Huntington Beach Centennial

 
 

 

 

Leipzig-Murray Story
 

Many HB residents know Louann Murray, PhD and Victor Leipzig, PhD, a most environmentally connected couple, leaders in Bolsa Chica conservation and restoration. They are writers, teachers, authors, and activists who have had great impact on HB. Victor is a former Mayor of HB. Louann was one of the leaders in restoring the Shipley Nature Center is Central Park.

Prior to moving to HB 28 years ago, Vic and Lou lived in Connecticut, where both got their doctorates. They have five grandchildren, two teens and three little ones. When the grandkids are in town, visits to Ruby's Diner on the pier and Jack's Surfboards are always on the agenda. For Victor and Louann the wetlands and Shipley are their favorite HB spots.

But what most people don't know about Louann is her stint as a mock terrorist for HBPD. As part of an HB SWAT exercise, Louann acted as a terrorist, holding a busload of kids hostage. The SWAT goal, of course, was to rescue the hostages. Louann's experience added to her confidence in the Huntington Beach Police Department. But it may not be an experience that many others want to have. While the conditions were staged, the flash-bang grenades were real! And, according to Louann, even when you KNOW that the flash and the bang are coming, their impact is still strong. It is difficult not to be distracted. And while Louann was certainly a dedicated terrorist for the occasion, the exercise was repeated several times, each with the same result---SWAT killed her!