Pier Update
I've received several questions regarding the pier, so let me recap.
On the question of fishing on the pier: The Seal Beach Pier is a fishing pier by definition, and is under the complete control of the California Coastal Commission. The City cannot regulate where fishing is allowed on the pier and can only prohibit overhead casting.
As for other prohibitions, the police volunteers have a new PA system to be able to better inform visitors that there are no dogs or bicycles and skateboards allowed. Some additional signage at the pier entry will also be placed. In addition, our new bike and foot patrol police officers will be aiding in enforcement.
The official ribbon cutting ceremony for the pier reopening is planned for Monday, July 22 at 10:00 am. Look for updates as we get closer to the date.
Old Town Safety
As you know, one of benefits from the additional revenue generated by the passage of the sales tax measure BB was to allow the City to hire a total of five additional police officers. We now have two officers assigned to the substation at the pier.
During the Summer months they will be patrolling the Old Town area, focusing on the pier and Main Street areas. They will be on foot and on electric bikes. In fact, on their first day they cornered a suspect with their bikes who turned out to have warrants totaling over 1 million dollars for kidnapping and other serious crimes.
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2019-20 Budget Process
Our 2019/2020 City Budget is in the final stages of development and must be in place by the end of June per our City Charter. Since the proposed budget from Staff was presented, we have had three (3) budget workshops where the Council was able to question Staff, propose changes, and take input from the public.
The main area of concern is that the size of the budget surplus we are hoping for as a result of the passage of Measure BB is not meeting what has been presented. It's a very difficult process, and some tough decisions will have to be made.
There is no greater long term issue facing our town than fiscal solvency, and decisions we make today will impact us for years down the road, so it is essential we work together to get it right. As one of the key areas I campaigned on in November, this is of utmost importance to me. I hope you contact me with any questions you have or input you might care to give, even if you are unable to attend the final hearing session which will be next Monday, June 24th.
First Street Project Update
The Ocean Place and River's End Park projects are continuing to move forward. Shea Homes held an open house this week at their sales office and are constructing two models to show prospective buyers. The grading for the park continues, and per the original agreement, the park will be completed before any homes that are sold begin construction.
Beach Update
As the city's representative to the
Los Cerritos Wetlands Authority, I continue to make contacts and headway in understanding things we as a city can do to mitigate the ongoing pollution problem coming from the San Gabriel River flow. I am also
working with Save Our Beach Founder & President Steve Masoner to bring more attention to the pollution and trash problem coming from the San Gabriel River to as many other agencies and people who are capable of helping us turn the corner on this problem. We will need to engage with L.A. County as well as the other cities upstream and Orange County entities.
Councilwoman Massa-Lavitt is working with the Mountain and Rivers Conservancy. There are some encouraging signs that these efforts may pay off.
