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Dear Community Members,
Last week, I shared a preview of an exciting milestone for the Balboa Peninsula, and I’m happy to share that we officially broke ground on the new Balboa Library Branch and Fire Station No. 1.
This project carries a long history in our community. The original Library Branch dates back to 1929 and was expanded in 1952, with the Fire Station added to the site in 1962. For nearly 100 years, this location has served as a place for learning, community connection and public safety on the Peninsula.
Now, we’re building on that legacy with a modern facility designed to meet today’s needs. The new space is approximately 24,000 square feet and will include a two-story fire station, a one-story library branch, an expanded parking lot and a children’s playground. The fire station and library branch will “swap sides,” with the fire station located on the corner of Balboa Boulevard and Island Avenue. This will not only allow better access for the fire engine but also reduce impact on the surrounding neighborhood.
If you’ve been by Balboa Pier recently, you may have noticed the modular fire station coming to life in the parking lot. This location will serve as the interim fire station for the Peninsula, providing uninterrupted services to the neighborhood. And don’t forget, the library concierge service will continue at Marina Park.
Looking ahead to this weekend, I hope you’ll join us for one of Newport Beach’s favorite spring traditions, the 11th annual Mayor’s Egg Race, happening this Saturday, March 28, on the Civic Center Lawn.
If you’ve ever taken a wooden stick and pushed an egg through the grass and across the finish line, I will tell you, it's not an easy feat. But it’s one that hundreds of children take on, as they race against one another during friendly competition.
While you’re there, stop by our photo booths to take pictures with the Easter Bunny, ride the train along the courtyard or stop by the community room for a family-friendly movie. Last year, we saw nearly 2,000 attendees, so be sure to get there early. The event is from 10 a.m. to noon.
It’s always special to see our City come together—whether we’re marking progress or just enjoying a fun morning with family and neighbors. I hope you’re able to join us this weekend and be part of it.
Warmly,
Seimone Jurjis, City Manager
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From left to right: Councilmember Michelle Barto, Councilmember Joe Stapleton, Mayor Lauren Kleiman, Mayor Pro Tem Noah Blom, Councilmember Robyn Grant, Councilmember Sara Weber and Councilmember Erik Weigand.
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Construction is progressing swiftly on this year’s pavement rehabilitation projects. Von Karman Avenue from MacArthur Boulevard to Campus Drive and Bristol Street North from Jamboree Road to Campus Drive are both scheduled to be repaved from March 30 to April 17, assuming dry weather and warmer temperatures continue. Please refer to the location maps provided below.
To minimize traffic congestion and public inconvenience, this work is scheduled to take place at night, from 9 p.m. to 6 a.m. The paving operation should take approximately 15 nights to complete and will start with Von Karman Avenue, followed by Bristol Street North.
Lane closures will be in place on Von Karman Avenue and Bristol Street North during night working hours. The northbound State Route 73 freeway exit for Birch Street will be closed during paving. Alternate routes and detours will be provided. Please observe and follow temporary traffic control signs. Upon completion of the paving operation, additional minor work, such as sign installation, pavement striping and utility adjustments, will be completed in the following weeks during normal daytime working hours.
Thank you for your patience and cooperation as we continue to improve and maintain our streets. The City is excited to complete these much-anticipated pavement rehabilitation projects on Von Karman Avenue and Bristol Street North.
 Map of Von Karman Ave Loop Location
 Map of Bristol St North Location
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Did you know the Newport Beach Police Department offers a seven-week Teen Academy each summer? The program is filled with hands-on activities, real-world insight into law enforcement and the opportunity to earn up to 25 community service hours. This year’s session will take place Wednesday evenings from 6 to 9 p.m., June 10 through July 22. The program is open to students entering high school in fall 2026 who live in or attend school in Newport Beach.
This class fills up every year! The application period opens April 1, so be sure to apply quickly if you’re interested. More information can be found at https://www.nbpd.org/what-we-do/programs/teen-academy.
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The City of Newport Beach is pleased to announce that applications for FY27 Special Event Grants will become available beginning Tuesday, March 31, at 8 a.m. and will close on April 21 at 5 p.m. Events must take place in Newport Beach between July 1, 2026 – June 30, 2027, to be considered for a Special Event Grant. Please refer to our website for a full list of eligibility and qualification criteria as well as our online application.
 
 Corona del Mar’s 3rd Thursday is officially back on April 16!
Created partnership with local businesses throughout the Village, the City is excited to see this grassroots effort continue to grow into a signature Corona del Mar tradition.
3rd Thursdays reflect what Newport Beach is all about—bringing people together and supporting local businesses. The event has evolved into a seasonal series, with marquee evenings held on the third Thursdays of April, July and October from 5 to 8 p.m., ensuring each experience feels fresh and uniquely curated.
There is plenty in store for April’s “Village in Bloom” event, with something for everyone—including furry friends. Highlights include live music by Pinch Me! Band and Macie Ray, a Tennis and Pickleball Club pop-up in the Cozy Earth lot, an interactive butterfly exhibit and mini ice cream cones at the B. Candy parking lot, a flower bar at Gallery Sonder, a game truck at Mathnasium, a Facial Lounge-sponsored garden party at Sherman Library and Gardens, a celebration at the File Group and happy hour specials with DJs throughout the corridor. Guests can also enjoy art exhibitions, pet adoption opportunities, scavenger hunts, dog treats, samples, giveaways and more.
The Corona del Mar Library Branch will extend its hours from 5 to 8 p.m., offering a petting zoo where kids can meet Raisin the pig and Cranberry the sheep, paint garden rocks, play games and take part in a scavenger hunt. Next door, while the fire station remains in service, if the red garage doors are open, attendees are welcome to tour the apparatus bay, meet firefighters and take photos with the engine.
We look forward to seeing everyone out and about as the Village comes alive on April 16!
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The City will host its annual Spring Shred and E-Waste event on Saturday, April 25 from 8 a.m. to noon, or until the shred trucks reach capacity. The event will feature two shred trucks, an e-waste collection station and a CR&R booth where residents can pick up free kitchen pails and ask questions about trash services. The event will be located at the City's Corporation Yard (592 Superior Avenue). Please enter the facility on Superior Avenue.
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The City of Newport Beach Ackerman Scholarship Program was established to assist qualified students in obtaining a higher education. Funds for the program are provided through an endowment from the Ackerman Trust. Scholarships may be used for tuition, books, laboratory and/or academic fees.
This year, there will be seven $700 scholarships awarded.
Applicants must meet both criteria (A) and (B) to apply:
- Be a student residing in Newport Beach OR be a child of a regular, full-time Newport Beach City Employee.
- Graduate from a high school in 2026 and accepted to attend an accredited two-year community college or four-year college or university, OR transferring from a two-year community college to an accredited four- year college or university in Fall 2026; AND have maintained a cumulative G.P.A. of 3.0 or better.
SELECTION CRITERIA
The criteria used for selection includes financial need, scholastic standing, school or community leadership, school and/or extracurricular activities and career and life plans.
The deadline to submit your application is Monday, April 6, at 5 p.m. To apply, visit newportbeachca.gov/scholarship.
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