July 2024 - CdMRA

July 4, 2024August 1, 2024

In and Around CdM

News … In and Around CdM …

Flower Power – Floral Magic in CdM’s Flower Streets!

CdMRA’s “Flower Power” Project brings a touch of floral magic to the charming streets of Corona del Mar!
The Corona del Mar Residents Association is blooming with excitement as they team up with Roger’s Gardens, Sherman Gardens, and Greet Corona del Mar magazine for a FUN project that will bring beauty to the CdM Village.

Aptly named the “Flower Power” project, this initiative invites residents to plant their street’s namesake flowers, turning the community into a captivating tapestry of colors and scents.

Roger’s Gardens is offering 30% off the plant of your named street, including businesses adjacent to these streets along PCH. Valid through December 31, 2024. Proof of Corona del Mar address must be shown at check-out.

For more details and Featured Streets Calendar and Winners, click here.

CdMRA’ s Billings’ Corner

CdMRA Board Member (CdMSW) Janice Billings is one very busy volunteer. In addition to representing CdM residents in the Southwest quadrant of the Flower Streets on CdMRA’s Board, Janice is a volunteer on CdMRA’s Historical Resources Committee, AND also manages to find time to investigate local human interest stories and write about them.

Janice’s most recent story is about the City’s award-winning Harbor Department.
This story and her previous reports about Girl Scouts, Sherman Library Director and Newport’s Project Adult Literacy are all available here.

2024 Update: Ocean Blvd. Bluff Walk Improvement Project
Background and July 2024 Presentation

The Ocean Blvd. Bluff Walk is a unique resource for the City that is shared by those who live on Ocean Boulevard, nearby village residents as well as many visitors. It is a place to walk, reflect, exercise and enjoy the wonderful ocean, harbor and sunset views, but it can be so much more.

The “public realm” along Ocean Blvd. is in need of upgrading. CdMRA’s Beautification Committee started studying this bluff walk back in November 2020. At the June 8, 2021, City Council meeting, Council unanimously approved the concept and directed the Parks Beaches and Recreation Commission (PB&R) to agendize an Ocean Boulevard Bluff Walk presentation from the resident’s community group proposing to enhance the walkways and viewpoints with an emphasis on the pedestrian experience. PB&R was also directed to forward a recommendation to City Council for consideration of an action plan.

The City held several community walks and is planning several public outreach workshops to review the project and obtain the public’s comments and feedback. The City also posted its online survey which allowed residents to comment on this proposed project.

Below is a link to the City’s update which followed the first public workshop. CdMRA encourages its members to review the presentation and attend the August workshop for additional public comment.

Presentation here: Ocean Blvd & other CdM capital improvement projects (CIPs).

CdMRA’s Historical Resources Committee Update
Ron Yeo, Committee Chair

We are continuing to work with the Sherman Library and the CdM Historical Society to build awareness and understanding of our local history.

A few of our current projects include:

1. 1. 1. Working on developing several photo videos on historical sites that can be accessed with your smartphone with an app such as the existing MyNB app that explains the Civic Center Sculpture Garden Art.
    2. Working with the County Historical Commission on gaining historical recognition for local sites such as Five Crowns, Kerckhoff Lab, the DelMar Hotel and the China House.
    3. Coordinating with Ed Olen on oral history recordings.

The OC Historic Commission is noted for saying “You can’t protect what you don’t know you have.” As an example, the first house was built in Corona del Mar in 1909, known as the Happy House. It was located at 2920 Ocean Blvd. and torn down in 2004. Following that Tom Heffernan, who lives in a 1930’s cottage in the Flower Streets, founded the CDM Historical Society.

Recently, 100 homes homes in Corona del Mar were chosen for historic value, and an article was published in the Preserve Orange County blog about our efforts. [Article here]

You’ll also want to check out Sherman Library’s digital photo album of Corona del Mar cottages. The album is quite extensive and available here.

We are also working on a YouTube video which highlights a few of these homes. You can view our work-in-progress below.

One-Way Streets in CdM or “No Way!”? What are your thoughts?

CdMRA has been addressing this issue in one form or another since CdMRA was formed in 1987. But until recently, there never seemed to be an overwhelming interest in developing a formal study and plan of how one-way streets might work in CdM.

CdMRA is once again seeking your feedback and interest in a One-Way Street Concept Design for CdM’s Flower Streets. We encourage you to share your thoughts with us. Please do so here.

CdM Undergrounding Projects . . .

