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Home My WebLink AboutRequest to Prepare an Invocation Policy - Submitted by Mayor (3) �ilN,.... 2000 Main Street, re"o� mom. Huntington Beach,CA 9 8 �# w\I" City of Huntington Beach ,�, ,264�D�a� 1,.: 0�2 4W ov1D L/-_2-/ LOUNTN C';0 (/3LJL anl, uos -ova ; gAu-,icg.-A ima) File #: 23-433 MEETING DATE: 5/16/2023 Submitted by Councilmember Moser - Invocation Policy Update Request the City Manager and City Attorney to present the following information at a City Council Meeting in June 2023: 1. An update on the Invocation Policy. 2. Considerations for amending Council's direction on February 21 with a draft Resolution outlining a policy of providing a moment of silence (in lieu of an invocation). City of Huntington Beach Page 1 of 1 Printed on 5/10/2023 powere 9 'Legistarmt ct \uTiwcim+eEKHJ CITY OF HUNTINGTON BEACH CITY COUNCIL MEETING — COUNCIL MEMBER ITEMS REPORT TO: CITY COUNCIL FROM: NATALIE MOSER, COUNCIL MEMBER DATE: MAY 16, 2023 SUBJECT: INVOCATION POLICY UPDATE On February 21, 2023, the City Council approved Mayor Strickland and Mayor Pro Tern Van Der Mark's Council Member Item request for a Resolution that outlines a policy to identify, evaluate, and maintain a list of religious associates to provide invocations. This new policy would replace the previous, longstanding practice of working with the Greater Huntington Beach Interfaith Council to schedule a diverse group of religious associates to provide invocations. Since February,we have waited for this new policy. During that time, per a 12/10/03 H-Item that gives the Mayor the prerogative to decide whether to open with an invocation, the City has scheduled one Huntington Beach Chaplain to provide invocations at every Council meeting. While the Chaplain's service during this transition period is greatly appreciated, it is not the rotating system that Council has requested. Given this delay and in an effort to avoid any real or perceived politicization by invocation speakers, I believe a moment of silence would be a more effective way of starting each Council meeting. This procedure would lend the same solemnity that invocations do, while respecting the diversity of faiths and beliefs of our community. RECOMMENDED ACTION Request the City Manager and City Attorney to present the following information at a City Council Meeting in June 2023: 1. An update on the invocation policy 2. Considerations for amending Council's direction on February 21 with a draft Resolution outlining a policy of providing a moment of silence (in lieu of an invocation) STRATEGIC PLAN GOAL Not applicable 298 City Council/ ACTION AGENDA May 16, 2023 Public Financing Authority • To fund the Middle Income Housing Program, the City has to forgo future property tax revenues for up to a 30 year period. How much in property tax did the City forego in 2022 and what is the estimated amount for 2023 and over the next 30 years? • What are the property management fees paid every year and to whom are they paid? • What are the annual maintenance and repair fees? • How many of the retail shops on the first level of Elan are leased? Approved 7-0 as amended to include: How many units occupied by persons working in, versus outside of Huntington Beach 24. 23-433 Submitted by Councilmember Moser - Invocation Policy Update Recommended Action: Meeting in June 2023: 1. An update on the Invocation Policy. 2. a policy of providing a moment of silence(in lieu of an invocation). Substitute Motion Approved 4-2-1 (Bolton, Moser-No; Kalmick-Abstain) —Allow the Mayor to choose who provides invocations at City Council meetings, and withdraw the Councilmember Item of February 21, 2023 requesting staff preparation of an invocation policy. ADJOURNMENT— 8:41 PM The next regularly scheduled meeting of the Huntington Beach City Council/Public Financing Authority is Tuesday, June 6, 2023, in the Civic Center Council Chambers, 2000 Main Street, Huntington Beach, California. INTERNET ACCESS TO CITY COUNCIL/PUBLIC FINANCING AUTHORITY AGENDA AND STAFF REPORT MATERIAL IS AVAILABLE PRIOR TO CITY COUNCIL MEETINGS AT http://www.huntingtonbeachca.gov Page 8 of 7 Moore, Tania From: K Carroll <kcrissie7@gmail.com> Sent: Friday, May 12, 2023 9:50 AM To: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Subject: City Council/Public Financing Authority:Tuesday, May 16,2023 Thank you for receiving and considering the following input on the following Items: 23-394: Our family supports appropriation of funds for the electrical repairs at Central Library 23-431: Submitted by Councilmember Burns. Commission, committee status and organization review. Our family supports and appreciates this review. 23-433: Submitted by Councilmember Moser. Our family strongly opposes the recommended action. Please continue the invocations and NOT MOMENT OF SILENCE. What is next...the PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE!!! As, I have looked around at the meeting,it appears that there is 100%participation with the exception of Dan Kalmick. Which is fine, anyone can do the same if they wish. But,please DO NOT silence those who appreciate and participate in the unifying invocation. HB Police Chaplain has done a great job; unlike,when Interfaith counsel provided leaving out mention of Christians. As all hidden agendas, surface,this is just another example of a political organization. Please do NOT continue to resource invocations from this organization. Thank you Mayor Strictland,Pro Tem Gracey Vandermark, Casey McKeon and Pat Burns. Promises made, PROMISES KEPT! You are very much appreciated. Keep rocking it. Best regards, Kris Carroll SUPPLEMENTAL COMMUNICATION Meeting Date: .C//D/20 2 3 1 Agenda Item No.; 24 (23- /33) Moore, Tania From: Russell Neal <russneal@ieee.org> Sent: Friday, May 12, 2023 12:40 PM To: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Cc: Cari Swan Subject: Agenda Item 24, Council meeting 2023.05.16 Concerning Agenda Item 24, Council Member Moser's recommendation of a moment of silence as a substitute for an invocation, I offer the following thoughts: Having a proper invocation is a beneficial reminder that ours is a government "under God" and that it needs his help in performing its duties. Not having an invocation implies a denial of these facts. Therefore, an invocation, properly done, should be conducted. An invocation is meant to publicly"invoke" or request God's assistance in the Council's performance of the Council's duties. A moment of silence does not serve this purpose. An invocation should only be requested if the Council (or Council majority) believes in a prayer-hearing God and desires his help. It should not be held just to please religious members of the public. An invocation should not be an occasion for proselytizing or making political speeches disguised as prayers. I suggest a broad invitation to clergy in our city to perform invocations with the following guidelines: 1. This Council recognizes its obligation to conform its governing activity to God's moral law and its need to invoke his aid in doing so. We request that prayers of invocation be directed to this end. 2. This council recognizes the plurality of faiths in the community and the freedom of religion of its members. Persons delivering an invocation are free to follow their faith prayer tradition and format. 3. Proselytizing and prayers asking God to cause the Council to take specific actions are generally inappropriate for the invocation. Urging such actions are more appropriate for public comments. 4. Invocations should be limited to approximately one minute in length. Clergy violating these guidelines can simply not be reinvited. Russell Neal Huntington Beach SUPPLEMENTAL COMMUNICATION Meeting Date: S�6,/apce Agenda Item No.; a4/ ( ?3 q,33 i Moore, Tania From: p q <paq0424@gmail.com> Sent: Saturday, May 13, 2023 3:19 PM To: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Subject: Invocation Policy Agenda item Council member Moser, What a sensitive issue this is. Asking the Almighty to help our elected officials to make sound unbiased decisions is a sacred tradition. I believe we should continue this sacred tradition. The most non controversial way to provide someone to give the invocation is through the continued use of an inhouse chaplain. The separation of Church and State is a delicate matter. When the City's relationship with one faith based organization was questioned in February, it opened up a can of worms. Was the invocation process used as a political tool? When accusations were made regarding the GHBIC I wrote directly to the GHBIC. I asked about council involvement in the selection of a GHBIC member to give the invocation. The rep told me that council was not involved with the exception of when a new mayor is installed and that it was the new mayor's choice. I asked which council member was involved with the December 2022 installation invocation and the rep said she wasn't sure but thought it was Dan Kalmick, but again she said she wasn't sure. I told her that her website indicates the City provides her group with a free meeting room at City Hall for their monthly meetings. I asked if the City provides any other public support to the group. She said,"No." Religions by nature advance political positions which are key to their beliefs. The invocation process should not have the appearance of being political. Using the inhouse chaplain achieves that goal. If the GHBIC is to continue to use City Hall public meeting rooms, it should pay the same fee any other organizations are charged. Sincerely, Pat Quintana SUPPLEMENTAL COMMUNICATION meeting Dote: 51/40/e90?- 1 Agenda Item No.; ail( 3 - y 33) Moore, Tania From: Deb Janus <debjanus@gmail.com> Sent: Sunday, May 14, 2023 2:21 PM To: CITY COUNCIL; supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Subject: Re: Item #24 on the Agenda for 5/15/23 Dear Mayor Strickland and City Council, I am opposed to item #24- 2.. Submitted by Councilmember Moser- Invocation Policy Update Request the City Manager and City Attorney to present the following information at a City Council Meeting in June 2023: 1. An update on the Invocation Policy. 2. Considerations for amending Council's direction on February 21 with a draft Resolution outlining a policy of providing a moment of silence (in lieu of an invocation). Our country was founded on the principals of religious freedom and the Bible. Our states , Cities and Municipalities have followed that principal since the signing of the Declaration of Independence, and before. Once again, Ms Moser only proposes items related to her personal agenda and not that of the Citizens of Huntington Beach. The second Item regarding a moment of silence in lieu of an Invocation is not acceptable and I respectfully ask that Council vote this proposed consideration down. Sincerely, Deborah Janus Huntington Beach Resident • SUPPLEMENTAL COMMUNICATION Meeting Date: s/to a3 Agenda Item No.; aN (2.3- `t53) 1 Moore, Tania From: Ted Ross <ted.ross@icloud.com> Sent: Sunday, May 14, 2023 3:49 PM To: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Cc: CITY COUNCIL Subject: City Council Agenda item 24. 23-433 I totally disagree with any attempt to corrupt the Huntington Beach City Council Meeting's format to remove the invocation! Sent from my iPhone Ted Ross Huntington Beach Resident SUPPLEMENTAL COMMUNICATION Meeting tom: 04009-3 Agenda lam No.; Pi/ ( �3 -4 33) Moore, Tania From: Cari Swan <cswanie@aol.com> Sent: Sunday, May 14, 2023 5:31 PM To: CITY COUNCIL; supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Cc: Cari Swan Subject: OPPOSE Agenda Item 24 Dear Mayor Strickland and City Council, I am writing to OPPOSE Agenda Item 24 proposed by Councilmember Moser. While I do support a better policy for selecting the many wonderful clergy we are blessed to have within our city for providing an Invocation at the beginning of each council meeting, I STRONGLY oppose replacing this very reverent and Divine tradition with a mere moment of silence! In fact, to even suggest the following (quote from Moser's Agenda Item): "This procedure (moment of silence) would lend the same solemnity that invocations do," is an absolute INSULT to the purpose and meaning of a divinely inspired and properly delivered invocation. Perhaps Ms. Moser is not clear on the purpose and meaning of an Invocation or perhaps she doesn't care. It is far more than a "solumn" moment!! An invocation is a prayer offered to gain Divine assistance (Lord know she could use it!), and express gratitude. While I am frankly not surprised, it seems that this agenda item is typical of Councilmember Moser. Apparently, the invocation was acceptable to her as long as it could be used as a political weapon by using allies of her long standing ideologically driven "Interfaith Council". Shame on Council member Moser for using the deeply held religious convictions of many in our community as a political cudgel. Please OPPOSE Agenda Item 24. Respectfully, Cari Swan SUPPLEMENTAL COMMUNICATION Mew Die: S//Cv, 3 Agenda Item No.; ,19(/ 4f33) 1 Moore, Tania From: Cari Swan <cswanie@aol.com> Sent: Sunday, May 14, 2023 5:54 PM SUPPLEMENTAL To: Cari Swan COMMUNICATION Cc: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Subject: OPPOSE Agenda Item 24 Meeting Date: SA�/�Q�3 Dear Friends and Faithful, Agenda Item No.; a4(2,3 v ) Please join me in opposing Agenda Item 24 for this week's city council meeting. This item was brought by Natalie Moser. She is recommending we eliminate the Invocation at the beginning of each council meeting and replace with a moment of silence! Frankly, I find this brutally insulting but not surprising from Moser!! Below is the email that I sent to City Council. A simple "I oppose Agenda Item 24" is also fine! Please share with any friends, especially friends in faith!! Send emails to: city.council@surfcity-hb.org cc: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Fun Fact: The Supreme Court ruled in favor Prayer prior to government meetings in May of 2014: https://religionnews.com/2014/05/05/supreme-court-upholds-prayer-government-meetings/ https://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-court-prayer-id USBREA440FO20140505 Dear Mayor Strickland and City Council, I am writing to OPPOSE Agenda Item 24 proposed by Councilmember Moser. While I do support a better policy for selecting the many wonderful clergy we are blessed to have within our city for providing an Invocation at the beginning of each council meeting, I STRONGLY oppose replacing this very reverent and Divine tradition with a mere moment of silence! In fact, to even suggest the following (quote from Moser's Agenda Item): "This procedure (moment of silence) would lend the same solemnity that invocations do," is an absolute INSULT to the purpose and meaning of a divinely inspired and properly delivered invocation. Perhaps Ms. Moser is not clear on the purpose and meaning of an Invocation or perhaps she doesn't care. It is far more than a "solumn" moment!! An invocation is a prayer offered to gain Divine assistance (Lord know she could use it!), and express gratitude. i While I am frankly not surprised, it seems that this agenda item is typical of Councilmember Moser. Apparently, the invocation was acceptable to her as long as it could be used as a political weapon by using allies of her long standing ideologically driven "Interfaith Council". Shame on Council member Moser for using the deeply held religious convictions of many in our community as a political cudgel. Please OPPOSE Agenda Item 24. Respectfully, Can Swan 2 Moore, Tania From: Linda Wentzel <lindamarieofhb@gmail.com> Sent: Sunday, May 14, 2023 6:16 PM To: CITY COUNCIL Cc: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Subject: Please OPPOSE Agenda Item 24 Dear Mayor Strickland and City Council, I am writing to OPPOSE Agenda Item 24 proposed by Councilmember Moser. While I do support a better policy for selecting the many wonderful clergy we are blessed to have within our city for providing an Invocation at the beginning of each council meeting, I STRONGLY oppose replacing this very reverent and Divine tradition with a mere moment of silence! In fact,to even suggest the following(quote from Moser's Agenda Item): "This procedure (moment of silence)would lend the same solemnity that invocations do," It is an absolute INSULT to the purpose and meaning of a divinely inspired and properly delivered invocation. Perhaps Ms. Moser is not clear on the purpose and meaning of an Invocation or perhaps she doesn't care. It is far more than a"solemn" moment!! An invocation is a prayer offered to gain Divine assistance, and express gratitude. Please OPPOSE Agenda Item 24. Kind Regards, Linda Wentzel lindamarieofhb@gmail.com (c) 714.951.7463 SUPPLEMENTAL COMMUNICATION Meeting Date: ,5—/Av/C70.:23 Agenda Item No.; aq (a3 - £/33) Moore, Tania From: Dennis Pappas <ndoceanpappas@gmail.com> Sent: Sunday, May 14, 2023 7:23 PM To: Cari Swan SUPPLEMENTAL Cc: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org COMMUNICATION Subject: Re: OPPOSE Agenda Item 24 Meeting Date: 37/D/ 33 Will do. Agenda