Newport

Newport City Council Settles ACLU Lawsuit Over Controversial Trespass Order, Upholding Public Access Rights

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NEWPORT, Vt. — The Newport City Council has reached a settlement in a lawsuit involving a former city employee, Andrew Cappello, who faced a controversial no trespass order issued in August 2021. The order prohibited Cappello from accessing city property for a year, a decision that raised significant legal and civil rights concerns. Cappello was employed by the City of Newport from 2009 until his resignation in June 2021, where he served in various capacities within the parks and recreation department. Tensions escalated between him and the Public Works Director, Tom Bernier, eventually leading to … Read more

Newport Beach City Council Moves Toward Revamping Short-Term Rental Rules Amid Community Concerns

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Newport Beach, California, is moving forward with updates to its short-term rental regulations following a recent city council vote that aligns with recommendations from the California Coastal Commission. These proposed changes aim to modify existing rules that govern short-term rentals nestled within two specific coastal mixed-use zones. In response to public concern and input, the Coastal Commission highlighted the importance of these adjustments during its review in May. The commission supports allowing a limited number of short-term rental properties in mixed-use areas, including the Mariners’ Mile corridor and upper Balboa Peninsula—zones identified in a 2003 … Read more

Newport Beach Approves Stricter Anti-Camping Ordinance, Expands Police Presence and Cuts Mobile Health Services amid Homelessness Crisis

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Newport Beach, Calif. — In a move aimed at addressing the growing homelessness crisis, the Newport Beach City Council has fortified its ordinances against public camping, significantly increased its police presence focused on homelessness-related issues, and made the decision to discontinue a mobile health service that was once heralded as an innovative solution. The council’s recent actions underscore a changing strategy towards handling homelessness, reflecting a broader trend in many California cities grappling with similar issues. Newport Beach, known for its affluent neighborhoods and picturesque coastlines, has seen an uptick in its homeless population, which … Read more

Newport Beach Intensifies Measures Against Homelessness with Updated Anti-Camping Legislation

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Newport Beach, Calif. – In a move aimed at addressing public concerns, Newport Beach officials have harnessed legislative support to amend and enhance its existing anti-camping laws. This action unfolds in the wake of growing complaints from local residents and business owners about the visible increase in homelessness and the subsequent impact on community areas. The City Council’s recent approval of expanded restrictions to the city’s no-camping ordinance intends to mitigate issues associated with unsheltered individuals camping in public spaces, such as parks and beaches, which have been highlights of contention. Under the amended ordinance, … Read more