HomeMy WebLinkAboutDiscuss the Possibility of an Artistic Expression of Freedom 2000 Main Street,
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T City of Huntington Beach APPROVED AS AMENDED
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File #: 25-780 MEETING DATE: 9/23/2025
Subject:
Item Submitted by Councilman Chad Williams, Co-Sponsored by Mayor Pat Burns and
Councilman Andrew Gruel to Discuss the Possibility of an Artistic Expression of Freedom and
Free Speech Mural Memorializing Charlie Kirk
Recommended Action:
Direct staff to explore the creation of a mural as an artistic expression honoring freedom and free
speech, memorializing Charlie Kirk and form a City Council ad-hoc committee authorized to identify a
location, artist(s), and artwork for the mural.
Attachment(s):
1. Councilman Chad Williams, Co-Sponsored by Mayor Pat Burns and Councilman Andrew
Gruel Memo - Discuss the Possibility of an Artistic Expression of Freedom and Free Speech to
Memorialize Charlie Kirk
-/A-6
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City Council/Public Financing ACTION AGENDA September 23, 2025
Authority
4:00 PM - COUNCIL CHAMBERS
CALL TO ORDER SPECIAL MEETING —4:00 pm
ROLL CALL
Twining, Kennedy, McKeon, Burns, Van Der Mark, Gruel, Williams
Present -Twining, Kennedy, McKeon, Burns, Gruel, Williams
Absent -Van Der Mark
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Led by Assistant City Manager Marisa Sur
ANNOUNCEMENT OF SUPPLEMENTAL COMMUNICATIONS (Received After Agenda
Distribution) - Council Member Items #25-780 (11)
PUBLIC COMMENTS (1-Minute Time Limit) - 14 Speakers
COUNCIL MEMBER ITEMS
25-780 Item Submitted by Councilman Chad Williams, Co-Sponsored by
Mayor Pat Burns and Councilman Andrew Gruel to Discuss the
Possibility of an Artistic Expression of Freedom and Free Speech
Mural Memorializing Charlie Kirk
Recommended Action:
Direct staff to explore the creation of a mural as an artistic expression honoring freedom and
free speech, memorializing Charlie Kirk and form a City Council ad-hoc committee authorized
to identify a location, artist(s), and artwork for the mural.
Approved as amended 6-0-1 (Van Der Mark—Absent)
Form a City Council ad-hoc committee comprised of Councilman Williams,
Councilman Gruel, and Mayor Burns to explore the creation of an artistic
expression honoring freedom and free speech and memorializing Charlie Kirk.
Identify location(s), artist(s), and artwork for a mural, monument, or plaque and
bring back to City Council with updated recommended action(s).
ADJOURNMENT—4:46 PM
The next regularly scheduled meeting of the Huntington Beach City Council/Public Financing
Authority is Tuesday,October 7,2025, 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
From: pS1
To: 5upDlementalcommCa)surfcity-hb.orq;CITY COUNCIL(INCL.CMO STAFF
Subject: In honor of free speech Special cc mtg
Date: Monday,September 22,2025 4:09:30 PM
Councilmembers:
It is an excellent idea for the City to consider a mural, funded through private donations, to
honor the concept of free speech and those who died for that concept. Charlie Kirk, Harvey
Milk and Martin Luther King were killed for daring to speak up about their beliefs. A mural
depicting these brave souls is warranted. Thank you, Mayor Burns and Councilmembers
Gruel and Williams for bringing this forward.
Pat Quintana
SUPPLEMENTAL
COMMUNICATION
Meeting Date: 09/23/2025
Agenda Item No. 25-780
From: Paula Shawd
To: 5uoDlementalcommCa�surfcity-hb.orU
Subject: No on a mural to Charlile Kirk
Date: Monday,September 22,2025 4:37:48 PM
Hello,
This is a no on the proposal to create a mural in Huntington Beach honoring Charlie Kirk.The
proposal focuses on a single individual who represented one political party, and as such it is
biased. If you were proposing a mural that promoted free speech in general, or advocated
against violence of any kind, that would be okay. Sincerely, Paula Shawa
From: Fmily Schooley
To: 5unolementalcomm ee surfcity-hb.orq
Subject: Public Comment
Date: Tuesday,September 23,2025 8:20:02 AM
You don't often get email from emilyschooley23@gmail.com I earn why this is important
Dear Council Members,
I am writing to express my concern and seek further understanding regarding the possibility of
a mural being displayed of Charlie Kirk. I am curious about what direct connection he has
with the City of Huntington Beach. While he may have impacted many citizens, it appears he
did not have a direct relationship with the city.
I would also like to understand what makes him stand out compared to others who have
tragically lost their lives. For example, why are there no murals honoring first responders or
former government employees from our city? How is this mural expected to make a positive
impact on our community?
