Monthly Online Newsletter - September 2006
Council on Aging to host Senior Saturday 2006
The Huntington Beach Council on Aging is proud to announce its 18th Annual "Senior Saturday Community Festival," to be held at Pier Plaza in downtown Huntington Beach, on September 9, 2006, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Admission is free.
Approximately 70 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, $2 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.
Food Drive Extended through September
During the month of September, the City of Huntington Beach is sponsoring its 6th Annual Citywide Food Drive in support of the Second Harvest Food Bank of Orange County. The Food Bank serves 396 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:
With your help, we can make this food drive a great success. Please direct any questions to Cathy Fikes at 536-5203.
Election Information for November
The City Clerk reminds us of the upcoming General Municipal Election November 7, 2006.
Local offices open for this year's election are four (4) City Council Members and the City Attorney. Candidates for the office of City Attorney include Incumbent Jennifer McGrath. Candidates for the office of City Council include (as they will appear on the ballot): Cathy Green, Flossie Horgan, Joe Shaw, Joe Carchio, Gil Coerper, Jill Hardy and Norm "Firecracker" Westwell. Measure T- the ballot measure to decide whether or not to build a Senior Center in Central Park - will also be on the November ballot.
The last day to register to vote in this election is October 23, 2006. Citizens who will attain 18 years of age on or before November 7, 2006 may register to vote for this election. If you have moved - you need to re-register. Registration is offered in the City Clerk's Office from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. Voter registration is also available on the Orange County Registrar of Voters' Website: www.ocvote.com.
Sample ballot pamphlets will be mailed from the Registrar's Office in Santa Ana beginning approximately September 28, 2006 and completed around October 17, 2006.
The last day to apply for a regular Absentee Ballot is October 31, 2006. Emergency Absentee Ballots are issued only from the Registrar of Voters' Office on November 1 through November 7, 2006. November 7, 2006 is Election Day. Polls will be open from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
For translated election materials in Chinese, Korean, Spanish or Vietnamese, please contact the Orange County Registrar of Voters at (714) 567-7600 or visit www.ocvote.com.
Clerk's Office now offers photos for passports
The City of Huntington Beach Passport Acceptance Facility staff, located in the Office of the City Clerk on the 2nd floor of City Hall, is excited to announce that they now offer passport photograph services for members of the public who wish to complete the passport application process at one location.
For more information on this service, contact the City of Huntington Beach Passport Acceptance Facility at (714) 374-1600, or visit the facility at 2000 Main Street in Huntington Beach.
RV Permits Available Online
Obtaining an RV Permit is now much easier, and can be done without difficulty from the comfort of your own home. Now, the permit application can be filled out online on the City's website. One of the huge benefits of filling out your permit application online is that you will quickly receive your permit number and also will be able to login at any time to see all your permit information. This online permit system also calculates how many days of permit use you have left for any given month.
The Huntington Beach City Municipal Code authorizes the Chief of Police to issue no-cost temporary Recreational Vehicle/Oversized Vehicle parking permits providing the permits are obtained by a resident prior to the date and time the vehicle is parked.
Recreational Vehicles are defined as: Recreational Vehicles over twenty (20) feet in length, unattached boat trailers or unattached personal watercraft trailers. Parking permits are only allowed on public streets or highways in a residential district. Permit holders are required to temporarily move their recreational vehicles on scheduled street sweeping dates and comply with the street sweeping ordinance.
Most residents will want to request a 24-hour permit. Up to sixteen (16) of the 24-hour RV parking permits are allowed per resident per month. No more than eight (8) parking days can be linked together consecutively. The maximum number of permits a resident can use in a year is 144. Permits are limited to the area in front of the residence or in reasonable proximity when the front of the residence is not available. Permit holders are required to temporarily move their recreational vehicles on scheduled street sweeping dates and comply with the street sweeping ordinance. Additional types of permits are also available online: medical, daily use, and construction. Information on these permits are also available on the online application.
To fill out an online application, simply go to the city's website, www.surfcity-hb.org, and go to "Residents," then "City Services," and then "RV Parking Permits." There, it is easy to fill out your information and to request a permit for any time and date. You are able to request multiple permits, using this system, as long as you stay within the guidelines of the Municipal Code. Then, you will be able to login to the system and easily keep track of all of your permits.
After you have requested a permit, you will receive a permit number and you are in the system. This is all you need; any police officer can now look up your license plate number and see that you have a permit for your recreational vehicle or trailer. The system also allows the police to easily monitor which vehicles are parked without permits and to issue citations.
If you have any questions or comments please call (714) 536-5663, from Monday through Friday.
