Huntington Beach Approves Controversial $7K 'MAGA' Plaque

The Huntington Beach Community and Library Services Commission has approved a plaque for the Central Library's 50th anniversary featuring the acronym 'MAGA'—standing for 'Magical, Alluring, Galvanizing, Adventurous'—which has sparked significant controversy for its association with former President Donald Trump's campaign slogan 'Make America Great Again.' Despite strong public opposition, including more than 300 critical emails and a predominantly disapproving crowd at the meeting, the commission voted 6-0 in favor of the plaque. Critics argue that the plaque politicizes a public space meant for community and inclusivity, with many residents calling it divisive and inappropriate for a library. The plaque's approval is seen as part of ongoing tensions between Huntington Beach city officials and its library system, with past controversies over library management and content. The decision has prompted discussions on social media, with some residents describing the plaque as a wasteful expenditure of taxpayer money. The cost of the plaque is estimated at $7,000.