Fair Game

By TOM JOHNSON

Senior facility moves one step closer, while trees become the issue on Balboa Island

A general plan amendment was approved by the Newport Beach City Council Tuesday taking a proposed senior-living facility one step nearer approval. The facility would be built by Vivante Senior Living on the old site of the Orange County Museum of Art (OCMA) on San Clemente Drive.

Designs call for a six-story development that would include 90 assisted-living rooms and a 27-bed memory care unit.

The issue will come back before council on September 10 for final approval.

OCMA has previously vacated the space and moved to temporary facilities near South Coast Plaza while they wait for their new facility to be built in the Segerstrom Center for the Arts in Costa Mesa.

The Vivante site previously came under fire when OCMA attempted to sell the land to developers for the proposed construction of the 25-story Museum House condominium project. That controversial project was rescinded by the City Council, after initial approval.

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Sides are being taken with regard to the trees lining Marine Ave. on Balboa Island. Preservationists are calling for the trees to remain put, while more study takes place. They value the charm they create in the village.

The trees in question are eucalyptus. Five different arborists have offered city staff their opinions. The most dramatic case calls for the potential removal of 27 of the 42 trees, saying they show damage and decay.

Another arborist calls for 10 to be removed in the next year, with the remaining 17 dealt with in the next two to three years.

City councilman Kevin Muldoon is taking up the residents’ cause.

More to come.

However, the whole topic reminds us of the tragedy that happened back in 2011 when a 10-ton blue gum eucalyptus fell on a vehicle on Irvine Ave. killing 29-year-old Haeyoon Miller.

The city followed up that incident by almost immediately removing 104 similar trees in that area.

The City reportedly then paid Miller’s parents more than $1 million in a settlement.

• • •

Newport Beach’s Charlie Buckingham and Chris Barnard are part of the U.S. Sailing team participating in Tokyo in a pre-Olympic prep race beginning this weekend. Both will participate in the Men’s Laser and are early favorites to make the U.S. Olympic team.

• • •

The U.S. Amateur Golf Championships are being played this week at Pinehurst in North Carolina. Newport Beach resident Stewart Hagestad qualified for the match play portion after finishing T-12 in the 36-hole medal qualifying with rounds of 73-68.

However, Hagestad lost in his opening match to Maxwell Moldovan, from Uniontown, Ohio, 3 and 2. 

Hagestad plays locally out of Big Canyon CC.

• • •

The next Homeless Task Force Meeting will be held next Tuesday, August 20, from 4-6 p.m., in the City Council Chambers. These meeting are vitally important until we get the homelessness issue locally under control.

• • •

Don’t forget Movie in the Park: Mary Poppin Returns will be held in Grant Howald Park at 6:30 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 23. Howald Park is located at 3000 Fifth Ave. in Corona del Mar.

How does this sound for the kids: free popcorn, free candy, free activities and other food available for purchase? Thank our Newport Beach Recreation & Senior Services department for making it happen.

B-t-w, nobody is asking me, but I still like the original Mary Poppins compared to this newer release. Afterall, it’s hard to beat Julie Andrews and Dick Van Dyke. Oh well.

Don’t forget blankets and chairs.

• • •

Speaking of blankets and chairs, keep them handy. Queen Nation will perform at the 2019 Concerts on the Green on Sunday, August 25, from 6-7:30 p.m. Picnics are welcomed and even encouraged (alcohol is prohibited) and the gourmet food trucks Baby’s Burgers and Scooter’s Italian Ice will also be on site.

Queen Nation is a tribute band bringing to life one of the most iconic groups in rock history – Queen. You’ll hear songs like “We Will Rock You,” “Bohemian Rhapsody,” “We Are The Champions,” “Crazy Little Thing Called Love” and “Another One Bites The Dust.”

Admission and parking are free, on a first come, first served basis. The location, of course, is the green, green grass in front of City Hall.

It’s going to be fun, so come ready to rock.

Police Files

Former baseball player DeCinces “safe at home” following insider trading sentence

Newport Beach resident and former Major League Baseball player Doug DeCinces was charged several years ago with insider trading that came about following a tip he received regarding a buyout to be performed by Abbott Labs. The subsequent transaction yielded him some $1 million.

He was eventually tried in court and convicted of 13 counts. Each count called for a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison.

This week, however, DeCinces finally received his sentence. One would have to assume the judge in the case is a baseball fan. In what could have been a very severe sentence, DeCinces received one day in prison, but credit for time served and eight months of home detention and a $10,000 fine.

DeCinces played and starred for the Baltimore Orioles and Anaheim Angels during his playing days. He later led the development of Strawberry Farms Golf Club in Irvine. 

Man arrested for possession, a parole violation and then attempts to take more into jail facility

On Sunday, August 11, at approximately 1:39 p.m., a Newport Beach Police officer was sent on a call concerning a suspicious person in the area of E. Coast highway and Hazel Drive. The reporting caller told dispatchers a male subject was walking onto the road and yelling, disturbing the peace. 

While the officer was driving to the location, he observed John Ortiz, 53, of Placentia, who matched the description of the subject as provided earlier. Further investigation led to Ortiz identifying himself as a different person and stating that he was not on active parole or probation. 

Ortiz was arrested for false identification to a police officer and put on a parole hold by his parole officer. 

While in jail, further investigation led to the finding of .36 grams of methamphetamine being found inside Ortiz’s jean pocket. 

 His arrest charges included possession of a controlled substance, presenting false identification to a specific peace officer and for a parole violation.

Then later he was charged additionally with taking controlled substances into the jail facility, which added a charge of possession of a controlled substance in prison.

Ortiz had his bail set at $25,000.

Suspicious vehicle leads to two transporting suspected drugs for sale

On Monday, August 12, at approximately 4:19 a.m., a Newport Beach Police officer was patrolling the area of Jamboree Road and Coast Highway when he observed a gray Nissan Sentra that failed to proceed through the intersection on two separate green lights. The officer conducted a traffic enforcement stop of the vehicle at E. Coast Highway and Bayside Drive.

Further investigation led to the finding of plastic baggies containing 0.5 grams of a white crystalline substance resembling methamphetamine, 1.8 grams of various pills resembling ecstasy and 0.3 grams of a white solid substance resembling fentanyl.

The officer also found a plastic baggie containing approximately 24 grams of a white crystalline substance resembling methamphetamine; three plastic baggies containing 42.9 total grams of a white solid substance resembling fentanyl; a baggie containing approximately 7.8 grams of pills resembling Xanax; 249 individual small plastic baggies; a narcotics grinder coated with a white powdery substance; a scale coated with a white powdery substance; various plastic containers; a fake driver’s license; fake $20 bills; and a pipe with burnt residue (meth pipe).

Police arrested Ryan O’Rourke Murphy, 29, of Costa Mesa, and Sasha Rose Reed, 29, of San Diego, for possession of narcotics for sale, transporting a controlled substance for sale and possession of unlawful paraphernalia.

Each had their bail set at $25,000.

Wallet stolen from purse at private event

On Tuesday, August 13, a female, in her 30s, reported to Newport Beach Police that she left a private event at a hotel in the 4500 block of MacArthur Blvd. and realized her wallet was missing from her purse.

She filed a report for petty theft by pick pocketing with $900 in losses.

Quick thinking man finds bag and all contents taken earlier from beach site

On Monday, August 12 at approximately 1 p.m., a Newport Beach Police officer was sent to the area of 27th Street and W. Ocean Front in reference to a theft report. 

Earlier that morning, at approximately 10:30 a.m., the victim arrived at the beach. He placed his bag under his towel at 27th St. approximately 50 feet from the waterline. 

When he returned at approximately 12 p.m., the victim found the bag was missing. The victim used the Find my iPhone app and was able to locate his phone, the bag and all of the contents in the area of 26th Street.

Police, however, did take a full report of grand theft.

NBPD readies end-of-summer driving sober campaign

As summer comes to a close, the Newport Beach Police Department is asking drivers to not get behind the wheel after drinking or using drugs that impact your ability to drive safely.

NBPD is joining law enforcement agencies across the country in the national enforcement campaign, Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over. During this period, which runs from August 16 to September 2 (Labor Day), NBPD will have additional officers on the road looking for drivers suspected of driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs.

In addition to patrols, the NBPD will hold a DUI/Driver’s License Checkpoint Friday, August 23 from 8 p.m. to 2 a.m. at an undisclosed location within the city. 

“There are so many ways to get home safely without driving,” Lieutenant Cartwright said. “Driving while drunk or high is dangerous, irresponsible and causes too many senseless tragedies. We hope that drivers get the message that driving impaired will never be tolerated.”

Driving while impaired is illegal, whether it is alcohol, prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications or marijuana.

If you plan on drinking or are taking medications that can affect your driving ability, designate a sober driver or use a ride-share service. If you see someone driving impaired, call 911. 

Funding for DUI enforcement is provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

FBI warns of scammers spoofing FBI phone numbers in SoCal to trick victims

The FBI Los Angeles Division is warning the public about a phone scam that spoofs, or fraudulently displays, the FBI’s real telephone number on the victim’s caller ID. The scammer impersonates a government official and uses intimidation tactics to demand payment of money purportedly owed to the government, according to the scheme.

Scammers have spoofed the phone numbers of FBI offices in California, Montana, Colorado, Texas, Wisconsin, Oklahoma and Kentucky.

The FBI has seen its main number (310.477.6565) spoofed in this manner, as well as the numbers of the division’s Resident Agencies, most recently, Santa Maria (805.346.2728) and West Covina (626.919.3434).

Residents nationwide have been targeted. Recent cases include a number of victims in California. The intended target may be told there is a federal warrant for their arrest, which would be dismissed by the court in exchange for immediate payment.

The caller often knows the name, background, and personal cell phone number of the intended victim.

Unsuspecting victims may also be told the following:

–That their social security number has been compromised and linked to money laundering.

