Front Page Archive

Tickets to go on sale for Island Holiday Home Tour

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Mark your calendar for a seasonal favorite! The 21st Annual Balboa Island Holiday Home Walking Tour will be held on Sunday, Dec. 10 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

One of Orange County’s most loved Holiday Home Walking Tours returns this year with seven uniquely holiday decorated island homes and cottages. These “deck-the-hall houses” are sure to spark holiday cheer!

Tickets are $35 and can be purchased online at www.balboaislandnb.org. They will also be available November 10 at the following Balboa Island stores: etc. etc., Island Home, Persimmon Tree and Toss – all located on Marine Avenue.

Will Call Tickets will be available for pick up at Balboa Island Museum located at 331 Marine Ave. at 9:30 a.m. on the day of the Home Tour.

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

Stump the Stu

Don’t let this Stu get your goat

So, you think you know your Newport Beach. Well, here’s a cute little painting hanging on some lattice work around town. You’ve probably seen it, but the question is: Where is it?

Take the challenge, and submit your answers to: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. The correct answers will be in Thursday’s edition.

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

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Letter to the Editor:

Resident doesn’t like new JWA flight patterns

The John Wayne Airport and the flight path are two of the greatest issues impacting the quality of life of Newport Beach residents. Airplanes fly over many of us and the long-term impacts of noise and pollution are known to negatively impact our health. If you live near or under the departing planes, a permanent change will soon impact you and your neighborhood.

The Newport Beach City Council has decided the best departure pattern for their residents. In their litigation and negotiations with the FAA they have used their power of gerrymandering to decide the winners and losers. Since we don’t get to be a party to the Closed Legal Sessions or the negotiations with the FAA, the fate of many Newport residents is wholly in their hands.

Here is my spin based on the new “S” two turn pattern proposed by the City and the new departures using GPS that keep the planes in one lane in the sky.

If you are under the planes you are doomed, with carcinogenic particulates in your lungs and on your home, cars and patios. The noise will have indirect impacts on your health, too. The City has not proposed any relief for you. When you are outdoors enjoying our outdoor lifestyles with your grandkids or kids, be sure to provide a fine particulate mask to protect their lungs. The City can no longer blame the FAA or airlines since this is their departure plan recommended by their consultants.

The City Council has failed to set policy before they decided to represent our best interests. The resulting gerrymandering does not follow any specific policy. If the Council had set a policy that stated, “The planes fly over the least residents and most water possible” their plan could be better justified. Instead, we received a NIMBI (not in my backyard) plan. In addition to the need for specific policy, the Council should also have developed a plan of relief for those residents suffering from the long-term impacts from the airport. Things would have been different and a defensible plan would be in place instead of a gerrymandered one.

I am hopeful that someday this Council or a future Council will fully understand the impact of the airport on property values, tourism and especially the health of all Newport Beach residents, and decisions will be made with proper planning and sound public policy.

Lee Pearl

Newport Beach

Farm to Fork: A Foodie’s Point of View

By LANA JOHNSON

Experience intimate dining at Balboa Bay Resort with two celebrated chefs

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Richard Blais photo by Pasagraphy/

Rachel Haggstrom courtesy of NBW&F

Celebrated chefs Richard Blais and Rachel Haggstrom

On Friday, Oct. 27 from 6 to 10 p.m., Newport Beach Wine & Food in partnership with the Balboa Bay Resort will host a unique dining experience at Waterline Newport Beach at the Balboa Bay Resort.

Enjoy an intimate five-course tasting menu prepared by Bravo’s Top Chef All-Star winner, restaurateur, TV personality and cookbook author Richard Blais and Executive Chef Rachel Haggstrom of Waterline at Balboa Bay Resort, in collaboration with 90+ point pairings from Kessler-Haak Vineyard and Wines.

The Special Menu includes:

Meet & Greet Reception with the Chefs and tray-passed canapes, accompanied by 2015 Kessler-Haak Sparkling Brut Rose

Dungeness Crab “Cake”: Dungeness crab salad with crispy tuille, remoulade, capers, celery, blood orange, avocado, cilantro, accompanied by 2014 Kessler-Haak Stainless Steel Chardonnay

Butternut Squash Soup: Kabocha squash, guanciale, brussels sprouts, nasturtium, pepitas, rye cracker, accompanied by 2013 Kessler-Haak Dry Riesling Lafond Vineyard

Cavatelli Pasta: Sage and walnut Bolognese accompanied by 2012 Kessler-Haak Pinot Noir Pommard Clone

72 Hour Short Ribs: Parsnip puree, braised parsnips, pearl onions accompanied by 2014 Kessler-Haak Syrah Lafond Vineyard

Candy Apple: White Chocolate, caramel, green apple, pan d’epice accompanied by 2012 Kessler-Haak Sparkling Brut

Blais cookbook

There will be a book signing of Richard Blais’ new cookbook, So Good (one cookbook is included per couple).

The cost of the dinner is $250 per guest and tickets are available at www.newportwineandfood.com.

Ciao Vincenza!

Fair Game

By TOM JOHNSON

Piling snaps under pier and coyotes poised for sea lions

TomJohnson

A piling under Ruby’s at the end of the Balboa Pier snapped last week under heavy surf. The damage was related to the previously reported sewage spill that also closed the beach in that area last week for three days.

Pier piling

On the Newport Beach City Council agenda for tomorrow, Tuesday, Oct. 24, is the potential of awarding an Ocean Piers Maintenance Project contract. Nope, the sky isn’t falling and our piers are safe.

The maintenance of our piers is a regular occurrence in town and good for us. The John S. Meek Company, Inc. is expected to be approved for a repair contract of almost $1.2 million.

Repairs are expected to take place this winter.

• • •

Most of us have seen sea lions perform at one time or another. At SeaWorld, I was reminded that their sea lions are Clyde & Seamore, and yes, I’ve seen them perform. Anyway, my guess was that sea lions are a smart mammal. After all, they do tricks! Lots of them.

My mind completely changed last week. You see, the City of Newport Beach recently introduced coyotes in the dock areas to keep the sea lions at bay in hopes of reducing damage to docks and boats.

Of course, not real ones, nope, big plastic ones that are mounted on green stands with their teeth drawn and in an attack position.

Fake Coyote

The good news is that it’s apparently working so far. The sea lions are apparently afraid. And, the damage has been slowed.

Good thing the sea lions haven’t figured out yet that this “new breed” of coyote has no legs. But I have to tell you, I like the fur tail attached to the plastic body, that’s what had me fooled.

• • •

Last call, the Newport Beach Chamber of Commerce Economic Forecast, featuring the UCLA Anderson Forecast is this Friday, Oct. 28, from 11:15 a.m. - 2 p.m. at the Balboa Bay Resort. Seats are $65 and reservations required, click here.

• • •

In the last issue of StuNewsNewport we reported that one Thomas Lamarr Prince, 40, Anaheim, was found guilty of robbing several marijuana dealers of more than 100 pounds during two drug deals at a resort in Newport Coast.

Two things, first, the resort in question was Pelican Hill. Prince apparently lured in multiple drug dealers to meet and eventually took them back to a villa at the resort. Once there, several cohorts jumped out and robbed the dealers.

The second interesting fact is that Prince is the brother of Tayshaun Prince, a longtime NBA player and first-round draft pick back in 2002.

Hey Thomas, I hope you enjoyed your stay!

B-t-w, the next “stay” could be a little longer…he’s looking at up to 25 years in prison and I guarantee it won’t be as nice as the last place.

You Must Remember This: Hang 4

By NANCY GARDNER

When I was growing up, there weren’t children’s sports leagues. When we got home from school, instead of our mothers putting us in the car and taking us off to practice, they simply nodded agreeably as we changed our clothes and scooted outside to amuse ourselves. Talk about neglectful! Instead of an adult-directed workout on a well-maintained field pointing us toward an athletic scholarship in the future, we were left to do whatever we wanted.

Fortunately, today’s parents are far more responsible. They get their children enrolled in organized sports as early as possible and get them specialized as soon as they can, ideally by the age of seven so as to fully develop all potential. Think I’m exaggerating? Pick a sport, go to a game/match/meet and note the intensity of the moms and dads. Tens of thousands of dollars in tuition are at stake, so the pressure starts early, and with each birthday, it only increases. The results, of course, are mixed.

In one instance, a boy had followed the script – focused exclusively on tennis from a young age, had all sorts of private coaching and had gotten good enough to attract attention from colleges – the holy grail. Only problem – by the time he got to high school, he hated the game. His second year he wouldn’t even go out for the team which meant he didn’t attend a practice or participate in a match, until the team qualified for CIF. At that point, the coach with full approval from many of the parents, put him in at No. 1. The other boy, the one who went to every practice and played in every game and helped his team get to CIF but who was not of the same caliber, got to stay home. We say that sports teach life lessons. In this case, the lesson was that you can do everything right and still get the shaft, so I guess it’s true.

As someone who has watched her grandchildren play baseball and soccer, water polo and tennis and a few other things thrown in, I think it’s great that so many kids, especially girls, are involved in sports today, and terrific that both fathers and mothers are so supportive. As a council member, I had some interaction with those directing local AYSO and Little League and couldn’t have been more impressed with their devotion. However, when I see kids being home schooled just so they can take more tennis lessons…I question the emphasis. My grandsons tried all sorts of sports well past the period when they were supposed to be specializing, and yet both played first team varsity when they got to high school despite their supposedly late start in choosing their sport. They also got college scholarships – academic scholarships.

