Costa Mesa’s temporary restraining order against moving Novel Coronavirus patients to Fairview Developmental Center is extended

A federal judge today ruled that a Temporary Restraining Order preventing the State and Federal Government from moving infected Novel Coronavirus patients to Fairview Developmental Center should be extended for a week, directing the parties to meet and confer and giving the city an opportunity to present more information.

“We are grateful that the judge saw through the inconsistencies in the federal and state positions and has extended the restraining order to see if the government can comply with its own protocols for quarantine and isolation of people with serious, communicable and possibly deadly disease,” Mayor Katrina Foley said. “While we have nothing but compassion for those who are suffering from this virus, the health and welfare of our community is our top priority. Bringing those infected into this densely populated area is simply the wrong approach.”

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Courtesy of the City of Costa Mesa

Costa Mesa Mayor Katrina Foley addresses media following yesterday’s court ruling

The city requested and was granted a temporary restraining order last Friday by the Honorable U.S. District Judge Josephine Staton, after the city learned that federal and state authorities were considering moving between 30 to 50 infected individuals to Fairview.

City officials contend that transporting persons infected with or exposed to the Coronavirus to any place within Costa Mesa until an adequate site survey has been conducted would be irresponsible. In addition, the city contends the populations of Costa Mesa and surrounding communities puts these infected patients in a much too densely populated area.

The city contends that any designated site that has been determined suitable for this purpose will need all necessary safeguards and precautions put in place, and the public and local government informed of all efforts to mitigate risk of transmission of the disease.

The City still has not received critical information needed to keep the public safe and to be an effective partner in responding to any emergency arising from the use of Fairview to isolate Coronavirus patients.

Information needed by the city includes:

–The identities of the lead agencies, their roles, and the incident commanders for each agency; operational details of how FDC will be used: when it is expected to begin operations as an isolation location, how long it is expected to be used for this purpose, will the site be expanded, what is the maximum number of patients to be housed, will the number of buildings used on site change over time, and whether state and federal agencies have considered or identified overflow sites.

–The city is also requesting how information will be shared among the different levels of government, how requests for resources and mutual aid will be made, how media and public inquiries will be handled, and how emergencies will be communicated.

–The city is requesting general safety information that first responders need to be aware of how far the Coronavirus can travel, how far it can be transmitted by airborne means, whether there will be physical barriers preventing access to Fairview, how tall and secure those barriers will be, how far they will be from the buildings and publicly accessible areas, and how the facility will be guarded.

–The city also wants to know the conditions of the facilities and plans to maintain and repair them given the aging and obsolete infrastructure. The City also must know how the housing, feeding, and movement of Fairview support personnel happens, when will patients be moved on and off the facility, what the testing procedures for patients includes, and protocols for removal to local hospitals, if necessary.

Courtesy of the City of Costa Mesa

Mayor O’Neill announces Newport’s support in Costa Mesa Coronavirus issue

Newport Beach stands with our Costa Mesa neighbors in their push for transparency and protection of our residents’ health and welfare. There is nothing safe about transporting people infected or exposed to a highly contagious disease into the second-most densely populated area in California that receives tens of millions of visitors annually.

I appreciate Judge Staton’s careful approach to this deadly serious issue. I left the hearing concerned that the Federal and State governments have prioritized speed over safety on this issue. We will continue to push for good policy that cares for both the victims of this terrible virus and protects the larger populace from infection.

Will O’Neill, Mayor

City of Newport Beach

Council calls special meeting to address disputed Costa Mesa Coronavirus facility

The City Council has scheduled a special, closed session meeting for 4:30 p.m. today, Tuesday, Feb. 25 related to legal action over a potential Coronavirus quarantine facility in Costa Mesa.

A Federal Court granted a temporary restraining order sought by Costa Mesa on Friday enjoining the transportation of persons infected with or exposed to the Coronavirus (aka COVID-19) to any place within Costa Mesa, which includes Fairview Development Center.

On Sunday, Newport Beach filed a brief in that litigation supporting Costa Mesa’s efforts. 

Newport Beach’s brief cited its own responsibility to protect the health and welfare of Newport Beach residents, Orange County’s concentrated population, high levels of tourism activity, and negative health and welfare impacts of a quarantine site among the reasons to support Costa Mesa’s efforts.

The Federal Court set a hearing yesterday, February 24, at 2 p.m., which Mayor Will O’Neill and City Attorney Aaron Harp attended.

This closed session meeting will be followed by the regularly scheduled Study Session today at 5:30 p.m. and the regular City Council meeting at 7 p.m.

Remembering Newport Beach’s Kobe and Gianna

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Courtesy Vanessa Bryant Instagram

The Kobe and Gianna (Gigi) Bryant tribute opened with a remembrance to all of those who perished by name in the helicopter accident on that fateful Sunday morning of January 26.

Beyonce then began the celebration on the stage centered in the middle of the Staples Center arena, adorned by thousands of red roses. She performed two of Kobe’s favorite songs, “XO” and “Halo.”

TV personality Jimmy Kimmel took the stage next to emcee the memorial. He introduced Kobe’s wife, Vanessa, who fought through tears to reflect on Kobe and Gianna. She talked intimately first about her daughter, Gigi, and the things they did together. It turned somber when she mentioned she’d never see Gigi walk down the aisle and never see her experience the first dance with her Dad.

Vanessa then moved to her soulmate Kobe, talking about his beautiful and loving relationships with his daughters and her.

WNBA star Diana Taurasi was the next speaker and introduced as the “White Mamba.” She spoke of growing up with Kobe as her idol, many times acting out his moves on her home court. When talking about Gianna, Taurasi told of her advanced skill level as just a 13 year old.

“Who else at her age had a fadeaway, turnaround jumper? LeBron is still working on his today,” she joked.

Sabrina Ionescu, a star at the University of Oregon and the top female player at the collegiate level today said, “I grew up watching Kobe Bryant, learning to be the first to arrive and the last to leave.” Then she recalled meeting Kobe and Gigi for the first time as they sat in the front row at one of her games and cheered her on.

As for Gigi, “If I represented the present of the women’s game, Gianna represented the future, and Kobe knew it.”

Gianna’s dream was to someday star for the University of Connecticut women’s basketball team. So, it was only fitting that their 11-time Women’s National Championship Coach, Geno Auriemma, spoke. He talked about the many times Kobe and he exchanged teaching ideas of the game. He singled out a time that Kobe and Gigi visited UConn and enjoyed a game, but mostly he focused on the importance of being a father.

Lakers General Manager Rob Pelinka, who was also Kobe’s best friend, agent and godfather to Gigi, was next to the podium. He spoke of their lasting friendship. He noted a dedication Kobe wrote to him in his autographed book, “To R.P., my brother, may you always remember to enjoy the road, especially the hard ones.”

Pelinka described Gigi as an “incredible combination of strength, courage, grace and dignity, with a witty sense of humor that was simply captivating.”

He told the story of the last time Kobe donned the Lakers’ purple and gold, as he exited the tunnel for his final game, he stopped and fist-bumped each of his daughters and said, “Here’s what you do when the world tells you you can’t do it anymore.” He then went out and scored 60 points.

Pelinka also noted what was possibly Kobe Bryant’s final act on earth. Kobe texted Pelinka from the helicopter asking him if he knew a particular baseball agent. Why? Onboard was Alyssa Altobelli, a teammate of Gianna’s. And Kobe was using his pulpit to try and assist Alyssa’s sister, Lexi, in getting an internship in the agent’s office. It showed how Kobe always cared about other people.

Next, Alicia Keys played Beethoven’s “Moonlight Sonata” on the piano, one of Kobe’s and Vanessa’s favorite melodies.

Then, Kobe’s boyhood idol Michael Jordan, arguably the greatest ever, said, “I’m honored to be here and celebrate Gigi and Kobe, and the gifts they gave all of us.”

Tears rolled down his face as he remembered “his close friend and little brother,” and the stories they shared in late-night talks about footwork, post-up moves and even sometimes about the Triangle. 

No Kobe celebration would have been complete without hearing from the other half of his famous playing duo, Shaquille O’Neal. “Kobe and I pushed each other to levels to compete and win three championships, together,” O’Neal said. He talked about their issues, but also about their respect and love for each other.

As O’Neal finished, the arena erupted for a second time with the chants of “Kobe, Kobe, Kobe!”

At 12:23 p.m., two hours into the celebration, six-time Grammy Award-winning artist Christina Aguilera joined a procession of musicians to the stage for a touching rendition of “Ave Maria.”

Bryant after retirement won an Academy Award for his animated short Dear Basketball. It was played in its entirety on the overhead scoreboard to conclude the festivities with the film’s final line, “I’ll love you always, Kobe.”

Mamba Out!

Editor’s Note: All ticket proceeds from the Celebration of Life event are earmarked for the Mamba & Mambacita Sports Foundation.

Fair Game

By TOM JOHNSON

New book tells the story of saving Upper Newport Bay from developers

A book about Newport Beach and the days of the 60s in Upper Newport Bay is being released on or around April 1. The story features the Robinson family, Frank and Frances, and is a true story. The book is titled Saving Upper Newport Bay.

The book focuses on the Robinsons, who at the time lived just a short walk from the Bay, and talks about how they’d enjoy nearby North Star Beach, water ski on the Bay’s “calm waters” in the afternoons and dig for fresh clams in the mudflats to enjoy for dinner.

Then one day, their 14-year-old son, Jay, takes a bike ride down to North Star Beach only to encounter a newly erected “private property” sign.

The book focuses on the Robinsons’ fight to save the ecological reserve from these “private property” developers and the government that ultimately changed Newport Beach forever.

It’s written by Cassandra Radcliff-Mendoza, an Orange County writer and editor. She’s a birdwatcher who began volunteering in the Upper Newport Bay back in 2014.

Saving Upper Newport Bay is 128 pages and will be available at the Peter and Mary Muth Interpretive Center and through Amazon after April 1. 

The cover design is courtesy of Terry Stanley, a local whose artwork has been award winning.

Definitely sounds like it’s worth a read.

• • •

Okay, get your calendar out. Ready? The save the date is for the 27th Annual Balboa Island Parade and After Party on Sunday, June 7, at 11 a.m.

Everyone knows the parade drill but listen up for the after-party info. It will feature the music and entertainment of Whiskey Hayride and the theme will be “Island Rodeo – Boots, Chaps and Cowboy Hats.” 

Oh, and don’t forget the always needed beach chair.

If you want to enter the parade or sign up for sponsorship opportunities, go to www.balboaislandnb.org, or pick up a registration form at the Balboa Island Museum, B.I. Post Office, Irvine Ranch Market, Starbucks or Wilma’s Patio.

The parade is sponsored by the Balboa Island Improvement Association.

• • •

Enjoyed the Kobe and Gianna Bryant celebration yesterday morning/afternoon. It was touching, somber and yet filled with plenty of levity, too. In fact, perhaps the line of the day came from the one and only Shaquille O’Neal.

In front of the Staples Center crowd and on all TV stations broadcasting the event, Shaq described how he was once approached by a Lakers teammate saying that Kobe wasn’t passing the ball. Shaq in turn said he’d talk with him about it. So, he approached Kobe and said, “You know, Kobe, there’s no ‘I’ in team.” To which Kobe quickly responded, “Yeah, but there’s an ‘m’ and an ‘e’ in that mother****er!” 

• • •

On a separate Kobe story, Vanessa Bryant, his wife, has filed a wrongful death lawsuit against the helicopter company Island Express alleging recklessness. 

The lawsuit alleges that the pilot was in weather that was not conducive to fly in, was too low and flying too fast in heavy fog. The lawsuit claims that the pilot failed to monitor and assess conditions prior to takeoff.

One thing also cited in the suit are damages for “pre-impact terror” that Gigi and Kobe suffered before the crash.

Damages were cited for “loss of love, affection, care, society, service, comfort, support, right to support, companionship, solace or moral support, the expectations of future support and for future counseling.”

No specific amount of the damages were listed. 

• • •

Still on the subject of Kobe, this from Pacific View Memorial Park, home of “Kobe and Gianna Bryant’s final resting spot.” People by the hundreds are going to the cemetery to pay their respects to the Bryants and also bringing flowers.

Unfortunately, visitors have found the wrong gravesite and it’s actually a private plot owned by another family.

So, the Park is challenged by having to remove all of the flowers being left on a daily basis.

And, don’t get your hopes up, the Park is also not identifying where the Bryants’ actual resting place is.

Spring is in the air

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Photo by Margaret Lei (Instagram @margaretsslai)

Weekend showers bring life and beauty to the Newport landscape

Police Files

Vehicle lighting issue leads to discovery of warrant and drugs resulting in $500,000 bail

Newport Beach Police made a routine traffic stop Wednesday evening, February 19, just before 7 p.m. at Santa Ana Ave. and Bristol St. The vehicle stopped had exhibited faulty lighting.

