Grant
newportbeachindy . com FEBRUARY 16 , 2024 7
Grant
PAGE 1
an estimated $ 33 million ). On the budget side , a significant portion is devoted to public safety with additional monies to improve public assets such as beaches , streets , parks , and water and wastewater systems , as well fund vital programs and services and an aggressive paydown of pension liabilities . Current projections indicate the elimination of unfunded pension debt in approximately 8 years , which will free up substantial resources for other city priorities .
PUBLIC SAFETY Public safety is always a priority in our city . Our Police Department includes a team of highly trained personnel who proudly serve our residents , businesses , and visitors . The department works closely with our community to monitor and track crime and address needs . It is imperative we commit the necessary resources to maintain our public safety at the highest level of service .
A critical element of crime prevention is community engagement . The Police Department offers in-home inspections to assist residents with “ home hardening .” A crime prevention specialist will review and recommend overall security including locks , lighting , landscaping , and participating in Neighborhood Watch programs . To request home security advice , contact the Crime Prevention Unit at ( 949 ) 644-3699 .
Our Fire Department was just named a Class 1 department after a two-year comprehensive industry review . We are one of three departments in Orange County out of eleven total , one of 45 departments in California out of 862 total , and one of 498 departments in the United States out of 38,195 total , to receive this designation . That puts us in the top 1.3 percent of fire departments in the country .
For perspective , this extraordinary accomplishment will very likely result in more competitive insurance rates in our city as the Class designations are used to establish fire premiums .
We are also investing in additional city-run paramedic services , with a new ambulance and six new trained crew members . This is the fourth Advanced Life Support capable ambulance in operation in Newport Beach . Residents and businesses should consider joining the Fire Medics Program . A fee of $ 84 per year covers unlimited paramedic and emergency ambulance services with no out-of-pocket expenses for any household member or guest . This is a considerable savings as the full cost of this assistance could be upwards of $ 1,800 . Register for the program at ( 949 ) 644-3383 .
GENERAL PLAN On the legislative side , a significant item on the November ballot will be public approval of our General Plan update , the city-wide planning document that establishes the goals and vision of Newport Beach for years to come . The update is well underway via an almost 30-member Council-appointed Advisory Committee .
The General Plan will incorporate our state approved Housing Element which includes planning for 4845 state mandated housing units ( anything from apartments to single family homes ).
This housing must include affordable as well as market rate housing . The public will have a chance to vote on the General Plan update as the zoning changes resulting from the housing mandates will trigger our city ’ s “ Greenlight ” initiative which requires voter approval of certain increases in residential and commercial density .
Equally significant in 2024 will be negotiations regarding John Wayne Airport as certain operational agreements start to expire in 2025 . Our city is invested in continuing a strong partnership with the airport to alleviate adverse impacts on our community . We are committed to a renewal of terms which restrict commercial flights via noise , passenger , and takeoff and landing , as well as working with general aviation flight operators for similar concessions .
HOMELESSNESS Homeless response is also high-level
By NB Indy Staff Billed as “ the world ’ s largest ( and most fun ) tomato plant sale ,” Tomatomania returns to Roger ’ s Gardens in Corona del Mar March 1 through 10 .
This is the 13th year that tomato expert Scott Daigre and his staff of Tomatomaniacs have brought their astonishing selection of over 250 varieties of heirloom and hybrid tomato plants to Roger ’ s Gardens , including new varieties for 2024 . Also , Roger ’ s Gardens will be introducing the Tomato of the Year .
Tomatomania at Roger ’ s Gardens is more than just a plant sale . This 10- day event promises to be a paradise for tomato lovers and garden enthusiasts alike , offering an unrivaled selection of heirloom and hybrid tomato plants , along with expert advice and all the supplies needed to grow the best tomatoes in your own garden .
This year ’ s event features an extraordinary array of tomato varieties , from cherished heirlooms like Brandywine and San Marzano to exciting new hybrids like the blue splashed Two Tasty or an orange grape standout called Vivacious .
Or what about the tomato that all the garden glitterati on Instagram are talking about called Rebel Starfighter Prime ?
priority , with a comprehensive approach that includes a new city ordinance prohibiting tents and other street living accommodations , increasing the number of beds available in our shared shelter with Costa Mesa , and the potential for a partnership for conversion of a Costa Mesa hotel to permanent , supportive housing .
Addressing the proliferation of group recovery homes in our neighborhoods continues to be a concern . The Council formally resolved to oppose Proposition 1 on the November ballot , a $ 6.3 billion bond measure that , if it passes , will escalate funding and licensing for group homes in our residential areas .
With the assistance of Assemblymember Diane Dixon , we requested a state audit of these businesses to fully understand the scope of the problem . We also collaborate with the California Sober Living & Recovery Task Force , a bi-partisan coalition of cities established in 2022 to advocate for greater state transparency and oversight of group recovery homes . Participate in the audit at soberlivingtaskforce . com where you can share a firsthand account about how poorly regulated group recovery homes impact your neighborhood .
LOCAL FOCUS
Tomatomania Returns to Roger ’ s Gardens in Corona del Mar March 1 through 10
Cherry tomatoes at Roger ’ s Gardens
For convenience in navigating the huge selection , tomatoes will be organized alphabetically , with special sections just for Miniatures , Tomatoesof-the-Year , and Roger ’ s Recommends . And be sure to brag and share about your own favorite tomato variety on our Tomato Wall of Fame .
If you just can ’ t wait and don ’ t want to miss out on getting your favorite , be sure to visit our online pre-sale where you can view all the information and reserve your favorites .
Whether you ’ re a seasoned gardener or just starting out , our tomato experts will be on hand to offer advice on
INFRASTRUCTURE Regarding infrastructure , Public Works is working hard to complete a number of projects in 2024 .
Sand replenishment from Seal Beach to Newport Beach by the U . S . Army Corps of Engineers began in November for long-overdue essential beach protection . Crews deposited about 1.2 million cubic yards of sand in the Sunset Beach area , which will move south over the next few years through natural wave and tidal flow . As part of the replenishment , the Army Corps already completed movement of 100,000 cubic yards of sand from the Santa Ana River area to replenish beaches between 52nd and 36th streets .
We are also in the last stages of construction of the Superior Avenue Bicycle and Pedestrian Bridge at Coast Highway and Superior Avenue which will alleviate traffic on the corridor from the city border into Mariners Mile .
Just in time for summer , we will open a new 5,400 sq ft Junior Lifeguard Headquarters at the Balboa Pier . This year is the 40th anniversary of the program and a time for celebration of this important Newport Beach institu-
GRANT Page 11
choosing the right varieties for your garden , care tips , and techniques for maximizing your yield and flavor .
Connect with other tomato enthusiasts and immerse yourself in videos that will make you want to learn more about these special plants . Experts will answer any questions to ensure a successful tomato season .
Roger ’ s Gardens Tomatomania will be held from 9 a . m . to 5 p . m . daily March 1 through 10 .
Roger ’ s Gardens is at 2301 San Joaquin Hills Rd ., Corona del Mar .
Visit www . rogersgardens . com / pages / tomatomania .