Surf the Web at local state beach

After visitors to Huntington State Beach finish surfing the waves,

they can now surf the Web, thanks to a new wireless internet program

offered by California State Parks Department and SBC Communications.

Twenty state parks already use the technology, known as WiFi.

Visitors with a laptop computer and wireless card can easily pick

up the Internet signal, which is broadcast like a radio transmission

from state beach facilities, and be connected to the Internet

anywhere on the sand.

“It allows visitors online access where it otherwise would not be

available,” SBC spokesperson Denise Spiegel said. “You can check your

e-mail or plan your next trip.”

Accessing the wireless service isn’t free. SBC customers pay an

additional $2 a month if they already have SBC DSL, while

nonsubscribers can pay about $8 per day or buy unlimited access to

all “Freedomlink” hotspots for about $20 per month. The unlimited

access gives users the ability to connect to about 8,000 wireless

points in airports, coffee shops and public parks.

The activations are part of a larger effort to bring all of

California’s 59 state parks online. Lake Perris State Recreation Area

and Doheny State Beach have also been added to the 20 state parks

that already use the technology.

Governor appoints Harman to commission

Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger has appointed Huntington Beach

Assemblyman Tom Harman to the Pacific States Marine Fisheries

Commission.

“I am pleased that the governor has demonstrated his confidence

with my knowledge and experience within the fishing arena and I will

do my best to fulfill the duties of the commission,” Harman said in a

written statement announcing the June 29 appointment.

Authorized by Congress in 1947, the Pacific States Marine

Fisheries Commission is one of three interstate commissions dedicated

to resolving fishery issues. Representing California, Oregon,

Washington, Idaho and Alaska, it does not have regulatory or

management authority but serves as a forum for discussion of coastal

issues and works with state and federal authorities.

Harman will continue to serve as a member of the California State

Assembly, representing the 67th District, until his term expires in

2006. The appointment requires Senate confirmation and there is no

salary.

In the Assembly, Harman already serves on the Natural Resources,

Judiciary, and the Arts, Entertainment, Sports and Tourism

committees.

City gets sales-tax allocation for local roads

Huntington Beach will receive $5.9 million from the Orange County

Transportation Authority for road improvements, the county group

announced last month.

On June 27, the transportation authority’s Board of Directors

approved nearly $208 million in county allocations for 510 regional

transportation projects. Funding will come from Measure M, the

half-cent sales tax approved by Orange County voters in November 1990

for countywide transportation improvements. Measure M is expected to

raise $3.1 billion over its 20-year life.

“Every other year, (the transportation authority) provides funding

for a variety of transportation projects,” transportation authority

spokesman Michael Litschi said. “One component is local road and

street improvements.”

This year’s allocations will fund a number of projects including

pavement grinding, asphalt paving, curb and gutter repair and

installing traffic loops for the following streets: Bolsa Chica

Avenue from Oahu Drive to Warner Avenue; Goldenwest Street from

Laurelhurst Drive to Warner Avenue; Goldenwest Street from McFadden

Avenue to Laurelhurst Drive; Bolsa Chica Avenue from Rancho Drive to

McFadden Avenue; Adams Avenue from Sutton Lane to Magnolia Avenue;

and Bolsa Chica Avenue from McFadden Avenue to Oahu Drive.

Money would also go toward the widening of Atlanta Avenue and

studies looking at possible improvements to the intersection of

Warner Avenue and Pacific Coast Highway and to the traffic flow of

Bolsa Chica Avenue.

The 2005 Measure M allocation was the largest of its kind, but it

could also be its last. Measure M is set to expire in 2011, unless

voters back its extension.

They could get a chance to do so as early as next year.

“Our board hasn’t given it final approval but is considering

asking voters to renew Measure M in 2006,” Litschi said.

Board seeks nominations for environmental award

The city’s Environmental Board is now accepting nominations to

honor individuals whose efforts preserve, protect or conserve the

community’s environmental resources. All local businesses, community

groups, schools and individuals are encouraged to submit candidates

for the awards.

To apply, send the name and address of the honoree and a brief

description on why they should be nominated. Make sure also to

include contact information for those submitting the nomination.

The deadline for nominations is July 31.

Complete and return the application to Ricky Ramos, City of

Huntington Beach Environmental Board, 2000 Main St., P.O. Box 190,

Huntington Beach, CA 92648. For more information, call (714)

536-5624.

Successful entries will receive recognition at a City Council

meeting.