Monthly Online Newsletter - December 2004
Please Make a Note - City Hall will be closed for the holidays on December 23rd and 24th and December 30th and 31st
November election results
Council to start at new meeting time
After the November elections, Huntington Beach's City Council welcomes some new faces to its Monday meetings. Real estate broker Keith Bohr was elected to the City Council on November 2nd. Along with his development background, Keith has also worked in the City's Economic Development Department. In addition, businessman Don Hansen will be welcomed to the Council. Don is a manager with the Commercial Finance Division of Balboa Capital.
The City of Huntington Beach also has some members departing from the Council. Pam Houchen resigned in September, and Connie Boardman declined to run for re-election. Former mayor and councilwoman Grace Winchell has been filling in this last month for Mrs. Houchen.
This will also be the first term for newly elected City Clerk Joan Flynn. Also, Shari Freidenrich was re-elected as City Treasurer.
Newly elected officials and those re-elected will be sworn in on December 6th. The new mayor and mayor pro tem will be appointed then as well. The City Council meeting will start at 6:00 p.m. with the current mayor and council making outgoing remarks and the new elected officials then being sworn in.
At the November 15th council meeting, the council voted to start their regular meetings an hour earlier henceforth. Starting with the December 6th meeting, all meetings will start at 6:00 pm.
For more information, please call the public information office at 536-5577.
Free Holiday Parking offered
to encourage local shopping
In an effort to promote more holiday shopping in downtown Huntington Beach, the City Council has approved a plan to offer complimentary coupons for one hour of free parking in the Main Street Promenade parking structure. This plan will be active from December 13, 2004, to January 2, 2005.
Merchants have been given coupons good for one hour of free parking in the structure to provide to their customers. The City has been working closely with the Downtown Business Association (DBA) to find ways of encouraging more residents to shop and dine.
Coupons like the one shown are available from Downtown merchants. For more information, please call 536- 5582.
Huntington Beach Fire Department joins the "Spark of Love" Toy Drive
The Huntington Beach Fire Department will join all other fire departments in the counties of Orange, Los Angeles, Riverside, San Bernardino and Ventura in collecting toys for needy children.
All fire stations in the city will serve as drop-off sites for the public to bring new, unwrapped toys or sports equipment. In addition, collection boxes will be placed in the lobby of City Hall, Police Department Headquarters, and the Central Library.
The ABC 7 and Firefighters "Spark of Love" Toy Drive is the only holiday toy drive started and conducted by firefighters. Last year alone, the "Spark of Love" Toy Drive collected and distributed over 275,000 toys to children in Orange County communities who may have gone without gifts during the holiday season.
Many of the toys collected go to assist the families of our own Project Self Sufficiency. The drive will take place from November 26 through December 24. For additional information you can call Martha Werth at the Huntington Beach Fire Department at 714-536-5411.
Safety tips from the City's Fire Department
Safe trees mean safe and happy holidays.
Cut 2-3 inches off the bottom of a fresh tree and put the tree in water immediately. This prevents the sap from forming over the cut and allows the tree to absorb the water. Use a sturdy holder and fill with water daily.
Check lights carefully for broken sockets or frayed wires before you put them on your tree. Replace damaged strings. Use indoor lights only indoors and outdoor lights only outdoors. Unplug the tree lights when leaving the building.
Keep your tree away from heat sources that will dry it out. Do not place the tree or any other holiday decorations where it blocks any exit.
As soon as the tree becomes dry, it needs to be disposed of promptly. A recycling center is the best way to dispose of the tree. Otherwise, have the tree hauled away by your waste hauler. Never put the tree branches or needles in a fireplace or wood-burning stove.
A Holiday Gift Idea
Looking for a holiday gift that shows you care? A smoke alarm is a terrific idea. Nine out of ten home fire deaths occur at night when people are asleep. So this holiday season, give your friends a present that protects and watches over them all year round...a smoke alarm. A life-saving gift idea from your fire department.
Candle Care
Candles are a traditional and beautiful part of the holiday season. They are also a direct source of fire in your home, so be cautious with them. Use non-flammable holders and position candles a safe distance from your Christmas tree and other holiday decorations. Children are always fascinated by candles and are drawn to them, so place yours safely out of children's reach.
A Fire-Safe Holiday
People gathering together is the real joy of the holiday season. Take a few moments to protect your friends and family from an unexpected tragedy. Test the smoke alarms in your home to make sure they're working, and be certain everyone in your family knows and practices your home fire escape plan.
