city council district 6 v corona del mar & newport coast
Nancy Gardner
mayor v newport beach, california
newsletter: march 2012
THE NEW CITY HALL
The council was invited to the topping off ceremony at the new civic center
site. We signed the last girder and watched as it was lifted up and tapped into
place. While there, I checked out the parking structure which struck me as more
welcoming than most— light and open. There have been complaints from some
neighbors who do not like the parking structure lights, its color, the
surfaces—basically anything about it which is understandable since they looked
at open space for so many years. However, over seven million dollars were added
to the project budget to protect those residents’ view plane, and I hope this
knowledge will ameliorate at least some of the complaints.
TRASH TALK
When it comes to trash, there are other issues besides outsourcing. In parts
of CdM, the three Rs (ravens, raccoons and rats) have a field day. Our alleys
are like one huge fast-food strip mall since most people keep their trash cans
outside. Many of the cans don’t have lids making it particularly easy for
dining, but even those with lids, unless they fit tightly, are a minor challenge
for clever-fingered raccoons. I don’t begrudge our furry and feathered friends a
little sustenance. After all, we’ve managed to eliminate most of their natural
food sources, but unfortunately, their mothers never taught them any manners.
They fling the packaging with the same gusto with which they forage, with the
result that the alleys can get pretty messy. One of the things I’ve asked to be
considered as we review our trash services is a way to improve in this area. I
know, I know. Keeping the cans in the garage is an obvious solution, but if
there’s not room for a car, how could there be room for trash cans?
CORONA DEL MAR ENTRANCE
The Revitalization Committee presented its concept for the MacArthur/PCH
area, a major entry point to the city and one that’s pretty homely at this
point. The concept involves moving the pinch point (where the three lanes become
two) back to Avocado, widening the sidewalk and landscaping the street-side of
the area. Simulations make it look very attractive. There is understandable
concern about the traffic impacts of moving the pinch point, so we are looking
into doing a temporary version to gauge real-life effects (as opposed to models
and formulas).
PETS
Chickens: Just in case you missed it, we disappointed the fans of the
Goldenrod Six and made no changes to the existing ordinance. If you want
chickens, you need to live in Santa Ana Heights—or have neighbors that won’t
peach on you.
Puppies: The pet store in CdM is closing its doors. Russo’s will be gone when
its lease is up.
Dogs in general: Pick up, people. There are still some of you that don’t. I’m a
dog owner and inordinately fond of him, but remember that not everyone finds
your animal as darling as you do which is why leash laws were invented.
TO GIVE OR NOT TO GIVE
We are one of the few cities with a budget for events. For years the process
was willy-nilly—a few bucks here, some fee waivers there. When we added it up,
we were surprised at the amount, so we formalized the process—setting a specific
number in the budget and establishing the Special Events Advisory Committee to
review applicants and make recommendations for council. The problem is that a
number of events originally came to the city with the plea to help them in their
early stages with the idea that once established they would be weaned. The
weaning has never taken place, and for many of them, city funds are a major part
of their budget planning. I’ve asked for a review of this issue. The timing is
good. We’re in the process of making the decisions for this year, so nobody will
be immediately impacted if we decide to make some changes. And we may not. Upon
review we may decide the current system is dandy.
ME AND THE MOVIE STAR
There was a women’s conference in Newport recently, and I was asked to say a
few words of welcome. I was then shepherded over to the actress Geena Davis who
is a state appointee on women’s matters where our photo was taken. Ms. Davis is
close to six feet tall. I am five three. Ms. Davis was wearing platform heels. I
was wearing flats. Ms. Davis looked like a goddess. I looked like—well, it’s not
very difficult to tell which of us is the movie star.
REMINDER
My email address for city business is:
NGardner@newportbeachca.gov.
Don’t worry if you forget it. I’ll still be using the AOL one, too.
FUTURE TOPIC SUGGESTIONS
This is a two-way process, so please don’t hesitate to contact me with your ideas and opinions.
Mayor 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: ngardner@newportbeachca.gov
Copyright 2012 v Nancy Gardner v All Rights Reserved