There is no better time to visit the Seal Beach Pier than early fall. The summer crowds have thinned, the evenings have cooled off, and the stretch of Main Street between Eisenhower Park and the sand fills up with weekend events almost every week.
Seal Beach Lions Arts & Crafts Faire — September 12–13, 2026
The Lions Club faire returns to Eisenhower Park, right at the pier entrance, for its annual two-day run. Expect more than 100 juried crafters, a dedicated Kids Craft Zone, and live performances from local youth groups on the center stage. Admission is free, parking fills early, and the walk from Main Street is short — plan to arrive in the morning and make a day of it.
Popups at the Pier & Sidewalk Sale — September 26, 2026
Hosted by the Seal Beach Chamber of Commerce, this local business showcase brings pop-up vendors to the pier area alongside the town’s seasonal sidewalk sale weekend. It is the best day of the fall to browse Main Street shops, meet the makers behind them, and pick up something you will not find at a mall.
Seal Beach Goes Pink Walk — October 3, 2026
Also organized by the Chamber, this community wellness and awareness walk gathers near the pier and heads out along the waterfront. Wear pink, bring the family, and stay for coffee on Main Street afterward. It is one of the town’s most well-attended fall traditions and an easy way to support a good cause. Seal Beach Chamber of Commerce,
Also Worth Knowing
Save Our Beach hosts a volunteer beach cleanup at the First Street parking lot on the third Saturday of most months, including September 19 and October 17. Supplies are provided and no experience is needed — it is a good excuse to be at the water before the day warms up.
Planning Your Visit
The pier and Eisenhower Park sit at the foot of Main Street, with metered lots along Ocean Avenue and First Street. Those fill quickly on event weekends, so consider arriving before 10 a.m. or parking a few blocks inland and walking down. Fall mornings on the coast run cooler than inland Orange County — bring a layer.
Event dates and details can change. Confirm with the Seal Beach Chamber of Commerce or the City of Seal Beach before you head out.
The turf conversion project at Heron Pointe will begin on August 28, 2026 between the hours of 7:00AM – 2:00PM, we will be treating the common area parkway turf per the map. Below is a link regarding what we will be treating with and what the application is for. We will put up signs during the application to notify people of work in progress.
The first phase of the project involves applying treatments to the existing turf to prepare it for removal. This is a standard and necessary step ahead of the conversion work and will take place across common area turf throughout the community.
Treatment and Chemical Information
Signs will be posted around the community identifying the treatment areas and the chemicals being used. Details on the specific products are also included below.
Treatment Re-Entry Interval: Until Dry
For more product information about the treatment used, copy and paste the link below into your browser.
CAUTION DOMESTIC ANIMALS: This product is considered to be relatively nontoxic to dogs and other domestic animals; however, ingestion of this product or large amounts of freshly sprayed vegetation could result in temporary gastrointestinal irritation (vomiting, diarrhea, colic, etc.). If such symptoms are observed, provide the animal with plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration. Call a veterinarian if symptoms persist for more than 24 hours.
Keep people and pets off treated areas until spray solution has dried.
Thank you to all who attended the town hall meeting on July 22nd. We appreciate all of the owners who took time out of their day to share their thoughts and concerns regarding the turf conversion project.
As a recap of the meeting, several speakers presented information regarding the project and answered questions from the homeowners.
Attorney Presentation
The Association’s legal counsel, David Wankel, Esq. provided an overview of AB 1572 and discussed how the law relates to the Association’s parkway turf conversion project and available rebate opportunities. He reviewed the requirements applicable to parkway areas, including the factors used to determine whether turf is considered functional or nonfunctional under the statute. Mr. Wankel also addressed questions regarding the Association’s obligations, the rebate process, and how the legal requirements may affect common area landscaping decisions. In addition, he clarified the capital improvement rule and explained how it applies when evaluating proposed changes to Association property, project approval requirements, and the Board’s authority to proceed with improvements consistent with applicable governing documents and legal standards. He responded to questions about a possible CC&Rs change that would classify the parkway turf areas as functional turf, which he advised would not likely be successful as an attempt to circumvent the law.
