Here’s a Cheap Date idea for this weekend

THE GRUNION ARE RUNNING…the grunion are running.  YAHOO!

                 Aug 7 –Friday              11:30 PM – 12:30 AM                                                                                                                    Aug 8 -Saturday             11:00 PM – 12:05 AM

Times are approximate. You can add one hour before and after times shown.  These are the last two nights of a four night run ….and the last two nights are usually the best.

Grunion must be captured by hand only. You can’t dig holes to trap them. 16 and older need a fishing license. Don’t be wasteful. Take only what you will eat.

Sit and watch the full moon shine on the ocean and enjoy the romance of a night fishing.  Who cares if you catch any?

USS Benfold Tour WOW…What a Tour!

Literally thousands of local civilians …. and many veterans….lined up for a tour of the USS Benfold, DDG 65.  For the late arrivals the wait  to get on board was a little long but the tour of this vessel was an inspiration for all of us. 

  The Benfold is an Arleigh-Burke class Destroyer.  This is the largest ship being built for the U. S.  Fleet but this is definitely not one of the “Tin Cans” of WW II.  The ship is over 500 ft long and has a 60 ft beam and probably has a speed capability of 4o knots although the offical stats say 30. The Arleigh Burke class of guided missile destroyers is the first destroyer of the United States Navy built around the Aegis combat system and the SPY-1D multi-function phased array radar. The first ship was commissioned on 4 July 1991. After the decommissioning of the last Spruance-class destroyer, USS Cushing, on September 21, 2005, the Arleigh Burke class ships became the U.S. Navy’s only active destroyers.

The class is named for Admiral Arleigh “31-Knot” Burke, the most famous American destroyer officer of World War II. Admiral Burke was alive when the class leader was commissioned. The first Arleigh Burke class was launched July 4, 1991, just after the last Spruance Class cruiser was de-commissioned. Ironically the USS Spruance DDG is presently on the ways at Bath, Maine and soon to be commissioned.  Admiral Spruance was the officer who replaced Admiral Halsey (who was in hospital) prior to the battle of Midway and his leadership was crucial to what is described as the greatest U.S. naval victory in history. 

Deck "glows" as a missal is launched

This destroyer has more firepower than a WW II battleship.  This class were the first destroyers  built around the Aegis combat system and the SPY-1D multi-function phased array radar. Arleigh Burke class ships are the U.S. Navy’s only active destroyers.

The class is named for Admiral Arleigh “31-Knot” Burke, the most famous American destroyer officer of World War II. Admiral Burke was alive when the class leader was commissioned.

Her Collective Protection System makes the Arleigh Burke class the first U.S. warships designed with an air-filtration system against nuclear, biological and chemical warfare 

The United States Navy has begun a modernization program for the Arleigh Burke class aimed at improving the gun systems on the ships in an effort to address congressional concerns over the retirement of the U.S. Iowa-class battleships. Among other things this modernization includes is the extension of the range of the 5-inch (127 mm) guns on the Flight I Arleigh Burke-class destroyers (USS Arleigh Burke to USS Ross) with extended range guided munitions (ERGMs) that would enable the ships to fire projectiles about 40 nautical miles (74 km) inland.

USS Benfold enters USNWS

 The United States Navy has begun a modernization program for the Arleigh Burke class aimed at improving the gun systems on the ships in an effort to address congressional concerns over the retirement of the U.S. Iowa-class battleships. Among other things this modernization includes is the extension of the range of the 5-inch (127 mm) guns on the Flight I Arleigh Burke-class destroyers (USS Arleigh Burke to USS Ross) with extended range guided munitions (ERGMs) that would enable the ships to fire projectiles about 40 nautical miles (74 km

"Don't Tread On Me" flies proudly

“What’s Up in Seal Beach” in Seal Beach and the people of SealBeach thank the 275 officers and men of the USS Benfold for giving up their deserved weekend liberty to proudly show us their ship.  They are on their way back to the Middle Ease and we want to see them back here in a few months safe and sound and this time perhaps we can show them a good tour of our town. .

Olympics in Long Beach…don’t laugh it could happen

The Marine Stadium is one of only two things left from the 1932 Olympics. What’s the other?

Long Beach is one of the main “communities” that make up the great L.A. Basin and the home of more star athletes than ANY OTHER city in the country.

