Fair Game
By TOM JOHNSON
I’m now among the vaccinated and I’ll tell you how it worked
Last Friday morning I got up early and, following my own advice, I began logging into a web address in an attempt to nab a weekend appointment time to receive a UCI COVID-19 vaccination. For over an hour I kept reloading, over and over, giving it my best effort.
Finally, I got the message that there were no more times remaining, so, it was back to the drawing board, with the question of, “What’s next?”
Then, that same evening, at 7:02 p.m., I received an email from Othena saying, “Congratulations. We now have a COVID-19 vaccine available for you. You may schedule an appointment to receive your first vaccine after 8 p.m.”
Wow, who knew? When I originally signed up I never received any confirmation, so I truly didn’t know if I was really even “signed up.”
An hour later, I logged into the Othena app and bingo, it gave me choices of dates, times and locations. I selected last Saturday, 10:30 a.m. at the greatest place on Earth.
Saturday morning I got up and left the house at roughly 9:15 a.m. to head to the Disneyland area. It’s good I allotted the extra time. Although everything went well, and the directional signs were very helpful, it took time to fight the traffic just to get into the parking area.
And even though it was raining, hard at times, people seemed to be in good spirits as everyone stood under umbrellas while lining up across the length of the parking lot. The good news was that the lines were organized, the communication on site strong, and when our time came up, they moved us forward at a good pace.
The first stop inside tent No. 1 was a temperature check. Moving on, next up was showing proof of identification, offering up with my driver’s license and the confirmation email on my phone that I received online from Othena.
Continuing to move, the next stop was another ID check and 11 quick questions concerning my health, previous vaccines, etc. It was one of the few tests in my life that I seemed to get all the answers correct.
Finally, I moved into “my” vaccine tent (there were probably a half-dozen tents, maybe more, with two entry lines each). Once inside, after another ID confirmation, the time came, and the vaccine was gently stuck in my arm.
Absolutely no pain (until later that day when my arm turned somewhat sore).
They handed me a card confirming the vaccine, with a date already set up for round two. They told me I’d receive an email right around that time to secure a time.
Then, it was off to the final tent where I was directed to wait for 15 minutes to check for any adverse reactions (because I have a compromised immune system, I was required to wait 30 minutes).
The good news is there weren’t any problems, and so I was on my way and heading home.
The process couldn’t have gone smoother considering that there were hundreds, possibly thousands of people being moved through (later I heard that 6,000 people were vaccinated there that day).
Saturday was also the same day that Soka University joined the “super site” list. I also heard from some of the employees at the Disneyland site that the OC Fair & Event Center, Knott’s Berry Farm, the Great Park and maybe one other site are next up on the list to be opened.
I can tell you, it felt great to get it done. I feel like some normalcy is not too far off in the future.
• • •
A couple more names joined the list of potential candidates for the Orange County Board of Supervisors 2nd District Special Election scheduled for Tuesday, March 9. Former Huntington Beach Mayor Mike Posey, a Republican, and longtime Democrat Rick Foster are the latest to join the fray.
The field is crowded. Previously announced candidates include former State Senator John Moorlach, Costa Mesa Mayor Katrina Foley, Corona del Mar attorney Janet Rappaport, Fountain Valley Mayor Michael Vo, Newport Beach Mayor Pro Tem Kevin Muldoon and a multi-timed local candidate named Paul Gonzales.
This week expect some to remove themselves from the process, so we should see a more accurate final count by the end of the week.
• • •
If JSX, formerly known as Jet Suites X, is your thing for flying out of John Wayne Airport, good news. Following a temporary restraining order by a federal judge in JSX’s favor, the Orange County Board of Supervisors recently voted to strike language from the recently approved new FBO contracts that will allow JSX to serve JWA again.
Last fall, the Board of Supervisors entered into those new agreements with ACI Jet, Clay Lacy Aviation and Jay’s Aircraft Maintenance, that included language to eliminate services such as JSX from JWA effective January 1, 2021.
JSX, however, filed suit in December and got the nod from a judge, clearing the way for a change of heart from the Board of Supes.
• • •
I’ve been among the fortunate to have been invited by my friend Rick John, aka RJ, to the annual Portola Ride. It’s an event where several hundred folks dress up as cowboys and ride horses across the trails of the Rancho Mission Viejo ranch. It’s always a gas.
One of the characters on the ride each year was the legendary Dennis B. Bean Jr., otherwise known as “Buck” Bean. Simply put, Buck was the consummate cowboy.
Buck was a member of the El Viaje De Portola for 52 years, the Rancheros Visitadores for 45 years, on the board of Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association for 10 years, past president of the Sheriff’s Advisory Council of Orange County and a founding member of the Orange County Sports Celebrities Foundation.
The “Buckeroo” was also part of the Newport Harbor High School class of 1948.
Unfortunately, last week I found out that Buck took his final ride into the sunset on December 27 at the age of 90.
He will certainly be missed, but I promise you that the stories of him will last around the campfire for years to come.
• • •
I spent almost 20 years overseeing the Daily Pilot in a former life. In those early days Bill Lobdell was my editor. Together we were charged with bringing the Pilot out of a deep hole on a number of fronts in the early 90s.
It was a time like no other.
That being said, I’m pleased to announce that Bill is beginning a podcast titled “Newport Beach in the Rearview Mirror” on Instagram. It’s designed to take you back to some great moments in Newport Beach history.
We’re giving him a spot in Stu News Newport to help him re-engage with his community. Elsewhere in today’s issue you’ll find a closer look at Bill’s plans. If you’re like me, it’ll be something you’ll definitely want to add to your to-do list.
State of California moves County of Orange to Purple Tier effective immediately
Officials with the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) announced yesterday that they ended the Regional Stay at Home Order, lifting the order for all regions statewide, including Southern California. Four-week intensive care unit (ICU) capacity projections for the Southern California Region are above 15 percent, the threshold that allows regions to exit the order.
This action allows all counties statewide to return to the rules and framework of the Blueprint for a Safer Economy and color-coded tiers that indicate which activities and businesses are open based on local case rates and test positivity. As a result, the County of Orange was moved into the Purple Tier, the state’s most restrictive tier based on our current adjusted daily case rate and test positivity rate (seven-day average with seven-day lag). Services and activities, such as outdoor dining and personal services, may resume immediately with required modifications.
CDPH has a list of Activity and Business Tiers that are open, closed, or open with modifications with respect to each county on the Blueprint for a Safer Economy website. Orange County residents can search for a business or activity type by visiting https://covid19.ca.gov/safer-economy/ and typing in “Orange” in the County field, entering the business or activity type and clicking “GET LATEST STATUS.”
Because case rates remain high across most of the state, the state’s Hospital Surge Order remains in place to prevent hospitals from becoming overwhelmed. The Limited Stay at Home Order, which limits non-essential activities between the hours of 10 p.m. and 5 a.m., expires with the Regional Stay at Home Order ending.
The Orange County Health Care Agency has also updated its Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on the Orange County’s Health Officer’s Revised Orders and Strong Recommendations section of its website to reflect the new tier status.
What Orange County Residents and Businesses Can Do
There are several steps Orange County residents can do at this time:
1. Get Your COVID-19 Vaccine.
For the latest information about the COVID-19 vaccine in Orange County, go to www.covidvaccinefacts.com. To register for COVID-19 vaccination at a Super POD site in Orange County, go to www.Othena.com. For questions about Othena, call 714.834.2000 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
2. Get Tested for COVID-19.
The OC Health Care Agency officials are urging residents, especially those with any symptoms, to get tested for the virus.
COVID-19 testing is now widely available across the county for those who are symptomatic or asymptomatic, with or without insurance, at no cost. Testing takes only a few minutes and results generally come back within two to three days.
If you test positive for COVID-19, stay home and let close contacts know. A close contact is someone you were within 6 feet for at least 15 minutes within a 24-hour period during the infectious period.
3. Stay Home if You Don’t Feel Well.
Consult with a health care provider. If you do not have a health care provider, call the OC Health Care Agency’s Health Referral Line at 1.800.564.8448.
4. Stay Home When Possible.
When you leave the house, avoid crowds and stay 6 feet apart from people not in your household.
5. Do Not Gather.
Do not mix households. For example, it is strongly recommended that people don’t dine outdoors or gather for any activities with people not living in the same household.
6. Wear a Face Covering.
Wear a face covering when you are around people not in your household, especially when indoors.
7. Wash Your Hands Often.
Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
8. Avoid Touching Your Eyes, Nose and Mouth with Unwashed Hands.
9. Clean and Disinfect Frequently Touched Surfaces.
10. Understand and Comply with the State’s Guideline for Your Business and Events.
For questions related to COVID-19, visit www.ochealthinfo.com/novelcoronavirus, or follow the HCA on Facebook (@ochealthinfo) and Twitter (@ochealth).
