Monthly Online Newsletter - April 2006
New webcam gives a live view of Pier and Downtown
If you are thinking about heading to the beach, starting next week, you can see the current live beach conditions from the comfort of your home, on the City’s website before you leave. The City of Huntington Beach has added a live webcam feature to its website and will be active sometime during the week. The webcam is attached to Tower Zero on the Huntington Beach Pier and provides a panoramic view to anyone accessing the site.
To access the webcam, go to the City’s website, www.surfcity-hb.org. Click on “Residents” or “Visitors” and then go to Beach Info. This feature will allow anyone around the world with Internet access to observe downtown Huntington Beach, the entire Pier, and the surf. Viewers can control the camera’s direction, and can also zoom in on a preferred location or scene.
Also, if you are interested in surf conditions and the weather, the webcam page on the website will now provide this additional information. The current water temperature, wind direction and speed, surf height, tides, and air pressure will be updated daily.
If you have any questions regarding the new live webcam, please feel free to contact us at webmaster@surfcity-hb.org or call (714) 536-5514.
Taste of Huntington Beach will be held April 23rd
The 6th annual "Taste of Huntington Beach" will take place on Sunday, April 23 from 12 to 4 p.m. at the Hyatt Regency Resort and Spa. The Taste will serve samples from more than 50 of the City's favorite eateries and more than 30 nationally recognized wineries and breweries.
This unique sampling of the finest cuisine in Huntington Beach, paired with California wines, is all in the name of charity. Proceeds from this year's event will go to the Children's Library, part of the Huntington Beach Central Library.
Live musical entertainment will be provided for diners in the Grand Ballroom of the Hyatt. The Taste also features an extensive silent auction and raffle prizes.
Tickets are presale for $50 through April 16, which includes $5 beachside parking for those not wishing to valet at the Hyatt. Otherwise, tickets are $60 at the door for the all-inclusive day of sampling the finest cuisine from some of the favorite eateries in Huntington Beach.
Presale tickets can be purchased at the Huntington Beach Central Library, (714) 842-4481, or at the Conference & Visitors Bureau, 301 Main Street, Ste. 208, (714) 969-3492. You can also purchase tickets at the Longboard Restaurant & Pub on Main Street and at Duke's Surf City Restaurant at the Pier.
Shipley Nature Center to hold 1st Annual Spring Festival
The Shipley Nature Center will be holding its 1st Annual Spring Festival on Saturday, April 29 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. The Nature Center is in the midst of its restoration project which will remove invasive non-native plants, recontour the land, upgrade the trail system, install a drip irrigation system to enhance water conservation, and plant 50,000 California native plants.
The Spring Festival will be an educational event that will be fun for the whole family. Come early at 9 a.m. for the continental breakfast - a $5 donation suggested- and the Information Fair, which will feature displays by nature-friendly organizations and vendors. The California native plant sale will take place the whole day. There will be several dedications held throughout the day, including:
- A Demonstration Gardens Dedication honoring the Metropolitan Water District at 10:30 a.m.
- A Scout Plaque Dedication honoring Eagle Scouts at 11:00 a.m.
- A Diorama Dedication at the Interpretive Building at 11:15 a.m.
Later in the morning there will be musical entertainment from the Fifth Wheel Bluegrass Band beginning at 11:30 a.m. Rainbow Disposal will also give a recycling
program demonstration at 11:30 a.m. There will be a Habitat Tour at 12:30 to learn more about the habitats around the Nature Center, including oak woodlands, Torrey pines, meadows, and Blackbird Pond, a natural freshwater wetland with mature willows and sycamores.
The Nature Center lies in the western part of Huntington Beach Central Park, south of Slater Street and west of Goldenwest Street. The Nature Center is part of the prehistoric Bolsa River watershed, and is contiguous with the larger Bolsa Chica wetland and upland ecosystems.
