Greetings from Huntington Beach

The Enchanted Tiki Library

 
Since we've been desperately trying to pitch ourselves as "Surf City" for the past decade or so, you'd think Huntington Beach would be more proud of what may be the world's only "Enchanted Tiki Library." The photo above shows the 2,400-square-foot Banning Branch Library, which began life in 1962 as the tract office for the housing developments being built all around it.

(Read the rest of this article on the O.C. History Roundup.)

Can historic Japanese-American site in H.B. be saved?

 
The endangered remnants of the Japanese community at Wintersburg (now part of Huntington Beach, at Nichols St. and Warner Ave.) will be the topic of the Orange County Historical Society's annual Preservation Month program on May 12th (this Thursday!), 7:30pm, at Trinity Episcopal Church, 2400 N. Canal St., in Orange.

This is the most important extant Asian American historical site in Orange County, and still features the Wintersburg Japanese Presbyterian Church -- including the 1910 mission and manse, and the 1934 church -- as well as the pioneer Furuta family's charming California bungalow (shown above). All of this property now belongs to the Rainbow Disposal Company, which has proposed a plan to reuse the land as a dumpster storage yard.

(Article continued on the O.C. History Roundup)

Women's Club of H.B. clubhouse burns

 
The historic Women’s Club of Huntington Beach clubhouse burned to the ground in a fire that started near the back of the building around 3:00 a.m. this morning (April 30, 2011). The little board and batten building was destroyed in minutes, according to neighbors, with the fire department putting out the very last of the flames about an hour later.

This fire may only register a small blip on the radar of most Huntington Beach citizens. But this 101-year old building -- and the philanthropic organization it housed for 95 years -- was an important part of the city's history.

(Continue reading this story at my blog... O.C. History Roundup)

The photo above was taken by historian Barbara Milkovich in the 1980s.

Less Edison Park to love

 
It's so sad to walk around Edison Park and see so many beautiful trees marked with a big white "X", indicating that they are to be torn out to make way for more concrete. Big swaths of grass have already been ripped out in advance of this "progress."

I put together a few very rough maps, showing changes to the park over time. Each map shows passive park space in green and shows non-passive space (e.g. sports facilities, fenced-off areas, buildings, parking lots, etc.) in red. The first map shows the park as it was when I was growing up, in the 1980s...

 
The next photo (below), shows the park as it was very recently...

 
And this last and final map (below) shows the park as it will be in about 2018 -- after the proposed changes in the Edison Park Master Plan. 

  
Not a pretty picture, is it?

The good news is that the trees I photographed in the last post do not seem to be in immediate danger after all. It's just one of the ugliest trimming jobs I've seen in a long time and not necessarily an attempt to kill them. I have to apologize to Parks (or the contractor they hired) for this and cut them some slack, since this sort of butchery seems to be the industry standard these days except at places like Disneyland or Roger's Gardens.

The bad news, as I said, is that many more healthy trees at Edison ARE literally marked for destruction already.

Stomping on the first Bluebird of Spring

 

I took a quiet walk in Edison Park yesterday -- Something I've been doing for years and may never be able to do again. The City will start "improving" the park this week.

How do you improve on passive open green space and trees that are almost half a century old? By replacing them with concrete, of course!

Anyway, while on my walk, I noticed the first bluebird of spring. (See photo above.) Sadly, he and his mate were sitting atop one of several large trees that had been trimmed (butchered?) to a ridiculous degree. I have to assume these trees have been prepped for the first wave of chainsaws and bulldozers. Unfortunately, I took these photos AFTER these beautiful trees had already been stripped down and ugly-fied. (See below.)

Over the decades, I've watched the majority of Edison Park gradually taken over by sports fields, chain link fencing, giant light poles, etc. It becomes less and less a park for EVERYONE (e.g. all H.B. taxpayers) and more and more a park for people who enjoy specific sports (many, if not most of whom are from out of town).
 
Do we need to spend $4 million dollars (especially in THIS economy) to make the park less green, more regimented, and even more organized-sports-centric than it already is?

Note to whoever's idea this was: I you want to improve the park, how about adding more trees, replacing some damaged stuff, and maybe even putting back a few of the park benches that have disappeared over the years. Not more concrete. Not more damn sports fields. The world has enough competition and aggression. But it could use a few more places for children, old folks, and bluebirds to escape from our hectic modern world.

