February 2, 2024

Public Works and Public Safety Personnel Keep Residents Safe and Dry


On Thursday, February 2nd heavy, steady rain fell most of the day. Public Works and Public Safety crews were out in full force all day, setting up pumps, signboards and barricades, directing traffic and responding to calls. Thank you to our first responders!

If you are interested in working for the City of Seal Beach, the city is currently hiring. To view current employment opportunities, please visit the city's CalOpps page.

Learn more

City Notes


City Council Meetings


Monday, February 12th, 7p.m.

Council Chambers


Monday, February 26th, 7p.m.

Council Chambers



Planning Commission Meetings


Monday, February 5th, 7 p.m.

Council Chambers


Tuesday, February 20th, 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 City Hall Closures


February 19th, 2024

(Presidents Day)


Upcoming Events


Seal Beach Chamber of Commerce

Sidewalk Sale

February 2nd - 4th, 2024

Main Street, Seal Beach


Run Seal Beach

March 16th, 2024

First & Marina, Seal Beach


Friends of the Library Magic Show

February 10th at 3pm (Scroll to see flyer)


Department Highlights

Community Development Department

Joshua Hernandez - Neighborhood Services Officer

Community Development is thrilled to welcome Joshua Hernandez as our new Neighborhood Services Officer. Mr. Hernandez comes to us with code enforcement experience in Santa Ana and Newport Beach, and is a welcome addition to the City team. Have code enforcement questions or want to report something? Please call Joshua 562-431-2527 x 1342 or email him at jhernandez@sealbeachca.gov

Public Works Department

Follow Public Works on Facebook and Instagram


Stay “In the Know” on all things Public Works by giving us a follow. Important information, public notices, announcements, upcoming events, Employee Spotlights, and much more!


New and exciting things are happening within your Public Works Department, and we are excited to share it with you! Scan the QR Codes below or type in Seal Beach Public Works Department in the Search box.

Department Updates

Public Works Department

THE CITY OF SEAL BEACH PUBLIC HEARING TO CONSIDER PROPOSED RATES FOR

WATER AND WASTEWATER (SEWER) SERVICES

Public Hearing 7 p.m., Monday, February 12

Staff will Recommend Public Hearing Continuance for 7 p.m.,

Monday, February 26

 

To keep pace with inflation and rising costs of providing safe, reliable water and wastewater (sewer) collection services, the City of Seal Beach is considering rate adjustments over the next five years. The City’s last water and sewer rate study was conducted in 2019 but not adopted until early 2021. The Seal Beach City Council will conduct a Public Hearing at 7 p.m. on Monday, February 12, 2024, to consider proposed rates for water and wastewater sewer services.

 

At the Public Hearing on February 12, the City Council will hear and consider oral testimony and written materials submitted regarding proposed rate increases. The Public Hearing will take place at the Seal Beach City Council Chambers, 211 8th Street, Seal Beach, 90740. Note that public testimony will be considered at the Hearing on February 12, however, City staff will make a recommendation during the Hearing to continue it to Monday, February 26, 2024, to provide more time for the public to review, consider, and submit comments or protest the proposed rates, as outlined in the Notice that was mailed to property owners. The City Council has the authority to make adjustments to proposed rate increases in response to oral testimony and written materials submitted for consideration.

 

In compliance with California Proposition 218, the City mailed an official Notice to inform Seal Beach property owners that proposed rate adjustments are being considered at the Public Hearing and of their right to participate and to protest rate increases. The public is encouraged to read the mailed Notice or access the digital copy and related information on the website at www.2023utilityratestudy.sealbeachca.gov. The public can also request information via email at utilityrates@sealbeachca.gov or call the Public Works Department at (562) 342-7389.

 

Rate recommendations were presented to the Seal Beach City Council during a regular meeting of the City Council on December 11, 2023. The agenda and a video of the City Council meeting can be found on the City’s website here 

Sidewalk Power Washing


As the City continues to ensure beautification efforts are kept at a high standard, staff continues its goal to go above-and-beyond to uphold the City’s appearance by power washing the community’s sidewalks. Below, one of our maintenance aides, Greg, power washes the sidewalks in front of four homes along Ocean Avenue.

Water Service Line Installation


A small water leak prompted staff to repair a residential service line. During excavation it was discovered that a tee pipe fitting had previously been installed that supplied water to two separate properties. This pre-existing, noncompliant configuration was removed, and two new service lines were installed. 

Hydrant Water Break Repair


Staff responded to a water leak at the intersection of Seal Beach Boulevard and Bolsa Avenue and called Valverde Construction to assist in the repair. The break was found on a 6” fire hydrant lateral in proximity to recent repair work. Repair was made on the same day. This is another example of how important it is to maintain the City’s infrastructure to ensure reliable and safe drinking water is provided to the community.  

District 3 (Hill) Asphalt Concrete Patch Work


Asphalt concrete may deteriorate faster than average due to many reasons, such as abnormal rainfall. Staff filled potholes, and curb and gutter areas on Coastline Drive, Driftwood Avenue, and Marvista Avenue.  

OC 405 Clean Up Efforts


The 405 Widening Project has begun the cleanup work required for project completion. Target areas include Seal Beach Boulevard, North Gate Road, Lampson Avenue, Old Ranch Parkway and Almond Avenue. All clean up items must be addressed prior to accepting any of the improvements on City property.  

