Attention bee lovers…volunteer at Imaginology

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The Orange County Beekeepers Association (OCBA) is seeking volunteers to help out at their Imaginology booth this weekend, Friday, April 13 through Sunday, April 15 at the Orange County Fair & Event Center.

This booth is a great way for the OCBA to reach to the public and especially the youth of our community. They will be hosting a live observation beehive (under glass), and selling honeystix and jars of honey to raise funds for the OCBA.

If you are new to the club or beekeeping, don’t worry – it’s the perfect time to learn. It also is an ideal way to get a crash course before working the booth at the 2018 Orange County Fair.

Available shifts:

Friday, April 13: 9 a.m. - 12 p.m. (one person needed); 12 - 3 p.m. (one person needed).

Saturday, April 14: 1:30 - 5 p.m. (one person needed).

Sunday, April 15: 10 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. (two people needed); 1:30 - 5 p.m. (two people needed)

OCBA needs at least three people to cover each shift. If interested, please reply to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. with shifts you can fill. You must include your name and phone number. Parking passes are needed on Saturday and Sunday. People signed up will receive information on picking them up. For more information, visit https://ocfair.com/events/imaginology/information.

A rare bald eagle sighting

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Photo by Russ Kerr

This rare sighting of a bald eagle was captured by nature photographer Russ Kerr at Upper Newport Bay. It is eating the remainder of an American coot.

“Suits for a Cause” clothing drive benefits WHW

The Orange County legal community concluded its month-long clothing drive supporting job seekers of nonprofit WHW with a celebratory luncheon on Thursday, March 29 at the Orange County Bar Association in Newport Beach. Seventy-four law firms and legal businesses and organizations joined together for the 8th Annual “Suits for a Cause” clothing drive throughout the month of March to donate professional suits to WHW, which provides the unemployed and underemployed the skills and resources they need to get and keep a good job.

This year’s “Suits for a Cause” provided more than 500 suits and thousands of pieces of business and casual attire, and accessories.

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Photos courtesy of WHW

Associate Justice Eileen C. Moore and Honorary Chair Ron Brand of The Brand Firm

During the luncheon, Justice Eileen C. Moore provided an exclusive presentation on “Gender Issues in the U.S. Supreme Court and Hollywood Movies” which looked at law and culture with regard to women including how issues involving women have evolved in the nation’s highest court and how the movie industry has portrayed women at these same times. Her presentation was MCLE certified and fulfills the Elimination of Bias requirement for attorneys. The luncheon was sponsored by Skorheim & Associates, AAC.

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Colleen McCarthy and James Barone, law partners at Ferruzo & Ferruzo LLP, Newport Beach

The list of Newport Beach participants included: Bisnar Chase; Carlson & Jayakumar; Rynn & Janowsky, LLP; OC Women Lawyers Association; Call & Jensen; Archer Norris; Ferruzo & Ferruzo LLP; Risner & Associates, Inc.; The Foley Group, PLC; One LLP; Constitutional Rights Foundation; Blue Law Group; Robinson Calcagnie, Inc.; Janice A. Ramsay ALC; and Bick Law, LLP.

WHW was founded by two legal professionals and survivors of domestic abuse who faced the task of rebuilding their professional wardrobes and self-esteem to return to the workforce in 1993. WHW has grown from providing 63 women with professional apparel to help prepare them for interviews 25 years ago to now serving more than 8,000 job seekers (men and women) each year and empowering them to navigate a complex job search with a multitude of tools. WHW is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year and since its inception has served more than 90,000 job seekers with programs including Employment Readiness Workshops, Computer Training, Job Placement Assistance, Employment Retention Assistance and Professional Apparel including interview-appropriate apparel and accessories.

For more information about “Suits for a Cause” and the full list of legal firms, groups and companies that participated this year, visit http://whw.org/contribute/suits-for-a-cause. 

Political Outreach Fair takes place April 14

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The Council of Youth Ambassadors presents the 2018 Political Outreach Fair taking place Saturday, April 14 from 1 - 3 p.m. at the Newport Beach Civic Center.

Attending Congressional Candidates include: Dr. Hans Keirstead, Kevin Kensinger, Michael Kotick, Paul Martin, Brandon Reiser, Boyd Roberts and Harley Rouda, In addition, local city councilmembers will be present.

NBPD re-releases video: “Lock It or Lose It”

Back in 2011, the Newport Beach Police Department released a video entitled “Lock It or Lose It.” The cost figures have become a bit outdated in the past seven years, but the message is still very applicable.

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NBPD tracks the circumstances around burglaries and thefts from cars, and in the vast majority (around 80 percent) of all these crimes, no force is used. Remember to take a minute to lock your car, roll up your windows, and remove your valuables – every time you park. Lock it…or lose it.

The video can be seen on YouTube at https://youtu.be/Mmi2LRF7al8.

“Cheers for Literacy” – the ultimate cocktail war

On Wednesday, April 25 from 5:30 - 8:30 p.m., join in an evening of friendly competition at “Cheers for Literacy,” taking place at The Winery Restaurant & Wine Bar. Two teams will battle it out in the ultimate cocktail war! The team collecting the most tips – wins.

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(L-R): Team One - Sabrina Neas and Nina Ardalan vs. Team Two - Michele Babcock and Liz Hurley

Team One from 6 - 7 p.m. is comprised of Sabrina Neas, senior account manager, Zillow Group and Nina Ardalan, trial attorney, Ardalan Law Group. These ladies will go head to head against Team Two mixing it up from 7 - 8 p.m., made up of Michele Babcock, principal, MB Realty Solutions and Liz Hurley, senior VP/partner, VOIT Real Estate Services.

All cash tips help at-risk children learn to read in conjunction with Literacy Project.

So, come root them on! For more information, call 949.721.1319.

The Winery Restaurant & Wine Bar is located at 3131 W. Coast Highway, Newport Beach.

Boards and commissions openings at the City

The City of Newport Beach is currently accepting applications to fill the following upcoming vacancies (all terms are for four years, expiring June 30, 2022): Board of Library Trustees (one seat), Building and Fire Board of Appeals (two seats), City Arts Commission (one seat), Civil Service Board (one seat), Harbor Commission (three seats), Parks, Beaches & Recreation Commission (two seats) and Planning Commission (one seat). 

The deadline for filing applications is noon on Wednesday, May 9, 2018.

All seats will become vacant when the existing terms expire on June 30, 2018.

All applicants must be qualified electors of the City, none of whom shall hold any paid office or employment in City government (Section 702 of the City Charter).

The City is also currently accepting applications to fill the following upcoming vacancies: Newport Coast Advisory Committee, requires a Newport Coast resident, (one seat), no application deadline; and Aviation Committee (two seats).

The application and additional information about the Boards and Commissions openings can be found at www.newportbeachca.gov/vacancy or obtained from the City Clerk’s Office, 100 Civic Center Drive (Bay E, 2nd Floor) or by calling 949.644.3005. Additional information about the City’s Boards and Commissions can be accessed through the City’s website at www.newportbeachca.gov/bcc.

For questions about serving on a City Board, Commission or Committee, contact the City Clerk’s Office at 949.644.3005.

Pelican Hill to hold Princess Tea & Story Time

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Courtesy of Pelican Hill

Calling all princesses! Tea is being served and your presence is requested.

On Sunday, April 8 from 2 - 4 p.m., Princess Tea & Story Time is taking place at The Resort at Pelican Hill, and your attendance will add to the day’s memorable festivities.

Come enjoy a magical afternoon tea time in the Great Social Lounge with special princess appearances and readings of classic children’s story books by the fireside.

The cost is $65 per adult and $45 per child under the age of 12. Parent supervision is required for all children in attendance. Prices exclude tax and service charge.

Additional princess tea and story times are scheduled for April 22, May 6 and 20, and June 3 and 17.

The Resort at Pelican Hill is located at 22701 Pelican Hill Road, Newport Coast. For more information, call 866.284.7394. www.pelicanhill.com

One person’s garbage can now be your compost…free giveaway Saturday

The City of Newport Beach and CR&R Environmental Services (CR&R) will co-host a compost giveaway this Saturday, April 7 from 9 - 11 a.m. Newport Beach residents can receive two free 30-pound bags of organic compost while supplies last.

Residents can pick up their compost in the Big Canyon Reservoir parking lot, located at 3300 Pacific View Drive, Corona del Mar (near the intersection of Marguerite Avenue and Pacific View Drive). Residents should bring the event postcard recently mailed to them by CR&R, or proof of residency may be required.

For additional information, contact CR&R at 949.625.6735.

Darnell Wyrick Quintet at Back Bay Bistro

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Darnell Wyrick Quintet brings cool jazz to Back Bay Bistro

The Darnell Wyrick Quintet will perform at Back Bay Bistro on Saturday, April 7 from 8 - 10 p.m., a treat for all music lovers.

Guests are promised a night of wonderful music by some of Orange County’s great Jazz musicians, and fantastic food at a picturesque venue on the water.

Come early and enjoy dinner before the show. A full bar will be available during the show. Tickets are $20. For more information, call 949.729.1144.

Back Bay Bistro is located at Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort, 1131 Back Bay Drive, Newport Beach. www.newportdunes.com/back-bay-bistro.

GEMfest at Sage Hill School to engage middle school girls

On Saturday, April 28 from 9:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m., as many as 200 middle school girls from all over Orange County are expected to visit Sage Hill School for GEMfest, a festive day of panels and workshops designed to inspire 11- to 14-year-old girls.

Featuring two keynote speakers – Wende Zomnir, co-founder of Urban Decay Cosmetics and Sage Hill alumna Courtney Conlogue, ranked No. 2 in the Women’s Surf League – the event will include panels on careers in entrepreneurship and STEM.

Among the dynamic speakers are a Jet Propulsion Laboratory engineer, a food scientist, a YouTube influencer and many more. Attendees at the unprecedented event will also choose from workshops on body image, public speaking, coding and tools for success. Each participant will receive an epic gift bag! The day will conclude at 1:30 p.m. following lunch, where the girls (all Sage Hill students) will participate in the school’s Service Learning Program, in which students identify a need in the local or global community and either create their own project or further the work of an existing organization. Seeking ways to mentor younger girls, five juniors and one senior this year created the Service Learning Group Girls Empowerment Movement (GEM), which is organizing the event.

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Photo by Rick Davitt

“I think it’s important to empower girls especially when they’re in middle school because that’s the point when they start figuring out who they are as women,” said GEM member Lily Humphrey, explaining how the idea for GEMfest developed. “It’s important to provide role models for them at that stage so they can feel positive about themselves and feel like they can do anything.”

“Not all girls have these amazing mentors in their lives,” said GEM member Eliza Feffer. “We’re bringing the mentors to them so they can get the inspiration they need to be successful.”

“GEM epitomizes the goal of Sage Hill’s service learning program,” said Patricia Merz, Head of School. “The members have embraced our school’s public purpose objectives by creating an opportunity for personal growth for younger girls from all over Orange County. At the same time, by organizing GEMfest, they are developing their own confidence and tools for success, no matter what paths they pursue.”

GEM members handled cold-calling potential speakers and organizing all the logistics of the day, as well as drumming up interest from local middle schools. “When you’re reaching out to women who are much older than you and they’re really successful, you think, ‘I don’t know if they’re going to take me seriously,’” Feffer said. Reaching out to speakers “taught me that when you’re passionate about a project and you’re confident, they’re going to enjoy your message and want to be part of it,” she added.

Feffer was among those who visited local private and public schools to personally invite girls to attend. They have also partnered with Girls Inc. of Orange County to spread the word. Tickets are $12 with limited seating, but waivers are available.

“We really want a diverse range of girls coming in,” Feffer said. GEMfest was also awarded a $2,500 grant from Los Angeles non-profit Visionary Women, to help defray costs of the event.

“The feeling that our students have – that they want to reach out to younger women – they’re seeing the next generation above them feels the same way about them,” said their adviser, Director of Communications and Marketing Torrey Olins. “It’s a nice circle. Everyone’s paying it forward.” Which makes the GEMfest experience priceless for everyone involved.

For additional information about GEMfest and to purchase tickets, visit www.gemfestoc.com.

Sage Hill School is located at 20402 Newport Coast Drive, Newport Coast.

Good Morning CdM welcomes Todd Spitzer

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Orange County Supervisor Todd Spitzer

Good Morning CdM, the monthly government and community affairs discussion group, meets Thursday, April 12 from 7:30 - 9 a.m.

Come listen to Orange County Supervisor Todd Spitzer who will address the following topics: Public Safety, Homelessness (where we are now and the next steps), Crime Rates in Orange County and OC Drowning Prevention Task Force.

The morning will also feature legislative updates from these office representatives: NB Councilman Scott Peotter; Congressman Dana Rohrabacher; Senator John Moorlach; Assemblyman Matthew Harper; and Orange County Supervisor, Michelle Steel.

This event is open to the community at large, so bring a friend or colleague to attend. No RSVP is necessary and there is no admission charge. Enjoy complimentary refreshments.

Good Morning CdM takes place at the Bahia Corinthian Yacht Club 1601 Bayside Drive, Corona del Mar.

For more information, visit www.CdMChamber.com.

It’s time to Speak Up on the issue of homelessness

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Speak Up Newport is presenting a forum on Homelessness on Wednesday, April 11, in the Newport Beach Civic Center’s Community Room.

The crisis of homelessness affects almost every local community, including the City of Newport Beach.

A three-person panel of experts on the subject will look at what is being done in the county, and in our city, to provide services to the homeless. What works and what doesn’t? What are the advocates for this population doing to combat this crisis? What can concerned citizens do to help (and what shouldn’t they do?).

The panel for the forum includes Helen Cameron, Director of Supportive Housing, Jamboree Housing Corporation; Tony Yim, Homeless Liaison Officer with the City of Newport Beach; and Dave Kiff, Newport Beach City Manager.

The reception takes place from 5:15 - 6 p.m., hosted by The Bungalow, and the program and Q&A starts at 6 p.m. It is free to the public and people are encouraged to bring their neighbors. There is no charge to attend and the public is invited. Reservations are not necessary. For more information, call 949.224.2266.

Newport Beach Civic Center is located at 100 Civic Center Drive, Newport Beach. www.speakupnewport.com

Join in fun camaraderie at the Tri-Chamber Mixer

On Thursday, April 26 from 5:30 - 7:30 p.m., head over to Water Grill in South Coast Plaza for the After Hours Tri-Chamber Mixer. Participating chambers include Newport Beach, Costa Mesa and Santa Ana.

Meet new friends and business acquaintances while enjoying cocktails and appetizers (no host bar).

Cost: Free to Chamber members; non-members, $35. Parking is $6. For more information, call 714.885.9090.

Water Grill is located at 3300 Bristol St., Costa Mesa.

You Must Remember This: The Depression

By NANCY GARDNER

One day when Grandmother Harris, my mother’s mother, was babysitting me, she told me about the Great Depression and the neighborhood meals that were a part of it.  Everyone would bring what they had, as little as that might be, throw it in a big communal pot, and then everyone shared the meal. The other thing she told me about was the laugh circles. She described how when people were down they’d sit in a circle, and one person would start laughing, and soon everybody else was laughing. She demonstrated. We sat down on the carpet in the living room, and she started laughing, and pretty soon I was rolling on the floor. The result of all this was that I couldn’t wait for us to have another Depression. It would be such fun!

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Grandmother Harris holding infant Nancy Gardner

Of course, as I got older I began to learn about the economic hardship that was behind the communal meals and laugh circles, and another Depression didn’t seem as attractive. Still, like much of history, it was hard to relate to until my father made it more immediate by telling about the building of Harbor High. He described the lines of men standing there every morning, hoping for a day’s work. They were ready to do anything – carry lumber, dig holes, pick up nails – just to be able to go home to the family with a little bit of money.

Unfortunately, many went home with nothing, but there they were, back the next day praying to be chosen. Nothing of this was ever mentioned in my four years at Harbor which is too bad. Think of the impact, if there had been even a small display of photos – not just of the triumphant groundbreaking for the school or the ceremonious ribbon cutting when it was completed, but of the desperate men lined up hoping that they would have a chance at a day’s work. That would have brought the Depression home in a way that studying the National Recovery Act never could. It also would have given some life to the building itself.

As for those who actually lived through the Depression, I think many of them suffered something like PTSD, at least if my mother was any example. The house was long paid off, she and my father were in great shape financially, and yet, she would have these weird reactions about some of the smallest expenses.

I remember once taking her to the market. Among the things on her list was sherry, a glass of which she enjoyed in the evening. She could easily have afforded a well-aged sherry, but that would have been a frivolous expense when there was Gallo’s at a fraction of the cost. Unfortunately, on this particular occasion, Albertson’s was out of Gallo’s half gallon sherry which is what she always bought. Not a problem. They had plenty of the smaller bottles, so I put two in the shopping cart. My mother immediately removed them. The reason? You saved 50 cents by buying the larger bottle compared to two smaller bottles. She was already buying the bargain brand, and now this? “You’d rather go without sherry than spend 50 cents?” I asked incredulously, but she was adamant. Fifty cents was 50 cents.

