Fair Game

By TOM JOHNSON

Balboa Bay Resort to pamper pets, with proceeds benefiting animal rescue

Just when you think you’ve heard it all, I present to you the Balboa Bay Resort’s new target clientele…DOGS! That’s right, beginning Wednesday, July 6, the BBR will begin offering their Pampered Pooch Package.

The Pampered Pooch Package is designed to give celebrity treatment to dogs. That means a variety of stylish, delicious and entertaining amenities upon check-in.

Starting at $150, the Pampered Pooch Package features all this:

–Custom swag bag of Balboa Bay Resort branded items and treats.

–“Paws and Repeat” photo station so guests can post content for their fans.

–Choice of Balboa Bay Resort bandana or bow tie. Guests who post a photo of their pet to social media tagging@balboabayresort will be eligible for their Pet of the Month contest featured on Instagram. All Pet of the Month winners will be entered into a drawing at the end of the year to win a free two-night stay.

–Dog menu options at A + O Restaurant | Bar and in-room dining, featuring rice with ground chicken or beef.

–Photo shoot add-on at Dogma Pet Portraits Studio in Costa Mesa with transportation provided to and from the studio.

“At Balboa Bay Resort, we know the dog is often the star of the family. Now you can give them the celebrity treatment when you travel,” said Francine Slosser, director of marketing. “This package includes everything your furry friend needs to feel welcome and pampered.”

A portion of the proceeds from the Pampered Pooch Package (PPP) will benefit the nonprofit Lovebugs Rescue, a foster-based animal rescue that works with overpopulated animal shelters to lessen the number of animals being euthanized unnecessarily.

Courtesy of Dogma Pet Portraits Studio

The Pampered Pet Package offers up a great photo opp at Dogma Pet Portrait Studios

Here’s what you need to know: PPP will be available for purchase beginning on July 6 and good through the end of the year. And, don’t forget, Wednesday, August 10th is National Spoil Your Dog Day…so, you might want to make plans early.

• • •

Heal the Bay just released their latest Beach Report Card that assigns letter grades from “A-to-F” for some 500 California beaches.

Two local beaches scored perfect water quality grades in all three segments year-round (Summer Dry Grade/Winter Dry Grade/Wet Weather Grade): Corona del Mar and Crystal Cove.

Most other areas in Newport Beach also graded out well, the only exception being Vaughn’s Launch that officially made the “Beach Bummer List” with a grade of “F”. That grade reflects sites that have levels of harmful bacteria.

A link to the complete 2021-2022 Beach Report Card, including all grades, can be found here.

• • •

The CdM Foundation announced this week that a 60-year anniversary for Corona del Mar High School is planned for Saturday, Oct. 22.

The plan for the day includes an Open House and Community Jubilee on campus from 11 a.m.-4 p.m., and then an evening fundraiser at the Newport Dunes called “Rock the Endowment” from 6-10 p.m.

The fundraiser will include a music fest featuring The Side Deal, The English Beat and Flashback Heart Attack.

The CdM Foundation is seeking sponsors and donors for underwriting purposes and is already offering tickets to the event. Go to www.CDMFoundation.org.

• • •

Newport Beach Junior Lifeguard participants received an unplanned but important lesson Wednesday morning upon their arrival to the waterfront. Due to weather situations that included lightning strikes off the coast, lifeguards temporarily closed all beaches from Newport Pier to Corona del Mar as a precaution while the storm cell moved through.

According to Newport Beach Fire Chief Jeff Boyles, “lifeguard instructors (were) keeping our junior lifeguard participants off the sand and monitoring the weather pattern. If necessary, they will shelter all junior lifeguard participants and employees in various locations.”

• • •

Speaking of the chief…the new Peninsula Fire Station #2 is having an open house this coming Tuesday, June 28 at 1 p.m. There will be tours and refreshments, along with a ribbon cutting.

Courtesy of City of Newport Beach

Rendering of the new Peninsula fire station #2

• • •

Well, if our Mayor, Kevin Muldoon, seems a little grouchy at this coming Tuesday’s Newport Beach City Council meeting, cut him some slack. It just may be that he’s not getting enough sleep. Think changing diapers.

Kevin, wife Heather, and son Cannon, earlier this week welcomed newborn Taylor Anne. 

And early pictures show that she’s very cute.

Congrats Muldoons!

• • •

Remember the elections…seems like months ago. Anyway, here’s our final look at the unofficial results (minimal votes continue to trickle in) and who is advancing on to November.

U.S. Representative 47th District 

*Katie Porter (D) – 86,719, 51.71%

*Scott Baugh (R) – 51.765, 30.86%

Amy Phan West (R) – 13,944, 8.31%

Brian Burley (R) – 11,950, 7.13%

Errol Webber (R) – 3,341, 1.99%

State Senator 36th District

*Janet Nguyen (R) – 120,124, 57.30%

*Kim Carr (D) – 89,503, 42.70%

State Assembly 72nd District

*Judie Mancuso (D) – 59,003, 43.31%

*Diane Dixon (R) – 58,120, 42.66%

Benjamin Yu (R) – 19,111, 14.03%

OC Supervisor 5th District

*Katrina Foley – 64,877, 41.76%

*Patricia “Pat” Bates – 34,458, 22.18%

Diane Harkey – 28,800, 18.54%

Kevin Muldoon – 27,223, 17.52%

B – Newport Beach/Direct Election of Mayor

#No – 15,374, 58.62%

Yes – 10,852, 41.38%

(* Advances to November Election Day)

(# No defeats Measure)

Other key races around OC included District Attorney Todd Spitzer who easily outdistanced a field that included runner-up Pete Hardin. Spitzer received 62.49% of the vote and seems well on his way to a November victory. 

Cottie Petrie-Norris, who currently represents Laguna Beach but is moving to a new District, defeated Steven Choi in the newly redrawn 73rd Assembly District while getting 56.22% of the vote; and, Michelle Steel outpaced a field of three others with 49.03% of the vote in the 45th District U.S. Representative race.

One race that remains too close to call is the one featuring current OC 5th District Supervisor Lisa Bartlett in a race for a November spot in the 49th District of the U.S. House of Representatives. Bartlett is currently running third to Democrat Mike Levin. Brian Maryott, who’s in second place, leads Bartlett by five votes…that’s right, FIVE…as of last evening. 

Bartlett was up by four as recently as Tuesday. Both Maryott and Bartlett are Republican. The winner battles Levin in November. 

And, other than at some point announcing the final count between Maryott and Bartlett, election coverage for the Primary is done. No more, until November.

Police Files

Burglars hit residence, this time in Dover Shores

A residential burglary recently occurred in the Dover Shores community on the 400 Block of Evening Star Lane. The incident occurred sometime between 12 p.m. on Wednesday, June 15 and 2:30 p.m. on June 20.

With the victims away, an unknown suspect accessed the backyard of the property and used patio furniture to climb to the second story balcony. The suspect then shattered a glass door. Once inside the property, the suspect ransacked the master bedroom, master closet, master bathroom and guest bedrooms before fleeing the scene.

Reported losses included watches and a firearm magazine.

No suspect information was available.

Victims scare off suspects in burglary attempt, who then leave in Range Rover

An attempted residential burglary recently occurred in the Promontory Bay community but was thwarted when the victims heard a noise and went to investigate.

On the 600 block of Bayside Drive, around 8:40 p.m. on Friday, June 17, while the victims were upstairs, three unknown suspects accessed the side of the house and shattered a first-floor window.

As the victims investigated, they observed the suspects fleeing and identified their vehicle as a white Range Rover with a black roof.

No loss was found.

Home accessed through shattered glass door

In the West Newport community, on the 2800 block of Lafayette Ave., a residential burglary occurred sometime between 8 p.m. on Wednesday, June 15 and 7 a.m. on Thursday, June 16.

