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September 17.2025
3 Minutes Read

Seal Beach Lifeguards Honor Community Hero Connor Lees with Flagpole

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A Lasting Tribute to a Beloved Lifeguard

In a heartfelt ceremony, the Seal Beach Lifeguards are planning to honor one of their own, Connor James Lees, with a flagpole dedicated to his memory. Connor, who tragically passed away at the age of 29, was not just a lifeguard; he was a cherished member of the community, known for his uplifting spirit, kindness, and passion for service. Memorials like this flagpole serve not just as a tribute but as a living reminder of the joy and light Connor brought into the lives of those around him.

Connor's Journey: A Life of Service and Dedication

Connor was born and raised in Seal Beach and from an early age demonstrated a love for the ocean and community. His journey began at McGaugh Elementary and continued through local schools, culminating in his role as a lifeguard—first seasonally starting in 2013 and later making lifeguarding his full-time career. Connor loved being part of a team that ensured the safety of beachgoers while spreading positivity and camaraderie.

After receiving his degree from Long Beach State University, he took on a dual role, serving not only as a lifeguard but also as a firefighter for the City of Los Angeles. His commitment to protecting and serving his community proved to be a lifelong passion, and his colleagues remember him as someone who always had a smile on his face, ready to lend a hand.

Community Impact and Emotional Tributes

The upcoming dedication of the flagpole at the end of the pier is a fitting tribute to Connor's legacy. The Seal Beach Lifeguard Association spearheaded the initiative, emphasizing the need to remember those who commit their lives to the safety of others. With a plaque commemorating his service and impact, the flagpole will stand as a symbol of community resilience and shared memories, reminding everyone of Connor's significant contribution to their lives.

Reflections from Friends and Family

In the wake of his passing, friends and family have come forward to share their memories, painting a vivid portrait of a young man who was full of life. His sister Savannah expressed how they grew up together in a family that instilled values of service and compassion. “He always made everyone feel included; that was his superpower. We miss him every day,” she said traipsing through old memories as she reminisced over shared moments of laughter.

This sentiment was echoed by fellow lifeguards, who attribute much of the camaraderie they experienced at work to Connor’s fun-loving personality. His gentle nature and dedication to his job made a profound impact on not just lifeguard operations, but towards creating a nurturing environment that felt like family.

A Community That Cares

Honoring Connor goes beyond erecting a flagpole; it shines a spotlight on the close-knit nature of the Seal Beach community. Local residents, business owners, and visitors alike deeply value the lifeguards’ role, recognizing their efforts during both busy summer days and stormy nights. By coming together to celebrate Connor’s life, the community showcases their enduring support for one another, especially in times of loss.

Future Generations Remembering the Past

As visitors and families frequent the beach, the flagpole will serve as a backdrop for memories created at Seal Beach. Generations yet to come will see this symbol of commitment and honor, fostering a culture of respect and reflection about those who protect the community. Future lifeguards may be inspired by Connor's story and legacy, resulting in a new cohort of first responders infused with his spirit of joy and dedication.

Get Involved: Celebrate Community Spirit!

For locals eager to engage in honoring Connor’s legacy, there are several opportunities for contributions and involvement with local beach safety programs. Your participation can help foster the spirit and values Connor embodied. It can provide support in ensuring ocean safety and community well-being, just as he dedicated his life to doing. Join local volunteer events, participate in community surf days, or even support the ongoing work of the Seal Beach Lifeguard Association in their various community initiatives.

In conclusion, the dedication of the flagpole is not merely a memorial; it’s a celebration of how one life can deeply influence and bring together an entire community. Let us carry forward Connor’s legacy of compassion, service, and love.

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10.10.2025

Seal Beach Police's E-Bike Enforcement Operation: A New Era of Safety

Update Seal Beach Police Focus on E-Bike Safety On a sunny Sunday, September 28, from noon until the sun dipped below the horizon, the Seal Beach Police Department undertook a critical mission aimed at ensuring the safety of e-bike riders across the city. This coordinated e-bike enforcement operation was not just an exercise in law enforcement; it was an outreach initiative combining education with strict enforcement to promote community safety. The Mission: Balancing Enforcement and Education The Seal Beach Police made it clear: with the growing popularity of e-bikes comes an increasing concern for public safety. Chief Michael Henderson aptly summarized the city’s priorities, emphasizing the need to keep e-bike riders, pedestrians, and drivers safe: "Our priority is... helping our residents better understand the laws designed to protect them." The operation aimed to catch violations like improper classifications of e-bikes, unlicensed riders, and failure to adhere to safety equipment mandates. Key Outcomes from the Operation Results from the enforcement initiative revealed significant engagement. Officers conducted 22 enforcement stops, issued 8 citations for violations such as: Failure to wear a required helmet (CVC 27803) Riding in the wrong direction (CVC 21650.1) No motorcycle endorsement (CVC 12500(b)) No registration (CVC 4000(a)(1)) In addition to these stops, officers also arrested one individual and impounded three electric motorcycles. This comprehensive approach, combined with mobile units and drone surveillance, enabled the police to cover crucial areas, including Seal Beach Boulevard, school zones, and bike paths, where unsafe riding behaviors had been increasingly reported. Community Engagement: A Holistic Approach What sets this initiative apart is its commitment to education. Police officers didn't solely rely on tickets; they engaged directly with riders and distributed educational materials. By fostering a dialogue around the rules and regulations governing e-bikes, the police aimed to cultivate a safer riding culture. As the operation's success has shown, a blend of education and enforcement is necessary to address the challenges that come with e-bike integration into everyday commutes. The Bigger Picture: Implications for Local Roads The patterns observed during the enforcement operation underline a larger trend where communities must continually adapt to the evolving landscape of transportation. As e-bikes surge in popularity, cities face the dual challenge of respecting individual freedoms and maintaining public safety. Residents, pedestrians, and drivers alike are profoundly impacted; hence, the importance of ensuring clarity on relevant laws is paramount. A Collaborative Effort for Safer Streets This initiative was not an isolated effort; it was the result of collaboration across multiple policing agencies, including the Los Alamitos Police Department and California Highway Patrol. Working together amplified their outreach, ensuring that strategies were grounded in the principles of community-oriented policing. These partnerships prove that collective efforts can lead to effective policing and a shared commitment to ensuring community welfare. Future of E-Bike Safety in Seal Beach The Seal Beach Police Department plans to conduct similar operations periodically, recognizing that as e-bikes become an integral part of local travel, regular checks are essential to uphold safety standards. Residents are encouraged to stay informed and engage with police efforts that promote safe riding habits, such as helmet use and understanding traffic laws. Your Role: Stay Informed and Participative As part of this community, it’s crucial for residents to be proactive. Engage in local discussions about safety regulations and encourage safe e-riding practices. Understanding and adhering to the laws can prevent accidents and keep both riders and pedestrians safe on the roads. For further inquiries regarding e-bike regulations and safety, connect with Seal Beach Police Department’s Traffic Investigator James Dowdell at jdowdell@sealbeachca.gov.

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