From: Michele Burgess
To: [email protected]; [email protected]; Vigliotta, Mike Subject: City Council Special Meeting, 11/21/2025, Agenda Item 1, File #25-920 Date: Wednesday, November 19, 2025 5:04:50 PM
Whose bright idea was it to welcome Michael Gates back to the city attorney’s office? This serial self- promoter has cost HB taxpayers millions in legal fees,
fines and penalties,
settlements,
lost cases,
not to
mention his own previous salary and benefits as third-highest-paid elected city attorney in all of California.
He’s not even that good of an attorney, maybe even downright incompetent, some of his arguments laughed out of court by a panel judges. Consider the number of cases he’s lost (yet keeps appealing “all the way to the US Supreme Court, if necessary”), or when he settled with Code Four for $5 million without any proof of actual loss. And then boasted about a $5.25 million settlement from Amplify Energy, when other claimants for damages had already been awarded much higher amounts. He barely broke even with what he gave away to Code Four.
And we're tied to the Pacific
Airshow for years to come, practically giving away the farm.
Plus he refused to release the terms of the Code Four settlement, lost in court, was forced to release the terms anyway (which were atrocious), and the City had to pay attorney fees to the winning attorney.
Oh, let’s not forget the $2.5 million paid in the lawsuit against the City of HB and Michael Gates for age discrimination in the city attorney’s office, plus a reported $1.5 million in attorney’s fees for that loss.
And now we learn that his name, along with that of DOJ Civil Rights Division Chief Harmeet Dhillon, is on a letter (attached) supporting the Texas mid-decade gerrymandering. The court found the directive illegible, legally unsupported, factually inaccurate, and focused on race in ways that were constitutionally impermissible. Wrote
U.S. District Judge Jeffrey V. Brown, quoting the Texas Attorney General’s Office:
“It’s challenging to unpack the DOJ Letter because it contains so many factual, legal, and typographical errors.”
Also from the story, linked below: “Indeed, even attorneys employed by the Texas Attorney General — who professes to be a political ally of the Trump Administration — describe the DOJ Letter as ‘legally unsound,’ ‘baseless,’ ‘erroneous,’ ‘ham-fisted,’ and ‘a mess.’”
https://www.democracydocket.com/news-alerts/trump-dojs-ham-fisted-letter-key-to-ruling-blocking-texas- gerrymander/
Obviously, due diligence should be exercised and his employment offer rescinded if he lied about resigning because he misses HB and his family so much (as opposed to a choice between being handed his walking papers or involuntarily resigning).
Otherwise, why is there an official form showing he was terminated for cause by the DOJ and eligible to apply for unemployment benefits?
If Michael Gates wants to work for HB again, he should run for city attorney in 2026 and see if enough HB voters actually want him back. Our MAGA city council 11/21/25
1 (25-920)
members think he’s a great guy and they like to have a beer with him, and they admire that he keeps tilting at ideological windmills, but it’s not enough to justify costing HB taxpayers millions of dollars that could be better spent elsewhere. We deserve better — SO much better.
Michele Burgess
HB resident since 1961
From: onewildart
To: [email protected]
Subject: Michael Gates
Date: Wednesday, November 19, 2025 7:17:09 PM
A thorough current background check on Mr. Gates needs to take place. His conduct during his recent employment in DC magnifies that this ‘leopard hasn’t changed his spots.’ Mr. Gate’s recent publicity in the news along with several documents from both him and the DOJ brings to light his character and it is not what we want representing our city. Hiring him back is a mistake. We need truth and transparency brought back to Huntington Beach.
Let’s not look any more corrupt in the eyes of our nation! Trudy Roe
From: Carol D.
To: Hopkins, Travis; Vigliotta, Mike; [email protected]; CITY COUNCIL (INCL. CMO STAFF) Subject: Special Mtg-City Council-Michael Gates" appointment Date: Wednesday, November 19, 2025 7:42:47 PM
Dear Mr. Hopkins, Mr. Vigliotta, and City Council Members:
Although the discussion regarding Mr. Gates' appointment as chief assistant city attorney will be discussed during a closed session, Huntington Beach residents deserve full transparency regarding the timeline and circumstances of his recent hiring.
Here are my questions related to this matter:
1) When was Mr. Gates offered the job? Were other candidates in the running for this position?
2) Was Mr. Gates offered the position prior to the news report that he was terminated for cause by the DOJ's Civil Rights Division?
3) The news report claims he was "accused of creating a hostile work environment for multiple women in the office." If this is the reason for his termination, won't he be considered a risk to the city's legal department and other departments? 4) You have reported on social media that the city is conducting an investigation of these accusations. Will these findings be released to the public? 5) I heard that Mr. Gates could sue the city if his job offer is rescinded. Doesn't this type of legal threat against the city make Mr. Gates an even greater risk to Huntington Beach? Personally, I feel this is the perfect time to bring in a new attorney who doesn't have the baggage of a recent job termination from the Trump administration, not to mention a track record of failed legal disputes involving housing, voter ID, and library book censorship, which have cost HB taxpayers millions. Furthermore, Mr. Gates has championed culture war issues that have divided our city. Now is the perfect time to recruit a nonpartisan assistant city attorney who will work for all of the citizens of Huntington Beach, not just those supporting the MAGA agenda.
Thank you,
Carol Daus
30-year Huntington Beach resident
From: Krystal White
To: [email protected]
Subject: Re: Gates rehire is a liability and big mistake Date: Wednesday, November 19, 2025 8:11:33 PM
You don't often get email from [email protected]. Learn why this is important Please ensure my supplemental comm from Monday is included on record for Friday's special meeting, as Gates was not on the agenda for last night's regular Tuesday council meeting.
