City Council/Public Financing Authority
February 18, 2025

From: [email protected]
To: [email protected]
Subject: Library Plaque
Date: Friday, February 14, 2025 4:46:39 PM
You don't often get email from [email protected]. Learn why this is important Dear HB City Council,
The plaque celebrating the Huntington Beach Library’s 50th anniversary would be and is appropriate if the “Magical, Alluring, Galvanizing, Adventurous” adjectives are eliminated.

Using these ill-suited adjectives on a bronze commemorative plaque demeans the City Council members by making them look foolish and petty for generations to come.

Its an obvious stretch to try to use these inappropriate adjectives when commemorating a library’s 50th anniversary.

Perhaps Andrew Carnegie’s quote on libraries could be substituted “The best means of benefiting the community is to place within its reach the ladders upon which the aspiring can rise.”

Please consider the historical perspective and replace or eliminate the adjectives on this plaque
Art Ciancio
[email protected]
(714) 329-0923 2/28/2025
20 (25-102)
From: Vincent Tiziani
To: [email protected]
Subject: MAGA library plaque
Date: Friday, February 14, 2025 9:46:18 PM
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I’ve lived in hb/fv my entire life and it’s a shame to see our beautiful library politicized. Keep the library a free and open place, remove this attempt to solidify maga in a place that should be welcoming to everyone looking to learn.

Sent from my iPhone
From: Jodi Baldel
To: [email protected]
Subject: Library Plaque
Date: Saturday, February 15, 2025 12:22:12 AM
You don't often get email from [email protected]. Learn why this is important To the HB City Council,
I am writing in opposition of the new sign that is to be established at the library. I understand the implications of trying to give the acronym MAGA a different perspective; however, MAGA now has connotations deeply connected to the extreme right wing. The City Council is supposed to be neutral in their political stance, representing all residents of HB. Approving this sign demonstrates the Council's aligning with this extreme right.

This "MAGA" representation is the equivalent of trying to find an alternate, less offensive, meaning for a flag with a Swaztika on it. There is no way to water down this symbol and what it represents. Now, HB intends to post a sign on the library, where the meaning behind MAGA has strong, polarizing indications. This symbolism made public can increase polarization within our city.

Again, I'm in opposition of the sign being posted. I hope the Council starts looking for ways to unify this City, rather than intentionally taking steps to polarize the citizens further.

Respectfully,
Jodi Baldel
HB resident since 2010
From: [email protected]
To: [email protected]
Subject: Light show may violate law
Date: Saturday, February 15, 2025 7:14:51 AM
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Sent from my iPhone
The City Council is so crass - obviously not funded locally by people who care about the community.

A three year electronic air show contract? This will disturb nesting animals that are protected under federal law.

And we insist they change the “Alluring” on the MAGA plaque to “Apolitical” so it’s obvious how infantile the CC is.

From: Judy Morris
To: [email protected]
Subject: Items 20-Library Plaque & 24-Flowers of the Sky Date: Saturday, February 15, 2025 7:25:21 AM
Item 20-Library Plaque
Public libraries should be apolitical. Names of City Council members and politically appointed Library Services Commission members do not belong on this plaque. The MAGA acronym and “in God We Trust” are not appropriate to include on a plaque that purports to commemorate 50 years of public library services, by any stretch of the imagination.

The current city council has not been supportive of HBPL. They have been openly critical of educated, highly experienced librarians’ choices regarding the childrens’ book collection by alleging that there was pornographic material in the children’s library, but have yet to identify any such material. One council member has gone so far as to publicly insinuate that a former council member was a pedophile because he stated he would not hesitate to read a book the current council member referred to as a “pedophile’s dream” to his own child. City Council’s recent e-mails to residents requesting feedback about their “petition signing experience” appear to be an attempt to block a legal, democratic grass roots effort to simply keep the treasured HBPL as it currently exists.

Why not request community input in advance, or have a contest for residents to submit their ideas to showcase the library rather than creating a promotional tool for the current City Council and Library Commission members? This was a missed opportunity for the City Council to attempt to unite rather than continuing to divide the community.

There is no doubt the library is, and has always been a wonderful place for children.

Apparently the folks whose names are listed on the plaque aren't aware that adults are also welcome to utilize and enjoy the library. This plaque is an abomination rather than a commemoration.

Item 24-Flowers of the Sky
I believe the 6-8 month length of time that this project will occupy space within Central Park, and the resulting foot and automobile traffic would be excessive activity for our beautiful park and surrounding areas.

Maximum projections of 900 visitors and 300 vehicles per show at 4 shows per night will likely create many traffic log jams in the surrounding areas and a great deal of foot traffic within the park.

This project will undermine the natural habitat and peaceful nature of the park that residents of Huntington Beach deserve.

Please do not approve the project.

Judy Morris
31 year resident of Huntington Beach
From: lciancioroberts
To: [email protected]
Subject: HB Central Library 50th Anniversary Commemorative Plaque Date: Saturday, February 15, 2025 7:27:39 AM
Dear HB City Council,
I am writing to express my strong opposition to the current version of a proposed bronze plaque intended to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Huntington Beach Central Library. While celebrating the legacy of this vital institution is worthwhile, the wording contained on this plaque does not honor the library’s contributions; instead, it serves as a poorly disguised political statement. This is inappropriate and an irresponsible use of public resources at a time when our city faces massive budget cuts and a severe deficit crisis. True leadership requires prioritizing fiscal responsibility over sentiment. Simply removing the MAGA portion would not only eliminate unnecessary political messaging but could reduce the plaque’s size – and cost – by at least 25%.

I still recall with pride today, the contribution our family made to the library fund over 30 years ago in memory of my grandfather. We chose this memorial donation because we believed it would be a meaningful way to symbolically honor his legendary love of knowledge, learning and civic engagement. If any values or adjectives should be spelled out, they should be these, not an acronym aimed at ideological grandstanding. A plaque celebrating the library’s 50 years of service, should reflect timeless ideals and its lasting impact, not a particular political slogan, figure, party, or era. If you wish to honor the Central Library, do so in a way that truly benefits the institution and the people it serves. Use city resources to maintain and improve it, not to prop up a self-serving political spectacle.

It is deeply disheartening to see those who were elected to represent my conservative values— principles like responsible fiscal stewardship, respect for public trust, and a focus on community needs—engaging in a petty display of power that lacks integrity. Do not mistake votes for your leadership as consent to engage in symbolic theatrics that alienate, provoke, and diminish the credibility of our local government.

As leaders, be mindful of the legacy you are crafting, as history will judge not only your policies but also the honor with which you served. Will you be remembered for making meaningful contributions to our community, or for prioritizing divisive, self-serving gestures over real leadership?
I urge you to reconsider this decision and instead focus on genuinely serving the needs of this community. Let’s return to the work of making Huntington Beach a place of principled leadership, not empty showmanship. The residents of this city deserve better.

Sincerely,
L. Roberts

From: Margie Lewis
To: [email protected]
Subject: Library Plaque
Date: Saturday, February 15, 2025 7:52:04 AM
You don't often get email from [email protected]. Learn why this is important Dear Members of the Huntington Beach City Council,
I urge you to reject the proposed design for a plaque commemorating the 50th anniversary of the wonderful Huntington Beach Library.

Using “MAGA,” even though it’s portrayed as an acronym for something other than how it is normally understood in today’s world, is terribly wrong. It needlessly politicizes the library, one of the jewels of our city.

The library is open to all; and everyone in the city, regardless of their political leanings, should feel welcome. At no time should the library be identified with any political slogans or partisanship.

Please vote no on approving this proposal. Our library and our city deserve something much, much better.

Sincerely,
Marjorie Lewis
3201 Moritz Dr, Huntington Beach, CA 92649
From: Diana Lithgow
To: [email protected]
Subject: No MAGA Plaque for HB Library
Date: Saturday, February 15, 2025 7:56:02 AM
You don't often get email from [email protected]. Learn why this is important Dear Huntington Beach City Council,
I strongly object to the proposal to install a MAGA PLAQUE in our Huntington Beach Library.

Politics aside, the plaque is divisive, ugly, and the designer ignored the accomplishments of the HB Library in it's 50 year history. Please have a plaque designed to HONOR the Library and include all citizens of Huntington Beach, and not focus on political nonsense.

Outraged,
Diana and Douglas Lithgow
42-year Homeowners Huntington Beach City

19841 Flagstone Lane
Huntington Beach, CA 92646
714-964-4145
Diana Lithgow, PhD, DNP, RN, FNP-BC, FAANP
Professor of Nursing
College of Graduate Nursing
Western University of Health Science
909-469-5523 (CGN Office)
[email protected]
From: Maria Sugranes
To: [email protected]
Subject: City Agenda
Date: Saturday, February 15, 2025 9:30:14 AM
1) $7,000 for a plaque is ridiculous. Don't do it.
2) A light show in Central Park will disturb our prized habitat. Move it to the beach. 3) Accept the petitions the citizens of HB signed. Move on from this issue. 4) Please pay attention to city issues not national ones --
Maria Sugranes
HB homeowner since 1973
From: John Gramata
To: [email protected]
Subject: Library Plaque
Date: Saturday, February 15, 2025 9:53:43 AM
[You don't often get email from [email protected]. Learn why this is important at https://aka.ms/LearnAboutSenderIdentification ]
That plaque is embarrassing. We have a council of children. Can someone google 50th anniversary plaque and look at how a proper plaque honoring a 50th anniversary should look. Was this designed by someone’s 10 year old kid? Being conservative is a good thing, being petty children is not. What does maga have to do with a library? If you are going to do grade school assignments on a public plaque, at least pick a word relevant to a library… -John
Sent from my iPhone
From: Michele Burgess
To: [email protected]; CITY COUNCIL (INCL. CMO STAFF) Subject: 2/18/25 City Council Meeting, Agenda Item #20, File #25-102 Date: Saturday, February 15, 2025 11:02:30 AM
DO NOT Approve the Design of a Plaque Celebrating the Huntington Beach Public Library’s 50th Anniversary as Recommended by the Community & Library Services Commission (puppets who rubber stamp anything councilmembers tell them to)
It’s wonderful that the 50th anniversary of the Huntington Beach Public Library is being recognized with a bronze plaque. However....

Instead of celebrating the library’s rich history and contributions, and its 50 years of service as a vital (not virtual) resource for education, literacy, and community engagement, it is a very expensive self-serving monument to a long list of partisan politicians, political appointees, an acting city manager, one valuable librarian, and an ideology known as MAGA with a nod to Christianity.

More words are used to name individuals and titles for people who just happen to be in office in 2025 than for the library itself. The library has been here for 50 years, the councilmembers a couple of years or less, the commission members a couple of years or only a couple of months. Recognizing the longevity and community value of our beloved public library is the reason for this plaque, but you sure can't tell by the design. Even the name of the library is in a small font.

The MAGA allusion (Magical, Alluring, Galvanizing, Adventurous) is pathetic and juvenile. "Alluring" and "Galvanizing" are really dumb; you could have closed your eyes and picked any adjective that starts with A or G and done better.

The large, ornate eagle? Militaristic and reminiscent of Nazism.

In God We Trust? Partial to one religion and feels like you’re designing a coin.

Do curtains in the upper corners represent the nefarious shenanigans going on behind the scenes, which will ultimately be revealed?
So thoughtful that you included little logos for the city and the library.

Seriously, politics have no place on a public, taxpayer-funded building, especially a library that should be welcoming to all.

Even the language is bizarre. A sanctuary for children to feel safe, valued and free to grow? Only if they’re not gay. The library is for people of all ages, religions (or not), and sexual orientation/gender identity.

Why a distinction between councilman and council woman (which should actually be one word)? Because you believe there are only two genders, as assigned at birth? Who designed this poor excuse for what should be a nonpartisan commemorative to the library? You claim there was input from the community. Who, exactly, were these people? The MAGA community? Certainly not any of the librarians. The word salad proposed by Chad Williams clutters the terrible design even more. What a mess.

Who would be paid an exorbitant $7,000 to produce and install the plaque? Let's see the details of the cost estimate. Why would the library’s maintenance fund be raided to pay for it? You now claim you have donations to cover the cost. Who contributed? Ed Laird? Kevin Elliott? Calvary Chapel members?
Here’s a better idea to celebrate our much-loved, award-winning public library, an architectural gem. Get the entire community involved and hold a design competition.

Hold one or more fund-raising events to solicit donations for a classy plaque that doesn’t honor politicians and their ideology, but the library itself. This would result in a more appropriate design, and the library’s maintenance account could be better used for something like repairing the fountains.

I strongly urge you to reject the proposed design and language for the plaque. You can — and should — do better.

Make
Authoritarians
Go
Away
Michele Burgess
HB resident since 1961
From: H. Delaney
To: [email protected]
Subject: Public Comment Central Library 50th Year Anniversary Plaque Date: Saturday, February 15, 2025 11:25:13 AM
You don't often get email from [email protected]. Learn why this is important To the Council Members of Huntington Beach,
I am writing in Public Comment regarding the Central Library 50 Year Anniversary commemorative plaque. When I was a child my since departed grandmother, then a HB resident, took me to the Central Library often to check out books, and I’d accompany her through the “non-children” stacks as well, exposing me to a world of knowledge bigger than myself. She collected all her spare change in large jars, and when they were all full we’d deposit them in the large donation box with the creature (my memory says dragon). We’d also walk through the park, and she’d buy me some corn kernels from the park cafe to feed the ducks. We’d walk around the library fountains - I was very excited when they were renovated and running again.

I also used this library throughout my schooling in HB. I attended Smith, Seacliff, Dwyer and am a HBHS alumna. My father also graduated from HBHS. I moved to HB in 4th grade, and because of my grandmother I had spent more time at the Central Library than most of my peers who had lived in HB since birth. My experiences at this library were formative to who I am today. Some background now provided, I am deeply disheartened by the proposed content of the plaque. It is an affirming nod to the Trump administration, and it is disingenuous to say otherwise, MAGA masquerading as a switched up acronym akin to the spelling and vocabulary lessons K-8 teachers create for their students (M is for…). It’s not sincere. It is childish.

Politicizing a public library is hurtful to me and my grandmother’s memory and above all to curiosity and the pursuit of knowledge. I also feel that a graphic reflecting the uniqueness of the library (ex. located in a park setting, HB’s surf culture, marine life, etc.) and something that appeals to both children and adults would be more impactful than a generic eagle and American flag that looks like clip art plopped at the top. This isn’t to say patriotism doesn’t have a place - it’s that celebrating local pride and what makes the HB Central Library unique should take the forefront here. As the content and design stands today, both my grandmother and myself would have felt very uncomfortable. Kids pick up on this, and it would have made me feel unwelcome. As an adult, it makes me feel unwelcome. I truly hope the Council will see the error in this plaque design, from the content to the design execution, and will make changes accordingly.

I know the City Council is very supportive of the Trump administration, but you have a duty to represent and advocate for all of Huntington Beach, not just your personal and narrow ideologies. Please do what the Central Library taught me: to know the world and human experience is bigger than oneself.

Sincerely,
Hayley Delaney
From: [email protected]
To: [email protected]
Subject: Library Plaque
Date: Saturday, February 15, 2025 12:34:26 PM
You don't often get email from [email protected]. Learn why this is important I am a resident of Huntington Beach and I have become extremely concerned with the direction of this current City Council. Frankly, it has become embarrassing to disclose my hometown name.

The proposed plaque with the obvious agenda of celebrating the MAGA cult is not in synch with what the city or library should represent.

The city attorney took off for DC to work for t-rump and has left the city in a legal quagmire that may be very costly in so many counts.

From: Andrew Einhorn
To: [email protected]
Subject: Plaque
Date: Saturday, February 15, 2025 12:50:43 PM
Attention HB Council,
The $7,000 library plaque with a MAGA reference is a blatant political statement and has absolutely no place in celebrating our library’s 50th anniversary. This is yet another shameless attempt to sow division in our city.

It’s disgraceful and unacceptable.

Huntington Beach deserves leadership that prioritizes the well-being of its residents, not petty partisan stunts.

Sincerely,
Andrew Einhorn, 40+ year resident of HB
P.S. Why do we have council members who vape during meetings making decisions for our city? You’re an embarrassment.

From: [email protected]
To: CITY COUNCIL (INCL. CMO STAFF); [email protected] Subject: 2-18-25 Council Meeting
Date: Saturday, February 15, 2025 2:00:04 PM
As the city council considers items 22 and 23 regarding the two petitions to protect our library on the agenda for February 18th, you have choices to make.

You can simply accept the actions requested by the petitions, you can put the items on the next general election ballot, or you can call for a special election for those ballot measures.

Let’s take agenda item 22, the request to repeal the ordinance that created the book review committee, first. The ordinance has been in place since March of 2024, yet that commission does not exist, nor has it done any work.

Given that you have a stated goal to make the government more efficient and to cut costs, clearly the most appropriate choice for this item is to simply accept and adopt what the petitions request: the deletion of Chapter 2.66 of title 2, i.e., the abolishment of the Community Parent Guardian Review Board. That decision essentially costs the city nothing to implement and actually saves money by not having to buy multiple copies of books for review.

It also streamlines operations by removing the minimum twice a year commission review process that could easily take over a year to approve or reject a book.

The second most responsible decision you can take is to simply decide to put the measure on the next general election ballot. Again, since the commission does not exist and is performing no work, there is no negative impact on operations, and putting a ballot measure on a general election ballot is the least expensive path to a city-wide election.

Calling for a special election is the most expensive option, and, given the city’s financial straits, clearly an irresponsible choice.

The choices for item 23 regarding public operation of the library system are much the same.

Accepting what the petitions request has zero financial impact unless the council once again tries to outsource library operations. And given that the library’s operational costs are a very small percentage of the city’s budget, it’s not the most fruitful place to look for cost savings.

Perhaps you might look at the city attorney’s office whose personnel cost increased 35% since 2022 and whose primary attorney has amongst the highest compensation of any municipal attorney in the state.

Once again, the second most responsible action is to place the measure on the next general election ballot. As with item 22, the most cost-effective method to hold an election is the council chooses not to accept the first option.

And, like with item 22, choosing to call for a special election is the most expensive and least responsible choice to make. (And we all remember that you chose to spend an extra $300K- $400K to put measures A, B, and C on the primary ballot, rather than waiting for the general election.)

So we will all be watching closely to see if you really care about being fiscally responsible, or if it’s just a buzzword you like to use to attack programs that don’t knuckle under to you, while ignoring the fiscal implications of things you like.

