[{"_1":2,"_111":-5,"_112":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6391677,"mediaKeyId","2111242-053f8fe55205640619776a462fd62120","parentId",2111242,"title","Council rejects request to rewrite municipal code for front‑yard sports court; motion to direct staff fails","audioSeconds",1910,"startMs",6170000,"endMs",8080000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2111242-053f8fe55205640619776a462fd62120&start=6170&end=8080","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2111242-053f8fe55205640619776a462fd62120/thumbnail_6170000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6391677/Seal-Beach/Orange-County/California/Council-rejects-request-to-rewrite-municipal-code-for-frontyard-sports-court-motion-to-direct-staff-fails","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6391677-e3d9acaecd857b30d4194033c61dbb5b/orig.mp4?Expires=1775344024&Signature=GTr1C2E2-VwTOxycfVXYBN1m~BV8~BuDGOIgknTRWW-pFucgG7CXjQq6DQO5ZuNL9FnAjS0Hm9CCGWBdBTJ1GERcKO0IqUDC5BXPqah4mKtDJk699iVyTFgSVV8cF9l~Eq5~6IHWoREDfwSWbZuojcyu7tdayeqHN1E8zh-Nf0AbYT7nq~fQB1msTkMCpJUQjNbTRpPCmqoqFdZDg2iWwqgq-IJvMik1ywuOw8XwpdQKXPfn6pEPB4OaoUuoxZ~yDoIJNMzXd7CiQdnzrdQoseoM1VxkYrsHaNJBbySdl9KlUN9L2VJ~Y5IdMiINL~MPFuh9D1nIXQy1GMpNFRWFzA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Seal Beach Council, California","date","2025-01-15T00:20:32.477Z","article","The Seal Beach City Council considered a request from residents to change the municipal code to permit a sports court in a front yard on a home in the city’s low‑density residential (R‑LD‑9) zone and voted down a motion to direct staff to prepare an ordinance.

Mayor Landau made the motion to have staff draft an amendment accommodating the court; Councilmember Sinegal seconded. The council discussed code standards for permeable surfaces, the municipal process for variances and the role of reactive vs. proactive code enforcement. City planning staff said the property could pursue a variance through the Planning Commission but that, based on a preliminary review, the parcel did not present the unusual circumstances generally required to justify a variance.

Council members raised concerns about precedent and neighborhood character, potential impacts to stormwater runoff and the city’s limited code‑enforcement resources. Councilmember Kalmick and Councilmember Wong said they opposed rewriting the code for a single property. Councilmember Sinegal and Mayor Landau favored an ordinance; Mayor Pro Tem Still voted no.

The motion failed on roll call: Mayor Landau — yes; Councilmember Sinegal — yes; Councilmember Kalmick — no; Councilmember Wong — no; Mayor Pro Tem Still — no.

Why it matters: The debate illustrates tension between homeowners who want more flexible use of front yards and city standards intended to preserve neighborhood character, control impermeable surface coverage and follow stormwater and public‑safety guidelines.

Quotable: Planning staff said a variance “is the path for exceptions, as opposed to modifying the design standards for an entire zoning district.”

Ending: The council did not direct staff to prepare a code amendment. Staff said the affected homeowners may pursue a variance to the Planning Commission or submit revised plans that meet existing permeability and landscape standards; citations issued against the property remain outstanding according to staff.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","City Council Meeting - January 13, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","Mayor Landau moved to direct staff to prepare an ordinance allowing front‑yard sports courts in the R‑LD‑9 (hill) zone. The proposal drew questions about precedent, stormwater runoff and enforcement; the motion failed in a 3–2 vote.","taxTitle","Seal Beach, Orange County, California","taxId",72161,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6391682,"OCFA chief details Orange County support for Los Angeles fires, warns of continued high winds",150,2459000,2609000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2111242-053f8fe55205640619776a462fd62120&start=2459&end=2609","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2111242-053f8fe55205640619776a462fd62120/thumbnail_2459000.jpg","/articles/6391682/Seal-Beach/Orange-County/California/OCFA-chief-details-Orange-County-support-for-Los-Angeles-fires-warns-of-continued-high-winds","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6391682-184e8d09567c27a77f030fd09e77fe06/orig.mp4?Expires=1775344024&Signature=BeE1WHLgs6G-wTMqKb9OpGmnt1GaNgJ81ui~M3BfHB-z~WxcBBIs3biHDGFnh8hdqA1-y5S0xX3-HEKfMtwB-eeFQIwuR6MxVOMyyYzL-wMTpFl2K3gm7y6z2M7nv1GMlUh9uymjG5oAQlMGdojgX3rIQEFUxBHv~wSG5JnNPjLAiRNN4SPfJr6W1855VV0mUxxIVeT2hhvSNRWGNTzuv6x8C9eejMkrptBCD0pxsPQPMfH2Zhy5h-Y2TZzCto38cOZF1k9zkt-2lbyI7DpnHWqb5nwB--Kt8gS5ryh7mK9erd0kKw9idL64pkkWx9l90KgNIl9wVmwIzXK32vIv1g__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","OCFA Division 1 Chief Craig Covey briefed the council on Orange County’s response to wildfire activity in Los Angeles and on local readiness.

