Prevent crime— remove valuables from your vehicles

SBPD

The Seal Beach Police Department responds to calls of thefts from unlocked vehicles with some frequency. Many of these crimes could be prevented if residents took a few simple steps to keep their vehicles more secure. Here are some suggestions on how to safegurad your valuables:

• Lock your vehicles—roll up your windows and lock the doors. It is sometimes easy to forget to do this, but SBPD sees significantly more thefts from unlocked vehicles than from crimes where a suspect forces entry into locked cars.

• Remove valuables—Anything that has value should be removed from your car. Laptops, GPS systems, packages, etc. should all be removed. Even phone charging cords should be taken or hidden so that criminals are not tempted to get into the car.

• Stash things in the trunk—In the event you are out shopping or away from home and cannot remove your valuables, at least lock them in the trunk. Try to do this before you reach your destination so criminals don’t see you doing this.

• Park smart—Park your car in well-lit areas that are busy.

Immediately report thefts to the SBPD to help track where crimes are occurring and response is needed. Call the non-emergency number at (562) 594-7232.

GRF projects are underway around the community despite slowdowns caused by COVID-19. This column will update residents on the progress of various construction projects. The information is provided by GRF Facilities Director Mark Weaver and Physical Property Manager David Rudge.

MUTUAL 9 SEWER LINE FAILURE

A main sewer line failed Mutual 9 last weekend. Crews were dispatched to temporarily bypass the sewer until repairs can be made. Workers began excavating and repairing the pipe, but work stopped when the earth continued to cave in due to ground water. Shoring is now in place and a dewatering contractor will drill to install dewatering equipment to divert water away from the repair location. When the soil dries out enough, excavation and repairs will continue.Use caution around Carports 107 and 109.

LW POOL

Electrical repairs are making progress for the new LW Pool and Spa. The gas meter coordination with the Gas Company is underway to relocate the meter, and work reconstucting the locker rooms is ongoing. Engineering permitting by the City of Seal Beach and the Orange County Health Department is also proceeding. The pandemic has slowed the project amid virus lockdowns and employee reductions stalling the permitting process, which is slowly moving forward.

The finished facility will include a five-lane pool, a 30-by-30-foot activity area with a volleyball net, a 9-by-25-foot spa, new locker rooms and a lounge area in a reconfigured space to maximize its potential.

MUTUAL 10 WATER LINE REPAIRS UNDERWAY

A main potable water line failed Aug. 20, flooding parts of Carport 122 in Mutual 10. Physical Property and Service Maintenance staff were on scene to provide temporary water to the residents of the affected buildings. Workers dewatered the area, meaning they drained groundwater by pumping. The City of Seal Beach has completed the repair, and the asphalt and concrete repair will follow.

PAVING PROJECT

The 2020 Trust Street Paving project will run through September. The schedule began Aug. 18. Grind and overlay projects will be on Oakmont Road through today, Sept. 3; Northwood Road from Del Monte to St. Andrews, Sept. 3-14; and the Clubhouse 2 parking lot is complete. The parking lot at Clubouses 3 and 4 will be slurry sealed and cracks will be filled from Sept. 14-22. Drivers are asked to obey construction zone signs, speed limits and flagmen during construction.

FITNESS CENTER

The flooring has been completely installed at the 10,000-square foot Fitness Center in Clubhouse 6, which is undergoing a complete overhaul and expansion. New audio visual equipment and glass doors have been installed. New fitness equipment is coming soon.

THE LEARNING CENTER KITCHEN

Work is underway on the new Learning Center demonstration kitchen in Clubhouse 3. Cabinet installation is scheduled for this week.

The project is tentatively scheduled for completion at the end of September.

The GRF Board approved improvements to Rooms 9 and 10 of Clubhouse 3, which are now being refurbished from the floor up to accommodate “smart” classrooms that will include computer stations, state-of-the-art audio-visual equipment and assistive listening devices, a “smart” board and two 80-inch monitors, to augment lecture sessions.

The demonstration kitchen will host cooking classes, chef-inspired dining experiences and provide a dining space where residents can cook for themselves and host parties.