Around Town - Jan. 9, 2013

Fundraiser

Focus on ‘Maverick’ actor, mayor

Old-time Hollywood actor and Huntington Beach leader Jack Kelly will be the topic of discussion at a book signing fundraiser with author Linda Alexander who wrote “A Maverick Life: The Jack Kelly Story.”

The event will be held at noon Jan. 26 and will benefit the Friends of the Huntington Beach Library.

Kelly was a prolific TV actor and played James Garner’s brother, Bret, on the show “Maverick.” Kelly, who died in 1992, acted in small roles after “Maverick” but spent most of his later years in Huntington Beach buying property and serving the community as mayor in the 80s and early 90s.

His wife, Jo Kelly, who he married in 1969, will speak at the event. Reservations and $20 for admittance are necessary by Jan. 21 and may be mailed to FOTL, 7111 Talbert Ave., Huntington Beach, 92648.

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Notables

Basic training complete

Marina High School class of 2011 graduate Generra R. Gonzales has graduated from basic military training at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas.

She completed an intensive, eight-week program that included training in military discipline and studies, Air Force core values, physical fitness and basic warfare principles and skills.

Gonzales is the daughter of Maria Gonzales of Huntington Beach.

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City inspector gets infrastructure inspector certification

Huntington Beach Senior Construction Inspector Ronald Brunell was recently awarded a Certified Public Infrastructure Inspector certification from the American Public Works Assn. credentialing program.

The infrastructure inspector certification is for people who inspect the construction of public infrastructure like highways, utilities, bridges and dams, and facilities like pump stations and treatment plants along with other types of construction work.

Brunell is one of 242 public works professionals in the country who have received the certification since the public works association program began.

Brunell has 24 years of experience in public works and has assisted in project management, performed quality control and inspection for a variety of public works projects.

Also, Brunell developed the Public Works Manual for the city and provides training and mentoring to inspection personnel. He has a master’s in management and leadership from Webster University and a bachelor’s in social science from UCI.

AROUND TOWN is a weekly column about people and events in Huntington Beach, Fountain Valley and Sunset Beach. Please submit information about your fundraiser, charity event or a person deserving attention to hbindependent@latimes.com or alicia.lopez@latimes.com.