10/5 Sup Com — City Council/Public Financing Authority, October 5, 2023

Moore, Tania
From: Jeanne Whitesell < jswhitesel|[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, October 3, 2023 4:16 PM
To: [email protected]; CITY COUNCIL (INCL. CMO STAFF) Subject: Proposed charter amendments
Dear members of the HB City Council,
Because of the unknown costs that will result in these Charter amendments, I am opposed to putting them on the primary ballot in the Spring.

I also understand that, if they are included in the primary ballot, we cannot vote on individual amendments but either everything or nothing. That certainly doesn't seem like a very good option for a thoughtful voter.

It seems like the Council is inviting lawsuits, which enriches lawyers while using my tax money. I am having a hard time seeing how being caught up in the courts is improving Huntington Beach.

Sincerely,
Jeanne Whitesell
17922 Shoreham Lane
HB, 92649
714 846 8978

SUPPLEMENTAL

COMMUNICATION
Meeting Date: 10/5/2023 comet
Agendahem Na: 2(23. 844).
1 Moore, Tania
From: Jaime Kauffman Palumbo <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, October 3, 2023 4:18 PM
To: [email protected]
Subject: Comments for city council meeting
To the Huntington Beach City Council,
I am vehemently opposed to the changes proposed for the city charter, especially with regards to changes in how we vote. Nothing about the proposed changes are warranted or needed. Everything about them will be detrimental to our city. This will be a huge burden, in every way, for our city. How much money will this cost and how much chaos will ensue? So far, these special meetings have provided zero answers and seem to be simply a way to waste our time while hiding the fact that the majority on the council have no idea what they are doing. I am very pleased with how the OC Registrar of Voters handles my vote. I am notified in multiple ways any time my vote is handled and when it is counted.

Any changes that imperils that system is dangerous and unneeded.

Thank you,
John and Jaime Palumbo
Moore, Tania
From: Chris <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, October 3, 2023 5:37 PM
To: [email protected]
Subject: Feedback on air show and proposed charter changes Hello, my name is Chris Kluwe, a 15 year resident of HB, and I'm sending this email to protest both the politicization of the air show by letting known criminal and treasonous ex-president Trump do a flyover, as well as the proposed changes to the city charter that will not only waste taxpayer dollars but are clearly designed to concentrate power in the hands of an unliked, selfish minority of four individuals who currently control the City Council (Strickland, Van Der Mark, Mckeon, and Burns, with honorable mention to non-first amendment cognizant Attorney Gates).

These actions are those of buffoons and the intellectually ignorant, and not only embarrass our city, they embarrass the principles of America, including being free from the tyranny of religion, as well as giving everyone a chance to vote without unreasonable burden. I urge these incompetent and shortsighted individuals to reconsider their actions (knowing full well they will not) because I am tired of my city being not just a laughingstock nationally, but also a burgeoning haven for intolerance, racism, and white nationalism.

The five names I have just mentioned are bad, should feel bad, and should never engage in the political sphere again without some deep reflection on their numerous shortcomings and disgusting embrace of fascism as a political tool.

Sincerely,
-Chris
Moore, Tania
Betty Kanne < [email protected]>
Wednesday, October 4, 2023 6:05 AM
To: [email protected]; CITY COUNCIL (INCL. CMO STAFF) Subject: No to bundling. No to March. No to Voter ID
October 4, 2023
City Council Members,
I ask that you abandon all efforts to place items on the March 2024 Ballot that would change our City Charter. The four majority members cravenly mislead voters by pledging not to alter the City Charter and are now poised to utterly transform it for their own political benefit.

The Charter Review Ad Hoc Committee Proposals should be soundly rejected with varying levels of outrage and vehemence.

Voter ID equals Voter Suppression. Admit that this wholly unnecessary, cynically crafted "reform" is a misguided mistake that will cost our city incalculable millions in lawsuits and ill fated attempts at execution. It's a poisonous "solution" in search of a non-existent problem dreamed up by MAGA Culture Warriors in pursuit of limiting voting by overt voter intimidation. Shameful! Abandon this costly perfidy! Michael Gates's bloated salary, bloated department and brazen bid for an unassailable budget in the rapidly approaching time of needed cutbacks is fiscal irresponsibility beyond imagination. And this cynical ploy is put forward by erstwhile "fiscal conservatives"!! For shame!!! Untether yourself from your pathetic subservience to your puppet masters Michael Gates and MAGA Extremists.

Drop your effort to put these toxic changes to our city's permanent constitution on the March Ballot.

If you must persist in this misguided madness:

Uncouple any and all initiatives! Place Stand Alone items only so that they may be judged fairly by their own merits (of flaws) and undergo the scrutiny of the electorate.

Place any initiatives on the November, General Election Ballot. Let the full complement of voters consider the impacts of the proposals.

An unwillingness to uncouple the initiatives and a persistence in putting them on the March Ballot with its scant participation is an overt admission of the deceit and subterfuge attendant in this entire Charter process.

Vote no on Charter Changes.

Betty Kanne
Huntington Beach
(40+ year HB resident, homeowner, unfailing voter)
[email protected]
1 Moore, Tania
From: Louise Stewardson < [email protected]>
Sent: Wednesday, October 4, 2023 8:25 AM
To: [email protected]
Subject: charter
We do not need to change the city charter. It is too costly and unnecessary.

Louise Stewardson
19741 Coastline Lane, HB
Moore, Tania
From: [email protected]
Sent: Wednesday, October 4, 2023 9:51 AM
To: CITY COUNCIL (INCL. CMO STAFF); [email protected] Subject: Charter Amendments
Dear Members of the City Council,
When the newest members ran for this council, they ran on a "No charter amendment" platform.

What has changed? Who is influencing them? How much money will be thrown away on unnecessary amendments when you were planning on limiting library hours and closing sites just 2 months ago? Our city does not need another costly lawsuit from the state. Our elections are secure in Orange County and this amendment would just be another waste of money. Please see the attached photo stating that the Orange County Registrar was granted the ISO 9001 certification in
2022.

Voter ID at polling stations is not necess
there are so many security features built
Registrar's systems. In 2022, following a
independent audit process, the Orang
Registrar of Voters was granted ISO C
certification, an international standard n
Orange County in the top tier of election:
in the United States, regarding security a
"Being awarded the ISO 9001 certificat
build confidence among voters with th
that we are holding ourselves to the hig
detail, accuracy and integrity." -- Neal Ki
Registrar of Voters.

The citizens of Huntington Beach deserve to have a full accounting of the airshow costs including all fees and subsides we've paid. How much did we make on the parking?
My husband and I have lived in HB for almost 40 years and love our city. 2 Vanessa and Jeff Webster
Moore, Tania
From: Jean Bogen <[email protected]>
Sent: Wednesday, October 4, 2023 11:40 AM
To: CITY COUNCIL (INCL. CMO STAFF); [email protected] Subject: Proposed charter amendments
Dear council members and committee members:

I want you to vote NO on the charter changes.

The process to create the changes has been flawed.

I want you to vote NO because of unknown costs for a special election. Tax dollars should be spent on services benefiting the majority of its citizens.

I want you to vote NO because the legality of the proposed monitoring of drop boxes and showing ID to vote in person is questionable.

Another lawsuit by the State against Huntington Beach is also an unknown expense and not a wise use of our tax dollars.

Please think long and wisely before casting your vote.

Thank you.

Moore, Tania
From: Mikel Hogan <[email protected]>
Sent: Wednesday, October 4, 2023 3:22 PM
To: [email protected]; CITY COUNCIL (INCL. CMO STAFF) Subject: Do Not Make Changes to HB City Charter
City Council Members, I am writing to say do not make any changes to the HB City Charter. Such actions are undemocratic, weakens self-governance, is too costly and does not represent the best interests of our city.

Dr. Mikel Hogan, 50 year resident of Huntington Beach
Moore, Tania
From: [email protected]
Sent: Wednesday, October 4, 2023 3:47 PM
To: [email protected]
To whom it may concern regarding tomorrow's agenda:

You promised not to change the charter when you ran for your offices in the first place, but since you are reneging on that, I feel that the issues that are up for vote should be separate items, the bundling of unrelated items will cause so much confusion. Secondly, changes in the election process will incur costs when we are facing other financial issues.

Isn't it illegal to run the city at a deficit???? I've lived in Huntington Beach for 51 years and there has never been a time when l've felt like our city government is not governing in in our best interests.

Thank you,
A very concerned resident.

Moore, Tania
From: nora pedersen <[email protected]>
Sent: Wednesday, October 4, 2023 4:21 PM
To: CITY COUNCIL (INCL. CMO STAFF); [email protected] Subject: Fair Elections
Wouldn't it be great if Tony Strickland and Michael Gates had to testify under oath? At the same time that they are playing good citizens, they are doing a very poor job of covering up their corruption. In cahoots with Gracie Vander Mark, our Mayor Pro Tem Christian Nationalist, they are trying to take over city elections from the county that has run unquestionably fair elections for decades. This is corrupt governance. Real fiscal conservatives would not force taxpayers to pay 1.2 million dollars for an election that only benefits themselves! Do not tinker with our elections.

Nora Pedersen
Huntington Beach
Moore, Tania
From: Linda Law <[email protected]>
Sent: Wednesday, October 4, 2023 4:49 PM
To: [email protected]
Subject: Please reconsider proposed charter amendments
Dear Council Members,
Please reconsider adding the proposed
amendments to the city charter. These
proposed charter amendments are
unnecessary and potentially very expensive.

I understand that the city has limited funds
and this seems a very poor use of those
funds.

I object to the city considering amendments
that were not reviewed by a public
commission. The costs to add these
amendments to the ballot are unknown.

There is no evidence of voter fraud that
requires the monitoring of poll places or the
presentation of a voter id. Actions like this
invite lawsuits and seem utterly pointless.

Thank you for your time.

Moore, Tania
From: Judith Lewis <[email protected]>
Sent: Wednesday, October 4, 2023 5:29 PM
To: [email protected]; CITY COUNCIL (INCL. CMO STAFF) Subject: Proposed Ballot Issues
I have watched all your deliberations to date on the proposed ballot issues and see no merit to them. Your Voter ID and ballot box monitoring proposals are especially onerous and will cost the citizens of Huntington Beach millions of dollars. A waste. Please do not vote for these--although from my observations, the majority has already made up its mind and no reasoning or facts will change it. There will be consequences.

Judith Lewis
4057 Warner Ave, Huntington Beach Ca 92649
36 year HB resident
38 year public service; retired Captain L.A. County Sheriffs M.A. Public Administration
1 Moore, Tania
From: Mary Ann Celinder <[email protected]>
Sent: Wednesday, October 4, 2023 8:09 PM
To: CITY COUNCIL (INCL. CMO STAFF); [email protected] Subject: re: elections
It makes absolutely no sense for the city to run elections when the county has such a great system and fraud is seriously not an issue.

I've never missed an election since I became eligible in 1972, not ever. I've always enjoyed going to the polls as part of the process but since covid, I've also liked filling out the forms in the comfort of my own home. It's also much easier for my mother who does not have mobility. Since voter ID is also suggested, does that mean the intent is to eliminate or restrict voting by mail?
The current system is very efficient. I receive notice when my ballot is counted. The computerized system to see results is fast. Why reinvent the wheel? Is it just so you can have the poll watchers to intimidate voters? Or is the intent to suppress voting?
Or bleed the city dry?
This would cost the city more than the cost of running elections because it WILL be challenged and lost in court.

