Huntington Beach, known as Surf City, USA, has become a battleground for political ideologies since a conservative majority aligned with Trump’s politics took over the City Council.
This has led to clashes with a grassroots opposition movement.
“It’s a blood sport to be involved in Huntington Beach,” Tony Strickland said. “So many people are active. That’s a good thing, not a bad thing.”
The council’s actions include addressing national issues such as U.S.-Mexico border security and implementing conservative policies locally.
The upcoming ballot measures, including a voter ID requirement and a ban on flying the LGBTQ pride flag, will test the council’s rightward turn.
“We’re not following the planks of the Republican Party and Donald Trump. We’re addressing issues that affect Huntington Beach,” Councilman Casey McKeon said.
The Protect Huntington Beach group is fighting back, aiming to stop the initiatives and prevent a partisan divide from spreading.
The city’s political landscape has shifted dramatically, with local government becoming deeply entangled in national politics.
“We know that other cities and counties are watching us,” Protect Huntington Beach founder Cathey Ryder said.
“It just seems to be spite and trying to own the libs,” Dan Kalmick said. “Taking this level of national politics down to the local level breaks local government, and that’s what we’ve done.”
“Most of California has become liberal. Why can’t we have an area for ourselves?” Van Der Mark said. “I’m just fighting for the residents that want a place that represents their values.”
Most Popular:
Articles of Impeachment Passed In Historic Moment
Supreme Court Audio Gives Bad News To Democrats
