Communications - Ordinance No. 4283 — City Council/Public Financing Authority, March 7, 2023

COMMUNICATIONS REGARDING
ORDINANCE NO. 4283

GOVERNMENT FLAGS ON CITY PROPERTY
RECEIVED AFTER 2:00 PM ON
FEBRUARY 21, 2023
Moore, Tania
From: Dan Desjardin < [email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, February 21, 2023 2:04 PM
To: [email protected]
Subiect: Fwd: AGENDA ITEM 23-165
Good afternoon,
Please vote NO on Agenda 23-165. Please allow the Pride Flag to continue to flown on City Government property.

I have lived here in Huntington Beach for 46 of the 50 years of my life and I am proud to be able to say that.

Our city has welcomed all walks of life to this city to enjoy the sun, the sand, the wonderful atmosphere in downtown for as long as I can remember. They keep coming back month after month, year after year supporting our local business. This includes our residents and out of town guests. Yet, this move to remove the Pride Flag, will absolutely make people feel excluded and completely unwelcome.

This move to not allow the Pride Flag is 100% backed with bigotry and hate. You can spin the words, interpret it and tell the media what you want to but you and I know the truth. "If it looks like a duck, swims like a duck, quacks likes a duck, then it's probably a duck" Dan Desjardin
Concerned Human Being
Moore, Tania
From: kate healy <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, February 21, 2023 2:04 PM
To: [email protected]; CITY COUNCIL
Subject: Interfaith Invocation & PRIDE Flag
Council members, please vote to continue interfaith representatives giving invocations and also, continue flying the PRIDE flag- you are presenting our City as xenophobic and homophobic to the world- you state it's divisive and that you care about businesses in Huntington Beach- how are these ordinances helping our city attract visitors and tourism?
-Kate (resident and business owner in HB)
Kate Healy
she/her/hers
[email protected]
Moore, Tania
From: Taylor Haug <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, February 21, 2023 2:06 PM
To: [email protected]; CITY COUNCIL
Subject: Support Agenda Item 23
I support agenda item #23. Nothing is more inclusive than the American flag.

Thank you,
Taylor Haug
Moore, Tania
From: marcia hoist <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, February 21, 2023 2:14 PN
To: [email protected]
Subject: in support of agenda item no. 23.

Dear City Council members
1 am a Huntington Beach resident for many years. I support and urge you all to vote in favor of item 23 tonight. I am not against LGBTQ or flying their flags in appropriate circumstances and places. However they should not be flown on our municipal buildings nor should any other special interest flag be flown on our local government /municipal buildings, only flags that have to do with our local state and federal government should be allowed.

Thank you very much.

Marcia Hoist
Moore, Tania
From: Claudia Stubin <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, February 21, 2023 2:14 PM
To: [email protected]
Subject: SUPPORT of Agenda Item 23
To Whom It May Concern,
I am in SUPPORT of Agenda Item 23. Thank you Pat Burns and the new city Council for passing the ordinance. Shame on Natalie Moser who supports holding our city hostage to the deep pockets of corporations that tell us what to think and how to live. Huntington Beach is NOT FOR SALE!!!
Natalie Moser should focus on the issues that concern the residents- like homelessness and crime, NOT identity politics!!!
Blessings,
Claudia Stubin
Sent from my iPhone
Moore, Tania
From: Doris Hill <[email protected]> •
Sent: Tuesday, February 21, 2023 2:18 PM
To: [email protected]
Subject: Agenda item#23
I support that we don't fly any nongovernmental and nonmilitary flags on our city property. You are free to fly any other flag you choose as long as it isn't on city property.

Sincerely,
Doris Hill
Moore, Tania
From: gabe < [email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, February 21, 2023 2:23 PM
To: [email protected]
Subject: Agenda Item 23 Support
•
To Whom It May Concern,
I am in SUPPORT of Agenda Item 23. Thank you Pat Burns and the new city Council for passing the ordinance. Shame on Natalie Moser who supports holding our city hostage to the deep pockets of corporations that tell us what to think and how to live. Huntington Beach is NOT FOR SALE!!! Natalie Moser should focus on the issues that concern the residents- like homelessness and crime, NOT identity politics!!!
Blessings,
Gabriel Stubin
Sent from my iPhone
1 Moore, Tania
From: Toni Saldivar <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, February 21, 2023 2:26 PM
To: [email protected]
Subiect: In Support of Agenda Item #23
The decision to fly only government flags at government facilities is the right decision. Forcing unpopular agendas is a move for power.

Best Regards,
Margo Saldivar
Moore, Tania
From: Victor & Alice Kornahrens < [email protected]> Sent: Tuesday, February 21, 2023 2:50 PM
To: [email protected]
Subiect: Pride flags are gone - yeah!!!
Dear HB City Council Members,
Thank you so much for removing the pride flags from our city buildings. While everyone whines about inclusivity, I have always felt they were about grooming. They don't belong on government administration buildings
I have spoken to many in my neighborhood and again just today I heard about what a great job you are doing.

Keep the faith - we are behind you.

Alice Kornahrens and neighbors from Ford, Lee, Mill, and Canna streets.

Moore, Tania
From: Janet Jacobs < [email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, February 21, 2023 3:07 PM
To: [email protected]
Subject: Support for Agenda item 23 - Gov't Flags on City Property I am a 40 year resident of Huntington Beach.

I believe we should only fly the flags of our Country, State, City and POW/MIA on City property.

It's discrimination and controversial for our City to fly any other type flag or insignia. Doing so is not the role of any city government. I've been very disturbed and unhappy seeing controversial flags flvina on our city properties the past few years, especially during the US Open month when million visit our Surf City.

I'm very proud of our new City Council for standing up for what is right in the benefit of our City, residents and business community.

It is about time we focus on the major issues and responsibilities of local government and overturn some of those poor decisions made by the previous council on Public Safety, Irresponsible High Density Development, Homeless/Transient issues and not picking "favorites" for identity politics.

This is just a responsible action for city property. It does not limit any person or group from displaying any personal flag of choice at their own home or business.

Thank you,
Janet Jacobs
714-401-3555
Moore, Tania
From: Christine Sarver < [email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, February 21, 2023 3:11 PM
To: [email protected]
Subject: Agenda Number 23
I am in support of agenda #23. I am a homeowner who has lived in HB since 1987.

Thanks you,
Christine Sarver
Sent from my iPhone
Moore, Tania
From: Michelle <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, February 21, 2023 3:25 PM
To: [email protected]
Subject: Support agenda item 23
[email protected]
>
>
>
> To Whom It May Concern,
> I am in SUPPORT of Agenda Item 23. Thank you Pat Burns and the new city Council for passing the ordinance. Shame on Natalie Moser who supports holding our city hostage to the deep pockets of corporations that tell us what to think and how to live. Huntington Beach is NOT FOR SALE!!!
>
> Natalie Moser should focus on the issues that concern the residents-like homelessness and crime, NOT identity politics!!!
>
> Blessings,
> Michelle Beatty
> Sent from my iPhone
Sent from my iPhone
1 Moore, Tania
From: Marty Golden < [email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, February 21, 2023 3:39 PM
To: [email protected]
Subject: Support Agenda Item 23 - Government Flags on City Property As a 40 yeart resident of Hunting Beach I am 100% in favor of this Item. One Nation one flag. One State one flag.

We don't need flags for special interest groups - it is time to unify not divide.

Martin Golden
5201 Mcfadden Ave.

Huntington Beach, CA 92649
Moore, Tania
From: Brenda Garcia < [email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, February 21, 2023 3:51 PM
To: [email protected]
Subject: In favor of item 23
Hello,
I heard you are voting on if the city should continue to fly special interest flags. Please vote to stop doing that. The city should only fly city, state & federal government flags.

Thank you!
Brenda Garcia
Sent from my iPhone
Moore, Tania
From: Kay Irene < [email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, February 21, 2023 3:59 PM
To: [email protected]
Subject: Agenda item #23
This will be received by you after your required 2pm cutoff. I still want to say l am for Councilman Burns ordinance regarding the Pride flag. I am a 20 year resident of Huntington Beach and moved here because of the laid back beach atmosphere and community feel. I think Ms. Chang needs to focus on her city of San Francisco that is in such turmoil with drug issues, homelessness, and crime and not worry about Huntington Beach. I don't care if she is the CEO of Blue Shield. The only reason they don't hold their Board of Trustees retreat in San Francisco is because of the state of SF. Please, please, please don't change your stand on this, stay strong. More people are for you than against you!! Sent from Mail for Windows
Moore, Tania
From: Wayne Byrne < [email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, february 21, 2023 4:00 PM
To: [email protected]
Subject: In support of item 23
We are Huntington Beach residents and would like our official buildings to fly official flags. It is not representative of all the citizens to fly special interests group flags. Will the city be able to represent every faith, stance or group? Of course not, therefore the city, state and national flag are the appropriate flags to fly from our city government buildings.

Sent from Mail for Windows
Moore, Tania
From: John Palmer <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, February 21, 2023 4:03 PM
To: [email protected]
Subject: Flags
To whom it may concern:

I support the mayor's/ city council amendment to only allow government flags to be flown from city government flagpoles.

John Palmer
627 21 Street
Huntington Beach CA 92648
Moore, Tania
From: Joseph Pedick <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, February 21, 2023 4:13 PM
To: [email protected]
Subject: Agenda Item #23
I SUPPORT Agenda 23 for our beautiful city of HB
We should only fly Federal, State and City flags on government property.

It is obvious if we were to fly special interest flags the list would be endless.

We have the continued freedom to fly whatever we want on our own property, but it is unfair to force people to agree to allow flags of (special interest) on federal property.

Thank You for keeping HB the great city that it is.

God Bless You and God Bless America.

Kathleen Pedick
HB resident &
Tax Payer
Moore, Tania
From: James Trabilcy <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, February 21, 2023 4:20 PN
To: [email protected]
Subject: Agenda item #23- Flags
Hi Council members my name is James Trabilcy. I am a resident of Huntington Beach and am strongly in favor of agenda item #23. Thank you for your service!
Sincerely
James Trabilcy
1 Moore, Tania
From: Steve Newsome < [email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, February 21, 2023 4:21 PM
To: [email protected]
Subject: Agenda Item #23 - Flags
Dear Council Members:

My name is Steve Newsome I have been a resident of Huntington Beach for 51 years.

I am strongly in favor of agenda item #23.

Thank you for you're service and attention to this item Sincerely
Steve Newsome
Switzer, Donna
From: Fikes, Cathy
Sent: Tuesday, February 21, 2023 4:11 PM
To: Agenda Alerts
Subject: FW: Agenda item 23
----Original Message-...

From: KIM DONNELLY <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, February 21, 2023 2:45 PM
To: CITY COUNCIL <[email protected]>
Subject: Agenda item 23
I only support the United States flag us our state flag and our city flag on government property, others can fly their flags on their properties and events.

Sent from my iPhone
1 Switzer, Donna
From: Fikes, Cathy
Sent: Tuesday, February 21, 2023 4:11 PM
To: Agenda Alerts
Subject: FW: Pride flag
--Original Message-...

From: Dianna Orr<[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, February 21, 2023 2:53 PM
To: CITY COUNCIL <[email protected]>
Subject: Pride flag
I am a resident of Huntington Beach. I am in favor of continuing to fly the flag during pride month.

Sent from my iPhone
Switzer, Donna
From: Fikes, Cathy
Sent: Tuesday, February 21, 2023 4:11 PM
To: Agenda Alerts
Subject: FW: Fly LGBTQ+ Flags
From: Pat Murphy<[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, February 21, 2023 2:58 PM
To: CITY COUNCIL < [email protected]>
Subject: Fly LGBTQ+ Flags
City Council Members:

Stop promoting fear and segregation.

Huntington Beach is a great, diverse city.

Help make it safe for all residents, businesses, and visitors.

Switzer, Donna
From: Fikes, Cathy
Sent: Tuesday, February 21, 2023 4:12 PM
To: Agenda Alerts
Subject: FW: Agenda item #23
-----Original Message-...

From: Teresa Kennedy <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, February 21, 2023 3:15 PM
To: CITY COUNCIL <[email protected]>
Cc: Casey McKeon <[email protected]>; Gracey VanDerMark <[email protected]> Subject: Agenda item #23
Dear HB City Council Members
We have been residents of Huntington Beach since 1999. We are submitting this email in SUPPORT for Agenda item #23 on the February 21st Huntington Beach City Council meeting agenda.

We have two things to say about the flying of "non - Governmental" flags on Government flag poles:
1). All "cause" flags should not be flown by the Government.... And the issue is not like or dislike of a flag/cause, the issue is showing favoritism to one cause over another 2). The Pride flag (or any other "cause' flag for this matter) is NOT a Government flag, does not represent a Government and it not flown at the request of a Government (i.e. POW/MIA or branches of the US Military), it's a flag that represents a "group of like minded people that are promoting a CAUSE" and therefore should NOT be flown on a city government flag pole, at any time.

Thank you for your time and attention to this matter.

Sean and Teresa Kennedy
Huntington Beach Ca
Sent from my iPhone
1 Switzer, Donna
From: Fikes, Cathy
Sent: Tuesday, February 21, 2023 4:12 PM
To: Agenda Alerts
Subject: FW: Agenda ltem #23
----Original Message--
From: Chris Byrne <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, February 21, 2023 3:17 PM
To: CITY COUNCIL <[email protected]>
Subject: Agenda Item #23
Good afternoon
I am a 55-year resident of this great city.

It's real simple. I support flying Government flags on government property. I do not support the flying of 'cause' flags of any kind on government property.

Pura Vida
Chris Byrne
213-598-5511
[email protected]
Sent from my iPad
Switzer, Donna
From: Fikes, Cathy
Sent: Tuesday, February 21, 2023 4:12 PM
To: Agenda Alerts
Subject: FW: Flag
From: Lisa R Lanham <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, February 21, 2023 3:20 PM
To: CITY COUNCIL <[email protected]>
Subject: Flag
Please do not fly the gay pride flag. It is divisive and does not unite HB.

Thanks,
Lisa Lanham
Sent from my T-Mobile 5G Device
Get Outlook for Android
Switzer, Donna
From: Fikes, Cathy
Sent: Tuesday, February 21, 2023 4:12 PM
To: Agenda Alerts
Subject: FW: I support Agenda Item #23 and No Sexual Preference Flags on our Public Property.

Don't Ask, Don't Tell.

From: larry mcneely <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, February 21, 2023 3:23 PM
To: CITY COUNCIL <[email protected]>
Subject: I support Agenda Item #23 and No Sexual Preference Flags on our Public Property. Don't Ask, Don't Tell.

Switzer, Donna
From: Fikes, Cathy
Sent: Tuesday, February 21, 2023 4:13 PM
To: Agenda Alerts
Subject: FW: Special Interest Flags
Attachments: Rhonda Bolton.docx
From: doug hein < [email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, February 21, 2023 3:31 PM
To: CITY COUNCIL <[email protected]>
Subject: Special Interest Flags
Council, I would draw your attention to the attachment above that include a sampling of the comments I've seen regarding this matter.

It is precisely because of comments like these that I endorsement the adoption of the resolution to not fly ANY FLAGS on city property other than government flags.

While I expect overheated rhetoric from a political operative, looking to stir up hatred for his opposition to garner votes for his party, it is shameful to see this rhetoric from a council member that is supposed to represent ALL CITIZENS of Huntington Beach.

I am a long time resident of Huntington Beach, I own my home here and have raised my family here and in our schools. I would urge ALL OF YOU to tone down the inciteful rhetoric that invites division and the suggestion that disagreement = hate is hateful in and of itself.

Do not allow yourself to be bullied by special interests using economic ransom tactics. 100,000's of thousands of people are drawn to Huntington Beach for a variety of reasons, weather, the beach, etc. If they don't want to come because we don't fly the flag of their special interest we can live without them.

Thank you.

Resident
Sent from Mail for Windows
1 Rhonda Bolton
@RhondaMBolton
Feb 8
Looking forward to the day folks stop believing that recognizing the strength, struggle, pain, grit & dignity of one group of humans does not diminish anyone else. It uplifts us all.

Unless — as one member of the audience observed—you're homophonic.

Aaron McCall
@MrNeuropolitan
23h
This kind of snark is so unhelpful - and not in the "we have to be civil to change minds" kind of way - it's unhelpful because conservatives want to erase LGBTQ+ people from public life entirely. That's what they want - and we can't let them have it.

Switzer, Donna
From: Fikes, Cathy
Sent: Tuesday, February 21, 2023 4:13 PM
To: Agenda Alerts
Subject: FW: Restoring Pride
----Original Message----
From: Margaret Williams <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, February 21, 2023 3:43 PM
To: CITY COUNCIL <city. [email protected]>
Subject: Restoring Pride
I am a resident of HB. I'm saddened by the HB City Council decision to limit the flying of the LGBTQ Pride Flag for four weeks out of the year during Pride month. In essence the council has sent the message that inclusion is not important, and some groups are not worth recognition.

Maggie Williams
Sent from my iPad
Switzer, Donna
From: Fikes, Cathy
Sent: Tuesday, February 21, 2023 4:13 PM
To: Agenda Alerts
Subject: FW: Council meeting on February 21 2023
----Original Message-...

