What Visitors Should Know About Fourth of July on the Peninsula

Local law enforcement is gearing up for Fourth of July, which typically draws thousands of people to the Balboa Peninsula.

With the crowds there often comes public intoxication, fighting and wild parties. To keep things under control, more than 200 law enforcement officers from agencies  around the region will be in the area, the Police Department said.

Here's what revellers headed to the peninsula for the Fourth should know:

Peninsula Access: This year, Newport Boulevard will be the only route for getting onto the peninsula, according to the Newport Beach Police Department. West Balboa Boulevard toward the peninsula will be closed at Pacific Coast Highway to vehicle, bicycle and pedestrian traffic between noon and 6 p.m. on July 4.

Parking: People planning to visit the peninsula on July Fourth are encouraged to carpool. Parking spaces fill up early. City parking lots at City Hall and Superior Avenue will be closed at 5 p.m. July 3 until 7 a.m. July 5. There will be a significant number of parking control officers. If you park illegally, expect to get cited or towed.

Fireworks: Despite being available in neighboring cities, fireworks are illegal to possess and use in Newport.

Safety Enhancement Zone: On July 4, the area bordered by PCH, Newport Boulevard, 32th Street, 54th Street and the ocean becomes the Safety Enhancement Zone. Fines for citations handed out in the area during the holiday will be tripled, according to the Police Department.

"Unruly" Parties: The City Council recently passed a that established steep fines for people and property owners involved in out-of-hand parties. Under the ordinance, individual partygoers, property owners, party hosts and tenants all face fines, which can reach $3,000. The Police Department recommends those planning to have a party keep their guest list small, control those who attend and keep the booze on private property.

Anyone with questions or concerns may call the Police Department's public information line at 949-644-3696.

By the Numbers: Fourth of July 2010

107 people arrested*

334 citations issued

531 parking citations issued

Source: NBPD

*80 percent of those arrested said they lived outside of Newport Beach