under pressure through 2026, as higher prices-driven in part vehicle gallons decreased by 13% while average fuel prices increased by tariffs filtering through the supply chain-and prolonged elevated roughly 14%. Over the same period, taxable sales rose nearly costs contribute to buyer fatigue. Nevertheless, recent reductions in 9%, confirming that local station operators successfully adjusted the Federal Funds rate, combined with strong pent-up demand and pricing and margins to offset weaker consumption. The short- a record-high average vehicle age, are expected to support modest term forecast is modestly tempered, while the long-term outlook revenue growth in 2026. Beyond 2026, the market is anticipated to remains supported by structurally elevated pricing tied to California- stabilizeas consumersadapt tonewpricing levelswhile takingadvantage specific supply constraints, including confirmed refinery closures of lower financing costs and ongoing vehicle replacement needs. scheduled for late 2025 and April 2026, which remain on track.
A Building/Construction -2.0% | 1.8%
General Consumer Goods 1.0% | 1.2%
Summer 2025 saw the continued decline in the value of materials purchased for infrastructure and roofing projects. A dwindling General retail sales were robust, expanding 4.1%. The strength number of commercial and utility construction projects generated persisted from online sales where tax flows either indirectly to local one-time tax allocations. Consistent demand for commercial and jurisdictions by way of their pool share or concentrated to agencies residential solar energy components ahead of the December 31, with fulfillment centers. Brick-and-mortar storefronts (direct 2025 expiration of the 30% federal tax credit provided a positive allocations) grew a moderate 0.8%. While big box retailers were offset. This forecast anticipates the Fed maintains its cautious flat, tax from apparel, furnishings, and jewelry categories thrived. As approach to adjusting interest rates, prompting developers to consumers held fast to pessimism, retail spending was supported by wage increases and a pullback in other discretionary areas. Affluent gradually initiate new developments while existing homeowners find remodeling more affordable. In the near term, more infrastructure households have not hit the brakes while lower income shoppers projects are expected to break ground plus data center and health remain focused on value. Even as rising prices may be adding pressure to reduce consumption, taxable spending is still gradually increasing. The outlook for this group anticipates mild growth.
Business/Industry 3.2% | 4.0%
Restaurants/Hotels 1.7% | 2.8%
Ecommerce and energy-related spending buoyed this group during third quarter 2025, expanding 5.1%. Shoppers favored online purchasing, Restaurants posted modest growth in the first quarter of the so CA-based fulfillment centers once again boosted revenues. Results new fiscal year. Dining frequency continues to weaken, and when also grew from energy project outlays, medical-biotech equipment and dining out, consumers increasingly favor value-oriented menu support services companies. Yet, many sectors held flat or declined, options. Tourism-responsible for 30% of combined restaurant- tempered by variables such as lending rates and tariffs. Agricultural hotel expenditures-is a bright spot, with sustained gains forecast. and farm/construction equipment struggled, facing numerous Quick-service restaurants face the most pronounced impact headwinds ranging from water scarcity to limited capital funding. The from reduced dining activity, as elevated menu prices drive statewide outlook anticipates continued ecommerce growth, driving customers toward alternatives. Households with constrained moderate gains for the current fiscal year and modest improvement disposable income are cutting back significantly on fast-food thereafter; varying by the size and character of local businesses. purchases. Despite these challenges, the industry remains cautiously optimistic, strategically underperforming
Food/Drugs -2.0 | -0.1% locations while investing in new outlets in high-potential markets.
Grocery stores' payments fell 2.4% in 3Q25 as consumers actively till State and County Pools 4.3% | 2.8% searched for bargains and rethought their grocery buying habits.
