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Newport Beach, California

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Newport Beach, incorporated in 1906, is a city in Orange County, California, 10 miles (16 km) south of downtown Santa Ana. As of January 1, 2009, the population was 86,252.[4]

City of Newport Beach
City
Aerial view of Newport Beach on a crisp spring morning
Aerial view of Newport Beach on a crisp spring morning
Official seal of City of Newport Beach
Seal
Location of Newport Beach within Orange County, California.
Location of Newport Beach within Orange County, California.
CountryUnited States
StateCalifornia
CountyOrange
IncorporatedSeptember 1, 1906[1][2]
Government
 • TypeMayor-Council
 • MayorMichael F. Henn[3]
 • Governing bodyCity of Newport Beach City Council
Area
 • Total
39.8 sq mi (103.2 km2)
 • Land14.8 sq mi (38.3 km2)
 • Water25.1 sq mi (64.9 km2)
Elevation
10 ft (3 m)
Population
 (January 1, 2009)
 • Total
86,252
 • Density5,830/sq mi (2,252/km2)
Time zoneUTC-8 (PST)
 • Summer (DST)UTC-7 (PDT)
ZIP codes
92657-92663
Area code949
FIPS code06-51182
GNIS feature ID1661104
WebsiteCity of Newport Beach
Misc. Information
City treeCoral tree
City flowerBougainvillea

The city's median family income and property values consistently place high in national rankings, making Newport Beach one of the wealthiest communities in California, and in United States overall. The Daily Pilot, a newspaper published in the neighboring city of Costa Mesa, reported in 2010 that more than a quarter of households have an income greater than $200,000, and the median value for homes exceeds $1 million.[5] In February 2010, Portfolio.com ranked Newport Beach as the richest city in the U.S.[6]

History

Main article: History of Newport Beach
 
Newport Beach

In 1871 a steamer named "The Vaquero" made its first trip to a marshy lagoon for trading. Ranch owners in the Lower Bay decided from then on that the area should be called "Newport."[2]

In 1905 city development increased when Pacific Electric Railway established a southern terminus in Newport connecting the beach with downtown Los Angeles. In 1906 with a population of 206 citizens, the scattered settlements were incorporated as the City of Newport Beach.[2]

Settlements filled in on the Peninsula, West Newport, Balboa Island and Lido Isle. In 1923 Corona del Mar was annexed and in 2002 Newport Coast East Santa Ana Heights and San Joaquin Hills, were annexed.[2] In 2008, after a long battle with the City of Costa Mesa, Newport Beach annexed West Santa Ana Heights.

Annexations

Geography

Newport Beach extends in elevation from sea level to the 1161 ft (354 m.) summit of Signal Peak in the San Joaquin Hills,[7] but the official elevation is 25 feet (8 m) above sea level at a location of 33°37′0″N 117°53′51″W / 33.61667°N 117.89750°W / 33.61667; -117.89750Invalid arguments have been passed to the {{#coordinates:}} function (33.616671, −117.897604)Template:GR.

The city is bordered to the west by Huntington Beach at the Santa Ana River, on the north side by Costa Mesa, John Wayne Airport, and Irvine (including UC Irvine), and on the east side by Crystal Cove State Park.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 103.2 km² (39.8 mi²). 38.3 km² (14.8 mi²) of it is land and 64.9 km² (25.1 mi²) of it (62.91%) is water.

Areas of Newport Beach include Corona del Mar, Balboa Island, Newport Coast, San Joaquin Hills, and Balboa Peninsula (also known as Balboa).

Newport Harbor and Newport Bay

 
Linda Isle, Newport Beach, California

Newport Harbor is a semi-artificial harbor that was formed by dredging an estuary during the early 1900s. Several artificial islands were built, which are now covered with private homes: Balboa Island, Little Balboa Island, Collins Island, Bay Island, Harbor Island, Lido Isle and Linda Isle .[8]

Newport Harbor once supported maritime industries such as boatbuilding, shipbuilding, and commercial fishing, but today it is used mostly for recreation. Its shores are occupied mostly by private homes and private docks. Newport Harbor is the largest recreational boat harbor on the U.S. west coast, with approximately 10,000 boats.[citation needed] It's a popular destination for all boating activities, including sailing, fishing, rowing, canoeing, kayaking, and paddleboarding.