While the victim was away, an unknown suspect accessed the back side of the property and shattered a glass door. The suspect moved a wardrobe but did not disturb the rest of the house.

The loss was unknown and no suspect information was available.

Suspect makes off with jewelry and watches in Belcourt burglary

A residential burglary occurred in the Belcourt community on Leesbury Court on Thursday, June 16 at approximately 9 a.m.

With the victims away, an unknown suspect accessed the backyard and shattered a glass door. Once inside, the suspect ransacked the master bedroom and master closet. They also rummaged through drawers and cabinets in an office, before fleeing the scene.

Losses included watches and jewelry. No suspect was available.

Suspect shatters sliding glass door to enter residence

A residential burglary recently occurred in the Spyglass Hill community on Drakes Bay Drive sometime between 12 p.m. on Friday, June 10 and 10 a.m. on Thursday, June 16.

While the victim was away, an unknown suspect accessed the backyard of the property and shattered a sliding glass door to get into the home. Inside, the suspect ransacked every room in the house before fleeing the scene.

The reported loss was jewelry.

Tips from NBPD to further protect your residence from burglaries 

First of all, if you see suspicious activity within your neighborhood (especially at a home where you know your neighbors are on vacation, have gone out for the evening, or their home is for sale), please call the Newport Beach Police Department immediately at 949.644.3717.

The following are tips to “harden the target.”

–Always lock your windows and doors when you go out, even if for only a few minutes. Second story windows & doors should be secured as if they were on the first story.

–Use timers on indoor lamps to give the appearance that you are home. If you’re going out for the evening, leave a television or a radio on in the home. 

–If your home is equipped with an alarm, always activate it even if you’re only going out for a short walk.

–Consider adding a motion sensor in your master bedroom/bathroom, which will activate the alarm if someone comes in through a glass window or door without opening it.

–Always keep your front and rear porch lights on from dusk to dawn and use motion detector lighting along the sides of your home or areas with little foot traffic.

–Make sure your utility box is secured with a padlock.

–Adjust window coverings for optimal privacy while maintaining good visibility outside.

–Assess whether or not a window can be easily accessed from a tree, balcony, roof, wall, or with patio furniture and adjust your security plan accordingly. Ladders should be stored inside or locked to a stationary object.

–If your garage door has a remote shutoff button on the wall-mounted control, located in the garage, consider locking the door nightly. This will prevent your garage door from being opened remotely.

–If you have a safe, make sure that it is properly bolted to concrete so that it cannot be easily removed.

–Always close and lock your safe and never leave a key or combination out or in an easy to find location (i.e., office, nightstand, etc.).

–If you return home and find your pedestrian door that leads into your home locked, and you are certain that you left it unlocked, DO NOT GO INSIDE! Call 9-1-1. Burglars often lock this door to slow down a victim, allowing the burglar extra time to get out of the home before the resident enters.

–When you leave on vacation, remember to call the Police Department for a “Vacation Check” at 949.644.3681. Also, ask a trusted friend or neighbor to pick up your newspaper and mail while you are away.

–When you get a knock at your door: Never open the door unless you know the person; do acknowledge you’re home without opening the door. If you have a doorbell camera with two-way audio, this is a great time to use this feature (whether you are home or not). If you are not home, use your doorbell camera to speak to the subject and let them know you are not able to come to the door – do not tell them no one is home. If the individual acts suspiciously, call the police department and provide them with a description of the subject and his/her actions.

Again, report all suspicious activity by calling the Newport Beach Police Department at 949.644.3717.

VEA Newport Beach shows off its new look to great fanfare

The wrapping came off the new VEA Newport Beach last evening (Thursday, June 23) as hundreds gathered for a preview of what’s to come, mostly mingling poolside while enjoying a wonderfully appointed new outdoor bar that also has a backdrop overlooking the second hole of Newport Beach Country Club.

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Photos by Tom Johnson

The outdoor pool area bar quickly became the gathering spot

The vibe was truly incredible. A literal who’s who of Newport Beach came out to enjoy the festivities. The resort has all the makings of becoming THE PLACE in the city. Locals should really do themselves a favor and check it out.

VEA Newport Beach, formerly the Newport Beach Marriott Hotel & Spa, was recently purchased by Eagle Four Partners and Lyon Living. 

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Looking down from the back lobby patio to the bar at the far end of the pool, with the golf course in the distance

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(L-R) Visit Newport Beach President & CEO Gary Sherwin and Eagle Four Partners’ Founding Partner Kevin Martin

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(L-R) Eagle Four Partners’ Partner Kory Kramer and VEA Newport Beach General Manager Debbie Snavley are all smiles at opening night party

Take Five: Meet Valerie Schomburg, animal control supervisor for the NBPD

By AMY SENK

A month ago, a mountain lion possibly displaced after the Coastal Fire was captured after wandering around the Port Streets. The young male cat was relocated and hearing the stories made me think of Valerie Schomburg, Newport Beach Police Department’s Animal Control supervisor. I’ve known Schomburg for more than a decade, and we’ve talked over the years about everything from dog bites and barks to starving birds. But this mountain lion was something new, and I reached out to her to catch up and learn more. 

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Photos courtesy of NBPD

Valerie Schomburg

Q: What kind of wildlife generally do we have in Newport Beach and how should we handle close encounters?

A: Newport Beach has wildlife such as coyotes, bobcats, skunks and opossums. We advise people to keep their pets on a leash when off the property and don’t leave pets in the backyard alone. Citizens can call the Animal Control Unit if they have questions regarding the wildlife in the city.

Q: What’s the typical day in the life of an animal control officer? 

A: Every day is different as we handle a huge variety of calls. Animal cruelty investigations, bite reports, responding to found stray animals, barking dog complaints and leash violations. The most common calls are leash violations and injured birds and marine mammals. Animal Control also runs the City Animal Shelter and cares for all the animals we have there. We are very excited for the new facility and hope it will open by the end of the year.

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Valerie Schomburg with her canine favorite, Officer Bubbles

Q: What is the craziest call you’ve ever responded to? 

A: The mountain lion call is the craziest call I have responded to as we have never had a mountain lion sighting south of the 5 freeway in my career until last month.

Q: I remember one summer, you arranged for the bait barge to help feed birds that were starving because of the ocean water temps. Is this something that you think could happen again, or that you plan for?

A: We always try to help when animals are in need, so if the Wetlands and Wildlife Care Center has starving sea birds, we will help.

Q: Anything else you’d like to add? 

A: Animal Control would like to stress the importance of having your dogs on leashes at all times.

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Amy Senk is a long-time resident of Corona del Mar and a regular contributor to Stu News Newport.

Giant blue whales provide entertainment for locals just off our coast

Video by Delaney Trowbridge (@Seataceans) &

Erica Page (@PlanetWhale)

Last Saturday, crew members aboard the fast raft boat, Newport Coastal Adventure, came across multiple giant blue whales cruising off the coast, including several pairs of moms and babies. Amazingly, one of these pairs became curious of the small boat and its passengers. They call this behavior “mugging,” because the boat’s engines are in neutral and the whales circle the boat becoming playful. This baby Blue Whale mugged for more than 45 minutes. It’s a great time for whale watching @NewportCoastal Adventure.

Hoag Summer Fest – Orange County’s favorite food and music event returns

Photos by Lana Johnson

After a two-year hiatus, the highly anticipated Hoag Summer Fest returned on Wednesday, June 22 from 5-8 p.m. at Newport Dunes, with the Hoag Hospital Foundation welcoming more than 1,500 guests at this year’s beach-themed sold-out event. In addition to live entertainment by Orange County party rock band Tijuana Dogs and a virtual raffle, dozens of top local restaurants showcased their culinary concepts in small bites. Funds raised from the evening will benefit the Hoag Employee Education Scholarship Program, which supports Hoag staff in achieving their career aspirations through the pursuit of advanced education.