At this time, there are two designated CdM Undergrounding Projects: Assessment District 117 and Assessment District 119. Here are a few links to information that you will find helpful:

- - - Assessment District Map
    - Assessment District Updates

A Walk Around CdM Village Slideshow . . .

Ron Yeo, a CdMRA member and Chair of both CdMRA’s Reforestation Committee and Historical Committee, is an architect by trade and has an additional interest in landscape. Some of his local architectural works include Muth Center, Back Bay Science Center and numerous park structures. Ron has spearheaded many efforts over the years that create microenvironments in our community, like pocket parks and vista points, which we can all enjoy. Take a virtual tour of CdM Village from Ron’s POV.

Your Street Trees . . .

A message from CdMRA’s Reforestation Chair Ron Yeo: To insure that your street tree will be properly maintained and remain healthy, the following care should be provided by the property owner:

- - - Depending on weather conditions, the tree should be deep-soaked weekly throughout the year.
    - The tree should be fertilized at least twice a year with a well-balanced plant food. Fall and winter fertilizations are best.
    - Avoid use of weed killers, soil sterilizers or other poisonous substances near the tree.
    - Do not plant ivy or other shrubbery in the tree basin. This material will compete for vital resources (water and nutrients).
    - Be careful not to bruise the trunk with lawn mower or other garden implements. A plastic tree trunk guard can reduce this problem.
    - Please do not trim the tree. The City will trim the tree on a regular, two-year cycle.
    - The City will also treat street trees for insect or diseases.

Thank you for your help in maintaining our Village Character. If you have any questions about your tree, please contact the City Arborist, John Nelson for more information.

May 2023: CdM Clock Tower Restoration Project

After 18 years of wear and tear, the clock tower in Corona del Mar (CdM) commemorating CdM’s Centennial Anniversary was ready for some paint restoration work. Located on the busy corner of Marguerite and Coast Highway, a three-story scaffolding enclosure was constructed around the tower to protect the area from paint overspray and give the crew a controlled working environment. This project will be completed next week, just in time for summer events. [Source Council Member Lauren Kleiman, District 6]

Corona del Mar’s Jetty
The CdM jetty got a much-needed makeover in 2021. The 12-foot-wide boardwalk running from Pirate’s Cove to the rock section of the jetty is getting a new coat of cement, and more boulders are being added
so they’ll be at the same level as the boardwalk. A podcast about this project is available here.

NEWS SOURCE: NEWPORT BEACH IN THE REARVIEW MIRROR

Buck Gully History . . .

If you are interested in a little history lesson about the deterioration and restoration of our Buck Gully, please read Amy Senk’s StuNews article. It is quite an informative piece and has several great photos as well. Besides, it’s always great to read Amy’s articles. We all miss her daily reporting of all things Corona del Mar!

July 4, 2024August 1, 2024

In and Around NB

BEEP! BEEP! This Week’s Traffic Advisories

Current Week’s Map and List of All Planned Traffic Impacts available here.

The Traffic Advisory Map and List is updated every week and displays planned or expected traffic impacts from various Capital Improvement Projects. Work being done by other agencies (such as the County or a Utility company) as well as commercial and residential projects that may temporarily impede traffic are also included when the City is notified.

If you have questions about a specific traffic advisory or a construction project, please contact the name and number listed on the advisory. For general inquiries or to reach the City’s Public Works Department main line, please call 949-644-3311.

NOTE:
For unplanned traffic impacts, such as unexpected delays, emergency work, major accidents or traffic signal malfunctions, use one of the following options to receive timely updates:

- - Facebook cityofnewportbeach
  - Twitter @newportbeachgov
  - Nixle: receive messages from the Police Department. Text your zip code to 888777
  - Email alerts when you register your email

Our thanks to Public Works Transportation Division for providing this service.

Solar Systems Online Applications

The City of Newport Beach has launched its new online application process for Solar Systems installations.

Effective August 1, 2024, all NEW solar plan reviews must be submitted online. NEW In-person plan reviews will no
longer be accepted. For assistance with submitting the plans online, please see the concierge or a technician.

For more information visit the City’s webpage devoted to Solar systems.

Pitch In!

The City of Newport Beach has launched its new Summer-long anti-litter campaign that will run from Memorial Day through Labor Day.

The theme of the campaign is “Make a Splash, Pick up Trash: Keep Newport Beach Beautiful.” Over the course of the summer, residents and visitors will see the colorful campaign signs at the entrances to beaches, around public parks and City facilities in beach areas, and displayed by participating private businesses. Thanks for doing your part to keep our beaches and parks litter free.

