What is this prime patch of land in Costa Mesa/Newport Beach?

[Albert L.]

Random curiosity - I notice there's this huge plot of dirt land below Talbert Regional Park and to the left of Hoag Hospital. Is it some protected wildlife reserve? Just noticed it on google maps..

[Matt W.]

I believe you're talking about Newport Banning Ranch. Environmental groups want it to be open space while the owner/developer/city would like it to be 1,000 homes, a hotel, and retail. CA Supreme Court just ruled the city suppressed the environmental impact report and will need to do it again to make citizens fully aware of the impact of development, while the developer has an ongoing damages suit to exercise their right to build. Needless to say, it's a mess and will take a few more years to solve.
-Matt