ADIEU, GENDER: Huntington Beach’s city council members...

ADIEU, GENDER: Huntington Beach’s city council members are now sporting new unisex placards in front of their seats. Gone are “Councilman” or “Councilwoman.” They’ve been replaced by “Councilmember”--one word. . . . “This is a trend of the ‘90s,” explains city administrative assistant Pat Jones, who came up with it. “Gender doesn’t make a difference.” She is sensitive to the days not long ago when a woman on the council was addressed as “Councilman.” The current members have the new title at the parking spots, too.