Monthly Online Newsletter - May 2006
Kids enjoy Annual Easter Hunt
On Saturday, April 15, the Community Services Department and the Huntington Beach 
Kiwanis Club hosted the 16th Annual Easter Hunt. The event drew large crowds with approximately 5,000 people attending.
Children up to eight years of age collected 1,500 pounds of candy. There were also wonderful displays by several departments within the city. Children were invited to climb on various equipment and vehicles provided by the Public Works, Fire, Marine Safety, and Police Departments.
The City Clerk's Office, Municipal Employees Association, and Fire's Hazardous Materials Division had displays and information. Various games, prizes, and crafts were available for children of all ages. 
The Shorelife Church Band provided entertainment throughout the day. A visit from the Easter Bunny, along with Sparky and other characters, made it a perfect day for the children.
The threatening clouds disappeared, and it turned out to be a beautiful day in Central Park. Everyone is looking forward to next year!!!
Open House will celebrate Municipal Clerks Week
In celebration of Municipal Clerks Week (April 30 to May 6, 2006), the Huntington Beach City Clerk's Office is hosting an Open House on Thursday, May 4th from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. This national celebration of the municipal clerk profession is a perfect time to reach out to the community, local government and businesses to show all the services the City Clerk's Office can provide for them.
The event includes demonstrations of City Council streaming video and document imaging, which are the City Clerk's most recent technological advances in public service.
Also featured are displays highlighting voter registration forms, election information, and the Passport Acceptance Facility. Historical records, photographs, and artifacts can be viewed during the City Clerk vault tour.
Although it is one of the oldest positions in government, few people realize the vital services Municipal Clerks perform for their community. In 1984, President Ronald Reagan issued an official Proclamation recognizing Municipal Clerks Week and the essential role a Municipal Clerk plays in local government.
Joan Flynn, who serves the City of Huntington Beach as City Clerk, expresses her view of the upcoming Open House as "an opportunity to share our desire and ability to serve residents, city government, local agencies, businesses, and the community as a whole," and welcomes everyone to come and meet the City Clerk staff, who are "Your Partners in Democracy."
New service at City Library
Visitors to the Library's website () can now click on BookLetters to link to an exciting new service for readers. BookLetters is full of news about the world of books and readers and allows readers to browse new book reviews, read author profiles, search for award winners, and sign up for free online newsletters.
The new service also provides material for book discussion groups and allows readers to access recommendations based on their individual reading tastes. Movie fans will find film reviews and even video preview clips. The service is accessible to anyone who visits our website and is also available in Spanish.
Volunteers celebrate Earth Day by planting trees
More than 100 hard-working volunteers turned out on Saturday, April 22nd to contribute to the beautification effort along Goldenwest Street commemorating Arbor Day and Earth Day. The Department of Public Works and the Huntington Beach Tree Society collaborated on the beautification plan, which took place in two project locations, one at the northwest corner of Ellis and Goldenwest, and the other fronting the Shipley Nature Center parking area. The cool, breezy weather provided perfect conditions for planting.
Through the effort and coordination of Eagle Scout candidate Joe Puishys, 35 Torrey Pines and 50 native shrubs were planted adjacent to the Shipley Nature Center parking lot, and an improved pedestrian trail of decomposed granite now meanders through the pines. Just north of the Equestrian Center, at Ellis Avenue, another group of energetic volunteers planted 33 Alder trees along the post-and-rail fence. With the support and supervision of Tree Society members and Parks, Trees and Landscape staff, all of the trees were properly staked, watered, and mulched.
Many generous sponsors contributed to the success of this event. The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection donated the trees. Rainbow Disposal Co. and Synagro each donated a truckload of mulch, and Ralphs Grocery Co. provided water and juice for the volunteers.
Representatives from Orange County Watershed and Coastal Resources Division, West Coast Arborists, Huntington Beach Tree Society, and the Dept. of Public Works staffed information booths, provided demonstrations, and handed out numerous items to educate the volunteers and other attendees about conservation, pollution prevention, and recycling. The benefits of this project to our community are evident to all who travel down this stretch of Goldenwest.