To get to the Nature Center, located at 17829 Goldenwest Street, from Edwards, turn into Central Park Drive (which is located between Ellis and Slater off Edwards) and park towards the end of the street in the parking lot. Follow the painted line to Shipley Nature Center.
Lifeguard hopefuls face difficult challenges at tryouts
Approximately 60 young men and women came to the beach on a chilly and windy Sunday in March to try to qualify for the Huntington Beach Lifeguard cadet-training program, the first step in becoming a Huntington Beach Lifeguard. With choppy 54-degree water and a biting wind, it proved to be a difficult challenge for the hopefuls to complete the tasks that would get them in the training program. If accepted to the program, the candidates will then go through another series of tests and training, in hopes of becoming a Huntington Beach City lifeguard.
With three events in the tryout, and only a fifteen-minute break in between courses it was a tough competition for the young hopefuls. The first tryout event was the 1,000-yard swim around the Pier. An event that will weed out the weak swimmers, applicants have to swim full-speed around the Pier while negotiating the heavy surf, cold water, other swimmers, and lifeguards who are in the water monitoring. During this event, where the majority of dropouts occur, lifeguards had to pull twelve swimmers out of the water midway through.
After completing the grueling Pier swim, the applicants still had two remaining events in the tryout: a 500-yard ocean swim and a 1,500-yard run-swim-run. By the end, only 25 boys and 12 girls completed all three events successfully. Marine Safety decided to keep everyone that finished all three events this year.
About 60% of Huntington Beach lifeguards started in the Junior Lifeguard program and in order to be eligible to tryout, applicants must be 17 years old by June 1. The cadet-training program will take place over nine days in April and will focus on the codes and policies of the Marine Safety Division, as well as the customer-service aspect of the job. There will be training sessions, tests, and interviews to ensure that the applicants have what it takes to be a Huntington Beach City lifeguard.
Save-A-Life Saturday CERT Classes
For more than 14 years, the Community Emergency Response Team Program has provided information and training on disaster preparedness. Huntington Beach CERT was formed by the Fire Department following a tornado in 1991. In case of an emergency in Huntington Beach, CERT will assist by providing leadership and coordination during an emergency, and assistance to help victims recover from an emergency.
As part of this program, the Fire Department offers monthly CERT classes to help citizens become involved in preparing for disaster. For more information and to register for classes, call (714) 536-5974 or visit the HB Cert homepage http://www.hb-cert.org/index.html.
Discover the history of Bolsa Chica
The Bolsa Chica Land Trust invites the public to discover "Bolsa Chica: What Lies Beneath?" at a public forum on Thursday, May 25. Learn about the remarkable history and artifacts of the Bolsa Chica from three guest speakers.
Dr. Patricia Martz of Cal State University, Los Angeles, will speak about ORA-83, one of the most unique and significant archaeological sites found in Southern California. Louis Robles, Jr., of the Acjachemem Nation, will talk about the cultural importance Bolsa Chica has for Native Americans. Erik Skindrud, a journalist and local resident aiming to preserve Bolsa Chica's abandoned military bunkers, will discuss Bolsa Chica's ties to World War II.
Light refreshments will be served, and a raffle of native plants will also be held.
The event begins at 7 p.m. at the Huntington Beach Public Library, 7111 Talbert Avenue. Admission is free; $1 donation at the door is suggested. For further information contact (714) 846-1001 or visit www.bolsachicalandtrust.org.
Children with disabilities to reel in the fun at the Ol' Fishin' Hole
Children with disabilities will get to cast their lines into fun when they participate at the annual Ol' Fishin' Hole Derby at Chris Carr Park in Huntington Beach from 9 a.m. to noon on Friday, May 12, 2006. Chris Carr Park is located at the southeast corner of Springdale Street and Heil Avenue in Huntington Beach.
Volunteers and the City of Huntington Beach staff will be assisting youngsters with their rods and reels at the event. This event is co-sponsored by the City of Huntington Beach Community Services and the Huntington Beach Kiwanis Club. The Huntington Beach Rotary Club will provide lunch for the participants. For more information on the Ol' Fishin' Hole Derby, call Recreation Supervisor Dottie Hughes at (714) 536-5262.
