Newsletter
Summer Safety Enhancements and Other Newport Beach Updates
Hard to believe that summer is almost upon us! We are all so fortunate to live in a world-class beach destination like Newport Beach, but our City Council also understands that the influx of visitors can bring frustrations for residents. We are working to mitigate these impacts.
May 1, 2025
New Safety Enhancement Zone Program
On March 24th, the State released the new Fire Hazard Severity Zone Maps, the first update for Orange County in fourteen years.
Hard to believe that summer is almost upon us! We are all so fortunate to live in a world-class beach destination like Newport Beach, but our City Council also understands that the influx of visitors can bring frustrations for residents. We are working to mitigate these impacts.
I last shared that I had initiated an expansion of the city’s Safety Enhancement Zone program, previously only in place on the Peninsula for the 4th of July. It will now be going into effect for all three summer holiday weekends, in both Corona del Mar and Peninsula beach areas, beginning this Memorial Day. Application will be consistent, so please be mindful that fines will triple for all municipal code violations.
We will be implementing other measures, as well, including the addition of two dedicated officers to maintain a high visibility and enforcement posture on weekends in Corona del Mar, and nighttime parking enforcement for both areas. We will continue to assess effectiveness and reallocate resources, appropriately.
CdM Farmers Market
Heritage Farmers Market has been awarded the contract to operate the Corona del Mar market, currently with commitments from 20 of the 28 current vendors to remain, and hopefully, others to follow.
There have been a number of rumors circulating, which I hope to dispel here.
The current operator’s contract was set to expire last year. Adhering to Council policy requiring periodic review of city property, staff prepared an RFP (Request for Proposals) for the site; updating the terms, allowing for local businesses to participate, and calling for the inclusion of community and family-centric programming to expand the awareness and appeal of the market to more local residents. The market will still center around locally-grown fresh produce. It will not include food trucks, will not be a swap meet, and will not host live music.
Heritage Farmers Market received the top-ranking score of the eight bids that were evaluated by city staff through the same fair and transparent process utilized for all of the 40+ RFPs executed annually. The organization is a 501(c)(3), in good standing, with a mission focus of supporting farmers and providing organic produce to the communities they serve. They are also the recipient of a USDA grant that will allow them to assist the current farmer vendors through the costly and onerous process of becoming certified organic providers.
Collecting and responding to resident feedback was integral to their proposal as they have a vested interest in the success of the market and continued tradition of this important weekly ritual, which is part of the fabric of our community.
CdM 3rd Thursdays
Corona del Mar’s new 3rd Thursdays made a dazzling debut on April 17th!
The energy was electric, as locals and visitors poured through the Village to enjoy live musical acts, art exhibits, wine tastings, restaurant specials, games, giveaways, free samples and treats for our furry friends. Children delighted with the many offerings, including face painting, fire station tours, library activities, and a scavenger hunt. Even the dolphins donned whimsical spring-themed decorations to mark the occasion.
This grass roots business and resident-driven initiative took shape overnight, with the support of Visit Newport Beach, presenting sponsor The File Group, and decor sponsor B. Candy. More than just an event, 3rd Thursdays is a wonderful way to celebrate our community, make connections, and instill vibrancy in Corona del Mar. Come out and join us for the next 3rd Thursday, May 15th, 5 to 8 PM, and experience the magic for yourself!
Safety Spotlight: Raymi Wun
If you don’t know Deputy Fire Marshall Raymi Wun, you must be living under a fireproof rock!
Raymi has been providing service with an infectious smile, helping property owners and the City get fire safe for 13 years, in order to prevent losses like we witnessed in the recent LA fires. This NBFD superstar is also a veteran of the U.S. Coast Guard. He says the favorite part of his job is engaging with the Newport Beach community, learning about the residents and businesses.
In his free time, he enjoys camping, fishing, and spending time with his wife and two Newport Harbor High School Sailors.
Safety Spotlight: Brandy Banks
The Newport Beach City Council has approved a balanced FY 2025-26 budget that strengthens public safety—with 60% of the General Fund supporting police, fire, and lifeguards—and invests $108 million in capital improvements.
The Newport Beach City Council has adopted a balanced Fiscal Year 2025-26 budget that prioritizes public safety and maintains core services while investing in future needs.
Our revenue projections remain strong, with a projected structural surplus of $12.2 million. 60% of our General Fund is earmarked for public safety expenditures; $73.4 million for the Police Department and $64.4 million for the Fire Department (which includes lifeguards). We have allocated $108 million in the upcoming fiscal year for capital improvement projects, including reconstruction of the Balboa Library and Fire Station No. 1, replacement of the Balboa Yacht Basin dock, street, and drainage improvements, water independence projects, and upgrades, park and beach rehabilitation, harbor improvements, neighborhood enhancements and park maintenance.
