You Must Remember This: A little history lesson on water

By NANCY GARDNER

When it comes to water, Newport has been – I was going to say quite progressive, but given the conservative nature of our community that might not be viewed as a compliment. A quick check of Roget, and I will say that in water issues, Newport has been forward looking.

The topic of water often brings up Los Angeles and images from the movie Chinatown, and certainly L.A. threw a lot of elbows in gaining control of that area’s main water supply. Once it had mastery it was the 500-pound gorilla. If surrounding communities wanted water the only way they could get it was by annexing themselves to L.A., a significant factor in the way the city grew.

Newport has been far more genteel in its pursuit of water security. For many years the city well met residents’ needs, but the well fell victim to saltwater intrusion and the alternative, imported water, was expensive, so in 1993, the council (Hedges, Sansone, Watt, Turner, Hart, Cox, DeBay) approved the Groundwater Development Program to find a new local source. Attention immediately turned to Fountain Valley which, as its name suggests, sits on a lot of water. Fountain Valley was leery at first. They didn’t want Newport doing to them what Los Angeles did to the Owens Valley, but eventually an agreement was reached. Four wells were drilled, Fountain Valley didn’t turn into a desert, and Newport could import less water, thus lowering water bills.

That wasn’t the only effort at water security, however. In 1999, the council (Adams, Glover, Ridgeway, Noyes, O’Neil, Debay, Thomson) proposed that Newport become part of the Groundwater Replenishment System. As a reminder, this is a program between the Orange County Sanitation District and Orange County Water District which takes wastewater and treats it to drinking standards. It seems like a no-brainer now, but at the time it was hardly a slam dunk. The popular name was Toilet to Tap, and it was much easier to develop a snappy negative sound bite (“Do you want to drink someone’s pee?”) than to get people to read about reverse osmosis, microfiltration and the like, but the council persisted and eventually prevailed. Another layer of water security was procured for the city, and since people must urinate, etc., this was one that wouldn’t dry up.

When it came to water quality in the coastal waters, the city was pretty blasé for a long period, but so was every other coastal entity. Nobody understood just what an impact all this population growth would have on the ocean, and even when reports began to appear, the city wasn’t that concerned – until someone made the connection, “It’s the economy, stupid.” It was one thing if some surfers were coming down with things. It would be completely different if the outside world began to view the water in the harbor and the beaches as unsafe. That could affect PROPERTY VALUES! At that point, Newport shed any former indifference and became a leader in handling urban runoff and other water quality issues.

Water will continue to be an issue, but hopefully current leaders will take a lesson from past councils and continue to ensure that the city remains progressi–oops. I mean forward thinking when it comes to water, both in terms of supply and quality.

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Nancy Gardner, former Mayor of Newport Beach, long-time resident and daughter of Judge Robert Gardner, and past Citizen of the Year, is a regular contributor to Stu News Newport.

Letter to Newport Beach City Mayor and City Council

Subject: Encouraging Comprehensive Resident and Business Communication on Emergency Preparedness

Dear Mayor Stapleton and Members of the Newport Beach City Council,

Good Neighbor Newport (GNN) commends the City of Newport Beach for its proactive approach to emergency preparedness.  We encourage the Council to take additional steps and ensure all residents and businesses are informed of and prepared for potential fire threats and other natural disasters.

At the recent January 14th Council meeting, the presentations by the Fire Department and Public Works Department highlighted the extensive measures the City has taken to prepare for disasters. Newport Beach’s Fire Department has been particularly commendable in providing detailed guidance to homeowners on topics ranging from evacuation routes to strategies for enhancing the fire resilience of our homes. These efforts have undoubtedly enhanced the safety of our community. However, to achieve optimal success, it is crucial to extend this vital information to every resident and business within Newport Beach.

While digital platforms like social media and the City’s website are valuable communication tools, they do not reach everyone. Many residents, including renters, employees of local businesses, and those not actively engaged online, may remain unaware of the critical resources and guidelines available. To address this gap, GNN urges the Council to implement a direct mail campaign targeting all Newport Beach residences and businesses.