Commercial maritime operations today include the Catalina Flyer ferry to Catalina Island, harbor tours, sport fishing day trips and charters, and a few small commercial fishing boats.

Newport Bay is divided by the Pacific Coast Highway bridge, which is too low for most sailboats and very large boats to pass under. North of the bridge is referred to as Upper Newport Bay, or the Back Bay. South of the bridge is commonly called Lower Newport Bay, or Newport Harbor. However the Back Bay also has harbor facilities, especially the marina and launch ramp at The Dunes.[9]

Upper Newport Bay is an estuary that was formed by a prehistoric flow of the Santa Ana River. Today it is fed by a small stream from San Diego Creek. Much of Upper Newport Bay is a protected natural area known as the Upper Newport Bay Ecological Reserve, established in 1975.[10]

 
Newport Beach Back Bay from 1200 AGL.

Climate

Newport Beach has a Mediterranean climate (Köppen climate classification Csb). Like many coastal cities in Los Angeles and Orange counties, Newport Beach exhibits weak temperature variation, both diurnally and seasonally, compared to inland cities even a few miles from the ocean. The Pacific Ocean greatly moderates Newport Beach's climate by warming winter temperatures and cooling summer temperatures.

Climate data for Newport Beach
Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Year
Mean daily maximum °F (°C) 64
(18) 		64
(18) 		64
(18) 		66
(19) 		66
(19) 		68
(20) 		71
(22) 		73
(23) 		73
(23) 		71
(22) 		66
(19) 		64
(18) 		68
(20)
Mean daily minimum °F (°C) 48
(9) 		50
(10) 		51
(11) 		54
(12) 		57
(14) 		60
(16) 		63
(17) 		64
(18) 		63
(17) 		59
(15) 		52
(11) 		48
(9) 		56
(13)
Average precipitation inches (mm) 2.60
(66) 		2.54
(65) 		2.25
(57) 		.70
(18) 		.18
(4.6) 		.08
(2.0) 		.02
(0.51) 		.09
(2.3) 		.30
(7.6) 		.28
(7.1) 		1.02
(26) 		1.59
(40) 		11.65
(296)
Source: Weather Channel [11]

Demographics

Historical population
CensusPop.Note%±
1910445—
1920895101.1%
19302,203146.1%
19404,438101.5%
195012,120173.1%
196026,564119.2%
197049,58286.7%
198062,55626.2%
199066,6436.5%
200070,0325.1%

As of the censusTemplate:GR of 2000, there were 70,032 people, 33,071 households, and 16,965 families residing in the city. The population density was 1,829.5/km² (4,738.8/mi²). There were 37,288 housing units at an average density of 974.1/km² (2,523.1/mi²). The racial makeup of the city was 92.22% White, 0.53% African American, 0.26% Native American, 4.00% Asian, 0.12% Pacific Islander, 1.13% from other races, and 1.74% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 4.71% of the population.

There were 33,071 households out of which 18.0% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 42.5% were married couples living together, 6.1% had a female householder with no husband present, and 48.7% were non-families. 35.3% of all households were made up of individuals and 10.1% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.09 and the average family size was 2.71.

In the city the population was spread out with 15.7% under the age of 18, 6.5% from 18 to 24, 33.0% from 25 to 44, 27.2% from 45 to 64, and 17.6% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 42 years. For every 100 females there were 97.9 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 96.6 males.

According to a 2008 US Census estimate, the median income for a household in the city was $110,511, while the median family income was $162,976.[12] Males had a median income of $73,425 versus $45,409 for females. The per capita income for the city was $63,015. About 2.1% of families and 4.4% of the population were below the poverty line, including 3.0% of those under age 18 and 3.5% of those age 65 or over.

Housing prices in Newport Beach ranked eighth highest in the United States in a 2009 survey.[13]

Politics

As of January 2010, there were 34,747 registered Republicans, 13,684 Democrats 11,719 unaffiliated and 2,432 minor party voters.[14]

In the state legislature Newport Beach is located in the 35th Senate District, represented by Republican Tom Harman, and in the 68th and 70th Assembly District, represented by Republicans Van Tran and Chuck DeVore respectively. Federally, Newport Beach is located in California's 48th congressional district, which has a Cook PVI of R +8[15] and is represented by Republican John Campbell.

