Tragedy strikes Ben Did Go 11.0 prone paddle at mile 11 after leaving Catalina Island
The Ben Carlson Paddle is designed to be a celebratory fundraiser for the Ben Carlson Foundation, honoring Ben’s life that came to a tragic end in early July 2014 at the end of a long holiday weekend.
Suffice it to say, when I say the Paddle is celebratory, please understand that it’s grueling: 32 miles prone paddling between Catalina and Newport Beach. The camaraderie is what keeps you going.
Ben Did Go 11.0 left Catalina in the early morning hours of Saturday, Sept. 19 for its 11th year.
Unfortunately, disaster struck later at mile 11 when a serious medical incident occurred to one of the paddlers. Despite an incredible response attempt from the foundation’s safety team and supporting agencies, Brian Olson, 37, of Newport Beach, never regained consciousness.
Click on photo for a larger image
Courtesy of the Ben Carlson Foundation
Remembering Brian Olson
Olson was born in Pasadena, attended Loyola High School and graduated from USC with a degree in international relations. He later moved to Newport Beach, where he met his wife, Marika Fedalen. The couple had been married for 10 years and had two children.
Friends and family described Olson as an “ocean obsessed adventurer who surfed, swam and had recently become passionate about prone paddleboarding.”
According to Ben Carlson’s father, Chris, the foundation is “still working with Brian’s family to determine how (they) can best support them.”
“Our family, our foundation team and the 91 paddlers that trained and paddled alongside Brian are so saddened by what was otherwise a beautiful morning in the Catalina Channel.”
Olson’s funeral is scheduled for 11 a.m. on Friday, Oct. 9 at Our Lady Queen of Angels Catholic Church in Newport Beach. A reception follows from 12-2 p.m.
• • •
The California Supreme Court dealt the city of Newport Beach another setback on Wednesday (Sept. 30) in its effort to stop the court-ordered November 3 special election.
The city had asked the state’s highest court to review the case and stay lower-court orders requiring three citizen-sponsored charter initiatives from going before Newport Beach voters next month.
The dispute stems from Orange County Superior Court Judge Julianne Bancroft’s ruling that the City Council abused its discretion when they attempted to schedule the three initiatives for November 2028 rather than 2026.
The measures deal with City Council term limits, district-only City Council voting and government transparency for all public meetings.
An appellate court also previously rejected the city’s attempts.
Although the Supreme Court’s decision would seemingly give the impression that the decision removes any roadblocks from the election taking place, that’s not necessarily the case.
Time, or a lack thereof, and several issues remain as perhaps overwhelming challenges for the city. Those include access to the required ink for ballot printing and the signatures required for ballot approval. But remain inaccessible.
Expect the city to now present those challenges back to Judge Bancroft’s court while explaining the impossibilities of conducting such an election in this timeframe.
The judge could, it seems, then move the election to June 2028, or decide to hold the city in contempt.
• • •
You want to run for office? You’d better be able to raise some money! These days it can take more than you think to organize a worthy campaign.
With that said, here’s where the candidates were at with the most recent filings at the end of September.
First up, District 1. The incumbent Joe Stapleton has been so effective in his fundraising that he’s eclipsed any levels ever before attained in local council politics.
Joe has amassed more than $380,000 in contributions, and has more than $190,441 in cash on hand. Stapleton got comfortable and only raised $9,600 in the most recent period, as part of his $77,226 YTD total figure.
His opposition, Tina Babajanians, did not raise any funds.
In District 3, challenger Walter Stahr has raised $101,228 during the most recent period, bringing his YTD totals to $215,230. He currently has $156,082 in cash on hand.
His opposition challenger, Tim Stoaks, has only raised $4,700 overall, including a personal loan of $2,000, with just three individual contributors of $2,600.
Incumbent Erik Weigand reported $25,050 this last period in contributions, bringing his YTD to $78,189, with $63,811 in cash on hand. His contributions include transferred campaign funds of $8,000 from his wife’s 2024 Newport-Mesa Unified School Board campaign and his own prior water board campaign.
In District 4, Robyn Grant is running unopposed. Still, she raised $28,905 this most recent period, bringing her YTD to $67,811 and sits with a $159,549 of cash on hand.
Finally, in District 6, Mayor Lauren Kleiman raised $3,974 this last period, bringing her total to $102,188 YTD, and has $156,893 in the bank. She also shows a $2,800 personal loan.
Her challenger, Dr. Andy Gerken, has raised $58,768 this most recent period, bringing his YTD total to $131,810, which includes a personal loan of $22,000. His cash on hand is $44,952.
• • •
The Hoag Newport Beach 4–Man (and Woman), presented by Eagle Four Partners, returns to the iconic Newport Pier zone for another year of elite beach competition, October 17 and 18.
Eagle Four once again joins forces with Steve “OB” Obradovich to host men’s and women’s divisions featuring an extended field of top U.S. athletes over two days, vying for a purse of $200,000.
Here are just some of the world-class names you’ll enjoy seeing compete:
–Phil Dalhausser, a 2008 Olympic gold medalist, AVP legend with 60+ tour victories.
–Chase Budinger, 2024 Paris Olympian and former NBA player.
–Miles Evans, Budinger’s partner at the 2024 Paris Olympics.
–Taylor Crabb, a 16-time AVP champion and one of the sport’s most popular and entertaining players.
–Trevor Crabb, Taylor’s brother and longtime AVP standout.
–Andy Benesh, 2024 Paris Olympian who is now teamed with Taylor Crabb.
–Kelly Cheng, a two-time Olympian who finished fifth at the Paris Games.
–Kristen Cruz, a Paris Olympian who subsequently reached the world No. 1 ranking and won consecutive Manhattan Beach Opens.
–Taryn Brasher, Cruz’s partner and part of the women’s No. 1-ranked pairing.
New to this year’s event is what’s being called a “Qualification Tournament” on Saturday, where four teams drafted by gender will battle to secure the final spot in the Main Draw.
There are lots of ways to enjoy the weekend. Get tickets at www.nbvolleyball.com/tickets.
• • •
Experience Drew Baldridge live and in concert on the Sunset Lawn of the VEA Newport Beach, enjoying food, drinks, coastal views and an unforgettable afternoon on Sunday, Oct. 18 at 4:30 p.m.
Baldridge will bring his acclaimed country sound featuring authentic, modern country music rooted in farm, faith and family. His breakout single, She’s Somebody’s Daughter, became the first independently released debut single to hit No. 1 on the Country Aircheck/Mediabase chart.
The afternoon will kick off with an opening performance from rising country singersongwriter Alyssa Flaherty, whose soulful vocals and heartfelt songs will set the tone for a memorable day.
• • •
The Orange County Supervisors unanimously voted to appoint Newport Beach resident Vincent Howard to the OC Assessment Appeals Board No. 3.
No. 3 (AAB) serves as the county’s Local Board of Equalization, which offers property owners the right to challenge the assessed value of their property as set by the County Assessor.
According to Vice Chair and Fifth District Supervisor Katrina Foley, “Vincent Howard brings extensive legal experience, military service and a strong commitment to our community.”