General Plan Update News

Newport Beach voters last approved our General Plan in 2006, and will be asked to vote on the updated General Plan when completed. This is why it is important for community members to stay informed and engaged in this process … to have a voice in developing the goals and policies that will shape the neighborhoods where we live, work and recreate.

A general plan is the framework for decision-making regarding the management and growth of a city. It is an aspirational blueprint of a city that includes goals and policies to guide a city to achieve the community’s future vision. State law mandates that every California City and county adopt “a comprehensive, long-term general plan.” The Newport Beach General Plan includes the seven (7) state-mandated elements — Land Use, Circulation, Housing, Natural Resources, Open Space, Noise, and Safety — as well as a Harbor and Bay, Historical Resources, Recreation, and Arts and Cultural element.

The City has two groups that are working on the General Plan update, and they regularly hold public meetings to discuss the update process and proposed changes to policies and goals.

General Plan Steering Committee is tasked first and foremost to ensure public outreach and input. Learn more about the Steering Committee here.

General Plan Advisory Committee is a group of citizens from every geographic area in Newport Beach who work closely with the Steering Committee to develop updated policies and goals. This broad committee is broken up into subcommittees, one for each of the state-mandated elements. Learn more about the Advisory Committee here.

Committee Dates: Available on CdMRA’s Events page
CdMRA publishes the Steering Committee and Advisory Committee/Subcommittees meeting dates its Events page. Dates change regularly so check it often if you have an interest in sharing your thoughts and providing input on any of the following General Plan Elements:

- - Vision Statement: How we see our city now and in the future
  - Land Use: Where everything goes: open space, R1, R2, commercial, etc. (the pattern of development)
  - Arts and Culture/Historical Resources: Recognize and maintain historical resources; how to ensure active and cohesive art/cultural activities
  - Noise: Identify different noise levels for different areas of the city
  - Recreation: Programs and facilities, analysis of balance of public space and recreational space throughout the city
  - Natural Resources: Conservation and preservation of terrestrial and marine resources, open space, air and water quality
  - Safety: Planning, managing various natural hazards (earthquakes, wildfire, sea level rise)
  - Harbor/Bay: Public access, water quality, boating and other recreational activities

NOTE: The Housing Element and Circulation Element do not have subcommittees because one is certified and the other was approved by City Council.

NEW REAL-TIME WATER TRACKING WEB PAGE

The City of Newport Beach offers an online tool called AquaTrax to monitor water use. Once logged in, residents can view and track their average daily use, as well spikes in water use that may signal a potential leak.

Water customers can monitor their water use online with the same username and password used to pay water bills. Customers who do not use online bill pay can still access the water use data by registering at www.nbca.gov/wateruse with a water account number.

CR&R Now Billing for Additional Trash, Recycling Carts

Do you have extra trash carts that you now longer need? Now’s a good time to address that.

Beginning the week of July 11, CR&R, the City’s waste contractor, started billing Newport Beach residents for additional trash and recycling carts above those allocated under the current recycling program (sample billing notice can be viewed here).

And here is a sample of the CR&R billing statement.

Residents can review and select their household’s combination of free refuse and recycling carts through CR&R’s website or by contacting CR&R Customer Service.

Visit the City’s webpage which addresses extra trash cart costs, how to check your billing status, and how to contact CR&R if you wish to make changes or have questions. Click here.

NBFD’s Wildland Fire Engine

The Newport Beach Fire Department introduced its newest fire engine with improved off-road capabilities designed to battle wildland fires.

The wildland fire engine will be primarily utilized for the protection of the Newport Coast area and deployed to assist neighboring agencies as needed … read more here.

Local News Sources

We’d like to give a shout out to just a few of our local news sources. Take a look when you want a fresh, comprehensive look at Newport Beach news.

Tom Johnson’s StuNews Newport publishes this online twice weekly blog on Tuesdays and Fridays. StuNewsNewport.com

Chris Trela’s Newport Beach Independent publishes a weekly blog and print edition which focused on Newport Beach news. NewportBeachIndy.com

The LA Times publishes local news for Newport Beach and surrounding communities in its Daily Pilot edition delivered with your LA Times newspaper or available online at LATimes.com

Riley Hayes and Alex Crawford’s Good Morning Newport provides interesting video journalism on local government topics.
Instagram @goodmorningnewport

Bill Lobdell takes back in time with stories about Newport Beach headlines and events using Instagram for images and podcasts for narrative.
Instagram @newport-in-the-rearviewmirrorand Podcasts at Newportbeach-Podcast.com

Month: July 2024