International Volkswagen Bus Day – June 2
In celebration of International Volkswagen (VW) Bus Day on Friday, June 2, from 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Volkswagen of America has chosen Huntington Beach as the location for the global debut of the three-row ID Buzz electric vehicle.
The beach parking lot between Beach Boulevard and Huntington Street was transformed to commemorate Volkswagen’s journey to electrification with the three-row ID Buzz and to celebrate the history of the classic Type 2 VW Bus. The event will include new product showcases, live entertainment, streamed programming, and a Cars & Coffee gathering featuring approximately 300 registered classic VW buses.
HB to Receive $25M Reimbursement from State
The City of Huntington Beach is pleased to announce that it will be submitting for full payment of $22,400,000, plus interest, from the State of California for reimbursement on the City’s old Waterfront Loan.
In February, the Superior Court ruled in favor of the City in the City of Huntington Beach v. State of California, Department of Finance case worth tens of millions of dollars. To learn more, please visit this link here.
Orange County Peace Officers’ Memorial Ceremony & Candlelight Vigil
On Thursday, May 25, police and City personnel attended the Orange County Peace Officers’ Memorial Ceremony and Candlelight Vigil at the Orange County Sheriff’s Academy. This year, Officer Nick Vella was honored, along with 53 other officers who lost their lives in the line of duty. Huntington Beach Police Officer Leo Roy Darst, who lost his life in 1928, and Officer Leslie J. Prince, who lost his life in 1974, were also honored. Officer Vella and Officer Prince’s family were in attendance for the ceremony.
Emergency Medical Services (EMS)
Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Week was held Monday, May 22, through Friday, May 26, to celebrate our Fire Department personnel and all of their efforts that take place 24/7. Huntington Beach Hospital was gracious to host a wonderful EMS barbeque on-site for our first responders. Mercy Air made an appearance by, landing their new transport helicopter and providing a training opportunity for our personnel.
Community Risk Reduction
In preparation for Independence Day, the Community Risk Reduction Division participated in a countywide fireworks training session at the Honda Center. The training included live demonstrations of aerial displays and theatrical effects to prepare our staff for this year’s 4th of July festivities.
Fire Suppression
On Tuesday, May 30, at approximately 10:30 p.m., units were dispatched to the front of Golden West College for a single-vehicle traffic collision. Reports from HBPD indicated that the vehicle was on fire and that there were multiple patients. Upon arrival, fire crews found one vehicle on its side, fully involved with fire, and four patients self-extricated. One patient was transported to the hospital and the others refused care. The accident was so violent that the vehicle went airborne and was torn in two pieces with the engine block separating from the vehicle.
Marine Safety
May was National Water Safety Month, which includes: World Drowning Prevention, Boating Safety, Water Safety, and Beach Safety Month. Battalion Chief Trevor McDonald spoke about boating safety, Captain Hamborg received the proclamation for beach safety, and Captain Schwene.
The Marine Safety Division had an increase in rescues and preventative actions during last week’s high surf. The summer opening weekend had over 130 rescues caused by the surf and close to 1,300 preventative actions. In the harbor, Rescue Boat 5264, had six tows and four private dock enforcements.
As a reminder, always wear a personal flotation device while on the water, whether on a boat or board. Also, always swim near a lifeguard at the beach. For City of Huntington Beach safety and visitor information, live conditions, and FAQ, please visit the Safe Beach Day.
Public Works Open House
On Tuesday, May 23, the Public Works Department celebrated National Public Works Week with its annual Open House at Surf City Nights. This free, family-friendly, fun event highlighted the various divisions of the department in an educational and engaging environment. Hundreds of residents visited hands-on displays, exhibits, and game booths to learn more about the critical role that the Public Works Department plays in making Huntington Beach a great place to live, work, and play.
Beach Handrail Replacement
The Public Works Department’s Beach Maintenance and Street Maintenance Divisions worked in coordination to remove and replace failing handrails in two beach restrooms. The newly installed railings improve safety and aesthetics for beach patrons.
