Measure A in Newport Spurs Fresh Round of Electioneering

With Tuesday’s election barely history, a flurry of action starts today in Newport Beach, where the next election is only three weeks away.

The special election Nov. 25 in the beach city will be a referendum on Measure A, the proposal that would allow the Irvine Co. to expand the Newport Center shopping-business complex.

Citizens for a Better Newport, a group that strongly supports the expansion measure, is kicking off its campaign with a rally at 6 p.m. today at Edwards Newport Cinema in Newport Center.

Persons attending the rally are paying $25 each for a special screening of the new movie “Tai-Pan.” Citizens for a Better Newport said more than 500 tickets already have been sold and more will be available at the door. Proceeds will be used to finance the group’s promotions in support of Measure A.

Newport Mayor Philip R. Maurer, a supporter of Measure A, and Bill Ficker, chairman of Citizens for a Better Newport, will make short speeches before the start of the film at 7 p.m., the organizers said.