Newport Beach Reopens For Active Use, Gov. Approves City Plan

NEWPORT BEACH, CA — The city of Newport Beach has waited for approval to reopen their shores since Gov. Gavin Newsom closed all Orange County beaches last week. City Manager Grace Leung, in a meeting with the governor's office Wednesday morning, was at last given approval to reopen under the Newport Beach Access Plan.

Newport Beach will open all beaches to active recreational use during regular beach hours, 6 a.m. to 10 p.m., seven days a week. The barricades were removed, and the residents breathed a sigh of sea air in relief.

"The city is very pleased to reopen our beaches for the physical and mental well being of our residents," Newport Beach Mayor Will O'Neill said. "While the active recreation model was not the preferred choice by the City Council, after discussions with our public safety personnel we are confident that city staff will manage the beaches effectively under the approved plan."

On Tuesday, Gov. Gavin Newsom's office released beaches in the cities of San Clemente, Huntington Beach and Seal Beach to reopening with the same Active Use plan. Newport Beach remained the odd man out, though they shared their plan with the governor's office over the weekend.

Newsom praised Newport Beach officials for their "collaborative spirit" in working out its plan.

"That's the spirit that will allow us in real time to make judicious decisions," Newsom said.
The mayor said the city will try to get beachgoers to voluntarily comply with the new rules before having to resort to citations.

The active uses approved include walking, running, hiking, bicycling, swimming, surfing, bodysurfing, boogie boarding, kite surfing, paddle boarding, skim boarding, and kayaking. Sunbathing is not allowed.

The city's boardwalk on the peninsula, the popular Wedge surfing spot and the parking lots will remain closed until further notice, Pope said.

In a Tuesday session, the Orange County Board of Supervisors voted 3-2 to submit a plan to the governor's office to reopen the remaining 16 percent of oceanfront. The debate was heated, with Chairwoman Michelle Steel and Supervisor Don Wagner dissenting.

"We're going to be submitting it very soon up to the state and they promised to turn it around very quickly," said Orange County Supervisor Lisa Bartlett, who represents much of the south county beaches and pushed for the active-use plan.

Newport Beach's reopening plan is consistent with the cities of San Clemente and Huntington Beach, the city manager's office said.

According to the Director of the Governor's Office of Emergency Services, Mark Ghilarducci, "vigilance will be necessary to support successful implementation and prevent unsafe conditions."

Congressman Harley Rouda (CA-48) issued the following statement regarding Governor Gavin Newsom's decision to reopen Newport Beach beaches:

"With today's approval of Newport Beach's plan, local residents can access almost every beach in coastal Orange County," said Rouda. "City-specific requirements include active-movement, limited hours, and designated entry and exit points to regulate traffic. These common-sense regulations are part of a multi-phase approach that protects Orange County families' physical and mental health."

"I hope County officials will quickly submit a reopening plan that follows city blueprints to ensure all beaches are available to Orange County residents. Our beaches are more than tourist attractions — they are crucial recreational spaces that everyone should be able to access in a safe and socially-distanced manner."

"It is clear that our fight against the coronavirus is not yet won. As we transition to a 'new normal,' I will continue working with local leaders and the Governor’s office to find common-sense solutions that protect the health and liberties of Orange County families."

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