Dan Kalmick, who is running for re-election on the Huntington Beach City Council, has been scrutinized in recent weeks for his ongoing conflicts with the mayor and other city leaders. 

Dan Kalmick, an incumbent seeking reelection on the Huntington Beach City Council, has come under scrutiny in recent months for his conduct at city council meetings. 

In June, Kalmick and his colleagues, Councilors Rhonda Bolton and Natalie Moser, walked out of a city council meeting in the middle of proceedings to protest an agenda item proposed by Mayor Pro Tem, Pat Burns. The item affirmed the council’s commitment to the U.S. Constitution, including the residents’ rights to free speech and to bear arms.  

Upon learning of Mayor Pro Tem Burns’ proposal, Kalmick proposed his own agenda item which stated that “water is wet and the sky is blue.” 

After the ordeal, Burns said the item was intended to be a bipartisan issue and that Kalmick turned it into a “theatrical act of stupidity.” 

“By reaffirming this, it just says that Huntington Beach is going to stand and be strong with our very important foundation of the Constitution,” Burns told the Daily Pilot. 

Kalmick has also been critical of Mayor Gracey Van Der Mark’s proposed ordinance to make Huntington Beach a “Parents’ Right to Know City,” in response to Gov. Gavin Newsom’s singing of AB 1955 into law. The law prevents schools from needing to tell parents if their child is transitioning their gender identity or expression at school.

“This is ridiculous and a very weird agenda item. It’s another ridiculous piece of theater that doesn’t do anything for the residents of Huntington Beach but will cost us money because it opens us up to litigation,” Kalmick told FOX 11 Los Angeles. “It’s a school issue and I think it’s important we protect our LGBTQ.” 

Kalmick often takes to social media to message city politics and national political issues. In October 2023, months before city voters were set to vote on a policy that would require individuals to present identification in order to vote in city elections, Kalmick criticized voter ID as a voter suppression tactic. 

“Let’s be clear: Voter ID is about voter suppression. It’s not about protecting the integrity of an election,” Kamick said. 

Let's be clear: Voter ID is about voter supression. It's not about protecting the integrity of an election.

"Well I have to show ID to fly!" -Say supporters.

No yah don't!

Forgot your ID? Just provide the same info you used to REGISTER to vote? 🤦🏻‍♂️ pic.twitter.com/uk0Abn569P

— Dan Kalmick (@DanKalmick) October 9, 2023

City voters approved the measure in March 2024 with 53% of the vote. 

Kalmick was first elected to the city council in 2020. Before joining the council, he served for eight years on the city’s planning commission. 

Kalmick, Bolton, and Moser are all seeking reelection this fall. According to city records, their challengers include Armory Hanson, Don Kennedy, Edward “Butch” Twining, Cody Cleary, Marissa Jackson, Shawn Kirby, and Chad Williams, all of whom sought nomination papers from the city clerk. 

The election will be held on November 5.

The Huntington Beach City Councilmembers have pushed back against numerous progressive policies put into place at the state level, with the most recent action challenging AB 1955.

Huntington Beach has seen somewhat of a conservative backlash against California’s progressive drift. This included the removing of the rainbow flag from City Hall last year, as well as a recent challenge to California’s AB 1955.

AB1955 was signed into effect last month by Governor Gavin Newsom, and it prevents school personnel from informing the parents of a student’s gender transition. The new law received criticism even from Elon Musk who expressed his outrage on X over Newsom’s signing of the law.

Recently Mayor Gracey Van Der Mark has introduced an ordinance to challenge the new law in the city of Huntington Beach. Her desire is to make Huntington Beach a right to know city, or a sanctuary city for parental rights. 

Mayor Van Der Mark stated on X, “It is our constitutional right to to raise our own children with the values, morals, and beliefs we choose to instill in them, not the state’s.” 

City Council Member Dan Kalmick called this action a “ridiculous and weird agenda item…” He also said that this “creates another circus in Huntington Beach.” Kalmick is one of the three left-leaning council members, who is up for re-election this year. 

In fact, this November election will still see a conservative majority retain control, and determine the direction of the council for the next few years.

This new ordinance will play an important role in the upcoming election later this year. Mayor Van Der Mark is determined to “send a message to Sacramento” that Huntington Beach is not going to let this go without a fight. 

The conservative members of the city council have been successful at their pushback against the progressive leaning of the rest of California, and they are not alone in their outspoken criticism of the governor on a number of issues. 

Other California public officials like Placer County Representative Kevin Kiley (R-CA), and Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco, have also been outspoken with regards to this law, as well as the Governor’s handling of a number of issues including homelessness and crime in California.

Enjoy the Aloha Fair, classic rock music and rescued horses this week in Huntington Beach

Sunday, September 1: Aloha Fair

Experience the magic of Polynesia at the Aloha Fair on Sunday, Sept. 1. The event, which features food, shopping and live entertainment, will take place from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 16160 Beach Blvd. 

Entertainment at the fair includes Polynesian dance and music performances. Seating is provided at the venue. Shopping includes various island style arts and crafts. Food includes Hawaiian shave ice and other food trucks. 

The Aloha Fair takes place on the first Sunday of each month and runs through February. The fair will return to Huntington Beach on Oct. 6, Nov. 3, Dec. 1, Jan. 5, and Feb. 2. 

Admission and parking are both free to the public. Inquiries about the Aloha Fair can be sent to [email protected].

“Hug and Groom” Rescued Horses

Hug and Groom is a monthly event hosted by the Free Rein Foundation where individuals can get close and interact with rescued horses that are part of equine-assisted therapy programs. Participants learn how to groom and care for horses which include mustangs, thoroughbreds and white mules. 

The event takes place at the pasture above the Huntington Park Equestrian Center from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m and includes free snacks and fruit. Parking is located on Ellis Avenue. 

The cost of attendance is $25 and children under two-years-old may enter for free. All proceeds are used to feed the foundation’s rescued horses. Attendees are asked to where covered shoes and clothes suitable for a dusty pasture. 

September’s Hug and Groom is the first of four events scheduled through December. The remaining Hug and Groom events will be held on Oct. 6, Nov. 3, and Dec. 1. 

Beatles vs. Stones – A Musical British Invasion

Enjoy classic rock cover bands on Sept. 1 at The Biergarten at Old World Huntington Beach from 12 p.m. to 8 p.m. 

B Side, a Beatles tribute band, will play from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. before Running Hot, a Rolling Stones cover band, plays from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. 

Seating is first come, first serve and food is available to order. 

The Biergarten at Old World HB is located at 7561 Center Ave. The event occurs on the first Sunday of each month.