Sunset Beach must collect signatures

The Sunset Beach Community Assn. filed a notice of intent to petition with the Orange County Local Agency Formation Committee — the first step in becoming an incorporated city — Aug. 18.

The action comes after the association held a meeting to discuss its options after Seal Beach decided to end all discussion of annexing Sunset Beach. The Orange County Local Agency Formation Committee put the community under Huntington Beach’s sphere of influence July 8, opening the small community up to the possibility of annexation.

With Seal Beach’s decision Aug. 10, Sunset’s association voted to put out a mailing in the community asking registered voters and landowners if they are interested in incorporating, for donations to begin the process and to sign a petition to become a city.

“Right now the focus is on the petition,” Greg Griffin, association president, said.

The association plans to start distributing the petition no later than Sept. 3, Griffin said.

The community now has six months to gather signatures from 25% of the community’s landowners or registered voters.

Despite the move toward incorporation, the community is keeping all of its options open and will have Huntington Beach’s mayor and city manager at its Sept. 3 next meeting.

— Britney Barnes