Monthly Online Newsletter - August 2004
What you should know about West Nile virus Now is the time to become aware, not alarmed
West Nile virus (WNV) is transmitted by mosquitoes. The best way to reduce your chances of contracting this potentially serious disease is to avoid mosquito bites.
The most effective way to reduce the chances of mosquito bites is to reduce the places where mosquitoes develop. Half of the mosquitoes produced in Orange County come from residential backyards. Residents should check their homes and workplaces for potential mosquito development sites. Anything that can hold water for a week can produce mosquitoes. Use your imagination; you will be surprised at the number of places in your yard with standing water.
The easiest single step to reduce the chance of a mosquito bite is to check your window screens. One of the known vectors of WNV is the Southern House Mosquito, this is the mosquito species that comes indoors and wakes you up at 2:00 AM. Window screens are the greatest factor in reducing mosquito borne diseases, greater than chemical ever used to control the mosquitoes themselves.
Protect your family by taking a few personal protective steps, wear long sleeves and long pants when going out at periods of peak mosquito activity, and wear a mosquito repellant containing DEET. Follow label directions.
For more information, call the Orange County Vector Control at (714) 971-2421. Second Harvest food drive will be collecting in August
The Orange County Second Harvest Food Bank will have bins set out to collect donated canned and dry foods during the month of August (2nd to the 31st). The food is collected to provide to more than 386 member charitable organizations that feed the hungry.
In partnership with the charitable organizations, the Food Bank helps feed more than 220,000 individuals each month. Those served include the working poor, children, seniors on fixed incomes, single parents, the disabled, the homeless and individuals experiencing job layoffs or medical emergencies.
Food collection bins will be located at City Hall (2000 Main Street), the City Yard (17371 Gothard), Murdy Community Center, Edison Community Center, the Central and Main Street Libraries and all City Fire Stations.
If you have any questions, you can call Cathy Fikes in the City Council Office at (714) 536-5553.
Open House for Shipley Nature Center on September 18th
The Friends of Shipley Nature Center will be holding an Open House on September 18th from 10 am to 2 pm. After almost two years of hard work many changes have taken place at Shipley and the Friends of Shipley Nature Center want to share this success with the community.
Restoration of the nature center is still taking place, but on September 18th, the public will be able to see hundreds of new plants, refurbished trails, a restored Interpretive Center and demonstrations.
Docents will be present to lead tours, and maps of the area will show what the next steps are to complete restoration. Learn about the exceptional birding opportunities at Shipley, buy a native plant at the Native Plant Sale, tour the new Interpretive Center, walk through a redwood forest, learn the history of the area, are just a few a things taking place at the Open House.
Everyone is welcome to see what a jewel we have right here in Huntington Beach. It is truly an oasis in the middle of a very urban city. Join the Friends and share the pride in restoring such an important piece of Huntington Beach. For further information and directions, go to www.fsnc.org, or call 714-842-4772.
Friends of the Library September Authors' Luncheon
The Huntington Beach Friends of the Library are proud to present authors Kem Nunn and Denise Hamilton at their September 24th noon luncheon at the Huntington Beach Central Library. Nunn's debut book, Tapping the Source, was set in the surfing community of Huntington Beach and became a surfing classic.
His latest effort, Tijuana Straights, is due out in August. Award winning L.A. based writer-journalist Denise Hamilton worked as a suburban reporter for the L.A. Times for ten years before her first critically acclaimed book, Jasmine Trade, was published in 2001. The latest in her series of best-selling Eve Diamond crime novels entitled Last Lullaby was released in April. The public is invited to hear the experiences of these two fascinating authors. Cost of Lecture and luncheon - $12. Call 842-4481, ext. 2213 or press 7 at prompt.
Water Conservation is urged in Huntington Beach
Southern California is in the sixth year of an extended drought. Water supplies are being pushed to the limit and water agencies are struggling to meet the demand for safe, reliable supplies. Over the years, Huntington Beach has led the way as a "waterwise" community. Water consumption over the last fifteen years has been nearly constant.
Even with the growth in new homes and population, the City has been consuming the same amount of water as it did in the late 1980's. However, as the drought continues, Orange County is beginning to see the effects. Water consumption throughout the County is beginning to climb with the month of May 2004 being the highest overall increase in the last ten years.
