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Home My WebLink AboutConsider Adoption of Resolution No. 2023-41 Establishing a P �00 �t3TINGrA' 2000 Main Street, (*sir� Wfippy +•.y'Y� Huntington Beach,CA dU = 92648 City of Huntington Beach APPROVED 4-3, SER, i 92cFC0UNTV�P�\�oQ Y (BOLTONKNO)O , File #: 23-879 MEETING DATE: 10/17/2023 Subject: Submitted by Mayor Pro Tern Van Der Mark - Consider Adoption of Resolution No. 2023-41 establishing a policy for the review and recataloging of library materials containing sexual content Recommended Action: I request the City Council consider adopting Resolution No. 2023-41 to establish a policy for the review and recataloging of library materials containing sexual content (Attachment#2). Attachment(s): 1. Van Der Mark - Council Member Item Report 2. Revised Resolution No. 2023-41 3. Resolution No. 2023-41 City of Huntington Beach Page 1 of 1 Printed on 10/13/2023 powere'4fy LegistarTM r . .. in CITY OF HUNTINGTON BEACH CITY COUNCIL MEETING - COUNCIL MEMBER ITEMS REPORT TO: CITY COUNCIL FROM: GRACEY VAN DER MARK, MAYOR PRO TEM • DATE: OCTOBER 17, 2023 SUBJECT: CONSIDER ADOPTING RESOLUTION NO. 2023-41 TO ESTABLISH A POLICY FOR THE REVIEW AND RECATALOGING OF LIBRARY MATERIALS CONTAINING SEXUAL CONTENT ISSUE STATEMENT On June 20, 2023, I brought forth a Council Member Item report requesting to make obscene and/or pornographic materials in the Huntington Beach Public Library(HBPL) system unavailable to minors. I also requested a policy for procurement that includes new screening protocols for future materials intended for children and yet to be acquired by the HBPL be screened for obscenity and/or pornography. To implement this, I ask the City Council to consider proposed Resolution No. 2023-41. If adopted, the policies in the Resolution would be in place along with consideration of policies proposed by staff during the October 17 study session and considered by the City Council in the future. RECOMMENDED ACTION I request the City Council consider adopting Resolution No. 2023-41 to establish a policy for the review and recataloging of library materials containing sexual content. STRATEGIC PLAN GOAL Not applicable. 347 RESOLUTION NO. 2023-41 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF HUNTINGTON BEACH ESTABLISHING A POLICY FOR CHILDREN'S LIBRARY MATERIALS CONTAINING SEXUAL CONTENT WHEREAS,the City Council has observed that there are some children's books and other materials in the City's libraries that contain sexual writings, explicit sexual references, explicit sexual images, and other sexual content, and views and considers much of this "obscene" and/or"pornographic;" and WHEREAS, "obscenity"is defined as material appealing to prurient interests,portraying sexual content in a patently offensive way without serious literary, artistic,political, or scientific value and"pornography" is commonly defined as the depiction of erotic behavior intended to cause sexual excitement; and WHEREAS,the City Council is concerned that some of the children's books and other materials ("books and"other materials' also includes any digital content and/or online content) in the City's libraries contain sexual content that is viewed by the community as obscene and/or pornographic; and WHEREAS,those books and other materials containing sexual content are presently readily available to children without any parental involvement or requirement for parental involvement; and WHEREAS,the City Council seeks to protect our community's children by necessarily involving parental oversight and participation regarding children's access to obscene, pornographic, or sexual content in books and other materials at or from the City libraries; and WHEREAS,the City libraries are funded by taxpayers from the community and children's books and other materials are necessarily procured by taxpayer funds; and WHEREAS,the content of books and other materials are generally judged by "community standards"per Miller v. California (1973) 413 U.S. 15; NOW,THEREFORE,the City Council of the City of Huntington Beach does hereby resolve as follows: 1. Children's Accessibility to Library Books: a. No City Library or other City facility shall allow children ready access to books and other materials that contain any content of sexual nature. Books and other materials containing any sexual writings, sexual references, explicit sexual images, and any other sexual content shall not be placed in, or be present in, any section of any City Library or facility other than adult section(s), i.e.,those areas/shelves designated for 18-years or older. b. Parental or guardian consent will be required before accessing or checking out any book or other material that contains any sexual writing, sexual references, sexual images, and/or other sexual content by anyone under 18-years of age, whether the books or materials are intended for children or adults. 23-12647/321065 RESOLUTION NO. 2023-41 2. Procurement of New Books and Materials Required to Meet Community Standards: a. No City Library or other City facility shall procure (children's) books or materials containing any sexual writing, sexual references, sexual images, and/or other sexual content that are intended for children without first receiving the approval of a community parent/guardian review board. b. A community parent/guardian review board shall be established, comprised of up to twenty-one (21) adult community members, each Council Member appointing three (3)to review all proposed or new children's books and other materials procured by the City Libraries or City Librarians that may contain sexual content before the books or materials are placed in the City Libraries or facilities. c. This community parent/guardian review board shall meet at least twice a year, and more if necessary,to review children's books recommended to the City Libraries to determine by majority vote if the books and materials meet the community standards of acceptance for the City of Huntington Beach. If recommended books or materials do not meet the City's community standards of acceptance,they may be rejected by vote of the community parent/guardian review board. d. The community parent/guardian review board may also recommend books or other materials currently in circulation at City Libraries be subject to the same review process on a case-by-case basis. Should the community parent/guardian review board fmd a book or material currently in circulation does not meet community standards, it shall be placed in the adult section and subject to parental and guardian consent before being checked out by anyone under the age of 18. e. This section does not modify the requirement in Section 1 of this Resolution that any book containing sexual content be placed in the adult section and require parental or guardian consent for children to access. PASSED AND ADOPTED by the City Council of the City of Huntington Beach at a regular meeting thereof held on the 17th day of October , 20 23 ATTEST D: e6kllUeattu) t City Clerk Mayor Mayor Pro Tempore APPROVED A FORM: Ci Attorney 23-12647/321065 Res. No. 2023-41 STATE OF CALIFORNIA COUNTY OF ORANGE ) ss: CITY OF HUNTINGTON BEACH ) I, ROBIN ESTANISLAU, the duly elected, qualified City Clerk of the City of Huntington Beach, and ex-officio Clerk of the City Council of said City, do hereby certify that the whole number of members of the City Council of the City of Huntington Beach is seven; that the foregoing resolution was passed and adopted by the affirmative vote of at least a majority of all the members of said City Council at a Regular meeting thereof held on October 17, 2023 by the following vote: AYES: Van Der Mark, Strickland, McKeon, Burns NOES: Kalmick, Moser, Bolton ABSENT: None RECUSE: None ( 01/141, 9'44144h-4J City Clerk and ex-officio Clerk of the City Council of the City of Huntington Beach, California RESOLUTION NO. 2023-41 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF HUNTINGTON BEACH ESTABLISHING A POLICY FOR THE REVIEW A►' RECATOLOGING OF LIBRARY MATERIALS CONTAINING SEXUAL CONT .+T WHEREAS,the City Council has observed that there are some children's bo y s and other materials in the City's libraries that contain sexual writings, explicit sexual r erences, explicit sexual images, and other sexual content, and views and considers muc f this "obscene" and/or"pornographic;" and WHEREAS, "obscenity" is defined as material appealing to prur' nt interests,portraying sexual content in a patently offensive way without serious literary, art' ic,political, or scientific value and"pornography" is commonly defined as the depiction of e tic behavior intended to cause sexual excitement; and WHEREAS,the City Council is concerned that some f the children's books and other materials ("books and"other materials"" also includes any igital content and/or online content) in the City's libraries contain sexual content that is view by the community as obscene and/or pornographic; and WHEREAS,those books and other materi. s containing sexual content are presently readily available to children without any parent. involvement or requirement for parental involvement; and WHEREAS,the City Council see, to protect our community's children by necessarily involving parental oversight and partici 6 ation regarding children's access to obscene, pornographic, or sexual content in bo s and other materials at or from the City libraries; and WHEREAS,the City libr•.ies are funded by taxpayers from the community and children's books and other mat: ials are necessarily procured by taxpayer funds; and WHEREAS, the co ent of books and other materials are generally judged by "community standards"p-r Miller v. California (1973) 413 U.S. 15; NOW, THE' r ORE,the City Council of the City of Huntington Beach does hereby resolve as follows: 1. Childre s Accessibility to Library Books: a. o City Library or other City facility shall allow children ready access to books and other materials that contain any content of sexual nature. Books and other materials containing any sexual writings, sexual references, explicit sexual images, and any other sexual content shall not be placed in, or be present in, any section of any City Library or facility other than adult section(s), i.e.,those areas/shelves designated for 18-years or older. b. Parental or guardian consent will be required before accessing or checking out any book or other material that contains any sexual writing, sexual references, sexual images, and/or other sexual content by anyone under 18-years of age, whether the books or materials are intended for children or adults. 23-12647/321000 RESOLUTION NO. 2023-4 2. Procurement of New Books and Materials Required to Meet Community Standar : a. No City Library or other City facility shall procure (children's)books o aterials containing any sexual writing, sexual references, sexual images, and/ other sexual contentthat are intended for children without first receivin e approval of a community parent/guardian review board. b. A community parent/guardian review board shall be establishe,,�l, comprised of up to twenty-one (21) adult community members, each Council ember appointing three (3)to review all proposed or new children's books other materials procured by the City Libraries or City Librarians that m . contain sexual content before the books or materials are placed in the City Li ra ies or facilities. c. This community parent/guardian review board shall eet at least twice a year, and more if necessary,to review children's books -commended to the City Libraries to determine by majority vote if the bo s and materials meet the community standards of acceptance for the Ci►I of Huntington Beach. If recommended books or materials do not me: the City's community standards of acceptance,they may be rejected by vote . the community parent/guardian review board. d. The community parent/guardian revie Board may also recommend books or other materials currently in circulatio at City Libraries be subject to the same review process on a case-by-case b- is. Should the community parent/guardian review board find a book or mate al currently in circulation does not meet community standards, it shall b= placed in the adult section and subject to parental and guardian consent before b,mg checked out by anyone under the age of 18. e. This section does not modi the requirement in Section 1 of this Resolution that any book containing sexu. content be placed in the adult section and require parental or guardian con .nt for children to access. PASSED AND ADOPTED b,%the City Council of the City of Huntington Beach at a regular meeting thereof held on the day of , 20 . ATTESTED: City Clerk Mayor Mayor Pro Tempore APPROVED AS TO FORM. :r City Attorney .-12647/321000 From: Fikes.Cathy To: Agenda Alerts Subject: FW: Reject Censorship,Reject Resolution 2023-41 Date: Wednesday,October 18,2023 8:57:48 AM From: myvoice@oneclickpolitics.com <myvoice@oneclickpolitics.com> Sent:Tuesday, October 17, 2023 12:59 PM To: CITY COUNCIL(INCL.CMO STAFF)<city.council@surfcity-hb.org> Subject: Reject Censorship, Reject Resolution 2023-41 Re: Reject Censorship, Reject Resolution 2023-41 Dear City Council, • As a resident of Huntington Beach, I am writing to ask you to vote against Resolution 2023- 41,which would establish a policy to review library materials for sexual content. A parent is the person best suited to make decisions about what their child does or does not read,but the proposed ordinance would take that right away from many parents in our community by limiting what is available in the public library. It would also make the city,not parents, the ultimate arbiter on library materials. We trust our trained library staff. The library does not carry obscene materials or make them available to young readers. The policies in the • ordinance are poorly defined and overly burdensome and expensive; the city will need to hire extra staff to implement and enforce them. The city may also open itself up to a costly lawsuit if the policy goes into effect and members of the community sue because they don't think their children have been protected or that their rights have been violated. The policy is both unwanted and unneeded. Please support the rights of parents and children in our community by voting against it. Thank you, Sincerely, Ms. Laurie Dettelback sadienbelle@msn.com 9821 Sunstar Cir Huntington Beach, CA 92646 Constituent Prepared by OneClickPolitics(tin)at www.oneclickpolitics.com.OneClickPolitics provides online communications tools for supporters of a cause,issue,organization or association to contact their elected officials.For more information regarding our policies and services,please contact info@oneclickpolitics.com From: Fikes.Cathy To: Agenda Alerts Subject: FW: Leave Library and Voting Alone...Do your real job Date: Wednesday,October 18,2023 8:58:05 AM From: Greg Gillinger<ggillinger@hotmail.com> Sent:Tuesday, October 17, 2023 1:12 PM To: CITY COUNCIL(INCL. CMO STAFF) <city.council@surfcity-hb.org> Subject: Leave Library and Voting Alone...Do your real job Team, Imploring you to not interfere with the HB Library and its selection/organization of content and also not to mess up our amazing vote by mail system. Please focus on issues that matter to your constituents...controlling homelessness, related housing shortage and strengthening our police/fire/education institutions. As a Republican I'm shocked/dismayed to see our party descend into a Trum cult. Please be above that. Thanks, Greg Gillinger From: Fikes,Cathy To: Agenda Alerts Subject: FW: Do Not Adopt Agenda Item 20 Date: Wednesday,October 18,2023 8:58:20 AM From: Natalie Dassian <nataliedassian@gmail.com> Sent:Tuesday, October 17, 2023 1:29 PM To: CITY COUNCIL(INCL. CMO STAFF) <city.council@surfcity-hb.org> Subject: Do Not Adopt Agenda Item 20 Good afternoon, I am a Huntington Beach resident emailing my concerns over Agenda Item 20. Book banning and "recataloging" in any shape or form should not be allowed, as it brings us closer to becoming a fascist state. Book restrictions make us a less informed, dumber population. Books are also already highly reviewed by librarians, so there is no need to worry about'dangerous' content. In addition,we should be free from government control over what we choose to check out from the library. Passing this bill is anti-American. Please leave our libraries alone -do not pass this bill. Best, Natalie Dassian, MPH, CPH (818) 438-3351 I nataliedassian@gmail.com, J,inkedTII Switzer, Donna From: Fikes,Cathy Sent: Wednesday, October 18, 2023 8:58 AM To: Agenda Alerts Subject: FW: Reject Censorship, Reject Resolution 2023-41 From: myvoice@oneclickpolitics.com <myvoice@oneclickpolitics.com> Sent:Tuesday, October 17,2023 1:39 PM To:CITY COUNCIL(INCL.CMO STAFF)<city.council@surfcity-hb.org> Subject: Reject Censorship, Reject Resolution 2023-41 Re: Reject Censorship, Reject Resolution 2023-41 Dear City Council, As a resident of Huntington Beach, I am writing to ask you to vote against Resolution 2023-41,which would establish a policy to review library materials for sexual content. A parent is the person best suited to make decisions about what their child does or does not read,but the proposed ordinance would take that right away from many parents in our community by limiting what is available in the public library. It would also make the city,not parents, the ultimate arbiter on library materials. We trust our trained library staff. The library does not carry obscene materials or make them available to young readers. The policies in the ordinance are poorly defined and overly burdensome and expensive; the city will need to hire extra staff to implement and enforce them. The city may also open itself up to a costly lawsuit if the policy goes into effect and members of the community sue because they don't think their children have been protected or that their rights have been violated. The policy is both unwanted and unneeded. Please support the rights of parents and children in our community by voting against it. Thank you, Sincerely, Mr.Nickolas Bagnara nbagnara@gmail.com 7871 ellis ave. Huntington Beach, CA 92648 Constituent Prepared by OneClickPolitics(tm)at www.oneclickpolitics.com.OneClickPolitics provides online communications tools for supporters of a cause,issue,organization or association to contact their elected officials.For more information regarding our policies and services,please contact info@oneclickpolitics.com 1 Switzer, Donna From: Fikes, Cathy Sent: Wednesday, October 18, 2023 8:59 AM To: Agenda Alerts Subject: FW: Resolutions re Standing with Israel and Removal of Pornographic Books in City Libraries- In Favor of Both From:Tami Bergen<bergen.tami@yahoo.com> Sent:Tuesday,October 17,2023 1:45 PM To:CITY COUNCIL(INCL. CMO STAFF)<city.council@surfcity-hb.org> Subject: Resolutions re Standing with Israel and Removal of Pornographic Books in City Libraries-In Favor of Both Dear Huntington Beach City Council: I am a 7-year resident of the downtown area of Huntington Beach. Although I have only lived here for less than a decade, I have been a long time resident of Orange County and have visited Huntington Beach most of my life. It has always been one of my favorite places to visit and now is my favorite place to have had the privilege to reside. As a resident, I am grateful to have a voice on the voting of the resolutions being voted on today regarding Standing with Israel and the Removal of Pornographic Books from our City Libraries. As a firm believer of God as our Creator and the Bible, I also firmly stand with Israel, God's chosen people. I appeal to you to please cast a vote in favor of our great City of Huntington Beach to also STAND WITH ISRAEL. There is a verse in the Bible regarding Israel and their people(Genesis 12:3)which says, "I will bless those who bless you and curse those who curse you." I don't know about you, but I chose to be on the side of God. Considering the Removal of Pornographic Books in the City Libraries, I believe that pornography has no place in our City Libraries. There has been much research which indicates that exposure to pornography has a negative effect on those who consume it. It has also been shown to have a huge adverse impact on marriages and couples in relationships. The fact that anyone would be okay for children to have access to such information is beyond my imagination. For these reasons and more, I am in complete favor of this resolution and ask you to vote in favor of the Removal of all Pornographic Books in our City Libraries. Respectfully, Tami Bergen 729 Lake Street, FRNT Huntington Beach, CA 92648 (714) 310-2999 1 Switzer, Donna From: Fikes, Cathy Sent: Wednesday, October 18, 2023 8:59 AM To: Agenda Alerts Subject: FW:Agenda Item 20 From:Charlene Nguyen<charlenehb@yahoo.com> Sent:Tuesday,October 17, 2023 1:54 PM To:CITY COUNCIL(INCL. CMO STAFF)<city.council@surfcity-hb.org> Subject:Agenda Item 20 Book restrictions make us a less informed,dumber population. Books are also already highly reviewed by librarians,so there is no need to worry about 'dangerous'content.In addition,we should be free from government control over what we choose to check out from the library. Passing this is anti-American. Do not pass agenda item 20. 1 Switzer, Donna From: Fikes,Cathy Sent: Wednesday, October 18, 2023 8:59 AM To: Agenda Alerts Subject: FW: NO on Agenda Item 20-Adoption of Resolution 2023-41 From: Kim Bennett<kbennett371@gmail.com> Sent:Tuesday, October 17,2023 2:00 PM To:CITY COUNCIL(INCL.CMO STAFF)<city.council@surfcity-hb.org> Subject: NO on Agenda Item 20-Adoption of Resolution 2023-41 Hello Council, I have been a resident of Huntington Beach since 1978. This is my 1st time writing in regards to an agenda item. It seems the current council majority is hyperfocused on solving problems that do not exist instead of what was promised. What happened to No Changes to the Charter? Or.. solving the homeless problem? I have watched as you dismantled programs that help people, argued about what flags to fly and had poorly planned meetings to.. change the charter. Now you want to control books at our library?Nobody asked for this. Librarians have very specific educational and experience requirements to qualify for the job. I trust them to make decisions on what books we carry and where they belong. Every parent has a different idea about what is appropriate for their child. If they are concerned then they should accompany their child at the library and read with them. Mayor Strickland you claimed to be a libertarian in the last meeting about the library. No real libertarian would be in favor of more government control of reading material in a public library. Please vote NO on this item and move on to items that will actually help our city. Thank you K. Bennett 1 Switzer, Donna From: Fikes, Cathy Sent: Wednesday, October 18, 2023 8:59 AM To: Agenda Alerts Subject: FW: Library books Original Message From: Marcia Spieler<stobie918@gmail.com> Sent:Tuesday, October 17,2023 2:01 PM To: CITY COUNCIL(INCL.CMO STAFF)<city.council@surfcity-hb.org> Subject: Library books I cannot attend tonight's meeting but want to add a strong voice in support of giving parents equal rights in determining the exposure of pornographic material in libraries.children who are on their own in the libraries should not have access without parental consent.The library should be able to figure out how to do this. Have a special section that is not accessible without parental consent. Marcia Spieler Huntington Landmark Sent from my iPhone 1 Switzer, Donna From: Fikes, Cathy Sent: Wednesday, October 18, 2023 8:59 AM To: Agenda Alerts Subject: FW: DO NOT PASS AGENDA ITEM 20 RESOLUTION NO.2023- From:Jessica Nguyen<jessicabkn@icloud.com> Sent:Tuesday, October 17, 2023 2:33 PM To:CITY COUNCIL(INCL. CMO STAFF)<city.council@surfcity-hb.org> Subject: DO NOT PASS AGENDA ITEM 20 RESOLUTION NO. 2023- To the HB council, • Book restrictions make us a less informed,dumber population. Books are also already highly reviewed by librarians,so there is no need to worry about 'dangerous'content. In addition,we should be free from government control over what we choose to check out from the library. Passing this is anti-American. Do not pass agenda item 20. HB resident, Jessica Nguyen 1 Switzer, Donna From: Fikes, Cathy Sent: Wednesday, October 18, 2023 9:00 AM To: Agenda Alerts Subject: FW: Sexual Content at the Public Library From: Robert Frederickson<grnrmhb@yahoo.com> Sent:Tuesday,October 17,2023 3:04 PM To:CITY COUNCIL(INCL.CMO STAFF)<city.council@surfcity-hb.org> Subject:Sexual Content at the Public Library I watched as speaker after speaker voiced their opposition to Van Der Mark's agenda item addressing the pornographic books found in our public libraries. Most couldn't hold back their anger as they lectured that only they, degreed educators and librarians, were intelligent enough to decide what was appropriate or not for OUR children. I understand their anger because "they got caught" indoctrinating OUR kids. I know not every teacher or librarian is a political activist, but those that are flew under the radar for years as they snuck these pornographic books into school and classroom libraries. It was their own arrogance that brought light to what was going on in schools in OC and all over the country. However, when they decided to secretly indoctrinate and transition OUR kids, they woke up the Momma and Pappa Bears. Any honest person knows pornography when the see it. These activist educators have ruined the credibility of ALL educators. They can't be trusted ! I am fully supportive of Van Der Marks agenda item to establish a policy for the review and recataloging of library materials containing sexual content. Next up ... the school and classroom libraries ! ' Robert Frederickson 8412 Norfolk Dr, HB 714 856 9132 1 Switzer, Donna From, Fikes, Cathy Sent: Wednesday, October 18, 2023 9:00 AM To: Agenda Alerts Subject: FW:Agenda Item 20 -Adoption of Resolution No.2023-41 From: Henry Tran <traintim91@hotmail.com> Sent:Tuesday, October 17, 2023 3:04 PM To:CITY COUNCIL(INCL. CMO STAFF)<city.council@surfcity-hb.org> Subject:Agenda Item 20-Adoption of Resolution No. 2023-41 Book restrictions make us a less informed, dumber population. Books are also already highly reviewed by librarians, so there is no need to worry about 'dangerous' content. Ih addition, we should be free from government control over what we choose to check out from the library. Passing this is anti-American. Do not pass agenda item 20. 1 Switzer, Donna From: Fikes,Cathy Sent: Wednesday,October 18, 2023 9:08 AM To: Agenda Alerts Subject: FW: Reject Censorship, Reject Resolution 2023-41 From: myvoice@oneclickpolitics.com<myvoice@oneclickpolitics.com> Sent:Tuesday, October 17, 2023 10:22 PM To:CITY COUNCIL(INCL. CMO STAFF)<city.council@surfcity-hb.org> Subject: Reject Censorship, Reject Resolution 2023-41 Re: Reject Censorship, Reject Resolution 2023-41 Dear City Council, As a resident of Huntington Beach, I am writing to ask you to vote against Resolution 2023-41, which would establish a policy to review library materials for sexual content. A parent is the person best suited to make decisions about what their child does or does not read, but the proposed ordinance would take that right away from many parents in our community by limiting what is available in the public library. It would also make the city,not parents,the ultimate arbiter on library materials. We trust our trained library staff. The library does not carry obscene materials or make them available to young readers. The policies in the ordinance are poorly defined and overly burdensome and expensive; the city will need to hire extra staff to implement and enforce them. The city may also open itself up to a costly lawsuit if the policy goes into effect and members of the community sue because they don't think their children have been protected or that their rights have been violated. The policy is both unwanted and unneeded. Please support the rights of parents and children in our community by voting against it. Thank you, Sincerely, Ms. Shauna Costa scosta@hbuhsd.edu 9736 Bluereef Dr Huntington Beach, CA 92646 Constituent Prepared by OneClickPolitics(tm)at www.oneclickpolitics.com.OneClickPolitics provides online communications tools for supporters of a cause,issue,organization or association to contact their elected officials.For more information regarding our policies and services,please contact info@oneclickpolitics.com 1 Switzer, Donna From: Fikes, Cathy Sent: Wednesday, October 18, 2023 9:08 AM To: Agenda Alerts Subject: FW: Book Banning -Agenda Item 20 Adoption of Resolution No. 2023-41 From: Long Vo<kimlongkvo@gmail.com> Sent:Tuesday, October 17,2023 11:07 PM To:CITY COUNCIL(INCL.CMO STAFF)<city.council@surfcity-hb.org> Subject: Book Banning-Agenda Item 20 Adoption of Resolution No. 2023-41 Dear Members of the City Council, I hope this message finds you well. I am writing to express my deep concern about recent discussions surrounding the possibility of banning certain books from our public library. As a concerned resident and advocate for free speech and intellectual freedom, I strongly believe that book banning is not the solution to any perceived problems. Our public library has always been a symbol of knowledge, diversity, and a sanctuary for the free exchange of ideas. Banning books not only infringes upon the First Amendment rights of our citizens but also sets a dangerous precedent that undermines the fundamental principles of democracy. It is essential to remember that the library should be a place where all voices, perspectives, and ideas can be explored. Rather than banning books, I urge the City Council to consider alternative approaches such as promoting dialogue, open discussions, and educational programs to address any concerns or controversies that may arise from certain books. Censorship limits our intellectual growth and stifles the rich diversity of thought that makes our community strong. I kindly request that you reconsider any actions aimed at banning books from our library and instead focus on ensuring it remains a welcoming space for all residents. Let us uphold the principles of intellectual freedom and foster an environment that encourages open-mindedness and critical thinking. Thank you for your attention to this matter, and I hope that our city council will continue to support the values that our public library has represented for generations. Sincerel , Long Vo, 92646 1 Switzer, Donna _ From: Fikes, Cathy Sent: Wednesday, October 18, 2023 9:08 AM To: Agenda Alerts Subject: FW: Book Banning -Agenda Item 20 Original Message From: Cameron Addison<cameronaddison@gmail.com> Sent:Tuesday,October 17, 2023 11:30 PM To: CITY COUNCIL(INCL.CMO STAFF)<city.council@surfcity-hb.org> Subject: Book Banning-Agenda Item 20 As a Huntington Resident,Sunset Beach to be exact, I find it alarming you would move in a direction to ban books. Librarians have the thankless job of already going through books to ensure they're appropriate. Banning any book is anti- American and truly shows you don't care about the freedom of our society. 1 Switzer, Donna From: Fikes, Cathy Sent: Wednesday, October 18, 2023 9:08 AM To: Agenda Alerts Subject: FW:Vote Yes on Resolution 20 From:Jasmine Stoelting<stoeltingjasmine@gmail.com> Sent:Tuesday, October 17,2023 11:43 PM To:CITY COUNCIL(INCL.CMO STAFF)<city.council@surfcity-hb.org> Subject:Vote Yes on Resolution 20 Hello Huntington Beach City Council, Thank you for your bravery and heart for protecting our children by proposing this bill. Please ignore those saying this is a silly and pointless resolution. What you are trying to do will have many against it, even though it's the right thing to do. These people are speaking without knowing, as ones who are blind to the true damage that these explicit types of books have on youth. As a child that was badly affected by pornograpic literature I am in full support of this resolution. Please vote this in for the sake of the innocent minds of our children. Ignore the other voices who don't understand what they are saying. Vote for righteousness. Minors should not have access to books with sexual content. Thank you. May the Lord bless you. Blessings, Jasmine Stoelting, RDN i Switzer, Donna From: Fikes, Cathy Sent: Wednesday, October 18, 2023 9:09 AM To: Agenda Alerts Subject: FW: Library censorship Original Message From: N Johnson<rsagan617@icloud.com> Sent: Wednesday,October 18,2023 12:02 AM To: CITY COUNCIL(INCL.CMO STAFF)<city.council@surfcity-hb.org> Subject: Library censorship As a concerned citizen of Orange County, I have a suggestion to put a damper on these misplaced attempts to ban reading. Require anyone making such a request to have the Council publicly publish the past few years record of the books which both they,and their children, have checked out. You will find they have probably read little, if anything. And require them to list what organizations, plus political and religious affiliations they have. If they are sincere,they will not object. Or prove in writing if they are being paid by any organization to submit these objections. Anyone who has a problem with what other people are reading is practicing not only censorship, but is practicing what they are accusing others of—indoctrinization to their limited point of view. If someone is so fearful of what knowledge they might find in a library,they should be denied membership and entrance! Nanci Johnson Aliso Viejo 1 Switzer, Donna From: Fikes, Cathy Sent: Wednesday, October 18, 2023 9:09 AM To: Agenda Alerts Subject: FW: 'book ban' observation Original Message From: meobrien <meobrien@earthlink.net> Sent:Wednesday, October 18, 2023 3:25 AM To: CITY COUNCIL(INCL.CMO STAFF)<city.council@surfcity-hb.org> Subject: 'book ban'observation Dear Huntington Beach Mayor, Mayor Pro Tern and Council members, I sat through nearly 8 hours of the council meeting tonight to get a better perspective on the 'book ban" issue. As a parent, I care deeply about preserving the innocence of childhood. My son was fortunate to attend a private school for 9 years that held that philosophy as a major tenet and I embraced that at home. I support age appropriate media for children,the parent's responsibility to regulate that, and trust the librarian to classify material appropriately based on their education and expertise.As I understand it,the library has a process in place for individuals to submit objections to material and that has occurred 4 times in the last 5 years. The discussion and resolution approved tonight was shocking. Mayor Pro Tern Van Der Mark presented this resolution as merely moving objectionable books from the children's section to the adult's section, insisting this was not a book ban. This was echoed by the mayor and the other 2 conservative council members. However,the resolution also calls for a citizens'board'that will approve or reject, based on 'sexual content',the potentially 9000 children's books a year the library procures.That is a potential book ban. It is disingenuous to claim otherwise. Even more disturbing, none of the council members could articulate how this could be implemented.This is a alarming pattern,as evidenced by the recently approved charter amendment to require voter identification,that will likely require HB to manage their own elections if it passes by voters. Thank you,Councilwoman Moser and Bolton and Councilman Kalmick for doing the research and asking the salient questions,that were not answered. Mayor Pro Tern Van Der Mark's comment to Councilwoman Moser insinuating she opposes merely because'she is the other side' lacks insight.She introduced a simplistic proposal that makes a personal philosophical stand without any thoughtfulness on how it can realistically be implemented. Please do better in the future for the sake of HB residents. Respectfully, Margaret O'Brien 50 year HB resident 1 Switzer, Donna From: Fikes, Cathy Sent: Wednesday, October 18, 2023 9:09 AM To: Agenda Alerts Subject: FW: Porn in School Libraries From: Lydia Willette<Iillette@gmail.com> Sent:Tuesday,October 17,2023 9:34 AM To:CITY COUNCIL(INCL.CMO STAFF)<city.council@surfcity-hb.org> Subject: Porn in School Libraries Porn and explicit material does not belong in school libraries. Years ago if this happened, Megans Law would be called into affect. This sexualization of children needs to stop. Keep parents rights to protect their children. Please vote according. L. Willette 1 Switzer, Donna From: Fikes, Cathy Sent: Wednesday, October 18, 2023 9:09 AM To: Agenda Alerts Subject: FW: Reject Censorship, Reject Resolution 2023-41 From: myvoice@oneclickpolitics.com <myvoice@oneclickpolitics.com> Sent:Wednesday,October 18, 2023 8:26 AM To:CITY COUNCIL(INCL. CMO STAFF)<city.council@surfcity-hb.org> Subject: Reject Censorship, Reject Resolution 2023-41 Re: Reject Censorship, Reject Resolution 2023-41 Dear City Council, As a resident of Huntington Beach, I am writing to ask you to vote against Resolution 2023-41,which would establish a policy to review library materials for sexual content. A parent is the person best suited to make decisions about what their child does or does not read, but the proposed ordinance would take that right away from many parents in our community by limiting what is available in the public library. It would also make the city, not parents, the ultimate arbiter on library materials. We trust our trained library staff. The library does not carry obscene materials or make them available to young readers. The policies in the ordinance are poorly defined and overly burdensome and expensive;the city will need to hire extra staff to implement and enforce them. The city may also open itself up to a costly lawsuit if the policy goes into effect and members of the community sue because they don't think their children have been protected or that their rights have been violated. The policy is both unwanted and unneeded. Please support the rights of parents and children in our community by voting against it. Thank you, Sincerely, Miss Mayra Corona mayracorona85@gmail.com 8481 Lomond Drive Huntington beach, CA 92646 Prepared by OneClickPolitics(tm)at www.oneclickpolitics.com.OneClickPolitics provides online communications tools for supporters of a cause,issue,organization or association to contact their elected officials.For more information regarding our policies and services,please contact info@oneclickpolitics.com 1 Switzer, Donna From: Fikes, Cathy Sent: Wednesday, October 18, 2023 9:09 AM To: Agenda Alerts Subject: FW: Reject Censorship, Reject Resolution 2023-41 From: myvoice@oneclickpolitics.com<myvoice@oneclickpolitics.com> Sent:Wednesday,October 18,2023 8:29 AM To:CITY COUNCIL(INCL.CMO STAFF)<city.council@surfcity-hb.org> Subject: Reject Censorship, Reject Resolution 2023-41 Re: Reject Censorship,Reject Resolution 2023-41 Dear City Council, As a resident of Huntington Beach, I am writing to ask you to vote against Resolution 2023-41,which would establish a policy to review library materials for sexual content. A parent is the person best suited to make decisions about what their child does or does not read, but the proposed ordinance would take that right away from many parents in our community by limiting what is available in the public library. It would also make the city, not parents,the ultimate arbiter on library materials. We trust our trained library staff. The library does not carry obscene materials or make them available to young readers. The policies in the ordinance are poorly defined and overly burdensome and expensive; the city will need to hire extra staff to implement and enforce them. The city may also open itself up to a costly lawsuit if the policy goes into effect and members of the community sue because they don't think their children have been protected or that their rights have been violated. The policy is both unwanted and unneeded. Please support the rights of parents and children in our community by voting against it. Thank you, Sincerely, Mrs.Nicole Ault nicoleeault(&,,gmail.com 20192 Peach Ln Huntington Beach, CA 92646 Constituent Prepared by OneClickPolitics(tm)at www.oneclickpolitics.com.OneClickPolitics provides online communications tools for supporters of a cause,issue,organization or association to contact their elected officials.For more information regarding our policies and services,please contact info@oneclickpolitics.com 1 Switzer, Donna From: Fikes, Cathy Sent: Wednesday, October 18, 2023 9:01 AM To: Agenda Alerts Subject: FW:Opposition to proposed Resolution No.2023-41 From: mary q<maryquinlanhb@gmail.com> Sent:Tuesday, October 17,2023 3:07 PM To:CITY COUNCIL(INCL.CMO STAFF)<city.council@surfcity-hb.org> Subject:Opposition to proposed Resolution No.2023-41 Dear Huntington Beach City Council members, I am emailing you to express my opposition to Agenda Item 20 Adoption of Resolution No. 2023-41. Nothing gives you as the City Council the right to censor our reading material here in Huntington Beach. It is the responsibility of parents and individuals alone to decide what reading material is appropriate for their situation. I ask that you dismiss this proposed resolution and go back to managing the city affairs, not our personal affairs. Sincerely, Mary Quinlan Huntington Beach Resident and Taxpayer 1 Switzer, Donna From: Fikes, Cathy Sent: Wednesday, October 18, 2023 9:01 AM To: Agenda Alerts Subject: FW: Reject Censorship, Reject Resolution 2023-41 From: myvoice@oneclickpolitics.com <myvoice@oneclickpolitics.com> Sent:Tuesday,October 17, 2023 3:09 PM To:CITY COUNCIL(INCL. CMO STAFF)<city.council@surfcity-hb.org> Subject: Reject Censorship, Reject Resolution 2023-41 Re: Reject Censorship, Reject Resolution 2023-41 Dear City Council, As a resident of Huntington Beach, I am writing to ask you to vote against Resolution 2023-41,which would establish a policy to review library materials for sexual content. A parent is the person best suited to make decisions about what their child does or does not read,but the proposed ordinance would take that right away from many parents in our community by limiting what is available in the public library. It would also make the city, not parents,the ultimate arbiter on library materials. We trust our trained library staff. The library does not carry obscene materials or make them available to young readers. The policies in the ordinance are poorly defined and overly burdensome and expensive;the city will need to hire extra staff to implement and enforce them. The city may also open itself up to a costly lawsuit if the policy goes into effect and members of the community sue because they don't think their children have been protected or that their rights have been violated. The policy is both unwanted and unneeded. Please support the rights of parents and children in our community by voting against it. Thank you, Sincerely, Kristell Ward kristellward@gmail.com 9735 Villa Pacific Dr Huntington Beach, CA 92646 Constituent Prepared by OneClickPolitics(tm)at www.oneclickpolitics.com.OneClickPolitics provides online communications tools for supporters of a cause,issue,organization or association to contact their elected officials.For more information regarding our policies and services,please contact info@oneclickpolitics.com 1 Switzer, Donna From: Fikes, Cathy Sent: Wednesday, October 18, 2023 9:01 AM To: Agenda Alerts Subject: FW:Opposition to proposed Resolution`No. 2023-41 From:Scott Fisher<hbfish.ms@verizon.net> Sent:Tuesday,October 17,2023 3:10 PM To:CITY COUNCIL(INCL.CMO STAFF)<city.council@surfcity-hb.org> Subject:Opposition to proposed Resolution No. 2023-41 Dear Huntington Beach City Council members, I am emailing you to express my opposition to Agenda Item 20 Adoption of Resolution No. 2023-41. I do not agree that the City Council the right to censor our reading material here in Huntington Beach. It is the responsibility of parents and individuals alone to decide what reading material is appropriate for their situation. I ask that you dismiss this proposed resolution. Your area of responsibility is city affairs, not our affairs. Sincerely, Scott Fisher Huntington Beach Resident and Taxpayer Virus-free.www.avg.com 1 Switzer, Donna From: Fikes, Cathy Sent Wednesday, October 18, 2023 9:02 AM To: Agenda Alerts Subject: FW: Reject Censorship, Reject Resolution 2023-41 From: myvoice@oneclickpolitics.com <myvoice@oneclickpolitics.com> Sent:Tuesday, October 17,2023 3:13 PM To:CITY COUNCIL(INCL. CMO STAFF)<city.council@surfcity-hb.org> Subject: Reject Censorship, Reject Resolution 2023-41 Re: Reject Censorship, Reject Resolution 2023-41 Dear City Council, As a resident of Huntington Beach, I am writing to ask you to vote against Resolution 2023-41, which would establish a policy to review library materials for sexual content. A parent is the person best suited to make decisions about what their child does or does not read,but the proposed ordinance would take that right away from many parents in our community by limiting what is available in the public library. It would also make the city,not parents,the ultimate arbiter on library materials. We trust our trained library staff. The library does not carry obscene materials or make them available to young readers. The policies in the ordinance are poorly defined and overly burdensome and expensive; the city will need to hire extra staff to implement and enforce them. The city may also open itself up to a costly lawsuit if the policy goes into effect and members of the community sue because they don't think their children have been protected or that their rights have been violated. The policy is both unwanted and unneeded. Please support the rights of parents and children in our community by voting against it. Thank you, Sincerely, Donna Andrade donnakellis53@yahoo.com 21851 Newland St. Spc 153 Huntington Beach, CA 92646 Constituent Prepared by OneClickPolitics(tm)at www.oneclickpolitics.com.OneClickPolitics provides online communications tools for supporters of a cause,issue,organization or association to contact their elected officials.For more information regarding our policies and services,please contact info@oneclickpolitics.com 1 Switzer, Donna From: Fikes, Cathy Sent: Wednesday,October 18, 2023 9:02 AM To: Agenda Alerts Subject: FW:Obscenity for children Original Message From: Diana 0 Brien<diobri@yahoo.com> Sent:Tuesday,October 17, 2023 3:14 PM To: CITY COUNCIL(INCL.CMO STAFF)<city.council@surfcity-hb.org> Subject:Obscenity for children • Dear City Council; The books under discussion are undeniably obscene.They have no literary or artistic value.They are agendized trash. Children deserve to have their innocence protected. The head of the ALA has stated her intention to"Queer the Curriculum?' Perhaps the minority members of the council would like to explain why that's a good idea,and why the public shouldn't be allowed to weigh in on what the public purchases,for the public library,to be displayed and available to the public. Thank you, Diana O'Brien Huntington Beach Resident Sent from my iPhone 1 Switzer, Donna From: Fikes, Cathy Sent: Wednesday, October 18,2023 9:02 AM To: Agenda Alerts Subject: FW:Sexually Explicit Books Original Message From: Robert Nicholas<bolsabob@yahoo.com> Sent:Tuesday,October 17, 2023 3:34 PM To: CITY COUNCIL(INCL.CMO STAFF)<city.council@surfcity-hb.org> Subject: Sexually Explicit Books Please vote against having pornographic and sexually explicit material available to children. Parents need to have control of this matter, not the government. Thank you. Sent from my iPhone 1 Switzer, Donna From: Fikes, Cathy Sent: Wednesday, October 18, 2023 9:02 AM To: Agenda Alerts Subject: FW: City Council agenda From:Judy Tomlinson<judyatomlinson@gmail.com> Sent:Tuesday, October 17, 2023 3:34 PM To:CITY COUNCIL(INCL. CMO STAFF) <city.council@surfcity-hb.org> Subject:City Council agenda Dear Council members, I'm appalled by the wasteful spending you plan to do by holding an unnecessary special election to vote on deeply flawed Charter Amendments. These are my tax dollars you are spending! And here I thought you were fiscal conservatives. You are anything but. Regarding your undemocratic efforts at voter suppression, they will not work. My neighbors and I will not be intimidated. And, please, just keep your hands off our libraries and your noses out of our books. Let the librarians do their job -- they're very good at it. Besides, in this day of electronic communications it is completely pointless to try to ban information that's available online with a couple of clicks. And, by the way, that information might actually help our children make sense of an ever changing and complex world. It appears that everything you're doing will only end up undermining the things you say you want to accomplish. Rev. Judy Tomlinson Huntington Beach resident. 1 Rev. Judy Tomlinson She, her, hers Minister UU Church of Anaheim Minister Emerita Unitarian Universalist Congregation at Montclair,NJ 2 Switzer, Donna From: Fikes, Cathy Sent: Wednesday, October 18, 2023 9:02 AM To: Agenda Alerts Subject: FW:Vote NO on resolution#2023-41 From: Kelly Klemens<kellyklemens@gmail.com> Sent:Tuesday, October 17,2023 3:37 PM To:CITY COUNCIL(INCL. CMO STAFF)<city.council@surfcity-hb.org> Subject:Vote NO on resolution#2023-41 Dear Council Member, As a long-time Huntington Beach resident and a retired Huntington Beach Police Department employee, I implore you to please vote NO on Agenda Item 20, Resolution No. 2023-41 at tonight's City Council Meeting. Resolution No. 2023-41 is a bait-and-switch resolution that claims to address a problem that in reality does not exist. It is clearly a calculated attempt to further a hateful,bigoted, anti-LGBTQIA agenda by using our children and their access to books and information as pawns. The Huntington Beach City Council must send a clear message that any attempts to restrict freedom of speech and control information and resources available to our residents of ANY age of by those with an agenda of hate will not be tolerated. "Banning books is just another form of bullying. It's all about fear and an assumption of power. The key is to address the fear and deny the power." — James Howe Thank you, Kelly Klemens 10138 Disney Circle Huntington Beach, CA 92646 1 Switzer, Donna From: Fikes, Cathy Sent: Wednesday, October 18, 2023 9:03 AM To: Agenda Alerts Subject: FW: Do not pass agenda item 20 From: Ha Bach<muninnhugin@gmail.com> Sent:Tuesday, October 17,2023 4:13 PM To:CITY COUNCIL(INCL. CMO STAFF)<city.council@surfcity-hb.org> Subject: Do not pass agenda item 20 As a library card holder of HBPL, Trying to ban books with sexual content at the library in the age of the internet is as pointless as trying to ban candy at the grocery store while Willy Wonkas Chocolate Factory is giving free tours 24/7 right across the street. Book restrictions make us a less informed, dumber population. Books are also already highly reviewed by librarians, so there is no need to worry about'dangerous' content. In addition,we should be free from government control over what we choose to check out from the library. Passing this is anti-American. Do not pass agenda item 20. Regards, Ha 1 Switzer, Donna From: Fikes, Cathy Sent: Wednesday, October 18, 2023 9:03 AM To: Agenda Alerts Subject: FW:Agenda item 20 From:Adam Haas<hello@adamhaas.me> Sent:Tuesday, October 17,2023 4:18 PM To:CITY COUNCIL(INCL.CMO STAFF)<city.council@surfcity-hb.org> Subject:Agenda item 20 Dear FIB city council, Book restrictions make us a less informed, dumber population. Books are also already highly reviewed by librarians, so there is no need to worry about'dangerous' content. In addition, we should be free from government control over what we choose to check out from the library. Passing this is anti-American. Do not pass agenda item 20. Sent from my iPhone 1 Switzer, Donna From: Fikes, Cathy Sent: Wednesday, October 18, 2023 9:03 AM To: Agenda Alerts Subject: FW: Support Mayor Pro Tern Van der Mark's Item#20 • From:trisha rohn<trisha.rohn@gmail.com> Sent:Tuesday, October 17,2023 4:20 PM To:CITY COUNCIL(INCL.CMO STAFF)<city.council@surfcity-hb.org> Subject:Support Mayor Pro Tern Van der Mark's Item#20 Hi Council, I Support Mayor Pro Tern Van der Mark's Item#20. These books are extremely inappropriate for the child's section. Establishing a policy of review and relocating these books is basic common sense. Best of luck with the irrational "book banning" opinions. Trisha Rohn 92647 1 Switzer, Donna From: Fikes, Cathy Sent: Wednesday, October 18,2023 9:03 AM To: Agenda Alerts Subject: FW:Agenda item 20 resolution 2023-4L From: Robert Murray<robman3001@gmail.com> Sent:Tuesday, October 17,2023 4:25 PM To:CITY COUNCIL(INCL. CMO STAFF)<city.council@surfcity-hb.org> Subject:Agenda item 20 resolution 2023-4L City council members, This resolution is un American. There shouldn't be limits or bans on books based on religious preferences or because you don't like that it has sexual language in it or because it speaks to being gay. Shame on you. Thank you, Robert Murray 1 Switzer, Donna From: Fikes, Cathy Sent: Wednesday, October 18, 2023 9:03 AM To: Agenda Alerts Subject: FW: Stop Banning Books From:Jordan Hall<jhallonline@gmail.com> Sent:Tuesday, October 17,2023 4:39 PM To:CITY COUNCIL(INCL.CMO STAFF)<city.council@surfcity-hb.org> Subject:Stop Banning Books Let librarians do their jobs. We don't need our City Council to waste time/resources on this charade. Please, stop. Sincerely, A Concerned HB Resident of 8 Years, Jordan Hall 1 • Switzer, Donna From: Fikes, Cathy Sent: Wednesday, October 18, 2023 9:04 AM To: Agenda Alerts Subject: FW: I am absolutely AGAINST From:Alice Marie De Leon<alicemaried2@gmail.com> Sent:Tuesday,October 17,2023 4:44 PM To:CITY COUNCIL(INCL. CMO STAFF)<city.council@surfcity-hb.org> Subject: I am absolutely AGAINST • Any type of committee to rule on books smacks of fascism! That's how Hitler started. • Requiring voter ID is absurd when most people vote by mail anyway - this smacks of voter suppression It's almost like you are getting your marching orders from the former POTUS (who is indicted on 91 felony counts!). I suspect this Council will proceed because you haven't listened to what the people want YET!! --Alice Marie De Leon alicemaried2@gmail.com 714 273-7113 1 Switzer, Donna From: Fikes, Cathy Sent: Wednesday, October 18, 2023 9:04 AM To: Agenda Alerts Subject: FW: resolution 2023-41 Original Message From: Mark Tonkovich<marktonko@gmail.com> Sent:Tuesday,October 17,2023 4:59 PM To: CITY COUNCIL(INCL.CMO STAFF)<city.council@surfcity-hb.org> Subject: resolution 2023-41 Hello, My family and I support the review of books to determine if they are appropriate for certain age groups. Best, Mark Tonkovich and Family 1 Switzer, Donna From: Fikes, Cathy Sent Wednesday, October 18, 2023 9:04 AM To: Agenda Alerts Subject FW: Opposing Agenda Item 20 From:Victoria Bloom<fourinbloom@gmail.com> Sent:Tuesday,October 17,2023 5:42 PM To:CITY COUNCIL(INCL. CMO STAFF)<city.council@surfcity-hb.org> Subject: Opposing Agenda Item 20 Dear City Council, I am writing to voice my alarm at the proposal to change the current library policy regarding reviewing and recataloging material. This amounts to a book ban. In a free country, city council members do not have the right to decide what belongs in the public library. You do not have the right to decide what I read or what my family reads. Sincerely, Victoria Bloom 50 year resident Homeowner i Switzer, Donna From: Fikes, Cathy Sent: Wednesday, October 18, 2023 9:05 AM To: Agenda Alerts Subject: FW: Reject Censorship, Reject Resolution 2023-41 From: myvoice@oneclickpolitics.com<myvoice@oneclickpolitics.com> Sent:Tuesday,October 17,2023 6:32 PM To:CITY COUNCIL(INCL.CMO STAFF)<city.council@surfcity-hb.org> Subject: Reject Censorship, Reject Resolution 2023-41 Re: Reject Censorship, Reject Resolution 2023-41 Dear City Council, As a resident of Huntington Beach, I am writing to ask you to vote against Resolution 2023-41,which would establish a policy to review library materials for sexual content. A parent is the person best suited to make decisions about what their child does or does not read, but the proposed ordinance would take that right away from many parents in our community by limiting what is available in the public library. It would also make the city,not parents,the ultimate arbiter on library materials. We trust our trained library staff. The library does not carry obscene materials or make them available to young readers. The policies in the ordinance are poorly defined and overly burdensome and expensive; the city will need to hire extra staff to implement and enforce them. The city may also open itself up to a costly lawsuit if the policy goes into effect and members of the community sue because they don't think their children have been protected or that their rights have been violated. The policy is both unwanted and unneeded. Please support the rights of parents and children in our community by voting against it. Thank you, Sincerely, Mrs. Cecily Gates cecilvgates@gmail.com Huntington beach Huntington Beach, CA 92647 Constituent Prepared by OneClickPolitics(tm)at www.oneclickpolitics.com.OneClickPolitics provides online communications tools for supporters of a cause,issue,organization or association to contact their elected officials.For more information regarding our policies and services,please contact info@oneclickpolitics.com 1 Switzer, Donna From: Fikes, Cathy Sent Wednesday, October 18, 2023 9:05 AM To: Agenda Alerts Subject: FW: Books Original Message From: DAWNMARIE STEVENS<dmstevensgo@sbcglobal.net> Sent:Tuesday, October 17, 2023 6:48 PM To: CITY COUNCIL(INCL.CMO STAFF)<city.council@surfcity-hb.org> Subject: Books City Council, Since I am unable to go to the meeting, I am writing to support you in your endeavor to keep inappropriate books out of the library and out of the hands of our children. Thank you so much for fighting for what is right, and for the safety of our precious children.The obscene books in question,and any books like them,should not be available to our youngsters.Their minds do not need to be warped by pornography and sexually explicit material. Please continue the fight for our children. I stand with you. Dawnmarie Stevens Sent from my iPhone 1 Switzer, Donna From: Fikes, Cathy Sent: Wednesday, October 18, 2023 9:04 AM To: Agenda Alerts Subject: FW: Book Proposal Agenda Item 20 From:Jeanne Farrens<jeannefarrens@gmail.com> Sent:Tuesday,October 17,2023 5:54 PM To:CITY COUNCIL(INCL. CMO STAFF)<city.council@surfcity-hb.org> Subject: Book Proposal Agenda Item 20 I am writing to oppose Agenda Item 20, the proposed call for the creation of a 21 member community parent/guardian review board to review "all proposed or new children's books and other material procured by the City Libraries or.City Librarians that may contain sexual content before books are placed in City Libraries or facilities." Furthermore if it is decided that the books do not meet the City's community standards of acceptance, they may be "rejected." This proposal, like the others the majority Council has recently proposed, is desperately devoid of details. It has no organizing plan, no cost analysis on its implementation, and few details about how it would operate. It would simply be another creature of the Council majority as long as its composition was along 4-3 lines. It would ignore the highly qualified library science professionals who staff and advise the City in favor of biased and untrained opinion which only represents the complaints of a few, else why has there been no mass protest of current practices in the past? The idea of replacing library professionals with inexperienced members of the community is no more absurd than calling a chef to fix your plumbing. There are three main areas that need to be clarified before any vote should be taken to move the proposal forward. First, how would the board be set up? Would Council appointees be vetted or investigated for their fitness to serve? Would it take a majority vote (presumably 4-3) to approve appointments, and, if so, would this not amount to a virtual veto by the Council majority on the selections of the Council minority members? Second, how would this review board be paid for? Who would staff this review board and who would preside over it? There are dozens of operational details that have not been addressed which would affect the board's suitability to serve our community. Third, just like this majority's previous proposal to require voter ID, where is the conclusive evidence that such a board is needed? Are parents not qualified to oversee what material their children should read? It is pure 1 local government overreach, something true conservatives have been fighting against for years. It is a continuation of the power grab that has become the beating heart of the majority four's MAGA agenda. How does this meddling move not constitute censorship? How is "restricting" a book from inclusion in the library not "banning" it? In Nazi Germany the government made books "unavailable" by burning them. And on the night of May 10, 1933 as thousands of books were thrown into bonfires in Berlin, Joseph Goeggel proudly declared : "No to decadence and moral corruption! Yes to decency and morality in family and state!" Sound familiar? As I consider this suppressive proposal, I am reminded of the famous prophetic words of the German writer Henrich Heine, whose books were among those tossed into the bonfires. "Dort, wo man Bucher verbrennt, verbrennt am Ende auch Menschen." "Where they burn books, they will also burn people." Jeanne Farrens 2 Switzer, Donna From: Fikes, Cathy Sent: Wednesday, October 18, 2023 9:05 AM To: Agenda Alerts Subject: FW:Yes for Item#20 at the HB city council meeting on 10/17 From: papagallo.la@gmail.com <papagallo.la@gmail.com> Sent:Tuesday,October 17,2023 6:07 PM To:CITY COUNCIL(INCL. CMO STAFF)<city.council@surfcity-hb.org> Subject:Yes for Item#20 at the HB city council meeting on 10/17 In addition to approving Item 20; I request that the Council directs the Community and Library Services Commission to ensure that the City Library staff follows the vetting process and to advise the Council if this is not being done. Thank you, Tom Dillman Huntington Beach resident ps: 1 Switzer, Donna From: Fikes, Cathy Sent: Wednesday, October 18, 2023 9:06 AM To: Agenda Alerts Subject: FW: Reject Censorship, Reject Resolution 2023-41 From: myvoice@oneclickpolitics.com <myvoice@oneclickpolitics.com> Sent:Tuesday, October 17, 2023 8:26 PM To:CITY COUNCIL(INCL. CMO STAFF)<city.council@surfcity-hb.org> Subject: Reject Censorship, Reject Resolution 2023-41 Re: Reject Censorship, Reject Resolution 2023-41 Dear City Council, As a resident of Huntington Beach, I am writing to ask you to vote against Resolution 2023-41,which would establish a policy to review library materials for sexual content. A parent is the person best suited to make decisions about what their child does or does not read, but the proposed ordinance would take that right away from many parents in our community by limiting what is available in the public library. It would also make the city, not parents,the ultimate arbiter on library materials. We trust our trained library staff. The library does not carry obscene materials or make them available to young readers. The policies in the ordinance are poorly defined and overly burdensome and expensive; the city will need to hire extra staff to implement and enforce them. The city may also open itself up to a costly lawsuit if the policy goes into effect and members of the community sue because they don't think their children have been protected or that their rights have been violated. The policy is both unwanted and unneeded. Please support the rights of parents and children in our community by voting against it. Thank you, Sincerely, Amber Cambria amberbaur@me.com 7811 Ellis Ave Apt 2 Huntington Beach, CA 92648 Constituent Prepared by OneClickPolitics(tm)at www.oneclickpolitics.com.OneClickPolitics provides online communications tools for supporters of a cause,issue,organization or association to contact their elected officials.For more information regarding our policies and services,please contact infoAoneclickpolitics.com 1 Switzer, Donna From: Fikes, Cathy Sent: Wednesday, October 18, 2023 9:06 AM To: Agenda Alerts Subject: FW: No to Agenda Item 20 From:Araceli Blanco<araceli.blanco16@gmail.com> Sent:Tuesday,October 17, 2023 8:28 PM To: CITY COUNCIL(INCL. CMO STAFF)<city.council@surfcity-hb.org> Subject: No to Agenda Item 20 Book restrictions make us a less informed, dumber population. Books are also already highly reviewed by librarians, so there is no need to worry about'dangerous' content. In addition, we should be free from government control over what we choose to check out from the library. Passing this is anti-American. Do not pass agenda item 20. Sincerely, A concerned HB resident,book lover, and former teacher 1 Switzer, Donna From: Fikes, Cathy Sent: Wednesday, October 18,2023 9:06 AM To: Agenda Alerts Subject: FW: Book Banning From:ashley marie<ashley.marie.weis@gmail.com> Sent:Tuesday, October 17,2023 8:32 PM To:CITY COUNCIL(INCL. CMO STAFF)<city.council@surfcity-hb.org> Subject: Book Banning Dear voted members of the council, I have lived in Huntington Beach for 38 years. I attended Saint Bonaventure where I was a member of a book reading club that only those with a higher specific reading level, and higher GPA,were allowed to be a part of. It allowed me to read books that were on my reading level, as opposed to the reading material for my grade. And this was at a private Catholic School. That allowed me to be blessed as I attended Huntington Beach High School where I continued in AP English and also College Prep English. And was again able to read higher than my age level, and actually enjoy reading. At GoldenWest College I studied English. At Cal State Long Beach I studied journalism. Book banning does nothing except force conformity. There are so many intelligent, amazing kids in our local schools who should have the ability to learn and grow more. Our community thrives on individualism. How can we expect individualism if our youth aren't allowed to explore and read?as someone who at age 8 was reading 10 books a week,this is deplorable. If i didn't have the plethora of books that I had access to from 5-18 I would not be the person I am now. Children deserve to think and create their own ideas, so that as adults they can grow up to be creative free thinkers. To share the words that someone I have learned a lot from, and massive respect as a writer: "BOOK BANNING IS WHAT NAZIS DID." And more from some of the most influential people of our lifetime: "Today, some of the books that shaped my life and the lives of so many others—are being challenged by people who disagree with certain ideas or perspectives. And librarians are on the front lines, fighting every day to make the wides possible range of viewpoints, opinions, and ideas available to everyone." President Barack Obama 1 "Let children read whatever they want and then talk about it with them. If parents and kids can talk together, we won't have as much censorship because we won't have as much fear." Judy Blume,renowned children's book author. "Censorship is telling a man he can't have steak just because a baby can't chew it." Mark Twain" You have all been elected into positions to represent everyone in this beautiful city. By banning books you are censoring so many free thinkers, and potentially children who could grow up to change the world. I do not believe in conformity, and I fear that this is the direction that this ban will go. Please listen to your community. Banning books will only hurt society. Sincerely, Ashley Weis-Kobylka 2 Switzer, Donna From: Fikes, Cathy Sent: Wednesday, October 18, 2023 9:07 AM To: Agenda Alerts Subject: FW: HB Library& Protecting Children From:C F<cfoster667@yahoo.com> Sent:Tuesday, October 17,2023 8:38 PM To:CITY COUNCIL(INCL. CMO STAFF)<city.council@surfcity-hb.org> Subject: HB Library& Protecting Children To the Huntington Beach City Council, I would like to applaud and encourage the City Council's attempt to restrict children's access to sexual content within the Huntington Beach Library System. I've been disturbed by the recent push to sexualize children and I have seen these books myself at the Central Library. Many of these books are specifically geared to minors. Don't be persuaded by the false "Book Burning" argument, as it is now easier for adults to obtain sex related material than at any other time in history. But the line needs to be drawn when it comes to taxpayer funding. - Thank You Chris Foster (Resident of Huntington Beach) 1 Switzer, Donna From: Fikes, Cathy Sent: Wednesday, October 18, 2023 9:07 AM To: Agenda Alerts Subject: FW: Book Banning From: Nathan Veach<nathanbveach@gmail.com> Sent:Tuesday,October 17,2023 9:00 PM To:CITY COUNCIL(INCL.CMO STAFF)<city.council@surfcity-hb.org> Subject: Book Banning Hello I hope my input as a lifelong HB resident is welcomed, Book restrictions make us a less informed, dumber population. Books are also already highly reviewed by librarians, so there is no need to worry about'dangerous' content. In addition, we should be free from government control over what we choose to check out from the library. Passing this is anti-American. Do not pass agenda item 20. Thank you, Nathan Veach 1 Switzer, Donna From: Fikes, Cathy Sent Wednesday, October 18, 2023 9:05 AM To: Agenda Alerts Subject: FW: Books Original Message From: DAWNMARIE STEVENS<dmstevensgo@sbcglobal.net> Sent:Tuesday, October 17,2023 6:48 PM To: CITY COUNCIL(INCL.CMO STAFF)<city.council@surfcity-hb.org> Subject: Books City Council, Since I am unable to go to the meeting, I am writing to support you in your endeavor to keep inappropriate books out of the library and out of the hands of our children. Thank you so much for fighting for what is right,and for the safety of our precious children.The obscene books in question,and any books like them,should not be available to our youngsters.Their minds do not need to be warped by pornography and sexually explicit material. Please continue the fight for our children. I stand with you. Dawnmarie Stevens Sent from my iPhone 1 Switzer, Donna From: Fikes, Cathy Sent Wednesday, October 18, 2023 9:07 AM To: Agenda Alerts Subject FW: Reject Censorship, Reject Resolution 2023-41 From: myvoice@oneclickpolitics.com<myvoice@oneclickpolitics.com> Sent:Tuesday, October 17,2023 9:17 PM To:CITY COUNCIL(INCL.CMO STAFF)<city.council@surfcity-hb.org> Subject: Reject Censorship, Reject Resolution 2023-41 Re: Reject Censorship,Reject Resolution 2023-41 Dear City Council, As a resident of Huntington Beach, I am writing to ask you to vote against Resolution 2023-41,which would establish a policy to review library materials for sexual content. A parent is the person best suited to make decisions about what their child does or does not read,but the proposed ordinance would take that right away from many parents in our community by limiting what is available in the public library. It would also make the city,not parents,the ultimate arbiter on library materials. We trust our trained library staff. The library does not carry obscene materials or make them available to young readers. The policies in the ordinance are poorly defined and overly burdensome and expensive;the city will need to hire extra staff to implement and enforce them. The city may also open itself up to a costly lawsuit if the policy goes into effect and members of the community sue because they don't think their children have been protected or that their rights have been violated. The policy is both unwanted and unneeded. Please support the rights of parents and children in our community by voting against it. Thank you, Sincerely, Ms. Terry Ching tching4th@yahoo.com 5901 Kenbrook Drive Huntington Beach, CA 92648 Constituent Prepared by OneClickPolitics(tm)at www.oneclickpolitics.com.OneClickPolitics provides online communications tools for supporters of a cause,issue,organization or association to contact their elected officials.For more information regarding our policies. and services,please contact info(a,oneclickpolitics.com 1 Switzer, Donna From: Fikes, Cathy Sent: Wednesday, October 18,2023 9:07 AM To: Agenda Alerts Subject: FW: Reject Censorship, Reject Resolution 2023-41 From: myvoice@oneclickpolitics.com <myvoice@oneclickpolitics.com> Sent:Tuesday,October 17, 2023 10:05 PM To:CITY COUNCIL(INCL. CMO STAFF)<city.council@surfcity-hb.org> Subject: Reject Censorship, Reject Resolution 2023-41 Re: Reject Censorship, Reject Resolution 2023-41 Dear City Council, As a resident of Huntington Beach, I am writing to ask you to vote against Resolution 2023-41,which would establish a policy to review library materials for sexual content. A parent is the person best suited to make decisions about what their child does or does not read,but the proposed ordinance would take that right away from many parents in our community by limiting what is available in the public library. It would also make the city, not parents, the ultimate arbiter on library materials. We trust our trained library staff. The library does not carry obscene materials or make them available to young readers. The policies in the ordinance are poorly defined and overly burdensome and expensive;the city will need to hire extra staff to implement and enforce them. The city may also open itself up to a costly lawsuit if the policy goes into effect and members of the community sue because they don't think their children have been protected or that their rights have been violated. The policy is both unwanted and unneeded. Please support the rights of parents and children in our community by voting against it. Thank you, Sincerely, Ms. Helen Magpayo bruingir199@hotmail.com 20351 Brentstone Ln Huntington Beach, CA 92646 Constituent Prepared by OneClickPolitics(tin)at www.oneclickpolitics.com.OneClickPolitics provides online communications tools for supporters of a cause,issue,organization or association to contact their elected officials.For more information regarding our policies and services,please contact info(coneclickpolitics.com 1 Switzer, Donna From: Fikes, Cathy Sent: Wednesday, October 18, 2023 9:09 AM To: Agenda Alerts Subject: FW: Council Meeting 10/18/23 From: HAROLD AND CHERYL COOK<ramstock1971@msn.com> Sent: Wednesday, October 18, 2023 8:55 AM To: CITY COUNCIL(INCL. CMO STAFF) <city.council@surfcity-hb.org> Subject: Council Meeting 10/18/23 Our family of four are absolutely opposed to any form of voter suppression which is what Voter ID would be. We are also opposed to any book ban and demand that the opinions ad wishes of the people of this city not be ignored. Sent from Mail for Windows 1 Switzer, Donna From: Jennifer Johnson <jannj46@yahoo.com> Sent: Friday, October 20, 2023 9:28 AM To: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Subject: Book bans Please do not ban books at our library. Readers should be able to choose what they want to read. Sent from Yahoo Mail on Android 1 Switzer, Donna From: myvoice@oneclickpolitics.com Sent: Thursday, October 19, 2023 1:18 PM To: supplementalcomm©surfcity-hb.org Subject: Reject Censorship, Reject Resolution 2023-41 Re: Reject Censorship, Reject Resolution 2023-41 • Dear Supplemental Communications, As a resident of Huntington Beach, I am writing to ask you to vote against Resolution 2023-41,which would establish a policy.to review library materials for sexual content.A parent is the person best suited to make decisions about what their child does or does not read, but the proposed ordinance would take that right away from many parents in our community by limiting what is available in the public library. It would also make the city, not parents,the ultimate arbiter on library materials.We trust our trained library staff.The library does not carry obscene materials or make them available to young readers.The policies in the ordinance are poorly defined and overly burdensome and expensive;the city will need to hire extra staff to implement and enforce them.The city may also open itself up to a costly lawsuit if the policy goes into effect and members of the community sue because they don't think their children have been protected or that their rights have been violated.The policy is both unwanted and unneeded. Please support the rights of parents and children in our community by voting against it.Thank you, Sincerely, Ann Ryan rhynoboy@yahoo.com 20391 Ravenwood Ln Huntington Beach, CA 92646 Constituent Prepared by OneClickPolitics(tm)at www.oneclickpolitics.com.OneClickPolitics provides online communications tools for supporters of a cause,issue,organization or association to contact their elected officials.For more information regarding our policies and services,please contact info@oneclickpolitics.com • • Switzer, Donna From: Ted Ross <tedross_0077@msn.com> Sent: Thursday, October 19, 2023 11:51 AM To: Van Der Mark, Gracey; McKeon, Casey; Burns, Pat; Strickland,Tony Cc:' CITY COUNCIL(INCL. CMO STAFF); supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Subject: Suggestion for Children's Book Screening for possible sexual content City Council members, Since it was pointed out numerous times the effective desired screening requires manual labor which exceeds the capacity of any appointed review panel why not start the process using Artificial Intelligence (AI)to first screen digital content as a first step. Then with filtered materials identified you could then have your panel review the highlighted materials? Sent from my iPhone Ted Ross Huntington Beach resident 1 Switzer, Donna From:. Judith Lewis <judilew22@gmail.com> Sent: Wednesday, October 18, 2023 10:18 PM To: CITY COUNCIL(INCL. CMO STAFF);supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Subject HB City Council initiates Library book ban I listened carefully to the. Huntington Beach City Council Meeting held October 17 regarding establishment of'a Board to restrict library books with "sexual content" based on the decision of a board that will be appointed by Council. From the discussion with Council members and the City Attorney it appears: • This Board or Committee will have no qualifications except they should be a parent or guardian and supposedly an HB resident • This Board will have no requirement to hold public meetings or provide public documentation for the basis of their decisions. • These decisions would have no appeal process or oversight by the City Council. • These decisions will be binding on the librarian • These decisions will require all such books to either not be purchased (banned) or, if already in the library, to be moved to the adult section over 18. (restricted) • No provision is included in the proposal for young adult books as defined in the library. - • No definition as to what is considered "sexual content" or what constitutes "community standards" is provided nor is there any guideline as to what might be inappropriate for children vs teens. • Decisions will be made strictly on the ideology, biases and opinions of this committee majority without any research, review or oversight. • . With the current council, this will guarantee a conservative majority on this board that will make these decisions based only on a majority vote. This board and this process is totally unnecessary to ensure that children do not have access to inappropriate books. There already exists a process in the HB Library to handle any books reported to them which might be inappropriate for children. In the past two years the Library has moved five such books out of the children's section based on these complaints. Given such a resolution what could possibly go wrong? Yet, the.Council Majority of four voted for it. Just as they have voted for unnecessary costly proposed charter amendments, mandatory voter ID, ballot box monitoring, and flag banning. They have 1 also expressed their disregard for the rights of all minorities by their rewrite of HB's human relations policy. Judith A. Lewis 4057 Warner Avenue Huntington Beach CA 92649 714 742-5444 36 Year HB resident 2 Switzer; Donna From:. erinbamford@aol.com Sent: Wednesday, October 18, 2023 7:13 PM To: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Subject: VOTE NO!!! VOTE NO!!! Parents decide what books their children have access to NOT LOCAL GOVERNMENT!!! STOP OVER-GOVERNING.US with your puritanical laws! CLEAN THIS CITY UP! DEAL WITH BUMS IN OUR PARKS!! Regards Erin Bamford 1 Switzer, Donna From: Annilise Flanagan-Frankl <anniliseff@gmail.com> Sent: Wednesday, October 18, 2023 11:45 AM To: CITY COUNCIL (INCL. CMO STAFF); supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Subject: Council meeting on 10/17/23 Council Members, I attended the meeting last night prepared to present my comments. I arrived at 5:30 and needed to leave to address family needs at 9:30pm, not having had the opportunity to share my thoughts and concerns. Here are the statements I would have made at the meeting. I am a H.B. home owner, an educator and psychologi Annilise M. Flanagan-Frankl, M.A. Counsel ingPsychol ogist Nationally Certified School Psychologist Remember - the past is over, the future is a mystery,and today is a gift. That is why it is called the PRESENT. Make today count. Call: 847-226-3119 i Switzer, Donna From: Annilise Flanagan-Frankl <anniliseff@gmail.com> Sent: Wednesday, October 18, 2023 12:18 PM To: CITY COUNCIL(INCL. CMO STAFF);supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Subject: Re: Council meeting on 10/17/23 Council Members, I apologize for the first email you received. Here is the completed email. I attended the meeting last night prepared to present my.comments. I arrived at 5:30 and needed to leave to address family needs at 9:30pm, not having had the opportunity to share my thoughts and concerns. Here are the statements I would have made at the meeting. I am an HB homeowner, educator, and psychologist, I have studied child development and family functioning for fifty years. I have raised three children who are successful in their fields and contributing members of society. Throughout their childhood and teen years, I monitored what they read and how they interacted with the Internet. Beginning at age 10, they independently used the library for both pleasure and learning. It was my job as their parent to assure conversations happened regarding their choices. I oppose changing our developing children's access to information in the library. I oppose an appointed community/parent review board when the community has professionals who understand child development and currently make appropriate choices. I currently work with teens who struggle within the academic settings. Why do you ask? Primarily it is because Parents and not parenting! The assumption seems to be that it is easier to not engage in setting limits on children. It makes it easier for parents who are already stressed in numerous ways to look for schools, etc to avoid challenging conversations with their children. In my day to day experiences,fewer parents are doing their job. Children have more access to information on sexulaity on TicTock, YouTube, and Instagram than what they could access in the library. Unless you intend to become the watch dogs of all these areas, I suggest you start programs to train parents on how to be parents! Recently, a friend's third grader, who attends a private Christian school, came home and asked, "What is.a lesbian?" That question did not arise from reading a library book, or instruction in the classroom. It came from a playground discussion with a friend! You as a governmental body DO NOT NEED to take over the role of parenting. Stop pushing your values onto the community! Our constitution clearly indicates a separation of Church and State. This means your values have no more value than mine: Your attempt to promote a conservative, right wing viewpoint is appalling. I am opposed to the Five (including the City Attorney-who at a meeting compared his Irish ancestors entering the.United States as indentured servants to those of.African Americans brought here as slaves), pushing for a Special Election in March to place voterlD and other intimidation on the ballot:. The cost of such a project, in addition to the cost for the lawsuits which will be brought against the City of Huntington Beach, are not necessary! I also wish to express my continued disappointment in Mayor Pro Temp' lack of using science to make community health decisions. She is not a science professional and her comments are not those of health 1 professionals. Her lack of understanding of science and her statements regarding vaccines and COVID19 represent another right-wing conservative political agenda. Using science to make decisions on topics which one is not an expert in, should be the way the community learns - not pushing one's personal agenda. Lastly, for a little humor. It seems certain members of this counsel need to reflect on how times have changed! When I was growing up, the local library in the community in which I lived, kept Playboy magazine behind the counter, in a special locked adult section, monitored by the librarians, only accessible by those of 21! The number of high school boys who suddenly became 21 was amazing! Today, teens can just turn to the internet, no need to identify oneself as 21! Sincerely, Annilise M. Flanagan-Frankl On Wed,Oct 18, 2023 at 11:44 AM Annilise Flanagan-Frankl<anniliseff@gmail.com>wrote: Council Members, I attended the meeting last night prepared to present my comments. I arrived at 5:30 and needed to leave to address family needs at 9:30pm, not having had the opportunity to share my thoughts and concerns. Here are the statements I would have made at the meeting. I am a H.B. home owner, an educator and psychologi Annilise M. Flanagan-Frankl, M.A. Counse l ingPsychol ogis t Nationally Certified School Psychologist Remember - the past is over, the future is a mystery,and today is a gift. That is why it is called the PRESENT. Make today count. Call: 847-226-3119 Annilise M. Flanagan-Frankl, M.A. 2 Counse l ingPsychol ogist Nationally Certified School Psychologist Remember - the past is over, the future is a mystery,and today is a gift. That is why it is called the PRESENT. Make today count. Call: 847-226-3119 3 Switzer, Donna From: myvoice@oneclickpolitics.com Sent: Monday, October 23, 2023 7:49 AM To: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Subject: Reject Censorship, Reject Resolution 2023-41 Re: Reject Censorship, Reject Resolution 2023-41 Dear Supplemental Communications, As a resident of Huntington Beach, I am writing to ask you to vote against Resolution 2023-41,which would establish a policy to review library materials for sexual content.A parent is the person best suited to make decisions about what their child does or does not read, but the proposed ordinance would take that right away from many parents in our community by limiting what is available in the public library. It would also make the city, not parents,the ultimate arbiter on library materials.We trust our trained library staff.The library does not carry obscene materials or make them available to young readers.The policies in the ordinance are poorly defined and overly burdensome and expensive;the city will need to hire extra staff to implement and enforce them.The city may also open itself up to a costly lawsuit if the policy goes into effect and members of the community sue because they don't think their children have been protected or that their rights have been violated.The policy is both unwanted and unneeded. Please support the rights of parents and children in our community by voting'against it.Thank you, Sincerely, Jill Grundstrom jillouise@yahoo.com 17512 Beckwall lane Huntington Beach, CA 92649 Constituent Prepared by OneClickPolitics(tm)at www.oneclickpolitics.com.OneClickPolitics provides online communications tools for supporters of a cause,issue,organization or association to contact their elected officials.For more information regarding our policies and services,please contact info@oneclickpolitics.com • Switzer, Donna From: Levin, Shannon Sent: Monday, October 23, 2023 7:51 AM To: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Subject: FW: Reject Censorship, Reject Resolution 2023-41 From: myvoice@oneclickpolitics.com <myvoice@oneclickpolitics.com> Sent: Monday, October 23, 2023 7:49 AM To:CITY COUNCIL(INCL. CMO STAFF)<city.council@surfcity-hb.org> Subject: Reject Censorship, Reject Resolution 2023-41 Re: Reject Censorship, Reject Resolution 2023-41 Dear City Council, As a resident of Huntington Beach, I am writing to ask you to vote against Resolution 2023-41,which would establish a policy to review library materials for sexual content.A parent is the person best suited to make decisions about what their child does or does not read, but the proposed ordinance would take that right away from many parents in our community by limiting what is available in the public library. It would also make the city, not parents,the ultimate arbiter on library materials. We trust our trained library staff.The library does not carry obscene materials or make them available to young readers.The policies in the ordinance are poorly defined and overly burdensome and expensive; the city will need to hire extra staff to implement and enforce them.The city may also open itself up to a costly lawsuit if the policy goes into effect and members of the community sue because they don't think their children have been protected or that their rights have been violated.The policy is both unwanted and unneeded. Please support the rights of parents and children in our community by voting against it.Thank you, Sincerely, Jill Grundstrom iillouise@yahoo.com 17512 Beckwall lane Huntington Beach, CA 92649 Constituent Prepared by OneClickPolitics(tm)at www.oneclickpolitics.com.OneClickPolitics provides online communications tools for supporters of a cause,issue,organization or association to contact their elected officials.For more information regarding our policies and services,please contact info Cdoneclickoolitics.com 1 Switzer, Donna From: Karen Locke Thorns <thomskl @verizon.net> Sent: Monday, October 23, 2023 10:33 AM To: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Subject: Oppose Agenda Item 20 1 Moore, Tania From: Lynn Unger <lynnungerhb@gmail.com> Sent: Wednesday, October 11, 2023 3:23 PM To: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Subject: Pornograohic library book I support our Mayor Pro-tem and our newly elected City Council in removing pornograohic material and books from our public libraries. Parents not liberal librarians should have the final say in protecting our children from inappropriate materials. Regards, Lynn Unger 7871 Shell Cir, Huntington Beach, CA 92648 SUPPLEMENTAL COMMUNICATION 10/17/2023 Ming Date: 20 (23-879) Agenda Item No.; i Moore, Tania From: Lindsay Klick <linfish@hotmail.com> Sent: Friday, October 13, 2023 9:28 AM To: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Subject: No Book Bans at HBPL My name is Lindsay. I am a mother of two school-aged children, an HB resident for 20 years and a Children's Librarian in Orange County. I am extremely troubled by a development that is threatening our beloved public library system. The Huntington Beach Public Library (HBPL) is under pressure by politicians to restrict and remove materials currently available to all.These attacks are led by Mayor Pro Tem Gracey Van Der Mark and supported by Mayor Strickland and councilmembers Burns and McKeon. Proposed book bans=government overreach On October 17,the Huntington Beach City Council will review and debate measures that would "prevent minor access to age-inappropriate, obscene, pornographic and/or sexually explicit materials in City libraries." But who determines what falls into these categories? "Pornographic" and "obscene" are legal terms—none of the books in HBPL qualify as such. "Age-appropriate," however, is subjective. Under the current system, parents determine what is appropriate for their families. Parents who are concerned about specific content are already VERY involved in their children's selections. Parents who prefer to give their children "free rein" currently have that option. Neither approach is wrong! What is wrong is Mrs.Van Der Mark's proposal to form a board of parents who subscribe to her own personal beliefs to determine what is right for everyone else.She has proposed removing materials with "sexual content" from the children's area. Her definition most certainly includes materials even mentioning the existence of members of the LGBTQ+as well as books about reproduction, both of which are popular and circulate well currently.This is true government overreach. Plus, it's a waste of the council's time—we already have a functioning system of safeguards in place. Current common-sense library standards The following policies and practices are standard for all public libraries: • Children need a parent or guardian's permission to get a library card. • Minors under 11 must be accompanied by an adult in the library. • Materials are arranged in sections: children's, teen and adult areas. • Using the library's website, parents can access the list of materials their children have checked out at any time. • Library staff can assist families with personal book selection based on family needs and concerns. (This is called "readers advisory"—librarians are happy to help!) • Public websites like "commonsensemedia.org" are also useful tools to guide parents in helping their children select books. • Library users may initiate the formal review of any item in the collection by completing a Library Materials Evaluation form. Our library works for our community The Huntington Beach Public Library is well used and much loved. Each year thousands of satisfied families use the library to access over a quarter of a million books or printed materials. Given these numbers, it's impressive that there 1 were only five book challenges in the last five years. Gracey Van Der Mark herself has successfully used the current re- evaluation process resulting in a book being moved from Teen to Adult. The truth is that many who are working to restrict materials do not actually use the library.They are acting on the unfounded fear that libraries and reading are dangerous, a fear the Mayor Pro Tem is fueling. Forming a group of very conservative parents to "pre-select" materials for library purchase IS book banning.We as library users need to stand up to those who would set limits on our children's reading. Deciding what our kids can read is our job, not theirs. Free people read freely. Period.The time for library whispers is over. It's time to shout! —Lindsay Klick- Mother, HB Resident, Librarian 2 Moore, Tania From: David Rynerson <drynerson@earthlink.net> Sent: Friday, October 13, 2023 12:11 PM To: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Subject: Agenda Item 23-879 Council Members— I will not be able to attend next Tuesday's City Council meeting due to a prior commitment. As a consequence, I am writing to you instead. Members of the council majority seem to have quite selective hearing when soliciting public feedback. We saw that demonstrated in full force at the last charter amendment hearing when, despite evidence from both written and oral communications that approximately 90-95%of citizens were opposed to the voter ID amendment,the majority voted to proceed. Now we have on the current council agenda, another item with a similarly unfavorable citizen response—Councilwoman Van Der Mark's proposal to involve the City Council in determining what books can be in the children's section of our library. The Councilwoman's contention is that there are "pornographic" books in the children's section of the library. One has to wonder exactly what is her definition of pornography. One of the books targeted in he presentation is "Grandad's Pride", a story about a girl who finds a Pride flag in het grandfather's attic, leading the two of them to organize a Pride parade in their town. Please explain what is pornographic about this book. Rather, it look like another attempt by the council majority to impose their values, ethics, and morals on the entire community, regardless of what the community thinks. It's quite clear that those who endorse this proposal are homophobic. That has already been demonstrated by your revision of the Declaration on Human Rights and the proposed charter amendment on flags. No one is asking you to embrace alternate sexual choices—simply not to ostracize them and treat them as non-citizens. Whether you like it or not,they are members of this community and they are also your constituents. Do not think for a single minute that the mechanism of having each councilmember appoint three citizens to the review board gives the proposal any cloak of decency or democratic process. We know exactly the kind of person the council majority will appoint. This is a transparent fig leaf to try to give the proposal an aire of democratic process. We see through your obfuscation. You heard person after person tell you in both council meetings and in charter amendment feedback sessions to leave the curation of library books, and what sections they belong in, to the librarians,who are trained in this endeavor. Stop wasting our time and money with your divisive culture war issues and spend your time on the real issues that this city faces: infrastructure, homelessness, housing affordability, etc. Best regards, David Rynerson 6272 Newbury Drive, HB Sent from Mail for Windows 1 Moore, Tania From: Estanislau, Robin Sent: Friday, October 13, 2023 3:05 PM To: Moore, Tania Subject: FW: Support of agenda item 20 - Correct classification of books SC From:Victor&Alice Kornahrens<kornyone@verizon.net> Sent: Friday, October 13, 2023 2:19 PM To: Estanislau, Robin<Robin.Estanislau@surfcity-hb.org> Subject:Support of agenda item 20-Correct classification of books Dear Ms:: Estanislau, Please note I am in favor of removing sexually suggestive books from the children's and young adult sections at HB public library. (Listed as agenda item 20). As there is NO adult porn section at HBPL, so there are apparently already "book bans" enacted at our library. Filth is filth and should be removed. Our children should be free to read books without smut. Sincerely, Alice Kornahrens Resident of Huntington Beach i Moore, Tania From: Michael McShane <mmcshane@outlook.com> Sent: Friday, October 13, 2023 5:04 PM To: Dan Kalmick; CITY COUNCIL(INCL. CMO STAFF);'supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Subject: Re: Book Banning and Voter ID at Tuesdays Council Meeting! As a long time Huntington Beach resident, I felt the need to respond snd offer my two cents: 1. re book banning. Banning books because of content IS government overreach.As a blue spot in a sea of red, isn't that a tenet of republicans? 2. Voter ID is voter suppression. Based on research,the level of supposed fraud that this law will prevent is outweighed by the legal residents who won't be able to vote. 3. Cronyism is rampant in the city council. If the CEO of the airshow sits on a Huntington Beach committee, make sure that individual recuses on all matters re airshow related.We demand to see the full figures of the profits (and not including property tax values) rather than ethereal metrics with guesstimates of profits of said metrics. 4. E-bikes. E-bike regulations are sorely needed. It needs to be against the law for teenagers without licenses and proper insurance to ride on motorized vehicles on taxpayer funded streets. Period. Huntington Beach is a great city.We need to continue to protect against over development, big oil, and preserving native burial grounds. Michael McShane Huntington Beach,Ca 92649 SUPPLEMENTAL COMMUNICATION UNICATION 10/17/2023 Meeting Imo: 20 (23-879) Agenda Item No.;_ 1 Moore, Tania From: Levin, Shannon. Sent: Friday, October 13, 2023 5:31 PM To: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Subject: Fwd: Library Books Get Outlook for iOS From: Nicole Howard<cyclekitty47@yahoo.com> Sent: Friday, October 13,2023 4:43:42 PM To:CITY COUNCIL(INCL. CMO STAFF)<city.council@surfcity-hb.org> Subject: Library Books The City Council will be overstepping its role by trying to set up systems to reject children's/young adult books that it believes has sexual content.This is a decision that should be left in the hands of parents and children. Is it your intent to ban coming of age books such as: "Are You There God, It's me Margaret?" because it discusses menstruation,or will you ban books that depict non traditional families?The City Council should not attempt to censor and ban books.As a child, I have fond memories of going to the library and picking out books of my choice. I learned to be independent by doing this. I will personally vote to NOT re-elect any candidate that supports this nonsense. Furthermore, I will advocate this position to friends and family.There are far more pertinent issues for Council Members to address. Nicole Howard 19662 Stern Ln Huntington Beach Sent from my iPhone Do you know of a fellow OneHB team member who has gone above & beyond? g �lT FCC y. , E NiVIERt "R `` 1 Moore, Tania From: Patti Akers <phakers@LIVE.COM> Sent: Friday, October 13,2023 5:37 PM To: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Subject: My opinion in advance of the October 17 meeting I am against this process that you are creating which is in effect banning books. What gives a 21 person committee the decision-making power to decide what books are available to HB residents? I am against your expensive and illegal voter ID and suppression. Those pushing this are afraid of what would happen if every legal HB resident votes. The March election is a misuse of our city funds. I will be working to make sure as many HB voters are registered and ready to vote what we believe. You are not listening to your constituents. Patti Akers Sent from Mail for Windows 1 Moore, Tania From: Levin, Shannon Sent: Friday, October 13, 2023 5:57 PM To: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Subject: Fwd:Voter ID/Book Banning items Get Outlook for iOS From:James Rodriguez<jamesrodriguez714@gmail.com> Sent: Friday, October 13, 2023 5:36:23 PM To:CITY COUNCIL(INCL. CMO STAFF)<city.council@surfcity-hb.org> Subject:Voter ID/Book Banning items Hi CC, As 25 years resident of Huntington Beach, I have not seen such an act of political soapboxing.The items to admend the city's charter are frivolous and CC should be sanctioned. 1.Voter ID is suppression, many case judgements since the 1960s agree ID for voting is suppression.Similar to requirement of IQ tests and literary tests to vote. 2. Banning books is censorship.This is communist at its finest. Let me remind CC of the famous cases against Larry flint,that Mr. Flint publications were never censored in the U.S. by reglious institutions and 1st admendment rights of the constitution were upheld. Furthermore, Larry Flint said "freedom of the press is not the freedom for your ideas, but the ideas you hate the most". We are wasting resources,time and money,for the political grandstanding of the current CC majority. Do you know of a fellow OneHB team . , member who has gone above &beyond? ,, • PLC:0.6:4 RECt T ROG 1 Moore, Tania From: Levin, Shannon Sent: Friday, October 13,2023 5:58 PM To: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Subject: Fwd: Book Banning and Voter ID at Tuesday's Council Meeting! Get Outlook for lOS From: Maneck Bhujwala <mnbhujwala@gmail.com> Sent: Friday,October 13, 2023 5:35:52 PM To: Dan Kalmick<dan@dankalmick.com> Cc:CITY COUNCIL(INCL. CMO STAFF)<city.council@surfcity-hb.org> Subject: Re: Book Banning and Voter ID at Tuesday's Council Meeting! I agree with your informed and thoughtful opinion that we should not increase the tax burden on our city residents by incurring high costs of half a million dollars in rushing to have special elections in March of 2024. I also agree with you on your concern about willy nilly rushing new laws to ban books in libraries.bv a limited group of review boards instead of a public vote through the initiative process. I urge the City Council members to reconsider hasty action that will end up hurting City residents in one way or another. Regards, Maneck Bhujwala Resident of Huntington Beach since January 2004. On Fri, Oct 13, 2023 at 4:03 PM Dan Kalmick<dan@dankalmick.com>wrote: View this email in your browser , D N MI K KAL C . ,for Huntington Beach City Council want to thank all of you who have been participating in this flawed Charter Amendment process. After our final special meeting last week, three charter amendments are being proposed for a`nearly half million dollar special election in March of'2024. Most of these amendments would go into effect in 2026, so why are we rushing-for a primary ballot at massive cost If they're that 1 important, put them on in November at 10% of theost The final vote on th"8",.::: ,..-, : .:,,,,,, , charter amendments will be at our meeting this Tuesday (10/17) at 6pm. This will include likely illegal VoteriD (suppression) and voter-intimidation which will,likely'cause HB to run its own.municipal elections (at'what:cost-who. gp y. knows) a restrictive.fla olic , and some language clean up and.appointment of vacant_council o p sitions (effectively_Measure L.from,2.022 that this Council majority'ran against) '''',::::::',•:',:-'12‘-;',.:,' '''-:::'"i•;‘,,,". „:"''-',,-:,'-11, :::,"•;',..•;"'::-:''''''i...-, ,r'.-::::'.:"--',;1:':'1..:?. ::,1', ' , ..-,,:-:, , ':'':-;:::!.;':-.::'.1::':::::i'' The next meeting will also see the return of Book Banning At ourstudy" r session, staff will be presenting research and some modest recommendations •,'"'!:::"::'-':;,'"',::: ::',::',''''..''''',':,'. 2 ' based on;,Gracey Van Der:Mark's unneeded policy to get involved in library policy You can-see 'stafFs�powerpomt here. L:. a '. But then later;on the.agenda, MP'T Van DerMark•and the "city attorney" have apparently jumped the gun (shark?) and brought forward a resolution that ''''''''' : '"''''''''' ''''' ''' effectively creates a;process to ban books Read he revised resolution here (the title has been updated from what on inall osted with the a enda 9 Yp 9 The;request is to have all books that have any sexual content,moved to the adult section A:twenty one (you read that right, 21) person panel will " .review all,,proposed or new children's books and other materials procured by the City , Libraries or• City Librarians that may contai•n.„sexual bon tent before the books or 'materials are in the City Libraries "nd "If recommended books,or aterials do not meet the;Ci ' .,-,,,,,.--,---, ''',,.'',,,-;:i' ', m „ ty s'community standards of acceptance; they may ' be rejected by'vote of the�community parent/guardian review board." It's poorly drafted and unclear if this committee will have:the ability to "reject" all books or just "children's" books. Is there an a eal rocess? unknown pp P • ) Rejecting a book from our library shelves is a ban. Let's be clear,"this isn't about protecting ch"ildren;this is big governmentoverreach What"will this • "committee of parent/guar`dians"find objectionable? The,list is"likely very long , 2 Mayor Pro Tempore Van,Der Mark and the Council Majority lied They said this. wasn't about banning books Well in my opinion, rejecting books from entering the.library collection is, by definition, banning them. As always,you can send emails to city.council((surfCity=hb.org'and ` supplementalcommia'�surfcity-hb orq and let the City Council know how you.feel about these policies and charter'amendments If you'd like to come in person, the meeting;is October 17th Arrive early„ (maybe 3 30pm or 4:OOpm) for the study session on library policy There will be a public,comment period;on staffs recommended changes, and there will be a public com •ment period during the 6pm,meeting Thi•s will be a long meeting, but -. it is critical that you make your voices heard Come prepared`for a late night, or ,, -:::.:::' ,,, late morning'as it may turn:out, get coffee, bring food, cancel:your Wednesday morning (I have) 3 17:f...'"''' ''''':'-''''s ' - Thank.you all for your su " ort and for coming out to meetings:and sending pP. "emails Your voices may fall on deaf ears of the new Council Majority, but;your in person turn out is being watched by hundreds of eop le online and at home. Dan Kalmick, Huntington Beach City.Council CLICK HERE TO. DONATE . � - VISIT'WEBSITE 3 Copyright©2023 Re-Elect Dan Kalmick.to HB City Council-FPPC 1D#1458520 All rights reserved. You are receiving this email because you contacted Councilmember Kalmick or are a voter in Huntington Beach Our mailing address is: Re-Elect Dan Kalmick to HB City Council-FPPC ID#1458520 249 E. Ocean Blvd,#670 Long Beach, Ca 90802 • .Add us to your address book Want to change how you receive these emaiIs? You can update your preferences or unsubscribe from this list. R I TUIT mallchliflrip Do you know of a fellow OneHB team . ,.- >I f member who has gone above & beyond? , ? ■■(�{.y{M`k* yYl$'{{ +�' r � '7ah 8..,,'y i 6 3P _m y, M%WS_ '. '% \i�44 .Y fLk" - dE zb 8H 'kStGF; 1 LOYEE fo r�'+II1 lG PRO RA � 4 Moore, Tania From: Levin, Shannon Sent: Friday, October 13,2023 5:58 PM To: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Subject: Fwd: Process to choose books for our library and voter suppression Get Outlook for iOS From: Patti Akers<phakers@LIVE.COM> Sent: Friday,October 13,2023 5:32:22 PM To:CITY COUNCIL(INCL.CMO STAFF)<city.council@surfcity-hb.org> Subject: Process to choose books for our library and voter suppression I am against this process that you are creating which is in effect banning books. What gives a 21 person committee the decision-making power to decide what books are available to HB residents? I am against your expensive and illegal voter ID and suppression. The March election is a misuse of our city funds. I will be working to make sure as many HB voters are registered and ready to vote what they believe. You are not listening to your constituents Patti H.Akers Sent from Mail for Windows Do you know of a fellow OneHB team * ` ._ member who has gone above (Sc. beyond? �' ,*4. �} 9 NOMINATE TI EM FO1 THE dmi::: ' `- ESA/ Y s EcO� I�TION m O R '' �` 's: 1 Moore, Tania .EMIR I. From: Levin, Shannon Sent: Friday, October 13, 2023 6:42 PM To: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Subject: Fwd: Library Books Get Outlook for iOS From: Donna Skinner<sisterskinner@gmail.com> Sent: Friday, October 13, 2023 5:58:48 PM To:CITY COUNCIL(INCL. CMO STAFF)<city.council@surfcity-hb.org> Subject: Library Books Leave the library alone. Librarians decide what books to include on our library's shelves.They are educated and experienced.The city council has no business in library management. If individuals don't want their kids to see some books,they should monitor their children's choices. Donna Skinner DonnaSkinner.com Do you know of a fellow OneHB team ' , 1, s� member who has gone above &beyond? .