Huntington Beach, CA

Flood control improvements unveiled Tuesday, Aug. 15, in Huntington Beach are part of a decades-long series of projects that federal and local officials say will improve flood protection in western Orange County.

The $83 million project transformed a section of the East Garden Grove-Wintersburg Channel from Warner Avenue near Springsdale Street to Goldenwest Street. Once a trapezoid shape with sloped sides, the man-made channel that moves storm water out to the ocean is now rectangular with vertical barriers along the sides to increase water capacity – where once it was rated for a 20-year storm it is now ready for a 100-year storm, officials said.

And these changes may save homeowners on their insurance.

“As design requirements have evolved and changed, flood control channels of today are required to effectively handle a greater amount of water,” James Treadaway, OC Public Works director, said. “We are delivering these infrastructure projects as safely, quickly and cost-efficiently as possible to bring the county’s flood controls channel up to today’s standards and protect our neighboring homes and businesses.”

In 2017, the county initiated a study with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers resulting in several flood protection improvement projects planned the Westminster watershed, which encompasses about 74 square miles and includes portions of Anaheim, Stanton, Cypress, Garden Grove, Westminster, Fountain Valley, Los Alamitos, Seal Beach, and Huntington Beach.

“What you have is a lot of sediment, a lot of dirt, a lot of sand with no natural deposits so we can’t channel water to go out to the ocean like you have in the central part of the county with the Santa Ana River,” First District Supervisor Andrew Do said during a press conference, adding that an increase in rain has put these areas at a higher risk of flooding.

Construction of the East Garden Grove-Wintersburg Channel started in August 2020, increasing its water capacity by 50%.

The county participates in the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s national flood insurance program and community rating system. This project and future projects will make homeowners eligible to receive discounts on flood insurance premiums, officials said. Homeowners benefited by this project could qualify for an approximately 25% discount, officials said. People who may qualify should work directly with their insurance company.

The next phase of the project will be to improve the channel bridges at Warner Avenue, Springdale Street and Edwards Street. Construction is expected to begin next month.

“Flood improvement projects have an impact on everyone, not just those living along flood channels,” Do said. “Orange County’s Public Works staff have done a tremendous job executing on our plan for improvements to local infrastructure.”

Aug. 11, 2023 2:37 PM PT

Executive chef Manfred Lassahn and food and beverage director Michael Halloran went on road trips to other beach locales after the Hyatt Regency Huntington Beach Resort and Spa made the winning bid on a beachfront concession a few years ago.

They traveled to spots like Santa Monica and Venice Beach, to name a couple, just to see what the beach food scenes were like.

“We watched more what people were buying than what they were offering,” Lassahn said. “What were they walking away with?”

The Hyatt team hopes that its new concession, located just steps from the sand at Huntington City Beach, is a Shor thing.

Shor restaurant held a ribbon-cutting ceremony Thursday evening, featuring Huntington Beach officials including Mayor Pro Tem Gracey Van Der Mark and Councilmen Pat Burns and Dan Kalmick.

The location had a soft opening about three weeks ago, Hyatt Huntington general manager Peter Rice said, and received its liquor license a few days after that. Hotel guests can reach it via the pedestrian bridge across Pacific Coast Highway, and walk-up guests are also welcome.

Though the vibe is casual, patrons do get full service, chef Corina Rodriguez said. So far, the mix has been about half and half in terms of local customers and hotel guests.

The menu features about 25 items. Rodriguez said the top seller is the Shor Burger, a classic burger with double beef, double American cheese, Shor sauce and caramelized onions on a brioche bun.

A fish-and-chip sandwich is another highlight of a menu that also includes items like salads, pizza, tacos, a spicy tuna wrap and plenty of sides. Drink options include cocktails, with the passion fruit mai tai as a signature drink, along with draft beer and wine.

Rodriguez said everything on the menu is made totally from scratch.

“That goes for sauces, we hand-bread our fish, we do everything from scratch entirely,” she said. “We want to do comfort, familiar classics but done up with a spin. We’re really emphasizing flavor, giving it something a little bit extra that makes it original. We’re trying to set ourselves above the rest.”

