City Backs New Police Headquarters, Will Study Fire Ring Safety

The Newport Beach City Council was back to business this week following a monthlong summer break.

Here are a few of the highlights:

• The council endorsed the West Newport proposal, which would create a new 64,000 square-foot police headquarters, community center and open space for community events and public art.

• The issue of safety related to beach fire rings in Corona del Mar came up at Tuesday's meeting. While no action was taken, the council agreed to request a study into the fire rings on a future agenda of the city's Parks, Beach and Recreation Commission. 

• The city's new attorney, Aaron C. Harp, was formally introduced by Mayor Mike Henn. Find our more about Harp more in our story.

• Foodies were reminded about this weekend's 23rd Annual Taste of Newport.

• Save the Date! Saturday, Sept. 24, is the 75th anniversary of the Balboa Fun Zone.

• Councilman Steve Rosansky announced that an anonymous donor gave the city $5,000 to be used toward next year's Fourth of July festivities. 

During the public comments section of the meeting, a handful of people took to the podium to raise concerns about the recent controversy created by the I Heart Puppies store in Corona del Mar.

Resident Kelly Sawyer said the weekly protests at the store by animal-rights activists were unfavorable and asked the city to address the issue immediately.

"It's a sad representation of our city," she said. "I would greatly appreciate an investigation into this store."

Brenda Calvillo, a spokesperson for the Animal Protection and Rescue League, asked the council to consider a ban on the sale of cats and dogs in stores, citing the thousands of animals being killed in local shelters. 

Related: Los Angeles getting tougher on street-corner animal sales