Huntington Beach Lifeguards Place 7th in National Championships
Huntington City Beach lifeguards placed 7th in the annual National Lifeguard Championships held last week in its first ever appearance in Surf City, USA on Aug. 10-12. The Huntington Beach Surf Lifesaving Association, comprised of lifeguards employed by the City of Huntington Beach, scored 73 points for seventh overall, its best national placing in almost 40 years.
The HBSLSA's success was largely due to the incredible performance of Micha Burden, 24, who scored 51.5 of Huntington's 73 points. Remarkably, Burden was named the USLA's Top Female Lifeguard competitor in the nation for her performance. She dominated the women's events by finishing first in three events, the Women's Run-Swim-Run, the American Iron Woman, and the Women's Distance Swim. Burden also finished second in the Women's Rescue Race with Aubrey Panis, sixth place in the Open Rescue Race with Bryce Elser, and fourth in the Women's Paddleboard.
Elser and Panis also played a key role in overall team points. Elser finished seventh in the Men's Run-Swim-Run and eighth in the Men's Distance Swim while Panis finished tenth in the Women's Run-Swim-Run and fifteenth in the Distance Swim.
Administered by the nonprofit United States Lifesaving Association, the national surf lifesaving competition featured hundreds of the nation's top open-water lifeguard competitors from Hawaii to the East Coast competing for national medals in various beach and surf related tests of physical endurance.
The Huntington State Beach Lifeguard Association hosted the national surf lifesaving competition. The event was a huge success with thousands of competitors and spectators enjoying excellent conditions for an event of this magnitude. To view a complete list of the competition results and other related information, please log onto to www.usla.org and point your cursor to Events- USLA Nationals. USLA, the nation's association of open-water lifesavers, works to prevent drowning and related accidents through public education, competition, the promotion of high standards among lifesavers, and by encouraging the provision of lifeguard protection.
The HB Police Department will be holding it's 26th Citizen Academy starting September 26th
The Huntington Beach Police Department is proud to offer the Citizen Academy to local residents. Designed to increase the understanding of the police department, the academy is conducted over a 10-week period. Students will learn from department personnel who are experts in the areas of patrol and traffic operations, criminal law, narcotics, SWAT, K-9, AERO operations and other fields.
All students will participate in one ride-a-long during the academy. The Huntington Beach Police Department is seeking citizens throughout the community to participate in our Citizen Police Academy. Whether you live in the city or work in the city of Huntington Beach, your attendance is welcome.
The only additional requirements are that you must be at least 18 years of age, and pass a background check.
All interested persons must complete an application. An eligibility list is then compiled and students are assigned to the next available session. The deadline for the next class will be September 19th, 2006.
The September class will begin on the 26th and run to December 5th, 2006. Class times will be from 6:30 PM to 9:30 PM For more information or an application, contact: Officer Jerry Abrahams: (714)-375-5095 or email: jabrahams@hbpd.org
Second Year for HB Film Festival
The 2nd Annual SoCal Independent Film Festival by BLB Media will be at the Central Library and Cultural Center Theater beginning September 6th and continuing through September 10th.
Highlights this year will include 5 days with over 40 films including:
Shorts, documentaries, and features
Professional workshows and seminars
Guest speakers and Q&A's with filmmakers
Private green room for filmmakers
With an emphasis on quality the 2006 festival will be a rewarding experience for filmmakers & filmwatchers.
For more information go to www.socalfilmfest.com
Friends of the Library September Luncheon features mystery
Wednesday, September 13th, Friends of the Library are pround to present three exciting mystery writers with very distinct styles. Cara Black, Jerrilyn Farmer and Harley Jane Kozak will appear as the guest speakers at a noon luncheon at the Central Library. Ms. Black's new book, 
sixth in her Aimee Leduc series set in Paris, is titled Murder in Montmartre, and debuted on the LA Times Bestseller list. In addition to being a successful Hollywood writer, Jerrilyn Farmer is the author of seven wickedly funny and 
charming culinary mysteries. The latest in her series of Madeline Bean novels is intrigueingly titled, The Flaming Luau of Death. Harley Jane Kozak's debut novel, Dating Dead Men, won the coveted Agatha, Anthony and Macavity awards. She is currently working on her third novel with a working title of Dead Ex.
The cost of the luncheon and lectures is $15. Reservations with payment can be made by mail to FOTL luncheon, 7111 Talbert Ave., Huntington Beach, 92648, or in person at the Friends Gift Shop. All reservations must be received by Saturday, September 9th.
