School Traffic Safety, Harbor Dredging and Puppy-Palooza

Highlights from Tuesday night's Newport Beach City Council meeting:

Traffic Safety at Newport Harbor High

On the heels of a after being struck by an allegedly intoxicated driver, Councilman Rush Hill said city staff was working with school officials to improve traffic safety near Newport Harbor High.

The proposed safety upgrades include installing flashing lights and adding locations for student dropoffs and pickup. Hill said educational programs would also help keep students safe.

"This truly is a tragedy for the Newport Beach community and for the Harbor High family," Hill said. "But have some comfort in the fact that that group is coming to meaningful solutions to prevent this from ever happening again."

Harbor Dredging

Officials approved $2.5 million to help fund a portion of the Lower Newport Bay dredging project. The complete harbor dredging project—spearheaded by the Army Corps of Engineers—is expected to cost $25 million.

Controversial Pet Store Helps Animal Shelters

Resident Earl Haliburton told the council about a fundraiser held by I Heart Puppies at the . The store was investigated by an animal rights group in July and has since been a , even attracting protesters to the event in Corona del Mar.

"It reminded me of a group of grinches trying to steal Christmas," Haliburton said.

Halliburton said the protesters didn't deter the store from raising more than $500 for local animal shelters. "Suzanne is going to great lengths to show she cares for shelter animals as much as the ones in her store."

New Mayor

Nancy Gardner at Tuesday's City Council meeting, while Councilman Keith Curry was selected mayor pro tem. Gardner was elected to the Newport Beach City Council in 2006 and has since represented Corona del Mar and Newport Coast.

"I feel like I have very big shoes to fill," Gardner told Patch. "Mike Henn brought such energy and focus to the job. He will be a tough act to follow."