Police found that the driver, Francisco Javier Segura, 24, of Santa Ana, had no current registration for the vehicle and additionally had an outstanding warrant for possession of narcotics for sale.

Police removed Segura from the vehicle for further investigation. NBPD found narcotics packaged for sale.

Segura was charged with possession of narcotics for sale, no registration, failure to maintain lighting of a vehicle and transporting a controlled substance for sale.

Upon booking, the suspect was found to be in possession of a controlled substance leading to an additional charge of possession of a controlled substance in prison.

Segura was booked on $500,000 bail.

Police travel to Moreno Valley to arrest grand theft suspect

Newport Beach Police traveled to Moreno Valley Thursday afternoon, February 20, to arrest a suspect wanted locally for grand theft of auto parts and conspiracy to commit a crime. NBPD arrested Albert Munguia, 29, a landscaper from Moreno Valley.

Munguia was also found to be in possession of burglary tools and had an outstanding warrant from San Bernardino related to an assault upon a person with a deadly weapon.

He was returned to Newport Beach and was being held on $120,000 bail.

Editor’s Note: An arrest contains allegations that a suspect has committed a crime. Every defendant is presumed to be innocent until and unless proven guilty in court.

Newport’s Longstanding Lifeguards and Watermen

By DUNCAN FORGEY

Eric Carson was one of hundreds of lucky swimmers coached by Edward (don’t call me Ed) “Ted” Newland. Newland, famous for his 5:30 a.m. swim sessions, emphasized intense physical conditioning for himself and his wards. He would often challenge his young swimmers to push-ups and other strength-related contests. Newland gathered his flock in the 1960s when other ocean-crazed youth were drifting towards a less disciplined and risky lifestyle. Newland and his successor Bill Barnett worked with water-oriented kids and both helped keep youngsters in line. It was said that swimmers were “too tired to act tough.” These young men lived with cold, highly chlorinated water, marathon-like hours and constant sore muscles. Their routine lasted at least 10 months a year with the other two spent near or in the ocean.

Swimming for the highly competitive water polo and swim teams at Newport Harbor and Corona del Mar in the 60s and 70s was not just character building, but it was also the perfect preparation for Newport’s most sought-after job.

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Photos by Duncan Forgey

Newport’s 22nd Street Lifeguard Tower during 4th of July weekend

Being a lifeguard in Newport always had a romantic allure, but was extremely challenging. Caring for the hordes of tourists flocking to city beaches meant long hours, intense sun and at times was extremely dangerous. Long before the T.V. show Baywatch Hollywoodized lifeguarding, it was an honor to protect the beaches.

The need for lifeguards in Newport Beach was born early in its history.   Before images of handsome and tanned men rescuing damsels in distress, saving lives in Newport was a tough and gritty job.

Ferdinand Magellan, after he exited the stormy Southern Atlantic, found a vast ocean of calm. But those of us who have grown up around the Pacific Ocean know there are times it is far from serene. More than 62.46 million square miles of water and wind kick up storms and waves with tremendous strength.

At the turn of the 20th century, Newport Beach residents organized a Life Savings Corps after a number of drownings outside the harbor. The entrance to this “new port” was infamous for shifting sandbars and large swells. Without jetties, every ship entering or leaving the harbor was at grave risk of running aground or being battered by huge waves. Breaking near what is now Big Corona, lives and ships were lost as captains tried in vain to manage the sandy slalom course. Conditions were in constant flux due to waves and tides.

Newport’s first effort was the Frost Life Saving Corps formed in 1913, organized after the drowning of Margaret C. Frost. She jumped from a dock to save her son after he fell off into the bay, but both died due to a long response time and lack of life saving equipment. Local watermen Will Morton, Frank Vallely and Floyd Hemstreet did all they could, but it was all in vain. The physician called upon to help resuscitate the two victims was none other than Dr. Lowell Frost, the father and husband.

There simply was not enough money to maintain a life saving staff until May 18, 1923 when Ordinance No. 278 created a lifeguard and pilot service. This came into being after an overloaded rowboat ventured too close to the harbor entrance. Large waves capsized the boat and killed three.

Antar Deraga assisted in this rescue but realized there needed to be better services if the small village was going to protect its residents. They looked for “competent” swimmers to work for the Red Cross Volunteer Life Saving Corps. It numbered about 20, all of whom had to pass a test for the privilege to be a corpsman. It was headed by H.L. Sherman, as Deraga spent much of his time helping ships negotiate the treacherous entrance. He also had a $120 surf dory built, which lasted only two years before it was splintered on a sandbar.

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A lifeguard heading out to the surf at 16th Street...all in a day’s work

Newport Beach’s “most famous” lifeguard came later. At a time when his swimming and surfing exploits made front page news, Hollywood movie star “Duke” Paoa Kahinu Mokoe Hulikohola Kahanamoku lived in Southern California.  He explored the best surf spots in early Southern California and his favorite was the entrance to Newport Harbor. He loved his time surfing with members of the Corona del Mar Surfboard Association and dancing at the Rendezvous Ballroom.

In June 1925, Kahanamoku and fellow Los Angeles Athletic Club members, Owen Hale, Gerard “Jerry” Vultee and William Herwig camped in tents on Big Corona beach, so they could be ready to surf each day. One morning, they awoke to an overcast morning and big choppy surf.

Deraga had put up a warning flag on the bluff indicating danger, but Captain Myron Bland ignored it. He drove his boat Thelma out toward open water. It was immediately hit by a monstrous swell ,and as Captain Bland tried to swing its bow about, it was hit by a second wave. This one blasted the side of the boat exploding glass and “…men were swept to sea like bowling pins.”

Kahanamoku and the others grabbed their giant surfboards and paddled the quarter mile out to where the Thelma was floundering. Ropes, equipment and heavy clothing were dragging the passengers down by the time the surfers arrived. Kahanamoku started grabbing men and bringing them to the surface while Hale and Vultee ferried them ashore. Three times, Kahanamoku returned to the Thelma helping rescue 12 passengers. Five others died that day with two never being found.

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A surfer tackling The Wedge

Decades later, Eric Carson recalls guarding up and down the beaches of Newport. From the fun of grading bikini-clad girls on a 1-10 scale, to dealing with bites, stings and sunburns, most days were uneventful. Being a rookie, Carson was often called upon to sit on the tower at “L” Street. (In those days, there was no tower at the Wedge, because powers-to-be did not want to encourage body surfing.)

Despite this, a dedicated tribe of body surfers, including former Mayor Nancy Gardner and her father, Judge Gardner, fought to save the ominous Wedge wave, at a time when politicians wanted to jetty it out of existence.

One of Carson’s early rescues near the Wedge was an elderly man who had a heart attack. He got him ashore and attempted to breathe air into his mouth. The man threw up leaving Carson to handle crowd control while spitting out the man’s vomit. Shortly, thereafter, a big lumbering football player got slammed by the fierce shore break, resulting in a compound fracture of his ankle.Once he was back on the sand, his foot was literally pointing 180 degrees in the wrong direction.

The run from “L” Street to the Wedge in an emergency could be as challenging as working the water once you got there. On big days, guards hoped that the lifeguard boat “Sea Watch,” driven by Rocky Freeman, would arrive to assist. This gave the overworked guards an opportunity to take victims out to the boat, instead of dragging them back through 10 to 20-foot waves.

Some other unsung heroes of the 1960s were Al Irwin, Chief Bob Reed, brothers Peyton, Bruce and Gordon Reed, Dave Harshbargar, Don Burns, Butch Pope, Steve Farmer, “Jake” Jacobson, Don Burns, and Ken and Alton Doesberg, plus many more dedicated professional watermen who worked in the waves long before surfers got paid to do so.

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Bell ringing during Lifeguard Ben Carlson’s memorial

Newport Beach has more than a century of ocean stories and tragedies.  Each one is unique due to varying conditions, size of the waves and the particular lifeguard(s) on duty. This writing is dedicated to all of them, but also remembers our 15-year veteran Ben Carlson. In 2014, Ben dove into an angry ocean on a busy 4th of July weekend. Just south of the Newport Point, huge crunching waves were yanking people out to sea. Ben’s job was to make just one of the 562 rescues that would take place that weekend. “Just part of the job,” lifeguards like to say.

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The paddle out for Ben Carlson

As all ocean lovers know, the sea is not selective when it decides to take someone. Ben got to his distressed swimmer just before he was catapulted over the falls with the next big swell. He drowned that day, showing that all those that wear red along our beaches put their lives at risk for others. 

