Quieter Fourth welcomed in Newport Beach

The Fourth of July was full of big bangs this year, but, thanks to

Newport Beach’s crackdown on West Newport partyers, they were mostly

from Newport Dunes’ fireworks show.

The magnificent fireworks were a welcome sight after last year’s

dark skies. It’s fantastic that Mayor Steve Bromberg came through on

his promise to return the fireworks one way or another. It’s even

better that the new Dunes owners made them happen.

And it turns out that all of the hard work that city officials put

into creating a quieter Fourth in West Newport worked out. The

additional police presence, tripling of fines and retailer

restrictions made for a safer Fourth. This year, there were more than

200 police officers, an increase of about 60. That could have led to

the fewer arrests reported. It was certainly more evidence of the

city’s success.

Next year, it’ll most likely be even quieter and safer as the word

gets out that Newport Beach no longer welcomes loud and

out-of-control partying.

Of course, there were other welcome sights in Newport-Mesa on the

Fourth of July. Newport Beach’s annual boat parade continues doing a

wonderful job celebrating the nation’s freedom and patriotism.

And Costa Mesa got into the act with a new parade in Mesa del Mar.

It started off great and should be a happy addition to the holiday in

Costa Mesa.

Finally, unlike last year, when there were several fires in Costa

Mesa stemming from store-bought fireworks, there were no fires to

speak of this go-round. Most likely, it’s luck, but nonetheless, it

seems that residents were more responsible this year with the rare

freedom that Costa Mesa gives them to purchase and detonate fireworks

in the city’s streets.

All in all, it seems this Fourth was a wonderful start in the

right direction for Newport-Mesa. Many freedoms are still had, but

more responsibility is enforced. The nation’s forefathers would

understand and be proud.