BB Jazz returns to Central Park
Mark your calendars for Saturday, September 9th when the 4th Annual BB Jazz Festival takes place outdoors in beautiful HB Central Park. Enjoy a full day of music, food, beverages and fun. Bring a picnic basket (however, no drinks) or sample the variety of foods in the food court. Sit in the grass in your lowback chairs or on a blanket under the shade of an Oak Tree, or choose to be "up close and personal" with the artists on stage in the VIP area. Here you will partake of the fresh grill buffet prepared by a local chef. There are great views of the stage from any area you choose. Lots of booths of vendors for shopping.
Invited artists include: Jeffrey Osborne, Rufus w/special guests, Superstarzz starring Craig Chaquico, Ray Parker, Jr.; a mystery Saxophonist to be announced August 26th, Michael Lington, Gregg Karukas, Michael Ripoll, and DJ Jonathan Phillips will keep the music going between performances.
Gates Open at 11 a.m. For tickets on line www.bbjazz.com or call (714)377-7574. All proceeds benefit children with autism.
THE AGE WAVE: Are You Ready for the Ride?
Huntington Beach Senior Services believes that Civic Engagement is the key to the future of volunteerism and, to support this belief, is offering a free 5-week volunteering & caregiving class, The Age Wave-Are You Ready for the Ride.
The class will be held Wednesdays October 4, 2006 from 9:00 - 11:00 a.m. at Rodgers Seniors' Center and includes CPR training. Huntington Beach Senior Services staff will cover the following topics:
Myths and Realities of Aging
Maintaining Boundaries
Basic Communication & Active Listening
Understanding the Grieving Process
Baby Boomers Redefining Aging
Signs & Symptoms of Abuse
Special Needs of the Homebound Elderly
The Aging Network & Community Resources
Volunteers are essential to the success of Huntington Beach Senior Services. Last year volunteers donated over 38,000 hours. Volunteers transport seniors, package and deliver meals, visit the homebound, provide information and referrals, and much more. By offering this class, The Age Wave-Are you Ready for the Ride, Huntington Beach Senior Services prepares volunteers to better serve this section of our community. 
Some of the volunteer positions in Senior Services require this training including Friendly Visitors and the newly created Volunteer Escort. Friendly Visitors visit with senior clients who have limited social contact. The groundbreaking Volunteer Escorts will work through the transportation program to assist frail seniors on their errands, shopping or to the doctor's office.
Whether you plan to volunteer in the senior community or care for an aging loved one, this class prepares volunteers and caregivers to better serve seniors.
For additional information or to enroll please contact: Diane Swarts, Volunteer Services Coordinator, (714) 374-1544
Bella Terra will celebrate a Grand Opening
Bella Terra, Orange County's newest and architecturally unique outdoor shopping destination is a Tuscan-themed village offering exceptional dining, entertainment and shopping. Bella Terra will be transformed into a Surf City beach setting for the official Grand Opening Celebration September 8 - 10.
The public is invited to attend the free Taste of Bella Terra on Friday, September 8 from 3 - 8 p.m. to enjoy an oasis of festivities including an appealing selection of cuisine from Bella Terra restaurants and eateries. Guests can watch the creation of the sand sculpture "Poseidon" emerging from 3-D waves on the backs of two majestic stallions.
Saturday, September 9 Bella Beach Party from 6 - 10 p.m. features two live bands, The Surfaris and headline performers World Classic Rockers, a world-class mix of musicians featuring former members of The Eagles, Santana, Steppenwolf, Toto, Journey and Lynyrd Skynyrd. The $100 Bella Beach Party fundraiser ticket, available at www.bellaterra-hb.com, includes free live entertainment, fabulous cuisine ranging from oysters, cannelloni to cheesecake and tropical drinks. Tickets are also available at the concierge desk located in the Bella Terra amphitheater.
The Bella Beach Party fundraiser will benefit 27 Orange County cause-related organizations including: Adult Day Services of Orange County, Amigos de Bolsa Chica, Community Care Health Centers, CHOC Foundation for Children, Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, Friends of the Library, Friends of Shipley Nature Center, Golden West College Foundation, Huntington Beach Educational Foundation, Habitat for Humanity of Orange County, Huntington Beach Council on Aging, Huntington Beach Art Center, Huntington Beach Hosts Lions, Huntington Beach International Surfing Museum, Kiwanis Foundation of Huntington Beach, Literacy Volunteers - Huntington Beach Public Library, Make-A-Wish Foundation® of Orange County and the Inland Empire, National Spasmodic Torticollis Association, Orange County Coastkeeper, Project Access, Project Self Sufficiency Foundation of Huntington Beach, Royal Family Kids' Camp, Soroptimist International of Huntington Beach, SPIN (Serving People in Need), TACA - Talk About Curing Autism, Therapeutic Riding Center, Huntington Beach and YMCA -West County Family.
