Cracked beam closes chambers

The Newport Beach City Council Chambers are padlocked this week after city workers discovered Wednesday that a wooden beam in the roof was split.

The beam supports parts of the ceiling grid, which supports the lights, vents and acoustical tiles, City Manager Dave Kiff said in an e-mail.

Workers discovered the problem after investigating why a bank of lights was not working during Tuesday night’s council meeting.

The city will have to move several public meetings while the chambers are shuttered, including Thursday’s Planning Commission meeting and the April 13 council meeting.

City officials estimate it will cost $20,000 to repair the damage.

— Brianna Bailey