Best of HB: 2023 Finalists

INSTRUCTIONS

It's time to vote for the finalists of the 2023 Best of HB Awards! Voting ends on December 15th, 2023 at 11:59 p.m. PST.

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* 1. HB Hero Award: A person or organization directly involved in public service who has led by example in the community going above and beyond the call of duty.

Jeff Lopez, Division Chief of Operations, Huntington Beach Fire Department - Jeff began his career at the Huntington Beach Fire Department in 1995, working as a firefighter/paramedic after transferring from the Orange County Fire Authority. In 1998, he joined the Hazardous Materials Response Team and worked as a hazmat specialist until his promotion to fire captain in 2002. In 2007, Jeff moved to an administrative captain role, where he worked in fire prevention, the ambulance program, and finally as the training officer. Jeff served as a shift battalion chief, training battalion chief, and EMS battalion chief since 2013. In February 2023, Jeff assumed the position of Division Chief of Operations.

Janet Nguyen, California State Senator, Senate District 36 - Assemblywoman Janet Nguyen was elected to represent the 72nd Assembly District on November 3, 2020. Janet is a small-business owner, a former State Senator for the 34th Senate District, and a former Orange County Supervisor. She is the former Vice-President of Government and Public Affairs for a local Chamber of Commerce. As a State Senator, Assemblywoman Janet Nguyen was named Legislator of the Year by the American Legion, the Association of the United States Army and the Vietnam Veterans of America. Assemblywoman Janet Nguyen is known for her “firsts.” With her victory to represent the 72nd Assembly District, Assemblywoman Nguyen is the first woman to represent the 72nd Assembly District, the first Vietnamese-American in the country to be elected to serve both the State Senate and State Assembly, the highest-ranking Vietnamese-American elected official in California and the only Asian
American woman Legislator in California.

Eric Parra, Chief of Police, Huntington Beach Police Department - Eric G. Parra was selected to serve as the new Chief of Police for the City of Huntington Beach in December 2021. Parra has more than 33 years of law enforcement experience and comes to us from the City of Alhambra where he was the Chief of Police. Prior to his current role, he held a variety of leadership roles with the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, leaving that agency in 2019 as Division Chief. Throughout the course of his career, Parra has been responsible for the oversight and coordination of various law enforcement operations, including supervision of widespread patrol functions, leading reform efforts at the Los Angeles County jail system, instituting community policing programs and establishing improved internal law enforcement operational practices.

Julie Toledo, Public Affairs Officer, City of Huntington Beach - For nearly 10 years, Julie Toledo has served as the City’s Public Affairs Officer. In her role, she oversees the City’s annual Citizens Academy, coordinates the Junior Citizens Academy, manages and creates content for HBTV-3, works with TV, movie & commercial location scouts to film in HB, and works directly with city staff and the City Council. She also attends many City events, and builds solid, trusting relationships within the community by working with the Chamber of Commerce, Visit HB and dozens of non-profit organizations.

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* 2. Living Green Award: An organization making the most considerable effort in helping others to be more eco-conscious or offering environmentally friendly products.

AES - Since 1989, AES has been powering California and supporting the state’s grid reliability needs. They are committed to a safe and responsible transition to clean energy in California. Together with their customers and partners, AES co-creates innovative and sustainable energy solutions, creates local jobs, and invests in communities.

Circuit - Since July 2021, Circuit has been offering affordable eco-friendly rides in Huntington Beach, California. Their all-electric shared vehicles reduce emissions and traffic congestion in your community while creating jobs and promoting local businesses. Ditch the car and catch a ride to and from Huntington Beach’s favorite spots like Main Street, Huntington Beach Pier, the beach and more.

Simple Green - Simple Green is committed to providing high-quality cleaning products with a focus on environmental responsibility and human safety. Since 1975, Simple Green has built a legacy of developing new and innovative products that are responsible choices for many generations to come.

The Surfrider Foundation - The Surfrider Foundation is dedicated to the protection and enjoyment of the world's oceans, waves, and beaches, for all people, through a powerful activist network. You can find them hosting (beach, Santa Ana River, and harbor) cleanups, welcoming tourists from around the world at many major surf competitions, helping restaurants save money by becoming ocean-friendly, and much more. Surfrider represents the eco-friendly businesses, residents, and visitors that support their chapter.

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* 3. HB Local Legend: A person that has gone above and beyond to help others grow and succeed in our community. This person leads by example, exemplifies service through volunteer work and has tirelessly given back to the community in various ways.

