More police OKd for Balboa Peninsula to control rowdiness
Increased police presence on the bustling Balboa Peninsula may soon become a reality for residents and those seeking an exciting night on the town.
Without much discussion, the Newport Beach City Council on Tuesday night unanimously authorized adding three police officers and a sergeant to provide more law enforcement for the peninsula during peak periods such as weekend nights and summertime, likely beginning this summer.
The peninsula was Newport Beach’s busiest area for police calls in 2014, with most of the calls on Saturdays between 10 and 11 p.m., according to Police Department statistics.
The council also approved a staff proposal to hold quarterly meetings among city officials and representatives of peninsula restaurants and bars.
The moves are the latest attempt to quiet rowdy behavior in the city’s downtown.
Mayor Pro Tem Diane Dixon proposed creating an overlay district for the peninsula several months ago that would have increased regulations on bars and restaurants that are open late. Bar owners opposed the idea, instead asking to work with the city to improve community relations.
Dixon, who represents the peninsula on the council, has already met with bar and restaurant owners to kick off a series of meetings that also will include police, city staff and residents.
“I look forward to continue working with them,” she said. “We are all united in working for the safety and quality of life in our community.”
Officials hope the increased efforts will help the city get a handle on nuisance issues that police say are caused by a proliferation of establishments serving alcohol.
One hundred peninsula restaurants, bars, lounges and nightclubs serve alcohol, and 26 are open past 11 p.m., according to the California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control.
From Malarky’s Irish Pub at the peninsula entrance to the Balboa Saloon on Bay Avenue, the area for decades has drawn eclectic crowds of young people and regulars looking to cut loose and indulge in libations while enjoying ocean views.
But nearby residents have long complained about property crime, public urination, noise and other problems caused by the throng of often intoxicated people walking around into the early morning.
“We have a crime problem on the peninsula,” said longtime resident George Schroeder. “If I see a policeman when I drive home tonight, it doesn’t bother me, it makes me feel safer. If I’ve had about eight or nine beers, then I might not want to see the policeman.”
Resident Michael Glenn pointed to FBI statistics that show Newport Beach has about 15 police officers per 10,000 residents — a higher ratio than larger Orange County cities such as Anaheim and Irvine.
Glenn disagreed with residents who say the neighborhood has a major crime problem.
“We are not in any way thinking we have a shortage of police here,” he said. “If you put more police out there, you will inevitably find more people riding without seat belts.”
City Manager Dave Kiff said that because the city’s beaches attract more than 1 million visitors per year, an increase in the police force could be justified.
The cost of annual salaries and benefits for the new police personnel would be about $565,000, according to a staff report. The city also would be responsible for $7,700 in uniform and equipment costs, as needed.