Here’s a thought: Maybe a little less emphasis on sports and a little more time with the books might not only get that desired financial help with tuition, but also make for games that are actually fun, particularly for the kids.

~~~~~~~~

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

Tree of Life festivities honor organ donors

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Families of organ donors and community members gathered together on Wednesday, Oct. 18 at Hoag’s “Tree of Life” memorial in an event co-hosted by Hoag Memorial Hospital Presbyterian and OneLegacy, the non-profit organization dedicated to saving lives through organ, eye and tissue donation serving the seven-county Greater Los Angeles area.

“Hoag is honored to recognize the extraordinary donors who have saved countless lives with their generous gifts,” said Karen Linden, chair, Hoag board of directors. “Since its installation in 2011, the Tree of Life has served as a place for families to visit and reflect on the gift their loved ones gave, and we hope it inspires others to become donors as well.”

Dr. Rosemary O’Meeghan, intensivist and chair of the Hoag Organ, Eye and Tissue Donation Program, welcomed the donor families and guests to the event. She affirmed that it takes considerable strength for families to pursue organ donation around a time when there has usually been sudden illness and death of a loved one. The event acknowledged the commitment of both the registered organ donor and donor families, to the noble cause of organ donation and transplantation, to help those in our community in need of life saving organ transplants.

An organ donor’s last act in this world is to extend the life of someone else – almost always a stranger. John Whalen, a transplant recipient, shared a sentiment about his donor, “This person wasn’t one of my three brothers or a lifelong friend, it was a complete stranger. He gave me a miracle. He gave me back my life.”

To honor that sacred and lifesaving gift, families of recent Hoag organ donors were presented with a certificate and a replica of a leaf bearing the name of their loved one that will hang on the Tree of Life, a metal sculpture created by local artist Tova Rotlevy Cohen. The tree received its newest leaves with the names of 15 organ donors from 2015 through 2016.

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“I encourage all of our community members to give the ultimate gift,” stated Newport Beach Mayor Kevin Muldoon, who also has witnessed the power of organ donation when his father passed, but was able to donate his organs. “Registering to be a donor is easy and it is the most precious and selfless gift you can give.”

Families in attendance also had the opportunity to handwrite personal messages and dedications to their loved ones onto a rose that will be incorporated into the Donate Life float as part of the 129th Rose Parade® on New Year’s Day, Jan. 1, 2018.

Lynn Bonas, mother of organ donor Lauren Bonas who passed away at age 17, spoke at the event about the impact of knowing her daughter helped other individuals and families. “From the first letter from the Eye Bank knowing two people could see again, to the letter describing the recipient of her heart, it was incredible knowing they had the gift of life all from our precious daughter.”

Hoag has a long-standing commitment to saving lives through organ and tissue donation. Between 2006 and 2016, it had 87 organ donors, the largest of any non-trauma hospital in Orange County.

Tonight: A Frank Discussion about Men’s Health

Faysal A. Yafi

Submitted photo

Faysal A. Yafi, M.D.

The popular Newport Beach Library series Medicine in our Backyard featuring internationally known UC Irvine Health physicians will present “A Frank Discussion about Men’s Health Issues” tonight, Monday, Oct. 23.

Faysal A. Yafi, M.D., Medical Director, Men’s Health Services, UC Irvine Health Center for Urological Care, will lead the discussion.

Dr. Yafi is a board-certified urologist who specializes in men’s health, erectile dysfunction, hypogonadism, Peyronie’s disease, prosthetic surgery, male voiding dysfunction and male infertility. He has an avid interest in both basic and clinical research, and has written more than 70 peer-reviewed publications and book chapters, and has received multiple national and international awards and recognitions.

Doors open at the Central Library at 6:30 p.m., with the lecture and Q&A following from 7 to 8:30 p.m. There is no charge to attend. For more information, go to www.newportbeachlibrary.org, or call 949.717.3818.

The lectures in this series are scheduled for the fourth Monday of each month through May 2018. The library, in conjunction with UCI Irvine, presents lecturers to discuss research and cutting-edge technology in their various fields of expertise.

Stories depicted in paintings on display at JWA

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Courtesy of JWA

“Beach Day” by Iriet Peshkess

From Oct. 18 – Nov. 16, a series of paintings by Iriet Peshkess are on display at John Wayne Airport (JWA) as part of JWA’s Community Focus Space Program. These works can be viewed on the Departure (upper) Level near security screening areas in Terminals A, B and C, and on the Arrival (lower) Level adjacent to Baggage Carousels 1 and 4.

“Ms. Peshkess’ paintings tell a story by describing life in the California sun,” said Board Chairwoman Michelle Steel. “John Wayne Airport guests are able to witness the human stories that have moved the artist.”

Peshkess is a representational artist who was a clinical psychologist for most of her adult life before embarking on her artistic career more than 15 years ago. She is drawn to the non-verbal communication between people that capture her attention, tell a story, and are universal. Her passion is to portray ordinary human situations in a realistic and emotional way.

According to Peshkess, “I try to paint mood and story, not detail. If I can make you stop, look and feel, I have done what I set out to do.”

Peshkess has lived in Orange County with her family since 1981. While moving as a child and young adult she realized the importance of adapting to different cultures and connecting with others quickly. Her art training included the use of traditional media and she found herself gravitating toward the Impressionist style of painting. Upon discovery of painting programs on the computer, she fell in love with the versatility and freedom of expression the medium provided her. She combines this freedom with her Impressionist style and love of people’s stories to create her paintings. Peshkess has paintings in private collections all over the world and her award-winning artwork has been shown in both group and solo gallery exhibitions.

For more information on her work, visit www.irietpeshkess.com, or www.facebook.com/IrietPeshkessArtist.

Upcoming Community Focus Space Program artists include Evalyn Morris (Nov. 16 – Dec. 19, 2017) and Andrea Moni (Dec. 19, 2017 – Jan. 18, 2018).

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

Sinclair restores order at Newport Harbor

By STEVE VIRGEN

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NHHS Water Polo Head Coach Ross Sinclair

Ross Sinclair wasn’t bitter or angry after being turned away from his alma mater eight years ago when he interviewed to become the Newport Harbor High boys’ water polo coach. At the time, he thought he was too young and without head coaching experience he rationalized that Robert Lynn made sense.

However, there was the competitive side to Sinclair, who always displayed that fiery persona while playing water polo for the Sailors and then at UC Santa Barbara.

“I thought I was the right guy at the time,” Sinclair said of when he was first denied the Newport Harbor job. “I understand why they wouldn’t take someone with it being such a high-level program and me with essentially zero head coaching experience. Being competitive I was obviously disappointed but it was a blessing in disguise. The path it took me…it gave me the opportunity to play and learn from some really good coaches. And it led to the CdM (girls’ water polo coach) opportunity and it ultimately led to this opportunity, as it came back around.”

Sinclair always wanted to come back and coach at Newport Harbor. The Sailors, their program perhaps at its lowest point considering its rich history, turned to Sinclair.

Now in his third year, Sinclair has gotten the program on the right track. The wins are there, but most important he restored the culture that had been missing.

There are positive vibes at Newport Harbor for its boys’ water polo program. A great indication of that is the alumni involved with the Sailors’ leadership.

In addition to Sinclair, Andy Hayes, Kimmie Morrison, Chris Whitelegge, Farrel South and Kevin Potter all have coaching roles with the Tars’ aquatics’ program.

Like Sinclair, they all know Newport Harbor is a special place to be, especially when there is winning.

Newport Harbor is 21-4 and fresh off finishing fifth at the Memorial Cup hosted by Bellarmine Prep in San Jose. The Sailors also recently took down rival Corona del Mar for the first time in Sinclair’s time as coach.

It’s been a great season thus far for Sinclair and the Sailors.

Earlier this season, Sinclair was honored with a Coaches of Character award by the CIF Southern Section.

The award is a clock that sits on the desk in his office at Newport Harbor.

“This award is cool but I think it’s a credit to the whole staff,” Sinclair said. “I credit all my coaches and all the coaches I worked with. (Jason) Lynch is a huge mentor. I still talk to (Bill) Barnett three times a week. We are all products of this program. It makes it easy to come out and work.”

Sinclair, 32, said he was fortunate to know what he wanted to do at a young age. Ever since he was in high school he wanted to become a coach and teacher at Newport Harbor. He said he’s working on earning his teaching credential and is a substitute at the school in the meantime. He stays active in the community as a lifeguard during the summer in Newport Beach.

His busy schedule will intensify in a few weeks as he and his wife, Courtney, are expecting a baby girl.

He will need to rely on his coaching experiences and lessons he learned from mentors even more as he balances his life.

When he first played as a freshman at Newport Harbor, Sinclair learned from Barnett and Brian Kreutzkamp, and then Lynch.

If there’s one word that’s synonymous with Barnett it’s fundamentals. Barnett was also known for his rigorous workouts to keep his players in top shape so that they could outlast opponents.

Lynch taught Sinclair the importance of repetition among other lessons.

Sinclair took what he learned and has applied that to his everyday coaching. He also adds his own style. He has a great way of connecting with the players on their level while also maintaining leadership and control of the program.

Sinclair said the traditional culture was missing when he returned to Newport Harbor as head coach three years ago.

“I wouldn’t say it was this dark place, but it wasn’t ultra-positive,” Sinclair said. “I think there’s consistency with leadership now. There was so much outside noise going on it created negativity. Where we are now, there’s vision and belief by the players and they share the same vision. We also see the same end goal. We have a group that’s buying in. We are doing the right thing so it’s natural to have some success from it.”

Salute to Vienna New Year’s Concert announced

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Photo by Chris Lee

Celebrate the arrival of 2018 in spectacular style with “Salute to Vienna New Year’s Concert” at Segerstrom Center for the Arts. You’ll be enchanted by the spirited romance of operetta, the glamour of ballroom dance and the delicate beauty of ballet.

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

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

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

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

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

Police Files

What, no escort service permit? Busted

Here’s the type of arrest that catches our attention. Ray Anthony Randall, 21, Hemet, says he’s a music producer, is arrested with Celia Nichole Mendoza, 22, Mission Viejo, a dancer, for failure to have an escort service permit.

Both were charged by the Newport Beach Police on Thursday morning at 2:26 a.m. at E. Coast Highway and Bayside Drive. For Mendoza, it was a simple – $100 bail.

For Randall, his night didn’t go as well. He was also charged with obstruction/resisting a peace officer (never a good thing), driving while license is suspended or revoked and an outstanding warrant. His bail was set at $5,500.

NBPD Scam Alert: Online Dating

Have you heard about “Online Dating Scams”? Here’s how they work: You meet someone special on a dating website. Soon he/she wants to move off the dating site to email or phone calls. They tell you they love you, but they live far away – maybe for business, or because they’re in the military.

Then they ask for money. They might say it’s for a plane ticket to visit you, or emergency surgery or something else urgent.

Scammers, both male and female, make fake dating profiles, sometimes using photos of other people, even stolen pictures of real military personnel. They build relationships; some even fake wedding plans, before they disappear with your money.

Here’s what you can do: 1. Stop. Don’t send money. Never wire money on a prepaid debit card, or send cash to an online love interest. You won’t get it back.
2. Pass this information on to a friend. You might know that these relationships are fakes, but chances are that you know someone who doesn’t.

Scroll down to Police Beat for all arrests & crime reports

Pet of the Week

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

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Courtesy of Newport Beach

Animal Shelter

MEET RUFUS

Rufus is a 9-year-old male Ragdoll with flame point markings. He is neutered, microchipped and up to date on all vaccines.

Adoption costs at the shelter:

Dogs - $130

Puppies - $150

Cats - $90

Kittens - $110

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

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

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

Locals donate sports equipment to kids

sports balls 2

P&P Imports LLC, the parent company of Santa Ana-based GoSports, has recently gifted more than $3,000 worth of sports balls and equipment to the Boys & Girls Club of Central Orange Coast.

P&P Imports LLC was founded by Newport Beach locals Peter Tanoury and Peter Engler more than 10 years ago. The duo recently grew their GoSports brand to include a wide range of sports balls and equipment, which prompted the pilot program of donating sports equipment to youth in their nearby communities.

The donation aims to help supply the Boys & Girls Club with sports balls and equipment they would otherwise have to purchase, and in turn help them further their mission towards supporting educational aptitude, physical fitness and health awareness for local youth.

According to their website, the Boys & Girls Club has brought stability and a healthy learning environment for children in disadvantaged communities since 1954.

“Playing sports, spending time outside and interacting with one another are some of the foundations that led to GoSports creation,” said co-founder Peter Tanoury. “Helping to provide that same opportunity for kids in the community is our way of giving back.”

GoSports’ donation program, which commits to providing the Boys & Girls Club with the same great equipment its loyal customers have grown to love, is celebrating its first year. Co-founder Peter Engler says this partnership with the community will continue to grow as GoSports continues to grow.

Guest Column

Jon T. Lewis, Chief of Police Newport Beach

Robert Sharpnack, Chief of Police Costa Mesa

Russell Lee-Sung, Deputy Superintendent of Schools

Dear Parents:

Halloween is the children’s “night” for Trick or Treat and make-believe horrors. Unfortunately, some of the horrors are too real! Each year, many children suffer from automobile accidents, falls, cuts, tampered “treats” and other unnecessary miseries.

To make this Halloween a safe one, please follow these tips:

Know Your Child’s Plans

What will his/her route be so you can find him/her if need be?

What companions will he/she have?

What time will he/she be home?

Tips on Costume Safety

Makeup is safer than a mask which can obscure vision.

Costumes and wigs should be flame-resistant.

Reflective strips and bright clothing will increase visibility along with a flashlight.

Wear comfortable shoes.

Props or items that children carry should be made of cardboard so they won’t injure your child if he/she should fall down.

Critical Safety Tips

Trick or Treat in your own neighborhood.

Trick or Treat in a group of two or more and only in well-lighted areas. accompanied by a parent or adult.

Stay on sidewalks and look both ways when crossing the street. Never cross the street between parked cars or mid-block.

Don’t allow your child to enter ANY house.

Before any treats are eaten, they must be inspected by you. Discard fruit or any candy in loose or torn wrappings.

Law Enforcement Tips

Discuss with your child the importance of respecting the property of others.

Advise your children that throwing eggs and water balloons, spraying shaving cream, etc. is inappropriate and could be illegal.

Curfew in Newport Beach and Costa Mesa is 10:00 p.m.

All fireworks are illegal in Newport Beach and Costa Mesa.

If you should discover anything wrong with the “treats” brought home, call the police, so other parents can be warned and the people responsible can be caught. Preventive measures, no matter how good they are, are ineffective if not applied by you.

Jon T. Lewis, Chief of Police Newport Beach

Robert Sharpnack, Chief of Police Costa Mesa

Russell Lee-Sung, Deputy Superintendent of Schools

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Guest Column

Dave Kiff

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

Dave Kiff

Newport Beach City Manager Dave Kiff

Here’s what might be of interest on the agenda for the Newport Beach City Council meeting planned for Tuesday, October 24, 2017. I don’t summarize every item, so make sure you look at the City Clerk’s agenda page to read the whole agenda if you’d like.

The study session begins at 4 p.m. with a couple of interesting items.

If you’ve ever wondered if traffic system management is going to change with automation, this is a good one for you. Our Public Works staff will discuss new technologies in guiding you and your car (or bike) on your way through town. This includes information such as that gathered by Google and Waze as they use your phone (and how it pings one antenna then another as you travel) to give you timely information about current commute routes and times.