Next, on to item 20 – the supposed 50
th Anniversary Library Plaque. By now, it cannot be lost on you the amount of outrage that the public has over this abomination of a plaque. Fully 90% of the speakers at the Library and Community Services Commission meeting opposed the plaque in its current form. Supplemental communications were essentially universal in their condemnation. No one is opposed to a plaque celebrating our library – that’s what the plaque is supposed to do. The proposed plaque had zero public input, is a massive departure from established design guidelines, violates the library own posting guidelines, and is a celebration of your political point of view – not a celebration of our library. You may think this is some clever one-up on your political opponents, but it’s really just another wedge creating more divisiveness in our city. You should be ashamed.

Finally, we come to the Flowers of the Sky proposal – item 24. You saw the public outcry when you tried to slide it through on the consent calendar. You have taken little, if any, of the feedback you received. There have been no public meetings, no discussion of how noise, light, and parking will affect the surrounding neighborhoods and wildlife. The EIR amendment glibly states that lights and speakers are “angled away” from neighborhoods. That shows a fundamental misunderstanding of wave theory and how sound and light propagate, which is omnidirectionally. It also seems to state that, because mats are being used for the walkway, no damage to the area will occur. Really? How about the grandstands, the water basin for the fountains, the walls or fences to partition the area off from the rest of the park? How can these items be in place for eight months of the year without doing damage? How was the $50,000 restoration fee calculated? Is that per year, or over the three-to-four-year life of the contract? What recourse does the city have if the restoration is not up to snuff? You were encouraged to consider other sites. I see no evidence that you have done so. The only change I see from your previous attempt is that there is now a contract for us to review. What I don’t see is any financial analysis the suggests what the net revenue the city can hope to gain from this event.

And I emphasize net revenue, because, like in the airs how settlement, you are committing the city to provide parking, parking attendants and enforcement, public safety, etc. So, we are incurring expenses for the benefit of the promoter, but I don’t see anywhere those expenses are explicitly covered. They apparently are supposed to come out of our revenue from ticket sales and parking, but I see no analysis for the citizens to review. And frankly, with at least two other similar established shows within easy driving distance, I’d like to see some market analysis on the appetite for such shows. Three to four shows a night for six months every year for three years is over a million people a year – more than three times the total population of Huntington Beach. What evidence do you have that there’s a market for 3-4 million visitors for this show?

Maybe the decision should be based on something a bit more factual than the fact that Tony’s consultant buddy from Ventura brought this to the city council.

David Rynerson
From: Mary
To: [email protected]
Subject: Feb 18 Agenda Items
Date: Saturday, February 15, 2025 3:09:47 PM
You don't often get email from [email protected]. Learn why this is important I am opposed to any city plaques becoming political, regardless of party. Don't politicize our library.

Everyone I have spoke to is against this travesty to our beautiful Central Park. You will not be popular if this gets approved. The park is a place for peace and serenity. Not a light show. Not to mention the disturbance to the wildlife.

Please listen to your constituents.

From: Mary Taddeo
To: [email protected]
Subject: Maga plaque
Date: Saturday, February 15, 2025 3:20:00 PM
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I strongly object to the politicization of the library by placing a plaque associated with right wing ideology at the entrance. The library should be a safe zone for all people and free from political leanings.

A better slogan would be: Huntington Beach Library-enlightenment one page at a time.

Claiming that “make America great” is a good thing, is just a blatant attempt to curry favor with the current administration. You are not fooling anyone.

Sent from my iPad
From: Sharon Cohoon
To: [email protected]
Subject: Library plaque
Date: Saturday, February 15, 2025 7:18:01 PM
Celebrations of our library anniversary should be timeless. A plaque that instead spells out MAGA in adjectives that seem arbitrarily chosen and have no connection with what the library is all about does not meet that criteria.

Years from now and I suspect not that many this addition to an otherwise fine plaque will be embarrassing. Don’t go ahead with this. This is stupid.

Sent from my iPhone
From: Carol Daus
To: [email protected]; CITY COUNCIL (INCL. CMO STAFF) Subject: In Opposition to Plaque Appeoval
Date: Saturday, February 15, 2025 9:02:36 PM
Dear Council Members,
I oppose the design and wording of the library plaque.

Why?
1) A public library commemorative plaque should not contain political slogans and messaging.

The commissioners are disingenuous in stating that “MAGA” is not a political phrase. 2) There is no reference to the world-famous architect who designed this incredible building. 3) There is no reference to all the volunteers and patrons who have contributed so much over 50 years to make HBPL’s Central Library one of the best libraries in the state. 4) The word choices are peculiar, particularly “alluring” which also means seductive.

Please rethink this proposed plaque’s design. It’s embarrassing and polarizing for our city.

Thank you,
Carol Daus
30-year resident of HB
From: Julie Bixby
To: [email protected]
Subject: Re: Council agenda 2/18/2025, multiple items
Date: Sunday, February 16, 2025 7:46:41 AM
You don't often get email from [email protected]. Learn why this is important To Council persons of all genders, faiths and creeds:

RE: Item 25-102 – Design of Library Anniversary Plaque

The City Council is blatantly using a City resource for its own political gain.

The font size of the front-and-center MAGA acrostic is so much larger than that of “Huntington Beach Central Library”, and there’s so much star- spangled fluff around it, that the plaque looks like it’s recognizing 50 years of MAGA, a well-known political movement, rather than the City’s Library.

Further adding to the plaque’s political message, it displays the individual names and offices of the loud and proud MAGA elected officials.

The City’s Code of Ethics – you did read it, didn’t you? – says “I do not use my office or the resources of the City for personal or political gain.” Plastering a political logo/acronym with your name and office on a City resource sounds very much like using a City resource for political gain, which violates the Code of Ethics.

RE: Items 25-087 & 25-126 pertaining to placing the Citizens Initiatives on the ballot

Deputy City Manager Jennifer Carey, who prepared these two RCAs, gets creative – to put it politely - with the fiscal impact of placing the citizen initiatives on the General Election ballot. She writes for both 25-087 & 25- 126:

“The next General Election would be November 3, 2026. Should the City Council elect to submit for this date, the cost would range from $340,515 to $399,499. If the City Council decides to include the second citizen initiative… an additional cost of approximately $8,500 would be incurred for both scenarios.”

This makes it sound like the cost of including a single initiative on a GE ballot is an astounding six figures, yet somehow tacking on a second initiative adds a mere $8,500.

This is a false narrative. Less than a year ago, the text of a similar RCA, 24-465, which was co-written by Carey, read simple and clear:

“The estimated additional cost to place one Charter amendment measure on the November 5, 2024 General Election ballot is $10,000, bringing the total estimated cost for the November 5, 2024 General Municipal Election to $310,000. (emphasis added)

Funds to cover this amount are budgeted in FY 2024/25 Election Account No. 10010201.69505.”

How in the world did the cost of adding one item to a GE ballot go from $10,000 to $300,000+ in less than a year?

It didn’t, although the phrasing of the current RCAs implies that it did, thereby misleading the public (and possibly the Council) that adding just one ballot initiative would be an enormous expenditure it can’t afford.

Moreover, RCAs 25-087 & 25-126 don’t mention that funds are always provided in the City’s budget to cover basic General Election costs, expanding the false narrative that the City can’t afford to put the (supposedly costly) citizen initiatives on a GE ballot. Had the current RCAs been written in the same clear verbiage as the prior 24-465, this false impression wouldn’t exist.

The City Council needs to stop playing games and stop fabricating excuses (including the “were you lied to” survey) to avoid placing the lawfully submitted citizen initiatives on the 2026 General Election ballot.

RE: Item 25-017 – Flowers of the Sky License Agreement

I’m disturbed by the City’s selling out of its parkland to try to make a quick buck. The ends don’t justify the means.

I’m also particularly dismayed by the vendor’s obligation of “Shall provide a complimentary hospitality package that includes 400 complimentary VIP hospitality passes for the event per year for use by City’s employees and representatives.”

400 VIP passes per year? It seems a rather excessive number of freebies being doled out. It also begs the question of how, exactly, these hundreds of yearly freebies serve “a legitimate public purpose of the City… consistent with state law” per Resolution No. 2013-23. (emphasis added)

Requiring the distribution of 400 VIP passes sounds awfully like bribery to me, a “pay to play” scheme (aka, we’ll let you hold your event if you give us a bucket load of free passes to attend it).

The City doesn’t need to be so greedy. Cutting the number of passes in half to 200 (or cutting even fewer to 100), you still have a generous allotment for whatever “legitimate public purpose” premise you come up with.
--
Julie Bixby
Huntington Beach
From: Jen Bledsoe
To: CITY COUNCIL (INCL. CMO STAFF); [email protected] Subject: Library plaque
Date: Sunday, February 16, 2025 8:33:05 AM
Some people who received this message don't often get email from [email protected]. Learn why this is important
Hello,
I am writing to voice my objection to the proposed plaque in honor of the library's 50th. As for the plaque, the presence of the eagle at the center top bears distinct resemblance to the symbol of the luftwaffe (hopefully this was a mistake). The actual library logo is quite small, and I see that you intend to enshrine your names on the plaque which is meant to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the library. The black and gold color selection is offensive as well (proud boys colors, hopefully also a mistake, and not a pattern when considered together with the eagle). To cry about budget shortfalls, while wasting money on this disingenuous "commemoration" in an attempt to flex is petty and divisive. For a town who relies on tourist dollars, I hate to see our city in the national news for stunts like this.

As for the library petitions, I have not received the emails that others have which question whether those who signed were misinformed or misled as to the contents of the petitions. Nor have I received phone calls questioning the same. So, I'd like to get out in front of that: I knowingly signed both petitions, having read their contents ahead of time. Please stop stalling and obfuscating. The signatures were in excess of the number needed, and the OC Registrar of Voters certified. This should proceed to the next step. Please do the will of the people.

And I'm still opposed to the proposed light show in Central Park, though I appreciate Casey's response to my prior email.

Jennifer Bledsoe
From: Elizabeth Callaghan
To: [email protected]
Subject: Library plague
Date: Sunday, February 16, 2025 8:45:17 AM
You don't often get email from [email protected]. Learn why this is important The plaque does not represent the library at all! It is very ugly...I support moving forward with the library ballots and keep this institution the way it has been the previous 50 years!!! Elizabeth Callaghan
resident of HB for 40 years
From: [email protected]
To: [email protected]; CITY COUNCIL (INCL. CMO STAFF) Subject: Item 20, 25-102
Date: Sunday, February 16, 2025 9:08:54 AM
Dear City Council

To truly honor the history, architecture, and purpose of the Huntington Beach Public Library, consider the following alternative plaque options:

Option 1: Architectural & Community Legacy
Option2: Honoring the Library’s Mission
Option 3: Celebrating Civic Engagement & Intellectual Freedom

Charles Jackson, a 23 year resident of Huntington Beach

From: Mark Tonkovich
To: [email protected]
Subject: Flowers of Light and Library plaque
Date: Sunday, February 16, 2025 9:27:30 AM
Dear Mayor Burns, Mayor Pro Tem McKeon and City Council members, Hope you all are doing well. This e-mail reflects the thoughts of my wife, son and I, two homeowners in HB.

We do not feel it is proper of Symphony of Flowers to take over a good portion of our Central Park. This is not a small task and will deprive us of this area of the park for months upon end. It will disrupt the use of the park and have an effect on the surrounding area. Please do not enact this.

As for the library plaque, We voted for Trump 3 times, I have several MAGA hats and Trump flag. We voted for all of you too. As much as I agree with MAGA, we do not feel its incorporation into the plaque is the right thing to do, it actually seems immature. We recommend redesign it without the MAGA.

We also feel the library petitions are just wasting our taxes. How much was spent on signature verification? If, in fact, this has to move forward, use the least costly method, a General Municipal Election, not a special election to cut our losses.

Thank you for the consideration.

Best,
Mark Tonkovich and family.

From: Kristina Mahan
To: CITY COUNCIL (INCL. CMO STAFF); [email protected] Subject: Opposition to light show
Date: Sunday, February 16, 2025 10:35:29 AM
Hello city council,
I am writing in strong opposition of the proposed light show being installed at Central Park.

We need to value our open spaces that thousands of people use every day. We have many protected species who call our park home. Additionally, our park is on the migratory path of many bird species, including the Bald Eagle. Disrupting these creatures will be an enormous shame on our city.

I understand the purpose for wanting this light show is to bring in revenue to help balance our woeful budget deficit. You can only blame yourselves for the state of our budget. And you are decreasing tourism to our area as many people do you want to come here due to your MAGA leadership. In fact, many locals also do not spend their money here.

Instead of spending our money on your pet MAGA projects, why don't you work on improving our infrastructure and protecting our open spaces and wildlife? You know, like a real city council should be doing.

And get your stupid MAGA plaque off our library. You don't deserve it.

Kristina Mahan
From: Linda Mendez
To: [email protected]
Subject: NO‼‼‼
Date: Sunday, February 16, 2025 11:13:59 AM
[You don't often get email from [email protected]. Learn why this is important at https://aka.ms/LearnAboutSenderIdentification ]
I am definitely against the plaque you intend to place in OUR library. It should be from the citizens of this city, not from seven who blatantly brag and push their political beliefs.

Also, PLEASE‼An electronic light show on our beautiful park and charge us to see it??? NO‼NO‼NOOOOO‼‼‼
Sent from my iPhone
From: Sue Welfringer
To: [email protected]
Subject: Oppose Design of the Library Plaque
Date: Sunday, February 16, 2025 11:39:35 AM
Dear Mayor and City Council Members,

I object to the proposed designs for the library plaque. Seriously, “alluring?” It sounds like the library is draped in a negligee. Words matter, more specifically: word choice matters. A political campaign message does not belong on a commemorative plaque for our library.

I understand you are passionate in your MAGA values, and that works for you. But for this plaque, please remember, you represent every citizen of Huntington Beach. It is your duty and responsibility to bring our community together, not divide us with words that, for many, feels like a middle finger salute.

Please do the right thing and choose better.

Regards,

Sue Welfringer
Resident since 1997
From: Ginny Bean
To: [email protected]; CITY COUNCIL (INCL. CMO STAFF) Cc: Ginny Bean
Subject: Library and Central Park
Date: Sunday, February 16, 2025 11:47:48 AM
You don't often get email from [email protected]. Learn why this is important Dear City Council Members:

First, the acronym MAGA I cannot even believe that you would even think this design is right to celebrate the 50 years the library has been open. I as with many other citizens whether they are Republican or Democrat are appalled at this design.

The Library is a beautiful landmark in our city and to use the MAGA reference is very inappropriate. Our Library should not be affiliated or referenced to a political party. It should be recognized for all the good it has done in our community. This is an insult to all the citizens and the programs that our beautiful library has provided our city.

Second, after reading many comments of Facebook and Nextdoor regarding using "a public park" for a light show and how it will affect the park and the land, I am against using this as a venue for profit (but not much) for that many months out of the year. I walk this part a couple of times a week and will hate to see it used for this type of venue. Mr. Steve Engel and his many volunteers have spent and continue to spend enormous amount of time making the park look beautiful.

Many of you ran for CC on platforms to protect our Library and Our Parks, please remember that when you’re ready to vote. But unfortunately, many of your citizens that you represent feel that you will already have your mind up before starting the meeting. Please listen to the comments and the emails that you will be receiving, we all want what's best for our hometown.

Sincerely,
Ginny (Virginia) Bean - a 48 year resident of HB
714-325-5240
15892 Malm Circle
Huntington Beach, CA 93647

From: Judy Brusslan
To: [email protected]
Subject: NO on MAGA Library Plaque, NO on Symphony of Flowers, YES on library petitions Date: Sunday, February 16, 2025 8:04:07 PM
You don't often get email from [email protected]. Learn why this is important The MAGA plaque is partisan and our library is not.

The Symphony of Flowers will destroy wildlife habitats in our Central Park.

The petitions were approved by the OC Registrar and the people in HB should be given the chance to vote on the petitions they signed. I had the ordinance in hand when people signed the petition. They could read the word "PROCUREMENT", this is not moving books, this means not purchasing books. This is the definition of book banning: they cannot be procured by the library. Maybe you need to look up the word "PROCUREMENT"? Thank you,
Dr. Judy Brusslan
Huntington Beach Resident
From: [email protected]
To: [email protected]; CITY COUNCIL (INCL. CMO STAFF) Subject: comment - 25-102 Library 50th anniversary plaque Date: Monday, February 17, 2025 7:52:27 AM
You don't often get email from [email protected]. Learn why this is important Dear Council Members,
As a staunch supporter of all of you, I'm writing to you to express my utter disappointment on the design of the Library's 50th anniversary. This is not a classic design and the message only divides our community.

I implore all of you to vote no for this design.

I understand this plaque is being paid for by private donations. It seems to me that this money should be used for something the library and it's patrons could actually use.

However, if the need to commemorate this milestone is the goal, there is a way to convey the message intended without making it political.

Sincerely,
Claudia Bitzer
6892 Rook Dr, 92647
714-861-0682
From: Lindsay K
To: [email protected]
Subject: Design of a Plaque Celebrating the Huntington Beach Public Library’s 50th Anniversary as Recommended by the Community & Library Services Commission
Date: Monday, February 17, 2025 8:54:23 AM
Hello HB City Council,
I urge you to vote no on agenda item 25-102, the poorly designed and politically divisive plaque purportedly to honor the 50th anniversary of the Huntington Beach Central Library. It is as ugly in design as it is in its intent and will only serve to highlight the bullying and childish attacks by this council on the library. Consider how you will be viewed in the future as your names are all on this hideous folly and send it back to the drawing board.

Sincerely,
Lindsay Klick
Mother, HB Resident, Librarian
From: Linda Rose
To: [email protected]
Subject: My message to our city council
Date: Monday, February 17, 2025 11:15:45 AM
[You don't often get email from [email protected]. Learn why this is important at https://aka.ms/LearnAboutSenderIdentification ]
Council members, why do you encourage devision in our city? City council is not supposed to be political. You encourage this by using a MAGA sign on our library. Two past mayors , Shirley Dettloff and Ralph Bauer, were in different parties but no one knew this and we own the beautiful and well used Senior Center that they worked hard to establish. We should not even know what party you belong to but you propagate it! I thought your party stands for individual rights, less government. Now you are proposing taking away our public library and deciding what books our children can read? Should that not be a parent’s right to choose? I have been a homeowner here in over 40 years and am tired of paying for the law suits you loose by refusing to follow CA laws. Wouldn’t you be happier in Florida. Tito Ortiz is where he belongs . Linda Rose Sent from my iPad
From: JEAN GARREN
To: [email protected]
Subject: Everything going on
Date: Monday, February 17, 2025 11:25:25 AM
You don't often get email from [email protected]. Learn why this is important

1. Leave the library alone.

2. Get the maga sign off the library.

3. Stop supporting trump and muskrats horrible agenda that is hurting most Americans!!

4.Bring back diversity to HB.

