Matt Szabo
@mjszabo.bsky.social
Daily Pilot reporter. Cal Poly San Luis Obispo graduate.
The new moon rode high in the crown of the metropolis.
The new moon rode high in the crown of the metropolis.
Huntington Beach names new mayor, but ‘Judas kiss’ allegations fuel pro tem fury
www.latimes.com/socal/daily-...
www.latimes.com/socal/daily-...
Huntington Beach names new mayor, but 'Judas kiss' allegations fuel pro tem fury
Council members voted Tuesday to bypass Chad Williams as the new mayor pro tem in favor of Butch Twining, despite opposition from a pro-Williams crowd and the city's own protocol.
www.latimes.com
December 4, 2025 at 1:43 AM
Huntington Beach names new mayor, but ‘Judas kiss’ allegations fuel pro tem fury
www.latimes.com/socal/daily-...
www.latimes.com/socal/daily-...
Huntington Beach appoints Casey McKeon as its 88th mayor and Butch Twining as the mayor pro Tem, bypassing Chad Williams as the pro Tem.
Many in the crowd who came to support Williams boo this decision. He got the most votes in last fall’s election.
Many in the crowd who came to support Williams boo this decision. He got the most votes in last fall’s election.
December 3, 2025 at 3:52 AM
Huntington Beach appoints Casey McKeon as its 88th mayor and Butch Twining as the mayor pro Tem, bypassing Chad Williams as the pro Tem.
Many in the crowd who came to support Williams boo this decision. He got the most votes in last fall’s election.
Many in the crowd who came to support Williams boo this decision. He got the most votes in last fall’s election.
Happy Thanksgiving everyone!
Hope you enjoy your time with friends and family today.
I’m grateful to continue writing for a living in a beautiful place. Thanks for following me.
Hope you enjoy your time with friends and family today.
I’m grateful to continue writing for a living in a beautiful place. Thanks for following me.
November 27, 2025 at 8:57 PM
Happy Thanksgiving everyone!
Hope you enjoy your time with friends and family today.
I’m grateful to continue writing for a living in a beautiful place. Thanks for following me.
Hope you enjoy your time with friends and family today.
I’m grateful to continue writing for a living in a beautiful place. Thanks for following me.
Casey McKeon is expected to be sworn in as Huntington Beach's next mayor during Tuesday night's council meeting.
McKeon will be the last of the conservative so-called "Fab Four" elected in 2022 to be mayor, joining Tony Strickland ('23), Gracey Van Der Mark ('24) and Pat Burns.
McKeon will be the last of the conservative so-called "Fab Four" elected in 2022 to be mayor, joining Tony Strickland ('23), Gracey Van Der Mark ('24) and Pat Burns.
November 26, 2025 at 11:05 PM
Casey McKeon is expected to be sworn in as Huntington Beach's next mayor during Tuesday night's council meeting.
McKeon will be the last of the conservative so-called "Fab Four" elected in 2022 to be mayor, joining Tony Strickland ('23), Gracey Van Der Mark ('24) and Pat Burns.
McKeon will be the last of the conservative so-called "Fab Four" elected in 2022 to be mayor, joining Tony Strickland ('23), Gracey Van Der Mark ('24) and Pat Burns.
Huntington Beach City Atty. Mike Vigliotta came back with nothing to report out of closed session BUT council member Chad Williams said that Michael Gates was employed again with the city of Huntington Beach.
So, it sounds like HB is moving forward with Gates as chief asst atty.
So, it sounds like HB is moving forward with Gates as chief asst atty.
November 21, 2025 at 11:11 PM
Huntington Beach City Atty. Mike Vigliotta came back with nothing to report out of closed session BUT council member Chad Williams said that Michael Gates was employed again with the city of Huntington Beach.
So, it sounds like HB is moving forward with Gates as chief asst atty.
So, it sounds like HB is moving forward with Gates as chief asst atty.
We are now at two hours that the Huntington Beach City Council has been in closed session.
Michael Gates is sitting at a staff table and waiting, just like everyone else.
Michael Gates is sitting at a staff table and waiting, just like everyone else.
November 21, 2025 at 10:36 PM
We are now at two hours that the Huntington Beach City Council has been in closed session.
Michael Gates is sitting at a staff table and waiting, just like everyone else.
Michael Gates is sitting at a staff table and waiting, just like everyone else.
The Huntington Beach City Council has been in closed session for more than an hour discussing Michael Gates' employment and his lawyer's threat of litigation. They are still there.
November 21, 2025 at 9:52 PM
The Huntington Beach City Council has been in closed session for more than an hour discussing Michael Gates' employment and his lawyer's threat of litigation. They are still there.
At a special meeting of the Huntington Beach City Council, where the council is set to discuss in closed session possible litigation regarding the rehiring of Michael Gates.
Mayor Pat Burns gives just 30 seconds per speaker for public comments. There are 40 signed up.
