Oakdale residents clash at council over permitted Pride event; city reiterates neutral permitting

A packed Oakdale City Council chamber on the evening of the meeting heard sharply divided public comment over a city‑issued permit for Oakdale Pride, scheduled for Sunday, June 28. Pastors and other opponents urged the council to revoke the permit because the event was advertised “all ages” and lists a drag performer as master of ceremonies; supporters, including event organizers and local advocates, urged the council to uphold the permit and emphasized legal protections and mental‑health benefits for LGBTQ residents.

City staff opened public comment by reading a statement that the city “applies its special event permit requirements equally and in a neutral, unbiased manner,” and that approval decisions are ministerial, not discretionary. The statement emphasized that permit approvals are based on whether applications meet standard requirements and that the city cannot restrict events based on content or viewpoint.

Among those opposing the event, Jeff Kavanaaugh, who identified himself as a local pastor, said the event’s combination of an all‑ages advertisement and a drag performer was “inappropriate” for a children’s park and asked whether the permit could be revoked pending further vetting. Another speaker, who did not give a name, asserted that the advertised performers were “perverted individuals” and urged the council to add an agenda item to remove the permit; that commenter repeatedly used language alleging sexual misconduct by organizers.

Speakers in favor of the permitted Pride event included Greg Pagani, a longtime Oakdale resident, who described the celebration as community‑building and said it would help queer residents feel welcome. Harlen Divven, deputy general counsel for California Rural Legal Assistance, told the council the event is protected expression under the First Amendment and California law, and urged the council to uphold the permit. “Oakdale has done the right thing,” Divven said, and he noted research showing affirming visible spaces like Pride are linked with lower rates of suicidality among LGBTQ youth.

Other supporters included representatives of a local survivor‑services organization and Cal Pride organizers, who described personal experiences of harm from rejection and said Pride events create supportive community connections and reduce isolation. A number of speakers identified themselves as veterans, local business owners, and long‑term residents and urged respect for fellow residents with differing beliefs.

The council did not vote to rescind or modify the permit during the meeting. Staff reiterated that public comment is limited by the council’s rules and that matters not on the posted agenda generally cannot be acted on unless the council determines an emergency exists. After roughly 30 minutes of public comment the council closed the period, took a brief recess and returned to regular business.

What’s next: The permit remains in place; members of the public on both sides indicated they expect continued engagement and some asked that council schedule follow‑up discussion. City staff said it will treat any follow‑up requests according to the City’s posted procedures for agenda items and staff review.

Representative quotes from the meeting:

“I want everyone here to know truly the Lord Jesus loves every person here as I do,” said Jeff Kavanaaugh, who objected to the event taking place in a children’s park.

“Oakdale has done the right thing,” said Harlen Divven of California Rural Legal Assistance, describing the permit as constitutionally protected expression.

Ending: The meeting proceeded to the council’s consent agenda after the public‑comment period closed; the council did not take further action on the permit that night.