CC 2021-05-25_11a Supplemental No 1
MEMORANDUM
TO: CITY COUNCIL
FROM: WHITNEY McDONALD, CITY MANAGER
SUBJECT: SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION
AGENDA ITEM 11.a. – MAY 25, 2021 CITY COUNCIL MEETING
DISCUSSION AND CONSIDERATION OF ADOPTION OF RESOLUTION
ESTABLISHING A CITY FLAG DISPLAY POLICY AND AUTHORIZING
DISPLAY OF THE LGBTQ+ PRIDE FLAG AT CITY HALL DURING THE
MONTH OF JUNE, 2021
DATE: MAY 25, 2021
Attached is correspondence received for the above referenced item.
cc: Assistant City Manager/Public Works Director
City Attorney
City Clerk
City Website (or public review binder)
1
From:Michelle Chariton (MC) <
Sent:Monday, May 24, 2021 11:06 PM
To:public comment
Subject:The Display Of The LGBTQ+ Pride Flag At City Hall During The Month Of June, 2021 -
With PRIDE YES!
Dear Arroyo Grande Council Members,
In today's Discussion And Consideration Of Adoption Of Resolution Establishing A City Flag Display Policy And
Authorizing The Display Of The LGBTQ+ Pride Flag At City Hall During The Month Of June, 2021 Recommended Action:
Adopt a resolution adopting a Flag Display Policy and also authorize the display of the Pride Flag at City Hall during the
month of June, 2021 in accordance with the proposed Policy. It is also recommended that the Council discuss and
consider authorizing the display of the LGBTQ+ Pride Flag during the month of June, 2021, at Heritage Square Park,
where the first Five Cities LGBTQ+ Pride Celebration occurred in 2019.
I strongly and with PRIDE agree! To the adoption of the Flag Display Policy will clarify practices to be followed for the
display of flags on City property, and also provide a procedure for the display of commemorative flags, as may be
authorized by the City Council, as an expression of the City Council's official sentiments. Authorizing display of the Pride
Flag in recognition of LGBTQ+ Pride Month will commemorate an important social movement and demonstrate the
City's commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusivity.
Michelle Chariton, CEM
Pronouns she/her/hers
Assc. Director Capital Projects
Facilities Planning and Capital Projects Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo, CA _____ Cell 805‐801‐9818 office 805‐756‐6734
mcharito@calpoly.edu afd.calpoly.edu/facilities
1
From:cheryl dettrick <
Sent:Tuesday, May 25, 2021 6:12 AM
To:public comment
Subject:PRIDE and Proud of Arroyo Grande!!
Dear Arroyo Grande Council Members,
In today's Discussion And Consideration Of Adoption Of Resolution Establishing A City Flag Display Policy
And Authorizing The Display Of The LGBTQ+ Pride Flag At City Hall During The Month Of June, 2021.
Recommended Action: Adopt a resolution adopting a Flag Display Policy and also authorize the display of the
Pride Flag at City Hall during the month of June, 2021 in accordance with the proposed Policy.
It is also recommended that the Council discuss and consider authorizing the display of the LGBTQ+ Pride Flag
during the month of June, 2021, at Heritage Square Park, where the first Five Cities LGBTQ+ Pride Celebration
occurred in 2019.
As a single mother of twins, and representing our diverse family of two moms, and a dad, I strongly and with
PRIDE support the inclusion and support of all families in our community. The adoption of the Flag Display
supported by policy that will clarify practices to be followed for the display of flags on City property, and which
also provides a procedure for the display of commemorative flags, may be authorized by the City Council, as an
expression of the City Council's official sentiments.
Authorizing the display of the Pride Flag in recognition of LGBTQ+ Pride Month will commemorate an
important social movement and demonstrate the City’s commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusivity.
This will also demonstrate to our family, children, and friends the importance and relevance of inclusivity and
equity in our community, especially in these turbulent times where its is even more important to bring us
together.
Thank you for modeling this important representation of diversity, equity and inclusion, Arroyo Grande! We are
PROUD of you!
