October 26 - November 9, 2024

Welcome Fire Captain Kyle Cain!

We are pleased to announce that Fire Captain Kyle Cain will be taking over for Captain Nolan McGaughy as Division 1’s Administrative Captain. Captain Cain has dedicated 19 years to the Orange County Fire Authority, (OCFA), serving in various roles, including firefighter/paramedic, fire apparatus engineer, and fire captain. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Pepperdine University and has completed numerous advanced qualification courses. Additionally, Captain Cain has been an active member of the OCFA Honor Guard since 2008, exemplifying his commitment to the organization.


We would also like to thank Captain McGaughy for his outstanding work as interim administrative captain during this time. His leadership and dedication to the job at hand has been truly commendable. 

City Notes


City Council Meetings


Tuesday, November 12th @ 7pm

Council Chambers


Monday, December 9th @ 7pm

Council Chambers


Planning Commission Meetings


Monday, November 18th @ 7pm

Council Chambers


Monday, December 2nd @ 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


Turkey Trot

Old Town

Saturday, November 23rd

7am - 11am


Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony

Eisenhower Park

Saturday, November 23rd

4pm - 7pm


Upcoming City Hall Closure


Veteran's Day

Monday, November 11th

DEPARTMENT HIGHLIGHTS

All Departments

Trunk or Treat contest winner - City Manager's Office

Trunk or Treat on Main Street


On Thursday, October 31st (Halloween), City departments brought their A game to the City's Annual Trunk or Treat on Main Street to spook and delight more than 1,000 visitors. Also present were the pumpkins from the pumpkin decorating contest. Visitors were encouraged to vote for their favorite trunk and/or pumpkin from City departments. The winning trunk was "I Love Lucy" by the City Manager's Office, and the winning pumpkin was "Charlotte's Other Web" by the Community Development Department.

Pumpkin Decorating contest winner - Community Development Department

More Trunk or Treat Fun

Staff Engagement Team (SET)

Loteria Lunch


On Thursday, October 24th, the Staff Engagement Team organized a Loteria Lunch, in Council Chambers. This event was hosted by Jennifer Robles, Management Analyst. Staff learned and played the game of Loteria, enjoyed cultural snacks, and received a presentation about the history and culture behind the game of Loteria. 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 encourage professional development.

Public Works

Welcome Josh Ott, Part-time Maintenance Aide


The Public Works Department welcomes Josh Ott to the City of Seal Beach!


Josh previously worked as a Field Engineer at ICON Consulting and Design, where he identified points of entry for fiber installation and created presentations for various site locations for installation teams to utilize for upcoming jobs. 


As a Maintenance Aide, some of Josh’s responsibilities include maintenance and repair of the City’s beach facilities, completing service orders, and assisting the Maintenance Team with various other projects.


Public Works is excited to have Josh as part of the team!

Community Development

County of Orange Housing & Community Development Seeks Input from Seal Beach Residents for 2025-2029 Consolidated Plan


The County of Orange receives approximately $4 million in federal funds from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) each year for housing and community development projects in the following jurisdictions: County unincorporated areas, Laguna Beach, Placentia, Laguna Hills, Seal Beach, Brea, Laguna Woods, Stanton, Cypress, La Palma, Yorba Linda, San Juan Capistrano, Villa Park, Dana Point, and Los Alamitos.


These annual grants can be used to provide decent housing, suitable living environments, and expanded economic opportunities, for low-and-moderate-income persons in our city. In creating the 2025-2029 Consolidated Plan, the County needs your help to identify the priorities for improvements and public services in Seal Beach.


The County is also hosting five community outreach meetings to facilitate community input. 


Please join us:

El Modena Community Center

November 18, 2024 at 6:00 p.m.

18672 E Center Ave. Orange, CA 92869


Midway City Community Center

November 20, 2024 at 10:00 a.m.

14900 Park Ln. Midway City, CA 92655


Anaheim Independencia Community Center

November 20, 2024 at 6:00 p.m.

10841 Garza Ave. Anaheim, CA 92804

Laguna Woods City Hall

November 13, 2024 at 10:00 a.m.

City of Laguna Woods Council Chambers

24264 El Toro Rd. Laguna Woods, CA 92637


Stanton Community Center

November 13, 2024 at 5:30 p.m.

Stanton City Hall

7800 Katella Ave. Stanton, CA 90680



Seal Beach Police Department

McGaugh's Rally Day


Community Oriented Policing (COP) officers participated in the recent McGaugh Elementary School Rally Day Event.

DEPARTMENT UPDATES

Recreation

Winter 2024-2025 Shoreline Brochure


The Winter 2024-2025 Shoreline Brochure was published online Friday, November 1st, and registration for Winter classes began on Monday, November 4th. Information for recreation classes, surf lessons, and aquatic programs that occur between December 2024 and March 2025 are all included in the Winter 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.

Senior Services

Senior Lunch Cafe'


Senior Lunch Café - The Seal Beach Lunch Program is provided by Meals on Wheels Orange County (OC), which is temporarily being held at the Fire Station 48 Community Room at 3131 N. Gate Road. 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 Fall 2024 Guide


The Seal Beach Senior Services Fall 20224 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.

McGaugh Gym Improvements


The McGaugh Gym is currently under construction focusing on replacing outdated windows and roof repairs in anticipation for the upcoming rainy season. The Los Alamitos School District is leading this improvement project. 


