Mailbag: More surfing and less bickering, please

Re “The Surf Museum’s new home comes at the public’s expense,” Mailbag, Aug. 20

I would like to remind those complaining about the “cheap rent” the Surf Museum is getting in the library and the obtrusive nature of it even being there, that Huntington Beach had a legal and public dispute with Santa Cruz for years over the title “Surf City.” The fight was presumably for the honor of the title as well as the potential monetary gain in commercializing the moniker, which has come to fruition over the years.

Having a distinctive surf museum that honors the origin of surfing and our own local contribution to its history should be part of upholding the honor of being known as “Surf City.” Despite having lost the that title to us, Santa Cruz certainly hasn’t lost the spirit of a capital surf town, housing its museum rent-free in a beautiful lighthouse, owned and operated by the city through its parks and recreation department and run through volunteer efforts.

Bickering over rent and space for something that should be part of the heart of a true Surf City community is a sad way to carry the title.

David M. Burtzo, MD
Huntington Beach

Re “The Crowd: Newport Beach Museum, Balboa Island, has a new name and an expanded mission,” Aug. 22

The board that manages (and I use that term loosely) the International Surf Museum in Huntington Beach should take some notes from the above article. The museum on Balboa Island clearly sets the standard for a successful community entity, including greater grant and fundraising opportunities to expand programs and to strengthen partnerships to preserve the history of Newport Beach.

Further, the Newport community is invited to identify with the mission and to support long-term sustainability. The Balboa museum welcomes 90,000 visitors a year, with 25% of its attendance coming from after-school programs, elementary trips and ESL programs. Recent museum accomplishments include an educational grant and collaboration with the Pacific Marine Mammal Center. The museum’s long-term goals include purchasing the historic building that houses the museum.

This is an example of a local museum that successfully demonstrates its mission within the community, while continuing with strategic planning for fundraising and future expansion.

The Surf Museum board should be ashamed of themselves and their sad backdoor attempt within the Main Street Library. The Surf Museum website states that it “does not publish exact annual visitor counts ...though leadership estimates 80% of guests are tourists from out of town and international locations.”

As the library is closed Sunday (a prime day for tourists and out-of-town visitors), I again wonder at the decision the Surf Museum “leadership” made to house its collection within the library. Additionally, the library was closed for several days last week due to the heat, so the museum lost revenue with the library closure.

The Surf Museum website does not include a mission statement. I would love to see the long-range plan for the Surf Museum to include fundraising, grant approvals, community programming and a move to a large enough dedicated space — oh wait — there isn’t a plan! I suggest that they begin by properly tracking the annual visitor count and crafting a mission statement.

Alys Goodman
Huntington Beach

Where’s the library?

Re “OC Libraries urge residents to sign up for library cards,” Aug. 30.

I live across the street from Dana Point Library. It was closed for a remodel for nearly two years. It has been open since November and still there is no sign in front! Many have complained they can’t find the library. That makes it a challenge to get a card.

Lisa Buchner
Dana Point

City leaders need decorum and respect

On June 4, 2024, Pat Burns, Gracey Van Der Mark and Casey McKeon, all members of the Huntington Beach City Council, affirmed their allegiance to the U.S. Constitution.

They voted in 2023 to dissolve several committees composed of community members, one of which was ironically, the Human Relations Committee. Human dignity is definitely not a focus of the current council.

In 2024, Burns used foul language when referring to three other councilmembers on a hot mic during a council meeting and later denied making the remark. In 2025 he referred to a public speaker as an “effing cow.” Selective admonishments at council meetings for “disruption” by Mayors Van Der Mark and Burns were attempts to stifle residents with differing viewpoints. Burns frequently allowed just one and two minute speaking limits.

Mayor Pro Tem Butch Twining recently drove by the city hall and shouted to the peaceful protesters to go “F” themselves. Councilmember Andrew Gruel referred to those who participate around town in peaceful protests as elderly or “mid-life people who are bored, lost and have nothing to live for.”

In March 2025, Van Der Mark invited attendees at Calvary Chapel of the Harbour to join her for a conference in council chambers, where she presented “objectionable” library materials to Calvary Chapel members.

Serving the government should not be used as an opportunity to impose one’s religious beliefs on others.

The voter ID measure that was passed in March 2024 was struck down at every court level. The library ballot measures passed with over 60% of voters in favor of eliminating the book review committee and against privatization. This council’s decisions to pursue the voter ID policy and continue litigating the Freedom to Read Act are underhanded, costly attempts to suppress votes and undermine the library. This council has chosen to dishonor the constitutional concepts free speech for all, and separation of church and state.

I expect a city council to be truthful, transparent, apolitical, lead with decorum and show respect for all residents.

Huntington Beach residents who long for competent leadership should consider voting for the Surf City 4: Taryn Palumbo, Erin Spivey, Brenda Glim and Ben Davis.

Judy Morris
Huntington Beach