City Manager
10 newportbeachindy . com FEBRUARY 16 , 2024
City Manager
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To access the bicycle and traffic safety web page , please visit www . nbpd . org / bikes .
AMBULANCE AND PARAMEDIC STAFF ADDED The health and safety of our community is a top priority for the City of Newport Beach . To that end , the City allocated funding for an additional ambulance and paramedic staff in the current fiscal year budget in response to an increased need in our community .
I ’ m pleased to report that the new ambulance will be put into service next week , with a fully trained crew . It will be the fourth Advanced Life Support ( ALS ) capable ambulance in operation in Newport Beach .
Over the past several years , an increase in development throughout the City , particularly within the Santa Ana Heights and airport areas , has created the need for additional medical response and transport capability .
The new ambulance unit will be stationed at Station 7 in Santa Ana Heights . The addition of the unit at this location provides more balanced coverage in the City while addressing the growing needs of the area .
The Newport Beach Fire Department recently hired six new paramedics to supplement their ranks and prepare for the integration of the new ambulance . The City currently has 38 sworn personnel on duty each day throughout the City ’ s eight stations . Next week , with the addition of the new ambulance , this will increase to 40 personnel .
It is the City ’ s first increase in medical transport capability since 1996 , when a third ALS capable vehicle was put into service . Newport Beach last added a new fire apparatus and increased staffing in 2001 when the Fire Department took over an Orange County Fire Authority station as part of the annexation of Newport Coast .
PARTIAL CLOSURE OF CENTRAL LIBRARY PARKING LOT Parking at the Newport Beach Central Library , 1000 Avocado Ave ., will be significantly reduced beginning Monday , February 5 to accommodate construction of a new auditorium .
The partial parking lot closure may impact library patrons , particularly during special events or high-traffic periods .
If parking is not available , library patrons are encouraged to utilize the Civic Center parking structure at 100 Civic Center Dr ., with convenient access to the library ’ s north-facing entrance near City Hall .
The partial closure of the library parking lot will be in place for the duration of construction , through early 2026 .
In general , the City recommends drivers access the Civic Center parking structure directly from Civic Center Drive at Avocado Avenue to avoid construction activity in the library parking lot area .
BALBOA ISLAND BRIDGE TO CLOSE NIGHTLY FEB . 11 - 29 The Balboa Island bridge will be closed to vehicle traffic from 10 p . m . to 6 a . m ., Sundays through Thursdays , from February 11 to February 29 , for construction activity . The previously scheduled closure dates were delayed due to the recent rainstorms .
To reduce impacts on the community and businesses , the bridge will remain open on Friday and Saturday nights .
As with previous closures , the Balboa Island Ferry will be operating throughout the bridge closures to facilitate access for residents and visitors .
Emergency vehicles will have full access to the island as necessary .
The closures are related to utility undergrounding work being performed on the island ( Underground Utilities Assessment District No . 124 Phase 0 ). Crews will be digging trenches and installing conduits across Marine Avenue .
For questions , please contact Michael Sinacori in the City ’ s Public Works Department at ( 949 ) 644-3342 or msinacori @ newportbeachca . gov .
IMPROVED RATING TO REDUCE FLOOD INSURANCE COSTS FOR HOMEOWNERS , BUSINESSES Newport Beach home and business owners are eligible for reductions in their flood insurance premiums , thanks to an upgraded City rating from the Insurance Services Office ( ISO ).
By Christopher Trela | NB Indy
For nearly 80 years , locals and visitors to Balboa Island have lined up to purchase a frozen banana at Sugar ‘ n Spice on Marine Avenue .
Founded in 1945 , Sugar ‘ n Spice has been family run since 1995 when Helen Connolly purchased the brand and became the shop ’ s third owner . After becoming ill , Helen passed the business down to her daughter Courtney Alovis in 2015 . Since then , Courtney and her husband Will have owned the business .