Crosswalks on the Balboa Peninsula. We didn’t get to it last time, so this is a re-do. Public Works has been working on ways to improve pedestrian visibility at the many crosswalks and intersections along Balboa Boulevard and parts of Newport Boulevard.

Following closed session items, the evening’s Regular Session will start at 7 p.m. I have to confess that it looks pretty quiet. But here are a few more noteworthy items:

The annual review of the Zoning Agreement between the City and Sober Living by the Sea. This Agreement was entered into in 2009, and settled litigation at the time. The City asked SLBTS to deconcentrate some of its recovery facilities, as well as to agree to a cap on beds citywide and certain protocols associated with doing business in residential areas. SLBTS, in turn, asked for the ability to remain in some places and to have adequate time to de-concentrate. As has been the case in past years, the City has found SLBTS to be generally in compliance with the Agreement.

A fairly large dollar item to support the reconstruction of our ocean piers. We typically remove and replace the piers’ piles and struts on a regular basis, so this is actually a fairly routine item for us. The dollar amount ($1.4M) is a bit larger this time, though, as the piers are showing their age. And the Balboa Pier took a beating or two over the last weekend with the high surf, so we had some emergency work to do.

Some community notes:

The first involves two programs by the Newport Beach Chamber of Commerce: One is the Chamber’s annual Citizen of the Year dinner, where they will honor former City Manager Homer Bludau. The honor is well-deserved, given Homer’s work as city manager as well as in retirement. Congratulations, Homer. This event is Friday evening, November 3 at the Balboa Bay Resort.

Second is the Chamber’s annual Economic Forecast. Presenters there will be UCLA’s Jerry Nickelsburg, UCI’s Christopher Schwarz, and the OC Register’s Jonathan Lansner. This event is next Friday, October 27 at lunchtime also at the Balboa Bay Resort. For more information on either event, visit www.newportbeach.com or call 949.729.4400.

For those of you following the review process for the Koll Center Residences near John Wayne Airport, it’s likely that the project may not be heard before the Planning Commission at least until sometime in January 2018 (versus initial plans for December 2017). A community meeting is planned on the 260-unit project for Monday, October 30 in the Friends Room at the Central Library starting at 6 p.m. More information is here.

I read a story as many did in the OC Business Journal about the land beneath the Newport Beach Tennis Club being sold to a new owner (this is the club near the Ralphs in Eastbluff). Please know that, thus far, the only rumor we have heard is that the new owner may keep the tennis club use there. Any change in the use from something that is recreational in nature would require a General Plan Amendment, a zoning change, and possibly (depending on scope of the change) a vote of the electorate under Greenlight.

Wind and Heat coming. According to the weather, we have some “red flag” days ahead, especially Tuesday. Having just watched (and worried about) the Sonoma and Napa County fires over the past many days, we all worry about our own wildland-urban interface areas during Santa Ana conditions. For those of us on the eastern side of town, near Buck Gully, near Upper Newport Bay or adjacent to any area with dry brush, please be prepared and aware. Some great information about the wildland-urban interface is on our Fire Department’s webpage here. And Cal-Fire’s good information about preparing your home, family and pets for fast evacuation (“Ready, Set, Go!”) is here.

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

Sincerely,

Dave Kiff

City Manager

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

949-644-3001

Shopoff Group to present Koll airport project

City Staff is inviting the applicant, Shopoff Group, to present the Koll Center Residences project to the community on Monday, Oct. 30, at 6 p.m., in the Friends Meeting Room at Newport Beach Central Library, 1000 Avocado Ave.

The Koll Center Residences project is a 260-unit, infill project proposed to be located in the Koll Center Newport Planned Community in the Airport Area. The project site is generally located southeast of the intersection of Von Karman Avenue and Birch Street.

For more information, contact Associate Planner Rosalinh Ung at 949.644.3208 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Sculpture Garden III grand opening planned

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Submitted photo

“Popsicles” by Craig Gray

The Newport Beach City Arts Commission invites the community to a grand opening celebration for the third phase of the Sculpture in the Civic Center Park Exhibition on Saturday, Oct. 28 from 1:30 to 4 p.m. at the Newport Beach Civic Center, 100 Civic Center Drive, Newport Beach.

The event will celebrate the addition of nine new sculptures to the Sculpture in the Civic Center Park Exhibition. A short program will be held in Council Chambers with a reception following. Some of the artists will be on hand to talk about their artwork and visitors will be able to take a walking tour of the sculptures. Special art activities for children will be presented by the Chuck Jones Center for Creativity.

The nine sculptures are as follows: Burnt Matchstick by Karl Unnasch, Flight by Steven Rieman, Popsicles by Craig Gray, Be Still and Know by John Merigian, No Swimming by Oleg Lobykin, Cosmic Glints by Patricia Vader, Getting Your Bearings by David Boyer, Cultural Pedestrians by Sue Quinlan and Life is a Balancing Act by Cindy Debold.

For more information on the event or exhibition, visit www.newportbeachca.gov/culturalarts (under Sculpture in Civic Center Park) or contact the Cultural Arts Services Office at 949.717.3808.

ENC to hold native plant sale

Native plant

Courtesy of ENC

The Environmental Nature Center (ENC) will host a Native Plant sale on Nov. 12 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Native plants help homeowners save money on water and landscape maintenance, attract butterflies and birds, and eliminate the need for pesticides and fertilizers.

“Native plants have co-evolved with the local climate, soil types, animals, fungi and microbes forming a complex network of relationships and providing a foundation for our native ecosystems,” said ENC Assistant Director Lori Whalen. “By investing in native plants, homeowners can see their gardens flourish with life and vibrancy, while also saving time and money.”

Cindy Berglund of Rain Barrels Intl. will be on hand at the native plant sale to sell rain barrels. For each barrel sold at $85, Rain Barrels Intl. will donate $20 to the ENC. Homeowners can pre-order rain barrels at www.RainBarrelsIntl.com. Under the EVENTS tab, click on Native Plant Sale ENC.

Environmental Nature Center is located at 1601 E. 16th St., Newport Beach. Call 949.645.8489. Visit www.encenter.org.

Community-wide Neighborhood Watch meeting booked

Community Watch

The Newport Beach Police Department will convene a Citywide Neighborhood Watch meeting, Thursday, Nov. 2, at the Civic Center Community Room from 6:30 to 8 p.m.

The NBPD will be discussing current crime trends, Neighborhood Watch and home security. There will also be representatives from the Patrol Division available to answer questions specific to neighborhoods, so come early. A representative from Netgear will be discussing DIY Home Security Cameras.

Email your RSVP to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. by Tuesday, Oct. 31.

City to host Water Quality and Coastal Resilience program

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Submitted photo

The City of Newport Beach, in collaboration with UCI’s Newkirk Center for Science and Society, the UCI Oceans Initiative and the Environmental Nature Center, is presenting a program on Improving Water Quality and Coastal Resilience in the Greater Newport Harbor.

The event is scheduled for Thursday, Nov. 9 from 7 to 9 p.m. at the OASIS Senior Center, 801 Narcissus Ave., Corona del Mar.

Its focus will be on mitigating the negative impacts of pollution and trash from the headwaters that drain into the Harbor from the inland region and other challenges to water quality and resilience.

The City of Newport Beach is inviting concerned citizens to begin a process of collaboration with Newport Beach City officials, ocean/water experts from UC Irvine, and environmentalists on long-term regional sustainable solutions.

To register, visit www.newkirkcenter.uci.edu.

Call for Artists: Balboa Island Parade

Balboa Island parade

Submitted photo

The Balboa Island Parade Committee has announced a Call for Artists for the 25th anniversary of the Balboa Island Parade “Parade Poster Contest.” The theme for the parade will be “Silver Bells, Sea Shells and Sandy Beaches.”

The committee wants to see your artwork that celebrates the parade! Artwork should be centered around Balboa Island, the theme and the 25th parade anniversary.

Guidelines:

All artwork must be submitted no later than Jan. 5, 2018 to be considered. Size is 11x16 or 16x24 inches.

Email a picture of your artwork to Gail Vasterling at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.t, and include your name and phone number. The winner will be announced mid-January 2018 by phone.

Artwork will be used on all parade publications including parade posters, newspaper advertisements and T-shirts, plus the winner will be the special guest riding in parade on Jun. 3, 2018.

Participation is open to all local artists.

A new take on a classic tale in “Journey to Oz”

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Photo by John Merrick Photography

In the “Journey to Oz,” the audience is in the middle of the action in this fun, experiential show as Dorothy and her friends battle the Wicked Witch to find the brains, the heart and the courage they never knew they had.

Inspired by L. Frank Baum’s original stories, this clever adaptation of the classic American tale allows children in the audience to take on key roles, including Munchkins, Winkies and even Dorothy. If you are in the room, you are in the show! Come see Journey to Oz in the intimate Samueli Theater, Nov. 18 - 19, 2017 and find out why there’s no place like home.

Tickets for Journey to Oz are $20 and are available online at www.SCFTA.org, at the Box Office at 600 Town Center Drive in Costa Mesa or by calling 714.556.2787.

The Center offers many services for patrons with disabilities including removable wheelchair locations, binoculars and assistive listening devices.

Audiences are encouraged to arrive one hour before the performance for free creative activities. The Center’s Education Department offers these enriching experiences to provide young people and their families with more opportunities to play together creatively. Studies show that this is critical in helping to develop the ability to think and problem solve.

Segerstrom Center’s 2017 - 2018 Family Series continues with “Anatomy of the Piano (For Beginners)” (Feb. 17 - 18, 2018); “The Gruffalo” (Mar. 24 - 25, 2018); “Shh! We Have a Plan” (Apr. 14 - 15, 2018); and “Mr. Popper’s Penguins” (Apr. 22, 2018).

Sunday Musicale features female French ensemble, “Playdate”

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Submitted photo

“Playdate,” eight female French horn players, will perform Oct. 22

The Newport Beach Public Library presents a Sunday Musicale with Playdate, a French horn ensemble, on Sunday, Oct. 22 at 3 p.m. in the Central Library Friends Room, 1000 Avocado Ave., Newport Beach.

The unique program features eight talented female French horn players playing a variety of works from classical to movie musicals. Formed for the 47th International Horn Symposium, the group, Playdate, is part of the deep pool of female talent who contribute to today’s horn sound. Musicians performing include Amy Jo Rhine, Stephanie Stetson, Laura Brenes, Amy Sanchez, Emily Reppun, Lizzie Upton, Aija Mattson and Anna Gilpatrick.

Admission to the Sunday Musicales is free. No registration is required. Seating is first-come, first-served, limited by room capacity. Funding is provided by generous donations from the Friends of the Library. For more information, call 949.717.3800, ext. 2 or visit the website at www.newportbeachlibrary.org.

Stump the Stu

This one draws a Blank and a Namesake

Well, two people guessed correctly: The Brown Building is located at 3111 Jasmine, Corona del Mar. One was from Harbor Commissioner Paul Blank. In his attempt to be Don Webb-esque, he added the following: “It’s interesting from an architectural perspective as it occupies a wedge-shaped lot and has mid-century modern lines/elements. I’m going to guess that in the late ‘50s/early ‘60s it was built by a guy named Brown.”

Then we heard from Jeff Brown, who thinks the Brown Building might have been called by another name, perhaps the “Bixby Building.” But we have no proof. We do, however, admire the charming architecture.

If you have a unique spot or icon around town that you think StuNewsNewport readers would enjoy finding out about, please shoot it, send it to us (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.) and give us the answer, so we can challenge them!

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Harbor View Homes and the Tang Dynasty

By DUNCAN FORGEY

Aerial view

Courtesy of The Irvine Company

An aerial view of middle-income homes planned for the Harbor View Hills village, 1970s

Developers plan for the future while historians look into the past. Either way, the community of Harbor View Homes has brought thousands of Newport Beach families happiness.

In 1969, Tom and Jean Naughton viewed models at Newport Beachʻs latest real estate development. Still under construction, the young aerospace engineer and his ginger haired bride walked the dusty lots. Jean felt it was too far out in the “sticks.” They were one of the first new residents to pick a home to nest and raise kids. They have remained in the same home to this day.

Locals had to exit Corona del Mar and drive “all the way” out MacArthur Boulevard to empty fields near the site of the old Buffalo Ranch. Most beach residents found it too “hot and remote.” But by 1969, a different breed of Newporters were migrating to the community. They were city folk, white collar professionals with kids. They were not as attached to the sea as those living in the bay- and ocean-oriented communities. These families were looking for a great quality of life. Thanks to an incredibly brilliant design by a young Donald Bren, Harbor View Homes provided exactly that.

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Submitted photo

Brenʻs development created a collection of affordable homes with functional floor plans. Harbor View Homes wrapped streets around a huge greenbelt driving right through the center of the neighborhood. This community-owned area included a community pool and clubhouse, baseball diamonds, athletic fields, tot yards and eventually the often recognized Andersen Elementary School. Having grown up in the days of Ozzie, Harriet, David and Ricky Nelsons, Bren duplicated the fantasy-like environment available on black and white TV during the 1950s.

Why can we say that the neighborhood has been a success providing a place of happiness for many decades? That is where the Tang Dynasty comes in. In the years between 618-907 A.D., the Tang Dynasty ruled much of what is todayʻs China. Feng Shui was the science of choice during the dynastyʻs Golden Era. Throughout Chinese society, important decisions and choices were based upon the Feng Shui readings.

In consultation with a local Feng Shui expert, I was able to “read” and rate Harbor View Homes. This Eastern philosophy teaches that the land is more important than the building, the building is more important than the rooms, and the rooms are more important than the people. According to Feng Shui, Brenʻs design and its “lay of the land” makes it a great place to live. Homes and streets all line up properly.

In theory, Feng Shui concentrates on the placement of objects and the science of quantum physics. Literally, it means “Wind and Water” which helps man live harmoniously with his surroundings. An underlying hypothesis behind Feng Shui believes there is a life force that flows through all things – buildings, hills, rivers, power lines and people. By manipulating objects and orientation of physical structures to complement this force, Feng Shui can enhance a personʻs wealth and good fortune. Some call Feng Shui the most important environmental science of the 21st Century.

In order to evaluate the various neighborhoods of Newport Beach, a Feng Shui reader places a Bagua map over a birdʻs-eye view of the neighborhood. By lining up north, east, south and west, the reader can see which areas of life are well endowed and which are weak. Wealth, prosperity, fame, marriages, luck of children, education, partnerships, relationships and health are all visible to the Feng Shui reader.

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Feng Shui Bagua Map

Harbor View Homes is what is known as a “complete Bagua.” A complete Bagua means that all areas of life and fortune are present. Strengths in family, children and the overall sense of community are prevalent. Wealth, business and prosperity, although present, do not overshadow the sense of contentment in homes and marriages. The linear streets indicate very traditional values.

Harbor View Homes is therefore a “10”; especially if you have children. This can be seen by a quick drive down any one of the “Port Streets.” Each and every street is awash in basketball hoops, discarded hockey sticks, big wheels and bicycles. An army of children roam the greenbelt daily. It is arguably Newport Beachʻs premier “family neighborhood.”

Todayʻs Harbor View Homes is not the same as in the earlier years. It has morphed from an affordable neighborhood with a small community feel into three and four million dollar homes. It has become exactly what the rest of Newport Beach has become.

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Submitted photo

A contemporary Harbor View Home

The original Bren homes were more utilitarian in comparison to those being built with todayʻs upscale standards of living. In contemporary Newport Beach, people raze original houses. In their place, square footages grow exponentially by utilizing every usable inch of lot and land. Construction and architecture in Harbor View Homes now competes with Belcourt, Big Canyon and Newport Coast. Today, both Feng Shui and Harbor View Homes residents give the neighborhood a double thumbs up!

What about the name? Harbor VIEW homes. View? What view? Locals joke about seeing the ocean from their rooftops. There are views of greenbelts and phase three views, but the vast majority simply look upon the door of their neighbor across the street. It does not matter because lifestyle trumps all else in the Port Streets. My favorite explanation comes from Harbor Viewʻs own First Lady, Jean Naughton: “I could see The Broadway in Fashion Island and that was all the view I ever needed.”

