History of Newport Beach, California in Timeline

Newport Beach is a coastal city in Southern California, with a population of around 85,000. Situated about 40 miles southeast of Los Angeles, it's renowned for its sandy beaches. Historically, the city's harbor was a hub for maritime activity, but today, it primarily serves recreational purposes. Balboa Island, accessible by ferry, is a popular destination, attracting visitors with its waterfront path and proximity to shops and restaurants.

1905: Beach Tourism Begins

Beachgoers started visiting Newport Beach in 1905, facilitated by the Pacific Electric Railway.

1905: Pacific Electric Railway

In 1905, the Pacific Electric Railway established a southern terminus in Newport, connecting the beach with downtown Los Angeles, which spurred city development.

September 1, 1906: City Incorporation

The City of Newport Beach was incorporated on September 1, 1906.

1906: City Incorporation

In 1906, the scattered settlements of Newport Beach, with a population of 206, were incorporated as the City of Newport Beach.

1908: Christmas Boat Parade Begins

The first annual Christmas Boat Parade was held in 1908.

1923: Corona del Mar Annexation

In 1923, Corona del Mar was annexed into Newport Beach.

1927: China House Construction

A house known as the China House was built in the traditional Chinese architectural style at the entrance of Newport Harbor in 1927. It served as a local landmark until its demolition in the 1980s.

1927: City Governance Change

In 1927, the city's governing body changed from a board of trustees to a city council, and its leader's title changed from president to mayor.

1936: Alf Landon Loses Orange County

Alf Landon was the last Republican presidential candidate to lose Orange County before Donald Trump in 2016.

January 7, 1955: City Charter Adoption

Newport Beach adopted its city charter on January 7, 1955.

1962: Start of Gubernatorial Voting Trend

Between 1962 and 1994, Republican gubernatorial candidates also received strong support in Newport Beach.

1962: Republican Support

Since at least 1962, Newport Beach has consistently supported Republican candidates in presidential and gubernatorial elections.

1964: Republican Voting Trend

From 1964 to 1988, the Republican presidential candidate consistently won over 70% of the vote in Newport Beach.

1975: Upper Newport Bay Ecological Reserve

In 1975, the Upper Newport Bay Ecological Reserve was created, protecting a significant portion of the estuary.

1988: End of Republican Dominance

The period from 1964 to 1988 marked a period of strong Republican support in Newport Beach's presidential elections.

1994: End of Gubernatorial Voting Trend

The trend of high Republican support in gubernatorial races in Newport Beach extended from 1962 to 1994.

2000: Census Data

As of the 2000 census, there were 70,032 residents, 33,071 households, and 16,965 families in Newport Beach.

2002: Annexations of Newport Coast, East Santa Ana Heights, and San Joaquin Hills

In 2002, Newport Coast, East Santa Ana Heights, and San Joaquin Hills were annexed into Newport Beach.

2008: West Santa Ana Heights Annexation

Following a protracted dispute with Costa Mesa, Newport Beach annexed West Santa Ana Heights in 2008.

2009: Housing Prices Rank High

A 2009 survey found that Newport Beach had the eighth-highest housing prices in the United States.

2009: Median Household Income

During the period 2009–2013, the median household income in Newport Beach was $106,333.

2010: United States Census

The 2010 United States Census reported that Newport Beach had a population of 85,186.

2013: Poverty Rate

Between 2009 and 2013, 7.9% of the Newport Beach population lived below the federal poverty line.

2013: Newport Beach Lifeguards: Top Agency in the Nation

In 2013, the Newport Beach Fire Department's marine division performed 3,811 water rescues. Considering their relatively small size, Newport Beach lifeguards are recognized as the leading agency in the nation for water rescues and are also recognized as an advanced agency by the United States Lifesaving Association.

2014: Lido Marina Village Renovation Begins

In 2014, the Lido Marina Village closed for renovations.

2016: Donald Trump Wins Newport Beach

Donald Trump won Newport Beach by a 14-point margin in 2016, although he lost Orange County overall.

2017: Lido Marina Village Reopens

The Lido Marina Village reopened in 2017 after extensive renovations.

March 2018: Conservative Voters

A March 2018 Sacramento Bee report identified Newport Beach as having the second-highest percentage of conservative voters among large Californian cities.