Mayor’s Memo: October 2026
Cracking Down on Teen Takeovers, El Nino Preparations, Budget Surplus News and More
Mayor’s Memo: July 2026
Lauren Kleiman
Mayor of Newport Beach
In just the first ten days of the season, Newport Beach lifeguards performed 526 ocean rescues and more than 12,300 preventive actions. These efforts came during a period of historic south swells, with waves reaching more than 20 feet at The Wedge and drawing large crowds of spectators and surfers.
While stories of incredible lifesaving rescues have received attention, preventive actions are one of the most important ways lifeguards keep our beaches safe. By educating beachgoers, identifying hazards and directing swimmers away from dangerous conditions, lifeguards help prevent emergencies before they happen. They have also kicked off a record-breaking Junior Lifeguard season, with over 1,500 participants aged 9 to 14 enrolled in the program. For many Newport Beach families, becoming a Junior Guard is a rite of passage. Many participants later return to serve their community as City lifeguards, continuing a tradition that spans generations.
Fourth of July
There’s no place like Newport to celebrate the Fourth of July, on America’s 250th. From the Fourth of July Is For Families Bike Parade on the Peninsula, to the Newport Dunes fireworks display, our City offers some of the best holiday traditions. As we welcome thousands of residents and visitors, we also want everyone to know about the steps we’re taking to keep the holiday safe, enjoyable and family-friendly.
✓ Expanded Safety Enhancement Zones in West Newport and Corona del Mar. From July 3 through July 6, fines for all municipal code violations within these zones are tripled, including drinking on our beaches or in public.
✓ Setting off fireworks in Newport is illegal.
✓ Shade coverings on Newport beaches are now limited to 6 feet by 6 feet to improve visibility, maintain clear access, and help lifeguards and emergency personnel respond quickly when needed.
✓ For short-term lodging properties, the City has strengthened enforcement measures. Property owners whose guests host loud and unruly gatherings, or are found to be posing a threat to public safety, may face the loss of their short-term lodging permit, after a single serious violation.
✓ Behind the scenes, Newport Beach Police and Fire personnel are significantly increasing staffing levels. We’re partnering with neighboring law enforcement agencies to bring in additional officers and maximize enforcement throughout the holiday weekend. A new mobile booking station at the City’s Corporation Yard will help officers process arrests more efficiently and get back into the field quickly.
✓ You’ll also see our “Not in Newport” campaign across social media with additional beach signage. The message is simple: enjoy the holiday, respect our community, and help keep Newport Beach safe. We welcome everyone to celebrate responsibly and enjoy all that our City has to offer this Fourth of July—but if your plans include illegal fireworks, public drinking, disruptive parties, or behavior that puts others at risk…well…Not in Newport.
Endless Summer 3rd Thursdays on July 16th
Please join us on July 16th, from 5:00-8:00 pm, for an Endless Summer-themed CdM 3rd Thursdays community event. As always, we’ve planned new and exciting activations throughout the corridor for all! Come check out the Anaheim Ducks street team, carnival games, mechanical bull ride, Grounded Rock Band and other live music, pet adoption, bubble fun at the library, NBPD mobile café with SWAT, fresh pop-ups, summer treat and other giveaways, and so much more!
Police Headquarters Update
The newly-formed committee to study the options for a new Police Department headquarters will hold its first meeting on July 7th at 3:00pm in the Community Room at City Hall. Their meetings will be open to the public and community participation is encouraged.
Safety Spotlight: NBPD Officer Jared Osborn
NBPD Officer Jared Osborn came to us from Costa Mesa PD only two years ago and is already crushing it on the Peninsula Enforcement Team! He even won a Lifesaving Award this year.
Like many of our public safety personnel, he chose this profession because he has family in law enforcement, and also loves that no two days are ever the same. “There is no better city to work for nor department to work for than Newport. I take pride in assisting with and maintaining the high level of service the community expects and deserves.” In his free time, he enjoys spending time with his family, golfing, or exploring the outdoors whether that be at the beach or in the mountains.
Safety Spotlight: NBFD Lifeguard Mason Graff
Newport Beach Lifeguard Mason Graff has deep roots in the city; he’s grown up in the junior lifeguard program and surfed his entire life in Newport Beach, which has ultimately led him to continue his passion for the water by going through the lifeguard academy, where he ranked first in his class. Only his second summer here and he’s already made national news for an incredible family rescue as king tides took hold.
He intends to keep moving up the ranks, drive the truck, earn his EMT certification and, of course, travel the world surfing and charging big waves! “Overall, I’m just so grateful to be a Newport Beach Lifeguard. Best job in the world!”
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Mayor’s Memo: September 2026
From free dog adoptions and cleaner athletic fields to beach safety, trolley growth and the Mayor’s Youth Council.
Mayor’s Memo: August 2026
From a record-breaking CdM 3rd Thursdays to new public safety initiatives, here’s what’s happening across Newport Beach.
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