On Mon, Nov 17, 2025 at 2:39 PM Krystal White <[email protected]> wrote:
Hi,
Writing to add my name to the list of those opposing the rehire of Michael Gates in any position with the city, for obvious reasons.
Krystal White
HB resident
From: Pat Goodman
To: [email protected]; CITY COUNCIL (INCL. CMO STAFF) Cc: Vigliotta, Mike; Hopkins, Travis
Subject: HB City Council Agenda Item # 1 November 21, 2025 Date: Thursday, November 20, 2025 7:28:51 AM
Dear Mayor Burns and City Council,
There has been extensive press coverage regarding the matter you will discuss in closed session: former City Attorney Michael Gates’ threat of litigation regarding his employment with the City.
My understanding is that the City Council does not typically engage in personnel matters except for the City Manager and the Police and Fire Chiefs, but you may be required to make decisions related to employment litigation.
I’ve been in a similar positions a couple of times in my life—trying to support friends who were arrested. In my professional work, I investigated employee misconduct, and I know how
uncomfortable, confusing, and complex these situations can be.
All I could do was offer personal support through prayer and kindness, the individuals were ultimately advised to cut off communication to avoid jeopardizing their cases.
You were elected to uphold the Constitution and to protect the interests of the City. Your colleagues—especially those who also hold public office—understand this, and your true friends do as well. If anyone makes unusual requests of you or attempts to pressure, threaten, or bully you, it reveals where their true allegiance lies, and it is not with genuine friendship or respect.
I urge you to thoughtfully consider the legal counsel available to you, avoid rash decisions or public misstatements, and keep the protection of the City’s services, employees, and assets at the forefront of your judgment.
These are difficult decisions, but clear guidance and a strong understanding of your responsibilities will serve you well.
Pat Goodman
Huntington Beach, CA
From: Elizabeth SanFilippo
To: CITY COUNCIL (INCL. CMO STAFF); [email protected] Subject: Thorough Review of Michael Gates Prior to Employment Date: Thursday, November 20, 2025 12:37:46 PM
It is important that the City is reviewing Michael Gates prior to employing him. This needs to be a thorough review. It is the fiduciary responsibility of the City to ensure that any potential issues are reviewed and addressed.
Thank you for your consideration.
Elizabeth San Filippo
From: Richard McNeil
To: [email protected]
Subject: 11/21 Special CC Meeting Agenda Item 25-920
Date: Thursday, November 20, 2025 1:23:34 PM
You don't often get email from [email protected]. Learn why this is important Dear Members of the City Council,
I'm a lifelong resident of Huntington Beach and homeowner for 30 years.
I am writing today to express my hope that you will not proceed with hiring Mr. Michael Gates for the CACA position in the city attorney's office without proper due diligence.
Huntington Beach residents are not yet privy to the decision making process and conditions of his agreement to return. However, his attempts to explain his resignation / termination, respond to the reports in OCR that he was terminated for cause, and subsequent hiring by the city strain credulity.
As an attorney he should be well aware that social media is the last place to litigate your claims. His explanation of departure from DOJ shifted day to day, stoking even more suspicion.
The fact that threats of legal action against the city have now been raised by Mr. Gates' attorney further blurs the situation. Did the city enter into an employment agreement with zero vetting?
Regardless of personal feelings residents have towards him, we deserve to know the truth about why he left Justice and what steps, if any, were taken to vet his return.
At a bare minimum we should expect your decision won't be finalized until all information is examined.
Thanks for your time.
Richard McNeil
From: Gerald Donohue
To: [email protected]
Subject: Michael Gates
Date: Thursday, November 20, 2025 2:56:37 PM
You don't often get email from [email protected]. Learn why this is important If the accouns of Mr. Gates firing is proved to be true due to defamation of fellow workers, the city cannot afford to roll the dice again on this gentleman who previously cost HB residents legal fees to defend the same behaviour here in HB. We can do better. Sincerely, Geraldf Donohue, 16806 Redwing Lane, HB 92649.
From: Stouts Momma
To: [email protected]; [email protected]; [email protected] Subject: Re-Hiring of Michael Gates
Date: Thursday, November 20, 2025 2:59:25 PM
To the City Council:
After reading the articles regarding Michael Gates termination from the Trump admin, and knowing the history of court cases where he was found guilty of creating a hostile work environment and being ageist, I think it would be in the city's best interest to pull out of the job offer to him.
Michael Gates has already brought so much negative attention to our beautiful city (both in the past and now currently) and would most likely continue to be a problem. Our wonderful city staff, especially the women, deserve better than that!
If Michael Gates wants to act like a petulant child and take the city to court for pulling out of the offer, it would just be another court case he LOSES.
Please throw out the trash! Rescind your job offer to Michael Gates! Thank you,
Christy Hatt
From: Paula Schaefer
To: CITY COUNCIL (INCL. CMO STAFF); [email protected]; Vigliotta, Mike; supplementalcomm@surfcity- hb.org
Subject: Do NOT hire Michael E. Gates as Chief Assistant City Attorney Date: Thursday, November 20, 2025 2:59:28 PM
Mayor, Council Members, City Manager, and City Attorney:
I strongly urge you not to hire Michael E. Gates as Chief Assistant City Attorney (CACA). Mr. Gates, as the City’s attorney, conducted himself in ways that violated the City’s Code of Ethics.
