HomeMy WebLinkAboutWithdrawal from the League of California Cities - Submitted 2000 Main Street,
oFsNT °yam Huntington Beach,CA
92648
Cityof Huntington Beach
g APPROVED 4-3
D17,tt<,„ (MOSER, BOLTON,
KALMICK—NO)
File #: 24-208 MEETING DATE: 3/19/2024
Item Submitted by Council Member McKeon - Withdrawal from the League of California Cities
Request the City Manager to direct staff to negotiate with the League of California Cities for the
reimbursement of 2024 dues and withdraw membership for 2024.
City of Huntington Beach Page 1 of 1 Printed on 3/13/2024
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CITY OF HUNTINGTON BEACH
CITY COUNCIL MEETING — COUNCIL MEMBER ITEMS REPORT
TO: City Council
FROM: Council Member McKeon
DATE: March 19, 2024
SUBJECT: Withdrawal from the League of California Cities
ISSUE STATEMENT
The League of California Cities has repeatedly failed in its mission to advocate for cities, and instead
advocates for more and higher taxes and Sacramento's agenda over our own.They fought hard against the
gas tax repeal and they have now supported Proposition 1, knowing that the by-right sober living home
requirements in residential neighborhoods will now be supercharged by a multi-billion dollar bond measure.
They are also fighting aggressively against the Taxpayer Protection and Government Accountability Act
pushed by the Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association, calling it deceptive and worse. We cannot be sending
our taxpayer dollars to support an organization that would knowingly harm our cities like Proposition 1 has
done and further remove our Local Control.
Our neighbor, the City of Newport Beach, voted last week on March 12, 2024, to not renew their
membership in the League of California Cities, and Huntington Beach should follow suit and join our
neighbors in sending a message to the League of California Cities that we will no longer support their efforts
that damage our community and remove our local control.
The City of Huntington Beach membership to the League of California Cities was paid on January 25, 2024.
RECOMMENDED ACTION
Request the City Manager to direct staff to negotiate with the League of California Cities for the
reimbursement of 2024 dues and withdraw membership for 2024.
Environmental Status:
This action is not subject to the California Environmental Quality Act(CEQA) pursuant to Sections 15060(c)(2)
(the activity will not result in a direct or reasonably foreseeable indirect physical change in the environment)
and 15060(c)(3) (the activity is not a project as defined in Section 15378) of the CEQA Guidelines, California
Code of Regulations, Title 14, Chapter 3, because it has no potential for resulting in physical change to the
environment, directly or indirectly.
Strategic Plan Goal:
Non Applicable-Administrative Item
For details, visit www.huntingtonbeachca.gov/strategicplan.
542
From: Karla Tucker
To: suoolementalcomm(asurfcity-hb.orq
Subject: Comments on agenda items for March 19,2024 HB City Council Meeting
Date: Saturday,March 16,2024 11:56:40 AM
Council Members,
Agenda Item 24-197
Who requested this agenda item? Why was this agenda item requested? I have
been utilizing our city library services for almost 35 years. I have found all of their
programs and services to be excellent. I brought both my children to the Central Park
library as toddlers for early reader programs, as elementary-aged children for summer
reading programs, and as young adults for research and study programs. Staff were
always kind, helpful and enthusiastic. I love reading and often check-out books in
person or request books on-line for pick-up. Staff are always efficient and friendly.
Why do we need a change? I would be afraid services would only decline when run
by non-community staff.
Agenda Item 24-209
As a concerned parent and former elementary school teacher, I am firmly opposed to
this ordinance. Parents should be making reading decisions for their own children
only. Our library staff do an excellent job of providing age-appropriate materials for
the children's and young-adult library sections. Parents and community members
should not be allowed to place their personal opinions on the book choices of others.
All council members should be required to view the academy award-nominated short
documentary titled The ABCs of Book Banning. The children's voices in this film
should speak to us all.
Agenda Item 24-208
Why is this being requested? We should be working together with other cities, not
isolating ourselves. Isolation breeds divisiveness and fear of others. We need to
pursue community alliances and work together for all Huntington Beach residents.
Respectfully,
Karla Tucker SUPPLEMENTAL
COMMUNICATION
UNICATION
3/19/2024
Meeting[ate:
25 (24-208)
Agenda Item No.;
From: Juana Mueller
To: CITY COUNCIL(INCL.CMO STAFF);suoolementalcomm(tsurfcity-hb.orq
Cc: Juana Mueller
Subject: 3/19/24 Council Agenda
Date: Monday,March 18,2024 11:34:58 AM
Dear Huntington Beach City Council,
Item 22
WHOA! HOLD the horses!! Outsource the management of our Library System? WHY? TO
WHOM?
This is outrageous. What are you trying to do to our City? Our Library, System is not broken.
It is a basic pillar of our
community. It has a committed base of volunteers to help manage and run the many programs
that are offered through our library. It is a beloved place for gaining knowledge, for coming
together,for joy of learning, for being introduced to life's
possibilities, and so much more.
WHY GUT THIS and give it to some OUTSIDE ENTITY that has no knowledge OR
commitment to OUR CITY??
STOP! This is a bridge too far!!
Item 24:
Do not approve ordinance NO.4318 - (my comments above apply)
Item 25:
Why are we considering isolating our City from the League of CA Cities? Isolation from
what goes on in
other CA cities is not healthy for our City. Do not approve.
From: pikes.Cathy
To: Agenda Alerts
Subject FW:Next meeting
Date: Monday,March 18,2024 10:27:21 AM
From: Nancy Bramet<nevonwb@gmail.com>
Sent:Saturday, March 16, 2024 9:59 AM
To:CITY COUNCIL(INCL. CMO STAFF)<city.council@surfcity-hb.org>
Subject:Next meeting
City Council...
PLEASE,stop trying to fix what isn't broken. I believe the library runs just fine as is... no need to
change that. IF you must have a "Community Parent Guardian Review Board".Then you MUST
include some members of the LGBTQ community on that board as well, it needs to be well rounded
not just white,christian parents that are afraid of everything that they don't understand and don't
want to understand. Otherwise it is NOT representative of ALL parents in our community. Let's be
clear I am not for this community, I believe it to be a complete waste of resources but if it goes thru
then it MUST have a group that represents everyone. Not understanding why you want to put
together a board when you said we didn't have the resources for them anymore and gutted several
boards that were in fact useful. We disagree on that as well but then council you really don't seem
to listen to it appears to me most of the citizens in HB.
AND BIG NOOOOOO to leaving the League of California Cities. You all complain about homelessness
then when a bill come thru that directly helps with that you don't like it. UNBELIEVABLE!! Also for
the Gas Tax... OK... people this is for our roads,WHICH WE NEED!!! I don't like taxes either but I am
smart enough to know that taxes pay for things we ACTUALLY need, like police,fire department,
roads, bridges etc. I would far rather my tax dollars go to that than the city always suing the state
for not doing low income housing,which we actually need. I still don't understand your argument
on that. I have asked and your response if you truly believe your reason doesn't hold water. If you
can build all this new housing that isn't low income,then you could have built low income housing.
Our library is fine, LEAVE IT ALONE!!! There is no reason to privatize it... even if the "great
attorney" has lost all the law suits which he said he would win (I am not an attorney and I realized
that was a major long shot even if it was a good attorney) our taxes paid major$$$on that. We are
throwing good money at bad on these law suits...the council seems to think they are above it. YOU
ARE NOT! If you don't like living in the state of California or Huntington Beach then leave it like your
friend Tito did. I am not being nice here but I find most of you just exhausting. You honestly don't
seem to have an idea here what you are doing or you have your own personal agenda which is even
worse. You are to work for ALL the people of HB... make it better,safe. All you are doing is trying
to change our city and what has made it great. STOP IT!!!
