Huntington Beach's own Bethany Owen's show "One Voice" was a great performance

Bethany Owen had her show "One Voice" this past weekend, and what a great show it was! Her voice impressions are spot on. We were laughing so hard I had tears running down my face! When she has another show, you want to make sure you put it on your calendar and see her. Of course you can find her schedule on her site: http://www.bethanyowen.net/

Stuff going on Labor Day weekend in Huntington Beach

Labor Day weekend is only a week away, are you staying in town? If so, I’ve got a couple of ideas for you to keep you entertained next weekend.

First on Saturday night the 5th, I’m going to be going to the Bethany Owen show “One Voice”. This woman is full of talent. She is a one woman show doing impersonations of many female celebrities. The show is full of comedy and vocal tributes to these superstars. Bethany is a HB local, so come out and show her some support. The show is at 8pm at the Star Performing Arts Center in Fountain Valley, only $20 per person. You can get more info about Bethany at www.bethanyowen.net. And to buy tickets, the best way is to visit the site: www.bolsatickets.com. The number is 714-418-2499 if you prefer. Hope to see some of you there!

Then on Sunday, September 6 from 2pm to 6pm, why not get on down to opening day of Oktoberfest at Old World Village Festival Hall. It is a great deal at $10 which includes dinner. Also that day you will enjoy Dachshund Races, German music, prizes & drawings and so much more. Tickets are being sold through the Therapeutic Riding Center and you can find more info & get tickets on their site: www.trchb.org. Please check them out, they are such a worthwhile organization!

In between these activities, don’t forget down at the pier is the annual Baordfest. You will get surf, skate, snow all in one festival. Plus music, fashion and interactive exhibits. It runs the 3 days of the long weekend, and you can get more info at www.boardfest.com
Finally, if you find yourself downtown during the weekend, or any time for that matter, pop in to Gallaghers – they are on Walnut just east of Main (their address shows as 300 PCH, #113 however). This little Irish pub is a nice hang out for locals. The new owners have brought in a new chef and the food is worth a visit! Plus there are awesome beers as well as nightly shows (music, karaoke, comedy,etc). You can find their whole entertainment schedule at their site: www.gallagherspub.com

Have fun what ever you choose to do Labor Day weekend (and be safe!)

Huntington Beach local, Bethany Owen (Woman of 1001 Voices & Faces) will be performing local Labor Day weekend.

A shout out for one of our HB locals: Bethany Owen is called the Woman of 1001 Voices and Faces. She is a rare and unique blend of talent to the world of voice impressionists. Her one-woman show "ONE VOICE" celebrates the zany and fun side of celebrity personalities through the use of comedic parody and musical vocal tributes to some of the world's most legendary female superstars of our time. Their look, body language and facial expressions are brought to life through her quick costume and wig changes done right in front of the audience. Check out her show Labor Day weekend (Saturday, Sept 5). You won't want to miss it. You can get all the show details on her website: www.bethanyowen.net

Fun in the sun in Huntington Beach

Once again 4th of July in Huntington Beach was day packed full of fun. We added a lot of pictures of the parade and fireworks to the site, so check out www.TheLocalHB.shutterfly.com to view the albums.
If you've been downtown this week, you've noticed all the commotion going on at the beach around the pier, so you know what that means…. The US Open of Surfing is coming to town. From this Friday, the 17th to July 26 our city will see over 500,000 visitors come to this sports fest comprised of surfing competitions, skateboard, FMX and BMX bike demos, fashion shows, and the popular annual Festival Surfers Village. For more info, visit: www.usopenofsurfing.com
Here's a fun little activity you might want to check out before hitting the Surf Open, Old World is hosting an interactive comedy murder mystery dinner show! This Friday night. It's called Hollywood Confidential and from what I've been hearing, it is quite the hit. It might not be too late to get reservations for this Friday, find out by calling 714-538-6080.
How about this summer idea: turn that back yard into a tropical paradise with some fun accessories. Or maybe you have a tropical tiki party in the planning. Bensons Tropical Sea Imports has everything you could want to transform your place. They carry all kinds of quality tropical & nautical decor for decorating. They have life-like palm trees, fish nets, tikis, masks, luau accessories and other exotic decorative arts, more than I could ever list here. Check out all they have on their website: www.bambooandthatchetc.com - they happen to be located right here in HB.
Get out and enjoy this perfect Surf City weather!