–That their social security number has been used to open bank accounts and that the government would seize those accounts.

–To protect their money, funds should be transferred to accounts specifically set up by the government which would be protected until the situation is resolved, at which point the money would then be returned.

–Failure to transfer money could lead to loss of funds and possible arrest.

–To meet with a Social Security Administration Agent to verify identity; once complete, a new SSN would be issued so that a new bank account could be opened.

The public is reminded that the FBI does not call private citizens to request money or threaten arrest. There are a number of ways individuals with criminal intentions can obtain a victim’s name, phone number, or email address. The FBI reminds the public to limit the amount of personal information provided online, including on social media sites.

To avoid becoming the victim of a scam:

–Always be suspicious of unsolicited phone calls.

–Never give money or personal information to someone with whom you don’t have ties and did not initiate contact.

–Before signing up for a contest or -mail distribution list, make sure the business has a policy not to share your information or sell it to a third party.

–Scammers count on your lack of knowledge, so take the time to educate yourself about any offer you receive.

–Trust your instincts: If an unknown caller makes you uncomfortable or says things that don’t sound right, hang up.

The FBI strongly encourages anyone contacted by a caller who says they are with the FBI to verify the information with their local FBI Field Office. Contact information for all 56 FBI field offices can be found at www.fbi.gov.

Individuals who have been victimized by this type of scam are encouraged to file a complaint with the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center by visiting www.ic3.gov. 

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.

Scroll down to Police Beat for all arrests

Balboa Pier glow 

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Photo by Kevin Pellon (Instagram @socalsnapz)

Socalsnapz.com 

Catching some golden summer rays with a side of fries from Ruby’s Diner

Take Five: Meet Susan Hoffman, grandparent-grandchild advocate

By AMY SENK

The old-school image of an elderly person in a rocking chair probably isn’t what comes to mind when you think about a grandparent these days. Sure, grandparents may babysit and bake cookies, but they also take kids skiing and to yoga classes. Except when they can’t, because custodial issues get in the way. More than a decade ago, Susan Hoffman began a support group for estranged grandparents and worked to pass a state law that allows grandparents to petition the court for visitation after a stepparent adoption. She also founded the noprofit group Advocates for Grandparent-Grandchild Connection, and this week, the Newport Beach City Council voted to award her a $1,000 Community Program Grant. I caught up with Susan to find out more.

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Courtesy of Susan Hoffman

Susan Hoffman

Q: What led you to form the Advocates for Grandparent-Grandchild Connection organization, and can you share some of its history?

A: It was the heartbreak of losing access to my only grandchild when he was four years old that led me to become an activist on behalf of the grandparent-grandchild relationship. And it was the fact that there were others in the same situation that led me to form Advocates For Grandparent-Grandchild Connection. There was a gap in a California law that prohibited me from filing for court-ordered visitation. I spent three years hitting one wall after another, pleading with legislators to do something about the existing law that prevented a grandparent from filing a petition for visitation following a stepparent adoption. Finally, in 2006 California Assemblyman Van Tran agreed to carry my bill to allow grandparents standing in court, and in January 2007, the bill that I sponsored became law. About the same time, realizing the importance to talk to others who were experiencing the same problem, I ran an ad in a local Laguna Beach “throw-away” paper inviting alienated grandparents to call me about starting a support group. The first meeting with four grandparents was held in the Laguna Beach American Legion in 2005. We expanded to the OASIS Senior Center in Corona del Mar the following year, where we remained for 12 years, and currently we meet in a more private location at a residential clubhouse. With such a growing social problem, the in-person support group expanded into a national source of support, information and an educational, charitable nonprofit organization for grandparents experiencing visitation issues.

Q: Why is a grandparent-grandchild relationship so important?

A: The grandparent-grandchild relationship is like no other, built on mutual love and affection, and once that bond is formed it is precious and should not be unnecessarily broken – ever. Grandparents are there because they choose to be. Grandparents are a part of a child’s history, and grandchildren are part of a grandparent’s future. The grandparent-grandchild relationship is important not only to a grandparent but to the welfare and emotional development of the child. Children deserve to have all of the love they can get and to be able to keep it. When a child is unreasonably denied that love, there is bound to be negative consequences. Dr. Eleanor Willemsen, professor of developmental psychology at Santa Clara University, in her article “Best Interests of a Child,” describes the effects on a child when attachments are broken, among them loss of security and abandonment issues. She emphasizes the harm that happens “when a child loses ongoing intimate relationships.” “Everyone needs to have access both to grandparents and grandchildren in order to be a full human being,” said Margaret Mead (anthropologist). “Grandchildren are the dots that connect the lines from generation to generation,” said Lois Wyse (advertising executive, author and columnist). Often the greatest source of grief for grandparents arises from concern for the child: The impact on that child when a beloved grandparent is abruptly removed from their life. Grandparents wonder, “Do they feel abandoned? Unloved? Will they think that it is somehow their fault?”

Q: The Newport Beach City Council is granting the organization $1,000 in community grant money. What does this mean to you, and how will you use the funds?

A: Support from the city of Newport Beach, where we are based, helps to provide continued assistance to those most vulnerable in our community by way of ongoing support groups, education, books and films.

Q: You’ve written books and articles and organize events and support group meetings. Which aspect of this advocacy work has been most meaningful or inspirational to you?

A: The books, website articles, blog and a documentary film became not only an outlet for my thoughts and feelings but a way to help other grandparents. A website, book and film all provide a greater outreach to the masses, to lend support, inform and educate grandparents who may be going through a tough time. I feel inspired every time the helpline phone rings or emails arrive creating a connection with that caller or that writer who is seeking answers and support. Our in-person support groups will always hold a special place in my heart with many of the longtime grandparent clients, some 14 years, feeling more like a family member. To be among others who are experiencing a similar situation is like a lifeline for these grandparents. Positive feedback from online, written material and individual support opportunities are all a testimony that our organization has had a meaningful impact. We are always appreciative when we receive assistance to help spread the word that there is help out there and grandparents no longer have to suffer in silence. Grandparent clients have found us through referrals from outside agencies, television appearances and fundraising events

Q: What advice do you have for a grandparent who wants to create a loving and close relationship with a grandchild?

A: What we teach grandparents is a suggested set of communication principles, in which we have had successes, to be applied toward the parents or custodial caregiver, which will help them maintain that loving close relationship with a grandchild. In our experience, when a grandparent steps over a boundary, sometimes there’s no second chance. Do not offer unsolicited advice, or opinions and if asked, be careful. Do not criticize, try to control, preach, scold, lay guilt or triangulate. Do, however, be there for the child as well as the parents. Grandparents may be best served by doing whatever it takes to remain connected, even if that means walking on eggshells.

Editor’s Note: For more information about Advocates for Grandparent-Grandchild Connection, check out www.grandparentchildconnect.org.

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

Children of dual mothers: earth and ocean

By DUNCAN FORGEY

Hand-in-hand, Auntie Grace and a delighted 3-year-old walk the wooden planks of the old pier. Sea breezes in their faces, they are encircled by fishermen, dory men, surfers, seagulls, dead fish and donut shops. Auntie explains to the toddler everything that is within sight. The child will not remember any of Gracie’s wisdom, but one enduring sight will be burned into his memory for a lifetime. It is the forever blue blanket of the sea. It is as if he has just met an intriguing new member of his family.

Newport Beach bumps up against the largest ocean on the planet, covering more than 30 percent of the total Earth’s surface. The Pacific Ocean’s infamous “ring of fire” with its tectonic plates and 75,000 volcanoes, creates upheaval throughout the surrounding continents. 25,000 uniquely beautiful islands are peppered over the ocean and all are impacted by the ocean’s extreme moods. 

The Pacific Ocean is the mother of life as we know it. Born from its deep waters are plankton to blue whales. Monster currents and twirling winds create temperatures ranging from below freezing to tropically hot. Gigantic storms are spawned out of its expanse generating waves up to 100 feet.

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This whale, a behemoth of the ocean, shows its fluke

Whaling, World War II and overfishing put the all-important Pacific Ocean under assault. Pollution of the ocean due to man-made chemicals, plastics and bacteria has increased 100 times in the past 40 years.

Earthly moms strive to ensure healthy births. Mothers seem to always be there, anticipating problems and staying with their children through the bad times. They are a bit overprotective, creating conflict as the youngster ages. A mom’s love never dies. Just like the proverbial bird, Earth Mothers must know when to push their fledglings out of the nest.

Kids of Newport Harbor grow up with yet another mother. From the time their water breaks, earthly moms are in competition with the ocean. The Greeks called their mother Amphitrite, goddess of the ocean and consort to Poseidon. The Hawaiians named her Namakaokahai, representing water and the cool majestic waves of the ocean. Ocean Mothers push only the realities of life and death, thus becoming extremely powerful influences. The Ocean Mother does not worry about day to day challenges of the child, thus remaining stoic, non-emotional and far more pragmatic. Natural moms feel jealousy as the ocean pries their children away like a Pied Piper.

Kids are kidnapped by the ocean. From tiny toddlers to adults, the ocean throws countless lessons and incredible challenges at them. Surfing, swimming, sailing or fishing tests anyone’s true character. The sea’s ultimate goal is to teach respect for nature. Using fear and punishment along with rewards of satisfaction, the ocean teaches self-respect.

Splashing and frolicking in the calm waters of our harbor, its endless beaches became every kid’s backyard. Playing in its water was like bathing in the oceans of the world, knowing every drop is interconnected throughout the world. 

Memories are deep and nostalgic. Like the first time you tasted the saltiness of seawater or felt it dry hard on your skin later in the day. Your surprise realizing that you could float in seawater without your butt sinking. Making sandcastles with squiggly wet sand or intently studying the absolute perfection of a three-inch boat wake breaking along the shoreline. The inner satisfaction of your first channel crossing or when you were old enough to go fishing in the ocean or surf in the whitewater of Blackies. The day you understood that seawater heals. All these were as rewarding as winning Olympic gold.