Landscape Presentation
Robin Reese of Bemus Landscaping shared a PowerPoint presentation regarding the newly selected plant material of Kurapia. The presentation included information regarding the characteristics of Kurapia, the anticipated installation process, ongoing maintenance requirements, and the projected cost savings to the community through reduced water usage and maintenance needs. The team reviewed the proposal amount of $35,988.00 and explained the scope of work associated with the project, including the replacement or adjustment of irrigation heads to support the new plant material. He also advised the community that two new trees would be installed as part of the proposed landscape improvements. Additional discussion included how the conversion would be implemented, the expected benefits to the Association, and the manner in which the revised landscaping plan was intended to support long-term water conservation and cost efficiency for the community.
Board and Management Engagement
Management and the Board provided an overview of the project history and the steps taken to date. It was noted that the project had been discussed during prior meetings in November 2025 and January 2026, with the scope and direction finalized in April 2026. Management reviewed the communications
that had previously been sent to homeowners, including information shared before the prior Town Hall, and explained that the available rebate funding had been reduced from $7.00 per square foot to $2.00 per square foot. The Board also discussed revisions to the proposed plant material and related project components, which were intended to help offset the reduced rebate amount and result in a zero-net-cost to the Association. Management further noted that the project remains under ongoing review as additional information, homeowner feedback, rebate requirements, and implementation considerations are evaluated.
The Board has taken into consideration all of the concerns of the community, and consulted with professionals to make an informed decision to move ahead with the project. More information will be posted in the community regarding the change to the landscaping and also the chemical treatment being used to treat the turf during the removal process.
Questions and Answers
Some of the questions asked at the town hall along with answers to those questions are listed below:
Q: Is the parkway considered functional turf?
A: No, the parkway is not considered functional turf and is directly called out in the law.
Q: Our parkway is a pet relief area; can we reclassify it as functional turf?
A: No, three parks in the community are considered functional turf that will be accessible to pets. Additionally, once established, the Kurapia can be used by pets.
Q: Can we switch to non-potable water?
A: Unfortunately, this is not an available option currently. Seal Beach is undergoing a survey, but it could take several years to complete and then design and install the infrastructure to bring non-potable water to the community.
Q: Is there a benefit to the installation of Kurapia?
A: Yes, there is less maintenance, reduced water costs, and it can be fully paid for by the rebate.
Q: Is there increased bee activity with Kurapia?
A: Yes, there are bees associated with flowers on the Kurapia plant. However, Kurapia can be maintained more frequently to reduce the flowers.
Q: Changing the turf will change the overall look of the community.
A: Yes, removing the turf is a change to the overall look of the community. However, once Kurapia is established, it grows very similarly to turf, which can be walked on and used by pets and people.
Q: Are chemicals used during the process?
A: Yes. When chemical applications are necessary, they are conducted in accordance with applicable U.S. laws and California Code of Regulations, Title 3, Section 6618(b)(2) (3 CCR 6618(b)(2)). We are working closely with the project landscaper and the Agricultural/Standards Inspector with the Orange County Agricultural Commissioner’s Office to ensure compliance with all applicable requirements. Notices will be posted when required, in accordance with these regulatory standards.
Q: What if we just wait and lose the rebate/zero cost?
A: Waiting could cost the Association additional money that could be better used to enhance the project. It also may put the community in violation of the law. Completing now provides the community with a chance to pay for the project, look into enhancing the project, and be ahead of the completion date required by law.
Q: How much time does the Association have to complete the project after receiving approval for the $2.00 rebate?
A: The Association has until the end of August to complete the project in order to qualify for the approved $2.00 rebate. To ensure the rebate is secured before the deadline, the project will begin shortly so that all work can be completed and final approval obtained within the required timeframe. As of the date of this communication, the association has had to obtain one extension form July 27th and the deadline is now August 30th.
