Sunday, June 23, 2013 at 3:30 p.m.
The Huntington Beach Central Library Theater, 7111 Talbert Ave., Huntington Beach, CA
Ticket: $20 pre, $25 door
Seniors & Students: $18 — $20 at door
Tickets may be purchased on line at hbsymphony.org or (714) 274-5524

HUNTINGTON BEACH, CALIF. — California utility regulators this week approved JPMorgan Chase & Co’s transfer of tolling agreements (right to market energy for AES) at three power plants in Huntington Beach, Long Beach and Redondo Beach. Previously owned by SCE, the plants had been sold to AES, which operates them and sells back energy to the original company that owned them. Using JP Morgan to sell the energy, that bank began controlling the flow of energy during a time in which a major power source was shut down after leaks were found at San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station. The bank has denied allegations that it manipulated power prices in California and Michigan, but has sold its rights to Southern California Edison (SCE) from Oct. 1, 2013 to May 31, 2018. The sale includes tolling agreements for 430 MW at Units 1 and 2 in Huntington Beach, 1,950 MW at Units 1-6 at the Alamitos plant and 1,310 MW at Units 5-8 at Redondo Beach. That’s enough energy to supply several million customers.

To help maintain the reliability of the power grid should both reactors remain shut over the summer, the California Independent System Operator (ISO) entered into an agreement with AES to convert Huntington Beach Units 3 and 4 into synchronous condensers that provide voltage support to help move power around the grid. JPMorgan had claimed it could prevent AES from building the new condensers, but agreed in this week’s transaction it would relinquish rights and control over HB’s units 3 & 4.

Police Chief Kenneth Small (left) with Chris MacDonald, two-time recipient of the Mayor’s Award and local news columnist.

Huntington Beach Police Chief Kenneth Small, after serving Surf City residents for more than a decade, is retiring. Small notified the city manager and city council that he planned to retire from the Huntington Beach Police Department. He has served HB since 2002, coming from Daytona Beach where he dealt with similar beach enforcement issues that face Huntington Beach. Daytona Beach had become known as a Spring Break Party Capital, and under Small’s helm, the tourist destination was successful in creating a safe environment for teens and college students to enjoy.

Chief Small began his law enforcement career with the Los Angeles Police Department in 1971. In 2002, he became Huntington Beach Chief of Police for Huntington Beach Police Department. Under his direction his department has operated with cuts in officers while creating innovative resource sharing. HBPD saved the helicopter patrol by allowing nearby cities to pay for the services Surf City enjoys and takes for granted. Small’s department also created online social networking programs to spread the word on Facebook and other platforms, and his department has been recognized with many awards. Currently media throughout the nation promote the photo database of convicted serial killer Rodney Alcala’s pictures found in his possession, available on Huntington Beach City website, to possibly help solved decades-old cases of missing persons.

Small’s department also has participated in online Internet patrolling to protect local youth and adults from potential predators who especially target underage youth in sex crimes.

Small’s credits are too long to mention, but for those living in HB, his presence as Police Chief has helped make Surf City a great place to live & visit!

About Kenneth Small

• Kenneth W. Small was appointed Chief of the Huntington Beach Police Department on October 12, 2002.
• He began his professional career with the Los Angeles Police Department in 1971.
• He worked North Hollywood, Foothill and Central areas until 1979 when he was promoted to the rank of Sergeant.
• As a Sergeant he served in the Wilshire Area and was assigned to the Internal Affairs Division.
• He also worked on the 1984 Olympic Games Planning Task Force.
• In 1985 Chief Small attained the rank of Lieutenant.
• His assignments included the Organized Crime Intelligence Division, Personnel and Training Bureau, and the Office of Special Services.
• In 1991, he was promoted to the rank of Captain.
• Between 1991 and 1996, he served as the Commanding Officer in the following assignments; Devonshire Area, Van Nuys Area, Planning and Research Division, Southeast Area and Training.
• In September 1996, Chief Small was appointed Chief of Police of the Daytona Beach Police Departmen.
• At Daytona Beach, Chief Small was responsible for developing and implementing a community based and community oriented police plan, upgrading policies and procedures including new computer and radio systems.
• He improved department procedures for hosting major special events that attracted in excess of 8 million visitors in the city each year.

Education

• Small obtained a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Political Science from the California State University, Northridge.
  He received a Master of Science Degree in Management from Cal Poly, Pomona.
• He is also a graduate of the California Law Enforcement Command College and the Leadership Southern California Program hosted by the Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce and the Southern California Association of Government.

