Monthly Online Newsletter - September 2005
City Administrator names new Deputy City Administrator and Information Services Director
The City Council voted unanimously, on Monday, August 15, 2005, to approve employment agreements and accept the two staff recommendations from the City Administrator. Paul Emery has been named Deputy City Administrator. Jack Marshall has been named Information Services Director.
Paul Emery started his new position August 16, 2005. Mr. Emery served as the Deputy Public Works Director from 2001 to January of this year, when he took on the position of Interim Public Works Director. Prior to coming to the City of Huntington Beach, Mr. Emery was with the City of Santa Ana from 1988 to 2001. His positions in the City of Santa Ana included Management Analyst, Project Manager in Transporation Planning, Project Manager in Maintenance, and Maintenance Services Manager.
Paul Emery has his Master's Degree in Public Administration from California State University, Fullerton and a Bachelors Degree from the University of California, Davis. His position as Deputy City Administrator will include working closely with Planning, Building, Public Works and Economic Development to coordinate and facilitate the work of those departments. He also supervises the Public Information Office and support staff in the City Administrator's office.
"I am honored and excited to be a part of this administration in this newly created position," stated Mr. Emery. "I look forward to working with the excellent staff and executive team to assist in the successful completion of development and public improvement projects."
Jack Marshall will start his position as Information Sevices Director on September 19, 2005. Mr. Marshall has been the Information Technology Manager with the City of Ventura since 2002. His career has included Information Technology Management for the City/County of San Francisco and the City of Redmond, Washington. He has also worked in technology project management for MTG Management Consultants and Swedish Medical Center - both in Seattle, Washington.
Mr. Marshall holds a Master's Degree in Business Administration from Northern Illinois University. His position will include developing a new technology plan for the City. He will provide leadership in driving the new plan and provide guidance and direction to ensure the successful implementation of effective systems and solutions that will benefit the City.
"The Information Services Department is relatively new, yet they have completed a number of technology projects in a short amount of time," noted Mr. Marshall. "I am really looking forward to being a part of this dynamic group and working for a world-class city like Huntington Beach."
Ceremony to honor 9/11 will be held at Pier Plaza
The American Legion Post 133 of Huntington Beach will hold a ceremony commemorating the September 11th terrorist attacks, on Sunday, September 11th at 11:00 am. The ceremony will feature police and fire personnel, the bell striking ceremony and a rifle salute.
Invited speakers include Assemblyman Tom Harman and Huntington Beach Mayor Jill Hardy. The ceremony will take place at Pier Plaza by the flagpoles.
Council on Aging to host Senior Saturday 2005
The Huntington Beach Council on Aging is proud to announce its 17th Annual "Senior Saturday Community Festival," to be held at Pier Plaza in downtown Huntington Beach, on September 10, 2005, from 9 a.m. - 2 p.m. Admission is free.
Approximately 65 sponsor booths will be at the event offering information, products and services geared toward seniors. This is an excellent opportunity for seniors and their families to spend an afternoon by the Pier while gathering pertinent information amid a festive atmosphere.
In addition to the sponsor' booths, there will be a $2 breakfast, $3 lunch, and free entertainment throughout the day. Pier Plaza is located adjacent to the Huntington Beach Pier at the intersection of Main St. and Pacific Coast Highway.
The Council on Aging is a non-profit organization that supports programs and services for Huntington Beach Seniors through the Michael E. Rodgers Seniors' Center and the Huntington Beach Senior Outreach. For more information, please call the Michael E. Rodgers Seniors' Center at (714) 536-9387.
Mobile Home Information Available Online at the City's Website
At the request of the Mobile Home Advisory Board (MHAB), city staff has incorporated into its official website information about Huntington Beach mobile home parks and mobile home living in general. A section for Frequently Asked Questions has been added to answer routine questions and provide links to available mobile home-related information.
Web surfers will also be able to view the most current agenda for the Mobile Home Advisory Board meeting, held on the fourth Monday of each month at 6:30 p.m. This new portion of the city's website can be found at www.surfcity-hb.org/CityDepartments/ED/Housing (click on "mobile home information").
