California Beaches Blog

There are some really tasty events this weekend, and you still have a day to get in on the food and fun. One of them is the Chula Vista Lemon festival. Chula Vista is located near the city of  San Diego and is a great drive trip for Southern Californians.

Another annual event that thousands look forward to annually is the Salinas Air Show going on this weekend.  It’s exciting for all ages .  Orange County Fair will wrap up its final day so you may want to get in on the show.

In the Bay Area, the San Jose Jazz Festival provides cool jazz tunes on a hot summer day, while over the hill in Scotts Valley near the beaches of Santa Cruz you can celebrate the annual Scotts Valley Art & Wine Festival. One of the largest attended events will be going on at The Rose Bow in Pasadena. The Rose Bowl Flea Market is the Read the rest of this entry »

You never want for things to do when you’re in California. Here’s a taste of a perfectly beach-y Saturday filled with food, music, entertainment and beaches galore! For more ideas, check out the calendar.

CALIFORNIA BEACHES - Grunion Run.  Southern California beaches grunion run spans the beaches from San Diego to Santa Barbara in Southern California. Time: 11:05 PM - 10:05 AM* (Aug. 9). Cost: Must have California fishing license to fish the shoreline for grunion.

BEAR VALLEY -Bear Valley Music Festival. Opera, Elixir of Love, Donizetti, featured at 41st Annual Bear Valley Music Festival in an inspiring  outdoor setting in Alpine County. Cost: $25-50. Call: (209) 753-2574. bearvalleymusic.org

COSTA MESA -  Orange County Fair is one of the most popular urban fairs in the Read the rest of this entry »

Costa Mesa, Calif.–What if you throw a free concert and nobody comes? That’s not likely to happen when you plan an event at Renee and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall featuring great music and a beautiful setting that concert goers routinely pay up to $100 per concert to watch. This huge, free summer event in which the public lines up for a first come, first serve event featuring Pacific Chorale and organist Frederick Swann is sure to pack the hall again in 2009. Last year the event drew a capacity crowd. Featured songs include a mix of classical and patriotic, with the volunteer chorale group taking stage in Orange County’s newest, most luxurious major concert venue next to Orange County Performing Arts Center.  Doors for the event open at 4:30 p.m. and the concert is set to start around 5. More information

In Forbes annual list of best colleges in America, California has seen better years on the list, but still ranks among the top 3 and top 10 universities. Here is how California’s higher education system ranks among America’s best:

Rank    Name         State           Cost      Freshman Class Size
3     California Institute of Technology     CA      48,990      236
10     Stanford University     CA      51,760      1,703
27     Claremont McKenna College     CA      50,990      320
28     Pomona College    CA     49,745     382
33     Harvey Mudd College     CA      50,073      202
55     Mills College     CA      49,760      202
56     St. Mary’s College of California    CA     49,340     458
73     University of California, Berkeley     CA      26,586      4,261
78     University of California, Los Angeles     CA      25,131      4,735
136     Scripps College     CA      51,250      252
149     University of California, San Diego     CA      23,760      4,702
150     Santa Clara University    CA     50,556     1,221
166     Occidental College     CA      50,409      467

San Juan Capistrano, Calif. — An exhibit of plein air and contemporary artists explores the land and life of California with focus on its roots and mission settings. Hosted annually at Mission San Juan Capistrano, Our Land, Our People, Our Mission runs through early October and is free with paid admission to the mission which costs between $6.50/ kid and $10.50 / adult. For art collectors, original oils and watercolors are for sale with a portion of proceeds benefiting the mission’s maintenance, grounds, and programs. Address: Mission San Juan Capistrano, 26801 Ortega Hwy, San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675. Call: (949) 234-1300.  missionsjc.com

When California Fish and Game Commission passed North Central MPA Regulations on Aug. 5, 2009, recreational fishing and boating communities were disappointed by the Commission’s 3-2 vote in favor of imposing regulations that place 20% of the North Central California coastal prime fishing and boating coastal areas in marine protected areas. Integrated Preferred Alternative (IPA) proposal, a more restrictive plan than a proposal supported by 1,000,000,000 California residents in favor of Partnership for Sustainable Oceans (PSO) 2XA proposal, disappointed the proponents for a friendlier sportfishing climate.

