Water & Sewer Rate Study Informational Open Houses

The City is hosting two informational open houses to help the public better understand their water and wastewater services, proposed rate adjustments, and how these changes may affect their bills.

Each event will include a series of stations staffed by subject matter experts available for one-on-one conversations. Attendees are welcome to drop in at any time—stay as long or as little as you'd like. The information presented will be the same at both sessions.

Both Open Houses will be held at Fire Station No. 48, located at 3131 N. Gate Road. The first session will take place on Wednesday, June 4, from 5:30 to 7:00 p.m., and the second on Saturday, June 14, from 10:30 a.m. to noon. Stop by at your convenience to ask questions, speak with our team, and learn more about your water and wastewater services.

Water & Sewer Rate Study Informational Open Houses

The City is hosting two informational open houses to help the public better understand their water and wastewater services, proposed rate adjustments, and how these changes may affect their bills.

Each event will include a series of stations staffed by subject matter experts available for one-on-one conversations. Attendees are welcome to drop in at any time—stay as long or as little as you'd like. The information presented will be the same at both sessions.

Both Open Houses will be held at Fire Station No. 48, located at 3131 N. Gate Road. The first session will take place on Wednesday, June 4, from 5:30 to 7:00 p.m., and the second on Saturday, June 14, from 10:30 a.m. to noon. Stop by at your convenience to ask questions, speak with our team, and learn more about your water and wastewater services.

A New Online Series: Ask Public Works

Ever wonder what goes on behind the scenes at Public Works? Now’s your chance to find out! Our brand-new series gives you the mic—submit your questions and get real answers from the people who work behind the scenes. From unexpected challenges to daily wins, discover the stories, faces, and hard work behind the PW name. Tune in, get informed, and connect with your Public Works team like never before.

The series premiered on Friday, May 2nd. Send us your questions, and don’t forget to tune in on Instagram and Facebook. You ask—we answer. 

Highlights

At its Regular City Council meeting of May 27, 2025, Mayor Landau and Members of the City Council:

• Proclaimed the week of May 19-26, 2025, as “National Beach Safety Week” in the City of Seal Beach and urged all residents and visitors using our beach to enjoy themselves at the beach this year, while taking appropriate measures to protect themselves and their children.

• Proclaimed the observance of “National Mucopolysaccharidosis (MPS) Awareness Day” on May 15, 2025, in the City of Seal Beach to promote greater awareness, understanding and support for individuals and families affected by these rare and life-impacting diseases.

Mosquito Season is Upon Us

Are you tired of getting bitten by mosquitoes while enjoying a nice walk or relaxing on your porch with a cup of coffee? Chances are, the mosquito that’s biting you is an Aedes aegypti, a.k.a. the ankle biter. These black-and-white striped mosquitoes are known for biting during the daytime and can now be found in every city in Orange County.

While Orange County Mosquito and Vector Control District conducts wide area treatments to keep mosquito populations at bay, smaller sources of water around your patio, yard or indoor spaces can also serve as mosquito breeding grounds. These insects only need a small amount to reproduce, so now more than ever, it is important for every resident to take an active role in mosquito control.

Maintain Your Drain

It's crucial to keep your yard well-maintained to avoid breeding Aedes mosquitoes. With the ability to lay their eggs in even the smallest water sources, a clogged or neglected drain can easily become an Aedes breeding ground.

In addition to yard drains, other Aedes breeding sources include bird baths, flowerpots, and gutters. The sources should also be regularly cleaned and maintained to prevent breeding.

Resources

OCMVCD provides a wide range of resources to help residents take an active role in mosquito control. Please visit mosquitoessuck.org for more information.

Seal Beach Historic Resources Foundation - Walking Tours

The Seal Beach Historical Resources Foundation announces guided walking tours of Old Town Seal Beach. Sign Up using the QR Code below (limit 16 people per tour)

Summer 2025 Shoreline Brochure

The Summer 2025 Shoreline Brochure is available on the City's website at https://www.sealbeachca.gov/Departments/Community-Services-Recreation/Recreation-Guide-Class-Info. This edition of the Shoreline includes information for summer camps, swimming lessons, dance classes, fitness classes, 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 a check payable to the City of Seal Beach.

Backflow Prevention Upgrade

The Public Works Utilities team recently replaced a failing two-inch Pressure Vacuum Breaker (PVB) with a new two-inch Reduced Pressure (RP) backflow prevention assembly.

Backflow prevention devices like the PVB and RP are critical components of our water system infrastructure. Their primary purpose is to protect the public water supply from contamination caused by backflow—when water flows in the reverse direction due to changes in pressure. This can occur during events like water main breaks or high demand in nearby areas. This prevents a phenomenon called a cross-connection, a situation where an interconnection is created between a potable water supply and a non-potable source.

While both types of devices prevent backflow, a reduced pressure backflow assembly offers enhanced protection, especially in higher-risk applications, by incorporating a relief valve that discharges water if pressure imbalances are detected. This proactive upgrade ensures a greater level of safety and reliability for our water distribution system.



The Utilities team's continued efforts help safeguard our community’s drinking water and maintain compliance with state and federal water quality standards.

