MMA fighter turned Huntington Beach Mayor Pro Tem Tito Ortiz has offered up plenty of controversy since he was elected to the City Council in November. He’s encouraged residents to break public health rules, refused to wear masks at city meetings, and accused Democrats of orchestrating a White Lives Matter rally. But his latest stunt could land him in some serious trouble.
According to the Orange County Register, Ortiz — who owns a $4 million home — filed for unemployment benefits on February 22. This was eight months after securing a PPP loan of $32,292 for the gym he owns, Punishment Training Center.
On the EDD filings, Ortiz wrote that he stopped working for the city on Feb. 9. City Manager Oliver Chi said that's not true. Ortiz has been drawing $779 every two weeks since December without interruption. That means he's not entitled to benefits.
Ortiz's actions could end up costing the city if he does end up getting money from the EDD.
“Ultimately if this claim was approved EDD will send us a bill to reimburse them for any costs. In that instance we’d certainly file an appeal,” said Chi.
Tito, what's up?