NEWPORT BEACH New boat parade sees...

NEWPORT BEACH

New boat parade

sees smooth sailing

It’s been smoother-than-expected sailing for the annual Christmas

Boat Parade this year. A shorter route and shorter schedule just

instituted this year may have provided the compromise to keep

participants and parade-watchers happy.

A once-unlikely dream by some residents of West Santa Ana Heights

that they might be annexed to Newport Beach is now under serious

consideration by the city. The City Council held a study session on

the matter on Tuesday and will likely consider taking further steps

at an upcoming council meeting.

City officials assured Corona del Mar residents that they will get

a chance to participate in planning Corona del Mar State Beach

improvements. The city has about $1.2 million to improve the aging

beach facilities, especially its restrooms.

The end may be in sight for motorists tired of driving from one

red light to another. A traffic consultant has been hired by the city

to conduct a survey of the city’s signals and ways to improve traffic

flow.

* 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.