~~~~~~~~

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

Collaborative of grantmakers awards $615,000 in grants to 21 regional nonprofits

Newport Beach-based Orange County Community Foundation manages the OC Opportunity Initiative, which recently hosted “Together We Thrive,” an educational forum to discuss the economic impact of Orange County’s immigrant communities. A total of 21 organizations were awarded $615,000 in grants, ranging from $15,000 - $50,000.

“The link between immigrant integration and economic outcomes, measured in mobility and prosperity, is clear,” said Shelley Hoss, president of the Orange County Community Foundation, which manages the OC Opportunity Initiative. “As the speakers confirmed, the continued growth and vitality of our county depends on an engaged, educated and economically stable population that integrates our immigrant communities to build a stronger future for our region.”

To learn more about the OC Opportunity Initiative, visit the website at www.oc-cf.org/ocopportunityinitiative.

Jazz by the Sea features Peter Sprague Quartet

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Guitarist Peter Sprague

Toby Larson’s Jazz by the Sea will showcase the sounds of the Peter Sprague Quartet on Sunday, Oct. 29 at Atlantis Cove, Newport Coast from 1:30 to 5 p.m., with music beginning at 2 p.m.

The Peter Sprague Quartet features vocalist Rebecca Jade; guitar, Peter Sprague; saxophone, Tripp Sprague; bass, Gunnar Biggs; and drums, Duncan Moore.

Donation is $50 per person which includes a buffet lunch, wine and beer. Checks can be sent to: Toby Larson, 1500 Mesa Verde East B301, Costa Mesa, Calif., 92626. For more information, call 949.677.0490 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Free valet parking, or you can park on Sidney Bay Drive and walk down.

Kick up your heels at Newport Dunes’ Boots on the Beach Country Pumpkin Patch

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Submitted photo

The pumpkin patch awaits to find that perfect pumpkin turned Jack-O-Lantern

Finding the perfect pumpkins to carve and display is going to get a bit easier this year at the Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort, as it kicks off the fall season with the “Boots on the Beach Country Pumpkin Patch” on Saturday, Oct. 21 and Sunday, Oct. 22.

Bring the family out for a weekend of festive activities including picking the perfect pumpkin at the pumpkin patch, crafts, inflatables, and seasonal treats and drinks. On Saturday evening, there is a free country music concert featuring live performances by Urban Legend with Young Guns and The Kelly Boys line dancing and instruction from 6 - 9 p.m. Refreshing adult beverages and country BBQ will be available for purchase.

