Monthly Online Newsletter - June 2005
New Lifeguard Headquarters open for business
Open House scheduled for June 17th
The fences have been taken down and two new buildings are open at the beach, completing Phase 2 of the South Beach Improvements. On May 2nd, the City of Huntington Beach officially opened the Vincent G. Moorhouse Lifeguard Headquarters and the Marine Safety Education Center, home of the Junior Lifeguards. The completion of Phase 2 of the South Beach improvements means not only the opening of these two new buildings, but also the addition of more parking spaces, improved beach paths, new restrooms, and a new concession area.
The old Lifeguard Headquarters building was over 30 years old and not in compliance with current building codes. In April of 2003, this building was torn down in order to begin the construction on the new Vincent G. Moorhouse Lifeguard Headquarters. This building is the new home of Marine Safety and Parking Operations. The new lifeguard headquarters building boasts a grassy turf area where people can relax and play and a viewing platform for visitors to enjoy the view of our spacious beaches and beautiful ocean.
The handicapped access ramp is complimented with a public art display that was designed by Donna Billick. Donna Billick created mosaics and sculptures that are featured at the Marine Safety Education Center and in "Wave Plaza." The Junior Lifeguards and members of the public also created mini-tiles depicting ocean and beach scenes that have been incorporated into the walls and the steps.
The previous lifeguard headquarters did not have a permanent locker facility for women because 30 years ago, when this building was constructed, there were no female lifeguards. Now, the new building has upgraded locker facilities for the staff, with separate locker areas for the men and women. There is also plenty of space to house all of the lifeguard vehicles and Waverunners. This building houses the main radio communication for all the lifeguard towers and includes training rooms, as well as first aid facilities.
The Vincent G. Moorhouse Lifeguard Headquarters is also the home of parking operations. Residents can purchase their parking passes at this location. Several improvements have been made to the parking lots near the beach. Thirty-six new parking spaces were added, bringing the total to 437 parking spaces. The RV overnight parking lot, which previously consisted of only parking spaces for the RV's, now has water and electrical hookups. These hookups are available to travelers during the fall and spring months.
The Marine Safety Education Center is now the new home of the Junior Lifeguards. With more than 1,000 Junior Lifeguards, the program did not have adequate space. During the construction, the Junior Lifeguard program has been running out of a temporary trailer on the sand. Besides housing the Junior Guards, this building will serve as an educational facility with space for classes and staff training.
There are also locker cubbies for the kids and room to park vehicles and to house the lifeguard equipment. A portion of the lower level of this two-story building is a concession stand which will be open once an operator is selected.
The cost of the completion of Phase 2 of the South Beach Improvements was $12.3 
million. The Coastal Conservancy greatly aided this project with a $2 million grant. Besides having these two new facilities, which house the lifeguards and future lifeguards of Huntington Beach who ensure safety for residents and visitors, the new renovations have provided a beautiful and safe beach front.
Now even more accessible with new parking spaces and RV hookups, the new beachfront provides more services for the public, including new restrooms, redesigned showers, a new concession stand, and wider paths that are safer.
Huntington Beach is now ready for the summer with its newly designed beachfront and the Vincent G. Moorhouse Lifeguard Headquarters building and the Marine Safety Education Center open and in operation.
A dedication for the new buildings will be held on June 17th starting at 10:30 am. The public is invited to join the celebration, tour the new buildings and share the excitement of these great additions to the City facilities.
Lots of activities planned for July Fourth
By Connie Young, Board Representative
The 101st Annual Huntington Beach Parade and Celebration will begin on July 3rd at Pier Plaza with a Fun Expo. Come out and visit sponsors of the 4th of July events.
On July 4th after the 10 am Parade passes by, a special Kids Village Expo will be added to educate and amuse your children in the first three blocks of Main Street.
K-EARTH 101 FM will provide live musical entertainment all afternoon on the 4th with The Safaris and the Surf City Allstar Band. In the evening K-EARTH will simulcast the Fireworks Show from the Pier.
