HomeMy WebLinkAboutStudy Session - Review of Councilmember Item 23-532 - Select 2000 Main Street,
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File #: 23-878 MEETING DATE: 10/17/2023
Review of Councilmember Item 23-532 - Selection, Display, and Circulation of Library Books
and Other Materials within Huntington Beach Public Libraries
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��'''��. Review of Councilmember
1A"\cWill G ro'-4-, Item 23-532 Selection ,
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Table of C
• Review of Councilmember Item 23-532
• Research Conducted
• Research Findings
• Data Analysis
• Library Policies
• Supporting Parents & Caregivers at Huntington
Beach Public Library (HBPL) ,� �,�N;.!NCTo
, O�...0. 03RPORAj,c1; �tT \
• Summary of Final Options ��'� �
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Review of C
Item 2023 -53
On June 20, 2023, City Council directed the City
Manager to work with the City Attorney to return to the
City Council at a Study Session in September of this year
with options to establish safeguards that would prevent
minor access to age-inappropriate, obscene,
0�i� NTIN1T --
pornographic and/or sexuallyexplicit materials in City07:?_°"_"_474>......f9AOti
libraries.
1_nF 1 1 --- _�`�o /�
Review of C
Item 2023 -53
On September 4, 2023, City Council redirected staff to
return to City Council on October 17, 2023, with
actionable policy options regarding City library materials
and safeguards.
�ANTI N�T
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Research
• Meeting with California State Librarian
• Meeting with Penguin Random House (Publisher)
• Meeting with Brodart Company (Book Distributor)
• Collaboration with other City Managers and library
systems on best practices and resources
• • Review of case studies, court cases and legislation
• Participation in online webinars
• Meetings with interested members of the public ���NTIN.TO�
Meetings with CityManager and CityAttorney, � � - -- .. .1g
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as directed �^y --- --� •
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Research
Publisher
Penguin Random House (Publisher)
• Nothing is published that will raise red flags on the
Miller Test
• Rigid requirements on how books are published
• Typically, will not publish material from authors who
are not represented by an agent _
,� N1iNcr —
• Review Process •••••• •••• °�
�� Off( :.•\NppRPORgrf�••••• n��\
o Multi-level to include the editor, publicist, legal, �'�:�_ :- ___-_. •'GT��`
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subject matter experts, and review of illustrations
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Research
Publisher
• Children's Books
o Third party companies are used to identify content levels
based on child development phases
o Pre-publication reviews conducted by teachers, librarians,
and subject matter experts
o Comprehension vs. Content
• Publisher has the right to postpone, reject or decline to NTINGT
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publish the book at any time during the process, even 1~0�--_��COftPRRg7F�••..,9,;
after publishing is complete
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Research
Publisher
• Ratio of manuscripts published as books: about 1 -2%
• The low rate of manuscript acceptance acts as a
quality control : publishers select only the best
materials for publication and perform the necessary
fact-checking, verification , and legal evaluation for
�i�ANT I N G T
each title published
. -= =: 1
Research
Book Distributor
Brodart (Book Distributor)
• Data is developed and accompanies each book, including
recommended age categories, which are provided by the
publisher
• Brodart curates their data, constantly reviewing for
accuracy, and identifying additional data points to help �,i ---
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libraries and readers make informed decisions � CORPOggr'oO��
• Brodart aims for each book to have a minimum of ten
subject headings/data points
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esearcFinding :•
Book Distributor
Physical Description:278 pages;22 cm H 8.53",W 5.71",D 0.96",0.8 lbs.