For further information on Christmas tree safety call the Huntington Beach Fire Department at (714) 536-5419
Economic Development Conference will feature recognized author
The Huntington Beach Chamber of Commerce is teaming up with the City to present the 18th Annual Economic Conference "Wave of the Future" on Tuesday, December 14, 2004 at the Hilton Waterfront Beach Resort. This regional economic conference will cover the timely topics of California's Fiscal Outlook, Retail Trends, Tourism, Housing Trends, an Economic Development Panel Update and Local and County Leadership.
The conference features three distinguished speakers, renowned for their eloquence and expertise. Joel Kotkin is an internationally recognized authority on global, economic, political and social trends. Barbara Wold is an internationally known speaker and authority to the retail and consumer industries. Elizabeth Hill, State Legislative Analyst, serves as a nonpartisan fiscal advisor to both houses of the state Legislature and oversees the preparation of annual fiscal and policy analyses of the State of California's budget and its various programs.
The conference cost of $65 includes all speakers, continental breakfast and lunch. Space will be limited so make your reservations today by calling the Huntington Beach Chamber of Commerce at (714) 536-8888. Reservations made after December 3rd will cost $75 per person.
City Clerk announces the availability of Agenda backup online
City Clerk Joan Flynn has announced that the public now has available an opportunity to download backup information for current agendas listed on the City's website.
"We are pleased that access to the information regarding agenda items is now available as PDF files that can be downloaded off the internet," stated City Clerk Flynn. "This will save the public the time to come into City Hall to pick up copies of the agenda reports."
Agenda items usually have a "Request for Council Action" that provides back up information to the issue to be discussed. The RCA's are now available on the City's Website. Attachments are not yet available, however, it is hoped that they will also be included at a future date. To access the agenda and backup materials, users need to go to the City's website - www.surfcity-hb.org - and click on the following items:
1) Elected Officials
2) City Clerk
3) City Council Agendas
Any items that have a description in blue will feature the RCA in PDF format. Simply click on the blue to bring up the document.
Huntington Beach Senior Services to offer free flu vaccinations
The City of Huntington Beach Senior Services, in conjunction with the County of Orange Health Care Agency, will be hosting a free flu shot clinic on Wednesday, December 10, 2004, 8 a.m. - 12 p.m., at the Michael E. Rodgers Seniors Center.
The clinic will have 800 doses available that will be administered on a first-come first-served basis. Flu shots are available to persons 65 years and older and/or considered "high-risk".
Michael E. Rodgers Seniors' Center is located at 1706 Orange Ave, Huntington Beach. The center is a focal point for an array of free services important to the quality of life for all older Americans offering opportunities for involvement and companionship with a wide range of social, recreational and educational activities.
For more information, please call the Michael E. Rodgers Seniors' Center at (714) 536-9387.
Cruise of Lights promises to be great entertainment
The Huntington Harbour Philharmonic Committee presents the 42nd annual Cruise of Lights; a 45-minute narrated boat tour through the sparkling waterways of Huntington Harbour. This year's theme is Starlight Symphony and over 20,000 visitors will see thousands of lights on boats, decks, docks and homes, plus incredible animation.
Proceeds from the Cruise of Lights benefit the Philharmonic Society's nationally recognized music outreach programs for over 250,000 Orange County students from kindergarten through 12th grade.
The Cruise of Lights is often described as "The most spectacular light show on water." This year's dates are December 13 through the 22nd. Prices are: Monday through Friday, Adults $12 and children $8, with cruise times 6pm, 7pm and 8pm. Saturday and Sunday, adults $14 and children $8, with cruises at 5:30pm, 6:30pm, 7:30pm and 8:30pm. There will be a special "Family Night" on December 14 with reduced prices: adults $10 and children $7.
For more information, or to purchase tickets, please call the Huntington Harbour Philharmonic Committee office at 714 840-7542, or visit them on the web at www.philharmonicsociety.org
New York Firefighters present statue to Huntington Beach counterparts
On November 20th, 2004, New York City firefighters paid tribute to Huntington Beach Firefighters by presenting them with a Maltese cross forged from the steel of Tower One of the World Trade Center. The eight inch cross will be displayed at firehouses.
Retired New York firefighter Dan Noonan said that in the days after 9/11, many HB firefighters "came back and stood on the line" to provide assistance. The presentation of the cross was a way of sending their appreciation, but also of recognizing a deeper relationship.
