City Manager
10 newportbeachindy . com JULY 19 , 2024
City Manager
PAGE 1
concerns , the cameras will only be accessed as part of a crime investigation and will not be used for traffic enforcement . Importantly , the cameras only identify vehicles and do not include facial recognition capabilities . The locations and camera angles are fixed , and only monitor roadways .
The Flock camera system was part of a series of recommendations presented to the Council in May by the Public Safety Technology Ad Hoc Committee . The committee spent several months evaluating new technologies used by neighboring police departments , and visited agencies where some of the proposed technologies are now in use , prior to making its recommendations .
The goal of these improvements is to equip officers and civilian police staff with the latest tools to gather and analyze crime information to improve decision-making , which will aid in crime prevention , the apprehension of criminals , and the recovery of stolen property . Deployment of the technology will also act as a deterrent for individuals and groups who evaluate potential crime targets , increasing overall community safety .
Other technology upgrades , which will be adopted in the coming months , include a Crime Information Center to serve as the central technology hub for real-time intelligence gathering and assessments , FUSUS software to boost the department ’ s pre-approved access to video surveillance , and the development of a drone program to monitor and investigate crime incidents .
‘ Active Kids ’ Registration Opened July 18
Registration for Active Kids opened on Thursday , July 18 . Parents can sign up for annual or fall Active Kids sessions held at Newport Elementary , Mariners VJC , or the Community Youth Center .
Active Kids is an after-school program for youth in grades K-6 , and includes planned indoor and outdoor activities , homework assistance , and creative arts .
REGISTER HERE NewportBeachCA . gov .
Be Well Mobile Crisis Response
The Be Well mobile crisis response team operates in Newport Beach 12 hours a day , seven days a week to respond to mental and behavioral health crises . The mobile unit is staffed with mental health specialists and works closely with the City ’ s police and fire departments . This week , the Be Well team :
• Transported an older adult home after resolving a mental health crisis .
• Transported two people to the Costa Mesa Bridge Shelter .
• Transported a person to a crisis stabilization unit for treatment .
• Transported a person to a mental
LOCAL FOCUS
Plant-O-Rama Plant Sale Returns to Sherman Library & Gardens July 20 and 21
By NB Indy Staff The Plant-O-Rama plant sale is coming to Sherman Library & Gardens !
This retro-event , which debuted in 1972 , returns to Sherman Gardens on Saturday & Sunday , July 20 & 21 from 10:30 a . m . to 4 p . m . each day . The sale will feature plants and plant experts from California Native Plant Society , Los Angeles International Fern Society , Newport Harbor Orchid Society , Orange County Begonia Society , Saddleback Valley Bromeliad Society , and Southern California Carnivorous Plant Enthusiasts
Former Gardens Director , Wade Roberts , started the event in 1972 as a fundraiser for the Sherman Foundation . At the time , former Horticulture Manager John Bishop managed the nursery at the Sherman Foundation Experimental Center in Dana Point . “ People always asked us if we sold plants from the garden . It seemed like the right thing to do and we had the facility to grow the plants ,” recalled Bishop . “ It was a very
health facility for treatment .
• Transported two people to homeless service providers .
• Transported two people to bus stops to return home . The mobile crisis team is dispatched through the Newport Beach Police Department . To request service , dial 911 or call the Police Department ’ s non-emergency line at ( 949 ) 644-3717 . Homelessness Update This week , the City ’ s homeless outreach and response teams :
• Placed a person who had experienced street-level homelessness for over five years into permanent supportive housing .
• Continued to shelter people : 25 people who had been experiencing homelessness in Newport Beach are sheltered in the Costa Mesa Bridge Shelter .
• Placed a person into permanent housing after experiencing streetlevel homelessness for 34 years . Trellis International and the City of Costa Mesa staff collaborated to furnish his new home .
• Reunified a person with family in Michigan after a brief stay at the Costa Mesa Bridge Shelter .
• Sheltered a person at the Yale Navigation Center . The person secured an apartment and is waiting for the move-in date .
• Sheltered an older adult in a motel to facilitate an assisted living placement .
• Continued to shelter people : 24 people who had been experiencing homelessness in Newport Beach are sheltered in the Costa Mesa Bridge Shelter .
popular event . People would arrive early and wait in the parking lot until the gardens opened .” Plant-O-Rama showcased local plant societies as well as a unique variety of houseplants , tropical , hanging baskets , and succulents .
Fast forward to 2024 . “ The plant craze is alive and well , so we ’ re teaming up with local plant societies to offer our Sherman visitors a great selection of unique plants ,” said Scott LaFleur , Executive Director of Sherman Library &
Sherman Library & Gardens plant sale circa 1970s
Gardens . “ Take a hint from the patrons of the original Plant-O-Rama and come early for the best selection .”
This special event supports Sherman Library & Gardens and local plant societies and is free with garden admission . Garden admission is only $ 5 and always free for members .
Sherman Library & Gardens is located at 2647 E . Coast Hwy . in Corona del Mar . For more info visit www . thesherman . org or call ( 949 ) 673-2261 .
Newport Beach Community Celebrates Junior Lifeguard Building Grand Opening
Newport Beach Mayor Will O ’ Neill ( center ) and members of the Newport Beach City Council at the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the Junior Lifeguard building .
By NB Indy Staff
Hundreds of community members joined Newport Beach City officials on Wednesday , June 12 at a ribbon-cutting celebration and open house for the new Junior Lifeguard Building at 901 E . Ocean Front near the Balboa Pier .
The 5,400 square-foot facility is the first permanent home for the popular Newport Beach Junior Lifeguard
Program , which has operated out of temporary trailers for decades .
After several speeches , a ceremonial ribbon-cutting and unveiling of a donor recognition wall , the building ’ s doors were opened to the community for a festive two-hour open house . Speakers included Mayor Will O ’ Neill , Reenie
LIFEGUARD Page 11