Meet Great Neighbor William Lobdell

By: Amanda Huntsman

William Lobdell is no stranger to the charm of Newport Beach. His connection to the city spans decades, starting from his time as a student at UCI in the late '70s and early '80s, when he lived on Little Balboa Island and the peninsula. After raising his family in Eastside Costa Mesa, William returned to Newport Beach in 2015, where he now resides in the serene community of Corona del Mar. He appreciates the tranquility of the east side of town, coupled with the village-like atmosphere and proximity to the beach. His mornings often begin with a peaceful stroll along Corona del Mar State Beach, a routine that embodies his deep connection to the local environment.

Professionally, William is a seasoned writer and editor known for his award-winning work at the Daily Pilot newspaper, where he served as editor for a decade. He then transitioned to the Los Angeles Times, further solidifying his award-winning reputation in the journalism world. He also served a stint as vice president of communications for the Irvine Co. However, his true passion lies in preserving and sharing the rich history of Newport Beach. This dedication led him to launch the podcast "Newport Beach in the Rearview Mirror" in 2021, where he delves into the fascinating stories of the city's past. He also produces 90-second "History in a Newport Minute" videos on Instagram and Facebook, bringing snippets of history to a broader audience.

William's love for Newport Beach and its history is evident in his community involvement. He aims to make the city’s past as exciting for today’s residents as it was for those who lived through it. His podcast and social media efforts have garnered significant attention, with over 40,000 downloads of his podcast episodes and over 1.5 million views of his Reels. His expertise and passion have also made him a sought-after speaker at local events such as the Newport Beach Foundation and Sherman Gardens.

Looking ahead, William remains committed to unearthing the lesser-known yet intriguing chapters of Newport Beach's history. He hopes to continue sharing these stories in engaging ways, ensuring that the city’s rich past is remembered and appreciated by future generations. Among the fascinating tidbits he’s uncovered are stories like the preservation of the second story of the famed Collins Castle on Balboa Island, which now serves as an anonymous office building in Costa Mesa, the history behind Newport Beach’s hidden freshwater lake, and the fact that West Newport Beach once had a massive salt-water swimming pool in the early 20th Century.

William's dedication to preserving Newport Beach’s history is not only a personal passion but also a valuable contribution to the community. Through his efforts, he’s ensuring that the city’s unique stories–some more than 150 years old–continue to be told, enriching the lives of all who call Newport Beach home.

IG @newport.in.the.rearview.mirror

Facebook @Newport Beach in the Rearview Mirror

The “Newport Beach in the Rearview MIrror” podcast can be found on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and other popular podcast platforms.