The friendship between the two firehouses began years before 9/11, and has been strengthened since. Huntington Beach firefighters flew to meet them in New York, ate breakfast, exchanged patches, and played football together.
Among the ceremony's events, Huntington Beach Fire Chief Duane Olson delivered a speech. The City also honored four aircraft rescue members who served in Iraq. "Nicole Gerardi" sung the National Anthem as well as "God Bless America" and "Hero." The Huntington Beach Fire Department's Color Guard commenced the ceremony accompanied by bagpipes. This was the Color Guard's first event.
New at the Art Center
In a League of Their Own
November 20 - December 19, 2004
The Huntington Harbor Art Association and The Huntington Beach Art League: Two group exhibitions of various media by members of the H.H.A.A. and Art League, and a photographic installation "Land and Sea" by Monica Furmanski. Free Admission.
The Academy for the Performing Arts presents "Sounds of the Seasons" 
The Academy for the Performing Arts (APA) presents Sounds of the Seasons at the Huntington Beach Historic Theater. The performance will run December 7 at 7:30 p.m. The theater is located at 1905 Main Street, on the corner of Yorktown and Main. Admission $8.00, Students/Seniors $5.00. Tickets are available at the box office starting 45 minutes prior to curtain. Recorded Information: 714.536.2514 ext. 602
Join us in celebrating the seasons! Come, enjoy an evening of instrumental and vocal holiday music. APA's music department and Surf City Singers will entertain you with popular holiday music and dance and skits from Comedy Sportz. This is an event that is perfect for all age groups-bring the entire family!
Christmas with the Pops
Come join 50 members of the GoldenWest Pops Orchestra as they bring their "Christmas With the Pops" holiday concert to Orange County. They will be playing Friday, December 17th and on Saturday, December 18th at 8 p.m. at the Lutheran Church of the Resurrection on 9812 Hamilton Ave. in Huntington Beach.
There will be sing-a-longs for all your favorite holiday music you grew up with. This group has performed for the Pope in Rome, as well as Presidents Bush and Reagan. In addition they have given countless performances across Europe and the United Sates.
Tickets will be left at will call, and are $10 for adults and $8 for kids under 12. Call John Aden at 826-9319, or contact LCR directly at 962-5005.
Sandbags available through Public Works Department
It's raining, it's pouring, but the old man isn't snoring. In fact, he's picking up the free sandbags that are available to all residents of Huntington Beach. 
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.
Celebrate the New Year with a splash in the ocean
The 5th Annual Polar Pier Plunge will be held on January 1, 2005, at 10 a.m. on the south side of the pier. Everyone is invited, and the club hopes to reach 100 "plungers" this year.
The goal is to have as many people swim around the Pier, although most people just wade and splash around after the countdown. Traditionally, bathing suits are worn, although Speedos and wetsuits are accepted. Last year, there were 40-50 swimmers and about 100 onlookers. Channels 2, 7, 9, and 13 all reported this event.
For more information, please call Mike Parks at 457-2757.
Day of the Horse will be celebrated December 11
Equestrian Trails Incorporated (ETI), a non-profit organization, invites you to join them in celebrating the "Day of the Horse" on December 11, 2004.
In 2002, the State of California designated the second Saturday of December as the "Day of the Horse" to enhance public awareness of these beautiful animals and the role they played in California history, heritage, and economics. During the Mexican period, the rancheros needed the horse to help them manage their vast herds of cattle.
In the nineteenth century, people migrated to California on the overland trails with their horse drawn covered wagons.
From 1860 to 1861, the Pony Express carried mail 1,966 miles from St. Joseph, Missouri to Sacramento, California. During the depression era a small thoroughbred racehorse named Seabiscuit gave hope to Californians and the rest of the country. Horses truly are an intricate part of California history.
Equestrian Trails Incorporated will again be recognizing this special day at the Huntington Central Park Equestrian Center through activities, demonstrations, and exhibits. This will include equine group performances, exhibits of different breeds, color guard and farrier demonstrations.
Equestrian Trails Incorporated was established in 1944 with the Charter to be "Dedicated to the Acquisition and Preservation of Trails, Good Horsemanship, and Equine Legislation.
