HomeMy WebLinkAboutSister City Agreement with Ramat Gan, Israel - Submitted by 4574��1TtiJGTQn 2000 Main Street,
►of,:;r Pr.✓�.• Huntington Beach,CA
City of Huntington Beach 92648
APPROVED AS AMENDED
4-0-3
(MOSER,BOLTON,KALMICt-
• NO)
File #: 24-651 MEETING DATE: 9/17/2024
Subject:
Item submitted by Mayor Van Der Mark and Council Member Strickland -Sister City
Agreement with Ramat Gan, Israel and the City of Huntington Beach
Recommended Action:
Direct City Manager's Office to implement steps for the City of Huntington Beach to participate in a
cultural, economic, and collaborative program with Ramat Gan, Israel, with the goal of establishing a
Memorandum of Understanding as Sister Cities.
Attachment(s):
1. Council Member Item - Van Der Mark, Strickland - Sister City Agreement with Ramat Gan City,
Israel and the City of Huntington Beach
•
•
City of Huntington Beach Page 1 of 1 Printed on 9/11/2024
power1 Legistart'
City Council/ ACTION AGENDA September 17,2024
Public Financing Authority
Approved 4-0-3(Moser, Bolton, Kalmick-Abstain) as amended to form an Ad Hoc
Committee to follow/exercise protocol in developing a Sister City relationship with Ramat
Gan, Israel.
26. 24-672 Item Submitted by Council Members Bolton, Kalmick and Moser
Denied- Physical Security of City Hall
At 10:59 pm, a motion was made by Strickland, second Burns, to continue business after the
hour of 11:00 pm.
Approved 7-0
Recommended Action:
Direct the City Manager to work with the Police Department to evaluate technological tools that
can enhance our City Hall's physical security, particularly tools that can detect individuals
attempting to enter the building with weapons; and return to City Council to present a report
with recommendations within 90 days. The report should provide details on potential costs and
operational considerations associated with recommended new physical security measures.
Denied 3-4 (Burns, Van Der Mark, Strickland, McKeon-No)
Council recessed into Closed Session at 11:08 PM to discuss:
2. 24-653 CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL-ANTICIPATED LITIGATION-(Gov.
Code section 54956.9(d)(4).): Number of matters - One (1).
At 11:27 pm, Council reconvened, and Senior Deputy City Attorney Hyland announced that by
a vote of 4-3(Moser, Bolton, Kalmick-No), Council authorized immediate filing of a lawsuit in
federal court to challenge AB 1955.
ADJOURNMENT— 11:27 PM
The next regularly scheduled meeting of the Huntington Beach City Council/Public
Financing Authority is Tuesday, October 1, 2024, in the Civic Center Council Chambers,
2000 Main Street, Huntington Beach, California.
INTERNET ACCESS TO CITY COUNCIL/PUBLIC FINANCING AUTHORITY AGENDA
AND STAFF REPORT MATERIAL IS AVAILABLE PRIOR TO CITY COUNCIL
MEETINGS AT
http://www.huntingtonbeachca.gov
Page 9 of 9
City Council/ ACTION AGENDA September 17,2024
Public Financing Authority
Recommended Action:
Approve the sole source procurement request for the annual purchase of chlorine gas from JCI.
Approved 7-0
23. 24-633 Approved the June 2024 HB in Motion: Huntington Beach Mobility
Implementation Plan
Recommended Action:
Approve the 2024 HB in Motion: Huntington Beach Mobility Implementation Plan.