“When you feel like you are drowning in life’s situations – Don’t Worry – YOUR LIFEGUARD WALKS ON WATER.”
–Author unknown

~~~~~~~~

Duncan Forgey, a lifelong resident of Newport Beach, now makes his home in Hawaii. He is a regular contributor to Stu News Newport.

Palisades Tennis Club announces new owner, but with reduced land lease

Palisades Tennis Club, one of the premier private tennis clubs in Southern California, has announced Eric Davidson as its new owner and a renewed lease with the Hyatt Regency Newport Beach. Davidson is the chairman of the board of World Team Tennis and owner of the Orange County Breakers tennis team. 

Ken Stuart, who has owned the club since 1995, has decided to leave Palisades following 31 combined years of dedicated service.

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Photos courtesy of OC Breakers 

Eric Davidson

“Everyone agreed that it’s time for the club to walk into the future,” said Davidson. “I am invigorated by the lease renewal with the Hyatt Regency Newport Beach and our plans are to ensure that Palisades continues to be a world-class club for its local members and global visitors.”

Palisades Tennis Club sits on two separate parcels of land. The first parcel, which comprises the back half of the tennis club property and contains the clubhouse building, is owned by Newport Beach resident and real estate investor Russ Fluter. Fluter has chosen not to renew the lease that has been in place with Palisades for 45 years. He has sent a demand that Palisades vacate his property by February 29, 2020.

The other parcel is leased from the Hyatt Regency Newport Beach, which has renewed their lease with Palisades Tennis Club.

While Davidson plans for the future, Palisades will operate out of a modular building. 

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Entrance to the Palisades Tennis Club

“Palisades and its members have had a tremendous impact on the community by hosting events and raising funds into the millions of dollars for local charities over the club’s illustrious 45-year history,” Davidson shared. “The more value we can bring to our members, the better. They give so much to our community, and they deserve so much in return.” 

Under Davidson’s ownership, current management will remain in place, with Terri DeLong as general manager. 

“Our commitment is to our membership,” Davidson said. “We’ll do everything we can to make sure the historic integrity of the club is preserved.”

The club opened in September 1974 under its original name of John Wayne Tennis Club. Throughout decades of change in the sport of tennis, Palisades Tennis Club has been the one constant with continuous innovation and commitment to its members.

For more information, visit www.PalisadesTennis.com/ptc.

City Manager’s Updates

From the desk of Grace Leung

Request for Legislative Assistance – On February 14, 2020, the City sent letters to Assemblymember Cottie Petrie-Norris and Senator John Moorlach requesting legislative assistance regarding housing policies and laws. The letters specifically request they sponsor five legislative amendments that would significantly reduce barriers for Newport Beach and other cities to achieve the State of California’s ambitious housing goals set forth in the Regional Housing Needs Allocation (RHNA) process for the 6th Cycle Housing Element covering the period 2021-2029. The proposed legislative amendments include: allowing cities to count accessory dwelling units (“ADUs”) as affordable units provided the ADU meets certain objective standards; eliminating barriers to applying alternative methodologies for achieving compliance with state obligations to provide an adequate number of housing units; establishing objective standards of what constitutes “site eligibility” as cities are zoning for housing units in the preparation of the 6th Cycle Housing Element; providing a statutory exemption under the California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”) for the preparation and completion of a certified 6th Cycle Housing Element; and, extending the deadline to submit a 6th Cycle Housing Element to the California Department of Housing Community Development (“HCD”) for certification. 

Copies of the letters, including amendment details, can be accessed at the City’s 2020 Housing Action webpage at www.newportbeachca.gov/housingactionplan.

Balboa Village Advisory Committee (BVAC) Meeting – The Balboa Village Advisory Committee (BVAC) met this past Wednesday at Marina Park. The BVAC was given a presentation by Joe Adams and Colleen D’Aluisio of Discovery Cube’s Ocean Quest on its future plans for redevelopment and expansion. The presentation was highlighted by plans to repurpose the existing buildings while maintaining and enhancing the Fun Zone charm. Their plans include installing large touch tanks with real marine life, a historical exhibit, an environmental clean-ocean exhibit, and a movie and presentation area. Beloved attractions like the bumper cars, which harken back to the earlier days of the Balboa Fun Zone, are also being brought back. 

Also, at this meeting, the BVAC received updates on the installation of a wayfinding signage revamp in the Village and updates on construction activity. As part of the construction activity, staff announced they had met with representatives of the Balboa Theater project and that updated, revised plans for the renovation could be coming in for review very soon. 

Lastly, the BVAC reviewed its progress with addressing the strategies identified in the City Council-approved Balboa Village Master Plan and discussed the possibility of dissolving the Committee sooner than the December 31, 2020 sunset date. 

The BVAC will meet again on Wednesday, April 15, and will continue the discussion about future initiatives and an earlier sunset date. They will also receive a presentation on the upcoming Wine and Food Festival, which is being planned for Peninsula Park. Public Works Department staff will also be on-hand to talk about the Balboa Peninsula Trolley program slated for 2020, and updates on the maintenance efforts in the Village. 

The BVAC meets monthly on the third Wednesday of each month at Marina Park on an as-needed basis. For additional information, please check the City’s webpage here.

Tamura Deep Water Well Rehabilitation – The City’s contractor, General Pump Company, recently completed the rehabilitation of the Tamura Deep Water Well. This drinking water well is 720 feet deep and has louvered casing walls that allow groundwater to pass into the well. Rehabilitation consisted of wire brushing the louvers and chemical treatment with hydrogen peroxide. A brand new well pump was also installed. The Tamura Well is one of four water wells and is capable of pumping 3,000 gallons per minute. Approximately seventy to seventy-five percent of the City’s water supply comes from the Orange County Groundwater Basin. The City regularly maintains all four water wells in order to provide safe drinking water to 66,000 Newport Beach residents.

Homelessness Update – Success Stories: City Net, the City’s contracted social services provider, continues to assist people with accessing and navigating resources in the community. Their outreach efforts, coordinated with the City and County’s resources, continue to provide housing opportunities for people experiencing homelessness in the community. 

Last week, City Net case managers connected several people experiencing homelessness to appropriate social services agencies in Orange County, including: 

–Housing a man who had been chronically homeless for over 30 years. He moved in to his new Permanent Supportive Housing Unit in Irvine last Friday. City Net’s team will continue to provide case management and support services through their Homeless Disability Assistance Program. The Program provides ongoing assistance such as helping him apply for Social Security benefits and assisting him with paying utility bills. The City Net staff coordinated the move-in day by collaborating with the leasing office staff, moving the man’s belongings, and ensuring he had basic household items to begin his new opportunity.

–Completing a Vulnerability Index assessment (VI-SPDAT) with a man who had been resistant to assistance. City Net utilizes the Vulnerability Index intake assessment to screen clients on a number of factors to determine proper placement in the County’s Continuum of Care system. Some factors include age, health issues, and length of time being unsheltered. 

–Referred a family of four living in their car to the Family Solutions Collaborative. The Family Solutions Collaborative is a coalition of the leading family service nonprofits in Orange County. The Family Services Collaborative streamlines the process for homeless families to access the services they need. 

–Interacted with a new client who made an appointment through the City Net hotline number. Staff referred the new client to resources in the community. The City Net hotline number is 714.451.6198. People who call the hotline may leave a detailed voicemail message for themselves or others in need and the City Net staff will call back within 1-2 days, with the appropriate resources for the caller. 

–Completing a Disability Verification for a man’s Vulnerability Index assessment (VISDPAT). He is now formally active on the County’s Coordinated Entry System for housing placement. 

In addition to the City Net team, Newport Beach’s Rapid Response Team (comprised of staff from several City departments such as the Fire Department, OASIS Senior Center, the Police Department, and Public Works) conducted outreach with the City’s Homeless Liaison Officer. The team engages with homeless individuals in the field to help connect them to resources. Last week, the Rapid Response Team collaborated to transport two men, in separate incidences, to Hoag Hospital with their heavy motorized scooters. The Fire Department personnel tended to the men then coordinated with the Public Works staff and Hoag Hospital staff to reunite the men with their motorized scooters. 

The Rapid Response Team also worked together in Lower Castaways Park to address a new encampment. Staff from Park Patrol, Public Works, and the Homeless Liaison Officer engaged with three men to have them remove their belongings from a brush area. Staff then reviewed curfew enforcement in the park. The men cooperated by leaving the area with their belongings without incident. 

February 27 Program to Focus on Youth Homelessness – On Thursday, Feb. 27 at 6 p.m., the City will host a program to address youth homelessness, featuring staff from Project Hope Alliance. Project Hope Alliance works to end homelessness among elementary to high-school age youth in our community. The free program will be in the Friends Meeting Room at the Central Library, 1000 Avocado Ave.

March 26 Program with Families Forward – On Thursday, March 26 at 7 p.m., the City will host a program to address families in need of housing security, featuring staff from Families Forward. Families Forward, based in Irvine, has been providing housing navigation, food bank items, and job training for Orange County families since 1984. Their staff will present information about their organization’s rapid re-housing resources, as well as renter’s rights and education. 

Long-Awaited Dolphin Topiary Replacements – In 1994, the City, in partnership with the Corona del Mar Business Improvement District (CdM BID), planted dolphin topiaries in the East Coast Highway medians at Marguerite Avenue. These dolphins have become a historical icon of the CdM business area. However, over time, these dolphins have significantly outgrown their intended form and have become difficult to maintain. Staff determined that severely pruning them back to their original size and shape would likely cause severe decline of the topiaries’ health. Ultimately, staff has concluded that these dolphin topiaries have reached the end of their life cycle and are ready to be replaced. 

Subsequently, the City, with continued partnership with the CdM BID has obtained replacement dolphin topiaries in duplicate poses and forms. The new replacement topiaries have spent much time growing in their planters and are now ready to be planted into the medians, replacing their predecessors. Once planted, the topiaries will grow more rapidly and with proper care and maintenance, will reach full maturity and flourish once again. 

Insider’s Guide for the Newport Beach City Council Meeting on February 25, 2020 – Our next City Council meeting is tonight (Tuesday, February 25). Items that may be of interest are highlighted below. The entire agenda, and all reports, can be viewed here.

Study Session begins at 5:30 p.m. We have some great presentations at this meeting; honoring our Junior Lifeguard of the Year, Peter Clark. Our Junior Lifeguard program is the most popular program here in Newport Beach, serving over 1,350 kids between the ages of 9 and 15, teaching them about the beach environment, learning valuable aquatic skills, and the role of ocean lifeguards. Laird Hayes will be recognized as our volunteer with too many contributions to mention. We will also have a presentation by the Banning Ranch Conservancy to provide an update on their recent efforts. 

The Regular Meeting begins at 7 p.m. and the following are items of note: 

–On the Consent Calendar is the approval of an Urban Search and Rescue Grant which will provide our first responders with training and equipment in case of an emergency. 

–We continue to improve and maintain our infrastructure with several contracts including: a concrete alley and street replacement, and Balboa Boulevard median improvements. 

–The City Council will also consider the Mayor’s recommendations for the Housing Element Advisory Committee. 

–Current Business includes a request to consider issuing a Request for Qualifications for a Permanent Supportive Housing Project (PSH). This is part of the City’s strategy to address our homeless population. By providing PSH, the City can ensure a high-quality project where individuals can receive the support they need to end their homelessness. 

–Public Hearing includes a presentation by the Fire Department amending the 2019 Edition of the California Fire Code to provide tailored vegetation management in some of the very high fire severity zones in the City. The requirements will provide guidance to homeowners to provide defensible space in case of a fire.

Sweet CdM sunsets

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Photo by Michelle Mar (Instagram Msmichellemar)

“There’s a sunrise and a sunset every single day, and they’re absolutely free. Don’t miss so many of them.” –Jo Walton

Newport Chamber presents Wake Up! Newport breakfast with Newport Beach Mayor Will O’Neill

On Thursday, March 5 from 7:15-8:45 a.m., the Newport Beach Chamber of Commerce presents its monthly Wake Up! Newport event at Central Library. The featured speaker is Newport Beach Mayor Will O’Neill.

Mayor O’Neill is a partner in a local law firm, previously working at the California Supreme Court for Associate Justice Marvin Baxter (Ret.). O’Neill is the youngest person to be Mayor of Newport Beach. This has helped renew the Council’s focus on family-friendly community features like parks, libraries and increased school safety.

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Courtesy of City of Newport Beach

Newport Beach Mayor Will O’Neill

