Mayor has an optimistic outlook

June Casagrande

Mayor Steve Bromberg’s speech at the annual Speak Up Newport Mayor’s

Dinner on Tuesday night was delivered in a classic state-of-the-city

style, offering a snapshot of the city’s recent triumphs and the

challenges on the near horizon.

“This is the ultimate schmooze event for Newport Beach,” Bromberg

said.

But Bromberg willingly waded into controversy by addressing what

he said is a problematic attitude among a small number of residents.

Without singling out any individuals or even mentioning the city’s

Greenlight movement, he laid out his position that a malcontent

attitude can actually be a threat to quality of life when things are

good.

And things are good, Bromberg said.

Some highlights of the last year or two include steps to extend

the John Wayne Settlement Agreement, the annexation of Newport Coast,

the agreement to annex East Santa Ana Heights and the signing of a

50-year lease for the American Legion post on the Peninsula.

“People in this city have said they want the best and we’re

willing to pay for it,” Bromberg said.

After speaking on these recent triumphs, Bromberg said that the

most important issue now facing the city is the general plan update

process.

The city has been undergoing the gargantuan task of updating its

general plan for a little more than a year and will continue to work

on this project to the foreseeable horizon. The document officially

sets standards and goals for the city, from zoning of specific areas

to issues such as tourism and traffic.

“Some people see this process as skewed, but this is a small,

vocal minority of people,” said Bromberg, who encouraged concerned

residents to come forward to discuss issues.

The mayor’s dinner was held at the Newport Beach Marriott in

Fashion Island. The annual event is put on by Speak Up Newport and

the master of ceremonies was Daily Pilot columnist and former Costa

Mesa Mayor Peter Buffa.

* 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.