News: Council Member Nancy Gardner

city council district 6 v corona del mar & newport coast

Nancy Gardner

council member v newport beach, california

newsletter: APRIL 2013

STAND UP PADDLING
A while ago, it was suggested that we might want to delineate lanes in the harbor for SUPers. This generated some discussion, most of it negative, but to be sure we weren’t overlooking something, the council referred the matter to the Harbor Commission which determined that if there were problems—which was debatable--they were more a matter of education than lane lines. To that end, Sunday, April 7, from 10 to noon, at ExplorOcean, there will be forum on safety in the harbor, with an emphasis on SUP. Everyone’s invited, and it’s free.

CORONA DEL MAR ANNUAL MEETING
If you want to get all the skinny (does anyone besides me use that term anymore?) on what’s going on in CdM, then you will want to be at Sherman Gardens on Wednesday, April 17. 5:00pm-6:00pm is the expo: lots of tables with lots of info. The Business Improvement District will discuss its activities at 6, and then at 6:45 there will be a panel discussion put on by CdM Residents Association, followed by Q and A. Lots of city staff turn out for this, so it’s a great way to get information and answers on your local concerns.

YOU’VE GOT TO PICK A POCKET OR TWO
Lovely song from Oliver, and speaking of pockets, how about a pocket park? A new one has been suggested for CdM, the brainchild of Councilman Ed Selich and Ron Yeo. This would take the triangular space immediately to the north of Hobie’s, terrace and landscape it and provide seating—a great spot to enjoy a latte, an ice cream or just the sun. Presentations have been made to CdM Residents Association and BID, and the proposal will be coming to council shortly.

FIRE RINGS
This has been an interesting experience. The council looked at where our rings are in relationship to homes, the prevailing winds, and relatively recent information on the health aspects of wood smoke and asked the Coastal Commission for permission to remove them. CCC staff was dismissive of our health concerns which was disappointing, not just to us but to one of the commissioners who happens to be the director of the AQMD, the agency which issued the ban on wood-burning fire places which was so integral to our own action. It was nice to have his support, but then it became something more. The AQMD will now consider a ban on fire rings for the whole region, thus alarming Huntington Beach which likes its fire rings—which are not in the immediate vicinity of residences, as ours are-- putting them in potential conflict with us which was not our intent. We were, to paraphrase, thinking locally, acting locally. Mayor Curry sent a letter to Mayor Boardman of HB suggesting a compromise we could take to the AQMD: NB would be a smoke-free zone, good for our residents, good for the visitors with asthma and other conditions which can be triggered by smoke; HB would retain its rings, providing that option for those who like a fire. We will see whether such a carve-out can be obtained.

PLASTIC BAGS
For actors, getting cast can be a frustrating experience. Many times, they never even get to read lines. The casting director decides they’re too tall, too short, too blond—whatever. It’s “Thanks,” and “Next.” A council person can sometimes feel that way. You have a proposal, and you know that you will be a veritable Olivier on its behalf, except like the poor actor, you don’t get to read your lines. Your fellow council members are not interested in having it on the agenda. I proposed a plastic bag ban twice, and twice it was indicated that I was not ready for my close-up. However, if you’re interested in the topic, some students from Sage Hill are presenting the film Bag It at the Oasis, Thursday, April 18, 6 pm.

CIVIC CENTER
The big move is the weekend of April 6. City hall will be closed 4/6 through 4/10. As of 4/11, open for business at the new civic center!

FUTURE TOPIC SUGGESTIONS

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

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Council Member 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