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Dear Community Members,
Over the past week, I’ve spent a lot of time reviewing what occurred on the Balboa Peninsula during the Fourth of July holiday.
While we estimate that more than 420,000 residents and visitors safely enjoyed our beaches over the holiday weekend, thousands of people were also drawn to the Peninsula late on the Fourth of July by a wave of social media posts. As the crowd grew larger, unlawful behavior created unsafe conditions that required a significant public safety response. One that the City had prepared for.
The events that unfolded were deeply disappointing and unacceptable. I have heard from many residents who were understandably upset by what occurred that evening. I have also heard many “thank yous” from residents who recognized the outstanding work of our public safety personnel. Having reviewed the operational response and the conditions our officers faced, I am proud of how professionally and effectively they handled an extremely difficult situation. Their efforts helped bring the incident under control with limited injuries under very difficult circumstances, and they deserve our sincere appreciation.
I want to personally thank the members of the Newport Beach Police Department and the 17 partner law enforcement agencies that responded swiftly and professionally to restore order and protect our community. More than 350 officers responded, and it was their preparation, coordination and professionalism that ensured emergency access was restored and the situation was brought under control as safely and efficiently as possible.
I also want to recognize the many City employees who worked before, during and after the holiday weekend. Our firefighters and lifeguards staffed our beaches, responded to emergencies and helped keep thousands of residents and visitors safe throughout the weekend. Following the incident, our Municipal Operations and Public Works teams began work at 4 a.m. on July 5 to clean the Peninsula and prepare it to welcome residents and visitors later that day. Large-scale events like the Fourth of July require months of planning and coordination across multiple City departments, and I am grateful to everyone who helped keep Newport Beach operating during one of the busiest weekends of the year.
Next Tuesday, the City Council will hold a study session to review the City’s Fourth of July operations. Staff will provide a comprehensive overview of the planning, staffing, public safety response and operational coordination that supported the holiday weekend, as well as the steps we are taking to continue strengthening public safety during future holiday weekends.
Following the study session, the Council will conduct two public hearings during its regular business meeting.
The first concerns an appeal related to 2350 Bristol Street. The Council will consider whether to uphold the Planning Commission’s decision to allow an existing emergency access driveway to also be used for employee and delivery vehicle access.
The second public hearing will focus on proposed updates to the Newport Place Planned Community Development Plan. The proposed changes would revise the City’s inclusionary housing requirements for future for-sale residential development within the Newport Place residential overlay area.
As always, thank you for taking the time to stay informed and engaged.
Warmly,
Seimone Jurjis
City Manager
sjurjis@newportbeachca.gov
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The City is pleased to announce the opening of the refurbished playground at the Bonita Canyon Sports Park. Funded through the Playground Refurbishment Program, the renovated play area features new playground equipment that encourages active play, climbing, exploration and inclusive recreation for children of all ages and abilities.
The updated playground includes slides, climbing elements, sensory play features, shaded areas and rubber surfacing, creating a welcoming space for families to enjoy.
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On Saturday, July 11, the Newport Beach Public Library and the Recreation & Senior Services Department will celebrate the opening of Witte Hall with a full day of free community events.
Join us for a weekend of inspiring, fascinating and fun Witte Hall Grand Opening events including:
Open House & Family Summer Celebration, Saturday July 11 at 2 p.m.
Back-to-back magic shows, art activities, music, giveaways, a special reading with Councilmember Robyn Grant and Newport Beach Animal Shelter's resident mascot, Officer Bubbles, and much more. All ages welcome.
For event information visit the Library calendar here.
Author event with surf legend, Shaun Tomson, Saturday July 11 at 7 p.m.
Author of bestselling books "Surfer's Code" and "The Surfer and the Sage," Shaun will offer insights on resilience and purpose as he recounts a life spent riding the world’s best waves. Registration is required.
Register for Shaun Tomson here.
Sunday Musicale featuring a cello quartet, Sunday July 12 at 3 p.m.
Rich, engaging classical and contemporary works.
For event information visit the Library calendar here.
All events are free and take place at Witte Hall. Registration is required for Shaun Tomson at newportbeachlibrary.org. No registration required for the Open House and Sunday Musicale.
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Corona del Mar’s popular 3rd Thursday series returns Thursday, July 16, from 5 to 8 p.m. with an “Endless Summer” theme and a variety of activities throughout the Village. Event will be held at the Corona del Mar library branch at 410 Marigold Avenue.
This will be a community night all about bringing neighbors together. Stop by for 20 minutes or stay all evening and enjoy a little Corona del Mar community magic. Don’t miss the bubble-filled fun with an outdoor bubble festival, giant bubbles, bubble crafts and creative coloring.
