From: Ted Ross
To: [email protected]
Subject: Declare Huntington Beach a “Parents’ Right to Know City Date: Saturday, August 3, 2024 11:55:47 AM
Mayor Gracey Van Der Mark wants to declare
Huntington Beach a “Parents’ Right to Know City,” a
challenge to the recently signed California law that
prohibits school districts from implementing forced
gender identity outing policies
I support this initiative!
Sent from my iPhone.........Ted Ross Huntington Beach resident 8/6/2024
30 (24-541)
From: StarsStripes
To: CITY COUNCIL (INCL. CMO STAFF)
Cc: [email protected]
Subject: Re: 8-6-24 City Council Meeting
Date: Saturday, August 3, 2024 9:30:49 PM
File 24-541, Agenda Item 30
I support this agenda Item.
Parents absolutely need to know what their kids are being taught.
This radical lefty view that they own our kids has got to stop. They are our kids. Not the states or the Cities kids.
AB1955 is just another lefty control initiative to split the family unit. You leftys cant figure out why people and companies are leaving? It’s this type of lefty view!
It has to stop.
Robert Cloyd
Huntington Beach Resident
From: J C
To: CITY COUNCIL (INCL. CMO STAFF)
Cc: [email protected]
Subject: Re: 8-6-24 City Council Meeting, 6pm
Date: Saturday, August 3, 2024 9:34:04 PM
File 24-549, Agenda Item 30
I SUPPORT THIS
I do not have any children, but if I did, I would be irate over AB1955. Definitely would pull my child out of
Public School and make other arrangements for their education. Home school if necessary.
Jean Cloyd
resident of huntington beach
From: Sue Welfringer
To: [email protected]
Subject: Oppose Item 24-541
Date: Sunday, August 4, 2024 8:08:24 PM
August 04, 2024
Dear Mayor Van Der Mark and City Council Members:
I oppose item 24-541 placed on the Huntington Beach City Council Meeting Agenda for Tuesday, August 6
th.
I am curious: how many Huntington Beach educators have you asked for input / concerns regarding how your statement negatively affects them? I am curious: how many parents of LGBTQ+ children have you talked with to learn how this statement affects them and their children?
I am curious: if the City of Huntington Beach does not have the authority to set policy for our public and private education institutions, then why is this even a conversation to happen in our local council chambers?
Your actions on council are, indeed, curious. And in case you aren’t sure, based on how I feel about your attack on our library, curious is a euphemism for what I really think.
Sincerely,
Sue Welfringer
Resident since 1997
From: Kim Flores
To: [email protected]
Cc: Planned Parenthood
Subject: AB 1955
Date: Sunday, August 4, 2024 10:02:03 PM
To Whom It May Concern:
Please reconsider this initiative for Huntington Beach because it is up to the child to disclose and express gender identity to anyone. Parents do not have the right to know because the LGBTQ+ community are a protected status. In addition, not all children live in safe homes full of love and support they need to access hormonal treatments provided at healthcare facilities.
Sincerely,
Kim
From: Suzanne Hart
To: [email protected]
Subject: Agenda item 30, Ordinance 24-541
Date: Monday, August 5, 2024 9:44:11 AM
We are appalled at the thought that you, as our City Council, would even remotely consider interfering with our schools and their relationships with students and parents! This is NOT city business! A student’s sexual orientation or gender identity is absolutely NOT your concern! This apparent obsession with LGBTQ issues is deeply concerning. Please stick to genuine issues such as homelessness (which you promised to eradicate in 90 days), housing and crime. Gracey, please just focus on parenting your own children and allow other parents and the schools to do their jobs.
Best regards,
Chris and Suzanne Hart, 26 year residents
Sent from my iPhone
From: Fikes, Cathy
To: Agenda Alerts
Subject: FW: AB 1955
Date: Monday, August 5, 2024 10:03:04 AM
Attachments: AB 1955.pdf
From: Bob R Berry <[email protected]>
Sent: Saturday, August 3, 2024 9:55 AM
To: CITY COUNCIL (INCL. CMO STAFF) <[email protected]> Subject: AB 1955
Congratulations to our Mayor Gracey Van Der Mark for
her stand against AB1955. It’s
about time that someone with some authority stands
up to Gruesome Newsom.
What has happened to our State and Country?
Now I’m asking our Mayor and City Council to
investigate the emails that I have sent in
the pass about the Bicycle and E bike speeding on the
HB pedestrian walkways. Most
of the speeding is being done by E bikes and most of
the E bikes have no speedometers.
I have stated in the past that walking or riding the HB pedestrian walkways is an accident
waiting to happen.
Please read and look at the picture (a mother who has
her child wearing a helmet but
not her). I see this many times along our pedestrian
walkways.
I have also stated that I believe we have many seniors, me included) who would
volunteer their services to patrol the pathways. We
have senior volunteers removing sign
from telephone poles. What do you think is more
important?
Thank you and the City council for your services.
Bobby Berry
714-842-4428
Power up on these electric bihe safety tips
Concussions. Bro-
ken arms and legs.
Skull fractures. Fa-
cial contusions.
Riding an electric
bike, or e-bike, can
result in injuries far
worse than scraped
knees and elbows.
In fact, over the
Iast flve years (July
2019 to Jlllee 2O24),
atotal of16O e-bike
riders required treat-
ment at the Julia and
r
Theodore
Heyming
Contributing
Columnist
Let's start with the obvious: hel-
mets. An alarrning 45o/o of CHOC
patients reported they were not
wearing a helmet when they got
hurt. So, make sure your e-bike
rider wears a helmet with the chin
strap fastened (the same goes for
manual bikes, scooters, etc.)
lMhen it comes to the ages of e-
bike riders, it's no surprise to learn
that teens in the pre-driving stage
account, by far, for most of those
who get hurt. Of the 160 traumatic
ir{uries reported at CHOC, 6O% in-
volved riders ages 13 to 15. Four-
teen-year-olds dominated the list,
at 49.
One injured rider was less than
a year old, and five were -year-
olds - victims of injuries caused by
riding on an e-bike with an adult
or being struck by an e-bike while
walking.
lnjury prevention tips
So, besides helmets, what else
can you do to reduce the number of
e-bike injuries?
First off, don't ride on an e-bike
with someone else. There should
be no more than one rider on an e-
bike at a tirne to reduce the risk of
falling off of it.
Also, learn how to operate an e-
bike. Unfortunately, there is no for-
malized road safety colrrse required
to use one.
Note that there are three dit'
ferent classes ofe-bikes, and that
there are no current age restric-
tions for riders ofelectric bikes in
Classes 1 and 2 - bikes that stop
providing assistance once the bicy-
cles reach 2O mph.
Class 3 e-bikes, which stop pro-
viding assistance when the bicycle
reaches 28 mph, require the rider
to be a minimum of 16 years old.
Next, stay visible. Some drivers
may take a turn in front of riders
or come dangerously close to side-
swiping them as they ride in the
bike lane.
Also, choose a bike with lights to
remain visible after dark. And con-
sider purchasing rearview radars
(an accessory) for installation on
your e-bike. These radars can sense
and alert riders ofvehicles ap-
proaching from behind.
Above all, slow down!
The biggest risk associated with e-
bikes is speed. Because e-bikes can
travel up to around 30 mph, speed
can cause more severe injuries.
Theodore Heyming, M.D., is
medical director of emergencg
medicine at Children's Hospital of
Orange Countg.
I\,lINDYSCHAUER STAFF PHOTOGRAPHE
Sarah Wilson cruises with her 4-year-old daughter, Freya, on Tuesday in San Clemente George Argyros Emergency Depart-
ment at the Children's Hospital of
Orange County for traumatic inju-
ries.
Thatt an average of more than
three a month.
Fourteen ofthese riders ended
up in the intensive care unit, and
nine underwent surgery.
Safety first
Sales of e-bikes began explod-
ing during the early days of the CO-
VID-19 pandemic.
With the rising number of injuries,
calls are growing for stronger age re-
quirements for riders, as well as more
rigorous state-level advocacy and pol-
icy. In this context, safetyhas be-
come even more important.
NS $&wls'
.sh
From: Fikes, Cathy
To: Agenda Alerts
Subject: FW: To My Mayor
Date: Monday, August 5, 2024 10:03:15 AM
-----Original Message-----
From: Tony Vasquez <[email protected]>
Sent: Saturday, August 3, 2024 12:23 PM
To: CITY COUNCIL (INCL. CMO STAFF) <[email protected]> Subject: To My Mayor
I would Love to Thank my Mayor for standing against the new law Gavin Newsome put into place.
It makes me proud to be a Citizen of Huntington Beach.
For public notice.
We need to protect a Parents right to know.
Anthony Vasquez
Sent from my iPhone
From: Michele Burgess
To: [email protected]; CITY COUNCIL (INCL. CMO STAFF) Subject: August 6, 2024 City Council Meeting, Agenda Item 30, File 24-541 Date: Monday, August 5, 2024 10:46:31 AM
Mayor Gracey Van Der Mark begins her issue statement with a blatant lie:
“...Assembly Bill 1955...prevents educators from informing parents of their child’s gender identity or gender expression.” Fearmongering and misinformation as usual, her specialties.
AB 1955 DOES NOT PREVENT educators from informing parents of their child’s gender expression and identity. It only prohibits school boards from FORCING teachers to out students against their will.
It does not say anything about schools keeping secrets from parents. If a teacher thinks it’s in their student’s best interest to talk to a parent about something going on with that student, the teacher is free to do so. If a student is afraid to talk with a parent about such issues, the teacher can help develop a plan or refer the student to other help.
Mayor Gracey seems to have appointed herself some kind of savior. “Protect the children!” is her battle cry. However, considering her personal history with children and the gay community, I’d posit she’s not the best choice.
