Monthly Online Newsletter - January 2006
Please Make a Note -
City Hall will be closed for New Year's Day on January 2nd and for Martin Luther King Jr. Birthday on January 16th.
City Council Meetings will be held on January 3rd and January 17th. A special City Council Meeting will be held on January 9th to discuss the Poseidon Desalination Project. All meetings will begin at 6:00 pm and will be televised on Channel 3.
Need info about City Boards and Commission Meetings? Check out the "City Calendar" at www.surfcity-hb.org.
Curbside Holiday Tree Recycling
Huntington Beach residents enjoy free, curbside recycling of Holiday trees! Rainbow Disposal will collect Holiday trees with the regular trash pick-up from Dec. 26, 2004 through January 14, 2006. The discarded trees will be ground and recycled into mulch.
To recycle your tree, simply remove all ornaments, hooks, light strings, tinsel, and stand, and place it with your household trash on your regular trash day. Remember, no stands! Maximum height is 6 ft., so trees that are taller than 6 feet must be cut into sections. If your tree is flocked, it cannot be used for mulch, but Rainbow will collect it for disposal.
Huntington Beach residents who use blue bin "dumpster" service can place their trees beside their trash bins for collection. For ease of handling, please do not place trees in the bin.
If you would like further information, please contact the Department of Public Works at 714-375-5010 or Rainbow Disposal at 714-847-3581.
Light a Light of Love raises money for Community Services Programs
The holidays were celebrated downtown with a Holiday Parade, the Holiday Pier 
Lighting Ceremony, a Taste of Downtown food sampling fundraiser, 
and a concert at Pier Plaza during Light a Light of Love on December 4. In one of her last appearances as the Mayor of Huntington Beach, Mayor Jill Hardy took part in the festivities and the parade, and also sang the National Anthem.
The parade included youth organizations, dignitaries, Miss Huntington Beach, classic cars and Mr. & Mrs. Santa Claus riding on a fire truck. Restaurants along Main Street offered samples of soup, clam chowder, and desserts, with all proceeds going to the Community Services programs. At 6 p.m. the lights were switched on to light 
the snowflakes that lined the Pier, and the holiday season began.
This event was co-hosted by the Downtown Huntington Beach Business Association and the Huntington Beach Restaurant Association and raised at least $15,000 for Community Services Programs, a nonprofit group that works with delinquent juveniles and families.
Community Services Programs is based in Santa Ana, and has two youth programs in Huntington Beach.
Pictured are scenes from the parade with Santa and Mrs. Claus finishing the event with a ride on the fire truck.
Bolsa Chica Land Trust calendar
The 2006 "Wings over Bolsa" wall calendar is now available for purchase. This stunning 13-month calendar is an annual fund raiser for the non-profit Bolsa Chica Land Trust. Featuring the work of local photographers, all of the images were taken at Bolsa Chica and showcase the beauty and diversity of our local wildlife. The photos span the range from American Avocets to White-tailed Kites, from year-round residents the Great Blue Heron to migrators such as the Terns. Additionally, for the first time the calendar expands on the "Wings over Bolsa" concept with a month devoted to butterflies.
The cost is just $10 each plus shipping, or five for $39.95 plus shipping. They can be ordered by calling (714) 846-1001, by sending e-mail to bclt@bolsachicalandtrust.org, or by using the order form at www.bolsachicalandtrust.org. Calendars may also be purchased in person at select merchants in Huntington Beach as well as the Land Trust office (call for details).
Wireless Internet available at City Council Chambers
The City of Huntington Beach is introducing free wireless Internet access for the City Council chambers and adjacent meeting rooms. The City Council chambers will be a Wi-Fi hotspot beginning at the December 5th meeting. Starting at this meeting, you will be able to use your laptop with wireless access capability to access the World Wide Web.
With this service, you will be able to access the Internet, check your email, or pull up the agenda for the City Council meeting electronically through the City's website during the meeting. To use this free service, a laptop with a wireless card and wireless software installed will be required. An information sheet will be available outside Council chambers to help users.