Victoria Alberty - Victoria is an active member & servant of the community as she contributes to many Huntington Beach non-profits including Kiwanis, Golden West College Patrons & the HB Chamber of Commerce as an ambassador for 14 years & a current board member. She is also known for HB local/HB Website Design that helps companies/organizations in HB with custom website design & services.

Diane Dwyer - Surf City resident Diane Dwyer has spent countless hours volunteering for the Huntington Beach Assistance League. The Assistance League supports many women and children in Huntington Beach and surrounding cities. Diane has worked at the store, coordinated marketing efforts, organized special events, and more all in an effort to help those in need.

Don Ramsey - Don's family moved here in 1963, when he was 11. Since then, it’s been a life of waves, but also of service. Ramsey is on the board of directors of the Huntington Beach Boardriders Club, and he’s also gained local notoriety as the founder and organizer of the Kowabunga Van Klan, a group that shares love of old Volkswagen buses. Don Ramsey, the owner and president of Ecology Tires, serves on the board of directors of the Huntington Beach International Surfing Museum and the Surfing Walk of Fame. He’s also on the city’s Fourth of July Executive Board and is event director for the International Surfboard Builders Hall of Fame.

Edward Romo - Edward Romo is a Huntington Beach local who has raised his two daughters and is the founder of the Locals 4th of July Bicycle Cruise and is known to lend a helping hand to those in need, especially local businesses.

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* 4. Wave of Hope: The most actively involved individual, charity, or community-oriented non-profit organization.

Assistance League of Huntington Beach - Founded in 1950, Assistance League of Huntington Beach is an organization of caring and compassionate volunteers who, through their community programs, transform lives and put smiles on the faces of children and adults. These programs, clothe children, support seniors, award scholarships, provide classroom funding to teachers and assist families in crisis; all providing hope for a better future.

Huntington Beach Host Lions Club - Since 1938, the Lions Club has been a philanthropic and social organization, composed of men, women, and families, with the aim of improving the lives of those who are less fortunate. Our club's motto is simple: "Doing Good While Having Fun". We achieve this by helping those in need, raising funds through events, and donating 100% of the proceeds to the people and organizations we have agreed to support. Our ultimate goal is to make our city, county, country, and world a better place.

Robyne’s Nest - Robyne’s Nest provides resources, funds and support to at-risk & homeless high school students in the Huntington Beach High School District. The organization was started to help homeless high school students who have been abandoned, kicked out or are just being neglected by their parents/guardians. We also help those students, whose parents are simply unable to provide for them.

Wetlands & Wildlife Care Center - The Wetlands & Wildlife Care Center is a non-profit 501(c)3 dedicated to the rehabilitation and release of injured and orphaned native wildlife in Orange County. The center is open 7 days a week, 365 days a year. Our trained volunteers are also on a 24-hour call to respond to petroleum spills involving California wildlife. We are solely funded by generous public donations and with this support, we ensure our doors remain open.

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* 5. Surfer’s Choice: The best food and beverage business (i.e., catering company, restaurant or local food service establishment) in Huntington Beach.

Beachwood Brewing - Beachwood Owners Gabriel Gordon, Lena Perelman, and Julian Shrago strive to combine progressive, inventive food with quality crafted beer, to be a hub for all things craft, while building and nurturing a community where customers become friends and beer fans feel at home discovering and experiencing great food alongside great beer. From 2006 - 2020 Gabriel and Lena opened the original flagship Beachwood restaurant and beer bar in Seal Beach. Their latest endeavor, Beachwood Pizza & Beer on Warner in Huntington Beach, opened in Winter 2022 that features handcrafted 16-inch Sourdough pies alongside signature appetizers, salads, sandwiches, desserts and of course, great craft beer. People come for the beer and stay for the community.

Duke's Huntington Beach - Duke’s is named after the father of international surfing, Duke Kahanamoku, known not only for his Olympic medals and love of the ocean but also for his reputation for warm hospitality and the true spirit of Aloha. Relax and take in the views while you enjoy the Hawaiian beach house ambiance and the freshest premium seafood and prime steaks, uniquely prepared and thoughtfully served. Duke’s offers the option of enjoying lunch or dinner in their main dining area, or relaxing with a cocktail and appetizer in the Barefoot Bar

Love at First Bite Catering - What started as a small, family-owned business and labor of love in 1982, has grown into one of Orange County's premier catering + event production companies. Current owners, John + Stacy LaBrake were involved early on in assisting Love At First Bite's Founders, Cindy + Steve Vatcher, in their vision to bring great food, great service, and great prices to catered events in Orange County. When the Vatchers made the difficult decision to move their family out of state, it was a natural transition for John & Stacy to take over, and continue the company's legacy. Now, over 40 years after LAFB first opened its doors, our team has grown, and you still won't find a catering company with more heart.