* Her children were removed from her custody at some time in the past. * She has posted Facebook photos posing with Proud Boys, one of whom is showing her young son how to wear a gas mask “to protect himself against the Antifa masked cowards at rallys [sp] and patriotic events.” That Proud Boy was sentenced to prison for involvement in the January 6 riot, was also convicted of assaulting a restaurant worker and for tearing down a Hanukkah menorah outside the Arizona state capitol a month before the insurrection.
* She helped revise the city’s human dignity statement to remove any reference to hate crimes and state that the city “will recognize from birth the genetic differences between male and female.”
* She voted to revise the city’s flag policy to prevent the pride flag from being flown on city property.
* She was instrumental in removing all library books from the children’s and teens’ sections with any “sexual” references, particularly if related to LGBTQ.
* She was a featured speaker at a God, Guns, Government conference, a group that promoted a Patriot Boys camping trip for boys 7 and up, teaching them to love Jesus and be masculine.
* She was a featured speaker at Eagle Forum of Orange County, and praised for creating a children’s book review board and banning the flying of the LGBTQ pride flag over City Hall.
* She actively solicits support from Calvary Chapel of the Harbour and other evangelical churches that consider homosexuality an abomination.
So, hypothetically, if a teacher were forced to tell Gracey that her child is transgender, even if the child didn’t want the teacher to do so, what would Gracey do? Pray the gay away? Send the child to conversion therapy? Kick the child out of the family home? Disown the child? “Disappointed” parents often verbally and physically abuse their child in such situations. Would that be in the best interests of the child? Would that be “protecting the children”? Sometimes children need to be protected from their parents.
Mayor Gracey should stop wasting staff time and taxpayer money with culture wars and political theater — and mind her own damn business.
Always yammering about government overreach. Gracey, dear, you ARE the government and you are definitely overreaching. The City Council does not have jurisdiction over education policy, nor would it have standing in any legal case.
By the way, who gives a rat’s ass what Elon Musk says and does? He’s a very rich wacko whose estranged transgender daughter disowned him and changed her surname.
Michele Burgess
Huntington Beach resident since 1961
From: Fikes, Cathy
To: Agenda Alerts
Subject: FW: Council Mtg. of 8/6/2024
Date: Monday, August 5, 2024 11:36:33 AM
From: [email protected] <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, August 5, 2024 10:34 AM
To: CITY COUNCIL (INCL. CMO STAFF) <[email protected]> Subject: Council Mtg. of 8/6/2024
Re Agenda Items 31, 32, and 30
I support exposing monkey business (Item #31), question "giving the business" to an already overworked staff (Item #32), and bemoan yet another example of someone who should mind her own business (Item #30).
Cheryl Elliott (Resident of 44 years)
From: Fikes, Cathy
To: Agenda Alerts
Subject: FW: Parents" Right to Know
Date: Monday, August 5, 2024 11:36:46 AM
From: Mark Tonkovich <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, August 5, 2024 10:42 AM
To: CITY COUNCIL (INCL. CMO STAFF) <[email protected]> Subject: Parents' Right to Know
Dear Mayor, Mayor Pro Tem and all Council Members,
I just want to express my backing for the Parents Right to Know proposed city ordinance
that Mayor Gracey is proposing. The Government should not try to parent children, it is not their job or concern, it is clearly the parents job. The Parents Right to Know should be passed and made into law. Thank you.
Best,
Mark Tonkovich
HB resident and home owner
From: Deb Janus
To: CITY COUNCIL (INCL. CMO STAFF); [email protected] Subject: Agenda item 30. 24-541
Date: Monday, August 5, 2024 1:14:50 PM
Mayor and Council Members,
I am writing in support of Agenda Item 30. 24-541 on the August 6, 2024 Agenda.
I fully support Mayor Van De Marks's Ordinance Declaring Huntington Beach to be a “Parents’ Right to Know” City. The State, State officials, School Districts, and Teachers have no business hiding or barring any information about a student's identity or gender expressions. These ridiculous laws that Newsom keeps thrusting on citizens, especially regarding decisions about children are morally and legally wrong.
It does not matter if schools are under the state and not cities. It is up to the citizens of Huntington Beach to protect children and keep parents aware. Will they next say that a teacher is not to notify a parent if a student says they are going to commit suicide? The state "lawmakers" are wrong. Leave our kids alone.
Deb Janus
Huntington Beach resident 45 years
--
714.330.4152 mobile
From: Linda Law
To: [email protected]
Subject: No on interfering with School Board matters
Date: Monday, August 5, 2024 1:25:27 PM
Dear HB City Council members,
My name is Linda Law and my husband and I are 23 year residents of Huntington Beach. I am writing to express my concern about the city getting involved in matters that are beyond its jurisdiction and that will get the city further involved in expensive lawsuits. Why is the city getting involved in School Board matters when they could be concentrating on improving our parks, beaches, streets, zoning and infrastructure? If the city is trying to distract citizens from the terrible settlement with Code 4, it is too late for that. That settlement was a shameful give away of public funds. Please stop trying to force your strange cultural ideas on the rest of us and get back to governing the city. Thank you for your time.
From: H Meyers
To: [email protected]; CITY COUNCIL (INCL. CMO STAFF) Subject: City Council meeting 8/6/2024, Agenda items 30 and 31 Date: Monday, August 5, 2024 4:12:07 PM
I am a long-time resident of Huntington Beach.
I urge you to vote against the 8/6/2024 City Council meeting agenda item #30, “Parents’ Right to Know” City declaration and interest in challenging AB 1955. This is another in a long list of items the City Council’s conservative members have proposed to weaponize social issues for what they clearly believe is a political benefit. It is certainly not in the interest of children who may be struggling with their identity and fear the consequences of informing their parents. It also establishes the intent to embark on yet another wasteful lawsuit.
Please vote yes on agenda item #31, Financial Transparency - Determine Cost of Pacific Airshow Settlement. The fact that the City Attorney and City Council went ahead with the settlement without even knowing its potential cost is a flagrant misuse of authority. Citizens deserve to know what their (misguided at best) government has committed to.
Thank you,
Hildy Meyers
From: MEG ROBINSON
To: [email protected]
Subject: 24-541
Date: Monday, August 5, 2024 8:14:23 PM
Once again the mayor is driving the HB train off the tracks. Your issue statement is full of the misinformation , misleading statements and inflammatory rhetoric that I’ve come to expect. I am not surprised that you quote Elon Musk, an avowed transphobe, who considers his child dead because she is transgender. I need look no further than our Human Dignity Statement to see why you are a fan of his. “Not all of the schools and school districts are under the control of the city”. What school district does the city have control over. NONE
While i was teaching I was subordinate to parent? I answered to parents? No, I was a partner in the education of their students. I communicated with them, kept them informed of my curriculum and classroom policies and kept them informed of their child’s progress and behavior. I worked together with parents so children could achieve their best. I did answer to my school board about all these things.
Regarding your comment that I was a secondary educator, perhaps you are not aware of the concept of “in loco parentis” in place of the parents. Please look up what it means and the responsibilities that teachers accept under the policy.
Forcing a teacher to out a student to parents may put that student in danger. Some LGBTQ students have suffered physical abuse at the hands of parents or have been kicked out of their homes. So how does your declaration keep those students safe, or don’t you care?
How does AB 1955 result in a teacher being a barrier between a parent and child. Parents can always speak with their children. If parents are concerned they should have a conversation with their child. But for a child or teenager to respond honestly, in my experience, judgmental statements need to be avoided.
I do want our children protected so I am suggesting that the city instead declares itself a safe zone from assault weapons to prevent the mass killing of students in school. That’s a declaration that would save lives.
Margaret “Meg” Robinson
HB resident
From: Janet Michels
To: CITY COUNCIL (INCL. CMO STAFF); [email protected] Subject: Agenda items
Date: Monday, August 5, 2024 8:19:33 PM
City Council,
It is again with profound disappointment that I feel required to submit a letter on several of tomorrow night's agenda items. Please accept the following comments from an interested, engaged and deeply concerned citizen.
Item 24-541: It appears that several of you continue to seek out issues that are unrelated to your authority as City Council Members or the governance of our city. Just how many "statements" of support or opposition will be enough? This does not accomplish anything productive, and despite the statements by the Mayor from the dais and on the city website stating her desire to bring unity and reduce divisiveness, this item has no purpose other than....wait for it...continue to fracture our city and foster divisiveness. Please focus on your job, which, as a reminder, is pasted below from the City's website. Mayor, you can do better than this. Your item in no way meets the basic criteria for your position.
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.
Item 24-549 ( with a nod to 24-547)
On the face of it, Councilmember McKeon's item is one I wholly support, and have done so within the scope of my role on the Finance Commission. In fact for over 6 months, we have discussed Meadowlark over and over and
over again since January 2024 with several members
of our commission seemingly having no objective other than to identify some sort of "gotcha" to reveal seemingly nefarious activities on behalf of city staff. In fact, in order to get off the merry-go-round of the same topic discussion for 6 months, I proposed a task force to do a better job with the partnership which will commence in 2025. In my opinion, to require the city to do a full analysis of foregone rent (of which Meadowlark was a key target) during a (hopefully) once in a lifetime pandemic seems to have no beneficial purpose. Transparency is all well and good, if it has a role in improving the future of the city.
Mr. Mckeon lists several items, but the one he does not list is the release of the recent airshow settlement, which has gotten the most attention from within the city, from all political persuasions and also caught the attention of legislators and state administrators. However, Mr.
McKeon lists a general #5 for other topics, and I for one, would appreciate him adding the full cost analysis of this settlement. Even people who can do basic math come up with very big numbers in terms of scale, lack of city control, and real costs to the city in terms of giving away the city's few direct revenue opportunities AND the city paying for most of the major labor costs for the air show itself. I would recommend Mr. McKeon publicly supports item 24-547 as consistent with his own item. Further. I would suggest amending to add some language that would describe specifically what would be gained by each analysis being requested ...something several council members should also do and their designates on commissions should learn as well.