City's Annual Easter Hunt will be April 15th
The City of Huntington Beach Kiwanis Club and the Huntington Beach Community Services Department will be presenting the annual Easter Hunt on Saturday, April 15 (weather permitting). The free hunt is for children up to nine years of age but there will be plenty of activities and displays to entertain the whole family!
The activities will be held in Huntington Central Park, located off Edwards Street between Inlet Street and Central Park Drive. The starting times for the children's Easter hunt are as follows:
- 9:30 am for children with disabilities
- 10:00 am for ages 2 and under
- 10:30 am for ages 3 & 4
- 11:00 am for ages 5 & 6
- 11:30 am for ages 7, 8 & 9
Please have each child bring a container for collecting his/her Easter treats. Bunny photos, snacks and drinks will be available for a small fee.
Additional activities scheduled to occur throughout the morning include:game booths, face painting, musical entertainment and displays by the Fire and Police Departments, the Marine Safety Division and the Public Works Department.
Huntington Beach Art Center Spring Events
Throughout the year, the Huntington Beach Art Center features new exhibitions, plays, and activities that hold appeal for both young and old, and this spring is no different. The Art Center has some exciting activities and events planned this spring, and here are just a few of them:
"Talking Heads," a New Exhibit at the Art Center
The Huntington Beach Art Center will be featuring a new exhibit this month that will showcase the art of four artists from the core faculties of Art departments of Southern California Graduate Universities and their students. The exhibit "Talking Heads" explores a variety of media from the faculty of graduate programs; the exhibit "Art in Store Project Room" will feature the works of four selected students in the MFA programs. The exhibition will run through April 15.
"Talking Heads" will feature large-scale drawings by Joseph Biel, California State University, Fullerton; acrylic paintings by Linda Day, California State University, Long Beach; large-scale mixed media works on paper by Rebecca Hamm, Azusa Pacific University; and a site-specific sand installation and photographs by Connie Zehr, Claremont Graduate University.
"Art in Store Project Room" will feature four students selected from graduate programs at the accompanying universities of the "Talking Head" artists. Included are Julie Rofman, a painter from California State University at Long Beach; Sayon Syprasoeuth, a painter from Claremont Graduate University; Diana Markessinas, a sculptor from California State University, Fullerton; and Ashley Combs, a photographer from Azusa Pacific University.
Spring Art Camp
The popular Spring Art at the Beach art camp for children ages 6 to12 is returning again this spring. The Art Camp will take place during the week of April 10-14, and full and half-day sessions are available. A variety of visual, performing arts, and recreation activities will be explored during the week. Professional instructors and art camp staff will choose daily projects that include drawing, painting, music, dance, and other media.
Each day will explore a different theme and project:
- Monday: Pure Imagination- Optical Illusions & Surrealism
Campers will travel into their imaginations and explore the worlds of surrealists and OP artists. - Tuesday: Once Upon a Time- Myths, Legends & Folklore
On this day of Art Camp, campers will explore the artistic and literary worlds of the myths, legends and folklore occurring across time. - Wednesday: Beyond the Primary- The Power of Color
A sensation experienced by humans and animals alike, perception of color is a complex process. On this day, campers will investigate the many ways artists use color as a powerful tool in creating works of art. - Thursday: Snap, Crackle, POP- Movement, Music, & Pop Art
From pop music to pop art, on this day campers will explore how popular culture has influenced the artistic world. - Friday: Surfin' USA- Beach Life
Campers will focus on artwork inspired by the ocean, and how the sea has impacted the art of beach dwelling cultures from around the world, including here in HB.
The camp fee is discounted for Huntington Beach Art Center Members. The camp fee is $190 ($170 HBAC Members) for one week of full-day sessions, and $115 ($100 HBAC Members) for one week of half-day sessions. Full-day campers must bring their own snacks, lunches and beverages. A health form for each child must be completed by parents/ guardians and turned in the first day of camp session.