Here is something to do,work on our homeless and helping them. That is not an easy problem
but well worth finding a solution for.
And do a better job of balancing the budget... although I know that is hard with all the lawsuits we
have lost. But learn when to fight and when to just do what is actually right. Not putting in low
income housing was wrong1 i i i i Giving in to the AirShow people was wrong.. and then hiring them
on a 10 year contract are you kidding me. They are using our beach,they should be paying us for
that privilege.
I hope you all have read this completely because I know it isn't nice. But you know,you have made
the last few years not great for me, because you seem to what to change everything that HB is. I am
begging you please STOP IT!!
Regards,
Nancy Bramet
From: pikes,Cathy
To: Acenda Alerts
Subject: FW:Please vote NO on Item#25,March 19,2024 city council meeting.
Date: Monday,March 18,2024 10:35:18 AM
From: Dan Jamieson <danjamieson4@gmail.com>
Sent:Saturday, March 16,2024 5:40 PM
To:CITY COUNCIL(INCL. CMO STAFF)<city.council@surfcity-hb.org>
Subject: Please vote NO on Item#25, March 19, 2024 city council meeting.
Dear HB City Council:
Please vote NO on Item#25,the proposed "Withdrawal from the League of California Cities"
at the March 19, 2024 city council meeting.
The League of California Cities(Cal Cities) is a respected association of California cities.
Some 500 cities are represented in the league,which lobbies at the state level for the interests
of California cities. Cal Cities also provides valuable expertise, education and networking
opportunities for city leaders and staff.
Obviously,not all city councils in the state agree on state policy. But in matters of getting fair
funding from the state, and dealing with state laws and regs, cities share many common
interests.Huntington Beach should not turn its back on advocating for its interests,whether at
the county or state level. Vote NO on Item 25.
Dan Jamieson
Roxanne McMillen
Huntington Beach
###
From: Fikes.Cathy
To: •genda Alerts
Subject: F1N:City Coundl Meeting 3/19/2024
Date: Monday,March 18,2024 10:40:09 AM
From: K Carroll<kcrissie7@gmail.com>
Sent:Sunday, March 17, 2024 12:46 PM
To:CITY COUNCIL(INCL. CMO STAFF)<city.council@surfcity-hb.org>
Subject:City Council Meeting 3/19/2024
Greetings Mayor Van Der Mark, Pro Tern Pat Burns,Councilmen McKeon and Strickland:
Congratulations on the very successful results of the A& B Charter Amendments in the most recent
elections!Thrilled to see the results! Thank you so much for bringing these items forward.You
truly mean it when you say you speak for the majority. And,Congratulations on being the popular
vote on County Central Committee 72nd Assembly District.The results represented all but two of my
votes. Most importantly,what my vote for Pat Burns for the County Central Committee.
Disappointed; but,darn close! You have to feel proud though Pat,especially as you said when you
first ran for council people were saying'who is Pat Burns'.You have made a huge impact in such a
short period of time.
I would like to briefly relay my thoughts on the following for the upcoming meeting agenda items:
24-204:Council Liaison-SUPPORT.
24-180: A61999 SUPPORT for all reasons outlined in communications shared.
24-197: Request for Proposals for managed Library Services,SUPPORT. However,strongly oppose
Michael Posey being anything close to involved in this. He was the one that initially proposed CCE
and ultimately deceived the residents. Along with many other detrimental outcomes of the council's
actions during his term. He never supported the majority of residents as well as continuously
attacked and clearly had a vendetta against Michael Gates.
24-209:Ordinance 4318-Parent Guardian Review Board. SUPPORT.Very comprehensive. I think we
all need to reflect on what got us here in the first place. Graphic sexual books (blow jobs,sexual
positions,cartoonish graphic sexual books being available to children and minors.These are
grooming tools.There was no oversight.We need parent involvement because the system in the
library did not work.
24-208:Withdrawal from League of California Cities.SUPPORT for all the reasons outlined in Casey
McKeon's Memo.
And,finally I would like to ask that the City Council maintain decorum in the Chambers. Each person
has an opportunity to talk. No one should be heckled or bullied. I know, first hand from attending
the meetings. What you see on You Tube or the City Channel does not show the intensity of what
you experience when attending the meeting in person. In person is much more amplified. It has
gotten out of hand and frankly, I do not feel safe attending these meetings in person because of the
mob hateful behavior and actions. I have seen others being verbally attacked while the meeting is
going on. Please,institute a no tolerance policy for this type of behavior and have anyone who
cannot adhere to the no tolerance policy or decorum policy removed.
As always, best regards and thank you for all you do.You truly are making HB better for all of the
majority.
Best regards,
Kris Carroll
From: Natalie Dassian
To: suoolementalcommi surfcity-hb.orq
Cc: CITY COUNCIL(INCL.CM0 STAFF1
Subject Do Not Privatize Our Libraries
Date: Monday,March 18,2024 3:03:09 PM
Dear Council,
I am exhausted that our libraries continue to be a topic of debate. They are fine as is and do
not need extra policing or"book reviewing." Our libraries should NOT be privatized,
especially considering these are taxpayer funded and have been for decades. I don't understand
why our libraries are a constant topic of debate when we should be caring about other things,
like housing affordability, homelessness, and community service. I beg of you to not follow in
the footsteps of places like Florida where they have banned hundreds of important books.In
addition, it does not seem like a wise decision to leave CALCities, especially considering the
embarrassing budget issues that the airshow has left the city with.
I sincerely hope that the council listens to its citizens.Do not create even more of a headache
for your constituents-we want our libraries to remain as they are.
Best,
Natalie Dassian,MPH, CPH
(818)438-3351 I nataliedassian@.gmail.com
Let's connect on Linkedlri
From: David Rvnerson
To: CITY COUNCIL LINCL.CM0 STAFF);suoolementalcomm(hsurfdty-hb.orq
Subject: Public Comment for 3/19 Meeting
Date: Monday,March 18,2024 4:44:58 PM
City Council majority–
I have a question.Why is it that the four of you,who ran on a platform of greater public engagement and input,keep
taking actions that do just the opposite?For example,you cancelled that ability to comment at city council meetings
by Zoom,you have repeatedly and arbitrarily reduced speaking time from three minutes to two or even one minute,
and now you’ve chosen to prevent citizens from entering their intention to speak in advance,either by email
or in person.All actions that reduce public input and engagement.
Similarly,you spent an additional$300,000 of our tax dollars to ensure that your charter amendments wound up on
the primary ballot,rather than the general election ballot.This,despite well-documented evidence that primary
elections have lower and less representative turnout than general elections.
You also ignored massive,expressed opposition to said amendments delivered both in person and by email.
You essentially eliminated the boards and commissions where public citizens actually gave input.You took the
minority council members off almost all liaison positions despite the fact that they too were elected by the citizens
of Huntington Beach.
In short,you’ve done almost everything in your power to suppress public input and to stifle any voices that
don’t agree with you.
Just as you are now doing again with your directive to have the staff draft an RFP to outsource our library services
to a for-profit organization.
Just as you are now doing again with a proposal to withdraw from the California League of Cities.
Nothing you have done so far in your tenure has increased public engagement and input–rather,it has
demonstrated that you really don’t want to hear or consider what any constituent who doesn’t agree
with you has to say.
In short,you have demonstrated that you really don’t believe in democracy,you only care about getting you
way,and are willing to say or do almost anything to get it.That you care more about sucking up to Donald Trump
than you do about serving Huntington Beach and that you are willing to spend our tax dollars to do it,rather than
using them for cities services as your duty requires.
Huntington Beach used to be a welcoming city where people of all stripes could enjoy the beach and the weather in
peace.Now it is an international pariah.
