As Judge Bancroft roars again, the city could face a $1.5 million-plus bill if required to conduct its own November 3 election
You ask, what’s the latest? Well, chances are if you’re in Newport Beach we’re somewhere between a Judge Bancroft Beat-Down and a “Can We Be Stupid Enough to Appeal this Thing Again” period of time.
Or so it seems.
We’ve been down this road several times this week and there’s no indication that the council majority is getting ready to slow down those efforts.
Wouldn’t you think, at some point, someone other than Robyn Grant or Michelle Barto might put their hands up or say something like, “Maybe it’s time we forget this charade” or “I fold,” using some poker parlance; maybe even, “Let’s punt, it’s fourth down and long!” now that we’re in football season.
But no.
It’s certainly not going to come from the law firm Rutan & Tucker that’s representing the city and making a gazillion dollars – your gazillions of dollars.
Okay, maybe not a gazillion, but a lot!
Now to make matters worse, in Judge Bancroft’s most recent display of ultimate dominance (yes Lauren, she is the most powerful woman in the room), the city was ordered to “take all steps necessary to hold a General Municipal Election for the initiatives on November 3, 2026, whether run directly by the City or through a consolidated election process.”
Oh, that’s interesting – what does she mean by “the city or through a consolidated election?”
Here you go. The OC Registrar of Voters has said the three initiatives cannot be added to the county-administered November 3 consolidated election at this late stage. And, so, if the court’s order remains in force and the election cannot be consolidated with the county, the city could be required to conduct its own stand-alone General Municipal Election on November 3.
Hey Gertie in the Cashier’s Office, ring up potentially more than $1.5 million of residents’ money, with city staff preliminarily estimating that the cost could approach or exceed $2 million.
Oh, to live in Newport Beach, where there’s so much money that it spills over like no one cares.
• • •
And even though that’s what Judge Bancroft ordered this week, the city countered. Yesterday (Thursday), City PIO Georgia Rios issued the following statement:
“Yesterday, the Orange County Superior Court issued a writ directing the City of Newport Beach to take all necessary steps to hold an election on three citizen-sponsored initiatives on November 3, 2026.
The court’s order presents a conflict with State law and City Charter requirements governing election consolidation, as the Orange County Registrar of Voters previously determined that the initiatives cannot be added to the County-administered November ballot.
The City has filed an appeal and is asking the Court of Appeal to immediately stay the order until after its consideration of the appeal.”
Meanwhile, City Clerk Lena Shumway at the same time submitted a declaration to the court in which she made the following arguments: as of September 1, there were only 63 calendar days until November 3; the OC Registrar of Voters has advised that the three measures cannot be added to the November 3 consolidated election at this late stage; the city has not conducted a stand-alone election for approximately 44 years; the City Clerk’s Office lacks the trained personnel and election infrastructure necessary to independently conduct an election; election consultants and vendors are not readily available.
Oh, as I’ve said before, it’s something about weaving a tangled web.
It would be surprising if what Lena was saying above was new, but Judge Bancroft has repeatedly criticized delays in the city’s handling of the initiatives, so will she really be surprised?
I think not.
I even thought about the “lacking staff argument.” Maybe it’s time the council majority found out what hanging chads are all about!
More, I expect to come.
• • •
On another issue in town, the debate as to where to consider putting a new Newport Beach Police Station drew opposition earlier this week from the Sierra Club’s Orange County Conservation Committee, part of its Angeles Chapter, over putting it in the park.
The following letter was delivered to members of City Council, the Police Station Advisory Committee, Deputy City Manager Ben Zdeba and the City Clerk’s office:
“As an organization dedicated to protecting Orange County’s natural resources for present and future generations, the Sierra Club Orange County Conservation Committee urges the City of Newport Beach to abandon any proposal to locate its police headquarters within Civic Center Park and instead pursue a viable alternative site that would prevent any permanent damage and fragmentation of this remarkable public landscape.
“Civic Center Park represents far more than landscaped open space or a showcase for the “Bunnies.” It is the product of years of thoughtful planning, substantial public investment, and careful ecological restoration, and it is a source of pride and joy for Newport Beach residents and visitors. The park was intentionally designed to integrate civic architecture with natural habitat, preserving native coastal sage scrub, freshwater marsh, riparian vegetation, and wetlands while creating one of Southern California’s most distinctive civic landscapes. In other words, it is irreplaceable.
“The park is ecologically vulnerable precisely because it is isolated within an urban environment. Habitat fragmentation, altered hydrology, increased lighting, noise, grading, and expanded human disturbance all carry radiating consequences that extend well beyond a project’s physical footprint. Once these ecological functions are diminished, they cannot simply be recreated elsewhere, as was determined during the original Civic Center relocation, leading to the protection and preservation of this area.
“Beyond the animal and plant ecology, human quality of life is an integral part of the park’s importance. Over the years, the Civic Center Park has become a place for:
–Families to take photos together
–Artists to display their work
–Civic Center employees to unplug and return refreshed
–Friends to meet
–And for neighbors to feel connected to their community
“These activities have intrinsic value – particularly in the center of a highly urban area. The mental health and social impacts of the proposed demolition must not be overlooked.
“Civic Center Park has become one of Newport Beach’s defining public spaces; a place where residents of all ages experience nature in the heart of the city. Its sculptures, trails, restored habitat, and open space reflect a civic vision developed over decades with significant public participation. That vision and investment deserves respect.
“Before sacrificing protected open space, the City has an obligation to conduct a transparent, objective comparison of all feasible alternatives, supported by complete environmental analysis and meaningful public participation. This means expanding the site search beyond only one or two locations, and committing to a broad and objective search, rather than focusing only on the Park site.
“California’s environmental laws exist precisely to ensure that irreplaceable public resources are not lost. The City should not continue advancing a proposal that unnecessarily places this public park and its sensitive natural resources at risk without demonstrating that no feasible alternative exists. The City should maintain full compliance with California environmental law.
“We respectfully request that the Newport Beach City Council restore public confidence through a transparent analysis of alternatives and commit to locating the police headquarters on a site that meets the City’s operational needs while preserving one of Newport Beach’s most significant civic, social, and ecological assets.
“Future generations deserve both a safe city and a protected Civic Center Park. Newport Beach is capable of delivering both.”
Orange County Conservation Committee
Sierra Club, Angeles Chapter
The Sierra Club is an American environmental organization founded in 1892 by preservationist John Muir.
The organization is one of the first large-scale environmental preservation organizations in the world.
• • •
Newport Beach District 1 Councilmember and past Mayor Joe Stapleton will host a Town Hall Meeting at Marina Park on Monday, Sept. 14 at 6 p.m.
