What’s Up in Huntington Beach?

Huck Finn Fishing Derby

Last Saturday was a great day at the pier for 250 kids and their families in the 46th Annual Huck Finn Fishing Derby.  As the children, up to age 15, grabbed their lucky spot, parents watched on and untangled fishing lines.  Sponsors donated so many prizes that no one went away empty handed.  The top prizes were bikes donated by Sport Chalet along with a full assortment of fishing gear and fishing trips.  Let’s Go Fishing donated enough bait for everyone.  Members of Fish Talk Radio presented many prizes and secured donated items including fishing trips, poles, and other tackle.  Poles and assistance were available from the Department of Fish and Game.

Children’s Library to Host Concert for Record Breaking Summer Reading Program’s Participants!

This year’s Summer Reading Program, “Home Run Readers”, is breaking previous year’s records.  The final tally for the 2008 program was 5056 participants.  So far, with less than a week to go, an amazing 5123 children have signed up for the 2009 program!  Sponsored by the Angels Baseball Foundation and the Beach Pit BBQ, this year’s program has been wildly popular.  With so many children signed up, the children’s librarians are extra appreciative of the teen volunteers.  Upwards of 200 young adults have volunteered their time to staff the prize desk, read aloud to children, help at Storytime or shelve books this summer.  This is another record breaker, as last year’s volunteers tallied in at around 160.  To top it all off, on August 14, the final day of the program, children’s musical performer “Razzle Bam Boom” will be making a special appearance outside at the Central Park Bandstand.  There will be two shows at 11 am and 1 pm, free for anyone who participated in the program and their family members.  Hot dogs, drinks, and snacks will be on sale.  Since this day will most likely be a scorcher, guests are advised to bring sunscreen and hats! Public Comment Meeting on Downtown Specific Plan Draft EIR

Downtown Specific Plan Update
The Planning Department and Economic Development Department will hold a public comment meeting on Thursday, August 13 at 6:00 P.M at City Hall, Room B-8, to take comments related to the adequacy of the environmental issues analyzed in the Downtown Specific Plan Draft Environmental Impact Report (EIR).  Hodge & Associates, the consultant who prepared the Draft EIR, along with city staff, will be present to answer questions and record comments on the Draft EIR.

Vandalism in Gibbs Park

Gibbs Park, also known as Butterfly Park, is on the west side of Graham between Warner and Heil Avenue.  During this past weekend an unknown person(s) broke the tops off about ten of the younger trees in the park.  These trees had recently been planted by a Boy Scout troop.  The police department is looking into this vandalism, but at this time there are no suspects or witnesses to what occurred.  The police department is also making extra patrol checks of the park, which has a 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. park curfew.raft EIR is available on the Planning Department website at:
http://www.surfcity-hb.org/Government/Departments/Planning/major/DTSP.cfm.  For additional information, contact Jennifer Villasenor, Associate Planner, at (714) 536-5271.

Fantasy Football “Cheat Sheet” — The Best for Beginners

The Country’s Easiest Fantasy Football Draft Sheet -A Fantasy Draft Sheet for Beginners.
From Seal Beach Willie

What you have to understand is that a fantasy draft is not rocket science!  This is a game for crying out loud so have some fun and don’t overestimate draft “knowledge.”  Its 50% luck and the other 50% is in the list at the bottom of this page!

A couple of guys in your league are going to draft 2 or 3 of the very best players in the NFL ….. and get nothing out of their pick. (Like the guys who drafted Tom Brady land Thomlison last year and Reggie Bush the year before) A couple of gals are going to draft some guy you never heard of cause they think he’s cute…and he’ll probably score 20 TD’s.

HERE’S HOW YOUR LEAGUE WILL WORK.
Let’s assume your league is 10 players.
Let’s assume you draft 3 QBs, 4 RBs, 4WR’s, 2 TEs, and 2 Ks. That’s 15 players total.
Let’s assume each week you are going to have to play: 1 QB, 2RBs, 2 WRs. 1TE and 1K.

HOW TO PICK

1-Most important thing to remember is each players  “bye” week. Not too important on  your first few picks but MAKE SURE you consider the Bye week by the time you have made  your first             5 picks.  Doesn’t make much difference until then.

