Junior Lifeguards train in Huntington Beach

(By Anthony Castellano / OC Register)
A Huntington Beach junior lifeguard program merges discipline and water safety techniques.

While the kids in the Huntington Beach Junior Lifeguards program do laugh and play, it is not unusual to see a whole squad drop and do 20 push-ups for their instructor and finish their sentences with "yes, sir!"
"We work a lot in our program on structure – discipline and structure," says program administrator Dave Simcox. Young kids swimming in the ocean need to be able to follow the directions. With 45 years of lifeguarding experience, Simcox knows the ocean can be a dangerous place.
The program was started in 1963 with an inaugural class of 24 boys. This year, 1,200 boys and girls ages 9 to 17 will spend eight weeks learning water safety and lifesaving techniques, making the program one of the largest in the country.
While not all junior lifeguards will go on to be the real thing, many do. Simcox estimates that 70 percent of the lifeguards on the beach today went through the junior lifeguard program.

Local Auto Broker Saves You Time & Money in Huntington Beach

Why would anyone go to a car dealer to purchase a car when they can have the ease of using an auto broker for the purchase or lease? Fox Auto is one such broke here in Huntington Beach. Since 1934 the Fox family has been catering to the wishes of clients wanting to get the best deal on their new vehicles without having to go through the "normal" dealer process! Since they've been in the automobile industry for over 60 years they can assure you'll be treated with dignity & respect & get the right deal! They handle almost all makes & models of CARS, TRUCKS, VANS, & S.U.V.s!! Serving Huntington Beach and all of Orange County. They are the only auto broker you want to know. They are located at 17610 Beach Blvd. #36, Huntington Beach. Call WC at 714.846.7599 for more info.

Unique gift store in Huntington Beach

This place isn’t just retail, it’s retail therapy! From massage oil candles to fine art and everything in-between, Absolutely Fabulous is the most unique shop & shopping experience in Huntington Beach. Located at 6026 Warner Ave (on Springdale, south of Warner), Huntington Beach, 92647 - phone: 714-842-1608. Come for that “special something” – whether it be for your house, yourself, or a loved one. They carry the best home décor, jewelry and gifts for any budget. This is one of the coolest little finds in the area, so drop in, grab a coffee, say “hi” to Riley, their store dog, and browse. You’ll be glad you did! Check them out on the web at: www.absolutelyfabulous1.com

Huntington Beach Surf City Nights free shuttle service on Woody bus.

If you have trouble finding parking in downtown on Tuesday nights, you can now give the red woody, called the OC Cruiser Woody Bus, a try. There will be free shuttle service to Main Street during the Surf City Nights. Pick-up will begin at Huntington Beach City Hall in the north parking lot on the corner of Main Street & Yorktown Ave. The cruiser will drop off passengers adjacent to the Main Promenade Parking Structure in the heart of downtown. The shuttle is available every 20 minutes from 5 to 9 pm. The last pick-up downtown back to the City hall will be at 8:45

summer dinners made easy in Huntington Beach

Simplify Summer with Dream Dinners. Make a month's worth of meals in under 2 hours. Lot's of great grilling choices for the summer season like BBQ Shrimp, Beef Kabob's with Thai Ginger Sauce, Glackened Sirloin Steaks with BBQ Glaze and Grilled Citrus Salmon. And in July, they're introducing entrees from Emeril Lagasse. BAM! Book your session today - 714-375-9525.
www.dreamdinners.com . Located at 8760 Warner Avenue, Fountain Valley, CA 92708

Personal fitness trainer in Huntington Beach

If you are looking for a great personal trainer, Linda McDonald with Beach Body Design is who you need to talk to. Located at 241 Seal Beach Blvd in Seal Beach south of PCH. She can be reached at 562-430-1271. As Linda's tag line says: It is where fitness is fun and we can take you to the next level in your quest for a healthy lifestyle. Your health is their primary concern and they make it their priority to help you get in shape and stay in shape so that you can live your life to the fullest! Serving Seal Beach, Huntington Beach, Long Beach.

Successful Fundraiser for Relay For Life Huntington Beach

The Huntington Beach city departments hosted a chili cookoff Tuesday to launch a campaign that will raise funds and support for their Relay for Life team called HB United.
The team's goal is to have 300 residents and 30 cancer survivors and to raise $30,000 for the American Cancer Society's signature event.

For the cookoff, members of most city departments brought chili, cornbread and other lunch-time treats to sell, with the proceeds going to the team. There was also a mock jail where city officials had to contribute to HB United in order to be released. The cookoff raised about $2,240 for the team.
Councilman Keith Bohr, Rainbow Disposal Chairman Ron Shenkman and Wave columnist Stan Cohen were the judges for the chili in the categories of best overall, most unusual ingredient and best meatless, vegetarian.
Relay for Life will be held June 21-22 at the Ocean View High School track. The event honors cancer survivors and memories of those lost to the disease. Information: www.relayforlife.org or the City Clerk's office at 714-536-5227.

Shipley Nature Center to be highlighted on KCET

On April 29, 2008, Huell Howser visited Huntington Central Park and stopped at Shipley Nature Center to say hello and to find out why all the folks in the know are coming to Shipley. Huell toured the Redwoods and watched as the children were learning about how the Native Americans hunted. Then, on to the Sycamore/Alder Grove to find the hidden gathering circle and see the Ki. He spent time with Nancy Harris learning about the California Native Plants exhibited in the Demonstration Garden and why they are so important to our environment. Along the route, he chatted with some of our visitors and volunteers to the delight of everyone.
The episode will be aired on Thursday, May 22nd on KCET at 7:30 pm with a repeat following at 12:30 am.

Riding High at the Vans Pier Classic

Seven of the top eight WQS surfers in the world are Americans, led by San Clemente's Patrick Gudauskas.
By FRED SWEGLES
SUN POST NEWS
After a pair of 2008 contests on American soil, U.S, surfers are at the top of their game in the ASP World Qualifying Series standings this week. Now – can it continue?
San Clemente's Patrick Gudauskas remains No. 1 in the world after finishing fifth Sunday at the Vans Pier Classic, a 2-star WQS event held at Huntington Beach. He and San Clemente's Jason Miller tied for fifth out of 160 competitors.
At the moment, seven of the top eight WQS surfers in the world are Americans, led by Gudauskas. Brett Simpson from Garden Grove is No. 3. Gudauskas' brother Dane is No. 11. San Clemente's Mike Losness is No. 16. San Clemente's Nathan Yeomans is No. 20.
That's after two WQS contests in North America, one in Hawaii, one in Australia and one in Spain.
It's a testament to the power of the surfing industry producing big-dollar WQS events in home waters carrying hefty WQS points. Most of the U.S. surfers' success so far is due to one big contest – the 5-Star O'Neill Sebastian Inlet Pro, won by Patrick Gudauskas in January in Florida. His victory there earned him 2,000 points. By comparison, Huntington Beach's Shaun Ward got just 500 points for winning the Vans Pier Classic on Sunday. Those points aren't enough to help Ward qualify for surfing's major leagues in 2009. But the Sebastian Inlet Pro has elevated a lot of U.S. surfers high in the ratings.
In North America, the ASP is having nine WQS contests in 2008 – a 6 star, a 5 star, two 4 stars, four 2 stars and a 1 star.
Brazil, by comparison, has eight WQS events – four 6 stars, two 5 stars and two 4 stars. No low-end contests. Europe has 13 WQS events – six 6 stars, one 5 star, two 4 star, two 3 star and two 1 star. The more big-points events that a region hosts, the better chance local surfers have to rise in the WQS.
The next West Coast event, at Trestles from April 29 through May 3, is the 4-star Nike 6.0 Lowers Pro. There's talk of making it a 6 star in 2009.
That would be good news for Patrick and Dane Gudauskas, their brother Tanner, Miller, Losness and other WQS hopefuls like Yeomans, who reached the quarterfinals of the Vans. Chris Drummy, another quarterfinalist Sunday, isn't a fulltime WQS surfer but no doubt would relish some higher-stakes competition, apt to attract more overseas surfers to California to try for big points.
San Clemente's Trevor Saunders could also use higher-powered WQS events here as a launching pad. He was a finalist Sunday in the Ezekiel Pro Jr. division of the Vans, placing third. Tanner Gudauskas was a quarterfinalist, finishing ninth of 64 contestants.

