Central Library

Send DATEBOOK items to the Huntington Beach Independent, 18682 Beach Blvd., Suite 160, Huntington Beach, CA 92648; fax to (714) 965-7174; call (714) 965-7176 or e-mail hbindy@latimes.com. Submissions must be received two weeks before publication. TODAY Surf Theatre will present the surf video, "Second Thoughts," featuring Timmy Turner, Travis Potter and Brett Schwartz. The 7 p.m. show will be at the Mann's Pierside 6 Cinemas near the corner of Pacific Coast Highway and Main Street.

Mike Sciacca Thom Racina has told more than a tale or two through his many published books, but the national best-selling author's colorful career contains a plethora of tidbits and anecdotes that certainly would make for a juicy novel. Hey, he could write a book about his own adventures. It would surely land Racina, once again, on the best-sellers' list. The Palm Springs resident will be in Huntington Beach on Jan. 17 to serve as guest speaker when the Friends of the Huntington Beach Library presents a noon lunch and lecture at the Huntington Beach Central Library.

Story by Wendy Gabbe, photos by Virginia Murray is not your typical 91-year-old. Although she does enjoy such conventional activities as reading and planting flowers in her backyard, what is truly remarkable is the time and energy she devotes to giving back to the community. "I enjoy volunteering thoroughly," she said. "I like getting out and meeting people. Besides, it's a good reason to get up and get going." Murray is in her eighth year volunteering at the Huntington Beach Central Library.

Tom Titus There'll be a few changes made at the Huntington Beach Playhouse next season, but the theater's schedule is dominated by blasts from the past. Four of the six productions to be mounted at the Central Library Theater in 2002 are plays that have previously been presented by the Playhouse over the years, including one dating back to 1967 (I know because I was in that one). The other two entries, along with the summerShakespeare show, all will be new to Huntington Beach.

It's as though you step back in time when you walk into the Main Street Library. Wooden book shelves that house literary favorites are a reminder that much has stayed the same within the walls of the building erected in 1951. A friendly staff, most of them volunteers, also heralds yesteryear. "We have tried to keep the feel of the original library," said library assistant Marianne Mackenzie. "It's a nice, comfortable atmosphere for all who enter our doors."

The Longboard Restaurant & Pub came out on top during the 2nd annual Huntington Beach Restaurant Olympics on Saturday. One of 14 participating restaurant teams, Longboard was the overall winner of the competition, which was designed to provide a fun and competitive environment for city eateries while also promoting local businesses. A team of employees from Gallagher's, Crabby Kenny's and Ibiza restaurants placed second, with B.J.'s Huntington Beach coming in third.

Four goals were presented to the community when I took office in 1999. We've either accomplished them or have the planning process in place to achieve them in the very near future. First, an economic development goal -- plan a conference, regional in scope, that is investment community-based and locally organized. We did that with nationally renowned guest speakers and panelists. Ten mayors joined us to execute the area's first West Orange County Investment Forum.