NO CHANGES TO HB VOTING!
Mary Ann Celinder
21341 Fleet Lane
Huntington Beach Ca 92646
www.customleadedglass.com
Moore, Tania
From: Mary Ann Celinder <[email protected]>
Sent: Wednesday, October 4, 2023 8:13 PM
To: CITY COUNCIL (INCL. CMO STAFF); [email protected] Subject: playground improvement
I'm all for playground improvements but then it's packed in with requiring a unanimous vote to reduce the salary of the city attorney? Was the vote to give him that ridiculous rais unanimous? Sounds like someone wrote this amendment to serve himself. Did Gates author it? Yes, on playgrounds but remove it from anything else.

Mary Ann Celinder
Celinder's Glass Design
21341 Fleet Lane
Huntington Beach Ca 92646
studio 714 962 8361
cell 714 504 8361
www.customleadedglass.com
1 Moore, Tania
From: Renette Mazza <[email protected]>
Sent: Wednesday, October 4, 2023 8:18 PM
To: [email protected]
Subject: 2. 23-844 City Council discussion for potential Charter amendments to be considered for the March 5, 2024 Statewide Primary Election.

Hello,
I Renette Mazza agree with and support all charter amendments put forth and support the ballot measures to move forward.

Warmest Regards,
Renette Mazza
253-606-4013
Zip Code: 92647
Residing in Huntington Beach
Moore, Tania
From: Elizabeth SanFilippo <[email protected]> Sent: Wednesday, October 4, 2023 8:30 PM
To: CITY COUNCIL (INCL. CMO STAFF); [email protected] Subject: City Charter Changes -- Opposed
I am a Huntington Beach resident and home owner for over thirty years and am opposed to the potential City Charter changes regarding how elections will be conducted.

Evidence has not been presented demonstrating that there are any election issues that justify changes to voting in Huntington Beach. It is my understanding that the Orange County Registrar has been acknowledged as very effective in administering this important responsibility. The proposed changes could place unnecessary burdens on citizens as we exercise our right to vote and thereby prevent people from voting.

The City has been advised by the State Attorney General that the changes contemplated to our Charter could be illegal and if passed would result in a lawsuit.

Since the City Council recently contemplated budget cuts to services provided to residents and there are projected future deficits, I am concerned about the costs of this ballot measure, the legal costs to defend it if passed, and if implemented the costs associated with the changes. To be financially responsible, the potential Charter Changes should not be placed on the ballot.

Thank you for your consideration.

Elizabeth San Filippo
Moore, Tania
From: Mary Ann Celinder < [email protected]>
Sent: Wednesday, October 4, 2023 8:31 PM
To: CITY COUNCIL (INCL. CMO STAFF); [email protected] Subject: Charter changes/air show
When I moved here in 1978, I never would have guessed that in a few years, Huntington Beach would be dubbed the Skin Head Capital of Orange County. For some reason, Skin Heads Nazi sympathisers, White Supremists and the radical right, are attracted to this city.

Since then, the city has cleaned up its reputation, or has it? With the proposed changes to the city charter, I feel like those skin heads grew up to be not only voting, but serving in the city leadership. Photos of Van Der Mark with Oathkeepers and Proud boys completely disqualify her. Disgraceful.

She should be removed.

I feel like we have very dark days ahead if the majority rams through the ridiculous and expensive amendments and puts them on the ballot.

Also, it was really wrong to turn the air show into a prop for the former president. A con man, liar, rapist does not deserve to be addressed as sir and honored by the city. We know he calls the military losers and suckers; he shouldn't have shared airspace with men of honor. Having his voice broadcast over our air was outrageous.

Mary Ann Celinder
21341 Fleet Lane
Huntington Beach Ca 92646
Moore, Tania
From: Kathy McGuire < [email protected]>
Sent: Wednesday, October 4, 2023 8:31 PM
To: [email protected]
Subject: Charter Amendments
Hello,
I oppose all of the proposed charter amendments. They are not needed and they will cost money that the city needs for other necessities. Vote no. Reject all of the charter amendments.

Thank you,
Kathy McGuire
Moore, Tania
From: Douglas Hart <[email protected]>
Sent: Wednesday, October 4, 2023 9:08 PM
To: CITY COUNCIL (INCL. CMO STAFF); [email protected] Subject: Comments on Proposed City Charter Amendments
I am writing concerning the proposed Charter Amendments once again.

Despite enormous opposition by the citizens of Huntington Beach, it seems clear that the City Council majority does not want to listen. Despite running on the promise of no Charter amendments, the Council majority has reneged on that promise by putting these amendments up for a vote. Despite being Republicans that supposedly stand for "fiscal responsibility", the Council majority is about to commit the citizens of Huntington Beach to the potentially huge costs that will be incurred implementing these amendments, none of which actual solve any real problems. The Council majority is about to try to implement amendments that will certainly result in lawsuits, draining even more money out of the citizens' pockets. The Council majority seems to want to bankrupt the City instead of solving actual problems. And they have so little confidence in what they are proposing that they are willing to have a costly special election in March where fewer voters are likely to participate rather than having this travesty face a lot more voters in the less costly November general The Council majority can stop this insanity by ending this amendment process right now. I strongly urge you to end this.

If the Council majority can't see fit to listen to the people and not misuse our tax dollars, perhaps it is time to consider recalling the current Council majority and replacing them with someone more responsible.

VOTE NO ON THE CHARTER AMENDMENTS!!
Douglas Hart
5221 Chadwick Drive
Huntington Beach, CA 92649
Moore, Tania
From: Cristina Caldera < [email protected]>
Sent: Wednesday, October 4, 2023 9:52 PM
To: [email protected]
Subject: Charter Amendments
Hi,
I am a resident of Huntington Beach for 9 years now. My family and I live in the Harbour. Lately, 1 am ashamed and do not agree with the current city council and the proposed charter amendments. I think you all should stop wasting the tax payers money with this unnecessary election. If you feel so strongly about it, add it to the general election.

Do your job and actually fix things in the city like the drunk drivers hitting people, homelessness, crime. Pick something that actually matters! Stop being shady and messing with the voting system.

Feel free to call me with any follow up questions.

Cristina Caldera
310-699-8446
Moore, Tania
From: Mary Camarillo <[email protected]>
Sent: Wednesday, October 4, 2023 10:04 PM
To: [email protected]
Subject: We don't need charter amendments
Dear City Council
There is no need for the charter amendments you are proposing for voting. There is nothing wrong with our current voting procedures. Charter changes are an unnecessary expense.

Please do not revise our city charter or our voting process.

Mary Camarillo
HB resident
Moore, Tania
From: Steven C Shepherd Architect <[email protected]> Sent: Wednesday, October 4, 2023 10:30 PM
To: CITY COUNCIL (INCL. CMO STAFF); [email protected] Subject: STILL OPPOSED TO THE PROPOSED CHARTER AMENDMENTS & THIS DEEPLY FLAWED PROCES
You could have one thousand meetings to discuss these city charter amendments, and it wouldn't change the facts. The proposed City Charter Amendments fail on the merits and due to the deeply flawed process employed to bring these proposals forward.

In completely ignoring the recommendations and efforts of last year's resident-led Charter Revision Committee, you insult our community and undermine trust in competent local governance.

I feel so strongly about this that I am actually emailing you while I'm away on business. I guess I'm hoping that my comments will help me return to a community governed by some level of competence and sanity.

Steve Shepherd
Huntington Beach, CA 92646
Moore, Tania
From: StarsStripes < [email protected]>
Sent: Wednesday, October 4, 2023 11:05 PM
To: CITY COUNCIL (INCL. CMO STAFF)
Cc: [email protected]
Subject: 10-5-23 City Council Meeting, 6pm
I do support the proposed charter amendments.

I am for Section 806, Display of Flags
I do support Voter ID for elections, In Person Voting, & Monitoring of Drop Boxes.

I will say as I said before, I do not think these go far enough.

We do have voter fraud happening around the country and I do not believe that we are not immune to it in Orange County. Governor Newsom just passed a CR saying there will be no hand counts in California. What is he trying to hide? There are 6 areas that are ripe or weak vulnerabilities for Voter Fraud.

1. Electronic Voting machines. We have been told that none of these machines are connected to the internet and they can't be uploaded with scripts via a USB jump drive. Then we find out they can be connected to the internet and have usb ports to upload scripts. This is a high vulnerability for fraud. I recommend Hand counts like the old days. Eliminate the vulnerability.

2. Signature Accuracy checks. These can be manipulated on electronic machines. They can be dialed up and dialed down to pass or reject anomalies in the signature. I know in Arizona, news outlets reported these were turned down to 30%. Literally passing everything. Again this is a vulnerability that is ripe for fraud. Michigan just had a massive signature fraud scheme uncovered. https://michiganadvance.com/2022/05/24/massive-signature-fraud-scandal-upends-michigan-gop- gubernatorial-race/ My suggestion is to hand check them during the hand count vote.

3. Drop boxes are a huge vulnerability for fraud. There are numerous documented massive dumps in the boxes all over the country. My suggestion is to have a drop box at each voting in person voting center. Hand the vote to one of the workers.

4. Single day voting. Voting is the most sacred right to be an American. It is for Legal Americans. You make arrangements to vote on that day. Pass legislation that requires employers to give workers time to vote that day. If you can't make it because of travel, you need to pre qualify to send in an absentee ballot.

5. Mailing out ballots to everyone on the voter roll. Unless you have clean rolls, this is ridiculous. Eliminate it. It is a waste of money that is high in vulnerabilities.
1 6. Ballot Harvesting. Ripe for Voter Fraud. There has to be a chain of custody of these. If someone walks into a voting center with 10 ballots, they need to go through an audit on site for those ballots. Registered voter needs to be verified, signatures need to be verified, the person bringing the ballots in needs to register them so if there is any problems, we know who to contact. No Ballot can just get dropped off.

We have to have election integrity in America
Let's talk about Voter rolls
Electronic Registration Information Center, known as ERIC an obscure nonprofit that is meant to clean voter roll and reach out to eligible but unregistered voters. It was originally funded by George Soros Open Society and now is funded by state election agencies. They have been accused of not cleaning the voter rolls and leaving them bloated with dead people and people that have moved out of the area.

It has got so bad that Louisiana, Alabama, West Virginia, Missouri, Ohio, Virginia, Florida, & lowa have left Eric and many more states have put forth legislation to leave them. You guessed it, Orange County uses Eric! I have tried to get answers out of the registrar's office to see how many people have been removed from the rolls because of death or moving out of the area. I have not been able to get any answers. My confidence in our voting rolls being clean is 0%. I keep hearing Orange County has won awards but that is the people that basically run it giving themselves an award. Just like Hollywood.

Robert Cloyd
Huntington Beach Resident
2 Moore, Tania
From: Paula Schaefer < [email protected]>
Sent: Wednesday, October 4, 2023 11:17 PM
To: CITY COUNCIL (INCL. CMO STAFF); [email protected] Subject: Opposition to Charter Amendments
Mayor and Council Members:

This email is really for the newly-elected members:

Please stop this charade that you are proposing these changes because you're committed to "saving Surf City." The past few meetings make it apparent to the majority of HB residents that you have not done adequate research as to the costs of these proposed amendments, the legality of the timing of them, or alternatives to a charter amendment.

If you had put forth even a minimal amount of effort, you would have learned of previous efforts, known of the costs, and discovered alternatives to amending the charter-such as an ordinance.

Rather, you attempted to ram through a hodgepodge of poorly thought out proposals that were at-times incomprehensible.

It is apparent to me - and many of the City's residents that your intentions are to govern by culture war issues such as voter or election fraud, gay rights, and book banning.

I believe these proposed charter amendments are inappropriately and illegally being placed on the March 2024 ballot.

I also believe that this is a waste of taxpayers
money and that the measures will fail.

I believe that if you vote to approve these proposed charter amendment that the City will be sued - and lose, thus resulting in an even greater waste of the City's money and further damaging the City's reputation.

