2/14 Sup Com — City Council/Public Financing Authority, February 18, 2025

From: briana lee
To: CITY COUNCIL (INCL. CMO STAFF); [email protected] Subject: Supplemental Communication - Library Plaque Item Date: Monday, February 10, 2025 5:04:55 PM
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To the Huntington Beach City Council,
I'm writing to strongly oppose the current design of the 50th anniversary HBPL Plaque. I find it incredibly disrespectful that the city council is attempting to memorialize a political agenda into our library through incorporating a MAGA acronym in the plaque. As a nonpartisan council, it is unacceptable to politicize this public space, especially considering the hypocrisy of the message. To refer to the library as a sanctuary where children are free to grow but simultaneously advocate for the removal of books you disagree with, is insincere. Please consider a redesign of the plaque to reflect nonpartisanship.

Thank you.

- Briana L
2/18/2025
20 (25-102)
From: Stouts Momma
To: [email protected]
Subject: Library Plaque
Date: Monday, February 10, 2025 9:33:08 PM
Dear City Council,
Are you kidding me? First off, how on earth can that plaque cost $7,000 to make!?! Secondly, are you still in middle school? You're so deep into the orange Kool Aid that you want the plaque to have MAGA on it? Your lack of education is showing. You are such an embarrassment. Grow up and create a plaque that's professional.

Signed,
Your Constituent
Christy
From: Annelise Cramm
To: [email protected]
Subject: No MAGA Plaque In Our Library!
Date: Monday, February 10, 2025 11:33:14 PM
You don't often get email from [email protected]. Learn why this is important To Whom It May Concern,
Libraries are meant to be a neutral place of sanctuary and education for all citizens. How are people meant to feel when they are slapped by political branding as soon as they walk into a place that is meant to feel comfortable for everyone? If the intent is simply to communicate the magic of books, why should the acronym spell out MAGA rather than anything else? There are so many other acrostic poems that would make far more sense; it could spell LEARN (Legendary, Exquisite, Adventurous, Relaxing, Novel), or READ (Relaxing, Educational, Adventure, Daring), or any other more relevant acronym. It feels like someone is trying to get away with something, and I find it incredibly slimy.

Spelling out MAGA will only drive citizens away from the library. It will make it clear that books are only for certain people (people the Republican Party approves of, which, in my experience, are largely cisgender, heterosexual, and able-bodied Christians). Even if the political branding isn't explicit, the message is clear; people who don't agree with the current regime (or that the current regime dislikes) are not welcome. How does that fit into American values? What right does anyone have to make a public service like a library feel exclusionary?
I hope my words mean something to those who read them. I hope the Huntington Beach Central Library (which, by the way, is one of the most beautiful libraries I have ever been to, and I would be deeply saddened if I no longer felt safe going there) remains a comfortable, neutral space for all to enjoy. Thank you.

Regards,
Annelise Cramm
From: wendy smallwood
To: [email protected]
Subject: New MAGA plaque.

Date: Tuesday, February 11, 2025 7:53:33 AM
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To Whom it may concern,
Keep your gross maga BS out of our libraries. Donald Trump and our MAGA city council have no business promoting the idiocy of an ignorant narcissist who cares nothing for learning, education, or growth. Our children and safe spaces deserve better than this.

A $7000.00 plaque is a gross misuse of funds and does nothing but show how biased and ignorant our new city council is.

Wendy Smallwood
Sent from
From: Lightalloy7198
To: [email protected]
Subject: Community and Library Services Commission
Date: Tuesday, February 11, 2025 8:12:33 AM
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Dear Members of the Community and Library Services Commission, I am writing this in regards to item 25-094, approval of plaque design and language for the Huntington Beach Public Library 50th Anniversary. While I love the idea of commemorating what is a central part of our community and an institution that has played a major role in the lives of countless Huntington Beach residents, including myself, I feel that this design does not fully embody what makes the library great.

For one, rather than listing any of the countless librarians who have run the library for years, the plaque lists the members of the city council and the library services commission. Rather than listing these people, I would encourage the commission to instead list librarians who have played important roles in shaping the library to be what it is now.

Additionally, the design itself does not really represent the City of Huntington Beach, in fact it opts to choose an entirely different insignia than the City Seal, which has been traditional practice in these types of dedication. Rather than this, the commission should either host a competition where members of the public can contribute designs that are then voted upon, or the commission should enlist one of many talented local Huntington Beach artists for this piece of public recognition.

I hope that this is taken into consideration when voting upon this item.

Thank you,
Jackson Englar-Carlson
From: Judy Tomlinson
To: [email protected]; CITY COUNCIL (INCL. CMO STAFF) Subject: proposed Library plaque
Date: Tuesday, February 11, 2025 8:59:05 AM
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Dear City Council Members,
As a Huntington Beach resident I would like to comment on the proposed library plaque.

Seven thousand dollars seems like a large sum for the monument. Was the plaque put out to bid? The militaristic eagle doesn't fit the character of the library. You cite children on the plaque but there is no representation of children. And the library serves all ages so I wonder why children are singled out. The MAGA reference is just so blatant.

Did you consider having a design contest that would involve the community and raise library visibility?
I wonder why your names are on the plaque rather than honoring the tremendous number of library volunteers (I am not one) saving the City huge amounts of money and providing great value to the citizens of HB.

Please reconsider this choice.

I urge you to vote against.

Judy Tomlinson
--
Rev. Judy Tomlinson
She, her, hers
Minister UU Church of Anaheim
Minister Emerita
Unitarian Universalist Congregation at Montclair, NJ
From: Christopher Rini
To: Gomez, Charlene
Cc: [email protected]
Subject: Communication re: File #25-094 Approval of Plaque Design and Language for the Huntington Beach Public Library 50th Anniversary
Date: Tuesday, February 11, 2025 10:56:01 AM
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To whom it may concern,
I request that the Community and Library Services Commission reject the current design for Item 25-094, the Central Library 50th anniversary plaque. As presented, the proposed design is visually confusing with a multiplicity of graphics and competing typefaces. Is the eagle with two flags meant to be a throwback to the Bicentennial or Civil War reenactments?
The verbal message is equally confusing. It says, “Celebrating 50 Years,” but HBPL opened in 1909. The reader has to get halfway down before inferring that the plaque celebrates 50 years of Huntington Beach Central Library. Also, “Magical, Alluring, Galvanizing, Adventurous” is left of center. (The word “alluring,” feels slightly cringeworthy.

For all of the controversy that librarians are “groomers” and “pedophiles,” why would City Council and the Community and Library Services Commission want their names directly below a word that’s a synonym for “seductive?”)
The Richard and Dion Neutra-designed Central Library is a marvel. It’s Brutalism that’s actually nice. It is an early example of the “book tower” library concept found at the Beinecke Library at Yale and Seattle Public Library. Central Library should be rightfully celebrated on its golden anniversary in April, but it deserves better than this. Let us treat this design as a first draft and revise it to something worthy of Huntington Beach and Huntington Beach Public Library.

Christopher Rini
Virus-free.www.avast.com
From: Isabella Ford
To: Gomez, Charlene; CITY COUNCIL (INCL. CMO STAFF); [email protected] Subject: No MAGA plaque for the library
Date: Tuesday, February 11, 2025 11:16:23 AM
Use the money to improve Discovery Wells Park. The irrigation system needs to be revamped on the grassy field, the playground equipment is old and needs to be replaced. There are now a bunch of concrete slabs instead of picnic tables or benches. There is only one trash can for the entire field.

Isabella Ford
714-308-0660
From: Connie Hurst
To: [email protected]
Cc: CITY COUNCIL (INCL. CMO STAFF)
Subject: STOP The Plaque
Date: Tuesday, February 11, 2025 11:20:43 AM
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Subject: Responsible Use of City Funds
Dear City Council,
I am writing as a concerned resident and homeowner regarding the allocation of city funds toward the plaque - a non-essential project. While I appreciate efforts to enhance our community, I believe it is crucial to prioritize spending on essential services and infrastructure that directly benefit residents.

