News: Council Member Nancy Gardner

city council district 6 v corona del mar & newport coast

Nancy Gardner

council member v newport beach, california

newsletter: OCTOBER 2013

BACK BAY LANDING
I got my first look at this proposed project at the EQAC meeting in September. If the name doesn't ring a bell it's that area around Pearson's Port which is mostly vehicle storage right now. Proposed is a combination of mixed use commercial/residential; dry dock boat storage; public launch for kayaks and paddleboards; and a bayside public trail. The marina to the north and Bayside Village are not part of the project and will remain as they are, and Pearson's Port, also. The draft EIR should be out in about a week with copies at city hall, the library and on line.

BALBOA VILLAGE
Speaking of projects, I attended a very interesting presentation on Balboa Village. Members of the Urban Land Institute essentially donated their time to develop concepts to improve that area. Some of the suggestions were simple such as framing the village with signs and/or monuments to give it more identity. Others were more ambitious, such as bringing back rail to the area or trams for improved transportation. Those in attendance seemed open to many of the ideas, and we'll see which emerge for further review.

LOWER CASTAWAYS
Harbor Commissioner Dave Girling is leading the effort to develop this area into a public amenity. Harbor Commissioner Paul Blank and I decided to paddle over for a water view the other day and found that at the north end, there is a lovely sandy area, perfect for launching kayaks and paddleboards. All it needs is some stairs from the bulkhead to the sand. In the best of all possible worlds, for virtually no money, the city could provide new access to the harbor as well as a setting-off place for cyclists while an overall plan is developed. However, the best of all possible worlds doesn't have to deal with various state agencies that can make even the simple difficult, so we'll see.

COASTAL COMMISSION
And speaking of state agencies, if you've never seen the Coastal Commission up close and personal, the November meeting will be held here, in the council chambers. The proposed desalination plant in Huntington Beach is on the agenda, so it should be a lively session. November 13-15. Meetings usually start at 8:30 am.

COYOTES
I was asked by a resident to remind people about coyotes and pets. I think many people feel if they're not close to an open space area their pets are safe. I live in the middle of Corona del Mar, a good distance from Buck Gully, but I have found the remains of more than one cat in the vicinity, and it's not enough just to keep the pet in at night. I walked out one morning about 6:30 to see a coyote standing in my neighbor's yard. I don't think it was a coincidence that the neighbor tended to let her cat out first thing. Now she waits until later in the day as a precaution. Remember not to leave pet food out. This attracts not just coyotes but other critters who may seem delightful at first glance but can turn into pests with very little encouragement.

READY FOR ITS CLOSEUP
I am often asked by non-residents if CdM is part of Newport. Officially, yes, but if you ask us . . . Like the other villages that make up the older part of Newport, CdM has a strong sense of identity with its own post office and zip code, so I guess it was only time before someone wanted to give CdM its own book. Michael Shepherd is the nephew of Jackie Porcella whose house some may remember--the last one on the path down to Little Corona, CdM side, with sort of a rounded front (there's a different house there now). He was going through some of her old pictures and the light bulb went off. He's seeking vintage photos of old CdM, so if you have some you'd like to share, you can contact him at Michael@SpecialBooks.com.

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 | 100 Civic Center Drive | Newport Beach, CA 92660

Phone: 949.644.3004 | EMAIL: ngardner@newportbeachca.gov