Paula A. Schaefer
30+ year resident, homeowner, and voter
Moore, Tania
From: [email protected]
Sent: Wednesday, October 4, 2023 11:24 PM
To: CITY COUNCIL (INCL. CMO STAFF)
Cc: [email protected]
Subject: Charter Amendment
Huntington Beach has majority Republican party voters. Republicans identify as conservative (preservative), but there's nothing conservative about the extensive new changes the Charter calls for. If only the Council listened to their constituents numbering close to 300 who have spoken at these meetings against the broad government overreach proposed with our taxpayer dollars. Where is your fiscal responsibility when the city needs the money for the major crime, housing, and homeless problems we face? Use of 1.2 million of our dollars just to get on the ballot and if it wins the 2 million more to set polling stations, poll watchers, ballot boxes and all materials needed for elections violates the needs of the people of our fine city. It is big government in action! Ellen Riley
long-time resident Taxpayer
Moore, Tania
From: Jeanne Farrens < [email protected]>
Sent: Wednesday, October 4, 2023 11:56 PM
To: [email protected]
Subject: Opposition to Charter Amendments
Dear City Council Members,
First I want to thank Councilman McKeon for being responsible for taking the charter process out from behind closed doors and opening it up to public input. And also for listening and being open to reconsideration of the amendments. It is clear that of all the new majority members, given his previous experience on past city charter committees, Councilmember McKeon has the most experience regarding the charter review procedures. Why is it that he was the only member of the new council majority who wasn't included on the ad hoc committee? It is curious - I daresay, suspicious - that the other members would ignore his expertise.

Had these open public meetings been implemented as part of the ad hoc committee process from the beginning, much time would have been saved, and public outcry could have been avoided. I am grateful that he responded to his supporters' concerns and demands to allow the public to be heard.

As a member of that public, I am concerned by the Council's desire to change the charter, and I must express my opposition to all the charter amendments for several reasons.

First, as speakers have pointed out at the special Thursday meetings, these amendments will enshrine their proposals in what amounts to the city's Constitution, making it extremely difficult for any future city councils to change them, and especially when at least one of them - regarding the city's flag policy - is already a city ordinance. I'd like to point out that had it been in the charter, the city would have broken the law this past weekend by flying both the Australian and Canadian flag next to the American flag at the Pacific Airshow.

Additionally, the way the amendments are bundled with 3 or 4 irrelevant proposals demanding either a yes or no vote all in one measure does not encourage voter participation or faith in the election - something Councilman McKeon stated was the main purpose of these amendments - but rather it creates confusion and forces the voters to either vote for something they do not agree with to support something they do, or, to just not vote at all. How is this preserving the integrity of elections? Above all, while the majority council has insisted that this is not an attempt to take over elections from the County, if the voting measure is placed on the ballot, that's exactly what will happen. It is a certainty that HB will be sued by Sacramento if the voter ID proposal passes. In fact in a Thursday news release, A.G. Bonta promised as much.
1 Not only did Bonta state that requiring voter ID. conflicts with state law, but he also pointed out that the city has not identified any basis for its voter ID proposal. Nor has any of the Council Majority identified such when asked directly by speakers to do so.

Last week City Attorney Gates insisted that as a Charter City, HB has a legal right to require ID. He cited as evidence a lawsuit in which Redondo Beach (a charter city won a lawsuit regarding their right to oversee municipal elections. The lawsuit - the City of Redondo Beach vs Padilla (the CA Attorney General at the time) - involved Redondo Beach setting its own date for election but had nothing to do with voter ID, which is a much more fundamental issue - in Bonta's words, it is the "foundation of our democracy". So it is unlikely this example of case law will stand up. Thus, in addition to the possible million dollars it will cost to put the measure on the ballot, HB taxpayers will likely be paying several more millions fighting a state lawsuit, not to mention unknown costs to facilitate and run its own election (as the County is sure to refuse to oversee the election given A.G. Bonta's warning). Important issues such as training poll workers, locating adequate ADA polling locations, costs of voting and monitoring equipment, procedures for the counting of ballots, including mail-ins, and the associated expenses have neither been identified nor enumerated in the proposals. Not to mention the time it will take to implement these changes. Are we expected to vote on the measures without knowing these specifics and costs? By March 5th?
Finally, I object to these proposals as being nothing more than evidence that the city council dais no longer functions as a non-partisan podium to promote policies to protect the people and Huntington Beach, but it has now become a politicized partisan platform for promoting a MAGA agenda including protections against false conspiracies of voter fraud.

As further evidence I cite the public "thumbs up" endorsement of Donald Trump by both Mayor Strickland and Attorney Gates at this weekend's Anaheim appearance of the former president and of Attorney Gates' promising that in HB we are "promoting voter ranking at the local level" (an announcement of policy in direct conflict with his position as a non-partisan representative of the citizens). I would like to know what Attorney Gates is talking about since those words do not appear anywhere on any measure.

What new nefarious measures can we expect to be introduced - measures that rather than protecting voter integrity are an assault against it?
If the council is serious about promoting election integrity, they must not move ahead with these unnecessary, poorly written and potentially illegal charter amendments. And let our award winning Orange County Registrar of Voters continue to oversee fair and safe elections in Huntington Beach.

Jeanne Farrens
Moore, Tania
From: JC < [email protected]>
Sent: Thursday, October 5, 2023 12:14 AM
To: CITY COUNCIL (INCL. CMO STAFF)
Cc: [email protected]
Subject: 10-5-23 City Council Meeting, 6pm
I COMPLETELY SUPPORT the potential Charter amendments to be considered for the March 5, 2024 Statewide Primary Election.

I support Voter ID for elections, more in-person voting locations and monitoring of drop boxes.

I support moving any/all sex/porn related books/etc from the Children's Dept. to the Adult Dept.

I welcome oversight since the Library seems to have a problem.

I support the proposed display of Flags.

I support Biennial Budget.

I could list more, but believe it isn't necessary.

For the record, the handful of haters that appear to attend every meeting absolutely DO NOT represent the 200,000 residents of Huntington Beach.

Long Live the Republic of California and America!
(as so stated on our California Flag and Pledge of Allegiance) Jean Cloyd
resident of Huntington Beach
Moore, Tania
From: MARILYN Boehm <[email protected]>
Sent: Thursday, October 5, 2023 12:23 AM
To: CITY COUNCIL (INCL. CMO STAFF)
Cc: [email protected]
Subject: Opposition to City Charter changes
I am strongly opposed to changing the City Charter to add mandatory voter I.D. The state Attorney General has already advised that he will file suit to this illegal amendment. Rushing this matter to a vote on the March ballot will cost the City in excess of $400,000 for a change that has already been declared illegal. With the State A.G. promising to challenge this voter I.D. provision, it could cost the city millions of dollars for this unnecessary and costly mandate.

We already have in place an excellent, safe, and fair system through the Registrar of Voters.

There is no need to switch to a system whereby the City becomes in charge of voter compliance, especially through voter sites scattered throughout the city. Eighty percent of voters, including me, prefer mail-in ballots. This new system may preclude my ability to mail in my ballot. In exchange, I will most likely have to vote in person, and I have a distrust in a City system that has not yet been established and/or shared with residents.

Vote NO on Voter I.D.

Marilyn Boehm, HB resident
Moore, Tania
From: MEG ROBINSON <[email protected]>
Sent: Thursday, October 5, 2023 12:24 AM
To: [email protected]
Subject: Ballot charter amendments
They were a bad idea 4 weeks ago. They are an even worse idea now that costs have come out. I oppose them all Margaret "Meg" Robinson
Moore, Tania
From: MARILYN Boehm <[email protected]>
Sent: Thursday, October 5, 2023 12:32 AM
To: [email protected]
Subject: Opposed to flag ordinance
I am strongly opposed to eliminating the pride flag during Pride Month and, instead, limiting the choice of flags to be flown by the City Council. Why is it that we showed a Canadian flag at the Airshow, an event that has still not been made transparent according to how much it cost the taxpayers?
If we are willing to fly an Olympics flag, which has nothing to do with our city, why not show the world that we are an inclusive city by flying the pride flag? Is it up to the City Council to decide which events are meaningful and which are not? Shouldn't the residents of HB make that call?
Vote NO on the flag ordinance.

Marilyn Boehm, resident of HB
Moore, Tania
From: Kathey < [email protected]>
Sent: Thursday, October 5, 2023 3:19 AM
To: [email protected]
Subject: Charter Amendments
Mayor Strickland, Mayor Pro Tem Van Der Mark and members of the City Council:

Thank you for your review of the City Charter, your special meetings on this topic and the opportunity for input from the I support the revisions to the Council Vacancies, Biennial Budget, Elections and Flags. | look forward to seeing these proposals on primary ballot in March 2024 where all the voters in Huntington Beach will have the opportunity to weigh in, not just the vocal few who are able to attend the special meetings.

Thank you for your efforts on behalf of all the residents of Huntington Beach! Sincerely,
Kathey Haas
50 year home owner and resident
Sent from my iPhone
Moore, Tania
From: Andrew Einhorn <[email protected]>
Sent: Thursday, October 5, 2023 7:09 AM
To: CITY COUNCIL (INCL. CMO STAFF)
Cc: [email protected]
Subject: Thursday Night Meeting
Dear City Council, I do not support any of your charter amendments. Please stop wasting tax payer money on these worthless measures. Your GROUP THINK governmental rule needs to go back to drawing board. Conduct your job and take are of our streets, beaches, local control of crime, figure out and develop a plan with the help of the costal commission how to fix PCH south of seapoint as sea level rises. This is your job! Finally, GET THE AD HOC COMMITTEES BACK; YOU NEED ALL THE HELP YOU CAN GET! Sincerely,
Ander l Finber
Andrew Einhorn
HB resident and I am sure one of your favorite speakers! Moore, Tania
From: Kirby McCord <[email protected]>
Sent: Thursday, October 5, 2023 7:38 AM
To: [email protected]
Subject: Dear council
Council,
Is it true that Kevin Elliot gave dignitary passes to 4 of 7 council members and their families? And of course, Gates and tamily. Are these the same four that settled with Elliott and won't release the terms of the multimillion-dollar settlement? Is this the same Kevin Elliot who was a college roommate of Mayor Strickland? Vote no on changing elections. Vote no on the charter changes.

Kirby McCord
Resident
Moore, Tania
From: Susan Turner <saturner8 @verizon.net>
Sent: Thursday, October 5, 2023 7:40 AM
To: [email protected]; CITY COUNCIL (INCL. CMO STAFF) Subject: Strongly Oppose Voter ID Requirement
Dear City Council Members,
I am a 60 year resident of Huntington Beach. I continue to strongly oppose all of the proposed charter amendments as written. The majority of HB citizens who have spoken at each meeting have clearly presented strong rationale for removing these proposals. The most concerning of the proposed amendments is the Voter ID requirement. Mayor Strickland, the HB citizens and the City Council Members who support the Voter ID requirement have yet to produce one piece of evidence of voter fraud in Huntington Beach. Proposing and supporting a Voter ID requirement proposal demonstrates a lack of education or a willingness to spread voter fraud misinformation. It was pointed out at the previous meetings, that HB voters can vote in other Orange County cities, no voter ID required. Not only is there a large cost to put this amendment on the ballot, there is also the strong possibility of CA State and private lawsuits plus the very real possibility of HB being required to run our own elections. Who wins in this situation? The Council Majority receive publicity but mostly the lawyers and courts receive great financial gain on HB citizens tax money:

You have read the letters from Attorney General Rob Bonta and CA Secretary of State Shirley Weber warning that this proposal is in conflict with State Law. You have seen the emails, letters and heard the majority of voices opposing this amendment. You have heard the City attorney say something to the affect that we could possibly win in court because of some other cases in the State. Really?
How many written letters and emails in opposition to the Voter ID requirement vs support have you received? How many speakers have spoken in opposition and support have you received? Of those is support, how many had verifiable facts regarding voter fraud in Huntington Beach? Please show me verifiable facts that demonstrate a broken system that we, the citizens of HB, need to spend potentially millions of dollars in placing this amendment on the ballot, litigating it and if won, implementing it.

