Farewell to former city attorney as she leaves for Merced

The Kiwanis Club of Huntington Beach held a farewell ceremony for former City Atty. Jennifer McGrath on Tuesday at the Meadowlark Golf Course.

McGrath, who worked for the city from 1994 to 2014, has been hired as the city attorney for Merced.

“I am excited to be going to Merced, but I’m very sad to leave Huntington Beach,” said McGrath, a Kiwanis member, at the group’s meeting on Tuesday. “I’m very proud of my record here and very proud to have been part of the community. I will never forget it. This is just a really good move and a really good match for the city of Merced and myself.”

City officials and residents shared their well-wishes and goodbyes with McGrath.

Mayor Jim Katapodis said McGrath gave him a lot of advice when he first ran for a council seat in 2012.

“When I first ran for City Council, I thought I knew what I was doing,” he said. “I bought these signs and I had to pick Jennifer off the ground when I showed her how stupid they looked. I thought they looked pretty good at the time, but they were horrible.

“I also had business cards, but she dumped those too. Without Jennifer, I wouldn’t be standing here today as mayor of Huntington Beach, and I really appreciate everything she’s done for me. We’ve been friends all the way through. She’s a great city attorney, helped me a lot and I’m happy for her that she’s going up to Merced.”