She could remember when…I thought about a laugh circle, but the liquor aisle of Albertson’s didn’t seem like quite the place. 

~~~~~~~~

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

Laura Tarbox to offer investment advice to locals

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Laura Tarbox, Certified Financial Planner™

Laura Tarbox, of Newport Beach-based Tarbox Family Office, a UCLA graduate with 37 years of investment and financial planning experience, will speak at the non-profit educational event, “It’s Your Money!” on Friday, April 20 and 27, at 1:30 p.m. at the Laguna Beach Senior Center. The event will be moderated by Peter Kote, founder of the “It’s Your Money” workshop series.

These sessions are part of a series on financial planning, with a focus on finding the right adviser and how to think about your overall financial plan.

Tarbox, who founded her own wealth advisory firm in 1985, focuses on true, fee-only financial planning (including estate and tax planning, charitable giving, insurance and retirement optimization) for the total financial well-being of her clients. She will talk about how to find the right adviser, along with comprehensive financial planning and how to develop a healthy investment philosophy.

Tarbox is one of the earliest pioneers of the financial planning profession. Her company, Tarbox, is recognized as one of the top wealth management firms in the country.

The Laguna Beach Senior Center is located at 380 Third St., Laguna Beach. No RSVP is required.

Tarbox Family Office is located at 500 Newport Center Drive, Suite 500, Newport Beach. www.tarbox.com

NBCC’s NAVIGATE to hold The Social at Center Club

Calling all modern professionals!

The Newport Beach Chamber of Commerce’s NAVIGATE is hosting The Social at The Center Club on Thursday, April 12 from 6 - 9 p.m.

NAVIGATE, a young professionals group is dedicated to providing a unique and interactive experience involving networking activities and professional development in a social and modern atmosphere with content specifically designed to engage ages 25 - 40.

Festivities include a Tap Takeover by Latitude 33 Brewing with complimentary appetizers. Business casual attire. Cost: $10 valet for guests. Reservations are required.

The Center Club is located at 650 Town Center Drive (Garden Level), Costa Mesa.

To register, visit www.newportbeach.com/events/navigate-social-center-club-orange-county.

School Notes

In an effort to support a focus on school safety, Newport-Mesa Unified School District (NMUSD) Superintendent Dr. Fred Navarro has assigned Deputy Superintendent Russell Lee Sung to immediately conduct an in-depth review of all safety related procedures, update policies and procedures (where necessary), and provide assistance to all school sites and work locations throughout the district. 

Since this will require focused attention in the next several months, Director of Curriculum and Instruction John Drake will temporarily assume many duties of Chief Academic Officer. 

While all NMUSD schools have comprehensive safety plans to respond to safety-related incidents that meet or exceed the compliance requirements of the state, NMUSD will have a renewed focus on all safety practices. 

Since October 2017, district administrators from various departments throughout the district have been meeting regularly to review all aspects of safety. Lee-Sung has facilitated this process and supported and worked with site principals and district management. 

On February 27, the Board of Education directed staff to provide recommendations for improved safety. 

Newport Coast Elementary

Newport Coast Elementary received the Distinguished School Award for their outstanding Positive Behavior Interventions and Support (PBIS) model program, which supports academic achievement of all students, refines the implementation of character education programs, increases attendance and maintains a low number of suspensions.

The Distinguished School Award honors California’s most exemplary and inspiring public schools. Schools selected for the Distinguished School Award demonstrate significant gains in narrowing the achievement gap.

The PBIS program at Newport Coast Elementary follows state priorities of pupil engagement and school climate, as well as NMUSD priority of promoting students’ holistic development, becoming responsible thinkers and problem solvers with opportunities to learn about the impacts of their choices, and expectations of the highest positive behavior and civic responsibility.

The program has reduced the number of behavioral issues on campus and provided more effective in-classroom learning time. The increase in engaged academic activities has improved the academic performance of all students. Results show a steady overall growth in academics, as measured by district benchmark assessments, improved report card grades and teacher observations. 

Newport Coast Elementary also received recognition as an Exemplary Arts School for their arts education program. School administration and teachers work to provide consistent arts instruction, incorporate standards-based projects and demonstrate learning through the arts.

All grade levels receive instruction in dance, movement and music. Students submit more than 200 original works in dance choreography, film production, literature, music composition, photography and visual arts to the annual PTA Reflections Arts Contest.

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Courtesy of NMUSD

NHHS 

NHEF Board Meeting – Tuesday, April 10 at 12:15 p.m. at Heritage Hall

Spring Recess – Monday - Friday, April 16 - 23

PTA General Meeting – Wednesday, April 25 at 9:30 a.m. at Library Reading Room

Spring Drama Musical: Grease – Friday and Saturday, April 28 and 29 at 7 p.m. at Robins Loats Theater

CdMHS

Footloose, the Musical – Friday and Saturday, April 6 and 7 at 7 p.m., and Sunday, April 8 at 2 p.m.

Spring Festival Concert – Monday, April 9 at 7 p.m.

Vocal Zone Concert – Tuesday, April 10 at 7 p.m.

Spring Recess – Monday - Friday, April 16 - 23

Sage Hill School

Parent Association General Meeting – Tuesday, April 10 at 8 a.m. at Le Bon Family Lobby

One Acts Performance – Thursday and Friday, April 12 and 13 at 7 p.m. at The Black Box Theater in the Studio

Spring at Sage Parent Information Night – Tuesday, April 17 at 6 p.m. at The Black Box Theater in the Studio

Parent Association – Career Series Mixer – Thursday, April 19 at 6 p.m. at Pelican Hill

Dance Performance – Saturday, April 28 at 7 p.m. at The Black Box Theater in the Studio

Alzheimer’s fundraising gala raises $.5 million+ for local Dementia support services, research 

Alzheimer’s Orange County’s (“AOC”) sold-out fundraising gala, headlined by title sponsor Julia & George Argyros, was a smashing success, shattering fundraising goals and raising more than $550,000 for the organization, a record-breaking amount in the event’s 19-year run history.

The gala, held at the Balboa Bay Resort on Saturday, March 24, was themed “Broadway Memories: Backstage.” EliteOC Productions transformed the venue into a glamourous backstage musical set, with whimsical details like studio lights shining on guests during cocktail hour and a makeup station outfitted with a professional makeup artist ready to dole out rouge and powder touch ups.

The night began with a cocktail hour in the outdoor patio, where 314 people gathered and showed support for AOC. Guests enjoyed drinks, a high-end whiskey tasting, and silent auction bidding, and were then ushered into the ballroom for a gourmet three-course dinner.

Submitted photos

(L-R): Cary Bren, Angela Bren, Victor Assad, Lia Iacocca Assad, Ronnie Beauchamp and Jack Cancelleri

AOC president and CEO, Jim McAleer, opened the program, with a video featuring the event’s eight committee co-chairs welcoming the crowd. Broadway star and actor Cheyenne Jackson started off the evening with a dazzling performance, followed by appearances from Juan Pablo Di Pace and Megan Hilty. Throughout the evening, AOC recognized the following four honorees, celebrating them for their tremendous contributions to the organization:

Philanthropy Partner - John Kelley

Community Partner - HCP, Inc.

Corporate Partner - Discount Tire & Service Centers

Lifetime Achievement - Debi and Tom Pavlik

Although the evening was a celebration of AOC’s work and of its supporters, the organization reminded its guests of the looming issue at hand: The alarmingly increasing rates of Alzheimer’s disease in Orange County, and the urgency to find a treatment. To cement AOC’s dedication to local research initiatives, McAleer announced that 25 percent of all donations raised throughout the evening will fund AOC’s research efforts, which include clinical trials education and a new research grant to fund young researchers.

 (L-R): Jim McAleer, Debi Pavlik, Tom Pavlik and Margie Wright

AOC screened an emotional short video that both captured the hardships of loved ones of those afflicted with the disease, and the support that AOC provides to alleviate these burdens. Donations fired off strong during the “fund-a-need” portion of the evening, starting with a $25,000 commitment from the Pavlik family that was matched by sisters Alison and Catherine Beaumont, who recently lost their mother to the disease. The energy level in the room exploded during the live auction, where guests went toe-to-toe for exclusive items like a VIP Angels Baseball Suite Package, reservations at a lakeside villa in Italy, a weekend New York City getaway, and more. 

The gala was spearheaded by an event committee that was co-chaired by Debi Pavlik, Jacqueline DuPont Carlson, Lia Iacocca Assad, Nelly Harris, Bette Aitken, Alison Hahn,  Alaina Staimos and Leriza Panem-Bacchus.

Come to the Edge at The Pacific Club on April 11

On Wednesday, April 11, The Pacific Center hosts “Come to the Edge,” featuring author Jean Ardell, speaking on her work, Memoir: The Art and Craft of Telling the Truth of Our Lives.

Ardell grew up in New York City, the daughter of a mother who loved books and a father who loved baseball. She has worked in Orange County as a freelance writer since 1988, covering a range of subjects including domestic violence, politics, the environment, travel and baseball.

Her work has appeared in numerous publications, including the Los Angeles Times, Orange County Register, Orange Coast, where she was a contributing writer, and many others. Her profile of author Dean Koontz earned the Orange County Press Club’s 1995 Best Profile award. Her first book, Breaking into Baseball: Women and the National Pastime appeared on the Los Angeles Times best-sellers list, and continues to be used as a text in college and university sports history courses.

Ardell has led memoir writing workshops at such venues as the Newport Beach Public Library, the University of California Extension at Irvine, and local churches, as well as privately. She graduated with honors in English from the University of California at Irvine and holds a master’s degree from the University of Southern California Master of Professional Writing program. She lives with her husband Dan, who played first base for the Los Angeles Angels, in Corona del Mar. 

Enjoy this fascinating speaker along with breakfast, table discussion and live entertainment. Doors open, registration and the buffet line begins at 6:45 a.m.; the program starts promptly at 7 a.m.

Pre-register for this event to assist with food and seating needs. The event is free and valet parking is available. You can validate your parking ticket at the front desk when you leave. To register, visit www.insideedge.org.

The Pacific Club is located at 4110 MacArthur Blvd., Newport Beach.

NMUSD recognizes “Reflections Arts Program” winners

Nearly 600 Newport-Mesa Unified School District (NMUSD) students participated in the Harbor Council Parent Teacher Association’s (HCPTA) Reflections Arts Program. Twenty-five students advanced to the Fourth District PTA level of competition, which represents all schools with PTAs in Orange County. Adams Elementary School student Zarrar Zubair received the California State PTA Award of Excellence and advances to the National PTA competition. 

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Courtesy of NMUSD

Adams Elementary School student Zarrar Zubair advances to the national PTA Reflections Arts Program competition

HCPTA, which includes representatives from all PTAs in NMUSD, hosts the yearly Reflections Arts Program to enhance quality arts education by providing an opportunity for students to explore their artistic talents through visual arts, literature, music, dance, photography and film production. Each year the artwork must fit a particular theme; the theme for this year was “Within Reach.” The National PTA has sponsored the program since 1969.

Students are divided into four age divisions: primary (preschool through second grade), intermediate (third through fifth grades), middle (sixth through eighth grades), and high school (ninth through twelfth grades). Each of these categories and divisions are judged by the local school PTA, before submission to the Harbor Council PTA, then the District (Orange County) PTA, CA State PTA and National PTA.

The following 25 students were honored by Harbor Council PTA with an Award of Excellence:

Visual Arts:

Emerson Betz (Eastbluff Elementary)

Milo Ely McGregor (Newport Elementary)

Brooke Allen (Newport Elementary)

Dulce Estrada (Newport Harbor High)

Photography:

Angeline Shipman (Newport Coast Elementary)

Avery Burk (Anderson Elementary)

Isabelle Goodman (Davis Magnet)

Celine Niu (Corona del Mar High)

Musical Composition:

Amelia Lake (Lincoln Elementary)

Jamie Chen (Newport Coast Elementary)

Ruby Brennan (Davis Magnet)

Nina Meindl (Corona del Mar High)

Special Artists:

Zarrar Zubair (Adams Elementary) - California State PTA Winner

Angelina Espinosa (Davis Magnet)

Film Production:

Finn Miller (Lincoln Elementary)

Natalie Ashworth (Lincoln Elementary)

Katherine Odeen (Corona del Mar Middle)

Ian Turner (Corona del Mar High)

Literature:

Emmy Jacobson (Newport Elementary)

Aaron Gruber (Adams Elementary)

Iabi Ishida (TeWinkle Intermediate)

Isabel Kehoe (Estancia High)

Dance Choreography:

Brielle Foote (Newport Coast Elementary)

Ella Lin Espinosa (Newport Coast Elementary)

Haley Atkins (Newport Harbor High)

In 2016, 24 NMUSD students advanced to the Fourth District (Orange County) PTA Reflections level for consideration. Of these artists, four received an Award of Merit, and one received an Honorable Mention.

“It is an honor to recognize the amazingly talented students in our district,” said HCPTA Reflections Chair Cynthia Strasmann. “We are fortunate to have a district that values arts programs and that we celebrate all aspects of student achievement,” she said.

NMUSD schools can expect an announcement of next year’s Reflections Arts Program in the fall of 2018. Next year›s theme will be “Heroes Around Me.”

Police Files

Costa Mesa Police lead Newport Beach bust of fentanyl pill lab

Three Orange County men have been charged in a scheme to use the synthetic opioid fentanyl and a similar drug to manufacture and distribute counterfeit pharmaceutical pills designed to look like brand-name oxycodone pills. 

A criminal complaint filed Wednesday, April 4 in United States District Court, alleges that the men obtained fentanyl and an analogue called cyclopropyl fentanyl through Internet suppliers, used a pill press to make counterfeit pills, and distributed the narcotics through the mails, often arranging sales through a Darknet marketplace. 

The complaint alleges one count of conspiracy to distribute controlled substances. The three defendants named in the complaint are: Wyatt Pasek, 21, of Santa Ana; Isaiah Suarez, 22, of Newport Beach; and Duc Cao, 20, of Orange. 

All three men were taken into custody Tuesday afternoon in conjunction with the execution of federal search warrants across Orange County. They were charged in federal court on Wednesday and made their initial court appearances on Wednesday afternoon. All three defendants remain in custody at this time.

When the defendants were arrested, authorities seized a pill press lab in Suarez’s apartment, along with bags that contained nearly 3 kilograms of what appear to be counterfeit oxycodone and Xanax pills, and bags that contained approximately 4.5 kilograms of white and blue powders that are currently being tested. 

A search of Pasek’s residence revealed approximately 13,000 pills that appeared to be counterfeit oxycodone and bundles of United States currency.

“Fentanyl is an extremely powerful drug that is further complicating the severe problems we are seeing in relation to this nation’s opioid epidemic,” said United States Attorney Nicola T. Hanna. “Using fentanyl in a counterfeit pill that appears to look like a less-lethal opioid dramatically increases the possibility of overdoses, and deaths that we see far too often.” 

“Our country is facing a multifaceted threat: dangerous opioids such as fentanyl and its analogues are inundating our mail system and are being pressed into counterfeit pharmaceutical pills that are flooding our streets,” said DEA Special Agent in Charge David J. Downing. “These are alarming trends, and multi-agency coordination is paramount to combating this epidemic.”

“We recognize that the opioid epidemic transcends the boundaries of our Costa Mesa community and this case is a prime example of that. Fentanyl is a highly dangerous opioid that contributes heavily to the epidemic,” said Costa Mesa Police Chief Rob Sharpnack. “We want to thank the agencies involved for partnering with us on the investigation that got these three individuals off the streets.” 

During a six-month investigation led by the DEA and the Costa Mesa Police Department, authorities recovered blue pills stamped “A 215” that resemble 30 mg pills of the opioid oxycodone. The pills, which were linked to Pasek, were later tested and determined to contain fentanyl or cyclopropyl fentanyl, according to the affidavit in support of the complaint. 

On March 5, Cao was observed depositing seven packages into a Postal Service collection box. When those packages were searched pursuant to a court order, authorities discovered approximately 1,400 blue pills with “A 215” markings that were being shipped to addresses across the United States, according to the affidavit, which noted that pills from all seven parcels tested positive for fentanyl. 

On April 2, Cao visited Pasek’s residence, then travelled to the pill press lab in Newport Beach, and then drove to a Post Office in Santa Ana, where authorities later recovered 13 boxes that were similar to those seized on March 5. The 13 boxes contained over 4,000 “A 215” pills. 

The affidavit describes intelligence obtained during the investigation that “indicated that Pasek only sells narcotics through the Internet and ships his products through the mail.” Authorities believe that Pasek’s drug trafficking activities are done through “Darknet marketplaces where the primary currency of doing business is bitcoin.” 

During his court appearance on Wednesday, Cao was ordered to be detained as he is a citizen of Vietnam and his student visa has expired. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for April 18, and an arraignment is set for April 23. 

Suarez’s detention hearing was continued until yesterday afternoon, and Pasek is due back in court today. 

If they were to be convicted of the charge of conspiracy to distribute controlled substances, each defendant would face a statutory maximum sentence of 20 years in federal prison. 

This matter is being investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Costa Mesa Police Department, the United States Postal Inspection Service, IRS Criminal Investigation, the Food and Drug Administration - Office of Criminal Investigations and the United States Marshals Service. 

Scroll down to Police Beat for all arrests & crime report

The Australian Pink Floyd Show to take Segerstrom stage

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Courtesy of scfta.org

Australian Pink Floyd at Segerstrom for one night only

Segerstrom Center for the Arts welcomes the biggest and most spectacular Pink Floyd show on the planet: “The Australian Pink Floyd Show,” arriving for one night only, Thursday, Sept 6 to Segerstrom Hall. Now celebrating its 30th anniversary, “Aussie Floyd” has sold five million tickets worldwide and has been described by The Times as “The Gold Standard” and The Daily Mirror as “The Kings of the Genre.” The Australian Pink Floyd Show (TAPFS) gave its first ever concert in Adelaide, Australia in 1988. Since then, the show has been staged in more than 35 countries worldwide; played at David Gilmour’s 50th birthday celebration and were even joined on stage by Rick Wright. TAPFS is the leading and biggest show of its kind in the world.

Tickets for The Australian Pink Floyd Show start at $49 and are on sale now, available online at www.scfta.org, at the Box Office at 600 Town Center Drive in Costa Mesa or by calling 714.556.2787. For inquiries about group ticket savings for 20 or more, please call the Group Services office at 714.755.0236.

Performing the music of Pink Floyd with note for note perfection, this critically acclaimed tribute show has been astonishing audiences worldwide. Striving to reproduce the Pink Floyd experience for loyal fans and bringing their music to new audiences, the show continues to include a stunning light and laser show, video animations, state-of-the-art high resolution LED screen technology and other special effects. To accompany these visuals are several large inflatables including a giant pig and their own distinct Pink Kangaroo.

Tenant Rights Workshop at the Civic Center

On Thursday, April 18, the Fair Housing Foundation (FHF) will be holding a Tenant Rights Workshop at Newport Beach City Hall in the Corona del Mar Conference Room at 100 Civic Center Drive, Newport Beach from 10 a.m. -12 p.m.

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This workshop is free and open to the public. Attendees will learn about how they are protected under fair housing laws, what their rights and responsibilities as tenants are, and how to deal with tenant-landlord disputes. A housing counselor will also be on hand to answer any questions from participants.

The FHF, servicing residents of the city of Newport Beach, provides mediation and counseling services through their housing assistance hotline at 1.800.446.FAIR and through walk-in clinics. They also investigate issues of discrimination related to housing.

For more information or to RSVP for the Tenant Rights Workshop, call 1.800.446.FAIR.

Sherman Library & Gardens: A fresh new look, inspiration

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Courtesy of Sherman Library & Gardens

Spring is a time for renewal, rebirth, rejuvenation, reconnection and refreshing your garden. Every gardener knows that gardens are never stagnant. They are full of energy and inspiration that changes, grows and evolves over time.  An organization should do the same.

After 50 years, Sherman Library & Gardens is embarking on a major change – they have adopted a new logo and updated their mission statement  as part of their

Vision for the Future initiative.

Why the change? The original logo, a group of fuchsia with Sherman Library & Gardens in an ornate script, did not translate well to the needs of the digital era. They found the need for an easily recognizable symbol that could work equally well on either a large sign or on a hat in the gift shop. The process started more than two years ago when Sherman Library & Gardens partnered with the Laguna College of Art + Design. Sherman Library & Gardens became a case study for a class, and each student worked on a branding concept from logos and typeface to signs and merchandise that would rejuvenate the Sherman Library & Gardens brand to reconnect the organization with a new generation.

To inspire the next generation of supporters and advance public understanding of how Sherman Library & Gardens serves the community the mission statement was also refreshed.

A mission statement is a short statement of an organization identifying the scope of its operations, what kind of product or service it provides, its primary customers or market, and its geographical region of operation. The mission can change to reflect an organization’s priorities. While their priorities remain the same as when Arnold Haskell founded the Library & Gardens, it has been refreshed to emphasize their three pillars of history, horticulture and the arts. A mission statement is also used to inspire staff, volunteers and members to join and support the organization.

Sherman Library & Gardens is located at 2647 E. Coast Highway, Corona del Mar. www.slgardens.org

Stump the Stu

On a beautiful day, it’s tough to beat this descent

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When we said earlier in the week that “this really is a stairway to heaven,” we meant it.

Where is it you ask? Lynn Swain correctly guessed the Crystal Cove stairs…and, she wasn’t alone.

“The stairs lead you down from the Coast Highway by Ruby’s Shake Shack to Crystal Cove State Park and The Beachcomer Restaurant,” wrote Bill Finster.

“These are the steps that lead down to the beach (and up to the walking/biking trail) at Crystal Cove Park. This is at the western boundary of the state park,” added Doug Thomas.

A special thanks to Bill Lobdell, who shot and sent us this photo!

Join us on Tuesdays as we try and stump you each week with a picture of something unique in our community.

If you have a unique spot or icon around town that you think StuNewsNewport readers would enjoy finding out about, please shoot it, share it and give us the answer, so we can challenge them!

Leadership in Heels presented distinguished panel to discuss “breaking the glass ceiling”

Many women in business strive to “break the glass ceiling.” On Thursday, March 22 at the Center Club in Costa Mesa, the Leadership in Heels speaker series hosted a panel of glass-breaking, C-suite executives for “Breaking the Glass Ceiling: What Happens When the Heels Get Too High,” who authentically shared their stories on what it takes to break the glass ceiling, the rewards of being glass-breaking executives and the sacrifices and struggles of “the heels getting too high.”

According to the Department of Labor in a report on this topic, the glass ceiling is an “invisible barrier between women and the executive suite, preventing them from reaching the highest levels of the business world regardless of their accomplishments and merits.”

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Photos by Kait McKay Photography

Leadership in Heels Founder and CEO Scharrell Jackson, a full-time partner, COO and CFO for Squar Milner in Newport Beach, addresses attendees

Panelists shared personal experiences with breaking the glass ceilings in their respective careers, including Kim Letch, managing partner of Irvine-based Ernst & Young LLP; Cheryl Osborn, p[resident at Casco Contractors in Irvine; Dr. Jackie Eubany, cardiologist; and Pernille Spiers-Lopez, former president and CEO of IKEA North America and author of the book Design Your Life.

Attendees received tangible tools and advice on how to break the glass ceiling, including: 

Identify what you want and have the confidence to ask for it.

Build your own power and strength.

Recognize and manage stress. Take the time to care for yourself first. 

Find a mentor or sponsor to help guide you.

Set boundaries and know when to say no.

Don’t get bogged down by the negative.

Have one life and don’t strive for ‘work/life balance’ but strive to be happy and positive in all aspects of your one life.

Take a pause, especially when times get frantic. 

Meditate.

Count your wins and make an inventory of why you are qualified, especially when you feel uncomfortable or underqualified.

Leadership in Heels Founder and CEO Scharrell Jackson, a full-time partner, COO and CFO for Squar Milner in Newport Beach, one of the top 70 accounting firms in the nation, moderated the panel and shared the challenges and rewards she has faced as a glass-breaking executive at this first Leadership in Heels event of 2018. Jackson began the leadership series with the goal to authentically pivot lives forward personally and professionally while stimulating the mind and penetrating the heart.

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(L-R): Dr. Jackie Eubany, Cardiologist; Kim Letch, Managing Partner of Irvine-based Ernst & Young LLP; Leadership in Heels Founder and CEO Scharrell Jackson; Cheryl Osborn, president at Casco Contractors; and Pernille Spiers-Lopez, former president and CEO of IKEA North America

“Many businesswomen want to break the glass ceiling but don’t quite know how. Others don’t consider the cost against the reward,” Jackson said. “I have shattered the glass ceiling, reaped many rewards and shed many tears. It is my goal to ensure that we understand not only what it takes to break the glass ceiling, but what happens when the heels get too high and how to win all the time!”

Attendees included C-suite executives, middle managers, entrepreneurs, community leaders, those just beginning their careers, and college students. In addition to interactive presentations and exercises, the Leadership in Heels speaker series offered breakfast, networking and giveaways.

In addition, each event honors an extraordinary business leader and on March 22, Leadership in Heels honored Pattie Grimm, host of the “Women Kicking Glass” radio show. Grimm was chosen for her unwavering commitment to highlight women who have broken the glass ceiling.

A portion of net proceeds from “Breaking the Glass Ceiling” benefited Irvine-based nonprofit American Heart Association, which is dedicated to building healthier lives, free of cardiovascular diseases and stroke. Leadership in Heels has raised thousands of dollars for Orange County nonprofits including WHW, Human Options, Girls Inc. of OC, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Orange County and the Inland Empire, Successful Survivors, THINK TOGETHER, and Working Wardrobes.

For more information about Leadership in Heels, visit the website at

www.scharrelljackson.com/about-leadership-in-heels.

After 10 years of hands-free law, challenges still remain

Ten years after “hands-free” driving became law, drivers are using their cell phones less often…but distracted driving remains a serious safety challenge. April is recognized as National Distracted Driving Awareness Month, and the first week in April is California Teen Safe Driving Week, making this an ideal time for safety advocates to focus their efforts on education and enforcement statewide.

The Office of Traffic Safety (OTS), the California Highway Patrol (CHP), the Newport Beach Police Department, and other local law enforcement agencies are joining with community partners throughout the state to make the roads safer by highlighting the dangers of distracted driving, especially as related to cell phones. The goal of Distracted Driving Awareness month is voluntary compliance by all drivers, but sometimes officer intervention – and citations – are necessary to communicate the importance of distraction-free driving.

Traffic officers throughout the state have issued hundreds of thousands of citations over the past three years to drivers who were texting or making calls on a hand-held cell phone. Recent legislation made it illegal to use any smartphone apps while driving, further limiting drivers’ cell phone activity. Still, we all continue to see people driving dangerously while distracted by their phones.

Since 2011, OTS has conducted an annual observational study of hand-held cell phone use. “This year’s study on the use of handheld cell phones and texting shows a decrease over past years; however, more work needs to be done to target those who were observed to still be breaking the law,” said OTS Director Rhonda Craft. “The best way to put an end to distracted driving is to educate all Californians about the danger it poses. We will do this through enforcement and education efforts like our new advertising campaign ‘Just Drive’, reminding drivers to put down their phones and focus on the road.”

“California’s distracted driving laws have been saving lives for a decade now,” said former State Senator Joe Simitian, who authored the state’s hands-free and no-texting laws. “Every day, somewhere in California, someone is sitting down to dinner with their family who wouldn’t have made it through the day without these laws on the books. That’s tremendously gratifying.”

In 2007 (the last full year before the hands-free law went into effect), more than 33,000 drivers in California were involved in distracted driving collisions. Preliminary 2017 data shows that that number decreased to fewer than 22,000 collisions last year. 

“These numbers show a heartening and significant improvement, but there’s still work to be done,” said Chief Jon Lewis of the Newport Beach Police Department. “Smartphones are a part of our lives now; texting, phone calls, social media posts…the cell phone activity is constant, but doing these things behind the wheel can have deadly consequences. Changing these dangerous habits will help make our roadways safer for everyone.”

The NBPD has the following safety tips for drivers:

If you need to read a text message, or need to send one, pull over and park your car in a safe location. (If you are on a freeway, please exit; do not pull over to the side of the freeway.) Once you are safely off the road, it is safe to text.

If you have a passenger, consider making them your “designated texter.” Allow them to access your phone to respond to calls or messages.

Do not engage in social media scrolling or messaging while driving.

Cell phone use can be habit forming. Are you struggling to avoid the distraction? Consider putting your cell phone in the trunk or the back seat of your vehicle until you arrive at your final destination.

The Newport Beach Police Department is deploying extra officers with grant-funded resources throughout the month in city locations with higher numbers of traffic collisions. Violators will be stopped and cited, with fines set at $162 for first-time offenders. This campaign is funded by a grant from the California Officer of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Fair Game

By TOM JOHNSON

Kiff agreement re-written, out on August 31…at the latest

Tuesday night at the Newport Beach City Council meeting, the council will discuss City Manager Dave Kiff’s “new amended agreement” and discuss the process to find his replacement.

First off, the new agreement, the sixth amended and restated employment agreement between the City and Kiff, calls for Kiff’s employment end-date to be changed from April 24, 2019 to August 31, 2018.

The current council must really want him out, check out his “good-bye” package: $20,000 in a deferred compensation contribution; up to $5,000 in legal fees and costs incurred by Kiff on the agreement; and an $84,000 one-time lump sum payment.

Good for you, Dave!

However, there are also a couple of other clauses in the agreement that should be noted, including that Kiff cannot be terminated prior to August 31, good; and, if a new city manager is appointed any time prior to August 31, they would immediately assume all duties. 

Kiff, on the other hand, would then be placed on Administrative Leave until August 31.

Hey Dave, don’t let the door hit you in *** *** on the way out!

• • •

Also on Tuesday’s agenda will be the potential recommendation for a resolution opposing Senate Bill 54, California Governor Jerry Brown’s sanctuary state law he signed into legislation effective January 1, 2018.

A number of Orange County cities have passed resolutions in the last two weeks including Aliso Viejo, Mission Viejo, Huntington Beach, Fountain Valley and Los Alamitos.

This seems like a natural for Newport Beach, but you never know who’ll show up from neighboring cities.

• • •

Here’s some comforting news, yuck, yuck. Newport-Mesa Unified School District will continue their school air-conditioning updates this summer with six additional schools. One thing you always worry about in projects like this are cost-overruns.

You know government.

Cumming, a company from Aliso Viejo, will handle the project. 

Their team overseeing it and hoping to avoid those potential cost overruns is Regional Director Mark Fergus, contracted at $210/hour; Alan Campbell, Managing Director, $210/hour; Mario Antony, Senior Cost Manager, Lead, $175/hour; Mitch Berg, Senior Cost Manager, MEP, $175/hour; Kenny Rodgers, Senior Cost Manager, MEP, $175/hour; Simon Hovesepian, Senior Cost Manager, $175/hour; and Pasha Bank, Cost Manager, $160/hour.

Wow, that’s great oversight and at such a small cost. What possibly could go wrong?

• • •

Perhaps you’re a churchgoer? Well, St. James the Great will return to their building on the Peninsula this Sunday, April 8 after being locked out since 2015. It should be quite a celebration.

Their pastor, Rev. Canon Cindy Voorhees, has been leading the congregation off-site for the last few years as several unsuccessful attempts to sell the property failed for a number of reasons.

Recently, the Episcopal Diocese of Los Angeles, which oversees the property, decided to return it to the local congregation.

The church is located at 3209 Via Lido. 

• • •

Stu News Newport is proud to be a sponsor for Corona del Mar Scenic 5K race/walk for the second year in a row.

Race day is Saturday, June 2, running through the beautiful streets of CdM. There are men’s and women’s 5Ks, a two-mile walk, a youth two-mile and a Kid’s Dash 1K.

This is one of the CdM Chamber of Commerce’s big events. You can register to run or walk at www.cdmchamber.com; or, if you’re a vendor looking to show off your services or wares, there are spaces still available. Call Linda Leonhard at 949.673.4050.

Full “STEAM” ahead at OC Fair

“Imaginology” is coming to the OC Fair & Event Center from April 13 -15…and it’s all about STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts and math) for kids!

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Photos courtesy of OC Fair & Event Center

What better way for youngsters to learn than by trying things themselves? Plus, the event is free.

Here is a min-guide to some of the family-friendly hands-on activities taking place.

Scavenger Hunt - Put your wit, brain and legs to the test in a tricky, fast-paced game that will bring out your competitive spirit. Find hidden treasures in a scavenger hunt that may leave you scratching your head in a search for cool gadgets as you explore the fairgrounds. Plus, new this year is an Instagram component for social-media-savvy kids. 

Location: OC Promenade

When: Saturday and Sunday, all day

Learning category: All

Dig for Roots - Carrots and beets are delicious additions to suppertime, but what’s it like to harvest the bounty yourself? Find out on this mission to dig for real veggies. This activity is perfect for kids in kindergarten and younger.

Location: Country Meadows

When: Friday - Sunday, all day

Learning category: Science

Tech Play - Try your hand at the interactive LED installation, featuring ELENCO Snap Circuit toys and several Makey Makey demos to try out. Think you can use a banana to power a bulb? Find out!