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(L-R) Alena Ulaner and her husband, Dr. Gary Ulaner, director of Molecular Imaging and Therapy for the Hoag Family Cancer Institute with Robert T. Braithwaite, Hoag president & CEO

“We’re glad to see Hoag Summer Fest return. For 34 years, it’s not only served to benefit Hoag patients but also bring the community together for a night of fantastic food, fun and entertainment,” said Flynn A. Andrizzi, Ph.D., president of the Hoag Hospital Foundation. “We are incredibly grateful for our community partners who continue to help Hoag lead in transforming the future of health care here in Orange County and beyond.” 

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Terry and Bob Callahan

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Sampling some tasty bites at the Starfish booth

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All dressed up for a fun summer’s night

 Chairing this year’s Hoag Summer Fest were former Hoag administrator Gabrielle White and James Caillouette, M.D., Joan & Andy Fimiano Endowed Chair in Orthopedic Surgery and chairman of the Hoag Orthopedic Institute board of directors. Both are longtime leaders at Hoag and part of a group of founding supporters of the Hoag Employee Education Scholarship Program. The program provides scholarships of up to $5,000 for non-nursing employees – two-thirds of Hoag’s workforce – to offset tuition, material costs and other expenses of earning a degree, diploma, license or certificate related to an employee’s career at Hoag. 

“We want to be an institution of lifelong learning. If we’re always learning, we’re always getting better,” said Dr. Caillouette. 

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Cooling off with some flavored shave ice

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The TK Burgers gals give a friendly thumbs up

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Bosscat Kitchen & Libations served up a delightful concoction of Kentucky Bourbon, citrus, bitters and rosemary

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Brian and Sheri Horn enjoy the balmy evening

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Charcuterie cups, anyone? Step up to the Picnic Grazing Co. booth

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Penne pesto shrimp and refreshing Pomelinos at Louie’s by the Bay

The virtual raffle included exclusive, one-of-a-kind experiences, premium items and gift packages. This year’s grand prize raffle item was a one-year lease of a new 2022 BMW X3 sDrive30i, courtesy of Sterling BMW of Newport Beach. 

The 2022 Hoag Summer Fest restaurant partners who donated their time, talent, food and beverage included: Argaux, A + O Restaurant/Bar at Balboa Bay Beach Resort & Club, Bluewater Grill & Oyster Bar, The Bungalow Restaurant, Cannery Seafood of the Pacific, Chaak, El Cholo, FishBonz Seafood Grill, Gabbi’s Mexican Kitchen, Gracias Madre, Hi-Time Wine Cellars, Lido Bottle Works, Louie’s by the Bay, Milk & Cookies, Morning Lavender Café, Newport Rib Company, Oliver’s Osteria, Otaca Tequila, Starfish, Straub Beer Stations, W Café & Restaurant, Zeytoon and Zotovich Vineyards and Winery. 

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Local favorites – Tijuana Dogs – kept the evening lively with their rockin’ dance tunes

 Hoag Hospital Foundation thanks its generous community partners and underwriters for making Hoag Summer Fest possible. 

Grand Opening: Phase Vll Sculpture Exhibition in Newport Civic Center Park tomorrow

On Saturday, June 25 from 1-4 p.m., the City Arts Commission will host the Grand Opening for Phase VII of the Sculpture Exhibition in Civic Center Park, which will include a dedication ceremony and reception, as well as music and children’s activities. The event is free and open to the public. 

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Photo by Maria Nicklin

“Eve” by Joe Forrest Sackett is among the Phase Vll sculptures

The winning Phase VII sculptures will be on view through June 2023 and include:

–Cross-Section by Tim Deshong

–David by Miggy Buck

–The Archeology of the Every Day by Tyler Burton

–Where Have All The Birds Gone? by Marguerite Elliot

–Prey by Mr. and Mrs. Ferguson

–To the Moon by Alex G

–A Novel Idea by Craig Gray

–Pathway Parabola by Greg Mueller

–Eve by Joe Forrest Sackett

–Pluma Sculpture a.k.a. “The Feather” by Kirk Seese 

The Sculpture Exhibition in Civic Center Park is an integral feature of the Newport Beach Civic Center. The rotating exhibition, in which pieces are loaned for a two-year period, brings sculpture to the city in a cost-efficient manner. The exhibition has become a “museum without walls” that offers the temporary display of public art in a unique, naturalistic setting, appealing to residents and guests of all ages. Admission to the park and parking are free. 

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Photo by Francine Jacome

“A Novel Idea” by Craig Gray is among the sculptures in Phase Vll

The City Arts Commission is comprised of seven members, appointed by the Newport Beach City Council to act in an advisory capacity on matters pertaining to artistic, aesthetic, cultural and historical aspects of Newport Beach. The City Arts Commission provides various arts programs and events throughout the year, for the cultural enrichment of our community, including visual, educational and performing arts. 

For more information about the City Arts Commission, visit the City of Newport Beach website at www.newportbeachca.gov/culturalarts.

For questions, call 949.717.3802, or send an email to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Civic Center Park is located at 100 Civic Center Drive, Newport Beach.

11th Annual 4th of July is for Families bike parade and community festival to celebrate Independence Day

The 11th Annual 4th of July is for Families Independence Day celebration, hosted by the City of Newport Beach is almost here! This long-awaited event taking place on Monday, July 4 features a bike (and dog) parade beginning at 9 a.m. at 36th Street Park and heads down Balboa Boulevard to Channel Place Park, ending at a free festival including carnival games, jump houses, giant slides, arts & crafts and food.

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Courtesy of City of Newport Beach

The Bike Parade is for kids of all ages…and their pooches

The Bike Parade welcomes people and pooches. Parade participants are encouraged to decorate bikes, scooters, wagons and strollers and bring their dogs on leashes. The community festival at Channel Park runs from 9:30-11:30 a.m. and everyone is encouraged to wear patriotic red, white and blue attire from head to toe. For more information, call the City of Newport Beach Recreation Department at 949.644.3151, or visit www.newportbeach.gov/recreation.

Sage Hill student Katelyn Gan earns coveted Dragon Kim Fellowship

Katelyn Gan,15, a ninth grader and member of the Sage Hill High School class of 2025, has recently been named a 2022 Dragon Fellow by the Dragon Kim Foundation, a nonprofit entrepreneurship incubator that supports community service projects implemented by Orange County high school students. 

Her timely Dragon Fellowship project, called E-liminating E-waste, is dedicated to raising awareness about the detrimental effects of electronic waste (e-waste) on the environment by collecting e-waste from around the community including batteries, cellular phones, computers, and other types of electronic waste.

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Submitted photo

Katelyn Gan

She and her volunteer team are setting up more than 50 recycling locations scattered around Orange County, making it more convenient to recycle and learn about e-waste. Additionally, on Saturday, June 25, from 12- 2 p.m., the public is invited to bring e-waste to the Dragon Kim Foundation offices at 5151 California Avenue, Irvine for proper disposal. As an incentive, she will exchange two pounds of e-waste for each raffle ticket. Prizes will include rechargeable batteries, a HyperX gaming headset, and more. To RSVP, visit tinyurl.com/elimewaste.

“I’ve always liked sharing stories, ideas and jokes, and when I saw that people weren’t doing enough to combat e-waste, the fastest growing stream of waste, I knew I had to share this initiative of recycling e-waste. It gives people the opportunity to learn about and recycle their electronic waste that could’ve gone to the landfills. It honestly means the world when I hear from friends and neighbors that they would’ve thrown away those products if not for me,” said Gan.

