Girl Scout Gold Award Project

On Saturday, October 19th, Girl Scout Ava Waggoner worked on a portion of her Gold Award to help end beach pollution. She and some fellow Girl Scouts painted trash cans that will be part of the project to spread the message at the 1^st Street Beach Parking Lot, which is where the San Gabriel River empties into the ocean. 

Paint Collection Event

Have leftover paint? Recycle it this November at OC Waste & Recycling’s Household Hazardous Waste Collection Centers, open Tuesday through Saturday, 9 AM to 3 PM.

Locations:

Anaheim: 1071 N. Blue Gum Street, 92806

Huntington Beach: 17121 Nichols Lane, Gate 6, 92647

Irvine: 6411 Oak Canyon, 92618

San Juan Capistrano: 32250 Avenida La Pata, 92675

Recycling paint helps keeps our planet safe by preventing harmful chemicals from ending up in landfills and waterways. For more information, check out oclandfills.com/PaintCare!

Fall 2024 Shoreline Brochure

The Fall 2024 Shoreline Brochure is available for viewing. Information for recreation classes, surf lessons, and aquatic programs that occur between September to December are all included in the Fall Shoreline. The brochure can be found on our City website at: https://www.sealbeachca.gov/Departments/Community-Services-Recreation/Recreation-Guide-Class-Info. 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.

Highlights

• Lifeguards performed the following: 5 Rescues, 32 Medical Aids, 3 Major Medical Aids, 25 Vessel Response Calls, 187 Enforcements, 77 Preventative Actions.

• During the first half of October, heavy morning fog and a marine layer were observed, resulting in an increase of 25 vessel response calls. Many mariners struggled with low visibility near shore. Lifeguards successfully directed, towed, and educated them, ensuring a safe return to harbor. The calls originated in Surfside and Main Beach.
•  On October 10^th, Lifeguards attended the California Surf Lifesaving Association Spring meeting. It was announced that Seal Beach Lifeguard Samantha Hall will represent CSLSA for the 2025 New Zealand Lifeguard Exchange. Samantha is very excited about the opportunity to travel abroad and enhance her lifeguarding skills. She was selected through a competitive application and interview process. This marks the second consecutive year a Seal Beach Lifeguard has been selected!

•  On October 16th, Marine Safety partnered with Public Works staff members to remove lifeguard towers from the beach. The winter sand berm construction is scheduled to begin on Wednesday, October 23rd. A lifeguard will be staffed daily to ensure the heavy equipment operations and beachgoers remain separated.

• Marine Safety Officer Jeremy Jenks and Lifeguard James Stanton attended a regional dive training at Crystal Cove State Beach on October 16^th. Lifeguard agencies from Orange County participated and the training included area familiarization and an underwater search for a missing swimmer. This training is invaluable, as it allows lifeguards to enhance their diving skills while working alongside neighboring agencies.

• Always swim near a lifeguard for your safety!

Staff Pumpkin Decorating Contest

 City Staff is competing in a pumpkin decorating contest between all City departments, and all of the pumpkins are currently on display by the City Clerk’s office at City Hall. The pumpkins will be on display until Halloween, and visitors at City Hall can view and vote for their favorite pumpkin.

Trunk or Treat on Main Street

The City’s annual Trunk or Treat event will be held on Thursday, October 31st, from 11:00am-4:00pm. This event is located at the municipal lot on Electric Avenue and Main Street in front of Athens West, and coincides with the Seal Beach Chamber of Commerce’s Trick or Treat on Main Street, which is on the same day from 11am-4pm. Come and visit all of the trunks from different City departments, agencies, local businesses and community groups. The City is also giving an opportunity for non-brick and mortar businesses or organizations to have space for the Trunk or Treat event! It will be in the lot next to Bistro St. Germain. Space is limited so reach out to Tim Kelsey at tkelsey@sealbeachca.gov to reserve your spot! Each trunk is required to provide their own candy and decorations!! Have fun and decorate your car for the contest!! The Chamber is participating so come out and join in on the fun!

New Work Order Request App Now Available

MySealBeach: Your City in the Palm of Your Hand. We now have an easier way to report 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 the intersection, you can place an address close to the intersection and add the exact location in the notes section.

Initial Lead Service Line Inventory

To ensure public safety and minimize lead exposure, the U.S. EPA has required all large public water systems to conduct a Lead Service Line Inventory (LSL Inventory). This inventory identifies any lead pipes and/or connectors within both the public (City) and private (Customer) portions of the water distribution system. We are excited to announce that the City has officially submitted its Initial Lead Service Line Inventory to the State Water Resources Control Board, and we are proud to report that no detected lead service lines or connectors were found in our system! This important finding underscores our commitment to providing safe drinking water for all residents. We are dedicated to continuous monitoring and improvement to maintain the safety and reliability of our water supply. You can view the inventory here on the City’s website. 

Slurry Seal Completion

The City wrapped up another successful slurry seal project in the College Park East neighborhood earlier this month. Nine local roadways were treated to a fresh coat of slurry seal, a cost-effective pavement preservation method that helps extend the life of roads and improves driving conditions. This annual project is part of the City's ongoing commitment to maintaining a safe and well-maintained road network for residents and visitors alike.

New Service Line

Staff installed a new 1” water service line located in the alley at 137 Main Street this past week. Water crews inspected the old service and meter box, determining that their poor condition required immediate attention. At the time of inspection, the meter and box were located on private property, so as part of the fix, Staff relocated the meter and box to the public right-of-way.

