One year ago today a small team of passionate people and myself had an incredible showing against the huge and well funded political machinery in Newport Beach. As they spent approximately $500,000 in total, we spent just a fraction of that– about $30,000– and came within a margin of error of victory.   Not bad for a first try with …

It’s been a long while since I updated on the lawsuit between myself and Councilwoman Diane Dixon (backstory, here: http://savenewport.com/2017/08/17/diane-dixon-gets-sued/).  Essentially, Dixon directed the use of taxpayer resources to conduct an investigation into an activist (that’d be me) so that she could spout bad things about them from the dais whenever they spoke against one of her unpopular measures.  Sadly for …

Remember that Sunday morning we set our clocks BACK by one hour, so that 1:59am happens twice in one day. Daylight savings has to do with energy savings, particularly in old factories.  By slightly adjusting the clock to account for the changes in the sunrise and sunset times, employers were able to save money on heating and electricity.  Sorry, “Simpsons” fans: it has …

As everyone knows, Councilman Scott Peotter has been up against a recall recently.  It all started about two years ago when he got very vocal about his outdated opposition to gay marriage.  Since his election, he has joined Councilwoman Diane Dixon on a number of controversial items including implementing a plan which got rid of the exact same number of fire rings as …

Happy Halloween, beachdwellers! Tonight is a special night and remains one of my favorite holidays, to this day!  Remember that some people still use “live” candles in jack-o-lanterns, so baggy-clothed costumes for the young ones need to be watched carefully to ensure they don’t get too close (and also so they don’t trip!).  Inspect all candy.  Smile.  Greet your neighbors. …

DUI Saturation Patrols are an increased visibility operation to catch and detur drunk drivers, but it is NOT a checkpoint operation.  These serve to actively arrest those who are driving under the influence– but they can also cause significant traffic delays, so if you are in a rush, be aware! This is a good time remind everyone that when you drink, please …

The quirky but super-functional and omni-present free transportation system that has been on the Balboa Peninsula for years is officially being shut down in Newport Beach.  The last day of ridership will be on Halloween, Tuesday, October 31st, 2017– their two year anniversary. With a strong start as a passion project operating on thin margins by two local peninsula residents, the Downtowner grew from …

This Saturday the 28th will kick off the 11th Annual Halloween Surf Competition by Blackies.  Officially, the kickoff starts at 7am, but many people arrive about 30 minutes earlier for the festivities and costume show-offs.  In the past, the kids to arrive have received prizes.  Prizes are also awarded for the costumes, traditionally worn *while surfing*. Typically, the party lasts a …

When someone says “Do you wanna hit the Bungalow?”, make sure you clarify exactly what they mean. Today at about 8am, a driver drove directly into the newly remodeled patio at the Bungalow.  The status of the driver or their sobriety level were not immediately available. Longtime readers will remember when a Hadley car run into Cassidy’s at 9am just over a …

At the last council meeting two weeks ago, this item was continued due to time constraints.  This week, it’s back on the agenda– but only for one day. Today is the first and FINAL chance you will get to talk about the flashing crosswalk issue.  What is normally a two-week process has been compressed into just one day. The city …