Monthly Online Newsletter - March 2004

The Rebirth of Huntington Center

The rebirth of Huntington Center has been longtime coming. Over the last few years, the City of Huntington Beach’s Redevelopment Agency has acted as a catalyst for its renovation. After many years of working with various property owners and developers the center is now about ready to be reconstructed.

The former mall is now being transformed into an Open Air Entertainment/Lifestyle complex to be known as “Bella Terra”. The first phase of the project was the renovation of the former Broadway building into Kohl’s Department Store. Kohl’s opened in March of 2003. The redevelopment of the remainder of the project will continue this spring.

Century Theaters is scheduled to build an all-stadium 5,000-seat 20-screen cinema complex that will anchor the transformation of the Mall. Bella Terra will provide a destination where shopping, dining and entertainment are combined with the relaxing atmosphere of water fountains, cobblestones and court areas, creating a shopping venue reminiscent of shops of a quaint Italian village. Upon completion, Bella Terra will provide over 765,991 square feet of retail, dining and entertainment space with over 60 shops and restaurants.

Existing shops near Beach Boulevard, which include Barnes & Noble, Staples, See's Candies, Starbuck's, General Store and a soon to be expanded Circuit City store, will undergo exterior design changes to incorporate Bella Terra's design theme. Burlington Coat Factory and Mervyn's will also experience an exterior facade change to continue the Tuscan Village look. Romano's Macaroni Grill, along with these other tenants will remain open for business during the construction of the project.

To facilitate the redevelopment of Bella Terra, the City of Huntington Beach is facilitating the issuance of $25 million in Community Facilities - Bonds Mello Roos bonds. These bonds will permit the developer to borrow funds at a lower interest rate than if it had borrowed from banking institutions.

The bonds will pay for all of the project’s public improvements, including the 6-story parking structure, median and street work on Edinger Avenue, a storm drain system on Edinger and extensive water lines serving the project.

The bond proceeds, together with lender financing and developer equity will, allow for completion of this $170 million redevelopment. The Agency is investing $15 million for demolition, clearance, site preparation, public improvements, utilities and facilities costs over a period of 20 years from a share of the public revenues generated by the project.

July 4th Centennial Celebration

On July 4th the waters off our shore will reflect fireworks shot from a barge into the night sky! The display promises to be the second largest on the West Coast and one befitting the 100th anniversary of our city’s 4th of July Parade.

Volunteers are needed to help make the Centennial a great success. The 4th of July begins early with the Surf City 5K Run and Fitness Expo followed by the 100th Annual Parade at 10:00 a.m. and the evening Fireworks Spectacular. Contact Mary Ellen Cianciabella at 714/847-5437 to offer your time.

Merchandise is now available on the 4th of July website and at California Greetings, 6 blocks north of the Pier on Main Street. Beginning Memorial Day weekend, look for merchandise street vendor carts at the pier and on Main Street.

Watch for updates on the July Fourth Centennial on the City’s website at www.surfcity-hb.org. Just click on the parade logo for information.

Public Works to begin flushing water system

Beginning Tuesday, February 10, 2004, the City of Huntington Beach Public Works Utilities Division will be implementing a water main flushing program starting at the north end of town. The program is performed every two years and helps maintain the quality of the water in the distribution system.

Over the course of the next four months, Utilities Division crews will be operating fire hydrants in order to flush the system. Residents may experience some discoloration of their water. This is only temporary and is not harmful. If discoloration persists, or if residents have questions pertaining to the flushing program, they should call the Utilities Division at 714-536-5921.

Jane Cameron receives the February Mayor’s Award

During her 17 years with the City, Jane has maintained her connection to Public Safety as she worked her way up from Fire Dispatcher, to Dispatch Shift Supervisor and, most recently, to FireMed Coordinator, the position she has held for over a year. In this position, she is responsible for managing the City’s $6.2 million Paramedic subscription program with over 25,000 members. This very important program funds many of the City’s emergency services, including 32 paramedic positions, 24 ambulance operators and six non-sworn positions.

Jane is known for her willingness to take on new projects, her enthusiasm for her work and her can-do attitude. She is an outstanding employee.

