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The Pacific Airshow is back in Huntington Beach on Friday, and people are being warned to brace for a noisy weekend.

The three-day lineup of jets from the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds, U.S. Marine Corps, and California Air National Guard, among others, won’t stay quiet to say the least, so make sure your children and pets are prepared.

You might’ve already heard the flyovers during the week, but the sky show will officially run from around 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Friday through Sunday. Here’s what you need to know.

What to expect

Airshow officials said in a statement that they’re delivering on the commitment to produce a “bigger and better” experience each year.

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The flyovers will include an F-22 Raptor demo team, U.S. Army Blackhawk and Lakota helicopters, the Patriots Jet Team, as well as a final parting performance from the Air Force A-10 demo team.

For the eighth year of the show, aircraft will be able to stop by a temporary landing area on the beach, so don’t be surprised if you see some wings on the sand.

Tickets range from $30 for general admission to a $4,500 four-day camping experience.

How to prepare

The event organizers have acknowledged it’s going to be loud, so have some earplugs or noise-canceling headphones handy — for all ages.

The city of Huntington Beach sent out a phone warning message to people living in the area urging them to have accommodations ready for those who may be “disturbed” by the noise.

So if your family members or furry friends have a hard time during events like Fourth of July, keep a close eye on them throughout the weekend.

“While the Pacific Airshow is an exciting event for the community, it’s important to remember that the loud noises and low-flying jets can be distressing for pets,” Justin Ward, with Reedy Creek Vet, said in a statement shared by the airshow.

Consider creating a quiet, comfortable space for your pets, or people, to hang out in. Specifically, one with little windows and plenty of furniture to muffle the noise.

Music, movies, and white noise machines can also help drown out some of the sounds.

Stay inside during the peak flyover periods if you can, or get your exercise and errands done early, before the airshow starts.

Officials are also asking people not to call 911 unless you have a life threatening emergency.

Kevin Elliott’s son is now 20 months old, and Elliott was quick to pull up pictures on his phone Thursday morning at a Pacific Airshow press event held at Lyon Air Museum in Santa Ana.

The name of Elliott’s son is no surprise to anyone who knows him well: Jett.

“Future air show owner,” said Huntington Beach Mayor Gracey Van Der Mark, smiling to the toddler’s dad.

Elliott, the Pacific Airshow executive director, has always loved aviation. Growing up in the area, he would build and fly remote control airplanes with his own father in the garage and remembers spending plenty of afternoons flying gliders at Fairview Park in Costa Mesa.

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He and his company, Code Four, have built the Pacific Airshow into one of the biggest air shows in the world. The eighth edition of the three-day event, which has also been held in Australia the last two years, hits the beach in Surf City beginning Friday. It will again feature favorites like the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds and F-22 Raptor Demonstration Team.

Officials said an estimated 700,000 people attended last year. But the reaction among locals has been decidedly mixed.

Some have said the air show now feels political after, in May 2023, the city settled a lawsuit with Pacific Airshow LLC for up to $7 million. Elliott had sued the city and then-Mayor Kim Carr after the third day of the 2021 air show was canceled due to an oil spill. Carr has said publicly multiple times that she did not cancel the air show and in fact did not have the authority to do so.

“Obviously, the settlement and all of that was hard fought on both sides,” Elliott said Thursday in an interview with the Daily Pilot. “People can have their opinions about it. I know what my opinion is, and that is that we were financially completely devastated by that situation and that the city breached the permit, and a bunch of other things that I’m really not able to talk about because of the confidentiality.”

The full settlement was ordered to be disclosed by an Orange County Superior Court judge in July, after Ocean View School District clerk Gina Clayton-Tarvin won a lawsuit demanding it be unsealed by City Atty. Michael Gates.

After the full settlement was released, Clayton-Tarvin called it “a shameless giveaway to air show operator Kevin Elliott.”

There is currently no long-term contract between the city and Pacific Airshow LLC, though the settlement includes potential terms and conditions that could be used for such a deal.

“I never wanted it to go down that way,” Elliott said of his lawsuit Thursday. “Who wants to have to be a position to have to sue their hometown? Not me. That’s the last thing I ever wanted to do. To the extent that the event has become political, it’s really unfortunate. It’s not what I wanted. You know as well as everybody, I was friendly with all of the politicians regardless of their political affiliation until that oil spill happened. Then it sort of pitted folks against each other, to a degree.”

Elliott said tickets are selling better than ever, but there is certainly a local contingent that now refuses to support the air show and the negative aspects they believe it represents.

As a 23-year retired veteran of the U.S. Coast Guard, Tamantha Bowman seems like a good candidate to enjoy the show. But the Huntington Beach resident said she will be doing more mundane things like cleaning her garage this weekend, before she leaves town on Sunday.

“It feels dirty to me,” Bowman said. “To be honest, even last year we weren’t really for it. It’s just really sad … Kevin Elliott has done some things in poor taste, I feel like. As a businessperson and someone that lives here in Huntington Beach, him making fun of the settlement, from what I’ve seen, it’s not really cool.”