Approved 7-0
PUBLIC HEARING
24. 24-571 Adopted Resolution Nos. 2024-46 and 2024-47 regarding modifications to
Local Coastal Program Amendment No. 17-001 approved by the California
Coastal Commission, and amended the Local Coastal Program and
General Plan Land Use Element accordingly
Recommended Action:
A) Adopt Resolution No. 2024-47, "A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Huntington
Beach,which Acknowledges Receipt of the Coastal Commission Action and Adopts and Agrees
to Local Coastal Program Amendment(LCPA) No. LCP-5-HNB-24- 0003-1 (Magnolia Tank
Farm - Huntington Beach LCPA No. 17-001)As Modified;" (Attachment#1); and,
B) Adopt Resolution No. 2024-46, "A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Huntington
Beach Amending the Coastal and Land Use Elements of the General Plan and the Magnolia
Tank Farm Specific Plan to Adopt Local Coastal Program Amendment (LCPA) No. LCP-5-
HNB-24-0003-1 (Huntington Beach LCPA No. 17-001) Modifications Made by the California
Coastal Commission" (Attachment#2).
Supplemental Communications(88)
Speakers (20)
Approved 7-0 as amended by Supplemental Communication, and to move forward in
setting up accounting procedures to manage project funds earmarked for use in the
Southeast Huntington Beach area.
COUNCIL MEMBER ITEMS
25. 24-651 Item submitted by Mayor Van Der Mark and Council Member
Strickland Approved-Sister City Agreement with Ramat Gan, Israel
and the City of Huntington Beach
Recommended Action:
Direct City Manager's Office to implement steps for the City of Huntington Beach to participate
in a cultural, economic, and collaborative program with Ramat Gan, Israel, with the goal of
establishing a Memorandum of Understanding as Sister Cities.
Page 8 of 9
`/ IING70
1`l4,0�•,0 .... 2c99\ CITY OF
__; HUNTINGTON BEACH
O 5
City Council Meeting - Council Member Items Report
To: City Council
From: Gracey Van Der Mark, Mayor
Tony Strickland, City Council Member
Date: September 17, 2024
Subject: SISTER CITY AGREEMENT WITH RAMAT GAN CITY, ISRAEL AND THE CITY
OF HUNTINGTON BEACH
ISSUE STATEMENT
In recent discussions with the Ramat Gan City, Israel, there is an interest to establish a
formal affiliation based on common interests. In these conversations with Mayor Carmel
Shama-Hacohen of Ramat Gan City there is a mutual desire to consolidate the friendship,
increase the opportunities of friendly exchanges based on equality and reciprocity,
enhance mutual understanding, goodwill and further cooperation to increase
opportunities and to promote exchanges in all areas, to elevate the welfare and
prosperity of both cities.
Ramat Gan,just east of Tel Aviv, was founded in 1921. It is the largest satellite city in the
Tel Aviv metropolitan area, with a population of 150,000, parks and gardens, including
Ramat Gan National Park, and the nation's foremost athletic stadium.
To provide the opportunity for both cities, we propose to extend an official invitation to
Ramat Gan City, Israel to establish a Sister City Relationship.
RECOMMENDED ACTION
Direct City Manager's Office to implement steps for the City of Huntington Beach to
participate in a cultural, economic, and collaborative program with Ramat Gan, Israel,
establishing a Memorandum of Understanding as Sister Cities.
ENVIRONMENTAL STATUS
Not Applicable-Administrative Item
STRATEGIC PLAN GOAL
Non Applicable -Administrative Item
ATTACHMENTS
Not applicable.
2000 Main Street,Huntington Beach,CA 92648 I www.huntingtonbeachca.gov
1229
From: Levin.Shannon
•
To: suoolementalcomm(a surfcity-hb.orq
Subject: Fw:Sister City proposal.Ramat Gan,city within the district of Tel Aviv,supplemental communication
Date: Thursday,September 12,2024 3:22:12 PM
From: pacj<pacj_03@yahoo.com>
Sent:Wednesday,September 11, 2024 11:15 PM
To:CITY COUNCIL(INCL. CMO STAFF)<city.council@surfcity-hb.org>; Estanislau, Robin •
<Robin.Estanislau@surfcity-hb.org> •
Subject:Sister City proposal Ramat Gan,city within the district of Tel Aviv,supplemental
communication
Please provide more background information as to how this proposal came about.
