Debate Over Gay Pride Event, Irvine Ordinance

Bias in the media and the Los Angeles Times is no exception. Santa Ana’s recent City Council meeting was covered by CBS news, the Orange County Register and the illustrious Orange County Edition of the L.A. Times. Just what made this relatively uneventful meeting newsworthy?

Was it that Mayor Daniel H. Young conducted the meeting with a complete disregard for parliamentary procedure? Was it that not a single council member was willing to even comment on the controversy of the day? Was it perhaps that the outcome of the evening confrontation was quietly predetermined in an impromptu meeting between the mayor and representatives of both factions outside of and prior to the public forum?

No, none of these irregularities made for a newsworthy item. Neither did the fewer than 20 gays and lesbians coming out to voice the opinion that Orange County needs a Gay Pride Festival to “educate the public.” The only variable that made Monday night’s meeting newsworthy was the over-600 concerned citizens who came out in opposition to the Gay Festival.

Yet somehow CBS and The Times missed it. CBS said obscurely that, “Both sides were represented,” and like The Times, never mentioned the preponderant support of one side. What should have been the first clue to the crackerjack reporters in attendance that evening? The tumultuous applause after Rev. Louis Sheldon spoke, as compared to the half dozen clapping hands after each festival advocate; the booming hymns that rang through the crowd; the numerous red, white and blue arm bands; or the many Jesus banners were all more than subtle indications. Just the fact that there were so many people packed together over an emotional issue with no violence or altercations should have tipped off the scoop reporters.

STEVE BARKE

Orange