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Photo by Duncan Forgey

This surfer rides a wave at the famous Wedge

Different crowds flocked to different beaches. Families were attracted to busy Balboa Island, while others flocked to the privacy of Lido Isle, Little Corona, Bayshores or Balboa Bay Club, and a hardier group set up on the beaches of the peninsula. Parents met and children played. It became clear that God made beaches so every kid could lay claim to their very own spit of sand.

Later in life, Mother Ocean took on an even more challenging role. She opened our minds and bodies to new and more difficult tasks, forcing us to think quickly and reach deep for a strength we did not know we had. Under duress, the ocean taught us a sense of adventure within a cloud of calmness.

Like Herculean labors to overcome, we experienced speeding power boats, competitive sailing, deep sea fishing, pounding surf and deep-water swimming.   As children of the sea, we began as pollywogs, but were born of frogs after Mother Ocean threw bruising lessons at us. 

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Photo by Duncan Forgey

Onlookers watching the surf at 16th Street

Venturing further was scary at all levels. Bigger waves, deeper dives, larger fish and lonesome ocean travels were our rewards. Each one demanded exacting attention, so mistakes were commonplace. Stupidity, ignorance or simply bad luck brought us close to death. Waves were too big, sharks too close, riptides too strong, scuba tanks ran out of air, or the ocean was so angry it seemed she would swallow the boat.

Why was it not a disaster? Maybe because each stroke we took in life moved us closer to the heart of the sea. For inexplicable reasons, Mother Pacific chose not to take us.

Once adopted, Mother Ocean never leaves. With her sun warming your soul and her energy massaging your body, it’s time to celebrate that you are a child of dual mothers. Your natural mom nurtured and protected and your Ocean Mother challenged and made you grow.

Today, we all sit beneath a troublesome sky. Current disregard for Mother Ocean is a cruel and unusual punishment for something so full of life. It seems that humans have forgotten our Ocean Mother’s love. Hopefully soon, a new generation of 3-year-olds will follow, who can once again see the same sparkling ocean so full of life that we once did. 

“It is a curious situation that the sea, from which life first arose, should now be threatened by the activities of one form of that life. But the sea, though changed in a sinister way, will continue to exist: the threat is rather to life itself.

–Rachael Carson

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

NMUSD partners with Dept. of Rehabilitation to host Transition Partnership Summer Program

Newport-Mesa Unified School District (NMUSD) in collaboration with the Department of Rehabilitation (DOR) hosted the first Transition Partnership Summer Program (TPP Summer Program), whereby high school students throughout the district that completed grade 11 had the opportunity to participate in this intensive job readiness and work experience program.

Led by NMUSD job transition specialists, the program kicked off with a two-day orientation, followed by job skills classes every Monday for the duration. Topics covered included career assessments, interest inventories, job applications, interview techniques, appropriate work attire and developing resumes.

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Courtesy of NMUSD

Andrew, a Corona del Mar High School graduate, works at the Newport Beach Golf Course job site

The TPP Summer Program is a model to build workplace readiness skills, mobility training and job exploration counseling, while empowering students to be self-advocates in the workplace. Students were placed at a job site, where they obtained work experience Tuesday through Friday. Student job trainings took place throughout Newport Beach and Costa Mesa, including Staples, Surfside, ACE Hardware, Smart and Final, Party City, Journeys, Foot Locker, Juice It Up, Newport Beach Golf Course, Atria and Taco Bell, to name a few.

“Our district is fortunate to have strong partnerships that allow us to offer programs that allow students to be more independent, knowledgeable and confident in their life journey,” said Vicki Martini, NMUSD lead job transition specialist. “The transition services team is so proud and excited to see the individual growth and self confidence in our students,” she said.

The goal of the TPP Summer Program is to provide services, advocacy and equity – it is not to guarantee students with a job. However, nearly half of participating students have been hired at their job sites.

NMUSD thanks the local businesses for making this program possible. Visit the Transition Services website here to learn more.

Flashback Friday

Ahoy, captain...

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Here is our first Flashback Friday...harkening back to yesterday...and we thought it would be fun if you try and guess who it is.

Clue: Some would say this young yachtsman is “sage” beyond his years.

Good luck guessing this one. The answer appears today at the bottom of Stu News.

Send in a treasured past photo!

You can submit yourself, wife, girlfriend, boyfriend or family member. We’ll even surprise them if you want. 

We’re looking for eye-catching representations of your Flashback Friday.

Please send them 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.

Preliminary concepts come before Library Lecture Hall Committee

The City of Newport Beach is in the process of developing the preliminary architectural concept for a new Library Lecture Hall at the Newport Beach Central Library. The proposed lecture hall is anticipated to be approximately 7,000 square feet with seating for 275. 

The final design shall address permits and plans for construction and site landscaping while maintaining connectivity to the existing Civic Center buildings and park setting. The estimated construction cost for this project is $7,000,000.

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Courtesy of NBPL

The 7,000-square-foot Lecture Hall will grace Central Library

The City Council appointed a Library Lecture Hall Design Committee to recommend an architect to the City Council and to provide design input to the selected architect. The committee will be assisted by staff in working on this highly visible building, which is expected to be a significant community asset. 

City staff conducted a request for proposals (RFPs) for an architectural design firm in July. The Library Lecture Hall Design Committee held its first meeting on July 31 to begin the process of reviewing the seven proposals. Community members are welcome to join in the conversation to assist the committee with evaluating the proposals and participate throughout the design process.

The next meeting is Monday, Aug. 19, from 9 a.m.-12 p.m., in the Crystal Cove Conference Room, Bay 2D, at the Civic Center.

Proposals have been received from Bohlin Cywinski Jackson, John Sergio Fisher & Associates, Inc., LPA, Perkins Eastman Dougherty, Robert R. Coffee Architect + Associates, Rob Wellington Quigley, and Sander Architects and Mithun | Hodgetts + Fung. To view the Architectural RFPs, click here.

Colors of summer

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Photo by Meghan Sickner (Instagram @meghanscoastalliving) 

The captivating beauty of the sea at sunset in Corona del Mar 

Win a three-night stay just steps from the sand in Crystal Cove Cottage No. 14

Enjoy the magic of Crystal Cove from the “suite-est” cottage on the beach – the restored South Beach Suite – by entering this year’s opportunity drawing fundraiser. 

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Photos courtesy of Crystal Cove Conservancy

Welcome to Crystal Cove Cottage No.14, just steps from the sand

The winner of the drawing will spend three nights in this two-story, two-bedroom, two-bath oceanfront cottage – No. 14. Occupancy is six guests. Cottage No. 14 is the only Crystal Cove beach cottage with a king-sized bed, large sunny living room and expansive private outdoor deck, just steps from the sand. All existing cottage rental rules apply. Reservation dates to be coordinated with Crystal Cove Conservancy. Restrictions apply.

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The large sunny living room

The winner will be drawn at the annual Soiree on Saturday, Oct. 5. One need not be present to win. The winner of the opportunity drawing will be notified after the Soiree by Oct. 12, and may select one date from the following weekends in 2020 on a first-come, first-served basis: January 10-12; February 7-9; March 13-15; April 10-12; May 8-10; June 12-14; July 10-12; August 7-9; September 11-13; October 9-11; November 13-15; December 11-13.

Tickets are $100 each or seven for $500. To purchase tickets, call Crystal Cove Conservancy at 949.376.6200, ext. 201.

Good luck!

Make-A-Wish and JWA partner to help grant travel wishes this summer

Make-A-Wish^® Orange County and the Inland Empire and John Wayne Airport (JWA) kicked off “Trips That Transform,” a month-long celebration of the travel wishes granted each year to children battling critical illnesses and the donors that make them possible.

With 75 percent of wishes requiring air travel, Make-A-Wish needs more than 40 million airline miles annually to fulfill travel wishes for children and their families living in Orange, Riverside and San Bernardino counties. 

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Courtesy of JWA

Kanoa, age 4, who has leukemia, shares his travel wish

“Right now, we are able to grant wishes for one out of every two eligible children,” said Stephanie McCormick, president and CEO of Make-A-Wish Orange County and the Inland Empire. “Travel wishes are waiting – and their fulfillment is dependent on the ongoing generosity of individual and corporate donors who contribute their unused airline miles, expiring travel points and dollars.” 

To support granting more wishes in the local community, JWA is promoting the “Trips That Transform” campaign to its guests throughout the month of August with visual displays throughout the terminal encouraging travelers to donate airline miles. 

“We are thrilled to partner with Make-A-Wish to help grant more travel wishes this summer,” said Barry Rondinella, airport director. “We encourage all who travel through John Wayne Airport to join us by donating their unused, low-balance or soon-to-expire miles to help wish kids take flight.”

Once donated to Make-A-Wish, airline miles and points never expire, and each goes on to help wish kids and their families take flight to destinations around the world. Travelers can donate airline miles and points at www.ocair.com/wish.

“Travel wishes are more than a trip, they are often an essential component of a wish kid’s treatment plan,” McCormick said. “We are extremely grateful for John Wayne Airport and all of our national travel partners, which each play a vital role in giving children a world of hope when they need it most through life-changing wish trips.”

To learn more about how a wish come true can transform the lives of everyone involved, follow Make-A-Wish and John Wayne Airport and #JWAWishes on social media.

Third Annual Pacific Wine & Food Classic this weekend at Newport Dunes

Celebrate summer and the bounty of Southern California at the third annual Pacific Wine & Food Classic presented by Pacific Sales at Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort. Taking place on Saturday, Aug. 17 and Sunday, Aug. 18 from 2-5 p.m., the first class epicurean event was recently named one of USA Today’s 10Best Food Festivals in the nation for 2019.

Recognized by The International Food, Wine and Travel Writers Association as one of the top 10 food and wine festivals in the world, the two-day sensory experience invites culinary enthusiasts and wine lovers to enjoy the soft sands and bayfront view while experiencing more than 100 stations to savor the perfect summer weekend.