Huntington Beach local places in Miss California Pageant

(from examiner.com in Los Angeles)

Monica Stainer, a 15-year-old honors student from Huntington Beach, was crowned Friday night as Miss California Outstanding Teen 2009.
She serves as a student body officer at Edison High School in Huntington Beach, where she maintains a 4.4, straight-A grade point average and is active in cheerleading and other campus activities.
In high school, she has earned the Character Coalition Award and the Marine Biology and World History awards.
At the time of her crowning, she was Miss City of Los Angeles Outstanding Teen. She has also served as Miss Beach Cities.
Monica is an accomplished ballet dancer, attending the Southland Ballet Academy and placing high in ballet competitions.
She ran on an environmental awareness platform.
Her goal is to become chief financial officer of a Fortune 500 company.

Do something good to help someone with cancer while having a great night of fun doing so! Monday night, the 29th, at Gallaghers downtown HB there will be a fundraiser for Rene Benson who was recently diagnosed with cancer. There will be a raffle for some great prizes donated from the local restaurants and retailers, and the famed blues guitarist Joe Wood will be doing a live performance. Great raffle items include stuff donated from Duke's, Billabong, Aloha Grill, Hurley, Sharkeez, Tuna Town, Sullen and so much more. Why not make Gallaghers your destination for dinner and a show this Monday night.

Have you wondered through Old World Village lately?? There are a number of quality businesses that make Old World their home - it is worth a visit. Of course, one that often pops to everyone's mind is the Old World German Restaurant. You can enjoy traditional German home cooking as well as American specialties. But did you also know you can rent out the beer garden or restaurant for your banquet & party needs? Next to the restaurant you will find their store filled with authentic German items - including their famous apple strudel, tortes, fresh made breads and more. Reach them at 714-893-0112 or www.oldworld.ws.

Old World, along with Bella Terra & 5 Points, is also part of the new discount program sponsored by the city: www.SurfCitySavings.com . Find all kinds of discounts you can use at some of your favorite spots around town. Check out the site, print out some of those discounts to use and help to keep our spending dollars local.

The Upstairs Salon in Huntington Beach offers everything you'd want in a salon

The Upstair Salon is located at 7561 Center Ave. #45 - in Old World Village. They will make sure you look & feel your best. They offer custom colors & weaves, designer cuts, nails, eyelash perming, permanent hair removal, permanent make-up, brow & lash tinting, waxing, facials, chemical peels, hot oil & paraffin dips, spa pedicures. Truly a full service salon! Stop by and say hello to Ursula, the owner. They can be reached at 714-897-5307 . www.theupstairssalon.com

Make sure to visit the new Mazda dealership in Huntington Beach

The new Huntington Beach Mazda is located at 16800 Beach Blvd. (714-848-7739)
At HB Mazda they don’t just offer you award winning cars (Consumer Reports recommends our full line-up!), but more importantly, award winning service. John Patterson's Huntington Beach Mazda, of the OC Mazda Family, is proud to be the recipient of the President's Club Award, the Gold Cup Award, winners of the Top Work Places award, and extremely proud to pay it forward. For every car purchased, $50.00 is donated to local charities. To date, over $400,000 has been donated to local Orange County Charities! Stop by and get to know them, they are a great bucnh of folks. as their motto states: "At Huntington Beach Mazda every customer is treated like a member of our family". Visit them on the web at: www.ocmazda.com

Father's Day in Huntington Beach

Time for Father's Day already! Where is time going??
There are a couple of places TheLocalHB.com would like to recommend for Father's Day this weekend. Depending on what you are in the mood for. First, up at Old World (7561 Center Ave. at the beer garden) you can treat your dad to some champagne brunch and belly dancing!! All you can eat for only $22, and you get a great show! Reservations are required, so call them at 714-895-8020. (and more info at www.oldworld.ws )
Or If you are downtown you can pop into Gallaghers for a BBQ on their patio - yes, just for Father's Day - enjoy some great food and outdoor HB. They are located at 300 PCH, Ste 113 although they really are on Walnut just east of Main. Give them a call to see what they have on their menu or to make reservations: 714-536-2422.