Thank you,
Janet Michels
--
Janet Michels
714.448.3095
From: Paula Schaefer
To: [email protected]; CITY COUNCIL (INCL. CMO STAFF); [email protected] Subject: NO on 24-541 Parents" Right to Know
Date: Monday, August 5, 2024 8:32:55 PM
Mayor,
If you more carefully read the text of AB1955, you would know that AB1955 does NOT prevent educators from informing parents of anything related to a child's gender identity.
Nevertheless, you continue to spout misinformation. As Mayor, shouldn't you know that the City has NO jurisdiction over the actions of the local school boards? But hell, why bother with the facts when you can rally your base with more potential litigation against Sacramento? This is yet another waste of time and resources in your continued efforts at distracting City residents from the problems the FAB4+1 have brought upon the City.
Paula A. Schaefer
From: Bev Sansone
To: CITY COUNCIL (INCL. CMO STAFF); [email protected] Subject: City council meeting 8/6/24
Date: Monday, August 5, 2024 8:34:12 PM
I am a city resident and have lived here since 1996.
I strongly urge you to vote against item 24-451 which calls for an ordinance to make Huntington Beach a "Parents Right to Know” City. I believe this is a very dangerous item which will force teachers to “out” those students who have chosen to keep information regarding their desire to change their name or use of pronouns while they are in school to their parents. I agree that parents should be involved with their children’s sense of self, but forcing students to come out to their parents when these students have concerns about the parental response to them is inappropriate. One would hope that if there is a good relationship between the student and their parent, the parent would know, intuitively, that their child is struggling with identity issues. It should not be up the the teacher to fill this gap in recognition. I fear that this ruling would lead to an increase in the already high incidence of suicide by students. Studies have shown that this happens.
Also, I encourage the city council to vote yes on item 24-457 regarding financial transparency in the settlement with the Pacific Airshow. The beach closure was due to potential dangerous effects to beachgoers during the oil spill. It was a necessary closure and the settlement which was made with the airshow was ludicrous. Our city should not be beholden to the owners of the Pacific Airshow for the next 10-40 years. All the financial giveaways to the airshow appear to be so over the top that I cannot believe anyone would ever agree to it. I think the residents of our fine city should be aware and understand what the true costs of this settlement with be.
Thank you,
Beverly Sansone, MD
201 20th St,
Huntington Beach
From: Woody Woodruff
To: [email protected]
Subject: Parents right to know
Date: Monday, August 5, 2024 8:36:18 PM
I want to thank mayor Van Der Mark for standing up for parental rights after the vicious attack on parents by Gavin Newson with his insidious attack on children and parents with AB 1955. Every city in the state should be standing up against AB 1955, it is every cities fiduciary duty to protect families, not break them. I would hope that this is unanimously backed by the entire city Council. Any city council member who does not agree with trying to protect parental rights,I would have to definitely question what the real motivation would be as well there moral fitness to be on the city counci
From: Sean Drexler
To: [email protected]
Subject: Public Comment City Council Mtg Agenda Item 30 Date: Monday, August 5, 2024 9:00:26 PM
Hello Mayor and City Council,
I am writing as an Orange County resident, urging you to vote no on Agenda Item 30.
Contrary to what has been suggested, AB 1955 simply prevents school boards from forcing teachers to out students against their will. This is a common sense approach to student safety. It maintains the current relationship dynamic between parent, student, and teacher by leaving it to the teacher or administrator’s discretion to out students. There is no need to declare Huntington Beach a “Parent’s Right to Know” City or declaring City interest in challenging the State on AB 1955. Parents are guaranteed the same rights as every citizen under the U.S. Constitution. They are not entitled to extra rights. Furthermore, Huntington Beach City Council has no jurisdiction over education policy nor does it have any standing in any legal case on this matter. Challenging the State would result in taxpayers footing the bill for a frivolous lawsuit that will only serve to further antagonize LGBTQ people, including children. I urge you to vote no on Agenda Item 30.
Sincerely,
Sean Drexler
From: K Carroll
To: [email protected]; CITY COUNCIL (INCL. CMO STAFF) Subject: CityCouncil Mtg. August 6, 2024 - Items 24-541 Parents Right to know. 24-549 Tax Payer Transparency- Tax Saving Date: Monday, August 5, 2024 9:19:22 PM
Greetings Mayor Van Der Mark, Pro Tem Pat Burns, Esteemed Council Members Casey McKeon and Tony Strickland.
First of all, I am super amazed that you are keeping up on items. I have a few items that I would like to share my thoughts:
24-541: Parents rights. Gracey Van Der Mark
Gracey, I cannot thank you enough. Our kids are safe with you. We are with you more than you know.
Do people know that Newsome is making it mandatory that Teachers are prohibited from telling a parent that their kids may be identifying as another sex and name changes...bc their parents may cause them to commit suicide? They need to monitor bullying in schools that does instigate bullying bc of no school intervention. Pretty sure parent's already know. And, if cities don't adhere; he holds back funding. Newsome penalize's citiies financiancilly for not paying for these porno books in schools and libraries of explicit male on male illustrations sexual acts and girls masterbation. With Newsome's newly passed bill; teachers are prohibited f
rom notifying the parents if their child shows up one day and says he wants to change his gender...name..from Sam to Suzie;.bc, a teacher has influenced him/her. Manipulating our children..bc they say 'we spend more time with them than parents'. It protects teachers and groomers. " Secrets" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oH2_kUzNbUk https://www.amazon.com/Secret-Pizza-Party-Adam-Rubin/dp/0803739478/ref=sr_1_1? crid=10I0F12A4H3LO&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.cX7yDqqu4Tnub1pzLg0KrLPsOF5Wc56Dit33aVlC7BvswRvsDxR6Gvf-Tok_QvLRPItb3OegWZ7- neJc3qjSn7HfiRzVJGtTVY0rJNd7p4LkCnxUU5sRPZtbmqd9VUhSV8w7H- VUUpdnVkKrKjVnnRIK40KQWJTwDIF3U1LsGLDapIE6UI2T6320JA4IWJeZGs4jMsDeujHB1X1V7TEFf9aiXIDsoBlsfUTZaQ2Erqs.iRPImbjddhRP- 5MCV4lJUS3e6hNSKmT9yLOo8mT5REk&dib_tag=se&keywords=secret+pizza+party&qid=1717726482&sprefix=secret+pizza%2Caps%2C217&sr=8- 1#customerReviews
'Let's keep this between you and me.. know, your parent's don't understand you... I won't tell your parents..you won't get in trouble'...the kids are in their most vulnerable stage. My 14 year old daughter came home from HB Highschool and she showed me a 'gift' that her (male) art teacher made it and had given it to her totally inappropriate. She knew it was not right.
For me, I had an incredible teacher (5th grade) that summoned my mom. bc she thought I was 'stressed'...that's what my mom told me. Domestic violence.I will never, ever forget the impact this teacher made on me bc I thought magically she knew and was going to fix things. Teachers are mandatory reporters. I would really appreciate it if they could just be persistent with that instead of sexual choices. I don't think people care about that.Teachers and Parents need to be partners.
From all of this, I am saying that if we could have our teachers concentrate on academics and report on issues to the appropriate agency and involve parents, that would be great.
I would also like to see the stats on suicide up to date on kids that have committed suicide bc their parents shunned them. I really feel that era is long gone. I'm in my 70's, HRD for orver 40 years and there has only been one report outside of work and that was in the 70's. That era is gone.
Parent's with LGBTQ kids need to stop instilling in them that they are victims...THEY are making them victims. 24-549 Casey McKeon. TaxPayer Transparency. Evaluation of City Tax Tax Sharing.
Thank You Casey. You are a no BS, no nonsense guy. I can't wait to see the results. I know that our family and many of the other neighbors will have a pre lift off for the air show and after party on the Airshow. But, I cannot wait to see the other facts. I am coming to this meeting to relish in the detailed results. Huge...thank you for all you do. You have contributed so much and appreciated more than you know.
Pro Tem Pat Burns and Councilman Tony Strickand, as always. thank you so much for your immense contributions.
Best regards,
Kris Carroll
From: Celeste Rybicki
To: CITY COUNCIL (INCL. CMO STAFF); [email protected] Subject: No on item 24-541, Yes on item 24-542
Date: Monday, August 5, 2024 9:21:11 PM
City council members,
This item, 24-541, only serves to prove what we already know: Mayor Gracey hates the LGBTQ+ community (including kids) and our mayor did not read or understand the governor’s bill. AB 1955 does not prevent “educators from informing parents of their child's gender identity or gender expression” it only prevents the government from FORCING them to out students to their parents. If our goal is truly to strengthen children’s relationships with their parents we should be setting the example by being open, welcoming to diversity, and respectful to others. That’s clearly not the council majority’s priority. This is maga virtue signaling and nothing more. It could have been a Facebook post, and I ask that the mayor please stop wasting everyone’s valuable time with this crap.
Item number 24-542 should be a no-brainer. The Huntington Beach community is rightfully outraged at the details revealed in the Pacific Airshow settlement. Taxpayers deserve a thorough review and breakdown of the total costs and impact (something that should have have been done before the majority agreed to it) I look forward to this item passing with Casey McKeon’s vote, if taxpayer transparency actually matters to him.
Thank you,
An HB taxpayer with children currently in the public school system From: Caroline Brandenburger
To: CITY COUNCIL (INCL. CMO STAFF); [email protected] Subject: Item # 24-541 Supp Comm
Date: Monday, August 5, 2024 9:21:14 PM
To HB City Council:
This email is regarding item # 24-541 brought forth by Mayor Van Der Mark.
This is just another publicity stunt. Do you realize that not all children and young adults feel comfortable telling their parents/guardians that they are LGBT? Unfortunately, some parents/ guardians are not accepting of this fact and ultimately it can cause anxiety, depression and even suicidal ideation in children and young adults. School districts elect their own trustees to govern them. Plus state laws always prevail over city ordinances. However, you got on tv and in the paper so in your tiny mind you won.