On Sunday, come out and enjoy classic cars from movies and TV on display including the Batmobile and Back to the Future Delorean. Adult beverages and country BBQ will be available for purchase as well.

Hours: Saturday, Oct. 21: 11 a.m. - 6 p.m., Pumpkin Patch; 6 - 9 p.m., Free Country Music Concert; Sunday, Oct. 21: 11 a.m. - 5 p.m.; Pumpkin Patch and Classic Car Show.

Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort is located at 1131 Back Bay Drive, Newport Beach. Free admission with food and beverages available for purchase; parking is $10 per car. For more information, call 9498.729.3863 and visit www.NewportDunes.com.

Mesa Water proposes rate increase, looks for public input

Water faucet

Submitted photo

After assessing the financial impacts of rising costs to provide water, as well as the need to invest nearly $36 million in capital improvements, Mesa Water District has proposed adjustments to its water rates and charges. The public can learn more about Mesa Water’s proposed water rate/charge adjustments online at www.MesaWater.org/2017-Rates-Study.

“Mesa Water structures its rates and charges based on the cost of providing water service to our customers,” said Mesa Water Board President Jim Atkinson. “This rate structure encourages wise water use by providing a fair, true signal of the water’s cost; it also gives our customers control over their water bills as they can reduce the amount they pay by reducing their water use,” Atkinson said.

Mesa Water plans to hold a public hearing regarding the proposed water rate/charge adjustments during its Board of Directors meeting on Nov. 9 at 6 p.m., when the public is invited to comment on the proposed adjustments.

Having reviewed several options, Mesa Water is considering an annual increase to its water rates and charges of up to 5 percent over five years, with the first water rate/charge adjustments proposed to take effect on Jan. 1, 2018, and subsequent proposed adjustments on Jan. 1 each year through 2022. In addition to funding an estimated $36 million in capital improvements from 2018 through 2022, the proposed adjustments would allow Mesa Water to keep pace with rising water supply costs which account for approximately one third of Mesa Water’s annual expenses.

“Controlling costs is one of Mesa Water’s highest priorities and, compared to other water agencies throughout Orange County, Mesa Water is among the most cost-efficient with the lowest expenditures per resident served,” said Mesa Water General Manager Paul E. Shoenberger, P.E. “In addition to counterbalancing increased costs charged to the District for our water pumping, the proposed rate and charge adjustments would allow Mesa Water to improve our wells, reservoirs and pipelines district-wide over the next five years,” Shoenberger said.

Public participation is encouraged to attend the Nov. 9 meeting that begins at 6 p.m. in the Mesa Water District Boardroom, 1965 Placentia Ave., Costa Mesa.

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

Police Files

Man found guilty of robbing marijuana dealers at gunpoint at Newport Coast resort

Thomas Lamarr Prince, 40, Anaheim, was found guilty yesterday (October 18) on four robberies of several marijuana dealers at gunpoint during two large-scale drug deals at a resort in Newport Coast.

On February 19, 2017, and March 21, 2017, Prince met victims in a parking lot in Newport Coast to purchase large quantities of marijuana worth over $100,000.

On each occasion, the defendant drove the victims to a nearby resort to conduct the illegal exchange inside a private hotel villa.

Once inside the room, Prince robbed the victims at gunpoint and stole 60 pounds of marijuana and 90 pounds of marijuana, respectively, as well as the victims’ personal belongings.

NBPD identified Prince as the robbery suspect while investigating a related kidnapping investigation and arrested the defendant on March 29, 2017.

Prince will be sentenced December 15 and faces a maximum sentence of 18 years in state prison. Sentencing enhancements include a prior conviction in Los Angeles for robbery in 2015.

It was an unlucky Friday the 13th for these drivers

Talk about bad luck, David Earl Profant, 45, Newport Coast, was charged with driving under the influence of alcohol on Friday the 13th. That in itself seems to be bad enough.

To further add to it, Elissa Gayle Profant, 40, Newport Coast, was also arrested on the scene for disorderly conduct related to alcohol.

The arrest took place at 11:35 p.m. at San Clemente Drive and Santa Cruz Drive.

Bail was set at $2,500 for him, $500 for her.

Annalyse Valentina Andradesin, 30, Laguna Niguel, was also arrested on Friday the 13th at Jamboree Road and Birch Street for possession of narcotics and a controlled substance.

It’s what came next for Andadesin that was the kicker. Newport Beach Police found out she had four outstanding warrants: first, for being under the influence, the second for possession of unlawful paraphernalia, the third for identity theft and finally, the fourth for possession of a controlled substance.

All tolled, Andradesin was on the hook for a $140,000 bail.

Might be a good reminder to pay those warrants.

Scroll down to Police Beat for all arrests & crime reports

School Notes

NMUSD

The Newport-Mesa Unified School District will present Suicide Education and Prevention Strategies at four local high schools in November. This workshop will focus on the principles of suicide prevention, outline NMUSD policies, procedures and provide guidance for parents. The discussion will include the identification of common myths, risk factors and warning signs as well as highlight protective factors, primary prevention, early identification, referral and available resources. Suicide prevention is an ongoing, collaborative process and parents’ participation is urged.

Corona del Mar High School: Nov. 7, 6 p.m., CdM Theater

Costa Mesa High School: Nov. 21, 6 p.m., CMHS Theater

Estancia High School: Nov. 29, 6 p.m., EHS Theater

Newport Harbor High School: Nov. 15, 6 p.m., NHHS Reading Room

• • •

On Oct. 24, the Board of Education of the NMUSD at their regular meeting to be held at 6 p.m. at the District’s Board Room, will conduct a public hearing to provide an opportunity for the community to provide oral comment to the Board regarding the proposed new trustee boundaries. Persons seeking information should contact the Superintendent’s Office, 714.424.5031.

Corona del Mar High School

Corona del Mar School’s Backstage and Performing Artists Company will present The Curious Savage Nov. 2 – 4 in the CdMHS Seaking Theater. Curtain times are Thursday, Nov. 2 - 4 p.m., Friday and Saturday, Nov. 3 & 4 - 7 p.m. and a Sunday, Nov. 5 matinee at 2 p.m.

Newport Harbor High School

Support the Newport Harbor High School Band next Thursday, Oct. 26, with their Restaurant Fundraiser at California Pizza Kitchen. Enjoy a meal and 20 percent of the price goes back to NHHS Band. You can dine anytime between 11 a.m. - 10 p.m.

Newport El

The 5th Annual Newport El Classic Car Show is this Saturday, Oct. 21 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Enjoy classic cars on the beach with prizes awarded to Best of Show, Best Luxury/Exotic, Best Volkswagen, Best Hot Rod, Beat Muscle Car, Best Woody, Best Truck, Best Classic and Kids’ Choice. Admission is free with kids’ play and food trucks. Proceeds benefit the students of Newport Elementary School. All vehicle entrants will receive a professional photograph of their car on the beach. To register online, visit www.newportelementary.ejoinme.org. Presented by Rearden Racing, The Thermal Club, Fletcher Jones Motorcars and Billy’s at the Beach. It all takes place at Newport Elementary School, 1327 W. Balboa Blvd.

Sewage spill closes Balboa Pier area

The OC Health Care Agency’s Environmental Health division has closed the ocean water area 1,000 feet up-coast and 1,000 feet down-coast of the Balboa Pier in the City of Newport Beach as of yesterday, Oct. 18. The spill of approximately 300 gallons was caused by a leak in a sewer-pumping tank below the pier.

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Map courtesy of OC Health

The affected ocean water area will remain closed to ocean water contact sports for a minimum of three days and 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.

Stories depicted in paintings on display at JWA

Hope by Iriet Peshkess

Courtesy of JWA

"Hope" by Iriet Peshkess

From Oct. 18 to Nov. 16, a series of paintings by Iriet Peshkess are on display at John Wayne Airport (JWA) as part of JWA’s Community Focus Space Program. These works can be viewed on the Departure (upper) Level near security screening areas in Terminals A, B and C, and on the Arrival (lower) Level adjacent to Baggage Carousels 1 and 4.

According to Peshkess, “I try to paint mood and story, not detail. If I can make you stop, look and feel, I have done what I set out to do.”

For more information on her work, visit www.irietpeshkess.com, or

www.facebook.com/IrietPeshkessArtist.

Upcoming Community Focus Space Program artists include Evalyn Morris (Nov. 16 – Dec. 19, 2017) and Andrea Moni (Dec. 19, 2017 – Jan. 18, 2018).

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

Aviation Update

Jeff Herdman

An update on JWA takeoffs

Jeff Herdman

Newport Beach City Councilmember Jeff Herdman

As a follow-up to my last Blog/Newsletter, I asked the City to take a look at our website having to do with aviation issues, specifically the reporting of noise from airplanes taking off from JWA. The City of Costa Mesa recently launched a website where you can report and log excessive noise from fights taking off. The same feature is now available in Newport Beach at the following website:

www.newoprtbeachca.gov/how-do-i-/learn-more-about/john-wayne-airport.

Aviation Update

It is safe to say that things have really “taken off” in this City when it comes to the John Wayne Airport and the implementation of NextGen flight path procedures. Below is a brief chronology since 2009 of what has taken place with the FAA when it comes to flight takeoff patterns at JWA, and where we are today. For purposes of understanding the timeline of events below, the West Side refers to the Dover Shores area; the East Side refers to the East Bluff area. Terms like STREL, DUKE and NextGen are acronyms for the name of flight paths. Fanning refers to planes spreading out in terms of their takeoff path.

2009 – The era of Fanning in terms of takeoffs; Then DUKE was set up which more narrowed the flight takeoffs (the FAA got it wrong). The City went to work with the County. It took 18 months working with the FAA to get a revised DUKE implemented, and it still wasn’t good.

2011 – FAA implements the STREL take off pattern and things were pretty good for two years.

2014 – The FAA moved STREL, and it was too far to the west. The City went to work again with the FAA, but to no avail.

2015 – NextGen nationwide is proposed by the FAA – bad news!

2016 – The City filed litigation against the FAA’s EIR related to NextGen claiming that the EIR was inadequate in terms of the effects of noise and pollution.

March 2017 – NextGen is implemented despite the lawsuit; resulted in planes flying too close to East Bluff.

April 2017 – FAA moved all flights to the same departure path.

May 2017 – FAA did a correction to the West (half of the planes taking off) and that is where we are right now with departures either too close to Eastbluff or Dover Shores.

October 2017 – A change is coming…40 percent of the takeoffs, those that are too close to Eastbluff, will be moved toward the West.

December 2017 – Another change is coming…10 percent more flights will shift to the West.

What is the City doing about all of this?

The City filed a lawsuit against the FAA that got us (the City) a place at the table so that negotiations could take place on behalf of the people of Newport Beach. NextGen represents a large swath of departures, and there is no way that the FAA could have studied the environmental impact of this area. The case is being heard in Washington D.C., however the current status of the case is meditation with the FAA. This will continue until progress stops. The City wants “fanning” reinstated.