Item No.; /A3 - I-/33) Sent from my iPhone On May 14, 2023, at 5:54 PM, Cari Swan<cswanie@aol.com> wrote: Dear Friends and Faithful, Please join me in opposing Agenda Item 24 for this week's city council meeting. This item was brought by Natalie Moser. She is recommending we eliminate the Invocation at the beginning of each council meeting and replace with a moment of silence! Frankly, I find this brutally insulting but not surprising from Moser!! Below is the email that I sent to City Council. A simple "I oppose Agenda Item 24" is also fine! Please share with any friends, especially friends in faith!! Send emails to: city.council@surfcity-hb.org cc: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Fun Fact: The Supreme Court ruled in favor Prayer prior to government meetings in May of 2014: https://religionnews.com/2014/05/05/supreme-court-upholds-prayer-government- meetings/ https://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-court-prayer-id USBREA440FO20140505 Dear Mayor Strickland and City Council, I am writing to OPPOSE Agenda Item 24 proposed by Councilmember Moser. While I do support a better policy for selecting the many wonderful clergy we are blessed to have within our city for providing an Invocation at the beginning of each council meeting, 1 I STRONGLY oppose replacing this very reverent and Divine tradition with a mere moment of silence! In fact, to even suggest the following (quote from Moser's Agenda Item): "This procedure (moment of silence) would lend the same solemnity that invocations do," is an absolute INSULT to the purpose and meaning of a divinely inspired and properly delivered invocation. Perhaps Ms. Moser is not clear on the purpose and meaning of an Invocation or perhaps she doesn't care. It is far more than a "solumn" moment!! An invocation is a prayer offered to gain Divine assistance (Lord know she could use it!), and express gratitude. While I am frankly not surprised, it seems that this agenda item is typical of Councilmember Moser. Apparently, the invocation was acceptable to her as long as it could be used as a political weapon by using allies of her long standing ideologically driven "Interfaith Council". Shame on Council member Moser for using the deeply held religious convictions of many in our community as a political cudgel. Please OPPOSE Agenda Item 24. Respectfully, Can Swan 2 Moore, Tania From: Don Stewart <dtstewart55@hotmail.com> Sent: Sunday, May 14, 2023 9:34 PM SUPPLEMENTAL To: CITY COUNCIL COMMUNICATION Cc: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Subject: I oppose agenda item 24 Meeting Date: `�//(00a3 5/14/23 Agenda Item No.; a' -/('3 Dear Mayor and City Council Members I oppose Agenda Item 24 At a time when there is so much need we have an agenda item removing prayer from our city council meetings. Whether it's the homeless, drug addicts, or suicidal individuals they could all use prayer to help them turn their lives around. I expect each council member could be helped by hearing the invocation at each meeting to help guide their actions and decisions. We all need to reach out and seek divine guidance in our most challenging times. I spent many of my later adult years not attending church regularly, I am a believer but attended St. Mattress more often than a brick-and-mortar church. That changed in early 2021. The year 2020 was appalling and I saw a surge in systemic evil. I never saw so many people living in fear, acting irrationally, condoning criminal acts and removing God given rights of individuals. I told my wife no human has the power to control so many people in such radical acts. I believe Satan was at work and there is only one answer to him and that is God. I found a church and we have attended regularly for two straight years. I am not alone. There is a revival going on and city council members that vote in support of this agenda item are on the wrong side of the movement that is happening under their eyes. Parents realize their children have been exposed to pornography in their schools starting in elementary school. That is why public-school enrollment is down. People are playing Mr. Potato head with their genitalia and they are proud about that. People believe full term unlimited abortions are okay even though the fetus cries out in pain when their limbs are ripped from their tiny bodies. If people disagree with your views, you're a racist or a Nazi. I am neither a racist or a Nazi and my nuclear family is a rich mixture of nationalities that are more brown than white. In summary, we all need time to seek solutions through prayer. I believe I understand the motivation to remove the invocation from council meetings and it is a manipulation having nothing to do with prayer. You see Ms. Moser you don't have to protect the truth it roars like a lion and it is obvious to anyone that pays attentions, reads and uses their own brain to understand. I hope you all take your vote seriously as the people of this great city do and they hope you realize what a yes vote means. Don Stewart 6402 Sligo Circle Huntington Beach, CA 92647 2 Moore, Tania From: Ed Laird <elaird@coatingsresource.com> Sent: Sunday, May 14, 2023 11:01 PM To: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Subject: Fwd:Agenda Item 24 From: Ed Laird <elaird@coatingsresource.com> Date: Sun, May 14, 2023 at 10:39 PM Subject: Agenda Item 24 To: <city.council@surfcity-hb.org> I am opposed to Agenda Item 24, on the May 16 city council meeting! Resident Ed Laird, 9641 Bay Meadow Drive. Thank you, Ed Laird Laird Coatings Corporation 15541 Commerce Lane Huntington Beach, CA 92649 Thank you, Ed Laird Laird Coatings Corporation 15541 Commerce Lane Huntington Beach, CA 92649 SUPPLEMENTAL COMMUNICATION Meeting Date: /___3 Agenda Nem No.; . -/'.3_</.3.3) Moore, Tania From: Kim Weddon <kweddon@aol.com> Sent: Monday, May 15, 2023 8:45 AM To: CITY COUNCIL Cc: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Subject: Oppose Agenda Item 24 oppose Agenda Item 24 SUPPLEMENTAL COMMUNICATION Nesting sate: ae23 Agenda Item No4 A (?3 -433) Moore, Tania From: Fikes, Cathy Sent: Monday, May 15, 2023 9:27 AM To: Agenda Alerts Subject: FW: Prayer before city council From:Andrew Trommald <trommald@tamu.edu> Sent: Sunday, May 14, 2023 11:22 AM To: CITY COUNCIL<city.council@surfcity-hb.org> Subject: Prayer before city council It is very important to me as a regular voter, Christian, an oiler and HB resident that prayer for our city continues, as our wonderful city continues to be blessed. Andrew SUPPLEMENTAL COMMUNICATION Meeting Date: S7/(0/02o?3 1 Agenda Item No.; a f (23 - 4/13) Moore, Tania From: Fikes, Cathy Sent: Monday, May 15, 2023 9:28 AM To: Agenda Alerts Subject: FW: Invocations at City Council Meeting From:chris macdonald <justlisted@yahoo.com> Sent:Sunday, May 14, 2023 11:42 AM To: CITY COUNCIL<city.council@surfcity-hb.org> Cc: Estanislau, Robin<Robin.Estanislau@surfcity-hb.org> Subject: Invocations at City Council Meeting Dear Huntington Beach City Council Members -Tony, Gracey, Pat, Casey, Natalie, Dan and Rhonda, I'm in support of keeping Item 24 pertaining to Invocations at The Huntington Beach City Council Meetings. I think it is very Important in the times we are living in now and everybody needs it especially the people in Government that lead our City. Thank You Very Much, Chris MacDonald, Native Huntington Beach Resident Virus-free.www.avg.com SUPPLEMENTAL COMMUNICATION Meeting i 54e42213____ Agenda Item No.. • g33 Moore, Tania From: Fikes, Cathy Sent: Monday, May 15, 2023 9:28 AM To: Agenda Alerts Subject: FW: Keeping an opening prayer for city Council Original Message From: Woody Woodruff<ewoodruff111@gmail.com> Sent: Sunday, May 14, 2023 12:24 PM To: CITY COUNCIL<city.council@surfcity-hb.org> Subject: Keeping an opening prayer for city Council The city Council should keep giving a prayer before the start of each council meeting, not just a moment of silence. If there was ever a time we need prayer for our city and our country. It is now. I agree with the mayor of New York City we should've never taken prayer Out of our schools or out of our government.The city Council should not be looking to take prayer out of their meetings, in fact, we should be looking to put it back into our schools and to include prayer in our government more often. SUPPLEMENTAL COMMUNICATION Heeling Date: 67 v/, 23 Agenda Item No.; a4/ ( -1. ) Moore, Tania From: Fikes, Cathy Sent: Monday, May 15, 2023 9:28 AM To: Agenda Alerts Subject: FW: Keep Prayer in Council Meetings From:Tisha Benson<alohatisha@gmail.com> Sent: Sunday, May 14, 2023 1:18 PM To: CITY COUNCIL<city.council@surfcity-hb.org> Subject: Keep Prayer in Council Meetings Good Afternoon City Council Members, I'm writing today to request that you keep Prayer in the City Council Meetings. Prayer is foundational and has always been since our country was established. Whatever your personal beliefs are, you are representing the residents of Huntington Beach and we require that prayer be continued in our Huntington Beach City Council Meetings. You have an obligation to serve and honor our requests so please respect our beliefs and wishes. Please stay true to your word and obligation, Tisha Prieto-Benson Alohatisha@gmail.com 808.772.2012 Sent Via iPhone SUPPLEMENTAL COMMUNICATION Meeting Date: ./<a/?Dc Agenda Item No.; p21/ (3 - 4 3) Moore, Tania From: Eleni Hapsis <elenih097@gmail.com> Sent: Monday, May 15, 2023 10:35 AM To: CITY COUNCIL Cc: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Subject: Opposed to Agenda Item 24 Dear Mayor and City Council: I am OPPOSED to Agenda Item 24. Sincerely, Eleni SUPPLEMENTAL COMMUNICATION Meeting Date:,__•_. Za /__ Agenda Item No• '/ -i,3 1 Moore, Tania From: Michael Wright <mwright@americanlendingpartners.com> Sent: Monday, May 15, 2023 11:09 AM To: CITY COUNCIL Cc: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Subject: Item 24- OPPOSE Importance: High Honorable Mayor&Council, I was reading the Agenda for this weeks City Council Meeting, and came across Item 24 and I am just so disappointed, but not really though when I see who proposed such an Item. An invocation prayer is a request for the spiritual presence and blessings of God at the beginning of a meeting, ceremony, or service, etc. This is something all of society needs more of, not less, and our leadership should recognize such decay and decline due to beliefs such as this and Oppose it. Only a morally and spiritually bankrupt human being would propose such an Item. Please OPPOSE Agenda ITEM 24 Thank you Mike Wright SUPPLEMENTAL COMMUNICATION Meeting Date: ,c/fiiklOa3 Agenda Item No.; 072/ 623 1/33) 1 Moore, Tania From: Fikes, Cathy Sent: Monday, May 15, 2023 9:28 AM To: Agenda Alerts Subject: FW: Keep Prayer in Council Meetings From:Tisha Benson<alohatisha@gmail.com> Sent:Sunday, May 14, 2023 1:18 PM To:CITY COUNCIL<city.council@surfcity-hb.org> Subject: Keep Prayer in Council Meetings Good Afternoon City Council Members, I'm writing today to request that you keep Prayer in the City Council Meetings. Prayer is foundational and has always been since our country was established. Whatever your personal beliefs are, you are representing the residents of Huntington Beach and we require that prayer be continued in our Huntington Beach City Council Meetings. You have an obligation to serve and honor our requests so please respect our beliefs and wishes. Please stay true to your word and obligation, Tisha Prieto-Benson Alohatisha@gmail.com 808.772.2012 Sent Via iPhone SUPPLEMENTAL COMMUNICATION Meeting ors: 61/60 aoa3 Agenda Item No.; a'/ (a3- gig) Moore, Tania From: Fikes, Cathy Sent: Monday, May 15, 2023 9:29 AM To: Agenda Alerts Subject: FW: Prayer Original Message From: LOWELL HORNUNG<lowellhl@verizon.net> Sent: Sunday, May 14, 2023 2:38 PM To: CITY COUNCIL<city.council@surfcity-hb.org> Subject: Prayer Hi there ! Please keep prayer before city council meetings and everywhere we can. Our city and our country both need all the help we can get ! Lowell Hornung HB resident Sent from my iPhone SUPPLEMENTAL COMMUNICATION Meek Ike: 41.401902- Agenda Item No.; aU q33) Moore, Tania From: Fikes, Cathy Sent: Monday, May 15, 2023 9:29 AM To: Agenda Alerts Subject: FW: Prayer From: Estherly H <estherlyh2@gmail.com> Sent:Sunday, May 14, 2023 2:59 PM To: CITY COUNCIL<city.council@surfcity-hb.org> Subject: Prayer It has come to my attention, that the city Council will not allow Prayer before a meeting. We are a nation under God and should be allowed to say a prayer. Please don't succumb to the evilness of the woke crowd. God should be welcome in your chamber. Estherly Hall Huntington Beach Resident SUPPLEMENTAL COMMUNICATION Meeting Date: .57 tn/aj)r33 1 Agenda Item No.; ;7/ ( a?-lag) Moore, Tania From: Fikes, Cathy Sent: Monday, May 15, 2023 9:29 AM To: Agenda Alerts Subject: FW: E-Mail Regarding The Issue of Prayer From: Qts<dorcasismyhero@aim.com> Sent:Sunday, May 14, 2023 4:43 PM To: CITY COUNCIL<city.council@surfcity-hb.org> Subject: Fw: E-Mail Regarding The Issue of Prayer Forwarded Message From: Qts <dorcasismyhero@.aim.com> To: citycouncilkhuntingtonbeachca.gov <citycouncil(a)huntingtonbeachca.gov> Sent: Sunday, May 14, 2023, 04:24:26 PM PDT Subject: Fw: E-Mail Regarding The Issue of Prayer Forwarded Message From: Qts <dorcasismyhero@aim.com> To: citycouncil@surf-hb.org<citycouncilCa)surf-hb.org> Sent: Sunday, May 14, 2023, 04:20:45 PM PDT Subject: E-Mail Regarding The Issue of Prayer To Whom It May Concern, It is to my understanding that the Huntington Beach City Council wants to remove the concept of "prayer" from council meetings and substitute it with the concept of"moments of silence". I am opposed to this for two reasons. For one thing, without the Lord Jesus Christ and reliance on Him, everything falls apart. Because society has wandered so far away from God, we have the major problems of theft, burglaries, wars, murders, and children living in broken homes. This is why it is outrageous that you want to leave the concept of"prayer" out of meetings. Another reason why what you are doing is outrageous is that it infringes on the First Amendment right of those of us who are Christian conservatives. This is illegal, because the Constitution says that everyone, including Christian conservatives, are to have their rights acknowledged. God bless you. Sincerely, Lauren C. Alan SUPPLEMENTAL COMMUNICATION Meeting Date: ,57/(o a-3 Agenda Item No.; 21/ 623 - '33) Moore, Tania From: Fikes, Cathy Sent: Monday, May 15, 2023 9:29 AM To: Agenda Alerts Subject: FW: QPrayers9 Original Message From: Brandi Desso<brandidesso@yahoo.com> Sent: Sunday, May 14, 2023 5:03 PM To: CITY COUNCIL<city.council@surfcity-hb.org> Subject: Q Prayers Hello, My name is Brandi Desso Wertheimer, and I am a concerned citizen of Huntington Beach. I hear that it is on the agenda to take prayer out of meeting in Huntington Beach. As a God fearing Christian, I cannot stay silent on this matter.The United States of America was founded on Christian Values. We as Americans, need to allow our City Council to keep prayer in our council meetings. In God we trust. Thank you, Brandi Desso Wertheimer Sent from my iPhone SUPPLEMENTAL COMMUNICATION Meeting Date: AS� aAoa3 Agenda Item No.; ply(9 - 3) Moore, Tania From: Fikes, Cathy Sent: Monday, May 15, 2023 9:30 AM To: Agenda Alerts Subject: FW: HBCC meeting 5/16/23-Prayer Original Message From: Domnic McGee<dmcgee@reagan.com> Sent: Sunday, May 14, 2023 5:09 PM To: CITY COUNCIL<city.council@surfcity-hb.org> Subject: HBCC meeting 5/16/23-Prayer Honorable City Council Members, I'm writing to ask that the invocation/prayer remain at the start of every city council meeting. I understand that some of you are somewhat disheartened over the fact that your choice of speaker may not be performing the invocation in the near future, but the people have spoken and we remain a nation under God. I will be praying for you all in Jesus' name. God bless, Domnic McGee SUPPLEMENTAL COMMUNICATION Mooting Date: 5,60/ 23 Agenda Item No.; (23 9_33) 1 Moore, Tania From: Fikes, Cathy Sent: Monday, May 15, 2023 9:31 AM To: Agenda Alerts Subject: FW: Prayer out of Meeting Original Message From: Stacey<staceyroux@yahoo.com> Sent: Sunday, May 14, 2023 7:37 PM To: CITY COUNCIL<city.council@surfcity-hb.org> Subject: Prayer out of Meeting >>> Learning you want to take prayer out of conducting business. Unsure why everyone's rights matter and yet Christian's don't, what is the fear of God,you afraid Gods real, and people are peaceful? Why does it offend and why not other religions you respect, peoples cultures. Once you take it out of conducting business like you took it out of schools, HB will be just like LA has become, Godless, moralist and unsafe. I urge you to keep God over our city, keeping it a respectable city and not one to mess with! I ask and pray that the people that prayer offends, find Jesus! More then ever we need to be the city that is set apart of this world, keeping our surf city community safe. Do not surcum to the offended, but be the city that stand for family and it's community. >>> >>>Thank you kindly, >>>Stacey SUPPLEMENTAL COMMUNICATION Date: s/,CPI3 1 Agenda Item No.; a (9-3 �933) Moore, Tania From: Fikes, Cathy Sent: Monday, May 15, 2023 9:31 AM To: Agenda Alerts Subject: FW: Invocation From:Jennifer Paulin <jennifral@yahoo.com> Sent:Sunday, May 14, 2023 9:48 PM To: CITY COUNCIL<city.council@surfcity-hb.org> Subject: Invocation Please keep the prayers during the invocation. We need the more now than ever before! Jennifer Paulin Sent from Mail for Windows SUPPLEMENTAL COMMUNICATION Meeting Date: 5/(o/ 3 1 Agenda Item No.; 24 ( g-9-33) Moore, Tania From: Fikes, Cathy Sent: Monday, May 15, 2023 9:31 AM To: Agenda Alerts Subject: FW:Agenda Item 24 From: Ed Laird <elaird@coatingsresource.com> Sent:Sunday, May 14, 2023 10:40 PM To: CITY COUNCIL<city.council@surfcity-hb.org> Subject:Agenda Item 24 I am opposed to Agenda Item 24, on the May 16 city council meeting! Resident Ed Laird, 9641 Bay Meadow Drive. Thank you, Ed Laird Laird Coatings Corporation 15541 Commerce Lane Huntington Beach, CA 92649 SUPPLEMENTAL COMMUNICATION Meeting Date: p _ 1 Agenda Item No.