From: john hall <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, February 21, 2023 3:43 PM
To: CITY COUNCIL <[email protected]>
Subject: Council meeting on February 21 2023
Please have all speakers identify where they live before speaking. Residents should be given priority if there is an over abundance of speakers on any given LOCAL issue. Thank you.

John Hall
16111 warren lane
HBCa, 92649
Sent from my iPad
Switzer, Donna
From: Fikes, Cathy
Sent: Tuesday, February 21, 2023 4:13 PM
To: Agenda Alerts
Subject: FW: Pride Flag in June
From: Sue Acito <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, February 21, 2023 3:49 PM
To: CITY COUNCIL <city. [email protected]>
Subject: Pride Flag in June
Hello council members,
The proposed discontinuation of flying the Pride flag in June does a disservice to the people in our community AND our military who are queer or are queer allies.

California, and HB, are places our great country looks to for inclusive and caring leadership.

To do away with this gesture of inclusion and recognition puts the physical well-being of allies and queer folks, and other marginalized communities that are foundational to HB and our country, at risk.

Keep the Pride flag flying this June. Don't turn your back on taxpayers and people who love this area.

Warmly,
Sue
Sue M. Acito, M.Ed., RYT-200
(she/her)
[email protected]
www.sueacito.com
Switzer, Donna
From: Fikes, Cathy
Sent: Tuesday, February 21, 2023 4:14 PM
To: Agenda Alerts
Subject: FW: Flying the United States of America Flag at city hall ----Original Message-.

From: Janet Edwards <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, February 21, 2023 4:10 PM
To: CITY COUNCIL <[email protected]>
Subject: Flying the United States of America Flag at city hall Dear City Council,
I am writing to you concerning agenda #23 and my support against flying any flag BUT the flag for the United States of America and possibly the California state flag. Any other flag should not be flown at city hall. In a day and age where we are so divided on so many issues lets not make the flying of a flag another way to divide the citizens of Huntington Beach. We all have our own beliefs and concerns. Thats what makes a community so unique. Flying different flags from organizations will show that our city supports what ever cause that flag is for. I sincerely hope that you will be able to see how much this can divide our city. Not flying the flag of organizations doesn't say we don't support people in their cause. It does say that we all can work together as members of a community under one flag, The United States of America flag.

Thank you,
Janet Edwards
Citizen of Huntington Beach
Switzer, Donna
From: Fikes, Cathy
Sent: Tuesday, February 21, 2023 4:13 PM
To: Agenda Alerts
Subject: FW: Flags
-Original Message-..

From: Linda Large <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, February 21, 2023 3:51 PM
To: CITY COUNCIL. <[email protected]>
Subject: Flags
I am a resident of Huntington Beach 92646 for 45 years. I think only USA, State and local city flags should be flown at our government offices. That's it. No others. No special interest flags. Thank you, Linda Large Sent from my iPhone
Switzer, Donna
From: Jackie Steele < [email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, February 21, 2023 5:35 PM
To: CITY COUNCIL; [email protected]
Subject: Letters in Support of the LGBTQ+ Community (Boeing | Quiksilver | International Olympic Committee and more)
Good evening, HB Council,
We wanted to provide updated letters of support for the LGBTQ+ community from major corporations that do business/drive tourism in Huntington Beach who are prepared to support our community.

BOEING
Sara Bowen, Vice President, Global Equity, Diversity & Inclusion at Boeing:
"Our success relies on our ability to honor and celebrate the best in everyone, from every background and country, every race, every gender identity and orientation, disability, and military status. Diversity and inclusion aren't nice to have, they're a business necessity. Guided by our values, we will press forward on the challenging and necessary work ahead of us to create a company and society where everyone is included, respected and supported in reaching their full potential.

OAK TREE CAPITALMANAGEMENT OWNERS OF QUICKSILVER
Jerilyn Castillo McAniff, Managing Director and Head of Diversity & Inclusion at Oaktree:
"Fostering an environment where all people have equal opportunity to succeed is a core belief of Oaktree. We will continue to work with CEl, Oaktree Pride, and the LGBTQ+ community to ensure we are providing a safe and inclusive workplace for all our employees." VANS
Samantha Feld, Senior Manager social responsibility for the VF Corporations (VANS):
"Being an ally and advocate for the LGBTQ+ community remains a critical way in which we support and uplift our communities both in our backyard and globally."

THE INTERNATIONAL OLYMPIC COMMITTEE
The International Olympic Committee provided this statement:

At all times, the IOC recognizes and upholds human rights, as enshrined in both the Fundamental Principles of the Olympic Charter and the IOC Code of Ethics.

The IOC is committed to improving the promotion and respect of human rights within the scope of its responsibility across its three spheres of activity - as an organization, as the owner of the Olympic Games and as the leader of the Olympic Movement.

The objective is to ensure that people's rights are put at the core of our operations and are respected in line with international agreements and standards - within the IOC's remit. 1 CITY OF WEST HOLLYWOOD
Tonight on the 2-21-23 agenda, the City of West Hollywood has the following item on the agenda:

RESOLUTION DENOUNCING THE CITY OF HUNTINGTON BEACH'S RECENT MOTION AND

FORTHCOMING ORDINANCE TO BAN THE DISPLAY OF THE PRIDE FLAG this includes:
- Authorizing the City Manager to suspend official travel to the City of Huntington Beach if the proposed ordinance is approved and until such time as the new policy AGENDA ITEM 2.N. Page 2 of 4 is revoked or amended.
- Directing the Community & Legislative Affairs Division to maintain and update the list of states and cities to which the City has suspended official travel due to anti LGBTQ+ policies and/or legislation and make this list available on the City's website**.

This will then be sent to:

California Governor Gavin Newsom, California State Senator Ben Allen, California State Assembly Member Rick Chavez Zbur, Huntington Beach Mayor Tony Strickland, and others as deemed appropriate.
you can read this item fully here under 2N:
https://weho.granicus.com/MetaViewer.php?view id=&event id=1428&meta id=249350 **community stakeholders will also take this resolution to nationwide travel and tourism boards.

Please vote down this ordinance.

We look forward to being in dialogue and shaping a brighter future together.

Jackie Steele
Switzer, Donna
From: Heidi Barlow < [email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, February 21, 2023 4:48 PM
To: [email protected]
Subject: Flag - Item # 23
To the City Council of HB,
I am in support of City, State and Federal Government Flags ONLY. NO special interest flags.

Thank you!
Heidi Barlow, Huntington Beach
Switzer, Donna
From: Melissa Dunlap <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, February 21, 2023 4:48 PM
To: [email protected]
Subject: Item #23
I am in favor of 'only' City, State, and Federal flags to be flown on city government property, and 'no' special interest flags to be flown there.

Thank you,
Melissa Dunlap
Switzer, Donna
From: William H. Haas <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, February 21, 2023 4:59 PM
To: [email protected]
Subject: Support for Agenda Item 23-Goby. flags on city porperty I have been a resident of Huntington Beach since 1974. I am opposed to affinity groups on city property. City Hall is a government entity and not a flag park. Hence the city should only be flying government flags that directly pertain to the city, like the US flag. If private entities want a flag park then they can create one using private funds. People can also fly what flags they want from private party as long as they obey all applicable city ordinances.

William H. Haas.
17882 Shoreham Ln. HB.

Switzer, Donna
From: Kelly Hubbard <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, February 21, 2023 5:03 PM
To: [email protected]
Subject: Re: In support of Councilman Burns' agenda item number 23.

Dear City Council,
My name is Kelly Hubbard and I am a resident of HB and have been practically my entire adult life. I am fully in support of Agenda item number 23 and I commend Councilman Pat Burns for bringing this forward.

Government should not be flying any special interest flags or display any political group's symbols on public property. It is NOT the role of local, state, or of the federal government to be displaying flags to appease or promote the agenda of certain groups or causes. Besides that, this particular flag in question is actually a source of more division than some would like us to believe. For many people of faith in HB and for many families and residents in HB who hold strong biblical beliefs, this particular flag is not the symbol of unity as some have claimed it is. I would dare say that for the majority in this town, the Pride flag is not symbolic of unity. Unlike the American flag and the POW flag, this so-called Pride flag does not bring folks together. That said, 1 oppose the flying of any flag like this because it would be an endorsement by government of a certain agenda and lifestyle that frankly most people in this town probably don't support. As a Huntington Beach resident, I am fully on board with item number 23 and strongly agree with Councilman Burns for bringing this item forward.

The only flags that should be flown on city property and in the city hall plaza should be our beloved American flag, our state flag, our city flag and the POW flag. All other flags that are non government related should be left for residents on their own if they so choose to be flown on private property. Thank you - Kelly Hubbard Switzer, Donna
From: Sandee Freemon < [email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, February 21, 2023 5:43 PM
To: [email protected]
Subject: Item 23
I have lived in Hb for 39 years. I am in favor of item 23. I feel the government buildings should not have special interest flags flown.

Thank you
Sandee Freemon
Sent from my iPhone
Switzer, Donna
From: John McRee < [email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, February 21, 2023 6:06 PM
To: [email protected]
Subject: I support agenda item no. 23
Please note that we support agenda item no. 23. We are Huntington Beach residents John McRee & Lisa Mundy
5241 Glenroy Drive
Huntington Beach, CA 92649
Switzer, Donna
From: [email protected]
Sent: Tuesday, February 21, 2023 6:07 PM
To: [email protected]
Subject: Support agenda item #23
As a resident of Huntington Beach I support and want the council to support agenda item #23.

Sent from my iPhone
Switzer, Donna
From: [email protected]
Sent: Tuesday, February 21, 2023 7:42 PM
To: [email protected]
Subject: Pride flag
I fully support taking down the flag. We should only have the American flag and California flag flying Rich Sutton
Hb resident
Sent from my iPhone
Switzer, Donna
From: agatha keller < [email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, February 21, 2023 7:51 PM
To: [email protected]
Subject: I support agenda item 23
Switzer, Donna
From: Valerie Tastad-Grigsby <[email protected]> Sent: Tuesday, February 21, 2023 7:54 PM
To: [email protected]
Subject: Agenda item 23
We support Agenda 23.

Don & Valerie Grigsby
1 Switzer, Donna
From: Dawn Koon < [email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, February 21, 2023 7:57 PM
To: [email protected]
I support the council in flying only government and military flags on city property. Private groups should not share this space! If the pride flag is flown then EVERYONE with a flag should be given the same privilege! 1 Switzer, Donna
From: Sally Cohen < [email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, February 21, 2023 9:21 PM
To: [email protected]
Subiect: The Flags That Need to be Displayed by the City of Huntington Beach Dear Council Members,
I could attend the meeting tonight. I hope you did deny any special interest group a flag display. Where does this stop at Patriots, Christians, Black Lives Matter? We only need the USA FLAG and the California flag on city property. Nothing else.

Thank You,
Sally Cohen
Resident of Huntington Beach
Switzer, Donna
From: heidi wassef < [email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, February 21, 2023 9:49 PM
To: [email protected]
Subject: Support agenda 23
I am a HB resident and I support the decision to:

Only allow official government flags to be flown over any Huntington Beach official building.

Flags of political or special interests groups should not be permitted Heidi
Switzer, Donna
From: Karen Franz <[email protected]>
Sent: Wednesday, February 22, 2023 6:35 AM
To: [email protected]
Subject: Flags
I agree with the council regarding the raising of flags other than for federal, state and local governments. They should not be used for advocacy of any specific group. Banning the flags for any special interest group is not bias, racism, or a sign of hatred, it is practical and also a sign of community - that we are all Americans. Those who do not allow for differing opinions or sling names toward those with differing opinions are the ones filled with anger and hate.

Best regards to all,
Karen Franz
Huntington Beach
Switzer, Donna
From: Karen Franz < [email protected]>
Sent: Wednesday, February 22, 2023 6:35 AM
To: [email protected]
Subject: Flags
I agree with the council regarding the raising of flags other than for federal, state and local governments. They should not be used for advocacy of any specific group. Banning the flags for any special interest group is not bias, racism, or a sign of hatred, it is practical and also a sign of community - that we are all Americans. Those who do not allow for differine opinions or sling names toward those with differing opinions are the ones filled with anger and hate.

Best regards to all,
Karen Franz
Huntington Beach
Switzer, Donna
From: Alice Eilis <[email protected]>
Sent: Wednesday, February 22, 2023 8:22 AM
To: [email protected]
Subject: Support for Agenda Item 23
To whom it may concern,
Our current City Council is doing the right thing by flying only the American Flag, state and county flags and the POW/MIA flag. This way we are not favoring any particular group. We are all American citizens. Businesses and homes can fly their own flags according to their preferences and beliefs.

A. M. Ellis
Proud resident of HB for 61 years.

Switzer, Donna
From: Marcia Morrell <morrel|[email protected]>
Sent: Wednesday, February 22, 2023 9:13 AM
To: [email protected]
Subject: Hate speech
In reading that the CC rejects defamatory speech from ppl who chose to speak at CC meetings, it seems time to cut Mr.

Briscoe off! His hate speech toward Gracie is getting old and has no place at these meetings Marcia Morrell
HB Resident
Sent from my iPhone
Switzer, Donna
From: Lisa Williams < [email protected]>
Sent: Wednesday, February 22, 2023 9:26 AM
To: [email protected]
Subject: Flag Flying Ordinance
Dear Council Members,
As residents of Huntington Beach for almost thirty years, we want to once again write about our opposition to the Flag Flying Ordinance proposed by Council Member Burns.

The current flag flying ordinance works perfectly well. The current flag flying resolution allows for diplomacy and requires the council members approval of any commemorative/specialty flags to be flown on flag poles on HB city property. Why would you feel the need to introduce the new flag flying ordinance proposed by Council Member Burns? The only reason you are wanting to change it seems to be an attempt to ban the PRIDE flag.

We ask that at the next City Council meeting you vote to keep flying the PRIDE flag as a symbol of unity and acceptance. Vote to show that Huntington Beach is an inclusive and safe city for their LGBTQ+ residents, family, and friends and all those who visit and work here.

Council Member McKeon continues to state, "All are represented equally under the flag of the United Stated of America" - this is simply NOT TRUE. There are millions of Americans every day fighting for their basic human rights and freedoms, like access to healthcare, housing, employment, etc. They face continued harassment, discrimination, violence, and hate. Therefore, the United States Flag DOES NOT represent all Americans equally in practice, only in ideological theory and this has been the case historically. Please remember that many of these marginalized and oppressed Americans live, work, and visit Huntington Beach. So, opportunities to fly "specialty" flags like the PRIDE flag are critical for inclusion, representation, equity, celebration, and acceptance.

Again, the current flag flying policy works in Huntington Beach. We don't understand why you would "try to fix something that is not broken" except to push your own entitled, misinformed agenda that promotes oppression and keeps people feeling "othered" and marginalized.

Sincerely,
Andrew and Lisa Williams
1 Switzer, Donna
From: Florence Pagliassotti < [email protected]>
Sent: Wednesday, February 22, 2023 9:31 AM
To: [email protected]
Subject: Flag Flying Ordinance
Dear Council Members,
As a resident of Huntington Beach for over 20 years, I want to once again write about our opposition to the Flag Flying Ordinance proposed by Council Member Burns The current flag flving ordinance works perfectly well and allows for diplomacy and requires the council members approval of any commemorative/specialty flags to be flown on flag poles on HB city property. It seems that the only reason you would be in support of Council Members Burns new flag flying ordinance is to ban the PRIDE flag.

Again, the current flag flying policy works in Huntington Beach. I don't understand why you would "try to fix something that is not broken" except to push your own entitled, misinformed agenda that promotes oppression and keeps people feeling "othered" and marginalized.

Sincerely,
Florence Pagliassotti
1 Switzer, Donna
From: Richard Thiel <[email protected]>
Sent: Wednesday, February 22, 2023 12:58 PM
To: [email protected]
Subject: Agenda Item #23
Huntington Beach City Council.

I strongly support the passage of Agenda Item 23 - Only Government Flags on City Property.

In today's society, there are several activist organizations that could take action to request that their flags be flown on the Huntington Beach Government building. If allowed, This could have a very divisive impact on our society as opposed to the Unifying effect that our Country desperately needs.

Our City Council has several other important issues that they are spending their time on, that will greatly effect the Citizens of Huntington Beach both now and in our Future.

Dick Thiel
Huntington Beach Resident
Switzer, Donna
From: Kim VanDerHoek <[email protected]>
Sent: Wednesday, February 22, 2023 2:43 PM
To: CITY COUNCIL; [email protected]
Subject: PRIDE flag
Dear Council Members,
I am writing a second time.

Let me ask, what are you afraid will happen if the city continues to fly the PRIDE flag in June? Looking at a flag doesn't turn people into members of the LBGTQ+ community any more than a Texas flag will turn a Californian into a Texan.

You can try to erase the LBGTQ+ community but you will never succeed.

As someone with friends and family members that are part of the LBGTQ+ community I strongly disagree with your efforts to stop flying the PRIDE flag in June.

LGBTQ+ people are valued members of every community, especially in Huntington Beach. Flying the PRIDE flag signals unity and acceptance of the LBGTQ+ community. I ask that you demonstrate that Huntington Beach is an accepting, inclusive and safe city for LGBTQ+ residents and all of those who visit here by continuing to fly the PRIDE flag in June.