For more information, call Information Services at (714) 536-5515.
City is recognized for major project and outstanding director
The American Public Works Association held their 2005 Annual Awards Luncheon Program honoring outstanding achievement in Public Works at the Sycamore Center at Lakewood on December 8. The American Public Works Association is an international educational and professional association of public agencies, private sector companies, and individuals dedicated to providing high quality public works goods and services.
Huntington Beach received much recognition at the luncheon: the Central Park Sports Complex received a Project of the Year award, and Robert Beardsley, the Director of Public Works for Huntington Beach, was named Top Leader in the Public Sector.
Receiving this honor was a great achievement for the City of Huntington Beach, and the Public Works Department. Mayor Sullivan, Mayor Pro Tem Coerper and Councilmember Green attended the luncheon along with several other City officials.
The Central Park Sports Complex transformed a section of the City's landmark Central Park from an old landfill into a premier sports facility. A combination of strategic design and innovative site solutions were employed to develop an outstanding public improvement.
Site layout, design and site enhancements were influenced by various concerns including compatibility with surrounding areas, aesthetics, crime prevention principals, long-term operation and maintenance and environmental concerns.
Bob Beardsley received the extremely honorable recognition of being named the "Top Leader in the Public Sector." Bob has been with the City of Huntington Beach as the Director of Public Works since June of 1998.
He has worked on many projects for the City, including the development and rehabilitation of several new reservoirs and water wells and the complete reconstruction of a $22 million Public Beach Parking/Facility Improvements project.
Bartlett Park Annual Cleanup
A team of workers from the Orange County Conservation Corps (OCCC) conducted a two-day cleanup of Bartlett Park on November 29 and 30. The cleanup, coordinated and supervised by the Parks, Trees and Landscape Section, was funded through a grant obtained by Public Works from the state of California Department of Conservation, Recycling Division.
The eight-person team worked diligently to remove an estimated three tons of trash and debris from the area. The effort also recovered approximately 150 pounds of glass, 60 pounds of aluminum, and 30 pounds of plastic for recycling. OCCC provides an opportunity for at-risk youth and young adults to learn work skills and develop a work ethic & sense of community responsibility.
The program encourages the participants to further their formal educations and develop leadership skills, which in turn better equips them to enter the workforce.
Development Services Team helps get projects through the system Years ago, the City of Huntington Beach established a Development Services Team to streamline and improve the permitting process. One of the successful components of that team was the creation of the Development Assistance Team (DAT). DAT was designed to help citizens, businesses, and developers with development permit processing through various departments. It works to streamline the internal review process and assists major new project proponents to help them move efficiently through the development process. It also meets with business and homeowners responding to their concerns and multi-department issues. DAT consists of city staff members from all city departments and divisions involved with the development permitting process including:
- Planning (Zoning) Department
- Building & Safety Department
- Fire Department
- Public Works- Water, Engineering, Transportation, Park, Tree, and Landscaping Divisions
- Economic Development Department
- Community Services Department
- Police Department
If a citizen or business owner has a concern or suggestion relative to the development review process (entitlements, zoning review, development plans, plan check, building permits, etc.), or is considering a major project, then an appointment with the DAT can be scheduled at the Planning and Zoning Counter or by calling 536-5271 to schedule an appointment.
Employee association helps Marines
The Huntington Beach Municipal Employee's Association hosted their annual holiday luncheon for Association members on December 8th. This year they chose a Marine Battalion stationed in Iraq as the beneficiary of donations made by employees who attended the luncheon. During the few hours the luncheon took place, employees collected enough donations to prepare 175 care packages which were then transported by employees to Camp Pendleton and from there they will be mailed to Iraq.
The luncheon was entirely funded by the Huntington Beach Municipal Employee's Association as well as private donations. The Employee's Association also paid $1,400.00 for the postage costs to mail the care packages to Iraq. The Marine Battalion provided the Employee's Association with a "wish list" of items they were in need of and Huntington Beach employees really stepped up! They collected food and beverages, books, disposable cameras, CD's, batteries, games, personal hygiene items, and much more!