At a time when many in our community are facing economic challenges, I urge the council to focus on projects that address pressing needs, such as road maintenance, public safety, and cleaning up downtown (literally power washing the sidewalk). Every tax dollar should be spent with careful consideration to ensure the greatest positive impact on our community.

I respectfully ask that you reconsider allocating funds to projects that, while perhaps well-intended, are not critical to the well-being and function of our city. Instead, I encourage the council to invest in initiatives that provide tangible and lasting benefits to residents.

Thank you for your time. I appreciate your thoughtful consideration of this request.

Sincerely,
Connie Hurst
From: Michelle Zernick
To: [email protected]
Subject: Opposition to the Proposed Library Plaque
Date: Tuesday, February 11, 2025 12:20:04 PM
You don't often get email from [email protected]. Learn why this is important Dear City Council,
I am writing to express my strong disapproval of the proposed plaque for the Huntington Beach Public Library. This plaque is not a celebration of the library, nor does it honor its mission, staff, or the essential role it plays in our community. Instead, it misuses $7,000 of city funds—taxpayer money that should be invested in library resources, programs, and improvements rather than political messaging that does not reflect the values of our city.

Beyond the financial waste, this plaque is a blatant attempt to push a political agenda that does not align with the beliefs of many Huntington Beach residents. It is particularly troubling that it includes references to MAGA, a movement tied to an administration that has repeatedly cut funding to education, libraries, and other critical public resources. You cannot claim to support our library while simultaneously celebrating a political ideology that actively seeks to defund and diminish it. The contradiction is glaring.

Furthermore, the world being shaped by the current administration, which this plaque endorses, is not one in which children feel safe. Recent policies have left many children afraid to express themselves or seek support. As an elementary school teacher and lifelong patron of HBPL, I am both disappointed and ashamed that the city council is attempting to pass off their personal political beliefs as a tribute to our library. Instead of fostering a welcoming and inclusive space, this plaque would turn the library into a place of division, discomfort, and inaccessibility.

The plaque also falsely celebrates a city council that did little to prevent the library’s potential privatization. You cannot claim to honor something you were unwilling to fight for. The hardworking library staff, who have dedicated themselves to keeping this institution a safe and valuable resource, deserve real support—not performative gestures meant to serve a political narrative.

If members of the council wish to create a plaque in honor of Donald Trump or MAGA, they can do so with private funds in a location that is not a public institution meant to serve all residents. Using city money and the library as a front for this agenda is not only irresponsible, but deeply disrespectful to the mission of the library and those who rely on it.

I urge you to reconsider this decision and redirect these funds toward meaningful improvements for our library and community.

Your fellow HB citizen,
Michelle Zernick

From: C RFord
To: [email protected]
Cc: Wysocki, Ashley; Gomez, Charlene
Subject: Comment on Plaque for HB Library"s 50th - Vote NO Date: Tuesday, February 11, 2025 12:42:34 PM
You don't often get email from [email protected]. Learn why this is important To Whom It May Concern:

As an Orange County resident and patron of our public library's I must speak out on today's vote regarding the plaque for Huntington Beach's library. From what I could find online, I believe my comment will be received past when it may be considered, but as I cannot be there in person and just learned of this meeting, I am hoping it may be considered none-the-less.

I encourage you all to vote "NO" on this design and wording of this plaque.

1. The design and wording are mere political propaganda which have no place on our public institutions paid for with tax payer dollars which should be Neutral in their politics. Learn from the mistakes of the Confederacy and others and do not make our public library a political tool when it should not be. This does not serve the people or our library. Instead it is wasting money and not paying proper homage to this lovely 50 year legacy, but rather using it to uplift a political ideology.

2. The wording "In God We Trust" also does not belong on a public institution and integral part of our community at large as it disenfranchises those who do not believe in a Christian god and is rooted in the legacy of McCarthyism which unfairly and unjustly prosecuted those who were different in their ideologies including political, religious, sexuality, etc.

3. The words being used to spell out M.A.G.A. are not reflective of what a library truly is and should be OR what this library really represents to this community. Were the people of Huntington Beach asked for input on what their library means to them? Far better word choices and design options exist than those that were simply chosen to spell out a political ideology and force this version of M.A.G.A. on our community.

4. While I am in support of commemoration of key events with plaques, statues, benches, etc, if the option were to better serve the library and the people of our community, I would say that there are far more effective ways to support and uplift them than this particular plaque design or a plaque at all.

Additional funding for library programming would be my first choice. ex. 50 extra celebratory story times for little ones this year OR added books or equipment OR bringing in theatrical groups or artists to present OR anything else that makes our libraries such great public and community institutions.

In short, this plaque, and particularly its offensive design which is not inclusive of our community as a whole, needs to be rethought and recreated in a way that will not only commemorate this special anniversary occasion but also serve all of the people of Huntington Beach far better than this tasteless political pandering.

Sincerely,
Collette Rutherford
From: Dina Chavez
To: Gomez, Charlene; [email protected]
Subject: Central Library 50th Anniversary Plaque
Date: Tuesday, February 11, 2025 12:46:50 PM
Attachments: Outlook-4zg1xkmz.png
Members of the Huntington Beach Community.pdf
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Dina Chavez
Friends of the Huntington Beach Library
[email protected]
714-414-8712
fotlhb.com

Members of the Huntington Beach Community & Library Services Commission, As representatives of the Friends of the Huntington Beach Public Library, we are compelled to express our strong disapproval of the proposed plaque at the Huntington Beach Central Library in honor of its 50th Anniversary. The proposed plaque undermines the very principles our beloved library stands for.

The Huntington Beach Public Library is a cherished institution in our community, dedicated to providing an inclusive and welcoming environment for all. Our library is a sanctuary for learning, creativity, and cultural enrichment, serving people from all walks of life, regardless of their political beliefs or affiliations. The proposed plaque, however, carries a highly partisan and divisive connotation that is antithetical to the Library's values of neutrality and inclusivity.

Celebrating the Central L ibrary's 50th Anniversary should be an occasion that brings our community together, not one that promotes division and discord. Installing a plaque that has become synonymous with political controversy will only alienate a significant portion of our community and undermine the library's role as a neutral and inclusive institution.

Furthermore, taking funds for this plaque from the library maintenance budget is unacceptable.

The Friends of the Library would be happy to donate an appropriate plaque to honor the 50th Anniversary of the Central Library, ensuring that maintenance funds are preserved for their intended purpose.

We urge the Commission to reconsider this misguided proposal and instead seek alternative ways to commemorate this milestone that truly reflects the library's commitment to unity, diversity, and education. We propose celebrating the library's rich history, diverse programs, and contributions to the community through inclusive and non-partisan events and displays that honor its legacy and future.

The Huntington Beach Public Library deserves to be celebrated in a manner that respects its mission and unites our community. We implore you to make a decision that upholds the values of our beloved and revered library.

Thank you for your attention to this urgent matter. We hope that you will reconsider the proposed installation and work with us to find a more appropriate way to celebrate the library's 50th anniversary.

Friends of the Huntington Beach Public Library

From: MARILYN Boehm
To: Gomez, Charlene
Cc: [email protected]
Subject: HB library plaque
Date: Tuesday, February 11, 2025 12:54:02 PM
No, No, NO!!! Take your MAGA beliefs elsewhere. You have done NOTHING positive for our libraries, and now you want to DEFACE them for $7K with your rotten beliefs. You represent the entire city of HB, not Donald Trump and his hateful racism.

This is a totally inappropriate plaque.

I'd show up to the CC meeting tonight and say so, but I'm sick with the flu.

What goes around comes around. None of you will be re-elected to office.

