From City Hall To You - October 2, 2026

City of Newport Beach, California sent this bulletin at 10/02/2026 12:23 PM PDT

Dear Community Members,

It isn’t every day that a video goes viral showing orcas breaching off Newport Beach with our community in the background, but that’s exactly what happened earlier this week.

A pod of orcas was spotted just off our coast, giving those lucky enough to see them a pretty incredible show. And they’re not the only unusual marine visitors we’ve seen in our area lately.

Just up the coast, two olive ridley sea turtles recently nested in Huntington Beach and Seal Beach, a first not just for our neighboring coastal cities, but for the West Coast.

It’s been an interesting time along our coastline, to say the least.

Ocean temperatures have been warmer, and there has been plenty of discussion about El Niño and what changing conditions in the Pacific could mean for Southern California. Our teams are paying close attention to what’s happening offshore and what it could mean here at home.

Our El Niño preparations include advancing our tree-trimming schedule to help reduce the risk of fallen trees during strong winds, bringing in additional pumping equipment to prepare for potential flooding, increasing our supply of sandbags for residents, and expanding our heavy equipment inventory so we have the right tools available for changing conditions.

We will continue to monitor the forecast and keep the community updated as we move into the winter season.

One area we continue to focus on is sand.

The City is preparing to move sand from the mouth of the Santa Ana River to the West Jetties to help replenish our beaches. Bids are currently open for that work, which is expected to cost between $1 million and $1.5 million. It’s a significant undertaking, but managing our sand is an important part of protecting Newport Beach’s coastline.

We’ll also take a broader look at sand management during a City Council study session on October 13. We’ve heard from residents about erosion and changing beach conditions, and the study session will give us an opportunity to talk about what we’re seeing, the work already underway and how we approach these issues moving forward.

And, as we’ve seen a few times lately, conditions in the Pacific can change quickly.

We are currently monitoring another tropical storm that could potentially send elevated swell toward Southern California in the next week or so. We’ll continue watching the forecast and beach conditions as it develops, but this is a good reminder to check in with a lifeguard before heading into the water and pay attention to posted flags and warnings.

One other side effect of the warmer water is stingrays. We’ve been seeing more of them along our beaches, so remember the stingray shuffle. Slide your feet through the sand instead of stepping down as you enter the water.

We’ll keep watching conditions and share updates as we learn more. In the meantime, enjoy the beach, check in with our lifeguards, and keep those feet shuffling.

After 39 years of service to Newport Beach, Assistant Chief of Lifeguard Operations Brian O’Rourke is preparing to retire. Over nearly four decades, Brian has helped protect generations of residents and visitors and has been part of countless rescues along our coastline. We thank him for his extraordinary service to Newport Beach and wish him the very best in retirement.

Warmly,

Seimone Jurjis

City Manager

sjurjis@newportbeachca.gov

Banner reading ‘Announcements’ over an aerial view of Newport Harbor with a gold microphone illustration.

Corona del Mar’s Biggest 3rd Thursday Celebration Yet!

Step right up! 3rd Thursdays in Corona del Mar (CdM) is wrapping up its second season with its biggest celebration yet: Carnival del Mar on Thursday, October 15, from 5 - 8 p.m.

Join us for a carnival-themed CdM 3rd Thursday. Stop by the City’s library branch and check out the reptile zoo, then head next door to Fire Station No. 5 for an open house. The Fire Department's very own support dog, Tora, will be there to meet and take photos with. The fun continues throughout CdM with the City’s new red car trolley and carnival games, then get your 80’s fix with a live band and step aerobics in the Cozy Earth lot, have your caricature drawn under the clock tower, decorate a pumpkin, visit with a fortune teller, or look for the scavenger hunts, specials and countless raffles and prizes.

Bring the family, invite your friends, and come celebrate everything that makes CdM special.

Corona del Mar 3rd Thursdays will return in April 2027.

Newport Beach Fire Department to host Fire Service Day

The Newport Beach Fire Department will host its annual Fire Service Day on Sunday, October 4, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Santa Ana Heights Fire Station No. 7, 20401 SW Acacia Street. This free, family-friendly event gives residents an opportunity to meet Newport Beach firefighters, lifeguards and other department personnel while learning more about fire, rescue and emergency preparedness services in the community.

Activities will include interactive displays, face painting, carnival style games, and an opportunity for children to spray a fire hose. Firefighters will also conduct live demonstrations throughout the event, including vehicle extrication, rescue operations, and a live-fire demonstration. Newport Beach Lifeguards will display rescue watercraft and equipment, while the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) and Fire Prevention staff will provide information on preparedness, fire safety, and community programs. Tora, the department’s support dog, will also be on hand to greet visitors.

