College Park East Volunteer Named Citizen of the Year
Seal Beach, CA · October 14, 2026
October sunshine is doing its job early today, burning off the dawn chill just in time for an easy afternoon walk down to the water.
The Lead
College Park East resident, longtime planning commissioner, and two-time former mayor Patty Campbell has been named the 2027 Citizen of the Year. The announcement came as an unscripted surprise during a recent City Hall meeting when Scott Newton of the Lions Club took the podium to reveal the selection committee’s unanimous pick, prompting an instant standing ovation across the council chamber. A local resident for fifty-six years, Campbell helped found the College Park East Neighborhood Association and has organized neighborhood traditions like the annual Spring Fling, Fourth of July barbecue, and Movies in the Park for generations of families. District leaders presented her with flowers while recognizing decades of hands-on civic stewardship. Campbell admitted afterward that she kind of got the giggles over all the fuss, but she will ride in the holiday Christmas Parade before receiving formal honors at the Americana Awards gala in the spring.
Local Pulse
Council Backs Stormwater Separator on Fifth Street City Hall A new subterranean treatment unit will capture street runoff and debris in Bridgeport before water reaches the bay.
Historic Bank Building Cleared for New Restaurant Business Planners greenlit outdoor patio dining and renovations for the landmark 1936 brick site at Main and Central.
Seaside Chili Cook-Off Raises Record Funds Community Organizers announced forty thousand dollars raised from the annual contest will fund local school programs and youth charities.
Today's Outlook
- High 76°F · Low 54°F — Clear
- Enjoy the crisp morning air before warm, sunny skies settle in this afternoon.
What's On Around Town
Today
Midday Meditation and Discussion Pacific Coast Center for Spiritual Living (500 Marina Dr), 11:00 AM · Free Guided mindfulness session and open spiritual reflection over lunchtime.
Fall Night Lights Crafting Mary Wilson Branch Library (707 Electric Ave), 3:00–5:00 PM · Free Drop-in crafting session building autumn lanterns for elementary students.
Patio Music with Mic Dangerously Spaghettini (3005 Old Ranch Pkwy), 5:00–7:00 PM · Free Soulful rock, funk, and reggae grooves outdoors on the patio.
Tomorrow
Blue Corn Tortillas & Salsa Workshop Mary Wilson Branch Library (707 Electric Ave), 3:30–4:30 PM · Free
Live Acoustic with Danny Moynahan Marina Wine Bar (194 N Marina Dr), Long Beach, 7:00 PM · Free
DW3: Slow Jamz and Duets Spaghettini (3005 Old Ranch Pkwy), 7:00–8:30 PM · Paid
Friday
Bourbon Cocktail Masterclass Prep Kitchen Essentials (12207 Seal Beach Blvd), 5:00 PM · $80
The 61 Candles Band Live Marni's (620 Pacific Coast Hwy), 7:00–10:00 PM
Spotlight & Story
- Slick the Seal
- Sculpted in 1985 by Laguna Beach artist Terry Thornsley, this three-foot cast bronze figure greets visitors stepping toward the pier planks. Decades of children rubbing its snout and fins have polished the dark bronze patina into bright, golden brass.
Seal Beach Daily Digest — compiled from local sources as of 6 AM. For breaking updates, follow your local newsrooms.
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