Happy April Fools!

March 30 - April 12, 2025

Lifeguard Training

On March 26th, lifeguards participated in vessel operation and rock training in Orange County. The training focused on making rescues in rocky environments and interagency vessel operations. Lifeguard teams navigated various terrains and practiced rock entry and escape techniques. This training was part of the Orange County Regional Training, which involves all lifeguard agencies within the county.


City Notes


City Council Meetings


Monday, April 14th @ 7pm

Council Chambers


Monday, April 28th @ 7pm

Council Chambers


Planning Commission Meetings


Monday, April 21st @ 7pm

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


Earth Day Celebration

The Shops at Rossmoor

April 12th from 11am -1pm


Easter Sunrise Services Event

The First United Methodist Church

April 20th from7:00am – 8:30am


Seal Beach Classic Car Show

Main Street, Seal Beach

April 26th from 9am - 3pm


DEPARTMENT HIGHLIGHTS

Public Works

NOTICE: Pacific Coast Highway Paving Construction

Ciruit Transit Service Ending


Due to the end of funding from the Air Quality Management District (AQMD) grant that supported Circuit Transit, the service will officially conclude on Saturday, April 26, 2025. Although Circuit will no longer operate, the city remains committed to exploring new grant opportunities.


Throughout its pilot program, Circuit Transit saw steady growth, proving its value as a convenient and enjoyable way to travel around Seal Beach. We sincerely thank the community for embracing this initiative and making it a success.

Finance

Community Development


We Need Your Feedback


Take our Community Survey to help us plan for future disasters https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/SealBeachLHMP

City Manager

New Job Opportunities Platform Launched!


We are excited to announce that we have transitioned to a new and improved job posting platform, Government Jobs (Neogov), which will enhance user experience for career opportunities with the City of Seal Beach by streamlining the application process and providing a more user-friendly interface to explore job openings.



We invite you to visit the new platform through the following link: https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/sealbeachca

Register for Wastewater 101 Citizens Academy

Leisure World / Naval Weapons Station Presentation Event


On Friday, March 28th, 2025, the City of Seal Beach partnered with the Golden Age Foundation to host a Naval Weapons Stations Seal Beach (NWS SB) presenation for Leisure World residents.  


Mayor Pro Tem Steele and Councilmember Ben Wong welcomed Executive Officer, Commander Jamie French, who presented information about the history and operations of NWS SB. Community groups, including the Orange County Veterans Service Office, The American Legion and American Legion Auxiliary hosted an information booth. City staff also held a Pop-Up City Hall booth to provide information regarding Senior Services.  

Police Department

National Distracted Driving Awareness Month


April is National Distracted Driving Awareness Month, a nationwide campaign aimed at raising awareness about the dangers of distracted driving, including texting, phone use, and other distractions that take attention away from the road. The goal is to reduce preventable crashes and encourage safer driving habits. The Seal Beach Police Department is actively participating in this effort by increasing enforcement of distracted driving laws throughout the month. Officers are focusing on identifying and citing drivers who engage in unsafe behaviors behind the wheel. This initiative is supported by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS), which helps fund these enforcement operations and public education efforts. Through this campaign, the Seal Beach PD hopes to reduce collisions and keep the community safer by reminding drivers to stay focused and hands-free while driving.


DEPARTMENT UPDATES

Community Development

Dreaming of owning a home in Orange County? 🏡 The County of Orange Mortgage Assistance Program (MAP) is here to help! Up to $80,000 in down payment assistance is available! Call 949-859-9255 or visit www.affordable-housing.org to get started. 

Recreation

Spring 2025 Shoreline Brochure


The Spring 2025 Shoreline Brochure is available online at https://www.sealbeachca.gov/Departments/Community-Services-Recreation/Recreation-Guide-Class-Info. This edition of the Shoreline includes information for dance classes, fitness classes, Junior Guards, Summer Camps, and much more! Viewers can click directly on the classes listed in the brochure and be taken to our online registration website.


Registration can also take place in person at City Hall or by mail with check payable to the City of Seal Beach.

Senior Services

Leisure World Transportation Presentation


On February 12th, Staff presented at a Leisure World Transportation presentation to inform residents about their transportation options within Leisure World as well as around the City. This event was sponsored by Optum, with presentations from GRF Transportation and Abrazar.