The picks in the list below favor RB’s as early picks. So if your league doesn’t give points for yardage adjust your “Cheat Sheet” as follows:
2-move  the top five QBs up to the top 5 spots.
3-then leave the top 10 RBs in the next 10 spots
4-then move in another 4 QBs and 4 top WRs to spots 16 thru 24.
The list below also gives too much emphasis to WRs.  We can’t imagine taking a WR before taking the guy throwing the ball to him?
That’s a total of 23 top players.  No matter what number you had in the draft you now have at least two great players  1 great QB and 1 great RB (maybe a very good WR but I’d wait another turn for a WR unless somebody super is still available.) On the next round if you can get another top RB – but pick one on another team than your first RB is on. For your 4th pick – If you haven’t yet drafted a WR… there will be some great ones still available. If there is a REALLY good one that goes w/your QB take him  – – although it is doubtful that will happen because when someone drafts…say Tom Brady, somebody else is going to take Randy Moss before that guy gets to pick again.

5- Once you gotten a QB and 2 RBs…and the best WR out there you’ve gotten most of
your team on just four picks! Don’t worry about Ks or TEs until after you’ve  gotten
2QBs, 3RBs and 3WR’s.  Most kickers have pretty similar totals and when one kicker
is 20 pts behind another guy at the end of the season ..its not because he  couldn’t
kick…its because his QB couldn’t get him close enough.

6-OK you now have the guts of your “1st” team; a top QB,
2 good RBs and a great receiver. Your probably going to play
those 4 players every week you can.  Now look thru the rest
of the list while your waiting for your next chance and pick the
best player available. Hopefully another RB and WR.

REMEMBER THIS….YOU  ARE GOING TO WIN OR LOSE BASED ON FOUR GUYS ON YOUR TEAM!

IF A KEY PLAYER GETS HURT…GET RID OF HIM QUICKLY AND GET A REPLACEMENT.  IN FANTASY YOU WANT TO WIN GAMES AS EARLY AS POSSIBLE.  DON’T WAIT AROUND FOR THE PLAYOFFS!

Remember to carry a copy of your cheat sheet with you in the days leading up to your draft.  When you hear that Beanie Wells hurt his ankle and got carried off the field…make a note next to his name..maybe an arrow pointing down so you know to downgrade him on draft night.  Is Plaxico Burress going to go to jail or is he going to be able to play this year?

The picks you see on our list are where they are based on how we expect them to do THIS year  but you can also look at how they did last year and see if that reminds you of anything.

