Victorville council rejects motion to sponsor Bridal Week and Pride Prom; 3-2 vote fails

The Victorville City Council on March 4 voted 3-2 to reject a motion directing the city manager to purchase tiered sponsorship packages for Bridal Week (Pride events) and an LGBTQ+ intergenerational prom scheduled for June 2025 at Victor Valley College. The motion would have authorized sponsorships for each event not to exceed $5,000; the council did not appropriate funds at the meeting and staff said a separate appropriation resolution would be required if council approved the direction.

Councilmember Leslie Irving moved the sponsorship motion, describing the events as family-oriented efforts to create safe, affirming spaces for LGBTQ+ residents and allies. Irving cited public testimony from local organizers and residents and framed the proposed sponsorship as a show of city support for inclusivity and community engagement. The motion was seconded on the record; the final roll-call vote was: - Yes: Councilmember Leslie Irving; Mayor Becerra (2) - No: Councilmember Godin; Councilmember Jones; Mayor Pro Tem Herriman (3)

The motion failed.

Public testimony before the vote included multiple speakers representing LGBTQ+ and allied organizations and supporters. Will Smith, Alexis de Jesus, Rochelle Wish (Victor Valley Union High School District teacher), Patrice Copeland (High Desert Progressive Democrats), Tina Arredondo and others asked the council to fund or otherwise support an intergenerational prom and pride festival, describing youth safety, connection and economic benefits for vendors as reasons to partner with the city. The High Desert Pride Center and other local groups described prior events and proposed plans for June 2025 at Victor Valley College.

Council debate focused on two main points: whether sponsoring narrowly focused community events is an appropriate use of discretionary city funds, and whether the proposed sponsorship is consistent with priorities in the city's strategic plan. Councilmember Jones said she opposed the motion because the strategic plan's priorities were developed with broad stakeholder input and she was concerned about setting a precedent to fund specific interest-group events. Jones said allocating taxpayer funds outside those priorities could strain limited resources and urged fidelity to the strategic-plan process.

City Manager Matt Metzler told the council that the proposed sponsorships are not budgeted; if council wished to proceed staff would return with an appropriation resolution that formally commits funds.

Why it matters: The vote clarified that the council will not, at this meeting, commit discretionary city funds to the two June events. Proponents argued city sponsorship would demonstrate support and help ensure safe community spaces; opponents raised fiscal-priority and precedent concerns.

Speakers who testified in favor of city sponsorship included community organizers and residents; Councilmember Irving and Mayor Becerra supported the motion. Councilmember Jones framed her opposition as adherence to the council's priorities and fiscal stewardship.