Joining Councilmember Stapleton, who is in a campaign for re-election, will be representatives for the Newport Beach Police Department.
The focus of the Town Hall will be on public safety and reviewing the City’s response to the July 4 issues on the peninsula.
Residents are encouraged to attend, ask questions and share feedback.
For more info, call 949.644.3002.
• • •
B-t-w, this is somewhat of a footnote: at yesterday’s Newport Beach Chamber of Commerce Candidates Forum, during a particularly fast-paced or rapid-fire part of the questioning, where candidates hold a thumb up or thumb down to each question, or something like that, candidate Andy Gerken said he inadvertently gave the wrong response to a question on rent control.
Andy told me, in order to clarify the issue, “At the forum today I inadvertently put my paddle up with a ‘thumbs up’ as if I supported rent control. I meant to put it ‘thumbs down.’ To be clear, I do NOT support rent control.”
Heck, I get it. People make mistakes…it’s not like he’s a doctor in an operating room! Okay, maybe he is but not in this case, and you get my point.
One hundred years on PCH: A to A Cruise of Cars celebrates Newport Beach landmark
On Saturday, Sept. 12, the River Jetty Restaurant Group (RJRG) will commemorate the 100th anniversary of their landmark Newport Beach location, A Restaurant, marking a century of hospitality, community and enduring style along the Pacific Coast Highway.
Originally opened in 1926 as The Arches, the property’s roots date back to a pivotal moment in local history, the same year Coast Highway connected Huntington Beach to Newport Beach. Founded by John Vilelle and James Sturgeon, the roadside diner and service station with its distinctive Mediterranean architecture, arches and red tile roofs quickly became a recognizable gathering place and a fixture in shaping early Newport Beach culture.
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Courtesy of city of Newport Beach
The Arches, circa 1926
In 2008, RJRG partners, Hollywood producer Joseph “McG” Nichol and restaurateur Jordan Otterbein, assumed operations of the storied property, reintroducing it as A Restaurant, keeping the signature “A” in a nod to its predecessor. With a deep respect for its legacy, the duo thoughtfully evolved the concept into a modern steakhouse, honoring the past while adapting to the tastes of today’s discerning guests.
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Courtesy of A Restaurant
A Restaurant, 2025
This special coastal car cruise will bring together a curated collection of classic and contemporary automobiles for a scenic drive from A Restaurant to A Crystal Cove, celebrating Newport Beach’s enduring car culture and the connection between the two iconic River Jetty Restaurant Group destinations. Set against the backdrop of the Southern California coastline, the gathering will honor the spirit of the open road and the timeless style that has defined both Newport Beach and A Restaurant for generations.
Full Cruise Timeline:
–Cars gather 8:30-9:30 a.m. at A Restaurant at 3334 W. Coast Highway, Newport Beach.
–Cars depart A Restaurant by 9:30 a.m. and drive to the OASIS Car show, OASIS Senior Citizen Center parking lot at 801 Narcissus Ave., Corona del Mar. There will be a 100th Anniversary of PCH Proclamation by Newport Beach Mayor Lauren Kleiman.
–Cars depart OASIS at approximately 10:30 a.m. for a drive down the coast to A Crystal Cove.
–Cars finish cruise at A Crystal Cove restaurant, 7864 E. Cost Highway, Newport Coast. There will be a 100th Anniversary of PCH Proclamation by Newport Beach Mayor Lauren Kleiman at A Crystal Cove at approximately 11 a.m.
Trending Recent Stories in Stu News Newport
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Take Five: Shirley Pepys preserves the heart and history of Balboa Island and beyond
By Dianne Russell – Photo courtesy of Shirley Pepys
Friends of OASIS hosts 9th Annual Cars and Coffee show on September 12
Photo courtesy of Friends of OASIS
Coastal Cleanup Day turns trash bags into free whale watching for kids
Photo courtesy of Newport Landing Whale Watching
JWA’s Fly Friendly program secures five-year contract
By Sara Hall – Photo courtesy of JWA
Wingstop to open new next-gen location in Newport Beach today
Far West Restaurant Group has announced the opening of a new Wingstop location today (Friday, Sept. 4) at 10:30 a.m. It is located at 4341 MacArthur Blvd., Suite A, Newport Beach.
The Newport Beach restaurant will be one of the first next-gen Wingstop locations featuring an updated restaurant experience and an updated interior design. The location brings Wingstop’s signature cooked-to-order wings, tenders, chicken sandwiches, seasoned fries and bold flavors to a fresh new setting.
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Photos courtesy of Wingstop
Wingstop is located at 4341 MacArthur Blvd., Suite A, Newport Beach
“We’re excited to officially become part of the Newport Beach community,” said Chris Martinez, sr. marketing & operations coordinator for Far West Restaurant Group. “We wanted this location to feel connected to the city from the moment guests walk through the doors. More importantly, we want our presence in Newport Beach to go beyond serving great food. We look forward to building relationships with local schools, nonprofits, youth organizations and other community partners.”
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Among Wingstop’s menu offerings are their signature cooked-to-order wings, tenders, chicken sandwiches and seasoned fries
As part of their ongoing community outreach efforts, Far West Restaurant Group plans to connect with organizations throughout Newport Beach to offer opportunities including fundraising events, community partnerships, school programs and support for local nonprofit and youth organizations.
Lido Isle
By William Lobdell, Newport Beach Historian Laureate
If you owned a home on Lido Isle during its early years, you were likely quite lonely. Few people wanted to live there.
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Photos courtesy of Newport Beach Historical Society
One of the first homes to be built (this one with a dock) on Lido Isle, circa 1928
The island opened in 1928 to much fanfare (it was one of the first master-planned communities in California), but interest in home lots was almost nonexistent. After several years of pitiful sales, the original developer raised the white flag and surrendered, and the new owner left holding the bag immediately held a years-long liquidation sale to dispose of the then-white elephant as quickly as possible.
One of the first homes during construction on Lido Isle, circa 1928
But a century ago, Lido Isle’s remoteness made potential home-lot buyers hesitant, even with eye-popping incentives like 80% off the original price (the adjusted amount equates to $11,000 today), buy-one-get-one-free home-lot promotions and free architectural designs from an internationally renowned Swiss architect.
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This stucco home on Lido Isle is surrounded by sidewalks with a streetlamp nearby
In the end, it took nearly three decades for lots on Lido Isle to sell out.
Editor’s Note: To help celebrate Newport Beach’s 120th birthday this year, Mayor Lauren Kleiman and several of the city’s history-loving groups have collaborated on a Flashback Fridays project to highlight some of the most interesting people, places and events in our town’s history. The participating groups are Sherman Library & Gardens, the Newport Beach Historical Society, Balboa Island Museum, Visit Newport Beach and Newport Beach in the Rearview Mirror. This appears in Stu News on Fridays.
