Monthly Online Newsletter - April 2005
City adopts the "Thundering Third" Marine Battalion
While many Marines are in active duty far away from their home, their families can struggle during this difficult time and often require help and support from the community. In a recent City Council meeting, Council members formally adopted the 3rd Battalion, 1st Marines of Camp Pendleton. 
Council Member Gil Coerper led the effort for Huntington Beach to become the sponsor of a Marine Battalion after being approached by Assemblyman Tom Harman to discuss this possibility.
By sponsoring a Marine Battalion, the City of Huntington Beach can provide a way for the community to support our military and their families. Through this program, the City will establish an account to receive and disburse cash donations that are received on behalf of this program. This program has had great success in the City of Newport Beach, which was a motivating factor for Huntington Beach to adopt a Marine Battalion as well. In Newport, the city provides the accounting and banking functions for donations and works with a community group of representatives who oversee the needs of the Battalion.
Some examples of services that this program may provide for families of Marines are: helping with car repairs for the spouse of a Marine while the Marine is in active service, linking local doctors with special physical needs resulting from war injuries, and helping families with minor household expenses in cases of emergencies. Other activities could include sponsored dinners or community events to host the Marines and their families.
The community will also benefit from this sponsorship. The Marines may participate in voluntary activities in Huntington Beach. For example, through this program in another city, Marines from the sponsored Battalion worked with children with disabilities. Marines could also participate in local events such as parades and other festive occasions.
Councilman Coerper will begin working on this program and will be looking for any interested members of the public to coordinate this effort. While the City will be handling the accounting and banking functions for donations, a volunteer board will be overseeing the expenditures for the needs of the Battalion. An already established group, the 3/1 Key Volunteer Network will be working with the City's volunteer committee to coordinate community relations with the military families.
Change Your Clock - Change Your Battery Sunday April 3
The Huntington Beach Fire Department urges residents to adopt the lifesaving habit of changing their smoke alarm batteries when they change their clocks to daylight savings time in April, and again when they change them back in October. This Sunday, April 3rd at 2:00 a.m., remember to change your smoke alarm batteries when you set your clocks forward one hour to mark the beginning of daylight savings time.
The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) documented 3,420 home fire deaths in the United States last year. While 94 percent of American homes have at least one smoke alarm, more than one-third of them do not work because of dead or missing batteries. Changing smoke alarm batteries twice a year is one of the simplest, most effective ways to reduce these tragic deaths and injuries.
In addition to changing the batteries every six months, the Huntington Beach Fire Department recommends replacing any smoke alarm that is ten years old, or older. Smoke alarms should be cleaned at least once a year and tested at least once a month. Batteries should never be "borrowed" from a smoke alarm to use somewhere else.
"The peak time for home fire fatalities is between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m. when most families are sleeping," says Fire Chief Duane Olson. "Changing the batteries in your smoke alarm is a simple, effective way to reduce home fire deaths. Children and older adults are most at risk, and a working smoke alarm can give them the extra seconds they need to get out safely."
Overmyer Reservoir is Dedicated
City officials, community leaders and city staff came together on March 24, 2005 to flip the switch and fill the newly renovated Overmyer Reservoir located on Huntington Street. During the short ceremony, Acting Public Works Director Paul Emery talked about the significance of the project. Mayor Jill Hardy was joined by representatives from Congressman Rohrbacher, Senator Campbell and Supervisor Silva's offices to present proclamations acknowledging the accomplishment. Project Engineer Deborah De Bow gave a history of the project's development.
In 1995, the City began the implementation of the comprehensive Water Master Plan Capital Improvement Program to correct water system deficiencies. The Overmyer Reservoir project is a major component of that program. It restores 21 million gallons of critical operating and reserve storage of potable water for the residents of Huntington Beach.
The Overmyer Reservoir facility has been in continuous operation since its construction in the early 1960's and, along with the booster station, was completely renovated to conform to current codes, including structural and seismic upgrades, at a significant cost savings to the City.
City Golf Tournament will be April 16
The 17th Annual Huntington Beach City Golf Tournament will be held on Saturday, April 16. This tournament will be open to all men and women whether they have a handicap or not. The tournament will use the Peoria handicap system.
