April 28 - May 11, 2024

Engine 44 Receives Unit Citation for Outstanding Fire Response


On May 2nd, the crew of Engine 44 was presented with a Unit Citation at the Seal Beach Safety Awards Breakfast for an outstanding fire response from last year. On September 18, 2023, the crew of Engine 44 responded to a mobile home fire on Riversea Road. Upon arrival, they initiated a water supply and established command. Mobile homes pose response challenges due to the proximity of adjacent units. However, the crew of Engine 44 used textbook strategy and tactics, along with decades of experience that allowed them to hold the fire at bay. Without this experience and expertise, the outcome could have been far worse. That’s why Captain John Castro, Engineer Aaron Castillo, and Firefighters Lewis Lazner and Raygoza Salvador earned a Unit Citation.  

Holiday Closure


Memorial Day

May 27, 2024


City Notes


City Council Meetings


Monday, May 13 @ 7p.m.


Tuesday, May 28 @ 7p.m.


Budget Workshops

May 14 & 15 @ 5:30p.m.

Council Chambers


Planning Commission Meetings


Monday, May 20 @ 7p.m.

Council Chambers


Monday, June 3 @ 7p.m.

Council Chambers


City Council and Planning Commission meetings can be viewed on SBTV-3 and on the City's YouTube Channel. A recording of the meeting will be posted online within 24 hours of adjournment.


Upcoming Events


Be More Healthy Expo Eisenhower Park

Seal Beach Chamber

May 18, 2024


Rubber Ducky Derby Seal Beach Pier

Seal Beach Lions

May 18, 2024


Memorial Day Celebration

Eisenhower Park

Seal Beach Lions Club

May 27, 2024


LAHS Graduation Parade

Shops at Rossmoor

June 1, 2024

DEPARTMENT HIGHLIGHTS

City Clerk

Happy Municipal Clerks Week!


The City Clerk’s Office commemorated the 54th National Professional Municipal Clerks Week, May 5-11, 2024, with lots of fun, food, and festivities for all. This year’s theme, “City Clerks Make a World of Difference,” was embraced by staff through shared activities and foods related to different parts of the world. Thank you all for stopping by and sharing in the celebration!

Community Development

Welcome Associate Planner, Patricia Garcia!


The Community Development Department is happy to welcome Patricia Garcia as our new Associate Planner. Patricia was most recently an Assistant Planner with the City of Stanton and a Planning Technician with the City of Laguna Beach. We are happy to have her on our team. Welcome, Patricia! 

Staff Engagement Team (SET)

An Engaging Lunch for Staff


City staff was invited to join Meals on Wheels at Leisure World for their Cinco De Mayo Celebration on Friday, May 3rd. This lunch is a part of Meals on Wheels’ Intergenerational Program, which aims to get individuals from different generations engaged in conversation with our seniors to share, learn, and connect. Staff members across several departments were able to attend this lunch and a great time was had by all.

DEPARTMENT UPDATES

Recreation and Community Services

Monthly Usage


There are currently 1632 users registered for the Senior Transportation Program. The program is available for Seal Beach residents ages 60 years and older and consists of a pre-fixed shuttle route and Yellow Cab Taxi service. To register for the program, please visit www.sealbeachca.gov or contact the Recreation and Community Services Department at (562) 431-2527 X 1307.

There are currently 338 pickleball members and 87 tennis members at the Seal Beach Tennis and Pickleball Center. To sign up for a membership, please contact staff at the Center, or call (562) 598-8624 for more information.

Senior Services

Senior Lunch Cafe'

The Seal Beach Lunch Program is provided by Meals on Wheels Orange County (OC) at the North Seal Beach Center located at 3333 St. Cloud Drive. The Dine-In Lunch Café takes place Monday - Friday from 11:00am- 12:00pm and is open to adults ages 60 years and older. A suggested donation for lunch is $3.00. For more information, please contact Nathan Caukin at (562) 431-2527 ext. 1307 or visit www.sealbeachca.gov/city-services/senior-services.

Seal Beach Senior Services Spring 2024 Guide


The guide is available online at https://www.sealbeachca.gov/Departments/Community-Services-Recreation/Senior-Services and at our community centers. This guide provides consolidated information for all available programs that the City offers for seniors for this upcoming Spring Season. For any additional questions, please contact Nathan Caukin at (562) 431-2527 ext. 1307.

Department Updates


SEAL BEACH CLASSIC CAR SHOW

The Annual Seal Beach Classic Car Show took place on Saturday, April 27th on Main Street. This year's show featured 650 classic cars, which is the most the show has ever included. The show featured entertainment at the 3 stages located at the Seal Beach Pier, Heritage Square and in the parking lot of Baytown Real Estate. Additionally, the Seal Beach Lions Club cooked pancakes, hamburgers and hot dogs adjacent to the pier in front of the centennial clock. 

