Monthly Online Newsletter - January 2007
City Police receive grant to combat drunk driving
Huntington Beach residents can look forward to safer streets under a program announced today by the Huntington Beach Police Department. A series of special efforts will be undertaken aimed at enforcing DUI traffic laws and educating the public on drunk driving issues.
Two additional motorcycles, a DUI Enforcement Team and stepped up impaired driving enforcement will be the result of a $664,128 grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Through this two year grant, the police department will conduct DUI checkpoints, saturation patrols and warrant service operations that will target multiple DUI offenders who violate probation terms or fail to appear in court.
"The grant will improve traffic safety in Huntington Beach," said Huntington Beach Police Chief, Kenneth W. Small. "Through this grant, funding was obtained to impact those who drive while impaired." The main goal of the grant is to reduce the number of persons killed or injured in alcohol related collisions.
"Safe driving is getting a big push this holiday season," said Christopher J. Murphy, Director of the Office of Traffic Safety. "But it is a problem that must be addressed year-round. This grant will help the Huntington Beach Police Department do just that."
Questions about the grant can be directed to the Huntington Beach Police Department Traffic Bureau at (714) 536-5663.
Dog Owners are reminded to keep their furry friends on a leash
The Huntington Beach Police Department and Orange County Animal Control want to remind residents that they must keep their dogs on a leash when in public areas.
Recently, we have received increased complaints about dogs being allowed off-leash in the public parks. They are concerned for the safety of the small children and elderly adults.
The Huntington Beach Police Department and Orange County Animal Control will be increasing enforcement of the ordinances governing these activities. Please be considerate of others and avoid an enforcement contact by keeping your dog on a leash when in public.
The HB Municipal Code is 13.48.025 and the fine is $250.
Shipley Nature Center Activities
The California Native Plant Sale continues at Shipley Nature Center located in Huntington Beach Central Park every day Mon-Thu from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM. A great selection 
of California Native Plants is available for the Winter planting season. Stroll through the eight habitats and see how California Native Plants provide food, shelter and beauty for our local birds and wildlife and conserve water at the same time.
New Website - Check out the new website www.shipleynature.org and discover many exciting things going on at Shipley Nature Center.
Membership - Become a member of the Friends of Shipley Nature Center and take part in the growth of Huntington Beach's little part of nature.
Shipley Restoration Day - Join us the first Saturday of every month from 9:00 AM to noon when volunteers come together to weed, water, plant, clear brush, tend the compost and vermiculture bins, perform building maintenance and do anything else needed to keep Shipley Nature Center open to the public.
Free parking at the Shipley parking lot at 17829 Goldenwest near Talbert. Follow the path from the parking lot into the park to the green Shipley Nature Center gates. Tel: 714-842-4772. www.shipleynature.org
Clerk's Office is the place for your passport
The Huntington Beach City Clerk's Office, located at the Huntington Beach Civic Center, 2PndP Floor, 2000 Main Street (at Yorktown Avenue), offers passport acceptance services that include: processing of first-time passports and passport renewals, photos, pleasant surroundings, convenient, friendly service and no long lines!
Free Income Tax Assistance for Seniors
Michael E. Rodgers Seniors' Center will host A.A.R.P. FREE income tax assistance for seniors 55 and older on Tuesdays beginning February 6 through April 10, 2007 from 12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. Rodgers is located at 1706 Orange Avenue in Huntington Beach. Appointments are required. For more information or to make an appointment, call Rodgers at 714-536-9387.
Please bring the following with you when you come:
- Current year's tax forms and preparation booklet
- Copy of last year's income tax return(s)
- W-2 form from each employer
- Unemployment compensation statements
- SA-1099 form if paid SS benefits
- All 1099 forms
- All forms indicating federal income tax paid
- Dependent care provider information
- All receipts or canceled checks if itemizing deductions
- Social Security numbers for all dependents
- Driver's license or ID card.
Orange County needs volunteers to count the homeless
The County of Orange is preparing to conduct the 2007 Point-In-Time Count and Survey of the homeless in order to compete for the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development's 2007 Continuum of Care Homeless Assistance funds. Within the past ten years the Orange County region has been awarded approximately $75 million through competitive federal grant programs.
