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Month: August 2026

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In and Around NB

 
City Elections – 2026 

City Council Districts 1, 3, 4, and 6 plus Ballot Measures

 

 

 Ballot Measures Information – City Council to Discuss 2026 vs. 2028 Ballot Timing on August 25

One of the missions of CdMRA is voter education, which includes our Election Forum on the evening of September 23 at OASIS. Details are available here.

The August 25 City Council Agenda was revised on Friday, August 21, to accommodate a discussion on three additional citizen initiatives that qualified for the ballot. We believe this August 25 discussion will provide important information for voters, and we encourage you to attend.

As a refresher, here is the title and summary of the four citizen initiatives that were qualified by the OC Registrar of Voters to appear on the ballot:

      1. The Responsible Housing Initiative, previously certified by the OC Registrar of Voters, will remain on the November 3, 2026, ballot. The purpose of this citizen-driven initiative seeks to amend the City’s General Plan to allow for residential housing in a manner that fully satisfies, but does not unduly exceed, the requirements of California’s housing laws. The existing General Plan housing allotment is considerably higher than the number proposed by this initiative.
      2. The Sunshine and Governmental Transparency Initiative: Seeks to provide more transparency and accountability to City leadership and governance through Charter Amendments
      3. Initiative to Establish Strict Term Limits for City Council Members: Seeks to improve leadership and governance by eliminating a current loophole that allows City Council Members to serve an unlimited number of terms so long as they are not consecutive
      4. Home District Voting Initiative: Seeks to enhance leadership and governance by ensuring council members are directly accountable to residents living within their districts. This requires a Charter amendment to change:
          1. From “at large” voting (every voter in Newport Beach may vote for one council candidate for every district on the ballot regardless of which district the voter lives in)
          2. To “district” voting (every voter in Newport Beach may vote for one council candidate only in the district that the voter lives in)

On Tuesday August 25, the Newport Beach City Council will consider several actions on for Initiatives 2, 3, 4 above, including:

      1. Determine this action is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA)
      2. Accept the certifications of the Orange County Registrar of Voters for the three citizen initiatives
      3. Make a motion to determine whether these three initiatives are placed on either the November 3, 2026, ballot or on the November 7, 2028, ballot

City Council Meeting
August 25, 2026 starting 4:00 p.m.
City Council Chambers
100 Civic Center Drive
Newport Beach 92660

Click here for the City Agenda (see specifically the last item on the agenda (V. Current Business Item 20 toward the bottom of the agenda, along with the attachments for Item 20).  

While we believe it is important for citizens to attend City Council Meetings, there are times when that is not possible. In that case, written comments to city council are accepted no later than 5:00 p.m. Monday, August 24. 

To email City Council, click here

Qualified City Council Candidates for 2026

Newport Beach city elections are “at large” so all who are registered to vote in Newport Beach may vote for one candidate in each of the four districts on the ballot.

This year, voters will select one candidate in each of the following districts:  

District 1: Incumbent Joe Stapleton and Challenger Tina Babajanians
District 3: Incumbent Erik Weigand and Challengers Walter Stahr and Tim Stoaks
District 4: Incumbent Robyn Grant (unopposed)
District 6: Incumbent Lauren Kleiman and Challenger Andy Gerken

Candidate Profiles are available on the city’s website (click here). You may also find the City’s City Council District Map helpful (click here).

 

City Code Construction Noise Regulations 

Here’s an important reminder about the City of Newport Beach Municipal Code 10.28.040 – Construction Activity/Noise Regulations: describes the regulations on construction activity and noise allowed in the City.

Below is a summary of the Municipal Code. For additional information and details, click here.

During construction activities, surface runoff must be filtered or retained in basins to prevent material from entering into any catch basin or storm drain.  Contractors, and homeowners, shall comply with the Construction Runoff Guidance Manual.

Allowed Construction Hours

      • Weekdays: Construction allowed 7:00 a.m. – 6:30 p.m.
      • Saturdays: Construction allowed 8:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. with exception of projects located in CdM Village (see map here)
      • Saturdays in CdM Village: No construction activity allowed (see map here)
      • Sundays and Federal Holidays: No construction activity allowed

Exceptions

      • Emergency building construction authorized by the Building Director; emergency repair to City facilities; or maintenance, construction or repair authorized by the City Manager or Department Director.
      • Public Works Capital Improvement Projects hours of operation vary according to work locations. Normal operations fall between 7:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

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:

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

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In and Around CdM


News … In and Around CdM  …

CdM Commercial Corridor Reimagining Project

The City launched a comprehensive land use and mobility study in the Summer of 2024 to find ways to enhance and improve the CdM commercial corridor. The study will provide zoning, parking, and infrastructure recommendations to help create a successful, vibrant, lively, walkable and connected “main street” destination.

The City’s Community Development Staff spoke at CdMRA’s April 2026 to provide an update on the project. Concerned residents asked for more opportunities to provide feedback and insights on this project. We recently followed up with Community Development to provide a current update on the project and future outreach opportunities. View the City’s presentation here.


August 2026 Update

    • Planning Commission Study Session will be scheduled in the fall to discuss the residential component among other aspects of this project. 
    • Staff will draft code after Study session. 
    • Planning Commission Public Hearing will be scheduled when draft code is ready for review.

In the meantime, we encourage you to visit these City project links, and reach out to staff if questions and concerns. 

      • City’s dedicated webpage about the CdM Commercial Corridor Project: Click here
      • City’s Corridor Atlas which covers key findings, outreach and engagements, goals, strategies and actions: Click here. 

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

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

Update: We are pleased to announce that we have compiled a video collection and launched a new smartphone app which makes finding the gems of Corona del Mar easy and fun.

 
 A few of our current projects include:

        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.


Another slideshow that you might want to view is my “Walk Around CdM Village“. 

Editor’s Note: Ron Yeo 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. 

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:

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 for more information. 

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.

 

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!

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 Mary Everett Burton’s “Happy House” booklet reprint chronicling her Pasadena family and mother’s bold move to build a home here in 1909.  

This story and Jan’s previous reports are all available here.

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

 CdMRA’s “Flower Power” Project brought a touch of floral magic to the charming streets of Corona del Mar in 2024! Program Partners CdMRA, Roger’s Gardens, Sherman Gardens, and Greet Corona del Mar magazine collaborated on this fun project that brought added beauty and charm to the CdM Village. 

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

For more details and the “Who Did It Best 2024” Gallery, click here. 

Our thanks to all the Corona del Mar residents who participated in this fun event which beautified our Flower Streets even more!