Huntington Beach City Council Regular Meeting - April 21, 2026

The Huntington Beach City Council met on April 21, 2026, at 11:45 AM. The meeting included presentations, public comments, and votes on several key items, including the Huntington Club remodel appeal, the establishment of ad hoc committees, and a discussion regarding the Wolfhouse audit and contract. The council also approved a resolution declaring Theodore Roosevelt Day and received updates on e-bike safety and a $500,000 county grant for the navigation center.

Awards & Presentations

• Orthopedic Fast Track Program: Recognized for saving $1.2 million in 2025 by reducing on-duty injury costs for police.
• Adoptable Pets: OC Animal Care presented dogs Zion and Gucci; an adoption event is scheduled for April 25.
• Fireworks Lottery: Winners were drawn for high school booster clubs, youth sports, and civic organizations.
• Business Spotlight: Stoney's Pizza and Huntington Academy of Dance were highlighted.
• Sugar the Surfing Dog Memorial: A painting was unveiled to honor Sugar; the new puppy Sweet was introduced.

Consent Calendar

• Items 18–24 were approved as a block, with items 18 (minutes) and 19 (navigation center grant) pulled separately. Item 18 was approved with a correction; item 19 (acceptance of $500,000 from Orange County for the navigation center) was approved 7-0.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Luann Nichols Shoop: Supported the council's work on homelessness and crime reduction, citing a 40% drop in homelessness and 26% decrease in crime.
• Kathy Ryder: Opposed agenda item 27 (ad hoc committee for RFP) and requested changes to political sign regulations.
• Pat Goodman: Opposed items 26 and 27, arguing ad hoc committees undermine transparency.
• Ginny Paris: Thanked the council for progress on homelessness and crime, supported exploring branding and revenue opportunities.
• Ann Palmer: Discussed budget concerns, urged careful financial planning, and supported the branding initiative.
• Andy Einhorn: Criticized the SAFE Act as voter suppression and opposed the Wolfhouse contract.
• Ken Inoue: Requested more transparency on lawsuits and criticized the city's handling of the air show settlement.
• Andrew Hart: Raised concerns about a boat rental business operating without permits, asked for enforcement.
• Rory Bevins: Expressed interest in taking over the Parkbench Cafe.
• Brother Stephen Gerard Sidlovsky: Advocated for a pre-born personhood resolution.
• Shana Breslow: Urged the city to support an organic-first approach to herbicide use in county waterways.
• Tim Gaddis: Criticized lack of transparency on closed session litigation and the Wolfhouse process.
• Paula Schaeffer: Opposed item 27, saying the RFP process reeks of cronyism.
• Patricia Pappas: Thanked the council for the Celebration Committee and its work on local history.
• Russell Neal: Proposed splitting the branding procurement into two parts: a directed contract for July 4th and an RFP for long-term strategy.
• Larry Sloan: Opposed item 27, citing lack of impartiality and the need for resident involvement.
• Multiple speakers: Expressed concerns about the Wolfhouse contract, citing lack of transparency, cronyism, and the consultant's business license issue.

Discussion Items

• Item 15 – Huntington Club Remodel Appeal: Council approved the conditional use permit 5-0-2 (with recusals). Added conditions: illuminated crosswalk warning signs, differentiated materials, and commitments to resurface tennis/pickleball courts and hold workshops with members. A motion to require a deed restriction was withdrawn.
• Item 25 – Theodore Roosevelt Day: Approved 6-0-1 (Councilman Groel recused). Designates May 7, 2026, as Theodore Roosevelt Day in Huntington Beach.
• Item 26 – Lease Review Ad Hoc Committee: Approved 7-0 as amended to first develop a process for lease review, then bring recommendations to the full council.
• Item 27 – Creative Strategy RFP Ad Hoc Committee: Approved 4-3. Members appointed: Councilmembers Kennedy, Twine, and Burns. The committee will review RFP proposals and provide recommendations.
• Item 28 – Wolfhouse Audit and Contract Discussion: A motion to terminate the RFP failed 3-4. Council debated the legality and transparency of the process. City Attorney stated no 1090 violation occurred per outside counsel. The RFP process continues.

Key Outcomes

• Huntington Club Appeal: Approved with enhanced safety conditions and commitments to court improvements.
• Theodore Roosevelt Day: Resolution to be prepared for May 5, 2026 council meeting.
• Lease Review: Ad hoc committee to develop a transparent bidding process for high-value leases.
• Creative Strategy RFP: Ad hoc committee of Kennedy, Twine, and Burns will evaluate proposals; RFP closes April 27.
• Wolfhouse Discussion: No action taken; RFP process remains active.
• E-Bike Safety: Police department reported a 175% increase in crashes since 2022, but praised the city's leading education and enforcement programs. A symposium is planned for May 13.
• Navigation Center Grant: Accepted $500,000 from Orange County.

Councilmember Reports

• Councilmember Burns highlighted the council's financial management, noting the adopted budget deficit has been avoided.
• Councilmember Kennedy reported that the city has allocated $140 million for capital improvement projects over the last three years, the highest in any three-year period.
• Councilmember Vandermark promoted the pet adoption expo.
• Councilmember Groel discussed Olympic preparation efforts and the city's partnership with the Orange County Sports Commission.