The Newport Beach Chamber of Commerce presents this monthly event. This is a free opportunity to meet one-on-one with legislative and government officials and stay updated on current local, state and federal issues. Breakfast treats will be provided. This event is free to the public, but please make reservations so the Chamber can plan for food and seating. 

To RSVP or for more information, contact Pam Smith at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 949.729.4411. 

Newport Beach Central Library is located at 1000 Avocado Ave., Newport Beach.

Newport Beach – A Look Back

Photo series courtesy of Balboa Island Museum & Historical Society

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Newport Harbor wasn’t always a safe place to sail. In fact, it wasn't until 1935 that the Harbor was properly dredged to make it truly safe for larger boats. The dredger, pictured here, was brought in to ensure the depths in the harbor were sufficient to keep larger boats from being beached or worse.

Balboa Island Museum and the Museum Store are located at 210 B Marine Ave., Balboa Island. They are open Monday-Thursday from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. and Friday-Sunday from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. For more information, call 949.675.3952, visit www.balboamuseum.org or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Flashback Friday is here...and we want your mug

Flashback Friday harkens back to yesterday...and we think it’s fun that our readers have been submitting their “mugs” so others can try and guess who is in the photo.

We want yours!

Send in a treasured photo from your past. It can be of you, your spouse, girlfriend, boyfriend, family member...you get the idea. Include who is in the photo, when it was taken and any interesting things you can share about the pic.

We’re looking for eye-catching representations of your Flashback Friday to post in Stu News on Friday, to end the work week on a high note.

Please send your photos to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. with Flashback Friday in the subject line. Let’s make Fridays a day to remember.

The Witte Lecture Series presents David Leonhardt

The Witte Lectures Series continues with David Leonhardt on Friday, Feb. 28 from 7-9 p.m. and Saturday, Feb. 29 from 2-4 p.m. Leonhardt is the author of The American Dream, At Risk – Income Inequality and Us. He joined the New York Times in 1999 and is an Op-Ed columnist. His weekday morning e-newsletter helps his readers make sense of current events by providing analysis and context. Prior to joining the Opinion department, he was founding editor of The Upshot section, which emphasizes data visualization and graphics to offer an analytical approach to the day’s news. He served as Washington bureau chief and wrote “Economic Scene,” a weekly column for the Business section. He is a Pulitzer Prize and Gerald Loeb Award-winning author.

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Courtesy of NBPLF

David Leonhardt

The events take place in the Friends Room in Central Library, 1000 Avocado Ave., Newport Beach. Schedule for Friday, Feb. 28: Doors open at 6:30 p.m. The Lecture and Q&A takes place from 7-8:30 p.m., followed by a book sale and signing until 9 p.m. Tickets: $65, General; $60 NBPLF Member. Schedule for Saturday, Feb. 29. Doors open at 1:30 p.m. The Lecture and Q&A takes place from 2-3:30 p.m., followed by a book sale and signing until 4 p.m. Tickets: $45, General; $40 NBPLF Member. Reserve tickets online at www.nbplfoundation.org/content/The-Witte-Lectures.html or by phone at 949.717.3892.

Note: Central Library will close early on Friday, Feb. 28 at 5 p.m. to get ready for the evening event.

Students invited to enter Mesa Water District Poster Contest

Mesa Water District (Mesa Water®) invites local students in its service area to participate in the Municipal Water District of Orange County (MWDOC) 2020 Water Awareness Poster Contest.

The contest is open to all Orange County students in grades K-12, and challenges them to demonstrate their water knowledge through the creation of original artwork depicting the theme: “Water is Life.”

For more than 30 years, Mesa Water’s participation in the Water Awareness Poster Contest has encouraged Orange County students to take a closer look at water, our most precious natural resource, and discover how access to clean, fresh drinking water improves our daily lives.

Mesa Water supports various educational events throughout the year, including in-school water education assemblies for fifth graders.

MWDOC receives hundreds of poster entries each year from students across the county. A total of 40 winners are selected and recognized at an awards ceremony held at the Discovery Cube Orange County.

Additionally, winners from schools in Mesa Water’s service area will win a prize from Mesa Water and be recognized at an upcoming board meeting, along with their families and teachers.

The deadline to submit entries for the 2020 Water Awareness Poster Contest is April 3. Contest rules can be found at www.mwdoc.com/postercontest.

Mesa Water District is an independent special district that provides water service to 110,000 residents in an 18-square-mile service area that includes most of the City of Costa Mesa, parts of Newport Beach and unincorporated Orange County including John Wayne Airport.

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.”

It’s truly another beautiful day with sweet Paige in the world. At a mere 4 years of age, she is one of the most easygoing pups around. She just goes along with the program, enjoys the company of humans and other dogs, is more treat motivated than toy, and showers those she is confident that she can trust with affection. Paige is very smart and has a pretty personality. If you would enjoy a well-balanced, almost medium-sized darling, please feel free to stop by to get to know Paige better.

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Courtesy of Newport Beach Animal Shelter

Meet Paige

If you are interested in finding out more about Paige, or any other animals up for adoption, the Newport Beach Animal Shelter is located at 20302 Riverside Drive, Newport Beach. It is open Tuesday through Sunday from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. For more information, call 949.644.3656, email Valerie Schomburg at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. For more information related to the shelter’s undertakings, please feel free to visit the shelter’s affiliated nonprofit’s website, www.FONBAS.org. FONBAS (humans and furries alike) looks forward to making your acquaintance. 

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

Newport Beach Animal Shelter adoption fees:

–Dogs - $130

–Puppies - $150

–Cats - $90

–Kittens - $110

To find out how you can help support the shelter, visit www.nbpd.org and click on “Our Animal Shelter” to view the wish list. The shelter can always use food and treats; new toys; grooming, hygiene and comfort products; as well as laundry soap, dish soap, paper towels, sponges, scrub pads and lint rollers. If you are interested in volunteering, you can fill out and sign the application on the website.

Coastal Commission hosting “Climate” video contest for students

The California Coastal Commission is hosting a Coming Together for the Climate video challenge for middle and high school students. The contest challenges students to create short videos to answer the question, “How do we come together for the climate?”

Submissions can be completed in English or in the student’s home 

language. However, if not English, submissions are requested to provide English subtitles and/or English translation in the video description.

Videos are due no later than Tuesday, March 31 and should be uploaded to Youtube.

Rules include that videos should be a maximum of three minutes long; each video can include up to five filmmakers (does not include actors); if entering as a group, one person must be designated as the main contact; filmmakers must use a horizontal orientation when filming; and, if filmmakers use music in the video it must be the filmmakers’ own composition or copyright free.

For more information, go to www.coastal.ca.gov/climatechallenge/.

Pacific Symphony announces 2020-21 season

Music Director Carl St.Clair and President John Forsyte announced the Hal and Jeanette Segerstrom Family Foundation Classical Series, inaugurating St.Clair’s fourth decade as music director. Comprised of 44 concerts, the 2020-21 classical season reflects the orchestra’s diverse repertoire – from core symphonic works, new commissions, full-length opera and cross-disciplinary collaborations.

“I look forward to beginning my fourth decade as Pacific Symphony’s music director in the 2020-21 season,” commented St.Clair. “During my 30-year tenure working with the orchestra, Pacific Symphony has risen from a young organization with just a $2 million budget to the newest orchestra to have been elevated by the League of American Orchestras to ‘Group One’ status, sharing this distinction with the nation’s greatest orchestras.

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Photo courtesy of Pacific Symphony

Pacific Symphony Conductor Carl St.Clair

“It is gratifying that the work we have accomplished has been recognized for its significant contribution to the quality of life in the region. Recently, the Orange County supervisors designated the Symphony as ‘Orange County’s Cultural Ambassador to the World’, recognizing our national and international reputation. But we are also ambassadors within the county to deepen in our audiences the understanding and appreciation of diverse cultures through the universal language of music. I invite you to join us for another great season of great music with your Pacific Symphony,” St.Clair shared.

Pacific Symphony President Forsyte remarked on the exciting aspects of the upcoming season St.Clair has planned. “There are many extraordinary highlights for Pacific Symphony’s upcoming Hal and Jeanette Segerstrom Family Foundation Classical series. Carl St.Clair curated an incredible season where every concert is a sonic adventure not to be missed.

“Beloved favorites such as Tchaikovsky’s Violin Concerto and Fifth Symphony as well as Rachmaninoff’s Piano Concerto No. 2 will be interwoven with glorious masterworks and such lesser known repertoire as Vaughan Williams’ pastoral ‘Symphony No. 5’ and the rapturous ‘Poem of Ecstasy’ of Alexander Scriabin,” Forsyte said. “We are thrilled to welcome back world-renowned guest artists like Emanuel Ax and James Ehnes. The five guest conductors on the roster this season are in high demand the world over, and they bring fresh perspectives to their concert programs.”

Continuing, Forsyte remarked, “Undoubtedly, a highlight of the year will be a partnership with South Coast Repertory and their exciting new Artistic Director David Ivers as we perform Mozart’s ‘Requiem’ and other selections by the great composer of the classic era. Theatrically, nothing will top a performance of Verdi’s incredibly popular ‘Rigoletto’, marking the 10th anniversary of Pacific Symphony’s successful opera initiative.

 “Finally, we look forward to a number of world and local premieres that underscore Carl St.Clair and Pacific Symphony’s commitment to the music of our time. Sir James MacMillan’s ‘Fiat Lux’ will shimmer and Chris Brubeck’s ‘Pas de deux’ will enchant as we discover new sounds that showcase the Symphony’s virtuosity. Over 30 percent of the works on the season are being performed for the first time by the Symphony, which is also artistically rewarding for the musicians of the orchestra as well as the audience.”

2020-21 Season Highlights at a Glance:

–Lang Lang Explores Beethoven

Sunday, Oct. 4, 2020 - Heralded by the New York Times as “the hottest artist on the classical music planet,” Lang Lang plays sold-out concerts all over the world. His dazzling technique and exuberant showmanship wow audiences the world over. He is that rare artist who can balance populism and artistry. Returning after an eight-season absence, the classical superstar makes a welcome return for a one-night-only special event, led by Music Director Carl St.Clair. Lang Lang performs Beethoven’s “Piano Concerto No. 2” on a program that also holds the Roman Carnival Overture of Berlioz and Respighi’s “Pines of Rome.” Currently, only 2020-21 season subscribers are able to purchase tickets for this special add-on concert.

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Lang Lang

–World Premiere of Pacific Symphony Commission from Sir James MacMillan 

March 18-20, 2021 - Leading Scottish composer Sir James MacMillan has been hailed by the New York Times as “ceaselessly inventive, evocative and penetrating.” This major commission, entitled “Fiat Lux” (“Let There Be Light”), utilizes a text by Dana Gioia, the internationally acclaimed poet, California poet laureate and chairman of the National Endowment for the Arts. Carl St.Clair directs the performance, which opens with the English Renaissance motet “Spem in alium” by Thomas Tallis followed by Strauss’ eternal tone poem “Death and Transfiguration.” Pacific Chorale joins the Symphony on both the Tallis and the MacMillan world premiere for this “Cathedrals of Sound” program, which will take audiences on a spiritual journey, offering an evening of inspiration, awe and ambience.

–Verdi’s Operatic Masterpiece, “Rigoletto”

April 15, 17, 20, 2021 - Pacific Symphony continues its commitment to presenting semi-staged opera with Verdi’s immortal story about naïve love, betrayal and vengeance gone horribly wrong. Carl St.Clair conducts. The Symphony’s semi-staged opera productions, now marking its 10th anniversary, are tailored to the concert hall with the orchestra on stage instead of in the pit. Scenes are evoked with partial sets enhanced with lighting, projections and video rather than represented with fully designed sets. Singers are costumed and perform in character. This engenders a deeper intensity between artists and audience, creating heightened dramatic impact and compelling performances. Previously, audiences have been faced with two extremes: bare-bones concert opera where the singers stand and sing as soloists in front of the orchestra or an extravagant full opera house production. Marc A. Scorca, president and chief executive of Opera America, calls semi-staged opera, “a flowering of the space in between those two points.” Artists and creative team for Verdi’s “Rigoletto” to be announced.

–“The Mozart Project,” an Original Collaboration with South Coast Repertory

June 10-12, 2020 - Pacific Symphony and South Coast Repertory come together for an original partnership inspired by the artistry of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. Joining the Symphony will be South Coast Repertory’s Artistic Director David Ivers, who portrayed Antonio Salieri, to critical acclaim in the Utah Shakespeare Festival production of “Amadeus” in 2015, and James Sullivan as stage director. With the combined forces of the Symphony, Pacific Chorale and South Coast Repertory, this unique cross-disciplinary collaboration promises to be a memorable finale to the 2020-21 season.

–Guest Soloists

