HomeMy WebLinkAboutSS6 - General Plan Update - Arts and CulturalCITY OF NEWPORT BEACH
CITY COUNCIL STAFF REPORT
Agenda Item No. SS6
January 24, 2006
TO: HONORABLE MAYOR AND MEMBERS OF THE CITY COUNCIL
FROM: Gregg B. Ramirez, Senior Planner
(949) 644 -3219, g ramirez acity.newport- beach.ca.us
SUBJECT: General Plan Update — Review of Draft Arts and Cultural Resources
and Historic Resources Optional Elements
RECOMMENDATIONS
1. Review the draft General Plan goals and policies related to the optional Arts and
Cultural Resources and Historic Resources Elements.
2. Give staff direction on whether to include these elements in the updated General
Plan.
3. If the elements are to be included, give staff direction on the goal and policy
language.
DISCUSSION
The comprehensive General Plan Update includes the drafting of new General Plan
elements, or chapters, as required by State Law. In addition to the seven required
elements (Land Use, Circulation, Housing, Conservation and Natural Resources,
Recreation and Open Space, Noise and Public Safety) staff and the consultant team
prepared drafts of two optional elements, Historical Resources and Arts and Cultural
Resources. This was consistent with the recommendation of the General Plan Update
Committee (GPUC) and the scope of work for the General Plan Update approved by the
City Council in June 2003. Once adopted, each optional element carries the same legal
weight as the required elements, must be consistent with the other elements and future
projects, and environmental reviews must be evaluated against them.
The two optional elements were initially reviewed by the General Plan Advisory
Committee on October 1, 2005. GPAC's recommendations were then presented to the
Planning Commission and City Council on October 4, 2005. The City Council ultimately
directed staff to not include either element in the General Plan Update. The Council
determined that issues and programs identified in the two draft elements could continue
to be implemented through existing or updated Council policies.
General Plan Update — Optional Elements
January 24, 2006
Page 2
At their meeting of November 12, 2005, GPAC voted to recommend that the City
Council reconsider their previous decision. GPAC believes that both of these elements
are important and request that the City Council include them. At their January 10, 2006
meeting the Council decided to reconsider both elements for inclusion.
Attached are copies of the draft Arts and Cultural Resources and Historical Resources
elements. Each element contains a series of goals and policies that provide the City
with long term guidance in relation to each of the topic areas. The Historic Resources
element shows GPAC's recommendations and language discussed by the Council at
their October 4, 2005 meeting. The Arts and Cultural element shows GPAC's
recommendations and those of the Planning Commission. The Council did not discuss
the individual goals and policies of the Arts and Cultural element at their previous
meeting. Staff needs to issue the Notice of Preparation for the Environmental Impact
Report being prepared for the General Plan update. It is important that the project
description be finalized as to which elements will be included in the updated General
Plan and what the policy direction in the elements will be.
Prepared by:
Gregg Ramirez, Senior Plapler
Attachments:
Submitted by:
xz't'�f j4x-
Sharon Z. Wood, As tant City Manager
A. Draft Arts and Cultural Resources
B. Draft Historical Resources
C. Letter from Lila Crespin and Kirwan Rockefeller
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ATTACHMENT A
Draft Arts and Cultural Resources
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GPAC changes indicated by blue stfikeeki and underline
Planning Commission changes indicated by highlighted blue sti4kea t and underline
Arts and Cultural Resources
INTRODUCTION
Arts and cultural activities play an important role in community life and have been a valued
component of Newport Beach for over 125 years. Newport Beach has a wide range of art and
cultural organizations, resources, attractions, and activities that are a source of community- pride
and enrichment. These achievements have evolved over time and have been the result of the
dedication and involvement of numerous individuals, groups, and organizations. However,
without intervention, coordination, preservation and promotion, art and cultural activities and
resources can easily be lost through destruction, indifference, or through unintended land use
decisions or policies.
The goals and policies of the ,arts and Culture Chapter are intended to be a guide for meeting the
future cultural needs of the community. Future challenges in Newport Beach require maximizing
the community's cultural arts potential by coordinating with various community groups,
businesses, agencies, citizens and the City to create an active and cohesive cultural and arts
programs. The Chapter is intended to serve as a mechanism for integrating these resources in •
order to provide improved and expanded arts and cultural facilities and programs to the
community.
COMMUNITY ORGANIZATIONS AND PROGRAMS
Cultural Arts Organizations and Programs
Newport Beach's nonprofit arts community includes a broad array of organizations, and a
substantial number of arts programs and activities. There is a diverse range of artistic disciplines
and a strong focus on programs for children and youth. Through its grant program, the City of
Newport Beach distributes funds to arts organizations on a yearly basis, which enables them to
expand their cultural programs offered in the
community. Through its Department of ,
Recreation and Senior Services, the City also !tc
provides year -round educational programs for
adults and children in music, dance, arts and
crafts, and drama.