"Paddle Out" for State Lifeguard Ron Schafer - Sat 9am Newland Street

 

I am very sad to report the loss of a tru lifeguard waterman and friend.  Ronald Schafer a California state parks superintendent and long time Huntington Beach State Lifeguard passed away at age 53.  Ron had a stroke sometime after completing the Malibu triathlon on September 12 and died several days later.

Further details and reporting can be found in the LA Times  and LA Lifeguard blog

A "Paddle Out" and remembrance for Ron will be organized by the Huntington, Bolsa Chica and California State Lifeguards.  The "Paddle Out" will be 9am Saturday (Sep 25) in the area of the Newland Buoys (Newland and PCH at the power plant).

In as far as picking an appropriate location.....thousands of California State Lifeguards and Mega Colossus run-swim-run competitors swam around these buoys since the early 1960's.  I/we look forward to making that special "Paddle  Out" for Ron to say good by and celebrate his life.

 

 

Boardman announces candidacy - HB Independent

Connie Boardman, a former Huntington Beach mayor, announced last week that she is running for City Council, citing dissatisfaction with the city's current leadership and what she perceives as its indifference to residents' needs.

via www.hbindependent.com

A New Team for Huntington Beach

Former Mayor Connie Boardman announced today that she was running for Huntington Beach City Council and was joining candidates Joe Shaw and Blair Farley to form Team Huntington Beach.

“I’m running because we need experienced leadership on the city council during these challenging times,” said Boardman. “Blair Farley, Joe Shaw and I have decades of civic and volunteer experience and service. Together, we’re the best candidates to lead Huntington Beach forward.”

Boardman, like Farley and Shaw, believes the city needs to pay more attention to its neighborhoods and residents. One factor that spurred Boardman to run was the council’s recent decision to change the land use designation of a portion of Bolsa Chica from open space/parkland to residential.

Boardman, a professor of biology at Cerritos College, served on the City Council from 2000-2004, and was mayor in 2003. She is currently the President of the Bolsa Chica Land Trust. Farley is IT Director at Mariners Church, and is the Chairman of the HB Planning Commission and Shaw, who leads all candidates in fundraising, is a small business owner who has served on three city commissions. For more information, go to www.teamhuntingtonbeach.com

Surf City USLA National Lifeguard Champs

What a great poster, baby!!! If you plan to compete or just check out the festivities....I might see you at Beach Blvd this Thursday, Friday and Saturday. 

A good friend and Los Angeles County Lifeguard Will Maguire already bloged on the poster, artwork and who creatively contributed, so check it out here http://countyrecurrent.blogspot.com/2010/08/2010-usla-lifeguard-nationals-its-surf.html

Contact Event Coordinator Craig Lumb 714 330-1645  [email protected]

Contact Media Coordinator Adam Sandler 310 745-9262  [email protected]

No HB Lifeguards Golden West to Sea Point - KCAL 9 News today

 

I took this picture before summer in early May after a series of Huntington Beach Marine Safety budget cuts.  This cut was worth approximately $60,000 (less the cost of the many new signs and fencing of lifeguard towers).  KCAL News came down to the beach today reported on the weather conditions and "No Lifeguards" on the beach in Huntington Beach.  Here is the news clip  http://www.cbs2.com/video/?id=[email protected]   

INMHO (In My Humble Opinion) "No Lifeguards" for any section of precious surf and sand in the world famous Huntington Beach Surf City is "Very Risky Business".  Every day the odds for catastrophe continue and increase with the threat of a major public safety incident.  And the risk has been placed on the residents of Huntington Beach and the visitors who pay money to frequent this unique stretch of 1 1/2 miles of beach also known as dog beach.

The risk of a future lawsuit(s) from injury or death from drowning or other medical injuries in the "No Lifeguard" area are likely to be in excess of $60,000.  Really?

This risk also includes the "Yes We have Lifeguard" areas that will be left or vacated by lifeguards and marine safety officers to respond and enter the "No Lifeguards" area when dispatched by 911 - the only method to a get any emergency response between Golden West and Sea Point. Sorry, no pay phones either!

