Back to Top

Board President Gina Clayton-Tarvin
"Ocean View Students First"

News

29 May
Friday, 12:10 PM · 2026

OVSD President Sues Huntington Beach to Compel Disclosure of Job Application of Michael Gates

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
 
HUNTINGTON BEACH, CA – Ocean View School District Board President Gina Clayton-Tarvin today filed a lawsuit in Orange County Superior Court against the City of Huntington Beach for violating the California Public Records Act (CPRA) and demanding it disclose job application of former Chief Assistant City Attorney Michael Gates.
In February 2025, Gates resigned as the City Attorney to join the Trump Administration in the Department of Justice. After a scant nine months, Gates left the DOJ, with the Orange County Register reporting that he had been “terminated for cause.” The Register cited a DOJ source who alleged that Gates created a hostile work environment. Previously, as City Attorney, Gates had been sued for creating a hostile work environment, resulting in a $2.5 million settlement. Despite this history, the City quietly re-hired Gates as its new Chief Assistant City Attorney for nearly $300,000 a year. Gates left the City after just two months and is now running for California Attorney General.
On November 18, 2025, Clayton-Tarvin filed a CPRA request for Gates’s job application. The City never provided the job application. The City did not state whether any job application exists and identified no exemption from disclosure requirements, in violation of the CPRA.

Clayton-Tarvin now seeks records that would allow the public to understand:
• Whether Gates truthfully described the facts of his exit from the DOJ, where failure to do so could be a violation of the law.
• Whether there was an open application process, given that Gates moved so quickly from the Trump Administration back into taxpayer-funded job with the City;
• Whether Gates’ compensation was commensurate with his legal record.
 
Clayton-Tarvin issued the following statement:
“The public has a right to know how a new taxpayer-funded position was filled, what qualifications were verified, and whether Mr. Gates honestly disclosed his record. The Public Records Act exists precisely for this kind of accountability. Huntington Beach taxpayers deserve answers, and as a candidate for Attorney General, Mr. Gates owes those answers to every Californian.”
For more information, contact:
Gina Clayton-Tarvin, (714) 717-7122, ginaclaytontarvin@gmail.com
Gregory Pleasants, Esq., (657) 561-5886, Gregory@GregoryPleasantsLaw.com
Lee K. Fink, Esq., (949) 328-1548, Lee@BrowerLawGroup.com
 

17 May
Sunday, 10:28 AM · 2026

Vote Ben Allen For California Insurance Commissioner

Huington Beach, CA-Vote Senator Ben Allen for California Insurance Commissioner. He’s not taken a penny from insurance companies corporate special interests. When powerful corporations meddle in elections, citizens lose. Thank goodness Ben is for the people. Vote Ben Allen now and until Tuesday, June 2, 2026!

5 May
Tuesday, 9:56 PM · 2026

OVSD Board Meeting For May 5, 2026-Property Update

Huntington Beach, CA-As the Ocean View School District Board of Trustees looks toward the future, we remain committed to two important priorities: valuing the employees who serve our students every day and responsibly preserving public land for our community. In the coming months, the District will review the results of an RFP exploring the potential development of two former school sites: Sun View and Pleasant View into workforce housing, helping support the employees who make our schools strong. Just as important, any future vision must also protect precious open green space for community use and neighborhood quality of life. Strong schools require both strong employees and thoughtful stewardship of public resources. Listen in to hear my trustee comments on the matter and stay tuned for more from OVSD.


15 Apr
Wednesday, 1:48 PM · 2026

Board Update For April 14, 2026 Meeting

Huntington Beach, CA-Last night at our OVSD Board of Trustees’ Meeting, the Mesa View orchestra, led by the 2026 Teacher of the Year, Mr. Nicolosi, entertained those in attendance with a beautiful performance of Hidden Passages. Student talent was on full display with the showcase of the incredible arts programs. We also recognized Classified Employees and Teachers of the Year for their outstanding work. We celebrated our Teachers of the Year, Mr. Nicolosi of Mesa View Middle School and Mrs. Fisler of Circle View Elementary. Our Classified Staff make a difference every day and at last night’s OVSD Board of Trustees meeting, we recognized our Employees of the Year. These dedicated individuals go above and beyond to support our students, staff, and community: Francesca Baldelli, District Office – Administrative Assistant, Fidel Jacobo Ayala, Hope View – Lead Food Service Worker, Buu-Tram Nguyen, Star View – Parent Liaison Instructional Assistant, David Serrano, Lake View – Head Custodian. We also recognized our District. Communications and Public information Officer Julie St. Cyr was recognized this evening for earning  three Awards of Excellence at the 2026 CalSPRA Conference for her work in social media, photography, and news writing, and more. We are so proud of Julie and all of our staff who make OVSD a wonderful place for our students to learn. Great work, Team OVSD!

11 Apr
Saturday, 2:06 PM · 2026

Woman Of Courage Award 2026

Buena Park, CA-Thank you to the Democratic Party of Orange County for the honor of being named a recipient of the Women of Courage Award for 2026. I’m deeply grateful and truly humbled. As a classroom teacher, a union leader, and President of the Ocean View School District Board of Trustees, I’ve had the privilege of seeing public education from every angle. I can tell you this: when we invest in our schools, we invest in the future of our democracy. This recognition isn’t just about me, it belongs to the educators who show up every day for their students, the families who advocate for opportunity, and the community members who believe in equity, access, and the power of public education. I’m proud to stand alongside those who fight for working families, for strong public schools, and for every child’s right to succeed, no matter their zip code. Congratulations to all of the recipients who received awards today, to earn this honor, and for continuing to do the work that truly makes a difference. Orange County women are leading the way in California and beyond πŸŠπŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ!



Paid for by Committee to Re-Elect Gina Clayton-Tarvin for Ocean View School District 2028, FPPC 1413559
Powered by CampaignPartner.com - Political Campaign Websites
Close Menu