Newport Beach's arts community also
contains various private and nonprofit arts
organizations and arts groups. These groups
include the Newport Beach Film Festival,
Newport. Theatre-Arts C_enrer, Baroque Music
Newport Theatre Arts Center This non -profit community theatre company
orovides a vadety of theatrical productions throughout the year. The plays
and shows are affordable to all =economic segments of this community and
offer residents a unique opportunity to attend or participate in meatdcal
productions.
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• Festival, Newport Beach Arts Foundation and the Newport Beach Theatre Company,
1 Include discussion of library system as cultural resource with content to be reviewed by the
Librare- Board of Trustees.
City of Newport Beach Arts Commission
The City of Newport Beach Arts Commission acts in an advisory capacity to the City Council on
all matters pertaining to artistic, aesthetic, and cultural aspects of the City. Established in 1972, as
the Newport Beach Arts Committee and
in 1974 in the City Charter as the
Newport Beach City Arts Commission,
the Commission recommends to the City
Council ordinances, rules, and regulations
as it may deem necessary for the
administration and preservation of the
arts, performing arts, and historical,
aesthetic, and cultural aspects of the
community.
The Arts Commission, working with staff
in the Cultural Arts Office, provides free
or low -cost programs for cultural
enrichment including temporary art
exhibits at City Hall and the Central
Library-, juried art exhibitions, permanent
art collections for City, facilities, summer
concert in the park series, arts lectures for
the public, cultural festivals, and
performances, educational seminars and
workshops.
Nakayo --Good Friends. Located in front of the Central Library, this Japanese
friendship statue was a gift from Newport Beach's sister City Okazaki, Japan. It
depicts two children embracing and sits on a large granite base with a plaque
describing the piece and declaring the citizens of Newport Beach and Okazaki as
friends.
The Arts Commission also participates in the designation of historical landmarks, and reviews
design elements for public sculpture, fountains, murals, benches, and other f ctures.
Performing and Visual Arts Facilities
The primary performing arts facilities in Newport Beach are those that are associated with local
cultural arts organizations and programs. They include the Newport Theatre Arts Center and the
Orange County Museum of Art, which has an auditorium that seats 130 people. Local schools
have auditoriums and other facilities that can be used as performing arts spaces, such as Loars
Auditorium at Newport Harbor High School. In addition, the Balboa Performing Arts Theater is
a planned facility, which will sear approximately, 350 people.
Civic facilities in Newport Beach, such as the ibran- and City lull, have exhibition spaces than
display the work of local artists. The Central I:ibrarr visual arts gallery displays different
exhibitions of local artists monthly. the brat also hosts a varier of programs for adults,
including Sunday musicals, art exhibitions, author appearances, iectuxe series, book discussions,
• and Interne, workshops.
AR i S =ND CUL I URAIL KEJOLK"S 2
Museums
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In addition to the numerous galleries throughout the City, Newport Beach is also home to a
variety of museums. Located in near the Fashion Island Shopping Center, the Orange County
Museum of Art, features modern and
contemporary art. The museum houses a
permanent collection of paintings, sculpture,
photography, and changing installations, all
documenting California's artistic heritage.
The Orange County Museum of Art moved to its current location in Newport
Center in 1977. The Museum serves as the premier visual arts organization in
Orange County, and is especially noted for organizing important exhibitions of
contemporary art.
Events and Festivals
The Newport Harbor Nautical Museum is
located in the "Pride of Newport, "a
190 -foot paddle wheeler docked in Newport
Harbor. The museum focuses on industrial
and recreational history and features local
photographs, artifacts, and memorabilia.
Sherman Library for California History,
located in Corona del Mar, features detailed
exhibits on the history of the Pacific
southwest, as well as a public garden.
The Newport Sports Collection Museum, •
located in Newport Center offers several
educational programs to motivate youth to
stay in school and be active in athletics.
Various festivals and events occur throughout the year in Newport Beach. Some of these
attractions include the Newport Beach Jazz festival, Concerts in the Parks hosted by the City arts
Commission, Newport Beach Festival of the Arts, Shakespeare by the Sea, Balboa Island Art
Walk, Southern California Plein Air Painter's Association (SOCalPAPA), yearly Sandcastle
contest, the countywide Imagination Celebration, and the Newport Beach Film Festival.
GOALS AND POLICIES
Goals CA 1 Participation in Culture and 6a#aral-Arts
Active and vital arts and cultural activities and programs that enrich the
community.
Policy CA 1.1 Public Pro3ects
Require Efteetffage he ncorporation of public art .to_ rpubK projects
that enhance the City's community character as well as its built environment,
through public art donations, and working with local artists, students, and •
community groups to create public art projects. The City shettld e!Eplere
ARTS AND CULTURAL RESOURCES 3
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Policy CA 1.2 Private Projects
The Citv should encourage art work to be installed and funded by private
developers for larger residential and commercial projects
Policy CA 1.32 Promotion of Cultural Arts
Continue te) preffiete Newport unique etileafal fifid histerie assets t-9
Geenty Mugeetn —�� Build public awareness and encoura e participation in
the City's arts and cultural activities
Policy CA 1.43 Events and Programs
Encourage the continuation and expansion of cultural arts events and programs
such as festivals, seminars, workshops, concerts in the parks, and community
cultural festivals.
