Dear Community Members,
One important item before the City Council this week was the formation of the new Police Headquarters Advisory Committee, which will help guide community input regarding the future Police Headquarters. The committee will serve as an advisory body and provide recommendations to the full City Council. Interest in serving was significant, with over 30 community members submitting applications.
The City Council appointed Mayor Pro Tem Noah Blom and Councilmembers Sara J. Weber and Michelle Barto to serve alongside residents Sandra Meadows, Bob Olson, Paul Watkins and Tom Maloney. This committee marks the beginning of a broader public conversation and provides an opportunity for community input as the process moves forward. I appreciate the strong interest from residents and look forward to the committee beginning its important work.
The committee’s first meeting will be held on Tuesday, July 7, at 3 p.m. in the Civic Center Community Room. A second meeting is tentatively scheduled for Tuesday, July 21, at 3 p.m. Residents are always encouraged to attend and participate.
Earlier this week, the City Council joined the Newport Beach Foundation at John Wayne Park to unveil a commemorative plaque honoring our nation’s upcoming 250th anniversary. Donated by the Newport Beach Foundation, the plaque recognizes those who have served and sacrificed on behalf of our country and will stand alongside the park’s existing historic markers.
With Independence Day quickly approaching, many of us are looking forward to beach days, neighborhood bike parades, time with family and friends, and a great fireworks show. Behind the scenes, however, the holiday represents months of planning and coordination among nearly every City department, neighboring law enforcement agencies and community partners to help ensure a safe and enjoyable celebration.
This year’s public safety strategy includes expanded Safety Enhancement Zones in Corona del Mar and West Newport, in effect from July 3 through July 6, where fines for municipal code violations are tripled. The City has also implemented new regulations for beach shade structures to improve visibility and emergency access. All shade coverings must be six feet by six feet and may not be connected to one another. To learn more about the Safety Enhancement Zones, or our municipal codes, visit NewportBeachCA.gov/SEZ.
The Newport Beach Police Department will increase staffing with assistance from neighboring agencies. The department will also operate a mobile booking station, coordinate closely with Code Enforcement and implement traffic restrictions if conditions require.
The Newport Beach Fire Department and Lifeguard Operations will be fully staffed, with additional engines, ambulances and resources strategically positioned throughout the holiday weekend. Public Works and Municipal Operations crews will support traffic management, enhanced restroom servicing, additional trash collection and maintenance operations.
As City Manager, I am proud of the preparation and teamwork that has gone into the Fourth of July weekend. I have been impressed by the months of planning and coordination taking place across nearly every City department and with our partner agencies. That work gives me confidence that Newport Beach is well prepared to help keep our community safe while residents and visitors enjoy the holiday.
The free Balboa Peninsula Trolley will also provide an easy way for residents and visitors to travel throughout the Peninsula while helping reduce traffic congestion. Remember, free parking is in the Avon Lot in Mariner’s Mile. For route information, please visit NewportBeachCA.gov/Trolley.
Of course, the Fourth of July is also about celebrating together. Families are invited to dress in their best red, white and blue, bring their bikes, golf carts or walking shoes and join us in West Newport for the annual Fourth of July is for Families Bike Parade and Community Festival. The bike parade starts at 9 a.m., and the Community Festival at Channel Place Park will be from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m.
Please remember that all fireworks are illegal in Newport Beach. Consider ending your day with the professional fireworks display at Newport Dunes, which begins at 9 p.m. The display is produced by State-licensed professionals and monitored by the Newport Beach Fire Department.
Whether you are spending the day at the beach, on the harbor or close to home, I hope you and your family have a safe, enjoyable and memorable Fourth of July. Please celebrate responsibly and look out for one another.
Warmly,
Seimone Jurjis
City Manager
sjurjis@newportbeachca.gov
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