T T^^p i I LC Series:Brodart Sources:Brodart's For Youth Interest Titles
Brodart's TOP Juvenile Titles
Bibliographies:
Awards:Publishers Weekly Starred Reviews
l''' ni.�f o 4 H " `�. Nothing Else But Miracles A R U® Starred Reviews:Publishers Weekly
Kate/�lbus
t Author:Albus, Kate TIPS Subjects:Action/Adventure
-::.,." T •'I A Family Life
r r % Class: Fiction LC: PZ7.1 Historical Fiction
't/ BISAC Subjects:JUVENILE FICTION/Action&Adventure/General
AA
« :8-12 Grad JUVENILE FICTION/Family J Siblings
. ,1 A'. Languages English JUVENILE FICTION I Historical I United States/20th Century
k Demand' High Print Run:75000 LC Subjects:Hotels,juvenile fiction
Hotels,motels,etc.,FictionL //�������,
Lower East Side(New York,N.Y.),Fiction TIN ��
NOTHING ISBN-13:9780823451630 Pub Date:09/05/2023 Lower East Side(New York,N.Y.),Juvenile fiction a �� ""••�T��li `
ELSE BUT 1` LCCN:2022040898 Availability:Available Siblings,Fiction `� ��.,..•\ coRPosgrFa•,,�•���\
MIRACLES Imprint:Margaret Ferguson Books In-Stock:64 Siblings,juvenile fiction
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World War,1939-1945,Fiction
Publisher:Random House List:$17.99 ; V
Net: •
S9.89 S Subjects:Hotels and motels,Fiction y _
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Lower East Side(New York,N.Y.),Fiction \O s?. - ' Q '
Ext.Price:S19.78 \ yip'_ - ,
Siblings,Fiction \-7 e `1,
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idea manuscript editor revisions printing
an author has an idea! the written idea manuscripts are reviewed the manuscript is revised after many edits,the publisher
they write a book to is submitted to a publisher by an editor for selection. for accuracy,grammar,and decides whether or not
share their idea. as a raw manuscript. only 1.2%are chosen. content to print the book.
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website reviews datapoints warehouse
the book with all of its experts in literature write hundreds of descriptors wholesalers order books
data and reviews are added professional reviews of some. are added to each book from many publishers
to the wholesaler website. but not all,of the books. by librarians. and store them in warehouses.
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selection approval purchase shipping shelved ® - _, --:•_
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selection librarians read supervising librarians an accounting technician the books are preparedbooks are added to the ` •� �' "T e : -/,
data and reviews and review order lists for orders the books from librarycatalogandplaced • =
and shipped to the library -rf e• —
select books for purchase. accuracy and justification. the wholesaler. by the wholesaler, on the shelf. \/L/�•.• _=�.�::
• readers \ VL,••''''1,190S,P'.• k<c) 0V
readers choose the books 00(/NTY �"`i�
that best fit their /�
information needs. ii / Iv
Data Analysis
• Library Card Account Types
• Adult cards: 82,813
• Teen cards: 2,434
• Minor cards: 17,976
• Materials Checked Out • Book Challenges
• Adult: 285,427 (FY 22/23) • 5 Challenges in last 5 years
• Young Adult: 36,203 (FY 22/23) • 0 Challenges in 2023
• Children's: 459,779 (FY 22/23)
,
Library Collection duo-TING T
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• Total items: 290, 189 '
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• Books: 134,620
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• Materials Procured Annually: Approximately 20,000 :��•••.FB' 7 1909,P°=••�•o�
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Sep 2022
I II
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Nov 2022 Jan 2023 Mar 2023 May 2023 Jul 202
Library
• Collection Development Policy
o Materials Reconsideration Process
• Computer Lab Use Agreement
• Internet Safety/Child Information Protection Act (CIPA)
• Library Card Policy
• Rules of Conduct
• Unaccompanied Minors Policy ---
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Library
Collection Development
• Specificity added to inform decision making on which
items are considered for addition to the collection
• Materials Reconsideration Process
• Council Request: Form a committee to monitor
library collections
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Library
LibraryCard Types
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• Minor Card :
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o Require parental permission ' 1 Please take item todesk s,
o May only check out printed materials
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• Teen Card ,, A . ._
o Does not require parental permission ° °
o May only check out printed materials __
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• Adult Card 1'\N. G
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o Full access to the collection and all materials t�,� f= -���
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• Council Request: Parental Control Card ` "1 _• _ -- --vim ��
o Require parental permission .4.,r# •..FFB13, :92.1 �,�
o May only check out Children's Library printed materials =���NT;;;;�'�
Library
Rules of Conduct
Updates to Include
• Current process for suspension of privileges and
appeals process
• Added behaviors not allowed include
o Damaging, defacing, or altering library material or
property
o Harassment of other patrons or staff or impeding one's /ot,NTINcro �\
use of the libraryor staffs abilityto do their work• �' '� -
To be reviewed and updated as needed every two
Library
Unaccompanied Minors
• Current policy reflects minors 10 and younger
• Update would require a responsible adult to
accompany minors 12 years old and younger at all
times while in the library
• Supports direct parent/caregiver involvement in the ,.
