NEWPORT BEACH : Council to Debate Proposals for Pier

The City Council on Monday will debate the future of the Newport Pier, the site of two apparent gang-related shootings in the past four months.

“I think the pier at night had become a scary area,” Councilwoman Janice A. Debay said. “It is something that is remote and dark. . . . The idea here is to make it brighter and happier.”

The recent shootings there have created a sense of urgency about the future of the pier, a matter that has been under consideration for some time. Closing it at night is one of several ideas for revitalizing the area proposed during recent meetings involving city officials and residents and business owners. Other proposals include closing the pier periodically for cleaning, and allowing in street musicians and vendors.

The Newport Pier is known as one of the best places in Southern California to dangle a hook. Anglers can be seen sitting on small benches around the clock. Moreover, oceanfront piers are the only places a person can fish without having to buy a California State Department of Fish and Game license. To fish anywhere else, a person must have a saltwater fishing license, which costs $18, said David Harshbarger, city marine director.

The pier’s popularity can be seen in the large number of fish heads and bait left lying around.

Debay said that in the Monday meeting the seven-member City Council will consider proposals to improve lighting in the parking lots and to make sure the pier is clean to create a more comfortable and safe environment. The council will study the issue, but no action will be taken Monday.

“We have to get the fishermen to understand and to work with us and keep the area clean,” Debay said, adding that city officials have designed a sign asking anglers to clean up after themselves.

On July 31, gunfire erupted between suspected gang members at the foot of the pier; one man was killed. And on Sept. 19, an alleged gang member opened fire, wounding three people.

After those incidents, restaurants near the pier suffered a rash of dinner-reservation cancellations, she said.