Here in Huntington Beach, consumption over the last four months has steadily risen. The chart below compares residential water use by the month with last year. Note the steep increase since March. With a 30.5% increase in June, residents are asked to voluntarily do their part to save this precious resource.
The biggest potential savings are outside the home in the garden. Plants need far less water than may be realized. Also, homeowners are urged to consider planting more native species; they are not only beautiful, but require far less water. For tips on how to save water, go to www.bewaterwise.com or call the Public Works Utilities Division at 536-5921.
Residents encouraged to participate in National Night Out
On Tuesday, August 3RD Huntington Beach residents are invited to join forces with thousands of communities nationwide for the 21ST Annual National Night Out."
A crime/drug prevention event, National Night out is sponsored by the National Association of Town Watch and co-sponsored by police departments all over the nation.
On August 3RD from 7:00 to 10:00 p.m., Huntington Beach residents are asked to turn on their porch lights and go outside to spend some time with their neighbors. Talk about starting a Neighborhood Watch Program or scheduling your second meeting to meet new neighbors. At your meeting, we will inform you about home security, auto theft/burglary, and identity theft.
Even though crime is down, we need to be alert and aware so that we won't become victims. Another thing to discuss with your neighbors are drug houses-if you suspect a drug house on your street, call the Narcotics Unit at (714) 536-5981 and give them the address and information. If you have a problem house with other possible criminal activity, you can contact Team C.O.P.
North area officer is Officer Ramsey at 375-5095, or south of Talbert is Officer Warden at 375-5140. Working and communicating with your neighbors and police can make a big difference in your neighborhood, but it takes getting involved and some time and effort.
The theme, back by popular demand, is "Give Neighborhood Crime and Drugs a Going Away Party." To schedule a Neighborhood Watch meeting, call 536-5993. Remember, it is everyone's job to keep crime out of their neighborhoods. Call today and do your part to keep Huntington Beach a safe place to live.
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.
City beach to become window for Hollister stores
Huntington Beach is becoming an increasingly well-known visitor destination. The image of Huntington Beach as a world-class beach community is about to be reinforced around the world through a new partnership with Hollister Co.
Hollister is a retailer of active wear for teens and young adults with more than 170 stores nationwide, with others planned. Under a unique partnership, Hollister has entered into a license with the City to install two web cams on the Pier looking north and south along the coast.
These web cam images will initially be transmitted live in a beach cottage setting to 50 high profile Hollister stores where customers will be able to take in the ocean and surf views through large windows (monitors). The views will state they are coming live from Surf City Huntington Beach California.
The City will receive $60,000 a year for having granted the license, and teens and young adults will connect the idea of a healthy outdoor lifestyle with Huntington Beach. In most families, teens and young adults have considerable influence when it comes to choosing family vacation destinations.
50th Year of the Distance Derby
On August 14th, the City of Huntington Beach together with the PSS foundation will hold it's 50th Annual Distance Derby, the oldest race in Orange County. The 10-mile run will begin at 7:00 a.m. at beautiful Pier Plaza and head south for 2.5 miles along the service road. Runners will return to the starting point and will then run north for 2.5 miles eventually finishing the run back at Pier Plaza. At 8:30 a.m. the 5 mile run/walk will begin followed by the Surf Kids Fun Run at 10:00 a.m. The event takes place on a flat course with a spectacular view of the ocean!
This year's race proceeds will go to support Project Self Sufficiency. Project Self-Sufficiency (PS-S) is a city program that provides support for low-income single parents and their children. To participate in the PS-S program, parents must be: single, attend school/occupational skills training, and be highly motivated to work toward achieving a career that will support their family. Funds raised by the Distance Derby will be used to support the PS-S program and assist with child-care, books, auto repair and other necessities.
Wal*Mart will be our hospitality sponsor this year. They will provide snacks, drinks and plenty of encouragement for runners and walkers. There are also 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.
You can prevent tragic drowning events
Parents whose children have drowned say the day of the tragedy started out just like any other day. No matter how the drowning happened, one thing was the same for all these parents: the three tragic seconds that claimed their child's life slid by silently, without warning, and can never be brought back.
The Huntington Beach Fire Department recommends using the following action steps to prevent such a tragedy. Curiosity, rapidly changing skills, and an inability to understand danger, place young children at high risk. Adults must establish and communicate responsibility for child supervision. FACT… Children can drown in the time it takes to answer the phone or door; children have drowned during surprisingly short breaks in visual contact.