The aftermath of Paintball tournament in HB

Crews have been working around the clock to clean up the paint left over from last week’s Super 7 World Series of Paintball, which drew about 70,000 spectators to see more than 1,500 competitors battle it out in Huntington Beach.

Dante Giuliano, operations manager for event, said a crew of about 75 people has been picking up paintballs from 6 a.m. to midnight to clean up the aftermath. They’ve been literally on their hands and knees plucking balls from the sand, and scooping them up with a shovel with holes that allows the sand to sift through.

Mike Martin was driving down Pacific Coast Highway when he heard a pop-pop-pop noise under his car. When the Huntington Beach resident saw what made the racket, there was orange paint under his wheel well, tires and bumper.

“The street was covered in them, you couldn’t dodge them,” he said. “They were still cracking and popping and squirting all over.”

The mess on Martin’s car occurred after balls accidently came out of a dumpster and landed at the intersection of Beach St. Wednesday morning.
Giuliano said he and four other workers had it cleaned up within a few hours. Giuliano said the paintballs are 100 percent biodegradable.

“It comes off very quickly with water alone,” Giuliano said. City spokeswoman Laurie Payne said the city gets complaints every year about the event, but clean up crews are allowed a week to get the beach back to normal.

The event brings about $480,000 in revenue to the city, and the event organizer pays for the clean up. And the paint isn’t actually paint, it’s a water-soluble substance, she said.
Giuliano said part of the consequence of a fun event is the clean up afterward. “Afterward, we hit it like gangbusters to make it clean,” he said. “I personally can’t leave the beach with a clear conscious if it’s not.”

Environmental crews are on hand to monitor the effort, he said. They will be out there until Friday. “A large portion of the crew is Huntington Beach residents, we take pride in the places we live,” said Giuliano, who helps put up the infrastructure for the U.S. Open of Surfing and Boardfest, an all-girls event held in fall. “This is the beach I come to, this is the beach I bring my kids to, Giuliano said.

Martin still wonders why the city would allow paintballs at the beach. “It’s just ridiculous,” he said. “I’m glad they have someone cleaning it up.”

E! channel coming to Huntington Beach

And they are visiting our very own HB Skin Spa at 526 Main St. Ste 102, Friday April 4th.

You must RSVP to attend this event. One of the new stars of Sunset Tan, Jenae, will be offering spray tans for $50 that day (as opposed to her normal fee of $75). If you are interested in being 'sprayed' by Jenae and being featured on the show, call HB Skin Spa to schedule an appointment with her. She arrives at 5pm and will have appointments from 6pm to 10pm. And that is not all that is happening at HB Skin Spa that day, it is also a Spa / Botox / Filler party!! Special guest hosting this spa party is Drag Sensation Empress Jackie. this will take place from 4pm to 9pm - you get your self younger looking, leave looking fabulous! Special rates for this day only! Call for more info, 714-969-9713, and to get your reservation in.

Need to worry about sharks in Huntington Beach? OC Lifeguards say no.

Recently there have been rumors of great white sharks along the So Cal coast, leaving some beach goers worried. However, Orange County lifeguards said they have no plans to close the beach based the recent report of a great white shark attack here in Huntington Beach.

Earlier this month, Tom Larkin was convinced that a shark bumped and bit his surfboard on the back end while waiting for a wave at Bolsa Chica State Beach. Huntington Beach lifeguards dismiss this and other reports. "Even though great whites have been spotted in the area in years past as far as we know, there's not any evidence there's great whites in our vicinity," said Steve Reuter, marine safety officer, of the Huntington Beach city lifeguards.

The only shark-related incident recently was an injured 3-foot mako shark, which normally stays in deep water, which washed ashore in HB and subsequently lifeguards had to destroy it due to it's condition. Usually dolphins are easily mistaken as sharks by the untrained eye. But afterall, "It's springtime; people are saying 'shark' and they're freaking out," Reuter said.

If you want to keep abreast of eyewitness reports on shark attacks, check out
www.sharkresearchcommittee.com/index.html - a nonprofit research website.

Paintball coming to Huntington Beach

National Professional Paintball League will be in Huntington Beach from March 28 to March 30 - 9:00 am to 6:00 pm. The registration sells out fast but guests can watch for free. A vendor's showcase at Pier Plaza, paintball league play on the beach and activities make this one of the top-attended sporting events annually. 220 top paintball teams from around the world compete on six fields south of Pier Plaza and Huntington Beach Pier. TV celebrities expected for weekend. Grandstand seats can be purchased. Trade Expo Trade Show daily 9 a.m. to 6 pm. For ticket & information: www.nppl.tv

So just when is that restaurant going to be finished?

Recently, there was a question/answer in the "Ask Us Anything" part of the OC Register, since I had wondered about this topic myself, I thought I'd post it here.

The question was: When will the eyesore on the northwest corner of Warner Ave & Magnolia St. be cleaned up? The eyesore in mention is the old Asian restaurant Doson. It has been vacant for several years now.
Answer they provided: The site of the old Asian restaurant will be transformed into a new Asian restaurant. The building at 8901 Waner Ave in HB that was formerly the Doson Beach restaurant is the future site of the Seven Sushi Lounge, according to property manager Kathy Buchoz of Bridgecreek Realty Investment Corp. The road to the restaurant has been a long one, Buchoz said. the family that owns the business has had some personal setbacks since they bought the building about two years ago and has been plagued with problems with the contractors, she said.
Still, Buchoz said that there has been a lot of work done ion the inside of the building and the exterior will match the adjoining buildings when completed. "A lot of it is cosmetic now," Buchoz said, adding that the restaurant could open in as little as two to three months.

I've been watching this building just sit there for a very long time. It will be a relief to see it finally done, but I won't hold my breath for the 2 to 3 month range!!

Special March local discount for Huntington Beach

The Surf City Store on the Huntington Beach pier is celebrating it's 15 year partnership with the city to market the city's trademark - Surf City. During those years, about 500,000 products have been sold bearing the logo. To say thank you to the Huntington Beach locals, the store is offering a 25% discount on all store purchases through the month of March - with proof of residency of course. For more info, contact them at 374-0277. Show some local support and pop on down to the pier!

New Miss Huntington Beach crowned

A new Miss Huntington Beach has been crowned. Cayce Crowder, who attends Huntington Beach High School, won the Pageant this past Saturday night. Her court is: First Place Runnerup Arroya Karian, Second Place Runnerup Lauren Guitrau, Third Place Runnerup Samantha Gallo and Fourth Place Runnerup Amber Palm. Congratulations girls!

Chimayo is now Savannah at the Beach

Keeping up with the times, Culinary Adventures (owners of Chimayo), has changed the name and updated the menu. Savannah at the Beach now features updated classic and contemporary, American cooking.
The menu offers a variety of chilled coastal shellfish, grilled steaks, chops, ribs, seafood and nightly specialities from our custom fruitwood burning oven. Our signature dishes include Zinfandel Braised Short Ribs, Pecan-smoked Prime Rib, Maple Glazed Alaskan Salmon, 'Voodoo Shrimp' and 'Old School' Seafood Newburg. Their wine list offers an extensive selection of California and Oregon boutique labels.
They are located literally, 'on the sand' at the base of the Huntington Beach pier and have the largest beachfront patio in Orange County complete with firepit, palm trees and killer ocean view. We offer a variety of chilled beers, tropical cocktails, wines by the glass, aged tequilas, margaritas and our signature Mango infused martini.