Sincerely,
Kim VanDerHoek
Switzer, Donna
From: Linda Theile <[email protected]>
Sent: Wednesday, February 22, 2023 3:46 PM
To: [email protected]
Subject: In support of agenda item #23
I agree that only government flags should be flown on official Huntington Beach buildings.

There are too many special interest groups that can have their flags flown and/or displayed everywhere else.

Let's keep government buildings here in our city, looking official, not circus like. with every special interest group being represented.

Linda Theile
Switzer, Donna
From: Cheryl H<[email protected]>
Sent: hursday, February 23, 2023 11:04 AN
To: [email protected]
Subject: I support agenda item 23. Ban the gay flag.

Hi,
I just received info on the city council meeting to ban the flag. It's too late, I would have been there. I Will be ready for the next meeting if needed. Please send out an email.

Thank you,
Cheryl Horeczko- H.B. resident
Switzer, Donna
From: marta shively <[email protected]>
Sent: Thursday, February 23, 2023 4:47 PM
To: [email protected]
Subject: Pride Flag
Dear Council Members,
As a resident of Huntington Beach, you did not represent my voice when you voted to Huntington Beach is an accepting, inclusive and safe city for their LGBTQ+ Residents and all those who visit here.

Sincerely,
Bart and Marta Shively
Switzer, Donna
From: adauger < [email protected]>
Sent: Thursday, February 23, 2023 5:15 PN
To: [email protected]
Subject: February 21 meeting item No. 23 and other issues To the Huntington Beach City Council:

I am sorry to miss the deadline for comments for the February 21 meeting; but I will appreciate the indulgence of our excellent City Council in regard to the following I enjoyed meeting the four Surf City United council candidates plus City Attorney Michael Gates at a get-together prior to the election. I was pleased to vote for all of them. I trusted that they would move Huntington Beach in the correct direction going forward. But I have been disappointed in their recent emphasis on two divisive issues that may injure the City, its quality of life, and its reputation.

1. The effort to waste City funds on a fruitless fight with the State in regard to adding about 12,000 units of critically needed new housing. The City has plenty of poorly utilized land available for that housing. The funds could be much better spent on professional planning work to incorporate that housing in a minimally impacting, aesthetically pleasing way.

2. The spiteful ordinance to restrict public flag display areas to "government" flags only, thereby preventing occasional recognition of minority groups in our City. It is sad that Surf City United has decided to make a big issue of stopping "woke activism." What are they afraid of? Thank you for your attention.

Alan Dauger
40 year resident of Huntington Harbour
1 Switzer, Donna
From: It'sNotEnough <[email protected]>
Sent: Friday, February 24, 2023 12:39 AM
To: [email protected]
Subject: In support of agenda item no. 23.

I have been a HB resident for many many years and I support Mr. Burns ordinance on the issue.

Sent from my iPhone.

Switzer, Donna
From: Larry Tenney < [email protected]>
Sent: Friday, February 24, 2023 7:30 AM
To: [email protected]
Cc: [email protected]
Subject: Huntington Beach Pride Flag Ban
Attachments: Video.mov
I oppose the Council majority's attempts to roll back the clock and ban the LGBTQ Pride Flag on public property.

Their move is purely political and motivated by hate.

During the campaign they were endorsed by Calvary Chapel of the Harbour's extremist cult leader Joe Pedick -- a guy who literally preaches QAnon conspiracies from the pulpit. The MAGA four attended a service where he brought them on stage, endorsed them & then he gave each of them the microphone.

Pedick is a hateful man. He's not a Christian, Godly man. He's a notorious homo/transphobe. He preaches transphobia from his pulpit. Here's an example:

Continue to fly the damn Pride Flag during June to show the world that Huntington is an inclusive forward thinking community.

Also, shame on the Council majority for ever giving hate-filled Pedick the spotlight at a City Council meeting.

Larry Tenney
Huntington Beach
Sent from my iPhone
Switzer, Donna
From: Jills E Mail < [email protected]>
Sent: Friday, February 24, 2023 8:50 AM
To: [email protected]
Subject: Agenda item no. 23
I am a Huntington Beach resident for over 25 years.

I whole heartedly support agenda item no. 23 !!!!!!!
Sent from my iPhone
1 Switzer, Donna
From: Robert Frederickson <[email protected]>
Sent: Friday, February 24, 2023 1:48 PM
To: [email protected]
Cc: Patrick Burns; Gracey Van Der Mark; Casey McKeon; [email protected]; Robert Frederickson
Subject: I am in support of agenda item no. 23
There is a reason why Huntington Beach voted for "BOLD" leadership. The majority is tired of being bullied by every level of government and all the progressive activists. I'm old enough to remember when America was a "melting pot"... then, we were all "hyphenated Americans" ... now, we are a "carton of eggs" divided into sub- groups, convinced they are victims and then bully others to cave to their every whim.

Elected politicians should not pick and choose those they support more than others. While I believe nobody should be pursectuted, I also believe that nobody should be celebrated more than others.

I hope that our council members continue to be "BOLD" and not cave in to corporate bullying.

Robert Frederickson
8412 Norfolk Dr, Huntington Beach
714 856 9132
1 Switzer, Donna
From: Mark Urkov <[email protected]>
Sent: Saturday, February 25, 2023 8:45 AM
To: [email protected]
Subject: Support govt only flags
City services are and only should be city state and federal issues concerned.

Special interest flags can fly in their own special places. Private property.

HB Local 52 years
Sent from my iPhone
Switzer, Donna
From: Tracey Morrell <[email protected]>
Sent: Sunday, February 26, 2023 4:07 PM
To: [email protected]
Subject:

Hello,
I am Tracey Morell.

If many people do not agree with a flag, then you should never fly that flag. Otherwise, you are excluding others who will never agree with you or your beliefs.

Los Angeles is bleeding money from police departments with their never-ending sins and corruptions. Meanwhile they are not replacing their antique plumbing utilities. **Any form of corruption leads to spiritual self-destruction. Homosexuality is a sin.** In my opinion, first you should remove that cursed flag and burn it in a trash can. Then you should help Los Angeles to straighten out, before that city will falls into great disrepair and destruction, within 150 years.

Really, I am suggesting to you, that being a neighbor to Los Angeles will become bad for you, if you do not help those people to straighten out. It will prove really bad for you if Los Angeles becomes a big stink hole next door to you.

I do hope that your city will improve. I really do.

Tracey Morell
3•..

Switzer, Donna
From: Lloyd Edwards < [email protected]>
Sent: Sunday, February 26, 2023 4:51 PM
To: [email protected]
Subject: Flag Proposal and Blue Shied Response
I support the ordinance to only display State and Government Flags. AS to the letter from Debbie Chang of Blue Shield of CA, I would suggest the City of HB cut all contracts with Blue Shield and file a formal complaint with the National office. We have choices in health care options (of which there are many) and we should not be subject to extortion or bullying by or any other organization.

Lloyd Edwards
HB
Switzer, Donna
From: Vickie Hamilton < [email protected]>
Sent: Monday, February 27, 2023 7:58 AM
To: [email protected]
Subject: I support for Agenda Item 23
I strongly support Agenda item 23. I am a long-time resident and homeowner in Huntington Beach, and respectfully submit this email for consideration.

Thanks
Victoria Hamilton
Huntington Beach
Switzer, Donna
From: Katelyn Vinh < [email protected]>
Sent: Monday, February 27, 2023 9:36 AM
To: CITY COUNCIL; [email protected]
Subject: HB City Council + PRIDE Flag
Dear City Council Members,
I do not live in Huntington Beach, but this city has been a part of my life since childhood as it is our family's go- to beach. I support inclusivity of the LGBTQ+ Community. Voting to pass an ordinance that would ban the flying of the PRIDE Flag shows that Huntington Beach is not an accepting, inclusive or safe city for the LGBTQ+ community. When I make the decision of where I want to go to spend the day at the beach or where to bring my family, I look for cities that value equality as it makes me feel safer, such as Long Beach, Costa Mesa and Laguna Niguel. Those cities are just as easy for me to go to, AND they show that they value the LGBTQ+ members of their city, unlike Huntington Beach, by flying the PRIDE flag in June. Although I am not a part of the LGBTQ+ community myself, I am completely in support and realize the importance of unity and inclusivity of a community that deserves the same amount of love and respect as everyone else. I ask that at the next City Council meeting, you vote to keep flying the PRIDE flag as a symbol of acceptance and solidarity. Please vote to show that Huntington Beach is an accepting, inclusive and safe city for their LGBTQ+ residents and all those who visit here to enjoy all that Huntington Beach has to offer.

All my best,
Katelyn Vinh
[email protected]
1 Switzer, Donna
From: Stephen Marcin < [email protected]>
Sent: Monday, February 27, 2023 6:28 AM
To: [email protected]
Subject: Support of Agenda Item 23
My name is Steve Marcin. My wife and I are residents of Huntington Beach and have been for the past 38 years.

We support Agenda Item 23 because it is simply the separation of church and state.

Government flag poles don't (and shouldn't) fly flags representing Black Lives Matter, Knights of Columbus, Pro-Life, Alcoholics Anonymous, or the Thin Blue Line. It's a principal foundation of government to remain impartial. To lose sight of this or yield to politically driven influences is a sell out to special interest groups. This is contrary to a fair government that looks upon everyone as equal.

Please approve Agenda Item 23 to demonstrate that Huntington Beach government treats everyone with due respect and without preference regardless of one's race, creed, color, sexual orientation or any other political belief.

Sincerely,
Steve Marcin
Huntington Beach, CA.
(714)497-6376
1 Switzer, Donna
From: Qarin Van Brink < [email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, February 28, 2023 2:37 PM
To: [email protected]
Subject: Do not ban the pride flag
Dear City Council Members,
I do not live in Huntington Beach, but I support inclusivity and the LGBTQ+ Community. Voting to pass an ordinance that would ban the flying of the PRIDE Flag shows that Huntington Beach is not an accepting, inclusive and safe city for the LGBTQ+ community. When I make the decision where I will go to spend the day at the beach, where I will go to shop, where I will go to vacation, | look for cities that value equality, such as Long Beach, Costa Mesa and Laguna Niguel.

Those cities are just as easy for me to go to, AND they show that they value the LGBTQ+ members of their city, unlike Huntington Beach, by flying the PRIDE flag in June.

Banning flags is fundamentally different than simply choosing not to fly them- banning is a direct action against those the flag
represents: it's personal. Banning also sends a message into the future about inclusivity and acceptance (specifically, a lack of it), creating barriers to people not yet in charge in an effort to force them into your current belief systems and preferences. This is bad law.
-Qarin Van Brink
Buena Park, CA
Switzer, Donna
From: ALISA LITE < [email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, February 28, 2023 7:21 PM
To: CITY COUNCIL
Co: [email protected]
Subject: PRIDE Flag
Dear Council Members,
As a longtime resident of HB, it extremely concerns me that the City Council would vote to ban the PRIDE flag and support the ordinance proposed by Council member Burns. You were elected to represent the residents of HB and this directly contradicts the wishes of the majority of residents including myself. It's my understanding the office is non- partisan and it's shameful to see this happening to our great city. Many residents have worked hard to change the city's negative reputation of being non-inconclusive. Most residents support the LGBTQ+ community and it's not okay to ignore the voices of the majority of HB residents. Thank you for your time.

Alisa Lite
1 Switzer, Donna
From: Eitan Schechtman-Drayman < [email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, February 28, 2023 9:56 PM
To: CITY COUNCIL; [email protected]
Subject: Raise the Rainbow Flag Of high this June!
Dear City Council Members,
I do not live in Huntington Beach, but I support inclusivity and the LGBTQ+ Community. Voting to pass an ordinance that would ban the flying of the PRIDE Flag shows that Huntington Beach is not an accepting, inclusive and safe city for the LGBTQ+ community. When I make the decision where I will go to spend the day at the beach, where I will go to shop, where I will go to vacation, I look for cities that value equality, such as Long Beach, Costa Mesa and Laguna Niguel. Those cities are just as easy for me to go to, AND they show that they value the LGBTQ+ members of their city, unlike Huntington Beach, by flying the PRIDE flag in June.

Sincerely,
Eitan
Eitan Schechtman-Drayman
Assistant Professor
Dept. of Neurobiology & Behavior
Cntr for Neurobio of Learning & Memory
University of California, Irvine
Pronouns: He/Him/His
Switzer, Donna
From: trisha rohn < [email protected]>
Sent: Wednesday, March 1, 2023 9:03 AM
To: [email protected]
Subject: agenda item no. 23
Pat Burns I fully support and want only official government flags to be flown in HB.

Natalie Moser- I am disappointed in your choosing to support a blue cross foundation for wasting non profit money with an over priced vacation at a luxury hotel. Where is the accounting oversight on such a waste of money. This is what you support?! How are you wasting HB tax payers money in the same fashion? Trisha Rohn
92647
1 Switzer, Donna
Ted Ross <[email protected]>
From: Wednesday, March 1, 2023 12:43 PM
To: [email protected]
Subject: Support for Agenda Item 23; City Council/Public Financing Authority on 03-07-2023 - Gov't Flags on City Property
Members of the Huntington Beach Council & Staff members, It is time to provide a counter-balance view of HB resident opinion to "the partisan crowd that appeared at the last HB CC Meeting" and show our support for this bold and courageous agenda • I am a 37 year resident of Huntington Beach, so I speak with some knowledge about the "the Surf City" we've come to love.
• It is not only good policy but good governance to only display the flags of our country, state, Armed Services of the United States, and the POW/MIA.
• Flying other special interest flags is not only bending toward divisiveness of our wonderful inclusive community but promotes possible controversy which is not the role of city government.
• It is time we focus on the major issues and responsibilities of local government: Public Safety, Irresponsible High-Density Development, Homeless/Transient issues, Sober Homes Issues and not just led around by the hand by all the loud, woke and divisive activists that seem to pander for a progressive agenda.
• Agenda item 23 is a responsible action and does not limit any group from displaying any personal flag of choice at their own home, Activist meeting locations, or businesses I strongly indorse this proposed ordinance for the city of Huntington Beach Ted Ross
Huntington Beach Resident
1 Switzer, Donna
From: Jasmine Duckworth <[email protected]>
Sent: Wednesday, March 1, 2023 3:02 PM
To: [email protected]
Cc: John Erickson
Subject: Supplemental Communication | March 7th Council Meeting Attachments: MPT Erickson - Letter Denouncing Huntington Beach - 03.01.23.pdf; City of West Hollywood - Resolution 23-015.pdf
Dear City Clerk Estanislau,
I am reaching out on behalf of Mayor Pro Tempore John Erickson of the City of West Hollywood. We are requesting that the attached letter, denouncing the City of Huntington Beach's recent decision to no longer fly the pride flag be included as part of the public record for the upcoming City Council meeting on March 7, 2023.

Best,
Jasmine Duckworth
Communily Programs Coodinalor
1: (323) 848-6559
x: [email protected]
E-mail correspondence with the City of West Hollywood (including any attachment) is a public record under the California Public Records Act, which may be subject to public disclosure under the Act.

City of
West Hollywood
City Hall
8300 Santa Monica Bivd.

West H00069606 March 1, 2023

1. (323) 848-64
X (323) 848 65
Hon. Tony Strickland, Mayor
Mayor Pro Tempore City of Huntington Beach
2000 Main Street, #5,
Huntington Beach, CA 92648
Re: RESOLUTION No. 23-015 DENOUNCING THE CITY OF HUNTINGTON

BEACH'S RECENT DECISION TO BAN THE DISPLAY OF THE RAINBOW

PRIDE FLAG
Dear Mayor Strickland,
On February 21, 2023, during its regularly scheduled meeting, the City Council of the City of West Hollywood unanimously adopted Resolution No. 23-015 denouncing the City of Huntington Beach's homophobic decision to no longer fly the rainbow pride flag during the annual pride celebrations in the State of California.

Since its incorporation in November 1984, the City of West Hollywood has been a beacon of inclusion and compassion and has welcomed and celebrated people of diverse backgrounds and sexual orientation.

The City of West Hollywood, unlike Huntington Beach, celebrates diversity and makes strides to make everyone feel welcome.

At the time of adopting the above-referenced resolution, the City Council also directed the City Manager to include the City of Huntington Beach on the list of towns and states for which City- sponsored travel is restricted. Thus, City of West Hollywood elected officials and staff will not be allowed to travel to Huntington Beach, at the City's expense until the City rescinds or amends its discriminatory policy.

Homophobia, transphobia, or any kind of discriminatory rhetoric or actions have no place in our society, and much less in West Hollywood, a city known around the world for its acceptance, advocacy and support of LGBQ+ people. As elected officials and proud members of the LGBTQ+ community, we cannot stay silent. As elected officials, too, we must always advocate for more inclusion, tolerance, and acceptance, and do our very best to make our communities more livable, for all. Huntington Beach's actions are not just reprehensible, they are also dangerous, particularly at a time when hate crimes against minorities, including the LGBTQ+ community are on the rise.

