Tag: newport beach

Coastal Commission to Review Controversial Pacific Coast Highway Project

NEWPORT BEACH, Calif.—The City of Newport Beach recently received an unexpected letter from the California Coastal Commission addressing the council’s approval of a controversial mixed-use development at 2510 W. Coast Highway on July 27. The letter explained how on July 28, Commission staff received an email correspondence from a concerned citizen, David Tanner, requesting to appeal the…


Newport Beach Development Approval Could Set Precedent

NEWPORT BEACH, Calif.— Newport Beach City Council approved a controversial mixed-use development along the Mariner’s Mile stretch of Pacific Coast Highway that it has been grappling with for months, potentially setting a new precedent for developers taking advantage of California’s latest housing laws. Council on July 27 held its fourth public hearing to review a…


Homelessness, Housing, Top Newport Mayor’s Priorities

NEWPORT BEACH, Calif.—Newport Beach Mayor Brad Avery gave his 2021 State of the City July 21 during Speak Up Newport’s annual mayor’s reception. Avery took the podium before a sold-out crowd of about 400 guests that included current and former city council members, city commissioners, city staff, and residents. The annual event, which is presented by…


Fallen Lifeguard Leaves Lasting Legacy

NEWPORT BEACH, Calif.—For seasoned Newport Beach lifeguard Ben Carlson, July 6, 2014 marked the end of a busy July 4 weekend. The swells pealing in from a tumultuous, white-capped ocean were larger than usual, driven by an offshore hurricane pounding the coast. Large crowds were gathered on the beach to witness the huge waves. Red…


Legendary UCLA Football Coach Dies in Newport Beach Home

The most successful coach in University of California–Los Angeles (UCLA) football history, Terry Donahue, has died. The 77-year-old sports legend died in his Newport Beach home July 4 following a two-year battle with cancer. Donahue was the winningest football coach in UCLA and Pacific 12 Conference history with a historic 151 game wins, which includes the Rose Bowl, Fiesta Bowl, Freedom Bowl,…


Police Appreciation Becomes Independence Day Tradition

NEWPORT BEACH, Calif.—After Dotty McDonald lost her husband of 51 years, Hank, in 2015, the Newport Beach resident knew she had to keep her mind and body busy. On a suggestion from her Godson, who was then a lieutenant with the Newport Beach Police Department (NBPD), McDonald enrolled in the Newport Beach Citizen’s Police Academy….


Small Town Values Drive Generous Spirit

Ross Minion is bringing the community-oriented, service-first values of his Midwestern hometown to the City of Newport Beach, Calif. The Elliott, Ill., native is doing so through his involvement in the Sunrise Rotary club and its affiliated foundation. Minion is going on his fourth year as president of the 28-member club, where he helps local…


Higher Surf, Stronger Rip Currents Forecast for Orange County Beaches

NEWPORT BEACH—Weather forecasters warned July 2 that higher surf and stronger rip currents are coming to Orange County and other south-facing beaches, increasing the danger for hordes of visitors expected during the Fourth of July weekend. The National Weather Service issued a Beach Hazards Statement effective the morning of July 3 through the evening of…


Reward Offered to Solve Mystery of Violent Pelican Attacks

NEWPORT BEACH, Calif.—In response to more than 32 Brown pelicans being attacked somewhere along the coast of Orange County, a GoFundMe page has been established to assist with the costs of treating the birds, all who have been taken to the Wetlands and Wildlife Care Center in Huntington Beach. In addition, the Animal Legal Defense…


Meet the Politician: Newport Beach Councilmember Talks Leadership

Newport Beach Councilmember William O’Neill still remembers the pride he had for his father, Lawrence O’Neill, when he was sworn in as the Fresno Superior Court judge. Even at age six, he recognized the significance of the event. Thirty years later, in December 2019, O’Neill was in a similar position when he was appointed Newport…