Classic Albums Live returns to SCFTA this fall with Fleetwood Mac’s Rumours on November 7
Segerstrom Center for the Arts (SCFTA) will present Classic Albums Live (CAL), the acclaimed concert series known for bringing iconic albums to life with extraordinary precision. On Saturday, Nov. 7 at 7:30 p.m., audiences will experience a note-for-note recreation of Fleetwood Mac’s Rumours, performed live by world-class musicians. Renowned for its meticulous attention to detail and authentic sound, Classic Albums Live captures the magic of the original recording while giving audiences the unique experience of hearing it performed live on stage.
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Courtesy of SCFTA
Hear the hit songs that made Fleetwood Mac famous
Rumours became the fastest-selling album of all time and won the GRAMMY® in 1977 for Album of the Year. To date, it has sold more than 40 million copies worldwide. The hit songs on the album, (“Go Your Own Way,” “You Make Loving Fun,” “Secondhand News,” “Never Going Back Again,” “The Chain” and “Gold Dust Woman”) reflected the turmoil within the band itself and fueled the creativity that made the band a phenomenon.
“CAL are curators,” said founder Craig Martin. “These albums are historic and stand the test of time and CAL honors these recordings and their fans by delivering performances that sound exactly like the records.”
To do this, CAL boasts an exceptional ensemble of performers, all of whom have graced music’s elite stages and collaborated with industry icons both in studio and on stage. “CAL is a modern-day orchestra,” Martin emphasized, “utilizing the highest-level players whose unique ability to focus and execute with precision is essential to authentically recreating these records.”
All the focus is on the music; there’s no distracting costumes or bad impersonations. In 2023, CAL celebrated its 20th anniversary and expanded its repertoire to include more than 45 different records and delivers more than 200 performances annually across North America.
Each CAL show offers two distinct experiences – a faithful rendition of the chosen record in the first half, followed by a dynamic set featuring the artist’s greatest hits. “We pay homage to the album in the first half, then let loose with the hits in the second,” explained Martin. “These albums and artists hold sacred places in people’s hearts, and as fans ourselves, we aim to exceed expectations and deliver an unforgettable experience. It’s this unwavering passion and dedication to authenticity that defines the very soul of CAL and resonates deeply with audiences.”
Tickets for Classic Albums Live start at $54 and are available for purchase online at www.scfta.org, in person at 600 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa and by phone at 714.556.2787. For inquiries about group ticket discounts of 10 or more, call the Group Services offices at 714.755.0236.
Box office hours: Monday 10 a.m.-2 p.m., Tuesday through Friday 12-5 p.m. It is closed Saturday and Sunday.
The information provided is accurate at the time of printing but is subject to change.
Segerstrom Center for the Arts, located at 600 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa, is a public, non-profit organization. For more information, visit www.scfta.org.
The 52nd SCFTA Candlelight season launched with Candlelight Kickoff
The 52nd Candlelight season officially began with Candlelight Kickoff on Thursday, Aug. 6, hosted by co-chair Kate Levering-Jahangiri and her husband, Reza Jahangiri at their stunning Newport Beach home overlooking the Back Bay, with a record-breaking turnout. The gathering offered guests a celebratory preview of the Center’s annual fundraising gala, set to take place on Friday, Dec. 4.
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Photo by Cara Garcia/Courtesy of SCFTA
(L-R) Jaynine Warner and Kate Levering-Jahangiri served as co-chairs of the 52nd Annual Candlelight Concert
This past spring, Segerstrom Center for the Arts (SFCTA) announced board members Kate Levering-Jahangiri and Jaynine Warner as co-chairs of the 52nd Annual Candlelight Concert. Kicking off this year’s Candlelight season with them at the helm is an exciting moment for the Center. Their leadership, generosity and passion for the arts will help make the 52nd Candlelight Concert a truly memorable evening while advancing the Center’s mission.
“As we celebrate the Center’s 40th anniversary this September, Katy and I are deeply honored to serve as this year’s co-chairs. We recognize that we are the current stewards of something truly extraordinary. Our responsibility is to honor all those who came before us by carrying Candlelight’s legacy forward, ensuring that this remarkable tradition continues to inspire generosity, bring our community together and support the Center for generations to come,” said Warner.
“It is a privilege to join Jaynine in leading this iconic event. We are also thrilled to announce our 4th Annual Candlelight Master Class. On Thursday, Dec. 3, in the Samueli Theatre, six talented local high school students will have the rare opportunity to perform for an audience, and receive direct, personal guidance and mentorship. As an actress myself, I can’t imagine a more inspiring experience for a young artist,” said Levering-Jahangiri.
One of Orange County’s most cherished philanthropic traditions, this annual event continues to bring together the Center’s most dedicated supporters to raise funds for their educational and community programs. As the Center enters their 40th anniversary season, Candlelight Concert remains both a cornerstone celebration and a meaningful expression of the community’s enduring commitment to the arts that ensure the Center remains a vibrant cultural home for generations to come.
Candlelight Concert is Segerstrom Center for the Arts’ longest-running annual fundraising tradition, bringing together community leaders and arts supporters to raise critical funds for the Center’s nonprofit artistic, educational and community programs. Now in its 52nd year, Candlelight remains a defining celebration of philanthropy and the power of the arts in Orange County.
Levering-Jahangiri has built a distinguished career on stage and screen, including work on Broadway, television and film. A veteran of six Broadway productions, she earned a Tony Award nomination for her role as Peggy Sawyer in the Broadway revival of 42nd Street and received the Fred Astaire Award for Best Female Dancer in a Musical.
Warner graduated from the University of California, Davis, and built a career in aviation, culminating as a Captain/Pilot-in-Command for SkyWest Airlines, where she was responsible for the safe operation of thousands of flights. She has served on the Segerstrom Center for the Arts Board of Directors for 10 years and has held leadership roles across the Center’s committees and support groups, including the Education Committee, Avenue to the Arts (Founding President), the Arts and Business Leadership Council and the Board of Angels of the Arts.
Programs Supported by Candlelight Concert include Studio D, American Ballet Theatre William J. Gillespie School and Education and Engagement programs.
Roger’s Gardens’ “Moonlight Masquerade” Halloween Boutique Is now open
Roger’s Gardens’ highly anticipated Halloween Boutique, Moonlight Masquerade, is now open. Inspired by the mystery and romance of Venice after dark, the immersive seasonal experience invites guests to enter a theatrical world of gilded masks, veiled figures, winding serpents, fluttering monarchs and beautifully macabre treasures. Open daily from 9 a.m.-6 p.m., Moonlight Masquerade is complimentary and open to the public.