Zero Zero 39 Pizzeria - Zero Zero 39 Pizzeria was founded by Francesco and Carlotta Zaza in December of 2014. The Zaza family are from Roma Italy, and have brought with them to Southern California their favorite recipes for pizza using only fresh ingredients and the best doppio zero flour. Locals were quick to find their love for Zero Zero 39's Roman-style pizza and can't get enough of it!

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* 6. Outstanding Educator: A teacher, instructor, professor, aide, or individual in the education sector who has gone the extra mile to develop our youth in the HB community.

Tami Benane - As Principal of Village View Elementary School, Tami believes in collaborating and listening to our parents and community, Tami's biggest priority is to provide a safe and nurturing environment where all students thrive. Currently, she is working with our district curriculum and instruction department to incorporate Ocean Literacy with Science. Her goal is to foster a better understanding of our oceans & she wants all our students to benefit from living in this wonderful beach community.

Dr. Clint Harwick - Dr. Clint Harwick is beginning his 20th year as superintendent and sixth year in the Huntington Beach Union High School District. Prior to HBUHSD, Dr. Harwick spent 14 years collectively as the Superintendent in the Saddleback Valley Unified School District, Charter Oak Unified School District, and Rim of the World Unified School District. In 2021, Dr. Harwick was named the ACSA Region 17 Superintendent of the Year, which follows his 2020 Maureen DiMarco Award as a Superintendent Collective. Additional honors include being named into the Azusa Pacific Academic Hall of Fame as an educational contributor and the University of Redlands Hall of Fame as a member of the 1985 baseball team.

Paul Morrow, Ed.D. - Dr. Morrow has worked in the education field for 37 years as a teacher and administrator in all levels of public education, kindergarten through 12th grade. During that time, he has worked in the City of Huntington Beach for 28 years as the principal for Moffett School, Sowers Middle School, and Marina High School. Under his leadership at Sowers Middle School (1999) and Marina High School (2009), the schools received the California Distinguished School Award and Sowers Middle School received the National Blue Ribbon Award in the 2001/2002 school year; the first for our district. He received his doctorate degree in Organizational Leadership from the University of LaVerne. Dr. Morrow has been asked to serve on numerous committees with both districts as the chairman because of his strong leadership and organizational skills, dedication, ability to be a team builder, and visionary leader.

Joan O'Connor - Joan has been teaching for the past 29 years and has been at Village View Elementary for 28 of them! "I consider myself lucky to have the opportunity to spend my day with my students. It is very exciting to watch them learn and grow both academically and developmentally. I have spent the majority of my time in kindergarten but have experience teaching 1st grade and a K/1 Combo. I consider kindergarten my true passion and love although I did enjoy the other experiences as well."

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* 7. Best Small Business: The best small business (15 employees or less) in the community with an exceptional track record for community involvement through donations, programs, and community.

Beef Palace Butcher Shop - Dubbed "The World's Greatest Butcher Shop," Beef Palace Butcher Shop has been around since 1970 and offers everything you'll need to do some grilling, save for the grill itself. With a wide variety of meats to choose from, Beef Palace believes that "No one anywhere, at any price, buys higher quality than we proudly offer".

Bra Garden - The Bra Garden is a specialty boutique dedicated to ensuring that women gain the confidence, comfort, and assurance of wearing the correct fitting bra, all set in an educational and body-positive environment. Bra Garden specializes in properly fitting garments for all, carrying over 180 different sizes, and offering each customer individual attention suffused with warmth, kindness, and discretion. In 2022, Windy Bess took over the business, bringing it and her nearly 20 years of medical background experience in the operating room to Huntington Beach, allowing her to serve ALL women - covering medical-related needs and traditional (properly fitting) bras.

The Waxing Room - We are a specialty boutique offering premium quality waxing for men and women. We use the finest quality European waxes and products that are hypoallergenic and safe for sensitive skin. The environment is clean and comfortable and we always adhere to all state sanitary guidelines and NEVER double-dip! We offer hard wax and soft wax and will remove as little or as much hair as you desire. Your version of sexy is our version of sexy because we believe a service SO personal should be tailored to you and your body and not chosen by an assembly line of waxers.

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* 8. Best Medium Business: The best medium business (16 - 50 employees) in the community with an exceptional track record for community involvement through donations, programs, and community.

Code Four - Code Four is a full-service agency based in Huntington Beach, California, with more than a decade of experience in various fields. We have five primary departments: agency, experiential, print, fabrication, and technical, all aimed at providing solution-based outcomes for our clients and brands. Our vertical integration enables us to better serve our partners, making us a one-stop shop for everything. Rather than outsourcing our jobs, we have invested in creating our skilled and talented team and leveraging the best high-tech equipment to improve our capabilities.

