The newly installed city seal of Newport Beach, a symbol of its rich heritage.
Newport Beach officials have successfully reinstalled an 8.5-foot wooden city seal at City Hall after nearly a decade in storage. The project, initiated by former Mayor Don Webb, represents the city’s commitment to honoring its heritage and history. The original seal, designed in 1957 by Rex Brandt, reflects Newport Beach’s legacy as a fishing village with iconic imagery. The installation has been celebrated by city leaders, marking a significant moment for the community.
Newport Beach – On May 8, city officials reinstalled an 8.5-foot wooden city seal on the exterior wall of Newport Beach City Hall, revitalizing a symbol of the city’s heritage after nearly a decade of absence. The seal, which was removed from its original location in 2013 when the former City Council Chambers was decommissioned, has now found a prominent place facing Civic Center Drive.
For the past ten years, the city seal was kept in storage at the city’s utilities yard, until recent efforts led to its refurbishment and eventual reinstallation. This project, spearheaded by former Mayor Don Webb and supported by several past city leaders, required nearly a year of planning and execution.
During the installation ceremony, city officials, including current Mayor Joe Stapleton, gathered to celebrate the return of the emblem that reflects Newport Beach’s rich history. The seal features images of sailboats navigating an open ocean, water ripples, two albacore tuna, and four cardinal compass points, collectively representing the area’s legacy as a once-thriving fishing village.
The original design of the city seal was created by renowned California scene painter Rex Brandt in 1957. His contributions to the city were recognized posthumously in 2014 by the Arts Commission. In 1992, artisans from Newport Beach’s sign shop crafted two giant wooden seals based on Brandt’s design; however, the civic center seal was the one that was later relocated and subsequently kept in storage. The remaining seal has continued to be displayed in another part of the city.
The decision to restore and reinstall the city seal was initiated by Webb, who began advocating for its return last year. His efforts caught the attention of Councilman Erik Weigand, who recognized the importance of the seal and supported the campaign to bring it back to a public space. Weigand discovered the wooden emblem in the utilities yard shortly after taking office in 2022 and was instrumental in bringing the restoration proposal before the city council.
The chosen installation site was significant, as it aligned with the location where a metallic version of the city seal had once been placed before the civic center’s relocation in 2013. This strategic position across from the sculpture garden at Civic Center Park enhances the visibility and appreciation of the emblem among residents and visitors alike.
On the day of the installation, city council members, including the mayor, took time to pose for photos alongside the newly reinstalled emblem, marking a moment of pride and communal achievement. Webb expressed satisfaction with the project’s completion, noting it as a significant milestone for the city.
The return of the city seal serves as a reminder of Newport Beach’s unique identity and historical significance. As residents and visitors admire the restored emblem, it stands as a symbol of the city’s past and a testament to the community’s efforts to honor its heritage.
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