One year later, the pain of the helicopter crash, killing nine, still hurts
One year ago today, on Sunday, Jan. 26, news quickly spread across the nation that Los Angeles Lakers basketball star Kobe Bryant was amongst a group of nine killed in a helicopter crash near Calabasas. The nine were parents and children on their way to a youth basketball tournament at the Mamba Sports Academy in Thousand Oaks.
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Design courtesy of Will O’Neill
City Councilman Will O’Neill, who was Mayor during the time of the crash last year, designed this candle remembrance and is encouraging the community to add it to their social media accounts (@realwilloneill)
It particularly left the City of Newport Beach, where most of those killed had connections, devastated.
Those remembered on this one year anniversary are:
Kobe Bryant, 41
Gianna Bryant, 13 (Harbor Day)
John Altobelli, 56
Keri Altobelli, 46
Alyssa Altobelli, 13 (Ensign Intermediate School)
Sarah Chester, 45
Payton Chester, 13 (St. Margaret’s Episcopal School)
Christina Mauser, 38
Ara Zobayan, 50
Gianna, Alyssa and Payton were players on the Mamba Academy team, coached by Christina Mauser.
John Altobelli was the baseball coach at Orange Coast College.
Ara Zobayan was the helicopter pilot, who originated the flight out of John Wayne Airport.
Editor’s Note: Sign up for Will O’Neill’s newsletter at
In a strange twist of fate, the Bryants’ deaths bring the gift of life to this tiny African village
“The eyes of all look to you in hope; you give them their food as they need it. When you open your hand, you satisfy the hunger and thirst of every living thing.” Psalm 145:15
This past week there was a celebration for the lives of Kobe and Gianna Bryant in a small African village in Uganda. The villagers sported Lakers shirts and decorated the town’s well in purple and yellow. They came together to sing and dance, and Father Max Ssekiwala led the village in prayer.
The reason for the remembrance was because in September 2020 a water well was drilled to honor the memory of Kobe and Gianna, which is credited for saving lives. Before the well was drilled, villagers and young children in the Mityana District drew their water from a contaminated open pond.
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Photos courtesy of Wells of Life
Father Max Ssekiwala leads the village in prayer
“As community members, we were facing a lot of water-related diseases such as cholera, typhoid, malaria, dysentery, among others,” said a Mayirye villager.
The well was drilled by the Christian nonprofit Wells of Life and is now pumping clean water for 1,270 people. Villagers no longer have to walk miles under unsafe conditions for water every day.
Made possible by donations through the Orange Catholic Foundation, the life-saving well was drilled in one of Uganda’s poorest communities, where it is estimated that one in five children dies before ever reaching the age of five due to unclean water.
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Children smile as they enjoy the free flow of water into their village
“Because of this donation, we have access to clean and safe water,” said the villager. “Thank you Orange Catholic Foundation (for acting) in the name of Kobe and Gianna Bryant, may their souls rest in peace.”
Upon completion of the well, each child wrote a tribute to the Bryants that was sent to Kobe’s wife, Vanessa. Vanessa Bryant shared that she was “moved” when she saw the pictures for the first time in a heartfelt Instagram post.
The idea for honoring Kobe and Gianna was conceived by philanthropists Rand Sperry and Randy Redwitz, who support the Orange Catholic Foundation and Wells of Life.
Kobe and Vanessa Bryant were married in 2001 at a Southern California Catholic parish and raised their four children in the Catholic Church as frequent parishioners at Our Lady Queen of Angels in Newport Beach.
The well was drilled at the St. Theresa Bethany Primary School within the Mityana District. This is the first time in its 58-year history that the village has had access to clean water. It houses a grade school, a church and medical facilities.
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A plaque honors the memory of Kobe & Gianna and the gift from the Orange Catholic Foundation
Wells of Life is an Irvine-based nonprofit organization that believes that water is a basic human right and should be available to all. Founded in 2008 on Christian principles, the worldwide nonprofit organization views access to clean water, sanitation and hygiene as the catalyst that drives change and transforms community life for Africa’s poorest and most vulnerable people.
Since inception, Wells of Life has provided wells that are currently serving more than 630,000 people. For more information go to www.wellsoflife.org.
A Q&A with Bill Lobdell
“Newport Beach in the Rearview Mirror” podcaster
Bill Lobdell, former Daily Pilot editor and Los Angeles Times journalist, has launched a new podcast called “Newport Beach in the Rearview Mirror,” which looks at historical events and people – famous and forgotten – that shaped Newport Beach. You can listen and subscribe to the podcast at http://newportbeach-podcast.com. You can also follow “Newport Beach in the Rearview Mirror” on Instagram (@newport_in_the_rearview_mirror) and Facebook (@NewportInTheRearviewMirror).
We recently sat down with Lobdell, a Newport Beach resident, to talk about his latest project.
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Courtesy of Bill Lobdell
Bill Lobdell near the entrance to the Balboa Island Ferry
Q: Why launch the podcast?
A: I’ve always been a huge fan of Newport Beach history, and I love all the related books, websites, social media accounts and local historical societies. So many people do such a great job with it all. I wanted to add a little to the historical record with a podcast, which I hope listeners will find entertaining and informative. In the end, this is a passion project for me. I love digging through old newspapers and books, and I also enjoy the challenge of putting together an interesting narrative.
Q: What kind of topics will you cover?
A: I’m looking to highlight forgotten aspects of Newport’s 115-year history and bring fresh information and approaches to the more well-known events.
Q: Can you give us some examples?
A: Sure. The first episode, which is live now, is about a killer whale that was trapped in Newport Harbor and became the first orca in the world to be captured alive. At the time, it was a sensational, international story – with a tragic legacy of more than 50 years, by the way – but it has become a largely forgotten chapter in Newport Beach history. At least I had never heard of it.
Q: What other podcasts do you have planned?
A: Other upcoming episodes include “Newport’s Greatest Storyteller,” which is about the life of Judge Robert Gardner, who I’d put up on Newport’s Mt. Rushmore; “The Ferry Godfather” (the story of Joe Beek, the Balboa Island Ferry and the Island’s early days); “Where the Buffalo Roamed” (the Buffalo Ranch tourist attraction from the late 1950s); and “A Freeway Didn’t Run Through It” (a retelling of how Newport narrowly avoided a six-lane highway running along its coast).
Q: How often will you release a new podcast?
A: Good question. I’d love to do one each week, but the reality is that I’ll start with two episodes per month. I’ll also be posting Newport Beach history content more frequently on the podcast’s Instagram and Facebook accounts.
Q: Any last thoughts?
A: Of course! If any Stu News Newport readers have an interesting topic for the podcast, please email me at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Thanks!
Editor’s Note: Stay tuned for connecting to Bill Lobdell’s future podcasts in Stu News.
Fire Files
Fire hits three boats near Galley Cafe
A fire broke out on a docked boat on Friday morning, Jan. 22, in the Balboa Yacht Basin around 10:30 a.m. The fire quickly spread to two other nearby boats before firefighters could arrive to extinguish it.
Some 24 firefighters and other emergency personnel responded, including from Newport Beach Fire, the Orange County Sheriff’s Department Harbor Patrol and the Newport Beach Lifeguards.
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Photo courtesy of Tomidan Jordan
According to a Newport Beach Fire spokesperson, the fire was quickly put down.
Nearby workers on the dock attempted to fight the fire initially before officials arrived, but were unsuccessful, with one person sustaining minor injuries.
The fire originated on a 31-foot boat, spreading to two nearby 36-footers. The 31-foot and one 36-footer sustained significant damage, while the other 36-footer received minor damage.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation.
Police Files
Resident interrupts two burglars in the act
An attempted burglary took place around 6:15 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 21, in the Pelican Hill community. The incident took place on Canyon Rim, while the resident was in their backyard.
The resident heard activity that sounded like it was coming from the edge of their property and went to investigate. They observed the motion lights activate in their neighbor’s backyard and then witnessed a suspect run and jump over the back fence into Buck Gully.
Moments later, the resident saw a second suspect in the neighbor’s backyard and yelled. That suspect, too, ran into Buck Gully.
The suspects had broken a window and smashed a glass door on the balcony but were not able to make entry into the house. It appears that the suspects used vines growing along the side of the house to climb to the second story balcony.
There was no reported loss other than the damage.
The two suspects were said to be wearing dark clothing and hoodies. No other information was available.
Suspect hits another resident with the victims away
A residential burglary recently occurred in the Verona community on Via Amanti sometime between 4:45 p.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 20 and 1 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 21.
While the victims were away, an unknown suspect accessed the back patio of the residence and used a tool to pry open the sliding glass door. Once inside, the suspects rummaged through drawers, cabinets and closets throughout the home before fleeing the scene.