Location: Action Gallery South

When: Friday - Sunday, all day

Learning category: Technology

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Radish Seed Planting - Offering a peppery, satisfying crunch with every bite, radishes have a unique place in the vegetable hierarchy. Learn about the array of colors, textures and variations they come in. Plant a radish to take home, grow and start your own mini farm.

Location: Country Meadows

When: Friday - Sunday, all day

Learning category: Science

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Clay Play - Let’s have a clay play day! There’s nothing wrong with getting your hands a little dirty, especially when it’s in the name of art.

Where: Action Gallery South

When: Friday - Sunday, all day

Learning category: Arts

Mini Hat Craft Workshop - Make a fashion statement of your own in the mini craft workshop and design a hat with your personal trademark style and creativity.

Location: Main Mall

When: Saturday and Sunday, all day

Learning category: Arts

The Amazing Maze - Think you can find your way out? Test your navigation skills here if you dare – just try not to get lost.

Location: Heroes Hall Lawn

When: Friday - Sunday, all day

Learning category: Engineering

Cornhole Competition - Practice the velocity and the angle of a throw by playing a classic game of cornhole at the Raising Cane’s booth.

Location: Main Mall

When: Friday - Sunday, all day

Learning category: Mathematics

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Community Service Project - Do a good deed and discover a new hobby. Learn calligraphy and make a card to send to someone serving our country – you’ll help put a smile on the face of a brave soldier.

Location: Action Gallery North

When: Saturday until 3 p.m.

Learning category: Arts

Sew Easy - And it will be “sew” fun! Learn the simple basics of sewing and make a plush piggy to take home.

Location: Action Gallery South

When: Friday - Sunday, all day

Learning category: Engineering

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Imaginology is open Friday, April 13 from 9 a.m. - 3 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday, April 14 – 15 from 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Admission is free and most activities are included. Parking is free on Friday; $8 on Saturday and Sunday. Friday is Field Trip Day and is open to the public; schools and large groups of 10 or more are encouraged to register, but it is not required. On Sunday, Imaginology will host the Dia del Niño festival, in collaboration with Arts OC and Media Arts Santa Ana; activities include workshops and performances throughout the day.

For a complete schedule of events and a list of exhibitors, visit www.ocfair.com/steam.

Kids…don’t miss out on ENC Summer Nature Camp

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Submitted photo

Campers looking at ENC’s collection of insects

The ENC has offered Summer Nature Camps since 1977. Nature Camp provides quality science education in an outdoor, hands-on setting. ENC Nature Camp emphasizes experiential learning. Campers spend most of their time outside, having a great time observing nature up close using tools like binoculars, magnifying lenses and microscopes. Science concepts are introduced in a fun environment, with crafts, games and hands-on activities.

This year’s Summer Nature Camp at the Environmental Nature Center is for kids ages 3 through grade 8 with one-week sessions running from June 25 - August 16 from 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. or 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.

 Camps include: Little Naturalists, ages 3 - 5 years; Nature Adventure Camp, grades Kindergarten - 3; Science Explorers Camp, grades 4 - 6; and Order of the Raven, grades 6 - 8.

Enrollment is limited to small classes of 15 students per teacher with a high school assistant, and most of the camp teachers are ENC Naturalists. Each week has a different theme and different activities, so sign up for more than one session.

Fees: Full Day Nature Camp (9 a.m. - 3 p.m.) costs $265/student per session ($238.50 for ENC members). Half Day Nature Camp (9 a.m. - 1 p.m.) costs $180/student per session ($162 for ENC members). Fees include all costs of instruction, laboratory and art supplies, and an organic cotton camp T-shirt. Nature Camp is held Monday through Thursday. There is no camp on Fridays, except during the week of July 3.

To view the complete camp schedule and to enroll, visit www.encenter.org.

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

Sign of the times

It’s another edition of Sign of the times, so put your thinking caps on. Below you’ll find this week’s clue. What you see is a small part of an overall sign in Newport Beach, that many pass by on a daily basis taking in its “sparkle.”

Good luck!

Send your guesses to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

If you’re a business and you want to play, you can send us a high-quality photo of your sign and we’ll take it from there and challenge our readers.

Let’s have some fun!

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Sunday Musicale features Dali Ensemble

Courtesy of NBPL

(L-R): Dali Ensemble is comprised of Catherine Del Russo, oboist; Kevan Torfeh, cellist; and Kirstin Fife, violinist

The Newport Beach Public Library presents a Sunday Musicale with the eclectic Dali Ensemble L.A. on Sunday, April 22 at 3 p.m. in the Central Library Friends Room, 1000 Avocado Ave., Newport Beach.

The Dalí Ensemble L.A. features three award-winning musicians, Catherine Del Russo, oboist; Kirstin Fife, violinist; and Kevan Torfeh, cellist. The trio will present a recital that is educational, diverse and entertaining with a repertoire that depicts a rainbow of the history of western music from the Renaissance Period to the 21st Century.

The program also features original compositions by Kirstin Fife, inspired by the Spanish Surrealist painter, Salvador Dali, and Latin flavored tangos and waltzes written by Spanish composers and arranged by the talented violinist.

Admission to the Sunday Musicales is free. No registration is required. Seating is first-come, first-served, limited by room capacity. Funding is provided by donations from the Friends of the Library.

For more information, call 949.717.3800, ext. 2 or visit the website at www.newportbeachlibrary.org.

City to host Special Olympics basketball tourney fundraiser and you can play

The City of Newport Beach will host a Special Olympics area basketball tournament for the first time in the city’s history on Saturday, April 28. To kick off the festivities, Special Olympics athletes, the City of Newport Beach Recreation & Senior Services Department as well as Newport Beach police, fire, city council, local officials and community members will participate in the official Unity Torch Walk, Hometown Hero Hoop Shoot Challenge and BBQ on Thursday, April 5 from 6 - 9 p.m. at the Newport Beach Civic Center. 

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Submitted photo

Newport Beach Mayor Pro Tem Will O’Neill and wife Jennifer announce the Special Olympics fundraiser with a couple of friends

The evening will include live music, craft beer, fine wines and a BBQ provided by Newport Rib Company. The Hoop Shoot Challenge will follow with police, fire, city council, local officials and community members partnering with Special Olympic athletes to battle it out on the court to see which team will be named Hometown Heroes for Newport Beach Hometown Special Olympics. 

Participation in this special event starts at just $65 and money raised will support the year-round training and competition events for the more than 539 Special Olympic athletes that call Newport Beach home. Teams can register to participate in the Hoop Shot Team event, be a torch walk participant or a torch walk supporter.

“The City of Newport Beach Recreation & Senior Services Department is energized by all the opportunity that keeps unfolding as we build community partnerships to provide inclusive programs for those with special needs to lead fuller lives and connect with their peers,” said Laura Detweiler, director, Recreation & Senior Services Department, City of Newport Beach. “We were inspired by our involvement with the Special Olympics World Games and are continuing to foster that relationship by co-hosting a Newport Beach Hometown Basketball Tournament. Additionally, we have been working diligently this last year to lay the foundation for a well-rounded special needs recreation program and are excited to see it come to fruition. Together we can do amazing things!” 

You can register and checkout all the information at http://fundraising.sosc.org.

Independent Bookstore Day coming in April

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Mark your calendars for Saturday, April 28 to help celebrate Independent Bookstore Day.

Visit Lido Village Books from 9 a.m. - 6 p.m. and enjoy special merchandise created for and only available on this day. There will be free giveaways (while supplies last), and a 10 percent discount on all books purchased. Activities are being planned for youngsters.

For event details, visit www.lidovillagebooks.com.

Lido Village Books is located in Lido Marina Village at 3424 Via Oporto, #102, Newport Beach.

Wake Up! Newport slated for April 5 with FONBAS

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On Thursday, April 5 start your day at Wake Up! Newport and Friends of the Newport Animal Shelter (FONBAS). Sponsored by the Newport Beach Chamber of Commerce, come hear about a proposed public/private partnership to create a new city-owned animal shelter in Newport Beach. Representatives from FONBAS will outline this new proposal.

The event will take place from 7:15 - 8:30 a.m. at Newport Beach Central Library’s Friends Room.

This free monthly meeting affords participants the opportunity to meet one-on-one with legislative and government officials, and to stay current on local, state and federal issues.

To register, visit www.newportbeach.com. Please make a reservation so they can plan on food and seating. Breakfast treats will be provided. For additional information, call 949.727.4400.

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

Movie in the Park to show “Surf’s Up”

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On Friday, April 13 from 6:45 - 9 p.m., bring the whole family to Marina Park to enjoy a screening of “Surf’s Up,” as part of the Movie in the Park series.

While you spend some family time outdoors, enjoy the bay view, nautical-themed playground and free movie. There will also be free activities, candy and most importantly, popcorn, for you to enjoy. Food will be available for purchase.

Bring a blanket, towel of folding quad chairs to sit on. The movie begins at sunset.

For more information, call 949.270.8150.

Marina Park is located at 1600 W. Balboa Blvd., Newport Beach.

NBFF coming later this month; announces film lineup

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The 19th Annual Newport Beach Film Festival (NBFF) is taking place Thursday, April 26 through Thursday, May 3, and tickets are now on sale.

Kicking off the film line-up is American Animals, a 2018 British-American crime drama (one of the most audacious art heists in U.S. history) written and directed by Bart Layton, that will be having its West Coast Premiere during the festival. Starring Evan Peters, Barry Keoghan, Blake Jenner and Jared Abrahamson, it will be showing at Edwards Big Newport in Fashion Island. The film premiered at the 2018 Sundance Film Festival, and it is scheduled for release this June.

The film fest will feature nearly 350 films from 50 countries. In addition to short subject programs, documentaries, action sports films and narrative movies, there are seminars and panels, retrospective films and post-screening parties every night of the festival.

For more information and a complete schedule of film screenings, galas, costs and venues, visit www.NewportBeachFilmFest.com.

Side Deal to appear at Campus JAX

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On Saturday, April 7, Campus JAX presents Side Deal, a new band of hit makers featuring the founding members of Train, Sugar Ray and Pawnshop Kings.

This one night only intimate performance supports Side Deal’s first vinyl release. Tickets are $75 for VIP (with a special meet and greet and an acoustic set from 5 - 6 p.m.); $50 for general admission for either of two shows at 6 and 10 p.m.; and $500 for a booth. To reserve your tickets, call 949.261.6270.

Campus JAX is located at 3950 Campus Drive, Newport Beach.

Stump the Stu

This really is a stairway to heaven

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The question for you is where is this? What do you find when you get to the bottom or perhaps it’s at the top? We welcome any and all guesses.

Take the challenge and submit your answers to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. The correct answers are in Friday’s edition. We also run the correct guesses on Friday. So, join us in the fun.

If you have a unique spot or icon around town that you think Stu News Newport readers would enjoy finding out about, please shoot it, share it and give us the answer, so we can challenge them!

Sign of the times

On Thursdays we give you a partial glimpse of a sign around town. You guess what the overall name of the business is. 

So, we gave you a glimpse of the “Q” on top of this sign. The sign is from Via Lido Drugs at 3445 Via Lido. One correct guess came in from Michelle McCormack. She said, “I’m thinking the Q stands for quality drugs.”

Close Michelle. There is a parent organization over Via Lido Drugs and several other Orange County pharmacies that is called Quality Drug Corporation.

Thank you for playing.

If you’re a business and you want to play, you can send us a high-quality photo of your sign and we’ll take it from there and challenge our readers.

Let’s have some fun!

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Stasha Speaks!

Spring flowers – lovely to look at…but not ingest

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April showers bring May flowers is how the saying goes. And though Springtime flowers are beautiful, if ingested by us critters they can be deadly. 

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(L-R): My brother Rocco and I – ready for Springtime showers

Rocco and I love the Spring rain. My buddy and I put on our raincoats splashing around the yard as things begin to bloom. But our mom keeps a watchful eye on us – especially Rocco, because that dog puts anything and everything in his mouth! He’s a curious dog willing to eat most anything, which could get him in big tummy trouble.

If he were to dig up plant bulbs and munch on them, it could be deadly. Plants with bulbs like tulips, daffodils, narcissus, and hyacinths, can be particularly dangerous to dogs, especially the skin at the bottom of the bulb. Dogs eating these flowers or bulbs can experience nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or worse.

“More severe symptoms as a result of larger ingestions can include increased heart and respiratory rate, foreign body obstructions, and, in rare cases, cardiac arrhythmias (irregular heartbeats),” according to www.petmd.com. 

If you’re not familiar with Pet MD, you should be. It’s a good website to keep up to date on the latest recalls of pet products, as well as overall information on animal health issues to stay abreast of.

But getting back to dangerous plant-eating for dogs, it’s what’s in bulbs that can be deadly for us furry pals.

Tulips and hyacinth, for example, contain lactone, which when chewed or swallowed, can cause tissue irritation to our mouths and esophagus.

Daffodils contain lycorine, an alkaloid with something that triggers vomiting.

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Lilies are especially tricky because there are several different types – Peace, Peruvian, and Calla lilies which contain oxalate crystals can cause tissue irritation to the mouth, tongue, pharynx and esophagus – resulting in minor drooling. Potentially fatal lilies are Tiger, Day, Asiatic, Easter and Japanese Show varieties – all of which are highly toxic to cats too! Even small ingestion (such as two – three petals or leaves) can result in severe kidney failure.

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There are two crocus plants: one that blooms in the Spring (Crocus species) and the other in Autumn. The Autumn Crocus is highly toxic and can cause severe vomiting, gastrointestinal bleeding, liver and kidney damage, and respiratory failure.

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Other plants equally as dangerous to dogs are azalea/rhododendron, foxglove and oleander.

For a complete list of symptoms, plants and fertilizers pet owners should be aware of for the safety of their animals, Nationwide Pet insurance’s page on Summertime Toxins is a good reference. Visit https://phz8.petinsurance.com/pet-health/pet-toxins/10-toxic-summertime-plants. And a good phone number to keep handy is the Pet Poison Helpline’s emergency hotline (1.855.289.0358) available 24 hours a day.

If you suspect your animal has eaten something in the yard that could be dangerous, the first rule of thumb is to get them to a vet at once.

Stay safe this Spring and enjoy the flowers – just don’t eat them. 

Bark at ya later,

Woof Woof

Stasha

You can email me at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., and check out my past columns at www.bvontv.com.

All-John Williams Boston Pops to take the Segerstrom stage

Conducted by Keith Lockhart, the Boston Pops Orchestra returns in an evening dedicated to the works of multi-Oscar winner and Boston Pops Laureate Conductor John Williams, whose iconic film scores include E.T.: the Extra-Terrestrial, Harry Potter, Star Wars, Jaws, Raiders of the Lost Ark, and countless others.

Courtesy of sfta.org

Boston Pops Orchestra Conductor Keith Lockhart

This one-night-only performance takes place Monday, April 16 at 8 p.m. in the Renee and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall. Tickets start at $48.

Affectionately known as “America’s Orchestra,” the Boston Pops is famed for its annual Fourth of July concert at the Hatch Shell on the Charles River Esplanade, and also performed at the Statue of Liberty for the monument’s rededication in 1986.

A recipient of the 2017 Commonwealth Awards for Achievement, Lockhart is the 20th Conductor of the Boston Pops and the second longest-tenured conductor of the Boston Pops (after Arthur Fiedler, who was at the helm of the orchestra for nearly 50 years). Lockhart has led the Boston Pops on more than 40 tours of the U.S., and in appearances at Super Bowl XXXVI, the 2008 NBA Finals and the 2013 Boston Red Sox Ring Ceremony.

A pre-concert lecture by Brian Lauritzen begins at 7 p.m.

Segerstrom Center for the Arts is located at 600 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa. For more information, call 714.556.2787 or visit www.scft.org

Book signing event at Barnes & Noble

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Join author/radio host/keynote speaker Richard Franzi, CEO and founder of Critical Mass for Business, for the signing of his new book, Killing Cats Leads to Rats, at Barnes & Noble in Fashion Island on Saturday, April 7 at 2 p.m.

Nationally recognized, Franzi is dedicated to making a lasting positive impact on the lives of business leaders through the power of peer learning. His work has been featured in media such as Inc.com, CNBC, American Express Open Forum, and Orange County regional print publications.

For more information on Franzi, visit www.criticalmassforbusiness.com.

Barnes & Noble is located at 401 Newport Center Drive, A215, Newport Beach.

Brad Orcutt of Newport Beach is honored with St. Mary’s School award

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2018 Father Ernest D. Sillers Legacy Award is bestowed upon Brad Orcutt

St. Mary’s School announced Brad Orcutt of Newport Beach, as the winner of the 2018 Father Ernest D. Sillers Legacy Award. Each year, St. Mary’s honors an eighth-grade student who demonstrates superior leadership skills, evidence of service and civic responsibility, and Orcutt was selected from a total of 12 finalists as the most outstanding.

The competition focuses on four main principles called the “Four A.C.E.S. of Leadership,” which form the cornerstones of a strong community – attitude, commitment, engagement and service. Some of Orcutt’s extracurricular activities include acting as student ambassador for St. Mary’s, serving as safety commissioner for the associated student body, three years of school volleyball and basketball, and four years of school football. He has also served his community by volunteering with the Orange County Food Bank, Friendship Shelter and CSP Youth Shelter. Additionally, he regularly assists an elderly neighbor with shopping, errands and odd jobs around her home. Orcutt was awarded the President’s Volunteer Service Award by Lion’s Heart in 2016 and is on track to receive it again in 2018 in recognition of the exceptional hours of community service he has logged.

Orcutt was announced as the recipient of the award at the Tribute to Leadership Assembly on March 16 at Coast Hills Church in front of more than 1,000 students, parents and members of the community.

“On behalf of the entire St. Mary’s community, it is my privilege to announce that Brad Orcutt has achieved a significant honor as the recipient of this year’s Legacy Award,” said Dean of Students, Jim Cox. “He is a shining example of St. Mary’s core values and the environment through which we cultivate and prepare our students to become innovative global leaders of tomorrow by instilling a lifelong pursuit of learning, leading and service.”

Among the list of finalists for the 2018 Father Ernest D. Sillers Legacy Award is Henry Lew, also of Newport Beach.

St. Mary’s School, established in 1994, is an International Baccalaureate (IB) World School dedicated to inquiry-based academic excellence, developing well-rounded, confident children who flourish in a creative environment founded on Christian values. For more information, visit www.smaa.org.

Bramble Candles to hold grand opening this weekend

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This Sunday, April 8 from 11 a.m. - 2 p.m., stop by the Bramble & Co Candles studio in the Pelican Courtyard at Seaside Gallery & Goods for their grand opening celebration. Owner/instructor Michelle Bendetti is ready to welcome you to the world of candle making.

The festivities include BYOB candle making workshops (bring your favorite libation), where you’ll learn candle making basics from choosing the right container, to proper pouring temperature and burning instructions for extending the life of your candles. The cost is $55, which includes hands-on instruction and all supplies needed to make soy wax candles. The minimum class size is four and maximum 10 for in-studio. Larger events and parties are available in the courtyard. Nibbles will be served, and you’ll go home with a candle or two.

Bramble & Co Candles is located in Pelican Courtyard at Seaside Gallery & Goods, 124 Tustin Ave., Newport Beach. www.BrambleCandles.com

Burger Boss comes to town this month

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Burger Boss, a Corona-based chain, is scheduled to open its sixth location in early April. It will occupy a free-standing building (formerly Newport Burger) at the corner of Orange Avenue and Pacific Coast Highway in Newport Beach.

According to the create-your-own American burger joint owner Mo Farha, they wanted an eatery near the beach, so when the location at 6800 Pacific Coast Highway became available, it seemed like the perfect venue.

Customers order via a large touchscreen kiosk upon entering. They can choose a protein patty of grass-fed beef, cage-free chicken or turkey, or black beans, and pick from 30 toppings, 15 sauces and a variety of cheeses.

Fresh made-to-order burgers and the beach, it doesn’t get much better. For more information, visit www.burgerboss.com or call 714.882.5858.

NBCC Marine Committee to feature Coastal Commission update

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Courtesy of newportbeach.com

The Newport Beach Chamber of Commerce Marine Committee meets once a month to provide information and education on all topics that are “marine oriented.”

The Tuesday, April 5 meeting beginning at 5:30 p.m., will feature special guest speaker, Don Schmitz, president and principal of Schmitz and Associates, who is the Coastal Commission consultant to the City of Newport Beach.

Schmitz will be covering the following topics: an update on the local Coastal Plan, proposed Harbor Master Plan and an update on Eel Grass.

This is a free event and open to the public. Reservations are not needed and there is plenty of free parking at Marina Park (parking code is 170434).

Marina Park is located at 1600 W. Balboa Blvd., Newport Beach.

Letters to the Editor:

Planned condo towers seem out of place

I used to work in a four-story office building in Koll Center Newport and still have friends there who’ve been worrying lately about a new project that is being proposed next door called the Koll Center Residences. It is apparently three very large condo towers that will be put where the parking lots have been for the offices. They will tower over the next-door business properties and force workers to park farther away in another bulky parking garage.   

Even though Koll Center Newport is a fairly intense business complex by previous Newport standards, it was well laid out and provides a pleasant place to work with an open feeling that is a big relief from maneuvering around Los Angeles. 

Putting three bulky 160-foot high, luxury condominium towers in this location just seems out-of-place, out-of-scale and out-of-order. Are the people who work there going to be able to live in these very large luxury condos? It makes me seriously wonder who thinks up these things.

Thank you for considering publishing this so that other Newport Beach residents can be made aware and weigh in before it’s too late.

Tamara Watt

Newport Beach

Could a replacement for Kiff already be in the works?

The jungle drums are beating that the replacement for Dave Kiff has already been picked.

Meet Mark Denny, a man with a prior conviction for voter fraud and only 9 months experience as a city manager.

In 1996, Mark was convicted of voter fraud when he helped arrange a decoy Democratic candidate in a tight Assembly race. Dana Rohrabacher’s future wife was involved in that incident as well. He was working for Curt Pringle at the time.

He then worked as former Supervisor Bill Campbell’s chief of staff until he was hired as the director of county parks in 2008. Around 2014, he was hired as the Chief Operating Officer of the county, a position that involved overseeing the Registrar of Voters. This created a flurry of controversy given his prior conviction and he was ultimately stripped of the ability to oversee elections.

He was in the COO position for 3 years before moving to Dana Point as the Director of Parks and Recreation in the fall of 2016. During that time, the OC Register reported that he was under investigation for awarding $1 million dollars of no bid contracts while running the parks department. According to the article, the contracts were awarded to a friend of a friend of Denny’s with little oversight and no appropriate paperwork.

I spoke at length with a city official in Dana Point yesterday and this is what I learned:

Dana Point, like our city, has a council majority of three who often are at odds with the other 2 councilpersons. The gentleman I spoke with didn’t know if Dave Ellis was involved but said that it is commonly believed that there is an outside person or group who is directing decisions for the council majority (sound familiar)?

A bit more than a year ago, the city manager there said that he was planning to retire in a few years and that he thought that it would be good to have a Parks and Recreation director. The council agreed and created this position on a Tuesday night and by Friday, Mark Denny had been offered the job and accepted. It was clearly planned in advance. The information about his past became known after he had accepted the job.

The city manager then announced that he was going to retire immediately.

The city hired a recruitment specialist to find experienced candidates. The well-respected assistant city manager applied for the job and the recruiter found them a number of excellent candidates. Unexpectedly, the assistant city manager withdrew his application, leaving three finalists for the job. 

Mark Denny never even applied for the job, but when the selection occurred, the three members of the ruling cabal picked him in July 2017.

He has now been city manager for 9 months. The man I spoke with was quite guarded in his description of how Mark was doing on the job, but did say that he was “learning on the job.” He said that the skill sets Mark had acquired at the county are quite different from the skill set needed to run a city. 

It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to realize that this scenario is pretty similar to our own. If you google Mark Denny, there are quite a few articles written about him, many of them uncomplimentary. 

Newport Beach deserves an experienced, ethical city manager to replace Dave Kiff and we should settle for nothing less.

Please feel free to forward this widely. Sunshine is probably the only antidote to the dry rot that has taken hold of our city.

Susan Skinner

Newport Beach

Fair Game

By TOM JOHNSON

Easter Sunday changes a life forever

Today I was planning to write a column looking back on Easter Sunday. I was going to tell you how much I enjoyed attending the 9:30 service at St. Andrews Presbyterian. I was going to write about the impactful message given by Pastor Chap Clark, and the beautiful performances of the orchestra and choir. I even thought about mentioning the many colorful flower arrangements gracing the stage and representing in memorial a number of former church members.

But I’d also thought about what things need to be written concerning what’s going on around town. Like, Dave Kiff is leaving, who’s coming in? Some are saying someone has already been “selected.” Others aren’t saying. 

But heck, isn’t it just life as usual?

I was also thinking of writing about all of the board and commission seats opening up at the end of June that are important in the operation of our city. People would need to know they could find all the info on the city website.

Then I was going to remind everyone that the City of Newport Beach is hosting a Special Olympics area basketball tournament for the first time in the city’s history on Saturday, April 28. 

But even more importantly, I wanted to remind residents that it all kicks off this Thursday, from 6 - 9 p.m., when the City will be host the Unity Torch Walk, Hometown Hero Hoop Shoot Challenge and BBQ at the Newport Beach Civic Center.

Still more, like the plan to have the Special Olympics athletes joining city leaders, local officials, city staff and hopefully the public in the Unity Torch Walk, in-and-around basketball and a barbeque. And, obviously, everyone’s invited.

Those were all things I’d planned to write about and then something else happened. 

Early afternoon on Easter Sunday, my 17-month-old granddaughter (the one and only) pointed to me across a room filled with other people after being asked, “Where’s Papa?”

First time!

It came with a huge smile, as her eyes lit up. 

But then she did it!

What is it, you ask?

While still pointing at me, she said, “Papa.”

Papa? What a perfect day!

And the other good news is that I’ve obviously been called a lot worse. Some of those names more recently than others, but that goes with the territory.

What a fun chapter of life to look forward to. How did I get so lucky?

EdReports.org recognizes NMUSD’s commitment to transparent curriculum adoption

Newport-Mesa Unified School District’s (NMUSD) successful approach to curriculum adoption was featured in a case study by EdReports.org, an independent nonprofit designed to improve K-12 education. EdReports.org increases the capacity of teachers, administrators and leaders to seek, identify, and demand the highest-quality instructional materials.

The case study reviewed NMUSD’s nine-month curriculum adoption process for elementary math and English language arts instructional materials. The case study notes NMUSD’s commitment to a transparent adoption process that was data driven, aligned to state standards and teacher-centered.

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Courtesy of MNUSD

NMUSD educators undergoing professional development training

As part of the process, NMUSD partnered with the Orange County Department of Education who supported the district with their deep knowledge and expertise to provide guidance on the adoption process, evaluation tools, professional development and final program selection process.

The adoption process began with a Steering Committee, which included educators throughout the district. The Steering Committee reviewed and determined which two instructional material programs would be piloted. The next step in the process was intensive training into the shifts in mathematics. Each program was then piloted for seven weeks.

After months of meetings, piloting and evidence gathering, the materials adoption team reviewed the results and began the consensus process to select the best instructional materials for NMUSD students. The first task in the consensus process was to build a shared definition and understanding of what consensus means.

“The idea is that all voices are heard, and you don’t move forward until everyone, even those who most oppose it, can see the will of the group emerging,” said George Knights, director for assessments for NMUSD.

Based on the analysis of the results, a consensus was reached through a variety of activities designed so that all voices would be heard and eventually reveal the will of the group. At the end of the nine-month process, the NMUSD Board of Education adopted the recommended math and English language arts curriculum for elementary students.

While the comprehensive, teacher-centered adoption process ends there, the implementation, ongoing support for students and teachers, and parent education continues.

The implementation process began with a summer professional development series, where teachers participated in various training opportunities to learn the new material and approaches on how to best implement the material.

NMUSD also has implemented a yearlong Moonlight Series, which are two-hour grade specific sessions to review upcoming units of study. The lead pilot teachers from the adoption process and district staff lead these monthly sessions.

As part of the momentum that’s building specific with elementary math instruction, schools also began incorporating parent education sessions. Each school site has flexibility as to how they engage, educate and provide parents with resources to support their child’s learning. Some schools have hosted “bring your parent to math class day” or “muffins and math day,” for parents to see firsthand what math looks like in the classroom today. Schools also have or will host formal parent meetings and presentations to provide a greater understanding of the state standards and how students are learning math concepts to best prepare them for future success.

To learn more, read the full case study here.

City’s longtime Crime Prevention Specialist announces exit

By AMY SENK

Newport Beach and Corona del Mar will lose a crime-fighting friend with the retirement later this month of Andrea “Andi” Querry, the police department’s crime prevention specialist for the past 19 years.

Querry’s last day will be April 27, and her replacement has not yet been selected.

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NBPD’s Andrea “Andi” Querry (on left) will be retiring at the end of this month, after serving the Newport Beach community for 19 years

“Over the years, many of my evenings and weekends have belonged to the wonderful Newport Beach community, but now I plan to be the mom that can always say ‘yes’ to volunteering at school, carpooling and attending a fieldtrip here or there,” Querry said. “I love to garden, and so that is my very own Neighborhood Watch secret. When you are out in the yard, you feel good, the yard looks beautiful and you get to know all your neighbors. I will also be filling my time with my love of art, sewing, refinishing furniture and DIY projects. Most of all, I am looking forward to more family time with my wonderful husband, Randy, and our two girls. I also plan to have dinner on the table before 7 p.m. on most nights.”

As the department’s crime prevention specialist, Querry coordinated Neighborhood and Business Watch programs and community presentations that educated the public on crime trends and prevention methods. She also conducted commercial and home security inspections.

“Andi has been phenomenal in her position of crime prevention specialist,” said her supervisor, Lt. Tom Fischbacher, who also is the chief’s executive officer. “Her relationships and credibility in our communities has been instrumental in a highly effective crime prevention strategy. She will be greatly missed by her NBPD family, but we wish her well in her new role as a stay-at-home mom.” 

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Querry, seen here at a community event, will relish her new role as stay-at-home mom

Over the years, Querry has watched as her job changed with evolving technology. Before cell phones, she and volunteers could spend days passing out fliers by the hundreds to alert residents about a crime trend in a neighborhood.

“Now, once I know about the crime trend or burglary, with a push of the button on average it goes to 800-plus residents,” Querry said. 

Residents, she said, also have shown growing enthusiasm for involvement.

“Last March we had 200 plus attend a meeting at OASIS, several meetings at the Civic Center with 80 or more, and in January, 100 plus at the Newport Beach Aquatics Center,” she said. “When you have a watchful, engaging community, there is less opportunity for criminals. Newport is that community,” Querry shared.

Construction on townhomes by Gallo’s is underway

Construction has begun on townhomes that are planned for the empty lot next to the Corona del Mar Gallo’s Italian Deli at 3900 E. Coast Highway. 

“Right now, they are working on undergrounding the utilities in the rear,” said Marcelo E. Lische, the project’s architect. 

Five years ago, the city’s Planning Commission approved plans to remodel the 45-year-old sandwich shop and build six townhomes on the adjacent empty lot, which years ago held a burger stand and a gas station. Over the past few years, the plans have been modified several times and permits expired, but now the project is underway and expected to be complete in 12 to 18 months. 

The good news for fans of the Gallo’s Combo or the meatball sub?

“Gallo’s will not close,” Lische said. “At some point they will move into a food trailer to be located at the property.”

