News Briefs

WORLD NEWS news briefs

By Jordan B. Darling

“Renew Newport” Launches Inaugural Volunteer Day

NEWPORT BEACH— Renew Newport kicked off the first “Love Newport Beach Volunteer Day” on Oct. 15. The event is supported by more than 25 businesses, non-profits, and faith-based organizations. Volunteers will be paired with more than 30 projects throughout the city. There will be several ways for individuals and families to participate. At 8 a.m., volunteers will meet up at City Hall, 100 Civic Center Drive, for breakfast and a kick-off celebration before projects begin at 9 a.m. Projects will end at 12 p.m., and several restaurants throughout the city will offer discounts to volunteers wearing event tee-shirts. The event is part of a bigger initiative started by Newport Beach Mayor Kevin Muldoon and Trellis International to improve and engage the city and the community. “I’m very excited for Renew Newport’s first volunteer day on October 15, and I encourage everyone to participate,” Muldoon said. “It’s a great way to be more engaged with your community, to renew relationships with your neighbors, and contribute to the renewal of Newport Beach.” Walk-up volunteers are welcome, but participants are encouraged to sign up before; participants can sign up to volunteer at http://www. renewnewport.com.

Thousand Steps Reopened in Santa Barbara

SANTA BARBARA— Santa Barbara’s historic beach access stairway Thousand Steps, reopened after a six-month closure for safety repairs and improvements. The steps were originally called Camino a Mar and were built by the city almost 100 years ago in 1925. Unfortunately, the lower steps had eroded from coastal conditions and became difficult and dangerous to use.

Repairs and improvements thus far include: • Demolition and reconstruction of the lower 24 steps and installation of seven additional steps to provide a safer and more accessible path during seasonal changes to sand level. • Installation of a continuous handrail extending from the street level to the beach. • Construction of a new concrete guardrail at the main landing mid-stairway. • Drainage improvements to allow for groundwater capture to reduce algae growth and slippery stair treads. • Installation of a bicycle rack on top of the bluff.

The steps are set to close again later this year or early next year to add an apron at the beach level to protect the stairs; an official ribbon cutting ceremony is to be announced.

VC Reporter Gives Harbor Businesses Top Honors in Best of Ventura County 2022

the businesses, a local music artist Teresa Russell and a local dive bar, the Rudder Room, have also been honored. The VC Reporter reaches out to readers to take a poll and rate their top choices in over 150 categories, which include businesses, professional services, places to visit, and more.

Here are the winning Channel Islands Harbor businesses and the category they ranked in: • Channel Islands Maritime Museum – Museum (Reader Recommended) • Channel Islands Yacht Club – Yacht Club (First Place) • Island Packers – Fun for Kids & Adults (Reader Recommended) • The Masala Twist – Indian Food (Reader Recommended) • Mrs. Olson’s Coffee Hut – Oxnard Restaurant (1st Place) • Pacific Corinthian Yacht Club – Yacht Club (Reader Recommended) • Toppers Pizza – Kid Friendly, Best Pizza (1st Place)

To view all the winners from the 37th Annual Best of Ventura County, please visit www.vcreporter.com

STATE/NATIONAL/ INTERNATIONAL USFWS Seeks Public Comment on San Francisco Bay Population of Longfin Smelt

SACRAMENTO— The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is seeking public comment on a proposal to list the San Francisco Bay-Delta population of longfin smelt as an endangered species under the Endangered Species Act. A study shows that the population is in danger of extinction throughout the range, and the service has opened up a 60-day public comment period. Habitat loss due to the long-term reduction and alteration of freshwater flows into the San Francisco Bay estuary is the primary threat. Longfin smelt requires specific water temperatures and adequate freshwater flows to survive. “The longfin smelt may be small and unassuming, but they are an important part of the BayDelta estuary. The loss of this species would have a ripple effect throughout the ecosystem,” said Paul Souza, the Service’s Pacific Southwest Regional Director, in an Oct. 6 press release. “If this species is listed, the Service will work with partners to balance the needs of the species and communities that depend on Bay-Delta water resources. Additional funding for recovery actions can also be made available through the Service and our partners for continued conservation of the fish in California.”

The proposed rule was published in the Federal Register on Oct. 7, 2022. Comments will be accepted until Dec. 6, 2022. Requests for public hearings must be submitted in writing no later than Nov. 21, 2022.

Information on how to submit comments is available at www.regulations. gov by searching under docket number: FWS-R8-ES-2022-0082.

You can also submit comments and information or a hearing request in writing to: Public Comments Processing, Attn: FWS-R8-ES-2022-0082, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, MS: PRB/3W, 5275 Leesburg Pike, Falls Church, VA 22041–3803.

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