To find out more about its future as an Olympic site AGAIN read the entire report in the Long Beach Press Telegram at    http://www.presstelegram.com/sports/ci_12971807

A great story by Bob Keisser

USS Benfold Opens It’s Doors

All day Saturday and Sunday the ship, the USS. Benfold is welcoming local citizens to walk these hallowed decks.  I say “hallowed” because of the history of the name of this ship.

USS BENFOLD DDG-65 is the 15th Arleigh Burke-class Guided Missile Destroyer in the United States Navy. She was named in honor of Hospitalman 3rd class Edward Clyde Benfold and joined the Pacific Fleet on 30 March 1996 when she was commisioned for duty.

Born in Staten Island, New York on January 15, 1931, Petty Officer Benfold graduated from Audubon High School in Audubon, New Jersey. Petty Officer Benfold entered the service at Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in 1950. After completion of recruit training in Great Lakes, Illinois, he was selected for “A” school training as a Hospitalman.

He was killed in action while serving with the First Marine Division in Korea. “For gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while serving as a Hospital Corpsman, attached to a Company in the First Marine Division during operations against enemy aggressor forces in Korea on 5 September 1952…” he was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor. The citation continues: “When his company was subjected to heavy artillery and mortar barrages, followed by a determined assault during the hours of darkness by an enemy force estimated at battalion strength, Benfold resolutely moved from position to position in the face of intense hostile fire, treating the wounded and lending words of encouragement.

Leaving the protection of his sheltered position to treat the wounded when the platoon area in which he was working was attacked from both the front and the rear, he moved forward to an exposed ridge line where he observed two Marines in a large crater. As he approached the two men to determine their condition, an enemy soldier threw two grenades into the crater while two other enemies charged the position. Picking up a grenade in each hand, Benfold leaped out of the crater and hurled himself against the onrushing hostile soldiers, pushing the grenades against their chests and killing both the attackers.

Mortally wounded while carrying out this heroic act, Benfold, by his great personal valor and resolute spirit of self-sacrifice in the face of almost certain death, was directly responsible for saving the lives of his two comrades. His exceptional courage reflects the highest credit upon himself and enhances the finest traditions of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for others.”

Our servicemen never know exactly when they’ll be called on to make the ultimate sacrifice …. but they always seem ready to respond when they are called.

Visit the ship this weekend and let those swabbies know you care for them and respect them and we’re proud to have them as our guests in Seal Beach.  Bring a camera if you want but leave your purses and back-packs in the car.

Trans Pac – Predicted Finishes -Alfa Romeo Flies!

Div 1 – Alfa Romeo continued is long list of consecutive victories in record time.  The 100 foot mono-hull crossed Diamond Head more than 24 hours ahead of the previous best time set by Morning Glory in 2005.  The first boat in history to finish the race in less than six days. Alfa Romeo crossed the finish line about 1/2 hour after midnight and there were plenty of local out to welcome her into Hawaii.

Status of the boats still racing: positions –  as of  9 a.m. Saturday.

Next likely boat to finish is Division 3’s  45′ Criminal Mischief who was only 200 miles out.

Followed by the tiny  (by comparison to Alfa Romeo) Division 6 – 35′ Relentless 368 miles from shore.

Then Division 4’s Tachyon at 465 miles.

Next was Charisma 500 miles away and Horizon 514 miles from the finish.     Pegasus,  a Divison 1 boat but a two-handed entry was 62 miles in front of  OEX who was 663 miles from the finish.

Since I will not be able to give you the finish tomorrow (out of town, folks) here is my best guess at the winners of each division.

Div 1 – Alfa Romeo (already in port.)

Div 2- OEX

Div 3- Criminal Mischief – In the bag for this great boat and crew.

Div 4- Tachyon III – – Reinrag 2 is a close second but Tachyon is a little south and probably will have better wind the rest of the way.

Div 5 – Horizon raced brilliantly and has a fair lead, however, is only making 6 1/2 knots right now and those behind her are making 10.

Div 6 – Relentless.  This little 35′ was overall leader for much of the race. That crew has been brilliant and along with Pegasus deserve to be              seated at the head table at the Trans Pac banquet.

Div 7 – Charisma.  500 miles out but with a substantial lead. It would be very surprising if any in her class caught her before she got into                     the channel.

