Senator Min Reacts to Huntington Beach Lawsuit Against State Auditor Probe into Airshow Settlement
(SACRAMENTO, CA) – Earlier today, Huntington Beach City Attorney Michael Gates issued a letter to California State Auditor Grant Parks stating the City’s intent to pursue legal action against the state’s ongoing audit of the Pacific Airshow settlement. The audit is the result of the Joint Legislative Audit Committee’s (JLAC) bipartisan decision to approve a request submitted by State Senator Dave Min, who represents Huntington Beach in the 37th Senate District, asking the State Auditor to look into the City’s multimillion dollar settlement with the Pacific Air Show following the cancellation of the last day of the 2021 air show due to the closure of the beaches after the Orange County Oil Spill. City Attorney Gates is asserting that the City is not subject to the State’s audit authority, a claim that was repeatedly rejected by the Legislature and its legislative counsel during last week’s hearing on this audit request.
“What is Huntington Beach City Attorney Michael Gates trying to hide?” said State Senator Dave Min. “His claim that the City of Huntington Beach is not subject to the State’s audit authority is ridiculous and baseless. But more importantly, why is he fighting so hard to try to hide the facts around the Pacific Air Show settlement that he apparently played a big part in negotiating? City Attorney Gates doth protest too much. The residents of Huntington Beach deserve transparency in their government, and they will get it.”
The City of Huntington Beach has hosted the Pacific Airshow since 2016, attracting millions in attendance every year. Following the October 1, 2021, oil spill, the City of Huntington Beach made the decision to close the beach because of potential health impacts, facilitate cleanup coordination efforts and cancel the last day of the 2021 Airshow.
A copy of the letter from City Attorney Gates can be found attached.
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