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Home My WebLink AboutApprove the placement of a memorial plaque recognition for F � City of Huntington Beach File #: 18-343 MEETING DATE: 9/17/2018 REQUEST FOR CITY COUNCIL ACTION SUBMITTED TO: Honorable Mayor and City Council Members SUBMITTED BY: Fred A. Wilson, City Manager PREPARED BY: Marie Knight, Director of Community Services Subiect: Approve the placement of a memorial plaque recognition for Father Christian Mondor and Pastor Blaine "Sumo" Sato on Tower Zero on the Municipal Pier Statement of Issue: At the direction of City Council, the Community Services Commission was to develop a proposal for a public memorial honoring Father Christian Mondor and Pastor Blaine "Sumo" Sato. The Commission has made its recommendation to place a memorial plaque on Tower Zero on the Municipal Pier in honor of both men. The location now needs final approval by the City Council. Financial Impact: Purchase and installation of the plaque will be funded by the Greater Huntington Beach Interfaith Council. Recommended Action: Approve the placement of a memorial plaque recognizing Father Christian Mondor and Pastor Blaine "Sumo" Sato as recommended by the Community Services Commission, on Tower Zero on the Huntington Beach Municipal Pier. Alternative Action(s): Do not approve placement of a memorial plaque honoring Father Christian Mondor and Pastor Blaine "Sumo" Sato on Tower Zero on the Huntington Beach Municipal Pier and direct staff on how to proceed. Analysis: Father Christian Mondor and Pastor Blaine "Sumo" Sato were prominent members of the City and the surfing community. Due to the recent passing of these two prominent residents, Council Member Patrick Brenden submitted a request for City Council to honor each for their contributions to the City. The request was approved by City Council on July 16, 2018, which directed the Community Services City of Huntington Beach Page 1 of 3 Printed on 9/12/2018 Page 43 powered by L.egistar" File #: 18-343 MEETING DATE: 9/17/2018 Commission to work with the surfing community and followers of Father Mondor and Pastor Sato on a public memorial to honor both (Attachment 1). The Greater Huntington Beach Interfaith Council came in support of a memorial honoring Father Mondor and Pastor Sato and have committed to fund the purchase and installation of the plaque. Father Mondor was a vicar emeritus with Saints Simon and Jude Church, where in 1990 he was named parochial vicar. His active involvement in the community included a term as President of the Greater Huntington Beach Interfaith Council and serving as a member of the Board of Trustees for the Huntington Beach Council on Aging. As President of the Interfaith Council, he was instrumental in the first citywide interfaith Procession of Lights service. Father Mondor was also instrumental in coordinating the annual "Blessing of the Waves," which attracts surfers and others from all faiths to a service of thanksgiving for the ocean and natural resources. In 2012, he was honored as Grand Marshall of the annual Fourth of July Parade, and in 2013 Father Mondor was named a lifetime member of the H.B. Longboard Crew and inducted into the Surfing Walk of Fame. Father Mondor, also known as the "Surfing Padre," passed on April 25, 2018, three days shy of his 93rd birthday. Pastor Blaine "Sumo" Sato, was born in Honolulu, Hawaii, and became a resident of Huntington Beach in 1990. Known simply as "Sumo," Pastor Sato was a waterman, chef, and family man. He spent several years traveling between Hawaii and California, sharing his commitment to his faith by helping to form churches, offering encouragement to at-risk youth, and assisting the homeless. While settling in Huntington Beach, he quickly became a staple of the surfing community and became known for his positive spirit. In 2011 , he helped form the H2O Community Church in the City and also served as.the Chaplain for the City's Marine Safety Division. Over the years, Pastor Sumo participated in the annual Blessing of the Waves and offered opening prayers for countless surfing events. In 2016, Pastor Sumo was inducted into the Surfers' Hall of Fame, having his name, handprints and footprints pressed in cement in front of Huntington Beach Surf n' Sport. Pastor Sumo passed on March 11 , 2018, at the age of 55 after a battle with cancer. Prior