Cheryl Dettrick
Arroyo Grande resident
Single, gay mom of twins 8 year olds
Businesswoman
Cheryl Dettrick, M.S., Owner/Principle Consultant
Resource Development Services, LLC
https://link.edgepilot.com/s/f0b589f0/1t7Ow2oAiUaXNaQApz76fA?u=http://resourcedevelopmentservices.god
addysites.com/
https://link.edgepilot.com/s/2c6dacb5/RgOfNTMfEUq8wkwTPWpkwQ?u=http://www.linkedin.com/in/cdettric
krds
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1
From:Erica Andrade <
Sent:Tuesday, May 25, 2021 10:49 AM
To:public comment
Subject:Celebrate PRIDE Month
Dear Arroyo Grande Council Members,
In today's Discussion And Consideration Of Adoption Of Resolution Establishing A City Flag Display Policy
And Authorizing The Display Of The LGBTQ+ Pride Flag At City Hall During The Month Of June, 2021
Recommended Action: Adopt a resolution adopting a Flag Display Policy and also authorize the display of the
Pride Flag at City Hall during the month of June, 2021 in accordance with the proposed Policy. It is also
recommended that the Council discuss and consider authorizing the display of the LGBTQ+ Pride Flag during
the month of June, 2021, at Heritage Square Park, where the first Five Cities LGBTQ+ Pride Celebration
occurred in 2019.
I strongly and with PRIDE agree! To the adoption of the Flag Display Policy will clarify practices to be
followed for the display of flags on City property, and also provide a procedure for the display of
commemorative flags, as may be authorized by the City Council, as an expression of the City Council's official
sentiments. Authorizing display of the Pride Flag in recognition of LGBTQ+ Pride Month will commemorate
an important social movement and demonstrate the City’s commitment to diversity.
Sincerely,
Erica Andrade
1
From:Erica Castello <
Sent:Tuesday, May 25, 2021 2:24 PM
To:public comment
Subject:Arroyo Grande Pride!
Dear Arroyo Grande Council Members,
In today's Discussion And Consideration Of Adoption Of Resolution Establishing A City Flag Display Policy And
Authorizing The Display Of The LGBTQ+ Pride Flag At City Hall During The Month Of June, 2021 Recommended
Action: Adopt a resolution adopting a Flag Display Policy and also authorize the display of the Pride Flag at City
Hall during the month of June, 2021 in accordance with the proposed Policy. It is also recommended that the
Council discuss and consider authorizing the display of the LGBTQ+ Pride Flag during the month of June, 2021, at
Heritage Square Park, where the first Five Cities LGBTQ+ Pride Celebration occurred in 2019.
I strongly and with PRIDE agree! To the adoption of the Flag Display Policy will clarify practices to be followed
for the display of flags on City property, and also provide a procedure for the display of commemorative flags, as
may be authorized by the City Council, as an expression of the City Council's official sentiments. Authorizing
display of the Pride Flag in recognition of LGBTQ+ Pride Month will commemorate an important social movement
and demonstrate the City’s commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusivity.
Thank you!
Ms. Erica Marie Castello
ᐧ
1
From:Kathy Castello <
Sent:Tuesday, May 25, 2021 2:49 PM
To:public comment
Subject:Arroyo Grande Pride
Dear Arroyo Grande Council Members,
In today's Discussion And Consideration Of Adoption Of Resolution Establishing A City Flag Display Policy And
Authorizing The Display Of The LGBTQ+ Pride Flag At City Hall During The Month Of June, 2021 Recommended
Action: Adopt a resolution adopting a Flag Display Policy and also authorize the display of the Pride Flag at City
Hall during the month of June, 2021 in accordance with the proposed Policy. It is also recommended that the
Council discuss and consider authorizing the display of the LGBTQ+ Pride Flag during the month of June, 2021, at
Heritage Square Park, where the first Five Cities LGBTQ+ Pride Celebration occurred in 2019.
I strongly and with PRIDE agree! To the adoption of the Flag Display Policy will clarify practices to be followed
for the display of flags on City property, and also provide a procedure for the display of commemorative flags, as
may be authorized by the City Council, as an expression of the City Council's official sentiments. Authorizing
display of the Pride Flag in recognition of LGBTQ+ Pride Month will commemorate an important social movement
and demonstrate the City’s commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusivity.
