by: HB News staff writer
Posted: September 2, 2019
Pier Plaza filled with guests to this year's Blessing of the Waves
HUNTINGTON BEACH....This year's annual Blessing of the Waves as Master of Ceremonies Dave Garofalo stepped up to the podium to welcome everyone in the audience to the 12th Annual Family, Fun, Faith Festival event. Garofalo now welcomed Duke Aipa to come up and blow the ceremonial shell horn. With Duke Aipa's daughter Sky who sang a welcome message in Hawaiian.
Some of the important guests attending this year's celebration include: Former Huntington Beach council members Ralph Bauer, Shirley Dettloff, Bob Mandic, Don MacAllister, Matthew Harper, Dave Sullivan, Keith Bohr. Present Council members HB Mayor Erik Peterson, Mike Posey, Patrick Brenden, Kim Carr. Along with Public Information Officer Julie Toledo, HB Police Chief Robert Handy, former HB police officer Vicki S, and Bob Dettloff.
Master of Ceremonies Dave Garofalo
Junior Lifeguards watch the ceremony
Duke Aipa with his daughter Sky
Marsha Rechsteiner, President of the Interfaith Council (C) receives commendations from Assembly members Tyler Diep and Cottie Petrie Norris offices
Garofalo called up to the podium Marsha Rechsteiner, President of the Interfaith Council to welcome the audience to the event.
Rabbi Stephen Einstien
The Invocation this year was given by Rabbi Stephen Einstien from Congregation B'nai Tzwdek.
The Honorable Erik Peterson, Mayor of Huntington Beach welcomed everyone in the name of the city to this year's event. He was once asked how does faith go with government you are taught that you insure religious freedom, you are taught in religion all the values of a civic society. We have to treat everyone fairly.
L-R: Rick "Rockin' Fig" Fignetti and HB Mayor Erik Peterson
Mayor Peterson now welcomed surf culture legend Rick "Rockin' Fig" Fignetti up to the podium to receive a certificate of commendation for his work in the surfing community.
L-R: Junior Lifeguard of the year William Brazda with Mike Eich
Next up to speak was Junior Lifeguard Coordinator Mike Eich to introduce the Junior Lifeguard of the Year William Brazda.
Rev. James Pike
Next up was Rev. James Pike, Pastor of the Lutheran Church of the Resurrection that added a bit of Lutheran humor to the ceremony. One of pike jokes was"When you meet a Lutheran, aways have eye contact and don't show your teeth." From that Lutheran humor Pike told several more that brought laughter to the audience.
HB Lifeguard Band entertains the audience
Moneck Bhujwala
The next up is no stranger to the blessing of the waves ceremonies was Moneck Bhujwala from the Zoroastrian Association of Southern California who has appeared at most of the 12 annual ceremonies.
Rev. Pattie Mercado
Jim Wakerham from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
Three members of the faith community; Rev. James Pike, Mark Currie and Tom Coneitis delivers the Benediction
Next up came the Rev. Pattie Mercado from the Huntington Beach Center for Spiritual Living. Others came up to the podium before the closing Benediction messages by three members of the faith community; Rev. James Pike, Mark Currie and Tom Coneitis.
It was now time for the official Blessing of the Waves as Rev. Pike and many in the audience followed him to the shoreline.
Cameras click as Rev. Pike blesses the waves