Economy

Newport Beach is home to one Fortune 500 company, insurer Pacific Life.[citation needed] At one time Edwards Theatres had its headquarters in Newport Beach.[16] Before its dissolution Air California was headquartered in Newport Beach.[17][18]

Top employers

According to the City's 2009 Comprehensive Annual Financial Report,[19] the top employers in the city are:

# Employer # of Employees
1 Hoag Memorial Hospital Presbyterian 4,116
2 Pacific Life 1,096
3 Glidewell Dental 902
4 City of Newport Beach 832
5 Pimco 762
6 Resort at Pelican Hill 735
7 Jazz Semiconductor 586
8 The Island Hotel 424
9 Fletcher Jones Motor Cars 420
10 Newport Beach Marriott Hotel & Tennis Club 363

Tourism

Points of interest

 
Newport Center
 
Big Canyon Country Club
 
The Balboa Bay Club, Newport Beach CA..
 
Newport Coast Aerial photo of Pelican Hill and the arch along the Pacific Coast Highway
See also: Newport-Mesa Unified School District

Attractions

 
Balboa Pavilion on Main Street
 
Balboa Pier
 
Orange Coast College sailing school

Beaches and surfing

Beachgoers have flocked to Newport Beach since the Pacific Electric Railway started bringing them in 1905.

Attractions include the city beaches from the Santa Ana River to the tip of the Balboa Peninsula, Corona del Mar State Beach, and the beaches at Crystal Cove State Park.

Newport Beach is renowned for good surfing, from just west of Newport Pier to the Santa Ana River. At the tip of the Balboa Peninsula, The Wedge offers world-class bodyboarding and bodysurfing. Some of Newport's best surfing spots include 56th street, Blackies (North side of the Newport Pier, named after the iconic Blackies Bar), 36 street, Point (15th street), and Cylinders (North of Wedge). 56th street, 36th street and Point are best for short boarding and are considered to be local picks. Blackies is usually the preferred break for long boarders; it is also very busy in the summer time. Blackies is a very well known surf spot in Newport Beach, and there are usually many tourists as well as locals. A public outdoor shower is available to wash off your board and suit. Cylinder’s is considered to be the best break for bodysurfing and sponging. [Newport Pier]] and Balboa Pier draw fishermen and sightseers.


A boardwalk (actually a concrete path) runs 2.9 miles (4.7 km) from 36th Street in West Newport, past Newport Pier and Balboa Pier, to between E and F Streets on the Balboa Peninsula.

Harbor and boating

Newport Harbor is the largest recreational boat harbor on the U.S. west coast, and a popular destination for all boating activities, including sailing, fishing, rowing, kayaking, paddleboarding.

The annual Christmas Boat Parade dates back to 1908. The New York Times has called it, "One of the top ten holiday happenings in the nation."[20]

Competitive sailing, rowing, and paddling events occur almost every weekend, and weekday evenings during summer. The annual Newport to Ensenada International Yacht Race is the largest sailboat race in the world.[21]

Boating activities are organized by five private yacht clubs, along with Orange Coast College,[22] UC Irvine,[23] and the Sea Scouts,[24] all of which have sailing, rowing, and water activity bases on the harbor. The Newport Aquatic Center allows open public participation in competitive rowing, canoeing, kayaking, and outrigger canoe racing.[25] The Orange Coast College School of Sailing and Seamanship offers recreational and professional sailing and mariners' courses and certifications, including USCG licensing.[22]

Hand-carried boats may be launched from Newport Harbor's public beaches. A launching ramp at The Dunes RV Resort and Marina provides access for trailered boats.

Harbor boat tours feature celebrity homes and other waterfront points of interest.

Large charter vessels cater to weddings and other special events.

Rental and charter boats of all sizes and types are available from several operators.

The Newport Harbor Nautical Museum is dedicated to the history of Newport Harbor, and the industries and people that were attracted to the waters of Newport Beach.