Pacific Symphony guest soloists during the 2020-21 season include duo pianists and identical twins, Christina and Michelle Naughton* making their Symphony debut in Mozart’s Piano Concerto No. 10 for two pianos on a program that features Tchaikovsky’s profoundly moving Fifth Symphony (September 24-26, 2020); Lang Lang in Beethoven’s Piano Concerto No. 2 (October 4, 2020); cellist Jaime Laredo and violinist Sharon Robinson performing the West Coast premiere of Chris Brubeck’s jazz-infused double concerto (October 15-17, 2020); Bomsori Kim* performing Tchaikovsky’s Violin Concerto (November 12-14, 2020); Andrey Gugnin* performing Rachmaninoff’s Piano Concerto No. 2 (December 3-5, 2020); Emanuel Ax performing Mozart’s Piano Concerto No. 17 (January 14-16, 2021); James Ehnes performing Sibelius’ Violin Concerto (February 25-27, 2021); soprano Elissa Johnston performing in the world premiere of MacMillan’s “Let There Be Light” (“Fiat Lux”) commissioned by Pacific Symphony (March 18-20, 2021); Rachel Barton Pine* performing Mendelssohn’s Violin Concerto (May 6-8, 2021); and pianist Haochen Zhang performing Rachmaninoff’s Variations on a Theme of Paganini (May 20-22, 2021).

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Soloist Andrey Gugnin

Note: * An asterisk indicates soloists who are making debuts with Pacific Symphony this season.

–Sunday Matinees

Carl St.Clair has devoted his tenure at Pacific Symphony to designing festivals and concert series that enable audiences to engage more deeply with both new music and standard orchestral repertoire. The four-concert Sunday matinee series was launched in 1995. Speaking from the stage, St.Clair offers the audience an intimate and lively exploration of the classics. These informal concerts are just 90 minutes long and provide a perfect introduction to classical music. The series includes: Tchaikovsky’s Fifth (September 27, 2020); Beethoven’s “Eroica” Symphony (October 18, 2020); Schubert’s Symphony No. 9, “The Great” (May 23, 2021); and Mozart’s Requiem (June 13, 2021).

–Additional Programming

Pacific Symphony presents four special concerts during the 2020-21 season: Lang Lang Plays Beethoven (October 4, 2020); the holiday presentation of Handel’s Glorious “Messiah” (December 6, 2020) featuring the Pacific Chorale, led by guest conductor Robert Moody; and two concerts that reflect the Orange County community including “Lunar New Year” and “Nowruz” (Iranian New Year) celebrations led by Carl St.Clair (Feb. 13, 2021 and March 27, 2021, respectively).

The soon-to-be-announced SummerFest season at Pacific Amphitheatre in Costa Mesa presents concerts beneath the stars, beginning July 4 and ending on the weekend after Labor Day weekend. Programming still to be announced in coming months includes the Pops series, Café Ludwig chamber music series and the Pedals and Pipes organ series.

The 2020-21 Hal and Jeanette Segerstrom Family Foundation Classical Series, special concerts and Sunday matinees take place in the Renee and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall at Segerstrom Center for the Arts located at 600 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa. For more information, visit www.PacificSymphony.org, or call 714.755.5799.

Spirit Run: much more than a fundraiser

Generations of Newport Beach residents have grown up with Spirit Run, most remembering it as a school fundraiser. But for many, from near and far, it’s much more.

Spirit Run began in 1983 with the 5k for adults and mile for children. Over the years, it has expanded to offer running and walking events for every age and fitness level. Today’s adult distances include the 10k, 5k, Juan Ramirez 15k (10k + 5k), and mile (Elite or Open). Rather than a single race, children are grouped by age into six separate 1/4 - 1 mile races. Other youth choices include the Youth 5k for high school ages and younger, and the Toddler Trot for the littlest ones. Families run or walk together in the Family Mile or 5k Family Walk. Even your BFF canine is included in the Dog Mile.

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Photos courtesy of Spirit Run

Elite Mile top two females at the finish tape

Since introducing adult mile races in 2016, Spirit Run has attracted elite and highly competitive runners from Southern California and beyond. The Elite Mile is for men who can finish a mile faster than 4 minutes, 15 seconds, and women, faster than 4 minutes, 50 seconds. The Open Mile is for competitive runners who don’t qualify for the Elite Mile. Both races take place on a fast, point-to-point course that travels on a slight decline.

Many elite athletes have competed at Spirit Run for several years and can’t wait to return. The word is spreading and the field is growing. Most will race the Elite Mile followed by the 5k. Some will race the Juan Ramirez 15k (10k followed by the 5k), with a few adding the Open Mile. All are attracted by the fast courses, great competition and abundance of prizes, including a $5,000 prize purse in the Elite Mile. This combination of factors is expected to result in fast finishing times, possibly course records. This makes Spirit Run great for spectators as well.

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Thomas Dialynas

Spirit Run is excited to welcome Thomas Dialynas, a Newport Beach native. Dialynas, the 2020 Surf City Marathon Champion, is registered for Spirit Run’s Elite Mile and 5k. Dialynas was Captain of Corona del Mar High’s Cross Country and Track Team and twice voted Most Valuable Player. He ran for Princeton where he was 2012 Academic All American. After college, he qualified for the 2016 USA Olympic Half Marathon Trials.

Dialynas attended Harbor Day School, although at that time, private schools did not participate in Spirit Run. “I have never actually run the Spirit Run,” he said. “I am glad to finally partake in this annual Newport tradition. The Mile is a great distance in a great place against great competition for a great cause.”

While Dialynas resides close enough to run to the Elite Mile start line, Matthew Winkler is traveling more than 1,000 miles. Winkler is a schoolteacher from Victoria, Canada who placed 5th at the 2019 Canadian Track and Field Championships. “I’m a competitor at heart,” Winker explained. “Three years ago, my students encouraged me to enter this sport again and I discovered I had a little bit of energy left in these legs.”

Winkler is the favorite for the Elite Mile. When asked whether he can win he replied, “My body is going through a bit of a renaissance, where I’m faster than I was in my 20s. That has brought me to the Spirit Run for an opportunity to race some fast people on a fast course with a chance to break 4 in the mile for the first time.”

Winkler will have several other competitors on his heels including Bryce Richards from Phoenix, Ariz. “I’m really excited about competing in the Spirit Mile/5k,” Richards said. “This will be a great test of my fitness...I hope to mix it up with the other athletes and hopefully come out on top!”

There is also an impressive field on the women’s side. Tori Tsolis, Spirit Run’s 2017 Elite Mile Woman’s Champion, is a California native. “I’m excited to return to the Spirit Run Mile! I had a few injuries that sidelined me from competing in this event the past two years. It’s a great atmosphere and a fun, local opportunity to run a quick road mile in March.”

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Tori Tsolis, first at the finish line

Tsolis has significant challengers, including one who competed on the world stage. Hanna Hermansson competed for Sweden in the 2017 World Championships and recently ran a 4:37 mile in New York. The women’s favorite, however, is Therese Haiss from Ohio who finished the State Street Mile last June in 4:20.

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Therese Haiss may be the won to beat in this year’s Woman’s Mile

No doubt, Spirit Run’s $5,000 cash prize purse in the Elite Mile and almost 300 non-cash prizes motivate the elite runners. The first five men and first five women to break 4 minutes and 4 minutes, 35 seconds, respectively in the Elite Mile win $500. Also, the top six women and men in the Elite Mile win ice cream at Fashion Island’s Atomic Creamery. Indeed, winners of all ages will win Atomic Creamery gift cards. Other tasty prizes include pizza every month for a year at Blaze Pizza Fashion Island for ages 9 & older in the Adult 5k, 10k, Youth 5k and Youth Mile races, and Balboa Candy for ages 8 & younger in the 1/4, 1/2 and 1 mile and Youth 5k. Open Mile and 15k runners battle for $50 Dick’s Sporting Goods gift certificates. Dog Milers compete for free lunch or dinner at Lazy Dog Café. Finally, elite athletes in the 10k, 5k and Dog Mile also compete for $100 gift cards from Asics and A Snail’s Pace.

To register and for event details, visit www.nmspiritrun.org. To learn more about elite athletes at Spirit Run, visit www.nmspiritrun.org/elites.

Segerstrom Center’s Disney Musical in Schools student showcase set for March 11

Segerstrom Center for the Arts has announced its 2020 free Disney Musicals in Schools (DMIS) student share performance, hosted by Kayla Cyphers, who stars as Nala in the North American Tour of Disney’s The Lion King.

On Wednesday, March 11 at 5 p.m., 200 elementary school students from Arthur F. Corey Elementary (Buena Park), Garfield Elementary (Santa Ana), Frank Vessels Elementary (Cypress) and Sycamore Elementary (Orange) will sing and dance their way through scenes from Disney’s The Jungle Book KIDS and Aladdin KIDS in the Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall.

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©Disney. Photo by Deen van Meer

Brandon A. McCall and Kayla Cyphers in “The Lion King”

Disney Musicals in Schools is designed to help Orange County public elementary schools create sustainable musical theater programs. Now in the sixth year of its partnership with Disney Theatricals Productions, the Center has brought the DMIS 17-week residency to 24 Title 1 schools in Orange County.

Disney Theatricals provides each school with performance rights to the Disney KIDS production and free support materials. Segerstrom Center teaching artists work with school teams comprised of three-five teachers, training the team and the students for their performances. The Center continues to support each school even after the first year in order to assure that the Disney Musicals in Schools programs continue to thrive and inspire new students for years to come. 

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Photo by 2019@Boivin Photographe

A scene from Disney’s Musicals in Schools

Former Santiago Elementary Principal Norris Sanchez acknowledged, “By starting kids in arts programs at a young age, by providing them with a strong musical theater program and staff supported by Segerstrom Center and Disney Theatricals, we can demonstrate what can be accomplished in a public school setting and how our students can be motivated to continue on in school and be successful in their lives.”

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Photo by 2019@Boivin Photographe

These young actors share the joy of performing on stage

Talena Mara, Segerstrom Center for the Arts vice president of Education has been involved with the program’s success at the Center since its inception and shares, “Now in its sixth year as one of the Center’s most dynamic education programs, Disney Musicals in Schools is still positively impacting students and their families, teachers and school administrators, whole schools and districts in extraordinary ways. In addition to helping to build sustainable musical theater programs in Title 1 schools where access to the arts is often fundamental or unavailable, this powerful program successfully rallies a school’s community around a vital understanding that the arts are remarkably good for kids. The arts help young people to stay engaged in their studies in ways that benefit them throughout their school career and beyond when they enter higher education programs or the workforce.”

Disney Musicals in Schools is celebrating its 11th anniversary this year. The program is offered in 26 cities across the country and abroad. 

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

For A Good Cause

From Golf to Galas: Supporting Our Community

Napa in Newport I Saturday, February 29 I CureDuchenne, based in Newport Beach, will be the recipient of this event, which brings together 40 of the most acclaimed Napa Valley vintners under one roof to serve their finest vintages and offer their best wine experiences in a Grand Tasting to more than 400 of OC’s finest. The funds are earmarked toward saving the lives of 300,000 children and young adults affected by Duchenne muscular dystrophy worldwide. Enjoy a three-course meal created by restaurateur and Chef Craig Strong, paired perfectly with wine at vintner-hosted tables.

Contact: www.cureduchenne.org

Takes place at Monarch Beach Resort, One Monarch Beach Resort, Dana Point.

37th Annual Spirit Run I Sunday, March 1 I Let’s race for our schools! There are running and walking events for every age and fitness level...even your BFF canine. This year’s event features five adult races, seven youth races and Toddler Trot, 5k Family Walk & Family Mile, Dog Mile, Youth and Fitness & Dog Expo and new Company Team Building, are among the many ways to participate. In addition, there are food trucks, live music, a “Spirit”-themed costume contest, and rock climbing, bungee trampoline and a mini skate park at Camp Newport for kids. Also, massage, shopping and health fitness tips for adults. Bring your dog or adopt one at the Dog Expo.

Contact: To register and for more information, visit www.nmspiritrun.org

Takes place at Fashion Island, 401 Newport Center Dr., Newport Beach.

Hoag Classic benefiting Hoag Charity Sports | Thursday, March 4 through Sunday, March 8 I Celebrating its 25th year (22nd with Hoag as host operations and beneficiary), the Hoag Classic returns to Newport Beach Country Club (NBCC). As the finest stop on the PGA TOUR Champions, the Hoag Classic will draw golf legends back to NBCC to compete for the $1.8 million purse. Ernie Els, Fred Couples, Retief Goosen, Ángel Cabrera, Bernhard Langer, Vijay Singh, John Daly and Miguel Ángel Jiménez, are among the 80 pros expected to compete, who will be challenging 2019 Champion Kirk Triplett. Festivities include Breakfast with an Champion featuring Ernie Els on March 3; Legends Pro-Am presented by Konica Minolta on March 4; Round 1, Corporate Day presented by City National Bank on March 6; Round 2, Military Appreciation Day presented by CoreLogic on March 7; and Round 3, Youth Day presented by Kingston Technology with a Putting Contest from 1-4 p.m. and Awards Ceremony at 5 p.m. on March 8. Tee Times are at 10 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. with gates opening at 8 a.m. More than $20 million has been raised throughout this tournament’s history. This year, the tournament’s net proceeds will benefit Hoag’s programs and services, as well as other local charities. Good-Any-One-Day tickets are available online before the event for $25. Tickets purchased at the Main Gate on the day of the event are $30. Tickets can also be purchased in advance at participating Roger Dunn Golf stores. Children age 11 and under receive complimentary admission beginning Wednesday, March 4 through Sunday, March 8.

Contact: www.hoagclassic.com

Takes place at Newport Beach Country Club, One Clubhouse Dr., Newport Beach.