Marilyn Boehm, HB
From: Connie Tomsick
To: [email protected]
Subject: Hypocracy
Date: Tuesday, February 11, 2025 12:55:37 PM
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I am so annoyed about the city spending about $7.000 of our tax money to install a ridiculous plaque with their names on it, as they have been trying so hard to turn over our public Library to a for-profit company. It is hypocrisy at its most blatant, pure idiocy. Further more, the MAGA the sign is too political and inappropriate and it should not be allowed to be on a celebration plaque.

Shame on them.
- Constance Tomsick, 48 year citizen of HuntingtonBeach.

From: Tamara Berardi
To: [email protected]
Subject: Library Plaque Comment
Date: Wednesday, February 12, 2025 11:16:49 AM
You don't often get email from [email protected]. Learn why this is important I am a long time Huntington Beach Resident (45 years) and I just saw the plan for the City Council’s 50 year HB library “commemorative” plaque. I have to say I am adamantly opposed to this plaque for a multitude of reasons but the very first one being the obvious partisan spin on what should be an honor to our beautiful library’s history that represents all of it’s residents, not the partisan politics of this current council. The design is very self serving when it should be targeted to the library, it’s patrons and our residents.

I respectfully ask that this item be studied more and an alternate option that better represents all HB residents and focuses on our library can be agreed upon.

Thank you,
Tamara Berardi
[email protected]
From: amy olsen
To: [email protected]
Subject: Opposition to Politically Charged Plaque at Huntington Beach Central Library Date: Wednesday, February 12, 2025 4:44:02 PM
You don't often get email from [email protected]. Learn why this is important Dear Huntington Beach City Council Members,

I am writing to express my strong opposition to the proposed plaque intended to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Huntington Beach Central Library. While I fully support honoring this cherished institution and recognizing its impact on our community, I find the wording of the plaque—particularly the acronym "MAGA"—to be inappropriate and politically charged.

Public libraries serve as inclusive spaces for knowledge, education, and community engagement. They should remain free of political influence or messaging, whether overt or subtle. The choice to incorporate an acronym that directly mirrors a highly partisan political slogan undermines the neutrality and welcoming nature of the library. Regardless of intent, this choice is likely to be perceived as an endorsement of a particular political ideology, which is wholly inappropriate for a public institution funded by taxpayers of all political affiliations.

Moreover, the words chosen to create this acronym—Magical, Alluring, Galvanizing, Adventurous—seem arbitrary and unrelated to the core mission of a library. A more fitting tribute would focus on the library’s role in education, literacy, community connection, and historical significance rather than a contrived phrase that appears to serve a political agenda.

As a resident and voter in Huntington Beach, I urge you to reconsider this decision and instead approve a plaque that reflects the true spirit and values of the Huntington Beach Central Library—one that honors its legacy in a nonpartisan, meaningful way.

I appreciate your time and consideration of this matter.

Sincerely,
Amy Lynn Olsen
Huntington Beach Resident & Community Member
From: Stephanie Wardlaw
To: [email protected]
Subject: Huntington Beach Central Library Plaque
Date: Wednesday, February 12, 2025 5:05:48 PM
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To Whom it May Concern,
One of the greatest ways to preserve knowledge, history, and education is our library system. It is one of the few places left that encourages learning and community building. The Huntington Beach Central Library is no exception to this, and is actually quite an achievement in terms of architectural design and programming.

Ever since I was a little girl, I dreamed about living by the beach. My father taught me that if I wanted something, I had to work hard for it. Through my own hard work, I was able to achieve this dream last year. I love being part of this community. I love frequenting local establishments, spending time by the water, and living somewhere that truly feels like home for first time in my adult life.

All of that being said, I am extremely disheartened and embarrassed by the plaque that was created for the Huntington Beach Central Library’s 50th anniversary. Not only does it not reflect any of the library’s contributions to our community, but it is a poorly constructed political statement that serves no purpose other than to pay homage to a political leader who has no ties to the library whatsoever.

The library is for everyone, regardless of age, monetary status, or political leaning, and it should stay that way.

I urge you, as someone who loves this city as much as you do, to rethink branding a community building with political statements of any kind. This library deserves to remain the place it has always been: a nonpartisan staple of our community.

Thank you for your time, and I hope that my words resonate, even if they do not change anything, Stephanie
From: Kari Rafalik
To: [email protected]
Subject: Library Plaque
Date: Wednesday, February 12, 2025 6:08:31 PM
Attachments: Plaque Edits.tiff
You don't often get email from [email protected]. Learn why this is important To Whom it May Concern,
I am unable to attend the meeting in person, but am writing to express my opinion as a resident of Huntington Beach in regards to the proposed library plaque. Attached is a mark-up of edits, and my thoughts are as follows:

1. I have worked in the graphics and signage industry for the better part of 20 years and know for a fact $7,000.00 is a gross over payment for this product. Regardless of politics, has the council priced out bids for this item? Is it being produced locally? The price of this item should be around or less than $2,000 in my professional opinion, as well as my brief online research since learning of this initiative.

2. Who designed this? I imagine a portion of that $7,000 must have been earmarked for a professional graphic designer - this plaque appears to be a clipart hodgepodge with poor font choices that no self respecting professional designer would present. If the city council is adamant about hanging a plaque, I beg of you to at least get a professional to design something that is less of an eyesore. The lines don’t line up, the emblems are squished in the top thirds, which leaves a giant negative space gap flanking the vertical acronym. These are design basics. Do better.

3. The attempt to be slick with repurposing ‘MAGA' by incorporating other adjectives is juvenile. Honestly, this would be less lame if they just used “Make America Great Again” rather than absurd words like “magical” and "alluring” - you really think the library is “alluring"? Really???

4. We get it, you all like DJT. Cool. Do you need to make it your entire personality though and force it into spaces it’s not applicable? It reeks of lack of tact, respect, or class.

5. Speaking of class, Newport Beach is a conservative city - can you imagine them putting this sign up? Never. Because you can have your political opinions, but not be tacky about it. I know, we aren’t them - but do we have to come off like complete trash? You know they call us “Riverside by The Sea” or the “Florida of California” - those aren’t meant as compliments.

6. This plaque appears to serve no other purpose than to be divisive and trolling. The fact that the section dedicated to the MAGA acronym is approximately 30% larger in height than the text section “celebrating 50 years” makes a pretty clear point that this is entry self-serving rather than celebratory of the library.

7. Councilwoman is spelled wrong. HERE
is link to the Merriam Webster dictionary entry.

Best,
Kari Rafalik

From: [email protected]
To: [email protected]
Subject: FW: Proposed maga plaque for city library
Date: Wednesday, February 12, 2025 6:14:37 PM
You don't often get email from [email protected]. Learn why this is important To the City Council,

I object strenuously to the look and wording of the proposed maga plaque for the city library. It is tacky (“alluring”?), militaristic-looking, religious-based and highly partisan, not representative of all the citizens in our beautiful city. It celebrates a divisive agenda, not our library, its workers, volunteers and patrons.

Celebrating 50 years should be a joyful, community-based, celebratory experience, not this somber, scary-looking monstrosity. It should be inclusive and representative of all HB citizens. The wording should not be a list of politicians, but a celebration of the library itself, its vibrant history, the good work that is done there.

I object strenuously to spending $7000 of our money on this propaganda.

Thank you,
Rose Eliff

From: Erin Williams
To: [email protected]
Subject: Library Plaque
Date: Wednesday, February 12, 2025 6:19:00 PM
You don't often get email from [email protected]. Learn why this is important Dear Honorable Members of the Huntington Beach City Council, I am writing to express my strong opposition to the proposed plaque commemorating the 50th anniversary of the Huntington Beach Library. While I am a supporter of the current administration, I believe this plaque—especially in its veiled connection to the "Make America Great Again" slogan—represents a waste of public funds and is nothing more than a politically divisive publicity stunt.