The Air Force Band of the West will perform in the parade as well as the Marine Band and Mounted Unit from Camp Pendleton. Surfer, Bethany Hamilton, who lost her arm to a shark attack last year, Chip Foose, custom auto designer, and Raul Rodriguez,
Former HB Mayor Shirley Dettloff is Community Grand Marshal and City employee John Von Holle has been chosen as the Bill Gallienne Award winner.
For all the 4th of July events and other information, visit the 4th of July website at www.hb4thofjuly.org.
Rubber Ducks race to shore
The 13th Annual Duck-A-Thon was a huge success on Saturday May 14th at the Huntington Beach Pier.
More than 20,000 people came to watch thousands of rubber duckies being dropped from the pier and begin the race to the shore.
Masses of excited children could hardly wait for the winner duck to be declared so that they could rush into the ocean and collect the rest of the duckies.
A total of 3,800 ducks were sold, raising almost $200,000 for the Community Care Health Centers, which provides low cost health care in Huntington Beach.
New Passport Requirements for Travel to Mexico or Canada
The City of Huntington Beach, through the City Clerk's Office, has been designated as a United States Passport Acceptance Facility. Beginning December 31, 2005, the U. S. Passport Agency will put a new law called the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative into effect.
If your future travel plans call for a destination beyond the borders of the United States, even to Mexico or Canada, then you either need a new passport or you may want to check your current passport to make sure it is up-to-date. All travelers to and from these areas will be required to have a passport or other accepted document that establishes the bearer's identity and nationality to enter or re-enter the United States.
The requirement is applied to all travel (air/sea) to or from the Caribbean, Bermuda, and Central and South America beginning December 31, 2005. The requirement is extended to all air and sea travel to or from Mexico or Canada beginning December 31, 2006, and to all air, sea and land border crossings beginning December 31, 2007.
Passport customers should allow a sufficient amount of time to apply and receive their passports in advance of travel. Please allow six (6) weeks for routine processing of passport applications. If urgent travel is needed and a passport is required sooner, please visit www.travel.state.gov for additional information. The Huntington Beach City Clerk's Office provides information for first-time and renewing passport applicants. 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 3:30 pm., including lunchtime hours. For more information call 714-374-1600.
Vacancies on City Commissions
The Human Relations Task Force and the Library Board of Trustees will have new vacancies opening this year. All the positions on these boards are on a volunteer basis and help to serve our community.
The Human Relations Task Force promotes and celebrates diversity in our community through education and understanding. The Task Force works towards achieving its mission by sponsoring annual community events, dialogues, and educational field trips for middle school students.
Applicants must be residents of Huntington Beach and be available to attend meetings the first Tuesday evening of every month. The current vacancy is for a term ending December 31, 2005.
For more information on the Human Relations Task Force, call Elaine Kuhnke, Community Services, at (714) 374-5307. The application due date is June 17, 2005.
The Library Board of Trustees will have three vacancies at the end of June. The Library Board makes recommendations to City Council on matters relating to the City's libraries and library services. The Board meets on the third Tuesday of every month and the term for Board members is four years. For more information on the Library Board of Trustees, please call Linda Boucher at (714) 960-8836.
Applications may be downloaded from the City's website at www.surfcity-hb.org. You can find the application for each board by clicking on Government and then on Boards and Commissions.
Brookhurst and Adams to receive needed traffic improvements
A project to improve traffic flow at the intersection of Brookhurst Street and Adams Avenue was awarded at the April 18 City Council meeting. The improvements include adding right turn lanes in the east and westbound directions, as well as modifying the existing traffic signal to accommodate the widening.
Construction is anticipated to begin in early June and be completed by September. The project will be funded through a combination of OCTA Intersection Improvement Program (IIP) grants and the Traffic Impact Fund.
The widening project should not impact on-going development projects in the area.