New webcam gives a live view of Pier and Downtown
If you are thinking about heading to the beach, you can check out the current live beach conditions from the comfort of your home, on the City's website before you leave. The City of Huntington Beach has added a live webcam feature to its website. The webcam is attached to Tower Zero on the Huntington Beach Pier and provides a panoramic view to anyone accessing the site.
To access the webcam, go to the City's website, www.surfcity-hb.org. Click on the Surfcam button on the left side. This feature will allow anyone around the world with Internet access to observe downtown Huntington Beach, the entire Pier, and the surf. Viewers can control the camera's direction, and can also zoom in on a preferred location or scene.
Also, if you are interested in surf conditions and the weather, the webcam page on the website will now provide this additional information. The current water temperature, wind direction and speed, surf height, tides, and air pressure will be updated daily.
If you have any questions regarding the new live webcam, please feel free to contact us at webmaster@surfcity-hb.org or call (714) 536-5514.
Police Open House to be held May 13
The Huntington Beach Police Department will be holding an open house on Saturday, May 13. Both young and old alike will enjoy this inside look into the headquarters of the Police Department who is dedicated to serving and protecting our community.
Visitors will be able to take tours of the Police Department, which will be held throughout the day. There will be a variety of displays set up featuring the equipment and resources of the Police Department. The police helicopter and the department's old cars will be some of the equipment on display. The Special Weapons and Tactic Team (SWAT) and the K-9's will also be exhibited.
The event will be a great opportunity for children. They will enjoy the tours of the police station and the various exhibits, and will also be able to have their picture taken on a police motorcycle. Children can also visit the puppies at Orange County Animal Control's Adopt-a-Puppy van that will be coming to the Police Department for the day.
A recruiting booth will be set up for those who may be interested in joining the Huntington Beach Police Department or simply want to know more about the opportunities that are available at the Police Department.
The Open House will be from 10 am to 2 pm at the Huntington Beach Police Department, located at 2000 Main St. For more information, please call Susie Wajda at (714) 536-5933.
Taste of Huntington Beach great success
Another successful Taste of Huntington Beach raised money last month to help the Children's Library. The Huntington Beach Restaurant Association's 6th Annual Taste of Huntington Beach was held at the Hyatt Regency Resort and Spa and featured a wide range of food and fine wines from local restaurants.
The popular event drew a large crowd that began lining up at 11 a.m. to sample H.B.'s finest cuisine. Restaurants offered various sample sizes ranging from bite-size morsels to a whole bowl of food.
Some of the biggest hits were the Hilton's crabcakes and the Brewbaker's new cinnamon pretzel nuggets dipped in frosting. Guests left the event very happy and full.
More than 50 gift baskets were auctioned off and there was live entertainment. The new Huntington Beach restaurant guide was also previewed to guests.
The new guide is available at the Huntington Beach Conference and Visitors Bureau. For more information on the Restaurant Association, please visit their website http://www.hbrestaurants.com.
Huntington Beach Conference and Visitors Bureau update
The first Huntington Beach Dining Guide has been published and is now available through the Huntington Beach Conference and Visitors Bureau and various restaurants and hotels throughout the city. The summer visitors kiosk is set to return to Pier Plaza, a clear indication that summer is on its way. For more information on the Bureau log onto www.surfcityusa.com or check out the HB Pipeline on the City's website www.surfcity-hb.org.
Discover the history of Bolsa Chica
The Bolsa Chica Land Trust invites the public to discover "Bolsa Chica: What Lies Beneath?" at a public forum on Thursday, May 25. Learn about the remarkable history and artifacts of the Bolsa Chica from three guest speakers.
Dr. Patricia Martz of Cal State University, Los Angeles, will speak about ORA-83, one of the most unique and significant archaeological sites found in Southern California. Louis Robles, Jr., of the Acjachemem Nation, will talk about the cultural importance Bolsa Chica has for Native Americans. Erik Skindrud, a journalist and local resident aiming to preserve Bolsa Chica's abandoned military bunkers, will discuss Bolsa Chica's ties to World War II.