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Upon entering the event, bubble enthusiasts will rejoice with a Lillet Spritz welcome cocktail and a visit to the Bubble Bar at the end of the sand featuring G.H. Mumm, Scharffenberger Cellars, Argyle Winery, Gloria Ferrar, Wilson Creek and Martini & Rossi. Head to the Wine Lounge by Dacor to browse the latest in luxury wine appliances and sample more than 25 beautiful wines under the big tent paired with bites from BXCR Wine Bar.

Stroll along the beach while completely immersed in endless taste experiences highlighting summer-inspired dishes from more than 50 of Southern California’s top chefs. Don’t miss the giant made-on-site paella by Chef Leo Razo of Villa Roma along with empanadas paired with wine from the oldest winery in North America, Casa Madero. Enjoy fresh Smoked Shrimp Cocktail and Scallop & Lobster Ceviche at the Atria Lounge.

Between bites from favorite restaurants and pours from the region’s most distinguished wineries, sample a variety of refreshing sips from renowned breweries and distilleries including margaritas by Hornitos, samples of ice cold beer from JT Schmid’s Brewery at the vibrant District Lounge and Makers Mark cocktails from the Makers Wanted Tour Truck.

Experience all new activations and interactive moments around every corner including the Celebrity Cruises Silent Disco, the KLOS Beach Party with Rock ‘N Roll tunes and beach party games, and a live radio broadcast of The Fork Report with Neil Saavedra.

Capture the picture-perfect weekend with a variety of fun photo opportunities including the giant Adirondack chair, the larger-than-life wine bottle and wine glass, the Pacific Wine & Food Classic step & repeat, along with picturesque harbor views. Stop by the INFINITY Lounge to get your Pacific Wine & Food Classic photo taken at the INFINITI photo booth, and be sure to share your pics using the event hashtags: #PacificWineandFood #PacificSales #PacificWineandFoodClassic #BeNice.

Keep the fun going all night long at the official Yacht Rock After Party of the Pacific Wine & Food Classic at Newport Dunes’ waterfront restaurant, Back Bay Bistro. Take in panoramic views of the sun setting over the Back Bay while listening to live music by Trinity Tribute Band performing the music of Journey, Foreigner and Styx, including Yacht Rock favorites.

Ticket prices: General admission in advance: Saturday, $119; Sunday, $99; at the Door, $150. Yacht Rock After Party: $25-$50. VIP tickets are sold out.

For tickets to the Pacific Wine & Food Classic, visit 

www.pacificwineandfood.com/tickets.html for the Yacht Rock After Party, visit 

www.pacificwineandfood.com/after-party.html.

September is a busy month at ENC

Don’t let the end of summer and the beginning of the school year force you indoors. Youngsters will get their fill of exciting events this September at the Environmental Nature Center (ENC), so reserve your spot to explore the natural habitats it has to offer.

Photos courtesy of ENC

Schedule of Events:

–Little Naturalists: Wednesdays, Sept. 4 and Sept.18 at 9:30 a.m.

Join ENC Early Childhood Education Specialist Valerie Bain for a Little Naturalist class. Little Naturalist programs are outdoor experiential education classes designed for 3-5 year olds and their adults. Activities are designed to encourage exploration and discovery, and to enrich a child’s emerging physical and cognitive skills. Cost: $8 per participant ($5 for ENC members). Pre-payment is required.

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–Tiny Naturalists: Thursdays, Sept. 5 - Oct. 10 from 11 a.m.-12 p.m.

Join ENC Early Childhood Education Specialist Valerie Bain for unstructured “Parent and Me”-style classes on the ENC grounds. Each week you’ll hike out to a different habitat along the trails, set up a big blanket, and relax with your babies in the shade of the forest canopy. Parents will get to know one another while the babies experience “tummy time” and free play outdoors. Each session will end with story time and a song. This is a six-week series for moms or dads and babies 3-9 months. Strollers are discouraged; baby-wearing devices are encouraged. Registration is required; no walk-ins. Babies only; no older kids are permitted to attend. Cost: $30 Non-member for one parent and one infant; $24 for ENC members for one parent and one infant.

Insert September is a busy month Mini Naturalists pic

–Mini Naturalists, Wednesdays, Sept. 11 and Sept. 25 at 9:30 a.m.

Join ENC Early Childhood Education Specialist Valerie Bain for a Mini Naturalist class. Mini Naturalist programs are outdoor nature play classes designed for 1-3 year olds and their adult guardians. Activities are designed to encourage exploration and discovery, and to enrich a child’s emerging physical, cognitive, social & emotional skills. Through literacy-based nature play, the joy of learning through movement, nurturing wild imaginations and sensory experimentation is encouraged. Parents must remain with children at all times. Cost per session: $10 child, adults free; $7 for ENC member child, adults free. Pre-payment is required.

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–Reading in the Redwoods, Sunday, Sept. 29 at 9:30 a.m.

Join in for a walk out to the Redwood Forest with ENC Early Childhood Education Specialist, Valerie Bain. Bain will read a story under the canopy of their tallest trees while your family relaxes together on a blanket or towel. Afterward children and their adults will participate in hands-on activities related to the theme of the book. Parents must remain with children at all times. All ages are welcome. Bring your own blanket or towel. Cost: $10 per child ($5 for ENC members). No charge for adults. Pre-payment is required.

To register and for more information, visit www.encenter.comor call 949.645.8489.

Environmental Nature Center is located at 1601 E. 16th St., Newport Beach.

Segerstrom announces finalists and host for first OC Center Stage talent competition

Segerstrom Center for the Arts has announced the 12 finalists in its first OC Center Stage talent competition. Each of these talents discovered here in Orange County, will step into the Julianne and George Argyros Plaza spotlight and compete for a $1,000 check. Second place wins a check for $750 and third place takes home $500.

OC Center Stage will take place on Saturday, Aug. 24 from 7-8:30 p.m. The event is free to the public, and the audience will serve as judges to select the winners using “text-to-vote.” SoCal resident, entertainer and sports host, Dameion Lucky Smith, will emcee the program. 

The vision behind this first ever talent competition comes from Jason Holland, VP Community Engagement: “There is so much incredible talent right here in Orange County. At Segerstrom Center for the Arts we are committed to working with and supporting local artists,” Holland said. “We want them staying in Orange County; living, working and creating in our community. It brings value to our cities, it attracts businesses and it brings us all together. OC Center Stage is another forum for us to shine a light on the diverse wealth of artists in our area and will hopefully serve to inspire and propel these artists further towards their goals.” 

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Photos courtesy of Segerstrom Center for the Arts

Eleven-year-old Ayn Liu from Irvine, who combines vocals while playing the ukulele, is the youngest OC Center Stage finalist

The community has the final say on the grand prize winner. Each of the 12 finalists will perform their original audition piece. Judges will select the top five performers, keeping in mind each act’s originality, creativity, technical ability and audience appeal. Of these top five, the audience will choose the winner and runners-up.

Bring your chair and be prepared to be entertained, amazed and perhaps even to discover a new superstar. George’s Café will be open for dinner from 5-10 p.m.

According to Community Engagement Director Marytza Rubio, “The performers represent a compelling range of creativity and music styles, and from all ages. OC Center Stage is a unique opportunity to see dynamic musicians and dancers from our communities all in one place.”

Contestants represent all of Orange County, and finalists are a diverse group of artists, artistically and geographically. The finalists hail from Newport Beach, Newport Coast, Laguna Beach, Huntington Beach, Irvine, Tustin, Fountain Valley, Santa Ana, Mission Viejo, Laguna Niguel, Garden Grove, Fullerton and Chino Hills.

Here are the finalists Listed (in no specific order):

Dance

–Kingsman Co Ed

–Kelela Rose Dance

–Snappy Tappers

–Leilani Benton

Bands

–Undecided Future

–3LH

–Chapis

–NUAGE

Vocal

–Ayn Liu

–Miguel Pulido

–Saveena Patel

–Jaelle 

The youngest OC Center Stage finalist is 11-year-old Ayn Liu from Irvine, showcasing her wide-ranged vocal skills and accompanying herself with her ukulele. Liu has already performed at local open mics and is ready to star on a Segerstrom Center stage. “It means so much to play at Segerstrom because I’ve watched so many great artists like Diana Krall and Jake Shimabukuro perform here,” Liu shared. “This is the biggest stage I’ll be playing on and it is a real honor to have been selected for OC Center Stage.” 

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Snappy Tappers is comprised of 40-50 retirees who love to tap dance

On the other end of the age spectrum, Snappy Tappers, is a group of 40-50 retirees who take the tap class offered at Cal State Fullerton’s OLLI (Osher Lifelong Learning Institute). The tappers perform more than 25 times a year around Orange County. “It is a thrill of a lifetime,” said Liz. Snappy Tapper Al shares, “Not too many 70-year-olds get the opportunity to dance on a Segerstrom stage. I am so delighted to be a part of this amazing Snappy Tapper group and to showcase our thriving senior population.” 

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Undecided Future is a finalist in the band category 

OC Center Stage finalist Undecided Future is no stranger to a live stage. The band has already received recognition as the OCSA 2019 recipient of The Young Entertainer’s Award and 2017 winner of Ryan Seacrest’s global music competition, Best Cover Ever, in which Undecided Future and Jason Derulo performed a song on stage. 

Host, Dameion Lucky Smith will lead the audience into the live voting. While the live text-to-votes are tallied, Orange County School of the Arts “Emerging Artist” runner-up Sidra will perform. As a rising OCHA junior, Sidra has proven to be a dedicated singer-songwriter. 

Julianne and George Argyros Stage at Segerstrom Center for the Arts is located at 600 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa.

