🌊 Illegal Fireworks? In Costa Mesa??

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Hello Back Bay Bebes, happy Monday.

July 4th was a party, we hope you all had a great time despite the craziness. Beaches were packed, rip currents were murderous, restaurants were fully booked, and there was a brief power outage in Costa Mesa. We are on to bigger and better things with no sky July heating up before the inevitable Fogust.

To the ~125ish readers that joined us since last send, welcome! The Back Bay Buzz is dedicated to bringing you just the right amount of news and events for locals of Newport Beach and Costa Mesa. No crime, politics, spam or boring stuff. We comb through newspapers, blogs, social media, google alerts and business journals for the best and latest so you don’t have to.

In today’s Buzz:

• Illegal Fireworks in CM

• Dangerous riptide in NB

• RaccoonBot comes to

— Jon Dougher, Publisher, Back Bay Buzz

Illegal Fireworks Seized in Costa Mesa

In the days leading up to Independence Day, Costa Mesa Police arrested three individuals during a buy-bust operation that took place at pre-arranged locations within city limits. Officers with the Special Investigations Unit posed as buyers and met suspects at sites across Costa Mesa, ultimately seizing 1,339 pounds of illegal fireworks, along with narcotics and a firearm.

The operation is part of the city’s annual Fourth of July enforcement push, especially in known “hotspot” areas where fireworks-related calls spike. Last year, police fielded 336 fireworks-related calls between July 4 and 5—down from previous years, but still a top resident complaint.

Only “safe and sane” fireworks, sold at licensed city stands between June 30 and July 4, are permitted for use. Even those may only be set off from 4 to 10 p.m. on July 3 and 4, and must be used at least 20 feet from spectators. All other fireworks are illegal; use can result in $1,000 fines or jail time, and selling them is a felony.

Judging by the sound of it on Friday night, it appears they missed a few.

Hundreds Rescued in Newport Rip Tides on July 4th

In Newport Beach, over 350 ocean rescues were made on the Fourth of July, including a dramatic incident where ten swimmers were pulled from a “monster” rip current in one rescue. Lifeguards described the current as a “dog-leg” rip, which can quickly sweep swimmers out to sea.

Video footage shared by Newport Beach Lifeguards and partnering safety groups highlighted the intensity of the rescue, calling it “one of the best videos capturing the unseen moments of a critical lifeguard rescue.”

Fortunately all swimmers made it safely back. Kudos to our lifeguards!

Crystal Cove Welcomes RaccoonBot: A Solar-Powered Environmental Scout

Suspended above Los Trancos Creek and powered by the sun, RaccoonBot has officially landed at Crystal Cove State Park. This lightweight, bio-inspired robot is the result of a collaboration between UC Irvine’s Robot Ecology Lab and Crystal Cove Conservancy. Outfitted with cameras and environmental sensors, it monitors air quality, humidity, temperature, and vegetation—helping researchers and students track ecological changes over time.

To celebrate its arrival, the Conservancy will host a Cove Talk on Thursday, July 10 from 5:30–7:30 p.m., featuring a conversation between CEO Kate Wheeler and UCI Engineering Dean Dr. Magnus Egerstedt, who will share how animal behavior—like that of sloths and birds—inspires robotics design.

The event blends science, conservation, and storytelling, spotlighting how students and scientists are working together to protect the coast. Tickets are $15 general / $10 for Conservancy members.

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THIS WEEK:

• Try-It Tuesdays - Hi-Time Wine Cellars
  Gather round the wine bar to sip and savor a 6 bottle line-up ($20/person)
  Tuesdays 5-7pm, starting July 8th
  Info

• Love Island Watch Party - Helmsman Alehouse
  Hosted by Newps Social (“the first social club for females in their 20s”)
  Thur July 10th 6-8pm
  Info

• Sunset Sessions: Avalon - Milligram Costa Mesa
  Live Music, coffee, cocktails
  Fri July 11th 5:30-7:30pm
  Info

• Western Movie Night - The Swanner House (SJC)
  Not exactly local but sounds fun for a day trip:
  Line Dancing, Movie, Hat Bar, Tattoo lounge
  Friday July 11th 6pm
  Info

UPCOMING:

• Makers Hive Market - The Camp
  Sat July 12 11am-4pm
  Info

• Sake & Tapas - Hi-Time Wine Cellars
  “Join us for an evening of curated Sake and Tapas pairings by world-famous artisanal sake producer, Tedorigawa.
  Wednesday July 16th Seatings 5pm and 7pm
  Info

• Shakes & Giggles Comedy Show - The Straw (1215 Baker St A, Costa Mesa)
  Thurs July 17th 9:30pm
  Info

• ModRef Sample Sale - The Lab
  Vintage, baked goods, accessories
  Sat-Sun July 19th-20th
  Info
  

• OC Fair Begins - OC Fairgrounds
  July 18th-Aug 17th
  Info

• Meals on Wheels Pickleball Bash Tournament - The Tennis & Pickleball Club
  Proceeds will support Meals on Wheels Orange County’s nutrition, socialization, and wrap-around services
  Sat July 19th 1-4pm
  Info

• Paint Night - Wild Goose Tavern
  Tues July 22nd 6-8pm

• Native Newport Classic Annual Volleyball Tourny - Newport Beach (tower TBD)
  Sat July 26th
  Info

