Coastal board lifts deadline

The California Coastal Commission has lifted a deadline for Newport

Beach officials to report on a destroyed West Newport sand dune.

The commission had asked city officials to report the results of

an inquiry into the dune’s disappearance by Thursday. Newport Beach

Police are still investigating the case, but since coastal commission

officials expect police to find the responsible party, the deadline

was removed.

“They made some headway, so the deadline’s been lifted,” said

Andrew Willis, district enforcement analyst for the commission. “In

our conversations with the police department, they assured us the

investigation is moving forward in a good manner and results are

probably forthcoming.”

The commission did not set a new deadline. Instead, city officials

plan to make their report when results are ready.

“It’s going to be more of a spirit of cooperation,” Assistant City

Attorney Aaron Harp said.

The dune, which was on the beach between Sonora and Olive streets,

was destroyed in April. Oceanfront sand dunes are protected as a

scenic resource under the Coastal Act.

In May, Newport Beach Assistant City Manager Dave Kiff said the

city could have been required to restore the dune if the

investigation proved fruitless. A successful investigation would mean

the city would be spared the cost of restoring the dune.

“If they turn up the people who are responsible for this, there

shouldn’t be any reason the city is liable. We want to find the

culpable party,” Willis said.

Harp declined to provide details about the investigation’s

progress. Newport police Lt. Mike McDermott said, “We’ve identified

suspects and the investigation’s progressing.”

* ANDREW EDWARDS covers business and the environment. He can be

reached at (714) 966-4624 or by e-mail at

[email protected].