Monthly Online Newsletter - February 2004

Poll workers desperately needed for March 2 election

The Orange County Registrar of Voters is looking for poll workers/clerks to work in Huntington Beach polling places for the March 2 Primary Election. Poll workers/clerks must be U.S. Citizens, at least 18 years of age; must be able to speak and read English; and, must be willing to work 15 hours on Election Day.

Poll workers/clerks are paid $50 stipend per day and also paid $20 stipend to attend the required training. Interested individuals can call (714) 567-7580 or log onto the Registrar’s website www.ocvote.org for more information.

Huntington Beach Restaurants Present - Local Tuesdays

The Huntington Beach Restaurants Association welcomes locals to dine at discounted prices on Tuesday nights. More than 20 restaurants are participating in the Local Tuesday program. Discounts vary from 20% to 40% on Tuesday nights, from 5-8pm.

For a list of restaurants offering locals-only discounts, see the Huntington Beach Restaurant Association website at www.hbrestaurants.com.

2004 July Fourth Parade Centennial Merchandise Now Available

In 2004, Huntington Beach’s 4th of July Parade will turn 100 years old and the Centennial Celebration has already begun! Centennial memorabilia and merchandise is now available on the city website, and in downtown Main Street specialty shops.

Official Centennial Logo T-shirts, sweatshirts and polo shirts, commemorative Celebration pins and logo novelties will be on sale now through July 15, 2004.

So get in the spirit! This fine Centennial merchandise will make great presents and stay in style right through July.

Public Works Landscaper Leadworker given Mayor’s Award

As a young boy Rick Ayers used to spend summers at a cabin in Seal Beach spending his time between Seal Beach and Huntington Beach. Rick moved to the City of Huntington Beach from La Canada when he was 13.

He attended Dwyer Middle School and Marine High School, where he met his wife of 32 years, Joyce. Rick has been a resident of the city for 34 years.

Rick Ayers started working for the City when he was 19 years old. He was hired in 1970 as a maintenance service worker and was promoted to Leadworker in 1976.

Rick is known for his high quality of work and has received numerous letters of commendation for the Public Works Open House, Main Street Beautification Project, Pier Grand Opening in 1992 and the Main Street Library.

Rick maintains the landscaping on Main Street. Rick takes great pride and joy in maintaining the lot next to the Shed Restaurant on Main. He also takes great pride in the Newland planters where he maintains the roses, day lilies and assorted plant materials.

Rick was honored with the Mayor’s Award at the January 20, 2004 City Council Meeting. Pictured above are Mayor Cathy Green, Rick and Joyce, Public Works Director Bob Beardsley.

Friends of the Library Valentine's Tea

On Thursday, February 12th, Friends of the Library will feature three exciting authors at their annual February Valentine's Tea.

First-time novelist, Jacqueline Winspear, will relate tales from her debut and best-selling novel, Maisie Dobbs. Award winning romantic-suspense writer, Helen Haddad, will thrill the audience with excerpts from her latest book, Picture of Guilt. Author Barbara Clark, will share passages from her tenth book, Tears of the Desert Rose, a paranormal romance set in North Africa. Please join the Friends for a memorable afternoon of good food and entertainment.

The event begins at 2:00 p.m. (doors open at 1:30) at the Central Library Room C/D. Cost is $12. Reservations and checks payable to FOTL must be received by Monday, February 9. Mail to 7111 Talbert Ave., 92648. For more information call 842-4481 ext. 2213 or press 7 at prompt.

Sandbags available to public

When it is raining, or rain is imminent, free sandbags and sand are available to Huntington Beach residents at the city’s Public Works Corporation Yard located at 17371 Gothard Street (between Slater and Warner Avenues).

This service is available during working hours only, 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. Sandbags are for resident use. Identification verifying residence in Huntington Beach is required. There is a limit of 10 bags per person. While sand is available, residents are required to bring their own shovel and to fill the bags themselves.

