Around Town: PCH to close in Huntington Beach Feb. 6 for Surf City Marathon

Pacific Coast Highway in Huntington Beach will be closed to traffic for much of the day on Sunday, Feb. 6 due to the annual Surf City Marathon run.

PCH will be closed from 1 a.m. until 2 p.m. in both directions from 1st Street to Beach Boulevard, and from 4 a.m. until 2 p.m. from Warner Avenue to 1st Street.

For more information about the marathon and other road closures, visit runsurfcity.com.

Huntington Beach modifying three traffic signals

In an effort to improve street safety, the city of Huntington Beach is modifying existing traffic signals at three intersections: Warner Avenue and Graham Street, Warner Avenue and Nichols Lane, as well as Brookhurst Street and Indianapolis Avenue.

The improvements include modifying fiber optics, installing new controllers, poles and signal heads. The new signals will also have illuminated street name signs, pedestrian and bicycle push buttons, new striping, signage and pedestrian ramps.

All three intersections currently have a yield signal, which will be replaced with arrow signals.

Work began at the three intersections on Jan. 8 and is expected to be completed in late March or early April.

Huntington Beach Central Book Club meets Tuesday

Adults ages 18 and up are invited to join the Huntington Beach Central Library-sponsored Central Book Club, which meets virtually on Tuesday at 7 p.m.

February’s book selection is “Harlem Shuffle” by Colston Whitehead, featuring a struggling furniture salesman who starts dealing with stolen jewelry on the side.

The URL for the online event will be sent to the email address provided during registration.

To sign up, visit https://hbpl.libcal.com/event/8680291.

Newport Beach residents invited to apply for general plan steering committee

The city of Newport Beach is accepting applications to serve on the three-seat general plan update steering committee. The application period ends at noon on Feb. 16.

The committee will be required to meet on weeknights or weekdays Monday through Thursday — at a time convenient for committee members — at 100 Civic Center Drive. An application can be obtained at the city clerk’s office or can be mailed by calling (949) 644-3005. The application and committee information can also be accessed through the city’s website at newportbeachca.gov/vacancy.

The Newport Beach City Council approved the formation of this committee at their last regular meeting on Jan. 25. There has not been a comprehensive update to Newport’s general plan since 2006.

NMUSD campuses reopen to volunteers and visitors

Volunteers and visitors will be allowed to return to Newport-Mesa Unified School District campuses starting next Monday after nearly a month away while cases of the Omicron variant of the coronavirus surged.

Volunteers will need to sign up through the district’s Raptor volunteer system. Those who have previously signed up this year will not need to reapply. Current processes for vaccinated volunteers will resume, including providing proof of vaccination among other requirements.

Unvaccinated volunteers will be asked to provide a negative COVID-19 test upon entry to a school site, taken within three days.

As of Friday morning, there are 417 cases between staff and students throughout the district.

Newport Beach Mayor’s Dinner rescheduled

The 40th annual Mayor’s Dinner, which will feature Newport Beach Mayor Kevin Muldoon delivering the State of the City address, has been moved from its customary February date to Thursday, May 19. The winter surge of pandemic-related coronavirus cases caused its delay.

The event will be held at VEA Newport Beach, formally known as the Newport Beach Marriott. The Speak Up Newport (SUN) Board of Directors sponsors the event. For more information visit speakupnewport.com.

UVSA Tết Festival next weekend at O.C. fairgrounds

The Tết Festival (Hội Tết Sinh Viên) of Southern California, recognized as the largest Vietnamese Lunar New Year Festival, is set to run from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 5 and from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 6 at the Orange County fairgrounds in Costa Mesa.

The celebration will offer traditional food, entertainment and cultural exhibitions to welcome the Year of the Tiger.

Admission is $8 and parking is $10. For more details visit tetfestival.org

‘Mamma Mia’ to be performed at Vanguard University

The musical ‘Mamma Mia’ will be staged in the Lyceum Theater on the Vanguard University campus on three weekends starting Feb. 25 and concluding March 13.

“I’m so thrilled to get the opportunity to put my spin on ‘Mamma Mia’ at Vanguard University,” stated director Nikki Snelson. ‘Mamma Mia’ is an upbeat and invigorating musical about relationships, love, loss, and forgiveness, featuring the iconic music of global superstars ABBA! You’ll laugh. You’ll cry. You’ll dance in the aisles.”

The production is suitable for ages teens and older. Ticket prices are $20 for general admission and $16 for seniors, children, college students and groups. Tickets can be purchased at vanguardtickets.com or by calling the box office at (714) 668-6145.

— Daily Pilot Staff

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