In order to remain successful in obtaining future funding, the County relies heavily on volunteers to help count the homeless. This year approximately 1,000 volunteers will be needed on Thursday evening, January 25, 2007 between the hours of 7 pm and midnight and during the day and into the evening on Friday, January 26, 2007.
Information about volunteer opportunities can be found at the following web address: http://www.pointintimeoc.org/. All questions regarding volunteer opportunities may be directed to Karen Roper at (714) 567-7418, karen.roper@csa.ocgov.com or Mary Bishop at (714) 567-5162, mary.bishop@csa.ocgov.com.
Miss Huntington Beach Pageant will be held February 3rd
The annual Miss Huntington Beach Scholarship Pageant is scheduled for Saturday, February 3 at the historic Huntington Beach High School Auditorium beginning at 7 pm. Tickets are $15 with the net proceeds going toward scholarships.
The Pageant is produced by the Women of Action, a division of the Huntington Beach Chamber of Commerce, and will once again have Matt Liffreing act as emcee, along with the more than 14 contestants who will sing, dance, act and answer important questions to vie for a slice of Surf City history.
Additionally, the show would not be possible without the contributions of: Hearthside Homes, 5 Points Plaza, Friar Tux Shop, Regal Awards, Hilton Waterfront Beach Resort, Carousel Press, SkillCraft Body Shop, Inc., Clockwork Agency, Ruby Palace Chinese Restaurant, Golden West College, Guitar Center, and the City of Huntington Beach, among others.
Among the highlights of this year's Pageant, will be an extensive array of raffle items to win, including an electric guitar signed by Dean Torrance of 'Jan & Dean.' There's more online at www.misshb.org. While online, a discount ticket can be downloaded, contestant bios and photos are available, and a chance to vote online for Miss HB are just a few of the website offerings.
"It's been one of the most memorable experiences of my life, and I know our Huntington Beach business community is responsible for most of that with their sponsorships. I am greatly appreciative," said Summer Dawn Maue, Miss Huntington Beach 2006.
Huntington Beach Conference and Visitors Bureau update
The Huntington Beach Conference and Visitors Bureau's website, www.surfcityusa.com, received a record amount of visitors in 2006. More than one million unique viewers logged on to the site this past year, compared to nearly 800,000 unique viewers in 2005.
For more information on the bureau log onto the City of Huntington Beach website - www.surfcity-hb.org - and click on "Conference and Visitor's Bureau Newsletter."
Children's Library has a busy January scheduled
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 our website at www.hbpl.org for a listing of our regularly scheduled storytimes. For more information, call (714) 375-5107
Special Upcoming Events for January 2007:
Family Evening Pajama Storytime with Miss Barbara
Tabby Storytime Theater -- FREE
Thursday, January 11, 2006 7:00 PM
Come celebrate the new year with stories and songs about snow! Enjoy puppets and more! Wear your pajamas and bring your teddy bear. Refreshments provided by the National Charity League.
"Reading is Magic" with Magician Tony Daniels
Wednesday, January 17, 2007 4:00 PM
Library Theater -- Tickets $3 Children $5 Adult
Celebrate the New Year with the Magic of Tony Daniels! Children will be delighted as Tony demonstrates the magic of reading by encouraging a love of books and the library! Watch him perform his famous snow trick, where the entire stage is magically covered with winter snow! This show is sure to please audiences of all ages. Tickets on sale now. Advance ticket purchase is highly recommended.
Special 20th Anniversary Authors Festival Month
Special Appearance by author Gary Soto
Tuesday, January 9, 2007 4:00 PM
Central Library -- Free of charge, but admission tickets are required
Come see famed author Gary Soto live at the library! Mr. Soto has written such favorites as Too Many Tamales, Chato goes Cruisin', The Old Man & his Door, and other stories about family life and growing up in California. Pick up your free admission tickets in the Children's Library.
Authors Festival & Reception
Tuesday, January 30, 2007 2:30 PM
Central Library -- Free of charge -- open to the public
This year the Friends of the Children's Library will celebrate the 20th anniversary of the popular Authors Festival. The whole community is invited to the library-wide book signing, with Barnes & Noble providing the authors' books for purchase.
Over thirty-five authors will have been "authors-in-residence" for the day at twenty-five Huntington Beach and Fountain Valley schools. In the Central Library, at 2:30 PM, twenty of these authors will attend a special reception to greet children, parents, dignitaries and the public. Festivities will include special events such as author book signings and read-alouds in the library.
