Gains and Losses

GAINS

LOOKING TO THE FUTURE

We ushered in a new year -- and said goodbye to the 1900s. The last

century saw the shaping of the Huntington Beach and Fountain Valley

communities. We look forward to what the years ahead bring.

GOING TO THE PEOPLE

Mayor Dave Garofalo wasted no time in keeping his promise to “take City

Hall to the people.” He spent an hour serving up sandwiches at Lucci’s

deli last week, taking orders and comments from his constituents. Will

his program make a difference? We’ll keep you posted.

PROCESSION OF LIGHT

People of all faiths gathered Sunday at the pier to celebrate the new era

and commit themselves to making our community a better place to live. To

symbolize hope and spirituality, organizers began the ceremony by

releasing 2,000 doves, then a call to prayer by representatives from the

Jewish, Muslim and Christian faiths.

LOSSES

ENDLESS BUMMER

It was the top story of the year -- the mysterious bacteria that kept our

city’s beaches closed for the better part of the summer. It wasn’t a good

story for a town that prides itself on the nickname “Surf City.” We can

only hope for better luck next year.

CHRISTMAS EVE TRAGEDY

Margaret Truesdell spent her life helping others. She spent her working

years as a nurse, then spent her retirement teaching religious education

classes and volunteering at Holy Spirit Catholic Church. But her life

came to a tragic end Christmas Eve when the 78-year-old Fountain Valley

resident was struck by a car as she left the church after a 4 p.m. Mass.

Officials said the driver wasn’t speeding and are calling it an accident.