It's no secret, most of us would like to stay in our own home as we age. Yet, sometimes our loved ones just need a little extra help to remain comfortable at home. That's where Always Best Care can help....we are dedicated to exceeding expectations....always
They say that your golden years are the best years of your life. For most older Americans, that's how it should be - a time to relax, reflect, and live life in a familiar place. After all, senior citizens in the U.S. have worked tirelessly to build a better economy, serve their communities, and raise families.
However, as seniors grow older, completing daily tasks like showering and enjoying activities such as visiting the historic Huntington Beach Sign gets harder without someone by their side. Unfortunately, many older Americans aren't able to rely on their adult children for help. The reality in today's world is that family members do not have the skills or time to dedicate to caring for their parents. That's where Always Best Care Senior Services comes in.
Our in-home care services are for people who prefer to stay at home as they grow older but need ongoing care that family or friends cannot provide. More and more older adults prefer to live far away from long-term, institutionalized facilities and closer to the place where they feel most comfortable - their home. Home care in Huntington Beach, CA is a safe, effective way to give your loved ones the care they need when they need it the most.
Home Care Services
Service AreasSince 1996, Always Best Care has provided non-medical in-home care for seniors to help them maintain a healthy lifestyle as they get older. We are proud to have helped more than 25,000 seniors maintain higher levels of dignity and respect. We focus on providing seniors with the highest level of in-home care available so that they may live happily and independently.
Unlike some senior care companies, we genuinely want to be included in our clients' lives. We believe that personalized care is always the better option over a "one size fits all" approach. To make sure our senior clients receive the best care possible, we pair them with compassionate caregivers who understand their unique needs. That way, they may provide care accordingly without compromising their wellbeing.
The Always Best Care difference lies in life's little moments - where compassionate care and trustworthy experience come together to help seniors live a fruitful, healthy life. Whether you are an aging adult that can't quite keep up with life's daily tasks or the child of a senior who needs regular in-home services, Always Best Care is here to help.
“I was diagnosed with triple negative breast cancer , Deb Botelho was an amazing caretaker”
“I had a very good experience with Phong and her workers. Mostly all of them were”
“The team at ABC Senior services has been a godsend for me and my family.”
“We have used Phuong and her caregivers for over a year. She and her team”
“ABC came in and really helped stabilize my mom’s living situation as her dementia worsened.”
“I had a great experience with Always Best Care. My husband needed 8 hours 7”
“Thank you for being there, and working around my hectic schedule…you made my time and”
“After being in the assisted-living for nearly 3 weeks due to it, horrible accident, I”
“An amazing company doing amazing things through home care. Phuong does an awesome job managing”
“Writing a review for service received is never an easy task especially where it involves”
“I appreciated the friendly & professional care Karla provided for me after my extended hospital”
“Oh my gosh, the VA came to my rescue in providing my husband with a”
“Caregivers went beyond our expectations of what they can do to help us. The management”
“Caregivers went beyond our expectations of what they can do to help us. The management”
“Always Best Care provided reliable quality care to my family member in my home. They”
“After months of struggling with trying to find a reliable caregiver for a disabled loved”
“The first month of assistance with Best care was a little rough for my 89”
“The VA had brought in caregivers for my father from Always Best Care Newport Beach.”
“Always Best was always professional and went out of their way to make my dad”
“Had a good experience with this care provider, my father needed home care doing daily”
“My sister and I feel so fortunate to have found Phuong at ABC Care when”
“The caregivers were a Godsend for me. Allowed me to breath and get away. Caregivers”
“My uncle received care through Always Best Care and I always knew he was in”
“I was diagnosed with triple negative breast cancer , Deb Botelho was an amazing caretaker . She has taken care of me for almost a year. She has helped me shower , dress me , do light house work , helped me walk and even helped me after my surgeries and recovery . I don’t know what I would’ve done without her . She is an amazing human with the biggest heart . ❤️”
“I had a very good experience with Phong and her workers. Mostly all of them were so great and helpful in their own way. If I requested one,,as I did many a time, she would do her best to honor my request. I highly reccommend her and Best Care.”
“The team at ABC Senior services has been a godsend for me and my family. The caretakers and this company came highly recommended from a friend and now I understand why. This business has been very accommodating and understanding and has tremendous experience. Every individual has unique needs and this company does its best to harmonize with the customers needs. We worked with Karla,Ronny,Michelle and Betsy. Dementia and Alzheimer's are very cruel ailments and ABC came through for us to help take care of my father's needs and to take pressure off of my mother by helping with daily tasks.”