The "Day of the Horse" will be held on Saturday, December 11, 2004, from 10 am to 2 pm. There will be free admission and parking. The Huntington Central Park Equestrian Center is located at 18381 Goldenwest St. Directions are available at www.hcpec.com. For additional information please contact Sondra Spencer by telephone at 714-821-0448 or email at dayofthehorse@pacbell.net.
City employees honored for their years of service
The City of Huntington Beach is proud to announce the recipients of the City's Service Awards. Their dedication to ensuring the growth and progress of Huntington Beach is to be admired. The employees received their awards at a luncheon on October 12, 2004.
Awards for 10 years of service were given to Mary Pat Gonzalez and James Whitten (Library Services); Mary Beth Broeren (Planning); Jerry Abrahams (Police); Gary Reinhardt and Kurt Youngberg (Public Works).
Employees with 15 years of service include Enrique Reveles (Admin. Services); Joan Giguere, Joan Naideth, and Sarah Sutton (City Attorney); Bernard Garcia and Dennis Thompson (Community Services); Robert Dutton (Fire); Merrie Sager (Library Services); Christopher Brown, John Cottriel, Frank Davis, Terry Kayano, Barbara Otaguro, Jack Paholski, and Robert Warden Jr., (Police); Gary Curtis and Harvey Munoz (Public Works).
The City will also gave awards to those with two decades of service. On this list were Ross Cranmer (Building & Safety); Edward Clair, Lynda Engebretson, David Humphreys, and Hazel Manginelli (Police), who retired on September 17, 2004; Marlon Blodgett, Victor Galich, Bob Guzman, Anthony Rizco, and Sheila Rogers (Public Works).
Those who have served the City for 25 years were honored as well. Recipients included Arlene Boone and Daniel Villella (Admin. Services); Patricia Kowalewski and Scott Rutherford (Community Services); Jeffrey Nelson and Steven Overcast (Police); Rodney Houser, Alan Jobert, Richard Kinaman, and David Pineda (Public Works).
Congratulations are also in order for those with 30 years of service: Arnold Ross (Admin. Services); Cheryl Robinson (Community Services); John Bitting and John Von Holle (Public Works).
The City of Huntington Beach owes a debt of gratitude for all their hard work and wishes them all continued success in the future.
Huntington Beach Conference and Visitors Bureau working hard to bring tourism to the City
Living or working in Huntington Beach is an extraordinary experience. However, many residents are not aware of the vital role that tourism plays in the city's quality of life. Visitors enrich our economy with purchasing power and revenue generated from room, sales and property taxes. Additionally, a multitude of jobs are created - and not just in the hospitality industry (even our police department and parks are partially funded by these vital tax dollars). And let's not forget that many of Surf City's remarkable recreational, dining and shopping options would not exist today without business and leisure travelers.
The Huntington Beach Conference and Visitors Bureau (HBCVB) promotes Surf City as the premier overnight beach destination in Orange County and Southern California - a vision of our city's founders more than a century ago. This non-profit 501(c)(6) corporation provides important visitor services and entices people to choose to the Surf City USA™ destination for their travel needs. The Bureau's marketing approach engages community members from all backgrounds - soliciting their feedback on how best to promote Surf City while strongly preserving its heart and soul.
The Bureau offers a free visitors guide, toll-free 24-hour recorded information, advertising, public relations, a world-class website - www.surfcityusa.com - and myriad other promotions and activities to attract and inform visitors. The HBCVB also operates a year-round visitor information center Mon.-Fri. from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. PST in its offices at 301 Main St., Ste. 208. Additional visitor information and services are provided through the Bureau's Visitor Services Ambassador Program. Located in a pier-side kiosk, the complimentary service offered from noon to 7 p.m. May 28-Sept. 5, 2005.
Want to learn more? Well, here's your chance. The HB Pipeline, an online Bureau publication, is available bimonthly from the City's Website. Just check out www.surfcity-hb.org to see the link!
Surf City USA™ is a trademark of the Huntington Beach Conference and Visitors Bureau. All rights reserved.
Surf City Huntington Beach Visa Card
Last December, the City of Huntington Beach launched the new Surf City Visa Credit Card program and it became a great way for many residents to finish off their holiday shopping. While the new cardholders benefit from both the convenience of a Visa card and low introductory rates, the City also benefits.
For every Surf City Huntington Beach Visa card issued, and for every purchase made, the community receives revenue for parks, recreation, libraries, cultural programs and more. In addition to shopping locally, day-to-day purchases with your Surf City Huntington Beach Visa card will help provide programs and activities for children and others here in Huntington Beach.