Hours:
Lunch: Monday - Saturday, 11:30am - 4pm, Sunday, 11am - 4pm
Dinner: Sunday - Wednesday, 4pm - 9pm,Thursday, 4pm - 10pm,Friday - Saturday, 4pm - 11pm
Brunch: Sunday, 11am - 2pmHappy Hour: Monday – Thursday, 3:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Menu:Appetizers - $6 - $14
Entrées - $16 - $45
Location:315 Pacific Coast HwyHuntington Beach, CA 92648
Call for reservations: 714.374.7273

get healthly, lose weight, and support local businesses

Did your New Year's Resolutions include getting healthier or dropping some wieght? If you are looking for a way to be a healthier person and eat right, not wanting just another weight loss product, then check out this week's FEATURED BUSINESS : Cleanse and Burn - www.cleanseandburn.com . Thomas Ventura is a Huntington Beach local promoting healty living, healthy bodies. The products he represents are quite good. I've talked to others who have used the cleansing products with happy results. I figured I should give them a try myself to be able to honestly say good things. Let me tell you, I've got lots of good things to say! I felt so good after the program. It was the kick start I needed to eating healthier. A nice added bonus has been the weight loss of nearly 15 lbs (some because of the product, the rest because I just want to eat better now - over the past couple months). Read more about the product on the website or call Thomas at 877-800-9900

So, you've decided you want to lose some weight and are committed to it.....well, it is not too late to join the Malibu Fish Grill Weight Loss Challange - Malibu Fish Grill of Huntington Beach, Santa Ans, & Redondo Beach will hold a eat and lose weight contest. The deadline to enter is January 31, and the contestant who loses the highest percentage of body weight by March 31 will win $1000. See RULES AND REGULATIONS for all the details.

Now for some fun! Have you ever gone go-karting? you've heard of those extreme karting places around Orange County? well we now have one closer by - right in Costa Mesa: OC Raceway Extreme Indoor Karting at 1670 Sunflower (south of Ellis near Hyland). This Wednesday they are having their Ribbon Cutting grand opening, January 30, 4:30 pm. Invite friends and come check them out, show them some support. It's a heck of a lot of fun. For more info: 714-444-1001 See what it's all about on their website: www.xindoorkarting.com

say NO to the closure of State Parks in California

In a move that has stunned nature-lovers across the state, Gov. Schwarzenegger's latest budget proposal would shut down 20 percent of the state's parks, as well as cut down on lifeguards at state beaches. Of course, we all know California needs to balance the budget. But we're talking about a step that would save $9 million -- less than 0.1 percent of the state budget. Meanwhile, the costs to our environment, our quality of life, and our confidence in state government would be incalculable.

Let's kill this idea before it gets any further. Please urge the governor to back off of this wrong-headed move. Here is the LINK for you to do your part and send in an electronic letter. Please help save our parks.

Huntington Beach couple win Amazing Race

If you have't heard, Huntington Beach locals Rachel Rosales and TK Erwin won CBS’ The Amazing Race 12 on January 20. The young couple is now one million dollars richer. After winning the race, a shocked Rosales sputtered out, “I can't even believe it ... I'm really speechless." Her boyfriend and winning partner, TK Erwin, told host Phil Keoghan, "None of this even seems real. It's kind of freaking me out." In her real life, Rachel, 23 years old, is a business owner and florist here in town. TK, 22, works as a substitute teacher. The two had been dating for less than a year before entering The Amazing Race 12. After crossing the finish line in Anchorage, AK and claiming the prize money, Erwin said, “This whole things was such a crazy roller coaster with so many ups and downs. To do it with Rachel, I think our relationship has only grown through this whole thing. And for that, that's more important than any of this for me." Congratulations of our locals!

Pay your Huntington Beach utilities on line

Did you know you can now pay your utilities on line?
The City Treasurer’s Department has recently instituted three new “paperless” ways to pay your Municipal Services Utility statement and an easy way to find information about them all on our city’s official website: www.surfcity-hb.org/payments. This webpage has generated quite a buzz, doubling traffic to the Surf City payments website from November to December! Come check out what all the buzz is about! Our online “ePay” service makes it easy to pay your utility bill by MasterCard or Visa online safely and securely. Link directly to “ePay” at www.surfcity-hb.org/payments. Our voice automated “PhonePay” system at 877-309-4915 also conveniently allows utility bill payments by MasterCard or Visa. If you have any problems with using this service, call our Official Payments customer services representatives at 888-357-8394, and they can assist you in making the payment. Find out more about “PhonePay” at www.surfcity-hb.org/payments. If you prefer to pay using your bank checking account, our “AutoPay” program is the way to go. We can securely deduct your amount due every month directly from your account automatically. Download at “AutoPay” application at www.surfcity-hb.org/payments. Find out more about these three options at www.surfcity-hb.org/payments, or visit us at 2000 Main Street on the 1st floor at our cashiering windows and receive a free “stress reliever” when you turn in your AutoPay application!

Local Surfrider Foundation opposes Governor's environmentally unfriendly plans

The below information is from a Press Release put out by the Surfrider Foundation. Shame Shame on our Governor!!
- - - - - - -
GOVERNOR SCHWARZENEGGER THROWS TRESTLES AND SAN ONOFRE UNDER THE BUS - Governor Announces Support For Environmentally Harmful Road

San Clemente, CA (January 16, 2008) – Yesterday, Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger issued a letter in support of the proposed 241 toll road extension in South Orange County. The letter was issued just two weeks before a critical vote by the California Coastal Commission to determine if the proposed extension violates the California Coastal Act. A staff report prepared by the CCC concludes that it does.

“We are absolutely taken aback by this,” said Surfrider Foundation CEO Jim Moriarty. “For the Governor to take this unprecedented step of interfering with the workings of an independent and non-political commission, an entity which was established by California voters and whose sole responsibility is to decide the future of California’s coasts and beaches based on law and fact, is entirely inappropriate.”

The disappointing announcement comes just six days after the California Governor unveiled his plans to close forty-eight California State Parks, allow for the early release of prisoners from state correctional facilities, and raise Department of Motor Vehicle fees.

“We had hoped that Governor Schwarzenegger was insincere in his threat to close state parks and beaches,” says Moriarty. “It now appears that he is absolutely intent on sacrificing our state park system and natural resources for his political objectives.”

The California State Parks Department has maintained that they may be forced to abandon nearly sixty percent of San Onofre State Beach Park, including the popular San Mateo Creek Campground, should the proposed extension to the 241 toll road be completed,

Governor Schwarzenegger’s failure to support San Onofre State Beach Park by endorsing the 241 toll road extension is in direct contrast to the efforts of his Republican predecessors, President Richard M. Nixon and then-Governor Ronald Reagan, both of whom worked to establish San Onofre State Beach as a part of their legacy; hoping that it would exist as a resource to be used and enjoyed by future generations.

The Surfrider Foundation activists and other opponents to the planned toll road will be gathering in Oceanside, California on February 6th for a planned rally outside the California Coastal Commission hearing. All members of the public are invited to attend. Please go to www.savetrestles.org for more information.

About the Surfrider Foundation

The Surfrider Foundation is a non-profit grassroots organization dedicated to the protection and enjoyment of our world’s oceans, waves and beaches. Founded in 1984 by a handful of visionary surfers in Malibu, California, the Surfrider Foundation now maintains over 50,000 members and 80 chapters worldwide. For more information on the Surfrider Foundation, go to www.surfrider.org.

W Hotel to be part of the new Pacific City, Huntington Beach

Starwood Hotels & Resorts plans to plant its W Hotel flag at Newport Beach-based Makar Properties' 31-acre Pacific City development here. The mixed-use project, which is under way on Pacific Coast Highway at First Street, will now include a 250-room W Hotel, according to Makar and Starwood.

Scheduled to open in 2010, the W Huntington Beach and the Residences at W Huntington Beach will be owned by an affiliate of Makar. In addition to the 250 guest rooms, the property will include approximately 92 private residences, a signature restaurant, a bar and a destination spa. The opening of W Huntington Beach will mark the fifth California property for the W brand.
Paul Makarechian, president and CEO of Makar Properties, sees Orange County as "an untapped market" for the W Hotel brand. Makar's planning for Pacific City has included a hotel from the outset.