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Photos courtesy of Roger’s Gardens
Step inside The Gilded Vestibule
Guests begin their journey beneath the Bridge of Sighs before following the glow of candlelight into the Palazzo of Whispers, where each room reveals a new chapter in the masquerade. Throughout the boutique, elaborate installations, dramatic vignettes and curated seasonal collections blur the line between retail and theater, transforming Halloween shopping into an unforgettable destination experience.
“Moonlight Masquerade captures the opulence, intrigue and haunting beauty of a Venetian masquerade,” said Crystal Pfeifer, holiday buyer & home décor at Roger’s Gardens. “Every room has been designed to transport guests into another world while inspiring them to bring the artistry, drama and magic of the season into their own homes.”
Building upon Roger’s Gardens’ more than 50-year legacy, this year’s Halloween Boutique celebrates more than three decades of theatrical retail magic and reflects the creativity, craftsmanship and trend awareness that have come to define the destination.
Visitors are invited to explore six distinct environments:
– The Gilded Vestibule, beginning with a life-size gilded mask that sets the tone for a world of opulence and intrigue, silver- and gold-gilded oddities fill the entrance.
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A magnificent serpent winds overhead in The Serpent’s Soiree
–The Serpent’s Soiree, where a magnificent serpent winds dramatically overhead, keeping a watchful gaze on the festivities below.
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Oddities welcome you to The Veiled Gallery
–The Veiled Gallery, where seven-foot-tall-veiled stone figures stand silently throughout the gallery filled with an enchanting collection of masks, hats and dramatic wearables invites guests to choose a new identity for the masquerade.
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The Monarch Salon is aflutter with butterflies
–The Monarch Salon with its towering columns and a magnificent fireplace establishing grandeur, monarch butterflies flutter throughout the room amid festive décor and lively, smoldering accents.
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Gilded bones beckon you to enter The Hall of Relics
–The Hall of Relics with a monumental archway of gilded bones leads into a mysterious chamber where dramatic paintings emerge from the shadows among skeletons, bones and serpents.
–The Crystal Atrium where the journey reaches its fantastical finale beneath a canopy of shimmering crystal webbing. Light catches and dances throughout the space as something mysterious lurks and crawls overhead.
Roger’s Gardens is located at 2301 San Joaquin Hills Road, Corona del Mar. For more information, visit www.rogersgardens.com.
Join OC Parks for Coastal Cleanup Day at Upper Newport Bay on September 19
Join OC Parks, Newport Bay Conservancy and fellow volunteers for Coastal Cleanup Day at Upper Newport Bay on Saturday, Sept. 19. Spend the morning protecting local coastlines and wildlife and contribute to the removal of thousands of pounds of trash and recyclables that make their way into the bay.
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Courtesy of OC Parks
Volunteer for Coastal Cleanup Day at Upper Newport Bay on September 19
Each year on the third Saturday in September, Coastal Cleanup Day mobilizes people around the world to remove trash from beaches and waterways. In Orange County, various groups gather and volunteer their time cleaning up Upper Newport Bay, one of the largest estuaries in Southern California, as well as numerous other sites.
“One third of Orange County’s tourism economy is bolstered by our ocean economy. Coastal Cleanup Day in the Upper Newport Bay highlights the vital role we all play in protecting the environment and our natural resources,” said Orange County Board of Supervisors Vice Chair Katrina Foley. “Keeping our beaches, waterways and bays clean preserves our local habitats, maintains their unique beauty, and supports a critical piece of our local economy.”
At least 1,000 volunteers are needed from 9 a.m.-12 p.m. to remove trash and invasive plant species. Volunteers will meet at various mini-cleanup day sites around the 11-mile loop of the bay to help achieve the goal of 10,000 pounds of trash removed. The exact meeting locations will be shared prior to Sept. 19.
Participants are encouraged to wear old clothes and closed-toed shoes (tall/rubber boots are best) and bring a refillable water bottle, gloves and a trash bag or bucket. A commemorative T-shirt will be given to all volunteers.
Register at https://events.humanitix.om/cud2026.
The event takes place at the Peter and Mary Muth Interpretive Center, 2301 University Drive, Newport Beach.
The Sacramento Chronicles
By ASSEMBLYMEMBER DIANE DIXON
September 4, 2026
Hello Newport Beach!
The 2025-26 Legislative Session has come to a close, and I am happy to be back in the district full time.
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Courtesy of Diane Dixon
Assemblymember Diane Dixon
On Monday, Sept. 7, we celebrate the great social and economic achievements of our nation’s incredible workforce. Labor Day recognizes the labor movement and the dedicated contributions of American workers to the progress and development of the nation. Labor Day honors the value of hard work and the collective strength of the communities and labor force. A quote that I love from President Ronald Reagan states, “Let us always remember that so much of what we are, we owe to working men and women.”
As you may know, the California Energy Commission (CEC) unanimously approved a ban on the sale of roughly 70% of tires sold in the state. According to the Commission, these new mandates will phase out the sale of replacement tires that don’t meet certain energy-efficiency standards and will require drivers to purchase “more efficient” tires, which will supposedly save Californians nominal amounts of money in the long term. Consumers will certainly feel these costs as manufacturers project higher purchase prices than the CEC claims. The Commission estimated that the price of replacement tires would rise by an average of $6.50 per tire upfront, but manufacturers are concerned that the actual cost couldbe higher than anticipated. California families need real affordability, not another Sacramento mandate.
The topic of pesticides and herbicides has been a prominent issue for Orange County this year, with the effects their usage has on our environment and public health – both of which must be held to the highest standard. I joined my colleagues for a Joint Oversight Audit Hearing in the Assembly Environmental Safety and Toxic Materials Committee to get answers on the regulation, oversight and effects of pesticides in our community.
This hearing provided valuable information for the community, but it also made it clear that significant progress is needed to address pesticide safety in the state. Public health must remain at the forefront of this conversation, and the safety of our community remains a top priority. This is a complicated issue, and I will not stop working until we have assured safety for the families of Orange County.
Child marriage is a horrific practice that remains prevalent in the state. I am proud to be a lead author on Assembly Bill 1267 which will address the issue of child marriage. California has the second-highest rate of child marriage in the country, with more than 1,300 child marriages each year. Eighty-six percent of these marriages involve girls under the age of 18 marrying older men. The fight has been going on for many years, and we all must stand up today to end the reprehensible and barbaric practice of child marriage in California. I am pleased to share that AB 1267 has passed the Assembly Floor unanimously and is now on its way to the governor’s desk to be signed into law.