Mayor Strickland and Council Majority will you choose to carry forward this proposal in spite of the large HB citizen opposition?
Thank you for your consideration,
1 Susan Turner
Moore, Tania
From: [email protected]
Sent: Thursday, October 5, 2023 8:03 AM
To:

Cc: Sody lementalcom@surity-horg; CITY COUNCIL INCL. CMO STAFF) Subject: City Council Meeting for Oct 5, 2023 -- Fw: Statement on Final Election Results Dear Council Members,
I am a 25 year resident of Huntington Beach and am writing regarding the upcoming city council meeting on October 5, 2023. I strongly oppose the Voter ID and Flag amendments to the City Charter.

Regarding the Voter ID charter amendment, I am forwarding another email I received from the Fred Whitaker, Chairman of the OCGOP. The email is dated November 17, 2022 and, among other things, the email addresses ballot harvesting and universal vote by mail. The email tells Republican voters that:
"The 2024 election begins now. As the final results come in, we will have raw data to review and determine what worked and what we need to improve on. What we know immediately is ballot harvesting has made democracy about who can collect and turn in more ballots rather than earning votes. Until we can eliminate ballot harvesting and universal vote by mail, Republicans must adapt and win. "
An email from Fred Whitaker dated October 13, 2022 states:
"Only with Republican victories can we pass important Election Integrity legislation including Voter ID and finally end universal vote-by-mail. "
Clearly, the proposed Voter ID charter amendment comes not from Huntington Beach residents but directly from the OCGOP.

Mayor Strickland has an interesting "tell". During the city council meeting on September 14, 2023 l made one brief mention of ballot harvesting in my comment period. In the general discussion period among the council members Mayor Strickland was quick to assure the council and audience that ballot harvesting was the law. It seemed like an odd non sequitur at the time. In light of the attached email, it seems as if Strickland has already had ballot harvesting discussions with some other party.

The CAGOP and OCGOP have a questionable history with ballot harvesting. During the 2020 election:
• the OCGOP placed illegal drop boxes through out the county. https://www.nytimes.com/2020/10/12/us/politics/california-gop-drop-boxes.html https://apnews.com/article/los-angeles-fresno-elections-california-santa-ana- be803bfe99f5eb35e17a6ee56315deb0
• two Orange County GOP candidates were investigated for running at least one illegal Vote Center.
https://voiceofoc.org/2020/11/elections-officials-and-da-investigate-alleged-fake-vote-center-in- westminster/
The OCGOP and CAGOP have a dubious history with election integrity. Are Huntington Beach residents to believe that an election system designed by the majority city council members (no doubt in conjunction with the OCGOP) are free, safe, and fair? I think not.

Best Regards,
Mary Kyle
--- Forwarded Message ----
From: Republican Party of Orange County <[email protected]> To: "[email protected]" < [email protected]>
Sent: Thursday, November 17, 2022 at 05:34:46 PM PST
Subject: Statement on Final Election Results

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 17th, 2022
Statement on Current Midterm Election Results
Orange County, CA - Hon. Fred M. Whitaker, Chairman of
the Republican Party of Orange County, released the following statement on the final Midterm Election results:
"The 2022 midterm election cycle brought victories to be celebrated, lessons to be learned and work still to do.

As Chairman, I oversaw the largest GOTV effort in Orange County for a midterm election. Orange County volunteers knocked on 548,513 doors and 937,360 phone calls in voter contact. We raised over $1.5 million that went 2 directly into field operations, mail, digital ads and text messaging to support our candidates.

For the first time since 2010, all Republican statewide nominees for partisan offices won in Orange County. We reelected every single Republican countywide candidate from Sheriff to District Attorney. We outpaced Democrats in turnout by almost 30,000 votes. And we led the largest election integrity effort in history before the election with poll watching teams, observed as ballots were counted and cured Republican ballots whose signatures were not verified to fight for every single vote.

There are a little more than 26,000 ballots left to count in Orange County, but the final results in our most competitive races are clear. I want to thank the 119 candidates we endorsed for running strong races and carrying the Republican banner across the county.

Republicans have officially taken the majority in the House of Representatives and Nancy Pelosi will never serve as Speaker of the House again.

Congresswomen Young Kim and Michelle Steel will be returning to Washington D.C. to represent Orange County after strong victories. Republicans Scott Baugh and Brian Maryott ran incredible campaigns that came down to the wire as some of the last races called in the nation. Both campaigns were selfless coordinating with the races below them and lifting up those seats. I could not be prouder of the races they ran, forcing Joe Biden to come to Orange County twice and costing national Democrats millions to protect these seats.

Orange County Republicans will also send our strongest delegation to Sacramento in the state legislative races. Senators-elect Janet Nguyen and Kelly Seyarto won decisive victories and Assemblyman Phillip Chen and Assemblywoman Laurie Davies will be joined by Assemblymembers-elect Diane Dixon, Tri Ta and Kathryn Sanchez.

In our final county races, Pat Bates and Peggy Huang ran close races, but the numbers remaining do not appear to be enough to win these seats. We spent hundreds of thousands of dollars in Pat Bates race alone and coordinated all of our efforts with her campaign and the underlying races. I want to thank them for their efforts and willingness to run and fight to protect Orange County.

In our local races, Republicans swept critical City Councils in Huntington Beach, Newport Beach, Brea, Dana Point, Fountain Valley, Lake Forest, Mission Viejo, San Juan Capistrano, Rancho Santa Margarita, Laguna Hills, Tustin and Yorba Linda. We also protected our Council majorities in Laguna Niguel, Orange and San Clemente.

We competed in every race down the ballot including our critical school board races with strong Republican victories from reelecting Michelle Barto in Newport-Mesa and Judy Bullockus in Capistrano Unified to Todd Frazier flipping a Democrat seat in Placentia-Yorba Linda. We also took back the majority on the Orange Unified School District with Madison Klovstad Miner I want to take a moment to thank Assemblyman Steven Choi, Matt Gunderson, Rhonda Shader, Soo Yoo, Eric Ching, Chris Gonzales, Mike Tardif, Mitch Clemmons and Raul Ortiz for running strong campaigns and against the realities of redistricting all performed above party registration in Democrat heavy districts. Soo Yoo in particular came within a few thousand votes of defeating Sharon Quirk Silva showing us that seat is ripe for the taking. Each of these candidates brought the Republican Party closer to victory and built the foundation for future campaigns.

A single election cycle cannot change a county. Democrats learned that in 2020 when we ended the "blue wave." The same is true for Republicans, no one election cycle can determine the fate of our party. Change takes time and for the foreseeable future, Orange County will remain the most competitive county in California. One thing is clear from our election results - Republicans are ready to rise up to the challenge.

The 2024 election begins now. As the final results come in, we will have raw data to review and determine what worked and what we need to improve on.

What we know immediately is ballot harvesting has made democracy about who can collect and turn in more ballots rather than earning votes. Until we can eliminate ballot harvesting and universal vote by mail, Republicans must adapt and win.

We must also find unity within our party. Rogue Republican campaigns split the vote and cost us seats. Every moment and every dollar we spend fighting each other is wasted when we should be focused on defeating Democrats. The party, our county and our country are bigger than any one candidate's or organizations' ambitions.

Orange County is the strongest local Republican Party in California and one of the strongest in the nation. Redistricting has resulted in multiple competitive districts crossing county lines. Just as important as progressing locally, we have begun to work with neighboring counties on strengthening their operations for stronger regional efforts in these critical seats.

As your local Republican Party, we will continue to move the ball forward and advance on our victories and opportunities ahead in 2024." ###
5 Press Contact
Randall Avila
(714) 453-0900
[email protected]
Copyright © 2022 Republican Party of Orange County, All rights reserved.

You are receiving this email because you are a member or supporter of the OCGOP.

Our mailing address is:

Republican Party of Orange County
1422 Edinger Ave., Ste. 110
Tustin, CA 92780
Add us to your address book
Want to change how you receive these emails?
You can update your preferences or unsubscribe from this list. 6 Moore, Tania
From: Juana Mueller <[email protected]>
Sent: Thursday, October 5, 2023 8:11 AM
To: CITY COUNCIL (INCL. CMO STAFF); [email protected] Subject: Charter amendments
Dear Huntington Beach City Council,
Having volunteered for decades in HB Central Park, and experiencing the lack of City funds to properly maintain this jewel in our midst, PLEASE ABANDON your proposal of a special election to change our City Charter and spend that money on needed projects to maintain Central Park.

The 50 year old irrigation system needs upgrading, the hundreds of trees lost need replacing, trash bins and pickup need upgrading because of a huge uptick in Park use, all need to be addressed, and many more issues.

Personally, I am old and love voting by mail. How would you do a voter ID for this?? PLEASE ABANDON an un-needed and costly election to tweak our Charter.

With all due respect,
Sincerely,
Juana Mueller.

Moore, Tania
From: Chris Slama <[email protected]>
Sent: Thursday, October 5, 2023 8:14 AM
To: [email protected]
Subject: [SUSPICIOUS MESSAGE] Charter Amendments Consideration, October 5 Special Meeting
This Message contains suspicious characteristics and has originated outside your organization.

Dear Mayor and City Council,
Unfortunately, I'm unable to attend the special meeting on October 5 regarding City Charter amendment considerations. As a long-time resident and former City employee, I do want to share some thoughts regarding pending discussions and decisions.

City Attorney, Clerk, and Treasurer: I humbly urge that you do not take City-wide budgetary decisions away from the City Council. The function of a Council/City Manager form of government is that the City Manager proposes a budget to City Council for consideration, based on input, trends, facts, and current financial situation - not partisan politics. As pointed out by Mayor Pro Tem Van Der Mark, all departments need to function. Yes, the City Attorney, Clerk, and Treasurer are elected.

However, all of their respective departments are part of an overall City organization that run this City.

Further, there has been much discussion of these positions being elected "by the people." While these roles are appointed by the electorate, they may be filled through an election where they are unopposed. So, I would ask, which is more reflective of the citizens of Huntington Beach, those individual elected officials, or the body of seven City Councilmembers elected through a true democratic process? Politicizing the City's budget is dangerous, irresponsible, and not representative of the City's residents. The City Council website page states:
"The residents of Huntington Beach are represented by a seven-member, part-time City Council. The City Council establishes policies and priorities for the provision of effective and efficient municipal services. The City Council is the city's legislative authority and sets the policies under which the city operates. The City Council's duties include establishing goals and policies, enacting legislation, adopting the city's operating budget, and appropriating the funds necessary to provide service to the city's residents, businesses, and visitors."
If the proposed Charter revisions are made, consider that changes will need to be made to state that the residents are represented by a seven-member City Council, in addition to three individually elected officials who may run unopposed and be in complete disagreement with the majority Council at times. Further, the seven-member City Council would then represent the City, except in regards to legal and budgetary matters.

Flag Policy: This is already set as an ordinance, and adding to the charter is unnecessary. The purpose of the City's charter is to enact laws, rules, regulations and procedures to govern and operate our City. Does governance and operation of a City really include restricting the types of flags displayed on City property? Councilmember Moser asked a specific question in the last meeting regarding events at the library including Pride Month and other cultural heritage celebrations.

