By Grace Leung, Newport Beach City Manager
One of the City’s top priorities is to keep our beautiful public parks well maintained and, when possible, add improvements to maximize use and reduce environmental impacts. One such improvement was completed this week at Arroyo Park, 1141 Bayswater Dr., near MacArthur Boulevard and Bison Avenue.
The $2.7 million project installed new synthetic turf for the soccer field and softball diamond and upgraded the lighting system to energy-efficient LED lights.
The project will help accommodate high demand for the use of Arroyo Park by local sports groups. The switch from natural to artificial turf will allow for a 30 percent increase in field use by eliminating downtime for wet conditions and grass maintenance. The new field will reduce water use and maintenance costs by about $60,000 a year and save about one million gallons of water every year. The new lights will cut electricity costs by about 50 percent.
Please join me in thanking the members of the City Council (pictured on the new field below), the Parks, Beaches and Recreation Commission, Public Works Department, Recreation and Senior Services Department, and contractor Byrom-Davey Inc., which completed the project ahead of schedule.
City Staff Trains for Earthquake Preparedness, Disaster Readiness
On Tuesday, April 23, City staff held a training exercise to prepare for an earthquake.
The drill simulated a 6.2 magnitude earthquake on the Newport-Inglewood Earthquake Fault Zone, which would have catastrophic impacts to much of Southern California. The last major earthquake on the Newport-Inglewood Fault was a 6.25 magnitude quake on March 10, 1933, which killed 120 people.
During the drill, the City’s Police, Fire, Community Development, Public Works and Library departments simulated an activation of emergency response plans, discussed how to prioritize emergency calls, staffing, inter-departmental coordination and other issues.
Being prepared for earthquakes or any other disasters is a top priority for the City of Newport Beach. The drill was held in April as part of National Earthquake Preparedness Month.
To learn more about the City’s disaster preparedness programs, please visit our website: https://www.newportbeachca.gov/how-do-i/find/disaster-preparedness-information/emergency-notification-systems.
New Superior Avenue Bridge On Track for Fall Completion
Construction work on the Superior Avenue Pedestrian and Bicycle Bridge project at Pacific Coast Highway continues to make significant progress toward an expected September completion.
The temporary bridge falsework – wooden framework built to support the concrete pouring phase – was removed in early April. The bridge is now free standing and nearly complete, with some interior work, railings and lighting still to be installed. Temporary lane closures on Superior Avenue will still be needed for the next few months for construction of a small retaining wall and the installation of electrical and landscape improvements.
A large retaining wall on the north side of the proposed parking lot is also nearly complete. With this wall in place, the contractor will fill in dirt behind the walls and complete the rough grading. A significant part of the storm drain system was also completed earlier this month, which was a challenging task due to unexpected groundwater encountered at the site.
When completed, the project will expand access to Sunset Ridge Park and improve safety for pedestrians and bicyclists.
Maintenance Work Completed at Balboa Pier
The City’s Public Works Department has completed maintenance work at the Balboa Pier.
During heavy surf in 2023, a pier support pile became disconnected. In addition, several cross braces were damaged because of the waves and deterioration through exposure to the marine environment.
The maintenance work consisted of driving a new 70-foot pier pile, replacing six damaged cross braces and associated hardware.
Commission Approves Housing Element Implementation Program Amendments
The City’s Planning Commission reviewed and approved General Plan Housing Element Implementation Program Amendments at an April 18 public hearing. The John Wayne Airport Land Use Commission will conduct a review in May, followed by a City Council public hearing this summer.
Updates to the General Plan Land Use Element will also require a vote of the electorate under the City Charter. The item is expected to be on the November ballot to comply with a State of California deadline.
By February 2025, under state law, the City must update its land use regulations to provide opportunities for the land identified in the Housing Element to be developed with housing units. These include critical updates to the City’s Land Use Element, Zoning Code and Local Coastal Program.
Any questions or comments can be submitted to [email protected]. The City appreciates the community’s continued participation.
City Invites Residents to Serve on Commissions, Committees
Looking for a way to serve your community?
The City of Newport Beach is seeking residents to fill vacancies on the following commissions and committees. Meetings are held at the Newport Beach Civic Center, 100 Civic Center Drive, unless otherwise specified.
Board of Library Trustees: One seat is open for a 4-year term expiring June 30, 2028. Meetings are at 5 p.m. on the third Monday of each month, at the Central Library, 1000 Avocado Ave.
Building and Fire Board of Appeals: Two seats are open for 4-year terms expiring June 30, 2028. Meetings are as needed on Tuesday or Wednesday afternoons.
City Arts Commission: Two seats are open for 4-year terms expiring June 30, 2028. Meetings are at 5 p.m. on the second Thursdays of each month at the Central Library, 1000 Avocado Ave.
Civil Service Board:. Two Fire and Police department nominee seats are open for 4-year terms expiring June 30, 2028. Meetings are at 5 p.m. on the first Mondays of each month.
Harbor Commission: One seat is open for a 4-year term expiring June 30, 2028. Meetings are at 5 p.m. on the second Wednesdays of each month.
Parks, Beaches & Recreation Commission: One seat is open for a 4-year term expiring June 30, 2028. Meetings are at 5 p.m. on the first Tuesdays of each month.
Planning Commission: Two seats are open for 4-year terms expiring June 30, 2028. Meetings are at 6 p.m. on the Thursdays preceding the second and fourth Tuesdays of each month.
All applicants must be residents who do not hold paid office or employment in City government. Applications and more information can be found at http://www.newportbeachca.gov/vacancy or picked up from the City Clerk’s Office at 100 Civic Center Drive, Bay E, 2nd Floor.
The application deadline is noon on Wednesday, May 8 or until the vacancies are filled.
Free Paper Shredding, E-Waste Disposal, Compost Giveaway on May 4
The City and CR&R will host a free paper shredding, e-waste disposal and compost giveaway event on Saturday, May 4, from 8 a.m. to noon at the Corporation Yard, 592 Superior Ave. The entrance will be from Superior Avenue via a right turn.
The event is for Newport Beach residents. Please bring ID as residency will be verified.
The event includes free on-site paper shredding, electronic waste disposal and four free 30-pound bags of compost (while supplies last).
Please note that the following will NOT be accepted: household hazardous waste such as paint and cleaning products; universal waste including batteries, light bulbs, and thermostats; sharps; marine flares; and microwaves.
For additional information please contact CR&R’s Sustainability Team at (949) 667-
Be Well Mobile Crisis Response Update
The Be Well mobile crisis response team operates in Newport Beach 12 hours a day, seven days a week to respond to mental and behavioral health crises. The mobile unit is staffed with mental health specialists and works closely with the City’s police and fire departments.
This week, the Be Well team:
- Transported a person to the Costa Mesa Bridge Shelter.
- Transported a person to a substance use disorder facility.
- Transported a person to the Be Well sobering station.
- Transported a person to a homeless services provider.
The mobile crisis team is dispatched through the Newport Beach Police Department. To request service, dial 911 or call the Police Department’s non-emergency line at (949) 644-3717.
City Seeks Resident Input on General Plan Update
The City’s General Plan is being updated to reflect the community’s current needs and future aspirations. The General Plan contains goals that establish values and direction, policies that guide decision making, and programs that carry out the actions needed to achieve these goals. The last comprehensive update of Newport Beach’s General Plan was in 2006.
A core part of updating the General Plan is engaging with residents and other stakeholders to capture and articulate a shared vision for the city for the next 20 years.
You are encouraged to visit the project’s website at www.newportbeachca.gov/gpupdate to learn more.
