CITY ROUNDUP:Lawsuit aimed at commission

Shea Homes, the Huntington Beach developer trying to build the controversial Parkside Estates housing development of up to 150 homes on land next to the Bolsa Chica, filed a lawsuit against the California Coastal Commission two days before the most recent hearing on the company’s request for a permit to build.

The lawsuit, filed July 9 with Orange County Superior Court, accuses the commission of giving opponents of the project, like the Bolsa Chica Land Trust, more time than supporters. It also says the commission violated the law by designating certain parts of the property as protected habitat or wetlands.

The commission “failed to proceed in the manner required by law, its decision is not supported by legally adequate findings, and the findings adopted are not supported by substantial evidence in the record,” the lawsuit alleges.

According to the lawsuit, the Coastal Commission used incorrect definitions of wetlands and protected habitat, and allowed the Land Trust a 50-minute coordinated presentation when Shea representatives got four minutes to respond.

Land Trust members at the time said they were following established rules to donate time to their speakers.

The lawsuit was filed two days before the commission met in San Luis Obispo and postponed a decision on a permit for the property until October or November, at a meeting Shea officials said they feared they did not have enough time to dispute unfavorable arguments by commission staff.

City asked to voluntarily cut back on its water use

The city public works department is asking the public to voluntarily cut back on water use by 10%, saying this year’s very dry winter has led to a potential shortage. The city’s total water consumption continues to be higher this year than last year, according to data released by the department.

For information on rebates and how to conserve water, go to www.bewaterwise.com or www.mwdoc.com, or call (714) 536-5921.

Citizens academy classes open to residents, workers

The police department has announced its yearly citizen’s academy class, beginning Sept. 18. The sessions run from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Tuesdays at police headquarters, 2000 Main St., through Dec. 4. The program is open both to Huntington Beach residents and to citizens who work in the city, and classes cover all aspects of the department.

For more information, call Officer Jerry Abrahams at (714) 375-5095.

H.B., sister city in Japan trade art donations

Four hometown artists have donated their work to Huntington Beach’s sister city, Anjo, Japan.

During the Fourth of July visit by the 25th Anniversary Anjo delegation, led by Anjo City Treasurer Toshiaki Omi, the city held a luncheon at the Waterfront Hilton where artists presented their creations. Works presented to Omi were a landscape by Ruth Geller, a painting of a view along Pacific Coast Highway by Suzanne Krol-Boller, a photograph of poppies by Robert Repp, and an infrared landscape photo by Robin Repp. In return, the city of Anjo donated four works of art, which are now on display at City Hall, 2000 Main St.

City seeks to fill Advisory Board member slots

The city’s Citizen Participation Advisory Board, which recommends uses of community development grant money to the City Council, is expected to have four vacancies by the end of September. The city is looking for replacements, and has requested applications from the public. Residents who want to serve on the board must send an application to the city by Aug. 24, and if they are appointed, their four-year term would begin Oct. 1.

For the application, go to www.surfcity-hb.org/Government/ Boards_Commissions/citizens_ participation_advisory_board.cfm, or go to the City Clerk’s office on the second floor of City Hall, 2000 Main St. For more information, call Carol Runzel, Senior Analyst in the economic development department, at (714) 536-5224.

Edinger, Goldenwest intersection to be closed

As part of the ongoing improvement project on Goldenwest Street, that street’s intersection at Edinger Avenue will be closed to traffic Thursday night.

The intersection will be closed from 9 p.m. to 5 a.m. Friday, as well as on Aug. 8 at the same times.

Workers will repave streets, city officials said.

Nearby residents and businesses have already been notified by the city.

For more information, call the public works department at (714) 536-5431.

Marchers rally at Plaza to impeach President Bush

About 40 vocal opponents of President Bush rallied at Pier Plaza on Monday, asking drivers to support the impeachment of the president. Waving signs reading “Impeachment is Patriotic” and “Honk for Impeachment,” they marched across crosswalks.

The demonstration was endorsed by the Green Party of Orange County, OC Peace Action, Progressive Democrats of America, and the National Impeachment Center in Los Angeles.

Few pedestrians slowed down to talk to demonstrators, but cars honked every few seconds.