Greetings from Huntington Beach

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."

HB Centennial Beach Party

The Surfaris

"Spend the day enjoying your beautiful, backyard beach with other Huntington Beach residents. Listen to live surf music from Dean Torrence and Friends, the Surfaries, the Chantays, and Sportin' Woodies. There will also be food, kite flying, merchandise vendors, and games. Stay for the evening and enjoy free firewood for a bonfire." The City threw a party and at least some people showed up. Huntington Beach residents were invited to Take Back the Beach at the Centennial Beach Party south of the Pier.

Booths in the parking lot

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Moving time for HB Pier businesses

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The plan to put permanent structures for vendors on the pier took a big step forward today with the removal of the current homes of the Kite Connection, the HB Store and Let's Go Fishing. The HB Store and the Kite Connection crammed some product into containers provided for their use. The owners of Let's Go Fishing, however, appeared to decide that they'd take the time off - maybe to go fishing.

Save Our Strays 10th Annual Breakfast Best Ever

The Save Our Strays "10th Annual Pancake Breakfast in the Park" proved to be the biggest and best ever. If you were able to attend, it was obvious from the crowd, the vendors and the fabulous raffle that this was something very special.

We raised almost $4000 for our cause, which is the most ever. It seemed that a lot of folks stayed for the duration of the event. Janet Berardi, wife of long time volunteer David Berardi, won the stunning pearl necklace, which raised $195 as part of the raffle.

 

Wags and purrs go out to all the volunteers who made this event possible, to our donors who helped support the raffle and the food and to the vendors who provided great information and some entertainment to our guests.

 

The Orange County Animal Care Center brought out one dog named Bandit who was a real sweetie and found a forever home. There were lots of kitties for adoption from Stray Cat Alliance and Cat Connection Network. Some applications for adoption were received so we hope that some kitties found a forever home as well.

 

Save Our Strays and myself, thank all you of you for your continued support. Funds raised from this event will be used to support our low-cost spay/neuter program and to help those who may need financial assistance with veterinary costs.

Click here to see a photo gallery of pictures from yesterday's event.

Gratefully Yours,

Karen Chepeka

President

Surfboards In the Sand '09

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On September 19, 2009, surfers and ocean enthusiasts planted their surfboards in the sand for an historic photo opportunity photographed by Transworld SURF Magazine.

Rip Curl's Surfboards in the Sand offered a unique opportunity for individuals and organizations to honor surfing culture and to support the preservation of the Southern California coastal environment. A portion of event proceeds benefits Orange County Coastkeeper and the Surfrider Foundation.

Red tide rising?

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What appears to be large brown smudges in the waters near the pier (top picture) become thicker and more red to the north. Somewhere probably around Seal Beach, there was a significant band of more distinctive discoloration (bottom picture). With the water temperature remaining above the 65° for a while now, it isn't too surprising to see the red tide make a return, albeit somewhat late in the year. From Wikipedia: Red tide is a common name for a phenomenon more correctly known as an algal bloom. No deaths of humans have been attributed to red tide, but people may experience respiratory irritation (coughing, sneezing, and tearing) when the red tide... is present along a coast and winds blow... onshore. Swimming is usually safe, but skin irritation and burning is possible in areas of high concentration of red tide.

Still hangin' out

A young brown pelican started perching on the railing of the pier months ago and from all appearances has no intention of letting the kids, photographers or anyone else make any difference. Quite the crowd pleaser - afterall, how often can you get almost close enough to put your arm around a pelican - this bird doesn't seem to be bothered by much of anything. But don't assume that it can't be bothered. One tourist recently learned the hard way that offering an arm to the pelican as a different place to perch is an invitation to a pretty good bite.

Civil War Days in H.B. Central Park

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Huntington Beach Historical Society's Civil War Days continues on Sunday, 6 September, with 2 recreation battles at 11:00 and 2:00. Be generous with the sunscreen, bring a hat and leave the dogs at home - the cannons will probably freak them out.

Click for more info

Firin' in HB

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Storms in the southern tropics have been throwing a lot of energy our way. After some pretty long stretches of puny surf, things are finally picking up. On Friday evening, the size and roughness of the surf looked more like winter storm surf than anything we usually get during the summer. Although things are expected to peak over the weekend, forecasts are currently indicating that something worth surfing on will continue to roll in well into next week.

Sounds of Summer

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Some 30+ ukelele players were gathered at Pier Plaza Friday evening. I don't know who organized this, whether it's a regular thing, or much else other than their rendition of "Little Deuce Coupe" was enjoyable.

Lunch by the pier

Seals and sea lions fascinate visitors to the H.B. Pier and this one was no exception as it dove and surfaced over and again just north of the pier. Unlike similar "displays" of aquatic antics, the water was very clear and you could see why he/she was sticking around - the "black blob" was a school of lunch on the fin - hundreds and thousands of small bits of sushi for the taking if you're quick enough.

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Quite a catch!

	This thresher shark is one of the largest I've seen brought in on the pier in my 3+ years here. I wanted to wait for the person who caught it to back off, but his feet actually give you some idea of it's size - 4 feet or so not counting the tail.
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Desal Proposal Hits Snags in Huntington Beach

Press release from Residents for Responsible Desalination:

Poseidon Resources proposal to construct an ocean desalination facility in Huntington Beach has just run into new potential obstacles.