Registration will be limited to 100 golfers and must be done by April 1. The cost will be $75 per participant, which will cover green fees, shared golf cart, tee prizes, shirts and a $5 food coupon. Awards will be given for the top ten players for low gross and the top ten low net. There are also prizes for the longest drive and closest to the pin.
Registration may be done at the Community Services Dept. at 2000 Main St. For more information please call (714) 536-5486
Swing Band to perform at Pier on Mother's Day
Put on your dancing shoes and bring your mom down to Pier Plaza on Mothers Day, Sunday May 8. The Pier Plaza Presents Concert series kicks off with the sound of the Royal Crown Review, a seven piece swing band that combines jazz and jump in an elegant blend of everything from be-bop to gut-bucket blues.
This popular band signed with Warner Brothers Records in 1995, releasing their first album Mugzy's Move, which formally established the band's "hard-boiled" style with songs of Hollywood street life and big-top tragedies.
Over the past several years, the group has toured extensively and made innumerable television and radio appearances, including "Late Night with Conan O'Brien", the "Today Show" and "Buffy the Vampire Slayer".
Royal Crown Review has appeared at the Playboy Jazz Festival, performed live with Bette Midler at the Billboard Music Awards, and performed at an eclectic mix of events from major jazz festivals such as the Concord and Newport to the Warped Tour.
Most recently the groups' music was included the films "Cat in the Hat" and "Something's Gotta Give" as well as the television series "Wonder Falls". Royal Crown Review has released several albums that have gained positive critical acclaim and fans throughout the world.
The Royal Crown Review will be at Pier Plaza on Sunday, May 8 from 1:00 to 3:00 PM
The Pier Plaza Presents Concert series is sponsored by Farmers and Merchants Bank. It is presented on various Sundays from May through August. For a complete lineup of the 2005 series, contact the Community Services Department at 714-536-5486.
City receives almost $12 million from outside sources in 2004
This year, the City of Huntington Beach was able to obtain almost $12 million in additional monies for the City, according to the 2004 Summary of Outside Funding Awarded. Each year, staff and volunteers go after money that will help provide additional services for the City without impacting the general fund. These resources will help offset the cost for books for our libraries, trees for our parks, and equipment for our firefighters, just to name a few.
Much of the money raised through these efforts will help to keep Huntington Beach clean and beautiful. Approximately $18,000 was donated by the County of LA Beaches & Harbors to provide trash cans on the beaches. Simple Green gave $14,000 to provide additional beach maintenance through the Adopt-A Beach Program. The Shipley Nature Center received over $500,000 for the Nature Center Rehabilitation, materials, and labor, which was raised through the efforts of the Friends of the Shipley Nature Center and other various donors. In addition, the Huntington Beach Tree Society donated 950 trees for local parks, an effort that saved the City approximately $33,000.
Many of the City's programs also benefit from this money. The Friends of the Library raised $100,000 for the Book Collection. The Council on Aging and OCTA donated almost $170,000 for senior citizen programs and senior transportation programs in Huntington Beach.
Safety is also a primary concern in Huntington Beach and much of the money raised went to the police and fire departments. The Department of Justice gave $280,000 and the Department of Homeland Security gave $400,000 to the City's Weapons of Mass Destruction Response Program. The HB Collaboration: Violence Against Women received $130,000 from the California Office of Emergency Services for its domestic violence program. Also, the California Department of Traffic Safety gave almost $130,000 to the Police Department to address the driving habits that cause collisions and speeding.
More than 1,900 hours of city staff time and countless hours of citizen volunteer time were spent in obtaining these funds. The City of Huntington Beach is always working to raise additional money to help the community. The City recently signed a contract with eCivis; a company that helps local governments build better communities with its Grants Locator. In a struggling economy, this company will help the City build upon the effort that is already being put in by volunteers and staff to raise additional money to improve our community.
Passport Services available at City Hall
If your future travel plans call for a destination beyond the borders of the United States, then you either need a new passport or you may want to check your current passport to make sure it is up-to-date.
The City of Huntington Beach, through the City Clerk's Office, has been designated as a United States Acceptance Facility for people needing a passport for the first time, as well as for people needing to renew their existing passport.
The City Clerk's Office also provides information packets to help you expedite your application for a Passport. Located at the Huntington Beach City Hall, 2000 Main Street, on the 2nd floor, it is open Monday thru Friday, from 8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., including lunchtime hours. For more information call 714-374-1600.