The employees enjoyed the event because it was not about a free lunch or winning a raffle prize, but about sharing with those in need and supporting our troops!
Automated Permit and PlanCheck Information Now Available
On October 20, 2005, the City of Huntington Beach Building & Safety Department deployed its Interactive Voice Recognition System (IVR). This system allows customers to schedule or cancel inspections by phone nearly 24 hrs/day, obtain Permit information, inspection status, and Plancheck status via phone or by fax. Future phases of the IVR will allow customers to obtain Code Enforcement, Entitlement, and Business License information via phone and fax.
Deployment of the IVR is part of Phase 1 of the CityView Permitting System, which now provides integrated parcel-based development-related information. This system was deployed on March 14, 2005 and provides databases which track, issue permits, invoice and collect fees, send automatic notifications for various departmental activities, including Planning entitlements, Special Event Permits, Sign Permits, Building Permits, Planchecks, and Inspections, Code Enforcement Cases, Business Licenses, Hotel taxes, Oil Well taxes, Fire Planchecks, and Public Works Planchecks & Inspections. All of these processes have been designed to integrate with the city's GIS system, which will be part of a later phase.
Information and operational brochures are available from the Dept. of Building & Safety, 3rd Floor - City Hall.
City now offers AutoPay for utility bills
The City of Huntington Beach is now making paying for your municipal services much easier with the AutoPay Program. This free service is available to all Huntington Beach residents and will automatically pay your utility bill on time each month. AutoPay automatically withdraws funds from any personal, business, or checking account to pay your bill for the city's utility services.
Anyone who wishes to sign up for AutoPay can print out an application at www.surfcity-hb.org/announcements/auto_pay.cfm. After completing and signing the application, attach a "voided" check or a savings account withdrawal slip from your financial institution and send it back to the City of Huntington Beach to the address on the application. Please ensure that your utility account is current, with no credit balance when you apply.
After you have sent in your application, it may take between 30 to 45 days to process the application and to confirm your bank account. Continue to pay your statement normally until you see a message on page one of your statements that states that you are on the City's AutoPay program. You will not need to send a payment for that statement. After you see this message, the payments for current charges will automatically be taken from your account between 10 and 17 calendar days after the statement's date.
If you have any questions about the AutoPay Program, your statement, or to request an application, please call the City of Huntington Beach at (714) 536-5919 and press #9 on your touch-tone phone.
Call for Artists
The Huntington Beach Art Center is seeking artists to participate in Centered on the Center, an open-call, salon-style group exhibition scheduled for January 21 - February 26, 2006. Artists may submit up to two original works in any media on Friday, January 6 or Saturday, January 7, 2006. Artwork is accepted on a first-come, first-serve basis, and until the galleries are filled.
Artwork must be ready to hang or install and work may not exceed 72 inches in either direction, nor exceed a weight of 50 pounds. For more detailed information including specific information about media or size limitations, please call the HBAC for a prospectus. To obtain information on becoming a member to take advantage of the early delivery time, call (714) 374-1650.
The Huntington Beach Art Center is a public/private partnership between the City of Huntington Beach and the Huntington Beach Art Center Foundation. For more information on exhibitions, programs, and gallery hours please call the Art Center at (714) 374-1650.
Time to get ready for the rainy season
Since there are many areas within the City that are susceptible to flooding and also homes that are below sea level, residents should prepare for localized flooding. How do you prepare? Here are a few suggestions.
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Before the Storm
- Purchase a flood insurance policy
- Keep insurance policies, documents and other valuables in a safe-deposit box OUTSIDE the flood zone
- Store a minimum of 3-days worth of emergency supplies at home, at work, and in your car.
- 3-days of non-perishable food
- 3-days of water (one gallon of water per person per day)
- Flashlights and batteries
- Battery powered AM/FM radio and/or television
- Prescription medications
- First Aid Kit
- Cash
- Keep your car fueled. Never go below half a tank when it is raining
- Know safe routes from your home and office to higher safe ground.
