CITY ROUNDUP:

Aspiring local beauty queens take note: The Miss Huntington Beach Scholarship Pageant is accepting applications through Jan. 9.

Winners of the event then go on to compete for the title of Miss California in June 2008. Both Miss Huntington Beach and her court receive scholarship money and attend numerous public events such as ribbon cuttings and parades.

Girls 17 to 24 can apply if they live, work, or attend school in Huntington Beach. Applications are available at the Huntington Beach Chamber of Commerce, 19891 Beach Blvd., or at www.misshb.org.

For more information, call (714) 536-8888.

The pageant will be March 1 at Dwyer Middle School.

Ad signs approved for Bella Terra, auto dealer

Drivers down on the 405 Freeway near Huntington Beach will now have something else to look at while caught in traffic. New electronic signs for the Bella Terra Mall and the Huntington Beach Auto Dealer’s Assn. were approved by the zoning administrator Dec. 5.

The 85-foot-high signs will be on Center Avenue next to the freeway, and both will host ads for local businesses, auto dealers’ sales, and public service announcements.

The auto dealers’ sign is a replacement for its existing electronic display at the same place, while the Bella Terra sign is new.

Support wildlife by buying Bolsa calendar

For the fifth year in a row, environmental group the Bolsa Chica Land Trust has released its “Wings Over Bolsa” calendar, featuring the birds and wildlife of the Bolsa Chica Wetlands.

Proceeds from the $10 calendars go to the group’s education efforts. To order, call (714) 846-1001, or go to www.bolsachicalandtrust.org.

Drop toys off at CVS drugstores, fire stations

Those feeling generous over the holidays will again have the chance to donate toys and sports equipment to needy children as part of the annual “Spark of Love” toy drive, organized by firefighters throughout the county in combination with the “Toys for Tots” and “Operation Santa Claus” drives run by the U.S. Marines and Social Services Agency. Huntington Beach firefighters are again participating, and all eight fire stations in Huntington Beach are accepting toys, as well as all CVS drugstores and the lobbies of the Civic Center, 2000 Main St., and Huntington Beach police department, 2000 Main St.

Those who know of a family in need can call Leti Save with the Society of St. Vincent de Paul at (714) 288-5600.

Collection boxes will be out at those locations through Dec. 24.

Supt. recognized for counseling policies

Huntington Beach Union High School District Supt. Van Riley has received a statewide award naming him 2007 Administrator of the Year.

The California Assn. of School Counselors will honor Riley Friday at its annual state convention in San Diego.

According to a news release, the group, which advocates for policies aimed at improving counseling for students, is recognizing Riley for his support for school counseling in the district.

The executive board of the member organization names only one school administrator for the award each year.