I can only hope that the damage you are constantly inflicting on our city is not permanent.
David Rynerson
6272 Newbury Drive
Huntington Beach,CA
From: Judith Lewis
To: suoolementalcommesurfcity-hb.orq;CITY COUNCIL(INCL.CM0 STAF9
Subject: Privatization of Library,(Item 24-197)Resignation from League of California Cities(Item 24-208)
Date: Monday,March 18,2024 5:04:12 PM
Privatization. A favorite word of the right wing political ideology. They'd
privatize all government functions because their belief is that
government and anything not for profit is bad. Unfortunately while
capitalism is a good system, it has many failings and must be regulated to
work. Likewise, sometimes government functions need revisions or
improvements to work. But the government is not for profit—and
libraries are not for profit.
Privatizing these functions to save money inevitably leads to reduced
services and benefits. You offer nothing in your proposal explaining just
how a private service is going to both do a better job and reduce costs. It
won't happen. STOP with the right wing ideological agenda that wastes
time and taxpayer money.
League Membership You give no justification for your proposal to
cancel your membership in the League of California Cities. Historically
the League has helped develop legislation supporting local control and
provided education and advice to local city councils. I think this city
council could use that advice instead of going berserk with unneeded
and inadvisable policies and actions.
Judith Lewis
37 year Resident Huntington Beach
Retired Captain, L. A. County Sheriff
Masters Degree Public Administration USC
From: Fikes,Cathy
To: Agenda Alerts
Subject: FW:3/19/24 City Council Comments
Date: Monday,March 18,2024 2:06:22 PM
From:Chris Varga<christopher.j.varga@gmail.com>
Sent: Monday, March 18, 2024 1:29 PM
To:CITY COUNCIL(INCL. CMO STAFF)<city.council@surfcity-hb.org>
Subject:3/19/24 City Council Comments
Agenda Item 22 (24-197)—I do not support this request for proposals for outside companies
running our libraries. I support keeping the city run library system as is. Don't waste time and
money with this proposal.
Agenda Item 24(24-209)—I do not support the proposed community review board for books. Let
our city librarians do their job!
Agenda Item 25 (24-208)—I do not support pulling out of the League of Cities. We need to work
together and not isolate.
Chris Varga
Huntington Beach
From: Pat Goodman
To: suoplementalcommesurfcity-hb.orq;CITY COUNCIL(INCL.CMO STAFF)
Subject March 19,2024 Agenda Item 19 Vote No
Date: Monday,March 18,2024 5:47:51 PM
I'm curious about this item and appreciate the attachment proviced by
Councilmember McKeon to explain his rationale why HB should withdraw its
membership from the League of Cities. I don't know if there is another
vehichle where HB could receive the same level of training for elected officials
and staff. I'm sure its invaluable. I hope there is an alternative group that
proviceds training for elected officials andstaff. It seems it would be a good
system of support with networking opportunities especially for like cities. I'm
sure that city staff will do and expo Please vote no on withdrawing from the
Leagu of Cities.
Pat Goodman
Huntington Beach, CA
From: Ruffle Channel
To: suoolementalcomm(@surfdty-hb.orq;CITY COUNCIL(INCL.CM0 STAFF)
Subject: AGAINST--Agenda Item#22/24-197,Item#24/24-209 and Item 25/24-208
Date: Monday,March 18,2024 9:27:40 PM
To City Council Members:
Regarding Item 22/24-197: NO.
Here are some quotes about libraries. I hope you read them and ponder why you are making it
your mission to decimate our libraries and attack our librarians.
The profiteering of library services is a solution for weak leaders and weak readers.
--Buffie Channel,HB Taxpayer
The only thing that you absolutely have to know,
is the location of the library.
—Albert Einstein
Good friends,good books and a sleepy conscience:
this is the ideal life.
—Mark Twain
If you have a garden and a library,you have everything you need.
—Marcus Tullius Cicero
Yo, que me figuraba el Paraiso/Bajo la especie de una biblioteca.
I have always imagined Paradise as a kind of library.
—Jorge Luis Borges,from Dreamtigers
You see,I don't believe that libraries should be drab places where people sit in silence,that
has been the main reason for our policy of employing wild animals as librarians.
—Graham Chapman
The very existence of libraries affords the best evidence that we may yet have hope for the
future of man.
—T.S. Eliot
I ransack public libraries, and find them full of sunk treasure.
—Virginia Woolf
Whatever the cost of our libraries,the price is cheap compared to that of an ignorant
nation.
—Walter Cronkite
Libraries store the energy that fuels the imagination. They open up windows to the world and
inspire us to explore and achieve, and contribute to improving our quality of life. Libraries
change lives for the better.
—Sidney Sheldon
A library is not a luxury but one of the necessities of life.
—Henry Ward Beecher
A library outranks any other one thing a community can do to benefit its people.It is a
never failing spring in the desert.
—Andrew Carnegie
Google can bring you back 100,000 answers. A librarian can bring you back the right one.
—Neil Gaiman
When in doubt,go to the library.
—J.K.Rowling, from Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets
Without libraries what have we?We have no past and no future. Just ask Ray Bradbury.
—Kami Garcia&Margaret Stohl, from Beautiful Creatures
A library is a miracle.A place where you can learn just about anything,for free.A place
where your mind can come alive.
—Josh Hanagarne,from The World's Strongest Librarian: A Memoir of Tourette's,
Faith, Strength,and the Power of Family
One can never have too many librarian friends.
—Jennifer Chiaverini,from The Wedding Quilt
Good librarians are natural intelligence operatives. They possess all of the skills and
characteristics required for that work: curiosity,wide-ranging knowledge,good
memories,organization and analytical aptitude,and discretion.
—Marilyn Johnson,from This Book Is Overdue!: How Librarians and Cybrarians Can
Save Us All
When the going gets tough,the tough get a librarian.
—Joan Bauer,from Best Foot Forward
I don't think I'll be able to help you fmd that.
—No librarian, ever.
Perhaps you should listen to scholars, scientists,teachers, authors, and respected intellectuals-
-if you won't listen to the citizens who you claim to represent and who are your bosses.
My tax dollars for the past 35 years have paid for the books,the contents,the upkeep,the
programs and the stellar reputations of the libraries in the city of Huntington Beach. The fact
that you want to privatize library services is a slap in the face of the taxpayers,the children of
this city, and all patrons of our renowned libraries!
Here is what we know(and you can save your unhinged and unprofessional replies-telling
me how you have lived in HB longer than me or how the building will still belong to the city
because we know the truth)
-Yes,the building and the books will still be the property of the city.
HOWEVER,YOU WILL FIRE THE LIBRARIANS OR ONLY ALLOW THEM TO KEEP
THEIR JOBS WITHOUT THEIR PENSIONS or BENEFITS,FOR A MUCH REDUCED
PAY, WITHOUT THEIR AUTHORITY TO MANAGE BOOKS AND SERVICES. So save
us your lies. Your semantics and mumbo jumbo about what is really happening may work on
your low information supporters, but it won't work on US!
-The company Library Systems and Services is the ONLY company that is privatizing library
services across the country-AND WE KNOW THAT MIKE POSEY IS ON THE BOARD!
So your lies about putting this out for a study or a"bid" is smoke and mirrors since you are
being lobbied by Posey. LSS is known to decimate library programs,push out experienced
librarians and staff, and reduce book choices to best sellers and mainstream mediocre vanilla
content.
-Most of the cities that have opted for this takeover have regretted it or are suing their city
•
councils for blatant negligent profiteering.
-Llbrary services and programs will be eliminated with a FOR-PROFIT corporate model.
