Just a few spots left for ENC Winter Nature Camps 

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Courtesy of ENC

Looking for something fun for the kids to do over the holiday break? There are still a few spots left, so check out the Environmental Nature Center’s Nature Camps designed for children from kindergarten through 6th grade.

Two different camps are being offered. The first runs December 26 - 29, 2017 and the second January 2 - 5, 2018. Campers can choose to attend full-day or half-day sessions.

The campers learn while adventuring! ENC Nature Camps emphasize experiential learning. Campers spend time outdoors observing nature up close. Educational concepts are introduced in a fun environment. Campers make crafts, play games and participate in hands-on activities. 

The ENC has offered Nature Camps since 1977 providing quality science education in an outdoor setting.

For more information or to register go to www.encenter.org.

Fair Game

By TOM JOHNSON

Someone crashed the church concert

Are you feeling it? Yeah, you know what I mean, the Christmas spirit.

Sure, we’ve seen the beautiful boats in our Harbor, the lights that ring our Bay and light up our neighborhoods. The decorations that highlight Fashion Island and other storefronts around town.

Last night, in an attempt to fill my heart with the real spirit, I headed down to St. Andrews Presbyterian Church for their Name Above All Names Christmas Concert 2017. Not that you asked, but I took my 87-year-old mother. She likes stuff like that.

So, we get there early, you know, to allow her time to walk-in, get comfortable in our seats and relax. This also allows her to see friends she’s made recently at her Bible studies and church dinners.

Anyway, soon the sanctuary is filled, first with people and then with the beautiful sounds of St. Andrews’ full Sanctuary Choir and joined by a complete orchestra, highlighted by Accompanist Jenny Park, Concert Mistress Elizabeth Johnson and led by Conductor Dr. James L. Melton. They were fabulous.

Interspersed between all of the music presentations is a running narration conducted by Brieana Searcy, Minister of Children’s Ministries, and Cody Jensen, Minister of Student Ministries. They’re both great, but Jensen also allows us insight into his comedic side throughout the evening…in a good and funny way! It broke up that total church-feel.

It was a feel-good evening, seeing friends and strangers, alike, and wishing everyone a Merry Christmas. At the end of the maybe 90 minutes, we all stand together and sing Joy to the World.

As I walk from the sanctuary to my car parked nearby in the church parking lot, my joy suddenly turns to ire as I realized someone has crashed into my car door.

Wait a sec, peace, joy, love to all…what am I missing here?

No note, no nothing!

And because I got there early he, she, they, had plenty of time to move their car, how do I know, because the car now parked next to me has zero marks on it.

Who would drive down to a beautiful evening like this, crash into a car, then head in and listen to everything offered as the meaning of the season, drive home and not feel guilty.

I’ll tell you what I learned, I forgive you because of HIM.

God has mysterious ways of working I’m figuring this “way” is going to cost about $500. Praise the Lord.

• • •

The Island Hotel Newport Beach has changed their name to the Fashion Island Hotel.

“Adding ‘fashion’ to the hotel name bolsters the alignment between these two important properties while emphasizing Fashion Island as an iconic and luxury destination,” said Ralph Grippo, president of Irvine Company Resort Properties. 

Irvine Company owns and operates both Fashion Island and Fashion Island Hotel. “We are always looking for innovative ways to engage with and meet the needs of our guests – packaging the hotel and Fashion Island together is a win-win for both the company and our customers.” 

Seems like the right move.

• • •

Finally, congrats to the Newport Beach Chamber of Commerce, Visit Newport Beach, The Commodores Club of Newport Beach, and the City of Newport Beach for another great boat parade run.

Nobody does it better!

Stump the Stu

Feel free to cast your answers in stone

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This one figures to be difficult, so let’s see who has some game. What is it and where is it?

And, thanks to Doug Cavanaugh of Ruby’s fame for the submission.

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 will be in Thursday’s edition.

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!

Two new restaurants to open in Lido Marina Village

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Submitted photo

Two new restaurants are slated to open in Lido Marina Village in 2018.

Circle Hook, a new fried fish concept by the founder of Bear Flag Fish Co., is scheduled to open in early 2018. The intimate restaurant, which takes its name from a type of hook that allows a fish to be released live and unharmed back into the wild, is owned by Thos Carson and Scott Breneman (a fourth generation Dory Fleet fisherman). The eatery, which will be located on the waterfront side next to Zinquè, will feature locally caught and sustainable seafood.

Malibu Farm, known for its farm-to-table approach and offering a menu of organic and local ingredients, is slated to open in 2018. The 2,784-square-foot establishment will be situated near Lido Bottle Works. It has sister operations in Malibu and Lanai, Hawaii.

Lido Marina Village is located at 3434 Via Lido, Newport Beach. www.lidomarinavillage.com

ParentingOC names Newport Beach Library, “Best Library Storytelling” Time

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Submitted photo

A youngster reads to an attentive pup during NBPL’s BARK session

Newport Beach Public Library has been named the 2017 Editor’s Choice for “Best Library Storytelling Time” in Parenting OC’s 15th Annual Reader’s Choice.

According to Parenting OC editors, the hard work of 23,781 Orange County business and organizations was considered before final awards were announced for the 100 Reader’s and Editor’s Choice categories.

The selection of Newport Beach Public Library as Editor’s Choice for “Best Library Storytelling Time” notes: “Stories, songs and poems are shared with enthusiasm at this beach city library. This is a place where kids can wear their pajamas to Monday night bedtime stories, or participate in crafts after hearing a tale. Special programs like BARK (Beach Area Dogs Reading with Kids) and Art in the Spring enhance kids’ literary love.”

Newport Beach Public Library offers 16 weekly storytimes at the four library locations. Each storytime is geared for enjoyment by specific age groups, such as Babies and Books, Toddler Storytime, Preschool Storytime, Pajama Storytime and Family Storytime. Most include a craft activity, funded by the Friends of the Library, following the stories and songs.

Special storytelling programs, presented by the Newport Beach Public Library Foundation are held throughout the year as part of the Foundation’s “Making Memoris for Children” series which connects reading with fun activities such as art, yoga and nature programs.

To view a complete schedule of storytimes, visit the Children’s Calendar or Storytime page on the library’s website at www.newportbeachpubliclibrary.org.

Editor’s Note: Storytimes by age group are listed in www.StuNewsNewport.com every Monday at the end of the NBPL line-up of events and workshops.

Perry elected Chair for Segerstrom Center for the Arts

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Submitted photo

Segerstrom Center for the Arts has announced that Mark C. Perry has been elected Chairman of the Center’s Board of Directors, succeeding John L. Ginger. Perry has been a member of the Center’s Board Candlelight Concert. He is Executive Vice Chairman for the Global Commercial Bank for Bank of America Merrill Lynch. Perry will serve a three-year term, beginning Jan. 1, 2018. 

Perry said, “It is an honor to serve as Segerstrom Center’s Chairman. At the heart of the Center, I have felt an extraordinary passion and commitment both to the arts and to this community. Our world-class performances are now complemented by innovative community engagement programs that are in a way unique nationwide and enables us to serve and contribute in every possible way to the county’s many diverse communities. 

I congratulate John Ginger, my predecessor. So much has been accomplished during his term, from the beautiful Julianne and George Argyros Plaza and the School of Dance and Music for Children with Disabilities to new community-focused programs. He has been an inspiration to all of us who serve with him on the Board, and I look forward to working with the Board to build upon his achievements and to develop new goals for this remarkable organization.” 

Center President Terrence W. Dwyer stated, “This is an especially exciting time for the Center. I look forward to working with Mark throughout the coming years. We will continue to excel artistically, and now, with our new Argyros Plaza and Center for Dance and Innovation and Center Without Boundaries initiative, we can provide new and innovative ways for audiences, patrons and families of diverse communities to socialize and connect culturally.” 

For the past 36 years with Bank of America, Perry has held many leadership roles, including Global Commercial Banking West Region Executive (covering 12 western states), West Region Credit Products Executive, National Sales & Support Executive for Business Banking, as well as positions within Client Management, Operations, Retail and Credit Risk Administration. 

A native of Whittier, Calif., Perry is a third generation Bank of America associate with combined family service of more than 115 years. He earned his Bachelor’s degree from Occidental College in Los Angeles and his Master’s degree in Business Administration from California State University, Fullerton. He is a FINRA Registered Principal with Series 7, 24 and 63 securities licenses, as well as a Certified Treasury Professional. He has served on several boards, including a private equity firm investing in minority-owned businesses.

Balboa Island Holiday Home Tour was a seasonal gem

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Photos by Lana Johnson

200 Collins showcases an outdoor Nativity scene 

I joined the 21st Annual Balboa Island Holiday Home Walking Tour yesterday on Sunday, Dec. 10, held from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and what a joyous way to spend the day!

The tour featured six uniquely decorated island homes and cottages, as well as the firehouse. They truly sparked holiday cheer.

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207 Amethyst with lighthouses out front featured a Christmas tree with myriad handmade ornaments

Two of the residences were located on Little Island at 309 and 330 East Bay Front. The others were on 207 Amethyst Ave., 111 Sapphire Ave., 315 Ruby Ave., and 200 Collins Ave., along with fire station #4 at 124 Marine Ave.

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111 Sapphire was rebuilt in 1999 and features pecan wood floors and harbor views

At the cottage on 323 East Bay Front, an opportunity drawing took place to win artwork of that home by Mary Kay Crowley. Tickets to participate in the tour were $35.

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315 Ruby is a Craftsman built with materials from the Back Bay and was filled with holiday décor throughout

The Holiday Home Walking Tour was sponsored by the Balboa Island Improvement Association.  

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323 East Bay Front cottage was built in 1937 and featured an opportunity drawing of a painting of the home by Mary Kay Crowley

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309 East Bay Front, built circa 1931, where the owner puts the tabletop train together in October

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A 1920s fire truck at station #4

Fiesta Navidad returns to Segerstrom Center

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Photo by Armstrong International 

Cultural Foundation/Reese Zoellner

Holiday favorite Fiesta Navidad, featuring Grammy Award-winning Mariachi Los Camperos, returns to Segerstrom Center for the Arts on Thursday, Dec. 21 in the Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall.

This annual celebration also includes dancing by Folklor Pasión Mexicana and Las Posadas, the honored Latino Christmas tradition that reenacts Joseph and Mary’s pilgrimage to Bethlehem before the birth of Jesus. This colorful and beloved holiday concert is an event to be enjoyed by the entire family.

Fiesta Navidad is part of Pacific Standard Time: LA/LA, a far-reaching and ambitious exploration of Latin American and Latino art in dialogue with Los Angeles, taking place from September 2017 through January 2018 at more than 70 cultural institutions across Southern California. Pacific Standard Time is an initiative of the Getty.

Tickets to Fiesta Navidad start at $29 and are 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 groups of 10 or more, call the Group Services office at 714.755.0236.

2017 Ring of Lights Winners announced

The 2017 Ring of Lights winners have just been announced as part of the 109th Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade, hosted by the Commodores Club of the Newport Beach Chamber of Commerce. Homes, businesses, restaurants and yacht clubs circling the harbor don their holiday best to include glittering lights, animation, music, decorations and more. Congratulations to all the winners!

SWEEPSTAKES: Best Overall

Mr. & Mrs. Bruce Fabrizio

1407 Bayside Drive, Corona del Mar

1ST PLACE: LIGHTS AND ANIMATION

Shirley Pepys

526 S. Bay Front, Balboa Island

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Photos by Bleu Cotton Photography

Shirley Pepys, 1st Place, Lights and Animation, 526 S. Bay Front, Balboa Island

2ND PLACE: LIGHTS AND ANIMATION

Dennis and Patty Vitarelli

140 S. Bay Front, Balboa Island

BEST THEME

Geoffrey Wickett

309 E. Bay Front, Balboa Island

CHAIRMAN’S CHOICE

Mike & Laurie Gray

309 Via Lido Soud

BEST TRADITIONAL LIGHTS

Robert and Christyne Olson

351 E. Bay Front, Balboa Island

“GREEN” ENTRY AWARD

Reg and Michelle DelPonte

8 Harbor Island

PHOTOGRAPHER’S CHOICE

Phil and Mary Lyons

36 Harbor Island, Harbor Island

HUMOR AND ORIGINALITY

Marcy Cook

538 S. Bay Front, Balboa Island

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Marcy Cook, Humor and Originality, 538 S. Bay Front, Balboa Island

ROOKIE AWARD

Jeanne Lewand

343 E. Bay Front, Balboa Island

BEST ON LIDO

David Macntyre (Sasco)

101 Via Lido Soud

FOUNDER’S AWARD

Barry and Karen Meguiar

201 N. Bay Front, Balboa Island

STUNEWS AWARD

Jim and Judy Busby

111 E. Bay Front, Balboa Island

BEST YACHT CLUB

Bahia Corinthian Yacht Club (BCYC)

1601 Bayside Drive, Corona del Mar

HI TECH CHRISTMAS CHARM

Jim and Peggy Rich

802 S. Bay Front, Balboa Island

BEST ON PENINSULA

Laurie & Bill Peterson

1020 E. Balboa Blvd.

JUDGE’S AWARD – 1ST PLACE

Donna DiBari

710 S. Bay Front, Balboa Island

JUDGE’S AWARD – 2ND PLACE

Janet Curci

808 S. Bay Front, Balboa Island

For more information, visit www.christmasboatparade.com.

“The Sound of Motown” comes to Argyros Plaza

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Photo by Joan Maracus

Nya Trysha (center) as Martha Reeves and the cast of MOTOWN THE MUSICAL

In 1959, the American music scene changed forever: Berry Gordy Jr. founded Motown Records, and, as the saying goes, “the hits just keep on coming.” Motown gave the world Diana Ross and the Supremes, Michael Jackson, Stevie Wonder, Gladys Knight and the Pips, The Miracles, Jackie Wilson, Smokey Robinson, Marvin Gaye, Mary Wells and countless other artists who created the distinctive and now iconic Motown Sound. Seventy-nine Motown albums made it to Billboard’s Top Ten between 1960 and 1969. The appeal of Motown’s distinctive and irresistible style developed by this African-American-owned company broke racial barriers and effectively integrated America’s pop music world. 

MOTOWN THE MUSICAL will be returning to the Segerstrom Hall stage for one week only Dec. 19 - 24, featuring more than 40 classic hits and telling the story behind the whole Motown family who fought against the odds to create the soundtrack of change in America.

MOTOWN THE MUSICAL audiences and Motown music fans are invited to enjoy “The Sound of Motown” free 45-minute pre-performance events on the Julianne and George Argyros Plaza. These programs will tell the Motown story with insider tales and historic videos of Motown’s early publicist Al Abrams from a 2010 lecture at the University of Michigan. There will be an exhibit of rare photographs and costumes from Detroit’s Motown Museum. Before the Dec. 20 - 23 evening performances, popular R&B singer Roderick Chambers will perform selections from the vast Motown catalogue. Chambers’ soulful voice and smooth musical style is reminiscent of some of the greatest pop, soul and R&B artists of our time.

No tickets are required for the pre-performance events in the plaza that will take place from 6:30 to 7:15 p.m. before the 7:30 p.m. performances on Dec. 20 - 23 and from 1 to 1:45 p.m. before the show on Dec. 23.

For MOTOWN THE MUSICAL, single tickets start at $29 and may be purchased online at www.scfta.org, the Box Office at 600 Town Center Drive in Costa Mesa or by calling 714.556.2787.

For more information, visit www.MotownTheMusical.com.

Book signing with New York Times bestselling author

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Submitted photo

Author Katherine Schwarzenegger with her favorite pup and star of her book, “Maverick and Me”

Join the fun on Saturday, Dec. 16 from 11 a.m. to 1. p.m. at Charlie and Me, when New York Times bestselling author Katherine Schwarzenegger will be signing her new release, “Maverick and Me,” from 12 to 1 p.m. This new children’s book explores the importance of pet adoption. Books will be available for purchase with a portion of the proceeds from the day’s sales going to I.C.A.R.E. Dog Rescue. There will be small bites and drinks.

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

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

Dedication ceremony held for Central Avenue Public Pier

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Photos courtesy of City of Newport Beach

Local dignitaries were on hand for the ribbon cutting ceremony

On Wednesday, Dec. 13, the city of Newport Beach held a dedication ceremony to celebrate the harbor’s newest amenity – the Central Avenue Public Pier and Plaza.

A priority of the City’s Harbor Commission is to improve public access in and around the harbor. The new public pier, the No. 1 priority for the Harbor Commission, will provide access in an area previously underserved for harbor users. The pier is 84 feet long and 10 feet wide, and allows easy access to the renovated Lido Marina Village area.

Newport Beach Council members, city staff and dignitaries were on hand for the festivities, including a ribbon cutting with light bites provided by Lido BottleWorks of Lido Marina Village. The new public dock is located adjacent to the street end at Central Avenue just west of the Lido Marina Village marina and the Elk’s Lodge.

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The new pier provides easy access to the Lido Marina Village area

The project was made possible through a development agreement between the Newport Harbor Yacht Club, the City and the California Coastal Commission, as well as through grant funds provided by the State of California’s Boating and Waterways Division.

Ebene Quartet to debut on stage at Samueli Theater

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Photo by Julien Mignot

Segerstrom Center for the Arts welcomes the Center debut performance of the acclaimed Ebène Quartet on March 4, 2018 at 2 p.m. Since coming to international attention after winning first prize at the ARD Music Competition in 2004, the Ebène Quartet has been thrilling audiences and critics with their superb renditions of classical favorites and arrangements of popular and jazz works.

What began as a distraction in university practice rooms has resulted in one of today’s most praised classical ensembles, renowned for its unique style and fresh approach to the chamber repertoire. The Ebène Quartet won the 2009 Gramophone Awards for both Recording of the Year and Chamber music. Quartet members include Pierre Colombet and Gabriel Le Magadure, violins; Marie Chilemme, viola; and Raphaël Merlin, violoncello.

Single tickets start at $29 and are 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 10 or more, call the Group Services office at 714.755.0236.

Fair Game

By TOM JOHNSON

Duffy named Mayor

The Newport Beach City Council elected Marshall “Duffy” Duffield mayor Tuesday night, December 12, by a unanimous vote.

Duffy promptly let everyone know that he won’t be a politician, he’ll “just be Duffy.”

It’s going to be fun having him at the helm.

Last night, after being named mayor, Duffy set up a fake bank of phones on the dais saying by doing so it allows him to conveniently talk to some of his biggest supporters and his biggest detractors.

Names mentioned were Bob McCaffery, Dave Ellis and Susan Skinner. I’ll leave it to you whether they’re supporters or detractors.

Duffy actually had some good comments and I’m excited to see what he’ll do with his knowledge and connections for our Bay.

Will O’Neill was named Mayor Pro Tem. Congrats!

• • •

One must be impressed with the Hoag Hospital Foundation. A number of years ago, the first time my friends Bob and Terry Callahan were asked to chair Hoag’s Christmas Carol Ball, I think they raised like $200K or $300K. I know at the time it was a record. 

Bob always has a goal in chairing a fundraiser; make more money than they ever have before. 

So, imagine my surprise when I received the numbers for this year’s 51st Christmas Carol Ball. The one evening of dinner, dancing, auction and elegance raised $1.75 million.

That’s a lot of bandages!

Congrats to Joan and Andy Fimiano who chaired this year’s event and continued to follow the Callahan challenge of raising the bar.

• • •

Congrats to Vicki Snell who was elected Newport-Mesa Unified School Board President early this week. Charlene Metoyer was selected as vice president. They’ll do a great job.

They’re the “new” blood.

• • •

Happy to announce that StuNewsNewport will again be the media sponsor for the 35th Spirit Run of Orange County.

Met with Diane Daruty the other day to discuss plans and she’s excited. Daruty is the President and Race Director for the Spirit Run.

Put the date on your calendar, Sunday, March 18, in Fashion Island.

Also, if you organize any type of youth group and the kids can run or just walk, for that matter, Diane has fundraising opportunities for you. 

There are opportunities for short distance runners, long distance runners, adult and kids, even a dog walk.

Check it out at www.nmspiritrun.org. 

• • •

My Christmas season became complete last week when I got to see A Christmas Carol at South Coast Repertory. Hal Landon Jr.’s performances each and every year for the last 38, make it special.

Seeing families dressed up to attend the theater was such a great feeling. The performances run through December 24. 

To find out more, go to www.scr.org.

Free Wheelchair Mission brought its ‘1 million for 1 million’ OC campaign to the Port Theater

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     Photos by Kait McKay Photography

(L-R): Founder Don Schoendorfer and Bill Baker

Free Wheelchair Mission brought its ‘1 Million for 1 Million’ Orange County campaign to the iconic Port Theater in Corona del Mar on Nov. 16. This is the third city stop in the national tour, celebrating its major milestone – distributing one million wheelchairs to people in 93 counties around the world since 2001. The campaign featured a soon-to-be released documentary, “Because No One Should Have to Crawl,” narrated by Sam Waterston, best known for his role on the TV show “Law & Order.”

The documentary is part of the award-winning public television series “Visionaries,” now in its 22nd season, which highlights rarely told stories of nonprofit organizations around the world that make a positive difference in their community and beyond.

