2022 Most Innovative Program

The City’s Harbor Department Code Enforcement Division was recognized as the “2022 Most Innovative Program” at the recent California Association of Code Enforcement Officers annual conference.

The Code Enforcement team was recognized for:

  • Encouraging boaters to follow safe boating practices and harbor rules and regulations.
  • Collaborating efficiently with Harbor Department colleagues who patrol the Harbor and identify, document and address unsafe boaters and violations of local, state and federal laws.
  • Use of technology and equipment unique to the harbor environment, including water-resistant computers and cameras, noise meters and specialized safety equipment.
  • Development of department and division policies, procedures and training programs to support the City’s municipal code regulations that apply to the harbor.
  • Development of outreach programs and materials for the public and community stakeholders.
  • Removing more than 75 abandoned or inoperable vehicles from the harbor with state grant funding.

Code Enforcement staff patrols Newport Harbor daily to prevent or correct violations, which can include dilapidated, inoperable or abandoned vessels; lack of compliance with the terms and conditions of permits issued to various harbor users; public nuisances such as noise, water quality and trash; commercial charters and boat rental businesses operating without permits or licenses; boating safety violations; or sea lions damaging vessels and docks.

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If you have started to hear Christmas music and noticed holiday TV ads, then you know it’s time for my annual recognition of our harbor’s sailing awards.

I’ll start with the Bahia Corinthian Yacht Club’s (BCYC) awards night and the juniors. Sailing director Carolyn Smith stepped up to the podium for her first time presenting awards at BCYC, and she nailed it. One can always tell if the event is someone’s first rodeo, however, Smith’s a pro and she made the night fun and memorable with clear descriptions of the awards she was presenting. The Juniors awards always brings back good times, or even more so by diluting the agony of defeat.

Nine years ago, when the 106th Annual Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade was held, a few of us thought something was missing.

Not that there was anything wrong with the parade, which was going to feature its usual holiday splendor. But a few people felt it needed a little extra touch that many other parades around the country usually feature.

It was a Grand Marshal.

It almost seems impossible that a parade of this caliber can be held for more than a century without a Grand Marshal. Even much smaller parades in Orange County have them, with some even having multiples for the same parade (Say you Garden Grove Strawberry Festival).

Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort has announced their Inaugural Fire & Ice Festival, featuring one of Orange County’s largest waterfront ice rinks, spanning 4,000 square feet. The festival kicks off a season of holiday fun at Newport Dunes with an opening night celebration on November 24, alongside the 33rd Annual Lighting of the Bay, and runs daily through January 1, 2024.

“This year, we celebrate the return of our beloved Lighting of the Bay with a magical holiday experience like never before,” said Phil Ravenna, general manager of Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort. “We are excited to bring a waterfront ice rink to Newport Beach. Skaters can enjoy the lights of the bay as well as our Fire & Ice Festival. We welcome the community to usher in the holidays with loved ones and create new holiday memories in our idyllic bayfront setting in the heart of Newport Beach.”