Although disappointed that Proposal 2XA was not selected, the majority of the elements contained in 2XA were included in the proposal selected by the Fish and Game Commission such as fewer closures than other options under consideration, according to Read the rest of this entry »

Greetings to HB Locals and Visitors From Chris MacDonald!

Johnny Rockets Opens in Downtown HB

I’d Like To Start This Newsletter Stating That This Previous Monday I Went To The Chamber Of Commerce Ribbon Cutting Event At The New Johnny Rockets At The Strand In Downtown Huntington Beach At 120 5th Street On The Corner Of Pacific Coast Highway. This Restaurant Is Like  A 50’s Style Diner. It Has The Best View Of The Huntington Beach Pier From It. Come Try A Hamburger, Chili, French Fries, Onion Rings And The Best Milk Shakes You’ll Ever Taste. There Food Prices Are Reasonable. They Are Open Monday Through Sunday 11:00AM To 11:00PM. If You Have Questions Please Contact Lindsay Weaver And Wanda Weaver At: (714) 960-9011. My Thanks To Huntington Beach City Treasurer Shari Freidenrich For Attending The Event And To Linda Martin From The Huntington Beach Chamber Of Commerce For Putting It Together.

Here’s What’s Happening In And Around Huntington Beach:
August 8 -  Youth All-Star Games (Sports Complex)

Youth Sports Day will be held at the Sports Center adjacent to the Central Library in Huntington Beach on Saturday, August 8 from 9 a.m. to noon. The theme of the day is “Introducing Sports to Youth.” There will be demonstrations of lacrosse, field hockey, volleyball, soccer and skateboarding. There will also be a demonstration softball game between 14 and under girls of the North and South Huntington Beach Fast Pitch Softball Leagues. In addition the batting cages will be available to youth free of charge.

9:00-10:30

Turf 1 – Field hockey demo/ exhibition

Turf 2 – Lacrosse demo/ exhibition

9:30 – 11:00

Turf 3 – Volleyball demo/ exhibition

Arena – Soccer demo/ exhibition

Softball field #4 – Youth softball event

11:00 – 12:00

Skatedogs/ Active skateboard demonstration in parking lot

If you have questions please contact: (714) 536-5577.

Huntington Beach International Surfing Museum Presents: Surfin’ Sundays Summer Concert Series, Date: Sunday August 9th, 2009 Time: 1:00 Pm to 4:00 Pm. This years concerts are dedicated to HBISM Founder/Director at Large Natalie Kotsch who is making headway with a new cancer treatment & HBISM supporter, guitar legend, Dick Dale who is now cancer free, has undergone successful reconstructive surgery and is back on stage performing. Congratulations we are proud of both of you!

The Relix reigning from Fullerton are a local surf music favorite and have been featured for the last 4 years during the Surf City USA Marathon, at Pier Plaza during “The Party Before The Party” July 3rd, 2007 representing the museum, the Orange County Fair and faithfully appearing at Pier Plaza and The International Surfing Museum year after year.

The Detonators reigning from Simi Valley have played for us numerous times over the last several years at Pier Plaza and the museum itself.  The Detonators are an old favorite highly energetic versatile group playing everything from surf to oldies but goodies from the days when rock n roll made you want to get up and dance.SPECIAL GUEST:  Superb Guitarist Abdel Kineche will be joining The Detonators for some world famous tunes from The Shadows collection as well as my favorite Red River Rock

BAND CD’S AND MERCHANDISE WILL BE AVAILABLE DURING THIS CONCERT!!!

While you’re in the museum check out our newest Exhibit Surfboard Shapers Part 1 The Wooden Years as well as the Dick Dale Tribute Wall created last spring. We invite you to join in the festivities and help us celebrate 13 years of great music, from dedicated musicians who donate their precious time in support of the museum. Our concert lineup features oldies but goodies and promising newcomers as well as celebrities like Dick Dale, Dean Torrence & John Blair who just happen to drop in.

We have shade pop-ups but the chairs are limited, so we encourage you to bring your own.  Don’t forget to bring your hats and sunscreen for protection.

Admission to the Concert: FREE

Location: 411 Olive Ave Huntington Beach 92648

HBISM Phone: 714-960-3483

Check our website www.surfingmuseum.org for the complete schedule and information. Thanks to Linda Miller the HBISM Events Director for making these Concerts Happen.