Interestingly, the towers were scheduled to be removed from the beach because the bold warning signs and chain linked fences around the towers looked really, very bad.  However, for 911 purposes the police, fire and marine safety services need the towers and their designated numbers as reference points (PCH street addresses) for 911 callers and responders.

Simply put, the solution for "No Lifeguards" on the beach is to "tear down those fences" and re-open the lifeguard towers ASAP and then reinstate the level of public safety service required.

Respectfully yours and seemingly always a lifeguard for life.....

Huntington Beach Marine Safety Officer (retired), Huntington Beach Surf Life Saving (life member) and author "Huntington Beach Lifeguards" by Arcadia publishing.

Surfin’ Sundays 14TH Annual Summer Concert Series at Pier Plaza

 Date: Sunday July 18th, 2010           Time: 11:00 Am to 5:00 Pm

Concerts are dedicated to HBISM Founder/Director at Large Natalie Kotsch valiantly fighting cancer, HBISM volunteer John Miller cancer free for 6 months, HBISM supporter, guitar legend, Dick Dale who remains cancer free and performing better than ever & Trustee Advisor David Beasley maintaining his sense of humor despite battling cancer.  Also to HBISM World Ambassador Ann Beasley who continues to support the museum despite serious health issues.

 THIS CONCERT IS SPONSORED BY IMG WORLD MEDIA & U S OPEN OF SURFING

 BANDS:

 DEEP SEA is a group of energetic young men from the Rancho Cucamonga area who I met at a Dick Dale concert 5 years ago and was so impressed by the recommendation of Tom Stanton of The Surf Kings regarding their tenacious playing that I immediately placed them on the stage at Pier Plaza.

PYRONAUTS lead guitarist Paul Beatie plays with such energy, intensity and finesse it can’t help but rub off on the rest of his group.  Like Dick Dale he is not afraid to jump off the stage and get up close and personal while performing his version of Misirlou and other Dick Dale favorites.

JOHN BLAIR & THE TRESPASSERS:  John is an accomplished 2^nd wave surf musician and historical writer originally establishing his expertise with Jon & The Nightriders and despite extreme back pain decided to make a comeback with The Eliminators and now also has his own newly formed band to the delight of many fans.

 KELP last played during Surfin Sundays at Pier Plaza in 1998 and retreated to the Santa Barbara area where they have remained actively playing at local clubs in that area ever since. Thanks to Jeff “Bigtikidude” Hanson putting me in touch with them, we are blessed to have them performing for us once again.

SOUNDWAVES returning to our Pier Plaza stage after a two year absence with their claim to fame “All Astronauts all the time”.  They’re a traditional 60’s force and have played alongside such greats as Eddie Bertrand from Eddie & The Showman when he made a comeback at the museum and actor Gary Busey who is an accomplished guitarist himself. 

INSECT SURFERS have proven over and over that they have no off switch, they are full-boar high energetic psychedelic 2nd wave surf band who’s playing for the last 20 years has been an intoxicating experience to say the least.  Their style developed by influences of Dick Dale and Link Wray will get your heart pumping and your body moving.

BAND CD’S AND MERCHANDISE WILL BE AVAILABLE DURING THIS CONCERT!!!

Vendors support our fundraising efforts by renting their spaces so please support them and buy their wares.

Be sure and drop by the museum and check out our newest addition of Dick Dale’s Induction to the Nashville Musicians Hall of Fame on the Dick Dale Tribute Wall we created last spring.

We invite you to join in celebration of 14 years of great music, from dedicated musicians who donate their precious time in support of the museum. Our concert lineup features oldies but goodies and promising newcomers as well as celebrities like Dick Dale, Dean Torrence, Chris Farmer, John Blair & Davie Allen who just happen to drop in from time to time.  

Admission to the Concert: FREE

Don’t forget to bring your hats and sunscreen to protect you against the elements.  

Location: North side of Pier Plaza @ 315 Pacific Coast Hwy Huntington Beach 92648

HBISM Phone: 714-960-3483    

Check our website www.surfingmuseum.org for the complete schedule and information.

