Community Connection

Monthly Online Newsletter - January 2004

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.

Local Girls help make Christmas better for those in need

Two young Huntington Beach girls coordinated a massive toy collection for the Huntington Beach Fire Department's "Spark of Love" toy drive. Kimberly Spell (age 6) and her sister Tiffany (age 8) through the "Great Huntington Valley Nation" of the Y Indian Princess program and the "Great Coastal Nation" of the Y Indian Guides coordinated the collection of over 300 toys.

Once they collected the toys they recruited their father Brad Spell, a Captain with the Garden Grove Fire Department, and the use of his truck to transport them to HB Station 1 - Gothard. Captain Brian Gerardi along with his crew gladly unloaded all the toys. The toys were then given to needy children. The Huntington Beach Fire Department would like to thank the Spell family for their charitable work.

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.

Sister City Update

The Sister City Association is seeking a chaperone for four student ambassadors to Waitakere, New Zealand. Interested persons who either live or work in Huntington Beach are eligible.

The trip to New Zealand will take place in April during spring break; students from Waitakere will visit Huntington Beach the first two weeks in July, 2004.

Responsibilities include hosting the chaperone from New Zealand in July. A stipend is paid to defray expenses. For information, please call 374-5397 or 846-7685. Also visit our website at www.hbsistercity.org.

January activities at the Shipley Nature Center

Restoration Day at the Shipley Nature Center in Huntington Central Park (rain or shine), for planting of California Native plants will be held January 3rd, from 9 to noon. There will be a free tour at 11 AM unless there is inclement weather.

Shipley Nature Center will be open on January 18th, with docents available to answer questions, from 10 am to 3 pm, for walking or bird watching. If there is rain the center closes this day. Just check our web site at www.fsnc.org, or call us at (714) 842-4772.

Sgt. Dave Bunetta receives Mayor’s Award

Dave Bunetta came to the Huntington Beach Police Department in January 1988 after five years with the Orange County Probation Department where he was a supervising probation officer. During his time at HBPD, Dave has worked as a patrol officer, was a member of the original Oakview Task Force, and did investigative work as a sexual assault detective until he was promoted to sergeant in November of 2000.

Since becoming a sergeant, Dave has worked as a patrol supervisor and was assigned as the Community Oriented Policing Sergeant (aka Team C.O.P.) in December of 2001. As the C.O.P. Sergeant, Dave is responsible for supervising the Community Policing Officers and School Resource Officers. He also manages our Citizen Police Academy and is the police department liaison for the Specific Events Committee and the Public Nuisance Task Force. Dave has done an remarkable job in the Community Policing assignment, where he has developed strong relationships with the community, business members and other city employees, while still managing to maintain a strong enforcement presence when problems arise.

Dave is married with two children. He is a long time member of our Crisis Negotiation Team, is an avid runner and has been a key member of the police department’s Baker to Vegas running team for many years. (Photo shows Sgt. Bunetta, Mayor Cathy Green and Chief Ken Small)

Friends of the Library to hold Author’s Luncheon

On Thursday, January 22nd, 2004, Friends of the Library will host a luncheon featuring international best selling author, Nancy Taylor Rosenberg. Lunch and lecture will begin at noon in meeting rooms C/D of the Central Library.

Ms. Rosenberg’s thrillers, all New York Times best sellers, include Mitigating Circumstances, California Angel, Conflict of Interest and her latest work, Sullivan’s Law.

Reservation forms and checks for $12 per person made payable to FOTL must be received by Monday, January 19th. Mail to FOTL, 7111 Talbert Avenue, Huntington Beach, 92648 or drop off at the Friends Gift Shop. For more information call 842-4481, press 7 at prompt.

Cleveland Golf Coming to Huntington Beach

Cleveland Golf will be moving its corporate headquarters from Cypress to the McDonnell Centre Business Park in Huntington Beach. Cleveland Golf is famous for their “Cleveland Wedge” and is sponsor to dozens of professional golfers on both the men’s and women’s circuits.

