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by Christopher Trela | NB Indy Newport Beach is going to the dogs , but that ’ s a good thing !

On Thursday , May 25 , Friends of Newport Beach Animal Shelter ( FONBAS ) celebrated the completion of construction of the Newport Beach Animal Shelter with a Ribbon Cutting Ceremony .

The ceremony included remarks from Newport Beach Mayor Noah Blom , who noted how any people have come together over the past few years to make this project a reality . “ It ’ s quite an achievement ,” he said . Remarks were also made by FONBAS President Jon Langford , and there were presentations from Assemblymember Diane Dixon and Senator Janet Nguyen ’ s offices .

Among the many Animal Shelter donors , community members and dignitaries in attendance : City Councilmember and FON- BAS Board Member Robyn Grant , City Councilmembers Erik Weigand and Lauren Kleiman , Former Mayor Kevin Muldoon , Former City Councilmembers Joy Brenner and Jeff Herdman , City Manager Grace Leung , Fire Chief Jeff Boyles , Police Chief Joe Cartwright , Former Police Chief Jon Lewis , Community Development Director Seimone Jurjis , Deputy Community Development Director Jim Campbell , Former Assistant City Manager Carol Jacobs , and Newport Beach Chamber of Commerce CEO Steve Rosansky .

Also present was Animal Control Officer Valerie Schomburg with Officer Bubbles ,

ANIMAL SHELTER Page 11

Newport Beach Animal Shelter ribbon cutting / photo by Chris Trela

FONBAS board member and city councilmember Robyn Grant and Newport Beach City Manager Grace Leung / photo courtesy of FONBAS

JUNE 9 , 2023 | VOLUME XV , ISSUE 11

NB Indy Staff Fitch Ratings has reaffirmed the City of Newport Beach ’ s AAA credit rating , reflecting the City ’ s strong financial position , prudent fiscal management and robust local economy .

The AAA rating is the top level of creditworthiness issued by Fitch and demonstrates the highest degree of confidence in the City ’ s ability to meet its financial obligations .

Fitch Ratings ’ report cited the City ’ s recent history of budget surpluses and a “ very solid level of budget management ,” along with relatively low long-term debt and a strong , stable tax base .

The AAA rating underscores the City ’ s solid financial standing and budgeting approach . Newport Beach is committed to responsible financial management and will continue to implement sound policies to maintain its strong credit rating , City officials said .

Fitch ’ s credit rating was released in connection with Newport Beach ’ s outstanding Certificates of Participation ( COPs ), issued in 2010 and 2020 to finance the construction of the Civic Center project and Fire Station No . 2 . The rating assigned to the COPs is AA +, which is the highest rating for this type of financing .

Fitch Ratings is a leading provider of independent credit ratings , commentary , and research . The agency provides credit opinions , financial data , and other information to investors and market participants .