Pinot & Pups Fundraiser Benefits 'A Leg Up' Rescue Group

A Leg Up Rescue is proud to present its Pinot & Pups party to be held on June 20, 2010 from 2pm – 5 pm at the Newland House, Newland Shopping Center (Adams Avenue & Beach Boulevard in Huntington Beach. The festivities will include wine tasting, gourmet bites from local restaurants and a chocolate fountain that's not to be missed! Fabulous items will be available at the silent auction including a week’s stay in the Napa Valley, and a week’s stay on the Sonoma Coast, local business and restaurant gift certificates; sporting events and much much more. The day will be rounded out with a parade of pups that will make your heart smile.
The event benefits A Leg Up Rescue which rescues animals from shelters and other situations where they are in immediate danger of euthanasia. Once in our program, the animals are treated for any medical issues, microchiped and vaccinated, spayed or neutered and placed in a foster home where they remain with a family until an adoptive forever home can be found.
Tickets are $25 in advance and $30 at the door.

A Message From Flossie Horgan

 

Dear Friend,
I'm asking you to stand with me to support Joe Shaw for Huntington Beach City Council. Right now Joe is leading efforts to save two of the last parcels at Bolsa Chica --The Ridge and the Goodell Property -- both threatened with imminent development.
Joe has served on the Planning Commission, Public Works Commission and recently, the Charter Review commission. Joe’s been endorsed by both the Sierra Club and the Orange County League of Conservation Voters. He is a member of the Bolsa Chica Land Trust Board of Directors and a docent at Shipley Nature Center.
I know that we can count on Joe to stand up for Bolsa Chica, the coast and open space. Please join me in supporting Joe Shaw for City Council and helping however you can. Volunteering and giving your support now will go a long way to assuring we have a strong environmental voice on the council.
Sincerely, Flossie Horgan
P.S. Join us at Joe’s Volunteer Kick-Off, Saturday, June 12 at 10 AM Home of Pat Goodman, 18531 Bentley Lane, Huntington Beach, RSVP 714-847-6617

And You Thought Bolsa Chica Was Saved!

 

The Ridge development project, proposed for an important natural and historic site at Bolsa Chica, was approved Tuesday night by the Huntington Beach Planning Commission. Approving bankrupt builder Hearthside Homes’ 22-home residential project required the planning commission to re-zone this site from parkland to residential. The land was zoned open space/parkland for nearly 30 years.

The Planning Commission voted 4-3 to change the zoning, despite a plethora of evidence that the bluffs are too close to environmentally sensitive habitat and will destroy a sacred Native American burial and ceremonial site.

The planning commisioners who voted in favor of development were Janis Mantini, John Scandura, and city council candidates Fred Speaker and Barbara Delgleize.

Planning Commission Chairman Blair Farley (also a city council candidate) vigorously tried to save the site from being rezoned, and he was joined by Elizabeth Shier-Burnett and Tom Livengood.

Nearly 60 people were in attendance and speakers from the Bolsa Chica Land Trust and the Amigos de Bolsa Chica spoke forcefully against the rezoning and presented a solid case for the commission to either require an EIR or reject the re-zoning outright.

Hearthside Homes, which is in bankruptcy was this past week given final notice their stock was delisted by NASDAQ.

This is one of two important pieces of the Bolsa Chica currently threatened by developers, the Huntington Beach Planning Commission and City Council.
Because of their natural, archeological and cultural importance, the Bolsa Chica Land Trust is once again leading the fight to save areas of Bolsa Chica that others are willing to give up.

Both “The Ridge” and the “Goodell Property” are undeveloped and located adjacently on the south and east bluffs of the Bolsa Chica Mesa. Both feature breathtaking views of the Bolsa Chica wetlands and the undeveloped area called “The Beanfield.” Both are also perilously close to environmentally sensitive habitat areas already under protection.

Both of these sites overlap “ORA 83” and “ORA 86” which are historically and culturally significant to Native Americans and to our understanding of the Bolsa Chica’s ancient peoples. Together they are “one of the most important archeological sites” in all of California.

Both are threatened by residential development.

The area of the bluffs known as the “Goodell Property” is being annexed by the city of Huntington Beach and has been zoned, again we believe illegally, for residential homes, without a proper environmental report to support the zoning.

If you want to help in this fight, donate now to help the Bolsa Chica Land Trust save the Bolsa Chica bluffs!

Heavy equipment on the berm....

Here is a look at the southern end of Huntington State Beach at the Talbert Channel.  The County of Orange Public Works is paying for and moving sand to restore the normal flow pattern of the area.  The recent winter storms drastically changed and moved a massive amount of sand.  For a while, the Talbert channel water outflow at the bermline turned to the south during the winter west (north) swells and emptied out to sea near the Santa Ana River, maybe a 1/10 of a mile away. 