° r y: .? , °S' [ ,,,knvi.m7A,, ,, NOMINATE THEM R,THE CITY'S NEW `4 4 E PL OYEE; GN! x1ON PRO RAC tx .. 1 Moore, Tania From: Sue Brewsaugh <sue.brewsaugh@gmail.com> Sent: Friday, October 13,2023 7:56 PM To: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Subject: HB Library Please leave trained librarians in charge of the selections and acquisition of all materials in our library.They have trained to do this job and do it well. If anyone does not want to read or look at a book in the collection then they can just ignore it. Parents need to supervise their own children and let others do the same. Thank you, Sue Brewsaugh HB resident and library user for over 30 years 1 Moore, Tania From:, michaela kellner <polkadotgator@me.com> Sent: Friday, October 13, 2023 8:30 PM To: CITY COUNCIL(INCL.CMO STAFF);supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Subject: On Resolution No.2023-41 Hello, Let me firstly say I completely oppose this resolution. What people, read-and yes even children should be up to that person/child and their parental guardian. Children don't always read at the level of their age,they evolve differently, learn at their own pace. Some children go on to take college courses before high school.Would you deny those children the chance to learn beyond their years in a curriculum or subject matter that may be more advanced or even contain obscene material merely because of their age? Would you stifle someone from reading beyond their age? You guys remind me of the school librarian I argued with when I was 6 or 7 about reading The Hobbit because they thought it was too complex and large for me to read. I remember handing it back to her a week and a half later when I completed it. It's something that sticks in my mind. I'm still an avid reader today, I read a minimum 100 books a year. I had read the entirely of available children books and series by the time I was 8 or 9, I had burned through them all,and used to pull a good majority of my reads out the the generalized adult science fiction and fantasy section. Nothing I read scarred me in anyway, nor was the content something that I could not maturely handle. But the decision to read was my own. Other people shouldn't get to have a say in what or when anyone reads. It's frankly none of your business and it a gross overreach trying to grapple with moral control because it makes you feel better.You don't matter here,your choice has nothing to do with others. Quit imposing your moral control on anyone.That should between a child reader and their parent. This is a wasteful use of time and resources. Let the Librarians,you know people actually familiar with the books, publishing and their content handle this stuff. You have no place in it. Thanks, Michaela Kellner 1 Moore, Tania From: Kristina Mahan <momofbgk1974@yahoo.com> Sent: Saturday, October 14, 2023 8:36 AM To: CITY COUNCIL(INCL. CMO STAFF);supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Subject: Library books Dear council, I am a long time HB resident. Here we are again with another agenda item from the tired extremist right wing play book. Once again,you are creating problems where there are none. HB public libraries are not associated with the ALA.They already have a process for cataloging books,and there is a process for the public to challenge books if they want to.Zero books have been challenged this year.There is no problem here!The only problem is Gracey's demented definition of pornography. I do not want this extremist council majority in charge of deciding which books will be available to me and my children. The current library system works and should not change.Our librarians are professionals and have always been trusted, and should continue to be trusted. No government involvement! Kristina Mahan Sent from Yahoo Mail on Android i Moore, Tania From: bbenton955@aol.com Sent: Saturday, October 14, 2023 11:43 AM To: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Subject: RE: Library and Voting Dear Members of the City Council, I stand totally against the wrong-headed measure regarding the operation and administration of Huntington Beach Public Libraries. The administration of public libraries in California rests in the Library Law and falls under the State of California Department of Education. While the State may grant County governments some responsibilities, the overarching administration rests with the State. A similar problem exists with the Voter ID proposal. The Constitution of the United States of America grants to the States the administration of elections. The State of CA has given specific responsibilities to our County of Orange. As outlined in a recent letter to the City from the Attorney General of the State of California, there is ample case law to inform the City Council that the process of Voting is not their responsibility. Both of these proposals will undoubtedly be challenged in court if passed and submit the taxpayers of Huntington Beach to extreme financial liability. I urge you all to drop these measures immediately. Bonnie Benton 6942 Tucana Drive Huntington Beach, CA 92647 1 Moore, Tania From: Che Chereskin <ceceche78@gmail.com> Sent: Saturday, October 14, 2023 11:56 AM To: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Subject: Re:city council agenda items for 10/17/23 Modification of library policy I have reviewed the PowerPoint prepared by city government staff(I believe)and have no serious objections to it although I think that it is unnecessary. At a time when resources are limited, it seems like a waste of time and money to have two groups doing the same job:the city librarians and the city government staff. In my opinion,the Huntington Beach Library staff already do a great job. I am very proud of our city library system and what it offers. Procurement of books for the library I have also reviewed 2023-41 and strongly object to the proposals therein.Although not stated, I assume that"child" is defined as someone under the age of 12 based upon the PowerPoint discussed above. However,young girls start to menstruate at around age 9(or even younger)and thus, perhaps more than any other group, have a need for information on sexual matters. Likewise boys also have a need for factual material on aspects of sexuality.The proposed restrictions would deprive young people of a reliable source of information on sexuality just when they need it most! They will likely be able to get information from the internet, but anyone can put something on the internet so information from that source is potentially less accurate. Although it would still be possible to access material through an adult,some young people may not want to involve parents or other adults while they are figuring things out. Changes to City Charter Finally, I believe putting the proposed changes to the city charter to a vote should be postponed until it can be done economically.There is nothing urgent proposed. Furthermore,the legality of requiring specific identification for voting seems to be in question. It seems that this issue should be resolved before putting it before our citizens for a vote. Sincerely, Che Chereskin 1 Moore, Tania From: Michael Gioan <digithings00@gmail.com> Sent: Saturday, October 14, 2023 2:32 PM To: CITY COUNCIL(INCL.CMO STAFF);supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Subject: It's time to go to work for HB, City Council! Importance: High I urge the City Council to reject the agenda items below.They are fallacious,futile, and serve absolutely no purpose for managing the City's affair. I also urge the City Council to reprimand Ms.Van Der Mark, author of the propositions below, for wasting the City Council's time with her sick mental obsessions and desperate attempts to clean up her permanently tarnished image. NO on Item 20(23-879):Review and cataloging of library material containing sexual content. Resolution 2023-41 reeks of Soviet-era censorship regulations and barely stops short of Nazi book-burning of"un- German" material(substitute "un-American"to taste). It's pure government overreach and violates free expression, which is of of the main tenets of our republic. As usual, it is poorly written and vague enough to be interpreted well beyond its"officially intended"scope. It is also unpractical and undemocratic.Who will select the "magic 21"?What are the education and training requirements of this mind-control squad in terms of law and ethics?Would they be required to be disciples of the church on Warner Ave near the fire station? Since the resolution will likely be adopted in goose-step 4/3, unless Mr. McKeon remembers again to think for himself, that is, here's a book widely available to any child that I suggest the Banning Commission should review with extreme urgency for the multiple sexual references it contains, ranging from masturbation,to incest,via adultery, prostitution, exhibitionism,group sex, rape, not to mention debauchery and drunkenness. It's called "The Bible". I'll make the future "Book Banning Commission"work easy,they just need to look up the following chapters: • Judges(16): 1(prostitution) • Genesis(19):33—36(incest and debauchery) • Genesis(35):22 (adultery) • Genesis(38): 2 (rape) • Genesis(38): 8—9(masturbation) • Genesis(38): 15—18(prostitution) • Samuel (13): 11-14(incest) • Ezekiel (16):28(group sex) • Ezekiel (23):3 (rape) • Ezekiel (23):5—8(debauchery,group sex) • Ezekiel (23): 11—21(debauchery,group sex) • Samuel (6):20(exhibitionism) • Proverbs(7):7—22(prostitution,adultery) • Isaiah (13): 16(incitement to violence and rape) • Numbers(31) : 18(child rape) The Bible should therefore definitely put out of reach of children,stat! Of course, I'm using sarcasm here, because it's the only way to denounce the sheer hypocrisy and ridicule of this proposed resolution. It's astonishing that there are fewer sexual references in Das Kapital than there are in the Bible (and Karl Marx limits himself to describing the literally sexual fetish gold is for the bourgeoisie,as expressed in 1 Rheinische Zeitung, and Manuscripts, 1842-44). Next time you try book banning, maybe you should also try and read the books that may be involved. NO on Item 21(23-894):Adoption of Resolution 2023-50 in support of Israel and condemning Hamas. There's a French say about useless actions that goes(literally and accurately translated): "It's as good as pissing in a violin to make it play Paganini". This statement serves absolutely no other purpose than being a pathetic attempt by Ms.Van Der Mark to whitewash her well-deserved and well-documented antisemitic reputation, remarkably by also containing obvious anti-muslim overtones. I suppose that this is what we could call "killing two children with one bullet"! Because this is what's happening right now,on both sides and for reasons that are far beyond the comprehension of well-to-do Orange County dwellers. Interestingly enough,there never was a resolution to denounce the Russian invasion of Ukraine by the internationally- all-powerful City of Huntington Beach, I really wonder why! And, please don't tell me it's because it happened before the "Fetid 4"were elected,they had all the time in the world to come up with a resolution on the subject, considering they have done nothing of substance for HB in the last 10 months and how important they feel their opinion is in the world order. Michael Gioan-HB resident since 1991 and homeowner 2 Moore, Tania From: Betty Kanne <bettykanne@hotmail.com> Sent: Sunday, October 15, 2023 7:36 AM To: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org;CITY COUNCIL(INCL.CMO STAFF) Subject: NO to March Ballot; NO to Book Restrictions Council Member, Two requests: NO on the the March ballot initiatives.MOVE these unneeded/undesirable items to the November ballot if you MUST persist in squandering our money by putting these wholly unnecessary Charter changes to public vote. You claim to be"fiscal conservatives".Prove it.Move these items to the more fiscally responsible November General Election.No you won't,because you're terrified to do so,having openly admitting that each item would be soundly defeated by voters in November.This therefore,is a really just a shameful con. Next,and most importantly I address the effort to Ban,Censor,or Restrict Books in our award winning library,the veritable pride of our community! NO.I say vehemently NO to the formation of a 21 person Citizen Committee to seize control of the vetting of library books from the expertly trained,highly educated library science professionals currently employed within our library who are competently tasked with this important responsibility. • This is a cynical,flagrant attempt to simply and effectively magnify your tyrannical,ideological boot stamp of your mean spirited agenda.Why and how can you do this!?Well,because you have an unassailable 4/3 majority.You're attempting to leverage and in fact amplify that one sided invincible power by forming an even more entrenched and ideologically rigid 12 to 9 person committee of opinionated members of our community specifically engaged to wage war against each other with an inevitable one-sided outcome. It's interesting to note that each of your pernicious Culture War forays have a decidedly homophobic stench.It's either ban the Pride Flag or ban any book that even remotely alludes to the mere existence of a non-heterosexual world view.Why is this?Please answer this most telling question.We deserve to know the basis to this quite troubling reoccurring bias. I harken back to the times when love,compassion,tolerance and basic human acceptance had a voice in these once respected chambers.But as noted"elections have consequences"and this community has unwittingly prostrated itself to these grim harbingers of hate,division and repression. Stop assailing our community with your insidious agenda of government overreach and repression of the most vulnerable in our community. Let Freedom Read! Submitted by Betty Kanne Huntington Beach (40+year HB resident,homeowner,unfailing voter) bettykanne@thotmail.com 1 Moore, Tania From: Linda Law <lindaklaw@aol.com> Sent: Sunday, October 15, 2023 9:32 AM To: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Subject: October 17th Council Meeting Dear Council Members, I do not understand the purpose in creating a whole other level of bureaucracy in the city to review books.The library purchases thousands of books for the children's library every year.Will the review group be reading each of these thousands of books?Why does this group of 21 people get to decide what is appropriate and what is not? Let trained professional librarians and educators make these decisions, as they do every day across the country. I do not understand why Council Member Van Der Mark does not share the titles of the books that she found so objectionable. I sincerely hope that a known holocaust denier and friend of white supremacists would not be involved in the choosing of appropriate books for anyone. As I have written before,there is no evidence of voter fraud that requires the presentation of a voter id or the monitoring of polling places. How much will it cost the City to run its own unnecessary municipal election? Does anyone know? I thought the city had limited funds but now they have the money to run an election and to create a new bureaucracy? Thank you for your time. 1 Moore, Tania From: Erin Spivey <erinisalibrarian@gmail.com> Sent: Sunday, October 15, 2023 9:43 AM To: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org;CITY COUNCIL(INCL.CMO STAFF) Subject: resolution 2023-41 To the City Council, As a lifelong member of this community, I am yet again saddened and dismayed by this council's attempts at government overreach and bigotry. This latest move titled "Children's Library Materials Containing Sexual Content" is filled with the worst type of government censorship. Though it seems like this would be a good thing to remove explicit sexual content from the Children's collection, it neglects to tell you that those things don't exist in the Children's collection! There is no smut, no pornography, no obscenity in the entirety of the library's collection! The case cited in this vague and unconstitutional resolution, refers to a case regarding obscenity, not vague"sexual content." There are standards regarding obscenity and pornography in libraries and the Huntington Beach Public Library adheres to all of those standards. But the vague language of this resolution using"sexual references"and "sexual content" has no standard. Those two pieces are only in the eye of the user. So if we are to apply the broadest possible interpretation, children or teens would not be allowed to access any of the following,and adults would have to go to a restricted section to access: The Bible:sexual references are made in Genesis, Ezekiel, Corinthians, Exodus, Leviticus, Proverbs,Song of Solomon, Samuel, and more New Testament includes sexual references made in regards to prostitution,virginity,etc. Any book regarding Mary Mother of Jesus as a "virgin" (this would exclude any books about Christmas Eve,the manger stories,etc) Any book including images or references to pregnancy(as pregnancy can occur as a result of a sexual act)example Mama's Belly or The birds,the bees, and the Berenstain Bears/Stan &Jan Berenstain. Any book that includes romantic kisses (as kissing is a sexual act in and of itself) including all stories related to Sleeping Beauty,Snow White,the Princess and the Frog, many Babysitter's Club, Froggy's First Kiss,etc Any teen books that discuss romance and sexual desire such as Twilight or The Fault in Our Stars The entire works of Shakespeare, notably Romeo and Juliet Required reading for school including, but not limited to, Of Mice and Men,A Tale of Two Cities, Pride and Preiudice, Catch-22, Diary of a Young Girl by Anne Frank,The Outsiders,Wuthering Heights,The Odyssey,The Scarlet Letter,and more. Adult books to be moved to the restricted section: history books health books books on pregnancy books on menopause medical books romance novels mystery novels art books biographies philosophy i religious books There are so many more that would be affected by this vague language that it is impossible to know the true effect. • Thousands of books would fall into this vague "sexual content" category, making a mockery of our library system. This type of vague censorship will be immediately challenged in court and lose, if any of the 100s of cases of precedent are anything to go by. I urge you to vote no on this resolution and leave the libraries alone. sincerely, Erin Spivey HB Resident of over 30 years. 2 Moore, Tania From: alumni.wedge_On@icloud.com Sent: Sunday, October 15, 2023 10:28 AM To: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Subject: Books To the City Council, As a 50+ resident of Huntington Beach, I'm in total agreement with the content of this email. I know the writer and she has the expertise to opine on this topic. Please vote NO on resolution 2023-41 As a lifelong member of this community, I am yet again saddened and dismayed by this council's attempts at government overreach and bigotry. This latest move titled"Children's Library Materials Containing Sexual Content"is filled with the worst type of government censorship. Though it seems like this would be a good thing to remove explicit sexual content from the Children's collection,it neglects to tell you that those things don't exist in the Children's collection! There is no smut,no pornography,no obscenity in the entirety of the library's collection! The case cited in this vague and unconstitutional resolution,refers to a case regarding obscenity,not vague"sexual content." There are standards regarding obscenity and pornography in libraries and the Huntington Beach Public . Library adheres to all of those standards. But the vague language of this resolution using"sexual references"and "sexual content"has no standard. Those two pieces are only in the eye of the user. So if we are to apply the broadest possible interpretation,children or teens would not be allowed to access any of the following,and adults would have to go to a restricted section to access: The Bible: sexual references are made in Genesis, Ezekiel,Corinthians,Exodus,Leviticus,Proverbs,Song of Solomon,Samuel,and more New Testament includes sexual references made in regards to prostitution,virginity,etc. Any book regarding Mary Mother of Jesus as a"virgin" (this would exclude any books about Christmas Eve,the manger stories,etc) Any book including images or references to pregnancy(as pregnancy can occur as a result of a sexual act) example Mama's Belly or The birds.the bees.and the Berenstain Bears/Stan&Ian Berenstain. Any book that includes romantic kisses (as kissing is a sexual act in and of itself)including all stories related to Sleeping Beauty,Snow White,the Princess and the Frog,many Babysitter's Club,Froggy's First Kiss,etc Any teen books that discuss romance and sexual desire such as Twilight or The Fault in Our Stars The entire works of Shakespeare,notably Romeo and Juliet Required reading for school including,but not limited to,Of Mice and Men,A Tale of Two Cities,Pride and Prejudice,Catch-22,Diary of a Young Girl by Anne Frank,The Outsiders,Wuthering Heights,The Odyssey,The Scarlet Letter,and more. Adult books to be moved to the restricted section: history books health books books on pregnancy books on menopause medical books 1 romance novels mystery novels art books biographies philosophy religious books There are so many more that would be affected by this vague language that it is impossible to know the true effect Thousands of books would fall into this vague "sexual content"category,making a mockery of our library system. This type of vague censorship will be immediately challenged in court and lose,if any of the 100s of cases of precedent are anything to go by. I urge you to vote no on this resolution and leave the libraries alone. Mary 2 Moore, Tania From: Carol Daus <caroldaus@gmail.com> Sent: Sunday, October 15, 2023 10:52 AM To: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Subject: In Opposition to Resolution 2023-41 Dear Huntington Beach City Council Members: I vehemently oppose Mayor Pro Tern Van Der Mark's resolution 2023-41 that calls for a radical overhaul of our Public Library, which is widely revered by the community and its patrons. Since she announced her book banning proposal in June, the following events took place: • Friends of the Library membership skyrocketed as library patrons expressed outrage over the Pro Tem's plan. • The library had its largest summer reading program ever with more than 3,600 readers joining the seven-week reading challenge (over 16,000 people attended the 200 events and programs offered at our five locations, and adults reported almost 2,400 books read!) • HBPL was awarded the best children's Storytime in Orange County, for the second consecutive year. Why would a library of this statue require a remake? Gracey is suggesting that any book with a reference of sexual content would be removed to the adult section—this would decimate the teen/young adult section! She's also suggesting that readers under 18 would require parental consent to check out books and that a politician-appointed "parent/guardian" review board would be involved in selecting books, which dangerously diminishes the role of trained librarians. This is an extreme form of political overreach and will need to be litigated in court, which is costly for HB taxpayers. Finally, let's make it clear. This is a book banning plan. It doesn't matter if books aren't removed physically from a library—if they're made inaccessible to those who want to read them, it's a ban. The First Amendment protects not just the right to speak but the right to receive information. Democracy is undermined when a minority--in this case 4 politicians-- force their own preferences and judgments on the rest of us (a community of roughly 200,000) by relocating books off library shelves and preventing new books from being acquired that they find objectionable. Thank you, Carol Daus Huntington Beach resident of 28 years 1 Moore, Tania From: Ginny C <surfcityginny@gmail.com> Sent: Sunday, October 15, 2023 1:11 PM To: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Subject: Vote Yes on Agenda Items 20 and 21 I am asking the HB City Council to vote Yes on Agenda Items 20 and 21. I have been a resident of Huntington Beach for over forty years. Thank You, Virginia Crawford 1 Moore, Tania From: Tony Daus <anthony.daus@gmail.com> Sent: Sunday, October 15, 2023 2:06 PM To: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Subject: Oppose Agenda Item 20 City Council- Please do not vote for agenda item 20. Politicians have no business in selecting or screening books. Leave that to the professionals. Stick to your job! This is a great examplenof unnecessary government overreach and is very likely in violation of the constitution. Tony Daus HB Resident 28 years 1 Moore, Tania From: Nancy Ann Elliott <54nancyann@gmail.com> Sent: Sunday, October 15, 2023 2:08 PM To: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org • Subject: Oppose Agenda Item 20 As a long time HB Library volunteer, I respectfully urge you to vote no on Item 20. Leave book reviews to the experts, and parental controls to the parents. Thank you, Nancy Elliott i Moore, Tania From: Debbie P <debbie.parrett@gmail.com> Sent: Sunday, October 15, 2023 2:13 PM To: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Subject: Oppose Agenda Item 20 I strongly oppose the ban on books. Everyone has a right to choose the book they wish to borrow. 1 Moore, Tania From: Marilyn Palomino <palominoccr@gmail.com> Sent: Sunday, October 15, 2023 2:14 PM To: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Subject: Resolution:2023-41 City Council Members, I am a 37-year resident of Huntington Beach and worked in the community for 24 years. I am in total disagreement with the proposed changes in Resolution: 2023-41! It is unnecessary and poorly structured. . I worked as a social worker for two years and in education for 30+years. I can tell you that child molestation and abuse of all kinds exists in families of all socioeconomic backgrounds. Removing the subject from literature will not make it disappear. It will however endanger children and teenagers and could potentially increase victimization over time. Victims are often threatened by perpetrators and told that they or their loved ones will suffer if they tell anyone. Sometimes victims read about a similar trauma and it gives them a different perspective and/or the courage to get help. A clear and honest exposure to human sexuality, racism. social issues and reality in general are constructive and should be age appropriate. Age-appropriate reading is and should continue to be determined by librarians with expertise. Trust their professionalism! I'm very concerned that a few of you believe you know what is best for all children. Are you educated in child development or education? Are you library professionals? Your attempt to "restrict" access to classic works of literature is an infringement upon everyone rights. You have interjected yourselves into a profession that has no place in city government. Your attempts to micromanage the library system will be costly and ultimately challenged legally. Your recommendation to put together a committee of parents selected by city council members is ludicrous. What qualifications will these committee members possess? Will they be paid? "Stay in your lane!" You should be focusing your council efforts on the safety of our community. The infrastructure needs attention as does the budget. Your actions on the book restrictions are causing a wave of discontent and anger in our community. Please do not go forward with the proposed plan. We are watching your misuse of public trust, funds and time! On another note, you have silenced my public voice by not allowing public comment on Zoom. I had surgery and don't have the stamina to attend a meeting yet. This is not aligned with the Americans with Disabilities Act. 1 Moore, Tania From: Jill Weber <jilldweber@gmail.com> Sent: Sunday, October 15, 2023 2:15 PM To: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Subject: Oppose Agenda Item 20 Dear Council Members, Please do not vote in favor of censorship.The librarians at Huntington Beach Library are capable of picking out books and movies. Thank you, Jill Weber i Moore, Tania From: Donna Ryburn <donnaryburn@gmail.com> Sent: Sunday, October 15, 2023 2:16 PM To: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Subject: Oppose Agenda Item 20 Dear City Council, I am writing once more to oppose adoption of Resolution No. 2023-41.This is quite obviously a first step in book banning! Also,obviously,you have forgotten that this is America! Sincerely, Don and Donna Ryburn 9842 La Cresta Huntington Beach 92646 1 Moore, Tania From: Susan Grantham <susangran9586@gmail.com> Sent: Sunday, October 15, 2023 2:25 PM To: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Subject: Oppose Agenda Item 20 Please vote NO on Resolution 41 for reviewing and recataloging materials at the Huntington Beach Library. Thank you, Susan Grantham 9586 Bickley Drive, Hunting Beach 92646 Virus-free.www.avq.com 1 Moore, Tania From: Julie Hoagland <timetoprayjulie@gmail.com> Sent: Sunday,October 15, 2023 2:29 PM To: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Subject: Dangerous precedent To city council of Huntington Beach Please vote against banning books at our libraries This direction can easily lead to a socialist mentality. This is a very dangerous precedent. Let the citizens choose what books are best for their families. If they are smart enough to vote let them vote by their actions at the library as well Julie Ford DDS Sent from my iPhone 1 Moore, Tania From: Jerri Rubenstein <pjrubes@gmail.com> Sent: Sunday, October 15, 2023 2:30 PM To: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Subject: Oppose Agenda Item 20 I am most adamantly opposed to this council or committee banning any books whatsoever from our libraries. Let people choose for themselves and their families what is appropriate material.We are a free country! Sent from my iPhone • Moore, Tania From: Jean Rowley <mathrocks4jr@yahoo.com> Sent: Sunday, October 15,2023 2:32 PM To: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Subject: Oppose Agenda Item 20 Sent from my iPad 1 Moore, Tania From: Liz Orban <Iizorban@yahoo.com> Sent: Sunday, October 15, 2023 2:38 PM To: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Subject: Oppose Agenda Item 20 Please do not spend our money on censoring books from the HB Library. I do not approve of censorship. Also, most books like Tom Sawyer are freely available on the internet. Thank you. • i Moore, Tania From: Stephen MacDowell <toyomo@sbcglobal.net> Sent: Sunday, October 15, 2023 2:43 PM To: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Subject: Oppose Agenda Item 20 Dear Huntington Beach City Council, I respectfully request you drop your attempt to develop a Library Advisory Committee. It is a gross act of government censorship, and reflects very badly on the the city council members who support it. A free society thrives on the free exchange of ideas and information. I urge the Huntington Beach City Council to maintain our freedoms rather than endanger them. Sincerely, Stephen MacDowell 5601 Middlecoff Hungtington Beach, Ca 92649 (714) 747-6638 1 Moore, Tania From: judy gaglione <gaglionejudy@gmail.com> Sent: Sunday,October 15, 2023 2:45 PM To: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Subject: Oppose Agenda Item 20 I strongly oppose agenda item 20. I am AGAINST ANYONE BANNING BOOKS!!!! You have no right in the free democracy of America. • Moore, Tania From: judy gaglione <gaglionejudy@gmail.com> Sent: Sunday, October 15, 2023 2:49 PM To: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Subject: Oppose Agenda Item 20 Don't Ban any Books in America!! 1 Moore, Tania From: judy gaglione <gaglionejudy@gmail.com> Sent: Sunday, October 15,2023 2:56 PM To: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Subject: Oppose Agenda Item 20 I strongly oppose ANY AND ALL BOOK BANNING.Who ever voted to Ban books in HB Will also be banned in the next election. 1 Moore, Tania From: Gene Axelrod <gene.the.rod@gmail.com> Sent: Sunday, October 15, 2023 3:03 PM To: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Subject: Oppose Agenda Item 20 With respect to Resolution No. 2023-41 one might question whether the subject matter represents the position of Conservatives that government should not be meddling in our lives,that we should be able to live with fewer regulations not more and that cancel culture/wokeness must be resisted? The ultimate effect of the provisions of the referenced resolution is more meddling in our private lives, more regulation and more deference to so-called wokeness. Please record my strenuous objection to the adoption of the resolution. Gene Axelrod Sent from my iPad 1 Moore, Tania From: Charles Spurgeon <cspurgeon1944@gmail.com> Sent Sunday, October 15, 2023 3:17 PM To: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Subject: Oppose Agenda Item 20 As a retired teacher and college professor, a long-time resident of Huntington Beach, and a Friend of the Huntington Beach Library, I am shocked you would even consider banning books or not trusting our librarians' judgement and supervision of collections. I opposed censorship and banning books. So do the other two residents I live with. Respectfully, (and it is probably a good thing I cannot attend the meeting, because I might play King Lear and rage at you) Dr Charles W Spurgeon, professor emeritus, English literature 17521 Still Harbor Ln, Huntington Beach, CA 92647 cspurgeon1944@gmail.com 1 Moore, Tania From: Dick Moore <rmoore003@socal.rr.com> Sent: Sunday, October 15, 2023 3:21 PM To: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Subject: Oppose Agenda Item 20 I oppose agenda Item 20. Kathryn Moore 1 Moore, Tania From: Ralph Eastman <wholeanimal@gmail.com> Sent: Sunday, October 15,2023 3:23 PM To: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Subject: Oppose Agenda Item 20 We do not support any measures to 'protect'the public by denying them free and open access to ALL printed — in its various forms— library materials, regardless of their content. Be grateful that people continue to want to read and make up their own minds. No to censorship in any form. Ralph and Paula Eastman Ralph Eastman (Sent by mental telepathy) i Moore, Tania From: Cheryle Johnston <cherylejohnston1970@gmail.com> Sent: Sunday, October 15, 2023 3:25 PM To: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Subject: Oppose Agenda Item 20 I am a resident of Huntington Beach and a retired lawyer. I oppose Res. 2023-41 on First Amendment grounds. Book banning is for Nazis! Our citizens have the right to choose and read what they want. Please do not go down his slippery slope of deciding what our people may read! I applaud the written opposition to Res. 2023-41 of the HBPL and its staff. • Moore, Tania From: Debra Gala <debragala@gmail.com> Sent: Sunday, October 15, 2023 3:32 PM To: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Subject: Agend Item 20 Dear City Council, I am unable to attend Tuesday's meeting as I have a prior commitment I cannot defer to anyone else. That being said, I ask you to strongly oppose Resolution 2023-41. That this Resolution even exists is a a disgrace to the Huntington Beach community. Keep your focus on City Council business and leave book selections for children eighteen and younger to the experts: librarians, parents/guardians, and teachers. Respectfully, Debra Gala 714 968 6815 20612 Kelvin Lane.92646 1 Moore, Tania From: Gloria Rodriguez <glr92647@gmail.com> Sent: Sunday, October 15, 2023 3:33 PM To: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Subject: Oppose Agenda Item 20 I oppose book banning! Individuals and Families have the right to decide what's best.This is NOT Nazi Americas Focus on ridding the Homelessness issue!! • Moore, Tania From: Florence Sudakow <1 peppermintpattie@gmail.com> Sent: Sunday, October 15, 2023 3:37 PM To: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Subject: Resolution 2023-41 I support the Huntington Beach Public Library. I DO NOT support book banning. This country was not built on narrow minded thinking. 1 Moore, Tania From: Cheryl Narwich Smith <cnarwich@gmail.com> Sent: Sunday,October 15, 2023 3:49 PM To: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Subject: Oppose Agenda Item 20 To whom it may concern, I would like to speak out in opposition of the proposed book ban. I know that the council members are trying to say that it is not a ban. However,voting to move or remove public access to reading materials at the library is the definition of a book ban. First off,the term "sexually explicit content"that is being thrown around, is extremely unclear. This is a very vague umbrella term that could mean a lot of things. One person's definition of"sexually explicit" might differ from the next. I have researched this agenda greatly and can find nowhere where the council has given a comprehensive definition of what the believe "sexually explicit"to mean, nor have I been able to locate a comprehensive list of books that supposedly meet the criteria. I believe it is quite audacious of the council to vote on something so vague as it can be quite misleading and leave it up to interpretation,which is a very slippery slope. I am a mother of two elementary aged children. My daughters are 9 and 7. And yes,there is absolutely material that I would not want them consuming, but that is my right as their parent to decide. What children can consume should be left up to their parent or guardian, not the local city council. And suggesting that the city council should decide what children are able to consume rather than their parent is an extremely dangerous overstep of our local government. believe it is the right of any parent to decide that certain reading material is not appropriate for their child,however, no person/parent/government should get to decide what is appropriate reading material for ALL children. That right lies with the parents. It honestly terrifies me that my local government think they can decide better than I can which reading materials my children consume. In summation, I urge the council to reflect on if what they are proposing is really about"protecting"the children of our community, and why they think they are more qualified to do that than the children's parents. And if nothing else, please provide a comprehensive definition of what the council believes to be"sexually explicit" as well as a comprehensive list of books that are up for review so the parents of our community can get a better idea of what this proposition actually entails. Thank you, Cheryl Smith, a Huntington Beach resident who always votes and will remember how each council member votes on this agenda item. 1 Moore, Tania From: Sue Berman <sueberman23@gmail.com> Sent: Sunday,October 15, 2023 3:49 PM To: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Subject: Oppose Agenda Item 20 How sad and misguided your agenda item is! Feel free at any time to censor your own children's reading materials, not the entire community's. It is a small-minded and bigoted thing to do! It destroys the freedom of others to read, discover,and learn. Frankly, it is un-American. Thinking that a small group of single-minded opinionated people can do a more thorough job of selecting material than professional librarians who hold masters degrees in information and library sciences is ridiculous and shows how little this council values education and professionalism. Critical thinking is a valuable skill this city council must learn to be productive and effective. Susan Berman Sent from my iPad i Moore, Tania From: gall susskind <gailsusskind@yahoo.com> Sent: Sunday, October 15, 2023 3:52 PM To: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Subject: Resolution 2023-41 I oppose Agenda Item 20, adoption of Resolution No. 2023-41. Gail Susskind Sent from my iPhone 1 Moore, Tania From: Barbara Snider <sniderb922@gmail.com> Sent: Sunday, October 15, 2023 3:57 PM To: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Subject: Oppose Agenda Item 20 Regarding the reviewing and recataloging of specific library materials. Dear City Council, You may not realize how expensive this task will be. Also,your actions will be reversed as soon as the populace realizes what you're trying to achieve-censorship and exclusion-and the library will have to take time and manpower to put items back where they belong. Conservatism of your brand is becoming very expensive for taxpayers. Not only for the library, but in other areas of city and county government. Taxpayer funds need to go to city needs, not your ideological issues. Libraries are democratic institutions, meant to provide information for all areas of the community. Every item in the library has been reviewed by a professional librarian and chosen to fill a need in the community. Maybe not your interest, but there are many library users that you are excluding based in your actions. Please remember suicide is a real problem among young adults and children. They need to know they belong someplace and sometimes the library is that place. I hope the American Library Association,the ACLU and other democratic institutions will bring action against what you are proposing, if you are successful. Everyone counts. It's not anyone's place to judge or exclude. That is cruel and damaging. We need our community to be accepting and open. That saves lives. Sent from my iPad 1 Moore, Tania From: MARY JULIENNE <mjsfishstick@msn.com> Sent: Sunday, October 15, 2023 4:08 PM To: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Subject: Proposed Book Ban I reject the attempts of this city council to ban books. People have the right to access books and should be only concerned with their own belief systems for themselves and their own minor children. Butt out of everyone else's business.Church and state are separate.You cannot judge what is appropriate for residents in a diverse community. I vote and am not happy with this city councils over reach. Get Outlook for Android 1 Moore, Tania From: berreprincess@aol.com Sent: Sunday, October 15, 2023 4:18 PM To: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org; CITY COUNCIL(INCL.CMO STAFF) Subject: Say NO To Library Book Controlling/Banning Gracey Van Der Mark's wanting to control the books in the library from the false info she has given is insanity. Say NO to this. Libraries already have books in the appropriate age range where they belong. Parents should be the ones to be responsible for what their kids read and check out. Not some uneducated high school dropout and her friends. Not a single one of you 5 (Van Der Mark, Burns, McKeon, Strickland and Gates) are qualified to say what goes where in a library or what parents can allow their kids or teens to check out. Teenagers are not little kids either. I'm sure Mrs. Van Der Mark you probably weren't reading books as a teen but many of us did. With what you want done, many of those books would NOT be allowed to be checked out by teens in the library. Books that are written for teens but because it might have content you don't approve of it would have to be put some place else. Will we make sure there are no bibles in the kids section as well since the content in it falls under what you are talking about? There is more inappropriate content the bible than in the books on the shelves for kids in the library. Yet you would have to go in there and actually read the books to find that out and not try to search for things to be "outraged" over. BTW, any kid that has a cellphone, tablet or computer of their own at home is probably already looked at worse that way. Treating teens like they are 5 yrs old and need a hand held to pick a book at the library is just wrong. Some kids only learn about their bodies and puberty because of books in the library that are written for their age group. Not everyone has parents that will talk to them about this stuff. Shame on you 4 as we all know you will vote for it and do whatever you want like always no matter what we residents would prefer. Who is picking this so called committee to decide on what is appropriate or not? Who is to say those people actually know how to do such a thing? The librarians already know how and do these things. They have the proper training for it but a committee decided upon by the 4 will NEVER have that. It needs to be asked, why is Gracey Van Der Mark so obsessed with the this? So much for you all and the claims of wanting government out of personal people's lives and choices when its all you keep trying to do is make decisions for us while you ignore real issues, what the residents are saying they want and head our city towards bankruptcy. Anna i Moore, Tania From: terryagriffin <terryagriffin@verizon.net> Sent: Sunday, October 15, 2023 4:46 PM To: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Subject: WE SUPPORT AGENDA ITEM 20 It is NOT A BAN ON BOOKS. Rather common sense in favor of AGE APPROPRIATE ACCESS TO SEXIALLY EXPLICIT MATERIALS. Read the text. I am disappointed in librarians who would encourage access to porn by young children. Thank you. Terry Griffin- HB RESIDENT Sent from my Verizon,Samsung Galaxy smartphone • Moore, Tania From: Byrne <wbfreeg@gmail.com> Sent: Sunday,October 15, 2023 4:51 PM To: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Subject: Library Book Selection Thank you for addressing the selection of materials being offered or promoted at our HB Library and Cultural Center. I have been very saddened these past couple of years to see the type of books that are being promoted and displayed at our library. I stopped checking materials out after the Friends of the Library defended the selling of pornograaphic magazines that they housed in glass cases next to the young adult section of the library. I fail to see why our library would promote materials that would encourage pedophiles and perverted behaviors that have been shown to be destructive and addictive. I am concerned that our"Cultural Center" is forgetting that obscene and indecent materials are not literature; rather the opposite. It is not banning materials to uphold morals and protect young people from a perverted agenda. If people want to read sexually explicit materials they are free to do so;the City of HB should not support that habit with tax dollars in a public place. I support the resolution that Mayor Pro Tern Van Der Mark is addressing. I appreciate the courage and willingness of the council and Mayor to represent the citizens of HB who have children and grandchildren that they do not want exposed to the sexulaization that is currently taking place in other areas. Carolyn Byrne HB Resident 1983-present 9292 Grand Drive 1 Moore, Tania From: Mary <sassyone552@gmail.com> Sent: Sunday, October 15, 2023 5:11 PM To: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Subject: Oppose Agenda Item 20 I am vehemently opposed to this agenda item. I have faith in our librarians and do not need the four Trumpers on the council, along with the city attorney,getting involved in what books should be in our library. Be assured that I will work diligently against your re-election. 1 Moore, Tania From: Athena Jaharis <miss_athena12@yahoo.com> Sent: Sunday, October 15, 2023 5:27 PM To: CITY COUNCIL(INCL.CMO STAFF) Subject: Agenda Item 20 To Whom It May Concern: I firmly disagree with any attempt to ban books and other materials within the Huntington Beach Public Library system. A politically appointed committee does not have the right to determine what media I consume. Each individual should make the personal decision to view or read what they deem appropriate. Thank you, Athena Dryden 1 Moore, Tania From: Lorraine Gayer <Igayer@msn.com> Sent: Sunday, October 15,2023 5:36 PM To: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Subject: I Oppose Agenda Item 20 on the City Council Agenda As a resident of Huntington Beach for more than fifty years and a voter, I oppose Agenda Item 20 on the City Council's agenda. I categorically oppose the banning of books from our public library system.The city of Huntington Beach is not some backwater community where extremists on the city council should be able to deny citizens the right to choose the books and other materials they read in contravention of the rights guaranteed by the Constitution and the Bill of Rights of the United States. Further, I oppose the characterization of books adopted by our librarians as"pronographic" and "obscene." Even the U.S. Supreme Court finds it difficult to define those terms. Councilwoman Gracey Van Der Mark's claim to know the legal meaning of that term is laughable. I support Huntington Beach's librarians and trust their professional skills in curating the city libraries' book collections for people of all ages in our city. I support the right to read. Lorraine Gayer 16682 Lovell Lane Huntington Beach, CA 92647 1 Moore, Tania From: Becky Weinthal <beckyweinthal@gmail.com> Sent: Sunday, October 15, 2023 5:55 PM To: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Subject: Stop Book Banning! I don't need or want ANYONE telling me or my children what I can or can't read. Maybe the morons who suggested this are too lazy or stupid to read or edit what's given to their children and they want someone else to be their moral nanny. If they'd actually read any history they'd know the folks who ban books are NEVER the good guys. I'm ashamed of Huntington Beach and this disgusting proposal. i Moore, Tania From: Kathryn Moseley <kathrynmose@me.com> Sent: Sunday, October 15, 2023 5:58 PM To: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Subject: Oppose Agenda Item 20 I strongly oppose this resolution. This is a free country and the library is a public entity. Each individual should have the right to determine what we want to read. We do not need the moral police to dictate what we read. Those that are opposed to certain content have that same right. This resolution definitely affects our personal freedom. Please do not vote for this anti-freedom resolution. Kathryn Moseley Taxpayer Sent from my iPad 1 Moore, Tania From: Judith Ashby <rnjudya@gmail.com> Sent: Sunday, October 15, 2023 6:08 PM To: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Subject: Oppose Agenda Item 20 I agree completely with the Friends of the Huntington Beach Public Library.The City Council does not have the expertise to decide if a book should be banned or not. Many books have been banned and are now available to the public. Many of those books have become classics. Let those who know books, have studied them,gone to school to learn about them decide which books should be in the public library.All books in the library are not available for children to read. Parents also should decide if a their child can read a certain book. It is up to them and adults can decide that for themselves. It is not your job to decide for us!!! Thank you, Judith A.Ashby Sent from my iPhone 1 Moore, Tania From: Janet johnson <janetjohnson535@yahoo.com> Sent: Sunday, October 15, 2023 6:21 PM To: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Subject: Oppose Agenda Item 20 What are you thinking? Libraries are meant to contain all kinds of reading material, with parental guidance assisting in young kids' selections of reading material that fits their needs and their interests and starts them on a route to good library use. This puts responsibility reading materials where it belongs...with parental guidance for young kids, which leads to intellectual freedom in adulthood. for It is not the City Council's job to control what and where reading materials are available. Please be more considerate of the abilities of teens to think for themselves, as they are growing toward adulthood. Otherwise, you will may be directing kids to online resources, which you cannot control...but can lead to more serious issues. Janet Johnson i Moore, Tania From: Dorothy Boesch <dorothyone@verizon.net> Sent: Sunday,October 15, 2023 6:33 PM To: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Subject: Oppose Agenda Item 20 I feel it is in the children's interest to have a review of books being ordered by the library to be sure that children under 16 are not being exposed to sexual explicit books. Thank you, Dorothy Boesch • Moore, Tania From: Kelly Ann Laghaei <kalaghaei@yahoo.com> Sent: Sunday, October 15, 2023 6:37 PM To: CITY COUNCIL(INCL. CMO STAFF);supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Subject: Oppose Resolution 2023-41 As a resident of Huntington Beach, a mother of three, and a library card holder, I oppose resolution, 2023-41. Books that our children read should be selected by the family and not by the government. Our Huntington Beach librarians do a fantastic job of keeping our library stocked with a variety of books.When my children were younger,we would visit the library and they would fill their book bags with the maximum number of books that they could check out at each visit. Our public library is a gift to our community. This is where people come to learn new things,explore cultures,and read about different viewpoints.Any interference by government as to what should be on the shelves is a disgrace and should be opposed. Kelly Ann Laghaei • Moore, Tania From: Mark Melanson <melandgwen@msn.com> Sent: Sunday, October 15, 2023 7:21 PM To: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Subject: Oppose Agenda Item 20 I strongly am opposed to this resolution and feel it is an unnecessary and would start us down a path to a small group of parents deciding what books are unacceptable for anyone to read. Once we start down that road it is a slippery slope from which we cannot recover. We have seen what happens when we start to dictate to the libraries what books can be read by the citizens of Huntington Beach. Parents need to act like parents and monitor what their minor children are reading if they are so concerned that they are reading material they deem unacceptable. I respect the wisdom and years of training that our librarians have to choose what books should be in the library and if there should be restrictions on who can read them. We see what happened in places like Texas and Florida and we do not want to become like them. Please reconsider this unnecessary proposal. Thank you for your time. A concerned HB resident. Sent from my iPad • Moore, Tania From: Dina Chavez <dtchavez@trcinc.net> Sent: Sunday, October 15, 2023 7:23 PM To: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Subject: Oppose Agenda Item 20 Huntington Beach council will consider a children's library book review board—Orange County Register(ocregister.com) In the Sunday, October 15, 2023 article in the Orange County Register Mayor Pro Tern Gracey Van Der Mark is quoted: "She said librarians are already reviewing books, but this would bring the community into the process." This is a lie. Librarians are always curating the collection in the library, this has absolutely NOTHING to do with the disaster that is Resolution 2023-41. I assume the MTP is trying to create a perception that librarians are banning books ahead of your resolution. They are not. Later in the same article Van Der Mark says, "This is the beginning,"Van Der Mark said. "As issues and concerns come up, we could fine-tune it. We have to be flexible about this because it's never been done before." This has literally been done all over the country, I personally gave a 3-minute public comment about the high cost of Book Ban Committees at the September 19, 2023 council meeting. Meeting minutes from September 19 state: 'Dina Chavez was called to speak and shared her opinions related to the extreme costs to implement book banning. (01:10:07)'. Finally, the quote 'this is just the beginning' -of what, exactly? Lawsuits? Chaos, unnecessary, unconstitutional, and un-American book bans?The resolution has not even been brought to the floor, been moved, debated, or adopted. The meeting does not take place until Tuesday, these comments appeared in the Sunday paper. Does this prove the public perception that you do not even bother to take the study session findings into account and have no plan to even debate the idiocy of this poorly crafted illegal book ban resolution? Interesting admission. The issue statement from Mayor Pro Tern regarding Resolution 2023-41 states 'I also requested a policy for procurement that includes new screening protocols for future materials intended for children and yet to be acquired by the HBPL be screened for obscenity and/or pornography.' The Mayor Pro Tern may have asked for it, but she did not receive it. The motion that was passed on June 20, 2023 states: 'An amended motion was made by McKeon, second Strickland to direct the City Manager to work with the City Attorney to return to the City Council at a Study Session in August September of this year with options to establish safeguards that would prevent minor access to age-inappropriate, obscene, pornographic and/or sexually explicit materials in City libraries'. No where in this motion does it say that the City Attorney was to craft a resolution about anything. This motion called for a study session, period. At the September 5, 2023, council meeting a motion was 'made by Strickland,second Burns to approve the June 20, 2023 Council direction by directing staff to return with actionable policy options related to safeguards over City library materials on October 17, 2023.' Redirect staff to return with actionable policies, no mention of having the City Attorney return with a Resolution. This resolution is unwanted, unnecessary,costly, and uncalled for. It completely ignores the findings of the staff who provided you with valuable information to educate you about our public library system as well as show you the undeniable reality that you still refuse to accept:the library is not the problem. Dina Chavez 1 Moore, Tania From: gdonohue@socal.rr.com Sent: Sunday,October 15, 2023 7:37 PM To: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Subject: Oppose Agenda Item 20 Please let the librarians educated to make such decisions do their job. Too much time and money will be spent on this item that could find its way into better projects. Jerry Donohue Get Outlook for iOS • Moore, Tania From: Cecily Gates <cecilygates@gmail.com> Sent: Sunday, October 15, 2023 7:43 PM To: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Subject: Library book ban HB city council, Please vote no no no no no on the book ban or restriction or whatever people are trying to call it. I trust parents and your librarians who have masters' degrees to make the decision about suitable books. Thank you Cecily Gates. Sent from my iPhone i Moore, Tania From: Allison Murray <almurray9@hotmail.com> Sent: Sunday, October 15, 2023 8:35 PM To: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Subject: A real insight,from a real constituent. Extreme disappointment has driven me to pen my first—but most necessary—message to the Huntington Beach City Council. I add my voice to the more than 600 letters sent regarding the blatant and specious attacks on literature, gestures masquerading as "protecting children." As a 25-year veteran professor of English, I know intrinsically that children benefit from books, and by extension the benevolent nature of libraries in a score of ways,primarily as a secondary home and school. My earliest childhood memories were formed at the Huntington Beach Main Library and the Fountain Valley Library,where I was given freedom to choose whichever books interested me. I remember feelings empowered and engaged for the freedom of that choic e. I spent more time with books than I did with television, and learned about the greater world outside of Orange County. Books taught me about the larger world—and there is such a place—and that lead to my studies at the University of London,UK, and the University of Wollongong,Australia. During my education, an English teacher asked us to write down our personal reading history, and while my classmates' submissions were a page long, mine was eleven pages, single-spaced. Thanks to libraries, and the kind guidance of the librarians, I discovered British Literature,mythology,history, and biographies of people who have truly contributed in positive ways to our country and the world. The books I discovered in libraries taught me about civic responsibility and engagement, about ethics, morality, honor—qualities sorely lacking in our current environment—library books even kept me from ever experimenting with drugs,though I dare not mention the name of the book for fear it will make the next must-cut-list. Literature has only had a positive benefit on me, as well as on the many students I've taught. But books, and the intellectual challenge they often offer may appear threatening to the undereducated. Books compel us to look at our own biases, our ignorance and our fear. Granted,this can be scary for some. Their core values are sheltered by the cognitive dissonance that registers like a cacophony inside their primitive brain; note,this is not an insult, rather a psychological fact, which could be looked up. In a book. The noise created by the dissonance shuts out the capacity to listen,to absorb, and to learn. Learning requires us to revise our prior biases, or worse, delete them all together. Books also offer us the greatest wisdom, specifically, "that government is best that governs least." This is a well-known quote from Thoreau, also available in a book, Walden. It's clear to 600 of us (and likely more who haven't yet penned their letters)that the reactionaries who are behind this plan to form a citizen's committee to effectively keep children from learning are acting on pretend issues to avoid the very real, and complex, work of actual governance. I appreciate their fear; real work is hard, and understanding democracy can feel frightening, but I know of kindly librarians who could gently explain how local, state and federal democracies operate. City councils are formed by citizens like me who research candidates to vote for the most capable people,those who will listen to the voices of taxpayer,property-owning, voting residents. All we've seen from the far-right- foursome is ignorance. Ignorance is not innocence,but sin; oops,there goes another literary quote. 1 History proves that in each case of totalitarianism,the few in power start with book bans. Those of us who paid attention in our history classes remember the vivid images of burning books as the radicals tried to burn up ideas,thoughts, and the very ability to complete rhetorical analysis, and replace them with sheer intimidation. Were you aware that we recognize this pattern occurring right now in Huntington Beach? Something indeed is rotten in the state of Surf City (apologies, another pesky literary reference). Let's leave the governing of books to those who are truly qualified, the librarians who hold degrees in Library Science. And let's ask our City Council to focus on the sincere and necessary work of solving real issues. 2 Moore, Tania From: Ada Hand <adajhand@gmail.com> Sent: Sunday, October 15, 2023 8:45 PM To: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Subject: My Opposition to Items on the City Council Agenda of 10/17/23 I am vehemently opposed to placing all the amendments to the City Charter on the spring ballot for the following reasons: • You have no idea how much this will cost the tax payers, but one election and future elections will cost taxpayers many millions. • State law forbids changes to the City Charter to go on the primary ballot.They are limited to the November ballot to ensure that a small turnout does not massively change the City Charter. • You lump three separate items into one ballot measure.This will lead to confusion as to what issues to vote for. Confusing language on ballot measures has caused ballots to be overturned. Don't pay all our money to have it be thrown out. • You campaigned on a platform of no changes to the City Charter and, instead,you propose to massively change the City Charter with only a sham of public opinion.You disbanded the City Charter Commission and instead manned the ad-hoc group_with three of the newly elected four members.You never allow participation by the other three members of the City Council. • The State will most likely sue and win against this sham election, especially on Huntington Beach overturning the State Election Guidelines.The lawsuits will cost taxpayers millions. • Our city budget is already strained and you will have to cut costs to important services to make up for the losses mentioned above. • City staff is taking an inordinate number of hours to work on these frivolous lawsuits. • You are obeying the Trump playbook of manufacturing problems that don't exist and then offering remedies that will be challenged in court and stir up animosities in our community. I am also opposed to any change in library policies.As your staff's report shows there have been no challenges and, if there were,there is a vetted policy to address them as Gracie Van Der Maark found out when she lodged a complaint. There is absolutely no need for this intrusion. If you continue acting in this irresponsible manner instead of paying attention to real city issues,such as the Housing Element, I will consider it time to mount a recall. Ada J. Hand,Secretary H.B. Mobile Home Resident Coalition 714-717-1294(cell) adaihand@gmail.com 1 Moore, Tania From: Laurie McCulloch <Iaurie91903@gmail.com> Sent: Sunday,October 15, 2023 9:04 PM To: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Subject: Oppose Agenda Item 20 Honorable members of Huntington Beach City Council I want to express my extreme displeasure with Agenda Item 20 and Oppose any consideration of adoption of item 20. I can provide my own censorship and don't need you to do it for me. Sincerely, Laurie McCulloch 1808;Park St. Huntington Beach i Moore, Tania From: Cathee Cohen <ubarcohen@gmail.com> Sent: Sunday, October 15, 2023 9:09 PM To: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Subject: Oppose Agenda Item 20 I am opposed to any attempts to ban books from our public library.This country was founded on freedoms and this would be a violation of my freedom of speech.You as an elected person to the city council of Huntington Beach took an oath to uphold my freedoms, even if you disagree with my rights. I believe that individuals have the right to decide what books they choose to read for themselves and their families. No individual or government appointed committee has a right to decide what I and my family are allowed to read.l want to reiterate my unequivocal support and confidence in our professional librarians to select, procure, manage,and maintain the collection of materials available in the HBPL just as they have for more than one hundred years Catherine Cohen & Irven Cohen 120 Utica Avenue, Huntington Beach, CA 92648 i Moore, Tania From: Aileen Manley <aileenspl@socal.rr.com> Sent: Sunday,October 15, 2023 10:41 PM To: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Subject: Oppose Agenda Item 20 Sent from my iPhone 1 Moore, Tania From: SUSAN WEXLER <sjwexler@msn.com> Sent: Sunday, October 15, 2023 11:51 PM To: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Subject: Oppose Agenda Item 20 Dear Majority Council Members, I am vehemently opposed to the proposed Agenda item 20. It is a blatant violation of my first amendment rights and a power grab and government overreach that will cost the City of Huntington Beach a huge amount of money because it will be challenged in the courts. You are supposed to represent the taxpayers of Huntington Beach and protect us from lawsuits.You have embarked on a path that does not represent the majority of residents of our city. You have refused to listen. Have you even been to our libraries to see where these supposed "obscene and pornographic" materials are located? Have you spoken in depth to our librarians? Although I speak as a private citizen, I have been the president of The Friends of the Children's Library for the past four years. I know our librarians. I believe that the current system of book acquisition works. There are no problems with the current system. Why have you created a problem where none exists? I urge you to reject Agenda item 20 and VOTE NO. Sincerely, Susan Wexler President, Friends of the Children's Library Get Outlook for iOS 1 Moore, Tania From: elena uranga <urangamex@yahoo.com> Sent: Monday, October 16, 2023 4:50 AM To: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Subject: Our Libraries We use and appreciate our libraries,their personal and the books available as is. We oppose any legislation changing or banning any books and services they offer. Elena Uranga 20042 Harbor Isle Huntington Beach,Ca.92646 1 Moore, Tania From: Paula Shawa <PShawa@outlook.com> Sent: Monday, October 16, 2023 6:55 AM To: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Subject: No on Agenda Item 20/Van Der Mark book ban/Oct. 17 City Council meeting No on this proposal to take away from parents the authority to guide their children's reading choices. It is not the scope of this City Council to insert itself in the library's book selection. And it's none of your business what a family chooses to let its kids read! And the proposal to form a committee to oversee the book selection process is just another way for this extremist group of four to stick their noses in other people's business and tell them what to do. What happened to "Don't Tread on Me"?You're treading all over people's rights to make their own choices. Mind your own business! Paula Shawa, HB resident 1 Moore, Tania From: Brent Nichols <drbrentnichols@gmail.com> Sent: Monday, October 16, 2023 8:03 AM To: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Subject: Library Please keep your government out of the library. I can parent my children and do not want big government interference in my parental choices. I do not co-parent with the city council.Stay out of the book banning business please.Thank you Ruquan Nichols Sent from my iPhone 1 Moore, Tania From: Maria Sugranes <ladygracedem@gmail.com> Sent: Monday, October 16, 2023 8:24 AM To: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Subject: Public Library Book Selection -- Leave it to the professionals Do not embark in this superfluous policy. The present system works well. Huntington Beach parents and HBPL librarians have been doing their job well or there would be multiple book challenges. The city council is creating a problem where none exists. Maria Sugranes, HB resident since 1972 and retired librarian 1 Moore, Tania From: Michele Burgess <Iovekenya@aol.com> Sent: Monday,October 16, 2023 8:24 AM To: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Subject: Oppose Agenda Item 20 To the "Gang of Four" on the City Council: Keep your hands off our library and your self-righteous noses out of what we read and what we allow our children to read. I've lived in Huntington Beach since 1961 and we never had a library problem until the four of you showed up. If parents don't want their children to read certain books, they should accompany them to the library and monitor what they choose, or don't go to the library at all. Don't foist your restrictive, backward ideas on the rest of us. The unmitigated gall of your proposal is appalling. Who the hell do you think you are? First the Gay Pride flag, now this. I can't wait for the next election to run you out of town. Mind your own damn business — and what others read isn't it. This crap proposal is a waste of time and taxpayer dollars, and insulting to those of us who can read. It's not your job, or your right, to protect us from ourselves. Why don't you do something productive, like work on the homeless situation, potholes in the streets, and the deafening noise and danger of motorcycles and other vehicles zooming around our city? Michele Burgess i Moore, Tania From: Tracy Luth <p.Iuth@verizon.net> Sent: Monday, October 16, 2023 8:27 AM To: CITY COUNCIL(INCL.CMO STAFF);supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Subject: Support HB Public libraries.Vote no on resolution 2023-41 I am writing to encourage a NO vote on resolution 2023-41. Please leave it to trained librarians to review and purchase materials for the library. Parents are free to monitor their own children's reading, but not the reading of others. It is not up to the city council to discuss book banning nor to hand pick a review board. Tracy Luth Sent from the all new AOL app for iOS 1 Moore, Tania From: Carol Daus <caroldaus@gmail.com> Sent: Monday, October 16, 2023 8:30 AM To: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Subject: In Opposition to Charter Amendment-Costly Govt Overreach! Good Morning Council Members: I have addressed this topic many times, but I want to make it official that I'm ardently opposed to the Charter Amendments that you want to place on the March ballot. They cost HB taxpayers too much money and you're inflicting government bloat on us.Are you trying to bankrupt the city? You are spending our precious money on non-problems: Voter IDs--there's no election fraud Flag--restricting flags makes HB an unwelcoming city with a poor image In addition,your preposterous library resolution is another costly proposal for a non-problem. The HBPL is revered by HB residents and does not have porn (which will be proven when the ACLU gets involved and utilizes the Miller Test). STOP SPENDING OUR MONEY IN SUCH IMPRUDENT WAYS! YOU WORK FOR US, NOT A POLITICAL AGENDA. (By the way most of the growing opposition to your rulings is coming from independents, not democrats. I advise you to listen to what the community is saying at Council Meetings and in emails. i Moore, Tania From: Ginny Bean <ginnybean1969@aol.com> Sent: Monday, October 16, 2023 8:42 AM To: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org; CITY COUNCIL(INCL.CMO STAFF) Cc: Martha Elliott Subject: Oppose Agenda Item 20 Dear City Council and Supplemental Committee, How do I know if you even read the emails that you receive? I have sent a few emails over the last few months for the first time in all the years that I have lived in Huntington Beach. I have only heard back from 3 of the city council members. This committee that your proposing of 21 people appointed by the City Council to discuss how to handle books in the library is already a farce: Why? because the same people who voted to look into the books are the ones with the majority to appoint the committee. After watching the last meeting where this was a topic, I got the feeling that you were not truly listening to the citizens, but had already made up your minds as to which way you were going to vote. I think the parents should be the ones deciding what books their children should or should not read. Leave our Libraries alone, you are crossing over into areas of people's rights. You say it's not a book Ban...but... What does it mean to ban a book? Book banning, is the most widespread form of censorship, occurs when private individuals, government officials, or organizations remove books from libraries, school reading lists, or bookshelves because they object to their content, ideas or themes. Leave our library alone and work on the other issues that are more important to our city. Sincerely, Ginny Bean 45 year resident, parent and grandparent • Moore, Tania From: sumiyata@gmail.com Sent: Monday, October 16, 2023 9:01 AM To: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Subject: Resolution 2023-41 To the City Council, My family has been living in Huntington Beach since 1980. We have lived through many changes in the city council and none of the changes have affected me or gotten me more involved with city politics than the changes that the new majority wants to impose on the citizens of this city, many of whom have spoken up about these extremist proposals at meetings that I have felt compelled to attend recently. A friend of mine has much knowledge of our city libraries and she forwarded to me the email that she sent to you already.I am copying her email because I am in total agreement with what she wrote. I hope you have been reading the many emails that I know you've been getting about your actions. Please pay attention to what your constituents are saying! Here is the email that I have taken the liberty of copying! I am yet again saddened and dismayed by this council's attempts at government overreach and bigotry. This latest move titled "Children's Library Materials Containing Sexual Content" is filled with the worst type of government censorship. Though it seems like this would be a good thing to remove explicit sexual content from the Children's collection, it neglects to tell you that those things don't exist in the Children's collection! There is no smut, no pornography, no obscenity in the entirety of the library's collection! The case cited in this vague and unconstitutional resolution, refers to a case regarding obscenity, not vague "sexual content." There are standards regarding obscenity and pornography in libraries and the Huntington Beach Public Library adheres to all of those standards. But the vague language of this resolution using "sexual references" and "sexual content" has no standard. Those two pieces are only in the eye of the user. So if we are to apply the broadest possible interpretation, children or teens would not be allowed to access any of the following, and adults would have to go to a restricted section to access: The Bible: sexual references are made in Genesis, Ezekiel, Corinthians, Exodus, Leviticus, Proverbs, Song of Solomon, Samuel, and more New Testament includes sexual references made in regards to prostitution, virginity, etc. Any book regarding Mary Mother of Jesus as a "virgin" (this would exclude any books about Christmas Eve, the manger stories, etc) Any book including images or references to pregnancy (as pregnancy can occur as a result of a sexual act) example Mama's Belly or The birds, the bees, and the Berenstain Bears / Stan & Jan Berenstain. i Any book that includes romantic kisses (as kissing is a sexual act in and of itself) including all stories related to Sleeping Beauty, Snow White, the Princess and the Frog, many Babysitter's Club, Froggy's First Kiss, etc Any teen books that discuss romance and sexual desire such as Twilight or The Fault in Our Stars The entire works of Shakespeare, notably Romeo and Juliet Required reading for school including, but not limited to, Of Mice and Men, A Tale of Two Cities, Pride and Prejudice, Catch-22, Diary of a Young Girl by Anne Frank, The Outsiders, Wuthering Heights, The Odyssey, The Scarlet Letter, and more. Adult books to be moved to the restricted section: history books health books books on pregnancy books on menopause medical books romance novels mystery novels art books biographies philosophy religious books There are so many more that would be affected by this vague language that it is impossible to know the true effect. Thousands of books would fall into this vague "sexual content" category, making a mockery of our library system. This type of vague censorship will be immediately challenged in court and lose, if any of the 100s of cases of precedent are anything to go by. I urge you to vote no on this resolution and leave the libraries alone. Sincerely, HB Resident for 43 years 2 Moore, Tania From: tarrik and paula Shawa <tpshawa@mac.com> Sent: Monday, October 16, 2023 9:10 AM To: CITY COUNCIL(INCL. CMO STAFF);supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org;Casey McKeon Subject: NO on Charter amendment. NO on Book Ban Please vote NO on both of the unnecessary items above. Thank you. Tarrik Shawa 1 Moore, Tania From: Linda Moon <Isapiro048@gmail.com> Sent: Monday, October 16,2023 9:10 AM To: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org; CITY COUNCIL(INCL. CMO STAFF) Subject: October 17, City Council Agenda Items 19 and 20 I write in opposition to October 17, 2023 City Council Agenda Items 19 and 20 Agenda Item 19, Charter Amendments Amendment #1 As many others have noted, this proposed amendment does not resolve any existing problem with elections. Rushing this matter, at great expense to the primary election ballot, for which a low voter turnout is expected, is intended to further the council majority's goal of voter selection. You know that in the event that measure passes, and voter requirements for city elections are required to differ from those of the state and county, that separate municipal elections will thereafter be required at a cost of millions of dollars. Immeasurable time and resources will be required to establish and operate an independent election infrastructure, protocol, staff and equipment acquisition system. Whatever your opinion regarding Voter ID and ballot box monitoring, it fails to justify reduction of city services and increased taxes on our residents, who have not voiced any significant desire for such changes. Amendment #2 Restricting flags in the charter, to prohibit all but government and service banners, serves only to institutionalize the current council majority's ethos of bigotry, homophobia, and intolerance. Why become the city known for hate? Amendment #3 The proposals to mandate two-year budgets instead of one-year budgets and allowing cancelation of City Council meetings need not be in the Charter. The charter should contain only the foundational principles of city policy and structure. Charter cleanup provisions need not go to the March ballot at greater expense than would be required to put it on the November ballot, when it could be consolidated with the state election at little cost. Agenda Item 20, Library Regulations This is a shocking example of the council majority attempting to impose its own value system and religious tenants upon 200,000 residents who have not requested any change to library protocol. 1 Contrary to what Councilmember Burns has stated, you are not proposing legitimate oversight. This is blatant overreach. It is not about parental control but replacement of parental values with the values of the council majority, who would apparently rather see our children have assault weapons than literary masterpieces. Parents have reasonable control now. You want to replace the learned protocol of master degreed librarians with the uneducated whims of a politically appointed 21 member citizens committee reflecting your own lack of education, training and experience in library science or child development, which will result in the most chaotic realization of book banning. Requiring parental written permission for all patrons under age 18 to access material including any sexual content or reference, including literary classics, will result in caging off half the library. Are you prepared to dedicate professional staff and funds to spend time sex rating library materials and guarding the stacks and computer monitors? You seek not just to ban books from kids but to ban kids from the library. The proposed barring of unaccompanied children up to 12 years old will mean that middle schoolers will not be allowed to access the library with their classmates or access material created for their age range from which they are mature enough to benefit. Our library has been renowned as one of the best in the west for 50 years. It will now be known as a repository of ignorance and hate. You are losing library staff now due to your anti-library pronouncements. Why would they want to stay and tolerate this disrespect and dismantling of their well-functioning systems. Why would any knowledgeable professional wish to work here in the future? We have a professionally staffed library that's the envy of the country, Why would you want to destroy it? Nobody asked for this intrusion into our library system. This is about institutionalizing ignorance, not parental choice. Linda Sapiro Moon, Huntington Beach CA 2 Moore, Tania From: Sharon Young <shaddowwoman@sbcglobal.net> Sent: Monday, October 16, 2023 9:14 AM To: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Subject: Oppose Agenda Item 20 As a member of the Friends of the [Huntington Beach Central] Library, I am vehemently OPPOSED to the proposed passage of the Adoption of Resolution No. 2023-41. Like hundreds and hundreds of others, as an avid reader, I am of the opinion that such a proposal is in direct violation of our Constitutional rights. Sharon Young Costa Mesa, CA • Moore, Tania From: Sheila Ellis <sheila.ellis78@gmail.com> Sent: Monday, October 16, 2023 9:56 AM To: CITY COUNCIL(INCL.CMO STAFF); supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Subject: RESOLUTION 2023-41 and Proposed Charter Amendments Hello again - I am writing to voice my objection to proposed Resolution 2023-41. Reading the resolution made my stomach churn. If you deem a book "obscene" or "pornographic," don't read it and you can certainly decide what your children read. You do not have the right to determine what I feel is appropriate reading for my family. This is a public library to include everyone. Our librarians are well educated and trained in knowing which books are appropriate for which age. Parents are also quite capable in determining which books their children should or should not read. After reviewing the staff PowerPoint, it is clear there are already safeguards in place with the Miller Test and publishers' own strict standards. The library also has in place a procedure to object to a book. If only five books in five years have been challenged in our library, it seems that the council majority is again searching for a problem which does not exist. "If recommended books or materials do not meet the City's. community standards of acceptance, they may be rejected by vote of the community parent/guardian review board." It is egregious that someone else has the right to determine what my family and I choose to read. Imposing someone else's beliefs on the entire population is censorship. You are again opening our city up to costly litigation by imposing book bans. Additionally, I find it interesting that the council majority is fine with creating a new review group while canceling other community groups (i.e. human rights, mobile homes). I renew my objections to the proposed charter amendments. Your complete disregard for the majority of HB residents who have made their voices heard on these issues is disgraceful. 1 Sheila Ellis (She/Her) • Moore, Tania From: Mary Martin Jim Aspaas <martinaspaas@yahoo.com> Sent: Monday, October 16, 2023 10:12 AM To: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org;CITY COUNCIL(INCL.CMO STAFF) Subject: Oppositon to Resolution No.2023-41 "establishing a policy for the review and cataloging of library materials containing sexual content" I am writing in opposition to the HB city council's proposition to establishing a policy for the review and cataloging of library materials containing sexual content, Resolution No. 2023-41. I do not trust that the council's appointees have the knowledge and expertise to make decisions which are based on their personal opinions. These decisions are against freedom of speech. Parents should be making individual decisions which books their children should be reading, not political appointees. This seems to be likened to the 1930's in Germany when the Nazi's banned and burned books. This is a very scary decision that you are trying to do and should not be made. Mary Martin 17201 Hague Lane Huntington Beach, CA 92647 i Moore, Tania From: Deniz Bereket <DBereket@Fusionacademy.com> Sent: Monday, October 16, 2023 10:13 AM To: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Subject: I oppose Agenda Item 20! I oppose Agenda Item 20—Resolution 2023-4,1! Warmly, Deniz Bereket Director of First Impressions Fusion Academy Huntington Beach 7711 Center Ave,Suite 120 Huntington Beach,CA 92647 657.200.2300 Direct . : ill - ' y ' Sf4,° Click here for the Parent Live Binder! Click here to access MvFusion! . �« r 'q §may y 1 Moore, Tania From: The Silversteins <sjsdns@verizon.net> Sent: Monday, October 16, 2023 10:16 AM To: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Subject: Library We are 44 yr HB residents, and licensed psychologist and social worker. Our children and grandchildren had been active children's library users. NO ONE HAS EVER BEEN HARMED BY READING WHATEVER IN THE CHILDREN'S LIBRARY 21 non-librarians passing judgment on what is available in the library is absurd interference. DELETE THIS PROPOSAL IMMEDIATELY! Stanley Silverstein, PhD Deborah Silverstein, LCSW i Moore, Tania From: Julie Hampel <julie.hampel4@gmail.com> Sent: Monday, October 16, 2023 10:21 AM To: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Subject: Comments on City Charter; Flags; Public Library October 16, 2023 Dear Huntington Beach City Council: (Addressed specifically to Strickland, Van Der Mark, Burns, and McKeon) I am painfully writing again (4th time) to oppose your proposed City Charter Amendments, the Restrictive Flag proposal, and Interference with Public Library Policies. Life is busy and it is absurd to spend precious time on your foolishness. The Council has yet, after months of discussion, to produce a single reason for any of the changes to the City Charter or to Restrict Flags at City Hall. None. Zero. Zip. It is irresponsible of you as elected officials to continue down this path when you have heard from your citizenry that these items are not only unnecessary but are extreme actions which violate Civil Rights. Formally, I oppose: Items 2023-42; 2023-43; 2023-44;2023-45; 23-879 and any Supplemental language to change, alter or otherwise modify, vary, or Clean-up the current Huntington Beach City Charter, the Flags presented at City Hall and policies/processes at the Public Libraries. First, you know there are no problems these proposed changes/Amendments will fix. However, you also know it will cause more problems and more division amongst the citizens of Huntington Beach. Your plan is to have the Citizens fight each other rather than you. Instead, you have shown us who you really are -very un- reelectable. Secondly, flags are symbols of solidarity. Flags work to unite us. By eliminating LBGTQ/Pride Flags, you alienate that part of your Huntington Beach population. More damage is done. The City Council is supposedly apolitical. You and this Proposal are hypocritical when the City Council tent waved the 'Trump' flag during the Air Show. This Proposal is just pathetic and shows us how low you will go to create fear. Thirdly, Public Libraries are for ALL of the public and not just a few. Andrew Carnegie, the father of Public Libraries, would be appalled at your actions against anyone wanting to learn. None of you are Librarians. None. Leave books and reading material to the Librarians. Anyone not liking a library book, periodical or other reading material can choose not to look at it or check it out. Let Parents decide that for their children. Finally: All these changes are to sow chaos and confusion which creates fear and hate. It is the opposite of what a City Council is meant to do. Stop trying to control people's choices. It is a total waste of taxpayer dollars. Instead, start doing your jobs and improving our City instead of getting involved in everyone's private business. It is very unbecoming behavior for anyone but especially an elected Huntington Beach City Council member. Huntington Beach Citizen, Julie Hampel i Moore, Tania From: Kelli Kelly <kelli@kelly.ws> Sent: Monday, October 16, 2023 10:21 AM To: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Subject: Oppose Agenda Item 20 Kelli Kelly 20591 Paisley LN Huntington Beach,CA,92646 kelli@kelly.ws 16 October 2023 Huntington Beach City Council 2000 Main Street Huntington Beach,CA 92648 • Subject: Opposition to Resolution No.2023-41 Dear Members of the Huntington Beach City Council, I am writing to express my strong opposition to Resolution No.2023-41,which pertains to the potential banning of certain books from the city's libraries. It is my belief that this resolution is unnecessary,as our City Libraries already have a reliable review process in place, overseen by professionally trained librarians. I firmly believe that book banning of any sort is dangerous and goes against the principles of free expression, intellectual freedom,and democracy that are the bedrock of our society. Our city's libraries play a crucial role in fostering a diverse and inclusive community, providing access to a wide range of materials that reflect the varied interests, perspectives,and experiences of our residents.These institutions have long been a place where individuals can explore new ideas,engage in critical thinking,and broaden their horizons through reading.The guidance and expertise of professional librarians ensure that the collection remains well-balanced and meets the needs and interests of our community. The proposal to ban books,as outlined in Resolution No.2023-41, undermines the vital role that our libraries play in our community. It also raises concerns about censorship and the stifling of free speech,which are fundamental to our democratic values. In a pluralistic society like ours, it is essential to protect the right of individuals to access diverse viewpoints, even those with which we may disagree. I would like to emphasize that our professional librarians are well-equipped to evaluate and make decisions regarding the inclusion or removal of specific materials from the library collection.They follow established policies and guidelines that ensure a fair,transparent,and inclusive process for all community members.This process, rooted in intellectual freedom and the First Amendment, has served our community well for years. In conclusion, I respectfully request that the Huntington Beach City Council reconsider Resolution No. 2023-41 and uphold the principles of intellectual freedom,free expression,and democracy. Let us continue to trust the professional judgment of our librarians and maintain our commitment to a diverse and inclusive library collection for the betterment of our community. Thank you for your time and consideration of this matter. I hope that you will make the decision that upholds the values of our city and its residents. 1 Sincerely, Kelli Kelly Kelli Kelly kelli@kelly.ws • Moore, Tania From: Hannah Cole <honey.girly@gmail.com> Sent: Monday, October 16, 2023 10:24 AM To: CITY COUNCIL(INCL.CMO STAFF);supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Subject: I truly can't believe I have to say this but- Don't Ban Books Good morning City Council Members, I am writing this morning to oppose the resolution set forward to establish a policy for children's library material containing sexually explicit content-which is truly such a deceptive title to this resolution. I write to you as a professional librarian,with a degree in library and information science,who studied under one of the foremost experts in censorship and book banning, Dr. Emily Knox. Let us be clear,the proposed resolution is censorship, in every way that censorship is defined. I was in attendance at the city council meeting when this resolution was first proposed.The content raised by "concerned" parents of Huntington Beach was not cited, not clearly defined, and read and displayed for shock value rather than a genuine concern for the children of Huntington Beach. Every parent has the right to decide what their child should read. Nobody is contesting this right. We are contesting the right of a community board,with no experience in book publishing, information science, library science,or content review,to be placed in control of anything the council deems to be"sexually explicit"which as we have seen is anything that even mentions the existence of sex. But the city council does not seem interested in clearly defining anything within this resolution-we have all been arguing over the definition of"sexually explicit"and "rights of parents"for months-so let me try a different tactic. Censorship of children's material leads to broken and traumatized adults. I was raised in a community similar to Huntington Beach with parents very similar to the majority sitting on city council. I attended church every Sunday. I believed in Jesus and participated in youth group. I listened to my parents and followed their rules. My reading was restricted.Sexually explicit material was forbidden in our house, in books, movies, and television-and I followed those rules. I was taught that sex is only between one man and one woman within the confines of marriage and I believed that with all of my heart. I wore a purity ring on my finger until I was married. Do you know what this upbringing gave me?Trauma and an astronomical therapy bill. In the name of protection my parents tried to control every aspect of my understanding of sex. Instead I grew to an understanding of sex as a forbidden thing in all but the perfect circumstances and that could lead to lifelong punishment if I engaged with it in the wrong way. It was dangerous. My body was something to be feared and controlled. You may think this is my parents fault.They didn't raise me correctly-you (on the city council)will do better.The way you are raising your children will be different.You have more support.You have the correct reading of the bible.You have the list of rules to follow that will churn out the perfect Christian child.Or maybe you think it's my fault. I didn't listen to them. I didn't keep the faith. But my parents were considered experts on parenting and "sexual sin" in our community.They run a ministry(still)that helps others in their community overcome sexual "sin" and living in "the light of Jesus."They are the folks that you all model and follow.They followed Focus on the Family and James Dobson and all the other folks the city council is likely influenced by in the creation of their policies.And they still "failed." If their parenting led to my undoing maybe the problem was the upbringing that censored content and created an environment of fear.Censorship and control of this type damages children. Period.Study after study has found that there is no way of knowing the impact consuming challenging content will have on a person and refusing to protect the rights of children to explore, ask questions, and make up their own mind leads to adults who are stunted,sheltered,fearful,and unprepared (as I was). If you don't respect my own story,you can also read Pulitzer Prize author Viet Nguyen's own thoughts about reading controversial material as a child here. https://vietnguyen.info/2022/my-young-mind-was-disturbed-by-a-book-it-changed-mv-life. 1 I know the majority of city council have written off all folks that don't look and talk like them. I am not delusional. I do not think this email will change your mind because you are not willing to consider any opinion that does not match yours. But as someone who has direct experience with how damaging censorship was to her life-to her understanding of herself, her marriage, her sexuality, and her happiness- I beg you not to put other children through this mess. Do not move forward with this resolution. Thank you, -Hannah Cole 2 Moore, Tania From: Barbara Van Dine <barb8980@gmail.com> Sent: Monday, October 16, 2023 10:28 AM To: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org; Strickland,Tony;Van Der Mark, Gracey; Burns, Pat; McKeon, Casey; Kalmick, Dan; Moser, Natalie; Bolton, Rhonda Subject: Opposition to City Council control of the PUBLIC library Council Members, It is with great concern that the City Council has become a group of four individuals determined to force through their own agendas with no interest in collaboration with the other members of the Council or the citizens of Huntington Beach. The Resolution on the agenda for Tuesday night is just one more example of the crisis we are in. The idea of a council- appointed group of citizens with no further qualifications to tell me what can be in our public library is not only ridiculous but is a dangerous practice very much aligned with fascism. The definition of fascism is a governmental system led by a dictator having complete power, forcibly suppressing opposition and criticism, regimenting all industry, commerce, etc., and emphasizing an aggressive nationalism and often racism. And why vote the dictatorial nature of our current City Council has no interest in the needs of this city but rather their own personal power. Leave the library to be run by the qualified staff and get back to the business of getting this city out of debt and united again. 1 Moore, Tania From: D Kelly <deninekelly820@gmail.com> Sent: Monday, October 16,2023 10:30 AM To: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Subject: Oppose Agenda Item 20 This email is to express my opposition to Resolution 2023-41,which is essentially censorship. It is not our City Council's job to determine what me or my children choose to read and amounts to a significant over reach of power and political show-boating. As a 22-year resident of this city, I would truly appreciate you focusing your time and energy on issues that are more urgent,such as public safety and infrastructure.Those are the real issues that we residents are concerned about on a daily basis. And please let parents, parent their children. Thank you. Denine Kelly Sent from my iPhone 1 Moore, Tania From: Carol Abercrombie <ccristin@socal.rr.com> Sent: Monday, October 16, 2023 10:36 AM To: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Subject: Oppose Agenda Item 20 I formation is power. If you deny contextual portrayal of sexual,social,cultural content.You deny individuals the ability to make informed decisions that affect their life and well being and the ability to judge right from wrong. Denying any form of sexual,social and cultural content distorts personal perception of social reality which creates ignorance driven by weaponized religious shame. Carol Abercrombie, Huntington Beach. Sent from my iPad 1 Moore, Tania From: Carol Abercrombie <ccristin@socal.rr.com> Sent: Monday, October 16, 2023 10:46 AM To: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Subject: Oppose Agenda Item 20 Banning books removes information and its connection to individual decision-making and well-being. Understanding and being informed about sexual, social, and cultural content is indeed crucial for Making informed decisions and navigating one's-life in a responsible and informed manner. It's important to promote open dialogue and provide accurate, unbiased information to,empower individuals to make choices that align with their values and beliefs. Carol Abercrombie Huntington Beach Sent from my iPad 1 Moore, Tania From: Robin Podway <rpodway@fusionacademy.com> Sent: Monday, October 16, 2023 10:52 AM To: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Subject: Please Don't Ban Books! I am deeply opposed to Agenda Item20 7 Resolution 2023.4.1... p y s...,. - aid .""` c ° C ,. L A Robin S. Podway, M.A., M.Ed. Head of School 657-200-2300 Schedule a meeting with me! Click here for 2023-2024 HB Parent Resources fusion ' ,.! ISLIA.si„ 'at4deity www.fusionacademy.com i Parent Referral Program ,,, Refer a inend to Fuseon and you and your friend both y et a$2,000'tuition credit. •• Click here for 2023-2024 HB Parent Resources 1 Moore, Tania From: Vivian Berberet <berberetl @gmail.com> Sent: . Monday, October 16, 2023 10:58 AM To: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Subject: Oppose Agenda Item 20 PLEASE do not ban books! Leave parenting up to the parents,and allow individuals to make such decisions on their own! Thank you! Sent from my iPhone 1 Moore, Tania From: Roger Ford <rogerfordhb@gmail.com> Sent: Monday, October 16,2023 11:11 AM To: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Subject: Oppose Agenda Item 20 As a 30 year HB resident, I request the City Council not pass this ridiculous overreaching resolution. Please return to managing the city and stop the nonsensical culture war virtue signaling.These City Council antics are an embarrassment. 1 Moore, Tania From: Pam Taylor <catspjs@socal.rr.com> Sent: Monday, October 16,2023 11:19 AM To: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Subject: Oppose Agenda Item 20 I have lived and voted in Huntington Beach since 1976 and have been a regular patron of the library system ever since. I strongly oppose Item 20. If you dislike a book don't read it. If you do not want your child to read it oversee what they check out.The city should not decide what I can read.That is censorship and does not support freedom of speech.The educated librarians should have the final say in what the library buys and puts on the shelves. Pamela Taylor Sent from my iPhone 1 Moore, Tania From: Linda Pohl <2travelinpohls@gmail.com> Sent: Monday, October 16, 2023 11:38 AM. To: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Subject: Re:Amendments to Huntington Beach City Charter Sent from my iPad >On Oct 16, 2023, at 9:38 AM, Linda Pohl<2travelinpohls@gmail.com>wrote: > Please reconsider your efforts to get the amendments placed on the March ballot.The council was voted in to make our City run more efficiently, not to see how much money you can spend on pet projects wasting tax payers money. At least if you wait until the November election you will not only save the City money, but have a larger turnout which will be to your benefit. Don't forget you were elected with this "flawed"system.When voters actually see how you're wasting their tax dollars they may see you in a different light.Voters quickly forget your exciting promises when it affects their wallets. >As far as the library restrictions are concerned you are solving a problem that isn't there. It may make you look very self righteous sparing our young children the possibility of finding out about their sexuality, however there is something called the INTERNET which you may not be aware of and everyone but a toddler has access to either themselves or a Friend. You may try to live like we're in the 1950's but unfortunately you're deluding yourselves > Linda and Walter Pohl >Sent from my iPad 1 Moore, Tania From: Lyn Scott <fieldbury@hotmail.com> Sent: Monday, October 16, 2023 11:44 AM To: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Subject: Resolution 2023-41 To City Council, I respectfully oppose the changes to the current proposed policies for the H.B. Library.Choosing reading materials should be left to patrons, parents,and other card holders.The selection of reading materials should be up to the librarians who have been trained to select such materials.The training of librarians is a masters degree. I have a child who is a librarian and have some knowledge of what was studied. We, in America,should not be subjected to someone else's opinion of our reading materials nor should someone tell me what my child should read. No one knows what my child may need to read for whatever he/she is dealing with.There are forms in place if a book needs to be placed in another area of the library. I have found the staff in the library very helpful. Many banned books are assigned by teachers to read for learning purposes. I thought we lived in a free society. Thank you for listening to me, Lyn Scott Sent from Mail for Windows • Moore, Tania From: Matt Thomson <mthomson@socal.rr.com> Sent: Monday, October 16, 2023 11:56 AM To: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Subject: Oppose Agenda Item 20 I always thought that conservatives and Republicans were opposed to big government and the government intruding on individual rights. Yet every time I read another article in the paper,the conservative majority on this city council is trying to impose their beliefs and their opinions onto the community of Huntington Beach. The last time it was banning the requirement of masks and now it is setting up a panel to censor our library. By the way, Florida was big on opposing mask requirements during the height of covid and they had one of the highest per capita death rates from covid in the United States. So, maybe you all aren't really medical personnel and shouldn't be making these kind of decisions. The staff of the Huntington Beach Public Library have been purchasing books for decades and to the best of my knowledge there have been no issues with books causing problems for young children.The majority's refusal to understand that there is more than one way to live one's life is detrimental to the public at large and also to young people trying to understand themselves. The only people complaining about books in the library seem to be the members of the council, not the general population who actually use the library. It is up to parents to decide what their children can read and do, not the city council. Banning books is something authoritarian regimes do, not democratic republics. That the council is even considering such a thing shows that they are only interested in pandering to the latest MAGA conspiracy and not trying to do what is best for the city of Huntington Beach. I heartily oppose the creation of a panel to review the books the library is buying. Let's leave that decision of which books to purchase to the people who are actually educated in library science, and not to the type of people who would even volunteer to be on a book banning committee. Just volunteering for such a panel shows that they are not interested in free speech, but in telling others that they have to match whatever single minded doctrine they possess. Matt Thomson 1 Moore, Tania From: Cathy Thomson <cthomson@socal.rr.com> Sent: Monday, October 16,2023 12:05 PM To: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Subject: Oppose Agenda Item 20 I have been volunteering at the library for over 40 years. First as a member of the Friends of the Childrens' Library and currently as a Literacy Volunteer teaching English.to Spanish speakers at the Oak View library branch. I and my fellow volunteers have worked tirelessly to put on and support Library Programs at the Huntington Beach Public Library.All of the staff at the Library are well educated and well-trained. They are the most helpful and empathetic employees. Able to help a variety of people in the community with a variety of tasks. There is no need for a group overseeing these professionals. In fact it is an insulting proposition. The Library is the best thing about Huntington Beach and it is staffed by people who only want the best for our citizens and our children. Perhaps if you spent more time visiting and volunteering at the library you would see how your time could be spent. helping people instead of tearing them down. I strongly oppose your narrow minded attempts to try control the best and most professional library west of the Mississippi. Catherine Bell Thomson Sent from my iPad i Moore, Tania From: Douglas Hart <dbhart2001@yahoo.com> Sent: Monday, October 16, 2023 12:14 PM To: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org;CITY COUNCIL(INCL.CMO STAFF) Subject: Comments on Book Ban and Proposed City Charter Amendments I am writing concerning the proposed Book Ban and Charter Amendments once again. Fascists ban books. Communists ban books. Religious Theocracies ban books. Democracies don't ban books. Yet the City Council majority seems willing to take the City down those un-American paths with their proposed ban on certain library books. It seems that whatever the four in the majority (and whatever political appointees that they might choose for their review board)deem"offensive" in their political and religious views will override the informed judgements of the City librarians and the parents of Huntington Beach. That is wrong and it is leading the City down a dangerous path. This book ban proposal needs to END NOW! Fascists suppress the vote of the citizens. Communists suppress the vote of the citizens. Religious Theocracies suppress the vote of the citizens. Democracies don't suppress the vote of the citizens. Yet the City Council majority seems willing to take the City down those un-American paths with the proposed Charter amendment on voting. The unneeded and illegal attempt to set up a"Voter ID" system for city voters and a ballot box"monitoring" system is, pure and simple, an attempt to suppress voters that might disagree with the current majority. Since"voter fraud" is a proven fiction in this city, this county, this state, and this country, the majority wants to waste our tax-payer money on unnecessary changes to city elections just to make a political play to the far-right voters who believe the voter fraud lies. This proposal needs to END NOW! VOTE NO ON THE BOOK BAN AND ON THE CHARTER AMENDMENTS!! Douglas Hart 5221 Chadwick Drive Huntington Beach, CA 92649 • Moore, Tania From: Sally Adams <sjkadamsl @gmail.com> Sent: Monday, October 16, 2023 12:18 PM To: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Subject: Oppose Agenda Item 20 I OPPOSE Item 20! Retired Educator,and HB resident over 30 yrs- Please vote correctly on this Important issue to protect our Rights as citizens! Thank you all, Sally K.Adams, M.A. i Moore, Tania From: along.rewind-Og@icloud.com Sent: Monday, October 16, 2023 12:25 PM To: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Subject: Opposition to Resolution No.2023-41 Count me as OPPOSED to Resolution No. 2023-41 TO ESTABLISH A POLICY FOR THE REVIEW AND RECATALOGING OF LIBRARY MATERIALS CONTAINING SEXUAL CONTENT. It is an ill advised action brought by a malinformed individual draped in 'protect the children' rhetoric. 