Did officials from Ramat Gan approach the city or the mayor or Council member Strickland or did HB
reach out to Ramat Gan?
What common interests does Huntington Beach share with Ramat Gan? Ramat Gan's economy is
"dominated by the Diamond Exchange." •
Ramat Gan currently has sister city relationships with 14 cities. In the US, Phoenix is one of those
relationships. Two cities in China and one from Russia also are sister cities with Ramat Gan.
We currently have at least three sister cities,the last being the surfing capital of France, Biarritz.What
criteria is used to decide to pursue sister city relationships?
Thank you.
Pat Quintana
•
SUPPLEMENTAL
EC MMUNICA1ION
Meeting.Pale 9/17/2024
.Agenda.item No. 25 (24-651)
,SUPPLEMENTAL
COMMUNICATION
From: David Rvnersoll Meeting Date: 9/17/2024
To: CITY COUNCIL(INCL.CMO STAFF);suoolementalcomm(a�surfcity hb•orq
Subject: Supplemental Communication
Date: Monday,September 16,2024 6:06:26 PM 25 (24-651)
Agenda Item No.,
The Huntington Beach city council majority continues to fritter
away time, energy, and money on frivolous measures, like Tuesday
night's sister city resolution - items intended to distract citizens
from their ineptitude and fiscal mismanagement.
They hide real issues, like the egregious air show settlement, under
the guise of protecting "pending litigation". Yet, that litigation has
not been filed, and we are nearing the statute of limitations.
They create culture war issues where none really exist and import
allies from all over Southern California to make it appear that they
have strong local support. In reality, the citizens of Huntington
Beach are exhausted with their grandstanding and ineptitude and
want them to focus on the real tasks of running the city like paving
the streets, fixing the water and sewage systems, and working to
provide community services.
Their endorsed candidates for the November election post
disingenuous videos claiming to support the libraries because they
realize it's a third rail issue for the community. It should not be lost
on anyone that the Friends of the Huntington Beach Library posted
a cease and desist statement that made it perfectly clear that the
support implied in the video does not exist. In fact, the candidates
claiming to support our libraries have publicly called the libraries
"awful" and the librarians "pedophiles" and "groomers". If they will
lie about something as simple as this, they will lie about anything.
They cannot be trusted anywhere near the levers of power in our
city.
In short, it's well past time for the council majority to start doing
their damn jobs, and it would be a disaster for Huntington Beach to
elect any more council members who are more interested in
culture war grandstanding than in governing.
David Rynerson°
Huntington Beach
From: Sean Drexler
To: suoolementalcommalsurfcity-hb.orq
Subject: Public Comment Agenda Item#25
Date: Monday,September 16,2024 8:25:52 PM
You don t often`get emai from drexler scan@gmail corn Learn why this isimportanit m
Hello Mayor Van Der Mark and City Council,
My name is Sean Drexler and I am an Orange County resident writing in opposition to
Agenda Item#25: Sister City Agreement with Ramat Gan, Israel and the City of
Huntington Beach. I ask the council to thoroughly consider the implications of forging
a sister city relationship with a city in Israel, the perpetrators of the ongoing genocide
in Gaza. At this moment, the recorded death toll in Gaza is over 40,000, though
numerous studies estimate it as being well over 300,000. Many ceasefire deals were
proposed which would have returned all hostages, all of which were rejected by the
Netanyahu administration. Numerous international organizations including Human
Rights Watch and Amnesty International recognize Israel to be a state of apartheid
and call for global action to hold the Israeli government accountable. Additionally, the
International Court of Justice ruled that Israel's occupation of the Gaza strip and the
West Bank is unlawful. Innocent civilians have been continuously and violently
murdered at the hands of Israeli forces and the bloodshed continues as we speak.
