Council remembers environmentalist

The Newport Beach City Council on Tuesday paid tribute to late environmentalist Jan Vandersloot, commending his dedication to preserving Newport’s natural resources.

Vandersloot, 64, died suddenly Nov. 4 at his Newport Beach home.

City Council meetings won’t be the same without Vandersloot’s gentle prodding to respect Newport’s native plants and natural resources, Mayor Ed Selich said.

“He was always a gentleman even when things didn’t go his way,” Selich said. “He made me think — that was one of his talents. Occasionally, he changed my mind.”

Councilwoman Nancy Gardner spoke of Vandersloot’s humble dedication to improving his community.

“There was no issue that was too small if he believed in it,” Gardner said. “It was never about him. With Jan it was always about the issue, never about his ego.”

— Brianna Bailey