🚤 Why Newport’s harbor is getting a $20M refresh

Flower Child is where New Year intentions meet real-life cravings.

Bright, airy, and always humming, it serves up feel-good favorites that don’t skimp on flavor: Mother Earth bowls with ancient grains and broccoli pesto, perfectly seasoned salmon with quinoa, and the Carolina BBQ Chicken wrap that proves comfort still belongs on a “healthy” plate.

Grab a patio table, sip seasonal sangria or kombucha, and join eBites for perks and pop-up surprises we all secretly love.

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Vance Wealth’s expansion into Costa Mesa in 2025 felt less like a big announcement and more like a natural next step.

Their Baker Street office reflects how they operate: intentionally, relationship-first, and deeply rooted in values. Known for tax-smart, holistic financial planning, the team works closely with families and business owners, acting as a true financial quarterback through life’s shifts.

This new location allows them to stay closer to long-time clients across Orange County while continuing to grow at a pace that prioritizes trust, clarity, and long-term partnership.

Tucked into Newport’s Back Bay, Pirate Coast Paddle Co is where you go to try something new without the chaos. Calm water, no speeding boats, and boards already waiting at the shoreline make it easy to start. The staff is friendly and quick to coach beginners.

They host glow paddle nights, group outings, kids camps, and charity paddles. Ask about parking validation and group discounts, then linger on the beach a while, yes?

The Gist: If you have spotted heavy equipment near Lido Isle, it is not your imagination. A long-planned dredging project is finally underway, clearing decades of built-up sediment from the harbor floor. Led by R.E. Staite Engineering, the $20 million effort will remove about 900,000 cubic yards of material. Contaminated sediment will be safely transported to the Port of Long Beach for secure containment.

Why It Matters: This first major dredging in 50 years will improve boating safety and bring cleaner tides back through the harbor, adding an estimated 370 million gallons of fresh ocean flow. Work is expected to last about 10 months, with plans in place to avoid disrupting the Christmas Boat Parade. Some Coast Highway boat owners may need temporary relocations.

The Gist: Speak Up Newport will host its 44th Annual Mayor’s Dinner on Friday, Feb. 13, at VEA Newport Beach, welcoming newly selected Mayor Lauren Kleiman. The evening draws more than 450 local business and community leaders and features the Mayor’s annual State of the City address, along with recognition of past mayors. Festivities begin with a no-host reception from 5 to 6 p.m., followed by dinner and program at 7 p.m.

Why It Matters: This longtime tradition brings neighbors, leaders, and civic voices together to reflect on Newport Beach’s future. Tickets start at $175. For more details:

Milo is a big 9 month Weimaraner Great Dane mix with bigger potential.

This handsome, energetic boy came to the Newport Beach Animal Shelter as a stray and is eager to learn, explore, and stay active. Milo would thrive in an active home committed to continued training.

Because he is still young, a meet and greet is recommended to see how he does with other dogs. He is large sized and full of charm.

To learn more about this handsome boy...