Department Updates

Orange County Fire Authority

Seal Beach Landmark Fire


On the morning of January 29, 2024, an accidental fire occurred at a Seal Beach landmark, Walt’s Wharf. Orange County Fire Authority (OCFA), responding with mutual aid assistance, dispatched two chief officers, five engine companies, three truck companies, a safety officer, a liaison officer, an air support unit, a public information officer, and two investigators to contain the fire to the ductwork and provided assistance salvaging the restaurant. A previous 1992 fire heavily damaged the building, and staff and several residents shared their knowledge about the challenges of fire spreading through hidden void spaces. Firefighters spent extra time checking those void spaces and ensuring the fire was completely extinguished. Crews prevented further damage by moving furniture outside and using mops and squeegees to remove water from the sprinkler system. Thankfully, no occupants were injured, but one firefighter suffered a minor injury. 

OCFA Engine 48 - Seal Beach

Salvage Operations

After the Incident

After the incident

Yosa's Dog Blog

When You Get to Spend the Day with Your BFF

@k9nubbin & @k9yosa

Recreation and Community Services

Senior Services

Senior Lunch Cafe'


Senior Lunch Café - 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. The Dine-In Lunch Program is open to adults ages 60 years and older. A suggested donation for lunch is $3.00. For any additional questions, please contact Nathan Caukin at (562) 431-2527 ext. 1307 or visit www.sealbeachca.gov/city-services/senior-services.

Free Tax Assistance with AARP


Free Tax Assistance with AARP – The City of Seal Beach in partnership with AARP is offering free tax assistance for taxpayers ages 50 and over. Appointments take place every Monday from February 5th – April 15th from 8:30am – 10:45am at OCFA Fire Station 48 located at 3131 North Gate Road, Seal Beach 90740. Appointments are 45 minutes in length and can be made by contacting the Seal Beach Recreation and Community Services Department at (562) 431-2527 X 1307 or 1390.

Seal Beach Senior Services Winter 2023 - 2024 Guide


The Seal Beach Senior Services Winter 2023-24 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 Winter Season. For any additional questions, please contact Nathan Caukin at (562) 431-2527 ext. 1307.


Seal Beach Police Department

Updates


  • Officers are preparing for our 2nd DUI checkpoint in the City of Seal Beach, on Saturday, February 3rd. This checkpoint is part of the Office of Traffic and Safety Grant, which the Seal Beach Police Department has taken part of annually for the past 7 years. Officers will look to address drunk driving and unlicensed drivers. This event will include additional support from Officers with the California Highway Patrol and Cypress Police Department. 


  • Detectives arrested a suspect related the fire that took place at Jersey Mike's Subs earlier in the month. The case has been forwarded to the Orange County District Attorney’s Office for review. 


  • Seal Beach Officers will be assisting the Huntington Beach Police Department on February 4th for the Surf City Marathon. Due to the overwhelming number of participants for the 26.2-mile race, we will assist with street closures and security measures to ensure the public’s safety. 


  •  Captain Nicholas updated the City Council on January 22nd regarding the Animal Control Program, including fee adjustments and municipal code amendments, enhancing the program's effectiveness and alignment with community needs.


  • Captains Ezroj and Nicholas participated in the California POST Southern California Symposium, emphasizing the SBPD's commitment to ongoing professional development and best practice sharing in law enforcement.


  • The Seal Beach Police Department collaborated with Public Works on the development of the City of Seal Beach phone app, integrating public safety features and enhancing access to city services through technology.


  • In partnership with the Orange County District Attorney’s Office, the Seal Beach Police Department is working on a hate crime grant to develop strategies and programs aimed at preventing hate crimes and promoting inclusivity.


  • Ongoing collaboration with the California Coastal Commission to address parking-related projects, balancing coastal access, environmental concerns, and community needs.


  • Hosting the Southern California Parking Resource Forum, Seal Beach facilitated regional dialogue on innovative parking solutions, reflecting the city's proactive approach to urban mobility challenges.


  • The Seal Beach Police Department is finalizing an online portal for dog licensing, streamlining the registration process and promoting responsible pet ownership through digital transformation.


  • Seal Beach Police Department representatives attended the funeral service for former Chief Joe Stilinovich, honoring his legacy and reinforcing the department's sense of community and continuity.


  • The Seal Beach Police Department Command Staff's presence at the McGaugh PTA meeting highlighted the department's engagement with educational communities, focusing on safety and support for schools.


  • Assisting with the OCFA fire drill, the Seal Beach Police Department demonstrated the importance of inter-agency cooperation in emergency preparedness and response, ensuring community safety through coordinated efforts.


  • Participating in the Citizen-Council Parking Advisory Ad Hoc Committee, the Seal Beach Police Department contributed to discussions on Main Street parking solutions, showcasing its leadership role in collaborative urban planning and responsive governance.

West Comm Updates

Communication Center phone calls from the last 7 days:

  • 911 calls: 531
  • Non-Emergency calls: 1,940
  • Total Calls: 2,471


  • Calls for service handled over the last 7 days for all agencies: 1,607

Seal Beach Mary Wilson Library Winter Program

Facebook  X  Instagram