According to the United Nations’ Global E-waste Monitor report, a record 53.6 million metric tons (Mt) of electronic waste was generated worldwide in 2019, up 21 percent in just five years. 

The new report also predicts global e-waste – discarded products with a battery or plug will reach 74 Mt by 2030, almost doubling the amount of e-waste in just 16 years. This makes e-waste the world’s fastest-growing domestic waste stream, fueled mainly by higher consumption rates of electric and electronic equipment, short lifecycles and few options for repair. 

Gan’s fellowship includes three weekends of leadership training, hands-on guidance from a mentor and a $5,000 grant to help her continue to implement her project in the community during this summer. Her mentor is Nathalie Gravel of Kingston Technology. Collectively, the projects have the potential of benefiting thousands of people, including many living in challenged neighborhoods.

The fellowship was founded in 2015 in honor of the late Dragon Kim, a talented young musician, athlete and scholar who wanted to help others. It has become a seedbed for the next generation of creative thinkers and entrepreneurs who want to create positive change. For more information, visit http://dragonkimfoundation.org.

49th Annual Mariners Park Independence Day Parade and Celebration is almost here…

The 49th Annual Mariners Park Independence Day Parade and Celebration is just around the corner. This much-anticipated event takes place on Monday, July 4.

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Photo by Lana Johnson

After the parade, families gather at Mariners Park for a day of patriotic celebration

With parade participants decked out in red, white and blue…from babies in strollers to kids on bicycles, in wagons and more, the celebration is a family-fun favorite! The parade begins at the corner of Commodore Road and Mariners Drive at 10:30 a.m. with the Newport Beach Fire Department leading the procession.

Afterward, families and friends gather at Mariners Park from 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m. to enjoy bounce houses, inflatable slides, games and activities, rock music, vendor booths and more. At the festival, there will be food for sale and wristbands available for purchase that will allow participation in games and activities.

The event is presented by the Mariners Elementary School Foundation and the City of Newport Beach Senior Services & Recreation Department.

You Must Remember This: July 4th escapades

By NANCY GARDNER

Now that we celebrate safe and sane Fourths, it is interesting to learn what the Fourth of July was like back when. According to my father, everyone in Balboa spent the evening of the Fourth intent on burning Balboa Island down by shooting rockets across the bay. This was to be expected of Balboa because of its rowdy reputation, but before anyone sheds a tear for the poor, quiet residents of the Island – they were shooting just as many rockets back. It must have made an amazing Fourth of July spectacle except for homeowners who spent the night on their roofs with the garden hose. It wasn’t just a visual show, either. Many of the firecrackers were placed in tin cans which boosted the noise element to stereophonic levels, although this required a certain level of skill. Lighting the firecracker, putting the lid on and getting out of the way before liftoff was critical if you didn’t want to lose a finger or worse.

As in most escapades, and in spite of Mies van der Rohe, more was more.  The bigger the firecracker the better and this led to probably the biggest boom of all. Louie Dixon (not related to our current councilwoman, I believe) held the unofficial title of toughest man in town, the skipper of the Hurricane Second, the fastest speedboat in the world at 60 mph! Smacking through swells at that speed in a boat with none of the engineering advances of today must have made for a very rough ride. No wonder his title as a tough man, and he was obviously competitive as well, a side which came out one Fourth when he decided to launch the biggest, loudest explosion of all, and he didn’t mess around. He used dynamite. He put the dynamite down an open pipe on the side of a building, put a heavy metal lid on top and ran – but not fast enough. In planning his exploit, he figured the explosion would lift the lid which would sail into space. Whether the lid was too heavy or he fastened it too tight, instead of the lid soaring…the pipe exploded, and it was just like a fragment bomb – a lot of pieces of pipe flying about, a great many of them embedding themselves in Louie’s back and rear end. The good news: He maintained his reputation as toughest man in town by sitting for hours in Dr. Grundy’s office while the doctor pulled out piece after piece of pipe, all of it done without painkillers and without a peep from Louie.

One might think that after such a stunt there would be some strict regulation forthcoming. I mean, dynamite? But one would think wrong. People eschewed dynamite after that, but with that exception things went on very much the same, even when on one Fifth of July my father, a kid at the time, and a couple of his friends found an unexploded skyrocket on the beach and set it off, sending the rocket skipping across the sand, terrifying beachgoers. Things went on the same until some unthinking Fourth of July celebrant threw a firecracker through a window of the Rendezvous – not the empty building but one full of dancers. It was probably meant simply to create a loud noise and startle everyone, but it hit a girl in the face, blinding her in one eye. That got people’s attention in a way dynamite and errant sky rockets on the beach didn’t and led to the regulation of fireworks in the city.

In my childhood, some were still allowed (unless my parents were scofflaws). Sparklers were wonderful with their fizzing sparks, little cones puffed out a few inches of brightness, and there were the pedestrian but always interesting snakes, little black pellets that when lighted formed a long ashy rope, thus the “snake.” However, even these proved problematic and now we do not have individual fireworks unless we are Rick Caruso, and that’s okay with me since he lets us all share his when he’s in town.

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Nancy Gardner, former Mayor of Newport Beach, long-time resident and daughter of Judge Robert Gardner, is a regular contributor to Stu News Newport.

School Notes

Community forums set to discuss district’s school safety

Newport-Mesa Unified School District (NMUSD) will host a series of community forums to seek input regarding safety at their schools.

Programs will be held at:

–Newport Harbor High School, Tuesday, July 19, 6-7 p.m.

–Corona del Mar High School, Wednesday, July 27, 6-7 p.m.

–and, a Virtual Forum will be offered Thursday, July 28, 9-10 a.m. The registration link for this is https://bit.ly/3A1dUue.

You are also encouraged to provide your thoughts on school safety via Thoughtexchange, which will be available online from July 19-29 at www.nmusd.us/safety.

Pacific Symphony named Nonprofit of the Year, 37th District

Senator Dave Min (D-Irvine) announced the 37th Senate District’s 2022 Nonprofit of the Year honoree, Pacific Symphony. The resident orchestra of the Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall, Pacific Symphony is renowned for its outstanding ensemble, in addition to a robust set of education and community engagement programs that cultivate new artists and inspire a love of music in children and adults. Its music director of 32 years, Carl St.Clair, is one of America’s most visionary musicians with a strong belief that music is a birthright, and that Pacific Symphony must be an orchestra for the community. 

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Courtesy of Pacific Symphony

(L-R) District Director for Senator Min, Ash Alvandi; President and CEO of Pacific Symphony John Forsyte and Senator Dave Min

During the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, the organization closed its doors and shutdown operations – a devastating blow to Orange County’s arts and entertainment epicenter. Quick to adapt to these challenging circumstances, Pacific Symphony offers virtual performances as well as online educational activities that captivate and engage audiences at home. 

Throughout the pandemic, the symphony maintained its strong commitment to the community by producing and distributing an extraordinary number of free online and virtual opportunities. The orchestra bounced back with a resounding return to live music and performances when COVID-19 restrictions were lifted. Pacific Symphony retains its position as a national leader among American orchestras.

“It is my distinct honor to announce that Pacific Symphony has been selected as the 37th Senate District’s Nonprofit of the Year for 2022,” said Senator Min. “Pacific Symphony has always served as a pillar of the arts here in Orange County, but during the pandemic, it has stepped up its cultural and educational contributions to our lives at a time when we needed it most. As we celebrate the return of live music, let us also recall the innovative spirit that led to so many virtual and outdoor performances and remote educational efforts over the past two years. Pacific Symphony has been a guiding star and a stalwart of resiliency for all of us, and I want to thank the entire Symphony family for keeping our spirits up throughout the pandemic.”