51st Annual Distance Derby a success for Project Self-Sufficiency
By Abigail Nelson, Public Information Office
Smiles were plentiful as runners crossed the finish line at the 51st Annual Huntington Beach Distance Derby, sponsored by Rainbow Disposal, on Saturday, August 20. As the oldest race in the Orange County, there was an event for everyone, with a 10-mile run, a 5-mile run/ walk, and a Surf Kids Fun Run. This annual event drew over 1,100 runners from around the country. Overcast skies and moderate temperatures provided perfect weather for running as running groups, families, friends, and individual runners all came out to compete and to help support Project Self-Sufficiency.
For the more experienced runners, the 10-mile run began at 7 a.m. at Pier Plaza. On this overcast Saturday morning, runners ran 2.5 miles down the service road on the beach, came back to the starting point, and ran 2.5 miles in the opposite direction, eventually finishing their run back at Pier Plaza. The top runner in the 10-mile race was Ben Mejia with a time of 53:26 minutes. The 5-mile run/walk began at 8:30 a.m. and runners of all ages and abilities took part in this event. The overall winner of the 5-mile event was Justin Chung from Manchester, CT. Some of the participants in the 10-mile run had more energy to burn and decided to continue their run in the 5-mile event as well.
Even children could participate in the Surf Kids Fun Run that began at 10 a.m. at Pier Plaza. Many children warmed up and couldn't wait to start their run as the last runners from 5-mile run/ walk crossed the finish line with spectators cheering them on. The Fun Run had three different races, the mile, half-mile, and quarter-mile distances, so that children of all ages and abilities were able to participate.
The day would not have been possible without all of the great help that was provided by many volunteers. Recognition goes to the Huntington Beach Junior Guards, the Lions Club, the Breakfast Kiwanis, RACES, the Morning Rotary, the PS-S Foundation, and the United Methodist Church for their assistance
This year's race proceeds will go to support Project Self-Sufficiency (PS-S), 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, and be highly motivated to work toward achieving a career that will support their family. Funds raised by the Distance Derby will be used to support the PS-S program and assist with child-care, books, auto repair and other necessities.
For more information on Project Self-Sufficiency please call (714) 536-5439.
Brunch for the ARTs
By Diane Wadum
The Huntington Beach Art Center's annual fall fundraiser Brunch for the Arts will be held on Sunday, October 2, 2005 at the beautiful Hilton Waterfront Beach Resort. The event features a gourmet buffet loaded with delectable fare served with champagne and fine wines. The Lew Matthews Trio will perform live jazz. Professional auctioneer Billy Humphries will encourage spirited bidding during the live and silent auctions, which will feature a dazzling array of items to highlight the afternoon. Estate jewelry, fine art, a new piano, baskets of goodies and even an adorable puppy will be included in the auctions. Children's artwork from our summer art camp program Art at the Beach will be on display, showcasing some of the finest work from the community's budding artists.
The goal of this event is to raise funds for educational and artistic programs at the Center. More than 12,000 people participate in our programs each year through the many classes, workshops and cultural events the Center has to offer. This year the Center in collaboration with the Newport Repertory Theater, has added live theatrical performances including works by Shakespeare, Ray Bradbury and Rudyard Kipling.
Please join us for an afternoon of food, drink, music and auction excitement! Reservations can be made for Brunch for the Arts by contacting 714.536.5258.
Food Collection will be through September
Extended through the month of September, the city of Huntington Beach is sponsoring its 5th Annual Citywide Food Drive in support of the Second Harvest Food Bank of Orange County. The Food Bank serves more than 400 member charities in Orange County who, in turn, feed more than 220,000 needy individuals each month.
Collection barrels for canned food and nonperishable food items have been placed at the following locations throughout the city:
- City Hall - 1st, 4th, & 5th floors
- City Yard - 17371 Gothard St.
- Utilities Division - 19001 Huntington St.
- Murdy Community Center - 7000 Norma Drive
- Edison Community Center - 21377 Magnolia Ave.
