Good for Arcadia Mayor Peter Amundson. Good for the protesters of his choice of a speaker from Focus on the Family. And good for Arcadia.
Friday morning’s Mayor’s Breakfast was a terrific event that drew a sellout crowd of about 300, most of whom were part of a standing ovation at the end. It also drew about 90 people, some from Arcadia, who stood outside in a quite orderly and civil manner to the side of the main front entrance of the Community Center.
<Click image below to play 5-minute video of the protesters and the program which included singers, comments from four community speakers, and the primary guest speaker Rev. H.B. London, Jr..>
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Even though at least one City Councilman opted to enter through the back door, no one entering the building was harassed or made to feel uncomfortable by those opposing the speaker because his organization, which was founded in Arcadia in the 1970s but has been based in Colorado Springs for 20 years, is believed to oppose gay marriage. Arcadia police not only maintained control of the group but did so without sparking any friction while allowing the protesters to make their point and generate media attention.
Meanwhile, it was like an alternate universe inside, with very few people even mentioning the protesters or the word “gay,” and everyone enjoying a program filled with singing and lots of laughter and poignant anecdotes.
Mayor Amundson introduced four local speakers to offer their thoughts on families in Arcadia: Rose Princess Tatyane Anaid Berrios, incoming school board member Kay Kinsler, Arcadia Chinese Association president Edward Wong, and police volunteer / library board trustee / newspaper columnist Dorothy Denne. Berrios expressed her gratitude and respect for her family; Kinsler defined the meaning of family in her own terms; Wong offered examples of how good families begin with good parenting, including one anecdote that drew a big laugh, and Denne described her unique non-biological family that includes police chief Robert Sanderson, who needed a “heart mother” when she needed a “heart son.” The Arcadia Ward Choir of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints and soloist Catherine Stringer provided lovely music. Mayor Amundson broke up the crowd several times with humorous references to challenges with his teenage son and, when presenting a key to the city, noting that even as Mayor he doesn’t even have a key to the restroom.
But it was Rev. London, a former pastor in Pasadena, who got the biggest reactions from the audience, beginning with a reference to the controversy generated by his appearance that immediately put the audience at ease. Jokes no doubt sharpened in many sermons drew enormous laughter. And though there were multiple references to God, his message was focused on the importance and value of family, no matter what form it may take. He even talked about unconditional love and acceptance, which seemed to be in stark contrast to the concerns of protesters just outside the doors.
Wherever each side may draw the line on tolerance and acceptance, it was nice to see so many people handling themselves with such dignity Friday morning. Regardless of what you may think of the Focus on the Family organization, I give three cheers to Mayor Amundson for having the fortitude to stand by his choice and his convictions and to put together such an enjoyable and successful program that generated a very good feeling among seemingly everyone in attendance. — By Scott Hettrick