Community Corner

🌱 Patch AM: Why Newport Beach brought back its retired assistant fire chief

Make time for DFC Expo Fall 2026 on the Newport Beach Patch calendar

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Sunday September 27th Patch AM
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Hi Newport Beach! We have the latest buzz right here. Let's keep you in the loop and get this morning started right! ☀️

In today's newsletter:

  • Why Newport Beach brought back its retired assistant fire chief
  • How Pacific Coast Highway turned Newport Beach into a coastal destination
  • When will Newport Dunes flip the switch on bay lights?

Also on today's calendar: DFC Expo Fall 2026 and 9 more events.

Today's riddle: What are the two favorite words for a shark to hear? 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

  • Sunday: Humid, with a high of 81 and low of 68 degrees.
  • Monday: Partly sunny, temps: high: 79, low: 66.
  • Tuesday: Plenty of sunshine, with a high of 81 and low of 68 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. Newport Beach rehires recently 092526 (stunewsnewport.com) — Newport Beach's City Council has rehired recently retired Assistant Fire Chief Justin Carr as a temporary "extra help" employee through December 25 to finish key Fire Department projects. He'll earn $141.29 per hour without extra benefits while completing a promotions policy, an operations manual, and planning for new radio equipment. One resident questioned whether the work could have been finished before his retirement.
   

2. Flashback Fridays 092526 (stunewsnewport.com) — Newport Beach's mayor walks you through how Pacific Coast Highway turned a once-remote seaside outpost into the accessible, thriving beach city you know today. From opening the Balboa Peninsula and Corona del Mar to surfers chasing waves at the Wedge, the piece traces a century of change. It's part of a Flashback Fridays series celebrating Newport Beach's 120th birthday.
   

3. Dozens of illuminated trees, all gracing the bay, will shimmer in Newport Beach (nbclosangeles.com) — Newport Beach's Newport Dunes Waterfront Marina & Resort will again light up the bay with its long-running Fire & Lights Festival, featuring dozens of illuminated trees on the water. Starting Nov. 27 and running on select nights through Jan. 3, 2027, locals can enjoy music, performers, fire pits, and visits with Santa during this beloved Lighting of the Bay tradition.
   

4. California residents face growing Hurricane Polo threat (latination.com) — Newport Beach is already stacking large sand barriers along its shoreline as powerful Hurricane Polo churns offshore, expected to send dangerous surf and strong rip currents early next week. While a direct hit isn't forecast, residents should prepare for possible coastal flooding during high tides and stay alert to safety advisories as the storm's waves reach local beaches.
   

5. Rare Venomous Sea Snake Spotted at Popular Southern California Beach (edhat.com) — A rare yellow-bellied sea snake recently washed up at Crystal Cove State Beach, and experts say the last time one appeared on an Orange County beach was in Newport Beach in 2018. Residents are urged not to touch stranded sea creatures and instead report unusual sightings to authorities or the Natural History Museum so they can be documented safely.
   

📸 Around Newport Beach

Show off your photography skills and the sights around town! Click here to submit your Photo of the Day to Patch AM!

🗓 Upcoming Events in Newport Beach

Add your event to our calendar and newsletter!

★ Featured events ★

    Saturday October 3
  • DFC Expo Fall 2026 →
    Hotel Fera Anaheim - A Double Tree By Hilton, 100 The City Dr S, Orange
    10:00 am

Want to see your event featured? Click here!

Other local events

📣 Newport Beach Shout Outs!

Want to say something great about someone in town? Click here to submit your Shout Out to Patch AM! It's free!

Have we missed something on our calendar? Add an event yourself! As always, before attending confirm event details to ensure accuracy.

 

Thank you 👏👏👏 to these businesses for making Newport Beach PatchAM possible:

Click here to show your appreciation! 💚

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • Both my husband I desperately need pedicures!
    Does anyone know a good place that is clean and good that would be best for two 80 year olds? Thanks! (Nextdoor Harbor View)
  • We had a wonderful dinner at Basilic on balboa island.
    Really nice staff anx food was anazing. Great place to have a wonderful evening.. (Nextdoor Lido Isle)
  • sweetgreen posted a job opening for Fashion Island - Core Team Member in Newport Beach. Apply here.
  • Taco Bell posted a job opening for Shift Lead in Newport Beach. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Newport Beach here.

Ok Newport Beach! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!

-- The Patch AM Team

P.S. The answer to today's riddle: "MAN OVERBOARD!" (Thank you M J. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!

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