• • •
It’s time to “batten down the hatches” so to speak in Newport Beach. The Pacific Airshow returns to Huntington Beach, today through Sunday (Oct. 2-4). With it comes military demonstrations, aerobatics and beachside entertainment…oh, and lots of noise.
By attendance alone, this is the largest air show in the U.S.
• • •
The Balboa Island Improvement Association will host a candidates’ forum this Saturday, Oct. 3, 9 a.m., at the Fire Station on the Island. It is open to the public.
Sizable orca pod gives whale watching boats excitement off of Newport’s coast
Video by Patrick Coyne
Video by Patrick Coyne
Just having some fun
A rare Eastern Tropical Pacific killer whale pod of 10-13, including multiple calves, was seen earlier this week in the waters off our Newport coast. Boats from Davey’s Locker, Newport Landing and Newport Coastal Adventure were in the area to enjoy the incredible encounter.
The Coastal Corridor Alliance (CCA) unveils progress for Randall Preserve
The Coastal Corridor Alliance (CCA) unveiled progress on plans for the Frank and Joan Randall Preserve in Newport Beach, one of Orange County’s most significant coastal preservation areas, at a recent event hosted by the Orange County Community Foundation (OCCF) that drew community leaders, environmental advocates and philanthropists.
The remarkable 387.6-acre parcel of coastal mesa and adjacent coastal lowlands and wetlands is home to rare coastal habitats and diverse wildlife.
In August, the Mountains Recreation and Conservation Authority (MRCA) approved the Property Management Plan for the preserve.
Click on photo for larger image
Photos courtesy of Orange County Community Foundation
OCCF’s funding of $190,000 over five years supported community engagement and planning efforts for future uses of the Randall Preserve, including protection, restoration and mapping of native habitat, as well as endangered species monitoring
The Coastal Conservancy Alliance (CCA) Board of Directors recently approved plans for $2.4 million in fundraising campaigns for the following Frank and Joan Randall Preserve projects:
–A unified visitor experience.
–Habitat restoration planning.
–A vision plan for long-term protection, preservation and stewardship.
–Interpretive center for the public.
–A native plant nursery for habitat restoration.
“Many additional plans and studies are needed to prepare the preserve for public access,” said Melanie Schlotterbeck, stewardship consultant for the CCA. “Public access will be unveiled in phases. As every trail opens, there will be before-and-after surveys to determine impact.”
Schlotterbeck said the next round of studies and planning will be more specific and will include habitat and species studies (birds, plants, vernal pools, wetlands, restoration, etc.) and a study on a unified visitor experience. Plans include an interpretive center where the public can learn about the preserve before they go on the trails.
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Plans for the Randall Preserve include a unified visitor experience, habitat restoration, long-term protection, preservation and stewardship, an interpretive center for the public, a native plant nursery for habitat restoration and more
Milestones at the Randall Preserve since last year include kicking off the Wetland Restoration Feasibility Study, which looks at both short- and medium-term tidal restoration; delineating 5.2 miles of trails and receiving funding for vernal pool studies.
Formerly known as Banning Ranch, the parcel at the borders of Newport Beach, Huntington Beach and Costa Mesa was preserved through the collaborative efforts of OCCF, the Trust for Public Land and the Banning Ranch Conservancy. OCCF’s funding of $190,000 over five years supported community engagement and planning efforts for future uses of the Randall Preserve, including protection, restoration and mapping of native habitat, as well as endangered species monitoring. Other current Randall Preserve nonprofit funders include National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, and the Wildlife Conservation Board.
“We are proud to continue supporting efforts that help protect and restore our Orange County coastline and unique ecosystems,” said Shelley Hoss, CEO of the Orange County Community Foundation. “Now more than ever, it is important for all of us to come together and ensure that our natural resources can be enjoyed for generations to come.”
The Tennis & Pickleball Club at Newport Beach launches padel
The Tennis & Pickleball Club at Newport Beach (TTC) officially welcomed padel to the club on Saturday, Sept. 26, unveiling a new state-of-the-art padel court and introducing members and the Newport Beach community to one of the fastest-growing racquet sports in the world, which combines elements of tennis and squash.
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Submitted photo
With the addition of padel, TTC Newport Beach now features 31 pickleball courts, 11 tennis courts, one French clay court and one state-of-the-art padel court
The launch brought the community together to experience the new court, learn more about the sport and see firsthand why padel continues to gain momentum alongside tennis and pickleball.
With a large membership roster, TTC has become one of Newport Beach’s leading destinations for racquet sports and an active hub for competition, recreation and community.
“Racquet sports continue to evolve, and we want TTC to be at the forefront of that evolution,” said Sean Bollettieri of TTC Newport Beach. “Padel brings another exciting dimension to the club, and the response from our members and community has already been positive.”
With the addition of padel, TTC Newport Beach now features 31 pickleball courts, 11 tennis courts, one French clay court and one state-of-the-art padel court.
“We replaced one tennis court with one padel court, so we now have 11 tennis courts and 1 padel court,” said Bollettieri. “Pickleball and tennis are our main racquet sports, and padel is here on a trial basis. I am certainly not sold yet that it will work here, but we are giving it a try.”
The Tennis & Pickleball Club at Newport Beach is located at 11 Clubhouse Drive, Newport Beach.
For more information and updates, follow @TTCNewportBeach.
Andersen Elementary: Leadership starts here
Leadership is part of everyday school life at Andersen Elementary. Students have opportunities to build confidence, find their voice and contribute to their school community. Students lead through student council, classroom ambassador roles, and school activities and traditions.
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Photos courtesy of NMUSD
Andersen Elementary teacher interacting with students
Student councilmembers represent their classmates, take on campus responsibilities and help lead Flag Deck each week. For fifth grader Revi Huenefeld, who serves as Sergeant at Arms, leadership starts with how you carry yourself.
“We are demonstrating readiness, respectfulness, being responsible and having integrity to always do the right thing,” Huenefeld said.
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Andersen Elementary students gathered on campus
Leadership takes different forms across campus. On Business Day, students become entrepreneurs, deciding what to sell, how to market it and what to charge. Taste of the States, the Talent Show, and the school play give students additional opportunities to collaborate, communicate and perform.
These experiences connect to NMUSD’s Strategic Plan, which calls on students to question boldly, think critically, communicate powerfully, and lead with empathy and confidence.
“When students are given opportunities to contribute, they discover their strengths, learn that their voice matters, and see how they can make a positive difference,” Principal Tiffany Lewis said.
Former Andersen students Davis Jubitz and Ava Greer recently returned to campus for Flag Deck, helping lead an activity they once participated in as Andersen students.
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Leadership comes full circle, Davis Jubitz (center) with her kindergarten buddy, Charlotte (left) and her own sixth grade mentor, Charlotte (right)
For Jubitz, now a seventh grader at Corona del Mar Middle School and an ASB member, coming back brought her full circle.
As a kindergartner, she was paired with a sixth-grade buddy who spent time with her throughout the year. She still remembers her buddy handing her a stuffed bear she had earned and thinking, “I want to be just like her.”