Veterans tell their stories to students
Huntington Beach High School's Sophomore World History/ Model United Nations class went to Rodger's Seniors' Center on May 19 to learn about seniors' experiences during World War II.
Mayor Jill Hardy organized this project in which the students met with seniors and listened to their stories about the war, recorded these narratives, and then will compile of all these stories into a journal.
There was a great turnout for the event, with more than 80 students
Each member of the Sophomore World History/Model United Nations class from Huntington Beach High School recorded the stories of the senior with whom they were matched. With Mayor Hardy's assistance,
Copies of the journal will be available in the Huntington Beach Public Library, the Clerk's Office at City Hall, and at the Rodger's Seniors' Center.
Annual Pier Swim will be held June 11
The 55th Annual Huntington Beach Open "Rough Water" Pier Swim will be held Saturday, June 11. The event is sponsored by the Huntington Beach Community Services Department.
The first race is Men, ages 16-24; Senior Men, ages 25-31; Women, ages 16-24; Senior Women, ages 25-31; Masters Men, 32-39; Grand Masters Men, 40-49 years; Masters Women, 32-39; Grand Masters Women, 40-49; Super Masters Women, 50 and over; Super Masters Men, 50-59, and Ultra Masters Men, 60 and over. Starting time for the first race is 9:00 a.m. The second race is Junior Men and Junior Women, 12-15 years of age and starts at approximately 9:45 a.m.
Trophies will be awarded, first through third places, in each of the eleven divisions with the Gene Belshe Memorial Perpetual Trophy going to the winning team and a trophy to the first Huntington Beach boy and girl. This is one of the first regular ocean swims of the season. Over 300 contestants participated last year.
The public is invited to participate or come and watch the competition. Pre-registration will be taken at 2000 Main St. in Community Services until May 26. The fee for pre-registration is $14 with a shirt or $10 without a shirt. Late registration will be taken at the beach on June 11 between 8:00 and 8:30 a.m. for $12 without a shirt. For further information, please call 536-5486.
The classic cars will roll out on June 5th
The Concours d'Elegance will be held on Sunday, June 5 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and will showcase more than 500 vehicles. The event will be held in Huntington Beach Central Park (on Talbert Ave. and Golden West St.) next to the Huntington Beach Public Library and Cultural Resource Center.
This year, the featured import will be "The Ultimate Driving Machine," BMW, who will be showcasing many models that have been made since the company was founded in 1928, as well as its Mini brand and motorcycles. "The car of presidents and kings," the Packard, will be the featured domestic marque for 2005.
In addition to viewing the more than 40 classes of car, motorcycles and vintage bikes, there will be food booths, a jazz band and family entertainment. For more information on the event and registration, visit the Concours d'Elegance website at www.hbconcours.org or call the Concours D'Elegance information line at (714) 375-5023. Judging of cars will start at 9 a.m. and the event will be open to the public from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Mayor Hardy honors two employees at May Council Meetings
John McGrew began with Senior Services as a volunteer in 1999 and over the years has accumulated 3,271 volunteer hours. In March of 2001, John was hired as a recurrent driver but his volunteer service to senior services didn't stop.
John is a very valuable employee who always goes the extra mile. He is therefore relied upon to be the Bravo driver, the designated on-call driver, who can be dispatched to any part of the city, for any client for any purpose. John was raised in Westminster and is a graduate of Huntington Beach High School, class of 1945. His wife Marge, works at Rodgers Seniors' Center helping to serve the daily congregate meal. John was honored with the April Mayor's Award at the May 2nd Council Meeting.
Geoff Peterson is a Leadworker in the City's Signs and Markings section, Transportation Division of the Public Works Department. Geoff Peterson is responsible for the fabrication and he ensures that all of the 30,000 traffic control signs; all of the plastic engraved signs on and in all City owned public buildings; and all of the special vinyl signs are maintained and kept in a useful condition.
