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Annual Lighting of the Bay at Newport Dunes Kicks Off Holiday Celebrations
NOVEMBER 25 , 2022 | VOLUME XIV , ISSUE 23
NEWPORT BEACH POLICE CHIEF JON LEWIS ANNOUNCES RETIREMENT
By Christopher Trela | NB Indy Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort kicks off the holiday season in Newport Beach with the 32nd annual Lighting of the Bay that starts Friday , Nov . 25 and continues nightly through New Year ’ s Day .
On November 25 from 4 to 9 p . m ., the opening night festivities include live musical performances , stocking decorating , holiday photo booths , and of course Santa Claus , who will flip the magic switch at dusk to illuminate the bay with more than 50 floating holiday decorations and Christmas trees .
Bring blankets and beach chairs for an outdoor movie screening of a holiday favorite , “ Elf .” Food and beverages will be available for purchase .
The November 25 event is free ; parking is $ 10 .
Newport Dunes will also have a Christmas tree lot with trees trucked down from Oregon . These trees are reportedly handpicked and delivered within 16 hours of being cut , given a second cut upon arrival , and immediately placed in stands with fresh water . Fresh wreaths and garlands are also available for purchase .
The tree lot will be open from 10 a . m . to 9 p . m . daily through December 24 .
Visit newportdunes . com for more information .
WINTER FEST OC RETURNS NOV . 25 – JAN . 1 Winter comes early this year thanks to Winter
Lighting of the Bay / photo by Chris Trela
Fest OC , which returns to the OC Fair & Event Center November 25 through January 1 .
Billed as Southern California ’ s largest winter festival , Winter Fest was on hiatus for two years ( although they did produce the Night of Lights OC drive-through holiday experience last December ) but returns bigger and better than ever with oversized holiday decor , more than a million lights , winter-themed activities , a holiday market , and seasonal food and drinks .
New for 2022 is “ North Pole Journey ,” an immersive walk-through experience that guides guests to the North Pole Village on an important mission to meet Santa Claus and
Newport Beach City Manager Update
Newport Beach City Manager Grace Leung
By Grace Leung , Newport Beach City Manager
On Tuesday , November 15 , the City Council approved the 2022 California building standards codes and California fire codes , which regulate the design and construction of structures to protect life and property .
The state adopts new codes every three years , and cities are required to adopt the same codes with specific amendments as save the holidays .
Other activities include an outdoor iceskating rink , a nine-lane 150-foot-long ice tubing slide , ice bumper cars , LED mini golf , trackless train rides , a snowboard simulator , and carnival games and rides .
Also returning are winter-themed bounce houses , an arts and crafts area , stage and strolling entertainment , tribute bands , and more , and unique winter-themed photo opportunities with the 30-foot-tall giant walkthrough ornament .
“ We are so excited to bring Winter and
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deemed necessary by local communities .
While much of the building and fire code updates apply to new construction , there are requirements for existing structures located in Newport Beach ’ s established Very High Fire Severity Zone .
The 2022 codes will become part of the City ’ s municipal code effective January 1 , 2023 .
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Jon Lewis , a longtime veteran of the Newport Beach Police Department who rose through the ranks to become chief of police in 2016 , has announced his retirement , effective December 31 .
“ While we will miss his leadership tremendously , Chief Lewis leaves behind an exceptional department that will ensure the continuation of excellent public safety service to our community ,” City Manager Grace Leung said . “ We thank
NBPD Page 13 the
INDYPOLL
THIS WEEK ’ S QUESTION :
Which Newport Beach Holiday event are you most looking forward to ?
� Lighting of the Bay
� Winter Fest OC
� Christmas Walk
� Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade
� Balboa Island Holiday Home Tour
After 31 years , Melissa is retiring ! GOING OUT OF BUSINESS SALE !
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