~~~~~~~~

Amy Senk has lived in Corona del Mar for 17 years and was publisher of Corona del Mar Today, an online newspaper that ran daily for seven years. Senk, a graduate of the University of Missouri School of Journalism, is involved in the Corona del Mar Residents Association and the Corona del Mar High School PTA. She and her husband have two children.

OC Marathon, Half Marathon in Newport Beach

The 2018 SDCCU OC Marathon Running Festival, a world-class event with one of the best and most picturesque courses attracting 14,000 full-, half- and 5k participants from 46 states and 22 countries, begins in Newport Beach on Saturday, May 5 and Sunday, May 6.

Runners will navigate their way across diverse coastal and inland terrains, passing through Irvine and Santa Ana, and end at the Orange County Fair & Events Center in Costa Mesa. In addition to the Marathon and Half-marathon, there is the Wahoo’s OC 5k, Kids Run the OC “Final Mile,” the Ultimate Finish Line Festival and the OC Lifestyle and Fitness Expo.

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The OC Marathon Running Festival welcomes Saje Natural Wellness as a sponsor

Saje Natural Wellness has been announced as the Official Essential Oils and Natural Wellness sponsor. This support will directly benefit more than 10,000 marathoners and half-marathoners, who will receive a Saje “Runner’s Reward” kit which includes Pain Relief and Peppermint Halo, and two 100 percent plant-based essential oil blends to help restore and relieve tired muscles.

To register for the races and for more information, visit www.ocmarathon.com.

Passenger traffic up overall at JWA

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Airline passenger traffic at John Wayne Airport increased in February 2018 as compared with February 2017. In February 2018, the Airport served 763,505 passengers, an increase of 7.4 percent when compared with the February 2017 passenger traffic count of 711,010. 

Commercial aircraft operations increased 5.6 percent and commuter aircraft operations decreased 34.8 percent when compared with February 2017 levels.

Total aircraft operations increased in February 2018 as compared with the same month in 2017. In February 2018, there were 23,348 total aircraft operations (take-offs and landings), an 18.8 percent increase compared to 19,649 total aircraft operations in February 2017.

General aviation activity, which accounted for 71.5 percent of the total aircraft operations during February 2018, increased 25.3 percent when compared with February 2017.

The top three airlines in February 2018 based on passenger count were Southwest Airlines (275,908), United Airlines (121,920) and American Airlines (118,988).

Project Hope Alliance welcomes Boulton to BOD

Project Hope Alliance announced that Sean Boulton, principal of Newport Harbor High School, is joining their board of directors. Boulton is a veteran educator and is serving his fifth year as principal of Harbor High.

“We are pleased to welcome Mr. Boulton to Project Hope. His experience and insight will be a great benefit to Project Hope and our mission to end homelessness, one child at a time,” said Jennifer Friend, CEO of Project Hope Alliance.