President and CEO of Pacific Symphony John E. Forsyte added, “On behalf of the musicians, board of directors, staff, and Music Director Carl St.Clair, Pacific Symphony is humbled and deeply gratified to receive the honor of ‘2022 Nonprofit of the Year’ for the 37th Senate District. We strongly believe in the role of music to uplift, connect diverse people and celebrate our common humanity. Pacific Symphony’s comprehensive education and community engagement programs provide services for under-resourced, Title I and other underserved communities of Orange County.

The symphony devotes more resources per capita to children’s education and those in high need. Through these efforts, the orchestra dedicates 10% of its annual operating budget—among the highest of any orchestra in the country—for education and community engagement programs. From fundamental arts education to world-class performances, Pacific Symphony, its Music Director Carl St.Clair and 77 exceptional professional musicians continue to seek ways to educate children, provide therapeutic benefit and inspire audiences throughout the region.”

Hamilton returns to Segerstrom Center

Producer Jeffrey Seller and Segerstrom Center for the Arts announce today that single tickets for HAMILTON will go on sale to the public on Monday, June 27 at 10 a.m. 

There is a maximum purchase limit of nine tickets per account for the engagement. When tickets go on sale, prices will range from $49-$149 with a select number of premium seats available from $199 for all performances. There will be a lottery for 40 $10 seats for all performances. Details will be announced closer to the engagement. 

Jeffrey Seller noted, “It’s tempting to get tickets any way you can. There are many sites and people who are selling overpriced, and in some cases, fraudulent tickets. For the best seats, the best prices and to eliminate the risk of counterfeit tickets, all purchases for the Costa Mesa engagement should be made through scfta.org.” 

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Photo by Joan Marcus 

Company 5 of “HAMILTON” captured during a scene

HAMILTON is the story of America then, told by America now. Featuring a score that blends hip-hop, jazz, R&B and Broadway, HAMILTON has taken the story of American founding father Alexander Hamilton and created a revolutionary moment in theater – a musical that has had a profound impact on culture, politics and education.

With book, music, and lyrics by Lin-Manuel Miranda, direction by Thomas Kail, choreography by Andy Blankenbuehler, and musical supervision and orchestrations by Alex Lacamoire, HAMILTON is based on Ron Chernow’s acclaimed biography. It has won Tony^®, Grammy^® and Olivier Awards, the Pulitzer Prize for Drama and an unprecedented special citation from the Kennedy Center Honors.

HAMILTON features scenic design by David Korins, costume design by Paul Tazewell, lighting design by Howell Binkley, sound design by Nevin Steinberg, hair and wig design by Charles G. LaPointe, casting by The Telsey Office, Bethany Knox, CSA and General Management by Baseline Theatrical. The musical is produced by Jeffrey Seller, Sander Jacobs, Jill Furman and The Public Theater.

The HAMILTON Original Broadway Cast Recording is available everywhere nationwide. The HAMILTON recording received a 2016 Grammy for Best Musical Theatre Album. For more information on HAMILTON, visit www.HamiltonMusical.com.

The performance takes place in Segerstrom Hall and tickets start at $49. For tickets, visit www.scfta.org, or they can be purchased in person at the Box Office at 600 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa, or call 714.556.2787. Tickets will be available for performances September 28 through October 16.

Segerstrom Hall is located at Segerstrom Center for the Arts at 600 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa.

Paddington Bear Day tomorrow at Balboa Island Museum Newport Beach

Paddington Bear has arrived at the Balboa Island Museum Newport Beach! His exhibit highlights a collection of Paddington Bear memorabilia and is certain to bring a smile to young and old alike.

The story of one of the world’s most beloved bears began on Christmas Eve 1956, when Michael Bond, creator of Paddington Bear, spotted a teddy bear in a shop near Paddington Station in London and bought it as a gift for his wife. This little bear provided Bond with the inspiration to write a story, and in 10 short days the first book, A Bear Called Paddington, was written.

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Courtesy of Balboa Island Museum Newport Beach

Come celebrate Paddington Bear Day at the museum on June 25

On Saturday, June 25, bring the whole family to the museum for “Paddington Bear Day.” Join this fun-filled event as one of your favorite bears is honored. There will be photo opportunities and refreshments, too.

Call the museum for more information at 949. 675.3952. Hours are 10 a.m.-5 p.m. weekdays and 10 a.m.-6 p.m. weekends.

Balboa Island Museum Newport Beach is located at 210B Marine Ave., Balboa Island. For more information, visit www.balboaislandmuseum.org.

Grammy-winning Pacific Chorale, led by Artistic Director Robert Istad, announces 2022-2023 season

Pacific Chorale’s 2022-2023 season, announced today by Artistic Director Robert Istad and President & CEO Andrew Brown, features five wide-ranging programs of enthralling choral masterworks and contemporary works spanning six centuries, including the orchestral world premiere of Florence Price’s newly discovered anti-war piece set to poetry about Abraham Lincoln and Jocelyn Hagen’s stunning multi-media work inspired by Leonardo da Vinci. The Grammy-winning choir, whose performances have been hailed as “ethereal” (LA Opus), “thrilling” and “sublime” (Classical Voice), also embarks on its first international tour in seven years, taking its artistry to leading venues in Austria, Germany and the United Kingdom during summer 2023. Istad will conduct all five programs as well as the tour performances.

The chorus’ 55th season opens with Jocelyn Hagen’s The Notebooks of Leonardo da Vinci, a mesmerizing multi-media work for choir, orchestra and projections inspired by the writings and art featured in the iconic Renaissance artist’s personal notebooks. Composed to honor da Vinci’s remarkable legacy on the 500th anniversary of his death in 2019, the nine-movement piece is set to text from his notebooks, which draw on themes of art, science, nature and technology. The concert also features Duruflé’s Requiem, widely considered to be the composer’s greatest work, which blends Gregorian chant and 20th century musical concepts, creating a transcendent choral tapestry of emotions. The concert takes place on Saturday, Oct. 15, at 8 p.m. in the Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall.

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Photo by Drew Kelley

Robert Istad conducts Pacific Chorale

Pacific Chorale displays its considerable vocal dexterity when special guests Bach Collegium San Diego, one of the country’s premier early music ensembles, and its founder, organist Ruben Valenzuela, join the choir for a historically informed performance of Monteverdi’s “Vespers of 1610,” a pillar of the Baroque music canon whose splendor and virtuosity has captivated audiences for centuries. The concert takes place on Saturday, March 4, 2023 at 8 p.m. at Our Lady Queen of Angels Catholic Church, Newport Beach.

 In the season finale, Istad leads the orchestral world premiere of groundbreaking composer Florence Price’s newly discovered Abraham Lincoln Walks at Midnight, a setting of Springfield, IL. native Nicholas Vachel Lindsay’s ardent anti-war poem of the same name. The long-lost manuscript by Price, one of the first American women to be widely recognized as a symphonic composer, was recovered from an abandoned house in Illinois in 2009 and is thought to have been completed sometime between 1914 and 1949. Her work is paired with Haydn’s masterpiece Missa in Angustiis (Mass in Time of Anxiety) “Nelson Mass,” composed in 1798, at a time of tremendous turmoil when the citizens of Austria feared defeat by Napoleon’s troops. These works, although grounded in the new and old world’s respectively and composed more than a century apart, both address the futility of war. The concert takes place on Saturday, May 20, 2023 at 5 p.m. at Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall. The Chorale will also host its annual gala immediately following the concert, to celebrate and benefit the upcoming European tour.