60-year resident, library user and voter, Mark Obert PS-why are all of this Council Member's agenda items not applicable to any of The City's Strategic Goals? 1 Moore, Tania From: Diana Brinkley <dibrinkley@verizon.net> Sent: Monday, October 16, 2023 12:30 PM To: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Subject: Policy for Childrens Books in Library Hello City Council Members, I'm wring to you in my support of Gracie Van Der Mark's addressing the problem of explicit sexual contents in our library books.This is NOT A BOOK BAN as other have spread around, but an impartial review of appropriate books in our library. I would think our librarian would protect our children and put sexual content in the adult section.What parent feels this is appropriate for their children?Would you feel comfortable checking out the book and read it with them? Thank you Mayor Pro Tem Van Der Mark for addressing this problem and I support your resolutions. 1 Moore, Tania From: along.rewind-Og@icloud.com Sent: Monday,October 16, 2023 12:37 PM To: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Subject: Agenda Item 9 Review of Councilmember Item 23-532 Thank you to Huntington Beach City Staff for the thorough review pertaining to the Selection, Display, and Circulation of Library Books and Other Materials within Huntington Beach Public Libraries. Our city's Community&Library Services Department continues its excellent job of administering our libraries. I doubt that book-banning is in any librarian's DNA, just careful curation and customer service. Mark Obert, 60 year resident, library patron and voter. • Moore, Tania From: RALPH KAJDASZ <ralphkaj@aol.com> Sent: Monday, October 16, 2023 12:45 PM To: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Subject: Library Book Review Board The Huntington Beach Public Library has a strong book review process. The decisions to purchase books are based on objective professional analysis and reviews in professional journals. The goal is to provide information and entertainment to a broad population of the city. Creating a non professional and subjective citizen review board with their individual agendas is unnecessary and dangerous. This is a solution in search of a problem where none exists. The library already has a system where citizens can raise objections to specific titles(5 in 5 Years?). A citizen review board is not needed and infringes on the rights of adults and children to freely make their own decisions. Let parents continue to choose what their children read, but please reconsider this very harmful undemocratic idea. Ann Kajdasz American Association of University Women. Sent.from my iPad 1 Moore, Tania From: Jeanne Whitesell <jswhitesell3211 @yahoo.com> Sent: Monday, October 16, 2023 12:52 PM To: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org; CITY COUNCIL(INCL.CMO STAFF) Subject: Agenda Item 20 Adoption of Resolutions No. 2023-41 Dear HB Council Members, Please oppose Resolution No. 2023-41. Book Banning is defined as prohibiting or restricting books available to the public. This Resolution does just that. I am strongly opposed to having my access to books restricted by the government. Sincerely, Jeanne Whitesell 17922 Shoreham Lane Huntington Beach, CA 92649 714-846-8978 1 Moore, Tania From: Ruth <cslln@yahoo.com> Sent: Monday, October 16, 2023 12:59 PM To: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Subject: Oppose Agenda Item 20 Who has given you the right to band books? This is the wrong thing to do. We Americans have the right to choose what we read. You do not have the authority to take this away from us. In the future you will not get my vote. I will campaign against you. How dare you!!! Ruth Casillan, a resident of Huntington Beach and a retired educator. 1 Moore, Tania From: Brad Bergeland <bjbergeland@gmail.com> Sent: Monday, October 16, 2023 1:02 PM To: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Subject: 17 October 2023 Agenda Item 23-879 - New HB Library Policy City Council members, This is to document my opposition to any more time or money being wasted on the subject agenda item.The Library already has a process to address the book concerns identified in the subject agenda item. In fact,according to yesterday's(10/15/23)OC Register article, council member Van Der Mark used the existing process to challenge a book for review back in 2020. In that same article, it was also mentioned that,so far in 2023, no books have been challenged for review under the current process. There is no need to have a 21 person community/parent review board to meet, review,and vote on whether or not to grant approval for the libraries to obtain materials for children. Let the librarians do the jobs they have been trained to do, based on the processes that already exist.The city council has already disbanded some committees that were addressing the more pressing issues facing this community.They don't need to form a 21 person council to address something that already has a process. In the OC Register article, it was also mentioned that"All of this is really to empower the parent".Actually, parents are already fully empowered- it's called being engaged with your kids and monitoring what they are reading and checking out of the library. I'm pretty sure that is already happening for the most part. I know that the City Staff was put through what seems to be a lengthy effort to review this issue and come up with recommendations. It could be that a few of their recommendations may be beneficial, but it should be restated here that there is no need for a 21 person community/parent review board. I appreciate all of the hard work that the city staff was directed to do, but it was a waste of their time and our taxpayer money for an effort to fix something that really isn't broken.The citizens and city council should trust the Library professionals to continue doing the fine job that has given the HB library system such a good reputation. Brad Bergeland 37 year resident of Huntington Beach 1 Moore, Tania From: Robert Nigro <ffoutythree@gmail.com> Sent: Monday, October 16, 2023 1:10 PM To: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Subject: Agenda Item 20 Adoption of Resolution No. 2023-41 I am totally against the adoption of the above resolution. Our library has trained professional librarians to maintain and catalog the materials available. They know what is age-appropriate and what is not.A council-appointed committee is not needed to do this job. If the council should adopt this resolution, it should not be enacted without a vote of the community. We all need to have our opinions count. Sincerely Maryann Nigro Huntington Beach i Moore, Tania From: Nancy Bigda <nanbigda@yahoo.com> Sent: Monday, October 16, 2023 1:13 PM To: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Subject: Oppose Agenda Item 20 I am totally opposed to Agenda item 20 Adoption of resolution #2023-41. We DO NOT need any policy for reviewing and cataloging books in our public libraries. NO BOOK BANNING. Our librarians do an EXCELLENT job of managing materials at our public library. NO one has the right to decide what I or any family member has the right to read. NO on agenda item 20. Nancy Bigda Huntington Beach i Moore, Tania From: Carol Berk <carolberk@gmail.com> Sent: Monday, October 16,2023 1:13 PM To: CITY COUNCIL(INCL.CMO STAFF) Cc: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Subject: NO ON ITEMS#19 &20! Respectfully... HB City Council members and especially the majority members, I strongly urge you to vote NO on Items 19 and 20. I believe that all individuals should have the right to choose the books they themselves will read and the ones they'll make available for their families. We do not need a 21 person panel to make those decisions and mandate them for the general population.You, as individuals, have those rights too,just not to force your decisions on the rest of us! Regarding the charter amendment proposals...once again you are attempting to make completely unnecessary changes that will cost our city a lot of money as well as destroying multiple statements and protocols that have been well stated and working effectively. This is especially true of the election related changes you have proposed. Our elections have been handled efficiently for years by Orange County. There is no indication that there are problems of any kind and certainly suggesting that our city should be taking on any responsibility for election oversight is reckless,costly and short sighted. Clearly this is,once again, a power play on your part and will harm our city on many levels. Again, I hope you will vote NO on both items#19 and 20. Thank you, - Carol Berk (A Huntington Beach home owner, resident,and voter for 42 years) 1 Moore, Tania From: Val Parker <vpinhb@gmail.com> Sent: Monday,October 16, 2023 1:16 PM To: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Subject: Library censorship Please keep out of the library's book selection.That is what we have librarians for, and I totally trust our librarians' choices. And if a parent is not happy with a book that is available,the parent does not need to let their children check that book out! When my kids were children, I monitored all the books they checked out. It wasn't difficult to do.That's what parents do! Also,there is a system in place to issue a concern about a book, and have it pulled from the shelf.Why does the City have to create another layer of bureaucracy? Maybe the answer is to publicize the process already in place. I do not think it is correct for a small vocal number of power-hungry residents to assume to speak for all of us. I do not think it is right that politicians feel they have the right to tell me how to raise my children. Thank you, Val Parker 1 Moore, Tania From: Jeanne Paris <jeannemarieparis@yahoo.com> Sent: Monday, October 16, 2023 1:18 PM To: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Subject: Support of Resolution#2023-41 - Support Israel Resolution To the City Council, I strongly support the Resolution establishing a policy to review library materials containing sexual content for minors. I also support the Resolution to support Israel and its attacks from Hamas. Thank you. Jeanne Paris 27 Year Resident 1 Moore, Tania From: Sue Welfringer <Sue@Welfringer.com> Sent: Monday, October 16, 2023 1:32 PM To: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Cc: Sue Welfringer Subject: Oppose Item #20 Resolution &Oppose Charter Amendments My name is Sue Welfringer, a 26-year resident of Huntington Beach. I oppose Resolution No. 2023-41, brought forth by Mayor Pro-Tem Vandermark. I also oppose the charter reforms as unnecessary and costly. My letter today is specifically about the resolution designed to ultimately restrict what books can be included in our library. I am passionate about the well-being of kids, and equally passionate about the books they read. As a 20+year member of the Society of the Children's Book Writers and Illustrators, I am constantly learning about incredible literature where kids can navigate the complexities of growing up in the safe environment of a good story. I currently teach English Language Arts to 6th-12th graders at a private school in Huntington Beach. So, yes, kids—and books—are great sources of inspiration for me. Daily. Is that also true for you? If you read kid-lit stories as often as the librarians and I do, you would have a better understanding of the positive and meaningful impact these books have. Since you are not in a space of reading and being inspired by these stories, I understand how it is easy for you to form rash opinions about the material, especially when taken out of context. But do you want to live in a world where books are restricted? I have volunteered on the board of the Friends of the Children's Library for over 20 years. Did you know? Not every book is purchased with city funds. In the nineteen years that the FOTCL operated the Taste of Huntington Beach, we gifted over$700,000 to the children's department to help them buy books. We dedicate countless volunteer hours behind the scenes to fill our shelves. Never did we ever have cause to question our professional library staff about their choices. Hopefully,you have learned more about their i processes and can trust our librarians to do their jobs.The steps outlined in this resolution are unnecessary. More than unnecessary.They are dangerous to our first amendment rights. Sadly, I expect this resolution will pass, regardless of sensible and significant opposition. I am curious, though? How does a council eliminate several long-standing community boards and then so quicky add a committee we clearly do not need?This is an insult to our professional staff who live and breathe children's literature. Frankly,the idea of a politically appointed committee deciding what books are acceptable for our collection is scary and wrong. Please respectfully decline your support of this resolution. Pull this from the agenda! I cannot imagine living in a world where books are restricted. Like you, I care about kids. I care a lot: I've been Classroom Mom, Soccer Mom, and Girl Scout Cookie Mom. I subbed at K-8 schools and taught creative writing to kids in after-school programs and through SANDS. I gave hundreds of volunteer hours with PTAs all the way through HS, and after my daughters graduated, I joined the board for Every 15 Minutes, focusing on keeping our kids safe from drinking and driving. All the while, I was working full time in Sales Management at the Waterfront Hilton, Costa Mesa CVB, and as the Manager of the Huntington Beach Downtown Business Improvement District. Maybe you have also volunteered for causes related to kids while managing a family and working full time and, if so,thank you. I know, it's a lot. Please make your own decision based on the significant information you have learned about our book acquisition process. Do not support this resolution. Request that it be pulled. • With best regards, Sue Welfringer 2 Moore, Tania From: Jaime Kauffman Palumbo <Jaime@pmdl.me> Sent: Monday, October 16,2023 1:33 PM To: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Subject: Comment for City Council Meeting Oct. 17, 2023 To Whom It May, We vehemently disagree with the proposed changes to our charter. In relation to the changes to our election process, we see no reason why we need to change anything. Our city is currently part of the OC Registrar of Voters and we have been extremely happy with the ballot and voting process they employ. We are sent our ballots with a secure barcode that is then tracked from the moment our ballot is mailed or submitted. Why would we change anything that could potentially interfere with our city being part of that process? This is a solution in search of a problem to satisfy an agenda of fearmongering and power grabbing. We do not support that in any way. We are also concerned with the proposed changes to our library system. This is a book ban plain and simple and we are frustrated and disappointed that our city would even consider such a fascist move. Our library is already monitored by an organization that uses librarians with master degrees to evaluate and label the material that is in our libraries. How is any system this city council produces going to be a better safeguard than the qualified and educated individuals we already have?The answer is, it's not. We do not want random and unqualified people with who knows what agenda to have control over what our community has access to read. Do not pass these proposals. The community is not with you on these changes. The majority campaigned on no changes to the city charter. Stand by your words or prove yourselves liars. John and Jaime Palumbo 1 Moore, Tania From: Caroline Brandenburger <carolinern@gmail.com> Sent: Monday, October 16, 2023 1:34 PM To: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Subject: Opposing Agenda Item 20 Adoption of Resolution No.2023-41 Opposing Agenda Item 20 Adoption of Resolution No.2023-41 To City Council of Huntington Beach, My name is Caroline Brandenburger and I'm a third generation Huntington Beach, CA resident for over 44 years. I'm writing this email to express my concern and opinions regarding Agenda Item 20 Adoption of Resolution No.2023- 41. I believe that no individual or government appointed committee or council has a right to decide what you and your own family are allowed to read or check out from the library. The Huntington Beach Public Library has been providing library services to Huntington Beach since 1909.The Central Library is one of my favorite places in Huntington Beach. I am in full support of our library staff in their ability to manage, procure and maintain the books and materials located within the library.They do a phenomenal job and we have one of the best libraries in Orange County. No intervention is needed from the HB City Council.The efforts to ban books and restrict minors' access to certain books should not be your worry or concern. HB City Council I urge you to put your efforts and time into the critical issues and problems in this city. Please stop trying to fix what isn't broken.Seems like you aren't trying to.ban books to protect minors, but rather the majority of the council seem to have motives consistent with fascism. Please stop the nonsense and this unnecessary noise you are creating. Sincerely, Caroline Brandenburger Huntington Beach resident 1 Moore, Tania From: Lisa Swanson <lisainlb@ymail.com> Sent: Monday, October 16,2023 1:36 PM To: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org; CITY COUNCIL(INCL.CMO STAFF) Subject: 10/17/2023 mtg comments Dear City Council, Thank you for your service to our community and I hope you will consider my comments on the 10/17/2023 agenda items below. Item 20 23-879 I strongly urge you to vote NO on this resolution! There are already sufficient controls in place to prevent obscene material from being available to children, and it is a parent's right and.responsibility to monitor the materials that a child reads. The staff report from Item 9 23-878 highlights this. I have been a library patron for over 50 years and since my retirement 4 years ago, I have become very familiar with HBPL and joined the Friends of the Huntington Beach Library. Our library system and staff are stellar, and we should be recognizing that not attempting to control or second-guess them. It is not necessary to appoint a 21-person advisory board to review books. It also makes one wonder why the advocates of this resolution think that such a community advisory is needed while many other important community advisory boards were recently discontinued. When my children were young, we visited our local library regularly. My son was an especially avid and gifted reader and could read at an adult level by the time he was 8 years old. He was interested in science and perused anatomy books which would fall under the "sexual content" definition. I'll never forget when he came to me complaining that his pancreas hurt, and I had no idea what a pancreas was (it turned out he had misdiagnosed his symptoms but he did have a hernia). I am proud to say that he is now a successful medical doctor, and I have no doubt that those early visits to our public library played a part. Item 19 23-871 I would like to commend you for holding the series of Special Meetings to provide the public with the opportunity to comment on the charter amendments. It appears that some important changes have resulted. I still object to the need for the charter amendments but respect that some council representatives, the city attorney, and some members of the public view them as a high priority. However I strongly feel that it is fiscally irresponsible to adopt resolutions to put these items on the primary election ballot when it would cost the City far less to put them on the November ballot. Thank for your consideration! Sincerely, Lisa Swanson Southeast Huntington Beach homeowner 1 Moore, Tania From: Elizabeth Steele Basile <elizabeth.steele@gmail.com> Sent: Monday, October 16, 2023 1:56 PM To: CITY COUNCIL(INCL.CMO STAFF);supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Subject: No Book Bans at HBPL, No Charter Amendments I am contacting the Huntington Beach City Council in opposition to Agenda Item 20,a misguided resolution disregarding the many voices that have come before me to express outrage over the proposed book ban in our public library, and to OPPOSE ALL charter amendment proposals.This council has lost my trust. For the record, I am a resident of Huntington Beach and a parent in the Huntington Beach Union High School District. I am a library patron. I vote in every election by mail. (BTW, it is great, highly recommend it.) I am also outraged by the actions of this majority council, orchestrated in concert with the city attorney. Aside from the pointed hypocrisy in dismantling existing citizen advisory councils (so eloquently recognized and advocated for— again — by the brave citizens that chose to speak up before me, many of them women and mothers like myself)only to follow it with a proposal the insert a group of handpicked censors into our public library, it is completely unnecessary. As outlined in the LA Times,OC Register and so many other news outlets covering this travesty,our skilled librarians have safeguards in place,a clearly defined review process,and decades of experience serving our community. More importantly,there is no problem with pornography in our library. This is a made up controversy.You are elected officials tasked with public improvements and governance based on the will of the people. Instead we have piles of lawsuits, secret payouts, more lawsuits, a growing housing crisis, real homelessness, inadequate bicycle safety, an adversarial relationship with state government,and so much more (lawsuits,job security anyone?)to worry about than a handful of books one person on council and her pastor don't like. The way a right works is that they have the option to NOT check out those books without fear of retribution.They have the right to stay as ignorant as they please. I am sure,were they to visit one of our public libraries, our talented librarians would be able to direct them to something more appropriate to their tastes.We literally have tens of thousands of books to chose from in the Central Library alone.And two affiliated foundations annually raising funds to purchase new materials,ensuring we always have access to the power of reading in HB. This temporary council majority of zealots presumes to know more than our paid city staff,our dedicated community service workers,the state, health and education experts,and even me as a parent.They are wrong. I am not part of your church and do not share the value of censorship as a means to conformity. I will not support any measure put forward by this city council that marginalizes our most vulnerable community members. I am, however, raising an outstanding human being in Huntington Beach with help from dozens of incredible teachers, librarians and coaches. I contribute to my community,and pay my taxes.We read books. My family does not need nor want your morality to be successful citizens.We believe the proposed book ban is government overreach,that knowledge is power and censorship is un-American. I expect my city council members to work together to move us forward as a united community.To my disappointment, the current majority seems intent on undoing the good work done by past councils(while tearing them down in the process,as if their service is somehow less than what this coalition offers), lining their pockets with a pay raise and increased campaign donations, and cramming anti-LGBTQ+hate down our throats.And let us not forget the DC trip to 1 meet with a failed house speaker(why not our congressional representative?) and a recent presidential campaign event during the — now controversial — airshow. Sadly, I fear my email and the many voices it joins in chorus to stop the MAGA playbook will be ignored by this council majority+city attorney intent on enacting an extreme agenda in our community.An agenda that benefits their political careers. Did y'all catch the shout out our mayor received in Anaheim? I urge my neighbors to get involved and stay involved to make it known that hate is not acceptable as public policy. Many of us have been quietly waiting and watching as one contentious council meeting after another adjourns in the middle of the night,as the minority council members are ignored, censored and rudely dismissed,as citizen after citizen is disregarded despite bravely speaking truth to power-enduring threats and jeers in the process. It is uncivilized and an embarrassment to the City of Huntington Beach. Do better. Elizabeth Steele Mother, HB Resident, Library Patron,Concerned Citizen "If there's one American belief I hold above all others, it's that those who would set themselves up in judgment on matters of what is'right' and what is'best'should be given no rest;that they should have to defend their behavior most stringently.As a nation,we've been through too many fights to preserve our rights of free thought to let them go just because some prude with a highlighter doesn't approve of them." —Stephen King, in his blog 2 Moore, Tania From: Elizabeth Judge <thricelizabeth@gmail.com> Sent: Monday, October 16, 2023 2:12 PM To: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Subject: Agenda Item 20, Resolution 2023-41 Dear members of the Huntington Beach City Council, Our family strongly opposes the proposed Agenda Item 20,Adoption of Resolution 2023-41.We trust the highly educated librarians who specialize in library and information science to know which books to stock and in what sections of the library they belong. It would be a violation of our constitutional rights as parents to be able to access these books should the committee decide not to carry a book they may find personally offensive. Did Mayor pro-tem Gracey Van der Mark not protest government overreach when she wore a t-shirt proclaiming that she does not co-parent with the government?Should this resolution be adopted,the government would be overstepping its boundaries in taking over and deciding which books will be restricted and/or prohibited and which books will be available to the public. Sincerely, Elizabeth Judge. 1 Moore, Tania From: MEG ROBINSON <twokyu@aol.com> Sent: Monday, October 16, 2023 2:14 PM To: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Subject: Item 20 While I prefer the City Council to keep its hands off the library and allow the trained professionals run it, I think an • acceptable compromise has been suggested.The creation of a parent control card allows parents, not 21 unknown strangers,to decide which books their children have access to. Allowing a group of 21 politically appointed, untrained individuals to interpret Miller is ridiculous,considering the courts barely agree on pornography and obscenity. Allow the parents to take responsibility for their children's reading selections. Please take the politics out of our cherished library. Meg Robinson HB resident 1 Moore, Tania From: Susan Stephan <susanostephan@gmail.com> Sent: Monday, October 16, 2023 2:20 PM To: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Subject: Agenda Item 2—Adoption of Resolution No.2023-41 Dear City Council: I am writing in opposition to the Agenda Item 2-Adoption of Resolution No. 2023-41. I firmly believe in the importance of intellectual freedom and the autonomy of our university educated and trained public librarians in selecting books for children and adolescents. As a parent, I am strongly opposed to having politicians limiting access to books for my children. I do not feel that politicians and arbitrarily appointed citizens should have the ability to limit the intellectual pursuits of my children. Librarians are trained professionals who curate collections to provide a diverse range of materials which cater to a wide variety of interests,reading levels, and backgrounds. Throughout my children's lives,the librarians in the Huntington Beach public libraries have played a significant role in my children's reading journey. From attending story times to recommending books,the librarians have assisted me in helping to foster a love of literacy in my children in both Spanish and English. The proposal to have a citizen's oversight committee to review books is not only impractical,but infringes upon the principles of freedom of speech and my right to parent. It is vital that my children have access to a diverse collection of books to explore different perspectives, cultures, and experiences so as to promote empathy and tolerance in our society. I am confident that our educated and trained librarians are more than capable of fulfilling this role. I understand that concerns about certain books being age-appropriate are valid, and this is why we have dedicated and well-trained librarians who are capable of evaluating and categorizing materials based on age, maturity, and content. Their expertise ensures that children and adolescents can access books suitable for their individual development. These professionals are best equipped to make informed decisions that benefit our youth without imposing arbitrary restrictions. I urge you to vote against Agenda Item 20-Adoption of Resolution No. 2023-41.. Our public libraries and librarians are fundamental to the democratic values upon which our country is built. By allowing them to make informed decisions about book selections, we protect the rights of all citizens to access a broad range of ideas and encourage the intellectual growth of our youth. Sincerely, _ Susan O'Malley Stephan Citizen of Huntington Beach i Moore, Tania From: Celia Jaffe <celia4pta@gmail.com> Sent: Monday, October 16, 2023 2:23 PM To: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Subject: Please don't bring politics into the library To the Members of HB City Council: I am writing regarding the proposal to change the process for adding materials to the children's section at the library. I oppose the idea of councilmembers creating a committee to examine incoming library materials for these reasons: 1. Trained professional librarians are the best people to run the city's libraries,and they have been doing that for decades. 2. An appointed citizen committee is unnecessary. The library uses the industry standard processes for adding books to the collection, and there is already a process to challenge an item in the collection. 3. Adding political appointees to Huntington Beach's library procedures would politicize our city libraries. That would be a tragedy. For centuries public libraries have played a crucial role in our democracy by providing the public access to knowledge and a wide range of points of view. Having political appointees making any decisions regarding library material is unacceptable. 4. Any families who have an even stricter judgement on which library books or other material they want their children to read can accompany their kids to the library. I urge the city council to leave the excellent Huntington Beach Public Library and its branches alone and apart from partisan conflict and political posturing. Sincerely, Celia Jaffe 2004-2014 Trustee of Huntington Beach City School District 2019-2021 President of California State PTA These opinions are my own. Sent from my iPhone 1 Moore, Tania From: Katie Estes <esteskt@gmail.com> Sent: Monday, October 16, 2023 2:27 PM To: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Subject: Book banning and voter suppression To whom it may concern, I am very concerned with the proposed voter suppression amendment. I am concerned that it is going on the March ballot at great cost to the city. I'm concerned that these laws will suppress votes from certain marginalized groups within the city and cause potentially another lawsuit from the state. How many times do you have to spend MY taxpayer dollars on lawsuits because you can't follow the laws of this amazing state? I'm also VERY concerned about the proposed review board for library'books.We employ,as a city,trained librarians,they need to be doing their job. Not some random panel that can decide with little to no guidance what is accessible to people at the PUBLIC library.This isn't Nazi Germany. I'm ashamed of our current city council and will be working hard to vote o it all conservative members who are fighting to change our city into a mini Nazi Germany.Stop banning books. It's not for you to decide what's appropriate for someone else. Concerned citizen, Dr Kathleen Estes, PhD i Moore, Tania From: Lynne Deakers <Icdeakers@gmail.com> Sent: Monday, October 16, 2023 2:44 PM To: CITY COUNCIL(INCL.CMO STAFF);supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Subject: Study session Oct 17 item #20 OPPOSED I am aghast that certain city council members want HB to return to 20th century and before with regard to city government appointing an oversight board to review public library books and whether or not they are appropriate for my children!! I have a masters degree in Library Science and Information Technology(UCLA 2001.) I never thought I would see the day when my own community would resort to such archaic ideas about books. Let the professionals do their job. If you the parents do not want to let your children read certain books that is your right but do not ruin it for the majority who want freedom to read up held.We know how to talk to our children about what they are reading and believe it is our fundamental right to have full access to the books our library professional select. Freedom to read is a fundamental right! How dare you propose a panel of community volunteers be the judge of what my family can and cannot read. Lynne Deakers Huntington Beach • RECEIVED 2023 OCT 1 6 PM 2: 22 CITY CLERK CiT Y OF Debbie Cook 4UNTINOTON B Huntington Beach,CA 92648 October 16,2023 Dear City Council. I cannot predict the long term consequences from tomorrow night's agenda items,(19 -21)but I do care what they might be. There are always unintended consequences and you can take a look at history to see the backlog of our failures: Prohibition,the war on drugs,new math.... But I am troubled the most by what these proposals have already cost our community: civility. And I'm troubled by this new crop of council member who puts forward items before developing consensus,before infrastructure needs are considered,before costs are calculated,and before proper data has been collected. The Charter,like the State or Federal Constitution is not something that should be changed like it is underwear. If it is to represent the road map of a city,then it deserves a deliberative and thoughtful process that includes its citizenry. I don't know what marginal problems that are thought to exist that a book banning committee,or flag banning amendment,or voter ID will solve. Perhaps it is just to make some people feel better,but it is definitely a waste of time,resources and leads to further erosion of citizen participation. Every one of these items reminds me of the great illusionist Harry Iloudini who once said,"The secret of showmanship consists not of what you really do,but what the mystery-loving public thinks you do:' We have big problems in society but we keep getting trapped in the absurd. I urge you to postpone these items until,there is a good faith effort for broader outreach and education. Sincerely Debbie Cook Moore, Tania From: myvoice@oneclickpolitics.com, Sent: Monday, October 16, 2023 2:46 PM To: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Subject: Reject Censorship, Reject Resolution 2023-41 Re: Reject Censorship, Reject Resolution 2023-41 Dear Supplemental Communications, As a resident of Huntington Beach, I am writing to ask you to vote against Resolution 2023-41,which would establish a policy to review library materials for sexual content.A parent is the person best suited to make decisions about what their child does or does not read, but the proposed ordinance would take that right away from many parents in our community by limiting what is available in the public library. It would also make the city, not parents,the ultimate arbiter on library materials.We trust our trained library staff.The library does not carry obscene materials or make them available to young readers.The policies in the ordinance are poorly defined and overly burdensome and expensive;the city will need to hire extra staff to implement and enforce them.The city may also open itself up to a costly lawsuit if the policy goes into effect and members of the community sue because they don't think their children have been protected or that their rights have been violated.The policy is both unwanted and unneeded. Please support the rights of parents and children in our community by voting against it.Thank you, Sincerely, Mrs.amanda gessell amanda.w.gessell@gmail.com 10241 Wesley circle huntington beach,CA 92646 Prepared by OneClickPolitics(tm)at www.oneclickpolitics.com.OneClickPolitics provides online communications tools for supporters of a cause,issue,organization or association to contact their elected officials.For more information regarding our policies and services,please contact info@oneclickpolitics.com • • • Moore, Tania From: myvoice@oneclickpolitics.com Sent: Monday, October 16,2023 2:56 PM To: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Subject: Reject Censorship, Reject Resolution 2023-41 Re: Reject Censorship, Reject Resolution 2023-41 Dear Supplemental Communications, As a resident of Huntington Beach, I am writing to ask you to vote against Resolution 2023-41,which would establish a policy to review library materials for sexual content.A parent is the person best suited to make decisions about what their child does or does not read, but the proposed ordinance would take that right away from many parents in our community by limiting what is available in the public library. It would also make the city, not parents,the ultimate arbiter on library materials,and forces outside out family controllers of what our family should read.We trust our trained library staff.The library does not carry obscene materials or make them available to young readers.The policies in the ordinance are poorly defined and overly burdensome and expensive;the city will need to hire extra staff to implement and enforce them.The city may also open itself up to a costly lawsuit if the policy goes into effect and members of the community sue because they don't think their children have been protected or that their rights have been violated.The policy is both unwanted and unneeded. Please support the rights of parents and children in our community by voting against it.Thank you, Sincerely, Dr. Kelly Janousek janousekk@yahoo.com 18527 Edgebrook Huntington Beach,CA 92648 Constituent Prepared by OneClickPolitics(tm)at www.oneclickpolitics.com.OneClickPolitics provides online communications tools for supporters of a cause,issue,organization or association to contact their elected officials.For more information regarding our policies and services,please contact info@oneclickpolitics.com 1 Moore, Tania From: myvoice@oneclickpolitics.com Sent: Monday, October 16,2023 2:56 PM To: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Subject: Reject Censorship, Reject Resolution 2023-41 Re: Reject Censorship, Reject Resolution 2023-41 Dear Supplemental Communications, As a resident of Huntington Beach, I am writing to ask you to vote against Resolution 2023-41,which would establish a policy to review library materials for sexual content.A parent is the person best suited to make decisions about what their child does or does not read, but the proposed ordinance would take that right away from many parents in our community by limiting what is available in the public library. It would also make the city, not parents,the ultimate arbiter on library materials.We trust our trained library staff.The library does not carry obscene materials or make them available to young readers.The policies in the ordinance are poorly defined and overly burdensome and expensive;the city will need to hire extra staff to implement and enforce them.The city may also open itself up to a costly lawsuit if the policy goes into effect and members of the community sue because they don't think their children have been protected or that their rights have been violated.The policy is both unwanted and unneeded. Please support the rights of parents and children in our community by voting against it.Thank you, Sincerely, Lauren West hbmimicute@gmail.com 18171 Lisa Lane Huntington Beach, CA 92646 Constituent Prepared by OneClickPolitics(tm)at www.oneclickpolitics.com.OneClickPolitics provides online communications tools for supporters of a cause,issue,organization or association to contact their elected officials.For more information regarding our policies and services,please contact info@oneclickpolitics.com 1 • Moore, Tania From: Magda Saborio-Saldana <magda_cris@yahoo.com> Sent: Monday, October 16, 2023 2:56 PM To: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Subject: Regarding Agenda Item 23-878 and 23-532 To Huntington Beach City Council My name is Magda Saborio-Saldana and have been a resident of Huntington Beach for 37 years. I am very concerned about the proposed action to establish a committee, "parent board", that would identify and remove books from our public library. The goal stated is to "prevent minor access to age- inappropriate, obscene, pornographic and/or sexually explicit materials in City libraries." California and Federal laws already define the meaning of "pornographic" and "obscene" and any books that fall under those definitions are already not in circulation in our libraries. The "age-appropriate" characteristic of any book is subjective and relies completely on the perspective and values of the person reviewing the book. The parents of an individual child are the best judges of whether a book is appropriate for that child. For that reason, our libraries already have a system of safeguards in place that is functioning quite well. It would be an impingement on parental rights to impose a perspective that does not align with the parent's values. The right to monitor what a child reads belongs to the parents of that child. There is no need for a "parent board" to tell me what books my grandchildren and my grandnieces and grandnephews can and cannot read. I respect your right to make decisions for your families. I expect in return that you respect my right to decide what is good for my family in accordance with my family's values. Respectfully, Magda Saborio-Saldana 8252 Snowbird Dr. HB 92646 i Moore, Tania From: Tish Johnson <tish519@aol.com> Sent: Monday, October 16,2023 2:57 PM To: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Subject: In Opposition to Resolution No. 2023-41 Importance: High To Huntington Beach City Council Members: I am opposed to Resolution No. 2023-41 which will harm the Huntington Beach Public Library in a number of ways. A politician-appointed "parent/guardian" review committee, consisting of members who are not trained and lack credentials, should not replace librarians who have the education required to make decisions about which books should be acquired and maintained for a diverse community of 200,000+ people. It brings up many questions, such as how will this committee review the 9,000 books that are acquired each year? If it's a politically motivated group, it appears that the minority would be unable to make recommendations that would be acceptable to the majority. Our community is too divided for this type of structure. I am particularly opposed to removing books from the children's/young adult section that have any reference to sex. What about health/sex education books that help young people navigate puberty, what about classics like To Kill a Mockingbird or The Great Gatsby? What about the Bible? Requiring parental consent for check-outs from youths under 18 is absolutely absurd. Many teens need to read these books starting in middle school. Teachers would be against this, as well as parents. The entire resolution is misguided. The Huntington Beach Library is fine the way it is: there's a review process in place for challenging books and trained librarians should be used for the jobs that they're trained to do, not parents who have a political or moral agenda. I would also like to add that my mom was a librarian for the city of Chicago. During her extensive career, nothing of this sort had EVER been proposed for that great city. Let the librarians do their job! Thank you, Letitia Johnson HBPL Patron • Moore, Tania From: Sharon Hathaway <hathawayslee@gmail.com> Sent: Monday, October 16,2023 3:42 PM To: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Subject: Oppose Agenda Item 20 As a Huntington Beach Resident for 25 years, I am a moderate. While I am registered as a Republican,the extreme overreach of current politics(national,state and local) has turned me off to both sides. I consider myself now an lndependant. As a volunteer and member of the Board of the Friends of the Huntington Beach Public Library, I urge you to oppose and remove item 20 from the agenda on October 17, 2023. In volunteering at the library for the same amount of years, I know that the Librarians,staff, leaders in the Children's Library and all the volunteers that make up and support this city service are the utmost professionals and care about the public at large,especially the children.We are all mindful of the role the library plays in a child's learning and growth. To imply or suggest otherwise is condescending and disrespectful to these professionals. This resolution is trying to fix a problem that isn't there. As mentioned many times,and is also supported in the Study Group materials,there is an extensive process in place for not only selecting books and materials, but national resources are used to assist in determining the age appropriateness of children's books. This is consistent and leads into the review and adjustments that is done by our own librarians and staff prior to the purchase and inclusion into the library offerings. Safeguards are in place after the books hit the shelves, and a review process is in place for any book that a citizen has a question about. The possible creation of a new bureaucratic review committee made up of parents/guardians, up to 21 people, is ill- conceived and makes no sense. With the hundreds of books selected each year, by what metric will these committee members be deemed qualified to review this material. Each parent and guardian can do that now,with the programs already in place. Each parent will have their own guideline for their children. It should not be up to a group of other parents to make those decisions for them. And where in the world will they have the time to review these hundreds of books in between story time,work,dance lessons, little league, etc.There is a process in place....why is the City Council not supporting their own library staff with assistance on funding and anything else they need to maintain the high standards already in place? Respect is earned, not entitled. With respect to the position, Mayor Pro Tem Van Der Mark just seems so angry at the Library system and staff, because she believes a handful of books(there is still no list of books identified)were inappropriate. This new resolution seems to expand the scope of the review to any book containing sexual content, which gets away from the original argument in June,and crosses over into adult books..... interpret this as the next step. She is absolutely entitled to her opinion, however, she should be working to strengthen the process in place, which she has successfully used, in partnership with the Librarians and staff responsible for the policies and processes at the Library. She should also be an advocate of our city services(as all council members should be) instead of bashing them and claiming to be the only voice of parental controls. I implore you all to take a breath and stop this action. Sharon Hathaway 714.960.9750 1 Moore, Tania From: kate healy <kate@jrdb.org> Sent: Monday, October 16, 2023 3:47 PM To: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org; CITY COUNCIL(INCL.CMO STAFF) Subject: City Council Meeting 10/17/2023 Council Members, I am a resident of Huntington Beach and I would like to go on record that I am against tonight's move towards: • Voter ID requirement- this is against California State requirements. • Restrictive Flag Law- the city council should have the ability at the majority approval to allow non-specified flags to fly- for when the Little League wins a championship, or when our Sister City sends ambassadors- the way in which this was brought up and amended so many times, it shows that it isn't about "equalizing"; it's about the LGBTQ flag as the hypocrisy was shown at the Airshow last month with both the English and Canadian flags being flown • Charter Clean-up (effectively Measure L from 2022 that the Council majority ran against- this is such an overreach and bait and switch of what they were elected to do) • The restriction of books in the library- call it whatever you want... it is essentially banning books and I am against it Kate she/her/hers kate@irdb.org 1 Moore, Tania From: crydell@socal.rr.com Sent: Monday, October 16, 2023 3:51 PM To: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Cc: 'Carol Daus' Subject: Oppose Agenda Item 20 Council Members,While I admire your purpose in preserving the innocence of youth you should be aware that book banning and burning went out in the 1930's.Young people don't read to learn about sex,that is taken care of in our school system.They don't need books to teach them how to experience sex they have the internet and cell phones.And if you are naive enough to believe that Parental Control is a hazard,just ask any 15-year-old how to get around it. If they don't know,they know several friends that can explain it to you. If young people need titillation,they can attend a concert or listen to the latest hip-hop number for direction not only of sexual deviations but how to treat the police and any other adult. But don't worry about books most young people only read when forced to and cannot generate the effort to imagine anything when the rest of media does everything for them. 1 Moore, Tania From: Judith Lewis <judilew22@gmail.com> Sent: Monday, October 16, 2023 3:58 PM To: CITY COUNCIL(INCL.CMO STAFF); supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org;Van Der Mark, Gracey Subject: Book Banning I have just discovered the Huntington Beach City Council, led by Mayor Pro Tern Gracey Van Der Mark, plans to establish a citizen committee to ban books at the Huntington Beach Libraries. Not only are you doing this, but you plan to have a so-called "study committee" immediately followed by a Council vote. To jam through such a resolution does not allow time for the citizens of Huntington Beach to react. This is a harmful move to push through a far-right Christian Nationalist Agenda on our libraries. I am appalled. I say Christian Nationalism because this sect denies systemic racism and the rights of LGBTQ+ people and has a twisted take on science issues. It opposes the basic Constitutional premise of separation of church and state. So far, I have not seen one scrap of evidence about what Van Der Mark considers sexually offensive. Thus, the Council is again solving a non-existent problem. Show us in a presentation, exactly what books and what words or pictures you are referring to. Under the wording of the resolution, you could ban teaching basic anatomy to high school students. This is ludicrous and a return to the Dark Ages. Who selects the committee members? How do their decisions get appealed and overturn? This new Council majority has become a tyranny that needs to be stopped. Judith Lewis, Retired Captain, LA County Sheriffs 4057 Warner Avenue, HB 92649 36 year Huntington Beach Resident El 2u. Judy Lewis, Iconoclastic Opinionater & Contrarian "Life s not about warf+rrg for fhe sforms o pass rt`s about fear rrng how toxdance rnXthe rarn 1 Moore, Tania From: stephanie stichka <stephanie.stichka@gmail.com> Sent: Monday, October 16, 2023 4:10 PM To: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org;CITY COUNCIL(INCL. CMO STAFF) Subject: HB Public Library Hello, I've written to this council before about this issue; I'm appalled that I need to address it once again. I am a life-long HB resident and have been going to the library since before I can remember. I have checked out countless books to read for pleasure and for school, I have taken my two children to many storytimes. Never once have I come across any books that I felt were inappropriate nor have my children looked at any books that I felt were inappropriate. I continue to be baffled as to why money and resources are being spent on this ridiculous topic. It's called censorship and we will not stand for it. It starts with "moving books around" but then what are you going to do? I don't trust that you will stop there. For a group that cries, "Don't Tread on Me!"you are certainly treading. If you care so much about the kids,start by fixing the drug problems around the city. Continue by helping the homeless get off of the streets. Provide after-school programs so that kids aren't bored and getting into trouble. Fix the potholes, clean up the parks. Those are solutions that are helpful. It's quite ironic that Ms.Van der Mark has no problem wearing a tee shirt that says"This mama does not coparent with the government"yet wants the government to govern every other child. NOPE! x � , £oa 4 €A r siiii;r '. 8 �t = l- ram. . You realize the Internet is a billion times worse than any book one can check out from the library,yes? And that the internet is readily available to just about everyone, including children?Stop wasting our taxpayer money and resources on this ridiculous non-issue and do something productive. 1 -Stephanie Stichka 2 Moore, Tania From: Buffie Channel <hbbuffie@gmail.com> Sent: Monday, October 16, 2023 4:17 PM To: CITY COUNCIL(INCL.CMO STAFF);supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Subject: Agenda Items for 10/17/23 meeting Attention Tony Strickland, Gracey Van der Mark, Casey McKeon and Pat Bruns, This message is directed at YOU. You continue to ignore your constituents.You continue to put your political agenda and political aspirations above the people of this fine city. Agenda Item 19-OPPOSED I am against Agenda Item 19-We have NO IDEA what the cost will be to manage and oversee our own elections,which will be the very likely outcome as the OC Registrar will not legally be able to comply with Voter ID requirements,and other voting mandates that will be attempted by this Council majority. Just placing these 3 items on the ballot has costs estimated between$450,000 and $1,000,000-all paid by the HB tax payers.The City Council FAILED to present any legitimate studies of total costs, logistical plans, legal studies,or proof of any reason to do so by presenting ANY case of voter fraud.You have not presented any estimated fiscal impact to manage the taking over elections locally from the OC Registrar.This will likely cost millions and millions of dollars that is a waste of money considering there iare ZERO election problems.This is just something Tony Strickland wants for his resume to move on from HB to higher office.We are being used. There is also no reason to place these ballot measures on the primary ballot instead of the general election ballot as it will increase the cost by and estimated $400,000.This is not fiscal responsibility and this is government overreach. 90% of the speakers at the Charter Amendment meetings were against this,yet this City Council majority continues to IGNORE the wishes of the majority of the people. Agenda Item 20-OPPOSE I am vehemently against the banning of books in the Huntington Beach Library system. Creating a committee of people that have no training in library science is ludicrous.We already have a system in place of contacting the library about concerns about books or their placements. Fun fact:there have been ZERO inquiries at this library in 2023.What will be the credentials needed to be on this committee? Friends with Gracey? Member of the Calvary Chapel of the Harbour? No literary background? And will this be ANY mention of SEX? Does this include kissing?And no concerns then about books with violence?Just SEX?You realize this is ridiculous, right? Gracey oranized a BOOK BURNING event in 2017 so don't pretend that this is "not a BAN'when she actually wanted to BURN BOOKS.Will this commitee get a copy of the names of the parents/kids asking to check out the books that will be the questionable list?What kind of privacy will be due to the library patrons?We don't trust you or your commitee "appointees".Will young people be harassed that request to check out these books??. Absolutely NOT! Keep your government hands off the censoring, banning and burning of our books.YOU or your minions don't get to decide what books my kid can read.That is my job. I don't need a committee that is untrained to screen books for me and my family.That is not your job.That is not your right.That is not your mandate. 1 If you REALLY believe in the 1st Amendment,censoring and banning books is the antithesis of being an American. If you do this,we will relentlessly remind you of this and this will be all of your legacies(minus Kalmick, Bolton and Moser of course). Again,you all seem to be inventing a problem to find a soluton so you can go on Newsmax to further your political careers amidst your crazy rabid base. NO on Items 19&20 II III NO on your radical blank check spending. No on your ridiiculous book censhorship and banning commitee. No on your government overreach. Sincerely, Buffie Channel 34 year resident Homeowner Business Owner 2 Moore, Tania From: Kevin Green <Quevyngreen@msn.com> Sent: Monday, October 16,2023 4:19 PM To: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Subject: Oppose Agenda Item 20 City Council, I am extremely disappointed in the City Council's proposed Resolution No. 2023-41. Your own research has shown there is already process in place, used for years, using professional librarians and community standards,to review and approve of books and other materials before placing them in the city's libraries. This includes a process to remove materials that community members might find objectionable. One council member's opinion of what they thought was "obscene" and "pornographic" should not be the standard by which the city implements book banning. Other community members, adults and children, may find the supposedly objectionable materials quite reasonable and helpful! Let community members decide for themselves if they or their children should view materials. A knee-jerk reaction to establish additional bureaucracy and governmental overreach - and at additional cost to the taxpayers! - is a ridiculous solution to a non-existent problem that is imagined by a single citizen/council member of our city. Please, do NOT approve Resolution No. 2023-41. Kevin Green Huntington Beach, CA 1 Moore, Tania From: Michelle Marciniec <michellemarym@gmail.com> Sent: Monday, October 16, 2023 4:20 PM To: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Subject: Agenda items 20 and 21 Dear Mayor Strickland &council members, I am writing in support of a yes vote on items 20 and 21 for the 10/17/23 meeting. For item 20, it is absolute common sense to examine sexually graphic novels and re-categorize them to the adult section; rather than the children's or teen department. Parents allow their children to browse for books independently, and we'd like to verify that age-appropriate materials are in these sections. Parents who wish to read sexually graphic stories to their children can still go to the adult section and check them out--this is not a ban or a first amendment right violation. For item 21, please vote "Yes"as well. We want the world to know that the citizens of HB support Israel,and condemn hatred and violence towards our Jewish friends. You may want to amend item 21 calling for an "immediate end to the war"to mean after Hamas is destroyed. Or perhaps decide this last bit is not the purview of a city council and remove the phrase entirely. Thank-you for reading, Michelle Marciniec(Steve&Justin also) 327 18th St. Huntington Beach,CA 92648 1 Moore, Tania From: MEG ROBINSON <twokyu@aol.com> Sent: Monday, October 16, 2023 4:22 PM To: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Subject: Fwd: Item 20 Begin forwarded message: I might have messed up the first one From: MEG ROBINSON<twokyu@aol.com> Date:October 16, 2023 at 2:14:06 PM PDT To:supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Subject: Item 20 While I prefer the City Council to keep its hands off the library and allow the trained professionals run it, I think an acceptable compromise has been suggested.The creation of a parent control card allows parents, not 21 unknown strangers,to decide which books their children have access to. Allowing a group of 21 politically appointed, untrained individuals to interpret Miller is ridiculous, considering the courts barely agree on pornography and obscenity. Allow the parents to take responsibility for their children's reading selections. Please take the politics out of our cherished library. Meg Robinson HB resident 1 Moore, Tania From: Fikes, Cathy Sent: Monday, October 16, 2023 9:35 AM To: Agenda Alerts Subject: FW: Process to choose books for our library and voter suppression From: Patti Akers<phakers@LIVE.COM> Sent: Friday, October 13,2023 5:32 PM To:CITY COUNCIL(INCL. CMO STAFF)<city.council@surfcity-hb.org> Subject: Process to choose books for our library and voter suppression I am against this process that you are creating which is in effect banning books. What gives a 21 person committee the decision-making power to decide what books are available to HB residents? I am against your expensive and illegal voter ID and suppression. The March election is a misuse of our city funds. I will be working to make sure as many HB voters are registered and ready to vote what they believe. You are not listening to your constituents Patti H.Akers Sent from Mail for Windows 1 Moore, Tania From: Fikes, Cathy Sent: Monday, October 16, 2023 9:35 AM To: Agenda Alerts Subject: FW: Book Banning and Voter ID at Tuesday's Council Meeting! From: Maneck Bhujwala<mnbhujwala@gmail.com> Sent: Friday,October 13,2023 5:36 PM To: Dan Kalmick<dan@dankalmick.com> Cc:CITY COUNCIL(INCL.CMO STAFF)<city.council@surfcity-hb.org> Subject: Re: Book Banning and Voter ID at Tuesday's Council Meeting! I agree with your informed and thoughtful opinion that we should not increase the tax burden on our city residents by incurring high costs of half a million dollars in rushing to have special elections in March of 2024. I also agree with you on your concern about willy nilly rushing new laws to ban books in libraries.by a limited group of review boards instead of a public vote through the initiative process. I urge the City Council members to reconsider hasty action that will end up hurting City residents in one way or another. Regards, Maneck Bhujwala Resident of Huntington Beach since January 2004. On Fri, Oct 13, 2023 at 4:03 PM Dan Kalmick<dan@dankalmick.com>wrote: View this email in your browser 1 • want to thank all of you who have been participating in this flawed Charter"Amendment • process After our final" pecial rrieeting ast week,.three charter amendments are`being proposed for a nearly half milliondolla special election' in March of 2024 Most of these amendments would o into effect i r 9. n 2026, so why are we rushing fora primary ballot at massive cost If they'rethat important, put them on.in November at 10% of the cost The final vote on the se charter amendments will be at ourme eting this Tuesday (10/17) at 6pm Thin ll include: likely illegal VoteriD.(suppression)and voter intimida • tion which will likely cause HB,to run its own municipal elections (at what cost ''who knows?), a restrictive flag policy, and some language clean up and appointment of vacant council positions (effectively Measure L from 2022 that this Council majority ran,against) • • The next meeting will also see the return of Book Banning• At our study :staff will be prese • nting research and some modest recommendations�based`on Gracey;Vans Der Mark s ntin unneeded Policyto get involved m library policy• You cane staffs powerpoint here. xN; 2 But then later on the agenda, MPT Van Der Mark and the "city.attorney" have apparently jumped the gun (shark?) and brought forward a resolution that effectivelycreates�a process to ban books Read the revised resolution here (the title has been updated from what originally posted with the agenda ) The request is to haveRall books•that have any sexual content moved to,the adult section A twenty one (you read that right, 21) person panel will " • review all proposed or new children's books and other materials procured by the City Libraries or City Librarians•that may contain sexual content before the books or materials are placed in the City Libraries .":and "If , Nrecommended books or materials do not meet the City's community'standards of acceptance, •they may be rejected by vote of the community parent/guardian'review board " .It's poorly drafted and unclear if this committee will have the ability to "reject" all books or just x "children's" books Is there an appeal process? (unknown).Rejecting a book from our library ,shelves is a ban• Let's be clear, this isn't about protecting.children, this is big government overreach: What will this "committee ofeparent/guardians" find objectionable? The list is likely; very.long :Mayor Pro Tempore Van Der Mark and.the Council Majority lied. They saitl his wasn t about banning books Well in my opinion, rejecting books from entering the library collection is, by definition,-.banning them As always you can send emarls to city council(a�surfcity hb.orq and supplementalcomm(asurfcity-lib orq and.let theMCity Council know how you feel about these policies and charter amendments ,y. 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'.:',':-.',:•'"'...'•.'5':::'-''''''' ;;All lights reseniecE, ,.,-:,,,• ,•,•,.-.:,,•., , = ', ''''':'•,',.'-'l',f l'i•i''''''' '-- ,i, ,.."•'-',:•,,,f•i!‘,''',,,.''',.',,,...,','.,,f:',':,'Sf'.''f'''': ::;',-.,", ,,''-,',.','''''''''::*"•,,-',,',:',.,'„,;,',;''';'..•;:l'''''..;.:-''''',-i.',' -,i,4'•'FP Po 11)4t1,19 ?(),'„ s'•''-;','-.1.:: i.•'''''''„S'iaii,.-:"E',',•:,:::-1,',„,'i."' '' ' '''' • ' ' ''''''-"-•:,'''.:,...''''','',"'';'''''''„''''•;;:-'-'',:'' ", '2.'''''',..'-:',::.1-',"'": 'i HB City'Council 7. ::'•,vdiei'llrf,'Hyppo9i-?.,,,,:;:,.;„.,,I,,.:,?',:' 2023 `theciban,Kplffy R :doun,IrTIFm,. -."---:-,•:,:..,,- ::...,,,:y. '...;.•••••:., - -,:... .--. .,,. ....—..,,-:'..-,:-.:,,J`,:.':-., .--",,.•:'''..,.: ck f:,.,,,. •...;,,,.:., ,-- .,.,• receiving this email because you ' iper'keiriliclpr. I7-9,,,,,,,.„ :.. '..„-::,•.-....-i:•,.:.•-•-...:,.... •. L;..,::.:, -.,, ,..,, 6 OpYii9h i©-. ,7...: F.T.:..,,,...:::::;:.-'-': '''''''4'•'"contacted You are, ,..:,- - -- ,'••' •'• s' ' -,, .-,-,-,"-,,,, -'. ---- .-;,- :•;'-.Oue...ma!ling address.-.:-... .., , Re-Elect Dan .: - - -,. .--,- -•— •--i,.,.,,,,.,,.,,. ..., . , -- ' ' ' ----i''',',,,,3:;,'-'',i'-:', -•:.:-:-i-;;:'.;''''.,--,,:-„,'_'.:-:.-',..•,':-.-.. i. ,2'. .''' City Council 7 - #1458520,,- •': :.:'-'•••,.:•.,.,..;',,'''''.."'„':.•••• .' . '',''' ..- -;:-. .,,- .'•• .";'. . ..': ;''''''''''''';''''''';• '''',:„;-,:-:'.. '.'• ' .1-'''''''T:'''''''''''I-, 131vd,#60,:..,'-''. :-'-. ,---',-: '',-:' .'''''''',.. -:'— ' -'' 1,; -•-;- -'. :';'-';'"'- ; - ,'• ,, ,.. .. ., ..- . . . . ... .. . , .. . Long Beach Ca 90802 . . : .. . . . .. . 4 Add us to your ad'dress`booK Want to change how you receive these emails9 You can update your preferences or unsubseribe from this list 5 Moore, Tania From: Fikes, Cathy Sent: Monday, October 16, 2023 9:35 AM To: Agenda Alerts Subject: FW:Voter ID/Book Banning items From:James Rodriguez<jamesrodriguez714@gmail.com> Sent: Friday,October 13,2023 5:36 PM To:CITY COUNCIL(INCL. CMO STAFF)<city.council@surfcity-hb.org> Subject:Voter ID/Book Banning items Hi CC, As 25 years resident of Huntington Beach, I have not seen such an act of political soapboxing. The items to admend the city's charter are frivolous and CC should be sanctioned. 1. Voter ID is suppression,many case judgements since the 1960s agree ID for voting is suppression. Similar to requirement of IQ tests and literary tests to vote. 2. Banning books is censorship. This is communist at its finest. Let me remind CC of the famous cases against Larry flint,that Mr. Flint publications were never censored in the U.S. by reglious institutions and 1st admendment rights of the constitution were upheld. Furthermore, Larry Flint said "freedom of the press is not the freedom for your ideas, but the ideas you hate the most". We are wasting resources,time and money, for the political grandstanding of the current CC majority. 1 Moore, Tania From: Fikes,Cathy Sent: Monday, October 16, 2023 9:36 AM To: Agenda Alerts Subject: FW: Library Books From: Donna Skinner<sisterskinner@gmail.com> Sent: Friday, October 13,2023 5:59 PM To:CITY COUNCIL(INCL. CMO STAFF)<city.council@surfcity-hb.org> Subject: Library Books Leave the library alone. Librarians decide what books to include on our library's shelves. They are educated and experienced. The city council has no business in library management. If individuals don't want their kids to see some books,they should monitor their children's choices. Donna Skinner DonnaSkinner.com 1 Moore, Tania From: Fikes, Cathy Sent: Monday, October 16, 2023 9:36 AM To: Agenda Alerts Subject: FW: Banning library books Original Message From: Karen Jackie<karjac@gmail.com> Sent: Friday,October 13,2023 9:18 PM To:CITY COUNCIL(INCL.CMO STAFF)<city.council@surfcity-hb.org> Subject: Banning library books We have school boards and public library has professionals trained to assess books.City Council duties are to supervise, not replace librarian duties.There is no evidence city council needs to review library books for children and/or adults. Show evidence our citizens see issues regarding book choice. Produce for public review what books on library shelves should not be there. Let citizens& librarians handle book choices&show why this is not being handled in library. Gracie, please focus on infrastructure and public safety.You are not on a district school board now. Karen Jackie A concerned citizen in Oceanview school district area. Sent from my iPhone • Moore, Tania From: Fikes, Cathy Sent: Monday, October 16, 2023 9:37 AM To: Agenda Alerts Subject: FW: Banned books Original Message From: haykarch11@gmail.com<haykarchll@gmail.com> Sent:Saturday, October 14,2023 6:11 AM To: CITY COUNCIL(INCL. CMO STAFF)<city.council@surfcity-hb.org> Subject: Banned books STOP over governing!! Our Librarian should oversee your job if you oversee hers—you are our employees.We did not vote for you to take away our freedoms of choice. Respect our parenting stay in your lane! And stay out of our libraries!! Cindy Hayden HB home owner Sent from my iPhone 1 Moore, Tania From: Fikes, Cathy Sent: Monday, October 16, 2023 9:37 AM To: Agenda Alerts Subject: FW: Modification of library policy, procurement of books for the library and changes to city charter From:Che Chereskin <ceceche78@gmail.com> Sent:Saturday,October 14,2023 11:54 AM To:CITY COUNCIL(INCL. CMO STAFF)<city.council@surfcity-hb.org> Subject: Modification of library policy, procurement of books for the library and changes to city charter Modification of library policy I have reviewed the PowerPoint prepared by city government staff(I believe) and have no serious objections to it although I think that it is unnecessary. At a time when resources are limited, it seems like a waste of time and money to have two groups doing the same job: the city librarians and the city government staff. In my opinion, the Huntington Beach Library staff already do a great job. I am very proud of our city library system and what it offers. Procurement of books for the library I have also reviewed 2023-41 and strongly object to the proposals therein. Although not stated,I assume that "child" is defined as someone under the age of 12 based upon the PowerPoint discussed above. However,young girls start to menstruate at around age 9 (or even younger) and thus,perhaps more than any other group, have a need for information on sexual matters. Likewise boys also have a need for factual material on aspects of sexuality. The proposed restrictions would deprive young people of a reliable source of information on sexuality just when they need it most! They will likely be able to get information from the internet,but anyone can put something on the internet so information from that source is potentially less accurate. Although it would still be possible to access material through an adult, some young people may not want to involve parents or other adults while they are figuring things out. Changes to City Charter Finally, I believe putting the proposed changes to the city charter to a vote should be postponed until it can be done economically. There is nothing urgent proposed. Furthermore,the legality of requiring specific identification for voting seems to be in question. It seems that this issue should be resolved before putting it before our citizens for a vote. Sincerely, Che Chereskin i Moore, Tania From: Fikes, Cathy Sent: Monday, October 16, 2023 9:47 AM To: Agenda Alerts Subject: FW: City Council Mtg./10-17-2023 From:gelliottl@socal.rr.com<gelliott1@socal.rr.com> Sent:Saturday, October 14, 2023 4:15 PM To:CITY COUNCIL(INCL.CMO STAFF)<city.council@surfcity-hb.org> Subject:City Council Mtg./10-17-2023 Re Agenda Items 19, 20, &21 From Cheryl Elliott, Resident of Huntington Beach since 1980 It would be far more reflective of public sentiment to pass a resolution condemning the unrelenting attacks on voter confidence, city librarians,budget strategy, rainbow flags, and the Policy on Human Dignity leveled by the Council majority. I trust that Israel will prevail. I hope that the same won't need to be said about the Council majority and City Attorney who shall be up for re-election in 2026 and may be counting on personal benefit from the voter suppression law they've foisted onto the March primary ballot. Count on the City being sued. The unwarranted restrictions aimed at existing library policies are an insult to the professionalism of our City Librarian and her staff as well as all true Friends of the Library. It is disingenuous to suggest that this resolution is anything short of book banning and will result in anything less than an onslaught of protests and lawsuits. It is also arrogant and demoralizing to insinuate that Huntington Beach parents are incapable of monitoring and protecting their own children during library visits without intervention by the Mayor Pro Tem. Will the term "sexual grooming" pass muster with the new censors?If not,the newly revised City Policy on Human Dignity had better be kept in a vault lest any minor visiting City Hall be inadvertently exposed to such suggestive sexual language. The choice of flags to be flown over City Hall should be handled by resolution,not enshrined in the City Charter. This proposed amendment was clearly designed to eliminate the Rainbow Flag and reject the population it represents. What a queer way to advance the City's new Policy on Human Dignity that claims to encourage an environment free of hostility?! At least the ballot proposal requires a unanimous vote to add a flag to those already listed. This is of some comfort to me since I'll no longer worry that a 4-to-3 Council vote might allow an "Anti-Woke" banner to wave even temporarily. As for the proposed Charter Amendments to the budget cycle and related administrative issues, my vote is "no" until the city's litigation costs and accruing penalties are under control and until the Council majority can conduct city business without sham public hearings,video clip stunts, and the Mayor's hyper-partisan bully tactics. At least five former Huntington Beach mayors have approached the Council chamber podium in astonishment to offer advice, constructive criticism, guidance, and warnings of legal peril and fiscal disaster. They have been repeatedly rebuffed by this Council's majority voting bloc. They deserve better and so do the citizens of Huntington Beach. i Moore, Tania From: Fikes, Cathy Sent: Monday, October 16, 2023 9:55 AM To: Agenda Alerts Subject: FW:Comments regarding Agenda Item#20 From:Tim Geddes<timgeddes3@gmail.com> Sent: Monday,October 16, 2023 12:24 AM To:CITY COUNCIL(INCL. CMO STAFF)<city.council@surfcity-hb.org>; al.zelinka@surfcityhg.org Subject:Comments regarding Agenda Item#20 Dear Mayor Strickland and City Council Members, I am writing in total opposition to Item #20 on the October 17, 2023 on the October 17, 2023 City Council Agenda. Once again, factions of the Council majority have proposed a vague but substantial impediment on our local government and its library system with no organizing plan, no cost analysis on its installation, and precious few details about how it would operate. Item #20 (23- 879) calls for the creation of a 21 member community parent/guardian review board which, due to each Council member making three appointments, would leave this board as a creature of the Council majority who would maintain the majority of its appointments and presumably its recommendations or decisions. It would ignore the highly qualified library science professionals who staff and advise the City in favor of biased and untrained opinion which only represents the clamoring of a few(else why would there have been no mass protest of current practices in the past). I have three main areas of opposition which must be addressed satisfactorily before any decision is made to move this item forward. First, how would this review board be set up? Would Council appointees be vetted or otherwise investigated for their fitness to serve? Would it take a majority vote (presumably 4-3) to approve appointments, and, if so, would not this constitute a virtual veto by the Council majority on the selections of Council minority members? Whether seven members or seven hundred members, the Council majority would retain dominance with this format regardless of the wishes of the citizenry. If the Council majority, through its control of the review board, chooses to ignore or misrepresent the wishes expressed by the community on library services operation and the purpose of this board, what recourse would community members have to appeal the recommendations or decisions of this body? The so-called "research" done in cooking up this sham does NOT support the inevitable direction of Council majority conclusions. Second, how would this review board be paid for? Would it come from the general fund or it come under a presumably enlarged library budget? Who would staff this review board and who would preside over it? There are dozens of operational details regarding this review board that this resolution does not address. It is important that the public is not sold "a pig in a poke", yet that is exactly what is being proposed. Third, where is the conclusive evidence that such a review board is needed? Random or thin anecdotal speculation is not convincing when compared to the solid opposition of those with long i experience in education, library science, and civic affairs. Most of the opposition to this outrage comes from those who, like myself, have children who were born and raised in Huntington Beach and who have attended public schools in our districts. My daughter, for instance, attended Eader Elementary School, Sowers Middle School, and Edison High School. She graduated with honors from Chapman University and now works for the King County library system (KCLS) in Washington state. She is appalled at what is being proposed in her hometown. I might add that KCLS (50 branches) was the busiest library system in the United States as of 2010. Do the City Council majority members pretend to have more wisdom and insight than most of the library systems in the country, let alone California? Do they have more wisdom and insight than library patrons and supporters [especially the Friends of the Library (FOTL) in Huntington Beach]? The City Council (majority) needs to both present compelling evidence to support its contentions, and to address the very real concerns posed by these areas of objection. Sincerely, Tim Geddes 40 year H.B. Resident, Parent, Homeowner, and Concerned Citizen 2 Moore, Tania From: Fikes, Cathy Sent: Monday, October 16, 2023 10:34 AM To: Agenda Alerts Subject: FW:City Charter Amendments; Flags; Public Libraries From:Julie Hampel<julie.hampel4@gmail.com> Sent: Monday,October 16, 2023 10:22 AM To:CITY COUNCIL(INCL.CMO STAFF)<city.council@surfcity-hb.org> Subject:City Charter Amendments; Flags; Public Libraries October 16, 2023 Dear Huntington Beach City Council: (Addressed specifically to Strickland, Van Der Mark, Burns, and McKeon) I am painfully writing again (4th time) to oppose your proposed City Charter Amendments, the Restrictive Flag proposal, and Interference with Public Library Policies. Life is busy and it is absurd to spend precious time on your foolishness. The Council has yet, after months of discussion, to produce a single reason for any of the changes to the City Charter or to Restrict Flags at City Hall. None. Zero. Zip. It is irresponsible of you as elected officials to continue down this path when you have heard from your citizenry that these items are not only unnecessary but are extreme actions which violate Civil Rights. Formally, I oppose: Items 2023-42; 2023-43; 2023-44;2023-45; 23-879 and any Supplemental language to change, alter or otherwise modify, vary, or Clean-up the current Huntington Beach City Charter, the Flags presented at City Hall and policies/processes at the Public Libraries. First, you know there are no problems these proposed changes/Amendments will fix. However, you also know it will cause more problems and more division amongst the citizens of Huntington Beach. Your plan is to have the Citizens fight each other rather than you. Instead, you have shown us who you really are -very un- reelectable. Secondly, flags are symbols of solidarity. Flags work to unite us. By eliminating LBGTQ/Pride Flags, you alienate that part of your Huntington Beach population. More damage is done. The City Council is supposedly apolitical. You and this Proposal are hypocritical when the City Council tent waved the 'Trump' flag during the Air Show. This Proposal is just pathetic and shows us how low you will go to create fear. Thirdly, Public Libraries are for ALL of the public and not just a few. Andrew Carnegie, the father of Public Libraries, would be appalled at your actions against anyone wanting to learn. None of you are Librarians. None. Leave books and reading material to the Librarians. Anyone not liking a library book, periodical or other reading material can choose not to look at it or check it out. Let Parents decide that for their children. Finally: All these changes are to sow chaos and confusion which creates fear and hate. It is the opposite of what a City Council is meant to do. Stop trying to control people's choices. It is a total waste of taxpayer dollars. Instead, start doing your jobs and improving our City instead of getting involved in everyone's private i business. It is very unbecoming behavior for anyone but especially an elected Huntington Beach City Council member. Huntington Beach Citizen, Julie Hampel 2 Moore, Tania From: Fikes, Cathy Sent: Monday, October 16, 2023 10:51 AM To: Agenda Alerts Subject: FW: Books From: letters-clumpy-Or@icloud.com <letters-clumpy-Or@icloud.com> Sent:Sunday, October 15, 2023 10:28 AM To:CITY COUNCIL(INCL. CMO STAFF)<city.council@surfcity-hb.org> Subject: Books To the City Council, As a 50+resident of Huntington Beach, I'm in total agreement with the content of this email. I know the writer and she has the expertise to opine on this topic. Please vote NO on resolution 2023-41 "As a lifelong member of this community, I am yet again saddened and dismayed by this council's attempts at government overreach and bigotry. This latest move titled "Children's Library Materials Containing Sexual Content" is filled with the worst type of government censorship. Though it seems like this would be a good thing to remove explicit sexual content from the Children's collection,it neglects to tell you that those things don't exist in the Children's collection! There is no smut,no pornography,no obscenity in the entirety of the library's collection! The case cited in this vague and unconstitutional resolution,refers to a case regarding obscenity,not vague "sexual content." There are standards regarding obscenity and pornography in libraries and the Huntington Beach Public Library adheres to all of those standards. But the vague language of this resolution using"sexual references" and "sexual content"has no standard. Those two pieces are only in the eye of the user. So if we are to apply the broadest possible interpretation, children or teens would not be allowed to access any of the following,and adults would have to go to a restricted section to access: The Bible: sexual references are made in Genesis, Ezekiel, Corinthians, Exodus, Leviticus, Proverbs,Song of Solomon, Samuel,and more New Testament includes sexual references made in regards to prostitution,virginity, etc. Any book regarding Mary Mother of Jesus as a "virgin" (this would exclude any books about Christmas Eve,the manger stories, etc) Any book including images or references to pregnancy(as pregnancy can occur as a result of a sexual act) example Mama's Belly or The birds,the bees.and the Berenstain Bears/Stan&Jan Berenstain. Any book that includes romantic kisses (as kissing is.a sexual act in and of itself) including all stories related to Sleeping Beauty,Snow White,the Princess and the Frog, many Babysitter's Club, Froggy's First Kiss, etc 1 Any teen books that discuss romance and sexual desire such as Twilight or The Fault in Our Stars The entire works of Shakespeare,notably Romeo and Juliet Required reading for school including,but not limited to, Of Mice and Men,A Tale of Two Cities, Pride and Prejudice, Catch-22, Diary of a Young Girl by Anne Frank,The Outsiders,Wuthering Heights,The Odyssey,The Scarlet Letter,and more. Adult books to be moved to the restricted section: history books health books books on pregnancy books on menopause medical books romance novels mystery novels art books biographies philosophy religious books There are so many more that would be affected by this vague language that it is impossible to know the true effect. Thousands of books would fall into this vague "sexual content" category,making a mockery of our library system. This type of vague censorship will be immediately challenged in court and lose,if any of the 100s of cases of precedent are anything to go by. I urge you to vote no on this resolution and leave the libraries alone." Mary 2 Moore, Tania From: Fikes, Cathy Sent: Monday, October 16, 2023 10:54 AM To: Agenda Alerts Subject: FW: Comment on Councilmember item 20. From: Dan Jamieson<danjamieson4@gmail.com> Sent:Sunday, October 15, 2023 12:03 PM To:CITY COUNCIL(INCL. CMO STAFF)<city.council@surfcity-hb.org> Subject:Comment on Councilmember item 20. Dear HB council members: Please vote NO on Councilmember item 20 at the Oct. 17, 2023 council meeting. The proposed item from councilmember Van Der Mark would create an illegal and unworkable book-banning process for our public library system that the majority of residents oppose. The resolution would require that books and other materials be placed in the adult section of HB libraries if they contain "any content of[a] sexual nature," and would require parental approval of"any book ... that contains any sexual writing [or] content. ... " The result would be that the young-adult books designed to inform young people about often-sensitive and private issues of sexuality would now be flagged and subject to parental review at the library. Many young people who are coming of age do not, or cannot, discuss sexuality with their parents. The library provides a safe and responsible information resource for them. The proposed resolution would reverse that. Further, "any content of a sexual nature" is overly broad language. It could cover just about any non-fiction or fictional work. Many histories and biographies contain sexual content. Many (if not most) fictional works contain sexual references. Potentially, a vast swath of books in our libraries could be subject to parental review before young people could check them out. How would the parental-approval process work?How long would it take?Might it even discourage young adults from using the library? The proposed parent/guardian review board would be completely unworkable. The board would have up to 21 members, attempting to figure out what new children's books to approve or ban(yes, a ban, as unapproved books would not be available in our libraries). The board could reject new children's books by majority vote using undefined "community standards." It could then turn its attention to reviewing all children's and young- adult books currently in the library and potentially subject them to parental approval. The board would be a lawsuit waiting to happen. It would be a source of controversy as its members engage in public fights over which children's books should be banned or restricted. Imagine the ridicule our city will experience as contentious book-banning board meetings go viral. i Finally,the resolution jumps the gun. On September 4,2023,the council directed staff to come up with policy options regarding library materials. In a study session prior to the regular council meeting of Oct. 17, 2023, city staff will respond to that request and present what might be a more workable library-material review process. But in proposing the resolution, councilmember Van Der Mark(and the council majority?) indicate that they really have no interest in hearing staffs opinions. That would not be surprising as, so far, the majority seem to have no interest in listening to HB residents on this issue either. For these reasons, councilmember item 20 should be rejected Sincerely, Dan Jamieson Roxanne McMillen Huntington Beach 2 Moore, Tania From: Fikes, Cathy Sent: Monday,October 16, 2023 10:55 AM To: Agenda Alerts Subject: FW: Resolution:2023-41 From: Marilyn Palomino<palominoccr@gmail.com> Sent:Sunday, October 15, 2023 2:14 PM To:CITY COUNCIL(INCL. CMO STAFF)<city.council@surfcity-hb.org> Subject: Resolution:2023-41 City Council Members, I am a 37-year resident of Huntington Beach and worked in the community for 24 years. I am in total disagreement with the proposed changes in Resolution: 2023-41! It is unnecessary and poorly structured. I worked as a social worker for two years and in education for 30+ years. I can tell you that child molestation and abuse of all kinds exists in families of all socioeconomic backgrounds. Removing the subject from literature will not make it disappear. It will however endanger children and teenagers and could potentially increase victimization over time. Victims are often threatened by perpetrators and told that they or their loved ones will suffer if they tell anyone. Sometimes victims read about a similar trauma and it gives them a different perspective and/or the courage to get help. A clear and honest exposure to human sexuality, racism. social issues and reality in general are constructive and should be age appropriate. Age-appropriate reading is and should continue to be determined by librarians with expertise. Trust their professionalism! I'm very concerned that a few of you believe you know what is best for all children. Are you educated in child development or education? Are you library professionals? Your attempt to "restrict" access to classic works of literature is an infringement upon everyone rights. You have interjected yourselves into a profession that has no place in city government. Your attempts to micromanage the library system will be costly and ultimately challenged legally. Your recommendation to put together a committee of parents selected by city council members is ludicrous. What qualifications will these committee members possess? Will they be paid? "Stay in your lane!" You should be focusing your council efforts on the safety of our community. The infrastructure needs attention as does the budget. Your actions on the book restrictions are causing a wave of discontent and anger in our community. Please do not go forward with the proposed plan. We are watching your misuse of public trust, funds and time! i On another note, you have silenced my public voice by not allowing public comment on Zoom. I had surgery and don't have the stamina to attend a meeting yet. This is not aligned with the Americans with Disabilities Act. 2 Moore, Tania From: Fikes, Cathy Sent: Monday, October 16, 2023 10:55 AM To: Agenda Alerts Subject: FW:Westwell SUPPORTS Agenda Item 11 - Obscene & Inappropriate Books From: Norm Westwell<normw@modernpublic.com> Sent:Sunday, October 15, 2023 2:31 PM To:CITY COUNCIL(INCL. CMO STAFF)<city.council@surfcity-hb.org> Subject:Westwell SUPPORTS Agenda Item 11-Obscene& Inappropriate Books Dear Council. Thank you for your dedicated service. I SUPPORT the removal of obscene and Inappropriate books from the HB Children's Library & agenda item 20. Thank you for standing up for the protection of children, our country's future. Norm Westwell (13 year Trustee, Ocean View School District) Disclosure: This is my personal position, which sadly may not be the same as the Ocean View School District. • Moore, Tania From: Fikes, Cathy Sent: Monday, October 16, 2023 10:55 AM To: Agenda Alerts Subject: FW:Opposing Agenda Item 20 Adoption of Resolution No.2023-41 Original Message From:Caroline Brandenburger<carolinern@gmail.com> Sent:Sunday, October 15,2023 4:10 PM To:CITY COUNCIL(INCL. CMO STAFF)<city.council@surfcity-hb.org> Subject:Opposing Agenda Item 20 Adoption of Resolution No. 2023-41 Opposing Agenda Item 20 Adoption of Resolution No.2023-41 To City Council of Huntington Beach, My name is Caroline Brandenburger and I'm a third generation Huntington Beach, CA resident for over 44 years. I'm writing this email to express my concern and opinions regarding Agenda Item 20 Adoption of Resolution No.2023-41. I believe that no individual or government appointed committee or council has a right to decide what you and your own family are allowed to read or check out from the library. The Huntington Beach Public Library has been providing library services to Huntington Beach since 1909.The Central Library is one of my favorite places in Huntington Beach. I am in full support of our library staff in their ability to manage, procure and maintain the books and materials located within the library.They do a phenomenal job and we have one of the best libraries in Orange County. No intervention is needed from the HB City Council.The efforts to ban books and restrict minors' access to certain books should not be your worry or concern. HB City Council I urge you to put your efforts and time into the critical issues and problems in this city. Please stop trying to fix what isn't broken.Seems like you aren't trying to ban books to protect minors, but rather the majority of the council seem to have motives consistent with fascism. Please stop the nonsense and this unnecessary noise you are creating. Sincerely, Caroline Brandenburger Huntington Beach resident 1 Moore, Tania From: Fikes, Cathy Sent: Monday, October 16, 2023 10:56 AM To: Agenda Alerts Subject: FW: From:Jennifer Tan<jennifertan@yahoo.com> Sent:Sunday, October 15,2023 4:18 PM To:CITY COUNCIL(INCL. CMO STAFF)<city.council@surfcity-hb.org> Subject: To "ban" according to Webster's Dictionary means to restrict access or distribution. Limiting readers' access to books is banning books. Censorship is illegal. This will welcome lawsuits and be a costly fight for Huntington Beach. Restricting readers from library materials is wrong. Respect parent rights and allow parents to decide what is correct for their children. Dr. Jennifer Tan 1 Moore, Tania • From: Fikes, Cathy Sent: Monday, October 16, 2023 10:56 AM To: Agenda Alerts Subject: FW: no book ban From: Nicki Head <nicki_head@hotmail.com> Sent:Sunday, October 15, 2023 4:25 PM To:CITY COUNCIL(INCL.CMO STAFF)<city.council@surfcity-hb.org> Subject: no book ban Hello City Council, Huntington Beach doesn't need a book banning committee. Nobody in our free country needs a book banning committee. Parents and guardians are capable of deciding which library books are appropriate for their own children. Sincerely, Nicki Head i Moore, Tania From: Fikes, Cathy Sent: • Monday, October 16, 2023 10:56 AM To: Agenda Alerts Subject: FW:Very upset with proposals Original Message From: Cynthia LaMotte<drclamotte@gmail.com> Sent:Sunday, October 15, 2023 4:48 PM To: CITY COUNCIL(INCL. CMO STAFF)<city.council@surfcity-hb.org> Subject:Very upset with proposals To Whom This May Concern: In my 41 years of living in Huntington Beach,this is my first email to the HB City Council. I am highly disturbed by the members of council who are proposing to dissolve the Human Relations Committee and see this as a shift in priorities by a few members on the council. Dissolving this committee makes absolutely no sense whatsoever. Given the climate of our world at this time,are we no longer concerned about prejudice and bigotry?There is no rationale to support dissolving this committee that I can understand and/or support. Additionally,the HB City council is proposing that we appoint a citizen panel to review materials in the children's section of our library. It appears that some members' political positions are interfering in a parent's or caretaker's ability to make decisions that are best for their family.We have trained professionals doing a great job working at the library we suddenly think we need to second guess their decisions. If people don't want their children to be exposed to certain materials than they need not check them out of the library.The committee appointing a panel will prevent free choice and again seems political and without intelligent,sensible rational. I am questioning the need for either of these proposals and now have little confidence in the council members who support these ideas. Please do not allow your personal political ideology to influence your actions on the council and impose your ideas on so many others who do not agree. Very truly yours, Cindy LaMotte HB resident Sent from my iPhone 1 Moore, Tania From: Fikes, Cathy Sent: Monday, October 16, 2023 10:57 AM To: Agenda Alerts Subject: FW:Agenda Item 20 From:Athena Jaharis<miss_athena12@yahoo.com> Sent:Sunday, October 15,2023 5:27 PM To:CITY COUNCIL(INCL. CMO STAFF)<city.council@surfcity-hb.org> Subject:Agenda Item 20 To Whom It May Concern: I firmly disagree with any attempt to ban books and other materials within the Huntington Beach Public Library system. A politically appointed committee does not have the right to determine what media I consume. Each individual should make the personal decision to view or read what they deem appropriate. Thank you, Athena Dryden 1 Moore, Tania From: Fikes, Cathy Sent: Monday, October 16, 2023 10:57 AM To: Agenda Alerts Subject: FW: STOP Original Message From: karen samuelson<ksam38@hotmail.com> Sent:Sunday, October 15, 2023 5:38 PM To:CITY COUNCIL(INCL. CMO STAFF)<city.council@surfcity-hb.org> Subject:STOP You do not have the right to ban books.SToP being a bunch of Trump wannabesl Sent from my iPhone 1 Moore, Tania From: Fikes, Cathy Sent: Monday, October 16, 2023 10:57 AM To: Agenda Alerts Subject: FW:Vote no on resolution 2023-41 From:Jennifer Wilson<jwilly1068@yahoo.com> Sent:Sunday, October 15, 2023 6:00 PM To:CITY COUNCIL(INCL.CMO STAFF)<city.council@surfcity-hb.org> Subject:Vote noon resolution 2023-41 Dear Councilmember Van Der Mark and the other three who blindly trust her without doing their own research or fact-checking, Resolution 2023-41 is a disaster and a lawsuit waiting to happen. It's clearly censorship and I am shocked your attorney didn't tell you so. Not only are you restricting access for minors, who have rights, this committee of yours will for sure step across those legal boundaries because they are lay people without training, education, or understanding of what they would be allowed to do. I know you think if you repeat the lie often enough people will believe you but there are many smart people in this community who see right through this lie. Clearly there are no obscene or pornographic books in the library. If there were, the parents would have complained, the police would have been called, it would have made the news - employees of the city distributing pornography to minors. Please. Just because you personally would like to play morality police and are ashamed or embarassed doesn't mean there is anything wrong with books on sex education. As is common sense and contained in the study session presentation - pornographic books aren't published by mainstream publishers, aren't sold, aren't purchased for libraries. All libraries would have been sued by now and if you do just a cursory (that means basic) review of cases, you can see how many of those are lost because the books aren't pornographic. A sex education book written for 12 year old shouldn't be in the adult section. It's written for that age group for a reason. Your misunderstanding of so many things is causing the issue here, not the content of books. What you are doing is walking on the rights of youth, making parents' lives harder, and is clear government overreach. Coming from someone who doesn't want the government to tell you to wear a mask this is unbelievably hypocritical. Let parents parent. I want my teens to have unfettered access. They are smart and critical thinkers and can think for themselves and I trust them and I trust the librarians. We all know where this is leading. You start,here, with what you think is an easy win. But what will you censor next? It's obvious your taste for power won't stop here. I pray the rest of the Council pay better attention, concern themselves with the fact that the city will be sued, that parents will come out in droves to complain, that they will be incredibly unpopular in their next political steps. If this passes, you might as well slap an adults only sign on the front of the library. I'm sure the community will love that and you all won't hear any complaints at all. That's sarcasm. 1 Vote no on this overreaching, poorly crafted censorship resolution. 