SEAL BEACH : City to Co-Sponsor Fund-Raising Event

The city has agreed to co-sponsor a carnival next month at the Seal Beach Naval Weapons Station despite opposition from a few residents.

The annual event is being organized by the Seal Beach Chamber of Commerce to help nonprofit groups raise money. The groups can run merchandise booths at the carnival, which will include food vendors and 30 amusement park rides.

Two residents at Monday’s council said the city should not be involved in the fund-raising event. One of the residents questioned whether all the organizations that take part in the carnival are properly registered with the state as nonprofit groups.

City Manager Jerry L. Bankston said the organizations must have state licenses in order to receive booths. He said many of the groups--which include the local animal shelter and PTA--have previously sought financial assistance from city. But the city has been unable to fund the groups because of its tight budget.

Seal Beach will spend no money organizing the May 12-15 event. The city will provide security, but the chamber has agreed to reimburse Seal Beach for all costs.