Hello Back Bay Bubs, Happy Monday.

There are a few more headlines regarding Fashion Island this week but honestly, we are getting a little tired of hearing about it, would you agree? The temps dipped into the FORTIES this morning which is quite cold enough, thank you. We are about to kick off the Val/Galentine’s festivities next month rain or shine, so you should probably make your reservations now.

To our new readers—welcome! The Back Bay Buzz delivers just the right amount of news and events for locals in Newport Beach and Costa Mesa. No crime, no politics, no spam—just the good stuff. We scan newspapers, blogs, social media, business journals, and Google alerts so you don’t have to.

In today’s Buzz:

• YMCA near Back Bay Getting major Reno

• Blood Drive at the police station

• Galentine’s coming up

— Jon Dougher, Publisher, Back Bay Buzz

Major Renovations Proposed at Back Bay Y

The YMCA of Orange County wants to nearly triple its Newport Beach campus at 2300 University Dr. into an intergenerational “Newport Hub” that pairs a refreshed Y facility with the Perch Residences—a 105-unit, 55+ apartment building (with 20 affordable units via density bonus). Early plans add a year-round aquatics center, gym, café, community rooms and spa, and programs that connect directly to the Back Bay with views and access. The Y owns the four-acre site and says it will fund the expansion through fundraising and financing (no city money). Newport Beach tagged the campus as a potential housing site in its 2024 housing element; the Y filed its application in December and hopes to be shovel-ready by year’s end, with construction estimated at 18–22 months. The aim: less isolation, more everyday connection between older adults, families and youth.

UPCOMING:

• Costa Mesa Planning Commission Meeting - CM City Hall Council Chambers
  Monday Jan 26th 6pm
  Info

• Red Cross Blood Drive - NBPD (870 Santa Barbara Drive)
  Monday Jan26th
  8am-2pm
  Sign up

• Newport Needlepoint Club Meetup - Newport Needlepoint
  “2026 is the year for Grandma hobbies”
  Tuesdays 6-8pm
  Info

• Trivia Night - Bootlegger’s Brewery
  Tuesdays 7-9pm
  Directions

• Free Yoga Class - Seed Peoples Market
  Wednesdays @ 10am
  Info

• Vintage and Collectibles Sale for Charity - OASIS Senior Center
  Proceeds go to German Shepherd Rescue of OC
  Artwork, collectibles, vases, lamps, mirrors, crystal, vintage jewelry and more!
  Sat Jan 31st @ 9am
  Info

• Galentine’s Day - The Lab
  Friday Feb 13th 3-7pm
  Info

• Raising Canes Grand Opening - Newport Blvd Location
  February 24th

• Overland Expo 2026 - OC Fairgrounds
  March 14-15, Sat 9-5, Sun 9-4
  Info
  
  

WHAT’S GOING ON IN SOUTH OC?

Check out our great partner newsletter:

🌊 Water temp = 62º
Suit Rec: Spring suit/Full suit 3/2

THIS WEEK:

• PJ Storytime at Mariners Library Newport Beach

  Monday, 26 January

  6:30 pm - 7:30 pm
  Info

• Free Farm w/ Animals at Centennial Farm

  Monday, 26 January

  1:00 pm - 4:00 pm
  Info

• Clay Pinch Pots at Costa Mesa Mesa Verde Library

  Wednesday, 28 January

  4:00 pm - 5:00 pm
  Info

• FREE Mermaid Storytime at Once Upon an Island (Balboa Island)

  Wednesdays

  10:30 am - 11:00 am
  RSVP

• Wild Tales Storytime, Hike, and Craft in Newport Beach (RSVP!)

  Friday, 30 January

  10:00 am - 11:00 am
  Info

Worth The Drive:

• Park Playdate & Storytime with Mom Walk Co. Irvine

  Tuesday, 27 January

  10:30 am - 11:30 am
  Info
  

• Toddler Town at Pretend City ($12 per person) Registration Required (No older siblings)

  Monday, 26 January

  9:00 am - 10:30 am
  Info

Thanks! Please ignore any typos, our editor is in hibernation until the temp climbs above 70.

PS: Feel free to let me know any feedback or inside scoops you have for the newsletter. Just reply to this email, I read every one. Thanks!