Mayor Pat Burns gives just 30 seconds per speaker for public comments. There are 40 signed up.
November 21, 2025 at 8:06 PM
At a special meeting of the Huntington Beach City Council, where the council is set to discuss in closed session possible litigation regarding the rehiring of Michael Gates.
Mayor Pat Burns gives just 30 seconds per speaker for public comments. There are 40 signed up.
Mayor Pat Burns gives just 30 seconds per speaker for public comments. There are 40 signed up.
H.B. City Council to hold special meeting on Gates’ employment after his attorney threatens lawsuit
www.latimes.com/socal/daily-...
www.latimes.com/socal/daily-...
H.B. City Council to hold special meeting on Gates' employment after his attorney threatens lawsuit
Friday's Huntington Beach City Council meeting will be in closed session, though the public is allowed to make comments before that.
www.latimes.com
November 20, 2025 at 7:45 PM
H.B. City Council to hold special meeting on Gates’ employment after his attorney threatens lawsuit
www.latimes.com/socal/daily-...
www.latimes.com/socal/daily-...
The Huntington Beach City Council is having a fascinating conversation with the OC Registrar of Voters Bob Page tonight.
Several of the council members have asked for his personal opinion on voter ID, but he has declined, saying it’s his job to follow the law whatever that is.
Several of the council members have asked for his personal opinion on voter ID, but he has declined, saying it’s his job to follow the law whatever that is.
November 19, 2025 at 5:22 AM
The Huntington Beach City Council is having a fascinating conversation with the OC Registrar of Voters Bob Page tonight.
Several of the council members have asked for his personal opinion on voter ID, but he has declined, saying it’s his job to follow the law whatever that is.
Several of the council members have asked for his personal opinion on voter ID, but he has declined, saying it’s his job to follow the law whatever that is.
Sweet 16! Newport Harbor boys’ water polo sprints past CdM for CIF title defense
Words by me, photos by @ericlicas.bsky.social
www.latimes.com/socal/daily-...
Words by me, photos by @ericlicas.bsky.social
www.latimes.com/socal/daily-...
Sweet 16! Newport Harbor boys' water polo sprints past CdM for CIF title defense
The Sailors used a strong second half and lockdown defense for a 10-3 win Saturday night at Mt. San Antonio College, earning their CIF-best 16th championship as a program.
www.latimes.com
November 16, 2025 at 1:50 PM
Sweet 16! Newport Harbor boys’ water polo sprints past CdM for CIF title defense
Words by me, photos by @ericlicas.bsky.social
www.latimes.com/socal/daily-...
Words by me, photos by @ericlicas.bsky.social
www.latimes.com/socal/daily-...
Battle-tested Corona del Mar girls’ flag football captures first CIF ring
Story by me, photos by @ericlicas.bsky.social
www.latimes.com/socal/daily-...
Story by me, photos by @ericlicas.bsky.social
www.latimes.com/socal/daily-...
Battle-tested Corona del Mar girls' flag football captures first CIF ring
Sophomore quarterback Addi Stern ran for three touchdowns and threw for another in Saturday's 26-14 win over Westlake in the CIF Southern Section Division 2 title game.
www.latimes.com
November 10, 2025 at 9:09 PM
Battle-tested Corona del Mar girls’ flag football captures first CIF ring
Story by me, photos by @ericlicas.bsky.social
www.latimes.com/socal/daily-...
Story by me, photos by @ericlicas.bsky.social
www.latimes.com/socal/daily-...
The California Fourth District Court of Appeal today reversed an OC Superior Court decision, striking down Huntington Beach’s voter ID charter amendment. The city can seek review in the California Supreme Court.
Story coming.
Story coming.
November 3, 2025 at 11:15 PM
The California Fourth District Court of Appeal today reversed an OC Superior Court decision, striking down Huntington Beach’s voter ID charter amendment. The city can seek review in the California Supreme Court.
Story coming.
Story coming.
The Teo-Shohei interactions have become one of my favorite parts of this #Dodgers team. #WorldSeries
October 28, 2025 at 2:06 AM
The Teo-Shohei interactions have become one of my favorite parts of this #Dodgers team. #WorldSeries
The Huntington Beach City Council unanimously voted in closed session tonight to appeal an OC Superior Court order to remove the “children’s restricted” section at the Central Library and re-establish teen section, City Atty. Mike Vigliotta reports.
www.latimes.com/socal/daily-...
www.latimes.com/socal/daily-...
Huntington Beach ordered to return moved library books, re-establish teen section
An Orange County Superior Court judge signed off on the order last week, but Huntington Beach may appeal.
www.latimes.com
October 22, 2025 at 1:09 AM
The Huntington Beach City Council unanimously voted in closed session tonight to appeal an OC Superior Court order to remove the “children’s restricted” section at the Central Library and re-establish teen section, City Atty. Mike Vigliotta reports.
www.latimes.com/socal/daily-...
www.latimes.com/socal/daily-...
