HomeMy WebLinkAbout00 - Non-Agenda Items - CorrespondenceFebruary 10, 2026
Non -Agenda Item
From: Garrett, Errica
Sent: February 09, 2026 8:31 AM
To: Dept - City Clerk
Subject: FW: Proposed new site for police station
Errica Garrett
Administrative Assistant to
the Mayor and City Council
City Manager's Office
Office: 949-644-3004
100 Civic Center Drive
Newport Beach, CA 92660
From: Susan Skinner <susanskinner949@gmail.com>
Sent: February 08, 2026 11:08 AM
To: Dept - City Council<CityCouncil@newportbeachca.gov>
Subject: Proposed new site for police station
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Dear Newport Beach City Council members:
I am writing in opposition of the proposed new site for the NB Police Department at the
Civic Center site.
I oppose this for the following reasons:
1) The decision to consider this site appears to have been made behind closed doors and
without public input. This is the opposite of transparency and seems to be intended to
present the residents with a fait accompli rather than seeking to understand the will of the
people.
2) The cityjust paid a huge sum for the building in the airport area that was supposedly
going to be the new police station. I am one of the people who felt that the city vastly
overpaid for this building and have personally wondered if this purchase was a quid pro
quo for one or more of the council members at the time. If this building is not going to be
used, I think that purchase deserves a thorough review to understand why it was made in
the first place.
3) The site of the current police station could be remodeled to accomodate the needs of
the police for substantially less money. One of the functions of the current police station
that I have heard described is police car maintenance. If this is correct, why is the city not
moving that function off site to another location to free up space?
4) My recollection is that the City Hall in the Park initiative included park land in its text. If
so, it would seem that the city is opening itself up to potential litigation if any neighbor
wanted to challenge the loss of that park land. I'm not a lawyer, but since an initiative can't
be changed by the council, it seems like any challenge would have a strong case.
5) Team Newport passed an initiative a few years ago that required a vote for expenditures
over a certain amount. It would appear that you will now be hoisted by your own petard as
this decision will require a vote and think many people (myself included) will work to
defeat this decision and restore a little sanity and transparency to the police station
decisions.
Thankyou,
Susan Skinner
From: Garrett, Errica
Sent: February 09, 2026 8:31 AM
To: Dept - City Clerk
Subject: FW: [SUSPICIOUS MESSAGE] Central Police Station
Errica Garrett
Administrative Assistant to
the Mayor and City Council
City Manager's Office
Office: 949-644-3004
100 Civic Center Drive
Newport Beach, CA 92660
K in
From: Walter Stahr <wbstahr@yahoo.com>
Sent: February 08, 2026 8:22 AM
To: Dept - City Council<CityCouncil@newportbeachca.gov>
Subject: [SUSPICIOUS MESSAGE] Central Police Station
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I am writing to urge the city council to abandon the idea of destroying the park in
order to build a central police station.
I will not repeat the points former mayor Keith Curry has made; I agree with them
all. Let me add a few words.
First, the estimated price of the new building is $163 million. That works out to
more than $1,900 for each of the 85,000 residents of Newport Beach. Any family,
before spending that kind of money, would do a careful study of all the
alternatives. Is there a cheaper adequate approach? The city has not yet done
this kind of comparative consideration. In particular there is no explanation of
why the Dove Street site, purchased not long ago to become the site of a central
police station, is now no longer adequate.
Second, $163 million is not the whole price of the project. I believe that figure
does NOT include the site preparation work, which is likely to be extensive and
expensive. Before the city proceeds any further down this track, we need an
estimate of the complete cost of the proposed project, including all the site
preparation work.
Third, a police station (unlike a park) is not a public space. I have been to the
current central station only once in all the years that I have lived here; I went to
deliver ammunition we discovered in my late parents' house. And that one visit
was unnecessary; the officers said I should have called and asked them to come
to the house. Most Newport Beach residents, I am sure, have never visited the
current station.
Fourth, most police officers do not spend much time at the central police
station. Police officers spend, as they should, their time out on patrol. Would
police officers themselves, if asked, want to spend so much money on a palatial
new central police station? Or would they rather use that money for more
officers and more benefits for officers? Because that is the real choice here; the
city does not have infinite resources; spending money on bricks and mortar
reduces the funds available for personnel.
The best course, I think, would be to abandon immediately the idea of destroying
a beloved park to make way for a police station. If the city council persists,
however, we need a much more thorough public process to study and discuss
the options.
Walter Stahr, Newport Beach
From: Garrett, Errica
Sent: February 09, 2026 8:28 AM
To: Dept - City Clerk
Subject: FW: Civic center police station
Errica Garrett
Administrative Assistant to
the Mayor and City Council
City Manager's Office
Office: 949-644-3004
100 Civic Center Drive
Newport Beach, CA 92660
From: Chase Rigby <rigby.chase@gmail.com>
Sent: February 08, 2026 8:30 AM
To: Emi Rigby <emidunnrigby@gmail.com>
Cc: Dept - City Council <CityCouncil@newportbeachca.gov>
Subject: Re: Civic center police station
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Yes -exactly what my wife said. From my experience, when I listen to her things go much
smoother.