The loss was unknown at time of publication.
There is no suspect information available.
The rumbles and romance of Cliff Haven
By DUNCAN FORGEY
Earl Stanley, a notable force in Newport Beach history, worked as a real estate developer during the early years of the city’s growth. He also served on the Newport Beach City Council leading to terms in the California State Assembly from 1948-1958, where he became the Majority Caucus Chair. Stanley’s efforts have been influential on the city for generations.
Stanley sponsored a law allowing fees from traffic violations to fund a statewide Driver’s Education Program. Learning to drive graduated from farm roads and parking lots to the newly built streets and freeways of an expanding California. Throughout the state’s high schools, sophomores learned about the increasing complexity of automobiles and streets. Bill Bloom, Ted Muller and Wade Watts, teachers at Newport Harbor High School, strapped into cars donated by Theodore Robins Ford with anxious adolescents. They taught concepts like signaling, adjusting mirrors, using seat belts, parallel parking, establishing a “big picture” of your surroundings and defensive driving.
In addition, Stanley also sponsored a law forbidding construction of “offshore” oil platforms off of Newport Beach. At a time when Huntington Beach was loaded with oil wells and platforms were becoming a new source for crude oil further north, Newport Beach was thankfully protected. Oil wells existed in West Newport near Coast Highway, Newport and Balboa boulevards and Banning Ranch. Before public opinion labeled oil wells a potential hazard, Stanley chose to protect the ocean in front of his hometown. As a proud resident and real estate developer, he felt it imperative to keep the views of Newport Beach pristine.
Stanley started selling real estate in Pasadena but was drawn to the fledging town of Balboa like so many others from Los Angeles County. In Balboa, he worked with Joseph A. Beek finishing the build out of Balboa Island. Later they dredged sand in the bay while developing Harbor Island and Beacon Bay. The Irvine Company, impressed with his accomplishments, asked that he sell 258 lots in Bayshores.
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Courtesy of Sherman Library
Early construction in the community of Cliff Haven
By 1947, Stanley moved “up the hill” to a non-descript blufftop accentuated by fields and a large gulch. In the early days of Newport Harbor, views did not dramatically affect the value of real estate like they do today. Cliff Haven was acres of open land full of flora, fauna, frogs, dragonflies, butterflies and snakes.
Stanley was able to market Cliff Haven’s varying lots as huge, allowing homeowners to have lawns, fences and large backyards. Compared to the 25- and 30-foot-wide lots nearer the water, this offered a great alternative for families. With Newport Harbor High School and later Horace Ensign and Newport Heights Elementary, all schools were within walking distance.
By the early 1960s, children who played in the gully were entrenched in nature. Imaginary battles with buccaneers, forts and frog hunts created endless possibilities for young imaginations. Many times, while looking for critters or buried treasure, children brought home arrowheads, broken pots and deteriorated baskets left from local Native Americans – the Gabrielino Indians.
As homes were built on Pirate, Signal, Kings, Snug Harbor and the other streets, Cliff Haven grew into one of Newport Beach’s favorite elite neighborhoods. Original residents, however, worked on boats or wharfs around the bay, at Rosan’s Manufacturing or in the Huntington Beach oil fields. Cliff Haven started out with hard working blue-collar families. In many ways, they provided the backbone for a Newport Beach transformation, from small town into a thriving city.
Being one of the first off-water developments, it also set in motion an unbreakable partnership between city fathers and Irvine Ranch. New neighborhoods hopscotched south and east as the Irvine Company put lands up for sale. Projects like Irvine Terrace, Big Canyon, Eastbluff, Harbor View Homes and Dover Shores made real estate the major industry driving Newport Beach’s wealth. City tentacles spread out until 2010 when Newport Coast was built out.
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Courtesy of Sherman Library
This Cliff Haven tract development taking shape in 1947
This growth did not come without challenges. A desperate battle was fought over a disastrous proposal brought forth by the State of California. Under Governors Edmund Brown and Ronald Reagan, residents of Cliff Haven, together with the rest of the city, opposed construction of the Pacific Coast Freeway. This victory turned out to be even more beneficial than the offshore drilling ban. In a display of “bureaucracy-gone-mad,” the power drunk California Department of Transportation tried to build an “ocean view freeway.” The massive road would have followed Fifth Street in CdM to Newport Center, as well as taking out homes on Kings Road and Cliff Haven. It would certainly have destroyed any semblance of city pride and transformed Cliff Haven into “Cliff Hell.”
For years, residents fought and eventually blocked statewide politicians addicted to expanding the freeway system. Using eminent domain for “projects for the benefit all citizens of the state,” the overfunded and corrupt Department of Transportation acted as if this panoramic freeway would be their crowning achievement.
In retrospect, California’s freeway expansion was the leading killer of country living and opened up more and more empty space for development, resulting in today’s megalopolis. The eventual victory did not come without casualties. During the many years of non-decision, Cliff Haven residents had to sell at depressed values while others simply lost their homes waiting for the eminent domain process to be decided.
In 1947, Stanley sold land to St. Andrews Presbyterian Church. It grew into one of the city’s most respected houses of worship. In 2003, despite an all-out war with Newport Heights and Cliff Haven residents, St. Andrews pushed hard for a 39,000-square-foot rebuild of the church campus. A compromise was struck in 2005 for a smaller structure.
Stanley’s last contribution to Cliff Haven came long after his death. The result was the well-known Environmental Nature Center. A part of the old Cliff Haven lands, it was given commercial zoning status and for years was pursued by developers. The trustees for Stanley’s estate fought off temptation and eventually Newport Beach ended up with one of Southern California’s best and most unique environmental centers.
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Courtesy of ENC
ENC hosts a diversity of habitats as well as a variety of animal and plant species
Kids and educators know it as the ENC, a large open space which includes 15 different California plant communities ranging from desert to oak woodland, to freshwater marsh, to redwood forest. Its five acres contain classrooms, walking trails with approximately 28,000 students and visitors coming in during non-COVID-19 years, as well as a state-of-the-art nature preschool.
The ENC has been a wonderful addition to Newport Beach’s local history and honors Stanley’s commitment to old values represented by the Boy Scouts. ENC’s mission statement is “to provide quality education through hands-on experience with nature,” while pushing the core values of respect, responsibility, dedication, integrity and zero waste. These goals honor extinct flora, fauna, insects and Native Americans that once lived upon the land.
Life in Cliff Haven is flourishing today. Most of the old “grandma and grandpa” houses have been torn down and replaced by modern 5,000 +/- square-foot residences, and it remains one of the most popular neighborhoods in the city.
~~~~~~~~
Duncan Forgey, a lifelong resident of Newport Beach, now makes his home in Hawaii. He is a regular contributor to Stu News Newport.
COVID-19: 1,365 new cases and 64 new deaths reported in OC, 28 new cases and 2 new deaths in Newport Beach
Sadly, OC Health Care Agency reports that 2,768 people have died due to COVID-19 in Orange County, including 64 new deaths reported today (January 26). There have been 46 deaths of Newport Beach residents to date, including two new deaths reported today.
The county reported 1,365 new cases of COVID-19 in OC today. There have been 225,983 cumulative cases to date.
ICU capacity remains very low and hospitalization numbers very high. The percentage of adult ICU beds currently available in OC is 10.2 percent unadjusted and 0 percent adjusted.* 38 percent of ventilators are currently available countywide.
The county reports that 1,677 individuals are currently hospitalized with COVID-19 (-26 since yesterday’s report – includes ICU); 437 are in ICU (-10 since yesterday’s report).
The county reports that there have been 3,208 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Newport Beach to date, including 28 new cases reported yesterday and 162 new cases reported since last Tuesday’s report.
The county estimates 163,200 “recovered cases” according to its data criteria.
For questions about the data presented by the county, call (714) 834-2000 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
To view the data dashboard, click here.
COVID-19 numbers are updated daily by Stu News Newport and reported on our social media pages @StuNewsNewport.
*Adjusted ICU capacity takes into account the percentage of COVID-19 positive patients in the ICU (the higher the percentage of COVID-19 positive patients in the ICU, the more the adjustment).
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Courtesy of OC Health Care Agency
Orange County COVID-19 case data posted on January 26, as reported by the county; click here to visit page that is updated daily
City Manager’s Updates
From the desk of Grace Leung
Courtesy of City of Newport Beach
Newport Beach City Manager Grace Leung
Community members,
Orange County continues to vaccinate about 3,000 residents a day at the Disneyland “Super POD” site, and county officials expect to increase that number with the opening of a second distribution site on Saturday, Jan. 23 at Soka University in Aliso Viejo.
The county’s ability to increase vaccinations depends on both the infrastructure (vaccination sites) and the availability of vaccine doses from the state. County officials are urging patience as they establish more distribution sites and obtain more vaccines from the state.