The film includes dramatic footage, eliciting both tears of sadness and tears of joy as it chronicles the organization’s journey to deliver wheelchairs around the world to help lift people off the ground and give them hope for a better future. The documentary concludes with the grand finale – a trip to Peru this past summer to give the millionth wheelchair to a 12-year-old girl who desperately needed mobility due to an illness that left her mentally and physically impaired.

The event was hosted by the OC Women’s Council for Mobility, a group of residents from Newport Beach, Laguna Beach, Laguna Niguel and Irvine whose support has helped send thousands of wheelchairs to people in need around the world.

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Free Wheelchair Mission Board

Following the documentary was a brief Q&A session with Lori Philp, chair, OC Women’s Council for Mobility and Free Wheelchair Mission Founder and CEO Don Schoendorfer.

The Orange County campaign raised more than $23,000 and will help toward the next goal – to deliver its next million wheelchairs by 2025, half the time it took to give out the first million. Following Orange County, the tour will travel to Houston, Atlanta, and Orlando in the spring of 2018. More cities will be added to the tour through spring 2018.

For more information, visit www.freewheelchairmission.org/NewportBeach.

Holiday Organ Spectacular comes to the Renee and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall

Courtesy of scfta.org

Celebrate the season with the king of instruments! On Tuesday, Dec. 19 at 7:30 p.m., enjoy a magnitude of musical splendors with a world-class organist and members of Pacific Symphony performing a delightful mix of sacred and holiday music. Favorite Christmas carols share the bill with traditional organ works that highlight the $3.1 million William J. Gillespie Concert Organ.

The performance features: Todd Wilson, organ; Barry Perkins, trumpet; Mindy Ball, harp; and members of the Pacific Symphony.

Single tickets start at $15 and are 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 10 or more, call the Group Services office at 714.755.0236.

NMUSD selects coordinator of special education 

Courtesy of NMUSD

Newport-Mesa Unified School District (NMUSD) has announced the selection of Kristen Henry as a coordinator of special education. Henry has 14 years of experience in education, and has been lauded as a collaborative leader with unwavering dedication to maintaining a student-centered perspective.

Most recently, Henry served as a mental health program specialist for the Santa Ana Unified School District (SAUSD). In that role she supported the district’s special education program for children with severe social emotional/mental health needs. She was instrumental in the coordination of community services and developed resources that support student growth and learning. She provided leadership and guidance to the special education teams, district-wide mental health professionals, and school administration to improve and maintain a successful special education program.

Prior to her role at SAUSD, Henry served as a school psychologist and was a lead school psychologist for the Ocean View School District in Huntington Beach. As lead psychologist, she was responsible for collaborating with local universities to develop and sustain school psychologist interns and practicum programs. She coordinated staff and parent education trainings, managed the district crisis response team, created and implemented a suicide prevention and threat assessment model, conducted Individual Education Program assessments, Section 504 assessments, and facilitated Student Study Team meetings.

“We are excited to have Ms. Henry join our team,” said Assistant Superintendent of Student Support Services, Dr. Sara Jocham. “She has an inspiring passion, welcoming personality and positive approach that’s a perfect fit for our team,” she said.

Henry received her master’s degree in education counseling, and a Pupil Personnel Services Credential in school psychology from California State University, Dominguez Hills. She obtained her bachelor’s degree in sociology from Clemson University in South Carolina and a post-graduate certificate in school neuropsychology from Texas Women’s University.

Henry’s appointment was approved at the Dec. 11, 2017 Board of Education meeting. Her start date with NMUSD is Jan. 8, 2018.

NMUSD names Vicki Snell board president 

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Courtesy of NMUSD

On Monday, Dec. 11, the Newport-Mesa Unified School District (NMUSD) named Vicki Snell board president. Via unanimous vote, Snell will serve her first term as president.

Snell was appointment to the board in 2014 and reelected in 2016. She serves as Trustee in Area 1.

Rounding out the seven-member board are Charlene Metoyer, vice president; Martha Fluor, clerk; and members Dana Black, Walt Davenport, Judy Franco and Karen Yelsey.

For more information on the NMUSD Board of Education, visit www.nmusd.us.

Newport Beach – A Look Back

Photo series courtesy of Balboa Island Museum & Historical Society

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The Bal Isle Nursery School with Santa! Do you recognize the house or any of the children or adults? Please contact the Museum with any information at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Visit Balboa Island Museum at 331 Marine Ave., Balboa Island. It is open Tuesdays-Sundays, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. The Museum Store is open Tuesdays-Sundays, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. 949.675.3952. www.balboaislandmuseum.org

Newport Beach celebrates Christmas: 

Early religious roots…

By DUNCAN FORGEY

Newport Beach emphasizes Christmas in a big way! Whether it is the Christmas Boat Parade, Ring of Lights, Rogerʻs Gardens’ Christmas Fantasy, the Christmas tree lighting in Fashion Island, Corona del Marʻs Christmas Walk, or the highly competitive celebrations of Noel displayed in various neighborhoods or on individual homes, Newport Beach sparkles more than ever celebrating Santa Claus, reindeer and, of course, the birth Jesus Christ.

This Christian tradition emphasizes religious prayer, Nativity stories, singing of carols, as well as, the more secular gift giving and feasting. Children embrace Christmas through stories of an over bellied man with white whiskers and magical powers. Stores and malls are packed with emotional buyers trying to make life perfect for all of their loved ones. Churches enjoy their greatest annual attendance as entire families go to special services in a display of love for the Christ Child.

How did all of this come to be in our beloved Newport Beach?

Our oft forgotten Native American inhabitants, a branch of Shoshone Indians, traveled to the mild weather, beaches and abundance of game. Our Indian population was named the Gabrielinos by the Spanish for the Mission San Gabriel.

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Submitted photos

Living in the Back Bay, along the Santa Ana River and in Laguna Canyon, their “religious” beliefs revolved around the earth and the bounty provided them. Their “church” reflected a more simplistic and natural approach to life. A single god named Quaoar or “The Giver of Life” was worshipped within a ceremonial enclosure called the “yuvar”. Edifices, sculptures and sand paintings were common. Fourth graders at Newport Beach Elementary School used to duplicate these “sand paintings” on the beach when studying these important native inhabitants.

Christianity came to the region in 1769 with the exploration by the Spanish under Gaspar de Portola. Portola traveled from San Diego to Los Angeles with a stopover in the OC. Cristianitos Road in southern San Clemente is named for the first baptism of a Native American child.

The Franciscan Friars followed and were responsible for the conversion of the native population. To help “spread the word,” Californiaʻs first “freeway” was created extending from San Diego to Santa Rosa. A system of roads and missions was built allowing travelers respite after a single day’s travel. Junipero Serra was the most famous of the preaching Friars spreading the doctrine of 13th century Catholic Francis Assisi on foot. Our local San Juan Capistrano mission was founded in 1776.

One of the earliest “new” religions in the area came with a group of followers of Joseph Smith and his Church of Latter Day Saints. In 1880, they traveled from Utah, establishing a colony in the east end of the Laguna Canyon. Known for their accomplishments, the Mormon settlers had the first local “dentist” in their settlement.

Newport Beachʻs first church was homeless. It was founded by an opportunistic ex-Baptist preacher named Issac Hickey. His teachings took place in the “Greenville Section” of the harbor, which was well watered and home to a side-wheeler steamer under Captain Abbot. Known as the “promised land” by his followers, it was coined the “Gospel Swamp” by skeptics and non-believers.

In 1895, the Newport Methodist Church was established by a gentleman named “Roy”. He inaugurated Sunday School Services, which resulted in some loosely organized religious activity. The 22nd Street Round Pavilion was the site of the first organized religious meeting in 1909. In 1912, the Methodists, under the leadership of John Gabrielson, met upstairs in the old City Hall. Jailed prisoners shouted complaints of hymn singing which led to a move to the Balboa Theater.

In 1909, “The Balboa Chapel” and its Episcopal services were held in the Balboa Pavilion. By 1917, the church edifice arose on a lot donated but Marian A. Coons. It was eventually moved to its present location across from Newport Elementary. By 1930, its membership had risen to 90 followers. The building on Mrs. Coons’ lot was rented to Mr. Soto where he ran a curio shop. With the beginning of World War II, Mr. Soto was shipped off to a Japanese internment camp and was never heard of again. The property sold in 1940 and opened up as the “Blue Room” which served liquor. The Methodist Church opposed this and delayed issuance of a liquor license. Today, it is part of the municipal parking lot near the Balboa Pier.

In 1916, the Christian Science Church initially met at the home of Judge Leo Goepper, located at 813 East Bay Front. It was recognized by the Mother Church of Boston while meeting in the Womenʻs Civic League on Palm Street. Weekly meetings moved to the Balboa Theater and eventually built its Reading Room and “First Church of Christ Scientist of Newport Beach” in a building at the foot of the Lido Isle Bridge. Typifying the changing nature of Newport Beach, its future would become high-end condos.

By 1923, the Los Angeles and San Diego Catholic Diocese had constructed the first Church of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel at its oceanfront location at 1441 West Balboa Blvd. Prior to that, services were held at the Neimeyer home on East Bay Front.

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In Christmases past, Newport Beachʻs old churches had not only survived the decades to follow but they led the way to the current plethora of “houses of worship” now available to Newport residents. In our Christmas present, every part of Newport Beach is represented by a house of God to celebrate the birth of Christ. But if you drive Camelback or Bison streets today, you will see the Christmases future with the varying religions and the “new and improved” mega-churches that will move us ahead. The days of Churches bouncing from houses to empty buildings to theaters is not gone but many are choosing to establish out of town.

