Monthly Online Newsletter - May 2004
Sports Complex Opened April 24
The Huntington Beach Central Park Sports Complex celebrated its grand opening on Saturday, April 24th 
at 6:00 pm. The celebration began with remarks from the City Council and Community Services department, and continued with free food, games and entertainment, along with a variety of demonstration games on the newly dedicated fields. The photos show what a big hit the free pizza was and the group of VIP's that gathered to cut the ribbon on the new complex.
If you have not yet seen the beautiful new facility, drive by and take a look! The complex is located at Huntington Beach Central Park, between Goldenwest and Gothard Streets at Talbert Avenue.
The Community Services Department is now taking reservations to use the beautiful Huntington Beach Central Park Sports Complex. If you would like more information, or would like a reservation, please call the Community Services department at 536-5486.
Junior Lifeguard Program
It's not too early to begin thinking about your child becoming a Junior Lifeguard this summer. For new participants, tryouts will be held at the Fountain Valley High School Pool on May 8, 15, 22, and 23 from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Applicants must show that they can swim 100 yards in less than one minute fifty seconds, tread water for five minutes, and swim underwater for approximately ten yards.
The Junior Lifeguard Program is open to boys and girls ages 9 to 17 (as of July 1, 2004). The program offers morning (8:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.) and afternoon (1:00 - 4:30 p.m.) sessions. The fee is $475 for residents and $515 for nonresidents. Registration for new applicants will be held at Junior Guard Headquarters on June 5, 6, 12, and 13 from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. For more information, call (714) 375-5079.
Pick up of large items available twice a year
As a part of their contract with the City, Rainbow Disposal provides residential customers (not using dumpster service) with two bulky-item pickups per household per year. If you purchase a new appliance, mattress, or furniture, you can dispose of the old item free of charge through this program.
To take benefit of this service, the Dept. of Public Works asks that you follow this simple procedure. Contact Rainbow Disposal and schedule an appointment in advance. The Rainbow representative will ask for your name, address, and the type of item to be collected. The appointments are scheduled to coincide with your next regular trash day, but you should call at least three days in advance to ensure that there is room on the schedule. Prior to 7:00 a.m. on the scheduled day, place the item at your usual trash collection spot at the curb or alley. Rainbow will dispatch one of their stake-side trucks to make the collection.
If you need to dispose of debris from household projects, such as cleaning out the garage or remodeling, it will be necessary to rent a trash bin. Rental bins are offered by Rainbow Disposal and are available in three sizes suited to the type and amount of waste material. You may also choose to haul the material directly to Rainbow's transfer station at 17121 Nichols St., Huntington Beach. Public dumping is available from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 6 a. m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday. This is a fee-based service, and you will be charged based on the weight of the material you are dumping. Currently the transfer station is cash only - no credit or debit cards are accepted.
If you would like to schedule one of these services, please contact Rainbow Disposal Co. at (714) 847-3581. If you have any questions about the City of Huntington Beach trash collection program you may contact the Public Works field services representative at (714) 375-5010.
Two Women, Two Voices at Author's Lunch
Friends of the Library present Lisa Teasley (Glow in the Dark and Dive) and Maryam Qudrat Aseel (Torn Between Two Cultures: An Afghan-American Woman Speaks Out) at an author's luncheon and lecture at noon, Friday, May 7th.
These two fascinating women will appear in room C/D at the Central Library, 7111 Talbert Avenue. The authors will be available for questions and book signings at the conclusion of the program. Lunch and lecture $12. Reservations required by Tuesday, May 4th. (714) 842-4481 ext. 2213 or press 7 at prompt.
Annual Easter Hunt a great Success 
A great time was had by all at the Huntington Beach Easter Hunt on Saturday, April 10. This event was co-sponsored by the city of Huntington Beach and the Huntington Beach Kiwanis Club. Each year draws a larger crowd.
This year, there were about 5,500 people in attendance. Children up to the age of nine collected 1,300 lbs. of candy.
A variety of games was available at no charge, and around 2,000 prizes were awarded. Displays from Police, Fire, Public Works, and MEA provided all with extra things to do and see. Free child identification and musical entertainment were also provided.
Photos show two Easter hunters with their bounty; the Easter bunny posing for photos; Sparky from the Fire Department with some admirers; and the Easter hunt.
