Cuts to City Attorney's Office, Pet Store Controversy and Leaf Blower Ban

The Newport Beach City Council met Tuesday evening. Here are some of the meeting highlights:

• Mayor Mike Henn reminded residents that a ban on that was passed in April goes into effect on Nov. 11. "Make sure to talk to your gardeners about that to make sure your property is in compliance," Henn said.

• The council unanimously approved the reorganization of the city attorney's office. In an effort to be more cost-efficient, the city will eliminate two vacant department assistant positions and one part-time deputy city attorney position. According to a staff report, the funds saved from the
  elimination of these three positions will be retained by the city attorney's office and allocated to the creation of a new legal assistant position and outside counsel expenses.

• A group of animal activists and residents urged the Newport Beach City Council to ban the retail sale of dogs and pets. Dave Simon, a local attorney, was one of a handful of people who encouraged the council to pass an ordinance similar to the one the Irvine City Council recently approved, which bans the sale of pets in retail stores. "We'd love to see Newport Beach take a similar and historic and responsible stand," Simon said. Read more about the controversy surrounding the proposed ban