Online posts tie Occupy OC to possible bank vandalism

Huntington Beach police are investigating a vandalism report at a Chase bank branch that could be related to members from the Occupy Orange County movement, according to a Facebook posting by an attorney affiliated with the group.

Police responded to a vandalism report at 4:25 p.m. Tuesday at the Chase branch at 16917 Algonquin where a man and a woman walked in and vandalized the branch with graffiti and trash, said Lt. Mitch O’Brien.

O’Brien would not comment on what they wrote or whether the suspects are members of Occupy Orange County, which has been protesting in Huntington Beach since March 6.

Attorney Greg Diamond made several posts on the movement’s Facebook page admitting that some of its members were allegedly behind the vandalism. He identified himself as a civic liaison between Occupy and the city, but told the Independent that he doesn’t represent the movement in any legal capacity.

…Continue reading Online posts tie Occupy OC to possible bank vandalism

Brian Garland, longtime H.B. schools leader, dies at 71

Brian Garland, who spent decades serving his community as a teacher, principal and board member of two school districts, passed away early Tuesday at his home in Huntington Beach. He was 71.

Garland was a Huntington Beach Union High School District trustee, a position he held since 2002 after retiring as principal of Edison High School.

Garland had been battling a heart condition since he suffered a heart attack at age 46, said his son, Scott Garland.

“He’s been managing, and it finally took its toll on him,” his son said.

The school district plans to meet Tuesday in closed session after the regular board meeting to discuss filling Garland’s position, said board President Michael Simons.

Simons, who knew and worked with Garland for 25 years, said he was shocked when he heard the news of his passing.

“Any time anybody that you worked with and were close with for many years dies suddenly, you’re shocked,” he said.

…Continue reading Brian Garland, longtime H.B. schools leader, dies at 71

Residents seek action on treatment center by H.B. school

Residents who live near the West Coast Detox and Treatment center pleaded with the Huntington Beach City Council on Monday to find a way to stop what they say is an increase of crime in their neighborhood and also prohibit strangers from hanging out just feet away from their doorsteps and a nearby playground.

“You should be all ashamed of yourselves,” said resident Elizabeth Gregory. “Are you all going to sit around and wait for something terrible to happen to our children?”

West Coast Detox, a detox facility that provides treatment for alcoholics and drug addicts, is located near Schroeder Elementary School on Yale Circle. The center can serve six patients at a time who spend five to seven days in the detox program before moving on to a rehab center.

Next to West Coast Detox is a sober living home, where another six residents each rent out a bed.

Neighbor David Rooks said he found drug paraphernalia in his backyard in July and finds it difficult to believe the city can’t do anything about the problem.

“I’m so disgusted by this,” he said.

…Continue reading Residents seek action on treatment center by H.B. school

Occupy Orange County eyeing Huntington Beach

Members from the Occupy Orange County movement told the Huntington Beach City Council on Monday that they’re considering Surf City for their next stop.

Three Occupy members spoke during the public comments portion of the meeting, saying they would like to work with the city and police to set up camp in Huntington Beach for the betterment of the city.

One of the three speakers was 20-year-old Huntington Beach resident Jacob Zerba, who said he’s invested a lot of his time in Occupy.

He asked the city to work with the movement, like other cities have, to allow residents to voice their concerns and bring about good changes.

“This is your chance to be on the side of history,” he said, adding that the movement’s goal is not to kick politicians out of office, but to establish a better world.

“What you can expect from us is cooperation, hard work and determination,” Zerba said.

…Continue reading Occupy Orange County eyeing Huntington Beach

Shadia: No pajamas on red carpet as ‘Separation’ wins Oscar

I regard Oscar Sunday with the same importance as a national or even a religious holiday (sue me).

Instead of a get-together over a good meal with family and friends, a visit to the mosque to pray and offer thanks to God, my routine is much simpler: I talk to no one. I forget about all the troubles in the world. I try to squeeze in my daily prayer during the commercial breaks. I start gluing myself to the television at about noon or before, and I stay in my pajamas.