In June, Elliott posted a picture of himself on Facebook forums with digital sunglasses and a gold chain, as well as smoking something. The words “Airshow Life” are written above him.

The post reads, in part, that Elliott was “toying with a new look for [Surf City Sentinel page owner] Mark Bixby and his pack of sycophants. Do you think Gina Clayton-Tarvin will still try to date me? I’m happily married so NOT INTERESTED.”

“That probably was very counter-productive,” Elliott admitted Thursday. “I should be smarter, but I had it up to here and I was trolling them … They posted pictures of my children online.”

Lifelong Huntington Beach resident Christine Mulholland said she worries about the effects of the loud jets for pets and elders, as well as wildlife in the Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve.

She said the air show would be better as a one-day event and that she is not too outspoken about her views in her hometown.

“They want to shame you immediately and put you in the ‘Karen’ box, not caring about being patriotic,” Mulholland said. “How does an air show have anything to do with if I’m patriotic? It’s so much more nuanced than that.”

Darby Ziegler, by contrast, looks forward to the Pacific Airshow’s arrival each fall. She has been working part time for the last five years as a concierge at the Waterfront Beach Resort, a Hilton Hotel.

Ziegler, who lives in Huntington Beach, said most of the people who get the oceanfront suites will book their room for next year when they check out on Sunday, so they can get the same experience.

“At our hotel, people are renting out the oceanfront cabanas for like $3,000 or $4,000,” Ziegler said. “Those all include a 20% service charge, and guess who that goes to? The kids that are working. I know the owners of a lot of restaurants, and they’ve got their tables booked. I’ve got a table at BLK, they are sold out. They would never be sold out Friday, Saturday and Sunday at that restaurant, you know?

“I know people get all mad because the lot gets shut down and parking [costs] more ... but I look at all of these people that I know who are trying to run businesses and how much money it brings to them.”

Ziegler said she was at the same BLK Earth Sea Spirits restaurant, located in Pierside Pavilion, during the air show’s first year. She was sitting next to a group of Japanese people who spoke no English — that is, until the Air Force Thunderbirds showed up.

“They all started, in English, singing the theme song from ‘Top Gun,’” Ziegler recalled with a laugh. “I mean, [the air show] inspires patriotism, in my opinion.”

Torrey “Superman” Ward, from Van Nuys, is one of the civilian pilots flying in this year’s event. Ward, who has been a pilot for 42 years, is flying at the Pacific Airshow for the first time in a SubSonex JSX-2 microjet that weighs in at just 490 pounds.

“I am humbled to be at this air show,” Ward said. “It’s over water, and it’s not a common environment for air show pilots to fly over water, so it’s super-exciting.”

Elliott is also looking forward to a good weekend, despite the controversy, especially if the pesky fog at the beach clears out each day. New features include short takeoff and landing (STOL) planes that will land on the beach during the show, allowing spectators to sit in and interact with the pilots.

“We’re just trying to move this event forward,” he said. “We’re going to move past the baggage, and it may take a little bit of time. Hopefully time will heal these wounds, and people will realize that this is really a community event ... The air show should be for everyone. This isn’t an event for half the community, it’s an event for everybody.”

The skies over Huntington Beach are set to come alive this weekend, October 4-6, 2024, with the highly anticipated Pacific Airshow. This thrilling event, now in its eighth year, promises a spectacular lineup of military and civilian performers, breathtaking aerial stunts, and beachside entertainment for attendees of all ages. Whether you're a fan of aviation or simply looking for an exciting family-friendly event, here’s everything you need to know about the Pacific Airshow.

This year’s Pacific Airshow boasts an extraordinary roster of performers, headlined by the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds, known for their jaw-dropping precision flying. Alongside them, the U.S. Air Force F-22 Raptor Demo Team will showcase the cutting-edge capabilities of one of the world’s most advanced fighter jets. Fans will also get a rare treat as the U.S. Air Force A-10 Demo Team takes to the sky for their final performance ever, marking the end of an era.

The show doesn’t stop there. Civilian performances will include daring stunts by the Patriots Jet Team, Michael Goulian in the Extra 330SC, and extreme sports legend Jacko Strong from Australia. Attendees will also witness the awe-inspiring Zapata Flyboard and Airscooter Demo, adding an extra layer of excitement to this sky-high spectacle.

This year, Pacific Airshow is taking things to new heights, literally. For the first time ever, a world-first temporary landing area will be constructed on the beach, giving spectators an up-close view of Short Takeoff and Landing (STOL) aircraft in action. Luke Czepiela, renowned for his dramatic landing on Dubai’s Burj Al Arab skyscraper, will be one of the standout pilots demonstrating this unique experience.

Beyond the sky, the fun continues on the sand with expanded beachside entertainment. Fans of classic movie aviation heroes will be pleased to see the return of "Maverick and Iceman" lookalikes strolling the beach. Whether you're there for the aerial displays or the sand-side excitement, the Pacific Airshow offers something for everyone.