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During the Storm
- Avoid areas that are subject to sudden flooding - do not make unnecessary trips
- Do not try to cross an intersection that is flooded.
- Tune into the radio stations for emergency information including where emergency shelters will be set up by the American Red Cross and follow instructions of all safety personnel. The primary emergency radio station for Orange County is KWVE 107.9 FM.
- If advised by police or fire authorities, evacuate your home and move to shelters that the American Red Cross will set up
- Before leaving, disconnect all electrical appliances
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After the Storm
- Do NOT turn gas back on yourself. Rely on utility crews
- Do not use fresh foods or canned goods that have come into contact with flood waters
- Follow instructions regarding the safety of drinking water. If in doubt, boil or purify water before drinking
- Avoid disaster areas; your presence could hamper rescue and other emergency operations and you may be in danger
- Do not handle live electrical equipment in wet areas. If electrical equipment or appliances have been in contact with water, have them checked before use
- Avoid downed power lines and broken gas lines. Report them immediately to Southern California Edison at 800-611-1911 and The Gas Company at 800-427-2200. Use flashlights - not lanterns, matches or candle to examine buildings; flammables may be inside
- Stay tuned to the battery powered AM/FM radio or television for information and instructions from Huntington Beach Police and Fire Departments.
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Learn the Difference
- Flood WATCH - Watch for signs of flooding and be ready to evacuate at a moment's notice
- Flood WARNING - Evacuate immediately and move to higher ground.
Huntington Beach Fire Department offers a series of Disaster Preparedness Classes. To learn more, go to www.HB-CERT.org
Children's Library a busy place this month
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 the website at www.hbpl.org for a listing of our regularly scheduled storytimes.
Special Upcoming Events for January 2006:
John Abrams' Animal Magic Fun Zone - Magical fun with animals. Event will be held in the Library Theater on January 18th at 4:00pm. Tickets $3/children and $5/Adults.
Join us for a wild adventure with John Abrams in the Library Theater! You'll laugh with delight at John's zany blend of comedy, magic, music and live exotic pets in an animal magic show guaranteed to amaze the entire family! Advance ticket purchase is highly recommended. Tickets are on sale now!
19th Annual Author's Festival & Reception
C-D Room
January 31, 2006 -- 2:30 PM -- Free
The public is invited to a Gala Authors Reception and book-signing event from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. at the Huntington Beach Central Library. The authors' books will be available for purchase from Barnes and Noble. Come meet and talk with authors and illustrators of some of your favorite books! Refreshments will be served.
Don't miss the Ballet Etudes presentation of "Fairy Tale Dreams" on February 15! Advance ticket purchase is highly recommended. Tickets go on sale January 18.
For more information about the Children's Library Services, call (714) 375-5107.
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.
Don't let sewer backups drain your New Year fun
The Holidays are a time of great cheer and good spirits where family and friends gather to celebrate and be merry. A southern-style deep-fried Thanksgiving turkey with gravy drippings and onions sautéed in butter or oil to make the perfect stuffing are all mouth-watering holiday traditions. But most homeowners may be surprised to learn that pouring the remains of these culinary delights down the kitchen sink can cause costly, unpleasant sewer blockages and overflows.
What happens is pretty simple: fats, oil and grease build up in pipes and cause problems. All year long, people pour byproducts of cooking down their sink drain.
During the holiday season, it is expected that larger quantities of these fats will make their way to the sanitary sewer system via the kitchen sink. And just as excess fat isn't good for our health, it isn't good for our sewer system. In fact, over time the build-up can block an entire pipe.
This can lead to the overflow of untreated sewage into your home at the most inconvenient time possible. Besides the mess, untreated sewage can cause health hazards and threaten the environment and overflows can also require expensive cleanup.
Here are just a few simple tips to prevent grease related blockages:
- Do not put dairy products, fats, oil, grease or greasy foods down the garbage disposal or drain.