“It is an honor for me and my family to help end homelessness – it is something we are passionate about,” Boulton said. “Project Hope Alliance (PHA) actually does something about it – PHA does not round up homeless people, it does not just feed them a meal, or give them clothing. PHA actually deals with the root causes of homelessness and puts families back on track.”

Boulton is currently entering his fifth year as principal of Newport Harbor High School. Last year, he was named 2017 Catalyst of Hope, awarded at the Annual Project Hope Alliance Anti-Gala. The award recognized his work in supporting the Promotor Pathway Program. The Promotor Pathway program of PHA serves disconnected and disengaged homeless youth ages 14-24. The Newport-Mesa Unified School District is the first school district in California to adopt the program, which operates out of Harbor High School.

The Project Hope Alliance board of directors oversees the organization’s activities and is focused on accomplishing its mission to end homelessness, one child at a time. Current board members include: Alisha Ballard, The Legacy Foundation; Pete Deutschman, The Buddy Group; Lynn Hemans, Taco Bell; Joe Lewis III, Claire Trevor School of the Arts, University of California at Irvine; Eric J. Rans, Michelman & Robinson, LLP; and Ray Weston, Taco Bell. 

Since 2012, Project Hope Alliance has moved more than 900 children and parents out of homelessness. To learn more, visit www.projecthopealliance.org.

RIBBA 4 & Community Art Fair this Saturday

Local artists will exhibit their work this Saturday, April 7 at Coastline Art Gallery at Coastline Community College as part of the RIBBA 4 & Community Art Fair. The art fair will take place from 3 - 8 p.m. with the RIBBA 4 reception from 5 - 8 p.m.

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Artwork by Karen Feuer-Schwager will be on display this Saturday at Coastline Art Gallery

The Community Art Fair will feature hundreds of artists exhibiting and selling their arts and crafts. RIBBA 4 is an exhibition within the fair, in which participating artists have submitted their work to the gallery in the same style of frame from IKEA. As many as 150 members of the art community are expected to display their works of art on the walls as part of the RIBBA event.

Coastline Art Gallery is located at 1515 Monrovia Ave in Newport Beach.

For more information, contact David Lee at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

SAVE THE DATE: Summer Soiree coming to the ENC

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Escape to an evening inspired by nature at the Environmental Nature Center’s (ENC) Summer Soiree, to be held Saturday, June 9.

Schedule of Festivities:

5:30 p.m. - Cocktails and hors d’oeuvres

7 p.m. - Dine under the stars with live music and an auction

Cost: $150 per person or $1,500 per table. Casual attire and trail-friendly shoes are recommended.

Proceeds support the ENC’s environmental education programs and help to build our community’s first nature-based preschool.

RSVP by Friday, June 1 at www.encenter.org. For additional information, contact Lori Whalen at 949.645.8489, ext. 103. Sponsorship opportunities are available.

Pet of the Week

StuNewsNewport is delighted to be working with the Newport Beach Animal Shelter to help get the word out in search of loving homes for pets that deserve a warm, nurturing environment and a place to call “home.”

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Courtesy of Newport Beach 

Animal Shelter

MEET CUPCAKE

The shelter would like to introduce you to Cupcake, one of two sisters who arrived at the shelter. She is a tad bit shy with her initial meeting of new humans, but comes around quickly. She is as cute as a button, and it is believed her breed type is miniature poodle mixed with dachshund. Cupcake seems to be the less-shed fur type. She is a really fun dog and will just continue to show her true personality the more secure she becomes. Shelter staff is certain that she will excel in a quiet home with pet parents that spend lots of time with her. 

 At any given time, the shelter can have 4 - 5 dogs and 7 - 8 cats/kittens and other pets available for adoption. At times, they receive owner turn-ins that would do best adopted out together. 

Adoption costs at the shelter:

Dogs - $130

Puppies - $150

Cats - $90

Kittens - $110

If you are interested in finding out more about Cupcake, or any other animals up for adoption, the Newport Beach Animal Shelter is located at 20302 Riverside Drive, Newport Beach. It is open Tuesday through Sunday from 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. Call 949.644.3656. Email Valerie Schomburg at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

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

in volunteering, you can fill out and sign the application on the website.

Camp James Open House announced

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On Saturday, April 14 from 10 a.m. - 1 p.m., come experience the joy of Camp James at Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort for yourself! Meet some of their amazing camp staff, try a sample of activities, and check out the gorgeous site for the very reasonable price of free! They look forward to seeing you there.

If you have any questions, email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., or call 949.729.1098 for more information.

Camp James is located at 191 North Bayside Drive, Newport Beach.

Easter Egg hunt for the visually impaired this Friday

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On Friday, March 30, the Orange County Sheriff’s Department Hazardous Devices Section (HDS) will help provide a unique egg hunt experience for blind and visually impaired students of the Santa Ana-based Blind Children’s Learning Center. Seventy of the Center’s students will search the grounds of the Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort for beeping eggs built by the HDS, an OCSD team also known as the Bomb Squad.

In the weeks leading up to the event, members of the Bomb Squad sharpen their basic electronic circuit-building and soldering skills to create a beeping component that is encapsulated in large, brightly colored plastic eggs to provide visually impaired students a sensory version of an Easter egg hunt.

“This is a fun way for our bomb technicians to practice a basic skill, but what they look forward to the most is participating in the egg hunt with the students,” said Lt. Martin Ramirez, Special Enforcement Bureau supervisor. “This is a favorite community event for us, and we’re honored to be a part of it.”

Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort will welcome the Center’s students from 10:30 a.m. - 12 p.m. After the egg hunt, students will receive an Easter basket filled with candy and toys donated by AT&T Pioneers volunteer network and have an opportunity to visit with the Easter Bunny. The students also will be treated to a beachfront picnic provided by Back Bay Bistro to cap off the event.

“Imagine how you would participate in an Easter egg hunt if you couldn’t see,” said Carolyn Baker, director of development for the Blind Children’s Learning Center. “This adapted version of a traditional activity gives our children the opportunity to join in on the fun and excitement. We are so grateful to everyone involved for giving our kids and their families a morning of adventure and special memories.”

Second Harvest Food Bank names Newport Beach resident to its board of directors

Second Harvest Food Bank of Orange County recently appointed Dan Grable, chief operating officer of Goodman North America, to its board of directors. Grable brings vast knowledge in the areas of operations, administrative development, organization in charitable foundation and leadership to the nonprofit.

Grable, a resident of Newport Beach, is actively involved with all operating and administrative functions at Goodman North America, including finance and accounting, treasury, human resources, risk management, charitable foundation and information technology. He is also responsible for capital markets related functions, including establishing and maintaining banking and lending relationships, and assisting in deal structuring, acquisition and investment activities.

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Dan Grabel is named to Second Harvest Food Bank board of directors 

Before his time at Goodman North America, Grable gained more than 30 years of investment, finance and management experience in commercial and residential real estate. He served in executive positions with Pharris Properties, Merage Investment Group, LNR Property Corporation, William Lyon Company, Pacific Life, Lincoln Property Company and Price Waterhouse. Over his career, Grable has been involved in more than US$8 billion of real estate transactions.

Grable holds a MBA from Stanford University and a BS in Accounting and Finance from the University of Southern California.

“As we continue to lead the fight to end hunger in Orange County, we welcome the addition of Dan Grable to our board of directors,” said Nicole Suydam, CEO of Second Harvest Food Bank of Orange County. “His extensive knowledge, leadership and commitment to the community will strengthen our work and make an even greater impact towards creating a future in which no one goes hungry.”

Banning Ranch Conservancy and Newport Banning Ranch settle six-year lawsuit

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View of a Banning Ranch trail

Banning Ranch Conservancy and Newport Banning Ranch LLC announced on March 16 that they have reached a mediated settlement of attorney fees related to the lawsuit against the City of Newport Beach. The lawsuit challenged the 2012 Certification of an Environmental Impact Report (EIR) and the City’s approval of the Newport Banning Ranch Project that would have allowed up to 1,375 homes.

In March 2017, the California Supreme Court ruled in favor of the Conservancy after a split-decision by the Orange County Superior Court and a setback at the Court of Appeals. As a result of the judgment, the City was ordered to rescind the EIR and project approvals.

“We consider this matter closed,” stated Steve Ray, executive director for Banning Ranch Conservancy. “We are looking forward to putting the contentiousness of the past 10 years behind us and creating a new dialogue with the City and the landowner.”   

Conservancy President Terry Welsh added, “We will continue our efforts to secure funding to purchase the Banning Ranch property for permanent open space.”

Newport Banning Ranch LLC Project Manager Michael Mohler noted, “We will continue to evaluate all options that could lead to accelerated cleanup of the oilfield and public access to the property. Banning Ranch Conservancy will be included in those discussions.”

Compost giveaway on April 7

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On Saturday, April 7 from 9 - 11 a.m., the City of Newport Beach and CR&R are holding another free compost giveaway for Newport Beach residents. There is a two-bag limit per household. Proof of residency may be required.

The event takes place in the Big Canyon Reservoir parking lot located at 3300 Pacific View Drive, Corona del Mar.

For more information, call CR&R at 949.625.6735.

Dig into Spring at Charlie & Me

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Come meet Weston + Fira, two adorable French Bulldogs, of WTFrenchie

You’re invited to “Dig into Spring” at Charlie & Me at Lido Marina Village with special guests, French Bulldogs – Weston + Fira of WTFrenchie.

Join the festivities on Sunday, April 8 from 1 - 4 p.m. for a meet and greet with the Insta-famous duo WTFrenchie, complimentary monogramming with purchase, and a special Vanderpump Pet Pop-Up shop inside Charlie & Me.

During the event you’ll enjoy Dirty Cookie treats, small bites and beverages for you and your four-legged friend. This event is free and open to the public with no RSVP necessary.

Charlie & Me is located at Lido Marina Village, 3505 Via Oporto, Ste. 103, Newport Beach.

Fair Game

By TOM JOHNSON

Tuesday’s example of politics was not appreciated by the community as a whole

Count to 10…just walk away…take a couple of deep breaths…go to your room and read a book. Those were all things my dad used to tell me as a kid when I was about to lose my temper and blow my lid.

Boy I wish my dad would have been sitting next to me Tuesday night in the Newport Beach Council Chambers. Unfortunately, he died in 1996.

Anyway, lots of folks attended Tuesday night’s council meeting to support City Manager Dave Kiff, as a report emerged over the weekend that his employment was going to end.

Some higher ups (our electeds) say he’s decided to “retire,” and others are saying he was “forced.” 

Here’s the difficult part, nobody is talking.

But if the example demonstrated Tuesday by our Mayor, Marshall “Duffy” Duffield, was any example, community participation is not important and not wanted!

Here’s the deal, Tuesday night, “Public Comments on non-agenda items” was one of the first few matters listed on that evening’s agenda. Instead of calling it at its planned time, the council skipped over it. 

In fairness, the Mayor had announced earlier in the evening that that one item would be moved in front of public comments.

I was told after the meeting that the reason was so that “Councilmember Diane Dixon, who had an airplane flight to catch, could participate in the discussion and vote.”

No problem. Who could argue.

It’s what the council did next that was the problem. Instead of moving back to Public Comments and assuming the publicized agenda, the council continued on from there with multiple public hearings.

The audience was mad…and getting madder. 

With every item introduced, audience members questioned the council’s actions.

The council continually reassured.

Forced to stay until the end, the Mayor finally called for “Public Comments on non-agenda items.”

I honestly believe that the members in question for the Kiff action hoped that those watching on TV and in the council chamber audience would become tired and tune out or leave.

Some did, most didn’t. Kudos to two Kiff supporters who stayed the course, 96-year-old Elenor Ramsey and Elaine Linoff, also a nonagenarian, who stayed the course. Shame on you council.

Nearly everyone who remained in the chambers was there for this item. People from all walks of Newport Beach spoke in support of City Manager Kiff and urged a hope to change plans. Many speakers castigated members of the council.

One councilmember even chose to fight back on certain issues. It probably wasn’t the best of ideas.

Overall, the evening was an ugly example of community politics and is an unfortunate example of where our community is.

We should expect more from our council in the months ahead…or vote them out.

Let’s face it, the community is mad that Dave Kiff is leaving. The contract that he most recently agreed to runs into 2019. Most community members believe that Dave would not leave early on a commitment he agreed to, after all, for 20+ years in Newport Beach his integrity has been one of his highest qualities.

Mayor and councilmembers, we expect better from all of you!

Can we all at least be civil and do the right thing?

Breathe…breathe…

• • •

Orange County Youth Sports Foundation hosts OCYSY Sportsman of the Year 2018, Rod Carew, at the Fashion Island Hotel, Thursday, April 25. More details to come, in the meantime, check it out at www.ocysf.com.

• • •

Dr. Henry T. Nicholas III has donated $40,000 to the men’s and women’s UCI crew teams as they head to Georgia later this spring for a championship regatta.

• • •

Congrats to Celine Niu, Newport Beach, tied for medalist honors in the AJGA Preview golf championships in Brookhaven, TX, in the Girls Division. Niu shot rounds of 78-74.

• • •

St. James the Great will reopen to their congregation a week from Sunday, April 8. Details to come Tuesday.

Free monthly Sculptures in Civic Center Park lecture series to begin in April

Art lovers are invited to join artist Grace Divine for a series of free monthly lectures on the Sculptures in Civic Center Park to be held in the Central Library Friends Room, 1000 Avocado Ave., Newport Beach, beginning Monday, April 2 at 7 p.m.

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Photo by Ryan Miller, Capture Imaging

/Courtesy of NBPL

Artist David Boyer with his wind sculpture, “Getting Your Bearings,” is the topic of conversation at the Monday, April 2 lecture

Each lecture will feature a different sculpture, discussing the artist, composition, inspiration and unique features of each piece. The first lecture will focus on one of the most prominent sculptures in the exhibition, “Getting Your Bearings.”

Artist David Boyer will be attending to talk about how he crafted the kinetic wind sculpture and its debut at the Burning Man Festival in the Black Rock Desert, Nevada.

The series will consist of nine lectures, each held on the first Monday of the month from April 2018 through March 2019, excluding the months of July, November and December. The complete schedule is as follows:  

April 2 - “Getting Your Bearings” by David Boyer

May 7 - “Cultural Pedestrians” by Sue Quinlan

June 4 - “Be Still and Know” by John Merigian

August 6 - “Cosmic Glints” by Patricia Vader

September 10 - “Burnt Matchstick” by Karl Unnasch

October 1 - “Life is a Balancing Act” by Cindy Debold

January 7 - “Popsicles” by Craig Gray

February 4 - “No Swimming” by Oleg Lobykin

March 4 - “Flight” by Steven Rieman

This program is free with seating on a first-come, first-served basis, limited by room capacity. For more information on Newport Beach Public Library resources and programs, contact the Library at 949.717.3800, option 2, or visit the website at www.newportbeachlibrary.org.

Junior League Juniors held cleanup event at 15th Street beach

On Sunday, March 25, Junior League Juniors hosted a beach cleanup event at 15th Street beach in Newport Beach entitled “Keep Our Coast Clean.”

Kids in grades K-5 learned how they can help preserve our local beaches and help local wildlife through recycling, using reusable containers for their lunches and drinks, using less plastic, and knowing what can and can’t break down in the ocean or a landfill.

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Junior League Juniors collected more than 14 pounds of debris during the one-day beach cleanup

The Juniors decorated reusable lunch bags and signed pledges that they will help reduce marine debris before participating in a beach cleanup. In less than half an hour they collected more than 14 pounds of debris from the beach – including sporting goods, glass and clay pots, and lots of cigarette butts.

Youngsters decorating reusable lunch bags

It was a great event and the Juniors are excited to keep our beach clean and spread the word about how their friends and family can help.

For more information about Junior League Juniors, visit www.jloccc.org.

Women of Greatness holds Brunch & Bubbly event

The Women of Greatness philanthropy group officially kicked off with the inaugural Brunch & Bubbly event at Fashion Island Hotel on Sunday, Feb 25. The event honored Charlene Immell, their 2018 Woman of Greatness. Immel has been a long-time Club supporter and was the Club’s first female board member and first female board president. Her involvement and impact on the organization over the years is truly inspiring.

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(L-R): CEO Robert Santana with board members Nicole Carrillo Hall, loanDepot; and Ronnie Coffie, KPMG; along with keynote speaker, Josephine Lee

The event’s key sponsors were KPMG and Anne MacPherson; other sponsors included Nicole Carrillo Hall, Taco Bell, Frank & Shannon Tucker and First American Trust.

The Women of Greatness philanthropy group that hosts quarterly networking events and the annual Brunch & Bubbly event, remains focused on raising awareness of and funds to support the Club’s family programming. Last year, their Family Strengthening program served 364 unique families through 42 nonprofit and community partners.

Based on the belief that strengthening the entire family unit will put kids on a greater path to success, this initiative works to educate, empower, and equip the parents in our community to improve their family’s education, finances and health.

To learn more about Women of Greatness, contact Kristle Duran at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., or call 714.543.5540 ext. 305.

Orange County Bar Association awards $10,000 grant to Human Options

Human Options, a nonprofit dedicated to breaking the cycle of domestic violence, was presented a $10,000 grant from the Orange County Bar Association Charitable Fund. The grant will support the organization’s Legal Advocacy Program, which has been operating since 1986, and offers legal information, education and more to those affected by domestic violence. The Orange County Bar Association is located in Newport Beach.

The Legal Advocacy Program provides services including education on legal rights and remedies, court preparation and accompaniment, assistance with completing and filing applications for restraining orders, victim compensation, confidential address programs, and VAWA/U-Visas. Legal Advocates also provide support in domestic violence specific housing/lease and employment issues. Additionally, Human Options offers nine free monthly legal clinics with volunteer attorneys throughout the county on family law and immigration law issues. If a victim’s legal needs do not fit within the scope of the program, Human Options refers them to trusted community partners for services. 

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(L-R): Michael Morris, partner at Minyard Morris with Human Options Legal Advocate Sandra Bear

“Legal support is critical for victims of domestic violence. Individuals who have experienced domestic violence often find themselves overwhelmed by a variety of issues in addition to physical abuse, including protection available to them under the law to obtain relief from the abusive partner,” said Maricela Rios-Faust, CEO of Human Options. “With this generous support from the Orange County Bar Association, we’re able to provide these comprehensive victim advocacy services in local courts.” 

Human Options is leading the way to end domestic violence, reaching more than 20,000 community members who received education through their prevention programs. More than 500 individuals found a safe home at their emergency shelter, and their teams have responded to more than 6,500 callers that contacted them for immediate crisis support, information and referrals through their 24-hour hotline.

For more information about Human Options, please visit https://humanoptions.org.

NBFD’s CERT held bi-annual “Drill the Skills” class

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Photos courtesy of NBFD

“Drill the Skills” CERT classes are led by our Newport Beach Fire Department personnel

The Newport Beach Fire Department held its bi-annual Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) “Drill the Skills” on Saturday, March 24. The Newport Beach CERT “Drill the Skills” is held twice a year and serves as a final drill/graduation for both the fall and spring CERT programs.

This Spring, the Fire Department held two CERT programs – a Thursday Day program and an all-day Saturday program. Each CERT program includes approximately 24 hours of training. In total, 55 participants completed all of the CERT training classes and officially graduated on Saturday.

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CERT Volunteers observe a demonstration by an NBFD firefighter

For the drill, CERT volunteers participate in five hands-on drill stations that cover some of the most important aspects of the CERT training including: how to properly shore and crib, indoor search, fire suppression, triage and a medical operations review station.

The next Newport Beach Fire Department CERT programs will be held in late September with a Tuesday - Thursday evening program and an all-day Saturday program.

For additional information on the Fire Department’s CERT program, go to www.nbcert.org, or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

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NBFD firefighters and CERT volunteers join together for a group photo

NB Police Department employees honored

The 47th Annual Police Appreciation Breakfast was held Thursday morning, March 29 at the Hyatt Regency, Newport Beach. The event was hosted by the Newport Beach Chamber of Commerce and the Commodores Club, and sponsored by the Maseeh Family, Hoag Memorial Hospital Presbyterian, and Newport Beach & Company.

Members of the Police Department were honored at the breakfast, which was also attended by city staff, community leaders, and members of the local business community.

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(L-R): NB Police Chief Jon T. Lewis, Connie Frink, Brandon Rodriguez, Lauren Wyse, Jason Blakely and Marc Spiegel

Nominations for the Police Department Annual Awards are collected by committees for each award category. Members of the Police Department who receive award nominations are discussed by those committees and then recommendations are submitted to the Chief of Police for consideration.

The following members of the Police Department received recognition in the listed categories:

Sergeant Jason Blakely, 2017 Officer of the Year

Sergeant Brandon Rodriguez, 2017 Sworn Supervisor of the Year

Records Supervisor Connie Frink, 2017 Civilian Supervisor of the Year

Dispatcher Lauren Wyse, 2017 Civilian of the Year

Volunteer Marc Spiegel, 2017 Volunteer of the Year

Additional awards were given to the following recipients:

Chief’s Citation presented to Margaret “Peg” Peterson of the Orange County Healthcare Agency

For the last five years, Peterson has been assigned to the NBPD in the role of Psychiatric Emergency Response Team clinician. She has been instrumental in the Department’s work with the homeless population, offering her extensive experience in the mental health field and her ability to build rapport with individuals in crisis. She is recognized for her dedicated service and for being a resource for the staff and our community.