ExperTec Automotive - ExperTec has been serving the community since 1993. From sponsoring our local high schools to holding free catalytic converter etching events, community service is something ExperTec takes great pride in. They have also partnered with countless organizations throughout Huntington Beach to help those in need. No matter the circumstances, all are welcome at ExperTec.

Huntington Surf & Sport - In 1978, Aaron was the first employee to be hired at Huntington Surf & Sport and one year later, he had the opportunity to buy the shop. With the help of his parents, he started living his dream of running a surf shop. Today, the whole Pai family--parents, brothers, and sisters--are involved in the store. Huntington Surf & Sport is Orange County’s ultimate destination for everything sand and surf. Offering a vast selection of specialty surf gear and apparel for men, women and children, you’ll find everything you need to catch waves or hang back for fun on the beach. Surfboard inventory is updated weekly, so be sure to check in for the most up-to-date availability.

REPAIR Sports Institute - Success is built with teamwork, and at REPAIR SI, we are with you every step of the way to help you get back on the field or back to the lifestyle you enjoy. Our team is comprised of doctors of physical therapy, acupuncture, chiropractors and sports specialists who deploy the latest in innovative treatment to help you get back on your feet. REPAIR SI was founded in 2015 by Dr. Chad Beauchamp, PT, DPT, SCS, TPI, CSCS with the goal of providing cutting-edge treatments that target not just the musculoskeletal system, but the entire person: mind, body and spirit. Our goal at REPAIR SI is not just to make you stronger, but to keep you in the best shape possible so you can do the things you love with ease.

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* 9. Best Large Business: The best large business (51+ employees) in the community with an exceptional track record for community involvement through donations, programs, and community.

AES - AES recognizes the need for advanced technology to create a modernized, reliable grid. That’s why they have placed an increased focus on battery energy storage, both as standalone facilities and paired with wind and solar resources in hybrid solutions. As they continue to operate and innovate in the state, they will consistently provide clean and reliable energy, create local jobs, and invest in non-profits, education, and local businesses. At the same time, we will listen to our customers to co-create solutions that meet California's evolving energy needs.

The Boeing Company - As a leading global aerospace company, Boeing develops, manufactures and services commercial airplanes, defense products, and space systems for customers in more than 150 countries. As a top U.S. exporter, the company leverages the talents of a global supplier base to advance economic opportunity, sustainability and community impact. Boeing’s diverse team is committed to innovating for the future, leading with sustainability, and cultivating a culture based on the company’s core values of safety, quality, and integrity.

Gustafson Brothers - Gustafson Brothers is an all inclusive auto mechanic service and auto body and paint facility for most domestic and foreign vehicles serving Huntington Beach, Fountain Valley, Newport Beach, and all surrounding Orange County California communities. Our full service Huntington Beach auto body, auto painting, and auto repair shop is recognized by major auto insurance carriers as a preferred collision repair facility and our technicians are certified in the latest repair and painting procedures. Gustafson Brothers Auto Body is a Honda ProFirst Certified Body Shop. In addition to being an all inclusive Huntington Beach auto repair, mechanic, and auto body shop, Gustafson Brothers is a pioneer in continuing education.

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* 10. Best of Surf City: The best business or organization that has created a long-term positive impact on the Huntington Beach community during 2023.

Kiwanis Club of Huntington Beach - In Huntington Beach, the Kiwanis Club has been helping kids for more than 60 years. We believe we can make a difference in the world, in our community and in the life of a child. Along with clubs for adults, we offer clubs for kids in elementary, middle, high school and even in college. We also have a club that gives developmentally disabled adults the opportunity to volunteer in their community. We believe everyone can benefit from helping others.

MemorialCare Orange Coast Medical Center - MemorialCare Orange Coast Medical Center is part of MemorialCare, a not-for-profit, integrated health care system and is the only nonprofit hospital in Fountain Valley. Orange Coast Medical Center fulfills its community’s health care needs with innovation and a commitment to excellence, all delivered in a beautiful setting. Orange Coast Medical Center has been voted as a top workplace and the No. 1 Best Hospital in Orange County by Orange County Register readers, has earned Magnet® recognition for nursing excellence, and recognized by U.S. News & World Report and Healthgrades for excellence in specialties such as orthopedics and cardiology. In addition, Orange Coast is also one of only two hospitals in LA and Orange Counties to offer non-invasive guided ultrasound to treat tremors. For more information visit, memorialcare.org/OrangeCoast.