Another piece of legislation that I am proud of is Assembly Bill 1918, also known as the “Ink of Hope” bill. Human traffickers will often tattoo, burn or scar their victims as a way to denote ownership. To address this, AB 1918 would require tattoo shops to post a human trafficking notice with information on the signs of human trafficking and require tattoo artists to complete training to recognize the signs of human trafficking and how to report those signs to the appropriate law enforcement agency.
In 2025, Tennessee Senator Becky Massey authored the “Ink of Hope Act,” and it passed through the legislature with unanimous, bipartisan support. It was an incredible opportunity to have Senator Massey with me on the Assembly Floor to witness AB 1918 move one step closer to becoming part of California law.
Human trafficking is a horrific crime that persists in California. We must take every step possible to help victims and their families and bring a swift end to this reprehensible practice.
I ended this legislative session as the most productive member of my party. I believe that my legislative success stems from my belief that if you’re going to make a new law, it should be one that the vast majority of California residents’ support.
My legislative package includes crucial, bipartisan solutions focusing on issues such as public safety and transparency. Stay tuned for future updates!
I enjoy hearing from you directly on how I can best represent you in Sacramento. Please keep writing! My team is also ready to assist you with any state issues like DMV, EDD, Franchise Tax Board and more. We’ve assisted more than hundreds of your neighbors so far this year!
Not receiving invitations to my events? Send an email to assemblymember.dixon@assembly.ca.gov to be added to our distribution list, or visit my website: Diane Dixon Website. Be sure to follow me on Instagram and Facebook!
Thank you, Stu News, for keeping our local residents informed!
Diane Dixon is a two-term Newport Beach City Councilmember and two-time Mayor. She is currently serving her second term in Sacramento as Assemblymember of California’s 72nd District. She is also in a November-runoff for Orange County Supervisor, Fifth District.
Save the Date: ENC to hold 50th Annual Fall Faire on October 18
For 50 years, fall at the Environmental Nature Center (ENC) has meant one thing – Fall Faire.
Join the ENC on Sunday, Oct. 18 from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. for the 50th Annual Fall Faire & Pumpkin Patch, their biggest community celebration – and largest fundraiser – of the year. Admission is free.
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Courtesy of ENC
Search the pumpkin patch for that perfect jack-o-lantern
Once inside, you’ll find plenty to see, taste and do:
–Pick the perfect pumpkin in their Pumpkin Patch
–Sample tasty bites from local Savor OC restaurants
–Take the Craft Crawl along the trails
–Play nature games and explore the ENC.
–Enjoy performances at the Fire Circle Stage.
–Bid in our online auction.
–And enjoy a beautiful fall day in nature.
Proceeds from activities throughout the Fall Faire support the ENC’s mission to provide transformative experiences through connection with nature.
Environmental Nature Center is located at 1601 E. 16th St., Newport Beach. For more information, visit www.encenter.org.
Letters to the Editor
Let the people vote
Our Eastbluff HOA members have followed the action the City Council has taken to delay the opportunity for residents to vote on the three initiatives which gathered adequate signatures to qualify for the November 2026 ballot.
Once again, the court ruled in the Newport Beach Stewardship Association’s (NBSA) favor. Our residents do not want to face another delay created by the city. The city appealed again. We reviewed the judge’s actual writ, and it is very specific.
We request that the City Council not spend any further city funds to attempt a further delay and instead comply with the judge’s order.
This is a transparency issue. Let the people vote!
Ron Rubino
Eastbluff Homeowners Community Association
Newport Beach
We need to get public safety issues done, not just talked about
In Tuesday’s (Sept. 1) Stu News, residents of Corona del Mar just read a campaign ad featuring current councilmembers touting their commitment to “public safety.” At the same time, Visit Newport Beach is promoting tourism campaigns while the city is promoting its “Not in Newport” campaign; a lot of energy and money is being spent on mixed messaging while the actual safety problems in our neighborhood go unaddressed. For those of us living near Buck Gully and Little Corona Beach, the disconnect between all that promotion and what’s actually happening on the ground is hard to ignore.
Last year, the council approved a project to mitigate fire risk in Buck Gully. To date, that work has not materialized due to a delay in having the state pay for it. Meanwhile, after-hours beach camping continues at the base of the gully, in an area that borders the Flower Streets, Shore Cliffs and Cameo Shores, all neighborhoods with limited evacuation routes in the event of a fast-moving fire.
The Pacific Palisades fire in January 2025 showed exactly what’s at stake and Corona del Mar shouldn’t need its own version of that disaster before Buck Gully gets the attention it was promised.
The same gap between promise and follow-through shows up at Little Corona Beach. The city posted a “No Stopping Any Time” sign at the emergency access point near the beach, but it is blocked constantly and the red zone is not enforced. The solution from the City Council and city staff has been to triple fines on holiday weekends, but if the restriction isn’t enforced, then what do the triple fines do? Public safety and emergencies are not just holiday weekend issues but 24/7, 365-day-a-year concerns.
This isn’t a hypothetical risk; a blocked emergency lane means paramedics or fire crews could be delayed reaching someone who needs help on one of the more hazardous stretches of coastline in the area. The council also said it would enforce after-hours closures to keep people off the beaches; that hasn’t happened at Little Corona this summer.
These ongoing issues compound as unmanaged beachgoers make it harder for residents to get in and out of their own streets; blocked emergency access puts visitors and residents at risk when minutes matter and the stalled fire mitigation work leaves homes on the Flower Streets, Shore Cliffs and Cameo Shores more exposed than they should be.
We’ve raised these issues repeatedly over the past few years, including directly with Mayor Kleiman and the city manager, without seeing the follow-through match the talk. We want to be clear: This isn’t about our first responders who do their jobs well under conditions the city has failed to fix. It’s about a council and city staff who haven’t matched residents’ efforts.
We’ve tried tirelessly through emails, meetings and public comment to work with the city on these issues, largely to no avail. Corona del Mar residents don’t need another polished social media campaign about public safety or stats on the arrests. We don’t want red slipper videos and arrest posts! We need the Buck Gully mitigation project actually finished, the emergency access at Little Corona kept clear, and after-hours enforcement to match what was promised to us.
Public safety should be measured by what gets done, not by what gets posted.
DeAnna Reposa
Corona del Mar
It appears that Robert Garcia is about to become the man!
Many residents of Newport Beach are probably not aware of the young man who will most likely become our new congressman, Robert Garcia.