Councilmember Burns answered that no flags other than those listed in the proposed charter 1 language could be displayed on City property. He further exclaimed "Go ahead and look at a flag in a book." I think it's important that this Council seriously consider the ramifications of this proposal. The Pacific Airshow has featured performers from multiple countries, and recently boasted partnership with Australia. Were there any flags on City beach representing Canada or Australia last weekend? The annual Cherry Blossom Festival, recently produced by Code Four at Central Park, celebrates our partnership with our Sister City, Anjo, Japan. The US Open of Surfing, ISA World Para Surfing and World Juniors competitions host people from countries world-wide, and those of all abilities, gender identity and sexual orientation. The Olympic Charter Fundamental Principal 6 states, "The enjoyment of the rights and freedoms set forth in this Olympic Charter shall be secured without discrimination of any kind, such as race, colour, sex, sexual orientation, language, religion, political or other opinion, national or social origin, property, birth or other status." Are we really going to propose amending our City's charter to disallow flexibility to display flags that show support for our international partners and International Olympic Committee values? If these amendments are to be on the ballot, voters need to know that these are factors to consider.

Charter Section 612 (Measure C): I'm truly excited to see that this has become a thoughtful discussion amongst Council. However, this is definitely one that should not be rushed and needs extensive public input. There is so much to consider here, and I guarantee one last meeting will not be sufficient to determine effective ballot language. I highly recommend further consultation with staff, the general public, and the original framers of Measure C. This is a huge opportunity to remedy charter language that has and will continue to hinder much-needed improvements to parks and facilities improvements to enhance quality of life in Huntington Beach. In addition to creating flexibility for improvements/expansion of existing amenities, please consider and consult with operators of concession facilities within our parks and beaches. Preservation of open space is important, but some flexibility for minor expansion/improvements of existing facilities could greatly enhance experiences for residents and visitors for decades to come.

I am at your disposal for consultation on any of these matters, and would welcome the opportunity to meet if you find helpful. Please know that I respectfully submit this communication only in effort to offer my input as a longtime resident and former public servant who truly wants what is best for this amazing community.

Thank you.

Chris Slama
Sent from Mail for Windows
2 Moore, Tania
From: Elizabeth SanFilippo < [email protected]> Sent: Thursday, October 5, 2023 8:15 AM
To: CITY COUNCIL (INCL. CMO STAFF); [email protected] Subject: Fwd: City Charter Changes -- Opposed
Since I didn't receive a confirmation email, I am resending the email below regarding my opposition to potential changes to the City Charter.

Thank you,
Elizabeth San Filippo
- Forwarded messag--__-
From: Elizabeth SanFilippo <[email protected]> Date: Wednesday, October 4, 2023
Subject: City Charter Changes -- Opposed
To: City. [email protected], [email protected] I am a Huntington Beach resident and home owner for over thirty years and am opposed to the potential City Charter changes regarding how elections will be conducted.

The City has been advised by the State Attorney General that the changes contemplated to our Charter could be illegal and if passed would result in a lawsuit.

Thank you for your consideration.

Elizabeth San Filippo
1 Moore, Tania
From: Carol Daus <[email protected]>
Sent: Thursday, October 5, 2023 8:17 AM
To: CITY COUNCIL (INCL. CMO STAFF); [email protected] Subject: In Opposition to all charter amendments
Dear Council Members,
As you know, I have expressed in past emails and public comments that I am deeply opposed to the charter amendments that would be placed on the March ballot. The conservative majority who argued for the mask/vaccine mandate stated that the primary reason for that dangerous proposal was to prevent political overreach. In reality, what they're proposing with voting control is the worst form of political overreach. It's extremely costly just to put it on the ballot, let alone running the elections independently going forward. Plus there undoubtedly will be a costly lawsuit, since it's illegal to impose Voter IDs in the state of California.

You claim there's a silent majority that supports the majority. But interestingly, what we're finding is that there's a much larger silent majority of voters who don't support your misguided proposals! On another note, my father-in-law died of Covid (before vaccines were available). He was living in an assisted facility in Missouri that did not require masks. And my 35-year-old daughter has been battling long covid since January. She was a software developer and is still unable to work and is on disability. You four are unqualified to make medical decisions, plus you're totally insensitive to the millions of Americans who lost loved ones to Covid. Gracey: don't state medical information when it's wrong! Vastly more people died from Covid than mental health conditions related to Covid.

Thank you,
Carol Daus
Huntington beach resident for 28 years
Moore, Tania
From: Anthony Daus <[email protected]>
Sent: Thursday, October 5, 2023 8:30 AM
To: CITY COUNCIL (INCL. CMO STAFF); [email protected] Subject: Opposition to Charter Amendments
Dear City Council Members,
Once again, I am writing to you in opposition to the needless charter amendments. These are a waste of time and noney as they are addressing imaginary problems or are completely misguided. I am particularly concerned about th voter amendments. There is not voter fraud to address. Don't spend taxpayer money frivolously. This is a waste o time and money. It was only a few months ago that this council was concerned about the city's budget and making cuts to important services. How can certain members of this council justify these expenses? These amendments government overreach at its worst. Please start using some common sense and good financial stewardship in managing the affairs of my city.

Tony Daus
Frustrated Huntington Beach resident
Moore, Tania
From: Linda Moon <[email protected]>
Sent: Thursday, October 5, 2023 8:30 AM
To: [email protected]
Subject: October 5 City Council Agenda Item #2
Dear Councilmembers:

I write again to request that you reconsider your hasty ill-informed decision to place proposed charter amendments on the March 2024 ballot.

We elect city council members with the expectation that you will make well-informed decisions on our behalf. Many of us are disappointed to see that you are attempting to make very uninformed decisions.

Regarding proposed amendments to city election protocols, You have revealed that you are unaware that under the Voters' Choice Act, Huntington Beach voters may vote a Huntington Beach Ballot at any Voting Center in the County and that voters from other cities may vote their city's ballot at County Voting Centers in Huntington Beach. You are attempting to impose so-called voting enhancements that cannot be required of voters throughout the county or of other city's residents voting in Huntington Beach.

You are unaware of registration procedures that do require presentation of photo identification upon registration and stringent signature verification procedures for mailed ballots, the signature requirements for in-person voting and the criminal penalties for fraudulent voting (which has not significantly occurred in Orange County).

You are unaware of the very strict security provisions imposed by the County for Voting Centers, ballot boxes and ballot transportation. You have no knowledge of the current high security features of Orange County ballot drop boxes, which are mandated to be under constant camara surveillance and that the state-of-the-art drop boxes (designed by former Registrar Neal Kelly) even include fire suppression devices, designed to immediately extinguish fire.

This information and much more is available from the Registrar's office, which provides frequent information programs for the general public and public tours. All of this information should have been obtained and reviewed thoroughly before you made the hasty ill- considered decision to proceed with this Amendment process.

You are unaware that some of the measures proposed were illegal under State law, as stated by the Attorney General and Secretary of State in their letter to you. The arrogant rejection of this information by the Council and City Attorney, who shamefully referred to the Attorney General as the enemy is telling of your disregard for any information contradicting your uninformed opinions.

The race to place the amendments on the primary election ballot is also itself ill- considered. The City Attorney's interpretation of Election Code 1415 does not appear consistent with its plain language and other statutes addressing this issue were apparently not considered. Postponing submission to the November ballot would also allow the council more time to determine the financial and other ramifications of these measures.

Please remember that the lack of knowledge is Ignorance. The rejection of knowledge is Stupidity.

Linda Sapiro Moon
5861 Liege Dr.

Huntington Beach, CA 92649
2 Moore, Tania
From: meobrien <[email protected]>
Sent: Thursday, October 5, 2023 8:33 AM
To: [email protected]
Subject: proposed city charter amendments
I urge the City Council to SLOW DOWN. There remains too many unanswered questions relative to the proposed voter ID amendment. Voter ID is not required in California. Do we really want to get into another tussle with the state? We do not have assurance that the OC Registrar will participate and we will be left to manage the voting process ourselves at an unknown cost and city resource consumption that could be better used to tackle the other significant problems the city faces.

Please do not spend taxpayers' money on a problem that doesn't exist. It erodes your credibility.

Direct your attention to affordable housing, homelessness and mental health.

Respectfully,
Margaret O'Brien
a 50 year HB resident
Moore, Tania
From: [email protected]
Sent: Thursday, October 5, 2023 8:47 AM
To: supplementalcomm@surfiy-hborg; CITY COUNCIL INCL MO STAFF) Cc:

Subject: City Council Meeting for Oct 5, 2023 -- Section 806 Display of Flags Dear City Council Members,
I am a 25 year resident of Huntington Beach and am writing regarding the upcoming city council meeting on October 5, 2023. I strongly oppose the Flag amendment to the City Charter which reads:
"SECTION 806. DISPLAY OF FLAGS. Except as otherwise provided herein, the City shall only fly or display at or on any of the City's properties the following flags: the American flag, the POW/MIA flag, the State of California flag, the Huntington Beach City flag, the County of Orange flag, or any of the flags of the six branches of service: the Army, Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard, Marine Corps, and Space Force. During the Summer Olympic Games, the Mayor is authorized to order the display of the official Olympic flags for four weeks prior to the dates of the games, and for up to two weeks thereafter. The City may display any other flag in addition to those already enumerated, but only if authorized by a unanimous vote of all members of the City Council."
At the city council meeting on September 28, 2023 Council Member Burns stated that the amendment was to include the DISPLAY of flags at Huntington Beach libraries at special events such as National Hispanic Heritage month.

I have questions:
• If I were to walk into an HB library wearing a t-shirt displaying the Scottish national flag (my own personal heritage), is that allowed under the charter amendment? Could I wear a lapel pin displaying the Scottish flag on city property?
• Could HB employees or volunteers wear items displaying the Scottish flag? • Can I drive onto city property if my car displayed a decal of the Scottish flag? • Can I dive my car onto city property if it had an actual Scottish flag attached to it? • Can I park in city lots if my car had a Scottish flag attached to it? • Can the HB libraries display books if they have the Scottish flag on the cover? • Can I wear the Scottish flag as a garment, such a a shawl or cape, on city property? • Can I place the Scottish flag on the podium when I address the city council at meetings? 1 • Can Huntington Beach employees or volunteers do any of the above? • When does the displaying of banned flags on city property start to infringe on personal First Amendment rights?
If this seems trivial or foolish, imagine that instead of "Scottish flag" I had really said "Pride flag". When you try to take away rights from one group you end up taking them away from everyone.

Council Member Burns claims to oppose "identity politics". The Flag amendment IS identity politics.

It's just an identity that council members Burns, McKeon, Strickland, and Van Der Mark support.

Yours,
Mary Kyle
Moore, Tania
From: Celeste Rybicki <[email protected]>
Sent: Thursday, October 5, 2023 8:52 AM
To: CITY COUNCIL (INCL. CMO STAFF); [email protected] Subject: Special charter amendment meeting
Hi,
I'll be brief but I want to be on record again as being against the charter amendments, both in content and in the rushed and suspicious way they are being presented. It seems like a lot of work and a lot of money to appease a small fraction of your constituents. If you insist on pushing these through to the ballot, / would implore you to single each issue out so voters can be clear on what they do or don't support. And it would appear that it will be significantly less expensive to wait until general elections, which would be smart as it looks like if voter id passes we will have a slew of new lawsuits to pay for.

Thanks for your time,
Celeste
14 + yr resident of HB
Moore, Tania
From: Harry McLachlan <[email protected]>
Sent: Thursday, October 5, 2023 8:51 AM
To: [email protected]; CITY COUNCIL (INCL. CMO STAFF) Subject: Proposed Charter Amendments
Attachments: Huntington Beach City Council Oct. 5, 2023 .docx Please see attached
Huntington Beach Special City Council Meeting October 5, 2023 For Discussion of Potential Charter Amendments
My name Harry MeLachlan. I am a resident of Huntington Beach.

My opinion on Charter Amendment #1 has not changed.

The voting proposals are a solution looking for a problem that does not exist.

