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.
2019: Median Income
According to a 2019 US Census estimate, the median income for a household in Newport Beach was $64,423, and the median family income was $126,976.
February 2020: Voter Registration
As of February 2020, Newport Beach had 57,408 registered voters.
2020: Donald Trump Wins Again
Donald Trump won Newport Beach again in 2020 by nearly ten points.
2021: Top Employers Report
The city's 2021 Comprehensive Annual Financial Report listed the top employers in Newport Beach.