1-Adrian Peterson, RB, Vikings. Bye: 9.
2-Matt Forte, RB, Bears. Bye: 5.
3-Maurice Jones-Drew, RB, Jaguars. Bye: 7.
4-LaDainian Tomlinson, RB, Chargers. Bye: 5.
5-Chris Johnson, RB, Titans. Bye: 7.
6-Steve Slaton, RB, Texans. Bye: 10.
7-Clinton Portis, RB, Redskins. Bye: 8.
8-Michael Turner, RB, Falcons. Bye: 4.
9-Steven Jackson, RB, Rams. Bye: 9.
10-Randy Moss, WR, Patriots. Bye: 8.
11-Larry Fitzgerald, WR, Cardinals. Bye: 4.
12-DeAngelo Williams, RB, Panthers. Bye: 4.
13-Andre Johnson, WR, Texans. Bye: 10.
14-Knowshon Moreno, RB, Broncos. Bye: 7.
15-Kevin Smith, RB, Lions. Bye: 7.
16-Pierre Thomas, RB, Saints. Bye: 5.
17-Calvin Johnson, WR, Lions. Bye: 7.
18-Brandon Jacobs, RB, Giants. Bye: 10.
19-Brian Westbrook, RB, Eagles. Bye: 4.
20-Frank Gore, RB, 49ers. Bye: 6.
21-Marques Colston, WR, Saints. Bye: 5.
22-Tom Brady, QB, Patriots. Bye: 8.
23-Peyton Manning, QB, Colts. Bye: 6.
24-Chris Wells, RB, Cardinals. Bye: 4.
25-Roddy White, WR, Falcons. Bye: 4.
26-Marion Barber, RB, Cowboys. Bye: 6.
27-Reggie Wayne, WR, Colts. Bye: 6.
28-Drew Brees, QB, Saints. Bye: 5.
29-Aaron Rodgers, QB, Packers. Bye: 5.
30-Greg Jennings, WR, Packers. Bye: 5.
31-Steve Smith, WR, Panthers. Bye: 4.
32-Chad Ochocinco, WR, Bengals. Bye: 8.
33-Jason Witten, TE, Cowboys. Bye: 6.
34-Philip Rivers, QB, Chargers. Bye: 5.
35-Dwayne Bowe, WR, Chiefs. Bye: 8.
36-Derrick Ward, RB, Buccaneers. Bye: 8.
37-Jonathan Stewart, RB, Panthers. Bye: 4.
38-Ronnie Brown, RB, Dolphins. Bye: 6.
39-Antonio Bryant, WR, Buccaneers. Bye: 8.
40-Terrell Owens, WR, Bills. Bye: 9.
41-Anquan Boldin, WR, Cardinals. Bye: 4.
42-Braylon Edwards, WR, Browns. Bye: 9.
43-T.J. Houshmandzadeh, WR, Seahawks. Bye: 7.
44-Roy Williams, WR, Cowboys. Bye: 6.
45-Antonio Gates, TE, Chargers. Bye: 5.
46-Vincent Jackson, WR, Chargers. Bye: 5.
47-Ryan Grant, RB, Packers. Bye: 5.
48-Donald Brown, RB, Colts. Bye: 6.
49-Ray Rice, RB, Ravens. Bye: 7.
50-Donovan McNabb, QB, Eagles. Bye: 4.
51-Lee Evans, WR, Bills. Bye: 9.
52-Wes Welker, WR, Patriots. Bye: 8.
53-Darren McFadden, RB, Raiders. Bye: 9.
54-Anthony Gonzalez, WR, Colts. Bye: 6.
55-Santonio Holmes, WR, Steelers. Bye: 8.
56-Santana Moss, WR, Redskins. Bye: 8.
57-Tony Romo, QB, Cowboys. Bye: 6.
58-Tony Gonzalez, TE, Falcons. Bye: 4.
59-Dallas Clark, TE, Colts. Bye: 6.
60.Bernard Berrian, WR, Vikings. Bye: 9.
61-Thomas Jones, RB, Jets. Bye: 9.
62-DeSean Jackson, WR, Eagles. Bye: 4.
63-Marshawn Lynch, RB, Bills. Bye: 9.
64-Reggie Bush, RB, Saints. Bye: 5.
65-Derrick Mason, WR, Ravens. Bye: 7.
66-Matt Ryan, QB, Falcons. Bye: 4.
67-Jay Cutler, QB, Bears. Bye: 5.
68-Matt Schaub, QB, Texans. Bye: 10.
69-Eddie Royal, WR, Broncos. Bye: 7.
70-Cedric Benson, RB, Bengals. Bye: 8.
71-Joseph Addai, RB, Colts. Bye: 6.
72-Chris Cooley, TE, Redskins. Bye: 8.
73-Greg Olsen, TE, Bears. Bye: 5.