“We have used Phuong and her caregivers for over a year. She and her team are the best. Phuong knew what my mother needed even before we did, as she knows the business front and back. She also has a compassionate heart. The only reason we stopped was because my mother could never return home and needed to be placed in a home. My mother loved her home and was grateful she could live there with the help of Always Best Care Senior Services.”
“ABC came in and really helped stabilize my mom’s living situation as her dementia worsened. Phuong was adaptable and worked with us regarding scheduling, doctor appointments and any other needs we had with our in-home care. I would definitely recommend Phuong and her team with any home healthcare needs.”
“I had a great experience with Always Best Care. My husband needed 8 hours 7 days a week care so the caregivers became part of our family! Not every caregiver was a good fit but Phoung was flexible and worked to insure our days went as smoothly as possible. I have recommended Always Best Care to friends and they have been thrilled with the care the are receiving.”
“Thank you for being there, and working around my hectic schedule…you made my time and my husbands time positive.”
“After being in the assisted-living for nearly 3 weeks due to it, horrible accident, I arrived home, not being able to do much. I was completely frustrated, then, Always Best Care of came to my rescue! The ladies that came out were extremely helpful, kind, considerate, and understanding. Each week, they would jump in and do things that were absolutely impossible for me to do. I’m very independent, but they helpe me to relax, take it easy and let them handle anything I needed. I am so very grateful for this wonderful service.”
“An amazing company doing amazing things through home care. Phuong does an awesome job managing the staff and clients to assure the experience on both ends exceeds their expectations. It's a great place to work and give back to your community.”
“Writing a review for service received is never an easy task especially where it involves service provided to a loved one. But where service received becomes an overwhelmingly pleasant experience, the task becomes an easier one. Such is the feeling I have as I look back at the almost three years of care my late husband received from the caregivers provided by the Veterans Administration through the Always Best Care Agency. Of special mention was a very nice lady by the name of Claudette LaCaille, a pre-school teacher by profession who was one of the caregivers that unselfishly cared for him. Not only did she patiently attend to his needs---she provided a genuine companionship to him and great comfort and understanding to me. It made this painful period of my life bearable and easier to accept and cope with. I am also very grateful to the agency’s owner, Nguyen Phuong, for granting my request to send caregivers who could come consistently on a regular schedule. It made him feel like familiar friends were visiting him on a regular basis. I highly recommend the Always Best Care Senior Services and wish their caregiving heroes and heroines the best of health and good fortune now and always.”
“I appreciated the friendly & professional care Karla provided for me after my extended hospital & rehab stay. Thank you for sending Karla for my care.”
“Oh my gosh, the VA came to my rescue in providing my husband with a caregiving service after 3 years of doing it myself. Alway Best Care of Fountain Valley is the company that was designated to us. Phuong does a spectacular job in finding the best people possible to fit into a caregiving roll. What impressed me most is the fact that when a caregiver cannot make the scheduled appointment, Phuong does not allow us to be without caregiving service, if she cannot find a replacement she steps up and performs the duties herself. She is most helpful in assisting with regular caregiving service and does not feel it below her to chip in with light housekeeping chores. BRAVO Ms Phuong, your company’s service is the best.”
“Caregivers went beyond our expectations of what they can do to help us. The management "flexibility in schedule" helped us all in our household and gave us more relief in taking our short breaks and not to worry about our fiend's care, safety and his assistance at home. Consistency of caregivers assigned made it easier for my friend’s personality and to myself to handle his care. Caregivers provided the standard of professionalism, punctuality and respect in all aspects of care to my friend and to all household members as well. Always Best Care patiently worked and delivered my request for my friend's care in matching his personality with caregivers. I was not also easy to deal with being the person in charge to my friend. Thank you Always Best Care with gratitude. Penny Byram Westminster”
“Caregivers went beyond our expectations of what they can do to help us. The management "flexibility in schedule" helped us all in our household and gave us more relief in taking our short breaks and not to worry about our fiend's care, safety and his assistance at home. Consistency of caregivers assigned made it easier for my friend's personality as well as to myself. Caregivers provided the standard of professionalism, punctuality and respect in all aspects of care to my friend and to all household members as well. Always Best Care patiently worked and delivered my request for my friend's care in matching his personality with caregivers. Thank you Always Best Care with gratitude.”
“Always Best Care provided reliable quality care to my family member in my home. They were professional, courteous and kind in their provision of personal care. Many thanks to their staff.”
“After months of struggling with trying to find a reliable caregiver for a disabled loved one, I reached out to Always Best Care. From our first phone conversation, Phuong was incredibly helpful, highly professional, informative, and kind. She assisted us with getting care for my family member at home and recently helped us with transitioning her into a senior board and care facility. Phuong understood our needs and made the process super smooth and stress free. She always responds to emails and phone calls promptly and is a true gem. I highly recommend Always Best Care and could not be more pleased with the outstanding level of service Phuong provided.”