- Central Library - 7111 Talbert Ave.
- Main Street Library - 525 Main St.
- Fire Station #5 - 530 Lake Street
- Moorhouse Lifeguard Headquarters - 103 Pacific Coast Highway
- City Gym and Pool - 1600 Palm Ave.
Police need donations to make Halloween event successful
The Police Department is once again preparing for the annual Oak View and Downtown Halloween Celebration. This year marks the sixth year for this event, and the Huntington Beach Police Department would like to be able to give each child who attends Oak View School a bag of candy, a police coloring book and a stick-on police badge. At the Oak View event, children will be able to sit in the police cars that will be brought to the school and they will meet McGruff, The Crime Dog. At the Downtown Merchant's event, the children will receive candy and there will also be a police car for the children to see up close.
There are more than 900 children attending Oak View Elementary School and more than 500 of these children will attend the Downtown Merchant's event. The Huntington Beach Police Department is encouraging the financial support of the community in order to make this event successful. Last year's event was very successful, due in large part to the donations of candy or financial assistance from local businesses and other members of the community. The intent of this event is to continue to improve the relations between Huntington Beach Residents, the business community and Oak View.
Anyone making donations will be provided with the tax-exempt number for Huntington Beach Neighborhood Watch. If you are interested in making a donation, Contact Suzie Wajda at (714) 536-5933 or send your donation to
- Huntington Beach Police Department, Att.: Suzie Wajda
- 2000 Main Street
- Huntington Beach, CA 92648
Actions at Central Park to Reduce West Nile Threat
The Public Works Department Maintenance Division has been working in cooperation with Orange County Vector Control and the California Department of Fish and Game on preventive action to control the mosquito population in Huntington Central Park. Efforts include the removal of selected vegetation to allow Vector Control employees better access to samples and treat the lake.
The water level in Central Park, although receding steadily, remains unseasonably high due to the excessive rainfall this year. Vector Control officials had expressed concern that their technicians could not gain full access to the perimeter of the lake due to dense vegetation, which is a habitat for local wildlife. California Department of Fish and Game involvement ensures that the vegetation removed will not adversely affect wildlife. By coordinating the necessary permissions between local agencies, Public Works has ensured that Vector Control will be able to treat all areas of the lake to inhibit the spread of mosquitoes.
New hours for the Shipley Nature Center
By Abigail Nelson, Public Information Office
The Shipley Nature Center will have new days and hours that it will be open to the public this fall. Opened in 1974, the Shipley Nature Center is an 18-acre fenced natural area within Huntington Beach Central Park. Named after former Mayor Donald D. Shipley, the center is owned by the City of Huntington Beach. The Nature Center includes 4,000 feet of trails that run through several habitats, and around Blackbird Pond.
Friends of the Shipley Nature Center is a volunteer group committed to saving and enhancing the Donald D. Shipley Nature Center. They are working with the City of Huntington Beach to restore the Shipley Nature Center and to ensure that it will continue to serve as a nature preserve that can provide students and the public with a place to study native plants and animals.
On the first Saturday of each month, from 9 a.m. to noon, you can join the community volunteers for weeding, trail maintenance, and watering as part of "Restoration as Recreation". Please wear sturdy, closed-toe shoes and bring garden gloves, tools and drinking water.
From 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. every Saturday, you can view the interpretive displays and/or take a self-guided walk along the trails or around the pond and view the overall restoration progress. A Friends docent will be on hand to guide you and to answer any questions.
The Center will be open to the public for self-guided tours during the week as well. Members from the Orange County Conservation Corps (OCCC) team will be at the Center from Mondays to Thursdays, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., to host visitors and to answer any questions.
The City of Huntington Beach has constructed a temporary parking lot for the Nature Center on the west side of Goldenwest Street, with Slater Avenue to the north and Talbert Avenue to the south. For more information, please call (714) 842-4772 or send an email to shipleynaturecenter@yahoo.com.
The Friends of the Shipley Nature Center website, www.fsnc.org, is currently being redesigned and is not being updated at this time, but please check back for the new website.