choices children are makingwhile at the library, as ,s0, .NTtNGT°��
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well as the materials they select ‘ U __ ah':�_',
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Supporting
Caregivers at
• Updated new cardholder brochures
• Updated process for providing book recommendations
for young readers and families
• Updated book lists, informational flyers, & reading guides
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■Supporting 8t Caregivers •
New Cardholder Brochure
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'...—.,.....„...1...,-,,eIv,.-.,---*'„.%'.(„,,,,,.0,,....,-•..U w.kv:": • Information about the Children's collection
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Op � Library hours & locations
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Unaccompanied Minors Policy statement
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,a = . Purchase suggestion information
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Book Lists & Content Advisory
;� ,,, • "Picture books to read aloud" book lists by subject
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.er *� f • Grade level book lists for grades 1 -8
` ,4.7......i � � o Titles selected based on content & comprehension
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whatg°n _. - • What's in this book? guide for parents
t'="'", What's in this book?
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the..eeeeedl oT s. get batter she rf th.
e ` ee. ,, Idd eb.,t ` . o Online resources to learn more about book content
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o Conducted byprofessional librarians ,',= = v`�
'' d h f h o Incorporate parent input & family values authors and do not oecossanly reflect o = _ LI
theofficialPolicy or Beach PublictLibrarion of yhe . • . II. *j fed,'
"Are there any topics you would like to avoid 9n F : r$
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when finding new books for your family? =F�o�NTy c.\\ii I
Summary of F
• Policy Updates
o Creation of a Parental Control Library Card Type,
o Adjustment to Unaccompanied Minors Policy Age Limit
• Support for Parents & Caregivers
o Updated informational materials
o Updated grade level & subject book lists
o Updated process for making book recommendations
for children and families 'i1UNTINT-
• Additional Research Required ,� �••0 ��
o Creation of a Collection Development Review Committee
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References and Links :
Definitions and Sources for Additional Information
• Brodart Books & Library Services: HBPL's primary book vendor (LINK)
• Case law & legislation: UConn Meskill Law Library (LINK); Middle Tennessee State University Free
Speech Center (LINK); American Library Association Notable First Amendment Court Cases (LINK)
• Miller Test: the test by which materials are evaluated for obscenity. Involves a tripartite standard,
evaluating materials on the basis of three criteria:
• (1)whether'the average person, applying contemporary standards' would find the work'taken as a whole'
appeals to 'prurient interest;'
• (2) whether the work depicts or describes, in a patently offensive way, sexual conduct specifically defined by the
applicable state law;
• and (3) whether the work, 'taken as a whole,' lacks series literary, artistic, political, or scientific value. (LINK)
• Obscenity: defined under the law using the Miller Test; "a work will be found to be obscene if 'taken as a
whole, (it) lacks serious literary, artistic, political, or scientific value." (LINK) (LINK) (LINK)
• Pornography: "material that depicts nudity or sexual acts for the purpose of sexual stimulation... the \NT I NET
presence of nudity or sexual acts in a piece of media does not necessarily make that media / `2�,..-`•••••••. Dy
00 c,<.,`\;�pAPORATZ;..:.• \
pornographic if the purpose of that media form is something other than sexual stimulation." (LINK) I - — • F`
• CA State Librarian: Greg Lucas, (LINK)
• Collection Development: the process by which libraries select and acquire materials. (LINK)
