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Dear Community Members,
At our next City Council meeting on April 14, we’ll be covering a range of items that reflect both the day-to-day work of the City and the broader vision we have for Newport Beach.
One of those items is an update to the City’s Legislative Platform. This document helps guide our response to legislation at the local, state and federal levels. It ensures that when issues arise that impact our community, we’re aligned, prepared and able to advocate effectively and quickly on behalf of our residents. Our guiding principles focus on preserving local control, maintaining fiscal responsibility, protecting our quality of life, supporting private property rights and promoting economic development throughout the City. Staff will present proposed updates to the City Council for consideration as part of our ongoing efforts to stay current and proactive.
We’ll also hear an appeal related to the conversion project for the Acacia Atrium Medical Condominium on Acacia Street. As with all appeals, this will allow the City Council to review the facts of the project and consider community input before making a final determination.
Another item on the agenda reflects something I always appreciate about Newport Beach: our community’s commitment to honoring our nation’s history. The Newport Beach Foundation has proposed donating a commemorative plaque at John Wayne Park. The plaque would recognize our nation’s 250th anniversary and those who have served and sacrificed in support of our nation. If approved, it will join other historic markers in the park near the iconic Coral Tree, adding to a space that already carries patriotic meaning for many in our community.
And finally, we’ll recognize April 19–25 as National Library Week in Newport Beach and acknowledge the Library's important role in the community. Our library branches are more than places to check out books, they are spaces for learning, connection, creativity and opportunity for all ages. This year’s theme, “Find Your Joy,” is a fitting reminder of the many ways our branches support and enrich daily life. Whether you’re checking out our Seed Library at Mariners Branch, building confidence while reading to a therapy dog at the Corona Del Mar Branch or using the Media Lab at the Central Library, there is something for everyone. Visit NewportBeachLibrary.org to learn more about the events taking place throughout the week.
I also want to flag an important meeting on the calendar: next Thursday, April 16, we have a Finance Committee meeting. This will be the first meeting where we begin to “daylight” the City’s next-year Fiscal Year 2026–27 balanced budget, how revenues and expenditures are trending, what we’re planning for and the financial decisions that keep Newport Beach strong. (It’s not beach reading, but it’s the kind of work that keeps the lights on, the streets maintained and the services running.)
As always, I encourage our community to stay engaged and be part of the conversation. Your questions and input help shape the decisions we make and the future we’re building together.
Warmly,
Seimone Jurjis, City Manager
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Construction on the 2025–26 Street Pavement Repair Program is now underway. This project includes repairing deteriorated asphalt at locations throughout Eastbluff, North Ford, Bayview, Santa Ana Heights and the Airport Area. Door hangers with additional project details have been distributed to impacted neighborhoods.
As part of this work, repairs will take place on Back Bay Drive. To accommodate construction, Back Bay Drive between San Joaquin Hills Road and Eastbluff Drive will be closed to all users on Monday, April 20 and Tuesday, April 21 during work hours. Construction hours are 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. Please see the map below for closure details.
Thank you for your patience as we complete these improvements.

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Balboa Island 1956 -- life seemed peaceful, but when the picture-perfect lives of three women begin to unravel in shockingly different ways, an unlikely friendship is formed. Set against the sun-drenched beaches of Balboa Island, The Island Club provides a faraway yet very local escape. Join us on Wednesday, April 29 at 7 p.m. for an evening with author Nicola Harrison. Registration is recommended for this free event. The event will be held in the Newport Beach Civic Center Community Room (100 Civic Center Drive). Books will be available for purchase and signing.
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On Friday, April 10, the Newport Beach Police Department will conduct an enforcement operation focused on drivers suspected of violating the hands-free cell phone law.
Under current law, drivers are not allowed to hold a phone or electronic communications device while operating a vehicle. This includes talking, texting, or using an app. Using a handheld cell phone while driving is punishable by a fine. Violating the hands-free law for a second time within 36 months of a prior conviction for the same offense will result in a point being added to a driver’s record.
“A driver’s focus should be on the road, not their phone,” Sergeant Fabbri said. “That text, phone call, email or social media post is not worth the risk to yourself and other people on the road.”
If you have an important phone call or need to program directions, pull over to a safe parking spot. Before driving, either silence your phone or put it somewhere you can’t reach.
Funding for this program is provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
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The Newport Beach Police Department and Recreation and Senior Services Department will be hosting a Bicycle Rodeo and Safety Fair at Newport Elementary School on Saturday, April 18. This is a hands-on event where riders, ages 10 to 17, can learn practical safety skills, go through agility courses and hear directly from our first responders. Parents and guardians will also have a chance to better understand what’s allowed, what’s not allowed and how to help keep their kids safe.
Spots are limited! Click here to register.
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Is your teenager looking for a way to make a difference in their community? The City of Newport Beach’s Teen Leader Program allows teens to volunteer alongside recreation staff! Teen Leaders assist with daily program tasks while gaining valuable work experience to build their resumes and earn community service hours. Teen Leaders can select to volunteer in recreation programs at four different locations:
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Newport Coast Community Center: Pint-sized Camp (Preschool)
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Community Youth Center: Summer Day Camp (K-6)
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Newport Elementary: Summer Day Camp (K-6)
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Marina Park: Sailing and Boating Center
To apply, teens must be between 13 and 15 years old. Visit our website to learn more and fill out an online application.
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 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 of Newport Beach is pleased to announce that applications for FY27 Special Event Grants are now open until 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.
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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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