CITY ROUNDUP:

Ready to talk politics? The Orange Coast League of Women Voters is hosting a panel discussion on all seven proposals on the February ballot. For each initiative, speakers will cover the pros and cons, as well as taking questions from the audience. The luncheon is scheduled for noon Jan. 19 at Carrow’s Restaurant, 16931 Magnolia St. To make a reservation, call (949) 400-2183.

Evangelical church welcomes new pastor

The Evangelical Free Church of Huntington Beach is inviting community members to the installation of its new pastor Sunday.

Incoming Pastor Kirk Balius was most recently an interim pastor and coaching pastor with Titus Ministries in Lompoc.

Balius was educated at Biola University and Dallas Theological Seminary, with post-graduate work at the University of Basel in Switzerland and USC. He and his wife, Colleen, have been married for 30 years.

Balius will be installed as pastor following the 9 a.m. service Sunday at the church, 1912 Florida St. For more information, call (714) 536-1439.

Board seeks citizens for Fourth of July Parade

The Huntington Beach Fourth of July Board is looking for groups and individuals to join in the festivities for the city’s 104th Fourth of July Parade and Celebration, the largest such parade west of the Mississippi River.

The board is looking to include more family activities next year, and requests artists, entertainers, comedians, musicians, face painters, and balloon artists to consider joining the Pier Expo in 2008.

For more information, call the Fourth of July Board at (714) 374-1535.

Reading celebration for Afghanistan schools

The Huntington Beach Reads One Book Project is having a celebration this month in honor of its chosen book, “Three Cups of Tea” by Greg Mortenson.

The City Council voted last year to endorse the nonfiction story of an American man who has built schools across Afghanistan as a citywide group reading project.

The reception takes place at 6 p.m. Jan. 24, at Huntington Beach Art Center, 538 Main St.

The celebration includes Afghan food by Kabul Catering, music, a film and a photo display representing the regions covered in the book.

For more information, call (714) 374-1650.

Large-item pickups get boost from company

The city’s waste collection company, Rainbow Disposal, has established a new program for large-item pickups in Huntington Beach.

Households can now schedule collections of up to 10 items per appointment, four times a year, for free. To make an appointment, call (714) 847-3581. At least 48 hours notice is required, and usually the pickup will take place the next regularly scheduled trash day.