- Mix cooking oil with an absorbent material such as cat litter or coffee grounds, place it in a lidded container and dispose of it in a trash receptacle.
- For greasy pans that need to be soaked, first pour excess grease into a container as mentioned above. Then wipe the greasy pan with a paper towel (not a cloth towel) to remove the grease. Dispose of the paper towel in a trash receptacle.
For large quantities of cooking oil and other fats, call your local household hazardous waste collection at (714) 834- 4000 for guidance on disposal.
Pacific Shoreline Marathon to be held February 5th
Every year, on Super Bowl Sunday, thousands of runners from all 50 states and several foreign countries come to Huntington Beach to participate in one of four oceanfront Pacific Shoreline events; the marathon, half marathon, 5K, and kids' races. This year, Sunday, February 5th marks the 10th Anniversary for the Pacific Shoreline Marathon and more than 10,000 runners are making plans to attend.
The Marathon and Half Marathon both begin at 7 a.m., the Half Marathon Wheelchair Division begins at 6:50 a.m., the 5K begins at 8:30 a.m. and the Kids Run begins at 10 a.m. The oceanfront course is a flat course that elevates from sea level to 100 feet throughout the race. All of the races run along PCH, so please be advised that PCH will be closed from the Hyatt to Warner for much of the day. More than 1,000 volunteers and several bands will be along the race route cheering runners on.
There will be a free Active Lifestyle Expo at the Hilton Waterfront Beach Resort on Friday, February 3 from 12 noon to 7 p.m., and Saturday, February 4, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. At the Expo, you will be able to experience Southern California's latest in active lifestyle products, innovations, and accessories, and discover even more ways to be active. There will also be a Finish Line Beer Garden and Beach Party featuring live music at the finish line.
While the Marathon is sold out already, there are still openings in the other divisions. The cost for the Half Marathon is $55 through February 1st, and $35 at the Expo; and the cost for the 5K is $30 through February 1st, and $35 at the Expo. To register and for more information, please visit www.psmarathon.com. Space is filling fast, so please register now.
More than 1,000 volunteers are also needed to make this event a success. Volunteers are needed for water stations, clean up, registration, and information. If you are interested in volunteering, please email volunteer@psmarathon.com.
City's Art Center has citywide appeal
The Huntington Beach Art Center is a community art center whose purpose is to provide residents and art enthusiasts the opportunity for exposure to and involvement in the arts. The Art Center presents the work of contemporary artists working in all media. Through exhibitions, performances, film/video screenings, lectures, children and adult educational programming, the HBAC serves to advance public awareness and understanding of contemporary art and creates opportunities for local, regional and national artists and the community to share in a climate of experimentation, education and experience. 
The Art Center will be holding several events throughout the winter, and has a full schedule of classes.
"Centered on the Center," is an open-call, salon-style group exhibition scheduled for January 21 - February 26, 2006. The Art Center is currently seeking artists to participate. Artists may submit up to two original works in any media on Friday, January 6 or Saturday, January 7, 2006. Artwork is accepted on a first-come, first-serve basis, and until the galleries are filled.
Artwork must be ready to hang or install and work may not exceed 72 inches in either direction, nor exceed a weight of 50 pounds. For more detailed information including specific information about media or size limitations, please call the HBAC for a prospectus.
"Jazz at the Center" will be held Sunday, January 29 from 4 to 6:30 p.m. This performance will feature the CJS Quintet, the winner of the Chuck Niles Jazz Award. Another performance will be on Sunday, February 26 from 4 to 6:30 p.m., and will feature Rogelio Mitchell & friends presenting Afro-Caribbean Jazz. Admission for each performance is $20, or $15 for members.
The Music Teachers' Association featured performers will be performing at the "Bach Music Festival" on Saturday, February 25. For more information on this performance, please call the Art Center at (714) 374-1650.
The Art Center is also offering an interesting assortment of art, dance, music and cooking classes for all ages. The schedule for Winter 2006 is now available and includes such classes as Drawing for Kids; Polynesian Dance for Youth; For the Love of Music; and Hearty One Pot Suppers. Many other classes are being offered this winter and for more information on any of these classes, call the Art Center.
