Huntington Beach Beaches:

A Huntington Beach Treasure Gets Honored

(Written Aug. 8, 2013)

By Chris MacDonald, HB Ambassador/The Local News Columnist Photographs by Laurie Frymire, City of Huntington Beach Community Relations Officer

Longtime HB Volunteer Natalie Kotsch was recently presented with "The Mayor's Award" and a surprise "Key to The City" from Mayor Connie Boardman. "On behalf of the entire City Council, I'm pleased to recognize Natalie for all she has done for the community," said Mayor Boardman at a City Council meeting. "It's people like Natalie, who have given back so much to our city that makes HB such a wonderful place to live. Very few people are given a 'Key to the City' but Natalie's dedication in creating the Surf Museum and other things was exceptional and she needed to be honored this way."

What a magical moment it was when Natalie received the honor she truly deserved in front of friends, family and the City Council. Natalie came to Huntington Beach in 1976 and, although she didn't surf, she saw the surfing culture and felt there should be a Surfing Museum. She got other volunteers and the city together to make it happen. In 1987, Natalie, who was an excellent Realtor and negotiator, saw it become reality in Downtown Huntington Beach. The first museum was behind a bank building at Main Street near Walnut. Three years later, it moved to larger quarters in a city-owned building at 5th and Olive. She has always been active with the museum.

Natalie, known for her hard work, unselfish caring of others and love of people, was named "Realtor of The Year" in 1991. Through all her volunteer and professional work, Natalie really helped HB become known as "Surf City USA."

What a real jewel she is--always smiling and encouraging everyone to be all they can be. I had the pleasure of working with Natalie at Pier Realty and later serving on The Huntington Beach International Surfing Museum Board with her. She means so much to me and I'm thankful to Mayor Connie Boardman and the other City Council members for recognizing her. Nobody deserves this more than her!

Photos:
1. Natalie Kotsch receiving Mayor's Award with her family and friends.
2. Natalie Kotsch thanking Huntington Beach Mayor Connie Boardman.
3. Natalie Kotsch looking at her special "Key to The City."