• Say goodbye to the beloved Seed Library
• Say goodbye to the Gift Shop
• Say goodbye to Storytime (award winning in the county)
• Say goodbye to historical tours
• Say goodbye to the Friends of the Library and their donations
• Say goodbye to the 1000 citizen volunteers because who wants to volunteer when a
corporation has fired everyone and decimated the programs
• Say goodbye to the Art displays upstairs and future expanded art installations
• Say goodbye to the Fountains
• Say goodbye to the coffee cafe
• Say goodbye to the Teen Center(well that's already gone)
• Say goodbye to the LIbby e-books
• Say goodbye to the kids summer reading programs
• Say goodbye to Beanstack(do you even know what that is?I doubt it)
• Say goodbye to Lego KidsClub
• Say goodbye to Toddler and Big Kids CraftStorytime
• Say goodbye to Crafter's Corner because that will definitely be chopped because that
might cut into their profits
• Say goodbye to the Tween STEAM Team (that's definitely on the chopping block)
• Say goodbye to the program called Life Skills for Teens (because why do teens need life
skills, or puberty books, or a place to hang out at the library?)
If you are looking to LIBRARIANS and their salaries and pensions to make up for your short
falls and poor governing and giveaways to your rich Air Show buddies and inevitable losses in
court-you are simply ineffective representatives and you underestimate the value that the
community places on our libraries, access to books, and our esteemed librarians and the
services that ONLY they can provide because they are educated and trained far beyond the
incredibly insulting offer that LSS will make to them to retain their jobs..
Regarding agenda item 24 (24-209):IQ
Rarely have I seen such a sophomoric and immature proposal riddled with unworkable
procedures and a flagrant disregard for the First Amendment,parents and their judgement, and
a total lack of understanding of how anything works in a library! It's alarming and ignorant
and ripe for a lawsuit.
Regarding Agenda Item 25: (24-208): L1
And regarding the proposal to leave the League of Cities organization-no surprise there.Any
organization that may scrutinize this council and is against privatizing library services is
naturally on this Council Majority's chopping block. (Casey- save your canned and insulting
"Bless your Heart"response,mmm kay?).
This City Council majority continues to show a complete lack of care for the concerns of the
tax paying residents of this city.
Hands off our libraries and our librarians!
I'll leave you with one last quote. One that exposes your plans of underestimating our
citizenry.
Libraries are full of ideas—perhaps the most dangerous and powerful of all weapons.
—Sarah J.Maas,from Throne of Glass
Sincerely,
Buffie Channel
35 year resident and homeowner
From: Linda Moon
To: Judith Lewis
Cc:, suoolementalcommesurfcity-hb.orq;CITY COUNCIL(INCL.CMO STAFFl
Subject: Re:Privatization of Library,(Item 24-197)Resignation from League of California Cities(Item 24-208)
Date: Monday,March 18,2024 9:54:43 PM
Very well said.
Linda
On Mon,Mar 18,2024, 5:04 PM Judith Lewis<judilew22@.gnail.corn>wrote:
Privatization. A favorite word of the right wing political ideology.
They'd privatize all government functions because their belief is that
government and anything not for profit is bad. Unfortunately while
capitalism is a good system, it has many failings and must be regulated
to work. Likewise, sometimes government functions need revisions or
improvements to work. But the government is not for profit—and
libraries are not for profit.
Privatizing these functions to save money inevitably leads to reduced
services and benefits. You offer nothing in your proposal explaining just
how a private service is going to both do a better job and reduce costs.
It won't happen. STOP with the right wing ideological agenda that
wastes time and taxpayer money.
League Membership You give no justification for your proposal to
cancel your membership in the League of California Cities. Historically
the League has helped develop legislation supporting local control and
provided education and advice to local city councils. [think this city
council could use that advice instead of going berserk with unneeded
and inadvisable policies and actions.
Judith Lewis
37 year Resident Huntington Beach
Retired Captain, L. A. County Sheriff
Masters Degree Public Administration USC
From: diannef22Avahoo.com
To: suoolementalcomm( surfcitv-hb.arq;CITY COUNCIL(INCL.CMO STAFF)
Subject: Oppose Agenda Item 25
Date: Tuesday,March 19,2024 1:59:32 AM
Dear Mayor and Councilmembers,
I strongly oppose item #25.
The statement written by Councilmember McKeon is simplistic and uninformed.
Leaving the League of California Cities because it opposes the Taxpayer Protection.
and Government Accountability Act (TPGAA) is shortsighted. As an elected official,
one would hope the Councilmember understands that the city functions because it
receives tax dollars. Backing a measure that would drastically reduce funding to the
city (when the city is already running a future deficit) is blatantly irresponsible. Just
because a measure is backed by Jarvis, doesn't mean it's a good thing.
The League of Cities supports issues that support cities. As an individual,
Councilmember McKeon may dislike a tax that he may have to pay as an individual,
but if we all stop paying those taxes, how will the city provide the services we have
come to expect?
The League appropriately backs measures that help cities function and provides
(non-financial) resources to help Council and staff in the roles. Without that backing, I
fear for the future of Huntington Beach.
Sincerley,
Dianne James
From: Tim Channel
To: CTfY COUNCIL(INCL.CMO STAFF);suoolementalcommesurfcity-hb.orq
Subject: Opposed to Agenda Items 24-197,24-208,and 24-209(3/19/2024)
Date: Tuesday,March 19,2024 6:14:24 AM
City Council Members,
I am a 34 year resident and homeowner in Huntington Beach and I am writing to voice my
opposition to Agenda Items 24-197, 24-208, and 24-209. Ever since the slate majority has
come into office,they have done NOTHING but HURT our city.It is obvious that Van Der
Mark, Burns, Strickland, and McKeon are more interested in furthering their own political
agendas at the expense of the citizens of Huntington Beach. Grandstanding your
conservativeness,hoping others of your kind will notice how extreme you are, and heap their
praises on you?
Is your goal is to go down in history as the master book banning, library destroying, worst city
council in the country then you are definitely on the right track. At the expense of the rest of
us.
OPPOSED TO:
24-197 Request authorization to issue a Request for Proposals for Managed
Library Services for the Huntington Beach Public Library system
If you want to talk about obscenity at the library,THIS is it. Why would you want to privatize
our award winning library except that you think you can?Did the librarians fail to live up to
your conservative ideals? Give me one reason why this could possibly be good for the citizens
of our city. What non-problem are you trying to fix this time?
OPPOSED TO:
24-208 Item Submitted by Council Member McKeon-Withdrawal from the
League of California Cities
Here we go again with the"we hate California"nonsense. If you hate it so much here,why
didn't you pick a city in another state to cause your mischief in?Somewhere where they might
actually like it,because great many of your Huntington Beach constituents definitely do not.
OPPOSED TO:
24-209 Approve for introduction Ordinance No. 4318 adding Chapter 2.66 to
the Huntington Beach Municipal Code Relating to the
Community-Parent Guardian Review Board for Review of
Procurement of Children's Library Material
What is your obsession with banning children's books?And stop trying to fool us by with the
"no books have been banned"nonsense. We aren't that stupid. Some of us even graduated
from high school.
Oh, and Bless your Little Hearts,
Tim Channel
Huntington Beach
From: Leslie Golson
To: sunolementalcammesurfcity-hb.orq;CITY COUNCIL(INCL,CM0 STAFF1
Subject Library Privatization and League of Cal Cities
Date: Tuesday,March 19,2024 7:22:02 AM
Let the record show that I oppose both library privatization and leaving the League of
California Cities. This council's reckless settlement and payout to the Airshow and
their EIR, along with failed litigation opposing state mandated housing, have created
the mess that is our financial outlook. This council wants to pull out of the League
because of their opposition to measures that would directly fund our city!
Don't fund your mistakes with our library and funding of city services!