Potential future employment of him poses legal, financial, and reputational risks to the City.
Hiring Mr. Gates invites liability exposure. He has a documented history of creating hostile work environments and discriminatory behavior. This repeat behavior, while employed at the City and at the U.S. Department of Justice shows a pattern that could face legal claims. Plaintiffs' attorneys would argue the City Council, the City Attorney, and the City Manager knew this risk thus increasing damages or liability.
In addition to the legal and monetary risks, there is substantial reputational risk both internally and externally. Current City employees may feel unsafe or undervalued if they know management hired him. This can harm morale, retention, and productivity. The potential hire is already widely known to the public. As a result, it could further damage the City’s reputation as an employer, thus making employment recruitment harder.
Hiring Mr. Gates is a high-risk decision that most organizations would avoid unless there are truly exceptional circumstances that are not present here.
The City should be prudent and recognize that hiring Mr. Gates as CACA presents a predictable risk that he would continue his discriminatory behavior and create a hostile work environment within the City. The City cannot afford these risks for the reasons stated above.
Paula A. Schaefer
From: Cecily Gates
To: [email protected]; [email protected]; [email protected] Subject: DO NOT BRING BACK GATES!!
Date: Thursday, November 20, 2025 3:07:27 PM
You don't often get email from [email protected]. Learn why this is important Stop the embarrassment of Huntington Beach!! We are wasting taxpayer's money.
Gates does NOT need to come back to HB and cost of lots of $$$ Plus would you really want to bring a MAN that was accused of sexual harassment?!?!?!?! Would you want your daughter or wife or sister to be harassed in our cit??? I am embarrassed to say I live and work in Huntington Beach, CA!! Home owner BTW! It's so sad, when will we be a city that actually cares about people!! and work on our crumbling infrastructure!!
Please don't continue to be a disgrace!!
Cecily Gates
From: John Scott
To: [email protected]
Subject: Special City Council Session 11-21-2025
Date: Thursday, November 20, 2025 3:12:04 PM
You don't often get email from [email protected]. Learn why this is important Hello,
I would like to express my opposition to hiring Michael Gates as Chief Assistant City Attorney. Mr Gates willfully left the City Attorney position he was elected to serve for another position that he was either terminated or resigned. If Mr. Gates wants the job back, he should wait until 2026 and get reelected. Huntington Beach has a City Attorney in Mike Vigliotta and he should remain in that position until the voters have a chance to choose their next City Attorney. Also, adding a "special" position to the city payroll does not make fiscal sense.
John Scott
Huntington Beach 92649
From: Sean Stowell
To: [email protected]
Cc: [email protected]; [email protected] Subject: Special Meeting
Date: Thursday, November 20, 2025 3:13:00 PM
[You don't often get email from [email protected]. Learn why this is important at https://aka.ms/LearnAboutSenderIdentification ]
Council members,
I am writing in regards to the hiring back of Michael Gates. I urge you not to so. How much money has he cost this city? He’s threatening to sue if he isn’t hired back? Please, let’s stop the zaniness and get back to governing our city.
The culture war stuff needs to stop and basic city governance needs to happen. I ask you to read all the comments on this issue and make your decision from there. You’ve probably made up your minds, but please listen to the people of this city, and don’t bring back a guy who can’t seem to keep his stories straight about why he left the DOJ. Thank you.
Sean Stowell
40-plus year resident of HB
From: Jeannette Doeller
To: [email protected]; [email protected]; [email protected] Subject: Oppose the Hiring of Michael Gates by Huntington Beach Date: Thursday, November 20, 2025 3:15:39 PM
You don't often get email from [email protected]. Learn why this is important We oppose the hiring of Michael Gates by Huntington Beach based on his previous behavior as city attorney and most recent behavior as an employee of the federal DOJ from which he was terminated.
Spare Huntington Beach from any future embarrassing legal quagmires.
Thank you.
Jeannette Doeller, PhD
cell: 205.222.7348
From: Kim Severini
To: [email protected]; [email protected]; [email protected] Subject: Michael Gates as Chief Assistant City Attorney Date: Thursday, November 20, 2025 3:35:48 PM
You don't often get email from [email protected]. Learn why this is important The last thing that Huntington Beach needs is Michael Gates returning as Chief Assistant City Attorney. His hostile work environment accusations are toxic and will only divide the city even further. We don't want him back here ever again.
He used Huntington Beach as a stepping stone to Washington D.C. and caused this city enormous suffering and a terrible reputation worldwide. It is pretty sad when we once again welcome a toxic person back into our fold with open arms.
Kim S.
From: Steve Breit
To: [email protected]; [email protected]; [email protected] Cc: [email protected]
Subject: Hiring of Michael Gates by the city of HB
Date: Thursday, November 20, 2025 3:39:48 PM
You don't often get email from [email protected]. Learn why this is important In accordance with the details outlined in Protect HB email just received, I do not support the hiring of Michael gates by the city. This is based on the previous incidents for which we are not paying for as well as the current allocations pending further investigation.