2 Moore, Tania From: Fikes, Cathy Sent: Monday, October 16, 2023 11:02 AM To: Agenda Alerts Subject: FW: Books for review From: Dorothy Boesch <dorothyone@verizon.net> Sent:Sunday, October 15, 2023 7:53 PM To:CITY COUNCIL(INCL.CMO STAFF)<city.council@surfcity-hb.org> Subject: Books for review To City Council, Re agenda item 20. I would vote to adopt item number 20. Thank you, Dorothy Boesch 1 Moore, Tania WOW - From: Fikes, Cathy Sent: Monday, October 16,2023 11:02 AM To: Agenda Alerts Subject: FW: Library Original Message From: Brent Nichols<drbrentnichols@gmail.com> Sent:Sunday, October 15, 2023 8:13 PM To: CITY COUNCIL(INCL.CMO STAFF)<city.council@surfcity-hb.org> Subject: Library Hello.As a lifelong HB resident with two kids in jr high, I strongly oppose the proposed plan to create a committee to review books available at the library. My wife and I are fully capable of vetting books for our kids. We have taken our kids to the library since they were born and have never had a problem with the books they can access.We have never seen porn or any other disturbing material.This stinks of big government overreach. History teaches us that book banning is never the work of good government. Please do not get involved and allow the professionals to continue their good work. Thank you Brent Nichols Sent from my iPhone 1 Moore, Tania From: Fikes, Cathy Sent: Monday, October 16, 2023 11:03 AM To: Agenda Alerts Subject: FW: In Opposition to Resolution No. 2023-41 From:Carol Daus<caroldaus@gmail.com> Sent:Sunday, October 15, 2023 8:50 PM To:CITY COUNCIL(INCL.CMO STAFF)<city.council@surfcity-hb.org>• Subject: In Opposition to Resolution No.2023-41 Dear Huntington Beach City Council Members: I vehemently oppose Mayor Pro Tern Van Der Mark's resolution 2023-41 that calls for a radical overhaul of our Public Library, which is widely revered by the community and its patrons. Since she announced her book banning proposal in June, the following events took place: • Friends of the Library membership skyrocketed as library patrons expressed outrage over the Pro Tem's plan. • The library had its largest summer reading program ever with more than 3,600 readers joining the seven-week reading challenge (over 16,000 people attended the 200 events and programs offered at our five locations, and adults reported almost 2,400 books read!) • HBPL was awarded the best children's Storytime in Orange County, for the second consecutive year. Why would a library of this stature require a remake? Gracey is suggesting that any book with a reference of sexual content would be removed to the adult section—this would decimate the teen/young adult section! She's also suggesting that readers under 18 would require parental consent to check out books and that a politician-appointed "parent/guardian" review board would be involved in selecting books, which dangerously diminishes the role of trained librarians. This is an extreme form of government overreach and will need to be litigated in court, which is costly for HB taxpayers. Finally, let's make it clear. This is a book banning plan. It doesn't matter if books aren't removed physically from a library—if they're made inaccessible to those who want to read them, it's a ban. The First Amendment protects not just the right to speak but the right to receive information. Democracy is undermined when a minority--in this case 4 politicians-- force their own preferences and judgments on the rest of us (a community of roughly 1 200,000) by relocating books off library shelves and preventing new books from being acquired that they find objectionable. Thank you, Carol Daus Huntington Beach resident of 28 years fReplyForward 2 Moore, Tania From: Fikes, Cathy Sent: Monday, October 16,2023 11:03 AM To: Agenda Alerts Subject: FW: Public Comment Items 18 & 19,Tuesday, October 17,2023 From:qw<channelfrequency@gmail.com> Sent:Sunday, October 15, 2023 10:11 PM To:CITY COUNCIL(INCL.CMO STAFF)<city.council@surfcity-hb.org> Subject: Public Comment Items 18& 19,Tuesday, October 17,2023 Dear City Council, I support Item 18. Please, following visibility requirements &riding on the correct side of the road must be better enforced. I oppose Item 19. No. 1 -If there were forged signatures at a voting booth, investigators & counter-identity theft analysis should be at hand to the registrar of voters. Voter ID &monitors would much more easily be compromised at any time & drastically increase the possibility of large-scale voter fraud. According to the Heritage Foundation there were only 6 cases of voter fraud in California in 2022. No. 2. -This item doesn't allow International Maritime Signal Flags to be flown on city hall. No. 3 - This item allows the city charter to be summoned as an agreement to cancel meetings regardless of a city council vote. This increases the likelihood of mishandling core functions& states of emergency. Non-agendized. Please refill the empty Boston Market& surrounding commerce at Golden-Warner Centers accordingly,this is a content area. Not attending to basic commercial duties is a recurring question I have. I oppose Items 9 &20 -Please let the librarians do their jobs according to the law. I oppose Item 21 - There's no executive order from the president for city councils to take positions on Israel vs Hamas. There could also be false information. Out of respect for our military operations,please stick to city matters. Please don't limit prayers, education&ideas. Once again, I urge for a major increase in archaeological dig sites for undiscovered technology. I hope for consensus to continue being established. -BenP. 1 Moore, Tania From: Fikes, Cathy Sent: Monday, October 16, 2023 11:04 AM To: Agenda Alerts Subject: FW: Library citizen panel From:Shereen Walter<shereenwalter@gmail.com> Sent: Monday,October 16,2023 7:20 AM To:CITY COUNCIL(INCL. CMO STAFF)<city.council@surfcity-hb.org> Subject: Library citizen panel As a long time citizen of Huntington Beach(since 1993), I am writing to express my outrage that politicians, particularly our City Council members, feel it is important to set up an appointed citizen panel to review materials in the children's section of the library. The atrocities that happened in Europe before and during the 2nd world war were started with the banning of books to its citizens. Stop what you are doing. You do not have a right to tell me what my children can and can not read by limiting access in our public library to books that you or your political appointees feel are appropriate. We may not agree on what is appropriate for my children to read...but certainly, in a democracy,I should have a right to make that decision,not you or your political appointee! This is an overreach of your duties as an elected member of our city council. I am VERY opposed to the setting up of such a citizen review committee. It is an overreach in the name of parent rights. Just more craziness that I was hoping did not exist in my city! Sincerely, Shereen Walter 1511 Lakeside Ln, Huntington Beach, CA 92648 Cell phone 714 504-3537 1 Moore, Tania From: Fikes, Cathy Sent: Monday, October 16,2023 11:04 AM To: Agenda Alerts Subject: FW:WE SUPPORT AGENDA ITEM 20 From:terryagriffin<terryagriffin@verizon.net> Sent:Sunday,October 15, 2023 4:49 PM To:CITY COUNCIL(INCL.CMO STAFF)<city.council@surfcity-hb.org> Subject: RE:WE SUPPORT AGENDA ITEM 20 It is NOT A BAN ON BOOKS. Rather common sense in favor of AGE APPROPRIATE ACCESS TO SEXIALLY EXPLICIT MATERIALS. Read the text. I am disappointed in librarians who would encourage access to porn by young children. Thank you. Terry Griffin-HB RESIDENT Sent from my Verizon,Samsung Galaxy smartphone 1 Moore, Tania From: Fikes, Cathy Sent: Monday, October 16,2023 11:05 AM To: Agenda Alerts Subject: FW: Book ban Original Message From: ROSE SAYLIN <rsaylin@aol.com> Sent: Monday,October 16, 2023 8:11 AM To: CITY COUNCIL(INCL. CMO STAFF)<city.council@surfcity-hb.org> Subject: Book ban PLEASE let parents choose their children's books—not the city council. Rose Saylin Huntington Beach Sent from my iPhone 1 Moore, Tania From: Fikes, Cathy Sent: Monday, October 16, 2023 11:05 AM To: Agenda Alerts Subject: FW: Library Books -- Book selection works well at HBPL now From: Maria Sugranes<ladygracedem@gmail.com> Sent: Monday,October 16, 2023 8:25 AM To:CITY COUNCIL(INCL. CMO STAFF)<city.council@surfcity-hb.org> Subject: Library Books--Book selection works well at HBPL now Do not embark in this superfluous policy. The present system works well. Huntington Beach parents and HBPL librarians have been doing their job well or there would be multiple book challenges. The city council is creating a problem where none exists. Maria Sugrane, HB resident since 1972 and retired librarian 1 Moore, Tania From: Fikes, Cathy Sent: Monday, October 16, 2023 11:05 AM To: Agenda Alerts Subject: FW: Resolution 2023-41 From:shakes-09-dame@icloud.com<shakes-09-dame@icloud.com> Sent: Monday,October 16,2023 9:06 AM To:CITY COUNCIL(INCL.CMO STAFF)<city.council@surfcity-hb.org> Subject: Resolution 2023-41 To the City Council, My family has been living in Huntington Beach since 1980. We have lived through many changes in the city council and none of the changes have affected me or gotten me more involved with city politics than the changes that the new majority wants to impose on the citizens of this city, many of whom have spoken up about these extremist proposals at meetings that I have felt compelled to attend recently. A friend of mine has much knowledge of our city libraries and she forwarded to me the email that she sent to you already.I am copying her email because I am in total agreement with what she wrote. I hope you have been reading the many emails that I know you've been getting about your actions. Please pay attention to what your constituents are saying! Here is the email that I have taken the liberty of copying! I am yet again saddened and dismayed by this council's attempts at government overreach and bigotry. This latest move titled "Children's Library Materials Containing Sexual Content" is filled with the worst type of government censorship. Though it seems like this would be a good thing to remove explicit sexual content from the Children's collection, it neglects to tell you that those things don't exist in the Children's collection! There is no smut, no pornography, no obscenity in the entirety of the library's collection! The case cited in this vague and unconstitutional resolution, refers to a case regarding obscenity, not vague "sexual content." There are standards regarding obscenity and pornography in libraries and the Huntington Beach Public Library adheres to all of those standards. But the.vague language of this resolution using "sexual references" and "sexual content" has no standard. Those two pieces are only in the eye of the user. i So if we are to apply the broadest possible interpretation, children or teens would not be allowed to access any of the following, and adults would have to go to a restricted section to access: The Bible: sexual references are made in Genesis, Ezekiel, Corinthians, Exodus, Leviticus, Proverbs, Song of Solomon, Samuel, and more New Testament includes sexual references made in regards to prostitution, virginity, etc. Any book regarding Mary Mother of Jesus as a "virgin" (this would exclude any books about Christmas Eve, the manger stories, etc) Any book including images or references to pregnancy (as pregnancy can occur as a result of a sexual act) example Mama's Belly or The birds, the bees, and the Berenstain Bears / Stan & Jan Berenstain. Any book that includes romantic kisses (as kissing is a sexual act in and of itself) including all stories related to Sleeping Beauty, Snow White, the Princess and the Frog, many Babysitter's Club, Froggy's First Kiss, etc Any teen books that discuss romance and sexual desire such as Twilight or The Fault in Our Stars The entire works of Shakespeare, notably Romeo and Juliet Required reading for school including, but not limited to, Of Mice and Men, A Tale of Two Cities, Pride and Prejudice, Catch-22, Diary of a Young Girl by Anne Frank, The Outsiders, Wuthering Heights, The Odyssey, The Scarlet Letter, and more. Adult books to be moved to the restricted section: history books health books books on pregnancy books on menopause medical books romance novels mystery novels art books biographies philosophy religious books There are so many more that would be affected by this vague language that it is impossible to know the true effect. Thousands of books would fall into this vague "sexual content". category, making a mockery of our library system. This type of vague censorship will be immediately challenged in court and lose, if any of the 100s of cases of precedent are anything to go by. I urge you to vote no on this resolution and leave the libraries alone. Sincerely, HB Resident for 43 years 2 Moore, Tania From: Fikes, Cathy Sent: Monday, October 16, 2023 11:06 AM To: Agenda Alerts Subject: FW:Amendments to Huntington Beach City Charter Original Message From: Linda Pohl<2travelinpohls@gmail.com> Sent: Monday,October 16, 2023 9:39 AM To:CITY COUNCIL(INCL.CMO STAFF)<city.council@surfcity-hb.org> Subject:Amendments to Huntington Beach City Charter Please reconsider your efforts to get the amendments placed on the March ballot.The council was voted in to make our City run more efficiently, not to see how much money you can spend on pet projects wasting tax payers money. At least if you wait until the November election you will not only save the City money, but have a larger turnout which will be to your benefit. Don't forget you were elected with this"flawed"system.When voters actually see how you're wasting their tax dollars they may see you in a different light.Voters quickly forget your exciting promises when it affects their wallets. As far as the library restrictions are concerned you are solving a problem that isn't there. It may make you look very self righteous sparing our young children the possibility of finding out about their sexuality, however there is something called the INTERNET which you may not be aware of and everyone but a toddler has access to either themselves or a Friend. You may try to live like we're in the 1950's but unfortunately you're deluding yourselves Linda and Walter Pohl Sent from my iPad 1 Moore, Tania From: Fikes, Cathy Sent: Monday, October 16, 2023 11:07 AM To: Agenda Alerts Subject: FW: Library From:The Silversteins<sjsdns@verizon.net> Sent: Monday,October 16, 2023 10:18 AM To:CITY COUNCIL(INCL.CMO STAFF)<city.council@surfcity-hb.org> Subject: Library We are 44 yr HB residents, and licensed psychologist and social worker. Our children and grandchildren had been active children's library users. NO ONE HAS EVER BEEN HARMED BY READING WHATEVER IN THE CHILDREN'S LIBRARY 21 non-librarians passing judgment on what is available in the library is absurd interference. DELETE THIS PROPOSAL IMMEDIATELY! Stanley Silverstein, PhD Deborah Silverstein, LCSW 1 Moore, Tania From: Fikes, Cathy Sent: Monday, October 16, 2023 11:09 AM . To: Agenda Alerts Subject: FW: No on book banning and No on ballot initiativess From:jnagytree@aol.com<jnagytree@aol.com> Sent: Monday,October 16,2023 10:46 AM To:CITY COUNCIL(INCL.CMO STAFF)<city.council@surfcity-hb.org> Subject: No on book banning and No on ballot initiativess NO on the the March ballot initiatives. MOVE these unneeded/undesirable items to the November ballot if you MUST persist in squandering our money by putting these wholly unnecessary Charter changes to public vote. Next, and most importantly WE ARE AGAINST the effort to Ban, Censor, or Restrict Books in our award winning library,the veritable pride of our community! Ron and Jean Nagy 30+years residents of HB 1 Moore, Tania From: Fikes, Cathy Sent: Monday, October 16, 2023 11:09 AM To: Agenda Alerts Subject: FW: Proposed changes to library From:celia4pta@gmail.com<celia4pta@gmail.com> Sent: Monday, October 16, 2023 10:52 AM To:CITY COUNCIL(INCL.CMO STAFF)<city.council@surfcity-hb.org> Subject: Proposed changes to library To the Members of HB City Council: I am writing regarding the proposal to change the process for adding materials to the children's section at the library. oppose the idea of councilmembers creating a committee to examine incoming library materials for these reasons: 1. Trained professional librarians are the best people to run the city's libraries, and they have been doing that for decades. 2. An appointed citizen committee is unnecessary. The library uses the industry standard processes for adding books to the collection, and there is already a process to challenge an item in the collection. 3. Adding political appointees to Huntington Beach's library procedures would politicize our city libraries. That would be a tragedy. For centuries public libraries have played a crucial role in our democracy by providing the public access to knowledge and a wide range of points of view. Having political appointees making any decisions regarding library material is unacceptable. 4. Any families who have an even stricter judgement on which library books or other material they want their children to read can accompany their kids to the library. I urge the city council to leave the excellent Huntington Beach Public Library and its branches alone and apart from partisan conflict and political posturing. Sincerely, Celia Jaffe 2004-2014 Trustee of Huntington Beach City School District 2019-2021 President of California State PTA These opinions are my own. • Moore, Tania From: Fikes, Cathy Sent: Monday, October 16, 2023 11:09 AM To: Agenda Alerts Subject: FW:Agenda Item 20 From: Irma Loper<Ioperfamily@gmail.com> Sent: Monday,October 16,2023 10:52 AM To:CITY COUNCIL(INCL.CMO STAFF)<city.council@surfcity-hb.org> Subject:Agenda Item 20 I am a 46-year resident of Huntington Beach. We have raised three children and invested in this community with a business. One of my sons is also raising two young children in Huntington Beach. As a long-time volunteer at the Children's Library of the Huntington Beach Public Library, I strongly ask that you do not vote in favor of Agenda Item 20 Adoption of Resolution 2023-41. Parents should be the final arbiter of what their children read. I put my trust in our highly-educated and trained librarians to procure and maintain the best book catalog for our community. Huntington Beach should not be known for book banning or any kind of restriction to book access. I hope that the support of our fine library staff and denouncement of your proposed book banning does not fall on deaf ears. Irma Loper 1 Moore, Tania From: Fikes, Cathy Sent: Monday, October 16, 2023 1:12 PM To: Agenda Alerts Subject: FW: Opposition to Resolution 2023-41 From: nocleugh@hotmail.com <nocleugh@hotmail.com> Sent: Monday, October 16, 2023 12:13 PM To:CITY COUNCIL(INCL.CMO STAFF)<city.council@surfcity-hb.org> Subject:Opposition to Resolution 2023-41 Dear Huntington Beach City Council, The purpose of this email is to express OPPOSITION to Resolution 2023-41. Name a great American author- Hemingway, Hawthorne, F. Scott Fitzgerald, Harper Lee, Walt Whitman, Faulkner, Vonnegut, Edgar Allen Poe, Arthur Miller,Joseph Heller,John Steinbeck Name a great American book-The Scarlet Letter, Of Mice and Men, The Great Gatsby,To Kill a Mockingbird, The Raven,The Crucible, Leaves of Grass,The Sound and the Fury, Catch 22, Slaughterhouse 5, For Whom the Bell Tolls What do all these authors and books have in common? Sexual content. Shakespeare, Greek mythology, and of course the Bible all contain sexual content. Censorship is as old as time. The Puritans came to the new world in part to escape censorship and be able to have Bibles written in English, not Latin. The founding fathers knew how important keeping censorship in check was. Hence, the First Amendment to the Constitution protects Freedom of Expression. The First Amendment. Numero Uno. My wife and I are raising two kids in Huntington Beach. We have been to the HB Libraries more times than I can count. It shouldn't be a surprise to you, but young children are accompanied by their parents to the library. In fact,they are pretty much accompanied until they are well into their teen years. The families of Huntington Beach are perfectly capable of supervising our children. We don't need the City Council creating a censorship nanny state to protect our children from sexual content in the library. I appreciate all you do for Huntington Beach. Please vote against this Resolution. Best regards, Brian Cleugh i Moore, Tania • From: Fikes, Cathy Sent: Monday, October 16, 2023 1:12 PM To: Agenda Alerts Subject: FW:Comments on Book Ban and Proposed City Charter Amendments From: Douglas Hart<dbhart2001@yahoo.com> Sent: Monday,October 16, 2023 12:14 PM To:supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org;CITY COUNCIL(INCL. CMO STAFF)<city.council@surfcity-hb.org> Subject:Comments on Book Ban and Proposed City Charter Amendments I am writing concerning the proposed Book Ban and Charter Amendments once again. Fascists ban books. Communists ban books. Religious Theocracies ban books. Democracies don't ban books. Yet the City Council majority seems willing to take the City down those un-American paths with their proposed ban on certain library books. It seems that whatever the four in the majority (and whatever political appointees that they might choose for their review board)deem "offensive" in their political and religious views will override the informed judgements of the City librarians and the parents of Huntington Beach. That is wrong and it is leading the City down a dangerous path. This book ban proposal needs to END NOW! Fascists suppress the vote of the citizens. Communists suppress the vote of the citizens. Religious Theocracies suppress the vote of the citizens. Democracies don't suppress the vote of the citizens. Yet the City Council majority seems willing to take the City down those un-American paths with the proposed Charter amendment on voting. The unneeded and illegal attempt to set up a"Voter ID"system for city voters and a ballot box"monitoring"system is, pure and simple, an attempt to suppress voters that might disagree with the current majority. Since"voter fraud" is a proven fiction in this city, this county, this state, and this country, the majority wants to waste our tax-payer money on unnecessary changes to city elections just to make a political play to the far-right voters who believe the voter fraud lies. This proposal needs to END NOW! VOTE NO ON THE BOOK BAN AND ON THE CHARTER AMENDMENTS!! Douglas Hart 5221 Chadwick Drive Huntington Beach, CA 92649 • Moore, Tania From: Fikes, Cathy Sent: Monday, October 16, 2023 1:13 PM To: Agenda Alerts Subject: FW:Stop banning books,you fascists. From:Adam Kelly<adamscottkelly@gmail.com> Sent: Monday,October 16, 2023 12:33 PM To:CITY COUNCIL(INCL. CMO STAFF)<city.council@surfcity-hb.org> Subject:Stop banning books,you fascists. Dear Christo-Fascist-Anti-American pig swine, sorry I mean Gracey Van Der Mark(I don't know why my delete button isn't wokring), Stop trying to ban books from the library. Stop pretending books that discuss human sexuality, gender identity, and sexual preferences will hurt children. You constantly say "children" but you want to censor even young adult's access to knowledge. These are the very people who are probably the most conflicted and uneducated about their bodies and sexual preferences. Yet in your sinister Christo-fascist plan you are exluding teenagers from books that you deem obscene. As a member of this community,I do not find those books obscene and I do not think children and young adults learning about themselves to be obscene. I'll give you a hint what book in the library I do find obscene, and I bet you won't ban that one despite the murder,hate and sexual acts described within its pages. I'd argue the deranged world view presented in the Bible has warped more minds than any other book in the library, it has clearly warped the minds of the Republican members of this city council. Though let's be honest,I doubt most of you are actual believers, rather it's a convient means to get support from an evangelical base. I wonder where you got that idea from... So anyways, I saw your pilgrimage to that traitor Ronald Reagan's library. What is it about Republicans and getting all soggy over fascist traitors to America? The way you all stared longingly at the statues of that traitor was pretty unsettling. While we're banning books can we also ban Grizzy-Girl from eye fucking dead Presidential statues? "< #graceynotforhb Those not wanting to ban books, commit general acts of government overreach or fascism, give out Airshow settlements for kick backs and favors, or pander to a religious base you dont really believ in,please ignore. I'm sorry your colleagues are terrible people. Some of the people I work with are also terrible people, and my heart goes out to you. Sincerely, Adam P.S. Did we nail down the Fascist-Four roles yet?Everyone good with their spot? 1 Moore, Tania From: Fikes, Cathy Sent: Monday, October 16, 2023 1:13 PM To: Agenda Alerts Subject: FW: I oppose changing the city charter and Adoption of Resolution No.2023-41 From:Ann Schoeff<annschoeff@verizon.net> Sent: Monday,October 16,2023 12:38 PM To:CITY COUNCIL(INCL. CMO STAFF)<city.council@surfcity-hb.org> Subject: I oppose changing the city charter and Adoption of Resolution No.2023-41 Good afternoon- I am opposed to the three proposed amendments to the City of Huntington Beach Charter and believe they are unnecessary. I am also opposed to the adoption of resolution No. 2023-41. One of the many things I love about our city is the amazing library system we have. I almost always have a library book on my nightstand and when my kids were little,we frequently enjoyed our trips to the library and participated in the summer reading program every year. Librarians and their staff are trained to choose the books for the library and they've done an outstanding job so far; I do not think this should change. I do not want a council appointed committee of 21 to decide what books should be housed on my library's shelves. Please leave book selection to the librarians-thank you. It appears that the majority of the council is responding to and creating problems that don't exist within our city; it feels like overreach and book banning to me. Unfortunately, I feel that I am literally wasting my time with sending this email as you've already made up your minds on what you are going to do and how you are going to vote no matter how many emails you receive or how many people show up at the city council meeting to oppose these two items. Respectfully, Ann Schoeff 1 Moore, Tania From: Fikes, Cathy Sent: Monday, October 16,2023 1:13 PM To: Agenda Alerts Subject: FW: HB Council Mtg, 10/17/23 — Resolution No, 2023-41 (BOOK BANNING) From: Lee Marie Sanchez<Isanchez@uuma.org> Sent: Monday,October 16, 202312:51 PM To:CITY COUNCIL(INCL.CMO STAFF)<city.council@surfcity-hb.org> Subject: HB Council Mtg, 10/17/23"'Resolution No, 2023-41 (BOOK BANNING) Dear Members of the Huntington Beach City Council N I am very concerned about the Council's rapid move to the right, regarding LGBTQ+ rights, voter suppression and book banning, among many other issues. I write now to strongly oppose: *20. 23-879 Submitted by Mayor Pro Tem Van Der Mark - Consider Adoption of Resolution No. 2023-41 establishing a policy for the review and recataloging of library materials containing sexual content "Recommended Action : I request the City Council consider adopting Resolution No. 2023-41 to establish a policy for the review and recataloging of library materials containing sexual content" Furthermore, I have just learned that this will be part of the study session of the Oct 17th meeting and, without adequate time for this resolution to be discussed or to 1 receive wider feedback, it may be voted on at the regular Council session ! ! This is book banning, clear and simple as defined as prohibiting or restricting books available to the public. I have confidence in our well-educated and trained professional librarians, not an individual or a government appointed committee to decide what members of our community may read. This must stop now. The proposed details of this book banning have come to my attention only today and they are all highly questionable if not ridiculous! Frankly, I am appalled. I strongly urge the Council to give our community a much deeper and longer opportunity to review the details of the resolution before it comes to a vote by the Council. If you are truly interested in the democratic process you will do so. You are all urged as elected officials of all our citizens to give these details plenty of time to be more widely available to the public, for more comments from us and well-considered responses to us, regarding everything in these proposals. N Rev. Lee Marie Sanchez (Minister, retired, voting, encouraging others to vote) 2 Moore, Tania From: Fikes, Cathy Sent: Monday, October 16, 2023 1:13 PM To: Agenda Alerts Subject: FW: Proposal regarding HB Library From: kfamily@socal.rr.com<kfamily@socal.rr.com> Sent: Monday,October 16, 2023 1:10 PM To:CITY COUNCIL(INCL.CMO STAFF)<city.council@surfcity-hb.org> Subject: Proposal regarding HB Library Dear Council Members, I am writing today to voice my disapproval of the proposal resolution to have a community/parent-guardian review board. We have outstanding public libraries in Huntington Beach and I have every faith in our librarians to do the job that they are trained to do. There is no reason to bring in yet another group of people to meddle with the guidelines that the public libraries already follow. Libraries are about providing access to everyone, and what you think is appropriate, I might not think is appropriate and vice versa. If parents are so worried about what their children might come across in the library,then they should go with them to the library,as well as discussing their own family thoughts and rules about the library. Parents cannot just abandon their responsibilities to their children by not being involved in the process of their education and their use of public libraries. Thank you, Christina Kawahara I am a 39-year-resident of Huntington Beach whose children have gone from Kindergarten through 12th grade in the Huntington Beach public school system and used the Huntington Beach public libraries. 1 Moore, Tania From: Fikes, Cathy Sent: Monday, October 16, 2023 1:13 PM To: Agenda Alerts Subject: FW: Book Banning at our Libraries From:Charles Goldblum <chuckgoldblum@icloud.com> Sent: Monday,October 16,2023 1:12 PM To:CITY COUNCIL(INCL.CMO STAFF)<city.council@surfcity-hb.org> Subject: Book Banning at our Libraries Dear Council Members. . I sadly learned that tomorrow's meeting will include a new resolution establishing a 21 member review board for new books being added in our library. It also appears that the results of the study to ban books will be discussed. These attempts to ban books is disturbing. If you do not want your child to read a book,then parent them. Please do not force your religious beliefs onto my family. I expect my children to have access to a wide array of books at our libraries, and forcing your religion onto my family is beyond offensive. Best regards, Chuck Charles Goldblum 1508 Pacific Coast Highway Huntington Beach, CA 92648 i Moore, Tania From: Fikes, Cathy Sent: Monday, October 16, 2023 2:06 PM To: Agenda Alerts Subject: FW:Adoption of Resolution No.2023-41 From: Linda Ford<hbtapgirl@verizon.net> Sent: Monday,October 16,2023 1:45 PM To:CITY COUNCIL(INCL. CMO STAFF)<city.council@surfcity-hb.org> Subject:Adoption of Resolution No.2023-41 Dear Huntington Beach City Council Members, We are asking for your full support in adopting Resolution No. 2023-41. Unlike the opposition who claims that this will ban books from our City Library, we recognize that this is limiting access to the questionable books and material until a person is 18 years old. This subject matter is not appropriate for minors, and unless a parent chooses to share this literature with their own minor children, it is not appropriate to have unsupervised access. We have three beautiful Granddaughters who are all under the age of ten, and the thought that they could have access or see this vulgar material is beyond comprehension. We know our daughter does not take them to the HB Library for this reason, and we would not want them there at this time. A library should be a safe place to learn for children of all ages, not a place for dirty dark secrets. Let our children be children... time enough when they are adults to be exposed to this literature. Thank you for your consideration in this matter. Respectfully yours„ Frank and Linda Ford Huntington Beach residences since 1978 i Moore, Tania From: Fikes,Cathy Sent: Monday, October 16, 2023 2:06 PM To: Agenda Alerts Subject: FW: Restriction of my reading rights;AKA book bannng Original Message From:Suzanne Hart<hb.diva@yahoo.com> Sent: Monday,October 16, 2023 1:56 PM To: CITY COUNCIL(INCL. CMO STAFF)<city.council@surfcity-hb.org> Subject: Restriction of my reading rights;AKA book bannng I am writing to you in opposition of Council Agenda item#20;Adoption of Resolution 2023-41. While I feel that this is a waste of my time due to your obvious disregard of your constituents'desires, please put aside your fascist,government over reach ideas and allow the public to make their own decisions regarding reading choices. Please keep in mind the newest mantra I'm hearing at CC meetings: "We the People." Suzanne Hart Sent from my iPhone 1 Moore, Tania From: Fikes, Cathy Sent: Monday, October 16, 2023 2:07 PM To: Agenda Alerts Subject: FW:Agenda Item 20; Resolution 2023-41 Original Message From: Chris Hart<chart@socal.rr.com> Sent: Monday,October 16, 2023 2:03 PM To:CITY COUNCIL(INCL. CMO STAFF)<city.council@surfcity-hb.org> Subject:Agenda Item 20; Resolution 2023-41 I am writing in OPPOSITION to Agenda Item 20;Adoption of Resolution 2023-41.While it has been stated,"We are not banning books,"any form of restricting access is, in fact,a form of book banning.One could argue semantics all day long, but it's still BOOK BANNING! Chris Hart 25 Yr Resident of HB Sent from my iPhone • Moore, Tania From: Fikes, Cathy Sent: Monday,October 16,2023 2:47 PM To: Agenda Alerts Subject: FW:Agenda Item 20-Adoption of Resolution No.2023-41 From:Susan Stephan<susanostephan@gmail.com> Sent: Monday,October 16,2023 2:23 PM To:CITY COUNCIL(INCL.CMO STAFF)<city.council@surfcity-hb.org> Subject:Agenda Item 20-Adoption of Resolution No.2023-41 Dear City Council: I am writing in opposition to the Agenda Item 2-Adoption of Resolution No. 2023-41. I firmly believe in the importance of intellectual freedom and the autonomy of our university educated and trained public librarians in selecting books for children and adolescents. As a parent, I am strongly opposed to having politicians limiting access to books for my children. I do not feel that politicians and arbitrarily appointed citizens should have the ability to limit the intellectual pursuits of my children; Librarians are trained professionals who curate collections to provide a diverse range of materials which cater to a wide variety of interests, reading levels, and backgrounds. Throughout my children's lives,the librarians in the Huntington Beach public libraries have played a significant role in my children's reading journey. From attending story times to recommending books, the librarians have assisted me in helping to foster a love of literacy in my children in both Spanish and English. The proposal to have a citizen's oversight committee to review books is not only impractical, but infringes upon the principles of freedom of speech and my right to parent. It is vital that my children have access to a diverse collection of books to explore different perspectives, cultures, and experiences so as to promote empathy and tolerance in our society. I am confident that our educated and trained librarians are more than capable of fulfilling this role. I understand that concerns about certain books being age-appropriate are valid, and this is why we have dedicated and well-trained librarians who are capable of evaluating and categorizing materials based on age, maturity, and content. Their expertise ensures that children and adolescents can access books suitable for their individual development. These professionals are best equipped to make informed decisions that benefit our youth without imposing arbitrary restrictions. I urge you to vote against Agenda Item 20-Adoption of Resolution No. 2023-41. Our public libraries and librarians are fundamental to the democratic values upon which our country is built. By allowing them to make informed decisions about book selections,we protect the rights of all citizens to access a broad range of ideas and encourage the intellectual growth of our youth. Sincerely, _ Susan O'Malley Stephan 1 Citizen of Huntington Beach 2 Moore, Tania From: Fikes, Cathy Sent: Monday, October 16, 2023 2:48 PM To: Agenda Alerts Subject: FW:Voter suppression and book ban Original Message From: Katie Estes<esteskt@gmail.com> Sent: Monday,October 16, 2023 2:26 PM To:CITY COUNCIL(INCL. CMO STAFF)<city.council@surfcity-hb.org> Subject:Voter suppression and book ban To whom it may concern, I am very concerned with the proposed voter suppression amendment. I am concerned that it is going on the March ballot at great cost to the city. I'm concerned that these laws will suppress votes from certain marginalized groups within the city and cause potentially another lawsuit from the state. How many times do you have to spend MY taxpayer dollars on lawsuits because you can't follow the laws of this amazing state? I'm also VERY concerned about the proposed review board for library books.We employ,as a city,trained librarians,they need to be doing their job. Not some random panel that can decide with little to no guidance what is accessible to people at the PUBLIC library.This isn't Nazi Germany. I'm ashamed of our current city council and will be working hard to vote o it all conservative members who are fighting to change our city into a mini Nazi Germany.Stop banning books. It's not for you to decide what's appropriate for someone else. Concerned citizen, Dr Kathleen Estes, PhD 1 Moore, Tania From: Fikes, Cathy Sent: Monday, October 16, 2023 2:48 PM To: Agenda Alerts Subject: FW: Do Not Interfere with Current Library Standards! Original Message From: Margaret Sloan <peggysloan@gmail.com> Sent: Monday,October 16, 2023 2:30 PM To:CITY COUNCIL(INCL. CMO STAFF)<city.council@surfcity-hb.org> Subject: Do Not Interfere with Current Library Standards! Do not interfere with current library standards! They are working because they are put into place by qualified credentialed librarians. If the Council truly believes children are at risk of reading inappropriate material at our libraries,a better solution would be to extend parental library control through age eighteen. ANYTHING ELSE IS POLITICAL GRANDSTANDING! Best, Peggy Sloan 1 Moore, Tania From: Fikes, Cathy Sent: Monday, October 16, 2023 2:48 PM To: Agenda Alerts Subject: FW: Reject Censorship, Reject Resolution 2023-41 From: myvoice@oneclickpolitics.com<myvoice@oneclickpolitics.com> Sent: Monday,October 16,2023 2:46 PM To:CITY COUNCIL(INCL. CMO STAFF)<city.council@surfcity-hb.org> Subject: Reject Censorship, Reject Resolution 2023-41 Re: Reject Censorship,Reject Resolution 2023-41 Dear City Council, As a resident of Huntington Beach, I am writing to ask you to vote against Resolution 2023-41,which would establish a policy to review library materials for sexual content. A parent is the person best suited to make decisions about what their child does or does not read,but the proposed ordinance would take that right away from many parents in our community by limiting what is available in the public library. It would also make the city,not parents,the ultimate arbiter on library materials. We trust our trained library staff. The library does not carry obscene materials or make them available to young readers. The policies in the ordinance are poorly defined and overly burdensome and expensive; the city will need to hire extra staff to implement and enforce them. The city may also open itself up to a costly lawsuit if the policy goes into effect and members of the community sue because they don't think their children have been protected or that their rights have been violated. The policy is both unwanted and unneeded. Please support the rights of parents and children in our. community by voting against it. Thank you, Sincerely, Mrs. amanda gessell amanda.w.gessell@gmail.com 10241 Wesley circle huntington beach, CA 92646 Prepared by OneClickPolitics(tm)at www.oneclickpolitics.com.OneClickPolitics provides online communications tools for supporters of a cause,issue,organization or association to contact their elected officials.For more information regarding our policies and services,please contact info@oneclickpolitics.com 1 Moore, Tania From: Fikes, Cathy Sent: Monday,October 16, 2023 3:07 PM To: Agenda Alerts Subject: FW: Reject Censorship, Reject Resolution 2023-41 From: myvoice@oneclickpolitics.com<myvoice@oneclickpolitics.com> Sent: Monday, October 16,2023 2:56 PM To:CITY COUNCIL(INCL.CMO STAFF)<city.council@surfcity-hb.org> Subject: Reject Censorship, Reject Resolution 2023-41 Re: Reject Censorship, Reject Resolution 2023-41 Dear City Council, As a resident of Huntington Beach, I am writing to ask you to vote against Resolution 2023-41, which would establish a policy to review library materials for sexual content. A parent is the person best suited to make decisions about what their child does or does not read, but the proposed ordinance would take that right away from many parents in our community by limiting what is available in the public library. It would also make the city, not parents,the ultimate arbiter on library materials. We trust our trained library staff. The library does not carry obscene materials or make them available to young readers. The policies in the ordinance are poorly defined and overly burdensome and expensive; the city will need to hire extra staff to implement and enforce them. The city may also open itself up to a costly lawsuit if the policy goes into effect and members of the community sue because they don't think their children have been protected or that their rights have been violated. The policy is both unwanted and unneeded. Please support the rights of parents and children in our community by voting against it. Thank you, Sincerely, Lauren West hbmimicute@gmail.com 18171 Lisa Lane Huntington Beach, CA 92646 Constituent Prepared by OneClickPolitics(tm)at www.oneclickpolitics.com.OneClickPolitics provides online communications tools for supporters of a cause,issue,organization or association to contact their elected officials.For more information regarding our policies and services,please contact info@oneclickpolitics.com 1 Moore, Tania ,.- IT I From: Fikes, Cathy Sent: Monday, October 16, 2023 3:08 PM To: Agenda Alerts Subject: FW: Reject Censorship, Reject Resolution 2023-41 From: myvoice@oneclickpolitics.com <myvoice@oneclickpolitics.com> Sent: Monday,October 16, 2023 2:56 PM To:CITY COUNCIL(INCL.CMO STAFF)<city.council@surfcity-hb.org> Subject: Reject Censorship, Reject Resolution 2023-41 Re: Reject Censorship, Reject Resolution 2023-41 Dear City Council, As a resident of Huntington Beach, I am writing to ask you to vote against Resolution 2023-41,which would establish a policy to review library materials for sexual content. A parent is the person best suited to make decisions about what their child does or does not read,but the proposed ordinance would take that right away from many parents in our community by limiting what is available in the public library. It would also make the city,not parents,the ultimate arbiter on library materials, and forces outside out family controllers of what our family should read. We trust our trained library staff. The library does not carry obscene materials or make them available to young readers. The policies in the ordinance are poorly defined and overly burdensome and expensive; the city will need to hire extra staff to implement and enforce them. The city may also open itself up to a costly lawsuit if the policy goes into effect and members of the community sue because they don't think their children have been protected or that their rights have been violated. The policy is both unwanted and unneeded. Please support the rights of parents and children in our community by voting against it. Thank you, Sincerely, Dr. Kelly Janousek janousekk@yahoo.com 18527 Edgebrook Huntington Beach, CA 92648 Constituent Prepared by OneClickPolitics(tm)at www.oneclickpolitics.com.OneClickPolitics provides online communications tools for supporters of a cause,issue,organization or association to contact their elected officials.For more information regarding our policies and services,please contact info@oneclickpolitics.com 1 Moore, Tania From: Fikes, Cathy Sent: Monday, October 16,2023 3:08 PM To: Agenda Alerts • Subject: FW:Children's Book Review Committee From:susandixonl@verizon.net<susandixonl@verizon.net> Sent: Monday,October 16, 2023 3:04 PM To:CITY COUNCIL(INCL. CMO STAFF)<city.council@surfcity-hb.org> Subject:Children's Book Review Committee As a resident of our fine city, I am deeply concerned about the potential appointment of a committee to evaluate children's books in our libraries. I was a librarian before I went to law school and I believe that our librarians are fully capable of determining the appropriateness of books for kids. Many quality books have been banned in other regions of this country,and that is a disservice to young people. Children and their parents should be allowed to freely select books that are of interest to them. If a parent does not like a book their child wishes to read,the parent can choose not to allow the child to check it out. Libraries encourage freedom of thought through the gift of reading.The choice of books our children read should not become a political issue. Leave the decisions about books to librarians, children, and their families. Please do not vote to establish this oversight group. Let our qualified librarians do their jobs.Thank you for your attention to this important issue. 1 Moore, Tania From: Fikes, Cathy Sent: Monday, October 16,2023 3:09 PM To: Agenda Alerts Subject: FW: Book Banning Original Message From: Connie Tomsick<connietomsick@gmail.com> Sent: Monday, October 16, 2023 3:07 PM To:CITY COUNCIL(INCL. CMO STAFF)<city.council@surfcity-hb.org> Subject: Book Banning As a citizen of Huntington Beach for over 45 years,and a long time volunteer for the Friends of the Children's Library, I feel very strongly about members of our city council banning books. I imagine your member was using published lists of books that some extremely right wing, controlling,and, I truly believe, ignorant, people have been putting online. Our librarians are extremely dedicated to providing books that the public wishes to read. I understand your member specifically referred to a Young Adult book she claimed was in the Children's Library. It wasn't. I truly believe that the extremely intolerant members of the council are out of touch with the citizens of Huntington Beach,those of us who believe in freedom, progress, and acceptance. Sincerely, Constance Tomsick 1 Moore, Tania From: Estanislau, Robin Sent: Monday, October 16, 2023 3:18 PM To: Jerry Smith Cc: Moore, Tania Subject: RE:Agenda Item#20 Received. Robin Estanislau, CMC, City Clerk City of Huntington Beach 714-536-5405 eh. 44. P i Please consider the HB City Clerk's office for your passport needs! From:Jerry Smith <jsmith@socal.rr.com> Sent: Monday,October 16,2023 3:00 PM To: Estanislau, Robin <Robin.Estanislau@surfcity-hb.org> Subject:Agenda Item #20 I am in support of Agenda#20 and wish this to be noted for this Tuesdays meeting. Jerry Smith (smith@socal.rr.com 714 887-6655 D0ect4 i l a wq015 L. yT kg ffi °L4�6 ° 3< � y 1 Moore, Tania From: Fikes, Cathy Sent: Monday, October 16, 2023 3:58 PM To: Agenda Alerts Subject: FW: Item 20 Board Meeting 10/17/2023 Original Message From:Alice Roberts<almroberts@icloud.com> Sent: Monday,October 16, 2023 3:22 PM To: CITY COUNCIL(INCL. CMO STAFF)<city.council@surfcity-hb.org> Subject: Item 20.Board Meeting 10/17/2023 I do not support the Huntington Beach City Council creating a review board for children or any books at our city library. I do not support the city attorney reviewing any books at our city library. Our city library is not broken or needs to be fixed by thebcity counsel. Alice Roberts 8777 Tulare Drive 411C Huntington Beach,Ca 92646 714 3818775 Sent from my iPad 1 Moore, Tania From: Fikes,Cathy Sent: Monday, October 16, 2023 3:58 PM To: Agenda Alerts Subject: FW: Input to City Council Members re: 10/17/2023 Meeting From: Patricia Larkin<patglarkin@gmail.com> Sent: Monday,October 16,2023 3:40 PM To:CITY COUNCIL(INCL.CMO STAFF)<city.council@surfcity-hb.org> Subject: Input to City Council Members re: 10/17/2023 Meeting Greetings Huntington Beach City Council Members, My name is Patricia(Pat)Larkin; and I am a 50+year resident of Huntington Beach. I have so enjoyed this wonderful city and have appreciated its history of sound government practices. Today I'd like to offer input re: Agenda Items#19,20 &21 relative to tomorrow's afternoon and evening Council meetings. Agenda Item# 19 The OC Registrar of Voters has a long-established solid record of safely overseeing our elections and they should continue to do so. The prospect of Huntington Beach running its own elections would not only entail tremendous effort and needless expense to the city but could potentially undermine our safe and reliable current election process. There has been no issue with the flags that are flown at City Hall; they generally find wide approval. Agenda Item#20 This item seeks to establish a policy for the review and recataloging of library materials with sexual content. The Miller Case actually established specific procedures for public libraries to follow to address this issue. Such decisions need to remain with our librarians; the city's trained professionals in Library Science. Given their training,they are best able to make judicious choices. Agenda Item#21 While I agree with this item's condemnation of the Hamas 10/7/2023 attack on Israel,the resolution should go further. It should also include support for Palestine,whose citizens have largely coexisted with Israel for eight decades. It needs to condemn violence and advocate for the safe passage of those living in contested border towns. The Council's majority would do well to engage with the Greater Huntington Beach Interfaith Council and to reinstate the Human Relations Committee; as these two organizations have given moral authority, support and direction to our City Councils historically regarding issues related to hate crimes, intolerance and violence. Finally, since these three Charter amendments would not go into effect until 2026 there is no rational reason to create a special March 2024 election which would come at great cost to our taxpayers.These three Charter amendments are not necessary in my opinion; however if the Council does go ahead with them,they would still be much better placed on the November General Election Ballot, saving our taxpayers 90% of the cost. Thank You each for both serving on our City Council and for reflecting on the above input. Sincerely, 1 Patricia Larkin 2 Moore, Tania From: Fikes, Cathy Sent: Monday, October 16, 2023 4:29 PM To: Agenda Alerts Subject: FW: City Council action to ban books and restrict our right to vote From: Brian G.Saylin <brian@saylin-law.com> Sent: Monday,October 16,2023 4:21 PM To:CITY COUNCIL(INCL.CMO STAFF)<city.council@surfcity-hb.org> Cc: Rose Saylin (rsaylin@aol.com) <rsaylin@aol.com> Subject:City Council action to ban books and restrict our right to vote I used to wonder what it must have been like to live in Nazi Germany when Hitler rose to power. He began by burning books. We all know how it ended. I also wonder what it must be like to have the Taliban relegate a class of its citizens to a lower class with few rights. Unfortunately, in our past, we have done some things which are somewhat similar,when there was segregation in the South and legislation to prevent Black Citizens from Voting. We have also send Japanese to concentration camps. All these events started with those in power starting,bit by bit,to take away rights from the citizens. That's exactly what the City Councill is poised to do on Tuesday. It is shameful and must be stopped. Hopefully,the city council members will stop and realize the damage to democracy they are planning to impose. Please don't go down this path. We are better than this!!! Get Outlook for iOS i Moore, Tania -III -, 'um r From: Fikes, Cathy Sent: Monday, October 16, 2023 4:29 PM To: Agenda Alerts Subject: FW: Book censoring and voter I'd Original Message From:Anne Tillman <annetillman@me.com> Sent: Monday,October 16, 2023 4:23 PM To:CITY COUNCIL(INCL.CMO STAFF)<city.council@surfcity-hb.org> Subject: Book censoring and voter I'd Both are bad moves. We are not a police state Anne Tillman Anne@annetillman.com 562-858-0572 1 Moore, Tania From: Fikes, Cathy Sent: Monday, October 16, 2023 4:29 PM To: Agenda Alerts Subject: FW: NO on Agenda Item#20 - Resolution No.2023-41 • From: Paula Schaefer<pas92649@gmail.com> Sent: Monday,October 16,2023 4:24 PM To:CITY COUNCIL(INCL. CMO STAFF)<city.council@surfcity-hb.org> Subject: NO on Agenda Item#20- Resolution No. 2023-41 Mayor and City Council Members: Vote NO on this ridiculous resolution for these reasons: 1. This is completely unnecessary. There is no evidence that "obscene" or "pornographic" material is accessible by children as evidenced by the Staff report provided by the Library personnel that is the subject of the study session. 2. The proposed rule is unenforceable because the use of the phrase "sexual content" would encompass books and material containing all types of scientific writings, or artistic drawings, or literary writings. 3. You assume that parents need your assistance in making decisions for their children but you are not qualified to do so since you are not educated in library science. Leave this business to the qualified professionals. 4. Finally, it is a complete affront to the efforts of the City of Huntington Beach's professional library personnel. The newly elected majority has failed to work with the appropriate city personnel to learn the existing procedures before trying to change the procedures. Once again,the new majority has attempted to fix a problem of its own making. You've created a firestorm only to pretend that you're solving some problem. It is getting to be very tiresome that you continue to spend your time on these "culture war" issues,when you should be working on the issues that are actually facing the City. Paula A. Schaefer, HB resident i Moore, Tania From: Fikes, Cathy Sent: Monday, October 16, 2023 4:30 PM To: Agenda Alerts Subject: FW:The 25 million the city of supposed to get From: Ron Miller<bowlerman12004@yahoo.com> Sent: Monday,October 16, 2023 4:27 PM To:CITY COUNCIL(INCL.CMO STAFF)<city.council@surfcity-hb.org> Subject:The 25 million the city of supposed to get Nobody's been talking about the 25 million where is that book banning that's a joke you have parents librarians very educated let them make the decision not the fab 4 Sent from Yahoo Mail for iPhone i Moore, Tania From: Fikes, Cathy Sent: Monday, October 16,2023 4:56 PM To: Agenda Alerts Subject: FW: Upcoming vote on 10/17 From:Chris Damaro<cdamaro22@gmail.com> Sent: Monday,October 16,2023 4:39 PM To:CITY COUNCIL(INCL. CMO STAFF)<city.council@surfcity-hb.org> Subject: Upcoming vote on 10/17 To Whom it may concern, I truly hope that under no circumstances, any materials will be banned from being included in the catalog at a public library,no matter how"sexual"the content may seem to fear mongering idiots. The people trying to censor our public libraries need to be stopped. Never give in!! Sincerely written from a concerned citizen who plans to educate his two children on right and wrong without depressing the realities and truths about the world around them. Thank you, C.D. i Moore, Tania From: Fikes, Cathy Sent: Monday, October 16, 2023 4:56 PM To: Agenda Alerts Subject: FW: Fwd: resolution 2023-41 From:saka714@aol.com<saka714@aol.com> Sent: Monday,October 16, 2023 4:39 PM To:CITY COUNCIL(INCL.CMO STAFF)<city.council@surfcity-hb.org> Subject: Fw: Fwd: resolution 2023-41. Leave the library alone!!! Sent from the all new AOL app for iOS Begin forwarded message: On Monday, October 16, 2023, 9:07 AM, Sumi Yata<sumiyata@gmail.com Forwarded message -- To the City Council, • As a lifelong member of this community, I am yet again saddened and dismayed by this council's attempts at government overreach and bigotry. This latest move titled "Children's Library Materials Containing Sexual Content" is filled with the worst type of government censorship. Though it seems like this would be a good thing to remove explicit sexual content from the Children's collection, it neglects to tell you that those things don't exist in the Children's collection! There is no smut,no pornography,no obscenity in the entirety of the library's collection! The case cited in this vague and unconstitutional resolution, refers to a case regarding obscenity, not vague "sexual content." There are standards regarding obscenity and pornography in libraries and the Huntington Beach Public Library adheres to all of those standards. But the vague language of this resolution using "sexual references" and "sexual content" has no standard. Those two pieces are only in the eye of the user. So if we are to apply the broadest possible interpretation, children or teens would not be allowed to access any of the following, and adults would have to go to a restricted section to access: The Bible: sexual references are made in Genesis, Ezekiel, Corinthians, Exodus, Leviticus, Proverbs, Song of Solomon, Samuel, and more i New Testament includes sexual references made in regards to prostitution, virginity, etc. Any book regarding Mary Mother of Jesus as a"virgin" (this would exclude any books about Christmas Eve,the manger stories, etc) Any book including images or references to pregnancy (as pregnancy can occur as a result of a sexual act) example Mama's Belly or The birds, the bees, and the Berenstain Bears/ Stan&Jan Berenstain. Any book that includes romantic kisses (as kissing is a sexual act in and of itself) including all stories related to Sleeping Beauty, Snow White,the Princess and the Frog,many Babysitter's Club, Froggy's First Kiss, etc Any teen books that discuss romance and sexual desire such as Twilight or The Fault in Our Stars The entire works of Shakespeare, notably Romeo and Juliet Required reading for school including, but not limited to, Of Mice and Men, A Tale of Two Cities, Pride and Prejudice, Catch-22, Diary of a Young Girl by Anne Frank, The Outsiders, Wuthering Heights, The Odyssey, The Scarlet Letter, and more. Adult books to be moved to the restricted section: history books health books books on pregnancy books on menopause medical books romance novels mystery novels art books biographies philosophy religious books There are so many more that would be affected by this vague language that it is impossible to know the true effect. Thousands of books would fall into this vague "sexual content" category, making a mockery of our library system. This type of vague censorship will be immediately challenged in court and lose, if any of the l 00s of cases of precedent are anything to go by. I urge you to vote no on this resolution and leave the libraries alone. sincerely, Erin Spivey HB Resident of over 30 years. 2 Moore, Tania From: Fikes, Cathy Sent: Monday, October 16, 2023 4:57 PM To: Agenda Alerts Subject: FW: Library resolution Original Message From: Flossie Horgan<horganf@gmail.com> Sent: Monday,October 16, 2023 4:48 PM To:CITY COUNCIL(INCL.CMO STAFF)<city.council@surfcity-hb.org> Subject: Library resolution Please oppose Resolution 2023-41. Any attempts to ban books from our Public library system must be opposed. The Librarians who run our libraries are professional and I have total confidence in their supervision of our HB library system. Please vote no on Resolution 2023-41 On agenda for City Council meeting on Tuesday. Sincerely Flossie Horgan 1 Moore, Tania From: Fikes, Cathy Sent: Monday, October 16, 2023 4:57 PM , To: Agenda Alerts Subject: FW:City Council Overreach From: Regina Mastroyannis Blankenhorn<rblankenhorn@hotmail.com> Sent: Monday, October 16, 2023 4:54 PM To:CITY COUNCIL(INCL.CMO STAFF)<city.council@surfcity-hb.org> Subject:City Council Overreach Dear HB City Council: I am becoming overly concerned with the overreach of the current City Council. For a group of Council Members that cautioned about being"big brothered" by the government, I find that there is a majority of you that are doing a lot of "big brothering"yourself. I feel the majority is overstepping their authority in local government,and it needs to stop. You have no right to ban books. Period. The right of freedom of expression is violated whenever a government limits the freedom of individuals to hold opinions or to seek, receive, or impart information. And these opinions and facts are researched through books. Whether that book be in a public library or a public school library, it is there for the education of a person to form their own opinions and come to their own conclusions. As far as the City charter is concerned, my main concern is with the office of the City Attorney. That office should not be an elected position; it should be a position that is appointed by the City Council. In fact, it would be a cost savings to the City if it were to appoint a City Attorney through a law firm where the law firm's various experts in various legal fields would be of assistance to the City. By having this as an elected position,the City Attorney becomes a political figure within the City where they really should be apolitical and objectively advising the City Council what is best for the City rather than what might be a better political advantage for the next election year. I also believe the City Clerk and City Treasurer should be appointed positions so that people with the correct credentials and experience are in those positions. Voters do not pay attention to who is better qualified to do the job for the City because they do not understand what these positions do. As a resident of this City, I needed to make my opinion known. Respectfully, Regina M. Blankenhorn • Moore, Tania From: Fikes, Cathy Sent: Monday, October 16, 2023 4:57 PM To: Agenda Alerts Subject: FW: Public Library Original Message From: 310peonies@gmail.com <310peonies@gmail.com> Sent: Monday,October 16, 2023 4:54 PM To: CITY COUNCIL(INCL.CMO STAFF)<city.council@surfcity-hb.org> Subject: Public Library Hello, I'm not in agreement with the proposed actions to our library and access to books. We need new people running the City of Huntington Beach.White supremacy is so ugly for Huntington Beach. Sent from my iPhone 1 Moore, Tania From: Fikes, Cathy Sent: Monday,October 16, 2023 4:58 PM To: Agenda Alerts Subject: FW: Resolution no.2023-41 From:Jill Thrasher<jthrasher09@gmail.com> Sent: Monday,October 16,2023 4:57 PM To:CITY COUNCIL(INCL. CMO STAFF)<city.council@surfcity-hb.org> Subject: Resolution no. 2023-41 Dear Mayor Strickland and Council Members, The new resolution no. 2023-41 asks for major oversight to any books that contain any form of human sexuality. It specifically focuses on minors' access to any books or materials containing any reference to human sexuality. This is a mute resolution because the Huntington Beach Public Library already has a clear collection policy. FYI this is a legal policy that provides guidance with budget, space, and evaluation of materials to meet the needs of the community. Within this policy is a `material evaluation" form that any resident can fill out for a book to be reviewed if a resident has concerns about any book. I know one of the city council members used this form and the book in question was moved and added to the adult section. The collection policy works fine and does the job without a committee of 21. Why add more bureaucracy to the library when it already has a system in place. If citizens are concerned, then they can fill out the form. I know books get moved often when there is concern for children. A child cannot get a library card without an adult present, and I also know that an adult must be present when children are checking out books, thus we do not need this resolution. It is silly. This idea of non-librarian professionals micromanaging Huntington Beach public librarians is preposterous. Storytime, illiteracy programs, veteran outreach, homeless services, employment assistance, senior services, technological support, homework assistance, and so many more services are provided freely to our community. Huntington Beach public librarians have plenty of work to do without having to defend their collection policy and listen to a committee of 21 tell them how to do their job. Please stay in your lane and focus on the much bigger issues our city faces. Finally, as I have said before, it is the year 2023, not 1953. Book banning is not necessary, and neither is a committee of 21. The taxpayers already pay for librarians to do their job and they need no oversight! i Mayor Strickland and Council Members do the right thing and squash 2023-41 immediately. Sincerely, Jill Thrasher Library Director, Sherman Library Huntington Beach Resident 2 Moore, Tania From: Tony Chavez <tonyc@trcinc.net> Sent: Monday, October 16, 2023 4:46 PM To: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Subject: Resolution 2023-41 Importance: High To Whom it May Concern: I'm writing to voice my opinion on Resolution 2023-41 in strong opposition. I feel strongly about the tremendous show of accountability and diligence our librarians exhibit with respect to their review and dissemination of materials in our Huntington Beach Libraries. Acting on behalf of our community,these stewards of education's most prized establishment have continually displayed excellence in their professional careers and furnish a safe working environment for all patrons. I relish every opportunity to visit the HB Library system with regard to my unimpeded research and feel those of all ages are afforded the same opportunity. I strongly support continued operation of the HB Library system under the same definitions of control and administration that have persisted since its founding. Thank you, Tony Chavez Technology Resource Center, Inc. Office—(714) 542-1004 Cell—(714)414-8711 www.trcinc.net 1 Moore, Tania From: Michael Gioan <digithings00@gmail.com> Sent: Monday, October 16, 2023 4:56 PM To:. CITY COUNCIL(INCL.CMO STAFF);supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Subject: Re: Item 20 (23-879)for 10/17/2023 CC Council Meeting: Let's talk about "small government" and "freedom of expression"! Importance: High I urge the City Council to reject"Item 20(23-879)-Reviewing and cataloging of library material containing sexual content"for the reasons below. So that we are clear: I certainly do not condone sensitive content be made available to children without adult consent or supervision. This is precisely the role and responsibility of professionals duly trained and entrusted to run the public libraries, under a legal framework already established and validated by our courts and both the state and federal constitutions. Item 21 is"big government", not to mention government overreach! The proposed resolution states: "... a 21-member"community parent/guardian review board will review all proposed or new children's books and other materials procured by the City Libraries or City Librarians that may contain sexual content before the books or materials are placed in the City Libraries or facilities." This board will be empowered to "reject(][books and materials]." • What are the qualifications required from the "Council of the 21 Holy Imams"? Is breathing enough or would actual knowledge of the library business and ethical and legal framework be required? • How can 21 unelected people be given power to manage a library system for 220K HB residents with zero oversight from the public?This is sure to end up in court and waste more taxpayer money. • In any case,the fix is already built-in! Seven CC members appoint 3 commission members each and the evaluation works on majority rule,therefore insuring a 12/9 sycophantic majority for every decision, any 2nd grader can compute this equation! • Quick question:will the "Holy 21" meet once a month and have a bone fire on the beach with the books removed from the library? I can't believe you forgot to add that! The proposition is poorly written: Despite the official-looking"WHEREAS" recitation and pompous pseudo-legal language,the proposition is just chaff designed to hide a central politico-religious obsession. Furthermore, it does not define essential elements of its own subject, such as: • Definition of"child":are we talking about a 4-year old,a 9-year old, a 17-year old?These are all "children", but light-years apart in terms of mental and emotional development.The proposition uses a blanket"child" concept which is meaningless.Are there special dispositions based on age range or couldn't the author think that far? • Definition of"sexual content":.Gray's anatomy(and/or any medical book or publication) is replete with "sexual content", so are some Shakespeare works and lines, Emily Dickinson's poems, pretty much any psychology book, not to mention sex-ed material.Are we banning Sigmund Freud? Friedrich Nietzsche?Wilhelm Reich?Carl Jung,Alfred Adler,Andre Malraux,Soren Kierkegaard?Simone de Beauvoir?Jean-Paul Sartre? Walter Kaufman? Albert Camus (Nobel Prize)? Anne Rice? Mad Magazine?Good thing 12 of the projected "Holy 21" likely never have heard of these authors,so they are safe for now! In case you forgot High School, all these authors are in one way or another part of the curriculum and could be read by"children" under your vague definition. 1 • Definition of"obscene"or"obscenity": I personally find Ms.Van Der Mark's beliefs and ideas obscene, but this is my opinion and mine only, I encourage everyone to form their own.Who would I be to impose this opinion upon others? The people of HB deserve A-Grade propositions,this half-baked pile of dough wouldn't even qualify for D-Grade in Public Law 101. Go back to the drawing board! Or, better yet start drafting stuff that really matters to us,citizens, how about: • • A 21-member Commission on Homelessness? • A 21-member Commission on Structural Deficit? • A 21-member Commission on Crime Prevention? • A 21-member Commission on High Density Control? • A 21-member Commission on Zoning Fraud? • A 21-member Commission on Finding Revenue Sources? Item 20 is pure political theater and the play was written for an audience of one! What have you done to actually benefit HB in the last 10 months you've been in office? The question is really worth asking, because the answer is a big fat"nada"! Michael Gioan-HB resident since 1991-Homeowner 2 Moore, Tania From: Jill Thrasher <jthrasher09@gmail.com> Sent: Monday,October 16, 2023 4:56 PM To: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Subject: Resolution No. 2023-41 Dear Mayor Strickland and Council Members, The new resolution no. 2023-41 asks for major oversight to any books that contain any form of human sexuality. It specifically focuses on minors' access to any books or materials containing any reference to human sexuality. This is a mute resolution because the Huntington Beach Public Library.already has a clear collection policy. FYI this is a legal policy that provides guidance with budget, space, and evaluation of materials to meet the needs of the community. Within this policy is a "material evaluation" form that any resident can fill out for a book to be reviewed if a resident has concerns about any book. I know one of the city council members used this form and the book in question was moved and added to the adult section. The collection policy works fine and does the job without a committee of 21. Why add more bureaucracy to the library when it already has a system in place. If citizens are concerned, then they can fill out the form. I know books get moved often when there is concern for children. A child cannot get a library card without an adult present, and I also know that an adult must be present when children are checking out books, thus we do not need this resolution. It is silly. This idea of non-librarian professionals micromanaging Huntington Beach public librarians is preposterous. Storytime, illiteracy programs, veteran outreach, homeless services, employment assistance, senior services, technological support, homework assistance, and so many more services are provided freely to our community. Huntington Beach public librarians have plenty of work to do without having to defend their collection policy and listen to a committee of 21 tell them how to do their job. Please stay in your lane and focus on the much bigger issues our city faces. Finally, as I have said before, it is the year 2023, not 1953. Book banning is not necessary, and neither is a committee of 21. The taxpayers already pay for librarians to do their job and they need no oversight! Mayor Strickland and Council Members do the right thing and squash 2023-41 immediately. Sincerely, Jill Thrasher 1 Library Director, Sherman Library Huntington Beach Resident 2 Moore, Tania From: Elaine Parker <epmmrpl @gmail.com> Sent: Monday, October 16, 2023 4:58 PM To: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Subject: Agenda Item 20-Adoption of Resolution 2023-14 However, it is difficult to defend this resolution when the City Council refuses to name the books they think are inappropriate for children and teens.Why not yet they are determined to pass a resolution regarding books they deem unsuitable for children and teens. No matter how the Council wants to paint this picture-it would result in a "book ban".The Council believes that parents are obviously not capable of monitoring or controlling what books their children or teens are reading. But a committee can decide which books children and teens can read. Heck, half of the committee will be made up of parents the Council is saying are not capable of monitoring what their children and teens are reading. How would this committee work? Will they ignore the librarian's suggestions? This makes absolutely no sense at all. All published books are reviewed by the publishers' legal team to determine whether or not the books contain pornography or obscene material that is not suitable for children or teens. This they must do in accordance with the law. The Council cannot use the word LBGTQ+in any books they want to ban from children and teens. The city of Huntington Beach will be sued if LBGTQ+is used in describing books the Council deems unworthy to be in our library. So they came up with "sexual content". How does one define sexual content-it can be from a kiss to physical intercourse? Attempting to define sexual content is a slippery slope that I don't believe the city wants to take on. If the council decides on passing this resolution, how will they prevent teens from looking up these books if the teens are by themselves in the library?. Would all these books be in a separate place in the library behind locked cabinets? Where would the money come from to modify the library and all its branches to make sure teens do not get to see said books? The Central Library needs a major makeover anyway and it has been put on the "back burner" because of money. Adding a locked section would add to the costs tremendously. Would there be monitors to check to see that the teen is not entering the restricted zone? Does this mean teens can only check out children's books? The council wants to"protect the children" but what they will do is to destroy the library for the teens of our community. Our teens should be able to come to the library,where it is a safe place,to read and do research on subjects that are of interest to them. Certain subjects are important to teens who are experiencing growing up and the pains that go with it. Perhaps the council would prefer to have them get all the information from the Internet where there is no restraint on what they can see and no checking to see if any of it is correct. This resolution is tragic but most tragic for our children and teens. I adamantly oppose this resolution. Elaine MacLeod Parker 1 Moore, Tania From: Kirk Crawford <kirkc99@gmail.com> Sent: Monday, October 16, 2023 4:58 PM To: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Subject: I support YES votes on Agenda Items 20 and 21 at the 10/17/23 city council meeting Item 20 is just common sense.Young children should not be exposed to sexually explicit materials in our public or school libraries.Confine these materials to adult areas. Item 21 is appropriate and shows our support for Israel fighting against an terrorist enemy that has absolutely no regard for human life. Kirk Crawford 50 year H.B. resident Virus-free.www.avast.com • Moore, Tania From: Shirlee Krause <shirleekrause@yahoo.com> Sent: Monday, October 16, 2023 5:09 PM To: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Subject: City Council Meeting,Tuesday, 10/17/2023 at 6:00 p.m. Please Vote"NO"on Agenda Item 20-Resolution 2020-41-A: How scary has our Huntington Beach City Council become due to the"Kfg9 o fssfgjx'4mjwjrsfkyjW'K9\ '.D I'll give you a hint! Remember the famous 1953 dystopian novel by Ray Bradbury,Fahrenheit 451? That's precisely what can happen "right here in River City" oops, I mean Huntington Beach if this group gets away with being the sole decision-makers of what does and does not belong in our library--or any library for that matter! Come on, get serious! Is the F4W going to make us drink the "Kool Aid" next?! I strongly suggest having a special election to impeach these idiots! Shame on them and shame on anyone who supports their grotesque reasons for even suggesting such utter and absolute nonsense! Remember, we're Americans with certain rights not too common or allowed in the world. Remember the wars we fought to preserve these rights? The men and women who died defending these rights? Now a miniscule group of know-nothings is-attempting to dictate what everybody will be able to read! REALLY!!! Don't give these nincompoops the power! They've proven their incompetence just by suggesting they be given the power to decide what everybody will be able to read! I, for one, will gladly face them and drill them on our United States Constitution. They may be currently "big fish in a small pond" backed by wealthy property owners, but that situation can change on a dime... Yes, once again, this is the very same 80-year-old handicapped female homeowner here in Huntington Beach who is so very saddened and disappointed with what has happened and what worse may come about in our future. Respectfully, Shirlee Krause 1 Moore, Tania From: Shayla Wilson <shaylalawilson@gmail.com> Sent: Monday, October 16, 2023 5:10 PM To: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org;CITY COUNCIL(INCL.CMO STAFF) Subject: Opposition to Resolution Nos. 2023-41, 2023-42, 2023-43, 2023-44, and 2023-45 Good Evening, My name is Shayla Wilson. I am a resident of Huntington Beach and am writing in response to tomorrow's agenda. I stand in staunch opposition to Resolution No. 2023-41 which is, in all but name, a book ban. No one should not dictate what books other people's children or for that matter what ANYONE else is allowed to read.Additionally, removing and banning books from public libraries is a slippery slope to government censorship and the erosion of our country's commitment to freedom of expression. Furthermore, I am vehemently opposed to the wasteful spending of taxpayer dollars on a special election that will ultimately attempt to oppress the voting rights of US citizens. • Moore, Tania From: myvoice@oneclickpolitics.com Sent: Monday, October 16, 2023 5:18 PM To: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Subject: Reject Censorship, Reject Resolution 2023-41 Re: Reject Censorship, Reject Resolution 2023-41 Dear Supplemental Communications, As a resident of Huntington Beach, I am writing to ask you to vote against Resolution 2023-41,which would establish a policy to review library materials for sexual content.A parent is the person best suited to make decisions about what their child does or does not read, but the proposed ordinance would take that right away from many parents in our community by limiting what is available in the public library. It would also make the city, not parents,the ultimate arbiter on library materials.We trust our trained library staff.The library does not carry obscene materials or make them available to young readers.The policies in the ordinance are poorly defined and overly burdensome and expensive;the city will need to hire extra staff to implement and enforce them.The city may also open itself up to a costly lawsuit if the policy goes into effect and members of the community sue because they don't think their children have been protected or that their rights have been violated.The policy is both unwanted and unneeded. Please support the rights of parents and children in our community by voting against it. Huntington Beach requirements for a entry level librarian is a MASTERS degree from an accredited college or university. How many people from the ad-hoc commitee that is appointed by the mayor; 1. use the HBPL 2. have a MASTERS degree in libray science Thank you, lynn smith Sincerely, Mrs. lynn smith myssmith@yahoo.com 15251 cascade lane huntington beach, CA 92647 Prepared by OneClickPolitics(tm)at www.oneclickpolitics.com.OneClickPolitics provides online communications tools for supporters of a cause,issue,organization or association to contact their elected officials.For more information regarding our policies and services,please contact info@oneclickpolitics.com 1 Moore, Tania From: onewildart <onewildart@aol.com> Sent: Monday, October 16, 2023 5:21 PM To: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Subject: Book Banning Quoteth G.Vandermark..."I started fighting this seven years ago," she said. "But once again,the state of California unfortunately doesn't listen to parents a whole lot and now that I'm in a position where I can do something to protect children, I figure this is the time to step up." So she is stepping up by trying to ban books! I would like to know how she plans to carry this out....who has the final say on what is obscene, racist,and homophobic. Her or a librarian?What are they looking for in inclusion vs exclusion? I'd like to see it. Censorship denies our freedom as individuals to choose and think for ourselves. For children,decisions about what books to read should be made by the people who know them best—their parent, not a city council whose role this isn't! First you want to require ID's to vote! I suggest you require IQ's to be on the City Council! Sent from my iPad 1 Moore, Tania From: Catherine Schwartz <catherineyeeschwartz.mft@gmail.com> Sent: Monday,October 16, 2023 5:22 PM To: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Cc: Steve Schwartz Subject: 10-17-23 item#20 HB City Council, As HB residents and tax-payers,we are in objection to establishing a policy for review and recataloging of books containing sexual content.A special group/committee is creating censorship and putting your personal bias onto city residents. We have Librarians and parents of children-they are enough to manage the books. Catherine and Steve Schwartz 722 Sandglass Dr. Huntington Beach,CA.92648 • 714.317.7832 Sent from my iPad 1 Moore, Tania From: laura sire <Ilaurajjane@yahoo.com> Sent: Monday, October 16, 2023 5:23 PM To: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Cc: Laura Sire Subject: Agenda Items#19 and #20 for Agenda dated Oct 17, 2023 Hello, This is Laura Sire. I'm a 60 year resident of Huntington Beach, a retired elementary school teacher, and an active member of the community. I'm writing today in extreme distress as to what is happening to the democracy in our city of Huntington Beach as shown in these current agenda items. Agenda item #19, proposing charter amendment ballot measures be placed on the March 2024 ballot, must be voted NO due to the cost of$459,628. Also, the items, including voter ID and a restrictive flag policy are unnecessary and unwanted by a majority of Huntington Beach residents. If they must be on a ballot, it makes sense to put them on the November ballot in the general election. It would save taxpayers a large amount of money. Additionally most changes proposed would not go into effect until 2026. This rushed process does not make sense any more than the measures themselves. (The "voter ID" measure violates state law and will almost certainly result in adding more lawsuits to what the City already has). Agenda item #20 submitted by Mayor Pro Tern VanDerMark who requests "adopting No 2023-41 to establish a policy of review and recataloging of library materials containing sexual content" This item, thinly disguised, is clearly a book ban. It violates freedom of speech, is unnecessary, and is a waste of time as there is already a process in place. It is insulting to librarians with Masters Degrees in Library Science. The attachment#2 removes access to books and states that "any sexual writings, sexual references, explicit sexual images, and any other sexual content shall not be placed in, or be present in, ANY section of any City Library other than adult sections." Parents are also insulted as it is required that there is "parental or guardian" consent required before accessing books. I stand with librarians, parents and teachers in the process of book access and selection. They are qualified, caring and competent. And the idea of having a 21 member citizen committee to take over this process is impractical and unfair. Since members are selected by councilmembers, the majority of the committee would have control as they will be representing the 4-3 majority on the Council. Furthermore, this item is in actuality about controlling information and censorship. Another smoke screen is evident as the true target here is the LGBQT+ Community as well as POC. The i conservative council majority wants us to believe they are protecting children, when in fact their proposed policy is one that harms children and their families. It is a tool to exclude children from acceptance by their peers as well as instigating division and hate. It is cruel as it stigmatizes those who have different gender identities or sexual preferences. The lack of empathy for those who are already stigmatized and feeling isolated is very sad. Don't we want all children to feel accepted worthy, and included. Do what is right please, and Vote NO on Agenda items #19 and #20. Sincerely, Laura Sire 2 Moore, Tania _1 From: myvoice@oneclickpolitics.com Sent: Monday, October 16, 2023 5:27 PM To: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Subject: Reject Censorship, Reject Resolution 2023-41 Re: Reject Censorship, Reject Resolution 2023-41. Dear Supplemental Communications, As a resident of California, I am writing to ask you to vote against Resolution 2023-41,which would establish a policy to review library materials for sexual content.A parent is the person best suited to make decisions about what their child does or does not read, but the proposed ordinance would take that right away from many parents in our community by limiting what is available in the public library. It would also make the city, not parents,the ultimate arbiter on library materials.We trust our trained library staffs.The library does not carry obscene materials or make them available to young readers.The policies in the ordinance are poorly defined and overly burdensome and expensive;the city will need to hire extra staff to implement and enforce them.The city may also open itself up to a costly lawsuit if the policy goes into effect and members of the community sue because they don't think their children have been protected or that their rights have been violated.The policy is both unwanted and unneeded. Please support the rights of parents and children in our community by voting against it.Thank you, Sincerely, Ms.Stephanie Stickley yelphets@yahoo.com 2440 S Barrington Ave#108 Los Angeles, CA 90064 Prepared by OneClickPolitics(tm)at www.oneclickpolitics.com.OneClickPolitics provides online communications tools for supporters of a cause,issue,organization or association to contact their elected officials.For more information regarding our policies and services,please contact info@oneclickpolitics.com 1 Moore, Tania From: Mary Spafford <jspafford@socal.rr.com> Sent: Monday,October 16,2023 5:27 PM To: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Subject: Resolution No.2023-41 As a taxpayer living in Huntington Beach, I am in opposition to the Resolution No. 2023-41. I am a proud supporter of the Library and the work the well trained staff undertakes. Mary Spafford Sent from my iPhone 1 Moore, Tania From: terrylaurenrose@gmail.com Sent: Monday, October 16, 2023 5:39 PM To: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Subject: Item 2023-41 Importance: High Terry Rose, Huntington Beach resident since November 1983, homeowner. I am opposed to item 2023-41. To begin with,the 4 members of the city council,who are in favor of this item, needlessly spent our city's money on a study that never needed to be conducted. The findings,themselves, indicate that this item should not be passed. In the last 5 years,there has only been 5 challenges. In 2023,there has not been any to date. There is no valid reason to spend money setting up a review board, making children prove they were over the age of 12, and requiring parental permission for anyone under 18 to access any materials with "sexual"content. What is the fiscal impact to the citizens if this item passes? Who will monitor the ages of the children? How will someone under the age of 18 prove they have parental permission? And who will decide what books are allowed? Perhaps if Ms.Van Der Mark had some sexual education,she would not have been a teen mom.And not to mention the 21 political appointees...would the voters of HB get to choose them, or would they just be your buddies, Mayor Strickland? For a foursome who ran on less government intervention and no changes to our city charter, you definitely haven't been true to your words...nor, in my opinion are you working for the good of the whole. It's obvious from all of the council meetings I have attended and spoken at that you four certainly don't"play nice in the sandbox." The fact that this item would allow the Review Board Members to simply remove books they don't like is taking away our rights and bringing us back in history to when book burnings were conducted. The fact that"sexual content" is not defined, is also concerning to me. Who will define it? My definition of"sexual content" may be different from yours Mayor Strickland or yours Mayor Pro Tem,VanderMark....so,can I be on the committee? And,oh by the way, kids can get books on Amazon—are you going to go after Amazon,too? Why are you determined to bankrupt our city? • Moore, Tania From: winchellg <winchellg@yahoo.com> Sent: Monday, October 16,2023 5:55 PM To: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Subject: Agenda itemsl9 &20 Honorable Mayor and City Councilmembers, AGENDA ITEM 19: Please do not continue with the proposed charter amendments.They are unnecessary, do not promote the public good, some endorse voter suppression,and the special election will cost taxpayers a huge sum of money as proposed. PLEASE VOTE NO ON AGENDA ITEM 19. AGENDA ITEM 20: Please do not make the City the arbiters of of which books will be banned from our libraries.An excellent process already exists for library book acquisition. Creating a Huntington Beach citizen's committee will just be costly and is unnecessary. PLEASE VOTE NO ON AGENDA ITEM 20. Thank you for your consideration. Grace Winchell, Former Council Person and Mayor 1 Moore, Tania From: Deb Janus <debjanus@gmail.com> Sent: Monday, October 16, 2023 5:58 PM To: CITY COUNCIL(INCL.CMO STAFF);supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Subject: Councilmember Item *20.23-879 I am in support of *20. 23-879 Review of Councilmember VanderMark's Resolution No. 2023-41 - Selection, Display, and Circulation of Library Books and Other Materials within Huntington Beach Public Libraries This item Resolution No. 2023-41 details a true common sense approach that any sane parent would support in providing a guideline to have books that are deemed age- appropriate for young children only available in the Adult section of the Library where parents who so desire to have their children view them can make that decision for their child while allowing parents who do not want their children exposed to this media can also make sure their child is not inadvertently exposed because it happens to be in the Children's section of the library. And for all the people summoned by Moser, Kalmick, and Carr to show up in protest, the word BAN is never used in this proposal or discussion . . . . Please give it a rest already. Oh, and I am curious as to why #20 is the only item listed with an asterisk before it. Thank you, Deb Janus 1 resident 44 years in Huntington Beach 2 Moore, Tania From: judy gaglione <gaglionejudy@gmail.com> Sent: Monday,October 16, 2023 6:06 PM To: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Subject: Resolution 2023-41 I strongly oppose ANY Book BANNING!!!This is America not Natzi Germany.Any council members who vote to Ban books will be strongly opposed in the next election. 1 Moore, Tania From: JANIS LISS <jaknjan@aol.com> Sent: Monday, October 16, 2023 6:10 PM To: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Subject: Book bans I'm a retired teacher, having spent the last 31 years of my 351/5 teaching career in the Huntington Beach City School District. I love our public library system and oppose book bans! Janis Liss Sent from my iPhone 1 Moore, Tania From: Ameelia Ghareeb <amghareeb@gmail.com> Sent: Monday, October 16, 2023 6:13 PM To: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Subject: Absolutely NO to library censorship (Resolution No.2023-41) Dear members of our City Council, I am writing in regards to Resolution No.2023-41, included in the October 17 agenda. I am absolutely against any move to censor, limit,or ban books from our Public Library. I am a middle school English teacher, a credentialed Librarian,and someone who votes in each and every single election.This plan to give a community oversight committee the power to block library purchases is just a different flavor of book banning. I do not want another person deciding what my kids can and cannot read.That's my job. We visit the public library weekly,and I am confident the claim that library materials are sexualizing children is false. Books simply don't function that way. Please stick to an agenda of small government and leave our library system alone. Sincerely, Ameelia Ghareeb, resident in 92649 1 Moore, Tania From: Jean Rowley <mathrocks4jr@yahoo.com> Sent: Monday, October 16, 2023 6:12 PM To: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Cc: mathrocks4jr@yahoo.com Subject: Resolution 2023-41 Greetings, I am writing to let you know I don't support the above resolution. I believe it is an extreme reaction that could lead to other controlling government measures. I am a parent, and it is my responsibility to oversee what my child has access to at the public library. The reality is that kids have access to more explicit content online on smartphones and the internet. Parents should and do control their child's access to that. I have been very pleased with the librarians in our city. They should be allowed to do their jobs. I wish the city council would get more involved with issues like sober living homes and increased violence in our city. Regards, Jean Rowley 1 Moore, Tania From: myvoice@oneclickpolitics.com Sent: Monday,October 16, 2023 6:21 PM To: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Subject: Reject Censorship, Reject Resolution 2023-41 Re: Reject Censorship, Reject Resolution 2023-41 Dear Supplemental Communications, As a resident of Huntington Beach, I am writing to ask you to vote against Resolution 2023-41,which would establish a policy to review library materials for sexual content.A parent is the person best suited to make decisions about what their child does or does not read, but the proposed ordinance would take that right away from many parents in our community by limiting what is available in the public library. It would also make the city, not parents,the ultimate arbiter on library materials.We trust our trained library staff.The library does not carry obscene materials or make them available to young readers.The policies in the ordinance are poorly defined and overly burdensome and expensive;the city will need to hire extra staff to implement and enforce them.The city may also open itself up to a costly lawsuit if the policy goes into effect and members of the community sue because they don't think their children have been protected or that their rights have been violated.The policy is both unwanted and unneeded. Please support the rights of parents and children in our community by voting against it.Thank you, Sincerely, Dina S Chavez dtchavez@trcinc.net 16612 Cooper Lane Huntington Beach, CA,CA 92647 Prepared by OneClickPolitics(tm)at www.oneclickpolitics.com.OneClickPolitics provides online communications tools for supporters of a cause,issue,organization or association to contact their elected officials.For more information regarding our policies and services,please contact info@oneclickpolitics.com 1 Moore, Tania From: Dick and Tina Palmer <dtekpalmer@yahoo.com> Sent: Monday, October 16, 2023 6:32 PM To: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Subject: We oppose Resolution 2023-41 We have lived in Huntington Beach since 1972 and have enjoyed using the wonderful Huntington Beach Public Library. Our two daughters always checked out books and now our 3 grandchildren do also. We have never had any issues with book selection at the Library. We oppose Resolution 2023- 41 and we oppose book bans. Christine and Richard Palmer 17131 Friml Lane, Huntington Beach 1 Moore, Tania -,,/ 1/ From:. Floyd Phillips <fphillipsster@gmail.com> Sent: Monday, October 16, 2023 6:36 PM To: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Subject: City Council Resolution 2023-41 My name is Floyd Phillips. I have lived in HB for fifty three years. The Friends of the Library News letter has indicated the above supplement will ban certain books that the City Council chooses to ban Floyd Sent from my iPad 1 Moore, Tania From: Nancy Phillips <nphillipster@gmail.com> Sent: Monday, October 16, 2023 6:37 PM To: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Subject: Oppose Agenda Item 20 To the Huntington Beach City Council Although I would not let my children (if I still had minor children) read the books mentioned, I feel it is equally bad to let a small group of people decide what should be banned. It is every parent's right to make those decisions. I would hope that no books if this nature be on a required reading list, but to ban them is so wrong. Please vote against Agenda Item 20. Thank you. Nancy Phillips 1 Moore, Tania From: Floyd Phillips <fphillipsster@gmail.com> Sent: Monday, October 16, 2023 6:46 PM To: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Subject: City Council Resolution 2023-41 My name is Floyd Phillips. I have lived in HB for fifty three years. The Friends of the Library News letter has indicated the above supplement will ban certain books that the City Council chooses to ban. I am against this resolution. Please vote against this resolution. ps, please ignore my previous email as it was sent before I sent the last two sentences. Floyd Sent from my iPad 1 Moore, Tania From: Cynthia <cynthiaharitatos@gmail.com> Sent: Monday,October 16, 2023 6:55 PM To: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Subject: Urgent Concern: Opposing Resolution No.2023-41 Dear Huntington Beach City Council Members, I am writing to express my deep concern and opposition to any form of book censorship within our community.As a resident of Huntington Beach, I believe in the fundamental principles of freedom of speech and the right to access a diverse range of literary materials without any form of government interference. It is not the role of the city council to dictate what the residents of our community can or cannot read. The freedom to read is a cornerstone of our democratic society, enshrined in the First Amendment of the United States Constitution. Censoring books goes against the values of intellectual freedom and the free exchange of ideas. By limiting access to certain books,we undermine the diversity of thought and perspectives that make our society rich and vibrant. It is essential to remember that each individual has the right to choose what they read and what they expose themselves to. It is the responsibility of parents and guardians to determine what materials are appropriate for their children,and it should not be the city council's task to make these decisions on behalf of every resident. Furthermore, book censorship can have a chilling effect on authors, publishers, and the creative community as a whole. When writers feel that their work may be subject to censorship, it can stifle their ability to express themselves freely, limiting the creation of thought-provoking and innovative literary works. I urge the Huntington Beach City Council to stand firmly in support of our constitutional rights and to reject any attempts at book censorship. Instead, I encourage you to promote the availability of a wide variety of books in our community, allowing individuals to make their own informed choices about what they read. Encourage open dialogue,education, and discussion on controversial topics rather than suppressing them. Our city council should be focused on addressing important issues that affect our community,such as infrastructure, public safety, and economic development, rather than involving itself in matters of personal choice and intellectual freedom. Let us be a community that upholds the principles of liberty,diversity,and tolerance. Thank you for your attention to this matter. I hope you do the right thing and stand with us in support of intellectual freedom and oppose any form of book censorship. Sincerely, Cynthia Haritatos 20941 Cabrillo Ln 1 Moore, Tania From: Chris Wacaster <cwacaster@gmail.com> Sent: Monday, October 16,2023 7:03 PM To: CITY COUNCIL(INCL. CMO STAFF); supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Subject: Stop the HB City Council--Charter Amendments & Book Bans please hear my voice • Voter ID requirement > AGAINST o If passed, it will lead to immediate lawsuits (don't know how much that will cost) o If passed, it will likely cause HB to run its own city elections (don't know how much that will cost) • HB must purchase voting machines • HB must securely store voting machines between elections • HB must rent polling locations • HB must train staff • And, many more requirements for running a secure election • Restrictive Flag Law > AGAINST o Excludes many flags that have flown on city polls in the past, including the Pride flag o Requires a unanimous vote of council to add a new allowed flag (the city has never required a unanimous vote for anything, ever!) • Charter Clean-up (effectively Measure L from 2022 that the Council majority ran against) > AGAINST thanks, Chris 1 Moore, Tania From: john wacaster <johntwacaster@gmail.com> Sent: Monday, October 16, 2023 7:03 PM To: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org;CITY COUNCIL(INCL. CMO STAFF) Subject: Stop the HB City Council--Charter Amendments & Book Bans please hear my voice • Voter ID requirement > AGAINST o If passed, it will lead to immediate lawsuits (don't know how much that will cost) o If passed, it will likely cause HB to run its own city elections (don't know how much that will cost) • HB must purchase voting machines • HB must securely store voting machines between elections • HB must rent polling locations • HB must train staff • And, many more requirements for running a secure election • Restrictive Flag Law > AGAINST o Excludes many flags that have flown on city polls in the past, including the Pride flag o Requires a unanimous vote of council to add a new allowed flag (the city has never required a unanimous vote for anything, ever!) • Charter Clean-up (effectively Measure L from 2022 that the Council majority ran against) > AGAINST John i Moore, Tania From: Charlene Vejr <charlenevejr@yahoo.com> Sent: Monday, October 16, 2023 7:08 PM To: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Subject: Book Banning Dear Council, It's so discouraging to see the Mayor Pro Tem, Gracey, continue to pursue the banning of books at our highly regarded and awarded public library. Gracie and her cohorts: Tony, Pat & Casey, are creating Huntington Beach to be a city of hate and discrimination. I've lived in two very racists cities, Chicago and Houston, and I never thought I would see the day that such racism would infect our city through our elected officials. People are watching and you will not be re-elected and that includes our city attorney, Michael Gates, who has cost taxpayers several millions of dollars to date with false lawsuits. I shudder to think how much more damage this group may impose on our beautiful city. Have a Blessed Day! When we take our eyes off ourselves and our broken stories to minister to others, we get to see what we are created to do. Laura Story Char 1 Moore, Tania From: myvoice@oneclickpolitics.com Sent Monday, October 16,2023 7:12 PM To: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Subject: Reject Censorship, Reject Resolution 2023-41 Re: Reject Censorship, Reject Resolution 2023-41 Dear Supplemental Communications, As a resident of Huntington Beach, I am writing to ask you to vote against Resolution 2023-41,which would establish a policy to review library materials for sexual content.A parent is the person best suited to make decisions about what their child does or does not read, but the proposed ordinance would take that right away from many parents in our community by limiting what is available in the public library. It would also make the city, not parents,the ultimate arbiter on library materials.We trust our trained library staff.The library does not carry obscene materials or make them available to young readers.The policies in the ordinance are poorly defined and overly burdensome and expensive;the city will need to hire extra staff to implement and enforce them.The city may also open itself up to a costly lawsuit if the policy goes into effect and members of the community sue because they don't think their children have been protected or that their rights have been violated.The policy is both unwanted and unneeded. Please support the rights of parents and children in our community by voting against it.Thank you, Sincerely, Ms.Alison Mae Schulman aschulman27@gmail.com 808 11th Street Huntington Beach, CA 92648 Constituent Prepared by OneClickPolitics(tm)at www.oneclickpolitics.com.OneClickPolitics provides online communications tools for supporters of a cause,issue,organization or association to contact their elected officials.For more information regarding our policies and services,please contact info@oneclickpolitics.com 1 Moore, Tania From: Melanie Bergeland <melbergeland@gmail.com> Sent: Monday, October 16, 2023 7:13 PM To: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Subject: October 17th Agenda 23-879 - New Library Policy Dear City Council members, I will just jump into the frustration that has become the norm in living in HB at this moment.The City Council continues to address non-issues. I am opposed to the Book Ban,and yes, by limiting any book in the Public Library is by definition a Book ban. Based on the PDF presentation Item 23-532—Selection, Display,and Circulation of Library Books and Other Materials within Huntington Beach Public Libraries October 17,2023. Library Cards issued in HB: Adult cards:82,813 •Teen cards: 2,434 • Minor cards: 17,976 • Materials Checked Out: Adult: 285,427(FY 22/23) • Young Adult:36,203 (FY 22/23) • Children's:459,779(FY 22/23) • Library Collection: Total items:290,189 • Books: 134,620 • Materials Procured Annually:Approximately 20,000 Data Analysis • Book Challenges: 5 Challenges in last 5 years and 0 Challenges in 2023 • Where is the factual data that there are sexually offensive books in the HB Library collection?Seems to me,if the public thought there are offensive materials,there would be more book challenges? • A City Council member challenged a book at the library and the book was moved to the Adult section? The existing process worked. Why invent the wheel? • I attended health class in 6th grade, 7th grade and 10th grade. I learned about menstruation,sexual organs, sexual intercourse, hormonal feelings and births of babies. This is very natural and needed information shared with humans nearing the menstruation age and their counterparts.There were pictures of sex organs and descriptions. Dare I say sex information/education? Would this be considered offensive by the City Council? • Why is the City council asking the HB citizens to put extra layers to reviewing books that are currently being reviewed by trained and educated Librarians? • Why does the City Council believe this is an appropriate use of resources,time and taxpayer money? • What are the standards and processes to review books by this 21 person panel? Will this process be reviewed by any educational and librarian professionals? Will this process be timely? Personally I find this overreach that the City Council of Huntington Beach has decided to make decisions of what is offered at a Public Library. I have reviewed books with my children and helped them choose age appropriate books throughout their educational years. Why would I think 21 random people have a better understanding of my personal moral judgements? Why should they be trusted to make decisions of what my access to information will be? As a Citizen of the United States where access to information is supposed to be unfettered. Again, I find this proposal an overreach of the City Council. Stop the process of pre-screening books that I clearly can do myself and get back to infrastructure, crime, and housing. Warm Regards, 1 Melanie Bergeland 2 Moore, Tania From: Eric Shields <hotrodes@earthlink.net> Sent: Monday, October 16, 2023 7:16 PM To: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Subject: Resolution 2023-41 My name is Eric Shields, I live at 7112 Starlight Cir. in HB. I am unable to attend the 10-17-23 meeting so I and sending this email. I am in support of establishing a policy for review and recatloging of library materials containing sexually explicit content. Books and materials of this nature need to be in adult only sections which are not available to children. The review process should include representatives of the parents within the community. Thank you for your time. Eric 1 Moore, Tania From: Laura Janssen <laurajanssen@yahoo.com> Sent: Monday, October 16, 2023 7:24 PM To: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Subject: Councilmember Agenda Item 20/23-879 (October 17, 2023) Dear Council Members, I strongly oppose this council item,. As a resident of Huntington Beach, and as the daughter of a mother who was an avid supporter of our local library and who helped organize a library in my elementary school in the 1960s, I know the important role public libraries play in our community. They must remain a place free from political overreach. It is not,the government's role to decide what books are relevant or irrelevant, appropriate or inappropriate for children, or for that matter adults. Libraries are there to provide the books and not put up barriers or discriminate. We live in a free society, and with that freedom comes responsibility. We are responsible for our own decisions, good or bad. Parents must remain the decision makers for what their children are exposed to, NOT the government, or council appointed committee in this case. As a child, I went to the library with my mother to choose books she felt were appropriate for me to read. This is the role of a parent. Has our society degraded so much that parents are unable to help their children make those decisions? I fear this council item will take over the role parents must play in their children's lives, and really, nobody wants that, right? This council item is a knee-jerk reaction to a problem that doesn't really exist. It has been manufactured out of fear. Let parents be parents and libraries continue to open our minds to the greater world outside our community. Knowledge is power. Sincerely, Laura Janssen i Moore, Tania From: padesky@padesky.com Sent: Monday, October 16, 2023 7:28 PM To: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Subject: Opposition to Agenda Item 20 Dear City Council Members, I urgently ask you to vote NO on Agenda Item 20.Citizens of Huntington Beach don't want our government or a committee appointed by government officials telling us what books we and our children can and cannot read.This is a violation of our freedom and is inconsistent with the conservative principles espoused by the majority of the council. If you don't want people telling us whether or not we should wear masks or get vaccinated,why would you want people telling us what books should be available in our library? Our Huntington Beach librarians are well trained and trustworthy. Let them do their jobs. I have been a Friend of the Library for more than a decade. FOIL is a large and robust group that loves our city and our library.We are watching this issue carefully and will not forget how each of you vote on this important matter. Please vote NO. Christine A. Padesky 5267 Warner Ave Ste 401 Huntington Beach CA 92649 USA 1 Moore, Tania From: Steven C Shepherd Architect <steve@shepherdarchitects.com> Sent: Monday, October 16, 2023 7:27 PM To: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org;CITY COUNCIL(INCL. CMO STAFF) Subject: NO ON AGENDA ITEM #20! NO BOOK BANS OR CONTENT REVIEWS FOR HUNTINGTON BEACH PUBLIC LIBRARIES HB City Council - Just like when I emailed waaaayyyy back on June 19th, I remain staunchly opposed to all aspects of anything resembling a book ban, a content review by craven elected officials, and/or a committee of amateurs deputized to be members of a newly formed "HB Book Posse." FYI: We already have highly educated and trained professionals doing this work. They're called Librarians. After more than 35 years of parenting and mentoring children in this community, I can confidently say to any HB parent that there is absolutely nothing to fear at our Huntington Beach Public Libraries (HBPL). Over decades as a patron, both with and without children, I've never seen any inappropriate or objectionable materials. So when I learned there hadn't been a single complaint file with the HBPL this year, it was hardly a surprise. We must never allow the insecurities of incompetent adults to limit the learning, exploration & discovery of our children and young adults. As parents, we should welcome the opportunity to answer their questions (especially the tough ones) and explain our values. Book bans, limitations on curriculum & measures aimed at concealing facts are never the answer. Be honest. Be engaged. Be truthful. Your child will thank you for it. Steve Shepherd Huntington Beach 92646 i Moore, Tania From: Vicky Shuttleworth <vshuttle@msn.com> Sent: Monday, October 16, 2023 7:33 PM To: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Subject: Citizen Opinion Dear City Council, I wonder why you are so involved in other people's jobs? Have you decided to change our lifeguard uniforms so they meet your expectations? Do you advise the Chief of Police to implement new patrol routes? I sincerely doubt it because we have professionals in those departments. That leads me to wonder why you would think that you or an appointed citizen has anymore skill at choosing books than a professional Librarian with a college degree in Library Science? This city has needs that you have not addressed such as roadway infrastructure, disaster preparedness and rising sea levels, as well as poverty and people living on the street as there are not enough affordable housing units. Please do the heavy lifting of those projects and let the librarians do what they are educated to do. Please vote NO on Agenda Item 20 Adoption of Resolution 2023-41 and listen to the citizens of Huntington Beach. Sincerely, Victoria Shuttleworth, Retired teacher, Retired PTA President, Huntington Beach resident, 37 years 1 Moore, Tania From: Elizabeth SanFilippo <elizabethsanfilippo@fuller.edu> Sent: Monday, October 16, 2023 7:32 PM To: CITY COUNCIL(INCL.CMO STAFF);supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Subject: Library Proposed Policy on Selection, Display, and Circulation --Opposed I am a Huntington Beach resident and homeowner for over thirty years as well as a member of the Friends of the Library and am opposed to the proposed policy for the review and re-cataloging of library materials. This could constitute book banning. Book banning is defined as prohibiting or restricting books available to the public,which would include not purchasing legitimate materials for our library. Individuals should have the right to decide what to read for themselves and their families. I believe in parental oversight of books for their children, Huntington Beach's professional and trained librarians are responsible for the selection and management of materials. A Committee of 21 people who are not trained as librarians should not determine which materials should be included in the library. The library has a system to receive complaints about materials. It is my understanding that they have not receive any complaints regarding library materials in 2023. The proposed policy could have cost implications. Since the City Council recently contemplated budget cuts to services provided to residents and there are projected future deficits, I am concerned about the costs of this unnecessary policy. Thank you for your consideration. Elizabeth San Filippo 1 Moore, Tania From: k s <iamalmira@hotmail.com> Sent: Monday, October 16,2023 7:34 PM To: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Subject: Resolution 2023-41 Please pull this repugnant resolution from the agenda. We have a study session only a couple of hours before the broader council meeting to consider this resolution. Is the study session merely a sham? Why would our council vote on a politically predetermined resolution the same night as the study session if it was not the result of outside meetings to which the public was not privy to? Not the look our council should have. Please pull this offensive item! Kathie Schey i Moore, Tania From: jroether@yahoo.com Sent: Monday, October 16, 2023 7:39 PM To: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Subject: City Council Agenda Item 20 - Resolution 2023-41 -A Resolution of the city council of the City of Huntington Beach I am writing to express my strong opposition to City Council Agenda Item 20-Resolution 2023-41 -a resolution of the city council of the City of Huntington Beach establishing a policy for the review and recataloging of library materials containing sexual content or book banning within our community.As a concerned resident and advocate for freedom of expression, I firmly believe that restricting access to certain books stifles intellectual growth and undermines the principles of democracy. Book banning is a common tool to establish an authoritarian take over of government and infringes on the rights of all citizens. Books are a vital source of knowledge, diverse perspectives, and critical thinking.They provide valuable insights into various cultures, historical events, and societal issues. By banning books,we risk inhibiting the open exchange of ideas and inhibiting our community's ability to foster empathy,tolerance,and understanding to different points of view.This is an effort to restrict choice and limit citizens rights. It is essential to trust individuals to make informed choices about what they read and engage with. Parents who are concerned about their children's reading can EASILY accompany them to the library. Public libraries,schools,and individuals have the right to curate their own reading material based on their values and beliefs. Banning books deprives citizens of their right to access diverse literature and make their own informed decisions. Instead of banning books, I encourage our community to promote dialogue, understanding, and education.We should foster an environment where individuals can openly discuss differing viewpoints and learn from one another.This approach aligns with the values of a democratic society and strengthens our community's fabric. I respectfully urge the City Council to stand against book banning and support a rich, inclusive literary environment where ideas and knowledge can flourish freely. Please don't let the beliefs of a few restrict the rights and freedom of all. J. Roether Sent from my iPhone 1 Moore, Tania From: Patricia King <jkpkkkmk@verizon.net> Sent: Monday, October 16, 2023 7:43 PM To: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Subject: City Council should not censor public library books. Do NOT pass resolution proposed by Gracey Van Der Mark Dear City Council, You were elected by the citizens of Huntington Beach. You work for the good of all Huntington Beach citizens. You need to listen to your constituents and not just your friends. The citizens of Huntington Beach do not want your proposed resolution. You and your appointed review board (friends) are in no way qualified to make these decisons. You are getting a committee to ban books for you. Make no mistake,you want to ban books. This should not be about you. Please take a moment and consider your obligation to support all the people who live in our city. Let the Library do its job. You do yours. Patricia King 8642 Lowmead Drive Huntington Beach,CA 92646 1 Moore, Tania From: Susan Turner <saturner8@verizon.net> Sent: Monday, October 16, 2023 7:45 PM To: CITY COUNCIL(INCL.CMO STAFF);supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Subject: I strongly oppose Resolution No. 2023-41 • Dear Council members, I am a sixty year resident of Huntington Beach. I have been a frequent library visitor since I discovered the bookmobile when I was young. I grew up in the HB fields on a horse stables. My mother worked non-stop building that business. My father worked at an outside job and then at the stables after work and on weekends. My parents didn't have time to teach us about anything besides how to care for horses, breeding and training, and teaching people to ride. Books were my teachers on everything else. As an adult, the parenting bookings became my teachers and as my kids grew, they learned about different cultures, puberty, the difficulties of drug addiction, alcoholism, racism and relationships. I saw the meeting that showed the books that someone deemed obscene and pornographic. Some of the pictures were either the same or similar to the the pages in books I shared with my kids as they were learning about puberty. The statement in Resolution no. 2023-41 that states that books of sexual content are readily available to children appears inaccurate since a friend and I looked through the Children's library and were unable to find any books with sexual content. Requesting parental or guardian consent for teens less than 18 y/o to check out books is a terrible idea. Not all teens are given accurate information, or sometimes any information from their parents. They need books to help them learn and navigate through teenage life. They need stories demonstrating weakness and strength of characters responding to the myriad of issues that occur in teen life. Many teens are having sex or are being pressured to have sex. They need accurate information. Teens may feel shame or embarrassment, and be unable to speak to their parents. The reality is, not everyone has a perfect life and kind, compassionate parents. Not everyone has parents that know how to help teens negotiate all that they encounter. Yes, when information is taught by parents and the school at an appropriate age, which is long before 18 y/o, outcomes will be much better for these young people. When parents are not available, books with accurate information are better than the older kid next door. The librarians are trained, have the experience and do the research to choose appropriate books for the diverse group of people who use our library. They can make well educated decisions. I oppose city council making decision about which books should be available in our libraries. As we saw at the original meeting regarding books, the number who opposed city council censorship, far outnumbered those who supported censorship, and yet, the city council is moving forward by proposing this resolution. 