City Manager’s Updates

From the desk of Grace Leung

Courtesy of City of Newport Beach

Newport Beach City Manager Grace Leung

Community members, 

Thanks to steadily decreasing COVID-19 cases and an increase in vaccination distribution among lower-income communities throughout the state, Orange County was able to enter the Red Tier earlier than expected, on Sunday, March 14. 

As a result, Newport Beach’s restaurants were able to open for indoor service with modifications, indoor gyms and fitness centers could open indoors with limited capacity and other businesses can now operate with fewer restrictions. The city’s Central Library is expanding capacity, and we are reopening the Mariners Branch beginning Monday, March 22. 

In addition, the state has permitted breweries, wineries and distilleries that do not serve food to open for outdoor service in the Purple and Red tiers, with modifications. Bars that do not serve meals, however, must remain closed in both tiers. 

For the most recent information on business operations and activities allowed in the Red Tier, visit the state’s Blueprint for a Safer Economy website, or this chart from the California Department of Public Health. 

There was more good news this week: Orange County’s latest COVID-19 metrics hint at a short stay in the Red Tier. This week’s numbers are very close to the Orange Tier threshold, which would allow for expanded capacity at restaurants, outdoor bar service and some outdoor live events. 

This week, Orange County’s seven-day average daily case number decreased to 4.0, just a fraction above the 3.9 needed for the Orange Tier. The other two key metrics also decreased: the positivity rate (the percentage of positive tests among those tested) was at 2.2 percent, and the health equity metric decreased to 3.5 percent. 

If these numbers hold, Newport Beach could be well on the way to a robust resumption of activity and business operations very soon. 

Here is updated vaccine information and resources as of March 19: 

–More than one million people have received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine in Orange County (this number includes first and second doses). More than 500,000 doses of COVID-19 vaccines have been administered in Orange County via Othena. For those who are eligible and have not received a vaccine yet, the county encourages patience as appointments are based on vaccine availability.

–People ages 16-64 with underlying medical conditions are now eligible for vaccination per state guidelines. Those individuals will need to attest that they have one of the identified conditions when scheduling an appointment. 

–While many people who live or work in Orange County currently do not yet meet the state’s eligibility for receiving a COVID-19 vaccine, they are advised to register now at www.Othena.com to be placed in the virtual waiting room to be notified when it is their turn. 

–The county is accepting vaccination registrations by phone for those who lack access to technology. The Orange County Health Care Agency hotline at 714.834.2000 can provide assistance with Othena registration and support.

–There are several vaccination options. Even if you are registered with the county’s Othena platform, you can also register with the state’s “My Turn” system, administered by Blue Shield, and find other resources at this link. Orange County has developed a similar vaccine resource webpage. 

–You can subscribe to Orange County’s weekly OC COVID-19 Vaccine Facts newsletter at this link. Scroll down until you see the subscribe button and enter your email. 

COVID-19 Cases in Newport Beach 

As of March 18, the total number of COVID-19 cases in Newport Beach was 3,678 and the total cases in Orange County was 249,181. The number of recovered COVID-19 patients countywide as of March 18 was 240,465. These figures are provided to Orange County by the California Department of Public Health. 

Housing Element Update Advisory Committee (HEUAC) Meeting Recap

On Wednesday, March 17, the city’s Housing Element Update Advisory Committee (HEAUC) held a meeting via Zoom. 

The HEUAC began the business portion of the meeting by receiving a short overview of zoning overlays. City staff shared how overlays may be a helpful tool in meeting the state’s requirement to rezone identified properties for housing development within three years of adopting the Housing Element. The HEUAC discussed aspects, such as the ability to have parcel-by-parcel regulations in an overlay, to require housing for a certain income level and to have a development cap that would limit new housing to only that needed for the Regional Housing Needs Assessment (RHNA). 

The HEUAC then moved into a presentation on how to navigate and review the initial draft of the Housing Element. Committee members provided some feedback but noted that they would be providing more formal written comments. These comments will be presented at the next HEUAC meeting on Wednesday, March 31. The public in attendance also provided input on the initial draft. Some highlights of the feedback include making the document more accessible and easier to review, increasing the planned number of accessory dwelling units (ADUs), dispersing affordable units throughout the different areas, tightening up the inventory to lessen the buffe, and a request to recommend that future sites respect the site plan ordinance. 

The HEUAC finished the meeting with an informational item regarding the upcoming schedule for the update. 

The next meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, March 31, where it is anticipated the HEUAC will dive deeper into the initial draft Housing Element update. For more information on the HEUAC, please check out its webpage here. 

As a reminder, the initial draft of the Housing Element is posted and available for review at www.newportbeachca.gov/DraftHEUpdate until April 30. Please send all comments to city staff at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Community Invited to March 22 Online Housing Workshop 

The city is inviting and encouraging the community to provide input on the future of housing in Newport Beach with respect to the state mandate to plan for 4,845 new housing units of varying affordability levels. 

An interactive, virtual workshop will be hosted on Monday, March 22 at 6 p.m. via Zoom. This workshop will provide an overview on what to expect when reviewing the draft Housing Element and how to navigate it. As touched on above, the city is requesting comments on this draft by April 30, and the draft is available here. 

To register, visit www.NewportTogether.com or click here. There will be many opportunities to provide input moving forward. The Planning Commission and City Council will also be reviewing the documents at study sessions in April. 

Stay tuned for more information. The city appreciates the community’s engagement and participation in this unprecedented process.

Library Update 

Based on recommendations from the County of Orange and in concurrence with guidelines issued by the state of California, Newport Beach Public Library is pleased to announce that patron capacity at the Central Library has increased to 50 percent, effective Tuesday, March 16. The Mariners Branch will open on Monday, March 22, also at 50 percent capacity. 

The library will continue to offer a “grab and go” business model. Patrons can browse the shelves, check out materials and manage accounts. A limited number of public computers will be available to ensure social distancing. Until restrictions on gatherings and building capacity are lifted, the use of seating areas, study rooms and program spaces will be prohibited. 

In accordance with guidelines from the State of California, Newport Beach Public Library is implementing a variety of precautions to make the environment as safe as possible for staff and the public upon reopening. Both the Central Library and Mariners Branch are equipped with plexiglass barriers at public service desks, social distancing demarcation signage and hand sanitizers. For safety purposes, staff and visitors must wear face masks and maintain safe physical distancing. 

The library will continue to offer Curbside Service at Balboa and Corona del Mar branches, telephone reference and the Library e-Branch to facilitate social distancing at the library. No programs will be offered at this time. 

New Coyote Tracking Partnership 

For the past five years, the Police Department’s Animal Control Unit has encouraged residents to report coyote sightings online on the Police Department’s website. This system, which was designed by PD staff, allowed our Animal Control Officers to track and respond to sightings in Newport Beach, but did not offer interoperability with surrounding cities. In order to better collaborate with our surrounding agency partners, and to provide a more interactive interface for our residents, we have transitioned to a regional system created and maintained by the University of California called Coyote Cacher. By contributing data to this UC system, we will be helping academic researchers better understand urban coyotes. This will in turn benefit the city and its residents by allowing us to employ scientifically proven solutions as they become available.

Anyone who would like to report a coyote sighting or encounter can still visit the Police Department’s website, which will link them to Coyote Cacher. The system can also be accessed directly by clicking here. This website offers maps, updated in real time, of sightings reported. Residents can also sign up for email alerts for immediate notification of coyote activity in their ZIP Code. 

As we enter the springtime, we would like to remind residents that coyote activity will be increasing as new pups are born. For tips on how to keep your small pets safe, and how to discourage coyotes from frequenting your neighborhood, please click here. 

Corona del Mar Library & Fire Station No. 5 wins the 2020 ASCE Outstanding Sustainable Engineering Project Award 

The Corona del Mar Fire Station No. 5 and Library Replacement Project (Fibrary) has been selected as the recipient of the American Society of Civil Engineers, Orange County Branch (ASCE OC) 2020 Outstanding Sustainable Engineering Project Award. This innovative project linked two separate and very different city facilities on adjoining properties creating a building superior to any one entity. The site layout and building design conform to the basic functions of a library, which are quiet study, popular library materials, and children’s services and concurrently serve as an essential emergency services facility. The vision, design and construction are unique to this facility. This project should serve as a model for Southern California where space is costly and limited. 

Household Hazardous Waste Collection Update 

Household hazardous waste (HHW) products often contain dangerous chemicals that need to be handled carefully to minimize their exposure to the natural environment. To mitigate disposal of these items in the regular trash, the city offers a door-to-door pick up service to our residents free of charge. Items can include cleaning supplies, paint, motor oil, universal waste (batteries, fluorescent lamps, light bulbs), or electronic waste. Residents can call 949.625.6735 to schedule a pickup. 

Upcoming Electronic Waste and Shredding Event 

Each year in California hundreds of thousands of computers, monitors, copiers, fax machines, printers, televisions and other electronic items become “obsolete” in the eyes of consumers. Rapid advances in technology and an expanding demand for new features accelerate the generation of “old” electronic equipment (“e-waste”). The result is a growing challenge for residents as they search for ways to reuse, recycle, or properly dispose of this equipment. Since electronic waste is generated so frequently and in large amounts, the city also provides bi-annual electronic waste collection events along with paper shredding. This year we will be holding shred and e-waste events on April 24 at the Harbor Day School parking lot located at 3343 Pacific View Drive. 

Summer Beach Preparations 

Spring Break is around the corner, signaling the start of our summer beach preparations, which include: 

–Removing wind fencing installed over the winter to prevent sand blowing on the streets and boardwalk. 

–The log boom installed at the San Diego Creek (Back Bay) to keep trash from spreading on our bays will be removed. 

–Trash cans that were removed during the winter to paint and clean will be installed back on the heavy traffic areas. 

–Broken fire rings were removed and replaced as needed. The remaining fire rings were given a coat of paint during the winter and are now ready for use.

Public Works staff and crew start preparations early to ensure a safe and enjoyable summer season for residents and visitors alike. 

Grunion Season Preparations 

The first full moon of grunion season occurred early this week, which signifies the beginning of grunion runs this season. California grunion come ashore to spawn from March through August during the time of the nightly high tides and within a couple of hours afterwards. They surf the waves onto sandy beaches during full and new moons, where they bury and fertilize eggs in the sand. The grunions then ride the next set of waves back out to sea. 

Grunion are easily startled by human beach activity, so it is advisable to remain quiet while awaiting their arrival. 

Grunion season presents our Beach Maintenance Crew with the opportunity to clean the beaches manually, not utilizing machinery below the tideline where the grunion lay their eggs. Large debris like poles, logs and plywood that wash up onshore from the Santa Ana River and San Diego Creek are manually picked up. 

Coincidentally, during the spring, staff attends the annual training on Beach Ecology Coalition on Grunion and Snowy Plover Preservation, to remind and update our protocol in protecting the snowy plover and the grunion. 

The full schedule and grunion fishing laws are posted at the California Department of Fish and Wildlife website at www.wildlife.ca.gov.

 Concrete Alley and Street Replacement Project 

The Concrete Alley and Street Replacement project is now underway. The Public Works project includes reconstructing alleys within Assessment District No. 117 (AD 117), in Corona del Mar, and alleys and streets on the Balboa Peninsula that have been affected by recent utility undergrounding and utility replacement work. S&H Civilworks, the city’s contractor for the project, began reconstruction of the alleys in AD 117 last week and will complete all work within AD 117 prior to starting construction activities on the Balboa Peninsula. Additionally, construction will be performed in multiple phases to minimize inconvenience to residents and businesses. Project completion is scheduled for June 2021. 

In related news, S&H Civilworks recently completed reconstruction of the concrete street pavement on Montero Avenue and Alvarado Place. This work also included constructing new landscaped parkways along Montero Avenue and a portion of Alvarado Place. Landscaping was completed on March 5, and residents can now enjoy their new streets and parkways.

Homelessness Update 

Addressing homelessness continues to be a priority in the city’s ongoing COVID-19 response, and city staff works closely with our contractor City Net, and our regional partners throughout the county and state. The City Net hotline number is 714.451.6198. Those who call the hotline may leave a detailed voicemail message for themselves or others in need and City Net staff will respond within 48 hours. For immediate assistance, call the county’s Crisis Prevention Hotline at 877.7.CRISIS or 877.727.4747. 

The city discourages panhandling in favor of targeted assistance through the Good Giving Program. Donations received through the program enable staff to purchase items such as bicycles, work boots and small household items for newly housed people. All donations are tax deductible. If you would like more information, or to donate, please visit our Good Giving Program webpage.

Success Stories 

–The city’s Homeless Liaison Officer placed 17 people, several of whom had been staying by the Newport Pier, into the new Yale Transitional Center in Santa Ana. An elderly man who stayed by the Balboa Pier is now sheltered in a motel as he awaits placement into the Yale shelter. The new facility provides shelter for as many as 425 people experiencing homelessness and provides case managers who locate appropriate housing, assist with job searches and provide other onsite services. 

–City Net staff placed one person into the county’s Yale Transitional Center and added five people to the waiting list. 

–The Homeless Liaison Officer helped reunite an elderly woman with her family in Texas. The woman lived in her car for four years in Newport Beach and Costa Mesa. 

–The Homeless Liaison Officer, City Net staff and Share Our Selves collaborated to place a couple into a medical detoxification program. The couple is now enrolled in the county’s Coordinated Entry System to secure housing. Share Our Selves, established in Costa Mesa in 1970, emphasizes care of the whole person. Share Our Selves provides medical and dental care, access to a food pantry, postal service, and other social services for low-income individuals and families in Orange County. 

–City Net staff continues to provide food gift cards, support and case management to several people sheltering in motels while they await placement into permanent, supportive housing. 

Insider’s Guide for the Newport Beach City Council Meeting on March 23 

Our next City Council meeting is Tuesday, March 23. Items that may be of interest are highlighted below. The entire agenda, and all reports, can be viewed here. 

There will be a Study Session at 4 p.m.: 

–Representatives from the city’s Harbor Commission will present the results of a recent study on Newport Harbor that examined the types of stakeholders that use the harbor. 

The Regular Meeting begins at 6 p.m. and the following are items of note:

On the Consent Calendar is: 

–Two separate resolutions that would request time extensions for the city to spend Orange County Transportation Authority Measure M2 grant funding. The first is an OCTA grant to fund a feasibility study examining local transportation options to increase mobility at Balboa Island and Corona del Mar. Because COVID-19 has reduced the use of public transportation and altered travel patterns, the city is requesting to delay the study until the 2023 fiscal year. The second grant is to partially fund the Newport Bay Trash Interceptor project, which will collect debris from the San Diego Creek before it reaches the bay, harbor and ocean waters. Because of COVID-19 related construction delays, the city is requesting a one-time, 24-month extension. 

–Authorizing the submittal of the city’s 2020 General Plan update progress report and Housing Element annual progress report to the State of California. The city is required by state law to prepare and submit an annual report on the status of General Plan implementation. 

–The council will receive the results of the city’s annual independent financial audit. The audit was conducted by the firm CliftonLarsonAllen LLP for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2020. 

Public Hearings and Current Business include: 

–A proposed increase in residential recycling fees to partially offset additional costs of meeting new state mandates. California state law requires that every household, business and multifamily property recycle their organic waste beginning January 1, 2022. To partially offset the increased costs, the council will consider a proposal to increase recycling fees. For most Newport Beach households, the fees would increase from $3 a month to $6.28 a month. Households in the Newport Coast area, which do not currently pay a recycling fee, would pay $5.86 per month. Organics recycling is mandated by the state to reduce the volume of waste transported to landfills and reduce greenhouse gas emissions from organic waste decomposition. The recycling fee was last updated in 2009. 

–To assist Newport Beach businesses with pandemic recovery, the council will consider a one-year waiver of business license fees for Newport Beach businesses that were forced to close because of COVID-19. The waiver would apply to business license tax renewals for businesses that were required to close by order of the state of California at any time during the pandemic. The waiver would apply for renewals processed between April 1, 2021 and March 31, 2022. 

Editor’s Note: City Manager’s Updates was received Friday, March 19.

COVID-19: 82 new cases and 11 new deaths reported in OC, 8 new cases in Newport Beach

Sadly, OC Health Care Agency reports that 4,646 people have died due to COVID-19 in Orange County, including 11 new deaths reported today (March 24). There have been 71 deaths of Newport Beach residents to date.

The county reported 82 new cases of COVID-19 in OC today. There have been 249,842 cumulative cases to date.

The percentage of adult ICU beds currently available in OC is 33.2 percent. 71 percent of ventilators are currently available countywide.

The county reports that 172 individuals are currently hospitalized with COVID-19 (-16 since yesterday’s report – includes ICU); 36 are in ICU (-4 since yesterday’s report).

The county reports that there have been 3,712 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Newport Beach to date, including eight new cases reported today and 39 new cases reported since last Wednesday’s report.

The county estimates 241,709 “recovered cases” according to its data criteria.

For questions about the data presented by the county, call (714) 834-2000 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

To view the data dashboard, click here.

COVID-19 numbers are updated daily by Stu News Newport and reported on our social media pages @StuNewsNewport.

Click on photos for larger images

Courtesy of OC Health Care Agency

Orange County COVID-19 case data posted on March 24, as reported by the county; click here to visit page that is updated daily

COVID-19: 119 new cases and 27 new deaths reported in OC, 4 new cases in Newport Beach

Sadly, OC Health Care Agency reports that 4,635 people have died due to COVID-19 in Orange County, including 27 new deaths reported today (March 23). There have been 71 deaths of Newport Beach residents to date.

The county reported 119 new cases of COVID-19 in OC today. There have been 249,760 cumulative cases to date.

The percentage of adult ICU beds currently available in OC is 36 percent. 70 percent of ventilators are currently available countywide.

The county reports that 188 individuals are currently hospitalized with COVID-19 (-7 since yesterday’s report – includes ICU); 40 are in ICU (-10 since yesterday’s report).

The county reports that there have been 3,704 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Newport Beach to date, including four new cases reported today and 31 new cases reported since last Tuesday’s report.

The county estimates 241,504 “recovered cases” according to its data criteria.

For questions about the data presented by the county, call (714) 834-2000 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

To view the data dashboard, click here.

COVID-19 numbers are updated daily by Stu News Newport and reported on our social media pages @StuNewsNewport.

Click on photos for larger images

Courtesy of OC Health Care Agency

Orange County COVID-19 case data posted on March 23, as reported by the county; click here to visit page that is updated daily

COVID-19: 102 new cases and 1 new death reported in OC, 6 new cases in Newport Beach

Sadly, OC Health Care Agency reports that 4,608 people have died due to COVID-19 in Orange County, including one new death reported yesterday (March 22). There have been 71 deaths of Newport Beach residents to date.

The county reported 102 new cases of COVID-19 in OC yesterday. There have been 249,641 cumulative cases to date.

The percentage of adult ICU beds currently available in OC is 34.7 percent. 70 percent of ventilators are currently available countywide.

The county reports that 195 individuals are currently hospitalized with COVID-19 (+8 since Sunday’s report – includes ICU); 50 are in ICU (+7 since Sunday’s report).

The county reports that there have been 3,700 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Newport Beach to date, including six new cases reported yesterday and 28 new cases reported since last Monday’s report.

The county estimates 241,271 “recovered cases” according to its data criteria.

For questions about the data presented by the county, call (714) 834-2000 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

To view the data dashboard, click here.

COVID-19 numbers are updated daily by Stu News Newport and reported on our social media pages @StuNewsNewport.

Click on photos for larger images

Courtesy of OC Health Care Agency

Orange County COVID-19 case data posted on March 22, as reported by the county; click here to visit page that is updated daily

COVID-19: 113 new cases and 45 new deaths reported in OC, 5 new cases in Newport Beach

Sadly, OC Health Care Agency reports that 4,607 people have died due to COVID-19 in Orange County, including 45 new deaths reported today (March 21). There have been 71 deaths of Newport Beach residents to date.

The county reported 113 new cases of COVID-19 in OC today. There have been 249,539 cumulative cases to date.

The percentage of adult ICU beds currently available in OC is 33.3 percent. 72 percent of ventilators are currently available countywide.

The county reports that 187 individuals are currently hospitalized with COVID-19 (-10 since yesterday’s report – includes ICU); 43 are in ICU (+0 since yesterday’s report).

The county reports that there have been 3,694 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Newport Beach to date, including five new cases reported today and 27 new cases reported since last Sunday’s report.

The county estimates 240,949 “recovered cases” according to its data criteria.

For questions about the data presented by the county, call (714) 834-2000 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

To view the data dashboard, click here.

COVID-19 numbers are updated daily by Stu News Newport and reported on our social media pages @StuNewsNewport.

Click on photos for larger images

Courtesy of OC Health Care Agency

Orange County COVID-19 case data posted on March 21, as reported by the county; click here to visit page that is updated daily

COVID-19: 118 new cases and 26 new deaths reported in OC, 7 new cases in Newport Beach

Sadly, OC Health Care Agency reports that 4,562 people have died due to COVID-19 in Orange County, including 26 new deaths reported today (March 20). There have been 71 deaths of Newport Beach residents to date.

The county reported 118 new cases of COVID-19 in OC today. There have been 249,426 cumulative cases to date.

The percentage of adult ICU beds currently available in OC is 33.2 percent. 69 percent of ventilators are currently available countywide.

The county reports that 197 individuals are currently hospitalized with COVID-19 (-9 since yesterday’s report – includes ICU); 43 are in ICU (-1 since yesterday’s report).

The county reports that there have been 3,689 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Newport Beach to date, including seven new cases reported today and 30 new cases reported since last Saturday’s report.

The county estimates 240,831 “recovered cases” according to its data criteria.

For questions about the data presented by the county, call (714) 834-2000 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

To view the data dashboard, click here.

COVID-19 numbers are updated daily by Stu News Newport and reported on our social media pages @StuNewsNewport.

Click on photos for larger images

Courtesy of OC Health Care Agency

Orange County COVID-19 case data posted on March 20, as reported by the county; click here to visit page that is updated daily

COVID-19: 127 new cases and 14 new deaths reported in OC, 4 new cases in Newport Beach

Sadly, OC Health Care Agency reports that 4,536 people have died due to COVID-19 in Orange County, including 14 new deaths reported today (March 19). There have been 71 deaths of Newport Beach residents to date.

The county reported 127 new cases of COVID-19 in OC today. There have been 249,308 cumulative cases to date.

The percentage of adult ICU beds currently available in OC is 35.9 percent. 70 percent of ventilators are currently available countywide.

The county reports that 206 individuals are currently hospitalized with COVID-19 (-7 since yesterday’s report – includes ICU); 44 are in ICU (-5 since yesterday’s report).

The county reports that there have been 3,682 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Newport Beach to date, including four new cases reported today and 28 new cases reported since last Friday’s report.

The county estimates 240,681 “recovered cases” according to its data criteria.

For questions about the data presented by the county, call (714) 834-2000 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

To view the data dashboard, click here.

COVID-19 numbers are updated daily by Stu News Newport and reported on our social media pages @StuNewsNewport.

Click on photos for larger images

Courtesy of OC Health Care Agency

Orange County COVID-19 case data posted on March 19, as reported by the county; click here to visit page that is updated daily

Tickets on sale now for 23rd Annual NHHS Home and Garden Tour “Virtual Showcase” 

Tickets are on sale now for the 23rd Annual Home and Garden Tour “Virtual Showcase” benefiting Newport Harbor High School (NHHS).

Taking place beginning Thursday, May 13, the tour is presented by the Newport Harbor Educational Foundation, and features eight beautifully unique homes in charming neighborhoods. This year’s presenting sponsors are Barclay Butera Interiors and Compass real estate. Event co-chairs are Pam Hardenbergh and Karen Taylor.

The tour highlights these interior designers and their special insight: Barclay Butera, Barclay Butera Interiors; Ashley Clark, sKout Interior Design; Raili Clasen, Raili CA Design; Suzanne Currie & Lise Abraham, ulloo 42; Mindy Gayer, Mindy Gayer Design Co.; Summer Jensen, Hawk & Co.; and Denise Morrison, Denise Morrison Interiors.

Shop the online boutique and local pop-up shops from vendors along with showcase home “looks” from the featured designers.

Click on photo for a larger image

Photo by Ryan Garvin

Welcome to this historic Balboa Island cottage, one of six residences on this year’s NHHS Home and Garden Tour “Virtual Showcase”

Tickets are $50 and sold only online. Included in the ticket price is a “Look Book” which highlights each home and is supported by local advertising. By participating in this community-wide event, you can reach homeowners, shoppers, designers, architects, landscapers and home builders. 

Funds raised by the Home Tour provide programs that enhance educational opportunities resulting in student success, which include:

–AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination), a four-year college prep program with 100 percent college acceptance rate for all AVID seniors. 

–Free tutoring in all subjects is offered all year long before and after school.

–Grocery gift cards are distributed to NHHS families in need, including those who lost their jobs due to COVID as well as homeless families.

–Rigorous curriculum including Advanced Placement and International Baccalaureate (IB) courses that challenge NHHS’s highest achieving students.

–Career Experience Mentor Program that allows juniors to “test drive” a career with job shadows and regular meetings in the field, with professionals in the community.

To purchase tickets and for more information on the tour, sponsorship and advertising opportunities in the Home Tour “Look Book,” visit www.newportharborhometour.com. Check out “sneak peeks” on Facebook @newportharborhomegardentour and on Instagram @newportharborhometour.

Newport Beach Chamber and UCI join to present Economic and Financial Update

The Newport Beach Chamber of Commerce and UCI’s Paul Merage School of Business & Center for Investment and Wealth Management will present their March 2021 Economic and Financial Update on Thursday, March 25 at 11:30 a.m.

The free webinar will present financial expert Chris Schwarz’s latest thoughts on the economy and financial markets as the economy prepares to reopen. 

Courtesy of UCI

Chris Schwarz

Schwarz is an Associate Professor, Finance, and the Faculty Director for the Center for Investment and Wealth Management. His research interests include the management, disclosure, and operational risk of the investment fund industry and the impact of manager incentives and structure on investment fund performance. 

He has been published in such leading academic journals as the Journal of Finance, Journal of Financial Economics, Review of Financial Studies and the Journal of Financial and Quantitative Analysis, and included in testimony before the U.S. Congress House Financial Services Committee.

Prior to arriving at UCI, he received his Ph.D. from the University of Massachusetts Amherst. During his doctoral studies, he was also a Visiting Doctoral Fellow at Yale University’s International Center of Finance in 2007 and the Advisory Editor at the Review of Financial Studies. He received his B.S. from Babson College in Wellesley, Mass. Prior to receiving his doctorate, Professor Schwarz worked in the IT industry writing custom applications for medium-sized businesses.

To register for the event, go here.

City okays ARC Bottle Shop; new CdM pizza spot opens

By AMY SENK

A new boutique wine shop will be opening in the next few weeks in the Cannery Village neighborhood after receiving Zoning Administrator approval for a minor use permit in a quick Zoom hearing last week.

ARC Bottle Shop at 501 30th Street will not be a liquor store with stacks and stacks of cases, said owner Noah Blom, who also is a Newport Beach City Councilman. Instead, he said, there would be displays of bottles curated and selected from his favorites, which customers can take home or to his nearby restaurant, ARC Butcher & Baker at 417 30th Street.

There were objections to the shop raised by at least one neighbor, who said the area was mixed-use for business and residential, but that businesses brought more congestion and traffic. “Just because we’re zoned for it doesn’t make it a good idea,” she wrote in comments submitted to the city.