So, celebrate this Christmas in a style appropriate for the most Christmasy city I know. Gather with family, watch the parade, eat fine foods and attend one of the many Christmas Eve services available. Have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year, and share your good fortune with others in need!

~~~~~~~~

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

Menorah Lighting Ceremony at Fashion Island

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Photos by Lana Johnson

The Children’s Choir of Tarbut V’ Torah

The night sparkled with holiday cheer during the Menorah Lighting Ceremony, which took place on Tuesday, Dec. 12 in the Atrium Garden Courtyard (near Barnes & Noble) in Fashion Island to celebrate the first night of Chanukah.

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Los Locos performed upbeat songs on stage

The crowd, holding lit candles, joined the Chabad Center for Jewish Life as musicians took the stage including the Los Locos band, and the Tarbut V’ Torah Children’s Choir performing both traditional and modern Jewish songs.

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(L-R): Dr. Jacob Eisenbach and Rabbi Mintz will light the giant Menorah

All the fanfare led up to the lighting of the giant Menorah by Rabbi Mintz of the Chabad of Newport Beach and Dr. Jacob Eisenbach. Children enjoyed crafts, balloon animals and face painting, while munching on sugary donuts. Unwrapped toys were donated to the Community Toy Drive.

The balloon man kept the children entertained

For more information, visit www.jewishnewport.com.

Make it, take it: Winter wreaths class to be held at OC Fair & Event Center

Submitted photo

Learn to make a fresh winter wreath from fresh greens at the OC Fair & Event Center’s Centennial Farm in the Silo Building on Saturday, Dec. 16 from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m.

Classes are intended for participants 16 years and older. All tools and materials will be provided. Centennial Farm is open to the public, but they ask that you do not leave your children unattended on the farm.

The special guest speaker is Nancy Claxton, who has volunteered her time and expertise as a UCCE Orange County Master Gardener, Centennial Farm docent and Sherman Library & Gardens volunteer. For 20 years, Claxton has also served as Administrator of the Child Development Program at the Orange County Office of Education. She has taught Early Childhood Care and Education at Saddleback and Orange Coast College as an Associate Faculty member.

The cost of the class is $20, which covers all materials and handouts. You can register and pay by Thursday, Dec. 14 via http://ocfair.com/community-programs/centennial-farm/garden-classes.

For additional information, call 714.708.1619, or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

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 FROSTY

Frosty is intelligent and would make the perfect house pet

It’s time to introduce Frosty to the world. He’s a 2-year-old Alaskan Malamute. He is a true character and has a fatherly way about him with his small dog friend, Rudolph. Frosty, prior to coming into the shelter, most likely was just left in a backyard a majority, if not all, of the time. Being of high intelligence, and given the fact that Malamutes are very fond of people, shelter staff would like to secure Frosty his place in a home as a family dog.

Malamutes are nimble around furniture and smaller items, making them ideal house dogs, provided they get plenty of time outdoors meeting their considerable exercise requirements. Malamutes are usually quiet dogs and Frosty isn’t any different. He doesn’t bark, he talks. That’s one of the greatest individual traits about the Malamute. They are awesome communicators.

In addition, obviously, given his double coat, he will need and enjoy his grooming appointments. 

Adoption costs at the shelter:

Dogs - $130

Puppies - $150

Cats - $90

Kittens - $110

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

If you are interested in finding out more about Frosty, 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. to 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.

Recall of Scott Peotter found 106 verified signatures short

The Recall of Scott Peotter signature gathering attempt was deemed insufficient Tuesday, Dec. 12, when the Orange County Registrar of Voters found the effort 106 signatures short.

The Recall side had collected and turned in 10,688 signatures, needing 8,445 to qualify the Recall of Peotter for a spring election. Only 8,339 were deemed valid.

Peotter, on the other hand, collected and turned in some 1,700 rescinding signature cards. The cards were submitted by people who said they signed the initial petition but now wanted to rescind. Of those 1,700, 205 were found valid, in the end, making the difference.

Here’s what Peotter is saying following the announcement: “Recallers spend five months and $90k and fail. That means no recall.”

From the other side, consider this: Peotter formed two committees to oppose the recall and raised over $41k from seven donors. He spent $37,000, meaning each of the 205 rescinding-signatures translated to a cost of $180 each.

As it stands now, Peotter will be up for re-election in November of 2018.

Here are some of the comments from those close to the recall situation, on both sides:

Mayor Marshall “Duffy” Duffield (Duffy has supported Peotter through the entire ordeal): “It was unnecessary and confusing. Our system does not allow for one person out of seven to have the power or influence to cause great harm to our City. 

That’s where we go from here, just like where we came from.”

Harbor Commissioner Paul Blank (Blank initiated the original delivery of the recall effort to Peotter): “While I am disappointed with the result, I am very pleased to have been part of the process. I think we were successful in getting Councilman Peotter to moderate his rhetoric and behavior.

I hope he will continue to think, just a little bit more, about the consequences of his words and actions before he speaks or acts.   

That alone is of great benefit to the City of Newport Beach.” 

Lynn Swain (also one of the instrumental people behind the recall): “Over 10,600 residents signed petitions demanding Scott Peotter be removed from office. This is a clear repudiation of the divisive, insulting and financially reckless policies pursued by Peotter over the past three years.  

We will have our attorneys work with the Orange County Registrar of Voters to examine all of the signatures that were rejected. 

I would also add, that although Peotter looks at this as a win, 8,339 people voted to have him recalled. They’ll still be around in November of 2018.”

And finally, new Mayor Pro Tem Will O’Neill: “Counting the signatures cost the City tens of thousands of dollars. We must stop pushing a recall that will cost the City hundreds of thousands of dollars in the same year that Council Member Peotter is up for reelection. 

This is money better spent fighting increasing criminal activity, easing traffic congestion, funding our litigation against the FAA, or any number of everyday concerns. It is time to put the recall’s ugliness and mounting expenses behind us.”

Sherman Library & Gardens Christmas Light Walk starts December 15

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The Sherman Library & Gardens Christmas Light Walk takes place Dec. 15 - 23 from 5 to 8 p.m. Stroll through the Gardens and enjoy unique holiday light displays and festive decorations. There will be a no-host wine & beer bar and hot chocolate, along with a make your own ‘smores packet available for purchase. Recorded Christmas music will be playing. Admission: Friends, free; Public, $10 and Children under 5 are free. Tickets are available at the door; no reservations are required.

For more information, call 949.673.1880

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

Stump the Stu

Santa is “catching” on in Newport Beach

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Okay, we said this might be a “gift,” and, we were right. Nine correct guesses.

They include Paul Blank, Linda Witeck Zoelle, Alice Brownell, Mary Ann Hemphill, Joe Stapleton, William Lobdell, Gildardo Gomez, Terry Aune Callahan and Jeanie Quenneville who all guessed the Grand Canal between Big and Little Islands. Congrats all!

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!

Two named to oversee real estate portfolio

The Saywitz Company, one of the largest privately held commercial real estate brokerage firms in Southern California, recently hired two property management supervisors: Christina Huapaya and Diana Liston. Both Huapaya and Liston will oversee the day-to-day aspects and management of the company’s real estate investment portfolio throughout Southern California.

Currently, The Saywitz Company owns and manages more than 75 multifamily properties and office buildings throughout Orange, Los Angeles, Riverside and San Bernardino counties. Huapaya and Liston come to The Saywitz Company with 10 and 15 years of experience in the real estate industry, respectively. Both individuals are extremely well versed in all aspects of property management.

“We are confident that both Christina’s and Diana’s expertise and experience will assist us in providing for greater communication between the company and our tenants, and will allow us to continue to grow moving forward,” said Barry Saywitz, president of The Saywitz Company.

Huapaya has more than 10 years of real estate experience and comes to The Saywitz Company with a variety of experience from other notable real estate companies such as Equity Residential, UDR and Western National.  

Liston has more than 15 years of real estate experience and comes to the company with previous experience in working for such notable real estate companies as Decron, JH Real Estate Partners and Anza Management.  

Both individuals will work out of The Saywitz Company’s Newport Beach office.

Newport Beach youngsters to take the stage in “The Nutcracker”

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Photo by Doug Gifford

“The Nutcracker” ballet graces the stage in Segerstrom Hall, December 7 - 17

One of the great joys of the holiday season, American Ballet Theatre (ABT) returns to Segerstrom Center for the Arts with its critically acclaimed production of The Nutcracker with music by performed by Pacific Symphony. It is being choreographed by ABT Artist in Residence Alexei Ratmansky. Travel with curious Clara and her handsome prince as they journey through a kingdom filled with colorful characters and pure holiday magic.

Go behind the curtain and you will discover four young actors from Newport Beach who will be performing in this much-acclaimed ballet from December 7 - 17. They are among the 57 youngsters from approximately 27 different communities across Southern California who will showcase their talents playing the parts of Clara, Mice and Soldiers.

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Photo by Ana Gutierrez-Garcia

(L-R): Front row: Owen McLarand, Ava McLarand, Stella Stulik and Alexandra Orradre; Back row: ABT Dance Master Kenneth Easter and ABT Dance Mistress Sarah Jones

Each of our four local young performers has attended the American Ballet Theatre William J. Gillespie School at Segerstrom Center for the Arts. The School follows the ABT’s National Training Curriculum, a ballet program designed specifically for children ages 3 and older. This unique curriculum promotes discipline and creativity, encouraging students to reach their highest potential while building a safe and solid foundation in ballet technique.

Meet our young talent: Stella Stulik, Alexandra Orradre, Owen McLarand and sister Ava McLarand.

Stella Stulik, age 10. After attending American Ballet Theatre’s 2017 Young Dancer Summer Workshop, Stulik joined the ABT’s William J. Gillespie School at Segerstrom Center for the Arts in 2017. She is extremely excited to be cast as a Fairy in Ratmansky’s Nutcracker along with her cousin, Alexandra Orradre.

Alexandra Orradre, age 10. After attending ABT’s 2017 Young Dancer Summer Workshop, Orradre joined the ABT’s William J. Gillespie School at Segerstrom Center for the Arts in 2017. Like her cousin, she has also been cast as a Fairy.

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Photo by Samantha Kofford

Owen McLarand (second from left) practices with the Party Scene cast

Owen McLarand, age 11. Owen made his Segerstrom Center debut as a supernumerary in Mariinsky Ballet’s production of Raymonda. Later that year, after watching his older sister, Ava McLarand perform in The Nutcracker in 2015, he asked his mom to sign him up for ballet classes. He then joined the ABT William J. Gillespie School at Segerstrom Center for the Arts one month later. Since starting ballet two years ago, he had the pleasure of playing a Cupcake Kid in the World Premier of ABT’s Whipped Cream with choreography by Alexei Ratmansky. He also has understudied the role of Little Mouse and this year is playing a Party Boy in the ballet.

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Photo by Samantha Kofford

Ava McLarand (standing in the center) and the Party Scene cast

Ava McLarand, age 15. Ava joined the ABT William J. Gillespie School at Segerstrom Center for the Arts during its inaugural year. She has attended ABT’s summer intensives for the past two years and has had the opportunity to be cast in The Nutcracker for three years in a row. She is playing a Party Girl and dances in the Polichinelles number (She is among the children who come out from under Mother Ginger’s skirt). In 2016, she was chosen to play Clara.

The Nutcracker performances take place in Segerstrom Hall. Single tickets start at $29 and are 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 discounts for 10 or more, call the Group Services office at 714.755.0236.

Sherman Library & Gardens shares tips for beautiful poinsettias

Submitted photo

A Christmas decor staple, poinsettias are found at the Sherman Library & Gardens as well as around the world. But, these wonderfully festive plants can be a bit tricky. To make sure your poinsettias look as fabulous as those at the Gardens, here are a few tips on how to choose and care for your own.

When you are picking and caring for poinsettias, keep the following points in mind:

Check for broken branches. Poinsettias are naturally brittle plants that break easily in transit. Make sure the branches are intact, with no cracked limbs.

Check the flowers. The poinsettia flowers are tiny, yellow flowers in the center of the showy bract. Make sure they’re not opened yet so the plant will last longer.

Remove the sleeve. These are arid, subtropical plants that need good air circulation and excellent drainage to thrive.

Do not over water. The compost surface should be slightly dry before you water again. However, when you do water, water the plant thoroughly and ensure free drainage. Do not let the compost dry completely.

Avoid drafty, cold locations. Do not place near windows or doors or under vents where cold air will blow directly on them. Poinsettias prefer warmer air.

Give them light. Poinsettias prefer bright light during the winter flowering season. 

Happy gardening and may your poinsettias thrive this holiday season!

Ain’t No Mountain High Enough to keep MOTOWN THE MUSICAL from coming to town

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Photo by Joan Marcus

(L-R): Jasmine Maslanova-Brown (Florence Ballard), Trenyce (Diana Ross) and Quiana Holmes (Mary Wilson) star as the Supremes in MOTOWN THE MUSICAL

Segerstrom Center for the Arts and producers Kevin McCollum, Doug Morris, and Motown Founder Berry Gordy are proud to announce that MOTOWN THE MUSICAL is returning to the Segerstrom Hall stage for one week only December 19 - 24, 2017. 

Featuring more than 40 classic hits such as “My Girl” and “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough,” MOTOWN THE MUSICAL tells the story behind the hits as Diana, Smokey, Berry, and the whole Motown family fight against the odds to create the soundtrack of change in America.

Directed by Charles Randolph-Wright, MOTOWN THE MUSICAL is the true American dream story of Motown founder Berry Gordy’s journey from featherweight boxer to the heavyweight music mogul who launched careers of Diana Ross, Michael Jackson, Stevie Wonder, Smokey Robinson, Marvin Gaye and so many more.

Single tickets start at $29 and may be purchased online at www.scfta.org, the Box Office at 600 Town Center Drive in Costa Mesa or by calling 714.556.2787.

For more information, visit www.MotownTheMusical.com.

El Cholo owner to take over Ritz Seafood restaurant space

Ron Salisbury, owners of the El Cholo restaurants throughout Southern California, has signed a lease to take over the closed Ritz Prime Seafood property that shut its doors in late March 2017. He plans to open a casual Italian steakhouse serving prime steaks, classic pastas and salads. Overlooking the waterfront, the restaurant’s name is yet to be determined.

When the new eatery opens at 2801 W. Coast Highway, which is expected to occur in nine months, boats less than 10 feet will be welcomed for a dock & dine experience.

Fair Game

By TOM JOHNSON

Muldoon finishes “good” term…is Duffy next? 

Tomorrow night Mayor Kevin Muldoon will pass the gavel and leadership of the city over to one of his cohorts. It will be a mostly ceremonial Newport Beach City Council meeting with the naming of our new mayor and mayor pro tem as the primary agenda item.

The schedule is Closed Session – 6 p.m., Regular Meeting – 6:30 p.m., and Reorganization – 7 p.m.

First of all, kudos to Muldoon for a very good year at the helm. While controversy surrounded the Council, with issues like the Museum House and the Recall of Scott Peotter, Muldoon kept the meetings on track and fast paced for the most part. I also thought he showed attentive listening skills and respect to the public from the dais.

Will he come back around as mayor again in the future? It wouldn’t be the worst thing to happen.

So, what’s going to happen tomorrow? The money is on Marshall “Duffy” Duffield to be named mayor. I don’t know whose money, but you get the drift.

What about the others? Muldoon, it’s too soon; Diane Dixon, still too soon; Scott Peotter, c’mon, not now; Brad Avery, too new; Jeff Herdman has taken the helm of the aviation effort, but he’s still the odd man out; which brings us to Will O’Neill. He’s the pick for mayor pro tem and next in line to the throne.

Should be a fun council to cover in 2018. Duffy always has a way of making things entertaining.

So once the meeting adjourns, there’s an after-party, so to speak, put on by the Commodores Club of the Newport Beach Chamber of Commerce at the Back Bay Bistro. It’s actually called the Newport Beach Mayor’s Reception.

It’s a cool event because of the crowd it attracts.

In addition to recognizing Muldoon, the new mayor and mayor pro tem, the chamber also presents their Silver Anchor Award Recipients and their Ambassador of the Year.

If you haven’t been there, the Back Bay Bistro is in the Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort.

• • •

I’m told that on the Recall of Scott Peotter front that the signature approvals will come to City Hall at 4 p.m. on Tuesday. That means it will be agendized in January and an election date set forth.

• • •

It’s the end of the college football season. Th e Heisman Trophy was presented yesterday in New York; Baker Mayfield of Oklahoma won. But that’s not the local angle. The local angle is that Newport Beach has its own prestigious college award, the Lott IMPACT Trophy, given to the top college defensive player.

Josey Jewell of Iowa was named the 2017 Lott winner last night at the Pacific Club in Newport Beach.

Former USC and San Francisco 49er great and Hall of Famer Ronnie Lott was on hand to present the award named in his honor.

Goop Gift Newport Beach is here for the holidays

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Photo by Robert Trachtenberg

From now through Sunday, Dec. 24, goop GIFT has set up shop in Lido Marina Village, with the goal of making seasonal shopping as stress-free as possible, as their editors and buyers have done all the hard work for you, and with 12 personality-driven gifting categories. And this includes pets!

Whether you need a special gift or token for that health-conscious individual, the cook, the dreamer, the host, or that significant other in your life, they’ve got you covered. Shoppers will find everything that is featured in the goop gift guides URL, alongside the very best of the goop shop regarding skincare, homewares, clothing and accessories.

The Newport Beach outpost operates as a one stop shop. Once you’ve completed your shopping, enjoy the convenience of in-store wrapping, personalization and local delivery to your home.

Goop Gift Newport Beach is located at 3446 Via Oporto, Newport Beach. Call 949.612.8461. Hours of operation: Monday through Saturday, 11 a.m. - 7 p.m. and Sunday, 11 a.m. - 6 p.m. www.goop.com

Motorcycle safety enforcement this week

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Submitted photo

As part of the grant-funded Special Traffic Enforcement and Crash Prevention (STEP) activities, the Newport Beach Police Department is conducting a specialized Motorcycle Safety Enforcement Operation on Friday, Dec. 15. Extra officers will be on duty patrolling areas that are frequented by motorcyclists and where recent traffic collisions have occurred, in an effort to reduce injuries. 

Education and enforcement will be targeted at drivers and motorcycle riders alike. The officers will be focused on specific offenses including driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, speeding, driving on a suspended or revoked license, violations of motorcycle license endorsement, and any other dangerous activities.

Motorcycle fatalities have risen dramatically in California, showing a 28 percent increase over the decade low of 352 in 2010. In 2013, 453 motorcyclists lost their lives, marking the highest number of deaths in the previous five years. California collision data shows that the primary causes of motorcycle-involved collisions include speeding, unsafe turning, and driver/rider impairment due to drugs or alcohol.

During the past five years in the City of Newport Beach, 133 persons were injured in traffic collisions involving motorcycles and, tragically, three people lost their lives. The Police Department remains dedicated to preventing traffic-related deaths and injuries. They encourage everyone on the road to stay alert and aware of their surroundings, especially when turning or changing lanes. Whether you are on two wheels – or on four – it’s your responsibility to share the road safely.

Safety tips for motorcycle riders: see and be seen; use your lane position to increase visibility; change lanes only when there is ample room; watch your speed to surrounding traffic; always wear a DOT-compliant helmet and brightly colored protective clothing; ride with lights on, even during daylight hours

Safety tips for drivers: share the road; look twice for motorcyclists, especially when entering the roadway, turning, or changing lanes; remember that motorcyclists are allowed in HOV lanes, unless prohibited by signage.

Motorcycle riders are urged to get training through the California Motorcyclist Safety Program. Information and training locations are available at www.californiamotorcyclist.com or 1.877.RIDE411 (1.877.743.3411).

Funding for this program is provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic and Safety through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Lido Theatre brings in a classic for the holidays

Submitted photo

Ring in the holidays by enjoying the classic film, It’s a Wonderful Life, at the Lido Theatre in Newport Beach, Friday, Dec. 15 through Thursday, Dec. 21 at 7 p.m. nightly, with additional 1 p.m. matinees on Saturday, Dec. 16 and Sunday, Dec. 17. In addition, on Saturday, Dec. 16 at 6 p.m., moviegoers can visit with Santa, and enjoy carolers and complimentary hot cocoa prior to the 7 p.m. movie showing.

Harkening back to the Golden Age of Hollywood, the Lido Theatre is the perfect setting to enjoy the award-winning Frank Capra movie that has become a holiday favorite over the years. Released in 1946, the drama tells the story of an angel sent to help a frustrated businessman by showing him what life would have been like if he had never existed. 

The Lido Theatre is located in Via Lido Plaza at 3459 Via Lido Way, off Newport Boulevard, in Newport Beach. 

Tickets for children ages 2 - 11, and seniors ages 61 and better are $9; with matinee showings $9.50, students and military with ID are $10; and adult tickets after 5 p.m. are $11.50. To purchase tickets, or for more information visit the website at www.RegencyMovies.com or call 949.673.8350.

Letters to the Editor:

Do some get more than their fair share?

Newport Beach District 6 City Council Candidate Joy Brenner addressed the Planning Commission last week with some concerns. This is a transcript.

My concern this evening is not primarily the 2706 Ocean Blvd. project, but about the city policies and procedures which have made this another lightning rod to our citizens.  

After attending many meetings on this project with concerned citizens,

city planning staff and even representatives of the builder, I’ve come away

amazed at the confusion over what the owner is legitimately allowed to build, and further amazed at what has been proposed in the way of variances. Small variances are understandable, excessive variances are not.

Understanding how to calculate Floor Area Ratio, even on irregular lots, such as this, should not be this difficult to determine, yet we have spent hours upon hours trying to get to the accurate number.   

BUT the ratio I am most concerned with is the ratio between Perception and Reality. Many, if not most, of our citizens have the perception that our city is not protecting us. We see buildings around us that have pushed the limits so far, we believe they MUST have cheated. 

WE DESERVE BETTER! Our citizens should not have to monitor our City’s actions at each and every turn. We need our city representatives to enact policies which are absolutely fair, transparent, understandable, totally above board and to have all those in positions of responsibility follow them to the letter and spirit of the law.  

This not only protects the city, but also the builders, property owners and 

other residents.  

It should not take an applicant one-and-a-half years, as this project has, to know what they are allowed to build and it should not take that many hours of city staff time, but MOSTLY it should not take EXCESSIVE VIGILANCE by our citizens to make sure no special privilege is being granted to one homeowner over another. 

ALL of our PROPERTY RIGHTS have to be protected from those who want more than their fair share.  

Our zoning laws need to be so fair and so transparent that citizens can easily determine whether they are being interpreted fairly, or whether special privilege is being granted.

MANY, if not most, of our citizens have lost faith in our city representatives and their willingness to stand up for us. I believe most of you have read the temperature of our community and IT IS HOT! Many of us are interested in city government and how it works and we enjoy fostering understanding on issues such as this.  

But, there are a LOT of citizens who are extremely irritated that every time they turn around, it seems another building project is pushing the limits of not only our infrastructure but of our quality of life.  

The city planning staff has gone out of their way to meet with and help us understand the complexities of this particular project and I believe that is a sign of changing times. One of our citizens said recently, that we should get rid of the building officials and just put a rubber stamp on the counter. I don’t believe that, but if our citizens have that perception, then our electeds, their appointees and our city staff have to be vigilant in not only changing that perception, but of changing the climate which fosters that perception.

Thank you for your time, attention and service to our community!

Joy Brenner

City Council Candidate, District 6

Guest Column

Stasha Speaks!

Gift giving ideas for those special doggies on your list 

Submitted photos

Ho! Hoi! Ho! Stasha posing in a Santa hat and holiday neck scarf…woof

The holiday shopping season is upon us, and there are dos and don’ts when it comes to picking gifts for the special doggies in your life. And just like Oprah, I have “My Favorite Things” list for holiday gift giving.

Though gift food baskets full of yummy treats may be a good idea for the humans on your list, it’s not so much so for dogs. Many of us are on strict diets and changing them even slightly can result in upset tummies and messy pooh. Please check with owners before giving any food items to pets. 

Exercise caution when you purchase plush toys

Dogs love plush toys, but there can be hidden dangers here, so you need to be cautious in your selections. Avoid ones that have sewn on items like buttons and such that can be chewed off and become choking hazards for us. Holiday red collars with bells are a pet peeve of mine. They might look cute, but will drive you and us crazy within minutes...so cross them off your list.

Clothing is always a good choice, but again be mindful of what you select. Coats with Velcro closures on the chest and underbelly are easy to put on, comfortable for us, and more apt to fit than those with zippers or cumbersome closures. My buddies and I love sweaters as the weather chills.  

(L-R): Nacho, Rocco and Stasha show that sweaters are welcome gifts for doggies when the weather turns chilly

Hanging with my newly adopted brother Rocco and our pal Nacho this week, we all went to our favorite store, Petco, and got matching Christmas sweaters and shopped for gifts. One item to stay away from is “stupid” Santa head gear. Though temptingly cute, dogs hate them.  

Stasha in a Santa hat with her Mom; the hat stayed on for a nano second

One good idea we found was this holiday bed set. They also had a good selection of plush blankets which are always an appreciated gift. Petco also has “Photos with Santa Days” at local stores. Check the website for times and dates in December. One hundred percent of your $9.95 donation benefits local homeless pets in your community, through the Petco Foundation.

https://www.petco.com/shop/en/petcostore/events

This is a cozy and warm pet bed that any of my furry canines would enjoy

And speaking of photos, another great gift idea for your whole family is a holiday photo session with Dogma Pet Portraits, http://dogmapetportraits.com, located at 1727 Superior Ave., Costa Mesa. Call 714.642.9021. It’s not too late to get your Christmas card pics taken. 

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Photo by Dogma Pet Portraits

(L-R): Rocco, Mom and Stasha at Dogma Pet Portraits

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Stasha Speaks! will appear periodically in StuNewsNewport. 

School Notes

Committee proposes NMUSD move to collegiate calendar

The Calendar Review Committee, comprised of certificated and classified staff, parents, district administrators and employee bargaining units, typically develops calendar recommendations two to three years in advance of implementation. For the past few years, the Committee has discussed the concept of a collegiate calendar; the school year starting prior to Labor Day with the first semester ending prior to winter break.

Starting this fall, the Committee met five times to explore and consider a collegiate calendar. The Committee began by seeking anecdotal data from the school community. A survey was circulated to obtain input related to the concept of a Collegiate Calendar. Five information meetings were hosted to share and clarify particulars of the Fact Sheet and gather input from staff, parents and students.

The Committee carefully weighed these components prior to coming to a recommendation. When reviewing the information gathered, the Committee found that the responses on the survey varied with overall results indicating most respondents did not support the move to a collegiate calendar. Analyzing subgroups from elementary, middle and high school respondents, there was a gradual increase of support for the change (please see attached survey results). Comments collected during the information meetings identified multiple benefits for students, numerous concerns regarding heat in the classrooms of those schools without heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC), and the timeline for implementation. While there has been a systematic plan for HVAC installation since 2013, the plan beyond the summer of 2018 was not available during the time of the survey and information meetings. The complete installation plan for all remaining schools was shared during the Nov. 14, 2017 Board Meeting.

After extensive analysis and discussions, the Committee recognized significant student benefits of a collegiate calendar particularly when they reach the secondary level and acknowledged the primary concern expressed by many stakeholders for HVAC to be installed at all school sites. The Committee considered the new information provided in the HVAC plan to address the concerns regarding heat and explored ways to provide students the benefits of the collegiate calendar. The Committee ultimately determined moving to a collegiate calendar was in the best interest of students. Implementing it three years from now would address concerns related to HVAC installation and create more time to plan for the transition.

The Calendar Review Committee has made the following recommendations and will meet to design the details of the calendars, which will move forward to the District and NMFT negotiation teams:

A traditional calendar for the 2018-2019 school year (Adopted October 10, 2017)

A traditional calendar for the 2019-2020 school year

A collegiate calendar for the 2020-2021 school year

Upon completion of negotiations and approval by the Board of Education, the adopted calendars will be made public.

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Submitted photo

Stump the Stu

Fish on…ho, ho, ho

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We’re in the Christmas spirit, obviously, by giving you this gift-wrapped present. Where oh where can our Fishing Santa be found? This should be easy.

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 will be in Thursday’s edition.

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!

The harbor will shine brighter during the Christmas Boat Parade and Ring of Lights

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Photos by Bleu CottonPhoto

Paradise Found took First Place in 2016 for Humor & Originality

More than a million viewers will watch beautifully decorated yachts, boats, kayaks and canoes sail along Newport Harbor in the 109th Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade, along with lit up homes, restaurants, yacht clubs and businesses for the annual Ring of Lights, hosted by the Commodores Club of the Newport Beach Chamber of Commerce.

The boat parade will run nightly from December 13 - 17 starting at Lido Isle at 6:30 p.m. and end there at 9 p.m. A spectacular fireworks show on the first evening will take to the skies at 6:15 p.m.; on the final night, the fireworks will be set off at 9 p.m., launched from the Balboa Pier. Parade participants will convene at the southern end of Lido Isle, with the first public viewing destination at Marina Park. Since Marina Park has become a popular place to watch the event, the route was changed to pass the park early in the evening at approximately 6:49 p.m. The parking lot offers 177 parking spaces; paid parking expires at 6 p.m. No overnight parking is allowed.

Opening Night Grand Marshal is Vicki Gunvalson from “The Real Housewives of Orange County.”

Arrive early for best viewing and parking; and download the parade route map for the public viewing locations, detailed destination times, and parking and public restroom locations.

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Best Overall, 2016 for the Ring of Lights

Officially closing out the parade, the Christmas Boat Parade Awards Dinner and Auction will be held on Friday, Jan. 26, 2018 at the Island Hotel Newport Beach. A fun night of food, wine, dancing and one of the best live and silent auctions of the year, it is also the evening that celebrates all of the winners of the 2017 Boat Parade and Ring of Lights.

For more information, visit www.christmasboatparade.com.

The Winery Restaurant & Wine Bar Named 2017 “Restaurant of the Year” by the OCCA

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Submitted photo

Executive Chef Yvon Goetz of The Winery Restaurant & Wine Bar

Known for bringing a taste of the Wine Country to the heart of Orange County, The Winery Restaurant & Wine Bar in Newport Beach has been named 2017 “Restaurant of the Year” by the Orange County Concierge Association (OCCA). The Winery Restaurant was also given this title in 2008, 2009, 2013, 2014 and 2016, making the restaurant a six-time award winner since opening in 2007.

The OCCA is a fellowship of concierges from Orange County’s finest hotels, which include 4- and 5-Diamond rated resorts such as The Resort at Pelican Hill, Montage Laguna Beach, Hyatt Regency Huntington Beach Resort & Spa, The Ritz Carlton Laguna Niguel and Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa. For more than 30 years, the concierges of this prestigious organization have been the knowledge experts to Orange County’s world-renowned destinations and attractions, and serve as ambassadors to the more than a half-million visitors to the area each year.