Included in the camp enrollment fee: one camp tee shirt per child and all art materials. Spring camp is a sampler of the various themes explored during the summer camp sessions. Camp size is limited to 20 children per session, so sign up soon by calling the Art Center at (714) 374-1650.
"Creative Visions" features work from seven high schools in HB
Also this spring at the Art Center, don't miss "Creative Visions", an arts festival presented by the Huntington Beach Unified School District, featuring visual and performing art from the seven district high schools. The mixed media exhibition includes ceramics, paintings, sculpture and drawings presented in the Art Center's galleries. Students from the Academy for the Performing Arts will present theater, video and dance performances in the Art Center's concert room on Wednesday and Thursday of that week. "Creative Visions" will take place from April 22-27, with a gala celebration hosted by the Booster Club on Friday evening, April 21.
For more information on these events or any other events this spring, please call the Art Center at (714) 374-1650. The Art Center is located at 538 Main Street in Huntington Beach and is open Wednesday through Saturday, from 12 to 6 p.m., and Sunday from 12 to 4 p.m. It is closed Monday and Tuesday.
Gallery Admission is free through the generosity of the Huntington Beach Art Center Foundation. The Huntington Beach Art Center creates opportunities for local, regional, and national artists and the community to share in a climate of experimentation, education and experience.
Fishin' Derby needs volunteers
Volunteers are being sought for the Ol' Fishin' Hole Derby that will be held on May 12 at Chris Carr Park. The City of Huntington Beach Community Services Dept. and the Huntington Beach Kiwanis Club sponsor this event. We are expecting 180 children with disabilities and will need a lot of help. Many of these children have never been fishing before and it has proved to be a fun event for both the children and the volunteers.
The Huntington Beach Rotary Club will provide lunch. We are asking that volunteers arrive at 8:30 a.m. and bring a net if they have one. Please call 536-5486 to sign up to volunteer.
Updated Passport Requirements for Travel to Mexico or Canada
The City of Huntington Beach, through the City Clerk's Office, has been designated as a United States Passport Acceptance Facility. The Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative will require all U.S. citizens, citizens of the British Overseas Territory of Bermuda, and citizens of Canada and Mexico to have a passport or other accepted secure document that establishes the bearer's identity and nationality to enter or re-enter the United States by January 1, 2008.
The Initiative will be rolled out in phases. The proposed timeline will be as follows: December 31, 2006 - Requirement applied to all air and sea travel to or from Canada, Mexico, Central and South America, the Caribbean, and Bermuda. December 31, 2007- Requirement extended to all land border crossings as well as air and sea travel.
United States citizens can visit the State Department's travel website, www.Travel.state.gov, or call the National Passport Information Center at 1-877-487-2778 for the most current information. Visit the City Clerk's Office to apply or obtain forms, or call our Passport information line 714-374-1600.
The Fourth Annual HB Kite Party was held March 4 and 5 with more than 50 participants.
Children's Library upcoming events for April
The Central Library offers a variety of programs and activities for children. In addition to participating in weekly storytimes and crafts, kids can visit the Children's Department for computer and Internet access. Visit the Library's website at www.hbpl.org for a listing of regularly scheduled storytimes.
In-N-Out Burger "Food for Thought" Reading Program- Children's Department at the Central Library, and all branches
Last chance to sign up before April 15!! Come sign up for the "In-N-Out" Burger program between March 4 and April 15, 2006. Children between the ages of 4 and 12 can participate. They can earn up to three certificates for a free hamburger for every five books they read.
Saturday, March 4 - Saturday, April 15
FREE
"The Search for the Missing Elephant" Magic Show-Tabby Theater
Magician David Skale and his parrot friend "Crackers" are searching for Goliath, the elusive white elephant. He was first spotted in the jungle, and is now possibly here at the library in Huntington Beach! Why did he run away? Come and find out in this comedy magic show with audience participation and tons of fun! Advance ticket purchase is highly recommended! Tickets go on sale March 15.
