NEWPORT BEACH : Sorry State of City Colors Address

After a scandal-filled year that pushed the city into the public spotlight, Mayor Clarence J. Turner on Friday night gave his state-of-the-city address, reviewing the problems and offering hope for the future.

“It would be unseemly to convey that 1992 was a banner year for the city of Newport Beach because, as all of you know, it was not,” Turner told the crowd of nearly 400 residents at the Newport Beach Marriott. “There are times when I dream that this has all been a nightmare and that soon the dawn will break or I will turn on the light and get up.”

Mentioning the embezzlement of $1.8 million by the city’s former utilities director, the budget battles, and the sexual harassment charges that have racked the Police Department, Turner praised the city staff and council for being “courageous” and hoped “a tide of optimism” would lead to a better 1993.

At the $40-a-plate dinner that included piano playing and a no-host bar, leaders of the community group Speak Up, Newport!--clad in black leather and chains--performed a rap tribute to city politicians.

Turner, who was selected as mayor by the seven-member City Council in December, thanked the staff, particularly City Manager Kevin J. Murphy and City Atty. Robert Burnham, for its hard work and the public for civic participation.

But his speech was filled with the problems that have plagued the city throughout the past year.

“While it is true that the city has recaptured some $600,000 of the total embezzlement, and may even recover more, the hurt and betrayal will forever be a stain in the city’s history,” he said, referring to the conviction of former utilities director Robert J. Dixon for stealing from city coffers. “No amount of recompense will ever wash away the stain of an abused trust.”

Turner spoke sadly of the Police Department, where 10 current and former female employees have sued the city, former Chief Arb Campbell, who was fired, and Capt. Anthony J. Villa in connection with allegations of rape and sexual harassment. Another six women have been offered cash settlements in exchange for their promise not to pursue legal action regarding the harassment they suffered, and four have accepted.

“There will be no winners in this entire episode,” he said. “There will only be losers. We can only hope to mitigate the losses.”

Reviewing the city’s financial situation, the mayor spoke of the service cuts and layoffs from last year and predicted similar reductions in the upcoming budget.

“Our staff is reviewing an anorexic revenue source to fund an anorexic budget for the coming fiscal year, and like it or not, the economic facts of life will cause pain and suffering for all of us,” he said. “There will be no sacred cows left in the pasture as we pursue the many potentials to prepare a balanced budget.”

Still, Turner tried to be upbeat, discussing plans for the city’s new library, neighborhood revitalization plans, and the community’s avid interest in city committees and projects.

“Yes, these are difficult times, but remember that these too will pass,” he said.