Shor, 21500 Pacific Coast Hwy., is open daily from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., with extended weekend hours until 7 p.m. this summer.

If you’re considering a move to Huntington Beach, California, it’s important to weigh the pros and cons before making a decision. Known for its iconic beaches, surfing culture, and laid-back lifestyle, Huntington Beach offers a unique living experience. Whether you’re looking to buy a home in Huntington Beach or rent an apartment, we will explore in this Redfin article ten key aspects to help you determine whether Huntington Beach is the right place for you.

Pros of living in Huntington Beach

1. Beautiful beaches and outdoor activities

Huntington Beach is famous for its stunning beaches, with miles of pristine coastline and excellent surf breaks. Whether you enjoy sunbathing, swimming, surfing, or simply taking a leisurely walk along the shore, the beach lifestyle is a major attraction in Huntington Beach. You can also engage in various outdoor activities like beach volleyball, biking along the boardwalk, or exploring the Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve, a coastal wetland with abundant wildlife.

Interested in moving to the area?

With its year-round pleasant climate, Huntington Beach encourages an active and healthy lifestyle. The beach offers opportunities for jogging, yoga classes on the sand, and outdoor fitness activities. The city also has numerous parks, like Bauer Park and Seabridge Park, trails, and recreational facilities for sports enthusiasts, including golf courses, tennis courts, and skate parks.

3. Vibrant surfing and water sports culture

Huntington Beach is often referred to as Surf City USA due to its deep-rooted surfing heritage. The city hosts prestigious surfing events, such as the US Open of Surfing, attracting world-class surfers and enthusiasts from around the globe. If you’re a fan of water sports or want to learn how to surf, Huntington Beach provides an ideal environment for you to embrace the surf culture.

4. Frequent cultural events and festivals

Huntington Beach hosts a variety of cultural events and festivals throughout the year, adding vibrancy and entertainment for those in the city. From the annual California Wine Festival to the Surf City Nights weekly street fair, you have access to a diverse range of cultural experiences and celebrations. These events showcase local talent, art, music, and culinary delights, providing opportunities for you to engage in the local community and enjoy unique cultural offerings.

5. Diverse dining and entertainment options

Huntington Beach boasts a vibrant dining and entertainment scene, catering to a variety of tastes and preferences. From casual beachfront eateries to upscale dining establishments, the city offers a diverse range of culinary experiences. Additionally, Downtown Huntington Beach, also known as Main Street, is lined with shops, boutiques, restaurants, and bars, providing plenty of options for entertainment and nightlife.

Cons of living in Huntington Beach

6. High cost of living

One of the main drawbacks of living in Huntington Beach is the high cost of living. The desirable beachfront location and proximity to major cities contribute to elevated housing prices and overall expenses. Current homes in Orange County cost 51% more on average than the national average, making it challenging for some to find affordable housing options in desirable areas. For example, the median home sale price as of June was $1,020,000 versus a national average of around $408k, and rentals currently going for about $2,900 on average versus $1,393 nationally. It’s important to carefully consider your budget and financial situation before committing to living in Huntington Beach.

7. Expect crowds of tourists during summer

As a popular beach destination, Huntington Beach experiences a significant influx of tourists during the summer months. While this brings economic benefits to the city, it can also result in crowded beaches, parking difficulties, and longer wait times at local establishments. If you prefer a more peaceful and less congested environment, the tourist season may be a factor to consider.

8. Limited public parking

Also, with its popularity as a beach destination, finding public parking in Huntington Beach can be a challenge, especially during peak seasons and weekends. The limited availability of parking spaces near popular beach areas and downtown can be difficult. Residents may need to plan accordingly or explore alternative transportation options to navigate the parking situation effectively.

9. Potential for coastal hazards

Living in a coastal city comes with the risk of coastal hazards such as flooding, erosion, and coastal storms. Although Huntington Beach has protective measures in place, such as seawalls and sand replenishment programs, it’s essential to be aware of the potential risks associated with living near the ocean and stay informed about emergency protocols.

10. Traffic congestion

Like many cities in Southern California, Huntington Beach experiences traffic congestion, particularly during peak commuting hours. The proximity to major highways and popular tourist attractions can contribute to increased traffic volume. It’s important to consider the potential commute times and traffic conditions when planning your daily activities.