Years later, Jubitz was elected to student council and became one of those students.
“I knew that I had a lot to learn if I was going to be a good leader,” Jubitz said. “I needed to be the kind of person that younger students could look up to.”
Greer, now a freshman at Corona del Mar High School, returned to find that a tradition she started at Andersen was still going.
As a sixth grader, she created Collecting Kindness, which recognizes staff members nominated by students for their contributions to the school community.
“I can’t believe that my idea has continued and created a ripple effect,” Greer said.
Their experiences show how early opportunities to lead can stay with students as they grow.
“You can be the quiet one and still be a leader,” Jubitz said. “Being a leader isn’t always about being in front; it’s being the person every day who wants to make a difference.”
At Andersen, today’s younger student may one day become the person someone else looks up to.
Guest Column
Tina Babajanians
Candidate
Newport Beach City Council District 1
I’m running for City Council. So why am I emailing San Diego about e–bikes?
Click on photo for larger image
Submitted photo
Tina Babajanians, candidate for Newport Beach City Council District 1
On the Balboa Peninsula, an e-bike can zip past you before you have time to decide whether it was an e-bike at all. Was that a bicycle with a motor? A much faster electric motorcycle? And, more urgently, was the child riding it wearing a helmet?
As I’ve worked on e-bike safety, I keep coming back to a question: If the problem crosses city lines, why would the solution stop at one?
Newport Beach can teach safe riding and enforce the rules it has. But California law does not currently authorize Newport Beach to set its own age limits for Class 1 or Class 2 e-bikes. Marin and San Diego counties obtained state authorization for youth e-bike pilot programs. Orange County should have the chance to consider a pilot suited to our communities, too.
So, I wrote a policy briefing, began contacting Orange County legislators and invited residents to ask their assemblymembers to take up the issue. My proposal has three connected parts: pursue state legislation, reach parents with useful information before they buy a bike and give cities better ways to measure whether their efforts work.
Then I learned about a part of San Diego’s work that deserves more attention: its public health approach. A parent may never attend a city meeting about e-bikes. They may, however, ask their child’s doctor what kind of bike is appropriate for their age. As a speech-language pathologist and a parent, I know how much a timely conversation with a trusted healthcare professional can matter.
On Monday (Sept. 28), I emailed public health leaders in San Diego and Orange counties to ask whether we could explore a similar effort here, including e-bike safety guidance at pediatric well-visits and education for parents. On Tuesday morning (Sept. 29), Dr. Sayone Thihalolipavan, San Diego County’s Public Health Officer, replied that he was connecting with an Orange County health leader to discuss the possibility.
That is one conversation. It is not a new county program, and it is not a bill. But it’s progress: The people with experience doing this work are now talking to people who could help shape it here.
I’m also working to connect the legislative side. San Diego’s pilot offers an example for Orange County assemblymembers to examine, while Marin’s approach raises useful questions about age, throttle-equipped bikes and education-first enforcement. Orange County should study both, listen to families and riders and decide what fits.
None of this requires me to wait for Election Day. I’m a candidate for Newport Beach City Council, and I’m already making calls, writing the emails, doing the research and connecting people across jurisdictions. Imagine what we could accomplish with a council seat and a stronger platform for that work.
We can welcome e-bikes and take their risks seriously. We can keep young people riding while giving parents clearer guidance and making our streets safer for everyone who shares them.
That work belongs to all of us, regardless of whom you vote for. If you want to help, read my Orange County e-bike safety proposal and use the letter there to contact your assemblymember.
Guest Letter
Brad Avery
Keith D. Curry
Marshall “Duffy” Duffield
Thomas C. Edwards
Nancy Gardner
Rush Hill
John Heffernan
Clarence J. Turner
Don Webb
Nine former mayors call for a change on the City Council
Our city is on the wrong track. The current City Council majority has significantly abandoned the shared values and common consensus that have guided Newport Beach for decades. It’s time for a change.
Public Input
The use of “Ad Hoc” committees to decide important matters outside the regular public meeting process without public notice or participation has resulted in decisions that we believe are contrary to the views of many of our residents, such as placing the police station/jail in Civic Center Park. Further, while our City Charter has long recognized the right of residents to vote on important development projects and the General Plan, the council majority has worked to limit this right.
The council has also limited the important role of the Finance Committee as a check on fiscal issues, which we believe places the city at greater fiscal risk.
Development Guidelines
Since the 1970s, there has been a consensus that high-rise, high-density development is not suited for Newport Beach. Ignoring this, the council majority has not only supported high-rise development but has proposed making the city a partner in such development, using valuable city property.
Fiscal Responsibility
Our city is financially strong because city councils over the years have supported economic development while restraining excessive spending. The council majority has increased city spending by more than $139 million over the past four years, a 36% increase. Last year, general fund spending increased at twice the rate of inflation.
Treatment of Others
As former mayors, we have had our disagreements with each other. Over the years, we have confronted issues where there were substantial differences among our residents. Nonetheless, we were able to maintain a spirit of collegiality among the councilmembers and respect for residents with differing points of view. The current council majority has often shown disrespect for fellow councilmembers as well as residents with different viewpoints and has gone so far as to use social media to block or restrict community members who disagree with them.
Social Division
Rather than trying to build a common consensus and lead by listening, the council has resorted to blatant appeals to political partisanship and dependence on public employee union endorsements. That is not the way to lead a city like Newport Beach.
We believe it is time for a reset. That is why we enthusiastically endorse Walter Stahr and Dr. Andy Gerken for City Council.
Walter is a graduate of Stanford and Harvard Law School. He served at the Securities and Exchange Commission, was a successful corporate lawyer and is an accomplished author. His parents John and Elizabeth Stahr were responsible for raising funds for our central library and Walter is a member of the board of the Library Foundation of Newport Beach.
Dr. Andy Gerken is a graduate of Harvard University and UCI Medical School. He attended Corona del Mar High School, as did his daughters. Andy was the chair of Hoag Orthopedic Institute, taught at UCI Medical School and for 20 years was the volunteer team doctor for the Corona del Mar football team. His father, Walter Gerken, was the executive who moved Pacific Life to Newport Beach in 1972. Andy is also a board member of the Library Foundation of Newport Beach.
Walter and Andy will bring the kind of change we need to refocus the city government to be truly responsive to resident needs. We are proud to endorse them.
The former mayors of Newport Beach (listed above) have more than 68 years of collective experience on the City Council.
You Must Remember This: Might Ojai be a model for CdM?
By NANCY GARDNER
We were in Ojai recently, and as we went through the bustling downtown I thought, “This is what they’d like CdM to be.” Yes, once again the Corona del Mar commercial corridor is a focus. Since before I was on council there has been a variety of efforts to somehow remake it. The CdM Business Improvement District did its part, leading the effort to beautify the streetscape with the tree-lined central median, a huge improvement over the stark, uninterrupted pavement of before. The BID’s reward? The then-City Council disbanded it.
