In February 2009, Los Alamitos, California, Mayor Dean Grose came under fire after sending out an e-mail from his personal account which depicts The White House lawn as a watermelon field with the caption "No Easter egg hunt this year."The Huffington Post: White House Watermelon... (February 25, 2009)
Grose apologized after Keyanus Price, an African American Los Alamitos city volunteer demanded an apology. The Mayor stated, "I'm sorry. It wasn't sent to offend her personally— or anyone— from the standpoint of the African-American race."Wonkette: Republican Mayor Sends... (February 25 2009) On February 26, 2009, it was reported that Grose would step down from his position in coming days.OCRegister.com: Mayor who sent watermelon e-mail says he'll step down
Apologies and E-Mail
On February 26, 2009, Mayor Dean Grose issued an apology for sending out the e-mail from his personal account, saying it was in "poor taste." Grose said the subsequent controversy that resulted from the e-mail had "impeded his ability" to do his job and he said he would resign as mayor effective on Monday, March 2, 2009.OCRegister.com: Mayor who sent watermelon e-mail says he'll step down
References
Fast Facts
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Fact:
E-mail depicts a watermelon field in front of the White HouseThe Huffington Post: White House Watermelon... (February 25, 2009)
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A caption in the e-mail reads
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Fact:
Grose apologized for the e-mail after he was asked to by Keyanus PriceThe Huffington Post: White House Watermelon... (February 25, 2009)
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Occupation
Small business owner and mayor of Los Alamitos, California
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Fact:
Previously served as the public information officer for the city of Anaheim, California
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Fact:
1983 became president of Event Medical Services, Inc.
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Chair, Regional Military Affairs Committee, Joint Forces Training Base
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Board Member of the Los Alamitos Chamber of Commerce
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Supporter of Precious Life Shelter, Los Alamitos
