Newport Beach council approves ordinances aimed at cracking down on unruly Spring Break partying

NEWPORT BEACH, Calif. (KABC) -- The Newport Beach City Council unanimously approved ordinances aimed at cracking down on unruly Spring Break partying and preventing a repeat of last year's festivities, when about 500 people were arrested amid rowdy revelry.

The council voted 7-0 on Tuesday to designate an area in West Newport, the peninsula, and a portion of Corona del Mar as "safety enhancement zones on March 14 through April 12.

The designation "is necessary to address illegal activity during these high-risk periods," according to the agenda of Tuesday's City Council meeting.

Increased fines and more police patrols were also approved as part of the stepped-up enforcement.