Policy CA 1.54 Arts Education
• Partner with the community to encourage and strengthen arts education for
children, youth, adults and senior in the City.
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Goal CA 2 Provision of Physical Facilities
Adequate physical facilities and venues that support cultural art
programs.
Policy CA 2.1 Facilities
Explore opportunities to accommodate current or emerging cultural arts
programs within existing and new facilities by working with community groups
for sharing of performance and exhibit space and considering the potential for
new facilities.
Policy CA 2.2 Shared Venues
Continue the use of shared exhibit space for the display of arts exhibitions such
as the Central Library and City Hall.
Goal CA 3 Funding
EstablishA a broad range of public and private funding sources to
support cultural arts goals and activities.
AR-S AND CULT. URA RESOURCES
Policy CA 3.1 Public and Private Sources •
Support the efforts of non - profit, private and community organizations to apply
for public and private grants and promote donations to support art and cultural
activities.
Policy CA 3.2 Volunteer Opportunities
Promote and support volunteer opportunities for public involvement in arts and
cultural programs and events.
Policy CA 3.3 Additional Resources
Utilize cultural resources outside of Newport Beach. Continue to promote the
Newport Beach Sister City Association and other cultural exchange programs.
Policy CA 3.4 Cultural Tourism
Promote cultural and historic tourism in Newport Beach to attract visitors and
tourists interested in cultural events.
Policy CA 3.5
Encourage the Cite Council to increase funding for the arts and maintain
consistent levels of funding.
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ART .4. iG GUL -UP,AL RESGURCES 5
ATTACHMENT B
Draft Historical Resources
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GPAC changes indicated by blue s�t_Reeu and underline
City Council/Planning Commission changes indicated by highlighted blue si ~0R
and underline
Historical Resources
This Chapter addresses the protection and sustainabilin, of Newport Beach's historic and
paleontological resources. Goals and policies presented within this Chapter are intended to
recognize, maintain, and protect the community's unique historical, cultural and archeological
sites and structures. Preserving and maintaining these resources helps to create an awareness and
appreciation of the City's rich history.
For many years, Newport Beach's scenic location,
attractive neighborhoods and active commercial
areas has continued to place many of the City's
original buildings, paleontological resources and
historical sites under extreme development
pressures. Many of the community's early structures
and archeological sites have since been demolished
or altered. However, a significant number of
historical sites and buildings have been preserved
that are representative of the communiry and the
region. Many of these historical resources have
been recognized as being of statewide or national
importance. The preservation of these sites has
been the result of active efforts by residents,
community groups, private organizations and the
City, of Newport Beach.
As recently as 1947, lands surround Newport$ Upper Bay were
developed tenant farms. Newport Beach 75: A Diamond Jubilee History,
James P. Felton. Photo courtesy of the Irvine Company
It is important to continue to protect Newport
Beach's heritage and to identify and safeguard
historical resources worthy of protection and ensure that new development enhances rather than
alters or eliminates reminders of Newport Beach rich heritage.
CONTEXT —EARLY HISTORY
Add discussion of more recent history and Newport Tomorrow. Heritaee Committee shall
review historical background. T
The commu:ury of Newport Beach has a rich and diverse history. The picturesque coastline of
commuritc and its close prosimiry to the water have played a large role part in the development
of the Ciro. Early inhabitants thousands of years ago were aboriginal hunters and gatherers were
First drawn to this area by the rich bounty o the bay and ocean. The most recent native people
were the Tongva (Gabrielinosj and the Acjachenem ,Juanenos), who lived in smaU vfflage;
around the bay.
In July of 1769, the expedition led by the Spaniard Gaspar de Portola reached the boundaries of •
present -day Orange County. Father Junipero Serra, a member of the expedition, dedicated the
Mission of San Juan Capistrano, Orange County's first permanent settlement, on November 1,
1776. The Mission's chapel and adjoining structure were the first signs of civilization erected
upon the Santa Ana Region. Decades later in the 1800's, land holdings of the Capistrano Mission
were parceled out as Spanish and Mexican land grants to war heroes and aristocratic families.
Later, many Spanish and Mexican landowners were forced to sell large tracts of their land. The
most prominent landowners of the area, Don Sepulveda and Don Bemardo Yorba, men whose
combined holdings comprised Newport Beach's upper bay and lower bay, sold their tracts to
American entrepreneurs by the names of Flint, Bixby, Irvine and McFadden. The first stirring of
commerce began in the community of Newport Beach began in 1870, when a small stem wheeler
from San Diego named "The Vaquero" made its first trip to a marshy lagoon to exchange lumber
for hides, tallow, livestock and gain. James McFadden and other ranch owners in the Lower Bay
decided from then on that the area should be called "Newport."
