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Fundamental to not only CdM students, but Newport Beach as a whole, the Balboa Island Ferry has been operating since 1919. The festive red and white boat gets cars, bikes, and pedestrians from the island to the peninsula in less than three minutes for less than two dollars. Quick and affordable, it’s no wonder that more than 1.5 million people take advantage of this ferry every year. It is rich in both nostalgia and history, as it is one of Newport’s oldest businesses. It has been owned and operated by the local Beek family for more than one hundred years. Balboa Island as a whole gives a sense of 1960s nostalgia, and the ferry is no exception. It continues to be at the center of formative childhood memories for many Newport Beach residents, as with CdM junior Lark Walz. “I would take it to Jr. Guards,” she divulges. “It was like the highlight of my summer when I was younger.”
Although beloved by the city of Newport Beach, the Balboa Island Ferry is currently facing a threat that could shut it down. The California Air Resource Board recently announced zero emission regulations requiring all short-run ferries to convert to electric engines by 2025. Even though clean air is an important issue and needs to be addressed, these new restrictions will be almost impossible for the Balboa Ferry to implement. The weight of the new electric engines alone would be too heavy for the ferry to maintain. If the ferry isn’t able to meet these restrictions in the time frame, which is very likely, it will be shut down. Arguably one of the Balboa Island Ferry’s biggest fans, junior Eden Clark ’’think[s] this is ridiculous.’’ She doesn’t “understand why this is happening now.” Many residents share in this sentiment. Some of the main arguments include how Newport Beach already has objectively low air pollution rates, and how the ferry itself produces a very low amount. When asked about the looming possibility of closure, Walz speaks for all of Newport Beach when she expresses her sadness. She just ’’want[s] kids now to have the same memories that [she] did on it.’’ The day this iconic piece of local history is shut down will surely be a sad day for the whole city.
Ddubb • Sep 24, 2023 at 7:05 am
I hope that a solution can be found to save the ferry. We have taken the ferry many times over the years as a vehicle, foot, bicycle and family passengers. To end this service would be an OC blemish on a wonderful tradition.
Rosen • Sep 23, 2023 at 9:12 pm
I certainly hope the ferries will not be shut down. Back in the 40s, my family rented vacation cottages many summers on Balboa and the ferries were a big part of the fun and transportation. Just this summer my husband and I rode it across and it was still exactly the same as back when I was a kid. It would be a shame for residents and visitors to miss out not having this delightful pleasure taken away.
Olimpas • Sep 23, 2023 at 3:17 pm
Please don’t shut it down! It’s an iconic and important piece of our history here in Orange County! They will be taking away many memories and taking away opportunities for the new generation to experience it. Please reconsider. We need to protect it like we do historic sites. There are things that should not cease to exist, and this is one of them. It represents us in many ways..
Margo Dale • Sep 23, 2023 at 8:11 am
I would be truly sad to see the Ferry go! It is part of Newport Beaches early history and so many people have such found memories of riding the Ferry. And it would depriving the young of those wonderful experiences.
Vicki Blose • Sep 23, 2023 at 8:07 am
Also, the number of visitors & residents will be greatly impacted by having to get in their car & drive all the way around to each side. Along with increasing cat pollution, traffic & additional parking needs.
Can’t out local representative in Sacramento file for an exemption.
It goes such a short distance.
Maybe installing a more updated exhaust system would be a possible compromise ?
Maxine Hartley • Sep 22, 2023 at 8:04 pm
As a child in the 50’s every summer I spent with my best friend on Island Ave and we always rode the Ferry ⛴️
It was a highlight of my summer! Even now 60 years later when I return to Newport Beach It’s number 1 on my must do!!!
If the Ferry is done away with it will break my heart
Marcel Brown • Sep 22, 2023 at 7:53 pm
Shutting down the Balboa ferry makes no sense. It’s been a convenient past time favorite for years. Like one person said the air quality is good in Newport Beach and the ferry omits low emissions. So why shut it down?
Ruthy Magnusson • Sep 22, 2023 at 7:47 pm
Couldn’t agree more. I have the fondest memories of watching my children board the ferry for junior guards every summer – as do they! It was a seminal step in launching them to more independence. Whenever anyone visits our family from out of town, riding the ferry is always at the top of our show-them-the-area list. It is classic. It is old school. It is Balboa Island. It is Newport Beach.
Fran • Sep 22, 2023 at 7:04 pm
I spent my childhood riding the ferry. I’m 87 years old and all the memories are still so vivid. Used to ride it to the fun zone, sometimes just ride it back and forth. Over the years, I’ve taken my kids, grandkids and great grandkids to ride the balboa ferry. How sad that it may disappear. Please save it.
Sara Edwards • Sep 22, 2023 at 6:08 pm
The balboa island ferry holds so many fond memories for me, and it is a fixture of Newport! Not only would this make the commute for junior guards significantly harder, but the citizens of Newport Beach cherish the long-standing tradition of riding across the bay to enjoy the beach and Fun Zone.
Linda mooney • Sep 22, 2023 at 5:44 pm
I’m very Sad!! It was such a beautiful ride over to the other side in Newport… why take these things away?
James Larsen • Sep 22, 2023 at 5:37 pm
Grew up along with my brothers and relatives on Balboa Island . The ferry was our way to get over on the peninsula to enjoy the beach , fun zone…
It was and still is exciting to ride the ferry. I never heard an argument or saw a fight on the ferry. You wouldn’t understand unless you rode that beautiful vessel.
Maybe we need to make it a moving historical site so it can have protection from the idiots that are running the “ air resources board” . Maybe we could put in cleaner diesel engines. Yes that would be expensive however there are people like me that would help raise funds to assist the Beck family. Stop the madness! Let’s keep the Ferry moving!
Matt • Sep 22, 2023 at 5:09 pm
They have already stated that they will convert to the electric motors if push comes to shove… it’s just the cost is the dilemma
Katy Cutter • Sep 22, 2023 at 3:18 pm
Please do not shut it down! Too valuable to the community!!!
Julia Edwards • Sep 22, 2023 at 2:41 pm
The state of CA needs to take into account how many gas powered vehicles use the ferry to access the Balboa Peninsula every year – cars that otherwise would have to drive the 7 miles all the way around to the base of the peninsula to get to the beaches on the Balboa Peninsula, such as the popular Wedge. In the off season, a trip from Balboa Island to the Wedge by car on the surface streets takes almost 30 minutes and in the summer traffic forget about it – it can take 45 minutes to an hour to make that trip by land. The Balboa Ferry is saving time AND preventing WAY MORE pollution than it is causing. It’s common sense!
Kim Brennan • Sep 22, 2023 at 11:23 am
I think the air quality board should give the ferry until 2030 an opportunity to solve this problem. This would keep the transition in line with what the state is mandating for only electric new car purchases from 2030 and forward. The extra time might allow for the development of a lighter engine. I am completely on board with reducing emissions as quickly as possible, but there are lots of other ways to offset the ferry carbon footprint while exploring alternative solutions.