Huntington Beach city council will continue to meet virtually rather than convening in chambers due to Mayor Pro Tem Tito Ortiz’s refusal to wear a mask. It moved to do so during a March 29 meeting, where the five councilmembers in attendances voted to stick with Zoom meetings. Ortiz was absent during the vote, after leaving the meeting to attend another commitment. Councilmember Erik Peterson, who has also refused to wear masks in past meetings, was absent. Ortiz defended his position on masks during the meeting. “As a right, as an American, as the freedoms that I have, I have my choice of taking care of my health,” Ortiz said. “And I will choose to continue to do that.” City council has held virtual meetings since January, shortly after Ortiz was asked to leave a council meeting for refusing to wear a mask. During the latest meeting, councilmembers pleaded with Ortiz to wear a mask …