Wednesday, April 12: 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.
$3 per child $5 per adult
Family Evening Pajama Storytime-Tabby Storytime Theater
Come celebrate Easter and Arbor Day with stories, songs, puppets and more! Wear your pajamas and bring your teddy bear. Refreshments provided by the National Charity League.
Thursday, April 13: 7 p.m.
FREE
Cable TV Storytime-Tabby Storytime Theater
Here's your chance to be on television! Come hear songs, stories, music, puppets and more. Fun for everyone!
Thursday, April 27: 10:30 AND 11:30 a.m. (2 different tapings)
For more information on any of these events or other upcoming events, please call (714) 375-5107 or visit www.hbpl.org.
City Treasurer introduces AutoPay program
The City of Huntington Beach is now making payment of your municipal services much easier with the AutoPay Program. This free service is available to all Huntington Beach residents and will automatically pay your utility bill on time each month. AutoPay automatically withdraws funds from any personal, business, or checking account to pay your bill for the city's utility services.
Anyone who wishes to sign up for AutoPay can print out an application at www.surfcity-hb.org/announcements/auto_pay.cfm. After completing and signing the application, attach a "voided" check from your financial institution and send it back to the City of Huntington Beach to the address on the application. Please ensure that your utility account is current, with no credit balance or delinquent amount owing when you apply.
After you have sent in your application, it may take between 30 to 45 days to process the application and to confirm your bank account. Continue to pay your statement normally until you see a message on page one of your statements that states that you are on the City's AutoPay program. You will not need to send a payment for that statement. After you see this message, the payments for current charges will automatically be taken from your account between 10 and 17 calendar days after the statement's date.
If you have any questions about the AutoPay Program, your statement, or to request an application, please call the City of Huntington Beach at (714) 536-5919 and press #9 on your touch-tone phone.
Pipeline Construction Starting On Bushard Street
The Orange County Sanitation District (OCSD) is resuming construction on the Bushard Trunk Sewer Replacement Project from Panacea Drive in Huntington Beach to Ellis Avenue in Fountain Valley. The purpose of this important project, which consists of installing a 108-inch diameter pipe along Bushard Street, is to replace an aging pipe and serve the needs of our growing communities.
During construction, portions of Bushard Street will be closed between major intersections at various times throughout the project. Construction is expected to be complete in summer 2007. Two traffic lanes in the east and west direction will be maintained for the cross streets at each major intersection. To assist with traffic flow, traffic signs will be used to help direct traffic and keep drivers informed of alternate routes.
The first portion of construction will begin from Panacea Drive to Atlanta Avenue, and then from Atlanta Avenue to Indianapolis Avenue. Each portion is expected to take six to seven months to complete. Once the pipe is installed, and prior to moving to the next section, the contractor will restore and repave the road.
In addition, OCSD is scheduling construction work to begin at the Fountain Valley intersection of Bushard Street and Ellis Avenue in April 2006. This work will require the intersection be closed for nine months. The intersection closure will reduce the length of the construction project, which will in turn enhance pedestrian safety and reduce traffic congestion in the long term.
To help keep you informed about the construction activities, OCSD will provide residents and businesses with construction notifications as the project progresses, and we will work diligently to minimize construction impacts to our neighbors. In addition, there will be weekly updates posted at www.ocsd.com under "Information Center", then under "Construction." To receive regular updates through e-mail about construction activities near your neighborhood, please take advantage of the e-Subscriptions available at www.ocsd.com. You can also contact the designated project community liaison, Kira Erquiaga at (949) 413-7676 with any project questions or concerns.
Thank you in advance for your time and patience during the construction period.
Sandbags available to residents
The rainy season is upon us again, and citizens of Huntington Beach will be able to get free sandbags during storms and when significant rainfall is in our forecast. Local citizens can receive up to 20 sandbags from the City of Huntington Beach Corporate Yard at 17371 Gothard St. 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.
