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Seaside police prepare for fireworks enforcement, report uptick in graffiti; cadet program highlighted
Summary
Chief Borges told the Seaside safety commission the city is stepping up fireworks enforcement ahead of July 4, coordinating drones and parking-lot closures, and urged residents to report incidents. Staff also reported a graffiti uptick, CHAMP cadet successes and active cold-case work.
Seaside Police Chief Borges gave a detailed staff report at the Community Safety Advisory Commission meeting on June 17, outlining preparations for fireworks season, recent operational priorities and community-outreach efforts.
Fireworks and enforcement: Chief Borges said the department is preparing an enforcement and public-education campaign around July 4 and related events. He described plans to use drones for locating concentrated fireworks activity, to coordinate with local property owners to restrict parking in hotspots (naming Home Depot and Embassy Suites as examples), and to seek voluntary adjustments from businesses to reduce parking-lot takeovers. He also said the department will continue real-time social-media updates and encouraged residents to call dispatch with location-specific tips. The department listed two contact numbers in the meeting: the police dispatch non-emergency line as 831-394-6811 and a desk line 831-899-6748 for reporting local issues.
Graffiti and public works: Chief Borges reported a recent uptick in gang-related graffiti near Terrace, Sonoma and Amador areas; Public Works has repainted tags and staff urged residents to use the city's SeeClickFix web reporting tool to upload photos and pinpoint locations so the city can respond.
Youth and outreach programs: The chief highlighted the CHAMP cadet program as thriving, noting cadets were supported at recent graduations and that the department has secured tickets to take cadets to a San Francisco Giants game. Commissioners and staff also discussed Partners for Peace, California Youth Outreach and other youth organizations that presented panels earlier in June; commissioners requested and staff agreed to schedule formal presentations from community providers such as Monterey County Behavioral Health and Harmony at Home.
Cold cases and community assistance: Chief Borges described ongoing cold-case work and DNA testing; he said the department is actively contacting families to seek permission to publicize cases and is relying on community tips gleaned via social media and direct messages.
Animal services and community ideas: Commissioners praised animal-services officer Alex for community rescues and the department confirmed an ongoing program distributing bicycle helmets to children. Commissioners suggested community "painting parties" to address graffiti on private property when feasible; staff said the commission could consider organizing such volunteer events and that vendors or paint companies sometimes donate materials.
How residents can report issues: Staff reiterated reporting options — call police dispatch at 831-394-6811 or use SeeClickFix via the city web page (staff demonstrated the web form during the meeting). Chief Borges asked residents to call when they can reasonably identify a location; he explained that multiple generic reports can overwhelm follow-up capacity during peak nights such as July 4.
Next steps: Staff will continue outreach and enforcement planning for July 4 and Car Week events, coordinate with property owners on parking restrictions, and schedule community presentations as requested by the commission. The department will circulate any public-facing reports and continue to use social media and the city website for timely updates.