Balboa

On the Balboa Peninsula, the historic Balboa Pavilion and Balboa Island Ferry are the city's most famous landmarks. Adjacent to the Pavilion, the 500 passenger Catalina Flyer provides daily transportation to and from Avalon, located on Santa Catalina Island. In the same vicinity, the Balboa Fun Zone offers a merry-go-round and ferris wheel, bungee jumping, arcade games, souvenir shops and eateries, boat rentals, and harbor tour boat rides; and is also home to the Newport Harbor Nautical Museum.[26][27]

Balboa Island's village charm draws many visitors. A waterfront path around the island attracts walkers and joggers, and provides easy access from the ferry to the shops and restaurants on Marine Ave.

Outdoors and nature

Upper Newport Bay, or the Back Bay, is ringed by Back Bay Drive and a network of trails and paths that attract bicyclists, rollerbladers, joggers, and walkers.

Bird watchers and nature lovers are drawn to the Upper Newport Bay Ecological Reserve and Peter and Mary Muth Interpretive Center.

Bicyclists are drawn to Newport Beach to ride the boardwalk, the bike routes around Upper Newport Bay, the hilly roads winding through Newport Coast and the San Joaquin Hills, and the mountain biking trails in the San Joaquin Hills and Crystal Cove State Park. Beach cruiser bikes can be rented at several places on the Balboa Peninsula.

Golf

The Pelican Hill area has two golf courses, both of which were recently reopened after extensive remodeling and the construction of a new hotel and clubhouse.[28]

Culture and nightlife

Fashion Island at Newport Center is a popular regional shopping destination. Also at Newport Center, the Orange County Museum of Art exhibits modern and contemporary art, with emphasis on the work of California artists. [citation needed].

The Newport Theater Arts Center presents high quality live theater in a 90-seat venue with low ticket prices.[29]

The bars and restaurants within a few blocks of Newport Pier are a regional nightlife destination.

The city has figured into several television shows and movies.

Notable natives and/or residents

Business

Entertainment

Sports

 
Sasha Cohen

Education

Sister cities

Newport Beach has four sister cities, as designated by Sister Cities International:

References

  1. ^ Unattributed. "About the City of Newport Beach". City of Newport Beach web site (in en-US). City of Newport Beach, CA. Retrieved July 29, 2008.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: unrecognized language (link) A concise historical timeline compared to History of Newport Beach.
  2. ^ a b c d e f Felton, James P. (1988). "Newport Beach Chronological Timeline". Newport Beach: The First Century, 1888–1988 (in en-US). Newport Beach Historical Society. Retrieved July 29, 2008.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: unrecognized language (link) (Archived by WebCite at http://www.webcitation.org/5inp5xhd9) From a portion of that work reproduced on the City's Public Library web site.
  3. ^ "City Council". City of Newport Beach. Retrieved December 14, 2010.
  4. ^ "E-1 Population Estimates for Cities, Counties and the State with Annual Percent Change — January 1, 2008 and 2009". California Department of Finance. 2009-05. Retrieved May 2, 2009. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  5. ^ "Newport called richest U.S. city". Daily Pilot. February 25, 2010. Retrieved January 22, 2011.
  6. ^ "Top American Wealth Centers Clustered In California – Business News". Portfolio.com. September 11, 2008. Retrieved January 22, 2011.
  7. ^ U.S. Geological Survey Geographic Names Information System: Signal Peak
  8. ^ NOAA Online Nautical Chart Viewer 18754 – Newport Bay
  9. ^ "Newport Dunes Marina Newport Beach". Newportdunesmarina.com. Retrieved January 22, 2011.
  10. ^ "Upper Newport Bay Intro". Newportbay.org. Retrieved January 22, 2011.
  11. ^ Average weather for Newport Beach Weather Channel'.' Retrieved March 29, 2008.
  12. ^ "Three O.C. cities rank near top in U.S. income – OC Business News". Ocbiz.freedomblogging.com. August 26, 2008. Retrieved January 22, 2011.
  13. ^ Lansner, Jonathan (September 25, 2009). "Newport Beach slips in Coldwell ranking of prices". The Orange County Register. p. Business 1.
  14. ^ "Orange County Voter Statistics" (PDF). Retrieved January 22, 2011.
  15. ^ "Will Gerrymandered Districts Stem the Wave of Voter Unrest?". Campaign Legal Center Blog. Retrieved February 10, 2008.
  16. ^ "Contact Us." Edwards Theatres. May 10, 2000. Retrieved on February 2, 2011. "Our corporate offices are located at: 300 Newport Center Dr. Newport Beach CA. 92660."
  17. ^ World Airline Directory. Flight International. March 20, 1975. p. 465. Retrieved May 24, 2009. {{cite book}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  18. ^ "Newport Beach city, California." U.S. Census Bureau. Retrieved on May 25, 2009.
  19. ^ City of Newport Beach Comprehensive Annual Financial Report, Fiscal Year Ended June 30, 2009. Retrieved 2010-09-26.
  20. ^ [1][dead link‍]
  21. ^ "Newport Ocean Sailing Association home to the Newport to Ensenada International Yacht Race, Argosy Races and 14 Mile Bank Race". Nosa.org. April 23, 1948. Retrieved January 22, 2011.
  22. ^ a b "Welcome Aboard!". www.occsailing.com. Retrieved January 22, 2011.
  23. ^ "UCI Campus Recreation". Campusrec.uci.edu. Retrieved January 22, 2011.
  24. ^ "Newport Sea Base | Boy Scouts of America". Ocbsa.org. June 30, 2010. Retrieved January 22, 2011.
  25. ^ "Home". Newportaquaticcenter.com. Retrieved January 22, 2011.
  26. ^ "Newport Harbor Nautical Museum". Nhnm.org. October 19, 2010. Retrieved January 22, 2011.
  27. ^ "Newport Harbor Nautical Museum". Orange County with Anaheim Sights. Fodor's Travel, a division of Random House. Retrieved July 18, 2009.
  28. ^ "Pelican Hill". Pelicanhillatnewportcoast.com. May 25, 2010. Retrieved January 22, 2011.
  29. ^ "NTAC Home Page". Ntaconline.com. Retrieved January 22, 2011.
  30. ^ http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0007801/
  31. ^ "Forbes 400 bio". Forbes.com. Retrieved January 22, 2011.
  32. ^ Age of Secrets: The Conspiracy that Toppled Richard Nixon and the Hidden Death of Howard Hughes written by Gerald Bellett, 1995, Voyageur North America, ISBN 0-921842-42-2
  33. ^ a b c d e f g h i j Connelly, Laylan (September 30, 2005). "Newport Beach turns 100". The Orange County Register. Retrieved June 16, 2008. {{cite news}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter: |coauthors= (help)
  34. ^ Michaels, Pat (June 23, 2008). "King of Surf Guitars needs good thoughts". The Orange County Register. Retrieved July 14, 2008. {{cite news}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter: |coauthors= (help)
  35. ^ Fadroski, Kelli Skye (December 3, 2008). "Mike Ness tries to find a balance". The Orange County Register.
  36. ^ "Frank J. Rumbauskas Jr. – Official Site – About Frank". Frankrumbauskas.com. Retrieved January 22, 2011.
  37. ^ Koltnow, Barry (October 2, 2009). "Emma Stone is Clicking". The Orange County Register. p. Show 1. Retrieved October 20, 2009.
  38. ^ http://articles.ocregister.com/2010-04-08/cities/24637736_1_gondolas-impersonator-hustler
  39. ^ "Anaheim Ducks Rostor". Ducks.nhl.com. Retrieved January 22, 2011.
  40. ^ Seeing Stars: Where the Stars Live web site Note: this information is dated; Rodman has not lived in Newport Beach for several years. For more on this, see Gottlieb, Jeff. Rodman's Newport Party Pad Closes Up, Los Angeles Times June 11, 2004. Retrieved August 2, 2008.
  41. ^ By surfermag (July 22, 2010). "The Surfer Interview: Wingnut | Surfer Magazine". Surfermag.com. Retrieved January 22, 2011.
  42. ^ a b c d "Newport Beach Sister City". Newport Beach Sister City. Retrieved January 22, 2011.
 
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