Early look at Poseidon info

The Huntington Beach City Council voted Monday to release all documents regarding Poseidon’s permit application as soon as they become available.

The move is a departure from standard city policy, which calls for the release of public documents on the Thursday before the Monday of a City Council meeting.

Because of the scope and gravity of the $250-million desalination plant proposed for a lot behind the AES power plant at Newland Avenue and Pacific Coast Highway, the city will release documents before the scheduled Jan. 5 release date. The hearing on Poseidon is scheduled for Jan. 9.

Deputy City Atty. Paul Emery said he still hadn’t finalized a release date. The documents are confidential until negotiations are complete, and will be available “as soon as I get it done with the attorney,” he said Tuesday. The City Council will receive the documents 24 hours before the public does.

The news was received with skepticism from anti-Poseidon activists.

“First of all, a lot of the those documents should have been released a long time ago,” said John Earl. “Even if they’re in negotiations, some of those documents would be legally available.”

Earl and other activists had made a public information request for the documents on Oct. 26, which was answered by a request for an extension 10 days later from the city attorney’s office. After that, the group never heard back the city, prompting an outcry from activists and a public apology from City Atty. Jennifer McGrath.

“I’m still not clear really what we’re going to get. I’m very disappointed in this whole process of trying to get information. The city needs to get its act together. It’s clearly violating the law,” Earl said.

After new ones arrive, recycle old electronics

This is the time of the year to take advantage of computer and electronics sales, but what happens to the old machines that get replaced?

The Public Works Department has partnered with SoCal Computer Recyclers Inc. to offer local residents and businesses a safe and easy way to dispose of unwanted computers and electronics.

A two-day e-waste collection event will be held at the Huntington Beach Central Park Sports Complex at 18100 Golden West St. The free, open-to-the-public event takes place from 7 a.m. to noon on Jan. 6 and from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Jan. 7.

This is a good opportunity to safely dispose of that dated laptop in your hall closet, the VCR you haven’t used since you got the new DVD player, the dust-covered monitor in your garage or anything with a plug that is unused, obsolete or not working. E-waste contains heavy metals such as lead, mercury, chromium, cadmium and zinc that -- when disposed of improperly -- may contaminate soil and ground water. For more information about the event, call Debra Jubinsky at 374-5321.

Rebroadcast of boat parade on cable TV

Time Warner Cable has confirmed the dates for its exclusive airing of the 43rd annual Huntington Harbour Holiday Boat Parade.

Time Warner will air the boat parade on channel 6 throughout December at the following times: today and Dec. 29 at 4 and 10 p.m., Saturday and Dec. 31 at 12:30 and 9:30 p.m., Sunday at 5 p.m., and Tuesday at 4:30 and 10:30 p.m.

The boat parade can be seen in the cities of Huntington Beach, Garden Grove, Stanton, Fountain Valley, Los Alamitos, Westminster, Rossmoor, Midway City and a portion of Cypress.

The parade is sponsored by the Huntington Harbour Philharmonic Committee, with this year’s theme being “Broadway Melodies.” Decorated boats wind around the waterways as thousands of viewers watch. Trophies in many categories are awarded for the boats and decorated homes.

Free flu shots for infants

Because infants are especially vulnerable to the flu virus, Dr. Owl Kids Urgent Care in Huntington Beach is offering free flu shots to children between the ages of 6 months and 23 months. The clinic recently opened its doors to serve the needs of sick children during evenings and weekends when regular doctor offices are closed.

Dr. Owl Kids Urgent Care is staffed by board-certified pediatricians with specialized knowledge in childhood illness and disease. Unlike general purpose facilities, Dr. Owl’s staff, supplies and equipment are all geared toward the pediatric population and is the only pediatric urgent care in the area. Flu shots are available while supplies last through the month of December. Call (714) 894-7242.