Proposition 50 changed the boundaries of our congressional district and although it now straddles Los Angeles and Orange counties, taking in the predominantly Republican strongholds of Huntington Beach and Newport Beach, the odds are still in favor of Robert becoming our new representative.
It is difficult to ignore Robert Garcia because he has become one of the most vocal critics of the current administration, rising quickly through the ranks to become the ranking member of the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform. While others might remain silent, Robert comes into his role swinging, and very few days go by that he is not vocal about some positive changes in government that he would like to make.
He has an impressive and varied resume, having served as mayor of Long Beach, a member of the California Coastal Commission, president of the Associated Students at Cal State Long Beach and a college educator at USC. He has a master’s degree from the latter. His doctoral degree is from Cal State Long Beach.
If Garcia becomes chair of the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform in the next Congress, he says that he would make “affordability” his central issue.
Lynn Lorenz
Newport Beach
Newport Beach Community Calendars
The following are calendar links for regularly scheduled meetings and events in Newport Beach:
City of Newport Beach meetings & events calendar
www.newportbeachca.gov/government/data-hub/city-calendar
Newport Beach Public Library – everything at the library calendar
www.newportbeachlibrary.org/calendar
Newport-Mesa Unified School District news & events calendar
Newport Beach Chamber of Commerce community events calendar
Corona del Mar Chamber of Commerce community events calendar
www.cdmchamber.com/chamber-events
Visit Newport Beach community events calendar
www.visitnewportbeach.com/events
If you are an organization that would like your name and calendar of events link added here, please contact Shaena Stabler at shaena@stunewsnewport.com.
Speak Up Newport to hold candidates forum on September 9
Speak Up Newport (SUN) has confirmed all the candidates will be participating in their 2026 Newport Beach City Council Candidates Forum, taking place Wednesday, Sept. 9 at the Civic Center Community Room, 100 Civic Center Drive, Newport Beach.
For more than 30 years, SUN has hosted their City Council Candidates Forum with a distinct purpose: To help create a more informed Newport Beach voter.
Photos courtesy of Speak Up Newport/Submitted photos
Top row: (L-R) District 1: Joe Stapleton and Tina Babajanians; District 3: Erik Weigand, Tim Stoaks, Walter Stahr; Bottom row: (L-R) District 4: Robyn Grant; District 6: Lauren Kleiman and Andrew Gerken
Eight candidates are seeking four City Council seats in the November 3 election:
District 1
Joe Stapleton*
Tina Babajanians
District 3
Erik Weigand*
Tim Stoaks
Walter Stahr
District 4
Robyn Grant*
District 6
Lauren Kleiman*
Andrew Gerken
Community members are encouraged to attend and hear firsthand how the candidates would approach the issues and decisions that will shape Newport Beach in the years ahead. The forum will be moderated by former Newport Beach City Councilmember and Speak Up Newport board member Tony Petros.
Rather than simply revisiting the questions candidates may hear throughout campaign season, SUN’s forum is designed to dig deeper. Drawing on the organization’s decades of engagement with Newport Beach civic issues, the evening will explore the complex decisions, challenges and opportunities facing the city – including questions candidates may not be asked at other forums.
“Speak Up Newport has always been a place for thoughtful, substantive civic discussion,” said Ed Selich, president of Speak Up Newport. “Our Candidates Forum reflects that tradition. We want voters to leave with a deeper understanding not only of where the candidates stand, but how they think about the issues they may be asked to address as members of the City Council.”
The evening begins with a reception at 5:15 p.m., followed by the candidates forum from 6-7 p.m. Admission is free and no advance registration is required.
For those unable to attend in person, the forum will also be available via a free Zoom webinar. Advance registration for the Zoom broadcast is required. To register, go here.
*Incumbent
Clean the beach and kids go whale watching for free
Join Newport Landing Whale Watching on Saturday, Sept. 19 from 8 a.m.-4 p.m. for Coastal Cleanup Day and you will receive one free child’s whale watching pass for each bag of trash you collect!
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Photos courtesy of Newport Landing Whale Watching
Roll up your sleeves for Coastal Cleanup Day on September 19
Check in at the table in front of the Newport Landing Whale Watching office where you must complete their liability form to participate. You don’t need to sign up in advance; just show up between the hours of 8 a.m.-4 p.m. and get ready to roll up your sleeves.
To be more eco-friendly:
–Bring your own five-gallon reusable bucket, garden gloves and trash grabbers.
–Sun protection.
–Water.
Newport Landing will provide 10-gallon trash bags and latex gloves (if needed).
Once your trash bag is at a minimum half full, you can bring it back to the Newport Landing office and they will hand you a free child’s standard whale watching pass.
Click on photo for a larger image
View humpback whales, minke whales and playful pods of dolphins cruising off the coast during a Newport Landing Whale Watching cruise
Whale watching has been incredible in recent weeks! Tons of 70 ft.+ fin whales have been hanging out off the coast along with humpback whales, minke whales and playful pods of dolphins cruising alongside Newport Landing’s boats.
Late summer into early fall is one of the best times of year for whale watching. With beautiful weather and fewer crowds, there has been an amazing mix of marine life including sharks during this unseasonable warm El Niño season. Humpback and fin whales often continue to visit through November, making every trip full of surprises.
Newport Landing Whale Watching is located at 309 Palm St., Ste. A, Newport Beach. For more information and to book a whale watching cruise, visit www.newportwhales.com, or call 949.675.0550.
Celebrate Labor Day weekend at Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort & Marina
Experience the ultimate daycation with summer fun continuing Labor Day weekend at Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort & Marina. The resort offers aquatic adventures, food trucks, live entertainment and family-friendly activities from Friday, September 4 through Monday, Sept. 7.
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Photos courtesy of Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort
Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort’s Inflatable Water Park
Splash into the long weekend at Newport Dunes’ Inflatable Water Park, open daily from 9:30 a.m.-6 p.m. through Labor Day. The floating playground features more than 25 oversized inflatables, including slides, bounce platforms, icebergs and a floating jungle gym. Visitors can also explore the calm waters of the Upper Newport Back Bay with kayaks, pedal boats, stand-up paddleboards and electric Duffy boat rentals.
Soak up the sounds of Tunes at the Dunes, featuring three evenings of live music from 5-8 p.m.:
–Kelly Boyz Band (country rock) – Friday, Sept. 4
–Family Style (soul and rock) – Saturday, Sept. 5
–Flashback Heart Attack (’80s hits) – Sunday, Sept. 6
Bring beach chairs, blankets or floats to relax on the sand while enjoying the performances. Food trucks and a full bar serving beer, wine and cocktails will be available throughout the concerts. Admission is free and open to the public; paid parking applies.