Photos by Amy Senk

Noah Blom’s new ARC Bottle Shop is located in Cannery Village

When I heard about the hearing, I wondered about whether a sitting city councilman would get the benefit of any doubt when asking for a permit from city staff, and how that would be fair to neighbors who had a different opinion. On the one hand, there could be bias, but on the other hand, public service shouldn’t prevent someone from making a living. I asked City Attorney Aaron Harp about it.

“I spoke to Councilmember Blom and confirmed that his representative will attend the hearing on his behalf,” Harp said. “This should put to rest most of the questions and concerns about possible conflicts or undue influence. The Zoning Code provides for what is permitted and I know that city staff will ensure appropriate findings for approval or denial are made under the code. Also, I think it is important to note that the state and local rules are designed to allow for these types of situations and Councilmember Blom is doing everything by the book.”

• • •

Meanwhile, Corona del Mar’s newest restaurant, Slices pizza, held a grand opening last week at 2801 E. Coast Highway, with free slices of pizza and red balloon decorations. The Sicilian-style pizza spot replaces a Nekter juice bar that closed last spring in that location.

Slices pizza celebrated its grand opening last week

Nearby at 2929 E. Coast Highway, a new sign has been installed at the former Pirozzi restaurant, changing the name to Foretti’s, a variation of the new owner’s name.

“Over the past year, our founder, Alessandro Pirozzi has been transitioning the restaurant to his good friend and veteran restaurateur, Thad Foret,” the restaurant’s website states. “As a tribute to their 25-year friendship, Thad is honored to allow Alessandro to keep the Pirozzi name as a tribute to his family in Italy.” According to the website, the chef and menu are the same.

Foretti’s to occupy the former Pirozzi restaurant space

Coffee lovers in CdM can celebrate the opening of Grounded Coffee, which replaced Pain Du Monde at Poinsettia Avenue and East Coast Highway, which had been closed for months. The Baja Fresh at 3050 E. Coast Highway has closed. As we’ve previously reported, a Chipotle will replace it in the fall.

Chipolte to open this fall at the old Baja Fresh location

And the Easter Bunny has arrived at nearby B.CANDY at 3100 E. Coast Highway, made of never-melting “chocolate” and surrounded by flowers and eggs.

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B.CANDY welcomes the Easter holiday with this giant chocolate bunny

“We love bringing happiness and lots of smiles to our cute, little town,” said owner Brandy Valdez. “When I was younger, I would drive by a storefront that always had giant props outside. They were always changing, and I have the fondest memories of going with my family to discover what would be out next. At B.CANDY we’re all about creating memories and embracing nostalgia. We want people to always remember their trip to our store. And besides, who doesn’t love a humongous chocolate bunny?”

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Amy Senk has lived in Corona del Mar for 20+ 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. She and her husband have two children attending college at the University of Missouri and Duke University. She is a regular contributor to Stu News Newport.

Easter Bunny to hop over to Seaside Gallery 

Hop right up for your outdoor and reservation-based Easter experience at Seaside Gallery & Goods, where the Easter Bunny will be visiting this weekend –March 20-21 – in the Pelican Courtyard.

Your family will receive a minimum of 15 hi-res digital images delivered within 48 hours.

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Courtesy of Seaside Gallery & Goods

Along with the Easter Bunny photos, you will also have the opportunity to take family photos without the bunny at another beautiful Spring-inspired styled backdrop with a second photographer.

The purchase of one ticket is recommended for a family with up to three children. If additional children and grandparents are joining, they are more than welcome, but it is highly recommended to purchase an additional ticket in your same timeframe to guarantee enough time for photos.

The cost is $200 with a portion of all ticket sales to be donated to a worthy cause, to be named. To purchase tickets online, go here.

Seaside Gallery & Goods and the Pelican Courtyard is located at 124 Tustin Ave., Newport Beach.

City Manager’s Updates

From the desk of Grace Leung

Courtesy of City of Newport Beach

Newport Beach City Manager Grace Leung

Community members, 

Great news this week: The new, and much improved, COVID-19 metrics place Orange County squarely in the Red Tier. As a result, Newport Beach will be able to expand and resume certain activities – including indoor dining with reduced capacity – very soon. Also, as you have no doubt heard by now, the state announced that outdoor stadiums, ballparks and theme parks can reopen with restricted capacity beginning April 1. 

The state made other adjustments to the Blueprint for a Safer Economy that could help Orange County transition more quickly into less-restrictive tiers. 

An additional metric was added to account for vaccinations among lower-income communities that have been hardest hit by the virus. This new metric adjusts case counts so that at certain vaccination milestones – two million and four million doses administered within those communities – counties may be able to move faster through the tiers. Fortunately, the state is nearing the two million mark for vaccine distribution to low-income communities. 

For Orange County, it means that we could enter the Red Tier by (the middle of the week of March 14), or sooner if the vaccination number is reached. Please click here for the updated list of permitted activities and allowed capacities within each tier.

This week, Orange County’s seven-day average daily case number decreased to 6.0, down from last week’s 7.9. The other two key metrics are also trending down; in fact, those numbers remained within the even less restrictive Orange Tier threshold. The county’s positivity rate (the percentage of positive tests among those tested) dropped to 3.2 percent, down from 3.9 percent last week. The health equity metric decreased from 5 percent to 4.1 percent. 

Here is updated vaccine information and resources as of March 12: 

–Through the county’s Othena platform, pending vaccine supply, you can now select the vaccine type you would like to receive (Moderna, Pfizer, or Johnson & Johnson) as you schedule an appointment. Vaccine selection depends on which vaccines are available on open appointment dates. 

–The Disneyland Super POD (point of disbursement) is now only dispensing vaccines through American with Disabilities Act (ADA) lanes/in-car vaccinations. The site will have less capacity than the county’s other POD sites and is intended to serve people who require an ADA-accessible option. 

–The county is now accepting vaccination registrations by phone for those who lack access to technology. The Orange County Health Care Agency hotline at 714.834.2000 can provide assistance with Othena registration and support. Those with computer and smartphone access are still encouraged to register through the Othena.com platform. 

–Vaccine eligibility in Orange County remains in Phase 1B, under state guidelines, a group that includes educators, food service, grocery and agriculture workers, child care providers and emergency services workers. The county will reevaluate expanding eligibility to more populations weekly as more vaccine doses become available. 

–The county’s Othena system is not the only vaccination option, as distribution to hospitals, clinics and pharmacies increases. Even if you are registered with Othena, you can also register with the state’s “My Turn” system, administered by Blue Shield, and find other resources at this link. Orange County has developed a similar vaccine resource web page. 

–You can subscribe to Orange County’s weekly OC COVID19 Vaccine Facts newsletter at this link. Scroll down until you see the subscribe button and enter your email. 

COVID-19 Cases in Newport Beach 

As of March 11, the total number of COVID-19 cases in Newport Beach was 3,645 and the total cases in Orange County was 248,217. The number of recovered COVID-19 patients countywide as of March 11 was 238,305. These figures are provided to Orange County by the California Department of Public Health. 

Initial Draft of Housing Element Now Available 

City staff and its consultant team have been working with the Housing Element Update Advisory Committee (HEUAC) and the community over the past eight months to prepare an initial draft of the updated General Plan Housing Element. As a reminder, this effort is required by the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) in response to the 6th Cycle Regional Housing Needs Assessment (RHNA) allocation of 4,845 new housing units for Newport Beach.

The initial draft is now available online. Please click here or visit www.NewportTogether.com to download and view it. The entire community is invited and encouraged to review the document and to provide comments. Please provide your comments on this initial draft no later than Friday, April 30. All comments and questions should be submitted to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. 

The HEUAC will also be discussing this draft version at its Wednesday, March 17 meeting and its March 31 meeting. 

A virtual public workshop will be held on Monday, March 22. The Planning Commission and City Council will review the draft document in a study session at their April meetings. In May, the city will transmit a progress draft to HCD for a preliminary 60-day review and comment. 

This is the very first draft of the document. There will be plenty of opportunities to help shape it before its state-mandated adoption date in October 2021. The entire community is encouraged to participate and review it. 

The city greatly appreciates the community’s continued participation and engagement in this challenging and unprecedented update process. 

Initial Draft of Circulation Element Now Available 

Much like the Housing Element update, city staff and its consultant team have been working with the Planning Commission and the community over the past eight months to prepare an initial draft of the updated General Plan Circulation Element. The Circulation Element is being updated simultaneously with the Housing Element to comply with new mandates, such as “complete streets.” It is also being refreshed to reflect the community’s vision on trending transportation matters, including electric vehicles (EV), rideshare services (e.g. Uber and Lyft), public transportation, telecommuting, as well as parking and parking lot management. 

The initial draft will be available online. Click here or visit www.NewportTogether.com to download and view it. Please note, at this time, the draft does not include the technical appendices, as those documents are still in progress. The entire community is invited and encouraged to review the document and to provide comments. Please provide your initial comments on this initial draft no later than Friday, April 30. All comments and questions should be submitted to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

The Planning Commission will also be discussing this draft in a study session at its Thursday, March 18 meeting. A virtual public workshop will be held on Monday, April 5 for additional community feedback. Along with the Circulation Element update, city staff and its consultant team will be working on the Environmental Impact Report (EIR), which will provide for additional public input opportunities. 

This is the very first draft of the document. There will be plenty of opportunities to help shape the document. The entire community is encouraged to participate and review it. 

Homelessness Update 

Addressing homelessness continues to be a priority in the city’s ongoing COVID-19 response, and city staff works closely with our contractor City Net, and our regional partners throughout the county and state. The City Net hotline number is 714.451.6198. Those who call the hotline may leave a detailed voicemail message for themselves or others in need and City Net staff will respond within 48 hours. For immediate assistance, call the county’s Crisis Prevention Hotline at 877.7.CRISIS or 877.727.4747. 

City staff presented an update on homeless strategies at a City Council Study Session on February 23. You can view the presentation at this link. 

The city discourages panhandling in favor of targeted assistance through the Good Giving Program. Donations received through the program enable staff to purchase items such as bicycles, work boots and small household items for newly housed people. All donations are tax deductible. If you would like more information, or to donate, visit our Good Giving Program web page.

Success Stories: 

–The city’s Homeless Liaison Officer placed 16 people, several of whom had been staying by the Newport Pier, into the new Yale Transitional Center in Santa Ana. The County of Orange opened the center last month. The facility provides shelter for as many as 425 people experiencing homelessness and provides case managers who locate appropriate housing, assist with job searches and provide other on-site services. 

–City Net staff placed one person into the county’s Yale Transitional Center. The person was staying by the Newport Transportation Center. 

–City Net staff facilitated an early retirement interview with the Social Security Administration for a man staying by the Balboa Pier. He is now receiving monthly income and is seeking permanent housing. 

–The Homeless Liaison Officer placed an honorably discharged veteran into a motel as he awaits a housing voucher. The veteran qualifies for a Housing and Urban Development Veteran’s Affairs Supportive Housing (HUD-VASH) voucher. The HUD-VASH voucher provides rental assistance for homeless veterans, with supportive case management. 

–City Net staff met with a newly housed couple in their apartment to provide support and household items. City Net collaborated with American Family Housing to place the couple. American Family Housing, founded in Santa Ana in 1985, provides housing assistance and an array of services for those in need. The couple expressed their gratitude to the City of Newport Beach and City Net for the housing navigation assistance. 

–City Net staff continues to provide food gift cards, support and case management to several people sheltering in motels while they await placement into permanent, supportive housing. 

Treasury Report 

The January 2021 Treasury Report is available on the city’s website at: www.newportbeachca.gov/treasury. 

As of January, the city’s portfolio totaled about $317.1 million. Approximately $88.3 million of the portfolio was invested in very liquid investments available for day-to-day operations and major construction expenditures. 

The short-term portfolio ($217.1 million) had a weighted average effective maturity of 1.84 years. The trailing 12 months’ total return was 2.84 percent. Our benchmark for the same period, the ICE BofA 1-3 Year Treasury index, returned 2.56 percent. The income return on the portfolio, a better measure of income earned from the portfolio, was 2.09 percent. 

Caltrans Street Closure Advisory 

An overnight street closure is planned by Caltrans for Coast Highway through Mariner’s Mile, from Newport Boulevard to Dover Drive, on Monday, March 15 from 10 p.m. until 5 a.m. Tuesday, March 16. Motorists in the area will be detoured around the closure and the map showing the detour can be found on the city’s website under Traffic Advisories. 

Rainfall Update 

We received a total of 0.69 inches of rain this past week (Wednesday and Thursday) as measured at the county rain gauge in Anaheim. This brings the season total (since the beginning of July) to 5.53 inches with 12.81 inches being the average through the end of this month and 13.93 inches being the annual average. All of the river flow upstream in the Anaheim area is being captured and is being placed in the groundwater recharge system. This rainfall season is very likely to be stay below average and could lead to drought conditions in the near future. Utilities Department crews were out and about Wednesday morning at 4:30 a.m. to pump during the high tide and rain. 

Editor’s Note: We received City Manager’s Updates on Friday, March 12.

Sewage spill closes Bayside Beach to China Cove

The OC Health Care Agency’s Environmental Health division has closed the bay water area as of last evening, March 15, from Bayside Drive Beach to China Cove due to a sewage spill. The spill of approximately 1,000 gallons was caused by an operator error during routine maintenance of a sewer main line in Newport Beach.

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Courtesy of OCBeachInfo.com

The red line marks the sewage spill adjacent to Bayside Drive

The affected bay water area will remain closed to ocean water contact sports until the results of follow-up water quality monitoring meet acceptable standards.

For information regarding Orange County ocean, bay or harbor postings and closures, call 714.433.6400 or visit www.ocbeachinfo.com.

To report a sewage spill, call 714.433.6419.

Spring is in the air

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Photo by Todd Walker (Instagram @twalkerphotograph/walkerphoto.com)

Friday night lights set the tone for a new season in the making

Speak Up Newport webinar to focus on new housing unit issues

Speak Up Newport (SUN) is currently unable to hold its normal programs at the Civic Center, so the group will be hosting the 13th in a series of special programs via a Zoom meeting webinar on Wednesday, March 24 at 4 p.m.

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Photos courtesy of Speak Up Newport

(L-R) Larry Tucker and Seimone Jurjis are the featured panelists at the upcoming SUN Zoom webinar

The State of California is requiring Newport Beach to rezone property for an additional 4,845 housing units with 49 percent of them having to be affordable to low and moderate incomes. Some estimates are that it could hit 7,000-9,000 housing units. 

Come hear the city’s Housing Element Update Committee Chair Larry Tucker and the city’s Community Development Director Seimone Jurjis explain how the Draft Housing Element going to the Planning Commission and City Council is going to affect your neighborhood. Registration is required.

Click here to register for the Zoom meeting webinar. If you would like to submit questions for the panelists, email them to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Newport Beach – A Look Back

Photo series courtesy of Balboa Island Museum Newport Beach

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Two bathing beauties: Helen Caldwell and her sister Marge sitting on the sea wall along North Bay Front enjoying the sun. This photograph was taken on July 17, 1937.

Balboa Island Museum Newport Beach and the Museum Store are located at 210 B Marine Ave., Balboa Island. They are open Monday through Thursday from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. and Friday through Sunday from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Free general admission on all days. Two-hour parking is available on Marine Avenue. For more information, call 949.675.3952, visit www.balboaislandmuseum.org or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

NBPLF to feature Medicine in Our Backyard on March 22

The Newport Beach Public Library Foundation (NBPLF) in collaboration with UCI Health will feature “Medicine in Our Backyard” with Rami Khayat, M.D., Sleep Medicine, Pulmonary Disease Specialist, on Monday, March 22 at 4 pm.

This webinar series presents an extraordinary group of renowned doctors and researchers on a wide range of topics from COVID-19 updates to integrative therapies for joint pains to weight management. The UCI doctors present the latest studies and newest technologies in an engaging public forum. 

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Courtesy of NBPLF

Dr. Rami Khayat, UCI Health

Dr. Khayat will address, “Sleep in the Time of COVID.” COVID-19 has affected our sleep patterns – and the sleep problems and disorders that may develop can impact our ability to fight off infection. Disturbed sleep also affects our ability to develop immunity to vaccinations. What can we do to offset the effects from lack of sleep? Dr. Khayat will explain the signs and symptoms of sleep disorders and discuss recommended treatments.

Register for the free Zoom webinar here.

Chamber’s Government Affairs committee to feature City Manager Grace Leung on Thursday

Newport Beach City Manager Grace Leung will be the featured guest at the Newport Beach Chamber of Commerce’s March Government Affairs Committee meeting, scheduled virtually for Thursday, March 18 from 8-9:15 a.m.

The Government Affairs Committee highlights local political and legislative issues impacting business and the community as a whole. It regularly features a guest speaker with an interactive format allowing for a Q&A.

To register for the meeting go here.

Leung will offer updates on upcoming plans and budget items for the city, discuss homelessness issues and more.

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Courtesy of City of Newport Beach

Grace Leung

Leung became city manager of Newport Beach in September 2018 and is responsible for the city’s day-to-day operations, directing a staff of some 730 full-time and 450 part-time employees, while overseeing 11 departments and managing an annual operating budget of nearly $210 million.

She began her career in Long Beach, before moving on and spending 18 years in Sunnyvale specializing in municipal finance, budgeting and administration. While there, she developed their city’s performance-based budget and its 20-year financial plan and served as finance director for six years.

Following Sunnyvale, she moved onto Irvine serving as its administrative services director, but was soon promoted to assistant city manager and finally to acting city manager. She oversaw the city’s operations and led its Administrative Services, Community Services, Community Development, Transportation and Public Works departments.

Leung holds a bachelor’s degree from Columbia University in Urban Studies and a master’s degree in Public Policy from the Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University. She is a member of the International City Managers’ Association.

She and her husband, Jim, have two children, Skylar and Miles. Her hobbies include supporting her children in their activities, volunteering with Skylar through National Charity League, and outrigger canoeing in Newport Harbor.

CdM light show

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Photo by Todd Walker (Instagram @twalkerphotograph/twalkerphoto.com)

Looking south during another spectacular sunset

Pet of the Week 

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

Who doesn’t love an 18-month-old wild man, yellow lab mix? Meet Toby, a healthy, full-of-energy pup. He’s very active and will require basic training in all areas. Toby is sweet, strong and will happily be adopted into a family that wants to grow him into a solid dog. He’d love to hike, go on vacation to National Park areas that allow dogs, and he may enjoy water sports after he has his very own human-dog relationship bond. If three words were used to describe a fantastic future for Toby, they would have to be freedom, friendship and focus.

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Courtesy of Newport Beach Animal Shelter

Meet Toby

To learn more about Toby, please feel free to contact the Newport Beach Animal Shelter at 949.718.3454. The shelter does require a completed adoption application prior to a meet and greet appointment. Applications can be found on the Shelter’s nonprofit webpage at www.FONBAS.org. After the application is completed, please email it to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. A staff member will be happy to get back to you shortly. 

Newport Beach Animal Shelter adoption fees:

–Adult Dogs - $150

–Puppies - $225

–Adult Cats - $90

–Kittens - $110

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

Newport Beach Garden Tour is scheduled for May 8…tickets are on sale now

The 25th Annual Newport Beach Garden Tour, hosted by the Sherman Library & Gardens’ Volunteer Association, will be presented virtually on Saturday, May 8, the day before Mother’s Day. This community event is the biggest fundraiser for Sherman Library & Gardens with proceeds from this year’s tour supporting children’s education programs.

A professional video production company has been retained to capture compelling footage of the six gardens on this year’s tour. 

“The video format was especially appealing to homeowners who are proud of their beautiful gardens but were never keen on the public wandering through them,” said Scott LaFleur, executive director of Sherman Library & Gardens.

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Artwork by Cathy Hull

Sherman Gardens’ “Tea Garden Gate” painting by Cathy Hull

Stories from the homeowners will be woven throughout, where they’ll share interesting tidbits and disclose the inspiration for their gardens. Ticket purchasers will receive an email including the tour link with password and be able to watch and re-watch the garden videos at their leisure from the comfort of their home.

A unique part of the Newport Beach Garden Tour is the “Artist in the Garden.” Each year, accomplished local artists are invited to paint points of interest in one of the gardens on the tour. Their finished paintings will be available to view and purchase, at an in-person Summer Garden Party scheduled to take place at Sherman Gardens on Saturday, Aug. 28.

Tickets for the Virtual Tour are $20 for members and $30 for non-members, compared to the Virtual Tour & Summer Garden Party at $50 for members and $60 for non-members.

“In recognition of our 25th Anniversary, Orange County philanthropists Julia and George Argyros recently donated $25,000 towards our Newport Beach Garden Tour. Education and youth is a funding area that the Argyros family is passionate about, and proceeds from this year’s Garden Tour support children’s education programs. We are extremely grateful for the patronage of the Argyros family,” added LaFleur.

Tickets to the Newport Beach Virtual Garden Tour make the perfect Mother’s Day gift. For more information, or to purchase tickets, visit www.thesherman.org or call 949.673.2261. 

Sherman Library & Gardens is a vibrant cultural center that provides the public an oasis of inspiration, education and appreciation of regional history, horticulture and the arts. The 2.2-acre property boasts a nationally renowned botanical garden and research library with collections related to the history of the Pacific Southwest. 

The Library & Gardens is a nonprofit organization sustained by the generosity of members, friends and a dedicated Volunteer Association that help to support the Gardens, Library, and a year-round calendar of educational programs and seasonal exhibits for the community. 

Sherman Library & Gardens is located at 2647 E. Coast Highway in Corona del Mar. For more information, visit www.thesherman.org.

A new way to enjoy the prom during these different times of COVID

Night of Lights OC, a popular winter wonderland drive-thru experience and First Class Events, a leading Southern California prom and event planning company, have collaborated to produce Prom on Wheels. The outdoor, one-mile immersive drive-thru prom celebration is open to high schools in all of Southern California. This event will take place at the OC Fair & Event Center during select nights from mid-April through June.

Prom on Wheels offers students a unique and fun alternative to the traditional prom experience that will deliver “memories for a lifetime.” The immersive in-car experience is filled with audio and visual displays, live performances and entertainment, while being in compliance with all county, state and health department guidelines. 

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Submitted photo

Rendering of Prom on Wheels concept

“We are so excited to offer an incredible experience for high school students to enjoy their prom this year. As we all know, last year there was no prom and we wanted to make sure that didn’t happen again by offering a unique, safe and fun alternative,” said Hollie Keeton, president of First Class Events. “This multi-million-dollar production is sure to give kids a true prom experience that touches on all the key elements of a traditional prom plus something very unique that they will remember forever.” 

The one-mile drive-thru Prom on Wheels experience includes:

–A glowing “Red Carpet” Tunnel arrival to start the celebration, evoking the traditional walk down the red carpet.

–Several imaginative zones featuring life-size props, stages and special effects.

–A DJ pumping music through a select FM channel in each car, coordinated to festival-like scenes with pulsing lights, video screens, lasers and fog that immerse students in the experience.

–Light tunnels animated to the music.

–LED monitors featuring custom logos and graphics throughout the route, allowing each school to create its own unique experience for their students.

–Presentation of the Prom Court and Crowning of the King and Queen.

–A trip down the disco ball tunnel to simulate the last dance.

–The coveted prom photo to wrap up the experience.

“The concept of Prom on Wheels is absolutely fantastic,” said Melanie Kermode, parent of a student at Newport Harbor High School. “For a full year now, there has been very little for our kids to look forward to. I am beyond grateful to have this opportunity for my son to actually get a prom, one that is safe, exciting and looks like so much fun!”

In-car treats are available for pre-order online when purchasing tickets before entering the Prom on Wheels experience. Food selection ranges from pizza to chicken tenders, and Mom’s Bakeshoppe cookie buckets to warm popcorn buckets, and much more. Food and beverages are available to order online by 10 a.m. on the date of admission and will be available to pick up prior to entering the drive-thru experience.

Prom on Wheels is now accepting reservations for high schools interested in exclusive timeslots and nights from April 15 through June 5. Select nights are also available for high school students whose school does not have an exclusive arrangement. Tickets start at $79 per car for up to four passengers, and $99 per car for five to eight passengers. Reserve your high school’s night or purchase tickets now as sessions are limited at www.PromOnWheels.com.

“Newport Beach in the Rearview Mirror” – Wedge wipeout by podcaster Bill Lobdell

Bill Lobdell, former Daily Pilot editor and Los Angeles Times journalist, has launched a podcast called “Newport Beach in the Rearview Mirror,” which looks at historical events and people – famous and forgotten – that shaped Newport Beach. You can listen and subscribe to the podcast at http://newportbeach-podcast.com. You can also follow “Newport Beach in the Rearview Mirror” on Instagram (@newport_in_the_rearview_mirror) and Facebook (@NewportInTheRearviewMirror). 

In his most recent podcast, Lobdell shares, “The Day They Tried to Wipeout the Wedge.”

Courtesy of Newport Beach Library’s Special Collections

“Surfers Win – Newport Wedge ‘Open’” makes the local headlines

In a traitorous act to surfers, Newport Beach Lifeguard Chief Bob Reed asked the City Council in 1962 to permanently close the Wedge to surfers because the world’s most dangerous bodysurfing spot was, well, too dangerous. The council voted 6-1 to approve the new ordinance to ban surfing at the Wedge.

But at the next City Council meeting, where the ordinance would get a required second reading (usually a formality), bodysurfers turned out en masse to prevent the proposed ban from becoming law.

You can listen to the whole story on a new fun-sized episode (four minutes) of the “Newport Beach in the Rearview Mirror” titled, “The Day They Tried to Wipeout the Wedge.”

Editor’s Note: Stay tuned to Stu News to connect to Bill Lobdell’s future podcasts.

ENC to hold spring native plant & rain barrel sale, guided herb walk on Saturday

Spring marks the end of planting season in Southern California. Join the Environmental Nature Center (ENC) on Saturday, March 20 from 9 a.m.-12:30 p.m. for the last physical plant sale at the ENC until fall. Be sure to stock up on things you’d like to get in the ground and established prior to the heat of summer. The sale will feature native milkweed, but be sure to come early if you want some. 

ENC has stocked up on some great landscape quality species from Tree of Life Nursery, and have been busy propagating some species themselves as well. By purchasing beautiful and engaging native plants to enjoy year ‘round, they will provide habitat and encourage birds and butterflies to visit your yard.

ENC members enjoy a 10 percent discount. For a list of native plants for sale, go here.

Photos courtesy of ENC

Native plant narrowleaf milkweed, “Asclepias fascicularis” attracts birds and butterflies to your garden

With water a precious commodity here in the OC, one way to capture it for reuse is to collect precipitation in rain barrels. During Saturday morning, take advantage of the rain barrel sale taking place from 9 a.m.-12 p.m. “Food grade” barrels made from recycled plastic will be available for sale for $80 plus tax, with $20 per barrel being donated to the ENC. Purchases can also be made in advance at www.RainBarrelsIntl.com. Newport Beach residents are eligible for a $35 rebate per rain barrel (limit two).

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Rain barrels are 39 inches tall and 23 inches in diameter

Want to learn more about our native plant species? Join herbalist William Broen during an “Herb Walk: Native Plant Uses,” taking place in the afternoon (during the vernal equinox) from 1-2:30 p.m. Broen will discuss traditional and modern uses of plants, how we can tell a lot about plants through our senses, plant folklore and more.

Broen’s walks are informative, interactive, accessible, fun and understandable. He is always happy to share his knowledge of botanical medicine with interested people. He is a bioregional herbalist (one who focuses on local California plants) and he uses an approach that integrates knowledge and concepts from many world traditions. Broen has been conducting lectures on medicinal and edible plants of California and the Southwestern United States for 20 years. 

