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HUNTINGTON BEACH, Calif. (Valley News Live) – A heated debate in Huntington Beach, California ends with a former Minnesota Vikings player arrested at a city council meeting. Now, he is speaking out about the controversial issue that landed him in handcuffs.
A new plaque is meant to mark the 50th anniversary of the Huntington Beach Central Library. It passed with unanimous approval by the city council, but support for it among resident is far from unanimous.
Tensions flared at Tuesday’s city council meeting as the commemorative plaque was approved. It prominently features four words—”Magical, Alluring, Galvanizing, Adventurous” —with the first letters spelling out MAGA.
The wording at the bottom adds fine print, which ends with the words “Making America Great Again,” best known as President Donald Trump’s campaign slogan.
Dozens of residents shared their thoughts, some in support saying critics were focusing on who used the phrase rather than its actual meaning.
While others, including former NFL punter and Huntington Beach local Chris Kluwe, passionately opposed the design, arguing the plaque represents division, censorship, and an attempt to politicize a public institution. Kluwe says the entire situation has been immensely frustrating.
“They’re supposed to listen to the community and take feedback. But the fact is, we have to have this conversation in Huntington Beach because our city council doesn’t listen to the community, and they’ve shown they’re going to do whatever they want,” Kluwe said.
During public comment on Tuesday, in what he called “peaceful civil disobedience,” Kluwe stepped away from the lectern and walked toward councilmembers. He was arrested by officers shortly after.
“I need people to listen, and that’s why I stepped up and walked up to the dais, because to me, this is that important.”
Kluwe and others say the plaque de-emphasizes the library’s true mission.
“Making a political plaque the centerpiece of the anniversary of such an amazing place… it’s not appropriate for what the library stands for.”
According to councilmembers, the black and gold plaque will cost $7,000 and is funded through private donations. City leaders say they’ve also raised an extra $1,000 to install a spotlight as a deterrent against vandalism, following online threats.
While the plan moves forward, Kluwe says he plans to continue to fight in what he believes in.
“This is something I encourage other people to do… cause good trouble,” Kluwe said. “Show them that we are not going to stand for this. Show them that it means something to you and do it in a way that they cannot look away.”
City officials haven’t announced when the plaque will be installed, but it is expected to go up at some point this year.
Kluwe was charged with a misdemeanor and has a court date scheduled for April.
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