DAVE GAROFALO -- Mayor’s Column

I was born on July 15. Councilman Ralph Bauer and Mayor Pro Tem Tom

Harman also celebrated birthdays this month. I guess that makes us all

Yankee Doodle Dandies or at least extra-terrestrially related, or

something.

The Huntington Beach Fourth of July Parade -- wow! It was like a

breath of fresh air in an otherwise air-polluted political world.

The 250,000 or so people along the parade route were wonderful. I must

have shaken 300 hands as I, for the first time, walked the parade rather

than sitting in the backseat of a car and waving.

The thrill wasn’t about being mayor. It wasn’t about being proud of my

son, daughter or mom riding in the car next to me; it was about the

excitement in the eyes of several hundred children.

Those blue, brown and other color eyes stayed with me all day. Huge

smiles, all different shapes, hair coloring, teeth configuration. Just

kids, innocent little people there for the experience of a really big

parade.

This was my 28th parade. I’ve only missed two during my 30-year

residency in Huntington Beach.

This was the finest. It was organized; it was a quick 2 1/2 hours.

Pure energy and fun. I cannot believe it took me all these years to

simply walk the parade route, and reach out and touch the wonderful

people of this great city.

Thank you. The thrill was mine. The parade was yours. Twenty-six

thousand of you voted for me. Thank you. We live in the greatest city in

the world. The reason: each and every one of you. Thank you.

OK, a moment of seriousness.

Several weeks ago, a young man was hit by a car on Seapoint Drive.

That’s the new road that connects Pacific Coast Highway to Garfield

Avenue. My heart goes out to the family while their son continues to

recover in the hospital.

The family and friends came to the last City Council meeting to share

with us their concern for the traffic conditions in their neighborhood. I

can relate to this.

My stepfather was killed while crossing Heil Avenue at Edwards Street.

It’s the summer time. Let’s be more aware of those sharing the streets

with us as we drive. The bike paths are full. Joggers are everywhere.

Join me in a silent prayer for the young man hit by a car on Seapoint

Drive. He could use the thought, and I think we could benefit from the

moment as well. God Bless.

Remember, we are only as great as our weakest link. Let’s pull

together to strengthen each other.

* DAVE GAROFALO is mayor of Huntington Beach.