| (Nov. 7, 2007, with audio) -- Three groups opposed to current U.S. policy in Iraq charge publicly that they've been denied the opportunity to participate in the upcoming (Nov. 10) LB Veterans Parade. | 
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Screen save: LBTV 8 | Using the time period allotted for public comment on non-agendized items, multiple speakers wearing T-shirts from Iraq Veterans Against The War, Veterans For Peace, Military Families Speak Out the urged the City Council to allow the groups' inclusion in the parade. |
LB Mayor Bob Foster, City Attorney Bob Shannon and 9th district Councilman Val Lerch variously responded that the parade is organized and presented by a separate, non-profit entity. Councilman Val Lerch said that the bylaws of the group require that the event by non-political.
City Attorney Shannon said that while parade organizers have their own first amendment rights on whom to allow in the parade, the City of Long Beach would make available an area where those wishing to express views on the war of Iraq or other matters could be heard.
Responding speakers made clear that they're not seeking a separate area; they want to take part in the Veterans Parade as participants. One speaker cited written materials that appeared to indicate some level of City of Long Beach involvement in the event. Another said that as a member of one of the groups excluded he had marched in a previous LB Veterans Parade and carried a banner announcing the group's presence.
Two public exchanges took place on the matter. As of midafternoon today (Nov. 7), City Hall's archived internet audio of the Council meeting hadn't yet been posted on City Hall's web site. In the public interest, LBReport.com provides blitz audio [from our backup recording of the meeting], less than our usual CD quality sound but quite audible. It's in MP3 format; the first clip may require some download time even with high speed connections.
The first exchange occurred during the Council's initial public comment period and involved speakers from the groups, Mayor Foster, City Attorney Shannon and Councilman Lerch. To hear the first exchange (about ten minutes total, click here.
A second exchange occurred near the end of the Council meeting involving the Mayor and City Attorney near the end of the meeting. To hear the second exchange, click here.
And there was a third colloquy, involving Councilman Lerch...who left his Council seat and went to the public podium to invite his Council colleagues to take part in the parade, displaying an event T-shirt.
Some of the podium speakers expressed indignation at policies but all were basically polite but firm to the Council. Neither side gave any indication of backing down.
The front page of City Hall's web site includes a link to the parade, which states:
This year's Salute to Those Who Served is "One Team...One Mission", honoring all veterans. Parade highlights include marching bands and drill teams, equestrian units and military vehicles.
Post parade activities at Houghton Park (corner of Atlantic Avenue and Harding Street, just south of Artesia Blvd) will feature a ceremony honoring all veterans. Fun activities for the whole family and a craft and vendor's fair are part of the attraction following the only Veterans Day Parade in the local area.
Parade Route:
South on Atlantic Avenue from Harding Street to 56th Street, looping back north on Atlantic Avenue and ending at Houghton Park on the corner of Harding and Atlantic.
Parking is available on the residential side streets east and west of Atlantic Avenue, between Artesia and Market Streets...
Organizers, who say the parade is Southern California's only Veterans Day Parade, have a web site at www.lbveteransdayparade.com.
The event has multiple corporate and local business sponsors. Its Celebrity Grand Marshal this year is Cal Worthington
Developing.