The newly formed lagoon looking area was pretty cool, popular on the weekends for the kids and fun to watch.  I imagine it ultimately disrupted the natural flow of water in and out of the Talbert mash and wetland and the reason for the heavy equipent on the berm.....

Huntington Beach Water Restrictions Start Wednesday

On November 16th, the City of Huntington Beach City Council adopted an ordinance establishing a new water conservation and water supply shortage program. 

The water conservation ordinance complies with region wide responses to the ongoing water shortage situation in Southern California and is in accordance with the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California’s (MWD) recent model water management plan. 

The new ordinance take effect January 6th, 2010. The greatest change in the new ordinance is that a number of water use restrictions will be permanent and effective at all times. The focus and tone of the ordinance is to prohibit against water waste, and to encourage people to use water more efficiently. 

• Irrigation is prohibited between 9 am and 5 pm. 
• Irrigation is limited to one day per week during November through March. 
• Irrigation is limited to no more than 15 minutes per day per station. 
• Washing down hard or paved surfaces is prohibited. 
• Washing of vehicles requires the use of an automatic shut-off nozzle or bucket. 
• Excessive water flow or water run-off is prohibited. 
• Leaks, breaks or malfunctions must be repaired within seven days. 
• Water fountains or decorative water features requires re-circulation systems. 
• Installation of single pass cooling systems is prohibited. 
• Restaurants are to serve drinking water only upon request. 
• Restaurants are required to use water conserving dish wash spray valves. 
• Commercial car washes must install re-circulating water systems. 

For more information and details, please visit www.surfcity-hb.org/hbwater, the Huntington Beach Water facebook page, or call the Public Works Utilities Division at 714.536.5921

Centennial book

 
Joe Santiago (who owns the historic Charles Warner house, and who also has the Manning House hovering over his garage,) writes to tell us that signed copies of his book, Ebb & Flow: 100 Years of Huntington Beach, are available "at California Greetings on Main and Orange Streets downtown for only $12, or unsigned at DeGuelle Glass on Adams and Alabama for only $10." Proceeds will go to support historical projects in our fair city.

(The photo posted above shows a family on their porch in H.B. in 1908 -- One year before incorporation.)

Wes Bannister (1936-2009)

Wesley M. Bannister lost his battle with spinal cancer on Dec. 10th, at age 73. He died at home, surrounded by his family.  

Wes was a Huntington Beach City Council member (1986-1990) and Mayor (1989-1990), served on the board of the Orange County Water District (1991-2009), and was a leader in the insurance and water industries. He also served on the board of the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California (1993-2006), of which he was elected chairman in 2005. Wes and Betty were married for 50 years and had three children.

A native of Texas, he graduated from West Point and later from the University of Houston. He served as a captain in the U.S. Army and was honorably discharged. 

You can read more about his life and professional involvement in obituaries posted by the O.C. Register, Workers Comp Executive, and the O.C. Weekly.

Wes' honesty, integrity, and committment to serving the public were, and are, inspiring. Let me give you an example,...

With decades of experience in the insurance business, Wes had strong opinions when the State Insurance Commissioner's office was created in 1990. He felt the duty of the Commissioner should be to "aid consumers and protect the integrity of the insurance industry." He ran for the office three times. Unfortunately, he lost three times.

I remember him being approached by special interests during those campaigns. Wes would tell them what he planned to do as Insurance Commissoner and would ask them to support his candidacy based on his experience, his principles, and the strength of his positions on the issues.  In most diplomatic way possible, he made it clear that he wasn't going to change his stripes based on money.  That kind of integrity is exactly what we need in our elected officials. But it doesn't win statewide elections.

At one point, even the California Republican Party itself wouldn't support him financially, although he'd won the Republican primary for Insurance Commissoner. He wasn't raising as much money on his own as crooked politicians do, so they decided to bet their money on other horses.

Wes never told me this stuff or complained that I know of.  Instead, he found other effective ways to serve the public while staying more or less out of the standard policital nastiness. His work on water, for instance,  was crucial to California, and could be accomplished while more or less "flying under the radar."