Friends of Shipley Nature Center
Important dates to remember: May 1st (restoration) and May 16th (open to the public to enjoy day)
The Friends have continued to make great progress with restoration. With the help of the Orange County Conservation Corps, Eagle Scout projects, high school key clubs and the general public since the first of this year, they have (1) planted and mulched over 600 California native trees, shrubs, and other plants, (2) watered and maintained more than 1,000 plants that were installed during 2003, (3) seeded a one-acre meadow with grasses and wildflowers, (4) built over 400 ft of trail including a stepped switchback down a slope, (5) removed or recycled on site dozens of non-native trees and many tons of weeds, (6) instituted a vigorous weed abatement program, (7) started a native plant nursery, (8) started a compost pile, and (9) laid out and edged an outdoor Conservation Education Area with irrigation and electrical service.
Although volunteers do much of the work at the Shipley Nature Center, our work could not be done without the financial support of some very special friends. Thanks to Walmart who has contributed to Shipley from the opening of their store in Huntington Beach, CIM who supported us from the beginning, Makar who is one of our new supporters, a second grant from California Native Plant Society, the donation of 109 plants from Shade Tree Partnership of Irvine, and a special thanks to one of our members and former Mayor, Ralph Bauer.
Honors Given to Sergeant for Enforcement Efforts
This week, the Police Department was pleased to hear that Sergeant Tom Arnold has been chosen as this year's honoree at the Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) Statewide Law Enforcement and Community Recognition Dinner.
This honor is MADD California's highest commendation for law enforcement. The award dinner, which will take place on Saturday, May 15, is sponsored by MADD and the California Office of Traffic Safety. Sergeant Arnold, as a helicopter pilot, observer, and the supervisor of the Police Department's Aero Bureau, is very active in DUI enforcement and frequently assists ground officers in identifying and arresting drivers who are under the influence.
DUI enforcement "from the air" is a vital part of our goal to ensure the safety of everyone traveling on the roads of Huntington Beach.
Splash into Summer Safety Expo
The Orange County SAFE KIDS Coalition in collaboration with The National SAFE KIDS Campaign, Children's Hospital of Orange County (CHOC), Hoag Hospital's Project Wipeout and California State Parks, is hosting a free kid's safety expo to help present important information from Orange County's leading experts on water, helmet, fire and child passenger safety.
| Saturday, May 1, 2004 | 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. |
| Huntington State Beach | (Newland and Pacific Coast Highway) |
This exciting event features safety exhibits with live demonstrations and fun activities for kids of all ages, including:
- An Action Sports Show by the Gale Webb Riders
- Back Bay Science Center "SHARKMOBILE"
- A Live Water Rescue Demonstration
- O.C. Sheriffs Bike Rodeo
For more information, call 800/514-HOAG (4624).
Youth In Government Day 2004
On April 1, approximately 130 students and 100 city staff participated in this year's Youth In Government Day. Huntington Beach, Marina, Edison, and Ocean View High Schools sent students to City Hall to learn more about their local government in action.
Each department had a special agenda for the students, and the mock Council meeting was enjoyable with lively participation by mock Council Members as well as student citizens in the audience.
The students and staff were treated to a delightful lunch donated by the Market Broiler and Margaritaville Restaurants.
Prizes were awarded for Youth of the Year, Speech, and Art Contests. This was the first Youth In Government Day that was entirely paid for with donations received by the Huntington Beach Youth Board.
West Nile Virus
By Glorria Morrison, Emergency Services Coordinator
West Nile Virus (WNV) has been detected in California and extensively in Imperial County by the Salton Sea. At the end of 2002, WNV had hit 44 States. California has reported one human case in Los Angeles and the State of Washington recently listed a WNV positive raven. The majority of people and animals that are infected with the virus have a mild illness or no symptoms. In rare cases, the virus can cause a more serious condition called encephalitis an inflammation of the brain.
How Do People and Animals Get WNV?
It is transmitted to people and animals by infected mosquitoes. Only certain species of mosquitoes carry the virus and very few mosquitoes are actually infective. A mosquito first acquires the infection by feeding on a bird with virus in its blood. The virus lives in the mosquito and is transmitted to a new host in the mosquito's saliva when the insect bites a person or animal.
What are the Symptoms of WNV in people?
Most people who are infected with WNV have no symptoms. However, of those who become ill, symptoms can include fever, headache, nausea, body aches, mild skin rash, or swollen lymph nodes. In a few cases, the disease will progress to encephalitis. The time between the mosquito bite and the onset of illness, known as the incubation period, ranges from 5-15 days in humans. It is estimated that one in 150 people who are infected with WNV will require hospitalization.
The West Nile Virus is spread by mosquitoes. The mosquitoes breed in wetlands, storm drains, sewers and lakebeds and backyards with standing water. WNV is the largest arboreal epidemic ever in the US history. The US has the greatest WNV ever documented in the world. The medium age of the infected is 56. It can be passed on by organ transplants and milk from mother to child. Unlike most virus', it lives through the winter in birds.