Senior Lunch Café


The Seal Beach Lunch Program is provided by Meals on Wheels Orange County (OC), which is held at the North Seal Beach Community Center. 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

Seal Beach Senior Services Spring 2025 Guide


The Seal Beach Senior Services Spring 2025 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 any additional questions, please contact Nathan Caukin at (562) 431-2527 ext. 1307.

AARP


In collaboration with AARP, the City has assigned 243 tax appointments. All tax appointments are full, the City is no longer accepting reservations.

Department Highlights


There are currently 1,984 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 370 pickleball members and 84 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.

Public Works

Work Order Request App:


Hey Seal Beach! MySealBeach: Your City in the Palm of Your Hand is available to you for all your service needs. During City Hall closings, business hours or after hours we have an easier way of reporting a work request. The app allows you to report the issue directly to our utilities and maintenance teams. Scan the QR Code below and be part of ensuring that Seal Beach remains a great place to live.


Easy 6 Step Process:


Note: If the app does not register at the intersection, you can place an address close to the interaction and add it to the Notes section where the exact issue is located.

Bus Shelter Rehabilitation Project Underway


Clear Channel Outdoor has launched the renovation of the City’s 22 bus shelters to improve our transit spaces with key upgrades. The project includes sanding and repainting all structural components, along with refreshing the ceilings to enhance the shelters' appearance and durability. New trash receptacles will be added, and anti-vagrant bars will be installed on the shelters’ benches. With work already underway, the project is on track for completion by late spring, providing commuters with a more welcoming and cleaner environment. This upgrade will improve our transit hubs, benefiting the entire community and enhancing bus rider experiences.

Water Meter and Meter Box Maintenance


This past week, our Utilities Division successfully replaced two broken water meter boxes located in the alley near 11th Street and Zoeter Park. After a thorough inspection, it was determined that the boxes had deteriorated due to a combination of factors, including age, corrosion, ground movement, and damage from passing vehicles.


To ensure continued accuracy in water usage readings and maintain system reliability, staff promptly replaced both the meter boxes and the meters. These upgrades help support the efficiency of our utility services and enhance the long-term durability of our infrastructure.

Installation of a New Meter Service


While relocating a new water meter service on 10th Street, our Utilities Division recently discovered an active residential sewer cleanout that was paved over. The team notified the resident and owner of the cleanout who was unaware of the situation and the team happily took action to restore its accessibility as a courtesy due to project proximity. To ensure proper maintenance access for the resident, the team brought the cleanout back up to surface grade using a replacement can and lid. Staff are always ready and willing to assist residents during routine maintenance actions to better serve them and the wider community providing a better utility system.

Meter Vault Replacement


W.A. Rasic Construction recently completed the installation of a new meter vault at Beverly Manor Hospital, enhancing the reliability and accuracy of the facility’s water metering system. The project included the replacement of an aging concrete vault with a new structure designed for improved durability and accessibility.


As part of the upgrade, a new six-inch meter and two valves were installed, making future maintenance and meter readings more efficient. The replacement was necessary due to the deterioration of the existing vault, which had become difficult to access and operate. Additionally, the aging meter was under-registering water usage, leading to inaccurate readings.


This meter falls under the category of large meters, which require annual third-party flow testing to ensure accuracy. During the most recent evaluation, the existing meter failed to meet American Water Works Association (AWWA) standards, confirming the need for replacement.

Memorial Beach Installation


One of the most meaningful responsibilities our staff undertakes is the installation of memorial benches. This past week, two (2) new benches were installed—one on the Greenbelt and another at River’s End Park. If you are interested in learning more about the Memorial Bench and Tree program, please visit https://www.sealbeachca.gov/Departments/Public-Works/Administration-Engineering#memorial-bench-and-tree, and scroll to the bottom of the page. 

Pothole Maintenance


In preparation for the Run Seal Beach event, our Maintenance Services team recently completed repairs on potholes and asphalt surfaces throughout Old Town, enhancing road safety and ensuring a smoother experience for participants and residents alike.

Tree Maintenance at Arbor Park


The Maintenance Services team is dedicated to keeping Seal Beach beautiful and accessible. Recently, they completed work at Arbor Park, trimming overhanging trees to create more space for parking. This improvement enhances convenience for visitors, especially those heading to the dog park. Thank you to our team for their ongoing efforts in maintaining our community spaces!