Deciding whether Huntington Beach is a good place to live really boils down to your own personal preferences, lifestyle, and priorities.Does Huntington Beach align with what you are looking for as a place to live?

If you are represented by an agent, this is not a solicitation of your business. This article is for informational purposes only, and is not a substitute for professional advice from a medical provider, licensed attorney, financial advisor, or tax professional. Consumers should independently verify any agency or service mentioned will meet their needs. Learn more about our Editorial Guidelines here.

In separate letters, state officials put Huntington Beach on notice and urge its city council to reject a proposed moratorium on SB 9, SB 10, and ADU projects

SACRAMENTO — California Attorney General Rob Bonta and the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) today each issued letters under their separate enforcement authority urging the Huntington Beach City Council to reject a proposed moratorium on housing projects under Senate Bill 9 (SB 9) and Senate Bill 10 (SB 10), as well as accessory dwelling units (ADUs). In the letters, the Attorney General and HCD make it clear that the proposal — currently set to be considered by the city council today — is unlawful and directly threatens statewide efforts to increase the availability of affordable housing.

“We need partners in building a more affordable California, not more political grandstanding,” said Attorney General Rob Bonta. “I urge Huntington Beach to reconsider its latest proposal. Our state is facing an existential housing crisis. It is past time to work together to put the people of our state first. My office is ready to take action as necessary to enforce our laws, but Huntington Beach still has time to course correct. My message to Huntington Beach is simple: Work with us and we will work with you.”

“The City of Huntington Beach continues to attempt to evade their responsibility to build housing, but they will simply not win,” said Governor Gavin Newsom. “City leaders have a choice – build more housing or face very real consequences – including loss of state funds, substantial fines, and loss of local control. Californians need more housing in all communities and Huntington Beach is no exception. Communities that fail to meet this moment will find out that the status quo will no longer be tolerated.”

“The actions being considered by the Huntington Beach City Council should raise concerns with every resident in the city,” said HCD Director Gustavo Velasquez. “This is another blatant attempt to evade state housing law, denying private property owners’ rights to house aging family members or build income through accessory dwelling units, and preventing the development of affordable housing when it is needed more than ever.”

Under SB 9, local agencies must provide a “ministerial” approval process for any proposed duplex within a single-family residential zone, or for any proposed lot split of a single-family residential parcel. Ministerial review is where the public official ensures that the proposed development meets all the applicable objective standards for the proposed action but uses no special discretion or judgment in reaching a decision. An SB 9 project may only be denied under limited circumstances. In addition, Huntington Beach already has an ordinance in place establishing objective development and design standards for SB 9 projects. As a result, it is unclear how the city council can direct its city manager to cease the processing of any SB 9 applications on the grounds that any SB 9 project would purportedly be inconsistent with the city’s current zoning. With respect to SB 10, Huntington Beach has not chosen to adopt an ordinance under that statute and instructing the city manager to ban the acceptance of SB 10 housing projects makes no real-world change to the city’s current practices. This further demonstrates the city's lack of support for strategies that promote housing production at all income levels.

Under state laws aimed at addressing California’s housing crisis, homeowners can build ADUs — sometimes referred to as “in-law units” — or additional homes (SB 9 units) on their lot under specific circumstances. The city council’s proposed action would also be an unlawful attempt to preempt the application of state ADU laws. State law requires permitting agencies to approve or deny ADU applications ministerially and without discretionary review within 60 days of a complete application’s submittal. Should a city deny an ADU application, it must provide in writing a full set of comments to the applicant with a list of items that are defective or deficient and a description of how the application can be remedied by the applicant. State law makes it clear that no other local ordinance, policy, or regulation shall be the basis for the delay or denial of a building permit or a use permit. Refusing to process ADU permits would have the effect of reducing access to housing and also runs afoul of the Housing Crisis Act’s broad prohibitions on local government moratoriums seeking to restrict or limit housing development.