Geoff Peterson started working for the City of Huntington Beach on May 17, 1982. He began working in the Corporation Yard in the Sign Shop. Geoff lives in Huntington Beach in the house he grew up in; with his wife Rita and their three daughters. He is an avid fisherman in both fresh and saltwater and also enjoys playing basketball once a week.
Geoff was honored with the Mayor's Award at the May 16th City Council Meeting.
City seeks those who go the extra mile for the environment
The Environmental Board is now accepting nominations for efforts to preserve, protect and conserve our community's environmental resources. All community businesses, community groups, schools and individuals are encouraged to submit candidates for the awards.
Just complete the application below and attach a description of what the nominee did and the benefits to the community and environment. Successful entries will receive recognition at a City Council meeting.
The deadline for nominations is July 31 2005 so submit your nominations now! For further information contact:
Ray Hiemstra (714) 904-3671 (Environmental Board) or
Ricky Ramos (714) 536-5624 (H.B. Planning Department)
This is the opportunity to reward the many environmental efforts being made in Huntington Beach! All Huntington Beach businesses, community organizations, schools and individuals are encouraged to apply to receive recognition for their efforts to preserve, conserve and protect our community's environment. The City of Huntington Beach Environmental Board in conjunction with the City Council will present the ELEVENTH ANNUAL AWARDS AND RECOGNITION PROGRAM for documented measures to enhance our environment.
Who can apply? Any Huntington Beach business, organization or individual that has been active in environmental innovation, preservation, conservation restoration, recycling and waste reduction, or education.
How to Apply? Complete and return this application to Mr. Ricky Ramos, City of Huntington Beach Environmental Board, 2000 Main St., P.O. Box 190, Huntington Beach, CA 92648. If you have any questions please call (714) 536-5624. Attach a written description of what the nominee did and the benefits to our community and environment. Include any supporting materials necessary to back up your submittal.
The Awards: Successful entries will receive recognition at a City Council meeting.
Name:_________________________________________________________
Address:_______________________________________________________
Contact Person:_________________________________________________
Phone:___________________________________Email:________________
New Exhibit at the Art Center
In June, the Huntington Beach Art Center will present Out of Context, a look at contemporary art by Vietnamese-American artists living in California and Vietnamese artists living in Vietnam. The exhibit investigates the wide range of stylistic choices, media and content found through extensive visits to communities in Los Angeles, Orange County, San Diego, the San Francisco Bay area, Hanoi and Saigon.
The range of works in the exhibition will include photography and photo-based work, paintings on canvas and paper, sculpture and installation, and sound installation and video. These new works by thirteen artists have not been previously exhibited.
Out of Context is meant to challenge the audience to experience this diverse group of artists works without the underpinning factor of heritage as the unifying element that often mistakenly stereotypes people of shared ancestry as a homogeneous group.
A thirty-page catalogue will accompany the exhibition. In July, there will be a series of related cultural activities taking place at the Art Center. We welcome you to visit the exhibit, as well as attend and participate in the cultural activities scheduled.
Out of Context will be at the Huntington Beach Art Center, 538 Main St., from June 11 to August 7. Admission is free through the generosity of the Huntington Beach Art Center Foundation. The Gallery is open from Wednesday to Saturday from 12 to 6 p.m. and on Sunday from 12 to 4 p.m., and closed on Monday and Tuesday.
Library honors volunteers
The City of Huntington Beach Library hosted a "We're Wild About our Volunteers" luncheon on Monday, May 2. Mayor Jill Hardy assisted in passing out the awards to 72 volunteers who were 
recognized at the event.
Mayor Pro Tem Dave Sullivan and Library Director Ron Hayden spoke to the 170 people who attended the luncheon. This year marked a record number of volunteers and volunteer hours for the library. Pictured is Volunteer of the Year Dee San Marchi from Friends of the Library who had 1,276 total volunteer hours in 2004. She is shown with Library Director Ron Hayden and Mayor Jill Hardy.
Huntington Council on Aging to host Golf Tournament
On Friday, June 24th, 2005, tee up in a special Huntington Beach Senior Services Golf Tournament at Meadowlark Golf Course and help the Huntington Beach Council on Aging stay "ON COURSE" with support services for seniors in our city.