Here is some key information and resources as of January 22:
–The Othena registration system has been simplified. If you are 65 and older and register with the system, you will get an email inviting you to make an appointment. This means that you no longer have to revisit the Othena site multiple times in hopes of making an appointment. The delay between registering and getting an email will depend on vaccine availability.
–Appointments can only be made through the Othena vaccine scheduling website and smartphone application. To make a vaccine appointment, go to www.othena.com or download the app. Anyone 65 and older can make an appointment and receive the vaccine. If you are under 65, please do not make an appointment or download the app.
–The county has added additional staff to assist with a high volume of calls and emails related to the Othena registration service. Othena platform specialists are responding to callers to assist with questions related to the app, and vaccine appointments. This should be used for questions and technical assistance, not scheduling appointments. To reach the helpline, call 714.834.2000, Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m., or email Othena at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
–You must make an appointment to be vaccinated. Vaccinations will only be administered to those who have an appointment. This means that no walk-ups are being allowed at the vaccine distribution site.
–Anyone who received their first vaccine dose through the Othena system will automatically receive their second dose appointment confirmation through Othena. Everyone who received their first dose through their health system, employer, or other group will receive the second dose from the same source. Individuals receiving vaccines will receive a card listing the vaccine type of the first dose received (e.g. Moderna) and the lot number. You will need to bring that vaccine card to the site when receiving the second dose.
–At this time, there are no community vaccine distribution centers in Newport Beach. Newport Beach may receive authorization from the county to host community clinics once the larger, county distribution sites have been established.
COVID-19 Cases in Newport Beach
As of January 21, the total number of COVID-19 cases in Newport Beach was 3,092 and the total cases in Orange County was 217,849. The number of recovered COVID-19 patients countywide as of January 21 was 149,396. These figures are provided to Orange County by the California Department of Public Health.
City’s Regional Housing Needs Assessment (RHNA) Appeal Denied
On January 19, 2021, the Appeals Board of the Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG) heard the city’s appeal of the Draft Regional Housing Needs Assessment (RHNA) Allocation of 4,834 units for Newport Beach. This allocation represents the number of housing units that the city will have to plan for in the upcoming 6th Cycle Housing Element Update (2021-2029 Planning Period). Although some Appeals Board members shared the city’s frustration with the RHNA process, conceded that the city’s RHNA allocation was unrealistic and that the allocation methodology didn’t adequately take into account the city’s jurisdictional and regulatory constraints, the Appeals Board ultimately voted 5 to 1 to deny the appeal request based on the rationale that the methodology is final and cannot be appealed.
On January 15, 2021, the Appeals Board also heard the appeal of the City of Santa Ana’s RHNA filed by the cities of Newport Beach, Irvine, Garden Grove and Yorba Linda. While the appeals differ somewhat, they provide similar evidence and arguments that Santa Ana’s allocation was calculated based on out-of-date information that results in a lower RHNA allocation and does not represent actual approved housing developments in the pipeline that will ultimately count towards their 6th Cycle RHNA. Although this error was recognized, Santa Ana did not voluntarily request a correction to the data that would have increased their RHNA Allocation; therefore, the Appeals Board did not believe they had the authority to correct the data and voted to deny the appeals.
Community Invited to Upcoming Circulation Workshop on January 27
On Wednesday, Jan. 27 at 6 p.m., the city will host a workshop related to the Circulation Element.
Over the past few months, community members have shared individual visions, expressed concerns, identified challenges and helped the city understand what is important about transporting people and goods in Newport Beach. At this upcoming workshop, we know we need the community’s help to incorporate this important feedback into an updated General Plan Circulation Element. Please join us, as we work to capture the vision of the community in the current update effort.
Participants can register here for the virtual workshop, hosted on Zoom.
The entire community is invited and encouraged to attend. If you are unable to make it, the workshops will be recorded and made available on www.newporttogether.com. Check it out and sign up to stay informed.
Notice of Rescheduled Public Hearing – Short-Term Lodging on Newport Island LCP Amendment
The City Council was originally scheduled to consider an amendment to the Local Coastal Program Implementation Plan related to short-term lodging on Newport Island on the January 26 City Council agenda; however, the item has since been rescheduled to the February 9 City Council agenda. Specifically, the amendment would update coastal zoning regulations prohibiting the issuance of new short-term lodging permits on any property located on Newport Island. Any existing short-term lodging unit located on Newport Island will be permitted to remain provided it is located on an owner-occupied parcel and managed by the owner of the owner-occupied unit within one-year of the effective date of the ordinance adopting the amendment. Revised public hearing notices announcing the new February 9 meeting date will be mailed out shortly.
City Council Special Meeting Planning Session, January 30
The City Council will hold a planning session in a special meeting on January 30 from 9 a.m.-12 p.m. The council will hear a budget update from the City Manager and Finance Director discussing the city’s fiscal outlook, including challenges in the current fiscal year and considerations in developing the next fiscal year budget. Staff will also discuss developments in the Fiscal Year 2021- 22 recommended budget and financial impacts related to homeless strategies, refuse/recycling mandates and code enforcement issues. The city’s Public Works Director will provide an update on capital improvement projects that were deferred due to COVID-19, significant projects scheduled for the coming year and proposed projects for future Council consideration. The public is invited to view the meeting live at www.newportbeachca.gov/nbtv, or on NBTV cable broadcasts, and comment by phone or email to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. In addition, the Community Room adjacent to the Council Chambers will be open for public viewing and comments.
Homelessness Update
Addressing homelessness continues to be a priority in the city’s ongoing COVID-19 response, working closely with contractor City Net and regional partners throughout the county and state. The City Net hotline number is 714.451.6198. Those who call the hotline may leave a detailed voicemail message for themselves or others in need and City Net staff will respond within 48 hours. For immediate assistance call the county’s Crisis Prevention Hotline at 877.7.CRISIS or 877.727.4747.
Success Stories
–A woman who has been homeless in Newport Beach for more than 10 years has obtained a housing voucher and is close to securing an apartment in Irvine, with assistance from the City Net team and American Family Housing. The woman has applied for an apartment and is awaiting the next steps from the Orange County Housing Authority. American Family Housing, founded in Santa Ana in 1985, provides housing assistance and an array of services for those in need.
–Thanks to generous donations from the Newport Beach community, a newly housed woman was able to pay January rent and stay in her home. The woman’s hours were reduced at work due to COVID-19 and she could not pay her full rent. She became homeless and lived in her car for two years after a divorce. She continues to work in Newport Beach and is interviewing for a second job to supplement her income.
–A woman who was living by the Balboa Pier after fleeing domestic violence relocated to the City of Corona. She now lives with friends who are helping her find a new place to live. Newport Beach’s Homeless Liaison Officer and City Net collaborated with the woman to find this housing opportunity.
–City Net enrolled one person into their services. The case managers continue to work with the client to find appropriate housing.
–City Net staff continues to provide food gift cards, support and case management to several people sheltering in motels while they await placement into permanent, supportive housing.
Insider’s Guide for the Newport Beach City Council Meeting on January 12, 2021
Our next City Council meeting is Tuesday, Jan. 26. Items that may be of interest are highlighted below. The entire agenda, and all reports, can be viewed here.
There will be a Study Session at 4 p.m.:
–Council will review and discuss restaurant parking requirements and potential modifications that could allow temporary outdoor dining to become permanent.
–Council will review the city’s parking standards that relate to commercial business and discuss potential modifications.
The Regular Meeting begins at 5:30 p.m. The following are items of note:
On the Consent Calendar:
–Council will consider ratifying a grant agreement with the County of Orange, which allocated $290,000 to the City of Newport Beach for economic support initiatives for small business in response to COVID-19. Staff is recommending that the council accept the grant and authorize the City Manager to implement a Small Business Support Grant Program to distribute the funding.
Public Hearings include:
–Entitlement applications that would allow for the future development of a 13-acre property with up to 312 dwelling units atop an 825-space parking structure as part of the 6 Residences at 4400 Von Karman. The development applications also include an approximately one-acre public park and a 284-space freestanding parking structure within the Koll Center Newport Professional and Business Office, Suite B, generally located between Von Karman Avenue and Birch Street in the vicinity of John Wayne Airport. The City Council will consider adoption of the environmental clearance and planning applications for the project, and introduction of two ordinances to amend the Planned Community Development Plan and approval of a Development Agreement. If approved, the item will return to City Council on February 9 for final adoption of the two ordinances.
–A proposed general plan amendment and conditional use permit that, if approved, would allow the addition of an automated car wash to an existing Shell service station at 1600 Jamboree Road. A general plan amendment is being requested to increase the maximum floor area limit for the site by 1,100 square feet to accommodate the proposed car wash, and a conditional use permit is requested to allow construction of the proposed car wash.