• - 3-3--�---_ i Moore, Tania From: Fikes, Cathy Sent: Monday, May 15, 2023 9:31 AM To: Agenda Alerts Subject: FW:To urge support for Item 24, a moment of silence From: surfcitysocal <surfcitysocal@gmail.com> Sent: Sunday, May 14, 2023 11:24 PM To: CITY COUNCIL<city.council@surfcity-hb.org> Subject:To urge support for Item 24, a moment of silence I have resided in Huntington Beach for 36 years and am writing to all members of the city council to express my support of Item 24 on the May 16th, 2023 agenda to recommend providing a moment of silence in lieu of an invocation. Several council members have complained recently that the invocation has become political. By involving the city council and staff in establishing a list of religious associates to provide invocations,they are, in fact, politicizing the invocation and doing exactly the opposite of what they say they want to avoid doing. The council and staff have no business getting involved, and that is why a moment of silence is the preferred course of action. It acknowledges those who want to maintain the tradition of an expression of faith,without involving the city in a formal recognition of such, and thus maintains the separation of church and state in a reasonable manner that is sensitive to all faiths. There has been far too much conflating of faith and politics recently which has had a damaging effect on both faith and politics. And I'm writing this as someone who is a person of faith and attends a church here in Huntington Beach. I urge you to support item 24 to provide a moment of silence in lieu of an invocation. Thank you for your kind attention to this matter. Teri Pool SUPPLEMENTAL COMMUNICATION Mee Date: ci its 1309-3 Agenda Item No.; 944 (g3 - Lt? 3) Moore, Tania From: Fikes, Cathy Sent: Monday, May 15, 2023 9:32 AM To: Agenda Alerts Subject: FW:Agenda Item 24 Original Message From: Pat Pitts<ppitts@socal.rr.com> Sent: Monday, May 15, 2023 4:50 AM To: CITY COUNCIL<city.council@surfcity-hb.org> Subject: Agenda Item 24 I oppose removing an opening prayer from city council meetings. Patricia Pitts 5962 Treetop Cir HB. 92649 SUPPLEMENTAL COMMUNICATION Meeting Date: 37 to%Da 3 Agenda Item No.; (911 03 "y33 Moore, Tania From: Fikes, Cathy Sent: Monday, May 15, 2023 9:32 AM To: Agenda Alerts Subject: FW:Agenda item #24 From:Julie Rose<julierose4@verizon.net> Sent: Monday, May 15, 2023 7:05 AM To:CITY COUNCIL<city.council@surfcity-hb.org> Subject:Agenda item#24 Dear Mayor Strickland and City Council, I am writing to OPPOSE Agenda Item 24 proposed by Councilmember Moser. While I do support a better policy for selecting the many wonderful clergy we are blessed to have within our city for providing an Invocation at the beginning of each council meeting, I STRONGLY oppose replacing this very reverent and Divine tradition with a mere moment of silence! In fact, to even suggest the following (quote from Moser's Agenda Item): "This procedure (moment of silence) would lend the same solemnity that invocations do," is an absolute INSULT to the purpose and meaning of a divinely inspired and properly delivered invocation. Perhaps Ms. Moser is not clear on the purpose and meaning of an Invocation or perhaps she doesn't care. It is far more than a "solumn" moment!! An invocation is a prayer offered to gain Divine assistance (Lord know she could use it!), and express gratitude. While I am frankly not surprised, it seems that this agenda item is typical of Councilmember Moser. Apparently, the invocation was acceptable to her as long as it could be used as a political weapon by using allies of her long standing ideologically driven "Interfaith Council". Shame on Council member Moser for using the deeply held religious convictions of many in our community as a political cudgel. I OPPOSE Agenda Item 24 Respectfully, Julie Rose Sent from the all new AOL app for iOS SUPPLEMENTAL COMMUNICATION Meeting Date: 5//60,919,3_3 Agenda Item No.; ofy (;_g 4/.33 Moore, Tania From: Fikes, Cathy Sent: Monday, May 15, 2023 9:45 AM To: Agenda Alerts Subject: FW: prayer From:Jeff Thomas<jefftimoc@gmail.com> Sent: Monday, May 15, 2023 9:44 AM To: CITY COUNCIL<city.council@surfcity-hb.org> Subject: prayer As a HB resident and business owner, I know how important prayer is. We need God to keep us on track. We need His wisdom. We need His guidance. We need His providence. We need His protection. We need Him. Please keep prayer in the HB city council meetings. Jeff and Natalie Thomas SUPPLEMENTAL COMMUNICATION Mew Date: 6/(o /moo?3 0 Agenda item No.; c2 e/ 0,3 - �/33 Moore, Tania From: Fikes, Cathy Sent: Monday, May 15, 2023 9:54 AM To: Agenda Alerts Subject: FW: Invocation Original Message From: marilyn grangruth <marilynjean@icloud.com> Sent: Monday, May 15, 2023 9:51 AM To: CITY COUNCIL<city.council@surfcity-hb.org> Subject: Invocation Keep prayer in council meetings. Please Sent from my iPhone and includes errors SUPPLEMENTAL COMMUNICATION Meeting Date: c- ic%a 3 Agenda Item Na., a q(6 ' 1-733 Moore, Tania From: Fikes, Cathy Sent: Monday, May 15, 2023 10:53 AM To: Agenda Alerts Subject: FW:Agenda Item 24 CC Meeting 5/16 From: Cooper Carrasco <askcpr@gmail.com> Sent: Monday, May 15, 2023 10:38 AM To: CITY COUNCIL<city.council@surfcity-hb.org> Subject: Agenda Item 24 CC Meeting 5/16 Agenda Item 42 reminds me of a good quote from a cool document that is supposed to be important to this country: "make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof;" A moment of silence achieves this better than the current invocation practice, as it neither respects nor prohibits. Silence allows all to practice privately how they see fit, some religions even encourage silent and private prayer over otherwise. For example, Matthew Chapter 6: (5) "And when you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by men. I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full. (6) But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. (7) And when you pray, do not keep on babbling like pagans, for they think they will be heard because of their many words. (8) Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him. For these reasons, Agenda Item 42 is a better approach to invocation and I encourage the council to approve it. Alternatively, I would love to see an open-to-HB-residents invocation lottery. Sincerely, Cooper C. SUPPLEMENTAL COMMUNICATION Meeting Date: ��/(oAa3 _ Agenda Item No.; o91/ (33-�/.�'3) Moore, Tania From: Peta-Gaye Latibeaudiere <pg130@hotmail.com> Sent: Monday, May 15, 2023 11:31 AM To: CITY COUNCIL Cc: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Subject: Agenda Item 24 Dear Mayor Strickland and City Council, I am writing to OPPOSE Agenda Item 24 proposed by Councilmember Moser. I vote to keep an invocation at the beginning of each council meeting. Regards, Peta-Gaye Hoskinson SUPPLEMENTAL COMMUNICATION Meeting Date: 5/(o/moo a_3 Agenda Item No.; 9 - 93,3) i Moore, Tania From: Brooke Wright <fortyluvbw@yahoo.com> Sent: Monday, May 15, 2023 11:35 AM To: CITY COUNCIL Cc: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Subject: Opposition of Agenda Item 24 Dear Mayor Strickland and City Council, I am writing to OPPOSE Agenda Item 24 proposed by Councilmember Moser. While I do support a better policy for selecting the many wonderful clergy we are blessed to have within our city for providing an Invocation at the beginning of each council meeting, I STRONGLY oppose replacing this very reverent and Divine tradition with a mere moment of silence! In fact, to even suggest the following (quote from Moser's Agenda Item): "This procedure (moment of silence) would lend the same solemnity that invocations do," is an absolute INSULT to the purpose and meaning of a divinely inspired and properly delivered invocation. Perhaps Ms. Moser is not clear on the purpose and meaning of an Invocation or perhaps she doesn't care. It is far more than a "solumn" moment!! An invocation is a prayer offered to gain Divine assistance (Lord know she could use it!), and express gratitude. While I am frankly not surprised, it seems that this agenda item is typical of Councilmember Moser. Apparently, the invocation was acceptable to her as long as it could be used as a political weapon by using allies of her long standing ideologically driven "Interfaith Council". Shame on Council member Moser for using the deeply held religious convictions of many in our community as a political cudgel. Please OPPOSE Agenda Item 24. Respectfully, Brooke Wright Sent from my iPhone SUPPLEMENTAL COMMUNICATION Meeting Date: /Ae f D Agenda Item No.; Oq Moore, Tania From: Sylvia Calhoun <skc347@yahoo.com> Sent: Monday, May 15, 2023 12:27 PM To: CITY COUNCIL Cc: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Subject: Agenda item 24. Oppose Dear City Council members, I oppose the replacement of out loud verbal prayer with a moment of silence. I have traveled the world and have prayed with people of every religion you can think of and some that perhaps you can't. (ie a huge Bahai temple in India). Throw in the odd cult or two and I've been there praying away in my day. I can speak with authority that the "silent moment" does not cut it. The Spirit world wants to hear you! God wants to hear your voice! A "moment of silence" is just another way of distancing human beings from each other. Sylvia Calhoun Sent from Yahoo Mail on Android SUPPLEMENTAL COMMUNICATION Date:Meeting 5//0/a2023 Agenda Item No.; 2V�g3- 433 Moore, Tania From: Jerry Barry <jbatqma@gmail.com> Sent: Monday, May 15, 2023 12:44 PM To: CITY COUNCIL Cc: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Subject: Oppose Agenda Item 24 "I oppose agenda item number 24". I am so tired of the majority thinking they are being nice by allowing the sensitive, woke to control us. I hope our city Council is a little smarter and stronger than that. -Jerry B. SUPPLEMENTAL COMMUNICATION Meeting Date: 6-1G0e9 Agenda Item No.; 421/ 4 933 Moore, Tania From: itsme3383@verizon.net Sent: Monday, May 15, 2023 12:51 PM To: CITY COUNCIL; supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Subject: OPPOSITION TO AGENDA ITEM #24 I am opposed to this item proposed by Ms. Moser. Every invocation speaker I have heard over the years has done a beautiful job in asking the Divine to GIVE THE COUNCILMEMBERS wisdom, prudence, foresight, temperance, justice, guidance, etc. in order to do the best job possible FOR THE CITIZENS and CITY of Huntington Beach. Is it possible that Ms. Moser does NOT desire to be blessed with the above mentioned attributes in her decisions??? The Constitution and Supreme Court of this great United States clearly stand in favor of a prayerful invocation before city meetings and clearly prohibits government limiting the free expression of religion. Let Ms. Moser and her leftist/divisive cronies on the council use their " moments of silence" during the invocation to mentally oppose any blessings that are sent their way if they are so bothered by it all!!! Thank you from a 40 year resident of this wonderful city. SUPPLEMENTAL COMMUNICATION Meeting Date: ._5/1://420,93 Agenda item No.; 0�� (p3 -Q33) Moore, Tania From: Rita Barry <rrbarry15@gmail.com> Sent: Monday, May 15, 2023 1:02 PM To: CITY COUNCIL Cc: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Subject: Oppose item number 24 I oppose item 24. I oppose, because without a higher power and a moral code our city will fall into moral depravity.There is plenty of proof of that fact in our country today. We need to learn from others mistakes and stand firm!! Rita Barry Sent from my iPhone SUPPLEMENTAL COMMUNICATION Meeting 5 4D/70P3 Agenda Item No.; Oil 03- c/33 Moore, Tania From: Ronald Higby <rjhigby@yahoo.com> Sent: Monday, May 15, 2023 1:31 PM To: Sylvia Calhoun; CITY COUNCIL Cc: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org; 1 Ronald Higby Subject: Re:Agenda item 24. Oppose Excellent letter Sylvia. You speak with authority. On God's behalf. Sent from Yahoo Mail for iPhone On Monday, May 15, 2023, 12:27 PM, Sylvia Calhoun<skc347@yahoo.com>wrote: Dear City Council members, I oppose the replacement of out loud verbal prayer with a moment of silence. I have traveled the world and have prayed with people of every religion you can think of and some that perhaps you can't. (ie a huge Bahai temple in India). Throw in the odd cult or two and I've been there praying away in my day. I can speak with authority that the "silent moment" does not cut it. The Spirit world wants to hear you! God wants to hear your voice! A "moment of silence" is just another way of distancing human beings from each other. Sylvia Calhoun Sent from Yahoo Mail on Android SUPPLEMENTAL COMMUNICATION Meeting : S//i12023 Agenda Item No.; (213- y13) i Moore, Tania From: Fikes, Cathy Sent: Monday, May 15, 2023 1:53 PM To: Agenda Alerts Subject: FW: Invocations/Council Meetings From:Joseph Pedick<judahsline@gmail.com> Sent: Monday, May 15, 2023 1:40 PM To: CITY COUNCIL<city.council@surfcity-hb.org> Subject: Invocations/Council Meetings To H.B. City Council Members, I appreciate all you do for us here in our beautiful city of Huntington Beach. In light of this fact, I would like to bring to your attention the importance of retaining the invocations at the commencement of the HB City Meetings. One cannot fail to observe that we are living in difficult times in our city and indeed our nation. It is imperative therefore,that we recognize our desperate need to call upon the ONE who not only can hear our prayers for help but have the ability to actually answer them especially in our time of need. To neglect this privilege freely given to us,would be both foolish and tragic. Ladies and Gentlemen, May we see the urgency of the hour and invoke the Creator of the Universe who not only loves us but holds our very next breath in His Hands. I implore you to kindly KEEP the invocations in the meetings. Respectfully, Kathleen Pedick H.B. Resident SUPPLEMENTAL COMMUNICATION Meeting Date: 5/ AO 2-3 Agenda Item No. 23-4/33) 1 Moore, Tania From: Theresa DuBourdieu <theresa@variscodesigns.com> Sent: Monday, May 15, 2023 3:17 PM To: CITY COUNCIL Cc: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Subject: OPPOSE Agenda Item 24 Importance: High Long time resident here of HB, STRONLY opposing Agenda Item 24. This "moment of silence" is as offensive as taking a knee during the National Anthem. Please stop this. Thank you! Theresa DuBourdieu Theresa DuBourdieu Operations Manager VARISCO DESIGN BUILD GROUP D 30 Corporate Park, Suite 300, Irvine CA 92606 0: (949)679-6300 M: (714)679-8695 3 G www.vdb .com theresa anvariscodesigns.com SUPPLEMENTAL COMMUNICATION Meeting Date: 5A00a3 Agenda Item No.;, Moore, Tania From: allie.mason333@gmail.com Sent: Monday, May 15, 2023 3:19 PM To: CITY COUNCIL Cc: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Subject: Oppose Agenda item 24 Dear Mayor Strickland and City Council, I am writing to OPPOSE Agenda Item 24 proposed by Council member Moser. I Strongly oppose replacing this very reverent and Divine tradition of prayer with a moment of silence. I feel blessed to live in the conservative and godly community of Huntington Beach, and hope that the council will vote to keep prayer as a part of the council meetings moving forward. Thank you, Alexandra Mason-Apodaca Sent from my iPhone SUPPLEMENTAL COMMUNICATION Meeting Date: 5//4/aoa 3 Agenda Item No.; P3 Moore, Tania From: theresa dubourdieu <theresadubourdieu@yahoo.com> Sent: Monday, May 15, 2023 3:22 PM To: CITY COUNCIL Cc: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Subject: OPPOSE AGENDA item 24 21 year old resident of HB. I am STRONLY opposing Agenda Item 24. This "moment of silence" is as offensive as taking a knee during the National Anthem. Please stop this!! Cory DuBourdieu Sent from my iPhone SUPPLEMENTAL COMMUNICATION Meeting Date: 5//#0.1ky3 Agenda Item No.: ?9 (23-4433) Moore, Tania From: Theresa DuBourdieu <tmdubourdieu@earthlink.net> Sent: Monday, May 15, 2023 3:24 PM To: CITY COUNCIL Cc: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Subject: OPPOSE Agenda Item 24 Long time resident here of HB, STRONGLY opposing Agenda Item 24. This "moment of silence" is as offensive as taking a knee during the National Anthem. Murray DuBourdieu SUPPLEMENTAL OPi COMMUNIC Meeting Date: S/Udo3 i Agenda Item No.