“It is such an honor to be recognized for the sixth time since joining the Orange County dining landscape 10 years ago,” said JC Clow, founding partner at The Winery Restaurant & Wine Bar. “My partners and I have been privileged to work with many of these concierges for more than two decades now, and we believe that they have come to understand our ongoing commitment to excellence. Now, as we grow to three Southern California locations, we have even more appreciation for the tremendous support and recognition of our concierge friends – to be selected as the one restaurant that not only meets, but exceeds, their criteria for excellence is something to be celebrated by our entire team.”

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

For more information about restaurant locations in Newport Beach, Tustin and La Jolla (coming soon), including address, hours, menus, reservations and private dining options, visit www.thewineryrestaurants.com.

You Must Remember This: Hang 1

By NANCY GARDNER

In the days of black and white television, westerns were a staple of the medium.  Hopalong Cassidy, The Cisco Kid, Crash Corrigan, Wild Bill Hickock were only some of the programs. The emphasis was on action, not banter, with a steady diet of men saddling up and galloping off. “Stick ‘em up!” and “Draw!” were dialogue staples. The only memorable lines I remember were catch phrases like “Hey, Pancho! Hey, Cisco,” or “Wait for me, Wild Bill!” yelled by Jingles, played by Andy Devine. Our childhood games, based on what we had been watching, were western-oriented with a lot of running and shooting. It was particularly nice to have a real gun for the shooting part, not just your finger, and if it was a cap gun? Cowabunga, as a different pastime would exclaim.

On this particular day, we decided we would do a chase. We would have a bad guy, and we’d have a posse to pursue the bad guy. As bad guy, we designated Joanne. In any group of children, you tend to have at least one odd-kid out. Joanne was ours. If she wanted to play, she had to do whatever she was told, and she understood her role.  She dutifully robbed the bank and took off, we formed the posse and gave chase, and soon we captured her. That was usually the end of the game, but that day for some reason, we decided to go to the punishment phase. The programs we watched didn’t often bother with a judge and jury, and we didn’t, either. Without much discussion, we decided to hang her. After all, that’s what they did in so many of the westerns we watched. Someone went and got a rope, we tied a noose, threw the rope over a tree branch, put the noose around Joanne’s neck and prepared to hoist her. The scary part of it is, nobody protested the hanging, not even Joanne. There was some connection we weren’t making. We’d hang her and then – we’d all do something else, including Joanne. Fortunately, at the critical moment, another kid ran up and said there was a dead cat down the street, and we all ran off to see it and forgot about the hanging.  Joanne lived, and the rest of us didn’t end up in the juvenile court system branded as fiendish thrill killers, although I’m pretty sure that if we had pulled on the rope and seen the actual reality we would have stopped. Hopefully.

With this kind of background, imagine my excitement when my parents became friends with Andy Devine or rather, Jingles, which is how I knew him from Wild Bill Hickock. I suppose I realized he was an actor and that actors play roles, but I still expected to meet Jingles. Instead, I met an actor with an impressive list of film, television and theater roles. In fact, speaking of theater, in his later years he became the go-to guy to play Cap’n Andy in any production of Show Boat. His house, a few lots from the Harbor Island bridge, was the scene of innumerable card games between the Gardners and Devines, made especially memorable by the meals prepared by Doagie, his wife and a true foodie, although that term wouldn’t be invented for several decades.

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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.

By LANA JOHNSON  

Holiday Open House at Seaside Gallery & Goods filled with merriment and seasonal cheer

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Photos by Lana Johnson

Liam, age 9, is sharing Christmas wishes with Santa

This year’s Holiday Open House at Seaside Gallery & Goods was filled with lots of merriment and seasonal cheer. Adding to the festivities, Santa came down from the North Pole to greet youngsters from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. and was available for photos. There was a mailbox nearby where kids could mail their personal letters to Santa, before sitting on Jolly Old St. Nick’s lap and then receiving a candy cane.

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Kathy Shaw with Seaside Gallery and the Salvation Army greet guests

Tasty offerings included a variety of cookies, icing-topped muffins, panettone, Chex Party Mix, coffee, and champagne and orange juice to make mimosas.

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Emily Kaszton of Kasz Creations shares one of her Newport Beach aerial drone art pieces

The Salvation Army Orange County was on hand in front of the storefront. The shop was filled with a variety of home décor and accessories; a charming children’s section filled with toys, books, clothing and bedding; artwork & paintings, linens, pillows and quilts; container gardens, and so much more.

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(L-R): Victoria Velasquez and Minh Pham of Forever Glamorous demonstrated how to apply LipSense lip colors and gloss

A percentage of all sales from the open house will be donated to designated charities as selected by each store.

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Artist Holly Winn Willmer with her alcohol ink creations, from jewelry to artwork and notecards. Her next workshop at Seaside Gallery takes place on December 16. 

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Michelle Bendetti of Bramble & Bramble Candles with her aromatic soy wax candles

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Charming home décor and accessories fill the shop

Seaside Gallery & Goods is located at 124 Tustin Ave., Ste. 100, Newport Beach. Visit the website at www.seasidegalleryandgoods.com for additional information and drop by to see all their holiday offerings – perfect for gift giving.

Editor’s Note: If you or someone you know operates a Newport Beach-based business that you would like to see featured in About Town, please send the information to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

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 RUSTY

Rusty is a very special pup

Every once in a while a very special dog comes along. You never know what type of package they will be delivered as, but you sure know when the gift is received. Rusty is just that dog. He arrived as a senior gent that was lacking basic medical attention and, after getting to know him, it was quite apparent that he was definitely not done with sharing his love. Being one of the easiest dogs housed at the shelter currently, Rusty enjoys spending his days napping, going out for little walks, hanging out with staff, volunteers and the other shelter pups. He doesn’t make a fuss over anything. He’s truly like the Teddy Bear that you’ve had forever and that you can’t fall to sleep without. He’d be great in a home that’s operating at a slower pace. He’s the sitting on a park bench kinda guy as you both watch the folk pass by. 

Adoption costs at the shelter:

Dogs - $130

Puppies - $150

Cats - $90

Kittens - $110

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

If you are interested in finding out more about Rusty, or any other animals up for adoption, the Newport Beach Animal Shelter is located at 20302 Riverside Drive, Newport Beach. It is open daily from 11 a.m. to 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.

Farm to Fork: A Foodie’s Point of View

By LANA JOHNSON

Dining out for the holidays? Here are some festive suggestions

Courtesy of A Restaurant

The Classic A Burger

A Restaurant – Celebrate with a Seasonal Holiday Lunch

Continuing through December 15, Tuesdays through Fridays

The Holiday Lunch menu, courtesy of Corporate Executive Chef Jonathan Blackford offers a variety of classic starters including the roasted garlic soup, chopped winter salad and A’s signature spicy yellowfin tuna. A diverse list of entrees features the grilled chicken sandwich, jumbo diver scallops and the A Burger. A Restaurant’s classic steak cuts are also available for lunch. Favorite side dishes include young broccoli, mac ‘n’ cheese and house bistro fries.

A Restaurant, 3334 W. Coast Highway, Newport Beach. www.arestaurantnb.com

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Photos courtesy of Back Bay Bistro

Holiday meals are a bit more festive at Back Bay Bistro under the watchful eye of new Executive Chef Daniel Jimenez

Back Bay Bistro – Christmas Eve Brunch with Santa and Dinner on the Bay

Christmas Eve Brunch with Santa, Sunday, Dec. 24

Features their famous seafood station, cooked-to-order pasta, omelets, risotto, carving stations, chocolate fountains and so much more! Seating from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Santa will visit from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Cost: $45 for adults; $16 for children 10 years and under. 

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Santa visiting Back Bay Bistro’s Christmas Eve Brunch will make it jolly

Christmas Eve Dinner on the Bay, Sunday, Dec. 24

Enjoy a five-course Christmas Eve dinner on the waterfront from 4 to 7:30 p.m. Serving delightful, seasonal flavors from a roasted tomato bisque to a chocolate yule log. This is a menu that has something for everyone. Cost: $75 per person. For reservations, call 949.729.1144.

Back Bay Bistro, 1131 Back Bay Drive, Newport Beach. Call 949.729.3800. Visit the website for complete menu details. www.newportdunes.com/bistro

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Courtesy of The Beachcomber Cafe

Big Bad Bloody Mary, complete with a crab claw and jumbo shrimp

The Beachcomber Café at Crystal Cove – Capturing an Endless Summer

Located on the sand, this picturesque eatery is offering new winter menus. For breakfast: selections include Beachcomber beignets, avocado toast, coconut-macadamia pancakes, breakfast pizza (with scrambled eggs and mascarpone mousse) and crab cake Benedict. Luncheon items include: filet mignon chili, Maine lobster club and banh mi tacos. Dinner rings in the holidays with: baked bleu tomato soup, blue crab stuffed salmon, lobster linguini pasta, prime filet mignon and lamb sirloin. Walks along the beach and visiting tide pools are at no extra charge!

The Beachcomber Café at Crystal Cove, 15 Crystal Cove, Newport Coast. Call 949.376.6900. www.thebeachcombercafe.com

Farmhouse at Roger’s Gardens – New Seasonal Menu and Holiday Cocktails

Farmhouse at Roger’s Gardens has unveiled its new seasonal menu, courtesy of Owner and Executive Chef Rich Mead. Featuring the freshest produce and festive flavors, the menu welcomes several new starters, main dishes and desserts as well as the ever-changing, highly curated cheese program. Highlights include the Farmhouse market salad, shrimp and root vegetable ribbons, grilled curry crusted Pacific swordfish, panko crusted Icelandic cod, grilled Dijon soy glazed pork tenderloin and grilled prime flat iron steak salad. Decadent desserts include Windrose Farms apple crisp and pumpkin cheesecake. The perfect accompaniment? Try one of these seasonal libations: Mamma Needs Another Drink, Butter Flippin What?, Not Mushroom in This Bar and Dem Apples. Lunch, Midday Menu and Dinner.

Farmhouse at Roger’s Garden’s, 2301 San Joaquin Hills Road, Corona del Mar.

Call 949.640.1415. www.farmhouserg.com

Five Crowns and SideDoor – A Royal Feast Holiday

Five Crowns and SideDoor invite you to celebrate the holidays like royalty with world-class seasonal menu offerings and warm hospitality throughout the holidays.

Christmas Eve reservations are being taken with seatings from 11 a.m. until close. In addition to the prime rib of beef, beef steak Neptune, and seared salmon and prawn & lobster scampi, the menu presents the traditional roasted goose served with wild grains, mushroom, cherry and Brussels sprout leaves. A Royal Feast holiday children’s menu is available for kids 12 years old and younger, and offers junior portions of signature entrees.

For those spending the holidays at home, Five Crowns offers the traditional prime rib dinner to-go featuring roasted prime rib of beef, classic accompaniments, sides and desserts to complement the perfect seasonal celebration.

Adding to the festivities, carolers will be performing nightly, serenading guests with classic jingles. The cozy dining and private rooms will be enhanced with holiday décor, twinkling lights and crackling fireplaces.

For reservations, call Five Crowns at 949.760.0331, SideDoor at 949.717.4322.

Five Crowns and SideDoor, 3801 E. Coast Highway, Corona del Mar. Valet parking is available. www.lawrysonline.come/five-crowns; www.sidedoorcdm.com

Hornblower – Holidays on the Harbor

Saturday and Sunday KJAZZ Champagne Brunch Cruises, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day Brunch Cruises throughout December

Celebrate your holiday on the water during a two-hour brunch cruise, which includes unlimited Champagne, brunch buffet and background holiday music.

Brunch Cruises: Boards, 11:30 a.m.; Cruise, 12 - 2 p.m. Cost: $68.95 per person

(Tax, service charge and landing fee may apply.)

Hornblower on Mariner’s Mile, 2431 W. Coast Highway. Call 949.646.0155. www.hornblower.com

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Courtesy of The Island Hotel Newport Beach

Succulent roasted ribeye graces the Christmas Day Brunch menu

Island Hotel Newport Beach – Brunch of Christmas Cheers

Christmas Day Champagne Brunch from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

They’re decking the halls and setting the table in the Ballroom for a Christmas full of good cheer. There will be champagne and mimosas accompanying farmers’ market offerings, and from the Ranch Carving Station selections like whole-roasted ribeye and rack of Colorado lamb, as well as roasted chicken breast, plank-roasted salmon, and mac and cheese. Risotto will be cooked-to-order then finished in a parmigiano-reggiano cheese wheel, and topped with lobster or prosciutto and peas. The seafood station will have shrimp cocktail, king crab legs and an assortment of nigiri sushi and rolls. There will be an omelet station and breakfast favorites made á la minute. And, what would Christmas be without delectable Christmas sweet treats? Leave room. Cost: $80 per adult, $20 per child ages five to 12, inclusive of tax and gratuities. Free for children four and under. Reservations can be made by calling 949.760.4913.

Island Hotel, 690 Newport Center Drive. www.islandhotel.com

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Courtesy of The Island Hotel Newport Beach

Scrumptious Pumpkin Pie Pudding…the perfect ending to the meal

Oak Grill at the Island Hotel Newport Beach – Four-Course Christmas Best

Sunday, Dec. 4 and Monday, Dec. 25 from 4 to 9 p.m.

‘Tis the time to indulge in the Christmas spirit. Oak Grill is putting out Christmas dinner with all the trimmings from a choice of First Course winter harvest salad or seafood platter to a Second Course of potato leek soup and Third Course choices including slow-roasted prime rib, Mediterranean stuffed branzino, wild mushroom ravioli, Jidori chicken, or shrimp and scallop risotto. For a sweet finish, there will be Buche de Noel, pumpkin pie pudding and chocolate molten cake. Cost: $90 per adult, $35 per child ages five to 12, excluding tax and gratuities. Free for children four and under. Reservations can be made online or by calling 949.760.4920.

Oak Grill, 690 Newport Center Drive. www.oakcreekgrillnb.com

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Courtesy of Pelican Hill

It’s all about the sweets!

The Resort at Pelican Hill – Christmas Day Ballroom Brunch

Monday, Dec. 25 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Celebrate Christmas overlooking the Pacific Ocean with an unforgettable feast of traditional cuisine, accompanied by live entertainment. Children’s activities include Santa Claus photos, cupcake decorating and children’s entertainment programs at 12, 2 and 4 p.m. Reservations are recommended. Cost: $125 per adult and $65 per child under age 12. Call 888.507.6427.

The Resort at Pelican Hill, 22701 Pelican Hill Road South, Newport Coast. www.pelicanhill.com

Courtesy of Provenance

Apple Pie a la Mode on the Beach

Provenance – Sweet Treats with a Twist

Executive Chef and Restaurateur Cathy Pavlos has introduced new desserts and dessert cocktails that you can cozy up to this winter. Among the sweet and/or decadent offerings are apple pie a la mode on the beach, vanilla bean budino, old-fashioned gingerbread waffles, pumpkin and pecan country galette, dark chocolate tart, chef’s artisan cheese plate, Provenance espresso martini, grandma’s nightcap and Eastbluff float.

Provenance, 2531 Eastbluff Drive in the Eastbluff Village Center, Corona del Mar. Call 949.718.90477. www.ProvenanceOC.com

WISHING YOU A VERY HAPPY HOLIDAY (And Good Eating)!

Ciao Vincenza!

Guest Columnist

Craig Smith

Why we should remember December 7, 1941 

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Courtesy of Cosette M. Harms

“Honolulu Star-Bulletin” Headline, December 7, 1941 from December 7, 1941: “Letters from Hilltop House”

That morning, there was excitement at our house in Whittier, Calif. My uncle Harold Davis, a sergeant in the Air Force, was getting married. My mother was bustling around, getting me – 3 years old – and my 1-year-old sister dressed for the wedding.

In Los Angeles, Mitzi Takahashi, an American citizen of Japanese descent, was home preparing for a Christmas party to be held that day at the bank where she worked. When she arrived at the bank, she was surprised to find it closed, the party canceled.

Anne Powlison had a house full of weekend guests. She was busy fixing breakfast for her two daughters, their weekend dates, and two visiting Air Force photographers. She lived in an historic home called Hilltop House, high on a hill in Kailua, Hawaii, overlooking the Pacific Ocean.

In Guam, 20-year-old U.S. Marine Private First Class Garth Dunn’s guard duty shift ended at 6 a.m. He had a big breakfast at the Insular Patrol Base and went to bed.

Simon Peters and his wife Lydia were planning a Christmas dinner for the Americans who worked at a gold mine high in the jungle near Davao, Mindanao, in the Philippines.

At the entrance to Pearl Harbor, 23-year-old Ensign Kazuo Sakamati was bitterly frustrated. The navigation system on his midget submarine had failed and he’d been unable to sneak into the harbor at night, and now it was daybreak. Vice Adm. Chuichi Nagumo’s fleet of six aircraft carriers, two battleships, three cruisers and assorted support vessels launched the first wave of 183 aircraft to attack U.S. military installations on Hawaii. As Powlison was cooking breakfast, her guests saw fire and smoke pouring from nearby Kaneohe Naval Air Station. Moments later, as she looked out her kitchen window, a swarm of Japanese aircraft flew by at window height, headed to Pearl Harbor. She saw the pilot in the nearest plane staring back at her.

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Courtesy of the Naval Historical Center

Naval Air Station Kaneohe Hanger #2 in Flames, U.S. Navy photograph NH 97429

Hours later, in Yamanashi Prefecture, Japan, a farm boy named Masashi Itoh listened to a government broadcast stating that Japan had attacked British and American forces. A month later, Itoh was inducted into the Japanese army. He was to serve in China and later in Guam.

Days and weeks passed. My uncle Harold learned of Pearl Harbor minutes after his wedding, and immediately left for an abbreviated honeymoon before being called to active duty. He was part of the aircrews that flew the “Hump,” taking supplies from Burma into China. Takahashi, her family, and 110,000 other Japanese Americans were rounded up. Many lost their homes, fishing boats, businesses and farms. She spent the war in the Manzanar Internment Camp. The Powlisons had to move from their beautiful home overlooking Lanikai Beach. It became an Army observation post for the duration of the war. The Japanese invaded Guam two days after Pearl Harbor. After a brief battle, the small contingent of U.S. Sailors and Marines was overwhelmed. Dunn spent the war in four different Japanese POW camps. Brutally beaten, starved and sick, he worked as a slave laborer, but survived. The Peters were taken prisoner by the Japanese and held in separate POW camps. Simon, a Russian citizen at that time, was eventually released. He found Lydia and they fled into the jungle. Three years later when MacArthur returned, they were both near death from malnutrition and malaria, but were saved by Army doctors.

Courtesy of the Naval Historical Center

Japanese Midget Submarine HA19, Aground on Waimanalo Beach, Oahu, December 8, 1941, U. S. Navy photograph 80-G-17016

The day after Pearl Harbor, Sakamaki’s midget submarine went aground on Waimanalo Beach. He was captured by the Shore Patrol and spent the war in several POW camps in the United States. Vice Adm. Nagumo narrowly escaped death when the Japanese carrier Akagi was sunk at the battle of Midway. He committed suicide in a cave on Saipan in July 1944 as U.S Forces closed in. After Saipan, U.S. forces liberated Guam and Itoh, now a sergeant, fled into the jungle to escape capture, along with other Japanese who refused to surrender. Many died, were captured, or eventually surrendered, but Itoh and a comrade remained in the jungle, for 15 years, finally surrendering in 1960.

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Courtesy of Cosette M. Harms

The Japanese Attack on Hawaii map by Mark Neal, from December 7, 1941: “Letters from Hilltop House”

Lest we forget, the Japanese government had been taken over by fanatical leaders who made rash decisions that plunged half the world into the maelstrom of WWII, ultimately affecting millions of military personnel and innocent civilians on both sides of the conflict. We owe a huge debt to the men and women of our Armed forces who laid their lives on the line to preserve our freedoms and end this terrible conflict.

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Craig B. Smith is an author and publisher of Dockside Sailing Press in Newport Beach. A long-term resident of our community, he wrote “Counting the Days: POWs, Stragglers, and Internees of WWII in the Pacific” (Smithsonian Institution Press), and has published other authors’ WWII books. 

Editor’s Note: Craig Smith met some POWs (from both sides) who had amazing survival stories, and wrote about them. He didn’t just write about them…he interviewed them in detail, did research about them, and traveled to Japan, Guam and the Philippines to see the places where they had been captured and held.

School Notes

Technology is the key to the future and NMUSD is out front

Technology in the classroom is now as common as a pencil was 50 years ago. It is the fabric that weaves academics together at every grade level throughout Newport-Mesa Unified School District (NMUSD).

The classroom of today involves flexible learning environments, seamless integration of technology, space for collaboration, and an ever-increasing digital connectedness that has never before existed. Teachers are no longer confined to the front of the classroom, presenting lessons in a lecture style. With an iPad in hand, teachers are free to move around the classroom, collaborate with students and provide tailored instruction to individual students or small groups. 

Students in turn are able to share and collaborate in real-time on documents and lessons from anywhere in the world with an Internet connection. Skills such as coding, critical and logical thinking, problem solving, sequencing, and math are being taught at all grade levels using sophisticated technology and curriculum to prepare students for the unforeseen jobs of the future. 

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Courtesy of NMUSD

Dash robots trigger imagination and creativity in two NMUSD students

Students learn to program Dash robots at the elementary level and learn to manipulate blocks of code in logical sequences to get the robots to perform specific tasks. As students advance their skills and progress through grade levels, they learn to operate the more intricate VEX robots. Students design and build the robots while learning and mastering more complex coding techniques.

With an emphasis on access to technology, the district currently has more than 430 robots available to provide students with hands-on, tangible learning experiences. 

This number of robots however, pales in comparison to the nearly 16,000 Chromebooks in the hands of students and staff throughout the district. 

In Fall 2016, the district began implementing a Chromebook initiative that will, over time, provide one-to-one digital access for all students in grades 3 through 12. The Chromebook initiative began with the Estancia zone two years ago and expanded to the Newport Harbor zone this year. It is anticipated that the Costa Mesa and Corona del Mar zones will follow in subsequent years. The Chromebook provides a digital bridge to many web-based programs that students can access anytime, anywhere. Across the district student usage varies from school to school, classroom to classroom and even student to student. 

NMUSD also is partnering with local industry leaders, colleges and universities to provide students with skills necessary to succeed in a rapidly changing employment landscape. Students in the Career Technical Education courses such as Design Visual and Media Arts, Business Management, Engineering Design, and Food Service and Hospitality participate in skill-based classes that are also college prep. Additionally, students have the option to grow their resumes and portfolios for college and employment by gaining certifications and completing apprenticeship programs while in high school. 

To support this rapidly changing, technology-driven educational environment classrooms previously used for computer labs and other open spaces are being converted into Makerspaces across the district. In these creative spaces, students can collaborate and learn skills such as engineering, design, robotics, computer integrated manufacturing, computer software design and more. 

The innovation labs are packed with advanced technology such as wind tunnels for aerospace, lathes and mills for computer integrated manufacturing, table saws, miter saws and skill saws for residential and commercial construction, 3-D printers for design and modeling and for computer-aided design (CAD). 

Advanced tools for engineering, construction, aerospace, and automotive design such as three dimensional augmented welding, robot arms, and laser scanners provide unique learning opportunities for students interested in learning more about this technology. 

Of course, these labs are configured differently for elementary than they are at the higher-grade levels and they are customizable to meet the needs of each school.

Ensign Intermediate, Costa Mesa Middle School, and TeWinkle Middle School each have Makerspaces. Their elective curriculum focuses on design, robotics, flight and space, and the medical industry that are taught through hands-on tangible learning experiences. 

Newport Harbor and Costa Mesa High schools are creating broadcast and film programs. Estancia, Costa Mesa, and Corona del Mar High Schools have Digital Media Arts programs that specialize in animation, graphic design, and multimedia productions. 

Throughout the district the students are given access to the latest technology and curriculum that supports their future careers.

Along with many technology tools, NMUSD focuses tremendous energy on training staff and parents. Teachers district-wide are trained on how to effectively use devices as teaching tools. 

Our Digital Fellows program helps bridge this gap. Digital Fellows are teachers from our district that are interested in using more technology and want to serve as champions and coaches for other teachers to implement technology integration. 

The first year of the program is focused on supporting the fellow as they re-design lessons using technology. During the second year, fellows learn how to coach and support their colleagues at their site. We currently have 35 Digital Fellows in the field and are working toward having at least one Digital Fellow at each school site.

Parents are not left out of this digital revolution. The district educates parents on what to expect when their student brings home a Chromebook. Mandatory parent orientations provide parents with information and expectations surrounding the use of technology and digital citizenship. Students and parents are offered resources on digital citizenship to learn how to be cyber safe at home using safeguards and web filtering. 

The pace of technology is advancing quickly. Although the classrooms are at different stages in this technology revolution, NMUSD is focused on ensuring that all students and staff have access to purposeful, functioning technology. They are preparing students for jobs of the future and are giving teachers the tools and training to be successful in this pursuit.

Salute to Vienna New Year’s Concert brightens the holidays

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Photo by Chris Lee

Celebrate the arrival of 2018 in spectacular style with “Salute to Vienna New Year’s Concert” at the Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall. You’ll be enchanted by the spirited romance of operetta, the glamour of ballroom dance and the delicate beauty of ballet. Inspired by the tradition of Vienna’s beloved New Year’s Concert, this frothy celebration blends acclaimed European singers and dancers with a full orchestra for a rich cultural experience that will leave you longing to join them on the dance floor. 

Inspired by the tradition of Vienna’s beloved New Year’s Concert, this frothy celebration blends acclaimed European singers and dancers with a full orchestra for a rich cultural experience that will leave you longing to join them on the dance floor. 

Fall in love with a musical program that weaves highlights from The Merry Widow, Die Fledermaus, and The Gypsy Princess with energetic overtures, Strauss waltzes (of course, including the Blue Danube) and polkas from Vienna’s Golden Age. 

This will be an all new performance with a fresh cast and program. This holiday season, more than 50,000 concert-goers in 25 North American cities will discover the timeless pleasure of Vienna’s most beautiful music. 

On Friday, Dec. 29, join conductor András Deák and The Strauss Symphony of America performing with soprano Katarzyna Dondalska, Viennese tenor Alexander Kaimbacher, members of the Kiev-Aniko Ballet of Ukraine and International Champion Ballroom Dancers. Revel in a glorious champagne toast to life itself! 

Single tickets start at $49 and are on sale and will be available online at www.SCFTA.org, at the Box Office at 600 Town Center Drive in Costa Mesa, or by calling 714.556.2787.

On the Harbor: navigating the Boat Parade route safely

By LEN BOSE

I thought it would be a good idea to run the Christmas Boat Parade route and make observations along the route. The first thing I should mention is that the route of the parade has not changed. I was incorrect in my November 13 column; from last year, the only thing that has changed is the starting and finish point off of Lido Isle.

You should note that during the parade that there will be very little water flooding into the harbor the first two nights. The last three nights the water will be rushing into the harbor with great velocity, so anytime you are headed west you might want to notice your speed over ground. There will be no moon during the boat parade, so it is going to be dark those nights. For those of you that keep your boats at Marina Dunes or plan on returning to the launch ramp, you are going to keep your game on. The channel markers in the Upper Bay are horribly lit, and it is not easy working your way past the shallows.

I was assured that the start of the parade is not like a sailboat race, where everyone is at full speed and crossing the starting line at the gun. The boats will rally off the Bay Shores beach and then in order head for the start line. So, for any of my large charter boat captains that read my column, it would probably not be a good idea to be at the end of Lido Nord between 18:30 to 19:00 from December 13th through the 17th. Dave Beek told me that close to 80 boats are already entered and, “There is good energy all around the parade this year, and I promise the weather will be perfect,” he said.

Once you start the parade and head up Lido Soud, I would take that first turn a little wide just because there are a couple of big boats at the first turn. At 18:38, the front part of the parade will reach the Lido west channel, and you will notice your first yellow racing marker “Z”. Most of these racing markers have reflective tape on them with a very dim white light on top of them. As you head along the west side of Lido, there is little to be concerned about. The last mooring K 21, before the Lido bridge, has an old wooden boat on it, lots of room at this turning mark labeled control mark C.

It is wide open as you work your way to the tip of Lido Peninsula/Rhine Channel. There will be a 5 MPH marker there, the speed markers are not lit and will be difficult to find when I mention them along the route. ETA 18:42. The next leg will be along Balboa Peninsula with one of your largest spectator crowds along the beach and at Marina Park. Just after Marina Park, the channel will seem slightly smaller because of the new line of guest moorings. As you pass the American Legion, pick up the private dock at about 11th Street that extends out off your starboard side. As you pass the Newport Harbor Yacht Club, there is the yellow racing mark “R” as you turn to port and head towards Bay Island. Then at turning mark D, there is the green LED channel marker “11” lower in the water.

The whole way down the Peninsula is an easy run with nothing to be concerned about; the channel will narrow as you pass Hills fuel dock than widen soon thereafter. Most of the moorings do have spreader lines between them and it’s ill-advised to cross through them along the whole route. As you arrive at the end of the Peninsula, ETA 19:29, there are a couple of open moorings off your port side. Keep in mind that it is very important to the parade organizers that you do head out the channel entrance and round turning mark F. There are always be a lot of spectators on the jettys and the cliffs of Corona del Mar.

On this next leg in front of the Coast Guard dock and the Balboa Yacht Club ETA 19:37, on the last three nights of the parade, the water will be flooding in and you will pick up to four knots of boat speed in this area of the harbor. After you have passed the Bahia Corinthian Yacht Club, you will approach the tightest turning mark in the parade just in front of the Balboa Island bridge. Note that there is a 5 MPH speed buoy in the general area that might be difficult to avoid if it has not been moved. Your next challenge will be the turn to head along the south side of Balboa Island. Remember the current will be shoving you into the island and while traveling next to the BYC mooring fields this will bunch you up.

Your next concern does not arrive until 19:51 just off of Collins Island with racing mark “Q” and a speed limit buoy in the vicinity of your turning arc as you go into the channel along the north side of Balboa Island. All the moorings have spreader lines and at the very end, close to the Balboa bridge, there is a mooring ball that will be very difficult to find. The mooring ball is right next to the Ocean Alexander 42 named “Wish You Were Here,” that you be turning around most of the nights. So, I would take this turn wide as you dare, remembering the water will be pushing towards the moorings on most nights.

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Photo by Len Bose

The barge, currently in front of the OCC Sailing Base

Nothing really to concern yourself headed back out towards Collins Island your ETA 20:17. As you round Harbor Island, you will pick up a tug and a barge; everyone is promising that this will be well lit. Again, take it wide and leave it to your port side. Keep in mind the current is always strong here and will be pushing towards the PCH bridge. You should miss racing mark “Y” without any problem. It’s wide open as you go past Bay Shores although you will have to keep in mind that most of the moorings in G mooring field are open and hard to see.

While powering up Lido Nord channel everything should be wide open, although it is unclear while I am writing this, if the barge in front of the OCC Sailing Base will be gone ETA 20:24. If it was me, I would remember to look at the base while driving by to see if the large crane is still there. Odds are good it will be moved, to where is the question?

Up and down Lido should be easy and that’s it!

Remember on December 13 at Marina Park starting at 17:00, Frosty the Snowman and the LA Chargers cheerleaders will be there followed by the live music of OCSA performance Ambassadors and Fireworks at 18:15.

Hopes this helps you, and if you learned anything…you now know where all the racing markers are.

Sea ya.