to the August 8, 2018, Community Services Commission meeting, staff reached out to the Huntington Beach Interfaith Council and various organizations representing the surfing community to obtain input on this request. At the August 8, 2018, meeting, the Community Services Commission reviewed the background of Father Mondor and Pastor Sato and listened to public comments from Surfing Hall of Fame and Surfing Walk of Fame members in support of recognizing the two individuals. Members of the Surfing Museum also issued written support of the concept. Given the background of the two men and their contributions to the surfing community and lifestyle in Huntington Beach, the Commission felt that, per Council Member Brenden's suggestion, Tower Zero was an appropriate location to place a memorial plaque. The concept, reviewed by Commission, was for a single plaque with images of both men to be placed on Tower Zero (Attachment 2). Currently, there are two bronze plaques located on Tower Zero - a recognition plaque for former Lifeguard Chief and Community Services Director, Max Bowman, and a plaque recognizing the dedication and project team for Tower Zero. The Commission's recommendation is to place the plaque for Father Mondor and Pastor Sato next to the Max Bowman Plaque (Attachment 3). The Commission further recommended that the project dedication plaque be relocated to the wall just to the right of the Tower Zero entrance (Attachment 4). City of Huntington Beach Page 2 of 3 Printed on 9/12/2018 Page 44 powered by Legistar` File #: 18-343 MEETING DATE: 9/17/2018 The Interfaith Council is currently reviewing quotes for purchase and installation of the plaque should Council approve of the concept. The intent is to install a plaque consistent in size with the existing project dedication plaque (24" x 20"). Materials being considered include cast bronze, cast aluminum or granite. Final design and materials for the plaque will be determined based upon funding, but the intent is to be consistent with the look and style of the existing plaques. At this time, Council is being asked to approve the Community Services Commission's recommendation on the placement of the plaque. Environmental Status: Not applicable. Strategic Plan Goal: Improve quality of life Attachment(s): 1) July 16, 2018, Council Member Item 18-187 2) Plaque Design Concept 3) Plaque Location on Tower Zero 4) Project Dedication Plaque Relocation City of Huntington Beach Page 3 of 3 Printed on 9/12/2018 Page 45 powered by Legistar7M ATTACHMENT # 1 f e . o. City of Huntington Beach File #: 18-187 MEETING DATE: 7/16/2018 REQUEST FOR CITY COUNCIL ACTION SUBMITTED TO: Honorable Mayor and City Council Members SUBMITTED BY: Patrick Brenden, City Council Member Subject: Item Submitted by Council Member Brenden - Recognition for Father Christian Mondor and Pastor Sumo Sato Statement of Issue: With the recent passing of Father Christian Mondor and Pastor Blaine "Sumo" Sato, known to many as the surfing Padre and the surfing Pastor, Huntington Beach lost two of its most highly respected religious leaders. Each of these beloved watermen revered the ocean, and in the surf, found divine inspiration. Both men spent many years in Huntington Beach providing spiritual leadership, bringing the community together through their healing and hopeful words, inspiring all of us to simply love and respect one another. In recognition of their contributions to our community, I propose that a public memorial be established to honor Father Christian and Pastor Sumo. Further, I believe that it would be most appropriate to engage the local surfing community as well as the followers of these men, in deciding where and how best to honor them. Among the possibilities that should be considered is a bronze plaque to be installed on Tower Zero on the pier. Recommended Action: Direct the Community Services Commission to work with the surfing community and the followers of Father Christian and Pastor Sumo to develop a proposal for a public memorial honoring these two men. Return to City Council within 90 days to present the proposal. Xc.. Fred Wilson, City Manager Lori Ann Farrell Harrison, Assistant City Manager Robin Estanislau, City Clerk Michael Gates, City Attorney City of Huntington Beach Page 1 of 1 Printed on 7/11/2018 Page 46 poveer=8$21 Legistar,w. FOB CITY OF HUNTINGTON BEACH City