The Council passed a Resolution stating its intent to aggressively work toward a solution with the FAA.

The Council will approve the hiring of lobbyists to work with the two Senators from California as well as the airlines.

The City will be forming a community action committee to work with the City and County on this issue.

The City will be bringing in an outside firm to verify decibel readings over the existing sound monitors as well as in other areas where there are not sensors.

What can you do?

First, encourage Congressman Dana Rohrabacher to put his name on Congressman Stephen Lunch’s recently introduced legislation - H.R. 3938, Air Traffic Noise and Pollution Expert Consensus Act of 2017. Introduced last week, and as of this past Friday, our Congressman had not yet added his name to the list who are supporting this piece of legislation. If you Google Congressman Dana Rohrabacher (Dana Rohrabacher’s e-mail), you will be taken to a form where you can send him a message at www.rohrabacher.house.gov/contact/email-me.

AirFair, Airport Working Group and HOA’s need to activate independently; petitions, letters to our Congressmen, and conduct awareness campaigns that American and United Airlines are not being considerate of residents when it comes to their takeoff practices.

One last note: People are continually asking about planes powering back after takeoff – a practice that used to be in place. The Airport Noise and Capacity Act of 2005 is the reason why the City can’t insist on powering back or introducing this in litigation. It is a thing of the past.

I hope that you have found this informative, and are convinced that the City Council has made this entire issue, and its solution, a very high priority.

As always, I remain at your service, and encourage you to contact me with any questions, concerns and feedback.

Aviation Update Update! 10/17/2017 12:30 pm

As of Oct. 17, the staff’s initial assessment as to the FAA’s recent re-coding of the HHERO flight departure procedure finds that the correction has been made, and it is the correct one!

This was to happen last Thursday, October 12, and it did. All HHERO departures (about 40 percent of the daily departing flights) have been corrected. Flights are now flying away from Eastbluff, and higher. PIGGN and HHERO are now on top of each other and this is correct. HHERO departures moved slightly west and now are appropriately placed in a new NEXTGEN environment.

On December 7, FINNS flights to Las Vegas and Salt Lake City (less than 10 percent of the daily flights), and are somewhat East, will make a correction. The end result will be 98 percent of all flights will be on the correct takeoff course.

Jeff Herdman

Newport Beach City Council - District 5

FIRE 101 at ENC

Join Environmental Nature Center Executive Director Bo Glover for FIRE 101 to learn about the basics of fire starting on Nov. 11 from 2 to 6 p.m.

Building and maintaining a fire is an essential survival skill. It can provide you warmth, dry wet clothes, keep insects away, signal for rescue, boil untreated water and cook food. Along with survival necessities, fire also creates a sense of community. Glover will explain where to build a fire, what materials to use and which type of structure to build. As the sun sets, the pressure will be on to get your friction fire started!

Bo Glover

Courtesy of ENC

ENC Executive Director Bo Glover

Participants will make their own fires to cook with (dinner is included). This program is for individuals, couples and families with kids nine years of age or older. Bring a fixed blade knife and come dressed for the weather – the program will occur outside, and it is rain or shine.

Cost: $20 for ENC members, $30 for non-members. To register and pre-pay, visit www.encenter.org.

Environmental Nature Center is located at 1601 E. 16th St., Newport Beach. Call 949.645.8489.

Fair Game

By TOM JOHNSON

Locals win $200 million Dana Point project

TomJohnson The Orange County Supervisors have approved a long-term lease with two local Newport Beach real estate groups to revitalize the Dana Point Harbor.

Dana Point Harbor Partners LLC, aka Burnham-Ward Properties and R. D. Olson Development, both Newport Beach companies, will develop the $200 million project that will include restaurants, retail, hotels and more.

Scott Burnham, who seems to own everything Bren, Segerstrom and Argyros don’t, and Bob Olson, who of course leads the Lido House hotel project.

Dana Point is in good hands.

It’s a 66-year lease.

A final agreement still needs to be finalized by the County before the deal is actually completed.

• • •

Surprise, surprise, Donald Bren, Chairman of the Irvine Company, was recently ranked 28th on the Forbes 400 billionaires list for the world. His estimated wealth is $16.3 billion.

Bren is also ranked the richest real estate industry person in the world by Forbes.

So, what does a $16.3 billion portfolio look like, how about 115 million square feet of real estate, 60,000 apartments, more than 40 shopping centers and some 500 office buildings.

That’s a lot.

Another way to tell, drive south on the 405 and just about any apartments, shopping centers and high rises are his through Irvine.

Developer George Argyros also made the list at No. 340 with a worth of $2.4 billion. His company is Arnel & Affiliates that owns 5,500 apartments and some 2 million square feet of commercial and retail real estate.

If I left any of my friends off, let me know.

• • •

Susie DiGiovanna, Social Services Supervisor at the City, reminded me that OASIS Senior Center is turning 40 and the community is invited to join in the celebration. The event is planned for Saturday, Nov. 4 from 2 - 5 p.m.

It’s $15 and Susie says the tickets go fast.

Here’s what’s planned: the Tijuana Dogs, a ‘70s cover band, will perform from 2:30 - 4:30 p.m. and there’ll be small tasty bites, and beer and wine.

Tickets are $15 and can be purchased by called 949.644.3244 or visiting the administration office at OASIS.

• • •

Happy 91st birthday to my friend Paul Salata. If you don’t know Paul, you’re probably not from Newport Beach. He started Irrelevant Week to honor the last draft pick in the annual National Football League draft. He and his family fly them into Newport Beach and then it’s party on.

Okay, Paul has slowed over the years. But for those that remember when he was on, there was not much better.

Thank you friend for all you’ve done for me.

This photo below is from last week’s USC vs. Utah game at the Los Angeles Coliseum. SC loves Salata as much as Salata loves SC.

Fight on!

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Courtesy of Melanie Salata Fitch

Civic Center audit will return $365,000 to the City

The City of Newport Beach and C.W. Driver late yesterday issued the following joint statement related to the now concluded Civic Center Audit:

The Newport Beach Civic Center and Park Project was completed in 2014. As per industry standard, the City conducted an audit to verify that the project costs were within the terms and conditions of the contract.

During the productive discussions that followed, C.W. Driver addressed the City’s concerns regarding certain cost allocations. Despite a good faith basis for their submission, C.W. Driver has agreed to reimburse certain of these costs.

The City notes that there is no finding of wrongdoing on the part of C.W. Driver, but rather a good faith difference of opinion in the interpretation of a complex construction contract.

City staff has learned much from this project that will benefit future City projects, and is satisfied that any questions as to the accounting for the project are now fully behind us.

Following the issued statement, StuNewsNewport asked a couple of City Councilmembers for their comments: “Most settlements that will result in news stories include a joint statement provision. In my view, the most important settlement provision was returning $365,000 of taxpayer money to our residents,” said Councilmember Will O’Neill.

Former Mayor and current City Councilmember Diane Dixon said, “I am pleased to put this matter behind us. Mayor Muldoon and I co-sponsored the resolution in 2015 to fund a closeout audit of the $140 million civic center project at a projected cost of $350,000. The audit findings identified certain cost discrepancies and the settlement of $365,000 more than covered the actual $300,000 cost of the audit. This is real money returned to the people of Newport Beach.”

Children’s Halloween Festival at Roger’s Gardens

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Courtesy of Roger’s Gardens

Calling all goblins, ghosts and super heroes! Kids, get ready to wear your favorite costume to the Children’s Halloween Festival at Roger’s Gardens on Monday, Oct. 30 at 4 p.m. Join in the fun at the costume parade, be creative during interactive crafts, discover spooky activities and trick-or-treat throughout the Gardens.

Adults – don’t forget to bring your cameras for unique photo opportunities.

Roger’s Gardens is located at 2301 San Joaquin Hills Road, Corona del Mar. Visit www.rogersgardens.com.

A costume party that’s going to the dogs…all for a great cause

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Friends of Newport Beach Animal Shelter (FONBAS) is hosting its first event – a costume party for dogs. The “Howl-O-Ween” party is Saturday, Oct. 28, from 10 a.m. to noon at Marina Park, 1600 West Balboa Blvd., Newport Beach. The event is free.

Prizes will be awarded for Scariest, Prettiest and Most Newport Beach costumes, Best owner/pet ensemble, Best Trick and Most Personality.

This free event features Vladae Roypate, the world-famous Russian Dog Wizard, who will offer tips on pet obedience as well as answer owners’ questions. There will also be adoption opportunities on-site featuring dogs from the Newport Beach Animal Shelter as well as a pick-a-prize opportunity drawing.

Money raised by FONBAS goes to augment the city-run shelter, located at 20302 Riverside Drive, Newport Beach. Funds will help make animals more comfortable and adoptable, upgrade cages, and provide additional medical and dental care.

FONBAS is a non-profit organization that raises funds to support the Newport Beach Animal Shelter. For more information, contact Nancy Gardner at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 949 673-0706.

About Town HR

By LANA JOHNSON

Welcome to our new column About Town, which will acquaint you with some of the businesses, restaurants, boutiques, organizations…you name it…that call Newport Beach home. I will take you on a fun, behind-the-scenes look to discover what makes these destinations special and what they offer.

Timree’s Art Studio brings out the artist in all of us

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Photos by Lana Johnson

Timree Art Studio

I love art, but I’m definitely not an artist, although it would be something I’d like to pursue when I can find the time. So, I joined a Timree painting class, one among many offered each month. Her new studio in Westcliff exudes a welcoming brightness with her custom art, as well as her home and office accessories and personalized gifts. What sets Timree apart is that she is self-taught!

I joined a group of eight other “students,” mostly moms and their daughters. In front of me was an easel with a blank 11” X 14” canvas, a set of brushes, a palette filled with different paints, and if you would like to add it in – glitter. Checking out her monthly calendar online, I chose the Candy Pumpkin – it didn’t look too intricate, but the playful element was definitely there.

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Instructor Katie Holland leads our paint class

One of her team of artists, Katie Holland, led the two-hour class. She was cheerful, patient and alleviated my fears. (Sitting in front of a blank canvas can make you a bit nervous!)

Holland began by mixing a light-colored paint, which we outlined the large shapes in, then proceeded to instruct us on how to bring in each of the elements. What’s fun is that each artist can use their own color combinations and be as creative as their imaginations allow.

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A work of art by Emily Grey, age 10

I have to admit, I fell a bit behind, but looked up at her painting as she worked to pick up some of the nuances. What I didn’t expect was how relaxed I was, and I became an artist in front of my own eyes!