Orange County Community Foundation makes $150,000 loan to The Ecology Center

The Orange County Community Foundation (OCCF), located in Newport Beach, has made a $150,000 program-related investment in The Ecology Center to redesign its Farm Stand in San Juan Capistrano, building on a decade-long effort to bring sustainable living and locally grown, organic produce to Orange County families.

This support will allow The Ecology Center to remodel the Farm Stand’s infrastructure to enhance customer service and traffic flow, incorporate dry goods and pantry products, and make other modifications required to provide the community with more seasonal ingredients. The Farm Stand is the cornerstone of The Ecology Center’s plan to develop a 28-acre community farm intended to serve as an incubator for future farmers, chefs and educators while demonstrating the potential of the sustainable food movement.

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Gardening at The Ecology Center

“OCCF is proud to support The Ecology Center’s efforts to provide healthy, organic produce and nutritional education to our community,” said Shelley Hoss, president of OCCF. “By supporting organizations that benefit community health and well-being, we are not only meeting the current needs of Orange County residents, but positively impacting generations to come.” 

For the last 30 years, OCCF has facilitated innovative, impactful philanthropy supporting a wide range of causes including health and wellness as well as human services, education, the arts, the environment, community development and more. 

Founded in 2008, The Ecology Center (TEC) has a mission to educate, inspire and empower people in the stewardship of ecological design and sustainability in the core areas of water, grow, eat and make. Open seven days a week, the Farm Stand provides the community with organic, local, seasonal ingredients and tools to nourish families and support a thriving ecosystem. The Farm Stand, located in San Juan Capistrano, is open Mondays through Saturdays from 9 a.m.-6 p.m. and on Sundays from 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

Founded in 1989, the Orange County Community Foundation (OCCF) works with donors, strengthens the local nonprofit sector and works to find solutions to community needs. Since its inception, OCCF has awarded more than $600 million in grants and scholarships.

For more information on OCCF, visit www.oc-cf.org. 

For more information on The Ecology Center, visit www.theecologycenter.org.

Save the Date: Celebrity Chef Dinner to benefit SOS scheduled for October 11

Save the date and join Share Our Selves (SOS) in celebrating the organization’s 29th Annual SOS Celebrity Chef Dinner on Friday, Oct. 11 beginning at 5:30 p.m.

Local chefs with a passion for their community will donate their name and culinary talents to create a one-of-a-kind gourmet experience. Guests will take in the ocean views from Paseo Hotel & Spa in Huntington Beach, while enjoying hors d’oeuvres stations, beer and wine tastings, and live music by guitarist Eric Rankin during the reception and a silent auction. After the reception, the three-course dinner will be held in the ballroom with outstanding chefs pairing up to prepare each course. The dinner portion of the evening also includes a program and live auction.

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Newport Beach chefs who will be sharing their culinary talents during the evening include (to date): Octavio Flores, SOL Mexican Cocina; David Man, Fashion Island Hotel Newport Beach and Alessandro Pirozzi, Pirozzi Corona del Mar.

The cost is $195 per person and the attire is California Cocktail. For tickets, auction item donations, sponsorship opportunities and more information, visit www.shareourselves.org/event/2019-celebrity-chef-dinner/.

Paseo Hotel & Spa is located at 21080 Pacific Coast Highway, Huntington Beach.

Share Our Selves (SOS), based in Costa Mesa, is a nationally recognized health center providing high quality, comprehensive safety net services to the Orange County community.

SCR announces 2019-20 season

Artistic Director David Ivers and Managing Director Paula Tomei have announced South Coast Repertory’s 13-play, 2019-20 season, which builds on the theatre’s 56-year foundation of stellar artistry. The offerings range from a two-person show to a large-cast musical, and represent a kaleidoscope of classics and popular hits, along with four world premieres and three shows for young audiences and families.

The season includes the world premiere of The Scarlet Letter by Kate Hamill, the musical She Loves Me (directed by Ivers), American Mariachi by José Cruz González, Arcadia by Tom Stoppard and the beloved children’s story, Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day. Subscription packages and single tickets are currently on sale.

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`Photos courtesy of SCR.org

The perfect bite transcends time and cultural differences in “Aubergine”

“We’re excited to announce our upcoming season, which is built on the solid legacy of South Coast Repertory’s more than five decades of artistic excellence,” said Ivers, who is embarking on his first year as artistic director. “Overall, the season offers gigantic, yet intimate stories about love in all its forms – love that draws us together, that pulls us apart, family love, love of food, surprising love, love of country and unspoken desires. These plays also showcase adventure, heroism and finding the strength to overcome adversity. There’s something for everyone.”

Tomei added, “There’s a palpable energy around our 56th season. It offers endless possibilities for us to engage our community in new ways, and expand and deepen our existing partnerships. We’re excited by the fresh perspectives, new ideas and enormous talent that these 13 plays will bring.”

On the Segerstrom Stage:

–American Mariachi by José Cruz González, September 7-October 5, 2019

–Aubergine by Julia Cho, October 19-November 16, 2019

–She Loves Me by Joe Masteroff (book), Jerry Bock (music) and Sheldon Harnick (lyrics), January 25-February 22, 2020

–The Scarlet Letter by Kate Hamill (world premiere), March 28-April 25, 2020

–Arcadia by Tom Stoppard, May 9-June 6, 2020

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A compassionate Irish story unravels in “Outside Mulligan”

On the Argyros Stage:

–The Canadians by Adam Bock (SCR commission, world premiere), September 29-October 20, 2019

–Fireflies by Donja R. Love, January 5-26, 2020

–Outside Mullingar by John Patrick Shanley, March 8-29, 2020

–I Get Restless by Caroline V. McGraw (world premiere), April 12-May 3, 2020

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Embark on a thrilling musical adventure replete with magic, mystery and fantastical creatures in “Where the Mountain Meets the Moon”

Theatre for Young Audiences (Julianne Argyros Stage):

–Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day by Judith Viorst (book and lyrics), music by Shelly Markham, November 8-24, 2019

–Where the Mountain Meets the Moon: A Musical Adaptation by Min Kahng (book, music, lyrics), February 7-23, 2020

–Dory Fantasmagory by John Glore, adapted from the book by Abby Hanlon (world premiere), May 22-June 7, 2020

Special and Noteworthy:

At the holidays, it’s Orange County’s long-standing tradition, A Christmas Carol, on stage November 30-December 24, 2019. Audience favorite Hal Landon Jr. will be back for his 40th performance and final year portraying everyone’s much-loved curmudgeon, Tickets on sale now.

The annual showcase of new plays – the Pacific Playwrights Festival (PPF) – features seven new plays over a weekend that combines readings and full productions, taking place April 24-26, 2020. The three-day festival attracts theatre professionals from across the nation, as well as local and regional new-play fans, drawn by the opportunity to see some of the best new works in the country. Over the course of more than two decades, the festival has presented nearly 140 plays by roughly100 playwrights.

For tickets and detailed information for the SCR 2019-20 season, visit www.scr.org.

The Tony Award-winning South Coast Repertory is located at 655 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa.

For A Good Cause

From Golf to Galas: Supporting Our Community

Courtesy TripAdvisor

Newport Beach Police Department Tip-A-Cop | Tuesday, Aug. 20 from 5-9 p.m. | Join in this special evening as the NBPD partners with the community to raise money for Special Olympics of Orange County. NBPD officers and Special Olympics athletes will be your celebrity hosts and servers, so tip-a-cop.

Contact: 949.494.1239

Takes place at Javier’s (Crystal Cove Shopping Center), 7832 E. Coast Highway, Newport Beach.

Priceless Luncheon | Saturday, Sept. 7 from 10:45 a.m.-1:30 p.m. | The Priceless Luncheon ending human trafficking educates attendees about the startling issue of human trafficking in Orange County, and honors victims and community members fighting this issue. Tickets: $225 for individuals with table and event sponsorships available.

Contact: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call 714.966.6360

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

Laura’s House 25th Annual Gala | Saturday, Sept. 7 beginning at 5:30 p.m. | Enjoy a cocktail reception, silent & live auctions and dinner. They will be honoring individuals and corporations that have contributed integral support to the programs and services we provide. Sponsorships, tickets and advertisements will be available.

Contact: www.laurashouse.org

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

50th Anniversary Celebration for the Newport Bay Conservancy | Sunday, Sept. 8 | Festivities include a sunset dinner. More details to come.

Contact: www.newportbay.org

Takes place at Upper Newport Bay Conservancy, 2302 University Drive, Newport Beach.

Newport Beach Police Association Charitable Foundation Charity Golf Classic | Monday, Sept. 16 with a 10:30 a.m. check in; 12:30 p.m. tee-off | Enjoy 18 holes of golf, cart, breakfast, lunch and various awards. Cost: $500 per layer; $1,600 per foursome. Register at the website.

Contact: Vlad Anderson at 949.375.0258 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. http://npacfgolfclassic.org

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

Susan G. Komen Orange County MORE THAN PINK Walk | Sunday, Sept. 22 | Susan G. Komen Orange County is one of 26 locations across the country that will be reintroducing its Race for the Cure as the More Than Pink Walk this year. The event will include a fresh new look and experience focused on energizing the community around the lifesaving work Komen’s supporters make possible through fundraising efforts. The More Than Pink Walk, which will not have a separate timed run element this year, will increase people’s connection to Komen’s work beyond breast cancer awareness including, research, community outreach and more. Tickets: $15 during pre-registration (ends May 31); $30 after pre-registration and $35 the day of the event.

Contact: Stacy Davis at 714.957.9157, ext. 34 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., or click here.

Takes place at Fashion Island, 401 Newport Center Drive, Newport Beach. (Starts at Pacific Life Insurance Company.)

Evening of Excellence Gala Event to benefit Youth Employment Service | Thursday, Sept. 26 | Honors employers for their ongoing commitment to hire and support YES graduates as they transition into the workforce. Festivities include a cocktail reception, wine pull, auction, awards presentation and dinner. Proceeds support the Comprehensive Job Readiness Program and its expansion to greater Orange County. Sponsorships, donations and attendance opportunities are available.