Rather than serving as a neutral and inclusive celebration of the library’s milestone, this plaque seems designed to promote a controversial political message that risks alienating a significant portion of the community. While I support the values of the administration, I believe this type of gesture diminishes our standing, reducing us to the punchline of a joke and fostering division rather than unity.

Furthermore, this proposal seems more self-serving than an act of genuine public service. Instead of reflecting the values and needs of our community, it appears to be an attempt to score political points at the expense of taxpayers. This is not the way to honor a beloved institution like our library.

The financial cost of this project is especially troubling when there are far more pressing needs in our community. In times when we should be focusing on improving essential services, supporting education, anInd addressing infrastructure issues, it is irresponsible to spend taxpayer dollars on a symbol that does nothing to move us forward as a community.

I urge the City Council to reconsider this proposal and redirect resources to projects that unite and uplift all residents of Huntington Beach, rather than sowing discord and deepening political divides. UNITED WE STAND, DIVIDED WE FALL.

Thank you for your time and consideration. I trust that the Council will act in the best interest of the community and reject this absurd proposal.

Sincerely,
Erin Williams
Huntington Beach Resident
From: Brian Ericksen
To: [email protected]
Subject: Plaque
Date: Wednesday, February 12, 2025 7:35:17 PM
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This is tacky as hell. Dumb stuff like this a waste of time and money. Makes me question voting for you guys again. Anything like this will just be vandalized and removed at the first chance they get. If you want a plaque make it something classic and timeless that’s not a slogan or catch phrase.

Thanks for reading
Brian
From: Philip Seymour
To: [email protected]
Subject: The plaque
Date: Wednesday, February 12, 2025 7:47:04 PM
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Don’t do this. Spend $7000 on more books, librarians, upgrades, and maintenance.

From: Sandra Creamer
To: [email protected]
Subject: Library Plaque
Date: Wednesday, February 12, 2025 7:57:17 PM
You don't often get email from [email protected]. Learn why this is important Please accept this email as opposition to the proposed $7,000 library plaque. It should not have a “hidden in plain sight” MAGA acronym; this should be removed in good faith.

My recommendation is for the library staff to design their plaque or decide how to use the $7K to commemorate the library based on their desires.

Sincerely,
Sandra C., resident of downtown HB
From: Kyle Garcia
To: [email protected]
Subject: 50th Anniversary Plaque
Date: Wednesday, February 12, 2025 9:35:47 PM
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Hello,
I heard about the meeting concerning the plaque but I can’t make it.

I’m not sure if the city council cares how many people e-mail in, but please for the love of God stop with the political messaging. Please do not put up a political and divisive plaque. This is an absolute waste of tax payer money.

I don’t doubt the city council will vote the same regardless of the number of citizens that ask them to change their vote, but I had to make my voice heard.

Thank you,
Kyle Garcia
From: Beth Watts
To: [email protected]
Subject: HB Library Plaque
Date: Thursday, February 13, 2025 6:09:17 AM
You don't often get email from [email protected]. Learn why this is important I have been a homeowner in HB since 1992. I remember seeing white supremacists hanging out on Main St. I've always been a lover of hard copy books.

Our library has so much for everyone, yet your council is doing everything it can to bring back hate and ignorance.

Your plaque is a complete waste of money, it does nothing for our beautiful library. It associates a place of peace with the new "Woke" message of ignorance and hate.

In close, I'm disgusted by you and your actions. Your plaque is nothing but a nod to a convicted felon and sexual predator. I'm sad that you don't understand this, but considering the new "woke" way of the world, what else can I expect?
Elisabeth Watts
HB homeowner
Yahoo Mail - Email Simplified
From: Dave Seleno
To: [email protected]
Subject: Library Plaque
Date: Thursday, February 13, 2025 6:53:23 AM
You don't often get email from [email protected]. Learn why this is important To Whom it May Concern,
I am writing to share my concerns about the politically charged plaque proposed to be installed at the HB Library. I have lived in HB for over 40 years.

Using taxpayer funds to install a plaque with the city council members names on it, alongside a not so thinly veiled political slogan designed to irritate those not aligned with the council members and the GOP is disgraceful.

It is a clearly self-serving move by the council members to announce themselves as loudly as possible to further their own political careers. To memorialize such a thing in a public place is reprehensible and violates the council members duty to serve their constituents by elevating their own desires above the common good for HB.

I implore the council to search for a non-political usage of the $7,000 which may actually benefit our great city. It is their fiduciary duty.

Regards,
David Seleno
From: Ryan B
To: [email protected]
Subject: Library plaque
Date: Thursday, February 13, 2025 7:52:19 AM
[You don't often get email from [email protected]. Learn why this is important at https://aka.ms/LearnAboutSenderIdentification ]
I am writing this email to request that the City of Huntington beach reconsider the proposed library plaque. It is unusually expensive and makes a mockery of our library by politicizing the institution.

The City Council continues to embarrass the city and looks for every opportunity to show off their far right credentials.

With all due respect, please reconsider this plaque.

Respectfully,
Ryan B
From: Ishanee Dighe
To: [email protected]
Subject: Opposition to fund library Plaque
Date: Thursday, February 13, 2025 12:25:50 PM
You don't often get email from [email protected]. Learn why this is important Hello ,
I am writing to you as a concerned citizen. I want to write today to voice my opposition to having a plaque in front of the Hungting Beach Central Public Library.

Thanks you,
Ishanee
From: Sue Kingman
To: [email protected]
Cc: CITY COUNCIL (INCL. CMO STAFF)
Subject: Proposed MAGA Plaque at the Central Library
Date: Thursday, February 13, 2025 2:43:16 PM
Some people who received this message don't often get email from [email protected]. Learn why this is important
City Council Members,
I am very dismayed and disappointed by your proposal to install a "MAGA" plaque for the Huntington Beach Central Library (and don't pretend it's not MAGA, you know it is). Why would you choose to put such a divisive political slogan on a public building that ALL the community loves and utilizes? This does nothing to actually promote our wonderful library. It is purely an act of gloating, preening, and furthering your own political ideals.Keep in mind these are political ideals that over half the city DOES NOT SHARE. I think about how members of this council would react if the opposing political party were in power and attempted a similar stunt. There is no reason for this plaque: not just because it is an unnecessary city expense, but because the ONLY thing it will accomplish is further division of your constituents. Is that your goal?
Sincerely,
Sue Kingman
Huntington Beach Resident
From: Walton
To: [email protected]
Subject: 50th Anniversary plaque
Date: Thursday, February 13, 2025 2:53:04 PM
You don't often get email from [email protected]. Learn why this is important From a 26 year resident, I implore you NOT to put up the ridiculous MAGA plaque at the library. HB has such an amazing library, why do you need to bring politics into it? For God's sake leave the library alone, we're already a laughing stock.

Thank you,
Karen Walton
HB, California
You don't often get email from [email protected]. Learn why this is important From: [email protected]
To: [email protected]
Subject: FW: Opposition to the Proposed Library Plaque
Date: Thursday, February 13, 2025 3:22:39 PM

From: Michelle Zernick <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, February 11, 2025 12:29 PM
To: [email protected]
Subject: Opposition to the Proposed Library Plaque

Dear Mr. Hopkins,
I am writing to express my strong disapproval of the proposed plaque for the Huntington Beach Public Library. This plaque is not a celebration of the library, nor does it honor its mission, staff, or the essential role it plays in our community. Instead, it misuses $7,000 of city funds—taxpayer money that should be invested in library resources, programs, and improvements rather than political messaging that does not reflect the values of our city.

I urge you to reconsider this decision and redirect these funds toward meaningful improvements for our library and community.

Your fellow HB citizen,
Michelle Zernick
From: Jeannette Doeller
To: [email protected]
Subject: Huntington Beach Library Plaque
Date: Thursday, February 13, 2025 4:10:57 PM
You don't often get email from [email protected]. Learn why this is important The cartoonish library plaque that was approved by the Huntington Beach City Council is an insult to the Huntington Beach libraries and an insult to Huntington Beach residents who do not support MAGA. It will perhaps forever serve as a reminder of the cartoonish nature of the current Huntington Beach City Council who approved it. The plaque is ugly and its designer did a great disservice to this beautiful city and its beautiful libraries.

