NEWPORT BEACH : Tour, Debate Planned on Upper Castaways

For those who are undecided how to vote in November on the $68-million public acquisition of land overlooking Upper Newport Bay, there are two events this week that could make the decision easier.

Tonight, and on succeeding Wednesday nights through October, Newport Conservancy, a local environmental group, will sponsor a walking tour of the grassy, tree-lined Upper Castaways property, which is part of a three-parcel package that can be purchased by city taxpayers from the Irvine Co.

And on Thursday morning, there will be a public debate on the issue at the Newport Beach Marriott Hotel and Tennis Club. Facing off will be the Newport Conservancy and the Newport Taxpayers Alliance, which opposes the ballot measure.

If Newport voters approve Measure A in November by at least 60%, a citywide assessment district would be created to finance the purchase. All single-family residences would be assessed $120 per year for 30 years. Apartment dwellers would be assessed $102 per year, and commercial property owners would pay $120 per 2,000 square feet of space.

Those interested in the two-hour tour should meet at the parking lot on Dover Drive at 16th Street at 5 p.m.

The breakfast debate Thursday will feature two speakers in favor of the purchase: Councilwoman Jean H. Watt, who is also president of the Newport Conservancy; and Bob Shelton, who is running the environmental groups’ campaign for Measure A. Speaking for the Newport Taxpayers Alliance in opposition to the purchase will be Corona del Mar resident Randy Johnson and Ron Hendrickson.

The Newport Beach Marriott is at 900 Newport Center Drive.