Register early! ON COURSE is limited to the first 144 golfers of all ages and is expected to sell out. Each golf package includes green fees, cart, lunch, and delectable buffet dinner all for $100. Players will have several chances to win fabulous prizes including two chances to win a new car.
There are several ways to help support these vital services for seniors through ON COURSE! One can enjoy a delightful day of golf, sponsor the event, and/or volunteer to help the ON COURSE Committee coordinate this year's tournament. For more information, call Rodgers Seniors' Center at (714) 536-9387.
"Every Fifteen Minutes" brings tragedy close to home
On May 12 & 13, the "Every 15 Minutes" Program was held at Huntington Beach High School to educate the students about the dangers of drinking and driving. The program began with students being pulled from class by a grim reaper, followed by a police officer who announced that the student was killed in an alcohol-related accident.
During the noon hour, a simulated traffic collision was staged in front of the high school where three students were killed in an accident, and a fourth student was arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol. Students were taken to the Westminster Justice Center where they participated in a mock DUI court trial and then went to Pacific View Cemetery where they viewed the funeral home and Orange County Drunk Driver Memorial.
Later that evening, students were bused to the Waterfront Hilton where they participated in a workshop, discussed the day's events, and wrote "Goodbye" letters to their families. At the same time, the parents were at Huntington Beach High School writing "Goodbye" letters to their children.
The next morning, the students were reunited with their families and classmates at an assembly held at the high school. A video presentation of the accident was played, and several of the parents and students read the letters they wrote earlier. Fire Captain Darren Newton spoke at the assembly about the personal impact on him of a person driving under the influence--a drunk driver killed his older brother. The program involved several members of the Fire, Police, and Public Works Departments, as well as several private corporate sponsors.
The program is held every year and rotates among the four city high schools. The program will be held at Ocean View High School in 2006.
Chinese Brush Painters will be on display at Central Library
Emerging and Master Southern California Chinese Brush Painters will be displaying their Chinese brush paintings at the West Gate Show in the Corner Gallery of the Huntington Beach Central Library from June 2 to 29.
The paintings will explore a variety of subjects from the meditative to the energetic in this Spring/ Summer Show, sponsored by the local Orange and LA County Chapter of the American Association of Chinese Brush Painting (AACBP). The AACBP is a non-profit organization founded in 1981 to popularize and facilitate the study of Chinese brush painting among the American public.On Saturday, June 11, a demonstration by professional artist Chris Ho will take place at 4 p.m. The audience will watch as Ho uses bold brush strokes to make America's symbol, the bald eagle, seemingly come to life on paper. The Yorba Linda-based Ho received formal training in Taiwan and has been commissioned to create paintings of the eagle for presentations to President George Bush and Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger.
Show hours are:
Monday - 1 to 9 p.m.
Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday - 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Friday - 9 to 5 p.m.
Sunday - 1 to 5 p.m.
For more information on the artists, go to http://mysite.verizon.net/4AACBP/. The Huntington Beach Central Library is located at 7111 Talbert Avenue. For more information about the show, please visit the library's website at www.hbpl.org or call (714) 842- 4481.
City to participate in Homeownership Fair
For the first time, Huntington Beach will be participating in Orange County's Annual Homeownership Fair, which will be held Sunday, June 5, from 11:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. at Centennial Park in Santa Ana. The event will be presented by the Orange County Homeownership Partners, including the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Homebuyer seminars will be held both in English and Spanish. Seminar topics include credit, budgeting, real estate, and related topics; as well as entertainment, food, and raffles prizes. Additional information is available by contacting Affordable Housing Clearinghouse at (949) 859-9255.
Police Open House draws more than 200 visitors
Huntington Beach residents were able to learn more about the Police Department on Saturday May 21. More than 200 people came to the Huntington Beach Police Department's Open House at City Hall and were given an inside look into the headquarters of the public safety professionals who serve their community.Tours were given of the police department that showed the public the crime lab, the jail, and the communications center.