Current Business includes:
–The council will consider a proposal to amend the city’s two existing residential waste collection and recycling contracts with CR&R to create one, eight-year contract that would expand the city’s recycling program, including the addition of organic “green” waste recycling, to meet new state mandates for landfill diversion. The residential waste and recycling contract costs are funded primarily through the city’s General Fund.
–In a related action, the council will consider accepting a 2020 Recycling Service Fee Study and setting a public hearing that would allow residents to comment on a proposed fee increase for recycling rates to partially offset increased costs to the city. Under the proposal, most recycling fees per household would increase from $3 a month to $6.28 a month. Households in the Newport Coast area, which do not currently pay a recycling fee, would pay $5.86 per month.
Editor’s Note: City Manager’s Updates was received Friday, Jan. 22.
Living a dream
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Photo by Stan Sievers (Instagram @stansievers/stansieversphoto.com)
Sunset and surf in Newport Beach are what dreams are made of
School Notes
CIF Fall Sports Championships canceled for 2020-2021, but seasons are still a go
The CIF Southern Section announced Tuesday, Jan. 19 that they would be canceling the 2020-2021 Fall Sports Championships due to the COVID pandemic.
The following reasons for the cancellation were that: 1) not enough progress has been made from the purple tier toward the orange tier for football, girls volleyball and boys and girls water polo to even begin competition for the season, and 2) the time remaining in the Fall Sports season can now be utilized by member schools to schedule contests.
The cancellation also includes a Southern Section Championship for cross country.
Season ending dates for Fall Sports will now be as follows: Boys/Girls Cross Country, March 27; 8-Man Football, April 3; 11-Man Football, April 17; Girls Volleyball, March 20; and Boys & Girls Water Polo, March 20.
“We are not canceling the entire seasons for our Fall Sports, we are canceling the portion of the Fall Sports seasons that we have direct control over, Southern Section Championships,” said Rob Wigod, Commissioner of Athletics for the CIF Southern Section. “Hopefully, the additional weeks now available during the Fall Sports season will be useful to our schools in the effort to have regular season and/or league competition in the time ahead.”
Wigod added, “We strongly support our member schools in returning to plan, provided the guidelines distributed by the California Department of Public Health and local health authorities are adhered to. We will continue to do all we can to advocate our position to those entities as well.”
Spring Sports remain in place with the original schedule released in July 2020. And, at some point estimated to be early or mid-April, CIF-SS will make a determination as to whether they will be able to conduct Spring Sports Southern Section Championships.
Students return to in-person instruction and some related COVID-19 notes
In-person instruction resumed yesterday in the Newport-Mesa Unified School District (NMUSD).
The district will continue to closely monitor staff and student COVID-19 cases and the impact of COVID-19 to the workforce.
Parents are encouraged to keep students home when sick, when awaiting test results, or when they’ve been in close contact with someone who is COVID-19 positive, to minimize the spread.
The following is a short video reminder of important COVID-19 safety precautions to follow.
Last week, NMUSD shared that their healthcare employees (nurses, health assistants, etc.) became eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine as part of Phase 1a of the state and county vaccine distribution plan.
Other district employees are eligible to receive the vaccine as part of Phase 1b, which is anticipated to begin in February. It is important to understand that vaccines are distributed on a phased, tiered schedule that is dictated at the county level.
NMUSD COVID-19 Dashboard
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New state senator to be featured at next WAKE UP! Newport
The Newport Beach Chamber of Commerce will feature new State Senator Dave Min at the Thursday, Feb. 4, WAKE UP! Newport meeting. Min, who represents the 37th District, replaced John Moorlach following his victory in November.
The 37th District includes the cities of Anaheim Hills, Costa Mesa, Huntington Beach, Irvine, Laguna Beach, Laguna Woods, Lake Forest, Newport Beach, Orange, Tustin and Villa Park.
A native Californian, Min resides in Irvine with his wife, Jane Stoever, and their three young children. Before joining the State Senate, Min was a law professor at UC Irvine, where he taught and researched in the area of business law.
He is one of the country’s leading experts on banking and housing policy and has testified six times before Congress on related issues.
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Courtesy of Newport Beach Chamber of Commerce
Dave Min
Min is the son of Korean immigrants who grew up during the Korean War and its aftermath, at a time when food was scarce, and the economy was struggling. Thanks to the generosity of American GIs, Min’s parents came to appreciate the unique flavor and texture of Spam as well as the values that America has always stood for. They came to the United States in 1971, got married and had two boys – Dave and his brother Andrew – who they raised here in the Golden State. Their story is the American Dream, and it’s a story that has been shared by millions of other new Americans over the past several centuries.
After graduating from Wharton and Harvard Law School, Min began his career at the Securities and Exchange Commission, turning down higher paying jobs to try to hold Wall Street accountable in the aftermath of the Enron and Worldcom accounting scandals. Min went on to work for U.S. Senator Charles Schumer as a senior economic policy adviser and then the Center for American Progress as an economic policy director before coming back home to California to teach at UCI.
WAKE UP! Newport begins at 8 a.m. and is free to the public. To register for this Zoom event, go here.
Letters to the Editor
More COVID vaccine info and update on Othena
The Othena setup is clearly the worst ever!
After previously sending an email to describe that the www.Othena.com site is now just putting people on a waitlist and will email them when their turn comes, I have just learned that is only half true.
They still email you when your turn comes (I have a friend who got such an email), but if you download the app to your phone or iPad, you can still search for appointments (something you can’t do on the computer). Go figure!
The odd thing was that when I opened the app the first time, it made me change my password. I just re-entered my old password and it accepted that.
The other frustrating thing about the Othena site is that my mother was told that she would get an email when it was time to schedule her second shot. This never showed up in her inbox or on the computer website, but when I went to the iPad app, she already had an appointment. Not sure how she would have known that if I had only used the computer?
UCI has opened up their vaccine appointments and they are booked through https://vaccine.ucihealth.org.
When they have appointments available, there will be a link on that site to make an appointment. If they don’t have any vaccines, it just says that they will open up more appointments when doses are available.
According to one source, you have to be a UCI patient, but I have another friend who just created a login and booked his mother, and it didn’t require any UCI specific information. It appears that they open appointments around 8 a.m. (or they did on Thursday).
If you are a patient at UCI and have a patient portal, you may get a message of the days that the vaccines are available (my friend had this).
www.Vaccinateca.com is a site that tries to show who and where vaccines are being given across the state. It is clearly not up to date for OC since they only list the Othena site, but over time it may become more populated.
Pavilions will be giving the vaccine and you can sign up at www.pavilions.com/pharmacy/covid-19.html to get notified when they have it.
Hoag is starting up vaccines and on Nextdoor this was posted: “Hoag will be scheduling vaccination appointments through our patient portal, Hoag Connect MyChart.”
Happy hunting to one and all!
Susan Skinner, M.D.
Newport Beach
Preserving and protecting our public parks
The unfolding of the current coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, the worst global public health crisis in recent history, has caused unprecedented medical, social and economic upheaval across Orange County, as well as inflicted profound psychological pain on many individuals and families. The rapid spread of this highly contagious disease has resulted in a host of mental health consequences. The wide adoption of restrictive measures has inevitably resulted in psychological and financial costs that will have long-term psychological impacts.
The significance of Newport’s public parks has given both guests and residents promising means to enjoy the sunrises and sunsets, celebrate birthdays and anniversaries and has allowed for a healthy community environment, accessible to all citizens at no cost.
During these times, parks and recreational settings have influenced public health by improving moods, reducing perceived stress and enhancing a sense of wellness, and are associated with the presence of enjoyable scenery.
Park facilities and services offer various opportunities to fulfill individual, social, economic and environmental benefits. These parks have been able to facilitate community cohesion and have played a larger role with “social capital” by providing a meeting place where people can maintain their “social ties,” while maintaining “social distancing.”
On January 21, the Planning Commission, acting in the best interest of the public, postponed the 2510 PCH project; this project would have completely annihilated public views from several public parks in Newport Heights.
While the General Plan and Local Coastal Program protect our parks, bluffs and sensitive coastal resources, we need to make sure our elected officials protect these resources for generations to come.
We need to reach out to our elected officials to express to City Staff that poor transparency is bad for the entire project, from stakeholders, to the developer and to the surrounding communities. When transparency is integrated into the development process, it will yield better results, thus, leading to a better project.
At this time, the City Council should make certain that policy should err on the side of preservation by protecting our public parks, which should be considered the fundamental fabric to our health and well-being.
Peggy V. Palmer
Newport Beach
UC Board of Regents approves state-of-the-art medical center with hospital for UCI campus
UCI Chancellor Howard Gillman announced last Thursday afternoon that the University of California Board of Regents approved the construction of a state-of-the-art medical complex on the edge of campus. The complex includes a 144-bed acute-care hospital, an ambulatory care center and a cancer center that will be located along Jamboree Road near Campus Drive.
