“Tito’s departure is a reset for Huntington Beach,” said Fred Smoller, political science professor at Chapman University. “While the radical right gets a lot of attention in the city, it’s a place that has been positioning itself as being more moderate.'
To many in Huntington Beach, former UFC star Tito Ortiz is almost a Trump-like figure — a larger-than-life celebrity with a brash social media presence and a legion of loyal fans.
“Tito’s departure is a reset for Huntington Beach,” said Fred Smoller, an associate professor of political science at Chapman University in Orange. “While the radical right gets a lot of attention in the city, it’s a place that has been positioning itself as being more moderate. It will be interesting to see whether the appointment is a reaffirmation of the MAGA voice or if it’s a repudiation of it.
Ortiz represents a segment of Orange County residents who have made names for themselves protesting COVID-19 restrictions and recommendations at the county’s Hall of Administration and on the streets of Huntington Beach. Ortiz was the top vote-getter in the November election, yet Smoller says he doesn’t necessarily represent the opinions of the majority of residents.
A recent poll of Orange County residents conducted by Chapman University shows that 83% of people surveyed believe the coronavirus is a real threat. Seventy percent of the 704 people surveyed said they support a national mask mandate. When asked whether reopening the economy or containing the virus is more important, 68% of Republicans surveyed chose the economy. However, 93% of Democrats and 61% of those who don’t belong to either political party said the opposite, the survey showed.
“Huntington Beach is trying to do reasonable things that are very mainstream,” said Councilman Dan Kalmick. “I think there’s been a narrative that these small, loud groups represent what everyone thinks and what everyone is doing. They don’t.”Some of Ortiz’s supporters are already requesting the council appoint Gracey Van Der Mark, a longtime Huntington Beach resident and conservative who came in fourth behind Ortiz, Kalmick and Councilwoman Natalie Moser in the City Council race last year.
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Huntington Beach Mayor Pro Tem Tito Ortiz resigns, citing personal attacksHuntington Beach Mayor Pro Tem Tito Ortiz announced during a Tuesday night City Council meeting that he was resigning his position, citing what he said was an onslaught of public attacks on his character and fear for the safety of his family.
Read more »
Tito Ortiz Quits Huntington Beach City Council, 'This Job Isn't Working for Me''To put it simply, this job isn’t working for me,' 46-year-old Ortiz said Tuesday night during a City Council meeting.
Read more »
Tito Ortiz's most controversial moments as Huntington Beach mayor pro tem resignsThe former MMA fighter told the city council 'this job isn't working for me,' after being sworn in as a councilman in December.
Read more »
Backers saw Tito Ortiz as Huntington Beach's Donald Trump. Where does the city go now?Tito Ortiz appealed to Huntington Beach residents who protested coronavirus lockdowns, but other officials are trying to steer the city in a more moderate direction.
Read more »
Johanna Ortiz Launches a Colorful, Character-Filled Home CollectionJohanna Ortiz worked with artisans from across her home country of Colombia to bring her vision to life
Read more »