• Penguin Random House Publishing: the worlds largest book publishing company, (LINK) �r� F o=;•�
COUNTY V,1
Glossary of Terms :
Brodart Bibz
• LC: Library of Congress
• ISBN: International Standard Book Number
• LCCN: Library of Congress Control Number
• Publisher: A company that sells and distributes books
• Imprint: A brand name under the umbrella of a larger publisher
• LC Series: A series of books as recognized by the Library of Congress
• TIPS Subjects: A Brodart-specific subject heading, Title Information Preview Service
• BISAC Subjects: Book Industry Standards and Communications subject headings
• LC Subjects: Library of Congress subject headings
• SEARS Subjects: A standard authority list for subject cataloging in small and medium-sized libraries
Learn more about catalo in and description terminologyon the Cataloging Tools and Resources /i1NTIIVGT
g 9 P 9 9 I •.. •... Oy
LibGuide from the American Library Association, HERE. `I, p�C:••�NCORPOBgFo ���. ��\
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Moore, Tania
From: Che Chereskin <ceceche78@gmail.com>
Sent: Saturday, October 14, 2023 11:56 AM
To: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org:.
Subject: Re:city council agenda items for 10/17/23
Modification of library policy
I have reviewed the PowerPoint prepared by city government staff(I believe)and have no serious objections to it
although I think that it is unnecessary. At a time when resources are limited, it seems like a waste of time and money to
have two groups doing the same job:the city librarians and the city government staff. In my opinion,the Huntington
Beach Library staff already do a great job. I am very proud of our city library system and what it offers.
Procurement of books for the library
I have also reviewed 2023-41 and strongly object to the proposals therein.Although not stated, I assume that"child" is
defined as someone under the age of 12 based upon the PowerPoint discussed above. However,young girls start to
menstruate at around age 9 (or even younger)and thus, perhaps more than any other group, have a need for
information on sexual matters. Likewise boys also have a need for factual material on aspects of sexuality.The proposed
restrictions would deprive young people of a reliable source of information on sexuality just when they need it most!
They will likely be able to get information from the internet, but anyone can put something on the internet so
information from that source is potentially less accurate.
Although it would still be possible to access material through an adult,some young people may not want to involve
parents or other adults while they are figuring things out.
Changes to City Charter
Finally, I believe putting the proposed changes to the city charter to a vote should be postponed until it can be done
economically.There is nothing urgent proposed. Furthermore,the legality of requiring specific identification for voting
seems to be in question. It seems that this issue should be resolved before putting it before our citizens for a vote.
Sincerely,
Che Chereskin
SUPPLEMENTAL
CORAMUNICATION
10/17/2023
NieetingDaffe:
Agenda Item No.;,SS#9 (23-878)
1
Moore, Tania
From: Chris Varga <christopher.j.varga@gmail.com>
Sent: Monday, October 16,2023 8:38 AM
To: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org;CITY COUNCIL(INCL.CMO STAFF)
Subject: City Council Meeting 10/17/23 comments
Comments on City Council Meeting 10/17/23
Agenda Item 9(23-878)&20(23-879)
Listen, Listen, Listen, Listen, Listen, Listen, Listen, Listen, Listen, Listen, Listen, Listen, Listen, Listen, Listen,
• Listen, Listen, Listen. The four conservatives on the council apparently do not have ears. They never listen to
the majority of public comments. Now you don't even listen to staff recommendation!
NO on all these actions that attempt to control our public libraries. Controlling the libraries should not be the
concern of the City Council. We have professional library personnel that are empowered to handle these
issues. This is political theater. MAGA agenda item. Stay out of our libraries.