That must have put people off because the subject seemed to fade into the background, but it is once again on the city’s radar with a consultant hired and outreach begun. One of the issues addressed in the initial report is parking, a not uncommon theme: If we can just fix the parking….As a result, there have been several parking studies over the years, and they seem to come up with the same solutions. There was one conducted while I was on council, and like today’s study it suggested shared parking. Instead of parking spaces sitting vacant when a particular business is closed, a business with different hours would be able to use them. Nobody had a problem with that, but the proposal to reduce the number of parking spaces required for businesses, particularly restaurants, which is also proposed in the current study? The residents were vociferously negative. Letting business provide fewer spaces might be jolly for businesses but it would result, residents complained, in pushing customer/employee parking even deeper into the residential areas which meant fewer spaces for residents plus unwelcome noise in the later evening. The parking study was quietly filed away.
In addition to improving parking, the current study suggests that another way to improve the corridor is to make it more pedestrian friendly. Here’s some news: It’s already very pedestrian friendly – for residents. We walk to the market, to the hardware store, to get our nails done. We can even drop off our car for a tire change or our dog at the vet and walk home instead of waiting there. If you read the report, though, it’s pretty clear that the pedestrians in mind aren’t residents but visitors. The goal is make them linger, meander, browse. Think Ojai. Unfortunately for the browser, CdM is heavy on fitness studios, hair salons, manicure studios, banks and real estate offices – not the kinds of businesses that invite browsing. It’s no problem for residents. We have a destination when we walk, so if the scenery isn’t that titillating it doesn’t matter, but for visitors?
When I was growing up, the corridor business make-up was quite different. There was a small department store (Haythorne’s) where Bliss is and next to that Brookings, a five and dime. There were dress shops including Hayden’s, a lingerie shop where I bought my dress for senior prom (doesn’t everybody go to the prom in a nightgown?), a camera store, Kay Finch’s pottery, a nursery, a fabric store, a number of restaurants, the Port Theater and many other businesses – in other words a commercial corridor of good variety and health with a composition very different from today.
There are probably a number of reasons for the change, but one big impact was the arrival of Fashion Island. Think of Haythorne’s, the small but successful department store. For years its main competition was other small stores in the city. If you needed a bigger store you had to drive all the way to Santa Ana. Suddenly, within a mile are three department stores – Robinson’s, Broadway and J. C. Penny – with bigger selections and a lot more parking. That’s some competition, and it was the same for the lingerie and dress shops. Those big department stores each had lingerie and dress departments which meant if you didn’t find what you wanted in Robinson’s you could bop over to the Broadway, and then there were all those other stores all in that same spot, plus a merry-go-round for the kids!
The original three department stores have disappeared as has the merry-go-round, but Fashion Island still has a lot of stores, a lot of parking and is still a magnet. An area like Ojai doesn’t have a shopping mall around the corner. It also doesn’t have the physical hurdles of CdM. Highway 33 through Ojai is two lanes as opposed to CdM’s four–plus median. The traffic’s pretty light in Ojai, unlike in CdM, and the shopping area is condensed into a few blocks where CdM stretches for 18. It’s a challenge. What will also be a challenge is balancing resident/business needs and desires. Meanwhile, if you want to see what Orange County looked like in its earlier days, visit the Ojai valley with acre after acre of citrus and funky old houses – and just to reassure you that this is indeed the 21st century, there are a few mansions tucked here and there.
~~~~~~~~
Nancy Gardner, a former Mayor of Newport Beach is a long-time resident and daughter of Judge Robert Gardner, and past Citizen of the Year. The author of her new Newport Beach mystery novel – “Here Comes the Judge” – she is a regular contributor to Stu News Newport.
The Sacramento Chronicles
By ASSEMBLYMEMBER DIANE DIXON
October 2, 2026
Hello Newport Beach!
Hello October! Last week, fall began. The humidity is finally retreating, yet we are anticipating a historic “super” El Niño storm coming our way.
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Courtesy of Diane Dixon
Assemblymember Diane Dixon
Earlier last month, after multiple rainstorms hit Orange County, my Orange County Assembly and Senate bipartisan colleagues sent a letter to Governor Newsom requesting that he declare a State of Emergency for our coastal communities. In addition, Assemblymember Davies and I called on the leaders of Orange County’s coastal cities to formally request the County Board of Supervisors to declare an emergency declaration, later declared by Chair Doug Chaffee. These requests were necessary to set in motion the emergency declaration request to FEMA.
This year’s El Niño is anticipated to be the strongest in recorded history.
My office and I are monitoring this situation closely and working with local and state agencies to ensure that our communities are prepared and kept safe. Please reach out to my office if you have any questions or need assistance.
Domestic Violence Awareness Month is observed every October to raise public awareness, support survivors and honor victims. It was first observed in 1987, and by 1989, Congress passed legislation to make its observance permanent.
Last year, I authored AB 1239, which established a public database of human trafficking data and allowed law enforcement to allocate resources appropriately. This data hadn’t been updated in 13 years! This year, I introduced AB 1918, the Ink of Hope Act, which would require tattoo operators or artists to complete training on how to recognize, respond to and report signs of human trafficking. AB 1918 is awaiting the governor’s signature. I also authored AB 2261, which will clarify and restore judicial authority to issue criminal protective orders (CPOs) to a victim’s family and household members. I am proud to share that the governor signed AB 2261 into law earlier this week, further building on my record as a fighter for crime victims.
This month, we honor those who have lost their lives and those who continue to be crime victims. We have made significant progress in this space, but the work is far from over. I will remain committed to this important fight and to putting the safety of our communities and victims at the forefront.
I am hosting various district events to kick off the fall season!
Calling all animal lovers! I am hosting a Fur-Ever Friends Fall Festival with my colleagues, Assemblymembers Sanchez and Davies, on Saturday, Oct. 10 from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. We will be joined by more than a dozen adoption partners that will provide wildlife education, hands-on activities for kids and more! Learn more about this special event here.
The holidays are approaching, and the scams are on the rise. Join me for a Senior Scam Prevention series throughout Orange County. I am bringing in the experts to educate guests on how to recognize the signs and stop a scam before it’s too late. I hope to see you at one of the events below. Spaces are filling quickly, so please secure your spot as soon as possible. These events are free and open to all.
Laguna Woods: Wednesday, Oct. 7 from 10-11:30 a.m. at the Laguna Woods Village, Clubhouse 7 (24111 Moulton Parkway, Laguna Woods, California 92637)
Click [2] here to RSVP.
Laguna Beach: Tuesday, Oct. 13 from 1-2:30 p.m. at the Laguna Beach City Hall (505 Forest Ave., Laguna Beach, California 92651)
Click [3] here to RSVP.
Newport-Mesa: Wednesday, Oct. 14 from 10-11:30 a.m. at the Norma Hertzog Community Center (1845 Park Ave., Costa Mesa, California 92627)
Click [4] here to RSVP.
On Halloween, I am hosting a Spook-Tacular event on Saturday, Oct. 31 from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. at the Laguna Hills Civic Center. We will be joined by the Laguna Hills Chamber of Commerce and other local organizations for this free community gathering.
This family-friendly event will include games, a trunk-or-treat and much more. I hope to see you there.
