BRIEFS

The city of Huntington Beach, together with with several local water

agencies, will hold a free toilet giveaway from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday

at Edison High School, 21400 Magnolia Ave., Huntington Beach. Residents

are eligible for up to three free water-efficient toilets if they bring a

current water bill and ID.

They will be distributed on a first-come, first-serve basis. Those who

receive these toilets need to return their old toilets from 9 a.m. to 2

p.m. Feb. 17 for recycling. For more information, call (800)424-8538.

Blue Planet offers mini-grants

The Blue Planet Foundation has announced a new program offering

mini-grants of up to $500 to fund water-related educational projects.

Projects submitted for funding must focus on water or water-related

environmental issues. Schools, classes, youth clubs and youth service

organizations are encouraged to apply for a Water Education Mini-Grant.

For more information, call (714) 378-3362.

Coastal Commission to hold photo contest

Beach and Bolsa Chica enthusiasts bitten by the shutter bug can put

their skills to the test in the California Coastal Commission’s 2001

Amateur Photography Contest.

In honor of the 25th anniversary of the California Coastal Act, the

commission is looking for color images, taken from public places,

depicting the scenic coast, its wildlife and various uses by humans.

Especially encouraged are entries documenting coastal resources protected

by the commission’s actions, such as public beaches, public access ways,

agricultural lands and wetlands like that at Bolsa Chica.

Interested photographers must make less than 50% of their income from

photography and should contact the commission for a full list of contest

guidelines. Prizes will be awarded to first, second and third place

winners. All entries should be postmarked by March 15.

Information: (800) 262-7848,o7 https://www.coastal.ca.govf7 oro7

https://www.coast4u@coastal.govf7 , or write to the California Coastal

Commission Photo Contest, 45 Fremont St., Suite 2000, San Francisco, CA

94105

Surf City flood insurance rates decrease

The Federal Emergency Management Agency has awarded the city of

Huntington Beach an improved Class 7 rating in the Community Rating

System of the National Flood Insurance Program. The Class 7 rating

enables the residents of Huntington Beach an annual 15% premium saving on

each flood insurance policy in high-hazard areas and a 5% premium

reduction in low-risk areas. For more information, visit FEMA’s official

Web site at o7 https://www.fema.orgf7 or call the city of Huntington

Beach flood information hotline at (714) 374-5395.

Water district to hold classes

The Orange County Water District will offer an informative, free water

education class about the basics of water in Orange County. The two-hour

classes will be held from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Wednesdays and 9 to 11 a.m.

Saturdays. Registration is open for this Wednesday’s class.

Information: (714) 378-3217.

Community Police Academy accepting applicants

The Fountain Valley Police Department is accepting applications for

the next Community Police Academy. This program provides Fountain Valley

residents and business personnel an opportunity to learn about the daily

operations of the Police Department. Classes will start in March and run

from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. on Wednesdays for 12 weeks. Applications will be

accepted until Feb. 15. Information: (714) 593-4423.

Ms. Senior California Pageant preliminary set

A preliminary Ms. Senior California Pageant will be held April 14 at

the Rodgers Seniors’ Center, sponsored by the Exchange Club of Huntington

Beach. Five finalists will compete for the title of Ms. Senior California

in August. To be eligible, contestants must be 60 or older.

Information: (714) 960-2030.