1 There is so much to learn from books that we are not directly exposed to growing up. Books help us see that our experiences are not completely unique. They can offer tools to cope, to understand people who seem to live in different worlds, from people with great wealth to those in extreme poverty, those who have suffered great physical and emotional trauma, persons of color, persons of different sexual orientation than ourselves and those with mental illness or physical disabilities. We can learn that they are all people,just like us living in different circumstances. Books help us to understand rather than fear humanity. There is a line in this resolution that talks about taxpayer fund the libraries. Again, the number of taxpayers who have spoken in opposition and written emails is greater than those in support. I urge you to respect the majority of Huntington Beach taxpayers and drop this oppressive resolution. We already have a very competent group of people making library book decisions. They are our librarians. Thank you, Susan Turner 2 Moore, Tania From: Ali Hanafi <ali.hanafi@gmail.com> Sent: Monday, October 16, 2023 7:44 PM To: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Subject: Communication regarding Agenda items for tomorrow's Council Meeting Attachments: Resolution_2023-41 City_of HB_16Oct 2023.pdf Hello, I would like to submit a letter regarding Agenda items for tomorrow's Council Meeting (October 17, 2023). Please find the letter attached as a PDF file. Thank you. M. A. Hanafi M. A. Hanafi E: ali.hanafiCagmail.com C: +1-617-669-5395 (Pacific time zone) 1 M.A. Hanafi 17441 Alta Vista Cir Huntington Beach, CA 92647 Date: October 16,2023 City Council City of Huntington Beach 2000 Main Street Huntington Beach, CA 92648 Re: Proposed Resolution No.2023-41 Dear Members of the City Council, I am reaching out as a concerned resident of Huntington Beach regarding the proposed resolution no. 2023-41 concerning the review and recataloging of library materials containing sexual content. Our democratic principles,rooted in the First Amendment of the United States Constitution,emphasize the freedom of expression and access to information. It is within this context that I present the following considerations: READING is more than an educational foundation; it is a critical tool for shaping future learning and actively participating in our democratic freedoms. As patriotic Americans who believe in personal responsibility,we must acknowledge that WE CAN TRUST individuals to make their own informed decisions about what they read and believe. PARENTS HAVE THE RIGHT to guide their children's reading. However, it is crucial to remember that this right should not extend to dictating the reading choices for other parents' children.Allowing twenty-one political appointees to unilaterally determine what materials should be restricted is an invitation for abuse. It is neither fair nor democratic for a small group of parents to determine what other people's children can access. BOOKS ARE TOOLS designed to help us navigate and understand the complexities of life. Shielding our youth from these tools only deprives them of valuable insights, rather than protecting them. YOUNG PEOPLE should have the opportunity to see themselves represented in the books they read. Such representation fosters understanding, acceptance, and self-worth. Taking steps towards REMOVING AND BANNING BOOKS from public libraries threatens to put us on a perilous path toward governmental censorship. It is essential to remember and respect our country's commitment to freedom of expression. In light of the above considerations, I earnestly implore the City Council to PLEASE REJECT any endeavors that may infringe upon our cherished freedoms.We must allow individuals and parents to retain their right to choose what they and their children read and believe. By upholding these principles,we reinforce our collective commitment to the ideals enshrined in our Constitution. I strongly urge you to consider these points and make a decision that honors both our community and the foundational values of our great nation. Thank you for considering my letter. I am confident that you will keep the best interests of ALL THE RESIDENTS of Huntington Beach at heart when deciding on this misguided proposal. Our libraries provide a vital service to all members of our community, especially those without resources.They should remain welcoming forums for people of all ages to access information freely. Sincerely, M.A. Hanafi Moore, Tania From: marcia spieler <marcia918@mac.com> Sent: Monday, October 16, 2023 7:48 PM To: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Subject: Not a ban I have been a member of friends of LIBRARY and have been involved for many many years. I resent that this is being presented a ban books. It is not; it is to limit the exposure to our children to material that is not appropriate. Sent from my iPhone • Moore, Tania From: Chris Oconnell <chrisoconnell57@yahoo.com> Sent: Monday, October 16,2023 7:59 PM To: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Cc: president@fotlhb.com; Kalmick, Dan; Bolton, Rhonda Subject: Don't Ban Books Dear HB City Council Members, It is important that you know and understand that my family completely opposes the move afoot to arrest the power of professional librarians to ably select and maintain the books and other media appropriate for us,the citizens, property owners and taxpayers of HB.We oppose governmental book bans and political usurpation of our public libraries.We support the HB Public Library and their freedom to conduct their business on our behalf as they have been so well for decades and decades. Leave them free to continue doing a fantastic job for us. We have good memories and we vote.Thx. Chris O'Connell HB homeowner, Gill School,Stacey Jr. HS, Marina HS&Golden West grad you support the Huntington Beach Public Library and oppose book bans 1 Moore, Tania From: Barbara Richardson <hblibrarylady@yahoo.com> Sent: Monday, October 16, 2023 8:03 PM To: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org;CITY COUNCIL(INCL.CMO STAFF) Subject: No to Agenda Item 20 Adoption of Resolution 2023-41 No to Agenda Item 20 Adoption of Resolution 2023-41 I find it ironic that the council majority believes it is government overreach to order people to wear masks and be vaccinated during a deadly pandemic,and voted to make HB a mask free,vaccine free city. They said it was a person's right to choose. However,the council majority does not believe it is city overreach to restrict access to library books they personally do not like or find appropriate.Apparently, they believe that parents are unable to monitor or control what their children or teens read. Therefore, the council will decide for the parents what is appropriate and what is not. So much for personal choice. 1.1 million people died from covid in the US. I haven't read any scientific data showing that a child has died or been harmed by looking at a library book. Despite being told by Penguin Random House Publishers that their manual scripts and illustrations are reviewed by their own lawyers and that they are not legally allowed to publish or market pornography or obscene materials to minors as are all other major publishers,the council keeps insisting that the books they don't like or agree with are obscene and pornographic.The council majority wants these books restricted. Because the council does not want to get sued for discrimination,they have changed the word LGBTQ+to "any book with sexual content. "This term is so broad and vague it can apply to almost anything. The resolution keeps using the word"children"when it really means "minors."Anyone under the age of 18. Most high school students are under the age of 18. Restricting access to all books and materials with sexual contact will keep the majority of high school students from accessing much of the teen and adult book collection; including most all the classics required for high school readings if their parent isn't with them. It will decimate the teen book section How do you plan to keep high school students from looking at these titles if they are by themselves? The resolution says "parental or guardian consent will be required". Permission slips can be forged. Phone calls can be faked.To reduce liability to staff should a high school student get access to the restricted area under false pretenses,it would be easier to insist that a parent must be with them. Still,how do you plan to keep high school students from looking at restricted books? To recatalog and reclassify all the restricted books is going to cost thousands of dollars. Building special books cases or moving all the restricted books to another location will also cost thousands of dollars.The cheapest way to do this would be to change teen library cards to children's library cards.Teens, (those under 18) could only check out children's books.To make sure they do not look at the restricted books in the adult book stacks,the council could recruit volunteers to become morality police. One could be on each floor of the library to make sure no one under 18 who comes without their parent could enter the adult book stacks. What sort of message will this send to our teens,and why would any of them want to come to the library now to do homework?Their parents work.They won't be able to access the materials they need, since almost all of it will be in the restricted adult book stacks. How are you going to enforce this at the branches since they are so small? i Lastly,how does a parent/guardian committee have more knowledge and expertise in selecting books for the library than the actual librarians who have been trained in this area?The resolution states that this committee will make sure the books they select will follow the city guidelines.The librarians are already following the city's book collection policy.Are these guidelines different from what the librarians are required to follow? 21 members, 12 vs 9. How will this work?What if one side doesn't agree with the other? Do they vote? Will they have to get copies of the books and read through them to make sure the books are "safe"?Who pays for this? .Can this committee just ignore the librarians' suggestions and instead, order books the committee majority believes the library should own?While the resolution doesn't say they can,it also doesn't say they cannot.And surely,this committee will have to meet more than twice a year, or NOTHING will get ordered. This entire resolution would be laughable if it weren't so tragic. The council majority says it wants to "protect the children"but what they are really doing is destroying the library for high school students. I thought we wanted our teens to study,and go to the library to find the materials they need instead of turning to the Internet. Many high school students drive themselves or come with friends.Their parents actually trust them to choose their books themselves. Instead of encouraging library use,this resolution will turn teens away.What a sorry legacy'for our city. Barbara Richardson 50 year Huntington Beach Resident If you really believed in this resolution you would let the residents vote on this. But you won't,as you know the majority of people in the city do not want this,and have never wanted this. I would worry when it comes time for your re-elections. People will remember who voted to pass this resolution and they won't be happy. 2 Moore, Tania From: Stephen MacDowell <toyomo@sbcglobal.net> Sent: Monday, October 16,2023 8:10 PM To: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org • Subject: No On Library Advisory Com/Censorship A democracy thrives on the free exchange of knowledge and ideas.The HB City Council should not censor/interfere with this freedom. Let the professional library personnel do their jobs and the HB City Council address the concerns the real issues that da e our city. Stephen Mac Dowell 5601 Middlecoff HB,CA 92649 Sent from my iPhone 1 Moore, Tania From: myvoice@oneclickpolitics.com Sent: Monday, October 16, 2023 8:13 PM To: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Subject: Reject Censorship, Reject Resolution 2023-41 • Re: Reject Censorship, Reject Resolution 2023-41 Dear Supplemental Communications, As a resident of Huntington Beach, I am writing to ask you to vote against Resolution 2023-41,which would establish a policy to review library materials for sexual content.A parent is the person best suited to make decisions about what their child does or does not read, but the proposed ordinance would take that right away from many parents in our community by limiting what is available in the public library. It would also make the city, not parents,the ultimate arbiter on library materials.We trust our trained library staff.The library does not carry obscene materials or make them available to young readers.The policies in the ordinance are poorly defined and overly burdensome and expensive;the city will need to hire extra staff to implement and enforce them.The city may also open itself up to a costly lawsuit if the policy goes into effect and members of the community sue because they don't think their children have been protected or that their rights have been violated.The policy is both unwanted and-unneeded. Please support the rights of parents and children in our community by voting against it.Thank you, Sincerely, Ms. Christina Guerin tinamacneil@yahoo.com 20822 Spindrift Ln HUNTINGTN BCH, CA 92646 Prepared by OneClickPolitics(tm)at www.oneclickpolitics.com.OneClickPolitics provides online communications tools for supporters of a cause,issue,organization or association to contact their elected officials.For more information regarding our policies and services,please contact info@oneclickpolitics.com 1 Moore, Tania From: Mench <menchera2@yahoo.com> Sent: Monday, October 16, 2023 8:17 PM To: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Subject: Public Comment re:23-878/23-532 I am writing to express my vehement objection to the subjective classification and placement of books within our libraries. History has taught us (well I should say most educated people)that this course of action is misguided and just plain wrong. This action does nothing to protect the residents of HB and serves to limit educational opportunities. Alan Mencher, resident of the City of Huntington Beach. • Moore, Tania From: Brynn Noble <I.brynn.noble@gmail.com> Sent: Monday, October 16, 2023 8:18 PM To: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org;CITY COUNCIL(INCL. CMO STAFF) Subject: Supplemental Communication Submitted in Opposition to Resolution No. 2023-41 Members of the Huntington Beach City Council, I am submitting this Supplemental Communication in response to Resolution No. 2023-41 on the Agenda for the October 17,2023 Huntington Beach City Council meeting. I want to state in the clearest possible terms that I do NOT support the adoption of Resolution No.2023-41.While I object to the resolution on its face, I find the proposed establishment of a Collection Development Review Committee particularly egregious. I was raised in Huntington Beach and have many wonderful memories of the Huntington Beach Library system from my own childhood. I am now raising a child here myself and I typically bring my child (age 11)to one of the HB Library branches at least once per week, having done so since he was a young toddler.We are so grateful for our library and for the dedicated staff that make it the safe,welcoming place that it is. In our multitude of visits to the library, never once has my child seen any materials that are in any way inappropriate. My experience appears to be in keeping with the experience of my fellow library patrons,given that there have been only five book challenges in the last five years, and none thus far in 2023. More importantly, if we ever did come across materials that concerned me, I know that the library has a process already in place by which I can make my concerns known.As a frequent library patron, I do not see any evidence to suggest that the existing library policies and procedures are inadequate, and this proposed adoption of additional oversight over library processes is beyond unnecessary. I have read statements from Councilwoman Van Der Mark such as, "...a lot of parents don't know this material is in these books." Well,why don't they know?Why aren't these parents in the library with their child, paying attention to what their child is reading? If parents do not know what their child is reading it is because they have chosen not to know—as is their right as parents.A parent has the right to screen and/or limit what their child is reading and if they choose not to do so,we do not need to waste our valuable community resources ensuring that someone else will do it for them. Our libraries are staffed by educated,committed professionals who are trained to curate a collection that is in keeping with legal standards pertaining to obscenity as well as the laws regarding minors'access to materials.The existing procedures are more than adequate.The adoption of this proposed "review committee"seeks to take decision-making away from trained professionals and put it in the hands of unelected lay people with presumably no expertise in library sciences or child development.This proposal further opens the door for unelected citizens to impose their own personal beliefs and biases on the management of the library collection. I do not seek to impose my own personal values on the content of our library—and I do not approve of anyone else being given license to do so. What I find so infuriating about this whole enterprise is that it does not actually have anything to do with our vibrant community or our beautiful library.Again,the minimal number of book challenges over the past five years points to the fact that library patrons on the whole are not taking issue with the library collection. A quick Google search shows that this entire endeavor-from the list of books held up as evidence of a problem (only one of which is even kept in the Children's Library)to the proposed "remedies"-comes from playbooks provided by right-wing conservative groups enacting this same agenda in communities nationwide. Our library is nothing more than a pawn, being targeted in service to culture wars that serve only to distract from the true needs of our city. How much time and money will this effort divert from the REAL challenges that need our City Council's attention? How much has already been wasted on this? Between this and the unnecessary changes to the HB Charter that this council 1 insists on pursuing—how is any of this in keeping with promises of fiscal responsibility that were made to voters? Whatever the cost, I implore the Council to stop wasting time and money on performative "solving" of non-issues such as this. Thank you, L. Brynn Noble 2 Moore, Tania From: Kelly palfreyman troutman <kptman@gmail.com> Sent: Monday, October 16, 2023 8:26 PM To: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Subject: Resolution 2023-41 I have been a HBPL patron for more than 14 years now,and have 4 children ranging in ages from 3 to 13. I regularly attend the library with my children and am always impressed with the quantity and diversity of the books available there. I also volunteer with the FOTCL organization and the Teen Internship Program at the Central Library. I do not understand why this matter is being discussed,and am very disappointed with the resources that have been wasted because of it(including my own time writing this and attending city council meetings). There have been 5 book challenges in 5 years and zero this year.There is no need for the intervention being suggested. If parents do not want their children checking out certain books,they shouldn't let them. In the case where a child does access a book a parent wishes they had not,that is something the parent and child should have a conversation about. Honestly, it's a great opportunity for connection between a parent and child if it is approached with love and curiosity. If people do not want to read certain books, no one at the library is going to make them. It really is as simple as that. There is no need for a committee of parents appointed by the City Council to review books. The librarians literally are paid to do this and have been doing a wonderful job for the last 14 years I have been going to the HBPL. The fact that so much time has already been dedicated to a non-issue in our community is absurd. Please stop this nonsense and get back to work. I urge you to vote NOT to adopt Resolution 2023-41. Thank you! 1 Moore, Tania From: mooney@padesky.com Sent: Monday, October 16, 2023 8:32 PM To: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Subject: Oppose Agenda Item 20 Dear Huntington Beach City Council: I strongly oppose Agenda Item 20. This proposal is in opposition to the First Amendment which exists to "protect individuals and society from government attempts to suppress ideas and information." No individual and especially no government appointed committee has the right to decide what me and my family are allowed to read. I am in full support of our professional librarians to select, manage, and maintain books for our HB public library. Public Libraries are not political entities and neither should they be political targets. I would never approve of 21 people, appointed by politicians,to decide what is safe and acceptable for other people's children. We the public are totally capable of making these decisions for ourselves. Respectfully submitted, Kathleen A. Mooney, PhD Warner Avenue, Huntington Beach i Moore, Tania From: marykay pink <marykaypink@hotmail.com> Sent: Monday, October 16, 2023 8:33 PM To: CITY COUNCIL(INCL.CMO STAFF); supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Subject: library I am writing to oppose the Resolution for a Committee to review library books for objectionable sexual content. Librarians are trained to select books by age-appropriate criteria. To create a citizen's committee who have no expertise and only personal biases and opinions is not a wise or practical thing to do. Please vote no and reject this objectionable Resolution. Mary Kay Pinkston retired Library Employee 3941 Aladdin Drive Huntington Beach resident for 58 years i Moore, Tania From: Jessamyn Garner <jessamyngarner@gmail.com> Sent: Monday, October 16, 2023 8:32 PM To: CITY COUNCIL(INCL.CMO STAFF);supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Subject: Oppose city council agenda items 19 &20 Hello, city council members and Mayor Strickland. I'm writing to oppose items 19 and 20 on the agenda for the city council meeting on io/17. See my comments below. Agenda item 19:These proposals would cost residents and taxpayers over$500,00o to put them up for a vote in March. In addition to the initial cost of getting these Charter amendments on the ballot,it will cost us hundreds of thousands of dollars more if they're passed.And I don't just mean implementation costs (which have yet to be defined).You see, California Attorney General Rob Bonta already warned y'all that voter ID laws and ballot box monitoring go against existing voting laws.And he has already demonstrated that he's willing to sue when this city violates the law.Not only will that lawsuit cost us hundreds of thousands of dollars in legal fees and Mr. Gate's salary,but when we lose the lawsuit because this Charter amendment is clearly illegal,we will be on the hook for the legal fees of the state as well. So there go another several hundred thousand of our tax dollars down the drain. While this is all going down,keep in mind that voting rates will go down even further than they were when less than 35% of HB voters put Mayor Strickland, Mayor Pro Tern Van Der Mark,and city council members McKeon and Burns into office. Voter ID laws and other voter suppression tactics including ballot box monitoring disproportionately affect voters with marginalized identities, especially Black Americans. In fact,these policies can be traced directly back to Jim Crow laws,when suppressing the Black vote was more explicit than is legal to express today.Voters with other marginalized identities are also disproportionately impacted by these policies,including Indigenous people,low-income residents, and elderly voters. College students are also affected. Voter ID laws and ballot box monitoring are solutions in search of a problem.Voter fraud is extremely rare and these tactics have not proven to deter the few times it has occurred. This proposal is unnecessary and expensive.And it's not what Huntington Beach residents want.We've told you over and over again during the last several weeks at the special meetings you've held.We've told you over and over again via email. It's time for you to listen. We want responsible government.We want a city council that keeps our city running,that makes sound financial decisions,and that takes our tax dollars seriously. Don't throw our money away just because four of you are afraid of democracy. Agenda item 20: I've already expressed my opposition to book access restrictions (aka book bans). And so did several hundred residents, librarians, educators, parents, and students. But here we are again. Because you didn't listen to your constituents when we told you hundreds of times that we don't want you to be involved in choosing which books belong in our libraries. In Huntington Beach,we trust parents. Parents often make wildly different decisions for their families than their peers. Informed by values, experience,faith,and other factors, parents are full-grown adults who have offspring that they have the authority to raise in a way of their choosing.These full-grown adults make decisions every day about how 1 to raise their kids, including what kind of media they're comfortable with their kids being exposed to. It's super weird that you want to get in the middle of those personal decisions.And it's super weird that you don't trust your fellow parents to make decisions about their own families without y'all getting in the middle. In Huntington Beach,we trust librarians. Librarians go through rigorous coursework and must complete a master's degree in Library and Information Science or Library Science. In addition to coursework,they must complete a research project and/or a practicum or internship to understand the applications of what they learn in class.Once in their positions in our local libraries,they apply strong selection criteria to make informed decisions about which books to source for their community. There are already robust processes in place to determine which books our libraries carry and which sections they should be placed in.There is also a review process that anyone from the community can engage in if they are concerned about a particular book in a particular section of the library. Our very own Mayor Pro Tem engaged in this process, and it worked.She had a concern about one of the books in our library.She raised her concern, it was addressed by librarians and administrators, and the book was moved to a more appropriate section.This process is sufficient and does not need to be revised or augmented. Why do we need a new commission to make decisions for individuals and families across this diverse city of over 200,000 people?Who would those people be? How would they be chosen?Who would choose them? Your constituents do not want elected officials involved in deciding which books belong in our libraries.We do not want you to make decisions about what materials we and our children have access to.And we certainly don't need a commission of random people to make those decisions for us. Get your nose out of our business and let us make our own decisions about what books we read. Thank you and I'll see you at the meeting. Jessamyn Garner 2 Moore, Tania From: Bob Mccann <bmccann96@yahoo.com> Sent: Monday, October 16,2023 8:33 PM To: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Subject: Resol ution:2023-41 City Council Members, I am a 25-year resident of Huntington Beach. I am in total disagreement with the proposed changes in Resolution: 2023-41! It is unnecessary and poorly structured. Your attempts to micromanage the library system will be costly to implement and frankly are a disservice to the community. The library system is functional and serves the community well. Please do not impose your own personal values and beliefs on the public library system. I'm very concerned that a few of you believe you know what is best for all children. Your attempt to "restrict" access to classic works of literature is an attempt to narrow the education of children. You appear to want to keep them in a bubble but there is always the Internet and reality! i Moore, Tania From: Michael Turner <mturner149@verizon.net> Sent: Monday, October 16, 2023 8:35 PM To: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org;CITY COUNCIL(INCL.CMO STAFF) Subject: Opposition to Resolution 2023-41, aka Book Ban City Council Members, I have been a Huntington Beach resident for 49 years. I am writing in opposition to the city council interfering in the business of the library. City Council has no business deciding which books belong in the library and which don't or where in the library certain books belong. Those decisions are for the people who are educated and we hired for the job, the librarians. I oppose Resolution No.20231-41. Mike Turner 1 Moore, Tania From: Sue Jervik <suejervik@pm.me> Sent: - Monday, October 16, 2023 8:37 PM To: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Subject: Suport for Agenda Item#20 Resolution No 2023-41 - Establishing a Policy for Children's Library Materials Containing Sexual Content Dear Members of the Huntington Beach City Council, I support Agenda Item#20 that makes it so that books and other materials with content of a sexual nature cannot be accessible to children under the age of 18 without parent or guardian consent. As a parent, when I took my two boys to the Huntington Beach Central Library, I allowed them to wander through the children's section and select books that they found interesting. I would be watching over the two of them but allowed them to make their own selections. I would not want to have to be looking right over their shoulder as they selected a book to make sure it did not include sexual content or pictures before they started looking through it. It is so important to allow children to choose books they find interesting to instill the love of books and reading. They are often not as interested when the book is chosen for them. The library needs to be a safe place for children to browse without by chance picking up a book that contains sexual or pornographic content(pictures, words, descriptions). We need to allow children to maintain their innocence as long as possible. Once you read something or see a picture, it cannot be unseen. These books are not being banned; they just will not be available to children under 18 without parent or guardian approval. I support the creation of a parent/guardian review board to review books to be placed in the children's section of the library. Thank you for you bringing this item forward to protect our children. Regards, Susan Jervik Resident of Huntington Beach 1 Moore, Tania From: marcia spieler <marcia918@mac.com> Sent: Monday, October 16, 2023 8:38 PM To: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Subject: Not a ban I have been a fan/friend/patron of the library for many many years. I do not consider this a ban on books. I consider it an effort to prevent inappropriate materials being available without supervision. Please don't let this become a tug-of-war of ideology Sent from my iPhone 1 Moore, Tania From: myvoice@oneclickpolitics.com Sent: Monday, October 16, 2023 8:42 PM To: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Subject: Reject Censorship, Reject Resolution 2023-41 Re: Reject Censorship, Reject Resolution 2023-41 Dear Supplemental Communications, As a resident of Long Beach, a libertarian and a librarian, I am writing to ask you to vote against Resolution 2023-41, which would establish a policy to review library materials for sexual content.A parent is the person best suited to make decisions about what their child does or does not read, but the proposed ordinance would take that right away from many parents in our community by limiting what is available in the public library. It would also make the city, not parents,the ultimate arbiter on library materials. Libraries do not act"in loco parentis."We trust our trained library staff.The library does not carry obscene materials or make them available to young readers.The policies in the ordinance are poorly defined and overly burdensome and expensive;the city will need to hire extra staff to implement and enforce them.The city may also open itself up to a costly lawsuit if the policy goes into effect and members of the community sue because they don't think their children have been protected or that their rights have been violated.The policy is both unwanted and unneeded. Please support the rights of parents and children in our community by voting against it.Thank you, Leslie Andersen Sincerely, Leslie Andersen leslienandersen@gmail.com 3728 Gondar avenue Long Beach,CA 90808 Prepared by OneClickPolitics(tm)at www.oneclickpolitics.com.OneClickPolitics provides online communications tools for supporters of a cause,issue,organization or association to contact their elected officials.For more information regarding our policies and services,please contact info@oneclickpolitics.com 1 Moore, Tania From: Sue Welfringer <Sue@Welfringer.com> Sent: Monday, October 16, 2023 8:48 PM To: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Subject: Correspondence regarding the Study Session I applaud and appreciate our library staff for all the work they have conducted to accommodate this request from city council. I believe their solution of creating a new Parental Control Library Card is a simple and fair solution.That gives parents the safeguards Mayor ProTem Vandermark has requested. Creating a Parental Control Library card puts the responsibility back on the parent,where it should be and does not challenge the expertise and professionalism of our library staff.This solution also protects books from being arbitrarily banned from the collection. With this solution in mind,clearly it makes sense to pull Item#20—Resolution 2023-41 from the agenda. With best regards, Sue Welfringer 1 Moore, Tania From: Kellie Lewis <klewiscastro@gmail.com> Sent: Monday, October 16, 2023 8:50 PM To: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Cc: legal@goreliance.biz Subject: Hands Off The Library My name is Kellie L. I've lived in HB for over 16 years. I'm a Mom to an 8 year old daughter that attends school here locally. She is at a 5.0 AR level in the 3rd grade. If you don't know what that means,you should stop here and educate yourselves before you provide any more input on this matter. Your proposed book ban is an absolute over reach of power and suggestion-that perhaps you know more about what the fundamentals of educating my daughter are, more so than I do.What has happened to the freedom of self expression,self conscience,exploration and the freedom to turn to a book or bury yourself in the pages of a novel when you feel lost, alone or confused? I have to ask-why are you trying to control literacy and resources? Isn't your time spent more wisely addressing other issues in our community?While I do agree that inappropriate and suggestive behavior in public by OFFICIALS among others,should absolutely be banned and frowned upon, allow me to do my job and get out of my way when it comes to MY CHILD. • First and foremost, beyond dedicating myself to my career, is the dedication to the family and community that I love and that I will work tirelessly to support. I ask you-did you take an oath to serve your community as a public officer for what is in the community's best interests?I did-and I serve every day. We will not stand idly by while you continue to waste our time and our resources.Our freedom to choose matters.Our freedom to parent and educate our children matters, in the way WE see fit. 1 Moore, Tania From: Carol Gillette <carol.gillette52@gmail.com> Sent: Monday, October 16, 2023 8:56 PM To: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Subject: Agenda item#20 I am in support of establishing a policy for childrens library material containing sexual content. Our children are the future. May we protect their innocence. What the eyes see goes into their memory, never to be forgotten.Support their innocense, allow them to be children. It would be better for a millstone to be tied around the neck of a man and throw him into the sea than to lead a little one astray.Such a powerful warning.At all cost we must listen to the Word of the Lord and fight this sinful agenda. Thank you for hearing me. Thank you for your consideration. Sincerely, Carol Gillette I will be there the 26th Sent from my iPhone 1 Moore, Tania From: Marty Smith <martysmithhb80@gmail.com> Sent: Monday, October 16,2023 9:04 PM To: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Subject: Book oversight Our Huntington Beach professional educated and trained in library science staff does a very good job managing their collections.They are very aware of making sure books are in age appropriate areas. The city council needs to stay in their own lane and let our professional library staff continue to do their outstanding job managing their area of expertise. There are many challenges facing our city and our elected officials need to pay attention to what they were elected to do. Marty Smith Sent.from my iPhone 1 Moore, Tania From: Deborah Addy <debbie.addy126@gmail.com> Sent: Monday, October 16, 2023 9:09 PM To: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Subject: Charter Amendments and Book Banning Resolution Dear Huntington Beach City Council, I am a long time resident and property owner in Huntington Beach. I would like to state my opposition to the rush to get the three Charter Amendments on the ballot March of 2024. There is no reason to spend additional money to push these amendments forward when they can be put on the November 2024 ballot. The only reason I can see that anyone wants this pushed ahead is that there is a measure that creates voter intimidation, and this is a way to disrupt the 2024 November election. The Voter ID Requirement measure is not only voter intimidation, it will also impact Huntington Beach financially in lawsuits that will inevitably occur when legality of the measure is contested, plus it would force Huntington Beach to have to run its own elections when California has a perfectly good, clean, and effective system in place for the whole state. I'm also appalled at the attempt to turn Huntington Beach into a book banning city. No matter how this resolution is worded, it is a clear attempt to ban books. Our librarians have to have a Masters degree in Library Science to be able to hold the job. They do not need supervision to keep our libraries safe for our children. If a particular book is considered by a parent (or anyone in fact) to be inappropriate there is a system in which that book will be reviewed. To have a small group of people make decisions to control what books end up in our libraries is ludicrous and insulting to the professionals that now run the libraries. To even consider that sexually explicit material is widely available to children is a lie. Per Resolution No. 2023-41: "The City Council has observed that there are some children's books and other materials in the City's libraries that contain sexual writings, explicit sexual references, explicit sexual images, and other sexual content". Please post a list of these offensive titles and where and when these books were found. I grew up in Huntington Beach libraries and never did I find pornographic books in the children's section. Stop trying to turn Huntington Beach into a restrictive city. We are a city of freedom and inclusivity. Let's keep it that way. Thank you for your time, Deborah Addy • Moore, Tania From: Pam Carrie <pamanddoug@cox.net> Sent: Monday, October 16,2023 9:13 PM To: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Subject: Oppose Agenda Item 20 Dear City Council Members, I am a retired elementary school librarian, and I want to register my deep opposition to Agenda Item 20. When we hire our library professionals, it is because we trust their judgment on what items to procure for the Huntington Beach City libraries. Our city librarians are well respected. We do not tell the City Attorney how to make legal decisions,and we should not tell our librarians how to make library decisions. We trust their expertise, because they are well educated in their field and because they have experience in serving a wide variety of clients.Our city librarians serve many people with different needs. Huntington Beach libraries are highly valued in our community and are well used. A children's science book on anatomy and body functions might,be seen as inappropriate and sexual by some, but for a parent seeking guidance on such a subject,the library collection would be essential. Not every parent can afford to go out and buy the books they need or want due to budget concerns. Libraries are one of our community's greatest assets. Please do not ban books and relegate them to unused shelves when the public deserves more diversity in content. I trust our librarians on the content of their purchases as well as where to file the books that they do purchase. Book banning has had a negative connotation in past generations, and it is not something that Huntington Beach wants to be well known for today. Thank you. Mrs. Pamela Carrie i Moore, Tania From: jeanfalabella@yahoo.com Sent: Monday, October 16, 2023 9:20 PM To: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Subject: Book Bans Let the people who are educated and trained make book content decisions for our city and library. Random city council members with expertise in whatever should not usurp trained professionals to make political points.Why has this suddenly been an issue??The internet is more dangerous and available than many of the books people are deeming unacceptable. I'm willing to bet that the people who are creating problems don't even use the library or read!! Sent from my iPhone • Moore, Tania From: Paula Schaefer <pas92649@gmail.com> Sent: Monday, October 16, 2023 9:22 PM To: CITY COUNCIL(INCL.CMO STAFF);supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Subject: 10/17/2023 Study Session - Item#23-878 and Agenda #20 (23-879) Mayor and City Council Members: Why is the Study Session material NOT only presented at the Study Session and not also agendized for the City Council meeting?It would seem that the Study Session material should accompany Agenda Item 20(23-879)which asks the City Council to vote on the proposed "policy"? I urge you to also have City Staff present the Study Session materials at the regularly scheduled City Council Meeting since Agenda Item#20(23-879)addresses this issue. OR, postpone action on Agenda Item#20(23-879)and reschedule it for a later City Council meeting. Ideally,you are urged to forget this book banning nonsense altogether. It is unacceptable to have a Study Session on this important topic and not have the same material presented at the City Council meeting at which the Council members are asked to vote on this significant topic. This is yet another example of the haphazard manner in which the City Council's agendas are prepared. Paula A.Schaefer, HB resident Paula Schaefer 1 Moore, Tania From: Sandy de Ia Fuente <sandra.l.delafuente@gmail.com> Sent: Monday, October 16, 2023 9:30 PM To: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Subject: Resolution 2023-41 Dear City Council Members, The City of Huntington Beach has been my home since February, 1978 and it has been a wonderful place to live, until now. The Resolution 2023-41 is a terrible idea. One of the City Council members has created and manufactured a problem where a problem did not exist. The lack of information and knowledge of the HBPL shows. I could go on but I want to cut to the chase. Show your constituents that you are listening to them and working for them and vote NO on this resolution tomorrow. Sincerely, Sandra de Ia Fuente 1 Moore, Tania From: Judith Wolfe <judithwolfe@hotmail.com> Sent: Monday,October 16, 2023 9:37 PM To: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Cc: Judith Wolfe Subject: I OPPOSE Book Bans. City Hall, I have been a resident of Huntington Beach for over 50 years. I support the Huntington Beach Public Library and oppose book bans! A handful of people who want to ban books (and possibly have not even read the books they wish to ban), should not dictate what others can read. It has always been a right to read what one wants to read. This is the USA in 2023, not Nazi Germany in the forties. I coach young children to read. What they can and cannot read should not be dictated by fearmongering, paranoid adults. To read all kinds of books is to learn about the world, make good choices, and learn to be empathetic to others. Some of the book choices other cities have banned are ridiculous. Let's not be one of those cities. As a member of City Hall, focus on something that is really important, not getting rid of books that may not appeal to you or your lifestyle. Do NOT vote to ban any books. I OPPOSE Book Bans. Thank you, Judith Wolfe Huntington Beach CA 714-846-3700 P.S. I cannot attend the meeting on Oct 17 because I will be representing my alma mater at a college fair.. What kind of students would we have if we banned books? 1 Moore, Tania From: Anthony Daus <addaus@gsi-net.com> Sent: Monday, October 16, 2023 9:38 PM To: CITY COUNCIL(INCL.CMO STAFF) Cc: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Subject: Opposition to Resolution 2023-41 • I am in opposition to this resolution. It is government overreach and unnecessary. Our libraries are excellent and run by professionals. Politicians or their appointees should not be in the position to screen books. Tony Daus 28 year resident Sent via the Samsung Galaxy S10,an AT&T 5G Evolution capable smartphone 1 Moore, Tania From: Melanie Tioleco-Cheng <melanietcm@yahoo.com> Sent: Monday, October 16, 2023 8:44 PM To: CITY COUNCIL(INCL. CMO STAFF);supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Subject: NO BOOK BANS IN HB To the HB City Council: I'm a pediatrician, writer, mother, and a reader of books. I just read a book with a Filipino teen main character with a close connection to her Lola (grandma) and recommended it to both my kids. What I loved about this book was that, yes, it was about potions and Halloween, but at its core was this Filipino family. I grew up a bookworm reading many books at the library, but as a child, I never read a book with an Asian or Asian-American main character. My children are lucky—they are growing up in a more diverse Orange County than I did. But they are also growing up at a time when a select few DO NOT value the FREEDOM of choice when it comes to what is available to our children to read. They don't value the fact that REPRESENTATION in books, in movies, in city councils MATTER. Please stop saying that this isn't a book ban. It's a book ban when you are removing books and telling MY kids what they can and cannot have access to in a PUBLIC library. The fact is that the majority of the books being banned here in the US either feature LGBTQ plus or racial or ethnic minority characters. Please stop wasting our time and money on a committee and process that is NOT needed. There is already a system in place. Please also consider dropping the very pricey special election because those items can wait until the November 2024 election. Please start governing our city and start working on the things that matter. Now, part of me feels like what I'm saying doesn't matter because I know that the 4 majority are going to smile politely and then VOTE WHICHEVER WAY THEY WANT because they get more attention in the media that way. But let me tell you, I live in HB, I work in HB, I stay here because I want to make a difference. And while I was worried about backlash because I'm pediatrician in this community, I actually had several families reach out to me and thank me for speaking out: I may still get backlash, but I'm still standing here because if we don't continue to speak up, there will be no more books left. There will be no more people left to speak out. Sincerely, Melanie Tioleco-Cheng PS I read banned books. Books I've read that have been banned: Hany Potter series by JK Rowling The Bluest Eye and Beloved by Toni Morrison The Hunger Games series by Suzanne Collins i To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee A Brave New World by Aldous Huxley The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas The Things They Carried by Tim O'Brien Captain Underpants by Day Pilkey The Color Purple by Alice Walker The Bible Anne Frank: Diary of a Young Girl by Anne Frank 1984 by George Orwell Lolita by Vladimir Nabokov I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings by Maya Angelou Skippyjon Jones (series) by Judith Schachner Bridge To Terabithia by Katherine Paterson Blubber by Judy Blume One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest by Ken Kesey Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry by Mildred Taylor Junie B. Jones (series) by Barbara Park Song of Solomon by Toni Morrison Are You There, God? It's Me, Margaret by Judy Blume The Twilight Saga by Stephenie Meyer Front Desk by Kelly Yang and more. What have you read lately? 2 Moore, Tania From: Isabella Ford <issyford@gmail.com> Sent: Monday, October 16, 2023 9:44 PM To: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org; CITY COUNCIL(INCL. CMO STAFF) Subject: Reject Resolution 2023-41 This resolution to establish a policy for the review and re-cataloging of library materials containing sexual content at HB Public libraries is not necessary and downright scary. I want it to be on public record that this is un-American and the gall of council member VAn Der Mark to even bring this up for discussion is not for the good of our city of Huntington Beach. We have trained librarians that Van Der Mark wants to overrule because she says she found a few books she felt were inappropriate for her child. If she doesn't like them for her children, then she needs to be the parent of her children not mine. I love the variety our librarians have chosen and I love that they are responsive when we have questions or concerns. I do not want our selection to be limited by a group of Van Der Marks that don't know how to have civil conversations and help curious kids learn when they are ready. Not just when she is ready. REJECT Resolution 2023-41 and focus on funding our HBPD, our HBFD, our Lifeguards, our Be Well Program, fixing our streets, updating our parks, fixing the plumbing in city hall, give residents a break on the beach pass, and focus on how to make all of Huntington Beach inviting for everyone. Isabella Ford 714-308-0660 1 Moore, Tania From: Sean Stowell <seanstowell@gmail.com> Sent: Monday, October 16, 2023 9:55 PM To: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Cc: CITY COUNCIL(INCL.CMO STAFF) Subject: Agenda Item 20 City Council Members, I am writing in regards to agenda item 20.This is such a ridiculous waste of time for you, our librarians,and the citizens of this city to have to consider.The four members who will no doubt vote in favor of this nonsense are the same ones who vowed to end the homeless issue in this city. How has that gone? Instead the four make secret deals with the air show promoter,and want to set up more bureaucracy by creating a 21 member review board?So much for the small government,the people know what's best candidates you pretended to be.You've made our city a joke and this agenda item further proves that you care only about your own bizarre political interests and not what the residents of this city want. I've talked with several of your supporters who are quickly becoming your former supporters because of your ridiculous antics.So,while I write this asking you to oppose agenda item 20,the four will vote in favor no matter what the overwhelming majority of residents feel. I guess when they come up for reelection they'll finally get it.Thank you councilmbers Bolton, Kalmick and Moser for doing what is right,and to the other four,well good luck to you,and shame on you for wasting our time with this item instead of taking care of things that matter in this city. Sean Stowell 1 Moore, Tania From: Tim Channel <twchannel99@gmail.com> Sent: Monday, October 16, 2023 10:03 PMII To: CITY COUNCIL(INCL.CMO STAFF); upplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Subject: Citizen Comments on Agenda for City Council Meeting for 10/17/2023 Huntington Beach Council Members, I am a 35 year resident and homeowner in Huntington Beach with grave concerns about the future of our fine city due to the despicable behavior of our city council members Strickland, Van de Mark, McKeon, and Burns. The pretense of PRETENDING TO LISTEN to in-session public comments is reprehensible. The disdain for the citizens of Huntington Beach is proven over and over again at every City Council meeting. If your intent is to draw attention to our city you have succeeded as YOU are turning our great city into the laughing stock of the entire country. I do want to THANK YOU for your ineptitude and obvious self-serving agenda as it has motivated myself and many others to become more participatory in city politics. That being said, I am STRONGLY OPPOSED to the following: 1. 23-871 Consider the submission of three Charter amendment ballot measures for voter approval at the March 5, 2024 Statewide Primary Election and the adoption of Resolution Nos. 2023-42, 2023-43, 2023-44, and 2023-45 Reasons: (a) This appears to be an attempt to sneak these charter amendments past the voters in an election you are hoping is poorly participated in. Do you believe in Democracy? Do you respect the voters of this city (or only some of them)? Wasting my tax dollars on an unnecessary city election. Why? Especially when it doesn't go into effect until 2026? What is the rush? (b) What problems are you trying to solve? It appears to be a pretend solution to a made up problem. What is the rush? There no evidence of any kind of voter fraud in elections administered by the Orange County Registrar. • I am also STRONGLY OPPOSED to the following: 2. 23-871 Review of Councilmember Item 25-532 - Selection, Display, and Circulation of Library Books and Other Material within Huntington Beach Public Libraries Reasons: 1 (a) I have been a patron of HPBL since I moved here. I took my children to HBPL Story Time almost every Saturday morning where they were allowed to peruse the Children's Section under my supervision. PORNOGRAPHY in the Childrens Section at HBPL DOES NOT EXIST! You made this up! (b) It appears as if you are trying to lead the bandwagon by "leading the charge" on this ridiculously untrue made-up problem. I am quite sure it is to further your own personal agenda of appearing to be a Protector of Children. What is next? Banning Harry Potter else the children become real sorcerers and creating magic spells? (c) The HBPL staff doesn't want or need this added work load and expense to accommodate your aspirational goals of becoming leaders of some cult endeavor to "police morality". I also want to express my appreciation for distinguished City Council Members Kalmick, Moser, and Bolton for their strength and fortitude in enduring the persistent attacks and dis-respect from the other council members. In closing, I do hope you will VOTE AGAINST these items as they have no benefit to our city and are a complete waste of time and money. Also, please do not tell me I am mis-informed as I have been in the past in boiler plate response emails. Nothing could be further from the truth. You insult yourselves more than me in doing so. Thank you for your time and consideration of these comments, Sincerely, Timothy Channel Huntington Beach e 2 Moore, Tania From: MJ Baretich <mjbaretich@hotmail.com> Sent: Monday, October 16, 2023 10:05 PM To: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Subject: OPPOSITION TO ITEM 20 ADOPTION OF RESOLUTION No. 2023-41 Honorable Mayor Strickland and City Council Members, I am opposed to Item 20 Submitted by Mayor Pro Tern Van Der Mark - Consider Adoption of Resolution No. 2023-41 establishing a policy for the review and recataloging of library materials containing sexual content. The proposed Resolution No. 2023-41 effectively creates a process to ban books. It calls for a 21- person community parent/guardian review board, meeting twice a year, with each council person appointing 3 people to review ALL proposed (future purchases) of children's books and other materials which could mean reviewing up to 9000 books a year, and then agree on the segregation or rejection of the books. I doubt if anyone has the time to read that many books in a year. Does the term "and other materials" mean adult books as well? DVD's, music, magazines? It also states they 'may' review books currently in circulation. It also requires parental or guardian consent to check out any book or.other material containing any sexual writing, sexual reference, sexual images, and/or other sexual content by anyone under 18. This is very vague and will ensnare hundreds of titles including classics and other publications such as National Geographic and Smithsonian that do show paintings and statues of nude men and women. Biology books could also be banned, according to the Resolution guidelines. "If recommended books or materials do not meet the City's community standards of acceptance, they may be rejected by a vote of the community parent/guardian review board." What are the qualifications to be on this review board? Would Council appointees be vetted or otherwise investigated for their fitness to serve? Why are the highly qualified library science professionals being ignored and replaced with this review board? Will this review board have the ability to "reject" all books or just "children's" books. There does not appear to be any organizing plan, no cost analysis on its installation, and precious few details about how it would operate. Would it come from the general fund or under a presumably enlarged library budget? Who would staff this review board and who would preside over it? This appears to be unnecessary "big government" overreach. Please vote NO on Resolution No. 2023-41. Thank you, i Mary Jo Baretich 2 Moore, Tania • From: Stephanie Turner <stmaturner@gmail.com> Sent: Monday,October 16,2023 10:09 PM To: CITY COUNCIL(INCL.CMO STAFF);supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Subject: Reject Resolution NO.2023-41!! Resending this(with updates)as the message is still (unfortunately) necessary! Dear HB City Council Members, My name is Stephanie Turner, and I grew up in awe of the HB's library system.Our main branch was and is my favorite place in our town.As I moved from the appropriately partitioned children's section to the YA's section and then to the adult's section, I relished in a spectrum of perspectives that helped form the person I am today.And that person is extremely appalled and horrified by Resolution No. 2023-41:A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Huntington Beach Establishing a Policy for Children's Library Materials Containing Sexual Content.You must reject this resolution! Libraries should forever be an inclusive place of learning;a place where one can travel through pages and experience things no one person could travel to or experience alone. Book banning has absolutely no place in Huntington Beach. What right does the city have to determine what is obscene?What does the city consider"explicit sexual references" in the children's section—a story written about two gay moms??(as I can't seem to think what other situation would be. considered "pornography"that they feel is currently lurking in HB's children section as it stands today... For the record, I am pro stories about two gay moms,two gay dads,or two non-binary parents raising happy, self aware children! Where will the book restrictions end?Young adults should be encouraged to learn about their ever evolving selves, not condemned to shame with sex-shaming labels and parental consent. When I was in middle school at Mesa View,we read Bradbury's Fahrenheit 451. Even as a 12 year old, it was shocking to think of folks censoring books.That little girl had no idea that in 20 years time,she would be faced with the same totalitarian ideals in real life.It is extremely horrific and utterly embarrassing that Huntington Beach has fallen so low as to mirror a science fiction dystopia. Please right this atrocious wrong;stop resolution No. 2023-41. The Huntington Beach library system has always done a great job of separating out books into age-appropriate sections. Our beloved librarians are trained professionals,they do not need a community parent/guardian board telling them how to do their jobs. I can only think of a few more wasteful ways that HB City Council can use our time and our money(for the record a special election to further voter suppression would be one of those ways)! I hope you all will do what is just and right. Everyone deserves to flourish in a community where they can read the books they want to read (and if they are minors-that conversation is between them and their parents!),worship the way that is best for them, and love who they choose to love.At the very least,folks should feel safe in their community,and not ostracized for their book selections. Folks should be able to grow, learn,and evolve into the best and truest versions of themselves in a compassionate town. I am abhorred that this email is necessary. I'hope Huntington Beach will continue to be better,to do better by everyone in our community. Thank you for your time, Stephanie Turner 1 Moore, Tania From: Sandra West <sandrawest609@gmail.com> Sent: Monday, October 16, 2023 10:11 PM To: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Subject: Agenda Item #20 Hello. My name is Sandra West and I write in support of agenda item #20. NO child should be subjected to vile and obscene pornographic material in library books. It's a disgrace that this is even being disputed! We need to protect the innocence of God's children. They are not emotionally and mentally prepared to process such images and doing so can actually cause them trauma going forward. There are studies you can research stating so. Those who feel differently really need to do some soul searching as to why they feel it's a child's right to view x- rated material. Thank you Gracey for addressing this crucial issue. 1 Moore, Tania From: Nikki Reidt <nmreidt@gmail.com> Sent: Monday, October 16, 2023 10:29 PM To: CITY COUNCIL(INCL. CMO STAFF);supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Subject: NO BOOK BANS IN SURF CITY Once again our city council is wasting our time and money on agenda items that are not solving real issues in our community.As a parent and resident of Huntington Beach who utilizes our libraries weekly and speaks to our very knowledgeable and helpful librarians regularly, I am appalled. Librarians are trained in curating libraries with a diverse selection of books.There is already a process to have books reviewed if concerns arise (which apparently has only happened a handful of times because this is NOT a real issue).We do not need another group to review books. Let our librarians do their jobs and keep your bans off our books. NO BOOK BANS IN HUNTINGTON BEACH.STOP YOUR GOVERNMENT OVERREACH. Nichole Reidt Parent and HB Resident i • Moore, Tania From: Reginald Chun <uhkane13@gmail.com> Sent: Monday, October 16, 2023 10:37 PM To: newsletter@fotlhb.com;supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Subject: I am a HB voter and i am opposed to any committee circumventing parental guidance I oppose resolution 2023:41; I am a HB voter and a 25 yr city resident& I am opposed to any committee circumventing parental guidance on what library books my children or minor child can read in a city public library. I trust our trained library staff to select& buy books and to place them in the appropriate areas of the library. Kids have access to the internet so banning books is silly&ineffective;with an appropriate book, a child can get the proper perspective &context to sensitive subjects. I believe libraries should provide learning which serve all facets of our community. I don't believe parents or government should be wasting time in a commitee deciding what librarians should be doing, as most parents&govt staff are not educated in library science. Thank you Reginald Chun Lexington Ln HB 1 Moore, Tania From: Lindsay K <linfish@hotmail.com> Sent: Monday, October 16,2023 10:48 PM To: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Subject: Resolution No.2023-41 After reading the proposed Resolution No. 2023-41 "A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Huntington Beach Establishing a Policy for Children's Library Materials Containing Sexual Content" I came to two main conclusions. The first is that Mayor Pro Tern Van Der Mark has a completely different definition of "community"than myself.The second is that City Attorney Gates has either a very limited understanding of the First Amendment or simply does not mind another lawsuit at the expense of our city's taxpayers. The resolution is broad, vague and designed to restrict library users from accessing materials that are currently popular with many children,teens and their families. What in the world are "sexual writings"? The resolution states that the City Council has decided there are materials it considers to be "obscene" or "pornographic."There are no legally "obscene" or "pornographic" materials at the HB Public Library. After defining those terms the resolution claims there are in fact "obscene" materials in the library based on the "Miller Test" because HB community standards say so. Who is this supposed "community"? In 2021-2022 HBPL had nearly 120,000 cardholders.The city of HB has a population of just over 200,000. Last year there were ZERO challenges to library materials made by the community. Do those 120,000 people count as part of our community?Where is this phantom "community" clamoring for the removal and restriction of materials? If it exists at all beyond Facebook, it is not the community of HB residents who currently use our beloved library. We can all agree that "obscene" and "pornographic" materials do not belong in the public library.The wonderful news is that THERE AREN'T ANY THERE! Parents who want to strictly control what their children read can already do that.They may accompany their child or teen to the library and monitor what they check out or check their account online.They can talk to their kids about what they are reading and set their own limits on what types of books they can bring home. The library's current policies support this approach to parenting a reader. Parents who want to let their children read anything in the library can do that now. If their children are 10 or under,the parent can take a seat in the children's room and chill while their kids explore the shelves.They can drop their teen off at the library to find their own books for school assignments or pleasure and pick them up later. The library's current policies also support this approach to parenting a reader. If passed, Resolution No. 2023-41 will unfairly force the first type of parenting on the second. It will take decisions about what their children and teens read OUT of the hands of parents, hand it over to a government-appointed committee designed to favor the most conservative members of our community and turn the library staff into the reading police. Free people read freely. Let parents parent, librarians select materials they know their community want and the City Council can get back to doing the city's business. Lindsay Klick 1 Mother, HB Resident, Librarian 2 Moore, Tania From: Diane <dianesgotopnions@gmail.com> Sent: Monday, October 16, 2023 10:50 PM To: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org; CITY COUNCIL(INCL. CMO STAFF) Subject: Oppose Item#20 I strongly oppose agenda item #20. In addition to opposing its content, it is simply out of order. The last time the children's library book censoring item was on the agenda, it called for a study session, which was postponed to October 17. Since the study session will happen only a few hours before the city council meeting, there is no way that a resolution crafted before the study session even occurred could adequately incorporate what you may learn at the study session. At the very least, this item should be postponed so that the resolution can properly include whatever may be gleaned from the study session. As to the content of this item, since I don't trust this council to abide by rules of normal order, I fully expect it will be considered and voted on at the October 17 council meeting. The people who claim to want small government and have eliminated almost all of the HB citizen committees, commissions, and boards are now advocating for a new board to control what books our children can see. They are fixated on books that contain anything of a "sexual nature", but there are no actual definitions included in the resolution. Does a book include "content of a sexual nature" if two people are holding hands? What if the two people are holding hands, but they are the same gender? If the characters are fully clothed, would there be a difference between those two scenes? If they are so concerned about the sexualization of children, why are they only concerned about books? What about TV? What about images and videos they can see on their phones? This plan is the epitome of a slippery slope. What will be next? Dress codes at the city beach? Some of the bikinis I've seen at the city beach could be defined as "explicit sexual images". What about the bikini stores on Main Street that display those bikinis in the windows where children can walk by? Should we require pregnant women to stay home, lest a child ask an uncomfortable question about procreation? Maybe we should allow pregnant women to venture out of their homes, but only if they are covered with a burka-like garment. What about women with enlarged breasts in skintight dresses? Should we ban public displays of affection? Where would it end? Beyond the absurdity of this resolution calling for 21 untrained, political appointees being entrusted to determine what books are appropriate for all the children in a relatively large city, it is simply unnecessary. The HB Library procures about 9000 books per year for the children's library. How would this new review board find the time to read and review all of those books? Would they rely on some list created by idealogues they follow or would they actually read the books and form their own opinions? As has been stated repeatedly, there is already a process in place at the HB Library in which anyone can question the legitimacy of a book's placement in the library. The process has not been needed even once so far this year and has i been used only 5 times in the past 5 years. The low rate of use of the procedure indicates that the librarians have done a good job in vetting and placing books into the proper places in the library. Please stop the culture wars and stick to basic governing of the city--keep the roads paved, the trees trimmed, and the parks clean. Sincerely, Diane James 2 Moore, Tania From: Galassi, Cecelia <cgalassi@gwc.cccd.edu> Sent: Monday, October 16, 2023 10:56 PM To: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Subject: Library Restrictions To the HB city council, concerned citizens who oppose their plans, and undecided citizens, None of the council members are qualified to make judgments that restrict any citizen's access to written materials. They can put"whereas" in front of their reasons and define the word obscenity, but neither of these empty technicalities justify them or their political appointees deciding what materials families allow their children to read.The council obviously does not care about education, reading,or free access to information, and they should be kept farther away from children than any sex education book. In addition, if they implement these stupid rules against the recommendations of actual experts-- librarians, parents, teachers,and readers--the library will will lose patronage, it's life blood.The support and donations of money and time will go to other local libraries,weakening a central library that has been a gem of the city for generations. The members'terms as council people will be known as regressive, repressive, and fiscally irresponsible.We who live in the city are spreading word about how they feel free to overspend OUR money on their attempts to limit our rights and futures. I still have hope that they will pull this dictatorial, backwards resolution.They can still decide that their plans for our library are ill conceived and unwanted.They need to--and can-- back away from book banning and restriction to information. No group that has done it historically has endured or been well regarded by later generations. Huntington Beach's reputations has already been darkened by the council's actions and reputation. Like conspiracy theorists,the council is making up problems that simply aren't problems.They posture as protectors of youth but clearly don't care about professionals who have dedicated their entire careers to educating and helping children. Know that citizens do not want restrictions to our library. From Cecelia Galassi, property owner and resident of Huntington Beach Get Outlook for iOS 1 Moore, Tania From: Martha Duran <martyduransurfcity@gmail.com> Sent: Monday,October 16, 2023 10:57 PM To: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Subject: Agenda Item#20 I whole heartedly support the resolution to establish a policy for children's library materials containing sexual content as put forth by Mayor Pro Tern Van Der Mark. I have 3 young grandchildren living in Huntington Beach and feel this resolution will help prolong their exposure to explicit books having to do with sex. In my opinion this is not considered book banning or book burning it is only an effort to protect the innocence of our children by monitoring what books are placed in the children's library. I'd like to tell Kalmick and his liberal cronies to go to hell for being against this resolution and for being against the voter ID issue. Unfortunately I leave for Boston on the 17th and will be unable to attend the city council meeting. by Sent from my iPhone 1 Moore, Tania From: Scott Malabarba <scott@malabarba.org> Sent: Monday, October 16, 2023 11:12 PM To: CITY COUNCIL(INCL. CMO STAFF);supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Subject: in opposition to charter amendments and library book bans Dear HB City Council, Council members Kalmick, Bolton,and Moser,thank you as always for your efforts. For the others, I have a few words. Regarding 23-894 I neither oppose nor support this item. If the council wants to condemn a horrific terrorist attack,okay then. But are you going to condemn the antisemitic hatred that continues to plague Huntington Beach, such as that spoken at the June council meeting by supporters of Mayor Pro Tem Van Der Mark?And did you not just dismantle the statement of human dignity that was created to oppose such hate? This resolution is obviously insincere and capitalizes on the deaths of thousands of people to drive your weird culture war. In opposition to 23-871 Much has been said about these proposed amendments,and after four rounds of special meetings I have little to add. But let's review: Inflammatory culture war triggers deceptively bundled with innocuous-looking procedural changes that enable nepotism and corruption. Ridiculous rhetoric about non-existent voter fraud,expensive and illegal election procedures, and blatant voter suppression. Flag restrictions clearly driven by hatred of queer people. A mysterious and expensive push to get these items on the special election instead of just waiting for November. Frequent,abrupt text changes and council meeting procedure irregularities. Sweeping charter changes proposed by a group that campaigned against charter changes. The re-introduction of the very changes this group campaigned against. Charter changes that take away from future councils the choices that this one made the moment you were elected. 1 What's the takeaway?Again, insincerity. Even the people who voted for you can't trust you, because you're manipulating them to give yourselves more power. In opposition to 23-878 and 23-879 The attacks on the library and its staff were always gross, reckless,and in bad faith. Deliberately exposing children to pornography--or"infecting"them with it, in your words, is a serious crime. If there were any real suspicion of this,the police would be involved.So you don't really think that is going on at the library. If you did,the proposed measures would be completely inadequate. You continue to insist that you aren't banning or censoring books,while simultaneously proposing to do exactly that. Now you've proposed an entire board of censors,appointed by yourselves with no qualifications for the role. In fact you'll be challenged to find anyone knowledgeable about libraries or children's books for your censor board, because we all think it's an abomination and want no part of it. You talk about"sexual content" and "obscenity"when it's clear that what you mean is"queer people". Even your supporters get that much--they made their hatred clear at the nightmarish June meeting. We all know who's next on your hit list. Once you're done erasing queer people from the library and making it harder for young people to learn how their own bodies work,you'll go after books by or about people of color, books that touch on racism or misogyny, books that attempt to tell an honest history of the United States. Because "CRT". You talk about parental choice.Yet all you propose to do is take away choice. Parents who want to follow their children around the library and choose books for them can do that right now. Parents who want to monitor every book their child checks out can do that right now. Parents who want to sit next to the aquarium with their preschooler while letting their eleven-year-old browse the middle school section will not be able to, because you don't think they should have that choice. Across town, Barnes and Noble has the same books on display,with no age restrictions. If you were at all sincere,you'd make an ordinance restricting how commercial bookstores stock and display their wares, because that would be necessary to"protect" children from the "pornography"sold there. But you won't, because a) Barnes and Noble would sue you into oblivion and b)you're not sincere. Children are in fact threatened by exposure to pornography(the real kind, not books with gay people in them),to sexual predators(real ones, not people who disagree with you),to violent and extremist content,to peer bullying and other harmful influences--on social media.We know that you know how vile and how readily available this content is(since one of your number, infamously, kept a collection of it for"research").Yet you pretend that the internet doesn't exist, and instead of supporting the educators who teach children how to keep themselves safe online,you terrorize them. The four of you are undoubtedly going to vote for the charter amendments and library nonsense no matter what your constituents have to say.Tomorrow's council meeting is going to be a trench war.And it won't end there--you have a long and bitter road to walk before these horrible ideas are made real. I can't imagine why you put yourselves or the city through this. Sincerely, Scott Malabarba HB resident 2 Moore, Tania From: MARILYN Boehm <beachmama7@msn.com> Sent: Monday, October 16, 2023 11:23 PM To: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Subject: Opposed to Resolution Item #2023-41 I am AGAINST this "book ban" of library items as determined by the City Council and their proxies to be sexual in content. There is already a protocol in our PUBLIC libraries to screen library books for appropriateness to be placed in the Children's Section. I believe Mayor Pro Tern Van Der Mark has an agenda that supersedes that of protecting the children of HB. It is clearly a call to arms of MAGA supporters and perhaps a hopeful stepping stone to higher office. I don't want our City Council, or ANY governmental body, to be in charge of the books our children and grandchildren have access to. I trust the library staff who have degrees and experience in selection and placement of items based on many established criteria. They have done an outstanding job in our HB libraries for decades without objection from the community. One man's pornography is another man's art. I say to the City Council "Stay in your OWN lane" and get out of the book selection aisle! I suspect you'll disregard my preferences and opinions, just as your already have to those other members of our community who have expressed their opinions in opposition to yours. We will remember this at the election in 2026. Marilyn Boehm, HB resident i Moore, Tania From: Dennis Pappas <ndoceanpappas@gmail.com> Sent: Monday, October 16, 2023 11:23 PM To: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Cc: Dennis Pappas Subject: Support for Resolution No 2023-41 Patricia Pappas I support the resolution and policies that protect children and teens from obscene and pornographic media. I have investigated and the books are in our tax payer funded HB libraries. Thank you for protection our cities children. The preamble in our charter states: "It is incumbent upon those who govern and make decisions for and on behalf of the City of Huntington Beach to legally, as well as morally, abide by the provisions of this Charter, in its strictness sense,to ensure the continued success and well-being of our fair city" Thank you, Patricia Pappas 1 Moore, Tania From: shirleynixon@olympus.net Sent: Monday, October 16, 2023 11:34 PM To: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Subject: Library Materials Resolution is Flawed and Should Be Rejected I oppose any City Council involvement in overseeing materials in our public libraries. This should never have been a topic for Council consideration. But-because four council members have pressed this to the point of writing a Resolution, having it"approved as to form" by the city attorney,and scheduling it for a vote at the 10/17/2023 Council meeting,these comments refer primarily to it. Title: The Resolution's title ':.[E]stablishing a policy for children's library materials containing sexual content"improperly conflates "sexual content"with obscenity and pornography. The legal authorities referenced in the document refer only to standards for evaluating obscenity and pornography. If the Council majority insists upon going forward,the title's wording should substitute "obscenity or pornography"for"sexual content." Whereas clauses: • A majority of the "Whereas..."clauses improperly set forth unproven assertions or personal opinions as if they were factual; or they imply that HB council members are experts in judging whether sexual images and material are obscene, pornographic,or harmful to children. Unsubstantiated findings and statements should be stricken. • Another"Whereas..." statement misrepresents the holding in the obscenity case Miller v. California by citing it as authority for claiming that"the content of books and other materials are generally judged by'community standards." No. Incomplete and misleading. The full citation refers to applying community standards as part of a three-step process when judging whether material is prurient, it does not endorse judging via community standards in general. The three-part Miller test for obscenity includes: Whether the average person, applying contemporary community standards, would find that the work, taken as a whole, appeals to the prurient interest; whether the work depicts or describes, in a patently offensive way,sexual conduct specifically defined by the applicable state law;and whether the work, taken as a whole, lacks serious literary, artistic,political, or scientific value.Miller v. California, 413 US 15,pp 24-25(1973). Suggestions for Council consideration of the Resolution: Do not conflate "sexual...content"with obscene or pornographic material. Focus instead upon whether and why it may be worthwhile to adopt a city position and regulatory framework re:children's access to obscene and pornographic materials. Rely only upon established legal definitions, case law,and constitutional principles in your deliberations. Set personal, political, and religious agendas aside. Carefully consider the libraries' present book selection procedures,and evaluate whether your ideas strengthen, weaken, or inefficiently overlap with them. In the meantime,this flawed resolution deserves a NO vote. Shirley Nixon Huntington Beach, CA 92646 1 Moore, Tania From: Martha Elliott <martha_elliott@msn.com> Sent: Monday, October 16, 2023 11:36 PM To: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Subject: Selection, Display and Circulation of Library Books and Other Materials Members of the City Council, As a Huntington Beach resident, home owner,tax payer and library patron, I strongly oppose this proposal from Gracey Van Der Mark. It is not needed because there are processes to protect library users under 18 and if a parent wants to restrict their child's access they are free to do so without any of these measures. No committee is entitled or qualified to choose what the library purchases or has in its collection. Librarians are educated,trained and have the experience to provide a balanced collection of library materials. This is such a blatant violation of 1st Amendment Rights that it is obvious the writer has no understanding of the Miller Test or the legal meaning of community standards.These words are pulled out of context and misused just as the images in Ms.Van Der Mark's 1st presentation. You were elected to solve real problems not create fake ones. Please do your job and stop the grandstanding. Martha Elliott Huntington Beach Resident Sent from my iPad 1 Moore, Tania From: aginnydolllady@yahoo.com Sent: Monday, October 16, 2023 11:38 PM To: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Subject: Do not ban books! To the HB City Council Members, Please do not decide for me and my family what books YOU feel we should be allowed to read or not read! I would prefer the freedom to make that decision for myself as would my family. Please let the libraries continue to provide the books,and let the intelligent and responsible citizens of our community continue to decide for themselves what is appropriate to read.The take over of our libraries(and schools) by a small political and religious faction who would like to dictate to the rest of us how we should live our lives is the antithesis of freedom and what this country is suppose to stand for. Please vote NO on Resolution 2023-41! Thank you! Karen O'Connell 1 Moore, Tania From: J C <qhlady@me.com> Sent: Monday, October 16, 2023 11:46 PM To: CITY COUNCIL(INCL. CMO STAFF) Cc: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Subject: 10-17-23 City Council Meeting, 6pm Agenda Item 20 Adoption of Resolution No.2023-41 I COMPLETELY SUPPORT moving any/all sex/porn related books/etc.from the Children's Department to the Adult Department. I welcome the oversight since the Library seems to have a problem. Gosh Dan,you, Moser and Bolton each get to pick out 3 Representatives for the "Committee of 21", thereby more than fairly representing your sexual deviant leanings. The Resolution does not mention banning books, it merely directs sex/porn material to the Adult Department. Jean Cloyd resident of Huntington Beach 1 Moore, Tania From: Celeste Rybicki <celeste@celesterybicki.com> Sent: Monday, October 16, 2023 11:47 PM To: CITY COUNCIL(INCL.CMO STAFF);supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Subject: So many no's for Tuesday's meeting (items 19, 20, 21) Dear City Council Members, I pray that this does not fall on deaf ears, but can you just DELAY THE AMENDMENTS VOTE to the general election??? If it saves us something like 90%of the cost to put it on the ballot and doesn't actually delay the implementation of anything,this seems like a no-brainer. Regardless of how I (and so many HB residents,seemingly a VAST majority)feel about the amendments themselves, (ie:the moves to combat"voter fraud"will more likely serve to impede or prevent legally registered and qualified citizens from voting. "Monitored" ballot boxes reeks of voter intimidation. Most of the proposed amendment No. 1 are likely to bring more lawsuits to our city as well.Amendment no. 2 regarding the flag policy has already had to be amended to include the Olympic flag and already seemingly ignored by flying multiple flags at the pier during the airshow.There's no need for this to be in the charter other than to take a dig at the pride flag and all the marginalized groups it stands for.) but regardless of how the public will vote ...there is clear and blatant practical reasoning to save these for the general election. Item 20 is just another slap in the face of Huntington Beach citizens. I don't understand why you've argued time and time again over what you think you should let the voters decide and then completely disregard the public opinion on what you're doing to OUR library. If it looks like a ban and it quacks like a ban, it's a book ban!You're looking to restrict access to books already in our libraries and to prevent the librarians from acquiring new books to the collection. It's a book ban. Gracey and Gates pretended to take 5 months to discuss and research and then ignored all staffs recommendations to bulldoze through their book ban.And just to make a point:the most prevalent argument in favor on Twitter is that adults are forcing porn on children.Obviously that is not what is actually happening at any of our branches,there have been no such complaints(no books appropriateness have even been questioned this year.) Even if you were trying to prevent that"grooming"this book ban wouldn't stop it. Adults (the alleged pedophiles)can access any books they like and then present them to children off library grounds. Only now,we'll have a generation of children who may have no knowledge of human anatomy or healthy relationships and little language to be able to alert to.a safe trusted adult what is happening. But these books aren't sexualizing children and this ban isn't protecting anyone.What it will do is remove windows and mirrors for our kids.The kid with two moms or a gay grandpa won't get to read stories about other kids like them.A city of kids who will grow up thinking anything outside their family(or that one church everyone in the majority goes to) views is not normal and should be othered,feared, hated.A city with a censored library system is not a city I want to raise my children in. Leave our books alone. And lastly, Mrs.VanDerMark's resolution to pledge our support to Israel may have had the best of intentions last week but in light of all that has happened since, it may now be construed as support for the genocide of Palestinians.And for someone who needed to research a list of YouTube videos to verify that the Holocaust actually happened, I'm surprised she wants to jump so quickly to a blanket statement about such a complicated and controversial geopolitical conflict. While she is vague in what she supports the Israeli government doing,she's specific when mentioning unconfirmed (and in fact disputed) details of what she condemns.At the very least this resolution needs to be factchecked.The city should condemn the terrorist attack of the Hamas.We should show our support for the innocent Israeli civilians.We should also condemn the war crimes now being allegedly committed by the Israeli government and show our support for innocent civilians of Palestine, most of whom are children. We should call for a ceasefire, desescalation, advocate for restraint, advocate for the children ALL the children affected by these attacks.This is a horrible, heartbreaking, historically complex war. I'm just not at all comfortable with her summation of events or with the feeling that she's using this tragedy in realtime for her own political gain or attention. 1 Celeste Moore, Tania From: Anais Lee <anaismlee@gmail.com> Sent: Monday, October 16, 2023 11:55 PM To: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Subject: Huntington Beach Library Review Committee Hello, My name is Anais Lee and I am a 16-year-old actress, model, and high school student in Los Angeles,California. I'm writing to you today to express my opinion regarding the review committee that the City of Huntington Beach intends to establish to remove literature that is considered "sexual in nature"from access to children.This committee not only hinders children and students on their access to a diverse education, but it's insulting to librarians to question their professionalism. Books have been an identifying aspect of my life and the lives of many around me.Growing up, I had access to a wide range of literature and it opened my mind and expanded my knowledge in ways I am forever grateful for. I will always be thankful that I have parents who could afford to buy me any book I desired but not all kids have this luxury. Public libraries,for some,are their only outlet for a wide selection of literature and they too should have the freedom to read any book they desire. I believe we can all agree that our common goal is to protect the children, but removing books from the shelves isn't the answer.The books being removed aren't being forced into the hands of children,they are there for voluntary reading purposes only.This isn't to say that all books are appropriate for children to read because this is certainly not the case. But,we should trust our librarians who are trained to judge the appropriateness of books following the age demographic.Additionally,the books commonly deemed "sexual in nature"disproportionally attack LGBTQ+characters and themes.These books are not only important from a representation aspect,they are educational as well and teach readers about the real people in our world. Regardless of one's personal beliefs,we all can agree that every individual deserves to be treated with respect.Allowing the topic of gender identity and sexuality amongst children allows them to learn about these topics and ensures that they treat any of their LGBTQ+classmates with respect and will help relieve efforts of hate and bullying to these classmates.According to the Trevor Project, 32%of transgender or nonbinary students who were bullied have attempted suicide. I can say with great certainty that my experiences with literature have been instrumental in allowing me to develop not only a deeper understanding of myself, but also of the world around me. But unfortunately, many of the books I call life- changing will sadly be removed from shelves. Librarians have a job,and we must trust that they know how to do their job.Their education has given them the skills needed to judge what books are age-appropriate or not.The creation of this committee disregards the recommendations of professionals and denies young students access to potentially beneficial and "life-changing" pieces of literature. I hope that council members consider these points before making their final decision. Thank you, Anais Lee 1 Moore, Tania From: Richard Kelly <richard@kelly.ws> Sent: Tuesday, October 17, 2023 12:07 AM To: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Subject: 23-879 - Resolution 2023-41 - Statement in Opposition Dear Voters of Huntington Beach, The City Council again wants to tell our kids what they can and cannot read. Here's why we should all be concerned about Resolution No. 2023-41 "establishing a policy for the review and recataloging (sp) of library materials containing sexual content". "Obscene" & "Pornographic": The Council claims some children's books in our library have content that's "obscene" or"pornographic."While the resolution makes an attempt to define them, they are essentially subjective and can be used to target a wide range of materials. Limiting Accessibility: The resolution wants to move any book with "sexual content"to an "adult section". This isn't just about explicit images; it's about any "sexual writing" or"sexual references." Classic literature and educational materials could be restricted. Parental Consent: Kids would need parental or guardian consent to access these books. This sounds protective, but what it really does is create barriers to information and education. Community Review Board: The Council wants to establish a 21-member"parent/guardian review board"to decide which books our library can get. Do we want a small group of people controlling what all our kids can read?What are these people's qualifications? If they're so interested in books, why aren't they already volunteering at our libraries? "Community Standards": The Council mentions "community standards," but Huntington Beach is diverse. Whose standards are we talking about? Taxpayer Dollars: Our libraries are funded by us, the taxpayers. Shouldn't we have a say in ensuring that our libraries remain open, inclusive, and free from censorship? Should we ask our library staff and volunteers to waste their time enforcing access restrictions like these? Bottom Line: This isn't just about"protecting" kids. It's about limiting their access to knowledge, while offering nothing positive in return. Resolution No. 2023-41 could restrict classic literature, health education materials, and more. Let's ensure our kids have the full resources of our library at their fingertips. Speak up. Let's protect the right to read and the integrity of our library. Watch carefully to see who supports this resolution, and make sure to vote them out as soon as possible. In the short term, please support your local library. Tell the volunteers you appreciate their efforts, especially in light of extreme times such as these. Donate to the Friends of the Library. And please enjoy a good book. For a diverse, informed Huntington Beach, Richard Kelly Huntington Beach 1 Examples.of Books at Risk Remember when the Scholastic Book Fair came around? We grew up with access to these beloved books all our lives. Why deny our youth access to the same information? Where Did I Come From?" by Peter Mayle (1973) A humorous children's book explaining conception, pregnancy, and childbirth. "What's Happening to Me?" by Peter Mayle (1975) An informative guide for children about the changes the human body undergoes during puberty. "It's Perfectly Normal: Changing Bodies, Growing Up, Sex, and Sexual Health" by Robie H. Harris (1994) A comprehensive guide to puberty, anatomy, relationships, and reproduction for young readers. "Annie's Baby: The Diary of Anonymous, a Pregnant Teenager" by Beatrice Sparks (1998) A poignant account based on a real diary detailing the challenges of a pregnant teenager. "Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret." by Judy Blume (1970) A coming-of-age story about a girl named Margaret grappling with puberty, religion, and her identity. "Then Again, Maybe I Won't" by Judy Blume (1971) A novel centered on Tony Miglione, a boy navigating the challenges of adolescence, puberty, and adapting to a new, wealthier lifestyle. 