Residents to get say in beach upgrades

June Casagrande

Residents near Corona del Mar State Beach will have a chance to

direct about $1.2 million in improvements to the popular tourist,

picnic and strolling area.

City Council members on Tuesday approved increasing from $111,670

to $143,000 a contract with Robbins Jorgensen Christopher Architects

to plan improvements at Corona del Mar State Beach.

Staff noted that the architects’ contract requires them to hold

meetings with residents to get their input on how beach improvement

money should be spent.

“You can be sure you’ll be getting a blue notice card from the

city,” said George Berger of the city’s Public Works Department.

“We need to find out: What can we truly afford to do here?” Public

Works Director Steve Badum said.

For example, in the summer, long lines form for the restrooms.

Lifeguards at the beach have no station. The concession building,

officials say, is inadequate. Parking could be improved. These are

among the areas that the architects will look at when recommending

and designing improvements to the beach.

“I think the community certainly would like to take part in

planning this,” said City Councilman Dick Nichols, who represents

Corona del Mar.

The city has $1.17 million set aside to improve the beach. About a

third of that came from a settlement of the American Trader oil

spill, which happened in 1990. Another third comes from state

Proposition 12 funds and the final portion comes from city funds left

over from other public works projects, including the renovation of

the city’s two piers.

Nearly a year ago, city staff distributed a survey to beach area

residents, asking what they would like to see improved there. The

results of that survey will form the basis for the architects’

survey, which will culminate in public workshops.

* JUNE CASAGRANDE covers Newport Beach and John Wayne Airport.

She may be reached at (949) 574-4232 or by e-mail at

june.casagrande@latimes.com.