Mayor Van Der Mark, please stay in your lane! Focus on Huntington Beach’s most important issues like homelessness, housing and infrastructure. Who cares what Elon Musk does and it’s completely irrelevant and nonsensical to mention him in your agenda item. I truly believe this is just noise and political fanfare to distract from the recent Pacific Air Show settlement revealing. Focus on what you can do to make Huntington Beach a better city, not your personal political theater agenda!
Sincerely,
Caroline Brandenburger
45 year HB resident and homeowner
From: Rob Bermond
To: [email protected]
Subject: Public Comment City Council Mtg Agenda Item 30 Date: Monday, August 5, 2024 9:34:45 PM
Hello Mayor and City Council,
I am writing as an Orange County resident, urging you to vote no on Agenda Item 30.
Contrary to what has been suggested, AB 1955 simply prevents school boards from forcing teachers to out students against their will. This is a common sense approach to student safety.
It maintains the current relationship dynamic between parent, student, and teacher by leaving it to the teacher or administrator’s discretion to out students. There is no need to declare Huntington Beach a “Parent’s Right to Know” City or declaring City interest in challenging the State on AB 1955. Parents are guaranteed the same rights as every citizen under the U.S.
Constitution. They are not entitled to extra rights. Furthermore, Huntington Beach City Council has no jurisdiction over education policy nor does it have any standing in any legal case on this matter. Challenging the State would result in taxpayers footing the bill for a frivolous lawsuit that will only serve to further antagonize LGBTQ people, including children.
I urge you to vote no on Agenda Item 30.
Sincerely,
Rob Bermond
From: Pride at the Pier
To: [email protected]
Cc: Van Der Mark, Gracey; Burns, Pat; Bolton, Rhonda; Kalmick, Dan; McKeon, Casey; Moser, Natalie; Strickland, Tony
Subject: Supplemental Communication regarding Agenda Item #30 (24-541) Date: Monday, August 5, 2024 9:45:54 PM
Attachments: Opposition to Agenda 30 [24-541].pdf
Hello,
Please see our official communication to the city council regarding Agenda Item #30, (24-541) attached here, to be made public record with the meeting agenda. Please advise if there's any difficulty downloading this file.
Thank you so much,
Kanan Durham
Executive Director
Pride at the Pier
Instagram Facebook Linkedin Tiktok
www.prideatthepier.org
Pride at the Pier is fiscally sponsored by Hack Club, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit.
Our registered EIN is 81-2908499
Huntington Beach City Council;
Pride at the Pier stands in opposition of Agenda Item #30, wherein Mayor Gracey Van Der Mark asks for a “Request to Prepare an Ordinance Declaring Huntington Beach to be a “Parents’ Right to Know” City”. This is not only a very clear attempt to distract from the council’s lack of accountability over the Pacific Airshow Settlement, it’s based on a critically untrue interpretation of AB 1955, The Safety Act.
Van Der Mark states in the memo for this item, “Last month, Governor Newsom signed into law Assembly Bill 1955 (AB 1955), which prevents educators from informing parents of their child's gender identity or gender expression”. This is at best a deep misunderstanding of the law, and at worst, a lie. AB 1955 does NOT prevent educators from informing parents of their child’s gender identity or gender expression. It prevents the passage of Forced Outing Policies, known by some as “Parental Notification Policies” by overreaching school boards. It prevents school boards from requiring educators to have that conversation, regardless of their own discretion, the wishes of the student, or even the wishes of the parents. Teachers can still have these conversations under AB 1955, based on their own discretion.
We believe it’s deeply important that the full context of this law is provided. Pride at the Pier was deeply involved in the legislative action to pass this law, and we testified on behalf of AB 1955 during the State Senate Education Committee Hearing on May 29th, 2024. The law, in its full form, can be found here. https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billTextClient.xhtml? bill_id=202320240AB1955.
We are highly concerned that Van Der Mark has chosen to repeatedly spread a lie, whether knowingly or not, that so directly fuels the anti LGBTQ+ sentiment that is present in this city, even in the very council chambers where this agenda will be discussed.
Public Comment: Agenda Item #30
(24-541)
August 5th, 2024
Huntington Beach City Council
2000 Main Street,
Huntington Beach, CA 92648
PRIDE ATTHE PIER
The actions of this city council majority, in light of this, become increasingly illuminating. Van Der Mark’s involvement in anti-transgender activism has been well-known since before her time in office, as well as her engagement in anti-public school and anti-sex education activism. On the council, she and the rest of the council majority have worked to; ban the Pride Flag from being displayed in any official capacity on government property ban books while using anti-LGBTQ+ fear-mongering
remove references to a variety of marginalized communities from the city’s Policy on Human Dignity
dismantle the human relations commission that worked to protect marginalized people include anti-trans dog whistles in the re-written Policy on Human Dignity remove references to LGBTQ+ Pride month from the city calendar accept and even promote the rhetoric of anti-LGBTQ+ individuals in our local government All of these things considered, it becomes laughable that the concerns of the council majority are anything but another attempt to use your authority to further harm the LGBTQ+ constituents you are meant to serve.
Not only that, but there’s also the issue of simple jurisdiction - this City Council has absolutely zero jurisdiction over education policy in Huntington Beach, whether over the three school boards that operate within the city limits, or any private schools or charter schools. Additionally, the City Council has no claim on any lawsuits against the state over AB 1955, and it’s therefore shocking that the council would consider assigning the city attorney to this task when his office has still yet to account for the recent scandal regarding the Pacific Airshow settlement that has come to light.
Mayor Van Der Mark, the Huntington Beach LGBTQ+ community is not a smokescreen for you, Michael Gates, and the council majority to use when you need a distraction from the calls of thousands asking for accountability for your governance decisions. We ask you to do better. [email protected] County, California
prideatthepier.org
Best regards,
Executive Director
Pride at the Pier
Kanan Durham
PRIDE ATTHE PIER
From: Uyen Hoang
To: [email protected]
Subject: Opposition to 8/6 Agenda item 24-541
Date: Monday, August 5, 2024 11:45:01 PM
Attachments: VROC X AJ letter re_ OCBE anti-LGBTQ actions.pdf Hello,
My name is Uyen Hoang and I am the Executive Director of Viet Rainbow of Orange County (VROC). We are a local LGBTQ+ nonprofit organization that serves all of Orange County, especially Vietnamese Americans and other communities of color. We have been in operation for 10 years and have deep community connections all throughout Orange County.
I'm writing to share that VROC is strongly against a resolution declaring Huntington Beach a so-called "Parents' Right to Know" city because it doesn't provide parents, students, educators, community members, and investors any actual safety and improvement to education or the City's reputation in general. It doesn't do anything but waste time and spread harmful rhetoric against the queer community.
We have already written a letter with Advancing Justice Southern California to share why
supportive and inclusive schools are important to the health and wellbeing of not only LGBTQ+ students, but for all students. It is attached along with the 300+ cosigners from individuals and organizations throughout Orange County.
We are also confused and disappointed at the proposal to sue the state regarding the passage of AB 1955, also known as The SAFETY Act. As a small community nonprofit that has to fundraise, apply for grants, and justify all our income and expenses, we can't fathom wasting resources like that to prove a political point.
Consider doing better and being better by focusing on issues that actually matter and improve lives of HB residents -- Thanks!
Warmly,
Uyen Hoang, MA, MPH (she/they)
Executive Director
Website | Facebook | Instagram | Linktree
Schedule a meeting with me | Hear my name pronunciation June7,2023OrangeCountyDepartmentofEducation200KalmusDr,CostaMesa,CA92626 RE:OCBEPositionofSupportforAB-1314&OCLGBTQ+Studentsprotections DearOCBoardofEducationTrusteesJorgeValdes,Esq.,MariBarke,KenL.Williams,Jr.,D.O.,Tim Shaw .,LisaSparks,Ph.D.; PrideMonthisatimetocelebrateLGBTQ+communities,theirachievements,andthelongroadtoinclusion. However,byMay1stmorethan540billswereintroducedinatleast37statestargetingLGTBQ+students 1 .EvenhereinCalifornia,withoneofthelargestLGBTQ+communitiesinthenation,therehasbeenlegislationintroducedthatcouldharmLGBTQ+youthinschools.
Studieshaveprovenagainandagainthatunsupportiveschoolenvironmentshavealarmingeffects.52%ofLGBTQ+youthaged13-17consideredsuicideinthepastyearwhile2in3transgenderornonbinaryyouthexperiencemajordepression 2 .Supportiveschoolssignificantlyreducethesestatistics,witha37%decreaseinsuicideideationanda43%decreaseindepressionwhenteacherscareaboutthesafetyofthevulnerablestudents 3 .Schoolsshouldprovidesafespacesforstudentstodiscoverthemselvesandaccesscrucialsupportsystems,fosteringtheiroverallwell-being.
Whenschoolsprovidetheirstudentsthevitalsupportsystemstheyneed,itisclearthatouryouththrive.However,theK-12educationallandscapeinOrangeCounty(OC)fallsfarfromprovidingasafeandinclusiveenvironmentfortheirLGBTQ+students.
ThroughaneedsassessmentconductedbyVietRainbowofOrangeCountyin2021andthroughmultiplecommunitylisteningsessions,wefoundthatLGBTQ+studentsinOCoftenfaceanunsupportiveclassroomatmospherewithincidentsofbullying,harassment,anddiscriminationfromtheirpeersandeducators.Fewyouthactuallyhaveaccesstosupportiveadultsattheirschoolswhoactuallylistento,support,andrespectthemforwhotheyare–andevenfewersharethattheirschoolhasproactivemeasuresinplacetocreateasafespaceforallstudents.Effortsmustbeintensifiedtofosteramoreacceptingandsupportiveenvironment,whereLGBTQ+studentscanthrivewithoutfearofdiscriminationorprejudice.
