NEWPORT BEACH, Calif.—Newport Beach Mayor Brad Avery gave his 2021 State of the City July 21 during Speak Up Newport’s annual mayor’s reception. Avery took the podium before a sold-out crowd of about 400 guests that included current and former city council members, city commissioners, city staff, and residents. The annual event, which is presented by the non-partisan residents’ group Speak Up Newport (SUN), was held on the lawn of the Newport Beach Country Club, breaking tradition from its typical more formal indoor sit-down dinner format. Avery spoke about the effects of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, ensuing shutdowns, and his pride in the city’s first responders. “We know that the COVID Delta variant is in Orange County and our city,” Avery told the crowd.  “It is up to each of us to make the right decisions for our safety and encourage our unvaccinated family members and friends to get vaccinated.” The …