Sincerely,
den Crickson
/John M. Erickso

MAYOR PRO TEMPORE
C: City Clerk, City of Huntington Beach
Enclosure: Resolution No. 23-015
2 DocuSign Envelope ID: 71DCE377-1281-4BE6-BEFC-FDC42629BE9E RESOLUTION NO. 23-015

A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE

CITY OF WEST HOLLYWOOD DENOUNCING THE

CITY OF HUNTINGTON BEACH'S RECENT MOTION

AND FORTHCOMING ORDINANCE TO BAN THE

DISPLAY OF THE PRIDE FLAG

THE CITY COUNCIL FOR THE CITY OF WEST HOLLYWOOD DOES HEREBY RESOLVE AS FOLLOWS:

WHEREAS, the City of Huntington Beach at its February 7, 2023 City Council meeting, passed a motion requesting an ordinance to limit flag displays at City of luntington Beach facilities to only the American, POW/MIA, State, City, and County flags, vhich would in effect ban the City from displaying the Pride flag representing the LGBTQ+ community.

WHEREAS, the proposed ordinance is expected to be presented to the Huntington Beach City Council for adoption at its February 21, 2023 City Council meeting; and WHEREAS, since 2021, the City of Huntington Beach has displayed the Pride flag for six weeks each spring in honor of Pride Month in June; and WHEREAS, the City of Huntington Beach's motion claimed to be initiated to avoid actions that could easily be mistakenly perceived as divisive however, the removal of the Pride flag sends an unwelcoming message that the City of Huntington Beach does not support its LGBTQ+ community members; and
WHEREAS, the City of West Hollywood has previously taken action to suspend travel to states that have adopted anti-LGBTQ+ laws, as well as states that adopt legislation that restricts access to abortion, discriminates on the basis of sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression and states that adopt significant restrictions on voting rights; and
WHEREAS, the City of West Hollywood aims to support the LGBTQ+ community, and foster inclusion, acceptance and equality and the Pride flag has become a part of the LGBTQ+ identity, culture and society; and
WHEREAS, since the City of West Hollywood's incorporation in 1984, the City has advocated for measures to support LGBTQ individuals and has been in the vanguard on efforts to gain and protect equality for all people on a state, national, and international level.

NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the City Council of the City of West Hollywood hereby denounces the City of Huntington Beach's recent motion and forthcoming ordinance to ban the display of the Pride flag at its City facilities, as well as DocuSign Envelope ID: 71DCE377-1281-4BE6-BEFC-FDC42629BE9E Resolution No. 23-015

Page 2 ends

adds the City of Huntington Beach to the City's list of states and cities with a ban on official travel.

PASSED, APPROVED, AND ADOPTED by the City Council of the City of West Hollywood at a regular meeting held this 21s day of February, 2023 by the following vote:

AYES: Councilmember: Byers, Heilman, Meister, Mayor Pro Tempore Erickson, and Mayor Shyne.

NOES: Councilmember: None.

ABSENT: Councilmember: None.

ABSTAIN: Councilmember: None.
•DocuSigned by:
084+8965AF8448

SEPI SHYNE, MAYOF
ATTEST:
-DocuSigned by:

Melissa Crowder
-

MELISSA CROWDER, CITY CLERK
Switzer, Donna
From: Jordie Dugan < [email protected]>
Sent: Wednesday, March 1, 2023 4:03 PM
To: [email protected]
Subiect: Pride Flag - We Just Want to Exist
!..

To whom it may concern,
The original pride flag had eight stripes, each with its own meaning. However, over time, the flag has been simplified to six stripes. Each of the six colors in the flag has its own significance

1. Red: represents life

2. Orange: represents healing

3. Yellow: represents sunlight

4. Green: represents nature

5. Blue: represents harmony

6. Purple: represents spirit
Together, these colors symbolize the diversity of the LGBTQ+ community and the unity of its members. The flag is a way for LGBTQ+ individuals and allies to show their support and solidarity with the community and to promote acceptance and equality for all individuals, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity. The pride flag is also a symbol of the progress that has been made in LGBTQ+ rights and a reminder of the ongoing work that still needs to be done to achieve full equality and acceptance for the community.

Please do not ban the Pride Flag during Pride Month. People within the LGBTQ+ community face discrimination everyday. Pride Month represents the progress made in LGBTQ+ rights and to promote continued advocacy and activism for full equality and acceptance.

LETS CO-EXIST.

Switzer, Donna
From: Bernadette Cortez < [email protected]>
Sent: Wednesday, March 1, 2023 6:48 PM
To: [email protected]
Subject: HB... Florida of Ca!
You people are so ignorant and disgusting the way you're throwing around the "woke» word like a bunch of far right, white nationalists, homophobes!!!
The fact that you sent that ridiculous and dangerous email out to every single HB resident is exactly what causes these lunatics with guns to act out and hurt innocent people. I do hope more events are canceled throughout the city until you all can get your heads out of your a**!
1 Sent from my iPhone
Switzer, Donna
From: Duncan McCulloch < [email protected]>
Sent: Thursday, March 2, 2023 11:50 AM
To: [email protected]
Subject: support of agenda item #:

Hello,
I am a 40-year resident of HB and appreciate your fight for free choice and limiting special interests from dictating our city's charter and law-making ability.
1 Switzer, Donna
From: Fikes, Cathy
Sent: Thursday, March 2, 2023 12:03 PM
To: Agenda Alerts
Subject: FW: Special interest flags
From: Charlene Shepard <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, February 21, 2023 4:25 PM
To: CITY COUNCIL <city. [email protected]>
Subject: Special interest flags
Special interest flags have no business on our city's flag polls. People can fly these flags on their own property. I'm not against special interest groups flags, they just don't belong on city property.

I thought this issue was settled?
Sincerely,
Paula Shepard
1 Switzer, Donna
From: Fikes, Cathy
Sent: Thursday, March 2, 2023 12:04 PM
To: Agenda Alerts
Subject: FW: Agenda #23
-Original Message-....

From: Kay Montgomery <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, February 21, 2023 4:36 PM
To: CITY COUNCIL < [email protected]>
We are AGAINST flying ANY special interest flags outside the Huntington Beach city offices. Thank you for listening to the citizens of Huntington Beach. James and Kay Montgomery
Sent from my iPhone
Switzer, Donna
From: Fikes, Cathy
Sent: Thursday, March 2, 2023 12:04 PM
To: Agenda Alerts
Subject: FW: Pride flag
---Original Message-...

From: dianna orrnorton.com <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, February 21, 2023 4:36 PM
To: CITY COUNCIL <[email protected]>
Subject: Pride flag
Regardless of intent of this ordinance, the general interpretation will be that HB is not a city welcoming to the LGBTQ community. This will cost the city revenue via the cancellation of events, conferences and conventions. If the council passes this ordinance, then they must own the results. This will have a negative financial impact on Huntington Beach's hospitality industry.

Sent from my iPhone
1 Switzer, Donna
From: Fikes, Cathy
Sent: Thursday, March 2, 2023 12:04 PM
To: Agenda Alerts
Subject: FW: Pride flag
From: Renae <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, February 21, 2023 4:40 PM
To: CITY COUNCIL <[email protected]>
Subject: Pride flag
Hello,
I am a resident of Long Beach, CA who regularly visits Huntington Beach. I'm emailing you today in support of flying the rainbow pride flag. I hope you do not prohibit flying the flag in the future.

Thanks,
Renae Geier
1 Switzer, Donna
From: Fikes, Cathy
Sent: Thursday, March 2, 2023 12:05 PM
To: Agenda Alerts
Subject: FW: Agenda #23
From: Michael Eckard <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, February 21, 2023 5:19 PM
To: CITY COUNCIL <[email protected]>
Subject: Agenda #23
My name is Michael Eckard. I've lived in Huntington Beach for more than 30 years. I served as a member of the US Army Special Forces from 1970 to 1981.

I am a combat veteran that believed I was fighting to help maintain the right of every individual to have their voice be heard. That right is for all, not just a few
Lam in favor of Pat Burns proposal Agenda #23 for this reason, if you make an exception for the flying of one special interest flag you have to include all special
Interest groups or your discriminating.

Thank you,
Michael Eckard
"te!
Switzer, Donna
From: Fikes, Cathy
Sent: Thursday, March 2, 2023 12:06 PM
To: Agenda Alerts
Subject: FW: Flags
From: Ernest Cornish <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, February 21, 2023 5:20 PM
To: CITY COUNCIL <[email protected]>
Subject: Flags
Once again, we vote for a flag to restrict different flags, which is discrimination to those flags that have been flown in the past. I'm not sure why you people continuously attack people, and groups and others that have impacted in the community. The LGBTQ community every June has been represented and now you're saying no shame on you shame shame shame it is time to get your priorities straight and that is not an important as other items that should be on your agenda.

Sincerely,
Ernest E. Cornish,
Pronouns: He/Him/His
NPPA Member
COVID-19 Compliance Officer
Owner Cornish_LA_Photography™
www.ernestecornish.com
407-761-0746
CONFIDENTIALITY NOTICE: The information contained in this e-mail is intended only for the recipient, and may be a confidential communication or may otherwise be privileged and confidential and protected from disclosure. If the reader of this message is not the intended recipient, or an employee or agent responsible for delivering this message to the intended recipient, please be aware that any dissemination or copying of this communication is strictly prohibited. If you have received this communication in error, please immediately notify us by replying to the message and deleting it from your computer. © 2022-2023 The Official home of Ernest E. Cornish - All images subject to copyright at Cornish_LA_Photography™LLC 1 Switzer, Donna
From: Fikes, Cathy
Sent: Thursday, March 2, 2023 12:06 PM
To: Agenda Alerts
Subject: FW: Pride Flag
From: Linda Macdonell < [email protected]>
Sent: Wednesday, February 22, 2023 6:42 AM
To: CITY COUNCIL <city. [email protected]>
Subject: Pride Flag
Please reverse your decision to eliminate flying this flag. Your decision reflects poorly on our city. Linda MacDonell Switzer, Donna
From: Fikes, Cathy
Sent: Thursday, March 2, 2023 12:06 PM
To: Agenda Alerts
Subject: FW: Agenda Item #23
---Original Message-..

From: Megan Lantz <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, February 21, 2023 4:13 PM
To: CITY COUNCIL <[email protected]>
Subject: Agenda Item #23
Hello,
I am a current resident of Huntington Beach and would like to voice my thoughts against agenda item #23 to allow the Pride Flag to be flown at government agency buildings. It is clear that the only people who support this matter are clearly bigots who do not want to recognize the LGBTQIA+ community. There is truly no reason to be against these flags being flown other than personal malice and political beliefs. The pride flag flying does not hurt ANY citizen of this city. As a newer resident of this city it is truly disheartening to see some of the matters that countless hours and taxpayer dollars are spent bickering over. Limiting the flags flown does not improve the lives of ANY HB residents and I urge the city council to find more important matters to spend time on.

Sincerely,
Megan Lantz
Switzer, Donna
From: Fikes, Cathy
Sent: Thursday, March 2, 2023 12:06 PM
To: Agenda Alerts
Subject: FW: Flag Flying Ordinance
From: Lisa Williams <[email protected]>
Sent: Wednesday, February 22, 20239:25 AM
To: CITY COUNCIL <[email protected]>
Subject: Flag Flying Ordinance
Dear Council Members,
As residents of Huntington Beach for almost thirty years, we want to once again write about our opposition to the Flag Flying Ordinance proposed by Council Member Burns.

Council Member McKeon continues to state, "All are represented equally under the flag of the United Stated of America" -- this is simply NOT TRUE. There are millions of Americans every day fighting for their basic human rights and freedoms, like access to healthcare, housing, employment, etc. They face continued harassment, discrimination, violence, and hate. Therefore, the United States Flag DOES NOT represent all Americans equally in practice, only in ideological theory and this has been live, work, and visit Huntington Beach. So, opportunities to fly "specialty" flags like the PRIDE flag are the case historically. Please remember that many of these marginalized and oppressed Americans critical for inclusion, representation, equity, celebration, and acceptance. "try to fix something that is not broken" except to push your own entitled, misinformed agenda that Again, the current flag flying policy works in Huntington Beach. We don't understand why you would promotes oppression and keeps people feeling "othered" and marginalized.

Sincerely,
Andrew and Lisa Williams
1 Switzer, Donna
From: Fikes, Cathy
Sent: Thursday, March 2, 2023 12:07 PM
To: Agenda Alerts
Subject: FW: Flag Flying Ordinance
From: Florence Pagliassotti <[email protected]>
Sent: Wednesday, February 22, 2023 9:30 AM
To: CITY COUNCIL < [email protected]>
Subject: Flag Flying Ordinance
Dear Council Members,
As a resident of Huntington Beach for over 20 years, I want to once again write about our opposition to the Flag Flying Ordinance proposed by Council Member Burns.

The current flag flying ordinance works perfectly well and allows for diplomacy and requires the council members approval of any commemorative/specialty flags to be flown on flag poles on HB city property. It seems that the only reason you would be in support of Council Members Burns new flag flying ordinance is to ban the PRIDE flag.

Council Member McKeon continues to state, "All are represented equally under the flag of the United Stated of America" -- this is simply NOT TRUE. There are millions of Americans every day fighting for their basic human rights and freedoms, like access to healthcare, housing, employment, etc. They face continued harassment, discrimination, violence, and hate. Therefore, the United States Flag DOES NOT represent all Americans equally in practice, only in ideological theory and this has been the case historically. Please remember that many of these marginalized and oppressed DRIN far, and visit Huntington Beach. So, opportunities to fly "specialty" flags like t the next City Council meeting you vote to keep flying the PRIDE flag as a symbol of unity and acceptance. Vote to show that Huntington Beach is an inclusive and safe city for their LGBTQ+ residents, family, and friends and all those who visit and work here.

Sincerely,
Florence Pagliassotti "431
1 Switzer, Donna
From: Fikes, Cathy
Sent: Thursday, March 2, 2023 12:07 PM
To: Agenda Alerts
Subject: FW: Regarding your 4-3 vote on removing the Pride flag from City Hall From: lynda <[email protected]>
Sent: Thursday, February 23, 2023 9:16 AM
To: CITY COUNCIL <[email protected]>
Subject: Regarding your 4-3 vote on removing the Pride flag from City Hall Dear H.B. Council Members:

I read the letter in the Daily Pilot from previous H.B. Council members who strongly believe in the inclusion message that flying the Pride flag brings to our beautiful city. I strongly agree that removing it advertises the exact opposite message and is exclusionary. It also signals a message to the local community and other cities and states that we do not support 10% of our population. These Individuals work in our community, pay taxes and are part of our families.

Please reconsider this 4-3 vote and fly the Pride flag proudly.

Thank yout
Lynda A. Hernandez
8232 Munster Dr.

Huntington Beach, CA 92646
Over 39 years in Huntington Beach and counting
Lynda A. Hernandez
CFO
The Ralph Hernandez Co., Inc.
1446 E. Chestnut Ave.

Santa Ana, CA 92701-6319
714/539-7270
Fax: 714/539-7269
Over 35 years in business and going strong!
HERNANDEZ CO.

INCORPORATED
1 Switzer, Donna
From: Fikes, Cathy
Sent: Thursday, March 2, 2023 12:07 PM
To: Agenda Alerts
Subject: FW: Horrified by your ban on flying the gay pride flag From: Kathy Cadigan <[email protected]>
Sent: Thursday, February 23, 2023 12:10 PM
To: CITY COUNCIL <[email protected]>
Subject: Horrified by your ban on flying the gay pride flag Huntington Beach is becoming an embarrassment. WHY are we so far behind the times? The 50's are long gone!
Count me as one of many citizens who is against your unfeeling ban on flying a gay pride flag.

Kathleen Cadigan (senior citizen who ALWAYS votes, but rarely writes messages like this 92647
Switzer, Donna
From: Fikes, Cathy
Sent: Thursday, March 2, 2023 12:08 PM
To: Agenda Alerts
Subject: FW: What the Pride Flag means to me.

From: larry mcneely <[email protected]>
Sent: Thursday, February 23, 2023 1:08 PM
To: CITY COUNCIL <[email protected]>
Subject: What the Pride Flag means to me.

This is for those who stand with the LBGQT people in society Dan Kalmick, Natalie Moser, Rhonda Bolton, and the Freak Show that was displayed on Tuesday Night.

I want to tell you the story of a young boy at the age of 10 years old. He lived in a normal community and attended a Southern Baptist Church where the pastor spoke of Hell and Brimstone and the Fornicators, Sodomy, and Homosexuality and how it was against Christianity. For a young boy at 10 who did not understand anything about one's sexuality, this was a confusing sermon. This boy became a paper boy who delivered newspapers throughout his neighborhood, on his route, there was a house where two men resided, for a young boy the fact that two men shared a house meant nothing to him but he did recognize one of the two was the piano player from the church he attended and the other man he saw wearing a robe and a hood on occasion like used in the catholic church as some leaders wore. The one man from our church when I came to their house to deliver his paper offered to drive me on my paper route to deliver my papers, I thought it was a kind gesture from a church member so I accepted the ride. While we were driving through the neighborhood the man asked if I had hair under my arms or on my pubic area (my balls). I thought that was an odd question but I did not understand, then he began reaching for my leg close to my genitalia like he was tickling me, and I. rebuffed his efforts. When I got home my mother said she got a call from a neighbor to tell her she saw me in the car with our new Gay Couple Neighbors and not to get near them and never get in their car, I did not understand gay or even what it meant, but now I know I was being Groomed by a Gay Man for his sexual pleasure. That Young Boy was me.