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William Broehn will lead “Herb Walk: Native Plant Uses”

All participants will be required to wear face coverings and physically distance. Space is limited, and only those registered to attend will be admitted. The ENC is currently closed to the public except to those registered for programs. Cost: $9 for ENC members; $10 for non-members. To learn more and register, go here.

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

COVID-19: 114 new cases and 11 new deaths reported in OC, 5 new cases in Newport Beach

Sadly, OC Health Care Agency reports that 4,522 people have died due to COVID-19 in Orange County, including 11 new deaths reported yesterday (March 18). There have been 71 deaths of Newport Beach residents to date.

The county reported 114 new cases of COVID-19 in OC yesterday. There have been 249,181 cumulative cases to date.

The percentage of adult ICU beds currently available in OC is 34.8 percent. 70 percent of ventilators are currently available countywide.

The county reports that 213 individuals are currently hospitalized with COVID-19 (+14 since Wednesday’s report – includes ICU); 49 are in ICU (-5 since Wednesday’s report).

The county reports that there have been 3,678 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Newport Beach to date, including five new cases reported yesterday and 33 new cases reported since last Thursday’s report.

The county estimates 240,465 “recovered cases” according to its data criteria.

For questions about the data presented by the county, call (714) 834-2000 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

To view the data dashboard, click here.

COVID-19 numbers are updated daily by Stu News Newport and reported on our social media pages @StuNewsNewport.

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Courtesy of OC Health Care Agency

Orange County COVID-19 case data posted on March 18, as reported by the county; click here to visit page that is updated daily

Fair Game

By TOM JOHNSON

Mandate calls for an additional 4,845 new housing units in Newport Beach…you should be concerned

Hey, like it or not, the state is mandating that Newport Beach create 4,845 new housing units. Where will they be placed? How will your neighborhood be affected? 

Speak Up Newport, a nonprofit group known for leading the discussion, is presenting the chair of the City’s Housing Element Update Committee, Larry Tucker, and the City’s Community Development Director, Seimone Jurjis, to explain the Draft Housing Element that’s going to the Planning Commission and the City Council.

And there are other issues besides simply the 4,845 units to consider. Did you know that 49 percent of the new units are supposed to qualify as affordable to low and moderate incomes? Or that those numbers could soar past the 4,845, potentially hitting 7,000-9,000 housing units?

It’s definitely a concern or should be.

Attend Speak Up Newport’s free webinar next Wednesday, March 24 from 4-5 p.m. But you need to sign up to attend.

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Newport Beach Chamber of Commerce President & CEO Steve Rosansky has released an optimistic new video discussing the anticipated move of Orange County from the Red Zone to the less restrictive Orange Zone in the Blueprint for a Safer Economy.

Rosansky points out three key measuring points for the change to occur: they’re continually improving positivity percentage numbers to 2.2 percent (this represents the number of people that are testing positive overall) and the health equity metric of 3.5 percent (health equity measures the positivity rate in the most disproportionally impacted communities), in addition to the lowering of COVID case rates moving from 6.0 to 4.0 per 100,000 residents. These last numbers are only one-tenth of a percentage point away from the Orange Zone qualifying number of 3.9.

To attain the move, Rosansky says that we have to maintain our status in the Red Zone for three weeks, and then attain Orange Zone numbers for two weeks.

The good news is that we appear to be on pace to do so.

In the video, Rosansky strongly suggests that the move should happen April 4, or Easter Sunday.

That will be great for everyone! 

To check out Rosansky’s video, click here.

• • •

The Newport Beach Foundation’s Distinguished Citizen Program has become the leading organization in town where residents can enroll to learn about and understand the key components that form the foundation of our city. And the group has just announced their next month-long class to be held on the four Wednesdays in May, from 5:30-8 p.m. at a meeting location to be determined.

There is an application process to participate that will lead to a limited number of people being selected for the program.

Attendees can be certain that CDC guidelines will be followed to create a safe environment. 

Previous attendees of the program include Mayor Brad Avery, former and current City Managers Homer Bludau and Grace Leung, police and fire chiefs Jon Lewis and Jeff Boyles, school superintendent Russell Lee-Sung, Library Services Director Tim Hetherton, business leader Mario Marovic and others.

The time is now to apply.

• • •

We’ve told you about the residential condo fire on Dover Drive last week and the need for help. I told of one family who lost everything but was remiss in also mentioning Christopher and Chloe Youssef who likewise lost it all.

Fortunately, Madison Lawyer has stepped up to organize a GoFundMe effort to help the Youseffs get back on their feet. The initial goal is $50,000. So far the kindness has exceeded $28,000 because of some 265+ donors.

To join the effort you can go here.

• • •

I was thinking back the other day to when I was a teen and nearing the time to get my driver’s license. Back then we simply signed up for Driver Education through our high school. It was an actual class if I remember correctly. The school had their own cars, with control features also in the front passenger seat for the accompanying teacher to utilize, if needed, during our training runs.

It worked like this, two or three of us students would pile into the training car, either after school or early on a Saturday morning, and then drive through the country to get the feel of being behind the wheel.

And that my friends is how we learned to drive…other than having dear ole dad take you out, unlicensed, for a drive through the neighborhood streets.

I’ve found out that it’s certainly different today. Assemblywoman Cottie Petrie-Norris understands this and is teaming with the Automobile Club of Southern California (AAA) next Tuesday, March 23 at 6 p.m. for a 75-minute virtual workshop focused on helping young teen drivers and their parents.

The workshop will offer up virtual lessons and exercises that will help parents and young drivers to learn the California Graduated Driver Licensing components; the risks and responsibilities of driving; the parent’s role in the learning process; how to pick a safe vehicle; and what to look for in selecting a driving school.

According to Petrie-Norris, AAA wants to make the experience as involved as possible and will send participants swag bags after it’s all over.

To sign up, visit the online web form. You’ll receive sign-in credentials from AAA closer to the 23rd, with the virtual link to participate.

• • •

Congrats to FONBAS, Friends of Newport Beach Animal Shelter. President Jon Langford just announced that the organization has raised enough money to purchase property to build a new, “forever” animal shelter in Newport Beach.

According to Langford, the “Planning Commission has approved the initial plans and construction is expected to start very soon with the goal of completing the new shelter mid-2022.

“We’ll continue to raise money to enhance the building fund and provide resources for extra care that goes beyond the average healthcare provided to shelter animals.”

Keep abreast of this organization because it’s a vitally important part of our community for so many reasons. And remember, pets are people too! Okay, maybe not.

Check them out at www.fonbas.org.

Segerstrom Center announces April and May Tuesday Night Dance lessons

Segerstrom Center for the Arts is kicking up the heat on the Julianne and George Argyros Plaza dance floor with its popular Tuesday Night Dance series featuring Salsa on April 6, 13, 20 and 27 and Bollywood on May 4, 11, 18 and 25. They are ideal during this time of quarantine and stay-at-home because, once you’ve mastered the steps during the classes at the Center, they can be handless, distanced and energize any room with the music and moves so unique to both dance styles. Classes are 6:30-7:30 p.m., with check-in at 6 p.m. Spaces are just $10 each and 28 spaces are available. Immediate sign-ups are encouraged because Tuesday Night Dance sells out quickly.   

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Courtesy of Segerstrom Center for the Arts

Latin dancer/choreographer Lyrik Cruz will lead the Salsa series

SALSA – April 6, 13, 20 and 27 

Latin dancer/choreographer Lyrik Cruz will inspire experienced and novice Salsa aficionados alike. He was part of the Center’s National Dance Day celebration in 2019, conducting his class on stage in the Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall. He’s back with a socially distanced series of classes on the Argyros Plaza. 

Cruz is an acclaimed choreographer and master instructor who has danced in just about every corner of the world. He has served as a guest choreographer to more than 20 dance companies as well as choreographed for shows at Madison Square Garden, Hammerstein Ballroom and major music venues all along the East Coast. Most recently, Cruz garnered nominations for his choreography in the movie SHINE from the Chita Rivera Awards and the World Choreography Awards. Lyrik adds a unique flair and vibrant energy to every project he is involved in and is on a mission to share his passion with the world by bringing his Latin fusion to the forefront of TV and film.

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Photo by Stan Sholik

Instructor Apra Bhandari will impart energetic moves to the upbeat Bollywood classes

BOLLYWOOD – May 4, 11, 18 and 25

Apra Bhandari will lead the fun, upbeat Bollywood classes, perfect for all ages. It’s energetic, colorful and great exercise. 

Bhandari is the director and owner of award-winning Adaa Dance, which she founded to share her love for dance, Indian culture and fitness with everyone. She is trained in various styles of dance, including Kathak (an Indian classical dance form). She loves to combine the fun beats of Bollywood with energetic movements to create the perfect cardio class that everyone can enjoy. Bhandari focuses on staying active and creating a well-balanced lifestyle through yoga, meditation and movement. 

The Center’s outdoor presentations on the Argyros Plaza comply with government recommendations for Orange County’s current tier status. Masks must be worn by all guests upon check-in and until they arrive at their assigned space. Contactless check-in will include wellness and touchless temperature checks. Hand sanitizer stations will be accessible throughout Argyros Plaza. Each participant will be spaced eight feet from others and dance movements will be stationary. The instructor will be on-stage and will not provide tactile cuing.

Tuesday Dance Lessons Schedule and Details:

–Salsa: April 6, 13, 20 and 27 from 6:30-7:30 p.m.

–Bollywood: May 4, 11, 18 and 25 from 6:30-7:30 p.m.

Tickets: $10 per space, 28 spaces available 

Online: www.SCFTA.org/events/calendar

Phone: 714.556.2787. Open 10 a.m.-2 p.m., Monday-Friday

Julianne and George Argyros Plaza is located at 600 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa.

City Arts Commission announces winners of Sculpture Photo Contest

The Newport Beach City Arts Commission has recognized the following individuals for their outstanding entries in the 2021 Sculpture Photo Contest. 

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Photos courtesy of the Newport Beach Arts Commission

Human Interplay with a Sculpture Grand Prize: “Catching Rainbows” by Mona Szumlas in front of “Fractured Peace” by Nancy Mooslin

Category: Human Interplay with a Sculpture

–Grand Prize: “Catching Rainbows” by Mona Szumlas

–Runner Up: “Circles” by Christine Nunez

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Human Interplay with a Sculpture Runner Up: “Circles” by Christine Nunez with “The Unbearable Likeness of Being” by Patricia Vader in the background

Category: Enhancement of a Sculpture Using Nature

Prize Winners:

–“Together” by Alan Wendell

–“Hurricane” by Ruth Kurisu

–“Gentle Wind” by Anita Rasmussen

–“A Step Forward” by Jonard Ingal

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Enhancement of a Sculpture Using Nature: “Together” by Alan Wendell of the “Wind Swept” sculpture created by Lake Duffner

The Sculpture Photo Contest was designed to encourage public awareness of the new sculptures in Civic Center Park. The winning entries were selected from more than 300 photographs that were submitted, showing one or more of the sculptures on display in the “Sculpture in Civic Center Park Exhibition, Phases IV and V.”

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Enhancement of a Sculpture Using Nature: “Hurricane” by Ruth Kurisu, of the sculpture “Hurricane” created by Ray Katz 

Prizes included Amazon gift cards. The winning photographs, along with other entries, are currently displayed on the city’s Cultural Arts website here.

For more information, contact the Cultural Arts office at 949.717.3802 or send email to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

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Enhancement of a Sculpture Using Nature: “Gentle Wind” by Anita Rasmussen, of the “Chairman of the Board” sculpture created by Steven Rieman

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Enhancement of a Sculpture Using Nature: “A Step Forward” by Jonard Ingal, of the “Contender” sculpture created by John Merigian

Concerned about JWA noise and pollution, SPON establishes new Aviation Committee

Thirty-six years after reaching the historic Settlement Agreement between the City of Newport Beach and the County of Orange, the citizens’ group SPON (Still Protecting Our Newport) is plotting a course of action in preparation for the future. 

As one of the signatories to the 1985 Settlement Agreement, which preserves the John Wayne Airport (JWA) curfew and noise limits, and restricts the number of commercial flights and passengers, SPON wants to ensure that everything necessary is done to protect residents from further JWA noise and pollution impacts. To accomplish this goal, the group has established its new SPON Aviation Committee, which will work exclusively on JWA issues in an effort to protect and preserve the quality of life in Newport Beach from its number one threat, John Wayne Airport. Longtime community activist and SPON board member Nancy Alston will serve as the chair for the SPON Aviation Committee.

According to SPON founder and current board member Jean Watt, “The SPON Aviation Committee’s main goal is to preserve the Settlement Agreement from further erosion, which has resulted from amendments to the agreement that have not been in residents’ best interests.”

In addition to preserving the Settlement Agreement, the group will also focus on developing quieter departures, minimizing pollution, curbing the growth of general aviation operations, ensuring runway expansion does not occur, minimizing international flights and encouraging utilization of quieter aircraft technology at JWA.

“SPON has always worked collaboratively with all parties involved in JWA issues,” said SPON President Bruce Bartram. “We will continue to work cooperatively with commercial air carrier representatives, airport leaders, Orange County and Newport Beach officials, and other organizations to ensure we have the quietest and least polluting departures possible for residents.”

School Notes

Local named to Emerson College’s Dean’s List

Newport Beach native Bailey Allen has been named to Emerson College’s Dean’s List for the Fall 2020 semester. Allen is majoring in Journalism and is a member of the Class of 2023. The requirement to make Emerson’s Dean’s List is a grade point average of 3.7 or higher.

Emerson College is based in Boston, Mass., opposite the historic Boston Common and in the heart of the city’s Theatre District. Emerson College educates individuals who will solve problems and change the world through engaged leadership in communication and the arts, a mission informed by liberal learning. The college has 3,780 undergraduates and 670 graduate students from across the United States and 50 countries. Supported by state-of-the-art facilities and a renowned faculty, students participate in more than 90 student organizations and performance groups.

For more information, visit www.emerson.edu.

Start dates and calendars for next two school years released

Newport-Mesa Unified School District has announced the student start dates for the 2021-2022 and 2022-2023 school years. The 2021-2022 year will begin on Monday, August 23, 2021. The 2022-2023 school year begins Monday, August 22, 2022.

The complete school year calendars can be found here.

District seeking public’s input for current and future plans – sign up here

NMUSD is seeking public input on their school and district plans and programs. To do so they’re inviting interested parties to public forums to provide feedback on current and future plans.

The virtual forums are scheduled for Thursday, March 25 from 9-10 a.m. and from 6-7 p.m. To register, complete this form.

The district will also gather suggestions and ideas for the 2021-2024 Local Control Accountability Plan (LCAP). The LCAP is a three-year plan that describes the goals, actions, services and expenditures to support positive student outcomes that address state and local priorities.

Due to the pandemic, the LCAP was not developed for 2020-2021; however, the most recent version, 2019-2020 LCAP included the following goals:

–English Language Arts and English Language Development

–Science, Technology, Engineering, Math (STEM)

–Other Courses (Broad Course of Study)

–School Climate and Student Engagement

–Parent Involvement

–Basic Services

–College and Career Readiness

–Implementation of Signature Academies

There will be simultaneous Spanish interpretation. If you are using a Chromebook, interpretation will still be available, but not simultaneous.

An electronic LCAP survey to obtain feedback will also be distributed separately. The survey will be available in English and Spanish. Additional information will be shared soon.

Details of Bay spill released…agencies working together to remediate issues

In last Tuesday’s Stu News Newport (March 16), a spill and beach closures was announced that took place from Bayside Beach down to China Cove.

The accident resulted from a routine line cleaning operation being performed by work crews with the Orange County Sanitation District (OCSD). Apparently, a piece of equipment became stuck during a line cleaning operation and caused backup and overflow. An estimated 1,000 gallons was spilled, and it reached the storm drain and harbor.

OCSD was the lead agency but they do have a mutual aid agreement with the City of Newport Beach and other agencies so there is a coordinated response to contain and clean up the spill.

The closure was anticipated to be in effect until water tests are clean for two days (meaning the water tests must be clean and stay clean for two days until the beaches can reopen).

The city is assisting the Health Care Agency (HCA) with additional sampling to ensure the bay is safe to reopen after the closure.

Dine Newport presents restaurateur profiles in “Local Tastemakers”

Dine Newport Beach is sharing a collection of intimate interviews called “Local Tastemakers” which explores Newport Beach’s flavor and flair through the eyes of the city’s most captivating chefs and restaurateurs during a time that has heavily impacted the restaurant and hospitality communities.

Get to know these familiar chefs and the secrets to the dishes that make them local favorites.

“Local Tastemakers” is part of Dine Newport Beach’s Anchor Newport Beach social campaign that promotes Newport Beach’s dining community through free creative content marketing programming including promotions on social media, weekly consumer newsletters, blogs, the Visit Newport Beach website and more. Go here to access the Instagram link.

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Photos courtesy of Dine Newport Beach

Fleming’s Operating Partner Sanjiv Gupta

This week, Meet Sanjiv Gupta, operating partner of Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar through a Q&A.

When it comes to fine dining, Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar sure knows how to woo. This upscale Fashion Island establishment specializes in prime steaks, fresh seafood, handcrafted cocktails and globally curated wines. And even with numerous locations nationwide, Fleming’s still aims to provide its patrons with an authentic, localized experience – which is exactly where Fleming’s Operating Partner Sanjiv Gupta shines.

Born in Brussels, Belgium and the son of an Indian father and Belgian mother, Gupta was introduced to various cultures and cuisines at a young age. But before he caught his stride in the hospitality industry, Gupta’s beginnings were humble, as he “began” his journey into food and beverage by waiting tables. Fast forward, and you’ll find him managing one of Newport Beach’s finest dining destinations. And when he’s not pulling all the strings, you’ll find him doing what locals do best – enjoying the city’s superb weather by boating on the bay.

Q: Why/how did you get into the restaurant industry?

A: I have always loved food and beverage. Due to my background – my dad is Indian, and my mother is Belgian – I have been lucky enough to experience diverse cultures. Growing up, all of our family occasions were held at my aunt and uncle’s restaurant. I started waiting tables at 18 and have not looked back since.

Q: What is the best part of your job?

A: I love being social and interacting with guests! Making connections with my guests is what I enjoy the most.

Q: What is the most popular thing on the menu, and what is your favorite?

A: Locals and visitors love our filet mignon and Fleming’s Potatoes, which are both truly fantastic. My personal favorite is our Prime Bone-In Ribeye, which is served with a choice of our signature butters: béarnaise, smoked chili or herbed horseradish.

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Fleming’s perfect surf & turf – a prime tomahawk steak with succulent lobster accompanied by roasted Brussels sprouts

Q: Talk to us about the ways you pivoted your operation in 2020/21. 

A: Prior to March 2020, Fleming’s primarily focused on the growth of our on-premise business model. After, Fleming’s decided to expand into off-premise dining with curbside pickup and delivery services to reach guests in a new way. Providing world-class dining experiences at our restaurant is what we do, and it was our sole focus at the time. We quickly had to explore and learn how to re-imagine our in-restaurant experiences into a to-go fashion. While we always prefer to host and serve our guests at our restaurant, 2020 taught us to be flexible and serve our guests wherever they are most comfortable. We put the same thoughtfulness and ingenuity into our to-go formats as we do with our in-restaurant experiences, from the menu selections, packaging and reheating instructions to our experiential wine add-ons. We’re committed to providing our guests with a memorable dining experience crafted with care – regardless of whether they are dining around our table or theirs at home. We enhanced our (already) strict food and safety guidelines and implemented several new measures such as: ensuring social distancing per local ordinances, requiring managers and associates to wear face coverings at all times, increased surface sanitation, transitioned to single-use disposable menus or digital menus and joined the ServSafe dining commitment to show our ongoing dedication to our guests.

Q: What does it mean to be part of the Newport Beach community?

A: We’ve been a part of the Newport Beach community for more than 20 years, and for us, this feels like being part of a family. Throughout the past year, Newport Beach residents have shown an overwhelming amount of support for us, each other and other local businesses. Now and always, we are incredibly grateful for the support.

Q: We have a supportive community. What are specific things people can do to help our restaurants?

A: First and foremost, follow state-mandated regulations when dining out. Our team is doing everything possible to maintain the health and wellness of our associates and guests, as safety is our top priority. And as a community, we can all work together to stay safe. Support restaurants of any size or scale however you can. Choose to support at your comfort level – from dining outdoors, ordering dinner to-go or even simply buying a gift card as a way to treat family or friends. It not only gives business owners, associates and staff hope for greater days ahead but also the strength to continue moving forward.

Easter Bunny to hop over to Seaside Gallery this weekend

Hop right up for your outdoor and reservation-based Easter experience at Seaside Gallery & Goods, where the Easter Bunny will be visiting this weekend – March 20-21 – in the Pelican Courtyard.

Your family will receive a minimum of 15 hi-res digital images delivered within 48 hours.

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Courtesy of Seaside Gallery & Goods

Along with the Easter Bunny photos, you will also have the opportunity to take family photos without the bunny at another beautiful Spring-inspired styled backdrop with a second photographer.

The purchase of one ticket is recommended for a family with up to three children. If additional children and grandparents are joining, they are more than welcome, but it is highly recommended to purchase an additional ticket in your same timeframe to guarantee enough time for photos.

The cost is $200 with a portion of all ticket sales to be donated to a worthy cause, to be named. To purchase tickets online, go here.

Seaside Gallery & Goods and the Pelican Courtyard is located at 124 Tustin Ave., Newport Beach.

Route 66 paintings featured in new exhibit at John Wayne Airport

Take a trip down memory lane through a new exhibit at John Wayne Airport (JWA) featuring pastel paintings of the iconic landmarks and images of historic Route 66. The vibrant artwork of professional painter Ruth Kurisu is on display in the Thomas F. Riley Terminal as part of the JWA Community Focus Space through April 15, 2021.

Since 1926, driving down Route 66 has been an experience of a lifetime for travelers, adventurers and dreamers alike, including Kurisu, who traversed through the “Mother Road” many times. She became inspired to create “Main Street America” to preserve its history and pay tribute to the individuals who created the iconic structures and continuously work to keep the highway’s culture alive.

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Artwork by Ruth Kurisu courtesy of JWA

“Motoring West,” pastel (March 2018) along Route 66 

“I have traveled down Route 66 several times over the years and witnessed both its decline, rebirth and preservation as a living time capsule, and wanted to preserve this historical highway in my own way,” said Kurisu. “Painting is a voyage of discovery both of my subject and myself, and I invite you to join me on this visual journey.”

Kurisu began her artistic career as a photographer studying alongside several professional National Geographic photographers and having several of her photographs published in the International Library of Photography and Photographer’s Forum. Her formal study of painting began with classes at Mission: Renaissance Studio, where she discovered the richness and vibrancy of pastels.

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Artwork by Ruth Kurisu courtesy of JWA

“Roy’s Motel,” pastel (March 2020) is located in the Mojave Desert in Amboy, Calif. along Route 66

Her painting technique consists of layers of brilliant colors on dark sanded papers to create depth and texture using her photographs as reference. Kurisu was recently juried into the Las Laguna Gallery in Laguna Beach and served as a former exhibiting member of the Brandon Gallery in Fallbrook. Her work hangs in galleries, office spaces and private collections throughout Southern California.

Kurisu’s exhibit may be viewed (pre-security) 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.

For more information about the John Wayne Airport Arts Program, visit www.ocair.com/terminal/artexhibits.

To learn more about Ruth Kurisu and view additional pieces of her artwork, visit www.ruthkurisu.com.

Newport Beach Chamber and UCI join to present Economic and Financial Update on March 25

The Newport Beach Chamber of Commerce and UCI’s Paul Merage School of Business & Center for Investment and Wealth Management will present their March 2021 Economic and Financial Update on Thursday, March 25 at 11:30 a.m.

The free webinar will present financial expert Chris Schwarz’s latest thoughts on the economy and financial markets as the economy prepares to reopen. 

Courtesy of UCI

Chris Schwarz

Schwarz is an Associate Professor, Finance, and the Faculty Director for the Center for Investment and Wealth Management. His research interests include the management, disclosure, and operational risk of the investment fund industry and the impact of manager incentives and structure on investment fund performance. 

He has been published in such leading academic journals as the Journal of Finance, Journal of Financial Economics, Review of Financial Studies and the Journal of Financial and Quantitative Analysis, and included in testimony before the U.S. Congress House Financial Services Committee.

Prior to arriving at UCI, he received his Ph.D. from the University of Massachusetts Amherst. During his doctoral studies, he was also a Visiting Doctoral Fellow at Yale University’s International Center of Finance in 2007 and the Advisory Editor at the Review of Financial Studies. He received his B.S. from Babson College in Wellesley, Mass. Prior to receiving his doctorate, Professor Schwarz worked in the IT industry writing custom applications for medium-sized businesses.

To register for the event, go here.

Inc. magazine names Spinnaker Investment Group in Inc. 5000 Regionals: California 2021

Inc. magazine has announced that Spinnaker Investment Group in Newport Beach is No. 216 on its second annual Inc. 5000 Regionals: California list, the most prestigious ranking of the fastest-growing California-based private companies. Born of the annual Inc. 5000 franchise, this regional list represents a unique look at the most successful companies within the California economy’s most dynamic segment – its independent small businesses. 

Spinnaker Investment Group received this recognition with a two-year revenue growth of 62 percent.

“A significant amount of our growth has come from client referrals and investors leaving banks and larger brokerage houses to get more personal service,” said Morgan Christen, co-founder and chief investment officer of Spinnaker Investment Group. 

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Photo by Meghan Black Photography

The Spinnaker Investment Group team

The companies on this list show stunning rates of growth across all industries in California. Between 2017 and 2019, these 250 private companies had an average growth rate of 535 percent and, in 2019 alone, they employed more than 40,000 people and added nearly $7 billion to the California economy. Companies based in major metro areas – Los Angeles, the Bay Area and San Diego – brought in the highest revenue overall.

“This list proves the power of companies in California no matter the industry,” said Inc. Editor-in-Chief Scott Omelianuk. “The impressive revenues and growth rates prove the insight and diligence of CEOs and that these businesses are here to stay.”

An independent practice that does not represent a specific company, bank, or Wall Street institution, Spinnaker Investment Group confidently and autonomously advises clients with individually tailored financial strategies designed to achieve financial independence goals. The firm’s services include financial planning, wealth planning, retirement planning, asset management, securities and insurance.

Spinnaker serves a broad customer base throughout Southern California, as well as many clients based across the U.S. For the past three years, Spinnaker has been recognized as one of the fastest-growing privately owned small businesses by the Orange County Business Journal. The firm’s approach to client success is to combine carefully researched wealth management guidance and a wealth of human capital, with a style that is both high-touch and high-tech. For more information, visit www.SpinnInvest.com.

Complete results of the Inc. 5000 Regionals: California, including company profiles and an interactive database that can be sorted by industry, metro area and other criteria, can be found at www.inc.com/inc5000/regionals/california.

The time is now to sign up to sail the N2E

Standard registration for the 73rd Newport to Ensenada International Yacht Race will close April 1. Sailors are also encouraged to book boat slips and rooms at the Hotel Coral and Marina by the same date.

Skippers who sign up April 2 through 8 will be charged a $100 late fee. Registration officially closes on April 8.

Race organizers, the Newport Ocean Racing Association (NOSA), announced last October their commitment to holding this year’s race. Thanks to the reduction of COVID restrictions and with the Mexican Navy offering landing assistance, sailors will be able to safely disembark and enjoy Ensenada.

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Photo by Broony Daniels, JoySailing.com

Newport to Ensenada International Yacht Race sailors would have to be stark raving mad to miss the deadline for standard registration on April 1. “Stark Raving Mad VII,” a Swan 601, finished second overall and first in class at SDYC’s Hot Run series last December and is expected to be a serious contender in N2E 73, which sails from off the Balboa Pier, April 23.

