COMMUNITY SERVICES
Internet for Grownups - The Michael E. Rodgers Seniors' Center is getting older adults and seniors connected to the Internet thanks to a new computer lab and a great team of volunteer teachers. Internet for Grownups is the new class for beginning computer users who wish to learn how to use e-mail and surf the Web. The volunteer teachers are retired professionals who have shown great success in teaching computer basics in a non-intimidating environment. "My children have been bugging me for years to learn e-mail," said Nancy Carter who is a student of the class. "This class was wonderful and did the trick. Now my grandkids are e-mailing me." Classes are held on two consecutive weekdays of the student's choice: Tuesday - Friday from 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. and include a free lunch on both days. Students may sign up for the class as many times as they wish, but they must pay the $20 fee in advance. To enroll, stop by the Rodgers Seniors' Center front counter. For more information, please call 536-9387.
Senior Service Drivers on Parade - On July 4th, five Senior Service drivers volunteered for over six hours each to shuttle Independence Day Parade participants and VIPs. Senior Transportation donated the use of five vehicles and the Seniors' Outreach radios to the July 4th festivities as well. The drivers combined to transport 592 passengers for a total of 225 miles! A big thank you to David Downs, Andrew Gemmel, John McGrew, Chuck Nelson, and Donald Silk.
Adult Softball - The city hosted its annual citywide tournament last weekend at the Central Park Sports Complex. The tournament featured only teams from the city of Huntington Beach adult leagues. There were seven teams in the Upper Division and 10 in the Lower Division competing for top honors and bragging rights in the city. The Big Fatties team went undefeated in the Upper Division, turning away The Stiffs in the championship game. The Stiffs came through the Loser's Bracket of the Upper Division and avenged an earlier loss to the third place team Unforgiven Dementia. In the Lower Division, The Hurricanes managed to defend their title from 2004, but it wasn't easy. The Hurricanes came out on top in the Lower Division after fighting off some tough competition in the two-day event. The Hydrex team came out of the Loser's Bracket and forced the "if game" by beating the Hurricanes. The championship game saw both teams refusing to give up. After regulation play, the score was tied 8-8. Both teams battled for two more innings until The Hurricanes pushed across the winning run in the bottom of the ninth with two outs. The Two Out Meltdown team finished in third place for the Lower Division after they avenged an earlier loss to The Renegades team in a close battle 6-5.
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
Huntington Center--And the Work Goes On - Major changes are evident, almost daily, to convert the old Huntington Center into the new Bella Terra. Last week, a meeting was held to talk about the Edinger Avenue street improvements. The Construction Manager for J.h. Snyder informed the assembled crowd, comprised of local businesses, of their schedule for street and median widening work. Present also to field questions were members of the city's Public Works and Economic Development Departments. As to the more generally interesting progress with Bella Terra, we were told that we will see many new stores opening this September. The Century Theatres are scheduled to open December 15, and the entire project should be finished with a grand opening by next April. A list of signed leases was distributed that includes the following eateries: Kabuki Japanese, La Salsa Mexican, Tacone Wraps, Pizzarito, Tummy Stuffers, Daphne's Greek, Johnny Rockets, Ben and Jerry's, Pie Weir Asian, Pasta Commodore, Jamba Juice, and Pete's Coffee and Corner Bakery.
Board Vacancies - The Citizens Participation Advisory Board (CPAB) has the opportunity to fill two vacancies on the Board. CPAB is responsible for reviewing and evaluating applications for Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funding received by the city. Applicants must be over 18 years of age and live in Huntington Beach. Applications are available on the city's website www.surfcity-hb.org under "Boards and Commissions." For additional information, interested residents may call Luann Brunson at 536-5529.
FIRE DEPARTMENT
HBFD Responds to Bomb Scare in Costa Mesa - At approximately 7:00 p.m. on Saturday, July 2, the Huntington Beach Hazardous Materials Response Team responded to Victoria Street in Costa Mesa to assist the Costa Mesa Fire Department on an improvised explosive device with an unknown type of liquid in it. The device was located on a private sidewalk between apartment units. The HazMat Team assessed the scene and requested the Orange County Sheriff's Department Bomb Squad. Three apartments were evacuated, and the scene was taped off with access controlled by the Costa Mesa Police Department. The device was a two-liter plastic soft drink container that was 1/3 full of an unknown clear liquid. The Orange County Sheriff's Department Bomb Squad determined the device was credible and used a projectile from an air rifle to depressurize the container. The HazMat Team then made entry and tested the environment and the liquid using hand-held monitors and other equipment purchased through federal grant funds. The device was rendered safe, and the Bomb Squad collected the remaining section for evidence. Fortunately, there were no injuries.
Fire Free 4th of July - On the 4th of July this year, there were no fireworks-related fires or injuries. Five cars, each containing a fire investigator and police officer, patrolled the streets confiscating fireworks, which are illegal in Huntington Beach. Although there were no arrests or citations, many different types of fireworks were confiscated. The Fire Department was very busy with the calls reporting illegal fireworks activity throughout the city.
POLICE DEPARTMENT
HB1 June Statistics - The start of the summer season brought an increase in the activity for the Aero Unit. HB1 worked with the Traffic Bureau to proactively enforce violations by motorcyclists who are speeding and racing on Pacific Coast Highway. The pilots observed 26 violations, and all the motorcyclists were stopped by officers and were issued citations. The pilots also participated in a training day with Marine Safety Officers in preparation for the upcoming summer. Training consisted of simulated water rescues and familiarization with each unit's capabilities. The aero crews responded to 515 calls for service and were first on scene 98% of the time. They assisted in 21 felony arrests, 33 misdemeanor arrests, and issued 56 citations.
Recent Promotion - Officer Mark Freeman was recently promoted to sergeant and will be assigned as a patrol sergeant. Mark has been with the department for about 16 years and has worked a variety of assignments. He has been a Field Training Officer, Narcotics Officer, SWAT Team member, and Beach Detail Officer. Congratulations to Mark.
PUBLIC WORKS
Water Consumption for June 2005 - Conservation Tip of the Month: Use a broom to clean your driveway and sidewalk. This can save 150 gallons of water each time. At once a week, that's 7,800 gallons a year.
Weekly Report Archive 2005 2004 2003
