Good Morning and Happy Monday, Back Bayliens! Sunday got a little wet and wild as the first rain of the new year sprinkled coastal OC, but as we said in our Friday dispatch: We needed this.

In today’s Buzz:

• Sweater Weather is Back

• Newport FD is Back

• Westend is Back

• This Week’s Events (we are so back)

Let’s dive in!

Jon Dougher, Back Bay Buzz

AND THEN WHAT HAPPENED?

Are we just going to talk about the weather…?

Although it would seem that some OC residents have never driven in the rain before, we are pleased to announce the weekend weather event passed without major damage or spikes in blood pressure. The cold wind blew the storm clouds in around noon on Saturday and Sunday brought scattered thunderstorms and light to moderate rain.

More Dining, Less Parking

Costa Mesa bar and venue Westend has received approval to increase their outdoor dining space to a 720ft dining area complete with bar and live music area. The approval for the increase comes from a slew of post-covid regulations that make it easier to obtain approval for outdoor dining areas, even if they decrease available parking. The venue also received approval to extend their operating hours to 2am, making it a direct competitor with nearby Wayfarer for late-night drinks and a show.

More Pickleball, Less Tennis

As previously reported, the Newport Beach Planning Commission has unanimously approved the construction of new pickleball courts at the Hyatt Regency on Jamboree Road. The project includes the addition of several courts to meet the growing demand for pickleball facilities in the area. Community members expressed support for the initiative, citing the sport's increasing popularity and the benefits of promoting active lifestyles. The Hyatt Regency plans to integrate the courts into its existing amenities, enhancing recreational options for both guests and local residents. Construction is expected to commence later this year, with the courts anticipated to open to the public by early next year. Thwock Thwock!

Newport Fire Department is Back from the LA Fires

As the fires in LA continued to burn along with several new blazes that started last week, enough personnel were on-site to allow fire fighters from other departments that had been on loan to come home. On Saturday Jan 18th, engine company NE65 from Corona del Mar’s Station 5 returned home safely from two weeks on the front lines of those L.A. fires. Newport Beach has showcased several extra measures, including extra water reserves at the Big Canyon and San Joaquin water reservoirs that ensure the city is well prepared for wildfires and emergencies.

EVENTS COMING UP!

A Slice of Literary Orange

“Crazy Rich Asians” author Kevin Kwan will be the featured guest at the Norma Hertzog Community Center (1845 Park Ave, Costa Mesa) Wednesday night, 1/29 at 6:30pm. Kwan was named one of the “100 most influential people in the World” by Time magazine in 2018. Complimentary books will be available while supplies last.

PLAN AHEAD:

🧧 Lunar New Year Celebration - Fashion Island - Saturday Feb 8th 11am-1pm - Enjoy wood snake art installation (near Nordstrom), live Chinese calligraphy demonstration, sweet treats from Sees Candies and a special lion dance performance.

🌹 Galentines Bouquet Making - Milligram Coffee+Kitchen - Thursday February 13th 4-7pm - Popups include: ROOZ Collective (Make your own necklace), Nisabees Bouquets (Build your own bouquet), Tipsy Twins Photobooth

👓️ REDO Vintage Market - OC Fairgrounds - Fri Feb 14th 2pm-7pm, Sat Feb 15th 8am-4pm - Tickets

WEATHER

Monday

47 🌡️ 56 I 🌧️ I 55% Rain I 6mph 🍃 

Tuesday

47 🌡️ 58 I ☀️I 0% Rain I 7mph🍃

Wednesday

48🌡️ 59 I ☀️ I 0% Rain I 6mph 🍃

Thursday

46🌡️ 59 I ⛅️ I 0% Rain I 6mph 🍃

Water temp = 57º

🐥 FAMILY FRIENDLY

🌊 Laguna Ocean Foundation Toddler Time - Rivian Spaces in Laguna Beach - Wed Jan 29th - 10am - Book Here

🎸 Kids Concert by the Sea - Little Folks Club, Dana Point Yacht Club - Fri Jan 31 10am - More Info

PLAN AHEAD:

🤳 Kids Valentine’s Photo Popup - The Photo Popup OC - Sunday Feb 9th - More Info Here

🎤 LIVE MUSIC

Monday

Gingsu with Spliffriff and P.U.F.F. - The Wayfarer - 7:30pm - Tickets

Tuesday

Lexi Algar - Lido Deck (Lido Village) - 12p-3p - Info

Ryan’s Trivia Night - The Wayfarer - 7pm - Register

Wednesday

Live Jazz by Chromasique - Mesa Lounge (The Camp) - 7:30pm

Thursday

David Rosales - Lido Deck - 12p-3p

Grounded (top 40 covers, classic rock) - The Harp Inn - 8pm - Directions

Thanks!

Please ignore any typos, our editor is experiencing Seasonal Affective Disorder from the 1.5 days of rain we just had.