Chief’s Citation presented to Reserve Officer Steve Schogel

In 2017, Reserve Officer Schogel began an innovative project, marrying his work as a part-time Reserve Officer with his profession as a Physician Assistant to create the Newport Beach Police Department Naloxone Program. After extensive research and recommendations by Reserve Officer Schogel, Naloxone (a medication used to rapidly reverse opioid overdoses) has been issued to every field officer in the Police

Department. Use of the medication has already saved a number of lives here in Newport Beach, with a few examples appearing below as Lifesaving Awards. Schogel’s expertise in the medical field has also led him to develop an eight-hour First Aid, CPR, and automated external defibrillator (AED) training course for the Department, ensuring that staff have the tools they need to render aid in critical situations. He is recognized for his diligence and his dedication to these significant projects.

Lifesaving Award presented to Officer Mark Fasano

On October 10, 2017, Officer Fasano responded to a call for medical aid at an apartment complex. A caller reported that his roommate, who had possibly overdosed on heroin, was no longer breathing. The caller began CPR, but when Officer Fasano arrived he found that the man still was not breathing and that his lips had turned blue. Officer Fasano immediately administered Naloxone, with the result that the man inhaled deeply and began to breathe again on his own. Officer Fasano stabilized the man until Newport Beach Fire Department personnel arrived and transported him to a local hospital, where he made a full recovery. Officer Fasano is commended for his quick and decisive action, without which this man might have succumbed to the heroin overdose and passed away.

Lifesaving Award presented to Officers Rachel Cox and Bill Hume

Just before 4 a.m. on August 26, 2017, the Department received several calls about screams emanating from the area of an abandoned building near the intersection of 15th Street and Monrovia Avenue. Officers Cox and Hume responded and began to search for the person in distress. By following the sounds’ muffled moans, they were able to locate a woman lying face down on the ground. She was breathing shallowly, her lips were blue, and her mouth was full of vomit. The officers quickly assessed the woman and identified signs of opioid overdose. At the beginning of that very shift, these officers had received their first training on the use of Naloxone; now, mere hours later, Officer Cox administered the medication. The woman regained consciousness and began breathing again. Both officers are commended for their heroic efforts in saving this woman’s life.

Lifesaving Award presented to Officer Ricardo Adame

On August 8, 2017, Officer Adame was dispatched to the Post Office on Riverside Avenue in response to an emergency call that a man had passed out in the parking lot. When Officer Adame arrived, he found the victim lying on the ground between two parked vehicles. He pulled the man (who was not breathing and had no pulse) out from between the cars, positioned him on his back, and immediately began CPR. Officer Adame continued his life-saving efforts until Newport Beach Fire Department personnel arrived and transported the man to a local hospital, where he regained his pulse and was placed on a breathing machine. The man ultimately made a full recovery. Officer Adame is commended for his quick response and immediate action in saving this man’s life.

Award of Merit presented to Sergeants Comte and Miller, and Officers Duenas, Jarema, Kimble, Maisano and Oberon.

On the evening of February 18, 2017, a man called the Department to report that his adult son had been kidnapped and was being held for ransom. The night before, the son had participated in a pre-arranged illegal narcotics transaction, where 60 pounds of marijuana was stolen at gunpoint. The son was blamed for the theft and subsequently kidnapped. The kidnappers threatened to kill the victim if a ransom of $130,000 was not paid by his family. Working under pressure of that threat, personnel from the Detective Division (Sergeant Miller and Detective Maisano from the Special Investigations Unit along with Burglary Detectives Chris Kimble and Jon Jarema) worked alongside Patrol personnel (Sergeant Josh Comte and Officers Duenas and Oberon) to determine the victim’s whereabouts. After an intense investigation, they determined that the victim was being held in an Anaheim apartment, but was being moved to another location. At great risk to their personal safety, this team of NBPD sergeants and officers intervened in the armed suspects’ activities and rescued the victim, who was returned to his grateful family. All seven of these employees are commended for their exceptional work in finding and rescuing this kidnap victim.

Medal of Valor presented to Officer Troy Zeeman

On October 1, 2017, Officer Zeeman was off-duty, attending the Route 91 Country Music Festival in Las Vegas with his wife. At approximately 10:10 p.m., a gunman on the 32nd floor of the Mandalay Bay Hotel opened fire on the crowd of 22,000 people below. Officer Zeeman, who was wounded by the gunfire, worked with another off-duty law enforcement officer to get more than 20 other concertgoers to safety, only receiving medical attention for his own injuries five hours after the shooting occurred. He is commended for his heroic actions during this horrific event, which undoubtedly saved multiple lives.

At the Appreciation Breakfast, the Police Department also premiered a video entitled “A Sense of Service.” The video can be accessed at http://bit.ly/SenseOfService.

Letters to the Editor:

Maybe we’re asking the wrong questions

I didn’t prepare myself to speak at the City Council meeting on Tuesday about the City Manager’s resignation because, even though I have the greatest respect for Dave Kiff, I felt I needed more facts and information. I basically believe that his sudden announcement to retire early without even the usual “need to attend to health or family matters” excuse is because of something certain City Council members have caused to happen.

I came away from the City Council meeting without much more in the way of facts and information, but I also came away with an opinion, some questions and a not so comfortable observation. My opinion is that at least four of the Council members have acted to coerce/induce the City Manager to resign all of a sudden without any notice to the public and at least to one of the other City Council members. (Brad Avery is totally silent, and Diane Dixon had left the meeting.)  That in itself is alarming, distressful and totally not understandable.

My questions come as a result of my having had the experience of serving on the City Council. It’s always the matter of getting four votes for anything. You can acquire and assure yourself of the four votes by telephone or whatever. In this case the only question that has been asked and answered is whether 3 Council members came to Dave and asked for his resignation – his answer was no. But no one has asked the myriad of other questions. Was it two members who came to his office; was it one member; was it a phone call? Did Council members Dixon and Avery get asked if they wanted to ask for his resignation?  We don’t know because Councilman Avery remained silent and Council member Dixon had fled the meeting.  

My observation was that the four Council persons who were consistently and vehemently accused by members of the public and past elected officials at the meeting chose to absolutely ignore the pleas and comments and people.  They noticeably and I would add arrogantly said nothing. I can’t believe that I, in their place would have said nothing, unless I was indeed in on the very thing the people were complaining about and felt that I could get away with it politically and legally. It looks to me that somebody/s has let their little power trip go to their little heads and this is most definitely not what the people of Newport Beach, let alone the City Manager, deserves. As has been said, it’s disgusting!

Jean Watt

Newport Beach

Former Mayor denounces council in Kiff action

The following is a complete transcript of former Mayor Michael Henn’s comments at Tuesday night’s council meeting.

Mayor Duffield and council members, my name is Michael Henn. I was Mayor of Newport Beach in 2011 and a city councilmember for eight years.

I am here tonight regarding the retirement of Dave Kiff, City Manager.

Dave, among a long line of great city managers for Newport Beach, you are the finest. Your knowledge, dedication, integrity, work ethic and accomplishments are second to none. I count among the foremost blessings of my life the opportunity to work with you for the betterment of our city. 

Congratulations to you and your team on 20 years of superb service to our residents. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. 

I wish you and Tom success and happiness in all the remaining chapters of your life.

However, it is with a heavy heart that I appear here tonight. It is alleged that you were encouraged to retire early by a small group of councilmembers, and that this was done: 1) in private, 2) without the knowledge of councilmembers Herdman, Dixon or Avery, 3) that the councilmembers who did this, did so without the authority of the council acting as a whole, 4) that this action was not based on any sort of performance reason, and without due process.

The voters should know that in my eight years on council, never once did a rogue group of councilmembers engage in such a serious action against a senior city executive without notice, due process or the proper authority.

This action, if true, is a terrible affront and is deeply disrespectful to fellow councilmembers, and to the voters who elected them.

Councilmembers Peotter, Muldoon and O’Neill, and Mayor Duffield, you, or some subject of you, are apparently the rogue councilmembers. You owe the voters of this city answers to the following questions:

1) Are the allegations true? 

2) If so, what were your true motivations? 

3) Who were the councilmembers that conducted this rogue act? 

4) Mayor Duffield: as mayor, one of your prime responsibilities is to assure proper due process and respectful treatment of all your council colleagues. You must have known about this. How could you be so feckless as to standby and allow this disrespectful and insulting action to occur, or worse yet, encourage it

5) Have the rogue councilmembers already picked a new city manager? Is it Mark Denny from Dana Point?

6) If not, how will council assure that a proper, fully-inclusive and objective process be used to select the next city manager?

Most of all, Dave Kiff, Councilmembers Avery, Herdman and Dixon, as well as the voters of Newport Beach, deserve an apology.

Mike Henn

Newport Beach

Kudos to Kiff from friend

In all the years I have known Dave Kiff I have found him to be an intelligent, knowledgeable, hardworking, caring person who will go out of his way to assist when he’s called upon, professionally or otherwise. 

He will always land on his feet and let them take him whichever way he chooses to go because he can!!

And, you can never not like a person that loves dogs!

Let us all know where you land, when you do, so we can keep track of you Dave!

Lynn Cathcart 

Friends of OASIS, Board of Directors

Newport Beach

Sign of the times

It’s another edition of Sign of the times. Contestants, put your thinking caps on. Below you’ll find this week’s clue. What you see is a small part of an overall sign in Newport Beach. This one has been a city favorite for a long while…welcoming locals and visitors like.

Good luck!

Send your guesses to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

If you’re a business and you want to play, you can send us a high-quality photo of your sign and we’ll take it from there and challenge our readers.

Let’s have some fun!

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Spring Art Show and 2nd Annual Art in the Park celebration this Saturday

Courtesy of Crystal Cove Conservancy

This Saturday, March 31, the Spring Art Show and 2nd Annual Art in the Park Celebration takes place from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. in the Crystal Cove Historic District.

Join Crystal Cove State Park and Crystal Cove Conservancy with free family-friendly art events, such as sea glass wrapping, outdoor musical performances, watercolor painting, sing dancers, basket weaving and more. For a full schedule of events, visit https://crystalcove.org/artinthepark. 

The Spring Art Show continues through Sunday, April 1 from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Park in the Los Trancos lot (PCH inland at stoplight Los Trancos and then walk across the street or take the shuttle). Day-use fee: $5/per hour (max. $15).

Stump the Stu

See horse at NBCC

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Well Newport Beach, you came through with flying colors. This piece titled “Empress of the Sea” was completed by David L. Spellberg for the Newport Beach Country Club in 2016. The artwork is located at the entryway of the Newport Beach Country Club.

There were many correct guesses: Bill Finster, Doug Forde, Jillian U. Sabaugh, Joe Stapleton, Judy Leeper, Peter Bretschger, Shari Esayian, Tom Anderson, Vicki Hatfield and Rachel Peterson.

Join us on Tuesdays as we try and stump you each week with a picture of something unique in our community.

If you have a unique spot or icon around town that you think StuNewsNewport readers would enjoy finding out about, please shoot it, share it and give us the answer, so we can challenge them!

True justice in Newport Harbor?

By DUNCAN FORGEY

California has been the centerpiece of “celebrity” crimes and trials since the beginning of the 20th Century. One of the earliest was the three-trial acquittal of silent film start Roscoe Conkling “Fatty” Arbuckle in 1922. One of Hollywood’s favorite silent movie stars, at the peak of his career, Arbuckle made the equivalent of $14 million in today’s money. He was accused of the rape and manslaughter of actress Virginia Rappe in San Francisco. The entire country was riveted with his court appearances.

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Comedian Roscoe “Fatty” Arbuckle starring in the 1919 silent film, “The Hayseed”

Then, of course, no history buff of California can forget Elizabeth Short, known posthumously as the “Black Dahlia.” She was an attractive young lady found murdered in Leimert Park in LA. Although unsolved (despite more than 500 confessions to the crime), the murder and its gory details had lasting cultural intrigue for Southern California.

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The “Black Dahlia” – Elizabeth Short

Recently deceased Charles Manson and his “family” created terror during a cult crime spree in the late 1960s. Murders were based upon his desire to start an apocalyptic race war (Helter Skelter). Having deep connections in both the drug culture and Hollywood, he often used other people to commit many of his crimes. His subsequent trial was a “must follow” battle between Manson and his “family” versus Vincent Bugliosi and the Los Angeles District Attorney’s office.

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O.J.’s “Dream Team”

But the granddaddy of them all is the story of Orenthal James “O.J.” Simpson. To this day, the O.J. Simpson trial draws tremendous interest and stirs up age-old racial issues. His acquittal of the deaths of his wife Nicole Brown Simpson and waiter Ronald Goldman shocked the Los Angeles District Attorney’s office to its knees. O.J.’s life story of childhood struggles to football and Hollywood successes, to arrest, incarceration and failure is an epic plight proving the old Mark Twain adage: “Truth is stranger than fiction.”

When all these judgements came down, there was shock and disappointment in the legal system. Fatty Arbuckle, not guilty; Elizabeth Short, no arrest nor conviction; Charles Manson, no death penalty; and O.J., not guilty.

But what does this have to do with Newport Beach? Other than our residents following these landmark court cases riveted to their newspapers, radios and TVs, they did not directly affect Newport.

But there was one trial that did. The year was 1947 and the post-World War II boom was gaining momentum. The LA Dodgers hired Jackie Robinson, supersonic aircraft were being tested, Ferrari began its manufacturing of cars and the tubeless tire was born. People like Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, James Cagney, Humphrey Bogart and Katharine Hepburn were oft visitors to the then famous Newport Beach. Hillary Clinton, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Stephen King and O.J. Simpson were all born in 1947.

And it was the year for Newport Beach’s “celebrity” murder case. It had the same cultural aspects for Southern California as the others. A circus-like environment, packed courtrooms, volatile press coverage and emotional conflicts among all parties were a daily occurrence in the 133-day court trial. The plot line included all the elements of a classic murder mystery: wealth, greed, murder, stupidity and bitterness.

Most Newporters today have never heard of it. Virtually unknown, this crime resulted with laws regarding the sale and accessibility of dynamite. Paralleling today’s cries about accessibility to AK-15s and other guns, this trial changed behavior in America.

The victims were Walter E. Overell, 62, and his wife Beulah, 57. The killing took place on their 47-foot yacht, the Mary E, which was moored in the harbor east of Bay Island. The boat exploded. As police officers Larry Goddard and George Calihan responded, they saw a young couple running hand in hand in the opposite direction. The fire department was called and they found Walter and Beulah dead on the boat. The police scanned the scene, collected evidence and the bodies were taken to Baltz Mortuary in Corona del Mar.

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An advertisement for a 47-foot Chris Craft, the type of yacht that set the scene for the high-profile Overell case

Murder was not a consideration until the autopsy, the unusual evidence that was found and discussions with the Overells’ daughter, Louise, and her boyfriend George “Bud” Gollum, were completed. The young couple happened to be the two running away from the scene that night. They were engaged and in love, but George was not popular with Mr. and Mrs. Overell. The Overells were a high-society couple who lived in Flintridge near Pasadena and Mr. Overell was dead set against this romance.

Living among the wealthy, Mr. Overell made a “modest fortune” in furniture manufacturing and real estate investments. This gave the Overell family access to Newport Harbor, yachts and the “good life” of 1947 Newport Beach. Beulah was a well-known socialite and friend of Senator Frank Flint, developer of Flintridge.

They had one child, Louise. In those days, it was believed that children born to “older” women had inherent problems, and Beulah gave birth to Louise when she was 39. Therefore, Louise, considered unattractive and a spoiled child of wealthy parents, grew up under these circumstances. At the time of the murders, she was a first-year journalism student at USC. Her father had threatened to disinherit her if she married “Bud” Gollum.

Thinking the explosion was caused by a gas leak from the butane tank, Fire Chief Frank Crocker investigated and found a wire leading to 30 unexploded sticks of dynamite attached to a time clock. The clock was set, but failed to go off at the precise time when then the ship’s clock was stopped due to the initial and smaller dynamite explosion. According to the autopsy report, both parents suffered skull fractures that could not have been caused by an explosion. In fact, the injuries to their heads were the exact shape of a ball peen hammer.

The coincidence that the two kids were on board with the parents and happened to row to shore, eat hamburgers and malted milks at the time of the explosion seemed too convenient to Newport police officers, and murder was suspected.

As in most high-profile cases, different investigating parties started to assist each other. They found wire and a switch button to match those on the boat in George Gollum’s car. Plus, there was a bundle of his clothes spattered with blood. As confirmed by the Overells’ housekeeper, the alarm clock on the boat was found to have come from Louise’s bedroom and often did not work properly.

NB Police Chief Hodgkinson, Orange County Sheriff Musick and Captain McGaff of the Bureau of Records compiled the evidence and arrested and booked the young couple for suspicion of murder on March 19, 1947. Proof of purchase of the dynamite, locating the ball peen hammer and “Bud’s” bloody shoes, combined with inconsistent stories of what happened that night, took authorities only four days after the murders to come up with a powerful number of facts linking the young couple to the murder of Louise’s parents. Law enforcement thought they had a foolproof case.

While both suspects were incarcerated and awaiting trial, they started a long string of letters and communication, revealing a dark and treacherous relationship. Despite all of this, the jury voted differently.

Louise Overell, after a non-guilty verdict

The not guilty verdict was as unsuspected as O.J.’s, Robert Blake’s and Casey Anthony’s from the legal system’s point of view. Just as in these more contemporary cases, a highly aggressive defense team attacked every prosecution witness viciously, discredited items of evidence and used a strategy of illogical conclusions to “confuse” the jury.

Marcia Clarke said after the O.J. trial, that her jury was manipulated from a “reasonable doubt” to a “reason to doubt.” As concluded by historian Brooks Wilson in The Newport Harbor Murders Revisited, the Overell jury was manipulated into deciding between “reasonable doubt” and “unreasonable doubt.” He concludes in the subtitle of his book: “The criminal justice system found guilty.”

Careers were made and ruined by the verdict. Dynamite was forever “controlled” so an impressionable young 21-year-old and his 17-year-old girlfriend could not simply walk in to buy some. 

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Newport Harbor, 1949

The post-trial lives of Louise and “Bud” never panned out the way they wanted. There was hostility in the two camps, so they never married after the acquittal. Her inheritance was much smaller than expected because of the trial. As they grew older, their short period of fame faded quickly. This meant that for the rest of their lives, they lived in shame for what they had done.

George “Bud” Gollum died in 2009 in Alaska. No one knew who he was or why he was “famous.” His local paper did not even run an obituary announcing his death. He left behind two ex-wives and two children.