Leslie Golson
Huntington Beach resident and voter
From: terrvlaurenrose(alomail.com
To: sugplementalcomm(@surfcity-hb.orq;CITY COUNCIL(INCL.CMO STAFF)
Subject: city council meeting 031924 please include in tonight's agenda items.
Date: Tuesday,March 19,2024 7:25:26 AM
Attachments: city council meetino 031924.docc
Importance: High
Please include my comments on each of the agenda items.
If I need to send separate documents later, I will:
Thank you.
Terry Rose
City Council Meeting Agenda
03-19-2024
Terry Rose, resident since 1983,homeowner
I recently saw an unreleased as yet documentary at the Palm Springs Film Festival called Bad Faith
about Christian Nationalism(the"moral"minority)whose mission is to destroy democracy as we
know it today and establish a theocracy.
I believe that it is quite possible that Tony Strickland,Gracey Van Der Mark,Casey McKeon&Pat
Burns are all Christian Nationalists as I truly believe they are trying to destroy Huntington Beach,.
are not interested in working for the good of the whole but only interested in serving themselves
and driving our city into bankruptcy thus destroying it.
From their campaign lies to"no changes to our city charter"to their changing the protocol on who
becomes our mayor and when to paying their"buddy"millions for an oil spill the city was not
responsible for and for not sharing with the public the loss of income to the Pacific Air Show or the
city to the proposed expansion of the Air Show including building a runway on the beach to what
they led by so-called moralist Gracey Van Der Mark,in particular,are doing to our public library to
the out and out political speech by the pastor of the Calvery Chapel of Huntington Harbor,they
have proven,at least to me,that they do not believe in our democracy but only in their personal
agendas.
I wish to go on record for the following:
File#:24-204 Version: 1 Council Committee Appointments and Liaison Reports
Oppose Gracey Van der Mark's amendment because it is prejudicial and clearly favors the
members of her buddies with Moser&Bolton only being assigned to one committee and Kalmick
being assigned to none.
File#:24-194 Adopt Resolution No.2024-08 revising and restating Resolution No.2016-01 related
to implementing Charter Section 805 and Municipal Code Chapter 5.90 regarding the number of
permits issued for Safe and Sane Fireworks from fifteen(15)to sixteen(16):
Oppose I would like to see Huntington Beach ban all fireworks in the city. The amount of illegal
fireworks has more than tripled since the city approved the sale of"Safe and Sane Fireworks."
File#24-197 24-197 Request authorization to issue a Request for Proposals for Managed Library
Services for the Huntington Beach Public Library system
Oppose Too many unanswered questions:
• Will the library staff lose their jobs or be forced to take a reduction in their salaries in order
to keep their jobs?
• If the private company decides they are not making enough money,will they just close the
library completely?
• Will there be fees for everything?
• Who will make the final decision on what books the public has access to?
• How much will this cost the city?
• Is the company friends with the foursome?
File#:24-209 Approve for introduction.Ordinance No.4318 adding Chapter 2.66 to the Huntington
Beach Municipal Code Relating to the Community-Parent Guardian Review Board for Review of
Procurement of Children's Library Material
Oppose This is taking away the rights of parents to make the decisions for their children and
because each council member can select 3 people,this committee will be skewed in favor.of Tony
Strickland,Gracey Van Der Mark,Casey McKeon&Pat Burns'choices.
• What are the criteria to be on this committee?
• Will members of this committee be paid?
• Will this committee have the final say as to what books are in the library or will their
suggestions be put to vote so that every citizen of Huntington Beach has a say so in the
matter?
• Will teens be reduced to reading Dick&Jane?
• Will all people regardless of their ethnicity and sexual identification be represented in the
books that are available to young people?
• Who decides what is pornographic?
• Too many questions.
• Let the library be—let the parents decide
File#:24-208 Item Submitted by Council Member Casey McKeon to withdraw from the League of
California Cities
Queston:Why?
In answer to expanding the Air Show,I suggest we expand the Surfing Championship which
brings people from all over the world to Huntington Beach. We could add everything the air
show wants to add,except for landing the plane on the beach,and continue our legend as Surf
City USA vs Pacific Air Show City USA. Let the Pacific Air Show try,to find another beach in
Orange County—I doubt they will be able to accomplish that.
From: F.stanislau,Robin
To: Moore.Tania
Subject: Fwd:Cal Cities Membership Value Report and Request to Table Item 24-208 for Future Consideration
Date: Monday,March 18,2024 7:43:14 AM
Attachments: image001.onq
Membership Value Report Huntington 8each.odf
SC
Sent from my iPad
Begin forwarded message:
From: Connor Medina<cmedina@calcities.org>
Date: March 16, 2024 at 5:34:30 PM PDT
To: "Van Der Mark, Gracey"<Gracey.VanDerMark@surfcity-hb.org>, "Burns,
Pat" <Pat.Burns@surfcity-hb.org>, "Bolton,Rhonda" <Rhonda.Bolton@surfcity-
hb.org> "Kalmick,Dan" <Dan.Kalmick@surfcity-hb.org>, "Moser,Natalie"
<Natalie.Moser@surfcity-hb.org>, "McKeon, Casey"<Casey.McKeon@surfcity-
hb.org>, "Strickland,Tony" <Tony.Strickland@surfcity-hb.org>
Cc: "Gates,Michael" <Michael.Gates@surfcity-hb.org>, "Estanislau,Robin"
<Robin.Estanislau@surfcity-hb.org>, "Parra,Eric (CM)" <eparra@surfcity-
hb.org>, "Hopkins,Travis" <thopkins@surfcity-hb.org>, "Jun, Catherine"
<catherine jun@surfcity-hb.org>, "Levin, Shannon" <Shannon.Levin@surfcity-
hb.org>
Subject: Cal Cities Membership Value Report and Request to Table Item 24-
208 for Future Consideration
Dear Mayor Van Der Mark, Mayor Pro Tern Burns, Council Member
Bolton, Council Member Kalmick, Council Member McKeon, Council
Member Moser, and Council Member Strickland,
This is Connor Medina, Regional Public Affairs Manager for the League of
California Cities Orange County Division. Please see the attached
membership value report, which outlines the ROI of the city's
membership and recent educational opportunities the City has utilized. I
also went through the Council's legislative platform as approved on
February 6, 2024, and noted many Cal Cities advocacy efforts that
directly align with the City's official legislative priorities.
1 ask that you please consider tabling the item for a future meeting to
allow time for additional conversations about the value Cal Cities
membership provides for the City of Huntington Beach and its staff. The
City of Newport Beach held a study session prior to agendizing an action
item, directed staff to create a staff report and permitted time for Cal
Cities to present at the Council Meeting. I ask to be afforded that
opportunity as this is not anturgent item requiring the Council'sswiftpLEMFNTAL
action.
COMMUNICATION
Meeting Dafe:.
3/19/2024
25 (24-208)
Agenda Item No.;
Respectfully, Cal Cities strongly disagrees with the assertions of the
memo on the March 19 agenda. Furthermore, the justifications the
memo provides for withdrawing from Cal Cities are inconsistent with the
City's legislative platform. Cal Cities opposed Prop 6 (2018) to ensure
cities like Huntington Beach received vital infrastructure funding, and the
City has taken full advantage of this funding, receiving $24.4M directly
since FY 2018-2019 and more through allocations from the state.
Huntington Beach utilizes this revenue to deliver public works projects for
your residents and the City legislative platform states that receiving state
funding for transportation is a priority. Additionally, your legislative
platform recognizes the importance of protecting and expanding city
revenues—this is precisely why Cal Cities' membership has directed the
organization to oppose the California Business Roundtable-led
"Taxpayer Protection and Government Accountability Act." There are
many reasons cities should be strongly concerned with this initiative,
including the measure's ambiguous language requiring cities to charge
many fees and taxes at the "minimum amount necessary." The measure
would place fee and charge revenues at greater legal risk while
stripping your local control in determining the quality of city services and
inviting litigation at taxpayer expense over what the "minimum" for any
given fee is. The memo contains additional information regarding these
issues,. Proposition 1, and many examples of Cal Cities' advocacy
explicitly aligning with your city's official platform. Cal Cities' work
extends far beyond the positions cited in the agenda item's memo.
