Huntington Beach's Ongoing Political Drama: A Tale of Two Attorneys

Well, folks, it seems the Huntington Beach City Council gathered once more, this time for a special meeting on November 21st, 2025, to tackle a rather weighty — and let's be honest, quite contentious — issue: the potential rehiring of their former City Attorney, Michael Gates. But as often happens in these high-stakes political dramas, the story ended not with a bang, but with a shrug, as the council ultimately decided to take absolutely no action.

One can only imagine the tension in the room. This wasn't just any item on the agenda; it's a chapter in a much longer, more complicated saga that has seen Huntington Beach's political landscape shift dramatically. Gates, you might recall, was unceremoniously fired back in March of 2023. That decision led to a wrongful termination lawsuit, which the city eventually settled for a hefty $1.5 million. A lot of water under the bridge, as they say.

Now, fast forward to today, and the political winds in Surf City have certainly changed direction. A new conservative majority now holds the reins, and it was two members of this bloc, Councilmembers Gracey and Terry, who championed putting Gates's potential return on the table. It certainly signals a desire to undo past decisions and perhaps realign the city's legal strategy with their current vision.

During the special meeting, the floor was open for public comment, allowing residents to weigh in on the matter – a vital part of local democracy, even when the topics are fraught. And yes, Michael Gates himself was reportedly present, an interesting detail that surely added another layer of intrigue to the proceedings. Following the public's input, the council retreated behind closed doors, presumably for an executive session to discuss the legal and financial ramifications.

When they re-emerged, the decision, or lack thereof, was announced: no action. This non-decision leaves the city's current legal structure intact, with John Wong continuing in his role as the acting city attorney. For Council member Brenda Swing, a moderate voice on the dais, this outcome might come as a slight relief. She had previously voiced significant concerns, openly wondering about the potential financial implications and the legal headaches that rehiring Gates, particularly after a substantial settlement, could bring.

So, where does this leave Huntington Beach? Still in a state of political flux, it seems. The question of Michael Gates’ future with the city remains unanswered, and the underlying political currents that brought this discussion to the forefront are very much alive. It’s clear this particular chapter is far from over, and residents will undoubtedly be watching closely to see what unfolds next in the ongoing drama of Surf City's local governance.