Sincerely,
Jeannette Doeller, PhD
Some people who received this message don't often get email from [email protected]. Learn why this is important
From: Fikes, Cathy
To: [email protected]
Subject: FW: Library’s 50th Anniversary Plaque
Date: Thursday, February 13, 2025 4:54:21 PM

From: Amy McGraw <[email protected]>
Sent: Wednesday, February 12, 2025 12:18 AM
To: CITY COUNCIL (INCL. CMO STAFF) <[email protected]> Subject: Library’s 50th Anniversary Plaque

Dear Huntington Beach City Council Members,
The Central Library should absolutely be commemorated on its 50th anniversary this April. However, the proposed plaque does not celebrate the library in the way it truly deserves. The Central Library not only promotes education, literacy, and creativity, it’s a pillar of community service. Our city is well served by its free internet, veterans services, a whole host of classes and workshops, and so much more. None of those services would be possible without the dedicated service of the librarians, volunteers, custodians, and educators. There have been five decades worth of citizens who have served the Central Library. Those are the people this plaque should celebrate. The Central Library would be nothing without the thousands of citizens who support it every year. Come April, the City of Huntington Beach should be celebrating 50 years of dedicated service and community service done by the library and its staff.

Sincerely,
Amy McGraw
Some people who received this message don't often get email from [email protected]. Learn why this is important
From: Fikes, Cathy
To: [email protected]
Subject: FW: Proposed MAGA Library Plaque
Date: Thursday, February 13, 2025 4:55:12 PM

From: Missy Coffman <[email protected]>
Sent: Wednesday, February 12, 2025 8:50 AM
To: CITY COUNCIL (INCL. CMO STAFF) <[email protected]> Subject: Proposed MAGA Library Plaque

Dear City Council Members,
I am writing to express my strong opposition to the proposed installation of a Make America Great Again plaque at the Huntington Beach Central Library. Our public library should remain a welcoming space for all members of our community, free from political endorsements or divisive messaging.

Libraries are meant to foster education, inclusivity, and civic engagement, not to serve as platforms for political slogans. Approving this plaque would set a concerning precedent and could alienate many residents who do not align with the message it represents. I urge the council to uphold the library’s role as a neutral and unifying space by rejecting this proposal.

Thank you for your time and consideration. I hope you will prioritize the interests of the entire community and keep our library free from political influences.

Sincerely,
Missy Ann Coffman
Huntington Beach Resident
[email protected]
From: Fikes, Cathy
To: [email protected]
Subject: FW: MAGA plaque
Date: Thursday, February 13, 2025 5:00:58 PM
-----Original Message-----
From: JEANE KEATING <[email protected]>
Sent: Thursday, February 13, 2025 10:48 AM
To: CITY COUNCIL (INCL. CMO STAFF) <[email protected]> Subject: MAGA plaque
[Some people who received this message don't often get email from [email protected]. Learn why this is important at https://aka.ms/LearnAboutSenderIdentification ]
What is going on here in my beloved city?!?!? I’m 70 years old and have lived here in HB for 62 years. We moved here from Lakewood. You’re wasting our precious $7000 on this MAGA sign! I know exactly what you’re all doing! Once again, you’re promoting hate and division. If it passes, I will no longer spend 1 penny of my hard earned money in this city. I will go to Westminister for all my needs. Seems they need the money more than we do.

You finally put the nail in the coffin for me. HB has been looking really dumpy compared to our surrounding cities.

Now I see what really matters most to you. A $7000 plaque spewing division. Wow! Shame on you all.

Jeanne Keating
Sent from my iPad
Some people who received this message don't often get email from [email protected]. Learn why this is important From: Fikes, Cathy
To: [email protected]
Subject: FW: Proposed library plaque
Date: Thursday, February 13, 2025 5:02:19 PM

From: Tom <[email protected]>
Sent: Thursday, February 13, 2025 1:14 PM
To: CITY COUNCIL (INCL. CMO STAFF) <[email protected]> Subject: Proposed library plaque

The library is not political. Creating a plaque with random words to spell out President Trump's agenda is ridiculous and insulting.

We are city residents and totally opposed to putting up a plaque like this.

It is childish and absurd.

Thomas and Deborah Rapport
316 22nd St, Huntington Beach, CA 92648

Some people who received this message don't often get email from [email protected]. Learn why this is important
From: Fikes, Cathy
To: [email protected]
Subject: FW: MAGA library plaque
Date: Thursday, February 13, 2025 5:02:39 PM
Attachments: image001.png

From: Susie Lein <[email protected]>
Sent: Thursday, February 13, 2025 1:27 PM
To: CITY COUNCIL (INCL. CMO STAFF) <[email protected]> Subject: MAGA library plaque

I am a resident of Huntington Beach and have been for over 20 years. I just saw an article in the Register which states the city council approved a “MAGA” plaque for the library (but replacing the Make America Great Again with other words (Magical Alluring, etc.) I am extremely disappointed that the city has chosen to do this. There is absolutely no reason to create a politicized sign like this (not to mention it’s just plain silly). There are so many great things about our city, including a diverse population from lots of different backgrounds and political views. Why try to ram down everyone’s throats the views of segment of the city when it simply is not necessary? We can be better than this.

Susie J. Lein | Partner
2040 Main Street, Suite 500 | Irvine, CA 92614
P 949.476.5585 x3030 F 949.476.5580 | www.kts-law.com

This e-mail message and any attached files are confidential and are intended solely for the use of the addressee(s) named above. This communication may contain material protected by attorney-client, work product, or other privileges. If you are not the intended recipient or person responsible for delivering this confidential communication to the intended recipient, you have received this communication in error, and any review, use, dissemination, forwarding, printing, copying, or other distribution of this e-mail message and any attached files is strictly prohibited. If you have received this confidential communication in error, please notify the sender immediately by reply e-mail message and permanently delete the original message.

Some people who received this message don't often get email from [email protected]. Learn why this is important
From: Fikes, Cathy
To: [email protected]
Subject: FW: Library plaque
Date: Thursday, February 13, 2025 5:03:12 PM

From: Patrick DiBernardo <[email protected]>
Sent: Thursday, February 13, 2025 1:31 PM
To: CITY COUNCIL (INCL. CMO STAFF) <[email protected]> Subject: Library plaque

Subject: A Concern About the Library Plaque

Dear Huntington Beach City Council Members,
First off, I appreciate the work you do for our city and the leadership you’ve shown. I voted for all seven of you because I believe in your policies and trust your judgment. I’m also a conservative and supporter of Donald Trump. However I feel the need to speak up about the MAGA acronym plaque at the Huntington Beach Library.

Frankly, this is a bad move. Whether it was an oversight or an intentional decision, putting a politically charged slogan in a public space like the library doesn't reflect well on the city. The library should not be a battleground for political statements.

I agree with probably 95% of your decisions on policy and respect your leadership, but this decision just doesn't make sense. It's unnecessary and divisive. Removing or changing the wording on the plaque would show that you're leading with wisdom, putting the good of the whole community first.

This is a small issue in the grand scheme, but handling it the right way will build more goodwill and show that you're willing to do what’s best for everyone. Thanks for your time and consideration.

Sincerely,
Patrick Di Bernardo
From: Fikes, Cathy
To: [email protected]
Subject: FW: Library commemorative plaque
Date: Thursday, February 13, 2025 5:03:35 PM
-----Original Message-----
From: Sharon Cohoon <[email protected]>
Sent: Thursday, February 13, 2025 2:03 PM
To: CITY COUNCIL (INCL. CMO STAFF) <[email protected]> Subject: Library commemorative plaque
Please do not go ahead with the proposed plaque—unless you remove the MAGA reference. Commerative pieces should be timeless. This obvious political reference will be meaningless some day. The words chosen to spell out MAGA will seem as arbitrarily chosen as they obviously were. Please don’t make Huntington Beach a further embarrassment.

