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Dear Community Members,
As I wrap up my first month as city manager, I want to say thank you for the warm welcome I received. I’ve had the chance to meet many of you for the first time, and I’ve been genuinely struck by how much people love our great city. There is a strong passion to continue to improve and strengthen Newport Beach. With City Council and our great staff we will get it done!
I also wanted to share a quick recap from last Tuesday’s City Council meeting, especially on a topic that can make eyes glaze over faster than a budget spreadsheet: pensions.
The City Council had a healthy discussion about the City's pension paydown obligations. Pensions are complicated and highly regulated, so here’s the simplest takeaway: we are not changing the City’s long-term plan to pay down its pension liability. The City Council’s focus is on staying steady, responsible and consistent. That said, we are taking a smart step to strengthen our position over time.
The City maintains a trust account that helps cover medical insurance obligations. Right now, that account is overfunded, which means it has more set aside than is currently needed for its intended purpose. We will use a portion of those excess funds to establish a new pension trust account. This new pension trust will be invested broadly (think diversified, long-term investments). The goal is for it to grow steadily over time, and in the future. Once it matures, it can help the City offset pension costs and reduce long-term pressure on its budget.
In other words: we’re keeping the plan, strengthening the toolbox, and protecting the City’s financial future.
This Saturday, January 31, the City Council will hold its annual planning session starting at 9 a.m. This is the time we provide updates on the budget, ongoing initiatives, and what’s coming next in the City's public works program.
A few topics we’ll be teeing up include the 7th Cycle Housing Element (yes, it’s already here) and beginning the conversation about a potential location for the new police station. The agenda can be found here.
As always, the meeting is open to the public. Coffee is optional, but is very encouraged. Hope to see you there.
Warmly,
Seimone Jurjis, City Manager
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Earlier this week, the Newport Beach Police Department (NBPD) and Irvine Police Department (IPD) arrested three adult men believed to be linked to a transnational, organized residential burglary crime ring. Over the past few months, a burglary crew was suspected of committing several residential burglaries in Newport Beach.
The same men are suspected of traveling from Los Angeles County to Irvine on January 10 and conspiring to burglarize a residence. Detectives believe the suspects’ plans were disrupted before a burglary occurred. While being surveilled, the suspects traveled to another Irvine neighborhood where prior burglaries had occurred. They then fled that location in a vehicle.
The Newport Beach Police Department developed a strong lead, and detectives from the two police departments worked together to identify those involved. Following extensive surveillance and evidence gathering, the joint investigation led to the arrest of the three suspects. The investigation is ongoing and detectives are looking for an additional suspect.
The NBPD asks other victims, witnesses, or anyone with additional footage of the incidents to contact Detective Joshua Granger by emailing jgranger@nbpd.org.
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The Newport Beach Fire Department is pleased to share that the 2026 lifeguard tryouts were a major success, with participation returning to pre-pandemic levels. A total of 177 applicants entered the process, 96 advanced to physical testing, and 84 completed all requirements. Despite 60-degree ocean temperatures, candidates demonstrated exceptional strength and endurance during rigorous assessments that included a 1,000-meter ocean swim and a demanding run–swim–run course.
Following testing, 55 candidates will move forward to interviews, with successful applicants invited to attend the 120-hour Basic Lifeguard Academy beginning March 18. The academy culminates in a final evaluation on April 26, after which only those meeting the department’s rigorous standards will earn the title of Newport Beach Lifeguard.
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In partnership with local youth sports organizations, the City recently completed installation of outdoor Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) at 12 City-owned parks. An AED is a portable, user-friendly device that analyzes the heart’s rhythm and can restore it to normal function, when necessary, during a medical emergency. Immediate access to an AED can help save lives after a cardiac arrest.
The AED lockboxes are located next to athletic fields within each park and available to coaches, players and the public in the event of an emergency. Users can access the device by calling 911 to receive a code for the lockbox. For more information on the AED installation program, click here.
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 SATURDAY, JANUARY 31
SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL MEETING - PLANNING SESSION
9 a.m.
City Council Chambers
100 Civic Center Drive
Newport Beach, California 92660
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 2
CIVIL SERVICE BOARD
5 p.m.
City Council Chambers
100 Civic Center Drive
Newport Beach, California 92660
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 3
PARKS, BEACHES & RECREATION COMMISSION
5 p.m.
City Council Chambers
100 Civic Center Drive
Newport Beach, California 92660
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 5
HEARING OFFICER
8:30 a.m.
Crystal Cove Conference Room, Bay 2D
100 Civic Center Drive
Newport Beach, California 92660
WATER QUALITY COASTAL TIDELANDS COMMITTEE MEETING
3 p.m.
Crystal Cove Conference Room, Bay 2D
100 Civic Center Drive
Newport Beach, California 92660
PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING
6 p.m.
City Council Chambers
100 Civic Center Drive
Newport Beach, California 92660
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 6
FRIENDS OF THE LIBRARY USED BOOK SALE
1 - 4 p.m.
Newport Beach Central Library, Friends Meeting Room
1000 Avocado Avenue
Newport Beach, California 92660
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 7
FRIENDS OF THE LIBRARY USED BOOK SALE
9 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Newport Beach Central Library, Friends Meeting Room
1000 Avocado Avenue
Newport Beach, California 92660
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@cityofnewportbeach
WWW.NEWPORTBEACHCA.GOV | 949-644-3309 | 100 CIVIC CENTER DRIVE, NEWPORT BEACH, CA 92660
© 2024 City of Newport Beach, All Rights Reserved
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