In a letter dated July 15th, 2009, to Poseidon Resources, Lt. Governor John Garamendi, who sits on the State Lands Commission and Ocean Protection Council, expressed concerns and opposition to ocean desalination. (Letter attached)

"I will oppose new desalination plants that use ocean water until all options for treating wastewater are explored...."  Garamendi's letter states.  The Lt. Governor expressed concerns about the huge amount of electricity used in the ocean desalination process and the associated impacts on global warming, as well as the adverse impacts on marine life from the facility's ocean intake.  Garamendi also praised the efforts of the Ground Water Replenishment System in Orange County, saying that "it demonstrates what can be done" to conserve water resources before investing in costly unproven technologies.

Local groups applauded Garamendi's letter.

"Mr. Garamendi has put in writing what we have been saying all along - there are water supply alternatives that are cheaper for ratepayers and benefit the environment -- as opposed to the destruction caused by poorly designed ocean desalination," said Merle Moshiri, President of Residents for Responsible Desalination (R4RD. "Poseidon will hopefully listen to Mr. Garamendi even if they have ignored our pleas."

After receiving the letter from the Lt Governor, Poseidon quickly requested that their application for a lease from the State Lands Commission be postponed - an unusual move for a company that consistently blames the State for unnecessary delays in the permitting process.

This letter came on the heels of potentially explosive news that Poseidon let its Conditional Use Permit (CUP) with the City of Huntington Beach expire over two years ago.  The City is currently on record as allowing an extension of the permit well beyond the missed deadline for renewal.

But community members are arguing the CUP is null and void and must be formally re-issued.

According to Joe Geever of the Surfrider Foundation, "The Huntington Beach Zoning Ordinance is perfectly clear. Poseidon was required to renew their CUP application in a timely manner - or lose it and be required to apply for a new permit. This rule applies to everyone equally and the City cannot legally make exceptions for Poseidon."

Councilmember Jill Hardy has requested a review of the Planning Department's decision to allow Poseidon an exception to the rule, and Surfrider Foundation is seeking a reversal of the Planning Department's decision.

Poseidon's proposed ocean desalination facility has been a contentious issue in the community for numerous years - and recently the proposal seems to be losing support and momentum.

H.B. Lifeguards to the rescue

 I can only imagine how many people are saved each summer by the Huntington Beach Lifeguards. Lots.

But unless something really dramatic happens, these incidents hardly ever make the news. However, when the lifeguard at Tower 2 this afternoon lept into the water to bring someone back to shore, I just happened to be on the pier with a camera. 

In the photo above, the lifeguard has just thrown the swimmer (who was about halfway down the pier, without a board) a floatation device. In the photo below, the lifeguard is swimming back to shore, towing the swimmer behind him. The water was really choppy, so I'm sure this was no easy task. Once they were close enough to shore to stand on the bottom, the lifeguard gave the rescuee a little pep talk about safety and possibly about rip currents. (A surfer floated over to listen in.)

The lifeguards were also warning people with fins on their boogie boards to stay away from the north side of the pier. It seems the water was sweeping them toward the pilings. 

Based on the rescuee's tanline in the photos above, I'm guessing he's not from around here -- or at least doesn't spend much time at the beach. Of the many rescues performed in H.B. each year, I wonder what percentage of them are out-of-towners.

Anyway, thanks to the lifeguards for keeping all of us safe.

Surf's Up for Rohrabacher and......Barney Frank???

Yes.

The surfing Congressman has invited Congressman Barney Frank and his partner, a surfing enthusiast, to Huntington Beach and the Franks accepted.

Says Politico:

“We have them set up at surfers hotel,” says Rohrabacher, joking that Frank “will probably have to lie on the beach like a whale while the rest of us are in the water.”

Sources: "Beach Center Station" Post Office Will Close

The Main Street Post Office is closing and that the city is attempting to get a price from the USPS in order to purchase it, sources say.

Rumors About Downtown Post Office

Rumors abound on the closing of the downtown Huntington Beach Post Office. City officials say they have heard nothing of this yet. It would be a shame to lose this old thing built in 1936. Hope we can find a way to keep it.



Huntington Beach historian Chris Jepsen writes on HB Talk:

"With a couple exceptions, the City has a poor track record with historical preservation. They've made noises in the recent years about improving that reputation, but who knows if that will happen. In short, if you want to save the building, start *now*.

The Post Office was built in 1935. It was designed by Louis A. Simon and built by L.F. Dow of Los Angeles. I believe it was built as a PWA or WPA project. Simon also designed the U.S. Federal Courthouse in Downtown L.A., the Canoga Park Post Office (1938), the Whittier Post Office (1935) and others.

I'm very sorry to hear it's closing, because -- from a resident's perspective -- it was one of the last functional bits of Downtown."

It's still a rumor for now.

U.S. Open crowds can make anyone irritable

I thought some of you might enjoy this photo I took at the pier recently.

When is a park not a park?

If (as the friends of overdevelopment claim) the park around the Main Street Branch Library is not a park, then why does the Parks Dept. have a list of "Park Regulations" posted there?

I suppose it doesn't matter. If developers want to build another monstrosity like "The Strand" on the last bit of open green space in Downtown, I'm sure they'll find a way.