West Nile Virus still a threat in County
Update provided by Orange County Vector Control
The alternation between rainy days, and bright sunny days is fairly typical of southern California winters. The difference this year, is that winter of 2004-05 has seen record setting rainfall, and the sunny days have frequently been quite warm. These factors result in ideal conditions for producing a bumper crop of mosquitoes. We are set up for what could be a very bad mosquito year if nothing is done.
We are still regularly finding evidence of ongoing West Nile virus transmission, both in dead birds brought into the district, by the public, and our wild bird bleed-and-release program. This means West Nile virus remained active in the County all winter, though at far lower levels than last summer. No one is sure what the infection rate is going to be this season, but the Orange County Vector Control District is prepared with an even more forceful response than we mounted last year.
Our greatest challenge remains the tremendous number of mosquitoes emerging from the almost 700,000 backyards around the County. Possibly as many as half the mosquitoes in Orange County come from backyards. We are again asking residents to help out by eliminating all standing water they come across, at home and at the work place.
We all must keep in mind that during warm weather mosquitoes can develop in as little time as a week, in a few tablespoons full of water. Residents are also cautioned to take personal protective measures like making sure window screens are in good repair, and properly installed. We also recommend that individuals that are outdoors during periods of peak mosquito activity wear long sleeves, long pants and wear a mosquito repellent containing DEET.
The Orange County Vector Control District is prepared to deal with known sources, residents should report any suspected breeding sites we may not be aware of, and remember to monitor their own property. The Orange County Vector Control District website, www.ocvcd.org contains information and links about West Nile virus, as well as other vector issues in Orange County.
Fifth Annual Taste of Huntington Beach will be held April 24th
The fifth annual "Taste of Huntington Beach" will serve tastes from over 50 of the City's favorite eateries and over 30 nationally recognized wineries and breweries Sunday, April 24 from 12 noon-4pm at the Hyatt Regency Resort and Spa, 21500 Pacific Coast Highway.
The Grand Ballroom of the Hyatt will be the scene once again for the Huntington Beach Restaurant Association to raise over $30,000 for the Children's Wing of the Huntington Beach Central Library, complete with an extensive silent auction, raffle prizes and live musical entertainment.
Pre-sale tickets are available for $40 through April 4 - which includes a $4 beach side parking for those not wishing to valet park at the Hyatt. Otherwise, tickets are $50 at the door for the all inclusive one-price day of sampling the finest cuisine from some of the favorite eateries in Huntington Beach.
Presale tickets are found at the Huntington Beach Central Library: (714) 842-4481 and the Visitors & Conference Bureau, 301 Main Street, Ste. 208 (714) 969-3492 as well as The Longboard Restaurant & Pub and Duke's Surf City. Photo shows last year's Taste of Huntington Beach with the HB Pie Company providing samples.
Volunteer Drivers needed for senior transportation
The City of Huntington Beach, Senior Services is in need of volunteer drivers for the Senior Transportation Program. This program provides door-to-door service to medical appointments, shopping centers, Rodgers Seniors' Center, and any other location within Huntington Beach. Volunteer drivers will receive on-the-job training and are asked to drive a four-hour shift per week.
Senior Services provides transportation for seniors, ages 55 and over, and assists with their mobility needs in order to promote self-sufficiency and independence. Drivers drive more than 90,000 miles annually collectively. There is no charge to use the service, but donations are always appreciated.
For additional information on becoming a volunteer driver, please call Diane Swarts, Volunteer Services Coordinator, at (714) 374-1544.
Improvements on Garden Grove Freeway begin
Construction activity along the Garden Grove Freeway (SR-22) is now underway on Orange County's most important east-west link. "The New 22" -- funded primarily through Measure M, the half-cent sales tax Orange County voters passed in 1990 for transportation improvements - is expected to finish by late 2006.
The Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA) is overseeing the $490 million project, which spans 12 miles of the SR-22 between Tustin Avenue in Orange and Valley View Street in Garden Grove. Project improvements include:
- Building two carpool lanes (one in each direction) and adding auxiliary lanes (the far outside lanes when merging onto the freeway) between the Santa Ana Freeway (I-5) and Beach Boulevard
- Reconfiguring the Orange Freeway (SR-57) connector, The City Drive ramps on the westbound SR-22, and the Beach Boulevard interchange
- Adding a "collector-distributor" road (a dedicated lane with no option to change lanes) on the eastbound SR-22 between The City Drive and SR-57
- Adding soundwalls, landscaping and widening and re-aligning on- and off-ramps
Sandbags available through Public Works Department
Local citizens can receive up to 20 sandbags from the City of Huntington Beach Corporate Yard at 17371 Gothard St. The sandbags are available during storms and when significant rainfall is in our forecast. The hours are Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. These hours may be extended in the event of a major storm.
Sandbags are for the personal use of Huntington Beach residents only. Contractors and businesses can purchase sand and bags at most building supply centers and home improvement stores. Residents should be prepared to show a form of personal identification, like a driver's license or photo I.D card, and a current utility bill or similar proof of HB residency. Citizens are asked to bring their own shovel and fill their own bags, unless they are physically unable.
The elderly and disabled may call the HB Fire Dept. CERT message line, (714) 536-5974, to have sandbags delivered by volunteers. The City does not collect bags after the rainy season. It is the responsibility of the resident to lawfully dispose of the sand and the bag when no longer needed.
The Yard is located at 17371 Gothard St. between Warner and Slater Avenues. For more information, please call Public Works Maintenance at 960-8861. For all information or questions on flood preparedness, call the Huntington Beach Fire Department Emergency Services Office at 536-5980.
City weathers storms
Huntington Beach has been included in a State and Federally declared disaster area as the result of the storms that hit December 27, 2004 to January 11, 2005. The City's estimated costs are $180,000. Costs include debris removal, beach cleanup, pump repairs, natural gas costs, and other flood protection measures. In addition, there are overtime costs as the result of Public Works crews working day and night to provide flood protection to the city.
The City's Public Works and Planning Departments have done an outstanding job of improving our flood control systems over the past decade. City and County staff have focused efforts to develop and construct flood protection projects, manage new developments to ensure they comply with flood protection/reduction policies, as well as working closely with State and Federal agencies on hazard mitigation flood programs. This has made the City considerably less prone to the flooding threats of the 1990's when Orange County had five proclaimed storm disasters.
Statewide storm damage totals are approaching $500 million according to the Governor's Office of Emergency Services. The agency also is reporting 35 deaths since the storm sequence began at the end of December.
The National Weather Service has recorded 33.87 inches of rain so far this rain season, which runs from July 1 to June 30. The wettest year ever recorded was in 1883-84, when the region was drenched with 38.18 inches. When it rains, spend as little time on the road as possible. According to Terry Lindsey the HBPD Traffic Lt., "Severe weather systems combined with flooding on our roadways typically results in an increased number of traffic collisions. If you must drive in rainy conditions, please slow down and remember to always wear your seatbelt."
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) announced that Orange County has been determined eligible for federal disaster aid to help residents recover from the severe storms, flooding, debris flows and mudslides which occurred from December 27, 2004 through January 11, 2005.The only way residents can register for federal and state disaster aid is through FEMA's toll-free number at 1-800-621-FEMA (621-3362). The number for the hearing or speech impaired is 1-800-462-7585, TTY. Operators are available from 8:00 A.M. to 6:00 P.M. daily.
Huntington Beach City employees give back to the Community
When city employees are not busy serving the public, they are often involved in volunteer efforts through their employee associations. Huntington Beach has outstanding employee associations and this is just a small example of all the good work they do to improve the quality of life for all residents.
The Huntington Beach Police Officers' Foundation has taken an active role in helping to raise money for local charities and children's programs. In the past 5 years, the Huntington Beach Police Officers' has raised and donated back to the city of Huntington Beach charities, over $500,000.
The Huntington Beach Police Officers' Foundation, with the HB Fire Association, also co-sponsors the Annual Guns & Hoses Charity golf Tournament Held at SeaCliff Country Club in Huntington Beach. Last year the tournament raised $50,000 for the Therapeutic Riding Center of Huntington Beach. The Guns & Hoses Tournament has raised over $250,000 for local charities in the past 5 years.The Huntington Beach Police Officers' Foundation is proud and honored to be able to give back to the community it protects and serves.