This agenda item may be construed as an attempt to simply show solidarity with the
people of Israel at this moment of extreme conflict, but what both Israelis and
Palestinians need right now is an end to the bloodshed. By choosing this moment to
establish a formal affiliation with Ramat Gan, the city of Huntington Beach is sending
the wrong message, a message that doesn't equally respect both populations that
have each suffered greatly in this ongoing affront to human rights. Huntington Beach
should not adopt the sister city agreement and signal tacit approval of the ongoing
slaughter of innocent civilians.
Thank you,
Sean Drexler.
From: yen buq
To: suoolementalcomm(@surfcity-hb.orq
Subject Public Comment Agenda Item#25
Date: Tuesday,September 17,2024 1:04:59 AM
You don`t often get email from menbugs@gmail corn Learn why this is important
Hello Mayor Van Der Mark and city council,
My name is Ven Martin and I am a Huntington Beach resident writing in
opposition to Agenda Item #25: Sister City Agreement with Ramat Gan,
Israel and the City of Huntington Beach. I ask the council to thoroughly
consider the implications of forging a sister city relationship with a city in
Israel, the perpetrators of the ongoing genocide in Gaza. At this
moment, the recorded death toll in Gaza is over 40,000, though
numerous studies estimate it as being well over 300,000. Many
ceasefire deals were proposed which would have returned all hostages,
all of which were rejected by the Netanyahu administration. Numerous
international organizations including Human Rights Watch and Amnesty
International recognize Israel to be a state of apartheid and call for
global action to hold the Israeli government accountable. Additionally,
the International Court of Justice ruled that Israel's occupation of the
Gaza strip and the West Bank is unlawful. Innocent civilians have been
continuously and violently murdered at the hands of Israeli forces and
the bloodshed continues as we speak. This agenda item may be
construed as an attempt to simply show solidarity with the people of
Israel at this moment of extreme conflict, but what both Israelis and
Palestinians need right now is an end to the bloodshed. By choosing
this moment to establish a formal affiliation with Ramat Gan, the city of
Huntington Beach is sending the wrong message, a message that
doesn't equally respect both populations that have each suffered greatly
in this ongoing affront to human rights. Huntington Beach should not
adopt the sister city agreement and signal tacit approval of the ongoing
slaughter of innocent civilians.
From: Sarah SHEHADEH
To: 5unplementalcomm(alsurfcity-hb.orq
Subject: Sister City with Israel
Date: Tuesday,September 17,2024 7:45:28 AM
[You don't often get email from sarahshehadeh07@hotmail.com.Learn why this is important at
• https://aka.ms/LearnAboutSenderldentificatiota]
I say absolutely not.This city and a lot of others in a majority say hell no.Realize the fact that if you do propose a
relationship with Israel,many problems will rise within the community.If your city cares at all,you would resign
the proposal and do what is best...
Think about the people.
From: Rehab Alnaiiar
To: sunolementalcomm(a surfcity-hb.orq
Subject: 9/17 agenda meeting
Date: Tuesday,September 17,2024 8:03:02 AM
You don't oft ,get email From rehab1983@msn corn Learn why this is-poortani
DO NOT GO FORTH WITH THE ISREAL SISTER CITY
1. HB SHOULD NOT BE GETTING INVOLVED IN THIS ISSUE
2. HB WILL ONCE AGAIN BE THE LAUGHING STOCK,MAKING OUR COUNCIL
LOOK BAD
3. PEOPLE WILL DIG IN TO THE REAL REASON WHY THE COUNCIL WANTS
THIS, I KNOW WHAT THE REAL REASON IS,THIS CAN AND WILL LEAD TO
THE COUNCIL BEING REMOVED FROM THEIR SEATS
4. YOU ARE MAKING IT UNSAFE FOR MIDDLE EASTERN PEOPLE TO ENJOY
HB
5. THIS IS AFFECTING BUSINESS IN HB AS MANY OTHER FORUMS POST DO
NO NOT VISIT RACIST HB
PLEASE TAKE MY CONDIDERSTIONS TO HEART
From: Tikes.Cathy
To: Agenda Alerts
Subject: RN:Support of Agenda Item 24-651
Date: Tuesday,September 17,2024 8:59:59 AM
From: Bella Brannon<bellabrannon@gmail.com>
Sent: Monday,September 16, 2024 6:56 PM
To:CITY COUNCIL(INCL. CMO STAFF)<city.council@surfcity-hb.org>
Subject:Support of Agenda Item 24-651
Some people who received this message don't often get email from bellabrannonNmail.com•1 earn why this is
important
Honorable Council,
My name is Bella Brannon and I am a Jewish resident of Huntington Beach. I am writing
in support of Agenda Item 24-651 submitted by Mayor Van Der Mark and
Councilmember Strickland.