“The first month of assistance with Best care was a little rough for my 89 y.o.father, with a different care giver each visit. However as time progressed, the caregivers became more regular and his very favorite became Lauren! He is loving his in-home-care with the kindness and concern each of the caregivers show him.”
“The VA had brought in caregivers for my father from Always Best Care Newport Beach. All team members working with my father 2 days per week were wonderful. My father especially liked Karla and gave her high compliments. The entire team of caregivers from ABC were a blessing to my father and his wife. Thank you for your service. ????”
“Always Best was always professional and went out of their way to make my dad who was 88 feel special and took great care of him. They would accommodate our schedule and came to work on time. They cleaned the house and took great care of Werner. He was not always easy to work with but the staff had patients for him and for me. Always following up with my texts and phone calls. It was such a relief to know I could leave for work in the morning and they would be there to get dad up and started for the day. We were grateful for all they did for him. Debbie Stroman”
“Had a good experience with this care provider, my father needed home care doing daily living activities. The company is great and the help is better.”
“My sister and I feel so fortunate to have found Phuong at ABC Care when we were looking for care for my mother. Over many years of her helping us, Phuong never let us down and her team was professional, responsible and caring. If you are looking for someone to care for your loved one with compassion and consistency I would highly recommend Phuong. She is very hard working, was always accessible to us and takes personal responsibility for her team. We were so grateful to have her helping us with our mom.”
“The caregivers were a Godsend for me. Allowed me to breath and get away. Caregivers we're friendly, helpful around house, great conversation with my dad, really made his day!!! Caregivers helped with my dads quality of life”
“My uncle received care through Always Best Care and I always knew he was in good hands. When the need for care increased, they were able to answer that need immediately . It felt like having extended family looking after my uncle.”
Home is where the heart is. While that saying can sound a tad cliche, it is especially true for many seniors living in America. When given a choice, older adults most often prefer to grow older at home. An AARP study found that three out of four adults over the age of 50 want to stay in their homes and communities as they age.
When you begin to think about why, it makes sense. Home offers a sense of security, comfort, and familiarity.
The truth is, as we age, we begin to rely on others for help. When a family is too busy or lives too far away to fulfill this role, in-home senior care is often the best solution. Home care services allow seniors to enjoy personal independence while also receiving trustworthy assistance from a trained caregiver.
At Always Best Care, we offer a comprehensive range of home care services to help seniors stay healthy while they get the help they need to remain independent. As your senior loved one gets older, giving them the gift of senior care is one of the best ways to show your love, even if you live far away.
To give our senior clients the best care possible, we offer a full spectrum of in-home care services:
If your senior loved one has specific care needs, our personal care services are a great choice to consider. Personal care includes the standard caregiving duties associated with companion care and includes help with tasks such as dressing and grooming. Personal care can also help individuals with chronic conditions like diabetes.
Common personal care services include assistance with:
Sometimes, seniors need helpful reminders to maintain a high quality of life at home. If you or your senior has trouble with everyday tasks like cooking, our home helper services will be very beneficial.
Common home helper care services include assistance with:
Using this kind of care is a fantastic way to make life easier for you or your senior loved one. At Always Best Care, our talented caregivers often fill the role of a companion for seniors. That way, older adults can enjoy their favorite local activities, such as visiting Bluff Top Park with friends while also receiving the care they need daily or weekly.
Common companionship services include:
According to AARP, more than 53 million adults living in the U.S. provide care to someone over 50 years old. Unfortunately, these caregivers experience stress, exhaustion, and even depression. Our respite care services help family caregivers address urgent obligations, spend time with their children, and enjoy nearby activities. Perhaps more importantly, respite care gives family members time to recharge and regroup. Taking personal time to de-stress reduces the risk of caregiver burnout. So, if you've always wanted to eat at the local Watertable or visit Newland House Museum, don't feel bad. Doing so is great for both you and your loved one.
At the end of the day, our goal is to become a valuable part of your senior's daily routine. That way, we may help give them the highest quality of life possible. We know that staying at home is important for your loved one, and we are here to help make sure that is possible.
If you have been on the fence about non-medical home care, there has never been a better time than now to give your senior the care, assistance, and companionship they deserve.
Always Best Care in-home services are for older adults who prefer to stay at home but need ongoing care that friends and family cannot provide. In-home care is a safe, effective way for seniors to age gracefully in a familiar place and live independent, non-institutionalized lives. The benefits of non-medical home care are numerous. Here are just a few reasons to consider senior care services from Always Best Care:
According to AARP, 9 out of 10 seniors prefer to age in place within the comfort of their own home. With in-home care, seniors have a way to stay at home, receive the care they need, and maintain a sense of independence, improving overall wellness.