5. Good riddance to Micheal Gates.

Thank you
Jean Garren
I
Sent from the all new AOL app for iOS
From: Danni Engle
To: [email protected]
Subject: Library Plaque
Date: Monday, February 17, 2025 11:39:06 AM
You don't often get email from [email protected]. Learn why this is important As a resident of Huntington Beach for the majority of my life, 64 years, I'm protective of my city and find the plaque you intend to place in "our" library offensive and very self-serving. If a plague is offered to commemorate the 50th anniversary of our library it should be from the citizens of the city, not from individual's who also chose to highlight MAGA in these very divided times. However it is meant, it is totally inappropriate and classless. I would expect our city council to have more awareness to choose their words appropriately and not to bring your political beliefs to a neutral, public place.

Beyond disappointed,
Danni Engle
From: Karen Montenegro
To: [email protected]
Cc: Karen Montenegro
Subject: STOP the maga plaque
Date: Monday, February 17, 2025 12:08:04 PM
You don't often get email from [email protected]. Learn why this is important We demand that the maga plaque not to be erected on the library building or any other city building. Nor any religious plaques of any sort on any city building. There is no room for political or religious plaques on any of our buildings. This plaque does not represent all of your cities constituents/residence.

Stop this plaque from being erected.

Get Outlook for iOS
From: Annilise Flanagan-Frankl
To: [email protected]
Subject: Board agenda
Date: Monday, February 17, 2025 2:10:16 PM
You don't often get email from [email protected]. Learn why this is important Note that has a homeowner and taxpayer in Huntington Beach. I do not approve of the sign that has been considered for the library. I also am absolutely opposed to the light show in Central Park. Why can’t it be on the beach. The light show will impact not only the viability of the landscaping in Central Park. It will impact the neighborhood around it with parking and challenges for traffic.It could be moved to the beach and have a very easy access and would benefit downtown businesses.

Annilise M. Flanagan-Frankl, M.A.

CounselingPsychologist
Nationally Certified School Psychologist​
Remember - the past is over, the future is a mystery,and today is a gift. That is why it is called the PRESENT.

Make today count.

Call: 847-226-3119

From: Tim Holland
To: [email protected]
Subject: 50th anniversary Library
Date: Monday, February 17, 2025 2:28:49 PM
You don't often get email from [email protected]. Learn why this is important Dear Councilpersons,
I see a tremendous miscommunication occurring between you and the people of Huntington Beach.

I have seen you guys on Channel 3 telling us of the enormous budget deficit you cannot fix. Yet here you are spending more money on a LUXURY item of a bronze plaque, You have to stop spending on things like this to get our budget under control. The only way to eat an elephant is one bite at a time. Spend that money on unfunded necessities. Thats your job, please do it.

Thanks , Tim Holland
From: Flynn, Kelly
To: [email protected]
Subject: Library Plaque Opposition
Date: Monday, February 17, 2025 2:34:27 PM
You don't often get email from [email protected]. Learn why this is important Hello,
I am writing to oppose the new library plaque design. It is unnecessarily political and disrespectful and shouldn't be allowed.

Sincerely,
Huntington Beach Home Owner Kelly Flynn
From: Heidi Pallares
To: [email protected]; CITY COUNCIL (INCL. CMO STAFF) Subject: Public Comment for 2/18/25 City Council Meeting: Agenda Items 25-102, 25-087 and 25-126 Date: Monday, February 17, 2025 3:15:58 PM
Some people who received this message don't often get email from [email protected]. Learn why this is important
To the Huntington Beach City Council-
I plead with you to please listen to the residents of this community about what is happening at our library.

Elements of this message were sent to the Community and Library Services Commission last week for their meeting regarding the anniversary plaque design, and each of you were copied.

Despite the outreach from myself and 300+ others (as reported in multiple media outlets), in addition to the dozens who spoke out against it in person, did not impact the voting of the commission. It seems clear that their minds were already made up to approve it, regardless of the passionate public input from residents.

I hope that is not the case for the City Council, and that you listen to your constituents who you were elected to represent. You owe it to each and every resident in Huntington Beach. I may be one resident representing a family of four, but I speak for many others who are as troubled as we are about what is happening in Huntington Beach.

I am a lifelong resident of Huntington Beach who has been a visitor to the public library at Central Park since my childhood in the 1980's. I now relish taking my own two children there to foster their love of reading and discovering new books and authors. We love the circular walkway down to the lower level, the fountain - all of the things that remind me of my own childhood days in the library, and places my son and daughter get to discover themselves.

When I read about and saw the proposed plaque that will be discussed and voted on for the library's anniversary, I gasped. It is the least appropriate and subtle way to try and insert the MAGA agenda into our beloved library system. The "Magical, Alluring, Galvanizing, Adventurous" reference is offensive and inappropriate. No one is fooled by this design or its intention.

The alternate design from Councilmember Williams adding, "Through hope and change our nation has built back together to the golden era of Make America Great Again," is even more offensive. You are not listening to the people you represent. This is, in fact, ignoring the pleas of concerned residents and doubling down on your own personal agendas to attract attention for yourselves. This is not what the residents of Huntington Beach need or want.

Although the current HB city council is aligned in their politics, I would like to remind everyone in city leadership that you are meant to represent ALL residents. We do not all share your views about national politics, nor how you are trying to display them so overtly throughout our city.

I spoke to several neighbors who agree we do not want to commemorate our library's anniversary with a plaque that divides our residents and insults the community cohesion and curiosity fostered inside the library, and the foundation on which it was built 50 years ago.

Please do not approve a plaque that will tarnish the legacy of our beloved library. There are many other words and designs that would better mark this occasion and honor what the library means to everyone in Huntington Beach.

Additionally, you owe it to this community to take the two library petitions seriously and adopt the initiatives in Agenda items 25-087 and 25-126. Our library books and stellar operations are not in need of further disruption from this council. The library belongs to the residents of this community and we do not want its reputation tarnished with the council's actions.

There are numerous issues in our city that absolutely need your attention and action. Housing.

Homelessness. Budget. Infrastructure. These are big items that require strategic planning and coordination with stakeholders across the community.

I want nothing more than to focus my attention to these matters and to hopefully support your efforts to improve the lives of all who live in this city. I hope this is something we can all agree on.

Sincerely,
Heidi Pallares
From: [email protected]
To: [email protected]
Subject: Council Meeting
Date: Monday, February 17, 2025 3:19:16 PM
Dear Members of City Council,
Three comments…..

It seems that council members are ready to sell out our Central Park to recoup money they have wasted.

I’m with Steve Engel that this would only disrupt our flora and fauna including mating bald eagles. It doesn’t seem feasible to repair our park after the shows. Parking seems to be a big issue as well.

The plaque honoring the anniversary of our beautiful library and the dedicated people who have worked/work there should not be a bizarre, unattractive partisan effort to keep your names in the public eye. Remember that your job is non partisan.

The two petition library items must be put on the ballot for our citizens to vote on. The petitions have been verified and now our citizens deserve a chance to have their voice heard.

Thank you, Vanessa and Jeff Webster
40 year residents
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From: Laura Janssen
To: [email protected]
Subject: Agenda Item 25-102
Date: Monday, February 17, 2025 3:35:13 PM
Dear Council Members,
I have voiced my disapproval of the commemorative plaque to the Community and Library Services Commission last week, and I am appalled it was forward for your approval. The design of this plaque only serves to stroke your own egos and has nothing to do with the library. I'm saddened by this action and what it says about the leadership of our community.

Sincerely,
Laura Janssen
From: Karen Talbot
To: [email protected]
Subject: ITEM 25-102 PROPOSED LIBRARY PLAQUE DESIGNS
Date: Monday, February 17, 2025 3:38:00 PM
You don't often get email from [email protected]. Learn why this is important Dear City Council,
I am a long time resident of Huntington Beach, and I am hugely disappointed as I view the two proposed designs for the plaque commemorating the 50th anniversary of our wonderful HB Central Public Library.

Public libraries are meant to be politically and religiously neutral places serving our communities. The obviously blatant acronym of MAGA has no place on this plaque. I see, as I read through the many communications you have received on this issue, that even those HB residents who voted for the current members of our city council, disagree with this as well, for a good variety of reasons. Shame on the members of our city council for even considering to approve these designs. We’re talking about a library on this plaque, are we not? If there is to be an acronym, shouldn’t it be more like “READ”, “INSPIRE”, “LEARN”, etc?!
Alluring? Really. Right under the phrase with the word “children”.

The whole design in general, with a huge eagle, “In God We Trust”, etc, looks very much like a plaque commemorating an historical event such as a war. Doesn’t look like we’re celebrating a library at all. And on the second design, the phrase “Through hope and change our nation has built back better to the golden era of Making America Great Again” (and these last 4 words are in bold text on the plaque). What does this have to do with our local, Huntington Beach community library?!! Come on city council members.

You can be better than that. City council members, you need to put aside politics and religion, and stop trying to divide the residents of our great city. City council members are not voted in to “self serve” but to serve the whole of Huntington Beach, regardless of political beliefs for affiliations.

Speaking of which, I notice that the names of the city council members on the plaque are in a good size font. Where’s the acknowledgement of all the staff and volunteers who have run this great library all these years? Again, what exactly is the purpose of this plaque? If it is to truly commemorate the 50th anniversary of our amazingly wonderful HB Central Library, then, you have not done a good job doing so.

This plaque’s design was NOT very well thought out. It is not inclusive of our community and needs to be redesigned so it can truly acknowledge our library’s wonderful and successful run here in Huntington Beach. Shame on the Community and Library Services Commission for going along with these designs. -Karen Talbot
Huntington Beach Resident for over 35 years
From: Teri Olson
To: [email protected]
Subject: Library plaque
Date: Monday, February 17, 2025 3:48:02 PM
[You don't often get email from [email protected]. Learn why this is important at https://aka.ms/LearnAboutSenderIdentification ]
Re: 50 Year Library Plaque 2/18 City Council Meering:

Please revise the 50 year commemoration Public Library tribute plaque. It is of no value to the citizens of Huntington Beach to interject any type of political theme on the tribute. A Democratic society is not partisan. The obvious reference to the MAGA movement preaches to only a segment of our population. The plaque must be revised.

Theresa Olson
Sent from my iPhone
From: DAVID SANDIFER
To: [email protected]
Subject: Plaque
Date: Monday, February 17, 2025 3:49:43 PM
[You don't often get email from [email protected]. Learn why this is important at https://aka.ms/LearnAboutSenderIdentification ]
Sent from my iPhonAs
As a concerned 40 year citizen of HB and frequent library user, I am writing to express my extreme displeasure at the ridiculous plaque you wish to install. The definite politically obsequious slant and the ridiculous and inappropriate choice of adjectives is offensive and not appreciated by a great number of actual readers and library users.

Please allow us one tranquil area where we do not have to confront the MAGA leanings of our City Council.

Respectfully,
Nikki and David Sandifer
From: Jean Rowley
To: [email protected]
Cc: Jean Rowley
Subject: Library Issues
Date: Monday, February 17, 2025 4:17:53 PM
[You don't often get email from [email protected]. Learn why this is important at https://aka.ms/LearnAboutSenderIdentification ]
Please keep politics out of the library, and allow librarians to do their jobs. The MAGA acronym on the plaque politicizes the 50th anniversary of the library, and I am against that. Parents should decide what books their children have access to, not a board of strangers with an agenda.

As a long term resident of Huntington Beach, I prefer you spend your time on the e-bike problem and the multitude of detox and sober living houses in our neighborhoods.

Thank you,
Jean Rowley
From: adrienne low
To: [email protected]
Subject: Oppose rental of Central Park and Library Plaque Date: Monday, February 17, 2025 4:55:23 PM
I am writing to oppose any proposal to rent out Central Park to Flowers in the Sky Entertainment and to oppose the library plaque.

I am a 30 year resident of Huntington Beach, who regularly enjoys the green space provided at Central Park.The park is a treasure for the city. Renting out the park for large scale events will disrupt the natural habitat of many animals that live in the park. Noise, increased human activity, and temporary structures and lights will lead to habitat destruction and force wildlife to relocate. These disruptions would have long lasting effects on the park's ecosystem.

In addition, I am opposed to the ridiculous plaque that has been proposed for the library. Not only is it a waste of money, but it is highly political and divisive.

Sincerely,
Adrienne Low
From: Lisa Williams
To: [email protected]
Subject: Plaque Celebrating the Huntington Beach Public Library"s 50th Anniversary Date: Monday, February 17, 2025 5:00:01 PM
Dear HB City Council Members,
I am writing today to oppose the design of the plaque to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Huntington Beach Library. The pronounced acronym "MAGA" should not be
displayed on the plaque. Please stop politicizing all things and weaving the "MAGA" agenda into every fabric of our lives. In addition, I thought the plaque was to commemorate all the work that the library staff and volunteers have contributed to our community throughout the years - why are the names of the City Council Members and Commission taking up the majority of the plaque? This seems very misguided and egocentric. This is supposed to be a celebration of the service that our Huntington Beach library has provided to the community for 50 years. It should be an impartial, objective, and positive statement for the entire community to THANK the library for its contributions to society. Perhaps a book would be an appropriate design feature rather than an eagle and the words "In God We Trust."
While I do believe that we should celebrate our wonderful Huntington Beach library on its 50th year anniversary, my understanding is that the plaque will cost around $7,000. That seems excessive and a "luxury" item that I'm not certain is the best use of funds, especially given the fact that the Be Well program (which is a necessary human health essential) is considered a "luxury" item by the City Council and will be cut from the budget. This is a confusing use of the term "luxury" item??
Thank you for your time and consideration.

Sincerely,
Lisa Williams, Concerned HB Citizen
From: Jan Madnick
To: [email protected]
Subject: Agenda Item 25-102
Date: Monday, February 17, 2025 5:00:51 PM
You don't often get email from [email protected]. Learn why this is important I have lived in Huntington Beach for over 43 years and have enjoyed our beautiful library for myself, my children, and my grandchildren. The fact that this City Council (and your cronies on the Library Commission) believe that the plaque you've proposed honors the 50 years the library has enriched HB and OC citizens alike defies reason. I don't care that you claim it will be paid for by private donations, your wording and graphics are highly disagreeable and disrespectful (to say the least), and a better and more appropriate plaque could have been designed by any of the thousands of patrons--children or adults!
Tragic for this city that you have set your goals as merely being identified as MAGA central for CA. I know that you ignored ofer 300 letters of dissent over this plaque already, so you will, no doubt, go ahead with this plan to dishonor the library and its supporters.

We deserve so much better,
Jan Madnick
From: John Carser
To: [email protected]
Subject: 50th anniversary plaque
Date: Monday, February 17, 2025 5:10:12 PM
You don't often get email from [email protected]. Learn why this is important Huntington Beach City Council:

I had the opportunity to examine the proposed plaque celebrating the library’s fiftieth anniversary. This plaque is political and designed to create division plus it is ugly! Most of you on this council had wanted to privatize this institution to LSS. Because you sought to privatize and the new members, Williams, Twinning and Kennedy lied on their campaign signs. Give me one reason to trust you. Not everyone in this city is a card carrying Republican. Your plaque doesn’t need your names and especially the acronym MAGA. The cost of $7,000 is ridiculous and do share with the residents if this plaque had a donor. I personally do not have an ounce of faith that you will tell the truth. No matter how many speakers shame this plaque tonight, you seven will stand united and pass this divisive measure and continue supporting MAGA propaganda. Shame on all of you if you pass this disgusting plaque.

John Carser
54 year resident.

From: Cheryl Ekstedt
To: [email protected]
Subject: NO ON SIGN FOR LIBRARY AND THE ELECTRIC LIGHT SHOW Date: Monday, February 17, 2025 5:14:23 PM
[You don't often get email from [email protected]. Learn why this is important at https://aka.ms/LearnAboutSenderIdentification ]
As a tax paying resident of Huntington Beach, I am totally AGAINST The sign for the Central Library
and
The Laser Electric Show in Central Park….NATURE, ANIMALS, QUIET, From: H Meyers
To: [email protected]
Subject: City Council meeting 2/18/25
Date: Monday, February 17, 2025 5:16:59 PM
I urge you to oppose agenda item #20, the plaque for the Huntington Beach library’s 50th anniversary. This is a divisive and blatantly political plaque that does not honor the library. IIf the City Council wants to honor the library, it should support its work instead of interfering with professional librarians and threatening to outsource the library’s management.

Please select option C in agenda items #22 and 23 to show actual support for the Huntington Beach library.

I also urge you to vote against agenda item #24 regarding a light show in Central Park. The proposed light show would cause multiple harms to the environment, degrading the habitat for birds and other creatures. The negative impacts would far outweigh any financial or other supposed benefits.

Thank you,
Hildy Meyers
Huntington Beach resident
From: Jan Madnick
To: [email protected]
Subject: Agenda item 25-087
Date: Monday, February 17, 2025 5:25:22 PM
Aside from the fact that the City Council members are working hard to discredit the hard work of HB citizens who obtained the sufficient number of signatures to qualify putting the issue of the Community Parent-Guardian Review Board to a vote of HB Citizens, there is no real reason you just can't accept Ordinance 4239 and move on. We don't have to have the expense of an election. Patrons of the library have ALWAYS had the power to complain about books they think are inappropriate.

Just acknowledge the fact that librarians ARE NOT "groomers" and "pedophiles" and actually do have the knowledge and good sense to purchase appropriate books for our library system. Cities like Irvine are spending more money on their libraries , books, AND the hiring of librarians, and we have and are losing many of our beloved librarians because of this false narrative.

At a time when the City Council is bemoaning the state of the City budget, maybe the expense of whatever books would have to be purchased and reviewed for this committee (21 copies of each?) might be another argument against it. Watching how the Library Commission bowed to the horrific plaque proposal, however, indicates just the kind of citizens who would be picked for this Board---which would make it, too, unrepresentative of HB citizens.

Just accept Ordinance 4239,
Jan Madnick
From: Gloria Knight
To: [email protected]
Subject: Proposed signs
Date: Monday, February 17, 2025 5:26:20 PM
You don't often get email from [email protected]. Learn why this is important I am against the Maga sign at the library and against the light show proposed for Central Park.