Light refreshments will be served, and a raffle of native plants will also be held.
The event begins at 7 p.m. at the Huntington Beach Public Library, 7111 Talbert Avenue. Admission is free; $1 donation at the door is suggested. For further information contact (714) 846-1001 or visit www.bolsachicalandtrust.org.
Children with disabilities to reel in the fun at the Ol' Fishin' Hole
Children with disabilities will get to cast their lines into fun when they participate at the annual Ol' Fishin' Hole Derby at Chris Carr Park in Huntington Beach from 9 a.m. to noon on Friday, May 12, 2006. Chris Carr Park is located at the southeast corner of Springdale Street and Heil Avenue in Huntington Beach.
Volunteers and the City of Huntington Beach staff will be assisting youngsters with their rods and reels at the event. This event is co-sponsored by the City of Huntington Beach Community Services and the Huntington Beach Kiwanis Club. The Huntington Beach Rotary Club will provide lunch for the participants. For more information on the Ol' Fishin' Hole Derby, call Recreation Supervisor Dottie Hughes at (714) 536-5262.
Fishin' Derby needs volunteers
Volunteers are being sought for the Ol' Fishin' Hole Derby that will be held on May 12 at Chris Carr Park. The City of Huntington Beach Community Services Dept. and the Huntington Beach Kiwanis Club sponsor this event. We are expecting 180 children with disabilities and will need a lot of help. Many of these children have never been fishing before and it has proved to be a fun event for both the children and the volunteers.
The Huntington Beach Rotary Club will provide lunch. We are asking that volunteers arrive at 8:30 a.m. and bring a net if they have one. Please call 536-5486 to sign up to volunteer.
A rose is planted to honor Miss Huntington Beach
Following a Surf City tradition, the newly crowned Miss Huntington Beach, Summer Dawn Maue, came to City Hall on April 12 for the Rose Garden Dedication. In the rose garden behind City Hall, there is a rose bush that represents each of the past winners of Huntington Beach pageant. Mayor Pro Tem Gil Coerper and the ladies from the Huntington Beach Chamber of Commerce Women of Action were on hand to help dedicate the "Nancy Reagan Rose" to Summer Dawn.
After the rose was dedicated, Elaine Craft of the Women of Action, read the poem she had written to our newest Miss H.B. entitled "A Summer Smile."
The Women of Action of the Huntington Beach Chamber of Commerce put on this scholarship pageant every year, which is a precursor to the Miss California competition and part of the Miss America Competition. Summer Dawn will be very busy in Huntington Beach this year fulfilling her duties as Miss Huntington Beach.
She will attend many City events, participate in the Fourth of July Parade, and also prepare for the Miss California Pageant.
Opportunity to serve the community environmentally
The city is taking applications to fill two upcoming vacancies on the Huntington Beach Environmental Board. The Environmental Board is an advisory body appointed by the City Council to study the environment and investigate all actual and potential threats to a clean environment for the city and its residents.
The Environmental Board has regular evening meetings the first Thursday of each month and as needed. For more information on the Environmental Board or to obtain an application please visit www.surfcity-hb.org or call (714) 536-5624. Applications will be accepted until the positions are filled.
Art Auction: Party for the Arts
The Huntington Beach Art Center's Sixth Annual Benefit Art Auction and Exhibition is scheduled from May 12 - 19. This event involves the entire arts community in a number of different ways. We start with the Meet the Artists Party on Friday, May 12 where the community mingles with the exhibiting artists and learns more about their work. The silent bidding begins that night as each art patron is issued a paddle number and can bid on their favorite piece. The community has the opportunity to collect any work of art they see - if they are lucky enough to have the winning bid on May 19.
Silent bidding continues throughout the week, with many art patrons returning frequently to continue the bidding process. If any patron cannot make it to the Art Center, a proxy bidder is available, both during the exhibition and at the Live Auction.
