Council: Goldenrod 6 Must Find a New Home

They have turned into celebrities in Corona del Mar, but now it's time for the Goldenrod 6 to find a new home.

At Tuesday's Newport Beach City Council Study Session, city officials determined the city's existing law -- which allows residents to have chickens in residential agricultural zones and Santa Ana Heights -- would not be changed to accommodate The Goldenrod 6 or any other hens on properties that do not meet the outlined criteria.

Mayor Nancy Gardner said although she asked for the council to consider altering the law, after careful consideration she decided the policy is fair as it stands.

"This really isn’t about the Goldenrod 6, it's about if we want to change our policy," Gardner said at Tuesday's meeting. "I had a couple of neighbors telling me they put up with dogs and cats because they knew they would have to when they moved here, but dealing with chickens isn't something they expected."

The Goldenrod 6 in December after a neighbor filed a noise complaint against them with the city. In response, owner Michael Resk created a Facebook page for his pet chickens, known as Red, Tiny, Whitey, Flatty, Blackie and Blondie, which to date has nearly 500 fans. He told the City Council he is astonished by the tremendous amount of community support that quickly flooded in.

"I'm amazed that six, amazing, innocuous, feathered pets can have such an impact," Resk said.

Because the law remains in its original context, Resk must find a new home for the six hens within the next two weeks. While he plans on moving to Dallas, he said his pet chickens will have to go elsewhere -- adding it must be a safe environment to prevent any additional attacks like the incident when someone all over his backyard.

"They are no longer safe and secure here," Resk said. "So my hope is to find a suitable venue where residents can continue to appreciate, learn and interact with the ladies."

Councilman Keith Curry reiterated before the meeting's end that not changing the law was not solely about the Goldenrod 6. He said he walked Goldenrod Avenue a few times and did not find any evidence of the chickens saying they "were very quiet."

"Again, it's not about the Goldenrod 6," Curry said. "It's about whether to allow barnyard animals in a neighborhood that is not equipped for them. I don't think Corona del Mar is the right place for them."

The Newport Beach Vineyards and Winery has offered to provide a home for the chickens. Resk has tentatively planned a going away party for the Goldenrod 6 on Feb. 24 and Feb. 25. The community is encouraged to attend.

"I never meant to ruffle any feathers," Resk said.