Newport Coast gets warm welcome

June Casagrande

NEWPORT COAST--Some didn’t even know what they were getting into when

they brought the kids out to see fire trucks and a helicopter on

Saturday. But everyone who showed up at the city’s open house for Newport

Coast residents got more information than any newly annexed citizen could

hope for.

In an event that drew hundreds to the Newport Coast fire station,

Newport Beach officials did their best to show their newest residents

that the city aims to serve.

“I’m impressed,” said Andy Shadid whose sons Harrison, 5, and Alex, 3,

were posing for photos with Sparky the Fire Dog. “I’m amazed at how many

people were here and at the scope of services the city offers.”

Representatives from every city department were at tables offering

literature, information and a warm welcome. And nothing says “Welcome to

Newport Beach” like a crash course in water quality. Many of the tables

offered extensive information to help Coast residents join their fellow

Newporters in becoming water-quality conscious. “The ocean begins at your

door!” one brochure announced. “Pool Maintenance and the Water Quality

Act” and “Fueling Tips for Green Boating” were some of the other

offerings.

A hit with the kids was a Crystal Cove State Park table that included

a stuffed bobcat and coyote.

“It’s been a fun day for the families and a great way to learn about

community services at the same time,” said Marilee Jackson, the city’s

public information officer who helped promote the successful event.

Since before the roughly 7,000 Newport Coast residents became part of

Newport Beach on Jan. 1, the city has been eager to show that the city

aims to please.

“This event is a great first step,” said Jim McGee, head of the

Newport Coast Committee of 2000 residents group, which had supported

annexation despite a petition drive to stop it.

“People here aren’t coming to second-guess annexation. We’re getting a

lot of positive feedback,” he said. “I think this shows that a lot of the

people who signed those petitions weren’t really opposed to annexation

but instead just wanted to be able to vote on it.”

On Saturday, it was clear that many felt the controversy was water

under the bridge.

“I’m very interested to see all the benefits the city will provide

now,” said Janet Ball, who was at the fire station with 2-year-old

grandson Jeffrey Henderson. “Many I came because my grandson loves fire

trucks, but I’m really glad now to be aware of all the services that are

available.”

-- June Casagrande covers Newport Beach. She may be reached at (949)

574-4232 or by e-mail at o7 june.casagrande@latimes.comf7 .