CITY ROUNDUP:

A national controversy over Iraq security contractor Blackwater drew Rep. Dana Rohrabacher to defend his longtime friend who runs the company. Rohrabacher spoke in defense of company President Erik Prince this week, a man who in the early ’90s was an intern for the congressman.

Blackwater has come under public scrutiny after a Sept. 16 shooting in which its military contractors are accused by the Iraqi government of killing 17 unarmed civilians. The FBI is now investigating the incident. But Rohrabacher said congressional hearings on the role of military contractors are politically motivated.

“I think this is ginned up by people who oppose the war and are looking for a target,” he said. “And they cannot take on military personnel directly, so they go after the contractors.”

Any large operation is going to have some mistakes made, Rohrabacher said — whether it’s a public operation or a private one. Blackwater can’t prevent having “a few bad eggs among your personnel,” he said.

“To throw it up at them, ‘Your guy got drunk on Christmas Eve and shot some guy,’” Rohrabacher said was an unfair argument. “How many people in the world in service in hot spots get drunk and shoot somebody? Let’s not reflect any bad judgment or immorality they may have on Blackwater.”

As for his former intern and political friend Prince, Rohrabacher called him a hero for putting his wealth to work in the service of America.

“I’m very proud of him,” he said. “Not proud because he’s never made a mistake, but proud that he’s highly motivated and is a very honest and responsible human being trying to help his country.”

City utility bills get technological update

Paying your city utility bills has moved into the 21st century; they can now be paid by phone. The city has now set up an automated system to handle credit card payments of utility statements. To do so, call (877) 309-4915 with your full account number at hand, and follow the instructions. Payments will go through the next business day, so same day payments should be made in person at City Hall, 2000 Main St., by check, cash or credit card.

Seniors receive financial advice

Seniors who want advice about taxes, Social Security, probate or other financial planning issues can get free advice Thursday mornings at Michael E. Rodgers Seniors’ Center, 1706 Orange Ave. A retirement specialist from Guardian Financial will answer questions; for an appointment, call (714) 536-9387.

Center to bring arts, crafts event to families

The Huntington Beach Arts Center has scheduled its annual Family Arts Day from noon to 4 p.m. Oct. 21.

Open to the public, it offers painting, sculpture, print making, fiber arts and assemblage activities, and will feature live music and dance.

Sponsored by Target, the event charges no admission.

For more information, call (714) 374-1650, or go to www.surfcity-hb.org/Visitors/ art_center/.