The Famous and the Infamous
Friday, January 19th, you are invited to join the Friends of the Library when they present two authors. Isaiah Wilner, author of The Man Time Forgot, tells the story of Briton Hadden, the genius behind TIME magazine, and his betrayal by Henry R. Luce. The true story of their tortured friendship has never been told.
Also featured will be Sven Crongeyer, author of Six Gun Sound. Mr. Crongeyer shares tales of the early history of the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department. Los Angeles, a dusty and lawless frontier, was a combustible mixture of Civil War veterans, failed gold prospectors and desperados, and experienced the highest recorded murder rate in U.S. History in the 1800's.
Doors open at 11:30 and the luncheon will begin at noon in room C/D of the Central Library. Prepaid reservations are $18 and MUST BE RECEIVED by Tuesday, January 16 at 7111 Talbert Ave., 92648, or deliver directly to the Friends Gift Shop. For more information call (714) 842-4481 ext. 2213 or press 7 at prompt.
Space is still available for the Sister City Japan Tour
There is still time to become a part of the Huntington Beach delegation traveling to Japan from April 2-12, 2007! The trip commemorates the 25th anniversary of the Huntington Beach-Anjo, Japan Sister City relationship, and includes a two-day home stay in Anjo. This will provide the rare opportunity of living in a Japanese home, as well as the experience of unparalleled warmth and hospitality that is the trademark of Japanese hosts.
An information meeting will be held at the Huntington Beach Central Library on WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 10, at 6:30 p.m. Even if you have not previously expressed interest in the trip, come to this meeting to pick up information brochures on Japan, discuss the itinerary, and find out what to expect and what to bring for a hassle-free and fun trip.
In addition to Anjo, the delegation will spend several days in amazing Tokyo, including an ascent to Tokyo Tower, a visit to the hi-tech-tech electronics shopping area, and an evening tour of the Ginza, famous the world over for its shopping and its bright kaleidoscopic neon lights.
After Tokyo, the delegation will head South to Hiroshima on the Bullet Train, with a Stop at Himehi City to visit Himehi Castle, one of the oldest and dramatic surviving structures from medieval Japan. In Hiroshima, the group will tour the Atomic bomb Dome as the Hiroshima Peace Memorial, which is ground zero of the first atomic bomb every used in military action.
From Hiroshima, the group will travel by ferry to Miyajoma Island to visit Itsukushima Shrine, with its dramatic red gate ("torii"} that appears to float in the ocean during high tides. Heading back North, there will be a visit to Okayama Prefecture to enjoy Korakuen Garden, one of Japan's three greatest gardens.
No trip would be complete without a visit to Kyoto, the capital of Japan for over 1,000 years and today's cultural center of the country. Enjoy time-honored temples, the "Philosopher's Walk", Golden Pavilion and the 1,001 gilded wooden statues of Kannon, the Goddess of Mercy, at the Sanjusangendo Temple.
Yamato Travel Bureau is under the capable leadership of Peggy Mikuni, President, who will give a brief presentation at the January 10 meeting. A representative from Singapore Airlines will also be there.
If you are interested but cannot attend the meeting, please call 714-846-7685 and we will be happy to send all the materials distributed at the meeting.
THE AGE WAVE: Are You Ready for the Ride?
Huntington Beach Senior Services believes that Civic Engagement is the key to the future of volunteerism and, to support this belief, is offering a free 5-week volunteering & caregiving class, "The Age Wave-Are You Ready for the Ride."
The class will be held Wednesdays beginning January 31 from 9:00 - 11:00 a.m. at Rodgers Seniors' Center and includes CPR training. Huntington Beach Senior Services staff will cover the following topics: 
- Myths and Realities of Aging
- Maintaining Boundaries
- Basic Communication & Active Listening
- Understanding the Grieving Process
- Baby Boomers Redefining Aging
- Signs & Symptoms of Abuse
- Special Needs of the Homebound Elderly
- The Aging Network & Community Resources
Volunteers are essential to the success of Huntington Beach Senior Services. Last year volunteers donated over 38,000 hours. Volunteers transport seniors, package and deliver meals, visit the homebound, provide information and referrals, and much more.
