CITY ROUNDUP:

Do episodes of “Ocean Force” have you inspired to save lives? Huntington Beach lifeguards are holding their annual tryouts in just a few weeks. The Marine Safety Division tryouts are at 8 a.m. March 9 at lifeguard headquarters, 103 Pacific Coast Hwy.

To test their skills, prospective lifeguards must compete in a 1,000-yard ocean swim, a 500-yard ocean swim and a 1,500-yard event combining running and swimming.

Up to 36 people who qualify will be allowed into lifeguard training, which takes place later in March and in April.

For applications, go to lifeguard headquarters or www.surfcity-hb.org/jobs. For more information, call (714) 374-1752. Starting pay is $15.92 per hour, with bonuses for being bilingual or getting EMT certification.

All applicants must turn 17 by June 1.

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March 5 meeting to involve channel repair

County officials are holding a public meeting March 5 to discuss repairs to the East Garden Grove Wintersburg Channel.

In addition to recent work, they plan to discuss further repairs expected to stretch north as far as Warner Avenue. The meeting will be at 6 p.m. March 5 at Marine View Middle School, 5682 Tilburg Drive.

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Author to discuss tales of his book at school

The Huntington Beach Reads One Book Program is having its main event at 7 tonight at Huntington Beach High School, 1905 Main St. The program to encourage readings of Greg Mortenson’s book “Three Cups of Tea” is hosting author Greg Mortenson to talk about his tale.

The book discusses mountain climber Morrison’s experiences in Afghanistan building schools in poor rural areas.

Admission is free, and seating is first-come, first-served. Doors open at 6:15 p.m., and parking is available on the south side of the high school or at City Hall across the street.

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Harman’s bill would withhold attorney fees

State Sen. Tom Harman has introduced a bill seeking to help judges ensure that class-action settlements reach those they are intended to help, allowing judges to withhold part of a plaintiff attorney’s fees until all individuals have received their part of the settlement.

A former civil attorney himself, Harman said he was hoping to help the general public find their way through “the maze” of the American courts.

“The bill says: Before you pay the lawyers $10 or $5 million in legal fees, hold back some of that money until they have exercised due diligence in delivering it to the class members,” he said.

Recently, Harman sponsored another bill aimed at curtailing the amount of punitive damages that could be received in civil cases.

It was killed in a party-line vote in committee.