Mr. Amory Hanson
8102 Ellis Avenue
Apartment 121
Huntington Beach CA 92646
September 3, 2024
The Mayoress of Huntington Beach
2000 Main Street
Huntington Beach CA 92648
My Dear Madam Mayoress,
I would like to express my support for Item XXI, Councilman Burns’ item to establish a flagpole at John Baca Park and display a medal of honor flag.
Sincerely Y ours,
Mr. Amory Hanson
CC: The Honorable Patrick Burns
CC:The Honorable Rhonda Bolton
CC: The Honorable Daniel Kalmick
CC: The Honorable Casey McKeon
CC: The Honorable Natalie Moser
CC: The Honorable Anthony Strickland
9/3/2024
21 (24-617)
From: [email protected]
To: [email protected]
Subject: For the record - City Council Meeting 090324
Date: Monday, September 2, 2024 10:00:38 AM
Importance: High
Dear City Council Members,
It is obvious to me that our city attorney, Michael Gates, is the ringleader of the” posse” consisting of councilmembers Van der Mark, Burns, Strickland and McKeon…and it is obvious to me that what Mr. Gates is trying to do, does nothing to benefit our city and in fact, causes more unnecessary spending that only hurts the taxpaying citizens of Huntington Beach as well as our reputation as a friendly place to live and visit. I have walked past the parking spaces for our councilmembers, city clerk, city attorney, etc. at all times of the day and all days during the work week for over a year. Only once, have I seen Mr. Gates’ car parked in his spot. That leads me to question: does he really work? In addition, the debacle with the Air Show beginning with the lawsuit and more recently with the agreement looks like payola to a buddy or a big contributor. Why should the air show have greater benefits and concessions, at our cost, than any other event that takes place in Huntington Beach? Any why isn’t it called the Huntington Beach Pacific Air Show? Before Michael Gates, Jennifer McGrath, who served for 12 years, consistently received plaudits for her work to reduce outsourcing and save the city money, whereas Michael Gates has done just the opposite.
I would like to go on the record to say that Mr. Gates should resign his position so that the citizens of Huntington Beach can elect a City Attorney who will work for the good of the whole not for his or her own self-interests.
I would also like to go on the record in opposition to Items:
19: 24-551, the zoning map amendments
20: 24-622, the parents right to know
21: 24-617, establishing a flagpole at Baca Park in honor of Vietnam Veteran Medal of Honor Recipient John P. Baca
22: 24-624, establishing tobacco retailer regulations
In my opinion, Item 19 would change the current zones, would most likely cost the city money to do so and doesn’t really seem necessary. Item 20 infers that the city of Huntington Beach has authority over education policies and practices, which it doesn’t. It also gives the City Attorney the ability to represent individual and/or private plaintiffs against the state rather than representing the city as a whole which would not only be potentially very costly but also is in violation of our City Charter. Once again, this could open up more costly lawsuits from the state. When will Gates stop wasting our money?
Item 21 goes against what councilmembers Van der Mark, Strickland, Burns and McKeon voted on regarding flags flown on city property. If this item gets passed, it shows clear favoritism of one councilmember to pass his pet projects and also once again, shows how non diverse and non-inclusive these 4 members of our city council are: NO to the Pride flag for 6 weeks; YES, to a John Baca flag forever. And it seems only 2 people (out of almost 200,000 citizens of Huntington Beach), one definitely a buddy of the “posse” are requesting this. In addition, it will cost the city money that could be spent on more important things, like our infrastructure.
Item 22, proposed by councilmember McKeon goes from the ridiculous to the absurd. Did he come up with this idea in a dream? While it’s true that cigarette smoking is the most preventable cause of death in the US, it is a waste of time and money to even study this proposal. The state of California is already taking steps to reduce illegal sales of tobacco products to minors so, why are you wasting our time with this Casey? Don’t you have better things to do?
In conclusion, councilmembers Van der Mark, Strickland, Burns and McKeon, it would be great if you stopped serving yourselves and started serving the city you claim you love before you put us into complete bankruptcy.
Terry Rose
40+ year resident and homeowner
PS. Have you seen what our state Senate did this past week? August 30, 2024
(SACRAMENTO, CA) – Today, Senator Dave Min (D-Irvine) announced that the Assembly passed Senate Bill (SB) 1174, which places a ban on local governments imposing voter identification (ID) requirements in local elections. The legislation prevents a patchwork of varying election requirements across the state and reinforces the State of California’s exclusive jurisdiction on the issue.