Your totally fact-free justification for this amendment comes from undocumented assertions by the seated conservatives that they have received "many calls" and spoken to "many people" regarding their totally unfounded concerns about the security of our local election. To a reasonable person, this is merely hearsay. I have attended all of the meetings on the proposed charter revisions and have read all of the supplemental communications submitted.

The overwhelming majority have provided you facts which negate the very premises of your proposed changes to the proven voting procedures currently in place. Please cease this willful ignorance and listen to the majority of your constituents! You requested public feedback by holding these special meetings. You received it in spades. Please act ON it and not AGAINST it! The flag amendment also needs to go. Proffered by an absurd ad hoc committee" made up of members with the sole intent of implementing their own personal and politically biased agendas in an effort to placate a minority of the citizens of Huntington Beach. Please drop this from consideration.

Thank you for your attention.

Moore, Tania
From: Jessamyn Garner <[email protected]>
Sent: Thursday, October 5, 2023 8:59 AM
To: CITY COUNCIL (INCL. CMO STAFF); [email protected] Subject: Oppose charter amendments
Hi City Council members and Mayor Strickland,
I'm writing to strongly oppose the proposed charter amendments that will be discussed at tonight's meeting. I wish I could be in attendance to voice my opposition more directly but I am unable to be there.

The voter ID and ballot box monitoring proposal is abhorrent and an attack on free and fair elections. It will limit voter participation and cost the city millions of dollars we don't have to solve a problem that doesn't even exist. The proposal is also illegal, as you already know from the letter you received from Attorney General Rob Bonta and Secretary of State Shirley Weber. Our city cannot afford yet another lawsuit.

Huntington Beach taxpayers and voters deserve better. We deserve fiscal responsibility and we deserve a council that does at least the bare minimum of following the law.

Additionally, I strongly oppose the effort to put the flag ordinance into the city charter. It unfairly limits city properties from celebrating our sister cities, our sports teams, and our communities. And it limits the ability for future city councils to reverse this foolish limitation.

Measure C' is also a concern of mine. Requiring a vote of residents for every sale, lease, or exchange of beaches, parks, or public utilities will create significant costs to the taxpayer as we will need to hold many special elections to make these decisions. Special elections are also notorious for low turnout, which will favor the people in our community who have the time and the resources to participate in these special elections. These people are often wealthy and older than the general population, so these votes will be biased.

Thank you.

Jessamyn Garner
(they/them)
Huntington Beach resident and voter
1 Moore, Tania
From: Fikes, Cathy
Sent: Wednesday, October 4, 2023 2:09 PM
To: Agenda Alerts
Subject: FW: City Council
From: Christina Skoski < [email protected]>
Sent: Monday, October 2, 2023 8:08 PM
To: CITY COUNCIL (INCL. CMO STAFF) <[email protected]> Subject: City Council
I've been a resident of HB since 1976. I've been following the city council meetings because I am concerned about the path our new conservative council majority has elected to take.

The public comments and emails have been overwhelmingly against any changes to the city charter, yet these comments have been completely ignored, whether the topic is book banning, pride flags or anything as innocuous as who should be allowed to lead a prayer. It is quite obvious that 4 members have a political agenda and the decisions have already been made. They simply have no interest in listening to any opinions which differ from their own. There is no room for discussion or compromise.

The dismissive attitude of this council is insulting to all the residents, not just the few. The votes have already been decided. Their overtly biased explanations are absurd which is recognized by the news media in OC and beyond. Their mandate was to be non-partisan and represent what's best for our city, yet they are fostering division and hatred in our community.

Shame on you,
Christina Skoski MD
Moore, Tania
From: Fikes, Cathy
Sent: Wednesday, October 4, 2023 2:11 PM
To: Agenda Alerts
Subject: FW: Charter amendments not shown necessary
From: Allie Plum <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, October 3, 2023 7:42 AM
To: CITY COUNCIL (INCL. CMO STAFF) <[email protected]> Subject: Charter amendments not shown necessary
My name is Allie Plum. I want to register my strong objection to all changes proposed to the City Charter especially in regards to HB elections. The past elections have shown no fraud or problems. The cost in both people power and money is unnecessary for a system in place that is working. Please put the city of HB first and abandon this madness. You were elected on many promises one of which was No changes to the Charter.

Thank you Council person McKeon for standing up for what you trust to be true.

Sincerely,
Allie Plum
HB
Moore, Tania
From: Fikes, Cathy
Sent: Wednesday, October 4, 2023 2:11 PM
To: Agenda Alerts
Subject: FW: Charter Amendments
From: Connie Quader <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, October 3, 2023 7:48 AM
To: CITY COUNCIL (INCL. CMO STAFF) <[email protected]> Subject: Charter Amendments
To the majority of the City Council,
WHY THE RUSH OF CHARTER AMENDMENTS? It seems as though you four have an agenda.

Each proposed item should stand alone. No bundling of unrelated items.

The unknown costs to Huntington Beach citizens for your frivolous & unnecessary proposed changes will, most likely result in costly lawsuits against the city. WHY NOW? It seems as though you four really don't know the citizens of Huntington Beach well & you don't care to know or listen to the majority of HB citizens! Your minds are already made up. WHY? You successfully have tarnished the image of our beautiful & much loved city! WHY? Also the Trump flyover was totally OUTRAGEOUS!! The Pacific Airshow was for all to enjoy NOT be politicized!! UNACCEPTABLE!!
Sincerely,
Connie & Shaheer Quader
44 Years HB residents
Moore, Tania
From: Fikes, Cathy
Sent: Wednesday, October 4, 2023 2:11 PM
To: genda Alert
Subject: W: Changes to the HB city charte
From: Tracy Luth <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, October 3, 2023 8:34 AM
To: CITY COUNCIL (INCL. CMO STAFF) <[email protected]> Subject: Fw: Changes to the HB city charter
Sent from the all new AOL app for iOS
Begin forwarded message:

On Tuesday, October 3, 2023, 8:27 AM, Tracy Luth <[email protected]> wrote:

I would like to express my concerns about the proposed changes to the HB city charter. I think that each proposed change needs to be presented along on the ballot rather than bundling unrelated items. I would like the city to consider and investigate the costs of running its own elections if it moves forward with voter ID requirements as well as costs defending itself against potential lawsuits about the constitutionality of voter ID requirements.

Sincerely,
Tracy Luth
Sent from the all new AOL app for iOS
Moore, Tania
From: Fikes, Cathy
Sent: Wednesday, October 4, 2023 2:12 PM
To: Agenda Alerts
Subject: FW: Charter Admendments
-----Original Message----
From: Susan E Turner <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, October 3, 2023 10:17 AM
To: CITY COUNCIL (INCL. CMO STAFF) < [email protected]> Subject: Charter Admendments
Hello, I want to let you know I, Susan Turner, HB resident, oppose placing the Charter Amendments on the primary ballot! Please DO NOT bundle and place on the primary ballot.

Sincerely,
Susan Turner
Sent from my iPad
Moore, Tania
From: Fikes, Cathy
Sent: Wednesday, October 4, 2023 2:13 PM
To: Agenda Alerts
Subject: FW: No on HB Charter Amendments
From: Denise Bletsos <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, October 3, 2023 3:52 PM
To: CITY COUNCIL (INCL. CMO STAFF) <[email protected]> Subject: No on HB Charter Amendments
We are voting No on any of the current and future Huntington Beach Charter Amendments by our current City Council Members.

You have held behind the door meetings and spent money in a way that is not explained to Huntington Beach citizens.

Denise and Nikolas Bletsos
Moore, Tania
From: Fikes, Cathy
Sent: Wednesday, October 4, 2023 2:13 PM
To: Agenda Alerts
Subject: FW: Recent air show and charter issues
-----Original Message-----
From: Chris <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, October 3, 2023 5:36 PM
To: CITY COUNCIL (INCL. CMO STAFF) < [email protected]> Subject: Recent air show and charter issues
Hello, my name is Chris Kluwe, a 15 year resident of HB, and I'm sending this email to protest both the politicization of the air show by letting known criminal and treasonous ex-president Trump do a flyover, as well as the proposed changes to the city charter that will not only waste taxpayer dollars but are clearly designed to concentrate power in the hands of an unliked, selfish minority of four individuals who currently control the City Council (Strickland, Van Der Mark, Mckeon, and Burns, with honorable mention to non-first amendment cognizant Attorney Gates).

Sincerely,
-Chris
Moore, Tania
From: Fikes, Cathy
Sent: Wednesday, October 4, 2023 2:14 PM
To: Agenda Alerts
Subject: FW: charter
From: Louise Stewardson < [email protected]>
Sent: Wednesday, October 4, 2023 8:27 AM
To: CITY COUNCIL (INCL. CMO STAFF) <city. [email protected]> Subject: charter
We do not need to change the city charter. It is too costly and unnecessary.

Louise Stewardson
19741 Coastline Lane, HB
Moore, Tania
From: Fikes, Cathy
Sent: Wednesday, October 4, 2023 2:14 PM
To: Agenda Alerts
Subject: FW: Charter Ammendments
-----Original Message----
From: David Rynerson <[email protected]>
Sent: Wednesday, October 4, 2023 1:42 PM
To: CITY COUNCIL (INCL. CMO STAFF) <[email protected]> Subject: Charter Ammendments
Council Members -
At the last charter amendment meeting, I asked for an accounting of the communications both for and against the proposed elections charter amendment. To date, I have seen nothing from the city responding to this request. Given that the entire impetus behind this measure is supposed to be communications from city residents questioning our election integrity, the lack of documented evidence is suspicious. With upwards of 80% of voters voting by mail or drop box, no evidence of voter fraud, repeated certifications of the accuracy and security of our elections, the cited reasoning for this proposal appears weak at best, and positively specious at worst.

Proposing to spend upwards of a million and a half dollars every election, (without cyber security and vote tracking costs), losing voting place flexibility, and introducing disruption and uncertainty into our election process to satisfy anecdotal complaints from a minority of voters does not pass the smell test. It is fiscally irresponsible. Decisions of this sort should be backed up with a cost/benefit analysis. The simple fact that you seem unable to quantify the actual cost to conduct our our elections, let alone the cost of defending the city from lawsuits brought in response to this measure, nor demonstrate the benefit of this proposal, clearly shows that this measure is inadequately researched to even be in discussion with the community, let alone on the ballot.

Similarly, while I can understand that you don't want City Councils removing funding from an elected position, the amendment regarding the City Attorney, also fails the smell test. As previously noted, it was illegal when the City Treasurer's office was defunded, so a charter amendment is no deterrent to those who take illegal actions. Second, the proposed funding limits remove council budget oversight and flexibility. Just because the city has been involved in many lawsuits, quite a few of which were effectively sought by the city attorney, does not mean we will always be in such a state. Budgets should reflect the situation at the time they are crafted - not be locked in by charter requirements.

Further, just because the City Attorney is an elected office does not mean it should be exempt from City Council oversight. If that were the case, the the City Clerk and Treasurer should get the same treatment, yet that is not proposed.

Citizens elect the City Council to run the city bureaucracy, and the City Attorney, Treasurer, and Clerk are part of that bureaucracy, They are, and should remain, under the guidance and control of the City Council.

And despite testimony from the City Clerk that neither she nor HR departments all over the country have any problem parsing what "Bachelors in Business or related field" means, Mayor Strickland proposes to enshrine his judgement in the city charter because he finds it ambiguous. Exactly what HR qualifications does Mayor Strickland have to impose his judgement over that of HR professionals? Never mind that Mayor Strickland's proposal opens the city up to candidates whose education does not prepare them for this position.