Both emerging and seasoned collectors arrive at 7 p.m. on Friday, May 19 for the Preview Party. This evening of live bidding on contemporary art by emerging and established artists, delectable fare by the most unforgettable restaurants in town, lush wines, our mix it up ARTini Bar, live music and a special performance that promises to make the night memorable.
Following the Preview Party is the Live Auction, where the party dynamically comes to life. Dr. Carl Hartman acts as auctioneer for the auction with his perfect blend of humor and dynamism.
The opportunity to begin or add to an art collection provides an invaluable service to the arts. While the Art Auction's main goal is to raise money to benefit the Art Center's exhibition and educational programs, an equally important goal is to encourage the collection of fine art as a medium for preservation of art as well as the education of future generations. Without adequate community support, the work of contemporary artists would go unnoticed and museums would not have the gifts from art patrons that further the study and appreciation of art.
The following is a partial list of contributing artists: Joseph Biel, Travis Collinson, Steve Comba, Lindsey Cornell, Tram Davies, Linda Day, Elisabeth DeSmidt, Patty Doody, Mark L. Emerson, Jennifer Faist, Finishing School, David French, Ruth Geller, Jimi Gleason, Danny Gross, Rebecca Hamm, Robert Jacka, Trang Le, Diana LoSchiavo, Bobbie Mandel, Diana Markessinis, Penny McElroy, Courtney Oquist, Jerry Owens, Ryan Pollastro, Roland Reiss, Robert Repp, Robin Temaiana Repp, Danielle Segura, Eric Justin Smail, Dee Small, Tomoko Suzuki, Krista Thompson, Thomas Trivitt, and P. Williams.
Elise Hartman, a local Huntington Beach resident and Huntington Beach Art Center Foundation member chairs the Sixth Annual Benefit Art Auction.
Please show your support of the Arts in our community and join the party!
Water Efficient Landscaping
Landscaping accounts for 50 to 60% of residential water use. However, it is possible to have a beautiful lawn or garden while saving substantial amounts of water, a precious resource. California-friendly gardens are appropriate for our climate; they are esthetically beautiful and enhance your property value with requiring little water and maintenance.
What time of day to water?
In general, to reduce water loss by evaporation, it is best to water during the early morning hours if you are using a spray system. For drip systems, you may choose any time you like. Sometimes, when using watering devices, like spray heads or bubblers, which apply water faster than the soil can accept it; you may need several start times spaced out over a longer period.
How long to water?
This is the hardest one to figure out. It is the time that it takes to refill the soil reservoir in the root ball of the plants and is a function of the type of plant, its root depth, the type of soil and the current weather. It is possible to mathematically calculate this number but someone has already done that for you. Go to the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California (MWD) website (www.mwd.com) and use the watering calculator to establish a beginning controller program for your garden. After living with this program a while you may want to adjust it, but this will put you in the ballpark and assure that you are not overwatering. Ordinarily, once you've figured out how long to water, that number should only be changed to adjust for root growth. If you are using a watering device that has a high application rate or the planting area is on a slope or you have clay soil that can't absorb the water fast enough, it may be advantageous to divide this time up into several shorter applications to avoid run-off.
How often to water? Unless you have a smart controller to do the work for you, increasing or decreasing the frequency of watering should be your primary method of seasonal adjustment. The number of days between watering is the best way to think of this. Unless you have a specific need to avoid watering on certain days of the week, you will find this the easiest way to make seasonal adjustments. Some controllers allow frequency to be scheduled only by days of the week. These settings are referred to as Day Settings, Days of the Week or Days On.
With Southern California's water supplies dwindling and water costs rising, new attention is being focused on heritage landscaping, or the idea of trying garden designs that mimic natural systems. Heritage landscaping refers to the use of plants that are native to this area or from similar climates; it also, encompasses the adoption of watering methods that are appropriate to the chosen plants.