Next Week Here’s What’s Going On:

Tuesday:

At Surf City Nights In Downtown Huntington Beach From 5PM To 9PM Famed PBS Musician Sebastian Sidi Is Playing His Smoken Piano At The Corner Of Main And Olive In Front Of Beachfront 301. Come And See Sebastian’s Talents And Purchase His CD. You Can Learn More About Him At: http://www.sebastiansidi.com .

Wednesday:

In Seal Beach At Eisenhower Park (Ocean At Main Street) Adjacent To The Seal Beach Pier, They’ll Be A Free Summer Concert Featuring Sugah Daddy From 6PM To 8PM Sponsored By The Seal Beach Chamber Of Commerce, Verizon Fios, Eric Lenahan State Farm Insurance Agency, BAYTOWN REALTY, AMERICAN REALTY BROKERS And More. Just Bring Your Lawn Chairs And Relax. If You Have Any Questions Please Call: (562) 799-0179. Thanks To The Current Seal Beach Chamber Of Commerce President Jim Klisanin For His Work. He Soon Is Stepping Down From That Title. Jim Has Done A Good Job. Also Thanks To Seal Beach Chamber Of Commerce Vice President Seth Eaker For His Work And Chamber Members, Erik Dreyer-Goldman, George Banker And Ron Grunzweig For Helping With The Concert Series.

Thursday:

At Shipley Nature Center - 17851 Golden West Street In Huntington Beach Central Park, There Is A Summer Nights Lecture From 6:00PM To 7:00PM Featuring SNC’s Nursery Coordinator Carol Williams As She Shares The Wonders Of Native Plants And Takes Everyone On A Guided Tour Of The Demonstration Gardens. If You’re Interested Call: (714) 842-4772.

The Huntington Beach Tree Society Needs Volunteers To Help Water The Trees In Central Park. If You Are Interested, Please Call Jean Nagy At: (714) 564-1396.

Don’t Forget That If You Want To Know What Events Are Happening In Huntington Beach Log On To: http://www.huntingtonbeachevents.com .

Greg Furlong, Award Winning News Cameraman for KOCE, along with Ely Santos of the Surf City Store have teamed up to create a Centennial commercial promoting the awareness of the 100th Anniversary of Huntington Beach and the Centennial product line. It’s a fun commercial with a lot of locals included and points out which stores are selling Centennial Mementos. Check it out you may see someone you know. It is now airing on HBTV-3 approximately every two hours on or around every even hour. If you can’t get HBTV-3 click on this link, youtube.com/watch?v=bedu7xnYEbg
to see it on YouTube. Happy 100th Anniversary Surf City Huntington Beach!!

HUNTINTON BEACH COUPONS Ads More Merchant Savings this Week

Next Announcing http://www.huntingtonbeachcoupon.com . Log On And Start Saving Money At The Places That You Go To. Here’s What You Get:  GET THE LIST OF COUPONS

Do you want to know what is going on around our beautiful state of California. Join: http://www.beachcalifornia.com/blog/. for free. To stay tuned on the events that are going on around the state.

Sincerely,

Chris MacDonald (Your Friend)

Website: http://www.calcoasthomes.com/
justlisted@yahoo.com

Special to California Beaches Blog from Chris MacDonald

Are you looking to save money? Join the club! We all need help in these tough economic times. Many merchants have asked to help promote their savings onto to you in these special offers that appeal to shoppers. Specializing in California consumer services and savings, the web site offers are ideal for those visiting and shopping in Orange County and the beach regions of the north county in Huntington Beach.

See HUNTINGTONBEACHCOUPON.COM

to enjoy the special offers presented below for your use and enjoyment. You can dine, shop for kids “back to school” clothes, get a haircut, dry cleaning, buy floral arrangements, a motor scooter to get around, and ship your packages. Print them all and save hundreds of dollars!

$1 Off At New Zealand Natural Ice Cream At The Strand

10 Percent Off A Purchase Of $20 And More At California Greetings

20 Percent Off At Coaches Deli

Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory 3 Cookies For $5

FIRST BANK A Free Reusable Grocery Bag

Hurricanes Bar And Grill $5 Dollars Off

Melessa The Salon Free Haircut With Any Color

$10 Dollars Off A Color And Cut At Makin Waves Salon

99 Cent Coffee At IHOP

20 Percent Off Custom Framing At Pierside Art Gallery

Huntington Beach Realty Receive A Free Greek Surfboard With Any Home Sale And Purchase