TheOrangeCountyBoardofEducation(OCBE),whichoverseesthebudgetforK-12schoolsinOCandmanagesthelocalschooldistricts,hasdemonstratedactionsthataredetrimentaltothewell-beingandinclusivityofLGBTQ+students.TheOCBEvotedtosupportAssemblyBill1314,eventhoughitdidnotadvanceincommittee,whichwouldhaverequiredschooldistrictemployeesto“out”transandnon-binary 3 https://www.the74million.org/article/scared-of-school-even-in-states-with-protective-laws-lgbtq-students-are-reporting-attacks-from-other-kids-and-teachers/ 2 https://www.thetrevorproject.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/The-Trevor-Project-National-Survey-Results-2021.pdf 1 https://www.hrc.org/press-releases/weekly-roundup-of-anti-lgbtq-legislation-advancing-in-states-across-the-country-3 studentstotheirparentswithoutthestudents’consent.Duringthatmeeting,theboardmembersignoredtheconcernsoftheLGBTQ+communitiesandourallies,goingasfarasvotingtosupportthebillinthemiddleofpubliccomment.
Thepandemichasshownusthatweareinterconnected,andtheactionsofourelectedleadersaffectusall.InorderforCaliforniatobeaninclusiveleaderinprogressinghumanrights,wecannotignoreanti-LGBTQ+actionsandagendasanywherewithinourstate.
Thus,wedemandthattheOrangeCountyBoardofEducationBoardmembersdothefollowing:
1. Rescindtheirendorsement of AB1314.OCBEshouldpubliclyacknowledgeandapologizefortheimpacttheyhavemadebyendorsinganti-transandLGBTQ+legislationandpolicies.2. Prioritizesupportingpoliciesthat protect trans, nonbinary, andgendernonconformingstudents:TheOCBEshouldputontheiragendaandprioritizesupportivepoliciesthatcultivatesafeschoolsforLGBTQ+students,particularlygenderdiversestudents.3. Meet withLGBTQ+CommunityandAlliesbytheendof June2023:TheOCBEshouldengagewithLGBTQ+leadersandalliesbeyondpublicfacingmeetingsandworktowardsbetterunderstandingthespecificneedsandchallengesLGBTQ+studentsface.
TheOCBEmustreevaluateitsprioritiesandcommittofosteringanenvironmentwhereallstudents,regardlessoftheirsexualorientationorgenderidentity,canflourishwithoutfearofdiscriminationorprejudice.ItiscrucialfortheOCBEtobeanallytotheLGBTQ+communityandprioritizethewell-beingofallstudentsinOrangeCounty.
Signed,
VietRainbowofOrangeCounty(VROC)AsianAmericansAdvancingJusticeSouthernCalifornia(AJSOCAL) Additional signatures, asof Thursday, June15th7:13pmPSTStaciaKatoDannieCesena,DirectorofCALGBTQHealthandHumanServicesNetworkHairoCortes,ExecutiveDirectorofChispaJamesHuynh,VROCResearchCommitteeCo-ChairLisaFu,ExecutiveDirectorofCaliforniaHealthyNailSalonCollaborativeCindyLeKevaBuiShakeelSyed,ExecutiveDirectorofSouthAsianNetworkJackieLindsayFitzpatrick,ExecutiveDirectorofShantiOrangeCountyChelseaBoylePriscillaHuang,ExecutiveDirectorofCenterforAsianAmericansinActionMeganBuiLesleyVelasco,CivicEngagementManagerofAhriforJustice AliceNguyenJacobLeAmandaLandrianTheresaLeKathyVuAshleyTatangKristiPruettKatherineAllahJackieWuFrankieGuevaraKimberlyGoering,OakGroveElementaryPTAPresidentandCUSDemployeeNam.HyeeKim,DirectorofKoreanAmericanCenterSunliKimAliMonge,ExecutiveDirectorofWomenforAmericanValuesandEthicsLienAdrianneAlpernDanT.AmyLunaCapelleSeanThomas,BoardMember,TreasurerOfLavenderDemocratsOfOrangeCountyMlouAquinoMichelleOleaCaylaZhangSofiaMenNikkiPaschalMayaPolonHinaAhmad,DeputyDirectorofSouthAsianNetworkEddieHuRominaAMFTofShantiOCJeffreyVu,DirectorofClinicalServices,NursePractitioneratUCIrvineGenderDiversityProgramMariaGarcia,ProgramManageratRainbowLabsToniCollard,mentalhealthcounseloratRadiantHealthCentersLisaMacafeeJohannOrtizo,DirectorofProgramsatAPAIT,adivisionofSpecialServiceforGroupsJinkyungPark,CommunicationsDirectoratAhriforJusticeChloeSheersonMadin,ExecutiveDirectoratProjectQBrianPoth,ExecutiveDirectorofTheSourceLGBT+CenterStephanieCamacho-VanDyke,DirectorofAdvocacyandEducationatLGBTQCenterOCSonyaLam,ExecutiveDirectorofAPIEquality-LACatalinaKristinaEsopoAdrianBacongVanBuiKevinCruz,Ph.Dcandidate JulieVo,PolicyDirectoratOrangeCountyAsianandPacificIslanderCommunityAlliance(OCAPICA)TienCaoReneeLahey-JacobsJocelineSeresBryantJackson-GreenJessicaManMarcusDegnanJasonBautista,Community&CivicEngagementAssociateatThaiCommunityDevelopmentCenter(ThaiCDC)LucyNgo,ProgramManageratAhriforJusticeRyanOkazakiAustinNguyenJoeyTranArianaFigueroaTiffanyTranMarioA.Ortega,CEOatAbrazar,Inc.SeanTanAndrewShangCarlaBrizuela-PerezVyNguyenDavidGonzalezKaitlinYiMaggieHawkins,Co-chair,LGBTQ+LeadershipCouncilofPlannedParenthoodOrange&SanBernardinoCountiesShreshtaAiyarCathyRyankimMarcosEllenAhn,ExecutiveDirectorofKoreanCommunityServicesJoanneSusieKimNicholasKimDonHan,DirectorofCommunityPartnershipsofOCHumanRelationsSophiaOrtizKarenLlaveVanAnhChauCalvinherJonathanDangCarlseinCathyNgoBriannaA.GonzalezKyraHueteNadia PhilipYaeger,CEOofRadiantHealthCentersRachelChoiJacquelynDo,DevelopmentChairofTheVietnameseCreativesCollectiveJoannaBanhTanyaLyAlexVillafuerte,ExecutiveDirectorofPacificArtsMovementTerencedelaPazJonRosarioMirandaSanchezLaleneTravisPhamMichaelHuynhMarkRefeLynna LeJenniferTranKellyGroffAriannaSeyedjafariTKLe,Boardmember,VietRainbowofOrangeCountyVivianDemetriusTienJonathanPaikDuyenSpigelmanKatherineConnerJayMantuhacVattanaPeong ,ExecutiveDirector,TheCambodianFamilyCommunityCenterChristopherBondocGrazellaValdezJamieSodorffSandraHuynhMienahZSharifKongYangTiffanyTranAlbertXiongRebeccaDoSophatPheaMichaelYauChin-YeeChewFrancesYauJacquelineDanKarlAbadSekaViNguyenZacharyAnaJimenez-Hami,Founder&ExecutiveDirector,OCChildren'sTherapeuticArtsCenter DarleneDuyNguyễn-Amigo,CommunicationsChair,VietnameseCreativesCollectiveTroySullivanAlmaCazares-ContrerasVickieVértizDavidianBishopKhloeRios-Wyatt,CEO,AlianzaTranslatinxMariaValenciaEstellaOwoimaha-Church,ExecutiveDirector,EmpoweringPacificIslanderCommunities(EPIC)JulietStowersHectorVillaNieves,HealthEducator,APAITErinArendse,ProgramDirector,EqualityCaliforniaHoangNguyen,DirectorofExternalAffairs,AAPIEquityAllianceTinaPhamJulieNguyenEliseWeinbergNateAndreBarrios,SeniorCommunityAdvocacyManager,CPEHNMichelleJohnstoneKarenLeeNancyMarinHambley,Advocacy&EducationCoordinator,StonewallAllianceofChicoEthanThaiTotamDaoNicolasSantosBillieJoeWright,Co-Chair,PlannedParenthoodofOrangeandSanBernardinoCountiesElleniConleyRoxzelSotoMichelleToPatriciaSticklesMaryKylePaulGonzales,Co-Chair,LavenderDemocratsOCKevinAlPerez,President,SomosFamiliaValleJordanBoggess,QSAPresident,ChapmanQueerStudentAllianceBrandonLeong,PreventionProgramManager,APAITTriciaNguyen,CEO,SouthlandIntegratedServices,Inc.DianaNgo-VuongTranSandraMartinezBrianChenAdaBricenoAdeliDuron,OCHumanRelationsCommissioner,OCHRCommissionFlorice HoffmanJenniferS.Wang,ExecutiveDirector,AASCSCAsianAmericanSeniorCitizensServiceCenterAmyBuch DotC.Leach,FounderandLeader,WomenDriversInterfaithGroupDanieloreaJoyceMcNabbChristinaGlowallaGuadalupeVargasLexi,PreventionCoordinator,PhoenixHouseCaliforniaLetyRoblesDevinJuarez,PhoenixHouseBHISMelissaBader-HuesgenJuanPlascenciaHanKim,HealthEducatoratAPAIT,APAITJo-AnneMatsubsJuanSerapiaKim,ExecutiveVicePresident,KoreanAmericanDemocraticCommittee(KADC)AndrewLopezJacksonPaiAnnBurroughs,President&CEO,JapaneseAmericanNationalMuseumDonThompsonDanielMayedaCodySloanReginaBrooksClaudiaLeungElPeSharonSandySakamotoStephenLeeEveBragaConnieChoMaryGraceBarriosGustavSallasMaraWileyStevenSolomonSharonLongyearRoger VortmanKrithikaRaoJanelCalinogJoyceChiaoMiriamNunezValdovinos,Educator,Therapist,andStudent,unDACAmentedKathryneMeiCalo,Manager,AdvancingJustice| AAJCLindaNancyMiLeeDavidHaskinsKathleenYasudaGraceShimizu Sandra MattsonAngelaJayAnthonyAlbertAilsaandKateHermann-WuRobertOrtizMichelleBenesAnnBeinAnnieLorraineBrabhamHaroldWatsonLizSauerSheilaTranLarryQuanCarloDeLaCruzSofiaAlvarezJoAnneMetzlerChristinaApeta,AsianAmericansAdvancingJusticeSouthernCaliforniaWesleyChoyDavidHFultonSetHernandezEleanorHuangMadeleineLeeKevinNancyWeiJessicaLimCarolNgSaraFungDonPewJoyceLu,PomonaCollegeJorgeMorrosRoxanneWongAlisonJamesSamanthaBonaparteBrandonJuhlElizabethSunwooJulianDo,Co-Director,EthnicMediaServicesChristieRuppelDylanNguyenKevinD.McColloughVicDeAngeloConstanceMinerovicBeverlyMitchellWendy,ProgramManager,EqualityCaliforniaLauraTribble DavidRussellNovkovAnnDorseyRobertBursickDanielMoody,LMFTPriscillaNguyenCelesteHongCherryLeeGeorgeLukeSouthwell-ChanKimHoangJohnYiMikeNestorHongweiLuRyanNguyenMichelleNguyenTraceyNguyenElaineSuLindaVoKenWyantJenniferKyleErinKoppelCrystleStevensonElizabethLevineJeffLebowSamanthaMorinLindaMurphyClayComptonRosaliaLopezDebraKoppelHanhNguyenGwenD'ArcangelisAmandamielkeMichaelJacksonChrisRodriguezReginaldGideonSaulsVICarlaHasegawa-AhrendtAmesKimAlexArjadChristineDoLongPhiHoangSarahPhungStephanieNguyen SamuelHoabuiGinaNgoJenniferVoNgoAnnaMaMichelleNguyenChristineNguyenVivianLeeFrancesWooAbhiManivannanKourtneyNhammelindavillaMarisabelHernandezKimmyNguyenPaulTranKatieTranLanNguyenTraydenNguyenAlbusWang,UnitedproudWomxnAngelBuckleyRebeccaRobynSherainGordonNagayamaHallDianaBohnJaredParkerMariaTorresMagalyGarcia From: [email protected]
To: [email protected]; CITY COUNCIL (INCL. CMO STAFF) Subject: Oppose Agenda Item #30
Date: Tuesday, August 6, 2024 2:39:11 AM
I am writing in strong opposition to item #30.