Agenda Item 21(23-894) -While we can all agree that what is going on in the Middle East is terrible,this agenda item is
nothing more that political theater. Van der Mark attempt to show that she is not antisemitic. This is not a concern of
the day to day needs of the people that this council serves. Stop the show!
Sincerely,
Chris Varga
Huntington Beach
1
Moore, Tania
From: Karen McRae <kdawg00@gmail.com>
Sent: Monday, October 16, 2023 10:46 AM
To: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org
Subject: Comment re:Agenda item 23-878
To Whom It May Concern:
I am writing today to voice my objection to the Huntington Beach City Council's decision to censor books at the
Huntington Beach Public Library. This library serves all residents of California, regardless of where they live, so
long as they have an address in California. Books are tools for learning about and understanding complex
issues. It's important for people, young and old, to see themselves reflected in a library's books. Individuals
have a right to choose what books they want to read; parents have a right to guide their children's reading and
then support them through discussion. No individual has a right to make that decision for anyone else- no
parent, no city council, has a right to dictate what books other people's children are allowed to read.
Removing, banning, or censoring books from public libraries is a slippery slope to government censorship
which goes against our nation's democratic commitment to freedom of expression. Please reject any efforts to
ban books. Allow individuals and families to make decisions about what they can read and believe.
Thank you,
-Karen McRae
Westminster, CA
1
Moore, Tania
From: K Carroll <kcrissie7@gmail.com>
Sent: Monday, October 16,2023 10:50 AM
To: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org
Cc: CITY COUNCIL(INCL.CMO STAFF)
Subject: City Council Meeting 10/17/2023
Dear Mayor Strictland, Pro Tern Gracey Van Der Mark, Pat Burns, Casey McKeon and others.
I support the following items and appreciate your efforts in a majority vote.
23-871: Ballot Measures.
Voting system needs integrity.We know that dead people have voted and there has been
evidence of vote harvesting.You need an ID for everything of importance.Why not add
integrity to our voting system. Many states already do it and I would recommend going a
step further with e-verify or fingerprinting i.d. I was just at DMV to get my DL renewed
and had my fingerprint taken.Shouldn't everyone want to protect their identity and rights
associated with you as an individual.The financial investment is well worth it. If you want
to talk about wasted money, let's talk about the Pipeline Purchase and sale, OCPA Scam,
Elan JPA..yes,the Council knew about forfeiting over 500 mil in tax dollars.Wow, how the
City could have benefitted with those tax dollars!
Dan Kalmick, I-9's(required for work authorization) require a photo I.D. No exceptions. Please stand
corrected from your previous reference. I might add,that as an HR Director since the
law went into effect in 1986 I have seen plenty of fake I.D.'s and Work Authorizations,and that is why
I would like to reiterate that e-verify or better yet fingerprinting should be used.
I have seen plenty of fake I.D.s, D.L.'s, and work Authorizations
and that is why I would like to reiterate that e-verify or fingerprinting should be used.
23-894: Hands down support.Thank you Pro Tem Van Der Mark for bringing this forward.
23-878: Thank you again for bringing this forward Pro Tem Van Der Mark.This is not a book ban
We need to protect our kids and parents need to be involved in books being available
their minors.This was not in the libraries when my kids were growing up and we went
to the library all the time.There is no way that I want my grandkids subject to this or
available to other adult authorization availability of this other than the parent.This is a
topic all over you tube..the fight is on for the kids safety all over the U.S. Many of these books are
pornographic. Even adult porno magazines have protections against distribution to
kids. This is a parental right.Government should not making available porno to kids or
gender identification,sexual preference without parental consent.
With respect,thank you.