Contact: www.yesworks.org

Takes place at The Pacific Club, 4110 MacArthur Blvd., Newport Beach.

New, Now, Next: The OCMA Affair | October 5 | This annual gala supports the museum’s exhibition and educational programs and ensures that the museum can offer free admission at its temporary location at South Coast Plaza Village. Co-chairs: Jennifer Segerstrom and Jennifer Van Bergh

Contact: www.ocmaexpand.org

Takes place at OCMA/Expand, 1661 W. Sunflower Ave., Santa Ana.

Dusk at the Island Fashion Show to benefit Ronald McDonald House of Orange County | October 10 | More details to come.

Contact: www.rmhcsc.org/orangecounty

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

Second Annual Forever Families Gala to support Seneca Family of Agencies | November 9 | This event supports this organization’s mission to create families that are stale, loving and permanent. They have a 100 percent adoption permanency rating. Every $1,000 supports the finalization of an adoption for a child in foster care. There are more than 600 kids waiting to be adopted in Orange County. Honorees to be announced. Sponsorships are available from $5,000-$50,000.

Contact: www.senecafoa.org/gala

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

46th Candlelight Concert to support Segerstrom Center for the Arts | December 6 For more than 40 years, Segerstrom Center for the Arts’ Candlelight Concert has been one of Orange County’s most treasured events. Considered by many as the official kick-off to the holiday season, Candlelight brings friends and family together for an elegant evening of great fun while raising essential funds in support of the Segerstrom Center for the Art’s artistic, education and community engagement programs.

Contact: www.scfta.org

Takes place at Segerstrom Center for the Arts, 600 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa.

Editor’s Note: If you have a philanthropic event 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: 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’s Best Bets in Arts & Entertainment

From Live Theater to Community Happenings, enjoy these!

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Balboa Car Show, Every Sunday from 7-9 a.m. 

Fun Zone Parking lot, 600 E. Bay Ave., Balboa Peninsula

The Wizard of Oz, Continuing on August 17 and 18. Times and ticket prices vary. South Coast Repertory’s Student Productions features the Summer Players (grades 4-12). Revel in this story by L. Frank Baum and recall the legendary saying, “There’s no place like home.” Follow Dorothy, Toto and their friends as they journey down the Yellow Brick Road and beyond in this timeless musical. With favorite songs like, “We’re Off to See the Wizard” and “Over the Rainbow,” The Wizard of Oz will captivate the entire family. Join the Summer Players, advanced students in SCR’s Theatre Conservatory, as they bring this wonderful and whimsical adventure to life on the stage. Recommended for ages 6 and above.

Contact: Call 714.566.2787.

Takes place on the Julianne Argyros Stage at South Coast Repertory, 655 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa.

OCMAExpand Six New Exhibitions on view continuing through September 1. Features works of Pacific Rim artists and a seventh show with objects from the museum’s collection. Through a wide range of media including interactive installations, photography and site-specific interventions, the works touch on notions of value, control and power, and truth and reality, responding to some of today’s most pressing global socio-political concerns. Spring exhibitions include: Diego Berruecos: Only A Shadow; York Chang: To Be Wrong with Infinite Precision; Victoria Fu and Matt Ric: Monster A; Fritzia Irizar: CaCO₃; UuDam Tran Nguyen: TIME BOOMERANG California Edition – From S.E.A. Atolls to the Next Dead Stars; Hiromi Takizawa: Open Air and Closer Look: Intimate-Scale Sculpture from the Permanent Collection. Admission and parking are free. Hours: Thursday, 11 a.m.-8 p.m. and Friday through Sunday, 11 a.m.-6 p.m.

Contact: www.ocmaexpand.org

Takes place at OCMA/Expand, South Coast Plaza Village, 1661 W. Sunflower Ave., Santa Ana.

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Courtesy of OCMAExpand.org

Summer Exhibit: Kickin’ Back at the Gardens, Continuing through September 22. Sit back and relax at Sherman Library & Gardens with a summer exhibit of colorful, funky, over-sized garden furniture. Feel like a kid again: climb on up into big and bold retro lawn chairs, sway away on shady swings and sprawl out in hammocks. Put your feet up and enjoy kickin’ back. Included with admission to the Gardens.

Contact: Call 949.673.2261. www.slgardens.org

Takes place at Sherman Library & Gardens, 2647 E. Coast Highway, Corona del Mar.

Summer Concert Series at the Hyatt Regency, Continuing through October 20. Friday nights will get a little hotter this summer when the Bank of the West Summer Concert Series 2019 heats up. Returning for another year, world-class music will fill the air along with fine wine and dining at the intimate Back Bay Amphitheater. Headliners include Boz Scaggs, Kenny G. and West Coast Jam, among others.

Contact: To purchase tickets, visit http://series.hyattconcerts.com/tickets/.

Takes place at Hyatt Regency Newport Beach, 1107 Jamboree Road, Newport Beach.

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Courtesy of Bank of the West Summer Concert Series

12th Annual Gala of the Stars, August 16 at 7 p.m. Celebrate the 30th anniversary of Orange County’s premier resident ballet company with an exciting gala performance where world-renowned ballet artists share their love and expertise of the craft with future, inspired young stars. The young protégés have been selected as standout performers by visiting artistic directors of the Southland Ballet Academy International Summer Intensive and the prestigious Youth America Grand Prix. The often sold-out performance is a rare opportunity for Orange County audiences to see dancers from different companies in one evening that celebrates the art and passion of ballet. Tickets start at $55 and are available on the website.

Contact: Call 714.566.2787.

Takes place at Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall, 655 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa.

Summer Jazz: The John Clifton Blues Band & The 44’s Blues Band, August 16 at 7 p.m. Join in for Blues Night. John Clifton regularly tours in the U.S. and has headlined some of the most well-known venues and festivals. He effortlessly infuses styles from West Coast to Chicago Blues, classic R&B and soul, to some hard driving vintage rock and roll. The 44’s are a Los Angeles-based band that plays blues-roots-rock music, and energetic live performances have garnered an enthusiastic local following. This event is free.

Contact: Call 714.566.2787.

Takes place at Julianne and George Argyros Plaza at Segerstrom Center for the Arts, 600 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa.

Pacific Symphony’s SummerFest with Star Wars: A New Hope In Concert, August 17 at 8 p.m. Set 30 years after Star Wars: The Phantom Menace, Star Wars: A New Hope, the fourth episode of the saga, returns to the desert planet of Tatooine. A young Luke Skywalker begins to discover his destiny when, searching for a lost droid, he is saved by the reclusive Jedi Obi-Wan Kenobi. A civil war rages in the galaxy, and Rebel forces struggle against the evil Galactic Empire, Luke and Obi-Wan enlist the aid of hotshot pilot, Han Solo. Joined by the quirky droid duo R2-D2 and C-3PO, the unlikely team sets out to rescue Rebel leader Princess Leia and make use of the stolen plans to destroy the Empire’s ultimate weapon. In a legendary confrontation, the rogue group mounts an attack against the Death Star for a climactic battle with the evil Sith Lord Darth Vader. Richard Kaufman conducting with Pacific Symphony. Tickets: Adults, $25-$99; Children under 14, $12.50-$99.

Contact: For tickets, visit www.pacificsymphony.org.

Takes place at Pacific Amphitheatre, OC Fair & Event Center, 88 Fair Drive, Costa Mesa.

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Courtesy of Pacific Symphony

SoCal World Guitar Show, August 17-18. This California World Guitar Show event is the 217th in a series of one of the largest guitar events on the west coast. If you have guitars, amplifiers, effects, parts or other musical items to sell or trade, you may bring all you can carry into the show at no extra charge. Many of the nation’s top foreign and domestic buyers will be at this show to pay top prices for your vintage, newer, used or rare gear. Hours: Saturday, Aug. 17, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sunday, Aug. 18, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. General admission is $20; free for children 11 and younger. Parking is $9.

Contact: To purchase tickets, visit www.amigoguitarshows.com.

Takes place at OC Fair & Event Center in The Hangar, 88 Fair Drive, Costa Mesa.

Pacific Wine & Food Classic, August 17-18. Dubbed as one of the best food and wine festivals in the world, you won’t want to miss this summer culinary experience. Pacific Wine & Food Classic was voted as one of the 10 BEST Food Festivals in North America by USA Today 2019, and is the Winner of the LA Times Best Event in OC 2018. It has also been acclaimed as one of the Top 10 Events in the World by the International Food, Wine & Travel Writer’s Association. This all-inclusive event offers guests the best local chefs serving vibrant summer-inspired cuisine, more than 150 wines, cold beer and delicious craft cocktails. Tickets: VIP admission is $200 (1-5 p.m.) General admission is $150 (2-5 p.m.). No one under the age of 21 is permitted. No exceptions.

Contact: www.PacificWineandFood.com

Takes place at Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort, 1131 Back Bay Drive, Newport Beach.

SoCal World Guitar Show, August 17-18. This California World Guitar Show event is the 217th in a series of one of the largest guitar events on the west coast. If you have guitars, amplifiers, effects, parts or other musical items to sell or trade, you may bring all you can carry into the show at no extra charge. Many of the nation’s top foreign and domestic buyers will be at this show to pay top prices for your vintage, newer, used or rare gear. Hours: Saturday, Aug. 17, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sunday, Aug. 18, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. General admission is $20; free for children 11 and younger. Parking is $9.

Contact: To purchase tickets, visit www.amigoguitarshows.com.

Takes place at OC Fair & Event Center in The Hangar, 88 Fair Drive, Costa Mesa.

The Mighty O.A.R. Summer Tour 2019, August 18 from 6-10 p.m. SiriusXM The Pulse Presents The Mighty O.A.R. with American Authors and Rozzi. Tickets: $25-$60 are available at Ticketmaster.