Store-brand purchases increased, and 35% of all purchases are now Taxes generated by online transactions posted higher numbers for conducted on ecommerce platforms. Convenience/liquor markets the sixth consecutive quarter. The makeup of these revenues has experienced a mix of economic impacts from inflation to reductions in been steady over time; 50% coming from household purchases, alcohol consumption. Cannabis enjoyed modest increases as unit sales one third from business-based activity, and the remainder from rose while the State Excise Tax declined. Drug stores focused on cost other segments. Shoppers are increasingly drawn to ecommerce cutting measures and withdrawals from underperforming markets; buying as companies invest in technologies like Al agents, and one major chain shuttered all remaining stores. Al technologies are expand social media platforms as sales channels. Early reports being deployed more fully to better serve customers and address from multiple outlets show Black Friday through Cyber Monday employee retention challenges. spending hit record levels and this outcome is factored into the current year's projection. Recent ecommerce YoY trends taking up a larger percentage of overall retail sales is presumed to keep expanding, supporting our forecast for this category.
HdL Companies California Forecast
December 2025
NATIONAL AND STATEWIDE
ECONOMICS ECONOMIC DRIVERS
2025/26 | 2026/27 2025/26 | 2026/27
U.S. Real GDP Growth 2.3% | 2.3% U.S. Unemployment Rate 4.4% | 4.3% The U.S. economy remains resilient, with real GDP up 2.1% year- The unemployment rate has continued to edge up, though maintaining over-year in Q2 2025, reflecting continued expansion despite historically low levels below 5%; reaching 4.6% in November 2025 elevated uncertainty. Growth has moderated and job creation compared to 4.2% in 2024, and 3.7% in 2023. Unemployment softened, showing signs of jobless expansion, with employment has increased due to slower job creation as firms scale back hiring gains lagging output. This is due to productivity gains and Al-driven amid Al adoption and uncertainty around trade policy. Layoffs and automation, as well as trade and policy uncertainty prompting firms quits remain subdued, pointing to limited job loss but weaker labor to pause hiring. Inflation has moved past its peak but remains above market dynamism. Labor force participation hovers pre-pandemic the Federal Reserve's 2% target, with core PCE inflation at 2.6%. levels near 62%, largely unchanged in recent years, indicating limited The decline in the 10-year Treasury yield from about 4.8% to roughly expansion in the available workforce. As a result, economic growth
4.15% implies stable inflation and interest-rate expectations, giving may translate less directly into broad-based employment gains. Total the Fed some flexibility in addressing labor-market conditions. nonfarm employment momentum has slowed, with YoY growth falling to 0.6% in November 2025, the weakest pace in over four years.
CA Unemployment Rate 5.7% | 5.5%
California's unemployment rate has remained stable, reaching 5.6% CA Residential in September 2025 and staying within a narrow 5.4% to 5.6% range over the past year. The consistency of the rate indicates that Building Permits 94,175 | 102,021 the labor market has settled into a new equilibrium. Labor market Residential permitting in California remains weak through Q3 flows have slowed, with hiring no longer keeping pace with worker 2025, continuing to limit growth in the state's housing supply. separations, limiting net job growth. Increases in unemployment After peaking in early 2022 at more than 30,000 permits per have been concentrated among labor force re-entrants and longer- quarter, activity declined to 23,532 permits in Q3 2025, down duration job seekers, while job losses have remained stable. 6.4% year-over-year and among the lowest quarterly totals in Together, these patterns point to slower job switching and longer job four years. The slowdown is evident even as the state enacted searches, rather than an increase in layoffs, keeping unemployment major reforms in 2025 to exempt many infill projects from routine elevated even as the labor market avoids broader deterioration. environmental review to shorten approval times. Despite these reforms, projects in major metros continue to encounter entitlement delays and plan check backlogs due to staff shortages. Without CA Total Nonfarm more consistent acceleration in approvals, housing production Employment Growth 0.1% | 0.6% is unlikely to expand enough to ease affordability pressures.
