BRIEFLY IN THE NEWS

Former mayor to discuss novel

Thomas Cole Edwards, an attorney and former mayor of Newport Beach, will give the first lecture at the recently opened Mariner’s Branch Library in Newport Beach at 7 p.m. today. The new library opened in April.

Edwards has written a mystery novel, “Gin Clear Water,” about an environmental investigator looking into the deaths of dolphins in the Caribbean.

To reserve a spot at Edwards’ talk, call (949) 644-3296 or visit www.nbpl foundation.com.

Newport Marriott celebrates reopening

One of Newport Center’s first hotels celebrated a $70-million face lift with an elaborate luncheon and reception Tuesday.

Dozens of hotel executives and city officials dined on lobster, scallops and filet mignon to celebrate the reopening of the Newport Beach Marriott Hotel and Spa after a four-year renovation.

The audience listened as hotel manager Bill Gunderson detailed the dozens of improvements to the property, including 532 redesigned guest rooms, 20 luxury suites and a new 14,000-square-foot spa, Pure Blu.

“What blew me away was the amazing flowers on display on the property,” Senior Vice President Dave Marriott said. “I think it should be the standard for the Marriott brand.”

The hotel also features a Sam & Harry’s steakhouse, a Starbucks, several pools and an ocean view from the main lobby.