Moore. Tania
From: Fikes, Cathy
Sent Sunday, February 5, 2023 1:27 PM
To: Agenda Alerts
Subject: FW: agenda items
From: Lynne Deakers <[email protected]>
Sent: Friday, February 3, 2023 8:20 PM
To: CITY COUNCIL <[email protected]>
Subject: agenda items
I am writing as a concerned resident ofHuntington Beach. I would like to voice my opinion on several agenda items to be voted on at the Feb 7th meeting.
Item 11:1 urge a NO vote on this item. Many people in Huntington Beach cannot afford to make such a sizable contribution to the candidate of their choice. What kind of influence would these sizable contributions be purchasing?
Item 12:1 urge a NO vote on this item. This will harm our community. There are reportable items like code violations in restaurants which will be observed by staff but never reported for fear of retribution. This would likely result in litigation, including lawsuits from the ACLU.
Item 30:1 urge a NO vote. This is an unnecessary restriction. For example, the rainbow flag is a symbol of inclusion that indicates are all welcome in our city .
Item 32:1 am FOR resuming the practice of making city council meetings (and city boards/commissions/committees) accessible remotely via Zoom. It has helped increase civic participation for those who cannot physically attend.
Thank you for your consideration of my concerns reagrding these items.
Lynne Deakers
Huntington Beach
SUPPLEMENTAL
COMMUNICATION
Meeting Date: ^/7 ho9^
,A Agenda It&m No.L^r/Z ,^5-09^
Moore, Tania
From: Fikes, Cathy
Sent: Sunday, February 5, 2023 1:26 PM
To: Agenda Alerts
Subject: FW: Comments for 2/7 meeting
From: imthewizardofroz <[email protected]>
Sent: Friday, February 3, 2023 6:25 PM
To: Cm COUNCIL <[email protected]>
Subject: Comments for 2/7 meeting
Please register my comments into the record regarding the following agenda items:
Item 11: Final vote to drastically increase campaign contribution limits, from $620 per individual to $5500 per individual. (AGAINST)
Item 12: Final vote to ban anonymous code enforcement reports. (AGAINST) Item 30: New flag ordinance to ban commemorative flags to be flown on city flag poles.(AGAINST) Item 32: This item would resume the recently discontinued practice of making council meetings (and city boards/commissions/committees) accessible remotely via Zoom. (FOR) Rosalyn Esposito
18842 Florida Street
#21
HB 92648
All the Best!
Roz Esposito
(she/her)
323-839-7903
She who can see the invisible can do the impossible. Frank Gaines Roz Esposito
Singer, Playwright, Composer, Lyridst
wvAV.Ko7Hiipusito.com
Rev Dr. Roz Esposito, Intuitive Life Coach, New Thought Minister, Licensed Spiritual Counselor www.YourSoulCode.com Author
Laughing Your Way To Loving Yourself
Sent from my Sprint Samsung Galaxy Note8.
Meeting Date:,
AgendattomNo..^^-^
Moore, Tania
From: Fikes, Cathy
Sent: Sunday, February 5. 2023 6:56 PM
To: Agenda Alerts
Subject: FW: Agenda item 11 - 2/7/23 meeting - oppose
From: Bob [email protected]>
Sent: Saturday, February 4/ 2023 11:46 AM
To: CITY COUNCIL <[email protected]>
Subject: Agenda item 11 - 2/7/23 meeting - oppose
Dear Council Members,
I write in opposition to Item 11, increased campaign limits. Increasing campaign contribution limits 10-fold, to $5500, will be one more step to putting our local government into the hands of wealthy people. We should be striving to reduce the influence of money in politics, not increase it.
With a $5500 campaign limit, a dozen couples could fund a strong campaign for city council ($132,000). Do we want our City Council members beholden to a few wealthy people, or do we want our City Council to respond to a broad cross section ofHB residents? This obscenely high contribution limit will reduce democracy in Huntington Beach. Please vote no.