Growing up in the 1960s as a teen | Hitch Hiked and was a normal form to get around, and I hitchhiked to get to friends' house, I had called my friend to let him know I was coming over to see him, and I hitched a ride and was picked up by a man who asked where I was going and I told him the cross streets, while in the car he was patting me on my chest and legs very close to my genitalia and asked did I play sports because "I was built very firm" WTH? during the ride he asked me if I knew of any Gay Bars on the way and invited me to join him, at 13 I knew I could not enter a bar? When I arrived at my friend's house his older brother asked how did I get there so fast? I responded I hitched a ride with a guy who was looking for a Gay Bar (a fun place to drink?) the older brother said Gay Bar? are you stupid that guy was a queerl still unaware that some people in our society have deviant sexual desires for men and boys and men of the same sex I continued to hitchhike and found many unwanted male men's unwanted sexual advances. Yes some will excuse this behavior, and some will say this is different from Pedophile behavior, where do we draw the line? when a young male is reaching puberty what divides a sexual predator's actions for looking for a Mate or a Pedofiles Lust for Pre-puberty boys? Can you draw this line when we see the many in our community who are confused as to their own sexual identys and behave in strange sexual practices?
This is a very personal story and did not stop there, I purchased a 4-plex apartment and rented it to many people over the years. One tenant a single male moved into one rental unit, soon after he got a male roommate and I later found out they were a Gay Couple, OK different strokes. This came to a head when they would make out with the door and windows open and there was a Middle School next door and many children walked by. Then they inviting these young boys into their apartment while they kissed and made out on the couch for them to witness this behavior and it took me back to my own youth experience with Gay Men I was appalled, but I did not evict them as they had a lovers quarrel and one Shot the Other and that was the end for them in my complex.

Ok, so now you have heard my story and why many in the community reject our city flying the Pride Flag to support people's sorted sexual preferences and how their Religions have influenced their reactions. I can tell you I was Disgusted when the LBGQT group used a young boy of the age of 12 as a Prop who at 12 could not even understand what he was:
1 being groomed to say on their behalf. Appalling Behaiver but expected as they have a warped sense of what our youth should be expected to deal with, and Natalie Moser gave them her approval for using this young child as a Prop for their sexually deviant behavior.

For those who try to blur the line between Homosexuality and Pedofella and people's weird sexual desires, I would ask like Natalie Moser likes to say "Connect the Dots" Open your eyes as to why for Religious reasons and the sake of our Youth many if not most are Offended by our city raising a flag on their behalf. So now these city council members have added to the Division in our community and the public debates and the False Premace people will avoid our city and businesses, Just in Orange County alone there are 34 cities in the OC and only 7 of them display the Pride Flag on public property and i do not see them suffering from loss of business.

While I have grown tolerant of the LBGQT's rights to do what they do behind closed doors, I will Not Fly a Flag to Celebrate Them.

Switzer, Donna
From: Fikes, Cathy
Sent: Thursday, March 2, 2023 12:08 PM
To: Agenda Alerts
Subject: FW: Loud and Clear
From: Mike Lewin <[email protected]>
Sent: Thursday, February 23, 2023 2:17 PM
To: Strickland, Tony<[email protected]>; CITY COUNCIL <[email protected]> Subject: Loud and Clear
Dear Mayor Strickland and Councilmembers Burns, McKeon and Van Der Mark:
plan this year's trip to California, we will not be staying in Huntington Beach and have chosen to stay in Laguna Beach For the last 13 years, my wife, my children and I have spent 10 days each June vacationing in Huntington Beach. As we stigmatize an already marginalized community. Your decision is not, as stated by Councilmember Burns, born of a desire Your decision to ban the pride flag is nothing more than thinly veiled attempt to perpetuate hate, animus and further "to unite people." It is born of hatred and homophobia and it communicates a clear message that Huntington Beach is not the inclusive and welcoming community we once envisioned it to be.

Your vote was intended to send a message and this family heard your hurtful message loud and clear.

Regards,
Michael and Maria Lewin
Switzer, Donna
From: Fikes, Cathy
Sent: Thursday, March 2, 2023 12:08 PM
To: Agenda Alerts
Subject: FW: League of Women Voters Observation Report
Attachments: Huntington Beach City Council of February 21.pdf From: Susan J Knight <[email protected]>
Sent: Thursday, February 23, 2023 2:32 PM
To: CITY COUNCIL <city. [email protected]>; stanislau, Robin <Robin. [email protected]> Subject: League of Women Voters Observation Report
Please find attached the League of Women Voters Observer Corps Report for the City Council meeting of February 21, 2023.

Thank you,
Susan J Knight
Anne Stone
League of Women Voters Orange Coast
Observer Corps
LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS*

IWY OFORANGE COAST
Huntington Beach City Council of
February 21
General Meeting Information
Did the meeting start on time? Yes
Were all members present? Yes
Did the members appear to have done their homework? Yes Were members courteous to each other and the public? No A councilperson was openly hostile to another. Also, a different councilperson was addressing another member in non courteous, sarcastic manner.

Brown Act
Was the agenda sent/posted 72 hours before this meeting? Yes Did items clearly describe what was discussed? Yes
Was there adequate opportunity for public input? Yes
Was there the appearance that some action items were discussed in closed rather than open session? No
Was background information available to the public? Yes LWV Action Item
Were any issues on the agenda relevant to any LWVC positions or programs? Yes Agenda item 12. 23-147 was approved 6-0 with Mayor Strickland recusing himself.

This was for "Affordable Housing Agreement for 19070 Holly Lane".

Agenda item 23. 23-165 was passed 4-3 with Kalmick, Moser and Bolton voting no. This approves the introduction of an ordinance amending municipal code to limit flags that can fly on city property. Only certain government and military flags are permitted. Public comments on this item focused on removal of the pride flag that has flown on city property for 2 years.

Agenda item 26. 23-172 was passed 4-3; with Kalmick, Moser and Bolton voting no. This directs the city attorney to take any legal action necessary to challenge SB 9 and SB 10 and the laws that permit ADU's.

Do you recommend local League action on any of these items? Yes Keep apprised of any legal action by city attorney
Do you have other concerns or comments? Yes
Many times citizen's public comments were loudly interrupted with yelling and otherwise disruptive and intimidating outbursts by some members of the public.

These disruptions were never addressed by the Mayor or other councilmembers in accordance with SB 1100. Also, two separate speakers used expletives with many children present with no admonishment.

Was there discussion on homelessness or affordable housing? Yes Item number 24. 23-176 (public conduct in city parking structures) and item number 25. 23-177 (specifics on use of tents and vehicles within city parks) were in regards to homelessness. These both passed 7-0.

Switzer, Donna
From: Fikes, Cathy
Sent: Thursday, March 2, 2023 12:09 PM
To: Agenda Alerts
Subject: FW: Flying the proper flags
----Original Message-.

From: Becky Coleman <[email protected]>
Sent: Thursday, February 23, 2023 3:23 PM
To: CITY COUNCIL <city. [email protected]>
Subject: Flying the proper flags
Dear Members of the City Council:

Although 1 am a resident of Irvine, I still want to congratulate and support you for your recent decision to not fly the pride flag. It's a correct and reasonable move. It's a sad commentary on current times that such a logical resolution has to be regarded as : "brave."
Thank you.

Becky Coleman
1 Switzer, Donna
From: Fikes, Cathy
Sent: Thursday, March 2, 2023 12:09 PM
To: Agenda Alerts
Subject: FW: Flags
---Original Message--..
-rom: Amy Opfell <[email protected]>
Sent: Thursday, February 23, 2023 3:32 PM
To: CITY COUNCIL < city. [email protected]>
Subject: Flags
Dear HB
I strongly oppose any flags other than the American flag and the HB flag to be flown on Public property.

Stop the nonsense,
Amy Opfell
1 Switzer, Donna
From: Fikes, Cathy
Sent: Thursday, March 2, 2023 12:09 PM
To: Agenda Alerts
Subject: FW: Pride Flag
----Original Message-.-
From: Peter <[email protected]>
Sent: Thursday, February 23, 2023 3:43 PM
To: CITY COUNCIL <[email protected]>
Subject: Pride Flag
To whom it may concern,
I cannot stress enough how important it is to continue flying the Pride flag during Pride season in Huntington Beach. An entire community suffers right under your noses and this is but a small bit of peace you can give them. I URGE you to consider voting in favor of keeping the Pride Flag up. It's one month out of the year and a flag in the sky doesn't hurt anyone but its absence sends a clear message that we are secondary to the city of Huntington Beach. Please make the right decision.

A proud OC resident,
Peter Crisafulli
1 Switzer, Donna
From: Fikes, Cathy
Sent: Thursday, March 2, 2023 12:09 PM
To: Agenda Alerts
Subject: FW: Disappointment in the flag policy change being discussed by City Council members From: Dani Ganley <[email protected]>
Sent: Thursday, February 23, 2023 4:16 PM
To: CITY COUNCIL < [email protected]>
Subject: Disappointment in the flag policy change being discussed by City Council members To Whom it May Concern:

As a resident of Huntington Beach, I am writing to express my disappointment in seeing that the City Council Members would vote to remove the Pride flag, which was raised in 2021 in support and solidarity of the LGBTQIA+ community.

The OC Human Relations Commission put out the annual hate crime report in September which showed an 83% increase in hate crimes against the LGBTQIA+ community in 2021. Why would you spend your time and money working to repeal the flag when it is an acknowledgement of safety and support of this vital community, especially when hate crimes are so high?
In a city where things have been especially tumultuous for members of the LGBTQIA+ community and other minorities, it is sad to see this happen. To those of you who voted to remove nongovernmental and nonmilitary flags, I urge you to reconsider and to continue to support the LGBTQIA+ community by continuing to fly this flag which shows you stand in solidarity with them.

Thank you for your time and consideration,
Danielle Ganley
1 Switzer, Donna
From: Fikes, Cathy
Sent: Thursday, March 2, 2023 12:10 PM
To: Agenda Alerts
Subject: FW: Agenda #23 Flags
From: Eric Halsey <[email protected]>
Sent: Thursday, February 23, 2023 4:19 PM
To: CITY COUNCIL <[email protected]>
Subject: Agenda #23 Flags
I support the councils decision to ban non gov't flags.

Thanks,
Eric Halsey
16292 Arlington Ln, Huntington Beach, CA 92649
1 Switzer, Donna
From: Fikes, Cathy
Sent: Thursday, March 2, 2023 12:10 PM
To: Agenda Alerts
Subject: FW: Pride Flag
From: marta shively <[email protected]>
Sent: Thursday, February 23, 2023 4:46 PM
To: CITY COUNCIL < city. [email protected]>
Subject: Pride Flag
Dear Council Members,
As a resident of Huntington Beach, you did not represent my voice when you voted to suspend flying the PRIDE Flag and voted in support of the ordinance proposed by Council Member Burns. You were elected to a non-partisan position where you are to represent your constituents' voices. As seen by the emails before, the majority of Huntington Beach residents support the LGBTQ+ community and want the flag to fly during the month of June. I ask that at the next City Council meeting you vote to keep flying the PRIDE flag as a symbol of unity and acceptance. Vote to show that Huntington Beach is an accepting, inclusive and safe city for their LGBTQ+ Residents and all those who visit here.

Sincerely,
Bart and Marta Shively
1 Switzer, Donna
From: Fikes, Cathy
Sent: Thursday, March 2, 2023 12:10 PM
To: Agenda Alerts
Subject: FW: Removal of Gay Pride Flag
--Original Message-.-
From: Alice Brewer <[email protected]>
Sent: Thursday, February 23, 2023 4:49 PM
To: CITY COUNCIL <[email protected]>
Subject: Removal of Gay Pride Flag
Thank you for removing the Gay Pride Flag. Those of us who feel family life needs more focus are most appreciative.

Alice Brewer
1 Switzer, Donna
From: Fikes, Cathy
Sent: Thursday, March 2, 2023 12:10 PM
To: Agenda Alerts
Subject: FW: Pride flag
From: Joan Lind <[email protected]>
Sent: Thursday, February 23, 2023 4:49 PM
To: CITY COUNCIL <[email protected]>
Subject: Pride flag
I an saddened and appalled at your decision to take down the pride flag. Elected officials are supposed to represent all of the people in their areas and not promote your own agenda. I am straight by the way and feel this is a decision made from ignorance. If your reasons are religious, have you ever considred that you are criticizing God's work? A small group of people should not have the right to pass judgment on things that you should put effort into learning about. Or put effort into examining what it means to love and care for all people and represent the totality of your community. If you can't do this, you should reconsider being in a political position.

Switzer, Donna
From: Fikes, Cathy
Sent: Thursday, March 2, 2023 12:11 PM
To: Agenda Alerts
Subject: FW: Huntington Beach Flag Controversy-A Prospective of Safety ...

Attachments: HB Human Dignity Policy.pdf
From: Steve Barnes < [email protected]>
Sent: Thursday, February 23, 2023 5:47 PM
To: CITY COUNCIL <[email protected]>
Cc: Gates, Michael <[email protected]>; Steve Barnes <[email protected]>; Lisa Barnes Subject: Huntington Beach Flag Controversy-A Prospective of Safety Dear Honorable Mayor, Mayor Pro Tem, and City Council Members, A frequent theme of many public speakers on both February 7th and 21st was the notion that certain individuals would "feel unsafe" in Huntington Beach if the Pride flag were not displayed on City properties. While I agree that the safety of all Huntington Beach residents and visitors is of paramount importance, I question the validity of protection from a flag or other similar symbol.

Perhaps a more viable and measurable guardian would be efforts by the City to take direct action to impact acts of hate and violence against individuals typically singled out because of race, religion, lifestyle, etc.

Below is a portion of the history of the Greater Huntington Beach Interfaith Council from their website. https://www.ghbicl.org/our-history
Attached is that document mentioned in paragraph 2, "A Declaration of Policy About Human Dignity".

One could argue that this document and its intentions foster more protection within our City that any flag or symbol could impart. It clearly demonstrates that Huntington Beach has already penned and committed to an • "inclusiveness", even before the term was widely adopted.

I submit that no additional displays are necessary since they would only offer a "symbolic" gesture of safety, when in fact our stance has been clearly stated for the past 27 years.

I welcome your comments and invite you to share this document with others in the event that you have not previously viewed it.

I thank you all for serving our community.

DURING THE SUMMER OF 1996, A SERIES OF HATE CRIMES OCCURRED IN HUNTINGTON BEACH. FOR

MEMBERS OF THE CITY COUNCIL AT THAT TIME, THIS WAS VERY DISTURBING, AND THEY DECIDED TO DO SOMETHING ABOUT IT.
1 UNDER THE LEADERSHIP OF SITTING MAYOR SHIRLEY DETTLOFF, AND SUPPORTED BY MAYOR PRO TEM RALPH BAUER, THEY TOOK A MULTI-PRONGED APPROACH TO THE PROBLEM. ON MAY 6, 1996, THE CITY PRESENTED A "DECLARATION OF POLICY ABOUT HUMAN DIGNITY", WHICH SPOKE

DIRECTLY TO THE COMMUNITY ABOUT THE INCLUSIVE NATURE OF THE CITIZENRY AND THE IMPORTANCE OF REPORTING HATE CRIMES.

MAYOR SHIRLEY DETTLOFF REMEMBERS AFTER HEARING REPORTS OF THE BEATING OF A NÄTIVE AMERICAN, AND HEARING THAT HUNTINGTON BEACH IS THE "CAPITAL OF SKINHEADS", AND OTHER HATE CRIMES, DETTLOFF REPORTS "AT THE TIME I WAS THE MAYOR.. OF COURSE, I

WAS HORRIFIED, AND IMMEDIATELY WENT TO RALPH AND SAID WITH OUR HISTORY WE SHOULD DO SOMETHING ABOUT IT. WE CONTACTED THE O.C. HUMAN RELATIONS GROUP, GOT TOGETHER WITH OUR POLICE CHIEF, AND PROCEEDED TO WRITE THE HUMAN DIGNITY STATEMENT. IT WAS

BROUGHT BEFORE COUNCIL WITH A FULL AUDIENCE IN ATTENDANCE AND EVERY COUNCIL MEMBER SIGNED THE DOCUMENT. THIS HAS BEEN A TRADITION WITH EVERY COUNCIL. WE THEN

DECIDED IF THIS WAS NOT JUST A PIECE OF PAPER THAT WE HAD TO HAVE CITIZENS COMMITTEES

TO BACK IT UP AND TO KEEP UPDATED ON ANY ACTS THAT WERE COMMITTED AGAINST OUR CITIZENS BECAUSE OF RACE, RELIGION, SEXUAL PREFERENCE, COLOR. WE CREATED A GROUP

THAT CONTINUES TODAY, THE HUMAN RELATIONS TASK FORCE AND THE GREATER HUNTINGTON BEACH INTERFAITH COUNCIL WHICH ARE STILL WORKING ON THESE ISSUES.

