Hello Back Bay Beignets, Happy Friday!

A wild week in the towns as we had sunny skies, cold rain, grand openings and businesses burning down. As we come to a conclusion of Dry January, we are wondering if perhaps it was the dry friends we made along the way. Still a scant weekend events-wise but still lots to do.

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:

• Ralph’s Coffee a Success

• Fire in CdM

• Beach Cleanup This Weekend

— Jon Dougher, Publisher, Back Bay Buzz

Ralph’s Coffee Grand Opening a Success

Ralph’s Coffee now pouring at Fashion Island — Ralph Lauren’s café opened its first California location in Newport Beach on Tuesday, bringing with it the brand’s green-and-white aesthetic, Polo Bear merch, and an exclusive NB mug. Beans come from La Colombe, with a menu of classic sweets—cookies, brownies, croissants, yogurt parfait—and soft-serve (vanilla, coffee, or swirl, plus affogatos). Opening day drew a line, rave reviews for the iced vanilla latte, and even a Vanessa Bryant sighting. Expect a stylish scene—and maybe a wait.

PSAs:

Sunbliss Café Fire in CdM, No Injuries Reported

Newport Beach Fire crews knocked down an interior blaze at Sunbliss Café (3348 E. Coast Hwy, Corona del Mar) around 6:30 p.m. Wednesday after evacuating neighboring Sota Sushi as a precaution. About 30 firefighters had it contained in roughly 20 minutes, preventing spread to other businesses. No injuries. Sunbliss was red-tagged for damage and is temporarily closed until further notice.

• Beach & River Cleanup in Newport Beach

  Saturday, 24 January

  9:00 am - 11:30 am

  Sign Up

• Clothing Swap in Costa Mesa

  Saturday, 24 January

  11:00 am - 3:00 pm
  Info

• Restaurant Week 🎉 - Newport Beach
  Jan 15-25th
  Info

UPCOMING:

• 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

• Restaurant Week Kicks Off 🎉 - Newport Beach
  Jan 15-25th
  Info

• Costa Mesa Planning Commission Meeting - CM City Hall Council Chambers
  Monday Jan 26th 6pm
  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 = 61º
Suit Rec: Spring suit/Full suit 3/2mm

THIS WEEKEND:

• Coffee + Castaways Park Walk with The Mom Walk Co. Newport Beach

  Friday, Jan 23rd

  9:30 am - 10:30 am
  Info

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

  Friday, 23 January

  10:00 am - 11:00 am
  Info

• Beach & River Cleanup in Newport Beach

  Saturday, 24 January

  9:00 am - 11:30 am
  Sign Up

• Bike Skills Workshop - Costa Mesa City Hall (77 Fair Dr, Costa Mesa)
  Saturday Jan 24
  9am-12pm
  Info

• Reading in the Redwoods in Newport Beach ($5-$7 - Registration Required)

  Saturday, 24 January

  10:00 am - 11:30 am
  Info

Worth The Drive:

• Junior Baking Class for Preschoolers in Irvine ($22-$27)

  Friday, 23 January

  3:30 pm - 4:30 pm
  Info

• Strawberry Picking at Tanaka Farms ($29 for Ages 3+)

  Saturday, 24 January

  9:30 am - 3:00 pm
  Info

• Kids Concert w/ Little Folk Club in Dana Point Harbor

  Friday, 23 January

  10:00 am - 11:00 am
  Info
  

FAMILY PLAN AHEAD:

• 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’s child brought home Flu B right when everyone had gotten over Flu A.

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!