Conservation and Advocacy Update – 2026 August

Newport Beach

ENC Development Appeal will move to City Council

The proposed residential development adjacent to the Environmental Nature Center (ENC) will now be considered by the Newport Beach City Council following the filing of an appeal to the Planning Commission’s June approval.

The appeal provides another opportunity for the community to weigh in on a project that would place three-story residential buildings immediately adjacent to the ENC and ENC Nature Preschool.

Hundreds of supporters submitted comments, attended the Planning Commission meeting, and spoke in support of the ENC. The organization expressed its gratitude for the overwhelming community response and is encouraging supporters to remain engaged as the process moves forward.

A City Council hearing date has not yet been announced. The developer is now expected to delay the appeal until after the November election, although no official hearing date has been scheduled. The ENC will continue providing Land Protection Updates as more information becomes available and opportunities for public participation arise.

How CNPS Members Can Help

• Stay informed through the ENC’s Land Protection Updates so you’re ready to participate when the appeal is scheduled.
• Continue sharing the importance of protecting environmental education, restored habitat, and urban open space.
• Learn more through the ENC’s Take Action page.

Dana Point

Dana Point Preserve: Court Clears Path for Protective Trail Hours

The Center for Natural Lands Management recently secured an important legal victory in its ongoing efforts to protect the endangered Pacific pocket mouse. On July 20, 2026, the Orange County Superior Court ruled that the City of Dana Point had abused its discretion in requiring additional CEQA review for CNLM’s permit application to establish more protective trail hours. The court directed the City to properly apply CEQA and continue processing the application.

Get Involved

• Learn more through the CNLM Dana Point Preserve webpage.
• Follow CNLM on Facebook for updates.
• Support science-based management practices.

Santa Ana

Native Plant Ordinance Continues to Build Community Support

Support continues to grow for Santa Ana’s proposed Native Plant Ordinance. Local advocates have met with numerous neighborhood associations, and the proposal has been well received with no organized opposition reported. The proposal is now expected to be considered at the August 18 City Council meeting.

Get Involved

• Sign up for updates through Rewild Santa Ana.
• Attend the Council meeting when scheduled.
• Encourage Santa Ana residents to participate.

Newport Beach / Costa Mesa

Randall Preserve Plans Advance Toward Final Approval

After more than two years of collaborative planning, the Randall Preserve Advisory Committee completed its work. Orange County CNPS was one of the organizations represented on the advisory committee, helping provide input throughout the planning process. Approximately 83 percent of committee participants in attendance supported moving forward with the updated Resource Management Plan, Public Access Plan, Recreation Impact Analysis, and Coastal Resilience Strategy. The next step is consideration by the Mountains Recreation and Conservation Authority Governing Board.

Get Involved

• Watch for the MRCA agenda.
• Review the final planning documents.
• Participate in restoration opportunities.

Newport Beach

Civic Center Park Remains Both a Community Destination and a Conservation Priority

Newport Beach Civic Center Park continues to serve as both an important community gathering place and a valuable urban habitat supporting native coastal sage scrub plants, pollinators, birds, and other wildlife.

This month, the City is hosting the Newport Beach Art Exhibition on August 15 from 12:00–4:00 p.m. Look for the Sherman Library & Gardens table at the top of the stairs beneath the oak tree, where docents will help visitors explore the park and learn about local native plants and the many ways they benefit both wildlife and people.

Visitors will have an opportunity to discover the park’s native landscape, observe the wildlife that depends on it, and experience one of Orange County’s premier examples of incorporating native habitat into a public civic space.

At the same time, Orange County CNPS continues to monitor the City’s ongoing Police Headquarters planning process because Civic Center Park remains one of the locations under consideration for a future police headquarters. During its July 28 meeting, the Newport Beach City Council approved contracts for architectural design, environmental review, and strategic communications while the Police Headquarters Advisory Committee continues evaluating potential sites.

The Advisory Committee is expected to continue reviewing alternatives during upcoming public meetings before making recommendations to the City Council.

Get Involved

• Visit Civic Center Park during the Newport Beach Art Exhibition on August 15 and stop by the Sherman Library & Gardens docent table.
• Learn more about the park’s native plants, wildlife habitat, and public art.
• Follow future Police Headquarters Advisory Committee meetings and City Council agendas. The next City Council meeting is August 25.
• Continue encouraging thoughtful planning that protects Newport Beach’s valuable public open spaces.

Ongoing Watch List

Not every conservation issue changes each month. The projects below remain active, and Orange County CNPS continues to monitor these efforts and participate as opportunities arise.

Hansen Hotel — San Clemente

No significant developments occurred this month. Orange County CNPS continues to monitor agency review, permitting, and future opportunities for public participation.

Nickey Way Oaks — City of Orange

No significant developments occurred this month. Orange County CNPS continues to monitor the proposed removal of approximately 48 mature coast live oaks and remains engaged in efforts to encourage their protection.

San Juan & Trabuco Creek Herbicide Issue

No significant developments occurred this month. Orange County CNPS continues to monitor Orange County’s evaluation of alternatives to synthetic herbicides and remains engaged in discussions regarding future vegetation management practices.