On Sat, Feb 7, 2026 at 3:43 PM Emi Rigby <emidunnrigby0bgmail.com> wrote:
Hi City Council, thank you for all the work you do to make our city such a beautiful and
livable place!
Not sure if there is truth to the potential police station relocation, but just voicing that
we would love for that to be up for public input if so — we love our green space and
enjoy running through it constantly on our way to the library, etc. Thank you!
Sent from Emi's Phone
From: Garrett, Errica
Sent: February 09, 2026 8:27 AM
To: Dept - City Clerk
Subject: FW: Civic center police station
Errica Garrett
Administrative Assistant to
the Mayor and City Council
City Manager's Office
Office: 949-644-3004
100 Civic Center Drive
Newport Beach, CA 92660
From: Emi Rigby <emidunnrigby@gmail.com>
Sent: February 07, 2026 3:43 PM
To: Dept - City Council <CityCouncil@newportbeachca.gov>; Chase Rigby <rigby.chase@gmail.com>
Subject: Civic center police station
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Hi City Council, thank you for all the work you do to make our city such a beautiful and
livable place!
Not sure if there is truth to the potential police station relocation, but just voicing that we
would love for that to be up for public input if so — we love our green space and enjoy
running through it constantly on our way to the library, etc. Thank you!
Sent from Emi's Phone
From: Garrett, Errica
Sent: February 09, 2026 8:25 AM
To: Dept - City Clerk
Subject: FW: Opposed to changing the location of the Police Station
Errica Garrett
Administrative Assistant to
the Mayor and City Council
City Manager's Office
Office: 949-644-3004
100 Civic Center Drive
Newport Beach, CA 92660
From: Sean Hanna<sean.hanna@studentdiscounts.com>
Sent: February 06, 2026 3:59 PM
To: Dept - City Council<CityCouncil@newportbeachca.gov>
Subject: Opposed to changing the location of the Police Station
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I am writing to express my opposition to changing the location of the police department.
Sean Hanna
1942 Port Locksleigh Pl.,
Newport Beach, CA 92660
3106667181
From: Garrett, Errica
Sent: February 09, 2026 8:24 AM
To: Dept - City Clerk
Subject: FW: Police Station
Errica Garrett
Administrative Assistant to
the Mayor and City Council
City Manager's Office
Office: 949-644-3004
100 Civic Center Drive
Newport Beach, CA 92660
From: Laird Hayes <lairdhayes.occ@gmail.com>
Sent: February 06, 2026 1:41 PM
To: Dept - City Council<CityCouncil@newportbeachca.gov>
Subject: Police Station
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I hope you're not in favor of this site for a police station. A terrible idea. I heard Noah's running for
Congress! One of the funniest things I've ever heard!! Who on earth would vote for that clown? On
second thought I know a few misguided folks who would.
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From: Garrett, Errica
Sent: February 09, 2026 8:20 AM
To: Dept - City Clerk
Subject: FW: Please do not move Police to Civic Center
Errica Garrett
Administrative Assistant to
the Mayor and City Council
City Manager's Office
Office: 949-644-3004
100 Civic Center Drive
Newport Beach, CA 92660
From: Paul King <peakay@gmail.com>
Sent: February 06, 2026 10:44 AM
To: Dept - City Council<CityCouncil@newportbeachca.gov>
Subject: Please do not move Police to Civic Center
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Hi there,
I am opposed to this idea and it at least needs more public review and engagement before
proceeding.
Thank you for listening.
-Paul King
1819 Newport Hills Dr E, Newport Beach, CA 92660
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From: Garrett, Errica
Sent: February 09, 2026 8:33 AM
To: Dept - City Clerk
Subject: FW: Police station
Errica Garrett
Administrative Assistant to
the Mayor and City Council
City Manager's Office
Office: 949-644-3004
100 Civic Center Drive
Newport Beach, CA 92660
From: Robyn Ashton <robyn1180@gmail.com>
Sent: February 09, 2026 6:47 AM
To: Dept - City Council <CityCouncil@newportbeachca.gov>
Subject: Police station
[EXTERNAL EMAIL] DO NOT CLICK links or attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is
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We have a beautifully designed park and OPEN SPACE, dog park, and sculpture
garden. Please do not waste all the money spent on that and try to squeeze the police
station there!!! It doesn't not fit there, I couldn't believe this was an actual option anyone
thought was a good idea. Traffic already gets backed up there. It would contribute to the
high density we all see coming with the removal of the movie theater and high rise condos.