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 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.
Urban Runoff
Just what is urban runoff? Where does it come from? Is it harmful? How does it affect my family and me? How can we control urban runoff? These are a few questions that we will try to answer in the following discussion of urban runoff.
What is Urban Runoff and Where Does it Come From?
Over the past several years there has been increasing interest in urban runoff and impacts to our society. In heavily populated or urbanized areas, water that is conveyed on the surface of private and public property into storm drains or channels is generally referred to as urban runoff. The source of water can result from rainstorms, washing our vehicles, lawn watering, or any other activity that causes water to travel on the surface of the land into the storm drains located in our streets and eventually into the ocean.
Why Should We be Concerned About Urban Runoff?
Urban runoff often contains pollution from contaminants that come into contact with the water on our roadways, parking lots, construction areas, golf courses, recreational areas, parks, lawns, and other surfaces. The following list contains a few of the contaminants that can be harmful:
Petroleum and metals from vehicle oil leaks
Metal dust from brake linings
Rubber dust from tires
Fertilizers and treatment chemicals from lawn care
Asphalt and metals from roofing materials
Waste from pets, waterfowl, and wild animals
Detergents from washing solutions
Petroleum, paint, and human waste from boats
Unlike our sewage and industrial wastewater that is conveyed in separate collection systems, urban runoff is generally collected in storm drains and river channels that receive no treatment to remove these contaminants before discharge into the ocean.
Similar problems exist in rural areas due to rainwater flowing over agricultural areas where water can contain high concentrations of animal waste, chemicals used for the treatment of crop disease, and fertilizers used to promote crop growth. A major source of urban runoff is from water flowing in the Santa Ana River Channel that is collected from a vast watershed that extends through most of Orange County and portions of Riverside and San Bernardino Counties. The headwaters of the Santa Ana River are located in the San Bernardino Mountains and all of the water reaches its final destination in the ocean along Huntington Beach and Newport Beach.
Is Urban Runoff Harmful?
Surface water runoff from both urban and agricultural areas is a potential threat to human health and the health of coastal ecosystems. Surfers, swimmers and other people enjoying activities in or near the ocean may be exposed to dangerous pathogens, bacteria and viruses that can cause gastroenteritis, hepatitis, respiratory illness, and ear, nose and throat problems. It is generally recommended not to swim in the ocean for 72 hours following a rainstorm. Harmful concentrations of nutrients, heavy metals, and sedimentation can harm ecosystems.
What Can be Done to Control Urban Runoff?
The City of Huntington Beach has instituted actions to help minimize the chance of pollutants found in urban runoff from flowing directly into the ocean. Many storm drains that convey urban runoff to the ocean have been modified so that when rain is unlikely, all runoff flowing in the storm drain is transferred to the Orange County Sanitation District ("OCSD") for treatment before discharge into the ocean. However, when it is raining, all storm water is directed into the ocean because OCSD does not have the capacity to treat these high water quantities. Additionally, street sweeping done twice each month provides a method to pick up debris and contaminants from the street curbing areas so they can be properly disposed.