I sincerely believe in the power Orange County cities harness when
expressing their voice as a united front.There are many ways Cal Cities,
• as a statewide association, has and will assist cities like Huntington
Beach in ways that are significantly more difficult to achieve when
advocating as a single city. Rather than stepping away, the City should
consider opportunities to increase engagement with Cal Cities and
further participate in our member-driven advocacy efforts—especially
considering Cal Cities is the only association sponsoring legislation to
empower local governments in regulating recovery housing and will be
the lead representative for cities in the implementation of Prop 1, where
we will urge the state to distribute bond funding statewide and
recognize areas that are already experiencing overconcentration. It
would be my pleasure to work with you towards that goal.
Please reach out to me any time at (949) 421-9898 if you would like to
discuss further. I am very grateful for your time and consideration, and
hope the Council will consider taking additional time to consider this
item.
Kind,regards,
Connor
Connor Medina
Regional Public Affairs Manager, Orange County Division
League of California Cities
Cell: (949) 421-9898
cmedina@calcities.orq I www.calcities.orq
Subscribe to The OC City Newsletter
Twitter I Facebook I YouTube LinkedIn
:FONT
; CITIES:
Value of League of California Cities (Cal Cities) Membership
Prepared for: City of Huntington Beach •
•
City's 2024 Annual Dues: $38,731 •
Contact: Connor Medina, Regional Public Affairs Manager,
cmedina@calcities.org or (949) 421-9898
Return on Investment
Cal Cities has delivered consistent fiscal benefit to the City of Huntington Beach
that far exceeds the dues the city pays annually. The customized return on
•
investment (ROI) report below details various funding allocations.and revenue
protections that Cal Cities secured on behalf of members. •
,i Gal Cu fes•Membership-A Great Imresfineth
a<tes.
erik*etshir itt cal elites kart tuvdlocit investment k,fiscaftaenttii to cities Os tltetanniuchio ,
:ravidtng mecntaeftwhit tinic a optidrtonitt,esto tttivocate fdr the Itite+wideinter8st5 b1 tafLs and led.
from ei]dh a1.*aft,vPsfit6I4 ggf hies it then3'.ti•011•0JP0 0#0.0t toca.t c otnrf.01P.'S,
• CUstotidiOd,Retuie OkitivOinentRepo t=taecteiritiei1023:
HUN11NGTON'ae,4Cti NIEME111115E1=10=111111117K=M P.Y2022423' '® 17
Dues 36.I35 ,3742J9 MN= 36,507 37,403 2214639
vLF},p ettyTaxswdp d1 8,304;729 4 5.997 "84t 389 1C3:30.050 1,0.304:036 120"11•685 £Q..289 4
LocallReyenuesPtttecteci,byiTop;.22 '44.849T3 4M.4J$1_ 4d333•; '44.17459 4,357,290 5367438 28.7494773.
89 VI:F'Sh1ff =151311939 -1:(159..' 40051 0.41.31'7 1..1:94430 1:;47,347
$91 .WV( ts<and R4tac1S FUt¢s: 3 433kR18EMMI 3:738430 394,448.0 4841';842 •489901;9
CARES.AL+ 2,48 243 1.411t20
kenetibsara Rescue*Wan 00): .-- 2$H600,925
Total`;Return 14igtr0 4... 1.10S5 d28 1094,445 47 553,603 19 347s3"77 2T;Q5I 345 d38,613.1539
Rate-cif'•Retura 4101 9 r3s 5361 1303;1 5.15.1 5441•
6251
.i,.04 94M46!eveves fsy vNvept ttvx+>H2mpedy.rw*p 000piflprpp*s.!4*, o verws 070e4.0ititti'iFtxidll"redwlnad,
.? p ir4ed't t9ciiiiat(0.440u%IobamwarderarkutkcndPrp 420a4funk .,
1,*1199n4f0scuart9004ts?c#14.9! 1*-: d 4F00).*M.'0.01 41.a:1,*;9 ties 4,0 04iid`a:yeoa(` ir42'arid" =231:-
. • The City's membership has provided a ROI of$625:1 on average since FY
2018-19, with a low of 410:1 that year and a high of 1301:1 in FY 2021-222.
•
- ':e:'':,° ,kt
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. . --, -,!„,s, CALWORNIA
CITIES
• Cal Cities was an essential leader in the development and passage of
Prop 1 A (2004) and Prop 22 (2010) to protect Huntington Beach's
revenues from state raids and backfill lost revenue.
• Cal Cities was the primary stakeholder advocating for California cities
during the development of the CARES Act and American Rescue Plan to
ensure California cities received their fair share. Cal Cities also provided a
. detailed Guide to Local Recovery for its members to take full advantage
of these grants.
Legislative Advocacy
Cal Cities remains actively engaged in legislation with positions that consistently
align with the City's 2024 Legislative Platform, approved on February 6, 2024. Cal
Cities is perceived by lawmakers and regulators as the premier representative
for cities on policy matters. Cal Cities utilizes a Legislative Director, seven
lobbyists covering.different issue areas of municipal interest, and three policy
analysts to achieve legislative victories for cities. Though not intended to be
comprehensive, the list below highlights how Cal Cities has worked recently to
support Huntington Beach's legislative platform and cities statewide:
Preserve and Enhance Local Control
Section B states: "Oppose legislation that places a state mandate on the City
without providing the funds necessary, or offsetting benefit/matching funds, to
carry out the program (unfunded mandate). With a looming state budget
deficit, it is critical to counter efforts to erode or redirect local revenue away
from necessary City operations and projects to carry out state obligated
programs.
• In 2024, the state is facing a substantial budget.deficit (ranging between
$38 and $68 billion dollars). Cal Cities is the leading voice to counter any
efforts by the state to skim or erode local revenues and will oppose efforts
to reduce or eliminate existing funds to cities.
• Throughout its history, Cal Cities has served as the leading voice for cities
in combatting unfunded mandates, including calling for an appropriation
2
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,E
of$933.5M in the 2022-23 State Budget to reimburse cities for state-
mandated program costs.
• Cal Cities was the lead opposition to AB 1637, which was ultimately signed
into law and required the City of Huntington Beach and others to change
their web domain to a .gov address. Cal.Cities vigorously fought against
this unfunded mandate.
Economic Development and Fiscal Responsibility
Section A states: "Support legislation that strengthens, protects, and expands
ongoing revenue for the City."
• The number one priority for Cal Cities in 2024 is "Safeguard local revenues
and bolster local economic development."
• The Cal Cities Board, which is comprised of elected and staff city
representatives from across the state, voted to oppose the "Taxpayer
Protection and Government Accountability Act" funded by the California
Business Roundtable. Cal Cities opposes this measure because it threatens
municipal revenue, and therefore endangers vital local services that
residents depend on. The measure strips local control from cities by
requiring many fees and charges to not exceed the "actual cost" of
providing a product or service, further defined as the "minimum amount
necessary." This ambiguous language would force cities to choose
cheaper goods or services or subsidize the activity via the general fund. It
would also encourage litigation and red tape at the expense of
taxpayers, as many local fees could be challenged as not being charged
at the "minimum amount necessary." The language invites uncomfortable
questions cities would need to reckon with—for example, what is the
minimum emergency response time necessary? Cities would be held to
the highest legal standard if sued, as the measure requires clear and
convincing evidence that a challenged fee is the "minimum amount
necessary." Altogether, this measure threatens Huntington Beach's ability
to strengthen, protect, and expand its revenue and therefore impacts
local investments in infrastructure and services. While the agenda item's
memo states Cal Cities' opposition to this measure as reasoning for
withdrawing from the organization, this position aligns with the City's
recently approved platform.