~~~~~~~~

Len Bose is a yachting enthusiast, yacht broker and harbor columnist for StuNewsNewport.

Stump the Stu

To bee or not to bee

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This artwork is named Beehive, a 2001 iron casting completed by American sculptor Jene Highstein. Highstein is “best known for large public sculptures that appear to blend almost seamlessly into their surroundings,” reads the plaque that fronts the artwork at the Orange County Museum of Art. 

Two correct guesses came in from readers Joe Stapleton and Scott Lynch.  Congratulations!

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!

NBPL named Star Library and best in OC

Photo courtesy Visit NB

The Board of Library Trustees has announced that Newport Beach Public Library was recently named as a Star Library in a national ranking compiled by “Library Journal” in its 10th edition of the Library Journal of Public Library Service.  

In 2017, 7,409 U.S. public libraries were scored on the LJ Index of Public Library Service comparing spending peers in five areas: circulation, library visits, program attendance, public access computer use and ecirculation. 

Of the 259 named as America’s Star Libraries, 13 are in California with just four in Southern California. Newport Beach Public Library is the highest scoring library in Orange County. This is the fifth year in a row, and ninth time in 10 years, that Newport Beach Public Library has been named a Star Library.

Library Services Director Tim Hetherton credits community support and high-quality programs and service for the high ranking, “Newport Beach Public Library is both proud and grateful that our City leadership, support groups, and staff remain committed to our customers by providing quality collections, resources, programs and services, all of which helped us earn the Library Journal 3-Star rating. It truly takes team work to make the dream work,” Hetherton said.

The Newport Beach Public Library serves the community with four locations, including the Central Library and three branches, Mariners, Corona del Mar and Balboa.

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.

For more information about America’s Star Libraries, visit www.LibraryJournal.com.

Little Lido Kids Club brings holiday fun

Courtesy of Lido Marina Village

On Thursday, Dec. 21, from 10 to 11 a.m., you’re invited to join in a fun reading of a book about a lost mitten and forest friends who find it – “The Mitten,” by Jan Brett. Youngsters will enjoy live music and crafts, and making their own special mitten. You’ll also love special discounts at participating stores in Lido Marina Village.

Visit www.lidovillagebooks.com for more information and to RSVP to be eligible for opportunity drawings such as a $25 gift certificate and the book of the day from Lido Village Books, one free week at Curl Fitness, a gift certificate to Sweaty Betty, a $10 gift card to Yolk, and free juices from Juice Served Here.

Lido Marina Village is located at 3434 Via Lido, Newport Beach. www.lidomarinavillage.com

Lido Theater brings in a classic for the holidays

Submitted photo

Ring in the holidays by enjoying the classic film, It’s a Wonderful Life, at the Lido Theater in Newport Beach, Friday, Dec. 15 through Thursday, Dec. 21 at 7 p.m. nightly, with additional 1 p.m. matinees on Saturday, Dec. 16 and Sunday, Dec. 17. In addition, on Saturday, Dec. 16 at 6 p.m., moviegoers can visit with Santa, and enjoy carolers and complimentary hot cocoa prior to the 7 p.m. movie showing.

Harkening back to the Golden Age of Hollywood, the Lido Theater is the perfect setting to enjoy the award-winning Frank Capra movie that has become a holiday favorite over the years. Released in 1946, the drama tells the story of an angel sent to help a frustrated businessman by showing him what life would have been like if he had never existed. 

The Lido Theater is located in Via Lido Plaza at 3459 Via Lido Way, off Newport Boulevard, in Newport Beach. 

Tickets for children ages 2 - 11, and seniors ages 61 and better are $9; with matinee showings $9.50, students and military with ID are $10; and adult tickets after 5 p.m. are $11.50. To purchase tickets, or for more information visit the website at www.RegencyMovies.com or call 949.673.8350.

Leadership in Heels educates, motivates and inspires

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Photo by Kait McKay Photography

Leadership in Heels Founder and CEO Scharrell Jackson

The Leadership in Heels speaker series hosted “Leadership is Not A Dress Rehearsal | The Show Starts Now!” on Thursday, Nov. 30, at the Center Club in Costa Mesa to motivate, inspire, educate and equip community members to see themselves as leaders. 

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, keynoted this last Leadership in Heels event of 2017 on the topic of leadership and tips included: know yourself and do what you’re good at; continue to learn and develop; in order to elevate ourselves, we need to address needs and say “yes” when qualified; move through fear; be decisive and ask; and, have accountability partners who will tell you the truth and be able to accept that truth.

Jackson has overcome adversity and shares her story to give hope and courage to others. Her commitment to making a positive difference in the lives of others is the catalyst for Leadership in Heels and guides leaders on how to lead with confidence, courage and persuasive communication, yielding growth personally and within a team.

In addition to interactive presentations and exercises, the Leadership in Heels speaker series offered breakfast, networking and giveaways. 

Plus, each event honors an extraordinary business leader and on November 30 Leadership in Heels honored Chevonna Gaylor, MA, LMFT, a leader, entrepreneur and author of The Emerging Healer. As a self-care specialist, she was chosen because she’s an expert who teaches today’s leaders how to effectively meet their personal needs to achieve maximum success. 

A portion of net proceeds from “Leadership is Not A Dress Rehearsal” benefitted Irvine-based nonprofit Working Wardrobes, which empowers men, women, veterans, and young adults overcoming difficult challenges to confidently enter the workforce and achieve success. By helping those to restart their lives, the organization creates new leaders in the workforce by assuming the role of the leader in their own lives.

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, and THINK TOGETHER. 

The next Leadership in Heels event will be held in March 2018 entitled “Breaking the Glass Ceiling | What Happens When the Heels Get Too High,” which will feature a panel of executives and will address the cost of success, how to balance the responsibilities of success and reaping the rewards of success. 

For more information about Leadership in Heels, visit www.scharrelljackson.com/about-leadership-in-heels.

Holiday Open House at Seaside Gallery & Goods

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Courtesy Seaside Gallery & Goods

Paintings like this Santa by artist Marilyn Poliquin will be available for sale

This Saturday, Dec. 9 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., come join the fun at the Holiday Open House at Seaside Gallery & Goods. Shop at more than 12 participating local shops for all your holiday gifts. There will also be additional vendors in Pelican Courtyard.

Adding to the festivities, Santa will be down from the North Pole to greet youngsters from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. and be available for photos. There will also be a mailbox where kids can mail their Letters to Santa!

The Salvation Army Orange County will be there with their kettle, ringing the bell and even playing trumpet. Enjoy complimentary cheer and nibbles. A percentage of all sales will be given to designated charities as selected by each store. The event is free.

Seaside Gallery & Goods is located at 124 Tustin Ave., Ste. 100, Newport Beach. Visit the website at www.seasidegalleryandgoods.com for additional information.

Guess what comes to town next week? Clue #1, it’s not Santa

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Photo by BleuCottonPhoto

Join more than a million viewers to watch beautifully decorated yachts, boats, kayaks and canoes sail along Newport Harbor in the 109th Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade, hosted by the Commodores Club of the Newport Beach Chamber of Commerce. The Christmas Boat Parade runs nightly from December 13 - 17 starting at 6:15 p.m. and ending at 9 p.m. 

Since Marina Park has become a popular place to watch the event, the route was changed to pass the park early in the evening at approximately 6:49 p.m. The Marina Park parking lot has paid parking that expires at 6 p.m. No overnight parking is allowed.

Helpful information: An opening night fireworks show will take place off the Newport Pier on Wednesday, Dec. 13 at 6:15 p.m.; closing night fireworks show will be off the Balboa Pier on Sunday, Dec. 17 at 9 p.m.; arrive early for best viewing and parking; and download the parade route map for the public viewing locations, detailed destination times, and parking and public restroom locations.

For more information, visit www.christmasboatparade.com.

Plein air art celebrates the holidays

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Photo by J. Christopher Launi/
Courtesy of Crystal Cove Conservancy

Celebrate more than 100 years of plein air art at Crystal Cove State Park by spending a relaxing day capturing the beauty of the Cove on canvas with the help of Laura Rosenkranz, a Crystal Cove plein air artist. The Cove will be sparkling with holiday decorations!

No experience is required and this introductory class is recommended for novices only. All supplies will be provided. Class size is limited to 12.

Courses will take place on Friday, Dec. 8 and Thursday, Dec. 14 from 9 a.m. - 2 p.m. Cost: General public: $85; Conservancy members: $70. Takes place in the Historic District Education Commons.

For more information and to register, visit www.crystalcove.org.

October passenger counts slightly up at JWA

Submitted photo

Airline passenger traffic at John Wayne Airport increased in October 2017 as compared with October 2016. In October 2017, the Airport served 930,911 passengers, an increase of 1.4 percent when compared with the October 2016 passenger traffic count of 918,116. 

Commercial aircraft operations increased 3.2 percent and commuter aircraft operations decreased 28.4 percent when compared with October 2016 levels.

Total aircraft operations increased in October 2017 as compared with the same month in 2016. In October 2017, there were 25,466 total aircraft operations (take-offs and landings), a 10.1 percent increase compared to 23,128 total aircraft operations in October 2016.

General aviation activity, which accounted for 67.8 percent of the total aircraft operations during October 2017, increased 14.3 percent when compared with October 2016.

The top three airlines in October 2017 based on passenger count were Southwest Airlines (369,960), American Airlines (150,251) and United Airlines (140,345).

For more information, visit www.ocair.com.

OC Fair wins three international honors

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Submitted photo

OC Fair & Event Center received three honors in the agricultural awards contest at the 127th annual International Association of Fairs and Expositions (IAFE) conference in Las Vegas this week.

Centennial Farm’s year-round gardening classes earned first-place honors. The classes range in topics from holiday wreath-making and food preservation to raising backyard chickens.

Two exhibits from the 2017 OC Fair were also honored by the association. One explained the uses of biochar (a charcoal used as a soil amendment) and the other was a public-participation art exhibit created by artist Kiel Johnson that featured a paper garden. These exhibits received third place awards.

IAFE, based in Springfield, MO, is a nonprofit corporation serving state, provincial, regional and county agricultural fairs, shows and expositions around the world. 

OC Fair & Event Center in Costa Mesa is home to the annual OC Fair, which attracts more than 1.3 million people. Year-round attractions include Centennial Farm, Table of Dignity, Heroes Hall and Pacific Amphitheatre. 

Imaginology, a free three-day family event focusing on S.T.E.A.M.-related activities will take place April 13 - 15, 2018. Throughout the year, events ranging from recreation shows to cultural festivals are held at the fairgrounds. For more information, visit www.ocfair.com.

NOSA acquires The Border Run to offer bigger event

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Submitted photo

2012 start of The Border Run

The Newport Ocean Sailing Association (NOSA) has acquired The Border Run Race. With the acquisition, the 71st annual Newport to Ensenada International Yacht Race will offer three courses for sailors to race on April 27, 2018. The primary N2E course to Ensenada and the Border Run course to San Diego are unchanged. 

The new third course is offered to attract high school and collegiate participants sailing Beach Cats, CFJ’s, 420’s, Moths, 29ers and Lasers to run to Dana Point.

NOSA officials said the acquisition and addition will bring back racers who have not participated in recent years, provide an opportunity to expose the next generation of sailors to the fun and challenge of a large race, and potentially help grow the future of the sailboat racing.

Longtime friends and racing enthusiasts Daniel Hodge, NOSA’s commodore, and Border Run proprietor Randy Reynolds, began talking last summer in hopes of resolving a potential date conflict. With NOSA’s acquisition, both men believe they’ve helped resolve a larger issue, overall participation.

“The coming together of participants, all starting on the same day, provides an exceptional opportunity for racers to be a part of something big, not only being a part of the race’s history, but to experience the unparalleled excitement of starting a race with 500 other boats,” Hodge said.

NOSA’s board approved the motion at its November meeting. 

“It’s really for the good of the sport; it’s all about how to get boats out on the water, to make it the biggest event on the West Coast – like it used to be,” Reynolds shared. “Boating has changed a lot in the last 10 years, people are busier than ever. Some people will always want to go to Ensenada while others prefer the simplicity to stay in U.S. Waters.” 

Hodge echoed the sentiment, “This is an excellent option for racers who want to sail N2E but are less confident when it comes to the logistics of sailing to Ensenada then returning home.” 

Both men report that initial feedback has been great. “Randy and I are passionate sailors first,” Hodge said. “We were able to complete the acquisition because as sailors, we have a shared aspiration of creating energy that motivates others to get out on the water.”

Reynolds, who is primarily a boat designer, builder and sailor, has run the Border Run with his longtime partner Bob Long, for almost 10 years. For many reasons, his race, like many others, has seen a decline in participation. 

When the option came from NOSA to bring the two powerhouses together, it made sense. “With the two races joining forces we have a better chance of bringing back the glory days of 400+ boats racing down the coast to the border,” Reynolds said.