Council Interoffice Communication TO: Honorable Mayor and City Council Members FROM: Patrick Brenden, City Council Member DATE: July 16, 2018 SUBJECT: CITY COUNCIL MEMBER ITEM FOR THE JULY 16, 2018, CITY COUNCIL MEETING — RECOGNITION FOR FATHER CHRISTIAN MONDOR AND PASTOR SUMO SATO STATEMENT OF ISSUE: With the recent passing of Father Christian Mondor and Pastor Blaine "Sumo" Sato, known to many as the surfing Padre and the surfing Pastor, Huntington Beach lost two of its most highly respected religious leaders. Each of these beloved watermen revered the ocean, and in the surf, found divine inspiration. Both men spent many years in Huntington Beach providing spiritual leadership, bringing the community together through their healing and hopeful words, inspiring all of us to simply love and respect one another. In recognition of their contributions to our community, I propose that a public memorial be established to honor Father Christian and Pastor Sumo, Further, I believe that it would be most appropriate to engage the local surfing community, as well as the followers of these men, in deciding where and how best to honor them. Among the possibilities that should be considered is a bronze plaque to be installed on Tower Zero on the pier, RECOMMENDED ACTION: Direct the Community Services Commission to work with the surfing community and the followers of Father Christian and Pastor Sumo to develop a proposal for a public memorial honoring these two men. Return to City Council within 90 days to present the proposal. Xc: Fred A. Wilson, City Manager Lori Ann Farrell Harrison, Assistant City Manager Robin Estanislau, City Clerk Michael Gates, City Attorney Page 47 Esparza, Patty From: Estanislau, Robin Sent: Monday, July 16, 2018 6:40 AM To: Esparza, Patty; Switzer, Donna Subject: Fwd: Supplemental Communication for the Huntington Beach City Council's Meeting on July 16, 2018 Attachments: Copy of Copy of Untitled document(3).pdf; ATT00001.htm Supplemental Communication Sent from'my Wad Begin forwarded message: From: Amory Hanson <amory.hanson2016ggmail.com> Date: July 16, 2018 at 2:07:50 AM PDT To: Robin Estanislau<Robin.Estanislaugsurfcity-hb.org> Subject: Supplemental Communication for the Huntington Beach City Council's Meeting on July 16, 2018 Dear Madam Clerk: I am enclosing a Supplemental Communication to the Huntington Beach City Council regarding Item 31 on the agenda for the Huntington Beach City Council's Meeting on July 16, 2018. Please ensure this supplemental communication is forwarded to the Mayor of Huntington Beach, the members of the Huntington Beach City Council, the City Manager of Huntington Beach, and the City Clerk of Huntington Beach. Please also ensure that this supplemental communication is considered part of the public record for the Huntington Beach City Council's Meeting on July 16, 2018. Sincerely Yours, Mr. Amory Hanson SUPPLEMENTAL COMMUNICATION Meefing Date: — /� -ZZ Aida rtern No., �3/ ±Zf— /67- Page 48 1 Mr. Amory Hanson 8102 Ellis Avenue Apartment 121 Huntington Beach CA 92646 The Honorable Michael Posey Mayor of Huntington Beach 2000 Main Street Huntington Beach CA 92648 Dear Mister Mayor: I am writing to express my present opposition to Item 31, Councilman Patrick Brenden's motion to instruct the Huntington Beach Community Services Commission to consider creating a public memorial in memory of Father Christian Mondor and Reverend Sumo Sato. Father Mondor was a Pastor Emeritus at Saints Simon and Jude Catholic Church, 20444 Magnolia Street, Huntington Beach, California. Reverend Sato was the Pastor at the H2O Community Church, 411 Olive Avenue. I greatly respected Father Mondor. In fact, I attended Father Mondor's Funeral at Saints Simon and Jude Catholic Church, 20444 Magnolia Street, Huntington Beach, California. I also greatly respected Reverend Sato. Unfortunately, I was unable to attend Reverend Sato's Funeral, as I had to attend a meeting with an individual I was considering hiring as my Private Secretary. This Meeting had already been scheduled by the time Reverend Sato's Obituary was published in the Huntington Beach Wave. However, I did give a donation in memory of Reverend Sato to the Cornerstone Church, 4905 East La Palma Avenue, Anaheim, California. However, I do not believe a joint memorial is an appropriate way to honor Father Mondor and Reverend Sato. While