Council overturns hillside measure

Just a few weeks after the City Council approved a complicated

measure restricting how far hillside homeowners could expand their

property, the newly elected City Council tossed out the ordinance,

complaining about its one-size-fits-all approach.

The issue has largely flown under the radar of most Huntington

Beach residents, but has become an explosive issue in Huntington

Harbour, pitting neighbor against neighbor in an ugly emotional

battle over property rights and zoning restrictions.

At issue is whether certain hillside homeowners should be able to

expand their property to the rear lot line and build tall concrete

walls to hold up their back patios. The hillside homeowners say they

have a right to expand on their own property and stopping them now

would be unfair since many homes have already expanded.

Residents who face the walls expressed disappointment with

Monday’s decision, calling the walls “massive” and “ugly,” and

arguing that they don’t fit in with the original character of the

neighborhood.

After months of emotional testimony from both sides of the issue,

the City Council voted 5-2 in November to enact a compromise

ordinance introduced by Councilwoman Jill Hardy restricting hillside

development. Under that measure, hillside homeowners were allowed to

extend their backyards to within 10 feet of their rear property lines

with a three-foot retaining wall and a five-foot “view” fence -- a

fence made of see-through material such as plexiglass or cast iron.

That ordinance had to be reintroduced to the council Monday for a

formal reading, allowing Councilwoman Cathy Green, an opponent of the

measure, to garner support from newly elected Councilmen Keith Bohr

and Don Hansen. Councilman Gil Coerper also changed his vote,

shifting the majority against the measure, with Councilwoman Debbie

Cook and Mayor Jill Hardy left as its minority supporters. Councilman

Dave Sullivan abstained.

Bohr said he voted against Hardy’s compromise because it wasn’t

pragmatic enough.

“Everybody wanted a compromise that split the baby in half,” he

said.

Hillside homeowners cheered Monday’s decision. Among them was Mike

Palikan, who vowed to throw a party over his victory.

“It looked bleak at first, but in the end we felt there was a lot

of support and that the council finally listened to our argument,” he

said.

Nearly 8 million visited city beaches in 2004

Surf City beaches had nearly eight million visitors last year,

according to a report for the city’s lifeguard headquarters.

In total, 7,958,466 people came to city beaches, about 1,000 less

than last year.

“We felt it was a very good year,” said Conference Visitors Bureau

President Doug Traub. “You have to keep in mind that we had sizable

[parking] rate increases.”

Parking prices went up 30 percent this year, and Traub said the

stability in beach attendance means visitors are willing to pay to

visit the coast, even if it costs a little more. That could translate

into a stronger revenue stream for the city and eventually more beach

services like lifeguards and trash removal.

“That tells us that our beaches have to be pretty fantastic,” he

said. “It appears we have been underpricing ourselves for years.”

Attendance levels still aren’t available for state beaches.

The city report also said there were about 2,282 rescues, 80,091

instances of lifeguards taking actions to prevent beachgoers from

dangers, 20,772 contacts with beach visitors by law enforcement

officials, 1,644 calls for medical aid, 257 lost and found persons,

52 requests to assist with wildlife and 74 public education courses

on beach awareness involving 3,113 students

Public hearings set

on community needs

The first of two public hearings on community needs will be held

on tonight at 7 p.m. at the city gym and pool at 1600 Palm Ave. The

second public hearing will be Thurs., Feb. 3, at 7 p.m. at Oak View

Community Center at 17261 Oak Lane.

All those interested in the community are encouraged to attend,

and all those who wish to are invited to speak before the city’s

Citizens Participation Advisory Board, which will review Community

Development Block Grant applications and make recommendations for

funding to the City Council.

For questions, please contact the economic development department

at 536-5542, or visit the city’s website at

https://www.surfcity-hb.org.

Chaperone needed for Sister City program

The Sister City Assn. of Huntington Beach is seeking a chaperone

for four student ambassadors to Anjo, Japan. Interested people who

either live or work in Huntington Beach are eligible.

Four Japanese students and their chaperone will visit Huntington

Beach from June 23 to July 7. Responsibilities of the city’s

chaperone include hosting the chaperone from Anjo.

In a reciprocal hosting arrangement, Huntington’s ambassadors and

chaperone will travel to Japan from July 26 to Aug. 10.

A stipend is offered to offset expenses partially. Information is

available by calling 846-7685 or 374-5397 or by visiting the group’s

website at https://www.hbsistercity.org.

Applications are available at the main branch of the library and

from Community Services Department, 5th floor of City Hall and from

the website.