For more information, please call the Corporation Yard at (714) 960-8861. The city does not collect bags after the rainy season – it is the responsibility of the resident to dispose of the sand and bag.

New Year’s Resolution –
Shop, play and stay in Huntington Beach!

As we enter the new year of 2004, the City of Huntington Beach wants to encourage all residents to make one important resolution - 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. We wish you and your family the best for this year 2004.

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.

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.

Police Officer Promotions

January 15, 2004 was an important day for the police department when several officers were promoted in a ceremony held in City Hall Council Chambers. Left to right are – Captain William Stuart, Lieutenant Brian Tidrick, Lieutenant Mike Reynolds, Lieutenant Corby Bright, Chief Ken Small, Sergeant Ray Villescas, Sergeant John Domingo, Sergeant Chris Tatar and Sergeant Brian Seitz.

Now - 2/29 Centered on the Center Art Exhibit - This Salon-style and open-call group exhibition features more than 200 artists and nearly 400 works in all mediums. Local, regional, and national artists are invited to participate. Location: 538 Main Street. The Huntington Beach Art Center Gallery is open Wednesday, Friday and Saturday from Noon to 6 p.m., Thursday from Noon to 8 p.m. and Sunday from Noon to 4 p.m. Cost: Free admission. Opening Call: (714) 374-1650.

2/5 Live Watercolor Demonstration by Milford Zornes - Master landscape painter and teacher Milford Zornes is a leading figure in the California Style watercolor movement. Sponsored by Huntington Beach Art League, the public is invited to attend this informative event. Location: Rogers Senior Center, 1706 Orange Ave. Time: 7 p.m. Cost: Free admission. Call: (714) 962-0263.

2/6 - 2/8 Huntington Beach Kite Festival - Watch top kite designers from around the world such as Tim Benson fly fabulous creations. The latest styles from Revolution, Prism and many more will be showcased in this three-day extravaganza sponsored by Kite Connection. Time: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily. Location: North side of Huntington Beach Pier. Cost: Free to watch. Call: 536-3630. www.kiteconnection.com

2/7 Bolsa Chica Wetlands Tour - This free 1½-hour tour makes 5 stops along the walkbridge and loop trail of the wetlands. Trained tour guides discuss bird identification, ecology, endangered species, early history and current status. Displays, literature and merchandise are available in the parking lot. No reservations are required for the public tour. Warm clothing and binoculars are recommended. Time: 9 to 10:30 a.m. Location: Walkbridge of Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve on east side Pacific Coast Highway between Warner and Seapoint Streets. Cost: Free. Call (714) 840-1575. www.amigosdebolsachica.org

2/7 HB Disc Golf Tournament - Enjoy one of the nation's first 18-hole (basket) disc courses in beautiful Central Park at Golden West entrance across the street from the Huntington Beach Public Library and Cultural Center. Two-round tournaments are held the first Saturday of each month with all divisions invited to play. Cash prizes are awarded. Time: 10 a.m. Location: Parking lot on west side of Golden West Street between Slater and Ellis Streets. Cost: $6 to $15. Call: (714) 425-9931.

2/7 Shipley Nature Center Tour - Take a tour of the Shipley grounds and hear descriptions of the Center's planned restoration to its historical native plant habitat with the addition of water conservation gardens. Meet at the front gate to the Shipley Nature Center. For volunteer plant maintenance opportunities or for group tours, call or visit website. Location: Central Park Drive parking lot off Edwards between Talbert and Slater. Follow the painted line along the sidewalk to the Center. Time: 11 a.m. Cost: Free. Call: (714) 842-4772. www.fsnc.org

2/7 Huntington Beach Smooth Jazz Series Presents Kim Waters - This concert series brings the finest in contemporary jazz to Huntington Beach. Sponsored by BBJazz Productions, proceeds benefit children with autism. Time: Concert begins at 7:30 p.m. Location: Central Library Cultural Center Theater, 7111 Talbert Ave. Cost: $35 to $55. Call: (714) 377-7574. www.bbjazz.com

2/11 The Yellow Brick Road - This classic tale featuring a girl from Kansas named Dorothy and her dog, Toto, will be performed by Ballet Etudes. Location: Central Library Cultural Center Theater, 7111 Talbert Ave. Times: 4 & 7 p.m. Cost: $5 adult/$3 child. Call: (714) 375-5107.

