Newport Beach to assume control of mooring management, other duties

NEWPORT BEACH ― A new way of managing the harbor is going into effect in Newport Beach starting July 1, as previously reported in The Log. Boaters with harbor-related matters will no longer interact with the Orange County Sheriff’s Department when it comes to mooring management and similar issues. A pilot program going into effect this summer will have Newport Beach city staff and private contractors taking over various harbor responsibilities. Utilizing office space at Marina Park, city staff will manage administrative duties related to the harbor, such as mooring rentals and transfers. The pilot program aims to make the management of Newport Harbor more efficient by consolidation services into one location. Newport Beach already has a phone application called “MyNB,” which might be expanded to include services under this new plan. City Manager Dave Kiff said the pilot program would place city staff on a boat and greet people on the water, informing them of rules on anchorages and guest moorings. The city already owns one boat and is considering renting or leasing additional boats. Shifting management responsibilities away from the Harbor Patrol, which is managed by the Sheriff’s Department, would help city officials realize its goal to provide a more welcoming and customer-service...