Now our partner, U.S. Bank, has announced new changes that will make the Visa card even more attractive. Beginning this fall, they will be offering new benefits to cardholders, including member rewards such as travel, merchandise or cash; and customizable card art to make our card look even more like 'Surf City'!
Keep an eye out for additional information as it becomes available. Or, to apply now, log on to the City's website, www.surfcity-hb.org and use the link provided to the U.S. Bank's secure on-line application page. You may also pick up an application at any one of a number of City public counters and return it in the postage paid mailer.
Surf America makes its home in Huntington Beach
They have nicknames like Noodles, The Clash and Trash Can Dude. They hail from California and Hawaii, New Jersey and South Carolina. And there are some things nobody knows about them:
"I sleep in the attic."
"I like the Japanese toilet system."
"I still watch Saturday morning cartoons."
"I read the Bible every day."
They are the 2004/2005 USA Surf Team and - thanks to the newly appointed National Governing Body called Surfing America - they'll be introduced to the public on Dec. 2 in Huntington Beach, Surf City USAtm, and hold their first official practice.
The team is on its way to Tahiti for its first International Surfing Association (ISA) competition, the ISA Quiksilver Junior World Championships, and a chance at restoring America's reputation as a breeding ground for the best surfers in the world.
The most familiar team member may be Bethany Hamilton, the promising 14-year-old surfer from Hanalei, Hawaii, who was attacked by a shark in October 2003 and lost her left arm. Bethany was back on her board by Thanksgiving and won two regional surf competitions before being named to the USA Surf Team last summer in Huntington Beach. The recognition of Huntington Beach-based Surfing America as National Governing Body this year is an extraordinary feat in and of itself. Until now, competitive surfers in the United States have been a loose-knit crew gathered under scattered organizations ranging from Hawaii to the East Coast. Although professional surfers survived on corporate endorsements and prize money, young amateurs waiting in the ranks had no clear competitive road map to follow, no true national training programs and no dependable way to pay for travel and entry fees for competitions around the world.
The ultimate goal of this ambitious new organization is to play a leadership role in competitive surfing worldwide by establishing a national framework for competition, selecting teams from the best surfers in the nation and raising sponsorship money to pay for their expenses. Surfing America hopes to develop training standards and endorse surf schools, camps and recreation programs across the country to nurture new talent.
The vision for this venture will be laid out at a news conference held at the Huntington Beach Pier at 11 a.m. on Thursday, Dec. 2, followed by a team practice and opportunities for media interviews with individual USA Surf Team members. They'll be receiving their uniforms, meeting with their coaches and training together in some of the most challenging surf on the West Coast. The public is invited to attend.
Main Street Library Volunteers Annual Holiday Book Sale
Saturday, December 4 - Saturday, December 18, 2004
(Half-Price Thursday, December 16 - Saturday, December 18)
Main Street Branch Library
525 Main Street
Huntington Beach, CA 92648
To benefit the Main Street Branch Library!
Overnight Parking at City Beach now re-opened
The City of Huntington Beach has opened up a parking lot between Huntington St. and First St. to overnight parking, according to Parking/Camping Supervisor Steve Benson.
Forty-six spaces have been made available for campers and RVs. All spaces must be reserved up to one month ahead, and can only be made in person or by mail. No reservations will be taken over the phone.
Spaces may be reserved for up to 14 consecutive days. A five-day waiting period must pass before reserving another space. Reservation dates began on October 1st and end in late March.
Rates are $40/night plus a deposit, although HB residents, seniors age 62 and over, and the disabled receive a five dollar discount. Each space has water and electricity services available. There is no dumping sewage on site, but there is an off-site dumping area on the south end of the lot. For more information, please call the information line at 969- 5621. The parking office can also be called at 536- 5286.
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.
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.
October Television Schedule for Channel Three
| Community Bulletin Board | All Day, Everyday |
| City Council Live Broadcasts | December 6th and 20th starting at 7 pm |
| City Council Re-Broadcasts | Dec. 7th at 10 am and Dec. 8th at 7 pm For the December 6th meeting |
| Dec. 21st at 10 am & Dec. 22nd at 7 pm For the December 20th meeting |
|
| Planning Commission Broadcasts | December 14th at 7 pm |
| Planning Commission Re-Broadcasts | Thursday following the meeting at 7 pm |