Best Regards,
Steve Barnes
714.267.4835
2 A Declaration of Policy About Human Dignity
by the Huntington Beach City Council
Huntington Beach is a city whose residents represent every walk of life, come from many nations, share varied -lifestyles, and hold different religious beliefs. This diversity brings to our city a rich and varied cultural heritage. Our citizens honor and respect the diversity that exists in Huntington Beach. When acts of hate are committed against any citizen, it is considered an act against the entire community. he Huntington Beach City Council declares that everyone should be treated with courtesy and respect, regardless of • their racial background, their nation of origin, the religion they practice, their sexual orientation, gender or disability status. It is the right of all citizens to pursue their daily lives with the knowledge that they will not be physically harmed or verbally abused.
'he Huntington Beach City Council states in the strongest terms that it will vigorously fight criminal activity known a "hate crime" with all of the resources at its disposal. A hate crime is any criminal or attempted criminal act which i:
motivated by the victim's race, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, gender or disability status. It may involve a verbal, written, or physical action that is intended to create emotional suffering, physical harm or property damage.

The City Council warns those who advocate or perpetrate hate not to test the community's resolve to oppose them. It is the city's stated policy to vigorously pursue a course of investigation, apprehension, prosecution, conviction, and incarceration of all those who participate in hate crimes.

Lu support of this declaration, the City Council sends these messages:

To the community we say, "Believe in the interdependence of all people. Participate at your places of worship and community meetings and lend your voice in opposing hate." To the schools we say, "Continue your programs and curricula which promote respect towards those who are different. Call on resources of the city, the county, the state, and the nation as you engage in the educational process to battle hate."
To the parents we say, "Act as positive role models for your children by demonstrating tolerance towards those whose race, nationality, religion, sexual orientation, gender, or disability status may be different from yours. You are the most powerful influence on your children's behavior." To the young people we say, "Educate yourself to the ways of the world and the lessons of history. cadeo yestity tored the vein the fatheto Thus e man gomato dund mand become society:

We must all remember that a great war was fought in which millions of innocent people lost their lives as a result of one of the greatest hate crimes in history. It is the martyrdom of those people who should serve to encourage all of us in the fight against hate. We must all become activists in this battle as a living memorial to those who lost their lives.

Let us not forget the millions who came before, who but for the absence of strong opposition at an early time, would have lived long, happy, and productive lives.

Remember that silence and apathy are the greatest allies of those committing hate crime. If you are a victim or a •witness of a hate crime, go to the nearest telephone, call 911, and say "I want to report a hate crime." With those seven words, you will instantly have as an ally the full resources of the city of Huntington Beach and the nearly 200,000 citizens of our city. You are not alone!
Together, the city of Huntington Beach and its citizens will succeed in their efforts to permanently eliminate all hate crimes. The Huntington Beach City Council declares that it will not tolerate any hate crimes in our community.

The foregoing declaration of policy about Human dignity was unanimously adopted by the Huntington Beach City • Council on May 6, 1996.

Switzer, Donna
From: Fikes, Cathy
Sent: Thursday, March 2, 2023 12:11 PM
To: Agenda Alerts
Subject: FW: Pride Flag
From: Carol Daus <[email protected]>
Sent: Thursday, February 23, 2023 5:52 PM
To: CITY COUNCIL <city. [email protected]>
Subject: Pride Flag
After the conservative majority voted on Feb. 7 to remove the Pride flag from city buildings (for just 1 month in June!), I have spoken to many Huntington Beach friends (I've lived in Huntington Beach for over 25 years) as well as colleagues across the U.S. and Canada that I work with in the home improvement market (manufacturers of high-end patio furnitures, outdoor kitchen equipment, and fireplaces). Every person I have spoken to about this unpopular ruling couldn't believe that Huntington Beach has chosen to remove a flag that symbolizes inclusion and compassion. I asked my corporate contacts if they would host an event in Huntington Beach, and they told me they would prefer to be represented in other Southern California cities that are LGBTQ-friendly. They were shocked that in this day and age, a city the size of Huntington Beach would make such a move. Some of my Huntington Beach friends have mentioned that they now shop in Fountain Valley and Costa Mesa because they don't want to support Huntington Beach. What's going on? Two years ago, the City Council (which included conservative members) voted 6-0 to fly the Pride flag. How could we have changed so drastically in 2 years?
Carol Daus
1 Switzer, Donna
From: Fikes, Cathy
Sent: Thursday, March 2, 2023 12:11 PM
To: Agenda Alerts
Subject: FW: Restricting Pride Flag
---Original Message-.-
From: Dianne Felton <[email protected]>
Sent: Thursday, February 23, 2023 6:09 PM
To: CITY COUNCIL <[email protected]>
Subject: Restricting Pride Flag
Thank you, HB City Council, for being courageous and restricting the flying of the gay pride flag. How could a small group of people have the importance of flags for US, California and Huntington Beach? I applaud your boldness in standing up to bullying. It is a good message that we are all inclusive and do not divide by celebrating our differences. 1 Switzer, Donna
From: Fikes, Cathy
Sent: Thursday, March 2, 2023 12:12 PM
To: Agenda Alerts
Subject: FW: Please revise flag policy
From: Joe Crompton <[email protected]>
Sent: Thursday, February 23, 2023 7:51 PM
To: CITY COUNCIL. <[email protected]>
Subject: Please revise flag policy
Good evening, Members of the Huntington Beach City Council:

I write tonight to ask you to please revise the policy of flying flags on city property. I know, I know you may be tired of hearing about this, especially since Blue Shield of CA just pulled an event from your city over this matter.

As a law abiding, taxpaying citizen of the United States of America, I do not see this action as an effort to unite Huntington Beach. It is part of a national effort to pander to the Republican Party's increasingly Christian nationalist base.

I'm not a resident of Huntington Beach so of course at least four of you will disregard my letter (though if I showed up in a suit and tie aged 51, I appear so white and Anglo-Saxon you'd probably talk to me ... until I started talking). I do however spend money. And until your return to the generally statewide policy of acknowledging that people who are not white heterosexual Anglo Saxon Protestants are worthy of community- wide recognitions and participation, I will not be spending a dime in your city.

Blue Shield isn't going to be the last organization to boycott your city either.

Joe Crompton
Santa Ana, CA
1 Switzer, Donna
From: Fikes, Cathy
Sent: Thursday, March 2, 2023 12:12 PM
To: Agenda Alerts
Subject: FW: Pride Flag
From: Virginia Richards <[email protected]>
Sent: Thursday, February 23, 2023 8:11 PM
To: CITY COUNCIL <[email protected]>
Subject: Pride Flag
Dear Council Members
Although we are not residents of Huntington Beach, we are residents of Orange County and we appreciate you so much for your stand to not fly the "pride" flag from City buildings. Those who wish to have "statement" flags on display at their place of business or their home is a personal matter; government buildings should be politically neutral and not fly any flags that represent a specific group. It's not always easy to go against the latest political or social current, but thank you for doing just that.

Jim and Virginia Richards
Santa Ana, CA
1 Switzer, Donna
From: Fikes, Cathy
Sent: Thursday, March 2, 2023 12:12 PM
To: Agenda Alerts
Subject: FW: Please fly the LBGTQ flag
From: Polly Pitsker <[email protected]>
Sent: Thursday, February 23, 2023 8:48 PM
To: CITY COUNCIL <[email protected]>
Subject: Please fly the LBGTQ flag
I am an 87 year old resident of Huntington Beach and I hope you will support flying the LGBTQ Pride flag in June to show our city supports inclusion. Even though the American flag includes all people, there are times when we need to show extra support for people who are excluded in our society.

Thank you,
Polly Pitsker
610 22nd Street
HB, CA 92648
1 Switzer, Donna
From: Fikes, Cathy
Sent: Thursday, March 2, 2023 12:12 PM
To: Agenda Alerts
Subject: FW: Pro Pride Flag
-----Original Message----
From: Pam Carrie <[email protected]>
Sent: Thursday, February 23, 2023 9:06 PM
To: CITY COUNCIL <[email protected]>
Subject: Pro Pride Flag
Dear Members of the HB City Council,
As a retired elementary school librarian, I am very concerned about your quest to remove the PRIDE flag from Huntington Beach.

Flying the pride flag is a symbol of acceptance that many young people need at a time of their lives when being different makes them feel hopeless. Suicide is a big problem for gay and lesbian students. If you could save one life by flying the flag, it will be well worth it as a gesture of love for humankind.

It does not mean you want to promote a gay/lesbian lifestyle. To me it means if you were born with a DNA that caused you grow into a person of this persuasion, you will not be ostracized nor bullied in Huntington Beach.

The PRIDE flag should be seen as a flag of kindness. I do fear that removing it will be seen as a sign of hate.

Thank you for considering this point of view.

Mrs. Pam Carrie
grandmother of five
1 Switzer, Donna
Fikes, Cathy
Thursday, March 2, 2023 12:13 PM
To: Agenda Alerts
Subject: FW: Pride Flag
----Original Message----
From: [email protected] <[email protected]> Sent: Thursday, February 23, 2023 10:55 PM
To: CITY COUNCIL <[email protected]>
Subject: RE: Pride Flag
To Whom it May Concern,
1 am deeply troubled by your decision to reverse flying the pride flag in my home city. I grew up here, went to HBHS and love Huntington Beach. When I saw the flag last summer flying, it sent a message for the first time that hate and intolerance does not belong in HB and that the city was going to move forward from its long history of intolerance and bigotry. That it would strongly step in the direction of inclusion, acceptance and love for ALL backgrounds, ALL people.

Huntington Beach should not be publicly known as a "white supremecist capital" of the United States. We should be showing our children and the community that all walks of life are worthy of Gods love. To me, flying the pride flag shows the community that whether or not your neighbor is white, black, gay, straight, religious, or atheist— all are welcome here and all are safe.

It is much more than the simple flag being flown. It is symbolic to the intolerance that is happening in our city. By flying the flag, It is sending a clear message that Huntington Beach honors all of its citizens and that Huntington Beach is not a city of intolerance and hate, but one of inclusion, community and respect for all its citizens.

I sincerely hope the city council will reconsider this disgraceful decision that made news in all the wrong ways. It is my hope that when we look back in years to come, we will remember that Huntington Beach did not waiver in its commitment to move forward as a community of Inclusion- that it continued to fly the flag to ensure its minority population of gay citizens felt safe and were acknowledged as members of the community.

Please do the right thing. Continue to fly the pride flag each year as a sign of solidarity and inclusion for all people. Gay people are here in Huntington Beach and the mere eradication of the flag will not deter them from demanding to be included in the community. It will only be a matter of time until the council will have members of the gay community for this very reason.

Warm Regards,
Adam Mantell
1 Switzer, Donna
From: Fikes, Cathy
Sent: Thursday, March 2, 2023 12:13 PM
To: Agenda Alerts
Subject: FW: Honor love by lighting our pier for Pride Month From: Isabella Ford <[email protected]>
Sent: Friday, February 24, 2023 7:42 AM
To: CITY COUNCIL <[email protected]>
Subject: Honor love by lighting our pier for Pride Month Dear Huntington Beach City Council Members,
If this is really just about the flag, and you still support love of all, please find a way to show support in June during Pride month. My suggestion is to light up the pier with rainbow lights... in December, we light up the pier with snowflakes. We could even do a lighting ceremony the night of May 31st, maybe take donations to pay for the lights that can be put up in honor of a loved one.

It would really show support and help unify our community.

Thank you
Isabella Ford
1 Switzer, Donna
From: Fikes, Cathy
Sent: Thursday, March 2, 2023 12:13 PM
To: Agenda Alerts
Subject: FW: Thank You
From: Steve Linton <[email protected]>
Sent: Friday, February 24, 2023 7:48 AM
To: CITY COUNCIL <city. [email protected]>
Subject: Thank You
It was great that you stood up to the flag of the day bullies from Blue Shield. I am one of their card carrying members.

BLUE SHIELD should not be taking expensive junkets to HB. I am covered by them a pay in the excess of $2,000 per month for my wife and I. LET ME REPEAT, $2,000 EACH MONTH.

Lam requesting that the city and its businesses not enforce any legal remedies to enforce payment penalties for heir non-performance, as this would only increase its "members" premiums.

I can only assume they will move it to a more inclusive city such as Laguna Beach. Unfortunately by now most of the affordable venues will be full so they may be left with the Montage or Ritz Carlton. Possibly a welcome cocktail party at The Deck also in Laguna Beach.

You watch, that's where they will end up under the duck and cover of inclusiveness, a 5 star resort. 1 Switzer, Donna
From: Fikes, Cathy
Sent: Thursday, March 2, 2023 12:14 PM
To: Agenda Alerts
Subject: FW: Pride flag
----Original Message-...

From: SallySanders < [email protected]>
Sent: Friday, February 24, 2023 8:28 AM
To: CITY COUNCIL <[email protected]>
Subject: Re: Pride flag
Sent from my iPad
> On Feb 20, 2023, at 3:58 PM, SallySanders <[email protected]> wrote:
>
> Dear council members,
>
> I'm writing to ask that the Pride flag be continued to be displayed during Pride Month. > By not putting the flag up, you are communicating to the community that the LGBTQ folks are unwelcome. People who say, "if we put that flag up, we have to put other flags up" are just being obtuse. Some people are saying, "why do they have to be flamboyant?" In other words, go back to being in the closet. We will NOT go back and Huntington Beach needs to keep up with the times. Please don't be bigoted. Do the right thing. >
> Thank you,
> Sally Sanders
> 564 Cliff Dr. #8
> Laguna Beach, California. 92651.
>
> Sent from my iPad
1 Switzer, Donna
From: Fikes, Cathy
Sent: Thursday, March 2, 2023 12:14 PM
To: Agenda Alerts
Subject: FW: Limit Flags on public property
From: Mike Keller <[email protected]>
Sent: Friday, February 24, 2023 8:52 AM
To: CITY COUNCIL <city. [email protected]>
Subject: Limit Flags on public property
Dear CIty Council,
I wholeheartedly support your decision to limit the types of flags flown on City and public property. The ultimate acceptance and respect of a group is being treated the same as everyone else. o not acquiesce to the woke corporations who are threatening the City. You are doing a fantastic job o epresenting vour constituency. We are tired of being bullied by the woke flavor of the dav. Let's all b citizens and treat each other equally.

You are a model city and city council for Orange County, I also appreciate you fighting against the gutting of local zoning control by the state. Hopefully other Orange County cities will join you in all of these issues.

Respectfully,
Mike Keller
[email protected]
www.California-rancher.com
1 Switzer, Donna
From: Fikes, Cathy
Sent: Thursday, March 2, 2023 12:14 PM
To: Agenda Alerts
Subject: FW: The New Flag Policy
From: Evelyn Grace <[email protected]>
Sent: Friday, February 24, 2023 9:14 AM
To: CITY COUNCIL < city. [email protected]>
Subject: The New Flag Policy
Dear HB City Council Members,
I'm writing to you as a life-long resident of Huntington Beach, and a straight, married woman.

I'm shocked and disgusted by the new policy to exclude representation and support of certain human beings who are just as loved by God as you are. This decision also makes our beloved city appear to be inhabited by uncaring, selfish citizens. I've always been so proud of my city, until now. It's truly embarrassing and appalling that we have resorted to this behavior. Please reconsider allowing the Pride Flag to fly with the other flags to show that not all of our residents are hurtful and rejecting of other human beings.

Thank you,
Evelyn Grace
Huntington Beach Resident Since 1967
1 Switzer, Donna
From: Fikes, Cathy
Sent: Thursday, March 2, 2023 12:14 PM
To: Agenda Alerts
Subject: FW: Pride Flag
From: Sumi Yata <[email protected]>
Sent: Friday, February 24, 2023 1:12 PM
To: CITY COUNCIL <[email protected]>
....

Subject: Re: Pride Flag
I saw that Huntington Beach is, again, in the news because of our resistance to follow California's affordable housing requirement rules! These efforts to evade state housing laws will be both fruitless and costly for the city of Huntington Beach! I, as a resident of Huntington Beach, strongly oppose these efforts!
On Sun, Feb 19, 2023 at 8:51 PM Sumi Yata <[email protected]> wrote:

Hello! I am a resident of Huntington Beach. I am writing to express my dismay at our city council's proposal to not fly the Pride flag at City Hall! As the numbers of letters to the Daily Pilot illustrate, this is sending a negative signal to all that everyone is not welcome in our city. The LGBTQ community has been discriminated against in so many ways, it would be a welcome sign to see the pride flag flown at our City Hall! In this day of racism and extremism, it seems to me that it is a small but significant way to show that Huntington Beach welcomes all, regardless of their race, ethnicity, sexual orientation or gender identity. I hope that you will against this proposal and show the community and the world that we are a city that wants to be a city of diverse communities and equal rights
Please do not allow this to happen!
Thank you!
1 Switzer, Donna
From: Fikes, Cathy
Sent: Thursday, March 2, 2023 12:15 PM
To: Agenda Alerts
Subject: FW: Rainbow Flag
Attachments: Temp HB4 (2021_09_04 01_20_13 UTC). webp; Temp 1 jpg From: [email protected]<[email protected]>
Sent: Friday, February 24, 2023 2:39 PM
To: CITY COUNCIL < city. [email protected]>
Subject: Rainbow Flag
I and the vast majority of Orange County citizens support the Huntington Beach city council in banning the rainbow flag. It is an offensive symbol to me. It glorifies a deviant lifestyle. Many supporters of the rainbow flag are mired in hate and division. Some of them support a pedophile lifestyle. Many of them spew hate toward people of faith in God. No thanks. We need to be rid of this poison.

