Matt Szabo
@mjszabo.bsky.social
7.8K followers 5.1K following 180 posts
Daily Pilot reporter. Cal Poly San Luis Obispo graduate. The new moon rode high in the crown of the metropolis.
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mjszabo.bsky.social
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).
mjszabo.bsky.social
Game 1. #GoDodgers
#HomeRunDerby
mjszabo.bsky.social
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.
mjszabo.bsky.social
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.
mjszabo.bsky.social
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.”
mjszabo.bsky.social
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.
mjszabo.bsky.social
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!
mjszabo.bsky.social
Taryn Palumbo has announced that she is running for Huntington Beach City Council in 2026.

Palumbo is currently the executive director of nonprofit OC Grantmakers and was formerly on the HB Community and Library Services Commission.

Four spots will be up for grabs in 2026.
mjszabo.bsky.social
Huntington Beach and Mayor Pat Burns have issued a statement condemning the death of conservative political activist Charlie Kirk yesterday.
See attached.
mjszabo.bsky.social
A win for the ACLU et. al today in OC Superior Court, in its lawsuit against the city of Huntington Beach regarding library censorship.

More to come…
mjszabo.bsky.social
Williams had appealed the Planning Commission’s decision to approve the CUP’s about a month ago.

He argued that the sports complex was always meant to be a youth sports facility and alcohol shouldn’t have a place.
mjszabo.bsky.social
The Huntington Beach City Council votes 5-2 to grant a pair of Conditional Use Permits that would allow the sale of alcohol at the Huntington Beach Sports Complex.

Chad Williams and Andrew Gruel voted no.

Dozens of residents also commented that they thought it was a bad idea.
mjszabo.bsky.social
The Huntington Beach City Council votes 6-1 to enter into a contract of up to 25 years with the Pacific Airshow, and to certify an Environmental Impact Report related to the show.

Councilman Chad Williams, citing lack of reliable financial data, votes no.
mjszabo.bsky.social
City of Hope Orange County today unveiled the Wetterau Family Spiritual Care Center at its soon-to-open cancer hospital in Irvine.

The center uses immersive technology to transform into 7 sacred spaces, both religious and nature based, including the pictured Huntington Beach Pier.
mjszabo.bsky.social
Yes, that’s her.
mjszabo.bsky.social
Jason Schmitt, second from left, has been sworn in as the new Huntington Beach City Treasurer tonight.

Schmitt has a law degree from Harvard and is a former Fortune 500 executive and CEO.

He quoted former President Ronald Reagan during a short speech tonight.
mjszabo.bsky.social
The Huntington Beach Planning Commission votes 4-3 to approve Conditional Use Permits for the sales, service and consumption of beer and wine at a pair of outdoor dining areas at Huntington Beach Sports Complex.

“No” voters, some residents say alcohol, youth sports don’t mix.
mjszabo.bsky.social
Update on Kolby Aipa of Huntington Beach: the family announced that he died today after his e-bike accident over the weekend.

Kolby was 20 years old.