To make it clear, I am strongly opposed to this mural. I appreciate your time and look forward
to your clarification.
Thank you,
Emily Schooley
From: Jeanne Parr
To: suoolementalcomm(asurfcity-hb.orci
Cc: FIiirn i ;Chad Williams •
Subject: Charlie Kirk Memorial/Mural
Date: Monday,September 22,2025 7:22:19 PM
You don't often get email fromjeannemarieparis@yahoo.com.I earn why this is important
To the City Council,
Both my husband and I wholeheartedly support this agenda item.
We would be there in support but will be out of town.
Excellent!
Jeanne
Sent from Yahoo Mail for iPhon@
From: Sue Welfrinaer
To: suoolementalcomm(@surfcity-hb.orq
Subject: NO on Item 25-780
Date: Monday,September 22,2025 7:51:12 PM
Dear Mayor&City Council:
This is a big NO for me. I never heard of this person before he was tragically killed. Why
should our city honor someone who has had no direct impact on our city?
I would love a mural honoring Diane Dwyer, a huge community volunteer(especially with
Assistance League)who passed from breast cancer a few years ago. What a lost to our
city!
I would love a mural honoring the Robert Mayer family(Waterfront Hilton/Hyatt in case
you don't know the name!)who has generously supported Huntington Beach charities,
in addition to providing jobs and tax revenue for our city for over 30 years.
I would love a mural for the police officer Nick Vella who died tragically while on duty in
2022.
There are several relevant Huntington Beach residents—past and present more
deserving of a mural.
To honor free speech, keep your hands off the library.
Even if you are planning to finance without city funds,you are using city staff, paid for by
our tax dollars. Stop the waste.
I am sorry for your loss, if this person was an associate or super star to you. Please
remember you represent the entire population of Huntington Beach. Count how many
residents voted to support the recent special election. In the very least, that is the
number of people who have a different opinion about honoring free speech.
I truly am sorry for your loss. Respectfully, I ask that you please focus on true city issues.
Sincerely,
Sue Welfringer
HB Resident since 1997
From: Mary Ann Celinder
To: CITY COUNCIL(INCL.CMO STAFF);5uoolementalcommCalsurfcity-hb.orq
Subject: Kirk mural
Date: Monday,September 22,2025 8:03:18 PM
I don't care who pays for it, I reject the idea of giving any forum for support of Charlie Kirk.
Yes, he was in favor of free speech, but the views he freely expressed are not the values of at
least 1/2 of your city.
Kirk was openly racist, a misogynist,white Christian Nationalist and a bigot. HIs views on
guns have been at the heart of the horrible gun violence we see in our schools and public
places. Weapons of war should not be available to anyone not on duty in the military.or law
enforcement.
To honor this man carries with it the approval of his dark side.,
Mary Ann Celinder
Celinder's Glass Design
21341 Fleet Lane
Huntington Beach Ca 92646
studio 714 962 8361
cell 714 504 8361
www.customleadedglass.com
From: Pat Goodman
To: guoolementalcomm @surfcity-hb.ora;CITY COUNCIL(INCL.CMO STAFF1
Subject: Special Meeting 9.23.25
Date: Tuesday,September 23,2025 8:31:35 AM
Dear Mayor Burns and City Council,
Regarding agenda item 25-780, please be sure to include study sessions and
town halls in the process for establishing a mural on free speech and to
honor Charlie Kirk's memory.
You state that you want to avoid impacts on city reources yet you direct staff
to explore this subject and its location. That task in itself will cost the city
money and should be reimbursed by such a project. I do have a greave
concern of establishing a memorial to a political figure on city property.
Thank you.
Pat Goodman
From: Steven C Shepherd Architect
To: CITY COUNCIL(INCL.CM0 STAFF);5upolementalcomm( surfcity-hb.orq
Subject: COUNCIL MEMBER ITEM 25-780
Date: Tuesday,September 23,2025 8:55:24 AM
When considering free speech in America,an educated mind immediately gravitates toward the icons:James
Madison,Justice Oliver Wendell Homes,and Justice Louis Brandeis.
James Madison,as the chief architect of the Bill of Rights,ensured free speech would become a
constitutional guarantee for all Americans.He vigorously condemned laws like the Sedition Act of 1798,
arguing that suppressing dissent was a fundamental threat to republican government.Justice Oliver Wendell
Holmes Jr.,serving on the Supreme Court,shaped the contours of free speech doctrine by establishing the
"clear and present danger"test in Schenck v. United States and later advocating for robust protection of
dissenting speech,believing open debate was essential to truth and democracy.Justice Louis Brandeis
expanded Holmes's vision,emphasizing that the remedy for harmful speech was"more speech,not
enforced silence."In decisions and dissents,Brandeis insisted on the necessity of free speech for
democratic accountability and individual liberty.Together,their work built the foundation for the First
Amendment's protection of free expression in the United States.