GNN suggests that this mailing be a standalone direct mail campaign (rather than bundled with utility bills) to ensure every household and business receives the information. The content need not be extensive, but should prominently direct recipients to the City’s website and resources, including:

• Emergency notifications in case of natural disasters

• Evacuation routes and maps

• Fire and earthquake preparedness guidelines

• Contact information for relevant City  departments

Furthermore, the City should consider coordinating with apartment complexes and multi-unit housing managers to ensure tenants receive this essential information. Engaging with local businesses will also help ensure employees working in Newport Beach are prepared in case of an emergency.

While direct mail incurs costs, this investment is a prudent and essential step toward protecting the well-being of our community. The advantages of an informed and prepared population far surpass the expenses, particularly in the face of disasters that could have devastating consequences.

Thank you for your ongoing dedication to the safety and resilience of Newport Beach. We trust the Council will consider this proposal and take action to expand outreach efforts for the benefit of all residents and businesses.

On behalf of Good Neighbor Newport (GNN),

Nancy Gardner

About Good Neighbor Newport: Good Neighbor Newport is a volunteer group of residents who are involved in and passionate about the City of Newport Beach. Members include former mayors; former and current members of city boards, commissions, and committees; leaders of local environmental and other non-profit groups; and three citizens of the year.  It is a diverse group in terms of age, expertise, and politics. This diversity is fundamental to its mission: to preserve and protect the quality of life of Newport Beach. You can submit comments to GNN at: https://www.goodneighbornewport.org. 

Food For Thought

Big Campaign Spending, Bigger Questions: What Do the Donors Expect?

Newport Beach limits contributions to City Council candidates, but outside political organizations can spend far more to influence local elections. What does that mean for residents?

A recent campaign mailing offers a striking example. On one side, the advertisement features incumbent Councilmembers Lauren Kleiman and Erik Weigand beneath the headline “Leaders Lead.” On the reverse, challengers Walter Stahr and Andy Gerken appear under the words “Followers Complain.”

California Leadership Today, a political organization reportedly funded in significant part by local businessman and developer John Saunders and other contributors, paid for the mailing. The advertisement also displays the logos of the Newport Beach Firefighters Association and Newport Beach Police Association, both of which have endorsed the incumbents, which raises the question: Why are private interests and employee associations willing to spend so much money influencing who serves on the Newport Beach City Council? And what do they expect from the candidates they help elect?

The Difference Between Contributions and Independent Expenditures

Newport Beach has established limits on contributions made directly to City Council candidates. The purpose is to reduce the potential for corruption—or the appearance of corruption—associated with large political contributions, but independent expenditures made by outside organizations are not subject to the same dollar limits, provided they are made without coordination with the candidate's campaign.

An October 12 report by Voice of OC found that more than $2 million had been contributed to local campaigns and political committees during the 2026 election cycle. According to the report, as of early October:

·  The Newport Beach Firefighters Association had spent approximately $138,000 supporting the reelection campaigns of Kleiman, Weigand, and Councilmember Joe Stapleton.

·  The Newport Beach Police Association had spent approximately $60,000 supporting those same incumbents.

·  California Leadership Today had spent nearly $15,000 each supporting Kleiman and Weigand, along with additional spending opposing Gerken.

These are substantial expenditures in a municipal election.

What Are Contributors Seeking?

There is nothing inherently improper about businesses, individuals, or employee associations supporting candidates whose positions align with their interests. Developers may be concerned about land-use policies, housing approvals, and development regulations. Police and firefighter associations have legitimate interests in employee compensation, benefits, staffing, equipment, and working conditions. These organizations have a right to participate in elections, just as residents have a right to support candidates and express their views, but significant political spending raises legitimate questions about influence:

Are contributors simply supporting candidates who share their priorities? Are they hoping to maintain access to elected officials? Or do they expect favorable consideration when issues affecting their interests come before the Council?

The amounts spent do not establish that any candidate has promised special treatment or that any contributor expects an improper benefit. Nevertheless, residents are entitled to ask how elected officials will maintain their independence when major decisions involve organizations that have spent substantial sums supporting their campaigns.