1. It's clearly agendized as a distraction from the disclosure of the huge giveaway of public funds to the Pacific Airshow.
2. It is simply wrong in it's message. AB1955 does NOT require teachers to keep secrets from parents. AB1955 explicitly states that schools cannot make rules/policies that REQUIRE a teacher to out a student to their parents. If a teacher has a concern about a student, they are free to talk to the parent about that concern, as they always have been.
3. Huntington Beach is already embroiled in too many lawsuits with the state over "culture war" issues. The city does not have unlimited funds to take on all these issues. The city should be using its resources to care for the city. Contracts need to be issued, employees need to be paid, roads need to be paved, infrastructure needs to be maintained. If the city goes bankrupt, all of the day-to-day operations of the city will collapse. We expect our leaders to be concerned with the operations of the city that they were elected to oversee.
Let's take care of the city, its employees, and its residents and keep our eyes on the huge expenditure--the Airshow Settlement.
Sincerely,
Diane James
From: Tim Channel
To: CITY COUNCIL (INCL. CMO STAFF)
Cc: [email protected]
Subject: Agenda Items 8/6/2024
Date: Tuesday, August 6, 2024 7:50:36 AM
City Council,
Opposed to Item 30: 24-531. This item has nothing to do with city business and is completely out of city jurisdiction. I urge a NO vote.
In support of Item 31: 24-547. The citizens deserve a complete disclosure of the costs of this heretofore secret agreement. I urge a YES vote.
Regards,
Timothy Channel
Huntington Beach
From: Laura Julyne
To: [email protected]
Subject: Objection to Mayor"s Agenda Item "Parents Right to Know" Date: Tuesday, August 6, 2024 7:56:20 AM
Item 24-541 on the July 6th, 2014 City Council Agenda is out of place. The State has already enacted a ruling on the subject (AB 1955). The authority in Education is with the City's elected School Board and not with the Council. The Mayor's line items is a deflection tactic she has used continuously since her election making the LGBTQ+ her target.
Laura Lara
From: Buffie Channel
To: [email protected]; CITY COUNCIL (INCL. CMO STAFF) Subject: For Item 31, Against Item 30
Date: Tuesday, August 6, 2024 8:07:44 AM
To City Council:
Once again, we can see the blatant political stunt created by Michael Gates and Mayor Van Der Mark to attempt to swing the heads around of the people of HB away from the biggest HEIST in HB history., the airshow giveaway scandal.
They conveniently attempt to use the passing of AB1955 to fall all over each other to declare the city a "Parents Right to Know" city. Hey Parents! You have every right to know what your kids are doing and feeling. No one is blocking your right to parent, to be present in your child's life. This Bill merely stops a potential mandate to force teachers to betray their students' confidence and out them against their will, putting them in potential harm's way. You can "declare" the city anything you want, you can waste more city tax payer money trying to sue the state yet again, but the city has zero jurisdiction regarding public school policies or state law. We see your silly attempt to change the narrative away from the HEIST. We see you inappropriately beg at your church for members to come save you at this meeting. The people of HB are smarter than that.
I am 100% against Agent item 30. Let parents parent and let teachers teach. Do not force teachers to betray their students and put them in harm's way.
I am FOR agenda Item 31 - and very pleased to see Item 31 on the agenda. I am FOR a thorough audit and investigation into the Airhow Scandal and Heist by the City Attorney and Council Majority who tried to hide the full details of the Airshow giveaway. Mr Gates blatantly lied when he presented the cherry-picked one page summary of the settlement leaving off all of the important details of the settlement. Now that the public has actually finally seen all of the details that were purposefully left off that one page summary, we are absolutely shocked and appalled by the biggest heist in HB history. Let's see and understand the fiscal summary of the costs of the airshow versus the 40+ year monetary compensation given to Mr. Elliott for ONE DAY of a cancelled airshow. The public deserves to know.
Please stop with your political stunts and your attempts to fool the public and please stop using your church for your political shenanigans. It's embarrassing.
Sincerely,
B. Channel
35 year resident and homeowner
From: Mary LeBoeuf
To: [email protected]
Subject: LGBTQ and code four giveaway
Date: Tuesday, August 6, 2024 8:13:43 AM
Dear Council: STOP!!! Just stop with these culture wars and back room deals with your campaign contributors! Let’s get busy with grass roots issues that concern the majority of our city. You are wasting time and money fighting California laws.
Mary LeBoeuf
28 year resident
Sent from my iPhone
From: [email protected]
To: [email protected]
Subject: ENOUGH!
Date: Tuesday, August 6, 2024 8:20:50 AM
Not all parents are good parents.. So I ask Gracey Van Der Mark and those that are in agreement with Gracey Van Der Mark did your parents know EVERYTHING going on with you? Could you have actually told them ANYTHING at all without getting a beating, kicked out, called names, in any trouble, etc? Would you have wanted your parents to know EVERYTHING you were doing or thinking? Stop being hypocrites! She doesn't get a say, thankfully, in what the schools do or not do.
She is one of the LAST people that should open her mouth about such things and considering her version of family values that we have all seen over the years. SMH She should remember when she is trying to be the government overreaching on our public library books and our kids the words she used in that its our children and our rights to raise them. That doesn't mean just for when it fits her agenda and her buddies. Why is it she wants to help supposed parents that are "harmed" by the law but no care if any child/teen is harmed by what she would rather have schools do? Where is the concern here for the kids that have parents that are bigots and what they might do to that child? If you want your kids to be able to talk to you openly than you better have an open mind and do better as a parent so they can trust you. Shame on you Gracey Van Der Mark for wasting time on this.
Enough is enough from the 4+1 on these issues that are NOT city business.
BTW, no we have not forgotten about the air show settlement and what you 4+1 have done with "gifting" your pal, Kevin Elliott so much in that settlement. Shame on you all. Not only should you 4 have not had a say in what happened with the settlement but Gates should not have been near it as well since that was a major conflict of interest going on. Where is the transparency in any of this? You talk about being transparent but it seems its only when its anything but this or dealing with your agenda against the public libraries. So I can assume how you 4 will vote against the item that Kalmick, Moser and Bolton have for transparency on this instead of for it as it should be. .
Anna Plewa
From: Jaime Kauffman Palumbo
To: [email protected]
Subject: Public Comment for 8/6/2024 meeting
Date: Tuesday, August 6, 2024 8:37:03 AM
Hello,
I am deeply disturbed by the Mayor’s agenda item and stand firmly against it. Not only is the agenda item misleading about what AB1955 actually does, but the anti LGBTQ rhetoric is appalling. This majority has been on a crusade against the LGBTQ community since it got elected and it is not what this community wants or needs. It also seems like whenever the Mayor and the majority want to stir up their base with culture war nonsense, it is to cover up something else they are trying to hide. This attempt is more blatant than usual. They are trying to redirect the citizens anger over the Pacific Airshow settlement onto something else. We will not be so easily lured away. The airshow settlement is an egregious giveaway of our tax payer dollars and a testament to the corruption of this majority and our city attorney. To try to distract us with a specious argument against a new law that tries to protect queer students and another potential lawsuit that we will definitely lose is ridiculous. Stop the culture war nonsense and start governing our city instead. Talk of Sacramento’s overreach is rather hypocritical as this majority tries to overreach into areas that they have no control over all the time. Quit wasting our money and do what you were elected to do.