Rockin Fig Surf Headquarters 30 Percent Off All Clothing Which Include T-Shirts, Hats, Other Shirts And More

HSS Free Shipping On Orders Of $89 And More

Beachfront 301 Happy Hour On Monday’s $2 To $6 Food

Gong’s Chinese Restaurant $7.95 With Tax On Any Dinner For Two

Arco Warner Gas And Smog $10 Off Every $100 You Spend For Repair Only And $5 Off Any Smog Check

On Deck Barbers $2 Off Any Haircut

Bill Anderson Art Gallery Get A Free Huntington Beach Poster With A Minimum $100 Purchase/Art Book $50 Value With A Purchase Of A $1,000 Painting

Bounce U Open Bounce 2 For 1

HB SCOOTERS Receive A Free Helmet With Any Purchase

Here Are The New Business’s That Have Just Become A Part Of This Website:

The Little Green Cobbler That Specializes In Shoe Repairs 20 Percent Off All Services

Baskin Robbins $3 Off Any Ice Cream Cake With A Minimum $15 Purchase

The Cake Box 10 Percent Off Any Purchase

Awesome Treasurer Flower And Gifts A Free Customized Banner With A $200 Purchase

The Mail Secretary $1 Off Every UPS Package Under 10 Pounds And $2 Off Every UPS Package More Than 10 Pounds

By The Sea Cleaners 10 Percent Off $20 And More In Dry Cleaning

Silly Lilies Gently Used Children’s Clothing 10 Percent Off

Caffe Gazelle Authentic Italian Cuisine 10 Percent Off Any Entree

Just Click, Clip And Save!

CALIFORNIA BEACHES - Grunion Run.  Southern California beaches grunion run spans the beaches from San Diego to Santa Barbara in Southern California. Time: 11:35 PM - 12:35 AM* (Aug. 8). Cost: Must have California fishing license to fish the shoreline for grunion.BEAR VALLEY -Bear Valley Music Festival. Bear Valley Orchestra featured at 41st Annual Bear Valley Music Festival in an inspiring  outdoor setting in Alpine County. Cost: $25-50. Call: (209) 753-2574. bearvalleymusic.org

COSTA MESA - Orange County Fair. Orange County Fair is one of the most popular urban fairs in the U.S. Pig races, people contests, carnival rides, food, fun, and loads of live entertainment and fun for the entire family. Runs through Aug. 9, 2009 (closed Mondays). Tickets: $5 - 10, kids under free 5 free, subject to change. Location: 88 Fair Dr., Costa Mesa, CA. Call: (714) 708-1500. ocfair.

FERNDALE - Jekyll & Hyde, musical. Convinced that his new formula with cure madness, Dr. Jekyll Read the rest of this entry »

Huntington Beach, Calif.–A reported microquake occurred this morning in a tiny spot in Huntington Beach–right near Marina High School, Mario’s Mexican Restaurant, 99 Cent Store, Tire Pros, Von’s, Noah Jewelers, Shack, and other such shopping delights. Rating a mere 1.2 on the Richter scale,  the 4:38 a.m. tug or toss was not felt by those who slept or prepared for another day of work. Located near Edinger and Springdale Streets, it is estimated to have occurred three miles deep. Why does this matter?

It shows us that in California many regions are subject to constant earth movement. This particular area is situated along the Newport-Inglewood fault line that stretches in Southern California mostly along the coast in prime property locales such as Huntington Beach and Newport Beach where ocean digs can cost a cool few million dollars or more.

With signs placed all along this stretch of coastline warning of a tsunami zone, the sudden impact of a tsunami triggered by a large earthquake while residents sleep or in daylight hours as millions would attempt to flee their beach-close homes would create dire consequences that hopefully will not happen.

It’s time for local governments to begin educating their citizens or for the citizens themselves to begin examining how they physically could exit a location to save their neighbors and their own lives with only seconds or minutes of warning. In all likelihood it would be impossible for most to escape. If such a quake happened, say, during rush hour on the 405 Freeway where commuters routinely sit in gridlock as their cars barely move,  more cars trying to escape the beach simply wouldn’t would have no place to go in these low-lying areas with elevations of no more than a few feet above the ocean. There would be no escape.

All of us adults who live in these areas take that calculated risk and know that the likelihood of being killed in a car wreck is much higher, but still, if the signs are in place to warn us, it is time for the citizens to understand and ask how all of this really would work should the big one happen on our shores.