What to say about the flag amendment? Councilman Burns says he doesn't want to play identity politics. Are you suggesting that there's no identity component to flags for POW/MIA and all of the various armed services? Why not the flags of other government agencies like the TSA or the IRS? And, as has been so aptly pointed out by minority council members, this proposal was modified three times in about six months, making enshrining it in the charter an expensive proposition. No, the real reason was spoken out loud at last week's public meeting: Councilman Burns wants it in the charter just to make it harder to be changed by future councils. He wants to impose his will, not only on current city residents, but on future ones as well. Exactly the opposite of being a representative of the people.

What do all of these proposals have in common? They are proposed solutions to non-existent problems - problems that exist only in the minds of at least three members of the council majority, but not in real life. They are proposals wherein they wish to enforce their views on the entire city without any evidence of need, and at significant cost. They are, in fact, irresponsible attempts, not to represent the city's residents, but to make us pay for their authoritarian vision.

It's well past time for you to listen to the will of the people and withdraw these ill-conceived proposals and actually get back to the real business of running this city. You have wasted enough of our time, and yours, as well.

True leadership involves bringing people together around a shared set of facts to make reasoned decisions. Doggedly pursuing an polarizing agenda with a complete lack of factual support is the exact opposite of leadership. It is authoritarian dogma.

Best regards,
David Rynerson
6272 Newbury Drive
2 Moore, Tania
From: Fikes, Cathy
Sent: Wednesday, October 4, 2023 2:14 PM
To: Agenda Alerts
Subject: FW: Changes to Huntington Beach City Charter
-----Original Message----
From: Linda Pohl <[email protected]>
Sent: Wednesday, October 4, 2023 12:25 PM
To: CITY COUNCIL (INCL. CMO STAFF) <[email protected]> Subject: Changes to Huntington Beach City Charter
Please rethink your decision to put on the ballot Huntington Beach City running its own elections instead of the official Orange County Register of Voters. You were elected using this official election register or do you feel you were incorrectly elected? Not only is it illegal to have Cities run elections, which I realize doesn't mean anything to you, but it will be very expensive. Voters have short memories when it comes to additional taxes, or lost services to run these elections. Not only will the election itself be expensive but fighting the lawsuits to come will also encumber the City.

The Air Show was nice and many people enjoyed it but voters won't remember the show but the cost to their wallet from your proposals. Be a responsible City Council and instead continue to use the system that elected you to office.

Linda Pohl
Sent from my iPad
Moore, Tania
From: Files, Cathy
Sent: Wednesday, October 4, 2023 2:15 PM
To: Agenda Alerts
Subject: FW: Charter Amendments
-----Original Message-----
From: [email protected] <[email protected]> Sent: Wednesday, October 4, 2023 1:49 PM
To: CITY COUNCIL (INCL. CMO STAFF) < [email protected]> Subject: Charter Amendments
It was very interesting to be reminded last week that the the platform on which you four new city council members ran to be elected to the city council, stated that there would be no charter amendments. Yet, here we are, not even 2 years long years later, where, together, you are going to vote for charter amendments which will drastically change the character of what used to be a nice city in which to live, costing YOUR constituents over $1 million!!! To discuss only a couple of items: The Orange County Registrar of Voters is well regarded and your proposed changes will not bring back integrity (according to Mr. Strickland) to our election system. It stinks of voter suppression, and it sounds like that's your intent. Your changes conflict with state laws. Just because we are a "charter" city does not allow us to violate state law, especially about voter rights! Why in the world do we need an amendment to ban a no mask-no vaccine mandate??? If we have another extremely dangerous pandemic like the beginnings of our Covid pandemic, do you not care about your citizens?
As you have heard over the last 3 weeks, there are many residents who are opposed to these charter amendments.

Unfortunately, I have gotten the message loud and clear that the four new council members have no interest in hearing opposing comments from your constituents. I know you already have your minds made up!! Moore, Tania
From: Fikes, Cathy
Sent: Wednesday, October 4, 2023 3:22 PM
To: Agenda Alerts
Subject: FW: Voting
----Original Message---.-
From: Linda Pohl <[email protected]>
Sent: Wednesday, October 4, 2023 2:32 PM
To: CITY COUNCIL (INCL. CMO STAFF) <city. [email protected]> Subject: Voting
My wife had her say in a letter to the council but I wanted to have my say "if it ain't broke don't fix it". Ridiculous to be spending time and money on an issue that worked fine before the new council thought it would be great idea to change the voting that got them elected.

Walter Pohl
Sent from my iPad
1 Moore, Tania
From: Fikes, Cathy
Sent: Wednesday, October 4, 2023 3:58 PM
To: Agenda Alerts
Subject: FW: RE:
-----Original Message--.

From: [email protected] <[email protected]> Sent: Wednesday, October 4, 2023 3:47 PM
To: CITY COUNCIL (INCL. CMO STAFF) <city. [email protected]> Subject: RE:

To whom it may concern regarding tomorrow's agenda:

Isn't it illegal to run the city at a deficit???? I've lived in Huntington Beach for 51 years and there has never been a time when I've felt like our city government is not governing in in our best interests.

Thank you,
A very concerned resident.
1 Moore, Tania
From: Fikes, Cathy
Sent: Wednesday, October 4, 2023 5:24 PM
To: Agenda Alerts
Subject: FW: Please reconsider adding amendments to city charter From: Linda Law < [email protected]>
Sent: Wednesday, October 4, 2023 4:51 PM
To: CITY COUNCIL (INCL. CMO STAFF) <city. [email protected]> Subject: Please reconsider adding amendments to city charter Dear Council Members,
Please reconsider adding the proposed
amendments to the city charter. These
proposed charter amendments are
unnecessary and potentially very expensive. I
understand that the city has limited funds and
this seems a very poor use of those funds.

I object to the city considering amendments
that were not reviewed by a public
commission. The costs to add these
amendments to the ballot are unknown. There
is no evidence of voter fraud that requires the
monitoring of poll places or the presentation of
a voter id. Actions like this invite lawsuits and
seem utterly pointless.

Thank you for your time.

Moore, Tania
From: Fikes, Cathy
Sent: Thursday, October 5, 2023 8:43 AM
To: Agenda Alerts
Subject: FW: Charter amendments
From: Kathy McGuire <[email protected]>
Sent: Wednesday, October 4, 2023 8:32 PM
To: CITY COUNCIL (INCL. CMO STAFF) < [email protected]> Subject: Charter amendments
Hello,
I oppose all of the proposed charter amendments. They are not needed and they will cost money that the city needs for other necessities. Vote no. Reject all of the charter amendments.

Thank you,
Kathy McGuire
Moore, Tania
From: Fikes, Cathy
Sent: Thursday, October 5, 2023 8:43 AM
To: Agenda Alerts
Subject: FW: Voter ID
From: Kathy Carrick <[email protected]>
Sent: Wednesday, October 4, 2023 8:34 PM
To: CITY COUNCIL (INCL. CMO STAFF) <[email protected]> Subject: Voter ID
Dear Mayor, Mayor Pro Tem and City Council Members,
Could someone please explain how requiring voter ID is a form of voter suppression? I, honestly, do not understand how this can be so. Please refer back to the list of items that Mr. Twining supplied in his comments at the City Council meeting of 10/3 that require ID.

If there are, indeed, HB citizens that have difficulty procuring an ID, how can our city offices help them with this process?
Thank you.

Respectfully,
Kathy Carrick
48 year HB resident
Sent from my T-Mobile 5G Device
Moore, Tania
From: Fikes, Cathy
Sent: Thursday, October 5, 2023 8:44 AM
To: Agenda Alerts
Subject: FW: Opposition to HB Charter Amendments and Flag Proposal From: Julie Hampel <[email protected]>
Sent: Wednesday, October 4, 2023 8:51 PM
To: CITY COUNCIL (INCL. CMO STAFF) <[email protected]> Subject: Opposition to HB Charter Amendments and Flag Proposal Dear HB City Council,
I oppose any and all proposed Charter Amendments for one basic reason - there is no need! The City Council has NOT completed a needs assessment to identify a problem, any problem with the HB voting process or flying flags at City Hall.

Please abandon these foolish proposals that will cost the City of Huntington Beach money it can ill- afford. Specifically, Strickland, Van der Mark, Burns and McKeon - back away from these truly ridiculous changes to the City Charter and the Flag Issue. These are NOT problems. If you continue on this destructive path, the 4 of you become THE problem.

Start doing your jobs instead of creating problems that don't exist.

Julie Hampel
HB Resident.

Moore, Tania
From: Fikes, Cathy
Sent: Thursday, October 5, 2023 8:44 AM
To: Agenda Alerts
Subject: FW: Charter amendments
From: Jerry Donohue < [email protected]> Sent: Wednesday, October 4, 20238:56 PM
To: CITY COUNCIL (INCL. CMO STAFF) <[email protected]> Subject: Charter amendments
Enough already. We are going to get sued by the state for these new voting irregulaties. Lost city money, lost city prestige. Quit this obsession, show we can reflect on items, listen to our citizens and then change our minds. Thanks, Jerry Donohue
Sent from Mail for Windows
Moore, Tania
From: Fikes, Cathy
Sent: Thursday, October 5, 2023 8:44 AM
To: Agenda Alerts
Subject: FW: Against Charter changes to our local elections From: Allie Plum <[email protected]>
Sent: Wednesday, October 4, 2023 8:43 PM
To: CITY COUNCIL (INCL. CMO STAFF) <[email protected]> Subject: Against Charter changes to our local elections Dear City Ciuncil,
I am totally opposed to spending unneeded and unwarranted HB dollars(who knows how much ?? Millions?) to fix our local elections that are NOT broken. We are not fraud ridden in fact our OC elections are held up as well done.

The Charter amendments are confusing and bundled in a nonsensical way. The voting public will not be able to vote clearly Yes or No with the way these amendments are presented.

Please stop this madness and vote to drop the idea of changing the City Charter and spending an exorbitant amount of money as yet to be determined. What can go wrong? Sincerely,
Allie Plum
HB resident and Immobile Home Owner
Moore, Tania
From: Fikes, Cathy
Sent: Thursday, October 5, 2023 8:44 AM
To: Agenda Alerts
Subject: FW: HB City Council Meeting, Thursday, October 4, 2023 From: Lee Marie Sanchez <[email protected]>
Sent: Wednesday, October 4, 2023 9:07 PM
To: CITY COUNCIL (INCL. CMO STAFF) <[email protected]> Subject: HB City Council Meeting, Thursday, October 4, 2023 Dear Members of the Huntington Beach City Council ~
My family has owned a home here in Huntington Beach for over 50 years. Months ago I became aware of the makeup
of the City Council and the plans for the unnecessary
Charter Amendments being touted by only 4 of the
Council's members. It has been obvious from the concerns of the vast majority of the citizens attending the meetings, as well as those sending email that they believe these
proposals are unnecessary, expensive and will likely
engender several lawsuits, bringing even more costs and divisiveness to our community.

I am totally opposed to all the amendments. A citizens
council which is bipartisan and reflects the diversity of our city should be formed before anything is put on any ballot so that the people may have the opportunity to engage
with each other in a measured, respectul and democratic conversation, not what is happening now.

It is interesting to me that almost everyone I have spoken with about my concerns had no idea that they could send 1 the Council email or where to find that information. I have made it an ongoing practice to let everyone know about
this process, those with whom I agree and with those
whom I do not. The Council should make the effort to
promote this information broadly to ensure we are ALL
represented.
~ Rev. Lee Marie Sanchez, Retired and voting
2 Moore, Tania
From: Fikes, Cathy
Sent: Thursday, October 5, 2023 8:45 AM
To: Agenda Alerts
Subject: FW: Charter Amendments
-----Original Message-----
From: Cristina Caldera <[email protected]>
Sent: Wednesday, October 4, 2023 9:51 PM
To: CITY COUNCIL (INCL. CMO STAFF) < [email protected]> Subject: Charter Amendments
Hi,
I am a resident of Huntington Beach for 9 years now. My family and I live in the Harbour. Lately, 1 am ashamed and do not agree with the current city council and the proposed charter amendments. I think you all should stop wasting the tax payers money with this unnecessary election. If you feel so strongly about it, add it to the general election.

