Condo-conversion trial delayed

Former Huntington Beach Mayor Pam Houchen’s trial in which she is

facing 18 counts of real estate, mail and wire fraud has been pushed

back to October, Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrew Stolper said.

Houchen is one of eight defendants charged with participating in a

plot to convert condominiums to apartments without the proper permits

and sell them for profit. Houchen is also being accused of

participating in a scheme to purchase and resell property in a

redevelopment zone while she was serving on the council.

Also charged in the case is the alleged mastermind Philip Benson,

72; Harvey Du Bose, 63, a title officer who is alleged to have

insured several of the transactions; investor Michael McDonnell, 38;

Thomas Bagshaw, 55, who may have notarized several of the

transactions; investor Howard Richey, 78; investor Jeffrey Crandall,

44; and investor Michael Cherney, 57.

It’s possible that some of the defendants might enter plea deals

before going before a judge, Stolper said.

“To the extent that there is a trial,” Stolper said, “all the

defendants will be tried together.”

Local business leaders honored by Chamber

Two local business leaders are being honored at a June luncheon

for their contributions to Huntington Beach.

Maureen Sloan James, manager at Five Points Plaza, has been chosen

for the Athena Award, which celebrates women as valued members and

leaders of the community and recognizes those who support them.

“The Athena Award honors individuals who strive toward the highest

levels of professional accomplishment,” Chamber CEO Joyce Riddell

said, “who excel in their chosen field, have devoted time and energy

to their community in a meaningful way, and who also open paths so

that others may follow.”

Sloan James is involved in a number of civic groups including

Soroptimists International, the Huntington Beach Conference and

Visitors Bureau and the Shop, Play and Stay committee. She has also

helped to raise thousands of dollars for dozens of local charity

groups and is an active member with the Chamber of Commerce.

“Maureen is a caring, compassionate professional that excels in

all of her undertakings,” Riddell said. “She is a great contributor

to our community and is always ready and willing to lend a helping

hand.”

Sloan James lives with her two children Harrison, 12, and Mara, 6

in Huntington Beach. She said she most enjoys helping connect

talented people for new projects.

“I’m in a position to meet a variety of people,” she said. “I love

that I can build bridges and put people together to make things

happen.”

Steve Bone will be given the Outstanding Citizen Award at the

luncheon. Bone is the president and CEO of the Robert Mayer

Corporation, which owns the Hyatt Regency Resort and Spa and the

Hilton Waterfront Beach Resort. His company is also active in the

development of the Pacific City project.

“Steve is the ultimate community leader who donates both his time

and money for community betterment. He is always ready and willing to

help solve problems and has touched the lives of many with his

outstanding generosity over the past 19 years,” Riddell said.

Four local businesses will also be honored at the luncheon.

Coatings Resource Corporation, Mandic Motors, Jack’s Surfboards and

Mario’s Mexican restaurant will all be given legacy awards for their

contributions to the community.

The luncheon will be held June 1 from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the

Hilton. Tickets are $35 per person, or $300 per table. Reservations

are due by Friday. For more information, call the Huntington Beach

chamber at 536-8888.

Harman helps secure wetlands

Assemblyman Tom Harman announced Monday that an agreement has been

reached between the University of California and the California

Coastal Conservancy for the transfer of about 17 acres of wetlands

property located in Huntington Beach to the nonprofit Huntington

Beach Wetlands Conservancy.

The property is located adjacent to Pacific Coast Highway near

Brookhurst Street. UC Riverside acquired title to the property

several years ago as the result of a charitable donation. After

conducting market research concerning the development possibilities

of the property, the university concluded that the property was not

suitable for development purposes because it consists primarily of

wetlands protected by the California Coastal Act.

According to Harman, the University state officials have entered

into a complicated land swap that will result in the wetlands being

transferred to the conservancy. Under the terms of the agreement, the

university will receive from the state some surplus property in

Berkeley that is no longer being used by the Department of Health

Services. In exchange for that property, the university will transfer

to the conservancy the Huntington Beach wetlands property as well as

some timber property in Northern California near Ukiah.

In making the announcement, Harman said in a recent press release,

“It is a win--win situation for everyone involvedAll this is being

accomplished at no cost to the taxpayers due to the fact that this is

a straight land swap with no cash being exchanged.”

According to state officials, the transfer of title to the

properties involved in the agreement between the university and the

state should be completed in about four months.