Memberships

• Chief Small is a member of the International Association of Chiefs of Police.
• Served as Vice President of the Orange County Chiefs and Sheriffs Association.
• On the Board of Directors for the Boys and Girls Club of Huntington Valley and the Orange County Victim’s Assistance Governing Board.
• Member of the Advisory Committee for the Golden West College Criminal Justice Training Center.
• Member of the California League of Cities Environmental Quality Committee.

Bauer’s achievements include:
- HB Mayor, 1997
- Member, HB City Council, 1992-2002
- Recreation & Parks Commission
- Community Services Commission
- Planning Commission
- Pier Design Committee
- Linear Park Citizens Committee
- People for Parks (bond issue to purchase Huntington Central Park)
- Historical Society (life member)
- Amigos de Bolsa Chica (charter member)
- Bolsa Chica Land Trust
- HB Art Museum (patron)
- School Boards (two city boards, played a part in opening several HB schools)

NPPL Paintball World Series www.nppl.com
Friday, Saturday, Sunday, April: 12, 13, & 14, 2013
HUNTINGTON BEACH, Calif. PIER PLAZA
405 Pacific Coast Highway
Huntington Beach, Calif. 92648
HOURS: 7am – 5pm DAILY
COST: TRADESHOW: FREE
Fields 2 and 3 Viewing: FREE
SIDELINES: FREE
VIP Seats: $45
CENTER COURT GRANDSTANDS: $10
Go to www.nppl.com to purchase tickets

California-born and Hawaiian-bred Ben Brough prefers a traditional style of painting and collage. Ben has traveled the world surfing, logging images in journals. Childlike scrawl drawings embrace humanistic emotions. His goal is to create raw mythical impact. Ben has shown his art in galleries worldwide. The 3rd Thursday Art Walk is free and open to the public. The Surfing Museum suggests a small donation for admission. Contact the Surfing Museum: (714) 960-3483 or email cindy@hbsurfingmuseum.com

By Chris MacDonald

Elaine Craft, who has read her poems about trees in honor of Arbor Day for 30 years, was recently honored by the Huntington Beach Tree Society, who planted an Oak Tree in her name at Bartlett Park, near the Newland House Barn. Elaine, who was on the Allied Arts Board and a well-known television personality on HBTV-3 for many years, has helped HB Trees educate the public on the value of trees to our community. HBTV-3′s Matt Liffering recorded the event for airing.

The well-attended ceremony included several of Elaines’ daughters, former HB Mayor Norma Brandel Gibbs, former Shipley Nature Center President Dr. Kay Goddard, HB Tree President Jean Nagy and fellow leaders Ann Anderson and Shirley Knopf as well as HB Public Works Director Travis Hopkins, members of the city’s Parks, Tree & Landscape Division, including Greg Gutierrez, Randy Menzel, Denny Bacon and others, who assisted in the special planting, Huntington Beach Historical Society President Kelly Rivers, Vice President Darrel Rivers, Newland House Caretaker Sean Rivers, City Historian Jerry Person and Gibbs Park Restoration Coordinator Leslie Gilson. They all joined in shoveling compost to help the Oak Tree grow. It could one day reach 25 feet high.

One of the trees Elaine and others in attendance helped plant many years ago, is a towering magnolia that stands proudly outside HB’s oldest resident, The Newland House (1898), just yards from the ceremony. You can see the magnolia as well as visit the new “Elaine” Tree and tour the fabulous Newland House the first and third Saturday and Sunday of each month at 19820 Beach Boulevard.

Special Tree Poems were read by HB Tree Society President Jean Nagy, HB Tree Society Member Ann Anderson and myself. The non-profit HB Trees, often with assistance from the City, Boy Scouts and volunteers, has planted more than 5,000 beautiful trees that are already making various areas of our city much more beautiful. Find out more and how you can get involved at www.hbtrees.org .

Here’s my poem in honor of Elaine, Arbor Day and to everyone who plants trees:

TREE TREASURE

Planting a Tree
Makes a Better World,
For You and for Me.

Cleaner Air, a Prettier Place,
Home for Birds,
Keeper of Open Space.

Planting a Tree,
Is Not Just for Me,
But for Others to Enjoy, in the Future To Be.