As restrictions are being lifted, options for social activities will increase in Newport Beach for packet pick-ups, and it is possible that the always festive Ensenada could reach yellow or green tiers by race day.

In consideration that large gatherings are still likely to be restricted, the awards ceremony Sunday afternoon may be conducted in shifts.

For those sailing the challenging San Diego course, race partners at Silver Gate Yacht Club are anticipating some ability to offer food service and additional activities if health and safety guidelines permit.

Those who still have questions or concerns are encouraged to visit the FAQ page at www.nosa.org.

 “We’ve really made the best of a challenging situation and are pleased with the number of sailors planning to participate if for no other reason than the love of the sport and to honor this race’s esteemed traditions,” said Vice Commodore Administration Mary Bacon.

To help racers be better prepared and race-ready, NOSA’s annual sailing seminars started last week via Zoom and will be held once again on Wednesday, April 7.

To date, more than 100 boats have registered for N2E 73 which will start off the Balboa Pier on Friday, April 23.

You Must Remember This: Recollections from a family scrapbook

By NANCY GARDNER

When one group is in power for a long time, things can get pretty cozy. This was certainly true in the early days of Newport, and I am embarrassed to say that my family is a good example. In going through some recently discovered materials of my parents, I came across an article announcing that my father had just been named a deputy district attorney and noting that he was the son of Frank M. Gardner, Newport’s city clerk. What? Nobody ever told me my grandfather had been city clerk, and I certainly would never have guessed it.

My grandfather worked on the railroad; not in the corporate offices but on the line, which doesn’t seem like much of a preparation for the position of city clerk, as I’m sure Leilani Brown would agree. An error, perhaps? After all, in the same pile I found five announcements of my birth, one of which had me as a boy, so newspapers can make mistakes, but the more I thought about it, the more it gained a certain credence. My grandfather might not have had a lot of relevant clerking experience, but he had two huge advantages when it came to the job:  One son-in-law was chief of police and the other on the city council. That does seem to have the makings of a sinecure.

The coziness didn’t necessarily stop there. My father was 28 when he was appointed city judge over four older, presumably more experienced candidates.  While the council in its infinite wisdom may have discerned the ability that led to his remarkable judicial career, the fact that one brother-in-law was chief of police and the other on the council may have sharpened the council’s vision, as he himself would say in later years. At least in his case there was actual legal experience – three years as a deputy DA plus some private practice. The fact that he had a successful career doesn’t necessarily justify its beginning, but you take your opportunities where you find them, and he made the most of his. And while his initial appointment might not have been the purest of practices, I don’t know that even today judicial appointments occur in a vacuum devoid of contacts and influence.

On a whole different note, among the clippings I found a letter a local paper printed which my father had written from Saipan during WWII. Those who have read his articles will find a familiar note: “I trained as an air combat intelligence officer. After a while, I found myself on Adm. Nimitz’ staff as a press censor, I, whose only interest in press matters had been as a loyal and persistent follower of the adventures of one Dick Tracy. C’est la guerre (that’s war) which is my vague recollection of a corny French expression which covers all such idiotic situations.”

He goes on to explain that when they first reached the island, he chose to stay on the ship. “On the first day they dropped some bombs on our starboard (right, to you landlubbers). On the second day they dropped some on our port (necessarily the left, dope). The third time according to my calculations they would drop the old tomato down the middle, so I got the hell off the ship. Instead, the third time they bombed and strafed the part of the island I was on. Apparently, the word had gotten out to Japan that I am here and because I gypped a Japanese vegetable dealer of a nickel bunch of radishes they are out to get me.” He concludes by saying he has taken refuge in a dugout. “Only trouble is that it is right next to a big eight-hole latrine and the possibility of a direct hit on that is staggering to the imagination.”

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Nancy Gardner, former Mayor of Newport Beach, longtime resident and daughter of Judge Robert Gardner, is a regular contributor to Stu News Newport.

Serenity on the scene

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Photo by Kevin Pellon (Instagram @socalsnapz)

A peaceful day out on the water in Newport Beach is all things serene

Splashing into spring

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Photo by Kevin Pellon (Instagram @socalsnapz)

Saying hello to the new season with epic waves and warmer weather on the mind

Speak Up Newport webinar on March 24 to focus on new housing unit issues

Speak Up Newport (SUN) is currently unable to hold its normal programs at the Civic Center, so the group will be hosting the 13th in a series of special programs via a Zoom meeting webinar on Wednesday, March 24 at 4 p.m.

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Photos courtesy of Speak Up Newport

(L-R) Larry Tucker and Seimone Jurjis are the featured panelists at the upcoming SUN Zoom webinar

The State of California is requiring Newport Beach to rezone property for an additional 4,845 housing units with 49 percent of them having to be affordable to low and moderate incomes. Some estimates are that it could hit 7,000-9,000 housing units. 

Come hear the city’s Housing Element Update Committee Chair Larry Tucker and the city’s Community Development Director Seimone Jurjis explain how the Draft Housing Element going to the Planning Commission and City Council is going to affect your neighborhood. Registration is required.

Click here to register for the Zoom meeting webinar. If you would like to submit questions for the panelists, email them to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Take Five: Meet Judy Woodson, South Coast Music Together instructor

By AMY SENK

Hello, everybody, so glad to see you! Generations of parents and children know the South Coast Music Together welcome song – if you ever took the class, you’re probably singing the tune in your head right now. Judy Woodson, the program’s director, estimates that she’s taught thousands of children over the past 20-plus years, and the classes are still going strong with pandemic restrictions. I caught up with her to learn more. 

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Photos courtesy of Judy Woodson

Judy Woodson, South Coast Music Together program director

Q: What exactly is Music Together? What is a class like, what are the goals and what kinds of children is it geared for? 

A: Founded in 1987, Music Together^® is an international, research-based music and movement program for infants, toddlers and their adult caregivers, which began as an educational project at the Center for Music and Young Children in Princeton, New Jersey. Early childhood expert and composer Kenneth Guilmartin is the founder of Music Together and co-authored the program with Dr. Lili Levinowitz, one of this country’s leading researchers in early childhood music development. The program is based on the premise that all children are musical; that it is in fact as natural to be musical as it is to walk and to talk; that it is just as much of a birthright; and that all human beings have the same innate ability to learn music as they do to learn language and movement.

The vast majority of our classes are mixed age classes, designed for children from birth through 4 years of age and their adult caregivers. In normal circumstances, we sit on the floor in a circle, in a good-sized room to allow freedom of movement with a maximum of 12 children and their adult caregivers. Our teachers have excellent early childhood and music skills and lead our families in rhythmic chants, songs, small and large movement, dance and instrumental jam sessions. Each family receives one of our nine song collection’s songbook, a CD, a code to download the music and parent guide for all newcomers. Adults learn how to identify and interpret musical responses and to nurture their children’s musical development. Children who stay with our program over a period of time tend to develop what we call basic music competence, meaning the ability to sing in tune and to move with accurate rhythm. But there is so much more that goes on. Children develop their love of music through our program, and that happens naturally through them sensing their adult caregiver’s love and enjoyment of the music. You can teach anyone a skill, but it is the people we love who pass on the disposition to want to do something and then make it our own. For instance, my father loved music, and he passed that gift along to me. Another wonderful thing that happens in our classes is that the bonds between the adults and their children are strengthened through playful musical interaction. And likewise, the bond between families within each class are strengthened as each class forms its own little musical community. Music Together is designed for every child everywhere. All children are born musical. We are just bringing out something that is already there.

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Woodson instructing babies and toddlers through the “magic” of music and rhythms

Q: How has the past year been with COVID, and are you having live classes? 

A: It has been one of the biggest challenges ever, striving to keep this wonderful program and business that I spent more than 20 years building, going over the last year. At first, I said I would never teach online, but I quickly changed my mind, not only when I saw it as the only way forward, but also felt strongly how much our work was needed to give families a lift through music, and to help them remain connected as a community. I also saw that it was actually possible to still give our families a live, playful musical learning experience online.

My staff and I had to quickly learn new skills, from working with cameras and microphones and how to work with Zoom, but also a new way of being good facilitators in an online format where families have to be mostly muted during class because the camera wants to follow the sound. We held online workshops with our colleagues and had free concerts for our families to boost morale. And yes, while some families are still preferring to remain taking class online, we are now teaching outdoor in-person socially distanced classes with smaller groups than our normal size classes in order to give everyone plenty of room to remain socially distanced. Teaching socially distanced classes as well as teaching online, while challenging, is making us better teachers, as we have learned to stretch our imagination and find more creative ways to joyfully connect our families with each other as a playful musical community while still being respectful of and following safety guidelines.

Q: What is the craziest or funniest memory you have from a Music Together class?

A: It wasn’t actually in a regular class per se, but rather in a courtroom. I had been called in for jury duty, and after hours of waiting and then filling out a form asking to be excused from jury duty, I was actually called back into the courtroom after most of the other potential jurors had gone home where the judge asked me questions. He said, “So you teach music to babies?” Kind of incredulously I explained that the learning process was much like when we learn to walk and talk. Nobody formally teaches us to walk and talk, but rather we learn to do so because from the time we are born we are immersed in the language of our culture, with everyone around us, especially those we love, who are our most important teachers, are walking and talking.

And I further explained that we just naturally absorb learning to walk and talk from being in that atmosphere. But the judge wanted more details. What kind of music did we do? He told me his son loved rap. So, I explained about our song collections and how we not only did melodic songs but also rhythmic chants, perhaps relatable as an early childhood type of rap, and then I actually led the judge and others who chose to join in – there were other court officials and many other folks in that courtroom – in a little chant with some rhythm patterns. In what I’m guessing would have normally been a pretty sober atmosphere – it was a much-publicized court case of a serious nature – people were smiling and laughing. The judge then wished me well in my work and excused me from jury duty.

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At a previous Festival of Children in South Coast Plaza, Woodson shares her love of music

Q: What is your favorite song, and which is your favorite series of song collections?

A: Wow! I’m not sure I could choose a favorite song or a favorite collection as there are so many wonderful songs in our collections. And each time I teach a song collection, I challenge myself to find new layers to teaching each song and innovative ways to play with it. My teachers and I attend songs and skills workshops before every semester to hone our skills and to share ideas with our colleagues around the country to that end. And our song collections are being revamped too, so they have changed a bit over the years.

Our national organization has a special Music Together Song Advisory Board comprised of a rotating panel of ethnomusicologists, music historians, music educators and culture-bearers. Using historical, anthropological and musicological data, together with the current board members, they have designed a set of evaluation criteria to ensure that the music young children are exposed to will serve as their lifelong emotional containers. It is respectfully rendered and honors the past without celebrating the marginalization or denigration of others. The songs are designed to appeal to all types of families worldwide, regardless of national origin, ethnicity, or socioeconomic status; help children understand the music of their own culture, as well as the music of other cultures; break down barriers and bridges cultural experiences; expose children and their families to a broad palette of music, creating a strong foundation for future music-learning; and give children a lifelong facility for enjoying, learning and making music

Q: Why is music important to babies?

A: Because Music Learning Supports All Learning™. Music is a life skill. In fact, it is one of the most integrated life skills there is. We use our voices, our listening skills, motor skills, language skills, social and emotional development, and spatial reasoning just to name a few. Music is a way of “knowing.” Music supports the whole child. And it allows us to connect with each other, with our community and with our world. But, all that said and with all those wonderful benefits, music is such an important and integral part of our human experience. It takes us to a place beyond words, lifts us up out of ourselves and allows us to feel part of something bigger than ourselves. I believe I’m a joyful human being in part because I have had music as a part of my life from the time I was born. What a beautiful and lifelong gift to give our children and ourselves. 

Editor’s note: Judy Woodson’s Spring semester begins April 5th. Her outdoor socially distanced classes and via Zoom are also offered through the Newport Beach Recreation & Senior Services Department. For more information on South Coast Music Together and to register for classes, visit www.southcoastmusictogether.com.

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

What will it take to be cleared for travel?

By GARY SHERWIN

Ready to hit the road to your favorite international destination?

If you successfully played the Hunger Games vaccine hunt and scored some of this precious as gold medicine, perhaps now you’re thinking about that long-delayed trip to Europe or somewhere down under.

Perhaps you’ve gotten both your doses (unless it’s the one and done Johnson & Johnson) and you are ready for what has been called “revenge tourism” – the chance to go out and prove to the world that COVID won’t stop you in your tracks and gum up your dreams.

You’re thinking it’s time to see the Eiffel Tower in Paris or enjoy some pasta in Rome, perhaps motivated by Stanley Tucci’s excellent Italian travel and food show on CNN. Or maybe you want to hop on a boat and swim out to see the Great Barrier Reef.

Well, think again.

If you believe that this summer’s big COVID recovery means finally reengaging with the world from a tourism perspective, you may still have to wait awhile. And when you do travel, you may have to bring your new health passport with you.

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Courtesy of Visit Newport Beach

Gary Sherwin

With vaccine injections up and infection rates down across most of the world, it would be understandable to think that it will be safe and easy to travel in the months ahead.

That isn’t quite the case. Many countries remain shut off from most U.S. travelers. The European Union, which includes Italy, have opened their borders to residents of Australia, New Zealand, Rwanda, Singapore, South Korea, China and Thailand. But not the U.S.

Australia and Belgium won’t let you in either. Canada may grant access but only under certain conditions. You’ll need to check their “Restrictions Wizard” to see if you are eligible.

Many countries are still playing it safe fearing that some visitors could bring infections and clog up their health care systems, especially Americans. Mexico remains an outlier that easily lets Americans in.

That’s a major reason why international tourism won’t recover this year and most people will be traveling to restriction-free domestic destinations this summer. But even then, there are likely to be some complications. Hawaii for example, will require a negative test from a designated test site before arrival or a 10-day quarantine right after you land.

If you thought that COVID will be completely a thing of the past once people have their vaccinations, that probably won’t happen. Having gone through the pandemic, many countries will be cautious for the foreseeable future knowing any kind of virus could bring more shutdowns.

That’s why to get into many countries in the future, many visitors will probably have to secure a health passport app that carries proof of vaccinations or a negative test on your smart device. Several global organizations such as the World Economic Forum, IBM and the International Air Transport System are developing such apps, including some that will integrate with the airline apps.

Some countries are developing their own including Bahrain and Malaysia so they can speed up safety efforts.

Such measures are bound to cause controversy and concern for privacy. Some plans call for it to be controlled by you and your device since apps have security liabilities. LA County is now beginning to send out proof of vaccinations digitally so people can save it to their Apple or Google Wallet.

Everyone who has received a shot receives a small white card with proof of vaccinations, but paper tends to get lost which is why a digital trail makes sense. Still, the concern is what happens if your records get in the wrong hands?

A health passport may not only be needed for international either. Many meeting planners are looking at making proof of vaccinations mandatory when conventions start up again. They are understandably concerned about liability with even a few infections ruining a gathering.

Last week Hyatt Hotels, which has two properties in Newport Beach, announced that it plans to use the VeriFLY app with a new program, called VeriFLY + Stay, for in-person gatherings at Hyatt hotels. The VeriFLY app provides verification of COVID-19 test results, as well as travel guidelines. 

Since January 1, 2021, VeriFLY has become the world’s first widely adopted digital health credential and has more than 300,000 active users in 55 countries. It was adopted by Alaska Airlines and American Airlines earlier in February.

So, if you are planning your summer vacation escape now, it’s best to look somewhere in the continental U.S. (Or may I suggest that you just stay in town and enjoy one of our incredible hotels and play like a tourist?) 

While COVID-19 is likely to be greatly diminished in a few months and we’d all like to forget it, we all will likely have to carry some proof well into the future that this virus is truly behind us.

Gary Sherwin is President & CEO of Visit Newport Beach and Newport Beach & Company.

Time to sound off on the airport noise

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is seeking public comment on a summary review of FAA-sponsored research programs on aircraft noise that could influence future aircraft noise policy. The comment period has been extended to April 14, 2021.

The FAA is inviting comments on aviation noise concerns to help the agency assess how to direct resources to better understand and manage the factors related to aircraft noise exposure concerns. The agency is encouraging comments that focus on the following:

What, if any, additional investigation, analysis, or research should be undertaken in each of the following three categories: 

1. Effects of aircraft noise on individuals and communities.

2. Noise modeling, noise metrics and environmental data visualization.

3. Reduction, abatement and mitigation of aviation noise.

Please see the Notice of Extension for more details.

Committee reviews initial draft of Housing Element Update, considers potential sites

By SARA HALL

After months of work, an initial draft of the Housing Element Update was recently shared by the city and the committee spearheading the effort reviewed it for the first time this week.

The 339-page initial draft was made publicly available on March 10 and the Housing Element Update Advisory Committee discussed it during a meeting on Wednesday, March 17.

Comments from committee members focused on several housing policies and an appendix that analyzes adequate sites for affordable housing, with speakers particularly highlighting the potential in the Coyote Canyon area.

This is a representation of the work done by the committee, staff and public feedback, said David Barquist of Kimley-Horn and Associates, the consulting firm on the project. 

“This is really the beginning to see the fruits of that labor,” Barquist said.

City staff and its consultant team have been working with the Housing Element Update Advisory Committee and the community over the past eight months to prepare an initial draft of the updated General Plan Housing Element.

This effort is required by the California Department of Housing and Community Development in response to the 6th Cycle Regional Housing Needs Assessment allocation of 4,845 new housing units for Newport Beach.

The General Plan update effort builds on the broader “Newport Together” community outreach conducted in fall 2019. The General Plan’s Housing Element details the city’s strategy for enhancing and preserving community character and identifies strategies for additional housing. The Circulation Element guides how people move through the city through various forms of transportation. “The city greatly appreciates the community’s continued participation and engagement in this challenging and unprecedented update process,” officials wrote on the website.

Public comments on the initial draft can be submitted until April 30. A revised version is anticipated to be available for review late spring.

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Photos by Sara Hall 

The city recently released the initial draft of the Housing Element Update 

This is an initial draft, Barquist emphasized; they are working their way through the document and are looking for review and feedback from the committee and public. It will likely be updated several times before the final document is finished. The draft document will undergo additional internal review to verify compliance with statutory requirements related to data, analysis and policy.

The draft is comprised of different sections, mostly regarding statutory requirements. The four sections in the draft document include: introduction; community profile; housing resources, constraints and affirmatively further fair housing; and the housing plan.

“In the overall context of the housing element, it’s an expression of Newport Beach goals and aspirations for housing in the community,” Barquist said. “It’s about today’s needs and the needs of tomorrow.”

The policy program addresses both the growth issues for the future, but also the existing housing needs in the community, like senior housing or special needs housing.

The plan has policies that relate to the implementation of those goals, he explained. The plan also includes specific actions that the city can take to address the overall housing goals, including timelines, responsible parties and funding sources.

“Everything won’t happen ‘tomorrow’ once it’s adopted,” Barquist said. “But there is a timeline to allow the staff to do the requisite research, integrate with the community, have discussions with the Planning Commission and the City Council, to have a viable policy that has gone through the process and deliberation that it deserves.”

The document also includes three appendices: review of past performance; adequate sites analysis; and community engagement summary.

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Houses around Newport Harbor 

The housing plan will “raise your eyebrows,” Committee Chair Larry Tucker said. 

“There are several policies…that I scratch my head over, ‘Do we really want to do that?’” Tucker questioned. 

There are a lot of concerning provisions included in the plan, he added.

Some of the policies in the housing plan include: establishing an accessory dwelling unit monitoring program during the 2021-2029 Housing Element Planning Period to formally track ADU development; support all reasonable efforts to preserve, maintain and improve availability and quality of existing housing and residential neighborhoods; and mitigate potential governmental constraints to housing production and affordability by increasing the city’s role in facilitating construction of market-rate housing and affordable housing for all income groups.

The first policy listed in the housing plan aims to identify a variety of sites to accommodate housing growth need by income categories to serve the needs of the entire community. It mentions Newport Mesa, Newport Center, Dover/Westcliff, Banning Ranch and Coyote Canyon as identified areas.

Committee members focused several of their comments on the related Appendix B, which covers an analysis on adequate sites that can accommodate the city’s 2021-2029 RHNA allocation. The appendix item includes mapping and identification of what will constitute the inventory of sites available for residential uses during that planning period. All sites considered and the rationale for their inclusion are detailed.

“I think we’ve missed the boat on some of these sites, particularly Banning Ranch and the landfill (Coyote Canyon),” Committee member Paul Fruchbom said. “I understand why we were reticent on Banning, given the Coastal Commission, but there’s such a drive for affordable housing I think if we put some more recommended units there it will put pressure on the Coastal Commission at the appropriate time, if something is going to get developed.”

Coyote Canyon presents an opportunity, which may require a bit of work, for affordable housing, Fruchbom added. Several members agreed that the area has more potential than what the draft document lists. 

Coyote Canyon is a closed landfill area with limited opportunities for active uses. A portion of the area is not subject to these restrictions and is considered an ideal opportunity for future residential development, the initial draft study reads.

In the redevelopment graph for the Coyote Canyon area, it lists the feasible acreage as 22 acres with an assumed density of 40 dwelling units per acre. The parking could be creatively placed on the overall property, Fruchbom said.

Committee member Susan DeSantis suggested a portion of Coyote Canyon land go toward affordable senior housing. 

The language could prioritize that type of use, which the committee could eventually suggest to the Planning Commission and council, Deputy Community Development Director Jim Campbell said. At this stage it should be left as broad as possible and narrowed down as they move forward, he added.

The comments about Coyote Canyon are appropriate, said Will O’Neill, a current city councilmember and ex officio member of the Housing Element Update Advisory Committee. 

“We probably need to go back and talk with the developer on that project, especially given the fact that they are leasing from public land already,” O’Neill said.

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A plane flies over homes in the Bluffs neighborhood 

O’Neill also mentioned spreading the units out across Newport Beach. Looking at the city by council districts, more than 80 percent of what’s anticipated is in District 3, the airport area, O’Neill pointed out.

“I worry about the over-concentration of affordable housing in one area of our city,” O’Neill said. “I think that will cause a substantial decrease in the ability for us to adequately plan for the future.”

The focus should be on mixed-income units, spread out more evenly across the city, including into the Newport Center area and in his own district (Council District 7), which covers Newport Coast and San Joaquin Hills.

Public comments included waiting to submit the draft document to the state, being careful about over-building affordable housing that opposes the community’s aesthetic, ensuring that this update will satisfy the state requirements and working with other cities to challenge the mandate from the state.

A virtual workshop on the Initial Public Review Draft Housing Element Update is scheduled for Monday, March 22 at 6 p.m.

The committee will discuss the draft document again on March 31.

Questions or comments can be sent to city staff at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

The initial draft and more information are available online at www.newportbeachca.gov/DraftHEUpdate.

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Sara Hall covers City Hall and is a regular contributor to Stu News Newport.

South Coast Repertory is back…

South Coast Repertory Artistic Director David Ivers and Managing Director Paula Tomei announced an end to the theatre’s COVID-19 hiatus with the launch of an innovative 2021 Spring/Summer season. Recognizing that extraordinary times call for innovation, the 57-year-old theatre company examined the challenges and possibilities of producing live theatre and the protocols needed to maintain safety.

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Photos by Jordan Kubat/South Coast Repertory

SCR Artistic Director David Ivers and SCR Managing Director Paula Tomei

The season starts with SCRemote – a series of exclusively digital offerings beginning in mid-to-late April. These high-quality filmed productions created with a multi-camera setup by award-winning cinematic artists will be delivered for safe, at-home viewing through a user-friendly streaming platform. The digital offerings include Red Riding Hood (a Theatre for Young Audiences and Families production, which also will be offered free to Orange County public schools) and the Pacific Playwrights Festival, the theatre’s renowned annual showcase of new plays. The festival is part of The Lab@SCR, the theatre’s extensive new-play development program. In addition, the theatre will continue its ongoing SCR commUNITY series of digital interviews and programming dedicated to amplifying the artists and narratives of the Southern California region.

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Rendering by Efren Delgadillo

A rendering of Outside SCR – LIVE

Then in mid-July, SCR goes live, outdoors at the historic Mission San Juan Capistrano, with a new series called Outside SCR – LIVE. This year, two family-friendly productions will be performed under the stars: American Mariachi, which is being brought back by popular demand, and the perennial family favorite, You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown.

“The past year has been challenging and, at the same time, has presented opportunities for creative growth,” said Ivers. “So, we’re excited to announce a season brimming with innovation, built on the cornerstone programs of South Coast Repertory – world-class productions, Theatre for Young Audiences and Their Families, and new play development and community engagement. We’re overjoyed about Outside SCR and our new partnership with Mission San Juan Capistrano, which enables us to expand our reach in Orange County.”

According to Managing Director Paula Tomei, “After a year-long hiatus, it feels so good to be back. This season provides the stimulating theatrical experiences that are hallmarks of South Coast Repertory, while meeting the unique needs of Orange County at this time, including a distinctive way for us to gather as a community. In addition, we have been consulting with UCI Health and working thoughtfully to ensure the highest level of safety for our artists, staff and audiences. We are fortunate to have their expertise and advice, which are invaluable.”

Mechelle Lawrence-Adams, executive director of Mission San Juan Capistrano, said: “The Mission Preservation Foundation is thrilled to welcome South Coast Repertory’s community of patrons to beautiful Mission San Juan Capistrano this summer. For sure, new history is being made with this special partnership where the arts meet history, and the net effect leaves theatregoers inspired to support both historic preservation and live theatre in this one-of-a-kind experience. Two incredibly important Orange County institutions are coming together in a pandemic to serve not only their own constituencies, but new ones as well – and it marks an exciting moment in OC history.”

In addition to innovations in programming, format and experience, the usual subscription series has been temporarily suspended in favor of à la carte subscriptions, wherein customers are invited to experience either the entire lineup or to pick and choose what they wish to see. SCR’s regular subscription series will be re-instated for the 2021-22 season.

South Coast Repertory’s health and safety protocol has been developed with advice from the University of California, Irvine. 

 Discounted à la carte subscriptions are now on sale. Ticket prices range from $19-$35 per ticket, with special pricing for those age 25 and under. Single tickets may be purchased either online at www.scr.org or by phone at 714.708.5555. 

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Courtesy of SCR

SCR presents “Red Riding Hood,” a theatrical classic with an immersive, cinematic twist

Performance Schedule:

Theatre for Young Audiences – SCRemote

–Red Riding Hood by Allison Gregory and directed by Shannon Flynn

Offered digitally, on-demand; available to stream mid-to-late April

This theater classic is getting an immersive, cinematic twist your family will love. Red still journeys through the woods to Grand-Mama’s house and the Wolf still has devious dinner plans. But this Red is brave and strong, with plenty of clever tricks up her sleeve. Recommended for ages 4 and older.

Pacific Playwrights Festival – SCRemote

SCR’s annual showcase of new plays by today’s hottest playwrights, the Pacific Playwrights Festival will be offered exclusively in digital format, with high-quality film production, created with a multi-camera setup to capture the best qualities a traditional play reading. All readings are recommended for high school age and older.

–Covenant by York Walker streaming April 26-May 2. When he returns home to his small Georgia town, rumors fly that blues guitarist Johnny “Honeycomb” James may have sold his soul to the devil to attain his musical genius. But in this twisty folk-horror drama, jealousy, distrust and superstition determine Honeycomb’s fate – even if the devil does play a part.

–Coleman ‘72 by Charlie Oh streaming May 10-16. A Korean American family piles into the Buick for an all-American road-trip: open plains, rickety camper-trailer, kimchi and banchan. But Korean parents and American kids hold conflicting ideas of what they’re looking for when the real purpose of their journey comes to light.