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Kammee Hodge of Dover Shores, with her Sparklemania green pumpkin

Classes are offered at a variety of times with some targeted specifically for adults, such as Girls Night Out, while most cater to ages 6 and up. In addition, you can hold a private paint party there to celebrate that special occasion. Classes are extremely affordable and start at $40, with all supplies included. Timree is sought after for her personalized gifts, so you can check those out in her studio or on her website, as well as her live event painting – she’ll paint your special event, live.

I would encourage anyone who hasn’t checked out her studio to do so and sign up for a class. I have included some of her upcoming classes in today’s “Best Bets.”

Timree’s Art Studio is located at 1651 Westcliff Drive, Newport Beach. Call 949.723.1300, email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., or visit her website at www.timree.com.

My Masterpiece

My “masterpiece” awaits Halloween with a smile

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

Water Study Issues Group event this Saturday

Mesa Water

Submitted photo

Mesa Water District will host a half-day Water Issues Study Group (WISG) water education program for adults on Saturday, Oct. 21, from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Offered at no cost to participants, WISG is open to Mesa Water® customers and community members, including residents and individuals from local businesses, public agencies, and high schools, as well as elected officials, media, industry colleagues, and others interested in learning about Mesa Water and water in general.

For the public’s convenience, and based on feedback from past participants, this year’s WISG is reformatted to take place in one half-day at the Mesa Water Reliability Facility (MWRF).

“Since 1986, the Water Issues Study Group program has provided abundant water knowledge through group discussions about our 100 percent local, reliable water supplies, their sources, how they are treated, tested and distributed, and the importance of being efficient with our water use,” said Mesa Water Board President Jim Atkinson. “We’ve seen a lot of changes over the past 30+ years and value the time that our customers and community members are able to share with us to learn about water…a resource that none of us can live without,” Atkinson shared.

WISG teaches participants about Mesa Water’s local water supplies and reliability, water use efficiency, and water quality, and includes a tour of the MWRF’s water-wise gardens and nanofiltration technology.

The MWRF is located at 1350 Gisler Ave., Costa Mesa. Flat, closed-toe shoes are required for the tour.

At this year’s WISG, former Mesa Water Director and Orange Coast College History Professor, Hank Panian will receive a WISG Professor Emeritus designation for his 30 years of teaching WISG classes about the history and geography of our water supplies.

Those interested in attending WISG can call Mesa Water’s Public Affairs Department at 949.631.1201 or sign up online at www.MesaWater.org/WISG where more information is also available.

Pop Season celebrates Ella’s 100th with celebration

Ella Fitzgerald

Courtesy of scfta.org

It’s definitely got that swing! Pacific Symphony Pops 2017-18 season roars on with a celebration of one of the 20th century’s most iconic singers, Ella Fitzgerald, whose legacy and influence defined a classic era of jazz singing – on what would have been her 100th birthday.

Discovered as a 17-year-old during a talent show at the famous Apollo Theatre in Harlem, Fitzgerald’s life in song has been captured through the bounty of her musical hits, innumerable recordings and performances made during the Big Band era. Dubbed “The First Lady of Song,” the incomparable singer was the most popular female jazz vocalist in the United States for more than half a century. In her lifetime, she won 13 Grammy awards and sold more than 40 million albums.

George Gershwin once said: “I never knew how good our songs were until I heard Ella Fitzgerald sing them.”

“In the dictionary under ‘singer’, it could simply say one word: Ella,” said Richard Kaufman, Pacific Symphony’s principal pops conductor. “There’s no one like her, and this show, as created by conductor Larry Blank, will bring all the brilliance of this legendary performer to the Pacific Symphony audience. Combine our orchestra with the music of Ella and the skill of this conductor/arranger, and you’ve got a magical night of music not to be missed.”

This very special centennial celebration – “Tribute to Ella!” – created and led by guest conductor Blank, takes place Friday and Saturday, Nov. 3 - 4, at 8 p.m., in the Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall. Single tickets are $35-$139.

For more information or to purchase tickets, call 714.755.5799 or visit www.PacificSymphony.org.

Spooky season for kids comes to Library

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Submitted photo

The Newport Beach Public Library will present a variety of free Halloween programs at library locations throughout Newport Beach with crafts, stories and other fun activities. Children are encouraged to wear their costumes during the week of October 24 - 31 to story hours and special programs.

Events at the branch libraries will begin with Halloween Crafts at the Mariners Branch on Tuesday, Oct. 24 at 4 p.m.; Creepy Crafts will keep kids busy at the Balboa Branch on Wednesday, Oct. 25 at 3:30 p.m.; and children 3 - 8 can enjoy friendly Ghostly Crafts at the Corona del Mar Branch on Thursday, Oct. 26 beginning at 3 p.m.

All programs will focus on fun, not scary, Halloween activities that delight young children during the spooky season.

On Halloween, the Central Library will host a Halloween Extravaganza beginning at 4 p.m. in the Children’s Room with not-so-scary stories, crafts and snacks. Kids will take a trick-or-treat tour of the library to cap off the celebration.

The Newport Beach Public Library presents a variety of programs that foster cultural arts enrichment. For more information, contact the Library at 949.717.3800, option 2, or visit the website at www.newportbeachlibrary.org.

Letter to the Editor:

Peotter’s misguided efforts

While recent headlines have focused on Scott Peotter’s misguided efforts to refuse Newport’s gas tax revenues, and ridiculous charges by Peotter supporter Bob Rush regarding an imaginary “enemies list”, it is important not to forget that Peotter provides a clear and present danger to the quality of life in Newport Beach due to his full throttled support of high rise development.

Peotter attempted to undermine the people’s right to petition their government by putting thousands of unnecessary pages in the Museum House referendum petitions. These petitions weighed more than ten pounds and cost thousands to print. He failed in this effort when 14,000 residents opposed this project. Even with this, Peotter opposed rescinding the project approval and sought a special election (now he wails crocodile tears about the cost of a special election but he was all for it in February).

Peotter has advocated raising the height limits on Lido, and the new General Plan will allow him the opportunity to fix his high-rise vision on our city for a generation.

We need public officials that will focus on reducing traffic, improving our streets, protecting our quality of life and keeping our city safe. Peotter would rather address state and national issues to the detriment of Newport Beach taxpayers.

It’s time for a change. Go to www.recallscottpeotter.com for more information.

Georgia Foell

Big Canyon

Newport Beach Women’s Democratic Club Monthly Meeting: Voter Outreach Workshop

The Newport Beach Women’s Democratic Club (NBWDC) will hold its monthly meeting on Tuesday, Oct. 17, at the Newport Beach Yacht Club, 1099 Bayside Drive, Newport Beach. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. for a networking social. The meeting begins at 6 p.m.

This month NBWDC will present an energetic and informative workshop on voter outreach in preparation for the upcoming 2018 local, state and federal elections. Guest speakers will include Sara Holland and Cate Hardesty.

Sara Holland worked as the assistant to the state field director for Obama For America in 2008. She interned in Senator Feinstein’s office, and worked on democracy and peace building issues at the Washington Institute for Near East Policy. It is her belief that “democracy lives and dies in the field of every campaign.”

Cate Hardesty has been actively involved in the Indivisible Movement that sprang up following the 2016 election. She is Congressional District 48’s Captain for Code Blue and the Coordinator for the 48th Action Council. She is also an active member of NBWDC, and works tirelessly to promote voter registration and voter education.

The meeting is free for NBWDC members and $15 admission for non-members. Seating is limited, so RSVPs are required. Visit www.NBWDC.org to RSVP and for additional information.

NMUSD approves 2018/19 Calendar

Newport-Mesa Unified School District Board of Education has approved their 2018/19 School Calendar and Schedule of Activities.

Some of the highlights: first day of school is Tuesday, Sept. 4, 2018; the school year will end on Thursday, June 20, 2019 for grades 7-12 and Friday, June 21, 2019, for K-6.

Winter Vacation begins with an early release on Dec. 21, 2018 with students returning on Monday, Jan. 7, 2019.

For a complete view of the calendar click School Calendar 2018/19.

Maybe it’s time to book your 2018/19 travel.

On the Harbor: Fall is here and reminiscing about sailing

By LEN BOSE

Fall is here, the leaves change color and the activity around the harbor cools down a little, so I thought I would take a cruise and report my observations.

October started off with a loud roar from the Huntington Beach Air Show. Activity on the harbor felt more like the 4th of July, let me take that back, the air show seemed to have broken the sound barrier in more ways than one. According to Dave Beek, owner of Island Marine Fuel, “The air show is one of the busiest days of the year for us.” Countless marine industry people were too busy to smile and just had their heads down…working. Marina Park was full and the Dunes launch ramp appeared to be close to capacity. The most common quote I heard was, “I have never seen so many boats out on the Huntington Beach flats at one time.”

Most of the boaters would be heading out of the harbor between 10:00 and 11:00 a.m. then returning around 4:00 or 5:00 p.m. The fog was clearing up early, the sun was out and there was only a light southerly breeze rolling across the water. It does not get much better than that and the timing could not have been better for all the different harbor users that weekend. Everyone I talked to on the water planned on returning to the air show next year.

As the airshow left with a boom, just the way it came in, people seemed to take in a big sigh, sit back and relax before the next tide change of the holidays approaches. From my cruise around the harbor, the shipyards appeared busy, the repo marina looked empty which I assume is a good indication on our economy. The fishing charter boats looked to be shifting over to more whale watching charters. A pod of Orca whales passed by our coastline this month which has kept the sea lions in the harbor.

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Photo by Len Bose

As I mentioned in my last column the sea lion population has been a constant irritation to the boats located in A and B mooring fields close to the harbor entrance. The model coyotes are still the leading deterrent to keep the sea lions off your boats and docks. The Coast Guard dock became a target early this month with some great effort, as the sea lion barking moved up the bay.

While walking the docks, it appears most of the marinas are full again along with an increase in brand new boats, which is always good for me and adds a giddyup in my step.

Newport Harbor Yacht Club’s new clubhouse is starting to take shape and there are loud noises that Balboa Yacht Club is moving forward in renovating their clubhouse too. Slips are getting bigger around the harbor, as yacht clubs seem to be adjusting and renovating their clubhouses. My gut tells me it will not be much longer before more condominiums will enclose our harbor.

This thought frightens me: We only have one launch ramp in town and the commercial pier is a third of its size 10 years ago. Accessibility to our moorings is becoming more and more difficult, so where can beginning boaters go to launch their boats? Like I said in my last column “What are you gonna do?”

I guess I’m going to show my age and dream of the past. Rather than wish on my youth returning, I will wish for the small boating clubs to return. I long for the days where we returned from the water, threw burgers on the BBQ, sat down to a simple picnic bench and told sea stories of the day. No big deal that my hat is on, pants are wet, or that the kids are throwing rocks into the water for the longest skip or running around and hiding from each other.

For me and the sport of sailing it appears my bubble has popped and I will have to take my hat off, waddle on up to the bar and order a 10 dollar draft beer and consider that 25 dollar hamburger. Ya ya…I know poor me. But I still like to dream of simpler days and the thought that I am turning into my Dad does not bother me one bit.