Displays were set up outside to demonstrate many of the resources available to the Huntington Beach Police Department. Several police vehicles were on display including a state-of-the-art police car, a police motorcycle, and the department's helicopter. Children were able to climb in the police car and to pose for pictures on the motorcycle. Also at the Open House were a Search and Rescue display and van, the K-9 car with two dogs and their handlers, a static SWAT display with the armored car, and a recruiting booth. The HBPD also offered child fingerprinting. The OC Animal Control "Adopt a Pet" van came to the Open House and all the dogs they brought with them were adopted that day.
The Community Emergency Response Team representatives also had displays set up.
One student's view of Huntington Beach
As part of the Youth in Government Day sponsored by the City, students wrote speeches about their community and what it means to them. The following speech is by the first place winner and allows the reader to see Huntington Beach through the eyes of a high school student.
Better Things to Think About
By Derek Pham, Grade 10, Edison High School
Youth in Government Day 2005 First Place Winner
A community such as Surf city aka Huntington Beach has its share of stereotypes. But, whether they be the surfer dudes, blond, rad, fad girls, or the cliché evil hierarchy of schools so often seen in movies, Huntington Beach defines the coolest city in Southern California. I know I have my own bias but what can one expect from the endless sunny days, minute walk to the beach, and the friendly citizens of Surf City?
Everyday, the newspapers have stories of death, destruction, the world nearing the apocalypse, but in our sunny, happy HB, stories of friendly rivalry between high school sports, inspiring and tear-jerking stories of puppies finding new homes dominate the headlines. HB affects the outsider, or say, guest, in a variety of ways. Never is there really a sense of negativity in our city but a sense of peace-peace that everywhere one goes, an ever smiling face is present and despite the occasional gloom, the ceaseless caressing waves continue to make music to every Huntington Beacher.
Growing up in Huntington Beach, I've known this city as my life. I've traveled the world, seen the sights that fade, heard the sounds that diminish, but never will there be a duplicate of Surf City. Here, everything lasts, from the constant motion of the waves to the endless activity in downtown Main Street.
If we all just listened, took a break from our normal and busy lives, we'd see truly what this wonderful city is all about. Start with the pier; stand on that historic pier that towers over surfers and body boarders. In the back, hear the gulls shriek as they catch their fish or the fisherman commenting on the days catch. Suck in the scent, that familiar ocean air tingling the nose but refreshing the mind. Hear the children laugh, the adults converse in the sand below you. Sounds of beach balls whop by while skates, bicycles and scooters skid on the paved road. This is your HB.
And finally, leave Main Street and take to the quiet of a tranquil neighborhood. The dogs are out, the children are playing about, surfers dripping in sand and salt h2o get changed near their cars. Life seems so different here from the bustle of downtown but not in atmosphere. The same peace, relaxing air surrounds you and you just breathe in, a sigh of happiness. Happiness at thee events, happiness at this close knit community, happiness in HB.
There are times when we wonder what makes our life so great and the answer is the surroundings we grew up in. What affects our future depends on our life before it. Surf City was a guide, leading me through my childhood to my current status. Here I am, in wonderful Surf City with its familiar sounds, sights and smells. With its dudes and dudettes, surfers and cyclists, neighbors and friends, all that one could ever ask for. It has taught me that my community, my city is what I build my support on. It is a pride in my community and this pride has affected my everyday functions, from work to extracurricular activities.
The world constantly turns and lives are affected by these sudden changes but in Huntington Beach, the waves tell all. Each and everyday the tides rise and recede only to do the same thing the next day, but our city keeps changing, not unmoved by these unvarying events. So, the world may have it share of the horrors but our youth, who command tomorrow, remain undisturbed for it is the positive outlook that makes the difference and not a report of disaster. In Surf City, it is better to view the hopeless with an optimistic manner because the wanderer may wonder, "Where is the murder, the violence, the enemies?" and all he or she would get in reply is, "Would you like to take home a puppy?"