It does not make sense to me to head so quickly into this hiring based on these facts I am a HB resident and regular voter since 1984
Sincerely,
Steve Breit
From: John Carser
To: [email protected]; [email protected]; [email protected] Subject: Michael Gates
Date: Thursday, November 20, 2025 3:45:54 PM
You don't often get email from [email protected]. Learn why this is important To all Concerned:
As a taxpayer in this city for over fifty-five years, I am imploring you to rescind your offer of employment to Michael Gates as Chief Assistant City Attorney. I sent all of you an email regarding my feelings on this issue before the City Council Meeting on Tuesday, November 18, 2025. Offering employment to anyone who was implicated in the creation of a toxic workplace environment and who also has cost this city $2.5 million in an out-of-court settlement in 2021 due to two city employees filing an age discrimination and hostile work environment case should NOT BE OFFERED employment in the City of Huntington Beach! Mr. Gates was terminated "For Cause by the Department of Justice" for saying derogatory comments to female co-workers. If you go against the prudent process and hire him, what will it cost the city the third time? This issue should raise a RED flag to every one of you. RESCIND YOUR OFFER OF EMPLOYMENT
IMMEDIATELY!
John Carser
From: Suzanne Hart
To: [email protected]; Vigliotta, Mike; [email protected] Subject: Hiring of Michael Gates
Date: Thursday, November 20, 2025 3:50:29 PM
We are urging you to reconsider the hiring
of Michael Gates. He has a track record
of actions that have been financially
disastrous for our city such as the Air
Show debacle, frivolous lawsuits and
settlements against the city, his loss of the
2021 lawsuit for a hostile work
environment, and most recently his
termination for cause due to derogatory
comments made to female coworkers,
according to the Orange County Register.
And now he's threatening, AKA bullying,
you with threats of legal action if he's not
hired!!! Please ask yourselves, is this a
person that you would hire???? His hiring
would place our city in further jeopardy.
Chris and Suzanne Hart,
28 year residents of HB
From: Ted Mattison
To: [email protected]
Subject: Do NOT hire Gates
Date: Thursday, November 20, 2025 3:50:31 PM
[You don't often get email from [email protected]. Learn why this is important at https://aka.ms/LearnAboutSenderIdentification ]
To whom it may concern,
Mr. Gates is a disgrace and the last thing the city of HB should be doing is hiring him.
Thank you,
Ted Mattison
Huntington Beach resident
Sent from my iPhone
From: amy kremnitzer
To: [email protected]; [email protected]; [email protected] Subject: Shameful disgraced GATES/ special closed seesion Friday 11/21/ email to be added to the special meeting record.
Date: Thursday, November 20, 2025 3:54:33 PM
You don't often get email from [email protected]. Learn why this is important Hello,
I am a concerned citizen that is writing to ask that the city of Huntington Beach does NOT hire Michael gates in any city or city attorney positions!
All he has done for the city in get us into tax dollar wasting lawsuits! Not to mention he appears to be a chicken shit, who feels the need to attack women he works with because he knows he is worthless!
Please show he the same curtosey that the current White House administration has, do NOT hire Gates back.
Thanks for your time.
Amy Kremnitzer
From: j m
To: [email protected]; [email protected]; [email protected] Subject: YOU hire the liability Gates? YOU PAY, WITH YOUR MONEY-NOT PUBLIC, FOR HIS FUTURE SETTLEMENTS.
Date: Thursday, November 20, 2025 4:00:17 PM
Huntington Beach City Council, City Attorney and HR Department:
It is your jobs to protect and serve the public.
You may certainly read this as a cease and desist... cease and desist promoting a person who has a clear, proven history of creating hostile work environments and it is YOUR responsibility to maintain a SAFE ENVIRONMENT FOR EVERYONE.
According to Cal OSHA and your own regulations, where you are responsible to provide a safe work environment, not promote a 'hostile work environment'. -If this was anyone, except a close ally, they would not be considered for ANY city position. -Why consider a person with a clear and proven track record of creating hostile work environments? -Is this all an act, so the HB City Council will think they can hide behind it, 'they were forced into hiring him, and it is not their fault" -What will you say to the next person he is hostile towards or maybe assaults?? I am a local, voter (92649).
I hold you 100% responsible for protecting and serving, not corruption and fraud.
You hire Gates, YOU are responsible his behavior... if he is sued, YOU PAY! YOUR MONEY. NOT MINE.
YOU PAY OUT OF YOUR OWN MONEY. NOT FROM PUBLIC FUND
this is an excerpt from Huntington Beach HR Rules and based on CalOSHA regulations.
Number 922
Responsible Department Human Resources Department
Established/Effective Date March 1, 1991
Latest Revision Date October 5, 1999 - Revised
March 21,2005 - Revised July 30, 2023
Next Review & Re-authorlzatlon Date July 30, 2025
SUBJECT: Anti-Harassment, Discrimination, and Retaliation Policy
1. Purpose: The purpose of this policy is to clarify roles and responsibilities of City employees and officials, and inform them of their right to work in a safe, respectful and professional work environment, free of harassment, discrimination, and retaliation.
1.1. To establish a City policy regarding the prohibition of harassment, discrimination, and retaliation in the workplace as required by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) and California Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA) and any related laws and regulations.
1.2. A single act by a City employee may constitute a violation of this policy and provide sufficient grounds for the City to discipline the City employee.
1.3. This policy establishes a complaint procedure by which the City will investigate and resolve complaints of discrimination, harassment, and retaliation by and against City covered individuals. The City encourages all covered individuals to report any conduct that they believe violates this policy as soon as possible. https://cms3.revize.com/revize/huntingtonbeachca/Documents/Government/Charter%20&%20Codes/City%20Administrative%20Regulations/900%20Personnel%20Administration%20&%20Risk%20Management/AR- 922-Anti-Harassment-Discrimination-and-Retaliation-Policy.pdf From: Annilise Flanagan-Frankl
To: [email protected]
Subject: Special session tomorrow
Date: Thursday, November 20, 2025 4:04:17 PM
Do not rehire Michael Gates!