St. Joseph Hospital Foundation Golf Tournament | Monday, March 9 I Players will be treated to a variety of restaurant offerings throughout Pelican Hill’s stunning courses with spectacular ocean views. The day concludes with a reception, awards dinner and opportunity drawing. Fore more than 30 years, this sell-out event has helped raise much needed funds for the hospital, with last year’s tournament netting more than $300,000.

Contact: www.sjo.org/foundation

Takes place at Pelican Hill Golf Club, 22800 S. Pelican Hill Rd., Newport Coast.

The Adoption Guild of Southern California’s “Cocktails for a Cause” | Thursday, March 5 from 5:30-8 p.m. I Festivities include a welcome cocktail, lite fare, entertainment, an opportunity drawing and a whiskey tasting. Cost: $100 per person. Valet parking is included. To purchase tickets, visit www.adoptionguild.org.

Contact: Terry Becker at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Takes place at Balboa Bay Resort, 1221 W. Coast Highway, Newport Beach.

Orange County Chapter of Childhelp 34th Annual Fashion Show & Luncheon I Thursday, March 12 I Co-chairs are Patti Edwards, Patricia Ford and Shan Vincent. Children’s Friends Awardees are Cheryl Ladd and Jen Lilley.

Contact: Linda Burns at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. www.bidpal.net/childhelpocfashionshow2020

Takes place at Fashion Island Hotel Newport Beach, 690 Newport Center Drive, Newport Beach.

CASA Celebration of Children Black & White Ball I Saturday, March 14 from 5-11 p.m. I Celebrate 35 years of CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates for Children) in style. This year’s honorees include Edwards Lifesciences as Outstanding Corporation, Holly and Mark Kerslake as Children’s Champions, The John Michael Engstrom Memorial Foundation as Outstanding Foundation and Gary Conkle as Advocate of the Year. Festivities include cocktails, silent and live auctions, entertainment, a gourmet dinner and dinner & dancing. Dress: Black, white, coral-6 and gold attire. CASA provides a powerful voice and a meaningful connection for children who have experienced abuse, neglect and abandonment.

Contact: Matthew Wadlinger at 714.619.5149 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

www.casacelebrationofchildren.org

Takes place at Fashion Island Hotel Newport Beach, 690 Newport Center Drive, Newport Beach.

Alzheimer’s Orange County Gala: Celebrating the Future I Saturday, March 21 I Festivities include a cocktail reception, live entertainment, dinner & dancing. Gala co-chairs are Debi Pavlik and Alison Beaumont. Cocktail attire recommended. Single tickets are $1,000. Sponsorship packages are available forn$6,000-$50,000. All proceeds will fund critically needed programs and services for the 84,000 Orange County residents affected by Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia.

Contact: www.alzoc.org/gala

Takes place at Balboa Bay Resort, 1221 W. Coast Highway, Newport Beach.

KidWorks inaugural Women’s Pickleball Tournament | Friday, March 27 from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. I KidWorks is inviting women to pick up a paddle and participate in its inaugural Women’s Pickleball Tournament to benefit KidWorks Campus Crash program that provides first generation, low-income students with their first encounter with college. Registration and a light breakfast, including mimosas, are scheduled from 9-9:30 a.m., followed by tournament play until 12 p.m. Lunch, a KidWorks program and awards ceremony begin take place from12-1 pm.

Players must register by March 13 to ensure their place in the tournament. Individual registration is $75 per player. Sponsorships are available, too.

Contact: To register visit https://kidworksoc.org/pickleball.

Takes place at The Tennis Club at Newport Beach Country Club, 11 Clubhouse Dr., Newport Beach.

Otterfest to support Eastbluff Elementary School I Saturday, March 28 from 6-11 p.m. I Eastbluff Elementary School PTA’s Gala Committee will be hosting a music festival themed fundraiser, Otterfest. Tickets are $90 and details are available on the website. The event will feature two bands, a DJ, gourmet food stations, a live and silent auction, and much more. Event proceeds will be used to support a variety of education programs for more than 400 Eastbluff Elementary School students. Everyone in the community is invited to attend the event and donations are tax deductible. 

Contact: Leah Hannegan at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. www.otter-fest.org

Takes place at Fete the Venue, 3101 Red Hill Ave., Costa Mesa.

27th Annual Wild & Crazy Taco Night | Thursday, April 2 from 5:30-7:30 p.m. I SOS is gathering more than 20 of the most awarded and recognized chefs from around Orange County alongside more than 700 foodies and philanthropists for what has become a distinct signature event consisting of unique tacos, craft beer and inventive margaritas. As SOS is kicking off a milestone anniversary of 50 years of service, Wild & Crazy Taco Night serves as the first opportunity for the public to celebrate with them. Over the years, OC chefs have continuously performed at their most creative for this event, as they personally compete to come up with the most unique tacos voted on by those in attendance. Another highlight returning this year is the pre-event VIP Party from 4:30-5:30 p.m. Participating guests will enjoy early admission, have the opportunity to connect personally with each chef, and sample each delectable taco before general admission attendees. Historically, the VIP Party has sold out every year.

Tickets: VIP Pre-Party – Early Bird price through March 12, $150; after March 12, $170. General Admission – Early Bird price through March 12, $80; after March 12, $90. To purchase tickets, visit www.shareourselves.org/events, or call SOS at 949.270.2137. All proceeds benefit the SOS Social Services, providing food, emergency financial relief, homeless support services, and more to our low-income and homeless neighbors.

Contact: www.shareourselves.org

Takes place at Share Our Selves, 1550 Superior Ave., Costa Mesa.

Girls Inc. Champions for Girls Event Reception I Saturday, April 11 from 5:30-7:30 p.m. I This Spring Champions for Girls stewardship event is hosted by Erika Lowe. Girls Inc. inspires all girls to be strong, smart and bold.

Contact: www.girlsinc-oc.org

Takes place at Big Canyon Country Club, 1 Big Canyon Dr., Newport Beach.

33rd Annual Circle 1000 Founders’ Celebration Brunch I Wednesday, April 22 from 9-11 a.m. I Hoag Hospital Foundation is honors Circle 1000’s extraordinary legacy of supporting Hoag Family Cancer Institute at the 33rd Annual Circle 1000 Founders’ Celebration Brunch. This year’s brunch features guest speaker, Jake Olson. A Huntington Beach native and former USC football player, 22-year-old Jake was diagnosed with a rare form of eye cancer at just eight months old. Although the disease claimed Jake’s sight by the time he was 12, he has used this experience to inspire and motivate others. They invite you to join in recognizing and celebrating this special group of donors who have played an integral role in building Hoag Family Cancer Institute into a world-class community resource. To purchase tickets, click on https://giving.hoag.org/2020Circle1000.

Contact: www.hoagpromise.org

Takes place at Fashion Island Hotel Newport Beach, 690 Newport Center Dr., Newport Beach.

Imaginology 2020 I Friday, April 17 from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. and Saturday, April 18 and Sunday, April 19 from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. I Have you ever wondered how math can help you cook...or what causes a rainbow...or how baby chicks know when to hatch? Set a course full STEAM ahead to OC Fair’s Imaginology, where science, technology, engineering, art and math come alive in the most fun and exciting ways. Admission is free. Parking is free in Friday and $9 on Saturday and Sunday.

Contact: www.ocfair.com/steam

Takes place at OC Fair & Event Center, 88 Fair Dr., Costa Mesa.

2020 Natalie’s Wish Celebration I Saturday, April 18 from 5-11 p.m. I The Natalie’s Wish event is the most inspirational night of the year! Join the Cystinosis Research Foundation to honor the children and adults affected by cystinosis and celebrate the milestones they have accomplished together. They promise that the Natalie’s Wish event will be an evening of laughter, celebration and hope. Join them for a magical night and enjoy the outstanding entertainment of Matt Mauser and his Sinatra Big Band. Registration information will be available soon on the website.

Contact: Zoe Solsby at 949.223.7610 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Takes place at Fashion Island Hotel Newport Beach, 690 Newport Center Dr., Newport Beach.

It’s in the Bag I Sunday, April 19 with a cocktail reception at 12 p.m. and lunch at 1 p.m. I The Women’s Circle of Wishes presents this event to support Make-A-Wish Orange County and the Inland Empire. Enjoy a fabulous luncheon with your girlfriends, silent and live auctions with beautiful designer handbags and the famous wine wall. Tickets: $150; Table of 10 is $1,500.

Contact: To purchase tickets, call Debbie Finster at 714.573.9474, ext. 239. www.ocie.wish.org.

Takes place at Fashion Island Hotel Newport Beach, 690 Newport Center Dr., Newport Beach.

38th Annual Gentlemen’s Haberdashery on Thursday, April 23 from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. One of Orange County’s most celebrated charitable fundraisers and social events of the year, the event features Orange County’s most prominent executives and community leaders modeling a full range of menswear. The Gentlemen’s Haberdashery provides major funding for the Heart of Jesus Retreat Center in Santa Ana and shines a spotlight on the incredible impact the local fashion show makes in the local community. The Heart of Jesus Retreat Center is operated by the Sisters of the Society Devoted to the Sacred Heart to provide religious formation and avenues of faith development for children, youth, adults and families, all within the confines of a safe, secure and caring Center situated in the heart of Santa Ana. The Center welcomes 12,000-14,000 attendees each year, many from local parishes, schools, and more.

Contact: https://gentlemenshaberdashery.com/

Takes place at Balboa Bay Resort, 1221 W. Coast Highway, Newport Beach.

5th Annual OC Real Estate Luncheon I Thursday, April 23 from 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. I Top real estate companies and financial institutions from Orange County, in partnership with the Orange County Community Foundation (OCCF) based in Newport Beach, are coming together once again in a continuing effort to make an impact and benefit the nearly 130,000 veterans living in our communities. In its first four years, this event has granted more than $3 million to address the critical needs of returning military focusing on health, education and employment.

Contact: www.oc-cf.org/ocrel

Takes place at Hotel Irvine, 17900 Jamboree Road, Irvine.

Editor’s Note: If you have a philanthropic event taking place in 2020 with a connection to Newport Beach you would like to see publicized, please email the information with an image and contact person with email address to Lana Johnson at: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. If you would like to reach out to Newport Beach nonprofit organizations, visit https://greatnonprofits.org/city/newport-beach/CA.

Newport Beach Public Library Hosts
Events, Workshops

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Upcoming Events & Workshops

“Shore and Marsh Birds” photographic exhibition by Gail White continues through March 6. The Newport Beach City Arts Commission presents this exhibition at the Newport Beach Central Library gallery. White is a long-time resident of Balboa Island. She grew up on the Island, graduated from Newport Harbor High and returned to the Island in 1995 upon her retirement. Strictly an amateur photographer, White’s interest in photographing shore and marsh birds evolved from her love of the beach. All of the photographs on exhibit were shot locally in Newport Beach, Crystal Cove, Bolsa Chica Wetlands and the San Joaquin Wildlife Sanctuary. White’s desire in exhibiting these photos is to share with library patrons the wonderful marine birds we have in this area. The exhibition will be on display during library operating hours.

“Driftwood Bird Sculpture” exhibition by Cindy English Gilis continues through March 6. The Newport Beach City Arts Commission presents a sculpture exhibition by Cindy English Gillis, on display at the Newport Beach Central Library gallery. Gillis creates bird sculptures from wood, driftwood and other natural pieces from nature. The objects usually have a shape, color or texture that inspires her. Gillis began her artistic career at the age of 26 when she began painting birds with watercolor. In 1997, she received a BA in interior design, and then went on to work with her husband’s firm, Gillis & Associates Architects, which specialized in public works projects. After her retirement in 2010, Gillis began creating jewelry and driftwood bird sculpture with the things she found along the way, a journey that has been a rewarding one that she look forward to every day with joy and passion.

Witte Lectures, continuing through April, are for the curious, engaged and motivated. It presents serious topics for serious times. Join in for dynamic, informative, call-to-action conversations about the U.S. Presidency, the impacts of income inequality, what to anticipate with rapid environmental change, and learn the societal price of addiction. Understand the complexities of globally relevant issues. Tickets for these events are now on sale for the 23rd season. To become a member of the Newport Beach Library Foundation, click here.

Meet the Authors Series, continuing through May 21. The Newport Beach Public Library (NBPL) hosts an exciting series of five Meet the Author talks and book signings beginning at 7 p.m. The wealth of literary talent includes several local authors and writers of both fiction and non-fiction bestsellers, including Adam Chandler, Drive-Thru Dreams, on March 19; Dr. Michael Roizen, What to Eat When, on April 15; Andrew Krivak, The Bear, on April 22 and Christopher Goffard, Dirty John, on May 21. Program admission is free, but individuals interested in attending should register ahead on the Library’s website calendar at www.newportbeachlibrary.org/calendar.

SAVE THE DATE: 56th Annual Newport Beach Art Exhibition will be held on Saturday, June 20 from 1-6 p.m. at the Newport Beach Civic Center, 100 Civic Center Drive, Newport Beach. This annual juried event will showcase more than 300 pieces of original art at the Newport Beach Civic Center location, an open modern venue where guests can enjoy a festive atmosphere of art, music, food and wine. Admission is free. Free parking is available in the Civic Center parking structure and in the Central Library parking lot. For more information, contact the Cultural Arts office, at 949.717.3802 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

LEGO Block Party on Wednesday, Feb. 26 from 3-4 p.m. at the Mariners Branch Library. Design, build, and invent with LEGOs at this fun, creative program. All ages are welcome. No registration is required. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Takes place at 1300 Irvine Ave., Newport Beach.