When I heard the police station would be moving by the airport, I thought ok that's unusual,
maybe just admit that was a mistake and sell it.
I think the best solution is to remodel the current location and build a parking structure
there. We also need a satellite police station on the peninsula where most crime and
DUI's occur.
Please keep the open space and do not waste more money!!
Robyn Ashton
From:
Garrett, Errica
To:
DDe t - City Clerk
Subject:
FW: Police station
Date:
February 09, 2026 8:32:41 AM
Attachments:
imaae001.Dna
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imaae003.Dna
image004.g_ng
Errica Garrett
Administrative Assistant
to the Mayor and City
Council
City Manager's Office
Office: 949-644-3004
100 Civic Center Drive
Newport Beach, CA 92660
@0
From: Robyn Ashton <robyn1180@gmail.com>
Sent: February 09, 2026 6:47 AM
To: Dept - City Council <CityCouncil@newportbeachca.gov>
Subject: Police station
[EXTERNAL EMAIL] DO NOT CLICK links or attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is
safe. Report phish using the Phish Alert Button above.
We have a beautifully designed park and OPEN SPACE, dog park, and sculpture garden.
Please do not waste all the money spent on that and try to squeeze the police station
there!!! It doesn't not fit there, I couldn't believe this was an actual option anyone
thought was a good idea. Traffic already gets backed up there. It would contribute to the
high density we all see coming with the removal of the movie theater and high rise
condos.
When I heard the police station would be moving by the airport, I thought okthat's
unusual, maybe just admit that was a mistake and sell it.
I think the best solution is to remodel the current location and build a parking structure
there. We also need a satellite police station on the peninsula where most crime and
DUI's occur.
Please keep the open space and do not waste more money!!
Robyn Ashton
From:
Garrett, Errica
To:
DDe t - City Clerk
Subject:
FW: Police station
Date:
February 09, 2026 10:45:47 AM
Attachments:
imaae001.Dna
image002.g_no
imaae003.i)na
image004.g_no
Errica Garrett
Administrative Assistant
to the Mayor and City
Council
City Manager's Office
Office: 949-644-3004
100 Civic Center Drive
Newport Beach, CA 92660
@0
From: inglis4 <inglis4@cox.net>
Sent: February 09, 2026 10:44 AM
To: Dept - City Council <CityCouncil@newportbeachca.gov>
Subject: Police station
[EXTERNAL EMAIL] DO NOT CLICK links or attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is
safe. Report phish using the Phish Alert Button above.
Please consider remodeling the current police station, giving up so much precious open
save, park area makes no sense. So much of that type of space is being lost
Thankyou
Sent from Yahoo Mail for iPhone
From: City Clerk's Office
Sent: February 10, 2026 3:22 PM
To: Mulvey, Jennifer
Subject: FW: Written Comment for Council Consideration For Next Meeting
From: Fiona Slevin <fionaisabellaslevin@gmail.com>
Sent: Tuesday, February 10, 2026 3:21:52 PM (UTC-08:00) Pacific Time (US & Canada)
To: City Clerk's Office <CityClerk@newportbeachca.gov>
Subject: Written Comment for Council Consideration For Next Meeting
[EXTERNAL EMAIL] DO NOT CLICK links or attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is
safe. Report phish using the Phish Alert Button above.
Dear Newport Beach City Council,
I am writing to you as a resident of Balboa Island for the past thirteen years and as
someone who was born and raised in Newport Beach. My connection to this community is
lifelong and my appreciation for its beauty, traditions, and sense of place runs deep.
During the holiday season, especially Balboa Island becomes a glowing symbol of joy and
tradition. The Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade is a cherished event, and I fully
recognize its importance to the spirit of the city and the vitality of local businesses.
However, I feel compelled to write to you because 2025 was quite simply the worst it has
ever been for residents trying to return to their own homes.
While summer & holiday congestion has long been part of life on the island, the parking
and traffic conditions this season crossed from inconvenient into unmanageable. Traffic
and parking pressures now begin escalating as early as November and continue to
intensify throughout December. Even after the Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade has
ended, conditions remain severely congested well beyond the event itself.
On parade nights and surrounding weekends, if a resident did not make it back to the
island by mid afternoon it could take close to two hours simply to reach one's home. Even
then finding a parking space anywhere near one's residence was often impossible.
Residents were forced to alter work schedules, leave early, or avoid coming home
altogether not for celebration but out of necessity.
Balboa Island is not a venue. It is not overflow infrastructure. It is a living community home
to families, elderly residents, children, and long time locals, who should not feel like
outsiders in their own neighborhood during one of the most meaningful times of the year.
I want to be clear this is not a criticism of visitors nor of the parade itself. Visitors bring
warmth, energy, and economic support and they are extremely important to the small,
local businesses on the island. But hospitality must be paired with responsibility. A system
that allows a neighborhood to become effectively inaccessible to its residents over an
extended period of time is not balanced and it is not sustainable.