California's labor market has remained largely flat, with year-over- year nonfarm employment growth slowing to just 0.3% as of CA Median Existing September 2025, which translates to an increase of roughly 62,000 Home Price $736,709 | $739,652 jobs statewide. Job gains have decelerated steadily from the post- pandemic rebound, leaving employment growth well below national California's housing market has cooled, with weaker demand and and peer-state trends. At the same time, the labor force expanded limited housing supply. As of the third quarter of 2025, median home by about 174,000 people between September 2024 and September prices were $735,401, up 1.13% YoY, while home sales declined 2025; however, the labor force participation rate has remained near 4.2%, reflecting affordability constraints and elevated borrowing 62%, roughly in line with pre-pandemic trends, as growth in the costs. As of November 2025, inventory remains tight, with 92,930 working-age population has kept pace with labor market absorption. homes for sale, down 1.9% from a year earlier, and months of supply holding at three, well below levels associated with a balanced market. Median days on market increased to 49, indicating slower transactions. Together, these conditions point to a market adjusting through reduced activity rather than broad-based price declines.
Proposition 172
Fiscal year 2024-25 statewide Proposition 172 (P-172) revenues declined 0.3%, which follows the 0.9% drop in fiscal year 2023-24.
The current forecast expects modest growth of.85% and 2.3% for fiscal years 2025-26 and 2026-27, respectively. Current county projections include pro-rata factors published by the State Controller's Office in July 2025 (based on updated calendar year 2024 actual sales tax performance). As the calendar year Bradley-Burns results fluctuate due to taxpayer modifications, audits, economic impacts, etc., pro-rata growth factors and resultant P-172 revenues will vary for many counties.
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HdL Companies California Forecast
December 2025
Hdl® Companies
Delivering Insight, Revenue, and Efficiency
to Local Government
HdL Companies
888.861.0220 | [email protected] | hdlcompanies.com California's allocation data trails actual sales activity by three to six months. HdL compensates for the lack of current information by reviewing the latest reports, statistics and perspectives from fifty or more economists, analysts and trade associations to reach a consensus on probable trends for coming quarters. The forecast is used to help project revenues based on statewide formulas and for reference in tailoring sales tax estimates appropriate to each client's specific demographics, tax base and regional trends.
Beacon Economics LLC
310.571.3399 | BeaconEcon.com
Beacon Economics has proven to be one of the most thorough and accurate economic research/analytical forecasting firms in the country. Their evaluation of the key drivers impacting local economies and tax revenues provides additional perspective to HdL's quarterly consensus updates. The collaboration and sharing of information between Beacon and HdL helps both companies enhance the accuracy of the work that they perform for their respective clients.
CITY OF CLOVIS LOV
SALES TAX UPDATE
3Q 2025 (JULY - SEPTEMBER)
CLOVIS 3.1% 2.7% 1.9%
TOTAL: $ 7,692,780 3Q2025 COUNTY STATE
Allocation aberrations have been adiusted to relect sales acovity SALES TAX BY MAJOR BUSINESS GROUP $2,000,000
$1,600,000
$1,200,000
$300,000
ln. Legend
Q3 2024*
$400,000
Q3 2025*
so
General Fuel and Food Business
Consumer Service and and
Goods Stations Drugs Industry
Measure Y
TOTAL: $7.737,675
CITY OF CLOVIS HIGHLIGHTS TOP 25 PRODUCERS
Clovis' receipts from July through one of the groups which fared better | 84 Lumber Co Lowes September were 8.8% above the third this time last year. In this case a number Anlin Windows & Doors Mcdonalds sales period in 2024. Excluding reporting of investments were made in new Arco Ross aberrations, receipts for this period equipment which generated one-time Arco AM PM Save Mart were up 3.1%. spikes in the tax allocations captured by Best Buy Sinclair the group. Clovis Chrysler Dodge Target
New car sales' growth extended into Jeep Ram
TJ Maxx
a fourth consecutive quarter as total Measure Y's collections reflect growing compliance by local businesses, some of Costco Toyota of Clovis volume rose 11%, representing most Decker Ford
of this period's overall gain in receipts. who were slow to collect and remit the Vons tax in its inaugural period. Dick's Sporting Goods Walmart Supercenter Next in terms of growth amount was
the increase in the city's payout from Future Kia
Net of aberrations, taxable sales for all Hedrick's Chevrolet the use tax pool. However, $113,000 of
the added amount is tied to a reporting of Fresno County grew 2.7% over the Home Depot error which will be corrected in the near comparable period while those of the Honda North future. San Joaquin Valley region were up 1.4%. Johnny Quik Lithia Nissan of Clovis
The business and industry group was
Hdl® Companies
www.hdlcompanies.com | 888.861.0220 Published by HdL Companies in Winter 2026 3Q 2025 CITY OF CLOVIS SALES TAX UPDATE
STATEWIDE RESULTS
California's local one-cent sales and use tax The food and drug sector continued its suppliers struggled during the summer, likely receipts for July through September were downward trend as grocers remitted fewer creating pent-up demand for repairs and
1.8% higher than the same quarter last year, taxes, reflecting the challenge of generating improvements ahead. after adjusting for accounting anomalies. taxable revenue amid rising food prices.