Scheduled for completion in early 2010, Makar's Pacific City will feature 424 luxury condominium units and 191,000 sf of retail and office space, including 48,900 sf of restaurant space. The Pacific City retail village portion of the project is scheduled to open in late 2009.
Pacific City overlooks an eight-mile stretch of beach, which attracts more than 11 million visitors each year. The city was once a sleepy haven for surfers, but it has developed into a resort-style vacation and entertainment district with local breweries, pubs, restaurants and shopping.
The Pacific City project will link the two existing luxury resorts in Huntington Beach, the Hyatt Regency Huntington Beach Resort & Spa and the Hilton Waterfront Beach Resort, with the city pier and the existing downtown district. Hotel designers on the Pacific City project include KKE Architects and MBH Architects, with KTGY Group for retail/office and residential, Skidmore, Owings & Merrill for the interior of the hotel and Lifescapes International for landscaping.

Thanks to GlobeSt.com for the info

Extreme Indoor Karting for Huntington Beach and all of Orange County

Finally something like this close to home!
Extreme Indoor Karting is new to the area, located at 1670 Sunflower Ave in Costa Mesa. Located just over the 'border' in Costa Mesa, they are Southern California’s premier indoor electric go karting raceway. Their European karts reach speeds up to 45 mph on their ¼ mile long track. Conveniently located off the 405 freeway and Harbor Blvd. Get down there and race your friends, family, and co-workers. You won't believe how much fun you'll have!
Contact them at 714-444-1001 for more info or their website at: www.xindoorkarting.com

Malibu Fish Grill "Eat & Win Weight Loss" Challange at Huntington Beach location

The Malibu Fish Grill of Huntington Beach as well as their Santa Ana & Redondo Beach locations will host a "Eat & Win Weight Loss Challange". Enter and weigh in before Janurary 31 and eat at a Malibu Fish Grill twice a week until March 31. The contestant with the highest percentage of body weight loss will win $1000. Read the PRESS RELEASE for more info and open the RULES AND REGULATIONS to get all the details.

Fresh & Easy to open next week in Huntington Beach

HUNTINGTON BEACH Fresh & Easy will open its doors in Huntington Beach at 10 a.m. Wednesday at 16672 Beach Blvd.
Everyone is invited to attend the kickoff event for the store's five-day grand opening celebration.
Fresh & Easy will present a donation to West County Family YMCA as part of the opening.
The company is opening stores throughout Southern California, Phoenix and Las Vegas. Other Fresh & Easy markets in Orange County are in Orange, Buena Park and Lake Forest.
The neighborhood markets are smaller than the typical supermarket and offer a selection of already prepared meals.

Huntington Beach local involved in CARP and the Mid-Atlantic Row of Life

RowofLife has hit the 1000 mile mark on Day 31 of the Atlantic Rowing Race. That just leaves about 1552 to go; No Problem! They are really turning it on now. They have increased their load to move along faster. They can't make a full side because they lack legs. Franck has an infected stump and is not able to wear his prosthesis. Angela's back is not exactly happy, but when is it ever. Atlantic Jack said in their blog "The next boat to catch is Angela & Frank(sic) in "Row of Life", this will be a tough one as although they only have one fully functional leg between the 2 of them, they are complete rowing animals. " Atlantic Jack is moving at an unbelievable pace. I just wish we could figure out what is coming out of their water maker, so we could have some too. Maybe if they catch us, they will share the secret to their speed.

Surfing is Angela's first love. On New Year's Day she is usually out surfing in Huntington Beach with all her surfing buddies. She would like to thank all her surfing buddies, the Huntington Beach Long Board Crew, and the Surf Museum in Huntington Beach, for the support they have given her. Well what would New Years be without surfing? Well apparently the powers that be also thought Angela should surf today. The wind was blowing the wrong way today. The water was choppy and not good for rowing. Then it happened….the wind created big waves, excellent for Ocean Rowing Boat Surfing. Angela and Franck guided themselves with their oars and were able to catch a dozen or so good waves. They did not get long rides, but it was fun. Franck caught on to the English surf logo. Soon after the first wave, he kept asking if the next wave was a good one for surfing. We are going to work on him saying, "Dude." Both Angela and Franck seemed exhilarated by their morning session of surfing the 2/3 meter waves. So, while the rowing completely sucked today….the surfing was EXCELLENT.

The weather has been very rough and the winds not good for rowing. They are hoping for the winds to start blowing back in the westerly direction so they can take advantage of the winds and the equatorial currents. It has been tough to make progress and Angela and Franck have been rowing together many hours a day. It has taken a physical toll, but their spirits remain high. I just found out at the beginning of the race Angela fell off her seat and bruised her back very badly on Franck's foot stretchers. She was unable to do anything but crawl out onto the deck. She was not able to row. That was one of the reasons for their slow start. Also Franck was very sea sick at first and not able to row. So compared to the start, they are doing well now, but it is still not a picnic. They are trying to make sure they take the time to get rest so they can heal and stay healthy. It is a long race and they are ready for the long haul.

Angela is the Founder and Director of the California Adaptive Rowing Program in Long Beach, CA www.carplb.net . It is a free program where differently-abled people learn row with the help of dedicated volunteers. It is part Long Beach Rowing Association and they row out of the Pete Archer Rowing Center.

Adaptive Rowing is rowing/sculling for the physically challenged. There are classifications of abilities in adaptive rowing similar to paralympic classifications with class 1 being the most challenged and 5 being the most able. There is fixed seat rowing for people who have limited or no functional use of their lower extremities (class 1-4) and sliding seat events are for all other rowers (class 5 and 5B for the visually impaired).

Huntington Beach lifeguards featured in reality show

from HB Independent

Better than Baywatch!
Reality show follows Huntington Beach lifeguards as they protect visitors at area’s beautiful beaches. Marine Safety Chief Kyle Lindo is ready for his close-up. Or at least, he thinks his department is.

At 8 p.m. Tuesday, Huntington Beach lifeguards will be front-and-center on the reality show “Ocean Force,” which follows lifeguards around on emergency calls all summer. Renamed from “Beach Patrol” for its fifth season, the show is a major part of the relaunch of cable channel Court TV as the reality-oriented TruTV.

The “COPS”-like show doesn’t start till New Year’s Day, but those interested in the daily challenges of local lifeguards can get a taste at www.trutv.com. Web videos featuring Huntington Beach lifeguards show them handling a feud between animal owners on Dog Beach, and calming a diabetic man with behavioral problems and dangerously high blood sugar.
Those are minor incidents compared with some of the biggest rescues in the show, Lindo said. It was an intensely busy summer for the Marine Safety Division, with rescues up by 35% over the year before, spinal injuries up by more than half, and four cases in which a defibrillator was needed, he said.
“We were able to resuscitate a 14-year-old child that had a heart defect” in one case, he said. “Medical experts said that if we weren’t there so quickly, they may not have made it.”
In addition to making it into the first episode, that incident will be the basis of a training video for lifeguards throughout the country, Lindo said.
As part of the city delegation reviewing all the footage before it was used, Lindo said he also wanted to make sure nobody got the wrong idea about Huntington Beach.
“Our statistics were up, but the majority of the 10 million people that come to the beach have a great time,” he said. “We didn’t want an imbalance of too many ocean rescues or too many medical aids. We didn’t want the perception to be there that it’s just chaos here.”
The final result is a program that shows off the professionalism of the lifeguards and displays Huntington Beach as a great place to visit the water, he said.
“Watching the events in the show, you see the beautiful beach: sand, fire rings, palm trees,” Lindo said. “When you dream of what an ideal beach is, you’re going to see it in the backdrop of the show.”

Recycle those Christmas Trees!

Have a Christmas Tree to get rid of? Do a good thing and recycle ! Rainbow Disposal will collect discarded Christmas trees for free until January 18. The trees will be ground and recycled into mulch. To recycle a tree, remove all ornaments, hooks, light strings, tinsel and stand and place it next to the trash carts. Do not block assess to the carts and do not put your Christmas tree in the carts. Trees must be cut to six feet maximum, with no stands. For more information, contact Public Works Department at 714-375-5010 or Rainbow Disposal at 714-847-3581.

