Update

Follow-up on the news

NEWPORT BEACH

Ordinance Passed on ‘Bikini Cruises’

Issue: Topless entertainment on chartered harbor cruises.

Background: Balboa Island and peninsula residents have complained about noise and distractions created by topless entertainment on some harbor charters that advertise “bikini cruises.”

City Atty. Robert Burnham submitted a proposed ordinance to the City Council last month that would extend the city’s public nudity and adult business ordinances to harbor charters.

The rules would prohibit people on boats to show private body parts when they are within view of homes or other vessels.

Development: Without discussion, the City Council recently approved the ordinance.

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IRVINE

Edison to Read Meters for Water District

Issue: Meter reading at the Irvine Ranch Water District.

Background: Water district officials, exploring ways to cut personnel costs, are considering hiring an outside agency to provide water meter-reading services.

Development: Water district board members agreed recently to contract with Southern California Edison Co. for meter-reading services. That begins June 1.

District officials estimate an annual savings of $160,000. The Edison Co. will be paid 41.5 cents per meter, including an annual inflation adjustment.

The change in service will place the jobs of the water district’s six meter readers in jeopardy.

But water district officials say the meter readers will be given priority for other job openings with the water district and with Southern California Edison Co.

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NEWPORT BEACH

Money for Bridge Design Is Approved

Issue: Replacing the Newport Channel Bridge and the nearby interchange of Newport Boulevard and Coast Highway.

Background: Plans to rebuild the interchange will be eligible for special federal funding only if a construction contract is set by June, 1997.

The project requires state and federal approval of various designs. The bridge and interchange is in the heart of the city.

Development: The City Council approved spending as much as $58,900 for designs for the project. The designs will be sent to Caltrans for approval, before the 1997 deadline.

Newport Boulevard and Coast Highway are two of city’s main roadways. Both are also state highways. Coast Highway is Route 1 and Newport Boulevard is Route 55.

--COMPILED BY HOLLY J. WAGNER, WITH RUSS LOAR