Diversity, Equality, and Inclusion

At the City of Huntington Beach, we strive to meet the highest standard when it comes to establishing diversity, equality, and inclusion within our community.

The City continues to work towards policies and programs to meet this standard and create a welcoming environment where every resident, business owner and visitor is valued and respected with a sense of belonging. We wish to send the message that we embrace their diverse backgrounds, including race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, religion, age and ability. Through open dialogue, the City aims to form new bonds and achieve our goals together as OneHB.

Current Policies and Programs:

City Installs a Mobi-Mat for Access to the Ocean

On May 5, 2021, the City installed its first Mobi-Mat to improve beach access for visitors with disabilities, parents with strollers, and others with limited mobility. Located next to the 6th Street and PCH parking lot, the mat serves as a stable walkway that safely leads guests across the sand and to the water’s edge during high tide. The Mobi-Mat is portable, non-slip and made with recyclable materials. The City installed a second Mobi-Mat on the south end of the City's beach in October 2021 and is working on a third Mobi-Mat.

The Mobi-Mats are just one of the City's ongoing efforts to make Huntington Beach more accessible. The City opened its first All-Inclusive Beach Playground at 9th and PCH in 2018 with tremendous support from the community such as the Rotary Club and the Kiwanis Club of HB. This 4,660 square-feet facility includes ADA approved rubberized surface, slides, climbing elements, and swings to provide accessibility and promote interactive play among children of varying abilities.

Human Relations Committee and Designated Liaison from the Huntington Beach Police Department

Established by the City of Huntington Beach in 1997, the mission of the Huntington Beach Human Relations Committee (formerly known as Human Relations Task Force) is to inspire and promote mutual understanding, respect, and safety and the well-being of all in our community through education and engagement. The HBHRC has established several programs that celebrate our diverse cultures, including HR Listen, Cultural Cinema Showcase, District-Wide Student Day of Dialogue, and Community Summit, bringing people from all different backgrounds together through meaningful conversations and education.

The Huntington Beach Police Department also provides a dedicated liaison to serve the HBHRC and our community, including but not limited to those who represent various sexual/gender identities, ethnicities, ages, and religious backgrounds. The Police Department Liaison also provides monthly reports on hate crimes and incidents and provides policy recommendations. Currently, the Police Department Liaison is Sgt. Juan Munoz can be reached at (714) 960-8811.

The Human Relations Committee meets on the first Tuesday of every month at 6:45PM at the Civic Center. More information is available on the Human Relations Committee website.

City Council Policies

The City Council has adopted policies and resolutions in support of diversity, equality and inclusion in Huntington Beach.

LGBTQ Pride Month Recognition and Flag Raising
On May 3, 2021, the City Council voted to recognize Pride Month and to fly the LGBTQ Pride Flag annually, from the third week of May until June 30. This decision was in support of over 11 million Americans who identify as LGBTQ and to foster a community that is inclusive of all residents and visitors.

Declaration Denouncing Hate Crimes Against Asian Americans
When COVID-19 began, inflammatory rhetoric blaming Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders (AAPI) for the pandemic led to a national surge in hate crimes and incidents against this community. On April 5, 2021, the City Council took a stand against these acts by adopting a Declaration Denouncing All Hate Crimes.

Declaration Denouncing White Supremacy
On April 5, 2021, the City Council denounced any and all acts of White Supremacy, which sow fear and promote division within our community. The City is committed to remaining vigilant against future movements, in order to preserve its values of diversity and inclusion for all.

Declaration of Policy on Human Dignity
On May 6, 1996, the City of Huntington Beach City Council unanimously adopted a Declaration of Policy About Human Dignity, which prompted the creation of the Human Relations Task Force (now known as Human Relations Committee) in 1997. The Declaration states that everyone should be treated with courtesy and respect and any acts of hate will not be tolerated. The City Council reaffirms the Declaration at intervals with the latest taking place as recently as 2020 and in November 2021, officially adopted the updated Declaration of Policy on Human Dignity.

Resolution to Stand In Unity
On June 15, 2020, the City Council adopted a Resolution to Stand Together in Unity as OneHB against all forms of intolerance, racism, and hate. This Resolution was adopted in response to the unconscionable actions of the Minneapolis Police Department that led to the killing of George Floyd. The City stands together in unity with Mr. Floyd’s family, our African American community, all people of color, those who have been marginalized, and those who protest against injustice and intolerance.

Proclamation Against Bullying
On October 15, 2012, the City Council signed a Proclamation Against Bullying to proclaim its ongoing commitment to prevent bullying and encourage schools, students, parents, community organizations, and religious institutions to engage in a variety of awareness and prevention activities designed to make our community safer for all students. On October 19, 2021, the City Council officially recognized October as National Bullying Prevention Month and reaffirm the City's commitment to its 2012 Proclamation.
Make HB Events Inclusive, Accessible & Equitable through Partnerships

As the host city of many world-famous events and shows, the City strives to make our events more inclusive, accessible, and equitable to all residents, businesses and partners. In preparation of the 2022 Vans US Open of Surfing, the City collaborated with Vans and OC Human Relations to coordinate various programs to promote sustainability and DEIS (diversity, equity, inclusion and a sense of belong).

- The City presented "HB Listen: Community Dialogue Circle" event on August 2 at the Huntington Beach Art Center, where participants created their own call to action by focusing on ways to discover, connect, and engage with their diverse community.
- The City's Beach Rangers, a group of Latino youth members from the Oak View community with limited resources and opportunities, were able to participate in the Vans Surf Camp.
- The City's public cable channel, HBTV featured indie films with specific themes of surfing and skateboarding, adaptability and sustainability.

Public Outreach & Community Engagement

The City conducts various public outreach activities to raise greater awareness about issues surrounding diversity, equity, and inclusion. We are committed to using every tool in our tool belt to promote these values throughout the community and to create an environment that is welcoming for all.

The City hosts the annual CommUNITY Picnic in the summer at the bandstand in Huntington Central Park to engage, embrace and celebrate Huntington Beach's richly diverse community through cultural performances, speakers, food, and information booths hosted by local nonprofit organizations and community partners. To learn more about 2022 CommUNITY Picnic highlight, view here on HBTV.

On April 11, 2021, the City hosted Hate Free HB – a virtual day of unity to stand against hate and celebrate diversity in Huntington Beach.

On April 1, 2021, the City and Orange County Human Relations hosted a virtual Town Hall to raise awareness about the rise in hate crimes and incidents against Asian Americans during the COVID-19 pandemic. The Town Hall provided tips about how bystanders can safely de-escalate a hate crime in progress or provide support to victims afterward.
Resources
- - The Greater Huntington Beach Interfaith Council is a gathering of representatives of faith-based communities and individuals dedicated to understanding, respecting, promoting and celebrating spiritual and cultural diversity.

Did you know?

Since its inception in 2016, the Homeless Task Force has had more than 1,600 occasions to assist individuals with housing referrals, mental and physical health referrals, bus passes, DMV forms, gas cards, food, mailing addresses, and family reunifications

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