Still not sure what to do on New Year's Eve ? Check out the holiday page on TheLocalHB.com (under the calendar section)

New Year's Day in Huntington Beach

Come on down to the Huntington Beach Pier on New Year's Day for the annual Pier Plaza Plunge at noon. watch or better yet, participate in the plunge - running in to ocean clad in your bathing suit (no wetsuits!). The day starts at 9:30 with a pancake breakfast hosted by the Huntington Beach Lion's Club (who also sponsors the Plunge). For more info or to regsiter, check out www.HBPlunge.com

Go Green! Recycle, Recycle

Beachside Recycling Center is your local recycling provider for the
Huntington Beach, Newport Beach, Costa Mesa, Fountain Valley, Westminister, and Irvine areas.

Beachside Recycling Center is a direct recycler, located at
8601 Edison Ave Unit C
Huntington Beach CA 92646
Phone: (714) 969-7638
Fax: (714) 969-0077
Email: info@beachsiderecycling.com

Unlike most other recycling facilities that just buy and resell recycled goods we make products using YOUR recycled materials!

They manufacture a Cal-Trans Certified cellulose fiber mulch out of our blend of recycled papers,
which is used to cultivate new lawns and fields, and aid in erosion control right here in California!
Join us in completing the recycling circle!

Last minute shopping?

Need to do last minute holiday shopping?? Try to support some of the local businesses if you still need to pick up a thing or two! Here are a few suggestions:

HB Skin Spa , 526 Main St. Ste 102. / 969-9713 / ( www.hbskinspa.com ) has gift certificates you can use for a variety of services - all to make you look and feel better. Check out their website to see the list of services.

Is your love one a golfer? Visit GolfTec at 7564 Edinger Ave. 714-861-3882 / www.golftec.com - give the gift of lessons and watch that gold swing (and score) improve!

Need a new hair style? Can't go wrong at Salon Ambiance , 5075 Warner Ave. Ste 101. / 846-5900 /. You can swing by and pick up a gift certificate for one of their services, or even choose the very relaxing Reflexology Massage!

Here is something new and exciting to try - Extreme Indoor Karting, 1670 Sunflower Ave. Costa Mesa, 92626. / 714-444-1001. Imagine racing around the track in an electric kart, hitting up to 45 mph. That is darn fast on this 1/4 mile track. They are very close to HB (right near the FV Costco) and certainly worth the visit. Check out their website: www.xindoorkarting.com to learn more about this exhilarating entertainment - gift certificates available of course. What a great, unique gift idea!

You say you were thinking of giving a dog to someone on your gift list? Consider adopting one of the loveable canines waiting for a home at our local animal shelter , at 21632 Newland St. / 536-8480. You can see some of the dogs on www.TheLocalHb.com - go to the Pet Adoption link on the home page (link on the right hand side). They have an abundance of dogs & cats just waiting to be taken home!

Huntington Beach Luxury homes completed at Hearthside

From The Wave, OC Register
HUNTINGTON BEACH The Cliffs and The Breakers, two luxury neighborhoods at Brightwater at Bolsa Chica, are now completed. The Cliffs' two-story residences have three to six bedrooms and two-and-a-half to four baths within about 2,724 to 3,480 square feet. Garages will accommodate two or three vehicles. Most home plans include a bonus room and a private courtyard, and one plan will feature an optional prep kitchen in addition to a conventional kitchen. Select locations will also feature views of the Bolsa Chica wetlands and the ocean. The Breakers residences span about 3,162 to 4,139 square feet, with four to six bedrooms, three-and-a-half to five-and-a-half baths, plus a three- or four-car garage. There are also private courtyards and bonus rooms. The Brightwater community encompasses 356 homes in four residential neighborhoods. Prices are anticipated to begin at $1.7 million. Information: www.BrightwaterHB.net.

Thumbs down to Costco - it's a 'no' in Huntington Beach

From the Orange County Register:
The president of Golden West College has recommended against a controversial proposal to build a Costco discount store on 14 acres of the campus, according to a report released Thursday to college trustees.
“I recommend … that the district reject this proposal,” college President Wes Bryan wrote to the board of trustees of the Coast Community College District, which operates the college.
Instead, Bryan, who initially supported the project, recommended that officials move forward with the plans already spelled out in the college’s master plan to develop a six or seven-acre parcel for student or faculty housing, or other needs.
City officials said they’re disappointed in the report.
“We think it made sense and to have gone forward,” said Stanley Smalewitz, the Huntington Beach economic development director. “It would’ve been compatAible with the campus and neighborhood.”
In his report, Bryan reiterated concerns from opponents. He said the Costco project would be too large, provide too much “traffic for an already congested street” and create a negative impact on the community.
The location for the proposed student housing is “too close to high tension wires and may propose real or perceived health risks,” he wrote.
The proposal to build a Costco, student housing and a pedestrian bridge near Gothard Street on land now used for sports and parking has been championed by the city economic development department as a way to bring revenues to the city and college and also provide student housing.
Opponents to the project were ecstatic to hear the news.
“I think he came to the right decision of ‘let’s not sell the college,’” said Robert Sternberg, an opponent who lives a half mile from the site. “It’s not all free money. It has a price. All that glitters is not gold.”

Relief for fire, water, wind damage with OC Restoration

OC Restoration is located at 15102 Bolsa Chica St. Unit D. Huntington Beach, 92649
Phone: 714-625-8635.
OC Restoration is a service worth knowing. They certainly take care of the Huntington Beach community as well as other areas. They were quite active down at those last fires in San Diego as well.

They know that experiencing wind, water, or fire damage to your home, often your most valuable asset, can be very upsetting, and deciding which restoration company to hire can be difficult. O.C. Restoration Inc. understands this and wants to help in your decision so your home is restored back to its pre-loss condition as quickly as possible. In times like this it is extremely important to address the situation immediately, as to avoid any secondary damage which could result in mold growth. They are available 24/7 with a 90 minute response time. Learn more about them on their website: www.ocrestoration.com - you can also find them on TheLocalHB.com. Welcome to the locals pages OC Restoration!

Builder will add decals on glass wall to help birds

From the OC Register:
Hearthside Homes plans to put special decals on a 6-foot-tall wall surrounding the Brightwater development to keep birds from flying into the glass, officials said today.
The decals are expected to reflect ultraviolet light in such a way that can be seen by birds but remain nearly invisible to humans, said Ed Mountford, senior vice president of Hearthside Homes.
Environmentalists and state officials asked Hearthside to take action earlier this month after at least a dozen birds – including a raptor, meadowlark, yellow rumped warbler and Anna's hummingbird -- were found dead along what they call "the wall of death" in the Bolsa Chica Mesa.
Hearthside ordered 1,500 stickers to be placed on the 4,400-foot-long wall. The decals are expected to be rain resistant and last for up to 18 months, Mountford said.
Read the full story HERE.

Post Thanksgiving in Huntington Beach

A couple of things going on this week:

For networking, RBN is having their networking lunch this coming Tuesday (27th). This networking luncheon & mini expo covers Huntington Beach, Long Beach & Seal Beach. $25 members, $35 non-members & guests. For more info or to make on-line reservation, go to www.rbninfo.com

It's going to be a big one in downtown this weekend. Main Street is going to be the place to be. On Saturday, HB Skin Spa is hosting a Diva Day, 10:00 am to 4:00 pm. Don't you and your friends deserve a day of fun, food & shopping? Come support your local businesses! You will find clothing, purses, Pampered Chef, OC Pole Fitness, Aussie Dog Wash, candles, perfume, Posh Gourmet, Mary Kay Cosmetics, Cookie Lee Jewelry, Goji Juice and more! All proceeds for the day go to the Huntington Beach Community Clinic. Location: HB Skin Spa, 526 Main St. Ste 102 in the courtyard. Free to attend. For more info or to participate: 969-9713
And while your downtown, I'm sure you've heard it is the Taste of New Zealand weekend. New Zealand may be clear across the globe, but residents of Huntington Beach are going to be fortunate enough to get a taste of its culture during the first weekend of December. Maori performers, outdoor New Zealand films, food demonstrations by 10 different New Zealand chefs and more is scheduled for this exciting FREE event. Main will be closed to car traffic both days. Times are: December 1, 2007 (11 a.m. to 7 p.m.) / December 2, 2007 (11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.). See FLYER

Of course there is more to do in town and you can find it all listed in the calendar section of the site.