Today’s letters reflect the latest in a string of troubling actions by the city. In a continuation of efforts to evade state housing law, the city is moving to strip private property owners of the right to add housing units, despite the dire need for additional housing. On February 13, HCD and the Attorney General warned the city’s planning commission that the proposed adoption of an ordinance banning “builder’s remedy” projects would violate state law. The builder’s remedy refers to a provision of the Housing Accountability Act prohibiting cities and counties that have not adopted a compliant housing element from denying housing projects for inconsistency with zoning if at least 20% of the proposed homes are affordable to low-income households. Huntington Beach has not adopted its housing element, even though HCD found its draft compliant with state law.

Governor Gavin Newsom launched a Housing Accountability Unit in 2021 increasing stringent enforcement and oversight at the local level to create more housing, faster across California. In 2021, Attorney General Bonta announced the creation of a Housing Strike Force within the California Department of Justice aimed at advancing housing access across the state. Members of the public are encouraged to visit the California Department of Justice’s Housing Portal and HCD’s website for more resources and information aimed at supporting access to housing.

A copy of the California Department of Justice’s letter to Huntington Beach is available here. A copy of HCD’s letter is available here.

Huntington Beach city leaders voted to block a state housing law on Tuesday night despite threats from Sacramento that they could be in for a lawsuit over the ban.

The state law they blocked locally is known as “builder’s remedy,” which allows a developer to build a project in the city without their approval if the city doesn’t have a housing plan approved by the state and if the proposed development offers affordable housing units.

[Read: Will Builder’s Remedy Create Housing Without Local Approval in Orange County?]

Huntington Beach, along with most Orange County cities, does not currently have an approved housing plan, with the council’s next discussion on the plan set for later this month.

Huntington Beach leaders argue that the builder’s remedy law is illegal, and that the state should not have the power to overrule local zoning decisions or mandate zoning for over 13,000 new housing units in the city.

Mayor Tony Strickland pointed out the council’s promise to voters during the 2022 campaign to fight back against housing mandates, saying the state was unfairly targeting Huntington Beach.

“There is a war on the automobile and there is a war on suburbia and they want to urbanize California,” Strickland said. “We have a checks and balances system in this country. When we believe the state is overstepping their bounds, we have an avenue and that avenue is the courts.”

And that court battle could be right around the corner.

State leaders like Gov. Gavin Newsom and Attorney General Rob Bonta have repeatedly warned that a push to overturn builder’s remedy or any other state laws will be met with a lawsuit.

“With today’s letter, we’re putting the City on notice that adopting this ordinance would violate state law,” Bonta said in a letter sent to the city last month. “I urge cities to take seriously their obligations under state housing laws. If you don’t, we will hold you accountable.”

[Read: Sacramento Tells Huntington Beach To Back Off Housing Fight Against Builders’ Remedy]

The city also received another letter from the state’s department of Housing and Community Development, warning them that if the ban was passed it would be a violation of state law.

To read the letter, click here.

While the council approved the motion to block builder’s remedy rules in a 4-3 vote, several council members asked why the city didn’t just focus on approving a housing plan instead of fighting builder’s remedy.

“The way to stop builder’s remedy is to approve and receive a certified housing element,” said Councilwoman Natalie Moser. “If the council was serious about wanting a certified housing element, it would not proceed with a direct violation of housing law.”

Precise details on how the city plans to fight off any lawsuit are hazy, with city attorney Michael Gates saying he can’t discuss the issue publicly without giving away the city’s legal strategy.

“This is the kind of thing that basically expresses succinctly in one paragraph what our entire body of zoning code already says,” Gates said. “This is as legal as our current zoning law.”

Gates also said Huntington Beach was being picked on, claiming that 60% of California cities don’t have an approved housing plan but that Surf City was the only one at risk of a lawsuit.

“There are currently approximately 280 cities out of housing compliance,” Gates said. “Yet Huntington Beach is being picked on…we’re the focus of enforcement while the other 280 cities aren’t.”

“Well, we’re passing an ordinance that goes against state law,” Moser said. “That would be a reason to pick on us.”

Noah Biesiada is a Voice of OC reporter and corps member with Report for America, a GroundTruth initiative. Contact him at nbiesiada@voiceofoc.org or on Twitter @NBiesiada.

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