District One Council Race Field Finalized — Plus Tonight's Stormwater Forum
Seal Beach, CA · August 13, 2026
Catching the early morning breeze along the pier is the best start to a busy Thursday.
The Lead
The nomination window has closed, setting up a competitive four-way contest for the District One City Council seat in November’s all-mail ballot election. With current council member Joe Kalmick terming out, four local contenders—architect Matthew Terry, real estate entrepreneur Scott Davis, sports broadcaster Matt Smith, and nonprofit executive Perla Mendoza—have officially qualified for the ballot. Because municipal elections require a candidate to secure more than 50% of the vote to win outright, a crowded field increases the likelihood of a runoff between the top two finishers. Meanwhile, incumbent leaders in District Three and District Five are running unopposed. Official election materials will begin arriving in voters' mailboxes early this fall as community forums take shape.
Local Pulse
Police Install Free Lobby Prescription Kiosk Residents can now safely drop off unused or expired medications inside the department lobby during regular business hours.
Council Authorizes Three-Year Pet Licensing Deal City officials approved a new agreement with PetData to streamline local animal registrations across the community.
Stormwater Committee Hosts Public Advisory Session City leaders gather tonight to review ongoing drainage updates and discuss future water quality infrastructure.
Today's Outlook
- High 74°F · Low 68°F — Overcast
- Overcast skies keep beach walks pleasant today, so grab a light sweater for later.
What's On Around Town
Youth Volleyball Skills Clinic Seal Beach Volleyball Club (1718 Apollo Ct), 4:00 PM Targeted skills coaching and drills designed for players ages 11 to 14.
Long Beach: Thursday Pop Top Regatta Alamitos Bay Marina (215 N Marina Dr), 5:00–7:30 PM Short drive to watch evening sailboat racing across the quiet bay waters.
Westminster: Music & Movies in the Park Civic Center Sunken Gardens (8200 Westminster Blvd), 5:30 PM Short drive for free live music followed by an outdoor sunset movie.
Citizen-Council Stormwater Forum City Hall (211 Eighth St), 5:30–7:30 PM Public dialogue covering neighborhood drainage, runoff policies, and coastal water protection.
Spotlight & Story
- Seal Beach Pier
- Extending 1,865 feet into the Pacific Ocean, it stands as the second-longest wooden pier in California. Originally constructed in 1906, local residents raised over $130,000 in private donations to help rebuild its wooden planks after storm waves swept them away.
Seal Beach Daily Digest — compiled from local sources as of 6 AM. For breaking updates, follow your local newsrooms.
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