Los Angeles vs. Toronto.... where have I seen this before?
October 21, 2025 at 3:20 AM
Los Angeles vs. Toronto.... where have I seen this before?
Five hospitalized after helicopter crashes next to Huntington Beach hotel
www.latimes.com/california/s...
www.latimes.com/california/s...
Five hospitalized after helicopter crashes next to Huntington Beach hotel
Two people were pulled from the helicopter, and three people were injured on the street, police said. PCH was closed between Beach Boulevard and Huntington Street.
www.latimes.com
October 11, 2025 at 11:07 PM
Five hospitalized after helicopter crashes next to Huntington Beach hotel
www.latimes.com/california/s...
www.latimes.com/california/s...
The Pacific Airshow in Huntington Beach this weekend will not include U.S. military planes due to the government shutdown, air show director Kevin Elliott just announced in an email.
This year's performers include the Canadian Forces Snowbirds and Royal Air Force Falcons (UK).
This year's performers include the Canadian Forces Snowbirds and Royal Air Force Falcons (UK).
October 1, 2025 at 11:02 PM
The Pacific Airshow in Huntington Beach this weekend will not include U.S. military planes due to the government shutdown, air show director Kevin Elliott just announced in an email.
This year's performers include the Canadian Forces Snowbirds and Royal Air Force Falcons (UK).
This year's performers include the Canadian Forces Snowbirds and Royal Air Force Falcons (UK).
October 1, 2025 at 2:52 AM
The Huntington Beach City Council unanimously votes 6-0-1 (Van Der Mark absent) to form an ad hoc committee to explore the creation of a mural, statue or plaque commemorating Charlie Kirk in the city.
September 23, 2025 at 11:51 PM
The Huntington Beach City Council unanimously votes 6-0-1 (Van Der Mark absent) to form an ad hoc committee to explore the creation of a mural, statue or plaque commemorating Charlie Kirk in the city.
The Huntington Beach City Council has called a special meeting tomorrow (Tuesday) at 4 p.m., to discuss the possibility of creating a mural in town for the late Charlie Kirk.
September 22, 2025 at 10:53 PM
The Huntington Beach City Council has called a special meeting tomorrow (Tuesday) at 4 p.m., to discuss the possibility of creating a mural in town for the late Charlie Kirk.
'I am Kolby': Aipa inducted into Surfers' Hall of Fame in Huntington Beach
www.latimes.com/socal/daily-...
www.latimes.com/socal/daily-...
'I am Kolby': Aipa inducted into Surfers' Hall of Fame in Huntington Beach
Kolby Aipa, who died at the age of 20 in August following an e-bike accident, is the grandson of renowned Hawaiian shaper Ben Aipa. A paddle-out ceremony is planned for Saturday morning.
www.latimes.com
September 19, 2025 at 11:38 PM
'I am Kolby': Aipa inducted into Surfers' Hall of Fame in Huntington Beach
www.latimes.com/socal/daily-...
www.latimes.com/socal/daily-...
Huntington Beach City Councilwoman Gracey Van Der Mark says “shame on you” to those who she said lied about Butch Twining’s involvement with last Wednesday’s gathering at Pier Plaza.
“If anything happens to any of us up on this dais, our blood is on your hands.”
“If anything happens to any of us up on this dais, our blood is on your hands.”
September 17, 2025 at 1:43 AM
Huntington Beach City Councilwoman Gracey Van Der Mark says “shame on you” to those who she said lied about Butch Twining’s involvement with last Wednesday’s gathering at Pier Plaza.
“If anything happens to any of us up on this dais, our blood is on your hands.”
“If anything happens to any of us up on this dais, our blood is on your hands.”
Huntington Beach City Councilman Butch Twining says he left last Wednesday’s gathering for Charlie Kirk when White supremacists “hijacked” it (his word). Started chanting “White Man Fight Back.”
“I reject the presence of hate groups loudly and unequivocally.” - Twining.
“I reject the presence of hate groups loudly and unequivocally.” - Twining.
September 17, 2025 at 1:10 AM
Huntington Beach City Councilman Butch Twining says he left last Wednesday’s gathering for Charlie Kirk when White supremacists “hijacked” it (his word). Started chanting “White Man Fight Back.”
“I reject the presence of hate groups loudly and unequivocally.” - Twining.
“I reject the presence of hate groups loudly and unequivocally.” - Twining.
I’m looking to talk to people who were either at the Charlie Kirk vigil in Huntington Beach on Sunday night. Or, if you have thoughts about that or an earlier gathering at the pier that apparently drew White supremacists. This is for a Daily Pilot story. Feel free to comment or reach out. Thanks!
September 16, 2025 at 7:56 PM
I’m looking to talk to people who were either at the Charlie Kirk vigil in Huntington Beach on Sunday night. Or, if you have thoughts about that or an earlier gathering at the pier that apparently drew White supremacists. This is for a Daily Pilot story. Feel free to comment or reach out. Thanks!