“This legislation makes clear that election integrity and voter eligibility requirements are exclusively up to the State of California,” said State Senator Dave Min. “We cannot have 100 different charter cities making up 100 different sets of voting rules, based on fringe conspiracy theories. I have repeatedly told the Huntington Beach City Council members pushing this issue that if they were to produce any evidence of widespread voter fraud, I would lead efforts to change California’s voter eligibility rules. They have not produced any such evidence. I am grateful to my colleagues for their overwhelming support for this bill, and I am hopeful that the Governor will sign SB 1174 into law later this year.” In March, the City of Huntington Beach approved a charter amendment that would implement voter ID requirements in City elections starting in 2026. If signed into law by the Governor, SB 1174 would nullify Measure A before it is enacted.
State Senate Passes California Freedom to Read Act, Targeting Book Bans at Public Libraries
August 29, 2024
(SACRAMENTO, CA) – Yesterday, the California State Senate passed Assembly Bill (AB) 1825 authored by Assemblymember Al Muratsuchi (D-Torrance) and coauthored by Senator Dave Min (D-Irvine). Known as the California Freedom to Read Act, the bill is designed to fight back against book bans that silence communities of color and LGBTQ voices. AB 1825 would prohibit public libraries from banning books based on partisan or political reasons, viewpoint discrimination, gender, sexual identity, religion, disability, or on the basis that the books contain inclusive and diverse perspectives.“California has an obligation to protect the fundamental right of access to diverse and inclusive books and library materials for everyone. The freedom to read is not only a fundamental right under our constitution, it’s at the heart of our nation’s democracy,” said Senator Min. “Censorship and book bans are not new in America. At an earlier, uglier time in our history, bans were placed on works by Shakespeare, the Diary of Anne Frank, and even Robin Hood. Today, in Huntington Beach and across the state, we’ve seen book bans take aim at the lived experiences and voices of LGBTQ and people of color. That’s why the passage of AB 1825 is so important, and I am so incredibly proud to work alongside my colleague Assemblymember Muratsuchi to defend the freedom to read and get this important bill to the Governor’s desk.”
“I am honored that the California Freedom to Read Act is now awaiting the Governor’s signature. Our freedom to read is a cornerstone of our democracy, and libraries provide a special place in the public's civic education. Unfortunately, there is a growing movement to ban books across the country, including in California,” said Assemblymember Al Muratsuchi. “Book banning proponents are disproportionately targeting materials containing the voices and lived experiences of LGBTQ and communities of color. We need to fight this movement to ensure that Californians have access to books that offer diverse perspectives from people of all backgrounds, ideas, and beliefs.”
According to the American Library Association's Office for Intellectual Freedom, challenges of unique titles in the United States increased 65% from 2022 to 2023, reaching the highest ever level recorded. In California last year, the ALA reported 52 challenges to 98 titles in public libraries and school libraries. A total of 47% of all book bans have primarily targeted LGBTQ+ and black indigenous people of color.
Please don’t get us into more lawsuits!!!!!!!!!!!!!
From: K Carroll
To: CITY COUNCIL (INCL. CMO STAFF); [email protected] Subject: City Council Meeting Agenda Items 9/3/2024
Date: Monday, September 2, 2024 8:07:44 PM
Greetings Mayor Gracey Van Der Mark, Pro Tem Pat Burns, Illustrious Councilmen Casey McKeon and Tony Strictland,
Thank you for reviewing my feedback on the following agenda Items:
24-622
Approve for introduction Ordinance No. 4326 Adding Chapter 1.23 of the Huntington Beach Municipal Code relating to parents' right to know City.
I strongly support this item. Schools and teachers need to stay out of the personal lives of children and concentrate on academics. Parent's WILL continue to take their children out of school and homeschool if they continue to push politically motivated agendas. 24-617
Item submitted by Mayor Pro Tem Burns - Establishing a flagpole at Baca Park in Honor of Vietnam Veteran Medal of Honor Recipient John P. Baca.
Thank you Pat Burns for submitting this item. I strongly support and believe we cannot do enough for our Vets, especially Vietnam. This particular item is especially close to my heart because my husband served in active duty in Vietnam and I was old enough to experience the loss of my older sister's friends who were drafted. Mr. John P. Baca certainly is deserving. I would be proud as an HB Citizen to recognize him.
24-624
Item submitted by Council Member McKeon - Establish Tobacco Retailer Regulations.