Kris Carroll
1
Moore, Tania
From: Lynne Deakers <Icdeakers@gmail.com>
Sent: Monday, October 16,2023 2:44 PM
To: CITY COUNCIL(INCL.CMO STAFF);supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org
Subject: Study session Oct 17 item#20 OPPOSED
I am aghast that certain city council members want HB to return to 20th century and before with regard to city
government appointing an oversight board to review public library books and whether or not they are appropriate for
my children!! I have a masters degree in Library Science and Information Technology(UCLA 2001.) I never thought I
would see the day when my own community would resort to such archaic ideas about books. Let the professionals do
their job. If you the parents do not want to let your children read certain books that is your right but do not ruin it for
the majority who want freedom to read up held.We know how to talk to our children about what they are reading and
believe it is our fundamental right to have full access to the books our library professional select.
Freedom to read is a fundamental right! How dare you propose a panel of community volunteers be the judge of what
my family can and cannot read.
Lynne Deakers
Huntington Beach
1
Moore, Tania
From: Fikes, Cathy
Sent: Monday, October 16, 2023 11:03 AM
To: Agenda Alerts
Subject: FW: Public Comment Items 18 & 19,Tuesday,October 17,2023
From:qw<channelfrequency@gmail.com>
Sent:Sunday, October 15, 2023 10:11 PM
To:CITY COUNCIL(INCL.CMO STAFF)<city.council@surfcity-hb.org>
Subject: Public Comment Items 18& 19,Tuesday,October 17,2023
Dear City Council,
I support Item 18. Please, following visibility requirements &riding on the correct side of the road must be
better enforced.
I oppose Item 19.
No. 1 -If there were forged signatures at a voting booth, investigators & counter-identity theft analysis should
be at hand to the registrar of voters. Voter ID &monitors would much more easily be compromised at any time
& drastically increase the possibility of large-scale voter fraud. According to the Heritage Foundation there
were only 6 cases of voter fraud in California in 2022.
No. 2. -This item doesn't allow International Maritime Signal Flags to be flown on city hall.
No. 3 -This item allows the city charter to be summoned as an agreement to cancel meetings regardless of a
city council vote. This increases the likelihood of mishandling core functions & states of emergency.
Non-agendized.
Please refill the empty Boston Market& surrounding commerce at Golden-Warner Centers accordingly,this is
a content area. Not attending to basic commercial duties is a recurring question I have.
I oppose Items 9 &20 -Please let the librarians do their jobs according to the law.
I oppose Item 21 - There's no executive order from the president for city councils to take positions on Israel vs
Hamas. There could also be false information. Out of respect for our military operations,please stick to city
matters.
Please don't limit prayers, education&ideas. Once again, I urge for a major increase in archaeological dig sites
for undiscovered technology.
I hope for consensus to continue being established.
-BenP.
1
Moore, Tania
From: terrylaurenrose@gmail.com
Sent: Monday, October 16,2023 4:59 PM
To: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org
Subject: Item 2023-532
Importance: High
Terry Rose, Huntington Beach resident since November 1983, homeowner.
I am opposed to item 2023-532.
To begin with,the 4 members of the city council,who are in favor of this item, needlessly spent our city's money on a
study that never needed to be conducted. The findings,themselves, indicate that this item should not be passed.
In the last 5 years,there has only been 5 challenges. In 2023,there has not been any to date. There is no valid reason to
spend money setting up a review board, making children prove they were over the age of 12,and requiring parental
permission for anyone under 18 to access any materials with "sexual" content. What is the fiscal impact to the citizens if
this item passes? Who will monitor the ages of the children? How will someone under the age of 18 prove they have
parental permission? And who will decide what books are allowed? Perhaps if Ms.Van Der Mark had some sexual
education,she would not have been a teen mom.And not to mention the 21 political appointees...would the voters of
HB get to choose them, or would they just be your buddies, Mayor Strickland? For a foursome who ran on less
government intervention and no changes to our city charter, you definitely haven't been true to your words...nor, in my
opinion are you working for the good of the whole. It's obvious from all of the council meetings I have attended and
spoken at that you four certainly don't"play nice in the sandbox."