–Park-e Laleh by Shayan Lotfi streaming May 24-30. Amir seeks asylum in the UK after fleeing persecution in his native Iran, but he’s haunted by what he’s left behind. Now he’s attempting to settle in a city full of strangers looking for anything or anyone that might allow him to finally feel at home.

–Clean by Christine Quintana streaming May 31-June 6. Two women from different worlds meet in the fake paradise of a Mexican resort: Adriana, who works at the hotel, and Sarah, who’s there for her sister’s wedding. Torrential rain, a father’s death and the mistakes of a night bring them together…but whatever they have in common, many cultural borders separate them.

–Harold & Lillian book and lyrics by Dan Collins with music by Julianne Wick Davis based on the documentary film by Daniel Raim streaming June 21-27. A musical about the Hollywood romance of storyboard artist Harold Michelson and film researcher Lillian Michelson. Beginning with their elopement after Harold came home from World War II, their marriage spanned six decades – during which they overcame daunting personal challenges and made surprising movie magic.

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Courtesy of SCR

“American Mariachi” and “You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown,” will be performed under the stars as part of Outdoor SCR – LIVE

Outside SCR – LIVE

–American Mariachi by José Cruz González and directed by Christopher Acebo. Performances: July 15, 17, 23, 25, 29 and 31 (all at 7:30 p.m.), performed at Mission San Juan Capistrano. Back by popular demand! In this big-hearted comedy with live music, Lucha spends her days caring for her mother and yearning for more. But it’s the 1970s and women can’t be mariachi, or can they? Defying tradition, Lucha and her spunky cousin hunt for bandmates and take up instruments. A loving gesture for a mother becomes much more as the young women dream big and embrace the transcendent power of music. Recommended for ages 12 and older.

–You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown based on the comic strip “Peanuts” by Charles M. Schulz and directed by Kari Hayter with book, music and lyrics by Clark Gesner. Performances: July 16, 18, 22, 24, 30 and August 1 (all at 7:30 p.m.), performed at Mission San Juan Capistrano. The whole “Peanuts” gang is here – Lucy, Linus, Snoopy and, of course, that wishy-washy blockhead, Charlie Brown. He’s never pitched a winning baseball game and he can’t muster the courage to talk to the Little-Red Haired Girl. But all his best qualities and those of his clever friends get celebrated in this delightful musical filled production. Recommended for ages 4 and older.

For more information and to purchase tickets, visit www.scr.org.

COVID-19: 163 new cases and 25 new deaths reported in OC

Sadly, OC Health Care Agency reports that 4,511 people have died due to COVID-19 in Orange County, including 25 new deaths reported today (March 17). There have been 71 deaths of Newport Beach residents to date.

The county reported 163 new cases of COVID-19 in OC today. There have been 249,067 cumulative cases to date.

The percentage of adult ICU beds currently available in OC is 35.1 percent. 71 percent of ventilators are currently available countywide.

The county reports that 199 individuals are currently hospitalized with COVID-19 (-17 since yesterday’s report – includes ICU); 54 are in ICU (-8 since yesterday’s report).

The county reports that there have been 3,673 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Newport Beach to date, including 35 new cases reported since last Wednesday’s report.

The county estimates 240,197 “recovered cases” according to its data criteria.

For questions about the data presented by the county, call (714) 834-2000 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

To view the data dashboard, click here.

COVID-19 numbers are updated daily by Stu News Newport and reported on our social media pages @StuNewsNewport.

Click on photos for larger images

Courtesy of OC Health Care Agency

Orange County COVID-19 case data posted on March 17, as reported by the county; click here to visit page that is updated daily

Orange County moves into the Red Tier as stats continue to improve

Last Friday, the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) announced that two million doses of the COVID-19 vaccine have been administered to Californians in some of the state’s hardest-hit communities, increasing immunity where the state’s transmission rate and disease burden have been the highest during the pandemic. With this equity metric met, and because vaccines slow the spread of disease and serious illness, the previously announced update to the Blueprint for a Safer Economy to account for progress with vaccine administration goes into effect. So, effective Sunday, March 14, Orange County moved into the Red Tier of the State’s Blueprint for a Safer Economy after having met Red Tier metrics.

As a result, many local businesses and activities in Orange County are now allowed to expand capacity or resume operations. Visit the state’s website at https://covid19.ca.gov/safer-economy/, enter Orange in the County field and business or activity of interest in the Activity field, and click the Get Latest Risk Levels button to view its status under the Red Tier. As an additional resource, residents can go here for the activities and businesses that are permitted under each tier by the state.

In addition, CDPH has announced that effective last Saturday, March 13, breweries, wineries and distilleries that do not serve meals may open outdoors only with modifications in the Purple (widespread) and Red (substantial) tiers. The modifications include ensuring that patrons have reservations and patrons observe a 90-minute time limit. Service for on-site consumption must end by 8 p.m. The updated guidance does not apply to breweries, wineries and distilleries that provide meals. Those establishments should continue to follow the restaurant guidance. However, bars that do not serve meals must remain closed in the Purple and Red tiers.

Beginning June 1, overnight sleepaway camps will be allowed to resume with modifications in the Red, Orange and Yellow tiers.

For questions related to COVID-19, visit www.ochealthinfo.com/novelcoronavirus, or follow the HCA on Facebook (@ochealthinfo) and Twitter (@ochealth).

Fair Game

By TOM JOHNSON

STRs are getting loud in parts of Newport Beach and might be getting louder

I’m told that the natives are getting restless and it’s not pretty. Seems on what has been a quiet Newport Island (West Newport, between Balboa Blvd. and W. Coast Highway) over the years, Short-Term Rentals (STR) are now becoming commonplace, and the noise and commotion is severely impacting the once-peaceful community and not in a good way.

Case in point. Last week a group called the NELK Boys (YouTube pranksters) rented one of the STRs. So far, so good. However, when word leaked out to their followers (they total in the millions on social media, 3.8 million to be exact), crowds of teens gathered in the adjoining streets as looky-loos. Noise, car racing in the streets and more ensued.

Photos on NELK’s website show that while here at the STR they launched a new line of clothing. STR permits specifically prohibit commercial use of the property and this should’ve resulted in a code violation.

I’m told the residents did what they were instructed to do and called the city’s Short-Term Rental Hotline but received no help. They even filed a noise complaint with the Newport Beach Police, but only a warning was given.

Even an illegally parked Lamborghini out in front of the STR that completely blocked the sidewalk was left un-ticketed.

On the day of checkout for the STR, limousines and Uber vehicles gathered early in the morning (5-6 a.m.) to take the parties to the airport, waking up the entire surrounding neighborhood.

This isn’t the first time. Resident Chris Harano says the neighborhood is fed up with this proliferation of STRs in their neighborhood, “growing from maybe two to now over 20.” They’re now organizing and considering possible legal action against the city.

Harano did say that Councilwomen Diane Dixon and Joy Brenner have attempted to intercede and help, but so far nothing has improved, and their hands seem tied.

In the meantime, unrest remains in the area with no apparent ways to turn for help.

• • •

Speaking of Dixon, last Friday she “officially launched” her campaign for another shot at California’s 74th State Assembly District seat for the 2022 election. She is expected to challenge Democrat incumbent Cottie Petrie-Norris, who narrowly defeated Republican Dixon last November.

Dixon’s battle cry is, “I am running to be a voice for the ignored and the silenced – to bring our values and priorities to the State Legislature.”

Election Day 2022 is still 599 days away, unless challengers enter the race forcing a primary contest.

The 74th Assembly District is comprised of the cities of Newport Beach, Costa Mesa, Huntington Beach, Irvine, Laguna Beach and Laguna Woods. Latest data shows that it is broken into 35.42 percent Republican, 35.03 percent Democrat and 24.59 percent listed as no party preference.

• • •

You may have heard that there’s another epidemic hitting our country these days besides COVID. Actually, it’s fentanyl, a synthetic opioid. Just 2 milligrams is enough to kill someone, and deaths unfortunately in California have risen 541 percent, while accounting for 37 percent of all drug-related deaths. It’s bad.

Assemblywoman Petrie-Norris is part of a team that has introduced AB 1351 and SB 75, in order to combat fentanyl trafficking and protect lives. These two mirrored bills aim to stop fentanyl at its source, by appropriately aligning fentanyl trafficking with cocaine and heroin in California’s criminal code.

“Drug traffickers are selling these counterfeit fentanyl pills on Snapchat and Instagram – they are preying on our children and killing our kids with impunity,” said Petrie-Norris. “It is time we treat fentanyl as seriously as its consequences. By setting appropriate penalties for fentanyl trafficking, we can cut off this deadly drug at the source.” 

These two bills are expected to be heard by the Assembly and Senate Public Safety Committees later this Spring.

• • •

Under Fire Files in today’s Stu News you’ll see a story about a three-alarm fire that completely destroyed several condos this past week on Dover Drive. A lot of people know Larry Tenney, a wonderful and noted local photographer. Well, unfortunately, it’s Larry’s family that was impacted.

His 25-year-old daughter Claire and ex-wife Stephanie lived there and made it out of the middle-of-the-night blaze with literally just the clothes on their backs. Everything else was a complete loss. Now they’re faced with not only re-building but renting and buying everything new. And just because their place burned down doesn’t mean they’re off the hook, as they’re still forced to pay the mortgage during that whole re-building process moving forward.

Now’s one of those times for neighbors to step up and help neighbors. There are a bunch of ways to jump in, you can Venmo them financial assistance, or send gift cards from places like J.Crew, Banana Republic, or even Nordstrom.

I mean, think of a 25-year-old who now has nothing, so anything helps.

If you’re able to assist, you can contact them @ClaireTenney and @Stephanie-Tenney-2, or mail to Stephanie Tenney, 1133 Camelback St., P.O. Box 11021, Newport Beach 92658-1200.

• • •

Don’t say I didn’t tell you, but Newport Beach Restaurant Week is coming up next month for 14 days, from Monday, April 19 through Sunday, May 2. It’s that time of year when Restaurant Week showcases Newport Beach as Orange County’s premier dining destination offering a wide variety of culinary experiences.

Now I ask you to think back on this past year and the devastation the pandemic has caused to this industry. We can all jump in full speed ahead and make this time special and help our restaurant folks get back on solid footing. And we’re not just talking about restaurant owners, but waiters, bus people, dish washers, et al. It’s an industry that hasn’t afforded a paycheck in a while.

So mark down the dates, get out there often and tip well. They’ll be appreciative.

• • •

Correction: Last Friday’s Fair Game column looked at the possibility of students returning to in-person classroom instruction following spring recess that has students returning April 19. The column said “all” students and should have said “elementary” students. We regret the error and any confusion this may have caused.

COVID-19: 23 new cases reported in OC, 1 new case in Newport Beach

OC Health Care Agency reported 23 new cases of COVID-19 in OC today (March 16). There have been 248,904 cumulative cases to date.

Sadly, the county reports that 4,486 people have died due to COVID-19 in Orange County. There have been 71 deaths of Newport Beach residents to date.

The percentage of adult ICU beds currently available in OC is 36.2 percent. 71 percent of ventilators are currently available countywide.

The county reports that 216 individuals are currently hospitalized with COVID-19 (-17 since yesterday’s report – includes ICU); 62 are in ICU (-10 since yesterday’s report).

The county reports that there have been 3,673 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Newport Beach to date, including five new cases reported today and 37 new cases reported since last Tuesday’s report.

The county estimates 239,857 “recovered cases” according to its data criteria.

For questions about the data presented by the county, call (714) 834-2000 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

To view the data dashboard, click here.

COVID-19 numbers are updated daily by Stu News Newport and reported on our social media pages @StuNewsNewport.

Click on photos for larger images

Courtesy of OC Health Care Agency

Orange County COVID-19 case data posted on March 16, as reported by the county; click here to visit page that is updated daily

COVID-19: 169 new cases and 21 new deaths reported in OC, 5 new cases in Newport Beach

Sadly, OC Health Care Agency reports that 4,486 people have died due to COVID-19 in Orange County, including 21 new deaths reported yesterday (March 15). There have been 71 deaths of Newport Beach residents to date.

The county reported 169 new cases of COVID-19 in OC yesterday. There have been 248,881 cumulative cases to date.

The percentage of adult ICU beds currently available in OC is 34.5 percent. 70 percent of ventilators are currently available countywide.

The county reports that 233 individuals are currently hospitalized with COVID-19 (-8 since Sunday’s report – includes ICU); 72 are in ICU (-4 since Sunday’s report).

The county reports that there have been 3,672 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Newport Beach to date, including five new cases reported yesterday and 39 new cases reported since last Monday’s report.

The county estimates 239,472 “recovered cases” according to its data criteria.

For questions about the data presented by the county, call (714) 834-2000 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

To view the data dashboard, click here.

COVID-19 numbers are updated daily by Stu News Newport and reported on our social media pages @StuNewsNewport.

Click on photos for larger images

Courtesy of OC Health Care Agency

Orange County COVID-19 case data posted on March 15, as reported by the county; click here to visit page that is updated daily

COVID-19: 151 new cases and 31 new deaths reported in OC, 8 new cases and 1 new death in Newport Beach

Sadly, OC Health Care Agency reports that 4,465 people have died due to COVID-19 in Orange County, including 31 new deaths reported today (March 14). There have been 71 deaths of Newport Beach residents to date, including one new death reported today.

The county reported 151 new cases of COVID-19 in OC today. There have been 248,712 cumulative cases to date.

The percentage of adult ICU beds currently available in OC is 35.5 percent. 70 percent of ventilators are currently available countywide.

The county reports that 241 individuals are currently hospitalized with COVID-19 (+4 since yesterday’s report – includes ICU); 76 are in ICU (+5 since yesterday’s report).

The county reports that there have been 3,667 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Newport Beach to date, including eight new cases reported today and 37 new cases reported since last Sunday’s report.

The county estimates 239,130 “recovered cases” according to its data criteria.

For questions about the data presented by the county, call (714) 834-2000 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

To view the data dashboard, click here.

COVID-19 numbers are updated daily by Stu News Newport and reported on our social media pages @StuNewsNewport.

Click on photos for larger images

Courtesy of OC Health Care Agency

Orange County COVID-19 case data posted on March 14, as reported by the county; click here to visit page that is updated daily

COVID-19: 172 new cases and 26 new deaths reported in OC, 5 new cases in Newport Beach

Sadly, OC Health Care Agency reports that 4,434 people have died due to COVID-19 in Orange County, including 26 new deaths reported today (March 13). There have been 70 deaths of Newport Beach residents to date.

The county reported 172 new cases of COVID-19 in OC today. There have been 248,561 cumulative cases to date.

The percentage of adult ICU beds currently available in OC is 32.6 percent. 69 percent of ventilators are currently available countywide.

The county reports that 237 individuals are currently hospitalized with COVID-19 (-8 since yesterday’s report – includes ICU); 71 are in ICU (-3 since yesterday’s report).

The county reports that there have been 3,659 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Newport Beach to date, including five new cases reported today and 33 new cases reported since last Saturday’s report.

The county estimates 238,961 “recovered cases” according to its data criteria.

For questions about the data presented by the county, call (714) 834-2000 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

To view the data dashboard, click here.

COVID-19 numbers are updated daily by Stu News Newport and reported on our social media pages @StuNewsNewport.

Click on photos for larger images

Courtesy of OC Health Care Agency

Orange County COVID-19 case data posted on March 13, as reported by the county; click here to visit page that is updated daily

Are you doing your fair share?

Philanthropy is the lifeblood of nonprofits throughout our community and across the country. Kindness funds help to the homeless and downtrodden; children, who in many cases, would have to do without; medical and health support for so many who are out of other options; and so much more.

Our Spotlight on Philanthropy is designed to show you the inner workings of programs touching our community and, hopefully, encourage you to take a closer look.

Featured Charitable Organization:

What does the Hoag Hospital Foundation do?

Hoag Hospital Foundation advances the mission of Hoag through meaningful and inspirational philanthropic partnerships. 

What programs does the Foundation’s work support at Hoag?

Hoag Hospital Foundation’s fundraising efforts support every area of Hoag. 

Why should people donate to the Foundation?

Donor support helps Hoag provide exceptional health care to our community and beyond. Philanthropy ensures Hoag remains on the leading edge of medical innovation, maintains the most advanced facilities and technology, and attracts the world’s top clinicians. 

Click on photo for a larger image

Courtesy of Hoag Hospital

Flynn A. Andrizzi, Ph.D., president, Hoag Hospital Foundation 

What support opportunities are available?

Donors may direct their gift of any amount to a specific institute or fund supporting a Hoag initiative that best matches their area of interest. Donors also have the opportunity to give to the area of greatest need.

In response to the COVID-19 crisis, Hoag Hospital Foundation established the COVID-19 Support Fund in the Spring of 2020. The fund supports Hoag in caring for community members affected by the virus as well as the caregivers and staff who are working tirelessly to treat them. To date, generous donors and companies have collectively given more than $8.2 million to the fund. Thanks to this support, Hoag has been well-prepared to meet the challenges of the pandemic and has been a national leader in clinical research efforts to advance treatments and a vaccine. 

How do people give?

Gifts can be made online at www.hoaghospitalfoundation.org, or sent to the Hoag Hospital Foundation at 330 Placentia Ave., Suite 100, Newport Beach, CA 92663. Donors can also connect personally with a Hoag Hospital Foundation staff member by calling 949.764.7217. 

Click on photo for a larger image

Photo by Kevin Warn

The annual Christmas Carol Ball draws Hoag supporters, volunteers and friends to the Monarch Beach Resort raising more than $1,000,000 million each year to support Hoag

What are the Foundation’s major fundraisers and when do they take place?

Hoag’s Christmas Carol Ball is a beloved and time-honored tradition, bringing together Hoag donors and friends in festive celebration of the holiday, raising millions of dollars to further Hoag’s mission. Save the date for the 55th Annual Christmas Carol Ball on December 11, 2021. 

Hoag Summer Fest draws approximately 1,500 guests each year to the Newport Dunes for food and beverage tastings from more than 40 of Orange County’s best restaurants with fabulous live entertainment. 

Circle 1000 was founded by Newport Beach resident and breast cancer survivor Sandy Sewell in 1987. She gathered a group of friends and asked them each to contribute $1,000. She also tasked them with asking their own circle of friends to participate. From the powerful bonds of friendship, Circle 1000 has grown to more than 1,000 friends who gather in celebration and support of those affected by cancer at the annual Circle 1000 Founders’ Celebration Brunch.

Click on photo for a larger image

Photo by Kevin Warn

A nurse in front of Hoag Hospital Newport Beach

What the community needs to know.

Hoag Hospital Foundation recently completed its first-ever comprehensive fundraising campaign. Hoag Promise, Our Campaign to Lead, Innovate & Transform raised more than $760 million, far exceeding the original goal of $627 million. The Hoag Promise Campaign was comprehensive in the truest sense of the word – every Institute, every center, every program and every area of Hoag was touched. Through the Hoag Promise Campaign, generous donors established 19 endowed chairs, funded thousands of employee scholarships, launched new programs and centers, accelerated clinical research, supported the acquisition of groundbreaking technology and equipment, and led to innovative advances in care. 

Click on photo for a larger image

Courtesy of Hoag Hospital Foundation

Hoag Hospital Newport Beach

Names of the Foundation leadership group

Flynn Andrizzi, Ph.D. – President

Greg Gissendanner – Senior Vice President, Development

Nicole Balsamo – Vice President, Development 

Danna Grant – Vice President, Donor Relations

Adam Gafke – Vice President, Development Operations & Campaigns

Hoag Hospital Foundation Board

Executive Committee

Kathleen Armstrong – Chair

Rick Taketa – Vice Chair

Jerry Jones – Treasurer

Debbie Margolis – Secretary

Flynn Andrizzi, Ph.D. – President, Hoag Hospital Foundation

Directors

Anthony Allen

Victor Assad

Trish Berchtold

Robert T. Braithwaite, President and CEO, Hoag

James O. Buckingham

Benjamin Du

Andy Fimiano

Gary Fudge

Mark A. Hardtke Sr.

Carolyn McKitterick

Steve Muzzy

Aidan A. Raney, M.D., F.A.C.C.

Robert S. Roth

Katherine Shen

Sandi Simon

Diana Sun

Kyle Wescoat

Daniel H. Young

Hoag Hospital Foundation

Coufos Family Center for Philanthropy

330 Placentia Ave., Suite 100

Newport Beach, CA 92663

949.764.7217

949.764.7201 (F)

www.hoaghospitalfoundation.org

Spotlight on Philanthropy is underwritten by

23rd Annual NHHS Home and Garden Tour “Virtual Showcase” scheduled for May 13

On Thursday, May 13, the 23rd Annual Home and Garden Tour “Virtual Showcase” benefiting Newport Harbor High School (NHHS) will take place, presented by the Newport Harbor Educational Foundation.

Featuring eight beautifully unique homes, Barclay Butera Interiors and Compass real estate are the presenting sponsors. This year’s co-chairs are Pam Hardenbergh and Karen Taylor.

The tour will highlight these interior designers and their special insight: Barclay Butera, Barclay Butera Interiors; Ashley Clark, sKout Interior Design; Raili Clasen, Raili CA Design; Suzanne Currie & Lise Abraham, ulloo 42; Mindy Gayer, Mindy Gayer Design Co.; Summer Jensen, Hawk & Co.; and Denise Morrison, Denise Morrison Interiors.

Shop the online boutique and local pop-up shops from vendors along with showcase home “looks” from the featured designers.

Tickets are on sale now for $50, and are available online only. Included in the ticket price is a “Look Book” which highlights each home and is supported by local advertising. By participating in this community-wide event, you can reach homeowners, shoppers, designers, architects, landscapers and home builders. 

Funds raised by the Home Tour provide programs that enhance educational opportunities resulting in student success, which include:

–AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination), a four-year college prep program with 100 percent college acceptance rate for all AVID seniors. 

–Free tutoring in all subjects is offered all year long before and after school.

–Grocery gift cards are distributed to NHHS families in need, including those who lost their jobs due to COVID as well as homeless families.

–Rigorous curriculum including Advanced Placement and International Baccalaureate (IB) courses that challenge NHHS’s highest achieving students.

–Career Experience Mentor Program that allows juniors to “test drive” a career with job shadows and regular meetings in the field, with professionals in the community.

To purchase tickets and for more information on the tour, sponsorship and advertising opportunities in the Home Tour “Look Book,” visit www.newportharborhometour.com.

Check out “sneak peeks” on Facebook @newportharborhomegardentour and on Instagram @newportharborhometour.

Call for entries for the 2021 Newport Beach Art Exhibition

The Newport Beach City Arts Commission invites artists to participate in the 56th Annual Newport Beach Art Exhibition to be held on Saturday, June 26 at the Newport Beach Civic Center, 100 Civic Center Drive, Newport Beach.

The exhibition is a one-day juried art show that displays the works of more than 170 talented local and regional artists, and gives the community of art lovers the opportunity to view and purchase the art on display, mingle with the artists and enjoy a festive atmosphere with music, wine, food and children’s art activities. Located on the grounds of the spacious modern Newport Beach Civic Center campus, the event attracts many local residents, as well as summer visitors to our beautiful beach city.

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Courtesy of NBPL

A previous juried art show attracts locals and visitors alike (photo taken pre-pandemic)

Accomplished artists, 18 years of age or older, may submit one or two original works of art to be displayed and judged. Entry fees are $35 for one entry and $50 for the maximum two entries. Categories include Paintings (Oil, Acrylic, Watercolor), Drawings (Ink, Pencil, Charcoal), along with Photography and 3D Art. Awards in the one-day juried exhibition range from $100-$300 and will be announced at the reception at 4:30 p.m. on June 26 in the Civic Center Council Chambers.

The deadline for entries is June 4. Applications should be submitted online at www.CallforEntry.org. Eligibility and submission guidelines can be found on the city’s website at www.newportbeachca.gov/culturalarts under “Newport Beach Art Exhibition” or at www.CallforEntry.org.

For more information, contact the Cultural Arts office at 949.717.3802 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

City of Newport Beach Recreation Dept. to offer Spring Break camps

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Courtesy of NB Recreation & Senior Services Dept.

The Newport Beach Recreation & Senior Services Dept. is holding Spring Break camps by the same great instructors who bring the fun to Camp Newport summer camps. In-person camps like lacrosse, science and LEGOs or virtual camps like YouTube and Minecraft are waiting for your youngster. Visit www.newportbeachca.gov/register and search “spring break” to register now.

Complaint line provided for short-term rental housing complaints and non-emergency issues 

The City of Newport Beach is encouraging residents to resolve complaints and non-emergency issues related to short-term rental housing through a live answering service available 24 hours a day, every day.

The service, which launched in October, can be reached at 949.718.3443.

Answering service operators communicate complaints to the property owner or a designee as soon as they are received. The service also helps the city track the volume and types of short-term rental issues that impact neighborhoods.

Residents are encouraged to call the answering service for any non-emergency issue that occurs on a short-term rental property, such as loud parties, noise, parking, trash concerns and occupancy limit violations. All emergency calls should still be placed to 911.

Under new regulations adopted by the City Council last summer, short-term rental operators are required to provide a local contact person, either the property owner or a designee, who can immediately respond to complaints.

When calls are placed to the answering service, operators will then call the local contact person, who is required to respond to the complaint within 30 minutes. However, if the local contact person cannot be reached, the answering service operators will contact the Newport Beach Police Department for disturbance, noise and parking issues, and Code Enforcement for all other matters.

The answering service is part of a package of short-term rental reforms approved by the City Council in 2020. These include a three-night minimum stay, a prohibition on rentals to anyone under 25 years of age, occupancy limits that align with building and fire codes, and a requirement that property owners list their permit numbers in all advertising to help prevent illegal rentals. The new regulations also include a cap on the total number of short-term rentals at 1,550.

The new regulations were prompted by a growth in short-term rental housing in recent years through websites such as Airbnb, and a subsequent increase in community impacts.

Property owners with questions about the service are encouraged to call the City of Newport Beach’s Revenue Division at 949.718.1997, or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

For more, visit the city’s short-term rental information page here.

Dixon to host Town Hall Zoom for District 1 on March 18

City Councilwoman and former Mayor Diane Dixon has scheduled a District 1 Town Hall Zoom meeting for Thursday, March 18 from 5-6:30 p.m.

Topics planned for the agenda include public safety and the oceanfront boardwalk, community development and short-term rental housing regulations, a COVID-19 vaccination update and a public works projects update.

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Courtesy City of Newport Beach

Newport Beach Councilmember Diane Dixon

Attendees are asked to register for the meeting in advance at https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_e2IIjcpiQIW5xa1azyOKcQ. Once registered, a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar will be sent.

Council approves grants to deserving local arts organizations

The Newport Beach City Council approved six local organizations with Cultural Arts Grants ranging from $2,000 to $5,000 at their meeting on Tuesday, March 9. Cultural Arts Grants are awarded each year to qualified organizations with strong projects that enhance arts education and community programs for the citizens of Newport Beach.

The 2020-2021 Cultural Arts Grants, recommended by the City Arts Commission and approved by the Newport Beach City Council, are scheduled to be presented at the City Arts Commission meeting on Thursday, May 13.

Following are the six recipients:

–Arts & Learning Conservatory

–Backhausdance

–Baroque Music Festival

–Laguna Playhouse

–Pacific Symphony

–South Coast Repertory

In order to qualify for a grant, each organization proposed specific arts education/enrichment programs to implement during the 2021-2022 season. For more details on the programs, recipients and grant amounts, visit the Cultural Arts website at www.newportbeachca.gov/culturalarts.