Direct the City Manager to work with the City Attorney to prepare an Ordinance for introduction at a future City Council Meeting to amend the Huntington Beach Zoning and Subdivision Ordinance to establish regulations for tobacco retailers citywide.
Thank you Councilman McKeon for bringing this forward and listening to the concerned citizens. Just like sober living, liquor stores, etc. I do believe that zoning for tobacco retailers should be zoned and regulated appropriately and not near schools. I strongly support this. I do not believe tobacco retailers should be anywhere near schools or business' and organizations that serve minor's needs.
24-628
Item submitted by Council Members Bolton, Kalmick and Moser - Supervisor Andrew Do - Demand to Resign
I strongly oppose this item. The people's vote must be honored and pressure to resign should not the role of our Huntington Beach City Council that is representative of the City of HB Citizens. Through my many investigations or fact finding, I have learned that things are not always what they appear on the surface. The investigation has just begun. I personally think it is disgusting that this is even being presented prior to finalizing the investigation and going through the Justice System. If Supervisor Do is found guilty; obviously, he would not continue in his current role. This agenda item is a political strategy on the part of the three who submitted this item and totally inappropriate.
In closing, Thank you so much for all you do for the HB Citizens and your tireless fast tract items. Your accomplishments are awesome
and unmatched. Know you are supported and
appreciated by the HB majority!!
Best regards,
Kris Carroll
From: Pat Goodman
To: CITY COUNCIL (INCL. CMO STAFF); [email protected] Subject: Vote NO on Agenda Item 20 and Pull Agenda Item # 21 for further study Date: Monday, September 2, 2024 11:28:01 PM
Agenda Item 20 - please vote NO. This ordinance does not belong in city government, and will likely result in legal actions by school districts, unions, State of California, civil rights organizations. What I find most disturbing is how it misinforms the public about what current laws require of classroom teachers and administrators and school boards. Please don't use such a sensitive issue a child's human development, parent's rights, and school district responsibilities to misinform citizens, and cause division within our community. This is bullying and voter manipulation at its worse. You can be better than this.
Agenda Item 21 - please pull for further study. This item raises several questions. It seems that it's an issue that deserves a deeper dive.
I'm curious about other parks in Huntington Beach having U.S. flags flown. I don't think there is a flag at every park in the city. How will the flags be raised and taken down each day or will it be displayed on special occassions or a light shone on it from dusk to dawn? What about maintenance of the flag? I think that John Baca's story needs to be told, is there a way to make his story more prominent and accessible to visitors? Aren't there other parks that honor veterans and patriots in the city? Interesting subject.
Pat Goodman
From: Chris Varga
To: [email protected]
Subject: City Council Meeting Comments for 9/3/24
Date: Tuesday, September 3, 2024 7:34:57 AM
Huntington Beach City Council: The following are comments to City Council Meeting on 9/2/24
Agenda Item 19 (24-551) – No to this agenda item. Come up with a state mandated housing plan to first!
Agenda Item 20 (34-622) – No to the Parents Right to Know – The City Council should stay out of the school. This is not in their roles and responsibilities. This is a non-problem. Quit with these MAGA agenda items
Agenda Item 21 (34-617) – No to another flag pole for the city to maintain. The war hero has a park named after him. This is an unnecessary expense in a city with budget issues.
Agenda Item 22,24-624) – No to more regulations on Tobacco sales. What’s next Alcohol? Stop the government overreach.
Agenda Item 23 (34-628) – I support the call for the resignation of Andrew Do for the Orange County board of Supervisors.
Sincerely,
Chris Varga
Huntington Beach
From: Isabella Ford
To: CITY COUNCIL (INCL. CMO STAFF); [email protected] Subject: For the record
Date: Tuesday, September 3, 2024 8:36:26 AM
For the record, I'd like to add my name to the list of residents requesting the city council take the following actions tonight:
1 - Cancel the "Parents Right to Know" Ordinance. AB 1955 should be signed into law. 2 - Demand OC Supervisor Andrew Do resign immediately. Even Janet Nguyen, one of your comrade politicians, has demanded he resign. This should be an easy one for all to agree on given the impact on the Orange County Budget and the fact that the City of HB counts on the County for funding various projects.
3 - Regarding John Baca park: Is the Medal of Honor flag one of the approved flags on our revised charter to limit the allowed flags on city property? I ask that you remove your flag amendment to the charter which limits the types that can fly on city property and go back to a time when you could fly different flags to publicly display the pride HB has for all groups.
