The Seal Beach City Council at its Monday meeting ratified a local emergency declaration concerning coastal sand loss and anticipated impacts from an expected super El Niño.
City Manager Patrick Gallegos had first declared the local emergency on September 22, prompted by forecasts of high tide and surf conditions. During the September 28 meeting, Gallegos stated, “The purpose of this action is to put the city in a stronger position to prepare early, protect our community and respond effectively as conditions develop,” adding that officials are "taking timely steps to protect residents, property, and public infrastructure."
Despite preparations, the city has already experienced substantial sand loss and movement on its beaches due to recent high surf conditions, according to Gallegos. The precise amount of sand lost and the total associated costs remain undetermined, as noted in the staff report.
Seal Beach is one of four Orange County coastal cities to issue such declarations, joining Laguna Beach, Dana Point, and San Clemente in similar efforts to safeguard their coastlines. Councilmember Nathan Steele affirmed that the city is actively exploring various options for sand management, including replenishment and preservation strategies.
Gallegos underscored sand as a top priority for Seal Beach, stating the city is examining every potential solution. “We’re looking at every option. We’re hearing from contractors [and] consultants. We’re hearing from other cities [and] community members about this very important topic, and so we are listening, and we have this as a top priority,” Gallegos stated. He mentioned that approaching the Army Corps of Engineers for sand is one option, though the process is often lengthier than desired.
Councilmember Joe Kalmick expressed concern regarding the Army Corps of Engineers' historical focus. He observed, “The Army Corps of Engineers always seems to focus on the gulf coast and the east coast, and we need them to pay attention to what is becoming a major, major problem for virtually the entire west coast.”
To address this, Gallegos plans to convene with city managers from Los Angeles, San Diego, and Orange counties to coordinate regional responses to coastal erosion and facilitate sand acquisition for Seal Beach. Gallegos emphasized the importance of collaboration, noting, “We are really trying to not only harness the relationships that we have, but grow the ones that we don’t because we’re all facing the same issues.” Kalmick supported this coalition effort, expressing that it could prevent a “sand war” among coastal communities and instead “accentuate the needs of the west coast.”
Regarding potential sand sources, Councilmember Patty Senecal inquired about dredging the San Gabriel River. Public Works Director Iris Lee identified the area off Surfside as an ideal location for sand pumping due to compatibility and adequate supply, though funding remains a critical factor. Lee added that while the San Gabriel River and Anaheim Bay Area offer limited dredging opportunities, these smaller options could be considered as interim solutions.
Beyond beach protection, the emergency declaration streamlines the city's contracting procedures for coastal issues and mandates detailed record-keeping of emergency-related costs, damages, staff time, equipment use, and protective work. This meticulous documentation is intended to support future reimbursement efforts, although Gallegos cautioned that it does not guarantee external funding. The proclamation also addresses broader risks associated with the upcoming wet season, including heavy rain, flooding, strong winds, and potential disruptions to infrastructure and essential services citywide, according to Gallegos.
Gallegos urged residents to develop emergency plans and kits for El Niño preparedness. He also informed residents that sandbags are available at fire stations 44 and 48, and encouraged signing up for countywide (AlertOC) and citywide (Nixle) alerts for hazard information. More details on El Niño preparedness are available on the Seal Beach Police Department website.
The city manager's proclamation, issued while the council was not in session, required ratification within seven days. The City Council will review the emergency declaration at least every 60 days to assess its continued necessity. Councilmember Kalmick reiterated the ongoing need for Seal Beach to advocate for its sand needs to the Army Corps of Engineers, stating, “In the meantime, we need to continue to lobby congress and to make sure the Army Corps has us at the top of the list for replenishment.”