Let’s Talk Money: Protecting Wealth from Healthcare Costs in Retirement Seminar on Friday, Feb. 28 from 10-11 a.m. In a recent study, 72 percent of retirees and pre-retirees said health problems are their No. 1 concern. In this seminar, they will address health concerns and their impact on retirement. First, they will review Medicare – what it covers, and more importantly what it does NOT cover. They will discuss the different Medicare plans, enrollment and ways to estimate your potential out-of-pocket healthcare costs. Second, they will address strategies to protect from the impact of a significant health event through long-term care insurance and other Medicare gap plans. Finally, they will discuss ways to build a healthcare funding strategy that complements your larger financial goals. No registration is required. Seating is first come first serve, based on room capacity. Takes place in Central Library’s Conference Room, 1000 Avocado Ave., Newport Beach.

The Witte Lectures Series continues with David Leonhardt on Friday, Feb. 28 from 7-9 p.m. Leonhardt is the author of The American Dream, At Risk – Income Inequality and Us. He joined the New York Times in 1999 and is an Op-Ed columnist. His weekday morning e-newsletter helps his readers make sense of current events by providing analysis and context. Prior to joining the Opinion department, he was founding editor of The Upshot section, which emphasizes data visualization and graphics to offer an analytical approach to the day’s news. He served as Washington bureau chief and wrote “Economic Scene,” a weekly column for the Business section. He is a Pulitzer Prize and Gerald Loeb Award-winning author. Takes place in the Friends Room in Central Library, 1000 Avocado Ave., Newport Beach. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. The Lecture and Q&A takes place from 7-8:30 p.m., followed by a book sale and signing until 9 p.m. Tickets: $65, General; $60 NBPLF Member. Reserve tickets online at https://www.nbplfoundation.org/content/The-Witte-Lectures.html, or by phone at 949.717.3892. Note: Central Library will close early at 5 p.m. to get ready for this event.

Sensory Play Saturdays, Saturday, Feb. 29 from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Join the fun at the Corona del Mar Library as you explore, investigate and create with sensory-based play. This stay-and-play program features sensory bins filled with interactive items to stimulate your child’s senses and encourage critical thinking, imagination, and language development. Each week sensory bins will feature different themes and materials. Materials are subject to change according to availability of supplies. Call the Corona del Mar Library with any questions regarding materials and themes. Today’s theme is Color and Shape Sorting with Bean Bags. Geared for ages 3 and up. Children must be accompanied by an adult at all times. Takes place at the Corona del Mar Branch Library, 410 Marigold Ave., Corona del Mar.

LEGO Saturdays, Saturday, Feb. 29 from 12-3 p.m. From buildings to action figures, design, build and invent with LEGOs at this casual, but creative program for elementary age children. No registration required. (Not held the first Saturday of the month.) Takes place in Central Library’s Stahr Storytime Room, 1000 Avocado Ave., Newport Beach.

The Witte Lectures Series continues with David Leonhardt on Saturday, Feb. 29 from 2-4 p.m. Leonhardt is the author of The American Dream, At Risk – Income Inequality and Us. He joined the New York Times in 1999 and is an Op-Ed columnist. His weekday morning e-newsletter helps his readers make sense of current events by providing analysis and context. Prior to joining the Opinion department, he was founding editor of The Upshot section, which emphasizes data visualization and graphics to offer an analytical approach to the day’s news. He served as Washington bureau chief and wrote “Economic Scene,” a weekly column for the Business section. He is a Pulitzer Prize and Gerald Loeb Award-winning author. Takes place in the Friends Room in Central Library, 1000 Avocado Ave., Newport Beach. Doors open at 1:30 p.m. The Lecture and Q&A takes place from 2-3:30 p.m., followed by a book sale and signing until 4 p.m. Tickets: $45, General; $40 NBPLF Member. Reserve tickets online at https://www.nbplfoundation.org/content/The-Witte-Lectures.html, or by phone at 949.717.3892.

CdM Drop-In Crafts, Mondays, March 2 and March 16 from 3:30-5 p.m. Drop in to the Corona del Mar Library to create, craft and DIY on the first and third Monday of every month. All ages welcome. No registration required. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Takes place at the Corona del Mar Branch Library, 410 Marigold Ave., Corona del Mar.

LEGO Block Party on Wednesday, March 4 from 3-4 p.m. at the Mariners Branch Library. Design, build, and invent with LEGOs at this fun, creative program. All ages are welcome. No registration is required. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Takes place at 1300 Irvine Ave., Newport Beach.

Wake Up! Newport – Breakfast with Newport Beach Mayor Will O’Neill on Thursday, March 5 from 7:15-8:45 a.m. Mayor O’Neill is a partner in a local law firm, previously working at the California Supreme Court for Associate Justice Marvin Baxter (Ret.). O’Neill is the youngest person to be Mayor of Newport Beach. This has helped renew the Council’s focus on family-friendly community features like parks, libraries and increased school safety. The Newport Beach Chamber of Commerce presents this monthly event. This is a free opportunity to meet one on one with legislative and government officials and stay updated on current local, state and federal issues. Breakfast treats will be provided. This event is free to the public, but please make reservations so they can plan for food and seating. Contact: Pam Smith at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., or call 949.729.4411. 

The Witte Lectures Series continues with David Wallace-Wells on Friday, March 6 from 7-9 p.m. and Saturday, March 7 from 2-4 p.m.  Journalist David Wallace-Wells is a  National Fellow at New America and Deputy Editor at New York Magazine. His acclaimed New York Times bestseller book, The Unhabitable Earth tells the scientific story of environmental damage to date. “It will always be the case that the next decade could contain more warming and more suffering or less warming and less suffering.” He explains how the future is being transformed by climate change faster and more dramatically than we realized. He asks key questions: How will the map of global power shift as coast lines are redrawn? How will this affect California – our culture, our politics, our lifestyle? What is our individual responsibility? Can we have an impact? Wallace-Wells reminds us that everything is within our control, so long as we resist complacency. The events take place in the Friends Room in Central Library, 1000 Avocado Ave., Newport Beach. Schedule for Friday, March 6: Doors open at 6:30 p.m. The Lecture and Q&A takes place from 7-8:30 p.m., followed by a book sale and signing until 9 p.m. Tickets: $65, General; $60 NBPLF Member. Schedule for Saturday, March 7. Doors open at 1:30 p.m. The Lecture and Q&A takes place from 2-3:30 p.m., followed by a book sale and signing until 4 p.m. Tickets: $45, General; $40 NBPLF Member. Reserve tickets online at https://www.nbplfoundation.org/content/The-Witte-Lectures.html, or by phone at 949.717.3892. Note: Central Library will close early on Friday, March 6 at 5 p.m. to get ready for the evening event.

Sensory Play Saturdays, Saturday, March 7, 14, 21 and 28  from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Join the fun at the Corona del Mar Library as you explore, investigate and create with sensory-based play. This stay-and-play program features sensory bins filled with interactive items to stimulate your child’s senses and encourage critical thinking, imagination, and language development. Each week sensory bins will feature different themes and materials. Materials are subject to change according to availability of supplies. Call the Corona del Mar Library with any questions regarding materials and themes. Today’s theme is Color and Shape Sorting with Bean Bags. Geared for ages 3 and up. Children must be accompanied by an adult at all times. Takes place at the Corona del Mar Branch Library, 410 Marigold Ave., Corona del Mar.

Drop-in Crafts, Saturday, March 7 from 12-3 p.m. Drop in to make some fun crafts. No registration required. Children must be accompanied by an adult. First-come, first-served, limited by room capacity. Takes place in Central Library’s Stahr Storytime Room, 1000 Avocado Ave., Newport Beach. 

“Fairy Tales” exhibition of oil paintings by Lauren Mendelsohn-Bass, opens, Monday, March 9 and continues through May 8 in the Central Library Art Gallery during regular operating hours. Mendelsohn-Bass is a Los Angeles-born painter who received her Bachelor of Arts at the UCLA. Her work takes the viewer on a journey through the word of superficial reality where artificially alluring and nostalgically innocent context marks darker thoughts, ideas and actions. Playing with the visual tropes of mass marketing and vintage advertisements, her work explores the ways reality is obscured when presented as ostensibly attractive. As popular culture navigates an era of “fake news,” social media and alternative facts, nothing is as it seems. Her paintings examine today’s culture where truth is fluid; ideas, issues and events are routinely reframed to reinforce the brand.

Inspired by 1950s era advertising, Mendelsohn-Bass evokes a classic Film Noir feel and its emotive German Expressionist roots. Mixing pop imagery and classic noir iconography, she draws the viewer into an enticing world, only to find all is not as it appears. This exhibit  is presented by the Newport Beach City Arts Commission.

SCORE Workshop – Simplify Your Business Plan; Use the Business Model Canvas on Tuesday, March 10 from 5:30-8:45 p.m. This series of business workshops is generously funded by Friends of the Library. Age Level: Adults. For more information or to register for this workshop, visit https://orangecounty.score.org/. Takes place at Central Library in the Friends Meeting Room, 1000 Avocado Ave., Newport Beach.

ProLiteracy Advisory Board Meeting on Tuesday, March 10 from 6-8 p.m. Takes place at Central Library in the Conference Room, 1000 Avocado Ave., Newport Beach.

Book Discussion Group, Wednesday, March 11 from 9:30-11 a.m. The Charlotte “Charlie” Alexander Book Discussion Group will be discussing, The Giver by Lois Lowry. Synopsis: The Giver is about a boy who inhabits a seemingly ideal world: a world without conflict. It is a time when family values are paramount, teenage rebellion is unheard of and good manners are a way of life. At the annual ceremony, each 12 year old receives a life assignment determined by the Elders. Jonas watches Fiona be named Caretaker of the Old and Asher labeled the Assistant Director of Recreation. But Jonas is sent to a man called The Giver and the boy senses the dark secrets that underlie the fragile perfection of his world. Doors open at 9:15 a.m. Free, but a suggested $10 donation is appreciated. No reserved seating and registration isn’t necessary. If you haven’t finished or read the book, come anyway. Presented by the Newport Beach Public Library Foundation. The Book Discussion Group members select, read and discuss 10 books per year. This active and dynamic group meets on the second Wednesday of the month. Refreshments are provided and the books are available through the Newport Beach Public Library. Takes place in Central Library’s Friends Room, 1000 Avocado Ave., Newport Beach.

LEGO Block Party on Wednesday, March 11 from 3-4 p.m. at the Mariners Branch Library. Design, build, and invent with LEGOs at this fun, creative program. All ages are welcome. No registration is required. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Takes place at 1300 Irvine Ave., Newport Beach.

Library Live Series continues with Tomi Adeyemi, author of Children of Blood and Bone/Children of Virtue and Vengeance on Thursday, March 12 at 7 p.m. At age 25, Adeyemi is a Hugo and Nebula Award-winning Nigerian-American writer and creative writing coach based in San Diego. After graduating from Harvard University with an honors degree in English literature, she studied West African mythology, religion and culture in Salvador, Brazil. Her first novel, Children of Blood and Bone, debuted at No. 1 on the New York Times Best Seller list in 2018 and is being developed into a movie by Lucasfilm/Fox. Her second novel, Children of Virtue and Vengeance, came out in December 2019. Adeyemi speaks about her inspiration for her books, the creative process, and her many influences. When she’s not writing or watching BTS Korean music videos, she is teaching creative writing at tomiadeyemi.com. Takes place in the Friends Room in Central Library, 1000 Avocado Ave., Newport Beach. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. The Lecture and Q&A takes place from 7-8:30 p.m., followed by a book sale and signing until 9 p.m. Tickets: $27, General; $21 NBPLF Member. Reserve tickets online at www.nbplfoundation.org, or by phone at 949.717.3892.

AP Practice Test (US and World History) on Saturday, March 14 from 9:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Sharpen your test taking skills with a free, full-length practice AP test. In partnership with C2 Education of Newport Beach, the Newport Beach Public Library hosts this free session. Students may choose between AP World History and AP US History. Please include the test name in the “Comments” box on the registration page. You must provide this information when you register in order to be admitted to the test. The test will last approximately four hours. Students should bring pencils, a pen, water and snacks. Results will be presented at a separate results program on Wednesday, March 25 at 7 p.m. at Central Library. This is a free event but registration is required and space is limited. Only those who register in advance will be allowed to take the test. To register, go to https://www.c2educate.com/localevents/aptest/. Geared to students in 9th-12th grade taking an AP Test in May 2020. Takes place in the Central Library Friends Meeting Room, 1000 Avocado Ave., Newport Beach.

LEGO Saturdays, Saturday, March 14 from 12-3 p.m. From buildings to action figures, design, build and invent with LEGOs at this casual, but creative program for elementary age children. No registration required. (Not held the first Saturday of the month.) Takes place in Central Library’s Stahr Storytime Room, 1000 Avocado Ave., Newport Beach. 

Spring is in the Air, Tuesday, March 17 from 4-5 p.m. Let’s make Spring crafts, together. All ages are welcome. No registration is required. First come, first served. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Takes place at the Mariners Branch Library, 1300 Irvine Ave., Newport Beach.

LEGO Block Party on Wednesday, March 18 from 3-4 p.m. at the Mariners Branch Library. Design, build, and invent with LEGOs at this fun, creative program. All ages are welcome. No registration is required. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Takes place at 1300 Irvine Ave., Newport Beach.

Unicorn Party on Wednesday, March 18 from 3:30-4:30 p.m. Come make fun, unicorn-inspired crafts and games. Geared for ages 3 and up. No registration is required. First come, first served. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Takes place at Balboa Branch Library, 100 E. Balboa Blvd., Newport Beach.