Protection and Preparation
- Alarms on doors and windows leading to the water (at least 5 feet high so the child cannot reach them). Secure and lock all doors and windows when not in use.
- A non- climbable 5 foot fence that separates the pool/spa from the residence with openings no more than 4" wide. Place items that can be climbed on away from the fence.
- Self-closing and self-latching fence gates with latches above 54" high. The gates should open outward.
- Mount rescue equipment by the pool (lifesaving ring, shepherd's hook, CPR sign). Many float-type toys are thought to be lifesavers but they are not. They are only toys!
- Post 9-1-1 emergency phone number on your phones. Have a phone available near the pool area. Supervision
- Assign an adult "water watcher" to supervise the pool/spa area, especially during social gatherings.
- Never leave a child alone near a pool/spa bathtub, toilet, water filled bucket, pond, or any form of standing water in which the child's nose and mouth may be submerged.
- Don't rely on swimming lessons,life preservers, or other equipment to make a child "water safe".
- Don't allow children to play in the pool/spa area.
- Look in the pool area first if a child is missing.
- Communicate pool safety measures with the baby sitter and relatives.
- Learn how to perform infant/child CPR.
- Learn how to swim and learn rescue techniques.
Yell for help and get the child out of the pool and onto the pool deck. If someone is with you, have them call 9-1-1. Determine if the child is breathing: tilt the head back; if you don't hear or feel breathing or see the chest rising begin CPR until emergency help arrives.If you are alone and the child is not breathing, start CPR. After one minute, call 9-1-1. Return to the child and continue CPR until help arrives.
The 41st Annual Huck Finn Fishing Derby Is Adventure for Children
Registration is now taking place in the Community Services Department for the 54th Annual Pier Swim to be held on June 12. Participants will race around the Huntington Beach Pier starting at 9:00 a.m. Pre-registration will take place until May 27.
The Pacific Ocean isn't the Mississippi River, and back in the 1800s most fishermen in the Deep South used cane poles rather than a rod and reel. But children familiar with The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn can relive Mark Twain's fictional tale on August 21 at the Huntington Beach Pier. The Huck Finn fishing competition has been a tradition among Huntington Beach locals for more than four decades. It's open to anyone under 15 years old and increasingly draws children from other areas.
The children, many dressed up to resemble the fictional characters, will line the pier and compete in categories such as the biggest fish and best dressed Huck or Becky. Prizes include a bicycle donated by Sports Chalet, fishing licenses, fishing poles and other donated items including free bait from Let's Go Fishing on the pier.
The event is free to all. Registration is between 8 a.m. and 9:15 a.m. and the contest runs from 9:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. For more information contact the City of Huntington Beach Community Services office at 714-536-5262.
Jean Sharpe is presented July Mayor's Award
Jean Sharpe is the office assistant on the fourth floor for the City Administrator's office and City Attorney's office. Jean greets visitors and provides direction and assistance. Jean also answers phone calls that come in for the City Administrator, City Attorney and City Council members.
She is much appreciated for her city knowledge in directing citizens to the right source of information for their individual situation. And when she is not at work, she is making sure that whoever is having a birthday in the offices gets a homemade birthday cake.
Jean Sharpe received the Mayor's Award for July and was joined at the July 19th City Council Meeting by her co-workers and family members
Reminder issued about trash containers
In an effort to provide cleaner neighborhoods and eliminate pests and scavenging, the Public Works Maintenance division has an ongoing public awareness campaign to educate our residents about Municipal Code Chapter 8.21, Refuse Management.
This ordinance contains language that requires residential trash can customers to put away their trash cans between collection days. The ordinance states that trash ". . . shall be kept or placed in such a manner as not to be visible from any street or alley, whether public or private, except from noon on the day preceding collection to 10 p.m. on the day of collection."
While this section of the ordinance pertains to all residential customers in the city, the regulation is especially important in neighborhoods with rear alleyways. Public Works receives many complaints concerning trash cans left visible in the alleys. Trash cans that are left out in the alleys are a visual blight that leads to vermin infestation, illegal dumping, and scavenging. Cans left out in the alley can also impede vehicle traffic and create unsafe pedestrian conditions.
