From City Hall to You

City of Newport Beach, California sent this bulletin at 02/06/2026 02:24 PM PST

Dear Community Members,

Public safety remains a top priority for the City of Newport Beach, and our commitment isn’t just strong, but growing.

Last Saturday, the City Council held its annual planning session to discuss the year ahead. A big part of the conversation focused on our budget and the initiatives that help keep our residents, businesses and visitors safe.

First, and most importantly: we expect a strong, balanced budget. I know- “balanced budget” isn’t exactly dinner-table conversation (unless you’re sitting at my dinner table), but it matters. Our annual budget process is underway, and we will share more details with the City Council.

Next, as we move toward one of the busiest times of the year, beginning with Spring Break and continuing through Memorial Day and the Fourth of July, the City is taking proactive steps to ensure our community remains safe and welcoming for everyone. We want people to enjoy themselves here, but we also want to be clear: unlawful behavior will not be tolerated. Fun is encouraged. Unlawfulness is not.

During the planning session, the City Council asked staff to continue to work on a concept for a new Police Department headquarters on the Civic Center campus, just across from City Hall. This is still early work, but it reflects a continued focus on strengthening our public safety for the long term.

Looking ahead to the City Council meeting at 4 p.m. on Tuesday, February 10, I’d like to highlight a few items and you can view the full agenda here:

Management of our public tidelands and working with the State Lands Commission. This is a challenging topic, which is why the City Council will consider forming an ad hoc committee made up of two councilmembers to work on it. This group would also work closely with staff as discussions continue on complying with the SLC’s report.
The City Council will consider expanding the Safety Enhancement Zones during the spring break period to help discourage unruly behavior; mandatory revocation of short-term lodging permits for unruly behavior; and operational changes for the Fourth of July weekend. The City Council will also consider proposed traffic and safety improvements in the Bayview Heights neighborhood. These would include the installation of two speed cushions on Orchid Street, a gateway median at Spruce Avenue and Zenith Avenue, as well as the installation of three Flock cameras. The improvements are recommended to help slow traffic, reduce congestion and improve safety for nearby residents.
Finally, there is a public hearing related to job vacancies and recruitment efforts. Each year, the City is required to report on staffing levels publicly. The good news is that Newport Beach currently has a vacancy rate of just four percent. This reflects not only strong employee retention but also successful recruitment. Simply put, Newport Beach has become a destination city for public service professionals.

As always, thank you for staying engaged and informed. I appreciate it more than you know and look forward to continuing these conversations and keeping you updated on the work ahead.

Warmly,

Seimone Jurjis, City Manager

Score Big on Safety: Celebrate Super Bowl Responsibly

As football fans gear up for the excitement of the big game, the Newport Beach Police Department reminds everyone that the best game plan includes getting home safely. Whether you're hosting a party, attending a gathering or enjoying the game at your favorite spot, planning ahead for a sober ride will keep you and everyone on the road safe.

On Super Bowl LX Sunday (February 8), the Newport Beach Police Department will have additional officers on patrol looking for drivers suspected of being under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs.

Before heading out for Super Bowl festivities, follow these tips to stay safe:

Designate a Sober Driver
Use Ridesharing Services, Taxis or Public Transportation
Host Responsibly
Look Out for Others
Never Drive Impaired or Distracted

Impaired driving is not just from alcohol. Prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, cannabis products and other drugs may also cause impairment. If you plan on drinking or taking medications with a driving warning label, let someone who is sober drive. If you see someone who appears to be driving while impaired, call 9-1-1.

Big Canyon Restoration Project Phase 3 – Construction Update

The City's Public Works team has continued to make significant progress on the Big Canyon Nature Park Restoration Project. During the past four months, a dense canopy of invasive Brazilian pepper trees has been cleared, while reeds covering a mosquito-infested freshwater pond were also removed.

In this phase, contractors have started to grade the site to recreate a similar historical tidal estuary and salt marsh. This is being done prior to planting native plant habitats which will encourage natural wildlife to return to the area. These improvements will help restore natural connection and tidal flow between Big Canyon Creek and Newport Bay.

Big Canyon Restoration Phase 3 has also provided an educational opportunity for both the community and for local environmental programs. Recently, the Newport Bay Conservancy hosted environmental graduate students from UC Irvine to visit the site, observe construction and speak to City engineers.

The Big Canyon Nature Park Restoration Project is anticipated to be completed by Summer 2026.

UCI Environmental graduate program visiting Big Canyon Restoration Phase 3.

Project site with vegetation cleared out.

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 7

FRIENDS OF THE LIBRARY USED BOOK SALE

1:00 - 4:00 p.m.
Newport Beach Central Library, Friends Meeting Room
1000 Avocado Avenue
Newport Beach, California 92660

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 8

FRIENDS OF THE LIBRARY USED BOOK SALE

9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Newport Beach Central Library, Friends Meeting Room
1000 Avocado Avenue
Newport Beach, California 92660

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 10

CITY COUNCIL MEETING

4:00 p.m.
City Council Chambers
100 Civic Center Drive
Newport Beach, California 92660

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 11

HARBOR COMMISSION MEETING

5:00 p.m.
City Council Chambers
100 Civic Center Drive
Newport Beach, California 92660

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 12

SPRING 2026 CLASS REGISTRATION OPENING

8:00 a.m.

ZONING ADMINISTRATOR MEETING

10:00 a.m.
Via Zoom

FINANCE COMMITTEE MEETING

3:00 p.m.
Civic Center Community Room
100 Civic Center Drive
Newport Beach, California 92660

CITY ARTS COMMISSION MEETING

5:00 p.m.
City Council Chambers
100 Civic Center Drive
Newport Beach, California 92660

SEE FULL SCHEDULE >>

@cityofnewportbeach

WWW.NEWPORTBEACHCA.GOV | 949-644-3309 | 100 CIVIC CENTER DRIVE, NEWPORT BEACH, CA 92660

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