In California, the Department of Health Services began a "Dead Bird Surveillance System" in 2001. If you come across any dead birds, call the Orange County Vector Control at (714) 971-2421 Ext. 146 during the workday and in the evenings or weekends, call the California Dept. of Health Services at (877) WNV-BIRD. Wear gloves and place the carcass in a plastic bag.
How to Prevent West Nile Virus
The best way to prevent West Nile Virus is to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes.
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When you are outdoors:
- Avoid spending time outdoors at dawn or dusk
- Wear long pants and long sleeved shirts
- Use Deet-based mosquito repellant.
Around the house:
- Eliminate any source of standing water
- Make sure window screens are in good repair
- Report to the Vector Control Districts any abandoned swimming pools or accumulations of trash and containers capable of holding water.
Bella Terra ground breaking held April 22
Over the last few years, the City of Huntington Beach's Redevelopment Agency has acted as a catalyst for the renovation of the former Huntington Mall. After many years of working with various property owners and developers "Bella Terra" is now about ready to be reconstructed.
A ground breaking ceremony was held on April 22nd at 11:00 am. The ceremony was held in the area between Barnes and Noble and Kohl's. More than 100 people joined in the celebration.
The former mall is now being transformed into an Open Air Entertainment/Lifestyle complex. 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.
Upon completion, Bella Terra will provide over 765,991 square feet of retail, dining and entertainment space with over 60 shops and restaurants.
Other businesses that have committed to be at the center include: Johnny Rockets, Ben & Jerry's, Corner Bakery, Krispy Kreme, Cost Plus, Pure Beauty and many more.
In addition to enhanced surface parking, a new parking structure will be constructed to further accommodate the customers of Bella Terra. The photo shows city officials, property owners and developers (and Miss Huntington Beach) getting ready to break the ground for the new complex.
Storm Water Pump Station Forebay Cleaning
The Public Works Utilities Division Wastewater Section recently completed the cleaning of 12 of the city's 15 storm water pump station forebays. A forebay is essentially a large pit, 20 to 30 feet deep that collects storm water and runoff before it is pumped to either the sanitary sewer system or to drainage channels.
Trash racks keep large debris from being pumped into these systems, but significant amounts of small debris and sediment collect in the forebay. The project, which was accomplished by contract, removed over 500 tons of debris from the stations.
Funding was provided through Proposition 13, which was approved for safe drinking water, water quality, flood protection, and water reliability projects throughout the state. Under this program, $4 million was appropriated to the city of Huntington Beach to support projects that will address coastal nonpoint sources pollution.
This cleaning process addressed one area of compliance with the Federal Clean Water Act through National Pollution Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permits.
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.
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.
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.
City Honors Employees for years of Service
April 21st was a very special day as several employees of the City of Huntington Beach celebrated their milestone years of public service.
Those honored for 10 years of service included: Matthew Cahn, Mark Daggett, Brain Dailey, Shirley Ferguson, David McCain, Juan Munoz, Martin Ortiz, Gary Riley, Humberto Sanchez and George Shinrock.
Employees celebrating 15 years of service were: Raymond Bierbrodt, Paul D'Alessandro, Robert De Boom, Herbert Fauland, Christopher Gruber, Kelli Herrera, Brian Knorr, Robert Laughlin, Margaret Martin, Samuel Moses, Laura Nelson, Carol Runzel, Julie Russell, Jean Sharpe, Richard Spencer, Steven Tully, Marianne Vinson and Judy Young.
Several employees have worked for the City 20 years. They include: Keith Bateman, James Carr, David DeLaTorre, Thomas Donnelly, Adriana Gaspar, Michael Hutton, Michael Kelly, Ronald Kilbourne, Dean Maher, Estella Miranda, Thomas Nelson, Gregory Oberst, Richard Stadnick, Raymond Villescas and Floyd Whitton.
One employee (Suzanne Wajda) received an award for 25 years of service.
Thirty year employees were recognized at the end of the luncheon. They included: Betrum Adkins, Thomas Arnold, Gisela Campagne, Patti Fogarty, Nancy Fuhrmann, Suzanne Jacobs, John Rees, Robert Roysdon and Tommy Sturgeon.
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.
For a complete listing of events in Huntington Beach, visit the Huntington Beach Conference and Visitors Bureau at www.hbvisit.com
May Television Schedule for Channel Three
| Community Bulletin Board | AllDay, Everyday |
| City Council Live Broadcasts | May 3rd and 17th starting at 7 pm |
| City Council Re-Broadcasts | May 4th at 10 am & May 5th at 7 pm For the May 17th meeting |
| Planning Commission Broadcasts | May 11th and 25th at 7 pm |
| Planning Commission Re-Broadcasts | Thursday following the meeting at 7 pm |