BRIEFS

The Huntington Beach City Council delayed approving a new lease Monday

for the Huntington Beach Playhouse, a nonprofit theater group that

operates out of the Central Library, until next month, citing a need for

further study.

Playhouse officials beseeched council members to change the lease

proposal and omit conditions that require a financial analysis of the

group each year.

Councilman Peter Green said a comparison between the playhouse and

other nonprofit groups should be made to determine if the analysis is a

standard practice. City Atty. Gail Hutton added that playhouse officials

have yet to approve the lease. These agreements are usually signed by

outside groups before coming to the council, she added.

The playhouse has been a cultural fixture in the city for the last 37

years. Its five-year lease to pay $28,680 annually in rent at the Library

Theater expired in December. The playhouse has operated on a

month-to-month basis since then.

Library officials are proposing a three-year lease that requires

annual business plans and financial statements.

The lease proposal should appear before the council Nov. 6 or Nov. 20,

city officials said.

City Council, school board forums set

A Huntington Beach City Council candidates night will be held at 7:30

p.m. Oct. 26, hosted by the Sts. Simon and Jude Men’s Club.

The forum will begin at 7:30 p.m. in the church’s Colman Hall at 20444

Magnolia St.

Church officials stressed that all voters, not just parish members,

are encouraged to attend, and refreshments will be served. Information:

(714) 962-3333.

The Huntington Beach Union High School District will hold a candidates

forum at 7 p.m. Oct. 26 for candidates running for the two seats

available on the district’s board of trustees.

The forum, sponsored by high school parent-teacher-student

organizations, will be held in the district board room at 10251 Yorktown

Ave., Huntington Beach. Information: (714) 968-4471.