Q: Why is this not considered a capital improvement?
A: Capital Improvements are new items installed in the community that are in excess of 5% of your total budget. This is considered a landscape change and is costing the community zero dollars.
Q: Why can’t a CC&Rs change be held to change our parkway to functional turf?
A: A CC&Rs change requires a vote of the community, in which a super majority of the community needs to vote in favor (67% at least). CC&Rs changes are drafted by the Attorney, must be held until they achieve quorum, and do cost the Association money. However, the attorney has also advised the community that even if a CC&Rs change was approved, it would not circumvent the law’s requirements. A change to what something is called does not change the character of the thing. Parkways are not dog runs even if that is what you call them.
Q: Will this be limited to turf: A: For the most part, yes, this is what the law requires. Part of this program requires the addition of two trees, which will be added to exterior of the front entrance.
A: For the most part, yes, this is what the law requires. Part of this program requires the addition of two trees, which will be added to the exterior of the front entrance.
We are writing to inform you of an upcoming parkway turf removal and landscape conversion project at the community. This project is part of California’s and Heron Point’s ongoing efforts to conserve potable water, improve long-term landscape sustainability, and support compliance with California Assembly Bill 1572, which restricts potable water irrigation of non-functional turf in certain commercial, institutional, and HOA common-area settings.
Under AB 1572, nonfunctional turf is specifically described as street rights-of-way (parkways) and also generally refers to decorative grass areas that are not regularly used for recreation, public assembly, or community activities. The law does not require every turf area to be removed; however, it restricts continued potable water irrigation of nonfunctional turf according to phased compliance deadlines. For homeowners’ associations and similar common-area properties, the applicable compliance date is generally January 1, 2029. While this may seem like a long way away, the most important aspect of this project is the available rebate subsidies that will allow our turf to be replaced at zero cost to Heron Point. These rebates are likely to disappear if we wait until later to comply with the new laws.
The turf in question will be replaced with Myoporum “Putah Creek,” a shrubby growing ground cover selected as the plant material to replace the existing parkway turf areas. This will be the first step in the project. Once the new plants are established, the Board will review the area and determine whether different or additional plant material can be added based on the Association’s budget.
The Board previously hosted a town hall meeting on June 20, 2026, to provide information about the proposed project and to hear homeowners’ questions and concerns. The feedback shared by homeowners was carefully considered as part of the Board’s review and decision-making process.
In addition, the Board consulted with the Association’s attorney regarding the application of AB 1572 to the community’s landscaped areas. The attorney confirmed that parkways and street rights-of-way are considered nonfunctional turf for purposes of the regulation.
After considering homeowner input, legal guidance, regulatory requirements, and available financial incentives, the Board has decided to move forward with the turf removal project in order to take advantage of the net zero rebate opportunity. To be clear, this project is costing zero dollars of Heron Point money.
Project Schedule: Work is anticipated to begin on or about June 30th, 2026, and is expected to
continue through approximately to the end of July, weather and site conditions permitting.
What Residents Can Expect:
Temporary construction activity in designated landscape areas.
Possible noise, dust, or limited access near active work zones.
Installation of new water-wise landscaping and irrigation improvements.
Periodic updates if the project schedule changes.
As with all common area projects, we apologize for the inconvenience, and we appreciate your patience and cooperation while this work is completed. These improvements will help the community align with state water-use regulations, support responsible water conservation, and maintain attractive common areas for the benefit of all residents.
If you have any questions regarding the project, please contact Donna DePledge via email at ddepledge@actionlife.com
Pursuant to AB 1572, beginning January 1, 2029, associations will not be able to use potable water to irrigate decorative or non-functional turf. To encourage turf replacement, the water district is offering rebates to Homeowner Associations to replace their turf with drought-tolerant plants and other materials.
Heron Pointe has been approved for a $2.00 a square foot rebate to replace all of its parkway turf with an alternative water-tolerant plant.