The new UCI Medical Center Irvine-Newport will be a full-service academic health complex that will bring a broad array of leading-edge healthcare services to coastal and southern Orange County. The hospital will focus on key clinical areas such as oncology, neurology, neurosurgery, orthopedics and digestive health, and include a 24-hour emergency department.
The medical complex will include the previously announced UCI Center for Advanced Care, the Center for Children’s Health, urgent care, wellness programs, specialty disciplines, research and clinical trials.
The UCI Medical Center Irvine-Newport will be located within the UCI Presidential Gateway, named in commemoration of President Lyndon Johnson’s attendance at the university’s dedication in 1964. The 202-acre site will include educational programs, uplifting art, healing gardens, nature trails and a research preserve within the San Joaquin Marsh Reserve.
According to Chancellor Gillman, “The health and well-being of the 3.3 million residents of Orange County are at the core of UCI’s public service mission. UCI Health serves more than one million patients each year. Our academic medical center in Orange features the 411-bed acute care Douglas Hospital, the county’s only Level 1 trauma center and its only nationally designated comprehensive cancer center, as well as operating primary and specialty care centers throughout the region. The UCI Medical Center Irvine-Newport expands and enhances this existing health network, bringing the highest-quality prevention and treatment methods, fueled by the power and innovation of UCI and UC research, to our friends and neighbors in south Orange County.”
Planning for the new complex is underway, with completion targeted for 2025. Construction of the first element, the UCI Health Center for Advanced Care, will begin later this year, with the first patients expected in late 2022, pending legal and regulatory approval.
City of Hope launches leading-edge screenings and programs to counter lung cancer
City of Hope Orange County is fighting for better lung cancer outcomes by providing leading-edge early detection screenings, innovative prevention programs and top experts in lung cancer research, diagnosis and treatment.
The world-renowned cancer center is currently taking appointments for lung cancer screenings at its Newport Beach location, with screening taking place at Newport Diagnostic Center.
The painless and non-invasive exam uses low-dose spiral computed tomography (LDCT) and takes only seconds. Patients receive their results and consultation with City of Hope experts who specialize in the prevention and treatment of cancer.
For those whose tests indicate cancer, there is immediate access to City of Hope’s world-renowned multispecialty team of lung cancer experts, along with outstanding compassionate care for patients and families.
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Courtesy of City of Hope
City of Hope’s Ravi Salgia, M.D., Ph.D. and Tingting Tan, M.D., Ph.D.
“Orange County deserves its best shot against lung cancer,” said Ravi Salgia, M.D., Ph.D., the Arthur & Rosalie Kaplan Chair in Medical Oncology at City of Hope, and one of the world’s leading experts on lung cancer treatment. “That’s why we are introducing a screening program that detects lung cancers earlier and greatly enhances the odds of survival.”
You may qualify for a lung cancer screening if you are a high-risk current or former smoker. You may also qualify if you are outside the standard criteria or have additional risk factors.
For more information on the screening program, call 626.535.3983.
Join City of Hope physicians for a webinar, “Hope for Lung Cancer: Screening, Treatment and Cures,” on Thursday, Feb. 11 from 12-1 p.m. to learn about a new lifesaving screening program offered in Newport Beach as part of its Orange County expansion and hear about breakthroughs in treatment.
Register at https://event.cityofhope.org/lungscreening to take an important step toward improved health.
This is paid content by City of Hope. For more information on the City of Hope Newport Beach location, visit www.cityofhope.org/newport-beach.
Smooth as glass
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Photo by Stan Sievers (Instagram @stansievers/stansieversphoto.com)
A surfers’ paradise at the Newport Pier
Rep. Steel joins House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure
Yesterday, Rep. Michelle Steel (CA-48) joined House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure Ranking Member Sam Graves to announce she had been chosen as one of the committee’s newest members for the 117th Congress. She joins 31 other Republican members of the committee.
“One of my top priorities as the Representative for Orange County is to ensure our coastline remains protected, and our beaches and bays remain clean and safe for generations to come. This includes flood protection and sand replenishment on our shores. Orange County also has some of the most congested freeways in the United States and improving transportation for California families should matter to all of us. This includes reducing noise pollution in our communities. I am honored to be chosen as the newest member of this important, bipartisan committee,” said Rep. Steel.
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Courtesy of Michelle Steel (CA-48)
Rep. Michelle Steel (CA-48)
The jurisdiction of the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure includes:
–Transportation, including civil aviation, railroads, water transportation, transportation safety (except automobile safety and transportation security functions of the Department of Homeland Security), transportation infrastructure, transportation labor, and railroad retirement and unemployment.
–Commercial space transportation.
–Coast Guard, including lifesaving service, lighthouses, lightships, ocean derelicts and the Coast Guard Academy.
–Federal management of emergencies and natural disasters.
–Flood control and improvement of rivers and harbors.
–Inland waterways.
–Inspection of merchant marine vessels, lights and signals, life-saving equipment and fire protection on such vessels.
–Navigation and laws relating thereto, including pilotage.
–Registering and licensing of vessels and small boats.
–Rules and international arrangements to prevent collisions at sea.
–The Capitol Building, the Senate and House office buildings.
–Construction or maintenance of roads and post roads.
–Construction or reconstruction, maintenance and care of buildings and grounds of the Botanic Garden, the Library of Congress and the Smithsonian Institution.
–Merchant marine (except for national security aspects thereof).
–Purchase of sites and construction of post offices, customhouses, Federal courthouses and Government buildings within the District of Columbia.
–Oil and other pollution of navigable waters, including inland, coastal and ocean waters.
–Marine affairs, including coastal zone management, as they relate to oil and other pollution of navigable waters.
–Public buildings and occupied or improved grounds of the United States generally.
–Public works for the benefit of navigation, including bridges and dams (other than international bridges and dams).
–Related transportation regulatory agencies (except the Transportation Security Administration).
–Roads and the safety.
–Water power.
Check out these ENC upcoming events
The Environmental Nature Center (ENC) is open to those registered for programs. Sign up for a program and take a walk in the fresh February air next month, spy a hummingbird building her nest in a tree and see the first early blooms of the wild lilacs. The ENC has plenty of fun programs scheduled, and something for everyone. All of the ENC’s offerings are in alignment with guidelines from state and local health officials.
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Photos courtesy of ENC
Youngsters participating in an after-school camp outdoors at ENC
Here are some upcoming happenings:
–Before & After School Camps on February 1-22 and February 22-March 5: This winter the ENC is offering Before & After School Nature Camp to enhance the education of children in our community. Before & After School Nature Camp is currently being offered for kids enrolled in Kindergarten-3rd grade (at least 5 years old by Sept. 1, 2020), in two-week sessions. Before & After School Nature Camp provides a learning experience while also giving campers the opportunity to get outside for fresh air, physical activity and a chance to hang out socially with their peers. For more information, go here.
–Virtual Home School Series on February 2, 9 and 23: Are you still relying on distance learning, but eager for some unique experiences with nature? The ENC’s Virtual Homeschool Series might be a great solution for you and your homeschooler. Your students will observe and explore the ENC’s native plant communities and wildlife under the guidance of a trained ENC Naturalist. For more information on the sessions and to register, go here.
A birder at ENC
–Bird Watching on February 8 and 22: Join in a quiet bird watching encounter from 7:30-8:30 a.m. Registered birders will have an hour to walk the grounds independently (this is not a naturalist-led program). No walk-ins. Space is limited to keep numbers small and safe. Participants must remain physically distanced, staying on the trails, and masks must be worn. For a list of birds that have been sighted at the Center in the past, go here. To register, go here.
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An inquisitive wolf
–Wolves & Coyotes Virtual Program on February 11: Zoom into the ENC for a free virtual screening of The Trouble with Wolves movie from 7-8 p.m. Once exterminated from the lower 48 states, wolves have made a triumphant return to Yellowstone National Park and the surrounding states. Hailed as, “the greatest animal conservation success in human history,” to many others living in the areas affected, the story is dramatically different. After the film, Skie Bender from Wolf Haven International will be on hand for a Q&A. A Zoom link will be sent to registrants prior to the event date. For more information and to register, go here.
Sherman Library & Gardens is hiring for a garden educator, independent instructors
Sherman Library & Gardens is hiring for a Garden Educator as well as Independent Instructors.
Garden Educator position:
The Garden Educator full-time opportunity is ideal for an experienced and enthusiastic teacher with a passion for communicating about plant science, gardening for nutrition and environmental awareness. The Garden Educator will work with a wide range of people to give them the opportunity to learn about and engage with Sherman’s nationally renowned botanic garden. The successful applicant will take a lead in developing and teaching Sherman’s Next Generation Science Standards-linked field trip program for schools, as well as creating and delivering sessions such as their “Garden to Table” extracurricular classes.