Covey said Orange County sent strike teams, engines, mechanics, arson investigators and specialized canine teams to assist in LA and also staged local resources to cover the county. He said at the operation peak OCFA supported “up to 9 strike teams” and that Orange County coordinated mutual‑aid deployments while keeping a portion of resources available locally.

Covey described extreme wind conditions and the county’s prepositioning of resources. “We had winds that were 94 miles an hour on the day of the fire that started in LA,” he said, adding that sustained extreme winds can make firefighting ineffective until conditions abate. He also said OCFA had personnel on damage inspection teams and that two arson investigators were deployed as part of an ATF task force.

Why it matters: Covey’s remarks described both Orange County’s mutual‑aid role and the county’s own exposure to wildfire and wind risk. He said local staff and operations centers are staffed, multiple engines and helicopters are staged, and the county remained cautious for another 24–36 hours of strong winds.

Quotable: “We are very in tune with that,” Covey said of wildfire risk, and he noted the department’s recent investments, including additional aerial assets, when describing the county’s capacity to respond.

Ending: Covey closed by encouraging continued vigilance; the council later moved to schedule further briefing and coordination on fire resilience and preparedness.","OCFA Division 1 Chief Craig Covey updated the Seal Beach council on Orange County firefighting support in Los Angeles and on local preparedness. He said OCFA staged engines, helicopters, hand crews and canine teams and warned of another 24–36 hours of high winds.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6391685,"Seal Beach marine safety chief highlights two December 22 rescues, urges pay increase for part‑time lifeguards",541,69000,610000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2111242-053f8fe55205640619776a462fd62120&start=69&end=610","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2111242-053f8fe55205640619776a462fd62120/thumbnail_69000.jpg","/articles/6391685/Seal-Beach/Orange-County/California/Seal-Beach-marine-safety-chief-highlights-two-December-22-rescues-urges-pay-increase-for-parttime-lifeguards","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6391685-94940eea07ca3bd95a065fc0859bb884/orig.mp4?Expires=1775344024&Signature=aPRVpNooegA0XqWuR0IFzdF53VNSYdZ1sAAIZOzplQ7BO9P~T7WtKafXbCfxC8Qtk215lnuR-1ArJVUo6HXghIs9w5leykxfUshxTWZs3kPmfBfEguXxJyFmYUDpnpBrRUTpaKP4iin3aGb3wA1p0wwS3gw4qyqXqklEKIPuOvzy3QJUa0z-JlxJ7jDv9nQsLt8UL6F6aUWHIj4U7WVluRZFQ0~LYsXYG9iuQl2K52h-2REm66X~7SxZh0BD6OUHJW5gRGXCj4KP~OAfvGQ6nQNK2maFwx2KTrKMhBDinaBhBD6vHO3yeqonApVRskhfGuRubEA6zmK8RC0vp8ftpw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Marine Safety Chief Bailey told the council about two difficult rescues on Dec. 22 that tested the department’s response in winter surf and praised the lifeguards involved.

Bailey described a rescue on the south side of the pier in 8–15 foot surf in which lifeguards Dean Frizzell and Ellie Sherlock swam a bodyboarder offshore rather than toward shore because of a massive shore‑break. The chief said the pair were pulled along under the pier for roughly a quarter mile and were hit by “a 10 set, 10 wave set,” and the entire operation lasted about 30 minutes before the victim reached shore.

Bailey described a second incident at 14th Street, where a man who had been drinking a packaged alcoholic drink (“buzz ball”) entered the surf and was taken over his head. Two lifeguards — Beau Wade and Brett Peebles — and a part‑time lifeguard, Chris Dominguez, responded; an RWC (rescue watercraft) operated at reduced power and picked up the group beyond the end of the pier and transferred them to a calmer landing near Second Street.

Bailey emphasized operational constraints: both jet skis were out of service that day and the rescue boat could not operate safely inside the breaking surf. “Our 2 RWCs or jet skis were down this day, so we weren't able to use the jet ski,” he said. He also noted the lifeguards who made these rescues are part‑time employees and said their starting wage is $19.04 an hour. “They need a raise,” Bailey said.

Why it matters: The presentation highlighted surf conditions unique to Seal Beach, where winter north swells can create large “A‑frame” waves and strong shore‑breaks. Bailey said Seal Beach’s geography draws winter surfers and can turn otherwise mild summer conditions into technically difficult winter rescues.

Quotable: Bailey told the council, “...the 20 minutes in the cold water taking the victim through the pier, big set landing on their head, and eventually bringing the victim to shore was just a fantastic rescue.”