Looking for a way to make a difference in your community? I am excited to welcome volunteers to help make our Spook-Tacular event come to life for the community.
If you or someone you know is interested in becoming a volunteer, you can sign up here. My staff will be providing a letter for community service hours upon completion of the event. Please feel free to share this opportunity with family and friends.
We are hiring a Paid Community Outreach Intern in my district office. This intern will gain hands-on experience in public service while serving as a vital bridge between our community and state government. In this role, you will assist with constituent services by connecting residents with vital state and local resources while also supporting the planning and execution of district events throughout Assembly District 72. To apply, please email your résumé to assemblymemberdixon@assembly.a.gov.
My team is ready to assist you with any state issues you may have, like DMV, EDD, Franchise Tax Board and more. We’ve assisted hundreds of your neighbors this year, and it’s always free.
Not receiving invitations to my events? Send an email to assemblymember.dixon@assembly.ca.gov to be added to our distribution list, or visit my website: Diane Dixon website. Be sure to follow me on Instagram and Facebook.
Thank you, Stu News, for keeping our local residents informed.
Diane Dixon is a two-term Newport Beach City Councilmember and two-time Mayor. She is currently serving her second term in Sacramento as Assemblymember of California’s 72nd District. She is also in a November-runoff for Orange County Supervisor, Fifth District.
JWA shows 4.2% decrease in year-over-year passenger traffic for August 2026
Airline passenger traffic at John Wayne Airport (JWA) decreased in August 2026 as compared to August 2025. This year, the airport served 991,015 passengers, a decrease of 4.2% when compared to the August 2025 passenger traffic count of 1,034,529.
Commercial aircraft operations in August 2026 of 8,168 increased 0.3% and commuter aircraft operations of 835 increased 12.2% when compared with 2025 levels.
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Courtesy of JWA
Total aircraft operations decreased in August 2026 as compared with the same month in 2025. In August 2026, there were 26,233 total aircraft operations (take-offs and landings), an 8.5% decrease compared to 28,670 total aircraft operations in August 2025.
General aviation activity of 17,222 accounted for 66.0% of the total aircraft operations during August 2026 and decreased 12.9% when compared with August 2025.
The top three airlines in August 2026, based on passenger count, were Southwest Airlines (267,105), United Airlines (168,697) and American Airlines (164,639).
Sherman Library & Gardens’ 2nd Annual Botanical Ball to recognize philanthropist Janet Curci, raise educational funds
Sherman Library & Gardens will host the 2nd Annual Botanical Ball on Saturday, Oct. 3 from 6-10 p.m. The event will present the Arnold D. Haskell Award to Janet Curci, noted Corona del Mar philanthropist and raise funds for Sherman’s educational and lifelong learning initiatives.
More than 200 guests will gather in Sherman’s magical garden setting under sparkling lights to enjoy an evening of food, music and friends.
The evening will feature a presentation to Janet Curci, philanthropist, volunteer and super-ambassador of all things Sherman. Curci’s roots with Sherman go deep; her family has been in the community since the 1940s, and she has been directly involved with Sherman Library & Gardens since the 1960s.
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Courtesy of Sherman Library & Gardens
Corona del Mar philanthropist Janet Curci to receive the Arnold D. Haskell Award at the Botanical Ball on October 3
Curci recently gave a leadership gift to Grow The Gardens for the Janet Curci Family ticket booth.
“I can’t even remember the first time I visited Sherman Library & Gardens; I think I’ve been here since the beginning. We’ve been going for years to this jewel…this oasis…this sanctuary…right here in the middle of Corona del Mar,” said Curci. “There is much that has changed in the area that I love so deeply, but Sherman keeps going on. It’s homegrown, and wholly unexpected to find such a unique place here in Southern California. I’m so excited for the future of The Gardens; I know it’s going to be spectacular.”
Sherman Library & Gardens is honoring Curci with the 2026 Arnold D. Haskell award because of her enthusiasm, generosity and being an ambassador of goodwill for the organization.
The evening will also include a fast-paced auction, featuring a paddle raise and unique experiences:
–Paddle Raise: Sherman will auction several of the gorgeous glass tiles on the Crown of the Sea wall on Pacific Coast Highway and commemorative bricks that will line the path of the new Reflection Garden.
–Live Auction: South Coast Plaza VIP Style, Luxury & Indulgence – a VIP day of luxury, style and exceptional dining as an exclusive South Coast Plaza experience for four. This day includes the arrival in a Bentley Continental GTC (for two days for the winner), a $1,500 South Coast Plaza gift card, annual valet parking, an ACCESS Suite pass, a two-hour session with a personal stylist, a private Fueguia Shopping Experience at this exclusive fragrance house and dinner at Populaire Modern Bistro.
–Live Auction: Bentley, Birdies and Bungalow Bliss – a coastal luxury weekend for two featuring a stay at Pelican Hill with a round of golf. Winners will drive a Bentley Continental GTG for the weekend on their way to Spa Gregorie’s and then on to dinner at The Bungalow. This live auction item is pure Newport Beach style!
–Live Auction: Sushi, Sake & An Evening in The Garden – an unforgettable evening at Sherman Library & Gardens, featuring a private after-hours tour and a special kokedama demonstration of Japanese-inspired living botanical sculptures. Then there is an intimate private sushi party for 10 guests with a personal sushi chef and special sake tasting.
–Live Auction: A special live auction package from Chopard jewelry.
Sherman Library & Gardens’ 2nd Annual Botanical Ball is presented by South Coast Plaza and Chopard. Sherman is grateful to its donors and sponsors who made this event possible. Proceeds from the event will support Sherman’s major educational initiatives such as the Living Classroom, which promotes lifelong learning, from early childhood through adulthood. The Living Classroom at Sherman encompasses a continuum of learning experiences for all ages.
Sherman Library & Gardens is located at 2647 E. Coast Highway, Corona del Mar. For more information, visit www.thesherman.org.
Beat the heat
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Photo by Mary Hurlbut
With temperatures expected in the low 90s this weekend, hop aboard an electric boat and cruise the harbor
Newport Beach Fire Department invites community to Annual Fire Service Day on October 4
The Newport Beach Fire Department (NBFD) will welcome the community to its annual Fire Service Day on Sunday, Oct. 4 from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. at Santa Ana Heights Fire Station No. 7, 20401 SW Acacia St.
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Photos courtesy of NBFD
Jaws of life demonstration puts the crowd on the edge of their seats
This free family-friendly event offers an up-close look at the people, equipment and services that support public safety throughout Newport Beach. Visitors will have the opportunity to tour the fire station, meet Newport Beach firefighters, lifeguards and other members of the department while learning more about the services they provide to the community.
Throughout the day, firefighters will conduct live demonstrations, including vehicle extrication, rescue operations and a live-fire demonstration. Activities will include interactive displays, face painting, carnival style games and an opportunity for children to spray a fire hose.
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Tora, the department’s support dog, making a guest appearance and leading kids to the seating area to watch the demonstrations
Newport Beach Lifeguards will display rescue watercraft and equipment, while the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) will provide information about emergency preparedness and volunteer opportunities with the program. Fire Prevention staff will also be available to share information about fire safety and prevention programs in the community.