I strongly urge the city to implement a seasonal residential permit parking system for
Balboa Island during peak holiday periods particularly throughout December and during
the Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade. Additionally designated off site parking such
as a formal partnership with Newport Dunes paired with Newport Beach city shuttles or
clearly managed access routes would preserve the visitor experience while restoring basic
Livability for residents.
This is not about closing doors. It is about acknowledging limits. A place treasured by many
still belongs first and foremost to those who live there year round.
I share this not only on my own behalf but on behalf of many residents who love Balboa
Island deeply and want to see it thrive without sacrificing the dignity of daily life. I hope this
past season will serve as a turning point toward thoughtful resident -centered solutions in
future holiday seasons.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Respectfully,
Fiona Slevin
Balboa Island Resident
From: Garrett, Errica
Sent: February 10, 2026 4:59 PM
To: Dept - City Clerk
Subject: FW: Newport Beach Animal Shelter —Administrative Oversight
Errica Garrett
Administrative Assistant to
the Mayor and City Council
City Manager's Office
Office: 949-644-3004
100 Civic Center Drive
Newport Beach, CA 92660
From: Craig Winchester<craig.wnchester@ptaxadvisory.com>
Sent: February 10, 2026 4:51 PM
To: Lauren Kleiman, Mayor of Newport Beach <lauren@lauren4newport.com>; Dept - City Council
<CityCouncil@newportbeachca.gov>; Miner, David <dminer@nbpd.org>
Cc: Donnie Lee <dogland69@hotmail.com>
Subject: Re: Newport Beach Animal Shelter —Administrative Oversight
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Dear Mayor Kleiman, Honorable City Council Members, and Chief Dave Miner,
I am a Newport Beach resident and a volunteer at the Newport Beach Animal Shelter,
where I have served since 2020 (and previously volunteered with NKLA). I'm writing
because I've heard the City may be considering moving the Animal Shelter's administrative
oversight from the Police Department to the Recreation & Senior Services Department
(Parks & Recreation).
First, thank you for the City's continued commitment to animal welfare. From my
experience as a volunteer, the shelter's current operations reflect a high standard of
professionalism, compassion, and accountability. Pets are reunited with their families and
adoptions are completed thoughtfully, and the shelter's day-to-day work is handled with
care and consistency. To put this in concrete terms, the shelter's outcomes reflect a
remarkably effective operation supported by a dedicated community. Last year, volunteers
contributed approximately 400 hours per month. The shelter achieved 189 adoptions, and
the metrics show 341 animals came into the shelter and 338 animals left the shelter.
Results like this —especially the near one-to-one intake -to -outcome —are exceptional by
shelter standards and, in my experience, among the strongest seen in the shelter
community.
Because the current structure has worked effectively for many years, I am concerned that
a departmental transfer —absent a clearly identified problem it would solve —could
introduce avoidable disruption. Shelter operations are more complex than they appear
from the outside. Continuity matters for animal care, volunteer coordination, and the
sensitive interactions involved in returns to owners and adoptions.
I also believe it's important to recognize that animal services are not only a "community
service" function; they often involve public -safety and compliance responsibilities as well.
The Police Department's infrastructure, standards, and accountability are well matched to
the realities of animal control and shelter administration. This is not a criticism of
Recreation & Senior Services —rather, it reflects that the missions and operational
frameworks of the departments are fundamentally different.
Finally, I'm concerned about unintended impacts on the volunteer program and
community trust. Our shelter benefits from a dedicated volunteer base, and even small
changes to oversight, procedures, or communication can affect volunteer retention,
training consistency, and donor confidence. If volunteer participation declines or
operations become less consistent during a transition, the animals are the ones who
ultimately suffer.
For these reasons, I respectfully request that the City:
• Share the rationale and goals for any proposed change, including the operational
and cost analysis supporting it;
• Hold a public workshop before any decision is finalized, so volunteers, rescue
partners, and residents can provide input; and
• Commit to maintaining current standards and continuity for animal care,
professional adoption/return procedures, and volunteer engagement —regardless
of where administrative oversight ultimately resides.
If it would be helpful, I would welcome the opportunity to speak with you or your staff, and I
also invite you to visit the shelter to see firsthand how the current operation functions day-
to-day.
Thank you for your consideration and for your service to Newport Beach.
Sincerely,
Debbie Kaste
Craig Winchester, Esq.
219 Dahlia Ave
Corona Del Mar, CA 92625
310 770 8380
Email: Dogland69 hotmail.com
Perceptive
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Craig Winchester
Partner
Perceptive Tax Advisory Group
949-706-4787 / 310-927-3871
cra ig.wi nchester@ptaxadvisory.com
638 Camino de los Mares
Suite H130-474
San Clemente, CA 92673
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