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Item Submitted by Mayor Van Der Mark, Mayor Pro Tem Burns, and Council Member McKeon - Consider Establishing a Monthly Program to Honor the Historic Heritage of the United States, State of California, and City of Huntington Beach
recommendation
Request the City Manager to direct staff to implement the 2024 monthly program listed above. In addition, form a Brown Act committee of 7-9 residents appointed by two Council liaisons to continue developing twelve-month programs (starting with 2025) designed to celebrate and honor the rich historic heritage of the United States, California, and Huntington Beach. Each month will be dedicated to a specific theme, highlighting significant events, landmarks, and influential figures that have shaped the history of our Nation, State, and City. Through a series of engaging activities utilizing our libraries and media resources, residents and visitors alike will have the opportunity to explore, appreciate, and preserve the legacy of the history that led Huntington Beach to be a great American city. (This series would be intended to be free of any identity politics and political agendas.)
The Committee would meet on a limited basis (1-3 times per year) to develop the twelve-month calendar with their Council Liaisons and Staff Liaison to ensure that the City has the ability to present the content. The Committee will then present the calendar to City Council for approval before the start of the year; amendments may also be presented as needed. The Committee should be able to enlist the assistance of the Historic Resource Board and City staff within reason via Council liaison requests. All monthly themes hosted by the City must be included in this approved twelve-month program and will therefore repeal and supersede all such monthly themes/celebrations previously approved by Council. This effort excludes proclamations requested by outside groups and presented by the Mayor per Administrative Regulation 512.