Private citizens can help by taking the following actions:
- Minimize lawn watering to prevent excess runoff
- Minimize the use of pesticides and fertilizers and substitute organic materials
- Maintain vehicles to prevent oil leaks
- Pick up pet waste and properly dispose of it
- Use biodegradable detergents and soap for outdoor washing of vehicles and pets
- Properly dispose of waste from boats and marine activities
- Sweep and pick up leaves and dirt that collect on walkways and driveways rather than hosing off into the street
- Dispose of trash and waste in a trash can
Businesses can help by taking the following actions:
- Install moisture sensing irrigation systems
- Maintain vehicle fleets to prevent oil leaks
- Install dikes around chemical storage areas
- Clean up all spills before they enter storm drains
- Use dry clean up methods
Sources of Additional Information on Web Sites:
Urban Runoff and Water Pollution:
http://www.waterboards.ca.gov/santaana/pdf/urbanrunoff.pdf
Polluted Runoff Information:
http://www.waterboards.ca.gov/education/public/polluted.html
Lawn and Garden Activities:
http://cfpub.epa.gov/npdes/stormwater/menuofbmps/edu_6.cfm
Pet Waste Management:
http://cfpub.epa.gov/npdes/stormwater/menuofbmps/edu_8.cfm
How Can You Help Reduce Water Pollution:
http://www.waterboards.ca.gov/nps/lookwhatyoucando.html
Earth Day/ Arbor Day City Beautification Project
The City of Huntington Beach Public Works Department and the Huntington Beach Tree Society are commemorating Earth Day and National Arbor Day with a project to beautify our City, and they are inviting volunteers from the community to participate. On Saturday, April 22, Eagle Scouts will be planting 66 trees and dozens of native plants along Goldenwest Street between Ellis and Talbert.
The Earth Day/National Arbor Day beautification is scheduled for April 22, from 9 to 11 a.m., at 18381 Goldenwest St. (Disc Golf parking lot). Public Works, the Huntington Beach Tree Society, West Coast Arborists, and the County of Orange will be conducting conservation demonstrations and distributing "green" information to the public. Please stop by to help with the planting or visit the information booths. Volunteers should wear clothes appropriate for gardening, and closed-toe shoes are mandatory (no flip-flops, please). For more information please contact Debra Jubinsky at (714) 374-5321 or Randy Menzel at (714) 536-5480.
Annual Youth Character Awards seeks nominations
The Children's Needs Task Force (CNTF) is seeking nominees for the Annual Youth Character Awards. CNTF believes that the future of our City depends on how we view our children and that the community must provide an environment where children can grow up and become healthy mature adults who will become a part of the community.
If you know a young person with strong character and wish to nominate them for this award, you can pick up a nomination form in the Community Services Department, on the fifth floor of City Hall. Anyone with knowledge of a deserving candidate can serve as a nominator for the Annual Youth Character Awards. Nominees must be in grades K-12 and reside in the City of Huntington Beach in order to be eligible.
The American Youth Character Awards are designed to honor young people (regardless of their family background, race, culture, financial status, I.Q., or physical condition) whose lives and achievements demonstrate an enduring commitment to qualities associated with good character. These are the only national awards given to young people solely for strength of character.
In honoring this strength of character, the nominator must remember that the American Youth Character Awards are not to be given for isolated acts of heroism or generosity, although such acts may rightly call attention to a nominee. They are also not to be given simply for high grades, selection for leadership posts, excellence in athletics or the arts, or any combination thereof.
Nomination forms are due no later than 4 p.m. on April 14. For more information, please call (714) 536-5486.
New service at City Library
Visitors to the Library's website (www.hbpl.org) 
can now click on BookLetters to link to an exciting new service for readers. BookLetters is full of news about the world of books and readers and allows readers to browse new book reviews, read author profiles, search for award winners, and sign up for free online newsletters.
The new service also provides material for book discussion groups and allows readers to access recommendations based on their individual reading tastes. Movie fans will find film reviews and even video preview clips. The service is accessible to anyone who visits our website and is also available in Spanish.
Community Services Commission has opening
The City Council appoints a number of citizen committees, boards, and commissions that serve as advisory bodies to the City Council. These bodies play an essential role in the governance of our City and provide the City Council with important input. In June, there will be an at-large vacancy on the Community Services Commission.
The commission acts in an advisory capacity to the City Council in matters pertaining to harbor and beach facilities, park acquisition, development and maintenance. By cooperating with other governmental agencies and civic groups, the commission assists in the advancement of sound parks and recreational planning under the direction of the City Council. The Community Services Commission is comprised of five members at-large and six members who represent each of the school districts within the City.
