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 .
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