Teleminder System helps in an emergency
Over the past few years you may have received a recorded message telling you about a missing child or a missing elderly person and wondered what exactly this message was and where this information was coming from. These recorded messages come from the Huntington Beach Police Department from an automated telephone message center called "Teleminder."
Teleminder allows law enforcement agencies to fully automate emergency telephone communications between staff members and residents in the community. The system automatically telephones residents in selected sections of the community providing them with programmed information to give people emergency instructions or to provide them with important information.
The Teleminder system consists of 16 phone lines and can make 960 calls per hour, based on a 30 second message. The Police Department has had the system since the year 2000 and it is usually activated approximately 4 to 6 times per year.
The Police Department uses the system in cases such as notifying the public of a disaster where they would have to take immediate action such as evacuation. Teleminder may also be used to give a crime warning that is of immediate concern or to request the public's assistance in locating a missing child or an elderly person.
The system is set up so that only certain areas of the city will be notified. In the case of a missing child, only the immediate neighborhoods surrounding the child's residence would be notified of information regarding the child.
You should inform members of your family about Teleminder, and instruct children in the house to contact an adult to listen to the message. If you receive a message, listen carefully to the instructions. You will not be able to call Teleminder back, however, if you miss a Teleminder message, listen carefully at the end of the message for instructions on how to repeat the message in its entirety.
For more information on Teleminder, please call Suzie Wajda at (714) 536-5933.
Tickets on sale for the Harbor Cruise
The Huntington Harbour Philharmonic Committee presents the 43rd annual Cruise of Lights...a 45 minute narrated boat tour through the sparkling waterways of Huntington Harbour, California. This year's theme is "Broadway Melodies" and over 20,000 visitors will see thousands of lights on boats, docks and homes, plus incredible animation.
The Cruise of Lights is often described as "The most spectacular light show on water". This year's dates are December 13 through December 23.
Prices are: Monday through Friday adults $12 and children $8 with cruise times 6pm, 7pm, and 8pm. Saturday and Sunday adults $14 and children $8 with cruise times at 5:30pm, 6:30pm, 7:30pm and 8:30pm. There will be a special "Family Night" on December 15th with reduced prices...adults $10 and children $7.
For more information or to purchase tickets, please call the Huntington Harbour Philharmonic office at (714) 840-7542, fax (714) 840-7573, or visit us on the web at http://www.CruiseOfLights.org/
Michael E. Rodgers Seniors' Center to present new computer classes
The Michael E. Rodgers Seniors' Center is proud to announce three new computer classes and a computer user social club. At the first meeting of The PC Buddy Club, the teachers will outline the new classes: Windows XP Basics, Introduction to Microsoft Word and Digital Photography. This meeting will take place on Thursday, September 8, 2005 at 2:30 p.m.
All adults and seniors are invited to come to this free event and learn about what computers can do for them, how easy they are to learn and which classes would be best for them to take. Refreshments will be served.
The PC Buddy club will meet the 2nd and 4th Thursday of each month from 2:30 - 4 p.m. Ask any computer question to our edifying teachers. Engage with guest speakers about purchasing a computer, e-mail attachments, e-bay, newsgroups, computer maintenance, printers, scanners, specialized programs and other current topics in the computer industry.
Michael E. Rodgers Seniors' Center is located at 1706 Orange Ave., Huntington Beach. The center is a focal point for an array of free services important to the quality of life for all older adults. The center offers opportunities for involvement and companionship with a wide range of social, recreational and educational activities.
For more information, please call the Michael E. Rodgers Seniors' Center at (714) 536-9387.
Orange County Vector Control District:
West Nile Virus Update from Summer 2005
West Nile virus (WNV) has now been found all over Orange County. Dead birds, mosquitoes and live birds are all showing the virus has spread as far south as San Juan Capistrano, and as far north as Yorba Linda. As of mid August, the California Department of Health Services has reported West Nile virus from 49 of the 58 counties in California. There are at least 208 human cases in California so far in 2005.
