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NEWPORTBEACHINDY.COM
JULY 5, 2024 | VOLUME XVI, ISSUE 14
Visit Newport Beach Launches New Summer Campaign: ‘Newport Beach is Calling’ By Christopher Trela | NB Indy “Newport Beach is calling.” If Newport Beach is on the phone, you must answer the call. At least that’s that idea behind the new Visit Newport Beach campaign dubbed “Newport Beach is Calling.” Launched on June 20 (the first day of summer), the campaign takes a nostalgic twist by transporting travelers back to the iconic 1990s, blending retro fun with modern luxury as it follows two friends on a glamorous adventure around Newport Beach. With vintage fashion and equally vintage phones, along with a modern component – a new AI concierge named Marina – the campaign offers a fun and interactive way to plan the perfect summer getaway to Newport Beach. The theme suggests people should put worries on hold and answer the call to luxury and relaxation. According to media information, Newport Beach is “on standby to connect you with the ultimate summer vacation. Newport Beach is calling—will you answer?” According to Visit Newport Beach, the “Newport Beach is Calling” campaign visuals and commercial capture the spirit of the 1990s while showcasing the modern luxury of Newport Beach. Perhaps the most interesting aspect of the campaign is Marina, an AI Concierge Extraordinaire, as Visit Newport Beach describes it. Call (800) 94-COAST to
Images from the ‘Newport Beach is Calling’ video
VISIT NEWPORT Page 3
Newport Beach City Manager Update
Grace Leung, Newport Beach City Manager
By Grace Leung, Newport Beach City Manager The construction of Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) gives homeowners an opportunity to improve their properties while making a positive contribution to broader community goals. These secondary housing units, either attached to or detached from the primary residence, offer
a multitude of benefits that make them an attractive option for private property owners. The City of Newport Beach has made it easier than ever for private property owners to construct new ADUs or legalize unpermitted ADUs that meet health and safety codes. Through the end of this year, the City is waiving all City-related fees associated with the construction of ADUs, such as plan check and building fees. The City recently developed a comprehensive website, at www. newportbeachca.gov/adu, that gives interested property owners a step-by-step guide to building an ADU, from design and construction to permitting and renting. Constructing an ADU can increase property value and add rental income, provide housing solutions for aging family members, or give young adults a foothold in the housing market. It also helps meet statewide housing goals in a way that preserves the character of our neighborhoods. If you are considering building an
ADU, or legalizing an unpermitted one, I encourage you to visit the website to get started. For questions, please call the City’s Community Development Department at (949) 644-3200. City Kicks Off Balboa, Newport Blvd. Pavement Rehabilitation City staff and contractors began working on a project to rehabilitate pavement at Balboa and Newport Boulevards and 32nd Street. Phase 1 – Balboa Boulevard between 12th and 16th Streets – will be completed by mid-August, before the start of the new school year. Improvements include repaving the asphalt roadway, replacing deteriorated sidewalks and curbs, and replacing curb access ramps. The project will include widening of sidewalks at the corners of 13th and 14th Streets on Balboa Boulevard, with new pedestrian crossing signs and flashing LED beacons to improve pedestrian access CITY MANAGER Page 9
Woman Dies During Robbery at Fashion Island By NB Indy Staff A 69-year-old woman was killed on Tuesday, July 2, in what Newport Beach Police are calling a botched robbery at Fashion Island. According to Newport Beach Police Sgt. Steve Oberon during a press conference, around 3:30 p.m. on July 2, a husband and wife walking in front of Barnes and Noble were approached by two suspects. There was a struggle, and the couple were robbed. A white Toyota Camry sedan then pulled up and the suspects tried to get into that vehicle to flee the scene. One of the suspects ran while the vehicle fled and struck the female victim. The male suspect that ran got back into the vehicle, at which point rounds were fired from a handgun and the vehicle fled the scene. Fortunately, no one was struck by the handgun rounds. The victim’s husband had no visible injuries. The name of the woman who died was not immediately released. “Unfortunately, and tragically, the female that was struck by the car was pronounced deceased,” said Sgt. Oberon. “Newport Beach police officers then ensued in a pursuit which took them into L.A. County. All three suspects have been captured.” When asked how the victim was run over, Sgt. Oberon replied “There was a struggle, and we believe the suspects dragged her into the street.” According to Sgt. Oberon, every available officer and detective responded to the area. The east side of Fashion Island was closed off for the investigation. Newport Beach Mayor Will O’Neill was at the press conference and was visibly upset and angry about what occurred. “Newport Beach is a safe community, and we are mourning the loss of someone today, a loss that never should have happened,” stated O’Neill. “They came into our city knowing that they were going to commit a crime, and a woman is dead today because of it. It’s heartbreaking, it’s a tragedy. I am so thankful for our overwhelming and immediate police response.” Calling the suspects “thugs and creeps,” O’Neill said “Fashion Island does not experience crime like this. This is a staggering, stunning act that just doesn’t happen here.”
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