Praise the Lord, and Pass the Planning Commission

Hello Back Bayers, happy Monday.

On the heels of “No-Sky July”, August is off to a good start. It will be pushing 80º this week, which means we may be entering the fickle “second summer”, just like the old gypsy woman said. School starts in two weeks. The OC fair also ends in two weeks. We will finally have our parking and freeway off-ramps back, and the roving bands of E-biker gangs will once again take to the streets.

To the 100-ish new readers since our last send—welcome! The Back Bay Buzz delivers just the right amount of news and events for locals in Newport Beach and Costa Mesa. No crime, no politics, no spam—just the good stuff. We scan newspapers, blogs, social media, business journals, and Google alerts so you don’t have to.

In today’s Buzz:

• Townhomes planned for the big white monstrosity you always wondered about

• live on the lawn at FI

• Back to School Send-off

• Dogs at the Library

— Jon Dougher, Publisher, Back Bay Buzz

From Praise the Lord to Pass the Parking Permit

The former Trinity Broadcasting Network site on Bear Street may soon trade televangelism for townhomes. Meritage Homes has received a green light from Costa Mesa’s Planning Commission to move forward with a 142-unit residential project on the long-vacant 6.12-acre lot. The plan? Twenty detached homes and 122 stacked flats (some up to 52 feet tall), plus rooftop balconies, backyards, and a $250K pledge for nearby park improvements.

While commissioners praised the inclusion of seven for-sale units for very-low income buyers, neighbors voiced concerns over traffic, privacy, and parking. One called the pedestrian access a "guise" for overflow parking into their neighborhood. The proposal now heads to the City Council, where it could be voted on as soon as August 5. Stay tuned—this one may have more plot twists than a TBN sermon.

UPCOMING:

• Summer Garden Party - Sherman Gardens

  Sat Aug 9th 4-7pm

  Info

• Live on the Lawn - Fashion Island
  Will Blades, Gene Coye, Danny Janklow
  Sat Aug 9th 4-7pm

• Summer Back to School Send-off Halecrest Park, Costa Mesa

  “Obstacle course, bounce house, Magic Steps Music, Princess characters, balloon art, more…”

  Sun Aug 10th

  Info

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

• Community Open House - Oasis Senior Center Share your thoughts on the CDM Commercial Corridor Study Tuesday Aug 12th 5:30pm Info

• Summer Concert Series: Brian Culbertson - Hyatt Regency NB Sun Aug 17th 7pm Tickets

• Summer Concert Series: Coriander - Vea Newport Beach Sun Aug 24th 4-6pm Tickets

• Bar Tinto Opens at WIP Goods

  “Expect fresh Mexico City inspired flavors, a well curated music selection, and a fun ever-changing lineup of natural wines. See you after dark”

  Thursday, Aug 31

  Info

• REDO Vintage Market - OC Fairgrounds Sep 12-13th Info

• Pacific Wine and Food Classic - Newport Dunes

  Sat Sep 20th 1pm-5pm

  Tickets

Monday
66🌡️ 75 I 🌤️ I 8% Rain I 🌬️ ↗️ SSW 9mph

Tuesday
65🌡️ 75 I 🌤️ I 7% Rain I 🌬️ ↗️ SSW 8mph

Wednesday
64🌡️ 77 I 🌤️ I 7% Rain I 🌬️ ↗️ SSW 10mph

Thursday
64🌡️ 79 I 🌤️ I 3% Rain I 🌬️ ↗️ SSW 10mph

🌊 Water temp = 66º
Suit Rec: Spring suit

THIS WEEK:

• Pages & Paws at Costa Mesa Mesa Verde Library
  Tuesday, 05 August

  4:00 pm - 5:00 pm
  Info

• Read to a Dog at Newport Beach Central Library
  Tuesday, 05 August

  4:00 pm - 5:00 pm
  Info

• Little Lido Storytime at Lido Village Books 
  Thurs Aug 7th
  10am-10:45am
  Info

• CreateSpace at Costa Mesa Donald Dungan Library
  Thursday, 07 August

  3:30 pm - 4:30 pm
  Info

• Popsicles & Games in the Park in Costa Mesa - Balearic Park
  Thursday Aug
  7th 6-7:30pm
  Info

PLAN AHEAD:

• Summer Back to School Send-off Halecrest Park, Costa Mesa

  “Obstacle course, bounce house, Magic Steps Music, Princess characters, balloon art, more…”

  Sun Aug 10th

  Info

• Toy Train Tuesdays at Corona Del Mar Library in Newport Beach
  Tuesday Aug 12th
  10:30am-11:30am
  Info

  
  

• Baby Steps at Pretend City ($12 per adult, babies free) Registration Required Sun Aug 10th
  8-9:30pm
  Info

• Kids Club Craft at IKEA Costa Mesa Wed
  Aug 13th 5-7pm
  Info

🎶 Costa Mesa – August 3–7, 2025

• Comedy Night – The Harp Inn – Monday, August 4, 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM

• HB Bluesbreakers - Wayfarer - Monday August 4, 8pm

• Singer‑Songwriter Night – The Harp Inn – Tuesday, August 5, 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM

• Pub Quiz Trivia – The Harp Inn – Wednesday, August 6, 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM

• Second Wave - Tiki Bar - Aug 7th 7pm

• Ludacris, Ying Yang Twins - Pacific Amphitheatre
  Thurs August 7th Doors 6:30pm - Tickets

🎶 Newport Beach – August 3–7, 2025

• JAX SongStage Singer‑Songwriter Showcase (Odd Birds / Rob Gallas / Tristin Sheills / Kevin McKelvie) – Campus JAX – Tuesday, August 5, 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM

• Tony Guerrero’s The Abrazo Project – Campus JAX – Thursday, August 7, 7:00 PM – 8:30 PM

🎵 ⏩️ PLAN AHEAD:

• Mickey Avalon (yes That Mickey Avalon)- Wayfarer
  Sat October 18th

Thanks! Please ignore any typos, our editor is finally back after the Tsunami scare but he is not the same.

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!