Orange County has reported three human cases of West Nile virus; a 35-year-old woman from Laguna Niguel, a 50 year old woman from Anaheim, and a 69 year old man from Brea. All of these people have a history of travel to areas with high WNV activity, and at least one reportedly remembers being bitten while away.
There have been six human fatalities in California in 2005, one each from Kings, Fresno, Butte, and San Joaquin Counties, and two from Riverside County have unfortunately died after contracting WNV. Orange County is among 21 California counties that have recorded human cases, and all agree there will be more.
Orange County Vector Control District's mosquito control efforts have kept mosquito populations well below average, even with the standing water left behind by the near record rainfall last winter. This has happened in part, because the District has reduced its treatment cycle time to an average of nine days countywide. Orange County Vector Control District has no plans for the type of aerial spraying we have heard so much about in other areas of California.
The dead bird program is working quite well. OCVCD has tested more birds than any other district in the state. District biologists in the lab now have to make choices about when and where to collect birds for testing. This means that birds being reported from well-represented localities may be passed over so resources can be directed to collect information from new areas.
Callers may be directed to dispose of the bird carcass by picking it up in a plastic bag and putting it out with the garbage. The bird may have been bitten days earlier, and miles away, so this tool is used only to track the general spread of the disease, not as a method to determine WNV risk in a given area.
On the good news side, the Environmental Protection Agency has approved Picaridin, and Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus as active ingredients in mosquito repellent. This gives consumers a choice rather than just DEET. The new materials are said to be almost as effective as Deet but smell and feel better. People should always read the label; some formulations last longer than others.
Make sure you and your family will be protected for the duration of your outdoor activity.
Library to host authors
On Friday, September 16th, Friends of the Huntington Beach Library will host two noted authors at a luncheon and lecture starting at noon in meeting rooms C/D of the Central Library. Laura Hillman, author of I will Plant You a Lilac Tree: A Memoir of a Schindler's List Survivor will recount her struggle to survive Nazi concentration camps. Dora Levy Mossanen will take us into the closely guarded world of nineteenth-century Persian women with three unforgettable characters in her latest book, Courtesan.
Price for lunch and lecture is $15. Reservation forms and checks payable to FOTL must be received by Tuesday, September 13th. For more information call 842-4481 ext. 2213 or press 7 at the prompt.
Beyond Plein Air
The Huntington Beach Art Center presents its first annual "Plein Air Festival: Painting Huntington Beach" September 10-30. The outdoor painting festival provides an opportunity for local artists to celebrate the scenic beauty of Huntington Beach. Selected artists will paint at various locations around Huntington Beach, including Central Park, Bolsa Chica Wetlands and the Huntington Beach Pier. Featured artists Milford Zornes, Jerry Owens and Diana LoSchiavo will offer workshops for participants. The festival culminates with an exhibition and sale of the works at the Art Center.
So what is Plein Air painting? The French Impressionists coined the term "plein air" (literally "in the outdoors") to describe the growing interest of artists to move outside the confines of their studios and paint within the scenic landscape of their surroundings.
The local community is invited to experience Plein Air painting up close during the Plein Air Festival. Community members are encouraged to visit the selected artists painting on-site throughout the city during the festival dates, as well as view their completed works in the exhibition "Beyond Plein Air: An Artist's Perspective of Huntington Beach," at the Art Center September 24 - 30.
A reception to meet the artists will be held on Saturday, September 24 from 6- 9 pm. Admission is free. A portion of the proceeds from the sale of art works will benefit the Art Center's exhibition and education programs. For details, call the Art Center at 714.374.1650.
Surfing competitions heat up the beach this fall
While Huntington Beach may be best known for hosting one of the world's largest surfing competitions- the US Open of Surfing each summer, more than three dozen official surfing competitions come here throughout the year. This fall, several surfing competitions will be taking place that will take us back to the beach long after summer has officially ended.
Some of today's top professional women surfers will compete at the Hello Kitty Boardfest, which will take place Labor Day Weekend from September 2-5. Many of the world's finest shortboarders, longboarders and juniors will battle for nearly $25,000 in cash and prizes in this top-rated women's surfing competition. Also featured at the Boardfest will be a family-oriented beach exposition showcasing free attractions and games, surf clinics, skateboarding demonstrations and live music. For more information, please call the Boardfest Hotline at (714) 375-1132 or visit www.boardfest.com.