If you or a member of your family have assumed the role of caregiver for your senior loved one, you know how stressful the job can be. Between caregiver burnout and constant worry, being a family caregiver is hard. In-home care relieves your burden and gives you peace of mind knowing that your older family member is in expert hands.
Unlike nursing homes, where the staff and residents rotate frequently, seniors can foster new friendships and build bonds with their caregiver. Seniors who socialize on a regular basis are often happier, which fosters positivity and leads to increased wellbeing.
No two seniors need the same kind of in-home care assistance. That is why each of our Care Plans is tailored to meet our client's individual needs. We offer plans that cover everything from light housekeeping to more involved duties like transportation to doctor's appointments. Our Care Coordinators will work closely with you to develop a personalized plan to ensure your senior's needs are exceeded.
Always Best Care offers a full array of care options for patients at all levels of health. With our trusted elderly care services, your loved one will receive the level of care necessary for them to enjoy the highest possible quality of life.
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While it's true that some seniors have complicated medical needs that prevent them from staying at home, aging in place is often the best arrangement for seniors and their families. With a trusted caregiver, seniors have the opportunity to live with a sense of dignity and do so as they see fit - something that is unavailable to many older people today.
In-home care makes it possible for millions of seniors to age in place every year. Rather than moving to a strange nursing home, seniors have the chance to stay at home where they feel the happiest and most comfortable.
How much does a senior's home truly mean to them?
A study published by the American Society on Aging found that more than half of seniors say their home's emotional value means more than how much their home is worth in monetary value. It stands to reason, then, that a senior's home is where they want to grow old.
With the help of elderly care in Huntington Beach, CA, seniors don't have to age in a sterilized care facility. Instead, they can age gracefully in the place they want to be most: their home. In contrast, seniors who move to a long-term care facility must adapt to new environments, new people, and new systems that the facility implements. At this stage in life, this kind of drastic change can be more harmful than helpful.
Institutional care facilities like nursing homes often put large groups of people together to live in one location. On any given day, dozens of staff members and caregivers run in and out of these facilities. Being around so many new people in a relatively small living environment can be dangerous for a seniors' health and wellbeing. When you consider that thousands of seniors passed away in nursing homes during the COVID-19 pandemic, opting for in-home care is often a safer, healthier choice for seniors.
Aging in place has been shown to improve seniors' quality of life, which helps boost physical health and also helps insulate them from viral and bacterial risks found in elderly living facilities.
For many seniors, the ability to live independently with assistance from a caregiver is a priceless option. With in-home care, seniors experience a higher level of independence and freedom - much more so than in other settings like a nursing home. When a senior has the chance to age in place, they get to live life on their own terms, inside the house that they helped make into a home. More independence means more control over their personal lives, too, which leads to increased levels of fulfillment, happiness, and personal gratification. Over time, these positive feelings can manifest into a healthier, longer life.
More independence, a healthier life, and increased comfort are only a few benefits of aging in place. You have to take into consideration the role of cost and convenience. Simply put, it's usually easier and more affordable to help seniors age in place than it is to move them into an institutional care facility. According to the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, seniors who age in the comfort of their homes can save thousands of dollars per month.
In-home care services from Always Best Care, for instance, are often less expensive than long-term solutions, which can cost upwards of six figures per year. To make matters worse, many residential care facilities are reluctant to accept long-term care insurance and other types of payment assistance.
With Always Best Care's home care services, seniors and their families have a greater level of control over their care plans. In-home care gives seniors the chance to form a bond with a trusted caregiver and also receive unmatched care that is catered to their needs. In long-term care facilities, seniors and their loved ones have much less control over their care plan and have less of a say in who provides their care.
In-home care is a valuable resource that empowers seniors to age in place on their own terms. However, a big concern for many families and their loved ones is how much in-home care costs. If you're worried that in-home care is too expensive, you may be pleasantly surprised to learn that it is one of the most affordable senior care arrangements available.
Typically, hiring an Always Best Care in-home caregiver for a few hours a week is more affordable than sending your loved one to a long-term care facility. This is true even for seniors with more complex care needs.
At Always Best Care, we will work closely with you and your family to develop a Care Plan that not only meets your care needs, but your budget requirements, too. Once we discover the level of care that you or your senior need, we develop an in-home care plan that you can afford.
In addition to our flexible care options, families should also consider the following resources to help offset potential home care costs:
When you or your senior loved one needs assistance managing daily tasks at home, finding a qualified caregiver can be challenging. It takes a special kind of person to provide reliable care for your senior loved one. However, a caregiver's role involves more than meal preparation and medication reminders. Many seniors rely on their caregivers for companionship, too.