 Pacific Chorale’s signature holiday programming returns with two performances of “Carols by Candlelight” – spotlighting timeless traditional and contemporary holiday music, including a choir-commissioned world premiere by noted LA-based Filipino composer Saunder Choi, a tenor in the chorus whose work has been described as “fresh and earnest” (San Francisco Classical Voice). The concert take place on Saturday, Dec. 3 at 8 p.m. and Wednesday, Dec. 7 at 8 p.m. at Our Lady Queen of Angels Catholic Church, Newport Beach.

 The choir also presents two performances of its delightful family favorite “Tis the Season!,” celebrating the holidays with festive carols, seasonal gems and a visit from The Man in Red, Santa Claus. The concerts take place on Sunday, Dec. 18 at 5 p.m. and Monday, Dec. 19 at 7:30 p.m. at Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall.

 During its European tour, July 12-24, 2023, the chorus performs alongside several regional orchestras the two pieces from its season finale, Price’s rediscovered masterwork, Abraham Lincoln Walks at Midnight and Haydn’s Nelson Mass. The choir is slated to appear at such iconic venues as the Salzburg Cathedral, which holds one of Austria’s most important music archives, and in the U.K., Salisbury Cathedral, which houses one of only four original copies of the Magna Carta known to exist and Oxford University’s Sheldonian Theatre. Pacific Chorale also tours to Munich and Bath, among other locales.

 “It is incredibly moving to begin and end Pacific Chorale’s season with major choral works inspired by two seminal historical figures – Leonardo da Vinci and Abraham Lincoln – both remembered for their indelible contributions to humanity,” said Istad. “They are extraordinary pieces by two exceptional female composers and I am thrilled to be able share them with our audience. It promises to be a tour de force season as we showcase our outstanding singers on those important newer pieces as well as the enduring choral masterworks of Duruflé, Haydn and Monteverdi and other significant repertoire.”

Season tickets are available in packages of three to five concerts, ranging in price from $64-$498. Single tickets to individual performances, beginning at $25, go on sale on Tuesday, Sept. 6.

All Pacific Chorale concerts are presented in the Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall located in Segerstrom Center for the Arts at 600 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa, except for “Carols by Candlelight” and “Monteverdi Vespers,” which are presented in Our Lady Queen of Angels Catholic Church located at 2046 Mar Vista Drive, Newport Beach. For tickets and information, visit www.pacificchorale.org, or call 714.662.2345.

Regattas and Races…

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Photo by Bronny Daniels | Joysailing.com

BYC 

2022 Twilight Series - June

June 22

Harbor 20A Fleet (11 races, 3 discards)

1 Jim Sears, BYC, Total 20, Net 10

2 Kincaid/Devlin, BCYC, Total 29, Net 18

3 G. Thorne/K. Thorne, BYC, Total 38, Net 20

4 Matt Campbell, BYC, Total 46, Net 28

Harbor 20C Fleet (11 races, 3 discard)

1 Kimme/Carlson, BYC, Total 27, Net 13

2 DeRosa/Page, BYC, Total 36, Net 19

3 Ryan Tolsma, BCYC, Total 49, Net 25

4 Ukropina/Robertson, BYC, Total 49, Net 26

5 Gibson/Verona, BYC, Total 48, Net 32

6 Allen/Brooks, BYC, Total 57, Net 33

7 P. Bretschger/K. Bretschger, BYC, Total 64, Net 40

Thistle Fleet (6 races)

1 Larzelere/McDaniel, BYC, Total 9

2 Chuck Simmons, BYC, Total 9

3 R. Maxwell/M. Maxwell, BYC, Total 18

ILCA Fleet (7 races,1 discard)

1 Alan Andrews, BYC, Total 11, Net 7

2 Gator Cook, BYC, Total 16, Net 12

3 Rob Vandervort, BYC, Total 26, Net 20

4 Michael Arrigo, NHYC, Total 55, Net 39

5 Maddie Nichols, BYC, Total 57, Net 41

6 Siena Nichols, BYC, Total 51, Net 41

7 Landon Stahl, BYC, Total 56, Net 44

8 Qi Yan, BYC, Total 53, Net 44

9 Luke Roe, BYC, Total 56, Net 45

10 Paloma Arrigo, BYC/NHYC, Total 78, Net 62

11 Rich Luttrell, BYC, Total 85, Net 69

12 Nevin Elliot, BYC/NHYC, Total 87, Net 71

13 Brett Hemphill, BYC, Total 90, Net 74

14 Alexander Bonsager, BYC, Total 92, Net 76

15 Isabella Clark, BYC, Total 97, Net 81

CFJ/420 Fleet (7 races 1 discard)

1 Daher/Khanna, BYC, Total 11, Net 8

2 Isabella Clark, BYC, Total17, Net 14

Lido 14 A Fleet (2 races)

1 Papadopoulos/Ogier, WSA, Total 2

Lido 14 B Fleet (4 races)

1 Lange/Mulcaire, ALYC, Total 8

2 Long/Swan, BYC, Total 8

Adult Sabot A Fleet (6 races)

1 Molly Lynch, BYC, Total 7

2 Larry Coon, MBYC, Total 15

3 Dana Fischbeck, NHYC, Total 23

4 Susan Jennings, BYC/NHYC, Total 24

5 Karen Luttrell, BYC, Total 44

6 Karen Stockman, BYC, Total 45

7 Dennis Allison, BYC, Total 50

8 Mike Bartell, BYC, Total 58

9 Linda Ungerland, BYC, Total 64

10 Gail Kalscheur, BYC, Total 66

11 Matt Foreman, BYC, Total 69

12 Erika Foy, SSC, Total 71

Adult Sabot B Fleet (6 races)

1 Carol Harmon, BYC, Total 9

2 Eva Evans, BYC, Total 12

3 Stacy Ware, SSC, Total 19

4 Teresa Power, BYC, Total 24

Junior Sabot Fleet (6 races)

1 Lin Zhou, BYC, Total 18

2 Jack Swartzbaugh, BYC, Total 22

3 Maddie Nichols, BYC, Total 34

4 Bradley Kosoff, BYC, Total 34

5 Kai Woods, BYC, Total 36

6 Heidi Swartzbaugh, BYC, Total 37

7 Austin Lee, BYC, Total 43

BCYC 

2022 Taco Tuesday Series

June 21

PHRF A (4.5 miles)

1 Destroyer, Jim Bailey Family, NHYC

   Elapsed 0:52:00, Corrected 0:47:48

2 Amante, Richley Family, LIYC 

   Elapsed 0:56:24, Corrected 0:52:30

3 Legacy, Bruce Cooper, BCYC 

   Elapsed 1:02:03, Corrected 0:54:55

PHRF B (3.6 miles)

1 Rhythm, Roger Gooding, SBYRC

   Elapsed 0:55:07, Corrected 0:48:20

2 Horsefeathers, John Fuller, NHYC 

   Elapsed 0:59:04, Corrected 0:48:56

3 Healer, Larry Kliger, BCYC

   Elapsed 0:59:00, Corrected 0:51:55

PHRF C (2.6 miles)

1 Ventus, Team BCYC, BCYC

   Elapsed 0:45:01, Corrected 0:36:00

2 Halcyon 3, Bob Kafka, BCYC

   Elapsed 0:54:02, Corrected 0:44:30

3 Bella Rose, Rose Henigman, ALYC

   Elapsed 1:00:24, Corrected 0:50:52

H20A Division (3 races)

1 Dart, A. Deermount/H. Deermount, NHYC, Total 4

2 Summer Dream, Tucker Cheadle, BYC, Total 7

3 Shana’s Secret, Thompson/Conzelman, BCYC, Total 9

4 Only Child, L. Bose/J. Bose, BCYC, Total 11

H20B Division (3 races)

