Community Members: 

This week I had the pleasure of providing a City update to an engaged audience at the Newport Beach Chamber of Commerce's Wake Up! Newport forum. I presented an overview of the City budget, including trends and projections, an update on capital improvement projects, and a discussion of current issues. 

Some highlights included:

• An update on City revenues. Thanks to the strength of our local economy and the Newport Beach housing market, all major City revenue sources are up to record levels. Property tax revenue increases reflect higher median home prices and assessed value growth. Sales tax revenue has rebounded strongly from a pandemic-related dip, due to higher auto sales, retail sales and restaurant activity. An especially strong comeback can be seen in transient occupancy tax revenues, reflecting higher room rates and increased occupancy in our hotels and short-term rental properties.
• An overview of capital projects. With increased local revenues, federal recovery funds and private donations, the City is investing in several capital improvement projects to upgrade critical infrastructure and improve the quality of life in our community. These projects include the Junior Lifeguard Building, the Library Lecture Hall, Superior Avenue Bridge, Balboa Island drainage, and utilities infrastructure upgrades. 
• A discussion of current challenges facing the City, including employee recruitment and retention, the General Plan update, implementation of the recently approved Housing Element update, and climate change resiliency. 

For those who missed it, you can view a PDF of my presentation as well as a video on the City's YouTube channel. 

City Manager, Grace K. Leung

Two staff members from the City's Public Works Department recently helped save the life of a distressed seal pup they discovered on the beach near the Newport Pier.   

Public Works Supervisor Mike Auger and Crew Chief Jimmy Villa spotted the young seal on October 27, in the early morning. They called the Pacific Marine Mammal Center (PMMC), which advised them to keep the pup warm (they used safety vests) and place it in the back seat of their truck while a rescue team was dispatched. When the PMMC rescue team arrived, the pup was clinging to life.

The City has since been informed that the seal pup (now named Sweet P) is a Northern Fur Seal, which are rare in Newport Beach. Sweet P is still in the ICU but is expected to make a full recovery and be returned to the wild. 

The City learned of the rescue from a resident who wrote us to describe the incident and commend Auger and Villa for their quick action to rescue the seal pup.  

The Newport Beach Police Department will host its next NBPD Mobile Café on Saturday, November 5 from noon to 2 p.m. on the Atomic Creamery patio, 1095 Newport Center Drive, in Fashion Island.

The Mobile Café gives community members an opportunity to meet with officers in an informal setting to discuss community issues and build relationships.

This event is being held in partnership with Atomic Creamery, Lemonade and Blaze Pizza, which are offering pizza, lemonade and ice cream. 

The Police Department's Mobile Café events allow for relaxed, one-on-one interaction where community members can ask questions, voice concerns, and learn more about the department’s work. We hope to see you there! 

Strike Impacts Bus Service in Newport Beach, County 

Bus service was halted throughout Orange County beginning Thursday, November 3 due to a strike by Orange County Transportation Authority maintenance employees. ACCESS service for those with disabilities will continue as usual.

Passengers are asked to check this webpage for the latest updates on OC Bus service or to call the OCTA Customer Information Center at (714) 636-7433. 

With the rainy season upon us, City staff regularly monitors weather forecasts and tracks the impact of rain on the condition of City fields and hiking trails.

Staff evaluates the safety and playability to determine if temporary field closures are necessary. Updates are available by phone through the "mudline" or by text and email.

• Text/Email: Subscribe here to receive text and/or email updates from the City of Newport Beach.
• MUDLINE: Call 949-718-1860 to hear the latest report. 
• Email: Recreation staff at sports@newportbeachca.gov.

For more information please visit the City's web site. 

The Be Well mobile crisis response team operates in Newport Beach 12 hours a day, 7 days a week to respond to mental and behavioral health crises. The mobile unit is staffed with mental health specialists and EMTs, and works closely with the City’s police and fire departments.

This week the Be Well team:

• Assisted an older adult with suicidal ideations. 
• Responded to an older couple’s home to address memory loss and confusion issues. The couple accepted resources from the team to follow up with a care plan.
• Transported one person to the Costa Mesa Bridge Shelter for an intake appointment.
• Transported one person to the Be Well sobering station for treatment.
• Transported nine people to services, shelter intakes, and appointments.