When you are done with your Father's Day breakfast/brunch, head on down to the Pier for the “Chili at the Beach” ( www.hbdowntown.com ). All kinds of festivities are planned at this free event - and of course my volunteer group, the Huntington Beach Lions, will be out there. Please stop by and say hi. There is stuff going on Sunday as well. A full weekend of fun!

Hey, good news if you like to network on Thursday instead of Tuesday mid day - the RBN group has moved back to their original meeting day - this week, Thursday the 18th meet & network with fellow business professionals. 11am to 1:30pm at the Skylinks Golf Course, 4800 East Wardlow. This networking group draws from not only Huntington Beach, but also Long Beach, Seal Beach and surrounding communities. Mini expo (display tables available), great guest speaker & lunch. Bring plenty of business cards! Rsvp your spot at www.rbninfo.com

Surf City Savings - a new discount program for locals in Huntington Beach

The city has launched a new discount program called Surf City Savings to encourage people to shop locally. Merchants displaying the Surf City Saving logo will offer discounts to customers.
Participating stores include many from Bella Terra, Old World Village and 5 Points Plaza. After the initial test run, it will go city wide. The program was initiated by Councilman Joe Carchio and supported by the City of HB and TheLocalHB.com and is free for merchants to participate.
Information: www.surfcitysavings.com.

Huntington Beach mixer for fun, networking and more

"Locals Supporting Locals" mixer - Thursday, April 30 - 6:00 pm to 7:30 pmJoin your fellow local businesses and Surf City residents for an evening of Food, Fun and Friends at this special VIP Networking Event and private preview party. Located at the all new HB Mazda Retail Revolution Store, 16800 Beach Blvd. Hosted by HB Mazda - preview their new showroom; HB Magazine - hosting some great networking; and TheLocalHB.com supporting the Relay for Life. rsvp by 4/25 to jody@hbmagazine.net. See Flyer for mixer in the calendar section of www.TheLocalHB.com

Hyatt in Huntington Beach opens new water park

The Hyatt Regency on Pacific Coast Highway in downtown Surf City will open its new $4 million miniature water park Wednesday.
The new pool is the first of its kind in Orange County and Los Angeles and has three water slides, a children's wading pool, a Jacuzzi, fire pits, and restaurant and bar, General Manager Cheryl Phelps said. The water park takes the place of a tennis court area that is at the southern part of the hotel near Beach Boulevard.
The water park will be marketed toward families with children, and the resort's main pool is being re-themed to provide more of an adult, upscale atmosphere.
(From Orange County Register <- Read full story)

A great boutique to check out. Huntington Beach locals love them!

Glory M'Lou's Boutique is located at 11110 Los Alamitos Blvd. #103 in Los Alamitos (right over the HB border. easy to get to!). 562-431-7509 to get a hold of them. Even though they are in Los Al, they are only a hop away. They like to say: "Never walk into a room - make an entrance!" They carry beautiful, glitzy, glamorous resort, smart casual, and evening wear. Fashions that make a statement. Travel with style and grace. They have one of a kind items to complete your look from hats to shoes to handbags and jewelry. Personalized service will make you feel special as well as look special. Glory M'Lou's also specializes in fashion shows and in house parties. The fashion shows are renowned for their fun and lovely fashions. Many women's clubs and charity events use Glory M'Lou's as they know the event will be fun and have an upbeat commentator, as well as glamorous fashion! Call Glory or Carmen to set up your next event. Also enjoy the once a month in-store party with lunch and wine where you can make new friends, have fun, and check out the new fashions.

eat great food and raise money for charity at the same time in Huntington Beach

Yes, it is time to satisfy those taste buds and help charity at the same time! (if links don't work, just do a cut and paste!)