There is an immense difference between those who have done the work to advance and protect
Constitutional principles and others who have simply used the protections fought for by others as cover for
their own intolerance,divisiveness,and bigotry.
I don't expect the members of our Huntington Beach City Council to understand this distinct difference,but I
felt obliged to point it out prior to the inevitable unanimous vote furthering this misguided use of council time.
Steve Shepherd
Huntington Beach 92646
From: )udv Morris
To: suoolementalcomm(@surfcity-hb.orq
Subject: Ageda Item 25-780
Date: Tuesday,September 23,2025 9:25:05 AM
I vehemently oppose the mural in honor of Charlie Kirk in the city of Huntington Beach. He was a racist and used
his deceptive"devotion"to God to spread hate speech aimed against vulnerable people.His distorted,limited idea
of freedom,which excludes certain people,is touted by the current regime,on the federal and local level.
The HB City council's idolization of Mr.Kirk and Mr.Trump is not representative of the opinion of all citizens'of
Huntington Beach and no Huntington Beach taxpayer funds should be used to create a mural in honor of Mr.Kirk.
Such a mural may be viewed as an open invitation to further visits to our city by Neo-Nazis.While everyone has the
freedom to openly express their views,this will simply creates even more division than you have already achieved
within OUR city.
The two hour window to submit a communication for the city council to see prior to this"special"meeting is
appalling,and in direct opposition to the idea of free speech,as is your less than three minute limit on public
speaking at council meetings.
An alternative to achieve your performative goal is for you to place a bust of Mr.Kirk on the dias along with your
bust of Mr.Trump at city council meetings.That should get you the press you need to once again shamelessly
promote yourselves.
Your hypocrisy and ability to sew division within our city never ceases to amaze,and disappoint.
Judy Morris
From: Michele Buraes5
To: 5uoolementalcommCa�surfcity-hb.orq
Cc: Bums.Pat; McKeon,Casey;Van Der Mark,Gracev;Williams,Chad; Kennedy,Don;Twining,Butch;Gruel,
Andrew
Subject: Agenda Item#25-780,9/23/2025 City Council special meeting
Date: Tuesday,September 23,2025 12:55:00 PM
At 2:53 p.m. on Monday, an email arrived in my inbox. Special meeting of
the Huntington Beach City Council at 4:00 p.m. tomorrow, with a short
agenda attached. What could be so urgent that a special meeting is
required? Oh look, a Charlie Kirk memorial mural emergency!
"Issue Statement: This item proposes consideration of a mural project as
an artistic expression honoring the principles of freedom and free speech
while memorializing Charlie Kirk. The project is proposed to be funded
through private contributions to avoid impact to City resources."
The proposal includes formation of a City Council ad-hoc committee of
three council members authorized to identify a suitable location, select the
artist(s), and review artwork design, ensuring the project complies with city
guidelines.
"Recommended Action: Direct staff to explore the creation of a mural as
an artistic expression honoring freedom and free speech, memorializing
Charlie Kirk...."
Why does this require a special meeting? Why not put it on the agenda for
the next regularly scheduled meeting? Indeed, why propose it at all? Most
likely, it's that sponsor Councilman Chad Williams and co-sponsors
Councilman Andrew Gruel and Mayor Pat Burns (who frequently limits
free speech at City Council meetings to just 60 seconds) know this will be
yet another divisive topic. So let's do it with very short notice, when most
people are at work, to make it more difficult to attend and speak against
during public comments. Don't allow enough time to compose and email
supplemental communications that would appear in the public record.
Charlie Kirk was a controversial right-wing activist with no direct
connection to Huntington Beach. The City Council should not be using city
staff (paid with our tax dollars) to work on this, nor should a memorial to
Charlie Kirk (under the guise of a mural honoring the principles of freedom
and free speech) be placed on any city property. It must be funded by
private donations and be on private property (perhaps Calvary Chapel of
the Harbour). City Council members should be involved in such a project
only as private individuals, not as representatives of our city. We are not
all MAGA.
Michele Burgess
Huntington Beach
From: chris macdonald
To: 5uoolementalcomm(a surfcity-hb.orq
Subject: In agreemance with special city council meeting
Date: Tuesday,September 23,2025 2:12:39 PM
Hello Huntington Beach City Council Members and City Clerk Lisa Lane Barnes,
I'm in agreemance with Councilman Chad Williams Items to do a Charlie Kirk Plaque.
He deserves it for what he did for the youth in our nation and many here in HB.
Thank You,
Chris MacDonald, Huntington Beach Resident/Native
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