Ramat Gan is a beautiful city that, like Huntington Beach, is known far and wide for its _
incredible beach and the kindness of its people. Ramat Gan has a rich history that
reflects the triumph and splendor of Israel:the world's only Jewish nation and the only
democracy in the Middle East. From shared values to the potential for increased tourism
and cultural exchange, Ramat Gan is an ideal partner for Huntington Beach.This
initiative not only symbolizes a meaningful international bond but also offers valuable
business and community-building opportunities. Many of our neighbors have seen the
value of honoring multiple sister cities,with LA recognizing 25 sister cities.This is a
worthwhile,tried-and-true effort for the city to pursue.
Personally, I wish to thank Mayor Van Der Mark and Councilmember Strickland for this
effort. Israel means to me the homeland of my people,the safety of my friends and
family, and many of the values I hold dearest. As a Jewish American,the past 11 months •
have been nothing short of heart-wrenching.Two of my closest friends found out that
their family members were murdered on October 7. In response, students at my
university of UCLA applauded the very Hamas terrorists who killed my friends'family
members, burned babies alive in their cribs, and took 8 Americans hostage. Since, I have
received threats, been spat on, had my door vandalized, and been stalked—simply for
being a proud Jew.
Huntington Beach has been a source of solace for me these past months as my'
university has erupted into chaos and moral bankruptcy. I've cherished the many
opportunities to return home, be with my loved ones, and find comfort in our beautiful
town. It means the world that the city I call home is standing with the place my people
call home.
Thank you and G-d bless,
Bella
Switzer, Donna
From: Estanislau, Robin
Sent: Monday, September 23, 2024 3:28 PM
To: Switzer, Donna; Moore, Tania
Subject: FW: Regarding agenda #24-651 : Proposal for Sister City Agreement with Ramat Gan,
Israel
Please include this email in our record for the 9/17 Sister City Item.
Thanks,
Robin
From: Emine YILDIZ<eyildiza@yahoo.com>
Sent:Sunday,September 22, 2024 12:47 AM
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>; McKeon, Casey
<Casey.McKeon@surfcity-hb.org>; Moser, Natalie<Natalie.Moser@surfcity-hb.org>; Strickland,Tony
<Tony.Strickland@surfcity-hb.org>; Estanislau, Robin <Robin.Estanislau@surfcity-hb.org>
Cc: Fikes, Cathy<CFikes@surfcity-hb.org>
Subject: Re: Regarding agenda#24-651 : Proposal for Sister City Agreement with Ramat Gan, Israel
You don't often get email from eyildizaPyahoo.com. Learn why this is important
Hello,
This here is the actions of the state you are proposing the city of Huntington Beach become sister cities
with!
https://www.instagram.com/reel/DANJS1 NKOpw/?igsh=MzRlODBiNWFIZA==
What kind of democracy does this to babies, women and children?!! On what principles do you stand by
when trying to justify this as self-defense.This is terrorism in its most barbaric form.
You cannot condone this, it is unacceptable!