Jane grew up in Downey, California and graduated from UCLA. She and her husband, Jim, now reside in Aliso Viejo. Jane was joined at the awards ceremony by her many Department friends and her parents, Jay and Jeanne Sandberg.

Spring Cleaning Event
Volunteer Bartlett Park Clean Up Project

It's the First Day of spring! Come and celebrate by helping to care for your park . . . show up and work for an hour, two or the whole morning!

On Saturday, March 20th from 9:00 a.m. until noon, the City of Huntington Beach, with the help of community volunteers, will be conducting another clean up of the Bartlett Park undeveloped area. Thanks to all who made the January clean up such an overwhelming success!

If you would like to be part of this neighborhood park litter clean up event, please meet the project Coordinator, Art, at 9:00 a.m. in the Newland House parking lot, located behind Mother's Market. Pizza lunch, drinks, bags, gloves, and trash sticks will be provided to volunteers through a grant from the California Department of Conservation.
Information is available through 3/19/04 by calling (714) 536-5480.

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.hbrestaruants.com.

City Officials reach out to residents

Huntington Beach Public Works, Huntington Beach Firefighters Association (HBFA) and a local business owner work together to help bring healing to a local family

Under the direction of Public Works Maintenance Operations Manager Jim Jones, Ron Kilbourne and his staff installed a new playground toy at Seabridge Park in memory of a child killed in an accident last November.

The HBFA wanted to reach out to this family because this type of call is a high stress call, both for the responders and the family. When a local business owner found out about the tragedy from one of the firefighters, he immediately stepped forward and donated the funds for the toy.

The HBFA appreciated the assistance received from the Public Works Department and were impressed by the professionalism of Ron Kilbourne and his staff. This was truly a community connection.

Public Works gets great marks from EPA

The Public Works Utilities Division has received the results of the EPA’s Unregulated Contaminants Monitoring Rule (UCMR) program analysis of the City’s groundwater well system.

The program monitored for EPA’s “List 1” of 11 organic chemicals, including perchlorate and MTBE, over the last three years. All wells were found to be “non-detect” for all 11 chemicals. In addition, the EPA randomly selected Huntington Beach for testing for their “List 2” of synthetic organic chemicals. Again, all wells were found to be “non-detect.” The City obtains roughly 66% of its water supply from groundwater wells located in the City.

Rancho Del Rey Mobile Estate Residents Step-up to support Frail Neighbors

Like good neighbors, the residents of Rancho Del Rey Mobile Estates in Huntington Beach are there. Led by Larry Jones, who publishes their park newsletter, the residents contacted the City of Huntington Beach’s Meals to the Home program regarding a few frail elderly in their park who were on the waiting list for home delivered meals.

In order to speed up the process, these residents then formed a volunteer base of meals drivers and with the help of Meals to the Home coordinator Jan Gooder, a new meal route was opened to deliver meals each weekday to the 12 Rancho Del Rey seniors in need.

In addition to going the extra mile delivering meals, at each resident meeting, a collection is taken which they then donate to the Huntington Beach Council on Aging in support of the Meals to the Home program. So far, these monies have enabled the meals program to purchase new ice chests, carts and tables for meal packing and delivery.

The resident group of Rancho Del Rey is a model of community support and volunteerism. Volunteers are an essential component to the success of Huntington Beach Senior Service programs who help deliver meals to approximately 150 persons a day. The lunches are provided by the Feedback Foundation of Orange County. The Rancho Del Rey residents through their outreach efforts have fostered self-sufficiency and independence for their elderly neighbors, a core mission of Huntington Beach Senior Services.

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.

Providing a Safer Community
By Glorria Morrison, Emergency Services Coordinator

The Disaster Management Act of 2000 (DMA 2000) proposes major changes to the way the Federal Government looks at disasters. To implement this Act, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) published guidelines requiring each local government develop a City Hazard Mitigation Plan by 11/1/04 to qualify for future Hazard Mitigation Grants.