Annilise M. Flanagan-Frankl, M.A.
CounselingPsychologist
Nationally Certified School Psychologist
Remember - the past is over, the future is a mystery,and today is a gift. That is why it is called the PRESENT.
Make today count.
Call: 847-226-3119
From: Paula Shawa
To: [email protected]
Subject: no on Michael Gates
Date: Thursday, November 20, 2025 4:04:28 PM
Hello, this is in regard to the special City Council meeting scheduled for this Friday, Nov. 21.
Huntington Beach currently has a City Attorney and it is not Michael Gates.
You are wasting my taxpayer money by holding meetings to justify creating a position for someone who is no longer employed by the city. It's not the residents' responsibility to provide a handout to Michael Gates.
Of all the things this City Council should be focusing on, it's not this, for crying out loud.
Paula Shawa
From: RDAGAZZZ
To: [email protected]; [email protected]; [email protected] Subject: Subject: Public Comment — Opposition to Michael Gates’ Return to Any City Attorney Role Date: Thursday, November 20, 2025 4:04:49 PM
You don't often get email from [email protected]. Learn why this is important To the Huntington Beach City Council and City Manager,
As a long-time Huntington Beach resident and tax-paying member of this community, I am writing to express my firm opposition to the reintroduction of Michael Gates into any role within our City Attorney’s office.
My position is not political. It is based on principle, ethics, and the fundamental need for neutrality, professionalism, and impartiality in public legal offices.
1. A Public Legal Officer Must Be Free of Religious, Racist, or Sexist Bias The City Attorney’s office is one of the most critical points of public trust in our municipal system. The community relies on this office to operate with absolute neutrality—free from ideology, religious advocacy, discriminatory undertones, personal crusades, or any rhetoric that undermines confidence in equality under the law.
Mr. Gates’ public comments and behavior over several years have repeatedly raised concerns among residents, advocacy groups, and outside observers regarding his ability to separate personal ideology from professional obligations. Regardless of political preference, no taxpayer should be expected to tolerate religious platitudes, targeted rhetoric, or culturally divisive messaging coming from an individual tasked with representing all residents of Huntington Beach.
2. Ethical and Professional Concerns Have Become a Persistent Liability At this point, the volume of controversies surrounding Mr. Gates—behavioral, ethical, and professional—demonstrates a sustained pattern of conduct incompatible with the standards of a city entrusted with safeguarding civil rights, procedural fairness, and unbiased legal interpretation.
Public trust in the City Attorney’s office cannot be rebuilt or maintained when the individual occupying or influencing that office brings with him a history of unresolved allegations, ongoing disputes, credibility challenges, and professional instability. These issues, whether fully adjudicated or not, create a tangible liability for the City and expose taxpayers to unnecessary risk.
3. Huntington Beach Needs Intellectual and Ethical Neutrality — Not Polarization
Our city is already navigating complex issues and heightened political tension. The introduction of a polarizing or compromised figure into our civic ecosystem threatens to push us further away from unity, community well-being, and functional governance.
We deserve leadership that:
prioritizes the greatest good for the greatest number of residents, operates from a foundation of neutrality and professionalism, upholds the ethical standards required of public legal officers, avoids any rhetoric rooted in sexism, racism, or religious imposition, and brings stability, not controversy, to the City Attorney’s office.
Mr. Gates does not meet that bar.
4. It Is Time to Close the Door and Move Forward
For these reasons, I urge you not to reinstate Michael Gates in any legal or administrative capacity within the City of Huntington Beach. His return would not serve the public, nor would it contribute to healing our already compromised civic environment.
Huntington Beach needs—and deserves—leadership committed solely to ethical governance, legal clarity, and the well-being of the broadest portion of our community.
Thank you for your attention to this matter and for your responsibility to maintain the integrity of our city’s legal institutions.
Sincerely,
Jennifer Midness
Huntington Beach Resident
From: Regina Mastroyannis Blankenhorn
To: Vigliotta, Mike; [email protected]
Subject: 11-21 Special Closed Session
Date: Thursday, November 20, 2025 4:16:01 PM
Some people who received this message don't often get email from [email protected]. Learn why this is important
Due to a threat of litigation by Michael Gates, the City now finds itself needing to convene a special meeting to discuss matters related to his potential employment.
Mr. Gates is being considered for a City position. As with all City employees, applicants undergo a background check. For the position in question, one would expect a standard job application, including a signed affirmation that all provided information is true and accurate. At present, there appears to be conflicting information regarding the circumstances of Mr. Gates’ departure from the Department of Justice, and this discrepancy requires clarification.
According to reporting by the
Orange County Register (November 14, 2025), Mr.
Gates was terminated for cause and “was accused of creating a hostile work environment for multiple women in the office with whom he worked… He allegedly had a ‘consistent pattern’ of referring to female colleagues by derogatory and demeaning names, and complained about the employment of a woman who was pregnant.” These are serious allegations that merit careful consideration.
The City has also previously received complaints from multiple employees alleging a hostile work environment during Mr. Gates’ tenure, resulting in significant settlement costs.
I personally experienced derogatory remarks from Mr. Gates. During my campaign for City Clerk, he publicly attacked me on social media—behavior that, in my view, violated the Pledge for Code of Fair Campaign Practices that he voluntarily signed. I believe he made false statements about me and engaged in conduct that adversely impacted my reputation. Additionally, Mr. Gates was known for spending substantial time on social media during his service as City Attorney, raising concerns about his professional priorities.