Yahoo Mail: Search, Organize, Conquer
From: Donna Skinner
To: [email protected]
Subject: Agenda Item 25-102
Date: Monday, February 17, 2025 5:28:02 PM
You don't often get email from [email protected]. Learn why this is important I request that the council reject the design of the MAGA plaque for the library anniversary. It is offensive to many of us and aggravates hope of unity within our community. Please stop pushing the MAGA agenda. You are supposed to be representing ALL of Huntington Beach.

It appears that you are really TRYING to be offensive. You are not supposed to be partisan.

Please. Do the job that you were elected to do and stop this divisiveness. Fix the potholes in our streets. Do something about unsafe use of electric bicycles ... especially by our community's children.
__________________
Donna Skinner
DonnaSkinner.com
From: Kathy Caric
To: [email protected]
Subject: Plaque
Date: Monday, February 17, 2025 5:33:53 PM
You don't often get email from [email protected]. Learn why this is important Please do not approve the design for the proposed library plaque. Blatant political references or content are totally inappropriate on a publicly owned building. The library serves all Huntington Beach citizens, not just those with MAGA loyalty/ sympathy. The acrostic content needs to be removed from the design. Look at the plaques currently displayed at the library to confirm that the content has previously been and should continue to be politically neutral in design.

Katherine Caric
From: Jan Madnick
To: [email protected]
Subject: Agenda item 25-126
Date: Monday, February 17, 2025 5:40:55 PM
Yes, it is true that the bid to privatize the library was withdrawn several months ago, but that means nothing in the months and years to come. This City Council has made it abundantly clear that it DOES NOT support our HB libraries as illustrated in the following:
•The fact that it considers privatizing the library system as a solution to budget shortfalls. *The completely inappropriate plaque it has designed to "honor the library". • The various attempts to discredit the HB citizens who worked tirelessly to obtain the number of signatures to qualify for a ballot vote on this issue. Who decided which citizens got the infamous email and the questionable out- of-state phone survey???
Huntington Beach citizens, and the thousands of library patrons from all over OC should not have to worry about what happens the next time the City Council looks for a private company. Just accept Ordinance 4330 and move on to doing the work we expect of you.

Huntington Beach deserves more,
Jan Madnick
43 year resident
From: SUSAN MORABITO
To: [email protected]
Subject: Cancel the commemorative plaque. Spend the money fixing the fountain Date: Monday, February 17, 2025 5:50:09 PM
[You don't often get email from [email protected]. Learn why this is important at https://aka.ms/LearnAboutSenderIdentification ]
Sent from my iPad
From: Pat Goodman
To: CITY COUNCIL (INCL. CMO STAFF); [email protected] Subject: Table Agenda Item # 20
Date: Monday, February 17, 2025 5:51:25 PM
Please table Agenda Item # 20 in order to take time to develop ideas from the community for designs to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Central Library. One idea is to have a contest to accept designs from the community that are within the design standards of the library and city. More time would allow for fundraising to support this effort.

I am not aware of any community input regarding the design. I think a plaque like this should reflect the commitment of prior city leaders to garner the resources to provide this resource to the community.

Please do not approve either plaque that has been submitted to the city council for your approval thus far.

Thank you.

Pat Goodman
Huntington Beach, CA
From: Elizabeth SanFilippo
To: CITY COUNCIL (INCL. CMO STAFF); [email protected] Subject: Library Plaque -- Oppose
Date: Monday, February 17, 2025 6:02:03 PM
We are long term residents of Huntington Beach and appreciate our library. We are opposed to the 50th Anniversary Plaque as currently proposed. The library is a non-partisan place that serves all residents. Having a plaque with an acronym for a political slogan is not appropriate and will be perceived as divisive.

Elizabeth San Filippo
From: Judy Ceppaglia
To: [email protected]
Subject: Agenda item #20. 25-102
Date: Monday, February 17, 2025 6:06:48 PM
[You don't often get email from [email protected]. Learn why this is important at https://aka.ms/LearnAboutSenderIdentification ]
I am writing to express my concerns about the design of the plaque to commemorate 50 years at the HB library. I am embarrassed that the city council would think they could push this through without outrage by the residents in our city. Please understand that we are watching closely, and you and your MAGA friends will not intimidate us. This design is bad enough, but the cost is outrageous. Who is getting the kickbacks from this one? Concerned Citizen
Judy Ceppaglia
8777 Coral Springs Ct
Huntington Beach
Sent from my iPhone
From: Linda Law
To: [email protected]
Subject: Library Plaque
Date: Monday, February 17, 2025 6:37:33 PM
You don't often get email from [email protected]. Learn why this is important The proposed plaque commemorating the 50th Anniversary of the Library is completely inappropriate. Start over and honor a group like the Friends of the Library for their generous contributions over the decades. The library belongs to all of us and the plaque should reflect that.

From: Barbara
To: [email protected]
Subject: Library Plaque
Date: Monday, February 17, 2025 7:21:18 PM
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Mayor and City Council:

Please have the good sense and sensitivity to the community as a whole to remove politics from the comparative plaque for the library. It’s gross to represent MAGA on this! Barbara Marrs
HB Resident since 1980
Sent from my iPhone
From: Buffie Channel
To: CITY COUNCIL (INCL. CMO STAFF); [email protected] Subject: CC Meeting Feb 18, 2025 - Oppose Agenda Items 20 & 24 Date: Monday, February 17, 2025 7:38:27 PM
To City Council Members:

Congratulations on your continued embarrassing political middle-school level stunts like the hideous library plaque that was clearly designed by Gracey, Luke and Valentina. It's ugly, juvenile and trashy. I have no doubt you'll vote for it because you are itching to get MAGA on the wall of the library. It's a juvenile design and an obvious lame attempt to put your names on a commemoration for the library that you had no hand in creating, improving, or protecting. It IS the perfect symbol of your hypocrisy though, so kudos for preserving your special "Sellout7" legacy. If you do decide to defy all of the speakers and letters from the public (whom you clearly detest hearing from), I'd go with design #2, just to solidify your historical mark as the worst City Council in Huntington Beach history, and to ensure laughs from residents for years to come. To clarify, I oppose agenda item 20 and this stolen heroism
plaque with either of these two hideous designs and the names of the City Council members on the plaque, names of people that have done nothing but attack and try to destroy our beloved library.

I
vehemently oppose the Symphony of Flowers light show and agenda item 24. This is another short-sighted idea brought to us by Tony and his corporate cronies. Selling out our public parks is just a slap in the face to the residents who have paid for those parks to be maintained and restored and should remain for PUBLIC USE ONLY.

Yet once again, the Sellout7 wants to destroy the things that mean the most to the citizens of our city. Find your revenue somewhere else. Don't sell our open space to the highest bidder.

Weren't you all about "NO HIGH DENSITY, PRESERVE OUR OPEN SPACES, WE CARE ABOUT THE ENVIRONMENT"?? HaHaHa. What a joke. If you were actually good at attracting business, you should actually, um, attract business with long-term benefits that don't exploit our natural parks and open spaces that we hold dear.

Do you ACTUALLY believe that we will sell out several shows a night for months and months?
Where will everyone park? 2000 people several times a night? Really? Will the nearby residents suffer massive increased traffic and parking nightmares in their neighborhoods by attendees trying to avoid the parking fees?
How will you build, manage and maintain a 180x50 foot water basin? Will it be a drowning hazard for kids? Will it be a mosquito haven?
Will the walkways near the event site be closed to the public? That is not right.

How will you protect the migrating birds? The Bald Eagle pair? The owls? All of the other birds and wildlife? You won't. Your $50.000 budget to manage repairs and damage to the area won't bring back the wildlife that will escape the chaos that this show will bring. Your "report" is useless because you don't know the TRUE impact this will have on the park and the wildlife.

And....why the rush? Is the owner of the show promising Tony campaign donations? Tick tock. We can smell the corruption and back room deal a mile away.

Library Petitions - stop trying to create some kind of doubt in the legitimacy of the petitions.

Obey the law and either adopt the resolutions for both petitions or put them on the next election ballot. Stop with your weird breach of confidentiality survey emails and phone calls attempting to smear the petitioners - and acting like the citizens are stupid and didn't know what they were signing.

Obey the law.

Considering the budget shortfalls and failing infrastructure problems, the continued problems with downtown, and the need for long-term business and tourism attraction issues, perhaps you should focus on solving these problems and enhancing the lives of the citizens by ensuring our beautiful parks are for PUBLIC USE ONLY and our Central LIbrary receives the dignified celebration it deserves, instead of playing petty political games.

Sincerely,
B. Channel
36 year resident, homeowner and voter
From: Donald Anderson
To: CITY COUNCIL (INCL. CMO STAFF); [email protected] Subject: Proposed Library Plaque
Date: Monday, February 17, 2025 7:40:05 PM
You don't often get email from [email protected]. Learn why this is important Hello,
My name is Don Anderson. I’ve lived in Huntington Beach for 7 years. I became aware of a proposal to place a commemorative plaque on the city library, and felt compelled to submit a comment regarding the design of that plaque. In general, I enjoy reading commemorative plaques. They inform me about important historical places and events. However, when reviewing the proposed library plaque, I see nothing about the library itself. No mention of who designed it, why it was built, why it’s location was chosen, or who brought it into being. So it tells me nothing about the library itself. However, it does tell me something about the people on the current City Council. It tells me they want their names displayed on a public building, and they want to promote their political ideology without any regard for all the citizens who are offended by it. So they aren’t representing the citizens of Huntington Beach. They are representing themselves. It seems that they could reach a much larger audience in a more direct way by paying for a billboard with all of their names and the MAGA political slogan on it. I hope and expect that some future City Council will correct this mistake.

Don Anderson
From: Diane Pavesic
To: [email protected]
Subject: Library Plaque and Light Show
Date: Monday, February 17, 2025 7:47:29 PM
[You don't often get email from [email protected]. Learn why this is important at https://aka.ms/LearnAboutSenderIdentification ]
Huntington Beach City Council,
Please do not further divide our City by displaying the proposed plague which does nothing to honor our esteemed library.

Please do not move forward with the proposed light show which will ruin our beloved park.

Please fix the problems in the City that you were elected to remedy. Please do not continue to make Huntington Beach the city of prejudice, exclusion and hate we are now known for.

I no longer admit where I live as this city has become an embarrassment. I do not wish to be associated with the ideals you stand for.

Diane Pavesic
35 Year Resident of Huntington Beach
Sent from my iPad
From: Donald Anderson
To: CITY COUNCIL (INCL. CMO STAFF); [email protected] Subject: Proposed Library Plaque
Date: Monday, February 17, 2025 7:48:48 PM
You don't often get email from [email protected]. Learn why this is important Hello,
My name is Don Anderson. I’ve lived in Huntington Beach for 7 years. I became aware of a proposal to place a commemorative plaque on the city library, and felt compelled to submit a comment regarding the design of that plaque. In general, I enjoy reading commemorative plaques. They inform me about important historical places and events. However, when reviewing the proposed library plaque, I see nothing about the library itself. No mention of who designed it, why it was built, why it’s location was chosen, or who brought it into being. So it tells me nothing about the library itself. However, it does tell me something about the people on the current City Council. It tells me they want their names displayed on a public building, and they want to promote their political ideology without any regard for all the citizens who are offended by it. So they aren’t representing the citizens of Huntington Beach. They are representing themselves. It seems that they could reach a much larger audience in a more direct way by paying for a billboard with all of their names and the MAGA political slogan on it. I hope and expect that some future City Council will correct this mistake.

Don Anderson

From: Tim Channel
To: CITY COUNCIL (INCL. CMO STAFF); [email protected] Subject: Agenda Items for 02182025 Council Meeting
Date: Monday, February 17, 2025 8:02:08 PM
Hello,
I urge the council to consider the below comments:

Item #20 (25-102) - STRONGLY AGAINST. The library is for all residents and should never be politicized. Just because you control the council does not mean that the council owns the library. The obvious MAGA reference is inappropriate for a public non-partisan institution in the public square.

Item #22 (25-087) - To use your own words "THE VOTERS HAVE SPOKEN" . Let the people vote. The signatures were approved by the OC Registrar of Voters. This item needs to be immediately approved or put on the ballot as soon as possible for the VOTERS TO DECIDE.

Item #23 (25-126) - Congratulations if your intent was to destroy the careers of our city's experienced and dedicated library personnel for some anti- woke political victory. Some have left for greener pastures because it was obvious to them that you do not even support your own employees. To use your own words "THE VOTERS HAVE SPOKEN" . Let the people vote.

The signatures were approved by the OC Registrar of Voters.This item needs to be immediately approved or put on the ballot as soon as possible for the VOTERS TO DECIDE.

Item #24 (25-017) - STRONGLY AGAINST. Huntington Beach Central Park belongs to the citizens of this fair city. The enactment of this proposal would deny access to residents to parts of the park for extended periods of time. How is this good for us? Thank you for your consideration,
Tim Channel
Huntington Beach
From: Karen Chaney
To: [email protected]
Subject: Proposed Library plaque
Date: Monday, February 17, 2025 10:04:41 PM
You don't often get email from [email protected]. Learn why this is important I am a 52-year resident of Huntington Beach and I’ve never been more ashamed of the city council members representing our beautiful city. I have no doubt that the maga plaque you had made for our wonderful library is a deliberate and intentionally offensive way of insulting the library and all of us who defended it from your overwhelmingly unpopular attempt to privatize. You obviously place your petty and selfish desire to be insulting to the library over the feelings of the majority of Huntington Beach residents. You truly have no shame.

Karen Chaney
From: Family Ryan
To: CITY COUNCIL (INCL. CMO STAFF); [email protected] Cc: Celeste Ryan
Subject: Proposed Library Plaque--City Council Meeting 2-18-25 Date: Monday, February 17, 2025 10:08:48 PM
Some people who received this message don't often get email from [email protected]. Learn why this is important
Attention--Mayor Burns, Mayor Pro-Tem McKeon and Huntington Beach City Council Members Kennedy, Strickland, Twining, Van Der Mark, and Williams I am emailing to express my concern over the design and content included in the proposed library plaque to be displayed at the Huntington Beach Public Library. Any plaque intended to be permanently displayed on any city facility should include messaging that is nonpartisan.

The "draft" plaque includes the acronym, MAGA. When researching the meaning of MAGA-- one learns MAGA stands for "Make America Great Again" is an American political slogan and political movement most recently popularized by Donald Trump during his successful presidential campaigns in 2016 and in 2024. "MAGA" is also used to refer to Trump's political base, or to an individual or group of individuals from within that base. Using the MAGA acronym signals this plaque to be partisan and not representative of all of your constituents.

Consideration should be given to a plaque that would include alternative words that accurately describe library "traits" or "descriptors" that is not associated with a political slogan.

Currently, political polarization and incivility are intense--both nationally and locally--frankly, people are tired and need a break. Consider keeping political partisanship out of Huntington Beach City Council meetings and media. It is well known that nonpartisanship governance promotes relationship building, collaboration, and promotes compromise to solve problems among community members--all of which will be necessary as the City and the Council addresses upcoming challenges.

Celeste Ryan
54 year resident of Huntington Beach
39 year Huntington Beach property owner
From: MARILYN Boehm
To: [email protected]
Subject: Objection to Item 20 (library plaque)
Date: Monday, February 17, 2025 10:17:34 PM
I am strongly opposed to the proposed MAGA plaque to be displayed in the library. It's also incredibly nervy of you to have your names shown on this plaque, particularly because four of you worked so hard to remove/ban certain books from our library. We will be spending $7K for this plaque, money that could be more efficiently used for REAL improvements to city services.

Although you'll most likely disregard my opinion on this matter, I oppose this agenda item.

Marilyn Boehm, HB resident
From: Celeste Rybicki
To: CITY COUNCIL (INCL. CMO STAFF); [email protected] Subject: Agenda item 25-102
Date: Monday, February 17, 2025 10:32:26 PM
Hello,
I’m writing to request you reconsider the design of the plaque meant to commemorate the 50th anniversary of our great library. It’s a lovely idea to have a plaque donated to honor HBPL but the design does not send a message of honor or respect to the intended recipients. There should be no religious or political messaging (per the library’s own policy!) and the focus on “MAGA” is childish, both in the random and awkward adjectives chosen and in its trolling nature. There are plenty of non-controversial examples already existing on the library’s walls and it would be so much more effective and less divisive to follow their formats.

I’m also in support of both the library petitions either being accepted and adopted as is or I look forward to seeing them on the ballot in the general election.

I am concerned that the plaque drama is a distraction tactic to take some of the heat off our city’s “mediocre” infrastructure report card. I would like to see much more focus from the council on improving our city right now for its residents rather than all the flashy, grabby, fox news nonsense.

Thank you
From: Anne Gollay
To: CITY COUNCIL (INCL. CMO STAFF); [email protected] Subject: NO on Agenda Item 25-102
Date: Monday, February 17, 2025 10:45:34 PM
[Some people who received this message don't often get email from [email protected]. Learn why this is important at https://aka.ms/LearnAboutSenderIdentification ] To HB City Council Members:

I strongly urge you to vote NO on the plaque designed to commemorate the 50th anniversary of HBPL. Using the MAGA acronym is totally inappropriate. The PUBLIC library belongs to ALL citizens of Huntington Beach, not just those who support the MAGA agenda. Don’t bring politics into something celebratory that should unify residents of the city, not divide it.

Respectfully,
Anne Gollay
From: Amanda Furches
To: [email protected]
Subject: city council meeting
Date: Monday, February 17, 2025 11:00:34 PM
Please vote no. on the light show
Despite what seems to have come back from the environmental impact report....There is no way it will have no effect.

There are nearly zero completely dark places in our urban environment and our parks are the only places left that even come close.
birds look to the stars to navigate.

Light pollution disrupts animals circadian rhythms, breeding, navigation..etc BLeachers are down right HIDEOUS.

Any quaintness appeal of the light show is immediately killed by bleachers. Any light show I've been to in Europe, people just sit on blankets and bring their own chairs and picnic.

Elderly people can't easily climb up bleachers nor can people with disabilities.

The proposed 150,000 /year is a joke. People are not going to go to this more than 1x.

Also, vote no on the maga sign.

The MAGA sign is a blatant political power move and CORRUPT waste of our taxpayer money when we are in a deficit.

