At the recent meeting of the Huntington Beach City Council, a resolution was adopted that prohibits mask and vaccine mandates within the city. The council was divided on the issue, but ultimately agreed to ban such mandates.
In a 4-3 vote, the council approved the motion to prohibit masks and vaccine mandates in the city. Mayor Tony Strickland, Mayor Pro Tem Gracey Van Der Mark, and Councilmembers Pat Burns and Casey McKeon all voted in favor of the decision.
Council members Natalie Moser, Dan Kalmick, and Rhonda Bolton stood in opposition.
Mayor Pro Tem Gracey Van Der Mark explained that the resolution was a direct response to the challenges faced by the state during the pandemic in 2020. She emphasized the importance of the city standing up for its residents and businesses during these difficult times.
She acknowledged that there are currently no mandates on masks and vaccinations. However, she emphasized that the proposed resolution is a pre-emptive measure to protect residents from suffering from the same abuses of power that they had to endure from the draconian and tyrannical measures imposed by the State of California.
Dan Kalmick, a councilmember, stated that he believes the outcome of this situation will be recorded as a failure in public policy and will potentially be stored in an archive.
According to Natalie Moser, a member of the council, the resolution was nothing more than a display of “political theatre.”
Moser expressed his disappointment, stating that the policy decisions made regularly by the city are being undermined, which is a disservice to both the city and its citizens.
Under the proposed resolution, the city would be prohibited from enforcing any mask or vaccine mandates within its jurisdiction, unless an individual tests positive for COVID-19. Additionally, businesses would be granted the authority to implement their own mask or proof of vaccination requirements.
In a swift move, the council has unanimously passed the new e-bike laws through an emergency ordinance, which will take effect immediately.
During the meeting, a total of 31 individuals registered for public comment. Majority of the comments received were in relation to the proposed charter amendments concerning elections.
On Thursday, the council has called for a special meeting to deliberate on proposed charter amendments concerning city elections. However, California State Attorney General Rob Bonta has cautioned that these amendments may be unlawful.
Mark your calendars for October 17th as the upcoming council meeting date.
Read More: An elderly couple was found dead in Apparent Murder-Suicide in Long Beach