Contact: To purchase tickets, visit www1.ticketmaster.com/event/0B005641C952319B. www.pacamp.com

Takes place at OC Fair & Event Center at the Pacific Amphitheatre, 88 Fair Drive, Costa Mesa.

Sunset Jazz at the Newport Marriott, Wednesdays, August 21, 28 and September 4, 11 and 18 beginning at 6 p.m. Headliners: Chuck Redd – Tom Scott Quintet, John Pizzarelli Quartet (sold out), Jackie Ryan with Bill Cunliffe Quartet, Byron Stripling/Bobby Floyd Quartet, Emmett Cohen Trio & James Morrison, Barbara Morrison’s Birthday with The Peak Experience and Tom Kubis Big Band with Vocalist Nicole Kubis. Ticket prices vary from $14.50 - $31.

Contact: For tickets, visit https://www.goldstar.com/events/newport-beach-ca/sunset-jazz-at-newport.

Takes place at Newport Beach Marriott Hotel & Spa, 900 Newport Center Drive, Newport Beach.

Watercolor Class: Cactus Flower with Erna, August 23 from 10 a.m.-12 p.m. Join local artist Erna Van Dyk as she teaches you how to see and paint color and simple shapes. Classes are designed for all levels of painter and non-painter. Each participant will take home his/her own charming painting. 

Maximum 12 people. Cost: $35 Friends, $45 Non-members.

Contact: Call 949.673.2261. www.slgardens.org

Takes place at Sherman Library & Gardens, 2647 E. Coast Highway, Corona del Mar.

Summer Jazz: Mon David Quartet featuring Tateng Katindig on Piano & Charmaine Clamor, August 23 at 7 p.m. It’s Filipino Jazz Night on Argyros Plaza. Known for his wide vocal range, rich tone, fearless style and eclectic musicality, Mon David has shared the stage with luminaries such as Diane Schuur, David Benoit, Eric Marienthal and the late Bobby Enriquez. Tateng Katindig, who has performed with Lou Rawls, Marienthal and others, represents the best of Filipino jazz piano. Charmaine Clamor is a Filipina jazz singer best known for melding traditional Filipino folk songs and with American jazz and blues in a newly developed musical genre called “Jazzipino.” This event is free.

Contact: Call 714.566.2787.

Takes place at Julianne and George Argyros Plaza at Segerstrom Center for the Arts, 600 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa.

Ramon Ayala with special guest, Banda Machos, August 22 from 7:30-10 p.m. Tickets: $37.50-$72.50. To purchase tickets, visit https://www1.ticketmaster.com/event/0B00563ED0C13C5C.

Contact: www.pacamp.com.

Takes place at OC Fair & Event Center at the Pacific Amphitheatre, 88 Fair Drive, Costa Mesa.

Fight Club OC – Pro Boxing & MMA Show, August 22 from 6:30-10:30 p.m. (Also October 10 and December 5). The most fun you can have on a Thursday night in the OC. General admission is $60. Parking $9.

Contact: To purchase tickets, visit https://socafights.tix.com/Event.aspx?EventCode=1104244.

Takes place at OC Fair & Event Center at The Hangar, 88 Fair Drive, Costa Mesa.

Gem Faire, August 23-25. Fine jewelry, precious & semi-precious gemstones, millions of beads, crystals, gold & silver, minerals & much more at manufacturer’s prices. Nearly 200 exhibitors from around the world. Jewelry repair, cleaning & ring sizing while you shop. Free hourly door prizes. Hours: Friday, Aug. 23, 12-6 p.m.; Saturday, Aug. 24, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; and Sunday, Aug. 25, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Admission is $7; free for children 11 and younger. Parking is $9.

Contact: To purchase tickets, visit https://gemfaire.com/event/costa-mesa-ca-17/.

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

OC Night Market, August 23-25 from 4-11 p.m. The OC Night Market heads into its 6th year at the OC Fair & Event Center in Costa Mesa on August 23-25 from 4-11 p.m. The biggest party of the summer invites you to bring your friends and family to eat, drink and shop from 200+ local vendors. It also features a diverse mix of activities such as an Art Walk, dance competition, eating contest, entertainment stage with live performers, and more. Single day tickets are $5; a three-night weekend pass is $10. 

Contact: To purchase tickets, visit www.ocnightmarket.com/tickets.

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

Mosaic: Hummingbird Sculpture, August 28 from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Learn nipping and fitting techniques related to glass tile mosaics and wheeled nippers while designing and applying to a custom metal 12” x 12” x 4” hummingbird sculpture. Please bring a lunch or snack and beverage for this full day class. 

Pre-registration required. Cost: $115 Friends, $125 Non-members.

Contact: Call 949.673.2261. www.slgardens.org

Takes place at Sherman Library & Gardens, 2647 E. Coast Highway, Corona del Mar.

Happy Hour Yoga - August, August 29 6-8 p.m. This class will be held amid the beautiful surroundings of the Gardens and will focus on breath work by going over breathing techniques and fundamentals. The class will then move into Hatha yoga (all levels), focusing on balance, strength and stretching. Next, will be a meditation practice (10-15 minutes) and the class will end with a restful, restorative, Savasana pose. After class, enjoy a glass of wine as you wander through the Gardens. Bring a mat, small towel, and water. Happy Hour Yoga is held on the last Thursday of each month. Cost: $20 Friends, $25 Non-members.

Contact: Call 949.673.2261. www.slgardens.org

Takes place at Sherman Library & Gardens, 2647 E. Coast Highway, Corona del Mar.

Summer Jazz: Sweet Baby J’ai and the Women in Jazz All-Stars, August 30 at 7 p.m. Few entertainers can command a stage like the indefatigable Sweet Baby J’ai. She is one of the most respected and multi-faceted performers today and has toured the world with her genre-defying work which both embraces and expands the jazz tradition. Joined by the multi-award-winning Women in Jazz All-Stars, this world-class ensemble of extraordinary musicians come together to set the night on fire with a blend of blues with jazz, funk, pop and soul. This event is free.

Contact: Call 714.566.2787.

Takes place at Julianne and George Argyros Plaza at Segerstrom Center for the Arts, 600 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa.

Block Printing Workshops, August 31 from 10 a.m.-12 p.m. Taught by instructor Elizabeth James from Pacific and Rose Textiles, learn step-by-step the ancient art of hand block-printing, including classic Indian design principles, printing bed and ink tray preparation, and blocking-printing techniques. After first practicing on paper, you’ll move on to fabric, whether it’s kitchen towels, aprons or scarves. All tools and supplies will be furnished, with an instruction pamphlet for you to keep. Additional

Vintage woodblocks will be available for purchase. James’ collections of home and lifestyle products have been hand block-printed in her Jaipur, India workshop since 2001. Cost of each workshop: $70. Cancellation is 48 hours prior. Reserve you spot at www.seasidegalleryandgoods.com/collections/seaside-events

Contact: If you have questions, contact Elizabeth James at 949.633.1080. www.seasidegalleryandgoods.com

Takes place at Seaside Gallery & Goods, 124 Tustin Ave., Newport Beach.

Click on photo for a larger image

Courtesy of Seaside Gallery & Goods

Hot Yoga - August, August from 31 6-8 p.m. This class will take place inside a lush tropical conservatory. Whether this is your first hot yoga experience or you are a seasoned hot yoga student, you will love this unique location. Starting with breathing and gentle stretching, you will slowly move into more challenging poses. You will build strength and balance in the same hot, humid and sweetly scented environment enjoyed by orchids, bromeliads, koi fish and turtles. Bring a mat, small towel and plenty of water. Cost: $15 Friends, $20 Non-members.

Contact: Call 949.673.2261. www.slgardens.org

Takes place at Sherman Library & Gardens, 2647 E. Coast Highway, Corona del Mar.

Newport Beach Luau, August 31 from 6-9:30 p.m. Experience an authentic Hawaiian Luau without the plane fare. The inaugural Newport Beach Luau will feature traditional island entertainment, including male Kane dancers, fire-throwing, ladies with their hula dances and much more. Learn about the history of the luau told through music, dance, drums and chants. Enjoy a Hawaiian-style dinner under the stars with grilled chicken teriyaki and fresh pineapple, and Kalua pulled pork. Watch the traditional Samoan pig ceremony. Sip cocktails from the Tiki Bar and be greeted by their ukulele player, with a special appearance by Moana, so bring the kids. This family-friendly event with dinner starts at 6 p.m.; night activities by 8 p.m. The dinner menu includes grilled teriyaki chicken with fresh pineapple, roasted pig and Kalua pulled pork, steamed rice, fresh grilled vegetables, Hawaiian macaroni salad, tossed green salad with dressing and Hawaiian king roll. Tickets are required for ages 5 and up.

Contact: For more information and tickets, visit www.newportdunes.com/event/newport-beach-luau/.

Takes place at Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort, 1131 Back Bay Drive, Newport Beach.

Great Labor Day Cruise, August 31-September 1. The event continues to be one of the largest and longest running events in the nation and one of a few that can offer non-stop cruising around a 1.25 mile cruise route set up at the 150-acre venue. OCCA, Inc.is a not-for-profit, volunteer based 501 (c)(3) organization. Proceeds from the Great Labor Day Cruise are donated to the Warrior Foundation – Freedom Station. Hours: Saturday, Aug. 31, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.;  Sunday, Sept. 1, 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Admission is $12; free for children 12 and younger. Parking is $9.

Contact: For more information, www.thelabordaycruise.org.

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

American Mariachi by José Cruz González, September 7-October 5. Performance times and ticket prices vary. In this big-hearted comedy with live music, Lucha spends her days caring for her mother and yearning for more. But it’s the 1970s and women can’t be mariachis…or can they? Defying tradition, Lucha and her spunky cousin hunt for bandmates and take up instruments. A loving gesture for a mother becomes much more as the young women dream big and embrace the transcendent power of music.

Contact: For more information, visit www.scr.org.

Takes place at South Coast Repertory on the Segerstrom Stage, 655 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa.

