Nice Meeting Council member Gardner!

Last night Council member Nancy Gardner had a
community meeting regarding "all issues" in Corona Del
Mar. Nancy ran the meeting like a Swiss Watch...which
maintained very good control...in spite of citizens such
as ourselves; who are know to be on occasion as too
cheeky for their own good.

This public meetings was probably one of the most
fruitful and intelligent that we can remember attending
in some time. We had a lot of the "usual suspects" like
our own beloved Dolores Otting and others, but what was
most impressive was the fact that Nancy brought her own
selection of "experts" with her. Asst. City Manager
Sharon Wood was able to add her key insight and expertise
along with two of Newport's Finest...regarding Parking
issues and Patrol issues from restaurants. Lt. Lu was able
to reassure the assembled crowd of almost 80 people that
Newport Beach Patrol Officers are there to help. He thusly
encouraged all to "make that call", when in doubt, when
loud noise or inappropriate behavior is in evidence.

Council member Gardner kept on track in spite of a variety
of citizens making comments "all over the board". We were
pleased to find out that the Crosswalk to the Albertson's
parking area across PCH will soon be "electrified" the same
way that the Orchid/Post Office crossing has been. Bravo,
to all concerned on that good move. Additionally, we found
out that a new restaurant/food facility for CDM Big Beach
will happen sometime next summer. Hopefully, we can get
a provider that offers good burgers and ice cream! We
additionally found out....that there is no current plan to
add a Newport Beach Civil Code and Criminal Enforcement
Prosecutor to the mix of City Services...which we found
very comforting!

All in all, the issues involved traffic, excessive noise
from Construction sites, Leaf Blowers and restaurant Permit
Process abuses; as well as littering issues by customers in
the Restaurant zones. Council Member Gardner is doing a
great job as we see it and we are honored to be in her
district. Thanks so much to the City of Newport Beach as well,
for listening to community concerns and attempting to get
the issues rectified before they become even bigger problems.

We would encourage all NB City Council
members to follow Nancy's fine example and make
their presence known to all that will listen or
want to visit these essential community forums!
These forums should be made available to each
District at least once a year. Perhaps, that is
already SOP....but we would support making them
more visable; either on the City web site or at
each Council Meeting. Special thanks to the Corona
Del Mar Chamber of Commerce and the Corona Del Mar
Homeowners Association for showing their on-going
support and concern for our very special community.