Robert Banzeft
Huntington Beach resident
Agenda torn No,L^t7/ (^ •^(^____
Moore, Tania
From: Fikes, Cathy
Sent: Sunday, February 5, 2023 7:07 PM
To: Agenda Alerts
Subject: FW: Feb 7 Meeting Agenda Items
-—Original Message-—
From: James Taylor <[email protected]>
Sent: Saturday, February 4, 2023 4:11 PM
To: CITY COUNCIL <[email protected]>
Subject: Feb 7 Meeting Agenda Items
Dear City Council Members:
As a 45-year resident of HB, I have comments on several of the agenda items on the February 7 agenda:
Item 11 — I don't support the idea of allowing more money in politics/ particularly from out of the City. This increase will allow special interests to have even more influence on our City affairs. A broader contribution base of relatively small donors would be much more representative of our community. Please do not approve this increase.
Item 12 — Requiring in-person complaints will discourage people who have the most visibility into code violations from pointing them out. For example, restaurant workers who observe dangerous health code violations may be hesitant to report them for fear of losing their jobs. Also, neighbors who observe violation of building codes may not report them for fear of retribution. This proposal sounds like a very bad idea.
Item 30 — I support this one. We should not be flying special interest flags, which we may not all agree with, on city flag poles. POW/MIA flags should be OK and non-controversial/ but all others should not be allowed.
Item 31 — Although I do not support the State housing regulations being challenged, spending more City money to challenge them seems like a waste of taxpayer money and staff time. The current City Attorney has not had a record of success with these challenges/ and there is no reason to believe the same City Attorney will do any better in the future.
We should accept the fact that these regulations exist, and try to find a way to comply with them in an absolutely minimal way. Money could be more productively spent by exploring how we could best comply with the letter (if not the spirit) of the rules.
item 32 — Given that the COVID threat is much reduced (especially for people who get the available boosters), I see no reason to reverse the Mayor's decree.
James JTaylor
16851 Phelps Lane
Huntington Beach
Meeting Date: ^/"?/^0^
7r
Agenda ttem Mo.:^// ^3- 0?^
Moore, Tania
From: Fikes, Cathy
Sent: Sunday, February 5, 2023 7:44 PM
To: Agenda Alerts
Subject: FW: NO vote on Councilmember Item #27 of the 2-7-23 Council meeting From: Dan Jamieson <[email protected]>
Sent: Sunday, February 5,2023 12:48 PM
To: CIT^ COUNCIL <[email protected]>
Subject: NO vote on Coundlmember ltem^#27offhe 2-7-23 Council meeting Dear HB city council:
Please vote NO on Consent Calendar item #11, at the 2-7-23 Council meeting.
The so-called "campaign reform" that this item proposes is to actually increase campaign contribution limits to $4,900--the state default limit-from the current $620 city limit. Few HB residents would consider this a reform proposal.
In fact, this proposal would create far more influence in city elections by wealthy special interests. Very few individual contributors to city council elections max out at $620. The exceptions are wealthy special interests— many outside the city-who have business before the city, such as auto dealers, developers and hotels, who (unlike most individuals) also use family members, employees and trade groups to make multiple maximum contributions. Make no mistake: This proposal is specifically designed to massively increase contributions from these business interests.
The proposal was justified as a way to reduce influence by independent expenditure groups. But independent expenditures will continue, and will be driven even higher in competition with, or in conjunction with, the $4,900 individual cap.
Please vote NO on Councilmember Itgm'#S?. Special interests do not need more power at city hall.
Sincerely,
Dan Jamieson
Roxanne McMlllen
Huntington Beach
^,7
Agenda Item No.^Z4^3 -^?^
Moore, Tania
From: Fikes, Cathy
Sent: Sunday, February 5, 2023 7:47 PM
To: Agenda Alerts
Subject: FW: City council meeting February 7
—"Original Message—-
From: Barbara Shapiro <[email protected]>
Sent: Sunday, February 5, 2023 5:54 PM
To: CITY COUNCIL <city.coundl(5)surfcity-hb.org>
Subject: City council meeting February 7
I have concerns about several of the item agendas for this Tuesday Agenda item number 32
Refusing public comments via Zoom .