Although Reynolds will stay involved as an outside adviser, he is planning to be on the course this April.

It’s a happy ending for two races with an ostensibly wavy past. According to Reynolds, there was far less contention between organizations than the media depicted.

So, to answer a 2010 Sailing World article that questioned if these two races can coexist, the answer is yes.

Lott award winner to be announced at Pacific Club

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Submitted photo

Former 49er great Ronnie Lott

The winner of the 2017 Lott IMPACT Trophy will be announced at The Lott IMPACT Trophy Award Banquet, held at the Pacific Club in Newport Beach on Sunday, Dec. 10. The award show will be televised live on CBS Sports at 5 p.m.

The Pacific Club IMPACT Foundation has announced the four finalists for the 14th annual Lott IMPACT Trophy.

The four outstanding student-athletes are Minkah Fitzpatrick of Alabama, Josey Jewell of Iowa, Micah Kiser of Virginia and Harrison Phillips of Stanford. These distinguished young men represent the qualities embodied by Hall of Famer Ronnie Lott – Integrity, Maturity, Performance, Academics, Community and Tenacity.

“Character is a key component in our award,” said Pacific Club IMPACT Foundation Board Chairman John Hamilton. “It is our honor to recognize these players who represent their team, their university and their community with such passion and dedication.”

It is the sixth time Alabama has had a Lott IMPACT Trophy finalist. The others were DeMeco Ryans (the winner in 2006), Rolando McClain in 2010, Dont’a Hightower in 2012, Landon Collins in 2015 and Jonathan Allen in 2016. It is the second time players from Iowa, Virginia and Stanford have been finalists. Chris Long of Virginia was a finalist in 2007, Chase Thomas of Stanford in 2013 and James Morris of Iowa in 2014.

The Pacific Club IMPACT Foundation will make a $25,000 donation to the general scholarship fund of the winner’s university and $5,000 to each of the schools of the runner-ups. In 13 years, the Pacific Club IMPACT Foundation has now donated more than $1.3 million, including more than $500,000 to universities throughout the country.

For more information on The Lott Trophy visit www.LottImpactTrophy.org.

Previous Winners of the Lott IMPACT Trophy

2016 - Jabrill Peppers, Michigan

2015 - Carl Nassib, Penn State
2014 - Eric Kendricks, UCLA
2013 - Anthony Barr, UCLA
2012 - Manti Te’o, Notre Dame

2011 - Luke Kuechly, Boston College

2010 - J.J. Watt, Wisconsin

2009 - Jerry Hughes, TCU

2008 - James Laurinaitis, Ohio State

2007 - Glenn Dorsey, LSU
2006 - Dante Hughes, Cal
2005 - DeMeco Ryans, Alabama

2004 - David Pollack, Georgia

Fair Game

By TOM JOHNSON

Is Glenn vs. City and Dixon headed to court?

If you hang around Newport Beach City Council meetings you probably know Mike Glenn. He has the blog site Save Newport. Glenn ran unsuccessfully in 2016 for the District 5 council seat won by Jeff Herdman.

Since then, he has returned to living on the Peninsula and appears poised to potentially challenge District 1 incumbent Diane Dixon in 2018.

To say they aren’t friends would seem to be pretty accurate.

Since Dixon has taken office, during which time she also served a term as mayor, she and Glenn have been on the opposite side of a number of issues, including but not limited to dog beach, trolleys and crosswalks.

That all being said, some months back Dixon verbally attacked Glenn from the dais following public comments he had made at a council meeting. Her concerns were monies she felt Glenn owed the City for an inordinately large number of Public Record Requests he had made.

Glenn, on the other hand, argued his innocence saying he never asked to have the requests printed out, which is supposedly the only way he says the City could legally

charge him.

In the verbal spat that followed, Glenn felt wronged.

He filed a small claims lawsuit against Dixon and the City just to prove a point. 

“(Dixon’s) design to stifle free speech of citizens by publicly shaming them on off-topic items should those citizens object to a pet project of a councilperson (is wrong),” claimed Glenn.

So far, in court, he’s prevailing. At first the City tried to get the case moved to Superior Court but the judge ruled in Glenn’s favor and sent it back to Small Claims.

Last week, the City tried another maneuver in court, but was once again rejected by the judge, in this case, without even hearing Glenn’s side.

So, what’s next? December 18th is the scheduled date to decide the case in Small Claims Court.

Mike Glenn versus Diane Dixon and the City…mano-a-mano. Okay, I know it’s no O.J., but this should be entertaining for those looking in, and educational for whomever ends up on the losing side.

Glenn says all he’s ever wanted is an apology and a “retraction” for statements he claimed “carried malice.” He’s promised to donate any judgment to charity.

“City Council is not royalty,” Glenn said. “They do not get to act with absolute privilege. They are not beyond being held accountable. In the most inconceivable case that a judge was to rule that they are – it shows exactly what state of affairs our city and our state are currently in.”

According to Glenn, the City’s sole argument against him is that the Council has “absolute privilege” including those with malice and inaccurate information.

Dixon seems dug in on the case while exploring legal options.

Rumor has it that the City has also spent money for outside legal counsel to assist with the case.

We’ll keep you posted as to what happens next. 

Little Lido Kids Club hosts inaugural Kids Boat Parade

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Courtesy of Lido Marina Village

On Saturday, Dec. 9 from 1 to 5 p.m., you’re invited to enjoy a very special “Holly Days” edition of Little Lido Kids Club at Lido Marina Village.

Bring the entire family and get into the holiday spirit with a festive Grinch performance by the Clifton Dance Project, face painting, glitter tattoos and twisted balloon animals.

In addition, for the first-time ever, your little one can decorate their very own special toy boat and participate in the inaugural Little Lido Boat Parade at the Lido Boat Pond! This will count down to the main event – the 109th Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade viewing at Lido Marina Village, which kicks off on Wednesday, Dec. 13 and runs through Saturday, Dec. 16.

As always, this year’s Boat Parade viewing at Lido Marina Village will feature hot cocoa, cider and a live DJ from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.

The family-friendly Holly Days event is open to the public, but Lido Marina Village asks that you RSVP by visiting bit.ly/LMVHollyDays.

Lido Marina Village is located at 3434 Via Lido, Newport Beach. www.lidomarinavillage.com

It’s Christmastime in the CdM Village

By AMY SNIDER SENK

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Photos by Amy Snider Senk

CdM is bedazzled for the holidays

It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas in Corona del Mar – cars driving down East Coast Highway with trees tied to the roof, See’s Candy trucks making regular deliveries of holiday treats, and of course, a 20-foot lighted Christmas tree in the Marguerite intersection, with oversized presents piled underneath. There’s also garland on the light poles, and festive banners, greenery and bows on the clock tower and on entrance signs and more.

Corona del Mar looks festive every single holiday season – and it doesn’t happen without a lot of work that typically starts in the summertime and continues after New Year’s. The Corona del Mar Business Improvement District board spends more than $30,000 a year on holiday decorations, and every year the members meet with a representative from the Dekra-Lite holiday decoration company to discuss lighting and other decorating options. The company installs and stores the CdM decorations from year to year, and some years, old decorations must be replaced, and other years, new options are considered.

Things are never simple when it comes to bedazzling CdM for the holidays. A couple of years ago, the B.I.D. board voted to add icy blue shooting star decorations that would have attached to palm trees, but city staff said no way; it could harm the trees. Other years, the board opted to spend extra money to light trees in the MacArthur Boulevard area of East Coast Highway – but there was no electricity, and no easy way to add it. The holiday decoration talks typically begin in summer, but decisions about adding power or other requests to city staff can take months and months of time.

One year, the holiday decorations were nowhere to be seen, and the Corona del Mar Christmas Walk was days away. Finally, with less than 48 hours until the Walk – the lights and tree were installed. But that year was a rainy one, and Linda Leonhard, president of the Corona del Mar Chamber of Commerce, fielded most of the complaints when the wet weather caused blackouts that left the lights off more than on.

This year, so far, things seem to be working fine – the tree has never looked better, and while old grapevine reindeer seem to have been retired – a new lighted gift has appeared.

If only there was a way to stop the holiday tradition of signs, taped and tacked to street lights and stop signs, advertising Christmas light installation.

Those signs are illegal, but as soon as city code enforcement officers pull them down, they seem to reappear like magic, or mold. “The signs tend to pop back up as quickly as they are removed,” said Matt Cosylion, Newport Beach’s code enforcement supervisor. “However, we are removing these signs where possible and issuing citations to the respective companies.”

Police department volunteers also try to remove the signs, said spokeswoman Jennifer Manzella. The issue isn’t merely that city code prohibits signs on poles. “Whenever a resident uses these services, they are effectively inviting a stranger to their home,” she said. “We encourage people to be cautious and vet any tradespeople appropriately, to limit the workers› access to their home, and to supervise the work or workers appropriately.”

In 2010, a Corona del Mar woman reportedly hired a light installer from signs placed in town, but she got a bad feeling when he showed up at her home. She checked his driver’s license, looked up his name and discovered he was a suspect in multiple rape cases. Then she called police.