The City Arts Commission is comprised of seven members, appointed by the Newport Beach City Council, to act in an advisory capacity on matters pertaining to artistic, aesthetic, cultural and historical aspects of Newport Beach. The City Arts Commission provides various arts programs and events for the cultural enrichment of our community, including visual, educational and performing arts.

COVID-19: 172 new cases and 29 new deaths reported in OC, 9 new cases in Newport Beach

Sadly, OC Health Care Agency reports that 4,408 people have died due to COVID-19 in Orange County, including 29 new deaths reported today (March 12). There have been 70 deaths of Newport Beach residents to date.

The county reported 172 new cases of COVID-19 in OC today. There have been 248,389 cumulative cases to date.

The percentage of adult ICU beds currently available in OC is 33.4 percent. 68 percent of ventilators are currently available countywide.

The county reports that 245 individuals are currently hospitalized with COVID-19 (-7 since yesterday’s report – includes ICU); 74 are in ICU (-7 since yesterday’s report).

The county reports that there have been 3,654 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Newport Beach to date, including nine new cases reported today and 34 new cases reported since last Friday’s report.

The county estimates 238,688 “recovered cases” according to its data criteria.

For questions about the data presented by the county, call (714) 834-2000 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

To view the data dashboard, click here.

COVID-19 numbers are updated daily by Stu News Newport and reported on our social media pages @StuNewsNewport.

Click on photos for larger images

Courtesy of OC Health Care Agency

Orange County COVID-19 case data posted on March 12, as reported by the county; click here to visit page that is updated daily

Fair Game

By TOM JOHNSON

Schools seriously looking at a return to in-person instruction for all elementary

With an improving COVID-19 environment taking place daily, the Newport-Mesa Unified School District is strongly considering a return to in-person classroom instruction for all elementary students following the return from spring recess on April 19.

A recent statement issued by the district says, “While the hybrid model for our students has been delivered with skill and dedication by our staff we have always strived to move to normalcy. Having our students back in the classrooms with all of their classmates and enjoying the full benefits of school continues to be our goal.”

Spring recess is scheduled for Monday, April 12 through Friday, April 16.

COVID changes, including the reduction of new cases, the strong possibility of transitioning from the Purple Tier to the Red Tier and the fact that teachers are now having access to vaccinations, are the reasons behind the hoped-for change.

Teachers and staff became eligible for the vaccine earlier in March, and although supplies have been limited, more availability is expected soon.

No formal change has been confirmed yet but is expected in the next several weeks. The district is reportedly working closely with school principals, teachers, employee associations/unions and all departments to accomplish this goal.

• • •

There’s a disturbing video that has gone viral on social media sites that occurred last Saturday night, shortly after 10 p.m. at E. Balboa Blvd. and Main St., just blocks from the Balboa Pier. Judging by the comments on social media, the community is outraged, and for good reason.

The video shows an elderly male crossing Main St. on the south side of E. Balboa Blvd. when he’s confronted and then surrounded by several juveniles. Calls can be heard off-screen on the video encouraging one of the suspects to engage him. Shortly thereafter a serious skirmish occurs where one youth is seen kicking the man upside the head, who then crumples to the ground while appearing to hit his head on the pavement, apparently knocking him out. Another adult can be seen immediately coming to his aid and attempting to revive him by patting his chest.

Some of the incident is obscured by passing autos.

Newport Beach Police were called, but the juveniles reportedly left the scene prior to their arrival.

Police investigated and have reported that all of the suspects have been identified.

Fortunately, reports say the victim recovered and was released from the hospital after spending several days there. 

Reports suggest that the juveniles involved were students at a local intermediate school. 

• • •

A couple of changes on committees and commissions at City Hall have been announced. 

First off, the City Council appointed Larry Tucker to the Finance Committee for a term ending June 30, 2021; next, at their February 23rd Council meeting they voted to eliminate the Inter City Liaison Committee and to repel Resolution No. 89-132; the Council also approved amending the Water Quality Coastal Tidelands Committee Membership to stagger the terms and confirm appointments that expire June 2023 and June 2025; and, due to the passing of Richard Luehrs, a vacancy has opened on the Building and Fire Board of Appeals.

• • •

Several issues ago, Stu News told you about Corona del Mar High School student Makenna Stefano who was leading a school team to raise money for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. 

Her continuing efforts include a paddle out this Sunday, March 14 at 11 a.m. on Big Corona Beach. Participants can join in for a $20 donation which includes a tribute flower and one raffle ticket.

The raffle includes a brand new VESL Stand Up Paddleboard & Pelagic Ocean equipment bag.

Makenna and her team of Ashley Riba, Abby Grace, Ella Bennett, Kate Kittleson, Zach Kittleson, Caroline Carvelli and Aven Walz encourage you to bring a paddle board, bathing suit, mask, money to donate and a BIG smile to join in.

The team is looking to raise $50,000 and could really use your help.

School Notes

District to host virtual parents meeting on digital dangers

A virtual parent education meeting will take place on Tuesday, March 16 from 6-7 p.m. The topic for the meeting is “Practical Ways to Protect your Children from Digital Dangers.”

District experts will share strategies to support students in making safe online decisions and in life. They’ll also cover digital citizenship skills including current social media trends, internet filters, online video game guides and age-based device usage guides.

The link for the meeting is https://nmusd.zoom.us/j/91317410541. 

Questions from parents should be directed to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call 714.424.5050.

Details in the sea

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Photo by Stan Sievers (Instagram @stansievers/stansieversphoto.com)

“Water is the driving force in nature” –Leonardo da Vinci

Newport wonder

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Photo by Stan Sievers (Instagram @stansievers/stansieversphoto.com)

The Jetty at sunset: one of the many wonders of Newport Beach

Newport Beach Women’s Democratic Club to hold monthly virtual meeting

The Newport Beach Women’s Democratic Club (NBWDC) will hold its monthly virtual meeting on Tuesday, March 16 via Zoom.

In honor of Women’s History Month, Assemblywoman Cottie Petrie-Norris will be sharing her story about being a woman and a mother in politics. Ada Briceno, chair of the Democratic Party of Orange County, will be updating the club on the status of the Gavin Newsom Recall Campaign.

Their Zoom Room opens on Tuesday, March 16 at 5:30 p.m. for networking and socializing. The official Program runs from 6-7 p.m.

Registration is required for this event. Visit www.NBWDC.org to register and for additional meeting information, or call the administrative office at 949.423.6468.

With metrics improving, Red Tier appears to be on the horizon

On Tuesday, March 9, the State of California announced that Orange County has achieved one week of improved metrics according to the California Department of Public Health’s Blueprint for a Safer Economy, which takes a county’s seven-day adjusted case rate, the seven-day testing positivity rate and the health equity metric into consideration.

“Before Orange County can move to the Red Tier, we must meet certain benchmarks set by the state regarding daily case rate, positivity rate and health equity rate for two consecutive weeks, which we’re on track to meet,” said Chairman of the Orange County Board of Supervisors Andrew Do, who represents the First District. “Thanks to the diligence of our residents and business operators, we’re on the cusp of moving to the Red Tier, but we must remember to not let our guard down and continue adhering to local health guidance.”

If local metrics hold steady or improve for another week, many local industries and activities will either be allowed to expand capacity or resume operations. The soonest OC could officially move from the Purple to the Red Tier is Wednesday, March 17.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued new guidance for those who have been vaccinated against COVID-19, which can be accessed at www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/fully-vaccinated.html.

“While the CDC’s guidance is promising and provides clarity for those who have been fully vaccinated, we must continue our efforts to vaccinate anyone who wants a vaccine, with the goal of achieving herd immunity as soon as possible,” said Supervisor Lisa Bartlett, Fifth District. “In the meantime, I encourage residents and visitors alike to continue wearing masks, practice social distancing, wash hands frequently and learn more about available opportunities to receive a vaccine at https://occovid19.ochealthinfo.com/covid-19-vaccine-distribution-channels.”

Take Five: Meet Graham Harvey, chair of the Newport Beach Junior Lifeguard Foundation

By AMY SENK

Good news for Junior Guards of the future – the Newport Beach City Council moved forward this week with plans for a new Junior Lifeguard building, to be constructed south of Balboa Pier. According to city documents, the $4.9 million building would be funded with $2.05 million from the city’s General Fund, $1.75 million from the foundation and $1.1 million captured over the next several years by eliminating the participant fee subsidy, which will increase fees for participants starting in 2022. I caught up with Graham Harvey, chairman of the Newport Beach Junior Lifeguard Foundation, to find out more about the project. 

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Photo and rendering courtesy of Graham Harvey

Graham Harvey

Q: How did the Junior Guards Foundation begin, and what has it accomplished so far?

A: The Newport Beach Junior Lifeguard Foundation was incorporated in 2012 to support, preserve and enhance the Newport Beach Junior Lifeguard Program. The foundation has purchased special equipment, volunteered for events and championed the design of a new Junior Lifeguard headquarters building. Our goal is to raise $1,750,000 towards the Junior Lifeguard headquarters building project by Jan. 1, 2022. We have cash and commitments of $1,100,000 so far. We need to raise an additional $650,000 to reach our goal. The City Council meeting went well. The approval of the project and MOU (Memorandum of Understanding) was a huge step forward for the Junior Lifeguard program. One item to note: The MOU that was approved by the City Council will help the foundation raise funds because it now answers the three main questions we hear from our donors: How much do you need? What does the building look like? Where is it going to be located? It will be located at the base of Balboa Pier very close to where the temporary trailers are located now. 

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A rendering of the new Junior Lifeguard building

Q: Why does the program need a permanent building?

A: The Junior Lifeguard headquarters building has always been a temporary structure with no running water and no restroom facilities for the more than 1,300 junior lifeguards and 60 city employees who utilize it every year. The Junior Lifeguard program has simply outgrown the temporary building.

Q: What are your personal connections to the JG program, and why do you think it is important to our community? 

A: I was a Newport Beach Junior Lifeguard in the 80s, then became a Newport Beach Lifeguard and Junior Lifeguard Instructor in the 90s and early 2000s. Now, I am the parent of one Junior Lifeguard with one more on the way next year. I have personally experienced the Junior Lifeguard program from all angles. I understand the importance of teaching our children to identify and respond to hazards at the beach and in the ocean. It is our responsibility to give back to the Junior Lifeguards by providing them with a safe and functional learning center.   

Q: When will the building be finished?

A: The Newport Beach Junior Lifeguard Foundation is entering into a Memorandum of Understanding with the City of Newport Beach. When the MOU is executed, we expect the building to be complete in 24 to 36 months.

Q: How can donors help?

A: Donors can make donations and learn more about the Newport Beach Junior Lifeguard Foundation on our website at www.nbjgfoundation.org.

~~~~~~~~

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

Audi Fletcher Jones…differentiating itself from the competition

By LANA JOHNSON

I experienced the new Audi Fletcher Jones dealership firsthand this week and surprise, surprise, came home with my beautiful new Audi A3 Sport 40 TFSI!

The multi-story, 42,000-square-foot sales and showroom facility, located at 1275 Bristol St. (near Red Hill in Costa Mesa), showcases a pristine service center with accessible rooftop parking. Guests enjoy amenities such as a premier second floor indoor and outdoor lounge along with an on-site café exuding a wonderful open-air feeling, with a view of the snow-capped mountains off in the distance on a clear day. 

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Photo by Tom Johnson

Getting ready for a test drive in my new Audi A3

Audi Fletcher Jones originally opened on March 30, 2018, out of a temporary facility at 375 Bristol St., which it occupied for approximately two and one-half years. The new dealership then opened its doors to the public on November 17, 2020, employing a staff of 85.

According to Audi USA: “From sales through service to the presentation of used cars, Audi Corporate Design combines all these departments into a harmonious overall concept – for an Audi world that clearly differentiates us from the competition. The Audi dealership is a self-confident statement by the brand and by the dealer: From the architecture to the showroom, it reflects the unique prestige and the premium claim of our brand.”

It certainly didn’t disappoint.

The corporate Audi vision is exemplified at the Costa Mesa location, whose goal to become the No. 1 ranked Audi dealership in the U.S. It finished 2nd place in the country in February 2021.

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Courtesy of Audi Fletcher Jones

The spacious and comfortable Audi Fletcher Jones showroom

State-of-the-art combines with stylish comfort whereby new Audis, luxury used cars and auto service and car parts are all available under one roof which proudly continues the Fletcher Jones legacy with Fletcher “Ted” Jones at the company’s helm. He “has been credited with pioneering a revolutionary approach in which ‘guests’ not ‘customers’ are treated with the same level of service you would expect from a five-star hotel.” 

And being treated as a guest was the best part of my car-buying experience. I felt as if I was the only customer there, being welcomed by the entire staff – from the concierge to the general manager – making me feel undeniably special.    

My faves about my A3, which blends safety with sporty:

–The color! I love the Quantum gray exterior, because it sets my ride apart from others on the road.

–Black leather interior with contrast stitching on the sport seats (did I say real leather, versus some of the faux leather other manufacturers try to fool you with?).

–Panoramic moon roof.

–Heated front seats and four-way power lumbar.

–Pop-up display on the dashboard.

–Accessing the menu either on the center console or on the steering wheel.

–Ample room for my golf cart bag in the trunk (which my last car couldn’t accommodate and is truly important for my lifestyle).

–And last but not least – when I open the doors, the iconic four rings appear lit-up on the ground…giving some bragging rights in the valet lines.

And now that I am a guest of Audi Fletcher Jones, I will receive these complimentary amenities that sets this visionary company apart:

–Audi Fletcher Jones service amenities.

–Complimentary Audi courtesy vehicles with a scheduled reservation.

–Complimentary car washes.

–Genuine Audi OEM parts, among others.

When I contacted the dealership looking for help, General Manager Brandon Hale said, “I have the perfect person in mind for you – Robert Randall, one of our Sales Team Leaders.”

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Photo by Tom Johnson

Audi Fletcher Jones Sales Team Leader Robert Randall explaining my car features on the rooftop garage

All the “bells and whistles” and customized features are great…and it will take me awhile to learn how to confidently take advantage of them, but what is most memorable for me is the personalized care I received from Robert, who took more than four hours with me, explaining all the features, amenities and finance options the first time I visited the dealership. And most importantly, I didn’t feel rushed or pressured.

When I returned on Tuesday of this week to pick up the car, time again was spent with me in the showroom and in my car, as Robert went over each and every feature, patiently explaining the nuances. He even checked back with me yesterday, encouraging me to seek him out as many times as needed with questions that might come up.

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Photo by Lana Johnson

(L-R) Robert Randle with Audi Fletcher Jones General Manager Brandon Hale 

A very special thank you to Asia Jones (Ted’s wife) who connected me with the general manager. My A3, delivering the smoothest ride I have ever experienced, is true bliss.

If you’re in the market for a new car, and you want to be treated right, tell them Stu News sent you.

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Courtesy of Audi Fletcher Jones

The Audi Fletcher Jones facility lights up the night, with its service bay on the ground level and the showroom on the second story

Foley wins 2nd District Supervisor seat in Special Election

Costa Mesa Mayor Katrina Foley won the Special Election Tuesday, March 9 to win the Orange County Board of Supervisors 2nd District seat vacated in January by Michelle Steel.

Foley handily defeated four other challengers that included former State Senator John Moorlach, Newport Beach Mayor Pro Tem Kevin Muldoon, Fountain Valley Mayor Michael Vo and Corona del Mar attorney Janet Rappaport.

“The race has been called, and I am beyond humbled by the confidence voters have placed in me to serve as their Orange County Supervisor in District 2,” said Foley.

Courtesy of Foley for Supervisor

Newly elected Supervisor Katrina Foley

“I am forever grateful for all of you who answered my calls and pitched in time, talent and treasure to power our campaign,” said Foley. “Together, we broke fundraising records with thousands of small-dollar donations and engaged voters in what will be the highest special election turnout for an OC Supervisor’s Special Election.”

Race tallies show Foley with 45,693 votes, or 43.72 percent; Moorlach had 32,856 or 31.44 percent; Muldoon ended with 11,998 or 11.48 percent; Vo had 9,433 or 9.03 percent, with Rappaport getting 4,538 or 4.34 percent.

Speculation that three Republicans in the race would hurt their party’s overall chances proved correct, as Moorlach, Muldoon and Vo combined for almost 52 percent of the overall vote but ended with no seat to show for it.

Voter turnout showed 26.5 percent, with 104,820 ballots cast.

Steel, meanwhile, left her Supervisor’s role after winning a November election against incumbent Harley Rouda to take the U.S. House of Representatives 48th District seat.

Dine Newport presents restaurateur profiles in “Local Tastemakers”

Dine Newport Beach is sharing a collection of intimate interviews called “Local Tastemakers” which explores Newport Beach’s flavor and flair through the eyes of the city’s most captivating chefs and restaurateurs during a time that has heavily impacted the restaurant and hospitality communities.

Get to know these familiar chefs and the secrets to the dishes that make them local favorites.

“Local Tastemakers” is part of Dine Newport Beach’s Anchor Newport Beach social campaign that promotes Newport Beach’s dining community through free creative content marketing programming including promotions on social media, weekly consumer newsletters, blogs, the Visit Newport Beach website and more. Go here to access the Instagram link.

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Photos courtesy of Visit Newport Beach

Muldoon Irish Pub’s General Manager Mary Murphy

This week, Meet Mary Murphy, general manager of Muldoon’s Irish Pub through a Q&A.

Muldoon’s Irish Pub has been a Newport Beach staple since the establishment opened in 1974, and Mary Murphy is a familiar face to many locals who call this place their local watering hole. Originally born and raised in Cork, Ireland, Murphy pursued her interests in hospitality early on and landed in the United States. After answering an advertisement in the Orange County Register, she started at Muldoon’s as a hostess and has worked hard over the years to earn the title of general manager.

Murphy is happy to call many patrons her friends and loves watching generations of guests come visit throughout the years. Many miles away from Ireland, Newport Beach has become a home away from home to her and the members of Muldoon’s a second family. On her days off, she enjoys walking her dog around the scenic Back Bay and along the Newport Beach boardwalk. When asked about the best thing about Newport Beach, spoken like a true local, she answered: “The weather.”

Q: What is the best part of your job?

A: We love to see generations of families come visit. I enjoy seeing familiar faces come in from when they were toddlers and now, they are all grown up and ordering pints!

Q: What is the most popular thing on the menu, and what is your favorite?

A: My favorite thing on the menu is the Grilled Atlantic Salmon, served with homemade mashed potatoes or roasties and seasonal fresh veggies. Our Corned Beef and Cabbage, Irish Stew, Shepherd’s Pie, Fish and Chips are all fan favorites.

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Corned beef and cabbage, a customer favorite, is served with peas, carrots, mash and warm Dijon sauce

Q: Taking you back to March 2020, tell us what the first month of the pandemic was like for your restaurant?

A: All of us at Muldoon’s were so disappointed we didn’t get to throw our Annual St. Patrick’s Day festivities last year. Due to the pandemic, we had to close our doors temporarily on March 16, 2020. We’re hoping to make up for it this year in a safe and smaller way on our outdoor patio. I haven’t missed a St. Patrick’s Day celebration at the restaurant since I became part of the Muldoon’s family. Our outdoor patio becomes a sea of green every year and it’s wonderful to see people commemorate their Irish Heritage with us.

Q: What is your ultimate hope for 2021?

A: I hope this year people are able to socialize joyously again. When you step into Muldoon’s, you really feel like you are taken away on a faraway journey to Ireland. The pub is an important part of Irish culture – we get together to tell a story, sing a song and drink a pint or two. Also, I’m hoping to go back to Ireland this year to see family. It’ll be the perfect opportunity to tune up my accent! Sláinte!*

*Sláinte translates to “health” in Irish and Scottish Gaelic. It is commonly used as a drinking toast in Ireland, Scotland and the Isle of Man.

It’s great that Disneyland is now opening, but governor, there’s still more work to do

By GARY SHERWIN

With the last week’s long overdue news that Disneyland will finally be opening up later this month after a year of closure (‘bout time Governor Newsom!), it’s another positive sign that visitors and their all-important dollars will be packing their bags to hit the road again.

It’s particularly heartening for the City of Anaheim which has been ground zero for tourism devastation in the United States. Between the park closure and the comatose Anaheim Convention Center, their hotels, with nearly 60,000 rooms, were largely empty over the last year. 

Hotel health is often measured in RevPar, or revenue per available room. Recently, the city hit a shockingly low RevPar of $19.57. Normally that number would be in somewhere in the hundreds of dollars. That also means a huge budget deficit for the city which depends on Disney to pay nearly half their bills.

Be thankful you’re not a councilperson in that city. They are already having some very unpleasant conversations in council chambers.

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Courtesy of Visit Newport Beach

Gary Sherwin

Disneyland will initially be limited to 15 percent capacity but that’s just fine with the park since they need to ramp up operations and rehire the 10,000 cast members that were laid off or furloughed. This gives them a nice glidepath to a fuller reopening later this summer.

While Anaheim is a posterchild for pandemic economic collapse, it is also representative of the recovery that is starting to take place nationally.

Thankfully, Newport Beach has largely avoided this mess since the city receives a large share of its revenue from a more stable source, property taxes. And with a surprisingly hot real estate market, that revenue source will continue to grow and offset losses in other areas like hotel transient occupancy taxes.

So, while COVID-19 case numbers are down dramatically and vaccine distribution is up, tourism recovery nationally still has a very long way to go.

In January, travel spending was $55.4 billion which is down 40 percent compared to January 2020, just before the pandemic hit, according to the U.S. Travel Association. Air travel is still 62 percent down over this same period from last year and has shown no improvement since October.

U.S. Travel also said that hotel bookings are down 60 percent through April 2021 and hospitality-related employment is down 39 percent, the largest industry segment to be affected by the pandemic.

And while the governor gave the green light to Disneyland, we are still awaiting guidelines on how to reopen convention centers, and hold small meetings and conferences that are a critical source of revenue to Newport Beach hotels. Newsom’s stubborn refusal to address this issue is costing businesses more than $4 billion a month (yes, a month!). It’s truly irresponsible decision-making.

That’s the bad news. On the positive side, there is true sustained optimism going forward. Americans are reporting record high excitement to travel in the near term with 56 percent ready to visit now and 54 percent of them when they perceive traveling as safe again.

More than half of Americans have already started planning a future vacation this summer as they regain confidence in visiting new places.

The other hugely important statistic comes from the Global Business Travel Association that said that 79 percent of their members and stakeholders report being comfortable traveling again for business travel after their vaccinations. And get this: 25 percent of companies plan to resume trips in the next three months which is up from 16 percent in January.

Economists have been on overdrive trying to predict what kind of recovery we have in store this year. With the $1.9 trillion COVID relief package now approved, a large infusion of cash is being injected into the system which will give the recovery flight. Couple that with record high personal savings among Americans and the economy is juiced for a huge rebound this summer.

Recall that It was one year ago this week that the country went into lockdown and Newport Beach saw its hotels witness a horrifying erosion of group meetings that occurred within a matter of days. The city saw a historic drop of occupancy in less than a month that has persisted all year.

Disneyland’s reopening is symbolic and tangible evidence that we are nearing the end of this economic nightmare. But to really get back to normal, we need the governor to greenlight the meetings industry again. California is now the only state in the nation without such guidelines and that has allowed places like Texas and Florida to capture business that should be ours.

So, thanks governor for allowing Disneyland to reopen. But you’ve got more work to do.

Gary Sherwin is President & CEO of Visit Newport Beach and Newport Beach & Company.

NB Chamber of Commerce to host “Business Connections: Virtual Networking” via Zoom

Although most people are working remotely, that doesn’t mean they still can’t get together. Join the Newport Beach Chamber of Commerce’s virtual networking event via Zoom meeting on Wednesday, March 17. This free event is your chance to stay in touch with one another while still practicing social distancing.

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Courtesy of Newport Beach Chamber of Commerce

There will also be plenty of time in breakout rooms to network.

Make your reservation, which is required, and you will receive an email with information on how to join the meeting. Go here to register.

NBPLF to feature Medicine in Our Backyard

The Newport Beach Public Library Foundation (NBPLF) in collaboration with UCI Health, will feature “Medicine in Our Backyard” with Rami Khayat, M.D., Sleep Medicine, Pulmonary Disease Specialist, on Monday, March 22 at 4 pm.

This webinar series presents an extraordinary group of renowned doctors and researchers on a wide range of topics from COVID-19 updates to integrative therapies for joint pains to weight management. The UCI doctors present the latest studies and newest technologies in an engaging public forum. 

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Courtesy of NBPLF

Dr. Rami Khayat, UCI Health

Dr. Khayat will address, “Sleep in the Time of COVID.” COVID-19 has affected our sleep patterns – and the sleep problems and disorders that may develop can impact our ability to fight off infection. Disturbed sleep also affects our ability to develop immunity to vaccinations. What can we do to offset the effects from lack of sleep? Dr. Khayat will explain the signs and symptoms of sleep disorders and discuss recommended treatments.

Register for the free Zoom webinar here.

On the Harbor: Looking for some calm like our harbor waters

By LEN BOSE

Nine days before the start of this year’s Newport Harbor Yacht Club’s Cabo San Lucas Race…and my phone is blowing up. Of course, I just went into contract on my premier listing which is how it always works out when one has scheduled an offshore race.

My skipper on the Santa Cruz 50 Horizon has severe ADD and he is best known for winning most, if not all, of the Mexico races for the last 30 years. By 7 a.m., all the boat’s electronics had crashed, the running lights needed replacing and he was looking for a person with a hookah that could replace our zincs and wet sand our new bottom paint. At 7:30 a.m., we had to have all the sails off the boat and have them inspected and he was asking if he should take the online safety at sea course. At 7:45 a.m., I received a text with a recommendation to use Voltaren for my arthritis in my back. At 8 a.m., I was informed we needed to purchase a PPL test to look at the salinity of the water from our water maker, otherwise I could be slowly killing everyone. At 8:07 a.m., our emergency Man Overboard Module needs to be serviced; my skipper picked it up for me from service six weeks ago. At 8:10 a.m., I blocked his incoming messages and calls.

It’s 8:15 a.m. and the buyer of the big boat wants to move as quickly as possible and would like to close the deal before the end of next week. This is a good problem. I immediately contacted Reliable Documentation, and ordered the abstract of title, and arranged the trial run with the buyer and seller. Both agree that this Saturday works. At 8:30 a.m., the seller calls back and was reminded of a prior commitment and can we change the trial run to Sunday. All good, so I placed this on my desk until Sunday.

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Photo by Larry Parker

Jennifer and Len Bose racing their Harbor 20

By 8:45 a.m., I have a deal closing and I am trying to arrange a meeting time with the seller’s brother, as the seller is skiing in Tahoe. Now I am waiting for a time to exchange proceeds for the title. My 21-year-old son calls who lent his friend his car and now it has been towed. He wants to sell the car to his friend and needs the pink slip. Do I know where the pink slip is? He will be over within the hour. My wife was leaving to start her workday and asked what I needed from my car because she needs the truck today. Also, is there anything I needed from the grocery store and what sounded good for dinner tonight? My response was two bourbon snow cones and watching the America’s Cup, which was not the answer she was looking for. Not sure what she was mumbling when she walked out the door.

It’s 9 a.m. and I am still trying to put a story together for my Stu News column and just received my second friendly reminder that my column is due. Deep breath and I ask myself: What’s new around the harbor? There is the Cabo race, but I have already written about that. Last night’s Harbor Commission meeting was uneventful, yet I assume you all picked up that our Harbormaster Kurt Borsting has decided to retire after three years and the city is looking for a replacement. Towards the end of the meeting, after the Harbormaster’s report, I raised my hand at the Zoom meeting and was quickly recognized. My observation was about the amount of discarded fishing line that was showing up wrapped around props of all the boats I have been hauling out for inspection. For some reason, this has grabbed my attention and there is much more than usual in the harbor. If you think about it, fishing is an activity you can do by yourself during these COVID times. The state of California does have a recycling program and there are a couple of stations around the harbor. Most are on the Balboa Pier that probably does not help the problem with our harbor water. I have given myself the task to hunt out these recycling stations and report back to you. I did go to the state website and noticed that the fishing lines recycling stations only number three within our harbor. One is at the Balboa Bay Club docks and the other at Bayshores Marina. My gut would tell me that these are not the fishermen we should target.

During the Harbor Commission meeting, the question was brought up on the progress of our harbor having its own Marine Recycling Center. A Marine Recycling Center is for items that are difficult to dispose of such as expired marine flares, spilled transmission fluid, engine coolant, engine oil and old batteries. These items typically end up in the blue dumpster because you have to drive to your nearest dump and pay to dispose of them. It appears this task has been tabled again and our harbor continues not to have a Marine Recycling Center. 

My kid just broke down the front door and needs his pink slip now. It’s interesting how I am much more tolerant with him now that he has moved from the house and I feel lucky to see him.

Please wish me luck on my boat deal and the Cabo race. Just unblocked my skipper: My phone tells me he is stuck at the top of the mast.

Sea ya.

