CITYSCAPE ROUNDUP:New programs join Channel 3

The city’s HBTV-3 government access television channel is getting some upgraded shows, city administrator Penny Culbreth-Graft said at Monday’s council meeting. Not only will the channel add existing shows from public TV stars like Huell Howser, but there will be new original programming as well, she said.

“We’ve got some new, great, free programming on Channel 3,” Culbreth-Graft said.

New programs include a cooking show, an exercise show, a program on vintage vehicles, a green-living program hosted by Howser and an arts showcase.

But something fresh and unique for HBTV is a new show called “Surf City Highlights,” she said. The program will show off community events throughout the city. It debuted Monday following the council meeting.

Child Awareness Week proposal passes in Senate

State Sen. Tom Harman announced recently that a resolution sponsored by him has passed the Senate floor.

Harman’s resolution would declare the third week of September “Child Awareness Week,” honoring charities and other nongovernmental organizations helping children and youth.

The declaration would mirror a U.S. Senate resolution passed in November 2006, suggested by the Festival of Children Foundation.

“I believe it is critical for California to strengthen and support children’s and youth-serving charities, and to encourage greater collaboration among these organizations, which is what SCR 48 seeks to do,” Harman said in a news release. “The children of today are the leaders of tomorrow, and I believe we should do everything in our power to give them the necessary tools to succeed.”

The Assembly will now consider the resolution.

Seniors Outreach begins daily-care call program

The city community services department’s Seniors Outreach has begun a daily-care call program. The program comes out of several residents’ requests for daily contact, and it gives verbal support and connection to seniors who need it. Volunteers will call participants daily, either just to check in or for a few minutes of visiting.

Callers do not provide therapy, guidance or problem solving, as that is beyond the program’s scope.

Seniors interested in enrolling should call (714) 960-2478 and ask for the Social Worker of the Day.

Council on Aging to host annual golf fundraiser

The Huntington Beach Council on Aging is hosting its annual golf fundraiser at 12:30 p.m., June 22, at Meadowlark Golf Course. Golfers of all ages are invited to tee off. The $100 entry fee includes lunch and dinner, green fees and a golf cart. For more information, call the Huntington Beach Seniors Outreach Center at (714) 536-9387.

Public works department to put maps in database

The city public works department has begun putting the more than 100,000 maps and drawings in its engineering division into a computer database. Those maps include plans for new tracts, city facilities and improvements to existing sites.

The process is far from complete, but when it is, all such documents will be part of a city system allowing engineers to look at drawings while walking the site, both on routine visits and in emergencies. The new system will also be used to help streamline permitting process for engineering.

A working system is expected to be in place by the end of the year.

Negotiations begin for new Ocean View contract

Ocean View School District officials have begun negotiations with the Ocean View Teachers Assn. on a new contract.

“We’re very optimistic regarding negotiations,” interim Supt. Edward A. Sussman said. “[The teachers union] has been a delight to deal with. They’re very professional. We’ve developed a very good relationship with them. We’re very optimistic that we’ll reach an agreeable settlement.”

A public hearing on the issues being reviewed in the negotiations is scheduled for June 19 at district headquarters, 17200 Pinehurst Lane, Huntington Beach.