Considering my personal experience, the reporting by the OC Register, and both past
and current allegations of creating a hostile work environment, it is difficult to understand why the City would consider hiring someone whose conduct has repeatedly drawn concern and could expose the City to further legal and financial risk.
It is worth noting that Mr. Gates served as City Attorney because he was elected, not appointed through a traditional hiring process. Many community members have questioned the quality of his work product and his level of legal expertise, expressing doubt that he could secure similar employment in the private sector.
I urge the City to exercise caution when considering hiring someone who may pose significant risk to the organization moving forward.
Respectfully,
Regina M. Blankenhorn
From: Rupal Koshy
To: [email protected]; [email protected]; [email protected] Date: Thursday, November 20, 2025 4:18:07 PM
You don't often get email from [email protected]. Learn why this is important Hello,
I am writing to express my opposition to the hiring of Michael Gates as Chief Assistant City Attorney. Mr. Gates voluntarily left the elected City Attorney role to pursue another position from which he later resigned or was terminated. If he wishes to return to the City Attorney position, the appropriate path is to run again in 2026 and allow the voters to decide.
Huntington Beach already has a City Attorney, Mike Vigliotta, who should continue serving until the community has the opportunity to elect its next City Attorney. Additionally, creating a new “special” position on the city payroll is not a fiscally responsible decision.
Thank you for your consideration.
Rupal Koshy, resident of Huntington Beach
From: Lynne Deakers
To: [email protected]
Subject: Appointment of assistant city attorney
Date: Thursday, November 20, 2025 4:25:10 PM
Let the record show that I oppose the appointment of Michael Gates for Chief assistant city attorney of Huntington Beach.
Lynne Deakers
44year resident of Huntington Beach
From: James Taylor
To: [email protected]
Subject: Michael Gates
Date: Thursday, November 20, 2025 4:25:35 PM
You don't often get email from [email protected]. Learn why this is important Please do not re-hire Michael Gates to be the Chief Assistant City Attorney for HB.
His actions cost the taxpayers $2,5 million in the past, not to mention the huge legal bills run up due to his lawsuits with the State of California. We don’t need a repeat of this situation.
Thank you,
James Taylor
From: Murray Schrantz
To: [email protected]; [email protected] Subject: Fwd: Do Not Hire Michael Gates as Assistant City Attorney! Date: Thursday, November 20, 2025 4:28:36 PM
You don't often get email from [email protected]. Learn why this is important ---------- Forwarded message ---------
From: Murray Schrantz <[email protected]>
Date: Thu, Nov 20, 2025 at 4:26 PM
Subject: Do Not Hire Michael Gates as Assistant City Attorney! To: <[email protected]
>
It is my very strong opinion that Michael Gates should not be considered for employment in the city of Huntington Beach, particularly concerning the position of Assistant City Attorney! Michael Gates cast a very dark shadow on his tenure as Huntington Beach city attorney, as evidenced by the past lawsuit (as the defendant). He should not be hired in ANY capacity by the city, as he is clearly unfit for public office.
The City of Huntington Beach should not be saddled with the irresponsible, defamatory behavior of that individual! --
J. Murray Schrantz
[email protected]
714-504-3265
--
J. Murray Schrantz
[email protected]
714-504-3265
From: Brenda Glim
To: [email protected]
Cc: [email protected]; [email protected] Subject: Urgent Concerns Regarding Hiring of Michael Gates as Chief Assistant Attorney – Request to Rescind Offer Date: Thursday, November 20, 2025 4:33:42 PM
Dear Mr Vigliotta,
I hope this message finds you well. I am writing to express my strong concerns regarding the pending hiring of Michael Gates as Chief Assistant Attorney for our city. After reviewing multiple reliable sources, I believe that moving forward with this appointment would be detrimental to the integrity and reputation of our legal department and the city administration as a whole.
Given these critical issues, I strongly urge you to reconsider Mr. Gates’ appointment. More importantly, I respectfully request that the city rescind the offer extended to him to avoid potential legal liabilities, negative public perception, and internal disruption. Our city deserves a legal team that embodies the highest standards of integrity and professionalism.
Thank you for your attention to this urgent matter. I am happy to discuss this further or provide additional information as needed.
Sincerely,
Brenda Glim
From: Michael Gioan
To: CITY COUNCIL (INCL. CMO STAFF)
Cc: [email protected]
Subject: Re-hiring Michael Gates.
Date: Thursday, November 20, 2025 4:37:12 PM
You don't often get email from [email protected]. Learn why this is important I'm quite sure your decision is already made (unless it's been made for you), but you might want to consider the following before you say "yea" or "nay" to re-hiring Michael Gates in HB's Legal Department. Here's are the cons I would seriously ponder:
Mr. Gates has lost most of the lawsuits he has (foolishly) brought on our behalf against the State of California, re: housing elements et al. He's not a wise lawyer.
Mr. Gates settled instead of fighting for HB tax payers when the city was slapped with a frivolous, unfounded (and easily winnable) lawsuit brought up after cancellation of one day of the Air Show for reasons completely outside of HB's responsibility and control.
Instead Mr. Gates "dropped trou" and came up with a lavish settlement that ended up costing HB $7M + loss of CIty revenue, not to mention obligation to cater to the Air Show organizers for the next 30 years. Quite a win for HB, eh?
Said settlement is under audit by the State of California, despite vain efforts (and considerable costs) from HB to resist accountability.
Mr. Gates also cost HB $2.5M in settlement for age and disability discrimination lawsuit from two HB employees, where he was named as a defendant, during his tenure as City Attorney.