Emine
On Wednesday, September 18, 2024, 12:23 AM, Emine YILDIZ<eyildiza@yahoo.com>wrote:
Hello mayor and council members,
Firstly, I would like to acknowledge the three council members who at least had the
decency to abstain from voting on the motion for establishing sister city with a city in a
state that was established on the genocide of a whole population, a settler colonial state
that was established to expand a racist and genocidal ideology called Zionism. If you are
1
unfamiliar with what I am referring to, please do educate yourselves because you are all in
a position of power and influence, and that is a position in which you cannot hide behind
an excuse of not knowing(enough).
Council member Strickland,would you entertain us all by providing what the definition of a
democracy is. And then, starting from 1948 onwards, would you kindly enlighten us on
how the state of Israel has established that democracy in the land of Palestine, especially
in the last ten months.
Israelis anything BUT a democracy. It is a racist and genocidal state that has
mercilessly been slaughtering innocent human beings and is still shamelessly trying to
play the victim.
Not one of you were able to address the elephant in the room... the fact that the state of
Israel—through the irresponsible use of billions upon billions of our hard-earned American
tax dollars which our so-called leaders continue to send against our will—has been
unapologetically going full on genocide mode against the whole of the Palestinian people,
indiscriminately, blowing babies and children into smithereens !!! Please don't tell me you
are playing the ostrich, and know that if you are, then you certainly do not deserve to sit in
the chair that you are in.
Why the sudden urgency to develop sister city relations with a city/state that is in the
middle of perpetrating a barbaric genocide that has been and continues to play out in front
of the world's eyes?!!
Councilmember Strickland, did you even hear yourself as you introduced the proposal?!
This is just irresponsible and a complete waste of how you should be using your energy and
the resources of this city and its people.
Esteemed mayor and council members, tap into your humanity, look into your conscience
, be wise and resourceful, drop this proposal and make better use of your platform in a way
that will truly serve the people you represent.
Don't drag this city to be complicit in this horrific genocide,this unconscionable crime
against humanity, more so than it already is...
Thank you,
Emine
P. S. I would appreciate an acknowledgment that you are actually reading this email and
hearing my voice.
On Monday, September 16, 2024, 1:13 AM, Emine YILDIZ<eyildiza( yahoo.com>wrote:
Dear Mayor and Council Members,
2
I am writing to you to express my utmost opposition, shock and disgust at the
proposal of adopting a sister city relationship with the city of Ramat Gan in
Israel(which is rightfully the land and state of Palestine).
As you should well know by now, the state of Israel was established and
continues to operate on the theft of the land of Palestine and the genocide of
its people,the Palestinians.
To suggest that we as the residents of the city of Huntington Beach become
sister cities with a city of a country that was founded on the murder of
innocent babies, children, mothers , fathers is just downright
unconscionable!
To the council members who have proposed this preposterous proposal,
where do you get this audacity?!!!To the rest of the council members, listen
to your heart, mind and conscience.
For months now,thousands upon thousands of people across the globe
have been speaking up about and against the unspeakable atrocities that
Israel has been committing in Gaza and the rest of Palestine, the terror that
has been made possible using our hard-earned American tax dollars as
its primary funding. If, in the midst of all this carnage and active ethnic
cleansing, should you vote in favor of adopting sister city relations with the
city of Ramat Gan or any other city in the genocidal state of Israel, how does
that speak to your humanity?!
Adopting a sister city relationship with the city of Ramat Gan means
accepting a kind of validity to that region,yet we know far too well that you
cannot justify or establish an existence that is only achieved through
the barbaric extermination perpetrated against a people that are already
established there.
Since 1948, millions of Palestinians have been kicked out of their homes,
displaced, killed, bombed, brutalized beyond comprehension by the state of
Israel in order to establish the "cities"you are now proposing to build sister
relations with.
I urge all esteemed members of this council to use your voice, power and
platform to be on the right side of humanity and history.
Use your vote in such a way that when you look in the mirror,you are able to
hold your head up high and look yourself in the eye, and when you lay your
head on your pillow at the end of the night, that you'll be able to fall into a
peaceful sleep with a conscience that will not be eating away at you.
Hoping you make the right choice,
Emine
3