The City of Huntington Beach Surf Competition will take place on the south side of the Pier on September 17 and 18, from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. This freestyle surfing competition is sponsored by the City of Huntington Beach and Huntington Surf & Sport and is open to amateurs in every age bracket that are Huntington Beach residents.
From September 17-29, the National Scholastic Surfing Association's Southwest Conference Open will be held. The AA-rated NSSA event is the first event in a 10- event series and is open to all ages, however if you are under the age of 18, you must be enrolled in school with a 2.0 minimum GPA. In order to compete, you must be a NSSA member and pay a $45 entry fee. The contest will be held at Huntington Beach City Beach at the intersection of PCH and 9th Street, from 6:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information on the Conference Open or how to become a member, please visit www.nssa.org or call (714) 378-0899.
The Quiksilver ISA World Junior Surfing Championships will be coming to Huntington Beach this year after being held in Tahiti last year. The International Surfing Association (ISA) sponsors this event, which will be held from October 8-16, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. The ISA is recognized by the International Olympic Committee as the world governing authority for surfing, and all of the events will follow the Olympic format. Teams from all over the world will compete for their countries, with medals awarded to the top four finalists. The competition will take place at Huntington City Beach by the intersection of Main and Pacific Coast Highway. For more information on this event please visit www.isasurf.org or call (858) 551-5292.
New Band Shell Unveiled at Central Park
A new inflatable band shell was unveiled and officially presented to the City at a concert in Huntington Beach Central Park on Sunday, July 31. The concert featured the Huntington Beach Concert Band, under the direction of Tom Ridley.
This summer, more than 1,000 people have enjoyed the Summer Concert Series 2005 "Concerts in the Park," sponsored by the Huntington Beach Concert Band.
The bandstand in Central Park was built in 2001 through the efforts of a local group called FANS (Friends and Neighbors of Sea Cliff). The bandstand hosts summer band concerts and other community events in an area near the Library Cultural Center, with the audience seated on the hillside. Audience members often bring folding chairs, blankets, or picnic suppers to enjoy the evening concerts.
The Rotary Club of Huntington Beach and the Huntington Beach Sunrise Rotary Club raised the funds to purchase the inflatable band shell that will direct the sound of the music to the audience seated on the hillside.
The band shell can be set up in about 30 minutes and then deflated and stored between events.
This approach avoids the possibility of vandalism and does not block park views at other times during the year.
The clubs raised more than $15,000 to purchase the shell, the operating equipment, and to pay for shipping charges. Each club pledged $2,500 to begin the campaign. Corporate donors, along with 31 private citizen contributions, provided the balance for the band shell.
Save Our Strays of Huntington Beach Pancake Breakfast
It's time again for the annual Save Our Strays pancake breakfast! So, bring your family and friends (two-legged and four-legged) to the sixth annual SOSHB pancake breakfast in Lake Park (off Lake St, between 11th and 12th St.) from 8:00am to Noon on Saturday, September 24, 2005.
This year the raffle prizes include:
- Tickets to Disneyland
- Tickets to the Los Angeles Zoo
- A plane ride in a small, private aircraft
- A Trader Joe's gift certificate
- Tickets to the Long Beach Aquarium
- Passes to Boomers
- Gift certificates to dry cleaners, restaurants, nail shops and much, much more!
Stop by and visit with the animal communicator, the pet photographer, the pet ambulance and other vendors with great pet related products and services. Also, Orange County Animal Care Services will hold pet adoptions for some wonderful dogs and cats who need a loving home.
The cost for all of this fun is still only $7 per person, payable at the "door". Come early to get your raffle tickets, the longer you are there, the better your chances to win one (or more) of the great prizes. For more details, email SaveOurStraysHB@aol.com or call 714-442-1446.
Splish! Splash! Come give our city's trees a drink this summer!