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Dance at Tunes at the Dunes with three evenings of live music
Additional weekend highlights include Movies on the Beach at dusk on Friday and Saturday. Guests and the public can bring chairs and blankets, settle into the sand and enjoy complimentary family-friendly films beneath the stars.
Moe B’s Munchies, Newport Dunes’ walk-up beachfront bar and grill, will be open throughout Labor Day weekend. The waterfront eatery serves casual favorites including burgers, pizza, sandwiches, salads and snacks, complemented by beer, wine, cocktails and refreshing nonalcoholic beverages. Guests can dine alfresco on the patio or enjoy a picnic beside the water.
Visitors can explore the property and surrounding Back Bay with beach cruiser rentals or enjoy Newport Dunes’ waveless swimming lagoon, public beach and pirate-themed playground. For those seeking the ultimate shoreside experience, Newport Dunes offers private beachfront cabanas for daily rental to resort guests and day visitors.
Costs: Tunes at the Dunes and Movies on the Beach are free and open to the public. Food, beverages, aquatic park admission, water sports rentals and parking fees apply.
Parking:
Friday, Sept. 4 and Monday, Sept. 7
–0-30 minutes: Free
–30 minutes-two hours: $15
–Two to four hours: $20
–Four to eight hours: $25
–Eight to 24 hours: $30
Saturday, Sept. 5 and Sunday, Sept. 6
– $35 flat holiday parking rate
Parking is limited during holiday weekends. Guests are encouraged to arrive early or use a rideshare service.
To reserve water activities, including the Inflatable Water Park, kayaks, pedal boats, stand-up paddleboards and Duffy boats, visit Newport Dunes’ online booking system here. Reservations can also be made by calling the Water Sports Office at 949.279.4507.
For more information about Tunes at the Dunes, Movies on the Beach, accommodations or reservations, visit www.newportdunes.com.
Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort & Marina is located at 1131 Back Bay Drive, Newport Beach.
Newport Beach Library hosts Leigh Steinberg for Meet the Author event on October 6
Join the Newport Beach Library for a Meet the Author event featuring Leigh Steinberg, legendary sports agent, entrepreneur, best-selling author and the real-life inspiration for Jerry Maguire on Tuesday, Oct. 6 from 7-8:30 p.m. at Witte Hall. This program is free, but registration is recommended by clicking here.
Click on photo for a larger image
Submitted photo
Leigh Steinberg will discuss his book “The Comeback” on October 6
The first 25 registered guests to arrive will receive a free copy of The Comeback. Funding is generously provided by the Friends of the Library. Books will be available for purchase and signing by Lido Village Books.
Witte Hall is located at 998 Avocado Ave., Newport Beach.
ENC hosts Wine Walk in collaboration with Hi-Time Wine Cellars & Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits
The Environmental Nature Center (ENC) and Hi-Time Wine Cellars invite you to an unforgettable afternoon of wine tasting from premium wine brands on Sunday, Sept. 27 from 4-7 p.m., all in support of local environmental education.
Click on photo for a larger image
Courtesy of ENC
Participants enjoy nature while stopping at wine tasting stations along the way
Guests will stroll along the ENC’s scenic trails, stopping at tasting stations to enjoy selections from more than a two dozen exceptional wineries, including Precept, Wente, Avaline, Prestige Wine Imports, Native Hands and more. Small bites will be served throughout the walk, and live music by SideNote Keys/Bass will add ambiance near the stream.
Finish your walk by the firepit with dessert and a cup of Kean Coffee, and don’t forget to browse the online silent auction, running from September 22-27, featuring unique experiences, local goods and more. Proceeds from the Wine Walk and auction directly benefit the ENC’s environmental education programs for children and families.
Founded in 1972, the ENC is a world-class facility that provides transformative experiences through connection with nature. Their vision is to provide equitable access and inspire all to protect the natural world by serving as the community’s leader in ecological responsibility, sustainable practices and environmental education.
The ENC’s five-acre Newport Beach campus features 15 California native plant communities, wildlife habitat, walking trails and sustainably designed construction.
Celebrating 69 years of business, Hi-Time Wine Cellars is a family-owned and operated retail store located in Costa Mesa, Calif. Founded by Fritz Hanson and his brother-in-law Jim McVay, Hi-Time opened the cellar doors in 1957 at their original location on 17th Street and Irvine Avenue in Costa Mesa.
Tickets are $115 per person and include all tastings, bites and entertainment. Wines poured at the event will be available for purchase through Hi-Time Wine Cellars, with pickup available after the event at their store in Costa Mesa.
Tickets are limited and this event is expected to sell out.
Reserve your spot today here.
To donate to the online auction, click here.
For questions, contact Lori Whalen at lori@encenter.org.
Environmental Nature Center is located at 1601 East 16th St., Newport Beach.
Annual Rosé on the Bay on September 16 will support nonprofit KidWorks
On September 16, the generosity and compassion of a group of more than 150 remarkable women will be center stage at the Lido Isle bayfront home of Dali Despotovic and Bob Olson when the annual Rosé on the Bay fundraiser returns in support of 30-year-old nonprofit KidWorks. The fundraising goal is $75,000.
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Photos courtesy of KidWorks
(L-R) Liz Kennedy; Sue Willett (this year’s event chair) and Kyle Team are part of the 150 women behind KidWorks
All funds raised will directly benefit hundreds of KidWorks students as they continue their journey toward college and career success.
KidWorks goes the extra mile for the community, creating an environment for youth to unleash their potential with mentorship and leadership development resources for the entire family. Their diverse programs, coupled with intentional guidance, fuel internal growth and set KidWorks students up for a meaningful and fulfilling future and career.
Click on photo for a larger image
The evening will be filled with food, wine and inspiration overlooking the scenic harbor, along with live music and opportunity prizes
For more than 10 years, 100% of KidWorks seniors have graduated high school on time and continued to higher education.
Since 1993, KidWorks has helped children, youth and families living in overlooked neighborhoods in central Santa Ana. As a faith-driven 501(c)(3) nonprofit, KidWorks makes an 18-year commitment to their students, pledging to walk with them from “Pre-K through B.A.” as the organization works to unleash their potential. Their mission is to inspire purpose in youth, fuel their growth and catalyze their impact in the community and the world.
The Rosé on the Bay event committee includes Newport Beach residents Sue Willett (committee chair) and Anne Clemens, Michelle Dillon, Mari Frome, Dawn Hewitt, Jennifer J. Martin, Heidi Mendoza, Cathy Newton, Susan Sanders, Pam Shean, Kyle Team, Pam Terry, Ellen Wheeler, Annie Willett along with Costa Mesa resident Christy Mason.