3
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dg
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xN %
• Cal Cities was the lead representative for cities at the ballot box
supporting Proposition 1 A (2004) and Proposition 22 (2010), which protect
local government funds from:state raids to this day. Cal Cities does not
use any public funds for advocacy activities on ballot measures.
Section B states: "Support additional resources to facilitate public-private
partnerships to enhance economic development opportunities for the City."
• Cal Cities has long provided educational resources to its members on how
to utilize public-private partnerships and deliver cost-effective benefits to
communities. This includes white capers and conference presentations.
• Cal Cities sponsored AB 400 and SB 706 to empower local governments to
use the design-build and progressive design-build process for delivering
public works projects.
Section C states: "Support efforts to bolster the City's small business community."
• Cal Cities served as the lead stakeholder for California cities during CARES
Act and American Rescue Plan negotiations with federal and state
decision-makers, ensuring all cities received their fair share. Huntington
Beach received$2.48M in CARES Act funding and $29.6M in American
Rescue Plan funding. Part of this funding supported small businesses during
the COVID-19 pandemic.
Section D states: "Support measures that promote and enhance Huntington
Beach as a tourist destination."
• During the COVID-19 pandemic, Cal Cities provided education to tourist
destination cities, including managing revenue shortages and how to
enact a recovery plan for tourism.
Homelessness
Section A states: "Support increased or sustained community services and
housing programs including Community Development Block Grants (CDBG),
HOME Investment Partnership, Emergency Solutions Grants (ESG), and housing
voucher programs."
• Cal Cities' top priority in 2023, which remains a high priority in 2024, was
advocating for the state to invest $3B in permanent, ongoing annual.
funding directly to cities to fund affordable housing and reduce-
4
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CI " ES
homelessness, without asking for tax increases to achieve this. Cities know
their communities and where funding will be most effective. The City's
Senator, Janet Nguyen, signed on to this effort. Despite a difficult
budgetary climate, Cal Cities continues to advocate for local funding to
address the homelessness crisis.
Section B states: "Support legislation that allocates funding for local and
regional programs addressing mental health, substance abuse, and continuum
of care."
• Cal Cities supported Proposition 1 (2024), which the agenda item's memo.
cites as justification to withdraw from the organization. Proposition
lallocates $1.5B directly to local governments for mental health care and
drug or alcohol treatment and establishes a $2B state grant program
providing funding directly to local governments for veteran housing and
housing for people experiencing homelessness. The City's concerns with
the by-right component of Prop 1 have been heard by Cal Cities
leadership. Importantly, there is a lot of work to be done during Prop l's
implementation, and Cal Cities will be the lead representative for cities
during this critical phase. Cal Cities will strongly urge the state to recognize
areas that are experiencing an overconcentration of sober living facilities
when distributing funding, and will advocate for a distancing requirement
for projects funded by the bond. These efforts will be coupled with
sponsored legislation detailed on pages 6 and 7.
Housing & Land Use Regulations
Section A states: "Monitor land use issues and support measures that preserve
local control over planning and zoning matters."
• In 2023, Cal Cities led a coalition of 244 cities, including Huntington
Beach, in staunch opposition to SB 423, a bill applying SB 35 mandates
to the Coastal Zone.
• Cal Cities vigorously opposed SB 35 (2017) and SB 9 (2021) alongside.
Huntington Beach.
• In 2022, Cal Cities led the charge against numerous bills limiting cities'
land use authority, securing amendments to narrow their scope but
remaining opposed throughout the year.
5
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Section B states: "Support legislative efforts to modify State housing obligations.
These reforms should seek to simplify and streamline processes and requirements
for local agencies; establish judicial review and expand remedies for cities
regarding RHNA determinations; and reform the regional determination process,
RHNA methodology and requirements, and the housing element review and
certification process."
• To make much-needed reforms_to the RHNA process, Cal Cities
participated in stakeholder sessions as the representative for cities
statewide with experts convened at the invitation of the California
Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) to
provide recommendations and feedback related to the 2040 Regional
Housing Needs Allocation process and methodology. Cal Cities shared
first-hand challenges and frustrations cities continue to experience with
the current process. The stakeholder sessions took place over several
months. HCD was required by statute (AB 101, 201.9) to issue a detailed
report and recommendations to the Legislature by Dec. 31,.
2023. Unfortunately, the report has not yet been released.
• Cal Cities is working with Senator Steve Glazer to request the Joint
Legislative Audit Committee to approve an audit to evaluate the
lengthy, inconsistent, and unpredictable housing element review
process conducted by the California Department of Housing and.
Community Development (HCD). It is anticipated that the committee
hearing will occur in.May 2024.
Section C states: "Support efforts that provide municipalities with more control
over the establishment and placement of licensed and unlicensed group
homes, sober living homes, and transitional and supporting housing uses within
the community."
• Cal Cities is the only association soonsorina bills addressing
accountability and regulatory issues related to sober living facilities this
year. Cal Cities is sponsoring AB 2547 (Valencia),.AB 2121 (Dixon), and
SB 913 (Umberg), and co-sponsoring AB 2081 (Davies). Cal Cities
remains committed to pursuing this legislation and supporting further
legislative proposals to empower local governments and increase
accountability among residential recovery facility operators.
6
a.-4 p L.EAOUE OF
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p ... MITI ES
o AB 2547 (Valencia) would codify Dana Point v. New Method
Wellness, Inc., a case that determined that unlicensed sober
living homes that operate a part of a licensed drug treatment
facility located elsewhere may be considered an unlawful
business use within a residential zone.
o AB 2121 (Dixon) would enforce distancing requirements between.
sober living facilities licensed by the Department of Social'
Services and the Department of Health Care Services.
o SB 913 (Umberg) would empower local governments to enforce
existing state licensing laws. The bill is currently a spot bill at the
time of this writing but will be amended soon.
o AB 2081 (Davies) would require state-licensed and/or certified.
programs to disclose, on their own websites, if a legal,
disciplinary, or other enforcement action has been brought by
state regulators, and the program was found to be in violation.
Cal Cities' strong support of this legislation has already received
coverage via Southern California News Group.
Public Safety
• Cal Cities represents cities as part of a coalition effort to reduce retail
crime. In addition to providing ongoing feedback to legislators and the
Governor with cities' perspectives on this issue, Cal Cities has testified
to the Assembly Select Committee on Retail Theft at both of their
meetings to date.
• Cal Cities sponsored AB 1708 in 2023 to reform Proposition 47 and
continues to urge the Legislature and Governor to implement Prop 47
reforms through legislation in 2024.
• Cal Cities strongly supports legislation to increase penalties for fentanyl
distributors, including AB 367 and AB 701 in 2023, the latter being signed
by the Governor. Cal Cities rallied nearly 400 local leaders to sign a
letter to Assembly leadership urging swift action to address the fentanyl
crisis and continues to be an up-to-date resource for information on
the status of bills related to this issue.
• Cal Cities has opposed efforts for the past several years to remove
local control on cannabis related to dispensaries. Cal Cities supported
AB 1448 (Wallis, 2024, Chapter 843) which allows a 50/50 state-local
7
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,
split of the statutory penalties recovered in actions brought by local
jurisdictions for illicit cannabis activity.
Infrastructure
Section A states: "Seek state and federal funding for local infrastructure
projects."
