SATURATE OC event at the beach (City of Huntington Beach image).

UPDATE: The Saturate OC event went on as scheduled, but according to published reports, the group would no longer be holding events at the city’s beaches.

A faceoff between the City of Huntington Beach and the organizers of a group seeking to hold a large religious observance on a city beach could be happening this evening.

According to the city, the Saturate OC group  has been holding unauthorized gatherings near Lifeguard Tower 20.  The events have been conducted without the required permits and organizers have been cited.

The city states that the event is not only without a permit, but is in violation of proper public health and safety protocols. These have been paid attendance events with prices from free to $150 and merchandize is for sale, according to Huntington Beach’s public information office.

“The city firmly supports the right of any religious group to worship and the state has published current safety protocols and guidance for places of worship,” according to a statement from the city. The Tribune has been unable to contact a representative from Saturate OC for a comment.

Today’s event is scheduled to start at 6 p.m.