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— Photo by Lawrence Sherwin ©
The City of Newport Beach enhances public safety efforts on the Fourth of July holiday to help maintain a safe, festive and family friendly environment in the city.
Though most residents and business owners are well versed in these efforts for the Fourth of July, here are reminders from the Newport Beach Police Department about street closures, prohibited items and other important details and tips.
On the 4th of July, text NBJULY4 to 65513 to receive updated road closure information, significant traffic advisories and community advisories.
The following streets will be closed to vehicular traffic on July 4 during the time periods specified:
From approximately 8:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m.: Balboa Boulevard from 32nd Street to Channel Place will be closed to westbound vehicular traffic for the Fourth of July is for Families parade.
No left-turns from westbound Balboa Blvd. traffic at 34th St., 36th St., 39th St., 43rd St. and 46th St. (also for the parade).
From 10:30 a.m. to the early morning hours of July 5: Southbound Orange Street at West Coast Highway will be closed. Via Malaga from Via Oporto to Via Lido will be closed.
From approximately 12 p.m. to 10 p.m.: Back Bay Drive will be closed. San Joaquin Hills Road between Back Bay Drive and the entrance to the Park Newport Apartment Community will be closed.
All streets on the Balboa Peninsula will be open to vehicle traffic; however, the Newport Beach Police Department will be monitoring traffic conditions throughout the day and will facilitate additional street closures should the need arise.
On-street and other public parking will be extremely limited in the West Newport area. All residents and visitors are cautioned to park in legal, public spaces or their own, private spaces or garages.
Vehicles parked illegally will be issued parking citations and may be towed.
The City of Newport Beach offers a free trolley service for Balboa Peninsula during summer weekends and holidays – including July 4th.
There will again be a Safety Enhancement Zone in the area bounded by the Pacific Ocean on the South, 32nd St. and Newport Blvd. on the East, W. Coast Hwy. on the North and 54th St. on the West.
The Safety Enhancement Zone designation is effective from 12:01 a.m. on July 4 to 3 a.m. on July 5.
Fines within the Safety Enhancement Zone are triple the normal amount and can be as much as $3,000.
Prohibited Items
- Alcoholic Beverages Prohibited in Public Areas: Possessing or drinking alcoholic beverages on streets, sidewalks, beaches, piers or other public areas is prohibited (this includes alcoholic beverages that have been poured into a cup). Violators are subject to citation or arrest.
- Fireworks: It is illegal to possess or use fireworks in Newport Beach. This includes “safe and sane” fireworks such as fountains and sparklers that can be purchased in nearby cities. Residents and visitors are encouraged to attend a public, professional fireworks show.
- Rooftop Gatherings: People gathering on rooftops is a safety hazard that may violate building code ordinances. City building inspectors will be working with the Police Department to address those violations.
- Throwing Water Balloons or Spraying Water at Pedestrians, Bicyclists or Vehicles: Throwing water balloons or spraying water at pedestrians, bicyclists or vehicles is illegal. Violators are subject to citation or arrest.
Loud and Unruly Gatherings
Property owners and/or party hosts are responsible for the conduct of their guests. Loud and unruly parties requiring a police response could result in a citation or arrest for those present, and fines for property owners, tenants, renters and guests (Municipal Code Section 10.58.030). If you plan to host a holiday party in West Newport, please follow these guidelines:
- Limit the number of guests invited and don’t allow strangers to attend uninvited. As the host, you are ultimately responsible for the conduct of everyone that attends your party.
- Be sure that no alcoholic beverages leave your property. Possession of open containers of alcoholic beverages or consumption of those beverages in public is illegal. This includes alcoholic beverages that have been poured into a cup.
- Ensure that no minors consume alcoholic beverages while at your party.
- Limit noise and raucous behavior. Keep music volumes low and all speakers indoors.
- Do not allow any guests to throw water balloons or spray water at pedestrians or vehicles.
- Ask guests to limit their travel in and out of West Newport due to the traffic restrictions.
- Be courteous to your neighbors and take your party indoors after dark. Close doors and windows to prevent loud voices and music from disturbing others.
- Keep outdoor lights on – it helps deter criminal activity.
Beach and Pier Information
All ocean and bay front beaches are open to the public from the hours of 6 a.m. until 10 p.m. (This includes the areas from the Santa Ana River Jetty to Crystal Cove State Park.)
Crystal Cove beaches close at sunset.
Please swim near a lifeguard tower as ocean currents and surf can be strong, shifting and dangerous.
Portable barbecues are not allowed on any City beaches. For those that wish to barbecue, fire rings and public barbecues are available near the Balboa Pier and at Corona del Mar State Beach from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. on a first-come, first-served basis.
The Newport and Balboa Piers are open from 5 a.m. until midnight.
Public restroom facilities are available at the base of both piers.
For assistance on July 4, call the Newport Beach Police Department at (949) or visit www.nbpd.org. For a life-threatening emergency, call 911.