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Courtesy of Sherman Library & Gardens
The Garden Educator will work mostly with early childhood and elementary school groups, but also middle, high school, college and community groups as needed. They will also work with the garden docents to support them in delivering tours. The applicant should demonstrate experience teaching in a botanic garden, horticulture or K-6 setting. Click here for the full job description and application process.
Independent Instructor positions:
Sherman Library & Gardens would like to hear from experienced instructors who are interested in teaching occasional classes for young people and adults, weekly after-school programs for children, or short camps. Sherman’s program includes the practice and appreciation of art, history, dance, music, theater, gardening, nature/environment, culinary/nutrition, literature, crafts and wellness. When possible, Sherman Library & Gardens would like candidates to make links between the content of the classes and Sherman’s garden environment or collections. Classes can take place outdoors or indoors. Please apply with short descriptions of specific class ideas and a one-page resume including references to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
Click here for their job opportunities webpage.
Newport Beach – A Look Back
Photo series courtesy of Balboa Island Museum Newport Beach
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The beach to the east of the Balboa Pavilion, 1910
Balboa Island Museum Newport Beach and the Museum Store are located at 210 B Marine Ave., Balboa Island. They are open Monday through Thursday from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. and Friday through Sunday from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Free general admission on all days. Two-hour parking is available on Marine Avenue. For more information, call 949.675.3952, visit www.balboaislandmuseum.org or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
47th Annual CdM Home Tour premieres virtually on February 10
The Corona del Middle and High School PTA invites all to the 47th Annual CdM Home Tour – a Virtual Experience. Presented by Barclay Butera, enjoy a virtual visit to six spectacular homes in the Corona del Mar and Newport Beach neighborhoods, premiering on Wednesday, Feb. 10 at 5 p.m.
Themed “Wake Me Up in Newport,” it is available for viewing through an on-demand movie with some special additional content and can be accessed at your convenience for at least a week. Enjoy memorable architecture, design trends, decorating ideas, student activity spotlights and perhaps most importantly, a reminder of the joy each of the homes’ communities inspire.
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Photos courtesy of CdM Home Tour
This charming farmhouse-style Shore Cliffs residence is featured on the virtual Home Tour. Comprising 5,000 square feet amid two stories, this four-bedroom beckons indoor/outdoor living with a rooftop deck.
With this virtual format, even your friends and loved ones far away can share a video visit to beautiful Newport Beach. All ticket purchases support crucial PTA programs such as teacher grants, student services and technology upgrades. The Home Tour is the only PTA fundraiser of the year, and they thank the Stu News community so much for its support.
Take a pleasant break from home viewing and pop in for a box lunch and say “Boujour et Merci” to Jardin chefs at Sherman Library & Gardens. Enjoy entertainment from Corona del Mar performers – Drum Line, Madrigal and Orchesis.
Tickets: General Price - $60, which unlocks viewing access to the Home Tour program on one device (laptop, tablet, or PC). You can upgrade to the New VIP Bundle for $100 (very limited quantity), which includes one Home Tour ticket, one VIP gift box (exclusive event souvenirs from local merchants) and one listing in the Resource Guide’s Neighborhood Ads. In addition, the VIP bundle features a cookbook of teacher-contributed recipes. Each home “visit” shows a small handful of different recipes from the collection. VIPs also receive an eye shade sporting this year’s theme.
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This eye shade sporting the Home Tour theme is a keepsake souvenir in the VIP bundle
For tickets, sponsorship opportunities and a gallery of photos from the 2019 CdM Home Tour, visit www.cdmhometour.com.
Segerstrom Center for the Arts announces online musical theater training program
One enthusiastic parent whose child participated in Segerstrom Center for the Arts’ Musical Theatre Training Program this past fall said, “Please offer more musical theatre classes soon!”
So, the Center’s Education Department has announced a new series of classes for aspiring young performers ages 9-18 in February. Students of all experience levels are welcome for this five-class virtual program, where they will be coached in musical theater performance and technique by some of the industry’s leading live stage professional artists and educators.
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Courtesy of Segerstrom Center for the Arts
Hope, a talented young artist in the Center’s Musical Theater Training Program
The classes will be live but virtual Tuesdays and Thursdays on February 9, 11, 16, 18 and 23. Because the classes are live, there is immediate interaction between students and faculty while everyone remains completely safe. Classes will focus on musical theater performance, acting, improv and dance. The Winter 2021 Fall Musical Theater Program will have two tracks, one for students ages 9-13 and one for ages 14-18. Classes will be 60-75 minutes in length. Classes for students 9-13 years of age will be at 4 p.m.; classes for students 14-18 years of age will be at 6 p.m.
Winter 2021 Musical Theater Training Program Schedule:
–Tuesday, Feb. 9 - Musical Theater and Thursday, Feb. 18 - Acting
Faculty: Chandra Lee Schwartz/Ben McFadden
–Thursday, Feb. 11 - Dance and Tuesday, Feb. 23 - Musical Theater
Faculty: Hector Guerrero/Chandra Lee Schwartz
–Tuesday, Feb. 16 – Dance
Faculty: Cheryl Baxter
Entrance is not audition-based, so registration is on a first-come, first-served basis, and capacity is limited. Tuition for all five classes is $150 and registration can be completed online here.
Mayor to Zoom State of City next month
Speak Up Newport recently announced the postponement of the 40th Annual Mayor’s Dinner that had been scheduled for next month. However, in order to keep with the tradition of the annual February State of the City address, Mayor Brad Avery will deliver his remarks via a Zoom webinar on Wednesday, Feb. 10, from 4-5 p.m.
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Courtesy of City of Newport Beach
Newport Beach Mayor Brad Avery
Attendees will also have an opportunity to submit questions for the Mayor prior to the event.
To register to attend the Zoom webinar, go here.
Send questions for Mayor Avery to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
Speak Up Newport is a non-profit, non-partisan citizens group organized to promote the common good and general welfare of the Newport Beach community.
City presents Circulation Element Visioning Workshop on Wednesday
The City of Newport Beach is presenting a Circulation Element Visioning Workshop on Wednesday, Jan. 27, from 6-8 p.m. The city’s goal is to weave community feedback into a vision in order to guide the future of mobility in Newport Beach.
Recent community meetings previously gathered residents’ visions, allowed them to express concerns, helped them to identify challenges, all in order to help better understand what is important in transporting people and goods around town.
Next steps with this workshop will be to incorporate all this previous feedback into an updated General Plan Circulation Element.
Residents interested in participating should sign up for Newport, Together at the link here. Once there, they will be asked to choose a username and password and answer a few simple questions. Then they will receive an email to validate their email and access to a website with a Sign In button.
People are asked to register this way in order to help ensure that a broad set of perspectives are considered by attributing feedback and frequency of feedback to individuals; to promote accountability and encourage people to provide thoughtful response because feedback can be attributed to them; and it means that all attendees can be kept up-to-date on project progress and happenings.
To learn more, go to www.NewportTogether.com.
Are you doing your fair share?
Philanthropy is the lifeblood of nonprofits throughout our community and across the country. Kindness funds help to the homeless and downtrodden; children, who in many cases, would have to do without; medical and health support for so many who are out of other options; and so much more.
Our Spotlight on Philanthropy is designed to show you the inner workings of programs touching our community and, hopefully, encourage you to take a closer look.
Featured Charitable Organization:
What does Extraordinary Lives Foundation (ELF) do?
The mission of Extraordinary Lives Foundation (ELF) is to improve children’s mental health and wellness and support families by providing educational tools, resources and awareness events.
ELF encourages adults to recognize symptoms, overcome the stigma and reach out for help. Through prevention, early intervention and holistic treatment, ELF believes many of the big problems facing today’s youth can be transformed within a generation.
There are four primary ways that ELF helps improve the mental health of children and their families:
–Host mental health awareness events.
–Create therapeutic tools for children.
–Provide educational resources for parents, parents to be and teachers.
–Bridge the gap between traditional and holistic healing options.
Mental health affects everyone, at all ages in all walks of life. ELF’s multifaceted approach is particularly focused on children but is designed to also reach families and their communities.
How many people are serviced and who are they?
ELF donates hundreds of Piggie Bear tools to several different children’s nonprofit organizations that serve at-risk youth including Families Forward, CASA, Laura’s House, YMCA, Illumination Foundation, CHOC Children’s Hospital, Camp Pendleton and Strong Families, Strong Children.
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Courtesy of Extraordinary Lives Foundation
(L-R) Rachel Popplewell, Sapphira Ha Roberson and Mara James when ELF donated 300 “The Power of Piggie Bear” books to Miracles for Kids
What services are available?