FEATURED BUSINESS OF THE WEEK La Choza - Located at 7402 Edinger Ave at Gothard. 714-842-7888. Traditional Mexican food since 1976 (but new to Huntington Beach). Make sure to try their home made tortillas. They are the best. They also have a great banquet room for your party needs! Perfect for those family gatherings or office parties! La Choza also now has a salsa night! Every Tuesday you can come out and do some dancing on their patio. Free lessons from 8:30 to 9:30 pm, and then practice your moves with dancing til 2:00 am! Yes there are a few places in OC that are open late! I haven't been to the salsa night yet, but I've heard they fill the place. I have eaten there, and I keep going back. It is SO good. Give them a try - their Mexican food is worth it. If you didn't see their coupon in the last copy of Dining Out in Huntington Beach, you can print it from your computer off our coupon page .

Support Huntington Beach this holiday season and shop locally

Thanks to Joe Shaw for this posting in his 'Greetings from Huntington Beach' blog! I thought this was important enough to re-post it here! Let's support Huntington Beach.

This Christmas it's more important than ever to shop locally.
With reports showing a dismal October for retailers nationwide, with the Orange County housing market taking a more than 10 percent dive in the last year, and with the price of oil nearing $100 a barrel, all predictions are that consumers will be tight with this year's holiday spending.
We can help our local businesses by keeping our holiday shopping dollars at home here in Huntington Beach.
There are small specialty stores throughout our city that support families and Christmas is the time of the year when they make enough money to pay the bills for the whole year. Choose one of our small independent stores for your gifts this year.
If you need to shop at chain stores, go to Bella Terra or Five Points or downtown Huntington Beach to do your shopping. Don't spend your money in Costa Mesa or Long Beach or Newport Beach. Let's help our local businesses and keep our money here at home.

Coastal Commission Bows to Shea Homes, Sacrifices Bolsa Chica Wetlands

This is just terrible! So many of us locals are VERY unhappy. Once again the money of the big developers wins out and nature loses. Sad, so very sad.

FROM THE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER
BY CINDY CARCAMO and ANNIE BURRIS

The Orange County Register story below barely begins to tell the awful tale of how Coastal Commission member Dan Secord and his merry band of development crazed panel members sought to gut their staff’s expert and scientific recommendations in order to allow Shea Homes to bulldoze and destroy wetlands and raptor habitat at the Bolsa Chica wetlands in Huntington Beach late last evening.
It wasn’t as though coastal scientists and environmentalists sought to deny development. In fact, the preferred plan would have allowed even more than the 170 houses sought by Shea, but would have used a clustered approach to save wetlands on the property and insure endangered white tailed kite raptors survive the subdivision.
Secord, notably, embarrassed himself and the intergrity of the entire California coastal program with his relentless efforts to destroy every bit of coastal resource protection conditions contained in the staff analysis. Secord even said, at one point, “Help me here, I want to delete the wetland.” Watch it for yourself as it is all on internet video available on the Coastal Commission website at www.coastal.ca.gov. (Note: Commission member Dan Secord is an appointment of Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger - three of four of the Governor’s panel members- Brooks Firestone, Bonnie Neely and Secord- read off the Shea Homes crib notes for their actions. Only gubernatorial appointment, Steve Blank, made an effort to protect wetlands and raptor habitat at the site. Worse, ALL FOUR of Assembly Speaker Fabian Nunez’ appoinments to the Commission- Ben Hueso, Patrick Kruer, William Burke and Dave Potter- towed Shea Homes’ freight. Sadly, only two of Senate leader Don Perata’s appointments- Sara Wan and Mary Shallenberger- sought to protect the wetlands, while the other two- Larry Clark and Mike Reilly- both sided with Shea.
In the end, it was a great day for a growing corps of highly paid pro-development lobbyists and the ‘wine and dine’ atmosphere of the Commission and a sad commentary on the direction of the Commission, where coastal development and private profits trump even marginal resource protection efforts.Wednesday, November 14, 2007Homes next to wetlands OK’d by coastal panelShea Homes proponents and opponents are confused, however, as to exactly how much land both sides lost for their causes.

Hotels for the Thanksgiving holiday visitors!

Do you find yourself with last minute family members coming in to town? No place in your house to put them up? Why not let TheLocalHB.com help you out. Did you know you can make hotel reservations for HB and surrounding areas on the site? Pay the same, or most likely less, by making your reservation through our system. Safe & secure. Check out what's available HERE - and if you can't open that link, go to the HOTELS menu button on the site. And if you don't like making reservations on line, we also have a toll free number for you! 1-877-545-3249 where you can speak to a live person. And don't forget to check out the places in town who are offering Thanksgiving brunch/dinner. A couple of new ones have been added. INFO HERE .

Early holiday shopping at these Holiday Boutiques

To start off the holidays right, do some celebrating and some shopping. A few events are coming up you'll want to know about.

Thursday the 15th at 4:30, Happiness Consignment store (16562 Gothard @ Heil) is having a ribbon cutting. Ladies, you don't want to miss this one. This little shop if filled with treasures. Stop by that evening and show them your support.

After that ribbon cutting, you can pop over to Ocean View High School (Warner & Gothard) for their Holiday Boutique . From 4 to 9 pm, it will take place in the school commons (enter off the Gothard parking lot). Put on by the Grad Night Committee, there will be 25 vendors to shop from including Cookie Lee Jewelry, Pampered Chef, Taste of Home, Longaberger, Arbonne , Partylite, Silpada, Gold Canyon, Holiday crafts and linens, Discovery Toys, Children's clothing and much more! There will be refreshments and opportunity drawings throughout the evening.

On the following weekend - Friday the 23rd from 9am to 5pm and Saturday from 9am to 3 pm, Dinners Ready (7378 Center Ave @ Gothard) will host a Holiday Boutique. Stop by and check out the vendors and their wares!

Fresh & Easy soon to open in Huntington Beach

Thanks to the LA times for this info

The new Fresh & Easy markets get a big thumbs-up from customers for product selection and lower prices.

Maybe Fresh & Easy Neighborhood Market can compete after all. Parking lots were full and cash-register lines long at the six stores that British grocery giant Tesco opened in Southern California on Thursday. Some people showed up two hours before front doors were unlocked.
To find out whether the wait was worth it, The Times sent staffers to four of the new markets and asked Evan Kleiman, host of "Good Food" on KCRW-FM (89.9) and owner-chef of Angeli Caffe in Los Angeles, and Donna Barasch, a Villa Park gastronome whose cookbook collection numbers more than 250, to visit two.They found Fresh & Easy to be a blend of Trader Joe's and Ralphs."I would definitely go back," Kleiman said after returning home from the Fresh & Easy in Glassell Park.
The Fresh & Easy philosphies:
"We create value for our customers so they will come back again and again."
"We treat people how we like to be treated and nobody tries harder for customers."
"We think fresh, wholesome food should be accessible and affordable to everyone."
"We're a neighborhood market, so it only makes sense that we care about our neighbors and our environment."
"People who are valued are better able to value our customers, so creating a rewarding workplace is very important to us."
Read more about them on their website.

Salon Ambiance for your Hair - Huntington Beach

People come up to me and ask me where I get my hair done.... I'm sure everyone has had that happen before. Well I hear that more than ever now. And it is because I switched over to Salon Ambiance (5075 Warner Ave near Bolsa Chica - 714.846.5900). They have been open a bit over a year now and that is about how long I've been going there. And not once have I been disappointed. In fact, it is the opposite. I love them! Sopi, the owner, is the one who takes care of me. If you give them a call and she isn't available, I can also recommend Paul Pina - I know others who go to him and are very happy!! If you are looking for a new place to get your hair done, check them out! They are, of course, full service so anything you need done they'll do! And make sure to check the website for other business listings!

Savings with Huntington Beach businesses

Once again, TheLocalHB.com is featured in the Clipper Magazine. And we offered coupon savings for several local businesses in town. If you didn't get your copy in the mail, you can check those coupons in the coupon section of the website. You will find savings for:

Slow Fish Sushi & Cal-Asian Cuisine
free appetizer

Sea Siam Thai Food
save 10% off your bill

HB Skin Spa
discounts on various services

AR Mobility Discounted Medical Supplies
5% off in-stock item

Golf Tec Golf Instruction
50% off swing evaluation

Cartridge World
$2 off purchase.

