Hello Back Bayer Breezes, happy Friday!

We were pleased to find out that there would be new tenants in the old Rite Aid spot on 17th st and Orange in Costa Mesa, we were less pleased to learn it would be Spirit Halloween (again). However, the comments section was alive with rumors that a brewery may be considering the site, which would hands down beat another matcha cafe.

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:

— Jon Dougher, Publisher, Back Bay Buzz

TeWinkle Park is one step closer to a total refresh! Crews have reached a major milestone in the $2.5 million overhaul, officially completing work on the upper lake with a new liner, reinforced concrete embankments, and a rehabilitated shoreline. The upper lake is currently being refilled, and its beloved resident fish and turtles have been safely relocated there while crews begin draining and upgrading the lower lake.

Originally dedicated in 1965, the lakes had recently been plagued by severe leaks, costing the city roughly $100,000 and a million gallons of water annually. Funded largely by a state grant, this massive project will completely rebuild the 3,250-foot shoreline with natural edges, permanently plugging the leaks and creating a much healthier, cleaner ecosystem for visitors and wildlife alike to enjoy for decades to come.

Newport Beach’s stunning new $23.5 million Witte Hall is officially making its debut adjacent to the Central Library on Avocado Avenue! A decade in the making, this 10,000-square-foot facility features a seashell-inspired curved roof, state-of-the-art audio/visual tech, a new community courtyard, and tiered seating for nearly 300 guests. Built as a landmark public-private partnership, the multi-use venue will host everything from the foundation's famous lecture series to local youth programs and community events. Want a firsthand look? The public is invited to a grand opening open house this Saturday, July 11, from 2 to 4 p.m., featuring tours, kids' magic shows, and a "Meet the Author" presentation with former world champion surfer Shaun Tomson.

🌊 Water temp = 66º
Suit Rec: Spring suit 3/2

Thanks! Please ignore any typos, our editor suffered severe burns to his typing fingers due to BBQ incident.

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