• a Moore, Tania From: Steve Amundson <samundson001 @socal.rr.com> Sent: Monday, May 15, 2023 5:57 PM To: CITY COUNCIL Cc: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Subject: I Oppose Agenda Item #24 I adamantly oppose Agenda Item #24. We are one nation under God. Especially in these troubling times we must pray for wisdom and guidance from a higher power, God. Steve Amundson HB resident SUPPLEMENTAL COMMUNICATION Meeting Date: .57i(00?3 Agenda Item No.; t94/ ('3- gf33) 1 Moore, Tania From: Jeanne Paris <jeannemarieparis@yahoo.com> Sent: Monday, May 15, 2023 9:15 PM To: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Subject: Oppose Agenda Item 24 To the City Council, I am writing in strong opposition to Agenda Item 24. I believe the traditional Invocation speaks to a higher power to guide our leaders of the City to make the best decisions for the community. We seek guidance which mere human wisdom cannot provide. A moment of silence means nothing and will eventually turn into just that. We are still a God-fearing nation. It means something. No on Agenda Item 24. Thank you. Jeanne Paris SUPPLEMENTAL COMMUNICATION Meeting Date: 5/(0/oO? Agenda Item No.; ge/ 623 - 413 3) Moore, Tania From: Kristina Mahan <momofbgk1974@yahoo.com> Sent: Monday, May 15, 2023 9:54 PM To: CITY COUNCIL; supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Subject: Council meeting input I am a long time resident of HB and I am writing in favor of holding a moment of silence in lieu of a prayer at the start of council meetings. A moment of silence honors ALL residents of various religious and non-religious backgrounds. During the discussion about displaying the pride flag, council majority members proclaimed that HB is an inclusive city already. Well,holding a moment of silence is a very inclusive move. I hesitated to send any input because it is clear the council majority have already made up their minds (per Gracy's speech at CCOH that was subsequently deleted from their recording as to not reveal her Brown Act violation). I would additionally like for Gracy's Brown Act violation and cover up to be fully investigated and for her to be removed from council. Thank you, Kristina Mahan Sent from Yahoo Mail on Android SUPPLEMENTAL COMMUNICATION Meeting Agenda Item No.; o9'/(3 - Moore, Tania From: Fikes, Cathy Sent: Monday, May 15, 2023 4:50 PM To: Agenda Alerts Subject: FW: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org From:shoupsters@juno.com <shoupsters@juno.com> Sent: Monday, May 15, 2023 3:36 PM To:CITY COUNCIL<city.council@surfcity-hb.org> Subject: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Dear Mayor Strickland and City Council, I am writing to OPPOSE Agenda Item 24 proposed by Councilmember Moser. I STRONGLY oppose replacing invocation with a mere moment of silence! I see people who want to do away with prayer and replace with silence as evil and destructive. There is power in prayer, of which I am sure Miss Moser wants to give over to darkness. Miss Moser, I will pray for you, that you will come to the knowledge of the truth. Sincerely, Luanne N Shoup SUPPLEMENTAL COMMUNICATION Meeting Date: Y/L,0,/,‘?(2?- Agenda Item No.; a'/( (,3 �/ 3> Moore, Tania From: Fikes, Cathy Sent: Monday, May 15, 2023 4:50 PM To: Agenda Alerts Subject: FW: Opening prayer From:Tony Goodwin<rembrandt2nd@gmail.com> Sent: Monday, May 15, 2023 2:44 PM To:CITY COUNCIL<city.council@surfcity-hb.org> Subject: Opening prayer Please! DO NOT STOP opening your sessions with prayer. We need it now, more than ever. If you're not really "into it," that's fine, but give the others willing a platform to do so. You can use the time to quietly think through how you will try to serve us ALL today, not just those to which you have a connection. Thank you, Tony Goodwin Huntington Beach, CA SUPPLEMENTAL COMMUNICATION UNIICATIONI Meeting Bate: . Aa/ a3 i Agenda Item No.; Moore, Tania From: Fikes, Cathy Sent: Monday, May 15, 2023 4:50 PM To: Agenda Alerts Subject: FW: I oppose replacing prayer with a moment of silence Original Message From: Diane Snider<dsinhb@me.com> Sent: Monday, May 15, 2023 4:08 PM To: CITY COUNCIL<city.council@surfcity-hb.org> Subject: I oppose replacing prayer with a moment of silence I STRONGLY oppose replacing prayer with a moment of silence! SUPPLEMENTAL COMMUNICATION Medng Agenda Item No.• / 13 - c/33 i Moore, Tania From: Fikes, Cathy Sent: Monday, May 15, 2023 4:51 PM To: Agenda Alerts Subject: FW: Prayer or Silence? Original Message From: diane resortlivinginteriors.com <diane@resortlivinginteriors.com> Sent: Monday, May 15, 2023 4:21 PM To: CITY COUNCIL<city.council@surfcity-hb.org> Cc: Mulligan -Fischer Marilyn <marilynmulligan@yahoo.com> Subject: Prayer or Silence? How awful, for a country built on God,that you should replace a prayer of gratitude for a moment of SILENCE?! Do you want this world to come to isolation, separation, more to tear us apart than build us UP as a Nation!! We need HOPE,we need Prayer. We are AMERICAN us Diane Smith 949-230-4116 "Personalize your Life!" Diane@ResortLivingInteriors.com SUPPLEMENTAL COM LVIUNICATION Meeting Date: OGVa790-_3 Agenda Item No.; a>/(2.3 i Moore, Tania From: Fikes, Cathy Sent: Monday, May 15, 2023 4:51 PM To: Agenda Alerts Subject: FW: Prayer is powerful Original Message From: Sheryl Bergquist<sherbear1411@gmail.com> Sent: Monday, May 15, 2023 4:44 PM To: CITY COUNCIL<city.council@surfcity-hb.org> Subject: Prayer is powerful Please don't replace prayer with silence. Sent from my iPhone SUPPLEMENTAL COMMUNICATION Meeting Date: 5/00a3 Agenda Item No.; a4/(7,3 - �f33) Moore, Tania From: Fikes, Cathy Sent: Monday, May 15, 2023 5:13 PM To: Agenda Alerts Subject: FW: Prayer Original Message From:Judi's Email <judidemers@yahoo.com> Sent: Monday, May 15, 2023 4:58 PM To: CITY COUNCIL<city.council@surfcity-hb.org> Subject: Prayer Dear HB City Council members, I am a member of Calvery Chapel the Harbour in Huntington Beach and we received a word from one of your members yesterday that tomorrow evening, at your council meeting,you will be discussing the practice of whether or not to open your meetings with prayer. I'm asking that you please keep the practice of having a prayer prior to your meetings. It's vital to look to our Lord for his guidance and care in all that we do. Our country is in a very dark place and we have moved away from the Judeo Christian principles and beliefs that were the basis of the formation of our Republic. We are in a spiritual war in this country and we are witnessing pure evil all around us that is beyond political. Please consider keeping the prayer in your meetings. It is vital and God will judge us all for all that we're doing.Thank you,Judi DeMers. Sent from my iPhone SUPPLEMENTAL COMMUNICATION Meeting Date: S//40/X -3 Agenda Item No.; �/ 3- i Moore, Tania From: Fikes, Cathy Sent: Monday, May 15, 2023 6:39 PM To: Agenda Alerts Subject: FW: Oppose Agenda item 24 Original Message From: Lolly Mchardy<mchardypg@aol.com> Sent: Monday, May 15, 2023 5:18 PM To: CITY COUNCIL<city.council@surfcity-hb.org> Subject: Oppose Agenda item 24 I oppose agenda item 24 proposed by Natalie Moser. We need to keep invocation prayer at the beginning of each meeting. Prayer is needed. Lolly McHardy Sent from my iPad SUPPLEMENTAL COMMUNICATION Meeting Date: Solo/d g•3 Agenda Item No., �3- 933) i Moore, Tania From: Fikes, Cathy Sent: Monday, May 15, 2023 6:40 PM To: Agenda Alerts Subject: FW:Agenda Item 24 From: courtney gillett<gillettfam@gmail.com> Sent: Monday, May 15, 2023 6:10 PM To: CITY COUNCIL<city.council@surfcity-hb.org> Subject:Agenda Item 24 I oppose Item 24!! Courtney Gillett SUPPLEMENTAL COMMUNICATION Meeting Date: 5/ / .2- Agenda Item No.; c:=3`/(093-</33) Moore, Tania From: Fikes, Cathy Sent: Monday, May 15, 2023 6:40 PM To: Agenda Alerts Subject: FW: Please DO NOT REPLACE PRAYER with a moment of silence Original Message From: Belen Smith <colonelsmithslady@me.com> Sent: Monday, May 15, 2023 6:25 PM To: CITY COUNCIL<city.council@surfcity-hb.org> Subject: Please DO NOT REPLACE PRAYER with a moment of silence My name is Mrs. Belen Smith My request is that you do not replace "Prayer" with a moment of silence. Please listen to the will of the people. That's my request and I will also be praying that you do the right thing! Sincerely, Belen Smith Sent from Belen - From my iPhone SUPPLEMENTAL COMMUNICATION Meets Date: S- _ __ _ Agenda Item No.; �/(a3- S'33 Moore, Tania From: Fikes, Cathy Sent: Tuesday, May 16, 2023 8:43 AM To: Agenda Alerts Subject: FW: Prayer vs a moment of silence Original Message From: Cheryl Stein <adlibstudios@me.com> Sent: Monday, May 15, 2023 6:55 PM To: CITY COUNCIL<city.council@surfcity-hb.org> Subject: Prayer vs a moment of silence Please consider keeping a cherished tradition of prayer at our meetings instead of changing to the moment of silence. For so many people in todays world, prayer at our familiar institutions provides stability and peace during so much change and divisiveness. Thank you for your consideration. Cheryl Stein Sent from my iPhone SUPPLEMENTAL COMMUNICATION Meeting Date: VADfr 03 Agenda Item No.; aq(.2.3 - 933) Moore, Tania From: Fikes, Cathy Sent: Tuesday, May 16, 2023 8:43 AM To: Agenda Alerts Subject: FW:Attn: City Council Original Message From: Susan Mrock<smrock321@gmail.com> Sent: Monday, May 15, 2023 7:00 PM To: CITY COUNCIL<city.council@surfcity-hb.org> Subject:Attn: City Council Hi HB City Council, I urge you and am in support of you continuing to have prayer before each council meeting, etc. Thank you. Susan Mrock Sent from my iPhone SUPPLEMENTAL COMMUNICATION Meeting : 57/01�g- _ Agenda Item Na.; 2 / (;3 - L1 .3) i Moore, Tania From: Fikes, Cathy Sent: Tuesday, May 16, 2023 8:44 AM To: Agenda Alerts Subject: FW:The importance of Prayer From:Amy Ellsworth <ellsworth524@gmail.com> Sent: Monday, May 15, 2023 7:10 PM To: CITY COUNCIL<city.council@surfcity-hb.org> Subject:The importance of Prayer Hello, I am a downtown resident, and I am emailing you to urge you to keep prayer in the Huntington Beach City Council, and not change it to "a moment of silence." Prayer has been part of the Huntington Beach city council for many years and has benefited the entire city, wether known or unknown. Research also suggests that prayer reduces stress and helps people manage fears and anxiety. Thank you for your consideration, Amy Ellsworth, RDN South Coast Wellness 151 Kalmus Dr. Bldg A#104 Costa Mesa 92626 714-376-4542 m 949-220-0850 o www.socowell.com SOPPLEMENTAL COMMUNICATION Meeting Date:, -57/6V,9033 Agenda Item No.; o2 (23 9.33 i Moore, Tania From: Fikes, Cathy Sent: Tuesday, May 16, 2023 8:44 AM To: Agenda Alerts Subject: FW: Prayer Original Message From: Susie Myers<susiemyers2021@gmail.com> Sent: Monday, May 15, 2023 9:01 PM To: CITY COUNCIL<city.council@surfcity-hb.org> Subject: Prayer Please consider keeping prayer instead of a moment of silence. People need to be encouraged. Prayer is a way to lift others up no matter what the circumstances are. We all need hope in this world. Thank you for your support Susan Myers Sent from my iPhone SUPPLEMENTAL COMMUNICATION Meeting Date: 5-Clofroa3 Agenda Item No.; dLl (73 - 4' ) Moore, Tania From: Fikes, Cathy Sent: Tuesday, May 16, 2023 8:44 AM To: Agenda Alerts Subject: FW: Prayer before Counsel Original Message From: dawnbartos@gmail.com <dawnbartos@gmail.com> Sent: Monday, May 15, 2023 9:08 PM To: CITY COUNCIL<city.council@surfcity-hb.org> Subject: Prayer before Counsel Dear Council- I am in favor of continuing the opening of city meetings with prayer! We are one nation under God, and we need his guidance and direction for the City of HB. With Appreciation for all you do!! Thank you- Dawn M Bartos HB Resident Sent from my iPhone SUPPLEMENTAL COMMUNICATION Meeting Date: ,57lo,�d a-3 .. Agenda Item No.; (Py(p.2 3-e- 3) Moore, Tania From: Fikes, Cathy Sent: Tuesday, May 16, 2023 8:45 AM To: Agenda Alerts Subject: FW: Prayer Original Message From: Arla Luithly<lu2plus2@gmail.com> Sent: Monday, May 15, 2023 10:42 PM To: CITY COUNCIL<city.council@surfcity-hb.org> Subject: Prayer Dear City Council Members, Please consider keeping prayer, a cherished tradition, at your meetings instead of changing to a moment of silence. For so many people in today's world, prayer at our familiar institutions provides stability and peace during so much change and diviseness. Sincerely, Arla Luithly Sent from my iPhone SUPPLEMENTAL COMMUNICATION Meeting Date: .51/lo4d 2-3 i Agenda Item No.; 9/ a2 -1/33) Moore, Tania From: Fikes, Cathy Sent: Tuesday, May 16, 2023 8:45 AM To: Agenda Alerts Subject: FW: Keep Prayer in HB Original Message From: Carolina Perez<carolperez8@yahoo.com> Sent:Tuesday, May 16, 2023 1:19 AM To: CITY COUNCIL<city.council@surfcity-hb.org> Subject: Keep Prayer in HB Hello.. As a resident of HB.. I would like to inform you that I prefer we keep prayer instead of moment in silence in City Council . Prayers are important part HB tradition and it is a powerful tool in keeping the peace and order in this city. Thank you Sincerely, Carolina Perez Sent from my iPhone SUPPLEMENTAL COMMUNICATION Meeting Date: `//Co/2023 Agenda!tern No.; 2' (23— 2/33) Moore, Tania From: Fikes, Cathy Sent: Tuesday, May 16, 2023 8:46 AM To: Agenda Alerts Subject: FW: Prayer Original Message From: David Michaelis<dmichaelis2000@aol.com> Sent: Tuesday, May 16, 2023 5:15 AM To: CITY COUNCIL<city.council@surfcity-hb.org> Subject: Prayer Please don't ban prayer at the City Council meetings. Our city needs prayer more than ever at this time. Regards, David Michaelis Sent from my iPhone SUPPLEMENTAL COMMUNICATION Meeting Date: 5//Cv/ 0 a3 Agenda Item No.; 21./(0/.3 - V33) i Moore, Tania From: Fikes, Cathy Sent: Tuesday, May 16, 2023 8:46 AM To: Agenda Alerts Subject: FW: Prayer Original Message From:Tami Vitale<tvitale3434@gmail.com> Sent:Tuesday, May 16, 2023 6:11 AM To: CITY COUNCIL<city.council@surfcity-hb.org> Subject: Prayer Please keep prayer instead a moment of silence. We need them!!! Sent from my iPhone SUPPLEMENTAL COMMUNICATION Meeting Date: .c/C%2 3 .Agenda Item No., ?/ (3 933) Moore, Tania From: Fikes, Cathy Sent: Tuesday, May 16, 2023 8:46 AM To: Agenda Alerts Subject: FW: Prayer Before City Council Meeting to be Replaced w Silence- Comment... Original Message From:Vanessa English Casella <vanessa_english@mac.com> Sent:Tuesday, May 16, 2023 6:58 AM To: CITY COUNCIL<city.council@surfcity-hb.org> Subject: Prayer Before City Council Meeting to be Replaced w Silence-Comment... Hello Members of the HB City Council- It is my sincere hope that you will consider continuing the tradition of an interfaith council member being called upon to pray before each City Council meeting and not replace this custom with the more ubiquitous Moment of Silence. Allowing City Council participants to reflect in a moment of prayer, led often by a faith outside of their own, offers insight into others mindsets and permits an opportunity to be introduced to ideologies that may bring clarity to feelings of others that often differ from views of our own. It is my opinion that prayer before a meeting where our nation is pledged to "under God" is appropriate and should remain intact. Thank you, Vanessa P English Casella 19311 Surf Drive 92648 SUPPLEMENTAL COMAU CATION Meets Date: 'S4Ø47O3 Agenda Item No.; ?V( 2 3 - Gf 3) Moore, Tania From: Fikes, Cathy Sent: Tuesday, May 16, 2023 8:46 AM To: Agenda Alerts Subject: FW: SUPPORT for PRAYER at HB City Council Meetings From: Marina Acosta <meacosta5@gmail.com> Sent:Tuesday, May 16, 2023 7:26 AM To:CITY COUNCIL<city.council@surfcity-hb.org> Subject:SUPPORT for PRAYER at HB City Council Meetings Hello, I am writing in support for KEEPING PRAYER at HB City Council meetings. Prayer is important to all human beings. Prayer also sets the right tone for all City Council meetings, especially in these days of uncertainty, division, and great turmoil. I have been a resident of HB for 12 years now. One of the things I enjoy most is being able to attend City Council meetings knowing that government business is being conducted first and foremost with prayer at the beginning of each meeting.As an immigrant, I absolutely love the fact this country's roots are based on a strong belief in God.This is critical to one's quality of life,the decisions we make daily, and how we treat each other. God bless each one of you as you continue to make the right decisions for your constituents,with Christ in your hearts. For the small handful of you who do not yet know Jesus Christ,we continue to pray for you. Blessings, Marina Acosta HB City Resident for 12 years E: meacosta5@gmail.com SUPPLEMENTAL COMMUNICATION Meeting Date: s//4a/a0,3,3 Agenda Item No.;. o24' (023 Moore, Tania From: Fikes, Cathy Sent: Tuesday, May 16, 2023 8:46 AM To: Agenda Alerts Subject: FW: Prayer From:Janet Lockhart<jascboy14@gmail.com> Sent:Tuesday, May 16, 2023 8:15 AM To: CITY COUNCIL<city.council@surfcity-hb.org> Subject: Prayer It's been brought to my attention that the Huntington Beach City Council is considering replacing prayer before the meeting with a moment of silence. I'm respectfully asking that you don't make this change. Beginning with prayer starts the meeting with a humble, loving attitude striving for truth in all actions taken. Please leave this wonderful tradition in place. Sincerely, Janet Lockhart SUPPLEMENTAL COMMUNICATION Meeting Date: .S7/ee//19a3 Agenda Item No.; , `' a3 4/33) Moore, Tania From: Fikes, Cathy Sent: Tuesday, May 16, 2023 8:47 AM To: Agenda Alerts Subject: FW: Support Item 24, 5-16-23 CC meeting From: Dan Jamieson <danjamieson4@gmail.com> Sent:Tuesday, May 16, 2023 8:23 AM To: CITY COUNCIL<city.council@surfcity-hb.org> Subject: Support Item 24, 5-16-23 CC meeting May 16, 2023 Dear FIB City Council: I support item 24,offered by Councilmember Moser for tonight's council meeting,to have a moment of silence at the beginning of council meetings in place of the traditional invocation. This policy would be a reasonable solution to the controversy created by the current council majority when they dismissed the Interfaith Council in February, claiming--without evidence--that Interfaith Council members had engaged in "political soapboxing" during invocations. This action was most unfortunate, given that the Interfaith Council has, in my view, always remained true to the spirit of delivering a non-denominational message of tolerance. That said, I personally see no need to pray or invoke the name of"God" during a secular government meeting. If the Interfaith Council is to be sidelined, a moment of silence would allow people to pray or reflect in their own way. Sincerely, Dan Jamieson Huntington Beach SUPPLEMENTAL COMMUNICATION Meeting Date: .5//600 3 Agenda Item No.