Thank you!
Katherine Castello
1
From: Bruce Berlin <
Date: May 25, 2021 at 3:08:57 PM PDT
To: Caren Ray Russom <crayrussom@arroyogrande.org>, Jimmy Paulding
<jpaulding@arroyogrande.org>, Whitney McDonald <wmcdonald@arroyogrande.org>, Keith
Storton <kstorton@arroyogrande.org>, Kristen Barneich <kbarneich@arroyogrande.org>, Lan
George <lan@touchpointfix.com>
Subject: Item 11A- Pride Flag
Hello Mayor and City Council-
Just in case I dont make it to Public Comment- please receive and consider my
attached letter regarding ITEM 11A.
--
Thank you-
Bruce Berlin
Virus-free.
https://link.edgepilot.com/s/6ebd62ec/L76WhhwmcU6rL0CmCN4TgQ?u=http://www.avg.com/
Links contained in this email have been replaced. If you click on a link in the email above, the
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May 25. 2021 RE: ITEM 11 A- Flag Policy and Pride Flag Flying
Dear Mayor Russom and City Council-
Thank you to AG City Staff for the staff report – and to City Council for bringing forth this
item on the agenda. Pride month is just a few days away and in my opinion is worthy of
further consideration and recognition. I want to urge you to support the flying of the
Pride Flag during Pride Month in June.
For some historical context and meaning- the original pride flag was designed by an
honorably discharged Army veteran and openly gay activist named Gilbert Baker. It first
flew at a Gay Freedom Day Parade in 1978, -- some 43 years ago- and now is
displayed around the world as a symbol, not of any particular political movement, but of
general solidarity with the LGBTQ community. It is meant to recognize and uphold their
worth as fellow human beings, created equal and endowed with certain unalienable
rights, as affirmed by no less an authority than the U.S. Declaration of Independence.
It is about recognizing that LGBT people exist in our community, that they deserve
respect and dignity, and that our community will not stand for intolerance or hate. This is
about acceptance."
Pride can mean many things; perhaps a high regard for yourself and those around you,
or maybe a sense of patriotism for your country of residence or birth. However, for the
world’s lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and other queer-identified citizens (referred
to hereafter as LGBTQ+), “pride” is a celebration of identity and the advances that have
been made in the fight for equal protections and human rights for the LGBTQ+
community.
Pride celebrations span the globe in the months of May and June- sometimes with
millions of attendees (like the massive annual festival in Sau Paulo, Brazil), and
sometimes with small gatherings held in secret (like in Uganda, where homosexuality is
outlawed).
In Arroyo Grande, we should celebrate and show support for our lesbian, gay, bisexual,
transgender, and queer community’s right to live out loud – during Pride month and
May 25. 2021 RE: ITEM 11 A- Flag Policy and Pride Flag Flying
every month. By flying the pride flag in our City and on our flagpoles, we send a clear
message that our town is welcoming and inclusive to all, regardless of how you identify
or who you love. This town is not some idyllic old west town- made up of “proud
Americans”- we are as diverse and complex, a community that exists in nature, by birth
and by biology, and by expression- and we are supportive of that diversity- and the
many expressions of love and inclusion that we share as human beings.
It is entirely appropriate for Arroyo Grande to express support for a population of its
residents who have faced discrimination and bigotry and who must continue to fight
against it. Flying the rainbow pride flag expresses this support and provides a learning
opportunity for those who claim not to understand what it stands for.
The LGBTQ community has been among the most marginalized historically and has
recently been the target of hate crimes.
There is a lot of discrimination, antagonism and hate against the LGBTQ
community that is often not talked about. As cities, we not only have to look at
matters of day-to-day life, but also set standards within our communities,
promoting inclusiveness and rejecting hate.”
Statistically- the most recent studies show that about 5.6% of the US population
currently identifies as LBGTQ+. In our town of ~19,000 that means over 1,050 people
openly identify with this community- and likely there are many more that are likely living
covertly as LBGTQ too.