By offering this class, The Age Wave-Are you Ready for the Ride, Huntington Beach Senior Services prepares volunteers to better serve this section of our community. Some of the volunteer positions in Senior Services require this training including Friendly Visitors and the newly created Volunteer Escort.
Friendly Visitors visit with senior clients who have limited social contact. The groundbreaking Volunteer Escorts will work through the transportation program to assist frail seniors on their errands, shopping or to the doctor's office.
Whether you plan to volunteer in the senior community or care for an aging loved one, this class prepares volunteers and caregivers to better serve seniors. For additional information or to enroll please contact: Diane Swarts, Volunteer Services Coordinator, (714) 374-1544.
Still time to sign up for Basketball
All boys in the 1st through 8th grades who are interested in playing basketball may sign up at City Gym, Murdy or Edison Centers. Sign-ups will begin on December 2, 2006 and will continue on a daily basis until evaluation day, January 13, 2007. Every boy will receive a team shirt. All games will be played on Saturday. The fee is $40.
| Leagues will be held at the following areas: | Classification: |
| City Gym - A, B, C & D | A - 7th & 8th grades |
| Edison Community Center - C & D | B - 5th & 6 th grades |
| Edison High School - A & B | C - 3rd & 4 th grades |
| Murdy Community Center - C & D | D - 1st & 2nd grades |
| Ocean View High School - A & B |
Girls Basketball
For all girls in the 1st through 8th grades who wish to play basketball on a recreational level may sign up at City Gym, Murdy or Edison Centers. Sign-ups will begin on December 2, 2006 and will continue on a daily basis until evaluation day, January 13, 2007. Every girl will receive a team shirt. All games will be played on Saturday. The fee is $40.
| Leagues will be held at the following areas: | Classification: |
| Edison and Ocean View High Schools - "A" | A - 7th & 8 th grades |
| Murdy and Edison Community Centers -"B", "C" and "D" | B - 5 th & 6 th grades |
| C - 3rd & 4 th grades | |
| D - 1st & 2nd grades |
Movies are fun at the Senior Center
No lines, no tickets to purchase to enjoy an afternoon at the movies complete with popcorn and drinks. Michael E. Rodgers Seniors' Center, 1706 Orange Avenue, is showing free movies on Fridays at 12:30 p.m.
Little Miss Sunshine January 5
Olive is a little girl with a dream: winning the Little Miss Sunshine contest. Her family wants her dream to come true, but they are so burdened with their own quirks, they can barely make it through a day without some disaster befalling them. Olive's father is a flop as a motivational speaker, and is on thin ice with her mother. Her grandfather has a drug habit, her gay uncle is suicidal and her brother has taken a vow of silence. Circumstances conspire to put the entire family on the road together with the goal of getting Olive to the Little Miss Sunshine contest in far off California. Stars Greg Kinnear and Toni Collette. Rated R for language, some sex and drug content. 101 minutes.
World Trade Center January 12
In the aftermath of the World Trade Center disaster, hope is still alive. Refusing to bow down to terrorism, rescuers and family of the victims press forward. This is the true story of John McLoughlin and William J. Jimeno, two of the last survivors extracted from Ground Zero and the rescuers who never gave up. It's a story of the true heroes of that fateful time in the history of the United States when buildings would fall and heroes would rise, literally from the ashes to inspire the entire human race. Directed by Oliver Stone b for intense and emotional content, some disturbing images and language. 129 minutes.
Match Point January 19
Chris Wilson is a former tennis pro, looking to find work as an instructor. He meets Tom Hewett, a well-off pretty boy. Tom's sister Chloe falls in love with Chris, but Chris has his eyes on Tom's fiancée, the luscious Nola. Both Chris and Nola know it's wrong but what could be more right than love? Chris tries to juggle both women but at some point he must choose between them. The only solution to the dilemma seems unthinkable . . . Directed by Woody Allen Rated R for some sexuality. 124 minutes.
The Devil Wears Prada January 26
From the best selling novel, this story tells of the adventure of Andrea, whose greatest dream is to become a journalist. To make ends meet she takes a job at Runway magazine. Fashion editor Miranda Priestly tears up the landscape as a demanding boss, who makes Andrea's job a living hell. Will Andrea bend? Will her makeover change her forever? Stars Meryl Streep and Anne Hathaway. Rated PG for some sensuality. 109 minutes.
