News: Councilwoman Nancy Gardner

city council district 6 v corona del mar & newport coast

Nancy Gardner

councilwoman v newport beach, california

newsletter: july 2009

RATS
No, not the exclamation. The real thing. At this time of year I feel like there’s a neon sign in my garden saying EAT AT NANCY’S, pointing the way to every rat hungry for nectarines, peaches and especially tomatoes. I gladly share my produce with my human neighbors, but my little rodent friends don’t care to share. They take a bite or two out of everything they can find, leaving nothing for the rest of us, so if I want to enjoy any of the harvest it’s into battle mode. I have been quite successful, thanks to the County’s Vector Control District. I didn’t expect much when I called them–one single garden, after all– but they came out, verified the problem and gave me the tools to deal with it. They also handle mosquitoes and fire ants, so if you’ve got a pest problem, give them a call.

NOISE
Another public entity, the City, can help with noise problems from rowdy neighbors. The Disturbance Advisement system ranges from a cautionary warning to a series of fines (starting at $250 and increasing with each visit) and even arrest. If you want more information on the system or have something to report, call 644-3652 or email Dsanborn@nbpd.org.

COASTAL BLUFFS
The General Plan/Local Coastal Plan Implementation Committee is currently working on development standards that will affect properties along Ocean Blvd., Carnation Avenue, Pacific Avenue, Brighton Road and Milford Drive, as well as development along Buck Gully and Morning Canyon. So far, few of the residents that live in those areas have attended the meetings which means that the standards are being developed without their input. For those who would like to participate, the committee meeting dates and agendas are on the City’s web site.

BIG CANYON RESTORATION
This is a substantial project. Back Bay Drive is being realigned to create more mud flats, and there will be a new interpretive area. There will also be turtles. All those many years ago when I went with my father to the Back Bay we lured octopus out from their holes, dug up cockles which we steamed and ate with melted butter, observed a variety of birds. What we did not observe were any turtles which makes me suspect that turtles are not indigenous to the Back Bay, but that doesn’t seem to matter to the Department of Fish and Game which has demanded their introduction to the new freshwater pond that will be created as part of the restoration. I’m not anti-turtle. I have two that I adopted when my grandsons wearied of them, but introducing a new species into an environment often has unexpected and unwelcome consequences. I have voiced my concerns, but apparently this is the price DFG is demanding for okaying the project, so it looks like there will now be turtles basking by the bay. Hopefully, their presence will be benign.

NEW STORE
Fashion Island is being refreshed. I think that’s the term when you don’t need the full-on face lift. Nordstrom’s is coming, of course, and Dean and DeLuca, and there will be new fountains and landscaping, but the really good news is that we’re going to have a sporting goods store in town after a long drought. Dick’s is supposed to open the first week of July, and looking at the web site, it more than meets the definition of full-service with all the basics plus departments like Pet Gear, Cricket and Tailgate Party Supplies. The only downside to all this is that there will no longer be a carousel, sad news for my granddaughter and all the other kids it so delights.

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This is a two-way process, so please don’t hesitate to contact me with your ideas and opinions.

Councilwoman Nancy Gardner

QUALITY OF LIFE Advocate FOR NEWPORT BEACH

City of Newport Beach - 3300 Newport Blvd - Newport Beach, CA 92663

Phone: 949.644.3004 - EMAIL: gardnerncy@aol.com