For more information about the event, contact KidWorks Director of Philanthropy Lisa Gels at 714.834.9400, ext. 126, or lisa.gels@kidworksoc.org.
For more information about KidWorks, visit www.kidworksoc.org.
Good Morning CdM! to welcome Assemblymember Diane Dixon on September 10
Join the Corona del Mar Chamber of Commerce for Good Morning CdM, their community and government affairs meeting, on Thursday, Sept. 10 from 8-9:30 a.m. at the Bahia Corinthian Yacht Club.
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Courtesy of the Corona del Mar Chamber of Commerce
The September Good Morning CdM! featured speaker is Assemblymember Diane Dixon
The featured speaker is Diane Dixon, California State Assemblymember, 72nd District.
Dixon will be reporting on the latest update from Sacramento.
The meeting will also feature city of Newport Beach updates by City Councilmember Robyn Grant, and legislative updates from the offices of OC Supervisor Katrina Foley and Senator Tony Strickland.
No RSVP is necessary, and it is free of charge. There will be complimentary coffee/pastry.
Bahia Corinthian Yacht Club is located at 1601 Bayside Drive, Corona del Mar.
For more information, visit www.cdmchamber.com and info@cdmhamber.com.
Check out what’s being checked out from the Newport Beach Public Library this week! Grab some great summer reads in hardcover, eBook, or audio either in person or online at www.newportbeachlibrary.org.
Top 10 Nonfiction
1. Regime Change: Inside the Imperial Presidency of Donald Trump by Maggie Haberman & Jonathan Swan
2. Strangers: A Memoir of Marriage by Belle Burden
3. Aging Out: An Exploration of Caregiving, Community, and How Americans Grow Old by Lucy Schiller
4. Atomic Habits: Tiny Changes, Remarkable Results: An Easy & Proven Way to Build Good Habits & Break Bad Ones by James Clear
5. London Falling: A Mysterious Death in a Corrupt City and a Family’s Search For Truth by Patrick Radden Keefe
6. 1929: Inside the Greatest Crash in Wall Street History – and How it Shattered a Nation by Andrew Ross Sorkin
7. A Marriage at Sea: A True Story of Love, Obsession, and Shipwreck by Sophie Elmhirst
8. Biological War: A Scenario by Annie Jacobsen
9. Be Ready When the Luck Happens: A Memoir by Ina Garten
10. Catch the Devil: A True Story of Murder and Deception on the Gulf Coast by Bruno Zevi
Top 10 Fiction
1. The Correspondent: A Novel by Virginia Evans
2. Yesteryear: A Novel by Caro Claire Burke
3. The Calamity Club: A Novel by Kathryn Stockett
4. Ransom: A Novel by Daniel Silva
5. Daughters of the Sun and Moon: A Novel by Lisa See
6. Dear Debbie by Freida McFadden
7. My Husband’s Wife: A Novel by Alice Feeney
8. The First Time I Saw Him by Laura Dave
9. Theo of Golden: A Novel by Allen Levi
10. Villa Coco: A Novel by Andrew Sean Greer
Top 10 Children’s
1. Happy Pig Day! by Mo Willems
2. I Am Going! by Mo Willems
3. Pigs Make Me Sneeze! by Mo Willems
4. Tales from a Not-So-Secret Crush Catastrophe by Rachel Renée Russell
5. The Thank You Book by Mo Willems
6. Waiting is Not Easy! by Mo Willems
7. Are You Ready to Play Outside? by Mo Willems
8. Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Old School by Jeff Kinney
9. Dog Man by Dav Pilkey
10. Double Down by Jeff Kinney
This is as close as we can come to actually singing to our readers on their birthdays!
We’d love to include yours – and/or your children’s birthdays here.
Just email to: editor@stunewsnewport.com
Celebrate and enjoy your birthday!
September 1: Al Cisneros, Geovani Bal, Mike Potier, Raji Manded, Rebecca Korss, Yuri R. Spiro
September 2: Alexander McLaren Dale, Allison O’Neil, Carolyn Carr, Corey Sianez, Mona Shah, Pam Smith, Suzanne Taylor
September 3: Jaime Saul Hong
September 4: Sharyn Congleton
September 5: Ellen Trujillo, Julie Anderson, Ken Beall, Kiersten Olsen, Regina Diane Vartanian, Stacey Kuhne-Mercer
September 6: Allan Roeder, Barbara Boatman, Charley Wilson, Darlene Esquerra, Jacqueline Orloff, Lynn Noah, Michael Miller, Vilma Cruz Saenz
September 7: Barbara Marder Sloate, Dinorah Carmenate, Nancy McIntyre Miller, Stacy Deeble-Reynolds, Tony English, Valerie Mitchell
Pet of the Week 
Stu News Newport is delighted to be working with the Newport Beach Animal Shelter to help get the word out in search of loving homes for pets that deserve a warm, nurturing environment and a place to call “home.”
The shelter is excited to announce Meatball, a 4-year-old-bulldog, is now available for adoption.
Click on photo for a larger image
Courtesy of Newport Beach Animal Shelter
Meet Meatball
Meatball weighs approximately 75 pounds and has come a long way since arriving at the shelter in rough shape. With the support of shelter staff, veterinarians, trainers, the Friends of Newport Beach Animal Shelter (FONBAS) and generous donors, Meatball received soft palate surgery to help him breathe more comfortably. He may never be your running partner, but he is feeling much better and ready to find a home of his own. Like many bulldogs, Meatball has some ongoing medical needs. He has allergies that are managed with medication and also has dry eyes that require continued care. His future adopter should be prepared to work with a veterinarian to maintain his treatment and keep him comfortable.
Meatball would do best with an adopter who understands the stubborn and strong-willed nature of bulldogs, and is committed to continuing his training and providing consistent boundaries. He is neutered, vaccinated and microchipped. Those interested in adopting Meatball can learn more about the adoption process at www.nba.gov/animalshelter, or email animalshelter@newportbeachca.gov to schedule a meet and greet, or call 949.718.3454.
The animal shelter is located at 20282 Riverside Drive and is open daily from 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
Compiled by Tom Johnson
Police Beat derives from information in the log maintained at the front counter by the Newport Beach Police Department and required under CA Government Code Section 6254 (f). The press does not have access to written police reports.
Information in the police department log is deemed reliable and StuNewsNewport is not responsible for mistakes made available as public record by the Newport Beach Police Department.
Any person arrested is innocent until found guilty in a court of law.
Abbreviations sometimes used in Police Beat:
647f – Public Intoxication; DUI – Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs; NFA – No fixed address; RP – Reporting/Responsible Party; UTL – Unable to locate