1 Mili’apa, Watanabe/Sutherland, UCISA, Total 4

2 Comfort Too, Buddy Richely, n/a, Total 5

3 Whatever, Hurliman/Fischbacher, SBYC, Total 10

4 Spirit, D. Haynes/P. Haynes, BCYC, Total 11

H20C Division (3 races)

1 Kalani II, Ibbetson/Thornton, SYA, Total 4

2 Dragon Lady, Sangster/Kimball, LIYC, Total 7

3 Shazam, Alfano/Shinrock, ALYC, Total 8

ALYC 

2022 ALYC Sundowner Series

June 20

H20B Division (6 races scored)

1 Ping, Anne Wiese, Total 13T

2 Spirit, Debra Haynes, Total 13T

3 Jubilee, Patrick Kincaid, Total 16 

4 Emoji, Andrew Tosh, Total 20

5 Summer Dream, Tucker Cheadle, Total 22

H20C Division (6 races scored)

1 Whim, Hubie Laugharn, Total 10

2 FREEDOM, Ralph Simmonds, Total 17

3 Shazam, Stephen Alfano, Total 19 

4 Spiritus, Roger Grable, Total 20

5 Chloe, Roy Delis, Total 22

6 Dragon Lady, Kathy Sangster, Total 26T

7 Tiki, Devon Kelly, Total 26T

J22 Division (6 races scored)

1 Red Stripe, Debra Haynes, Total 11

2 Jack, Anne Wiese, Total 12

3 Iconoclast, Patrick Kincaid, Total 21T 

4 Jenda, Andrew Tosh, Total 21T

5 Off in the Ocean, Glen Dromgoole, Total 23

6 OCC #6, William Miller, Total 25

7 Marina 5, Derek Matheson, Total 27

PHRF A Division (6 races scored)

1 XLR8, Gabriel Nistor, Total 14

2 Violetta, Jane Hartley, Total 16

3 #29, Michael Darr, Total 20 

4 Stella Maris, Theodore Barry, Total 22

5 Kaisen, David Camerini, Total 23

6 Healer, Larry Kliger, Total 25

7 Starfire, Dan O’Sullivan, Total 28

PHRF B Division (6 races scored)

1 Buena Vista, Berkeley Green, Total 14T

2 Holokai, Ross McElfresh, Total 14T 

3 Painted Lady, Matthew Foreman, Total 18

4 Hobo Flats, Louis Chappelear, Total 21

5 Stanley’s Cup, Stanley Tutton, Total 22

6 Hayden’s Havoc, Michael Hayden, Total 23

PHRF C Division (5 races scored)

1 Carioca, Bob Wine, Total 6.5

2 CELIA, Jim O’Connor, Total 13

3 Mystery, Any Club Member, Total 22.5 

4 FAIRWIND, Skipper Tim Bercovitz, Total 26T

5 Mystery II, Club Member Any, Total 26T

6 No Ka Oi, Lori Romano, Total 31

News relating to racing in or around Newport Harbor should be forwarded to Tom Johnson at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Get out and explore Buck Gully this spring and summer 

Taking a hike in the Buck Gully Reserve, which connects Corona del Mar and Newport Coast, is the perfect opportunity to enjoy the upcoming warmer weather. Explore this 300-acre, natural habitat on foot, with three hikes led by the Irvine Ranch Conservancy staff.

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Photos by Emily Spain

The stream is running, making for a memorable late afternoon/early evening hike

–Buck Gully Upper Loop Evening Hikes: Explore the richness of Buck Gully Reserve as you hike during the beautiful early evening hours on Tuesdays, July 5 and Aug. 9 as well as Saturday, Sept. 10 from 3-5:30 p.m. The stream is running, and the rich plant and animal life are enjoying the cool, shady canyon making for an evening hike in a natural oasis amid the suburban surroundings. Walk along San Joaquin Hills Road, which overlooks Buck Gully for the first mile, then drop down into the canyon on the Bobcat Trail, looping back through the upper end of the gully along the Buck Gully Trail. This activity is conducted at a walking pace, approximately 3 miles per hour. The distance is 4 miles; duration, 2.5 hours with moderate difficulty. This hike is open to those 8 years and older. This hike is free, but registration is required. Staging area is the Newport Coast Community Center at 6401 San Joaquin Hills Road. Register at www.letsgooutside.org.

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Several bridges provide unique vantages and viewing platforms

–Buck Gully Loop Hikes: Come and explore the entire Buck Gully Reserve trail system on Tuesdays, July 19 and Sept. 6, as well as Saturday, Aug. 13 from 8-11:30 a.m. Beginning from the OASIS Senior Center, you’ll hike up through the almost three-mile length of the canyon, then along San Joaquin Hills Road for about a mile, stopping at Canyon Watch Park, where you will take in the panoramic view of the reserve and the Pacific coastline before descending back into the canyon along the Bobcat Trail. This hike is 6 miles; duration, 3.5 hours with high-moderate difficulty and conducted at a walking pace, approximately three miles per hour. It is geared to those 12+ years of age. This hike is free, but registration is required. Meet at the OASIS Senior Center auxiliary lot at 5th and Marguerite in Corona del Mar Register at www.letsgooutside.org.

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Enjoy panoramic views as you take in the canyon’s natural beauty

–Bridges of Buck Gully Hikes: Buck Gully is a natural, coastal canyon which opened up to the public in 2012 with the installation of four bridges to allow for safe public access. Discover the bridges on Tuesdays, Aug. 23 and Sept. 20, as well as Saturday, July 9 and from 8-11:30 a.m. These bridges facilitate exploration of the Buck Gully Reserve, and also provide unique vantages and viewing platforms from which to pause and observe the abundant life in and around the stream. The guided program starts with a short walk from the OASIS Senior Center to the beginning of the Buck Gully trail, offering a visually dramatic entrance into this special canyon. Open to those 12 years and older. Conducted at a walking pace at approximately 3 miles per hour. Distance is 5 miles; duration is 3.5 hours with moderate difficulty. This hike is free, but registration is required. Meet at the OASIS Senior Center auxiliary lot at 5th and Marguerite in Corona del Mar. Register at www.letsgooutside.org.

Lido Isle love

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Photo by Kevin Pellon (Instagram @socalsnapz)

A man-made island home to beautiful boats and houses

Newport Dunes presents Independence Day festivities…and fireworks

Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort & Marina has announced a 4th of July holiday filled with activities for the whole family to enjoy. Celebrate Independence Day on the Back Bay with a weekend full of games, water sports, movies on the beach, food and drinks, live entertainment, and one of Southern California’s largest fireworks shows, co-sponsored by the City of Newport Beach.

On Monday, July 4, gates open at 8 a.m. Arrive early to set up beach chairs and umbrellas and experience all that Newport Dunes has to offer. Check out the newly expanded Inflatable Water Park and watersports rentals including kayaks, pedal boats, stand up paddleboards and the resort’s 21-foot electric Duffy boats. Grab a bite at Moe B’s Munchies, Newport Dunes’ walk-up lunch shop, serving a menu of American favorites and signature cocktails, and listen to the sounds of DJ yo-b1 from the new expanded patio. Save room for the Food Trucks Feast featuring nine of the region’s favorite food trucks and a full bar and get your groove on just steps away with live music by The Dreamboats. Saunter over to the Gazebo Lawn & Garden with lawn games, shade and music.

Take a seat on the sand after dark to experience the most spectacular pyrotechnic fireworks show in Orange County, co-sponsored by the City of Newport Beach. Reservations for onsite parking are now available. 

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Courtesy of Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort

A view of the City of Newport Beach fireworks show from Newport Dunes

July 4th Schedule:

The Inflatable Water Park and Watersports Rentals are available from 10 a.m-4:30 p.m. Purchase a pass to the Inflatable Water Park, or rent kayaks, pedal boats and more. Advance reservations can be made online and are recommended for all watersports. All water activity in the lagoon must not go past 8 p.m. for the safety of guests and the fireworks show to commence.