Edison Park Community Gardens


The fourth and final community garden cleanup day of 2024 took place on Saturday, October 26th from 8:00am-12:00pm. A large showing of gardeners dedicated their time to beautify the site as a cohesive unit and prepare the area for the winter months.

Department Highlights


There are currently 1,821 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 393 pickleball members and 83 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.

North Seal Beach Center Improvements


On Monday, September 16th the remodeling project began at the North Seal Beach Community Center. The senior meals that meet in the building Monday through Friday have been relocated to the community room at Fire Station 48 on North Gate Road. Staff has worked closely with Meals on Wheels OC to make all arrangements necessary for this change and have posted the building with signs, handed out flyers and met with users directly. Additionally, recreation classes and community events taking place in the building have been relocated to the Seal Beach Tennis and Pickleball Center and the Marina Community Center. Staff has also adjusted the senior transportation shuttle to drop seniors off at the fire station for the duration of relocation.  

Orange County Fire Authority (OCFA)

City Manager's Office

Seal Beach Playgroup Visits City Hall


On October 30th, the Seal Beach Playgroup paid a visit to City Hall to perform some spooky and fun Halloween songs. City staff loved all of the kids’ costumes and performance!

Public Works

Winter Sand Berm Construction


The City recently contracted to have the winter sand berm built for the upcoming winter season. The work began on October 21st and was completed on November 1st. The winter sand berm will remain in place until the Spring of 2025.

Almond Avenue Landscaping


The contractor for the I-405 Widening Project recently installed irrigation and landscaping along the rebuilt wall sections along Almond Avenue. Cat’s Claw vines (Macfadyena Unguis-Cati) were placed approximately every 20 feet along the wall. These vines are known as fast-growing, perennial climbing vines that can grow up to 50-feet long. They can potentially reach their full size in two to three months. The vines will create a more pleasant and softer view filled with green foliage. The contractor is responsible for monitoring and maintaining the landscaping for the next three years.

West Mainline Replacement


The Utilities Division installed a new 10-inch mainline valve in the College Park East neighborhood, specifically at the Almond Avenue and Violet Street intersection, this past week. During a routine inspection, it was discovered that the existing valve needed replacement due to a faulty bonnet and a packing leak. Most importantly, the valve was unable to effectively shut down the system, which made replacement critical.

Roof Cleaning


In anticipation of, and preparation for the rainy season, staff performed routine maintenance by removing leaves and debris from the Mary Wilson Library roof.  

Installation of Sub Memorial Signs


The staff was honored to install new WWII Sub Memorial signs along Seal Beach Boulevard. These signs will guide visitors to the memorial and inspire pride in our veterans and military service members.

Tree Maintenance


Staff continue to beautify Seal Beach by completing work order requests around the city. This week, they are trimming trees and pruning the canopy for clearance.  

Memorial Bench Installation


One of our staff's most rewarding tasks is installing new memorial benches. This past week, two (2) new benches were added—one on the Electric Avenue Green Belt and another in Schooner Park. If you are interested in information regarding 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.

West-Comm

Highlights


Communication Center phone calls from the last 7 days:

  • 911 calls:                          606
  • Non-Emergency calls:             1,888
  • Total Calls:                                    2,494

 

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

  • 2,196

City Clerk

Updates


At its Regular City Council meeting of October 28, 2024, Mayor Sustarsic and Members of the City Council:


  • Received a Legislative Update from Assembly Member Diane Dixon.


  • Proclaimed the month of October 2024 as “National Save Our Beach Month” and called this observance to the attention of the residents.


  • Received the Orange County Fire Authority 3rd Quarter Update from Division 1 Chief Craig Covey.

Seal Beach Police Department

The Briefing Room


  • The Volunteers in Police Services (VIPS) played a key role in the Trunk or Treat on Main Street event, engaging with community members and ensuring a safe and festive environment for children and families.


  • Sergeant Gray hosted a Neighborhoods for Neighbors (N4N) event, fostering stronger relationships between local residents and the Police Department by discussing safety concerns and sharing community resources.


  • The Parking Team met with License Plate Recognition (LPR) vendors to explore updated technologies for a parking system refresh, aiming to enhance enforcement efficiency and improve resident and visitor parking experiences.


  • The monthly VIPS meeting provided an opportunity for volunteers to receive updates, discuss upcoming events, and stay informed about departmental priorities and community outreach initiatives.


  • Captain Nicholas, Police Services Manager McDonald, and parking enforcement officers attended the California Mobility & Parking Association (CMPA) conference in Costa Mesa, where they took part in sessions on best practices and networked with industry professionals, leveraging the opportunity at no cost to the department.


  • A productive meeting with the California Coastal Commission was held to discuss the Coastal Development Permit (CDP) requirements for proposed rate increases in beach parking lots, ensuring compliance with coastal regulations and addressing community impacts.


  • Seal Beach Police Department will be hosting an Active Shooter Training drill at McGaugh. This drill will include the Orange County Fire Authority to ensure the PD and fire staff are properly trained. This training will take place on November 11th .


  • There was a peaceful caravan of Trump supporters who drove thru the City of Seal Beach on Saturday November 2nd. Officers estimated approximately 150 vehicles took part in this caravan. There were no crimes reported.


  • Officers are preparing for the Holiday season, which includes the Seal Beach Turkey Trot, Holiday Shopping and holiday thefts.