The Board hosted a Town Hall Meeting on May 20th along with Management and Bemus Landscaping to discuss concerns and hear ideas from homeowners. The Board is still considering replacing the turf based on the recommendation of the Association Attorney and AB 1572.
Additional information will be provided to homeowners on when the project will begin and what plant material will be used.
The Heron Pointe Association has noticed an increase in street parking, which is negatively impacting residents and the Association’s ability to maintain the streets. We are asking residents to be mindful when utilizing street parking.
Friendly parking reminders:
1. Please use your garage or driveway for parking vehicles before parking on the street.
2. Please do not block sidewalks while parking in your driveway.
3. Please do not block driveways while parking on the street.
4. Vehicles may not be stored on the street for longer than 72 hours. Vehicles that are going to be stored for longer than 72 hours should be parked in the garage or driveway.
5. Please do not park vehicles on the street during street sweeping days. Leaving cars on the street prevents a full cleaning of the streets.
6. No repairs or maintenance of vehicles may be conducted in the community, except for emergency repairs.
7. When having vendors park within the community, please advise them of parking rules and request that they do not block driveways, sidewalks, or prevent other homeowners from parking near
their homes.
8. Vendors should not park on the streets on the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays from 8 AM to 1:00 PM when street sweeping is taking place.
Let’s all work together to create a safe and friendly community!
The Heron Pointe Annual Meeting/Election has been completed. Having no additional candidates run for office, the election has been completed by Acclamation.
Jean Cogan and Marie Earvolino-Ramirez will remain on the Board until 2028. Mark Bauer will remain on the Board with his term expiring in 2027.
Board Meetings are hosted quarterly, in January, April, July and October. All homeowners are welcome to attend.
The Association is currently seeking candidates to serve on the Board of Directors. The Board will use the candidate count to determine whether an Election by Acclamation can be hosted (i.e., if the number of qualified candidates equals the number of open seats, those candidates may be declared elected without a contested ballot).
Key points
Open seats: 2
Candidate submission deadline: April 29, 2026. Submissions received by this deadline will be used to determine whether an election by acclamation is possible.
Determination announcement: May 1, 2026 — the Association will announce whether an election is required or whether candidates will be elected by acclamation.
If more qualified candidates are nominated than open seats, an election will be scheduled; details will be provided in a follow-up notice.
How to submit a candidacy
Please see the attached form for completion and return as indicated on form.
What happens next
The Association will review submitted materials for eligibility. If the number of qualified candidates equals the number of open seats by the submission deadline, the qualified candidates may be declared elected by acclamation and no contested election will be held. If there are more candidates than seats, an election will be scheduled and information about ballots, voting procedures, and meeting dates will follow.
Questions or more information:
For questions or to request the official candidate packet, please contact the Association at: ddepledge@actionlif.com
All updates and notices will also be posted the Resident Portal.
Your Board will deliberate and decide on a rule change at its January 27, 2026, Board of Directors scheduled for 6:30 p.m.
Please find the rule change located on the resident portal. Items being considered include allowing basketball hoops on driveways and updating the enforcement policy to reflect current changes in civil code.
The meeting will be held Via Zoom:
You will be prompted to enter meeting ID below
The Agenda will be posted at least four (4) days prior to the meeting on the Resident Portal You may attend that meeting and provide your comments directly to the Board or you may provide your comments via email to the community manager, Donna DePledge at ddepledge@actionlife.com.
The Board of Directors approved landscape additions and some tree trimming and removals at their November meeting. These improvements will take place in the month of December.
Date: Tuesday, October 27, 2026 Time: Executive Session (closed) 6:00 PM., Regular (open) Session 6:30 PM. Location: Via Zoom Meeting
The information to access the Zoom meeting is included on the posted agenda and can also be viewed at any time on your online Resident Portal account at https://resident.actionlife.com.
The regular Board of Directors meetings are held quarterly in the months of January, April, July and October, but are subject to change based on the directors’ schedules. All homeowners are welcomed and encouraged to attend!
