NEWPORT BEACH

City Council members this week announced the hiring of Homer Bludau as Newport Beach’s new city manager. Bludau succeeds former City Manager Kevin J. Murphy, who held the post for more than six years before abruptly resigning in August after a 4-3 no-confidence vote by the council. Bludau, 53, will start May 3. He was chosen from a pool of more than 70 candidates and will earn $140,000 annually. “I am most looking forward to learning about Newport Beach and being a part of it,” said Bludau, who has more than 19 years’ experience.