Zoom or phone is the only way many citizens can attend a city Council meeting. To not allow this will stifle the voices of many citizens including nurses/ doctors and other healthcare workers, firefighters police officers and other public servants due to evening work hours . Other citizens are unable to attend due to health concerns since masking is no longer required in the city Council meetings. Those who are especially vulnerable to the Covid infection such as the elderly/ immunocompromised, transplant recipients or those on chemotherapy are putting their lives at risk to attend a meeting .As you should be aware, more than 4000 Americans are still dying every week of Covid similar to a 911 loss every week . Vaccines are not as protective especially to the immunocompromised. With the new variants you may or may not be aware that monoclonal antibodies no longer work. Your job as elected servants is to welcome voices of all citizens / not stifle them you are elected as a representative not as a gatekeeper to public opinion.
Agenda item 12 anonymous complaints for code violations Free speech is protected by the first amendment. We want citizens to be able to report particularly health and safety issues without fear of repercussion from their employer .1 see this as a free speech issue and will likely result in the city of Huntington Beach getting involved in a very expensive legal fight as this is unconstitutional.
Agenda item 11 changing campaign contributions from $620 to $11,000 would allow individuals and potentially corporate donors from out of the area to contribute large amounts of money to manipulate our local issues. Illegal campaign contributions are very likely. Local politics should remain local.
Dr Joseph and Barbara Shapiro
4231Silliman drive
Huntington Beach
Sent from my iPad
SUPPLEMENTAL
MeeSnaDate: ^/-^/^^^^/ /
Agenrfa ftem No.: -^7/ /2^- 0?^
Moore, Tan ia
From: Fikes, Cathy
Sent: Monday, February 6, 2023 8:51 AM
To: Agenda Alerts
Subject: FW: February 7 meeting
—Original Message-—
From: Pam Taylor <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, February 6, 2023 7:12 AM
To: CITY COUNCIL <[email protected]>
Subject: February? meeting
Dear City Council Members,
Concerning Agenda Item 11
I think it is a bad idea to increase the allowed amount of campaign contributions. This invites influence from a small number of people who then expect votes for their special interests. Please vote no.
Concerning Item 12
Anonymous complaints protect employees from retribution from employers. Please vote no.
Concerning Item 31
A previous attempt to sue the state ended in a loss and spent a substantial amount of city money. Clearly a waste of taxpayer dollars. Please don't do it again.
Pamela Taylor
16851 Phelps Lane
Huntington Beach
Resident and Homeowner since 1976
Meeting Date:_^2^2^.
^11 (yi- C^ }
Moore. Tania
From: Paula Schaefer <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, February 6, 2023 1:24 PM
To: [email protected]
Subject: No on Ordinance # 4276
Mayor and Council Members:
I urge you to vote NO on the proposed ordinance to increase allowable campaign contributions.
There is no need to increase the dollar amount that future candidates may solicit to pursue their candidacies. There is no rational reason to tie the donation dollar limit to that ofCA Senators or Assembly members who represent significantly larger numbers of people. Assembly members represent 450,000+ people, which is roughly twice the number ofHuntington Beach residents.
Upon review of the campaign contribution filed reports, it is apparent to me that more than sufficient funds were obtained by the candidates with the existing donation limits in place.
More money in local politics is not needed.