Valentine's Events

2/12 Friends of the Library Valentine's Tea> - Features three exciting authors who will share their literary works in an afternoon of good food and entertainment. First-time novelist, Jacqueline Winspear, will relate tales from her debut and best-selling novel, Maisie Dobbs. Award winning romance and suspense writer, Helen Haddad, will thrill the audience with excerpts from her latest book, Picture of Guilt. Author Barbara Clark, will share passages from her tenth book, Tears of the Desert Rose, a paranormal romance set in North Africa. Location: Central Library Room C/D, 7111 Talbert Ave. Time: 2:00 p.m./doors open at 1:30 p.m. Cost: $12. Reservations and checks payable to FOTL must be received by Monday, February 9. Mail to 7111 Talbert Ave., 92648. Call: 842-4481 ext. 2213 or press 7 at prompt.

2/14 Miss Huntington Beach Scholarship Pageant - Features Yankee Doodle Darlings. Watch the City's best and brightest young ladies compete for scholarships and the title of Miss Huntington Beach 2004. Location Huntington Beach High School Auditorium, 1905 Main St. Time: 7 p.m. Tickets: $15/person. Call (714) 536-4357 or (714) 536-2054.

2/15 Bolsa Chica Land Trust Wetlands Table & Mesa Tour - A free, 2-hour walking tour of the Bolsa Chica Mesa and Wetlands is conducted by the Bolsa Chica Land Trust at 10 a.m. Meet in the Ecological Reserve parking lot on Pacific Coast Highway (1.5 miles south of Warner Avenue, across from Bolsa Chica State Beach). Wear comfortable shoes; binoculars are suggested. Rain cancels. Call: (714) 960-9939. www.bolsachicalandtrust.org

2/20 - 3/7 Proposals - A comedy written by Neil Simon and directed by James Gruessing. This play is performed by the Huntington Beach Playhouse at Central Library Theater. Location: 7111 Talbert Ave. Cost: $6 - $20/ticket. Call: (714) 375-0696. www.hbph.com

2/20 Fusion 2004 Dance Concert - Academy for Performing Arts dance faculty, guest choreographers and the Ensemble Dancers invite you to an exciting evening of traditional and original works in Ballet, Jazz, Tap and Modern Dance. Location: Huntington Beach High School, 1905 Main Street. Time: 7:30 p.m. General admission: $10/Students & seniors $8. Call: (714) 536-2514 ext. 4025.

2/21 Bolsa Chica Land Trust Wetlands Table & Mesa Tour - On the third Sunday of each month, docents lead guided tours through one of California's significant ecological reserves. Tour time: 10 a.m. to Noon. Location: Pacific Coast Highway parking lot across from Bolsa Chica State Beach and entrance of the wetland bridge. Cost: Free. Call: (714) 964-8170.

2/22 Shipley Nature Center Tour - The Friends of Shipley Nature Center invite the public to enjoy birding, walking and other nature related activities at the Center, which has been closed due to restoration. A docent will be available to answer questions. Location: Huntington Central Park of Edwards Street at Central Park Drive. Just follow the painted line along the walkway that leads from the parking lot to the Nature Center. Time: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Cost: Free admission. Call: (714) 842-4772. www.fsnc.org

2/28 Jazz at the Center Presents - Gospel Music through the Ages. This concert features special musical performers to be announced. Location: 538 Main St. Time: 7 to 9:30 p.m. General Admission: $20. Call: (714) 374-1650.

February Television Schedule for Channel Three