Click on photo for a larger image

Courtesy of scr.org

Cirque Mei, September 14-15 at 8 and 2 p.m. From People’s Republic of China, Hebei Province, Cirque Mei features traditional and contemporary Chinese circus acts in a colorful and lively celebration of the internationally renowned Chinese circus arts. With a company of 40 elite circus artists and acrobats, these performances will include many of the most popular Chinese circus routines including Hoops Diving, Lion Dance, Collective Bicycle Skills, Flying Meteors, Foot Juggling with Umbrellas, Female Contortion, and Ladder Balancing Act.
Cirque Mei was founded in 1976 and supports a community of more than 130 circus performers who tour throughout China and the world. Tickets start at $29.

Contact: Call 714.566.2787.

Takes place at Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall, 600 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa.

Click on photo for a larger image

Courtesy of scfta.org

Sonia De Los Santos, September 21 at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. and September 22 at 1 and 3:30 p.m. Sonia De Los Santos has been performing her positive, multicultural, family-friendly music since 2007. Her songs are inspired by various Latin American rhythms hailing from Mexico, Colombia and Peru as well as the North American folk traditions. They reflect her experiences growing up in Mexico and moving to another country, learning about other cultures, and, in the process, feeling closer to her own heritage. Singing in both English and Spanish, De Los Santos’ messages of joyful community, music making, and cultural bridge-building will inspire and excite children and grown-ups of all backgrounds. Tickets start at $20.

Contact: Call 714.566.2787.

Takes place in the Samueli Theater, Segerstrom Center for the Arts, 600 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa.

Goat Yoga, September 29 at 9 and 11 a.m. The art of yoga walking and playing at-will around you is fun and a bit chaotic. Party Goats Los Angeles is partnering with Sherman Gardens to combine nature, animals and yoga. The benefits of Goat Yoga include fun (as laughter is guaranteed), Improving core strength, deepens stretches and tests balance. Spanky and Pippin have been trained to participate in goat yoga on command. They will jump on your back during key yoga poses, aid in deeper stretches with their front hooves, and run underneath your legs during standing poses. The goats are on leashes and each has a handler which helps provide a structured and safe environment. Th class is one hour and will be followed by 45 minutes of photos – so strike that perfect pose for Instagram. All participants must pre-register. No walk-ins will be accepted. Please plan on arriving 15 minutes early, wear comfortable clothing and closed-toed shoes. Bring your own mat or towel. Rain or shine event.  No refunds. Cost: $35 Friends, $40 Non-members.

Contact: Call 949.673.2261. www.slgardens.org

Takes place at Sherman Library & Gardens, 2647 E. Coast Highway, Corona del Mar.

Click on photo for a larger image

Courtesy of Sherman Library & Gardens

The Canadians by Adam Bock, September 29-October 20. Performance times and ticket prices vary. Life is good in Port Alison, Manitoba – Thursday night hockey, beers at The Peg, nice people. But lately, Gordy’s interests lean more toward The Magic Flute and pottery classes. When his pal, Brendan, is gifted two all-expense paid tickets on a cruise, it’s the opportunity of a lifetime – to experience life far from Canada. In this tour de force comedy where five actors play a shipload of characters, small chances might lead to big changes.  But can Gordy step out of his comfort zone?

Contact: For more information, visit www.scr.org.

Takes place at South Coast Repertory on the Julianne Argyros Stage, 655 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa.

Miss Saigon, October 1-13 at varying times. Miss Saigon tells the story of a young Vietnamese woman named Kim, who is orphaned by war and forced to work in a bar run by a notorious character known as the Engineer. There she meets and falls in love with an American G.I. named Chris, but they are torn apart by the fall of Saigon. For three years, Kim goes on an epic journey of survival to find her way back to Chris, who has no idea he’s fathered a son. This new production features stunning spectacle and a cast of 42 performing the soaring score, including Broadway hits like, “The Heat is On in Saigon,” “The Movie in My Mind,” “Last Night of the World” and “American Dream.”

Tickets start at $26 and go on sale August 11.

Contact: Call 714.566.2787.

Takes place in Segerstrom Hall, 600 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa.

Click on photo for a larger image

Photo by Matthew Murphy

Flashback Friday: Answer

If you guessed Dr. Donald Wise, senior managing director and co-founder of Turnbull Capital Group and board trustee of the Catalina Island Museum, then you are correct!

Send in a treasured past photo!

You can submit yourself, wife, girlfriend, boyfriend or family member. We’ll even surprise them if you want. 

We’re looking for eye-catching representations of your Flashback Friday.

Please send them 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.

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

Liviu Moise Muresan, 50, Garden Grove – Tuesday, August 13

Eva Rozsa Plager, 65, Newport Beach – Sunday, August 11

Maple Fabianne Stouffer, 21, Seal Beach – Sunday, August11

Carlos Eduardo Vazquez Anaya, 18, Santa Ana – Sunday, August 11

Incident Reports

Tuesday, August 13

Arrests for Being Drunk in Public

John William Danesky, 58, Newport Beach

Balboa Coves & W. Coast Highway I Obstructing/Resisting and Driving while Suspended

9:31 p.m. Abdiasis Abdi Mohamed, 32, Irvine, was arrested for obstructing or resisting a peace officer and driving while suspended or revoked. Bail was set at $500.

Monday, August 12

Arrests for Being Drunk in Public

None

Avocado Ave. & San Miguel Drive I Parole Violation and Paraphernalia

3:41 p.m. Dale Ira Haviland Jr., 54, Irvine, was arrested on a parole violation and for possession of unlawful paraphernalia. Bail was set at $500.

E. Ocean Front & Palm St. I Drinking in Public, Shoplifting and Obstructing/Resisting

2 p.m. Samuel Seth Parros, 24, Aurora, was arrested for drinking in public, shoplifting for less than $950 and obstructing or resisting a peace officer. Bail was set at $500.

W. Balboa Blvd. & 14th St. I Warrants

7:58 a.m. Carlos Martinez Torres, 23, Fullerton, was arrested on warrants for being under the influence of a controlled substance and one from an outside agency. Bail was set at $5,000.

Bayside Drive & E. Coast Highway I Paraphernalia, Possession of Narcotics for Sale and Transporting Controlled Substance

5:54 a.m. Ryan O’Rourke Murphy, 29, Costa Mesa, was arrested for possession of narcotics for sale and transporting a controlled substance. Bail was set at $25,000.

5:53 a.m. Sasha Rose Reed, 29, San Diego, was arrested for transporting a controlled substance and for possession of unlawful paraphernalia. Bail was set at $25,000.

San Clemente Drive I 800 Block I Controlled Substance

4:44 a.m. Antonio Jr. Alvarez, 39, Lake Elsinore, was arrested for possession of a controlled substance. Bail was set at $10,000.

Birch St. I 4800 Block I Warrants

3:53 a.m. Anthony Maximillian Goldman, 33, Riverside, was arrested on warrants for possession of a controlled substance (2) and possession of methamphetamine. Bail was set at $40,000.

Birch St. & Bristol St. N I Paraphernalia, Tear Gas and Warrant

12:56 a.m. Samantha Marie Fluor, 22, Newport Beach, was arrested for possession of unlawful paraphernalia and on a warrant for possession of drugs for sale. Bail was set at $50,500.

12:50 a.m. Joseph Nicholas Poland, 25, Irvine, was arrested for possession of unlawful paraphernalia and for being a felon in possession of tear gas. Bail was set at $500.

Sunday, August 11

Arrests for Being Drunk in Public

Brian Robert Schaar, 34, Lake Forest

Paul Daniel Callahan, 21, San Marino

Collin Andrew McNerney, 26, Newport Beach

Gordon Lawrence Weider, 71, Costa Mesa

Vendella Renee McMillan, 29, Riverside

26th St. & Balboa Blvd. I Petty Theft, Driving w/o License, Receiving Stolen Property and Warrant

5:39 p.m. Chris Erik Baraja Reyes, 20, Santa Ana, was arrested for petty theft of bicycles, driving without a license, receiving stolen property with a value less than $950 and on a warrant for no proof of insurance. Bail was set at $1,000.

Superior Ave. & Hospital Road I Paraphernalia and Under the Influence

2:29 p.m. Christopher John Verso, 45, Newport Beach, was arrested for possession of unlawful paraphernalia and for being under the influence of a controlled substance. Bail was set at $1,000.

Pelican Point & Coast Highway I Parole Violation, False ID, Controlled Substance and Controlled Substance in Prison

2:11 p.m. John Joseph Ortiz, 53, Placentia, was arrested on a parole violation, for presenting false identification to a specific peace officer, for possession of a controlled substance and for possession of a controlled substance in prison. Bail was set at $25,000.

E. Balboa Blvd. & Seville Ave. I Paraphernalia, Appropriating Lost Property, Riding Bike on Sidewalk, Narcotics and Warrants

11:45 a.m. Gerardo Aguilar, 33, Anaheim, was arrested for possession of unlawful paraphernalia, appropriating lost property, riding a bicycle on the sidewalk, possession of a narcotic controlled substance and warrants for appropriation of lost property and possession of drug paraphernalia. Bail was set at $12,500.

15th St. & Riverside Ave. I Paraphernalia, Controlled Substance and Appropriating Lost Property

3:59 a.m. Michael Angelo Martinez, 26, San Ysidro, was arrested for possession of unlawful paraphernalia, possession of a controlled substance and appropriating lost property. Bail was set at $2,500.

Jasmine Ave. I 200 Block I Under the Influence

12:53 a.m. Cory Dierken, 41, Las Vegas, was arrested for being under the influence of a controlled substance. Bail was set at $1,000.

Jasmine Ave. I 200 Block I Vandalism, Use of Beach after Closing and Use of Beach Fire Rings

12:19 a.m. Arturo Cristobal, 22, Santa Ana, was arrested for vandalism for damaging property, using the beach after closing and using the fire rings. Bail was set at $500.