The Huntington Beach Tree Society seeks volunteers to help water trees in an area near Central Park. The dry, summer heat is upon us and the young trees at the urban forest now need an extra drink. All equipment is provided, such as hoses and water and you can stop by and volunteer at your convenience! What an easy way to make a difference!
This experience will be delightful because you will experience the beauty and serenity of the Urban Forest while watering our precious resources. The amount of time and effort you wish to devote to this endeavor will be up to you. Give us a call and we will give you directions, instructions and all other pertinent details.
For more information, please call Jean Nagy, Huntington Beach Tree Society President, at 714- 564-1396.
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.
Leash Law Violations
The Police Department has been receiving complaints regarding owners allowing their dogs to be off the leash in city parks.
In the near future, the department will be responding to the complaints with a combined educational and enforcement effort directed at reducing the number of people violating the law.
Civil War Reenactment to take place at Central Park
Huntington Beach Central Park will be transformed into a battle ground between the North and the South in September, when Huntington Beach Historical Society presents Civil War Days. This two-day event, which is free to the public, will be held during Labor Day weekend, on September 3 and 4.
Civil War Days will be held in Central Park, which is located behind the Library, between Gothard and Goldenwest, and between Talbert and Slater, and will give visitors a look into life in the 1800’s.
There will be costumed actors, music, food, weapons demonstrations, battle reenactments, scenes of the camp life of a soldier, and Sutlers selling their wares to visitors. This event, which will be fun for the whole family, will also help to benefit the Huntington Beach Historical Society.
The camp will be open to the public on Saturday, September 3 at 10 a.m., with the first battle beginning at 1:30 p.m. and the second battle at 4 p.m., followed by a twilight concert.
There will also be a Living History Weapons Demonstration at 2:30 p.m. Sunday, September 4 will begin with Church services at 8 a.m., and camp will open at 9 a.m.
The first battle will begin at 11 a.m. and the second battle will begin at 2 p.m. The Living History Weapons Demonstration will be held at noon.
For more information on Civil War Days, please call Kelly at (714) 969-8928 or email Hbhistory@aol.com. Bringing dogs is not recommended because of the loud noise.
8th Annual Walk for the Animals to be held September 18
The Orange County Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (OCSPCA) is pleased to announce the 8th Annual 5K/2K Walk for the Animals on Sunday, September 18 at 9:00am in Huntington Central Park East, Goldenwest Street, Huntington Beach. Well-mannered dogs, on leashes, are encouraged to attend. No puppies under six months.
Scheduled activities include Tyson the Skateboarding Bulldog as walk mascot; Disc Dogs in Southern California; sponsor booths; vendors; silent auction and door prizes. All funds raised from the Walk help support the organization's programs including cruelty prevention; veterinary care for sick and injured animals; subsidized spay/neuter, feral cat rescue; "Kindness Kids" (humane education program for schools); project "Animals Safe House" (providing temporary refuge for pets and victims of domestic violence); Canine Literacy; and PAWS (pet-assisted therapy program).
Registration is $20.00 before September 10th, $25.00 on the day of the event. Kids 12 years and under, free. Teams of five or more pay $15.00 each if pre-registered by the 10th. Registration on the day of the event starts at 7:30am. For more information, call OCSPCA (714) 596-7387; or email, ocspca@surfside.net.
BB Jazz romantic evening in the Park
Enjoy a Romantic Evening in Central Park with the BB Jazz Festival on Saturday September 10 from 12 to 8 p.m. Beautiful Central Park provides plenty of shade from the trees and spectacular views of the performances for a memorable concert experience. This is BB Jazz's 3rd annual festival in Huntington Beach, and it has been growing in size and popularity each year. BB Jazz is a non-profit organization whose purpose is to bring smooth jazz to the community of Huntington Beach and to raise awareness and funds for children with autism.
A Romantic Evening in Central Park will feature 5 hours of music from leading jazz recording artists including: the guitars and saxes with Warren Hill, Jeff Golub, Mindi Abair, and Wayman Tisdale; saxophonist Najee; pianist Alex Bugnon; guitarist Chris Standring with saxophonist Paul "Shilts" Weimar; and vocalist Gabriella Anders. In between performances, enjoy the music of DJ Jonathon Philips.