they both were clergymen, associated with the surfing community, and were great men, those similarities do not erase the fact that they are 2 different men. In 1956, President Dwight David Eisenhower I appointed Judge William Joseph Brennan Jr. to succeed Justice Sherman Minton as a Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States. In 1967, President Lyndon Johnson appointed Judge Thurgood Marshall Sr. to the Supreme Court of the United States to succeed Justice Thomas Campbell Clark I. Justices Brennan and Marshall had quite similar views, and by the time of Justice Brennan's retirement in 1990, Justices Brennan and Marshall were frequently the only two justices who expressed these views in dissenting opinions. Due to their similar viewpoints, Justices Brennan and Marshall would sometimes be jokingly referred to by their law clerks as"Justice Brennan-Marshall", as if they were 1 man with a double-barrelled surname. Page 49 Mr. Amory Hanson 8102 Ellis Avenue Apartment 121 Huntington Beach CA 92646 Yet when the time came for Justices Brennan and Marshall to be recognized , two different memorials were created for Justices Brennan and Marshall. The Hudson County Courthouse, 595 Newark Avenue, Jersey City, New Jersey, was named after Justice Brennan. The Baltimore International Airport, 7035 Elm Road, Linthicum, Maryland, was named after Justice Marshall. Similarly, I believe Father Mondor and Reverend Sato should be honored with seperate memorials. They may have many similarities, but they were both great men, and the should both be honored in great ways. I would also note that Saints Simon and Jude Catholic Church is creating a Plaza that will be named after Father Mondor. Senator Barbara Boxer, a Former Senator from California who served 4 terms in the United States Senate, once said "We are all different. Yet we are all God's Children." Father Mondor and Reverend Sato were certainly sons of God, and they should both be recognized for their accomplishments with 2 different, but great, memorials. I thank the Mayor and the members of the Huntington Beach City Council for listening to my concerns. In Summary, I recommend a No Vote on Item 31, but strongly encourage Councilman Brenden to bring forward 2 seperate items at a later meeting of The Huntington Beach City Council. The first item should be a motion to instruct the Huntington Beach Community Services Commission to consider creating a public memorial in memory of Father Mondor. The other item should be a motion to instruct the Huntington Beach Community Services Commission to consider creating a public memorial in memory of Reverend Sato. Sincerely Yours, Mr. Amory Hanson Page 50 Mr. Amory Hanson 8102 Ellis Avenue Apartment 121 Huntington Beach CA 92646 CC: The Honorable Erik H. Peterson CC: The Honorable Patrick Brenden CC: The Honorable Barbara Delgleize CC: The Honorable Jill Hardy CC: The Honorable William C. O'Connell CC: The Honorable Lyn Semeta CC: Mr. Fred A. Wilson CC: The Honorable Robin Estanislau Page 51 1 i Public Memorial Reogn 4 Father Christian Mondor and Pastor Sumo Sato Father Christian Mondor - "The Surfing Padre - Helped found the Greater Huntington Beach r Interfaith Council - Started the Blessing of the Waves ..y -r 1 1 Pastor Blaine "Sumo" Sato _ The Surfing Pastore - Marine Safety Lifeguard Chaplain - Led the H2O Church - Inducted - Surfers Hall of Fame 2016 4s " A Fitting Public Memorial - On/near the Pier or Pier Plaza area - Bronze plaque on Tower Zero - Fundraising campaign - donations - Blessing of the Waves - September 9th "...the ocean can bring people of all faiths together..." t ' ti - - f n Lwehrr(h....... 1pr1 11121 Apnl.•• In 18 7/20/2018 Recommended Action "Direct the Community Services Commission to work with the Greater Huntington Beach Interfaith Council and the surfing community to develop a proposal for a public memorial honoring Father Christian Mondor and Pastor Sumo Sato. Return to City Council within 90 days to present the proposal," Page 54 ATTACHMENT #2 pEO PLE OF W V G' O m - ' m w _ z r. tih ��ve,�a�� Von Beach In Memory of Father Christian Mondor - "Surfing Padre" April 27, 1925 - April 25, 2018 Pastor Sumo Sato - "Marine Safety Chaplain" June 4, 1962 - March 11, 2018 ATTAC H M E N T #3 0 ,tea, Bowman Plaque �t �W41�GTON B r 4 Mond r/ Sumo, Plaque Page 56 ATTACHMENT #4 1 ' JF ; 11 /TN- l., Aw