Louise died in 1965 in Las Vegas, a victim of alcoholism.  

~~~~~~~~

Duncan Forgey, who made his home here in Newport Beach for many years, now resides in Hawaii. He is a monthly contributor to StuNewsNewport.

Farm to Fork: A Foodie’s Point of View

By LANA JOHNSON

Celebrate Easter with these dining choices

Easter Sunday, coming April 1, is less than a week away, so if you haven’t chosen a dining venue yet to celebrate this Springtime holiday with friends and family, here are some suggestions. Make your reservations now to secure seating. This is the second in a two-part series.

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Bayside is serving both brunch and dinner. Sunday brunch is a three-course pre-prix menu with free-flowing champagne/mimosas. From starters such as roasted ruby beets with goat cheese and strawberries to main-course options ranging from frittata and king crab “Bayside” benedict to flat iron steak, grilled lamb chops and Alaskan halibut and for vegetarians…fusilli pasta primavera…leave room for dessert! There is also a Kids Menu. Cost: Adults, $49.75, tax and gratuity not included; Children 12 and under, $22. Sunday supper begins at 5 p.m. with a pre-fixe three-course menu available in addition to their regular dinner menu. You can select any dessert from their list. Cost: $40 per person, tax and gratuity not included. 900 Bayside Drive, Newport Beach. Call 949.721.1222. www.baysiderestaurant.com

Harborside, where you can celebrate Easter on the Bay! Enjoy the Grand Buffet Brunch served upstairs in the Grand Ballroom from, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. Cost: Adults, $40; Children, $16. A bottle of Champagne, $6. Price doesn’t include tax or gratuity. They will be serving dinner beginning at 4 p.m. in the dining room. Reservations are required. Call 949.673.4633. 400 Main Street (Balboa Peninsula), Newport Beach. www.harborside-pavilion.com

Hornblower Cruise on Newport Harbor is awaiting those who enjoy the sweeter things in life. The brunch or supper buffet is brimming with classic breakfast fare, holiday classics and chocolatey treats. They’re taking Easter up a notch with free-flowing Champagne, live entertainment and even a visit from the Easter Bunny! Two-hour cruises take place at 10 a.m. aboard the Wild Goose, 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Cost: Starts at $75 per person. Reservations are required. 3101 W. Coast Highway, Newport Beach. Call 949.631.2469. www.hornblower.com

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Easter brunch or the dinner buffet aboard a Hornblower yacht yields spectacular harbor views

Lighthouse Bayview Café in Marina Park is offering a special Easter brunch menu. Start with a bruschetta trio or jumbo lump crab tacos among others, with entrees such as honey ham Monte Cristo, herb crusted New Zealand lamb chops or avocado country toast. Call 949.933.1001. 1600 W. Balboa Blvd., Newport Beach. www.lighthousenb.com

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Lighthouse Bayview Café in Marina Park affords bay vistas

Muldoon’s Irish Pub in Fashion Island will be serving a three-course Easter brunch from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. Start with a bowl of fresh fruit or split pea soup (with fresh baked soda bread and sweet butter) with your choice of entrees such as Galway eggs benedict, Irish stew, Muldoon’s Reuben or BBQ salmon. Your sweet finish is a chocolate sundae or Irish berry tart. Some of the favorite libations are the Pub Bloody Mary, Irish Mule or Lucky Martini. Cost: $29.95. A children’s menu is available for those 10 years of age and under for $12.95. 202 Newport Center drive, Newport Beach. Call 949.640.4110. www.muldoonspub.com

Courtesy muldoonspub.com

Start your Easter meal at Muldoon’s Irish Pub with fresh baked soda bread

Newport Landing is offering an Easter buffet brunch on the harbor from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. Cost: Adults, $40; Kids under 10 years of age, $16. A bottomless glass of Champagne is $3. Price excludes tax and gratuity. 503 Easter Edgewater, Newport Beach. Call 949.675.2373. www.newport-landing.com

Rockin’ Baja Lobster is serving specials all Easter weekend long. It’s Rockin’ Seafood Bucket is filled with Baja style- flavor and it’s made to share. Enjoy Canadian lobster tails, a snow crab cluster, shrimp, skirt steak, grilled chicken, free Caesar salad, grilled corn on the cob, “All You Can Eat” ranchero beans, citrus rice, warm tortillas, their famous honey chili butter and world-class fresh salsa bar. Cost: $59.99 for two. Available Friday, March 30 through Sunday, April 1. Reservations suggested. 2104 W. Oceanfront, Newport Beach. 949.723.0606. www.rockinbaja.com

Roy’s is offering Easter brunch and dinner. From 9 a.m. - 3 p.m., celebrate Easter brunch with their one-day-only, two-course prix fixe menu featuring favorites like lobster & shrimp omelet, macadamia nut crusted mahi mahi and slow roasted prime rib of beef. For dinner service from 3 - 9 p.m., enjoy a special menu of Roy’s classics including their fresh-from-Hawaii blackened island ahi, roasted macadamia nut crusted mahi mahi and new chef creations like their USDA prime New York strip steak. Pricing varies. A children’s (keiki) menu with a fresh fruit medley starter, choice of entrée and beverage is also available for $13. 453 Newport Center Drive (Fashion Island), Newport Beach. Call 949.640.7697. www.roysrestaurant.com

Sol Cocina where Easter brunch and live entertainment come together from 12 - 3 p.m. Enjoy huevos rancheros, chilaquiles, macha and more! Specialty cocktails include the new Sol’s Bloody Mary and Paloma, as well as the Fro-Mo, mimosas and Michelada. Brunch will also be served Saturday, March 31 from 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. Call about pricing. 251 Pacific Coast Highway, Newport Beach. Call 949.675.9800. To make a reservation, visit www.solcocina.com

Courtesy of Sol Cocina

Refreshing libations pair perfectly with Sol Cocina’s Easter brunch offerings

The Beachcomber, where you can enjoy brunch on the beach at Crystal Cove. Start with beignets and choose one of the Beachcomber’s delicious entrees, including surf & turf, dulce de leche pancakes, lobster mac & cheese, huevos rancheros and ribeye French dip and more from 7 a.m. - 4 p.m. Cost: Adults, $39.95; Children, $14.95 (who order off the Kids’ menu). Bottomless Champagne, mimosa or orange juice, soda or coffee. 15 Crystal Cove, Newport Coast. Call 949.376.6900. www.thebeachcombercafe.com

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After Champagne brunch at The Beachcomber, stroll the Crystal Cove shoreline

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The Bungalow is offering their Champagne brunch from 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. Start off with a basket of freshly baked assorted muffins and your choice of juice or coffee. Among the first course selections: lobster bisque, heirloom tomato salad, Bungalow salad or fresh fruit cup. Among the entrée selections are eggs benedict your way, grilled lime chicken salad, California chicken breast, grilled king salmon, grilled vegetable tart, or mixed berry waffle. For an additional $6, you can enjoy roasted prime rib of beef or New York strip & eggs. Desserts are available for $5 each. Cost: Adults, $29. Bottomless Champagne or Bloody Marys for an additional $10 per guest. There is a menu for children under the age of 12 for $14. 2441 E. Coast Highway, Corona del Mar. Call 949.673.6585. www.TheBungalowRestaurant.com

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Courtesy of bungalowrestaurant.com

Dining at The Bungalow is always a memorable experience

True Food Kitchen is celebrating with an Easter brunch menu featuring special offerings from its not-yet-released Spring Menu. Guests will have the option to choose from a selection of dishes and Spring beverages that will only be offered on Easter Sunday. Enjoy seasonal flavors with dishes like the new Spring toast, seasonal ingredient salad and a strawberry & rhubarb crisp, along with Spring sips like the lemongrass margarita, strawberry bourbon smash and the refreshing cucumber cooler. Pricing varies. 451 Newport Center Drive (Fashion Island), Newport Beach. Call 949.644.2400. www.truefoodkitchen.com

Happy Easter…

Ciao Vincenza!

Newport Beach – A Look Back

Photo series courtesy of Balboa Island Museum & Historical Society

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Flashback to the Easter Holiday, 1951, when a group of girls were perched on a dock railing on their Balboa Island visit

Visit Balboa Island Museum and the Museum Store located at 331 Marine Ave., Balboa Island. They are open Tuesdays - Sundays from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Call 949.675.3952. www.balboaislandmuseum.organd  This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Uncommon Goods: Artist Book as Object

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Courtesy of newportbeachlibrary.org

The Newport Beach City Arts Commission is hosting an exhibition featuring a reinterpretation of the “book” by 25 University of California, Irvine student artists. Students researched the history and creative production of the artist’s books at the special collections department of UCI’s Langston Library. There they explored the infinite possibilities of constructing and organizing data, or in some cases interweaving visual narratives, using unusual materials, color, line and form.

Their collective activity underscores what Johanna Drucker, visual theorist and cultural critic, suggests that “artist’s books became a developed art form in the 20th century. In many ways, one could argue that the artist’s book is the quintessential 20th century art form. Artists’ books appear in every significant movement in art and literature and have provided a unique means of realizing works within all of the many avant-gardes, experimental and independent groups whose contributions have defined the shape of 20th century artistic activity.”

The exhibition will be on display on the 2nd floor of the Central Library during regular operating hours, April 7 through May 5.

An opening reception is being held on Saturday, April 7 at 12 p.m. in the exhibition area, and some of the artists will attend the opening event and discuss their works.

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

Temple Bat Yahm to observe Passover Seder

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On Saturday, March 31 at 6 p.m., join the Family Passover Seder 2018 at Temple Bat Yahm in Newport Beach. Celebrate Passover with family and friends during the interactive service and Hagaddah reading, which tells the story of Jewish ancestors being led from slavery in Egypt.

There will be live music, children’s activities and kosher ceremonial wine (bring your own wine for dinner). Reservations are required and can be made via the website. Please RSVP by Friday, March 24.

Cost: Adult members, $60; non-members, $70; children 5 - 12 years of age are $30; and children under age 5 are free.

Temple Bat Yahm is located at 1011 Camelback St., Newport Beach. Call 949.644.1999. www.tby.org.

Stump the Stu

Where is this Hippocampus?

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Okay Stumpers, you were off your game last week so we’re gonna throw out one that many of you may have seen for the first time in March. Think where you were and what you did.

B-t-w, this sculpture is titled “EMPRESS of the SEA” and was completed by David L. Spellberg. Nice work…probably par for the course.

A hippocampus you ask, comes from the Ancient Greek word hippos meaning “horse” and kampos meaning “sea monster.”

We try and stump you each week on Tuesdays with a picture of something unique in our community.

Take the challenge and submit your answers to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. The correct answers are in Friday’s edition. We also run the correct guesses on Friday. So, join us in the fun.

If you have a unique spot or icon around town that you think Stu News Newport readers would enjoy finding out about, please shoot it, share it and give us the answer, so we can challenge them!

Spring Art Show and 2nd Annual Art in the Park celebration this Saturday

Courtesy of Crystal Cove Conservancy

This Saturday, March 31, the Spring Art Show and 2nd Annual Art in the Park Celebration takes place from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. in the Crystal Cove Historic District.

Join Crystal Cove State Park and Crystal Cove Conservancy with free family-friendly art events, such as sea glass wrapping, outdoor musical performances, watercolor painting, sing dancers, basket weaving and more. For a full schedule of events, visit https://crystalcove.org/artinthepark. Park in the Los Trancos lot (PCH inland at stoplight Los Trancos and then walk across the street or take the shuttle). Day-use fee: $5/per hour (max. $15).

Sign of the times

On Thursdays we give you a partial glimpse of a sign around town. You guess what the overall name of the business is. 

So, we gave you a glimpse of a scripted “tree” edged in green. It came from the new “Wine country cuisine/chef-driven American bistro” Olea. It’s located at 2001 Westcliff Drive in The Walk. One correct guess came in from John Wortmann, from the famous Wortmann clan on Lido Isle.

Thank you for playing.

If you’re a business and you want to play, you can send us a high-quality photo of your sign and we’ll take it from there and challenge our readers.

Let’s have some fun!

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School Notes

PTA recognizes young artists

Annually, the Harbor Council PTA hosts a program called “Reflections.” The program is an art recognition program that has been sponsored by the National PTA since 1969.  

Each year, there is a theme established. The program honors students for their achievements in six categories: literature, film/video, visual arts, photography, dance choreography, and musical composition. Students are also divided into four age divisions: Primary (preschool through 2nd grade), Intermediate (3rd through 5th grades), Middle (6th through 8th grades), and High School (9th through 12th grades). Each of these categories and divisions are judged first at the school PTA Unit before being forwarded to the Harbor Council PTA.

After completing its judging, the Harbor Council PTA submitted their selections to the 4th District PTA which represents all schools with PTAs in Orange County. These are the names of the 4th District PTA Award of Excellence and Award of Merit honorees for recognition: Ian Turner, Corona del Mar High School, Award of Excellence, Film Production (High School); Katherine Odeen, Corona del Mar Middle School, Award of Merit, Film Production (Middle); and Angeline Shipman, Newport Coast Elementary, Award of Merit, Photography (Primary).

NHHS 

Spring Choir Concert – Wednesday, March 28, 6 - 8 p.m., Robert B. Wentz Theater

Band/Jazz/Orchestra – Friday, March 30, 6 - 8 p.m., Robins Loats Theater

PTA Executive Board – Wednesday, April 4, 8 a.m., Newkirk Conference Room

Spring Recess – Monday through Friday, April 16 - 23

CdMHS 

Footloose, The Spring Musical, Wednesday, April 4 - Sunday, April 8 Performance times are April 4 at 4 p.m., April 5, 6 and 7 at 7 p.m. and April 8 at 2 p.m. Tickets are $5 at the door for students, and $10 for general admission. You can purchase tickets at www.bapaco.org (BAPACO) or buy tickets at the door.

Spring Festival Concert – Monday, April 9, 7 - 8 p.m.

Vocal Zone Concert – Tuesday, April 10, 7 - 8 p.m.

Spring Recess – Monday through Friday, April 16 - 23

Sage Hill High School

Spring Break – Monday through Friday, March 26 - 30

Parent Association: 12th Grade Parent Lunch – April 4 from 12 - 2 p.m.

Parent Association: 9th Grade Parent Coffee – April 4 from 8 - 10 a.m., Le Bon Family Lobby (Studio Lobby)

Art Reception – April 5, 6 - 8 p.m., Studio at Sage Hill

Advisor/Advisee/Parent Conferences – April 9 (No classes)

Parent Association General Meeting – April 10 at 8 a.m., Le Bon Family Lobby (Studio Lobby)

Multicultural Symposium – April 11 from 9:30 - 11:30 a.m., Sage Hill Campus

One Acts Performances – April 12 and 13 at 7 p.m., The Black Box Theater in the Studio at Sage Hill

Campus Tour – April 16 at 8:30 a.m.

Spring at Sage Parent Information Night – April 17 at 6 p.m., The Black Box Theater in the Studio at Sage Hill

Service Learning Day - Spring at Sage Afternoon – April 18 from 8 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Theater Ensemble Auditions – April 18 from 3:15 - 5:30 p.m., The Black Box Theater in the Studio at Sage Hill

College Counseling: 11th Grade Parent Spring Wrap-Up – April 19 at 5:30 p.m., Argyros Family Lecture Hall (MMLH)

Parent Association - Career Series Mixer – April 19 at 6 p.m., Pelican Hill

Junior Class Grade Level Meeting – April 20 at 9:25 a.m., Argyros Family Lecture Hall (MMLH)

Parent Association Gelato Day – April 28 at 11:30 a.m., Wilkins Town Square

Dance Performances – April 27 and 28 at 7 p.m., The Black Box Theater in the Studio at Sage Hill

Mariners Elementary School

Jog-A-Thon – Friday, April 6.

Register now for the CdM Scenic 5K

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CdM Scenic 5K runners crossing Goldenrod Footbridge

Join the popular Corona del Mar Scenic 5K RACE/WALK through the charming streets of Corona del Mar, taking place Saturday, June 2. The race begins at 6 a.m. at Ocean Boulevard and Heliotrope. Walk-in pre-registration takes place on Friday, June 1 from 12 - 7 p.m. at Newport Beach Civic Center (Community Room), 100 Civic Center Drive, Newport Beach.

Race Schedule:

Men’s 5K at 7:55 a.m.

Women’s 5K at 8:20 a.m.

2-Mile Walk at 8:50 a.m.

Youth 2-Mile Walk at 8:45 a.m.

1K Kids Dash at 9 a.m.

Entry fees: Men’s & Women’s 5K Run, $38; 2-Mile Walk & Youth 2-Mile Walk, $28; 1K Kids Dash, $15.

For more information and to register, visit www.cdmchamber.com or call 949.673.4050. Vendor exhibit spaces and sponsorships are also available.

Photographer’s work is on display at JWA

From March 20 - April 19, photography by Stephanie Hager will be on display at John Wayne Airport (JWA) as part of JWA’s Community Focus Space Program.

These works can be viewed on the Departure (upper) Level near security screening areas in Terminals A, B and C, and on the Arrival (lower) Level adjacent to Baggage Carousels 1 and 4.

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Photo by Stephanie Hager/

Courtesy of John Wayne Airport

Little Corona arch at night by Stephanie Hager

“Ms. Hager’s work displayed at John Wayne Airport will engage the viewers’ senses,” said Orange County Board of Supervisors Chairman Andrew Do. “Her world-class photography will be a delight for travelers.”

Hager’s photography is known for having a bold feeling with vibrant energy and clean lines. The negative space provides the observer room for thought.

“My goal is to have the viewer feel something new and unique to themselves through the use of light, color and patterns,” Hager said. 

The photographer graduated with a degree in photo communications from California State University, Fullerton and was fortunate to have studied with some of the top photographers in the United States.

Hager has been a professional photographer for more than 25 years and has worked with advertising and editorial clients photographing outdoor adventure sports and lifestyle, portraiture, architecture and landscapes.

Library reconstruction about to begin…but what about the “Seagulls in Flight?”

By AMY SENK

Amid a farewell party, a book sale and logistical details regarding the demolition and reconstruction of the Corona del Mar library branch and fire station – an interesting question popped up at a recent meeting of the Corona del Mar Residents Association.

What will become of the sculpture in front of the Marigold Avenue branch?

The short answer, according to Newport Beach Library Services Director Tim Hetherton, is that the sculpture, “Seagulls in Flight” will be stored at Central Library, out of public sight, for the duration of the construction. When that’s complete, sometime next summer, the artwork will be returned.

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Photo by Amy Senk

“Seagulls in Flight” will return to the CdM Library site after reconstruction

It may be a small detail in the overall scope of the project, but the sculpture has a meaningful history for CdM residents, a history that was retold in 2015 when the city spent $4,450 to restore and repair the piece.

The sculpture was donated to the city in 1960, a year after the branch opened, to honor Molly McClintock, who lived in Shore Cliffs and died in a car crash shortly after graduating from Newport Harbor Union High School. The 18-year-old had been a drum majorette and popular student who is regularly remembered at class reunions every year.

Her friends recalled that she had moved to California from the south, and her mother was worried about her finding friends, but she fit in just fine. Her mother “made a huge sacrifice” to pay for the sculpture, which has an inscription that says: “To the youth of Corona del Mar in memory of Molly McClintock.” The piece, which depicts birds in flight with wings touching, originally was placed at Big Corona State Beach, but the salt air and sunlight caused damage, so it eventually was trucked to the shady spot by the library entrance.

Earlier repairs had been inadequate, Hetherton said back in April 2015. The piece was removed, restored, and replaced in about a month. Back then, Hetherton said he hoped to move the piece to another public area during library construction, but instead it will be kept safe in storage.

The branch is now formally closed, but a groundbreaking ceremony is scheduled to take place at 2 p.m. on Tuesday, April 24 (changed from April 10), and the public is invited to attend.

In other news, the California Coastal Commission this month approved an expansion project for the Beachcomber Café at Crystal Cove State Park. Plans call for adding about 422 square feet to accommodate additional outdoor seating, as well as for repairs around the hostess area. About 40 extra seats will be added, with the work to take place during the off-season. According to a staff report from the Commission’s March meeting, such an increase typically results in increased parking demand, but parking already is in demand there, and the extra seating might help by reducing the café’s wait-time, which can be up to two hours on weekends.

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Amy Senk has lived in Corona del Mar for 17 years and was publisher of Corona del Mar Today, an online newspaper that ran daily for seven years. Senk, a graduate of the University of Missouri School of Journalism, is involved in the Corona del Mar Residents Association and the Corona del Mar High School PTA. She and her husband have two children.

Kiff announces exit from City Manager job

After two decades with the City of Newport Beach (City) and nearly a full decade as its city manager, Dave Kiff has informed members of the City Council that he will leave his post toward the end of 2018. 

Kiff is committed to implementing a smooth transition and to assisting in addressing key initiatives that take additional familiarity, like efforts to limit the noise and pollution impacts of John Wayne Airport. 

Kiff describes the transition as “preparing for Dave 2.0,” where he may focus his energies on specific issues near and dear to him, specifically including homelessness and the outdoors. 

According to Kiff, “I have loved this job and this community a great deal. This is an amazing community to work for, and I have felt honored to do so nearly every day. But this is a pretty grueling job, with demanding issues and a resident base that deserves and expects 100 percent focus. I have to admit that over time that has worn me out a bit. As I get less young, I don’t recharge as quickly. I see, too, that as my “time remaining” (“TR” as Mayor Duffy Duffield calls it) gets shorter, there are other efforts and experiences that draw my interest. 

“But for this community, I know that the next city manager will become the leader of one of the best teams of department heads that I have ever known. I am confident that the City Council will get a number of terrific applicants for this post.” 

Mayor Duffield stated, “Dave’s steady hand at the City’s helm has helped steer the City through good skies and bad. We remain a community thankful for public service and we appreciate Dave’s decades of commitment.” 

Mayor Pro Tem Will O’Neill also commented, “Dave’s willingness to lead regionally on issues like pension reform and homelessness have set him and our City apart. No doubt we will expect similar leadership from Dave’s successor.” 

“I won’t say goodbye yet, as there are more months ahead of me here, but I will say that all is good. I’ll encourage anyone reading this to know that I remain full of optimism for the City’s future and my own,” Kiff said.

You Must Remember This: Preserving Newport’s history might be worth a look at our pavements

By NANCY GARDNER

As a city, we’re not that big on our history. Books have been written about it, we have a couple of historical societies that have small collections, but the physical history succumbs to high property values. When I lived in New Jersey, what impressed me were how many old – and I mean really old – houses there were, and how people seemed to value their age instead of viewing it as an impediment. If someone needed a bigger house, they either bought a bigger house, or they did an artful job of expanding the old house, leaving the historical part and adding on, sometimes in the same style, other times deliberately going very modern in contrast…but I never saw a house scraped while I was there.

Obviously, it’s a much different deal here. There is one old house on Ocean Boulevard that the owners obviously appreciate. Some years ago, they added a second story, and I defy anyone to detect where the original house ends and the new addition begins, because they were so careful to maintain the materials and style, but that is a rare bird. More common is something like this: One of the first houses in CdM? The home of the woman who saved Big Corona from development? That’s nice. Scrape it. So, piece by piece we lose the actual history and have to resort to photographs to remind us of what once was.

Courtesy of Nancy Gardner

Griffith Company, 1927 is etched in this Corona del Mar sidewalk