Relocation of Public Works Water Equipment

Our Public Works Maintenance crew recently completed the relocation and installation of a new air vacuum, water meter, and backflow preventer, along with a new protective enclosure. In addition, a new four-inch mainline gate valve was installed. This important upgrade ensures that if the mainline needs to be shut down for maintenance or emergency repairs, water services are uninterrupted for nearby residents.

This work was initiated after a golf cart accidentally backed into and damaged the existing air vacuum assembly. To prevent future incidents and enhance overall system resilience, the components were not only replaced but also relocated and protected with a new enclosure.



These improvements help ensure the long-term reliability and safety of the City’s water infrastructure.

License Plate Recognition (LPR) System Upgrade

Public Works staff recently assisted the Police Department and their contractor by pre-digging post holes for the installation of new solar-powered License Plate Recognition (LPR) readers. These readers have been strategically placed throughout the downtown and beach areas to support public safety and enhance law enforcement capabilities. One of the new LPR readers has been installed in the 10th Street parking lot. These systems help monitor vehicle activity.

By assisting with the groundwork, Public Works helped streamline the installation process and ensure proper placement and stability for the LPR infrastructure. The City remains committed to supporting innovative technologies that enhance safety and security for residents and visitors alike.

Dead Tree Removal and Upcoming Replanting on the Hill

Public Works maintenance crew were recently notified of a dead tree located on the Hill. Upon inspection, the tree was confirmed to be non-viable and was promptly removed to ensure public safety and prevent potential hazards. The site has now been designated for replanting, and a new tree will be planted in the coming months as part of the City’s ongoing commitment to maintaining a healthy and vibrant urban forest. Staff will carefully select a species that is well-suited to the location and environmental conditions.

Routine Barney's Beach Sanitation

As part of our continued commitment to keeping Seal Beach clean, safe, and welcoming, the Public Works maintenance crew recently completed the routine monthly sanitation at Barney’s Beach. This scheduled maintenance is a vital part of our broader beach maintenance program, ensuring our coastal areas remain pristine for residents and visitors alike.

During the cleaning process, crews use a specialized sanitizer to disinfect the beach area thoroughly. A specially equipped vehicle fitted with a pick-up blade collects surface sand and debris. This mixture is then passed over a vibrating screening belt, which separates waste materials from the sand. The cleaned sand is returned to the beach, while the waste is collected in a designated tray and properly disposed of at an approved waste facility.



These efforts are not limited to Barney’s Beach—similar cleanings are carried out regularly across all City-owned portions of the beaches. These routine operations help us uphold the high standards of cleanliness and safety our community expects and deserves.

Street Curb and Sign Marking Refresh

Public Works staff has been diligently refreshing street curbs and sign markings across the City. This ongoing maintenance effort is designed to enhance visibility and improve clarity around parking regulations. By updating faded paint and signage, the City is helping ensure that both residents and visitors can more easily identify designated parking areas and adhere to local guidelines.

Marine Safety Department Update - Early June

We've had a busy and productive couple of weeks at both the beach and pool, marking our peak season. As we transition into full summer operations, we’ve successfully wrapped up the bulk of our internal and external training courses, ensuring our team is fully prepared for the season ahead.

Internal Training Highlights

• Rookie Academy: Over 120 hours of comprehensive training completed for our new hires. Topics included lifeguarding skills, first aid, CPR, AED usage, backboarding, vessel operation, beach regulations, and customer service.
• Recurrent Training: Returning guards completed a 12-hour refresher and recertification course, covering all core Marine Safety practices. We have two more sessions scheduled.
• Rescue Water Craft (RWC) Certification: Several new operators completed over 45 hours of specialized training to become certified in RWC operations.

External Outreach & Training

• SALT (Surfers Awareness and Lifesaving Techniques): Our team trained the Wilson Surf Team in ocean safety, with a focus on how to recognize and safely assist fellow surfers in the lineup.
• Citizen Academy: MSO Jenks and MSO Corb provided a detailed overview of Marine Safety Department functions and responsibilities.

The Briefing Room

• Launched the Coyote Reporting Portal, giving residents a centralized online tool to report coyote sightings, access educational materials, and contribute to the City’s broader wildlife management and public safety efforts.

• Met with the California Coastal Commission to discuss Seal Beach’s upcoming parking-related initiatives, focusing on equitable coastal access, environmental impact, and alignment with state regulatory priorities.

• Captains Nicholas and Ezroj met with representatives from the Long Beach Jewish Federation to discuss building a collaborative partnership focused on public safety, cultural awareness, and enhancing communication between law enforcement and the local Jewish community.

• The Seal Beach Police Department worked with the California Highway Patrol’s Organized Retail Crime Force (ORC Force) to address the growing issue of organized retail theft affecting larger retail stores in our community. Through this partnership, Seal Beach PD officers work alongside CHP task force members to conduct coordinated enforcement operations, share intelligence, and identify criminal networks targeting high-value merchandise. This collaboration enhances the department’s ability to proactively deter theft, apprehend offenders, and improve overall safety for both retailers and shoppers.