There's no such thing as the "Republic of Huntington Beach", a fantasy that Mr. Gates cooked up under the guise of being a charter city and that so far has proven not only a fallacy, but a Pyrrhic and costly one.
Ask yourselves seriously: why would someone quit a prestigious job at the DOJ after just 10 months for "family reasons"? That's just ludicrous, families can be moved to new accommodations when it comes to serving our country, our military families do it all the time.
If true, then you'll have an employee whose reliability may entirely depend upon their personal state of mind and could walk out at any time for the flimsiest of reasons.
You will have to drag the PR ball and chain that Mr. Gates has become around your ankles, and rest assured it will be amply debated when you come up for re-election.
Bringing Mr. Gates back in HB legal department is sure to bring about negative consequences.
Lighting rods attract lightning, that's just the way it goes. --
Michael Gioan - HB resident and homeowner
From: Judy Morris
To: [email protected]
Subject: Michael Gates
Date: Thursday, November 20, 2025 4:37:52 PM
If I understand correctly, it seems that there may be a contract, or at least an offer to hire Michael Gates as Assistant City Attorney of Huntington Beach, and if the city does not honor that offer or contract, Mr. Gates plans to sue the city.
Gates’ threat to sue the City one of many reasons why he should not be hired, and why the city council shouldn’t have made a job offer to, or entered into such a contract with their friend, Mr. Gates. This could be yet another costly decision.
Gates’ involvement with the air show settlement is suspicious. He continued to sue and re-sue California to avoid or delay compliance with California’s affordable housing requirements. He was terminated from DOJ for cause.
Mr. Gates along with the current members of the city council who agreed to hire Gates should all learn to stop biting the hands that feed them.
Sincerely,
Judy Morris
Huntington Beach resident since 1993
Sent from my iPhone
From: Chris K.
To: [email protected]; [email protected]; [email protected] Subject: City Council Meeting 11/20/2025
Date: Thursday, November 20, 2025 4:45:48 PM
You don't often get email from [email protected]. Learn why this is important As a taxpayer in Huntington Beach, I strongly object to the City Council even considering hiring Michael Gates. As you know, this individual was fired for cause by the DOJ. He is literally a walking liability. You are wasting my tax dollars by even thinking about hiring this lawsuit-waiting-to-happen. No reasonable person would hire this guy. If you were a board of directors in a public company and were held accountable to shareholders, you would never even consider hiring him. Don't do it. Please just stop this nonsense. Thank you. - Christine Kormanik
From: Judy Morris
To: [email protected]
Subject: Michael Gates
Date: Thursday, November 20, 2025 4:47:15 PM
If I understand correctly, it seems that there may be a contract, or at least an offer to hire Michael Gates as Assistant City Attorney of Huntington Beach, and if the city does not honor that offer or contract, Mr. Gates plans to sue the city.
Gates’ threat to sue the City one of many reasons why he should not be hired, and why the city council shouldn’t have made a job offer to, or entered into such a contract with their friend, Mr. Gates. This could be yet another costly decision.
Gates’ involvement with the air show settlement is suspicious. He continued to sue and re-sue California to avoid or delay compliance with California’s affordable housing requirements. He was terminated from DOJ for cause.
In 2021, a lawsuit was filed against the city of HB which named then-City Attorney Gates as a co-defendant alleging that there was a hostile work environment. I believe the city settled the suit with two city employees.
Mr. Gates along with the current members of the city council who agreed to hire Gates should all learn to stop biting the hands that feed them.
Sincerely,
Judy Morris
Huntington Beach resident since 1993
Sent from my iPhone
Sent from my iPhone
From: Edyn Elliott Barber
To: [email protected]; [email protected]; [email protected] Subject: Public Comment Regarding Proposed Hiring of Chief Assistant City Attorney Date: Thursday, November 20, 2025 4:47:52 PM
You don't often get email from [email protected]. Learn why this is important Dear Mayor and City Council Members,
I am writing to submit my public comment regarding the proposed hiring of Michael Gates as Chief Assistant City Attorney for the City of Huntington Beach.
I am concerned about the decision to move forward with this appointment given the recent reports raising questions about Mr. Gates’ past conduct and employment history. These reports, along with the previous lawsuit involving the City in which Mr. Gates was named, warrant careful review and full transparency before any hiring decision is finalized.
As a resident, I believe that any individual appointed to such a significant leadership role in our City Attorney’s office must demonstrate an unquestionable commitment to professionalism, ethical conduct, and public trust. I respectfully request that the Council:
Conduct a thorough, independent review of the circumstances referenced in recent media coverage;
Provide the public with as much information as is legally permissible about the basis for this hiring decision; and
Ensure that the selection process prioritizes integrity, workplace safety, and the reputation of the City.
I appreciate the Council convening a special meeting on this matter, and I hope my concerns will be included in the public record. Thank you for your time and for considering the perspectives of the residents you serve.
Sincerely,
Edyn Elliott-Barber
From: Maureen Bekins
To: [email protected]; [email protected]; [email protected] Subject: Re-employment of Michael Gates
Date: Thursday, November 20, 2025 4:51:52 PM
[You don't often get email from [email protected]. Learn why this is important at https://aka.ms/LearnAboutSenderIdentification ]
[email protected]
[email protected]
I am opposed to the re-employment of Michael Gates. It is beyond a shame that the City of Huntington Beach will once again have Mr. Gates in its’ employ. During his tenure in the Huntington Beach City Attorney’s office he has shown us time and time again that he takes positions unfavorable to the City and attempts to litigate his way out, usually unsuccessfully.