Paula Schaefer
M8etln9 Oate:__g^JV^^
..±Lte-^
Moore. Tania
From: Fikes, Cathy
Sent: Tuesday, February 7, 2023 8:54 AM
To: Agenda Alerts
Subject: FW: City Council Agenda Items February 7, 2023 From: Linda Moon <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, February 6, 2023 8:42 PM
To: CITY COUNCIL <[email protected]>
Subject: City Council Agenda Items February 7, 2023
Dear Mayor Strickland and City Council Members: Agenda ttwn No.L-^.///^ ' 0^^ I have been a resident and homeowner in Huntington Beach for 48 years and maintained a law office in Huntington Beach for 40 years until my retirement. I have followed the work of the City Council for many years. I have serious concerns about several items on the February 7, 2023 agenda. I urge your careful consideration and measured approach in moving forward with these proposals. Of greatest concern to me are the following:
Item 11, An ordinance raising political campaign contribution limits beyond the inflation standards previously established will result in an unfortunate scenario in which only candidates with wealthy and coiporate supporters can possibly be elected. This is a recipe for council corruption and the elimination of diversity on the city's governing body. I urge you to vote NO on enactment of this ordinance.
Item 12, An ordinance prohibiting anonymous reports against businesses and requiring identification and public disclosure of reporters, will be intimidating to the public and have a chilling effect on legitimate reports regarding potentially dangerous Code violations. The public should not be made to fear retaliation or retribution for reporting dangerous conditions or be required to submit to public disclosure of their identity and address. The City Code Enforcement employees can quickly determine whether reports are valid or frivolous. The ordinance language makes an upfront assumption that all reports are wrongful. The opposite should be true. Code enforcement practices should best serve the residents, employees and customers, not make them targets and endanger the safety of reporters and their families. A member of the public providing information for investigation by a city agency is not the official "accuser" as the term is used in criminal prosecution. The City itself would be the complainant in a Code Enforcement action and would be charged with making its own investigation. The reporting person is not even an official witness, only a reporter. Only if the City itself finds a violation of a Code would any action be taken against a business. The ordinance as written will only have the effect of discouraging legitimate reports. I urge you to vote NO on enactment of this ordinance.
Item 30, A proposal by Councilmember Bums to allow only government and POW/MIA flags to be flown at' City buildings is obviously targeted at the Pride flag allowed for a few weeks of the year. The council action allowing the flying of the Pride flag was a small act, intended to show compassion and demonstrate that Huntington Beach is a welcoming safe place for all. The flag was perceived by most residents as a minor unthreatening symbol of acceptance. An ordinance disallowing the Pride flag, however, would have far more 1 significance than the action authorizing the flag, as it sends a clear message of rejection and discrimination. Whatever your feelings about the Pride movement, this ordinance will result in the City being publicly branded as discriminatory and unwelcoming. I urge you to reject this proposed ordinance.
Item 31, Authorizing the City attorney to take all actions necessary to challenge the requirements ofAB9 and SB 10, will most certainly result in unnecessary significant cost to the city. Huntington Beach does not exist in a vacuum. Like it or not, we are part of the State of California and subject to its housing laws. Most of the council members have had little education, to date, regarding how and why housing mandates exist. We have already paid millions of dollars to fines that could have gone to good use in our city for defying housing statutes. Continued defiance will not be productive or in the best interests of the residents ofHuntington Beach.
The argument that more housing in Huntington Beach is incorrect and uninformed. We have had an increase in our city s population and there is almost no housing availability for workers needed in the city, or anyone earning less than $100,000 per year. The existing population has also created the need for housing for households it created. The children who grew up in your homes become adults needing their own homes, adding to the number of household dwellings required. You want your children and grandchildren to remain here in Huntington Beach so they will need housing. Allowing for Duplexes, Accessory Dwelling Units and subdivision of residential lots is the least impactful way to increase available housing without drastically changing the character of our neighborhoods. If you do not want to allow high density residential construction, you need to at least accept the minor impacts of the new state legislation. I urge your rejection of this item.
Item 32, Restoring remote public participation in City Council meetings is essential to allow the public the opportunity to address the council, other than in person or in writing. Many residents, including me, are unable to address the council in person, for numerous reasons. In my case, I care for my 99 year old mother and cannot expose myself to any viruses that may be present in the council chamber. Other residents have transportation, employment, disability and chUd/elder care responsibilities that make in person appearances impossible. You have all championed expansion of the public's right to speak at council meetings. I urge you to support restoration of remote participation.