West-Comm

Highlights


Communication Center phone calls from the last 7 days:

  • 911 calls:   526                     
  • Non-Emergency calls:            1,867
  • Total Calls:                               2,393

 

Calls for service handled over the last 7 days for all agencies:

  • 2152

Marine Safety


3 Rescues, 24 Medical Aids, 1 Major Medical Aids, 11 Vessel Response Calls, 247 Enforcements, 25 Preventative Actions. 



Lifeguard Activities 3/12/25 - 4/08/25


  • Lifeguard Tryouts: Ocean lifeguard tryouts took place on March 22nd, with 11 participants completing the distance swim, run-swim-run, and oral interview. Top finishers from this and the Fall tryout resulted in 15 individuals being invited into the Lifeguard Training Academy. The academy spans 90 hours over the weekends in April and May. Lifeguard recruits will be trained in various areas of ocean rescue, CPR/AED, and an Emergency Medical Responder (EMR) course.


  • Marine Mammal and Bird Incidents: Lifeguards, in partnership with the Pacific Marine Mammal Rescue Center and Seal Beach Animal Control, have been responding to a surge in sick and deceased marine life. This is due to domoic acid poisoning from a toxic algae bloom. So far, lifeguards have responded to 32 seabirds and 18 mammals, including sea lions and dolphins. If you encounter a sick or stranded marine mammal, please keep your distance and contact lifeguards or animal control.


  • California Surf Lifesaving Association: On March 27th, MSO Matt Corb and Lifeguard Samantha Hall attended the spring CSLSA Board of Directors meeting. Samantha, who completed the New Zealand lifeguard exchange this winter gave a presentation and overview about her trip.


  • Lifeguard Memorial: On Friday, March 28th, the remains of Lifeguard Connor Lees were recovered in the Long Beach Harbor. Connor went missing while diving in Long Beach on December 4th. A celebration of life will be announced at a later date.


  • Lifeguard Towers: On April 3rd, lifeguard towers were placed on the north side of the beach. With spring break in full swing, the towers will be staffed during peak times. The remaining southside towers will be placed after the winter sand dyke is deconstructed.


  • 2025 Seal Beach Junior Guard Program: Preparation for the 2025 Seal Beach JG Program is underway. Lifeguards have been coaching Preparatory and Conditioning swim classes at McGaugh Pool, helping 120 new and returning Junior Guards improve swim stroke technique and build endurance. Over the last month, hundreds of potential Junior Guards have completed the required 100-yard swim test. Enrollment for the summer program opens at the end of April. The Seal Beach Marine Safety Department is excited to welcome 350 Junior Guards this summer.

Seal Beach Police Department

The Briefing Room


  • The SBPD Parking Team and Public Works staff met with Caltrans representatives to coordinate ongoing construction on Pacific Coast Highway, identifying strategies to reduce traffic impacts and ensure minimal disruptions to residents and businesses.


  • Lt. Clasby hosted the monthly Volunteers in Police Services (VIPS) meeting, providing departmental updates, addressing community safety concerns, and recognizing volunteer contributions.


  • Captain Nicholas and Parking Consultant Julie Dixon met with representatives from the California Coastal Commission to review and gain guidance on ongoing parking enhancement projects, ensuring compliance with state regulations while addressing local parking needs.


  • The Seal Beach Police Department actively participated in Run Seal Beach, providing comprehensive event security and traffic management; the event concluded safely, with no significant incidents or disruptions reported.


  • Captain Nicholas, Community Development Director Alexa Smittle, and IT Manager Kevin Edwards met to advance multiple city technology projects, including essential IT infrastructure improvements and upgrades for the Seal Beach Tennis and Pickleball Center, aimed at enhancing user experience and operational efficiency.


  • Lt. Clasby and Captain Nicholas conducted candidate interviews to fill the vacant Community Oriented Policing (COP) position, aiming to ensure proactive public safety outreach, community engagement, and crime prevention strategies during the upcoming busy summer months.


  • National Distracted Driving Awareness MonthApril is National Distracted Driving Awareness Month, a nationwide campaign aimed at raising awareness about the dangers of distracted driving, including texting, phone use, and other distractions that take attention away from the road. The goal is to reduce preventable crashes and encourage safer driving habits. The Seal Beach Police Department is actively participating in this effort by increasing enforcement of distracted driving laws throughout the month. Officers are focusing on identifying and citing drivers who engage in unsafe behaviors behind the wheel. This initiative is supported by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS), which helps fund these enforcement operations and public education efforts. Through this campaign, the Seal Beach PD hopes to reduce collisions and keep the community safer by reminding drivers to stay focused and hands-free while driving.