Currently, ELF provides The Power of Piggie Bear book and a Piggie Bear stuffed animal to help support children’s emotional wellness.
The HUGS for Life Healing Center is in the developmental stage and will bridge the gap between medical professionals and accredited holistic healers. The facility will be available to all wishing to seek holistic healing options to conquer their mental health challenges and ELF will raise funds to offer treatment options to low-income children and their families.
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Courtesy of Extraordinary Lives Foundation
(L-R) Mara James and Crystal Wishart when ELF donated 25 “The Power of Piggie Bear” coloring books to Laura’s House
Why give to ELF?
Now more than ever, children’s mental health challenges are on the rise. Your donation will directly benefit vulnerable children in need and will help increase their emotional intelligence and mental well-being.
How can you give to the ELF?
Donations are accepted via the nonprofit’s website at www.elfempowers.org and checks can be mailed to ELF, 26800 Crown Valley Parkway, Suite 460, Mission Viejo, CA 92691.
Can someone volunteer? If so, how? What opportunities are available?
Yes! ELF is always looking for volunteers to assist in outreach, miscellaneous projects and to “high five” attendees at their Mental Health Awareness events.
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Courtesy of YMCA at Hidden Hills, Laguna Niguel
ELF donated 50 “The Power of Piggie Bear” books and plush toys to the YMCA. The author Mara James read the book and Kim Gubner sang the “Piggie Bear I am Amazing” song.
Please describe any internal clubs, partnerships, leagues, college programs, etc.
Early Childhood OC, UCI, CHOC Children’s, First 5, United Healthcare and CalOptima.
What are the major fundraisers and when are they?
ELF hosts annual comedy night fundraisers and mental health awareness events. This year the nonprofit is also considering hosting a mental health awareness concert. Dates are TBD as well as virtual or hybrid/in person.
Names of the leadership group
ELF Board Members
Mara James – Founder & CEO
Rachel Popplewell – Vice Chairman
Martha Bowers – Secretary
Dan Zinn – Treasurer
Amy Betonte – General Member
Dr. Kevin Alexandar DBH, LPCC – General Member
Damion Young – Attorney
Lauren Perry McVicker – General Member
Jennifer Annes – General Member
Albert Ramos – General Member
ELF Advisory Board Members\
Dr. Kenneth James, M.D. OB/GYN and collaborator
Dr. Adrienne Matros, Psy.D. & Mental Health Advocate
Dr. Brett Patterson, Ph.D. CEU/CME Webinar Presenter
Dr. Lina Ponder, Psy.D. PPS, Clinical Psychologist
Dr. Jessica Borelli, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Psychological Science, UC Irvine
Sandy Avzaradel, Director, Early Childhood OC, ELF Advisory Board Member and moderator for webinars
Hoda Shawky, NP, Pediatric Nurse Practitioner
Susan Kenny, CASA Employee and ELF Advisory Board Member
Renata Ururahy, Dietician and Holistic Therapist
Amy Hamilton, Business Adviser
Sheryl Erani, Meeting Planner
Naresh Worlikar, Business Executive
Randi Johnson, Marketing Consultant
Carrie Cesario, Transpersonal Hypnotherapist
Chris DiFonso, MBA, Finance Professional
ELF
26800 Crown Valley Parkway, Suite 460
Mission Viejo, CA 92691
949.484.9366
Every small step can make a BIG difference!
Spotlight on Philanthropy is underwritten by
BYC sets sail with plans for 54th GovCup and World Sailing Youth MR World Championship
Balboa Yacht Club (BYC) has posted all the information necessary for requesting an invitation for the 54th Governor’s Cup International Youth Match Racing Championship, July 26-31, 2021, on the event website at www.govcupracing.com.
The Club will also host the 2021 Youth Match Racing World Championship and the sport’s worldwide governing body, World Sailing, has confirmed the August 9-14 dates proposed by the Club for that event.
The new dates for both regattas will maintain a one-week break between the two for the all-volunteer event staff.
“After the cancellation of the Cup last year for the first time in 54 years due to COVID concerns and travel restrictions, we look forward to the best ever ‘GovCup’ this year,” said Christine Robertson Gribben, chair of both events.
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Photo by Tom Walker
2019 Governor’s Cup champion Nick Egnot-Johnson (NZL) in a finals
race against his Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron mate, Leonard Takahashi
The Governor’s Cup is presented by Disc Sports & Spine Center and is an invitational event for sailors that have not reached their 23rd birthday by the last day of the regatta. This year, a special exception to that rule was made by BYC to allow skippers invited to the 2020 Cup before it was canceled to request an invitation to the 2021 regatta and, if invited, they may sail even if they don’t meet the age qualifications by the July 31, 2021 date.
Crews are not included in this exception and must still be no more than age 22 on that date. There are only three potential skippers of the 12 invited last year that could take advantage of this one-time rule change, but all are still within only a few weeks of qualifying without the exception.
“We expect a ‘Grade 1’ quality fleet and perhaps the toughest year ever for gaining an invitation,” said Selection Committee member Andy Rose, referring to World Sailing’s grading system for international match races which is based on the overall quality of the regatta, its administration and the World Sailing Open Match Racing Rankings of the skippers.
“At present, the second and fourth ranked skippers in the Open Rankings (not age limited) are the two most recent winners of the Governor’s Cup – Harry Price (AUS), who won in 2018 and Nick Egnot-Johnson, the winner in 2019,” continued Rose. “Although Harry has ‘aged out’ of both GovCup and Worlds (but not without winning both), hopefully we’ll see Nick back this summer to try to join 11 other sailors over the years that have won twice,” shared Rose.
Grade 1 is generally only granted to regattas in which most, if not all of whose entrants are professional sailors, but the Governor’s Cup was the first age-limited event to ever receive Grade 1 status in 2018. The 2021 Governor’s Cup has initially applied as a Grade 3 regatta so if World Sailing wishes to modify that grading, it would happen retroactively as was the case in 2018.
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 you to meet Presley. He’s a very sweet, big boy that doesn’t enjoy being in a shelter. At approximately 5 years in age, he must have had a loving family at some point in time, because he enjoys socializing with humans and is open to meeting visitors in a home environment; he has not relaxed well in the shelter. He needs a nice home, where he can live indoors and be the king of his castle. He was found outdoors in a community that is surrounded by heavy wildlife. He was saved by a kind citizen when she found him inside of her upstairs balcony.
A variety of attempts have been made at locating his owner, but all avenues have led to no one. The shelter staff is now looking for that special person who wishes for a fantastic cat, who is trusting in how they feel and who wants a cat that is loving, kind and full of all sorts of character.
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Courtesy of Newport Beach Animal Shelter
Meet Presley
If you are interested in scheduling an appointment for a meet and greet with a truly beautiful boy, call the shelter landline at 949.718.3454. The shelter requires an adoption application, which they would like you to complete first. The application can be found on the nonprofit’s webpage, Friends of the Newport Beach Animal Shelter, at www.FONBAS.org. It can be emailed to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
The shelter is really looking forward to Presley’s adoption. He is such a wonderful cat that deserves to live an incredible long life indoors.
Newport Beach Animal Shelter adoption fees:
–Adult Dogs - $150
–Puppies - $225
–Adult Cats - $90
–Kittens - $110
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.
Off-Broadway’s hilarious Tupperware star returns in Dixie’s Happy Hour
She’s back! Everyone’s favorite Alabama redhead is entertaining, enthralling and maybe even a little shocking to fans and newbies alike with her all-new streaming show, Dixie’s Happy Hour, starring Dixie Longate. If you’ve seen Dixie’s smash off-Broadway hit Dixie’s Tupperware Party or spent time with her in Dixie’s Never Wear a Tube Top While Riding a Mechanical Bull (and 16 other things I learned while I was drinking last Thursday), then you know Dixie’s sweet charm and infectious Southern drawl is going to keep you in stiches! Performances are virtual February 9-21 at 8 p.m. each night.
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Courtesy of Segerstrom Center for the Arts
Dixie Longate is ready to entertain you in her all-new streaming show, “Dixie’s Happy Hour”
Yes, Dixie’s gone digital to bring you 95 minutes that includes some new stories as she’s mixing up a few cocktails and challenging you to find the Happy Hours that are right in front of you, but you may be overlooking. What do you get when you mix gin, rum, vodka and tequila together? According to Dixie, if it doesn’t lead to you doing something where you have to scroll through your photos from last night to find who you need to bake apology cupcakes for, then if you squint in just the right way and change your focus, you’ll see the glory in you that makes you the remarkable person you are.
Dixie loves a good value, so tickets are $35 per household, perfect for gathering in small and distanced family groups in the comfort of your living room, or at one of simultaneous cocktail parties with festive friends in other locations.
Tickets are available for purchase online at www.SCFTA.org or by calling 714.556.2787. The show contains adult content.
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