Bella Terra offering activities for kids
Every Monday, Bella Terra will be offering a Kids Klub from 11 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. These interactive and entertaining live performances will be starting on May 1 and will feature puppets, story telling, jugglers, musicians, and more. The Kids Klub is designed for small children under the age of five and their parents. The program is free and will be held in the Amphitheater at Bella Terra, just outside Century Theatres.
Attendees will receive a "Bella Terra Values" coupon/flyer with coupons and information on upcoming events. They will also be given a chance to win one of several prizes donated by merchants.
Upcoming events for May include:
May 5: Wonderworld Puppets- Come enjoy a fully staged puppet show, complete with colorful characters and audience participation. The Tortoise and the Hare is a wonderful story your kids will love.
May 8: Singer Ken Frawley- Get ready to sing. Ken has been performing in libraries and schools for years and will sing songs your kids know the words to.
May 15: Magician Stoil Soilov- In this unique magic show, Stoil brings kids up from the audience to help him with his magic.
May 22: Juggler David Cousin- The World Record holding juggler combines the art of juggling with warmth and humor.
May 29: Twinkles the Pirate- Twinkles presents a fast-paced show filled with puppet characters, songs and general silliness.
Bella Terra is located at 7777 Edinger Avenue, Huntington Beach, where Beach Blvd. meets the 405 Freeway. Parking is available in the nearby parking structure. For more information, please call (714) 897-2534.
HB Playhouse featuring "Moon over Buffalo"
| What: | "Moon Over Buffalo" |
| Where: | The Huntington Beach Playhouse Central Library Theatre 7111 Talbert Avenue |
| When: | April 28-May 14 Thurs/Fri 8pm., Sat 3pm & 8pm., Sun 2pm & 7:30pm (May 14-2pm only) |
| Cost: | $20 General Admission $18 Seniors/Students |
Annual Distance Derby Run/Walk to Benefit Project Self-Sufficiency
On August 19, 2006, the City of Huntington Beach and Title Sponsor, Rainbow Disposal, will hold it's 52nd Annual Distance Derby, the oldest run/walk in Orange County. The 10 mile run will begin at 7 am at beautiful Pier Plaza and head south for 2.5 miles along the service road. At 8:30 am the 5 mile run/walk will begin followed by the Surf Kids Fun Run at 10 AM. The event takes place on a flat course with a spectacular view of the ocean!
Again in 2006, race proceeds will go to support Project Self-Sufficiency. Project Self-Sufficiency (PS-S) is a city program that provides support for low-income, single parents and their children.
To participate in the PS-S program, parents must be: single, attend school/occupational skills training, live or work in Huntington Beach and be highly motivated to work toward achieving a career that will support their family. Each year, Project Self-Sufficiency recognizes participants for their outstanding accomplishments at the annual "June Recognition Program." This year, PS-S will be recognizing 30 single parents for their achievements and will award over $50,000 in educational scholarships.
At the June 2006 program, Project Self -Sufficiency will proudly recognize Mark for his accomplishments in the program. Mark is a single father of a daughter, Annabella, and has been in the PS-S program for almost 2.5 years.
Mark is also in the AGS Honor Society. He has struggled with paying the rent, making sure his daughter had adequate child-care, food, and other necessities, just like so many other parents. But this June, Mark is receiving his AA degree from Golden West College. He has plans to transfer to a 4- year college and work towards his BA. "It has been tough," he says but PS-S has helped me and I am in my final semester at GWC and will receive my AA in May of 2006. I know that this dream would not have come true if it wasn't for the PS-S Foundation, Golden West College, Susan Edwards and the awesome community we live in…. Huntington Beach! Thank you everyone!" Mark is a real success story and we are very proud of his accomplishments.
There are also many opportunities for businesses and non-profit organizations to become involved in this fabulous community event. If you are interested in being an event sponsor or a volunteer, please contact the Huntington Beach Community Services Department at 536-5486, or to register for the event, visit www.active.com
Dog Beach provides great fun for your best buddy
On any given day you can drive down PCH between 21st Street and Seapoint Avenue and see a number of dogs playing on the beach. They are enjoying the fresh air, frolicking in the water, and playing with the other dogs that have come for a day of fun at the beach. This is Dog Beach, a unique portion of Huntington Beach's 8-mile stretch of beach, where owners have been bringing their dogs for years so that they can enjoy a taste of fresh air and salt water.