Coming up early next month (Sunday, April 5) you can enjoy an all you can eat crabfest, hosted by the Huntington Beach Lions Club, and benefits the various charities the Lion's Club supports. The fest includes all you can eat crab, bread, salad and clam chowder. It is only $40 per person and worth every penny. I went last year (and will be there again this year), and it was delicious as well as very fun. There will also be a silent auction and entertainment! Tickets are presale only (deadline March 22) and the rsvp form can be found at: www.HBLionsCrabfest.com . The location this year is Old World German Restaurant, 7561 Center Ave., and the doors open at 4:30. Don't miss out on this one!

Also in April is the Taste of Huntington Beach - another one not to miss!! The date is Sunday, April 26, 12 noon to 4:00 pm. This event features Huntington Beach's finest cuisine prepared by restaurant chefs, and paired with premium wines and brews! This event benefits the Children's Wing of the Huntington Beach Library as well as Project Self Sufficiency. The location is the Sports Complex at 7111 Talbert (at Goldenwest). The cost is $52 per person, again very well worth it - I'll be there with all my friends! But tickets on line at: www.hbrestaurants.com/taste_tickets.html

Side note…. Have you all been to Flight Bistro and Social Lounge yet? If not, how come? Located at 8082 Adams (at Beach), they have a beautifully decorated location with tasty food and a fun bar. There is always something going on,,, and you can check it all out at www.flightoc.com . Give them a visit,,, tell them TheLocalHB sent you over.. and enjoy!

Strongest Man Competetion visits Huntington Beach

From Orange County Register
Huntington Beach became Muscle Beach on Saturday, the salt air in a seaside parking lot tinged with notes of sweat and testosterone as dozens of bulky beefcakes pumped unholy amounts of iron – as well as stones, tires and a U-Haul truck – in hopes of being named Southern California's Strongest Man. Read full story HERE.

Surf City steakhouse and Huntington Beach try to come to terms

By ANNIE BURRIS of The Orange County Register
The owner of the Black Bull Chop House and city officials are getting closer to finding middle ground after months of debate over complaints about intoxicated patrons, assaults and overcrowding.
The Planning Commission on Tuesday will reconsider the permits that allow the downtown steakhouse to sell alcohol and have music, a disc jockey, dancing and a popular mechanical bull ride. Read full story HERE.

Things to do with your dog in Huntington Beach CA

Thanks to Angela Fuller (http://www.upon-request.com/) for this info.
There are many neighborhood parks in and around Huntington Beach, however, the two favorite standouts for for locals are Dog Beach & Central Park. Like so many of my neighbors, these are the two spots I hang out with most often with my favorite girl (she's a golden retriever). To read all the suggestions, read the article HERE.

Fire Fighters to honor one of their own in Surf City Marathon

About 2,600 runners are expected for Sunday's 13th annual Surf City USA Marathon in Huntington Beach. Among them will be firefighters from the Newport Beach Fire Department, who will be running in the memory of a fallen comrade.
Captain Jeff Boyles and his fellow Newport Beach firefighters have been training for the hoping to honor former firefighter.
"When Kevin died he was 31-years-old, and that had an impact," said Capt. Boyles. "We're not immortal and life does pass you by pretty quickly if you don't stop and look around."
Real full story HERE.

New Year's Eve - avoid DUI: alternatives to driving drunk

Still can't figure out who's going to be the designated driver this New Year's Eve?
Southern Californians have several options for getting around New Year's Eve when bus and light rail lines offer all-night service.
Orange County Transportation Authority buses will run all night four of its most heavily used routes. To Read the full story from the Orange County Register, go HERE.

Huntington Beach in the Rose Parade - excitement growing

By ERIC CARPENTER
The Orange County Register

The rush is on. Today begins the final push toward the 120th Tournament of Roses parade, which will feature floats from three Orange County cities – Anaheim, Huntington Beach and Mission Viejo.
There's been no shortage of enthusiasm from O.C. residents who want to help their cities show off in the parade, which just happens to be watched by an estimated 40 million Americans on New Year's Day.
Hundreds of people from local community groups and families who just want to help out have volunteered to attach seaweed, carnations, tulips and, of course, roses to the floats' bare metal frames. Volunteer shifts for each city filled up weeks ago. Read the rest of the story HERE.