HomeMy WebLinkAbout00 - Non-Agenda Item - CorrespondenceReceived After Agenda Printed
February 12, 2019
Non -Agenda Item
TUESDAY FEBRUARY 12 2019
LETTER TO THE NEWPORT BEACH CITY COUNCIL
Submitted to the Newport Beach City Clerk For Publication at the City Council Meeting
Most Distinguished City Council Members,
Taking solace and umbrage under the great words by the 16' President of our GREAT AMERICAN
UNION, Abraham Lincoln, when he said,
"that a government of the people, by the people, for the people shall not perish from the Earth"
on February 12, 2019, at 7.00 p.m., I give my formal RESIGNATION to my appointment as
Newport Beach City Arts Commissioner.
My name is Grace Divine. On June 2017, I was appointed to the post of City Arts Commissioner in
Newport Beach. I was greatly honored to accept this post and served it with zeal, passion and
integrity. Further, as someone NEW TO POLITICS, in the fulfillment of this experience, I
endeavored to learn and to grow. Incredibly, after more than a year and a half as Arts
Commissioner, what I wasn't aware of upon entering the post, is that it would challenge me to grow
in new and unexpected ways.
By vocation, I am an artist, writer, entertainer. I am also a proud HISPANIC -AMERICAN woman.
I was born in the United States but grew up abroad until my return to the US when I attended
Lincoln, when it was a middle school, and then Corona del Mar High School for about two years.
What getting my education in Newport Beach did for me, most of all, is to spur a desire to learn
about our beautiful country, and its government. I therefore enrolled at UCI. Afterward, I
attended UCLA law school. In the end, having grown up in countries where human and civil
rights barely exist, I have learned to love, cherish and respect our US Constitution as the basic
contract that sustains our great nation and as a protector of basic inalienable human rights. Rights
that I believe must be upheld to the point of suffering for without them, I believe we have nothing.
In my tenure as Newport Beach City Arts Commissioner, I contributed in multiple ways. One way,
was in being of assistance with the Public Art Sculpture Phase III, which is currently in exhibition
at the civic center park in Newport Beach. Another way I contributed to the education and welfare
of our city and residents, was by doing a series of 4, independent lectures, on the public art by
LIVING ARTISTS currently being exhibited in the city.
But after all of this, I have come to realize, that that just isn't enough. And moreover, I have come
to believe that everyone, YOU and I, ALL PEOPLE, must get involved in what is happening in all
government, at all levels, City, State, Federal... For, it is government that rules over us, educates
our children, creates rules for our homes and has the power to impact every aspect of our lives and
including, many of our hopes and dreams.
And we must ask now, what is at stake should we fail to get involved in civic affairs?
fairs?
And the short answer to this is, EVERYTHING.
Everything is at stake. And everything that matters to each and everyone of us, is at stake.
So even though I am leaving the post, I am not leaving the great principles that were set forth by
our forefathers that sought the welfare and integrity of our government for the benefit of all people.
And unfortunately, something over which I have no control, and something which I didn't want to
do for its onerous nature, this path has taken me in the order to make an appeal in the law. And so,
on February 5 2019, I filed a claim with the Newport Beach City Attorney's office.
I want you to know that in making these claims (100% unproven allegations, as I redress concerns
as related to my CIVIL RIGHTS, it is MY FOCUS to advocate for city rules that are fair and that
bring diversity and transparency to government actions. Ultimately, with these actions, I am seeking
to improve our government, making Newport Beach a better place to live, where people, individuals
and families can thrive in a positive relationship with a government that works for all people, of all
races, and of all backgrounds.
PLEASE NOTE: I intend for NONE OF MY CLAIMS to be as against or even name a single private
individual in any capacity, and in any way associated to the city or any city employee. In my heart; I
only have love, caring and respect. I also care deeply for every single person who lives and works in
our Newport Beach. And so, this entire experience, and that I should have to file a claim, has
caused me personally, tremendous heartbreak.
But I recognize that more important than anything, and more important than even my own welfare,
are the RIGHTS OF THE PEOPLE. And I believe these rights must be upheld and protected.
And so, I thank you sincerely for your time and consideration. In the end, it is my earnest hope
that my work, and this letter, will spark a positive note in your heart; and in the hearts of anyone
who reads it.
And like I said, and in following with Abraham Lincoln's, and our other forefathers' unspoken
mandates, "WE THE PEOPLE", ALL OF US, YOUAND I, must come together, and contribute
to our own governance, in any way we can, big or small, in order to assure that basic principles of
human rights and human dignity are upheld, for all people, and for the good of all.
I thank you sincerely and from the bottom of my heart.
Should you wish to reach me for any reason, please email at:
WeThePeople@GraceDivine.com
Grace Divine, Former Newport Beach City Arts Commissioner
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