10-inch Meter Concrete Base Replacement

Staff returned to a previously upgraded 10-inch water meter and finalized the project with the installation of the concrete pad base. 

Graffiti Removal

City staff is always on the lookout for graffiti. When they team up with resident reports from the portal, they can tackle the cleanup even faster. Check out the crew power washing graffiti at the Edison Park pickleball and basketball courts, as well as at River’s End Park.

Seal Beach Participated in the California Great ShakeOut: A Step Toward Earthquake Preparedness

On Thursday, October 17th, the City of Seal Beach participated in the annual California Great ShakeOut, joining millions across the state in practicing earthquake safety. At precisely 10:17 a.m., City Hall was evacuated as part of the exercise, reinforcing the importance of being prepared for the inevitable threat of an earthquake in Southern California.

The Seal Beach Radio Amateur Civil Emergency Service (RACES), a volunteer group trained to assist in emergency communication, played an essential role in today’s drill. They ensured smooth communication between various city departments, helping to coordinate the evacuation and providing vital support to city staff.

Why Preparedness Matters

The Great ShakeOut is not just an exercise for city employees but serves as a reminder to all residents to take proactive steps to safeguard their homes and families. Southern California is earthquake-prone, and it’s not a matter of “if” but “when” the next big one will strike. By practicing evacuation procedures, checking emergency supplies, and reviewing safety protocols, the community can respond more effectively during a real earthquake.

Earthquake Safety Tips

1. Drop, Cover, and Hold On: In the event of an earthquake, drop to your hands and knees, cover your head and neck with your arms, and if possible, take shelter under sturdy furniture. Hold on until the shaking stops.
2. Create an Emergency Kit: Ensure your kit contains essentials such as water, non-perishable food, flashlights, batteries, first aid supplies, and important documents. Remember to store enough supplies for at least three days.
3. Secure Your Space: Secure heavy items like bookshelves, televisions, and other furniture that could topple during an earthquake. This reduces the risk of injury and damage.
4. Have a Family Plan: Establish a communication plan with your family members, especially if you are separated when disaster strikes. Designate a meeting point and discuss what each member should do in the event of an earthquake.

RACES: A Critical Partner in Emergency Response

The involvement of our RACES volunteers in the Great ShakeOut highlights the importance of community engagement in emergency response efforts. These dedicated individuals train year-round to assist the city when disaster strikes, ensuring that vital communication remains operational even when traditional systems fail. Their participation is a testament to the strength of Seal Beach’s preparedness efforts.

As we reflect on today’s drill, let’s take a moment to evaluate our own readiness. Are we prepared for the next earthquake? By staying informed and practicing these safety tips, we can all contribute to a more resilient Seal Beach.

The Briefing Room

The SBPD, in partnership with the Orange County DA’s Office, hosted a four-day Drug and Alcohol Recognition Course at the Police Department. This comprehensive training aimed to equip officers with the latest techniques in identifying impairment caused by drugs or alcohol, a critical skill given the increasing complexities in substance use cases. The course included both classroom instruction and practical field exercises, enhancing the participants’ ability to accurately assess drivers under the influence and support ongoing enforcement efforts against impaired driving.

Conducted the monthly SBPD Parking Teleconference for parking management updates, where key topics like parking compliance, enforcement technology updates, and residential feedback were discussed. This meeting allowed parking enforcement officers, city officials, and external partners to align strategies, discuss ongoing projects, and address any emerging concerns. The teleconference emphasized the importance of maintaining effective communication channels and adapting parking management in response to evolving community needs.

SBPD Animal Control Officers (ACOs) attended the WAGS walkathon fundraiser to help raise awareness of the SBPD’s ongoing partnership with WAGS, the animal shelter providing services to Seal Beach. By participating in this event, the ACOs not only supported the fundraising efforts but also engaged with the community to promote responsible pet ownership and explain how WAGS assists in managing animal-related issues in Seal Beach. This event further solidified the community’s relationship with the shelter, highlighting the valuable services it provides.

Chief Henderson, Captain Nicholas, and Facility Dog Yosa attended the SB Rotary Club meeting, where they gave a presentation on the positive impact of facility dogs in police agencies. During the talk, Chief Henderson and Captain Nicholas highlighted how Yosa helps ease stress for both officers and civilians, assists in community outreach, and contributes to mental health initiatives within the department. The presentation demonstrated the vital role facility dogs play in promoting wellness and building trust between the police department and the community.

Captain Nicholas attended the Community First Conference, where he engaged in discussions focused on mental health. Topics included the importance of mental health support for law enforcement personnel, as well as the integration of mental health resources in policing to better serve vulnerable populations. The conference emphasized collaborative approaches to improving mental health outcomes through partnerships with healthcare providers and local organizations, underscoring SBPD's commitment to addressing these critical issues in the community.

Chief Henderson and staff attended Chat with the Chief inside Leisure World. This was done at Councilmember Steele's request, instead of Coffee with a Cop in order to be more accessible to Leisure World residents, as some of the residents are not able to travel outside the community to attend Coffee with a Cop.

Staff attended the planning meeting for the Seal Beach Turkey Trot 5k/10K Challenge Run

event. This event is scheduled for Satruday, Nov. 23^rd. The Seal Beach Turkey Trot has partnered with two great charities, Grateful Hearts and Project SEEK. This event, helps raise over $25,000 in funds and awareness in our community. Their goal is to donate over 300-holiday meals for families in need each year in our community with Grateful Hearts, and to help raise funds for our local schools through Project SEEK. The title sponsor, Financial Partners Credit Union, is also involved in helping us reach these goals.