The fact that this item would allow the Review Board Members to simply remove books they don't like is taking away
our rights and bringing us back in history to when book burnings were conducted. The fact that"sexual content" is not
defined, is also concerning to me. Who will define it? My definition of"sexual content" may be different from yours
Mayor Strickland or yours Mayor Pro Tem,VanderMark....so, can I be on the committee?
Why are you determined to bankrupt our city?
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Moore, Tania
From: Sue Welfringer <Sue@Welfringer.com>
Sent: Monday, October 16, 2023 8:48 PM
To: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org
Subject: Correspondence regarding the Study Session
I applaud and appreciate our library staff for all the work they have conducted to accommodate this request from city
council. I believe their solution of creating a new Parental Control Library Card is a simple and fair solution.That gives
parents the safeguards Mayor ProTem Vandermark has requested.Creating a Parental Control Library card puts the
responsibility back on the parent,where it should be and does not challenge the expertise and professionalism of our
library staff.This solution also protects books from being arbitrarily banned from the collection.
With this solution in mind,clearly it makes sense to pull Item#20—Resolution 2023-41 from the agenda.
With best regards,
Sue Welfringer
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Moore, Tania
From: Paula Schaefer <pas92649@gmail.com>
Sent: Monday,October 16, 2023 9:22 PM
To: CITY COUNCIL(INCL. CMO STAFF);supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org
Subject: 10/17/2023 Study Session - Item #23-878 and Agenda #20 (23-879)
Mayor and City Council Members:
Why is the Study Session material NOT only presented at the Study Session and not also agendized for the
City Council meeting?It would seem that the Study Session material should accompany Agenda Item 20(23-879)which
asks
the City Council to vote on the proposed "policy"?
I urge you to also have City Staff present the Study Session materials at the regularly scheduled City Council Meeting
since Agenda Item#20(23-879)addresses this issue. OR, postpone action on Agenda Item#20(23-879)and
reschedule it for a later City Council meeting. Ideally,you are urged to forget this book banning nonsense altogether.
It is unacceptable to have a Study Session on this important topic and not have the same material presented at the City
Council meeting at which the Council members are asked to vote on this significant topic.
This is yet another example of the haphazard manner in which the City Council's agendas are prepared.
Paula A.Schaefer, HB resident
Paula Schaefer
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Moore, Tania
From: Scott Malabarba <scott@malabarba.org>
Sent: Monday, October 16, 2023 11:12 PM
To: CITY COUNCIL(INCL.CMO STAFF);supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org
Subject: in opposition to charter amendments and library book bans
Dear HB City Council,
Council members Kalmick, Bolton, and Moser,thank you as always for your efforts.
For the others, I have a few words.
Regarding 23-894
I neither oppose nor support this item. If the council wants to condemn a horrific terrorist attack,okay then.
But are you going to condemn the antisemitic hatred that continues to plague Huntington Beach,such as that spoken at
the June council meeting by supporters of Mayor Pro Tern Van Der Mark?And did you not just dismantle the statement
of human dignity that was created to oppose such hate?
This resolution is obviously insincere and capitalizes on the deaths of thousands of people to drive your weird culture
war.
In opposition to 23-871
Much has been said about these proposed amendments, and after four rounds of special meetings I have little to add.
But let's review:
Inflammatory culture war triggers deceptively bundled with innocuous-looking procedural changes that enable nepotism
and corruption.
Ridiculous rhetoric about non-existent voter fraud,expensive and illegal election procedures,and blatant voter
suppression.
Flag restrictions clearly driven by hatred of queer people.
A mysterious and expensive push to get these items on the special election instead of just waiting for November.
Frequent, abrupt text changes and council meeting procedure irregularities.
Sweeping charter changes proposed by a group that campaigned against charter changes.
The re-introduction of the very changes this group campaigned against.
Charter changes that take away from future councils the choices that this one made the moment you were elected.
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What's the takeaway?Again, insincerity. Even the people who voted for you can't trust you, because you're
manipulating them to give yourselves more power.
