Summer is an important time for our Newport-Mesa community. Safety is always a driving priority. We are taking this opportunity to share some community safety messages.

As a school district we have a variety of measures in place to support safe schools and are proud of the progress we have made. As a follow-up to the ongoing safety updates we provided this past school year, we would like to provide information that you may find helpful this summer, and things to keep in mind as we prepare for the start of the 2023-24 school year.

Independence Day - Fireworks

As we approach the Fourth of July holiday, we would like to remind our community to please follow the City of Costa Mesa and City of Newport Beach firework safety information. “Safe and Sane” fireworks are permitted in Costa Mesa. Fireworks of all types are illegal in Newport Beach. Visit the City of Costa Mesa and City of Newport Beach websites for more information. 

Additionally, as a reminder it is a violation of the California Education Code to bring fireworks of any kind on school premises. 

Water Safety

With families spending time in the water this summer, please visit the City of Newport Beach

Ocean Safety and City of Costa Mesa Water Safety websites for safety recommendations. A reminder that all types of water can be dangerous in the wrong situation.  

Bicycle Safety

In partnership with the Costa Mesa and Newport Beach police departments, we would like to remind you of the importance of bicycle safety. We urge you to follow these safety precautions regarding bicycle, e-bike, and road safety. 

Firearm Safety (AB 452)

Starting with the 2023-24 school year, California State Assembly Bill 452 (AB 452) requires that “all kindergarten through grade twelve school districts, county offices of education, and charter schools shall annually inform parents and guardians of California’s child access prevention laws and laws relating to the safe storage of firearms…”

The California Legislature (Assembly Bill 452, Section 1, 2023) has found and declared:

• Guns are the third leading cause of death of children in America. 
• Data shows that 75 percent of school shootings are facilitated by children having access to unsecured or unsupervised firearms at home. 
• Over 80 percent of teens who have died by suicide used a firearm that belonged to someone in their home.

As required for all CA school districts, we will include official parent/guardian notification as part of the registration process; we ask that you please read it closely. Here is a sample of the California Department of Education Firearms Safety Memorandum that will be included. Please note the focus on the safe storage of firearms in the home.

Learn more by visiting the California Department of Education Violence Prevention website.

Thank you for your partnership and attention to safety as a community. We wish you a wonderful, safe summer and we look forward to welcoming you back in August.