Our companion care services give seniors the chance to socialize in a safe environment and engage in activities at home. These important efforts boost morale and provide much-needed relief from repetitive daily routines. A one-on-one, engaging conversation can sharpen seniors' minds and give them something in which to be excited.
At Always Best Care, we only hire care providers that we would trust to care for our own loved ones. Our senior caregivers in Huntington Beach, CA understand how important it is to listen and communicate with their seniors. A seemingly small interaction, like a short hug goodbye, can make a major difference in a senior's day. Instead of battling against feelings of isolation, seniors begin to look forward to seeing their caregiver each week.
Understanding the nuances of senior care is just one of the reasons why our care providers are so great at their job.
Unlike some senior care companies, our caregivers must undergo extensive training before they work for Always Best Care. In addition, our caregivers receive ongoing training throughout the year. This training ensures that their standard of care matches up to the high standards we've come to expect. During this training, they will brush up on their communication skills, safety awareness, and symptom spotting. That way, your loved one receives the highest level of non-medical home care from day one.
While it's true that many seniors prefer to age at home, sometimes in-home care isn't the best fit. For those seniors and their families, choosing an assisted living facility makes more sense. Unfortunately, finding the optimal care facility is easier said than done in today's day and age. That's when Always Best Care's assisted living referral services begin to make a lot of sense.
Assisted living is a form of housing intended for seniors who require varying degrees of medical and personal attention. Accommodations may include single rooms, apartments, or shared living arrangements. Assisted living communities are typically designed to resemble a home-like environment and are physically constructed to encourage the independence of residents.
At assisted living communities, seniors receive help with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and eating. They may also benefit from coordination of services with outside healthcare providers, and monitoring of resident activities to ensure their health, safety, and well-being. Caregivers who work at assisted living communities can also provide medication administration and personal care services for older adults.
Other services offered within assisted living communities can include some or all of the following:
At Always Best Care, our representatives can match your senior's emotional, physical, and financial needs with viable assisted living communities nearby. Results are based on comparative data, so you can select the best choice for you or your loved one.
Always Best Care works closely with local senior living communities to gain valuable knowledge that we then use to help seniors and their loved ones make informed decisions. This information can include basic care and rent, resident availability, and services provided. Because Always Best Care is compensated by these communities, we provide senior living referral services at no extra cost to you.
Some of the most popular assisted living communities to consider in our area include the following:
For many seniors, moving into a senior living community revolves around how and when they want to make a transition to more involved care. Some seniors are more proactive about transitioning to independent living. Others choose to remain home until their care needs or other requirements are satisfied. Remember - our staff is here to help. Contact our office today to learn more about assisted living communities and how we can find a facility that exceeds your expectations.
The first step in getting quality in-home care starts with a personal consultation with an experienced Always Best Care Care Coordinator. This initial consultation is crucial for our team to learn more about you or your elderly loved one to discover the level of care required. Topics of this consultation typically include:
A discussion of your needs and how our trained caregivers can offer assistance in the most effective way
A draft of your care plan, which includes highly detailed notes and a framework for the care that you or your senior will receive
Discuss payment options and help coordinate billing with your insurance provider
Our caregivers are trained to spot changes that clients exhibit, like mental and physical decline. As your trusted senior care company, we will constantly assess and update your Care Plan to meet any new emotional, intellectual, physical, and emotional needs.
If you have never considered in-home care before, we understand that you and your family may have concerns about your Care Plan and its Care Coordinator. To help give you peace of mind, know that every team member and caregiver must undergo comprehensive training before being assigned to a Care Plan.
At the end of the day, we only hire the best of the best at Always Best Care. Whether you need home care in Huntington Beach, CA 24-hours a day or only need a respite for a couple of hours, we are here to serve you.
When you're ready, we encourage you to contact your local Always Best Care representative to set up a Care Consultation. Our Care Coordinators would be happy to meet with you in person to get to know you better, discuss your needs, and help put together a personalized Care Plan specific to your needs.
Huntington Beach is being sued by three of its own residents, along with an Orange County-based community group, over its controversial library policies.A lawsuit was filed in Orange County Superior Court on Wednesday by the ACLU Foundation of Southern California, the First Amendment Coalition, Community Legal Aid SoCal and Jenner & Block, LLP. It alleges that Huntington Beach is violating the 2024 California Freedom to Read Act, as well as the California Constitution, with policies including a ...
Huntington Beach is being sued by three of its own residents, along with an Orange County-based community group, over its controversial library policies.