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From: Fikes, Cathy
To: [email protected]
Subject: FW: Vote No - Library proposed plaque.

Date: Thursday, February 13, 2025 5:04:06 PM

From: C Caterina <[email protected]>
Sent: Thursday, February 13, 2025 3:17 PM
To: CITY COUNCIL (INCL. CMO STAFF) <[email protected]> Subject: Vote No - Library proposed plaque.

Dear City Council Member,

It’s may be a nice idea to recognize our cherished Library for 50 years in our community.

However it is hypocritical and disingenuous to make any political statements in doing so, especially since City Council members support book bans and outsourcing.

The president’s portrait doesn’t belong. Use the money for more books.

Colette Caterina
Some people who received this message don't often get email from [email protected]. Learn why this is important
From: Fikes, Cathy
To: [email protected]
Subject: FW: Public Library Plaque
Date: Thursday, February 13, 2025 5:04:19 PM

From: Tassone, Angel (HUNRH) <[email protected]>
Sent: Thursday, February 13, 2025 3:29 PM
To: CITY COUNCIL (INCL. CMO STAFF) <[email protected]> Subject: Public Library Plaque

City Council Members

If you will, I feel compelled to add my thoughts about the plaque that is being planned for the Public Library.

While I share the ideas and values that comprise the Make America Great Again movement, I just do not think a comemorative plaque at the Public Library is the appropriate place for this message.

We must be sympathetic to the fact that not everyone shares the same passion for this campaign and when you write on a Plaque “a sanctuary for children to feel safe, valued, and free to grow” you contradict that message by enscribing MAGA on the same monument.

You can use whatever 4 words you choose but the MAGA letters are just too demonstrative.

Thank you for considering removing the unncessary four words on the plaque.

Sincerely

Angel Tassone

Some people who received this message don't often get email from [email protected]. Learn why this is important From: Fikes, Cathy
To: [email protected]
Subject: FW: Library Plaque
Date: Thursday, February 13, 2025 5:04:46 PM

From: Mike Selna <[email protected]>
Sent: Thursday, February 13, 2025 4:48 PM
To: CITY COUNCIL (INCL. CMO STAFF) <[email protected]> Cc: Marja Selna <[email protected]>
Subject: Library Plaque

Dear Huntington Beach City Council Members February 13, 2025 I attended Tuesday (2-10-2025) night’s Library Commission meeting and spoke briefly. I believe the plaque will become a hot button issue in the City that could jeopardize re- election prospects for council members because of the political reference so prominent on the plaque. The library is non-partisan. Many people who voted for the new members of the council in November also signed one or both library petitions. I know that because I walked neighborhoods to ask if people wanted to sign. Contrary to what is being alleged about the petition process, never once did I twist any of the information printed on the petitions. In fact, I went out of my way to express the council’s point of view. In other words, I presented both sides before asking if the person wanted to sign. I lost some signatures with that approach which is OK. I mention the petition process because many of my friends who are dedicated Republicans signed petitions.

I was disappointed in the responses from the crowd (booing, etc.) at the meeting. My belief is that we need to do all we can to lower the “temperature” in HB. I mentioned that in my presentation. I think the plaque will cause further division because of the political reference. I asked the Commission to picture the 50th anniversary ceremony where the plaque will be unveiled. If you go forward with the plaque as planned, there will be a massive protest at that ceremony. You can expect negative news coverage. I believe it will further divide us and will affect the council members’ chances for re- election.

At the Commission meeting I offered a proposal that would lower the temperature and benefit the city as it faces large budget shortfalls. If the political references were to be removed from the plaque, I will pay for the plaque. That’s how strongly I feel about lowering the temperature. Let’s try to get along! I would be very happy to hear from you about funding the revised plaque.

Respectfully, Mike Selna [email protected]
52 year HB resident

From: John Oden
To: [email protected]
Subject: No MAGA Plaque
Date: Thursday, February 13, 2025 5:49:23 PM
You don't often get email from [email protected]. Learn why this is important This proposed MAGA library plaque is not representative of the majority of public opinion, and this modern day monarchy/Oligarchy of the United States federal and now local governments, is the death knell to American Democracy. It is important to remember our fascist history with Germany and the Nazi party, and current day Russia, North Korea, China etc and realize where that behavior and belief system will lead us as a nation.

These are desperate times to find reason, wisdom and love and respect for each other as humans, for the future. All humans.

From: Alex Tolin
To: [email protected]
Subject: HB Library Plaque
Date: Thursday, February 13, 2025 7:17:53 PM
You don't often get email from [email protected]. Learn why this is important Politics aside this "MAGA Plaque" is such a gross misappropriation of funds. I hope it gets vandalized constantly. You know it is. If democrats did the same thing you would all be losing your minds and you know it's true. If you can't admit this to yourself, you are literally retarded.

Mr. Amory Hanson 8102 Ellis Avenue Apartment 121 Huntington Beach CA 92646 January 21, 2025
The Mayor Of Huntington Beach 2000 Main Street Huntington Beach CA 92648 My Dear Mister Mayor, I

would

express

support

for

Item

XX.

Sincerely Yours, Mr. Amory Hanson CC: The Honorable Casey McKeon CC:The Honorable Donald C. Kennedy CC: The Honorable Anthony Strickland CC: The Honorable E. M. Twining CC: The Honorable Grace Vandermark CC: The Honorable Chad Williams

From: Kate Turlo
To: [email protected]
Subject: HBPL 50th Anniversary Plaque
Date: Friday, February 14, 2025 9:36:56 AM
You don't often get email from [email protected]. Learn why this is important Dear City Council,
As a 30+ year resident of Huntington Beach and mother to two small children, I have never been more disgusted or ashamed. The plaque with MAGA spelled in acronym is beyond the scope of the function of your roles as city council members. It enrages me that a city council who last year huffed and whined about how EXPENSIVE the library is to run now wants to spend $7,000 on a vanity project that screams in desperation "daddy notice me!". The message has no bearing on the legacy of the public library. It's not representative of the access to free speech our library used to boast. This message instead screams of banned books, of "patriotism" before all else, of the loss of education in the face of religious monoculture.

With this action, you do not represent me. You do not represent or honor the work of the librarians and volunteers who keep the library going.

All this does is stroke the ego of middls-management maniacs with a power complex and attention hungry children of an uncaring, absent executive father.

You are wasting our money. You are wasting our time. You need to abandon these lofty ideals and ground yourselves back to the office you were elected to. City Council. You're not changing the world, stop acting like 45% of this city doesn't exist. Stop acting like one political party holds sway over the amazing tenets this city already has to offer. Vibrant artistry. A free, public library. Amazing outdoor parks. A legacy of surfing and beach culture.

Focus on what matters. Stop the circus sideshow.

Regretfully,
Kate Turlo
From: Wysocki, Ashley
To: Ashley Hook
Cc: Gomez, Charlene; [email protected]
Subject: Re: Plaque
Date: Friday, February 14, 2025 9:43:26 AM
Good morning Ashley,
I am CCing our Supplemental Communications email. Your email will be included in the 2/18 supplemental communications.

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From: Ashley Hook <[email protected]>
Sent: Thursday, February 13, 2025 7:57:31 PM
To: Wysocki, Ashley <[email protected]>
Cc: Gomez, Charlene <[email protected]>
Subject: Plaque

Some people who received this message don't often get email from [email protected]. Learn why this is important
I was just informed that the library has been approved to install a MAGA plaque. I would like my disapproval to be noted, on record. As a member of the Huntington Beach Public Library and a long time resident of Orange County this is nothing more than a stunt, and a slap in the face.

