NEWPORT BEACH : Final Vote to Be Held on Beach Curfew

A 10 p.m. beach curfew ordinance, which was given preliminary approval two weeks ago, is scheduled for a final vote tonight by the City Council.

The ordinance, which was initially approved unanimously and is supported by the police chief, is almost sure to pass and go into effect before the start of the peak summer season, according to city officials.

Council members think that because the state and some other coastal cities have begun enforcing a 10 p.m. curfew on nearby beaches, Newport Beach should do the same to discourage troublemakers from migrating into the city.

Newport Beach police have said that beach problems are mainly caused by gang members who come to the city from throughout the Southland.

Police officers on foot patrols and on bicycles will order people off the sand at curfew time. Anyone violating the curfew will be verbally warned or given a citation, Sgt. Andy Gonis said.

Except for the state-run beach in Corona del Mar, which already closes at 10 p.m., Newport’s beaches currently close at 11 p.m. The Newport and Balboa piers will remain open despite the curfew.