The National Incident Management System
Adapted by Will Schulz, Assistant Emergency Services Coordinator
On February 28, 2003, President Bush issued Homeland Security Presidential Directive-5. HSPD-5 directed the Secretary of Homeland Security to develop and administer a National Incident Management System (NIMS). NIMS provides a consistent nationwide template to enable all government, private-sector, and non-governmental organizations to work together during large-scale emergencies.
So what exactly is the National Incident Management System?
NIMS is a comprehensive, national approach to incident management that is applicable at all jurisdictional levels (levels of government) and across all disciplines (Fire Services, Police, Lifeguards, etc.). The intent of NIMS is to:
- Be applicable across a full spectrum of potential incidents and hazard scenarios, regardless of size or complexity.
- Improve coordination and cooperation between public and private entities in a variety of large-scale emergency management activities.
Why Do We Need a National Incident System?
As you are well aware, emergencies occur every day somewhere in the United States. These emergencies are both large and small and range from fires to hazardous materials incidents to natural and technological disasters. The events of September 11 have underscored the need for and importance of national standards for incident operations, incident communications, personnel qualifications, resource management, and information management and supporting technology.
Each of these incidents requires a response. Whether from different departments within the same jurisdiction, from mutual aid partners (neighboring cities or counties), or from State and Federal agencies, responders need to be able to work together, communicate with each other, and depend on each other.
Until now, there have been no National standards for large-scale emergency response that reach across all levels of government and all emergency response agencies. California, however, has had the Standardized Emergency Management System (SEMS) in place since 1996. SEMS was used as a model for the development of NIMS. Huntington Beach has been SEMS compliant since 1996.
NIMS Concepts and Principles
NIMS provides a framework for interoperability and compatibility by balancing flexibility and standardization.
- NIMS provides a flexible framework that facilitates government and private entities at all levels working together to manage large-scale emergencies.
- NIMS provides a set of standardized organizational structures, as well as requirements for processes, procedures, and systems designed to improve interoperability.
Our Emergency Services Office is currently working with other cities in Orange County to strategize how best to implement NIMS according to the timeline given by HSPD-5. As a first step, we will be conducting training classes in the near future for our emergency response personnel and City employees who will be asked to work in the Emergency Operations Center during a disaster.
For more information, or to take an online overview course of NIMS, go to:
http://www.fema.gov/nims/index.shtm
In Three Tragic Seconds . . .
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 3 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…
Drowning is the leading cause of unintentional injury death to children under five years.
FACT…
A pool or spa is 14 times more likely than a vehicle to cause the death of a child under five.
FACT…
Drowning is a silent event. Children do not understand the danger of water and do not splash or cry out for help.
FACT…
Most of the children who drowned or nearly drowned were last seen in the house or away from the pool or spa.
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 widows 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!
- Never leave toys in or around the pool/spa area.
- Post 9-1-1 emergency phone number on your phones. Have a phone 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.
- Learn how to perform infant/child CPR.
- Learn how to swim and learn rescue techniques.
WHAT TO DO IF YOU FIND A CHILD IN A POOL
Yell for help and get the child out of the pool and onto the pool check.
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.
For a complete listing of events in Huntington Beach, visit the Huntington Beach Conference and Visitors Bureau Calendar at www.surfcityevents.com *********************************************** June Television Schedule for Channel Three
Community Bulletin Board All Day, Everyday City Council Live Broadcasts June 6 and 20 starting at 6 pm City Council Re-Broadcasts June 7 at 10 am and June 8 at 7 pm
for the June 6 meetingJune 21 at 10 am and June 22 at 7 pm
for the June 20 meetingPlanning Commission Broadcasts June 14 and 28 at 7 pm Planning Commission Re-Broadcasts Thursday following the meeting at 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 6pm to 9pm
Saturdays from 10 am to 1 pm