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8h ago

DOJ Rescinds Firing of Michael Gates as Huntington Beach Confirms His Return

The reversal follows disputed reports of a “for cause” firing.

City Attorney Michael Gates during the Huntington Beach, CA, city council meeting on Tuesday, June 1, 2021. (Photo by Jeff Gritchen, Orange County Register/SCNG)

Overview

  • The Justice Department sent a Nov. 21 letter saying it will remove any termination references from Michael Gates’ file and accept his voluntary resignation effective Nov. 9.
  • A Justice Department source confirmed the letter’s authenticity, while the department offered no public comment on personnel matters.
  • The Huntington Beach City Council met in closed session for 90 minutes to review anticipated litigation related to Gates’ employment and announced it took no action.
  • The city later confirmed Gates has been hired as chief assistant city attorney, with his start date set for Monday, Nov. 24.
  • Earlier reporting cited a federal form and anonymous allegations that he was fired for cause over derogatory remarks toward women; Gates denies the claims and called the DOJ letter “total vindication.”