In 1888, James McFadden changed the isolated settlement by building a wharf that extended
from the shallow bay of the peninsula to deeper water where large steamers could dock. Shipping
activity increased dramatically and for the next eight years, the McFadden Wharf area was a
booming commercial and shipping center and a company- town began to grow. However, in
1899, the Federal Government allocated funds for major improvements to a new harbor at San
Pedro, which would become Southern California's major seaport. The McFadden Wharf and
railroad was sold to the Southern Pacific Railroad that same year, signaling the end of Newport
Bay as a commercial shipping center.
In 1902, James McFadden sold his Newport townsite and about half of the Peninsula to William •
S. Collins, who saw Newport Bay's resort and recreation potential. Collins took on Henry E.
Huntington as a partner in the Newport Beach Company. Huntington had acquired the Pacific
Electric railway system and used it to promote new communities outside of Los Angeles.
Soon after, the Pacific Electric Railroad established itself in Newport Beach in 1905, connecting
the City of Los Angeles by rail. Rapid transit brought new visitors to the waterfront, and small
hotels and beach cottages were developed that catered to the tourist industry. At about the same
time, the McFadden brothers sold their holdings of Peninsula land. Between 1902 and 1907,
many of Newport Beaches' waterfront communities were subdivided, including West Newport,
East Newport, West Newport, East Newport, Bay Island, Balboa, Corona del Mar, Balboa Island
and Port Orange (at old Newport Landing), and in August 1906, residents in the booming bay
town voted to incorporate. Parts of Newport Heights and Corona del Mat were annexed soon
after the turn of the century. Between 1934 and 1936, the federal government and the county
undertook work around the harbor. They dredged the Lower Bay, extended jetties, and created
the present day contour of Newport Beach. In 1936, community members dedicated the City's
main harbor, named Newport Harbor. During World War II, the harbor became a vital hub as
naval ships were built and repaired in its coastal waters.
The Santa Ana freeway, built in the 1950s, triggered further growth. During this time, housing
development began to spread northward from the waterfront to the hills and mesa areas. The
communiry's economic industry changed, as the fishing industry, once the backbone of Newport
Beach's economy, gradually declined to be replaced with new businesses and commercial centers.
Beginning in the 1970s, the building of shopping centers such as Fashion Island, hotels, high- •
scale restaurants, offices, and many new homes lead to the creation of many active employment,
HISTORICAL RESOURCES 2
retail, and residential areas that characterizes much of Newport Beach today.' However, while
Newport Beach is no longer a small resort community, the bay and beach continue to play an
important role in the community's character and economy and the City continues to be a
destination for visitors.
RELEVANT AND RELATED PROGRAMS
Federal Programs
The National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA) of 1966 is a federal law that establishes the legal
and administrative context to encourage preservation of historic resources associated with the
country's history and heritage. The NHPA establishes criteria for inclusion into the National
Register of Historic Places (NRHP) which is an inventory of the United States' historic resources
maintained by the National Park Service. Structures and features must usually be at least 50 years
old to be considered for listing on the NRHP, barring exceptional circumstances.
Properties listed in the NRHP, or determined eligible for listing, must meet certain criteria for
historical significance and possess integrity of form, location, and setting.
State Programs
The California Register of Historical Resources (CRHR) was created to identify resources
deemed worthy of preservation on a state level and was modeled closely after the NRHP. The
criteria are nearly identical to those of the NRHP but focus upon resources of statewide, rather
than national, significance. The CRHR automatically includes resources listed on the NRHP as
are State Landmarks and Points of Interest.
California Health and Safety Code (Sections 7050.5, 7051, and 7054)
These sections collectively address the illegality of interference with human burial remains (except
as allowed under applicable sections of the Public Resources Code), as well as the disposition of
Native American burials in archaeological sites and protects such remains from disturbance,
vandalism, or inadvertent destruction; establishes procedures to be implemented if Native
.American skeletal remains are discovered during construction of a project, treatment of the
remains prior to, during and after evaluation, and reburial procedures.
California Senate Bill 297 (1982)
This bill addresses the disposition of Native American burials in archaeological sites and protects
such remains from disturbance, vandalism, or inadvertent destruction; establishes procedures to
be implemented if Native American skeletal remains are discovered during construction of a
project; and establishes the Native American Heritage Commission to resolve disputes regarding
the disposition of such remains.
1 fistory of Newport Beach. Newport Beach Real Estate. Webpage:
http: / /www.rcale,tatcnewponbeach.com /relocation /history.php
HISTORICAL RESOURCES 3
Local Regulations — Newport Beach City Council Policy Manual •
HISTORICAL RESOURCES
Reflective of Newport's unique history, several properties in the City exhibit significant heritage
distinction. Twelve sites have been listed or designated eligible for listing on the National Register
of Historic Places or California Register of Historical Resources, or otherwise listed as historic or
potentially historic in the California Historic Resources Information System (CHRIS) maintained
by the Office of Historic Preservation.