• c9q a3 �33 i Moore, Tania From: Fikes, Cathy Sent: Tuesday, May 16, 2023 8:53 AM To: Agenda Alerts Subject: FW: City Council Agenda #24 From: Cathey Ryder<the4ryders@gmail.com> Sent:Tuesday, May 16, 2023 8:48 AM To: CITY COUNCIL<city.council@surfcity-hb.org> Subject: City Council Agenda #24 Mayor and HB City Council Members In the United States,there are at least 200 Protestant ways to practice Christianity . There almost a dozen ways to practice Judaism. Within the Catholic tradition,there are various practices that are observed. And there are Buddhists , Hindus , followers of the different sects of Islam, Sikhs. agnostics, Atheists, followers of Wiccan and folks who are spiritual but do not attend a church that live in Huntington Beach. If the HB City Council wanted to be inclusive,there is no way with only approximately 24 meetings a year to include everyone's viewpoint or faith. For those who practice Christianity, in the Bible in Matthew 6:6 Jesus tells us but when you pray,go into your own room, close the door and pray to your Father who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret,will reward you. This best way to truly represent everyone is to allow for a moment of silence or reflection so that each person attending in person or watching at home can prepare their heats and minds for the meeting in their own way. And BTW, in 2003,moments of silence were the norm for the HB City Council. Do the right thing, let every person practice their version of faith in their own way prior to each meeting.Attendees can use their public comment time to pray to their faith leader if they so choose. Religious freedom is not infringed by having a moment of silence or reflection, it is actually the best way to practice it. Each person having the freedom to practice their own form of spiritual preparation. Sent from my iPhone SUPPLEMENTAL COMMUNICATION Meeting Date: 37ia/ao 93 Agenda Item No.; (v?3 ' 9.33) Switzer, Donna From: Kathy Carrick <carrick92647@hotmail.com> Sent: Tuesday, May 16, 2023 9:51 AM To: CITY COUNCIL;supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Subject: Agenda Item#24 Dear Mayor Strickland and City Council, This message is to let you know that I strongly oppose agenda item #24 regarding the invocation at the beginning of meetings. Our nation, since it's earliest days, has embraced the idea of invocations at public meetings.Through our invocations, delivered by people of varying faiths, we bring people TOGETHER asking for wisdom in our decision making.There is no better way to begin our meetings other than uniting our community in this way. Please vote NO on agenda item#24. Thank you. Respectfully, Kathy Carrick 45+year HB Resident 1 Switzer, Donna From: Fikes, Cathy Sent: Tuesday, May 16,2023 10:36 AM To: Agenda Alerts Subject: FW: SUPPORT,for PRAYER at HB City Council Meetings From: Rich Cinco<richcinco@hotmail.com> Sent:Tuesday, May 16,2023 9:50 AM To:CITY COUNCIL<city.council@surfcity-hb.org> Subject: Fwd:SUPPORT for PRAYER at HB City Council Meetings Hello, I am writing in support for KEEPING PRAYER at HB City Council meetings. Prayer is important to all human beings. Prayer also sets the right tone for all City Council meetings, especially in these days of uncertainty,division, and great turmoil. I have been a resident of HB for 12 years now.One of the things I enjoy most is being able to attend City Council meetings knowing that government business is being conducted first and foremost with prayer at the beginning of each meeting.As an immigrant, I absolutely love the fact this country's roots are based on a strong belief in God.This is critical to one's quality of life,the decisions we make daily, and how we treat each other. In God we trust! God bless each one of you as you continue to make the right decisions for your constituents,with Christ in your hearts. For the small handful of you who do not yet know Jesus Christ,we continue to pray for you. Best Regards, Rich Cinco HB City Resident for 12 years E:richcinco@hormail.com 1 Switzer, Donna From: Fikes, Cathy Sent: Tuesday, May 16, 2023 10:36 AM To: Agenda Alerts Subject: FW: Item 24 From: Currently.com<Ibenedetto2@aol.com> Sent:Tuesday, May 16,2023 9:56 AM To:CITY COUNCIL<city.council@surfcity-hb.org> Subject: Item 24 I OPPOSE ITEM 241111, Sent from the all new AOL app for iOS i Switzer, Donna From: Fikes, Cathy Sent: Tuesday, May 16, 2023 10:36 AM To: Agenda Alerts Subject: FW: Prayer Original Message From:Juanita Enquist<juanitaenquist@gmail.com> Sent:Tuesday, May 16, 2023 10:14 AM To: CITY COUNCIL<city.council@surfcity-hb.org> Subject: Prayer I am against this! there is a motion to replace prayer with a moment of silence at the HB City Council that will be voted on tomorrow night. City.council@surfcity-hb.org 1 Switzer, Donna From: Fikes, Cathy Sent: Tuesday, May 16,2023 10:36 AM To: Agenda Alerts Subject: FW: OPPOSE Item 24!!! From:gcarrother@aol.com<gcarrother@aol.com> Sent:Tuesday, May 16, 2023 10:21 AM To:CITY COUNCIL<city.council@surfcity-hb.org> Subject:OPPOSE Item 24!!! Mayor Strickland and City Council members: I am shocked to learn that anyone in the elected city council of Huntington Beach USA would seek to eliminate a prayer at the start of a council meeting! This is something I would have assumed to have come up from some radical atheist group and not from amongst one of our elected members. I am learning that we must always be vigilant and pay attention to what some council members who I thought I respected reveal about themselves! PLEASE keep a prayer seeking guidance prior to each meeting! Gene Carrothers Huntington Beach i Switzer, Donna From: Fikes, Cathy Sent: Tuesday, May 16, 2023 10:37 AM To: Agenda Alerts Subject: FW:CC meeting and Moser agenda to remove From: Dylan Driver<driverdylan8@gmail.com> Sent:Tuesday, May 16,2023 10:25 AM. To:CITY COUNCIL<city.council@surfcity-hb.org> Subject:CC meeting and Moser agenda to remove Long time HB resident of 24 years. I'm raising a family in this town When we moved here bought a home and got married we were pleasantly surprised with the community, environment & government . Not knowing much about it other than the homes and outdoor lifestyle. I don't know why it would be necessary to change the opening convocation at the city council meetings. Why would you want to eliminate religious voices from our town's convocation. This idea makes no sense to anyone with a spiritual connection to the city. Please keep the convocation. i Switzer, Donna From: Fikes, Cathy Sent: Tuesday, May 16, 2023 10:37 AM To: Agenda Alerts Subject: FW: Prayer only vote Original Message From:Shannon Knee<shannonkn@gmail.com> Sent:Tuesday, May 16,2023 10:29 AM To: CITY COUNCIL<city.council@surfcity-hb.org> Subject: Prayer only vote City Council Members, I strongly oppose replacing prayer with a moment of silence. Prayer needs to stay and please vote to keep prayer always! Sincerely, Shannon Knee Sent from my iPhone 1 Switzer, Donna From: Fikes,Cathy Sent: Tuesday, May 16, 2023 10:37 AM To: Agenda Alerts Subject: FW: Support Prayers! From: Bonnie Robb<noncarnivore@gmail.com> Sent:Tuesday, May 16, 2023 10:33 AM To:CITY COUNCIL<city.council@surfcity-hb.org> Subject:Support Prayers! I support prayers &also pledge allegiance to the flag at City Council meetings! Bonnie Robb i Switzer, Donna From: Fikes, Cathy Sent: Tuesday, May 16, 2023 11:21 AM To: Agenda Alerts Subject: FW: Please do not replace prayer From:Joan Garnett<JPowGar@outlook.com> Sent:Tuesday, May 16,2023 11:05 AM To:CITY COUNCIL<city.council@surfcity-hb.org> Subject: Please do not replace prayer Dear Council Members: Please do not replace prayer with a moment of silence. It's not the same. It's bowing to the anti God movement circulating this country. Christians are being attacked across the world. We don't need this to feed their progress. Thank you for understanding! Joan Garnett i Switzer, Donna From: Fikes, Cathy Sent: Tuesday, May 16, 2023 11:49 AM To: Agenda Alerts Subject: FW:Vote No Original Message From:Aaron Washington<tjwash69@gmail.com> Sent:Tuesday, May 16,2023 11:26 AM To:CITY COUNCIL<city.council@surfcity-hb.org> Subject:Vote No Dear, Council members don't allow prayer to be removed from your proceedings, offer those to pray to their religious denomination, but not remove all together. Warmest regards, Aaron Washington 424-279-8810 • Switzer, Donna From: Fikes, Cathy Sent: Tuesday, May 16, 2023 11:50 AM To: Agenda Alerts Subject: FW: Prayer at City Council Original Message From: Rachel Leach<rachelcmleach@gmail.com> Sent:Tuesday, May 16,2023 11:42 AM To:CITY COUNCIL<city.council@surfcity-hb.org> Subject: Prayer at City Council Dear City Council, Please consider keeping a cherished tradition of prayer at our meetings instead of changing to the moment of silence. For so many people in today's world, prayer at our familiar institutions provides stability and peace during so much change and divisiveness. Thank you, Rachel Leach Huntington Beach Resident Sent from my iPhone • Switzer, Donna From: Fikes, Cathy Sent: Tuesday, May 16, 2023 11:57 AM To: Agenda Alerts Subject: FW: Moment of Silence From: kathleenharkins@proton.me<kathleenharkins@proton.me> Sent:Tuesday, May 16,2023 11:52 AM To:CITY COUNCIL<city.council@surfcity-hb.org> Subject: Moment of Silence Good morning Huntington Beach City Council, In the crisis of secularism today when our children are dying from fentynol, suicide and gender disforia, you want to secularize OUR Local Government? I don't think so! As local government, your first alliance should be to ALM IGHTY GOD, then to us,your constituants. YOU can not do your job with out the blessings of Almighty God! YOU will only loose when you turn to Satan! Yes, if you are not focused on God you let Satan infiltrate your hearts and your decisions. I do not want a city council full of Satan but Full of the Graces of God. This way all of your decisions will be justified in Christ! Please don't be STUPID! Keep Christ in Our City! You are GREATLY Loved! God Bless each and every one of you! k Sent from Proton Mail mobile i Switzer, Donna From: Fikes, Cathy Sent: Tuesday, May 16, 2023 11:58 AM To: Agenda Alerts Subject: FW: Do not replace prayer. Original Message From:Zaida Aguilar<z.aguilar@icloud.com> Sent:Tuesday, May 16,2023 11:55 AM To: CITY COUNCIL<city.council@surfcity-hb.org> Subject: Do not replace prayer. I vote against replacing Prayer. Zaida Sent from my iPhone 1 Switzer, Donna • From: Fikes, Cathy Sent: Tuesday, May 16, 2023 12:15 PM To: Agenda Alerts Subject: FW: PRAYER From:gooddeeddoggies@aol.com<gooddeeddoggies@aol.com> Sent:Tuesday, May 16,2023 12:09 PM To:CITY COUNCIL<city.council@surfcity-hb.org> Subject: PRAYER City council, with all the emotion and love for Southern California and this country that I have, urge you to KEEP PRAYER as a part of any of your meetings. You have been voted in office to represent the people of Huntington Beach, citizens of the United States. This country was founded by people fleeing their home countries to come to America for religious freedom. Keep Prayer. By the way, your city council decisions also affect all the tourists who come locally and from around the world. You the representatives are the Frankie Avalon and Annette Funicello example of what a wholesome beach city looks like. The best beach city in the world. Love of fun, God, and America. Vote to keep Prayer 1 Switzer, Donna From: Fikes, Cathy Sent: Tuesday, May 16, 2023 4:59 PM To: Agenda Alerts Subject: FW: Keep Prayer"Spoken" at the HB City Council meetings From: C I <cmingram86@gmail.com> Sent:Tuesday, May 16,2023 4:26 PM To:CITY COUNCIL<city.council@surfcity-hb.org> Subject: Keep Prayer"Spoken"at the HB City Council meetings Thank you for reading this email regarding the motion to silence prayer in the HB CC meetings. I am requesting retaining SPOKEN prayer at the HB CC meeting. Please do not silence prayer. Speech is foundational. The First Ammendment to the United States Constitution simply states "...make no law respecting establishment of religion or prohibiting the free exercise thereof or abridging the freedom of speech.... Speech is required. This freedom is inalienable by our Creator and prayer should freely be expressed verbally, outloud, with our voices,with respect, gratitude and humbly before God and all peoples. My request is that HB CC members retain SPOKEN prayer at the HB CC meeting. Please do not silence the prayer. Respectfully, Celeste Ingram Huntington Beach resident i Switzer, Donna From: Fikes, Cathy Sent: Tuesday, May 16, 2023 5:00 PM To: Agenda Alerts Subject: FW: Prayer in HN City Council From: Florita Sheldon<florita.sheldon@gmail.com> Sent:Tuesday, May 16,2023 4:27 PM To:CITY COUNCIL<city.council@surfcity-hb.org> Subject: Prayer in HN City Council Hello, I am writing to you to request that we keep the time of prayer in the Huntington Beach City Council meeting. It is good to honor that we are a country with spiritual roots. Thanks, Florita 1 Switzer, Donna From: Fikes, Cathy • Sent: Tuesday, May 16, 2023 5:00 PM To: Agenda Alerts Subject: FW: Prayer Original Message From: Donna McGuire<sealbeachma@hotmail.com> Sent:Tuesday, May 16,2023 4:28 PM To: CITY COUNCIL<city.council@surfcity-hb.org> Subject: Prayer To the Huntington Beach City Council, Please continue with a prayer at the beginning of your council meetings. Your current city council has become a beacon of hope to other cities. Our Declaration of Independence was signed after intense prayer. I live in Seal Beach and pray we will return to prayer before our council meetings. Please be the leaders that launch a movement to put prayer back at not only our council meetings, but at our schools as well! Best Regards, Donna Barron-McGuire Sent from my iPhone 1 Switzer, Donna From: Fikes, Cathy Sent: Tuesday, May 16, 2023 5:00 PM To: Agenda Alerts Subject: FW: Item 24 Original Message From: bill coopman<billandbrookie@yahoo.com> Sent:Tuesday, May 16,2023 4:33 PM To:CITY COUNCIL<city.council@surfcity-hb.org> Subject: Item 24 Hello, I am a local Huntington Beach resident for the past 18 years and I oppose item number 24. Please leave the invocation as part of our city council culture and do not fear the reaper. Count my vote as strong opposition to that change. Sincerely, Brooke Coopman L9 • • Switzer, Donna From: Fikes, Cathy Sent: Tuesday, May 16, 2023 5:00 PM To: Agenda Alerts • Subject: FW: Invocation From: Pete Valov<valovservices@gmail.com> Sent:Tuesday, May 16, 2023 4:36 PM To:CITY COUNCIL<city.council@surfcity-hb.org> Subject: Invocation To the Huntington Beach City Council, Please continue with the invocation to start the city council meetings. We all need God's guidance, wisdom and direction as we navigate through the situations of this life to help us make the right decisions. Thank you. Peter Valov 1 Switzer, Donna From: Dennis Pappas <ndoceanpappas@gmail.com> Sent: Tuesday, May 16,2023 12:27 PM To: CITY COUNCIL Cc: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org; Dennis Pappas Subject: Oppose Change in Invocation Policy File 23-433 Attachments: From Patricia Pappas.pdf i From Patricia Pappas 1. Oppose change in Invocation Policy File#23-433. 