Dog Beach is a favorite among dogs and their owners, largely due in part to the Friends of Dog Beach. This group's efforts, along with the City's maintenance staff, help keep Dog Beach clean. They also educate the public on the importance of picking up after their dogs and provide doggie bags, educational material and conduct clean-up days.
Ten years ago, as it became more popular for people to take their dogs out in public, they began bringing them to the beach. It was at this time, that Martin Senat, President of Huntington Dog Beach, decided to approach City Council and ask for the chance to organize an official Dog Beach. With the support of local elected officials, Martin formed the non-profit organization almost ten years ago. Dog Beach has been a successful dog paradise, due in large part to the hard work of the non-profit and support from thousands of dog lovers.
Huntington Dog Beach has its own clean up crew - four in the summer and two in the off-season. These cleaners can be found "picking up" seven days a week. To assist visitors, they have installed sixty dog bag dispensers between 9th Street and Seapoint that are filled daily.
In spite of the full-time cleaners, the Friends of Dog Beach ask that every visitor help keep the area clean by picking after the dogs that enjoy the beach. Now Dog Beach is attempting to make the beach even cleaner by introducing a new cleaning method where volunteers will be stationed at the entrances of Dog Beach on the weekends, holidays, and some weekdays, and will provide cleaning supplies to the visitors.
The Friends of Dog Beach is a non-profit organization that relies on donations to continue its work. You can become a member of Dog Beach for $15 or more, or simply buy a hat or shirt to help the cause. To learn more about Dog Beach or to become a member, please visit their website at www.dogbeach.org.
Human Relations Task Force puts human dignity mission on City website
One of the latest of the City boards and commissions to go online, the Huntington Beach Human Relations Task Force (HRTF) now posts information about its activities and meetings on the City website, www.surfcity-hb.org (under "government" and "boards and commissions").
Established after the City adopted a Declaration of Policy About Human Dignity ten years ago, the HRTF promotes and celebrates diversity in our community through education and understanding. The Declaration states "…everyone should be treated with courtesy and respect, regardless of their racial background, their nation of origin, the religion they practice, their sexual orientation, gender or disability status. It is the right of all citizens to pursue their daily lives with the knowledge that they will not be physically harmed or verbally abused."
The public is welcome at all HRTF meetings, held monthly on the first Tuesday at 6:45 P.M. at the Huntington Beach City Hall, 2000 Main Street, and are invited to join "Friends of HRTF" as a supporter or volunteer.
For more information about the Huntington Beach Human Relations Task Force, please contact the Huntington Beach Community Services Department, 714-374-5307.
Updated 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. The Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative will require all U.S. citizens, citizens of the British Overseas Territory of Bermuda, and citizens of Canada and Mexico to have a passport or other accepted secure document that establishes the bearer's identity and nationality to enter or re-enter the United States by January 1, 2008.
The Initiative will be rolled out in phases. The proposed timeline will be as follows: December 31, 2006 - Requirement applied to all air and sea travel to or from Canada, Mexico, Central and South America, the Caribbean, and Bermuda. December 31, 2007- Requirement extended to all land border crossings as well as air and sea travel.
United States citizens can visit the State Department's travel website, www.Travel.state.gov, or call the National Passport Information Center at 1-877-487-2778 for the most current information. Visit the City Clerk's Office to apply or obtain forms, or call our Passport information line 714-374-1600.
HB Children's Library has much to offer
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.
Special Upcoming Events for May 2006:
Family Evening Pajama Storytime
Tabby Storytime Theater
Thursday, May 11, 2006 7:00 PM
FREE
Come celebrate Mother's Day and spring with stories, songs, puppets and more! Wear your pajamas and bring your teddy bear. Refreshments provided by the National Charity League.