The City of Huntington Beach’s goal is to increase safety through a citywide, comprehensive mitigation program. Huntington Beach City and School Districts have received over $3.7 million from FEMA to help protect our community. Much of this money has been used to build and improve flood channels and to seismically retrofit our schools for earthquakes.

Huntington Beach joined together with the City of Fountain Valley and four local school districts (SD) to develop plans. This will make all 6 agencies eligible for future federal grants to make our communities safer

To support this planning goal, the City has formed a Hazard Mitigation Planning Committee consisting of city, school district and community representatives. The Committee will assess the City’s vulnerabilities to various potential threats (natural and man-made) and identify mitigation programs and projects to lessen the impacts on the community.

The City will also conduct an extensive community outreach effort to solicit public input on specific concerns of the community and programs or projects that can reduce the risk of these hazards. Public meetings will be conducted to allow input. Residents are encouraged to participate in the process. More information will follow.

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.

Support your City -
Shop, play and stay in Huntington Beach!

The City of Huntington Beach wants to encourage all residents 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.

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.

Shipley Nature Center to hold Planting Day March 6

The Shipley Nature Center at Huntington Central Park will be having another California Native Plant Sale, rain or shine, at our March 6th Restoration Planting Day. Plants that attract butterflies will be sold, along with drought tolerant and other types of native plants. You’ll be able to see the live eggs, caterpillars, and chrysalis of butterflies, and we’ll have butterfly experts to answer questions and show photos about Orange County butterflies. March 21st will be an open house at Shipley Nature Center.

To contact the Friends, call 714-842-4772, or e-mail shipleynature@yahoo.com, or visit our web site at www.fsnc.org. All the open days at the Center and all restoration work is currently being organized and managed by volunteers of the Friends of Shipley Nature Center.

Animal Planet comes to Huntington Beach

There were lights and cameras but not a lot of action, when a camera crew from Animal Planet’s Most Extreme program showed up at Park Central Café on Saturday, February 7th. The producers heard about the monthly Basset Hound Party, so they stopped by.

The gathering is organized by a large group of Basset Hound rescuers who come to the Café for breakfast and to show off their newest “dog duds.” The Bassets were way too cute and many of them really hammed it up for the camera. The filming will be used for a “Most Extreme Parties” program that will air on Animal Planet later in the year.

Scenes from the Pacific Shoreline Marathon

3/1 - 10/30 Surfin' Sundays Concert Series - Enjoy free concerts from authentic surf bands. Location: International Surfing Museum, 411 Olive St. Time: 1 - 2 p.m. Cost: Free. Note: Actual dates TBD.

3/5 - 3/6 Mardi Gras Brazilian Carnival - Enjoy musical stage show with Christiane Calli and the Girls from Ipanema, dancing and BBQ Kitchen. Location: Old World Village, 7561 Center Ave. Time: 8 p.m. - 1:30 a.m. Cost: $10/person. Call: (714) 647-7107.

3/6 12th Annual Kids for Clean Waves Surfing Competition - Come watch this 4 Star Championship Tour Rated surfing competition. Location: South side of Huntington Beach Pier (near Pacific Coast Highway and Main Street.) Time: 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. Cost: Free to watch. Entrance fee for competitors: $40/1st Division, $20/2nd Division and $10/3rd Division before March 1. $20 late fee after March 1. Proceeds benefit surfing and environmental organizations. Call: (949) 369-6677. www.ussfwesternregion.org

3/6 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

3/6 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.

3/6 Shipley Nature Center Tour and Plant Sale- Take a tour of the Shipley grounds and participate in the California Native Plant Sale on Restoration Planting Day. Docents will be selling plants that attract butterflies and birds, and many of the plants will be drought tolerant. You’ll also be able to see the live eggs, caterpillars, and chrysalis of butterflies, and butterfly experts will answer questions and show photos about Orange County butterflies from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Meet at the front gate to the Shipley Nature Center. Location: Central Park Drive parking lot off Edwards between Talbert and Slater. Follow the painted line along the sidewalk to the Center. Cost: Free admission. Call: (714) 842-4772. www.fsnc.org