2. Continue to use current policy. INVOCATION In permitting a nonsectarian invocation, the City does not intend to proselytize or advance any faith or belief. Neither the City nor the City Council endorses any particular religious belief or form of invocation. 3. Note: Regarding Councilwoman Moser's suggestion: Respectfully a moment of silence is recommended typically for use at a memorial type of experience. As defined in Wikipedia: As a college professor I never allowed my students to use Wikipedia as a credible resource for academic study or reference, but I will use this in this instance. I am placing a Wikipedia definition here as I thought it was very appropriate to support my opposition to 3 Moser suggestion: "During a moment of silence, its participants may typically bow their heads, remove their hats, and refrain from speaking, or moving,for the duration of it. Origins The first recorded instance of an official moment of silence dedicated to a dead person took place in Portugal on February 13, 1912." Our city council meetings are specifically for lively discussions with people that are alive. A non-sectarian invocation provides for a "gathering of the minds." Thank you, Patricia Pappas May 16, 2023 Switzer, Donna i. From: harika@cheerful.com Sent: Tuesday, May 16, 2023 12:30 PM _ To: sup1plementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Subject: Agenda Item#24 - Invocation Policy Update To HB City Council, I am IN SUPPORT of Council Woman Natalie Moser's Invocation Policy Update listed on the agenda for the May 16, 2023 City Council Meeting. The replacing of the invocation with a moment of silence during Huntington Beach City Council meetings should be considered. Moving away from specific religious invocations - which is currently ONLY Christian - can promote inclusivity and ensure that all individuals, regardless of their faith or belief system, feel equally represented and respected. By implementing a moment of silence, the council can create a neutral and inclusive space that allows individuals to reflect or pray according to their personal beliefs. This approach acknowledges and respects the diversity of religious and non-religious perspectives withini the community. It's important for local government bodies to be mindful of the separation of church and state and to avoid promoting a particular religious narrative. By adopting a moment of silence, the council can foster an atmosphere of unity and equal representation, allowing individuals from all faiths and backgrounds to participate fully in the democratic process. In addition, Gracey Van Der Mark's appearance at the Calvery Chapel of the Harbour on May 14, 2023 violates the Brown Act as she informed attendees that her and Casey McKeon,Tony Strickland and Pat Burns will fight the"no prayer before city council meetings"and asked attendees to do the same by attending in person at the May 16 council meeting and sending emails.They have made up their minds with zero input from HB residents and this is a clear violation of the Brown Act. And they have involuntarily admitted1their acknowledgement of violating the Brown Act, because at 845am on Monday May 15, 2023, Gracey's admission of guilt was viewable on the Calvery Chapel video uploaded to their youtube channel. Once @exposing_hb on Twitter exposed Gracey Van Der Mark violating the Brown Act with their post on twitter at 1053am on Monday May 15, 2023 , Gracey's portion on the Calvery Chapel youtube channel was edited to remove Gracey's request for attendees to conform to her ask. The original video and Gracey's violation of the Brown Act can be viewed at https://bit.lv/301g8f8 and is proof of her willful violation. Gracey Van Der Mark, Casey McKeon; Tony Strickland and Pat Burns only care about personal accrual of power and should be held accountable for their actions. This majority council is hell bent in pushing their narratives and their beliefs onto the residents of this city. This is unacceptable and quite frankly bad business for the city. Regards, Harika KAYI (21 year resident of HB) 1 1 Switzer, Donna From: libbyvince@socal.rr.com Sent: Tuesday, May 16, 2023 2:03 PM To: Strickland,Tony;Van Der Mark, Gracey; Moser, Natalie;dan.kalmick@surfcity.hb.org; McKeon, Casey; Bolton, Rhonda;supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Subject: Item 23-433 I . Dear Mayor Strickland, Mayor Pro Tern VanDerMark, and Councilmembers, Unfortunately, I will not be able to attend this evening's meeting in person, but wanted to be sure to send my thoughts on public invocations. We have a 2002 Supreme Court decision (Rubin v. City of Burbank) that ruled that sectarian prayer violates the Establishment Clause of the United States Constitution. Since excluding the HB Interfaith Council from the list of acceptable speakers to provide an invocation, you have been having the chaplains from the public service sector of the city provide a Christian- inspired invocation. You are l'eaving out all the members of the diverse religions (and non- religions) who are part of this community. Even by using the Interfaith Council, you are bound to leave out some minority religions (even if unintentionally). For those that feel the need to pray before doing their work for the city, they are certainly free to pray before the City Council meeting or quietly to themselves. However, it is inappropriate, and potentially unconstitutional, to offer a religious prayer as part of a government meeting. •i I urge you to approve the "Moment of Silence" in lieu of a prayer to a God that not all citizens believe in. Every single person in attendance (or watching online) would be free to use that moment to offer whatever prayer is consistent with their own religious practice. Sincerely, Libby Frolichman 1 Switzer, Donna From: Ann Palmer <714anniep@gmail.com> Sent: Tuesday,May 16,2023 2:04 PM To: CITY COUNCIL Cc: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Subject: -Oppose Agenda Item 24/re: Invocation Policy File 23-433 All: This is to state opposition to Agenda Item#24;that is, I am nit in favor if changes to the current Invocation Policy File 23- 433.There are many considerations, including: • There is something to be said for tradition. Even as we progress as a society we need to acknowledge the roots and confirming traditions of our predecesors. • An invocation does not demand participation,just respect. For those of differing faiths, beliefs or lack thereof,a personal silence is not prohibited. • An invocation solidifies the serious intent of the participants. • Rules if decorum and respect also apply to those delivering an invocation.This is likely covered in the policy(?). Thank you, Ann P. 30+yr HB resident Sent from my iPhone { 1 Switzer, Donna From: Sherry Kennedy <dksmrs5@yahoo.com> Sent: Tuesday, May 16, 2023 2:39 PM To: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Subject: OPPOSE AGENDA ITEM 24 Dear Mayor Strickland and City Council, I am writing to OPPOSE Agenda Item 24 proposed by Councilmember Moser. I STRONGLY oppose replacing this very reverent and Divine tradition with a mere moment of silence! In fact,to even suggest the following (quote from Moser's Agenda Item): "This procedure (moment of silence)would lend the same solemnity that invocations do," is an absolute INSULT ! Perhaps MIs. Moser should be reminded a prayer is offered to gain Divine assistance and express gratitude. Apparently, the invocation was acceptable to Ms. Moser as long as it could be used as a political weapon by using allies of her long standing ideologically driven "Interfaith Council". Shame on Council member Moser for using the deeply held religious convictions of many in our community politically. Please OPPOSE Agenda Item 24. Respectfully, Sherry Kennedy Sent from Yahoo Mail for iPhone 1 Switzer, Donna From: JASON ATKINS <hairdresser_on_fire@verizon.net> Sent: Tuesday, May 16, 2023 2:44 PM To: CITY COUNCIL;supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Subject: I oppose agenda item 24 Dear Mayor Strickland and City Council, I am writing to OPPOSE Agenda Item 24 proposed by Councilmember Moser. I STRONGLY oppose replacing this very reverent and Divine tradition with a mere moment of silence! In fact,to even suggest the following(quote from Moser's Agenda Item): "This procedure(moment of silence)would lend the same solemnity that invocations do," is an absolute INSULT ! Perhaps Ms. Moser should be reminded a prayer is offered to gain Divine assistance and express gratitude. _ Apparently,the invocation was acceptable to Ms. Moser as long as it could be used as a political weapon by using allies of her long standing ideologically driven "Interfaith Council". Shame on Council member Moser for using the deeply held religious convictions of many in our community politically. Please OPPOSE Agenda Item 24. Respectfully, Tiffanie Atkins 1 • Switzer, Donna From: Melissa Zaiden <melissazaiden@gmail.com> Sent: Tuesday, May 16, 2023 2:57 PM To: CITY COUNCIL; supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Subject: I oppose item 24 It's outrageous to me that yet again, liberals support everything and everyone except God. i She is welcome to be silent while the prayer is given/read. I oppose item 24. Thank you, Melissa Zaiden I REALTOR Realty One Group 714-342-5847 • 1 Switzer, Donna From: Tiffanie <etcmoma@gmail.com> Sent: Tuesday, May 16, 2023 2:58 PM To: CITY COUNCIL;supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Subject: I oppose agenda item 24 Dear Mayor Strickland and City Council, > I am writing to OPPOSE Agenda Item 24 proposed by Councilmember Moser. I STRONGLY oppose replacing this very reverent and Divine tradition with a mere moment of silence! In fact,to even suggest the following(quote from Moser's Agenda Item): > "This procedure (moment of silences)would lend the same solemnity that invocations do," > I >is an absolute INSULT ! Perhaps Ms. Moser should be reminded a prayer is offered to gain Divine assistance and express gratitude. >Apparently,the invocation was acceptable to Ms. Moser as long as it could be used as a political weapon by using allies of her long standing ideologically driven "Interfaith Council". Shame on Council member Moser for using the deeply held religious convictions of many in our community politically. > Please OPPOSE Agenda Item 24. > Respectfully, Jason Atkins > 1 Switzer, Donna I From: Juice Plus <4ahealthytomorrow@gmail.com> Sent: Tuesday, May 16,2023 3:16 PM To: supIplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Subject: Tonight's meeting To Whim It May Concern: Why does a moment of silence cause so much anger? I ask the whole city council and our city attorney to pay attention to public records and not just the bubble they live in regarding what our city as a WHOLE would like. A few angry and mean people should not have such a huge influence on your decisions for our entire city. I am a nearly 30 year resident of Huntington Beach and it's ridiculous that I no longer feel safe or welcome at our city council meetings because of the newly elected council members. Your threatening ways have created a very hostile environment and even after you were sworn in,you haven't done anything to create a sense of community or calm for all residents. Please support Natalie Moser's request to replace the invocation with a moment of silence and work as a team for our whole city. Thank you Sheila Gershwin Huntington Beach resident for 40 years Sent from my iPhone 1 . Switzer, Donna From: Fikes, Cathy Sent: Tuesday, May 16, 2023 3:23 PM To: Agenda Alerts Subject: FW: Moment of silence From: Isabella Ford<issyford@gmail.com> Sent:Tuesday, May 16,2023 12:17 PM To:CITY COUNCIL<city.council@surfcity-hb.org>;supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Subject: Moment of silence Why does a moment of silence cause so much anger? I ask the whole city council and our city attorney to pay attention to public records and not just the bubble they live in regarding what our city as a WHOLE would like. A few angry and mean people should not have such a huge influence on your decisions for our entire city. I am a nearly 30 year resident of Huntington Beach and it's ridiculous that I no longer feel safe or welcome at our city council meetings because of the newly elected council members. Your threatening ways have created a very hostile environment and even after you were sworn in,you haven't done anything to create a sense of community or calm for all residents. Please support Natalie Moser's request to replace the invocation with a moment of silence and work as a team for our whole city. Thank you Isabella Ford 714-308-0660 i Switzer, Donna From: Fikes, Cathy Sent: Tuesday, May 16, 2023 3:24 PM To: Agenda Alerts Subject: FW: Prayer Original Message From:James Whited<jumptoday@icloud.com> Sent:Tuesday, May 16, 2023 12:32 PM To: CITY COUNCIL<city.council@surfcity-hb.org> Subject: Prayer Deer city council members, Please do not replace prayer with a moment of silence.This would be wrong,do we believe in nothing now?Thanks for listening. Sent from my iPhone 1 Switzer, Donna From: Fikes, Cathy Sent: Tuesday, May 16, 2023 3:24 PM To: Agenda Alerts Subject: FW: Prayer Original Message From: pkfisch6@gmail.com<pkfisch6@gmail.com> Sent:Tuesday, May 16,2023 12:37 PM To:CITY COUNCIL<city.council@surfcity-hb.org> Subject: Prayer I urge you to maintain prayer over moments of silence. Please do not cave to any agendas that entertain removing God or our foundations.We need prayer now more than ever. Thank you, Portia Fischer Sent from my iPhone 1 Switzer, Donna From: Fikes, Cathy Sent: Tuesday, May 16, 2023 3:24 PM To: Agenda Alerts Subject: FW: Replacing prayer Original Message From: Eileen McDermott<etmcdermott@icloud.com> Sent:Tuesday, May 16,2023 12:44 PM To:CITY COUNCIL<city.council@surfcity-hb.org> Subject: Replacing prayer To all the Huntington Beach City Council members, I strongly recommend that prayer at the beginning of meetings and events is vital to help put everyone in moral and spiritual frame of mind. Our nation was founded under God,our Creator and with His presence in all things we pray that all government actions are done in virtuous undertakings for all the citizens of the city and visitors. Thank you. Respectfully, Eileen McDermott Sent from my iPhone 1 Switzer, Donna From: Fikes,Cathy Sent: Tuesday, May 16, 2023 3:25 PM To: Agenda Alerts Subject: FW:God is good Original Message From: Lisa Reincke<ciaolisarnl@gmail.com> Sent:Tuesday, May 16,2023 12:54 PM To: CITY COUNCIL<city.council@surfcity-hb.org> Subject: God is good Dear City Counsel Members, "Please keep the pre-meeting prayer in place.Just observing a "moment of silence" is not sufficient.We are a city who acknowledges God as provider of leadership and wisdom,especially in the city council.Thank you!" "Please consider keeping a cherished tradition of prayer at our meetings instead of changing to the moment of silence. For so many people in todays world, prayer at our familiar institutions provides stability and peace during so much change and divisiveness." Thank you Dear HB City Leaders Lisa 1 Switzer, Donna From: Fikes, Cathy Sent: Tuesday, May 16, 2023 3:25 PM To: Agenda Alerts Subject: FW: Keeping Prayer at Council Meetings From:Jo Ito<joito0504@yahoo.com> Sent:Tuesday, May 16, 2023 1:10 PM To:CITY COUNCIL<city.council@surfcity-hb.org> Subject: Keeping Prayer at Council Meetings Greetings, Council Members! As elected representatives of Huntington Beach, I strongly urge you to vote in FAVOR of prayer during council meetings. Our community is a beautiful and prosperous one because of God's mercy and grace. It is just and right to seek Him and give Him the glory at all government gatherings. May the Lord guide you to the righteous decision regarding this important matter. May He continue to richly bless you and yours. Prayerfully, The Ito Family Sent from Yahoo Mail for iPhone • Switzer, Donna From: Fikes, Cathy Sent: Tuesday, May 16, 2023 3:25 PM To: Agenda Alerts Subject: FW: Invocations at City Council Meetings From:Suzanne Hart<hb.diva@yahoo.com> Sent:Tuesday, May 16,2023 1:34 PM To:CITY COUNCIL<city.council@surfcity-hb.org> • Subject: Invocations at City Council Meetings Dear Council Members, I am respectfully requesting that we have no invocations at our Council meetings as religion should play no part in our government meetings. If one feels the need to have a moment of silence, or any kind of prayer, it would be more appropriate to have it on one's own time. Sincerely, Suzanne and Chris Hart 1 Switzer, Donna From: Fikes, Cathy Sent: Tuesday, May 16, 2023 3:26 PM To: Agenda Alerts Subject: FW: Prayer From:Carolee Merrill<gatewaystoawakening@gmail.com> Sent:Tuesday, May 16,2023 1:42 PM To:CITY COUNCIL<city.council@surfcity-hb.org> Subject: Re: Prayer Hello, I was just notified that the Huntington Neach city council is considering eliminating prayer at the meetings. I find this very disturbing as this is a foundational aspect of our country and of our culture. Please do not eliminate prayer at the city council meetings. Thank you, Caroline Merrill i Switzer, Donna From: Fikes, Cathy Sent: Tuesday, May 16, 2023 3:26 PM To: Agenda Alerts Subject: FW: Prayer at Meetings Original Message