The couple have added innovative elements to the business starting in 2018 when they added a catering truck to take their frozen desserts to parties , weddings and charity events . In 2020 they added online ordering followed by nationwide deliver in 2021 .
“ Sugar ‘ n Spice has been a favorite
Newport Beach has been awarded a Class 7 rating in the ISO ’ s Community Rating System ( CRS ), an improvement from the previous Class 6 rating .
As a result , all flood insurance policyholders in the City are eligible for an additional five percent reduction in insurance premiums .
This achievement is a testament to Newport Beach ’ s ongoing efforts to mitigate flood risk and create a more sustainable , resilient community .
The CRS is an incentive program that recognizes and encourages community floodplain management practices that exceed the minimum requirements of the National Flood Insurance Program . By implementing measures that go above and beyond the baseline standards , communities like Newport Beach are better prepared for flood events and can qualify for lower flood insurance rates for residents and businesses .
The reduction in flood insurance premiums is expected to take effect later this year .
CITY TO UPGRADE ORANGE , 58TH ST . RESTROOMS Construction began Monday , Feb . 5 on a project to rehabilitate public restrooms at Orange Street ( 6804 Seashore Drive ) and 58th Street ( 5800 Seashore Drive ).
City crews will install new roofing systems , plumbing fixtures , LED light fixtures , tiles , new automatic locking doors , and add new coats of paint . The work is expected to be completed by late spring .
During construction , portable restrooms will be provided for public use . Parking in the area may be reduced and pedestrian detours may be established for safety .
NBPD MOUNTED UNIT ASSISTS WITH REGIONAL SECURITY EFFORTS The Newport Beach Police Department Mounted Unit recently collaborated with the Anaheim Police Department and officers from the Orange County Regional Mounted Enforcement Unit to ensure the safety and security of attendees at the AMA Supercross event in Anaheim .
The mounted units assisted with crowd management and surveillance , leveraging the unique advantages of police horses to navigate the venue effectively . Their presence added an extra layer of security , helping to monitor the crowd and address any concerns swiftly .
SPRING CAMP REGISTRATION OPENS FEB . 15 Registration for the City ’ s Spring 2024 classes and camps will open Thursday , Feb . 15 , at 8 a . m .
Discover a new passion or expand your enrichment opportunities this spring by enrolling in a variety of program options for all ages including Mini Music Masters , Theater for All , Learn to Surf or Beach Sunset Yoga .
Residents should be on the lookout for the latest edition of the Newport Navigator arriving in their mailboxes . Visit www .
BIZ BUZZ
Historic Sugar ‘ N Spice Frozen Banana Business on Balboa Island Listed For Sale
haunt of the Kardashians and other celebrities , and tourists can ’ t get enough of the unique desserts showcasing frozen bananas dipped in chocolate and rolled in toppings .
And now , the big news : Sugar ‘ n Spice has been listed for sale .
The historic company ’ s mixed-use space at 310 Marine Ave . has hit the market for $ 3.49 million , and is being sold alongside the Sugar ‘ n Spice business , listed for $ 1.5 million . Both sales are contingent upon the other selling .
“ After 29 years , our family is ready to pass the banana ( pun intended ) to the next family to carry on the tradition of serving smiles and memories ,” said Will and Courtney Alovis in a press statement . “ We look forward to coming back many , many times as customers , to continue to enjoy our favorite treats . May Sugar ‘ n Spice bring as
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much joy to their family as it has to ours .”
As a final sendoff and thank you to the greater community , Sugar ‘ n Spice owners Will and Courtney Alovis hosted a free frozen banana giveaway on February 8 .
Annie Clougherty of Compass is the real estate agent listing the businesses .
“ Growing up , everyone has that iconic memory of what made them cherish their childhood ,” said Clougherty . “ If you want to own an iconic piece of Newport Beach that reminds not only you but the world of Balboa Island , now is your time .”
For more information on Sugar ‘ N spice , visit https :// sugarnspicebalboaisland . com .
For more information on the sale , contact Annie Clougherty at annie . clougherty @ compass . com .