In addition to the headlining Thunderbirds, the military presence at this year's show will be stronger than ever. Performers include the U.S. Navy F-35C Demo Team, the U.S. Army Blackhawk and Lakota Helicopters, the U.S. Navy Leap Frogs parachute team, and the U.S. Air Force C-17 West Coast Demo Team, among many others. Civilian acts will be just as thrilling, featuring the Horseman Three Ship P-51 Mustang Demo, aerobatic helicopters, and even a FedEx 757 making an appearance.

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Tickets for the Pacific Airshow are on sale now, with a range of options to suit every preference and budget:

Whether you're a seasoned aviation enthusiast or just looking for a weekend of family fun, the 2024 Pacific Airshow promises an unforgettable experience. With a world-class lineup and an expanded range of entertainment, this year’s event will undoubtedly soar to new heights. Don't miss it!

Gov. Gavin Newsom, D-Calif., signed a law Sunday undermining the will of Huntington Beach voters who approved a measure requiring voter ID. The new state law bars cities from adopting such measures.

In March, 53.4% of Huntington Beach residents approved a ballot measure that would require voters present identification in order to vote in municipal elections. The measure was slated to take effect in 2026 and also permitted the city to “provide more in-person voting locations” and “monitor ballot drop-boxes.”

But Newsom signed into law Sunday legislation that was originally introduced in response to the Huntington Beach city council approving the measure prior to placing it on the ballot. The new law prohibits “a local government from enacting or enforcing any charter provision, ordinance, or regulation requiring a person to present identification for the purpose of voting or submitting a ballot at any polling place, vote center, or other location where ballots are cast or submitted, as specified.”

The state previously sued Huntington Beach in April to prevent the will of the voters (in the name of “democracy”). California Attorney General Rob Bonta sued the city claiming “the right to freely cast your vote is the foundation of our democracy and Huntington Beach’s voter ID policy flies in the face of this principle.”

It is unclear whether the lawsuit will still be pursued. The Federalist has inquired with Bonta’s office for a status update.

Bonta had previously sent a letter to city officials in September 2023 claiming the measure “conflicts with state law” and falsely alleged voter ID measures “serve to suppress voter participation.” Bonta told city officials to withdraw the measure or else Bonta would take “action.”

Bonta’s suit alleged Huntington Beach’s voter ID provisions were “preempted and invalid” in matters in which “local law conflicts with state law reasonably tailored to the resolution of a statewide concern.”

The suit also argued the measure undermined the authority of the state legislature, “placing the onus on registered voters to establish their eligibility to vote, and groundlessly challenging the right to vote.”

Huntington Beach City Attorney Michael Gates said in response to the suit that the city would fight to “uphold and defend the will of the people,” according to Courthouse News.

Gates argued that state law (at the time the measure was adopted by the city), did not prohibit the city from adopting the ballot measure. Gates pointed to the introduction of the legislation after the proposal was approved by the city council arguing, as reported by Courthouse News, that “this proves that Bonta [is] wrong — if passing voter ID laws was illegal, why was a new bill necessary?”

For more election news and updates, visit electionbriefing.com.

India Today World Desk

Written By: Girish Kumar Anshul

California Governor Gavin Newsom has signed into law legislation that prohibits local governments in the state from requiring voters to show identification (ID) at polling places, including in municipal elections. The law, SB 1174, directly responds to a measure passed in Huntington Beach, where over 50% of residents voted in March to require ID for voting in local elections.

However, the Huntington Beach measure conflicts with state law, prompting California Attorney General Rob Bonta and Secretary of State Shirley Weber to file a lawsuit against the city to block the enforcement of the voter ID requirement.

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Billionaire tech entrepreneur and Tesla CEO Elon Musk reacted strongly to the new law. On his social media platform X, Musk criticised the decision, claiming that the new law would encourage voter fraud.

“Wow, it is now illegal to require voter ID in California! They just made PREVENTING voter fraud against the law. The Joker is in charge,” Musk wrote on X.

Attorney General Bonta, in a statement after the lawsuit was filed, said the Huntington Beach voter ID rules were harmful.

"The right to freely cast your vote is the foundation of our democracy, and Huntington Beach’s voter ID policy flies in the face of this principle," said Bonta, reported Democracy Docket.

He added that California’s existing laws already have protections in place to ensure election integrity without adding burdens on voters, particularly low-income residents, people of colour, the elderly, and those with disabilities.

The new law, introduced by State Senator David Min, specifically prevents local governments from creating their own voter ID requirements for municipal elections. Min expressed concern about the potential chaos if different cities enacted their own voting rules.

"We cannot have 100 different charter cities making up 100 different sets of voting rules, based on fringe conspiracy theories," Min said, according to Los Angeles Times.

He also challenged proponents of stricter voter ID laws to provide evidence of widespread voter fraud, noting that no such evidence exists in California.

The bill, SB 1174, passed in August, applies to all local elections in California, including charter cities like Huntington Beach, which operate under their own local laws. The state law overrides any local efforts to introduce voter ID requirements unless mandated by state or federal law.

As of now, Huntington Beach has not responded to the ongoing lawsuit or the new law, which prevents the city from enforcing its voter ID measure for municipal elections.

Published By:

Girish Kumar Anshul