News Summary
Newport Beach has appointed William Lobdell as its first historian laureate during a City Council meeting. This initiative, part of the ‘Celebrate Newport’ program, aims to honor the city’s rich history and increase community engagement. Lobdell, an accomplished writer and educator, has previously shared historical insights on various topics related to Newport Beach, including the famous Fashion Island shopping center. His role will involve promoting historical preservation and engaging residents in understanding their local heritage.
Newport Beach has officially appointed William Lobdell as the city’s first historian laureate, a title conferred during a recent City Council meeting where he delivered an engaging history lesson about Fashion Island. This new role is part of Mayor Joe Stapleton’s initiative “Celebrate Newport,” which highlights the city’s rich history and promotes greater community engagement.
Lobdell, a former editor for the Daily Pilot and the Los Angeles Times, has spent the past year educating local residents on various historical topics. His lectures have shed light on significant aspects of Newport Beach’s history, such as McFadden Square, the city’s original downtown, and Dora Hill’s legacy as the first female mayor. His engaging teaching style has generated enthusiasm and interest among history aficionados in the city.
During the City Council meeting, Lobdell discussed Fashion Island, a luxurious shopping center that opened in 1967. Originally planned as an indoor mall—the Newport Town Center—Fashion Island underwent a redesign that embraced its picturesque coastal surroundings, greatly enhancing its appeal. The grand opening welcomed 18,000 visitors and showcased 52 stores and two restaurants. Over the years, the mall has transformed, especially after Donald Bren’s leadership saw a shift towards a luxury branding strategy in 1982, resulting in two major renovations. Today, Fashion Island boasts 150 tenants and 40 restaurants, continuing to be a significant shopping destination in the area.
The creation of the historian laureate position was established by the city in May, and it comes with a four-year term without term limits. Lobdell’s responsibilities will include collaborating with local historical societies, presenting historical topics to various organizations, and actively participating in civic events. Despite being newly appointed, he is confident in his ability to transition smoothly into this role, having already been engaged in many of the duties expected of him.
William Lobdell’s affinity for Newport Beach history began during his time as editor of the Daily Pilot in the 1990s. In recent years, he has shared his passion through the podcast “Newport in the Rearview Mirror,” which has attracted 50,000 downloads across 41 episodes, illustrating his reach and impact in promoting local history. On social media, he has also gained significant attention, with over 4.3 million views on his historical videos and more than 14,000 Instagram followers.
The nomination for the historian laureate position was put forth by Mayor Stapleton and welcomed in a formal presentation by Councilmember Robyn Grant. As part of his honorary role, Lobdell strives to foster community pride through historical preservation, emphasizing the vital importance of understanding and valuing the past.
The appointment of William Lobdell marks a significant step in Newport Beach’s effort to celebrate and preserve its history, encouraging residents to engage more deeply with the narratives that shape their community. This initiative not only aims to enhance civic pride but also to educate future generations about the rich tapestry of their local heritage.
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Additional Resources
- Los Angeles Times: William Lobdell Appointed New Newport Beach Historian Laureate
- Wikipedia: Newport Beach, California
- Newport Beach Independent: William Lobdell Named Inaugural City Historian Laureate
- Google Search: Newport Beach history
- Orange County Register: Newport Beach’s Tennis History
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Newport, California
- ABC7: Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade 2024
- Google News: William Lobdell Newport Beach
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COSTA MESA STAFF WRITER The COSTA MESA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERECostaMesa.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Costa Mesa, Orange County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the OC Fair, Concerts in the Park, and Fish Fry. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Costa Mesa Chamber of Commerce and Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Orange Coast, plus leading businesses in retail, fashion, and technology that power the local economy such as Vans, Experian, and South Coast Plaza. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAnaheim.com, HEREBeverlyHills.com, HERECoronado.com, HEREHollywood.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, HERELongBeach.com, HERELosAngeles.com, HEREMissionViejo.com, HERESanDiego.com, and HERESantaAna.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into California's dynamic landscape.