While growth appears modest, calendar Drug store filings have declined throughout With the Federal Reserve considering year 2025 remains on pace to rebound the year, driven partly by increased access additional rate changes in early 2026, following two years of declines. Combined to medications through optimism for improved consumer financing ecommerce
with second-quarter activity, the summer platforms and a contraction in physical store conditions and stronger sales tax receipts period posted a 1% improvement over the footprints due to over-saturation and chain remains. As national tariff and trade talks 2024 season. bankruptcies. ease, inflationary pressures will continue to shape spending behavior. For now, calendar
Sustained consumer trends reflected a Two sectors poised to benefit from year 2025 closes with sluggish but stable willingness to spend while remaining cost- lower short-term interest rates-autos- performance, awaiting broader economic conscious and prioritizing value. Online transportation and building-construction- shifts. retailers, reporting to both business- repeated a pattern of lackluster returns. industry and countywide use tax pools A minor uptick came from new auto (depending on inventory location at sales and leasing, while building material purchase), recorded the strongest gains.
This momentum extended to brick-and-
mortar retailers, which also posted modest REVENUE BY BUSINESS GROUP Clovis This Quarter*
improvements. Seasonal "back-to-school"
activity boosted men's and family apparel
Others
along with shoe stores, lifting the General 7%
6% Pools
Goods sector and enhancing expectations Cons.Goods 17%
26%
for the upcoming holiday shopping period.
Tax receipts from restaurants edged higher,
supported by households' continued desire
to eat out. Despite balancing higher menu
Restaurants
prices, tip fatigue, and tighter margins, 12%
Autos/Trans.
casual dining establishments generated the Building 22%
ADJUSTED FOR
11% ECONOMIC DATA
largest gains. Overall, summer performance
appeared stable but lacked the tourism
surge many had hoped for. TOP NON-CONFIDENTIAL BUSINESS TYPES Offsetting positive results was a decline Clovis County HdL State Business Type Q3 '25* Change Change Change
in revenue from fuel-service stations-
New Motor Vehicle Dealers 1,306.9 11.0% -0.2%
marking the 10th out of the last 11 quarters
Building Materials 740.3 -0.4%
with negative year-over-year change. Service Stations
439.1 -2.1%
This trend is largely tied to West Texas Casual Dining 420.7 -2.5% Intermediate (WTI) crude oil prices, which Quick-Service Restaurants 366.1 hit their lowest monthly levels since 2021. Family Apparel 214.1 1.7% While lower Grocery Stores 187.6 7.2%
gas prices may encourage
Specialty Stores 159.5 -2.5%
spending in other categories, potential oil
Electronics/Appliance Stores 126.3 6.2%
refinery closures in the coming year could
Automotive Supply Stores 117.0 -3.2%
keep per-gallon prices elevated.
"Allocation aberrations have been adjusted to reflect sales activity *In thousands of dollars