Nationally Recognized Resources
Four properties within the City have been listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
• Balboa Inn —Built in 1929, the Balboa Inn is representative of Spanish Colonial Revival
architecture and beachfront tourist development.
• Balboa Pavilion — Constructed in 1905,
the Balboa Pavilion has been the site of
numerous social and cultural activities
over the turn of the cenrary. It is one the
state's last surviving examples of great
waterfront recreational pavilions.
• Crystal Cove Historic District —The F
Crystal Cove Historic District is a 12.3-
acre coastal portion of the 2,791 -acre
Crvstal Cove State Park. The federallv V
listed Historic District is an enclave of 46
vintage rustic coastal cottages originally
built in the 1920's and 1930'5 that are one of the city's first landmarks was the Balboa Pavilion constructed in
1905. Today it is listed on the National and State Historic Registers.
nestled around the mouth of Los (Newport Beach 75. A Diamond Jubilee History. Photo courtesy of Phil
Trancos Creek. It is one of the last Tozer)
remaining examples of early 20th century
Southern California coastal development.
• Lovell Beach House —Built in 1926, the Lovell Beach House was designed by Rudolf
Schindler and is considered the first pure International Style house built in America.
State- Recognized Resources
In addition, four properties within the Cin have been iisred as California Historical Landmarks.
• Old Landing— F,stablished by Captain Dunnells in the 1870s, it was the sit; of the first
shipping business in Newport Bay.
• Site of First Water -to -Water Flight — Commemorates the Ada; 10, 1912, flight of
pioneer pilot Glenn L. Martin who clew from the waters of the Pacific Ocean at Balboa to
Catalina Island; or a primitive hydroplane; the first water -to -water flight. Today a plaque
at the root of the Balboa Pier honors the tnemors of Glenn Martin.
,HJSTORICA: RESOUROES 4
• ■ McFadden Wharf —The site of the original wharf built in 1888 by the McFadden
brothers.
■ Balboa Pavilion— described above
Four additional properties are also listed in the CHRIS database:
• B.K. Stone Building —one of the oldest commercial structures in Newport Beach.
• Balboa Island Firehouse No. 4 —early police and fire station for the Balboa Peninsula
• Bank of Balboa /Bank of America —Bank of Balboa, Bank of America, provided
services from 1928 -1984 (now demolished)
• Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church
Locally Recognized Resources
Properties that are not listed on the NRHP or CRHR may also be considered historical resources.
The City of Newport Beach has established the Newport Beach Register of Historical Property
( "City Register ") to recognize structures or properties of local historical or architectural
significance. The City has listed seven properties in the City Register in recognition of their local
historical or architectural significance, as described above. In addition to the Balboa Pavilion and
the Balboa Inn, which are also listed in the NRHP and CR-HR, tl:e Cira Register includes the
following:
• Rendezvous Ballroom Site —A popular Balboa Dance Hall that featured numerous
famous Big Bands of the 1930's and 1940's. It was destroyed by fire in 1966.
• Wilma's Patio (formally Pepper's Restaurant) — Located on Balboa Island, the
exposed structural components of Wilma's Patio are timbers used in the original Balboa
Island Bridge and McFadden Wharf.
• Balboa Theater —Built in 1928, the Balboa Theater is a former vaudeville theater that at
one time housed an infamous speakeasy during the prohibition period. Currently, the
theater is under renovation.
• Balboa Saloon —The 1924 building is representative of the nautical histoy and Main
Street commercial masonry style of Newport Beach.
• Dory Fishing Fleet —The Dory Fishing Fleet is located adjacent to Newport Pier. The
fleet and open -air fish market have operated at this location since the founding of the fleet
in 1891 by Portuguese fishermen. The last remaining fleet of its type, it is a historical
landmark designated by the Newport Beach Historical Society. It is a general policy of the
City that an area immediately west of the Newport Pier be reserved for the Newport Dorc
Fishing Fleet.
_additionally, it-, 1991, City Council established a- aid Hoc Historic Preservaaon Advisors
Committee �IAHHPAC_) *.o investigate the historic resources of the co__,runin- and make
recommendations rega -wing ptesen;ation. The AHHPAC complezed its assignment on May 12,
1992, and reported its findings, which included a Historic Resource Invenrory of 6 "1 properties, to
Cir; Council, June 8, 1991 The inenror- categorized the properties surveved s rave hierarchical
• "cusses" o£signi ;icance
S -RICA 'R2SvURCcS 5
• Class 1 —Major
Historic Landmark
• Class 2—
Historic Landmark
• Class 3-
-Local Historic Site
• Class 4—
Structure of Historic Interest
• Class 5
—Point of Historic Interest
Ender this system, Class 1 to Class 3 would be eligible to use the State Historic Building Code;
Class 4 and Class 5 properties would be listed for recognition purposes only. The inventory was
never officially adopted by the City, and the structures were never placed on the City- Register,
but the inventory still serves as a useful guide to potentially historic properties that may have
historic or cultural significance to the City.