I hope the City Council will fully deliberate and consider the need for, effects and ramifications of the above proposals, with the focus on serving the best interests of the City and its residents.
Sincerely,
Linda Sapiro Moon
Moore, Tania
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
Fikes, Cathy
Tuesday, February 7, 2023 8:54 AM
Agenda Alerts
FW: Tuesday 2/7/2023 City Council Agenda
"—Original Message—-
From: Thomas Brown <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, February 6, 2023 8:44 PM
To: CITY COUNCIL <[email protected]>
Subject: Tuesday 2/7/2023 City Council Agenda
To Huntington Beach City Council,
I would like to express my thoughts on select items on the 2/7/2023 agenda. ^eetin@ Oate:.^s-
Agenda Item Ho.^_^/J^_^0^^
A NO vote on Item 11:
This item refers to a final vote to increase the limit of campaign contributions from an individual. The current limit of $620 per individual would be increased to $5500 per individual, which would represent a significant increase. An increase in campaign contribution limits can be seen as unfair to poor citizens because it gives more power and influence to those who have more money. When individuals with financial resources can make larger campaign contributions, they have the potential to shape election outcomes and have their voices heard more loudly than those without similar financial resources. This can lead to a situation where the concerns and interests of the wealthy are prioritized over those of the less fortunate, creating an imbalance of power in the political system. For this reason, an increase in campaign contribution limits can be seen as a threat to the principle of political equality, as it gives more weight to the opinions of the wealthy, and less weight to the opinions of the less fortunate.
A No vote on Item 12:
Banning anonymous code enforcement reports could violate the First Amendment right to free speech and discourage individuals from reporting code violations out of fear of retaliation. The measure also carries a significant risk of litigation, including a lawsuit from the ACLU, which would result in significant legal costs and resources for the organization.
Instead of a ban on anonymous reporting, it may be more effective to consider alternative solutions that preserve the benefits of anonymous reporting, such as implementing robust whistleblower protection policies.
A NO vote on Item 30:
Banning commemorative flags on city flag poles goes against the principles of diversity and inclusivity that our city prides itself on. The Pride flag, which was the reason for the introduction of this ordinance/symbolizes the struggles and victories of the LGBTQ+community and isa symbol of hope and acceptance. By banning it from being flown on city flag poles/ we send a message of exclusion and disregard for the rights of marginalized groups.
Instead of suppressing the display of certain flags, we should embrace the rich tapestry of identities and perspectives represented in our city.
A YES vote on Item 32:
Item 32 is a commendable proposal that aims to make council meetings more accessible to a wider range of citizens. The practice of remote access via Zoom, which was discontinued recently/ has proven to be beneficial in increasing civic participation during the pandemic. It has provided an opportunity for those who are unable to physically attend public meetings, as well as those with busy schedules/ to take part in important discussions and decision-making processes. By resuming this practice, the city council would demonstrate its commitment to promoting transparency, inclusivity/ and participation in the democratic process. Overall, I strongly support Item 32 and believe it will have a positive impact on the community.
Thomas Brown
Huntington Beach Resident for 20+ years
Moore, Tania
From: Fikes, Cathy
Sent: Tuesday, February 7, 2023 8:55 AM
To: Agenda Alerts
Subject: FW: City Council Meeting Feb 7, 2023
From: [email protected] <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, February 6, 2023 8:58 PM
To: CITY COUNCIL <[email protected]>
Subject: City Council Meeting Feb 7/2023
Regarding the following agenda items:
Item 11. Campaign contributions per individuals should be kept at the minimum $620. There are already way too many signs and TV ads flooding our streets and airwaves during EVERY election cycle.
Item 12. Banning anonymous reporting of code violations is not recommended. Many citizens may be fearful of being singled out personally for becoming a whistle blower. The council should be informed of any code violations, anonymous or otherwise.
Item. 32. Please reinstate the remote public participation option for council meetings on Zoom. As a senior citizen I believe that it is an excellent tool for getting personally involved in local civic matters. A recent illness has left me immunocompromised and I'm sure there are many others with similar maladies.
