Dear Community Members,
During this week's City Council Meeting, we held a study session to review our Fourth of July operations and discuss the City's response. While extensive planning was in place and our officers and public safety personnel faced a difficult situation that evening, they handled it with professionalism, discipline and incredible courage.
In the months ahead, our focus will be strengthening future holiday operations and building on what we learned this year. That work will include improving our operational and traffic management plans, evaluating policy and municipal code changes, expanding partnerships with law enforcement agencies outside of Orange County and continuing to monitor the role of social media in large public gatherings. Community feedback will remain an important part of that process.
Last week marked an exciting milestone for our community as we officially opened Witte Hall. It is a private-public partnership with the City of Newport Beach and Library Foundation that was years in the making. This beautiful new venue expands opportunities for lectures, performances, educational programming and community events. Throughout the weekend, our Library Services and Recreation and Senior Services teams activated the space with magic shows, arts and crafts, music and Storytime for the entire family. The Grand Opening also drew a packed house, with surfing legend Shaun Tomson speaking about his life and best-selling novel. You can find the schedule of the upcoming Sunday Musicales series by visiting NewportBeachLibrary.org/Calendar.
This week also marks the return of one of Newport Beach's favorite summer traditions. Our annual Concerts on the Green series begins this week on the Civic Center lawn, bringing free live music to our community on summer evenings. On Sunday, wear your favorite cowboy boots (in college I wore cowboy boots – I got an extra inch on height) and get ready to line dance as we welcome Redneck Rodeo to the stage from 6-7:30 p.m. Residents are encouraged to bring low-slung chairs, blankets and a picnic as they enjoy music on the lawn. Food trucks will also be available. Be sure to join us for the Pacific Symphony on August 9 and Flashback Heart Attack on September 13.
Finally, I want to remind everyone that the City will hold its second Police Headquarters Advisory Committee meeting on Tuesday, July 21, at 3 p.m. in the Civic Center Community Room. The meeting will include a review of the Police Department Needs Assessment, which looks at the department's current and future operational needs, including facility space and functionality. The committee will also discuss the existing Police Department site at 870 Santa Barbara Drive, potential redevelopment opportunities and the challenges associated with this location.
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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