The community event will also feature live music, shopping promotions, food and drink specials, family-friendly activities and unique experiences hosted by local businesses along Pacific Coast Highway.
Highlights include live performances by Grounded and a steel drum band, a Duke mural unveiling at ACE Hardware, an interactive bubble exhibit at the Corona del Mar Library Branch, pet adoptions at Corona del Mar Animal Hospital and a Wild Wing and Anaheim Ducks street team activation at the Sherman Library & Gardens lot.
Attendees can also visit Fire Station No. 5 for an open house, meet Newport Beach Police Department personnel at a Mini Mobile Café in the Poppy Bank lot, enjoy games and giveaways and take advantage of special offers from participating businesses.
3rd Thursdays has grown into a signature Corona del Mar tradition, bringing together residents, visitors and local businesses for seasonal celebrations throughout the year. All ages welcome. No registration required.
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After one month of construction, the existing Fire Station 1 and Balboa Branch Library have been demolished. The contractor will continue working on grading the site and installing all the underground utilities. The project is anticipated to be completed by the end of 2027.
The City of Newport Beach is scheduled to complete several isolated asphalt pavement repairs on southbound MacArthur Boulevard at Villagio, Jamboree Road between San Joaquin Hills Road and Bison Avenue, and eastbound San Joaquin Hills Road at MacArthur Boulevard. These spot repairs will start on July 13 and should be completed by July 17. To minimize traffic congestion and public inconvenience, this work is scheduled to occur at night from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m.
Lane closures will be in place on MacArthur Boulevard, Jamboree Road, and San Joaquin Hills Road to facilitate the work. Please observe and follow any temporary traffic control signs. Upon completion of the paving operation, additional minor work, such as pavement striping, will be completed in the following weeks.
Thank you for your patience and cooperation as we continue to improve and maintain our streets.
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Active Kids registration will open on Thursday, July 16, at 8 a.m. This is an after-school program for youth in grades TK-6, and includes planned indoor and outdoor activities, homework assistance, and creative arts. Parents can sign up for annual or fall Active Kids sessions held at Newport Elementary, Mariners VJC or the Community Youth Center. Get ready, spots fill up fast!
For more information visit Activity search | City of Newport Beach Registration
Come spend your summer days on the bay! The Marina Park Sailing and Boating Center offers drop-in rentals of single and double kayaks, as well as stand-up paddleboards. To schedule a group rental, please call ahead to 949-270-8160.
The Sailing and Boating Center also provides public access to Newport Harbor with its large fleet of sailboats for lessons and for rent. If a sailor has learned to sail in City classes or comes with previous experience, they can rent J22 keelboats or 16-foot RS Quest dinghies through the City’s Sail Pass program. All sailors must be at least 18 years of age to rent the sailboats. Sailing lessons start at age six.
For more information visit Marina Park: Sail, Kayak, & SUP | City of Newport Beach
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Applications are now being accepted for the 2026-2027 Mayor's Youth Council unpaid internship program. The Mayor's Youth Council aims to educate high school students in Newport Beach about the significance of civic duty. Participants will be paired with City staff and spend at least four hours over the year learning about their mentor's job responsibilities. Additionally, participants will assist with City special events and create their own service project. Candidates will be selected from among Newport Beach residents who are high school students. For more information and to apply, please visit NewportBeachCA.gov/YouthPrograms. Applications are due Friday, September 4, 2026.
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 FRIDAY, JULY 10
MOVIE IN THE PARK: GOAT
7 - 9 p.m.
Mariners Park & VJ Community Center
1300 Irvine Ave.
Newport Beach, California 92660
SATURDAY, JULY 11
WITTE HALL GRAND OPENING
2 p.m.
Witte Lecture Hall
998 Avocado Ave.
Newport Beach, California 92660
OPEN HOUSE AND FAMILY SUMMER CELEBRATION
2 - 4 p.m.
Witte Lecture Hall
998 Avocado Ave.
Newport Beach, California 92660
WITTE HALL GRAND OPENING FEATURING SURF LEGEND SHAUN TOMSON
7 - 9 p.m.
Witte Lecture Hall
998 Avocado Ave.
Newport Beach, California 92660
SUNDAY, JULY 12
WITTE HALL GRAND OPENING SUNDAY MUSICAL CONCERT
3 - 4 p.m.
Witte Hall
998 Avocado Ave.
Newport Beach, California 92660
TUESDAY, JULY 14
CITY COUNCIL MEETING
4 p.m.
City Council Chambers
100 Civic Center Drive
Newport Beach, California 92660
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