Surf City News

Huntington Beach Residents Cope with Economy in Creative Way

Huntington Beach, Calif.–When times get tough, Surf City residents come up with all sorts of ways to bring in a little cash, including selling their surfboards! During a recent stroll on Main Street in dowtown Huntington Beach a guy sat with his board with a sign on it, “For Sale”. It was an example as to the lengths people and companies will go to sell things these days.

The U.S. Open of Surfing is on its way (you can see them building the huge steel city of bleachers and risers on the beach right now,) and with it comes all sorts of bootleg gear sales, and countless new start-up and established companies using their guerilla marketing techniques to get products out to the public. In a given day you may see up to 10-15 trucks and vans pull up to parking spots in downtown Huntington Beach and begin handing out beverages, ice cream samples, and other products. With so many people invading the city for the US Open, the city enforcers can’t stay on top of all the unlicensed activity, and for eager tourists looking for something free, it is the perfect opportunity to be fed in HB, and not spend a dime. Many know about this and look forward to the free-for-all atmosphere the U.S. Open creates when city streets, beaches and services are simply swamped.

Among the coping mechanisms for staying cheap:

Parking in neighborhoods near the beach where there are no parking meters, then walking to the beach for a carefree day minus the stress of getting a parking ticket.

Getting free samples, using coupons on Huntingtonbeachcoupon.com, or dining during happy hour when tacos and snacks are either free or cheap.

Joining in on other people’s fun. Those who don’t want to spend money on firewood for a bonfire often can take over a fire that someone is deserting at night. The other group is glad that someone else can make use of their wood, that otherwise would go up in smoke.

Garage sales: Don’t waste money on garage sale signs. Often neighborhood realtors will provide you with their signage in hopes that you’ll one day think of them when buying or selling a home.

Attend free Huntington Beach events:  Today there are over 12 hours of free live entertainment today alone. If you head for the free Surfing Sunday concert at the pier, go to Central Park to see the L.A. Police Jazz Band tonight when the surfing concert ends, then high-tale it to the bars where bands are performing, you’ll be entertained like a king or queen, and it won’t cost you a dime.

Homeowners & renters leverage their yard space: Plant several avocado trees. Pound for pound, the easy-to-grow fruit yields one of the most expensive food items –avocados cost up to $2 each in the grocery store. With several trees yielding up to 300 avocados, you’re sitting on a gold mine.

The bad news: The down cycle creates a growth industry–theft & thievery.  Keep an eye on your wallet, lock your doors to your property, leave the music on in your house when you are gone (it might help), and don’t leave valuables in your car.  When you go to the beach or a free concert, always have someone keep an eye on your stuff. Don’t leave it unattended. Sadly, it is not uncommon for bicycles, expensive shoes and other personal items to disappear. That’s the reality.