At the risk of losing my "gay card," I will explain why I turned down the offer to co-sponsor a council item to name Third and Promenade in honor of "Harvey Milk" the first out elected official from San Francisco who was killed along with George Moscone by Dan White.
First District Councilman Robert Garcia's staff asked my staff if I would co-sponsor the naming and I responded with: "I would prefer that we name the area 'Unity Plaza' or 'Human Rights Plaza' so that it could be more inclusive of all those who have fought for civil and human rights." My suggestion was rebuffed.
I know the Gay Pride Festival is coming in a week and that Harvey Milk's birthday is May 22, but for those folks out there, you youngin's -- Harvey wasn't the first out elected official -- it was Elaine Noble who in 1975 was out and elected to the Massachusetts State Legislature. I know because I was 25 at the time and was amazed that anyone who was gay could get elected to office.
More importantly, why not honor a Long Beach person who worked so very hard to get the Gay Pride Festival and Parade in Long Beach. Judith Doyle and two others were the founders and had to fight the City of Long Beach every step of the way to get the parade. As a result, the event is the City's number two event in terms of sales tax and visitors! (Actually the Chamber of Commerce should honor all three!)
Notice: This is not a City of Long Beach site.
Dear Readers: Please note that this is not a City of Long Beach website and is not paid for nor maintained by taxpayer funds.
If you contact Gerrie Schipske through this site on any matter pertaining to the City of Long Beach, a copy of your contact will be forwarded to her official city email as an official public record.
Save Station 18
Popular Posts
-
I was the only councilperson who voted against the sale of the building and parking lot at 100 Ocean Blvd last week. (www.lbeport.com publis...
-
I was the lone vote against allowing an Octoberfest in the El Dorado Park again this year. I did so because last year was a disaster for the...
-
I have been pushing to open up the collective bargaining process in Long Beach for several years but found little interest on the City Counc...
-
For the second summer, Councilwoman Gerrie Schipske has brought on board to the 5th District team a group of 8 youth who will help clean up ...
-
Last night, the Council approved two agenda items brought forth by Councilman Robert Garcia and me that would further open up City Hall to t...
-
I am sure you agree that Long Beach needs jobs! That's why I am asking my colleagues on the City Council to approve two measures I hav...
-
I have a number of email addresses that I don't check on as I do my City Council email address -- which I check hourly. So when I get an...
-
Sadly, just a week after the election, the City Council is considering going forth on closing escrow of the land swap -- misleadingly titled...
-
In response to a constituent's email to me about hearing about residential burglaries in the east side, I am posting Commander Lisa Lope...
-
Date: January 19, 2010 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE “Creating Community Through People, Places, Programs and Partnerships” Public Meeting Sche...