3/12 - 3/21 Academy for the Performing Arts presents Damn Yankees - The year is 1955 and the New York Yankees are in pursuit of a pennant. To fulfill this dream, Joe Boyd makes a deal with the Devil to be young again so he can become the long-ball hitter the team desperately needs. When the Devil and his seductive assistant come to collect, Boyd must pay a steep price for fame. Location: Huntington Beach High School, 1905 Main Street. Performance times: 3/12, 3/13, 3/19 & 3/20 at 7:30 p.m., 3/14 & 3/21 at 2 p.m. Advanced ticket sales with reserve seating: $15/Students & seniors $12. Call: (714) 536-2514 ext. 4025

3/12 - 3/28 Golden West College Mainstage Theater Presents The Grapes of Wrath - Written by John Steinbeck and adapted by Frank Galati, the play follows the Joad family in their migration to California from the Oklahoma Dust Bowl during the Great Depression of the 1930s. Location: Golden West College, 15744 Golden West Street. Performance times: Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m., Sunday at 3 p.m. Ticket prices: $11/General admission, $9/Students and seniors. Call: (714) 895-8150.

3/19 - 3/21 National Professional Paintball League Returns - Paintball sports competition is back at the beach with cash and prizes for participants in this segment of a world tour series. Location: North side of Huntington Beach Pier at Pacific Coast Highway and Main Street. Cost: Free to watch. www.nppl.tv

3/20 Saxophonist Everette Harp Smooth Jazz Concert - Popular jazz recording artist, Everette Harp returns to Huntington Beach for two performances in a concert series that brings the finest in contemporary jazz to Huntington Beach. Sponsored by BBJazz Productions, proceeds benefit children with autism. Optional dinner served at 7 p.m. can be purchased for $25. Time: Two shows - 7:30 p.m. and 9 p.m. Location: Central Library Cultural Center Theater, 7111 Talbert Ave. Cost: $35 to $55. Call: (714) 377-7574. www.bbjazz.com

3/20 - 4/18 Exhibition of Ceramics - Includes contemporary ceramic art. Opening Reception will be held on Saturday, March 20 from 7 to 9 p.m. 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. Call: (714) 374-1650.

3/21 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

3/21 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

3/24 Peter and the Wolf presented by Jim Gamble Puppet Productions - A delightful marionette show follows the adventures of Peter in this classic orchestral fairy tale by Sergy Prokofiev. Ignoring the warnings of his grandfather, Peter tries to capture a wolf with the help of his friend, the bird. Location: Huntington Beach Public Library, 7111 Talbert Ave. Time: 4 p.m. Cost: $5/Adult, $3/Children under 12. Advanced ticket purchase is highly recommended. For more information call (714) 375-5107.

3/27 Treasures by the Sea - This annual luncheon event includes celebrity entertainment and a silent auction. Proceeds benefit the Assistance League of Huntington Beach. Location: Hilton Waterfront Beach Resort, 21100 Pacific Coast Highway. Time: 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. Cost: $75/person. Call: (714) 596-9935.

3/27 Huntington Beach Beachcruisers Car Contest - Over 300 woodie cars will be on display in the first three blocks of Main Street with owners competing for prizes and trophies. Location: Main Street between Pacific Coast Highway and Orange Street. Time: 7 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Admission: Free. Woodie car owners can participate in contest for $20 fee. Call: (714) 650-1322.

3/28 A Taste of Huntington Beach - Enjoy scrumptious foods prepared by the city's finest chefs to accompany samplings from 25 wineries. Sponsored by the Huntington Beach Restaurant Association, this event benefits the Children's Wing of the Huntington Beach Public Library Central Library. Location: Hyatt Regency Huntington Beach Resort and Spa, 21500 Pacific Coast Highway. Time: 1 to 5 p.m. Cost: $40 per person/advance purchase. $50 per person on March 28. Tickets are available at: Duke's (714) 374-6446 (credit cards accepted); The Longboard Restaurant (714) 960-1896 (credit cards accepted); Huntington Beach Conference and Visitors Bureau (714) 969-3492 (cash or check only). Make checks payable to: "A Taste of Huntington Beach" or H.B.R.A. www.hbrestaurants.com

March Television Schedule for Channel Three