Absolutely not. You will be voted out with such obvious corruption like this. --
Amanda Herring
Huntington Beach City Council Meeting comments on Agenda for 2/18/2025 Mayor and City Councilmembers:

APPROVE:

Item 19 – We recommend you approve of the City of HB proceeding with the Staff recommendation on Actions A and B, though we’re puzzled that this represents accepting funding from CalPFA, a political subdivision of the State of California, via bonds, to subsidize HD housing, albeit for Seniors. Wondering how the CC (specifically McKeon) rationalizes that with HB suing the State over mandating precisely what this seems to be.

Item 22 – ‘Selection and Use of Library Materials’ - We recommend you approve of the City of HB proceeding with the Staff recommendation on Actions A and B, or C. We don’t approve of proceeding with Part D, as that would cost the City too much to pay for a Special Election when it could be held at a fraction of the cost in the scheduled 2026 General Election.

Item 23 – ‘Public Operation of Library Services’ - We recommend you approve of the City of HB proceeding with the Staff recommendation on Actions A and B, or C. We don’t approve of proceeding with Part D, as that would cost the City too much to pay for a Special Election when it could be held at a fraction of the cost in the scheduled 2026 General Election.

DENY:

Item 20 – Deny or postpone the approval of the ‘Design of the Plaque Celebrating the Huntington Beach Public Library’s 50th Anniversary as Recommended by the Community & Library Services Commission’. Under no circumstances should the design of this plaque reflect the letters MAGA in any configuration or composition that groups the letters together, or are emphasized in any other way. It is very clearly a biased political acronym that is universally recognized throughout the USA. It does not belong on this, or any other plaque, placed at any property considered to be Public or City property.

Item 24 – Deny or postpone the execution of a License Agreement Between the City of Huntington Beach and Flowers of the Sky Entertainment, LLC, for the management and operation of Symphony of Flowers at Huntington Central Park East, as well as the Addendum to the Final Master Environmental Impact Report (FMEIR) for Master Plan of Recreation Uses for Central Park, City of Huntington Beach, California, until one or more public forums can be scheduled by the City Council, Symphony of Flowers ‘authorized’ representatives and other City Officials to garner wider public comments and questions.

At this juncture in time, there are still far too many questions and issues needing better definition and explanation to enter into any legal Agreement between parties. As the tentative date proposed to commence the opening of the shows isn’t until September of 2025, we have adequate time to allow for one or more public forums to occur to more thoroughly address residents’ concerns.

Sincerely,
Larry and Susan Slonim
(714) 357-9600
From: Sharon Hathaway
To: CITY COUNCIL (INCL. CMO STAFF); [email protected] Subject: Central Library 50th Anniversary plaque
Date: Tuesday, February 18, 2025 12:18:45 AM
Some people who received this message don't often get email from [email protected]. Learn why this is important
The commemorative plaque being considered for the 50th anniversary of the Huntington Beach Public Library, Central Branch, is incredibly inappropriate and does not reflect those that had a hand in creating, developing, and supporting the Library and the programs it offers.

The plaque is not reflective of the Huntington Beach Library System. There is a small Library logo on the right, and a small Huntington Beach logo on the left. Why are these not more prominent, versus the use of an interpretation of the federal icon, the eagle wrapped in the flag. Except for the logos, neither the library nor the city of Huntington Beach are mentioned.

The library is a sanctuary for all residents to feel safe, valued and free to grow. It is not just a wonderful place for children, but the whole community, which is also not included in the commemorative statement.

MAGA is a campaign slogan and is now a political ideology. Politics has no place in commemorating the Library, which is a non-partisan, public, community space for all residents of Huntington Beach, and the many visitors who come each year. It is so inappropriate to use a political slogan in describing the rich history of the Library.

Now to the words associated with MAGA, in this instance. It seems these words were picked to relate to children, which is the focus of the description statement above. Did anyone look these words up in the dictionary? Alluring is defined as someone or something that is very attractive, or has the ability to arouse desire or hope; synonyms of alluring are: beguiling, enticing, tempting, seductive, fascinating and charming. For this commission, and the city council to think that using this word is ok is extremely hypocritical when they have been accusing professionally trained librarians and staff of seducing and grooming kids. To Galvanize someone means to cause them to take action, for example by making them feel very excited, afraid or angry. This actually matches up more closely with the chaos that the city has been promoting the last couple years.

The additional statement submitted for consideration by Councilman Williams in option 2, is not even a proper sentence. This additional statement, which incorporates MAGA again, has nothing to do with commemorating the Library's history.

The names of the current council listed on this plaque is an insult, when all they have done is put down the library staff and volunteers that make this gem what it is for the residents of Huntington Beach. The commission names and the executive leadership names, along with the city council make up a quarter to a third of this plaque. It seems this is all about ego and everyone getting their name on the plaque, when those such as Ed Manning, A.L. Everett, Mrs. R. H. Lindgren, Mary, Manske, Mrs. R.W. Blodgett, and Ida Vincent are those that should be considered. Do you even know who they are?
I hope you will reconsider putting this concept up for a vote. It does not represent the Library or the residents of Huntington Beach.

Sharon Hathaway
25 year resident
From: Carolyn Kanode
To: [email protected]
Subject: Plaque
Date: Tuesday, February 18, 2025 1:33:57 AM
[You don't often get email from [email protected]. Learn why this is important at https://aka.ms/LearnAboutSenderIdentification ]
The plaque should honor the founders of the library They were the visionaries It is important to honor our history
Please consider a HB museum as a legacy for this council.

From: Susan Westover-Giali
To: [email protected]
Cc: [email protected]
Subject: Feb. 18, 2025 City Council Meeting - resident"s comments on agenda item - library plaque Date: Tuesday, February 18, 2025 2:36:57 AM
You don't often get email from [email protected]. Learn why this is important Greetings. I'm a 20-year resident of Huntington Beach, and I'm writing to share a few thoughts on the proposed plaque commemorating the 50-year anniversary of the Central Library.

In short, the plaque has a tacky design with an overly politicized message. This was your opportunity to celebrate 50 years of reading and education. Instead, you chose to engage in hyper-politicization, masquerading as commemorative. It is stunning that our city officials would think this is appropriate.

The design is tacky. The graphics in the upper third of the design have nothing to do with City or Library issues, logos, or related themes. Instead, they depict national symbols that have nothing to do with the Library. Furthermore, the combination of fonts clashes. Further, the sizing of the fonts is off. It's a plaque for the Library, yet the font size of HUNTINGTON BEACH CENTRAL LIBRARY is smaller than the font size of CITY COUNCIL. Is this plaque about the Library's 50th Anniversary, or is it more about promoting the City Council? The section on the Executive Leadership in the lower right corner should be lined up with the Commission section on the right instead of sitting a quarter inch above it. It's hard to believe a professional graphic artist worked on this design.

The plaque has also been overly politicized. The inclusion of the partisan MAGA message is inappropriate and divisive. Additionally, the selection of the term "alluring" as part of that message is sexualized, which is in stark contrast to the current City Council's messages about appropriate content for the Library. Alluring means enticing or seductive. Even if they insist on inappropriately including the MAGA message, why not choose "amazing" or "awesome" or some other adjective beginning with "a" instead?
The alternative version with the additional message proposed by Chad Williams is equally inappropriate. It appears to me to be sarcastic or a lame attempt at humor. Take the Presidential politics out of the Library, please. Focus on the Library! You also have poor proofreaders. The proposed plaque lists “Council Woman” with two separate words as the title for Gracey Larrea Van Der Mark while listing “Councilman” for the remaining members of the City Council. Why list genders in the titles at all? They are all Council Members. With this Council's public endorsement of removing DEI from the City's policies, they should be consistent with that message and refer to themselves as Council Members, not councilman or councilwoman. But if they want to use the sex-specific terms, make them consistent (one word) to give this plaque a more professional appearance.

For all these reasons above, I object to the plaque as it's currently designed.

I also suggest that a price tag of $7,000.00 for this plaque is an inexcusable waste of government money. I've heard rumors that some donor funding has been made available, but no one has confirmed that or identified the possible donors. To shed more light on this entire process, I'm submitting a comprehensive Public Records Act request today regarding all of the details of the development of this proposal for the plaque. I look forward to the City's prompt and full response to my PRA request.

Susan Westover-Giali, Esq.
4442 Oceanridge Drive
Huntington Beach, CA 92649
Cell: 714-402-3423
From: Roger Ford
To: [email protected]
Subject: Agenda
Date: Tuesday, February 18, 2025 6:55:49 AM
You don't often get email from [email protected]. Learn why this is important As a long time HB resident, it is appalling to watch this city council turn away from effective local government and distracting with national non issues.

Putting a MAGA sign on the public library is such a great example of how this council has no interest in representing all of HB’s residents but is just a partisan pawn. Please do not further divide this city with this small and petty gesture
Similarly, stay away from the residents’ library. We don’t need unqualified people with a narrow agenda chasing made up issues and censoring our library.

Roger
From: Isabella Ford
To: CITY COUNCIL (INCL. CMO STAFF); [email protected]; Library Signatures Subject: How do you use our library?
Date: Tuesday, February 18, 2025 7:07:12 AM
What services from our library are you currently using? Do you prefer the physical book, ebook or audiobook? What are you currently reading or listening to and were you able to get it from the library or did you have to buy it elsewhere because it was checked out or because it wasn't offered?
Gracey, you brought up the idea of a plaque yet you are the one constantly attacking the library?
Casey and the other councilmen, why are you supporting such a plaque? If you are able to get donations for a plaque, why are you not able to get donations to help our aging infrastructure? Have you tackled any of the city hall projects? Do you still have a hose coming out of the basement ceiling with the last rains? Have you replaced the boilers? How about addressing all the homeless beggars on Beach Blvd and the ones hanging out in and around the Walmart parking lot of Talbert and Beach?
Concerned resident
Isabella Ford
From: Judy Morris
To: [email protected]
Cc: CITY COUNCIL (INCL. CMO STAFF)
Subject: Fwd: Items 20-Library Plaque & 24-Flowers of the Sky Date: Tuesday, February 18, 2025 7:23:36 AM
Good morning,
I did not notice that my e-mail below was included in the supplemental communication for either item noted above. Please make it part of the record for both items.

Thank you,
Judy Morris
31 year resident of HB
Begin forwarded message:

From: Judy Morris <[email protected]>
Subject: Items 20-Library Plaque & 24-Flowers of the Sky Date: February 15, 2025 at 7:25:05 AM PST
To: [email protected]
Item 20-Library Plaque
Public libraries should be apolitical. Names of City Council members and politically appointed Library Services Commission members do not belong on this plaque. The MAGA acronym and “in God We Trust” are not appropriate to include on a plaque that purports to commemorate 50 years of public library services, by any stretch of the imagination.

The current city council has not been supportive of HBPL. They have been openly critical of educated, highly experienced librarians’ choices regarding the childrens’ book collection by alleging that there was pornographic material in the children’s library, but have yet to identify any such material. One council member has gone so far as to publicly insinuate that a former council member was a pedophile because he stated he would not hesitate to read a book the current council member referred to as a “pedophile’s dream” to his own child. City Council’s recent e-mails to residents requesting feedback about their “petition signing experience” appear to be an attempt to block a legal, democratic grass roots effort to simply keep the treasured HBPL as it currently exists.

Why not request community input in advance, or have a contest for residents to submit their ideas to showcase the library rather than creating a promotional tool for the current City Council and Library Commission members? This was a missed opportunity for the City Council to attempt to unite rather than continuing to divide the community.

There is no doubt the library is, and has always been a wonderful place for children. Apparently the folks whose names are listed on the plaque aren't aware that adults are also welcome to utilize and enjoy the library. This plaque is an abomination rather than a commemoration.

Item 24-Flowers of the Sky
I believe the 6-8 month length of time that this project will occupy space within Central Park, and the resulting foot and automobile traffic would be excessive activity for our beautiful park and surrounding areas.

Maximum projections of 900 visitors and 300 vehicles per show at 4 shows per night will likely create many traffic log jams in the surrounding areas and a great deal of foot traffic within the park.

This project will undermine the natural habitat and peaceful nature of the park that residents of Huntington Beach deserve.

Please do not approve the project.

Judy Morris
31 year resident of Huntington Beach
From: Regina Mastroyannis Blankenhorn
To: [email protected]; CITY COUNCIL (INCL. CMO STAFF) Cc: Gomez, Charlene
Subject: Re: Celebratory 50th Year Library Plaque
Date: Tuesday, February 18, 2025 7:32:02 AM
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Hi, I'm back with some suggestions to replace the MAGA acronym.

Dynamic
Educators
Perpetuating
Stability
Remarkable
Educators
Promising
Sense
Noble
Performing
Professors
You all would not be happy with any of these acronyms that politicize a plaque celebrating the anniversary of anything in the City so why push your MAGA acronym that only perpetuates divisiveness and hate to the history of this city, especially on a library.

Regina M. Blankenhorn
From: Regina Mastroyannis Blankenhorn <[email protected]> Sent: Tuesday, February 11, 2025 11:30 AM
To: [email protected] <[email protected]>
Cc: CITY COUNCIL (INCL. CMO STAFF) <[email protected]> Subject: Celebratory 50th Year Library Plaque

Who are you kidding with that plaque? MAGA, really?
Why don't you give equal status to the other side and add a DEMS acronym, why don't you?
Or how about we just make an elegant plaque that celebrates the library? What a novel idea!
I am not going to go into the weeds of how ludicrous this plaque is. You are all very aware.

Take the high road and make a plaque that can be respected and celebrated by all now and 50 years from now.

Respectfully,
Regina M. Blankenhorn

From: Gomez, Charlene
To: [email protected]
Subject: FW: Library Plaque
Date: Tuesday, February 18, 2025 7:40:58 AM
-----Original Message-----
From: Melody Freeman <[email protected]>
Sent: Friday, February 14, 2025 11:24 AM
To: Gomez, Charlene <[email protected]>
Subject: Library Plaque
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Hello
This plaque design and wording is inappropriate. First the fact that it spells out MAGA immediately becomes political. It gives the impression that one political party and their ideologies are endorsed. This is unacceptable.

Also using the word “alluring “ sounds a bit off when referring to a library. Yes I’m aware of the definition. But keep in mind the common usage for the word. Just don’t use this plaque.

Sent from my iPhone
You don't often get email from [email protected]. Learn why this is important From: Gomez, Charlene
To: [email protected]
Subject: FW: Library plaque
Date: Tuesday, February 18, 2025 7:41:27 AM

From: Robyn B <[email protected]>
Sent: Friday, February 14, 2025 9:51 AM
To: Gomez, Charlene <[email protected]>
Subject: Library plaque

Please rethink and redesign the proposed plaque for the HB Central Library. The words Magical, Alluring, Galvanizing and Adventurous used as they are in the design presented are not appropriate for the library and a poor use of funds.

Thank you,
Robyn Boydston
From: Gomez, Charlene
To: [email protected]
Subject: FW: Library
Date: Tuesday, February 18, 2025 7:41:46 AM
-----Original Message-----
From: Judith Hutton <[email protected]>
Sent: Friday, February 14, 2025 8:37 PM
To: Gomez, Charlene <[email protected]>
Subject: Library
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Hello,
I’m writing you to ask please not to approve this horribly designed library Sent from my iPhone You don't often get email from [email protected]. Learn why this is important From: Gomez, Charlene
To: [email protected]
Subject: FW: Library sign
Date: Tuesday, February 18, 2025 7:43:17 AM
Hi Jodi,

I am forwarding your comments to our supplemental communications email for City Council as they will now be hearing this item.

Respectfully,

Charlene Gomez

From: Jodi Baldel <[email protected]>
Sent: Saturday, February 15, 2025 12:19 AM
To: Gomez, Charlene <[email protected]>
Subject: Library sign

Hello Charlene,

I am writing in opposition of the new sign that is to be established at the library. I understand the implications of trying to give the acronym MAGA a different perspective; however, MAGA now has connotations deeply connected to the extreme right wing. The City Council is supposed to be neutral in their political stance, representing all residents of HB. Approving this sign demonstrates the Council's aligning with this extreme right.

This "MAGA" representation is the equivalent of trying to find an alternate, less offensive, meaning for a flag with a Swaztika. There is no way to water down this symbol and what it represents. Now, HB intends to post a sign on the library, where the meaning behind MAGA has strong, polarizing indications. This symbolism made public can increase polarization within our city.

Again, I'm in opposition of the sign being posted. I hope the Council starts looking for ways to unify this City, rather than intentionally taking steps to polarize the citizens further.

Respectfully,

Jodi Baldel
HB resident since 2010

From: Ann Palmer
To: [email protected]; [email protected] Subject: Oppose Agenda Item 20: 25-102
Date: Tuesday, February 18, 2025 7:47:15 AM
Plaque - Library 50 yrs
All:

This project needs your serious attention. I love the idea of creating a plaque and while very reluctant to criticize I wish to apppeal to your sense of reason and Conservative principles.

First, many thanks to the Commission & the City Council for all they do including this 50th Anniversary celebration. I do believe the plaque was mostly designed in good faith; however, there are some real concerns with the design and the communication.

This isn't just subjective but objective based on design and communication principles. Briefly:
• Header/image should relate directly to intent so better to use HB official seal, image of library, etc. If an eagle is desired it should be a more natural image of a bald eagle that has actually returned to grace our Central Park where the celebrated facility stands, not a stylized, tattooed-style graphic.
• Adding IN GOD WE TRUST is superfluous to a historic plaque commemorating a library building. Our city’s seal, contains our local expression. • There are far too many design elements (images, headlines, copy blocks, etc.). Ideally, there should be 3-5. This has approx 10 yet none of those well represent the Huntington Beache Central Library building and facility that we are commemorating. • Too many unrelated typefaces and fonts.
• Actual font selection for this material is inadvisable. • Dedication text says little about the actual library facility that we are supposed to be celebrating. There is no description of its unique setting, the compelling interior aesthetic, the many awards or the impressive collections.
• Use of Acronym/subnym initial cap stacked design device is pedestrian. This is basically a gimmick popular with 70s promotions and training programs but not recommended for any legacy communications. Words are chosen to fit the pre-determined acronym and those words & all that space — the greater part of the whole, messy design — may not best express the intent of the dedication.
• Will it have any discernible meaning 50 years from now? • Most historic building plaques do not reference local city figures at the time of the plaque creation. Some add the name of the mayor at that time and a few go on to list a committee or a donor. This one has a list that takes up one-third of the plaque.