From:Sandra Lockerman<lockermans@icloud.com> Sent:Tuesday, May 16, 2023 1:46 PM To:CITY COUNCIL<city.council@surfcity-hb.org> Subject: Prayer at Meetings Has the decay of our Society not been seen with the results of Madalyn Murray O'Hair having been so fervent with removing Prayer from our schools?Our Universities are NO longer considered to be institutions of Higher Education but institutions of Lower Education. Why would you purposely reduce your city to such a low standard with removing prayer and substituting a moment of silence. Moment of Silence represents sadness and/or mourning. I know you wouldn't want your constituents to know you feel have no hope for their community. PLEASE VOTE NO! Sent from my iPhone 1 Switzer, Donna From: Fikes,Cathy Sent: Tuesday, May 16, 2023 3:26 PM To: Agenda Alerts Subject: FW:OPPOSE AGENDA ITEM 24 From:Sherry Kennedy<dksmrs5@yahoo.com> Sent:Tuesday, May 16,2023 2:39 PM To:CITY COUNCIL<city.council@surfcity-hb.org> Subject:OPPOSE AGENDA ITEM 24 Dear Mayor Strickland and City Council, I am writing to OPPOSE Agenda Item 24 proposed by Councilmember Moser. I STRONGLY oppose replacing this very reverent and Divine tradition with a mere moment of silence! In fact,to even suggest the following (quote from Moser's Agenda Item): "This procedure (moment of silence)would lend the same solemnity that invocations do," is an absolute INSULT ! Perhaps Ms. Moser should be reminded a prayer is offered to gain Divine assistance and express gratitude. Apparently, the invocation was acceptable to Ms. Moser as long as it could be used as a political weapon by using allies of her long standing ideologically driven "Interfaith Council". Shame on Council member Moser for using the deeply held religious convictions of many in our community politically. Please OPPOSE Agenda Item 24. Respectfully, Sherry Kennedy Sent from Yahoo Mail for iPhone 1 Switzer, Donna From: Fikes, Cathy Sent: Tuesday, May 16, 2023 3:27 PM To: Agenda Alerts Subject: FW:Vote. NO Original Message From:Sandra Lockerman<lockermans@bellsouth.net> Sent:Tuesday, May 16, 2023 2:44 PM To: CITY COUNCIL<city.council@surfcity-hb.org> Subject:Vote. NO Doe not vote to substitute prayer with moment of silence!!! Sent from my iPhone 1 Switzer, Donna From: Fikes, Cathy Sent: Tuesday, May 16, 2023 3:27 PM To: Agenda Alerts Subject: FW: Prayer at City Council Meetings From: Dave Traci Jolie Jenna<dtjjwhite@verizon.net> Sent:Tuesday, May 16,2023 2:46 PM To: CITY COUNCIL<city.council@surfcity-hb.org> Subject: Prayer at City Council Meetings Good Day, I wanted to share my comments that prayer is so important and we need to retain prayer before the city council meetings. We truly need God's wisdom to assist our city as we tackle the many challenges that are in front of us. There is only so much a person can know and we really can rely on God's wisdom and timing to guide our path and ensure a good outcome. We need all the help we can get with all the issues we face currently as a city. As the bible says: The LORD is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth. Psalm 145:18 I call on you, my God, for you will answer me; turn your ear to me and hear my prayer. Psalm 17:6 This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. 1 John 5:14 Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Romans 12:12 Answer me when I call to you, my righteous God. Give me relief from my distress; have mercy on me and hear my prayer. Psalm 4:1 I hope you will continue to pray before the city council meetings to help guide our city well. Kind Regards, Dave and Traci White 17072 Westport Drive Huntington Beach, CA 92649 1 Switzer, Donna From: Fikes, Cathy Sent: Tuesday, May 16, 2023 3:27 PM To: Agenda Alerts Subject: FW:Agenda Item 24 Original Message From: Irma Shaffer<margshaffer@gmail.com> Sent:Tuesday, May 16, 2023 2:53 PM To: CITY COUNCIL<city.council@surfcity-hb.org> Subject:Agenda Item 24 . Please Oppose Agenda Item 24 Respectfully yours Anthony& Irma Shaffer 21292 Lemontree Ln Huntington Beach 92646 Sent from my iPhone • Switzer, Donna From: Fikes, Cathy Sent: Tuesday, May 16, 2023 3:27 PM To: Agenda Alerts Subject: FW: Invocation Original Message From: Mark Tonkovich<marktonko@gmail.com> Sent:Tuesday, May 16, 2023 3:04 PM To:CITY COUNCIL<city.council@surfcity-hb.org> Subject: Invocation My Wife,Son and I feel that Invocation should be kept as part of City Council meetings. Best, Mark,Valerie and Marcus Tonkovich. Sent from my iPhone 1 Switzer, Donna V From: Fikes, Cathy Sent: Tuesday, May 16, 2023 3:27 PM To: Agenda Alerts Subject: FW:Opposition to prayer taken out Original Message From: Lynn<lynnkendallcline@hotmail.com> Sent:Tuesday, May 16, 2023 3:06 PM To: CITY COUNCIL<city.council@surfcity-hb.org> Subject: Opposition to prayer taken out To whom it may concern I am opposed to silence over prayer for The Huntington Beach City city council meetings. Sincerely Lynn Cline Sent from my iPhone 1 Switzer, Donna From: Fikes, Cathy Sent: Tuesday, May 16, 2023 3:28 PM To: Agenda Alerts Subject: FW:Save prayer From: Libby<sweetpea4@protonmail.com> Sent:Tuesday, May 16,2023 3:21 PM To:CITY COUNCIL<city.council@surfcity-hb.org> Subject:Save prayer. Our country us founded on judeo-christian beliefs. We must do all in our power to keep the ritual of prayer in all our public institutions. Please save prayer! Regards, Libby Huyck Newport Beach Sent from Proton Mail for iOS 1 Switzer, Donna From: Fikes, Cathy Sent: Tuesday, May 16,2023 4:04 PM To: Agenda Alerts Subject: FW: Prayer From: Matt Cinquanta<Matt.50@mail.com> Sent:Tuesday, May 16,2023 3:34 PM To:CITY COUNCIL<city.council@surfcity-hb.org> Subject: Prayer HB City Council Members, It is NOT okay for a moment of cilence to replace prayer, and we the people do not consent to that at all. You have an Oath you have sworn to, so honor it or resign. We have had enough of your satanic assault on our way of life. Get out! Matthew D. Cinquanta mattcinquanta@mail.com i Switzer, Donna From: Fikes, Cathy Sent: Wednesday, May 17, 2023 3:56 PM To: Agenda Alerts Subject: FW:Thank you City Council for another successful meeting Original Message From: Kevin Anderson<kpanderson@socal.rr.com> Sent:Wednesday, May 17,2023 8:02 AM To: CITY COUNCIL<city.council@surfcity-hb.org> Subject:Thank you City Council for another successful meeting But first, it's another glorious day here in HB when Dan Kalmick is not the mayor!!! Thank you for voting down Natalie's unhinged temper tantrum item last night. If she wants to remove God from her life, simply because she doesn't get her way, it doesn't mean the rest of us have to. We are tired of interfaith turning every invocation into a leftist political statement.The liberal Rabbi should be ashamed of calling himself a Rabbi,when he is simply a Webb/GCT/FV school board democrat political hack. He hates us who disagree with him and Mayor Tony has been more than fair to him and the rest of interfaith. As they say: sorry not sorry- Natalie. Thanks again, Kevin P.Anderson (714)501-7013 PS If any of you want to debate me,swing at me or talk about country music/bbq,feel free to call me. us Sent from my iPhone Switzer, Donna From: Fikes, Cathy Sent: Wednesday, May 17, 2023 3:56 PM To: Agenda Alerts Subject: FW: Prayer vs Moment of Silence Original Message From: RAY HAZELTON<rayfhazelton@aol.com> Sent:Wednesday, May 17, 2023 9:18 AM To: CITY COUNCIL<city.council@surfcity-hb.org> Subject: Prayer vs Moment of Silence Dear City Council, Good day to you all! I hope you consider the Constitution of the United States of America,that was written by men that were guided by Father God while it was written, before taking prayer away from your meetings. May God guide you now. Blessings, Bobbi& Ray Hazelton 1 Switzer, Donna From: Fikes, Cathy Sent: Wednesday, May 17, 2023 3:57 PM To: Agenda Alerts Subject: FW: Motion to replace prayer with silence Original Message From:Angela M<smashingmom64@gmail.com> Sent:Wednesday, May 17, 2023 11:42 AM To: CITY COUNCIL<city.council@surfcity-hb.org> Subject: Motion to replace prayer with silence Dear Public Servants: Your authority comes from us,the governed. We The People do not want prayers to be silenced! Vote NO on the motion to replace prayer with a moment of silence. Sincerely, Angela Meadows Sent from my iPhone • • Switzer, Donna From: Fikes, Cathy Sent: Wednesday, May 17,2023 3:58 PM To: Agenda Alerts Subject: FW: Original Message From:5623059019@vzwpix.com<5623059019@vzwpix.com> Sent:Tuesday, May 16,2023 10:21 PM To: CITY COUNCIL<city.council@surfcity-hb.org> Subject: I am against the replacement of prayer with a moment of silence. I request that you keep the prayer.Why should prayer be discriminated against.That would be a huge mistake. Our country always had prayer since its' beginning and now people decide to basically change our country from the goodness of it. Me and my entire family immediate and extended feel strongly that you should keep the prayer. If it is omitted me and my family will do everything elsewhere. Such a disappointment to hear that such a thing would even be suggested. 1 Switzer, Donna From: Fikes, Cathy Sent: Wednesday, May 17, 2023 3:58 PM To: Agenda Alerts Subject: FW: Replacing Prayer wuth Sile ce From:Sally Carter<sally.carter52@gmail.com> Sent:Tuesday, May 16,2023 11:01 PM To:CITY COUNCIL<city.council@surfcity-hb.org> Subject: Replacing Prayer wuth Sile ce I'm opposed to your proposal of replacing praying with a moment of silence before your city council meetings. You'll get amazing results if you just let God in on your plans. Respectfully yours, Sally Carter 1 Switzer, Donna From: Fikes, Cathy Sent: Wednesday, May 17, 2023 3:58 PM To: Agenda Alerts Subject: FW: HB Council Prayer Original Message From: Daniel Galluccio<dangalluccio@icloud.com> Sent:Wednesday, May 17, 2023 3:08 PM To: CITY COUNCIL<city.council@surfcity-hb.org> Subject: HB Council Prayer I support Prayer. Moment of silence sounds like we are being gagged or muted... Sent from my iPhone 1 Switzer, Donna From: Fikes, Cathy Sent: Wednesday, May 17,2023 4:00 PM To: Agenda Alerts Subject: FW: Keep the invocation via Spoken Prayer at the HB City Council meetings From: Rick Ingram<rick@cadcrew.com> Sent:Tuesday, May 16,2023 5:10 PM To:CITY COUNCIL<city.council@surfcity-hb.org> Subject: Keep the invocation via Spoken Prayer at the HB City Council meetings Thank you for reading this email regarding the motion to silence prayer via the invocation in the HB City Council meetings. I am requesting that the council retain the exercise of the invocation via SPOKEN prayer at the HB CC meetings. Please do not silence prayer. Our country has a long,rich tradition of recognizing our faith in and dependence upon what the founders called Providence, our almighty heavenly father. Speech is foundational. The First Amendment to the United States Constitution simply states "...make no law respecting establishment of religion or prohibiting the free exercise thereof or abridging the freedom of speech...." Speech is required. This freedom is inalienable by our Creator and prayer should freely be expressed verbally, aloud, with our voices, with respect, gratitude and humbly before God and all peoples. My request is that HB CC members retain SPOKEN prayer at the HB CC meeting. Please do not silence the prayer. Sincerely, Rick Ingram Huntington Beach, CA 92647 1 Switzer, Donna From: Fikes, Cathy Sent: Wednesday, May 17,2023 4:00 PM To: Agenda Alerts Subject: FW: Keep prayer in Hb Original Message From: Cheryl Craycroft<cicbee@verizon.net> Sent:Tuesday, May 16, 2023 5:18 PM To: CITY COUNCIL<city.council@surfcity-hb.org> Subject: Keep prayer in Hb Please keep prayer in HB! Thanks, Cheryl 1 Switzer, Donna From: Fikes, Cathy Sent: Wednesday, May 17, 2023 4:00 PM To: Agenda Alerts Subject: FW:Vote No on replacing prayer&pledge of allegiance at Hb council meetings • From:Celia Hoenig<celialynne3@gmail.com> Sent:Tuesday, May 16, 2023 5:19 PM To:CITY COUNCIL<city.council@surfcity-hb.org> Subject:Vote No on replacing prayer&pledge of allegiance at Hb council meetings • Switzer, Donna From: Fikes, Cathy Sent: Wednesday, May 17,2023 4:01 PM To: Agenda Alerts Subject: FW: Prayer should not be removed Original Message From: monica brant<patnmony@gmail.com> Sent:Tuesday, May 16, 2023 5:24 PM To: CITY COUNCIL<city.council@surfcity-hb.org> Subject: Prayer should not be removed Please keep prayer a part of the council meetings. In a world of so much hate,we can all use prayer in our lives. Thank you Monica Sent from my iPhone 1 Switzer, Donna From: Fikes, Cathy Sent: Wednesday, May 17, 2023 4:01 PM To: Agenda Alerts Subject: FW: Motion today From:Susan McWilliams<susan_mcwilliams@me.com> Sent:Tuesday, May 16,2023 5:33 PM To:CITY COUNCIL<city.council@surfcity-hb.org> Subject: Motion today Hello, I heard there is a motion to replace prayer with a moment of silence at the HB City Council that will be voted on tonight. Please note that our family is against this motion and request that it is not supported by HB City Council. Thank you! Kind regards, Susan and Charles McWilliams M: 714-345-6555 E: susan mcwilliams@me.com 1 Switzer, Donna From: Fikes, Cathy Sent: Wednesday, May 17, 2023 4:01 PM To: Agenda Alerts Subject: FW: Removing prayer from City Council Original Message From: Cheryl Frink<cherylfrink@icloud.com> Sent:Tuesday, May 16, 2023 5:48 PM To: CITY COUNCIL<city.council@surfcity-hb.org> Subject: Removing prayer from City Council To City Council Members of Huntington Beach I want to voice my dismay of your consideration to remove prayer from the city council meetings. Our Pledge of Allegiance which is the bedrock of our Republic is about..."One Nation under God...with Liberty and justice for all". To remove prayer from the proceedings of governance goes against what this nation was founded upon and the rights of we the people. Please do not lose this opportunity to pray and to ask for guidance in representing your city. At times we these we need all the humility and strength to uphold all the freedoms of this country. Cheryl Frink Design Scapes 1 Switzer, Donna From: Fikes, Cathy Sent: Wednesday, May 17, 2023 4:02 PM To: Agenda Alerts Subject: FW: Prayer at Meetings Original Message - From: Hannah Bair<hannahibair@gmail.com> Sent:Tuesday, May 16,2023 7:40 PM To: CITY COUNCIL<city.council@surfcity-hb.org> Subject: Prayer at Meetings Good evening! I wanted to email you in regards of my disapproval for getting rid of prayer at the beginning of city Council meetings. I think it's important that we keep this as an ongoing tradition.Thank you for your time serving on the city Council. Hannah Bair Hannah Bair 1 2000 Main Street, TiNsro4', Huntington Beach,CA ° e� 92648 ��= e City of Huntington Beach �}prgD✓E7) v-3 _f (i 4Ll �C�CF �F°mod Hce,A.IIJcSGK 801:TDN-A/o) File #: 23-184 MEETING DATE: 2/21/2023 Subject: Submitted by Mayor Strickland and Mayor Pro Tern Van Der Mark - Request to prepare a Invocation Policy Recommended Action: Direct the City Manager to work with the City Attorney to return to the City Council with a Resolution for a City Council policy for the constituting of a list of religious associates or leaders, maintaining that list, evaluation of religious associates or leaders, and rotation system for religious leaders at City Council meetings to offer an invocation. The City Attorney should ensure that whatever policy is returned to Council for a vote is compatible with Constitutional principles of government involved/restricted speech and exercise of religion. In doing so, modifications or adjustments to this proposal are welcome from the City Attorney. Attachment(s): 1. Memo City of Huntington Beach Page 1 of 1 Printed on 2/16/2023 power Leg istarTM 1.10 CITY OF HUNTINGTON BEACH CITY COUNCIL MEETING — COUNCIL MEMBER ITEMS REPORT TO: CITY COUNCIL FROM: TONY STRICKLAND, MAYOR GRACEY VAN DER MARK, MAYOR PRO TEM DATE: FEBRUARY 21, 2023 SUBJECT: REQUEST TO PREPARE AN INVOCATION POLICY The City has nearly always allowed invocations by religious leaders at the beginning of each City Council Meeting. This is a good and laudable practice and a good reminder to the City Council, other City leadership, and the community of the important role of government and decision- making. However, in very recent years, the Greater Huntington Beach Interfaith Council, which the City has utilized for invocations, has become highly political and invocations at times have become political soapboxing opportunities. The City should return the invocations to opportunities for faith-based, and faith-focused speech - which is a specific, limited exercise of particular speech. In doing so, the City should have an approved policy for the constituting of a list of religious associates or leaders, maintaining that list, evaluation of religious associates or leaders, and rotation system for religious leaders at City Council meetings to offer an invocation. RECOMMENDED ACTION Direct the City Manager to work with the City Attorney to return to the City Council with a Resolution for a City Council policy for the constituting of a list of religious associates or leaders, maintaining that list, evaluation of religious associates or leaders, and rotation system for religious leaders at City Council meetings to offer an invocation.The City Attorney should ensure that whatever policy is returned to Council for a vote is compatible with Constitutional principles of government involved/restricted speech and exercise of religion. In doing so, modifications or adjustments to this proposal are welcome from the City Attorney. 