74-Kurt Warner, QB, Cardinals. Bye: 4.
75-Carson Palmer, QB, Bengals. Bye: 8.
76-Kevin Walter, WR, Texans. Bye: 10.
77-Hines Ward, WR, Steelers. Bye: 8.
78-Kellen Winslow Jr., TE, Buccaneers. Bye: 8.
79-Brandon Marshall, WR, Broncos. Bye: 7.
80-Devin Hester, WR, Bears. Bye: 5.
81-Fred Jackson, RB, Bills. Bye: 9.
82-Jamal Lewis, RB, Browns. Bye: 9.
83-Laveranues Coles, WR, Bengals. Bye: 8.
84-Torry Holt, WR, Jaguars. Bye: 7.
85-Donald Driver, WR, Packers. Bye: 5.
86-David Garrard, QB, Jaguars. Bye: 7.
87-Larry Johnson, RB, Chiefs. Bye: 8.
88-Jerious Norwood, RB, Falcons. Bye: 4.
89-Josh Morgan, WR, 49ers. Bye: 6.
90-Hakeem Nicks, WR, Giants. Bye: 10.
91-Jerricho Cotchery, WR, Jets. Bye: 9.
92-Lance Moore, WR, Saints. Bye: 5.
93-Brian Robiskie, WR, Browns. Bye: 9.
94-Julius Jones, RB, Seahawks. Bye: 7.
95-Ben Roethlisberger, QB, Steelers. Bye: 8.
96-Earnest Graham, RB, Buccaneers. Bye: 8.
97-Zach Miller, TE, Raiders. Bye: 9.
98-Owen Daniels, TE, Texans. Bye: 10.
99-LenDale White, RB, Titans. Bye: 7.
100-Darren Sproles, RB, Chargers. Bye: 5.
101-Felix Jones, RB, Cowboys. Bye: 6.
102-LeRon McClain, RB, Ravens. Bye: 7.
103-LeSean McCoy, RB, Eagles. Bye: 4.
104-Michael Bush, RB, Raiders. Bye: 9.
105-Shonn Greene, RB, Jets. Bye: 9.
106-Donnie Avery, WR, Rams. Bye: 9.
107-Nate Washington, WR, Titans. Bye: 7.
108-Steve Breaston, WR, Cardinals. Bye: 4.
109-Jeremy Shockey, TE, Saints. Bye: 5.
110-John Carlson, TE, Seahawks. Bye: 7.
111-Willie Parker, RB, Steelers. Bye: 8.
112-Chris Chambers, WR, Chargers. Bye: 5.
113-Mark Sanchez QB NY Jets  Bye: 9.
114-Miles Austin, WR, Cowboys. Bye: 6.
115-Chester Taylor, RB, Vikings. Bye: 9.
116-Jamaal Charles, RB, Chiefs. Bye: 8.
117-Heath Miller, TE, Steelers. Bye: 8.
118-Justin Gage, WR, Titans. Bye: 7.
119-Mark Clayton, WR, Ravens. Bye: 7.
120-Sidney Rice, WR, Vikings. Bye: 9.
121-Devin Thomas, WR, Redskins. Bye: 8.
122-Ricky Williams, RB, Dolphins. Bye: 6.
123-Brent Celek, TE, Eagles. Bye: 4.
124-Matt Cassel, QB, Chiefs. Bye: 8.
125-Jason Campbell, QB, Redskins. Bye: 8.
126-Ted Ginn Jr., WR, Dolphins. Bye: 6.
127-Deion Branch, WR, Seahawks. Bye: 7.
128-Dustin Keller, TE, Jets. Bye: 9.
129-Willis McGahee, RB, Ravens. Bye: 7.
130-Leon Washington, RB, Jets. Bye: 9.
131-Matt Hasselbeck, QB, Seahawks. Bye: 7.
132-Laurence Maroney, RB, Patriots. Bye: 8.
133-Ahmad Bradshaw, RB, Giants. Bye: 10.
134-Kevin Curtis, WR, Eagles. Bye: 4.
135-Muhsin Muhammad, WR, Panthers. Bye: 4.
136-Rashard Mendenhall, RB, Steelers. Bye: 8.
137-Tashard Choice, RB, Cowboys. Bye: 6.
138-Sammy Morris, RB, Patriots. Bye: 8.
139-James Davis, RB, Browns. Bye: 9.
140-Mark Bradley, WR, Chiefs. Bye: 8.
141-Domenik Hixon, WR, Giants. Bye: 10.
142-Patrick Crayton, WR, Cowboys. Bye: 6.
143-Chris Henry, WR, Bengals. Bye: 8.
144-Matt Stafford, QB, Lions. Bye  7.