2 Moore, Tania From: Joclyn Rabbitt-Sire <joclynsire@gmail.com> Sent: Tuesday, October 17,2023 12:16 AM To: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Subject: Agenda Items#19 and#20 for Agenda dated Oct 17, 2023 Dear Mayor and City Council Members, I would like to voice my opposition to two items for tomorrow's meeting:#19 and#20,and ask you to vote NO on both of them. Concerning#19,the changes being proposed to our city charter do nothing to improve life for Huntington Beach residents nor give them more rights as members of a democracy. Rather,they do the opposite. Why expend our taxpayer dollars to the tune of almost half a million dollars to place such needless measures on a ballot that only a minority of HB voters will vote on in a primary election? Please vote NO! Concerning#20,this poorly constructed policy may look to some folks to be driven by concern for children's well-being, but in practice will only strip both children and adults of their democratic rights,and could actually be detrimental to the mental health of many children. It seems that some of you are using your power to insert Huntington Beach into the culture wars currently plaguing our nation. Please step back from this move by voting NO! Both of these agenda items are cut from the cloth of autocracy and are dangerous to our democracy. Our city is a microcosm of the nation in its current polarized state,and the more you assert measures that lean toward autocracy, the more polarized we become as a community. Huntington Beach is being noticed by other communities, not for our beautiful parks and beaches, but because of the strife being needlessly created. Is that how you would like our city to be known? Thank you for your consideration,and PLEASE vote NO on#19 and#20. Sincerely, Joclyn Rabbitt-Sire Resident of SE Huntington Beach 1 Moore, Tania From: StarsStripes <starsstripes@me.com> Sent: Tuesday, October 17, 2023 12:36 AM To: CITY COUNCIL(INCL. CMO STAFF) Cc: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Subject: 10-17-23 City Council Meeting, 6pm Agenda Item 20 Adoption of Resolution # 2023-41 I do support moving any and all Sexual related books & material from the Children's area to the adult area of the Library. Library's need oversight since they have shown to have problems. Librarians may have Masters degrees but they don't have common sense. And they do not control our kids. When the largest library association in America is headed by a self admitted Communist that publicly tells her colleagues that libraries are 'sites of socialist organizing'. ....That tells me that libraries definitely need oversight. Again, I support moving the material and having an oversight committee over the library. What is frustrating is the Radical Lefties calling this a book ban, it is not a book ban. Calling it a book ban is a lie. It is propaganda that the radical left uses to try and get people to side with them. Robert Cloyd Huntington Beach Resident i Moore, Tania From: myvoice@oneclickpolitics.com Sent: Tuesday, October 17, 2023 12:43 AM To: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Subject: Reject Censorship, Reject Resolution 2023-41 Re: Reject Censorship, Reject Resolution 2023-41 Dear Supplemental Communications, As a long time resident of Huntington Beach, I am writing to ask you to vote against Resolution 2023-41,which would establish a policy to review library materials for sexual content.. Librarians are the only people who should decide on content in our libraries, and they have done a great job! I took my children to the HB main for years as they grew up, staring as toddlers for story time,summers for reading programs,for school projects,and just to pick books for my kids. This library saved me hundreds& hundreds of dollars over the years in books I did not need to buy,as my daughter was an avid readers and could read chapter books in a day.As a parent, I believe it is parents who are the best judge of what their child should be able to read &check out from the library. Parents can supervise their own children reading selections. I don't want another parent, lawyer or city council member pre selecting what is available.As I parent I know that there are far worse things on the internet available on kids phones&computers than in any book in the one our libraries.A parent is the person best suited to make decisions about what their child does or does not read, but the proposed ordinance would take that right away from many parents in our community by limiting what is available in the public library. It would also make the city, not parents,the ultimate arbiter on library materials.We trust our trained library staff.The library does not carry obscene materials or make them available to young readers.The policies in the ordinance are poorly defined and overly burdensome and expensive;the city will need to hire extra staff to implement and enforce them.The city may also open itself up to a costly lawsuit if the policy goes into effect and members of the community sue because they don't think their children have been protected or that their rights have been violated.The policy is both unwanted and unneeded. Please support the rights of parents and children in our community by voting against it.Thank you Sincerely, Mrs. Natasha Elisha tashelisha@msn.com 18738 Ashford lane Huntington Beach,CA 92648 Constituent Prepared by OneClickPolitics(tm)at www.oneclickpolitics.com.OneClickPolitics provides online communications tools for supporters of a cause,issue,organization or association to contact their elected officials.For more information regarding our policies and services,please contact info@oneclickpolitics.com 1 Moore, Tania From: myvoice@oneclickpolitics.com Sent: Tuesday, October 17, 2023 12:47 AM To: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Subject: Reject Censorship, Reject Resolution 2023-41 Re: Reject Censorship, Reject Resolution 2023-41 Dear Supplemental Communications, As a resident of Huntington Beach, I am writing to ask you to vote against Resolution 2023-41,which would establish a policy to review library materials for sexual content.A parent is the person best suited to make decisions about what their child does or does not read, but the proposed ordinance would take that right away from many parents in our community by limiting what is available in the public library. It would also make the city, not parents,the ultimate arbiter on library materials.We trust our trained library staff.The library does not carry obscene materials or make them available to young readers.The policies in the ordinance are poorly defined and overly burdensome and expensive;the city will need to hire extra staff to implement and enforce them.The city may also open itself up to a costly lawsuit if the policy goes into effect and members of the community sue because they don't think their children have been protected or that their rights have been violated.The policy is both unwanted and unneeded. Please support the rights of parents and children in our community by voting against it.Thank you, Sincerely, Mr. Mark Alvarado mark.alvarado@yahoo.com 16812 STONEHAVEN CIR HUNTINGTN BCH,CA 92649-4028 Prepared by OneClickPolitics(tm)at www.oneclickpolitics.com.OneClickPolitics provides online communications tools for supporters of a cause,issue,organization or association to contact their elected officials.For more information regarding our policies and services,please contact info@oneclickpolitics.com 1 Moore, Tania From: myvoice@oneclickpolitics.com Sent: Tuesday, October 17, 2023 2:34 AM To: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Subject: Reject Censorship, Reject Resolution 2023-41 Re: Reject Censorship, Reject Resolution 2023-41 Dear Supplemental Communications, As a resident of Huntington Beach, I am writing to ask you to vote against Resolution 2023-41,which would establish a policy to review library materials for sexual content.A parent is the person best suited to make decisions about what their child does or does not read, but the proposed ordinance would take that right away from many parents in our community by limiting what is available in the public library. It would also make the city, not parents,the ultimate arbiter on library materials.We trust our trained library staff.The library does not carry obscene materials or make them available to young readers.The policies in the ordinance are poorly defined and overly burdensome and expensive;the city will need to hire extra staff to implement and enforce them.The city may also open itself up to a costly lawsuit if the policy goes into effect and members of the community sue because they don't think their children have been protected or that their rights have been violated.The policy is both unwanted and unneeded. Please support the rights of parents and children in our community by voting against it.Thank you, Sincerely, Ms.Shawna Chau shawna2c@gmail.com 16642 Wanderer Ln Huntington Beach, CA 92649 Constituent Prepared by OneClickPolitics(tm)at www.oneclickpolitics.com.OneClickPolitics provides online communications tools for supporters of a cause,issue,organization or association to contact their elected officials.For more information regarding our policies and services,please contact info@oneclickpolitics.com 1 Moore, Tania From: Elizabeth G <eag310@gmail.com> Sent: Tuesday,October 17, 2023 3:33 AM To: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Subject: Huntington Beach Public Library Review Committee To Whom it May Concern, My name is Elizabeth Goldman, I am an undergrad student at UC Berkeley, and I'm writing to express my opinion regarding the review committee that the City of Huntington Beach intends to establish with the goal to remove literature that is considered "sexual in nature" from access to children. While I understand wanting to protect children from mature content beyond what their age should developmentally and psychologically be exposed to, I strongly believe this is not the way to achieve this end goal; instead, I wholly believe this committee will only serve as a detriment to the community and to students while simultaneously perpetuating harmful biases against the LGBTQ+ community. To begin, using the term "sexual in nature" as the primary guideline for the restriction of books is highly concerning to me as it is vague language like this that allows for personal biases and discrimination against the LGBTQ+ communities to surface. We have seen this type of language used time and time again to target literature that simply features LGBTQ+ protagonists or storylines even if they contain little to no sexually explicit content. Sexuality cannot and should not be directly equated to sexual content; an attraction to someone of the same sex is not inherently sexual and should not be grouped into content that is "sexual in nature"; yet, it so often is. Accordingly, the vague language being used as the guide for this proposed committee is highly concerning to the LGBTQ+ community and will almost inevitably be used to perpetuate individuals' own biases, even if that is not the direct intention. Moreover, under these extremely vague guidelines, I would assume there are many titles being challenged. I question whether a committee of 21 or less parents are able to properly evaluate each book. With book banning being such a potent and delicate act, I would sure hope they would be reading each title in its entirety. Additionally, if only one member of the committee reads each novel, far too much power is put in the hands of an individual—especially an individual with no substantial background or expertise beyond, in theory, having sense and knowing children. Subsequently, would hope a final decision would be reached through the thorough deliberation involving many members—a time consuming, yet necessary, part of this process. If all of these steps were followed, the process would be far too slow to have any real effect or, in contrast, would result in many books being unfairly restricted while pending evaluation. All in all, I find it entirely unreasonable to assume all of the correct steps would be followed to eliminate all personal biases as well as ensure the proper, impartial and timely consideration of each book. Finally, a public library is just that: public. It is not a library that children have unrestricted access to like a school library. If a small child is at the library unbeknownst to their parent or guardian, there is another issue there. If a child is allowed by their parent to go to the library alone, it is between the parent and the child to determine what content the child is allowed to consume. If the parent does not choose to monitor their child's reading habits, I see no reason for the city to step in; frankly, I find this insulting to the parents of Huntington Beach. Instead of restricting access to titles in a public setting- 1 a decision made by a few parents on behalf of all parents—why not leave it up to each individual parent to sufficiently supervise and parent their own child? Making it harder to obtain the books children want to read will only lead to children reading less and utilizing the internet more, a reality I think we can all agree is far from ideal. If children's internet access is left to individual parents to control, why shouldn't books—a far less dangerous entity— be held to the same standard? I wholeheartedly understand where parents are coming from with wanting to protect children's innocence—the world is a scary place and mature content is being exposed to progressively younger children in all kinds of ways. I do not dispute the fact that this is an issue. However, this proposed solution is grossly missing the mark. Whether it is being proposed out of corruption or genuine good intentions is unclear and irrelevant; regardless, it leaves too much room for biases to drive an individual's choices and is, ultimately, completely impractical. I hope that council members take these points into consideration before making their final decision. Elizabeth Goldman 2 Moore, Tania From: Elizabeth Burke <eelaineburke@aol.com> Sent: Tuesday, October 17, 2023 4:52 AM To: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Subject: Oppose Agenda Item 20 I oppose adoption of Item 20-proposed adoption of Resolution #2023-41. Book selection should be a free choice and dealt with by trained library staff. No individual or government committee should have any right to determine what books are available to us. And it is certainly not the position of our City Council. Elizabeth Burke Resident and home owner of Huntington Beach i Moore, Tania From: myvoice@oneclickpolitics.com Sent: Tuesday, October 17, 2023 5:25 AM To: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Subject: Reject Censorship, Reject Resolution 2023-41 Re: Reject Censorship, Reject Resolution 2023-41 Dear Supplemental Communications, As a resident of Huntington Beach, I am writing to ask you to vote against Resolution 2023-41,which would establish a policy to review library materials for sexual content.A parent is the person best suited to make decisions about what their child does or does not read, but the proposed ordinance would take that right away from many parents in our community by limiting what is available in the public library. It would also make the city, not parents,the ultimate arbiter on library materials.We trust our trained library staff.The library does not carry obscene materials or make them available to young readers.The policies in the ordinance are poorly defined and overly burdensome and expensive;the city will need to hire extra staff to implement and enforce them.The city may also open itself up to a costly lawsuit if the policy goes into effect and members of the community sue because they don't think their children have been protected or that their rights have been violated.The policy is both unwanted and unneeded. Please support the rights of parents and children in our community by voting against it.Thank you, Sincerely, Ms. Cherie Smith crsmith7457@gmail.com 917 Alabama st 3 Huntington Beach,CA 92648 Constituent Prepared by OneClickPolitics(tm)at www.oneclickpolitics.com.OneClickPolitics provides online communications tools for supporters of a cause,issue,organization or association to contact their elected officials.For more information regarding our policies and services,please contact info@oneclickpolitics.com 1 Moore, Tania • From: myvoice@oneclickpolitics.com Sent: Tuesday, October 17, 2023 5:28 AM To: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Subject: Reject Censorship, Reject Resolution 2023-41 Re: Reject Censorship, Reject Resolution 2023-41 Dear Supplemental Communications, As a resident of Huntington Beach, I am writing to ask you to vote against Resolution 2023-41,which would establish a policy to review library materials for sexual content. Librarians are trained and vetted professionals with Master's Degrees to perform this job of vetting and procuring books for the library. I've witnessed first-hand this complicated vetting process from my Mother.The detail, scouring of the reading, and prioritizing comes from educational training that Librarians processed through while obtaining their degree.Secondly,then a parent is the person best suited to make decisions about what their child does or does not read, but the proposed ordinance would take that right away from many parents in our community by limiting what is available in the public library. It would also make the city, not parents,the ultimate arbiter on library materials.We trust our trained library staff.The library does not carry obscene materials or make them available to young readers.The policies in the ordinance are poorly defined and overly burdensome and expensive;the city will need to hire extra staff to implement and enforce them.The city may also open itself up to a costly lawsuit if the policy goes into effect and members of the community sue because they don't think their children have been protected or that their rights have been violated.The policy is both unwanted and unneeded. Please support the rights of parents and children in our community by voting against it, and support the professionalism of Librarians.Thank you, Sincerely, Debbi Fort debbikayl@gmail.com 7311 Coho Drive Unit 104 Huntington Beach,CA 92648 Constituent Prepared by OneClickPolitics(tm)at www.oneclickpolitics.com.OneClickPolitics provides online communications tools for supporters of a cause,issue,organization or association to contact their elected officials.For more information regarding our policies and services,please contact info@oneclickpolitics.com • Moore, Tania From: Jacob Lems <jblems@verizon.net> Sent: Tuesday, October 17, 2023 5:34 AM To: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Subject: Oppose Agenda Item 20 I am very much opposed to banning books in our library. Please do not pledge a vote against Democracy. Sent from my iPad JJL 1 Moore, Tania From: ejlrrh@aol.com Sent: Tuesday, October 17, 2023 6:15 AM To: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Subject: Support for Agenda Item 20 Given the problems that have been reported to have occurred in school libraries, I believe another level of review is a reasonable program. It would seem that the protections are for younger children, and these appear to be important. I support Agenda Item 20. Eunice Larson, a Huntington Beach homeowner. i Moore, Tania From: Ann Palmer <714anniep@gmail.com> Sent: Tuesday, October 17, 2023 6:24 AM To: CITY COUNCIL(INCL. CMO STAFF);supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Subject: Support Agenda item#20 for 10.17.23 This is in support of agenda item#20,23-879. I believe that it is imperative that Huntington Beach pursue a reasonable and common sense plan to establish a review process for certain library books.This can ensure that materials are relegated to age-appropriate sections within the library to protect the wellbeing of our youth population. It is with great disappointment that we have needed to come to such a process as one would assume that protections - are fully in place.We have seen and experienced that that is not the case. We have a beautiful library with a wealth of offerings and some knowledgeable administrators.Again, it is unclear how such age-inappropriate and vile materials made it through screening for YA and Children's categories. . .but they did. Safeguards are sorely needed. Thank you. • Ann Palmer 30+yr resident Huntington Beach 92648 • Moore, Tania From: GERALD MONIZ <dianjer@verizon.net> Sent: Tuesday, October 17, 2023 6:28 AM To: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Subject: Book bans The council should spend their time on the business for which they were elected, not being library police. My husband and myself(I am a former teacher) oppose Agenda Item 20 on Adoption of Resolution No.2023-41. Items like this are a first step down the slippery slope of book banning and censorship and have no place in the business of the city council.We are astounded that this item was even proposed. Kindly do not vote to adopt,as a vote to do so will be our vote against those who do on the next election. Sincerely, Gerald and Diana Moniz (Huntington Beach Residents and voters since 1973) 1 Moore, Tania From: A E <missalkm@aol.com> Sent: Tuesday, October 17, 2023 6:40 AM To: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Subject: Banning library books Hello, As a lifelong Southern California resident I am concerned about your plans to ban certain library books. Like so many parents, mine were too embarrassed to fully explain physical development and reproduction to me.As a voracious reader, I simply sought out the knowledge I craved.When I was about 10-11 years old I read a puberty book very much like It's Perfectly Normal. I was amazed and shocked at all the things the human body does. I was so relieved I finally understood.The book discussed all kinds of people and bodies. Much did not involve me,and it made me understand what wasn't right for me. Because I fully understood male and female bodies I was never tricked or confused by a male growing up. I will not elaborate on all the confusion that can happen with youngsters who don't understand their own bodies.When I had children it was a very planned and conscious choice.There were no accidents or mistakes.And that is primarily because of the book I read in 5th grade. Puberty books need to be available for the children whose parents want to keep them in the dark eternally. Not understand what is happening to your own body is dangerous in many ways. Please consider marking tricky books with a noticeable label or something, move them to a new location or something but kids need to be able to access a puberty book without their parent's consent,and long before age 18. Please read such books from cover to cover and consider what happens if adolescents never know any of this information. Ignorance does not obliterate lust. I appreciate that you care so deeply about your community and our children. However, ignorance is never the solution. Thank you for taking the time to consider my thoughts. Best wishes to you all as you navigate our troubling times, Aimee Kennedy Morgan Estrada PS My 10 year old son has had Its Perfectly Normal for 2 years now. He reads it sometimes and talks to me about it.All is well. Sent from my iPhone 1 Moore, Tania From: myvoice@oneclickpolitics.com Sent: Tuesday, October 17, 2023 6:40 AM To: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Subject: Reject Censorship, Reject Resolution 2023-41 Re: Reject Censorship, Reject Resolution 2023-41 Dear Supplemental Communications, I voted for you.As a resident of Huntington Beach, I am writing to ask you to vote against Resolution 2023-41,which would establish a policy to review library materials for sexual content.A parent is the person best suited to make decisions about what their child does or does not read, but the proposed ordinance would take that right away from many parents in our community by limiting what is available in the public library. It would also make the city, not parents,the ultimate arbiter on library materials.We trust our trained library staff.The library does not carry obscene materials or make them available to young readers.The policies in the ordinance are poorly defined and overly burdensome and expensive;the city will need to hire extra staff to implement and enforce them.The city may also open itself up to a costly lawsuit if the policy goes into effect and members of the community sue because they don't think their children have been protected or that their rights have been violated.The policy is both unwanted and unneeded. Please support the rights of parents and children in our community by voting against it.Thank you, Sincerely, Adam Bock ajbock@gmail.com 19058 Delaware Street Huntington Beach,CA 92648 Constituent Prepared by OneClickPolitics(tm)at www.oneclickpolitics.com.OneClickPolitics provides online communications tools for supporters of a cause,issue,organization or association to contact their elected officials.For more information regarding our policies and services,please contact info@oneclickpolitics.com 1 • Moore, Tania From: Mirabelle Lee <mirabealee@gmail.com> Sent: Monday, October 16, 2023 11:15 PM To: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Subject: Huntington Beach Public Library Review Committee Hello, My name is Mirabelle Lee and I am a high school student from Palm Desert,California. I'm writing to express my concerns about the review committee the City of Huntington Beach intends to establish at the public library. As a student,this plan generates much concern for me. I believe that by establishing a committee of parents to review books that are deemed "sexual in nature" is harmful to the well being of students seeing as though topics such as LGBTQ+identities and mental health topics are specifically targeted. Firstly,allowing students the freedom to read what piques their interest is important to allow young generations to cultivate their own thoughts and opinions.When I was growing up, books aided my growth,fostering conversations that I had always wondered but never knew how to act on.As much as I wish children were able to openly discuss their feelings with their parents,this isn't the case for all kids. In an ideal world, parents would know their children inside and out. But in a changing generation with differing thoughts from the previous,that isn't the case. Books can act has fillers, giving access to information — no matter the subject—to allow children to learn and grow.While it is scary to think that kids may be approached with what parents deem as "harmful topics", it's these topics that are most important for kids to have access to as they educate kids on the world around them. By removing books from the shelves,the problem will not be eliminated; it will simply only allow information and knowledge to be denied from eager students or to found out in other more harmful ways. Secondly,we need to continue to normalize conversations about LGBTQ identities.As much as some may want to ignore them,they shall remain to exist and live in our communities. If access to knowledge about these identities are removed from the shelves, harm towards LGBTQ identities will only ensue as it allows more room for hate speech to spread. Representation in literature is important whether people want to regard it or not.As a black teenager living in a predominantly white neighborhood, I've undergone experiences that none of my fellow classmates have experienced, feeling alone in my identity and questioning my self worth. Books have allowed me to see my experiences lived through pages,showing me that I was not alone in my experience. Books have also allowed me to become more educated on topics that I did not know much about, allowing me to empathize with my fellow neighbors more than before as I've now seen these topics humanized through books. Librarians have a role to review and put extreme thought and consideration into every book that is placed on the shelves.Guided by education and experience,we must trust that librarians know how to do their jobs. By installing a review committee,we are demeaning the work and experience of librarians while also removing potentially valuable and educational information from students. I hope you take my points into consideration before you come to a final decision. Thank you. 1 Moore, Tania From: myvoice@oneclickpolitics.com Sent: Tuesday, October 17, 2023 6:42 AM To: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Subject: Reject Censorship, Reject Resolution 2023-41 Re: Reject Censorship, Reject Resolution 2023-41 Dear Supplemental Communications, As a resident of Huntington Beach, I am writing to ask you to vote against Resolution 2023-41,which would establish a policy to review library materials for sexual content.A parent is the person best suited to make decisions about what their child does or does not read, but the proposed ordinance would take that right away from many parents in our community by limiting what is available in the public library. It would also make the city, not parents,the ultimate arbiter on library materials.We trust our trained library staff.The library does not carry obscene materials or make them available to young readers.The policies in the ordinance are poorly defined and overly burdensome and expensive;the city will need to hire extra staff to implement and enforce them.The city may also open itself up to a costly lawsuit if the policy goes into effect and members of the community sue because they don't think their children have been protected or that their rights have been violated.The policy is both unwanted and unneeded. Please support the rights of parents and children in our community by voting against it.Thank you, Sincerely, Mrs. Renee Pelkey reneepelkey15812@gmail.com 15812 Tullow Lane Huntington Beach,CA 92647 Constituent Prepared by OneClickPolitics(tm)at www.oneclickpolitics.com.OneClickPolitics provides online communications tools for supporters of a cause,issue,organization or association to contact their elected officials.For more information regarding our policies and services,please contact info@oneclickpolitics.com • Moore, Tania From: Sam Ray <sam.ray49@gmail.com> Sent: Tuesday, October 17, 2023 6:43 AM To: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Subject: Support Agenda Item 20 I support the effort to keep materials with sexual content away from the children's library area. Keep up the good work on this subject. Library staff that are fighting this effort may not be the best employees for our libraries. An alternative to your approach, instead of reviewing every new book purchased,would be to convene the committee monthly(or as needed)to review books identified by anyone who believes the content to be sexually inappropriate for children. (The staff members responsible for purchasing a book that the committee deems inappropriate would be counseled.) 1 Moore, Tania From: Kevin Preus <kdpreus@gmail.com> Sent: Tuesday, October 17, 2023 6:44 AM To: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Subject: Agenda Item 23-879 Huntington Beach City Council, I will be unable to attend the session of your next meeting to air these concerns in person so I am writing them instead. Unfortunately, it has already been made apparent in past sessions that the new majority of the Council cares not to listen to the majority of their constituents who they are supposed to represent, so I fully expect this proposed resolution to pass. As we have seen, this is a Council representing the minority. However, it is my duty as a parent and a resident of this city to continue to make it known that we, the residents of Huntington Beach would appreciate if you all actually spent time and our taxpayer money, on things that you all campaigned on - instead of further pushing your divisive culture war on to all of us and claiming to solve problems that don't even exist. The new Council cares more about spending our taxpayer dollars on issues that don't exist than they do actually tackling the difficult issues facing our city. I am referring to the resolution regarding public library books. To start off, there is no problem with how our public libraries are managing content circulation. There are already plenty of checks and balances in place to ensure our residents have access to a diverse range of content that can meet the needs of everyone. We have: 1. Trained professionals making content selections 2. Requirements for parent oversight for a child to get a library card 3. Requirements for children to have an adult present with them in the library 4. Designated sections for content based on age 5. Transparency of online content, and the ability for a parent to view a history of this content that their child views 6. An already existing formal review process for residents who find certain material inappropriate - which has been used in the past by sitting Councilmembers So you can see, if a parent is concerned about a child getting ahold of content they find unacceptable, they have more than enough opportunities to prevent their child from access to that content. What does not exist, and should never exist, is the ability for some other parent or elected official to be able to make the decision for everyone else as to what is acceptable. That is what this is in a nutshell, under the false guise that there is some form of democratic process involved because of a "parent board". I have ZERO interest in some other group of residents making decisions about what they think is acceptable for my child to read. 100% this is government overreach and a waste of taxpayer money. 1 This resolution draft is extreme and full of inflated descriptions of reality. It gives definitions of "pornography" and "obscenity"that are 100% subjective and up to the untrained and inexperienced members of this committee, enabling them to do whatever they want. It also goes so far as to say that this"bad" material is readily available currently, which is a lie. It states that this content is available to children with no adult supervision, which is also a lie. Not surprising given who proposed this resolution. If that individual was so concerned with the content, why not just follow the process for reviewing and removing the material, like she has done in the past? Given one of the examples of a book with "pornography"and "obscenities", it is not a leap to conclude that this is more about protecting parents who are too sensitive and uncomfortable to have a conversation with their children about LGBTQ+ people and issues and would rather not even acknowledge that these people exist, so instead, they want to get rid of the books that make reference to them. I am not saying you have to support LGBTQ+ people, but trying to ban it from existence is pathetic. It is unfortunate that this group of people get so easily offended and triggered by people they disagree with that they feel the need to infringe on everyone else's rights. Let's be clear, this is not about protecting children. This is about protecting the fragile adults who are unwilling to be involved in their children's content selection at a library, and they want to impose their sense of moral superiority over the rest of us, even though they are supposed to be representing all of us. Kevin Preus - resident for 11 years and parent to two children in Huntington Beach 2 Moore, Tania From: Kathy McGuire <kzm@dslextreme.com> Sent: Tuesday, October 17, 2023 6:46 AM To: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Subject: Agenda item#20 I oppose Agenda item #20. There is no problem with inappropriate sexual materials being supplied to children by our libraries. This is a book banning proposal by people who claim to represent freedom but who take away the freedom from parents to choose what their children read. The librarians are professionals who care deeply about the welfare of children and who use professional criteria to evaluate books for their appropriateness for children and young adults. There is no need for a review board of political appointees with an agenda that the majority of citizens disagree with. Vote no on Agenda item #20. Thank you, Kathy McGuire i Moore, Tania From: Lorna Wilfert <Iwilfert8@yahoo.com> Sent: Tuesday, October 17, 2023 7:00 AM To: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Subject: The library The library should be operated by the professionals who are well trained and proven. Do not interfere with a well functioning operation do not try to control and definitely do not cut their funding. Listen to the people who elected you. Sent from my iPhone 1 Moore, Tania From: Eileen Miller <emiller@socal.rr.com> Sent: Tuesday, October 17, 2023 7:03 AM To: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Subject: HUNTINGTON BEACH LIBRARY CENSOR OF CHILDREN'S BOOKS How dare you! As a long time resident of HB, keep your opinions of what children are able to read to your own families. That is not your job! How about you stick to governing and let those of us who bring children to the HB Library, decide what should or should not be allowed on the shelves. Shame on you! Mind your own business! Eileen Miller i Moore, Tania From: myvoice@oneclickpolitics.com Sent: Tuesday, October 17,2023 7:06 AM To: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Subject: Reject Censorship, Reject Resolution 2023-41 Re: Reject Censorship, Reject Resolution 2023-41 Dear Supplemental Communications, As a resident of Huntington Beach, I am writing to ask you to vote against Resolution 2023-41,which would establish a policy to review library materials for sexual content.A parent is the person best suited to make decisions about what their child does or does not read, but the proposed ordinance would take that right away from many parents in our community by limiting what is available in the public library. It would also make the city, not parents,the ultimate arbiter on library materials.We trust our trained library staff.The library does not carry obscene materials or make them available to young readers.The policies in the ordinance are poorly defined and overly burdensome and expensive;the city will need to hire extra staff to implement and enforce them.The city may also open itself up to a costly lawsuit if the policy goes into effect and members of the community sue because they don't think their children have been protected or that their rights have been violated.The policy is both unwanted and unneeded. Please support the rights of parents and children in our community by voting against it.Thank you, Sincerely, Mrs. Nicole Mahar nikkisl@yahoo.com 9331 Cloudhaven Dr. Huntington Beach, CA 92646 Constituent Prepared by OneClickPolitics(tm)at www.oneclickpolitics.com.OneClickPolitics provides online communications tools for supporters of a cause,issue,organization or association to contact their elected officials.For more information regarding our policies and services,please contact info@oneclickpolitics.com 1 Moore, Tania From: Gianna Goodman-Bhyat <giannagb3442@gmail.com> Sent: Tuesday, October 17, 2023 7:07 AM To: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Subject: Huntington Beach Public Library Review Committee Hello, My name is Gianna Goodman-Bhyat, I am a high school student in Los Angeles, and I'm writing to express my opinion regarding the review committee that the City of Huntington Beach intends to establish in order to remove literature that is considered"sexual in nature"from access to children. As a student, I am incredibly weary of this plan. I believe that it acts as an insult to the librarians who have already devoted considerable time and energy towards curating appropriate selections of books, and that it enables parents to attack literature which features LGBTQ+ characters and themes. The term, "sexual in nature" is an incredibly vague categorization that has been used by various states and school boards to mobilize attacks on literature that simply features LGBTQ+ protagonists or storylines, even if they contain no graphic or sexually explicit content. I fear that this plan will put too much power in the hands of parents and community members who wish to remove access to literature that contains these narratives. It seems entirely unfeasible for a committee of 21 parents—who are likely already committed to other occupations--to accurately review such a vast selection of childrens' books. It seems more likely that these parents would have greater interest in simply targeting literature that represents the aforementioned subject matter. I think that this will be extremely harmful for a number of reasons: First, I believe that it is necessary to normalize discussions of gender,identity and sexuality among children from a young age--which includes allowing open access to literature that portrays these topics. Regardless of the personal views that individual families might hold about such discussions, the reality is that there are queer and transgender students who will be going to school with their children, and it is important to ensure that these students are treated with dignity and respect by their peers. When their identities are normalized, it creates an environment where students with non-normative identities are less likely to experience instances of hate and bullying that could potentially have long lasting impacts on their mental well-being and development. Second, as much as I wish that every child would be able to openly communicate with their parents about what they are reading, the unfortunate truth is that parents don't always know exactly what is best for their children. Many parents hold bigoted worldviews, and the only way that a large number of young kids are able to see themselves represented in media, is within books that are free for them to access at the library. Not only that, but oftentimes working parents are simply unable to accompany their children to the library, or don't have the ability to control their kids' access to library books. This may apply more specifically to parents who aren't fluent in English, or have a limited understanding of the internet and digital technology. I can say with great certainty that my experiences with literature--and specifically library books--have been instrumental in allowing me to develop a deeper understanding of self and to become the person I am today. Moreover, I can imagine that many of the books which I regard as life-changing would likely be removed from student access after review from this committee. Librarians have a job, and we must trust that they know how to do their job. They have education and experience in assessing what content and subject matter is most appropriate for various age groups. There are no librarians placing pornographic material in childrens' sections. The creation of this committee disregards the recommendations of professionals, in turn undermining the work of librarians, and denying young students access to potentially extremely beneficial and educational material. I hope that council members take these points into consideration before making their final decision. 1 Gianna Goodman-Bhyat 2 Moore, Tania From: Pamela McEwen <pmcewen12@gmail.com> Sent: Tuesday, October 17,2023 7:08 AM To: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Subject: Oppose Agenda Item 20 Hello and thank you for considering my position. I'm a conservative that lives here in Huntington Beach. I have four children who range in ages from middle school to kindergarten. Any form of book censoring is a bad idea.There are certainly books and topics that I don't want my children to have access to. But that is my job as a parent. It should not be the job of a committee to decide what books are available at a public library. I despise "cancel culture"and the trend of liberals calling for the shunning of anyone who says something that opposes their views.This plan to give a committee the power to shun books that do not meet with the committee's views is just as bad. Please do not approve this plan. Thank you, The McEwen Family • Moore, Tania From: M Furuike <msfuruike@gmail.com> Sent: Tuesday, October 17, 2023 7:09 AM To: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Subject: Banning books. Dear City Council, It is important to keep all books available. I We learn from our history. Please do not ban books in Huntington Beach. Sincerely, Monique Furuike. Huntington Beach resident. Sent from my iPhone 1 Moore, Tania From: tjengland41@yahoo.com Sent: Tuesday, October 17, 2023 7:17 AM To: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Subject: 2023-41 Resolution Please do not pass this disgusting book banning resolution! I will be opposing you 4 newly elected inexperienced council members for as long as you attempt to remain in public office. LEAVE OUR BOOKs ALONE!!!! Sent from my iPhone • 1 Moore, Tania From: Joe&Cerise <jadcvd@gmail.com> Sent: Tuesday, October 17, 2023 7:30 AM To: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Subject: Oppose Agenda Item 20 I am a long time user of the central library and wish to make it known that I strongly oppose agenda item 20 requiring a committee to review the purchase of books.This oversight is squarely conflicting with basic rights of choice for all citizens.While under the pretense to still allow parents to determine what their child reads is not true when the types of books are banned before a parent can even consider them. Please reconsider your pursuit of this item. Regards, A concerned library patron i Moore, Tania From: Mary K Dana <flewz@icloud.com> Sent: Tuesday, October 17, 2023 7:31 AM To: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Subject: Oppose Agenda Item 20 NOON BOOK BANNII I! Sent from my iPhone 1 Moore, Tania From: Lisa Watts <Iburnswatts@gmail.com> Sent: Tuesday, October 17, 2023 7:36 AM To: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Subject: 2023 I strongly oppose resolution 2023. Keep politics out of the library and use your trained, professional librarians. Lisa Burns Watts 1 Moore, Tania From: Sarah Rivera <sarahrivera1977@icloud.com> Sent: Tuesday, October 17, 2023 7:37 AM To: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Subject: Book Ban Banning Books is the first step toward a dictatorship but then again you already know that. This is absurd I guess the idea is to keep your voting population ignorant. Let's erase history that way you can make up what ever reality you want it seems to be working for the current leader of your cult. A concerned resident(46 years)of Huntington Beach. 1 Moore, Tania From: Vicki Callahan <vacall@mac.com> Sent: Tuesday, October 17, 2023 7:37 AM To: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Subject: Huntington Beach Library Hello: I am strongly opposed to the city council interfering with the Huntington Beach library collection.The selection and organization of books should not be politicized and should be handled by professional librarians. I am a long time Huntington Beach resident and voter. Sincerely, Vicki Callahan • Moore, Tania From: Cathey Ryder <the4ryders@gmail.com> Sent: Tuesday, October 17, 2023 7:40 AM To: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Subject: Sexua References in Books I not only live here in Huntington Beach but I spent 38 years as an educator teaching English.The cornerstone of my classroom was reading short stories, poetry, plays and novels. What is considered a sexual reference? Is it kissing? Is if hand holding? Is it hugging? Is it the word "petting"? Is it the phrase," he makes me feel all warm inside"? Is it "go all the way"? Is it he wanted to"do it"? Is it"he touched me in my private parts"? Is it"I saw him kiss her and touch her breast"? Is it the words : boob, breast,tits,ta tas,tittles,vagina, pussy, unit, penis, pecker,cock,dick, boner, hard,erection, rape, queer, suck and ....? Is it" I felt his hardness when he hugged me"? Is it references to masturbation or ejaculation ? Is it the phrase"making love"? Is it"I like other boys instead of girls"? Is it"Sex is something I just don't understand."said by the main character in the novel, "Catcher in the Rye"? Is it the phrase"my parents are trying to make a baby"? As you can see,the list of possibilities is endless. Materials purchased for a public library have already been screened for pornography and obscenity.We have a robust policy in place if a parent or community member objects to an item in our public libraries. We absolutely DO NOT need another layer of bureaucracy at who knows at what expense to the tax payers. CJ Ryder 1 Moore, Tania From: myvoice@oneclickpolitics.com Sent: Tuesday, October 17, 2023 7:44 AM To: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Subject: Reject Censorship, Reject Resolution 2023-41 Re: Reject Censorship, Reject Resolution 2023-41 Dear Supplemental Communications, As a resident of Huntington Beach, I am writing to ask you to vote against Resolution 2023-41,which would establish a policy to review library materials for sexual content.A parent is the person best suited to make decisions about what their child does or does not read, but the proposed ordinance would take that right away from many parents in our community by limiting what is available in the public library. It would also make the city, not parents,the ultimate arbiter on library materials.We trust our trained library staff.The library does not carry obscene materials or make them available to young readers.The policies in the ordinance are poorly defined and overly burdensome and expensive;the city will need to hire extra staff to implement and enforce them.The city may also open itself up to a costly lawsuit if the policy goes into effect and members of the community sue because they don't think their children have been protected or that their rights have been violated.The policy is both unwanted and unneeded. Please support the rights of parents and children in our community by voting against it.Thank you, Sincerely, Ms. Faith Vogel kvogell@socal.rr.com 16113 Saint Croix Circle Huntington Beach, CA 92649 Constituent Prepared by OneClickPolitics(tm)at www.oneclickpolitics.com.OneClickPolitics provides online communications tools for supporters of a cause,issue,organization or association to contact their elected officials.For more information regarding our policies and services,please contact info@oneclickpolitics.com 1 Moore, Tania From: myvoice@oneclickpolitics.com Sent: Tuesday, October 17, 2023 7:45 AM To: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Subject: Reject Censorship, Reject Resolution 2023-41 Re: Reject Censorship, Reject Resolution 2023-41 Dear Supplemental Communications, As a resident of Huntington Beach, I am writing to ask you to vote against Resolution 2023-41,which would establish a policy to review library materials for sexual content.A parent is the person best suited to make decisions about what their child does or does not read, but the proposed ordinance would take that right away from many parents in our community by limiting what is available in the public library. It would also make the city, not parents,the ultimate arbiter on library materials.We trust our trained library staff.The library does not carry obscene materials or make them available to young readers.The policies in the ordinance are poorly defined and overly burdensome and expensive;the city will need to hire extra staff to implement and enforce them.The city may also open itself up to a costly lawsuit if the policy goes into effect and members of the community sue because they don't think their children have been protected or that their rights have been violated.The policy is both unwanted and unneeded. Please support the rights of parents and children in our community by voting against it.Thank you,Jane Lemonds Sincerely, Mrs.Jane Lemonds jane.lemonds@gmail.com 20821 Crestview Lane Huntington Beach,CA 92646 Constituent Prepared by OneClickPolitics(tm)at www.oneclickpolitics.com.OneClickPolitics provides online communications tools for supporters of a cause,issue,organization or association to contact their elected officials.For more information regarding our policies and services,please contact info@oneclickpolitics.com 1 Moore, Tania From: Maureen Bekins <maureenbekins@gmail.com> Sent: Tuesday, October 17, 2023 7:47 AM To: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Subject: Oppose Agenda Item 20 City Council Members and City Attorney, I strongly oppose the council majority's new rules for the library— a terrible resolution/solution to a problem that the City didn't have.A 21-person review board? Please! We have always had extremely capable and conscientious librarians. Leave them to do their work. Why not focus your time and attention on areas where the public IS concerned? As a 45-year citizen, it's very disheartening to see our kind,well-functioning, responsive City turn into the mess this City Council and City Attorney is making. Please vote to oppose Agenda Item 20. Maureen Bekins 5752 Woodboro Drive Huntington Beach,CA 92649 • Moore, Tania From: Dana Lee <danatrooper@yahoo.com> Sent: Tuesday, October 17, 2023 7:48 AM To: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Subject: Reject Items 19 and 20 Councilmembers, Reject Item 19. It's a waste of taxpayer money, that will reduce voter participation. Reject Item 20. It's blatant, disgusting censorship. To those councilmembers voting in favor of the above, I look forward to voting you out at the earliest opportunity, and sharing your voting record with friends and family in the community. Thank you to Councilmembers Bolton, Moser, and Kalmick for your dedication to doing what's best for this city. Dana 1 Moore, Tania From: rooters_frieze_01@icloud.com Sent: Tuesday, October 17, 2023 7:47 AM To: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Subject: Library Oversight Nonsense Libraries are meant to be uncensored, open to the public they serve-THE ENTIRE PUBLIC-and to provide equal access to information. Not everyone can afford to purchase books.And why should a City Council member be encouraging people to give money to Amazon when my taxes have already paid for a book so residents can access it? If y'all start questioning trained library staff on what belongs in the library, a building I am certain NONE of you in favor of this oversight nonsense have purposefully set foot in as adults,then I don't see the point in paying taxes anymore. You're already ruining schools... now you're going after EVERY educational institution?Why?What do you have against access to information?Are you afraid people may experience life differently from how you demand it be experienced and think as individuals?Oh no! How awful... Diversity of thought! So scary! (That last part is sarcasm,for those unfamiliar with literary devices.) For people who seemed to enjoy screeching about the First Amendment all the way to the seats you now hold,you're holding on to censorship pretty tightly there. And just because Ms.Van der Mark has never had an orgasm in her life and very obviously just doesn't want anyone else discussing what she is so clearly missing out on, doesn't mean the City needs to waste time or money on her literary witch hunt. Gracey's sexual repression explains her being so far up her own behind she's this out of touch with the ACTUAL Huntington Beach community.Stop weaponizing the City Council for personal vendettas against everyone who isn't an ignorant bigot like yourself,girl. City Council is on a quick road toward fascism and it's absolutely disgusting that Huntington Beach is making national headlines-yet again-for such embarrassing entities representing the City. Did you learn nothing from Jacob's failed tenure?C'mon. Do your jobs and stop kicking hornet nests for fun. Parents can monitor their own children's reading activities.They don't need City Council's input or help.You want to help the kids if Huntington Beach? How about spending time and money on ACTUAL programs which teach children money management skills,cybersecurity information,self defense, healthy eating habits and cooking skills, environmental stewardship,job training and placement assistance...amongst many other useful topics? Maybe even promote mentorships for youth and more programs to encourage civic responsibility through volunteering? Do your actual jobs and stop trying to beg for attention from the media through these ridiculous shenanigans.Stop bringing shame to Huntington Beach. 1 Moore, Tania From: ira schey <imschey4@gmail.com> Sent: Tuesday, October 17, 2023 7:49 AM To: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Subject: Oppose Agenda Item 20 Sent from Mail for Windows I am a Huntington Beach resident and I strongly oppose Agenda Item 20(Resolution 2023-41). It is malicious government overreach. 1 Moore, Tania From: myvoice@oneclickpolitics.com Sent: Tuesday, October 17, 2023 7:52 AM To: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Subject: Reject Censorship, Reject Resolution 2023-41 Re: Reject Censorship, Reject Resolution 2023-41 Dear Supplemental Communications, As a resident of Huntington Beach, I am writing to ask you to vote against Resolution 2023-41,which would establish a policy to review library materials for sexual content.A parent is the person best suited to make decisions about what their child does or does not read, but the proposed ordinance would take that right away from many parents in our community by limiting what is available in the public library. It would also make the city, not parents,the ultimate arbiter on library materials.We trust our trained library staff.The library does not carry obscene materials or make them available to young readers.The policies in the ordinance are poorly defined and overly burdensome and expensive;the city will need to hire extra staff to implement and enforce them.The city may also open itself up to a costly lawsuit if the policy goes into effect and members of the community sue because they don't think their children have been protected or that their rights have been violated.The policy is both unwanted and unneeded. Please support the rights of parents and children in our community by voting against it.Thank you, Sincerely, Mrs. Misty Bauers mlbauers@yahoo.com 16362 Fairway Lane Huntington Beach, CA 92649 Constituent Prepared by OneClickPolitics(tm)at www.oneclickpolitics.com.OneClickPolitics provides online communications tools for supporters of a cause,issue,organization or association to contact their elected officials.For more information regarding our policies and services,please contact info@oneclickpolitics.com 1 Moore, Tania From: Lev MacD <levmacdowell@gmail.com> Sent: Tuesday, October 17, 2023 7:52 AM To: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Subject: Agenda Item 20 Adoption of Resolution No. 2023-41. To the Huntington Beach City Council, As one of your constituents, I request that you quit messing up our functioning public library system. RESOLUTION 2023-41 IS A BAD IDEA. It is government censorship and will definitely backfire to the city council members who support it. Furthermore, this resolution at its draft form is already driving a wedge to our community and adding to the negative vibes of our city. I have full confidence in our professional librarians to do their job just like the many supporters who continue to donate their time and money (FOTL volunteered approximately 60,000 hours per year and recently donated $250,000 to HBPL). Please let our library continue its mission to provide services that inspire and encourage transformation and growth by not adopting this BAD IDEA. Respectfully, Luvina Mac Dowell 1 Moore, Tania From: Jon Pubble <reasonedconservative@gmail.com> Sent: Tuesday, October 17, 2023 7:50 AM To: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Subject: No on#20 Dear Mayor&City Councilmembers, I oppose any local government efforts to restrict materials at our Huntington Beach Public Libraries.Book bans and restrictions on reading content just government overreach and stifle my rights and individual freedoms as a Huntington Beach resident. The last thing my family needs is for a bunch of elected zealots to stick their noses into my family's business. It is my responsibility as a parent to decide what our children should or should not read,not yours. This is just an effort to limit my rights as a parent to determine what's best for my children. I'll protect my own children. Why aren't you working on solving homelessness like you promised! Jon Q. Pine Street,Huntington Beach,CA 92648 1 Moore, Tania From: Susan Janis <sgjanis@gmail.com> Sent: Tuesday, October 17,2023 7:54 AM To: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Subject: Do not ban books I have lived in HB for over 44 years and raised three sons here.They all attended and graduated school from Eader, Sowers and Edison.They were also involved with the G.A.T.E. program.All three of my sons attended college and graduated with high honors plus one even went on to receive two Masters from MIT.They are all successful in their careers and raising their own families now. I am disappointed that the City Council is even considering banning books at the Huntington Beach Library.What has happened to this town that now thinks it needs to control what can and cannot be provided in the library?What is next? What color your surfboard needs to be? If you do not want your kids to read certain books then don't let them.Stay involved with what your children are reading but also listening to and the company they keep. That is called parenting. You set the standards for your own children in your own home but are NOT obliged to dictate to other families the same. I fear that a move to ban books is the beginning of moves towards a fascist society.That is not what this country is has been about.We are smarter and better than this. History shows us how other countries,factions, regimes and theocracies have banned books in the past to the present day.This never ends well for society and should be abolished immediately. Please vote NO on banning books at the library. It is a right of choice that needs to be honored and this freedom needs to continue for generations to come. Thank you, Susan Janis 1 Moore, Tania From: myvoice@oneclickpolitics.com Sent: Tuesday, October 17,2023 7:57 AM To: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Subject: Reject Censorship, Reject Resolution 2023-41 Re: Reject Censorship, Reject Resolution 2023-41 Dear Supplemental Communications, As a resident of Huntington Beach, I am writing to ask you to vote against Resolution 2023-41,which would establish a policy to review library materials for sexual content.A parent is the person best suited to make decisions about what their child does or does not read, but the proposed ordinance would take that right away from many parents in our community by limiting what is available in the public library. It would also make the city, not parents,the ultimate arbiter on library materials.We trust our trained library staff.The library does not carry obscene materials or make them available to young readers.The policies in the ordinance are poorly defined and overly burdensome and expensive;the city will need to hire extra staff to implement and enforce them.The city may also open itself up to a costly lawsuit if the policy goes into effect and members of the community sue because they don't think their children have been protected or that their rights have been violated.The policy is both unwanted and unneeded. Please support the rights of parents and children in our community by voting against it.Thank you, Sincerely, Ms. Barbara Richardson hblibrarylady@yahoo.com 16812 Stonehaven Circle HUNTINGTON BEACH,CA 92649 Prepared by OneClickPolitics(tm)at www.oneclickpolitics.com.OneClickPolitics provides online communications tools for supporters of a cause,issue,organization or association to contact their elected officials.For more information regarding our policies and services,please contact info@oneclickpolitics.com 1 Moore, Tania From: johnkinghb@verizon.net Sent: Tuesday, October 17, 2023 7:58 AM To: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Subject: Objection to all book ban activities Hi I am a Huntington Beach resident of 30 years, and raised two children who were avid library users. The current activities regarding book bans and voters are a collossal waste of time. City leadership has no business venturing into areas that do not benefit anyone in the city. All civic leadership efforts should be focused on city operations- safety, fire, police, parks and other activities that are meaningful. The efforts and energy focused on these bizarre activities are an embarrasment. Please stop. Thank you John John King johnkinghb@verizon.net 714 262 0826 linkedin.com/in/lohnfkincipmpcls 1 Moore, Tania From: Carol <carol.shi@gmail.com> Sent: Tuesday, October 17, 2023 7:59 AM To: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Subject: Oppose Agenda Item 20 Hello, I am a longtime resident of HB,and I'm sending this email to document that I am in opposition of agenda item 20. I support the library staff and FOIL. Thank you, "'Carol Shi, 6482 Doral Drive 1 Moore, Tania From: Christina Gallup <gallupcm5@gmail.com> Sent: Tuesday, October 17,2023 7:59 AM To: CITY COUNCIL(INCL.CMO STAFF) Cc: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Subject: Proposed Book Review Process Concern Hello HB City Council, As a constituent of Huntington Beach I'm writing to express my concern and opposition to the proposed book review process. This is an infringement on our freedom of speech and access of information. Residents of Huntington Beach should be able to select what books they want to read without restriction from the decisions of a random group of 21 parents. This proposed process is a huge waste of time, resources and funds! It is a big governmental overreach for the city to be stepping in and trying to control our access to books. It is the responsibility and role of the parent to have a conversation with their children about books (and other media forms in this digital era) they are reading, not the government.Additionally young minors already have to be accompanied by a parent at the library. Thank you, Christina Gallup 1 Moore, Tania From: Marilyn Lugaro <Iugaro2020@gmail.com> Sent: Tuesday, October 17,2023 8:00 AM To: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Subject: I Oppose Agenda Item 20 I oppose Agenda Item 20—Adoption of Resolution No. 2023-41 establishing a policy for the review and recataloging of library materials containing sexual content at the Huntington Beach Public Library by a City Council appointed committee. Book banning cannot and must not be considered in a Democratic country! Every citizen and every family has a right to choose what they will read. Parents have a right to monitor the reading choices of their children, but a city does not have the right to dictate that choice by banning books. Do not pass Item 20—Adoption of Resolution No. 2023-41 establishing a policy for the review and recataloging of library materials containing sexual content at the Huntington Beach Public Library by a City Council appointed committee. With deep concern, Dr. Marilyn Bouchard Lugaro Marilyn Bouchard Lugaro, Ph.D. Iugaro2020@gmail.com Mobil:714-296-7890 1 Moore, Tania From: judy gaglione <gaglionejudy@gmail.com> Sent: Tuesday, October 17, 2023 8:00 AM To: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Subject: STOP S BANNING BOOKS I strongly oppose ANY Book BANNING. Do not or you will be banned ® at the next election!!!! 1 Moore, Tania From: Sydney Cook <sydneylyneecook@gmail.com> Sent: Tuesday, October 17, 2023 8:07 AM To: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Subject: Study Session and Item 20 Dear Council Members: I am writing in regards to Study Session (23-878)and Agendized Item 20(23-879). I have lived in Huntington Beach for a little over two years now. My family and I are happy to be a part of this community and I feel fortunate to get to raise my children here. I am a mom to two young children and we visit the children's library on average twice per week.We have visited 4 out of the 5 branches and are beyond satisfied with the knowledgeable library staff,the diverse selection, and the amazing programming(that I know takes so much time and dedication). During my visits-books are properly placed and organized. I do not fear my child will come across anything inappropriate.Granted, I am there to monitor and if there is something I do not want my child to read I will respectfully put it back. Even as my children grow I will continue to take responsibility for their access but I want them and myself to have the choice to make the decision about what we read. After reviewing the research findings from the study session presentation regarding the rigorous publishing process and the Collection Development Policy/Request for Removal process on the city website I believe that there are existing safeguards in place. I trust our librarians,with their training and expertise,to make informed decisions regarding selection.And most importantly, I believe it is my responsibility(along with other parents/guardians)to monitor and take responsibility for the appropriateness of our children's choices. Thank you, Sydney Cook i Moore, Tania From: Nancy Messineo <nmessineo@gmail.com> Sent: Tuesday, October 17, 2023 8:12 AM To: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Subject: Oppose Agenda Item 20 I strongly oppose your Agenda Item 20: 1. Collection development does not happen in a vacuum. 2. Professional staff are already in place to build library collections. These staff have college degrees that included collection development in the curriculum. 3. They are working at public desks where library patrons ask questions,where library patrons share their likes and dislikes,and where they(library staff)get to know library patrons and their information needs. Library staff interact and serve library patrons of all ages. 4. The goal of collection development is to continually build a collection of materials that meets the needs of the community the library serves. Who better than the staff who interact with library users,our community members,to build these collections? 5. Library staff who are involved in collection development are acquiring information to use in purchasing library materials all the time. They are paying attention to local, state, Federal,world news,questions from students that are related to school curriculum from elementary to college level, requests from patrons off all ages for books and specific information, current movies, current events,authors and books being featured in various places, what books are being displayed at stores,what is being displayed next to the cash register,what materials are being reviewed in a variety of on-line and print media--these are just a few of the places where staff are collecting information that assists them in doing their job. 6. The library already has a materials reconsideration process in place. What expertise will the members of the committee have? Will the committee be made up of representatives of our community who represent all-points of view? What criteria will you use to determine who is on the committee? What criteria will you use to review materials? Why does Huntington Beach need a Collection Development Review Committee when we already have library staff in place with specialized knowledge? 1 Moore, Tania From: Connie Quader <cquaderhb@gmail.com> Sent: Tuesday, October 17, 2023 8:15 AM To: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Subject: Voter ID,Charter Amendments, Flag &Library WHY NOW??? These are NOT pressing issues for HB!! We need you to address&try to solve these problems,just to name a few. Homelessness,camping on our streets. Infrastructure& repairing our roads.We need a larger police force. You've created unnecessary problems that already have answers in place!The answers you propose will cost the city millions of dollars! It's OUR MONEY you're wasting on frivolous ideas that already have answers in place. It truly seems as though the majority of the city council are completely ignoring the majority of Huntington Beach citizens! It's very frustrating, being a 44 year resident of Huntington Beach when a small minority of people are pushing their own personal agendas on the majority of residents! Connie Quader i Moore, Tania From: Andrissa Dominguez <andrissahb@gmail.com> Sent: Tuesday,October 17,2023 8:16 AM To: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Subject: Everything First...since the meetings have been unlawfully moved to Tuesdays it prevents many from going( conflicts with surf city nights) but I feel that was the plan from our last council. Second.... book banning or whatever it is being called... hmmmm limiting sexualized content in the children's library accessible by minors. Is it still available? ..yes just like playboy or other sexualized magazine or reading materials BUT are covered/behind the counter. Why Dan Kalmick, Natalie Moser, Rhonda Bolton do you have a problem with this protection of children consistent with other rules we as a society deal with. Third...voter ID... how is that suppressing the vote... please tell us who has ever suffered from Voter suppression because of lack of ID.??? DO you actually know any person who has been prevented from voting because they have to show ID.You have to show ID to buy cigarettes and alcohol.You must present an ID for travel.You must present an ID for a job. Think about it.... Dan kalmick, Natalie Moser, Rhonda Bolton WE ALL KNOW you have taken partisan positions that do not make sense in Huntington Beach.Also let me remind you ...city council is a non partisan position. STOP following the narrative that is ruining our country. Time to protect Huntington Beach and our Residents. Vote YES to ban perverted materials from children's reach without parents permission Vote YES on Voter ID MOVE the meetings BACK to MONDAYS like it SHOULD BE. Thank you... Andrissa Dominguez 714 369 3107 1 Moore, Tania From: ann inman <anneyedoc@gmail.com> Sent: Tuesday, October 17, 2023 8:21 AM To: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Subject: HB City Council meeting I object to a special election and feel these ballot issues can wait until the November 2024's general election. I object to the voter ID voter requirement. I object to banning books in the library. Far worse is at our children's fingertips on the internet I object to restricting flags flown in the city. Ann Gaylord HB Resident i Moore, Tania From: lanceasero@yahoo.com Sent: Tuesday,October 17,2023 8:23 AM To: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Subject: Agenda Item 20 Adoption of Resolution No.2023-41 Dear Huntington Beach City Council, I do not support Resolution 2023-41 and implore you to reject this resolution. Book banning is government censorship that will stifle growth and progress in our city. Our current public library system has been in place for over a century works and has the financial and moral support of your constituents. "If it ain't broke, don't fix it". I see no benefit on muddling with our public library. It is risky and will surely backfire not only to the council members who will vote for its adoption but also to the degradation of our city. There are more good you could bring to this community by leaving the operations of the public library alone to the library professionals. Get rid of Resolution 2023-41! Sincerely, Patrick Sarreal 1 Moore, Tania From: Jessica B. <jessicabudica@gmail.com> Sent: Tuesday, October 17, 2023 8:22 AM To: CITY COUNCIL(INCL. CMO STAFF);supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Subject: Regarding agenda items for October 17 meeting Attachments: Oct 17 council Ietter.pdf Please review for public comments at October 17, 2023, meeting. If it is possible for my letter to be read at the meeting, I would deeply appreciate that since I am unable to attend. Thank you, Jessica Budica 1 Jessica Budica Huntington Beach Resident since 2008 October 17, 2023 Re: Resolution 2023-41 Dear City Council, As a mother of two young children, I take them to the library regularly. It is one of my children's favorite activities.They explore the stacks, grab books greedily off the shelves. They are then even more excited to scan their library card, scan their books, and walk out eager to read every title the minute we get home.They are so proud of their library cards! As a Professor of English, instilling a love of learning and words in my children has always been something I have strived for. Books are where we better understand love, democracy, fear, and history, among other things. As they get older, I hope my kids always feel safe coming to me with those uncomfortable questions about their bodies, about their sexuality. But what about those kids who do not come from those same supportive homes?Should we just hope they find out everything they need to know on the internet? I'd hope they pick up a book instead. You can try to deem this not a book ban, but as a wife of a lawyer, I do not gloss over some of the tricks of language used in this Resolution. It is the very thing I teach my students to look for. Tricks to divert. Glittering Generalities. Strawman. Logical Fallacies. It starts here with a government that thinks it gets to decide what is obscene or sexually explicit. From some of the other decisions this council majority has taken it upon itself to make, I wonder if Disney's movie,Strange World, is "obscene" because two male characters are dating and in love. (Yup, guess you better go block that on your Disney+.) This council, nor any other government or feigned "Parent/Guardian Review Board" you conveniently hand pick, gets to decide obscene or sexually explicit for me,for my children,for my library. It's funny how when the government requires masks or vaccines to keep people safe,you label it government overreach. Yet, when it suits your personal desires,you label it to keep kids safe.This is how it starts.This is how dictators begin.They label themselves "saviors" of the citizens when no one is asking to be saved from books. You ban some books. You silence information. You make it a bit harder to vote.You silence those who challenge your authority. You intimidate at polling places and voter boxes with "regulations" and "requirements."You silence those you quietly fear. This is what those who crave to be leaders do. This is not what you do when you Represent the people. Stay out of our libraries. Unless you want to pick up a book and read a little history. Moore, Tania From: Carol Rohr <lionessrohr@yahoo.com> Sent: Tuesday,October 17,2023 8:25 AM To: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org; Shirlee Krause Subject: Re:City Council Meeting, Tuesday, 10/17/2023 at 6:00 p.m. Agreedlllll l l l lll l lllln! On Monday, October 16, 2023 at 05:09:16 PM PDT, Shirlee Krause<shirleekrause@yahoo.com>wrote: Please Vote"NO"on Agenda Item 20-Resolution 2020-41-A: How scary has our Huntington Beach City Council become due to the"Kfg9 o fssfgjx'%mjwjrsfkyjvIK9\ 'JD I'll give you a hint! Remember the famous 1953 dystopian novel by Ray Bradbury, Fahrenheit 451? That's precisely what can happen "right here in River City" oops, I mean Huntington Beach if this group gets away with being the sole decision-makers of what does and does not belong in our library--or any library for that matter! Come on, get serious! Is the F4W going to make us drink the "Kool Aid" next?! I strongly suggest having a special election to impeach these idiots! Shame on them and shame on anyone who supports their grotesque reasons for even suggesting such utter and absolute nonsense! Remember, we're Americans with certain rights not too common or allowed in the world. Remember the wars we fought to preserve these rights? The men and women who died defending these rights? Now a miniscule group of know-nothings is attempting to dictate what everybody will be able to read! REALLY!!! Don't give these nincompoops the power! They've proven their incompetence just by suggesting they be given the power to decide what everybody will be able to read! I, for one, will gladly face them and drill them on our United States Constitution. They may be currently "big fish in a small pond" backed by wealthy property owners, but that situation can change on a dime... Yes, once again, this is the very same 80-year-old handicapped female homeowner here in Huntington Beach who is so very saddened and disappointed with what has happened and what worse may come about in our future. ,R Respectfully, Shirlee Krause 1 Moore, Tania From: Levin, Shannon Sent: Tuesday, October 17, 2023 8:26 AM To: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Subject: FW: HB City Council meeting From:ann inman<anneyedoc@gmail.com> Sent:Tuesday,October 17,2023 8:24 AM To:CITY COUNCIL(INCL. CMO STAFF)<city.council@surfcity-hb.org> Subject: HB City Council meeting I object to a special election and feel these ballot issues can wait until the November 2024's general election. I object to the voter ID voter requirement. I object to banning books in the library. Far worse is at our children's fingertips on the internet I object to restricting flags flown in the city. Ann Gaylord HB Resident i Moore, Tania From: Levin, Shannon Sent: Tuesday, October 17, 2023 8:26 AM To: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Subject: FW:Voter ID, Charter Amendments, Flag &Library From:Connie Quader<cquaderhb@gmail.com> Sent:Tuesday,October 17,2023 8:18 AM To:CITY COUNCIL(INCL. CMO STAFF)<city.council@surfcity-hb.org> Subject:Voter ID,Charter Amendments, Flag& Library WHY NOW??? These are NOT pressing issues for HB!! We need you to address &try to solve these problems,just to name a few. Homelessness, camping on our streets.Infrastructure&repairing our roads. We need a larger police force. You've created unnecessary problems that already have answers in place! The answers you propose will cost the city millions of dollars! It's OUR MONEY you're wasting on frivolous ideas that already have answers in place. It truly seems as though the majority of the city council are completely ignoring the majority of Huntington Beach citizens! It's very frustrating,being a 44 year resident of Huntington Beach when a small minority of people are pushing their own personal agendas on the majority of residents! Connie Quader i Moore, Tania From: Levin, Shannon Sent: Tuesday, October 17, 2023 8:31 AM To: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Subject: FW:Agenda items 19 and 20 From:Jean Bogen<jeanbogen72@gmail.com> Sent:Tuesday,October 17,2023 8:12 AM To:CITY COUNCIL(INCL.CMO STAFF)<city.council@surfcity-hb.org> Subject:Agenda items 19 and 20 Dear council members: I have been a tax-paying citizen of Huntington Beach since 1965. This is the first council that has had more citizen input on how we spend our taxes and on how we treat our fellow citizens, AND turns a deaf ear every time! Will tonight be any different? With a yes vote on 19 we will be embroiled in law suits, and we may end up running our own elections which will waste our taxpayer dollars. Why do you need unanimous vote to fly a different flag? There has never been a unanimous rule on anything! Regarding agenda item 20: we have a library staff that is and always has been quite capable of choosing books for us. We don't need a review board made up of our city council's friends. Please vote a resounding NO on these agenda items. Thank you, Jean E. Bogen 1 Moore, Tania From: Levin, Shannon Sent: Tuesday, October 17, 2023 8:31 AM To: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Subject: FW: Resolution 2023-41 Opposition From: Brian Cleugh <lock.haven@live.com> Sent:Tuesday,October 17,2023 7:59 AM To:CITY COUNCIL(INCL. CMO STAFF)<city.council@surfcity-hb.org> Subject: Resolution 2023-41 Opposition Dear City Council, It is un-American to censor books. The United States was founded on Freedom of Expression principles. Huntington Beach is a Patriotic City. This type of regulation is unacceptable. Vote against censorship. Brian • Sent from Mail for Windows 1 Moore, Tania From: Levin, Shannon Sent: Tuesday,October 17, 2023 8:31 AM To: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Subject: FW: Reject Censorship, Reject Resolution 2023-41 From: myvoice@oneclickpolitic.s.com <myvoice@oneclickpolitics.com> Sent:Tuesday,October 17,2023 7:57 AM To:CITY COUNCIL(INCL. CMO STAFF)<city.council@surfcity-hb.org> Subject: Reject Censorship, Reject Resolution 2023-41 Re: Reject Censorship, Reject Resolution 2023-41 Dear City Council, As a resident of Huntington Beach, I am writing to ask you to vote against Resolution 2023-41,which would establish a policy to review library materials for sexual content. A parent is the person best suited to make decisions about what their child does or does not read, but the proposed ordinance would take that right away from many parents in our community by limiting what is available in the public library. It would also make the city,not parents, the ultimate arbiter on library materials. We trust our trained library staff. The library does not carry obscene materials or make them available to young readers. The policies in the ordinance are poorly defined and overly burdensome and expensive; the city will need to hire extra staff to implement and enforce them. The city may also open itself up to a costly lawsuit if the policy goes into effect and members of the community sue because they don't think their children have been protected or that their rights have been violated. The policy is both unwanted and unneeded. Please support the rights of parents and children in our community by voting against it. Thank you, Sincerely, Ms. Barbara Richardson hblibrarylady@yahoo.com 16812 Stonehaven Circle HUNTINGTON BEACH, CA 92649 Prepared by OneClickPolitics(tm)at www.oneclickpolitics.com.OneClickPolitics provides online communications tools for supporters of a cause,issue,organization or association to contact their elected officials.For more information regarding our policies and services,please contact infooaioneclickpolitics.com 1 Moore, Tania From: kaychilds@aol.com Sent: Tuesday, October 17,2023 8:31 AM To: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Subject: Oppose Agenda Item 20 Please do not implement proposal to further limit our reading resources at the public library. It is the responsibility of parents, not some overwhelming restrictive government to decide what their children will read. Kay Chlds Huntington Beach 1 Moore, Tania From: Amanda Daus <aclaire488@gmail.com> Sent: Tuesday, October 17, 2023 8:31 AM To: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Cc: CITY COUNCIL(INCL. CMO STAFF) Subject: In Opposition to Resolution No. 2023-41 Dear City Council Members, I attended Edison High School from 2002-2006 and often visited the Huntington Beach Public Library not only as a place to study but as a place to find books to read.As a teen,who craved more freedom but was also still a kid, being able to go to the library to check out books(with my own card!)whether it was musician biographies, classics for school,or the newest teen release where I maybe saw glimmers of myself reflected in the characters,was revolutionary. It is also crazy to me that a City Council who so heavily supported people's freedom to not wear masks during a pandemic is taking freedom away from teenagers who just want to read;one of most harmless activities a teenager could engage with. All of this is to say, I strongly oppose this resolution because it would significantly weaken Huntington Beach Public Library,which has a strong reputation in the community for providing a diverse range of books and materials. This resolution would: 1. Politicize the selection and management of library materials by politicians and their appointees. 2. Would absurdly and dangerously move materials out of the Young Adult section. 3. Restrict teens from being able to check out books that they've been able to check since the library was founded. (Classics and LGBTQ books should not be restricted from readers!). Sincerely, Amanda Daus Resident and patron 1 Moore, Tania From: Levin, Shannon Sent: Tuesday,October 17, 2023 8:32 AM To: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Subject: FW: Reject Censorship, Reject Resolution 2023-41 From: myvoice@oneclickpolitics.com <myvoice@oneclickpolitics.com> Sent:Tuesday, October 17,2023 7:52 AM To:CITY COUNCIL(INCL. CMO STAFF)<city.council@surfcity-hb.org> Subject: Reject Censorship, Reject Resolution 2023-41 Re: Reject Censorship, Reject Resolution 2023-41 Dear City Council, As a resident of Huntington Beach, I am'writing to ask you to vote against Resolution 2023-41,which would establish a policy to review library materials for sexual content. A parent is the person best suited to make decisions about what their child does or does not read,but the proposed ordinance would take that right away from many parents in our community by limiting what is available in the public library. It would also make the city, not parents,the ultimate arbiter on library materials. We trust our trained library staff. The library does not carry obscene materials or make them available to young readers. The policies in the ordinance are poorly defined and overly burdensome and expensive; the city will need to hire extra staff to implement and enforce them. The city may also open itself up to a costly lawsuit if the policy goes into effect and members of the community sue because they don't think their children have been protected or that their rights have been violated. The policy is both unwanted and unneeded. Please support the rights of parents and children in our community by voting against it. Thank you, Sincerely, Mrs. Misty Bauers mlbauers@yahoo.com 16362 Fairway Lane Huntington Beach, CA 92649 Constituent Prepared by OneClickPolitics(tm)at www.oneclickpolitics.com.OneClickPolitics provides online communications tools for supporters of a cause,issue,organization or association to contact their elected officials.For more information regarding our policies and services,please contact info@oneclickpolitics.com 1 Moore, Tania From: Levin, Shannon Sent: Tuesday, October 17, 2023 8:32 AM To: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Subject: FW: Let Librarians do their job! Attachments: Screenshot 2023-10-17 at 7.41.12AM.png From:Jan Patton<jmpatton10188@gmail.com> Sent:Tuesday,October 17,2023 7:49 AM To:CITY COUNCIL(INCL.CMO STAFF)<city.council@surfcity-hb.org> Subject: Let Librarians do their job! Hello, As an experienced Cataloger for the Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division and retired High School Librarian with over 20 plus years of experience, it is the job of trained, experienced colleagues to do the job of Collection Development. Over the years I watched students struggle with reading challenges and personal development. Often reading is a doorway to help kids experience challenges without the risk of first-hand experience. Through Book Clubs and one-on-one discussions, books that generated discussion offered those precious "teachable moments." Why not spend a day with a Librarian and understand the collection development process further?Ask them who their "User Group" is and what is meant by "every reader his book." What are the sources for reviews? What other libraries offer the same materials?What are the usage statistics for that work? In addition, as National Library Month I often observed "Banned Books Week" as an illustration that no one should take for granted the free flow of information in our democratic society. Until Carnegie created Free Libraries in the1920s one had to pay to borrow books from a library. Stop meddling in the library. Stop the grandstanding. Address the real problems of this community and stop the insanity of making problems where none exist. Let parents do their job,the Council govern meaningful points and leave the libraries to serve the community. Respectfully, Jan Patton,MLIS 1 The most frequency`used;foundations of ph losophyy for librarians are often called the fivfive laws of l brary science or Ranganathan's Code They were developed in 1931 by Indian librarian S, R. Ranganathan, e they have been modified and attempts have been made to update them, we will consider them in:their' original, basic forms as that form,has.been the most ender For reference,.the laws ire: 1. Books are for use, 2, Every person his or her book, Every'book its reader. 4 Save the time of the.reader. 5 The library is a growing organism. Moore, Tania From: Levin, Shannon Sent: Tuesday, October 17, 2023 8:32 AM To: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Subject: FW: Resolution 2023-41 From: Karen Vogel<fkvogell@gmail.com> Sent:Tuesday,October 17, 2023 7:48 AM To:CITY COUNCIL(INCL.CMO STAFF)<city.council@surfcity-hb.org> Subject: Resolution 2023-41 City Council • My name is Faith Vogel, a longtime resident of Huntington Beach. I am writing concerning the proposed Resolution 2023-41 to be presented at the October 17, 2023, meeting. One of the most popular programs in the city is the library. This action will have a profound impact on library services to Huntington Beach citizens. The proposed resolution to establish a citizen's children's book review board will take responsibility for selecting their children's books away from parents to an outside body. This at a time when parents are demanding more responsibility in their children's up brining. In view of the major impact on library users proposed by the resolution lit is incumbent upon the City Council to let the citizens have a voice. Speakers and emails are helpful, however in something so major, impacting so many, the citizens should be more involved. Allowing a city- wide vote would be a wise and popular choice. I have been on the Library Board and the Community and Library Services from 2007 to 2023. If there is one thing, I learned in my years of service is that the citizens of Huntington Beach love and support their library, and making drastic changes without their involvement is not the best way to serve our wonderful city. i Moore, Tania From: Levin, Shannon Sent: Tuesday, October 17, 2023 8:32 AM To: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Subject: FW:Oppose Agenda #20 Resolution establishing a policy for the review and recataloging of library materials that contain sexual content From: Pat Goodman<patgoodman@yahoo.com> Sent:Tuesday, October 17,2023 7:46 AM To:Strickland,Tony<Tony.Strickland@surfcity-hb.org>; CITY COUNCIL(INCL. CMO STAFF)<city.council@surfcity-hb.org> Subject:Oppose Agenda#20 Resolution establishing a policy for the review and recataloging of library materials that contain sexual content Dear Mayor Strickland and City Council Members, Please oppose agenda Item #20. This item, if approved, adds an additional and costly bureaucracy to the library system, and is unnecessary given the current procedures already in place that respond to residences concerns about library materials. I am so very sorry that our city is at this place in its history. Pat Goodman Huntington Beach, CA 1 Moore, Tania From: Levin, Shannon Sent: Tuesday, October 17,2023 8:32 AM To: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Subject: FW: Reject Censorship, Reject Resolution 2023-41 From: myvoice@oneclickpolitics.com <myvoice@oneclickpolitics.com> Sent:Tuesday,October 17,2023 7:45 AM To:CITY COUNCIL(INCL.CMO STAFF)<city.council@surfcity-hb.org> Subject: Reject Censorship, Reject Resolution 2023-41 Re: Reject Censorship,Reject Resolution 2023-41 Dear City Council, As a resident of Huntington Beach, I am writing to ask you to vote against Resolution 2023-41,which would establish a policy to review library materials for sexual content. A parent is the person best suited to make decisions about what their child does or does not read, but the proposed ordinance would take that right away from many parents in our community by limiting what is available in the public library. It would also make the city,not parents,the ultimate arbiter on library materials. We trust our trained library staff. The library does not carry obscene materials or make them available to young readers. The policies in the ordinance are poorly defined and overly burdensome and expensive; the city will need to hire extra staff to implement and enforce them. The city may also open itself up to a costly lawsuit if the policy goes into effect and members of the community sue because they don't think their children have been protected or that their rights have been violated. The policy is both unwanted and unneeded. Please support the rights of parents and children in our community by voting against it. Thank you, Jane Lemonds Sincerely, Mrs. Jane Lemonds jane.lemonds@gmail.com 20821 Crestview Lane Huntington Beach, CA 92646 Constituent Prepared by OneClickPolitics(tm)at www.oneclickpolitics.com.OneClickPolitics provides online communications tools for supporters of a cause,issue,organization or association to contact their elected officials.For more information regarding our policies and services,please contact info@oneclickpolitics.com 1 Moore, Tania From: Levin, Shannon Sent: Tuesday, October 17, 2023 8:32 AM To: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Subject: FW: Reject Censorship, Reject Resolution 2023-41 From: myvoice@oneclickpolitics.com<myvoice@oneclickpolitics.com> Sent:Tuesday, October 17,2023 7:44 AM To:CITY COUNCIL(INCL. CMO STAFF)<city.council@surfcity-hb.org> Subject: Reject Censorship, Reject Resolution 2023-41 Re: Reject Censorship, Reject Resolution 2023-41 Dear City Council, As a resident of Huntington Beach, I am writing to ask you to vote against Resolution 2023-41,which would establish a policy to review library materials for sexual content. A parent is the person best suited to make decisions about what their child does or does not read, but the proposed ordinance would take that right away from many parents in our community by limiting what is available in the public library. It would also make the city, not parents, the ultimate arbiter on library materials. We trust our trained library staff. The library does not carry obscene materials or make them available to young readers. The policies in the ordinance are poorly defined and overly burdensome and expensive;the city will need to hire extra staff to implement and enforce them. The city may also open itself up to a costly lawsuit if the policy goes into effect and members of the community sue because they don't think their children have been protected or that their rights have been violated. The policy is both unwanted and unneeded. Please support the rights of parents and children in our community by voting against it. Thank you, Sincerely, Ms. Faith Vogel kvogell@socal.rr.com 16113 Saint Croix Circle Huntington Beach, CA 92649 Constituent Prepared by OneClickPolitics(tm)at www.oneclickpolitics.com.OneClickPolitics provides online communications tools for supporters of a cause,issue,organization or association to contact their elected officials.For more information regarding our policies and services,please contact info(aioneclickpolitics.com 1 Moore, Tania From: Levin, Shannon Sent: Tuesday, October 17, 2023 8:32 AM To: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Subject: FW: Meeting From: Brandi Desso<brandidesso@yahoo.com> Sent:Tuesday,October 17, 2023 7:37 AM To:CITY COUNCIL(INCL.CMO STAFF)<city.council@surfcity-hb.org> Subject: Meeting Good morning, My name is Brandi Desso Wertheimer and I am a citizen of Huntington Beach and proud parent of my two children. I am writing to show my support for amendments 19, 20 and 21. Anything to do with protecting our children is our duty. My full support. Thank you, Brandi Desso Wertheimer Sent from Yahoo Mail for iPhone i Moore, Tania From: Levin, Shannon Sent: Tuesday, October 17, 2023 8:33 AM To: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Subject: FW: HB Public Library- Porn Pushers From: Melissa Hill<melissa.hill30@yahoo.com> Sent: Monday,October 16, 2023 5:12 PM To:CITY COUNCIL(INCL. CMO STAFF)<city.council@surfcity-hb.org> Subject: HB Public Library- Porn Pushers Please stop the HB Public Library from peddling porn to our children! Whoever condones this(even down to the librarian) are pedophiles! Vote to give parents back their rights! Thank you! Melissa Hill Mother of two pre-teens 1 Moore, Tania From: Levin, Shannon Sent Tuesday, October 17, 2023 8:33 AM To: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Subject: FW: From: Rosie& Patrick Higuera<happyhiguera@gmail.com> Sent: Monday,October 16,2023 8:17 PM To:CITY COUNCIL(INCL.CMO STAFF)<city.council@surfcity-hb.org> Subject: People in power should stand up for the most vulnerable, especially children. This aggressive pornographic lewdness has no place anywhere near innocent children!! Our world is going to hell in a hand basket and fast!! What will you do?Evil progresses just like the Nazi Final Solution because good, decent people (especially pastors and elected officials)stand by and do nothing.Not taking a stand against evil is standing WITH evil. Complacency is to be complicit. Please take a STAND!! The children are looking for heroes, will you be their hero? Rosie the Rebel 1 Moore, Tania From: Levin, Shannon Sent: Tuesday, October 17, 2023 8:33 AM To: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Subject: FW: From: Peggy Donati<Pegs04@msn.com> Sent: Monday,October 16,2023 8:13 PM To:CITY COUNCIL(INCL.CMO STAFF)<city.council@surfcity-hb.org> Subject: There books should be only in a porn store of better yet burned,this is discussing!! They should not be in any school Get Outlook for Android 1 Moore, Tania From: Nancy Garafalo <nannygiraffe@gmail.com> Sent: Tuesday, October 17, 2023 8:36 AM To: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Subject: 2023-41 Children's Books I am a resident of Huntington Beach. I am opposed to establishing a committee to review children's books prior to their purchase for"sexual content".Children are constantly exposed to various levels"sexual content" in our society,for example, on the internet. I think that having books that can be checked out at the library that explain real facts to children are healthy and should continue to be purchased for children as they are now. Having a committee of 21 to review books could slow down the purchase of any new books as there are no specific guidelines for the committee. Parents will lose their ability to choose the books at the library that they want their children to read. Sent from my iPhone 1 . Moore, Tania From: CheryleJohnston <cherylejohnston1970@gmail.com> Sent: Tuesday, October 17, 2023 8:37 AM To: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Subject: Council Resolution 2023-41 I am a citizen of Huntington Beach and a member of the HB Public Library. I am also an attorney. I oppose Res. No. 2023-41. I endorse the opposition by the Library. I do not want anyone, esp, a member of the government,deciding what I can read. Sent from Mail for Windows 1 Moore, Tania From: Levin, Shannon Sent: Tuesday, October 17, 2023 8:38 AM To: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Subject: FW: H.b From: DV8 Shoes<dv811c@gmail.com> Sent: Monday, October 16,2023 5:54 PM To:CITY COUNCIL(INCL.CMO STAFF)<city.council@surfcity-hb.org> Subject: H.b H.B city officials need to stop acting like nazzis or bend to nazzi mentality groups who like burning or banning books. and now these conservative groups hide behind religions to impose their views on other people we do not live in the Islamic Republic of Iran or North Korea where small groups of people force others to accept their beliefs or lifestyle. If they don't like the books in public libraries,no problem just have them open their own liberty and have their kids go there Sender notified by _.._ Mailtrack 1 Moore, Tania - From: Kristy List <kristylistpt@yahoo.com> Sent: Tuesday, October 17, 2023 8:38 AM To: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Subject: City library book censoring Good Morning Mayor Strickland and City Councilmembers, My name is Kristy List and I am an HB resident and voter for over 20 years, as well as a regular city library patron. My daughters are students in OVSD and avid young readers. While I understand the concern of Councilmember VanDermark that not all books in the library are appropriate for children, or even young adults, I feel strongly that it is not appropriate for the City Attorney, or any city councilmember for that matter, to determine which books are appropriate. I value that choice as a parent and as an American citizen. While looking into this matter, I have discovered that there is already a process in place at our library for book review of any material that is concerning. Furthermore, withdrawing from the American Library Association is an extreme and unnecessary step, especially when the council could be addressing many more relevant matters pertaining to the city. Thank you for your consideration, Kristy List • Moore, Tania From: Levin, Shannon Sent Tuesday,October 17, 2023 8:38 AM To: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Subject: FW: Reject Censorship, Reject Resolution 2023-41 From: myvoice@oneclickpolitics.com <myvoice@oneclickpolitics.com> Sent:Tuesday, October 17,2023 7:06 AM To:CITY COUNCIL(INCL. CMO STAFF)<city.council@surfcity-hb.org> Subject: Reject Censorship, Reject Resolution 2023-41 Re: Reject Censorship,Reject Resolution 2023-41 Dear City Council, As a resident of Huntington Beach, I am writing to ask you to vote against Resolution 2023-41,which would establish a policy to review library materials for sexual content. A parent is the person best suited to make decisions about what their child does or does not read, but the proposed ordinance would take that right away from many parents in our community by limiting what is available in the public library. It would also make the city,not parents,the ultimate arbiter on library materials. We trust our trained library staff. The library does not carry obscene materials or make them available to young readers. The policies in the ordinance are poorly defined and overly burdensome and expensive;the city will need to hire extra staff to implement and enforce them. The city may also open itself up to a costly lawsuit if the policy goes into effect and members of the community sue because they don't think their children have been protected or that their rights have been violated. The policy is both unwanted and unneeded. Please support the rights of parents and children in our community by voting against it. Thank you, Sincerely, Mrs.Nicole Mahar nikkisl@yahoo.com 9331 Cloudhaven Dr. Huntington Beach, CA 92646 Constituent Prepared by OneClickPolitics(tm)at www.oneclickpolitics.com.OneClickPolitics provides online communications tools for' supporters of a cause,issue,organization or association to contact their elected officials.For more information regarding our policies and services,please contact info@oneclickpolitics.com 1 Moore, Tania From: Levin, Shannon Sent: Tuesday, October 17, 2023 8:39 AM To: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Subject: FW: Upcoming City Council Vote Original Message From: Richard Rudolph<rrudolph@rcattorneys.com> Sent:Tuesday, October 17, 2023 6:50 AM To: CITY COUNCIL(INCL. CMO STAFF)<city.council@surfcity-hb.org> Subject: Upcoming City Council Vote 1.Stop your book ban. Stop acting like the Nazis. 2.Stop trying to put up barriers to people voting. HB does not have a problem with its elections, so stop creating a fictitious problem to cure by making it harder for people to exercise their constitutional rights. 3.Stop bringing us your culture wars.We don't want them here you MAGA fascists. Richard Rudolph 30+yr HB resident Sent from my mobile device. 1 Moore, Tania From: Levin, Shannon Sent: Tuesday, October 17,2023 8:39 AM To: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Subject: FW:Agenda item#20 From: Kathy McGuire<kzm@dslextreme.com> Sent:Tuesday,October 17,2023 6:47 AM To:CITY COUNCIL(INCL. CMO STAFF)<city.council@surfcity-hb.org> Subject:Agenda item#20 I oppose Agenda item #20. There is no problem with inappropriate sexual materials being supplied to children by our libraries. This is a book banning proposal by people who claim to represent freedom but who take away the freedom from parents to choose what their children read. The librarians are professionals who care deeply about the welfare of children and who use professional criteria to evaluate books for their appropriateness for children and young adults. There is no need for a review board of political appointees with an agenda that the majority of citizens disagree with. Vote no on Agenda item #20. Thank you, Kathy McGuire i Moore, Tania From: Levin, Shannon Sent: Tuesday, October 17, 2023 8:39 AM To: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Subject: RN:Tonight's meeting Original Message From: Linda Rose<Irlindarose3@gmail.com> Sent:Tuesday,October 17, 2023 6:46 AM To:CITY COUNCIL(INCL.CMO STAFF)<city.council@surfcity-hb.org> Subject:Tonight's meeting Dear council members, 1.Why are you overriding parents with a committee to decide what children can read?You object to the state telling us to proceed with a housing element yet you are telling parents how to monitor their own children? Did you do a poor job raising your own children so you must intercede parents? How many of you have a masters degree in library science? I trust librarians and parents,why don't you? 2.Where is your regard for education?The city clerk has major and important responsibilities.Why reduce the qualifications to fulfill this position? 