Newport Beach Honors Its First Historian Laureate, Bill Lobdell
By: Kym Whitney
Newport Beach history buffs likely already know Bill Lobdell, a longtime journalist, storyteller,and local resident whose passion for the city’s past has captured thousands of listeners and followers alike. A seasoned writer for the Los Angeles Times and former editor of the Daily Pilot, Lobdell has spent the past four years uncovering the colorful stories that shaped Newport Beach through his hit podcast, Newport Beach in the Rearview Mirror, and Instagram videos that have generated more than five million views.
On August 26, the Newport Beach City Council officially named Lobdell as the city’s first Historian Laureate, a volunteer position created to interpret past events, share thoughtful, educational narratives and ensure the city’s history remains accurate and accessible to future generations.
A reception on October 18 at the Corona del Mar home of Karen and Walt Howald brought together city dignitaries, community members and history enthusiasts to celebrate Lobdell’s appointment. Guests enjoyed a Newport Beach history quiz and remarks from Mayor Joe Stapleton, Council member Robyn Grant, and Ron Yeo, chair of the CdMRA History Resource Committee, who shared anecdotes from the city’s fascinating past.
Lobdell’s fascination with Newport Beach history dates back to the 1990s, when he served as editor of the Daily Pilot and fell in love with the community’s rich heritage.
After moving to Corona del Mar in 2015, he saw an endless supply of great stories waiting to be retold and launched a podcast called Newport Beach in the Rearview Mirror in 2021. His storytelling quickly resonated with locals, earning him a loyal audience across platforms, including Instagram (@newport.in.the.rearview.mirror), where more than 16,000 followers tune in for bite-sized history lessons and vintage visuals.
The idea to establish a city historian laureate originated with Mayor Joe Stapleton and Councilmember Robyn Grant, who wanted to create an ongoing role dedicated to chronicling and celebrating Newport Beach’s evolution. Lobdell’s appointment was approved by the City Council on August 26, marking the start of a four-year term focused on keeping the city’s stories alive through talks, community programs and collaboration with local historical groups.
As Lobdell takes on this pioneering role, his deep appreciation for the city he calls home ensures Newport Beach’s remarkable past will continue to inform and inspire its bright future.
"I'd stack up modern Newport Beach's rich and fascinating history--now 155 years old--against any city in California, and I'm honored to be a small part of unearthing, preserving and promoting our town's past. I think that's a pretty good legacy to leave behind."
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