Commissioners study, report and interpret the needs of the public to the City Council, including conducting public meetings to garner community input on projects and facilities. The commission reviews the annual Capital Improvement Projects budget as presented to the City Council and advises them on the current needs and long-range plans.
The Community Services Commission meets on the second Wednesday of each month at 7 p.m. in the City Council Chambers, in the lower lobby of City Hall, 2000 Main Street. The Chair may call special meetings if issues arise requiring action prior to a regularly scheduled meeting.
If you are interested in serving on the Community Services Commission, you can download an application on the City's website at www.surfcity-hb.org by clicking on "Boards and Commissions" or call (714) 536-5579 for more information.
Change Your Clock - Change Your Battery
The Huntington Beach Fire Department and the Orange County Fire Chiefs' Association urge 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 2nd at 2 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 3,190 home fire deaths in the United States in 2004. While 96 percent of American homes have at least one smoke alarm, more than one-quarter 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. According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) if every home had working smoke alarms, U.S. home fire deaths would decrease by an estimated 36%, resulting in an estimated 1148 lives saved per year.
In addition to changing the batteries every six months, it is recommended 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 Duane Olson, Fire Chief of the Huntington Beach Fire Department and President of the Orange County Fire Chiefs Association. "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."
Tom Arnold receives April Mayor's Award
Huntington Beach Police Sergeant Tom Arnold is the supervisor in charge of the Aero Unit and is an accomplished helicopter pilot/instructor. He began his career in law enforcement as a Reserve Police Officer in 1972 with appointment as a full-time police officer in October of 1973.
Sergeant Arnold spent more than twenty-five years flying various helicopters for the City of Huntington Beach. He was promoted to the rank of Police Sergeant in 1995. He became the Aero Unit Supervisor in early 1999. In addition to running the day-to-day operations, Sgt. Arnold spearheaded the purchases of a several new helicopters, the newest of which will be delivered in December of 2006.
Under Sergeant Arnold's guidance, the Huntington Beach Police Department Aero Unit has become a key element in providing quality public safety service to our citizens. Our helicopters routinely provide support to the Fire and Marine Safety departments.
Before his retirement at the end of March, Sgt. Arnold was presented with the March Mayor's Award at the March 20th meeting. He is shown in the photo with Mayor Sullivan and Police Chief Small.
Authors Larry Meyer and Dawn Williams to speak at Library
Please join Friends of the Library on Friday, May 5 for their May Author's Luncheon. Featured will be Larry Meyer author of No Paltry Thing: Memoirs of a Geezer Dad and Dawn Williams, author of Me and My Father's Shadow.
Prize-winning author Larry L. Meyer will present No Paltry Thing: Memoirs of a Geezer Dad, the true-life story of a fifty-nine year old expectant father who, for lack of better options to raise his children, chooses to quit his job in academia and become a full-time, stay-at-home dad.
In Me and My Father's Shadow, Dawn Williams weaves a biography and autobiography together. It is the story of Ted Lewis, "The Jazz King," who was the originator of the Big Bands and considered by many of his contemporaries to be the biggest entertainer/personality of his era.
Doors open at 11:30 a.m. with lunch at noon. Cost is $15 per person. Prepaid reservations must be received by Tuesday, May 2. Please mail checks payable to FOTL Luncheon to 7111 Talbert Avenue, H.B., CA 92648. For more information call 842-4481 ext. 2213 or press 7 at prompt.
April Television Schedule for Channel Three
| Community Bulletin Board | All Day, Everyday |
| City Council Meetings | April 3@ 6:00 pm Rebroadcast April 4 @ 10 am and April 5 at 7:00 pm April 17 @ 6:00 pm Rebroadcast April 18 @ 10 am & April 19 @7 pm |
| Planning Commission Broadcasts | April 11 @ 7:00 pm Rebroadcast April 13 @ 7:00 pm April 25 @ 7:00 pm Rebroadcast April 27 @ 7:00 pm |
Informational programming will be running on Channel 3 according to the following schedule: (Subject to change) 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