The Huntington Beach Fire Association in the year 2004 was also actively involved in raising funds and donating to many local organizations. Organizations that benefited from the HB Firefighters Association through 2004 included the OC Burn Foundation, The Boys & Girls Club of Huntington Valley, IAFF Member Hurricane Relief, Shipley's Nature Center, CHOC Hospital, Kiwanis, HB Pee Wee Football, HB High School Boosters, Council on Aging, Fallen Firefighters Relief Foundation, Cystic Fibrosis Foundation and Seaview Little League. Over $11,000 was donated to these worthy organizations through the Huntington Beach Firefighters Charity Foundation.
For the past 2 years the Marine Safety Officers Association and the HBSLSA (Huntington Beach Surf Lifesaving Association) have organized a canned food drive to benefit Project Self Sufficiency. They collect canned food, personal hygiene products and cash. In the two years since the food drive began, the project has grown and the response has been wonderful, so it is expected to be a yearly event. The associations are also hosting the 2005 surf city lifeguard reunion August 5, 6 & 7. For more information, visit hblg.org or call 714-374-1712.
Management Employees Organization (MEO) members participate in many non-profit groups and charitable organizations throughout the HB community. In total they donate over 560 hours in service and $4100 in items or monetary donations. The members work with approximately 12 different organizations in order to contribute to the improvement of the community. These organizations serve to assist persons from all age categories, from juveniles to senior adults. Several MEO members also privately and directly assist needy persons that do not access the services of charitable organizations.
Senior Motor Officer Mark Hanson receives Mayor's Award in memoriam
Senior Motor Officer Mark Joel Hanson was born in Burbank, California on June 19,1958. Mark later relocated with his family to Orange County and graduated from Cypress High School in Cypress, California. Mark worked various jobs and found his true calling when he was hired as a Police Officer for the City of Garden Grove, California in 1983. Striving to advance Mark applied to and was hired by the Huntington Beach Police Department on May 4, 1985.
Mark held a variety of specialty jobs for the department, as a Departmental Armorer, Range Master, Field Motor Training Officer, Accident Investigator/Reconstructionist, Commercial Enforcement Officer, SWAT Team Member, and Patrol Rifle Instructor, just to name a few.
Mark was an outstanding Police Officer for the City of Huntington Beach and gave his career his full attention and detail.
During the week of February 7, 2005 Mark was assigned to attend a Crime/Crash Zone Computer Aided Diagramming Class at the University of California in Riverside. While attending that class Mark became ill on Thursday, February 10th and suddenly passed away on Sunday, February 13, 2005.
Mark was recognized as the recipient of the City of Huntington Beach Mayor's Award for the month of March at the March 21st City Council meeting. Mayor Jill Hardy was joined by Police Chief Ken Small and several of the officers that worked with Mark to receive the award.
Easter Hunt huge success
On Saturday, March 26, the Community Services Department and the Huntington Beach Kiwanis Club hosted the 15th Annual Easter Hunt. The event drew large crowds with approximately 5,000 people attending.
Children up to eight years of age collected 700 pounds of candy. There were also wonderful displays by several departments within the city. Children were invited to climb on various equipment and vehicles provided by Public Works, Fire, Community Services Marine Safety, and Police Departments. The Municipal Employees Association and Hazardous Materials Division had displays and information.
Child identification was done and, of course, there was a visit from the "Easter Bunny" along with Sparky and other characters. Various games and prizes were available for children of all ages. The Shorelife Church Band provided entertainment throughout the day. It turned out to be a beautiful day in Central Park and everyone is looking forward to next year!!!
Block Grant Funds to be decided
All applicants for Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds for the 2005/2006 program year make presentations before the Citizens Participation Advisory Board (CPAB), the board which makes recommendations to the City Council on funding allocations. The final presentations will be Thursday, April 7, beginning at 7:00 p.m. in Meeting Room B-8 at City Hall. Applicants are requesting funds for various services and activities from an annual entitlement grant the city receives from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).
Street work to begin
The Gothard Street Rehabilitation Project is scheduled to begin on Monday, April 4. Project limits extend from Ellis Avenue to Heil Avenue. The schedule allows for 85 working days, but the contractor expects to be finished by the beginning of May. Approximately 10,100 tons of asphalt will be used to resurface the road. The $700,000 project is funded 75% from Gas Tax and 25% from a Federal grant. Work is now complete on the resurfacing of Edwards Street from Warner Avenue to Bolsa Avenue. Over 8,800 tons of latex asphalt was used for this project. The latex additive helps to shed water from the road, especially from the median areas. Water is a major factor in the deterioration of asphalt.