However, there is one piece of physical history that is still pretty common. Walk around CdM and look at the sidewalk. What’s stamped there? Griffith Company, 1927. Ninety years and still going strong. I asked Dave Webb, the Public Works director, if the department made any particular effort to save these historical sections. He said no, so that just means they poured really good cement. Because it was 1927 and because I am sometimes dense and don’t make obvious connections, I decided to see what I could find out about Griffith. It took me about 10 seconds to find a company headquartered in Southern California, established in 1902 – oh yeah, and that has done a ton of work in Newport like Newport Coast Drive and MacArthur. Oh, that Griffith Company. Just to be sure, I sent an inquiry. Yes, indeed, they were the same company, and they provided this link: www.griffithcompany.net/video/centennialpresentation. I went online, and the first part in particular is fascinating. If you want to see what California looked like 60, 70, 80 years ago, they’ve got some wonderful footage.

Griffith wasn’t the only company paving Newport. Sidewalks with J. Paul Benson, Contractor 1926 can also be found, but I couldn’t find anything on Benson. There are also sections stamped CNB 1977, and hopefully come 2067, some resident will stare at them and marvel at the history. Or maybe, they’ll just marvel that our particular history can be told as well or better in the much-trod-upon sidewalks rather than the buildings. 

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

Junior League to hold 4th Annual Golf Classic

Submitted photo

Newport Beach-based Junior League of Orange County, California (JLOCC) invites golfers to participate in the 4th Annual Golf Classic and 19th Hole Party on Friday, April 6. The shotgun start is at 12:30 p.m. and the 19th Hole Party begins at 5:30 p.m.

All golfer packages include golf carts, catered lunch by Chick-Fil-A, range balls, gift bags, entry into the $10,000 cash prize Hole-In-One contest and admission to the 19th Hole Party, which will include dinner and a cocktail, live jazz by The Bradford Project and a helicopter ball drop with tickets sold separately, along with a silent auction and awards. Non-golfers are invited to attend the 19th Hole Party. The helicopter ball drop opportunity prize is an overnight stay to New York-New York Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas, NV and a pair of tickets to see Zumanity^™ by Cirque du Soleil^®. Helicopter Ball Drop tickets will be sold at the door. Tickets for the 19th Hole Party only are $50 per guest. Costs are $225 for single golfers and $860 for foursomes. Golfers can purchase the tournament skills package, including two mulligans and entry into the contests – Putting, Longest Drive and Closest-to-the-Pin, for $40 ahead of the event.

All proceeds benefit the League’s volunteer training programs and community projects in partnership with its community partners that include the Orange County Human Trafficking Task Force, Orangewood Foundation, Samueli Academy, JLOCC’s own initiative, Junior League Juniors, which introduces children to volunteer and make an impact in the community, along with other additional volunteer projects throughout Orange County. There are sponsorship opportunities available, including advertising and event underwriting.

The event takes place at Oak Creek Golf Club, One Golf Club Drive, Irvine.

For information, contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. and visit www.jlocc.org/golf.

Hop on over to Fashion Island for photos with the Easter Bunny

Click on photo for a larger image

Courtesy of Fashion Island

Continuing through Saturday, March 31, grab your bonnets and your favorite Easter garb and head over to Fashion Island’s Atrium Lawn for photos with the Easter Bunny!

Our favorite bunny is available for pictures in his Spring garden on weekdays from 10 a.m. - 8 pm. and on Saturday from 10 a.m. - 7 p.m. Hours of operation are subject to change, so call Guest Services at 949.721.2000 to confirm times.

Fashion Island is located at 401 Newport Center Drive, Newport Beach.

Guest Column

Dave Kiff

An insider’s look at what’s going on in and around City Hall

Newport Beach City Manager Dave Kiff   

Here’s what’s going on at the upcoming Newport Beach City Council meeting set for (tonight) Tuesday, March 27th at 7 p.m. Meetings are held in the Newport Beach Civic Center at 100 Civic Center Drive – the public is always welcome. I do not highlight all of the items on the agenda – please go to the City’s webpage and review the agenda if you want to see all of the items.

There is no study session in the afternoon, so the Regular Session starts at 7 p.m. The items that seem worthy of highlighting and/or explaining are these:

Council Member Muldoon asked his colleagues to consider a statement in support of a ballot measure proposed for the November 2018 statewide ballot. This relates to tightening up some of the things that arguably were loosened with recent ballot and legislative actions involving the parole system and who is eligible and when. It also would place new penalties on parole violations, among other things.

Some new improvements and maintenance are/is coming for Peninsula Point Park near the Balboa Pier, and Bayview Park near the Marriott Bayview.

I think folks will be happy to see improvements to the crosswalks along Newport Boulevard and Balboa Boulevard – recall that we’ve had a number of community meetings that Council Member Dixon has hosted about further enhancing the visibility of current crosswalks on the Peninsula.  

The Annual “Status Report” on the General Plan and its Housing Element. This is usually a pro forma item, but it allows the staff and Council to ensure that we are following State law relating to reporting in on how we’re implementing the General Plan and whether there have been any recent changes to housing activity in the community.    

I’ve placed Advocacy for a Port Master Plan back on the agenda and will explain why. The goal of having a special carve-out for aspects of Newport Harbor’s public and private permitting is (to me) a good one. Today, nearly all permits to do things like dredging around residential piers, residential pier repairs, sea wall repairs, and more all have to go to the Coastal Commission. Ideally, those permits could be assigned to the City and City Council for approval, provided that we considered them through the same lens that the Coastal Commission would – same concerns, same protections, same compliance with the Coastal Act. This concept will not cause Newport Harbor’s current character to change – it’s about permit authority, not becoming port-like (or even Port-lite). Anyway, in order to even be able to submit a plan for permit authority to the Coastal Commission, we think we need state legislation to allow us to send a Port Master Plan in for Commission review and approval. There are certainly good questions involved in this process, and good reasons to ask questions, but It seems to make sense to try it out. There could come a time in the near future when we decide this isn’t going to work, and our advocacy agreements allow us to pull the plug quickly. Speaking of advocacy, Council Members Dixon and Peotter and I had a good conversation between Council meetings to become more comfortable with the approach and staffing that Don Schmitz and Sean Henschel will provide. Therefore, I was comfortable putting it back on the agenda quite quickly. If anyone has any questions about this at all, please contact me and I’ll wade through it with you.  

A couple of random notes:

A lot is going on regarding homelessness in our region. In fact, I spent last Saturday morning in Judge Carter’s chambers listening to updates about the clearing of encampments in the Santa Ana riverbed as well as a planned clearing of the Santa Ana Civic Center encampment. While I won’t include it here, I recently wrote up an email that I sent to a number of residents about this issue, including what we’re doing as a City and community. I can send that to you if you ask me by return email.

Secondly, Speak Up Newport is planning their Wednesday, April 11 forum on this issue. SUN meets at 5:30 p.m. – with the program at 6 p.m. –  in the Community Room at the Civic Center. Note, too, that a small (12-unit) “permanent supportive housing” location in town has recently completed its renovation and is open for business, housing six veterans and six low-income seniors. It’s an amazing place and looks terrific.  

We’re chugging along on our airport efforts, thanks to great enthusiasm by our key community groups. We’re now in the thick of a data study looking at ways to improve departure procedures so that planes can depart in the quietest manner (but still safely, of course) possible. Our groups like AWG, Air Fair and CAANP are really engaged on this. It’s exciting. I’m happy to fill you in more on this if you ask. This coming week may (emphasis on “may” because stuff like this is very uncertain) also see the first few planes using a new pathway in the Upper Bay that involves two gentle turns, versus the current “just one” turn procedure. I will confess to trepidation as to how this will work, but we’ll be following it very closely.

I hope everyone has a pleasant Easter and great spring break in the upcoming weeks.  

As always, I enjoy hearing from you about this or any other community issue involving the city government. So does the City Council – remember that you can email them at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to express your thoughts or ideas.  

Thanks for reading!

Sincerely,

Dave Kiff

City Manager

This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

949-644-3001

Fair Game

By TOM JOHNSON

Kiff out at City Hall…others cry foul

The first clue came just after church Sunday morning, when I was told there was a “plan” to oust Newport Beach City Manager Dave Kiff at the end of tonight’s council meeting. The story had it, true or false, that “three council members visited Kiff, with a fourth vote in pocket, demanding he resign or that he would be terminated.”

One side is saying Brown Act violation, the other says absolutely not.

I immediately sent Kiff an email asking if three council members visited him demanding his resignation or telling him he would be terminated.

Kiff responded with an email straight to the point saying, “Tom, that did not happen.”

I also contacted Mayor Pro Tem Will O’Neill with a similar question. His response also said that “no such meeting has ever taken place.”

Later Sunday afternoon, Tara Finnegan, the City’s Public Information Manager, issued Kiff’s resignation to the media saying, “After two decades with the City of Newport Beach and nearly a full decade as its city manager, Dave Kiff has informed members of the City Council that he will leave his post toward the end of 2018.”

“I am happy in making this request and want the community to know that all is good with me, my family, and my work. There are great things ahead for all of us,” Kiff added in a cover letter.

One source said that they were told “that Kiff was asked to move the press release announcement up to Sunday afternoon” as the story began breaking.

You can imagine the different stories coming out of other camps. One story had Council Members Diane Dixon, Jeff Herdman and Brad Avery urging Kiff to hang on until the community had a chance to voice their concerns at tonight’s meeting.

Obviously, Kiff has said no.

Former Mayor Kevin Muldoon had this to say, “Dave told me a few months ago that he was intending to retire in November. He is the best City Manager in Orange County and will be missed.”

Lynn Swain said, “Dave Kiff is a great city manager and he is highly respected. I think the public deserves an answer regarding the actions of a majority of the council who have been pushing him out to appoint their own person. Team Newport continues to degrade our community with these backroom politics. Dave Kiff was forced to retire or be fired.”

Here are some thoughts from other community leaders (all council members were invited to comment).

City Council Member and former Mayor Diane Dixon: “I am saddened and disappointed by the news of our highly respected City Manager Dave Kiff’s decision to leave the City of Newport Beach.  During my tenure on the Council, I have appreciated Dave’s outstanding professionalism and his commitment to the City and its residents. We are very fortunate to have had a city manager with his years of experience and deep knowledge of government.

The circumstances surrounding the actions of some members of the City Council that led to Dave’s decision baffle me. I only learned of this news this weekend. I am surprised to discover that this process may have been underway for four weeks. It is clear that all members of the City Council were not involved in this process. I expect that we will learn from our Mayor and Mayor Pro Tem more about this mystery at (tonight’s) Newport Beach City Council meeting.  

It is my hope that all of us on the City Council share a common belief that transparency in city government is one of our core values.”

City Council Member Jeff Herdman: “I want to say for the public record that I was not aware of any effort to oust the city manager, to negotiate an exit, or assert that there were four votes, in violation of the Brown Act, to accomplish this illegal act by the council majority (Muldoon, O’Neill, Duffield and Peotter). 

At no time has the entire City Council considered the termination of our city manager’s employment, and I am now deeply concerned about the public’s trust in this body going forward. 

And why did the council majority do this? Is it in the best interest of the city? Knowing that Dave Kiff intended to possibly take an early retirement after the upcoming election, and after getting council members oriented and settled in, they fired him anyway! 

Self-promotion and campaign tactics are at work here. Individually, Muldoon wants to be able to say in his campaign for re-election that he followed through on his 2014 campaign promises (clean the swamp, no tax increases, lowering fees, etc. etc.). 

This being the “Year of the Harbor,” Duffy wants to hire a new city manager that will be at his beck-and-call in terms of accomplishing what he wants to do, and I might add, at a tremendous cost to the taxpayers. 

Peotter? This is just another example of his use of poor judgement for what he thinks will win him reelection. 

As far as O’ Neill is concerned, he was elected on a Team Newport ticket, so I guess he must fall in line! 

Collectively, the Council majority has set the stage for hiring their own city manager that they will be able to completely control and manipulate for the purpose of self-aggrandizement and accomplishing their own personal agendas with complete disregard for their constituents and their needs and wants. 

The Brown Act violation that has occurred, and that can be proven, is known as the “chain effect.” I’ll assume that Muldoon, Duffy and O’Neill thought they were not violating the Brown Act when notifying Dave of the termination of his employment because there were only three of them present. But these three council members did so knowing they had a fourth vote in the form of Peotter and would therefore have no trouble getting council approval (4 votes are all that is needed). Knowing they had his critical fourth vote is the essence of the “chain effect” violation. It is flat out prohibited and illegal. 

After Dave’s departure, the collateral damage that has been created by this action on the part of the Council majority is what we will have to deal with. The council majority must be held accountable for their misinterpretation of Council Policy for which they justified their action under, as well as blatant Brown Act violations.” 

Former Mayor Nancy Gardner: “I have worked with Dave since he was an Assistant to Kevin Murphy. He is a person of great integrity and character. I have seen how much he takes to heart the well-being of this city, and I am very sorry to see him leave.  

It is one thing if he is leaving because he wants to seek new adventures. Then we can only wish him the best. If, as has been suggested, there was a covert effort by certain council members to get rid of him, then this is an insult not just to Dave but to the residents and businesses that he has worked so hard for. It would mean that they were afraid to openly dismiss someone with his standing and popularity in the community and resorted to subterfuge to accomplish this.  

For the sake of our city, I can only hope that this is not true because if it is, it widens the gaps between us when we should be pulling together.”

Keith Curry: “Hiring Dave Kiff was the best decision the city council made in my 10 years serving the city. He has a stellar reputation and he effectively led our city through the recession. His efforts reduced the workforce by more than 100 positions while preserving city services. 

It appears that this decision is the result of members of the city council acting without the authorization and involvement of the entire council to precipitate the action. This is a serious violation of policy and past practices and a full investigation should be commenced.”

City Council candidate (2018) Joy Brenner: “The loss of Dave Kiff is tragic for our city. Dave is well regarded by so many, including most if not all former mayors and council members. It has appeared to me for several years that he has been put in the very awkward position of trying to give the council what they want while legally and ethically staying in integrity. 

Some members of this council play politics so often that I don’t trust anything to be straightforwardly above board. Was there pressure on Dave in an attempt to get more of a “yes” man or woman in this position? We must now demand an open and transparent search for a replacement. And, if actions of certain members of the city council resulted in this announcement, then a Brown Act violation needs to be investigated.” 

Easter Sunrise Service at the beach

Click on photo for a larger image

Submitted photo

On Easter Sunday, April 1, join Christ Church by the Sea United Methodist for its sunrise service at 6:30 a.m. at 14th Street Beach on Balboa Peninsula.

A complimentary breakfast will be provided across the street from the church following the service. Easter worship is also taking place in the Sanctuary at 10 a.m.

Christ Church by the Sea is located at 1400 W. Balboa Blvd., Newport Beach. Call 949.673.3805. www.christbytheseanb.com

College Planning Seminars at Central Library

Courtesy of NBPL

The Teen Services Department at the Newport Beach Public Library (NBPL) is hosting a series of college planning seminars to help students and parents understand the college admission process and develop a strategy that optimizes the student’s potential for acceptance into a college that matches their goals.

The NBPL has partnered with Collegewise to present three different programs open to the public that are free of charge. The presentations scheduled include: College Planning for Freshmen and Sophomores on Tuesday, April 3; Highly Selective College Admissions on Tuesday, May 1; and Secrets of College Admissions on Tuesday, June 5. Register online to attend. All of the programs begin at 7 p.m. in the Friends Meeting Room at Central Library, 1000 Avocado Ave., Newport Beach.

Bob’s Old Fashioned Ice Cream fundraising program returns to the OC Market Place

I scream, you scream, we all scream for Bob’s Old Fashioned Ice Cream! In response to inquiries from local, non-profit organizations and in alignment with the mission of the Orange County Market Place^® to be the premier gathering place for the Orange County community and to support local organizations, the Orange County Market Place^® has reintroduced the Bob’s Old Fashioned Ice Cream Fundraising Program.

Since its inception in 1969, the Orange County Market Place has been active in the community in many ways, including the work with nonprofit organizations for the betterment of the community. To help address the fundraising needs of organizations in the community, the Market Place developed a signature program. Originally developed in response to the September 11, 2001 tragedy, this program has proven beneficial in aiding community groups with their fundraising efforts.

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Courtesy of OC Market Place

“We are elated to reopen the doors of the iconic Bob’s Old Fashioned Ice Cream stand with our first community fundraising group on March 31, 2018 at Grand Opening event,” said General Manager Adela Generally. “Our goal is to have a community group represented each weekend we are open in an effort to help fundraise and garner awareness for their cause in this community.”

The Orange County Market Place is currently accepting applications from 501(c)3 non-profit organizations. Those located within Orange County will be given preference for dates, but any non-profit interested in participating in the program is encouraged to complete the application, found at www.ocmarketplace.com/fundraising-opportunities.

The Market Place is a celebration of food, fun, value and the entrepreneurial spirit. With hundreds of thousands of visitors each year, it has grown to become the centerpiece of the Orange County outdoor shopping experience. Founded in 1969, the Orange County Market Place^®, is owned and operated by Spectra and is located on the Orange County Fairgrounds at 88 Fair Drive, Costa Mesa. The Market Place operates every Saturday and Sunday of the year except during the Orange County Fair in July/August.

Stump the Stu

One reader stumps the masses

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Tuesday’s submission was from Sherry Black. Well Sherry, you stumped ‘em. No correct guesses. 

So, where is it, you ask? This little spot is located near the trellis at the Hyatt Regency Newport Beach and Palisades Tennis Club. Rumor has it that it was a favorite spot of John Wayne’s to relax. Check it out.

Thanks Sherry!

Join us on Tuesdays as we try and stump you each week with a picture of something unique in our community.

If you have a unique spot or icon around town that you think StuNewsNewport readers would enjoy finding out about, please shoot it, share it and give us the answer, so we can challenge them!

Sign of the times

It’s another edition of Sign of the times. Contestants, start your engines. Below you’ll find this week’s clue. What you see is a small part of an overall sign in Newport Beach. Here’s a fairly new sign, but it’s seen a lot of traffic in its short life. 

Good luck!

Send you guesses to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

If you’re a business and you want to play, you can send us a high-quality photo of your sign and we’ll take it from there and challenge our readers.

Let’s have some fun!

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Police Files

Small plane takes nose-dive at JWA

Yesterday afternoon, March 22 at 12:50 p.m. “a single engine Piper Malibu aircraft skidded off runway 20R while landing, shearing off the nose gear. The disabled aircraft came to rest in the grassy infield ‘safety area’ between the two runways,” according to John Wayne Airport spokesperson Deanne Thompson.

The only person on board was not injured. Both runways at JWA were closed for approximately one hour while a runway safety inspection was completed, and the damaged aircraft was removed.

Man steals car, runs from police, takes meth break and is arrested

Monday morning, March 19, a caller contacted the Newport Beach Police Department to report that a driver of a gold Honda was driving poorly and seemed “out of it.” A check of the license plate showed that the Honda had been stolen earlier the same day in Westminster.  

Officers attempted to stop the Honda near MacArthur Boulevard and the 405, but the driver failed to yield. The pursuit proceeded into Irvine, where the driver ran several red lights and drove at dangerously high speeds. Eventually, with the assistance of air support from HB-1 (Huntington Beach Police Department’s helicopter) and OCSD personnel, an NBPD officer conducted a Patrol Intervention Technique (PIT maneuver) to disable the Honda on McGaw Avenue near Gillette Avenue. 

Then the driver proceeded to start to smoke methamphetamine from a pipe before exiting the vehicle. A search of his car later revealed meth and a meth pipe inside.  

The driver, later identified as Tuan Dinh Nguyen, 32, Santa Ana, initially lied about his identity to officers. He was eventually charged with taking an auto without the owner’s consent, evading peace officers with wanton disregard, possession of a controlled substance, possession of unlawful paraphernalia and a warrant related to receiving stolen property.

Nguyen’s bail was set at $50,000.

Teen makes himself at home while owners out of town

At some undetermined time on Sunday, March 18, Jonathan Villa, 18, of Los Angeles, entered an unoccupied home in the 1500 block of E. Bay Avenue. Villa stayed overnight while the homeowners were out of town and used the shower, ate food from the kitchen and gathered up a number of items that he intended to remove from the house.

A neighbor contacted NBPD to report suspicious activity and Villa was arrested at 7:58 a.m. on Monday, March 19.

He was held on $50,000 bail for residential burglary with no forced entry.

Scroll down to Police Beat for all arrests & crime reports

Photographer’s work is on display at JWA

From March 20 - April 19, photography by Stephanie Hager will be on display at John Wayne Airport (JWA) as part of JWA’s Community Focus Space Program.

These works can be viewed on the Departure (upper) Level near security screening areas in Terminals A, B and C, and on the Arrival (lower) Level adjacent to Baggage Carousels 1 and 4.

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Photo by Stephanie Hager/

Courtesy of John Wayne Airport

Sunset over Catalina by Stephanie Hager

“Ms. Hager’s work displayed at John Wayne Airport will engage the viewers’ senses,” said Orange County Board of Supervisors Chairman Andrew Do. “Her world-class photography will be a delight for travelers.”

Hager’s photography is known for having a bold feeling with vibrant energy and clean lines. The negative space provides the observer room for thought.

“My goal is to have the viewer feel something new and unique to themselves through the use of light, color and patterns,” Hager said. 

The photographer graduated with a degree in photo communications from California State University, Fullerton and was fortunate to have studied with some of the top photographers in the United States.

Hager has been a professional photographer for more than 25 years and has worked with advertising and editorial clients photographing outdoor adventure sports and lifestyle, portraiture, architecture and landscapes.