Sand Berm Crews Mobilize Early to Fortify Shorelines
Seal Beach, CA · September 28, 2026
Quiet has returned to Main Street after a bustling sidewalk sale weekend, but heavy machinery is already stirring on the beach. Here is what is taking shape as the final week of September gets underway.
The Lead
Following an early September tropical swell that sent seawater spilling across the boardwalk onto Seal Way, city crews are advancing their coastal defense schedule ahead of winter. Heavy machinery is preparing to roll onto the sand as public works teams construct the annual protective winter sand berm between the pier and the San Gabriel River mouth earlier than in past seasons.
The towering sand wall serves as the shoreline’s primary barrier against king tides and winter storm surges, which oceanographers anticipate could be intensified by recurring El Niño weather patterns. Beyond building the barrier higher at vulnerable beach access points, municipal teams are testing backup high-capacity storm pumps and inspecting drainage valves across Old Town. Residents along the boardwalk can track staging zones and daily machinery work through the city’s marine safety bulletins.
Local Pulse
Driftwood Avenue Garage Fire Contained Sunday Safety Firefighters stopped early morning flames from penetrating living quarters, treating one resident on-scene for minor smoke inhalation.
Seal Beach Boulevard Resurfacing Begins This Week Roads Crews launch arterial repaving and restriping, creating localized daytime traffic delays between Westminster Avenue and Bradbury Road.
City Council Reviews Capital Priorities Tonight City Hall Councilmembers convene at City Hall to deliberate facility maintenance plans and upcoming municipal utility service agreements.
Today's Outlook
- High 78°F · Low 67°F — Partly cloudy
- Expect mild coastal breezes with pleasant conditions for an afternoon walk along the shore.
What's On Around Town
Today
Stay and Play Mary Wilson Library (707 Electric Ave), 10:30–11:30 AM · Free Open-ended playtime and socializing for toddlers and parents.
Plant a Salad Bowl Workshop Mary Wilson Library (707 Electric Ave), 2:00–3:00 PM · Free Learn to grow fresh edible greens with UC Master Gardeners.
City Council Meeting City Hall Council Chambers (211 8th St), 6:00 PM · Free Hear public comments and follow local governance in person.
Tomorrow
- Seal Beach Farmers Market Seal Beach Village (13904 Seal Beach Blvd), 9:00 AM–1:00 PM · Free
- Open Mic Night Bogart's Coffee House (905 Ocean Ave), 7:00–9:00 PM · Free
- Trivia Night Marni's (620 Pacific Coast Hwy), 7:00–9:30 PM · Free
Wednesday
- Tierney Sutton & Tamir Hendelman Carpenter Performing Arts Center (6200 E Atherton St), Long Beach, 7:00 PM · Paid
- Wednesday Night Karaoke Marni's (620 Pacific Coast Hwy), 7:00–9:30 PM · Free
- Craft Beer Comedy Showcase Long Beach Beer Lab, Long Beach, 7:30 PM · Free
Spotlight & Story
- John Cantale
- Taking over Calypso Juice & Vitamins on Main Street just days before 2020 lockdowns, John Cantale knows perseverance. After guiding his young son through brain cancer treatments, Cantale partnered with the city police league this month to distribute 500 gold coins benefiting pediatric patient care.
Seal Beach Daily Digest — compiled from local sources as of 6 AM. For breaking updates, follow your local newsrooms.
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