Whoever chose the words to spell out maga, is obviously neither a patron of the library, or avid reader. For all the insanity over book bans we've had to endure over the past few years, the words that were chosen to represent the library were "alluring" and "MAGA"? This is beneath any person who wants to seek higher learning and creative thinking by visiting the Public Library. The people or persons who designed this plaque are playing a joke on all of us. Please do not allow this to proceed.

If this has reached the wrong person, please let me know who to send this too.

Thank you,
Ashley Hook
\\
please consider the environment before printing your emails.

From: Chloe X
To: [email protected]
Subject: Plaque
Date: Friday, February 14, 2025 10:21:06 AM
You don't often get email from [email protected]. Learn why this is important Hello,
I can't make it to the meeting and would like to express how disgusted I am by this library plaque. To take $7,000 that could be used to support the library in the good it provides for the people of our city and waste it on a politicized plaque is completely reprehensible behavior.

My family has lived in Huntington Beach since I was a child. We spent hours upon hours in that library, and some of my best childhood memories took place there. Throughout my life I've been proud of where I live, and proud of our library as another one of the beautiful spaces our city offers. It remains one of the few places left where children and teenagers can spend time in a safe and positive way without spending money. It offers so much to the people here in so many profound ways.

Now, as an adult in my thirties, witnessing our tax dollars being exploited for nothing but the amusement of leadership - leadership who should be spending their time and energy and OUR tax funds improving things for the people they're supposed to represent - I find myself instead deeply ashamed of my city.

Libraries are community spaces. They are not made for you to promote your political ideology. Nothing about our city or its history is memorialized or celebrated with this plaque- MAGA as a concept has not existed for the great majority of our 50 years and is not any significant piece of our history. If you want to post a sign about how great your political beliefs are, that's fine - buy it with your own funds and put it in your own homes. I am beyond disappointed in all of you.

Chloe
From: Melissa Rellinger
To: [email protected]
Subject: Fwd: Plaque to commeratte 50th anniversary
Date: Friday, February 14, 2025 9:35:08 AM
You don't often get email from [email protected]. Learn why this is important Dear Mayor and City Council Members,
I am writing today to strongly oppose the proposed plaque at the Huntington Beach Public Library featuring the acronym "MAGA." This is not just a harmless collection of adjectives— it is a political slogan closely tied to a divisive national movement. Public buildings, especially libraries, should serve all residents, not be used to promote partisan messaging.

Beyond being inappropriate, this plaque is also a wasteful use of taxpayer money. The $7,000 allocated for this project could be far better spent on real community needs—whether that’s library programs, educational resources, or city services that benefit all Huntington Beach residents. Instead of funding an unnecessary and polarizing plaque, council members should prioritize meaningful investments that serve our entire community.

The residents of Huntington Beach already rejected the privatization of our library, sending a clear message that we value it as a public institution. That message should be respected. If the council wishes to celebrate the library’s role in our city, let’s do so with language that is unifying, nonpartisan, and reflective of our shared values—not by repurposing a slogan that alienates many members of our community.

I urge you to reject this plaque and focus on initiatives that truly strengthen and support our city.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

Sincerely,
Melissa Rellinger
From: Kara Tiqui
To: [email protected]
Subject: MAGA plaque
Date: Friday, February 14, 2025 11:41:05 AM
You don't often get email from [email protected]. Learn why this is important I believe it to be absolutely tasteless and hypocritical to spend any money towards a maga plaque on the public library. The city claims queer visibility is divisive yet it’s willing to parade a slogan that is not only rooted in hate, but is backed by white supremacists, KKK and nazi sympathizers. Now if having those kinds of people settle into the city is the goal then by all means waste your money. But I would highly suggest you reconsider.

From: Jill Wicke
To: [email protected]
Subject: Oppose Library 50th Anniversary Plaque!
Date: Friday, February 14, 2025 11:52:10 AM
You don't often get email from [email protected]. Learn why this is important I am writing to strongly oppose the City Council’s plan to commemorate the HB Central Library’s 50th anniversary with a plaque that spells out MAGA. This is not appropriate, not cute, and not clever. And one of the words used to describe the library is alluring which is a synonym for seductive. The HB Central Public Library should be a safe space for the entire community to learn and explore, free from politics.

Jill Wicke
From: Wendy Bell
To: [email protected]
Subject: Insane plaque
Date: Friday, February 14, 2025 12:22:21 PM
[You don't often get email from [email protected]. Learn why this is important at https://aka.ms/LearnAboutSenderIdentification ]
I am shocked and appalled at the idea to add a MAGA sign to the library. How is this worthy of tax payer dollars? This does nothing but to divide us further as many are clearly very unhappy about MAGA actions. Even if HB has many MAGA supporters, this sign has no place in a public library.

Sent from my iPhone
From: Alex
To: [email protected]
Subject: Say “No” to the Library Plaque
Date: Friday, February 14, 2025 12:23:46 PM
You don't often get email from [email protected]. Learn why this is important Although it may be too late, I ask you to reconsider this decision to put $7,000 of our taxpayer money into a “MAGA” plaque. You can say “MAGA” has another meaning, but the more biased and popularized version will always be what people think of when they first see that acronym. Why is that a problem? Almost daily, there is a group of people supporting “MAGA”, harassing the people of Huntington Beach as they try to enjoy the pier, or Main Street, etc. and I fear that this plaque will enable this behavior. Again, it doesn’t matter if the acronym associated with the plaque has another meaning, let’s not pretend we are not aware of the widely known and used meaning of the acronym. The divide between this statement of, “Make America Great Again” because of who associates with it, will not benefit our library, or make it more welcoming. If anything, this would create a new problem for Huntington residents; especially after officially ridding ourselves of being a sanctuary city.

What stands out to me more, is the Friends of the Huntington Beach Library not only raised money for a different plaque, but they would’ve donated it so $7,000 of our taxpayer money wouldn’t go into this waste of materials. Let’s be real, we know what “MAGA” stands for, we know who reps it, and we know the message it carries. It’s not just “Make America Great Again”, or “Magical, Alluring, Galvanizing, and Adventurous”, it holds weight. And this will just further the divide, not only between Americans, but between the residents of Huntington Beach. And honestly, it sounds like one of the city council members decided to have their kid make up new adjectives that fit with the letters M, A, G, A. You can make as many excuses for this as you want, but we know what this stands for and who this plaque is really for. It’s not for a 50th anniversary gift towards the library, or to improve Huntington Beach, it’s to spread a message of submission. That we accept this toxic political message, we accept the divide within our community, that we are okay with not being a sanctuary city and protecting the people of Huntington Beach.

From: Maria Haubrich
To: CITY COUNCIL (INCL. CMO STAFF)
Cc: [email protected]; Szabo, Matthew
Subject: Outrage Over Politicization of the Public Library Date: Friday, February 14, 2025 12:59:02 PM
Some people who received this message don't often get email from [email protected]. Learn why this is important
Dear Members of the Huntington Beach City Council,
I am writing to express my profound disappointment and outrage over the decision to approve a commemorative plaque at the Central Library that is nothing more than a thinly veiled political statement. As someone who grew up with this library—a place meant to foster knowledge, inclusion, and community—I am appalled that you have chosen to tarnish its 50th anniversary celebration with an overtly partisan stunt.

Let me be absolutely clear: The use of an acrostic that spells out “MAGA” is not accidental, nor is it some innocent tribute to the library’s history. It is a blatant attempt to inject political propaganda into a public institution that should remain neutral and welcoming to all. Libraries are sanctuaries of learning, not billboards for political messaging, and yet you have prioritized pushing an ideology over maintaining the integrity of a space meant for everyone in this city.

Your actions have made it clear that this City Council does not represent the interests of the entire Huntington Beach community. Instead, you have exploited your position to force an agenda into a space where it has no place. The fact that the commission ignored overwhelming public opposition—both in person and via hundreds of emails— only underscores the arrogance and disregard for the very residents you were elected to serve. You are not governing; you are imposing.