Check them out!!! Also Mark your calendars for Nov 2 for the holiday showcase put on by Erika's Catering. Free to attend with a canned food item.

Cab-i-Net cabinets in Huntington Beach

Why go to the big home improvement companies for your kitchen or bathroom remodel just to get lost in the shuffle or be disappointed in the installation? Cab-i-Net will leave you smiling instead. This smaller company can offer better customer service than the larger places! I've been to their showroom and they have beautiful products and can do a great job for you. I can't wait til we re-do our place! Check them out at their website or go by their location: 7151 Warner Ave. #D. 714-842-0920. Other business listings at www.thelocalhb.com.

Southern California Fires

You have to admit, we are pretty lucky here in Huntington Beach. Other than the smoke in the air (and some nasty Santa Ana winds), we did not have to endure what the residents of fire areas did. I'm sure there are pleny of us who have loved ones in the devestated areas. Our hearts go out to them. If you haven't seen all the photos out there of the damage, here are a sampling of photo clips. So very sad.

Tasty Italian in Huntington Beach

Enjoy Italian food? Try this out of the way little hole in the wall: Cafe Gazelle at 16041 Bolsa Chica (corner of Edinger) 846-2694. They have been open probably 4 months and we ventured in there for the first time and thoroughly enjoyed it. The fresh fish was delicious as was the pasta. It is a small place, nice intimate setting. Give them a try, I know we are looking forward to going back!

For a listing of all Huntington Beach restaurants, make sure to check out www.thelocalhb.com

New Sushi Restaurant in Huntington Beach at 5 Points

The Huntington Beach Chamber of Commerce held a ribbon cutting at a new sushi restaurant in Huntington Beach at 5 Points Plaza - Hashigo is the name and you won't be dissapointed if you go there! I've dined there a number of times already and it is consitently excellent. The sushi is fresh and cut right on the spot - where as some sushi restaurants pre-cut slices that sit in the chiller waiting to be ordered. Cutting on the spot keeps the fish fresher. The ambiance is very nice, has an upscale feeling to it, yet is casual enough to fit in to "Surf City". Stop by and tell Jimmy the owner hi. Tell him TheLocalHB sent you!

And for listings of all the restaurants in town (many with testimonials written in by locals), visit the DINING page.

7th Annual Orange County Music Awards

7th Annual Orange County Music Awards , 2008 are beginning their "Best Live Acoustic" and "Best Live Electric Band" Showcases, on October 23, 2007.
New venue and sponsor is: Hurricanes Bar and Grill
200 Main Street (Upstairs)
Huntington Beach, CA 92648
714-374-0500
www.hurricanesbargrill.com
The Acoustic Showcases include artists vying for "Best Live Male", "Best Live Female" & "Best Live Acoustic Band" Performance, are held on Tuesday evenings. They begin at 8:00 PM. There is no cover charge, before 10:00 PM.
The Electric Showcases portray local bands who are competing for the title of "Best Live Electric Band" of Orange County, and unfurl on Thursday nights. Electric competition commences at 7:30 PM. There is no cover charge before 10:00 PM.
Competition will continue through February 28, 2008. Winners will be announced at The Grove of Anaheim, March 29, 2008.
Judges include Kathy Boag (CD Video Manufacturing), Carri Gallagher (The Galaxy), Becky Gold (OC Foto), Paul Gonzales (OCMA Veteran) & Debie Machen Griffith (Staff Pro).

Coupon Savings in Huntington Beach

Check out coupons on TheLocalHB
Go to the Coupons Section of the site - print out coupons and save money while supporting your local HB businesses.

Excellent Bamboo products in Huntington Beach at Creasian

As bamboo is rediscovered in Southeast Asian countries for its excellent elasticity, lightness, hardness, strength and beauty, it is being used more and more in modern and demanding construction. It is the building material that Asian architects are turning to not only for its traditional values but for its natural strength and eco-friendly renew ability.

At Creasian they are uniquely positioned to participate in this renaissance of bamboo construction and decoration. Their factories in Vietnam are situated at the heart of some of asia’s finest bamboo producing areas. Inspection of our product reveals consistent quality, strength and beauty. The showroom in Huntington Beach, California can provide off–the-shelf design elements or ideas for your own unique designs. Their factories in Vietnam stand ready to help you implement those designs. As it reappears on the American design scene, bamboo brings with it a newfound respect and popularity. Come to Creasian Bamboo to reconnect with bamboo and share in the excitement.

Visit Creasian at 5061 Warner Ave. And to read about other recommended local places, check out www.TheLocalHB.com

New Sushi Restaurant in Huntington Beach

We have a new sushi restaurant in town: Hashigo - located in 5 Points Plaza (18685 Main St.). If I had to describe this place in one word it would be WOW. The freshest sushi/sashimi. Unbelievable entrees, including the rib eye steak which has a delicious sauce to accompany this high quality tender beef. The Atmosphere is elegant yet still HB comfortable. The staff is pleasant and once you've been there, you feel like an instant regular. I highly recommend you give them a try!

Make sure to check out the WEBSITE for other restaurants in town. TheLocalHB.com has what you want to know about Huntington Beach!

Rescued Dog gets great home!

Thank you to The Orange County Register for this great story. I just had to post it for others to read.

Rescued dog gets ready to go home
HUNTINGTON BEACH 'He's so cute,' the 6-year-old boy exclaimed as he first caught of the sprightly, white Pekingese-Chihuahua mix licking and playing with the people who rescued him.
The Westminster Animal Control officers who found the dog about three months ago in a local Dumpster - his limbs and muzzle bound tightly in Zip-ties -- called him Mr. Lucky.
“He really was lucky to be alive,” said Karen Pickl, senior animal control officer.
Thursday, Lucky hit the jackpot when Ben and Sandra Frascona came with their two boys, Jonathan, 8, and William, 6, to take Lucky back to their 3-acre ranch in Aguanga, Riverside. There, the dog, who is now full of life and has learned to trust human beings again, will run free with two other dachshunds, pot-bellied pigs, horses, cats and chickens.
Ben Frascona, a Los Angeles County firefighter, said adopting Lucky was his wife’s idea. Sandra Frascona, whose husband calls her Dr. Doolittle, said the television footage of Lucky shown with his sad face, big eyes and bloodied ankles tugged at her heart strings.
“He’s lucky to have been rescued,” she said. “But we’re lucky to have him.”
The family recently put down their long-time pet, a Lab, which was hard on all of them, Ben Frascona said.
More than 200 people called the city after Lucky’s story was publicized, but only 20 families remained in the end. Pickl said the Frasconas were chosen because they had two young children who would love and play with this high-energy dog.
On Thursday, Pickl wiped away tears as she tried to say goodbye to the dog who would “go nuts” when her car pulled up near the shelter.
“It’s hard to let go,” she said. “But I’m very happy that this story has a happy ending. Lucky deserves this happiness after what he has been through.”
Lucky was first a little tentative as Jonathan tried to pet him. But soon, he started to lick William’s Spiderman shoes and rushed at Jonathan to be petted.
“Aw, I love his bushy tail and bended ears,” Jonathan gushed.
Pickl said she did not expect Lucky to recover completely.
“A lot of animals who go through what he’s been through tend to lose trust in people altogether,” she said. “But Lucky has done a 360 and miraculously recovered physically and emotionally.”
Officers have no leads on Lucky’s tormentor, Pickl said.
As for the name, Frascona said they thought about it during their drive to Huntington Beach.
“We’re going to keep his name Lucky,” he said. “It’s perfect.”