Alarmingly, the young adults, age 14-25, in this LBGTQ community are experiencing a
14% suicide rate- which is nearly double the suicide rate for the larger youth community
at large. Isn’t it time to help these young people be comfortable in their own skin and be
welcome in our community and accepted as who they are?
May 25. 2021 RE: ITEM 11 A- Flag Policy and Pride Flag Flying
Like me, a middle-aged cisgender heterosexual white male, who has struggled and
stumbled with the new vocabularies and the awkwardness and understandings it brings.
I will continue to open my mind to other realities and experiences by those who identify
differently. Their struggle and experience is real.
Times and mindsets are changing and being more inclusive and accepting does not
have to be a threat to your moral/ religious/ or fundamental beliefs. Perhaps your
grandson or granddaughter, your niece or nephew, are struggling with their acceptance
and orientation, and are afraid to “come out” and be who they are. Isn’t it time to tell
them that you love them and accept them- no matter how they identify? What is it going
to take to get you to accept somebody born with a different orientation than your own?
Their feelings, their biology is real and should not be shamed or punished or ridiculed.
Many of our younger generation have grown up in a world where there is more equality,
more acceptance of sexual and gender difference, and they truly value it and are
comfortable with it. Those of us who are older must do whatever we can to support
them and support equality and inclusivity as a broader, non-threatening perspective- a
more humanistic view- so that we can not only hold onto those rights that have been
gained but those equality and non-discriminatory rights we must all continue to fight for.
Hate and discrimination may still have a foothold, but it is temporary; whether or not the
Pride flag can be flown on a government building won’t stop the overwhelming majority
of us who are fighting on the side of progress. We are all humans, regardless of our skin
color or our orientations.
The flag raising would be congruent with similar historical firsts in many Cities, States,
and Countries across the world- who can all see that our shared histories have often not
openly acknowledged or accepted the LGBTQA community and as such, done harm in
inhibiting those that are afraid to show their love and orientation.
May 25. 2021 RE: ITEM 11 A- Flag Policy and Pride Flag Flying
It seems that the biggest issue with flying a flag which represents a population of human
beings who have been persecuted for the last century in this country for their identities
is that everyone wants to be something other than American before they are
American. People want to be known for also being gay, or Asian, or Latinx, and some
opponents might assert that t this is what divides our country. We are a salad bowl and
not a patriotic melting pot any longer. The analogy for American greatness and diversity
has become bastardized; but for too long the melting pot analogy requires in particular
people of color and the LGBTQ+ community to blunt their identities, their cultures, and
their humanity in order to fit the blond haired, blue eyed American standard for pulling
oneself up by his bootstraps and fitting a prescribed lifestyle that is one-size-fits-all.
The factual truth is, in this country, diversity means that we are different by birth, and
that’s okay. Some people are born into a non-Western, non-Uncle Sam-approved
culture, and assimilation should mean that they can feel safe practicing the holidays,
traditions, dresses, foods that come from these cultures. Likewise, some people are
born with an inclination not to be attracted to a gender that Disney movies and
Hollywood classics preach is the end-all be-all of romantic happiness for the gender
with which that person was born. This does not make the LBGTQ+ community any less
American; they are also proud to freely speak about their hopes for this country, their
experiences, their own American dream. I am proud to oppose speech that seeks to
divide Americans by engendering intolerance.
So, we fly the pride flag, to honor folks you may see as fundamentally “different,” but
who have every right to this country as you do. And should we fly any other flag beneath
the stars and stripes in celebration of their ability to overcome whatever injustices have
been done to them, who are proud of their heritage and existence despite the struggles
imposed upon them by overwhelmingly intolerant groups, sometimes including our own
government, we will do so with love.
May 25. 2021 RE: ITEM 11 A- Flag Policy and Pride Flag Flying
This concept that it needs to be “us” versus “them” is so divisive and limiting. It is us, as
all of Humanity, -all of “god’s children” if you will- and how we will learn to respect
various diverse backgrounds, accept and welcome people of color, people of a different
gender or sexual orientation as Human beings, as their lives, their love, their dreams
and hopes that matter just as much as our own.
I hope to see the Pride flag flying high- as a beacon of Love.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Bruce Berlin
Arroyo Grande