Local state of emergency might soon be terminated in Newport Beach

It’s a sign of the times — the Newport Beach City Council will be considering the termination of the local state of emergency this upcoming Tuesday at its regular council meeting.

City staff said the item was brought on by a straw vote at the council’s meeting earlier this month. Council members were in support of bringing forward an item to end the local emergency declared in March of last year in response to COVID-19.

Since then, the state “reopened” on June 15, but more than 63,000 people have died in California. In Orange County, that number is 5,107. In Newport Beach alone, 76 fell victim to the novel coronavirus.

If the ordinance prepared for Tuesday is approved, the termination of the local emergency will repeal all emergency ordinances and orders, which includes those related to outdoor dining, short-term lodging permits and any emergency duties and powers granted to City Manager Grace Leung as the director of emergency services.

Staff noted that officials have already taken action as to extend the outdoor dining permits through early September.

Also up for council’s consideration on Tuesday is the appointment of several boards and committees and potential community programs and special events grants for the upcoming fiscal year.

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