3.A special election in March to change the voting rules?Why? Has there been fraud in our city in the past?This will this intimidate voters and cost taxpayers about$500,000.That money could be spent more wisely on a housing element! Please Listen to the citizens in HB! Linda Rose (40 year homeowner in HB). Sent from my iPad 1 Moore, Tania From: Levin, Shannon Sent: Tuesday,October 17,2023 8:39 AM To: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Subject: FW: Reject Censorship, Reject Resolution 2023-41 From: myvoice@oneclickpolitics.com<myvoice@oneclickpolitics.com> Sent:Tuesday,October 17,2023 6:42 AM To:CITY COUNCIL(INCL.CMO STAFF)<city.council@surfcity-hb.org> Subject: Reject Censorship, Reject Resolution 2023-41 Re: Reject Censorship, Reject Resolution 2023-41 Dear City Council, As a resident of Huntington Beach, I am writing to ask you to vote against Resolution 2023-41,which would establish a policy to review library materials for sexual content. A parent is the person best suited to make decisions about what their child does or does not read, but the proposed ordinance would take that right away from many parents in our community by limiting what is available in the public library. It would also make the city,not parents,the ultimate arbiter on library materials. We trust our trained library staff. The library does not carry obscene materials or make them available to young readers. The policies in the ordinance are poorly defined and overly burdensome and expensive; the city will need to hire extra staff to implement and enforce them. The city may also open itself up to a costly lawsuit if the policy goes into effect and members of the community sue because they don't think their children have been protected or that their rights have been violated. The policy is both unwanted and unneeded. Please support the rights of parents and children in our community by voting against it. Thank you, Sincerely, Mrs. Renee Pelkey reneepelkey15812@gmail.com 15812 Tullow Lane Huntington Beach, CA 92647 Constituent Prepared by OneClickPolitics(tm)at www.oneclickpolitics.com.OneClickPolitics provides online communications tools for supporters of a cause,issue,organization or association to contact their elected officials.For more information regarding our policies and services,please contact info@oneclickpolitics.com 1 Moore, Tania From: Levin, Shannon Sent: Tuesday, October 17,2023 8:39 AM To: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Subject: FW: Reject Censorship, Reject Resolution 2023-41 From: myvoice@oneclickpolitics.com<myvoice@oneclickpolitics.com> Sent:Tuesday,October 17,2023 6:40 AM To:CITY COUNCIL(INCL.CMO STAFF)<city.council@surfcity-hb.org> Subject: Reject Censorship, Reject Resolution 2023-41 Re: Reject Censorship, Reject Resolution 2023-41 Dear City Council, I voted for you. As a resident of Huntington Beach,I am writing to ask you to vote against Resolution 2023-41, which would establish a policy to review library materials for sexual content. A parent is the person best suited to make decisions about what their child does or does not read,but the proposed ordinance would take that right away from many parents in our community by limiting what is available in the public library. It would also make the city,not parents,the ultimate arbiter on library materials. We trust our trained library staff. The library does not carry obscene materials or make them available to young readers. The policies in the ordinance are poorly defined and overly burdensome and expensive;the city will need to hire extra staff to implement and enforce them. The city may also open itself up to a costly lawsuit if the policy goes into effect and members of the community sue because they don't think their children have been protected or that their rights have been violated. The policy is both unwanted and unneeded. Please support the,rights of parents and children in our community by voting against it. Thank you, Sincerely, Adam Bock aibock@gmail.com 19058 Delaware Street Huntington Beach, CA 92648 Constituent Prepared by OneClickPolitics(tm)at www.oneclickpolitics.com.OneClickPolitics provides online communications tools for supporters of a cause,issue,organization or association to contact their elected officials.For more information regarding our policies and services,please contact info(a,oneclickpolitics.com • 1 Moore, Tania From: Levin, Shannon Sent: Tuesday, October 17, 2023 8:41 AM To: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Subject: FW: Reject Censorship, Reject Resolution 2023-41 From: myvoice@oneclickpolitics.com <myvoice@oneclickpolitics.com> Sent:Tuesday,October 17,2023 5:28 AM To:CITY COUNCIL(INCL. CMO STAFF)<city.council@surfcity-hb.org> Subject: Reject Censorship, Reject Resolution 2023-41 Re: Reject Censorship, Reject Resolution 2023-41 Dear City Council, As a resident of Huntington Beach, I am writing to ask you to vote against Resolution 2023-41, which would establish a policy to review library materials for sexual content. Librarians are trained and vetted professionals with Master's Degrees to perform this job of vetting and procuring books for the library. I've witnessed first- hand this complicated vetting process from my Mother. The detail, scouring of the reading, and prioritizing comes from educational training that Librarians processed through while obtaining their degree. Secondly,then a parent is the person best suited to make decisions about what their child does or does not read,but the proposed ordinance would take that right away from many parents in our community by limiting what is available in the public library. It would also make the city,not parents,the ultimate arbiter on library materials. We trust our trained library staff. The library does not carry obscene materials or make them available to young readers. The policies in the ordinance are poorly defined and overly burdensome and expensive;the city will need to hire extra staff to implement and enforce them. The city may also open itself up to a costly lawsuit if the policy goes into effect and members of the community sue because they don't think their children have been protected or that their rights have been violated. The policy is both unwanted and unneeded. Please support the rights of parents and children in our community by voting against it, and support the professionalism of Librarians. Thank you, Sincerely, Debbi Fort debbikayl@gmail.com 7311 Coho Drive Unit 104 Huntington Beach, CA 92648 Constituent Prepared by OneClickPolitics(tm)at www.oneclickpolitics.com.OneClickPolitics provides online communications tools for supporters of a cause,issue,organization or association to contact their elected officials.For more information regarding our policies and services,please contact info@oneclickpolitics.com 1 • Moore, Tania From: Levin, Shannon Sent: Tuesday, October 17, 2023 8:41 AM To: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Subject: FW: Reject Censorship, Reject Resolution 2023-41 . From: myvoice@oneclickpolitics.com<myvoice@oneclickpolitics.com> Sent:Tuesday,October 17, 2023 5:25 AM To:CITY COUNCIL(INCL.CMO STAFF)<city.council@surfcity-hb.org> Subject: Reject Censorship, Reject Resolution 2023-41 • Re: Reject Censorship, Reject Resolution 2023-41 Dear City Council, As a resident of Huntington Beach, I am writing to ask you to vote against Resolution 2023-41,which would establish a policy to review library materials for sexual content. A parent is the person best suited to make decisions about what their child does or does not read,but the proposed ordinance would take that right away from many parents in our community by limiting what is available in the public library. It would also make the city,not parents,the ultimate arbiter on library materials. We trust our trained library staff. The library does not carry obscene materials or make them available to young readers. The policies in the ordinance are poorly defined and overly burdensome and expensive; the city will need to hire extra staff to implement and enforce them. The city may also open itself up to a costly lawsuit if the policy goes into effect and members of the community sue because they don't think their children have been protected or that their rights have been violated. The policy is both unwanted and unneeded. Please support the rights of parents and children in our community by voting against it. Thank you, Sincerely, Ms. Cherie Smith crsrnith7457@gmail.com 917 Alabama st 3 Huntington Beach, CA 92648 Constituent Prepared by OneClickPolitics(tm)at www.oneclickpolitics.com.OneClickPolitics provides online communications tools for supporters of a cause,issue,organization or association to contact their elected officials.For more information regarding our policies and services,please contact info@oneclickpolitics.com 1 Moore, Tania From: Levin, Shannon Sent: Tuesday, October 17, 2023 8:41 AM To: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Subject: FW: Item#20 Original Message From:CYNTHIA PRATT<cpratt6712@aol.com> Sent:Tuesday, October 17, 2023 4:59 AM To:CITY COUNCIL(INCL. CMO STAFF)<city.council@surfcity-hb.org> Subject: Item#20 Dear City Council, I am a Huntington Beach resident for 34 years. I strongly support item #20 regarding parents rights to review and re- catalog library books containing explicit sexual content.This type of content is so harmful to developing young children and should never have been allowed in the children's section of the library!Thank you for putting this item up for vote. It's a yes from me for parents rights on this matter. Thank you, Cynthia Pratt 8371 Munster Dr Huntington Beach CA Sent from my iPhone 1 Moore, Tania From: Levin, Shannon Sent: Tuesday,October 17, 2023 8:41 AM To: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Subject: FW: Reject Censorship, Reject Resolution 2023-41 From: myvoice@oneclickpolitics.com <myvoice@oneclickpolitics.com> Sent:Tuesday,October 17,2023 2:34 AM To:CITY COUNCIL(INCL.CMO STAFF)<city.council@surfcity-hb.org> Subject: Reject Censorship, Reject Resolution 2023-41 Re: Reject Censorship, Reject Resolution 2023-41 Dear City Council, As a resident of Huntington Beach, I am writing to ask you to vote against Resolution 2023-41,which would establish a policy to review library materials for sexual content. A parent is the person best suited to make decisions about what their child does or does not read, but the proposed ordinance would take that right away from many parents in our community by limiting what is available in the public library. It would also make the city,not parents,the ultimate arbiter on library materials. We trust our trained library staff. The library does not carry obscene materials or make them available to young readers. The policies in the ordinance are poorly defined and overly burdensome and expensive; the city will need to hire extra staff to implement and enforce them. The city may also open itself up to a costly lawsuit if the policy goes into effect and members of the community sue because they don't think their children have been protected or that their rights have been violated. The policy is both unwanted and unneeded. Please support the rights of parents and children in our community by voting against it. Thank you, Sincerely, Ms. Shawna Chau shawna2c@gmail.com 16642 Wanderer Ln Huntington Beach, CA 92649 Constituent Prepared by OneClickPolitics(tm)at www.oneclickpolitics.com.OneClickPolitics provides online communications tools for supporters of a cause,issue,organization or association to contact their elected officials.For more information regarding our policies and services,please contact info@oneclickpolitics.com 1 Moore, Tania From: Levin, Shannon Sent: Tuesday, October 17,2023 8:41 AM To: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Subject: FW:Agenda items 19-21 on 10/17/23 Original Message From: Kathey<kathey_haas@hotmail.com> Sent:Tuesday, October 17, 2023 1:08 AM To: CITY COUNCIL(INCL. CMO STAFF)<city.council@surfcity-hb.org> Subject:Agenda items 19-21 on 10/17/23 Mayor Strickland, Mayor Pro Tem Van Der Mark and members of the City Council: I fully support the passage of Agenda items 19,20 and 21. Regarding Agenda item 19: the council has held several sessions with input from the public. The council has ample time to consider that input as well that from their many discussions. The majority of the council has determined that it is now time for all the voters of Huntington Beach to weigh in. And as Mayor Strickland has so correctly pointed out,there will be fewer propositions on the primary ballot,thereby giving these amendments more significance to the voters. For the critics who state that there are fewer voters in primary elections, perhaps the inclusion of the charter amendments will bring out more voters. Please vote yes on Agenda item 19. Regarding Agenda Item 20: Contrary to the lies being perpetrated by the opposition to this resolution,this is NOT book banning!!! Rather this resolution will allow for the relocation to a more secure area, sexual materials, many of which are pornographic,from the children's section of the library to the adult section. The time has come for responsible adults to step up and protect children from inappropriate materials. The fact that these materials are currently readily available in the children section is proof that the librarians are not the appropriate people to safeguard our children! As a parent, I find it incredible that any reasonable adult would be opposed to this resolution! Vote yes on Agenda item 20! Regarding Agenda Item 21: I fully support expressing support for Israel, condemning the barbaric attacks by the terrorist group Hamas and sympathizing with Israelis suffering at the hands of Hamas. I believe the part about calling for an immediate end to the war is inappropriate and should be removed. Thank you for your service to the city of Huntington Beach. Sincerely, Kathey Haas 50 year home owner and resident of Huntington Beach Sent from my iPhone 1 Moore, Tania From: Levin, Shannon Sent Tuesday, October 17, 2023 8:42 AM To: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Subject: FW: Reject Censorship, Reject Resolution 2023-41 From: myvoice@oneclickpolitics.com<myvoice@oneclickpolitics.com> Sent:Tuesday,October 17, 2023 12:47 AM To:CITY COUNCIL(INCL.CMO STAFF)<city.council@surfcity-hb.org> Subject: Reject Censorship, Reject Resolution 2023-41 Re: Reject Censorship, Reject Resolution 2023-41 Dear City Council, As a resident of Huntington Beach, I am writing to ask you to vote against Resolution 2023-41, which would establish a policy to review library materials for sexual content. A parent is the person best suited to make decisions about what their child does or does not read,but the proposed ordinance would take that right away from many parents in our community by limiting what is available in the public library. It would also make the city,not parents,the ultimate arbiter on library materials. We trust our trained library staff. The library does not carry obscene materials or make them available to young readers. The policies in the ordinance are poorly defined and overly burdensome and expensive;the city will need to hire extra staff to implement and enforce them. The city may also open itself up to a costly lawsuit if the policy goes into effect and members of the community sue because they don't think their children have been protected or that their rights have been violated. The policy is both unwanted and unneeded. Please support the rights of parents and children in our community by voting against it. Thank you, Sincerely, Mr. Mark Alvarado mark.alvarado@yahoo.com 16812 STONEHAVEN CIR HUNTINGTN BCH, CA 92649-4028 Prepared by OneClickPolitics(tm)at www.oneclickpolitics.com.OneClickPolitics provides online communications tools for supporters of a cause,issue,organization or association to contact their elected officials.For more information regarding our policies and services,please contact info(a,oneclickpolitics.com 1 Moore, Tania From: Levin, Shannon Sent: Tuesday, October 17, 2023 8:42 AM To: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Subject: FW: Reject Censorship, Reject Resolution 2023-41 From: myvoice@oneclickpolitics.com <myvoice@oneclickpolitics.com> Sent:Tuesday, October 17,2023 12:43 AM To:CITY COUNCIL(INCL. CMO STAFF)<city.council@surfcity-hb.org> Subject: Reject Censorship, Reject Resolution 2023-41 Re: Reject Censorship, Reject Resolution 2023-41 Dear City Council, As a long time resident of Huntington Beach,I am writing to ask you to vote against Resolution 2023-41, which would establish a policy to review library materials for sexual content.. Librarians are the only people who should decide on content in our libraries, and they have done a great job! I took my children to the HB main for years as they grew up , staring as toddlers for story time, summers for reading programs , for school projects, and just to pick books for my kids. This library saved me hundreds &hundreds of dollars over the years in books I did not need to buy , as my daughter was an avid readers and could read chapter books in a day . As a parent,I believe it is parents who are the best judge of what their child should be able to read& check out from the library. Parents can supervise their own children reading selections. I don't want another parent, lawyer or city council member pre selecting what is available. As I parent I know that there are far worse things on the internet available on kids phones & computers than in any book in the one our libraries. A parent is the person best suited to make decisions about what their child does or does not read, but the proposed ordinance would take that right away from many parents in our community by limiting what is available in the public library. It would also make the city,not parents,the ultimate arbiter on library materials. We trust our trained library staff. The library does not carry obscene materials or make them available to young readers. The policies in the ordinance are poorly defined and overly burdensome and expensive;the city will need to hire extra staff to implement and enforce them. The city may also open itself up to a costly lawsuit if the policy goes into effect and members of the community sue because they don't think their children have been protected or that their rights have been violated. The policy is both unwanted and unneeded. Please support the rights of parents and children in our community by voting against it. Thank you Sincerely, Mrs.Natasha Elisha tashelisha@msn.com 18738 Ashford lane Huntington Beach, CA 92648 Constituent Prepared by OneClickPolitics(tm)at www.oneclickpolitics.com.OneClickPolitics provides online communications tools for supporters of a cause,issue,organization or association to contact their elected officials.For more information regarding our policies and services,please contact info@oneclickpolitics.com 1 Moore, Tania From: Mary Ann Celinder <macelinder@gmail.com> Sent: Tuesday, October 17,2023 8:42 AM To: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org;AMorones@aclusocal.org;CITY COUNCIL(INCL. CMO STAFF) Subject: library books We very strongly reject having books screened by people who aren't trained librarians.A community group of appointed residents is so not acceptable. When I need electrical work done, I hire an electrician, not a plumber or a community volunteer or council member. This is wrong on so many levels, but if put to a vote, do not place it on an expensive special election ballot. It deserves the attention of more voters in the general. 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 1 Moore, Tania From: Michael J Fowler <playbackmike@gmail.com> Sent: Tuesday, October 17, 2023 8:44 AM To: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org • Subject: Banning Books ? are you Kidding? How dare you think you get to make decisions like this. This is Nazi Germany stuff. If you don't like our past history then change it. Don't hide it. What's next, book burnings ? Mike Fowler Palm avenue HB 1 Moore, Tania From: Ryan List <rlistsup@gmail.com> Sent: Tuesday, October 17, 2023 8:45 AM To: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Subject: City library book censoring Good Morning Mayor Strickland and City Councilmembers, My name is Ryan List and I am an HB resident and voter for over 20 years, as well as a regular city library patron. My daughters are students in OVSD and avid young readers. While I understand the concern of Councilmember VanDermark that not all books in the library are appropriate for children, or even young adults, I feel strongly that it is not appropriate for the City Attorney, or any city councilmember for that matter, to determine which books are appropriate. I value that choice as a parent and as an American citizen. While looking into this matter, I have discovered that there is already a process in place at our library for book review of any material that is concerning. Furthermore,withdrawing from the American Library Association is an extreme and unnecessary step, especially when the council could be addressing many more relevant matters pertaining to the city. Thank you for your consideration, Ryan List 1 Moore, Tania From: YoundyHung <youndo@yahoo.com> Sent: Tuesday, October 17, 2023 8:47 AM To: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Subject: NO to Resolution 2023-41 This resolution is an insult to our city's beloved librarians who are trained and entrusted to make decisions on what books have redeeming literary value, let alone the citizens of HB.To have a group of random people, many with ostensibly ulterior motives, be the gatekeepers of what is good and bad is ridiculous and unnecessary.Would you want random strangers waltzing into city council meetings,sitting in your chairs and doing your jobs?I think not. Vote NO on Resolution 2023-41! Youndy Hung Huntington Beach resident 1 Moore, Tania From: hbpapajohn@gmail.com Sent: Tuesday, October 17,2023 8:47 AM To: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Subject: Oppose Resolution 2023-41 I am opposed to the establishment of of a book banning or a tortured book categorization process by the city council or the city attorney. John Manning Park Street Huntington Beach Sent from my iPhone 1 Moore, Tania From: Harry McLachlan <mclachlanharry621 @yahoo.com> Sent: Tuesday, October 17,2023 8:45 AM To: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org;CITY COUNCIL(INCL. CMO STAFF) Subject: Sept. 17th Meting Agenda Item 23-879 Attachments: Huntington Beach City Council Oct. 17, 2023 .docx Please see attached letter. i Huntington Beach Special City Council Meeting October 17, 2023 Council Item # 23-879 Proposed Adoption of Library Resolution No. 2023-41 My name is Harry McLachlan. I am a resident of Huntington Beach. Here we have a proposed ordinance written by our city manager and city attorney who are totally unqualified to develop such a proposal based on the subject matter under consideration. Zero expertise. Nada. It is bad enough that this proposal is based entirely on the personal and political whims of an opinionated council majority in an attempt to impose their "values" on the entire community, despite the intense negative feedback they have gotten from the overwhelming majority of citizens at council meetings as well as in written supplemental comments. Much of this feedback has come from teachers, students, authors, and librarians, several of whom had advanced degrees in library science and spoke clearly and eloquently in communicating their reasons for their opposition. Either the council majority is either too obtuse or intellectually incapable of understanding their fact-based arguments, or they are entrenched in their own subjective opinions because they "know pornography when they see it". If so, I suggest that they open one of the bibles sitting on their nightstands or coffee tables and turn to Ezekiel 23:19-21: "But she added to her promiscuities, bringing to mind her youthful days when she was a prostitute in the land of Egypt. She lusted after their male consorts, whose sexual organs were like those of donkeys, and whose ejaculation was like that of horses. She relived the wicked days of her youth, when Egyptians touched and fondled her young and nubile breasts." My guess is that Councilwoman Van Der Mark read the bible about as thoroughly as she read any of the books she referenced in her biased and cherry picked presentation to the council several weeks ago. Contrary to her wishes and those of the council majority, our citizens should be the ones deciding what books they or their children can choose to read, not any government committee. Least of all any committee consisting of or appointed by this right-wing council majority, who have already targeted and demonstrated an extreme bias against the LGBTQ+ community through their actions. They operate in lock step with conservative conspiratorial culture warriors like GOP grifter and lying propagandist Charlie Kirk, anti-wokeness public education bashers and parental rights crusaders Tiffany Justice and Tina Descovick, as well as LGBTQ bigot Bryce Henson. Just last evening I received an urgent e-mail from the conservative majority's fan sight expressing outrage that the HB City Staff dare to include librarians to be part of the committee's vetting process. Now that's democracy in action! Limit committee members to those likely to be willing soldiers in the extremist culture war against free expression. This is a public library. Our public library. Let parents decide what their children may or may not read. There are already procedures in place to address parental concerns and objection. They have been proven to function as intended. They work. Any government intervention is outrageous and unnecessary. Drop this egregious attempt at government overreach in its entirety. Moore, Tania From: Sharon Petersen <spetersen3048@earthlink.net> Sent: Tuesday, October 17, 2023 8:48 AM To: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Subject: DO NOT BAN BOOKS! To: Huntington Beach City Council Members: America has a constitution that mandates freedom of speech. You, as a council, do NOT have the right or the authority to limit that right to free speech. If we follow your logic, here is what happens: I do not like horror films. I think they frighten people, especially children. I think they give children nightmares, however, I do NOT have the right to say that other families should not see them. That is their choice. I certainly do not have the right to say what other families do. Your rights extend only to where my rights begin. You cannot and must not try to impose your opinions and values on others. That violates their rights. 1 No individual or city council has the right to determine what is right and wrong for my family. Censorship is not enshrined in our constitution. Freedom is. There already is a system in place if someone believes that some book is not appropriate or age appropriate, there is a library committee that can review that and make a decision based on the whole community, not on the values of a few. You have no right to determine what books, magazines or newspapers my family can read. Your rights extend only to your choices for your family. You do not have the right to say what should and should not be in our public library. It belongs to the people of Huntington Beach and that includes all people who live here. You are not the "morality police" for Huntington Beach. Your focus is to be on the welfare of our city streets, our safety and the careful spending of our taxpayer dollars. 2 What you are doing is a complete waste of taxpayer money. As a citizen and a registered voter, I will remember this attempt to undermine the constitution and the Bill of Rights. By supporting this ban on any books, you are undermining our democracy. Those of you who support book bans are a danger to our community. Sharon Petersen 3 Moore, Tania From: Levin, Shannon Sent: Tuesday, October 17, 2023 8:52 AM To: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Subject: FW: Book Banning and proposed committee Original Message From: Darcy Alsop<darcyalsop@icloud.com> Sent:Tuesday, October 17, 2023 8:50 AM To: CITY COUNCIL(INCL.CMO STAFF) <city.council@surfcity-hb.org> Subject: Book Banning and proposed committee Huntington Beach City Council Members; Once again,you will meet to discuss banning books and taking control over our public library, as well as establishment of a censorship committee. Burns,Strickland, and McKeon, led by the illustrious Gracey Van Der Mark in her ridiculous homophobic,transphobic and bigoted crusade to eliminate any reading material she and her supporters,deem "sexual" or inappropriate, have done NOTHING to actually resolve current issues that pertain to the well-being of the citizens and residents of Huntington Beach. The four of you led your campaign with lies and empty promises, instead making radical shifts in policies and charters that DO NOT reflect the opinions and attitudes of the vast majority of the people of Huntington Beach. As a homeowner of 27 years, and BUSINESS OWNER for seven years in this city, I am truly disgusted and outraged by the ongoing attempts to create a city where exclusion and bigotry are rampant. I am vehemently opposed to these irrational decisions and their detrimental effect to a free society. BOOK BANNING IS WHAT NAZIS DID. "Today, some of the books that shaped my life and the lives of so many others —are being challenged by people who disagree with certain ideas or perspectives.And librarians are on the front lines,fighting every day to make the wides possible range of viewpoints, opinions, and ideas available to everyone?' President Barack Obama "Let children read whatever they want and then talk about it with them. If parents and kids can talk together,we won't have as much censorship because we won't have as much fear." Judy Blume, renowned children's book author. "Censorship is telling a man he can't have steak just because a baby can't chew it." Mark Twain City Council,you all have been elected into positions to represent ALL the constituents, not the few who share antiquated beliefs regarding progress and education. 1 DO NOT MOVE FORWARD WITH THIS NONSENSE. Sincerely, Darcy Alsop 2 Moore, Tania From: MARGARET WATERS <meh20s@verizon.net> Sent: Tuesday, October 17, 2023 8:52 AM To: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Subject: Item#20 I strongly oppose any interference by city council in the choice of books for our library. City council needs to keep busy with City business not reading children's books.lf that is the level of pro tern &attorney's reading ability time to let both of them go.Our librarians are well qualified in choosing subject matter for our libraries& I prefer to make my choice of literature. • Moore, Tania From: Barbara Marrs <bmarrs@socal.rr.com> Sent: Tuesday, October 17, 2023 8:52 AM To: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Subject: Agenda Item #20, Res.#2023-41 Sent from Mail for Windows Members of the City Council and City Attorney: I am strongly opposed to Agenda Item#20, Res.#2023-41 because it is gross government overreach and diminishes the rights of citizens to make choices for themselves and their families based upon their own values. There is already a procedure in place that is available to all citizens of Huntington Beach for books they may deem inappropriate to be reviewed, moved to another section of the library,or removed entirely. Mayor Pro Tern Van Der Mark has successfully used this process herself,so she knows that this proposed book ban (and that it is what it is) is unnecessary and violates our rights as citizens of the United States of America. Please review the Constitution of the United States to clearly understand what it means to be citizens in a democracy so you can avoid making decisions that violate our rights and freedoms. I am surprised that the City Attorney didn't dissuade MPT Van Der Mark from submitting this agenda item because I can easily see how it will foster numerous lawsuits against the city. For example,what criteria will be used in selecting the 21 members of this book review committee? What qualifications must they have?Will they be members of the same church?Different churches? Will agnostics be represented? Will the committee reflect the diversity in our population, including race,ethnicity,sexual preference? In other words,a committee that is less than 1%of the population simply cannot decide what the populations at large wants to read,especially if the committee members are biased. I plead with you to leave our librarians alone to curate the book collections for our libraries. They are professionals and they attempt to provide materials for the communities they serve. Of course there will be some materials that people may object to,just as there are TV shows, movies, podcasts,etc.that some find objectionable, but WE have the right to choose to view them or not. The bottom line is that it is up to parents,grandparents,and guardians to review what their children and young people are reading. A committee of questionable makeup is not necessary nor is it wanted. Please do the right thing.Get us off the slippery slope of book banning. Thank you for your consideration, Barbara L. Marrs 1 Moore, Tania From: Donald Miller <henwedge@aim.com> Sent: Tuesday, October 17, 2023 8:53 AM To: CITY COUNCIL(INCL.CMO STAFF);supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Subject: Stop the Book Ban and the Propaganda Dear Council, Once again I am mortified with the ineptitude and government overreach of this council. Parents have all the controls and protections they need already with the current library system. I refuse to stay silent as an astro-turfed populist council with a national agenda swoop in and let a woman with no education, no children in our schools, a record of anti-semitism and prejudiced extremism who had a restraining order on her for her out of control behavior dictate how residents of HB raise and educate their children. Ms.Van Der Mark believes the Proud Boys, labeled a domestic terrorist organization,who count misogyny,violence,anti- democractic bullying and domestic terrorism as their weapons of choice,should be a role model to her own children. Why would any Huntington Beach resident let her set up a cabal of radical extremists to make decisions about OUR CHILDREN, OUR LIBRARY,and OUR BOOKS! She has the freedom to raise her children however she deems necessary. She does not have the right to TAKE OUR FREEDOMS with some national agenda to make folks paranoid about sexuality and children. We all see what you are doing...injecting fear, disgust and worry about problems that do not exist. Banning books has never worked. Banning books is always on the wrong side of history. This is the Salem Witch trials looking for"evil do'ers"who simply do not exist.We have a system that works. Stop creating boogieman to fire up your base while lying to citizens. DO YOUR JOB! Stop fueling culture wars.We have real problems to solve! Sincerely, Don Miller 1 Moore, Tania From: jodykyle1@aol.com Sent: Tuesday, October 17, 2023 8:54 AM To: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org; CITY COUNCIL(INCL. CMO STAFF) Cc: Jody Kyle Subject: City Council Meeting 10/17/23 -Voter ID and Book Bans Dear City Council Members, I am a 25 year Huntington Beach resident. Voter ID charter amendment I am writing to oppose proposed the Voter ID charter amendment. The Orange County Registrar of Voters conducts free, fair, secure, and safe elections. Proposing to require Voter ID in Huntington Beach elections and thereby run our own elections is costly and rife with opportunities for fraud, voter suppression, and other irregularities. HB Library Book Ban -- Resolution 2023-41 I also write to oppose Resolution 2023-41, the Huntington Beach Library Book Ban. Once again the city council majority it try to break something that is already fixed. The Huntington Beach library already employs the highest and most professional standards when selecting age-appropriate books. I doubt the city council majority or their proposed review board can do the same. Council Member Var Der Mark has insisted that the resolution is not a book ban yet section 2C of the resolution states that the community parent/guardian review board can reject any book the HB library is considering adopting. By definition-rejecting a book is a book ban. Resolution 2023-41 is government over reach by the HB city council majority. It infringes on parental rights and the rights of all HB residents. Families— not political fanatics — have the freedom to decide what's right for them. This resolution is a thinly veiled attempt to ban books on gender identity, gays, and trans people. Gay people read books about heterosexuals and it does make the straight. Reading books about gayness or transsexuals is not going to make children gay or trans. What the book ban will do is ban books on safe sex, STDs, teen pregnancy, contraceptives, date rape, and sexual assault. Restricting books containing sexual content to people over 21 years old is ridiculous. Most adults are sexually active well before 21. What the book ban will do is allow wildly inaccurate information on sexuality and identity on the internet to flourish unchecked. The proposed "community parent/guardian review board" is fraught with problems. It essentially allows 11 people (a majority) to ban books and set community norms with no oversight and no appeal. The actual composition of the review board is also an issue. There are absolutely no personal or professional standards set for this board and no requirement that all members actually read the books they propose to ban. Yours, Mary Kyle i Moore, Tania From: meobrien <meobrien@earthlink.net> Sent: • Tuesday, October 17,2023 8:54 AM To: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Subject: STOP Book ban This communication is to oppose any book ban or any interference with the library doing their job. The government should not be involved! Overreach!! Respectfully, Margaret OBrien 50 year HB resident. 1 Moore, Tania From: Juana Mueller <juanamueller33@gmail.com> Sent: Tuesday, October 17, 2023 8:56 AM To: citycouncil@surfcity-hb.org;supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Subject: Fwd:Today's Council agenda My computer said this didn't send?? Juana. Begin forwarded message: From: Juana Mueller<juanamueller33@gmail.com> Subject: Today's Council agenda Date: October 17, 2023 at 8:49:10 AM PDT To: city.council@surfcity-hb.org, SuplementalComm@surfcity-hb.org Dear Huntington Beach City council, PLEASE, PLEASE, . . . NO to a special election to amend our City Charter. PLEASE SAVE THAT MONEY!! NO to voter ID requirement. NO on any interference with Library book choices. NO book banning!! Respectfully, Juana Mueller. 1 Moore, Tania From: Richard Colodny <richardcolodny@yahoo.com> Sent: Tuesday, October 17, 2023 8:56 AM To: CITY COUNCIL(INCL.CMO STAFF);supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Subject: From a 22.year HB resident and homeowner Council members, I have a job which requires me to work in Tustin until 5:00 PM,so I doubt I would be able to get to tonight's meeting in time to speak ahead of all the outside agitators. I am very much against the proposed voting changes. If there is any credible evidence of voter fraud,then make a case and have it prosecuted. In the absence of any existing problem,this is really just voter intimidation and it puts the city at risk of lawsuits for civil rights violations.The city would lose,and it would cost us more money.The county and state systems already in place are working. I am also very much against the proposed library censorship system.We have librarians who are trained in these tasks and are paid to do them. It seems that the council wants to take over the duties of parents. I also find it disturbing that some proposed amendments,such as which flags are flown, call for unanimous votes of the council. I think this is un-democratic because it allows a single dissenting vote to dictate policy. Respectfully submitted, Richard Colodny Sent from my iPhone 1 Moore, Tania From: myvoice@oneclickpolitics.com Sent: Tuesday, October 17,2023 8:56 AM To: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Subject: Reject Censorship, Reject Resolution 2023-41 Re: Reject Censorship, Reject Resolution 2023-41 Dear Supplemental Communications, As a resident of Huntington Beach, I am writing to ask you to vote against Resolution 2023-41,which would establish a policy to review library materials for sexual content.A parent is the person best suited to make decisions about what their child does or does not read, but the proposed ordinance would take that right away from many parents in our community by limiting what is available in the public library. It would also make the city, not parents,the ultimate arbiter on library materials.We trust our trained library staff.The library does not carry obscene materials or make them available to young readers.The policies in the ordinance are poorly defined and overly burdensome and expensive;the city will need to hire extra staff to implement and enforce them.The city may also open itself up to a costly lawsuit if the policy goes into effect and members of the community sue because they don't think their children have been protected or that their rights have been violated.The policy is both unwanted and unneeded. Please support the rights of parents and children in our community by voting against it.Thank you, Christina Skoski MD Sincerely, Dr.Christina Skoski - chris.skoski@gmail.com 20122 Mckinley In Huntingtn Beach,CA 92646 Prepared by OneClickPolitics(tm)at www.oneclickpolitics.com.OneClickPolitics provides online communications tools for supporters of a cause,issue,organization or association to contact their elected officials.For more information regarding our policies and services,please contact info@oneclickpolitics.com 1 Moore, Tania From: Bev Sansone <drsansone001 @gmail.com> Sent Tuesday, October 17, 2023 8:56 AM To: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Subject: City council meeting tonight I am a long-term resident of Huntington Beach (moved here in 1996). I am very unhappy with the city council's plan to form a committee to review books for the library. There are academically-trained people who do that for a living and they are called librarians. Beverly Sansone 201 20th St Huntington Beach,CA • • Moore, Tania From: Anne Gollay <agollay@socal.rr.com> Sent: Tuesday, October 17, 2023 8:58 AM To: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Subject: Oppose Agenda Item 20 Dear Council Members, I strongly urge you to vote no on Agenda Item 20,the resolution to create a review board to oversee the contents of the public library. This is government overreach. It is completely unnecessary,as we have a staff of highly qualified librarians,and a process in place to accomplish the same goals.There is no intent by anyone at the library to sexualize our children. Do not impose your personal beliefs on the public. Respectfully, Anne Gollay 1 Moore, Tania From: Susan Matthewson <sgmatthewson@socal.rr.com> Sent: Tuesday, October 17, 2023 8:59 AM To: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Subject: Book Bans Our librarians are much more qualified than sone of our less than accomplished or qualified city council members to supervise the acquisition and retention of books in the library. Four city council member shoukd take note of the vote in Poland recently when 73%of Polish voters turned out to vote out an authoritarian,dictatorial regime that created nothing but dissension and dispute and accomplished little worthwhile.There are 4 city council members that need to take note.Voters are watching your actions. Sent from my iPhone • Moore, Tania From: Valerie Larsen <valerielarsen26@icloud.com> Sent: Tuesday, October 17,2023 8:59 AM To: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Subject: Huntington Beach Public Library Review Committee Hello. My name is Valerie, and I'm a high school student in Los Angeles. I am writing to share my opinion and express my disappointment in the so-called "review committee"that is evaluating books within the library. By removing books from the library,you are insulting the credibility of librarians as well as promoting censorship and taking away student's freedom to read and learn. Censorship is never a good thing,and only ever leads to a generation of narrow minded, uneducated people. Furthermore,the people on this committee have,to my knowledge, no qualifications to be doing so. I hope you reflect on what you are doing and come to the realization that you are attempting to taking away people's rights and decrease freedom within this country. i Moore, Tania From: Levin, Shannon Sent: Tuesday, October 17,2023 9:00 AM To: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Subject: FW: Reject Censorship, Reject Resolution 2023-41 From: myvoice@oneclickpolitics.com <myvoice@oneclickpolitics.com> Sent:Tuesday,October 17,2023 8:56 AM To:CITY COUNCIL(INCL.CMO STAFF)<city.council@surfcity-hb.org> Subject: Reject Censorship, Reject Resolution 2023-41 Re: Reject Censorship, Reject Resolution 2023-41 Dear City Council, As a resident of Huntington Beach, I am writing to ask you to vote against Resolution 2023-41,which would establish a policy to review library materials for sexual content. A parent is the person best suited to make decisions about what their child does or does not read,but the proposed ordinance would take that right away from many parents in our community by limiting what is available in the public library. It would also make the city, not parents,the ultimate arbiter on library materials. We trust our trained library staff. The library does not carry obscene materials or make them available to young readers. The policies in the ordinance are poorly defined and overly burdensome and expensive; the city will need to hire extra staff to implement and enforce them. The city may also open itself up to a costly lawsuit if the policy goes into effect and members of the community sue because they don't think their children have been protected or that their rights have been violated. The policy is both unwanted and unneeded. Please support the rights of parents and children in our community by voting against it. Thank you, Christina Skoski MD Sincerely, Dr. Christina Skoski chris.skoski@gmail.com 20122 Mckinley In Huntingtn Beach, CA 92646 Prepared by OneClickPolitics(tm)at www.oneclickpolitics.com.OneClickPolitics provides online communications tools for supporters of a cause,issue,organization or association to contact their elected officials.For more information regarding our policies and services,please contact info(a,oneclickpolitics.com 1 Moore, Tania From: Levin, Shannon Sent: Tuesday, October 17, 2023 9:00 AM To: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Subject: FW: City council meeting tonight Original Message From: Bev Sansone<drsansone001@gmail.com> Sent:Tuesday, October 17, 2023 8:56 AM To: CITY COUNCIL(INCL. CMO STAFF)<city.council@surfcity-hb.org> Subject: City council meeting tonight I am a long-term resident of Huntington Beach (moved here in 1996). I am very unhappy with the city council's plan to form a committee to review books for the library. There are academically-trained people who do that for a living and they are called librarians. Beverly Sansone 20120th St Huntington Beach,CA 1 Moore, Tania From: myvoice@oneclickpolitics.com Sent: Tuesday, October 17, 2023 9:00 AM To: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Subject: Reject Censorship, Reject Resolution 2023-41 Re: Reject Censorship, Reject Resolution 2023-41 Dear Supplemental Communications, As a resident of Huntington Beach, I am writing to ask you to vote against Resolution 2023-41,which would establish a policy to review library materials for sexual content.A parent is the person best suited to make decisions about what their child does or does not read, but the proposed ordinance would take that right away from many parents in our community by limiting what is available in the public library. It would also make the city, not parents,the ultimate arbiter on library materials.We trust our trained library staff.The library does not carry obscene materials or make them available to young readers.The policies in the ordinance are poorly defined and overly burdensome and expensive;the city will need to hire extra staff to implement and enforce them.The city may.also open itself up to a costly lawsuit if the policy goes into effect and members of the community sue because they don't think their children have been protected or that their rights have been violated.The policy is both unwanted and unneeded. Please support the rights of parents and children in our community by voting against it.Thank you, • Sincerely, Brandi Martinez malibubrandi@msn.com 7805 Seaglen Huntington Beach,CA 92648 Constituent Prepared by OneClickPolitics(tm)at www.oneclickpolitics.com.OneClickPolitics provides online communications tools for supporters of a cause,issue,organization or association to contact their elected officials.For more information regarding our policies and services,please contact info@oneclickpolitics.com 1 Moore, Tania From: Levin, Shannon Sent: Tuesday, October 17, 2023 9:01 AM To: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Subject: FW: Book Banning From:Jeff&Sue LeBoff<Ieboff@verizon.net> Sent:Tuesday,October 17, 2023 8:52 AM To:CITY COUNCIL(INCL.CMO STAFF)<city.council@surfcity-hb.org> Subject: Book Banning Did I read correctly? You are proposing to eliminate all books from the children's section of the library that have "any" sexual content? My view of conservative government is one that is less intrusive and believes in personal responsibility. I would interpret sexual content as including mention of gender. So, any book that has the words "boy" or "girl" is out. I guess having only gender-neutral books in the library would make some people happy. That would also leave out the Old Testament. A lot of "begetting" going on in it. I have lived in Huntington Beach for over 50 years and successfully raised my children here. My grandson is growing up here and visits the library often. I am not aware of any problems concerning sexual content in children's books. In my opinion, this obsession with sexual content in children's books is a product of sick and deviant thinking. Jeff LeBoff 1 Moore, Tania From: Fikes, Cathy Sent: Tuesday, October 17, 2023 8:39 AM To: Agenda Alerts Subject: FW:Agenda Item 20 - Resolution 2023-41 From: Elaine Parker<epmmrp1@gmail.com> Sent: Monday,October 16,2023 5:00 PM To:CITY COUNCIL(INCL. CMO STAFF)<city.council@surfcity-hb.org> Subject:Agenda Item 20- Resolution 2023-41 However, it is difficult to defend this resolution when the City Council refuses to name the books they think are inappropriate for children and teens. Why not yet they are determined to pass a resolution regarding books they deem unsuitable for children and teens. No matter how the Council wants to paint this picture -it would result in a"book ban". The Council believes that parents are obviously not capable of monitoring or controlling what books their children or teens are reading. But a committee can decide which books children and teens can read. Heck, half of the committee will be made up of parents the Council is saying are not capable of monitoring what their children and teens are reading. How would this committee work? Will they ignore the librarians' suggestions? This makes absolutely no sense at all. All published books are reviewed by the publishers' legal team to determine whether or not the books contain pornography or obscene material that is not suitable for children or teens. This they must do in accordance with the law. The Council cannot use the word LBGTQ+in any books they want to ban from children and teens. The city of Huntington Beach will be sued if LBGTQ+is used in describing books the Council deems unworthy to be in our library. So they came up with"sexual content". How does one define sexual content- it can be from a kiss to physical intercourse? Attempting to define sexual content is a slippery slope that I don't believe the city wants to take on. If the council decides on passing this resolution,how will they prevent teens from looking up these books if the teens are by themselves in the library? Would all these books be in a separate place in the library behind locked cabinets? Where would the money come from to modify the library and all its branches to make sure teens do not get to see said books? The Central Library needs a major makeover anyway and it has been put on the "back burner"because of money. Adding a locked section would add to the costs tremendously. Would there be monitors to check to see that the teen is not entering the restricted zone? Does this mean teens can only check out children's books? The council wants to "protect the children" but what they will do is to destroy the library for the teens of our community. Our teens should be able to come to the library,where it is a safe place,to read and do research on subjects that are of interest to them. Certain subjects are important to teens who are experiencing growing up and the pains that go with it. Perhaps the council would prefer to have them get all the information from the Internet where there is no restraint on what they can see and no checking to see if any of it is correct. 1 This resolution is tragic but most tragic for our children and teens. I oppose this resolution Elaine MacLeod Parker 2 Moore, Tania From: Fikes, Cathy Sent: Tuesday,October 17, 2023 8:39 AM To: Agenda Alerts Subject: FW: Book ban From: ROSE SAYLIN<rsaylin@aol.com> Sent: Monday,October 16, 2023 5:04 PM To:CITY COUNCIL(INCL. CMO STAFF)<city.council@surfcity-hb.org> Subject: Re: Book ban I strongly object to the city council controlling our outstanding library and not trusting our dedicated librarians. Sent from my iPhone On Oct 16, 2023, at 4:10 PM, ROSE SAYLIN<rsaylin@aol.com>wrote: Sent from my iPhone Begin forwarded message: From: ROSE SAYLIN<rsaylin@aol.com> Date: October 16, 2023 at 8:10:37 AM PDT To: City.Council@surfcity-hb.org Subject: Book ban PLEASE let parents choose their children's books—not the city council. Rose Saylin Huntington Beach Sent from my iPhone i Moore, Tania From: Fikes, Cathy Sent: Tuesday, October 17, 2023 8:39 AM To: Agenda Alerts Subject: FW: Inappropriate books Original Message From:JANICE HOPKINS<janice.hopkins@verizon.net> Sent: Monday,October 16, 2023 5:09 PM To: CITY COUNCIL(INCL.CMO STAFF)<city.council@surfcity-hb.org> Subject: Inappropriate books I support the fight to keep inappropriate books of sexual content out of our libraries and schools. Sent from my iPhone 1 Moore, Tania From: Fikes, Cathy Sent: Tuesday, October 17,2023 8:40 AM To: Agenda Alerts Subject: FW: Item #20 Library book recataloging policy Original Message From: Catherine Schwartz<catherineyeeschwartz.mft@gmail.com> Sent: Monday,October 16, 2023 5:15 PM To:CITY COUNCIL(INCL.CMO STAFF)<city.council@surfcity-hb.org> Subject: Item#20 Library book recataloging policy HB City Council, As HB residents and tax-payers,we are in objection to establishing a policy for review and recataloging of books containing sexual content.A special group/committee is creating censorship and putting your personal bias onto city residents. We have Librarians and parents of children-they are enough to manage the books. Catherine and Steve Schwartz 722 Sandglass Dr. Huntington Beach,CA.92648 714.317.7832 1 Moore, Tania From: Fikes, Cathy Sent: Tuesday, October 17, 2023 8:40 AM To: Agenda Alerts Subject: FW: Reject Censorship, Reject Resolution 2023-41 From: myvoice@oneclickpolitics.com <myvoice@oneclickpolitics.com> Sent: Monday,October 16, 2023 5:18 PM To:CITY COUNCIL(INCL.CMO STAFF)<city.council@surfcity-hb.org> Subject: Reject Censorship, Reject Resolution 2023-41 Re: Reject Censorship,Reject Resolution 2023-41 Dear City Council, As a resident of Huntington Beach, I am writing to ask you to vote against Resolution 2023-41,which would establish a policy to review library materials for sexual content. A parent is the person best suited to make decisions about what their child does or does not read, but the proposed ordinance would take that right away from many parents in our community by limiting what is available in the public library. It would also make the city,not parents,the ultimate arbiter on library materials. We trust our trained library staff. The library does not carry obscene materials or make them available to young readers. The policies in the ordinance are poorly defined and overly burdensome and expensive; the city will need to hire extra staff to implement and enforce them. The city may also open itself up to a costly lawsuit if the policy goes into effect and members of the community sue because they don't think their children have been protected or that their rights have been violated. The policy is both unwanted and unneeded. Please support the rights of parents and children in our community by voting against it. Huntington Beach requirements for a entry level librarian is a MASTERS degree from an accredited college or university. How many people from the ad-hoc commitee that is appointed by the mayor; 1. use the HBPL 2. have a MASTERS degree in libray science Thank you, lynn smith Sincerely, Mrs. lynn smith myssmith@yahoo.com 15251 cascade lane huntington beach, CA 92647 Prepared by OneClickPolitics(tm)at www.oneclickpolitics.com.OneClickPolitics provides online communications tools for supporters of a cause,issue,organization or association to contact their elected officials.For more information regarding our policies and services,please contact info@oneclickpolitics.com 1 Moore, Tania From: Fikes, Cathy Sent: Tuesday, October 17, 2023 8:40 AM To: Agenda Alerts Subject: FW: Book Banning Original Message From:onewildart<onewildart@aol.com> Sent: Monday, October 16, 2023 5:24 PM To: CITY COUNCIL(INCL.CMO STAFF)<city.council@surfcity-hb.org> Subject: Book Banning >Quoteth G.Vandermark..."I started fighting this seven years ago,"she said. "But once again,the state of California unfortunately doesn't listen to parents a whole lot and now that I'm in a position where I can do something to protect children, I figure this is the time to step up." >So she is stepping up by trying to ban books! I would like to know how she plans to carry this out....who has the final say on what is obscene, racist, and homophobic. Her or a librarian?What are they looking for in inclusion vs exclusion? I'd like to see it. >Censorship denies our freedom as individuals to choose and think for ourselves. For children, decisions about what books to read should be made by the people who know them best—their parent, not a city council whose role this isn't! > First you want to require ID's to vote! I suggest you require IQ's to be on the City Council! >Sent from my iPad 1 Moore, Tania From: Fikes, Cathy Sent: Tuesday, October 17, 2023 8:41 AM To: Agenda Alerts Subject: FW: Reject Censorship, Reject Resolution 2023-41 From: myvoice@oneclickpolitics.com<myvoice@oneclickpolitics.com> Sent: Monday,October 16, 2023 5:27 PM To:CITY COUNCIL(INCL. CMO STAFF)<city.council@surfcity-hb.org> Subject: Reject Censorship, Reject Resolution 2023-41 Re: Reject Censorship,Reject Resolution 2023-41 Dear City Council, As a resident of California, I am writing to ask you to vote against Resolution 2023-41, which would establish a policy to review library materials for sexual content. A parent is the person best suited to make decisions about what their child does or does not read,but the proposed ordinance would take that right away from many parents in our community by limiting what is available in the public library. It would also make the city, not parents,the ultimate arbiter on library materials. We trust our trained library staffs. The library does not carry obscene materials or make them available to young readers. The policies in the ordinance are poorly defined and overly burdensome and expensive; the city will need to hire extra staff to implement and enforce them. The city may also open itself up to a costly lawsuit if the policy goes into effect and members of the community sue because they don't think their children have been protected or that their rights have been violated. The policy is both unwanted and unneeded. Please support the rights of parents and children in our community by voting against it. Thank you, Sincerely, Ms. Stephanie Stickley yelphets@yahoo.com 2440 S Barrington Ave#108 Los Angeles, CA 90064 Prepared by OneClickPolitics(tm)at www.oneclickpolitics.com.OneClickPolitics provides online communications tools for supporters of a cause,issue,organization or association to contact their elected officials.For more information regarding our policies and services,please contact info(aoneclickpolitics.com 1 Moore, Tania From: Fikes, Cathy Sent: Tuesday, October 17, 2023 8:41 AM To: Agenda Alerts Subject: FW:Opposed to Agenda Item#20 - Book Bans/Committee From: Belindajon<belindajon@aol.com> Sent: Monday,October 16,2023 5:33 PM To:CITY COUNCIL(INCL.CMO STAFF)<city.council@surfcity-hb.org> Subject:Opposed to Agenda Item#20- Book Bans/Committee To : The Huntington Beach City Council Members Book bans or books through selection, which is what the city council is suggesting, violate fundamental principles of intellectual freedom and impede access to diverse perspectives. Limiting information restricts the community's ability to engage critically with varying ideas and hinders intellectual growth. An individual seeking knowledge should be able to find that knowledge at the public library and that information should not be held hostage or kept behind a gate as selected by a committee. The city librarians are knowledgeable and perfectly capable of making informed decisions regarding the placement of books and do not need to be micromanaged with the made up mantra of"protecting our children". Teachers and librarians work hand in hand to help educate and keep our children well read and making informed, age appropriate decisions regarding books. If parents are unhappy with the books their children are checking out of the library or have access to, they can work at being a better, more present parent for their own children by accompanying their child to the library and supervising the books their child is looking at. It is not appropriate nor should one parent make a blanket decision for other parents regarding books. It is an individual decision between a parent and their children. There is no room for other parents, hysterical parents, paranoid parents, uneducated parents or parents who simply are not well read, ignore facts and do not understand that some children are capable of understanding and grasping more mature themes. If politicians are unhappy with the books in the library, I would suggest they.stay in their own lane and get back to managing the city, as is in their job description. Well read in Huntington Beach. Belinda Shepherd 1 Moore, Tania From: Fikes, Cathy Sent: Tuesday, October 17, 2023 8:41 AM To: Agenda Alerts Subject: FW: Library books! Original Message From: ERIN DOLLING<makeupbyerin_ed@yahoo.com> Sent: Monday,October 16, 2023 5:45 PM To:CITY COUNCIL(INCL. CMO STAFF)<city.council@surfcity-hb.org> Subject: Library books! These should be pulled from the shelves immediately!!!the fact that a kid could walk in and pick this up is absolutely disgraceful,disgusting&ABUSIVE!! these belong only in a porn shop where you have to show ID and BE AN ADULT to be able to even hold these books in your hands. Children and grandparents and everyone in between go to libraries.This is absolutely unacceptable. SICK TWISTED&WRONG!! Sent from my iPhone 1 Moore, Tania From: Fikes, Cathy Sent: Tuesday, October 17, 2023 8:41 AM To: Agenda Alerts Subject: FW:Tax Payer Waste of Funds:STOP BOOK BANNING &Frivolous Voting ID Requirements From:Cathy Engle<cengle24@gmail.com> Sent: Monday,October 16,2023 5:46 PM To:CITY COUNCIL(INCL. CMO STAFF)<city.council@surfcity-hb.org> Subject:Tax Payer Waste of Funds:STOP BOOK BANNING & Frivolous Voting ID Requirements Dear City Council, I am a long-time Huntington Beach resident, and I'm disturbed by the proposals that will be presented during the 10/17 meeting. Why_is the City Council getting involved in these made-up issues?Banning books and unnecessary voter ID validation will have the state suing our city and cost us thousands of dollars! This is a WASTE of taxpayer dollars. Parents can make these choices and read materials prior to having their children check out books. We don't need the government to interfere with family decisions. I personally trust professional librarians to make book choices and my ability to review a book for a child over the government interfering with my decisions. Please stop wasting taxpayer dollars on frivolous proposals and address the real issues of our city, for example, the housing crisis. Thanks for your time, Cathy Engle • Moore, Tania From: Fikes, Cathy Sent: Tuesday, October 17, 2023 8:42 AM To: Agenda Alerts Subject: FW:Absolutely NO to library censorship Original Message From:Ameelia Ghareeb<amghareeb@gmail.com> Sent: Monday,October 16, 2023 6:10 PM To:CITY COUNCIL(INCL.CMO STAFF)<city.council@surfcity-hb.org> Subject:Absolutely NO to library censorship Dear members of our City Council, I am writing to express that I am absolutely against any move to censor, limit, or ban books from our Public Library. I am a middle school English teacher,a credentialed Librarian,and someone who votes in each and every single election.This plan to give a community oversight committee the power to block library purchases is just a different flavor of book banning. I do not want another person deciding what my kids can and cannot read.That's my job. We visit the public library weekly,and I am confident the claim that library materials are sexualizing children is false. Books simply don't function that way. Please stick to an agenda of small government and leave our library system alone. Sincerely, Ameelia Ghareeb, resident in 92649 1 Moore, Tania From: Fikes, Cathy Sent: Tuesday, October 17, 2023 8:42 AM To: Agenda Alerts Subject: FW: Reject Censorship, Reject Resolution 2023-41 From: myvoice@oneclickpolitics.com <myvoice@oneclickpolitics.com> Sent: Monday,October 16, 2023 6:21 PM To:CITY COUNCIL(INCL. CMO STAFF)<city.council@surfcity-hb.org> Subject: Reject Censorship, Reject Resolution 2023-41 Re: Reject Censorship, Reject Resolution 2023-41 Dear City Council, As a resident of Huntington Beach, I am writing to ask you to vote against Resolution 2023-41,which would establish a policy to review library materials for sexual content. A parent is the person best suited to make decisions about what their child does or does not read, but the proposed ordinance would take that right away from many parents in our community by limiting what is available in the public library. It would also make the city,not parents,the ultimate arbiter on library materials. We trust our trained library staff. The library does not carry obscene materials or make them available to young readers. The policies in the ordinance are poorly defined and overly burdensome and expensive; the city will need to hire extra staff to implement and enforce them. The city may also open itself up to a costly lawsuit if the policy goes into effect and members of the community sue because they don't think their children have been protected or that their rights have been violated. The policy is both unwanted and unneeded. Please support the rights of parents and children in our community by voting against it. Thank you, Sincerely, Dina S Chavez dtchavez@trcinc.net 16612 Cooper Lane Huntington Beach, CA, CA 92647 Prepared by OneClickPolitics(tm)at www.oneclickpolitics.com. OneClickPolitics provides online communications tools for supporters of a cause,issue,organization or association to contact their elected officials.For more information regarding our policies and services,please contact info@oneclickpolitics.com 1 Moore, Tania From: Fikes, Cathy Sent: Tuesday, October 17, 2023 8:42 AM To: Agenda Alerts Subject: FW: Resolution 2023-41 From: Kelly palfreyman troutman<kptman@gmail.com> Sent: Monday,October 16,2023 6:33 PM To:CITY COUNCIL(INCL. CMO STAFF)<city.council@surfcity-hb.org> Subject: Resolution 2023-41 Good Evening HB City Council Members, I have been a HBPL patron for more than 14 years now. I have 4 children ranging in ages from 3 to 13 and was at the Central library just this afternoon with 3 of my 4 children. I volunteer with the FOTCL organization and have interacted with staff and library volunteers for over a decade now. I have never checked out material that was not appropriate for my children, and am always so impressed with the selection available at our public library. I do not understand why you are bothering with this matter. There have been 5 book challenges in 5 years and zero this year. There is no need for the intervention being suggested. If parents do not want their children checking out certain books,they shouldn't let them, and if their child does check out a book their parent has a problem with,the parent and child should have a conversation about it. There is no need for a committee of parents appointed by the City Council to review books. That is the job of our librarians. If people do not want to read certain books,no one at the library is going to make them. The fact that so much time has already been dedicated to a non-issue in our community is absurd. Please stop making villains out of our librarians and stop messing with a system that is functioning perfectly fine. It is my urgent plea and hope that you all will get back to work and vote NOT to adopt Resolution 2023-41. Thank you! 1 Moore, Tania From: Fikes, Cathy Sent: Tuesday, October 17, 2023 8:43 AM To: Agenda Alerts Subject: FW: In Opposition to Resolution No. 2023-41 From: Fran Delaney-Barron<frandelaneybarron@gmail.com> Sent: Monday,October 16,2023 6:49 PM To:CITY COUNCIL(INCL.CMO STAFF)<city.council@surfcity-hb.org> Subject: In Opposition to Resolution No.2023-41 City Council Members, I am a resident of Huntington Beach and have lived at my residence for 33 years. I stand in strong opposition to Resolution No. 2023 -41. I have been an educator for 27 years and understand the specifics of book selection for all ages of children. The librarians in our city are educated in library science and understand the importance of an appropriate selection of books for each age level and reading ability. Selection of books for small children should be and has always been something that occurs when an adult is present and it is the responsibility of the parent to approve or disapprove the book selection at that time FOR THEIR CHILD, not for every child in the community. I was shocked to see that this resolution suggests that a committee of community members should make decisions for book purchases and placement in the library yet makes no specifications on what qualifies these persons to make such decisions. Should they not be educated to a certain level, and have an understanding of reading instruction and library science, or have an understanding of children's psychology? Should they not be screened to make sure they do not represent any extremist groups, including religious and political extremists? If such a committee is put in place, certainly the librarians in the city should be voting members of the committee as well, since most likely they will be the only truly qualified people in the room to make such decisions and can share their wisdom with the other voting members. Without these safeguards in place, our City Council looks to be dominated by extremists themselves, who instead wish to only take advantage of their right-leaning majority rather than examine what facts suggest is best for society. Do not approve this resolution as it is unnecessary and takes away the power of each parent in the city to make appropriate decisions for their child rather than overstepping your roles as city council members and infringing on the rights of the community if favor or your unsubstantiated opinions. Fran Delaney-Barron Resident i Moore, Tania From: Fikes, Cathy Sent: Tuesday, October 17,2023 8:43 AM To: Agenda Alerts Subject: FW: In opposition to Resolution No. 2023-41 From: Bruce Barron<sonene@me.com> • Sent: Monday,October 16, 2023 6:51 PM To: McKeon,Casey<Casey.McKeon@surfcity-hb.org>; CITY COUNCIL(INCL. CMO STAFF)<city.council@surfcity-hb.org>; Strickland,Tony<Tony.Strickland@surfcity-hb.org>; Kalmick, Dan<Dan.Kalmick@surfcity-hb.org>; Moser, Natalie <Natalie.Moser@surfcity-hb.org>; Bolton, Rhonda<Rhonda.Bolton@surfcity-hb.org>; Burns, Pat<Pat.Burns@surfcity- hb.org>;Van Der Mark,Gracey<Gracey.VanDerMark@surfcity-hb.org> Subject: In opposition to Resolution No. 2023-41 City Council Members, I am a resident of Huntington Beach and have lived at my residence for 33 years. I stand in strong opposition to Resolution No.2023-41.The librarians in our city are educated in library science and understand the importance of an appropriate selection of books for each age level and reading ability.Selection of books for small children should be and has always been something that occurs when an adult is present and it is the responsibility of the parent to approve or disapprove the book selection at that time FOR THEIR CHILD, not for every child in the community. I was shocked to see that this resolution suggests that a committee of community members should make decisions for book purchases and placement in the library yet makes no specifications on what qualifies these persons to make such decisions.Should they not be educated to a certain level,and have an understanding of reading instruction and library science,or have an understanding of children's psychology?Should they not be screened to make sure they do not represent any extremist groups, including religious and political extremists?If such a committee is put in place,certainly the librarians in the city should be voting members of the committee as well,since most likely they will be the only truly qualified people in the room to make such decisions and can share their wisdom with the other voting members.Without these safeguards in place,our City Council looks to be dominated by extremists themselves,who instead wish to only take advantage of their right-leaning majority rather than examine what facts suggest is best for society. Do not approve this resolution as it is unnecessary and takes away the power of each parent in the city to make appropriate decisions for their child. Thank you, Bruce Barron Resident 1 Moore, Tania From: Fikes, Cathy Sent: Tuesday, October 17, 2023 8:43 AM To: Agenda Alerts Subject: FW: In support of Mayor Pro Tern Van der Mark's#20 Original Message From:Jo Dee Preston<jodeepreston@protonmail.com> Sent: Monday,October 16, 2023 6:55 PM To: CITY COUNCIL(INCL. CMO STAFF)<city.council@surfcity-hb.org> Subject: In support of Mayor Pro Tern Van der Mark's#20 Dear Council Members: As a mother,grandmother, retired teacher,and HB resident since 1981, I am writing to support Item#20 regarding "establishing policy for the review and re-cataloging of library material containing sexual content." No books are being burned or banned; simply keep them out of children's hands and eyes and ears until they are no longer children. Childhood is very short, let us preserve those precious moments. Maturity is slow to be attained, let us respect and nurture age appropriate information. I have witnessed that some of these books are so inappropriate that when they have been read by or attempted to be read by some parents at school board meetings and council meetings,that mikes have been turned off! If something is. too obscene for adults,then it should be obvious to all that it is inappropriate for children. Sincerely and Respectfully, Jo Dee Preston "...let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus..." Hebrews 12:1b-2a 1 Moore, Tania From: Fikes, Cathy Sent: Tuesday, October 17, 2023 8:44 AM To: Agenda Alerts Subject: FW: Reject Censorship, Reject Resolution 2023-41 From: myvoice@oneclickpolitics.com<myvoice@oneclickpolitics.com> Sent: Monday,October 16, 2023 7:12 PM To:CITY COUNCIL(INCL. CMO STAFF)<city.council@surfcity-hb.org> Subject: Reject Censorship, Reject Resolution 2023-41 Re: Reject Censorship, Reject Resolution 2023-41 Dear City Council, As a resident of Huntington Beach, I am writing to ask you to vote against Resolution 2023-41,which would establish a policy to review library materials for sexual content. A parent is the person best suited to make decisions about what their child does or does not read,but the proposed ordinance would take that right away from many parents in our community by limiting what is available in the public library. It would also make the city,not parents,the ultimate arbiter on library materials. We trust our trained library staff. The library does not carry obscene materials or make them available to young readers. The policies in the ordinance are poorly defined and overly burdensome and expensive; the city will need to hire extra staff to implement and enforce them. The city may also open itself up to a costly lawsuit if the policy goes into effect and members of the community sue because they don't think their children have been protected or that their rights have been violated. The policy is both unwanted and unneeded. Please support the rights of parents and children in our community by voting against it. Thank you, Sincerely, Ms. Alison Mae Schulman aschulman27@gmail.com 808 11th Street Huntington Beach, CA 92648 Constituent Prepared by OneClickPolitics(tm)at www.oneclickpolitics.com.OneClickPolitics provides online communications tools for supporters of a cause,issue,organization or association to contact their elected officials.For more information regarding our policies and services,please contact info@oneclickpolitics.com 1 Moore, Tania From: Fikes, Cathy Sent: Tuesday, October 17, 2023 8:44 AM To: Agenda Alerts Subject: FW: Resolution item 2023 -41 From:Tai Bercher<taibercher@gmail.com> Sent: Monday,October 16, 2023 7:12 PM To:CITY COUNCIL(INCL. CMO STAFF)<city.council@surfcity-hb.org> Subject: Resolution item 2023-41 Messaging to voice my concerns about an agenda item that's been brought to my attention, Resolution No. 2023-41,which concerns the books in the public libraries in our city. I have been going to the libraries in Huntington Beach since I was a child and still frequent them today and I have not once had an issue with any of the so-called "problems" this resolution aims to address.Neither did my parents, my siblings, my friends,my classmates, or anyone else I knew. I am not concerned whether or not the books in our libraries meet "community standards" because I'm a member of this community and I know for a fact that they do, and I'm uncertain how a so-called "review board" that will try to control what our community has access to is supposed to be a good idea. I know that"book bans" are a hot button topic across the country right now but please, don't bring these outside political agendas into our city. It's not a reflection of who we should be, or what we should be supporting. Thank you. 1 Moore, Tania From: Fikes, Cathy Sent: Tuesday, October 17,2023 8:44 AM To: Agenda Alerts Subject: FW: Library Books Original Message From:William Ames<Ames.William@outlook.com> Sent: Monday, October 16, 2023 7:22 PM To: CITY COUNCIL(INCL.CMO STAFF)<city.council@surfcity-hb.org> Subject: Library Books Thank you for fighting the good fight. Video was insightful. Sent from my iPhone 1 • Moore, Tania From: Fikes, Cathy Sent: Tuesday, October 17, 2023 8:45 AM To: Agenda Alerts Subject: FW: 10/17/23 meeting (items#19 and#20) Original Message From:JAMES PRESTON <jamesr403@aol.com> Sent: Monday,October 16, 2023 7:30 PM To:CITY COUNCIL(INCL. CMO STAFF)<city.council@surfcity-hb.org> Cc:James Preston<james@jamesrpreston.com> Subject: 10/17/23 meeting(items#19 and#20) Dear City Council, As a 50 year resident of Huntington Beach, I am disturbed by the direction the majority of the council is pursuing. Agenda item#19 seems fiscally irresponsible—pushing the Charter amendments to the March primary rather than the November general election presents unnecessary costs. If they were approved,they wouldn't take effect until 2026—so what's the rush to judgment for? The restrictive flag measure just seems mean-spirited and designed to prevent tolerant behavior or sow discord (unanimous? really?a unanimous vote?). Do YOU need a unanimous vote to pass YOUR resolutions? Agenda item#20 is a continuing attack on the library and learning. There is already a review process. The unnecessary and ill-considered resolution ignores the library professionals in favor of installing unenlightened, non-professionals. Again there is already a review policy. Lately the majority of the council seems set on making Huntington Beach less welcoming, less tolerant, less kind. That is unacceptable! As a voter, I do not approve of these measures. Sincerely, Nancy Preston Sent from my iPad 1 Moore, Tania From: Fikes, Cathy Sent: Tuesday, October 17,2023 8:47 AM To: Agenda Alerts Subject: FW: Book bans From: Lea Inouye<0626Iea@gmail.com> Sent: Monday,October 16,2023 7:35 PM To:CITY COUNCIL(INCL. CMO STAFF)<city.council@surfcity-hb.org> Subject: Book bans As a parent,I am very opposed to you guys telling me what my kids or grandkids should be reading. That decision is up to me and my husband and not you. Banning books is just big government gone nuts. Big government tells people what to do and how to live and how to raise our kids. I believe in freedom to choose, small government, and total parents rights to choose what is best for our family. You guys do not represent those values and will never get my vote again. I trust the librarians way more than you. Lea 1 Moore, Tania From: Fikes, Cathy Sent: Tuesday, October 17, 2023 8:47 AM To: Agenda Alerts Subject: FW: Parents voice in books our children read Original Message From: Myra Sonnenberg<momof3frijoles@yahoo.com> Sent: Monday,October 16, 2023 7:38 PM To:CITY COUNCIL(INCL. CMO STAFF)<city.council@surfcity-hb.org> Subject: Parents voice in books our children read Parents know their children best and should ALWAYS have a say in what their children are reading. Parent involvement is crucial to our future generation. All books are available for parents to check out for their kids if they want to . Books with sexual content need to be age appropriate, and parents need to be highly valued in their input as to what age is appropriate for reading content. Concerned parent, Myra Sonnenberg, HB resident with children Sent from my iPhone 1 Moore, Tania From: Fikes, Cathy Sent: Tuesday, October 17, 2023 8:47 AM To: Agenda Alerts Subject: FW: City Council Meeting,Tuesday 10/17/23 Original Message From: Domnic McGee<dmcgee@reagan.com> Sent: Monday,October 16,2023 7:41 PM To:CITY COUNCIL(INCL. CMO STAFF) <city.council@surfcity-hb.org> Subject: City Council Meeting,Tuesday 10/17/23 Honorable members of the City Council, I am writing to you in support of the following agenda items. Agenda number 19-There is no reason on Earth why anyone who is eligible to vote would not be able to obtain a legitimate form of identification.The assertion that people of minority groups find it difficult is insulting to all minorities and is nothing more than the soft bigotry of low expectations. As an immigrant to this great nation, I believe that Old Glory,the state flag,the city flag and the POW flag should be the only flags flown on city property.The Stars and Stripes itself is really the ultimate unifier and expresses our nation's ethic of E Pluribus Unum. The notion that sexual proclivity flags be hoisted on city property is both insulting and bizarre.Our country was founded on the timeless ethos of Judeo-Christian morality.To switch course onto the track of a dangerous and deviant sexual zeitgeist,designed to denigrate the very fabric of our culture is really not acceptable. This brings me on to the next topic, agenda number 20. It is our moral responsibility tp ensure our youngest, most vulnerable members of society are not exposed to,what most of the constituents of Huntington Beach believe to be, pornography. Banning books is not acceptable, but subjecting children to books designed to normalize and promote sexual deviance is equally unacceptable. Even though many of these explicit books are produced for children specifically, there should be measures in place to protect our community's children from sexually explicit and deviant material. To close, I'd like to state my support for agenda item number 21.What Hamas did to the peaceful border communities of Israel earlier this month was absolutely sickening and disturbing in the extreme. There are many individuals, politicians,groups,organizations and political causes in Orange County that are linked to Hamas and are in support of the"Palestinian"cause. Even the word Palestine has its roots in antisemitism. Not only do I believe that a resolution in favor of our community's support for Israel is noble and indeed brave, but I think that each of our council members should sign the declaration to denounce those politically aligned to such groups as CAIR,who, as an organization,were unindicted co-conspirators of Hamas in the Holy Land Foundation for Relief and Development case. Putting the charter amendments up for a vote will cost money, but it pales in significance to the bounty that the city attorney's office has won for the people of Huntington Beach. I believe it will be money well spent. Sincerely, Domnic McGee Memento Mori 1 Moore, Tania From: Fikes, Cathy Sent: Tuesday, October 17, 2023 8:48 AM To: Agenda Alerts Subject: FW:Opposition to resolution From: Ellen Garibaldi<ellenmgaribaldi@gmail.com> Sent: Monday,October 16,2023 7:48 PM To:CITY COUNCIL(INCL. CMO STAFF)<city.council@surfcity-hb.org> Subject:Opposition to resolution Good evening, I am a HB resident of 26 years and I've never been this civically engaged in local politics as I have been in the last year due to the number of upsetting proposals made by this city council. I am opposed to resolution 2023-41. I do not want a review board for library books. Please let librarians do their jobs and let families decides for their own families what books to check out. As a patron of the library, I oppose the idea of a review board deciding what books I'm allowed to check out. Please listen to your constituents and these emails you receive opposing this. This resolution is not a labor of love;this is akin to censorship and taking away the choice of families to decide for themselves. I am also opposed, as I have started in previous emails,to the proposed changes to the city charter. Please do not make it more arduous for citizens to vote in this city. I pray that these emails do not fall on deaf ears and that you listen to your constituents. Thank you, Ellen Garibaldi i Moore, Tania From: Fikes, Cathy Sent: Tuesday,October 17, 2023 8:48 AM To: Agenda Alerts Subject: FW: Huntington Beach Council and their Charter Amendments - here is my take... From:Tina Ziemann <tziemann50@gmail.com> Sent: Monday, October 16, 2023 7:50 PM To:CITY COUNCIL(INCL.CMO STAFF)<city.council@surfcity-hb.org>; dan@dankalmick.com Subject: Huntington Beach Council and their Charter Amendments- here is my take... I have been watching the council aka counter productive sh** shows online for weeks at night. I know of the crazy issues and agendas being pushed by some conservative members. Books, library,no flying LGBTQ flags on government buildings,pronoun language proclamations,voter ID and special charter elections. This is insane,but no one seems to be able to stop these council members. They steam roll everything even when people are coming out in and speaking in protest. It seems so frustrating and no one has an answer. They don't listen. We have been watching for weeks. Books in a public library contain sexuality, gay and lesbian language because society has gay and lesbians in it and believe it or not,people have sex and have been writing about for years...remember Harlequin romances?Why aren't they targeted?They are in the public library. Parents come to libraries and help their children pick age appropriate books, or at least they should. We don't live a nanny state. In Europe these book and library issues are non existent. Europeans celebrate Gay Day every year and no one attempts to marginalize them and pretend they don't exist. The idea of voter has been proven to be a farse. I have been voting absentee ballot for year and faithfully watch my ballot be counted through the OC Voter email notification. All of this is simply a waste of taxpayer dollars. We have more important issues such a public safety that is constantly in jeopardy. If I could do something to change and inform, I am happy to help,but these guys don't care. Seriously they don't represent anyone but themselves. The only option I see is if they can't and won't listen to what HB residents are saying,then have a recall vote and vote them out. I am a concerned resident of HB for over 30 years, a business owner and home owner. I have never written an email like this in the past and would like to see these issues dismissed permanently. Sincerely Tina Ziemann. 1 Moore, Tania From: Fikes, Cathy Sent: Tuesday, October 17, 2023 8:48 AM To: Agenda Alerts Subject: FW: HBCC Vote on Item #20 Original Message From:Carey Thornton<curlycarey@yahoo.com> Sent: Monday,October 16, 2023 8:06 PM To:CITY COUNCIL(INCL. CMO STAFF) <city.council@surfcity-hb.org> Subject: HBCC Vote on Item#20 To whom it may concern, I am writing to you about the vote taking place at tomorrow night's HBCC meeting. Item#20"Establishing a policy for the review and recataloging of library materials containing sexual content" should be voted down. I absolutely DO NOT agree that any one person or group should be deciding what materials are available in the PUBLIC LIBRARY for all Huntington Beach residents. If someone does not agree with the content in a book,then they should not check it out or allow their child to check it out. But that is a decision for each parent to make for their child or for each adult to make for themselves. I implore you to vote against any items that would remove or"recatalogue" books for this reason.These groups claim to be advocating for parents' rights but they are infringing on my right as a parent to decide what my child reads. Thank you, Carey Thornton HB Resident 1 Moore, Tania From: Fikes, Cathy Sent: Tuesday, October 17, 2023 8:48 AM To: Agenda Alerts Subject: FW: Reject Censorship, Reject Resolution 2023-41 From: myvoice@oneclickpolitics.com <myvoice@oneclickpolitics.com> Sent: Monday,October 16, 2023 8:13 PM To:CITY COUNCIL(INCL. CMO STAFF)<city.council@surfcity-hb.org> Subject: Reject Censorship, Reject Resolution 2023-41 Re: Reject Censorship, Reject Resolution 2023-41 Dear City Council, As a resident of Huntington Beach, I am writing to ask you to vote against Resolution 2023-41,which would establish a policy to review library materials for sexual content. A parent is the person best suited to make decisions about what their child does or does not read, but the proposed ordinance would take that right away from many parents in our community by limiting what is available in the public library. It would also make the city,not parents,the ultimate arbiter on library materials. We trust our trained library staff. The library does not carry obscene materials or make them available to young readers. The policies in the ordinance are poorly defined and overly burdensome and expensive; the city will need to hire extra staff to implement and enforce them. The city may also open itself up to a costly lawsuit if the policy goes into effect and members of the community sue because they don't think their children have been protected or that their rights have been violated. The policy is both unwanted and unneeded. Please support the rights of parents and children in our community by voting against it. Thank you, Sincerely, Ms. Christina Guerin tinamacneil@yahoo.com 20822 Spindrift Ln HUNT1NGTN BCH, CA 92646 Prepared by OneClickPolitics(tin)at www.oneclickpolitics.com.OneClickPolitics provides online communications tools for supporters of a cause,issue,organization or association to contact their elected officials.For more information regarding our policies and services,please contact info@oneclickpolitics.com 1 Moore, Tania From: Fikes, Cathy Sent: Tuesday, October 17, 2023 8:49 AM To: Agenda Alerts Subject: FW: Book Ban Resolution Original Message From: Marja Selna<marjadawn@gmail.com> Sent: Monday, October 16, 2023 8:20 PM To:CITY COUNCIL(INCL. CMO STAFF)<city.council@surfcity-hb.org> Subject: Book Ban Resolution Dear Council Members: I am writing in opposition to the proposed resolution to ban certain books from the Huntington Beach Libraries because of mild references to sexual images. Many of these books are classics;we adults have read them in school &have in no way been scarred. It is the job of librarians to choose&catalogue books&to be familiar with content so as to advise their patrons. It is NOT the job of a select group of community members to tell teachers and parents what their students should read! Let the teachers&parents guide their students/children through questionable passages.There are classics like"To Kill a Mockingbird"that I enjoy reading every few years— I don't want my favorites removed from the library by a self-appointed group whose reading selections may be different from my own. Huntington Beach is an educated community.We can decide what to read and what our children read. Our family will applaud you for rejecting this resolution. Don't strip parents and teachers of valuable opportunities to explain certain facets of life as presented in literary form. Sincerely, The Selna Family, residents of HB for 50+years Michael,Marja, Blake, Kevin &Andrew&their families Sent from my iPhone 1 Moore, Tania From: Fikes, Cathy Sent: Tuesday,October 17, 2023 8:50 AM To: Agenda Alerts Subject: FW: Resolution 2023-41 From: Bob Mccann<bmccann96@yahoo.com> Sent: Monday,October 16, 2023 8:33 PM To:CITY COUNCIL(INCL. CMO STAFF)<city.council@surfcity-hb.org> Subject: Resolution 2023-41 City Council Members, I am a 25-year resident of Huntington Beach. I am in total disagreement with the proposed changes in Resolution: 2023-41! It is unnecessary and poorly structured. Your attempts to micromanage the library system will be costly to implement and frankly are a disservice to the community. The library system is functional and serves the community well. Please do not impose your own personal values and beliefs on the public library system. I'm very concerned that a few of you believe you know what is best for all children. Your attempt to "restrict" access to classic works of literature is an attempt to narrow the education of children. You appear to want to keep them in a bubble but there is always the Internet and reality! i Moore, Tania From: Fikes, Cathy Sent: Tuesday, October 17, 2023 8:51 AM To: Agenda Alerts Subject: FW: Library books Original Message From:Joan Wood <jwoodsb@gmail.com> Sent: Monday,October 16, 2023 8:36 PM To: CITY COUNCIL(INCL. CMO STAFF)<city.council@surfcity-hb.org> Subject: Library books Dear Council members, Please leave our libraries and library books alone! It's not your bailiwick.There are safeguards in place. If you want a library that is reflective of our community,then allow librarians to curate books and let parents make their own choices. Realize that a review board will not be productive with so many differing opinions. Lastly,the charter amendments proposed by the majority are unnecessary and a waste of taxpayer money. Thank you, Joan Wood Sent from my iPad 1 Moore, Tania From: Fikes, Cathy Sent: Tuesday, October 17, 2023 8:51 AM To: Agenda Alerts Subject: FW: Reject Censorship, Reject Resolution 2023-41 From: myvoice@oneclickpolitics.com <myvoice@oneclickpolitics.com> Sent: Monday,October 16, 2023 8:42 PM To:CITY COUNCIL(INCL. CMO STAFF)<city.council@surfcity-hb.org> Subject: Reject Censorship, Reject Resolution 2023-41 Re: Reject Censorship, Reject Resolution 2023-41 Dear City Council, As a resident of Long Beach, a libertarian and a librarian,I am writing to ask you to vote against Resolution 2023-41,which would establish a policy to review library materials for sexual content. A parent is the person best suited to make decisions about what their child does or does not read,but the proposed ordinance would take that right away from many parents in our community by limiting what is available in the public library. It would also make the city,not parents,the ultimate arbiter on library materials. Libraries do not act"in loco parentis." We trust our trained library staff. The library does not carry obscene materials or make them available to young readers. The policies in the ordinance are poorly defined and overly burdensome and expensive; the city will need to hire extra staff to implement and enforce them. The city may also open itself up to a costly lawsuit if the policy goes into effect and members of the community sue because they don't think their children have been protected or that their rights have been violated. The policy is both unwanted and unneeded. Please support the rights of parents and children in our community by voting against it. Thank you, Leslie Andersen Sincerely, Leslie Andersen leslienandersen&,gmail.com 3728 Gondar avenue Long Beach, CA 90808 Prepared by OneClickPolitics(tm)at www.oneclickpolitics.com.OneClickPolitics provides online communications tools for supporters of a cause,issue,organization or association to contact their elected officials.For more information regarding our policies and services,please contact infonn,oneclickpolitics.com 1 Moore, Tania From: Fikes, Cathy Sent: Tuesday, October 17, 2023 8:51 AM To: Agenda Alerts Subject: FW:Vote against#20 Original Message From: Brenda McDonough <b16clark@yahoo.com> Sent: Monday,October 16, 2023 8:51 PM To: CITY COUNCIL(INCL. CMO STAFF)<city.council@surfcity-hb.org> Subject:Vote against#20 Hello, Please vote against item#20. Thank you, Brenda McDonough 17962 Scotia Circle Huntington Beach,CA 92647 1 Moore, Tania From: Fikes, Cathy Sent: Tuesday, October 17, 2023 8:51 AM To: Agenda Alerts Subject: FW: Book Banning... Original Message From: Roger<rognsuemiller@socal.rr.com> Sent: Monday, October 16, 2023 9:07 PM To:CITY COUNCIL(INCL. CMO STAFF)<city.council@surfcity-hb.org> Subject: Book Banning... Last I looked, parents and legal guardians are responsible for the exposure to the real world to which their minor wards are allowed. It makes sense to have material categorized and located on "age appropriate"shelves with a permission process in place to allow access by a minor below the approved threshold age with their parent's or legal guardian's written permission. But at no time should any individual,group or governing body decide what is appropriate reading or examination by anyone else's minor child, or adult for that matter, by banning books from a publicly funded library.That is an overt denial of individual parental rights and very likely an un-Constitutional imposition on the rights of adults as well. Roger Miller 92646 • Moore, Tania From: Fikes, Cathy Sent: Tuesday, October 17, 2023 8:52 AM To: Agenda Alerts Subject: FW: Charter Amendments and Book Banning Resolution From: Deborah Addy<debbie.addy126@gmail.com> Sent: Monday,October 16, 2023 9:08 PM To:CITY COUNCIL(INCL. CMO STAFF)<city.council@surfcity-hb.org> Subject:Charter Amendments and Book Banning Resolution Dear Huntington Beach City Council, I am a long time resident and property owner in Huntington Beach. I would like to state my opposition to the rush to get the three Charter Amendments on the ballot March of 2024. There is no reason to spend additional money to push these amendments forward when they can be put on the November 2024 ballot. The only reason I can see that anyone wants this pushed ahead is that there is a measure that creates voter intimidation, and this is a way to disrupt the 2024 November election. The Voter ID Requirement measure is not only voter intimidation, it will also impact Huntington Beach financially in lawsuits that will inevitably occur when legality of the measure is contested, plus it would force Huntington Beach to have to run its own elections when California has a perfectly good, clean, and effective system in place for the whole state. I'm also appalled at the attempt to turn Huntington Beach into a book banning city. No matter how this resolution is worded, it is a clear attempt to ban books. Our librarians have to have a Masters degree in Library Science to be able to hold the job. They do not need supervision to keep our libraries safe for our children. If a particular book is considered by a parent (or anyone in fact) to be inappropriate there is a system in which that book will be reviewed. To have a small group of people make decisions to control what books end up in our libraries is ludicrous and insulting to the professionals that now run the libraries. To even consider that sexually explicit material is widely available to children is a lie. Per Resolution No. 2023-41: "The City Council has observed that there are some children's books and other materials in the City's libraries that contain sexual writings, explicit sexual references, explicit sexual images, and other sexual content". Please post a list of these offensive titles and where and when these books were found. I grew up in Huntington Beach libraries and never did I find pornographic books in the children's section. Stop trying to turn Huntington Beach into a restrictive city. We are a city of freedom and inclusivity. Let's keep it that way. Thank you for your time, Deborah Addy 1 Moore, Tania From: Fikes, Cathy Sent: Tuesday, October 17, 2023 8:52 AM To: Agenda Alerts Subject: FW: Resolution re library • From: pacj<pacj_03@yahoo.com> Sent: Monday,October 16,2023 9:19 PM To:CITY COUNCIL(INCL. CMO STAFF)<city.council@surfcity-hb.org>; Estanislau, Robin<Robin.Estanislau@surfcity- hb.org> Subject: Resolution re library Dear Council members, We are opposed to the library resolution. Sincerely, Julio and Patricia Quintana 1 Moore, Tania From: Fikes, Cathy Sent: Tuesday, October 17, 2023 8:52 AM To: Agenda Alerts Subject: FW:AGAINST ADOPTION OF RESOLUTION NO. 2023-41!! From:Jennie Austin<jjaustin74@gmail.com> Sent: Monday,October 16, 2023 9:20 PM To:CITY COUNCIL(INCL. CMO STAFF)<city.council@surfcity-hb.org> Subject:AGAINST ADOPTION OF RESOLUTION NO. 2023-411! Dear Huntington Beach City Council, I oppose any attempt to ban books from our public libraries. I believe that people have the right to decide what books they choose to read for themselves and their families. No person or group of persons have a right to decide what books other people and their families have a right to read. I support and have confidence in our educated, skilled librarians to choose, buy, manage and maintain the books, magazines, etc. in the Huntington Beach Public Library. This has been done this way for more than one hundred years. Regards, Jennie Austin Retired school teacher Current FOTL member and volunteer 1 Moore, Tania From: Fikes, Cathy Sent: Tuesday, October 17, 2023 8:53 AM To: Agenda Alerts Subject: FW: Library books suitable for children under the age of 18 years old Original Message From: Michelle Larsson<misunsetca@hotmail.com> Sent: Monday,October 16, 2023 9:39 PM To: CITY COUNCIL(INCL. CMO STAFF)<city.council@surfcity-hb.org> Subject: Library books suitable for children under the age of 18 years old To all adults, parents or not: The sexualization of children should be treated as a criminal act. Books containing adult material should be in the adult section only. I am appalled that this even needs to be a discussion! Parents have a right to choose what their children are exposed to. Shame on librarians for thinking that they have any right to choose for themselves what a parent would find offensive. This is not a ban on books.This is a ban on indecency&child exploitation. Bravo to the Majority on the HB Council for tackling this issue. Michelle (HB homeowner/lifelong resident/voter:tax payer) 1 Moore, Tania From: Fikes, Cathy Sent Tuesday, October 17, 2023 8:54 AM To: Agenda Alerts Subject: FW:Vote no on item 20 of Resolution 2023-41 From:April Downs<thedownsfamily03@gmail.com> Sent: Monday,October 16, 2023 9:51 PM To:CITY COUNCIL(INCL. CMO STAFF)<city.council@surfcity-hb.org> Subject:Vote no on item 20 of Resolution 2023-41 My name is April,and I am the mother of two children who were born and raised in Huntington Beach. I have lived in Huntington Beach for over 25 years, and I am very disheartened by the pressure the City Council's Republican majority is putting on the library to control library content. Mayor Pro Term Gracey Van Der Mark has been attacking our excellent library system since she objects to specific books. Book banning is government overreach and should not be allowed. During the October 17 Huntington Beach City Council meeting,the members will review and debate measures that proclaim toprotect children from "obscene," "pornographic," and "sexuallyexplicit" material in the library.There is no p • indication of who decides on what is"obscene," "pornographic,"and "sexually explicit" other than the Council.This measure will allow a couple of people to decide what is appropriate to read for everyone in Huntington Beach.This takes power away from our families to make choices for their children. Currently,there are safeguards to ensure parents are the ones deciding what their children can read. To get a library card,children need their parents' permission. Children under 11 must be accompanied by an adult when in the library. Further, parents have the right to check all materials that their children want to read either by going to the library with them or viewing what they checked out using the library website. Content in the library is organized by sections including by age. In addition to professional librarians,there are online resources that can help parents make informed choices about reading material appropriate for their children.Thus,the parents make the decisions about their children's reading material.This is the right of our citizens, not that of a city council. Our library is a community resource and should not be used as a political pawn. Further, Mayor Pro Term Gracey Van Der Mark's personal beliefs should not impact my family's choices.She is trying to make us all live by her beliefs,which, after reviewing her social media posts and her contributions to the city council,are not shared by most Huntington Beach residents,as illustrated by the voluminous public comments objecting to item 20 of Resolution 2023-41. Our library was an important aspect of my sons' development,and we treasure this resource.A political takeover of the library content does not represent our values;we are a free nation and not one that relies on book banning to control our citizen's right to information. Do the right thing and vote no on item 20 of Resolution 2023-41. Sincerely, April Downs 1 Moore, Tania From: Fikes, Cathy Sent: Tuesday, October 17, 2023 8:54 AM To: Agenda Alerts Subject: FW: Library Books - Support for Limiting Access From:cahudson@socal.rr.com <cahudson@socal.rr.com> Sent: Monday,October 16, 2023 10:16 PM To:CITY COUNCIL(INCL. CMO STAFF)<city.council@surfcity-hb.org> Subject: Library Books-Support for Limiting Access Hi HB City Council, I support the effort to limit our children from access to books that have obscene and pornographic topics and images at the library, especially for children under the age of 13. Since I cannot be at the meeting in person this week, I wanted to voice my opinion in writing. Unfortunately,the culture and liberal agenda along with our children's obsession with social media, is causing our children to be more anxious and depressed than ever before leading to more drug use and even suicide. Making pornographic material easy to access should not be the job of our public library. Movies have ratings for a reason and though books don't have ratings, as a culture we need to encourage our children to guard their hearts and their minds. Thank you, Christy Hudson 714.287.3121 1 Moore, Tania From: Fikes, Cathy Sent: Tuesday, October 17, 2023 8:55 AM To: Agenda Alerts Subject: FW: Proposed Library Restrictions From:Galassi, Cecelia <cgalassi@gwc.cccd.edu> Sent: Monday,October 16, 2023 10:45 PM To:CITY COUNCIL(INCL. CMO STAFF)<city.council@surfcity-hb.org> Subject: Proposed Library Restrictions To the Huntington Beach City Council: None of you is qualified to make judgments that restrict any citizen's access to written materials. You can put "whereas" in front of your reasons and define the word obscenity, but neither of these empty technicalities justify you or your political appointees deciding what materials families allow their children to read. You obviously don't care about education, reading, or free access to information, and you should be kept farther away from children than any sex education book. In addition, if you implement these stupid rules against the recommendations of actual experts-- librarians, parents, teachers, and readers--you will lose library patronage. The support and donations of money and time will go to other local libraries,weakening a central library that has been a gem of the city for generations. Your terms as council people will be known as regressive, repressive, and fiscally irresponsible. We who live in the city are spreading word about how you all feel free to overspend OUR money on your attempts to limit our rights and futures. You can still pull this resolution. You can still decide that your plans for our library are ill conceived and unwanted. Please back away from book banning and restriction to information.No group that has done it historically has endured or been well regarded by later generations. You are making up problems that simply aren't problems. You posture as protectors of youth,but you clearly don't care about professionals who have dedicated their whole careers to education Gt children. You are hypocrites if you push forward with these changes, and people will know you for that. Cecelia Galassi, property owner and resident of Huntington Beach Get Outlook for iOS 1 Moore, Tania From: Fikes, Cathy Sent: Tuesday, October 17, 2023 8:57 AM To: Agenda Alerts Subject: FW: Books at Library From:Carole Weiner<outlook_36A7B64F5617DB02@outlook.com> Sent: Monday,October 16, 2023 11:30 PM To:CITY COUNCIL(INCL.CMO STAFF)<city.council@surfcity-hb.org> Subject: Books at Library I'd like to suggest that these kinds of books be available in a separate category for checkout to adults only. That way if a parent actually wants his/her/their child to read them,they can give the book to the child to read with the stipulation that the book will not leave the home until the parent takes it back to the library. Parents must take take time and take responsibility for their own child and not encroach upon other parents' rights to allow or disallow their own children to read material of that sort. Carole Sent from Mail for Windows 1 • Moore, Tania From: Fikes, Cathy Sent: Tuesday, October 17, 2023 8:57 AM To: Agenda Alerts Subject: FW: Comments regarding the proposed changes to book selection process at the Library for Tuesday's session From:Jen R<jenniferrichardson24@gmail.com> Sent: Monday,October 16, 2023 11:42 PM To:CITY COUNCIL(INCL. CMO STAFF)<city.council@surfcity-hb.org> Subject:Comments regarding the proposed changes to book selection process at the Library for Tuesday's session Dear Council members, Thank you for this opportunity to speak regarding the proposed changes centered around sexuality, actual and assumed LGBTQ+ content and keywords (like author names),the removal of books, and the notion that all proposed books must be approved by the City Attorney. In a word: hogwash. Two more words: book bans. Some of you may not appreciate or agree with my stance against the latter but I can assure you that limiting access to content and ideas within the confines of the Library is draconian, scaremongering, and hateful. Doing so supports homophobia, forces the death of open conversation and puts a chokehold on representation as well as equality. Please do not allow the misguided,narrow-minded, and punitive goals set forth by Gracey Van Der Mark and others like her to become our new "normal". Uphold the freedoms of expression and experience we currently enjoy. Cultivate openness instead of isolation. Thank you. Sincerely, Jennifer Richardson Santa Ana, California i Moore, Tania From: Fikes, Cathy Sent: Tuesday, October 17,2023 8:58 AM To: Agenda Alerts Subject: FW: Libraries 10/17/23 meeting From: Diane Amendola <diane@sandy-paws.com> Sent: Monday,October 16, 2023 11:56 PM To:CITY COUNCIL(INCL. CMO STAFF)<city.council@surfcity-hb.org> Subject: Libraries 10/17/23 meeting For Public Record: Dear Mayor and City Council Members, Every city library has a librarian. Cities our size hire College Educated Librarians with degrees in Library Science. I and my family prefer to have an educated librarian running our city libraries and Not a committee. What craziness is installing a new bureaucracy consisting of citizens to run our libraries. Do you have no respect for the competence of our human resource staff to hire competent Librarians? If so,we need a new City Manager who is capable of staffing our city. We don't need a City Council micromanaging our city departments. Everyone knows or should know City Appointed volunteers are campaign supporters this idea is so politically charged to be shocking. We don't need political appointees running libraries we need librarians who don't come with political agendas. Parents can monitor their children that is their job not yours and a good librarian will assure us libraries are well run. Sincerely a very concerned voter, Mary Amendola 20251 Cape Cottage Lane Huntington Beach. 