A lawsuit was filed in Orange County Superior Court on Wednesday by the ACLU Foundation of Southern California, the First Amendment Coalition, Community Legal Aid SoCal and Jenner & Block, LLP. It alleges that Huntington Beach is violating the 2024 California Freedom to Read Act, as well as the California Constitution, with policies including a parent/guardian children’s book review board.
Alianza Translatinx, which describes itself as the first transgender-led organization by transgender people of color in Orange County, is one of the suit’s plaintiffs. Two Huntington Beach teenagers are also listed as plaintiffs, along with Erin Spivey, a librarian.
“Libraries should reflect, not erase, and be spaces where young people can discover who they are,” said Khloe Rios-Wyatt, founding member and chief executive officer of Alianza Translatinx, in a statement. “Huntington Beach officials, driven by fear of challenging ideas, are trying to erase stories and identities — but we refuse to be erased.”
In June 2023, the Huntington Beach City Council first brought forward the idea of making books deemed obscene and/or pornographic inaccessible to children. It’s long been a passion project of Councilwoman Gracey Van Der Mark, who introduced the item, and Resolution No. 2023-41 was passed by a split 4-3 council vote.
“Parents, check these books out,” Van Der Mark said at the time. “If this is what you want for your kids, go for it, but a lot of parents don’t know this material is in these books. A lot of parents don’t know these books are in the library.”
On Feb. 7, 2024, librarians began moving some books from the children’s section on the first floor to an “adult” section on the fourth floor.
The parent/guardian children’s book advisory board, which would feature up to 21 residents appointed by council members, was established as Ordinance No. 4318. It would review new children’s library books that it deems possibly inappropriate, potentially stopping them from going into circulation, as well as having the power to move other books into the adult section.
Per the ordinance, “children” means people under the age of 18 years old.
The review board itself has yet to have meetings or even be named.
Huntington Beach Mayor Pat Burns said in a statement Wednesday that he disagrees with claims made in an ACLU press release about the lawsuit, adding that the city had not yet been served with it.
“The city has maintained its stance that no books have been banned or removed from the library,” Burns said. “The safety, wellness and protection of our community, children and library patrons remains our primary goal. We will not be deterred by this lawsuit in maintaining this goal, and the city attorney’s office intends to aggressively defend our city’s best interests.”
The plaintiffs say the presence of “sexual content” is an overly broad term that could suppress literary classics like “1984,” “Romeo and Juliet” and “The Great Gatsby,” along with science and health books, youth Bibles and books that highlight “lived experiences of the LGBTQ+ community.”
One of the teenage plaintiffs, identified only as H.P. in the complaint, is a junior at Huntington Beach High School. She said some of her favorite books and school-assigned reading would contain “sexual content” and thus be subject to censorship if the library measures were fully implemented.
“H.P.’s rights are infringed by the library measures because they deprive her of access to materials that she would like to skim, read, or check out that would be available to her but for the library measures,” the complaint reads. “Her privacy rights are also infringed because the library measures will require her to share access to her patron record with her parents to obtain or even browse materials from the new “adult-only” section of the library. Before the library measures were enacted, H.P. could access such materials without her parents’ knowledge or consent, and she valued this privacy.”
The lawsuit comes days before the Huntington Beach City Council is due to make a decision about two library initiatives, including one that seeks to have Surf City voters repeal the parent/guardian review board. On Tuesday night, the council is expected to decide whether the initiatives would be on a special election ballot later this year or on the 2026 general election ballot.
The California Court of Appeal ordered the Superior Court of Orange County to issue an appealable ruling in a challenge to the Huntington Beach voter ID measure after a trial judge said the case wasn’t ready to be decided. If the lower court doesn’t issue a ruling, then the appeals court will take over the case.Huntington Beach voters ...
The California Court of Appeal ordered the Superior Court of Orange County to issue an appealable ruling in a challenge to the Huntington Beach voter ID measure after a trial judge said the case wasn’t ready to be decided. If the lower court doesn’t issue a ruling, then the appeals court will take over the case.
Huntington Beach voters approved an initiative in March to amend the city charter to allow officials to enact a voter ID requirement for local elections. The measure is set to take effect in 2026.
California Attorney General Rob Bonta (D) and Secretary of State Shirley N. Weber (D) sued the city in April, arguing the policy conflicted with state election law. They asked an Orange County court to block city officials from enforcing it ahead of the 2026 midterm elections.
In their lawsuit, they argued that “California maintains a uniform and robust legal scheme for protecting the rights of eligible voters.”
In September, while litigation was ongoing, California Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) signed a law banning local governments from enacting voter ID requirements.
In mid-November, Orange County Judge Nico Dourbetas dismissed the state’s case without a final order, stating it was not “ripe for adjudication,” which means that the issue was not yet ready for a court to decide.