Library will hold Authors Festival in January
The Friends of the Children's Library (FOTCL) of the Huntington Beach Library presents its 19th Annual Authors Festival Sunday, Jan. 29 through Tuesday, Jan. 31, 2006. Forty distinguished children's authors and illustrators have been invited to make guest appearances at 25 local schools and libraries, reaching a reading audience of over 15,000 elementary and middle school children.
On Sunday, Jan. 29th, the public is invited to attend a special Family Story Time in the Tabby Theater, on the upper level of the Huntington Beach Library. Featured guest authors will be Judith Enderle & Stephanie Gordon (Hide and Seek Turkeys) and Laurie Knowlton (Why Cowboys Sleep With Their Boots On). The program is free of charge. Light refreshments will be served.
Tuesday, January 31st, the 40 authors will be welcomed at a continental breakfast at the Huntington Beach Library attended by library staff, FOTCL members, and local dignitaries. The school representatives escort the authors to their respective schools where they will be author-in-residence for the day. Each school plans a variety of activities for the day to reflect the writings of the guest author or authors they have chosen.
From 2:30 to 4:30 PM twenty of the authors will return to the library for gala authors' reception and book-signing event. The authors talk with children and their parents, read to children, and sign their books. Librarians from all the Huntington Beach Library branches, school administrators and teachers, and Huntington Beach dignitaries will attend the reception.
The public is invited to this event from 2:30 to 4:30 PM at the Huntington Beach Central Library, 7111 Talbert Avenue, Huntington Beach, in Rooms C and D on the lower level. Light refreshments will be served.
Some of the authors and illustrators featured at the Authors Festival are John Archambault (Chicka Chicka Boom Boom), René Colato Lainez (Waiting for Papá/ Esperando a Papá), , Chris Epting (Huntington Beach California), Caroline Hatton (Vero and Philippe), Dow Kump (Project-00), Merrily Kutner (Down on the Farm), Jane Medina (My Name Is Jorge On Both Sides of the River), Isaac Olaleye (Bitter Bananas), Leigh Rubin (The Wild Life of Cats), "Mr. Mike" Snyder (Swimming in Chocolate), and Deborah Turner (How Willy Got His Wheels).
Great opportunity to recycle your old electronics January 6th and 7th
The holidays are always the best time of the year to take advantage of computer and electronics sales. But then most of us are faced with a post-holiday dilemma: How do we dispose of our old, unwanted computers and electronics?
The City of Huntington Beach and SoCal Computer Recyclers Inc. will offer local residents and businesses a safe and easy way to dispose of their unwanted computers and electronics in a two-day recycling event being held at The Sports Complex in Huntington Beach Central Park, located at 18100 Golden West St. in Huntington Beach, Calif.
The free and open-to-the-public event takes place from 7 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Friday, January 6th and from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, January. 7th.
So what's the alternative for businesses and consumers? E-Waste recycling is the best way to get rid of your old electronics. SoCal Computer Recyclers Inc. is an E-Waste solutions provider with more than 400 clients in the Southland, including Fortune 500 companies, educational institutions, city agencies and small businesses. The seven-year-old firm recycles domestically and hires locally, and breaks down more than 500 computers-or 2,500 pounds of equipment-each day.
What is E-Waste? That dated laptop in your hall closet, that VCR you haven't used since you got the new DVD player, the dust-covered monitor in your garage, or basically anything with a plug that is unused, obsolete or non-working.
E-Waste contains heavy metals such as lead, mercury, chromium, cadmium, mercury and zinc that-when disposed of improperly-may contaminate our soil and ground water. E-Waste is responsible for 70 percent of all heavy metals found in landfills today.
For the security and piece of mind of its customers, SoCal Computer Recyclers guarantees privacy by declassifying hard drives, removing asset tags and even indemnifying clients from any liability associated with the recovery of their electronics. As part of its ongoing commitment to promote computer literacy, SoCal Computer Recyclers donates computers to under-funded public schools and teen centers in Los Angeles and Orange County.
