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Hello Back Bay Bimbos and Himbos, happy Friday!

Are we done with our gift shopping? After the fever dream that was Thanksgiving, Black Friday and Cyber Monday our fridges are full of leftovers and our garages are full of empty Amazon boxes. Surfers are getting Christmas early as waves are peaking at 6ft (it’s big for us, ok?) due to winds and the pull of the Supermoon. The season is officially here with Santa sightings, tree lightings, live reindeer and a bright, cool forecast that is still the envy of the rest of the country.

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:

• Remediation begins on Peninsula gas leak

• King Tides return

• Enough holiday markets to stuff all the stockings

— Jon Dougher, Publisher, Back Bay Buzz

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Remediation Begins to Fix Peninsula Gas Leak

Remember that gas leak on the Peninsula back in October? A drill rig is now staged at Marcus & 36th as crews begin a short-term, emergency fix for the methane seep that surfaced when a homeowner noticed oil seeping into his garage. The issue traces to a 1920s “orphan” oil well several hundred feet below the neighborhood. State regulators (CalGEM) are overseeing contractor Driltek on a three-to-four-week operation to locate the old well and seal it. Work is happening through a 12-inch access point at the corner of Marcus & 36th, drilling downward and at an angle to intercept the old casing; once it’s reached, the well will be cleaned and sealed with cement to prevent future leaks.

Parking is restricted near the work zone and some garages may have limited access while drilling continues. When the remediation is complete, crews will backfill the hole and repave the street. Earlier emergency ventilation already brought methane down to safe levels and allowed neighbors to return home; one red-tagged property will still require separate remediation for residual oil beneath the house. City crews say they’re pushing to keep the project moving and wrapped as quickly—and safely—as possible.

King Tides Return to Newport

King Tides are back in Newport Beach, and the National Weather Service has a Beach Hazard Statement in effect through Friday morning. Expect sets up to about six feet Wednesday–Friday mornings, with the chance of minor tidal overflow in low-lying spots along the sand. If you’re heading out early, give extra space to the waterline, watch those beach lots and walkways, and enjoy the show from a safe perch. 🌊📸

• Holiday Pub Crawl - Newport Beach
  Starts at Malarky’s Friday Dec 5th at 5pm
  Info

• Cars & Coffee Toy Drive at IKEA

  Saturday, 06 December

  7:30 am - 10:00 am
  Info

• Holiday Market - Costa Mesa Ceramics
  Saturday Dec 6th
  11am-4pm
  Info

• Santa Arrives by Duffy - Lido Village
  Sat Dec 6th
  11am
  Info

• Oyster Shell Ornament Workshop at Buenas Coffee Costa Mesa ($10)

  Saturday, 06 December

  10:00 am - 11:00 am
  Info

• Very Sherman Holiday - Sherman Gardens CDM ($0-$25)

  Saturday, 06 December

  10:30 am - 4:00 pm
  Tickets

• Artisan Marketplace - Environmental Nature Center (Newport)
  eco-friendly, handmade, one-of-a-kind creations
  Sun Dec 7
  11am-4pm
  Info

• Merry Makers Market - Urban Workshop Costa Mesa
  Sunday Dec 7th
  1-4pm
  Info
  

• Awakened Lifestyle Expo - Norma Hertzog Community Center
  Sun Dec 7th
  9:30am-9pm
  Info

• All CHOC Guilds Holiday Tree Luncheon - The Westin South Coast Plaza
  Sun Dec 7th
  10am
  Info

UPCOMING:

• Makers Hive Market - The Camp
  Saturday Dec 13th
  11-4pm
  Info
  

• Holiday Night Market - The Camp
  Thursday Dec 18th
  4-9pm
  Info
  
  

• Christmas Party and Toy Drive - Wild Goose Tavern
  Bring a toy or canned good for $2 Happy Dad Seltzers
  Thursday Dec 11th
  Info

• Newport Beach Boat Parade Guide
  Click Here for the Guide
  Register your boat here

WHAT’S GOING ON IN SOUTH OC?

Check out our great partner newsletter:

🌊 Water temp = 64º
Suit Rec: Spring suit

THIS WEEKEND:

• Toy Store & Playground Walk with Mom Walk Newport Beach
  “Meet at @engineeartoyshop at Newport Hills Shopping Center and get in for a raffle for a gift card and little surprises.”

  Friday, 05 December

  10:00 am - 11:00 am
  Info

• Winterfest at Orange County Fair

  Friday, 05 December

  5:00 pm - 10:00 pm
  Info

• Breakfast with Santa ($15) - Newport Coast Community Center

  Friday, 05 December

  9:30 am - 11:00 am
  Info

• Cars & Coffee Toy Drive at IKEA

  Saturday, 06 December

  7:30 am - 10:00 am
  Info

• Live Reindeer at Woodbridge Village Center Makers Market in Irvine

  Saturday, 06 December

  10:00 am - 4:00 pm
  Info

• Santa Arrives by Duffy - Lido Village
  Sat Dec 6th
  11am
  Info

• Nutcracker for Kids at Segerstrom Concert Hall in Costa Mesa ($71+)

  Saturday, 06 December

  11:30 am - 12:00 pm
  Info

• Oyster Shell Ornament Workshop at Buenas Coffee Costa Mesa ($10)

  Saturday, 06 December

  10:00 am - 11:00 am
  Info

• Santa's Village at Irvine Park Railraod

  Sunday, 07 December

  10:00 am - 9:00 pm
  Info

• Starry Nights Performances at Fashion Island

  Sunday, 07 December

  4:00 pm - 6:00 pm
  Info

  
  

FAMILY PLAN AHEAD:

• Dream Glow Fest at Wild Rivers Waterpark ($25-$36)

  Nov 14th - Dec 31st

  4:30 pm - 9:00 pm
  Info
  

• Snoopy House - Costa Mesa City Hall
  Fri Dec 12-19th
  5:30-8:30pm
  Info

• Holiday Hootenanny - Salty Bear Brewing
  With Little Folk Club Sing-a-long
  Sat Dec 13th
  4-6pm
  Info

Thanks! Please ignore any typos, our editor is busy looking up what a himbo is.

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!