To enjoy delicious grilled burgers, chicken sandwiches, pizza, salads, snacks, and a full bar with live music, visit Moe B’s Munchies Beachfront Grill and Bar, open from 10 a.m-7:30 p.m. 

Additionally, there will be a variety of food trucks at the Horseshoe past Pavilion C, from 12-7 p.m. Trucks include Salt N’ Pepper, Italian BBQ, Monkey Business Cafe, Mom’s Kitchen and many more. A full bar will also be available.

Music can’t be missing for this event. Come join The Dreamboats who will play their live music while you unwind in the sand, only from 2-6 p.m.

Groove at the Gazebo and participate in a round of giant Jenga, Connect 4, and Bean Bag Toss. Limited seating is available.

Of course, the highlight of the festival is the fireworks. The show will be held at 9 p.m., so don’t miss out! Take a seat on the sand after dark to experience the most spectacular pyrotechnic fireworks show in Orange County, co-sponsored by the City of Newport Beach. 

Reservations for onsite parking are now available. Each Fourth of July Reserved Parking Pass ($100 for each parking space until sold out) is valid for one reserved parking space for one vehicle in the main lot. To purchase a parking pass and for more information, visit www.newportdunes.com.

Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort & Marina is located at 1131 Back Bay Drive, Newport Beach.

American Legion Yacht Club presents July 4th Old Glory Boat Parade

The American Legion Yacht Club in Newport Beach is once again setting sail around Newport Harbor for their annual Old Glory Boat Parade on Monday, July 4 at 1 p.m. The theme this year is “America the Beautiful,” and entrants are encouraged to decorate their boats to celebrate this theme.

Leading the parade will be the ALYC club boat Valor with their Grand Marshal the Newport Beach Chamber of Commerce, followed by VIP boats that will be filled with active duty servicemembers and veterans.

The parade will begin at 1 p.m. off the east end of Lido Island and follow a course throughout the harbor between 1-3:30 p.m., offering everyone a chance to enjoy the parade. 

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Photos courtesy of ALYC

“Seafari lll” decorated in red, white and blue, is a Spirit Award winner, owned by Mark Wyland

All boaters are invited to decorate their vessels and participate in the parade. Registration is free and available online through the American Legion Yacht Club website (www.alyc.com) where a map of the parade route, approximate viewing times and more information is also available. Participants will compete for class awards such as Best Decorated, Finest Costumes, Most Creative and the Commodore’s Award, with class winners to be announced at an Awards Banquet on Sunday, July 17 at 5:30 p.m.

“We are encouraging local boaters to join us for the parade,” said Commodore Tommy Wheeler. “It’s a lot of fun, and a very fulfilling event to see the community appreciate the effort to decorate your boat and celebrate our nation’s independence in style. For the general public, we hope you include the parade as part of your day. It’s a can’t miss opportunity to celebrate with your friends and family.” 

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The Statue of Liberty adorns this patriotic boat in the Old Glory Boat Parade

Celebrating almost 70 years, the Old Glory Parade began very casually in the 1950s as the Character Boat Parade and as the years passed, the Newport Harbor Chamber of Commerce took the helm, changed the theme and built her into a grand parade. Today, hailed as one of California’s largest longest-running patriotic boat parades, this annual happening is sponsored by the American Legion Yacht Club and is free to watch from most public beaches, docks and boardwalks throughout the scenic harbor area.

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 would like to introduce you to Zoey. She’s an, approximately, 7-year-old, Yorkie/Terrier mix. She’s probably considered a teacup because she only weighs in at about 3 lbs. Zoey is definitely a shelter favorite. She’s a special needs dog in the fact that she has some sort of possible neurological condition that seems to cause wobbly-ness in her back legs area, but she walks totally fine even though she sometimes falls over and then can’t right herself – sort of like a turtle. She also doesn’t like to walk on linoleum floors or possibly not even wood floors. She does well on floors with towels, concrete, grass and, probably, carpet would work well as long as her nails are trimmed. She’s a good eater and goes to the bathroom outside as long as you let her out to go. She’s totally sweet, is great around other friendly small dogs and, you’ll know that she misses you because when she sees you, she lets you know in her quiet, cute voice. Zoey is in need of being adopted by an attentive and gentle person. 

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Courtesy of Newport Beach Animal Shelter

Meet Zoey

If you are the kindest kind of person for Zoey, she’ll even bless you with her tiny kisses that she only shares with those who she trusts the most. If you think beautiful little Zoey might be the perfect friend for you, they would love to hear from you. As always, you can reach the shelter staff at either 949.718.3454, or email them at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. 

They will schedule your meet and greet as conveniently as possible. In addition, they have a great new professional photographer that is donating her time to help the shelter get the best out of their pet guests. They invite you to visit Andrea Domjan’s IG page at @andrea_domjan_photography to see all of her fabulous photography that she shares with the world. 

The shelter does require completed application forms for their animals, so simply print one up from their non-profit’s webpage at www.FONBAS.org. After it is completed, you can email it to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., and upon review, they’ll call you to schedule an appointment. They truly look forward to speaking with you and thank you for sharing in their joys of being the best pet parents ever.

Newport Beach Animal Shelter adoption fees:

–Adult Dogs - $150

–Puppies - $225

–Adult Cats - $90

–Kittens - $110

–Rabbits - $45

Also, consider becoming a member of an incredible nonprofit that supports the city’s efforts with providing wonderful opportunities to stray, injured, ill and owner-surrendered domestic pets.

Join the Great Plein Air Art Experience

Celebrate more than 100 years of plein air art at Crystal Cove State Park. Come spend a relaxing day capturing the beauty of Crystal Cove on canvas with the guidance of a Crystal Cove plein air artist.

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Courtesy of Crystal Cove Conservancy

Plein air painting at Crystal Cove

Classes are offered Tuesdays and Thursdays from July 5 through August 30 from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. and are likely to sell out. Register now.

Sessions are held in Cottage #13 (The Beaches Cottage) in Crystal Cove State Park’s Historic District.

The cost is $100 per workshop; $85 for Conservancy members.

All supplies are provided. Class size is limited to 12 people, ages 18 and up only. 

  New dates have been added for their Family Plein Air Art Exploration classes for you artists 8 years of age and up. During the two-hour program, family teams will explore the basics of plein air painting, and then each family member will create a masterpiece that captures the summer spirit of the Cove. These classes from 9-11 a.m. are offered July 6 and July 20, so register now! Sessions are held in Cottage #13 (The Beaches Cottage) in Crystal Cove State Park’s Historic District.

For more information, visit www.crystalcove.org.

Art in the Park is back for the fall and seeking artists to participate

After a two-year hiatus because of COVID, the 17th Art in the Park has been calendared again for Saturday, Oct. 22 from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. on the Newport Beach Civic Center Green, 100 Civic Center Drive, Newport Beach.

More importantly, applications are now being accepted. Art in the Park will feature more than 100 artists and artisans displaying and selling their work in all media including painting, ceramics, photography textiles, jewelry, glass, wood and more.

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Courtesy of Art in the Park

Attendees circulate the Civic Center Green exploring the different art

Unfortunately, because of the COVID pandemic, the Newport Beach Arts Foundation was forced to skip Art in the Park in 2020 and 2021.

Art in the Park is a free event, open to the public, that will also provide ample free parking in the structure next to the Civic Green, opposite Newport Beach Civic Center. Additionally, there will also be free art activities for children.

For more information or to apply to participate, visit www.newportbeachartsfoundation.org, or send an email to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Best seat in the house

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Photo by Stacia Stabler

Setting up for a picturesque day at Tower 24

Police Beat Primer

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