Special Mention to Pegasus.  A Division one boat, as we said earlier, racing two-handed. Those guys may sleep through the banquet but they’ll set a two handed record that will stand for a long time.

Great Race who you all enjoyed following it on <whatupinsealbeach.com>  

Trans Pac Standing Today

Seal Beach 10:18 a.m. July 9 – Trans Pac standings  Thursday morning.

Alfa Romeo, Div 1, is “flying” along just north of the 26 line of latitude.  Its now the got the number one spot overall having taken it away from the 65 foot smaller Relentless during the night.  Relentless still leads Division 6  and is in  third place overall.

Alfa Romeo is registering 17.9 knots right now… its fourth day above 17 knots.  Got a great chance of setting a Trans Pac record.  Should get to Oahu on Friday.

Criminal Mischief , Div 3, also passed Relentless last night and took over second place overall and still leads Div 3.  She should win her division handily.

Division 2 leader is OEX

Division 7 is Charisma..but Bengal 7 in on her stern and mighty close.

Hula and Bad Pak follow in Division 4 and Horizon has pulled away from the others in her division…for the time being.

The two manned Pegasus is doing remarkably well and seems destined to also set a record for a double-hand entry.

This will be one of the most remarkable Transpacific Yacht races in years.   

 Overall positions by Division

#1-Div 1/ #2 – Div 3/  #3 – Div 6/ #4 – Div 7/  #5 – Div 4/ #6 – Div 5/  #7 – Div 2

Huntington Beach Events

COMMUNITY SERVICES DEPARTMENT

Skyhawks Flag Football – Week of July 6

This flag football program offers a complete package of skills and thrills that teach young athletes to enjoy the fast-paced game. The camp introduces the core skills of passing, catching, and de-flagging or defensive positioning – all presented in a fun and invigorating training environment. Class cost is $140 for a one-week session designed for children ages 6 to 12. Please see the SANDS Bulletin online for details on the three scheduled camps: www.surfcity-hb.org. !

H B Senior Services

Travel and Trips – Test your luck with a trip to the Pala Casino arranged by the Huntington Beach Council on Aging’s Travel and Trips program. The Pala Casino, near Temecula, features 2300 state-of-the-art slot machines, 87 Vegas-style table games, eight restaurants and live entertainment daily. The bus will depart from the Michael E. Rodgers Seniors’ Center on Tuesday, July 14, 2009 at 9:00 a.m. and return at 5:30 p.m. The $35.00 advance registration fee can be paid at the senior center front counter on Tuesday between 9:00 a.m. and 11a.m. or Thursday and Friday between 1:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m. You can present picture identification at the casino and sign-up for a Pala Rewards Card for a $15.00 rebate. For more information, call 714-536-9387.

Youth Sports Programs

The city’s summer youth sports programs are in full swing offering youth between the ages of 3 and 13 a variety of youth sports programs. On Mondays and Wednesdays, it’s the extremely popular Pee Wee T-ball program offered at Edison and Murdy Community Centers starting at 10:30 a.m. Pee Wee T-ball is followed by the Junior Baseball and Softball programs at 1:30 p.m. Boys and girls in grades 3 through 6 can develop their sports skills with our instructional baseball or softball programs on Mondays and Wednesdays at 1:30 p.m., or take their basketball game to the next level with our Instructional Basketball Program held at Murdy Community Center on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 3:30 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. for youth in grades of 3 through 7. On Saturdays, Murdy Community Center and the City Gym and Pool are offering Pee Wee Basketball at 9:15 a.m. followed by Junior Basketball at 10:00 a.m. The City Gym will also be offering Shooting Stars Basketball for youth with special needs at 11:30 a.m..

Movies at the Beach – Pier Plaza

Beginning every Thursday in August, the HB Downtown Business Improvement District will present family fun movies beginning at dusk. Enjoy a unique outdoor theater experience with oceanfront view and get comfy with a blanket and chair. Pick up dinner to go at participating downtown restaurants offering dinner specials. The following movies will be scheduled for the month of August:

August 6th Wall-E/ August 13th Kung-Fu Panda/August 20th The Wizard of OZ/ August 27th Monster vs. Aliens /For more information log on to www.hbdowntown.com

INFORMATION SERVICES – Surf City “Pipeline Stats” ( Not an oil pipeline folks!)