Thank you,
Jaime and John Palumbo
From: [email protected]
To: [email protected]
Subject: Make HB Great Again!
Date: Tuesday, August 6, 2024 8:39:22 AM
Dear Council Members,
As 40 year residents of Huntington Beach, we are sick and tired of the endless lawsuits wasting our tax dollars. The lack of transparency regarding the airshow is unacceptable. The harm that the majority 4 have inflicted on our city will affect us for years after they’re gone.
As the mayor likes to say, this mama doesn’t co parent with the government. Let each of us decide which books are appropriate - not a private company, not a review board.
Sincerely, Vanessa and Jeff Webster
Sent from the all new AOL app for iOS
From: Lindsay K
To: [email protected]; CITY COUNCIL (INCL. CMO STAFF) Subject: Agenda Item 25-541 "Parents" Right to Know Memo" Date: Tuesday, August 6, 2024 8:41:10 AM
Once again Mayor Van Der Mark has introduced an extreme agenda item that is divisive and has nothing to do with the city's business. I would ask the mayor to stop trying to get attention and wasting our tax money on vice signaling lawsuits. There is no other aspect of a child or teen's life that a teacher is required to divulge to parents and LGBTQ+ kids and teens may have very good reasons to keep their identity a secret from parents or others. One local example would be the homophobia that our Mayor and her supporters have displayed at City Council meetings. Enough vitriol and cruelty. Get back to governing and keep your church out of our council chambers.
Sincerely,
Lindsay Klick - Mother, HB Resident, Librarian
From: Steven C Shepherd Architect
To: [email protected]; CITY COUNCIL (INCL. CMO STAFF) Subject: OPPOSED TO AGENDA ITEM #30 (A CHILD"S WELFARE > A PARENT"S HURT FEELINGS) Date: Tuesday, August 6, 2024 8:57:30 AM
Every child benefits from having a trusted adult in their life.
That adult can be a parent, a relative, a coach, a teacher, a law enforcement officer, or sometimes just a trusted neighbor. Often, the identity of the adult matters little to a desperate child. Most children seek out adults they respect, who listen, and who they view as a supporter and their advocate.
While it is common for that adult to be a parent, sadly, this isn't always the case.
Unfortunately, some adults simply aren't up to the rigors of competent parenting. This reality forces children to look elsewhere for the understanding, empathy, and guidance they crave.
In seeking to force parent notification, you needlessly narrow a child's options in trying to find a trusted adult and wrongly assume that every parent is worthy of their child's trust.
If all the parents howling about "parents' rights" simply invested their time and energy into fostering a respect-based relationship of compassion with their child, perhaps then they'd have less to be insecure about as parents.
Steve Shepherd
Huntington Beach 92646
From: Estanislau, Robin
To: Moore, Tania; Switzer, Donna
Cc: Esquivel, Juan
Subject: Fwd: In Support of Mayor Van Der Mark"s Item
Date: Tuesday, August 6, 2024 8:44:26 AM
Sent from my iPad
Begin forwarded message:
From: chris macdonald <[email protected]>
Date: August 6, 2024 at 8:24:28 AM PDT
To: "Estanislau, Robin" <[email protected]>, "Esquivel, Juan" <[email protected]>
Cc: "Van Der Mark, Gracey" <[email protected]> Subject: In Support of Mayor Van Der Mark's Item
Hello Robin and Juan,
Please note that I'm in support of Mayor Van Der Mark's Item 30 on The Council Agenda.
I think she is doing a good thing bringing this forward.
Thank You,
Chris MacDonald, Huntington Beach Resident
From: Fikes, Cathy
To: Agenda Alerts
Subject: FW: Parents right to know
Date: Tuesday, August 6, 2024 8:53:57 AM
-----Original Message-----
From: Woody Woodruff <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, August 5, 2024 7:21 PM
To: CITY COUNCIL (INCL. CMO STAFF) <[email protected]> Subject: Parents right to know
I want to thank mayor Van Der Mark for standing up for parental rights after the vicious attack on parents by Gavin Newson with his insidious attack on children and parents with AB 1955. Every city in the state should be standing up against AB 1955, it is every cities fiduciary duty to protect families, not break them. I would hope that this is unanimously backed by the entire city Council. Any city council member who does not agree with trying to protect parental rights,I would have to definitely question what the real motivation would be as well there moral fitness to be on the city council .
From: Fikes, Cathy
To: Agenda Alerts
Subject: FW: Parents right to know
Date: Tuesday, August 6, 2024 8:54:06 AM
-----Original Message-----
From: Woody Woodruff <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, August 5, 2024 7:30 PM
To: CITY COUNCIL (INCL. CMO STAFF) <[email protected]> Subject: Parents right to know
I want to thank mayor Van Der Mark for standing up for parental rights after the vicious attack on parents by Gavin Newson with his insidious attack on children and parents with AB 1955. Every city in the state should be standing up against AB 1955, it is every cities fiduciary duty to protect families, not break them. I would hope that this is unanimously backed by the entire city Council. Any city council member who does not agree with trying to protect parental rights,I would have to definitely question what the real motivation would be as well there moral fitness to be on the city council.
From: Fikes, Cathy
To: Agenda Alerts
Subject: FW: Oppose
Date: Tuesday, August 6, 2024 8:54:39 AM
From: Annilise Flanagan-Frankl <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, August 5, 2024 8:25 PM
To: CITY COUNCIL (INCL. CMO STAFF) <[email protected]> Subject: Oppose
I oppose the Council’s plan yo pay the Airshow Agreement.
I oppose the Council’s Parents Right to Know -agenda item.
The majority on this council are spending taxpayer money inappropriately! Stop lining your political pockets rather than doing what is best for the community.
Annilise M. Flanagan-Frankl, M.A.
CounselingPsychologist
Nationally
Certified School Psychologist
Remember - the past is over, the future is a mystery,and today is a gift.
That is why it is called the PRESENT.
Make today count.
Call: 847-226-3119
From: Fikes, Cathy
To: Agenda Alerts
Subject: FW: parents right to know
Date: Tuesday, August 6, 2024 8:55:19 AM
From: Lisa <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, August 5, 2024 8:37 PM
To: CITY COUNCIL (INCL. CMO STAFF) <[email protected]> Subject: parents right to know
Many thanks to Mayor Van Der Mark for standing up for parental rights after the nonsensical attack on parents by Gavin Newson with it's devastating effect on children and parents with AB 1955. Every city in the state should be standing up against AB 1955. It is every city's duty to protect families, not destroy them. I would hope that this is unanimously backed by the entire city Council. It starts with no rights for parents for this, to no rights for parents at all. The government is not here to raise people’s children and to influence their decisions that affects their future.
Thank you
Lisa Woodruff
From: Fikes, Cathy
To: Agenda Alerts
Subject: FW: City Business
Date: Tuesday, August 6, 2024 8:55:39 AM
-----Original Message-----
From: Karla Tucker <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, August 5, 2024 8:49 PM
To: CITY COUNCIL (INCL. CMO STAFF) <[email protected]> Subject: City Business
Mayor Van Der Mark,
Please stick to city business and stop wasting time and city resources trying to intervene/influence/meddle in policies that are not part of city affairs. If you want to be a school board member to address AB 1955, run for the school board. If you want to control books the library buys, apply to be a librarian. If you want to praise and support Texas politicians, move to Texas and register to vote.
I think our city mayor should strive to serve all of our Huntington Beach residents and not just her own personal beliefs.
Thoughtfully,
Karla Tucker
Sent from my iPhone
From: Fikes, Cathy
To: Agenda Alerts
Subject: FW: Agenda item 24-541
Date: Tuesday, August 6, 2024 8:55:47 AM
From: Adam Kelly <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, August 5, 2024 9:01 PM
To: CITY COUNCIL (INCL. CMO STAFF) <[email protected]> Subject: Agenda item 24-541
I'm writing against agenda item 24-541.
The bill prohibits ordinances requiring teachers/schools to out students without their consent, no more no less. Teachers and schools should not be forced to out students without a student's consent. Students have their own right to privacy, especially when it comes to confidences they share with trusted members of their community. As much as it probably hurts some authoritarian parents' feelings, parents do not own their children.
If a child chooses to share personal information such as their gender identity preference to a teacher or a school staff member and not their parent, that is for the student to decide. I'll add that if your kids aren't sharing information like that with you as a parent, that is on you. That is a failure as a parent to open safe avenues of communication with your child. It's shocking that Gracey would want the government to mandate disclosure of a student's private information. But I guess in her mind, if you're a terrible parent, you can have the government make your kids share their private feelings and identity with you.
It is also pretty obvious that agenda item 24-541 and the public statement she had city staff make on her behalf is a distraction from Gracey and company's atrocious settlement with the Pacific Air Show and their buddy Kevin Elliot.
I'm also writing in support of items 24-547, and 24-549. Not only am I disgusted by the obfuscation committed by the Republican Council members regarding the Air Show Settlement, I am also bewildered that any city leadership would buckle to a private corporation like that and sell our city out. If Michael Gates is too cowardly to fight a single company he should step down from office. It is clear we need oversight and to have this tremendous payout investigated. Hopefully we will see the criminals that let this settlement go through be investigated and prosecuted.
Huntington Beach deserves justice.
