Surf City Weekly - April 19, 2024

Huntington Beach Fire Explorer Graduation:
On Tuesday, April 9, the Huntington Beach Fire Department had 13 members graduate from its Fire Explorer Academy. These young men and women participated in a three-month academy to learn basic information about the department and the Explorer Program, culminating in a final exam. The 13 new members bring the total number of Fire Explorers to 47. 

Their mission is to learn about a career in the fire service, while volunteering at various Fire Department and City functions. Some of the past volunteer opportunities they have participated in include staffing the HBFD Open House, filling sandbags during storms, and assisting with CERT training classes.

Homeless Veterans Town Hall - April 25
Join Mayor Gracey Van Der Mark and staff from our Homeless & Behavioral Health Division for a Community Town Hall on the topic of veteran homelessness. The Town Hall will take place on Thursday, April 25 at 5:30 p.m. at our Senior Center in Central Park (18041 Goldenwest Street). Representatives from the Veterans Health Administration and our City's Veterans Resource Center will also be presenting and available to answer questions on the topic.

If you are unable to make it in person, the Town Hall will also be livestreamed on our City's YouTube, Facebook, and X.

El Día de los Niños/El Día de los Libros at Oak View Branch Library:
El Día de los Niños/El Día de los Libros (Children's Day/Book Day), commonly known as Día, is a nationally recognized initiative that emphasizes the importance of literacy for children of all linguistic and cultural backgrounds. It was founded in 1997 by author and poet Pat Mora. Día, meaning “day for our daily commitment,” is a collaboration of national and state library and literacy organizations, educators, presses, and readers to share the joy of books and their importance. Children’s Day/Book Day celebrations are held in libraries, schools, homes, parks, etc. often on or near April 30th.

Oak View Branch Library has been celebrating Día with children and their families for many years and we would like to invite you to join us on Tuesday, April 30, at 5:30 p.m. at the Oak View Branch Library for our 2024 Día celebration. This event will include an all-ages, clean comedy magic show, performed by Zany Zoe. After the 45-60 minutes show, there will be fun activities for the kiddos, including carnival games, a craft, and a light refreshment (while supplies last). Space is limited and registration is highly encouraged. 

CERT Spring Class Graduation:
The Huntington Beach Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) offers a consistent, nationwide approach to volunteer training and organization that professional responders can rely on during disaster situations. CERT prepares members to help themselves and their community in the event of a disaster.

The spring CERT class graduated 35 students on Sunday, April 14. The graduation ceremony was attended by Fire Chief Scott Haberle and Emergency Management Administrator Brevyn Mettler. The subjects covered include: basic preparedness, disaster first aid, light search and rescue, disaster psychology, fire suppression, and terrorism awareness. The fall class will be held Friday - Sunday, September 13 - 15, 2024.