I am a 48 year resident ofHuntington Beach.
Al Arvizu
Ph:714"514-1148
1UPPLEMEMTAL
Meeting Date: »Z/7^-?>
Agenda ftom No.: ^ ///^ -^?^2^
~^
Moore, Tania
From: Fikes, Cathy
Sent: Tuesday, February 7, 2023 10:06 AM
To: Agenda Alerts
Subject: FW: regarding tonight's agenda
From: Mary Ann Celinder <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, February 7, 2023 9:20 AM
To: CITY COUNCIL <[email protected]>
Subject: regarding tonight's agenda
Item 11:1 strongly oppose increasing campaign contribution limits. It would make it harder for unconnected candidates to run against those funded by special interests. The special interests would have more say about how their candidates would vote. It's setting them up for corruption. I also feel the council should be divided into parts of the city so the campaigns aren't city wide and areas could elect people to represent their part of the city.
Item 12: Anonymous reports would lead to fake reports. A person must be identified, though their ID should be confidential.
Item 30: Don't regress the progress we've made in accepting all. All must feel welcomed in our increasingly diverse population and feel comfortable to be themselves.
Item 32:1 appreciate the opportunity to view council meetings via zoom. It increases transparency which is extremely important in city government. It's rare for me to have the chance to go in person. Anyone afraid of being on zoom is trying to hide their agenda. Keep our meeting accessible to all.
Mary Ann Celinder
21341 Fleet Lane
Huntington Beach Ca 92646
cell 714 504 8361
.j^ils^.
AgonrtntNnMTt'J^// f^ ' 0^
Moore, Tania
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
Attachments:
Fikes, Cathy
Tuesday, February 7, 2023 1:19 PM
Agenda Alerts
FW: FEBRUARY 7, 2023 SPEECH - MARY JO BARETICH
2023-02-07 CITY COUNCIL EMAIL.docx
From: MJ Baretich <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, February 7, 2023 1:14 PM
To: CITY COUNCIL <[email protected]>
Subject: FEBRUARY ~1, 2023 SPEECH - MARY JO BARETICH
Attached is my speech for this evening/ February 7/ 2023.
Thank you/
Mary Jo Baretich
3 y^firjgOate;
Agenda torn Ho.^J^^^^
Good evening Mayor and City Council.
My name is Mary Jo Baretich. I am the president of the Cabrillo Beachfront Village HOA/ a member of the Mobile Home Advisory Board and a Huntington Beach resident for 40 years.
I am concerned about Agenda Item II/ the amendment to increase spending limits for campaign contributions.
If this ordinance passes to increase campaign contributions to $5500 per candidate from each contributor/ Huntington Beach will have funding limits allowed that are 2-3 times more than the other top three cities in Orange County. In addition to that/ the candidates are already allowed to receive contributions called Independent Expenditures.
It is unseemly to hear you are considering this large an increase. Yes/ we are the fourth largest city in Orange County/ but our Municipal Code Section
2.07.050 already allows a reasonable limit on Monetary contributions to candidates. Independent contributions are different. Requesting that the amount be raised up to contributions for Assembly and Senate limits (which is currently $5/500, is not reasonable. Our local city candidates are only running for positions in our city/ not campaigning throughout entire Assembly or Senate Districts.
The other three larger cities can be compared. Each of these Cities have municipal codes that establish the acceptable campaign contributions. Anaheim/ with a population of 347/000 allows $2/200, Santa Ana with a population of 335,000 allows a maximum of $1000, Irvine/ with a population of 260/000 allows a maximum contribution of $550, and here in Huntington Beach/ with a population of 197/000/ our Monitory contribution limit in 2022 was $620. And each year it can be raised based upon the consumer price index (CPI).
This issue needs to be a Vote of the Citizens of Huntington Beach/ not just a City Council majority vote. If the Council insists upon this/ then it needs to be placed on the 2024 June Primary.
Thank you,
Mary Jo Baretich