The same year, a Corona del Mar man said the signs were so annoying that he saved them as he removed them throughout town. Then he created a 12-foot-square holiday card, using more than 100 confiscated signs and battery-operated lights. Later he delivered the card to the city’s code enforcement office; Cosylion said he was there when the cards were delivered, back in a trailer at the old City Hall site. 

~~~~~~~~

Amy Snider 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.

Holidays get into full swing at Segerstrom Center

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Photo by Doug Gifford/Courtesy of scfta.org

Segerstrom Center for the Arts’ “Holidays Around the World” festival will turn the new Julianne and George Argyros Plaza into an international cultural crossroads Dec. 7 - 10 and 12 - 17. 

As American Ballet Theatre transforms the stage of Segerstrom Hall into the magical wonderland of The Nutcracker, outside, the Argyros Plaza will be alive with free performances and family activities representing beloved holiday customs and traditions. Storytellers will share the history of Christmas, Hanukkah and Kwanzaa. 

Favorite food trucks will be on hand, and in the spirit of the season, representatives from community service organizations will be there to accept donations of food, clothing and more. For a full list of each day’s events and activities, visit the Center’s website at www.scfta.org.

Bringing merriment and inspiration will be Holiday Blues music by Brother Yusef; storytellers Georgette Baker, Annie Banannie, Rebecca Martin and Ken Frawley; Santa Margarita Catholic High School Chamber Singers; Chinese yo-yo and folk dancing performances by the South Coast Chinese Cultural Association; the Navy Band Southwest Holiday Big Band; Trombone Christmas; three ensembles from Orange County School of the Arts – Unplugged Carolers, Ballet Folklorico and Classical Voice; Garden Grove High School Chamber Orchestra; Davis Magnet School Band and Choir; El Centro Cultural de Mexico’s Ballet Folklorico; Bolsa Grande Concert Choir; music by Paige Williams; Pacific Chorale Carolers; Isaac Sowers Middle School Wind Ensemble; Sonora Elementary Bell Choir; and Fresh Rhythm Combo. 

Share your family’s holiday traditions and help decorate the lighted Path of Tradition through the new Community Grove. Decorate cookies, make your own s’mores and sample the Cocoa Bar. On select days, ride the Center Express on a leisurely Grand Tour around the Center. Food trucks will stop by to offer their own holiday feasts. 

Show your support of our community and those working to make it a better place for everyone. Stop by and give back to Patriots and Paws, Support the Enlisted, Working Wardrobes, Second Harvest Food Bank and Caterina’s Club PastaThon.

Holiday Nature Camps offered by ENC

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Submitted photo

Looking for something fun for the kids to do over the holiday break? Check out the Environmental Nature Center’s Nature Camps designed for children from kindergarten through 6th grade.

Two different camps are being offered. The first runs Dec. 26 – 29, 2017 and the second Jan. 2 – 5, 2018. Campers can choose to attend full-day or half-day camps.

The campers learn while adventuring! ENC Nature Camps emphasize experiential learning. Campers spend time outdoors observing nature up close. Educational concepts are introduced in a fun environment, and youth make crafts, play games and participate in hands-on activities. 

The ENC has offered Nature Camps since 1977 providing quality science education in an outdoor setting.

For more information or to register go to www.encenter.org. The Environmental Nature Center is located at 1600 E. 16th St., Newport Beach.

Ho, ho ho…Santa is coming for Saturday brunches

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Join Santa for brunch at the Back Bay Bistro in the Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort. It’s Saturday Brunch with Santa on Dec. 16 and 23 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Santa will visit from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

The fare includes soups, salads, eggs Benedict, pancakes and French toast, meat carving stations, street tacos, a sweet treats dessert bar and a special holiday beverage bar.

Brunch costs are $28 for adults and $13 for children 10 and under. Add $5 and receive endless champagne and mimosas or $10 for a bloody Mary carafe.

Reservations are suggested. For more information, visit www.newportdunes.com/bistro.

Back Bay Bistro is located at 1131 Back Bay Drive, Newport Drive.

Stump the Stu

Roll out the barrel, we’ll have a barrel of fun

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Fun is over. Where is this barrel located? I’ll “bee” looking for your answers.

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 will be in Thursday’s edition.

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!

Hansel and Gretel comes to Segerstrom

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Enjoy a concert for the whole family with a special, hour-long version of Engelbert Humperdinck’s beloved opera Hansel and Gretel, the classic tale of two siblings walking through the dark and foreboding woods and their daring escape from the evil witch and her gingerbread house of sweets. The performance is on Saturday, Dec. 9 at 2 p.m.

Conducted by Daniel Alfred Wachs, the Orange County Youth Symphony (Orange County’s official youth orchestra) is joined by leading soloists including mezzo-soprano Milena Kitic as The Witch, mezzo-soprano Lacey Jo Benter as Hansel, and soprano Jacquelynne Fontaine as Gretel. Benter is part of LA Opera’s distinguished Domingo-Colburn-Stein Young Artist program, and Fontaine was a Metropolitan Opera National Council finalist and sung the role of Carlotta on the national tour of The Phantom of the Opera for three years. They are also joined by singers from the Orange County School of the Arts Concert Choir. 

Join the experience in the lobby prior to the performance for hands-on activities, including a musical instrument petting zoo, courtesy of the Philharmonic Society’s Music Mobile, arts and crafts, demonstrations and more!

Taking place in the Renee and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall, tickets start at $15.

Visit www.scfta.org for more information.

Grand Marshals announced for Boat Parade

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The “Real Housewives of Orange County” star Vicki Gunvalson

The grand marshals have been announced for the Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade, which celebrates its 109th year during five consecutive nights, Dec. 13 - 17. The “OG of the OC,” Vicki Gunvalson, TV personality best known for her starring role in the Bravo reality television series The Real Housewives of Orange County, will be the opening night grand marshal, kicking off the festivities on Wednesday, Dec. 13, beginning with a special fireworks display at 6:15 p.m. from Balboa Pier. 

This year’s Grand Marshal lineup continues as follows: On Thursday, Dec. 14, Newport Beach will celebrate its hometown heroes that bravely serve the community, including the elected Fireperson of the Year, Seasonal Lifeguard of the Year, Lifeguard Supervisor of the Year and Police Officer of the Year; Friday, Dec. 15 will welcome the Orange County School of the Arts vocal and dance troupe MONTAGE!, a talented group of singers, dancers, instrumentalists, actors and other aspiring young artists, praised for their professional-level performances; on Saturday, Dec. 16, the Los Angeles Charger Cheerleaders will continue the high-energy entertainment; and the University of Southern California Trojan Marching Band and song girls will conclude the festivities on Sunday, Dec. 17 with lively, crowd-cheering music accompanied by a fireworks show finale at 9 p.m.

Hosted by The Commodores Club of the Newport Beach Chamber of Commerce, the boat parade is seen by upwards of a million people annually and has become one of the longest-running holiday traditions in the country. The parade will begin at approximately 6:30 p.m. each evening and end at 9 p.m. at the tip of Lido Isle, which is a new starting point for the parade this year.

Locals and visitors alike can enjoy the spectacle from a variety of public viewing locations including numerous waterfront restaurants and the new 10.5-acre Marina Park. The park will be a fantastic location for families to watch the parade, especially on opening night with festivities that include an appearance by the LA Charger Girls (5 - 6 p.m.), an LA Chargers football toss area, photo opportunities with Rudolf and Frosty, a performance by MONTAGE!, caricature artists, face painters and a variety of food vendors. The parade should pass Marina Park just after 6:45 p.m. each evening and on opening and closing nights, spectators will have an ample view of the fireworks from the park. 

“The Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade has become a beloved tradition and we’re thrilled to have such an excellent lineup of Grand Marshals this year to lead the way for five spectacular nights of celebrating the holidays and our community,” said Steve Rosansky, president and CEO of the Newport Beach Chamber of Commerce. 

Presenting sponsors of the Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade are Simple Green, Meguiar’s and Wells Fargo. Additional support is provided by Davey’s Locker, Alexander Marine, Cox Communications, Pau Maui and the City of Newport Beach, with marketing and promotional support from Newport Beach & Company. 

For more information about the 109th Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade, visit www.christmasboatparade.com.

CdM Village Christmas Walk filled the streets with holiday merriment

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Photos by Lana Johnson

Attendees in red apparel and black boots exuded the holiday spirit

The charming village of Corona del Mar was filled with people during the 39th Annual Corona del Mar Christmas Walk on Sunday, Dec. 3, presented by the Corona del Mar Chamber of Commerce.

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Two of Santa’s helpers offer holiday giveaways

Among the festivities were restaurants and businesses offering special samplings, and opportunity drawings and contests; the beer & wine garden was jammed with folks dancing to the rocking band while toasting the season; and Santa greeted tykes and listened to their holiday wishes. The U.S. Marines were on hand with the annual Toys for Tots Drive; shopgoers and their pets were decked out in their Christmas best; the CdM Madrigals Christmas carolers and award-winning OC bands performed; the Newport Beach Fire Department’s Fireman’s Grill BBQ was handy; and youngsters enjoyed bouncy houses, bungee jumping, holiday characters and a petting zoo.

What a great start to the holiday season!

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Santa, Mrs. Claus and a charming “elf” greeted children 

Check out more Corona del Mar Christmas Walk photos below

Click on left side photo to see them all in a slideshow 

Alfredo Rodriguez Trio debuts at Samueli Theater

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Courtesy of scfta.org

Grammy-nominated Cuban jazz composer and pianist Alfredo Rodriguez will perform at Segerstrom Center for the Arts’ Samueli Theater on Saturday, Dec. 9 with two performances at 7 and 9 p.m.

Latin Jazz Network reported, “As a pianist, Alfredo Rodriguez is a rare bird, the very epitome of the one he celebrates on Tocororo. He creates music as if it were an unending flight of fancy. No less fantastic is his intuitive ability to invent, to create extraordinarily beautiful musical art with his long, supple fingers.” Tocororo was produced by Quincy Jones.

Rodriguez enjoyed a meteoric rise since fleeing his homeland in 2009 with a suitcase full of songs, a sweater and a pair of jeans.

These performances by the Alfredo Rodriguez Trio are part of Pacific Standard Time: LA/LA, a far-reaching and ambitious exploration of Latin American and Latino art in dialogue with Los Angeles, taking place from September 2017 through January 2018 at more than 70 cultural institutions across Southern California. Pacific Standard Time is an initiative of the Getty.

Single tickets start at $64 and are available online at www.scfta.org, at the Box Office at 600 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa, or by calling 714.556.2787. For inquiries about group ticket savings for 10 or more, call the Group Services office at 714.755.0236.

Seth MacFarlane to make Pacific Symphony debut

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It’s a new, heartwarming, humorous and delightful way to celebrate the holidays when “Family Guy” creator and highly talented vocalist, Seth MacFarlane, makes his Pacific Symphony debut. MacFarlane arrives just in time to share tunes from his award-winning Christmas album, “Holiday for Swing,” an homage to the great albums from the ’40s and ’50s, celebrating the most wonderful time of the year. 

MacFarlane’s remarkable, lush baritone delivers sophisticated interpretations from the Great American Songbook, performed in the style of the greats – Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin and Sammy Davis Jr. The festive evening, led by Principal Pops Conductor Richard Kaufman, also features special guest Gavin MacLeod narrating “The Night Before Christmas,” as well as a very merry audience sing-along and a surprise or two! 

“Celebrate the Holidays with Seth MacFarlane” takes place Friday - Saturday, Dec. 22 - 23, at 8 p.m., in the Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall. Single tickets are $49 - $169. For more information or to purchase tickets, call 714.755.5799 or visit www.PacificSymphony.org.

Fair Game

By TOM JOHNSON

Banning Ranch project vacated and rare booby sighting in town

It was a pretty fast-paced City Council meeting Tuesday night with most everything in play under the Consent Calendar.

Issues resolved included the previous approvals of Newport Banning Ranch being vacated through a unanimous vote. The issue came back to the Council following a California State Supreme Court decision last March ruling against the development proceeding forward.

It’ll be interesting to see what happens next there. 

Some of the other things approved Tuesday night by Council included four new Ford Police Interceptor utility vehicles ($127,631), two Freightliner M2 Custom Ambulances ($599,918), oh, and a new sewer cleaner ($485,584).

They also approved paving, mooring adjustments and the Balboa Island water project.

Lastly, they approved a cooperative agreement between the Friends of the Newport Beach Animal Shelter (FONBAS) and the City, meaning FONBAS can now begin raising funds to support the shelter.

• • •

Hey Homer (Bludau) I asked, did you notice the foreign “booby” hanging around the beach here a couple of weeks ago? Good thing Homer’s wife Janet wasn’t around when I asked, she probably would’ve slapped me, and him for that matter if he had answered yes! B-T-W, he said no. Although he seemed somewhat sad to have maybe missed out.

He said in an email reply back to me something about it being a “very rare sighting.” 

Gosh, sorry I, too, missed it!

Maybe you’ve heard about it or saw it. Lucky you!

Wait, hold on, I know what some of you are thinking, no, we’re not going there. Especially in these days and times.

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Nazca Booby

This, my friends, is serious, it’s about a bird. A rare bird, at least in these parts of the

world. Homer Bludau, our former City Manager is a bird watcher or a birder. That’s why

I called him. The “booby” I’m talking about here is the rare Nazca Booby usually found

in the Galapagos Islands.

What it’s doing here in Newport Beach and Orange County for that matter, no one knows. But earlier this week it was sighted again in Dana Point.

Cool stuff!

I’m with Homer, I’m always a “booby” lover.

• • •

Newport Beach says no, no, no. But, Irvine says yes, yes, yes. 

Two new 15-story structures have been approved by the Irvine City Council on MacArthur Blvd. directly across from John Wayne Airport, and very close to Newport Beach.

The ICC had to override a previous Airport Land Use Commission for Orange County’s decision against the project. The Airport Land Use Commission wanted the two buildings’ heights dramatically reduced before earning their approval.

Irvine said no, the project is good where it stands, so to speak…and tall!

Included will be an office building, a luxury hotel, retail, restaurants and a parking structure. 

• • •

Looking for someone or something to donate to this Christmas season? Mayor Kevin Muldoon reminded us from the dais Tuesday night about the City’s connection and support of Operation Yellow Ribbon America.

This effort supports America’s local military units and their families. Donations can be dropped off until Friday, Dec. 22 to the Newport Beach Civic Center or the OASIS Senior Center.

Stump the Stu

You’ve been stumped!

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Well, well, no correct answers this week! You’ve obviously never entered Babette’s restaurant through the back door. Babette’s is located in Crystal Cove Shopping Center and according to Dine NB “is a locally sourced, globally inspired farm to table restaurant and bar.”

Maybe this gives you a reason to check it out!

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!

Reader cites various perceived political abuses

As America debates the impact of Russia on our election process, it is important to note that locally, we have seen the integrity of our city council elections attacked by Scott Peotter and his Team Newport puppet masters. 

Consider this pattern of political abuses:

In 2014, Dave Ellis had bragged that over $900,000 was spent through various committees to elect “Team Newport”. Much of this money is still untraceable. Peotter was cited twice for accepting donations that exceed the legal limit and is still under investigation by the state for failing to report in kind donations from Woody’s Wharf. Peotter was the deciding vote in favor of ending litigation with Woody’s.

Team Newport boss Bob McCaffery attempted to prevent now Councilmember Jeff Herdman from even running for office. This cynical effort was quickly rejected by the courts.

Peottter’s brother, Bruce Peotter, went to court to force Fred Ameri to run under the name “Farouk”. Again, rejected by the courts. Later, racist signs appeared in the Farsi language purporting to support Ameri. Scott Peotter wrote in the Newport Beach Independent in support of this political dirty trick.

Peotter and Team Newport hijacked a charter amendment from former Councilmember Keith Curry, put their names on it and raised money to support it.  The funds mostly were used to pay for signs in support of favored council candidates in order to circumvent campaign-spending limits.

Perhaps the most outrageous political dirty trick was when the city council added thousands of unnecessary pages to the Museum House petition in an effort to obstruct the rights of the people to stop this high-rise development.  More than $400,000 was spent by Ellis and project supporters in television ads, phony petitions and “petition blockers” in order to frustrate the rights of our residents.

This pattern was repeated when Peotter himself employed out of town “blockers” and false mailings to try to stop the recall petitions.

Expect Scott Peotter and his political bosses to continue to use every dirty trick in the bag to save his job and keep his special interest vote on the city council.

Kristin M. Cano

Corona del Mar

It’s all about the traffic

Traffic is always an important issue for Newport Beach residents. I watched with great interest the October 24th City Council Study Session where several methods of dealing with traffic flow in our City were presented. While these efforts are appreciated, what ever happened to the Corona del Mar bypass?  When Newport Coast Road was completed in 1992, the traffic through CdM decreased significantly. Four years later, when the 73 Toll Road was completed and the free route to and from the 73 Freeway was replaced with a toll, traffic returned to CdM. 

Creating awareness of alternate routes to and from areas inland will certainly improve traffic through CdM. To accelerate this process, the bypass effort should be organized into two separate phases, the first is one that enacts measures the City can employ now and independent of other public agencies. These would include real time traffic monitoring and messaging to alert Coast Highway bound traffic. A second parallel effort would be working with other public agencies to facilitate a broader and more effective bypass. This would include the Transportation Corridor Agency (TCA), the City of Irvine and traffic solutions surrounding the drop off and pick up of students at Sage Hill High School. Local leadership is needed to implement these quality of life improvements now. 

As we plan for Mariner’s Mile, we must be certain that we support local businesses and residents and not turn this stretch of highway into a wide thoroughfare with added automotive traffic lanes. It is also important that we work with our neighbors in Costa Mesa to reduce the impact of the termination of State Route 55 on both of our cities, particularly cut through traffic on our residential streets.

Now is the time to plan for autonomous vehicles and the impact of home delivery and shared ride services such as Uber and Lyft. For example, how do we prevent double parking for pickups that stall overall traffic movement and how will the demand for parking be reduced in a shared economy?

Under the leadership of Tony Petros, the council made several major investments in bicycle safety, and improved traffic flow, but these seem to have fallen in priority.  

The key to addressing both our traffic issues and the need for better-managed parking is the upcoming revision of the General Plan. As a councilmember, my position on the General Plan will be focused on how we reduce the impact of traffic, better provide for parking and use the General Plan to improve our quality of life. This will not happen if our city council is not committed to putting residents first.

Michael Toerge, District 6, Candidate for City Council

Newport Beach

Police Files

Three parole violators highlight midday arrest at 32nd Street

Next time you head to the beach, think about who might be on that towel next to you or up on the boardwalk looking out.

Around noon on Saturday, Nov. 25, four men were arrested at 32nd and the beach, three with parole violations and the other with a warrant related to criminal street gang activity.

Carlos Alfredo Salinas, 23, Santa Ana; Randy III Rocha, 20, Garden Grove; and Frank Lopez, 20, Westminster, were all charged with parole violations. Lopez was additionally charged with drinking in public.

There was no bail set for Salinas and Rocha.

Additionally, Ricardo Olvera, 22, Santa Ana, was held on the warrant with a $15,000 bail set.

Prior DUI arrestee busted again and doesn’t appear to care

Some people just don’t seem to learn. Take 23-year-old Byron Jermel Shelton, 23, from Pomona, for example. On his latest visit to town, Shelton was arrested shortly after midnight, Friday, Nov. 24, for DUI alcohol at 23rd Street and W. Ocean Front.

You kind of wish it could end right there, but no. Shelton was driving while suspended, had an open container in the vehicle and, most importantly, he had a prior DUI.

Bail was set at $10,000.

Scroll down to Police Beat for all arrests & crime reports

Holiday Market at Lido Marina Village

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Courtesy of Lido Marina Village

On Saturday, Dec. 2 from 10 a.m. - 5 p.m., enjoy a Holiday Market at Lido Marina Village. The day-long event highlights a carefully curated collection of emerging artisans and inspiring brands. Featuring retail, workshops and interactive experiences for guests of all ages, this day offers a unique shopping opportunity.

Presented by Modern Artisan Marketplace, a pop-up experience, the event supports the global movement toward shopping small and supporting local businesses.

Among the participating brands are: For fashion: Lunya, Melvin, Echo and Air, Salt Surf, Arch the Label, The PTY Shop, Mien Studios and Shop Plain; For kids: Omamimini, April Meets October, Wil + Frida, Little Moon Society, Tiny Giants, Telegraph Ave and Beachwood Baby; For bags/shoes, check out: Nomah Project, Lou Earl, August, Larsen and Lund, Shinna Shop and Freda Salvador; For jewelry: Gjenmi, Starling, Highlow Jewelry and Mason Grace; For home: Moss Los Angeles, BTW Ceramics and Clover Artisans; For beauty: Skinesque, Honeybelle and Beauty Counter; and For lifestyle/foods: Health Ade Kombucha, Broadway Baker, MrRas hot sauce and Sweet Llama.

Lido Marina Village is located at 3434 Via Lido, Newport Beach. www.lidomarinavillage.com

Ruby’s Diner turns 35 and celebrates with anniversary specials

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Courtesy of Ruby’s Diner

Thursday, Dec. 7 marks the official 35-year anniversary for family-owned and operated Ruby’s Diner, led by Newport Beach local Doug Cavanaugh, Ruby’s son. On this day, guests can purchase a classic RubyBurger with fries for just $2.99, and $1 of every sale goes back to The Ruby Dooby Foundation benefiting the health and well-being of children.

Ruby’s will also be partnering with Spark of Love Toy Drive in donating $5,000 worth of toys to foster youth!

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Newport Beach Ruby’s Diner locations: 1 Balboa Pier, Balboa; 2305 E. Coast Highway, Corona del Mar; and the Crystal Cove Shake Shack, 7703 E. Coast Highway, Newport Coast. For more information, visit www.rubys.com.

Get outta the ‘hood and into the woods at ENC

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Courtesy of ENC 

ENC would like to give back to our educators by showing teachers, homeschoolers, naturalists, scout leaders and any adult who cares about this planet some fun and scientific ways to encourage children’s inherent fascination with the awesomeness of nature.

So, come on out for another warm and friendly Teachers’ Night Out get-together and bring the goodness of giving back to nature into your homeschool and classroom. Nurture your students’ natural curiosity of all things nature and instill the giving spirit just in time for the holidays.

On Wednesday, Dec. 13 from 4 to 7 p.m. ENC will have their own after-hours walking tour of the Nature Center to assist you in discovering fun and exciting things your students can do to give back. They’ll give you some good ideas and show you how service-learning science projects will make the holidays even more meaningful.

Afterwards, participants will enjoy a light meal together, share their experience over a glass of wine, and break out some s’mores ‘round the campfire!

It all adds up to a night of nurturing from nature that you can pay forward. Cost: $10 per guest.

To register and purchase tickets, go to: www.encenter.org/blog/events/teachers-night-out-giving-back. (ENC members are free! To become a member, go to: www.encenter.org/become-a-member). 

For more information, contact Lori Whalen, ENC Assistant Director, at 949.645.8489, ext. 103.

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

Fourth Sage Hill School graduate named to elite Forbes 30 Under 30 list

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Courtesy of Sage Hill School

This month, Forbes magazine published its “30 under 30” list, a “definitive search for the world’s most inspiring young innovators, bright rising stars and the leaders of tomorrow who are transforming the world.” In areas as diverse as social and mobile, finance, energy, and food and wine, the list includes today’s youngest entrepreneurs and game-changers who have the desire and ambition to reinvent the world.

Culled from across the U.S. by a panel of Forbes readers and top business minds, this year’s list includes Lisa Conn (age 29, Law & Policy), a 2006 graduate of Sage Hill School, an entrepreneurial-minded, independent high school founded almost 20 years ago in Orange County. Conn is joined in good company by three fellow alumni who have made the Forbes list in the last few years: Jeff Cruttenden (’05, Finance in 2016), Mark Ramadan (’04, Food & Wine in 2012) and Matthew Schlicht, who has made the list twice. (’06, Social & Mobile in 2012 and Games & Apps in 2013).

Conn wasn’t a political activist while at Sage Hill, but she was a doer. According to Conn, her first real management experience was as co-president of Sage Hill’s Mock Trial team. After Sage Hill, she went to New York University and later earned her MBA from MIT’s Sloan School of Management. While a student there, she worked at the MIT Media Lab as the program manager for The Electome, a data analytics project that studies trends in the election narrative among the candidates, the media and the public. She recently joined Facebook to lead the civic leadership team in its community partnerships program.

Cruttenden was already trading stocks while in high school, and he found he could “dive deep into math” at Sage Hill, building the foundation from which he went on to major in math at Lewis & Clark College. Now, he is the creator of a start-up mobile micro-investing platform called Acorns. The Acorns app rounds up credit card purchases to the next dollar, automatically channeling the excess payment into an investment portfolio. He started Acorns as an easy way for young people to begin building portfolios. He credits the advice and assistance of many Sage Hill classmates in the success of the endeavor.

Ramadan was one of the School’s first 120 students, a member of the first four-year graduating class. He went on to attend Brown University, where he and his partner created Sir Kensington’s Gourmet Scooping Ketchup out of their dorm rooms before fully launching in 2010. His products are currently sold in 1,000-plus retailers, including Whole Foods and Williams-Sonoma. Earlier in 2017, he and his partner sold the company to Unilever for $140 million.

At Sage Hill, Schlicht pursued a passion for technology and even helped create the school’s first custom website. His business partner, fellow Sage Hill classmate Mazy Kazerooni (who attended the school for only one year, during which time the two met and launched their business partnership in Sage Hill’s Johnson Family Library), are well known in the Silicon Valley. Within a short time after graduation, the social media wunderkinds grew rapper Lil Wayne’s Facebook following to 30 million and parlayed that success into a music startup, Tracks.by. He is also the founder and editor of Chatbots Magazine and the CEO of Octane AI, which helps businesses and celebrities use Facebook Messenger to grow their audience.

Sage Hill School is Orange County’s only not-for-profit independent, nonsectarian, coed college preparatory high school, located on 30 acres in Newport Coast. Founded in 2000, the school provides a premier education for its 540 students through small class sizes averaging 16 students per teacher, world-class educators, an outstanding program of curricular and co-curricular offerings, highly personalized college counseling, and a public purpose. Sage Hill aims to transform the lives of its students by inspiring a love of knowledge and the ability to use that knowledge creatively, compassionately and courageously throughout their lives.

For more information, visit www.sagehillschool.org.

Festive holiday networking luncheon at Five Crowns

Submitted photo

Bring a wrapped present for the Santa gift exchange

An annual tradition returns to Five Crowns restaurant when the Corona del Mar Chamber of Commerce presents a holiday networking luncheon on Tuesday, Dec. 19.

Festivities include check-in and networking from 11:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. and a program and lunch from 12 to 1:30 p.m. This event will sell out and is open to chamber members, guests and community friends with advance reservation.

What’s on the menu? Delicious holiday fare includes traditional rock salt roasted prime rib, mashed potatoes, creamed spinach or corn and Yorkshire pudding. A vegetarian alternative is available.

To add to the merriment, there will be a performance by the CdM Madriga Carolers, a Santa gift exchange and visit from Santa Claus, networking and self-introductions and a cash wine bar. Valet parking is available for $6.