Left: In 1953, the International Boy Scout Jamboree
was held where Newport Center and Fashion Island
are now located. Thousands of tents were pitched in
the area reachable only by a two -lane muddy trail.
A memorial plaque located at what is now Fashion
Island commemorates the event. (Below)
i :-IiS ORiCALRESOURCES 6
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GOALS AND POLICIES
Goal H1 Recognize and protect #historically significant landmarks, sites, and
structures. that are FaGegnized and pmteGted
-6 PFesecyatien . (Master Plan policy language
deleted by Citv CouncM
Policy H1.24 Historical Resources Inventory
Maintain and periodically update the Newport Beach Register of Historical
Property for buildings, objects, structures, and monuments having importance
to the history or architecture of Newport Beach and require photo
documentation of inventoried historic structures prior to demolition to--be
ineioded in �i'e N691ter
Policy H1.32 Preservation or Re -Use of Historical Structures
Encourage the preservation of structures listed on
the National Register of Historic Places and /or the list of California Historical
Landmarks, and /or the Newport Beach Register of Historical Property. Provide
incentives, such as grading reductions or waivers of application fees, permit fees,
and /or any liens placed by the City to properties listed in the National or State
Register or the Newport Beach Register of Historical Property in exchange for
preservation easements.
Policy H1.43 Historical Landmarks
Encourage the placement of historical landmarks, photographs, markers, or
plaques at areas of historical interest or value. Create a Landmark Plan w4hin
that will recognize and designate culturally important heritage
sites that are eligible for the placement of historical landmarks or plaques. The
Plan will also identifv funding opportunities to support the program such as
development fees, corporate or civic sponsorships, donations, or utilizing
General Funds.
Policy H1.54 Adaptive Re -use
Encourage alternatives to demolition of historical
sites or structures by promoting arc'aitecturall} compatible rehabilitation or
adaptive re -use. Provide incentives such as permit and applicaton fee waivers,
flexible building requirements and free technical advice by persons) qualified in
iustorical preservation.
r;S CRICAL RESOURCES
Policy H1.65 Historical Elements within New Projects 0
If preservation or adaptive reuse is not a feasible option for a proposed
development that is located on a historical site or structure, require that the
proposed projects must incorporate a physical link to the past within the site or
structural design. For example, incorporate historical photographs or artifacts
within the proposed project or preserve the location and structures of existing
pathways, gathering places, seating areas, rail lines, roadways, or viewing vantage
points within the proposed site design. Saeejfit:�hettld be identified
axc- :�raaccr- rncrr.
Goal H2 Identification and protection of important archeological and
paleontological resources within the City.
Policy H2.1 New Development Activities
Require new development to protect and preserve paleontological and
archaeological resources from destruction, and avoid and minimize nntieate
impacts to such resources in accordance with the requirements of CEO A.
Through planning policies and permit conditions, ensure the preservation of
significant archeological and paleontological resources and require that the
impact caused by any development be mitigated in accordance with CEQA.
Policy H2.2 Grading and Excavation Activities
Continue to maintain sources of information regarding paleontological and
archeological sites and the names and addresses of responsible organizations
and qualified individuals, who can analyze, classify, record, and preserve
paleontological or archeological findings.
Require a qualified paleontologist /archeologist to monitor all grading and /or
excavation where there is a potential to affect cultural, archeological or
paleontological resources. If these resources are found, the applicant shall
implement the recommendations of the paleontologist/ archeologist, subject to
the approval of the City Planning Department.
Policy H2.3 Cultural Organizations
Notify cultural organizations, including Narive American organizations, of
proposed developments that have the potential to adversely impact cultural
resources. Allow representatives of such groups to monitor grading and /or
excavation of development sites.
Policy H2.4 Paleontological or Archaeological Materials
Require new development to donate scientifically valuable paleontological or
archaeological materials to a responsible public or private insriturion with a
suitable repositor;, located within 4,xp- Newport Beach, of Orange Count;;,
whenever possible.
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j HISTORICAL RESOURCES 8
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ATTACHMENT C
Letter from Lila Crespin and Kirwan
Rockefeller
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TO: the General Plan Advisory Committee •
FROM: Lila Crespin, GPAC Committee Member and Kirwan Rockefeller, Chair,
Arts Commission, City of Newport Beach
DATE: November 12, 2005
Re: An open letter to request re- consideration from the City Council that the Arts
Element be included in the General Plan
Backaround
Shortly after the GPAC overwhelmingly approved and submitted the Arts Element to be included
in the 2006 update of the General Plan for the city of Newport Beach, the City Council held a non -
advertised meeting to consider its adoption. Prior to this, the Arts Element was sent to the
Planning Commission for its recommendations. The Planning Commission separated Goal 1 into
1.1 and 1.2 and recommended different terminology — e.g., "encourage" rather than "provide"
and "support." The funding component of the Element (originally, Goal 10) was rejected by the
Planning Commission.