Public Works staff and city volunteers are placing bright yellow tags with the above information on doorknobs and trash cans throughout the city. The tags ask residents for their cooperation in keeping trash containers out of sight between collection days. Trash cans should be stored in the garage or behind the fence in the side or rear yard. Residents who choose not to comply will eventually be subject to citation and fine. For further information about City of Huntington Beach trash collection services, please call the Public Works field service representative at (714) 375-5010.
Support your City - Shop, play and stay in Huntington Beach!
The City of Huntington Beach wants to encourage all residents to commit to spending your money within the city limits of Huntington Beach. Each resident can make a big difference by keeping sales tax dollars in the city to provide critical services such as police, fire, parks and recreation and library programs.
In the year 2003, the City of Huntington Beach faced a severe budget shortfall and because of trimming the budget and continuing to run a "lean, mean public service machine," we have been able to keep providing the services to residents that they deserve.
Revenues from sales taxes, and transient occupancy taxes paid at hotels and motels, help provide the services we all need and enjoy. Local support of restaurants, shops, caterers and services strengthens our local economy. One person truly can make a difference and your resolution to "Shop, Play and Stay," in Huntington Beach will help our community continue to grow and prosper.
Artist works with Huntington Beach youth to create public art
Artist Donna Billick has been hard at work creating masterpieces that will change the look of public art in Huntington Beach. Featured at the new Lifeguard Headquarters and Junior Lifeguard Headquarters, as well as the "Wave Plaza" in between, the work encompasses the spirit of Huntington Beach and reflects the love of the ocean and all its activities.
Donna was hired through an artist selection process using a consultant hired by the Community Services Department to design a Request for Proposal. The applications were reviewed by a committee and interviews were conducted.
In addition to the creativity of the artist, experience with public works projects was essential in order to have artwork that was compatible with the surroundings and stand up to the environmental conditions and public usage.
Donna took on the task of creating tile mosaics and sculptures with great enthusiasm and excitement. She also got some help.
Huntington Beach Junior Lifeguards were tasked to create mini-tile sculptures that could be placed in the walls and steps. The kids chose many different shapes and colors including animals, people, surfers and even a "Woodie." One wall was Donna's creation featuring a mermaid and merman.
The project was started in last summer with the Junior Lifeguards making their clay pieces and Donna moved onto the site in June of this year to begin the tile placement. The area will be completed in mid-August and the public will be able to enjoy it once the two headquarter buildings are complete. The photos show Donna with one of the mosaic walls, a rock art turtle and two Jr. Lifeguards with the Dive In sculpture.
Surf City Huntington Beach Visa Card
What better reminder to Shop, Play and Stay in Huntington Beach than a Surf City credit card? The new Surf City Huntington Beach Visa is now available. The City will receive $20 for every new card issued, plus 10.4 cents for every $100 spent. The funds will be directed to Parks & Recreation, Libraries, Cultural Programs and the General Fund to support city services.
Watch for application information in your utility bills, and at the City website www.surfcity-hb.org. You can also stop by the local US Bank Branch at 9042 Garfield Avenue to sign up for the card. Be among the first businesses, residents and surf fans to carry the Surf City Visa.
Regular use of the card for everyday purchases like groceries and gasoline help preserve and enhance the Huntington Beach lifestyle, especially when you Shop, Play and Stay in Huntington Beach! For more information on the Surf City Huntington Beach Visa Card or other Economic Development issues, check out www.hbbiz.com or contact Economic Development staff by phone at (714) 536-5542.
Verizon announces its Fiber to the Premises project in Huntington Beach
On July 19th, Verizon held a press conference to announce that it is bringing fiber optics to the city. The fiber connection will enable businesses and residents to surf the Internet at great speeds. Regional President Tim McCallion made the presentation at a ceremony held at Pier Plaza.
August Television Schedule for Channel Three
| Community Bulletin Board | All Day, Everyday |
| City Council Live Broadcasts | August 2nd and 16th starting at 7 pm |
| City Council Re-Broadcasts | August 3rd at 10 am & August 4th at 7 pm For the August 2nd meeting August 17th at 10 am & August 18th at 7 pm For the August 16th meeting |
| Planning Commission Broadcasts | August 10th and 24th at 7 pm |
| Planning Commission Re-Broadcasts | Thursday following the meeting at 7 pm |
*** Please note****
The City Council will hold special meetings to discuss the Budget for 2004/2005 on August 9th and 23rd. Those meetings will be telecast on Channel 3 starting at 5:00 pm. They will be re-broadcast the following Wednesday at 7:00 pm