Regarding your statement: "A flagpole will bring the park added attention, as it is easily missed in its current state." Are you sure residents surrounding John Baca Park actually want MORE people to frequent that park? I remember my toddler son asking "why are so many people at OUR park" as our neighborhood park started being used more. HB has hundreds of neighborhood parks and my understanding is we designed these small parks to not have bathrooms or a lot of parking spots so they attract the families that can walk or bike there. We don't necessarily want our neighborhood parks to be destinations. That is the purpose of the larger parks with facilities like bathrooms, parking, water, etc. 4 - Finally a few requests
- please release the Infrastructure report card
- please rejoin OCPA
- please cancel the Parent/Guardian committee at the library Thank you for taking the time to read my concerns.
Isabella Ford
714-308-0660
From: Esquivel, Juan
To: Moore, Tania
Cc: Switzer, Donna
Subject: FW: In support of Item 21
Date: Tuesday, September 3, 2024 9:10:13 AM
Attachments: image001.png
For supplemental. Thank you.
Juan Esquivel, MPA, CMC
Assistant City Clerk
City of Huntington Beach
2000 Main Street
Huntington Beach, CA 92648
(714) 374-5390
[email protected]
From: chris macdonald <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, September 3, 2024 9:09 AM
To: Estanislau, Robin <[email protected]>; Esquivel, Juan <juan.esquivel@surfcity- hb.org>
Cc: Pat Burns <[email protected]>; Don Kennedy <[email protected]> Subject: In support of Item 21
Hello Robin and Juan,
I'm in support of Mayor Pro Tem Pat Burns Item 21 on The Council List for Today's Meeting.
I think it is a much needed recognition to have a Baca Park.
Thank You,
Chris MacDonald
Huntington Beach Native Resident, Voter and Journalist
From: Fikes, Cathy
To: Agenda Alerts
Subject: FW: Parent Notification Ordinance
Date: Tuesday, September 3, 2024 9:11:14 AM
-----Original Message-----
From: d. wada <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, September 2, 2024 2:52 PM
To: CITY COUNCIL (INCL. CMO STAFF) <[email protected]> Subject: Parent Notification Ordinance
To all this concerns,
I am taking more time than I care to on this, not any of your business, agenda item. It seems the majority council members are attempting to cozy up to a small group of citizens with another non-issue that they keep creating.
Parents have the same rights as they've always had and it is their business to exercise that right without infringing on our overworked and underpaid teachers who have their jobs. Why do you demand more government oversight to do what parents should already be doing...
know their own children. What does this say about the council members who vote yes and the people who support this ordinance that they need someone else to tell them how their child identifies? It is not good governance creating policy that opens the door to unnecessary litigation, this is not a good fight for the elected officials of HB.
Keep it to crime, roads, tourism, and stay out of our personal lives.
Also, I know Pat Burns jingoistic maga mania knows no limit but can we table a flagpole at the Baca Park. It's great we have a park named after this hero but with a looming budget deficit this is not good timing. I dare say, a flag for one person versus a flag for one month supporting a group of discriminated lgbqt hardly seems balanced when you represent a city.
With regret,
Denise Wada
From: Fikes, Cathy
To: Agenda Alerts
Subject: FW: Tuesday night meeting agenda items
Date: Tuesday, September 3, 2024 9:11:56 AM
From: Leslie Golson <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, September 2, 2024 5:16 PM
To: CITY COUNCIL (INCL. CMO STAFF) <[email protected]> Subject: Tuesday night meeting agenda items
Dear City Council members,
I am dismayed to read that the majority and Michael Gates are again attacking established State Law, in this case State Assembly Bill 1955, which was signed into law July 15th. Your proposed ordinance #4326, re; Parents Right to Know is another attack against our state and majority rule. Your role is to uphold the law; not to tear it down with frivolous lawsuits that have nothing to do with running our city. In addition, may I note that your very argument in Paragraph C is specious since indeed sexual and gender orientation is "highly personal" (your words) and belongs between parents and children. There is no need for any city employee to stick their nose in it. Keep your noses clean and drop this idea before it becomes another expensive drain on our city coffer!
Also on the agenda is a recommended action to demand the resignation of Supervisor Andrew Do, which I wholeheartedly support.
Regarding the installation of a flag pole in honor of veterans and John Baca, there is no issue but money. How is it the city has $18,000 to raise a new flagpole when you are actively seeking ways to save money by privatizing our one- hundred-year-old public library? I am against this expense at this time.
Thank you for considering one constituent's opinions.
Leslie Golson
Huntington Beach resident