Do your job and actually fix things in the city like the drunk drivers hitting people, homelessness, crime. Pick something that actually matters! Stop being shady and messing with the voting system.

Feel free to call me with any follow up questions.

Cristina Caldera
310-699-8446
Moore, Tania
From: Fikes, Cathy
Sent: Thursday, October 5, 2023 8:45 AM
To: Agenda Alerts
Subject: FW: No to voter ID requirement
----Original Message--.--
From: chuynhful <[email protected]>
Sent: Wednesday, October 4, 2023 10:38 PM
To: CITY COUNCIL (INCL. CMO STAFF) < [email protected]> Subject: No to voter ID requirement
I do not support voter ID: this will discourage many disabled and elderly from voting if they misplace their ID The office of registrar of voters already check signature against what's on DMV files This is too extreme
A concerned citizen of Huntington Beach
Sent from Cindy's iPhone
1 Moore, Tania
From: Fikes, Cathy
Sent: Thursday, October 5, 2023 8:45 AM
To: Agenda Alerts
Subject: FW: We don't need any charter amendment
From: Mary Camarillo <[email protected]>
Sent: Wednesday, October 4, 2023 10:04 PM
To: CITY COUNCIL (INCL. CMO STAFF) <[email protected]> Subject: We don't need any charter amendment
Dear City Council
There is no need for the charter amendments you are proposing for voting. There is nothing wrong with our current voting procedures. Charter changes are an unnecessary expense.

Please do not revise our city charter or our voting process.

Mary Camarillo
HB resident
Moore, Tania
From: Fikes, Cathy
Sent: Thursday, October 5, 2023 8:45 AM
To: Agenda Alerts
Subject: FW: Charter Amendments
-----Original Message-----
From: Steven Christy <[email protected]>
Sent: Wednesday, October 4, 2023 11:01 PM
To: CITY COUNCIL (INCL. CMO STAFF) < [email protected]> Subject: Charter Amendments
All are a waste of time and money
This new majority on the council have no idea how to run a city ? If you don't listen to your citizens how can you decide what is best They are out of control! Please we must stop there nonsense now!!
Sent from my iPhone
Moore, Tania
From: Fikes, Cathy
Sent: Thursday, October 5, 2023 8:46 AM
To: Agenda Alerts
Subject: FW: Charter Ammendments
From: Kathy Dowling <[email protected]>
Sent: Wednesday, October 4, 2023 11:59 PM
To: CITY COUNCIL (INCL. CMO STAFF) <[email protected]> Subject: Charter Ammendments
Stop the madness!

1. No to elections handled by the city as you propose. Unnecessary cost to the City so that you can make an unneeded change. Your views are not shared by many of us.

2. Do not change the election dates. We know you are looking for smaller turnout to aid your changes.

3. The Mayor looked ridiculous regarding Nepotism. If you had ever worked for a real company you would know why Nepotism is a problem. When you have relatives working for the same company in the Management structure, employees are unable to voice concerns honestly. This leads to employee dissatisfaction and a potential hostile work environment. It seems the City Attorney would be aware of this.

4. The Mayor always ends the speakers input with "thanks for coming". I would recommend that he be honest and say, "thanks for coming, we aren't interested in your input". At least that would be honest.

Sent from Mail for Windows
Moore, Tania
From: Fikes, Cathy
Sent: Thursday, October 5, 2023 8:47 AM
To: Agenda Alerts
Subject: FW: Charter Amendments
From: Jeanne Farrens <[email protected]>
Sent: Thursday, October 5, 2023 12:25 AM
To: CITY COUNCIL (INCL. CMO STAFF) < [email protected]> Subject: Charter Amendments
Dear City Council Members,
First I want to thank Councilman McKeon for being responsible for taking the charter process out from behind closed doors and opening it up to public input. And also for listening and being open to reconsideration of the amendments. It is clear that of all the new majority members, given his previous experience on past city charter committees, Councilmember McKeon has the most experience regarding the charter review procedures. Why is it that he was the only member of the new council majority who wasn't included on the ad hoc committee? It is curious - I daresay, suspicious - that the other members would ignore his expertise. Had these open public meetings been implemented as part of the ad hoc committee process from the beginning, much time would have been saved, and public outcry could have been avoided. I am grateful that he responded to his supporters' concerns and demands to allow the public to be heard.

As a member of that public, I am concerned by the Council's desire to change the charter, and I must express my opposition to all the charter amendments for several reasons.

Additionally, the way the amendments are bundled with 3 or 4 irrelevant proposals demanding either a yes or no vote all in one measure does not encourage voter participation or faith in the election - something Councilman McKeon stated was the main purpose of these amendments - but rather it creates confusion and forces the voters to either vote for something they do not agree with to support something they do, or, to just not vote at all. How is this preserving the integrity of elections?
Above all, while the majority council has insisted that this is not an attempt to take over elections from the County, if the voting measure is placed on the ballot, that's exactly what will happen. It is a certainty that HB will be sued by Sacramento if the voter ID proposal passes. In fact in a Thursday news release, A.G. Bonta promised as much.

Not only did Bonta state that requiring voter ID. conflicts with state law, but he also pointed out that the city has not identified any basis for its voter ID proposal. Nor has any of the Council Majority identified such when asked directly by speakers to do so.

Last week City Attorney Gates insisted that as a Charter City, HB has a legal right to require ID. He cited as evidence a lawsuit in which Redondo Beach (a charter city) won a lawsuit regarding their right to oversee municipal elections. The lawsuit - the City of Redondo Beach vs Padilla (the CA Attorney General at the time) - involved Redondo Beach setting its own date for election but had nothing to do with voter ID, which is a much more fundamental issue - in Bonta's words, it is the "foundation of our democracy". So it is unlikely this example of case law will stand up. Thus, in addition to the possible million dollars it will cost to put the measure on the ballot, HB taxpayers will likely be paying several more millions fighting a state lawsuit, not to mention unknown costs to facilitate and run its own election (as the County is sure to refuse to oversee the election given A.G.

Bonta's warning). Important issues such as training poll workers, locating adequate ADA polling locations, costs of voting and monitoring equipment, procedures for the counting of ballots, including mail-ins, and the associated expenses have neither been identified nor enumerated in the proposals.

Not to mention the time it will take to implement these changes. Are we expected to vote on the measures without knowing these specifics and costs? By March 5th? Finally, I object to these proposals as being nothing more than evidence that the city council dais no longer functions as a non-partisan podium to promote policies to protect the people and Huntington Beach, but it has now become a politicized partisan platform for promoting a MAGA agenda including protections against false conspiracies of voter fraud.

What new nefarious measures can we expect to be introduced - measures that rather than protecting voter integrity are an assault against it?
If the Council is serious about promoting election integrity, you must not move ahead with these unnecessary and potentially illegal charter amendments. Let our award winning Orange County Registrar of Voters continue to oversee fair and safe elections in Huntington Beach.

Jeanne Farrens
ReplyForward
2 Moore, Tania
From: Fikes, Cathy
Sent: Thursday, October 5, 2023 8:47 AM
To: Agenda Alerts
Subject: FW: Opposed to flag ordinance
From: MARILYN Boehm <[email protected]>
Sent: Thursday, October 5, 2023 12:30 AN
To: CITY COUNCIL (INCL. CMO STAFF) <[email protected]:

Subject: Opposed to flag ordinance
I am strongly opposed to eliminating the pride flag during Pride Month and, instead, limiting the choice of flags to be flown by the City Council. Why is it that we showed a Canadian flag at the Airshow, an event that has still not been made transparent according to how much it cost the taxpayers?
If we are willing to fly an Olympics flag, which has nothing to do with our city, why not show the world that we are an inclusive city by flying the pride flag? Is it up to the City Council to decide which events are meaningful and which are not? Shouldn't the residents of HB make that call?
Vote NO on the flag ordinance.

Marilyn Boehm, resident of HB
1 Moore, Tania
From: Fikes, Cathy
Sent: Thursday, October 5, 2023 8:48 AM
To: Agenda Alerts
Subject: FW: Dear Council
From: Kirby McCord <[email protected]>
Sent: Thursday, October 5, 2023 7:37 AM
To: CITY COUNCIL (INCL. CMO STAFF) < [email protected]> Subject: Dear Council
Council,
Is it true that Kevin Elliot gave dignitary passes to 4 of 7 council members and their families? And of course, Gates and family. Are these the same four that settled with Elliott and won't release the terms of the multimillion-dollar settlement? Is this the same Kevin Elliot who was a college roommate of Mayor Strickland? Vote no on changing elections. Vote no on the charter changes.

Kirby McCord
Resident
Moore, Tania
From: Fikes, Cathy
Sent: Thursday, October 5, 2023 8:49 AM
To: Agenda Alerts
Subject: FW: My comments on the amendments to the city charter From: Ada Hand <[email protected]>
Sent: Thursday, October 5, 2023 8:16 AM
To: CITY COUNCIL (INCL. CMO STAFF) < [email protected]> Subject: My comments on the amendments to the city charter I am opposed to all the amendments to the City Charter. They represent the majority's blatant attempt to take control of an election process that has worked flawlessly in the past. The cost of the elections in the future would be horrendous to the taxpayers of this City, especially considering the ensuing lawsuits that are sure to come. Taxpayers don't deserve this. You ran on a platform of No Changes to the City Charter and now you propose to transform it and not by the use of the City Charter Commission, but rather by your Ad Hoc Committee of three.

I am also opposed to the bundling of multiple amendments into one, supposedly to save money for the taxpayers. Instead, we will be asked to vote for three items when we may only agree with one or two items in the bundle. Ridiculous. There is government language about clear amendment language that does not confuse the voters -- your bundles are an example of blatant overreach.

I am opposed to the expansion of the City Attorney's staff. He already has resources beyond what L.A. County has - ridiculous. He is building his own fiefdom and the City Council is helping him.

I am opposed to all the time, money, and energy taken by the City Council and staff to ban, censor, or sequester books at our public libraries. We have professional librarians and a process in place that actually worked for Ms. Van Der Maark, but you now attempt to mold the libraries into your kind of reading. The first step in an authoritarian regime.

Shame on the Mayor and City Attorney for endorsing publicly a candidate for President of the United States, especially a candidate who committed what I believe is treason and who is legitimately accused of multiple counts in civil and criminal courts. The flyover at the Air Show was a sad example of doing a questionable act and then seeing if you have to apologize afterwards. You politicized the air show and you should be castigated I am ashamed of our current City Council majority.

Ada J. Hand
Ten-Year Resident of Huntington Beach
1 Moore, Tania
From: Fikes, Cathy
Sent: Thursday, October 5, 2023 8:49 AM
To: Agenda Alerts
Subject: FW: proposed city charter amendments
-----Original Message--
From: meobrien <[email protected]>
Sent: Thursday, October 5, 2023 8:37 AM
To: CITY COUNCIL (INCL. CMO STAFF) <[email protected]> Subject: proposed city charter amendments
I urge the City Council to SLOW DOWN. There remains too many unanswered questions relative to the proposed voter ID amendment. Voter ID is not required in California. Do we really want to get into another tussle with the state? We do not have assurance that the OC Registrar will participate and we will be left to manage the voting process ourselves at an unknown cost and city resource consumption that could be better used to tackle the other significant problems the city Please do not spend taxpayers' money on a problem that doesn't exist. It erodes your credibility.

Direct your attention to affordable housing, homelessness and mental health.

Respectfully,
Margaret O'Brien
a 50 year HB resident

City Council/Public Financing AuthorityOctober 5, 2023

City Council/Public Financing Authority
October 5, 2023