Desalination permits studied

The Planning Commission began discussing the two remaining permits

necessary to approve the proposed seawater desalination plant, but

with two members absent, opted to push back a vote on the project.

Commissioners began their foray into the conditional use permit

and coastal development permit issues on Tuesday night after an Aug.

12 approval of the environmental report, which was up for

reconsideration afteran engineer provided false information to the

board before the first approval.The conditional use permit determines

whether the plant is compatible with its neighborhood.

“In approving or denying the conditional use permit,

[commissioners] will make a finding on whether the project would be

detrimental or compatible with the area,” Associate City Planner

Ricky Ramos said.

To make the determination, commissioners will study effects such

as noise, lighting, hours of operation, architecture and landscaping.

Commissioners labored through reports Tuesday night and asked

staff to return to the next meeting with minor corrections or

clarifications.

Issues addressed included landscaping and lighting at and around

the proposed plant and its effect on neighboring wetlands.

Commissioners also suggested minor changes in the language of the

report.

If approved, the commission will next study the coastal

development permit, which is required for developments in the coastal

zone. This permit deals with the project’s effect on coastal related

issues, such as beaches, water quality and marine life.

A vote on the conditional use permit is tentatively scheduled for

Sept. 9 at the next meeting.

City Council considers raising fees

The City Council discussed a proposal to raise fees as much as $3

million and gave staff the green light to move forward with the study

at a budget workshop meeting Monday.

If the fees are approved at a future budget workshop meeting, the

city could gain as much as $5 million in new revenue, City

Administrator Ray Silver said.

An outside contractor was hired by the city to determine the costs

of providing services to the community. Staff has used these figures

to come up with a list of recommended changes for services.

“The fees are either something that the market will bear or

competitive with other cities,” Silver said Monday.

Community services fees, recreation classes, room rentals, special

events and permits for development projects are likely to jump if the

new fees are approved.

Several of the council members were frustrated by the format of

the new fee schedule, which they called confusing and difficult to

follow.

A final vote on the fees is scheduled for Sept. 2.

Brewery showcases local talent behind the camera

Local independent filmmakers showcased their works at the Filmsup

International Film Festival at the Huntington Beach Beer Company

Thursday and Friday.

The film festival featured 26 films, created by filmmakers as

young as 8, and drew about 100 people. It’s purpose was to reach out

to the community and get young filmmakers involved, said Lourdes

Ortega, spokeswoman for the festival.

The festival was the brainchild of 18-year-old Clifford Cruz, its

executive director. Many of the contributing filmmakers are also in

their teens.

“It’s a new festival and very quaint,” Ortega said. “A lot of

effort comes from the community.”

Categories included full-length feature film, documentary short

film, animation, commercial and music video.

In the feature film category, “Dream Parlor” won best feature film

and Kendra Funger was named best director for “Much Ado.” Mikel

Cventanovic was chosen as best actor for “First Time and Again,” and

“Bottom Feeders Inc.” won for best cinematography.

A film called “Frazetta: Painting with Fire,” by Lance Laspina,

won best documentary and best director in the documentary film

category. “On the Job” by Jimmy Vision won best animation, “Alone”

won best short film and the best music video was entitled “Hey L.A.

Set Hollywood Free,” by Javier Prato.

Eight-year-old Kent Alexander Styles also won a special jury award

for his music video, “Me and the Band: Scarlet Crush,” which he

created almost single-handedly, with just a little help from his mom.

Next year, the films will be shown in a theater, and the festival

will include a series of workshops for aspiring filmmakers, Ortega

said.

Core Tour taking over beach lot on Sept. 5

The Nokia 500 Core Tour -- a free alternative sports and music

festival -- comes to Huntington Beach on Sept. 5

Surf City is the final stop of the 2003 national tour. Competition

takes place through Sept. 7 in the beach parking lot near the pier.

Professional and amateur competition will take place in the core

sports of BMX dirt jumping, skateboarding, inline skating and

mountain board jumping .

More than 15 alternative bands are scheduled to perform at Pier

Plaza.

Events runs between 2 and 6 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 5, and from 9

a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 6 and Sunday, Sept. 7.

Civil War to be re-created in Central

The Huntington Beach Historical Society and the City of Huntington

Beach will present costumed actors in a reenactment of a Civil War

battle at 10 a.m. on Saturday and 8 a.m. Sunday, in Huntington

Central Park.

The event will replicate life in the year 1800 with settlers,

encampments and two war battles a day. There will be cannon fire,

music, food and other items of historic interest. On Saturday, there

will be a concert at twilight.

For more information, call (714) 969-8928.