This plaque is not a celebration; it is an embarrassment. It is divisive, inappropriate, and a slap in the face to those of us who value public institutions as places of education and inclusivity rather than platforms for political branding. If you are so desperate to pander to your base that you are willing to degrade a beloved library with a dog whistle slogan, then you have failed in your duty as public servants.

I demand that you reject this disgraceful plaque and instead dedicate resources to initiatives that genuinely support the library and its mission. If you proceed with this installation, know that history will remember this moment—not as a celebration of a library’s 50 years of service, but as the day this City Council chose to debase a public institution for political gain.

I urge you to do the right thing and put the community’s needs above your own partisan ambitions. The residents of Huntington Beach deserve better.

Sincerely,
Maria Valdez Haubrich
From: Levin, Shannon
To: [email protected]
Subject: Fw: Library plaque
Date: Friday, February 14, 2025 1:18:55 PM
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From: Marilyn Konowal <[email protected]>
Sent: Friday, February 14, 2025 12:49:31 PM
To: CITY COUNCIL (INCL. CMO STAFF) <[email protected]> Subject: Library plaque

Some people who received this message don't often get email from [email protected]. Learn why this is important
To the City Council Member of Huntington Beach
This email is a request to not approve the proposed plaque for the 50th anniversary of the Huntington Beach Library.

First of all, the cost of $7000 to create this plaque is ridiculous especially when our city is facing a serious budget crisis. Secondly, and most importantly, the plaque has been turned into a political statement with its blatant MAGA spelling of words to describe our library. Our HB Library has never been political and should remain so. A better alternative is needed.

Marilyn Konowal
50 year resident and home owner of Huntington Beach and registered voter From: Levin, Shannon
To: [email protected]
Subject: Fw: Proposed library plaque
Date: Friday, February 14, 2025 1:19:08 PM
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From: BETTY <[email protected]>
Sent: Friday, February 14, 2025 12:45:45 PM
To: CITY COUNCIL (INCL. CMO STAFF) <[email protected]> Subject: Proposed library plaque

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Dear Mayor Burns and Council Members,
If this is not the correct address for my communication, pleased me the favor of forwarding it to the appropriate recipients.

While I am not personally a resident of your city, my son and family are residents, and I have often enjoyed visiting your city and, and in particular your library. I was very distressed to learn today about the proposed text on the plaque commemorating the 50 years of your library’s existence. While the individual words could sound beautiful, the choice of inserting the MAGA not- at-all-hidden arrangement of wording ruins the whole celebration and divides your city rather than uniting it. Why would you want to do that? Please think it over again and act in a way that your entire lovely city could be unified in this celebration.

Sincerely,
Betty Kuehn
Anacortes, Wa.

From: Levin, Shannon
To: [email protected]
Subject: Fw: Library Plaque
Date: Friday, February 14, 2025 1:20:45 PM
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From: Sara Walk - <[email protected]>
Sent: Friday, February 14, 2025 9:52:44 AM
To: CITY COUNCIL (INCL. CMO STAFF) <[email protected]> Subject: Library Plaque

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You are showing me you don't care about the city or the people living in it, you care about pushing your own ideology. YOU are the voice of the people of Huntington Beach, not for a President half of us didn't vote for. And I know none of you will read this and actually care, I know you will just push aside my thoughts and feelings because they don't matter to you because I don't think the same way as you. It breaks my heart to think that the people representing my city only represent their self interests. If that isn't anti American I don't know what is. But I still felt the need to voice my opinion because part of me hopes that someone will actually care about all the people in the city and not just the ones that think like them.

I am so confused with how you all think as a city council that you represent all of HB when you go out of your way to push your own agenda. Winning does not mean ALL of the city voted for you. The plaque at the library for 50 years, with an Acronym of MAGA on it, is such a misuse of your positions and is absolutely disgusting. THAT IS MY LIBRARY. I have been taking my kids there since they were born. And in no way should it have any representation of ANY political party whatsoever, because in the next 50 years there will be other Presidents, other political parties in charge.

This is AMERICA built on differences of opinions and MAGA will go away eventually. And you guys are leaving behind in our city a plaque on an ideology that will not last forever.

What MAKES America great is, learning FROM our mistakes (because there are many) and becoming better, building on the inclusion of ALL people not just ones that fit in a conservative MAGA bubble, loving and helping your neighbors and building up something amazing not tearing it down because you can and have the power to do so. I KNOW not everyone thinks alike and I am ok with that, I don't want that, that is how America should be.

But steam rolling over each other doesn't progress anything. The next city council will steam roll over whatever you guys do to fit THEIR agenda, that is the precedent that you want to set? If you want to make lasting change you need to be the voice of the WHOLE city. I am a Christian mom of three and very involved in the community and I am embarrassed of our city.

Sara Walk
From: michael muller
To: [email protected]
Subject: Library plaque
Date: Friday, February 14, 2025 2:00:25 PM
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7K is a huge waste of money for what is essentially a troll job. Why is “MAGA” on a library plaque? It’s going to attract negative attention, attract vandals, and cost the taxpayers even more $. The library deserves to be honored, but in a less decisive, more cost effective manner.

Sent from my iPhone
From: karen montenegro
To: [email protected]
Cc: karen montenegro
Subject: Stop the MAGA plaque
Date: Friday, February 14, 2025 2:00:26 PM
You don't often get email from [email protected]. Learn why this is important We the people of Huntington Beach who do not repeat, DO NOT approve the mega plaque to be placed on the library or anywhere in Huntington Beach. I have been a resident of Huntington Beach for 45 years. Banning books and now this Remember what we are saying now when the next city Council vote comes up.

You can put this plaque up in your home, in your garage, In your kitchen, not on our PUBLIC library or any PUBLIC building in our city of Huntington Beach STOP THE PLAQUE!
Kind regards,
Karen Montenegro
From: Collin Murray
To: [email protected]
Subject: No library plaque!
Date: Friday, February 14, 2025 2:22:30 PM
You don't often get email from [email protected]. Learn why this is important In addition to spending $7000 on a plaque being a gross mismanagement of city funds, the attempt to sneak MAGA onto said plaque serves to further divide our citizens when we should be seeking unity.

The plaque is overwhelmingly unpopular, as indicated my the hundreds of citizens who spoke out against it when public comments were requested. Why has the city council chosen to unanimously ignore the will of its people?
Stop this outrage now.

James Murray
25 year HB resident
From: Russell Neal
To: [email protected]
Subject: Agenda Item 20 - Library Plaque
Date: Friday, February 14, 2025 2:26:40 PM
I am in favor of the plaque design commemorating the 50th anniversary of the library.as recommended by the Community & Library Services Commission. I am aware of the complaints of some over the MAGA theme, but would point out that (1) it does reflect the moment in which we live, and (2) that previous councils have used the library for far more explicit, and to some of us, offensive political purposes.

There is nothing wrong with wanting to make America great again, or wanting to make Huntington Beach great again either!
Russ Neal
Huntington Beach
From: Paula Schaefer
To: CITY COUNCIL (INCL. CMO STAFF); [email protected] Subject: VOTE NO on 2/18 Agenda Item # 20 HBPL Plaque
Date: Friday, February 14, 2025 3:23:05 PM
City Council Members:

You are urged to vote NO on this item.

Surely, you are capable of being more cognizant of the fact that commemorating the 50th Anniversary of the most important architectural feature of our city deserves a more dignified and sophisticated plaque.

The proposed designs are in clear violation of the HBPL's display policy.

The Huntington Beach Public Library has adopted the Library Display Policy, which states:
"Displays should not promote a specific religion or political party."
Each of the proposed designs promotes both religion and a political party, and therefore violates the Library Display Policy that the majority of this City Council approved in 2023.

City Council/Public Financing AuthorityFebruary 18, 2025

City Council/Public Financing Authority
February 18, 2025