REQUEST FOR CITY COUNCIL ACTION
SUBMITTED TO: Honorable Mayor and City Council Members
SUBMITTED BY: Patrick Brenden, City Council Member
Subject:
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Item Submitted by Council Member Brenden - Recognition for Father Christian Mondor and Pastor Sumo Sato
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Statement of Issue:
With the recent passing of Father Christian Mondor and Pastor Blaine “Sumo” Sato, known to many as the surfing Padre and the surfing Pastor, Huntington Beach lost two of its most highly respected religious leaders. Each of these beloved watermen revered the ocean, and in the surf, found divine inspiration. Both men spent many years in Huntington Beach providing spiritual leadership, bringing the community together through their healing and hopeful words, inspiring all of us to simply love and respect one another.
In recognition of their contributions to our community, I propose that a public memorial be established to honor Father Christian and Pastor Sumo. Further, I believe that it would be most appropriate to engage the local surfing community as well as the followers of these men, in deciding where and how best to honor them. Among the possibilities that should be considered is a bronze plaque to be installed on Tower Zero on the pier.
Recommended Action:
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Direct the Community Services Commission to work with the surfing community and the followers of Father Christian and Pastor Sumo to develop a proposal for a public memorial honoring these two men. Return to City Council within 90 days to present the proposal.
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Xc: Fred Wilson, City Manager
Lori Ann Farrell Harrison, Assistant City Manager
Robin Estanislau, City Clerk
Michael Gates, City Attorney