For more information about the event, please call Debra Jubinsky at (714) 374-5321. SoCal Computer Recyclers Inc. is located at 1430 240th St. in Harbor City. For more information, call (310) 626-8180 or visit www.socalrecyclers.com.
City's Conference and Visitor's Bureau works to promote Huntington Beach
The Huntington Beach Conference and Visitors Bureau is hard at work making Surf City a premier overnight vacation destination. An increase in overnight visitors translates into more revenues for the City and an improved quality of life for residents.
But what is the best way to promote Huntington Beach? How can its uniqueness be most effectively communicated to people planning vacations?
To fine tune their efforts, the Bureau commissioned a study to examine the awareness and image levels of Huntington Beach, why non-visitors choose other destinations and what visitors enjoy most about Surf City. The study surveyed residents in the closest surrounding states: Arizona, California, Nevada, and Utah. Respondents were reached by sending surveys via the Internet.
The results found that 93.8% of travelers in CA, AZ, NV, and UT are aware of Huntington Beach. Out of 23 major beach communities in Southern California, it is the 5th most well known. Huntington Beach is also the 11th most favorably viewed as an overnight vacation destination and rated 9th by those who had visited Huntington Beach for an overnight vacation.
After reading a brief description of Huntington Beach, 75.8% of respondents who did not know the City well enough to rate it showed an interest in making an overnight hotel visit to HB, underscoring the importance of education efforts about the City.
The study also concluded that the most compelling actions to prompt overnight hotel stays are packaging hotels with nearby attractions and generating enticing email campaigns about hotel/motel specials and promotions. What does the Bureau feel this means for Surf City? Huntington Beach has a positive image, but it lags behind many other Southern California beach communities.
In a nutshell, the Bureau will work diligently over the next year to further upgrade its photography, publications and website, while at the same time becoming even more sophisticated in use of the internet to reach out to potential travelers with promotions, hotel packages and relevant information.
2006 will be a great year for the Huntington Beach Conference and Visitors Bureau and its new dynamic team. With the coming of the New Year, the Bureau will be redesigning their website, unveiling a new advertising campaign and producing new promotional materials. The new and improved 2006 Huntington Beach Visitor Guide is now available and 150,000 copies will be distributed this year. For more information on the Bureau log onto www.surfcity-hb.org and click HB Pipeline.
Sandbags available to residents
The rainy season is upon us again, and citizens of Huntington Beach will be able to get free sandbags during storms and when significant rainfall is in our forecast. Local citizens can receive up to 20 sandbags from the City of Huntington Beach Corporate Yard at 17371 Gothard St. The hours are Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. These hours may be extended in the event of a major storm.
Residents should be prepared to show a form of personal identification, like a driver's license or photo I.D card, and a current utility bill or similar proof of HB residency. Citizens are asked to bring their own shovel and fill their own bags, unless they are physically unable. The elderly and disabled may call the HB Fire Dept. CERT message line, (714) 536-5974, to have sandbags delivered by volunteers. The Yard is located at 17371 Gothard St. between Warner and Slater Avenues. For more information, please call Public Works Maintenance at 960-8861. For all information or questions on flood preparedness, call the Huntington Beach Fire Department Emergency Services Office at 536-5980.
January Television Schedule for Channel Three
| Community Bulletin Board | All Day, Everyday |
| City Council Meetings | January 3 @ 6:00 pm Rebroadcast Jan. 4 at 7:00 pm January 17 @ 6:00 pm Rebroadcast Jan.18 @ 7:00 pm *Special Meeting January 9 at 6:00 p.m. Rebroadcast Jan.10 at 10:00 am and Jan.11 @ 7 pm |
| Planning Commission Broadcasts | January 10 @ 7 pm Rebroadcast January 12 @ 7:00 pm January 24 @ 7:00 pm Rebroadcast January 26 @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