This story is free to read because readers choose to support LAist. If you find value in independent local reporting, make a donation to power our newsroom today.
HB Airshow Saga: City Must Release Details Of $7 Million Deal
Fans watch the 2021 Pacific Airshow in Huntington Beach.
(
Michael Heiman
/
Getty Images
)
Topline:
An Orange County Superior Court judge has ordered Huntington Beach officials to release a controversial settlement agreement between the city and the operator of the annual airshow that attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors each year.
The background: The settlement came after Huntington Beach canceled the second day of the airshow in 2021 following a major oil spill off the coast. The airshow operator sued, and the city agreed to pay up to $7 million for breach of contract. But the full settlement details have so far remained off-limits to taxpayers. Read the judge's order here.
The lawsuit: Local school board member Gina Clayton-Tarvin sued the city under California public records law to get the full airshow settlement released. Clayton-Tarvin has been a vocal critic of the settlement and of the current city council majority, which approved the settlement.
The city’s response: After the judge’s ruling, Huntington Beach City Attorney Michael Gates told LAist he intends to release the settlement unless directed otherwise by the city council. Just a few days ago, Gates filed a legal complaint against the state’s top watchdog over a planned audit of the settlement.
Why it matters: Critics of the airshow settlement have speculated that it might contain lucrative perks for the airshow operator, Code Four, which haven't been publicly released. These critics are dubious of the city's decision to settle with Code Four — a political ally of the city council majority — over a decision made in the midst of a public health emergency.
Go deeper: How A Fight Over An Airshow In Huntington Beach Became A Political Litmus Test
You come to LAist because you want independent reporting and trustworthy local information. Our newsroom doesn’t answer to shareholders looking to turn a profit. Instead, we answer to you and our connected community. We are free to tell the full truth, to hold power to account without fear or favor, and to follow facts wherever they lead. Our only loyalty is to our audiences and our mission: to inform, engage, and strengthen our community.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive from readers like you will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive from readers like you will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Senior Vice President News, Editor in Chief
