Welcome to the Seaside Signal.

On our front page you’ll find an account of Spencer Kyle’s first night at City Council. Kyle fills the role after the retirement of Mark Winstanley, who has served as city manager since 2001. As director of administrative services in South Jordan, Utah, Kyle helped manage 16 departments, including emergency management, parks and recreation and IT facilities. Kyle compared his work in Utah with what he sees ahead in Seaside. “There are a few procedural differences, but the work we’re doing is about the same,” Kyle said after the meeting. “What I appreciated tonight was we had some vigorous debate on some important issues, and I think some minds were changed in the process. That’s what the process is for and I think it’s good for our community.”

–Community spirit–

What is the impact of vacation rentals on a neighborhood? Residents of the area around 14th Avenue turned out to protest a Planning Commission decision to permit a rental property in their community. “It’s just too small and there’s too many in the neighborhood,” Buck said. “The impact is increased traffic, constant noise and then once that group leaves another group comes in, then it’s all over again.” The property owner met all the conditions — and the appeal was denied. This week there are three more vacation rentals on the Planning Commission agenda. “I’ve been in the same house for 33 years — and it ain’t the same ball game,” neighbor Marti Wajc said.

–Chalk art– 

The Sunset Empire Park and Recreation District Chalk Art Contest this weekend offered a great way for budding artists to beautify the city. Katherine Lacaze shares the successful launch of the contest last year in conjunction with the city’s Prom Centennial celebration. This iconic landmark was built in 1921 and the contest was one of several different events and festivities put on for the 100th anniversary.

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