Police Chief Polar Plunges For Schools Cancelled for 2017!

By C. MacDonald

SEAL BEACH, CA--More than 55 brave people of all ages and sizes took part in a New Year's Day Polar Plunge with Police Chief Joe Stilinovich to raise funds for schools in Seal Beach, Rossmoor and Los Alamitos. It was "cool" in more ways than one as participants, some dressed as a horse, polar bear and even a police chief, ran into the ocean, north of Seal Beach Pier to help the Los Alamitos Education Foundation (LAEF) provide technical support and other things for science, engineering, athletics and arts in the schools. "This is one of our major fundraisers for the year," said Sean Payne, vice president of LAEF.

Leading the charge into the ocean was good-natured Chief Stilinovich, who wore his uniform, complete with badge, into the cool water on a chilly but clear morning. "What a better way to start the new year than helping our kids," he said. The event, sponsored by LAEF, raised much-needed funds on behalf of the chief, who was nominated to be "King of Hearts." If he raises the most funds, competing with other nominees, he'll be King and rein over a ball.

One of the popular plungers was Dave Hubbard. "This goes for a great cause and what a better way to start the new year. It's really invigorating," said the long-time Seal Beach Lion. "The water was about 60-degrees." His Lion Club donated their time serving hamburgers and other food to the participants and spectators. President Camile Romano helped register plungers and gave them a neat t-shirt that said, "2015 Freezin' for a Reason" and featured a cute polar bear drawing. Also helping with donations were Bogart's Coffee House and O'Malley's.

Studio Cafe TV Host Jo Dawson was MC of the event, which will hopefully become an annual New Years Day tradition involving a variety of charities. "This is the first event of an exciting year of activities celebrating Seal Beach's 100th Year as a city," said the popular cable show host. Like the Polar Plunge, Seal Beach has always been a fun place to visit. In its early years, it had a roller-coaster and incredible boardwalk, which attracted thousands of tourists every week. Today, swimmers, surfers, wind-surfers, artists and photographers flock to the beautiful beaches and people love the quaint stores and restaurants that line Main Street and Ocean Avenue. When it's hot elsewhere, you can usually find a nice cool breeze walking the pier, gazing at the Long Beach skyline and Palos Verdes Peninsula. It's a friendly community that's a pleasure to visit.

To learn more about the Seal Beach Centennial and LAEF, visit, sealbeachfounders.com and  laef4kids.org

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