Arst was known for spearheading the Greenlight initiative, which gives citizens of Newport Beach the right to vote on any development that changes from its original conception outlined in the general plan, rather than just having the City Council vote on it. Voters approved the initiative in November 2000.
He carried on his work with the Greenlight residents’ group as an organization that worked to “slow” the development of Newport Beach and to work against rises in traffic.
“He was gravely concerned about traffic and the growth of the area causing Newport Beach to be turned into a city like Santa Monica where there is a possibility of gridlock on city streets,” said George Jeffries, who worked with Arst on the Greenlight initiative and lives just a few houses away from Arst’s home. “He viewed the city as a beach city, not a metropolis, and thought we should do what we could to preserve its small-town character.”
Arst, who served in the Navy, moved to California after receiving his master’s degree in business administration from the University of Chicago. He had visited California during his time in the Navy and fell in love with the region, Ruffner said.
Soon after moving to California with his wife, Margareth, they came to Newport Beach and made it their home for more than 30 years.
“He loved the ocean, he loved the views, the breezes, the casual lifestyle,” Ruffner said. “Here is a guy who loved Newport Beach and the life.”
Despite being ill for much of the latter part of his life, Arst continued to work toward his goal of keeping the development of Newport Beach in check. He was involved in creating the general plan in 2006 and was active in raising funds to support initiatives and to endorse City Council candidates.
