Turnover-plagued Huntington Beach has lost another executive. City Manager Al Zelinka announced his resignation Wednesday after a year and half on the job. He is leaving to care for his aging mother, effective immediately.
Police Chief Eric Parra is serving as interim city manager pending the selection of a permanent replacement. Parra, who is also an attorney, will continue to lead the police department during this time.
Mayor Tony Strickland said he wishes Zelinka well in his retirement. He called him “an exceptional leader.”
Zelinka was brought on board in June of 2022 after Oliver Chi left for the City of Riverside. Chi’s departure was soon followed by other department heads. In 2023 alone, the city lost its public works director, community and library services director, community development director, administrative services director, and chief financial officer. The mass exodus prompted different factions within the city to blame one another.
Read more about Zelinka’s departure and the city’s next steps at Voice of OC.