Three foci influenced the Council's decision to reject the Art Element: (1) the language of the Arts
Element was too general; "it can be covered by a policy statement as it now reads;" (2) having to
deal with pslktlic visual art fiscally, i.e., perhaps having to assess a small percentage from new
business licenses in the city; and (3) having to deal with aesthetic preferences of corporations
and citizens. The latter two issues were considered undesirable.
A Rational for Re- consideration of the Arts Element for the General Plan
Over decades, research concerning visual and performing arts has indicated two strong
rationales for Including an arts component In the Infrastructure of a city's cultural life:
• a city that has a rich environment of performing and visual arts provides a cultural •
milieu that enriches and augments the quality of life for all of its citizens; furthermore, it
entices visitors to want to come and share these qualities.
Example: Laguna Beach and Costa Mesa have In -place arts venues that are sponsored and
supported both by major donors and the city's General Plans.
0 the visual and performing arts provide a consistent source of revenue.
Witness: the tax resources generated by the visual and performing arts In Laguna Beach and Costa
Mesa; residents and visitors consistently patronize galleries, hotels, shops, and restaurants in
conjunction with the various arts experiences available in Laguna Beach, a city far smaller than
Newport Beach.
• Once an Art Element is included in a General Plan, it must be consistently
applied in all situations. "Policy"allows for total flexibility and inclusion or exclusion of
desired outcomes on a case by case basis as decided at the whim of the City Council.
• The policy statement about the arts in the current General Plan does not address what
was submitted by the GPAC. Existing policy consists of two simple statements —
(paraphrased) "a policy for accepting art for the City" (and) — "a policy for funding the NB
Arts Commission' (the latter is a body of seven Newport Beach residents selected by the
City Council.)
Optimum Immediate Action Requested from the GPAC
1) Ask the City for a time extension of three months [for the purpose of gathering input from the
Arts Commission and the public) and for strengthening the wording and emphases of the AR
Element so that it reflects important sponsorship as well as what the City Council can support.
2) In February 2006, re- submit the (revised) Art Element to the City Council for inclusion in the
General Plan.
Arts Commission changes indicated by highlighted HIM and urdeW
Arts and Cultural Resources
INTRODUCTION
Arts and cultural activities play an important role in community life and have been a valued
component of Newport Beach for over 125 years. Newport Beach has a wide range of art and
cultural organizations, resources, attractions, and activities that are a source of community pride
and enrichment. These achievements have evolved over time and have been the result of the
dedication and involvement of numerous individuals, groups, and organizations. However,
without intervention, coordination, preservation and promotion, art and cultural activities and
resources can easily be lost through destruction, indifference, or through unintended land use
decisions or policies.
The goals and policies of the Arts and Culture Chapter are intended to be a guide for meeting the
future cultural needs of the community. Future challenges in Newport Beach require maximizing
the community's cultural arts potential by coordinating with various community groups,
businesses, agencies, citizens and the City to create an active and cohesive cultural and arts
programs. The Chapter is intended to serve as a mechanism for integrating these resources in
order to provide improved and expanded arts and cultural facilities and programs to the
community.
COMMUNITY ORGANIZATIONS AND PROGRAMS
Cultural Arts Organizations and Programs
Newport Beach's nonprofit arts community includes a broad array of organizations, and a
substantial number of arts programs and activities. There is a diverse range of artistic disciplines
and a strong focus on programs for children and youth. Through its grant program, the City of
Newport Beach distributes funds to arts organizations on a yearly basis, which enables them to
expand their cultural programs offered in the community. ough its Department ot Recreation
and Senior Services, the City also provides year -round educational programs for adults and
children in music, dance, arts and crafts, and drama.
Newport Beach's arts community also contains various private and nonprofit arts organizations
and arts groups. These groups include the Newport Beach Film Festival, Newport Theatre Arts
Center, Baroque Music Festival, Newport Beach Arts Foundation and the,Newport Beach
Theatre Company. '
City of Newport Beach Arts Commission
The Arts Conumssion, working with staff
in the Cultural Arts Office, provides free
or low -cost programs for cultural
enrichment including temporary art
exhibits at City Hall and the Central
Library, juried art exhibitions, permanent
art collections for City facilities, summer
concert in the park series, arts lectures for
the public, cultural festivals, and
performances, educational seminars and
workshops.
Nakayoshi —Good Friends. Located in front of the Central Library, this Japanese
friendship statue was a gift from Newport Beach's sister City Okazaki, Japan. It
depicts two children embracing and sits on a large granite base with a plaque
describing the piece and declaring the citizens of Newport Beach and Okazaki as
friends.
