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Dear Community Members,
As we prepare for another round of exceptionally high king tides later this month, I want to emphasize the importance of taking steps now to protect your home and property. While our community came together to reduce flooding impacts in October, the tides ahead could be significantly higher, increasing the risk of coastal flooding in areas that may not have been affected during the last event.
The next king tides are expected November 23-27, during the Thanksgiving holiday, followed by another series December 22-26 and additional events into the new year. Ocean water levels could rise 12 inches or more above October’s record-breaking high tide of 8.4 feet, the highest recorded in the City’s history dating back to the 1920s.
Our City crews and contractors are continuing preparations, including reinforcing protective sand berms, heightening our public seawalls, inspecting storm drains, maintaining tide valves and pumping systems, and positioning sandbags and emergency equipment in vulnerable areas. We are also reviewing our response plans and coordinating resources ahead of the upcoming events.
One important step we’ve taken is working directly with the California Coastal Commission to expedite emergency Coastal Development Permits for seawall repairs and extensions. Under this streamlined process, property owners can now obtain qualifying permits the same day at the City’s permit counter. No need to go to the California Coastal Commission to do work on existing seawalls. This allows residents to move quickly to strengthen their seawalls before the next round of high tides.
I’m asking waterfront property owners to walk their properties and look for low spots, cracks, openings or deterioration in seawalls that could allow water through. Check garages, doorways and other low-lying entry points where water could enter and place sandbags or temporary flood barriers before the tides arrive. Inspect private drains and tide valves for potential backflow and consider consulting a licensed contractor if repairs or additional protection are needed. Remember, even one compromised seawall can allow water to flood neighboring homes and streets, so coordinating with your neighbors is equally important.
Residents in flood-prone areas should also move vehicles, including electric vehicles, golf carts and e-bikes, to higher ground before the tides arrive, along with valuables and equipment stored in vulnerable areas. Saltwater can damage lithium-ion batteries and create a fire risk, even after floodwater recedes. Never operate or charge a vehicle or battery that has been exposed to floodwater until a qualified professional has inspected it.
Free, prefilled sandbags are available at the City Corporation Yard, 592 Superior Ave., while supplies last. For more information about expedited seawall permits, contact our Community Development Department at 949-644-3200 or visit NewportBeachCA.gov/FloodRecovery.
Additional flood preparation resources, including upcoming king tide dates and anticipated water levels, are available at NewportBeachCA.gov/ElNino. I also encourage residents to sign up for emergency alerts at NBPD.org/NewportNotified to receive timely updates.
At our next City Council meeting on Tuesday, November 10, at 4 p.m., staff will provide a comprehensive update on the upcoming king tides, including anticipated water levels, flood protection measures and emergency response plans. The discussion will also cover steps residents and property owners can take to help reduce flooding risks.
The City Council will also consider a new local emergency declaration for the November king tides. If approved, the declaration would allow the City to streamline certain emergency procedures and mobilize resources as needed. It would also help support the City’s ability to seek reimbursement for eligible emergency expenses.
In other City Council business, we will present our fiscal year-end budget results, including a proposed allocation of approximately $27.4 million in surplus General Fund revenue from fiscal year 2025-26.
I want to thank our City staff and residents for everything they're doing to prepare. We have some challenging weeks ahead, but I'm confident that by continuing to work together and taking precautions now, we can help protect our homes, neighborhoods and community.
Warmly,
Seimone Jurjis
City Manager
sjurjis@newportbeachca.gov
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 Join us at Witte Hall this Sunday, November 8 at 3 p.m. for what promises to be an exceptional afternoon of classical music, featuring the Webern String Quartet, one of the most compelling young ensembles on the international chamber music scene today.
Sunday Musicales at Witte Hall are free and open to the public ages 12 and up. Seating is first come, first served. Doors open at 2:30 p.m. and close promptly at 3 p.m. Funding is graciously donated by the Friends of the Newport Beach Public Library.
The City of Newport Beach is offering expedited permitting through its Emergency Bulkhead Extension and Repair Program to help waterfront property owners raise and repair seawalls and bulkheads. The City received authorization from the California Coastal Commission to issue emergency building permits through this program. For single-family homes, duplexes, and shared residential bulkheads, the City offers same-day permitting using a standard plan that allows concrete seawalls to be raised up to 18 inches. Property owners may also submit engineered plans for taller extensions or non-concrete bulkheads. For commercial and mixed-use properties, the City offers expedited in-person plan review and permitting, with staff assisting applicants to meet applicable building and structural requirements.
Important: Contractors performing construction or accessing work areas from the waterside must carry Longshore and Harbor Workers' Compensation Act insurance.
These streamlined permitting options are designed to help property owners protect waterfront properties and complete necessary improvements more quickly.
For more information, please visit newportbeachca.gov/floodrecovery, contact the Community Development Department at 949-644-3200, or stop by the permit center at City Hall.
The City of Newport Beach is inviting residents to help select the next round of sculptures for the Civic Center Park Sculpture Exhibition!
Residents can view the proposed sculptures and vote for their 10 favorites as part of the Phase XI exhibition. The selected sculptures will be installed in Civic Center Park in June 2027.
