A quick look at the things that made news this week in Newport Beach:
• City Council unanimously approved to send a letter to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife objecting to the state’s plan to attempt to collect fees from joggers and hikers in the Back Bay.
Signs were recently posted around Upper Newport Bay Ecological Reserve announcing that declared users would need a “Lands Pass,” according to the city staff report, and would have to pay $4.32 per day or $22.68 per year.
The Lands Pass system is not new, the report explained, “but the CDFW’s interest in enforcing it and collecting fees at UNBER appears to be new.”
The letter recognizes the financial strain the CDFW is under, but points out that because of multiple access points, the number of users (including volunteers) and average length of time spent in the area, collection of the fees would be difficult. The letter also states that part of the Upper Newport Bay Ecological Reserve is owned by the city, via Back Bay Drive, and mentions the long history of a no-fee partnership.
• Crews will begin replacing 7,200 feet of sewer pipeline along Dover Drive, between Irvine Avenue and Coast Highway, as early as next month, according to an Orange County Sanitation District statement.
A 24-inch diameter sewer line will be installed to replace the existing 15-inch to 18-inch diameter sewer pipeline.
Construction on the Dover Drive Trunk Sewer Relief Project will continue through August.
During this time full and partial road closures and lane restrictions are scheduled to occur.
Dover Drive, between Irvine Avenue and Mariners Drive, will be closed to all traffic except emergency vehicles.
Only one lane will be open in each direction on Irvine Avenue at the Dover Drive intersection between 8:30 a.m. and 4 p.m., Monday through Friday.
There will be lane restrictions on Dover Drive between Mariners Drive and Sussex Lane between 7 a.m. and 7 p. m., Monday through Friday.
For more information, call the Construction Hotline at (714) 378- 2965, e-mail constructionhotline@ocsd. Com, or visit ocsewers.com.
— Compiled by Justin Swanson