I and many of my friends happily spend time and money in Huntington Beach (live in south Orange County) and will continue to do so as long as the city is not woke. We avoid those cities. For HB, we go to the air show, the surf contests, the 4th of July parade and more. My best friend and in laws, among other friends / associates live there. We may someday move there.
1 HB Asto Dealers Association Celebrate Hometown Traditions i Steve
Garvey

STEVE CARVEY
Switzer, Donna
From: Fikes, Cathy
Sent: Thursday, March 2, 2023 12:15 PM
To: Agenda Alerts
Subject: FW: As a member of blueshiel, please stay out of city politics From: [email protected] <[email protected]>
Sent: Friday, February 24, 2023 3:34 PM
To: CITY COUNCIL <[email protected]>
Cc: [email protected]
Subject: Fwd: As a member of blueshiel, please stay out of city politics Here is my response to BlueShield and my apology for being associated with such a misguided organization. I love Huntington Beach.

Donald
-----Original Message-
From: [email protected]
To: [email protected] <[email protected]>; [email protected] <[email protected]>:
[email protected] <[email protected]> Cc: [email protected]
Sent: Fri, Feb 24, 2023 3:22 pm
Subject: As a member of blueshiel, please stay out of city politics Ms Kagan, Mr Zakrzewshi, Ms Chang,
I have been a member of BlueShield for over a decade and right now I am extremely irate with your policy of interfering vith Huntington Beach local politics. Less than 5% of the population is LBGTQ+ and you are pushing your weight aroun about a flag? I am restraining myself writing this. I have a Masters Degree from USC so I don't think I am stupid, so witl that said, I don't see any reasonable rational why BlueShield is getting involved with this political discussion.

Why not a white pride flag, why not a pedophile pride flag, why not a Black Lives Matters flag, why not... and the list is endless. WHY ARE YOU EVEN GETTING INVOLVED IN THE DISCUSSION ???? JUST DO YOUR JOB AND PROVIDE MEDICAL COVERAGE. STAY OUT OF LOCAL POLITICS!!! There are a number of Medicare providers out there and if this is the mentality that runs this organization, I likely should change.

By the way, I am still suffering from not having a gay child in which to have pride. I am so sad!! Donald Kannenberg
61 Lakeshore
Irvine, CA 92604
[email protected]
1 Switzer, Donna
From: Fikes, Cathy
Sent: Thursday, March 2, 2023 12:16 PM
To: Agenda Alerts
Subject: FW: Thank you for Flag
From: Shane Peters <[email protected]>
Sent: Friday, February 24, 2023 4:53 PM
To: CITY COUNCIL <[email protected]>
Subject: Thank you for Flag
Thank yau Council for doing the right thing The Flagpole is for our American Flag at Governmen offices Shane Peters
Switzer, Donna
From: Fikes, Cathy
Sent: Thursday, March 2, 2023 12:16 PM
To: Agenda Alerts
Subject: FW: Please Vote No on Flag Ordinance - Targets Pride From: Ashley Williamson <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, February 20, 2023 11:07 AM
To: CITY COUNCIL <[email protected]>
Subject: Please Vote No on Flag Ordinance - Targets Pride Lgbtq hate crimes and anti-trans legislation is on the rise. Pride flags fly during Pride month over federal buildings all the time. There's no reason to change the whole play book just to prohibit one flag.

Since the first vote, anti-gay bigots have been emboldened to say harmful and derogatory things about the Logbtq community. The owner of two popular restaurants in town has publicly commented that he wishes gay people back in the closet... the reason that the closet existed in the first place was to protect us from harm, assault, and murder. Two very big conservative talking heads, Donald Trump and Matt Walsh, have both advocated for the eradication of trans individuals.

Neutrality during times of Injustice always sides with the oppressor.

This is why we need the pride flag to stay.

I am a resident of Huntington beach, I have lived here 12 years. My kid is 12 and has lived here all their life.

The recently came out to me and just began middle school. The Trevor Project reports that the majority of unreported bullying happens in middle school. If whole adults are emboldened to be publicly anti-gay and anti- trans, how do you think their children will treat my child?? This is why Pride needs to stay.

Lastly, Mr. Burns should have his gay nice and nephew come to make a comment instead of tokenizing their existence in his life to justify his clearly anti-pride ordinance. He's brought them up multiple times in OAN interviews and in front of the city. Prove to us you aren't putting words in their mouth. Mr Burns has also stated how he feels like there is no discrimination in our city and that we have achieved equality. Very interesting perspective from a wealthy, white male ex cop! So glad he uses his own life as a default to judge any other experience!
THIS IS WHY WE NEED PRIDE TO STAY!!
Thank you.
1 Switzer, Donna
From: Fikes, Cathy
Sent: Thursday, March 2, 2023 12:16 PM
To: Agenda Alerts
Subject: FW: flags representing government
From: Mary Godwin <[email protected]>
Sent: Friday, February 24, 2023 8:57 PM
To: CITY COUNCIL <[email protected]>
Subject: flags representing government
To the members of the Huntington Beach City Council,
Thank you for limiting displayed flags to government and military flags. I just saw an article criticizing your decision to display only government and military flags on city owned buildings. It takes strength and courage to make unpopular decisions, but it is greatly appreciated and I applaud you for it. You have not allowed individual groups to bully you into making publicly owned property the billboard for this or any other group, Thank you.

Mary Godwin
Sent from Mail for Windows
...
1 Switzer, Donna
From: Fikes, Cathy
Sent: Thursday, March 2, 2023 12:17 PM
To: Agenda Alerts
Subject: FW: Continue to fly PRIDE Flag
From: Teray Stephens <[email protected]> Sent: Saturday, February 25, 2023 9:02 AM
To: Teray Stephens <[email protected]>; CITY COUNCIL < [email protected]> Subject: Continue to fly PRIDE Flag
I strongly support the city of Huntington Beach flying the PRIDE flag in June. I am a proud resident and want to ensure all members of our community feel welcomed and included.

Theresa Stephens
1 Switzer, Donna
From: Fikes, Cathy
Sent: Thursday, March 2, 2023 12:17 PM
To: Agenda Alerts
Subject: FW: Pride Flag
From: Valli Febbraro <[email protected]>
Sent: Saturday, February 25, 2023 9:51 AM
To: CITY COUNCIL <[email protected]>
Subject: Pride Flag
Dear Council Members:

My husband and I voted for all of you. Congratulations. We felt the previous Council members were not representing the majority of people of Huntington Beach.

I read an article in the OC Register yesterday and it was very disturbing to us.

I currently have Blue Shield of CA. as my insurance company. I was not aware that Blue Shield was acting as an advocacy group. The article in the OC Register wrote Blue Shield foundation said the plan to "ban flying the Pride flag would be antithetical to our mission and values as an organization and a funder." I looked up Blue Shields mission statement. "Our mission - To ensure all Californians have access to high- quality health care at an affordable price."
I agree with Blue Shield's mission statement. I do not agree with their view that it would be antithetical; nor do I believe they should make demands with regard to the Pride flag or any other flag for any type of group, how a person identifies themselves.

I believe that, especially, in our government organizations we should represent all Americans. I believe in equality for all that doesn't mean I wan ti see flags for di If you have contact information for the foundation members of the Blue Shield Foundation, I would appreciate it if you would forward it to me as I would like to contact them.

Please add our votes No on the Pride Flag.

Thank you
...

Sincerely,
Valli Febbraro & Michael Keefe
1 Switzer, Donna
From: Fikes, Cathy
Sent: Thursday, March 2, 2023 12:17 PM
To: Agenda Alerts
Subject: FW: Pride Flag Huntington Beach
From: Lucinda Muro <[email protected]>
Sent: Saturday, February 25, 2023 2:09 PM
To: CITY COUNCIL <[email protected]>
Subject: Pride Flag Huntington Beach
To the City Council,
As part of the LGBTQ+ community, I am asking in support to keep the pride flag to stand strong in the city of Huntington Beach. Our community has been fighting for equal rights for many years and taking the flag down will be a step back from what we are trying to achieve. Please help us in our fight - keep the pride flag up.

Thank you
Lucinda Muro
Sent from Gmail Mobile
1 Switzer, Donna
From: Fikes, Cathy
Sent: Thursday, March 2, 2023 12:17 PM
To: Agenda Alerts
Subject: FW: Iniustice
--Original Message-...

From: Dan Saito <[email protected]>
Sent: Saturday, February 25, 2023 2:49 PM
To: CITY COUNCIL <[email protected]>
Subject: Injustice
To the City Council,
It is my understanding that there is discussion in your meetings to discontinue the flying of the Gay Pride flag at City Hall.

The Gay Pride flag is only flown during June, Gay Pride Month. This discussion is led by a few hateful, ignorant people who seem to enjoy hurting people who are different from them.

Please do the right thing and stop the victimization of the LGBTQ community.

Sincerely,
Danny Saito
Sent from my iPhone
Switzer, Donna
From: Fikes, Cathy
Sent: Thursday, March 2, 2023 12:18 PM
To: Agenda Alerts
Subject: FW: Agenda item 23
From: Ray Scrafield < [email protected]>
Sent: Saturday, February 25, 2023 10:50 PM
To: CITY COUNCIL <[email protected]>
Subject: Re: Agenda item 23
You are welcome. Thanks for doing a great job.

On Tue, Feb 21, 2023, 10:44 AM Ray Scrafield <[email protected]> wrote:

It is time to stop dividing our nation, and especially our city.

We need only to fly flags that represent all of our residents.

The U.S. flag, the California State flag and the P.O.W. flag are all that is necessary. Any other flags will only serve to separate us. Please support Agenda Item 23 at tonight's meeting. Thank you.

Ray and Barbara Scrafield
Switzer, Donna
From: Fikes, Cathy
Sent: Thursday, March 2, 2023 12:21 PM
To: Agenda Alerts
Subject: FW: Huntington Beach Pride flag
From: [email protected] <[email protected]> Sent: Sunday, February 26, 2023 7:02 AM
To: Burns, Pat <[email protected]>
Subject: Fwd: Huntington Beach Pride flag
Good morning, all.

I am responding to the below email from Huntington Beach Councilperson Pat Burns who initiated the removal of the Pride Flag in Huntington Beach. The irony and audacity of the message is absolutely astounding to me but I shouldn't be surprised by the response.

These elected officials have touted their love of God and country as they make these bigoted and divisive decisions. As such, my best response is the well known bible passage "A man reaps what he sows. The one who sows to please his sinful nature, from that nature will reap destruction..." The community response to the decision can not be misconstrued as retaliation. It is accountability. This decision is the precipitation of regressive thinking that makes the city and its governance seem ignorant and self-serving. When you represent a diverse community, you need to protect the interests of all of the constituents - especially those who are not part of the majority.

With three more of my corporate relationships now outraged by this decision, more movement is coming. The decision needs to be retracted and there should be a public acknowledgment from the four city councilors who voted in favor of this unmitigated garbage. Each one should respond publicly to this blatant bigotry and their part in it.

I will not be responding further. I have, however, copied local news and media outlets on this response. I've also copied Mr. Burns' more evolved council colleagues so they have the opportunity to see his response. What kind of leader sends an email like the below message?
Media representatives, I am traveling but will respond as promptly as possible.

Charles Stanton
Chief Innovation Officer
Transient Consulting
www.TransientConsulting.com
Begin forwarded message:
1 From: "Burns, Pat" < [email protected]>
Date: February 26, 2023 at 12:39:17 AM EST
To: [email protected]
Subject: Re: Huntington Beach Pride flag
I just ask that you find it in your heart to treat them equally and not segregate them as being outcasts or "different". Once people start thinking we're all equal, we'll move forward without so much hate as so many have shown that insist that the flag makes them equally valued members of our community. Pat Sent from my iPad
On Feb 21, 2023, at 10:56 AM, [email protected] wrote:

Greetings, Huntington Beach Council.

It is so unfortunate that I need to send this message given my company's significant business relationships in and surrounding Huntington Beach.

My company, Transient Consulting, is dual-headquartered in Connecticut and in Orange County.

We have served as a contractor to the Olympics and have served as a sponsor and a crucial marketing and philanthropic collaborator for 11 of the annual events that happen in your community.

My business partner, Miguel Ramos, and I also personally sponsor numerous annual events in Huntington Beach and generally in Orange County. Nearly $50,000 contributed last year alone in addition to significant work and business brought to the region. We are a company that is built on the idea that diversity brings richness and depth to our community.

Given the significant racial, ethnic, socioeconomic, and religious diversity represented in Huntington Beach, I was shocked to see this Pride Flag decision being considered. It makes the beautiful Huntington Beach community seem as though it does not welcome diverse guests despite a very diverse population.

Miguel and I have already been in touch with our senior executive triends at Nike, VANS, Boeing, quicksilver, the Olympics committee, as well as numerous other privately-owned businesses headquartered in Huntington Beach. In each and every instance, those decision makers have been shocked and appalled by this proposal. We currently have the verbalized support of 15 community business partners who are ready to retract all support from Huntington Beach events and activities.

It is our sincere hope that we will not need to leverage our many Orange County relationships since our goal has always been BUILDING the community.

That said, should this Pride Flag decision move forward, Miguel and I will not rest until the decision-makers are held accountable for this bigotry. Thanks to my company and our many business partners, there certainly would be financial repercussions if this decision moved forward.
2 As a reminder, every business listed above, including my own includes LGBTQ+ Pride in reprenut ackno tile busies an at hit. The diverse comy wily you reloat is changed oil Choose wisely and continue to welcome diverse communities and the business and resources we bring to your city.

Kindly,
Charles
Charles Stanton
Chief Innovation Officer
Transient Consulting
Switzer, Donna
From: Fikes, Cathy
Sent: Thursday, March 2, 2023 12:21 PM
To: Agenda Alerts
Subject: FW: flying and displaying gay pride flag
From: Hilarie Kelly <[email protected]>
Sent: Sunday, February 26, 2023 7:25 PM
To: CITY COUNCIL <[email protected]>
Subject: flying and displaying gay pride flag
As a resident of Huntington Beach for 35 years, 1 oppose legal restrictions on flying or displaying the gay pride flag at City Hall or on other city property. Such an exclusionary policy is inherently discriminatory and needlessly provocative. As long as our national, state, and city flags are flown high on city property, I see no harm in the flying or display of additional flags that represent positive, cross-community values of friendship and acceptance, especially when such displays are seasonally or situationally appropriate. It is disturbing that a handful of elected council persons, whose service is inherently limited to the terms for which they are elected, would take steps to actually ban expressions of diversity, equity, and inclusion - in deliberate defiance of the ethical movement across the country to honor these positive principles. To what end and for what purpose? What positive return will such a discriminatory action bring to our city's residents? I oppose public servants taking such steps that embarrass our community as a whole and damage out city's reputation.

Hilarie Kelly
1 Switzer, Donna
From: Fikes, Cathy
Sent: Thursday, March 2, 2023 12:22 PM
To: Agenda Alerts
Subject: FW: HB City Council + PRIDE Flag
From: Katelyn Vinh < [email protected]>
Sent: Monday, February 27, 2023 9:36 AM
To: CITY COUNCIL <[email protected]>; [email protected] Subject: HB City Council + PRIDE Flag
Dear City Council Members,
I do not live in Huntington Beach, but, this city has been a part of my life since childhood as it is our family's go- to beach. I support inclusivity of the LGBTQ+ Community. Voting to pass an ordinance that would ban the flying of the PRIDE Flag shows that Huntington Beach is not an accepting, inclusive or safe city for the LGBTQ+ community. When I make the decision of where I want to go to spend the day at the beach or where to bring my family, I look for cities that value equality as it makes me feel safer, such as Long Beach, Costa Mesa and Laguna Niguel. Those cities are just as easy for me to go to, AND they show that they value the LGBTQ+ members of their city, unlike Huntington Beach, by flying the PRIDE flag in June. Although I am not a part of the LGBTQ+ community myself, l am completely in support and realize the importance of unity and inclusivity of a community that deserves the same amount of love and respect as everyone else. I ask that at the next City Council meeting, you vote to keep flying the PRIDE flag as a symbol of acceptance and solidarity. Please vote to show that Huntington Beach is an accepting, inclusive and safe city for their LGBTQ+ residents and all those who visit here to enjoy all that Huntington Beach has to offer.

All my best,
Katelyn Vinh
[email protected]
1 Switzer, Donna
From: Fikes, Cathy
Sent: Thursday, March 2, 2023 12:22 PM
To: Agenda Alerts
Subject: FW: Vote No to Limiting Flags to Government Only From: Zell Vidal <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, February 27, 2023 9:18 PM
To: CITY COUNCIL <[email protected]>
Subject: Vote No to Limiting Flags to Government Only
Hi Huntington Beach City Council - My name is Zell Vidal, and I am a member of the Huntington Beach community. Please vote "No" for limiting flags to government flags only at the next HB city council meeting.

