SEAL BEACH : City Backs Grants for Eight Groups

A shelter for battered women and a support group for teen-agers are among the organizations Seal Beach officials seek to award with federal grants.

The proposed grants, which still must be approved by county officials, total more than $125,000.

The federal money is awarded annually to projects designed to improve the community.

The City Council earlier this month recommended grants for eight projects. They include:

* Interval House, a Seal Beach-based group that offers temporary housing to battered women.

Up to 55 women and their children can stay at Interval House’s shelters and “safe houses” at one time. Suggested grant: $100,000.

* A drug counseling and support group for local teen-agers. Suggested grant: $25,000.

* Summer and after-school programs for local youths. Suggested grant: $7,500.

* Money to fund a retreat for family members of Alzheimer’s disease patients. Suggested grant: $1,500.

In addition, Seal Beach officials hope to secure grant money to resurface several streets in the Oldtown district and to repair sidewalks damaged by tree growth.