Ballet Etudes presents "Thumbelina"
Library Theater
Wednesday, May 17, 2006 4:00 PM & 7:00 PM
Thursday, May 18, 2006 4:00 PM and 7:00 PM
$3 per child $5 per adult
Come enjoy the Ballet Etudes production of Hans Christian Andersen's "Thumbelina". The forty-five minute ballet, designed with young children in mind, tells the story of a woman whose wish for a child is granted in the form of a very tiny girl, sprung from the leaves of a beautiful tulip. Advance ticket purchase is highly recommended! Tickets go on sale April 15, 2006.
Cable TV Storytime
Tabby Storytime Theater -- FREE
Thursday, May 25, 2006 - 10:30 AND 11:30 AM (2 different tapings)
Here's your chance to be on television! Come hear songs, stories, music, puppets and more. Fun for everyone!
For more information call (714) 375-5107.
Rodgers Seniors' Center to offer new computer classes
The Michael E. Rodgers Seniors' Center is getting older adults and seniors computer savvy thanks to a new computer lab and a great team of volunteer teachers.
Keeping Your Computer Up-to-Date is the first of two new classes that begin in May. This class will help your computer live longer, perform better, avoid debilitating crashes and keep your programs current and up to date. Other topics include information on how to protect your computer from harm and data destroying viruses and how to remove Spyware that can track your web surfing habits, steal your passwords credit card numbers and other private information. The Keeping Your Computer Up-to-Date class will be held on Wednesdays, May 10, 17 & 24 and June 7, 14 & 21, 9:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. A $20 donation is suggested.
The other new class coming in May is E-mail Attachments. This two-week class will teach you how to view and file e-mail attachments you receive, and how to attach photos or other files to your e-mails before you send them out. More importantly, you will learn the secret of organizing the information on your computer so you can quickly find everything quickly. The E-mail Attachments class will be held on Tuesdays, May 16 & 23 and June 20 & 27, 9:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. A $20 donation is suggested. To enroll, stop by the Rodgers Seniors' Center front counter.
Michael E. Rodgers Seniors' Center is located at 1706 Orange Ave., Huntington Beach. For more information, please call the Michael E. Rodgers Seniors' Center at (714) 536-9387. 
Jeff Frankel receives April Mayor's Award
Jeff Frankel started working with the City of Huntington Beach on January 13, 1972. He is currently a Printing Services Technician.
Jeff is responsible for assuring the City's printing needs are met. He is one of two employees that process over seven million impressions each year for our various departments. He consults with other departments on their printing needs and advises them about their best options and graphics needs. The product he produces shows his professional attitude toward his career.
This involves job flyers, reports, brochures, and informational cards for the water billings, etc. But most importantly he is responsible for printing the Council agenda's for the last 36 years - agendas for more than 1,000 city council meetings.
Jeff was joined by his wife Sandy, fellow co-workers and Mayor Sullivan for the award presentation at the April 17th council meeting.
Clean up nets huge trash haul
More than 300 people met at the Pier Saturday, April 22 to celebrate Earth Day by participating in the annual Beach Clean Up. Every year, the Earth Day Beach Clean Up, sponsored by Simple Green, enlists the public's help to collect garbage and 
debris from the beaches. In addition, the event helps to educate the public on the importance of keeping their beaches, parks, and communities clean.
Simple Green made sure everyone had some good clean fun throughout the morning with games, raffles, and prizes. Volunteers collected approximately 7,000 pounds of garbage from the beach, helping to make our beaches ready for the summer. 
Rain, or even something as simple as hosing down a sidewalk, can wash cigarettebutts, bits of Styrofoam, pesticides, and oil into the storm drains and out to the ocean. The California Coastal Commission asks all Californians to take responsibility for making sure trash goes where it belongs- securely in a trashcan, recycling bin, or a hazardous waste dump when appropriate. For more information on upcoming beach cleanups, please call Tim Turner at (714) 536-5614 or 1 800-COAST4U.