He sided with the city’s argument that because the officials hadn’t actually enacted a voter ID requirement yet, it would be impossible to know whether the policy would conflict with state law.
On Dec. 5, Bonta and Weber asked Dourbetas to issue a final order, which is necessary for a party to appeal the case. However, he refused to do so following a Dec. 16 hearing.
The state officials then asked the California Court of Appeals to order Dourbetas to vacate his decision dismissing the lawsuit and asked the appeals court to take over the case.
The state officials argued the lower court’s decision “casts doubt on the rules applicable to the upcoming elections, threatening to substantially disrupt fast-approaching election administration deadlines.”
A three-judge panel on the appeals court sided with Bonta and Weber, stating that the lower court’s “conclusion that this matter is not ripe for jurisdiction is problematic.”
The panel said that even though the city hasn’t established a voter ID requirement yet, the new provision in the city charter allows them to establish policies beyond what state and federal law requires and replaced a “pre-existing provision requiring the City’s municipal elections to comply with the state’s Election code.”
Additionally, the panel ordered Dourbetas to inform the appeals court by Feb. 28 about whether he will vacate his dismissal of the lawsuit and issue a ruling on the merits of the case. If he does issue a ruling, then court proceedings continue normally. If the state disagrees with the ruling, then they can appeal the decision in the typical appeals process.
However, if Dourbetas doesn’t change his decision to dismiss the case without a final order, the appeals court will take over the case.
Learn more about the case here.
A federal judge in D.C. Tuesday extended a block on President Donald Trump’s blanket freeze on all governmental grants and loans.
HUNTINGTON BEACH, Calif. (KABC) -- Despite the concerns of some residents, the Huntington Beach City Council on Wednesday approved an immersive light show that will bring more than 10,000 illuminated flowers to the city's Central Park.The beloved park is known as a staple of the community."The past generation created this for us," Resident Nancy Buchoz said. "My generation has worked to preserve it."Visitors flock to it every day to escape the rush of the city and enjoy nature."We find thi...
HUNTINGTON BEACH, Calif. (KABC) -- Despite the concerns of some residents, the Huntington Beach City Council on Wednesday approved an immersive light show that will bring more than 10,000 illuminated flowers to the city's Central Park.
The beloved park is known as a staple of the community.
"The past generation created this for us," Resident Nancy Buchoz said. "My generation has worked to preserve it."
Visitors flock to it every day to escape the rush of the city and enjoy nature.
"We find this place to be an indispensable part of the city," Buchoz said. "It is critical that we constantly protect it."
The City Council unanimously approved a three-year contract for Symphony of Flowers to take over six acres of the park.
"Ninety-eight percent of the park space will still be completely available to the public," Councilmember Chad Williams said.
The immersive art show and installation will fill Central Park East with more than 10,000 luminous flowers that will come to life to music.
"This is going to be really the world premiere here in Huntington Beach; going to be a show to sound and lights. It's going to be a huge attraction," Williams said.
The city is guaranteed $150,000 every year in revenue from Symphony of Flowers.
In addition, it will receive a one-time license fee of $15,000 and will receive a portion of the event revenue from various fees, including tickets, food and beverage sales, and sponsorships.
The city will receive 60% of parking fees collected in the reserved parking area, which will be used for capital improvement projects benefitting Huntington Central Park and Huntington Beach Central Library.
Funds will help with the restoration of the library fountains and park irrigation systems.
"Each season the runtime is about four months long," Williams said. "There is a 30 day termination clause without cause if it doesn't turn out to be a hit, but we have every reason to believe this is going to be incredible."
Some residents are concerned about the negative effects the lights and music will have on the land and wildlife.
"While it does make financial sense to a small degree, like I said, I don't see the financial benefits overcoming what it will do to the area," Buchoz said.
However, an addendum to the 1999 Final Master Environmental Report for Master Plan of Recreation Use for Central Park was prepared.
It found Symphony of Flowers would have no significant effect on the park or wildlife.
"It's really important that the ecosystem is respected," Buchoz said.
Setup for Symphony of Flowers is set to start sometime in September, and breakdown will take place sometime in the late winter or early spring of next year.
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Huntington Beach’s city leaders are moving forward with a plan to mark the 50th anniversary of the Huntington Beach Central Library with a plaque that spells out “M-A-G-A.”Members of the public came out in droves Tuesday night to speak out against the controversial plaque, criticizing it for its ties to the “Make America Great Again” campaign slogan embraced by President Donald Trump and his supporters.But city leaders unanimously approved a new design that lists the words "Magical, Alluring, ...
Huntington Beach’s city leaders are moving forward with a plan to mark the 50th anniversary of the Huntington Beach Central Library with a plaque that spells out “M-A-G-A.”