Tora, the department’s support dog, will be on hand to meet attendees.
Complimentary hot dogs, hamburgers and refreshments will be available. The Newport Beach Fire Department Foundation and Newport Beach Firefighters’ Association will also participate, with firefighter apparel and memorabilia available for purchase.
Check out what’s being checked out from the Newport Beach Public Library this week! Grab some great fall reads in hardcover, eBook, or audio either in person or online at www.newportbeachlibrary.org.
Top 10 Nonfiction
1. London Falling: A Mysterious Death in a Corrupt City and a Family’s Search for Truth by Patrick Radden Keefe
2. Atomic Habits: Tiny Changes, Remarkable Results: An Easy & Proven Way to Build Good Habits & Break Bad Ones by James Clear
3. Regime Change: Inside the Imperial Presidency of Donald Trump by Maggie Haberman
4. Strangers: A Memoir of Marriage by Belle Burden
5. Ungrateful Bastard: The Shocking Journey of a Killer and Escape Artist by Susan Ashline
6. 8 Rules of Love: How to Find It, Keep it, and Let It Go by Jay Shetty
7. A World Appears: A Journey Into Consciousness by Michael Pollan
8. American Reich: A Murder in Orange County, Neo-Nazis, and a New Age of Hate by Eric Lichtblau
9. An Inconvenient Widow: The Torment, Trial, and Triumph of Mary Todd Lincoln by Lois Romano
10. Biological War: A Scenario by Annie Jacobsen
Top 10 Fiction
1. The Correspondent: A Novel by Virginia Evans
2. Yesteryear: A Novel by Caro Claire Burke
3. Whistler: A Novel by Ann Patchett
4. The Things We Never Say: A Novel by Elizabeth Strout
5. Heart the Lover: A Novel by Lily King
6. Mad Mabel by Sally Hepworth
7. The Calamity Club: A Novel by Kathryn Stockett
8. Daughters of the Sun and Moon: A Novel by Lisa See
9. My Husband’s Wife: A Novel by Alice Feeney
10. The Crossroads by C. J. Box
Top 10 Children’s
1. Double Down by Jeff Kinney
2. Buzz Boy and Fly Guy by Tedd Arnold
3. Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Long Haul by Jeff Kinney
4. Dog Man by Dav Pilkey, v. 3
5. Fly Guy and the Frankenfly by Tedd Arnold
6. I Love a New Toy! by Mo Willems
7. Tales from a Not-So-Best Friend Forever by Rachel Renée Russell
8. The Baby-Sitters Club: A Graphic Novel by Ann M. Martin
9. Baby-Sitters Little Sister by Katy Farina v. 12
10. Cat Kid Comic Club by Dav Pilkey
Pets of the Week 
Stu News Newport is delighted to be working with the Newport Beach Animal Shelter to help get the word out in search of loving homes for pets that deserve a warm, nurturing environment and a place to call “home.”
The shelter is excited to announce that Janet and Chrissy, two 5-month-old kittens, are now available for adoption. Janet, a grey kitten, and Chrissy, a black kitten, have been with the shelter since May. The two can be adopted together, or separately, depending on the right fit for their future home.
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Courtesy of Newport Beach Animal Shelter
Meet Janet (top) and Chrissy (bottom)
Like most kittens their age, Janet and Chrissy have plenty of energy and love to play. Whether they are chasing toys, exploring their surroundings, or keeping each other entertained, these girls are sure to bring plenty of fun and personality into their new homes. Both Janet and Chrissy are microchipped, spayed and vaccinated.
Jubilee is a very sweet dog who can be shy in new situations and may take a little time to warm up, but she has been making steady progress.
She enjoys playing with other dogs and benefits from their company. Jubilee regularly goes on walks with dogs at the shelter, which has helped her build confidence. She would do best with a confident handler who can provide consistency and encouragement as she settles into a home. She is spayed, microchipped and up to date on vaccinations.
To learn more and schedule a meet and greet, please submit an adoption application and contact the shelter at 949.718.3454, or email animalshelter@newportbeachca.gov.
To learn more about other available animals, visit nbca.gov/animalshelter.
The Newport Beach Animal Shelter is located at 20282 Riverside Drive and is open daily from 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
Pushback from state and county makes Newport election nearly impossible, sources say; still, the city has asked Cal Supreme Court to rule
This week we enter the month of October, which then allows potential voters to receive their ballots and cast them, rather than just all of this back-and-forth we’ve been doing of who’s good and who’s not.
Next Monday, Oct. 5, the Orange County Registrar of Voters will begin to have some 1.9 million vote-by-mail ballots delivered throughout the county; that includes 61,000 to Newport Beach registered voters.
As is the plan, Newport Beach residents are expected to receive TWO ballots, one, as per usual, and then one for the three court-ordered city initiatives, Measures P, Q and R.
Is that a definite? No.
Here’s why: As the process has played out with the attempt to get the initiatives on the ballot, a number of things have happened along the way. First, council challenged the publication of the legal notice to get the initiatives qualified. At the time, they had two options: (1) just accept the publication of the legal notice, or (2) question it. And questioning it wasn’t wrong; the council should make certain the rules and regulations are followed.
It’s what happened afterwards that forces things to go sideways. Two appeals of the trial court’s decisions, both denied; the ultimate placement of the initiatives then on the 2028 ballot, also denied by the court got the process to conduct an election way behind schedule.
Now, I’m told by several on the inside that the election is going to be “nearly impossible” to pull off, with some describing it as simply “impossible.”
Here’s why: The city has reported several unresolved logistical issues surrounding the standalone election, including ballot tint and watermark requirements. A ballot-printing vendor withdrew after citing those issues, among others. The California Secretary of State’s office also told the city it could not provide the voter signatures the city requested for the election.
Then there’s Bob Page, the OC Registrar of Voters, who has declined the city’s requests for certain election services. The Registrar’s office has said providing the requested services could interfere with administration of the statewide General Election and potentially confuse Newport Beach voters. The Registrar has also declined to provide confidential voter-registration information, including signature images.
Add to that the time to legally print and distribute these separate ballots and the various issues continue to mount.
And, although Newport Beach sent some 150-175 ballots overseas to comply with the Superior Court order, the city still faces significant logistical hurdles in completing the full election process.
Residents/voters should be clear, as of now, no court order has precluded this election from taking place; it’s simply a number of the past problems and/or decisions that have allowed us to arrive to this point.
Stay tuned. The city has filed a petition for review and requested a stay from the California Supreme Court. The petition was filed September 17 and remained pending as of the latest available court information.
Am I holding my breath that they’ll rule in the opposite direction, no. But you never know.
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Poll Question
Should the NB City Council discontinue its legal battle to keep three citizen initiatives off the November ballot because of alleged procedural errors?
You can vote now in a poll on the Instagram accounts of Stu News Newport and Newport in the Rearview Mirror (after all, this is a historic time in this town).
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Besides all the continuing legal challenges and mounting problems to conduct an election, here’s also what’s rumored to be coming. Things are expected to get ugly with attacks involving candidates and issues in these final weeks.