 

SEAL BEACH TENNIS AND PICKLEBALL CENTER

On Friday, May 3rd the Seal Beach Pickleball Association hosted the Dink-O-De Mayo event at the Seal Beach Tennis and Pickleball Center. The event was free to members and featured snacks, drop in play and a good time by all.  

Senior Get-Together Event


The Orange County Public Libraries, in partnership with the Recreation and Community Services Division, hosted a Senior Get-Together Event at Eisenhower Park on Thursday,

May 9th. This event ran from 10am – 1:00pm, and provided crafts, food, games, information, and resources for all participants.

Adult Sports


Our Men’s Basketball Winter League concluded Monday, May 6th. Congratulations to the “Rhoids” on reclaiming champion status after a brief exodus from the top! Our Summer League will tip off Monday, June 3rd.

Summer 2024 Shoreline Brochure


The Summer 2024 Shoreline Brochure was posted online on Friday, May 3rd, with registration beginning Monday, May 6th at 8:00am. Recreation classes, surf, swim lessons, and Junior Lifeguard information are all included in the Summer Shoreline. Registration can take place in person at City Hall, by mail with check payable to the City of Seal Beach, or online at https://register.sealbeachca.gov

Community Development

Main Street Outdoor Uses


Reminder, public input is encouraged for the May 13, 2024, City Council Meeting. The City Council will consider a Main Street Outdoor Uses Program. Program implementation requires an amendment to the Main Street Specific Plan, creating a streamlined permit process. The Program will be considered at the Public Hearing next week on Monday, May 13, 2024, at 7:00 PM in the City Council Chambers (211 8th Street, Seal Beach, CA 90740).

 

For more information, visit the City’s website at: https://bit.ly/3VGqGJB or contact Shaun Temple, Planning Manager, at (562) 431-2527 ext. 1316 or stemple@sealbeachca.gov.

Staff Engagement Team (SET)

Cinco De Mayo on Siete De Mayo


On Tuesday, May 7th, the Staff Engagement Team organized a Cinco De Mayo Potluck Lunch in the Council Chambers, which was a great success. It brought staff together to celebrate diversity, and reminded us of the importance of cultural appreciation. The goals of the Staff Engagement Team are to boost staff morale, promote health and wellness, develop inter/intra-departmental relations, get staff involved with the Seal Beach community, and to encourage professional development.

Public Works

Welcome David Argomaniz!

The City of Seal Beach Public Works Department is excited to welcome David to our team! David joins us from the City of Los Alamitos where he worked as a Maintenance Aide. He also works as a full-time evening custodian at Ladera Palma Elementary School. David attends Cal State University Sacramento where he is studying in the Water Program.

After connecting with current staff and hearing nothing but positive things about our work environment, he made it a goal to work for the City of Seal Beach. He is excited to be working in the Public Works Department, and looks forward to learning from the best! Welcome, David! 

Micro-Transit is Live


On Thursday, May 2nd the first eco-friendly vehicles were out and about in Seal Beach. The pilot program services Old Town, the Hill, and Bridgeport.


Download the app to your phone through your App Store or Google Play Store and start exploring where Micro-Transit can take you. Drop a pin and it will let you know where the closest pick-up spot is located. Enjoy the Ride! The first weekend was a hit! See rider comments above.


If you have any questions regarding the program, please feel free to reach out to Jessica Salvador at JSalvador@SealBeachCA.Gov.

Partnership with the Lions Club


The City of Seal Beach has partnered with the Lions Club and local volunteers to beautify the River's End Park. With their unwavering dedication and green thumbs, they’ve embarked on a mission to weed out the evasive and unwanted weeds, making way for our vibrant California native plants to flourish. Together, we’re cultivating a greener, cleaner space for everyone to enjoy. The group is headed up by Lions Club member Rheo McColl, who volunteers for Los Cerritos Wetlands and Bolsa Chica Reserve Wetlands. She has trained through California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) biologists at Bolsa Chica Reserve building a healthy coastal habitat. She also trained for the Bolsa Chica Reserve Watch organized by CDFW Environmental Scientist-Reserve Manager Melissa Borde. Not only does Rheo have an eye for native landscape, but the experience and knowledge to spearhead the team to make the park look like a beautiful coastal environment in its natural state.

Pier Abutment Restoration Project Construction is Underway


Based on the Pier evaluation results in 2021, the abutment area is showing wear and deterioration, and these conditions need to be addressed if the structure is to remain a viable component of the City’s identity.