They will be constructing a new 140,000 square foot industrial building. This is the first major industrial buyer in the second phase of the McDonnell Centre Business Park.

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.

Recycle Your Christmas Tree

The city is happy to provide city residents with the opportunity to recycle their unflocked Christmas tree into mulch. Rainbow Disposal will collect trees left at the curb next to trashcans or commercial bins between December 26 and January 17.

Regular trash trucks make collections on regularly scheduled collection days. The maximum length is six feet. Taller trees must be cut down so as not to exceed six feet. It is important to remove the stand, nails, and all decorations, including lights and tinsel. Trees with leftover decorations cannot be chipped for mulch and flocked trees cannot be recycled.

Meet Me at the Ice Rink a great success

The long-awaited ice rink at Pier Plaza officially opened on November 30 with great success. Attendance has increased daily with some sessions selling out through advanced ticket sales. To guarantee a spot on the rink and a smile on your child’s face, tickets can be ordered on-line at www.meetmeattheicerink.com.

Scense from the Huntington Beach Ice Skating Rink

Project Self-Sufficiency Toys brighten young lives

The Fire Department provided 250 toys for the annual Project Self-Sufficiency Holiday Party, which was held on December 16. These toys were donated from the “Spark of Love” Toy Drive being held at all fire stations in Southern California. Donating toys to Project Self-Sufficiency keeps many of the toys in our local area. In addition, “Sparky” the firedog made an appearance at the party.

Detective raises money to assist crime victim’s family

On November 11 (Veteran’s Day) during the early morning hours, HB resident Cecil Warren was assaulted and robbed of his wallet in the parking lot of the Union Bank on Beach Boulevard. After investigating the crime for many tireless hours, the Huntington Beach Police Department arrested two individuals.

Mr. Warren, who is 77-years-old, was critically injured during the attack. During his lifetime he has survived a plane crash, two major traffic accidents, and open-heart surgery. However, this assault produced severe injuries, and Mr. Warren remains in the hospital in a coma.

Mr. Warren was the sole income provider for himself and his wife Betty, and this senseless attack has left Mrs. Warren without any income. When H.B.P.D. Detective Mark Wersching found out about the Warren’s plight, he resolved to make Mrs. Warren’s holiday a little brighter. Detective Wersching began soliciting cash donations to help Mrs. Warren buy food and assist with her mounting bills. Many Police Department and other city employees have generously donated, and on Christmas Eve Detective Wersching surprised Mrs. Warren with almost $5000 to help her through the holidays.

Unsafe Water Tower is demolished

In the early 1900’s, on the site of the current Central Park/Central Library property, the Brooks family used a water tower to supply irrigation for their farming activities. The family’s residence, which is now used by the Youth Center, also used the tower for a source of running water.

Building and Safety Department officials inspected the tower and deemed it to be unsafe. In attempts to save a piece of history, the city’s Public Works Maintenance Operations staff sought proposals to restore the water tower. After conversations with the Historical Society, and due to budgetary constraints, it was agreed that the tower lacked historical value and would be demolished.

On December 4, Public Works Maintenance Operations staff safely brought the tower down. A representative from the Historical Society was present to gather photos and select pieces of the structure such as the flagpole for posterity.

2004 Youth Basketball registration started

Registration has begun for the 2004 City of Huntington Beach Youth Basketball Program. Boys and girls, grades three to eight, may sign up through evaluation day, which is January 10, 2004. First and second grade boys and girls may sign up until their first day of play on January 31, 2004.

Registration costs $40 and is being held at Murdy Community Center (960-8895), Edison Community Center (960-8870), and the City Gym and Pool (960-8884) for all locations. Please contact any of these locations for more league information.

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.