Money is being lined up to challenge candidates’ party affiliations, prior contributions to others’ political campaigns, past positioning on issues and such.
Here’s just one example of a door hanger that arrived at a number of Newport Beach residences in the past few days:
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Submitted photo
This door hanger, found on doorknobs in Corona del Mar, opposes locating the proposed police headquarters in Civic Center Park. The statements and claims shown on the flyer are those of its unidentified author and have not been independently verified by Stu News Newport.
Thirty-five days and counting to our official Election Day.
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City Manager Seimone Jurjis reminded us in his weekly From City Hall to You community newsletter that Fire Service Day is coming up Saturday, Oct. 3 from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. at Fire Station 7, 20401 SW Acacia St. Enjoy 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. And there’s free hot dogs, hamburgers and refreshments.
• • •
The Newport Beach Film Festival is celebrating its 27th year as one of the largest luxury lifestyle film festivals in the United States. It annually brings an internationally curated collection of films and vibrant cultural events to our city.
And as happens at this time of year, some big names in the industry are being discussed as potential attendees, bringing with them some exciting centerpiece films.
Including:
The Only Living Pickpocket in New York
The Festival champions original storytellers, celebrates contemporary screen culture and cinematic excellence while also engaging the community through compelling conversations with attending filmmakers and artists.
It takes place October 15-22.
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Here’s a great idea for getting engaged in the city, learning a lot, having some fun and dipping your toe into the community well. Consider enrolling in the Newport Beach Fire Department’s October CERT Academy. It’s an opportunity for residents, local businesses and schools to become better prepared for emergencies by enrolling in the upcoming Community Emergency Response Team training program beginning October 13.
CERT provides community members with practical, hands-on training to help themselves, their families, their neighbors and the community following a major emergency or disaster. Participants receive instruction from Newport Beach Fire Department personnel, including firefighters, lifeguards, the CERT Program Coordinator and other subject-matter experts.
Training includes disaster preparedness, disaster medical operations, light search and rescue, fire suppression, utility control, CERT organization, disaster psychology, terrorism awareness and lifeguard operations. The program concludes with a hands-on disaster simulation where participants can put their new skills into practice.
Meeting dates are October 13, 15, 20, 22 from 6-9 p.m., October 17 from 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m. and October 24 from 9 a.m.-12 p.m.
Classes will be held at Newport Beach Fire Station No. 7 at 20401 Acacia St.
Whether you want to become more prepared at home or are interested in volunteering and serving the Newport Beach community during emergencies, CERT is an opportunity to learn potentially lifesaving skills directly from local first responders.
Enrollment is now open. To learn more and register, visit the Newport Beach Fire Department CERT webpage: newportbeachca.gov/CERT
Questions should be directed to the Newport Beach CERT Program at nbcert@nbfd.net, or call 949.644.3112.
Federal grants help Newport Beach expand ADA access, homelessness services
By SARA HALL
City Council last week unanimously approved a report that highlights Newport Beach’s progress toward several goals identified in a plan for federal grant funds.
Councilmembers voted 7-0 on September 22 and approved the program year 2025-26 Consolidated Annual Performance Evaluation Report (CAPER) for the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program.
After the close of each fiscal year, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) requires the city to submit a CAPER for the program. The CDBG program provides annual grants to cities to support affordable housing and expand economic opportunities, principally for low- and moderate-income persons. Last week’s council action also approved sending the report to HUD.
The staff report explains that the CAPER covers the projects and expenditures of the annual CDBG funding issued to program subrecipients. It also describes the city’s progress toward meeting the goals established in the 2025-26 annual action plan.
The draft program year 2025-26 CAPER is substantially complete in form and accounting, city staff reported. However, it may include minor changes to match the city’s records before it is submitted to HUD. No changes will be made to the final amounts drawn for public services, administration or beneficiaries, as those amounts are subject to, and comply with, statutory caps.
City Manager Seimone Jurjis reported that the program year 2025-26 CDBG allocation from HUD was $402,015. Newport Beach also anticipated receiving $315,000 in program income but ultimately received $318,141.
The CDBG budget went to programs related to public service activities, homelessness prevention, Americans with Disabilities Act improvements, program administration and fair housing. Expenditures for 2025-26 totaled $698,493.
Staff reported that the accomplishments for this year include a mobile meals program serving 42 senior residents, fair housing services for 142 residents, assisting 16 residents through the motel voucher program for homeless individuals and providing ADA sidewalk improvements benefiting approximately 6,669 residents.
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Courtesy of city of Newport Beach
Officials unveiled San Miguel Park improvements, including an accessible playground with ADA features, which were listed among the city’s accomplishments toward the consolidated plan goals
The city’s 2025-2029 consolidated plan goals include: affirmatively furthering fair housing; expanding affordable housing opportunities; providing or improving access to community and homeless services; improving and enhancing public facilities and infrastructure; supporting businesses and promoting job creation and retention; and supporting programs through program administration.
Any funds not spent in the fiscal year related to the program are paid out in the next fiscal year, Real Property Manager Lauren Wooding Whitlinger explained, answering a councilmember question. If the funds have been programmed, but they’re not going to be spent on that program, they would return to council to be reprogrammed for another activity, she said.
Newport Beach has to utilize those funds within seven years of the fiscal year, she added.
“That’s why we try to do those large capital projects, so that we can spend a large amount of funds at one time and make sure that we’re not losing them,” Whitlinger said.
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The Adventures of Officer Bubbles to screen at the Newport Beach Film Festival during Shorts for Shorties
Newport Beach City Councilmember and FONBAS (Friends of the Newport Beach Animal Shelter) Board Member Robyn Grant in collaboration with Creative Partner Ed Olen have published a children’s book and short film, Adventures of Officer Bubbles, about the creation of the Newport Beach Animal Shelter.
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Submitted photos
“The Adventures of Officer Bubbles” will premiere at the Newport Beach Film Festival on Saturday, Oct. 17 in the Short for Shorties
Appropriate for children, the animated film is about the creation of the Newport Beach Animal Shelter
Based on the children’s book, the animated film, Adventures of Officer Bubbles, has been accepted into the Newport Beach Film Festival lineup and will premiere in the Shorts for Shorties, an approximately one-hour compilation of short films that will screen on Saturday, Oct. 17 at 11:30 a.m. at Triangle Square. It is appropriate for children, so families are welcome.
Robyn Grant on the stage at Witte Hall during the grand opening in July 2026, where she read her new book and offered a sneak peek premiere of the animated short film based on the story
For tickets, click here. Plan to meet up after the screening at one of the Triangle Square eateries, where Bubbles books will be available.
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Courtesy of city of Newport Beach
Newport Beach City Manager Seimone Jurjis
Dear Community Members,
If you’ve been near the beach this week, you’ve probably noticed our crews moving a lot of sand. With higher surf in the forecast, there’s been plenty of work happening along the coastline, and there’s more to come.
Before I get into that, I want to start with a quick election update. As part of the city’s administration of the November 3 election, ballots were sent out to military and overseas voters. Information can be found on the city’s website here. We’ll continue to keep the community informed as the election process moves forward over the next several weeks.
