Huntington fills slot at the top

City Administrator Penelope Culbreth-Graft announced another new hire Monday in her bid to fill several top-level positions.

Bob Hall has been hired on as the new deputy city administrator, a new position created in a city reorganization following the departure of Bill Workman, former assistant city administrator.

Hall comes from a government position in Riverside.

Hall began working in the Inland Empire city in March 2000, serving as the general services director and interim human resources director.

He was responsible for all aspects of facilities management for the city municipal building and facilities; developed and administered the building and facilities capital improvement plan; managed the fleet operations; and served as the real property manager.

Hall worked for Riverside Community College from 1988 to 2000 at the campuses in Riverside and Moreno Valley.

As the deputy city administrator, Hall will focus on the internal operations of the city.

He will operate as facilitator and coordinator for several departments, including information services, library services, community services and human resources.

Together with Culbreth-Graft and Deputy City Administrator Paul Emery, Hall will be responsible for the overall management of the city’s 1,100 employees and $319-million budget.

“With Bob’s appointment, we are at full complement with our executive management team. His background and management style will provide our organization the strength needed to move forward with the vision set by the City Council,” Culbreth-Graft said in a recent news release.

Hall has a master’s degree in public administration and bachelor’s degree from Cal State San Bernardino.

He is a past president for the American Society of Public Administrators, Inland Empire Chapter and the vice president for the Riverside Sunrise Rotary Club.

Hall is scheduled to start his position with the city of Huntington Beach on Dec. 5. He is married and father of two children, ages 14 and 7.

Humane Society’s winter pet adoption event

The Orange County Humane Society will be celebrating their fourth annual holiday pet adoption event Dec. 3 and Dec. 4.

A large selection of dogs, cats, kittens and rabbits will be offered at special holiday fees.

The Orange County Humane Society will be partnering with other organizations to assist promoting their adoptions as well.

There will be food, games, crafts, raffles, a petting zoo and a rabbit exhibit.

Santa will also be there listening to Christmas wishes, offering photos of children and pets.

To take home a critter, bring any proof of home ownership or rental agreement for adoption.

The Orange County Humane Society Shelter is at 21632 Newland St., between Pacific Coast Highway and Hamilton Avenue.

For more information, call (714) 536-8480.

Sister City program seeks diplomats

The Sister City Assn. of Huntington Beach is looking for students to become youth ambassadors to Japan or New Zealand.

High school freshmen, sophomores and juniors who live or attend school in Huntington Beach are eligible for a two-week reciprocal exchange. Ambassadors travel to New Zealand over spring break and to Japan in early August. Students from both countries visit Huntington Beach in July.

This experience provides students with an understanding of foreign culture as well as an opportunity to broaden their horizons. Strong friendships have been formed between former ambassadors and their counterparts in Japan and New Zealand.

Families of selected students benefit also, as host family members are encouraged to participate in the activities.

A portion of the costs are paid by the Sister City Assn. Applications are available at the main branch of the Huntington Beach Library, City Hall, and online at www.hbsistercity.org.

For more information or an application, call Carmen Erber at (714) 846-7685.