Adam Chandler: Drive-Thru Dreams on Thursday, March 19 from 7-8 p.m.

Take a fascinating road trip through the heart of America’s fast-food kingdom with author Adam Chandler. From White Castle, the first fast food chain, to Wendy’s most viral tweet of all time, Chandler will talk about fast food history, people and stories that inspired his book, In Drive-Thru Dreams, and the inseparable link between fast food and American life for the past century.

Chandler is a writer based in Brooklyn, NY. A former staff writer at The Atlantic, his work has also appeared in the New York Times, the Wall Street Journal, the Washington Post, Slate, New York Magazine, Texas Monthly, Esquire, TIME and elsewhere. This program is funded by generous donations from the Friends of the Library. Admission is free. Seating is limited. Books will be available for purchase and signing. To save your seat, click here.

Let’s Talk Money: Education Planning Client Seminar on Friday, March 20 from 10-11 a.m. For parents or grandparents, an education funding strategy can help instill the value of education in your children or grandchildren. It also can remove significant assets from your estate, and may reduce federal estate taxes, while allowing you to retain control of those assets. This seminar covers education funding options, including loans and tax-advantaged investing options, (UGMA/UTMA and 529 plans), as well as gifting rules. Free. No registration is required. Seating is on a first come, first served based on room capacity. 

This program is for educational and informational purposes only (no sales) and is not intended for financial, tax or investment advice. Newport Beach Public Library does not endorse or recommend any of the financial information or materials associated with this presentation. Takes place in Central Library’s Conference Room, 1000 Avocado Ave., Newport Beach. 

LEGO Saturdays, Saturday, March 21 from 12-3 p.m. From buildings to action figures, design, build and invent with LEGOs at this casual, but creative program for elementary age children. No registration required. (Not held the first Saturday of the month.) Takes place in Central Library’s Stahr Storytime Room, 1000 Avocado Ave., Newport Beach. 

Medicine in Our Backyard: How to Keep Eye Problems at Length as You Age on Monday, March 23 from 7-8:30 p.m. Features Ken Y. Lin, M.D., Assistant Clinical Professor, UCI Health Department of Ophthalmology, Gavin Herbert Eye Institute and Lilangi Ediriwickrema, M.D., Assistant Clinical Professor, UCI Health Department of Ophthalmology, Gavin Herbert Eye Institute. What happens to our eyes as we age, and what can we do to improve our vision? At this lecture, Drs. Lin and Ediriwickrema will present on common age-related vision changes – from droopy eyelids, volume loss and wrinkles, to cataracts and glaucoma – and will discuss approaches to optimize your vision, while promoting a more youthful look. Dr. Lin is a cataract and glaucoma surgeon whose research focuses on using endoscopic laser imaging and artificial intelligence to improve patient outcomes after glaucoma surgery. Dr. Ediriwickrema specializes in oculofacial, orbital and reconstructive surgery as well as neuro-ophthalmology. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. No reservations are required. Free, but a suggested donation of $10 is always appreciated. Takes place in the Central Library Friends Meeting Room, 1000 Avocado Ave., Newport Beach. 

Meet the Ladybugs! on Tuesday, March 24 from 4-5 p.m. Enjoy a variety of ladybug-themed crafts and meet the newest library residents: ladybug larvae!

All ages are welcome. No registration is required. First come, first served.

Generously funded by the Friends of the Library. Takes place at Central Library’s Children’s Room, 1000 Avocado Ave., Newport Beach.

LEGO Block Party on Wednesday, March 25 from 3-4 p.m. at the Mariners Branch Library. Design, build, and invent with LEGOs at this fun, creative program. All ages are welcome. No registration is required. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Takes place at 1300 Irvine Ave., Newport Beach.

AP Practice Test (US and World History) Results on Wednesday, March 25 from 7-8 p.m. Students who attended the February 15 and March 14 AP Practice Tests at NBPL can attend this program to view their results and get free tips and advice for taking the test in the future. This is a free event that is limited to students and parents of students who took the practice AP Tests on February 15 or March 14. Age level: Students 9th-12th grade taking AP tests in May 2020. Takes place in the Central Library Friends Meeting Room, 1000 Avocado Ave., Newport Beach.

Mulan-Inspired Crafts on Thursday, March 26 from 3:30-4:30 p.m. Let’s get down to business and craft. Join the fun for Mulan-inspired crafts. You can bet before you’re through, they’ll make crafters out of you. All ages are welcome. No registration is required. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Funding for this program is generously donated by the Friends of the Library. Takes place at the Corona del Mar Branch Library, 410 Marigold Ave., Corona del Mar.

Let’s Talk Money: Social Security and You Seminar on Friday, March 27 from 10-11 a.m. When the Social Security Act was first introduced, the average retirement period was about 10 years. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the proportion of the U.S. population eligible to collect Social Security doubled, from just over 6 percent to 12 percent from 1940 through 2008. Fast forward to today and more than 40 million people over the age of 65 are receiving benefits. Understanding social security and how to maximize your benefits is important to all retirees. Join this seminar that goes over how social security impacts your retirement. No registration is required. Seating is first come, first serve based on room capacity. This program is for educational and informational purposes only (no sales) and is not intended for financial, tax or investment advice. Newport Beach Public Library does not endorse or recommend any of the financial information or materials associated with this presentation. Takes place in Central Library’s Conference Room, 1000 Avocado Ave., Newport Beach. 

LEGO Saturdays, Saturday, March 28 from 12-3 p.m. From buildings to action figures, design, build and invent with LEGOs at this casual, but creative program for elementary age children. No registration required. (Not held the first Saturday of the month.) Takes place in Central Library’s Stahr Storytime Room, 1000 Avocado Ave., Newport Beach.

Let’s Read! Kids’ Storytimes 

Books & Babies – It’s never too early for storytime. Introduce language and reading to the littlest lap-sitters, 6-24 months. CdM Library on Tuesdays at 10:30 a.m. Mariners on Wednesdays at 9:30 and 10:30 a.m. Balboa on Wednesdays at 10:30 a.m. Mariners on Wednesdays at 9:30 and 10:30 a.m.

Toddler Storytime – Start building a love of reading early with fun stories and songs for toddlers from 24-36 months. Please arrive on time and do not bring older siblings. Central on Wednesdays at 10:30 a.m.

Songs & Stories – Children 2-5 years of age will enjoy stories and music, while being introduced to guided movement, yoga and instruments. Central Library on Fridays at 10:30 a.m.

Preschool Storytime – Stories, poems and songs will inspire literary, dramatic and musical fun for kids 3-5 years of age. Balboa on Tuesdays at 10:30 a.m. Central on Thursdays at 10:30 a.m. Corona del Mar on Wednesdays at 10:30 a.m.

Pajama Storytime – Children from age 3-7 can enjoy just-before-bed storytelling fun. Don’t forget to come in your pjs! Central on Mondays at 7 p.m.

Family Storytime – Enjoy family time with stories, songs and a craft geared especially for children ages 3-7. Central on Saturdays at 10:30 a.m. www.newportkids.org

Branches

Central Library

1000 Avocado Ave., Newport Beach. 949.717.3800

Hours: Monday to Thursday, 9 a.m.-9 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 9 a.m.-6 p.m.;

Sunday, Noon - 5 p.m.

Mariners Branch

1300 Irvine Ave., Newport Beach. 949.717.3838

Hours: Monday to Thursday, 9 a.m.-9 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 9 a.m.-6 p.m.;

Sunday, Noon – 5 p.m.

Balboa Branch

100 E. Balboa Blvd., Newport Beach. 949.644.3076

Hours: Monday and Wednesday, 9 a.m.-9 p.m.; Tuesday, Thursday through Saturday, 9 a.m.-6 p.m.; Closed Sundays

Corona del Mar Branch

410 Marigold Ave., Corona del Mar. 949.644.3075
Hours: Monday to Saturday, 9 a.m.-6 p.m., closed Sundays

www.newportbeachlibrary.org

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

DUI Arrests

Vinantika Ravinder, 24, Eastvale – Saturday, February 22

Victor Torres, 31, Anaheim – Saturday, February 22 (with prior)

Bobby Morales, 49, Victorville – Saturday, February 22 (with 3 priors)

Sandra Lee Dunn, 72, Huntington Beach – Friday, February 21

Francis Marion Reeves IV, 30, Homosassa – Thursday, February 20

Jose T. Arriaga Rodriguez, 31, Santa Ana – Wednesday, February 19

Incident Reports

Saturday, February 22

Arrests for Being Drunk in Public

Michael James Moody, 28, Bellflower

Adrian Nasario Luna, 23, Modesto

John Gerald Nunez, 61, Ontario

Robert Karl Ware Jr., 27, Brooklet

E. Coast Highway I 3100 Block I Warrant

7:23 p.m. Gary Lee Bocek, 43, Vista, was arrested on an undisclosed warrant. Bail was set at $1,500.

19th St. & W. Bay Ave. I Strong Arm Robbery

2:00 p.m. Levi Uriah Delello, 23, Elk Grove, was arrested for strong arm robbery. Bail was set at $50,000.

Park Newport Drive I 1500 Block I Parole Violation

12:11 p.m. Saif Samir Daghestani, 28, Newport Beach, was arrested on a parole violation. No bail was set.

University Drive I 2200 Block I Under the Influence, Paraphernalia and Controlled Substance

12:07 p.m. Andrew Hames Serrano, 33, Huntington Beach, was arrested for being under the influence of a controlled substance, possession of unlawful paraphernalia and possession of a controlled substance. Bail was set at $2,500.

Canyon Rim I 00 Block I Parole Violation

10:10 a.m. Joe Raymond Rios, 53, Orange, was arrested on a parole violation. No bail was set.

Summit St. & Seashore Drive I Paraphernalia, Appropriating Lost Property and Controlled Substance

7:59 a.m. Damian John Warren, 37, Santa Ana, was arrested for possession of unlawful paraphernalia, appropriating lost property and possession of a controlled substance. Bail was set at $10,000.

Amigos Way I 800 Block I Battery 

5:52 a.m. Joseph John Falzetti, 20, Newport Beach, was arrested for battery with serious bodily injury. Bail was set at $25,000.

Poppy Ave. & Ocean Blvd. I Metal Knuckles

1:12 a.m. Eduardo Olguin, 19, Fullerton, was arrested for possession of metal knuckles. Bail was set at $500.

Friday, February 21

Arrests for Being Drunk in Public

None

Lafayette Ave. I 3000 Block I Trespassing and Obstructing/Resisting

8:16 p.m. Francesco Rodriguez, 30, n/a, was arrested for trespassing for refusing to leave property and obstructing or resisting a peace officer. Bail was set at $500.

Rutland Road I 1000 Block I Narcotics and Paraphernalia

3:21 p.m. Kaleo Kaookalani Tho Kealoh, 39, Costa Mesa, was arrested for possession of a narcotic controlled substance and possession of unlawful paraphernalia. Bail was set at $10,000.

Beach & 37th St. I Taking Auto, Receiving Stolen Property and Warrant

1:46 p.m. Michael Frank Kiles Jr., 34, San Bernardino, was arrested for taking an auto without the owner’s consent, receiving stolen property with a value less than $950 and on a warrant for knowingly defrauding the owner of a coin-box telephone. Bail was set at $21,500.

17th St. I 400 Block I Costa Mesa I Obstructing/Resisting, Bicycle Headlight/Reflector Violation, Failure to Operate Bike on Roadway in Same Direction and Controlled Substance

4:19 a.m. Max Eduardo Ramos, 25, Costa Mesa, was arrested for obstructing or resisting a peace officer, a bicycle headlight or reflector violation, operating a bicycle in the wrong direction of traffic and possession of a controlled substance. Bail was set at $10,000.

Thursday, February 20

Arrests for Being Drunk in Public

Steve Daniel Lawton, 56, Yucaipa

Timothy Michael Hogan 27, Irvine

Avocado Ave. I 1500 Block I Obstructing/Resisting, Paraphernalia, Controlled Substance and Warrant

11:37 p.m. Jayson Lee McGee, 53, Costa Mesa, was arrested for obstructing or resisting a peace officer, possession of unlawful paraphernalia, possession of a controlled substance and on a warrant for possession of unlawful drug paraphernalia. Bail was set at $5,000.

Bristol St. I 2100 Block I Under the Influence

7:35 p.m. Luis Jaime, 34, Compton, was arrested for being under the influence of a controlled substance. Bail was set at $1,000.

Hoag Drive I 00 Block I Assault, Battery and Probation Violation

7:50 p.m. Anthony Tyrone Roberts, 43, Costa Mesa, was arrested for assault, battery and on a felony probation violation. Bail was set at $500.

Frederick St. I 14300 Block I Moreno Valley I Grand Theft, Burglary Tools, Conspiracy and Warrant

2:29 p.m. Albert Munguia, 29, Moreno Valley, was arrested for grand theft of motor vehicle parts, possession of burglary tools, conspiracy to commit a crime and on a warrant for assault with a deadly weapon. Bail was set at $120,000.

Sherington Place I 2100 Block I Controlled Substance, Narcotics, Controlled Substance w/o Prescription and Paraphernalia

1:37 a.m. Angelo Domingo Mendoza, 41, Newport Beach, was arrested for possession of a controlled substance, possession of unlawful paraphernalia and possession of a narcotic controlled substance. Bail was set at $10,000.

1:33 a.m. Crystal Lynn Kench, 40, Newport Beach, was arrested for possession of a controlled substance, possession of a narcotic controlled substance and possession of a controlled substance without a prescription. Bail was set at $2,500.

Wednesday, February 19

Arrests for Being Drunk in Public

None

Jasmine Ave. & E. Coast Highway I Narcotics and Warrant

9:01 p.m. Alfredo Eduardo Ruizsevilla, 25, Costa Mesa, was arrested for possession of a narcotic controlled substance and on a warrant for driving while a license is suspended. Bail was set at $15,000.

Sherington Place & Irvine Ave. I Obstructing/Resisting and Battery

9:00 p.m. Sara Diann Fleck, 41, Garden Grove, was arrested for obstructing or resisting an executive officer and battery on a peace officer or emergency personnel. Bail was set at $20,000.

Pelican Point Drive & E. Coast Highway I Illegal Pedestrian Crossing and Paraphernalia

6:59 p.m. Richard Scott Vannoy, 50, Costa Mesa, was arrested for a pedestrian crossing against a steady “don’t walk” and possession of unlawful paraphernalia. Bail was set at $500.

Santa Ana Ave. & Bristol St. I Narcotics For Sale, No Registration, Failure to Maintain Lighting, Controlled Substance in Prison, Transport Controlled Substance For Sale and Warrant

6:58 p.m. Francisco Javier Segura, 24, Santa Ana, was arrested for possession of narcotics for sale, no registration on vehicle, failure to maintain vehicle lighting equipment, possession of a controlled substance in prison, transporting a controlled substance for sale and on a warrant for possession of a controlled substance. Bail was set at $500,000.

Editor’s Note: An arrest contains allegations that a suspect has committed a crime. Every defendant is presumed to be innocent until and unless proven guilty in court.