As I said, it was hard for me to share this but I am hoping the City Council will determine that to delay & revise would be appropriate. If you would like more detail about any of the points above or further thoughts on the matter please feel free to contact me. I’m happy to offer assistance and collaboration from formal education and forty years of design and communication for both business and non-profit endeavors. Perhaps a historian and author such as Chris Epting can coin words that would make this piece an appropriate, commemorative plaque.

In a final appeal to apply your best Conservative thinking to what should be a simple, straightforward project, please consider that Conservatism by definition is a cultural, social, and political philosophy and ideology that seeks to promote and preserve traditional institutions, customs, and values. Furthermore, it favors institutions and practices that enhance historical continuity.

Again, I support all the work that you are doing on behalf of the residents of Surf City and the direction in which you are leading Huntington Beach.

Regards,
Ann Palmer
HB 92648
310.982.8263
From: Levin, Shannon
To: [email protected]
Subject: FW: Maga plaque
Date: Tuesday, February 18, 2025 7:57:29 AM
-----Original Message-----
From: Mike Benton <[email protected]>
Sent: Friday, February 14, 2025 3:33 PM
To: CITY COUNCIL (INCL. CMO STAFF) <[email protected]> Subject: Maga plaque
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Dear HB City Council members-
I get that you have personal political goals. Go for it. That lifestyle (both sides of the aisle) is intensely dividing and corrupting the fabric of our communities on all levels, and personally makes me ill with wonder and contempt, but hey, you keep doing you.

How about we try to fix our broken stuff and let go of your statement making? You like the library and park? How about expanding (more books) the kids section of books, or fixing the stinkin batting cages that have been down for 9 months?
Next plaque in a couple years might read Black Panther Memorial Pier.

Mike
Sent from my iPhone
From: Levin, Shannon
To: [email protected]
Subject: FW: MAGA 50 yr plaque
Date: Tuesday, February 18, 2025 7:57:31 AM
-----Original Message-----
From: Kelly Habicht <[email protected]>
Sent: Friday, February 14, 2025 3:57 PM
To: CITY COUNCIL (INCL. CMO STAFF) <[email protected]> Subject: MAGA 50 yr plaque
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Hello,
I would like to express supreme disappointment with the 50 yr commemorative plaque.

My main complaint is a library is first and foremost about COMMUNITY so this choice of 4 key words is not on- point with what any library stands for.

I can only assume this was influenced by political affiliation and is not motivated by bringing our community together and celebrating the library.

Please reconsider the current plaque. And please consider that if the cause of “MAGA” is true and strong, placing a slogan on an unrelated plaque will not be necessary to promote it. Let the library be friendly to all.

Thank you,
Kelly Habicht
Huntington Beach
Sent from my iPhone
From: Sarah Fish
To: [email protected]
Subject: LISTEN TO YOUR RESIDENTS
Date: Tuesday, February 18, 2025 7:57:40 AM
You don't often get email from [email protected]. Learn why this is important The ugly plaque is an absolute disgrace and slap on the face of the library and those that supported the library. I do not support the funds that could otherwise go to maintenance of the library to pay for that joke of a plaque.

The light show is a terrible and disgusting idea that will do nothing but destroy our park and create all kinds of problems in that area.

Sarah Fish

LONG TIME HB RESIDENT
From: Levin, Shannon
To: [email protected]
Subject: FW: Council meeting items
Date: Tuesday, February 18, 2025 7:57:48 AM
-----Original Message-----
From: Pamela Evasic <[email protected]>
Sent: Friday, February 14, 2025 4:26 PM
To: CITY COUNCIL (INCL. CMO STAFF) <[email protected]> Subject: Council meeting items
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I think the commemorative plaque at the library is unnecessary and only causes more division in our city.

The light show is going to be a complete disaster. We do not need the attention, traffic or mess. Please leave the park alone.

I have been a HB resident since 1969. Please find more ways to stop more high density housing in our city. Btw, I voted for all you people. Please do the right thing.

From: Levin, Shannon
To: [email protected]
Subject: FW: MAGA plaque
Date: Tuesday, February 18, 2025 7:58:03 AM
-----Original Message-----
From: Nancy Phillips <[email protected]>
Sent: Saturday, February 15, 2025 10:19 AM
To: CITY COUNCIL (INCL. CMO STAFF) <[email protected]> Subject: MAGA plaque
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To all City Council Members,
I rarely send an opinion to the city council, but this issue really bothers me. It’s probably too late for my opinion to matter, but I am very disturbed about the MAGA plaque that is planned for the library. It is blatantly political! I know that the letters supposedly stand for other words, , but I feel that you would even try to suggest such a thing is a slap in the face. The MAGA slogan has political connotations, no matter what you say. If you need a slogan to go on the plaque you should have thought of another one. It’s actions like these that made me drop my membership in the Republican Party.

Sincerely yours,
Nancy Phillips
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From: Levin, Shannon
To: [email protected]
Subject: FW: Symphony of Flowers, plaque
Date: Tuesday, February 18, 2025 7:58:34 AM

From: Lisa Burford <[email protected]>
Sent: Saturday, February 15, 2025 2:33 PM
To: CITY COUNCIL (INCL. CMO STAFF) <[email protected]> Subject: Re: Symphony of Flowers, plaque

I have lived in Huntington Beach for most of my 68 years. Central Park is enjoyed by so many people who wish to walk and commune with nature. The light show that is being considered seems extremely commercial, and not a pleasant addition to our wonderful park lands. My concerns are: noise ( music being played over loud speakers), lights, traffic, trampling of the park itself which has been in the process of being upgraded with many trees and landscaping.

Why not take this opportunity down to the beach front near Beach Blvd where there are already commercial entities? That might alleviate the destruction of our wild habitat for the park environment.

On another note, the MAGA inclusion on the library plaque... I love our city council's of the past, they did assign their names to many plaques which is a show of their work towards those goals. The current plaque is NOT representative of the population of Huntington Beach. I am discouraged by this lack of foresight.

Sincerely, Lisa Burford, Huntington Beach, 92647
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From: Levin, Shannon
To: [email protected]
Subject: FW: Library plaque
Date: Tuesday, February 18, 2025 7:58:38 AM

From: Nancy <[email protected]>
Sent: Saturday, February 15, 2025 2:41 PM
To: CITY COUNCIL (INCL. CMO STAFF) <[email protected]> Subject: Library plaque

Why make it partisan?
The plaque is for the whole city and the MAGA thing NOT a benign phrase! Why not use PRIDE, DEI, BLM as your phrase. Easy enough to come up with others I'm not recommending them ..I am just making a point that MAGA IS partisan and not appropriate for a 50 year plaque.

Nancy C

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From: Levin, Shannon
To: [email protected]
Subject: FW: MAGA plaque at Library
Date: Tuesday, February 18, 2025 7:59:14 AM

From: Robbie McDonald <[email protected]>
Sent: Sunday, February 16, 2025 8:54 AM
To: CITY COUNCIL (INCL. CMO STAFF) <[email protected]> Subject: MAGA plaque at Library

While I can appreciate a plaque commemorating the 50th anniversary of the Huntington Beach library, the wording, the acronym, and the cost leave much to be desired.

Most of the time I am afraid to go to the library because of the homeless issue. I would appreciate it if you spent more of the city council's time and the city's money trying to make our city safe instead of many of the things that only YOU, the city council, feel are important.

Best regards,
Roberta McDonald

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From: Levin, Shannon
To: [email protected]
Subject: FW: Library plague(not plaque)
Date: Tuesday, February 18, 2025 7:59:34 AM

From: Veronica Allen <[email protected]>
Sent: Sunday, February 16, 2025 9:38 AM
To: CITY COUNCIL (INCL. CMO STAFF) <[email protected]> Subject: Library plague(not plaque)

I am appalled by your brazen use of MAGA hateful rhetoric on the "supposedly" Library Commemorative Plaque. I think you, as a
group, have forgotten that there are other people who live in Huntington Beach. We normal citizens love the City of Huntington Beach and the great Central Library, that serves us all. A 50th Anniversary Plaque is a wonderful idea, only if its intent is to honor
the years it has spent enriching our lives, not professing some political agenda.

Shame on you all who voted for this idea!

Respectfully,
Veronica and David Allen
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From: Levin, Shannon
To: [email protected]
Subject: FW: MAGA plaque at Central Park Library
Date: Tuesday, February 18, 2025 7:59:39 AM

From: Laura Boyer <[email protected]>
Sent: Sunday, February 16, 2025 10:18 AM
To: CITY COUNCIL (INCL. CMO STAFF) <[email protected]> Subject: MAGA plaque at Central Park Library

Dear Council Members,

I am against the proposed plaques featuring MAGA. Our library and parks should be for all citizens and free of politics!

Putting MAGA on the plaque feels like an "in your face" to our fellow citizens who aren't ultra-Republican and will only create more division in the city.

Respectfully, Laura Boyer

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From: Levin, Shannon
To: [email protected]
Subject: FW: Library Plaque
Date: Tuesday, February 18, 2025 7:59:51 AM

From: Madison Colyer <[email protected]>
Sent: Sunday, February 16, 2025 11:45 AM
To: CITY COUNCIL (INCL. CMO STAFF) <[email protected]> Subject: Library Plaque

Huntington Beach City Council Members,
As a concerned citizen of Huntington Beach, I am not one to say much; but now is the time to voice issues with your decision to place a plaque of political party on an institution of learning. For you as city council members to make decision such as this, I cannot condone this action as a citizen who would go to the library as a child and now as an adult. As a library is an institution of learning and should not be used as an political battleground. Let your concerns of politics stay in the councilroom and out off educational institutions.

Madison Colyer
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From: Levin, Shannon
To: [email protected]
Subject: FW: 50th Anniversary Library Plaque
Date: Tuesday, February 18, 2025 7:59:58 AM
Attachments: Library-Display-Policy.pdf

From: Debara Traver <[email protected]>
Sent: Sunday, February 16, 2025 11:56 AM
To: CITY COUNCIL (INCL. CMO STAFF) <[email protected]> Subject: 50th Anniversary Library Plaque

I am writing to encourage you to vote NO on the proposed MAGA 50th Anniversary Plaque; approval of this plaque by elected City of Huntington Beach City Council members is Disgraceful!

1.) As designed, this plaque violates the HB City's Library Display policy.(see attached)

2.) This is the correct and proper spelling for Councilwoman.

NOT Council Woman.

3.) Was there any public input into the design or bids taken for pricing? Were other designs submitted?

Debara Z. Traver
Huntington Beach Resident
Updated and approved June 2023

HUNTINGTON BEACH PUBLIC LIBRARY DISPLAY POLICY
Purpose
The Huntington Beach Public Library has adopted the following Library Display Policy to guide librarians and to inform the public about the principles upon which display themes and materials are chosen.

Philosophy
The Huntington Beach Public Library supports intellectual freedom and subscribes to the Library Bill of Rights and its interpretative statements, including “Library-Initiated Programs and Displays as a Resource: An Interpretation of the Library Bill of Rights” (2019). https://www.ala.org/advocacy/intfreedom/librarybill/interpretations/programsdisplays

Library display tables and display cases are only for Huntington Beach Public Library or City of Huntington Beach displays. Public bulletin boards and flyer shelves located at Central and Branch locations are available for the posting of notices; however, those items must be submitted and then reviewed by Library administrative staff and are subject to rules and guidelines as outlined in the City’s Public Posting guidelines.

Library displays are used to highlight new materials, educate the public about the variety of subjects, genres, and formats offered, and to stimulate interest in the library collections, services, and resources.

As the Library endeavors to present a broad spectrum of ideas and variety of viewpoints, placement of materials on displays does not necessarily imply the Library's endorsement of ideas, opinions, or viewpoints expressed therein.

Displays should support the Library's mission statement:

The Huntington Beach Public Library and Cultural Center welcomes, empowers ad enriches our community by providing innovative and traditional library services that inspire and encourage transformation and growth
The following criteria will be considered when selecting or approving displays:
• Format and style are suitable for intended audience (e.g. adult materials will not be included in displays in the children's area).
• Appropriateness to seasonal events, holidays, heritage months, etc. • Relation to current events.
• Historical or regional relevance.
• Relation to events in the community.
• Relation to Library events and programming.
• Representation of a genre, trend, or culture.
• Interest of patrons and the public.

Updated and approved June 2023

Guidelines for displays:
• Themes and materials selected should fulfill the Library's mission to provide materials which meet patrons' interests and needs.
• Materials should be in good condition.
• Topical displays should represent the wide variety of viewpoints offered in the collections. • Displays should not promote a specific religion or political party. • Any signage included should clearly state the theme of the display.

Approval of displays:
• Senior Librarian of Youth Services is responsible for Children's, Youth, and Teen displays. • Senior Librarian of Public Services and Community Outreach is responsible for Adult displays at Central and all displays at Branch locations. • Final approval of all displays lies with the Library Manager. • Patrons who request the reconsideration of library display materials will be asked to follow the procedures concerning reconsideration of library materials as outlined in the City of Huntington Beach's Collection Development policy.

From: Levin, Shannon
To: [email protected]
Subject: FW: HBPL Commemorative Plaque
Date: Tuesday, February 18, 2025 8:00:01 AM
-----Original Message-----
From: Monica Trementozzi <[email protected]>
Sent: Sunday, February 16, 2025 12:09 PM
To: CITY COUNCIL (INCL. CMO STAFF) <[email protected]> Subject: HBPL Commemorative Plaque
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HB City Council-
As a follow-up to my previous email communicating my disapproval to the council considering the MAGA plaque, I want to now express my disgust on hearing this was approved. How embarrassing for our city. HB is featured on the news for siding with the far-right, their deeply flawed agenda and an attempt to gain favor with Donald Trump.

Before his first presidency, I was a registered independent with the luxury of voting for candidates on both sides However, I was compelled to pick a side so I could vote in future primaries. Donald Trump has effectively divided this country. His far-right agenda and that of his chosen allies is discriminatory and not reflective of the core values of this country.

HB City Ciuncil is now effectively dividing the community which is counterproductive to a healthy, happy community. You were NOT elected to be implement partisan symbolism in our public spaces. Yes, MAGA on the plaque is a play on the actual acronym but we all understand the intention.

As a 35 year resident with some Hispanic ethnicity, I was discriminated against for the first time IN MY LIFE recently and told to “go back where I came from” when riding my bike through the Lake Street neighborhood on my way home to Pacific Ranch. Coincidence? Unlikely. This is because Donald Trump and his MAGA agenda has emboldened and empowered discrimination at every level. Shame on HB City Council for amplifying his racist message.

Sincerely,
Monica Trementozzi
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From: Levin, Shannon
To: [email protected]
Subject: FW: Library plaque
Date: Tuesday, February 18, 2025 8:00:14 AM

From: Roberta Martin <[email protected]>
Sent: Sunday, February 16, 2025 1:21 PM
To: CITY COUNCIL (INCL. CMO STAFF) <[email protected]> Subject: Library plaque

City Council members,

As a multi-decade resident of Huntington Beach and frequent visitor to the Central Library, I am quite bothered by the awkward acronym MAGA proposed for the library plaque commemorating the 50th anniversary.

The Magical Alluring Galvanizing Adventurous wording does not make sense.

Those words have never been adopted, used in referring to our library. The use of those words is equivalent to trying to put a square peg into a round hole. The only reason those words were selected for the plaque is to spell out MAGA.

49.8% of Americans voted for the current president; 48.3% of Americans did not vote for the current president.

47.1% of Orange County residents voted for the current president; 49.7 % of OC residents did not.

I do not have specific percentages for Huntington Beach voting.

Simply speaking, we as a country and county are almost equally divided. Why does an elected city council feel the need to further divide our community? The city council has a clear majority. Why spend money and time broadcasting your agenda? The plaque will not withstand time. Administrations, sentiments and ideals change. Why memorialize an obvious attempt to steamroll over half the population with the council's political view?

To make a comparison, the plaque is tantamount to the rainbow flag; although, the rainbow flag would have flown for one month, not forged of metal, displayed at the library morning, noon and night in perpetuity. The thinking of the city council was that the ban of the rainbow flag "was to get us over this divisive titling." Let's continue down that path: unify, not divide.

As a resident, my opinion is that the city council should not blatantly demonstrate obvious partisanship, which apparently half of the citizens oppose.

Please rethink your position and do not dedicate that plaque just because you can, i.e., steamrolling.

Sincerely,

Roberta Martin
6609 Ashbury Circle
Huntington Beach
From: Levin, Shannon
To: [email protected]
Subject: FW: City Council Meeting 2/18/25 Comments
Date: Tuesday, February 18, 2025 8:00:23 AM

From: Chris Varga <[email protected]>
Sent: Sunday, February 16, 2025 3:01 PM
To: CITY COUNCIL (INCL. CMO STAFF) <[email protected]> Subject: City Council Meeting 2/18/25 Comments

Huntington Beach City Council,

In regards to the agenda for Huntington Beach City Council Meeting on 2/18/25 I have the following comments :

Agenda Item 25-102 – NO to the MAGA plaque for the 50
th Anniversary of our wonderful central
Library. This brazen political statement has no place in our celebrating this milestone. Do we even need to waste money on any plaque?

Agenda Items 25-087 and 25-126 – In regards to both of these approved and signature validated petitions on the future of the Library I support either approving the petitions as is or put them to the people of Huntington Beach to vote on. There isn’t another option.

Agenda Item 25-017 – NO to the Central Park Light show. What a hokey idea. Just leave the park alone!

Sincerely,

Chris Varga
Huntington Beach
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From: Levin, Shannon
To: [email protected]
Subject: FW: Library plaque
Date: Tuesday, February 18, 2025 8:00:39 AM

From: Robert Nigro <[email protected]>
Sent: Sunday, February 16, 2025 3:59 PM
To: CITY COUNCIL (INCL. CMO STAFF) <[email protected]> Subject: Library plaque

The proposed library plaque for its 50th anniversary should be about the library and not politized for your MAGA beliefs. In addition, the added line proposed by Councilman Chad Williams is totally inappropriate.

Maryann Nigro
Huntington Beach
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From: Levin, Shannon
To: [email protected]
Subject: FW: Vehemently Opposing that Plaque
Date: Tuesday, February 18, 2025 8:00:47 AM

From: Tony Chase <[email protected]>
Sent: Sunday, February 16, 2025 6:54 PM
To: CITY COUNCIL (INCL. CMO STAFF) <[email protected]> Subject: Vehemently Opposing that Plaque

Here are several reasons:

1. You obviously do not have a grasp on what words mean. "Alluring" to describe a library? You're reach to make MAGA work is not only ignorant it's disrespectful and inappropriate.

