Newport Beach weighs rules after 439 holiday arrests

Newport Beach leaders are weighing tougher public-safety and short-term-rental rules after police reported about 439 arrests from July 3 into the early hours of July 5, Voice of OC reported.

The review could affect how one of Orange County’s busiest beach cities manages holiday crowds, short-term rentals and emergency access during peak tourism weekends.

Voice of OC reported that nearly half a million people visited Newport Beach over the Fourth of July weekend, when large crowds and disorder along the coast prompted a major law-enforcement response.

More than 350 officers from the Newport Beach Police Department and 17 neighboring agencies responded to restore order and reopen emergency access routes, according to Voice of OC. Police Chief Dave Miner said, "When those orders were ignored and individuals launched explosive mortars and other projectiles at officers and bystanders, we activated our mutual aid plan,"

City officials are planning a study session to review July 4 preparation, staffing, law-enforcement response and next steps, Voice of OC reported. Councilmember Erik Weigand said, "We just need to have a really good discussion on understanding what we can and cannot do legally,"

The city allows about 1,500 short-term rentals such as Airbnb and Vrbo, and council members may consider limits on rental stays, seasonal rules and possible camera requirements for some rentals, according to Voice of OC. Weigand said, "I’m getting sick and tired of it. They contribute to noise, they contribute to trash, they contribute to these unruly parties [and] traffic concerns,"

Councilmember Robyn Grant told Voice of OC, "Newport Beach cannot tolerate criminal behavior that threatens public safety, damages property, or intimidates residents and visitors," Mayor Lauren Kleiman said, "Those responsible for these criminal acts will be held accountable to the fullest extent of the law, including anyone identifiable on social media,"

The city’s review is expected to focus on what officials can legally do before the next major holiday weekend, according to Voice of OC.