92646 Get Outlook for iOS 1 Moore, Tania From: Fikes, Cathy Sent: Tuesday, October 17,2023 9:10 AM To: Agenda Alerts Subject: FW: Libraries. Books Original Message From: Marie Martin <martin.art@icloud.com> Sent:Tuesday, October 17, 2023 8:59 AM To:CITY COUNCIL(INCL.CMO STAFF)<city.council@surfcity-hb.org> Subject: Libraries. Books What happening in City Council efforts to try to control library books DOES NOT make sense and I'm against any actions that try to alter what we are able to read. I'm against most of what this council is about. I'm a 23 year resident of HB, living in SeaCliff. Stop.Just stop! Sent from my iPhone 1 Moore, Tania From: Fikes, Cathy Sent: Tuesday, October 17, 2023 9:10 AM To: Agenda Alerts Subject: FW: Reject Censorship, Reject Resolution 2023-41 From: myvoice@oneclickpolitics.com<myvoice@oneclickpolitics.com> Sent:Tuesday,October 17, 2023 9:00 AM To:CITY COUNCIL(INCL. CMO STAFF)<city.council@surfcity-hb.org> Subject: Reject Censorship, Reject Resolution 2023-41 Re: Reject Censorship, Reject Resolution 2023-41 Dear City Council, . As a resident of Huntington Beach, I am writing to ask you to vote against Resolution 2023-41,which would establish a policy to review library materials for sexual content. A parent is the person best suited to make decisions about what their child does or does not read, but the proposed ordinance would take that right away from many parents in our community by limiting what is available in the public library. It would also make the city, not parents,the ultimate arbiter on library materials. We trust our trained library staff. The library does not carry obscene materials or make them available to young readers. The policies in the ordinance are poorly defined and overly burdensome and expensive; the city will need to hire extra staff to implement and enforce them. The city may also open itself up to a costly lawsuit if the policy goes into effect and members of the community sue because they don't think their children have been protected or that their rights have been violated. The policy is both unwanted and unneeded. Please support the rights of parents and children in our community by voting against it. Thank you, Sincerely, Brandi Martinez malibubrandi@msn.com 7805 Seaglen Huntington Beach, CA 92648 Constituent Prepared by OneClickPolitics(tm)at www.oneclickpolitics.com.OneClickPolitics provides online communications tools for supporters of a cause,issue,organization or association to contact their elected officials.For more information regarding our policies and services,please contact info@oneclickpolitics.com 1 Switzer, Donna From: Joan Elliott <joaneelliott23@gmail.com> Sent: Tuesday, October 17, 2023 2:21 PM To: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Subject: Book banning To the Huntington Beach City Council, It is an outrage that members of the city council want to institute book banning!This is Hitler type behavior that my parents fought against during the World War II era! This is an attempt to take away peoples'freedoms.This is a way to put extremists in a position to dictate what is available in our libraries. Librarians are professionals.There is already a system in place if one thinks a particular book is inappropriate. I am enraged that certain members of the city council wanted to shut down three libraries and limit hours at the Central Library! This is an attempt to limit education,to limit access to information,and implement extremists' control in the city. I look forward to any opportunity for a recall election. Sincerely, Joan Elliott i Switzer, Donna From: Richard Moore <richardguy@aol.com> Sent Tuesday, October 17, 2023 2:22 PM To: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Subject: Oppose Agenda Item 20 please don't embarrass our city in front of the entire nation Richard Moore, Former HBPL Trustee (20 years) i Switzer, Donna From: Ted Ross <tedross0077@yahoo.com> Sent: Tuesday, October 17, 2023 12:25 PM To: McKeon, Casey; Burns, Pat; Strickland,Tony;Van Der Mark, Gracey Cc: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Subject: From Orange County Register- Police will launch drone program I believe it's time to look at cost savings trade study of HBPD Helicopters vs Drones to accomplish the ISR mission of HBPD. I suspect to savings$ and reduced noise would be appreciated by most citizens! Police will launch drone program https://edition.pagesuite.com/popovers/dynamic_a rticle_popover.aspx?guid=50249098-d1e5-4f11-8e2b- 0238f/b30f91&appcode=OCR108&eguid=5fd5ded4-24a0-4cd6-84f3-5c65eda629c7&pnum=14# Sent from my iPhone Ted Ross Huntington Beach resident 1 el\ Moore, Tania From: Fikes, Cathy Sent: Monday, October 16, 2023 11:03 AM To: Agenda Alerts Subject: FW:The proposed property at Warner and Bolsa Chica Original Message From: Kevin Anderson<kpanderson@socal.rr.com> Sent: Sunday, October 15, 2023 8:58 PM To: CITY COUNCIL(INCL. CMO STAFF)<city.council@surfcity-hb.org> Subject:The proposed property at Warner and Bolsa Chica But first! It's been another fabulous weekend in HB when Dan Kalmick is not the mayor!@ Co -+a Ca @ @ @ I do not support this proposal.The current majority ran on no more HDD. What part of that have you forgotten about? Additionally, I want to thank Gracey for bringing the item forward that condemns the Hamas terrorist attacks. While the leftist 3, will most likely run for the door again at the time of the vote(after all,they are Hamas supporters), I think it's important for our city to show its support of Israel IL at this time. Thank you for this Gracey! Lastly, being from the (D) party of Talib/Ilhan, we expect Atticus Natalie, Rhonda 4 votes and Kalmick to have the communist Rabai to call us all Nazi's and white supremacists. Typical. I support Israel IL and the Jewish people. Regards, Kevin P. Anderson Sent from my iPhone 1 Switzer, Donna From: Joan Elliott <joaneelliott23@gmail.com> Sent Tuesday, October 17, 2023 2:21 PM To: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Subject: Book banning To the Huntington Beach City Council, It is an outrage that members of the city council want to institute book banning!This is Hitler type behavior that my parents fought against during the World War II era! This is an attempt to take away peoples'freedoms.This is a way to put extremists in a position to dictate what is available in our libraries. Librarians are professionals.There is already a'system in place if one thinks a particular book is inappropriate. I am enraged that certain members of the city council wanted to shut down three libraries and limit hours at the Central Library! This is an attempt to limit education,to limit access to information, and implement extremists'control in the city. I look forward to any opportunity for a recall election. Sincerely, Joan Elliott i Switzer, Donna From: Richard Moore <richardguy@aol.com> Sent: Tuesday, October 17, 2023 2:22 PM To: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Subject: Oppose Agenda Item 20 please don't embarrass our city in front of the entire nation Richard Moore, Former HBPL Trustee (20 years) 1 , Switzer, Donna From: Gloria Albeg <auntgabbi@aol.com> Sent: Tuesday, October 17, 2023 5:21 PM To: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org • Subject: Oppose Agenda Item 20 I strongly oppose Agenda item 20. Gloria Albeg Sent from my iPhone 1 Switzer, Donna From: Sonja Biele <sonjabiele@gmail.com> Sent: Tuesday, October 17, 2023 5:43 PM To: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Subject: Please oppose Item 20 Please do not pass Item 20. Huntington Beach should not be a "sensored" city. We are better than that. Sincerely Sonja Biele Sent from my iPhone i Switzer, Donna • From: Jeanne Farrens <jeannefarrens@gmail.com> Sent: Tuesday, October 17, 2023 5:45 PM To: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Subject: Book Proposal I am writing to oppose Agenda Item 20, the proposed call for the creation of a 21 member community parent/guardian review board to review "all proposed or new children's books and other material procured by the City Libraries or City Librarians that may contain sexual content before books are placed in City Libraries or facilities." Furthermore if it is decided that the books do not meet the City's community standards of acceptance, they may be "rejected." This proposal, like the others the majority Council has recently proposed, is desperately devoid of details. It has no organizing plan, no cost analysis on its implementation, and few details about how it would operate. It would simply be another creature of the Council majority as long as its composition was along 4-3 lines. It would ignore the highly qualified library science professionals who staff and advise the City in favor of biased and untrained opinion which only represents the complaints of a few, else why has there been no mass protest of current practices in the past? The idea of replacing library professionals with inexperienced members of the community is no more absurd than calling a chef to fix your plumbing. There are three main areas that need to be clarified before any vote should be taken to move the proposal forward. First, how would the board be set up? Would Council appointees be vetted or investigated for their fitness to serve? Would it take a majority vote (presumably 4-3) to approve appointments, and, if so, would this not amount to a virtual veto by the Council majority on the selections of the Council minority members? Second, how would this review board be paid for? Who would staff this review board and who would preside over it? There are dozens of operational details that have not been addressed which would affect the board's suitability to serve our community. Third, just like this majority's previous proposal to require voter ID, where is the conclusive evidence that such a board is needed? Are parents not qualified to oversee what material their children should read? It is pure local government overreach, something true conservatives have been fighting against for years. It is a continuation of the power grab that has become the beating heart of the majority four's 1 MAGA agenda. How does this meddling move not constitute censorship? How is "restricting" a book from inclusion in the library not "banning" it? In Nazi Germany the government made books "unavailable" by burning them. And on the night of May 10, 1933 as thousands of books were thrown into bonfires in Berlin, Joseph Goeggel proudly declared : "No to decadence and moral corruption ! Yes to decency and morality in family and state!" Sound familiar? As I consider this suppressive proposal, I am reminded of the famous prophetic words of the German writer Henrich Heine, whose books were among those tossed into the bonfires. "Dort, wo man Bucher verbrennt, verbrennt am Ende auch Menschen." "Where they burn books, they will also burn people." Jeanne Farrens 2 Switzer, Donna From: Kim Riley <kimberlylynriley@gmail.com> Sent: Tuesday, October 17, 2023 5:53 PM To: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org;CITY COUNCIL(INCL.CMO STAFF) Subject: Public comment for 10/17/2023 HB City council meeting HB City Council, I am writing to express opposition of passing Resolution No. 2023-41, proposed by Mayor Pro Tem Van Der Mark (agenda item#20). Books allow for individuals to think critically, consider differing viewpoints,and make well-informed decisions in our own lives. I am confident that the professional librarians at Huntington Beach Public Library can make excellent decisions about obtaining materials for and managing the existing collections. Individuals have a right to choose which books they would like to read. Thank you, Kim Riley Orange County resident of 20 years 1 Switzer, Donna From: myvoice@oneclickpolitics.com Sent: Tuesday, October 17, 2023 6:32 PM To: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Subject: Reject Censorship, Reject Resolution 2023-41 Re: Reject Censorship, Reject Resolution 2023-41 Dear Supplemental Communications, As a resident of Huntington Beach, I am writing to ask you to vote against Resolution 2023-41,which would establish a policy to review library materials for sexual content.A parent is the person best suited to make decisions about what their child does or does not read, but the proposed ordinance would take that right away from many parents in our community by limiting what is available in the public library. It would also make the city, not parents,the ultimate arbiter on library materials.We trust our trained library staff.The library does not carry obscene materials or make them available to young readers.The policies in the ordinance are poorly defined and overly burdensome and expensive;the city will need to hire extra staff to implement and enforce them.The city may also open itself up to a costly lawsuit if the policy goes into effect and members of the community sue because they don't think their children have been protected or that their rights have been violated.The policy is both unwanted and unneeded. Please support the rights of parents and children in our community by voting against it.Thank you, Sincerely, Mrs. Cecily Gates cecilygates@gmail.com Huntington beach Huntington Beach, CA 92647 Constituent Prepared by OneClickPolitics(tm)at www.oneclickpolitics.com.OneClickPolitics provides online communications tools for supporters of a cause,issue,organization or association to contact their elected officials.For more information regarding our policies and services,please contact info@oneclickpolitics.com 1 Switzer, Donna From: ddsorge@cs.com Sent Tuesday, October 17, 2023 7:40 PM To: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Subject: Oppose Agenda Item 20 Honorable Council, Book ban consideration,seriously,this isn't Nazi Germany. Let's not become the narrow self righteous,frightened by creative expression,forcing their little Karen wills to limit seeing the wide expanse of this amazing life. Let truth reign in freedom,and not manifest some ideologue's limited interpretation of truth. David Sorge, HB Stalwart citizen of the free Sent from AOL on Android 1 Switzer, Donna From: dineka ringling <dineka7@gmail.com> Sent: Tuesday, October 17, 2023 8:17 PM To: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Subject: Say No to Resolution 2023-41 Hello, I am writing to express my extreme disappointment with Resolution No.2023-41. I'm a resident of Huntington Beach and a frequent user of the library and I think it is abhorrent that the city is considering restricting access to books at the library. For one,this resolution is far too broad and can have grave implications in the future.Additionally,the committee you're proposing would create a bottleneck for getting new books into the library that is completely unneeded. I attended the city council meeting on Oct 17 and am extremely dismayed at the amount of support coming from people trying to make this a more Christian city.The constitution clearly separates church and state and Christian values should have no weight in government processes. Please reject this completely unacceptable and unnecessary resolution,as it has no standing in actual factual information and there is no danger to our children at the library. Thank you, Dineka Ringling Huntington Beach Resident 1 Switzer, Donna From: myvoice@oneclickpolitics.com Sent Tuesday, October 17, 2023 8:26 PM To: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Subject: Reject Censorship, Reject Resolution 2023-41 Re: Reject Censorship, Reject Resolution 2023-41 Dear Supplemental Communications, As a resident of Huntington Beach, I am writing to ask you to vote against Resolution 2023-41,which would establish a policy to review library materials for sexual content.A parent is the person best suited to make decisions about what their child does or does not read, but the proposed ordinance would take that right away from many parents in our community by limiting what is available in the public library. It would also make the city, not parents,the ultimate arbiter on library materials.We trust our trained library staff.The library does not carry obscene materials or make them available to young readers.The policies in the ordinance are poorly defined and overly burdensome and expensive;the city will need to hire extra staff to implement and enforce them.The city may also open itself up to a costly lawsuit if the policy goes into effect and members of the community sue because they don't think their children have been protected or that their rights have been violated.The policy is both unwanted and unneeded. Please support the rights of parents and children in our community by voting against it.Thank you, Sincerely, Amber Cambria amberbaur@me.com 7811 Ellis Ave Apt 2 Huntington Beach, CA 92648 Constituent Prepared by OneClickPolitics(tm)at www.oneclickpolitics.com.OneClickPolitics provides online communications tools for supporters of a cause,issue,organization or association to contact their elected officials.For more information regarding our policies and services,please contact info@oneclickpolitics.com 1 Switzer, Donna From: myvoice@oneclickpolitics.com Sent: Tuesday, October 17, 2023 9:17 PM To: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Subject: Reject Censorship, Reject Resolution 2023-41 Re: Reject Censorship, Reject Resolution 2023-41 Dear Supplemental Communications, As a resident of Huntington Beach, I am writing to ask you to vote against Resolution 2023-41,which would establish a policy to review library materials for sexual content.A parent is the person best suited to make decisions about what their child does or does not read, but the proposed ordinance would take that right away from many parents in our community by limiting what is available in the public library. It would also make the city, not parents,the ultimate arbiter on library materials.We trust our trained library staff.The library does not carry obscene materials or make them available to young readers.The policies in the ordinance are poorly defined and overly burdensome and expensive;the city will need to hire extra staff to implement and enforce them.The city may also open itself up to a costly lawsuit if the policy goes into effect and members of the community sue because they don't think their children have been protected or that their rights have been violated.The policy is both unwanted and unneeded. Please support the rights of parents and children in our community by voting against it.Thank you, Sincerely, Ms.Terry Ching tching4th@yahoo.com 5901 Kenbrook Drive Huntington Beach,CA 92648 Constituent Prepared by OneClickPolitics(tm)at www.oneclickpolitics.com.OneClickPolitics provides online communications tools for supporters of a cause,issue,organization or association to contact their elected officials.For more information regarding our policies and services,please contact info@oneclickpolitics.com 1 Switzer, Donna From: myvoice@oneclickpolitics.com Sent: Tuesday, October 17, 2023 10:05 PM To: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Subject: Reject Censorship, Reject Resolution 2023-41 Re: Reject Censorship, Reject Resolution 2023-41 Dear Supplemental Communications, As a resident of Huntington Beach, I am writing to ask you to vote against Resolution 2023-41,which would establish a policy to review library materials for sexual content.A parent is the person best suited to make decisions about what their child does or does not read, but the proposed ordinance would take that right away from many parents in our community by limiting what is available in the public library. It would also make the city, not parents,the ultimate arbiter on library materials.We trust our trained library staff.The library does not carry obscene materials or make them available to young readers.The policies in the ordinance are poorly defined and overly burdensome and expensive;the city will need to hire extra staff to implement and enforce them.The city may also open itself up to a costly lawsuit if the policy goes into effect and members of the community sue because they don't think their children have been protected or that their rights have been violated.The policy is both unwanted and unneeded. Please support the rights of parents and children in our community by voting against it.Thank you, Sincerely, Ms. Helen Magpayo bruingirl99@hotmail.com 20351 Brentstone Ln Huntington Beach, CA 92646 Constituent Prepared by OneClickPolitics(tm)at www.oneclickpolitics.com.OneClickPolitics provides online communications tools for supporters of a cause,issue,organization or association to contact their elected officials.For more information regarding our policies and services,please contact info@oneclickpolitics.com 1 Switzer, Donna From: myvoice@oneclickpolitics.com Sent: Tuesday, October 17,2023 10:22 PM To: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Subject: Reject Censorship, Reject Resolution 2023-41 Re: Reject Censorship, Reject Resolution 2023-41 Dear Supplemental Communications, As a resident of Huntington Beach, I am writing to ask you to vote against Resolution 2023-41,which would establish a policy to review library materials for sexual content.A parent is the person best suited to make decisions about what their child does or does not read, but the proposed ordinance would take that right away from many parents in our community by limiting what is available in the public library. It would also make the city, not parents,the ultimate arbiter on library materials.We trust our trained library staff.The library does not carry obscene materials or make them available to young readers.The policies in the ordinance are poorly defined and overly burdensome and expensive;the city will need to hire extra staff to implement and enforce them.The city may also open itself up to a costly lawsuit if the policy goes into effect and members of the community sue because they don't think their children have been protected or that their rights have been violated.The policy is both unwanted and unneeded. Please support the rights of parents and children in our community by voting against it.Thank you, Sincerely, Ms.Shauna Costa • scosta@hbuhsd.edu 9736 Bluereef Dr Huntington Beach, CA 92646 Constituent Prepared by OneClickPolitics(tm)at www.oneclickpolitics.com.OneClickPoiitics provides online communications tools for supporters of a cause,issue,organization or association to contact their elected officials.For more information regarding our policies and services,please contact info@oneclickpolitics.com 1 Switzer, Donna From: Jasmine Stoelting <stoeltingjasmine@gmail.com> Sent: Tuesday, October 17, 2023 11:06 PM To: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Subject: Vote Yes on Resolution 20 Hello Huntington Beach City Council, Thank you for your bravery and heart for protecting our children by proposing this bill. Please ignore those saying this is a silly and pointless resolution.What you are trying to do will have many against it,even though it's the right thing to do. These people are speaking without knowing, as ones who are blind to the true damage that these explicit types of books have on youth.As a child that was badly affected by pornograpic literature I am in full support of this resolution. Please vote this in for the sake of the innocent minds of our children. Ignore the other voices who don't understand what they are saying.Vote for righteousness. Minors should not have access to books with sexual content. Thank you. May the Lord bless you. Blessings,Jasmine Stoelting, RDN 1 Switzer, Donna From: myvoice@oneclickpolitics.com Sent: Wednesday, October 18, 2023 8:26 AM To: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Subject: Reject Censorship, Reject Resolution 2023-41 Re: Reject Censorship, Reject Resolution 2023-41 Dear Supplemental Communications, As a resident of Huntington Beach, I am writing to ask you to vote against Resolution 2023-41,which would establish a policy to review library materials for sexual content.A parent is the person best suited to make decisions about what their child does or does not read, but the proposed ordinance would take that right away from many parents in our community by limiting what is available in the public library. It would also make the city, not parents,the ultimate arbiter on library materials.We trust our trained library staff.The library does not carry obscene materials or make them available to young readers.The policies in the ordinance are poorly defined and overly burdensome and expensive;the city will need to hire extra staff to implement and enforce them.The city may also open itself up to a costly lawsuit if the policy goes into effect and members of the community sue because they don't think their children have been protected or that their rights have been violated.The policy is both unwanted and unneeded. Please support the rights of parents and children in our community by voting against it.Thank you, Sincerely, Miss Mayra Corona mayracorona85@gmail.com 8481 Lomond Drive Huntington beach,CA 92646 Prepared by OneClickPolitics(tm)at www.oneclickpolitics.com.OneClickPolitics provides online communications tools for supporters of a cause,issue,organization or association to contact their elected officials.For more information regarding our policies and services,please contact info@oneclickpolitics.com 1 Switzer, Donna From: myvoice@oneclickpolitics.com Sent: Wednesday, October 18, 2023 8:29 AM To: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Subject: Reject Censorship, Reject Resolution 2023-41 Re: Reject Censorship, Reject Resolution 2023-41 Dear Supplemental Communications, As a resident of Huntington Beach, I am writing to ask you to vote against Resolution 2023-41,which would establish a policy to review library materials for sexual content.A parent is the person best suited to make decisions about what their child does or does not read, but the proposed ordinance would take that right away from many parents in our community by limiting what is available in the public library. It would also make the city, not parents,the ultimate arbiter on library materials.We trust our trained library staff.The library does not carry obscene materials or make them available to young readers.The policies in the ordinance are poorly defined and overly burdensome and expensive;the city will need to hire extra staff to implement and enforce them.The city may also open itself up to a costly lawsuit if the policy goes into effect and members of the community sue because they don't think their children have been protected or that their rights have been violated.The policy is both unwanted and unneeded. Please support the rights of parents and children in our community by voting against it.Thank you, Sincerely, Mrs. Nicole Ault nicoleeault@gmail.com 20192 Peach Ln Huntington Beach,CA 92646 Constituent Prepared by OneClickPolitics(tm)at www.onecllckpolitics.com.OneClickPolitics provides online communications tools for supporters of a cause,issue,organization or association to contact their elected officials.For more information regarding our policies and services,please contact info@oneclickpolitics.com 1 Switzer, Donna From: Leslie Silkenson <Isilk1 @verizon.net> Sent: Wednesday, October 18, 2023 8:37 AM To: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Subject: Oppose Agenda Item 20 I oppose any book ban on all books. 1 Switzer, Donna From: BETHANY WEBB <bethwebb711@msn.com> Sent: Tuesday, October 17, 2023 9:03 AM To: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Subject: NO on 19 &20 I am reaching out to ask you to vote NO on items 19& 20 In Solidarity Bethany Webb Bethwebb711@msn.com i Switzer, Donna From: Betty Disney <disney.betty@gmail.com> Sent: Tuesday, October 17, 2023 9:04 AM To: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Subject: NO on book bans! I OPPOSE Agenda item 20 Adoption of Resolution No.2023-41. I believe all individuals have the right to choose what books they read and what their family reads. Betty Disney 1 Switzer, Donna From: H Meyers <hmeybsan@gmail.com> Sent: Tuesday, October 17, 2023 9:04 AM To: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Subject: City Council meeting 10/17/23 I am strongly opposed to the proposed city charter amendment; including the unnecessarily expensive proposal to rush them on to the March 2024 primary election ballot.At the very least, these proposals should be put on the November general election to save taxpayer money.The proposed charter amendments are an assault on democracy, completely unnecessary, may be illegal (opening the city up to multiple law suits), and would create expensive new city responsibilities for which it is completely unprepared.The OC Registrar of Voters does an excellent job of running fair elections. I also vehemently oppose the proposal regarding so-called "sexual content" in city library books.There are already procedures in place for selecting and protesting particular books;there is no need to change the procedures.A review board of political appointees working with vague definitions is an assault on our liberties and those of children to read and learn. Imposing a narrow set of beliefs on all of our community is not acceptable. Parents who object to their children reading certain books can accompany their children to the library without inconveniencing other parents. Hildy Meyers Huntington Beach i Switzer, Donna From: Gerry de Boer <brengerry@gmail.com> Sent: Tuesday, October 17, 2023 9:11 AM To: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Subject: Book Banning As a resident of Huntington Beach, as well as a citizen of this country, I am vehemently opposed to the city council's action regarding book banning in our Libraries. It is one of the most absurd ideas I have yet to hear of,especially in this day and age. I cannot help but think of idiots throughout history burning books,as they did not agree with freedom of the press or rights as an individual to make his or her decision as to what is or is not appropriate. Our city council members should be concerned about important city issues, not what or is not appropriate reading for citizens! I cannot believe that in this day and age,you are stepping back into an era of ignorance. Gerry de Boer 1 Switzer, Donna From: Sheila Holland <sheilaholland714@icloud.com> Sent: Tuesday, October 17, 2023 9:55 AM To: CITY COUNCIL (INCL. CMO STAFF);supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org;Van Der Mark, Gracey Subject: Book Banning I have just discovered the Huntington Beach City Council, led by Mayor Pro Tern Gracey Van Der Mark, plans to establish a citizen committee to ban books at the Huntington Beach Libraries. Not only are you doing this, but you plan to have a so-called "study committee" immediately followed by a Council vote. To jam through such a resolution does not allow time for the citizens of Huntington Beach to react. This is a harmful move to push through a far-right Christian Nationalist Agenda on our libraries. I am appalled. I say Christian Nationalism because this sect denies systemic racism and the rights of LGBTQ+ people and has a twisted take on science issues. It opposes the basic Constitutional premise of separation of church and state. So far, I have not seen one scrap of evidence about what Van Der Mark considers sexually offensive. Thus, the Council is again solving a non-existent problem. Show us in a presentation, exactly what books and what words or pictures you are referring to. Under the wording of the resolution, you could ban teaching basic anatomy to high school students. This is ludicrous and a return to the Dark Ages. Who selects the committee members? How do their decisions get appealed and overturn? This new Council majority has become a tyranny that needs to be stopped. Sheila Holland 25+ year resident 17637 Brittany In Huntington Beach 92647 Sent from my iPhone 1 Switzer, Donna From: Al Arvizu <aarvizu@socal.rr.com> Sent: Tuesday, October 17, 2023 9:56 AM To: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Subject: Oppose Agenda Item 20 My name is Al Arvizu and I'm a 49 year resident of Huntington Beach. My family has been very fortunate to have our beautiful Central Park library open just at the same time we moved here and walking distance from our home. I am writing to express my deepest opposition to Agenda Item 20, now known throughout our city as the book banning agenda. We already have a built in protection feature for keeping pornographic material from our children. It's called parenting. Claims by one of our city council members that the children's section is rife with pornographic materials is fascist speak to say the least. I am reminded of a quote by Sean Connery in one of his great movies. "If you jack booted morons would read books instead of burning them,you would be better off". 1 Switzer, Donna From: Betty Martin <betty.martin141 @yahoo.com> Sent: Tuesday, October 17, 2023 10:15 AM To: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Subject: In Favor of Agenda Item 20 We are proud of our City Council in limiting access by our children to pornographic library material. Do not let the group "Friends of the Library"deter you. Not all members agree with their position We are proud to call Huntington Beach our home city. Betty Martin Sent from Yahoo Mail for iPhone 1 Switzer, Donna From: Toni Smalley <tones4u@hotmail.com> Sent: Tuesday, October 17, 2023 10:26 AM To: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Subject: Oppose Agenda Item 20 Totally against the city council controlling books at the library or anywhere. It is up to parents to monitor what their kids read. Sent from my Verizon,Samsung Galaxy smartphone 1 Switzer, Donna From: Marcia Takacs <marciatakacs@me.com> Sent: Tuesday, October 17, 2023 10:30 AM To: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Subject: Resolution 2023-41 I am Marcia Takacs a 48 year residence of Huntington Beach. I oppose the resolution on the banning of books and libraries, and in schools.We live in a nation that gives us free speech.You were taking away that right. This makes Huntington Beach look more like Nazi Germany with the burning of the books. Sent from my iPhone 1 Switzer, Donna From: myvoice@oneclickpolitics.com Sent: Tuesday, October 17, 2023 10:46 AM To: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Subject: Reject Censorship, Reject Resolution 2023-41 Re: Reject Censorship, Reject Resolution 2023-41 Dear Supplemental Communications, As a resident of Huntington Beach, I am writing to ask you to vote against Resolution 2023-41,which would establish a policy to review library materials for sexual content.A parent is the person best suited to make decisions about what their child does or does not read, but the proposed ordinance would take that right away from many parents in our community by limiting what is available in the public library. It would also make the city, not parents,the ultimate arbiter on library materials.We trust our trained library staff.The library does not carry obscene materials or make them available to young readers.The policies in the ordinance are poorly defined and overly burdensome and expensive;the city will need to hire extra staff to implement and enforce them.The city may also open itself up to a costly lawsuit if the policy goes into effect and members of the community sue because they don't think their children have been protected or that their rights have been violated.The policy is both unwanted and unneeded. Please support the rights of parents and children in our community by voting against it.Thank you, Sincerely, Dr. E Dimario rico_dimario@yahoo.com 18752 Roxbury Huntington Beach, CA 92648 Constituent Prepared by OneClickPolitics(tm)at www.oneclickpolitics.com.OneClickPolitics provides online communications tools for supporters of a cause,issue,organization or association to contact their elected officials.For more information regarding our policies and services,please contact info@oneclickpolitics.com 1 Switzer, Donna From: myvoice@oneclickpolitics.com Sent: Tuesday, October 17, 2023 10:50 AM To: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Subject: Reject Censorship, Reject Resolution 2023-41 Re: Reject Censorship, Reject Resolution 2023-41 Dear Supplemental Communications, As a resident of Huntington Beach, I am writing to ask you to vote against Resolution 2023-41,which would establish a policy to review library materials for sexual content.A parent is the person best suited to make decisions about what their child does or does not read, but the proposed ordinance would take that right away from many parents in our community by limiting what is available in the public library. It would also make the city, not parents,the ultimate arbiter on library materials.We trust our trained library staff.The library does not carry obscene materials or make them available to young readers.The policies in the ordinance are poorly defined and overly burdensome and expensive;the city will need to hire extra staff to implement and enforce them.The city may also open itself up to a costly lawsuit if the policy goes into effect and members of the community sue because they don't think their children have been protected or that their rights have been violated.The policy is both unwanted and unneeded. Please support the rights of parents and children in our community by voting against it.ONLY NAZI'S AND FACISTS BAN BOOKS!!Thank you, Sincerely, Aaron Marquez aaronmarquez7474@gmail.com 125 16th St Huntington Beach, CA 92648 Constituent Prepared by OneClickPolitics(tm)at www.oneclickpolitics.com.OneClickPolitics provides online communications tools for supporters of a cause,issue,organization or association to contact their elected officials.For more information regarding our policies and services,please contact info@oneclickpolitics.com • Switzer, Donna From: Jo Ann Arvizu <ochuddle0l @gmail.com> Sent: Tuesday, October 17, 2023 10:50 AM To: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Subject: Resolution 2023-41 To All City Council Members My name is Jo Ann Arvizu,49 year Huntington Beach Resident I oppose Agenda Item 20 Resolution 2023-341 Individuals have the right to decide what books they choose to read for themselves and as parents for their families. No Individual or government appointed committee has a right to decide what I and my family are allowed to read. I know the new part of City Council has their own agenda, which does not encompass the betterment of all residents of Huntington Beach. First They Came by Pastor Martin Niemoller First they came for the Communists And I did not speak out Because I was not a Communist Then they came for the Socialists And I did not speak out Because I was not a Socialist Then they came for the trade unionists And I did not speak out Because I was not a trade unionist Then they came for the Jews And I did not speak out Because I was not a Jew Then they came for me And there was no one left To speak out for me The HB Citizens are watching and will continue to speak out. 1 Switzer, Donna From: Lorraine Crawford <lorcrawford@verizon.net> Sent: Tuesday, October 17, 2023 10:58 AM To: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Subject: Trust the librarians! Dear Gracey, Please don't waste any more time and resources creating an unnecessary committee to review our library books. Let's trust our professional librarians continue the great job they are doing, including keeping actual legally-defined pornography out of the library. Don't create a problem when there isn't one. Thank you very much! Sincerely, Lorraine June Crawford 949-838-7824 Follow Crawford Marketing on Facebook @HBSnowflower on TripAdvisor.com 1 Switzer, Donna From: Charlene Vejr <charlenevejr@yahoo.com> Sent: Tuesday, October 17, 2023 11:12 AM To: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Subject: Oppose Agenda Item 20 The 4 members of the city council: Gracey, Tony, Casey & Pat, are acting in a "Hitler-like" manner that shows them to be true fascists. They are to be feared and held to a higher level of oversight to protect all of Huntington Beach. Remember how this worked out for Germany and the millions of jews who lost their lives. We are being seen as a city of hate and discrimination and will prevent this city from acquiring future public organizations from being willing to hold events which brings in much needed income. This income is needed to offset the millions of dollars we are losing by allowing the city attorney to act on our behalf. Follow the money! Have a Blessed Day! When we take our eyes off ourselves and our broken stories to minister to others, we get to see what we are created to do. Laura Story Char 1 Switzer, Donna From: Lenora DeMars <lenora.wellness.designed@gmail.com> Sent: Tuesday, October 17, 2023 11:14 AM To: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Subject: Recataloging library books Hello, I am a resident of Huntington Beach, I've lived here for the last 13 years and have two kids going to public school in H.B. I am reaching out to Huntington Beach City Council members to convey my thoughts regarding re-cataloging library materials or banning books. I am 100%against removing any books from the library.The removal of books is Government overreach and must not happen in today's society. Managing what our kids can or cannot read is the responsibility of parents,.not city officials or a committee assembled by council members. A book can help kids understand many things.Some topics may be uncomfortable to some but eye-opening for others. I recently heard a story about a young girl who was a part of a close, loving family.At the age of 10, her dad passed away, and her neighbor became involved with helping the family.Sadly, she was being sexually abused by her neighbor. She was unaware that it was not okay for the neighbor to do what he was doing. Not long after this happened,she found a book that helped inform her that this behavior with adults was not okay.At that point,she had the words and some wisdom to speak to her family about it. She was fortunate to have had access to the book that helped to inform her.The book she read would most likely not pass by our city council member standards. To think that any child does not have access to learn about real-life things that can happen and empower them is a shame. Please reconsider and do the right thing. Parents should have the right to help guide our kids, not our city council members. Thank You, Lenora • Switzer, Donna From: Al Arvizu <aarvizu@socal.rr.com> Sent: Tuesday, October 17, 2023 11:33 AM To: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Subject: Resolution 2023-41 My name is Al Arvizu. I am a 49 year resident of Huntington Beach. I am writing in opposition to Resolution 2023-41 known throughout our city as the book banning resolution. My family has been fortunate and proud to have our beautiful Central Park library which opened just about the same time we moved here within walking distance to the library. We already have a built in time and tested censuring policy on pornography where children are concernd and it's called parenting. The council member who claimed that the children's section of the library is rife with pornography can only be described as fascist speak to say the least. It reminds me of a quote by the great actor Sean Connery in one of his movies, "If you jackbooted morons would read books instead of burning them,you'd be better off". 1 Switzer, Donna From: Carol Colodny <nanacolodny@gmail.com> Sent: Tuesday, October 17, 2023 11:49 AM To: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Subject: Oppose Agenda Item 20 I oppose all book bans at the library. Carol Colodny 8655 Fallbrook Cir HB 92647 Sent from my iPad 1 Switzer, Donna From: Fikes, Cathy Sent: Tuesday, October 17, 2023 9:10 AM To: Agenda Alerts Subject: FW: Libraries. Books Original Message From: Marie Martin<martin.art@icloud.com> Sent:Tuesday, October 17,2023 8:59 AM To: CITY COUNCIL(INCL.CMO STAFF)<city.council@surfcity-hb.org> Subject: Libraries. Books What happening in City Council efforts to try to control library books DOES NOT make sense and I'm against any actions that try to alter what we are able to read. I'm against most of what this council is about. I'm a 23 year resident of HB, living in SeaCliff. Stop.Just stop! Sent from my iPhone 1 Switzer, Donna From: Fikes, Cathy Sent: Tuesday, October 17, 2023 9:10 AM To: Agenda Alerts Subject: FW: Reject Censorship, Reject Resolution 2023-41 From: myvoice@oneclickpolitics.com <myvoice@oneclickpolitics.com> Sent:Tuesday,October 17,2023 9:00 AM To:CITY COUNCIL(INCL. CMO STAFF)<city.council@surfcity-hb.org> Subject: Reject Censorship, Reject Resolution 2023-41 Re: Reject Censorship,Reject Resolution 2023-41 Dear City Council, As a resident of Huntington Beach, I am writing to ask you to vote against Resolution 2023-41,which would establish a policy to review library materials for sexual content. A parent is the person best suited to make decisions about what their child does or does not read,but the proposed ordinance would take that right away from many parents in our community by limiting what is available in the public library. It would also make the city, not parents, the ultimate arbiter on library materials. We trust our trained library staff. The library does not carry obscene materials or make them available to young readers. The policies in the ordinance are poorly defined and overly burdensome and expensive; the city will need to hire extra staff to implement and enforce them. The city may also open itself up to a costly lawsuit if the policy goes into effect and members of the community sue because they don't think their children have been protected or that their rights have been violated. The policy is both unwanted and unneeded. Please support the rights of parents and children in our community by voting against it. Thank you, Sincerely, Brandi Martinez malibubrandi@msn.com 7805 Seaglen Huntington Beach, CA 92648 Constituent Prepared by OneClickPolitics(tm)at www.oneclickpolitics.com.OneClickPolitics provides online communications tools for supporters of a cause,issue,organization or association to contact their elected officials.For more information regarding our policies and services,please contact info0oneclickpolitics.com 1 Switzer, Donna From: Fikes, Cathy Sent: Tuesday, October 17, 2023 9:11 AM To: Agenda Alerts Subject: FW: City Council meeting 10/17/23 Original Message From: H Meyers<hmeybsan@gmail.com> Sent: Tuesday, October 17, 2023 9:05 AM To: CITY COUNCIL(INCL. CMO STAFF) <city.council@surfcity-hb.org> Subject: City Council meeting 10/17/23 I am strongly opposed to the proposed city charter amendments, including the unnecessarily expensive proposal to rush them on to the March 2024 primary election ballot. At the very least, these proposals should be put on the November general election to save taxpayer money. The proposed charter amendments are an assault on democracy, completely unnecessary, may be illegal (opening the city up to multiple law suits), and would create expensive new city responsibilities for which it is completely unprepared. The OC Registrar of Voters does an excellent job of running fair elections. I also vehemently oppose the proposal regarding so-called "sexual content" in city library books.There are already procedures in place for selecting and protesting particular books; there is no need to change the procedures. A review board of political appointees working with vague definitions is an assault on our liberties and those of children to read and learn. Imposing a narrow set of beliefs on all of our community is not acceptable. Parents who object to their children reading certain books can accompany their children to the library without inconveniencing other parents. Hildy Meyers Huntington Beach 1 Switzer, Donna From: Fikes, Cathy Sent: Tuesday, October 17, 2023 9:55 AM To: Agenda Alerts Subject: FW: comments on meeting tonight Original Message From: Monika Calef<mcalef@soka.edu> Sent: Tuesday, October 17, 2023 9:25 AM To: CITY COUNCIL(INCL. CMO STAFF) <city.council@surfcity-hb.org> Subject: comments on meeting tonight Dear HB City Council, I once again urge you to NOT waste all that money on an unnecessary special election. Why this urgency? If reforms are needed, let's please wait until the next regularly schedule election and hold a referendum for a fraction of the price. I am also vehemently opposed to this effort at book banning and library oversight. I spend a lot of time at the HB library and know the librarians. I used to take my kids there when they were little. I have complete faith into the competence and care of the librarians to only select appropriate books for their library shelves. Also, as has been pointed out, the library buys thousands of new books every year, so unless these committee members would spend a massive amount of time reviewing books, this extra level of scrutiny would simply lead to a stop in book purchases.That cannot possibly be what any community member wants.The library is busy all hours of the day and week and an important resource for HB residents. Let's please continue with business as usual instead of implementing all these drastic changes. Sincerely, Monika Calef Switzer, Donna From: Fikes, Cathy Sent: Tuesday, October 17, 2023 9:55 AM To: Agenda Alerts Subject: FW: Book Banning Original Message From: Laura Julyne<pcwatch2@gmail.com> Sent:Tuesday,October 17,2023 9:27 AM To: CITY COUNCIL(INCL.CMO STAFF)<city.council@surfcity-hb.org> Subject: Book Banning I am completely opposed to the banning of books. The books in the library have been vetted by educated and credentialed employees. Allowing the City Council and City Attorney to review banned books is just another waste of this city's tax money. It will create billable hours for nothing but his wealth. I trust the librarians and want the determination made by them. Sincerely, Laura Lara Huntington Beach • • Switzer, Donna From: Fikes, Cathy Sent: Tuesday, October 17, 2023 9:55 AM To: Agenda Alerts Subject: FW:Voting this week on Resolution 23-41 Importance: High From: Gary Tarkington<garytarkington@msn.com> Sent:Tuesday, October 17,2023 9:29 AM To:CITY COUNCIL(INCL.CMO STAFF)<city.council@surfcity-hb.org> Subject:Voting this week on Resolution 23-41 Importance: High Hello. My name is Ann Tarkington,and I am a long time Huntington Beach resident. I am asking from the bottom of my heart for all of you to spare our children from the darkness that certain people, and groups are trying to instill in our children's lives with the discusting books that they believe is okay for kids. It is not okay,and if they decide that that is what their kids should indulge in,them let them purchase the filfth for themselves. PLEASE VOTE NO ON 23-41! Thank you, Ann Tarkington Huntington Beach Sent from Mail for Windows 1 Switzer, Donna From: Fikes, Cathy Sent: Tuesday, October 17, 2023 9:56 AM To: Agenda Alerts Subject: FW: Library From: Dylan Driver<driverdylan8@gmail.com> Sent:Tuesday, October 17,2023 9:45 AM To:CITY COUNCIL(INCL.CMO STAFF)<city.council@surfcity-hb.org> Subject: Library The world is unpredictable these days. Kids need to feel safe whether it be at home or at school or in their own neighborhood. The library should also be safe for them. Books containing graphic sexual content and materials that are not for 18 and under should be kept out of a children's section Just as blockbuster video did And should books have a rating system like Tipper Gore proposed for music?Perhaps. Book stores exist for a reason. Like video stores. Parents can purchase whatever they want for their kids if they don't find it at the library. *****Stop allowing controversial books on gender and sexuality into a children's section in a library. Just as a video store would do. I can't even imagine what kind of liability could occur as well. 1 Switzer, Donna From: Fikes, Cathy Sent: Tuesday, October 17, 2023 9:56 AM To: Agenda Alerts Subject: FW: Book Banning From:Sheila Holland <sheilaholland714@icloud.com> Sent:Tuesday,October 17,2023 9:55 AM To:CITY COUNCIL(INCL. CMO STAFF)<city.council@surfcity-hb.org>; supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org;Van Der Mark,Gracey<Gracey.VanDerMark@surfcity-hb.org> Subject: Book Banning I have just discovered the Huntington Beach City Council, led by Mayor Pro Tem Gracey Van Der Mark, plans to establish a citizen committee to ban books at the Huntington Beach Libraries. Not only are you doing this, but you plan to have a so-called "study committee" immediately followed by a Council vote. To jam through such a resolution does not allow time for the citizens of Huntington Beach to react. This is a harmful move to push through a far-right Christian Nationalist Agenda on our libraries. I am appalled. I say Christian Nationalism because this sect denies systemic racism and the rights of LGBTQ+ people and has a twisted take on science issues. It opposes the basic Constitutional premise of separation of church and state. So far, I have not seen one scrap of evidence about what Van Der Mark considers sexually offensive. Thus, the Council is again solving a non-existent problem. Show us in a presentation, exactly what books and what words or pictures you are referring to. Under the wording of the resolution, you could ban teaching basic anatomy to high school students. This is ludicrous and a return to the Dark Ages. Who selects the committee members? How do their decisions get appealed and overturn? This new Council majority has become a tyranny that needs to be stopped. Sheila Holland 25+ year resident 17637 Brittany In Huntington Beach 92647 Sent from my iPhone i Switzer, Donna From: Fikes, Cathy Sent: Tuesday, October 17, 2023 10:04 AM To: Agenda Alerts Subject: FW: Library books Original Message From:Julie Bagby<julie.bagby@gmail.com> Sent:Tuesday,October 17,2023 9:56 AM To: CITY COUNCIL(INCL.CMO STAFF)<city.council@surfcity-hb.org> Subject: Library books Are you all serious? HB does NOT need a council to approve/ban any books.Our librarians choose books and they are professionals. If you are looking to give "parents more control over what their children read"just have them BE a parent and go with their child to choose books! Simple. Personally, in this day and time, I'm happy to see a child read ANY book and much rather have them read books with sexual references than play a super realistic violent video game! Please, act sensibly and do not go down this very slippery slope of having parent committees choosing books. Julie Bagby • • • Switzer, Donna From: Fikes, Cathy Sent: Tuesday, October 17, 2023 10:04 AM To: Agenda Alerts Subject: FW: Items 23-871 and 23-869 Original Message From:Jessica Bensberg<jessicabensberg@gmail.com> Sent: Tuesday, October 17, 2023 10:00 AM To: CITY COUNCIL (INCL. CMO STAFF) <city.council@surfcity-hb.org> Subject: Items 23-871 and 23-869 I am writing to express my concern, dissatisfaction and frustration with this city council specifically relating to items 23- 871 and 23-869. I have lived in this city nearly my entire life. After college I moved back here to raise my family. I care so deeply for my community. 23-871 The library already has a working system to sort, contest, and regulate access. We are wasting valuable time and money on solving a problem that does not exist.Just look at the information provided in the study session presentation it speaks for itself. As a regular library user I know this firsthand. Our librarians are excellent and trained to procure new materials and place it in the correct section. There is now reason to create a separate committee to do a job that is already done by trained professionals. 23-869 There is absolutely no reason to enact this charter amendment. A massive waste of nearly 500k for a special election to solve a problem that does not exist. Not to mention that this will likely bring yet another lawsuit from the state, wasting more money. Listen to the community, we do not want any of this.There are real issues in our city that would benefit from your attention and money. Jessica Bensberg Huntington Beach resident for 30 years 1 Switzer, Donna From: Fikes, Cathy Sent: Tuesday, October 17, 2023 11:02 AM To: Agenda Alerts Subject: FW: Interfering with the Library From: RON ULRICH <fiberron@aol.com> Sent:Tuesday, October 17, 2023 10:20 AM To: CITY COUNCIL(INCL. CMO STAFF) <city.council@surfcity-hb.org> Cc: Ulrich Ron <fiberron@aol.com> Subject: Interfering with the Library I do not agree with Gracey Van Der Marks effort to establish a "public commission" to oversee the library and the books offered. I am sure if I dug deep enough, I could find some "dirty books". It is not the responsibility of the City Council to oversee the libraries process of selecting and displaying books to adults and children. There are state standards for the display of books and parents should be involved in their children's reading habits and aware of what their child's interests. This is not for a non-library, City Council created board to get involved in. This is a bit of Big Brother as far as I am concerned. Not a very traditionally Republican position. Another BAD IDEA from the mysterious "a lot of people". Please do not pursue this effort. Ron Ulrich Huntington Beach Switzer, Donna From: Fikes, Cathy Sent: Tuesday, October 17, 2023 10:09 AM To: Agenda Alerts Subject: FW: No on Agenda Item 2- - Resolution 2023-41 From:Craig Henson<craighenson7@gmail.com> Sent:Tuesday, October 17,2023 10:07 AM To:CITY COUNCIL(INCL.CMO STAFF)<city.council@surfcity-hb.org> Subject: No on Agenda Item 2-- Resolution 2023-41 As a longtime resident and homeowner in Huntington Beach, I strongly advise you NOT to adopt Resolution 2023-41. Keep libraries free from political oppression. Craig C. Henson 6041 Priscilla Drive Huntington Beach CA 92647 714.222.3275 CraigHenson70gmail.com i Switzer, Donna From: Fikes, Cathy Sent Tuesday, October 17, 2023 11:02 AM To: Agenda Alerts Subject: FW:City Council Meeting From: Lisa Angela Gibilie<qidancer@yahoo.com> Sent:Tuesday,October 17, 2023 10:20 AM To:CITY COUNCIL(INCL.CMO STAFF)<city.council@surfcity-hb.org> Subject:City Council Meeting I have a number of concerns, I will focus on two, the city takeover of our elections and having the public library function as it always has. Neither is broken and in need of fixing. As for elections, the 15th Amendment was to protect the right of voters from intimidation at the polls. The price of the elections will be more than you anticipate and you may well need additional funds for re-counts and audits. Who will secure the ballot boxes and voting machines in people's garages? Do you realize that a number of Republican State parties went broke auditing safe and fair elections, finding no improprieties? California has a Voters Bill of Rights. I suggest you make sure you do not violate our right to receive absentee ballots and that voters can use any ballot box to submit their votes without intimidation. I am a legal citizen, I hardly ever show my ID, and it smacks of Old Jim Crow to ask eligible voters to do so. California and Orange County have had no issues with ballots other than when Trump supporters in Newport Beach decided to collect absentee ballots in a Trump campaign store. If people feel their rights have been violated they will use this number If you believe you have been denied any of these rights, or you are aware of any election fraud or misconduct,please call the Secretary of State's confidential toll-free Voter Hotline at(800)345-VOTE(8683). Second issue-"fixing"our libraries. Our Libraries are a wonderful resource of materials for all of us.Central Library is highly rated.This City Council has the people of this city,who likely never use the library,telling people it is filled with pornography.That the City Council thinks it is ok for them to pick three people they know to review books in the library first smacks of cronyism. How many people on the City Council and their friends are regular users of the library?I don't think anyone who is not a regular user of the library for at least 5 years is eligible to be considered.Second,you place an adult section in the library and it will only temp the children to go in there and find books they never would have know about,you are creating a problem where there is none. Books of the fine arts,movies and literature sometimes have nudity or use offensive language.They may still be considered art.Medical reference books have graphic pictures of various body parts,will some person consider them offensive or pornographic. Censorship never wins.Our Librarians have Masters Degrees,book publishers have their own in house departments to check for offensive materials. Leave our voting and our libraries alone. They were all up and running very well prior to this current City Council. How many of the City Council members regularly use our libraries? If you don't use them, you cannot judge. Thank you, 1 Lisa Gibilie When I started counting my blessings, my whole life turned around. Willie Nelson When the power of love overcomes the love of power the world will know peace. Jimi Hendrix 2 Switzer, Donna From: Fikes, Cathy Sent: Tuesday, October 17,2023 11:02 AM To: Agenda Alerts Subject: FW: Book banning, etc. From: 23.brightfuture@gmail.com <23.brightfuture@gmail.com> Sent:Tuesday, October 17, 2023 10:22 AM To: CITY COUNCIL(INCL. CMO STAFF)<city.council@surfcity-hb.org> Subject: Book banning, etc. Attn: Gracey Van Der Mark, Michael Gates, and like-minded City Council members: As a long-time HB resident, I emphatically oppose your underhanded attempts to impose your ultra- conservative, right-wing beliefs and religious fundamentalism on the residents of Huntington Beach...or anyone else. I further object to your proposed mis-use of funds (approximately $500,000) to call a Special Election to place your drastic measures on a ballot. Your Voter ID measure is clearly a form of intimidation aimed at making it difficult for some voters to cast a ballot. That is un-American and undermines the principles of our US Constitution. You represent everything the Republican Party has deteriorated into: Without ethics, honor, character and integrity. Sincerely, Patty Paul Huntington Beach i Switzer, Donna From: Fikes, Cathy Sent: Tuesday, October 17, 2023 11:02 AM To: Agenda Alerts Subject: FW: 10/17 meeting statement: REMOVE PORNOGRAPHIC BOOKS FROM OUR SCHOOL LIBRARIES From: Rebecca<rebeccajengel@yahoo.com> Sent:Tuesday, October 17, 2023 10:28 AM To:CITY COUNCIL(INCL. CMO STAFF)<city.council@surfcity-hb.org> Subject: 10/17 meeting statement: REMOVE PORNOGRAPHIC BOOKS FROM OUR SCHOOL LIBRARIES I'm a Huntington Beach resident with one child in the HBUHSD district and one who graduated. I'm going on the record to express my deep disgust with people in this community who call removing graphic pornographic novels from our school libraries"Book Banning" In reality, these books are not banned and proponents of books like Gender Queer or This Book is Gay can consume them at their leisure. They are available in the public library. They are available on Amazon. You can listen to them on Audible. The most important reason for them to be removed from school libraries is so teachers can't promote these titles to the students. A teacher's job should not include defining their students'sexuality or highlighting their own sexual preferences. These kinds of conversations should stay out of the classroom. Period. Keep porn out of schools. This isn't hard. Thank you. Rebecca • Switzer, Donna From: Fikes, Cathy Sent: Tuesday, October 17, 2023 11:03 AM To: Agenda Alerts Subject: FW: I am against the overly sexual Children's books! Original Message From:Jessica Pope<myinspireddesigns@gmail.com> Sent:Tuesday,October 17,2023 10:35 AM To: CITY COUNCIL(INCL.CMO STAFF)<city.council@surfcity-hb.org> Subject: I am against the overly sexual Children's books! As a parent and resident of Huntington Beach Ca, I appalled by the explicit sexual detail in the children's books that I am hearing I am a strong No on the matter which I hope means something. Jessica Pope Sent from my iPhone 1 Switzer, Donna From: Fikes, Cathy Sent: Tuesday, October 17, 2023 11:03 AM To: Agenda Alerts Subject: FW: Parents to participate in reviews -tonights meeting From:thomas turner jill turner<jturner76@verizon.net> Sent:Tuesday,October 17, 2023 10:44 AM To:CITY COUNCIL(INCL.CMO STAFF)<city.council@surfcity-hb.org> Subject: Parents to participate in reviews-tonights meeting To the City Council, I strongly urge you to vote in favor of having parents review library materials containing sexual content. Parents have a right and duty to protect their children from seeing sexually objectionable material in their public library. Having viewed this material myself, it is obvious it is abusive to expose children to material that grooms them for sexual activity. Please protect children by allowing parents and child sexual abuse therapists to review all material and have the right to recatalog or remove detremental material. Sincerely, Jill Turner 1 Switzer, Donna From: Fikes, Cathy Sent: Tuesday, October 17, 2023 11:03 AM To: Agenda Alerts Subject: FW: In support of Agenda Item 20; 23-879 From:Wilson Turner<turner.wilson@protonmail.com> Sent:Tuesday, October 17,2023 10:45 AM To:CITY COUNCIL(INCL.CMO STAFF)<city.council@surfcity-hb.org> Subject: Re: In support of Agenda Item 20; 23-879 I support this. Once again the marxist wing of HB's city council and their knee-jerk minions seek to pervert the truth-- and the children. I don't know what it is about leftists being desperate to expose minors to graphic sexual content, but they can do so to their own children on their own time. I don't want them exposing my children to their deviancy, and certainly not using my tax dollars. Recataloging graphic sexual content from "children" to "adult" is hardly a ban and the material in question will still be available for substandard parents to groom their own children. Wilson Turner HB Resident • Switzer, Donna From: Fikes, Cathy Sent: Tuesday,October 17, 2023 11:03 AM To: Agenda Alerts Subject: FW: Reject Censorship, Reject Resolution 2023-41 From: myvoice@oneclickpolitics.com<myvoice@oneclickpolitics.com> Sent:Tuesday, October 17,2023 10:46 AM To:CITY COUNCIL(INCL.CMO STAFF)<city.council@surfcity-hb.org> Subject: Reject Censorship, Reject Resolution 2023-41 Re: Reject Censorship, Reject Resolution 2023-41 Dear City Council, As a resident of Huntington Beach, I am writing to ask you to vote against Resolution 2023-41, which would establish a policy to review library materials for sexual content. A parent is the person best suited to make decisions about what their child does or does not read, but the proposed ordinance would take that right away from many parents in our community by limiting what is available in the public library. It would also make the city, not parents,the ultimate arbiter on library materials. We trust our trained library staff. The library does not carry obscene materials or make them available to young readers. The policies in the ordinance are poorly defined and overly burdensome and expensive; the city will need to hire extra staff to implement and enforce them. The city may also open itself up to a costly lawsuit if the policy goes into effect and members of the community sue because they don't think their children have been protected or that their rights have been violated. The policy is both unwanted and unneeded. Please support the rights of parents and children in our community by voting against it. Thank you, Sincerely, Dr. E Dimario rico dimario@yahoo.com 18752 Roxbury Huntington Beach, CA 92648 Constituent Prepared by OneClickPolitics(tm)at www.oneclickpolitics.com.OneClickPolitics provides online communications tools for supporters of a cause,issue,organization or association to contact their elected officials.For more information regarding our policies and services,please contact infononeclickpolitics.com 1 Switzer, Donna From: Fikes, Cathy Sent: Tuesday, October 17, 2023 11:03 AM To: Agenda Alerts Subject: FW: Reject Censorship, Reject Resolution 2023-41 From: myvoice@oneclickpolitics.com<myvoice@oneclickpolitics.com> Sent:Tuesday,October 17,2023 10:50 AM To:CITY COUNCIL(INCL.CMO STAFF)<city.council@surfcity-hb.org> Subject: Reject Censorship, Reject Resolution 2023-41 Re: Reject Censorship,Reject Resolution 2023-41 Dear City Council, As a resident of Huntington Beach, I am writing to ask you to vote against Resolution 2023-41,which would establish a policy to review library materials for sexual content. A parent is the person best suited to make decisions about what their child does or does not read,but the proposed ordinance would take that right away from many parents in our community by limiting what is available in the public library. It would also make the city,not parents, the ultimate arbiter on library materials. We trust our trained library staff. The library does not carry obscene materials or make them available to young readers. The policies in the ordinance are poorly defined and overly burdensome and expensive; the city will need to hire extra staff to implement and enforce them. The city may also open itself up to a costly lawsuit if the policy goes into effect and members of the community sue because they don't think their children have been protected or that their rights have been violated. The policy is both unwanted and unneeded. Please support the rights of parents and children in our community by voting against it. ONLY NAZI'S AND FACISTS BAN BOOKS!! Thank you, Sincerely, Aaron Marquez aaronmarquez7474(4mail.c om 125 16th St Huntington Beach, CA 92648 Constituent Prepared by OneClickPolitics(tm)at www.oneclickpolitics.com.OneClickPolitics provides online communications tools for supporters of a cause,issue,organization or association to contact their elected officials.For more information regarding our policies and services,please contact info@oneclickpolitics.com 1 Switzer, Donna From: Fikes, Cathy Sent: Tuesday, October 17, 2023 11:04 AM To: Agenda Alerts Subject: FW: HB resident opposing Agenda Item 20 Adoption of Resolution No 2023-41 Original Message From:Jim Ockers<ockers@ockers.net> Sent:Tuesday,October 17,2023 10:55 AM To: CITY COUNCIL(INCL. CMO STAFF)<city.council@surfcity-hb.org> Subject: HB resident opposing Agenda Item 20 Adoption of Resolution No 2023-41 Huntington Beach City Council: This is to advise you that my household in Huntington Beach is opposed to the Agenda Item 20 Adoption of Resolution No 2023-41.You should keep your radical political leanings out of our library system. If you feel your political viewpoint is threatened by the free exchange of ideas through books and reading,you might be misguided, and you should reconsider. Stand down and do not adopt this resolution. Thank you, Jim 1 Switzer, Donna From: Fikes, Cathy Sent: Tuesday, October 17, 2023 12:02 PM To: Agenda Alerts Subject: FW: Amendments 10/17/23 Original Message From:Janet Russell <janetdeanrussell@mac.com> Sent: Tuesday, October 17, 2023 11:18 AM To: CITY COUNCIL (INCL. CMO STAFF) <city.council@surfcity-hb.org> Subject: Amendments 10/17/23 We do support the amendments for library and the Voter ID. We have a wonderful library and let the librarians make the choices of what books to stock and where to place them. We do not need citizen censorship or oversight. Voter ID is a waste of money calling for a special election. Janet Russell Dean Russell 9132 Brabham Drive Huntington Beach 92646 1 Switzer, Donna From: Janet Russell <janetdeanrussell@mac.com> Sent: Tuesday, October 17, 2023 11:22 AM To: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Subject: Library Amendment We DO NOT support the library amendment. Decisions should be left to the trained and educated library staff. Janet Russell Dean Russell 9132 Brabham Drive Huntington Beach 92646 1 Switzer, Donna From: Fikes, Cathy Sent: Tuesday, October 17, 2023 12:02 PM To: Agenda Alerts Subject: FW: Notice From:Janet Russell<janetdeanrussell@me.com> Sent:Tuesday, October 17,2023 11:23 AM To:CITY COUNCIL(INCL.CMO STAFF)<city.council@surfcity-hb.org> Subject: Re: Notice Please see revised email We Do NOT SUPPORT LIBRARY AMENDMENT On Oct 17, 2023, at 11:18 AM, CITY COUNCIL (INCL. CMO STAFF) <city.council@surfcity- hb.org>wrote: Thank you for contacting the City of Huntington Beach. Your message is important to us. If your message is for public comment for a City Council meeting,we will submit the email to supplementalcomm@a,surfcity-hb.org on your behalf. The cutoff time to add public comment to the supplemental communication is 9AM the day of the meeting. Your message has been shared with all of our City Council members and associated staff, and they will reach out to you if they have further inquiries about your message. Thank you. 1 Switzer, Donna From: Fikes, Cathy Sent: Tuesday, October 17, 2023 12:03 PM To: Agenda Alerts Subject: FW: Memo regarding resolution#2023-41. From: Molly D<mollydj12@gmail.com> Sent:Tuesday,October 17,2023 12:01 PM To:CITY COUNCIL(INCL. CMO STAFF)<city.council@surfcity-hb.org> Cc: Molly D<mollydj12@gmail.com> Subject: Memo regarding resolution#2023-41. October 17,2023 Dear Huntington Beach City Council Members I am writing this letter to express my opposition to Ms. Van Der Mark's resolution#2023-41,Establishing a Policy for Childrens Library Materials Containing Sexual Content. As background, I am a 27-year resident and homeowner of Huntington Beach. My husband and I raised 2 children who routinely used library services growing up (e.g., story time,reading challenges, study rooms). I continue to borrow books from our libraries on a regular basis. In the resolution, Ms. Van Der Mark states"the city council has observed children's books containing sexual content..."however provides no evidence from the Huntington Beach(HB) community that a problem exists (e.g., number of parents of school aged children requesting removal of items; number of titles HB parents requested be removed;parent complaints that library procedures to remove or relocate books was ineffective). I am aware similar comments were raised in the previous council meeting when this topic was discussed. In addition,the library system has procedures in place to review titles when requested and will remove or relocate items as appropriate. I am aware that Ms. Van Der Mark requested the library relocate an item to a different section and staff complied with this request in a timely manner. Depending on type and extent of parent complaints I trust the library staff to evaluate additional procedures to address these complaints. I also trust parents to make appropriate decisions and guide their children in accessing proper library materials. As a taxpayer I fully support our library staff and services. I do not support the City Council spending our tax dollars on this issue. Please use your time and resources for more pressing city issues,(e.g., safety, housing) Sincerely Molly Jacobson 1 Switzer, Donna From: Iisatran@juno.com Sent Tuesday, October 17, 2023 11:52 AM To: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Subject: I am against passing Agenda Item 20- Resolution 2023-41 I am against passing Agenda Item 20- Resolution 2023-41 1 Switzer, Donna From: wipers_prairie_Ob@icloud.com Sent: Tuesday, October 17, 2023 11:53 AM To: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Subject: Banning Importance: High Banning books should NOT happen.You have many good resources that need to be available to EVERYONE! Sincerely, Dianne i Switzer, Donna From: Susan Turner <susanturnerart@gmail.com> Sent: Tuesday, October 17, 2023 11:54 AM To: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Subject: Admentments I strongly oppose putting Amendments 19 and 20 on the Primary Ballot. Susan Turner HB Resident i Switzer, Donna From: Susan Turner <susanturnerart@gmail.com> Sent: Tuesday, October 17, 2023 11:59 AM To: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Subject: Resolution 2023-41 I strongly opposed Item#20, Resolution 2023-41. Susan Turner HB Resident Sent from Mail for Windows 1 Switzer, Donna From: Marisol Saens <marisolsaens@gmail.com> Sent: Tuesday, October 17, 2023 11:59 AM To: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Subject: Resolution 2023-41 Dear esteemed council members, I am a resident of Huntington Beach,and I oppose agenda item number 20: Adoption of Resolution 20 23-41. I firmly believe that individuals have the right to choose what books they want to read themselves and for their families. It would be a shame for us to lose that freedom. Thank you for taking my view into account. Sincerely, Marisol Saens 1 Switzer, Donna From: Russell Neal <russneal@ieee.org> Sent: Tuesday, October 17, 2023 12:04 PM To: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Subject: Agenda Items 9 and 20 Pornography and obscenity are legal terms which,while instructive background,are not the issue here. The issue here is age-appropriate classification. Many non-pornographic and non-obscene materials are still not appropriate for all ages. Opinions as to what is age appropriate will vary,and a Council-appointed community review board is probably the best that can be done. The bias of this board will reflect the composition of the Council,which in turn reflects, however imperfectly,the general standards of the community. In making these determinations I would counsel a more conservative bias,since the risk of offending more conservative parents on the one hand outweighs the minor inconvenience of more liberal parents having to get questionable material for their children out of the adult section on the other hand. I commend Mayor Pro Tern Van Der Mark for her leadership on this issue in the face of irrational attacks,vilification and threats. Russell Neal Huntington Beach 1 Switzer, Donna From: Russell Neal <russneal@ieee.org> Sent: Tuesday, October 17, 2023 12:04 PM To: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Subject: Agenda Items 9 and 20 Pornography and obscenity are legal terms which,while instructive background,are not the issue here. The issue here is age-appropriate classification. Many non-pornographic and non-obscene materials are still not appropriate for all ages. Opinions as to what is age appropriate will vary,and a Council-appointed community review board is probably the best that can be done. The bias of this board will reflect the composition of the Council,which in turn reflects, however imperfectly,the general standards of the community. In making these determinations I would counsel a more conservative bias,since the risk of offending more conservative parents on the one hand outweighs the minor inconvenience of more liberal parents having to get questionable material for their children out of the adult section on the other hand. I commend Mayor Pro Tem Van Der Mark for her leadership on this issue in the face of irrational attacks,vilification and threats. Russell Neal Huntington Beach 1 Switzer, Donna From: Samantha Buckwalter <sbuckwalter7@gmail.com> Sent: Tuesday, October 17,2023 12:05 PM To: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Subject: Oppose Agenda Item 20- Resolution 2023-41 Dear City Council, I am writing this email to you to oppose passing Agenda Item 20 for the Huntington Beach PUBLIC Library.This country was founded on principles of Freedom of Speech and Freedom of Expression,and restricting and/or banning books; especially books designed for education and acceptance of oneself, is the OPPOSITE of what this country is supposed to represent.When you start by restricting books of one type,that leads to restricting more and more types...and now in states like Florida,they are banning books about MLK, Rosa Parks, Native Americans history and more....this is a slippery slope and I STRONGLY OPPOSE the city council, a group of appointed parents,or anyone else deciding what I, or my children are allowed to read or check out of our PUBLIC Library. Respectfully, -Samantha Buckwalter A resident of Huntington Beach 1 Switzer, Donna From: jkatayama@socal.rr.com Sent: Tuesday, October 17, 2023 12:15 PM To: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org;CITY COUNCIL(INCL. CMO STAFF) Cc: 'jettk@vt.edu; 'kdelawder@gmail.com'; 'miyake818@hotmail.com' Subject: We oppose book bans! We oppose book bans! No one should ever censor what anyone reads.This country was founded on freedom of choice. We have a right to decide for ourselves what we read. Books are made to be opened or closed.We put them down and walk away if it's not right for us. It's really no one else's decision. We vehemently oppose Agenda item 20-Adoption of Resolution 2023-41. Friends of the Library, Julie, Keith,Alex and Jett Katayama 7115 Ashley Dr., HB 92648 1 Switzer, Donna From: Diana A.Zook <dianazook@gmail.com> Sent: Tuesday, October 17, 2023 12:38 PM To: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Subject: No Hands off the library,this is very problematic. Parents that are ultra conservative can use their own means to shield their offspring from reality, or morality issues inherent to their beliefs. Besides 14 is the new 18 when it comes to information that they can get anywhere . This is a waste of time,funds and energy. It is not your job to police peoples minds.Think of the"morality police" in extremist politics . Not your job in the land of the FREE. Diana Zook Sent from my iPhone 1 Switzer, Donna From: Hannah Guttman <hannah_guttman@yahoo.com> Sent: Tuesday, October 17, 2023 12:40 PM To: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Subject: Agenda item 20- Resolution 2023-41 IMPORTANT Greetings, I have been informed of agenda item 20- Resolution 2023- 41, by a dear friend of mine- I am vehemently against passing this. Children and all people deserve open access to literature and materials about gender, sexuality, and lgbtq+ issues and stories. This is not something that needs to be "censored," its something that needs to be public to all. This literature saves lives. Best, Hannah Joy Guttman (707) 849- 4271 1 Switzer, Donna From: Phil Collins <philc4480@yahoo.com> Sent: Tuesday, October 17, 2023 12:41 PM To: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Subject: Oppose Agenda Item 20 I oppose banning books from our public libraries. Sent from my iPhone • Switzer, Donna From: p q <pag0424@gmail.com> Sent: Tuesday, October 17, 2023 12:52 PM To: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Subject: Library Resolution We are opposed to the library resolution. Julio and Patricia Quintana, HB residents • • Switzer, Donna From: Kelly Casanova <kelly@kellydance.com> Sent: Tuesday, October 17, 2023 12:54 PM To: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Subject: Agenda Item 20-Resolution 2023-41 To The City Council, I am against passing Agenda Item 20- Resolution 2023-41. A Public Library should provide access to literature from a variety of sources so that the public may choose which books to read rather than allowing a small select group that may have it's own personal agenda limiting choices. • Respectfully, Kelly Casanova 1 Switzer, Donna From: Andy Bouman <andybouman@yahoo.com> Sent: Tuesday, October 17, 2023 12:58 PM To: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Subject: Vote NO on Agenda Item 20 - Resolution 2023-41 Dear Huntington Beach City Council members, I am writing to ask you to vote NO on the proposal to ban books from the public library. This is the United States of America, the land of the free! The idea that anyone wants to prevent other people from reading books that they find objectionable based on their own political or religious beliefs has no place in a free country. Tell those people: "Don't read those books yourself if you don't like them. But don't try to control what other people can read." Besides, book bans never work the way their supporters think they will. I remember when I was in high school, some zealous parents tried to prevent kids in the classroom from reading a book they didn't like. It just drew more attention to that book. The local bookstore sold all their copies immediately. Every kid in the high school passed around copies of the book to their friends. Many kids read it just to see what the fuss was about. If anything, we should be encouraging more people to read. Public libraries are an essential part of a free society. Don't turn them into indoctrination centers for the least tolerant among us. Thank you! 1 Switzer, Donna From: myvoice@oneclickpolitics.com Sent: Tuesday, October 17,2023 12:59 PM To: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Subject: Reject Censorship, Reject Resolution 2023-41 Re: Reject Censorship, Reject Resolution 2023-41 Dear Supplemental Communications, As a resident of Huntington Beach, I am writing to ask you to vote against Resolution 2023-41,which would establish a policy to review library materials for sexual content.A parent is the person best suited to make decisions about what their child does or does not read, but the proposed ordinance would take that right away from many parents in our community by limiting what is available in the public library. It would also make the city, not parents,the ultimate arbiter on library materials.We trust our trained library staff.The library does not carry obscene materials or make them available to young readers.The policies in the ordinance are poorly defined and overly burdensome and expensive;the city will need to hire extra staff to implement and enforce them.The city may also open itself up to a costly lawsuit if the policy goes into effect and members of the community sue because they don't think their children have been protected or that their rights have been violated.The policy is both unwanted and unneeded. Please support the rights of parents and children in our community by voting against it.Thank you, Sincerely, Ms. Laurie Dettelback sadienbelle@msn.com 9821 Sunstar Cir Huntington Beach, CA 92646 Constituent Prepared by OneClickPolitics(tm)at www.oneclickpolitics.com.OneClickPolitics provides online communications tools for supporters of a cause,issue,organization or association to contact their elected officials.For more information regarding our policies and services,please contact Info@oneclickpolitics.com 1 Switzer, Donna From: Ann Martone <annmartone@yahoo.com> Sent: Tuesday, October 17, 2023 1:05 PM To: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Subject: Opposed to Book Bans! I just don't understand why some books are being banned. If one doesn't want to read something or have their child read it, then don't read it. Some of the book bans I have seen are ridiculous and they are using some search program that identifies key words like"gay." Erasing our history is also really disturbing. Whether we like it or are embarrassed by it or not, slavery happened. The Holocaust happened. We need to learn from our past mistakes. A small number of people who claim to be"christians,"should not be able to have control over what books we read. What happened to freedom of speech and freedom to choose? i Switzer, Donna From: J Alonso <jacquelynalonso2@gmail.com> Sent: Tuesday, October 17, 2023 12:21 PM To: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Subject: I oppose book bans I oppose book bans. Sincerely, Jacquelyn Alonso 1 Switzer, Donna From: Joel <joeljimenez@gmail.com> Sent: Tuesday, October 17, 2023 1:24 PM To: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Subject: Agenda Item 20-Resolution 2023-41 I am against passing Agenda Item 20-Resolution 2023-41.This resolution is an attempt by a group of people to act and push their beliefs onto others while diluting what makes up America. Passing this agenda would make you personally responsible for the beginning of the loss of our rights,our history and our choice.Thank you. Sent from my iPhone • Switzer, Donna From: Cecilia Castillo <ceshostudio@gmail.com> Sent: Tuesday, October 17, 2023 1:26 PM To: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org;Van Der Mark, Gracey;Strickland,Tony Subject: Uphold Our Nation's Values: Reject Agenda Item 20 Dear City Council, I am reaching out to express my strong opposition to Agenda Item 20 concerning potential book restrictions at the Huntington Beach Public Library. Our nation was built on the bedrock of Freedom of Speech and Expression.To introduce limitations or bans on literature, particularly those promoting understanding and self-acceptance is a direct contradiction to the core values we hold dear. The recent developments in states like Florida,where books on pivotal figures such as MLK, Rosa Parks,and even Native American history are facing bans, underscore the danger of this path.Once we begin to confine one genre or topic, it becomes alarmingly easy to expand that confinement,eroding our foundational freedoms. The proposed resolution risks breaching the First Amendment. Entrusting a select few with the power to determine access based on arbitrary standards is not just alarming, but unconstitutional.While individuals have every right to their personal preferences and beliefs,subjecting an entire community to a narrow perspective through governmental means is neither democratic nor just. No one should be compelled to read something against their will, but by the same token, no one should have the authority to dictate the reading choices of an entire community,especially not when it concerns our youth's access to knowledge. I urge you to consider the broader implications and reject Agenda Item 20. Our public library should remain a beacon of free thought and exploration for all. Warm regards, Respectfully,-Cecilia Castillo A resident of Huntington Beach 1 Switzer, Donna From: W Landes <ramaela22@aol.com> Sent: Tuesday, October 17, 2023 1:23 PM To: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Subject: Agenda Item 20- Resolution 2023-41 To the members of the Huntington Beach City Council I am writing to you today because I am strongly against passing Agenda Item 20-Resolution 2023-41! I am against banning any book regardless of content as it is a gross violation of mine and my children's rights.The banning of books of any nature is a slippery slope into fascism and an overreach of authority.A library should be a place of freedom and exploration. If a parent is so concerned about what their child may be exposed to then they need to be active in limiting their own child's exposure. I may disagree with their decisions but I would never take that choice away from them, but I demand that same respect in my choice to allow my children a different level of exposure. The poor excuse of protecting children from exposure to sexual content is a fantasy. I was a victim of sexual abuse and had I not had books and the freedom to explore at a library to help me through as a child, I am not sure where I would be now. I hope you will see reason and end this resolution that will cause significant harm to our children. Sincerely, R.W.J.Allen A very concerned citizen. 1 Switzer, Donna From: J Alonso <jacquelynalonso2@gmail.com> Sent: Tuesday, October 17, 2023 12:21 PM To: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Subject: I oppose book bans I oppose book bans. Sincerely, Jacquelyn Alonso • Switzer, Donna From: myvoice@oneclickpolitics.com Sent: Tuesday, October 17, 2023 1:39 PM To: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Subject: Reject Censorship, Reject Resolution 2023-41 Re: Reject Censorship, Reject Resolution 2023-41 Dear Supplemental Communications, As a resident of Huntington Beach, I am writing to ask you to vote against Resolution 2023-41,which would establish a policy to review library materials for sexual content.A parent is the person best suited to make decisions about what their child does or does not read, but the proposed ordinance would take that right away from many parents in our community by limiting what is available in the public library. It would also make the city, not parents,the ultimate arbiter on library materials.We trust our trained library staff.The library does not carry obscene materials or make them available to young readers.The policies in the ordinance are poorly defined and overly burdensome and expensive;the city will need to hire extra staff to implement and enforce them.The city may also open itself up to a costly lawsuit if the policy goes into effect and members of the community sue because they don't think their children have been protected or that their rights have been violated.The policy is both unwanted and unneeded. Please support the rights of parents and children in our community by voting against it.Thank you, Sincerely, Mr. Nickolas Bagnara nbagnara@gmail.com 7871 ellis ave. Huntington Beach, CA 92648 Constituent Prepared by OneClickPolitics(tm)at www.oneclickpolitics.com.OneClickPolitics provides online communications tools for supporters of a cause,issue,organization or association to contact their elected officials.For more information regarding our policies and services,please contact info@oneclickpolitics.com • 1 Switzer, Donna From: tracy pellman <htpellman@gmail.com> Sent: Tuesday, October 17, 2023 1:42 PM To: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Subject: Public comments I am submitting a request to speak during public comments at tonight's city city council meeting. Tracy Pellman Sent from my iPad 1 Switzer, Donna From: Lauren McKinney <laurenmcksmith@gmail.com> Sent Tuesday, October 17, 2023 1:47 PM To: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Subject: Resolution 2023-41 Do not pass agenda item 20. Book restrictions make us a less informed, dumber population. Books are also already highly reviewed by librarians,so there is no need to worry about"dangerous" content. In addition,we should be free from government control over what we choose to check out from the library. Passing this is anti-American. Do not pass agenda item 20. Lauren Orange County Resident 1 Switzer, Donna From: Diana Kupa-Moeck <diana.moeck@gmail.com> Sent: Tuesday, October 17, 2023 1:50 PM To: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Subject: Against Book Ban (Resolution 2023-41) This letter addresses the notorious four council members (Tony, Gracey, Casey, and Pat) who choose to always vote against the majority of their community, I am expressing my deep concern regarding the potential banning of books and materials at our local library. It is with great respect for our cherished values of freedom and inclusivity that I am compelled to voice my strong opposition to any such measures. Our local libraries have always been a place of knowledge, diversity, and enlightenment. It is a sanctuary where individuals from all walks of life can access information, explore different perspectives, and engage with the broader world of ideas. The library, as a symbol of democratic principles, should stand as a beacon of intellectual freedom and open-mindedness, upholding the principles enshrined in the First Amendment of the United States Constitution. I firmly believe that banning books and materials restricts the fundamental right to freedom of speech and expression, as outlined in the First Amendment. By engaging in such practices, we risk undermining the very essence of our democratic society. The library should be a space where all voices and viewpoints are welcomed, even when they may challenge conventional wisdom or norms. Additionally, implementing book bans and restricting materials can make members of our community feel unwelcome and unsafe. Libraries have traditionally been havens for the marginalized and the curious, allowing individuals to explore their interests and engage with different perspectives in an environment free from judgment or discrimination. Unjustified control and discrimination have no place in our library, which should be a beacon of fairness, openness, and intellectual growth. I hope to preserve our library as a welcoming, inclusive, and intellectually stimulating place for all residents. Thank you for your attention to this matter. I look forward to a continued commitment to the principles of freedom, inclusivity, and open-mindedness that our library has always represented. Diana 1 Switzer., Donna From: L. Marie A. <laurenmassaf@gmail.com> Sent: Tuesday, October 17, 2023 2:02 PM To: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Subject: Book Review Committee Proposal Good Afternoon, I am writing as an OC resident to express my objection to Resolution No. 2023-41 in my personal, not professional, capacity. The proposed resolution is a shocking overreach of local government and would allow a hand selected group of individuals with no clear qualifications or culpability to the electorate to make decisions impacting the readers of this city based on no enumerated standards beyond than their own personal views and beliefs.This is dangerous governance that would allow the conventions and beliefs of a select few impact the access of all to works that may have significant literary meaning or impact. If books are to be governed by the community's standards, nothing in this resolution makes sure the full community is being represented on this panel. Nothing is provided to make for meaningful debate or diverse views. No room is given for context.As presented,this is an opportunity for a small group to impact the educational opportunities of many,ay taxpayer expense of all things, and I strongly oppose it. Sincerely, Lauren Assaf 1 Switzer, Donna From: Job McKiernan <pallasjozefa@gmail.com> Sent: Tuesday, October 17, 2023 2:05 PM To: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Subject: Resolution 2023-41 Dear City Council, I urge you NOT to support Agenda Item 20-Resolution 2023-41.This resolution dangerously restricts or removes access to information for all library patrons, not just children. It also unfairly privileges the opinions of a small group of people about what information is permissible. We need people to be informed in order to build productive,supportive,and just communities.This resolution actively works against that. Please vote no on Agenda Item 20- Resolution 2023-41. Best, Joiefa McKiernan pallasiozefa@gmail.com 310-433-3869 pronouns:she, her, hers 1 Switzer, Donna From: tf26st@gmail.com Sent: Tuesday, October 17, 2023 2:37 PM To: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Subject: Resolution 2023-41 My wife, my 19 year old son and I are against book banning and we believe that government should not be allowed to dictate what books us citizens should read and what books we should not read.We believe this should be an individuals choice. Thus,we oppose agenda item 20 adoption of resolution 2023-41. Sent from my iPhone • Switzer, Donna From: Janet Chickman <jahnit@yahoo.com> Sent: Tuesday, October 17, 2023 2:39 PM To: CITY COUNCIL (INCL. CMO STAFF); supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Subject: Huntington Beach To the City Council of Huntington Beach, It will be greatly appreciated if you could clarify the following points, 1. How is it that I have been deemed, by people I have never met, that as a parent I am unable to properly raise my children? What gives a committee the decision-making power to decide what books are available to my family? What qualifications do you or they have that they know better than I do in teaching and nurturing my children in becoming productive, happy humans that are positive additions to society? If you are unable to parent or decide for yourself what is an appropriate book to read, then get help, but do not project your issues onto others. Book banning/censorship is used by hateful people trying to divide, manipulate and control others. 2. How is restricting flags flown in our city not divisive? 3. Where is the information on massive voter fraud in Huntington Beach located? This seems to be jumping on the voter suppression band wagon. Very partisan and dare I say questionable legalities. 4. Please confirm that our City Council is a partisan entity. I was under the idea that it is supposed to be non-partisan. This City Council seems very eager to bully and control its constituents. Throwing nonsense in the way of maintaining the health of our city. What a shame. Thank you for your time. I look forward to your response, Janet Chickman Huntington Beach Resident Switzer, Donna. From: Angela Vasquez <acanham723@gmail.com> Sent: Tuesday, October 17, 2023 2:45 PM To: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Subject: Agenda Item 20-Resolution 2023-41 To Whom it May Concern: I am writing to express my frustration that this resolution is even being considered.This is a clear violation of free speech and takes away resources that are needed by members of the LGBTQ+community. Please do not allow this resolution to pass. It is imperative that everyone has access to books and literature that supports their identity. Angela Vasquez 1 Switzer, Donna From: Alex Z <alexthezieg@gmail.com> Sent: Tuesday, October 17, 2023 3:04 PM To: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Subject: Agenda Item 20- Resolution 2023-41 Dear Huntington Beach City Council, My name is Alex Ziegler and I am a resident of Huntington Beach, CA. I am against Agenda Item 20- Resolution 2023-41. I find it to be an overreach of government involvement. I voted for the Huntington Beach City Council because I believed in their"small government" politics. It is outrageous that a group of city officials are limiting what information can be accessed by the public. Religious "freedom" cannot impede the rights of other citizens in your city. I am against passing Agenda Item 20- Resolution 2023-41--and I am appalled that it is even being considered. Sincerely, Alex Ziegler 1 Switzer, Donna From: Joe Dagley <jwdinhb@icloud.com> Sent: Tuesday, October 17, 2023 3:05 PM To: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Subject: Library Books Talk about government overreach. If you want to control what your kid wants to read and learn that's your choice. But please don't tell me what's appropriate for my kid.The library already has a system in place and there's been 5 complaints in 5 years.When is the next city council election?We obviously need new leadership. Sent from my iPhone 1 Switzer, Donna From: myvoice@oneclickpolitics.com Sent: Tuesday, October 17, 2023 3:09 PM To: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Subject: Reject Censorship, Reject Resolution 2023-41 Re: Reject Censorship, Reject Resolution 2023-41 Dear Supplemental Communications, As a resident of Huntington Beach, I am writing to ask you to vote against Resolution 2023-41,which would establish a policy to review library materials for sexual content.A parent is the person best suited to make decisions about what their child does or does not read, but the proposed ordinance would take that right away from many parents in our community by limiting what is available in the public library. It would also make the city, not parents,the ultimate arbiter on library materials.We trust our trained library staff.The library does not carry obscene materials or make them available to young readers.The policies in the ordinance are poorly defined and overly burdensome and expensive;the city will need to hire extra staff to implement and enforce them.The city may also open itself up to a costly lawsuit if the policy goes into effect and members of the community sue because they don't think their children have been protected or that their rights have been violated.The policy is both unwanted and unneeded. Please support the rights of parents and children in our community by voting against it.Thank you, Sincerely, Kristell Ward kristellward@gmail.com 9735 Villa Pacific Dr Huntington Beach, CA 92646 Constituent Prepared by OneClickPolitics(tm)at www.oneclickpolitics.com.OneClickPolitics provides online communications tools for supporters of a cause,issue,organization or association to contact their elected officials.For more information regarding our policies and services,please contact info@oneclickpolitics.com 1 Switzer, Donna From: myvoice@oneclickpolitics.com Sent: Tuesday, October 17, 2023 3:13 PM To: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Subject: Reject Censorship, Reject Resolution 2023-41 Re: Reject Censorship, Reject Resolution 2023-41 Dear Supplemental Communications, As a resident of Huntington Beach, I am writing to ask you to vote against Resolution 2023-41,which would establish a policy to review library materials for sexual content.A parent is the person best suited to make decisions about what their child does or does not read, but the proposed ordinance would take that right away from many parents in our community by limiting what is available in the public library.It would also make the city, not parents,the ultimate arbiter on library materials.We trust our trained library staff.The library does not carry obscene materials or make them available to young readers.The policies in the ordinance are poorly defined and overly burdensome and expensive;the city will need to hire extra staff to implement and enforce them.The city may also open itself up to a costly lawsuit if the policy goes into effect and members of the community sue because they don't think their children have been protected or that their rights have been violated.The policy is both unwanted and unneeded. Please support the rights of parents and children in our community by voting against it.Thank you, Sincerely, Donna Andrade donnakellis53@yahoo.com 21851 Newland St.Spc 153 Huntington Beach,CA 92646 Constituent Prepared by OneClickPolitics(tm)at www.oneclickpolitics.com.OneClickPolitics provides online communications tools for supporters of a cause,issue,organization or association to contact their elected officials.For more information regarding our policies and services,please contact info@oneclickpolitics.com 1 Switzer, Donna From: Patricia Petersen <pmpmm7gk@gmail.com> Sent: Tuesday, October 17, 2023 3:26 PM To: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Subject: Book Bans I oppose Book Bans 1 Switzer, Donna From: Patricia Petersen <pmpmm7gk@gmail.com> Sent: Tuesday, October 17, 2023 3:28 PM To: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Subject: Oppose Agenda Item 20 I oppose Book Bans at the HB Library 1 Switzer, Donna From: Janna Koch <jannapkoch@yahoo.com> Sent: Tuesday, October 17, 2023 3:55 PM To: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Subject: Charter Amendments and Book Bans October 17th City Council meeting October 17, 2023 Once again we are having to take the time to email the council to tell them to get on with what they are supposed to be doing! That is protecting and upgrading the city infrastructure, passing the housing element, maintaining the library at a good level of tech competancy, cleanliness , maintenance including pest control ! I . fail to see that the council needs to have any say in what books are in OUR library. I fail to see that the elected members of the council majority actually bring anything other than distrust to our city government. No on book proposals ! NO on Charter amendments on the primary ballot ! All charter amendments need to go on the general election ballot as to best represents the viewpoints of all the voters. The city council is NOT authorized to WASTE money from the city treasury for such purpose! Do not waste our money and tell us that you are cutting our services . if we actually had money to spend like that, we should be feeding members of our community who need help in this inflationary time. Janna Koch Huntington Beach jannapkoch@yahoo.com 1 Switzer, Donna From: Sokara In <sokarain89@gmail.com> Sent: Tuesday, October 17, 2023 4:02 PM To: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Subject: Email in opposition of Agenda Item 20 Adoption of Resolution No. 2023-41. Dear Huntington Beach City Council members, I hope this email finds you well. I am writing to you opposing Agenda Item 20 Adoption of Resolution No. 2023-41. Our public library is a symbol of intellectual freedom, providing diverse resources and fostering an environment where individuals can explore a multitude of perspectives, ideas, and cultures. Banning books contradicts the fundamental principles of democracy and undermines our community's commitment to education, intellectual growth, and inclusivity. Banning books limits our citizens' ability to make informed decisions and stifles the free exchange of ideas, hindering the growth of a well-informed and critical-thinking society. It is essential that we promote an open dialogue and respect for differing viewpoints, even if they challenge conventional beliefs. Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to hearing your thoughts on this matter and hope for a decision that upholds the values of intellectual freedom and democracy. Sincerely, Sokara In Valenzuela 7942 Holt Drive Apartment 4 Huntington Beach,CA 92647 1 Switzer, Donna From: Bert <bwillisl @socal.rr.com> Sent: Tuesday, October 17, 2023 4:23 PM To: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Subject: Oppose Agenda Item 20 Please do not ban any books. We do not want you to make decisions concerning what we decide t read/Dr Burton and Doris Willis i Switzer, Donna From: Lfromca1 <Ifromca1 @aol.com> Sent: Tuesday, October 17, 2023 4:40 PM To: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Subject: HB PUBLIC Library Dear City Council Members, I oppose any attempts to ban books from our public library system. Book banning is defined as prohibiting or restricting books available to the public. I believe that individuals have the right to decide what books they choose to read for themselves and their families.No individual or government appointed committee has a right to decide what you and your family are allowed to read. I will remember how this vote goes and how each of you voted the next time your name is on a ballot for reelection. Regards, Lana Fossum 1 Moore, Tania From: Estanislau, Robin Sent: Tuesday, October 17, 2023 12:16 PM To: Moore,Tania Subject: FW: In appropriate library materials Original Message From:Joanne Abuqartoumy<jabuqartoumy@yahoo.com> Sent:Tuesday, October 17,2023 11:43 AM To: Estanislau, Robin<Robin.Estanislau@surfcity-hb.org> Subject: In appropriate library materials As a resident of Huntington Beach I strongly urge city council members to reject all obscene materials from the library protecting the innocent minds of children from pornographic images.They are not needed as parents reserve the right to teach their children about the responsibilities of sexuality in conversations at the appropriate age, NOT by an obscene twisted book of pornographic images targeted at grooming kids ! Joanne A., Resident of HB Sent from my iPhone 1