2. MAGA that is just gross and again incredibly disrespectful.

3. It's ugly

4. It has in god we trust WTF does that have to do with the library?

5. You added your names to the plaque as if any of you have ever had anything positive to do with our beautiful library.

6. You're idiots to pay 7k for that POS

I know you all live in a place of pettiness and hate. But putting that plaque up in our public library will be a MEGA insult to everyone that walks through it's doors.

Just don't
Carolyne Chase
92647
From: Paula Christensen
To: [email protected]
Subject: Library Plaque
Date: Tuesday, February 18, 2025 8:14:26 AM
You don't often get email from [email protected]. Learn why this is important Hello Republican City Council members,
I realize that you have the majority and in reality you do not have to pay attention to any other point of view.

I hope that you would realize that you are suppose to represent all of Huntington Beach and not just republicans.

In the hope that you will listen to a different point of view and not be stubbornly stuck on only yourselves, please consider that this plaque design for the 50 anniversary of the library has nothing to do with the
library.

The plaque design is blatantly political.

The plaque design is blatantly sucking up to the president.

Are you hoping you will get a choice job in Washington? I doubt that I am the only one thinking this.

Your plaque design message is obvious. Your are not fooling anyone.

Some people who received this message don't often get email from [email protected]. Learn why this is important From: Levin, Shannon
To: [email protected]
Subject: FW: Council agenda 2/18/2025, multiple items
Date: Tuesday, February 18, 2025 8:17:59 AM

From: Julie Bixby <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, February 17, 2025 2:00 PM
To: CITY COUNCIL (INCL. CMO STAFF) <[email protected]> Subject: Council agenda 2/18/2025, multiple items

To Council persons of all genders, faiths and creeds:

RE: Item 25-102 - Proposed Library Anniversary Plaque

The City Council is blatantly using a City resource for its own political gain.

The font size of the front-and-center MAGA acrostic is so much larger than that of “Huntington Beach Central Library”, and there’s so much star- spangled fluff around it, that the plaque looks like it’s recognizing 50 years of MAGA, a well-known political movement, rather than the City’s Library.

Further adding to the plaque’s political message, it displays the individual names and offices of the loud and proud MAGA elected officials.

The City’s Code of Ethics – you did read it, didn’t you? – says “I do not use my office or the resources of the City for personal or political gain.” Plastering a political logo/acronym with your name and office on a City resource sounds very much like using a City resource for political gain, which violates the Code of Ethics.

RE: Items 25-087 & 25-126 pertaining to placing the Citizens Initiatives on the ballot

Deputy City Manager Jennifer Carey, who prepared these two RCAs, gets creative – to put it politely - with the fiscal impact of placing the citizen initiatives on the General Election ballot. She writes for both 25-087 & 25- 126:

“The next General Election would be November 3, 2026. Should the City Council elect to submit for this date, the cost would range from $340,515 to $399,499. If the City Council decides to include the second citizen initiative… an additional cost of approximately $8,500 would be incurred for both scenarios.”

This makes it sound like the cost of including a single initiative on a GE ballot is an astounding six figures, yet somehow tacking on a second initiative adds a mere $8,500.

This is a false narrative. Less than a year ago, the text of a similar RCA, 24-465, which was co-written by Carey, read simple and clear:

“The estimated additional cost to place one Charter amendment measure on the November 5, 2024 General Election ballot is $10,000, bringing the total estimated cost for the November 5, 2024 General Municipal Election to $310,000. (emphasis added)

Funds to cover this amount are budgeted in FY 2024/25 Election Account No. 10010201.69505.”

How in the world did the cost of adding one item to a GE ballot go from $10,000 to $300,000+ in less than a year?

It didn’t, although the phrasing of the current RCAs implies that it did, thereby misleading the public (and possibly the Council) that adding just one ballot initiative would be an enormous expenditure it can’t afford.

Moreover, RCAs 25-087 & 25-126 don’t mention that funds are always provided in the City’s budget to cover basic General Election costs, expanding the false narrative that the City can’t afford to put the (supposedly costly) citizen initiatives on a GE ballot. Had the current RCAs been written in the same clear verbiage as the prior 24-465, this false impression wouldn’t exist.

The City Council needs to stop playing games and stop fabricating excuses (including the “were you lied to” survey) to avoid placing the lawfully submitted citizen initiatives on the 2026 General Election ballot.

RE: Item 25-017 – Flowers of the Sky License Agreement

I’m disturbed by the City’s selling out of its parkland to try to make a quick buck. The ends don’t justify the means.

I’m also particularly dismayed by the vendor’s obligation of “Shall provide a complimentary hospitality package that includes 400 complimentary VIP hospitality passes for the event per year for use by City’s employees and representatives.”

400 VIP passes per year? It seems a rather excessive number of freebies being doled out. It also begs the question of how, exactly, these hundreds of yearly freebies serve “a legitimate public purpose of the City… consistent with state law” per Resolution No. 2013-23. (emphasis added)

Requiring the distribution of 400 VIP passes sounds awfully like bribery to me, a “pay to play” scheme (aka, we’ll let you hold your event if you give us a bucket load of free passes to attend it).

The City doesn’t need to be so greedy. Cutting the number of passes in half to 200 (or cutting even fewer to 100), you still have a generous allotment for whatever “legitimate public purpose” premise you come up with.

--
Julie Bixby
Huntington Beach

Some people who received this message don't often get email from [email protected]. Learn why this is important
From: Levin, Shannon
To: [email protected]
Subject: FW: Plaque at Library
Date: Tuesday, February 18, 2025 8:18:03 AM

From: Gerald Donohue <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, February 17, 2025 2:13 PM
To: CITY COUNCIL (INCL. CMO STAFF) <[email protected]> Subject: Plaque at Library

Putting a MAGA plague in the library doesn't build community support. Furthermore 3 new council members have served less than 3 months and it seems inappropriate to mention them when they have so little service to HB. Thanks, Jerry Donohue Some people who received this message don't often get email from [email protected]. Learn why this is important
From: Levin, Shannon
To: [email protected]
Subject: FW: NO on LIBRARY PLAQUE
Date: Tuesday, February 18, 2025 8:18:08 AM

From: [email protected] <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, February 17, 2025 2:20 PM
To: CITY COUNCIL (INCL. CMO STAFF) <[email protected]> Subject: NO on LIBRARY PLAQUE

Please do not divide our city any further just because you can. Put up a plaque that EVERYONE in the city on either side can be proud of. Have your names on it so that future generations will see UNITY IN HB was important to this council and our city.

Thank you.

Sent from the all new AOL app for iOS
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From: Levin, Shannon
To: [email protected]
Subject: FW: Concerned Citizen & Neighbor
Date: Tuesday, February 18, 2025 8:18:17 AM

From: Shelly Bigger <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, February 17, 2025 2:36 PM
To: CITY COUNCIL (INCL. CMO STAFF) <[email protected]> Subject: Concerned Citizen & Neighbor

Members of Council-

I'm voicing my concerns on several topics the council will take up on tomorrow's meeting.

Library Plaque-

HB as a city that endeavors to include all its citizens should never show partisanship on city buildings or plaques.

The plaque is to commemorate 50 years for the LIBRARY and the library only.

The acronym created by the four words chosen below is a thinly vailed attempt to push an agenda from one side of the political spectrum.

To what end is unclear but it feels childish and mislead.

Magical, Alluring, Galvanizing, Adventurous

This list of words also has no literary significance - it was not written by a known celebrated author nor lyrics from a universally love song.

The acronym clearing spells out MAGA which perhaps is some of your beliefs and you have the right to believe as you will.

HOWEVER, if it doesn't represent the diversity of political beliefs of ALL its constituents.

It should be replaced with wording to better address the Libraries 50 th Anniversary.

I highly recommend you re-consider and honor the 50th anniversary of our wonderful library and its deep meaning to all people as a place for learning.

Keep, 'learning and all the possibilities that brings', as the topic for the plaque removing all political references.

It's really the only way to honor the Library's history correctly.

A quick google search will yield multiple worthy quotes like the ones below...

“The doors of this Library are open now and are all welcome.

The judgment of history is left to you, the people.

I have no fears of that, for we have done our best.

And so I say, come and learn from it."
Ronald Regan

"The only thing you absolutely need to know the location of the library" Albert Einstein

The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you’ll go.” – Dr. Seuss

Symphony of Flowers.

I love Central park - it's a beautiful area for humans and wildlife to enjoy quietly, It's a haven for many birds, animals and humans alike. Not to mention the most important fact that the park is on the Pacific Flyway a vital route for migratory birds.

Remove this item from the Consent Calendar- the public demands transparency from the council in reviewing the proposal before approval and possible put on the ballot. NOTHING should be done w/o a environmental impact study
Until the above 2 items are addressed to the betterment of all HB citizens...DO NOT approve the Symphony of Flowers to operate an 8 months long show 4 night a week with 2K possible attendees This will not only disturb the natural rhythm the park enjoys to the both wildlife and surrounding neighborhoods.

No amount of money is worth jeopardizing this haven - the added pressure on the park and accompanying trash and misconduct of participants is NOT what we need now or ever.

Search your common sense and realize the company that wants to this to happen doesn't give a damn about Central Park- it needs our lovely green background to make their show look good. Ask them if they placed this in this parking lot of the Westminster Mall, would they have the same effect? I doubt it.

Don't let them USE us this way.

Thank you for your open minds while considering these topics.

Shelly Bigger
HB Resident
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From: Levin, Shannon
To: [email protected]
Subject: FW: Library Plaque
Date: Tuesday, February 18, 2025 8:19:09 AM

From: Betsy Smith <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, February 17, 2025 3:36 PM
To: CITY COUNCIL (INCL. CMO STAFF) <[email protected]> Subject: Library Plaque

City Council Members,
My name is Elizabeth Smith. I am a 50 year resident and a retired teacher of 37 years in Huntington Beach.

I strongly oppose your MAGA agenda and your thoughtless, manipulative manner in which you want to commemorate the 50th Anniversary of our wonderful public library.

Your views do not represent everyone in Huntington Beach. Please reconsider another option to honor the library and your constituents.

Thank you.

Elizabeth Smith
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From: Levin, Shannon
To: [email protected]
Subject: FW: Library Plaque and Light Show - Vote No
Date: Tuesday, February 18, 2025 8:19:12 AM

From: Brian Reilly <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, February 17, 2025 3:40 PM
To: CITY COUNCIL (INCL. CMO STAFF) <[email protected]> Subject: Library Plaque and Light Show - Vote No

As a city resident I am strongly requesting that you vote NO on both the silly and unnecessary library plaque and the lease of parkland to a for-profit light show promoter.

Our Central Park is an island of nature in our ever developing city and needs to be protected and not exploited.

Thank you,
Brian F. Reilly
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From: Levin, Shannon
To: [email protected]
Subject: FW: Library Plaque
Date: Tuesday, February 18, 2025 8:19:17 AM

From: ljessner <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, February 17, 2025 3:47 PM
To: CITY COUNCIL (INCL. CMO STAFF) <[email protected]> Subject: Library Plaque

Dear City Council,

I am a member of the community who voted for all three of the new members. I am strongly opposed to the wording on the proposed library plaque. The use of MAGA to describe the library is wrong. I have been volunteering in the library for 35 years. Please change the description so it doesn't spell MAGA vertically. Maybe the FOTCL group could engage the children to come up with a wonderful description.

Linda Jessner

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From: Levin, Shannon
To: [email protected]
Subject: FW: Concerned citizen
Date: Tuesday, February 18, 2025 8:19:22 AM

From: Ashley Crawford <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, February 17, 2025 3:54 PM
To: CITY COUNCIL (INCL. CMO STAFF) <[email protected]> Subject: Concerned citizen

Hello city council,

Regarding the agenda items for city council meeting 2/18/2025, I am highly concerned.

The library 50th anniversary plaque
I absolutely do not want our city spending money on a useless and embarrassing plaque for the library. What is the final cost involved? Thousands of dollars? My daughter asks why our parking lots and streets are full of broken pieces and holes. Why is that?! If we have thousands to spend then fix the potholes in our streets or fix the city parks with broken slides! That money could be spent buying new children's items for the library or updating the children's section of the library. How about fixing the fountain outside of the library? How about continuing to update our city infrastructure? Maybe you could clean up the city beach bathrooms! Help El Ranchito rebuild on Main St!

Symphony of Flowers
This is a huge no thank you! I do not see the need for nor do I desire an expensive light show to take part of our beloved park. The cost per ticket is too expensive, the park doesn't need an event and I want to be able to park in the parking lots to use the library and park without worrying about all the space being used for some event! Find another option to raise money for our city.

I am often embarrassed by our city council- as in YOU. Each of you. The ridiculous way you talk, the things you say that make no sense or do not represent our city interests (certainly not mine!) not to mention the way most of you dress! I cannot understand why some of you dress so unprofessionally.

Thank you for your time.

Sincerely,
Ashley Crawford, a concerned HB citizen
From: Levin, Shannon
To: [email protected]
Subject: FW: Plaque and Symphony of Flowers
Date: Tuesday, February 18, 2025 8:19:27 AM
-----Original Message-----
From: Joan Wood <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, February 17, 2025 3:58 PM
To: CITY COUNCIL (INCL. CMO STAFF) <[email protected]> Subject: Plaque and Symphony of Flowers
[Some people who received this message don't often get email from [email protected]. Learn why this is important at https://aka.ms/LearnAboutSenderIdentification ]
Dear City Council members,
I am an independent voter, tired of partisan politics in our city. You know exactly what you’re doing by installing a MAGA plaque at the Central library. It is inappropriate.

If I can sway your vote on anything, I hope it will be on the planned Symphony of Flowers. I walk in Central Park every week and believe this will cause irreparable environmental damage. It will affect wildlife and the serenity of the park…not a responsible use of tax dollars.

Thank you,
Joan Wood
Sent from my iPad
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From: Levin, Shannon
To: [email protected]
Subject: FW: Hideous plaque
Date: Tuesday, February 18, 2025 8:19:36 AM

From: Nancy Bigda <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, February 17, 2025 4:22 PM
To: CITY COUNCIL (INCL. CMO STAFF) <[email protected]> Subject: Hideous plaque

You cannot spend our money on that hideous, obscene plaque for the 50th anniversary of the library. If you do, you should put it in one of the bathrooms (preferable on the floor under a toilet) because it belongs there.

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From: Levin, Shannon
To: [email protected]
Subject: FW: My opinion on the plaque
Date: Tuesday, February 18, 2025 8:19:47 AM

From: Mary Spafford <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, February 17, 2025 4:45 PM
To: CITY COUNCIL (INCL. CMO STAFF) <[email protected]> Subject: My opinion on the plaque

I find this plaque gaudy, unattractive and politically biased and a great disservice to those who have worked with great zeal to make our library what it has been over the last 50 years, a wonderful, welcoming place ​for the community to visit. To have the names of this City Council who have done nothing but insult, name call and work to give the library away to a private organization placed on the plaque is an insult.

The City Council seems to turn a deaf ear to the pleas of so many people in our city but I hope that this will be an exception.

Sincerely,
M. Spafford
From: Levin, Shannon
To: [email protected]
Subject: FW: Please don"t waste our money on MAGA
Date: Tuesday, February 18, 2025 8:19:55 AM

From: RON ULRICH <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, February 17, 2025 4:46 PM
To: CITY COUNCIL (INCL. CMO STAFF) <[email protected]> Subject: Please don't waste our money on MAGA

You guys have chosen to try to promote yourselves' to the president. Please stop wasting time and money on this plaque highlighting MAGA.....I doubt Trump will find this is money well spent reflecting on his cut back approach and I am certain my fellow HB residents can list many better uses for money spent on. This MAGA plaque does not honor the City of Huntington Beach.

Trump does not care about your adoration of him and his twin Musk would likely think less of HB after seeing this spending. This is not an honor to the city, it is a silly cry for attention and will appear embarrassing in the future.

Please focus on Huntington Beach and our issues...things like this plaque make us look childish. Do not proceed with the plaque.

Ron Ulrich
Huntington Beach, CA
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From: Levin, Shannon
To: [email protected]
Subject: FW: Plaque
Date: Tuesday, February 18, 2025 8:20:05 AM

From: Kathy Caric <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, February 17, 2025 5:32 PM
To: CITY COUNCIL (INCL. CMO STAFF) <[email protected]> Subject: Plaque

Please do not approve the design for the proposed library plaque. Blatant political references or content are totally inappropriate on a publicly owned building. The library serves all Huntington Beach citizens, not just those with MAGA loyalty/ sympathy. The acrostic content needs to be removed from the design. Look at the plaques currently displayed at the library to confirm that the content should be politically neutral in design.

Katherine Caric
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From: Levin, Shannon
To: [email protected]
Subject: FW: Agenda Item 25-102
Date: Tuesday, February 18, 2025 8:20:08 AM

From: Donna Skinner <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, February 17, 2025 5:32 PM
To: CITY COUNCIL (INCL. CMO STAFF) <[email protected]> Subject: Agenda Item 25-102

I request that the council reject the design of the MAGA plaque for the library anniversary. It is offensive to many of us and aggravates hope of unity within our community. Please stop pushing the MAGA agenda. You are supposed to be representing ALL of Huntington Beach. It appears that you are really TRYING to be offensive. You are not supposed to be partisan.

Please. Do the job that you were elected to do and stop this divisiveness. Fix the potholes in our streets. Do something about unsafe use of electric bicycles ... especially by our community's children.
__________________
Donna Skinner
DonnaSkinner.com
From: April Downs
To: [email protected]
Subject: Improve the Library 50 Anniversary Plaque
Date: Tuesday, February 18, 2025 8:20:33 AM
[You don't often get email from [email protected]. Learn why this is important at https://aka.ms/LearnAboutSenderIdentification ]
Hi - please update the design of the library 50th anniversary plaque. Currently it is very political and inappropriate for our library. The words are used to follow the mega acronym, which is not with the libraries about. It does not represent our city well.

April Downs
Sent from my iPhone
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From: Levin, Shannon
To: [email protected]
Subject: FW: library plaque - no!
Date: Tuesday, February 18, 2025 8:21:09 AM

From: Mary Kay Lamarre <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, February 17, 2025 7:17 PM
To: CITY COUNCIL (INCL. CMO STAFF) <[email protected]> Subject: library plaque - no!

I am not in favor of the current design proposed to honor our city library. This plaque should honor the library and should not include political slogans as the currently proposed. The design team needs to come up with a design that is only about the library.