Cost: Corona del Mar Chamber members, $40; non-members, $45.

Advance reservations only, so RSVP to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., or call 949.673.4050 prior to Thursday, Dec. 7.

Please bring a wrapped gift or gift certificate (maximum value, $20) to participate in the Santa gift exchange.

Five Crowns is located at 3801 E. Coast Highway, Corona del Mar. For more information, visit www.cdmchamber.com.

Digital photography with a French Flair on display at JWA

Courtesy of JWA

“Eclectic Rainbow” by artist Evelyn Morris

Continuing through Dec. 19, digital photography by Evelyn Morris 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.

“Guests at John Wayne Airport will be able to enjoy various concepts created by Ms. Morris,” said Board Chairwoman Michelle Steel. “Her talent exhibits a range of multifaceted photographic art.”

Morris is a self-taught photographic artist who has a French background with all of her education occurring in Paris and the Burgundy region of France. Born in Paris, Morris was raised around artists and other creative people. In addition to photography, her career in the arts also included singing under the name ‘Carline’, for which she won a French Grammy Award for her first album.

Morris has had solo exhibitions in Orange County cities including Newport Beach, Costa Mesa and Santa Ana.

Upcoming Community Focus Space Program artists include Andrea Moni (December 19, 2017 - January 18, 2018) and Patsee Ober (January 18 - February 19, 2018).

To learn more about JWA’s Art Programs, visit www.ocair.com/terminal/artexhibits.

David Rosales to perform at Back Bay Bistro

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Courtesy of Back Bay Bistro

On Saturday, Dec. 9 at 6 p.m., Back Bay Bistro welcomes a local favorite – David Rosales – for a free performance of his feel-good, acoustic hits.

Along with special guest Blake Flattley, the concert will feature songs from Rosales’s newest album, Brave Ones. Arrive early to enjoy dinner by Back Bay Bistro’s new Executive Chef Daniel Jimenez, or cocktails at the bar with a gorgeous panoramic view of the Back Bay.

For dinner reservations, call 949.729.1144. Free validated parking when you enter from the 2nd gate on Back Bay Drive. Doors open at 5 p.m.; concert begins at 6 p.m. All ages are welcome.

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

Ahoy young mateys! Little Lido Kids Club hosts the inaugural Kids Boat Parade

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Courtesy of Lido Marina Village

On Saturday, Dec. 9 from 1 to 5 p.m., you’re invited to enjoy a very special “Holly Days” edition of Little Lido Kids Club at Lido Marina Village.

Bring the entire family and get into the holiday spirit with a festive Grinch performance by the Clifton Dance Project, face painting, glitter tattoos and twisted balloon animals.

In addition, for the first-time ever, your little one can decorate their very own special toy boat and participate in the inaugural Little Lido Boat Parade at the Lido Boat Pond! This will count down to the main event – the 109th Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade viewing at Lido Marina Village, which kicks off on Wednesday, Dec. 13 and runs through Saturday, Dec. 16.

As always, this year’s Boat Parade viewing at Lido Marina Village will feature hot cocoa, cider and a live DJ from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.

The family-friendly Holly Days event is open to the public, but Lido Marina Village asks that you RSVP by visiting bit.ly/LMVHollyDays.

Lido Marina Village is located at 3434 Via Lido, Newport Beach. www.lidomarinavillage.com

The Saga of Smithcliffs: Where have all the butterflies gone?

By DUNCAN FORGEY

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Submitted photos

The majestic monarch butterfly

Soothed by a soft sun and songs of meadowlarks, groups of youngsters throughout Newport Beachʻs history marveled at the multitudes of Swallowtail, White, Skipper, Fritillary and Monarch butterflies. Scampering about an abundance of vacant land, these kids pushed for freedom unknown in modern day families. Creatures like road runners, June bugs, tarantula hawks, sphinx moths, frogs, burrowing owls, snakes and bumble bees used to be common inhabitants within the city environs. The landscape of early Newport Beach was a wonder of nature.

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A young butterfly catcher

What happened to all these natural friends is a sad reality. Development and loss of open space was the key, but it was helped along with decades of biology students scouring natural settings with buckets, nets and kill jars. The greatest contributor has been lack of government interest in protecting natural and historical aspects of our beloved city. The days of a simpler life have gone into billions of square feet of new structures. Parks and nature centers help keep alive an infinitesimal amount of natureʻs inhabitants long after thousands of other species have disappeared.

One of my favorite examples of this transition from natural to urban is Smithcliffs. This development, just south of Corona del Mar and north of Laguna, is currently a spectacular housing development perched atop a high promontory battered constantly by the wind and ocean. Upon its mesa sit some 17 high-end homes on about 10.4 acres.

This blufftop was a special place for Gabrielino Indians of Newport and Laguna villages. These early settlers called this home long before the coming of the Europeans. Here they observed Pacific sunsets and the coming of the explorersʻ galleons while sitting quieting upon the land. This romantic palisade remained a place of undisturbed beauty until the turn of the 20th century. At that time, a unique stand of trees belonged to thousands of migrating Monarch butterflies each year. Coming from as far as South America, these gentle yet durable insects took generations to complete their travels. The trees of Smithcliffs were an important staging area for the Monarchʻs descent upon Newport Beach and lands to the north.

Change started in 1915 when a wealthy Victorian lady of “proper” upbringing purchased 20 acres, which included modern day Emerald Terrace, Crown Point and Smithcliffs. Her name was Mrs. Dobbins and she built herself a mansion befitting her perceived economic status. Soon she built a second home for her daughter Wilhelmina and her son-in-law Thaddeus Lowe Jr., son of a wealthy railroad tycoon (Thaddeus Lowe Sr. gained fame for inventing the use of lighter-than-air balloons to “spy” for the Union Army).

A lighter-than-air balloon during the Civil War

The true star of this story for the next two decades was their daughter, Florence. Florence married the Reverend Rankin Barnes of the well-known St. James Episcopal Church in South Pasadena. Florence, nicknamed “Poncho”, Barnes turned out to be too “racy” for the reverend and his conservative image.

Poncho was described as an “oddly shaped, almost grotesque” woman who wore outlandish clothing, smoked cigars, talked like a wharfinger and gained fame as a stunt pilot in Hollywood. Needless to say, she also had an affinity to celebrate, so her home in Smithcliths became party central for the rich and famous of Hollywood.

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Florence “Poncho” Barnes

In 1936, Oscar Howard, an oil millionaire, purchased the lands and returned it to a stately and dignified oceanfront estate.

Lon Smith and his wife Marguerite, the next owners, lived on the property for 34 years, hence, it was known as Smithcliffs. Mr. Smith gained his vast fortune by being a “lease hound” in the early wildcat days of California. The Smiths entertained many of the holders of Californiaʻs “old wealth” fortunes. By this time, Smithcliffs was known for its well-known stand of mature pine trees, fruit trees, pheasants, and of course, its butterflies.

In 1985, Marguerite Smith sold the property to local developer Gary Brinderson for $15 million. Locally, known for his ultra contemporary “Brinderson Towers” on the way to John Wayne airport, Brindersonʻs intent was to subdivide Smithcliffs in half. He would live on one side and sell off the other. It soon became apparent that a more feasible and profitable plan was to subdivide the land into 29 lots creating a tableau for construction sites. Several purchasers bought more than one lot, so only 17 original homes were built.

There was great opposition to this plan, so a six-year political and economic campaign that included numerous challenges, meetings, hearings, heated panels and three lawsuits began. The butterflies were well represented. During this lengthy period, Smithcliffs lay like a breech baby in its motherʻs womb.

A front row home in Smithcliffs with panoramic Pacific Ocean views

Brinderson compromised on many issues, including relocation of approximately 70 very old and valuable trees. The upside of this was when the lots hit the market, the neighborhood looked mature and well landscaped in comparison to the more stark competition in Newport Coast. What drew an interesting group of owners was Smithcliffsʻ unique concept of “architectural freedom.” This resulted in an array of stunning home designs unavailable in the more restrictive Irvine Company developments. Barely noticed today, the entrance to Smithcliffs hides some of the most colorful history and unique homes on Southern California’s Gold Coast.

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A string of monarch butterflies

The victim here, like all over Orange County, was the rural and more natural lifestyle that set Southern California apart. Future generations of Newport Beach kids may not know a Tarantula hawk, listen to frogs at night or have a clue where that occasional Monarch Butterfly comes from, but most sadly, they do not know how to help the endangered honey bee that at one time lived freely upon their now manicured soccer field.

A tarantula hawk (a spider wasp that hunts tarantulas)

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

Join the Charlotte “Charlie” Alexander Book Discussion Group at NB Public Library

Calling all you book lovers! Join in the Charlotte “Charlie” Alexander Book Discussion Group at Newport Beach Public Library on Wednesday, Dec. 13 from 9:15 to 11 a.m. to share Florence Gordon by author Brian Morton.

Book Synopsis: Meet Florence Gordon, a blunt, brilliant feminist. At 75, Florence wants to be left alone to write her memoir and shape her legacy. But when her son and his family come to visit, they embroil Florence in their dramas and threaten her coveted solitude. Marked with searing wit, sophisticated intelligence and a tender respect for humanity, Florence Gordon is cast with a constellation of unforgettable characters. Chief among them is Florence herself, who can humble fools with a single barbed line, but who eventually finds that there are some realities even she cannot outwit.

The group is free and reservations are not required. Authors are not present unless noted. Everyone is welcome. Takes place at Newport Beach Central Library’s Friends Room, 100 Avocado Ave., Newport Beach. www.newportbeachlibrary.org

Balboa Island Museum to hold Holiday Celebration

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Join Friends of the Museum for their Holiday Celebration on Thursday, Dec. 7 from 5 to 8 p.m. at the Balboa Island Museum.

Visit their new exhibit, “I grew up in Newport Beach BEFORE it was the OC,” and shop the holiday boutique, while enjoying wine, appetizers and dessert.

Suggested donation: $10. RSVP by Monday, Dec. 4 at their website. Call 949.675.3952.

Balboa Island Museum is located at 331 Marine Ave., Balboa Island. www.balboaislandmuseum.org.

Stump the Stu

What’s behind the wooden door?

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Okay, that’s not really the question as to what’s behind it. The question as always is where is it located and whose door is it? Good luck!  

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 will be in Thursday’s edition.

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!

Fair Game

By TOM JOHNSON

Tuesday evening, Nov. 28, is the last real Newport Beach City Council meeting of the year. Well, technically, they’ll be another one on Tuesday, Dec. 12, but it’s largely ceremonial with just the election of the new mayor.

The new mayor is expected to be Marshall “Duffy” Duffield. The Council will adjourn shortly after on the 8th, then as usual, head over to the Back Bay Bistro for the new mayor celebration.

The second council meeting in December is dark.

So, what does that mean for Tuesday’s meeting? Well, there’s still business to be done and I found a couple of things going on through this week’s agenda.

First off, we have a number of projects week-after-week that face our city, and time-and-time again we face these projects with great pre-thought out funding sourcing.

Some cases in point: first off is an Arterial Highway Pavement Repair Program facing the city. Some 13 different areas in town have been identified currently needing pavement repair. It’s a big job.

All American Asphalt won the City bid at $497,497. The council will be asked to approve the amount, plus a contingency on Tuesday. The funding source is actually $517,000 from the Gas Tax.

Remember the one the council voted down as a protest against the State, then came back two weeks later and corrected their mistake. Good thing they did. All paid for in its entirety.

The next example is also agenaized Tuesday. It’s the Balboa Island Water Main Replacement, Phase 1. The plan is to replace water mains located on Opal, Collins and Balboa avenues.

If you ask why, let me give you the answer. Most of these cast iron valves have deteriorated since they were installed in the 1940s. That’s right…the 1940s. We’ve probably gotten our money’s worth. 

The project will be in three phases. This first one comes at a cost of $1,751,100. The funding for this project comes entirely from the Capital Distribution & Piping fund.

Kudos to the council, previous councils and to those in city hall for the great financial planning.

• • •

Not to be overlooked Tuesday is a mooring project review. Moorings are always a big issue in town; think back to the emergence of Team Newport.

That being said, mooring requirements have been modified over the years.

In 2016-17, more than 40 bay moorings malfunctioned during the big storms causing damage to the actual moored vessel and to neighboring vessels.

For comparison sake, usually, a couple of moorings a year malfunction.

So Tuesday the following is being proposed: the Harbor Commission previously recommended a 20 percent increase in the size of the mooring tackle (weight, chain and buoy).

However, city staff is not recommending that increase as a requirement unless the present mooring fails following a discussion with the Newport Mooring Association. 

Some required changes are new “tube-style” buoys or older “ring-style” buoys as long as a safety chain is installed. 

The new buoy would run about $300, while upgrading the older ring-style will be at a minimal cost.

• • •

Finally, where are we with the signature approval process for the Recall of Scott Peotter? Well, everything is in the hands of the Registrar of Voters at the County of Orange.

They have until the first full week of December to respond with approval or denial.

With December basically dark, the first time the issue would be expected to be agendized, if approved, is the first meeting in January on the 9th.

The County has requirements on when a recall election window takes place and assuming it was dealt with on January 9, the City Council would have to call for an election that would be expected to fall in a window from April 10 to May 15.

Dixon to hold JWA related town hall

City Councilmember and former mayor Diane Dixon will hold a special town hall meeting this Thursday, Nov. 30 at 7 p.m. (please note the later start time, usually 6:30 p.m.).

The meeting will focus on recent changes in flight departure patterns from John Wayne Airport. The changes are the result of the Federal Aviation Administration’s NextGen project that is designed to improve the safety and efficiency of the airspace. The local result, however, is that flights are now further concentrated over certain Newport Beach neighborhoods. As a result, residents report hearing and seeing aircraft differently, and in some cases are reporting that the aircraft flying overhead now appear to be louder or closer.

City Manager Dave Kiff will explain what steps the City is taking in response to the changes and what community members can do to help.

There will be plenty of time for questions and answers. The meeting’s end time may be extended to 8:30 p.m. if necessary because of the later start.

This will be Dixon’s 17th town hall since taking office.

CdM Village Christmas Walk takes place Dec. 3

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Photos courtesy of CdM Chamber

Our U.S. Marines will be holding the annual Toys for Tots Drive

Come meet new friends, make new business acquaintances and share time with your loved ones at the 39th Annual Corona del Mar Christmas Walk, taking place in the charming village on Sunday, Dec. 3 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Presented by the Corona del Mar Chamber of Commerce, the day’s festivities include CdM Madrigals Christmas carolers, award-winning OC bands, Newport Beach Fire Department’s Fireman’s Grill BBQ, bouncy houses, bungee jumping, holiday characters, a petting zoo, a beer & wine garden at Marguerite and PCH (in Bandera’s lower parking lot), unique vendors and merchant promotions, the Marines Annual Toys for Tots Drive (please, bring a new, unwrapped toy!), delicious food, the famous opportunity drawing with more than $15,000 worth of prizes, and of course, a special visit from Santa Claus with photo opportunities.

In addition, check out the Holiday Open House at the Corona del Mar Branch Library for crafts, stories, refreshments and magic shows by Magician Mark Gibson (at 12 and 2 p.m.), and more. Located at 420 Marigold Ave.

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This lively band had people dancing in the streets at a past Christmas Walk

For more information and activity locations, visit www.cdmchamber.com, or call 949.673.4050.

4th Annual NIGHTS OF 1000 LIGHTS

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Submitted photo

On Friday, Dec. 8 and Saturday, Dec. 9 from 6 to 9 p.m. Sherman Library & Gardens is brightening the holidays with its 4th Annual NIGHTS of 1000 LIGHTS. This celebration looks to be the best yet with all new light displays featuring more lights than ever including an expanded light tunnel, RGB Triklet programmable lights, light orbs and light tubes.

In the Central Garden, a live-cut, 20-foot Christmas tree will feature “natural bling”, best described as a modern style with natural elements. Other unique elements include a light show in the Tropical Conservatory that will have you “singing in the rain,” a flurry of fun awaits visitors in the Big Shade Garden and a red sparkle ceiling will dazzle in the Fern Grotto. The man in red, Santa Claus, will be taking up residence in the Adobe where you can pose for pictures and tell him all your Christmas wishes. For a Caribbean Christmas experience, sail on up to the Tea Garden where a pink paradise of poinsettias, flamingos and the sounds of Christmas music with a Calypso influence set the scene.

All guests will enjoy complimentary coffee, hot chocolate, cookies and a make your own ‘smores station. There will also be a photo-op with Santa, holiday photo booth, and fun arts and crafts activities. Additionally, there is a no-host wine and beer bar, tamale vendor and holiday shopping available in the Garden Shop.

Café Jardin will be open and offering a special prix-fixe holiday dinner menu. Tickets to the event and reservations are required for dinner. For information and reservations, call Café Jardin at 949.673.0033. Cost: $10 Friends, $15, Non-Members; Children are free. Members only, Dec. 8; open to the public, Dec. 9. All pre-purchased tickets will be at Will Call. This event will be a sell-out, so get your tickets early.

Contact: 949.673.2261, www.slgardens.org

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

Mannheim Steamroller returns to Segerstrom Center

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Courtesy of scfta.org

Mannheim Steamroller presents the best the holiday has to offer this season. The group will return to perform live for one-night-only at Segerstrom Center for the Arts, Sunday, Dec. 3 at 7 p.m. in Segerstrom Hall. Mannheim Steamroller Christmas has been America’s favorite holiday tradition for more than 30 years.

Grammy® Award-winner Chip Davis has created a show that features Mannheim Steamroller Christmas classics along with a selection of compositions from his groundbreaking Fresh Aire series which introduced the distinctive Mannheim sound to all of America.

The spirit of the season comes alive in this joyous holiday show, which includes dazzling multimedia effects performed in an intimate setting. Don’t miss this ultimate holiday tradition from the No. 1 Christmas music artist in history.

Tickets to Mannheim Steamroller start at $59 and are 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 10 or more, call the Group Services office at 714.755.0236.

Christmas Boat Parade festivities at Marina Park

Submitted photos

Come out to Opening Night at Marina Park, Wednesday, Dec. 13 – kicking off the 109th Annual Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade. Tree lighting, fun, food and a concert highlight the evening.

Schedule of Events:

5 p.m. – Come meet and take photos with Rudolph and Frosty the Snowman. Enjoy caricature artists and face painting. Hear a live musical performance by Orange County High School of the Arts Dance Troop MONTAGE, meet the LA Chargers Cheerleaders, and try your skills with the LA Chargers Inflatable Football Toss game.

6 - 6:15 p.m. – Tree Lighting of the 23-foot “Tree of Hope,” decorated with white lights and gold ribbons, representing children undergoing treatment for cancer and those who have passed due to childhood cancer.

6:15 p.m. – Fireworks

6:20 - 8:35 p.m. – Live performances by featured artists from NBC’s hit series, “The Voice”

6:30 p.m. – Booths Open. Enjoy Cruiser’s Pizza; Lighthouse Café with gourmet sliders, beignets, coffee and hot chocolate; Nothing Bundt Cakes with assorted bundtinis.

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6:45 p.m. – Christmas Boat Parade arrives at Marina Park

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

JWA highlighted upcoming Community Meetings, Workshops 

Thursday, Nov. 30, 7 p.m., District 1 Town Hall Meeting

Council Member Diane Dixon will host a town hall meeting on the recent changes to John Wayne Airport’s flight departure paths. The changes are the result of the Federal Aviation Administration’s NextGen program, created to improve safety and efficiency of the airspace nationwide. The local result of NextGen is that flights are now further concentrated over certain Newport Beach neighborhoods. The town hall will include an overview of the NextGen program, local noise monitoring, and steps the City of Newport Beach has taken in response to the recent departure path changes. There will be a significant amount of time set aside for attendees to ask questions and provide comments. The meeting will be held at the Marina Park Community Center, 1600 W. Balboa Blvd., Newport Beach. Call 949.644.3001 for more information, or visit www.newportbeachca.gov/townhall.

• • •

Thursday, Dec. 7, 2 p.m., Tenant Rights Workshop

The Fair Housing Foundation will hold a Tenants Rights Workshop from 2 to 4 p.m. in the Corona del Mar Conference Room of Newport Beach City Hall, 100 Civic Center Drive, Newport Beach. Attendees will learn about fair housing laws, security deposits, rent increases and more. The City-sponsored workshop is free, but reservations are required. For more information or to make a reservation, call 800.446.FAIR or visit www.FHFCA.org.

• • •

Friday, Dec. 8, 3 p.m., JWA Departure Issues Forum

City Council Member Jeff Herdman and City Manager Dave Kiff will host an informal gathering to discuss issues related to recent changes to John Wayne Airport’s departure paths. The meeting will be held from 3 to 4:30 p.m. in the City Council Chambers, Newport Beach Civic Center, 100 Civic Center Drive. Community members are encouraged to attend to ask their questions and provide comments, and to learn more about noise monitoring, the FAA’s NextGen efforts, the JWA Settlement Agreement, and other airport-related issues. Call 949.644.3001, or visit www.newportbeachca.gov/jwa for more information.

Holiday networking event at The Bungalow

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You won’t want to miss this traditional winter networking event at the downstairs fireside patio on The Bungalow Restaurant on Tuesday, Nov. 28 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.

Presented by the Corona del Mar Chamber of Commerce and The Bungalow Restaurant, join community friends and neighbors for some holiday cheer, music and indulge in gourmet appetizers.

This event is open to the public, so invite a friend or colleague!

Cost: Corona del Mar Chamber members are free; guests, $20, which includes networking opportunities, wine (first glass free, then $5 thereafter), appetizers and music/vocalist. Valet or street parking. Please RSVP to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., or 949.673.4050.

The Bungalow is located at 2441 E. Coast Highway, Corona del Mar. For more information, visit www.cdmchamber.com.

Holiday Market at Lido Marina Village

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Courtesy of Lido Marina Village

On Saturday, Dec. 2 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., enjoy a Holiday Market at Lido Marina Village. The day-long event highlights a carefully curated collection of emerging artisans and inspiring brands. Featuring retail, workshops and interactive experiences for guests of all ages, this day offers a unique shopping opportunity.

Presented by Modern Artisan Marketplace, a pop-up experience, it supports the global movement toward shopping small and supporting local businesses.

Among the brands featured are Lunya, Kira Kids, Freda Salvador, Gjenmi, Skinesque and BTW Ceramics.

Lido Marina Village is located at 3434 Via Lido, Newport Beach. www.lidomarinavillage.com

Guest Column

Dave Kiff

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

Newport Beach City Manager Dave Kiff  

A good after-Thanksgiving to you. I hope that you and your extended families and/or friends had a nice visit and that everyone is safely home.

We’re getting near the end of the calendar year, of course, and that means only two more business meetings for the City Council before a fairly long break starting December 13. A lot is still going on during that period, like the Boat Parade and lots of traffic and shopping, but we try to ratchet down meetings to be respectful of your schedule as well as our own.

Here’s what might be of interest on the agenda for the Newport Beach City Council meeting planned for Tuesday, November 28, 2017. I don’t summarize every item, so make sure you look at the City Clerk’sagenda page to read the whole agenda if you’d like.  

The study session begins at 4 p.m. with:  

A presentation on the Orange County Drowning Prevention Task Force, of which our Lifeguard Division is a big part. While not a lot of backyard pool or ocean swimming goes on in the fall, the Task Force works hard every year to make sure that deaths by drowning are minimized and hopefully eliminated. Right now, it’s still the leading cause of death or disability for California kids under 5 years old. For more information and for a cool home poster, click here.

We’ll talk with the City Council about moving our water meter reading system towards something more automated. It would involve swapping out some

of the infrastructure at 20,000+ water meters over time. 

Following closed session items, the evening’s Regular Session will start at 7 p.m. Items include:

Anyone remember the Banning Ranch project? Of course you do. After winding its way to the California Supreme Court, a case against the City’s 2012 approval of various entitlements for the Project (at the western edge of the community) has led to the City having to formally vacate those approvals to comply with the Court’s order. The project itself was denied by the California Coastal Commission in early 2017, so the City’s 2012 approvals never resulted in a project. People often ask where this project is in the process, and that’s complicated, as it remains tied up in other litigation. If it were to come back to the City Council for a re-do or modification (or even the same project), a lot of the entitlement work would have to start generally from square one.

The Friends of the Newport Beach Animal Shelter (aka FONBAS) have formed and are ready to start working to support our great little shelter in West Santa Ana Heights in the community’s only “residential-kennel” zone. I can’t say enough about the good folks who have volunteered to support the Shelter through donations and volunteering their time and affection. The agenda for Nov. 28 has a formal agreement that establishes that fundraising relationship. If you want to support FONBAS, visit www.fonbas.org. 

The Council annually allocates about $40,000 towards various community

programs, and the award of those grants is on this meeting’s agenda. It’s also

proposed to fund the Newport Beach Historical Society and the Balboa Island 

Museum and Historical Society.

We continue to try to find a more efficient way of dredging Lower Newport

Bay (aka the Harbor). It’s problematic right now because we still have some

material in there that is not suitable for offshore or onshore disposal. We’d like to

figure out a way to place that material somewhere appropriate and then move

forward on a dredging method that would be more routine and less sporadic. 

Meaning a more continuous annual effort versus once every 10 years or so. It’s a

good goal (championed by Council member Duffield), and it’s achievable if we

can get the right permits and address this legacy material. An item on this

agenda conducts some start-up testing to see how we can best tackle that first

hurdle of the unsuitable sediment.

A few community notes:

If folks are up for a second “Open Forum” on the airport, we are. Therefore, come and talk about any airport issue this coming Friday, December 8th, from 3 to 4:30 p.m. at City Hall. We’ll be in the City Council Chambers again. Like last time, it’s very informal and we hope to answer any and all questions. A number of good ideas came out of the last one, which I will write about in the future. Again, this forum is not a formal meeting of the Aviation Committee. 

It’s almost Christmas Boat Parade time again. This 109th annual event starts on Wednesday, December 13th and occurs through Sunday, December 17th. With fireworks on the first and last days. More details are here.

If you are a Council follower, we may be starting the City Council meeting of December 12th a few hours earlier than usual, possibly with a business meeting at 4 p.m. (versus just a Study Session). That evening is the traditional “reorganization” where Council members can name a new Mayor and Mayor pro Tem.

Thank you for reading. Please forward this Guide to family, friends and members of your HOA if you represent one. I always like hearing from you, too, so please don’t hesitate to ask a question or offer a comment. 

Sincerely,

Dave Kiff

City Manager

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949-644-3001

Funniest Housewives bring laughter to Christmastime

Funniest Housewives team up with Women’s Journey Foundation for an “Evening of Laughter,” at The Envy Lounge, Sunday, Dec. 10 at 7 p.m., with doors opening at 6 p.m.

According to the Funniest Housewives’ website, you’ll meet this cast of characters: Julie Kidd/Dysfuynctional HW, Frances Dilorinzo/Hyper Active HW, Vicki Barbolak/Trailer Trash HW, Amber Rose/Curry HW and Jason Stuart/Gayest House Husband. Opportunity drawings, hilarious comedy and rockin’ a night of fundraising for Women’s Journey Foundation await.

Tickets are $25 and can be purchased at www.funniesthousewives.com.

The Envy Lounge is located at 4647 MacArthur Blvd., Newport Beach.

Women’s Journey Foundation’s mission is to strengthen self-reliance in women of all ages so they realize their potential, power and purpose.