🌱 Shoutout To Leslie Schwene! + HB Searches For A City Manager

Up and at 'em, Huntington Beach; today is National Tater Day! Here's everything you need to know to get this Thursday started off right.

We have a new Marine Safety Division captain! Also, the search for a city manager has begun in earnest. Finally, public restrooms along the beach should be improving.

First, today's weather:

Low clouds breaking. High: 64 Low: 56.

Here are the top five stories today in Huntington Beach:

1. Leslie Schwene is the HBFD’s first female Marine Safety Division captain. The 29-year-old was promoted on Wednesday. She “is a 12-year veteran of the fire department who began her career as a lifeguard. She will now supervise some 20 ocean lifeguards, assist in the management of the department’s Community Risk Reduction Program, oversee marine safety community outreach and support employee training and development.” (My News LA)
2. How is HB’s search for a City Manager going? We know from Mayor Pro Tem Mike Posey that there was a special City Council meeting March 25. With former City Manager Oliver Chi going to work for Irvine, Sean Joyce, Irvine’s former City Manager, has been working as Interim City Manager for HB. “Friday’s Closed Session is expected to be a review of the applicants presented by our recruitment consulting firm. The next Closed Session meetings are likely to be interviews of the candidates, with each meeting narrowing the pool to the final candidate.” (HB News)
3. A couple of weeks ago, the HB City Council voted “to identify methods for improving ongoing maintenance of public restrooms at our beach. While this may not seem like a big deal to some, to many it is a much-needed investment that will improve not only our residents' quality of life, but also the reputation of our city for the many visitors we host.” (Surf City Break)
4. Restoration of Seal Beach's Los Cerritos Wetlands is going forward, we learned on Monday. “The restoration project would focus on 100 acres of the 776-acre wetlands, which straddles an area between Los Angeles and Orange counties.” It is interesting to note that the Wetland “used to cover 2,400 acres, but has degraded and shrunk over the years. Most of the remaining land is owned privately and turned into an oil field.” (Patch)
5. What is the most expensive home in the OC? You find it at 6 Midsummer in Newport Beach, where it “includes seven bedrooms and a staggering 13 bathrooms.” It comes in at $69.8 million. “A climate-controlled 3,725 square foot, 10 car garage with car turntable can easily convert to an event space and discotheque,” Wednesday’s listing revealed. (Patch)

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Today in Huntington Beach:

• Start-Up Meeting For "Play String Trios & Duets In Huntington Beach" at the Organizer’s Home (10 AM)
• Learn To Love Your Life (online) (10 AM)
• Lady Bug Pillow at Moore's Sewing (10 AM)
• Nice Bits! Comedy Competition at The Rec Room by Off The Wall (7:30 PM)
• Karaoke at Old Crow Smokehouse (9 PM)

From my notebook:

• Many seniors are experiencing financial hardship due to the rising cost of living. To help assist the senior community, the City Council will host a Resource Fair where seniors and mobile home park residents can access resources. (Instagram)
• The Huntington Beach Art Center is looking for fine artists who are excited about sharing their knowledge with others. Instructors are needed for a variety of classes, including drawing, dance, movement, and more. (Instagram)
• Our La Cuesta neighbor is looking for a window washing company that does a good job for a fair price. (Nextdoor)

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Now you're in the loop and ready to head out the door on this Thursday. I'll see you back in your inbox tomorrow with your next update!

— Sylvia Cochran

About me: Sylvia Cochran works out of sunny Southern California and has been freelance writing full-time since 2005. She loves dogs, cats, books, plays Best Fiends (don't judge), embraces social justice, and tries to live out Micah 6:8.