Bike Helmets given out
City of Huntington Beach Community Services Department selected the 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade students at Oak View School to receive free safety helmets. The helmets were provided through a grant from the County of Orange Health Care Agency Chronic Disease and Injury Prevention Program.
The injury prevention program is committed to assisting organizations in preventing injuries among their clients. Oak View School welcomed staff and volunteers to their assembly period on March 16. The Huntington Beach Police Department worked with the Community Services Department to develop an educational program for the student assembly, and volunteers from the Huntington Beach Lions Club took a lead role in providing trained volunteers to individually fit the helmets to the entire third grade class. In addition, volunteers from the West County YMCA, Huntington Beach Kiwanis Club, Jax Bicycle Center, Children's Bureau of Southern California, and Oak View School also participated in the helmet fitting for the 4th and 5th grade students.
At the end of the day, more than 300 children obtained new safety helmets. The City of Huntington Beach was pleased to build positive relationships in the Oak View community and to provide the helmet safety program to the Oak View students.
Miss Huntington Beach and her court introduced to City Council
Carole Ann Wall and June Dugmore, from the HB Chamber of Commerce Women in Action, brought Miss Huntington Beach 2005 Nicole Smith (far right next to Mayor Jill Hardy) and her court, Summer Moy and Amber Fischer, to the City Council meeting March 21st.
Laws change regarding recreational vehicles
Anyone who currently parks their RVs, boats, and trailers in the streets of Huntington Beach needs to pay attention to the new ordinance that City Council recently passed. The need for a change in this ordinance comes from the numerous calls that the Police Department receives daily from citizens regarding oversized vehicles, recreational vehicles, and detached trailers parked on city streets. The general issue is the length of time that these vehicles are parked in the same location on public streets. Many residents feel that these vehicles negatively impact the quality of life in their neighborhoods, create safety hazards, and are unsightly and clutter the streets. The current Municipal Code is difficult to enforce, vague in certain aspects, and time consuming for the Police Department.
The new ordinance:
- Prohibits 24 hour parking of oversized vehicles and RV's over 20 feet in length on public streets or highways in a residential district. (The previous ordinance prohibited vehicles over 25 feet from parking in the street.)
- Prohibits parking of recreational vehicles on any public street or highway.
- Homeowners are able to contact the Police Department, in advance, to obtain a 24-hour permit for a recreational vehicle, unattached boat, or personal watercraft trailer to park on the residential street. The permit is limited to the area in front of the owner's residence or in reasonable proximity. The owner of the vehicle is restricted to 18 such exemptions per month with not more than eight consecutive days.
- A medical permit may be issued by the Chief of Police is a written statement form a licensed medical doctor is provided giving justification that the RV must be kept near the residence for medical reasons.
- The Chief of Police may issue a parking permit exemption, valid for no longer than 6 months, to a recreational vehicle when used on a daily basis and on-premises parking is not available.
- A 45-day permit for any oversized motor vehicle parked while being used in performing or assisting in performing services or repairs on residential property can also be given by the Police Department.
- Any oversized commercial vehicle, including motor trucks, detached trailers, or semi trailers may park in a commercial district for the purposes of loading and/or unloading, or to furnish commercial services or repairs to a business, but may not exceed 24 hours.
- Any successive acts of parking within a two-tenths of a mile area shall be presumed to be a single act of parking for the purposes of this ordinance. (This is important for those who previously moved their vehicle only a few feet in order to constitute "movement." This will no longer be acceptable and you will get a ticket!)
The classic cars will roll out on June 5th
The 20th Annual Huntington Beach Concours d'Elegance, one of Southern California's best know auto events, will be rolling into town again this summer. The Concours d'Elegance will be held on Sunday June 5 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and will showcase more than 500 vehicles. In addition to its marque autos, the HB Concours will present 53 different classes of automobiles for competition, more than any concours in the country. The event will be held in Huntington Beach Central Park (on Talbert Ave. and Golden West St.) next to the Huntington Beach Public Library and Cultural Resource Center.