I could care less who wins the Oscar for what movie, though I do sometimes depending on whether I saw any of the movies and which actors I favor. This year, I wanted Viola Davis to win for her role in “The Help.” She didn’t. Congratulations, Meryl Streep. I also wanted the Iranian movie “A Separation” to win. It did.

But most of the time, by Oscar Sunday, I haven’t seen all the nominated movies.

The fashion, the beauty and glamour on the Oscar red carpet, which is also displayed during the Oscar presentation, is why that day is such a big deal for me.

…Continue reading No pajamas on red carpet as ‘Separation’ wins Oscar

Judge temporarily seals grand jury report on Scott Dekraai

An Orange County Superior Court judge has temporarily sealed a grand jury report about Salon Meritage shooting suspect Scott Dekraai.

Dekraai’s defense team filed a motion Friday to seal the report from public view, arguing that the information could prejudice the jury, especially in light of the media attention the case has received. The Orange County district attorney’s office is expected to file a counter motion to deny sealing the report.

A judge is scheduled to rule April 13 on whether to unseal the report. Dekraai also has a pretrial scheduled that day.

The court tentatively set Oct. 15 as a trial date for Dekraai. Defense attorney Scott Sanders said he didn’t think his team would be ready then, but agreed to the tentative date.

Council OKs lifting ban on selling fireworks

The Huntington Beach City Council voted Tuesday to lift the ban on the usage and sale of safe-and-sane fireworks during the Fourth of July holiday for a trial period of two years, despite pleas from dozens of residents who flooded the City Council Chambers in opposition.

The vote also came despite the opinions of the police and fire chiefs, who both strongly opposed lifting the ban.

The council approved the ordinance with a 5-2 vote, with Councilwoman Connie Boardman and Councilman Joe Shaw dissenting.

“I’m going to work as hard as I can … to repeal it,” Boardman said.

Mayor Don Hansen introduced the proposal as his first item on the list as mayor and said he wanted Huntington Beach residents to enjoy the tradition of fireworks just like neighboring cities that allow it.

…Continue reading Council OKs lifting ban on selling fireworks

O.C. Grand Jury indicts Salon Meritage shooting suspect

The Orange County Grand Jury on Tuesday indicted Scott Evans Dekraai for allegedly murdering eight people and attempting to murder a ninth in what is now known as Orange County’s worst mass murder.

The Huntington Beach resident faces eight felony counts of special circumstances murder and one felony count of attempted murder. Orange County District Attorney Tony Rackauckas is seeking the death penalty.

Dekraai, 42, is scheduled to be arraigned on the indictment charges at 1:30 p.m. Wednesday at Central Justice Center in Santa Ana. He is accused of walking into Salon Meritage in Seal Beach on Oct. 12 with body armor and three guns allegedly to seek revenge on his ex-wife, Michelle Marie Fournier, whom he fought over the custody of their son.

A grand jury indictment means there will be no preliminary hearing, which is a court process where the judge decides whether there is enough evidence to go to trial.

Helicopter makes emergency landing in H.B.

Former Huntington Beach officer files claim against city

A former Huntington Beach police officer has filed a claim for more than half a million dollars against the city, saying officials terminated him wrongfully, released information about an internal investigation unlawfully and denied him a medical retirement package.

William Brubaker, who worked as an officer with the police department from 1992 until he was terminated in August, filed a claim that was sent first as a letter to City Manager Fred Wilson on Nov. 22.

The city’s risk management office, which processes claims against the city, received it Jan. 9.

Brubaker became involved in an investigation regarding the handling of found property, in which he accidentally marked his wife’s camera as found property with the police department, he said in the claim. Brubaker said he kept the camera, which contained pictures of his family going back a few years, in his patrol bag.

…Continue reading Former Huntington Beach officer files claim against city