Now, back to the beach.
We’ve been closely monitoring Hurricane Polo and the potential impacts to Newport Beach. Current forecasts are showing high swells beginning Sunday (Sept. 27) and continuing into early this week. In preparation, our Municipal Operations crews have been reinforcing protective berms throughout the week and preparing our coastline for changing conditions.
We’ll continue watching the forecast and will keep the community updated as conditions develop. If you’re heading to the beach, keep an eye on the flags and check in with a lifeguard before getting into the water. They’ll have the best information on current conditions.
We’re also making free sandbags available to Newport Beach residents at the City Corporation Yard, 592 Superior Ave., for those who want to take some extra precautions around their properties.
All of this is a good reminder of why sand management continues to be such an important issue for Newport Beach.
Last week, the city partnered with the county to take about 100,000 cubic yards of sand from the mouth of the Santa Ana River and place it along the coastline near the West Jetties. We can have access of up to 200,000 cubic yards if the sand is available. This lets us use sand that needs to be removed from the river mouth while adding much-needed material back to our beach. This work typically happens every winter, but because of the upcoming El Niño, we are expediting the process and expect to move the sand by the end of October.
There’s also a bigger conversation ahead. At the October 13 City Council study session, we’ll take a comprehensive look at sand replenishment, from the history of Newport Harbor and our coastline to what we’re doing today and what our plans are going forward to help protect our homes and beaches.
Of course, not everything happening at the beach this weekend involves moving sand.
The annual Newport Beach Surf Championships returned Saturday and Sunday (Sept. 26 and 27), with amateur surfers of all ages competing between 54th and 56th streets. It was free to watch, so hoped you stopped by to catch some of the competition from the sand.
And one more event to put on your calendar, Fire Service Day is coming up next Saturday, Oct. 4 from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. at Fire Station 7. It’s always a great opportunity to meet our Newport Beach firefighters and watch live demonstrations, including a vehicle extrication, rescue operation and a live fire demonstration. Plus, there’s fun for the whole family with carnival-style games, face painting and even meeting our Fire Department support dog, Tora.
Have a great weekend, Newport Beach.
Warmly,
Seimone Jurjis
City Manager
100 Pounds of Trash Collected at City-Hosted Coastal Cleanup Day
The city of Newport Beach hosted a cleanup site last Saturday (Sept. 19) morning at Castaways Park in celebration of the 42nd Annual Coastal Cleanup Day. Twenty-one city employees and their families spent the morning removing more than 100 pounds of trash and recycling from Lower Castaways Park and the shoreline, Upper Castaways Park and along Dover Drive up to Bob Henry Park. Every piece of trash collected is one less item to end up in our bay or ocean. Their volunteer efforts are greatly appreciated.
If you or your organization are interested in exploring ways that you too can help keep Newport Beach beautiful, visit newportbeachca.gov/clean.
Newport Beach Junior Lifeguards Building Facility Rental
The Junior Guards Room is the perfect space for birthday parties, meetings, celebrations of life and group trainings. This versatile rental space accommodates up to 70 guests and features a private conference room and a covered deck, with an optional patio add-on for even more flexibility.
Please visit newportbeachca.gov/facilityrentals-nbjl for pricing and additional information.
For questions, contact the Marina Park Community Center staff at 949.270.8150, or marinapark@newportbeachca.gov.
Newport Beach Fire Department to host Fire Service Day
The Newport Beach Fire Department will host its annual Fire Service Day on Sunday, Oct. 4 from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. at Santa Ana Heights Fire Station No. 7, 20401 SW Acacia St. 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 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.
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 Ave. from January 4-February 24, 2027. Winners will be invited to attend an award ceremony in early February 2027.
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, Oct. 6 from 7-8:30 p.m. at Witte Hall located at 998 Avocado Ave.
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.
120 Years. 120 Things. One Powerful Card!
In honor of Newport Beach’s 120th anniversary, come discover the 120 things you can do with one powerful library card. If you don’t have a card yet, get one at any branch of the Newport Beach Public Library (NBPL). Visit any NBPL location in September to sign up for a new library card or show your current card for a chance to win a Kindle!
Check out all 120 things you can do with a library card by visiting NewportBeachLibrary.org/about/120-things.
Friends of OASIS Boutique & Rummage Sale
Collection Days
Monday-Wednesday, Sept. 28-30, 8 a.m.-2 p.m.
Accepting: Antiques, Arts & Crafts, Board Games, Books, Collectibles Holiday Items, Housewares, Jewelry, Kitchen Items, Linens, Notions, Office Supplies, Pictures & Frames, Purses, Small Electric Appliances, Small Furniture, Toys. No Appliances, Clothing/Shoes, Electronics, Large Furniture, Pianos or TVs will be accepted.
Sale Dates: 9 a.m.-2 p.m.
Friday, Oct. 2 ($5 entry fee)
Saturday, Oct. 3 (No entry fee)
For questions, call 949.718.1800.
Medicare – What’s New for 2027
Medicare’s Annual Open Enrollment is fast approaching. Join Health Insurance Counseling and Advocacy Program (HICAP) on Tuesday, Oct. 13 from 1-2 p.m. at 801 Narcissus Ave., 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. This is presented by the Council on Aging Southern California.
Please RSVP by calling 949.644.3244.
This Week’s Events/City Calendar
Thursday, Oct. 1
Hearing Officer
Corona del Mar Conference Room, Bay 1E
100 Civic Center Drive – 8 a.m.
Water Quality Coastal Tidelands Committee Meeting
Crystal Cove Conference Room, Bay 2D
100 Civic Center Drive – 3 p.m.
Thursday, Oct. 1 to Monday, Nov. 30
2026 Newport Beach Student Art Exhibition
1000 Avocado Ave.
Editor’s Note: From City Hall to You was received Friday, Sept. 25 and is subject to editing so the information is current.
Susan G. Komen® MORE THAN PINK Walk on September 27 draws 10,000+ participants
Susan G. Komen®, the world’s leading breast cancer organization, hosted the 2026 Orange County MORE THAN PINK Walk bringing together survivors, those living with metastatic breast cancer, families and supporters for a day of purpose and action. The event, which took place on Sunday, Sept. 27 (at Pacific Life in Fashion Island), raised critical funds to accelerate lifesaving research, expand patient support services, support critical public policy efforts and help ensure every person facing breast cancer has access to the high-quality care they need.
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Photos courtesy of Susan G. Komen®
Supporters of the OC Walk’s 35th anniversary pose at the information table
Approximately 10,000 participants gathered together to support Komen’s 35th anniversary of the OC Walk, with many founding members of the event in attendance. Komen has raised nearly $700,000 so far to fund breakthrough research, support services for patients and their families, public health programs and policy advocacy. Their goal is $805,000.
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Participants take a break for a selfie
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Cancer survivors united at the Susan G. Komen® MORE THAN PINK Walk, supported by our NBFD personnel
For more information and to support Susan G. Komen® in helping reach their 2026 fundraising goal, visit www.komen.org/ocwalk.