~~~~~~~~

Len Bose is a yachting enthusiast, yacht broker and harbor columnist for Stu News Newport.

Remembering NBPD officer Bob Henry, 26 years after being killed in the line of duty

Courtesy of NBPD

NBPD Officer Bob Henry

On March 12, 1995 at 4:08 a.m., Bob Henry, a Newport Beach Police officer was shot in the line of duty while checking on a drunk and despondent suspect at 16th Street and Dover Drive, near the area that is now known as Bob Henry Park.

Officer Henry came across the suspect who identified himself with a military ID card. The suspect, Carlos Caicedo, 24, of Garden Grove, then opened fire with a handgun he apparently had concealed underneath his shirt, striking Henry.

When Newport Beach Police arrived following a call for “shots fired,” they found Officer Henry underneath the body of Caicedo. Caicedo, who suffered from four gunshot wounds from both his and Henry’s guns, died shortly thereafter.

The suspect had a blood-alcohol level of 0.16, and left a note asking for forgiveness and expressing sadness for the breakup of his marriage and the loss of contact with his son.

Officer Henry remained in a coma before succumbing to his wounds one month later on April 13, 1995 at the age of 30.

More than 2,000 people attended a funeral for Henry that took place at Arrowhead Pond.

He had proudly served the NBPD agency for five years and was survived by his wife, son and two daughters.

Split council approves wine tasting rooms in West Newport Mesa neighborhood

By SARA HALL

With a few members on the fence during the discussion, a split Newport Beach City Council ultimately approved wine tasting rooms in an industrial zoning district in the West Newport Mesa neighborhood.

On Tuesday, March 9, Council voted 4-3, with Mayor Brad Avery, and members Diane Dixon and Marshall “Duffy” Duffield dissenting.

Mayor Pro Tem Kevin Muldoon was the strongest voice of support on the dais.

“That area is going to be changing,” he said, “and I don’t understand why that change necessarily has to happen in a certain way. I think change can happen in different ways.”

The zoning code amendment will allow wine tasting rooms, subject to the approval of a conditional use permit, in the industrial zone district. The district is in the southwest portion of the city, near Placentia Avenue and 16th Street, along the Costa Mesa border.

When the item was on the agenda in August, some council members were concerned regarding the potential proliferation of wine tasting rooms in the area and directed staff to add in an additional 500-foot separation between wine tasting rooms and develop public benefit findings to address concerns related to potential “spot zoning.” They also asked staff to conduct more public outreach. The ordinance also includes requirements for parking and a 500-foot separation from schools.

This is not the first time NB City Council has considered an alcohol tasting room ordinance for the area.

It’s déjà vu, said Councilmember Diane Dixon.

In May 2018, a slightly different council lineup unanimously denied a similar amendment to the zoning code. At the time, several members thought the amendment could set an inappropriate precedent and open the door to allowing more bars in the area. There was also concern that the hours of operation were too extensive and it was too close to schools. Some of the same concerns were raised Tuesday with the recent amendment.

While the item was about wine tasting rooms in general, one specific business was at the center of the discussion: Orange Coast Winery (OCW), owned by husband and wife, Peter and Sheri Swanson. 

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Courtesy of City of Newport Beach

Orange Coast Winery at 869 W. 16th Street

About a dozen people spoke on Tuesday during public comment, most in favor of the ordinance and supporters of Orange Coast Winery. Several were local business owners or residents in the neighborhood. They noted that OCW is a fun, safe and quiet business. It’s not a bar or bar-like at all, they emphasized. They liked the idea of having this type of facility in their own backyard.

Representing Orange Coast Winery, local attorney Phil Greer responded to some of the key concerns. It’s not a bar and no food or entertainment are allowed, Greer emphasized. The Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control Type 2 license allows them to offer only one brand of wine from one vineyard.

“(Findings indicate that) there are public benefits to having a facility like this over there,” Greer said.

Although not everyone was a fan of the idea.

Rezoning the entire district to accommodate one business that is currently out of compliance does not make sense, said Ian Elliot of Elliott/Pattison Sailmakers, a neighboring business on Production Place.

“Why would the city spend so much time and effort for the benefit of this one business?” Elliot questioned. “You don’t need to rezone our area to fix their problem.”

There was a lot of talk about changing the zoning of the district through the General Plan update currently underway. This is the appropriate process, several agreed. Although city staff noted that the land use element would take at least a year or two to get through.

This area of the city is ready to welcome change in the general plan designation, but it should be integrated holistically into the land use element update, Dixon said.

“I support that. Let’s bring in a whole new concept of mixed-use, industrial, quasi-residential,” if that’s what people want after the public vetting process, she said. But “why are we doing this? Picking this apart for one business?”

“I agree with what everyone said, it’s a lovely place, it’s a nice place, but it is not permitted,” Dixon said.

In 2011, OCW entered the property as a manufacturer of wine on-site, which the zoning allowed. They no longer manufacture the wine on-site, which is in conflict with the city’s zoning code (the fact that the state’s ABC Type 2 license allows production off-site is irrelevant to the city code).

The previous owner expanded to the second adjoining bay in 2015.

“I think you have to be very clear about who did what,” Greer said.

In 2018, OCW approached city staff because they wanted to expand into a third bay. While reviewing the plans, staff identified the use and recognized that it was in conflict with the zoning.

Peter Swanson started as general manager in 2017 and purchased the building in 2019. After buying the business, Swanson started talking to the city, and planning and fire departments about how to comply with current ordinances, Greer said.

In 2019, city staff started code enforcement, which included noticing and citations. Since then, because council initiated the prospective zoning change and considering the impact of COVID-19, staff suspended any citations.

Staff could issue a limited, short-term, temporary permit to allow the business to continue, but Orange Coast Winery is also not in compliance with fire safety code since expanding to the second bay. In order to bring it up to code for fire safety, they need to add fire sprinklers. But without commitment from the city that the zoning would be changed to allow the business (considering that without it the company may have to move), OCW doesn’t want to invest the money into new fire sprinklers. And the limited permit would not last long enough for the general plan land use element to complete its update.

If they didn’t expand, which would reduce the occupant capacity, they could possibly be compliant with the fire code without adding any fire sprinklers, Community Development Director Seimone Jurjis said. They would still need to submit plans and apply for a conditional use permit, but they could possibly operate in that smaller space.

Muldoon said one of the best things that government can do is help a business survive. He’s gotten to know the owners and has been to the establishment, which he called “incredibly tame.” He’d much rather go through this process to save a business, than have the process cause a business to no longer exist, Muldoon added.

“I don’t believe the rigid thinking that if it doesn’t fit in this box it can’t be done,” Muldoon said.

Other councilmembers were on the fence on the issue.

“I think all of us up here would like to find a way where we could do both simultaneously but there’s just no way to do that,” Avery said. “Where do we draw a line here?”

Upcoming events at Seaside Gallery & Goods

Seaside Gallery & Goods is offering a variety of classes and workshops throughout March and April. Here’s some happenings to spur on your creative talents and energy.

Photos courtesy of Seaside Gallery & Goods

Whether you are a novice or advanced ukulele player, come make some music and new friends

–Learn to Play, Ukulele!: Saturday, March 13 from 10-11 a.m. Cost: $20 per class (First class is free with the purchase of a ukulele). Bring a friend or make a friend through music. Take advantage of one-on-one coaching and learn one new song each month. For those who are more advanced, they will cover music theory, note reading and scales. Taught by husband and wife team Kim and Pat O’Brien; Kim is a classically trained musician and Pat is a campfire musician. Pat will cover the basics and Kim will be there to answer questions and discuss theory. Reservations must be made 48 hours in advance. Cancellation is 48 hours prior and may be changed or canceled due to weather. Social distancing and mask wearing is required, and temperature will be taken at time of check-in.

Create two soy wax candles and learn how to make an embedded shamrock or butterfly motif

–Spring/Shamrock Embedded Candle Workshop: Sunday, March 14 from 10 a.m.-12 p.m. Cost: $55. Join this fun and interactive soy wax candle making workshop with Michelle Bendetti of Bramble & Co Candles with a special Spring/Shamrock theme. Price includes everything you need to make two soy wax candles in your choice of her popular Nordic white vessels or tumbler containers. And for this class only – learn to do an embedded shamrock or butterfly candle. Bendetti will introduce you to special fragrances created just for this class. Instruction takes place in the Pelican Courtyard. You will learn all about different waxes, wick sizes, pouring temperature and candle curing. COVID restrictions will be followed. Cancellation is 48 hours prior. 

Design a unique teatime floral arrangement, complete with teapot, teacup and saucer with a botanical tea sampler

–Teatime Floral Arranging: Friday, March 19 from 10 a.m.-12 p.m. Cost: $65. Join instructor Dawn Mones of Sunrise Blooms as she teaches you how to arrange pastel Spring blooms for your next tea party. Every participant receives a bucket of flowers, a fully functional teapot and teacup with saucer, and a sampler of botanical teas to take home. This class will give you tips on how to design your color palette, choose the right types of flowers, and how to arrange flowers in a naturalistic, organic way. Maximum 12 people. Reservations must be made 48 hours in advance. Cancellation is 48 hours prior and may be changed or canceled due to weather. Social distancing and mask wearing is required, and 

temperature will be taken at time of check-in.

Click on photo for a larger image

Create an artistic and appetizing cheese and charcuterie board

–The Art of Charcuterie: Friday, March 19 from 3-4:30 p.m. Cost: $65. Learn to create a dazzling cheese and charcuterie board for your friends and family with the help of instructor Emmy Rener. During this workshop, you will learn the technique of laying out your provisions in an artistic form, the necessary items every cheeseboard must have and how to incorporate little details making your masterpiece come alive. Rener will lead a demo first, showing you how to create this and then you will get to craft your very own board and take it home with you. They provide all the materials (including creative juices: wine) and all they ask is that you bring your artistic taste and curating hands. Minimum 5; maximum 15 people. Reservations must be made 48 hours in advance. Cancellation is 48 hours prior and may be changed or canceled due to weather. Social distancing and mask wearing is required, and temperature will be taken at time of check-in.

Click on photo for a larger image

Explore the art of hand block printing using traditional techniques (photo from a previous workshop)

–Spring Block Printing: Saturday, March 27 from 1:45-4 p.m. Cost: $65. Join this fun and immersive block-printing workshop with Elizabeth James of Pacific & Rose Textiles. Explore the art of hand block printing using traditional techniques. She’ll show you step by step her Jaipur printing unit and India travels. You’ll be working with a Spring color palette of freshly mixed inks printing two large flour sack tea towels or scarves. Don’t worry, no prior experience is needed. Nibbles & beverages will be served. Vintage woodblocks are available for purchased. Instruction takes place in the Pelican Courtyard. Minimum 6; maximum 16 people. Reservations must be made 48 hours in advance. Cancellation is 48 hours prior and may be changed or canceled due to weather. Social distancing and mask wearing is required, and temperature will be taken at time of check-in.

Click on photo for a larger image

Design an attractive Easter brunch floral centerpiece with luxury blooms

–Spring Floral Centerpiece: Friday, April 2 or Saturday, April 3 from 10 a.m.-12 p.m. Cost: $65. Join instructor Dawn Mones of Sunrise Blooms who will teach you how to make a lovely centerpiece with fresh Spring flowers that would be perfect for an Easter brunch. Each participant receives a bucket of blooms, a compote vase and a worksheet to take home. You will be arranging with luxury blooms like garden roses, Dutch tulips and sweet peas. Maximum 12 people. Reservations must be made 48 hours in advance. Cancellation is 48 hours prior and may be changed or canceled due to weather. Social distancing and mask wearing is required, and temperature will be taken at time of check-in.

Register for these classes and workshops at the website at www.seasidegalleryandgoods.com.

Seaside Gallery & Goods is located at 124 Tustin Ave., #100, Newport Beach.

Local author releases new companion guided journal for parents, children to share

SoCal-based author and attorney M.C. Sungaila, a Newport Beach resident, has announced the release of an all-new companion journal that will accompany her successful book series, Mother’s Thoughts for Day: Twenty-Five Years of Wisdom^®️. The series, which compiles decades of her own mother’s wisdom delivered daily by handwritten letter and later by text message, was written to strengthen family bonds and inspire readers – particularly women and girls – to achieve their dreams. The newest addition to the inspirational book series gives readers an opportunity to share their own advice with their children in a keepsake volume. 

The author’s newest guided journal, Mothers Thoughts for the Day: Create Your Own Collection of Loving Wisdom^® is now available for presale.

Click on photo for a larger image

Submitted photos

Social writer M.C. Sungaila

The first book in the series, Mother’s Thoughts for the Day^®, an IPPY Silver Medal winner in the gift book category, shares more than 25 years of inspiring and motivating quotes and motherly advice sent by her mother every day from the outset of Sungaila’s legal career. “The letters came to my office by ‘snail mail’ for many years. Alongside business mail, each day, there would be a letter on stationery with ‘Mother’s Thoughts for the Day’ emblazoned across the top and a positive quote or inspiring observation,” said Sungaila.

Those letters made a difference for her in remaining resilient on tough days and succeeding in her career, and she thought others would benefit from the advice too. 

“My mother has a very strong instinct about the exact words each person needs to hear at any particular moment in their life to help elevate and inspire them,” said Sungaila, a Chambers-ranked Orange County-based appellate lawyer and firmwide chair of Buchalter’s appellate practice group who has been named one of California’s Top 100 Women Lawyers by the Daily Journal for more than a decade. “I recognized the impact her words had on my life and thought perhaps someone else may need to hear the exact words that inspired me, which is where the idea for creating this series came from,” Sungaila shared.

In 2020, the second book of the series, More Mother’s Thoughts for the Day^®, was released, which expands on the beautiful demonstration of a mother-daughter relationship and provides more support and motivation for others to achieve their dreams. Merchandise featuring fan-favorite quotes from the books – mugs, totes, posters, pillows, and T-shirts – launched earlier this year. 

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M.C. Sungaila’s newest book in the series

Each book has benefitted a local charity. A portion of the sales of the first book supported the Pacific Symphony’s arts education program, which provides people of all ages and circumstances with lifelong musical experiences and opportunities. Sungaila serves on the Pacific Symphony board of directors’ executive committee. Both books have benefitted Sir Bruno Serato’s Caterina’s Club, a nonprofit organization that provides warm meals, affordable housing assistance and job training to homeless and low-income families throughout Southern California. 

For more information, visit www.mothersthoughtsfortheday.com.

Chamber’s Government Affairs committee to feature City Manager Grace Leung on March 18

Newport Beach City Manager Grace Leung will be the featured guest at the Newport Beach Chamber of Commerce’s March Government Affairs Committee meeting, scheduled virtually for Thursday, March 18 from 8-9:15 a.m.

The Government Affairs Committee highlights local political and legislative issues impacting business and the community as a whole. It regularly features a guest speaker with an interactive format allowing for a Q&A.

To register for the meeting go here.

Leung will offer updates on upcoming plans and budget items for the city, discuss homelessness issues and more.

Click on photo for a larger image

Courtesy of City of Newport Beach

Grace Leung

Leung became city manager of Newport Beach in September 2018 and is responsible for the city’s day-to-day operations, directing a staff of some 730 full-time and 450 part-time employees, while overseeing 11 departments and managing an annual operating budget of nearly $210 million.

She began her career in Long Beach, before moving on and spending 18 years in Sunnyvale specializing in municipal finance, budgeting and administration. While there, she developed their city’s performance-based budget and its 20-year financial plan and served as finance director for six years.

Following Sunnyvale, she moved onto Irvine serving as its administrative services director, but was soon promoted to assistant city manager and finally to acting city manager. She oversaw the city’s operations and led its Administrative Services, Community Services, Community Development, Transportation and Public Works departments.

Leung holds a bachelor’s degree from Columbia University in Urban Studies and a master’s degree in Public Policy from the Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University. She is a member of the International City Managers’ Association.

She and her husband, Jim, have two children, Skylar and Miles. Her hobbies include supporting her children in their activities, volunteering with Skylar through National Charity League, and outrigger canoeing in Newport Harbor.

COVID-19: 139 new cases and 33 new deaths reported in OC, 7 new cases and 1 new death in Newport Beach

Sadly, OC Health Care Agency reports that 4,379 people have died due to COVID-19 in Orange County, including 33 new deaths reported today (March 11). There have been 70 deaths of Newport Beach residents to date, including one new death reported today.

The county reported 139 new cases of COVID-19 in OC today. There have been 248,217 cumulative cases to date.

The percentage of adult ICU beds currently available in OC is 33.1 percent. 68 percent of ventilators are currently available countywide.

The county reports that 252 individuals are currently hospitalized with COVID-19 (-25 since yesterday’s report – includes ICU); 67 are in ICU (-6 since yesterday’s report).

The county reports that there have been 3,645 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Newport Beach to date, including seven new cases reported today and 28 new cases reported since last Thursday’s report.

The county estimates 238,305 “recovered cases” according to its data criteria.

For questions about the data presented by the county, call (714) 834-2000 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

To view the data dashboard, click here.

COVID-19 numbers are updated daily by Stu News Newport and reported on our social media pages @StuNewsNewport.

Click on photos for larger images

Courtesy of OC Health Care Agency

Orange County COVID-19 case data posted on March 11, as reported by the county; click here to visit page that is updated daily

COVID-19: 56 new cases and 33 new deaths reported in OC, 2 new cases in Newport Beach

Sadly, OC Health Care Agency reports that 4,346 people have died due to COVID-19 in Orange County, including 33 new deaths reported today (March 10). There have been 69 deaths of Newport Beach residents to date.

The county reported 56 new cases of COVID-19 in OC today. There have been 248,078 cumulative cases to date.

The percentage of adult ICU beds currently available in OC is 32.8 percent. 68 percent of ventilators are currently available countywide.

The county reports that 277 individuals are currently hospitalized with COVID-19 (-6 since yesterday’s report – includes ICU); 73 are in ICU (-4 since yesterday’s report).

The county reports that there have been 3,638 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Newport Beach to date, including two new cases reported today and 24 new cases reported since last Wednesday’s report.

The county estimates 237,859 “recovered cases” according to its data criteria.

For questions about the data presented by the county, call (714) 834-2000 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

To view the data dashboard, click here.

COVID-19 numbers are updated daily by Stu News Newport and reported on our social media pages @StuNewsNewport.

Click on photos for larger images

Courtesy of OC Health Care Agency

Orange County COVID-19 case data posted on March 10, as reported by the county; click here to visit page that is updated daily

Foley appears to win Supervisor seat in Special Election

With the polls closed and 100 percent of the precincts reporting, Democrat Katrina Foley, currently the Mayor of Costa Mesa, appears headed for the win in the Special Election race for the Orange County 2nd Supervisorial District seat. Foley has 42,347 votes or 44.28 percent, easily out-distancing former State Senator John Moorlach, a Republican, who trails with 29,628 votes or 30.98 percent.

Other candidates include Newport Beach Mayor Pro Tem Kevin Muldoon, also a Republican, with just 10,745 votes or 11.24 percent and Fountain Valley Mayor Michael Vo with 8,639 votes or 9.03 percent. Trailing the pack is Corona del Mar attorney Janet Rappaport who has 4,266 or 4.46 percent.

Speculation that three Republicans in the race would hurt their party’s overall chances are proving correct, as Moorlach, Muldoon and Vo have combined for over 51 percent of the overall vote.

The results point to a Foley win.

Reports show a low turnout of just 23.4 percent of registered voters.

The Special Election resulted when Michelle Steel won a seat in the U.S. House of Representatives in November and then vacated her Supervisor seat in early January.

BREAKING NEWS:

Battery suspects identified

On Saturday, March 6 at 10:11 p.m., the Newport Beach Police Department (NBPD) dispatch center received a call for a physical fight in the area of Balboa Blvd. East and Main Street. Officers responded to the area and subsequently found one male adult with serious injuries. He was transported to the hospital in stable condition. The juvenile male suspects fled the area prior to officers arriving on scene. 

Through the involvement of media, local citizens and detective follow-up, all parties involved in this incident have been identified. The NBPD would like to thank everyone that provided information to detectives about this incident. The investigation is still open and ongoing. Due to this incident involving juveniles, the NBPD is unable to provide further details regarding this investigation. 

Anyone who has additional information on this case is encouraged to contact Detective Gamble at 949.644.3771 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Foley appears to win Supervisor seat in Special Election

With the polls closed and 100 percent of the precincts reporting, Democrat Katrina Foley, currently the Mayor of Costa Mesa, appears headed for the win in the Special Election race for the Orange County 2nd Supervisorial District seat. Foley has 41,582 votes or 45.12 percent, easily out-distancing former State Senator John Moorlach, a Republican, who trails with 27,971 votes or 30.35 percent.

Other candidates include Newport Beach Mayor Pro Tem Kevin Muldoon, also a Republican, with just 10,139 votes or 11 percent and Fountain Valley Mayor Michael Vo with 8,255 votes or 8.96 percent. Trailing the pack is Corona del Mar attorney Janet Rappaport who has 4,210 or 4.57 percent.

Speculation that three Republicans in the race would hurt their party’s overall chances are proving correct, as Moorlach, Muldoon and Vo have combined for more than 50 percent of the overall vote.

The results point to a Foley win.

Reports show a low turnout of just 23.4 percent of registered voters.

The Special Election resulted when Michelle Steel won a seat in the U.S. House of Representatives in November and then vacated her Supervisor seat in early January.

COVID-19: 108 new cases and 61 new deaths reported in OC, 3 new cases in Newport Beach

Sadly, OC Health Care Agency reports that 4,313 people have died due to COVID-19 in Orange County, including 61 new deaths reported today (March 9). There have been 69 deaths of Newport Beach residents to date.

The county reported 108 new cases of COVID-19 in OC today. There have been 248,022 cumulative cases to date.

The percentage of adult ICU beds currently available in OC is 34.7 percent. 68 percent of ventilators are currently available countywide.

The county reports that 283 individuals are currently hospitalized with COVID-19 (-5 since yesterday’s report – includes ICU); 77 are in ICU (-7 since yesterday’s report).

The county reports that there have been 3,636 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Newport Beach to date, including three new cases reported today and 27 new cases reported since last Tuesday’s report.

The county estimates 237,416 “recovered cases” according to its data criteria.

For questions about the data presented by the county, call (714) 834-2000 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

To view the data dashboard, click here.

COVID-19 numbers are updated daily by Stu News Newport and reported on our social media pages @StuNewsNewport.

Click on photos for larger images

Courtesy of OC Health Care Agency

Orange County COVID-19 case data posted on March 9, as reported by the county; click here to visit page that is updated daily

“Newport Beach in the Rearview Mirror” on the Buffalo Ranch by podcaster Bill Lobdell

Bill Lobdell, former Daily Pilot editor and Los Angeles Times journalist, has launched a podcast called “Newport Beach in the Rearview Mirror,” which looks at historical events and people – famous and forgotten – that shaped Newport Beach. You can listen and subscribe to the podcast at http://newportbeach-podcast.com. You can also follow “Newport Beach in the Rearview Mirror” on Instagram (@newport_in_the_rearview_mirror) and Facebook (@NewportInTheRearviewMirror). 

In his most recent podcast, Lobdell revisits Newport Beach’s quirky, beloved, doomed-from-the-start and (by today’s standards) wildly politically incorrect Newport Harbor Buffalo Ranch.

Courtesy of Bill Lobdell

Bill Lobdell with the Buffalo Hills Park sign located in the Port Streets

The “Where the Buffalo Roamed in Newport Beach” episode reveals, among other things:

–Why the short-lived tourist attraction never had a chance.

–The little-known fact that the Buffalo Ranch’s biggest draw (besides the bison) turned out to be a fraud.

–The political incorrectness that simply made the Buffalo Ranch an operation of its time.

–The cost of a buffalo burger and where the meat came from.

–The places in Newport-Mesa you can find remnants of, or tributes to, the Buffalo Ranch.

Historical photos, courtesy of OC Archives

When the buffalo used to roam Newport Beach

The episode’s highlight may be the interview with author and local historian Duncan Forgey, who fondly recounts attending a birthday party at the Buffalo Ranch as a 9-year-old boy. 

The Buffalo Ranch 

The Buffalo Ranch menu…look what $1 would buy you

Editor’s Note: Stay tuned for connecting to Bill Lobdell’s future podcasts in Stu News.

COVID-19: 163 new cases and 26 new deaths reported in OC, 3 new cases and 1 new death in Newport Beach

Sadly, OC Health Care Agency reports that 4,252 people have died due to COVID-19 in Orange County, including 26 new deaths reported yesterday (March 8). There have been 69 deaths of Newport Beach residents to date, including one new death reported yesterday.

The county reported 163 new cases of COVID-19 in OC yesterday. There have been 247,914 cumulative cases to date.

The percentage of adult ICU beds currently available in OC is 33.9 percent. 68 percent of ventilators are currently available countywide.

The county reports that 288 individuals are currently hospitalized with COVID-19 (-8 since Sunday’s report – includes ICU); 84 are in ICU (-5 since Sunday’s report).

The county reports that there have been 3,633 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Newport Beach to date, including three new cases reported yesterday and 26 new cases reported since last Monday’s report.

The county estimates 236,960 “recovered cases” according to its data criteria.

For questions about the data presented by the county, call (714) 834-2000 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

To view the data dashboard, click here.

COVID-19 numbers are updated daily by Stu News Newport and reported on our social media pages @StuNewsNewport.

Click on photos for larger images

Courtesy of OC Health Care Agency

Orange County COVID-19 case data posted on March 8, as reported by the county; click here to visit page that is updated daily

Fair Game

By TOM JOHNSON

Republicans running against Republicans seems to clear the path for Foley in today’s supervisor race

The campaign for Orange County’s 2nd Supervisorial District race comes to a conclusion after two short months with today’s Special Election. Residents who have yet to vote can still go to the polls to have their voices heard for who they want to replace the departed Michelle Steel.

The choice is between five candidates that include former State Senator John Moorlach, Newport Beach Mayor Pro Tem Kevin Muldoon, Fountain Valley Mayor Michael Vo, Costa Mesa Mayor Katrina Foley and Corona del Mar attorney Janet Rappaport.

Here are statements or comments each taken from one of the candidate’s own personal campaign webpages:

–“These are turbulent times, and Orange County must take steps to prepare for what could be a very difficult financial picture in 2021.”

–“Champion fiscal responsibility, aid and support our small businesses and local economy, and support and increase robust public safety efforts.”