This piece of policy is poorly written and would prevent the flying of important flags like the Olympic flag and the flag of our sister city Anjo in Japan in a timely manner. It would also prevent the flying of the Pride or rainbow flag during Pride month in June or the Pan-African flag during Black History Month in February. All of these flags are symbols of positivity, community, and safety, and it would be a shame to lose these beacons of inclusivity.

Once again, please vote "No" on limiting flags to government flags only at the next HB city council meeting.

Thank you,
Zell
Switzer, Donna
From: Fikes, Cathy
Sent: Thursday, March 2, 2023 12:22 PM
To: Agenda Alerts
Subject: FW: Agenda item #23
From: Linda Large < [email protected]>
Sent: Monday, February 27, 2023 11:34 PM
To: CITY COUNCIL < [email protected]>
Subject: Agenda item #23
Large < [email protected]>
Date: February 21, 2023 at 3:51:38 PM PST
To: City. [email protected]
Subject: Flags
I am a resident of Huntington Beach 92646 for 45 years. I think only USA, State and local city flags should fly in our HB city. No special interest flags. Sent from my iPhone • : ::.
1 Switzer, Donna
From: Fikes, Cathy
Sent: Thursday, March 2, 2023 12:23 PM
To: Agenda Alerts
Subject: FW: Flag Ordinance
From: J Davenport < [email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, February 28, 2023 8:45 AM
To: CITY COUNCIL <[email protected]>
Subject: Flag Ordinance
This is the text of the letter to the editor that I sent to the Register. It may not get published, but it should be.

The City of Huntington Beach is advancing an ordinance that limits the type of flags that can be flown over city government buildings. It does not, in any way, affect an individual's right to fly or display any flag of their choice over their own property. The last city council, now out of office, choose to make a political statement by flying the flag of a favored group on city flag poles, and they did this over the stern objections of the residents in the city. Now that favored group seeks to maintain preferential treatment in the flying of their banner. The practice of flying flags of politically favored groups should not have been started in the first place and the new ordinance is the only way end it.

Dennis Davenport
Huntington Beach
i...

Switzer, Donna
From: Fikes, Cathy
Sent: Thursday, March 2, 2023 12:23 PM
To: Agenda Alerts
Subject: FW: Pride Flag and LGBTQ support in Huntington Beach From: Laura Camp<[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, February 28, 2023 12:11 PM
To: CITY COUNCIL <[email protected]>
Subject: Pride Flag and LGBTQ support in Huntington Beach Dear City Council Members,
I do not live in Huntington Beach, but I support inclusivity and the LGBTQ+ Community. Voting to pass an ordinance that would ban the flying of the pride flag shows that Huntington Beach is not an accepting, inclusive and safe city for the LGBTQ+ community. This is the kind of decision and image that stays with a community for a very long time - your decision sets a tone of either inclusion or intolerance.

When I make the decision where I will go to spend the day at the beach, where I will go to shop, where I will go to vacation, I look for cities that value equality, such as Long Beach, Costa Mesa and Laguna Niguel. Those cities are just as easy for me to go to, AND they show that they value the LGBTQ+ members of their city, unlike Huntington Beach, by flying the pride flag in June.

Sincerely,
Laura Camp
San Juan Capistrano, CA
Switzer, Donna
From: Fikes, Cathy
Sent: Thursday, March 2, 2023 12:23 PM
To: Agenda Alerts
Subject: FW: Disappointed in your recent action on the Pride Flag From: Cindy Ashley <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, February 28, 2023 1:32 PM
To: CITY COUNCIL <[email protected]>
Subject: Disappointed in your recent action on the Pride Flag Dear City Council Members,
I do not live in Huntington Beach, but I live in Orange County. You can be sure I will not spend one dime in Huntington Beach following your actions to ban the flying of the pride flag which shows that Huntington Beach is not an accepting, inclusive and safe city for the LGBTQ+ community. It is sad that you have chosen to politicize acceptance of those in the LGBTQ+ community. They are frequent targets of hate crimes. Your argument that you shouldn't show favoritism means that you find yourselves incapable of differentiating which groups need different types of support in your city. Rates of suicide and depression areFlying the Pride Flag says to the LGBTQ+ members & their family members and other concerned persons that we accept you the way you are, and we stand with you in your quest for freedom to live your lives in peace without being a target. It is sad to see a city in our county go backwards the way that Huntington Beach is. I hope you reverse your decision and show that you can learn and make better decisions for your community.

Sincerely,
Cindy Ashley
References:
https://www.cdc.gov/lgbthealth/youth.htm
https://www.thetrevorproject.org/survey-2022/
https://nami.org/Blogs/NAMI-Blog/September-2017/It-s-Time-to-Talk-About-Suicide-in-LGBTQ-Communiti 1 Switzer, Donna
From: Fikes, Cathy
Sent: Thursday, March 2, 2023 12:23 PM
To: Agenda Alerts
Subject: FW: Pride Flag
From: Diana Tomei < [email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, February 28, 2023 2:25 PM
To: CITY COUNCIL <[email protected]>
Subject: Pride Flag
Dear City Council Members,
I do not live in Huntington Beach, but I support inclusivity and the LGBTQ+ Community. Voting to pass an ordinance that would ban the flying of the pride flag shows that Huntington Beach is not an accepting, inclusive and safe city for the LGBTQ+ community. When I make the decision where I will go to spend the day at the beach, where I will go to shop, where I will go to vacation, I look for cities that value equality, such as Long Beach, Costa Mesa and Laguna Niguel. Those cities are just as easy for me to go to, AND they show that they value the LGBTQ+ members of their city, unlike Huntington Beach, by flying the pride flag in June.

Thank you for your attention to this matter.

Diana Tomei
Diana Tomei
[email protected]
Sent from my iPhone
1 Switzer, Donna
From: Fikes, Cathy
Sent: Thursday, March 2, 2023 12:24 PM
To: Agenda Alerts
Subject: FW: Banning the pride flag
---Original Message-...

From: Qarin Van Brink <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, February 28, 2023 2:36 PM
To: CITY COUNCIL <[email protected]>
Subject: Banning the pride flag
Dear City Council Members,
I do not live in Huntington Beach, but I support inclusivity and the LGBTQ+ Community. Voting to pass an ordinance that would ban the flying of the PRIDE Flag shows that Huntington Beach is not an accepting, inclusive and safe city for the LGBTQ+ community. When I make the decision where I will go to spend the day at the beach, where I will go to shop, where / will go to vacation, | look for cities that value equality, such as Long Beach, Costa Mesa and Laguna Niguel.

Those cities are just as easy for me to go to, AND they show that they value the LGBTQ+ members of their city, unlike Huntington Beach, by flying the PRIDE flag in June.

Banning flags is fundamentally different than simply choosing not to fly them- banning is a direct action against those the flag
represents: it's personal. Banning also sends a message into the future about inclusivity and acceptance (specifically, a lack of it), creating barriers to people not yet in charge in an effort to force them into your current belief systems and preferences. This is bad law.
-Qarin Van Brink
Buena Park, CA
1 Switzer, Donna
From: Fikes, Cathy
Sent: Thursday, March 2, 2023 12:27 PM
To: Agenda Alerts
Subject: FW: Pride Flag
From: Autumn and Gail Topete-Harmeier <[email protected]> Sent: Wednesday, March 1, 2023 6:58 AM
To: CITY COUNCIL <[email protected]>
Subject: Pride Flag
6:44
Dear Council Members,
As a resident of Huntington
Beach, you did not represent n
voice when you voted to
suspend flying the PRIDE Flag
and voted in support of the
ordinance proposed by Counc
Member Burns. You were elect
to a non-partisan position whe
you are to represent your
constituents' voices. As seen I
the emails hefore the mainritv
Sincerely
Gailann Harmeier
Sent from my iPhone
Switzer, Donna
From: Fikes, Cathy
Sent: Thursday, March 2, 2023 12:27 PM
To: Agenda Alerts
Subject: FW: wave the pride flag! Please read this ALOUD.

From: Linda Grunnet <[email protected]>
Sent: Wednesday, March 1, 2023 8:54 AM
To: CITY COUNCIL <[email protected]>
Subject: wave the pride flag! Please read this ALOUD.

To the city council,
Whomever presented this idea to this council is living
in the past. What hypocricy. This is a free country as
many of you spout, if we're discussing YOUR
ideas! This rainbow stands for many different types of
people, you being one of them.

Step back, take a breath, and look into YOUR own
family. Are you really that intimidated? It is very
possible you are hurting one of your own kids. Is this
what you want? Suicide is high in this group since
support and love are absent, due to lack of acceptance. I taught high school so I know of what I speak. You are
AFRAID of unfamiliarity. Call it what it is. ITs YOU
not the flag to fear.

Linda G.
rainbow colors have no meaning unless you add fear instead of love 1 Switzer, Donna
From: Fikes, Cathy
Sent: Thursday, March 2, 2023 12:28 PM
To: Agenda Alerts
Subject: FW: LGBTQ+ & Pride Flag
From: Ellen Eber <[email protected]>
Sent: Wednesday, March 1, 2023 11:03 AM
To: CITY COUNCIL < [email protected]>
Subject: LGBTQ+ & Pride Flag
I'm not a Huntington Beach resident, but I support inclusivity and the LGBTQ+ Community. Voting to pass an ordinance that would ban the flying of the pride flag shows that Huntington Beach is not an accepting, inclusive and safe city for the LGBTQ+ community. When my friends and family come to visit from the East Coast, I consider what beach we'll go to, and where we'll shop or eat. I avoid cities that don'! value equality at all costs! Instead, I support cities that do such as Long Beach, Costa Mesa and Laguna Niguel because they show that they value the LGBTO+ members of their city by Aying the pride flag in June.

I hope that Huntington Beach will reconsider this important ordinance. Love and acceptance conquers Hate and fear.

Sincerely,
Ellen Eber
Laguna Niguel
Switzer, Donna
From: Fikes, Cathy
Sent: Thursday, March 2, 2023 12:28 PM
To: Agenda Alerts
Subject: FW: City Council Meeting
--Original Message-..

From: Sophia Ramos <[email protected]>
Sent: Wednesday, March 1, 2023 12:11 PM
To: CITY COUNCIL <[email protected]>
Subject: City Council Meeting
Hi, my name is Sophia Ramos. I'm emailing because I feel it is very important to keep the pride flag hanging during Pride Month. As someone who grew up visiting Huntington Beach, and with a mother who grew up there, it breaks my heart to hear about the proposed ordinance. I understand that some consider the pride flag just a political statement, but it's not. Queer people, like me, see that flag and know it is a safe community for us to be open about our identities. It's a reassurance that we are guaranteed safety in Huntington Beach. Please vote to keep the pride flag hanging.

Thank you for your time.

Sophia
1 Switzer, Donna
From: Fikes, Cathy
Sent: Thursday, March 2, 2023 12:28 PM
To: Agenda Alerts
Subject: FW: Pride flag
From: Jeff llleck <[email protected]>
Sent: Wednesday, March 1, 2023 12:29 PM
To: CITY COUNCIL < [email protected]>
Subject: Pride flag
Huntington Beach City Council,
I have been a resident of Huntington Beach since 1993 and a homeowner since 1995, I am a practicing OB/GYN, who has been taking care of Huntington Beach and the surrounding communities for almost 30 years.

I have taken care of and delivered babies to all kinds of blended families, including LGBTQ families.

I can honestly say that I have been thinking of moving over the last number of years, starting with all the anti- vax protests.

Huntington Beach has become an embarrassment.

Now, the decision to not display the Pride flag during Pride month is one more reason that I don't want to claim Huntington Beach as my home.

As cities, counties, and states, throughout the US, continue to pass anti-L.GBTQ legislation, this move by our city council is just one more example of our city moving in the wrong direction.

If for just a month a year, for our city to say, "Welcome Queer families. We see you and are happy that you have chosen Huntington Beach to be your home. "
As a father of a gay child, this decision is even more hurtful. Knowing what my child has had to endure over the years. Bullying and condemnation from supposed friends.

This decision has nothing to do with trying to be equal. For a member of the City Council to go on OAN Network, you know who your audience is.

I want to live in a community that promotes our diversity and our ability to include marginalized groups. If that means we celebrate Black History Month, Hispanic Heritage Month, Native American Heritage Month, Women's History Month and Pride Month, then we should be proud to hang whatever flag symbolizes our support.

Thank you for time,
Jeffrey Illeck, MD
Beach Obstetrics and Gynecology Medical Group
1 Switzer, Donna
From: Fikes, Cathy
Sent: Thursday, March 2, 2023 12:29 PM
To: Agenda Alerts
Subject: FW: The Impact of the Pride Flag - WE EXIST
From: Jordyn Dugan < [email protected]>
Sent: Wednesday, March 1, 2023 1:15 PM
To: CITY COUNCIL <[email protected]>
Subject: The Impact of the Pride Flag - WE EXIST
To whom it may concern,
The original pride flag had eight stripes, each with its own meaning. However, over time, the flag has been simplified to six stripes. Each of the six colors in the flag has its own significance

1. Red: represents life

2. Orange: represents healing

3. Yellow: represents sunlight

4. Green: represents nature

5. Blue: represents harmony

To remove the use of the Pride Flag during pride month, you are invalidating the experience of those who identify as LGBTQ+ and allies that live within your community. LESBIAN PEOPLE EXIST. GAY PEOPLE EXIST. BISEXUAL PEOPLE EXIST. TRANSGENDER PEOPLE EXIST. QUEER PEOPLE EXIST. STRAIGHT PEOPLE EXIST. AND YOU READING THIS, YOU EXIST. YOU CAN NOT ERASE DIFFERENT IDENITIES WITHIN YOUR COMMUNITY.
1 Please do not ban the Pride Flag during Pride Month. People within the LGBTQ+ community tace discrimination everyday. Pride Month represents the progress made in LGBTQ+ rights and to promote continued advocacy and activism for full equality and acceptance.

LETS CO-EXIST.

Jordyn Dugan
2 Switzer, Donna
From: Fikes, Cathy
Sent: Thursday, March 2, 2023 12:30 PM
To: Agenda Alerts
Subject: FW: Please keep the Pride flag flying
----Original Message-----
From: MARTIN HARDLUND <[email protected]>
Sent: Wednesday, March 1, 2023 3:49 PM
To: CITY COUNCIL <[email protected]>
Subject: Please keep the Pride flag flying
Dear HB city council,
I am a retired grandfather living in Huntington Beach. I am concerned that people of all race creeds and orientation are fully accepted and feel valued and welcome in our town.

Please do not prohibit flying the Pride flag on city buildings. Our city needs to signal inclusiveness and love for all.

Sincerely,
Martin Hardlund
4700 Warner Ave 114
Huntington Beach, CA 92649
1 Switzer, Donna
From: Fikes, Cathy
Sent: Thursday, March 2, 2023 12:30 PM
To: Agenda Alerts
Subject: FW: We Just Want to Exist
Importance: High
From: Jordyn Dugan <[email protected]>
Sent: Wednesday, March 1, 2023 4:15 PM
To: Moser, Natalie <[email protected]>
Cc: Fikes, Cathy <[email protected]>
Subject: We Just Want to Exist
Importance: High
Casey McKeon,
The colors on the Pride Flag symbolize the diversity of the LGBTQ+ community and the unity of its members. The flag is a way for LGBTQ+ individuals and allies to show their support and solidarity with the community and to promote acceptance and equality for all individuals, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity. The pride flag is also a symbol of the progress that has been made in ;LGBTQ+ rights and a reminder of the ongoing work that still needs to be done to achieve full equality and acceptance for the community.

To remove the use of the Pride Flag during pride month, you are invalidating the experience of those who identify as LGBTQ+ and allies that live within your community. LESBIAN PEOPLE EXIST. GAY PEOPLE EXIST. BISEXUAL PEOPLE EXIST. TRANSGENDER PEOPLE EXIST. QUEER PEOPLE EXIST. STRAIGHT PEOPLE EXIST. AND YOU READING THIS, YOU EXIST. YOU CAN NOT ERASE DIFFERENT IDENTITIES WITHIN YOUR COMMUNITY. *h
Please do not ban the Pride Flag during Pride Month. People within the LGBTQ+ community face discrimination everyday. Pride Month represents the progress made in LGBTQ+ rights and. to promote continued advocacy and activism for full equality and acceptance.

LETS CO-EXIST.

Jordyn Dugan
1 Switzer, Donna
From: Fikes, Cathy
Sent: Thursday, March 2, 2023 12:32 PM
To: Agenda Alerts
Subject: FW: We Just Want to Exist
Importance: High
From: Jordyn Dugan <[email protected]>
Sent: Wednesday, March 1, 2023 4:17 PM
To: Bolton, Rhonda <[email protected]>
Cc: Fikes, Cathy <[email protected]>
Subject: We Just Want to Exist
Importance: High
Hi Rhonda,
The colors on the Pride Flag symbolize the diversity of the LGBTQ+ community and the unity of its members. The flag is a way for LGBTQ+ individuals and allies to show their support and solidarity with the community and to promote acceptance and equality for all individuals, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity. The pride flag is also a symbol of the progress that has been made in LGBTQ+ rights and a reminder of the ongoing work that still needs to be done to achieve full equality and acceptance for the community.

LETS CO-EXIST.

Jordyn Dugan
1

City Council/Public Financing AuthorityMarch 7, 2023

City Council/Public Financing Authority
March 7, 2023