694 Moore, Tania From: Fikes, Cathy Sent: Monday, February 20, 2023 9:07 PM To: Agenda Alerts Subject: FW: Item 27: Invocation list From: p q <paq0424@gmail.com> Sent:Sunday, February 19, 2023 2:37 PM To:CITY COUNCIL<city.council@surfcity-hb.org> Subject: Item 27: Invocation list I think that the City should not be in the business of evaluating appropriate parties for giving invocations. A non governmental party should do that evaluation. The interfaith council provides that service. Item 27 expresses concern over this entity's involvement in politics. Most religions advance concepts of social justice. Most religions become involved in national, state and local politics. The interfaith council should be conducting its meetings at private facilities, not City Hall. Currently the interfaith council meets at city hall on the last Tuesday of the month. That practice should stop. Sincerely, Pat Quintana SUPPLEMENTAL COMMUNICATION *lilting Date: *I/ r90 1 Agenda Item No.;#-77 ( r IRt/) Moore, Tania From: Fikes, Cathy Sent: Monday, February 20, 2023 9:14 PM To: Agenda Alerts Subject: FW: NO on councilmember item # 27 at the Feb. 17 city council meeting. From: Dan Jamieson <danjamieson4@gmail.com> SUPPLEMENTAL Sent: Monday, February 20, 2023 7:57 AM COMMUNICATION To: CITY COUNCIL<city.council@surfcity-hb.org> Subject: NO on councilmember item#27 at the Feb. 17 city council meetingcot Date: afri JdOa� Dear HB city council: Agenda Item No.; 4fro22(a..3" /s-cl, Please vote NO on councilmember item# 27 at the Feb. 17, 2023 city council meeting. The item's authors claim that The Greater Huntington Beach Interfaith Council, whose members provide invocations at council meetings, has become "highly political" and that "invocations at times have become political soapboxing opportunities." The authors provide no evidence of this "political soapboxing" claim. The item proposes a city policy to limit invocations to "faith-focused speech [and a] limited exercise of particular speech." The item would have the city adopt an "approved policy" for creating a list of"religious associates or leaders" who could give invocations; a policy for "maintaining that list;" for performing an "evaluation of[those] religious associates or leaders;" and for rotating these city-approved religious leaders to give invocations. That two members of the city council could propose such an Orwellian policy is troubling. Such a policy would clearly be unconstitutional. The unspoken agenda of the item appears to be a desire to have evangelicals give invocations at council meetings. Because of a tendency for intolerance toward other religious sects and gay and transgender people, evangelicals do not belong to The Greater Huntington Beach Interfaith Council. The Interfaith Council formed in 1996 after a series of hate crimes occurred in Huntington Beach. It worked with the city council at the time to adopt a human dignity statement, which reads in part: "The Huntington Beach City Council declares that everyone should be treated with courtesy and respect, regardless of their racial background, their nation of origin, the religion they practice, their sexual orientation, gender, or disability status." Members of the Interfaith Council have remained true to the spirit of promoting an apolitical, non- denominational message of tolerance. Approving this item and sending a message of intolerance would be tragic for HB. Please vote NO on councilmember item# 27 . i Moore, Tania From: Fikes, Cathy Sent: Monday, February 20, 2023 9:26 PM To: Agenda Alerts Subject: FW: City Council Meeting From:vanessaweb@aol.com <vanessaweb@aol.com> Sent: Monday, February 20, 2023 3:06 PM To:CITY COUNCIL<city.council@surfcity-hb.org> Subject:City Council Meeting Dear Members of City Council, We are unable to attend the meeting, but we want our voices to be heard and counted. Item 23. We support the flying of the Pride flag as a symbol of the diversity and support for all. We feel it encourages visitors and businesses. Item 26. We do not agree with Huntington Beach fighting compliance with the state mandate for Regional Housing Needs Allocation. We need people from all income levels to work in HB. We can't expect them to commute for hours to work for minimum wage. Everyday on social media, people are pleading, asking for referrals for homes or apartments. Many of them have lived here all their lives. Please do not waste your time and our money by fighting this. Item 27. It is appropriate for the council to say the Pledge of Allegiance. It is not necessary to have an invocation which can be exclusionary. Thank you. Sincerely, Vanessa and Jeff Webster 19421 Hansen Ln. Sent from the all new AOL app for iOS SUPPLEMENTAL COMMUNICATION Meeting Date: c/a 0093 Agenda Item No.; a�(a3 - 18 ) Moore, Tania From: Stephen Einstein <rebgiraffe@icloud.com> Sent: Saturday, February 18, 2023 9:59 PM To: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Subject: Invocations at City Council Meetings Dear Council Members, I am currently co-leading an Interfaith Tour to Egypt,Jordan and Israel. If I were in town, I would have addressed you in person. In the 1990s, in reaction to several hate crimes,the City Council called upon faith leaders to form an Interfaith Council to promote understanding and harmony. I was one of the leaders who responded to that call.We founded the Greater Huntington Beach Interfaith Council(GHBIC). The GHBIC is open to ALL faiths, indeed to all individuals who believe in Interfaith cooperation and respect. For many years now, the invocations at City Council meetings have been offered by members of the GHBIC.We have developed a set of Guidelines, which state that the prayers are to be respectful to all, non-proselytizing, and non- partisan.A copy of these guidelines has been presented to the City Manager by our GHBIC President. Taking the honor of the invocations away from the GHBIC will be seen as both insulting and politically motivated. I urge you to defeat the proposal that is being put forward at this week's meeting. Respectfully yours, SJ E Rabbi Stephen J. Einstein, DHL, DD he/him/his HaRav Shalom Ya'akov ben Shaya Zalman v'Zelda Founding Rabbi Emeritus Congregation B'nai Tzedek Fountain Valley, CA "The world will not be destroyed by those who do evil, but by those who watch them without doing anything." Albert Einstein SUPPLEMENTAL COMMUNICATION Meeting Date: ,/P//,2Dg?� 1 Agenda Item No.;4ka (23 -/Re!) Moore, Tania From: pacj <pacj_03@yahoo.com> Sent: Tuesday, February 21, 2023 10:04 AM To: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Subject: Fw: Item 27: Invocation list I want to make sure the council has my objection to item#27 and considers my further objection for the continued use of city hall for meetings by any religious group. Pat Quintana Forwarded message From: p q<paq0424@gmail.com> Date: Sun,Feb 19,2023 at 2:36 PM Subject: Item 27: Invocation list To: <City.Council@surfcity-hb.org> I think that the City should not be in the business of evaluating appropriate parties for giving invocations. A non governmental party should do that evaluation. The interfaith council provides that service. Item 27 expresses concern over this entity's involvement in politics. Most religions advance concepts of social justice. Most religions become involved in national, state and local politics. The interfaith council should be conducting its meetings at private facilities,not City Hall. Currently the interfaith council meets at city hall on the last Tuesday of the month. That practice should stop. Sincerely, Pat Quintana SUPPLEMENTAL CATION Meeting Date: 9,01 \90a3 Agenda Item No.; ',; (93 - i � Switzer, Donna From: Fikes, Cathy Sent: Tuesday, February 21, 2023 12:51 PM To: Agenda Alerts ''" t °"m--71' ', L. Subject: FW: February 21 2023 meeting « Medx �twa oN Meeting Date: &I/24/23 From:Annilise Flanagan-Frankl <anniliseff@gmail.com> Agenda Item No.; Sent:Tuesday, February 21, 2023 11:17 AM To: CITY COUNCIL<city.council@surfcity-hb.org> Subject: February 21 2023 meeting I am unable to attend the meeting in person and wish to make a public comment on the following agenda items. #23. I OPPOSE this item. HB needs to demonstrate it is an inclusive comment. # 24. This needs more information #25. This needs more information. #26. I OPPOSE this item. State law applies to ALL communities. #27. I OPPOSE this item. To be an inclusive community the separation of church and state should not intersect. This opens the door to unnecessary litigation. Annilise Flanagan-Frankl Annilise M. Flanagan-Frankl, M.A. Counse I ingPsychol ogist 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 i Switzer, Donna From: Fikes, Cathy Sent: Tuesday, February 21, 2023 4:12 PM To: Agenda Alerts Subject: FW: Urging withdrawal of item 27 (Invocation Policy) From: George Hooper<PastorGeorge@CUMCHB.org> Sent:Tuesday, February 21, 2023 3:28 PM To:CITY COUNCIL<city.council@surfcity-hb.org> Subject: Urging withdrawal of item 27 (Invocation Policy) Honorable City Council Members, I write in opposition to any change in the current invocation practice of the City Council of Huntington Beach, and to urge you to withdraw item 27 on the Council Agenda. As you are certainly aware, providing a time for an invocation at the beginning of a meeting of any governmental body is fraught. As "one nation, under God, indivisible" it is of great value to take time at the beginning of a meeting to humbly reflect upon our common values, ethics, and morals, and of our rights which have been endowed by our Creator. At the same time those very rights, enshrined in the First Amendment to the Constitution, require that we neither establish any one religion or sect, nor to limit the free exercise of any religion. In order to be certain that persons of all faiths have an opportunity to share in an invocation,the City Council of Huntington Beach has wisely chosen to ask the Greater Huntington Beach Interfaith Council to coordinate these invocations. The GHBIC is, by its nature, a group who are committed to mutual respect for the variety of religious expression in this city and nation. There are, of course, some faith groups and sects which choose not to participate in the GHBIC-these are groups which tend to be exclusive.They do not respect the establishment clause of the Constitution and would not respect the request that invocations be non-sectarian. It appears that some recent invocations have made some Council Members uncomfortable. This is understandable. It is the nature of faith to cause adherents to hold leaders accountable,to speak truth to power,to "comfort the afflicted and afflict the comfortable." In sharing our common faith-based values those who do not hold to these values, or actively violate them, will likely feel shame. It appears that some individual leaders of faith communities have "spoken prophetically." In my faith tradition,this is understood as an individual choice: it is a movement of the Holy Spirit. None of this is the fault if GHBIC. I understand why some might want to blame an organization rather than individuals. If you blame the organization to can more easily make yourself out to be the victim. And once you make yourself out to be a victim, you can feel free to attack. 1 It is not the organization that has caused these people to speak of the common shared values which make you uncomfortable. It is not a pre-planned or organized attack. Individuals- many individuals - are being moved by their faith and values,to speak out. If not GHBIC, then who will choose?And on what basis? What will be your conditions being selected? Will there be a religious test for this office? Will only representatives from approved sects be chosen? What religion do you wish to establish? How will you determine what speech is religious and what is political? Is that determination itself not a violation of the free exercise clause? No, I do not see any way that you can adopt a practice which polices the giving of a non-sectarian invocation and provides the kind of invocation you seek which will not violate either or both religion clauses of the First Amendment to the US Constitution. Please do not open the city up to yet another lawsuit. Withdraw this item or oppose it. George C. Hooper Lead Pastor,Community United Methodist Church 6652 Heil Ave. Huntington Beach,CA 92647 714-842-4461 CUMCHB.ORG E-MAIL CONFIDENTIALITY NOTICE: The contents of this e-mail message and any attachments are intended solely for the addressee(s)and may contain confidential and/or legally privileged information. If you are not the intended recipient of this message or if this message has been addressed to you in error, please immediately alert the sender by reply by e-mail and then delete this message and any attachments. If you are not the intended recipient, you are notified that any use, dissemination, distribution,copying, or storage of this message or any attachment is strictly prohibited. 2 Switzer, Donna From: Estanislau, Robin Sent: Tuesday, February 21, 2023 9:13 PM To: Switzer, Donna; Moore, Tania Cc: Hopkins, Travis; Zelinka, Al Subject: FW: Message for Mr. Zelinka, City Manager, Huntington Beach Please add to the record for agenda item 27 ... thanks! From: Hopkins,Travis<thopkins@surfcity-hb.org> Sent:Tuesday, February 21, 2023 8:10 PM To: Estanislau, Robin <Robin.Estanislau@surfcity-hb.org> Subject: FW: Message for Mr. Zelinka, City Manager, Huntington Beach Please see that email for the agenda item tonight. From:Walker, Renee<Renee.Walker@surfcitv-hb.org> Sent:Tuesday, February 21, 2023 11:38 AM To: Zelinka, Al<AI.Zelinka@surfcitv-hb.org> Cc: Hopkins,Travis<thopkins@surfcity-hb.org> Subject: FW: Message for Mr. Zelinka, City Manager, Huntington Beach Good Morning, I received the email below from Maneck Bhujwala regarding the new policies for invocations at City Council Meetings. He stated that he has already submitted this information to Travis. Thank you, Renee Walker RENEE WALKER xecutrve Assrsrant to me City Manager FE Office of the City Manager City of Huntington Beach 714-536-5575 Office renee.+ aIker@surfcity-hb.org www.huntingtonbeachca.gov From: Maneck Bhujwala <mbhuiwala@socal.rr.com> Sent: Friday, February 17, 2023 1:16 PM To: Walker, Renee<Renee.Walker@surfcitv-hb.org> Subject: RE: Message for Mr. Zelinka, City Manager, Huntington Beach 1 Dear Mr. Zelinka, I had earlier contacted your Assistant Manager,Travis Hopkins, regarding the new policies for Invocations at the City Council meetings, and provided the Guidelines that we at GHBIC give to our speakers who volunteer to give invocations, and which I have also provided below for your kind information. As you may see, we only have 1 minute allowed, and no political statements are allowed. Please let me know if you have any concerns or questions. Thank you for your consideration to allow our speakers as in past. Regards, Maneck Bhujwala President, Greater Huntington Beach Interfaith Council (714)369-9854(Cell) (714)374-7078 (Home-Landline) Greater Huntington Beach Interfaith Council 2022 Guidelines For Those Offering Prayers 1 - When serving as a sole representative of the Greater Huntington Beach Interfaith Council (GHBIC), prayers should be offered in an inclusive manner. Please remember, you are setting the tone for the meeting - seeking guidance, wisdom, counsel, compassion, civility, and right action for the people and the council. It is acceptable and permissible to use the word "God", "(Holy) Spirit,", or other non-discrete name or title commonly utilized by most religions. When we use languages other than English, or names of deities not common in use, we are excluding other religions and traditions. 2 - The City Council requirement to limit the prayer to one minute is wise counsel. Length of the prayers will be determined for each event and have specific time limits. Please adhere to these out of respect for all in attendance. 3 - In respect for other religions, please do not proselytize. 4 - In closing, a prayer you may say "in your name", "in your many names", or similar without using a specific name to your belief. "If one's religion requires that prayers end with a specific formula, the person offering the prayer should say, 'I pray....' An example would be, "I pray in the name of my Lord Jesus Christ, amen." 5 - For events at which representatives of various faith communities are offering prayers (such as Community Day of Prayer or Blessing of the Waves), it is appropriate to pray in the manner customary in one's own faith community. However, partisan/political statements, controversial topics, and proselytization are to be avoided. If you think that an issue may be controversial, err on the side of caution. 2 Sent from Mail for Windows 3