The Project will address the main areas of concern, such as cracking and spalling concrete, deterioration of exposed steel elements, and worn surfaces caused by the corrosive marine environment. The City Council approved the restoration at the March 25, 2024, Council meeting. Contractors for the Pier Abutment Restoration Project are scheduled to begin restoration on Monday, May 13th. The concrete portion of the Pier and the ramps adjacent to the pier will be partially closed during various stages of construction. The contractor will always maintain a 6’ wide pedestrian access. Sections of the Pier Abutment, ramps, and the underneath passage access will be closed in stages depending on their work location. The project is estimated to be completed by the end of July.


If you have any questions regarding the project, please feel free to contact HZS Construction project manager, Ryan Marcy, at 562-631-0946.

West-Comm

Communication Center phone calls from the last 7 days:

  • 911 calls: 703
  • Non-Emergency calls: 1,976
  • Total Calls: 2,698


  • Calls for service handled over the last 7 days for all agencies: 2,027

Marine Safety

City Manager

Free Adult Suicide Prevention Training


In partnership with Didi Hirsch Mental Health Services, the City of Seal Beach will host a free General Adult Suicide Prevention Training on Tuesday, May 21, 2024, from 7:00 PM to 8:00 PM at the Orange County Fire Authority Fire Station No. 48 (3131 North Gate Road, Seal Beach, CA 90740) as part of Mental Health Awareness Month. The presentation will provide an overview of suicide prevention and will discuss the nature of suicide, suicide related statistics, risk factors, myths, and warning signs. Presenters will discuss how to assess for lethality, support a person who is suicidal, and link the person to appropriate resources. Learn more here, and RSVP for the event here

Seal Beach Police Department

The Briefing Room


  • Briefing on Wellness: A representative from First Responder Wellness delivered an insightful training session focused on wellness and mental health, offering resources to first responders who are facing challenges. The session underscored the importance of recognizing early signs of stress and burnout and provided practical strategies for self-care.


  • Police Facility Dog Program: Captain Nicholas engaged with members of the Westminster Police Department, exploring strategies to establish a police facility dog program. They discussed the benefits of this initiative, such as providing emotional support to victims and reducing stress among officers.


  • VIPS Meeting: Captain Nicholas led the monthly VIPS (Volunteers in Police Services) general meeting, sharing critical updates about department activities and volunteer programs. He emphasized ongoing and upcoming projects where volunteers could contribute their skills and highlighted recent achievements.


  • Public Safety Awards: The Seal Beach Police League hosted its annual public safety awards breakfast to recognize exceptional efforts by first responders across departments, including police, fire, marine safety, dispatch, and volunteer groups. The event celebrated their dedication and resilience in protecting our community.


  • Collaboration with Animal Shelter: Captain Nicholas met with representatives from WAGS animal shelter, brainstorming collaborative efforts to ensure animal safety and welfare in Seal Beach. The meeting covered strategies for promoting adoption and effective response to animal-related emergencies.


  • Opioid Abatement Programs: Police Department representatives met with the Orange County Healthcare Agency to discuss initiatives for opioid abatement programs. They examined data trends, planned community outreach campaigns, and sought ways to support those affected by the opioid epidemic.


  • MADD Luncheon: Corporal Bruno Balderrama received special recognition during the annual MADD (Mothers Against Drunk Driving) luncheon for his diligent efforts in curbing impaired driving. The award highlighted his dedication to public safety and unwavering commitment to reducing alcohol-related incidents on the road.


  • Officers took part in an Office of Traffic and Safety (OTS Grant) DUI Saturation Patrol on May 5th, Cinco De Mayo. Officers arrested two subjects for driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs on this evening. 


  • Officers took part in an Office of Traffic and Safety (OTS Grant) Pedestrian and Bicycle safety. Here officers contacted numerous subjects and advised them on safely operating bicycles, e-bikes and scooters. Additionally, officers contacted pedestrians and advised them on safely crossing major streets. Finally, officers issued several citations to motorists who failed to yield the right of way to pedestrians and bicyclists.


  • The Office of Traffic and Safety Grant (OTS) provides the City of Seal Beach funding to address traffic concerns within the community. The OTS grant is geared at combating DUI’s and lowering traffic collisions. OTS is state funded and the police department applies annually for funds to help make the roadways a safer place for people to travel.


  • Officers responded to a traffic collision between a motorcycle and three (3) parked vehicles. Officers discovered that the motorcyclist passenger suffered life threating injuries as a result of the collision. She was transported to a local hospital, where is still alive but in critical condition. Additionally, the motorcycle driver was arrested at the scene for felony DUI and transported to Orange County Jail.
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