CITY ROUNDUP:Bike to beat rising gas prices

With gas prices setting a state record, Orange County commuters are swapping their automobiles for bicycles this week, as the Orange County Transportation Authority — joined by the Jax Bicycle Center in Huntington Beach — sponsors Bike to Work Week, running through Friday.

“It’s great form of exercise, it’s a great way to beat the gas prices — which continue to rise — it’s good for the environment and, more importantly, it’s just a healthy alternative to getting to work,” transportation authority spokesman Joel Zlotnik said, adding that commuters can bring their bicycles on the bus and Metrolink trains.

Participants are eligible for various prizes, including $100 Jax gift certificates.

The transportation authority also encourages commuters to participate in rideshare programs and find out if their employers offer incentives for carpooling.

For more information or to pledge to bike to work, go to www.octa.net/rideshare or call (714) 560-5573.

Child abuse prevention program introduced

State Sen. Tom Harman has introduced a resolution to include child abuse and neglect prevention in new state standards for health education.

The State Board of Education is drafting new standards that would guide health classes throughout the state for years to come. The current framework for the standards covers nine main categories, from personal health to community health and family living — but not abuse prevention as its own category.

That’s where Harman’s resolution comes in. Harman says it would help protect kids through prevention.

“Children should be taught to understand dangerous and potentially dangerous circumstances and be given the knowledge and confidence needed to best handle or resist them,” Harman said in a news release this week. “To combat child abuse in California and the nation, we should empower our children with the tools they need to stay safe.”

The news release cites California Department of Social Services data estimating that 713,391 children were involved in cases referred for abuse and neglect investigations in 2004.

The resolution has not yet been assigned to a committee.

Residents asked to conserve water

As a statewide drought continues, the city Public Works department is reporting water consumption at about 16% above last year’s levels. Residents are asked to conserve water and irrigate their lawns and gardens responsibly.

Young role models to be honored at program

The Huntington Beach Children’s Needs Task Force and the city are sponsoring the American Youth Character Awards program on Saturday. According to the city’s website, the awards are designed to honor role models among young people whose achievements demonstrate good character.

The American Youth Character Awards are given regardless of race, financial status, IQ, physical condition, culture or family background.

The program starts at 11 a.m. Saturday at the Huntington Beach Pier Plaza Amphitheater.

Beach safety to be taught Memorial Day weekend

As residents gear up for summer and prepare to hit the water, the Huntington Beach Marine Safety Division will throw open the doors of Lifeguard Headquarters for an open house to teach beach safety.

The Memorial Day weekend event will feature safety displays, brochures, educational videos and free coloring books. Kids will have the chance to board a rescue truck or watercraft for photos, and there will be free blood pressure checks and tours of the lifeguard apparatus room.

The event takes place from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. May 26 -- 28, at Vincent G. Moorhouse Lifeguard Headquarters, 103 Pacific Coast Highway. The open house is intended to promote National Beach Safety Week, which starts Monday.

Learn water-saving gardening technique

The Friends of the Huntington Beach Library is hosting the “Square Foot Gardener,” Mel Bartholomew, at Huntington Beach Library to demonstrate the gardening technique he says uses 20% of the space and 10% of the water of a conventional garden. Bartholomew teaches the technique worldwide.

The demonstration and seminar begins at 10 a.m. Saturday at the Central Library, 7111 Talbert Ave. Tickets are $25 with box lunch or $15 without.

For more information call (714) 375-8429.

Senior Center comments to be considered in EIR

The 30-day public review and comment period for the proposed Senior Center ended on May 4. According to the Planning department, 11 people or organizations submitted comments.

Those comments will be considered as part of the draft Environmental Impact Report for the Senior Center, which is scheduled to come out by August 2007.