In opposition to 23-878 and 23-879
The attacks on the library and its staff were always gross, reckless,and in bad faith.
Deliberately exposing children to pornography--or"infecting"them with it,in your words, is a serious crime. If there
were any real suspicion of this,the police would be involved.So you don't really think that is going on at the library. If
you did,the proposed measures would be completely inadequate.
You continue to insist that you aren't banning or censoring books,while simultaneously proposing to do exactly that.
Now you've proposed an entire board of censors,appointed by yourselves with no qualifications for the role. In fact
you'll be challenged to find anyone knowledgeable about libraries or children's books for your censor board, because we
all think it's an abomination and want no part of it.
You talk about"sexual content" and "obscenity"when it's clear that what you mean is"queer people". Even your
supporters get that much --they made their hatred clear at the nightmarish June meeting.
We all know who's next on your hit list. Once you're done erasing queer people from the library and making it harder for
young people to learn how their own bodies work,you'll go after books by or about people of color, books that touch on
racism or misogyny, books that attempt to tell an honest history of the United States. Because "CRT".
You talk about parental choice.Yet all you propose to do is take away choice. Parents who want to follow their children
around the library and choose books for them can do that right now. Parents who want to monitor every book their
child checks out can do that right now. Parents who want to sit next to the aquarium with their preschooler while letting
their eleven-year-old browse the middle school section will not be able to, because you don't think they should have
that choice.
Across town, Barnes and Noble has the same books on display,with no age restrictions. If you were at all sincere,you'd
make an ordinance restricting how commercial bookstores stock and display their wares, because that would be
necessary to "protect" children from the"pornography"sold there. But you won't, because a) Barnes and Noble would
sue you into oblivion and b)you're not sincere.
Children are in fact threatened by exposure to pornography(the real kind, not books with gay people in them),to sexual
predators (real ones, not people who disagree with you),to violent and extremist content,to peer bullying and other
harmful influences--on social media.We know that you know how vile and how readily available this content is(since
one of your number, infamously, kept a collection of it for"research").Yet you pretend that the internet doesn't exist,
and instead of supporting the educators who teach children how to keep themselves safe online,you terrorize them.
The four of you are undoubtedly going to vote for the charter amendments and library nonsense no matter what your
constituents have to say.Tomorrow's council meeting is going to be a trench war.And it won't end there--you have a
long and bitter road to walk before these horrible ideas are made real.,I can't imagine why you put yourselves or the city
through this.
Sincerely,
Scott Malabarba
HB resident
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Moore, Tania
From: Sydney Cook <sydneylyneecook@gmail.com>
Sent: Tuesday, October 17,2023 8:07 AM
To: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org
Subject: Study Session and Item 20
Dear Council Members:
I am writing in regards to Study Session (23-878)and Agendized Item 20(23-879).
I have lived in Huntington Beach for a little over two years now. My family and I are happy to be a part of this
community and I feel fortunate to get to raise my children here. I am a mom to two young children and we visit the
children's library on average twice per week.We have visited 4 out of the 5 branches and are beyond satisfied with the
knowledgeable library staff,the diverse selection,and the amazing programming(that I know takes so much time and
dedication). During my visits- books are properly placed and organized. I do not fear my child will come across anything
inappropriate.Granted, I am there to monitor and if there is something I do not want my child to read I will respectfully
put it back. Even as my children grow I will continue to take responsibility for their access but I want them and myself to
have the choice to make the decision about what we read.
After reviewing the research findings from the study session presentation regarding the rigorous publishing process and
the Collection Development Policy/Request for Removal process on the city website I believe that there are existing
safeguards in place. I trust our librarians,with their training and expertise,to make informed decisions regarding
selection.And most importantly, I believe it is my responsibility(along with other parents/guardians)to monitor and
take responsibility for the appropriateness of our children's choices.
Thank you,
Sydney Cook
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