Members of the public came out in droves Tuesday night to speak out against the controversial plaque, criticizing it for its ties to the “Make America Great Again” campaign slogan embraced by President Donald Trump and his supporters.
But city leaders unanimously approved a new design that lists the words "Magical, Alluring, Galvanizing and Adventurous "— with the first letters of each word in large gold letters. Reading top to bottom, the letters spell out "MAGA." The sign then goes on to state, “Through hope and change our nation has built back better to the golden era of Making America Great Again!”
Councilmember Chad Williams defended the plaque’s message during Tuesday’s meeting, saying critics were being hypocritical.
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“ The issue isn't with the meaning of the words,” he said. “The issue, it seems, with some folks would be, who said it. Because when Ronald Reagan said it, it was no problem. When Bill Clinton said the words, ‘Make America great again,’ it was no problem. It seems to not be an issue with the meaning of the words, it seems to be an issue for some with who said it.”
During public comment, some speakers said MAGA stood for “censorship and book bans” and shouldn’t be used to honor the city’s beloved library system.
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The plaque in the city, they said, would be divisive. Huntington Beach resident and former NFL punter Chris Kluwe was even arrested after speaking out against the plaque and approaching the council in what he said was a "time-honored American tradition of peaceful civil disobedience.”
The black-and-gold plaque is set to cost $7,000, but Williams said during the meeting that the city raised funds through private donors to pay for it.
Councilmember Gracey Van Der Mark said during the meeting that the council raised another $1,000 for a spotlight for the plaque, which they hope will act as a preventive measure against anyone who tries to damage it. Van Der Mark said the city has received online threats of vandalism.
The library was also the topic of discussion during Tuesday’s meeting on another front: City leaders had asked officials to come back with reports on two citizen-led initiatives regarding the city’s beloved libraries.
The backstory: A petition to repeal a plan that would see a committee of residents appointed by the City Council approve or deny children’s books for Huntington Beach’s public libraries.
It immediately sparked controversy. Some said those decisions should be up to the city’s librarians, while others said such a committee would keep inappropriate books out of the kids’ section.
City leaders had also moved toward privatizing the library system, but residents also mounted opposition to that plan as well, gathering enough signatures to block it.
The O.C. Registrar of Voters informed the council in December that the petitions garnered enough votes to be on the ballot.
City leaders could opt to include both ballot measures in the general election or call for a special election. Officials have 30 days to come to the City Council with a resolution for both measures.
Staff WriterFeb. 28, 2025 3:08 PM PTHuntington Beach’s voter identification case with the state of California will continue, after an Orange County Superior Court judge ruled Thursday that the case is ripe and can be heard on its merits.Judge Nico Dourbetas had previously ruled in December that the state’s lawsu...
Staff Writer
Feb. 28, 2025 3:08 PM PT
Huntington Beach’s voter identification case with the state of California will continue, after an Orange County Superior Court judge ruled Thursday that the case is ripe and can be heard on its merits.
Judge Nico Dourbetas had previously ruled in December that the state’s lawsuit against Huntington Beach over Measure A would be dismissed, because the measure “was permissive and discretionary in character.” Therefore, he said it did not conflict with state elections law.
California Atty. Gen. Rob Bonta and Sec. of State Shirley Weber appealed, and a three-judge panel of the California Fourth District Court of Appeal recently suggested that the matter was ripe, kicking it back down to the Orange County court.
Dourbetas’ order on Thursday vacated his December dismissal of the state’s challenge, as he now holds that the voter ID provision presents a “ripe justiciable controversy.”
“While the particular details of how voter identification will be implemented in municipal elections in Huntington Beach do not appear to be determined as of yet, the charter provision has been amended to permit imposition of voter identification requirements,” Dourbetas wrote.
He invited the city to elaborate if it contends that it can implement a voter ID requirement that doesn’t violate the state elections code, or if voter ID is a local matter that charter cities could implement per the state Constitution.
The next hearing in the case is set for April 3, in Dourbetas’ chambers, on the state’s petition for writ of mandate.
“Today is a good day. Our lawsuit against Huntington Beach can officially continue,” Bonta said in a statement. “All along, Secretary of State Weber and I have asserted that it is not too early to bring our lawsuit. Earlier this month, the California Fourth District Court of Appeal suggested that it agreed with us and asked the Orange County Superior Court to decide whether it would reverse course. The Orange County Superior Court has now done that, and a hearing on the merits will take place in April.”
Measure A, passed by 53% of Huntington Beach voters last March, changed the city’s charter to allow for voter ID requirements beginning in 2026. The language of the matter stated that the city “may” check for voter ID, not that it will.
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