Kids Book Sparks Dispute Between Huntington Beach Official and Political Rival

City Councilman Dan Kalmick claims his opponent defamed him and implied he engaged in unlawful acts with children.

A group of Huntington Beach residents organized a pop-up event to raise awareness of what they say are “inappropriate” books in the children’s section of the city's library, at City Hall in Huntington Beach, Calif., on April 16, 2024. Patricia Pappas

A children’s library book is once again at the center of a conflict in Huntington Beach–one that involves allegations of defamation and a cease-and-desist order between Councilman Dan Kalmick and a political opponent.

Lifelong Huntington Beach resident and former Navy Seal veteran Chad Williams, who is also running for Mr. Kalmick’s council seat in November, first brought the book “The Big Bath House” by Kyo Maclear to the council’s attention in March.