–“Opposes tax hikes, strong supporter of Prop. 13, pro law enforcement and public safety, and dedicated to working with businesses to safely reopen.”

–“Committed to bringing back civility, transparent decision-making, conservative use of tax dollars and restoring our community.”

–“Addressing the homelessness crisis and housing, equality and justice, transparency and accountability for taxpayers, and protecting our environment.”

Do any of them strike a chord for you without knowing their connection to a candidate? 

Well, the first referring to “turbulent times” is from Moorlach; the second one championing “fiscal responsibility” is from Vo; Muldoon “opposes tax hikes and Prop. 13;” while Rappaport promotes “civility and transparent decision-making;” leaving “homelessness, equality and the environment” to Foley.

Would it change your mind if you hadn’t filed your ballot? Doubtful.   

As I said, it’s been a quick campaign. Former Supervisor Steel, who won a seat as the U.S. House Representative for California’s 48th District, vacated her supervisor’s seat in the initial days of January. 

Here’s what followed, the Republican Party of Orange County did their best to jump out early and quickly endorsed Moorlach in an attempt to ward off other party challengers. The plan didn’t work. Muldoon, who has all along positioned himself for a 2022 Supervisorial run, also jumped in, as did Vo. The decisions of both ended a united front for the party.

It also split campaign fundraising paths. Recent records show that Moorlach led the three with $320,000 raised, while Muldoon gathered almost $290,000. Vo wasn’t really a factor with only $65,000 that went along with two personal loans to himself for $150,000.

Still, no matter who wins today they can’t get too comfortable in their new office because they’re going to have to run all over again for re-election in 2022.

Personal opinion is that that is why Muldoon decided to run and muck things up, virtually ruining his party’s chances to gain the office this time around. He always has pointed to 2022, so his feeling might be that this effort potentially removes Moorlach and Vo from another run, leaving in his mind the ability to focus one-on-one against Foley in 2022.

Because, when I think about it, Muldoon obviously wants to stay in politics. With his city council slot expiring in two years, where else but supervisor can he really turn to? Think about it, Dave Min is set at state senate for six years; Muldoon’s not going to replace Steel; Diane Dixon has already announced for another run against Cottie Petrie-Norris in two years for Assembly, leaving nowhere else for him to go.

Unfortunately, a clear run next time against Foley certainly isn’t guaranteed, when there’s bound to be others also waiting in the wings for their shot then.

And it’s hard to argue that Foley isn’t the hardest-working campaigner and fundraiser of the bunch, and, if she wins this time, she will certainly seem to be the favorite running for re-election.

• • •

Like many people, I’ve now had both of my COVID-19 vaccination shots. So, what does that really mean? How safe am I? What can I or can’t I do?

Well, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has just released new information and guidelines for people in a similar position.

First off, people are considered fully vaccinated two weeks after the second dose in a two-dose series, like Pfizer or Moderna, and also two weeks after single-dose vaccines, such as Johnson & Johnson’s Janssen vaccine. If it hasn’t been two weeks, or if you’ve just had one of two shots in a series, you are NOT considered fully protected.

In all cases, it doesn’t hurt to get it, and people are still encouraged to continue taking all precautions in public places such as wearing marks, staying six feet apart, washing hands regularly, and avoiding crowds and poorly ventilated spaces.

But what you can do now, if fully vaccinated, is to gather indoors with other fully vaccinated people without wearing a mask or gather indoors with a small group of unvaccinated people from one other household (an example of this is visiting relatives who all live together) also without wearing a mask. 

Can you imagine actually enjoying other people’s smiles and expressions again?

Also, if you’ve been around someone who has COVID-19, you do not need to stay away from others or get tested, unless you have symptoms.

Vaccinated or not, though, if you start feeling the symptoms of COVID-19, get tested and get under a doctor’s care.

CDPH offers guidelines for youth and recreational adult sports practices to begin

On Thursday, March 4, the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) released an update to its outdoor and indoor youth and recreational adult sports guidance which specifies the conditions under which youth and adult recreational sports may resume practice with contact and competition under the Blueprint for a Safer Economy.

The guidance has been updated to authorize any youth or adult recreational sports team, including indoor sports, to begin practice with contact and competition at any time if they adhere to the specific requirements applicable to college sports under the COVID-19 Industry Guidance for Institutions of Higher Education.

“Our top priority is supporting youth sports to safely return to play, guided by science,” said Dr. Tomás J. Aragón, CDPH director and State Public Health officer. “Our previous guidance accomplished this by allowing competition in sports with lower risk of transmission to begin sooner if conducted outdoors, which is lower risk than indoors.”

Thursday’s update specifies that teams can return to competition earlier than otherwise authorized under the previous guidance, which was issued on February 19, but only if they adhere to the stricter requirements in place for college teams. The previous guidance, which incorporated mitigation steps that can reasonably be implemented by youth and amateur teams that do not have the same resources available to them as professional and college teams, has no additional substantive changes.

As the updated guidance reflects, college teams are subject to rigorous testing requirements around each competition for contact sports, teams in all sports must have contact tracing protocols in place and coordinate with local health authorities, and all teams must develop site-specific plans for each facility the team uses, among other requirements not applicable to youth and recreational teams.

This update resolves uncertainty created by a court order issued in a lawsuit recently filed in San Diego, which created significant confusion for youth and their families and led to rushed returns to competition that put young people’s health at risk. This update also helps to ensure no one is unnecessarily distracted from the important work of supporting youth sports to safely return to play.

This update does not generally authorize indoor youth sports to resume. Rather, teams can return to competition only if they implement and adhere to the rigorous requirements in place for college teams.

Chamber’s Government Affairs committee to feature City Manager Grace Leung

Newport Beach City Manager Grace Leung will be the featured guest at the Newport Beach Chamber of Commerce’s March Government Affairs Committee meeting, scheduled virtually for Thursday, March 18 from 8-9:15 a.m.

The Government Affairs Committee highlights local political and legislative issues impacting business and the community as a whole. It regularly features a guest speaker with an interactive format allowing for a Q&A.

To register for the meeting go here.

Leung will offer updates on upcoming plans and budget items for the city, discuss homelessness issues and more.

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Courtesy of City of Newport Beach

Grace Leung

Leung became city manager of Newport Beach in September 2018 and is responsible for the city’s day-to-day operations, directing a staff of some 730 full-time and 450 part-time employees, while overseeing 11 departments and managing an annual operating budget of nearly $210 million.

She began her career in Long Beach, before moving on and spending 18 years in Sunnyvale specializing in municipal finance, budgeting and administration. While there, she developed their city’s performance-based budget and its 20-year financial plan and served as finance director for six years.

Following Sunnyvale, she moved onto Irvine serving as its administrative services director, but was soon promoted to assistant city manager and finally to acting city manager. She oversaw the city’s operations and led its Administrative Services, Community Services, Community Development, Transportation and Public Works departments.

Leung holds a bachelor’s degree from Columbia University in Urban Studies and a master’s degree in Public Policy from the Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University. She is a member of the International City Managers’ Association.

She and her husband, Jim, have two children, Skylar and Miles. Her hobbies include supporting her children in their activities, volunteering with Skylar through National Charity League, and outrigger canoeing in Newport Harbor.

Local author releases new companion guided journal for parents, children to share

SoCal-based author and attorney M.C. Sungaila, a Newport Beach resident, has announced the release of an all-new companion journal that will accompany her successful book series, Mother’s Thoughts for Day: Twenty-Five Years of Wisdom^®️. The series, which compiles decades of her own mother’s wisdom delivered daily by handwritten letter and later by text message, was written to strengthen family bonds and inspire readers – particularly women and girls – to achieve their dreams. The newest addition to the inspirational book series gives readers an opportunity to share their own advice with their children in a keepsake volume. 

The author’s newest guided journal, Mothers Thoughts for the Day: Create Your Own Collection of Loving Wisdom^® will be available for presale starting March 10. 

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Submitted photos

Social writer M.C. Sungaila

The first book in the series, Mother’s Thoughts for the Day^®, an IPPY Silver Medal winner in the gift book category, shares more than 25 years of inspiring and motivating quotes and motherly advice sent by her mother every day from the outset of Sungaila’s legal career. “The letters came to my office by ‘snail mail’ for many years. Alongside business mail, each day, there would be a letter on stationery with ‘Mother’s Thoughts for the Day’ emblazoned across the top and a positive quote or inspiring observation,” said Sungaila.

Those letters made a difference for her in remaining resilient on tough days and succeeding in her career, and she thought others would benefit from the advice too. 

“My mother has a very strong instinct about the exact words each person needs to hear at any particular moment in their life to help elevate and inspire them,” said Sungaila, a Chambers-ranked Orange County-based appellate lawyer and firmwide chair of Buchalter’s appellate practice group who has been named one of California’s Top 100 Women Lawyers by the Daily Journal for more than a decade. “I recognized the impact her words had on my life and thought perhaps someone else may need to hear the exact words that inspired me, which is where the idea for creating this series came from,” Sungaila shared.

In 2020, the second book of the series, More Mother’s Thoughts for the Day^®, was released, which expands on the beautiful demonstration of a mother-daughter relationship and provides more support and motivation for others to achieve their dreams. Merchandise featuring fan-favorite quotes from the books – mugs, totes, posters, pillows, and T-shirts – launched earlier this year. 

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M.C. Sungaila’s newest book in the series

Each book has benefitted a local charity. A portion of the sales of the first book supported the Pacific Symphony’s arts education program, which provides people of all ages and circumstances with lifelong musical experiences and opportunities. Sungaila serves on the Pacific Symphony board of directors’ executive committee. Both books have benefitted Sir Bruno Serato’s Caterina’s Club, a nonprofit organization that provides warm meals, affordable housing assistance and job training to homeless and low-income families throughout Southern California. 

For more information, visit www.mothersthoughtsfortheday.com.

Newport Beach – A Look Back

Photo series courtesy of Balboa Island Museum Newport Beach

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Prior to the construction of the Balboa Island Methodist Church on Agate Avenue, this house at 1104 South Bay Front functioned as a Methodist Church, circa 1922

Balboa Island Museum Newport Beach and the Museum Store are located at 210 B Marine Ave., Balboa Island. They are open Monday through Thursday from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. and Friday through Sunday from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Free general admission on all days. Two-hour parking is available on Marine Avenue. For more information, call 949.675.3952, visit www.balboaislandmuseum.org or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

School Notes

Overview of tonight’s Board of Education agenda

The Newport-Mesa Unified School District’s Board of Education will meet virtually this evening (March 9) for their bi-monthly board meeting.

Some of the items on the agenda that may be of general interest are:

–A report on summer program planning that includes an overview of the elementary summer program model to support student learning in English Language Arts, English Language Development and Mathematics. This is designed to promote readiness for the 2021-2022 school year, as well as programming that provides a complete school experience that addresses the social, emotional and academic needs of students.

–The board receives the California School Employees Association initial proposal for contract reopeners for negotiations commencing 2021.

–Approval of the district’s initial proposal for contract reopeners to the California School Employees Association for negotiations commencing 2021. 

–Receive Newport-Mesa Federation of Teachers’ initial proposal for successor agreement for negotiations commencing 2021.

–Approve the initial proposal for successor agreement to the Newport-Mesa Federation of Teachers for negotiations commencing 2021. 

The meeting begins at 6 p.m. and is preceded by a 2:30 p.m. Closed session.

Those wishing to attend can connect at https://nmusd.zoom.us/j/97066641484.

Magic in the making

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Photo by Stan Sievers (Instagram @stansievers/stansieversphoto.com)

More sunsets and more special moments in Newport Beach

NBPL unveils Animal Kingdom+ mixed media: wood and watercolor by Michael Crook

The Newport Beach City Arts Commission presents Animal Kingdom+, an exhibition of mixed media wood and watercolor works by artist Michael Crook, on display now at the Newport Beach Central Library gallery through May 7, during the library’s modified operating hours.

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Courtesy of NBPL

“A Little Nip for Mom” by artist Michael Crook

Crook creates hand-carved wildlife art pieces from various types of hardwoods and hand-paints them using opaque watercolors. Born in Lincoln, Neb., and raised in Sierra Madre, Calif., Crook has worked in various media, including painting and drawing, photography, silversmithing, stained glass, ceramics, printmaking and woodworking.

While serving in the Army in the late 1960s, he was a combat artist in Vietnam. His works from that time are now the property of the Military History Department of the U.S. Army and were, at one time, displayed at the Pentagon. Since 1994, he has participated in many art shows around Southern California, including 18 years at the Art-A-Fair in Laguna Beach.

Crook lives in Newport Beach with his wife Pamela and their cat, Coal.

Central Library is located at 1000 Avocado Ave., Newport Beach. For more information, visit www.newportbeachlibrary.org.

Just two days left to purchase tickets for the 47th Annual CdM Home Tour, so don’t miss out

There are just two days left to purchase your tickets for the 47th Annual Home Tour, “Wake Me Up in Newport,” which is being viewed virtually this year. Featuring six stunning homes located throughout Newport Beach and Corona del Mar neighborhoods, it has received great reviews. This year’s Presenting Sponsors are Barclay Butera Interiors and VALIA Properties.

Each residence shares its own unique story and design, with attention to detail throughout. There’s a cliffside family home with interior funicular railway in Big Corona Beach, a subterranean spa exuding subtle sophistication in Cameo Shores, a Buck Gully hideaway with access to private beaches in Corona Highlands, a Santa Barbara-inspired family home with a cozy outdoor patio on Balboa Island, a timeless Hamptons-style “farmhouse” in Shore Cliffs and a new remodel with harbor views in Irvine Terrace. 

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Courtesy of CdM Home Tour

Student artist Cooper Strelow, a junior at CdMHS, created this colored pencil sketch of the newly remodeled Irvine Terrace home, one of the six residences on this year’s virtual Home Tour

Highlights of the Virtual Home Tour: Drive the streets of Corona del Mar with CdM PTA President Julie Means as she travels to each of the homes on the Home Tour. Renowned designer Barclay Butera offers a rare glimpse into his home and shares his design expertise for adding interesting touches to any room, while prominent designers Wendy Blackband and Brooke Wagner share their custom designs and professional secrets for making any home a personal sanctuary.

Several tutorials from local experts are featured including personal chef Jimmy Stafford of Stafford Prime, beverage consultant Mike West and from Sherman Library & Gardens, Horticulture Director Erin Aguiar.

Chef Jimmy takes us through the steps to make Green Chile Chicken Tacos complemented deliciously by West’s refreshing Verde Fresca made beachside with pineapple, coconut and cucumber, while Aguiar provides the history of Sherman Library & Gardens and designs a door hanging with herbs from the garden. 

Tickets: General Price - $60, which unlocks viewing access to the Home Tour program on one device (laptop, tablet, or PC). You can upgrade to the VIP Bundle for $100, which includes one Home Tour ticket, one VIP gift box (exclusive event souvenirs from local merchants), one neighborhood ad listing on the Home Tour’s website and a keepsake hard copy of the Home Tour Resource Guide featuring photos and descriptions of each of the homes as well as student artists’ renderings of the homes, designers, the many generous and dedicated sponsors, recipes from Chef Jimmy and Mike West and so much more. Some of the most important members of the CdM family are featured in the Pet Pages proudly sponsored by The Bone Adventure specializing in dog daycare, boarding, grooming and a swim club.

In addition, VIPs receive a cookbook of teacher-contributed recipes, whereby each home “visit” shows a small handful of different recipes from the collection. VIPs also receive an eye shade sporting this year’s theme.

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Courtesy of CdM Home Tour

Check out the Home Tour’s highlight reel for a “sneak peek” of the homes

Take a pleasant break from home viewing and order lunch from Le Pain Quotidien in Fashion Island or Café Jardin at Sherman Library & Gardens. A percentage of the sales goes to the CdM schools. Enjoy entertainment from the CdM Drum Line and CdMMS Triton Cheer Team, and the sounds of student composer Lena Pham (junior) playing “Sunrise,” her original composition on the piano, and student vocalist Isabella Walsh (senior) singing “Home” by Phillip Phillips. 

During the tour, check out CdM students Piper and Cooper Blackband featured at their Balboa Island home, as well as Jackson Jaha, Savannah Harper and Lucas Phillips who are featured at the Cameo Shores home representing the CdM Theatre Program.

The Virtual Boutique offers a variety of specialty shops donating a percentage of their sales to the Corona del Mar PTA, so check it out online. 

Tickets for the virtual Home Tour can be purchased on the website at www.CDMHomeTour.org.

“Thank you for the commitment and dedication of the CdM PTA and Home Tour committee,” said Gina Jaha, Home Tour co-chair. “And a special thanks to Andria Strelow, Kelly Brennan, Julie Means and Brigid Cianfrani who have gone above and beyond, making it an experience to remember. It’s a true labor of love for me! The CdM Home Tour has been my favorite event for years and a way for me to give back to the community and our students. Thanks also to the Stu News community for their support.”

All ticket purchases support crucial CdM PTA programs such as teacher grants, student services and technology upgrades. The Home Tour is the only PTA fundraiser of the year.

Orange County Restaurant Week continues 

Orange County Restaurant Week, one the region’s most celebrated culinary events for more than a decade, continues through Saturday, March 13. More than 100 restaurants are participating in OC Restaurant Week, offering diners a wide variety of options, from casual and family-friendly establishments, to upscale and fine dining. In addition to thoughtfully crafted prix-fixe menus, OC Restaurant Week 2021 is designed to appeal to a wide range of diners, with something for everyone, including Date Night, Family Meals and Global Dining options. This year, the Cocktails of Restaurant Week showcase unique creations featuring Maker’s Mark, Hornitos Tequila and Licor 43. Diners have the opportunity to search the list of participating restaurants by name, location, price point and distinct offerings at www.ocrestaurantweek.com. 

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Courtesy of Billy’s at the Beach

Enjoy a world-famous Mai Tai paired with Billy’s Beach Burger, a half-pound seasoned Angus beef patty on a sesame bun served with a choice of cheese, lettuce, tomato, onion, French fries and a pickle spear during OC Restaurant Week. Available for patio dining only.

Among the participating restaurants are these in Newport Beach and Corona del Mar: Billy’s at the Beach, Bosscat Kitchen & Libations, Canaletto, Cappy’s Café, Farmhouse at Roger’s Gardens, Fleming’s Steakhouse, Great Maple, Lighthouse Café, Mayur Cuisine of India, Rockin Baja Lobster, Sushi Roku, Tackle Box, Ten Asian Bistro, The Beachcomber Café, The Bungalow Restaurant, The Quiet Woman, Woody’s Wharf and Zinqué.

“OC Restaurant Week is the ultimate celebration of our local restaurants and communities – two things that go hand-in-hand,” said Pamela Waitt, president of the OC Restaurant Association. “With restaurants in Southern California limited in their on-site dining capabilities, this year’s OC Restaurant Week focuses on our chefs’ and restaurateurs’ talent and creativity as the industry continues to navigate one of the most tumultuous times the culinary industry has experienced.” 

Following OC Restaurant Week, the Orange County Restaurant Association’s, “The Taste, Explore & Experience Tour 2021,” continues with additional culinary events designed to encourage diners to support their local restaurants. Confirmed events to date include Margarita Crawl (March 21-27), Brunch Week (May 16-22) and Burer Week (July 11-17).

For general information, participation information, sponsorship opportunities, or membership in the Orange County Restaurant Association, visit www.OCRestaurantAssociation.org.

The “mean” streets of Old Newport

By DUNCAN FORGEY

“Delinquents” have been portrayed by Peter Fonda, Sal Mineo and Marlon Brando telling stories of disjointed adolescents. The movies West Side Story and The Warriors dramatize angry and defiant teenagers in big cities, while in Newport “adorable little beach kids” go from making sandcastles on the beach to risky and dangerous behavior in the blink of an eye. Even with all the perks of living in one of California’s wealthiest cities many fall through the cracks.    

Most youth seek out cliques, groups, sports and activities that make them feel a part of something. Musicians, jocks, surfers, those habitually high and social butterflies may seem different, but in reality, they are all simply teenagers being teenagers. 

Through their childhood, Baby Boomers watched Newport Beach transition rapidly from a small fishing resort to a well-to-do urban city. The gangs of Newport were unique to the city. 

In the 1950s, “gangs” were comprised of little kids representing each neighborhood. Pride ran deep but fun and mischief was king. With safe streets and endless freedom, youth developed friendships that exist to this day. 

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Photos courtesy of Duncan Forgey

The Peninsula Point Gang

Like an Our Gang comedy, the O’Toole brothers, the Allen sisters, Ron Bouck, Rob Lovell and Bill White ran the streets of Balboa Peninsula Point. A mid-peninsula gang ruled 9th Street. These were ocean-oriented youngsters whose love of the Pacific was undeniable. Watermen like the Monteperte brothers, Jim Miller, Eddie Farwell, Larry Powell, Ralph Meyer and Tom Jewell were in the water almost as much as out. They grew up with unlimited diving and fishing, plus surfed some of the wickedest waves resulting in an independent and rough crowd.   

Lido Isle was built for resort-style living and grew rapidly after World War II.  Vacant lots were sold to white-collar families coming from out of area, bringing a ton of kids. “The Lido Gangs” roamed the streets and stradas every day until the streetlights came on. The youth thought they owned the island. Fortunate enough to have a “clubhouse” with a pool table, ping pong, swimming and summer dances, there was always a friendly place to hang out together. Lido’s east enders – the Warmington twins, Marshall clan, Fox brothers, Greg Person, Bobbie Rosso, Buster Olsen and The Dueys ganged up and competed with the west enders – Edlers, Vandervorts, Reeds, Haskells, Peter Sellas, Mike Ober, Tom Gaglia, Scott Chasin and others. Highly competitive sandlot football and baseball plus tennis, basketball and, of course, sailing unified the island creating an untold number of rivalries. Two longstanding traditions were water balloon fights over Christmas tree forts and the great Halloween Wars which pitted dozens of youngsters in grand battles. 

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A mixed party could produce some “wild” nights

West Newport possessed some of California’s best surfing beaches in the days before the groins. At Newport Point from Blackie’s all the way to the River Jetty, young Newporters honed surf skills on fast waves. This was the birthplace of street gangs who practiced pecking orders and localism. The Haworths, the Yates, Mike Marshall, Herb Torrens, Terry Smith, Pete Nickertz, Chris Marseilles, Walter Viszolay, Pete Antista, Illima Kalama and dozens of budding locals helped put Newport Beach surfing on the map. 

Balboa Island’s “gang” was small, due to the presence of many vacation homes on the Island. Future basketball star John Vallely and his cronies waged war with eggs on each other or spent time harassing out of towners. 

Newport Heights represented a blue-collar crowd of kids growing up away from the beach. They were more traditional athletes and dominated local sports for years. Known for their toughness and skills on land, the Hein brothers, the Gallants, Dennis Smith, Leonard Bond and Craig Ritter were tough competitors.   

Everywhere the “gangs” went, they found adventure and excitement. Sand dunes became a war zone, the Back Bay was a hunting ground for Indian relics, and from a very young age the Pacific Ocean was a life-altering babysitter. 

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The CdM Gang

For years, Horace Ensign was the only junior high school. This brought the entire town into one place until Corona del Mar High School was completed in 1962. During this time, Ensign was the epicenter for Newport’s young people as deep friendships with other kids from across town were established. 

Parents, the Scouts, churches, schools and yacht clubs pushed longstanding traditions. Baby Boomers, however, were intoxicated with a craving for independence which drove a stake through the heart of many mainstream activities. The growing car craze erupted about the same time the California surf culture shattered old lifestyles. All through the 1960s, War Babies experimented and tested limits and by the 1970s, the “Age of Aquarius” was in full swing. 

Parents, police and school authorities worked hard to contain an increasingly rebellious teenage population. Ditching school, rude language, fist fights, cigarettes, promiscuity and lots of alcohol became more common. NHHS’s Vice Principal “Bring em back Jack” and Newport Beach Police Officer Briscoll tried to stem the tide with old fashion discipline, but divorcing, absent or addicted parents were often unsuccessful in mainstreaming their boys and teaching their girls to be ladies. Despite efforts, unruly teenagers congregated in garages, around fire rings at local beaches and in parking lots of late-night coffee shops.  By high school graduation, many stayed out late, socializing, smoking and drinking.    

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The Gargoyles, a well-known old car club

The first actual sign of an organized gang with criminal intent was the “Vompers” in 1962. By then, many local toughies were shipped off to Carlsbad Military Academy, private schools or relatives out of state, in an effort to keep them out of jail. As surfing and the car obsession grew, reputable service clubs sponsored youth clubs to instill good values into young people. However, the worship of longboards, woodies, hot rods and 57 Chevies turned well-meaning clubs into party central in less than a decade. The Gargoyles, Rebels, Coachmen and Nobles were the longest standing and best-known of the old car clubs. It was not long before the girls followed suit. Zeta, K.T.N., Taffy and Laura Kai were sister clubs to the boys. Combined parties and social mixing were common, often getting out of hand. The most infamous being the burning down of a Big Bear cabin after a night of revelry. Ironically, by 1972 with the heavy use of marijuana these clubs ended due to a lack in leadership.

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K.T.N. was a sister club to the boys, 1966

During these explosive years, millions of Baby Boomers were trained in the art of self-gratification. As they have aged, this trait seems not to have been lost.  Now, their grandchildren seem to be equally as determined to change society in their favor as the 60s Kids were to change it in their favor many years ago. 

I wonder where these former “street gangsters” are now?

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

The world according to COVID begins to show signs of reopening

Friday, March 6, the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) released updates to the state’s Blueprint for a Safer Economy reopening framework focused on activities that can be conducted outdoors with consistent masking, two factors that are scientifically shown to reduce the risk of COVID-19 spread. The updates allow outdoor ballparks, stadiums and theme parks to open with significantly reduced capacity, mandatory masking and other public health precautions. These changes take effect April 1.

Following on the announcement of how vaccine equity will be linked to future Blueprint case rate tier changes, the CDPH announced how, guided by science, other sector changes can be introduced into the Blueprint.

“With case rates and hospitalizations significantly lower, the arrival of three highly effective vaccines and targeted efforts aimed at vaccinating the most vulnerable communities, California can begin gradually and safely bringing back more activities, especially those that occur outdoors and where consistent masking is possible,” said Dr. Mark Ghaly, secretary of the California Health and Human Services Agency. “Even with these changes, California retains some of the most robust public health protocols in the country.”

“Throughout the pandemic, California’s business community has been committed to protecting the health and safety of workers and customers – and that won’t change now,” said Dee Dee Myers, senior adviser to Governor Newsom and director of the Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development (GO-Biz). “We will continue to work together with our partners across all sectors of the economy, as we reopen safely, sustainably and equitably.”

Changes to the Blueprint include: 

–Outdoor sports and live performances (with fans/attendees) are eligible to begin April 1. In the Purple tier, capacity will be limited to 100 people or fewer and attendance will be limited to regional visitors. Advanced reservations will be required, and no concession or concourse sales will be allowed. In the Red tier, capacity will be limited to 20 percent. Concession sales will be primarily in-seat (no concourse sales). In the Orange tier, capacity will be limited to 33 percent and in the Yellow tier, capacity will increase to 67 percent. Attendance will be limited to in-state visitors in the Red, Orange and Yellow tiers.

–Amusement parks are eligible to reopen in the Red tier beginning April 1. Capacity will be limited to 15 percent in the Red tier. In the Orange tier, that limitation will increase to 25 percent, and then 35 percent in the Yellow tier. Attendance will be limited to in-state visitors.

California will continue to update the Blueprint periodically based on science and vaccination progress. View the updated sector chart to see which activities and businesses are allowed in each tier.