Thank you,
Adam Kelly
From: Fikes, Cathy
To: Agenda Alerts
Subject: FW: Parents Right to Know Ordinance
Date: Tuesday, August 6, 2024 8:56:37 AM
From: Aaron Tse <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, August 5, 2024 11:38 PM
To: CITY COUNCIL (INCL. CMO STAFF) <[email protected]> Subject: Parents Right to Know Ordinance
Dear Mayor, Mayor Pro Tem and all Council Members,
I just want to express my backing for the Parents Right to Know proposed city ordinance that Mayor Gracey is proposing. The Government should not try to parent children, it is not their job or concern, it is clearly the parents job. The Parents Right to Know should be passed and made into law. Thank you.
Sincerely,
Aaron Tse
HB resident and home owner
From: Fikes, Cathy
To: Agenda Alerts
Subject: FW: Do Better!
Date: Tuesday, August 6, 2024 8:57:03 AM
-----Original Message-----
From: onewildart <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, August 6, 2024 12:50 AM
To: CITY COUNCIL (INCL. CMO STAFF) <[email protected]> Subject: Do Better!
We are growing weary of the constant need to remind the F4 that their jobs are not to fight the state but run our city.
We are tired of the lies, deception and misinformation that keep coming forth from this faction of the council. Our city has NOT benefited from their service and the political climate is very hostile in our once laid back friendly seaside community.
Recently the mayor requested coming together in the name of unity and promptly started another culture war with the state over a school issue, none of our city’s preview. She also involves her church in her political agenda. There are tax implications for this not to mention trampling on the separation of church and state.
Do Better!!!
Trudy Roe
Sent from my iPad
From: Fikes, Cathy
To: Agenda Alerts
Subject: FW: Airshow Settlement
Date: Tuesday, August 6, 2024 8:57:30 AM
-----Original Message-----
From: d. wada <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, August 6, 2024 5:23 AM
To: CITY COUNCIL (INCL. CMO STAFF) <[email protected]> Subject: Airshow Settlement
Dear Council Members,
I am outraged, but not surprised, how bad a settlement this is in favor of the airshow. I've heard how some of you claim there is justification to give away public funds but it reeks of nepotism when that same person/business is so closely tied to the majority. There is a problem when the city attorney claims this was the best result when they don't show their work. We clearly need a non partisan city attorney who looks at the law and thereby will work for the city's best interest, and not their political aspirations.
As a longtime resident who has never seen this misuse of city time, this council' majority's reaction to AB1955 adds to their pile. You were not elected to fight the State of California, stand with other states for Federal issues, or litigate special status on your personal beliefs.
AB1955 does not prohibit you from knowing your child but if you don't, the fact that you have to litigate to know says it all. Because you prohibit them from reading about their gender, sexual health, and other developmental issues I can see why you or they wouldn't know. Stop wasting our tax payer dollars with an over zealous legal budget. Do the job of city council and work on REDUCING our budget deficits.
Sincerly, Denise Wada
From: Fikes, Cathy
To: Agenda Alerts
Subject: FW: I Support the REQUEST TO PREPARE AN ORDINANCE DECLARING HUNTINGTON BEACH TO BE A “PARENTS’ RIGHT TO KNOW” CITY
Date: Tuesday, August 6, 2024 8:57:43 AM
From: Sue Jervik <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, August 6, 2024 6:00 AM
To: CITY COUNCIL (INCL. CMO STAFF) <[email protected]> Subject: I Support the REQUEST TO PREPARE AN ORDINANCE DECLARING HUNTINGTON BEACH TO BE A “PARENTS’ RIGHT TO KNOW” CITY
Good morning Huntington Beach City Council Members,
I support Mayor Gracey Van Der Mark's agenda item 30 in response to AB1955. I definitely want Governor Newsome to know that many citizens of Huntington Beach like me find this law horrific.
Parents have the right to know what is going on with their children. Teachers should not be allowed to hide information about a child's physical or mental health from their parents.
Thank you,
Sue Jervik
Huntington Beach resident
From: Fikes, Cathy
To: Agenda Alerts
Subject: FW: Mind the City, Not Your Politics!
Date: Tuesday, August 6, 2024 8:58:19 AM
-----Original Message-----
From: Margaret Sloan <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, August 6, 2024 6:32 AM
To: CITY COUNCIL (INCL. CMO STAFF) <[email protected]> Subject: Mind the City, Not Your Politics!
HB citizens want the council’s majority to stop politicizing outside of your elected boundaries! Clean the parks and beaches, police traffic scofflaws, upgrade and maintain public bathrooms for a start. Stop pushing your Christian Nationalism agenda, stop giving away our tax dollars to your cronies and stop frivolous and costly lawsuits.
Sincerely,
Margaret (Peggy) Sloan
Sent from my iPad
From: Fikes, Cathy
To: Agenda Alerts
Subject: FW: City Council initiative
Date: Tuesday, August 6, 2024 8:58:33 AM
-----Original Message-----
From: Alice <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, August 6, 2024 7:37 AM
To: CITY COUNCIL (INCL. CMO STAFF) <[email protected]> Subject: City Council initiative
Thank you mayor Gracey Van Der Mark for taking a stand against AB 1955 about parental rights in California.
I fully support the Huntington Beach City Council initiative against assembly bill AB 1955.
Alice Lastuvka
6812 Marilyn Drive
Huntington Beach CA 92647
From: Fikes, Cathy
To: Agenda Alerts
Subject: FW: Parents Right To Know
Date: Monday, August 5, 2024 5:43:07 PM
From: Valerie Tonkovich <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, August 5, 2024 4:36 PM
To: CITY COUNCIL (INCL. CMO STAFF) <[email protected]> Subject: Parents Right To Know
Dear Mayor, Mayor Pro Tem and all Council Members,
Parents should be the first to know when their child is having issues or experiencing certain feelings that are affecting them mentally and physically. It is not the government’s right to hide information from parents about their child’s well-being.
So, I wholeheartedly back the proposed Parents Right to Know city ordinance that Mayor Gracey is proposing.
Thank you from a concerned citizen and parent and grandmother.
Valerie Tonkovich
From: Fikes, Cathy
To: Agenda Alerts
Subject: FW: Parents’ Right to Know
Date: Monday, August 5, 2024 5:43:23 PM
From: trisha.rohn <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, August 5, 2024 4:54 PM
To: CITY COUNCIL (INCL. CMO STAFF) <[email protected]> Subject: Parents’ Right to Know
Thank you Mayor Van Der Mark and City Council for the parents' right to know ordinance.
As a Mom, you have my full sport! Keep the Government out of our lives.
Thanks,
Trish
From: Fikes, Cathy
To: Agenda Alerts
Subject: FW: Distractions
Date: Monday, August 5, 2024 5:44:31 PM
From: Gerald Donohue <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, August 5, 2024 5:32 PM
To: CITY COUNCIL (INCL. CMO STAFF) <[email protected]> Subject: Distractions
Council will spend time on AB1955, a total school district issue, but doesn't want much discussion about the air show. Can we concentrate on local issues that the city council does have discretion over? Every third day or so the OC Register has a column, not on the US Open of Surfing in HB, but some irregularity, some political opportunism, something that degrades and does not enhance the city's reputation. We, no you, can and must do better. Jerry Donohue
From: Fikes, Cathy
To: Agenda Alerts
Subject: FW: Recent News Stories
Date: Monday, August 5, 2024 5:45:31 PM
From: Vince <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, August 5, 2024 5:42 PM
To: CITY COUNCIL (INCL. CMO STAFF) <[email protected]> Subject: Recent News Stories
I see that the council is again involved in culture war news stories that have nothing to do with the running of our city. It is obvious to me that you are doing this for media coverage and perceived future political reasons. I am not a fan of extreme agendas whether on the far left or far right. Middle America is frustrated and weary of the grandstanding between political extremists. Tomorrow's agenda item has nothing to do with government at the city level.
Please focus on issues related to the operation and maintenance of Huntington Beach.
Anything else is simply grandstanding.
Vince Sipkovich
Huntington Beach, CA
From: Fikes, Cathy
To: Agenda Alerts
Subject: FW: Proposal regarding "Parent"s Right to Know City" Date: Monday, August 5, 2024 7:23:00 PM
From: Stacey Grosvenor <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, August 5, 2024 6:13 PM
To: CITY COUNCIL (INCL. CMO STAFF) <[email protected]> Subject: Proposal regarding "Parent's Right to Know City"
I wish to express that I am strongly against the proposal of Mayor Van Der Mark to declare Huntington Beach as a "Parents' Right to Know" City, and potentially suing the state of California over AB1955, signed into law last month.
First, let it be known please that AB1955 only applies to School Districts and stops school districts from forcing teachers to "out" their students. Discretion still lies with the teacher or administrator.
This bill maintains the relationship between the parent, student and teacher.
Parents and families have an important role to play in the lives of young people. Studies confirm that LGBTQ+ youth thrive when they have parental support and feel safe sharing their full identities with them, but it can be harmful to force young people to share their full identities before they are ready.
Our teachers should not be forced to "out" their students. Period. It's bad for the child. The child needs an opportunity to come out to their parents if and when they are ready. Not all parents will welcome the news that their child is having gender identity issues. Outing the student to their parents, can cause a lot of damage to the student's relationship with their family, and potential harm to the student.
Please stop the anti-LGBTQ agenda in Huntington Beach. Our city used to be a place where everyone was welcome, we flew the gay pride flag, and now the flag has been taken down and our mayor is trying to advance more anti-LGBTQ agendas. I have lived here for 24 years and have never seen more bad decisions made by our city council.
And lastly, I don't understand why Mayor Van Der Mark quotes Elon Musk's opinion on the assembly bill, as if Elon Musk were a child development expert. He's smart, wealthy guy, but he's also a nut. He named his 6th son, "X AE A-Xii" -- does this sound like something a normal person would do? Why do we care about his opinion? If he wants to consolidate his business operation in Texas, that's his business.
The last thing we need to do is spend more time and money on frivolous lawsuits that feed the agendas of hate here in our beautiful city.
Respectfully,
Stacey Grosvenor
601 21st Street
Huntington Beach, CA 92648
(714) 733-3539