Barbeque, wine and beer will be available for sale at the concert. Tickets for general admission lawn seating are $40. VIP Gold tickets, which include VIP seating and dinner are $110; and VIP Platinum tickets, which include VIP seating, dinner and drinks are $200.00. Proceeds will benefit children with autism.
The concert will take place in Central Park, located between Goldenwest and Gothard Streets. Tickets are now available on BB Jazz's website www.bbjazz.com. For more information, please call (714) 377-7574.
Mayor's Award for July goes to Firefighter/Paramedic
Kevin Fetterman has been an exceptional Firefighter Paramedic with the Fire Department since December 1999. In addition to his regular work assignment, he has served as the HazMat team liaison to the Orange County Terrorism Early Warning Group; is a tactical paramedic to the Police Department's SWAT team; is a current member of the Weapons of Mass Destruction operations committee; is a past member of the Orange County drug and equipment task force; a past member of the County Paramedic Advisory Committee; a trainer for each new ambulance and paramedic academy; and the lead person for implementation of new EMS equipment such as: backboards for peds, car sets for ambulances and organizing a system for steam cleaning equipment for biohazards.
With his positive attitude and attention to detail, he has become a mentor and trainer for new firefighter paramedics and is an excellent example of an outstanding employee. He was awarded the Mayor's Award for the month of July on August 1, 2005. He was presented the award by Mayor Pro Tem Dave Sullivan and joined by his wife and fellow fire personnel.
Mayor's Award for August given to two individuals
This summer more than 1,000 children were participants in the Huntington Beach Junior Lifeguard program. This program is widely recognized as one of the world's finest Junior Lifeguard programs. Normally the Mayor's Award is given to one individual, but this month the Mayor's Award went to two people that each play a vital role in the Junior Lifeguard program's success: Dave Simcox and Mike Eich.
Coordinator Simcox and Assistant Coordinator Eich have been fixtures in the program for many years and two of the reasons that it is so successful. Dave Simcox has been in the Junior Guards program for 32 years. After being hired in 1964, he became a Junior Guards instructor in 1974. Mike Eich was hired in 1972, became a Junior Guards instructor in 1979, and has been in the program for 27 years. He also assists with lifeguard training and has helped train all but four of Huntington Beach's existing permanent and seasonal lifeguards.
Both these individuals work hard year-round to ensure that this highly successful program remains organized, safe, and fun for all the participants. The program helps the Junior Guards to develop courtesy, respect, sound morals and sportsmanship and teaches them lifesaving techniques and ocean environment awareness.
The two awardees (Simcox on right and Eich on left of Mayor Hardy) were recognized by the Mayor on August 15, 2005. They were joined by their families and instructors and staff for the Junior Lifeguard Program.
Police acquire new vehicle
The Police Department recently took delivery of a new armored vehicle called the "Bear." This vehicle was purchased as part of the Homeland Security UASI Grant. HBPD is one of four Orange County police departments to receive funding to purchase one of the vehicles for the nationwide fight against terrorism. The "Bear" is fully armored and is large enough to transport the entire SWAT team into high-risk situations. It will be a great addition to our department.
September Television Schedule for Channel Three
| Community Bulletin Board | All Day, Everyday |
| City Council Live Broadcasts | September 6 @ 6:00 pm (Tuesday because of Labor Day) Rebroadcast Sept. 7 at 7:00 pm |
| September 12 @ 6:00 pm (Special meeting for Budget Public Hearing) Rebroadcast Sept. 14 at 7:00 pm |
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| September 19 @ 6:00 pm Rebroadcast Sept. 20 @ 10 am & Sept. 21 @ 7:00 pm |
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| Planning Commission Broadcasts | September 13 @ 7 pm Rebroadcast Sept. 15 @ 7:00 pm |
| September 27 @ 7:00 pm Rebroadcast Sept. 29 @ 7:00 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