• Cal Cities led cities in support of SB 1 (2017) and opposed Proposition 6
(2018). This advocacy has resulted in $24.4M in direct infrastructure
funding for Huntington Beach. This does not include projects funded in
part by SB 1 dollars distributed by the state, including $14.8M upgrading
the Pacific Coast Highway in Huntington Beach set to begin construction.
in 2025. While the agenda item's memo cites Cal Cities' opposition to
Prop 6, the City has taken substantial advantage of this funding to deliver
investments to its residents.
Section D states: "Support legislation or regulatory reform that alleviates the
financial burden of fleet replacement to comply with the State's various air
quality policies, including Advanced Clean Fleets."
• Between 2021 and 2023, Cal Cities took the lead role among local
government organizations to testify against CARB's Advance Clean Fleet
regulation related to transitioning public fleets to zero emission vehicles. In
doing so, Cal Cities successfully secured nearly a dozen provisions,
extensions and delays to provide local governments greater flexibility and
options when complying. Cal Cities continues to sponsor and support
legislation to make ACF regulations more workable for cities.
Legal Advocacy
As a member of Cal Cities, Huntington Beach may bring legal issues to the Cal
Cities City Attorneys Department to request an amicus brief in support of the
City. The City has taken advantage of and benefitted from this support.
Additionally, Cal Cities has submitted amicus briefs supporting cities engaged in
litigation on matters relevant to the City of Huntington Beach and its legislative
platform.
8
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• Cal Cities and CSAC submitted an amicus brief urging SCOTUS to reverse
lower court decisions in Johnson v. Grants Pass and Martin v. Boise. Cal
Cities argues that local laws regulating camping on public property does
not violate the Eighth Amendment.
• Cal Cities submitted an amicus brief in October 2023 supporting the City
of Costa Mesa in Ohio House LLC v. City of Costa Mesa in the U.S. Ninth
Circuit Court of Appeals.
• Cal Cities submitted amicus briefs supporting the City of Newport Beach in
Pacific Shores Properties v. City of Newport Beach, both in,the Ninth
Circuit and on petition for writ of certiorari to the Supreme Court, to
defend its ordinance regulating recovery housing.
• Cal Cities submitted amicus briefs supporting the City of Costa Mesa in
two other cases pertaining to sober living facilities: SoCal Recovery LLC v.
City of Costa Mesa and Yellowstone Women's First Step House v. City of
Costa Mesa.
• Cal Cities supported the City of Huntington Beach with an amicus brief in
City of Huntington Beach v. California PUC..
• Cal Cities urged the Los Angeles Superior Court to rule in favor of charter
cities, arguing that SB 9 unconstitutionally interferes with home rule
authority in a 2023 amicus brief.
Membership Engagement
Council Member Moser was elected by her peers to serve as one of three Large
City Representatives on the Orange County Division Board of Directors. Her
regular participation provides the City an important voice on the Board:
City staff/Council Members have participated in the following educational
conferences:
• 2023 SoCal New Mayors and Council Members Academy
o Pat Burns, Council Member
o Casey McKeon, Council Member
o Tony Strickland, Mayor
o Gracey Van Der Mark, Mayor Pro Tern
o Travis Hopkins, Asst. City Manager
9
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o Catherine Jun, Asst. to the City Manager
o Shannon Levin, Policy Analyst
• 2023 City Managers Conference
o Al Zelinka, City Manager
o Travis. Hopkins, Asst. City Manager
o Catherine Jun, Asst. to the City Manager
• 2023 Planning Commissioners Academy
o Don Kennedy, Planning Commissioner.
o Tracy Pellman, Planning Commissioner
o Oscar Rodriguez, Planning Commissioner
• o Butch Twining, Planning Commissioner
• 2023 Public Works Officers Institute
o Tom Herbel, City Engineer
o Denny Bacon, Operations Manager
o Sean.Crumby, Director of Public Works
o Alvin Papa, Deputy Public Works Director
o Bob Stachelski, Traffic and Transportation Manager
o Chau Vu, Deputy Public Works Director
• 2024 Planning Commissioners Academy
o Tracy Pellman, Planning Commissioner
o Oscar Rodriguez, Planning Commissioner
• 2024 Public Works Officers Institute
o Tom Herbel, City Engineer
• 2024 City Attorneys Spring Conference (upcoming)
o Michael Gates, City Attorney
City staff/Council Members have participated in the following recent webinars
at no cost as a member benefit:
• Women in Public Works Roundtable.(Jun. 2023) - Lili Hernandez, Sr. Civil
Engineer .
• New Laws Impacting Cities (Nov. 2023) - Nick Papajohn, Sr. Deputy City
Attorney; Robin Estanislau, City Clerk
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The City has one appointed representative to Policy Committees this year. Policy
Committees debate, shape, and steer Cal Cities' policy-making process and
advocacy efforts and meet up to four times annually to provide
recommendations to the Board of Directors. It is crucial for Orange County to
have strong voices in these committees to ensure the region's perspective is
conveyed during discussions on bills and regulations. Participation in policy
committees is contingent on membership.
• Council Member Natalie Moser—Community Services Committee
(appointed as Orange County Division representative by Division
President)
Cal Cities also manages a Coastal Cities Group comprised of 61 cities within the
state's coastal.zone. The group works with Coastal Commission representatives
on issues related to sea level rise mitigation efforts, other land use regulations-
that impact cities in the coastal zone, and the updating of local coastal
programs.
11
Moore, Tania
From: Fikes, Cathy
Sent: Thursday, March 28, 2024 2:44 PM
To: Moore,Tania
Subject: • FW:Great News HBCC!!!!
Original Message
From: Kevin Anderson<kpanderson@socal.rr.com>
Sent:Wednesday, March 20, 2024 10:12 AM
To: CITY COUNCIL(INCL. CMO STAFF)<city.council@surfcity-hb.org>
Subject: Great News HBCC!!!!
I woke up this morning and Dan Kalmick still was not the mayor of HB.
I can't say enough good things about the leadership of this council majority. You guys do a fantastic job, in spite of all the
crazy out of town leftist speakers, and Natalie's bloviating preambles.
Leaving Cal Cities is an excellent choice for our city, as they(just like Bolton, Moser, Kalmick), haven't represented the
citizen tax payers of HB in many years. Thank you Casey for bringing this item forward.
Thank you Mayor Gracey for forcing Mr. Kalmick to back track on some of the awful things he has said over the years. It
was pure comedy watching him try to explain himself. Given the fact that he and Kim Carr knew about, and did nothing
for the Rhone street residents for 3 years- he deserved every bit of the shellacking he got.
Wishing all of you success in your pursuits today and everyday yall!
God Bless America us
God Bless HB
Sincerely,
Kevin Anderson
Sent from my iPhone
1
Moore, Tania
From: Fikes, Cathy
Sent: Thursday, March 28, 2024 2:31 PM
To: Moore, Tania
Subject: FW: Items for Approval for HB City Council Meeting on March 19, 2024
From:Tom Dillman <furio95@yahoo.com>
Sent: Tuesday, March 19, 2024 2:01 PM
To: CITY COUNCIL (INCL. CMO STAFF) <city.council@surfcity-hb.org>
Subject: Items for Approval for HB City Council Meeting on March 19, 2024
I'm in favor of passing the following items on tonight's Agenda:
22. 24-197 Request authorization to issue a Request for Proposals
for Managed Library Services for the Huntington Beach Public
Library system
24. 24-209 Approve for introduction Ordinance No. 4318 adding
Chapter 2.66 to the Huntington Beach Municipal Code Relating to
the Community-Parent Guardian Review Board for Review of
Procurement of Children's Library Material
25. 24-208 Item Submitted by Council Member McKeon -
Withdrawal from the League of California Cities
Sincerely,
Tom Dillman
Huntington Beach homeowner
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