Huntington Beach City Council/Public Financing Authority Meeting

The Huntington Beach City Council met on October 17, 2023, starting with a closed session at 2:30 PM, a study session at 4:00 PM, and a regular business meeting at 6:00 PM. The packed agenda included a study session on library book selection and circulation, a resolution to establish a community review board for library materials with sexual content (Item 20), three charter amendment ballot measures for the March 2024 election (Item 19), and a resolution supporting Israel and condemning Hamas attacks (Item 21). Over 128 public speakers addressed the council, with hundreds of email communications received. Key votes split 4-3 along majority lines on the library and charter items, while the Israel resolution passed unanimously.

Consent Calendar

• Items 14-18 were approved as a block with a vote of 7-0, except Item 16 (response to Orange County Grand Jury on Animal Welfare) was pulled by Councilmember Bolton, amended to clarify mayoral signing authority, and then approved 7-0.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Study Session (Item 23-8789): 18 speakers addressed the library book selection, display, and circulation. Most opposed the proposed resolution, citing trust in librarians, existing review processes, and concerns about censorship. A few speakers supported increased parental controls.
• Regular Meeting (Items 19-21): 128 speakers signed up. On Item 20 (library policy), speakers were sharply divided: supporters argued it was about protecting children from sexually explicit material and giving parents more control, while opponents called it a book ban that would lead to censorship and harm LGBTQ+ youth. On Item 19 (charter amendments), many speakers opposed the March 2024 special election, citing costs and potential illegality of voter ID requirements. On Item 21 (Israel resolution), speakers expressed support for Israel and condemnation of Hamas, but several urged inclusion of Palestinian civilian suffering and denounced anti-Palestinian rhetoric.

Discussion Items

• Item 19 – Charter Amendment Ballot Measures: The council considered three charter amendments for the March 5, 2024 primary election: voter identification (ID), flag display restrictions, and a government efficiency measure. A substitute motion to table the items failed 4-3 (Kalmick, Moser, Bolton in favor; Strickland, Van Der Mark, McKeon, Burns opposed). The original motion passed 4-3, with amendments to change "voter ID" to "voter identification" and to correct a date from 2022 to 2024. Councilmembers were assigned to write arguments: Burns for the flag and budget measures, Strickland and Van Der Mark for voter ID; Kalmick, Moser, and Bolton for opposition. The total cost was budgeted at $459,628 from General Funds.
• Item 20 – Library Materials Policy (Resolution 2023-41): Introduced by Mayor Pro Tem Van Der Mark, the resolution would establish a 21-member community parent/guardian review board to approve or reject new children's books with sexual content, and require parental consent for minors to access such materials. After extensive debate, Councilmembers Kalmick, Moser, and Bolton raised First Amendment concerns, citing court cases like PICO and Sun v. City of Wichita Falls, and questioned the feasibility and legal risks. City Attorney Gates argued children have different First Amendment protections and that the policy is legal. The motion passed 4-3 (Strickland, Van Der Mark, McKeon, Burns in favor; Kalmick, Moser, Bolton opposed). Staff will implement the policy, but details on board qualifications, appeals, and operational logistics remain undefined.
• Item 21 – Resolution in Support of Israel (Resolution 2023-50): Mayor Pro Tem Van Der Mark and Mayor Strickland co-authored a resolution supporting Israel and condemning Hamas attacks. Councilmember Kalmick requested an amendment to include sympathy for Palestinian civilians and denounce anti-Semitism and Islamophobia. The amendment was not accepted by the movers, but the resolution passed 7-0 as introduced. Councilmembers were allowed to sign on if they wished.

Key Outcomes

• Item 19 – Charter Amendments: Approved 4-3. The March 5, 2024 special election will include three measures: voter identification (effective 2026), flag display restrictions (only specified flags unless unanimous council vote), and government efficiency (two-year budget, vacancy procedures, etc.). Arguments in favor and opposition assigned to councilmembers.
• Item 20 – Library Policy: Approved 4-3. Staff directed to implement Resolution 2023-41, establishing a community review board for children's library materials with sexual content. No appeal process defined; meetings will not be Brown Act compliant but may be public.
• Item 21 – Israel Resolution: Approved 7-0. City formally supports Israel, condemns Hamas attacks, expresses sympathy for Israelis, and calls for an end to the war. No mention of Palestinian civilians.
• Next Meeting: The next regular meeting is scheduled for November 7, 2023.