Each year, select carmakers are featured. This year, the featured import will be "The Ultimate Driving Machine," BMW, who will be showcasing many models that have been made since the company was founded in 1928, as well as its Mini brand and motorcycles. "The car of presidents and kings," the Packard, will be the featured domestic marque for 2005.
The Concours d'Elegance began two decades ago, when car lover Bart McGrath decided that the children's section of the Huntington Beach Library at Central Park needed upgrading. McGrath embarked on a two-decade-long fund raising effort that combined his love of automobiles with the development of a consistent source of money for the library. Organizers have been able to raise more than 300,000 for the library over the years and draw some 4,000 spectators annually.
In addition to viewing the more than 40 classes of car, motorcycles and vintage bikes, there will be food booths, a jazz band and family entertainment. Back by popular demand, the Harry Potter Look-A-Like Contest returns this year. Children are asked to dress up as a character from the popular book and film series. Also, as a part of the exhibition, high school and college students can submit designs for a car of the future in the "Imagination Takes to the Road" competition. The designs will be put on display and judged by representatives from the automobile industry.
For more information on the event and registration, visit the Concours d'Elegance website at www.hbconcours.org or call the Concours D'Elegance information line at (714) 375-5023. The deadline for entries is May 27. Tickets can be purchased in advance at the library for $8, or for $10 at the event. Children 12 and under are free when accompanied by an adult. All proceeds from the event will benefit the Huntington Beach Library. Judging of cars will start at 9 a.m. and the event will be open to the public from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Distance Derby to benefit Project Self Sufficiency participants
Huntington Beach will hold the 51st Annual Distance Derby on August 20, 2005. The event, sponsored by Rainbow Disposal, is the oldest race in Orange County. The event consists of a 10-mile run, which begins at 7 a.m, a 5-mile run/walk at 8:30 a.m, and the Surf Kids Fun Run at 10 a.m. The starting point for the race is Pier Plaza and the race route travels along a flat course that has a view of the ocean.
Again in 2005, race proceeds will support Project Self-Sufficiency, a city program that provides support for low-income, single parents and their children. Project Self-Sufficiency helps these single parents who are attending school or are receiving occupational skills training, and live or work in Huntington Beach. These individuals must be extremely motivated toward achieving a career that will support their family. Each year, PS-S recognizes participants for their outstanding accomplishments, and this year over $50,000 in educational scholarships will be awarded.
Proceeds from the Annual Distance Derby will help Project Self-Sufficiency recognize these outstanding participants and give them the scholarships they need to succeed. Each year many success stories are heard at Project Self-Sufficiency, as a result of this program.
Tammy, a single mother of three who has been in the PS-S program for four and a half years, will be one of 30 single parents who are recognized at this years "June Recognition Program".
Tammy, while struggling to provide for her children and pay the rent, will be receiving her BA degree from California State University Long Beach in May. "It has been tough, " she says. "But PS-S has helped me for many years and I am in my final semester at CSULB and will receive my BA in May of 2005. I know that this dream would not have come true if it wasn't for the PS-S Foundation, Susan Edwards, and the awesome community we live in, Huntington Beach!"
There are also many opportunities for businesses and non-profit organizations to become involved in this event. If you are interested in being an event sponsor or a volunteer, please contact the Huntington Beach Community Services Department at 536-5486. Registration for the 10-mile run or 5-mile run/walk is $25 ($30 after Aug. 13). The Surf Kids Fun Run is $15 ($20 after Aug. 13). If you would like to register for the event or would like more information, please visit www.active.com
April Television Schedule for Channel Three
| Community Bulletin Board | All Day, Everyday |
| City Council Live Broadcasts | April 4th and 18th starting at 6 pm |
| City Council Re-Broadcasts | April 5th at 10 am and April 6th at 7 pm For the April 4th meeting |
| April 19th at 10 am and April 20 at 7 pm For the April 18th meeting |
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| Planning Commission Broadcasts | April 12th and 26th at 7 pm |
| Planning Commission Re-Broadcasts | Thursday following the meeting at 7 pm |
Informational programming will be running on Channel 3 according to the following schedule:
Mondays from 9 am to noon
Wednesdays from 2 pm to 5 pm
Fridays from 6pm to 9pm
Saturdays from 10 am to 1 pm
(Schedule subject to change)