• Sterling Silver Ring Making Workshop - Methra (Costa Mesa)
  Sat July 26th - Info

• Calling All Artists 🎨 : Apply to Costa Mesa’s annual juried art exhibition - Deadline: July 28th - Info

• Fun Run 5k 🏃 - OC Fairgrounds - Aug 10th 8am - Register

• Pacific Wine and Food Classic - Newport Dunes
  Sat Sep 20th 1pm-5pm
  Tickets

Monday
63🌡️ 73 I 🌤️ I 10% Rain I 🌬️ ↗️ SW 11mph

Tuesday
64🌡️ 79 I 🌤️ I 7% Rain I 🌬️ ➡️ W 12mph

Wednesday
65🌡️ 74 I 🌤️ I 6% Rain I 🌬️ ↗️ WSW 11mph

Thursday
65🌡️ 77 I 🌤️ I 5% Rain I 🌬️ ↗️ SSW 9mph

Friday
65🌡️ 734I 🌤️ I 6% Rain I 🌬️ ⬆️ S 11mph

🌊 Water temp = 66º
Suit Rec: Summer suit

Great week for juggling enthusiasts…

THIS WEEK:

• Mom & Me Beach Playdate in Newport Beach - Marina Park
  Monday, 07 July

  9:30 am - 10:30 am
  Info

• Concerts in The Park - Family Style - Fairview Park Costa Mesa
  Tuesday July 8th 6pm-7pm
  Info

• Umma at the Park (Free fitness class) - Cliff Drive Park
  Movement, mom chats, complimentary coffee from The Bar Sista
  Wed July 9th 10am
  Info

• Arty Loon Magic Show - Mesa Verde Library Costa Mesa
  Wednesday, 09 July

  11:00 am - 12:00 pm
  Info

• Comedy Juggling Show at Balboa Library in Newport Beach
  Wednesday, 09 July

  3:00 pm - 4:00 pm
  Info

• Juggling Show in Corona Del Mar Branch Library
  Thursday, 10 July

  3:00 pm - 4:00 pm
  Info

• Little Lido Kids Club: Music Class with Zach Churchill – Lido Deck, Lido Village
  Thursday, July 10, 10:30 AM – 11:15 AM

• Summer Art Club at the Orange County Museum of Art ($10)
  Friday, 11 July

  11:30 am - 4:00 pm
  Info

PLAN AHEAD:

• Outdoor Movie in Costa Mesa (Moana 2) - Balearic Park
  Saturday, 12 July

  7:30 pm - 8:30 pm
  Info

• Concerts in The Park - Flashback Heart Attack - Fairview Park Costa Mesa
  Tuesday July 15th 6pm-7pm
  Info

• Kids Paddle Camp - Pirate Coast Paddle Board Rentals
  Campers will learn the basics of stand up paddle boarding, learn new skills and participate in water activities.
  July 14-18th
  Sign Up

• Little Lido Kids Club: Music Class with Magic Steps
  Thurs July 17th 10:30-11:15
  RSVP

• Barnes and Noble Storytime at Fashion Island
  Saturday, 19 July

  11:30 am - 12:00 pm
  Info

THIS WEEK:

🎶 Costa Mesa – July 7 – July 11 2025

• Dominique and the Diamonds with Jeff Livingstone – The Wayfarer – Wednesday, July 9, 8:00 PM

• Rosie Flores, Jason Ringenberg & John Surge and The Haymakers – The Wayfarer – Thursday, July 10, 7:00 PM

• Bryn Ryan – Van Dyke – Tiki Bar – Wednesday, July 9, 7:00 PM

• Auto Pilot – Tiki Bar – Thursday, July 10, 7:00 PM

• Stay Out – Tiki Bar – Friday, July 11, 7:00 PM

• Flashback Heart Attack – The Harp Inn – Friday, July 11, 9:00 PM

• Live Music (Cowboys and Poodles Set) – The Campsite at The CAMP – Thursday, July 10, 7:00 PM

🎶 Newport Beach – July 7 – July 11 2025

• 17th Street Band – Campus JAX – Wednesday, July 9, 6:30 PM

• Lauren Black – Lido Marina Village (Lido Deck) – Thursday, July 10, 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM

• Strolling Jazz Trio – Lido Marina Village (waterside walk) – Thursday, July 10, 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM

• Little Lido Kids Club: Music Class with Zach Churchill – Lido Marina Village (Lido Deck) – Thursday, July 10, 10:30 AM – 11:15 AM

🎵 ⏩️ PLAN AHEAD:

• Jimmys Buffet - The Hangar (OC FAIR) - July 20th 7:15 - Tickets

• Fitz and The Tantrums + Aloe Blacc - Pacific Ampitheater - July 25th - 6:30pm - Tickets

• Ellis Bullard - Wayfarer Fri 7/18 7pm - Info

• BECK - Pacific Ampitheatre - Wed 7/30 7:30pm - Tickets

Thanks! Please ignore any typos, our editor is on strike over the use of the word “bungholes” in a serious news publication…

PS: Feel free to let me know any feedback or inside scoops you have for the newsletter. Just reply to this email, I read every one. Thanks!