Now until 1/19/04 Pier Plaza Ice Rink - Huntington Beach has its own special version of the Rockefeller Center Ice Rink. Overlooking the Huntington Beach Pier and beautiful, warm sand beaches, the rink is the same length as the New York version but slightly narrower to fit the configuration of Pier Plaza. Location: Pier Plaza at Pacific Coast Highway and Main Street. Time: Sunday through Thursday – 3:30 to 10:00 pm and Friday and Saturday 4:00 pm to midnight. Ninety minute sessions are held during operating hours. Cost per session: $10/adult plus $3.50 skate rental fee. $7/child plus $3.50 skate rental. Skating classes and party rentals will be available. The rink holds a maximum of 80 skaters. Call: (800) 975-1885. www.meetmeattheicerink.com

1/1 4th Annual H.B. Pier's Polar Plunge - Celebrate New Year's Day in Huntington Beach with a quick dunk in the Pacific Ocean. Time: 9 a.m. Location: South side of Huntington Beach pier at the shore behind Duke's. Cost: Free, public invited. Sponsor: Huntington Beach Sunrise Rotary Club. Call: (714) 457-2757 or (714) 374-5683.

1/3 Pier Plaza Art A-Faire - Held at the outdoor Pier Plaza adjacent to the the Huntington Beach Pier, this craft fair features over 50 vendors selling unique, hand made gifts and crafts. Location: Pacific Coast Highway at Main Street. Time: 10 a.m. to sunset. Cost: Free admission. Call: (714) 536-2213 or (714) 846-5509.

1/9 - 2/1 Stars In Your Eyes - A musical written by Chip Meyrelles and directed by Robert Rotenberry. 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

1/17 - 1/19 Pier Plaza Art A-Faire - Held at the outdoor Pier Plaza adjacent to the the Huntington Beach Pier, this craft fair features over 50 vendors selling unique, hand made gifts and crafts. Location: Pacific Coast Highway at Main Street. Time: 10 a.m. to sunset. Cost: Free admission. Call: (714) 536-2213 or (714) 846-5509.

1/17 - 1/18 National Scholastic Surfing Association Southwest Open Surfing OSMAS Air Show - The highest level of competition is open to students only and holds an A rating. Location: South side of Huntington Beach Pier near Pacific Coast Highway at Main Street. Cost: Free to watch. Call: (714) 536-0445. www.nssa.org

1/19 National Scholastic Surfing Association Southwest Conference College Competition - Location: South side of Huntington Beach Pier near Pacific Coast Highway at Main Street. Cost: Free to watch. Call: (714) 536-0445. www.nssa.org

1/22 Best Selling Author Nancy Taylor Rosenberg - Friends of the Library will host a Luncheon and Lecture for the new release book Sullivan's Law. Relying on her 14-year career in law enforcement to draw upon real-life cases for her nail-biting thrillers, Rosenberg's three previous novels were New York Times best sellers. Location: Central Library, Rooms, 7111 Talbert Ave. Call: (714) 842-4481 ext. 2213. Cost: $12.

1/24 - 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.

2/1 Pacific Shoreline Marathon - 8th annual Super Bowl Sunday 26.2 mile marathon travels along a beautiful oceanfront course, starting and finishing on Pacific Coast Highway at Pier Plaza. Categories include: 26.2 mile marathon, ½ marathon and 5K run/walk. Cost: TBD. Call Race Pace Promotions (949) 581-0105 for entry forms and more information. www.marathonrun.com

January Television Schedule for Channel Three

Community Bulletin Board	AllDay, Everyday
City Council Live Broadcasts	January 5 and 20 starting at 7 pm (January 19th is a holiday)
City Council Re-Broadcasts	January 6 at 10 am and January 7 at 7 pm For the January 5 meeting January 21 at 10 am and 7 pm For the January 20 meeting
Planning Commission Broadcasts	January 13 and 27 at 7 pm
Planning Commission Re-Broadcasts	Thursday following the meeting at 7 pm