Ending: Bailey closed by thanking staff and reminding the council that operational readiness depends on equipment availability and staffing levels; he recommended replacing the two jet skis and called for reconsideration of pay for part‑time lifeguards.","Marine Safety Chief Bailey described two challenging rescues on Dec. 22 that involved large winter surf and credited part‑time lifeguards for long, physically taxing operations. The chief also reported both rescue watercrafts were out of service and said part‑time lifeguards start at $19.04 an hour and “need a raise.”",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6391690,"Seal Beach council adopts federal-funded Safety Action Plan aiming for Vision Zero by 2040",1009,760000,1769000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2111242-053f8fe55205640619776a462fd62120&start=760&end=1769","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2111242-053f8fe55205640619776a462fd62120/thumbnail_760000.jpg","/articles/6391690/Seal-Beach/Orange-County/California/Seal-Beach-council-adopts-federal-funded-Safety-Action-Plan-aiming-for-Vision-Zero-by-2040","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6391690-3def92923bed144c59f1df68d43d7d71/orig.mp4?Expires=1775344024&Signature=SzuVsKu~uz-3TQT7kVxxdQhyqQWJGmMfDZfMGHM1Is9Lt4OOWrBr5Myiw6SSAjeSZjujMDHgp2JpnX2gtXnAwkKgSR3~P6J3Cf8gNM-y9pp5O2qcCKbQ9sEE7eRUbX7~Ai0VjDwkvozBWhCQUDHzyt4e3jH30huHIxG--JekAKNwMdU~52trOWTpMlIW4f86g4EwtiMAEhCAnqxwqeiyZWzVzr0oT3~rguZrrGjOMLq2rj9aLym0igNd4qNXKv-iPi8bBGuJMmWBHMwYt4bjz9baIZn7EAajZM6zwGF-VYrU-oAM7XjibHpDyv6lcnfMBtSoZ4y3uHJGC~V8IzjynQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Seal Beach City Council voted to adopt a federally funded Safety Action Plan, ratifying Resolution 7,599 as part of the consent calendar.

The plan, prepared under a U.S. Federal Highway Administration Safe Streets For All grant, identifies the city’s top 15 intersections and 10 high-priority street segments, provides engineering plans for each location and estimates a total implementation cost of about $5,400,000. Fred Menigar, the project manager, told the council the work covered five years of collision data (Jan. 1, 2019–Dec. 31, 2023) and multiple independent data sources including Seal Beach Police Department records, UC Berkeley datasets and California Highway Patrol records.

Why it matters: adopting the plan makes Seal Beach eligible to apply for implementation grants and aligns the city with a Vision Zero target year of 2040, Menigar said. The council’s action is intended to help the city secure federal and state funding before using local general funds.

The plan’s recommendations include engineering designs, cost estimates and policy/process suggestions intended to support future grant applications. Menigar said the plan includes equity analyses required by federal funding rules and that staff prepared engineering exhibits for the top locations so the city may apply for partial or full project funding.

Key details and constraints
- Funding and grant source: the report was prepared using a Safe Streets For All grant from the Federal Highway Administration; the plan itself recommends applying for FHWA and other grant cycles. Menigar said the grant paid for the study phase; construction would require separate grants or local funding.
- Cost estimate: the grand total of proposed improvements is $5,400,000; the team built in a 20% contingency to reflect current Southern California construction costs. Menigar said the contingency “stands for if the cost of living goes up 2 years from now…if inflation goes up 2 years from now.”
- Priority sites: the worst intersection was identified as Westminster Boulevard at Seal Beach Boulevard (more than 90 collisions across the five-year window). The report ranks 39 intersections and highlights the top 15 and 10 segments with engineering sheets ready for funding submittals.
- Implementation notes and coordination: several project locations require additional coordination before construction, including meetings with Caltrans District 12 and Orange County Fire Authority for emergency-vehicle preemption near a fire station; meetings with the Golden Rain Foundation and Leisure World for projects affecting those communities; and a technical review with the U.S. Navy for measures near military gates. The plan also includes an engineered proposal for retractable roadway bollards at Main Street and Ocean Avenue to support events and security operations; Menigar noted federal procurement rules required sourcing vendors manufactured in the U.S.

Council questions and next steps
Council members asked about the underlying data, how many public outreach meetings were held and the extent to which the plan looks forward to proposed land use changes. Menigar said the study used five years of collision data and three independent datasets and that stakeholder outreach included meetings at Forest Station 43, the Marina Community Center and sessions with the U.S. Navy, Golden Rain Foundation, bicycle advocates and other residents.

Because the plan was on the consent calendar the council did not debate the item at length on the dais; the consent calendar passed unanimously. City staff said the next step is to pursue implementation funding and to use the provided engineering documents to apply for FHWA and other grant cycles.

Ending: With the vote, Seal Beach will seek implementation grants and move from planning to funding steps; staff said they will return with project-specific grant applications and construction contracts as funding is secured.","The Seal Beach City Council adopted a federally funded Safety Action Plan (Resolution 7,599) developed with FHWA grant support. The plan identifies the city’s 15 highest-priority intersections and a $5.4 million implementation estimate and positions the city to apply for federal and state construction grants.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Council rejects request to rewrite municipal code for front‑yard sports court; motion to direct staff fails

OCFA chief details Orange County support for Los Angeles fires, warns of continued high winds

Seal Beach marine safety chief highlights two December 22 rescues, urges pay increase for part‑time lifeguards

Seal Beach council adopts federal-funded Safety Action Plan aiming for Vision Zero by 2040