The Arts Commission also participates in
the designation of historical landmarks,
and reviews design elements for public sculpture, fountains, murals, benches, and other fixtures.
Performing and Visual Arts Facilities
The primary performing arts facilities in Newport Beach are those that are associated with local
cultural arts organizations and programs. They include the Newport Theatre Arts Center and the
Orange County Museum of Art, which has an auditorium that seats 120 people. Local schools
have auditoriums and other facilities that can be used as performing arts spaces, such as Loats
Auditorium at Newport Harbor High School. In addition, the Balboa Performing Arts Theater is
a planned facility, which will seat approximately 350 people.
Civic facilities in Newport Beach, such as the library and City Hall, have exhibition spaces that
display the work of local artists. The Central Library visual arts gallery displays different
exhibitions of local artists W60nthly. The library also hosts a variety of programs for adults,
including Sunday musicals, art exhibitions, author appearances, lecture series, book discussions,
and Internet workshops.
Museums
ARTS AND CULTURAL RESOURCES 2
In addition to the numerous galleries throughout the City, Newport Beach is also home to a
variety of museums. Located in near the Fashion Island Shopping Center, the Orange County
Museum of Art, features modem and
contemporary art. The museum houses a
permanent collection of paintings, sculpture,
photography, and changing installations, all
documenting California's artistic heritage.
The Orange County Museum of Art moved to its current location in Newport
Center in 1977. The Museum serves as the premier visual arts organization in
Orange County; and is especially noted for organizing important exhibitions of
contemporary art.
The Newport Harbor Nautical Museum is
located in the "Pride of Newport, "a
190 -foot paddle wheeler docked in Newport
Harbor. The museum focuses on industrial
and recreational history and features local
photographs, artifacts, and memorabilia.
Sherman Library for California History,
located in Corona del Mar, features detailed
exhibits on the history of the Pacific
southwest, as well as a public garden.
The Newport Sports Collection Museum,
located in Newport Center offers several
educational programs to motivate youth to
stay in school and be active in athletics.
Events and Festivals
Various festivals and events occur throughout the year in Newport Beach. Some of these
attractions include the Newport Beach Jazz festival, Concerts in the Parks hosted by the City Arts
Commission, Newport Beach Festival of the Arts, Shakespeare by the Sea, Balboa Island Art
Walk, Southern California, Plein Air Painter's Association (SOCalPAPA), yearly Sandcastle
contest, the countywide Imagination Celebration, and the Newport Beach Film Festival.
GOALS A ND P OLICIES
Goals CA 1 Participation in Culture and Cultural Arts
Active and vital arts and cultural activities and programs that enrich the
community.
Policy CA 1.1 Public Projects
Reqsate 'nCOUragc the incorporation of public art into math public projects
that enhance the City's community character as well as its built environment,
through public art donations, and working with local artists, students, and
community groups to create public art projects.
Policy CA 1.2 Private Projects
ARTS AND CULTURAL RESOURCES 3
Policy CA 1.3 Promotion of Cultural Arts
Build public awareness and encourage participation in the City's arts and cultural
activities.Policy CA 1.4 Events and Programs
Encourage the continuation and expansion of cultural arts events and programs
such as festivals, seminars, workshops, concerts in the parks, and community
cultural festivals.
Policy CA 1.5 Arts Education
Utilize cultural resources outside of Newport Beach. Continue to promote the
Newport Beach Sister City Association and other cultural exchange programs.
ARTS AND CULTURAL RESOURCES 4
Partner with the community to encourage and strengthen arts education for
children, youth, adults and seniors in the City.
Goal CA 2
Provision of Physical Facilities
Adequate physical facilities and venues that support cultural art
programs.
Policy CA 2.1
Facilities
Explore opportunities to accommodate current or emerging cultural arts
programs within existing and new facilities by working with community groups
for sharing of performance and exhibit space and considering the potential for
new facilities.
Policy CA 2.2
Shared Venues
Continue the use of shared exhibit space for the display of arts exhibitions such
as the Central Library and City Hall.
Goal CA 3
Funding
Establish a broad range of public and private funding sources to support
cultural arts goals and activities.
Policy CA 3.1
Public and Private Sources
Support the efforts of non - profit, private and community organizations to apply
for public and private grants and promote donations to support art and cultural
actio,rities.
Policy CA 3.2
Volunteer Opportunities
Promote and support volunteer opportunities for public involvement in arts and
cultural programs and events.
Policy CA 3.3
Additional Resources
Utilize cultural resources outside of Newport Beach. Continue to promote the
Newport Beach Sister City Association and other cultural exchange programs.
ARTS AND CULTURAL RESOURCES 4
Policy CA 3.4 Cultural Tourism
Promote cultural a _ 'ri tourism in Newport Beach to attract visitors and
tourists interested in cultural events.
Policy CA 3.5
Encourage the City Council to increase funding for the arts and maintain
consistent levels of funding.
i