The online survey is now open. Voting period ends November 20 so cast your vote here!
For more information about the City's Cultural Arts programs, visit NewportBeachCA.gov/CulturalArts.
Newport Notified is the City of Newport Beach's official notification system designed to keep our community connected and informed. Subscribers receive traffic advisories, crime alerts and emergency notifications directly from the Police Department. This is the best way to get real-time information from a reliable source when it counts.
Stay notified by signing up here.
For more information about the Newport Notified system, you can visit NBPD.org/NewportNotified
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The City recently awarded a construction contract to upgrade the Zone 3 and Zone 4 Pump Stations and complete electrical improvements at the Hillsborough Pump Station. All three facilities draw water from Big Canyon Reservoir, one of the largest water reservoirs in Orange County, with a capacity of nearly 200 million gallons.
The Zone 3 and Zone 4 Pump Stations supply water to their respective distribution zones, while the Hillsborough Pump Station serves as a backup facility capable of supplying water to Pressure Zones 4 and 5 when needed.
These pump stations play an essential role in providing reliable water service to residents and businesses, supporting both daily water needs and fire protection. The planned upgrades will improve system reliability, strengthen backup capabilities and help ensure consistent water service, particularly in the City's higher-elevation communities.
 Pictured: Zone 3 Pump Station
The City’s water system includes approximately 300 miles of pipelines, four groundwater wells, five pump stations, 43 pressure regulating stations and three reservoirs that work together to deliver water across five pressure zones. The map below illustrates the City’s water pressure zones.
 Reservoirs are used to store water. The City utilizes both passive and active methods to distribute water to the five pressure zones. Passive distribution relies on gravity to deliver water from higher elevation to lower elevation zones. In higher elevation zones where gravity can’t be utilized, pump stations are necessary to actively “boost” the water.
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 Join us at Witte Hall on Tuesday, November 17 at 7 p.m. for an evening with Corre Larkin, who will talk about her new cookbook, Season to Taste: Comforting Recipes You Won’t Find in a Restaurant. Corre is the creator behind Coco Larkin Cooks, a food and lifestyle brand inspiring millions to find joy in cooking, entertaining, and everyday living.
The first 25 registered guests to arrive will receive a free copy of Season to Taste. Books will be available for purchase and signing by Lido Village Books. This event is generously sponsored by the Friends of the Library.
Registration is now open for this free program.
Help us fill our shelves at the Friends Bookstore. If you have gently used books gathering dust on your shelves, we would love to take them off your hands. Box up your books in small or medium sized boxes and drop them off at the Friends Bookstore inside the Central Library located at 1000 Avocado Avenue. If you have a larger donation, please call the bookstore at 949-759-9667 to make arrangements.
Founded in 1957, the Friends of the Library donates all of its revenue to the Library to fund various needs and projects. Many thanks for your support of the Friends Bookstore, it’s vital to our success.
 Join us Saturday, November 14, from 3 to 4:30 p.m. at Witte Hall, 998 Avocado Ave., for a special Creative Pages event featuring Kelly Yang, bestselling author of Front Desk and acclaimed children's book author.
Designed for children ages 8 to 11 and their families, the event will explore storytelling, creativity and the process of bringing a novel to life as a graphic novel. Attendees will enjoy an author talk, audience Q&A and book signing.
Creative Pages is our new children's literary series, bringing young readers together with acclaimed authors, illustrators and creators.
Register for this free event here.
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 from 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 to February 24, 2027. Winners will be invited to attend an award ceremony in early February 2027.
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City staff regularly monitors weather forecasts and tracks the impact of rain on the condition of City fields and hiking trails. Staff evaluates the safety and playability to determine if temporary field closures are necessary. Updates are available by phone through the "mudline" or by text and email.
Subscribe to League messages to receive text and/or email updates from the City of Newport Beach.
MUDLINE: Call 949-718-1860 to hear the latest report.
EMAIL: Recreation staff at sports@newportbeachca.gov
For more information, please visit NewportBeachCA.gov/Mudline
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 8
SUNDAY MUSICALE: WEBERN STRING QUARTET
3 p.m.
Witte Lecture Hall
998 Avocado Avenue
Newport Beach, California 92660
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 9
HARBOR STAKEHOLDER MEETING
5 p.m.
City Council Chambers
100 Civic Center Drive
Newport Beach , California 92660
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 10
CITY COUNCIL MEETING
4 p.m.
City Council Chambers
100 Civic Center Drive
Newport Beach , California 92660
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 11
HOLIDAY CLOSURE - VETERANS DAY
LIBRARY CLOSED
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 12
FINANCE COMMITTEE
3 p.m.
Civic Center Community Room
100 Civic Center Drive
Newport Beach , California 92660
CITY ARTS COMMISSION MEETING
5 p.m.
City Council Chambers
100 Civic Center Drive
Newport Beach , California 92660
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 13
CIVIL SERVICE BOARD SPECIAL MEETING
1 p.m.
City Council Chambers
100 Civic Center Drive
Newport Beach , California 92660
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 14
CREATIVE PAGES: KELLY YANG
3 p.m.
Witte Lecture Hall
998 Avocado Avenue
Newport Beach, California 92660
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