--
Mary Kay Lamarre
[email protected]
cell 714.655.8984
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From: Levin, Shannon
To: [email protected]
Subject: FW: Library plaque comment
Date: Tuesday, February 18, 2025 8:21:13 AM

From: Lisa Marin <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, February 17, 2025 7:21 PM
To: CITY COUNCIL (INCL. CMO STAFF) <[email protected]> Subject: Library plaque comment

To the Members of the HB City Council:

A commemorative plaque for the HB Library’s 50 years of serving our community is absolutely warranted. However, the use of a contrived acronym to promote MAGA is highly offensive to many of us who use and support the Central library but do not want the library politicized. The plaque clearly does not represent the community as a whole-most specifically, the insertion of MAGA.

Much less important than the blatant, absurd bias shown by the acronym-but nonetheless a reflection on our city’s image, is the use of adjectives like “alluring” (really a preposterous choice) and “galvanizing” which are obviously convenient but NOT appropriate or well thought out descriptors for the outstanding HB Central Library. “Alluring”? Really?

This doesn’t even consider how unattractive the design is- more fitting for a military facility than a library that is so welcoming, vibrant, accessible, expansive, state of the art!

Let’s slow down-please do not move forward with this expensive and offensive project. Let’s find a way to design/develop other options that the community can contribute to, discuss and compromise on, seeking an attractive, less somber design, with a non political text-something that truly represents what the HB library means to everyone. It’s a great way to honor this gem of a library!
And no acronym needed!

Sincerely,
Lisa Marín
Huntington Beach, CA

"The cure for anything is salt water: sweat, tears, or the sea." Isak Dinesen

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From: Levin, Shannon
To: [email protected]
Subject: FW: Library Plaque
Date: Tuesday, February 18, 2025 8:21:17 AM

From: Paula Christensen <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, February 17, 2025 7:42 PM
To: CITY COUNCIL (INCL. CMO STAFF) <[email protected]> Subject: Library Plaque

Hello Republican City Council members,
I realize that you have the majority and in reality you do not have to pay attention to any other point of view.

I hope that you would realize that you are suppose to represent all of Huntington Beach and not just republicans.

In the hope that you will listen to a different point of view and not be stubbornly stuck on only yourselves, please consider that this plaque design for the 50 anniversary of the library has nothing to do with the
library.

The plaque design is blatantly political.

The plaque design is blatantly sucking up to the president.

Are you hoping you will get a choice job in Washington? I doubt that I am the only one thinking this.

Your plaque design message is obvious. Your are not fooling anyone.

Some people who received this message don't often get email from [email protected]. Learn why this is important
From: Levin, Shannon
To: [email protected]
Subject: FW: 25-102
Date: Tuesday, February 18, 2025 8:21:42 AM

From: Patti Beumer Wride <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, February 17, 2025 8:21 PM
To: CITY COUNCIL (INCL. CMO STAFF) <[email protected]> Subject: 25-102

To the City Council:

Unable to attend the Tuesday meeting, but must add my voice to the many who do not approve the proposed plaque to commemorate the wonderful HB public Library’s Anniversary.

As a 40 plus year homeowner in Huntington Beach, I have known the City Council to be a non-partisan body and as such it is meant to serve the entire population.

Maga is not a policy, it was a marketing and campaign slogan. It does not belong on a plaque celebrating a PUBLIC Library’s milestone.

I oppose this proposed plaque. We are proud of our beautiful, inclusive Huntington Beach Library.

Instead display a celebration appropriate for the entire citizenry.

Sincerely,

P.B. Wride
Huntington Beach, CA

From: Levin, Shannon
To: [email protected]
Subject: FW: Library Issues
Date: Tuesday, February 18, 2025 8:21:48 AM
-----Original Message-----
From: Jean Rowley <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, February 17, 2025 8:25 PM
To: CITY COUNCIL (INCL. CMO STAFF) <[email protected]> Cc: Jean Rowley <[email protected]>
Subject: Library Issues
[Some people who received this message don't often get email from [email protected]. Learn why this is important at https://aka.ms/LearnAboutSenderIdentification ]
Please keep politics out of the library, and allow librarians to do their jobs. The MAGA acronym on the plaque politicizes the 50th anniversary of the library, and I am against that. Parents should decide what books their children have access to, not a board of strangers with an agenda.

As a long term resident of Huntington Beach, I prefer you spend your time on the e-bike problem and the multitude of detox and sober living houses in our neighborhoods.

Thank you,
Jean Rowley
From: Levin, Shannon
To: [email protected]
Subject: FW: Feedback on agenda items for February 19, 2025 council meeting Date: Tuesday, February 18, 2025 8:22:46 AM

From: Janet Michels <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, February 17, 2025 9:03 PM
To: CITY COUNCIL (INCL. CMO STAFF) <[email protected]> Subject: Feedback on agenda items for February 19, 2025 council meeting

City Council,

I write to you with respect to 2 items on the agenda for tomorrow night's city council meeting.

The Library Plaque: I attended last week's Commission meeting and listened carefully to the speakers, which as you know, overwhelmingly rejected the plaque's design while overwhelmingly supported a plaque commemorating the 50th anniversary. Most speakers were articulate in their positions, with a recurrent theme...why wouldn't you want a plaque that the entire community would support and appreciate? Why select a design intended to provoke a large and vocal negative response?

I've watched all of you speak, get sworn in, and identify as "adults in the room" (looking at you Mr. McKeon) and wanting to bring people together (most of you have said as much time and again)
You really had a chance here, and personally I think you are blowing a real opportunity....now you are getting emails from people who voted for you, all in, questioning your choice here. I'm still hopeful that 4 of you will wake up tomorrow and decide this is not the legacy you want to leave for your time on city council. Please do the right thing, say you are listening to the community, you understand why some people might not support the design, and vote NO on this item.

Symphony of Flowers: Cool idea, wrong location. Simple as that. Find an undeveloped lot in the industrial area and put it there, if such a place exists in HB. These installations, similar to Sensorio in Paso Robles, are great but usually put in an open field where disruption to the community and wildlife is minimal. The money you will receive for it is minimal as a budget helper, and looks like we will subsidize by paying for parking attendants needed to route traffic. Vote NO on this item, and make a plan to locate the installation in a location less disruptive to the community.

SIncerely,
Janet Michels

--
Janet Michels
714.448.3095

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From: Levin, Shannon
To: [email protected]
Subject: FW: Agenda Item for city council meeting February Date: Tuesday, February 18, 2025 8:22:50 AM

From: Sue Fullerton <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, February 17, 2025 9:15 PM
To: CITY COUNCIL (INCL. CMO STAFF) <[email protected]> Subject: Agenda Item for city council meeting February

Agenda Item 25-102 plaque - NO do not approve. Really that's the best you could do? It sounds illiterate. You should be ashamed. Maybe you should read more or at least buy a thesaurus.

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From: Levin, Shannon
To: [email protected]
Subject: FW: Agenda Items 25-102 & 25-107 February 18th CC Meeting Date: Tuesday, February 18, 2025 8:22:53 AM

From: [email protected] <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, February 17, 2025 9:26 PM
To: CITY COUNCIL (INCL. CMO STAFF) <[email protected]> Subject: Agenda Items 25-102 & 25-107 February 18th CC Meeting

Mayor Burns, Mayor Pro Tem McKeon, and Council Members.

First, I’d like to say I’m enthusiastic and optimistic about the leadership and direction of our city and our country. I understand you and this council have some challenges that need to be addressed specifically the city budget deficient, but I hope you will listen to your supporters and constituents when considering solutions.

I appreciate that the last time the license agreement with Flowers of the Sky Entertainment was on the agenda, Council pulled the item pending further research and investigation. However, I still urge you to vote NO on this agenda item. I have read the EIR in the addendum, and I disagree vehemently with the general conclusions that there will be no impact on the natural resources of Central Park, on the migrating birds and wildlife, and on traffic congestion to the surrounding streets and neighborhoods. I compare the EIR to HSS Mayorkas saying the US border is under control during the last administration. Most of the residents of our city are opposed to this. Please listen to us.

Also, on the agenda is item 25-102. Please reconsider the design of the commemorative plaque celebrating the 50th anniversary of HBPL . Even an ardent supporter of you and this Council can see this as a blatant use of the MAGA acronym which creates division. I hope you would want to unite all residents of our city, and this plaque design creates a wedge.

Regards,
Gregory Dillon
714 319-3581
22102 Jonesport Ln
Huntington Beach, 92646

From: Levin, Shannon
To: [email protected]
Subject: FW: Please register my voice
Date: Tuesday, February 18, 2025 8:23:01 AM

From: Allie Plum <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, February 17, 2025 9:43 PM
To: CITY COUNCIL (INCL. CMO STAFF) <[email protected]> Subject: Please register my voice

Dear CC and Staff

I wish to once again express my disapproval for the overpriced MAGA library plaque. It displays a tiny ode (books) to the actual library and a big eagle, a In God we trust, and some other furled drapes which seem more apt on money. Back to the drawing board for less please.

I am also against The Symphony of Flowers in Central Park taking away a large part of the public park and possibly disrupting the local wildlife. This is too long in time and too invasive.

Also the petitions which were signed clearly for the HB Public Library to go back to no interference by a “Board” appointed by the far right City Council. There is no balance or representation for the other half of HB. Please put it to the vote of the people.

Thank you for having an open mind and collaborating to make the community included.

Sincerely,

Allison E. Plum
19251 Brookhurst St.

HB
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From: Levin, Shannon
To: [email protected]
Subject: FW: Regarding the Library 50th Anniversary Plaque Date: Tuesday, February 18, 2025 8:23:10 AM

From: Travis Martindill <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, February 17, 2025 10:27 PM
To: CITY COUNCIL (INCL. CMO STAFF) <[email protected]> Subject: Regarding the Library 50th Anniversary Plaque

To the City Council:

I object strongly to the proposed plaque to be commissioned for the HB Library's 50th anniversary. The design put forth is extremely inappropriate and not indicative of all to what the Library represents and has represented for the last 50 years.

A public library is a place for people to gather, to come together to learn and communicate and thrive. The proposed plaque only serves to bring partisan political rhetoric into an establishment that should have none, and will only promote division among the people who enjoy visiting the library.

The words chosen for the plaque were very obviously done so in order to shoehorn the MAGA acronym, which is a blatant dog whistle to a particular group of people, and is not inviting to everyone who visits. The MAGA motto will surely be a forgotten, embarrassing footnote in American history before long, and having it engraved forever on this plaque is equally embarrassing. In addition, the words themselves are not appropriate to describe a library. If an establishment considered itself "alluring," I would expect it more to be a strip club rather than a center for learning and imagination.

I implore you, as do many others who live in this wonderful city, to get rid of this plaque design and come up with something better. A 50th anniversary plaque should celebrate what the library truly stands for and what people come to visit it for, not shove a ridiculous political ideology down the throats of those who read it. Be better.

-Travis Martindill

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From: Levin, Shannon
To: [email protected]
Subject: FW: city council meeting
Date: Tuesday, February 18, 2025 8:23:21 AM

From: Amanda Furches <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, February 17, 2025 11:00 PM
To: CITY COUNCIL (INCL. CMO STAFF) <[email protected]> Subject: city council meeting

Please vote no. on the light show
Despite what seems to have come back from the environmental impact report....There is no way it will have no effect.

There are nearly zero completely dark places in our urban environment and our parks are the only places left that even come close.
birds look to the stars to navigate.

Light pollution disrupts animals circadian rhythms, breeding, navigation..etc BLeachers are down right HIDEOUS.

Any quaintness appeal of the light show is immediately killed by bleachers. Any light show I've been to in Europe, people just sit on blankets and bring their own chairs and picnic.

Elderly people can't easily climb up bleachers nor can people with disabilities.

The proposed 150,000 /year is a joke. People are not going to go to this more than 1x.

Also, vote no on the maga sign.

The MAGA sign is a blatant political power move and CORRUPT waste of our taxpayer money when we are in a deficit.

Absolutely not. You will be voted out with such obvious corruption like this.

--
Amanda Herring

Huntington Beach City Council Meeting comments on Agenda for 2/18/2025 Mayor and City Councilmembers:

APPROVE:

Item 19 – We recommend you approve of the City of HB proceeding with the Staff recommendation on Actions A and B, though we’re puzzled that this represents accepting funding from CalPFA, a political subdivision of the State of California, via bonds, to subsidize HD housing, albeit for Seniors. Wondering how the CC (specifically McKeon) rationalizes that with HB suing the State over mandating precisely what this seems to be.

Item 22 – ‘Selection and Use of Library Materials’ - We recommend you approve of the City of HB proceeding with the Staff recommendation on Actions A and B, or C. We don’t approve of proceeding with Part D, as that would cost the City too much to pay for a Special Election when it could be held at a fraction of the cost in the scheduled 2026 General Election.

Item 23 – ‘Public Operation of Library Services’ - We recommend you approve of the City of HB proceeding with the Staff recommendation on Actions A and B, or C. We don’t approve of proceeding with Part D, as that would cost the City too much to pay for a Special Election when it could be held at a fraction of the cost in the scheduled 2026 General Election.

DENY:

Item 20 – Deny or postpone the approval of the ‘Design of the Plaque Celebrating the Huntington Beach Public Library’s 50th Anniversary as Recommended by the Community & Library Services Commission’. Under no circumstances should the design of this plaque reflect the letters MAGA in any configuration or composition that groups the letters together, or are emphasized in any other way. It is very clearly a biased political acronym that is universally recognized throughout the USA. It does not belong on this, or any other plaque, placed at any property considered to be Public or City property.

Item 24 – Deny or postpone the execution of a License Agreement Between the City of Huntington Beach and Flowers of the Sky Entertainment, LLC, for the management and operation of Symphony of Flowers at Huntington Central Park East, as well as the Addendum to the Final Master Environmental Impact Report (FMEIR) for Master Plan of Recreation Uses for Central Park, City of Huntington Beach, California, until one or more public forums can be scheduled by the City Council, Symphony of Flowers ‘authorized’ representatives and other City Officials to garner wider public comments and questions.

At this juncture in time, there are still far too many questions and issues needing better definition and explanation to enter into any legal Agreement between parties. As the tentative date proposed to commence the opening of the shows isn’t until September of 2025, we have adequate time to allow for one or more public forums to occur to more thoroughly address residents’ concerns.

Sincerely,
Larry and Susan Slonim
(714) 357-9600

From: Levin, Shannon
To: [email protected]
Subject: FW: Citizen against MAGA design on HB Public Library Plaque Date: Tuesday, February 18, 2025 8:24:06 AM
-----Original Message-----
From: Patricia King <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, February 18, 2025 6:50 AM
To: CITY COUNCIL (INCL. CMO STAFF) <[email protected]> Subject: Citizen against MAGA design on HB Public Library 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 ]
Remove the following: magical, alluring, galvanizing and adventurous Please don’t force your MAGA politics on the citizens of our city.

Patricia King, resident of HB
From: Levin, Shannon
To: [email protected]
Subject: FW: Library plaque agenda #20
Date: Tuesday, February 18, 2025 8:24:14 AM

From: Lynne Deakers <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, February 18, 2025 6:56 AM
To: CITY COUNCIL (INCL. CMO STAFF) <[email protected]> Subject: Library plaque agenda #20

Here is my vote for library plaque. Please reconsider your proposal. The suggestion is succinct and professional. A library plaque for this purpose should not be “cute”.( no alluring or magical )

Lynne Deakers
44year Huntington Beach resident

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From: Levin, Shannon
To: [email protected]
Subject: FW: Library plaque OPPOSED to the disgusting plaque NO MAGA reference Date: Tuesday, February 18, 2025 8:24:34 AM

From: [email protected] <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, February 18, 2025 7:05 AM
To: CITY COUNCIL (INCL. CMO STAFF) <[email protected]> Subject: Library plaque OPPOSED to the disgusting plaque NO MAGA reference

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.

John

John King
[email protected]
714 262 0826

From: mary ann celinder
To: CITY COUNCIL (INCL. CMO STAFF); [email protected] Subject: The library plaque
Date: Tuesday, February 18, 2025 8:36:01 AM
Attachments: Cc feb.pdf
[Some people who received this message don't often get email from [email protected].

Learn why this is important at https://aka.ms/LearnAboutSenderIdentification ] Mary Ann Celinder
Cell 714 504 8361
Studio 714 962 8361
Www.customleadedglass.com
MAGA has absolutely nothing to do with what has made our central library the jewel of the city.

By following the playbooks of the Heritage Foundation, Moms for Liberty and Project 2025, this council has actively tried to undermine the library by vilifying librarians and controlling library content. The very valid library petitions were circulated against council’s actions and we found support for the library is bipartisan and overwhelming. The will of the people must be accepted and should not even have to go to the expense of a special election. It’s more money you will waste if the petitions are not adapted.
14 of the people listed on the plaque with the power to approve are openly MAGA sympathizers. What contributions have they made to the library? Do the others listed, especially City Staff, want to be a part of this new confederacy? I couldn’t decide whether proposed plaque is a campaign sign, an in-your-face power statement or a resume point to seek higher office. The bronze through me off since paper is generally used, but I think it’s all of the above. The design and content are questionable and meant to divide. If approved, this insult should be paid for by your campaigns and listed as campaign donations.

By flaunting your power, you will certainly receive national attention as you seek personal gain.

But doing so will be at the expense of residents you represent and the institution you pretend to honor. If approved, you will once again embarrass the city. The sad part is, you do not understand why.

From: Kalee Rustvold
To: [email protected]
Subject: Proposed plaque for 50th anniversary of HB Central Library Date: Tuesday, February 18, 2025 8:40:02 AM
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Hello,
I am a resident of Huntington Beach and stand against the proposed plaque. It is tasteless and highly inappropriate given the political atmosphere of today. It supports the far right and a fascist agenda. Our library should not be politicized and should be a welcoming environment for all, by adopting this plaque you’re are making it an unwelcoming environment and promoting the idea of hate.

Kalee Rustvold
From: powell_doris
To: [email protected]
Subject: No on Item #20 Library Plaque
Date: Tuesday, February 18, 2025 8:50:41 AM
You don't often get email from [email protected]. Learn why this is important Honourable City Council,
I encourage you to reject the design of the commemorative library plaque. The reason is that the wording on the plaque contains a political references MAGA which is not only inappropriate but also violates the city's own Library Display Rules which ban political statements.

Sincerely,
Doris Powell
Sent from my Verizon, Samsung Galaxy smartphone