It's a Bella Sunday on September 10 features a community ceremony and free performances in the Bella Terra Amphitheater. Bella Terra will host the Huntington Beach Children's Needs Task Force "Youth Character Awards Wall of Fame" dedication ceremony at 3 p.m. The names of 105 Huntington Beach Youth Character Award recipients will be unveiled on plaques as a permanent exhibit at Bella Terra. The awards recognize students with exemplary character traits who help people in Huntington Beach. The Orange County Children's Theater performs Peter Pan at 3 p.m. followed by the Dusty Rhoads band performance at 5 p.m.
Children's Library events for September
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.
Juggler David Cousin
Library Theater
Wednesday, September 20, 2006 4:00 p.m.
$3 per child $5 per adult
Come see internationally known juggler David Cousin perform his Comedy Juggling show! There will be audience involvement, interaction and music. Tickets on sale now. Advance ticket purchase is highly recommended!
Family Evening Pajama Storytime
Tabby Storytime Theater
Thursday, September 14, 2006 7:00 PM
FREE
Come celebrate fall and back to school with stories, songs, puppets and more! Wear your pajamas and bring your teddy bear. Refreshments provided by the National Charity League.
Cable TV Storytime
Tabby Storytime Theater
Thursday, September 28, 2006 10:30 AM and 11:30 AM (2 different tapings)
FREE
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
Bolsa Chica Land Trust to hold forum
The Bolsa Chica Land Trust invites the public to "Bolsa Chica's Extreme Makeover", a free public forum on Tuesday, October 3. The evening will start with a look back at the remarkable transformation of the Lower Bolsa Chica Wetlands. Attention then turns to the Upper Bolsa Chica Wetlands, whose fate will soon be determined by the Coastal Commission. Will it also be preserved and restored, or will it be developed with houses? Learn the facts and issues concerning this piece of Bolsa Chica, which is home to several sensitive species of wildlife.
The evening will end with a sneak preview slide show of the 2007 "Wings over Bolsa" calendar, which will be available for purchase and is an annual fund raiser for the non-profit Land Trust.
The free event begins at 7pm at the Huntington Beach Public Library, 7111 Talbert Avenue. For further information contact 714-846-1001 or visit www.bolsachicalandtrust.org.
Huntington Beach to Japan in 2007
Huntington Beach residents and friends are invited to participate as part of a city delegation to visit Japan, April 2-12, 2007. Sponsored by the Sister City Association of Huntington Beach, one highlight of the trip will be a visit to Anjo, which has been a sister city to Huntington Beach for 25 years. Tour members will experience the warm hospitality of Anjo citizens and enjoy a home stay with a local family.
Our visit to other cities in Japan will provide much enrichment and education, taking pleasure in centuries of charm, history and culture. Tokyo, the metropolitan capital of Asia; historical and beautiful Hiroshima, lovely and historic Kyoto, Okayama, and the renowned Korakuen Garden.
In 2002 a delegation from Huntington Beach experienced an unforgettable trip to Japan. Participants included city officials (at their own expense) and more than 25 others from the city. The excursion will be under the capable leadership of Peggy Mikuni of Yamato Travel Bureau, who says it was and is a privilege to work with the adventuresome people of Huntington Beach, and looks forward to planning another long remembered tour.
Watch the website for more detailed information at www.hbsistercity.org or call 714- 846-7685, or 1-800-334-4982.
Entertainment Books available
Once again, Entertainment Coupon Books are being offered! These Books offer great values in the way of significantly reduced rates for Hotels, Movies, Theatres (including our very own H.B. Playhouse), Restaurants and Attractions of all sorts. Needless to add, they make great gifts at Holiday time and save previous time shopping for "stuff" that all too often gets returned anyway!
It might even pay dividends to keep one handy when planning on getting the most out of one's vacation as well. While most attractions are Orange County-based, many of the locales and best values offered have sites in other counties and even other states (including Hawaii). All coupons are "good" thru November 2007, so the sooner a Book is acquired, the longer one has to contemplate at one's leisure and enjoy accordingly. Books will not be available much beyond Thanksgiving, so if you are thinking of acquiring one, do not put that thought off too long!.
The prices is $35. Those interested may contact: Police Dept-Darrin Kossky @ 5944, City Yard-Julie Bott @ 5522, or Arnie Ross @ 5238.