Surf City Pipeline is the City’s citizen information and service request system. It has been in operation for over four months now and has been successful in providing easy access to information about City and other government services. You might be interested to know that during this period:

Surf City Pipeline information has been viewed over 18,000 times; over 900 requests for service or additional information have been submitted; requestors have completed 280 surveys following completion of their request; 80% of completed surveys returned rated City staff’s work on their request to be good to superior with employee courtesy rated 86% good to superior. You can access Surf City Pipeline on the City’s website: http://www.surfcity-hb.org.

LIBRARY SERVICES DEPARTMENT

The Family Literacy Program, part of Literacy Volunteers-HBPL, held its Annual Awards Night on Thursday, June 25, 2009, with more than 130 in attendance. Mayor Keith Bohr and Library Director Stephanie Beverage helped welcome and thank all literacy students and volunteers. The program awarded 7 adult students with literacy awards in the categories of motivation, persistence, and dedication to learning – three important ingredients for success in learning and achieving goals. Several volunteers received pins for 5 and 10 years of service to the program and 3 volunteers received special recognition for their outstanding work. We appreciate all our volunteers and the difference they make in the lives of literacy students.

POLICE DEPARTMENT – Great Police Work by the Helicopter Pilot

At about 10:30 p.m. on July 4, 2009, officers received a radio call of a subject breaking the windows of a house and throwing furniture in the street in front of a residence. The streets, sidewalks, and beach were still teaming with residents and visitors from the 4th of July celebrations. The police helicopter, HB1, was first to arrive at the location; the pilots observed a motorcycle fleeing the area at a high rate of speed. The pilots were able to keep an eye on him as he drove around recklessly for a several minutes. The safety of the helicopter proved invaluable since it was able to observe the path of the motorcycle, eliminating the need for patrol officers to take part in a dangerous high speed pursuit.

The fleeing motorcycle reached speeds estimated at over 120 miles per hour while circling around the area trying to avoid capture by the patrol officers coming to the scene. The driver of the motorcycle, a Huntington Beach resident, eventually lost control and crashed into a parked vehicle at Walnut and 21st Street. The driver then took off running on foot, onto the beach in an effort to blend in with the crowds. The pilots were able to keep an observation of the running suspect and led the patrol officers on the ground to him where he was taken into custody. The driver was booked for driving under the influence, reckless driving, hit and run, and outstanding warrants.

Water Conservation

For the reporting period of January through June, Huntington Beach water consumption is down 4% from last year. Residents are encouraged to keep up the good conservation habits, especially as we head into the summer months.

“Doghouses” we don’t want in Seal Beach

by Mike Bubhe

Please join me in stopping the proposed doghouses on the roofs of four houses on 10th Street. Come to the City Council meeting on August 10th. It was scheduled for July 13 but Council has continued it to the new date. at 7 PM, in the council chambers on Eighth Street, or write a letter to the city council!

Tiny Relentless Still Leading Trans Pac Yacht Race

At 8 a.m. Wednesday , the 35 foot Relentless was  1058 miles from Diamond Head and was  a narrow overall leader in the Trans Pacific race but it had  a big lead over others in Div 6. However,  Criminal Mischief ,Div 3 leader, is only 30 miles behind her and closing. 

Charisma was still the Div 7 leader and was 1122 miles out.  Charisma, however, was more than two degrees north and the strongest winds are still south of her.

A new leader in Div 4, Hula had 1207 miles to go. 

The Div 5 group is still very tightly grouped. Horizon and Allure both reported  with 1253 miles to go.

The bigger boats in Divsion 2 are starting to show their speed.  Alchemy and OEX reported at 1542 miles out and Pye Wacket at 1547.

Alfa Romeo is pulling away from Magnitude 80.  She is 1215 miles out and was making over 17 knots during her last four hours!

I first saw this promotion in 1950 …. and now its back!

I remember it like yesterday.

They said we’d all have one one day….and I wanted mine as soon as I was eighteen.  (I was fifteen in 1950.)

Now here it is again only this time I may be to old to get one?

I hope not because this one looks a lot better than the 1950 model and makes a lot more sense. You can see it operate at the site below but I doubt you’ll be able to buy one until next year or maybe 2011.

Let me know if you like it because I’m definitely going to get one this time around….if I can.

http://www.terrafugia.com/Video_News_Release.html

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