Complimentary hot dogs, hamburgers and refreshments will be available. The Newport Beach Fire Department Foundation and the Newport Beach Firefighters’ Association will also participate in the event, with firefighter apparel and memorabilia available for purchase.

The community is invited to stop by, meet local first responders, and enjoy an inside look at Newport Beach Fire Department operations.

Fire Service Day demo on how to pry open car door on its side

Graphic reading 'Library Services' with a view of the Newport Beach Public Library and book covers

Calling All Kid Artists

All kids Pre-K through 12th grade are invited to participate in the 2026 Student Art Exhibition in celebration of Newport Beach’s 120th birthday. Young artists may submit one original work of art October 1 through November 30. Show us what makes Newport Beach special to you in a painting, drawing or collage.

For more details on how to participate, categories and prizes, visit the City’s website or call 949-717-3802. Artwork will be displayed at the Central Library located at 1000 Avocado Avenue from January 4 – February 24, 2027. Winners will be invited to attend an award ceremony in early February 2027.

Cartoon Picture of kids painting for the 2026 Student Art Exhibition

Meet the Author: Leigh Steinberg

Join us for an evening with Leigh Steinberg, legendary sports agent, entrepreneur, best-selling author, and the real-life inspiration for Jerry Maguire, on Tuesday, October 6, from 7-8:30 p.m. at Witte Hall located at 998 Avocado Avenue.

The first 25 registered guests to arrive will receive a free copy of his book, The Comeback. Books will be available for purchase and signing thanks to the Friends of the Library and Lido Village Books.

Registration is strongly recommended.

Friends of the Newport Beach Public Library Fall Used Book Sale

Join us for the Friends of the Library Fall Used Book Sale on Friday, October 9, from 1- 4 p.m. and Saturday, October 10, from 9 a.m. - 2 p.m. The event will take place in the Friends Room at the Central Library, located at 1000 Avocado Avenue. Friday is reserved for members only with memberships available at the door. Books will be sold as three for $1. The sale will continue on Saturday, when everyone is welcome to attend and fill a bag with books for $3. Bags are provided by the Friends.

Visitors can browse more than 14,000 books, including bestsellers, children’s books, vintage titles, cookbooks, and much more. Founded in 1961, the Friends of the Library is a dedicated volunteer organization supporting all four branches of the Newport Beach Public Library.

One hundred percent of the proceeds from the sale are donated to the Library to help fund programs, projects, and other community needs.

Oasis Rummage Sale collection September 28-30 8 am - 2pm sale dates October 2 $5 entry October 3 from 9am - 2pm Questions 949-718-1800

Medicare information event for changes in 2027 on Tuesday, October 13 from 1-2 pm

Medicare’s Annual Open Enrollment is fast approaching! Join the Health Insurance Counseling and Advocacy Program (HICAP) on Tuesday, October 13 from 1-2 p.m. at 801 Narcissus Avenue, Room 1. Come by and learn about all the upcoming changes to Medicare in 2027, and how these changes may impact you.

Participants will gain a better understanding of their Medicare options and learn how to ensure their healthcare coverage best meets their individual needs. Presented by the Council on Aging Southern California.

Please RSVP by calling 949-644-3244.

Graphic reading 'This Week's Events City Calendar' with a megaphone over a view of City events

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 6

PARKS, BEACHES & RECREATION COMMISSION MEETING

5 p.m.
City Council Chambers
100 Civic Center Drive
Newport Beach, CA 92660

MEET THE AUTHOR: LEIGH STEINBERG

7 p.m.
Witte Lecture Hall
998 Avocado Avenue
Newport Beach, CA 92660

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 7

SPOTLIGHT ON SCIENCE

7 - 8:30 p.m.
Witte Lecture Hall
998 Avocado Avenue
Newport Beach, CA 92660

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 8

CITY ARTS COMMISSION MEETING

5 p.m.
Newport Beach Central Library
1000 Avocado Avenue
Newport Beach, CA 92660

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 9

FRIENDS OF THE LIBRARY USED BOOK SALE - MEMBERS ONLY

1 - 4 p.m.
Newport Beach Central Library, Friends Meeting Room
1000 Avocado Avenue
Newport Beach, CA 92660

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 10

FRIENDS OF THE LIBRARY USED BOOK SALE

9 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Newport Beach Central Library, Friends Meeting Room
1000 Avocado Avenue
Newport Beach, CA 92660

SEE FULL CALENDAR >>

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