Need a great hair salon? Check out Salon Ambiance

I recently wrote a review of Salon Ambiance on City Search. I did this because this place is so top notch in service and quality. Check out the review from me and others at: SALON AMBIANCE REVIEW
Here is their contact info:

5075 Warner Ave. Ste 101

(near Bolsa Chica)

Huntington Beach, 92649

714-846-5900

Travel to Huntington Beach

Don't forget to take advantage of all TheLocalHB.com has to offer! When you visit Huntington Beach, you can read all about what to do while in town. Find out which resaurants the locals recommend for dining. See the current calendar for what is going on in town. Make your hotel reservations right on this site (you can even call in to talk to a live person!). Your hotel, car, attraction rates are discounted 20% - 50% and you can feel good about using a local reservation system instead of one of those large internet reservation systems where you are just another number lost in the swarm...

Check out the site now and find out 'where the locals go' in Huntington Beach!

Discounts in Huntington Beach

Do you love to save money?? TheLocalHB.com is in the current issue of Clipper Magazine! And in our ad, we highlighted 8 local businesses, which you can clip out of our ad. All are worth the visit. Below are the participants with their offer in italics. And for additional discounts check out TheLocalHB.com

For dining we have:
Brix wine tasting - 16635 PCH in Sunset Beach. This place is full of locals and the atmosphere is so friendly. Enjoy a free taste

Slow Fish Cal-Korean Cuisine - 16051 Bolsa Chica St. This is the place I've been raving about. If you made it out to their ribbon cutting this past Monday you would have enjoyed a wonderful sampling of their food. Soju Cocktail on the house (a lemony flavored Korean spirit).

Pancho Frijoles - 16635 PCH, right next door to Brix. This is the place for authentic tasty Mexican food! Buy one combo, get one 1/2 off.

Sea Siam Thai - 16103 Bolsa Chica. Our favorite Thai food in town!! And so convenient for take out too! 10% off your bill

The other businesses who joined in with TheLocalHB are:

GolfTec - 7564 Edinger Ave. I've heard some pretty impressive things about these guys. If you golf, you'll want to visit them to improve your swing! 50% off initial swing evaluation.

AR Mobility - 7923 Warner Ave. Ste B. Do you have any one in your family with physical challenges? Elderly parent who might need a scooter to help them get around? These folks are here to help. 5% any in-stock item.

Big Daddy's Car Wash - 17145 PCH, just north of Warner. It's where I get my car washed. They do a very good job and they are fast! no sitting around waiting and waiting! $14.99 Luxury Wash (regularly $18.99)

Cartridge World - 7088 Edinger (@ Goldenwest). Save a bundle on ink! There prices are already great. their coupon makes it even better. $2 off purchase.

If you received the Clipper Magazine you'll find all the above ads in there. If for some reason you didn't, don't worry, you can also find these coupons in the COUPON SECTION of TheLocalHB.com Support your local Huntington Beach community and give these folks your business. Clip that Clipper Magazine!! And while you're looking for TheLocalHB ad, check out all the other valuable discounts in the Clipper!

Save $$ by booking your hotels through TheLocalHB

Did you know you can book your hotels on line through TheLocalHB?

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Come to Huntington Beach to visit. Check out all there is to do in town!

A nice day at the Pier.

Grand Opening Ribbon Cutting at Slow Fish Restaurant

This Blog has mentioned what Slow Food is all about. Now here is your chance to try it out for yourself. On Monday, September 10 - 4:30 pm there will be a Business Ribbon Cutting at Slow Fish Cal-Korean cusine - 16051 Edinger Ave. Stop by and enjoy the delectable sushi, the fresh local fish and seafood at this charming casual cafe situated in in the heart of Huntington Beach. Dishes are designed and prepared to be savored leisurely in honor of the Slow Food Movement. Enjoy sake pairing dinners, a prixe fixe menu or express lunch. Don't forget to try the Fat-Avo, an "apple" of seared albacore covered in avacado slices - one of their signature dishes. Read more details about the restaurant HERE.

Slow Food - what does that mean?

The rice in this Sushi from the new SLOW FISH RESTAURANT menu may look and taste as rich as chocolate, but it's the color of healthy Black Rice when cooked. And Black Rice is only one way the Korean SLOW FISH chefs honor SLOW FOOD MOVEMENT principles.

Below is an article from Slow Food website - (June 2007)- all about slow food

Slow Food
So-called “slow food” is gaining ground as an alternative to fast food in Korea, in line with the “well-being” lifestyle boom. The Slow Food Campaign, which sprouted from Italy in the late 1980s, has steadily grown to have more than 70,000 paid members in 45 different countries around the world.

Slow Food Campaign
Slow food is everything that fast food is not. The phrase “slow food” was used for the first time in 1986 by a group of 62 Italians, who launched an anti-fast food campaign, in protest against a McDonald’s in Spain Square in Rome. Delegates from many countries around the world gathered in Paris in 1989 and adopted the “Slow Food Declaration,” officially launching a global slow food campaign. Decisive momentum for the campaign to spread worldwide came when the mad cow crisis occurred in England in the 1990s. Slow Food Korea was founded later in May 2000. The United States, the homeland of fast food, has more than 50 offices for the Slow Food Movement. Approximately 80,000 people from 100 countries around the world are reportedly engaged in the campaign. The international headquarters are located in Piemonte, Italy, and its symbol is the snail.

Slow Food — Healthy Food
The official Korean word for “slow food” was determined to be “Yeoyu-sik.” The Slow Food Movement, based on the “slow-going” philosophy, seeks to standardize tastes and preserve the joy of eating and traditional foods. Professor Kim Jong-duk at Kyungnam University, who founded Slow Food Korea, a local group promoting healthy eating habits, said, “For today’s busy people, who don’t have time to sit and enjoy a full meal, fast food may be an ideal option that keeps them from starving, but it’s crucial to know that the easy meal is also chipping away at their health.” He said fast food is a product of entrepreneurial farming, capitalist culture and profit, and stresses speed and unlimited competition. Slow food, however, is a healthy diet of seasonal foods, produced by family farming. Korea’s traditional foods, such as bean paste, soy sauce, kimchi, salted fish, and rice wine, might be among the healthiest foods in the world and are typical slow foods as well.

Local Food
Local food, also called regional food and related to food patriotism, is similar to slow food. It is a principle of sustainability which relies on consumption of food products that are locally grown. It is part of the concept of local purchasing; a preference for buying locally produced goods and services. Local food opposes the idea of global free trade. Food products at large supermarkets around the world create over-consumption of fossil fuels for long-distance transport, compromised food safety, and damage the incomes of local farming households. Proponents of local food often argue that urban supermarkets are “stops for food and products that are tired from long-distance transport.”

Local Slow Food
Seeking and experiencing local slow foods both home and abroad are becoming yet another tourist attraction worldwide.

Slow Fish restaurant (16051 Bolsa Chica - 714.846.6951) here in Huntington Beach offers slow food and when you order the sushi or entree's expect to be pleasantly surprised at the tastiness of the healthy black rice. This new restaurant is quite the find!

"Reduce - Reuse - Recycle" Seminar

That was the title of the first seminar put on by The Friends of Shipley Nature Center, Co-sponsored by the City of Huntington Beach and Rainbow Disposal Company. I attended this seminar and it was well worth it. I figured since we are now switching over to the 3 barrel system of trash pickup, I may as well start using what I'm having to separate. We learned the first steps in creating super mulch - why buy your mulch or soil when you can make it yourself! And believe me, our clay ground needs a little help! Added bonus - help save the environment at the same time! There were over 35 in attendance and I'd love to see that number double next time! Rich Flammer of Hidden Resources in San Diego was our instructor. Shipley will be presenting these FREE seminars on the third Saturday of the month (10:00 - 11:30 am) focusing on "backyard composting and how to turn your garden waste into soil enrichments". The next class is August 18 and it is all about worms. (find the info on the calendar at www.thelocalhb.com).

Blood Drive at Equestrian Center

Huntington Central Park Equestrian Center Blood Drive
In April, the Huntington Central Park Equestrian Center teamed up with the American Red Cross to host a blood drive. They successfully received 23 donations. The Huntington Central Park Equestrian Center will be hosting a second blood drive here at their facility on Tuesday, July 10. They will be offering a coupon toward $10 off a trail ride to all participants. The American Red Cross is also offering special prizes for the Warped Tour. This is a great cause, and they welcome the public to come and take part in this event.