Hello Back Bay Bernedoodles, Happy Friday!

We are finally out of the rainy woods, with sunny skies proudly shining for the rest of the week and (hopefully) month. The oil spill is capped on the Peninsula, Maleza is coming to the Camp, and Raising Canes is going to give the drive-thru-less Chik-fil-a on Newport blvd a well deserved run for its money. All is right in the world.

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:

• Spill Remediation Complete on Marcus

• New Spots at the Camp

• Free Yoga

— Jon Dougher, Publisher, Back Bay Buzz

Oil Remediation is Complete on Marcus Ave

From Newport Beach City Councilman and 2025 mayor Joe Stapleton:

“At long last, I’m proud to share that the re-capping of the District #1 Marcus Ave orphan oil well is officially complete. The up-flow of crude oil and gas has stopped, and all heavy equipment has been removed.

Huge shout out to the LANDMEN , relentless Drill-Tek crew and NB Utilities Director Mark Vukojevic. Their long hours, technical precision, openness with the media, and commitment to keeping residents informed made this effort a success.

And to our community — thank you for your patience, support, and understanding throughout this process. Your cooperation helped ensure a quick, safe, and effective remediation.

What’s next:

• Street and area cleanup continues this week
• Parking is expected to return to normal by this weekend
• The local emergency termination is planned for the January 13 City Council meeting

This was a true team effort. Relieved, grateful, and proud — job well done, Newport Beach.”

Small Biz Shoutout: The CAMP’s Newest Additions

The Camp is on fire with a slate of new openings coming as soon as tomorrow (1/10/26) with the grand opening of @daydrift.coffee to the site. Maleza, a favorite at the Palm Springs Drift Hotel, is another notable addition. Be sure to also check out Dry Janfest at the Camp this weekend (see below for the Weekend Agenda). Here are the other businesses that are coming to the Campsite in 2026:

• @Chafinity

• @Purrsinparadiseoc

• 1954 Japanese Bakery

• Sushi (name TBA 🤫 )

PSAs:

• If anyone finds a large crucifix washed ashore at CDM State Beach, please return to Fr. George Katrib of St. Marks, Irvine for a special blessing.

• Janfest - The Camp (Costa Mesa)

  Saturday, 10 January

  2:00 pm - 6:00 pm
  Info

• Dry Jan Community Run - The Camp
  3 Mile Easy Run + Sound Bath + NA Tastings
  Saturday Jan 10th
  1:30pm
  Info

• Art Exhibition + Live Music - Daydream Surf Shop
  Sunday 1/11
  Info

UPCOMING:

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

• EarlyBird Breakfast Burritos Grand Opening - The Lab
  Saturday Jan 17th
  10:30am
  Info

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

WHAT’S GOING ON IN SOUTH OC?

Check out our great partner newsletter:

🌊 Water temp = 62º
Suit Rec: Spring suit

THIS WEEKEND:

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

  Friday, 09 January

  10:00 am - 11:00 am
  Info

• Stuffed Animal Sleepover @ Corona Del Mar Library in Newport Beach

  Friday, 09 January

  11:00 am - 2:00 pm
  Info

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

  Friday, 09 January

  3:30 pm - 4:30 pm
  Info

• Coastal Discovery Tour in Costa Mesa
  Naturalist guided walks in 3 local parks

  Saturday, 10 January

  9:00 am - 11:30 am
  Info

• Janfest - The Camp (Costa Mesa)

  Saturday, 10 January

  2:00 pm - 6:00 pm
  Info

• $6 Movie Day at Triangle Square Starlight Cinemas

  Sunday, 11 January
  Info
  

FAMILY PLAN AHEAD:

• Art Workshop at Orange County Museum of Art in Costa Mesa

  Saturday, 17 January

  11:30 am - 4:30 pm
  Info

• Park Habitat Restoration Days in Costa Mesa

  Saturday, 17 January

  9:00 am - 10:00 am
  RSVP

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

  Friday, 23 January

  9:30 am - 10:30 am
  Info

Thanks! Please ignore any typos, our editor has every viral infection at once.

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!