I was delighted earlier this year that he had a job elsewhere, I am extremely disappointed that the City would entertain re-employment of Mr. Gates who cares so much about the City of Huntington Beach that he will sue the City if not re-employed.
Sincerely,
Maureen Bekins
5752 Woodboro Drive
Huntington Beach, CA 92649
47-year homeowner
From: Shirlee Krause
To: [email protected]; [email protected]; [email protected] Subject: The Rehire of Michael Gates.
Date: Thursday, November 20, 2025 4:52:48 PM
You don't often get email from [email protected]. Learn why this is important Gentlemen and Ladies:
My name is Shirlee Krause, I am 82 years young (very soon to be 83), and I have been a homeowner in Huntington Beach (herein, "the City") for over 25 years. I have witnessed many changes occurring in the City--some good, some bad. However, it was with great relief when Michael Gates (herein, "MG") left to work with the current administration's Department of Justice (herein, "DOJ").
Plainly speaking: Good riddance to bad rubbish! If rehired, he poses a genuine risk of lawsuits due to his unprofessional behavior, now even worse than before when he was the City's Attorney! As stated by several reliable sources, MG was fired for cause by the DOJ due to his inappropriate and unprofessional behavior towards the women with whom he worked and/or came in contact with at the DOJ!
Now consider this if you will: How many more lawsuits is the City going to waste taxpayer money on if MG is rehired? One, ten, twenty or even more?! I don't mind paying my taxes IF that money is used wisely. Covering for MG, who has proven to behave poorly and without proper control in the workplace, is just more opportunities for many more lawsuits to follow.
Does the City want more costly lawsuits?! Well, if MG is rehired, that's what it will be facing.
It will serve the City best to NEVER hire MG in any capacity EVER! Regards,
Shirlee Krause
[email protected]
From: sarah fantel
To: [email protected]; [email protected]; [email protected] Subject: No on Michael Gates
Date: Thursday, November 20, 2025 4:52:50 PM
You don't often get email from [email protected]. Learn why this is important As a citizen of Huntington Beach, I am vehemently opposed to hiring Michael Gates as the Chief Assistant City Attorney. The fact that he is embroiled in controversy surrounding derogatory comments to females and contributing to a hostile work place, should make it crystal clear that he should never represent our great city in any way.
Respectfully,
Sarah Fantel
From: Maureen Bekins
To: Vigliotta, Mike; [email protected]; [email protected] Subject: Re-employment of Michael Gates
Date: Thursday, November 20, 2025 4:57:46 PM
[You don't often get email from [email protected]. Learn why this is important at https://aka.ms/LearnAboutSenderIdentification ]
[email protected]
[email protected]
I am opposed to the re-employment of Michael Gates. It is beyond a shame that the City of Huntington Beach will once again have Mr. Gates in its’ employ. During his tenure in the Huntington Beach City Attorney’s office he has shown us time and time again that he takes positions unfavorable to the City and attempts to litigate or negotiate his way out, usually unsuccessfully.
I was delighted earlier this year that he had a job elsewhere, I am extremely disappointed that the City would entertain re-employment of Mr. Gates who cares so much about the City of Huntington Beach that he will sue the City if not re-employed.
Sincerely,
Maureen Bekins
5752 Woodboro Drive
Huntington Beach, CA 92649
47-year homeowner
From: Christopher Rini
To: Vigliotta, Mike; [email protected]; [email protected] Subject: Supplemental communication re: agenda item 25-920 Date: Thursday, November 20, 2025 4:58:13 PM
Dear City Council,
The need to run Huntington Beach "like a business" has been a regular theme at the City Council meetings I've attended. If you think of administering the city as a business in terms of competence, demonstrable performance, and return on investment, one would not extend a job offer to Michael Gates. His work with the Department of Justice resulted in a letter that effectively killed the Texas gerrymander, had "factual, legal, and typographical errors," and was called "erroneous" and "ham-fisted." (https://www.democracydocket.com/news- alerts/trump-dojs-ham-fisted-letter-key-to-ruling-blocking-texas-gerrymander/) Gates' behaviour cost the city $2.5million in 2021.
(https://www.ocregister.com/2021/05/28/huntington-beach-will-pay-2-5-million-in-age- discrimination-case-linked-to-city-attorney-michael-gates/amp/) With our budget shortfall, can the city afford to lose more lawsuits under his leadership? Christopher Rini
Huntington Beach Native
From: Tim Geddes
To: [email protected]
Subject: Rehiring of Michael Gates
Date: Thursday, November 20, 2025 4:59:18 PM
You don't often get email from [email protected]. Learn why this is important Mayor and City Council,
I am opposed to the rehiring of Michael Gates to work in the City Attorney's Office. Although he may be a hero to some of you, he is not the right official to champion the causes of our city. He has helped cost the city millions of dollars in fruitless and damaging litigation and may damage the city further if the State of California hits us with fines, penalties, and restrictions. A city deep in debt cannot tolerate more spending on M.G.'s crusades and further cannot tolerate the hostile work environment he creates in dealing with the public.
Tim Geddes
[email protected]
From: Darcy Musler
To: [email protected]
Subject: No on Gates
Date: Thursday, November 20, 2025 4:59:40 PM
You don't often get email from [email protected]. Learn why this is important Please, let's move on to Gates. Unprofessional and insulting, it's a dead end issue for most of us taxpayers.
Don't want him in our government, period. Clown shows not needed.
Thank you.
D. Musler
HB, CA
[email protected]