And here’s an alphabetical list of kickers.  Most important thing for you is to MAKE SURE you don’t have the same bye week for your kickers!  Very Important. Gostkowski is probably
the best kicker on the list…but if Brady is hot he won’t be kicking so many field goals. Succop (at K.C.) and Feely (at Jets) may be bailing out their team of the new QBs fail to click.

Akers, David K, Philadelphia Eagles
Andrus, Shane K, Indianapolis Colts
Bironas, Rob K, Tennessee Titans
Brown, Josh K, St. Louis Rams
Brown, Kris K, Houston Texans
Bryant, Matt K, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Buehler, David K, Dallas Cowboys
Carpenter, Dan K, Miami Dolphins
Coutu, Brandon K, Seattle Seahawks
Crosby, Mason K, Green Bay Packers
Czech, Piotr K, Pittsburgh Steelers
Dawson, Phil K, Cleveland Browns
Elam, Jason K, Atlanta Falcons
Feely, Jay K, New York Jets
Folk, Nick K, Dallas Cowboys
Gano, Graham K, Baltimore Ravens
Gostkowski, Stephen K, New England Patriots
Gould, Robbie K, Chicago Bears
Graham, Shayne K, Cincinnati Bengals
Hanson, Jason K, Detroit Lions
Hartley, Garrett K, New Orleans Saints
Hauschka, Steven K, Baltimore Ravens
Janikowski, Sebastian K, Oakland Raiders
Kaeding, Nate K, San Diego Chargers
Kasay, John K, Carolina Panthers
Lindell, Rian K, Buffalo Bills
Lloyd, Rhys K, Carolina Panthers
Longwell, Ryan K, Minnesota Vikings
Mare, Olindo K, Seattle Seahawks
Mehlhaff, Taylor K, Minnesota Vikings
Nedney, Joe K, San Francisco 49ers
Nugent, Mike K, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Prater, Matt K, Denver Broncos
Rackers, Neil K, Arizona Cardinals
Rayner, Dave K, Washington Redskins
Reed, Jeff K, Pittsburgh Steelers
Romero, Alex K, San Francisco 49ers
Scobee, Josh K, Jacksonville Jaguars
Succop, Ryan K, Kansas City Chiefs
Suisham, Shaun K, Washington Redskins
Tynes, Lawrence K, New York Giants
Vinatieri, Adam K, Indianapolis Colts

Only Four Summer Concerts Left

Eisenhower Park continues to draw crowds to  the summer concert series. 

This is a great family venue so grab a blanket to sit on the grass or a portable chair – – – don’t forget something to eat and drink – – and get your fanny down there before the series ends on September 2.  Wednesdays from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

-August 12th – Sugah Daddy

-August 19th – Identity Theft

-August 26th – Regular Guys

-September 2nd – Elm Street Band

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?

Battle of the Tribute Bands in Long Beach This Weekend

Who doesn’t love a good cover band?  The Battle of the Tribute Bands is the latest of the SAM Summer and Music series sponsored by the Downtown Long Beach Business Associates and other local sponsors.   The all day festival starts at 1 pm on Saturday July 25th at Rainbow Harbor (Pine & Shoreline Drive).   

Featured tribute bands include: Vitology (Pearl Jam), Satisfaction (Rolling Stones), No Duh (No Doubt), Stepping Feet (Dave Matthews), The Rising (Bruce Springsteen), Hollywood U2 (U2), The Cured (the Cure).

For more information visit the SAM website.

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>  

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.

Annual Women’s Conference Tickets on Sale Monday

Each year thousands of women journey to Long Beach for the Women’s Conference which is the nation’s premier forum for women and is hosted by California First Lady Maria Shriver and Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger.  A full list of speakers and participants will be announced on Monday, however the Press Telegram reported this morning that Katie Couric, Richard Branson, Caroline Kennedy, Kelly Preston, Annie Leibovitz, Danica Patrick and Meghan McCain have all been confirmed as guests.    The two day event to be held October 26th and 27th. 

The Women’s Conference is the largest and most dynamic gathering of women in the nation. The annual Conference unites more than 80 internationally-acclaimed leaders, visionaries  and authors with 14,000 women in one arena, plus thousands more online, to share enriching stories of transformation and success, self-empowerment and life lessons. To extend the power and reach of The Women’s Conference, a new website, californiawomen.org, was launched in July 2009.  The Women’s Conference is a nonpartisan, nonprofit 501(c)(4) organization.

When is The Women’s Conference?

This year, The Women’s Conference 2009 will be held on Tuesday, October 27.  And, for the first time, the Conference has been expanded to two full days — with our new A Day of Transformation sessions and Night at The Village on Monday, October 26. 

Who will be speaking this year?

A full list of speakers will be announced on July 13th.

Where is The Women’s Conference?

Since 2004, the Conference has been held at the Long Beach Convention Center, 300 East Ocean Blvd., Long Beach, CA 90802.

How do you purchase tickets for The Women’s Conference?

Online ticket registration begins Monday, July 13, 2009, at 9 AM PDT.

“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!

Seal Beach Bunnies A Bugaboo

Leisure World rabbits might be fun for some but for others they are a pain.  Coyotes and hawks love them for breakfast and dinner…but Leisure World is a little short on hawks and coyotes are even less welcome than the rabbits.

Seal Beach’s top cop says “No” to shooting them…even with a pellet gun.

So what can be done?

Read the entire story in the L.A. Times at http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-rabbits7-2009jul07,0,6345474.story

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