Youth Sports starts new leagues
FLAG FOOTBALL
All youth in the 3rd through 8th grades who are interested in playing flag football may sign up at either Murdy or Edison Community Centers beginning Tuesday, August 15 for the City's recreation based league. Sign-ups will continue on a daily basis until evaluations on Saturday, September 9. This 10-week program will have two weeks of pre-season play (evaluations and a practice game) and a six week league, with the top teams in each division going to playoffs, scheduled for Sat, Nov. 4 and 11 (weather permitting). League play will require teams from each center playing games at both Edison and Murdy Centers regardless of their "home" league location. Leagues will be held at:
Edison Community Center, 21377 Magnolia Ave
Murdy Community Center, 7000 Norma Drive
FEE: $40, includes a team shirt.
JUNIOR FOOTBALL FOR 1ST AND 2ND GRADERS
This six week program will be a "have fun", non-competitive instruction clinic. A "Nerf" type football is used to teach first and second graders football fundamentals. Both Murdy and Edison Centers will host this program.
FEE: $40, includes a team shirt
DATE: Saturday, September 23- Oct 28 (weather permitting). The Juniors program will be held at 9:00am on those dates.
YOUTH VOLLEYBALL
All boys and girls in grades 5 through 8 who are interested in playing outdoor volleyball may sign up at either Murdy or Edison Community Centers beginning at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, August 15. Sign-ups for this nine- week league will continue on a daily basis until evaluations on Saturday, September 9. League play will require teams from each center playing games at both Edison and Murdy Centers regardless of their "home" league location. All teams will play in an end of the league tournament held at Murdy Center.
FEE: $40, team shirt included.
DATES: Saturday, September 9 -November 4
Animal Care Services adds new website features
Orange County Animal Care Services (OCACS) is the largest shelter on the west coast, with 382 dog runs and housing for over 300 cats. There is a variety of species to choose from when looking for a new pet. On any given day, about 20% of the dogs and cats are available for immediate adoption.
OCACS is the local animal shelter and animal control agency for the City of Huntington Beach as well as 20 other cities in Orange County.
Besides taking care of the many adorable animals that come through the shelter, OCACS also provides other services to the local communities they serve.
Orange County Animal Care Services is an on-going 24/7 agency, and is dedicated to providing the best customer services possible!
For the health and safety of your pets, OCACS hosts a low-cost vaccine clinic the first Tuesday of each month. The vaccine clinic is held between the hours of 7-8:30 p.m. at the front entrance of the shelter.
Pet owners can update their dog and feline vaccines, and OCACS has a variety of different packages available to suit the needs of your pet. Rabies vaccines are as low as $6.00, and FvRCP (for felines) is only $14.00.
Visit OCACS on the web at www.ocpetinfo.com! The award winning website has a wealth of information on the variety of services provided such as educational classes, shelter events, volunteering, and especially helpful tips on how to locate a lost pet or if you are in the market, steps to take towards adopting a new companion.
The Adopt-a-pet and Lost & Found segments are updated with new information and photos every 30 minutes. Don't have access to the web? Come down to the shelter and pay them a visit! The Animal Care Center is open 7 days a week: Monday-Sunday 10-5 p.m. and Wednesdays 10-7 p.m. The Center is located at 561 The City Drive South in Orange.
Joan Anderson receives Mayor's Award
Joan Anderson, the Community Services Department's Account Tech II, will have worked for the city for 26 years in December of this year. She grew up in Bakersfield and moved to Surf City for her senior year in high school, but still retains that quaint "country girl" charm.
Joan helped the city move from the "Paper Age" to the "Computer Age" as the department's liaison for the implementation of JD Edwards accounting software and Kronos timekeeping; she helped teach most of the department how to use this software.
Joan is extremely dependable and someone everyone in the department can count on for assistance. Joan is an outstanding member of the Community Services Team and a real asset to the city. Joan was awarded the August Mayor's Award at the council meeting of August 21, 2006. She is shown with the mayor, Department Head Jim Engle, her family and department staff members.
September Television Schedule for Channel Three
| Community Bulletin Board | All Day, Everyday |
| City Council Meetings | September 5@ 6:00 pm Rebroadcast Sept. 6 @ 7pm September 18 @ 6:00 pm Rebroadcast Sept. 19 @ 10 am & Sept. 20 @7 pm |
| Planning Commission Mtgs | September 12 @ 7:00 pm Rebroadcast Sept. 14@ 7:00 pm September 26 @ 7:00 pm Rebroadcast Sept. 28 @ 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 6 pm to 9 pm, Saturdays from 10 am to 1 pm.
The Classic Arts programming runs Sundays 8 am 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.