Movies selected are based on suggestions from the audience. Look for movie suggestion forms near the popcorn machine or at the front desk at Rodgers Seniors' Center. For more information call 714-536-9387.
Cigarette Filters Pollute Creeks, Rivers, Bays and Ocean
They are everywhere … thrown out of car windows, smashed on sidewalks and piled up outside businesses, restaurants and homes. The cigarette butt is one of the most common pieces of 
litter found throughout the City of Huntington Beach. Although most agree that the cigarette butt is unsightly, what many don't understand is that they also pose a serious threat to our environment.
Cigarette butts discarded on our streets and sidewalks eventually make their way into the storm drain where they flow, untreated, into our creeks, rivers, bays and ocean. Contrary to popular belief, cigarette filters are made with a plastic material and do not biodegrade.
Instead, they remain in our waterways, leaching toxic substances into the water and sediment, contaminating the food supply and directly killing small animals. However, the chemicals within the cigarette butt are not the only danger to the environment.
The butt itself has proven to be a choking hazard for marine life and seabirds.
Each year cigarette butts are the number one item picked up during the California Coastal and Intercoastal Cleanup Day, which takes place the third Saturday in September. In 2005, more than 250,000 cigarette butts (35 percent of the litter collected) were picked up in one day from California's creeks, rivers, bays and beaches.
By following a few simple tips, we can prevent cigarette butts from entering our waterways:
- Always dispose of cigarettes properly and never discard them in the street or sidewalk.
- Keep an ashtray in your car and never dispose of cigarettes out the car window.
- Provide ashtrays in smoking areas and keep the location well maintained.
- Sweep your sidewalk and gutter to remove cigarettes. Never hose down the area.
- Participate in a local cleanup event or plan one for your community.
Do your part! Remember, the Ocean Begins At Your Front Door. For more information about what you can do to prevent water pollution or to report a water pollution problem, contact the Orange County Stormwater Program at 714-567-6363 or visit www.ocwatersheds.com.
John Carpenter receives December Mayor's Award
John Carpenter was presented with the Mayors Award on December 18th, 2006 in recognition of his accomplishments with the Information Services Department and for his customer service skills. John has been with the City's Information Services Department for more than four years.
The management of Information Services regularly receives positive feedback for John's customer service skills and for his ability to explain highly technical issues in a way that everyone can understand.
In addition to maintaining the e-mail infrastructure and the time and attendance system, John led the successful implementation of server virtualization in the data center, and case management software for the City Attorney's Office. His contributions to the Information Services Department have resulted in improved efficiency and stability.
John is pictured above with Gil Coerper, City of Huntington Beach Mayor and Jack Marshall, Director of Information Services.
Scenes from the December 3rd Main Street
Parade & Pier Lighting
Spark of Love Toy Drive a huge Success
The Huntington Beach Fire Department would like to thank all of the citizens of Huntington Beach that so generously donated toys for the "Spark of Love" toy drive. The "Spark of Love" toy drive began in 1993 in cooperation with ABC 7 and local firefighters throughout Orange, Riverside, Los Angeles, San Bernardino and Ventura counties. It is the only toy drive started and conducted by firefighters. Halfway through the holiday season a media advisory went out because there was a shortage of toys for the needy families. Huntington Beach residents responded and flooded the fire stations with donations. Toys were also donated to the 155 children in the Project Self Sufficiency program.
November Television Schedule for Channel Three
| Community Bulletin Board | Daily |
| City Council Meetings | January 2@ 6:00 pm Rebroadcast Jan. 3 @ 7 pm January 16 @ 6:00 pm Rebroadcast Jan. 17 @ 7 pm |
| Planning Commission Mtgs | January 8 @7 pm Rebroadcast Jan. 10 @ 7 pm January 22 @ 7 pm Rebroadcast Jan. 24 @ 7 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 6 pm to 9 pm, Saturdays from 10 am to 1 pm.
The Classic Arts programming runs Sundays 8 am to noon and 7 pm to 11 pm; Mondays 2 pm to 6 pm; Tuesdays 5 pm to 7 pm; Wednesdays 8 am to noon; Thursdays 3 pm to 7 pm; Fridays 8 am to noon; and Saturdays 4 pm to 6 pm and 8 pm to 10 pm.