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Bonita Canyon Deal Is Back on Track

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Much to the relief of residents and school district officials, Newport-Mesa Unified School District’s annexation of Bonita Canyon is back on track.

“We’re all really pleased because we really think this is the best thing for everyone,” board President James M. Ferryman said.

After several weeks of waiting, Irvine’s City Council recently agreed to turn Bonita Canyon over to Newport Beach. Children from the Irvine Co. development will attend Newport-Mesa schools. Irvine had threatened to pull out of the deal because it believed Newport Beach was trying to foil its attempts to annex the El Toro Marine Corps Air Station and prevent a commercial airport from being built there when the Marines pull out in 1999.

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As a result of Irvine’s decision, Ferryman said, the district will open Eastbluff Elementary School this fall. The school will accommodate children from Bonita Canyon.

The district also will expand classroom space at Newport Coast Elementary School, which is being designed and will open in the fall of 1999.

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