Newsletter
May News in Newport
Newport Beach MAY-or’s Updates
Table of Contents
May 1, 2026
3rd Thursdays
We started this year’s 3rd Thursdays in full bloom! The CdM Library welcomed over 750 patrons to meet the furry friends of the petting zoo. Families delighted in the release of butterflies from the veteran-owned Grace and Honor exhibit, and residents enjoyed a little friendly competition with our Newport Beach firefighters at the TTC pickleball pop-up. Prepare to paint the Village red, white, and blue when our community’s favorite tradition returns on July 16, 2026, with an Endless Summer theme and a patriotic twist!
Police Station Headquarters
We understand there is a lot of misinformation and confusion surrounding the rebuilding of our Police Headquarters. We will be continuing the public discussion and engagement process at our next City Council meeting, on May 12th.
Farm & Craft’s One Year Anniversary
Since taking over operations last year, Farm & Craft has increased vendor sales and market attendance by almost 30% per market day.
In response to community input, they’ve welcomed a number of well-received additions, including Beyond Oats, Kokomoo, Benevolent Booch, The Morning Bloom, Electric Life Juice Company, and Pet Wants. They continue to test new vendors to ensure the market remains dynamic and fresh, and currently feature two rotating vendors, Konpa Restaurant and Kenchan Ramen, both of which are extremely popular.
Beyond vendor curation, they have enhanced the overall market experience through activation of the parklet space, with themed community events and activations including Galentine’s Day Paint & Sip, Health & Wellness Day featuring Yoga in the Park, National Pet Day and, every fourth Saturday, Poppy Street leads a children’s market tour, followed by a picnic in the park featuring items purchased from their vendors. Join them for a special Mother’s Day celebration at the May 9th market.
Uptown Newport
Work is underway to begin discussions on shaping the next village of Newport Beach – the Airport Area Specific Plan – and we want to hear from you! Learn more, join the interest list, and complete the online survey by May 31st.
Safety Spotlight: Zach Varela, NBPD
Newport Beach resident, Traffic Division Motorcycle Officer Zach Varela, joined the NBPD ten years ago after working with the Orange County Sheriff’s Department. He comes from a family of law enforcement and quickly realized it was his calling. During his tenure in Newport Beach, he has also served as the senior motor instructor and e-bike safety instructor. He was honored as Officer of the Year in 2024. Officer Varela enjoys working outdoors with the coastline in his rearview mirror. He expresses “sincere appreciation for the residents’ continued support and dedication to keeping our city safe, welcoming, and vibrant for everyone,” and looks forward to forming bonds with more community members through the Volunteer Program (VIP), community meetings, and Mobile Cafés.
Safety Spotlight: Rick Lazar, NBFD
Fire Captain Rick Lazar has been with NBFD for almost 20 years. He describes firefighting as a family tradition, passed down from his great grandfather and grandfather, who were firefighters in Indonesia, to his father and uncle, and now him and his three brothers. Lazar says he loves his job because no two days are the same; “you never know how the shift will unfold or how you will be challenged. We have some of the best men and women working for this department. The innovation and resourcefulness that comes from this fire department never ceases to amaze me.” He recalls a recent success story of a 14-year-old cardiac arrest which involved our lifeguards, police and fire department working together to save him. Outside of his fire department duties, he spends most of my off days and weekends at a baseball or softball field which he says he wouldn’t trade for the world.
