Description
This collection consists of Frank and Frances Robinson's research materials relating to issues surrounding the proposed land
exchange between the County of Orange and The Irvine Company that would have allowed the latter to develop the Upper Newport
Bay, California. Included are court materials relating to the subsequent trial and electioneering and publicity as well as
subsequent activities in the development of the Upper Newport Bay as a nature preserve.
Background
Frank and Frances Robinson were environmental activists who spent over 25 years working to ensure public access to and the
preservation of Upper Newport Bay located in Orange County, California. In 1962, the Robinsons moved from La Canada, near
Los Angeles, to Newport Beach, California. Frank Robinson (d. 2002), an aerospace engineer, and Frances Robinson (d. 2001),
a homemaker, bought a modest home in the Westcliff community of Newport Beach, just a few blocks from Newport Bay. In 1963,
the Robinson's son Jay discovered newly posted "private" beach signs along the beaches of Upper Newport Bay. This event marked
the beginning of the Robinson's two and a half decade effort to ensure public access to the beaches along Newport Bay, as
well as to preserve Upper Newport Bay as a nature preserve.
Restrictions
Property rights reside with the University of California. Copyrights are retained by the creators of the records and their
heirs. For permission to reproduce or to publish, please contact the Head of Special Collections and Archives.