Students have opportunity to see government up close
Another successful Youth in Government Day educated approximately 200 students from Huntington Beach, Marina, Edison, and Ocean View High Schools on the function of local government. Elected officials and city staff spent a day with students, explaining the role of each department, and then the students were assigned a department and/or an elected official and were given a firsthand look at their operation.
City staff and the elected officials took their students on tours of City Hall, the Fire and Police stations, and some students were driven to other facilities throughout HB, including Lifeguard Headquarters and the Art Center.
After the students learned how their department worked, it was time for them to put their newfound skills to use.
In a mock City Council meeting, students, advised by their elected official or member of staff, ran a mock City Council meeting.
The new City Council debated a youth curfew and closing off a portion of Main Street for pedestrians. They were advised by their student staff, and had some lively citizen comments from students in the audience.
After the meeting, the students had lunch and awards were given for Youth of the Year, Speech, and Art contests.
The Youth in Government Day was paid for with donations received by the Huntington Beach Youth Board.
The City of Huntington Beach seeks applicants
or Personnel Commission
Applicants are currently being accepted to fill two upcoming vacancies on the Huntington Beach Personnel Commission. Both vacancies are for a term that begins July 1, 2006 and expires on June 30, 2010.
The Personnel Commission acts in an advisory capacity to the City Council and City Administrator on the administration of the personnel system subject to City Charter limitations. Other duties of the Commission include: hears appeals on grievance matters including discipline (termination, suspension, demotion, reduction in pay), except those submitted to final and binding arbitration per agreement of the parties (non-disciplinary grievances such as issues of contract interpretation can be heard directly by the Commission in lieu of a hearing officer if agreed upon by the parties to the grievance); reviews impasse matters as part of the city impasse procedures if agreed upon and as permitted by State law; reviews and conducts public hearings regarding class specifications and reclassifications (this function is advisory with regard to positions that are exempt from the competitive service); conduct public hearings from decisions by the Human Resources Manager regarding those decisions set forth in the Employer-Employee Relations Resolution involving recognition of employee organizations/appropriateness of units, de-certification and modification of units. The Commission meets the third Wednesday of each month at 5:30 p.m.
Interested applicants are encouraged to complete a City of Huntington Beach Application for Appointment by no later than Friday, June 2, 2006. For more information, contact Human Resources Manager Irma Youssefieh at (714) 536-5586.
City partners with Adult Day Services
Adult Day Services of Orange County, located on the corner of Bushard and Indianapolis is a valuable resource located in our own City! Licensed by the California Department of Health Services, Adult Day Services is the only state-designated Alzheimer's Day Care Resource Center in Orange County. The agency has built the capacity to serve people in the earliest to the most advanced stages of Alzheimer's, and their caregivers. Since 1980, they have provided expert help that supports families in achieving their goal of caring for a loved one at home.
Various sections of Bushard Street will be closed through the summer of 2007 while a long term retrofitting project is resumed. Adult Day Services is concerned about lost visibility for the agency. Even with the construction, Adult Day Services is open for business, serving the community.
The City of Huntington Beach Community Services Department has had a valuable partnership with Adult Day Services for many years. They have partnered with the Michael E Rodgers Seniors' Center for memory fitness classes for the past 7 years, as well as sponsoring educational workshops. Senior Outreach works closely with ADSOC providing transportation for clients and conducting monthly case management meetings with Social Workers.
Adult Day Services of Orange County can be contacted at (714) 593-9630.
May Television Schedule for Channel Three
| Community Bulletin Board | All Day, Everyday |
| City Council Meetings | May 1@ 6:00 pm Rebroadcast May 2 @ 10 am and May 3 at 7pm May 15 @ 6:00 pm Rebroadcast May 16 @ 10 am & May 17 @7 pm |
| Planning Commission Broadcasts | May 23 @ 7:00 pm Rebroadcast April 13 @ 7:00 pm No Meeting on May 9th |
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
The Classic Arts programming runs Sundays 8am 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.