He worked hard to make the world (and particularly our corner of it) a better place -- and he did so with intelligence, ethics, and a twinkle in his eye.

Wes' family asks that you give them some time before calling. They also request that those wishing to honor his life contribute to the Julian Medical Foundation.

Update on the Charter Review Process

By Mark Bixby

The commission showed some amenability to my proposal to reduce the number of petition signatures for initiative/referend um/recall by 25%, but opted to refer the matter to staff for investigation into what other cities have done re tweaking their signature requirements. This will be coming back to the commission in the future, and it will be critical for anybody on these mailing lists who feels that initiative/referend um/recall should still be within reach of the grass roots despite major population growth in the past and planned high-density growth in the future to show up to that future commission meeting to support the proposal.

After my first three campaign finance reform proposals all went down in flames, the charter consultant spoke up and said that maybe we ought to be considering campaign finance in a broader context alongside the recently revised campaign finance ordinance (HBMC 2.07). A straw vote was taken to determine whether the commission felt it was appropriate to
have any campaign finance content in the charter on general principle, and after that passed it was decided to bring back the whole issue towards the end of the commission's schedule next year for broader discussion.

On more than one occasion, commissioners have asked me where is the public outcry demanding some of these reforms I have been bringing forward? Part of what I'm trying to do is to scan the horizon for things that may not be problems now (and thus not on the minds of the public) but could become problems in the future. But for things that ARE a problem today, support from the hbtalk/SEHBNA/ etc community of people who actually pay attention to what goes on a city hall would be extremely helpful.

The charter commission really is the most dangerous group of people in HB right now. ;-) PLEASE make an effort to participate in the process. Remember, whatever we come up with that makes it onto the ballot and gets approved by the voters is going to have implications for
the next several decades. You have been warned. ;-)

Originally posted on HBTalk/Sehbna discussion groups.

Jan Vandersloot Dies: "He was the heart and soul of the environmental movement in Orange County."

Jan D. Vandersloot, MD, passed away yesterday. He was a great champion of the environment, the California Coast, and particularly Bolsa Chica. To say he will be missed would miss the mark, because there is a huge void where he once stood in the world. We are obliged to work harder to continue his work. The Daily Pilot writes:

Vandersloot, of Newport Beach, was a central figure in the fight to preserve nature from the encroachment of development, focusing his energy and considerable intellect on areas of Newport Beach and the Bolsa Chica wetlands in Huntington Beach. Vandersloot, a dermatologist, died Thursday. He was 64. The cause has not been determined, but his son believes it was cardiac arrest.

On HB Talk, an online Huntington Beach discussion group, reaction was shock.

"I managed to get word to [Coastal Commission Executive Director] Peter Douglas about Jan -- and while it was a short tribute, Peter Douglas said very kind words about him, and [Coastal Commissioner] Achadjian paused for a moment of silence and then they adjourned in Jan's memory. [Coastal Commissioner] Sara Wan was visibly shaken and saddened when she said "it will be a huge loss."

"This is so shocking and so very sad. [We] were just talking with Jan after the CCC meeting yesterday. We were making plans to take more pictures of the Cabrillo Wetlands and contacting the two other agencies of NOV's. He was my idol in the environmental world. Everyone respected him for his honesty and knowledge. He will be so missed. No one can do all that he did, nor as well. God Bless Jan. Maybe from Heaven he will guide us."

"Dr. Jan Vandersloot, Doctor, Director of the Ocean Outfall Group and Bolsa Chica Land Trust, the man was a legend. One of California's best activists ever, my friend, died yesterday. "A giant of a man in stature as well as accomplishments, Doc, thanks for saving half the California Coast and teaching we who follow in your footsteps."

"Jan was a member of the Amigos board in the 1980s and through his analytical style was an enormously valuable contributor to the organization. Although we may have disagreed on some issues, he was never, ever disagreeable. I don't recall him ever disparaging anyone who did not agree with him, never uttering a personal attack. A true gentleman. He was a frequent contributor to letters to the editor pages of our local papers on a number of environmental subjects including, of course, Bolsa Chica. Speaking before the Coastal Commission on November 16, 2000, he said, "The Bolsa Chica has a natural beauty that has struck me for 20 years, and that should not be sacrificed."

"He was the heart and soul of the environmental movement in Orange County."