It’s More than Just Landscape
Or Shelter or Shade,
But Hope for Tomorrow, Before it’s Too Late.

Tree-planters, We Salute You on Arbor Day.
Many Thanks for the Treasure
You leave behind today!

Fascinating Surf Art Features Less as More

By C. MacDonald

“Minimal Surf” is a fascinating art exhibit that captures some famous surfer styles with few brushstrokes. You can see it now through February 19th at The International Surfing Museum, 411 Olive, in downtown Huntington Beach, CA.

“I try to catch the unique style of a surfer, using the fewest brushstrokes,” said Artist Dave Reynolds. “The idea is to use the the simplest elements to create the maximum effect.”

Helping him capture the style are photographs, some of which were recommended by surfers themselves. Reynolds, who has surfed for more than 40 years, has admirably created the snapshot style of Surfing Champions like Kelly Slater, Peter Townsend, Rell Sunn and many others.

The incredible display is being enjoyed by visitors from around the World. “Today I got an email from some people in France who loved it,” said Reynolds, who is also the museum’s Exhibits Director.

He was asked to exhibit his unique artwork by museum board member Cindy Cross. “Dave’s such a creative artist and talented fellow, we’re honored having him part of the museum team,” Cross said.

You can purchase his “Minimal Surf” artwork and even have him do one of you on a surfboard, skateboard or snowboard. To find out more, visit his website, surftrophy.com.

By C. MacDonald

Huntington Beach, CA–Father Christian Mondor, “the Surfing Padre,” was honored by the Roman Catholic Diocese of Orange recently for his passionate role in helping bring together surfers and others of all faiths to show their spiritual appreciation of the ocean at the annual “Blessing of the Waves.”

The modest 87-year-old friar from Sts. Simon and Jude Church, has helped the Diocese and Greater HB Interfaith Council grow the increasingly popular Blessing, which brings a real appreciation of different religions and the ocean as well as the need to preserve it for future generations.

The jovial Vicar Emeritus, who received a four foot surfboard with the Blessings insignia, has worked with the Diocese, Council, HB Longboard Crew, HB City Council and staff, HB International Surfing Museum, Lions Club and others to make it happen.

“Its a fabulous event and Father Christian is a fabulous man. Everyone looks up to him and is inspired by his enthusiasm,” said former Mayor and current City Councilmember Joe Carchio, who once awarded “the Surfing Padre” the key to the city.

“He and his friends have done so much to attract young people, surfers and others dedicated to the environment to become involved in the Blessing,” said Shirl Giacomi, Chancellor of the Diocese that started the celebration in the Surf City’s surf five years ago. “Its so festive. There’s so much to see, hear and learn at the ceremonies. My granddaughters were in absolute awe at the last one. Father Christian is a true treasure and we wanted to honor him.”

“I’m humbled and receive this honor on behalf of all the people who make this special Blessing possible,” said Father Christian, who began surfing 17 years ago at 70, and has a real appreciation for the ocean.

“Surfing has a spiritual side, it’s a time of quiet contemplation,” he said. “The time between the waves is a wonderful time to pray and be thankful. As you rise and fall with the swells, there’s a real beauty and peacefulness to it. It’s just a terrific feeling.”

The annual Blessing of the Waves features pastors, priests, rabbis, immams and other religious leaders as well as cultural music. It takes place at Pier Plaza, just north of the HB Pier, then continues on to the beach and into the ocean. Watch for the Diocese, City and Interfaith Council and media to announce this year’s date.

HUNTINGTON BEACH, CALIF.–Orange County’s newest comedy club, conceived and run by comedians Bob Perkell and Jeff Capri, entered 2013 with their first birthday and welcoming of new management at Endless Food and Fun where the club hosts its weekly shows. “We built the club as a separate entity from the regular kid services offered at the venue,” says Perkell. “The affordable, three-act show format that made comedy clubs so progressive in the 1980s is back,” and people are loving it, according to the renown talent who’s appeared in major comedy productions, won countless comedy act contests, and teaches comedy from time to time.

New and affordable dinners, which includes burgers, appetizers and drink specials that are priced to complement the comedy club’s economy” ticket price of only $15 per person make this the locals choice for entertainment without the hassle of driving to Hollywood. Nice! Surf City Comedy Club reservations and tickets are available by calling (949) 287-3161 or surfcitycomedyclub.com.

Location:Surf City Comedy Club, 7227 Edinger Avenue, Huntington Beach, CA 92647