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Hello Back Bay Buds, Happy Monday.

The times are changing, with new spots opening and old spots closing down. We are also being told 2026 is the year of Analog, which is lucky because analog (IRL, in-person, local) connections are what the Back Bay Buzz is all about. We’ll see you out there!

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:

• New Bookstore at South Coast Plaza

• Peets Coffee to Close

• Add Needlepoint to the calendar

— Jon Dougher, Publisher, Back Bay Buzz

SCP Gets an Old New Bookstore

Barnes & Noble is coming back to Costa Mesa with a new store planned for South Coast Plaza, taking over space in the former Macy’s Home wing at 3333 Bear St. The Orange County Register reports the location will include a company-branded B&N Café serving coffee, snacks, and light meals.

The return is a full-circle moment for local book lovers: Barnes & Noble previously operated at Metro Pointe across the street before that store closed in 2016 when its lease ended. The retailer has been in expansion mode in Orange County lately, with newer stores in Brea, Tustin, and Orange, following a broader revival since its 2019 acquisition and a national push to open dozens of new locations.

Company officials say the Costa Mesa café concept and store design are still being finalized, with plans to tailor the offering to what shoppers want and potentially test a few unique menu items. Because novel cuisine is exactly what we’re looking for in a chain bookstore.

Heard on the Street: Peet’s Closing on 17th

Between Milligram, 602, Sidecar, Thé Moon, Kit, Kéan, and Juliette’s (not to mention 4 separate Starbucks) we can’t say the coffee scene on 17th St in Costa Mesa is lacking. Nor can we, in light of the previously mentioned options, recommend ever going to a chain while in town. Still, it stood there at 424 E 17th since at least 2004, besieged within 2 blocks in both directions by Starbucks #3 and #4, offering a marginally different coffee chain experience that was appreciated by a few. While local social media posts have said the store will be closing by end of month, we have not been able to find official confirmation of the closing. We will keep an eye on this spot as well as any rumors to Peet’s replacement.

PSAs:

Martin Luther King Jr. Day Closures: City halls and public libraries in both Newport Beach and Costa Mesa will be closed on Monday, January 19 in observance of the holiday. Trash pickup schedules will likely be delayed by one day for the remainder of that week.

Start your year with clarity

Written by Shane Parrish and reMarkable, this workbook helps you reflect without complexity or stress. It guides you through the past year with intention, so insights emerge naturally.


This isn’t about setting more goals. It’s about understanding what matters, clearly and calmly.


A simple reset for January. A thoughtful way to review your year.

Download the workbook

UPCOMING:

• Ralphs Coffee Grand Opening - Fashion Island
  Tuesday Jan 20th

• Beach & River Cleanup in Newport Beach

  Saturday, 24 January

  9:00 am - 11:30 am

  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

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

• Vintage and Collectibles Sale for Charity - OASIS Senior Center (801 Narcissus Ave, NB)
  Sat Jan 31st @ 9am
  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 WEEK:

• Mami Miles with Unhinged Moms Club - Back Bay Trail

  Monday, 19 January

  10:00 am - 11:00 am
  Info

• Storytime by the Beach at Marina Park in Newport Beach

  Wednesday, 21 January

  10:30 am - 11:00 am
  Info

• Read to a Dog at Costa Mesa Donald Dungan Library

  Wednesday, 21 January

  3:00 pm - 4:00 pm
  Info

• Little Lido Storytime at Lido Village Books

  Thursday, 22 January

  10:00 am - 10:45 am
  Info

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

  Friday, Jan 23rd

  9:30 am - 10:30 am
  Info
  

FAMILY PLAN AHEAD:

• 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

• 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 embracing the “Year of Analog” a little too much.

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!