Sea ya.

~~~~~~~~

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

Pet of the Week

Nicky

Courtesy of Newport Beach

Animal Shelter

MEET NICKY

Adorable Nicky is seeking a loving home

Nicky is a 6-year-old Terrier mix. She is sweet and loves to go on walks. She is spayed, microchipped and up to date on vaccines.

Adoption costs at the shelter:

Dogs - $130

Puppies - $150

Cats - $90

Kittens - $110

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

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

Interfaith Council to hold Resource Fair

The Newport Mesa Irvine Interfaith Council will host its annual Resource Fair on Wednesday, Oct. 18 at Hoag Hospital in the Hoag Conference Center, 3900 Pacific Coast Highway, Newport Beach.

The Interfaith Council brings together non-profits that work to alleviate poverty, homelessness, hunger and also works with issues such as aging and mental health.

Participants this year include Alzheimer’s Orange County, the Council on Aging Orange County, the Orange County Food Bank, Big Brothers Big Sisters, Human Options, Mercy House, Families Forward, Share Our Selves and Hoag.

The meeting begins at 11:45 a.m. with lunch at noon and the program immediately following.

Lunch is $12 with reservations (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.) and $15 at the door.

The Interfaith Council is a spiritual and ethical force of faith community representatives that enable inter-religious dialogue and service in an attempt to build a community that honors and respects many voices. www.ocinterfaith.org.

Full Moon Walk at ENC

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Submitted photo

Join Environmental Nature Center naturalist Fiorella Gardella for a nocturnal hike in the Center to learn about the full moon on Friday, Nov. 3 at 6 p.m. Flashlights are discouraged.

This program is for humans age 6 and up. Cost is $6 per participant ($5 for ENC members). Reservations are required, so visit www.encenter.org to sign up.

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

Fall Mixer planned by CdM Chamber

Fall Networking

Submitted photo

The Corona del Mar Chamber of Commerce invites the community to their Fall Networking Mixer & Pop-Up Shop on Tuesday, Oct. 24, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. The Mixer will take place in the “swanky” offices of the Boutique Real Estate Group, 3653 E. Coast Highway, Corona del Mar.

The evening will include food and beverages, a trendy pop-up shopping experience and a chance to meet new business and social contacts.

RVSPs are not required, but are preferred. The event is free to Chamber members and $20 for non-members. For more information on the Mixer or other CdM Chamber events go to www.CdMChamber.com or call 949.673.4050.

Fair Game

By TOM JOHNSON

Former Daily Pilot Ad Director murdered

TomJohnson Last Friday started off like any other day, I woke up. Don’t laugh, a close former associate of mine didn’t. My phone rang in the eight o’clock hour, it was my daughter Ashley, she said, “Dad, did you hear the woman shot and killed in Aliso Viejo yesterday was Lisa Cosenza?”

I was shocked.

Lisa was my Ad Director at the Daily Pilot for a number of years, a real part of the team.

Apparently, Thursday afternoon (October 12) an issue erupted at Lisa’s home that she shared with her boyfriend Doug Ferguson. Doug’s son apparently grabbed a gun, shot and killed Lisa and Doug and wounded two others.

Police arrested Luke William Ferguson, 26, the next day in Inglewood.

One report said that Luke was upset because “his dad wanted him to stop drinking beer and get a job.”

So you shoot your dad and the woman who’s letting you stay in her house? Unfathomable.

Lisa began working in the Daily Pilot real estate department selling advertising in 1996. She came from a highly respected Orange County real estate family, and she did very well.

Eight years later I was looking for an Advertising Director. I actually approached Lisa and urged her to apply for the job. She did and the rest was history. She had a toughness and an edge to her personality that I figured would serve her well leading the department. For the most part it did.

She remained at the Pilot until 2013.

At the Daily Pilot everyone was close, we had an us-against-them attitude as we battled to keep our ownership, the Los Angeles Times, from ruining our business model and fought the Orange County Register for advertising share.

Those days were fun and I like to think of them fondly as the heyday of the Daily Pilot.

The sad part is that the group loses Lisa, who now becomes the second staff member to be murdered. Donna Jacobsen, our much beloved Credit Manager, was stabbed to death upon arriving home following an evening church service in December of 1996.

As close as Lisa and I were in our days working together, we had not communicated for the last number of years. Now, that window of opportunity is forever closed.

It’s a good reminder for me and everyone else on staying connected.

Godspeed Lisa, Godspeed.

CosmetiCare hosts BeautyLand event

BeautyLand

Submitted photo

Newport Beach-based CosmetiCare, Orange County’s leading cosmetic surgery center and medspa, will host its third annual BeautyLand event on Thursday, Oct. 26 from 5 to 8 p.m., to help answer questions the community might have about aesthetic technology, lasers, body sculpting and other cosmetic procedures. This free event offers an opportunity for guests to interact with CosmetiCare’s experts in a no-pressure, fun atmosphere overlooking the Balboa Harbor. Complimentary hors d’oeuvres and wine will be served.

The intimate experience will give attendees an insider’s look into CosmetiCare’s signature rooms, where they can learn more about non-invasive beauty treatments through demonstrations of techniques to correct wrinkles, loose and sagging skin, uneven tone and pigmentation, rosacea and more.

BeautyLand stops include: Skin Care and Glow Room, Fat Melting Room, Laser Room, Freeze & Fill Room, Nip Tuck Room and Weight Loss Room.

In addition, exclusive day-of specials and giveaways will be offered on many of CosmetiCare’s most popular preventative beauty treatments including; Voluma, Juvederm, Botox, TruSculpt and others. Guests will enjoy live demonstrations of CoolSculpting – a noninvasive procedure that targets stubborn areas of fat. As an added bonus, guests will have the opportunity to “try on” treatments using the New Look Now® aesthetic treatment visualizers. Upon arriving, guests will have the option to have their photos taken and receive a photo simulation of cosmetic treatments to their problem areas before leaving.

Space is limited and RSVP is required. Call 949.718.6900 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. CosmetiCare will offer 10 free units of Botox to RSVP’d guests who bring a friend to the event.

CosmetiCare is located at 1101 Bayside Drive, Suite 200, Newport Beach. For more information about BeautyLand, visit www.cosmeticare.com.

Childhelp to host Studio 54 gala

Studio 54

Submitted photo

The OC Chapter of Childhelp is hosting its Studio 54 Fall Gala on Saturday, Oct. 28 from 6 to 11 p.m. at the Balboa Bay Resort. The evening’s festivities include dinner, gambling and boogie dancing. Bidding is automated so have your Smartphone charged.

Co-chairs of the event are Shan Vincent, Joy Estrada and Julie Thornton-Adams. Disco attire is encouraged. Tickets are $250 per person.

For event and ticket information, visit www.bidpal.net/childhelpocgala2017. For each dollar expended, over 92 cents is invested into serving the children in need of Childhelp’s program services.

For additional details, contact Pam Pharris at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Balboa Bay Resort is located at 1221 W. Coast Highway, Newport Beach.

St. Lawrence String Quartet to perform at Segerstrom Center, replaces Pavel Haas Quartet

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Photo by Marco Borggreve

The previously announced chamber concert by the Pavel Haas Quartet scheduled for Oct. 20, 2017 has been canceled due to illness. The St. Lawrence String Quartet will now perform at Segerstrom Center in a program featuring works by Haydn and Brahms.

Members of the St. Lawrence String Quartet include Geoff Nuttall and Owen Dalby, violin; Lesley Robertson, viola; and Christopher Costanza, cello. The concert also welcomes pianist Stephen Prutsman who will join the quartet to perform Brahms’ Quintet for Piano and Strings in F Minor, Op. 34.

Subscribers and ticket holders are being contacted by the Center Box Office with further details. Ticket holders can also reach the Box Office directly at 714.556.2787 with questions. Single tickets start at $29 and are available online at www.SCFTA.org, at the Box Office at 600 Town Center Drive in Costa Mesa or by calling 714.556.2787. Patrons are invited to the free Preview Talk that will be held at 7:15 p.m., prior to the performance.

Chamber plans for upcoming Economic Forecast luncheon

Economic Forecast

Submitted photo

The Newport Beach Chamber of Commerce will present their 2018 Economic Forecast featuring the UCLA Anderson Forecast on Friday, Oct. 27 from 11:15 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Balboa Bay Resort.

The Forecast is an annual event that attracts hundreds of Orange County business leaders, media and government officials and promises to deliver a powerful program presented by an esteemed and unprecedented panel of experts.

This year’s panel includes Jerry Nickelsburg, Ph.D., an Adjunct Professor of Economics at the Anderson School of Management, UCLA (his talk is titled “Prospects for the U.S. and California Economies in 2018”); Christopher Schwarz, an Associate Professor in Finance from the UCI Paul Merage School of Business (his talk is titled “Investment Strategies for 2018”); and Jonathan Lansner, a business columnist for the Orange County Register (he will discuss the “2018 Real Estate Outlook”).

Orange County Business Journal Publisher & CEO Richard Reisman will moderate.

Balboa Bay Resort is located at 1221 W. Coast Highway, Newport Beach.

For tickets and more information, visit www.newportbeach.com.

Stump the Stu

Why is this gray building called Brown?

Okay, here’s the challenge. Where is this Brown Building? A better question might be why do they call this gray building “brown.” Good luck.

Take the challenge, and submit your answers to: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. The correct answers will be in Thursday’s edition.

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

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Balboa Island Museum and NB Public Library present Tom Stillwell

On Wednesday, Nov. 8, the Balboa Island Museum and Newport Beach Public Library are enthused to present Tom Stillwell, the creator of “I grew up in Newport Beach BEFORE it was the OC.”

The event takes place from 7 to 8 p.m. with a reception beginning at 6 p.m. at the Newport Beach Central Library’s Friends Room, 1000 Avocado Ave., Newport Beach.

“I grew up in Newport Beach BEFORE it was the OC, or NBB4OC, is a Facebook group of more than 14,000 people,” Stillwell said. “A few still live in Newport Beach, but the vast majority are spread across the United States and around the world. There are members on every continent except Antarctica.”

“The one thing that binds this group together is that they all grew up in Newport as it made its transition from a sleepy little beach town at the end of the Red Car Line to being the center of wealth and commerce. They remember when you told people you were from Newport Beach they said, “Where’s that?” not “Ohhhh! You’re from the OC.”

If you would like to journey back – just for an evening – to the Newport Beach of days gone by, where you could visit the Buffalo Farm, ride a horse on the beach, eat ice cream at Wil Wrights, or go waterskiing in the Back Bay, don’t miss this Balboa Island Museum’s Speaker Event. Stillwell will present a lively collection of photographs, videos, and stories and lead a discussion that will transport you back to those wonderful days.

Seating is limited and a $10 donation is requested. To reserve your spot, visit www.balboaislandmuseum.org/stillwell.

Grand Opening of Phase III of Sculpture at Civic Center Park

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Courtesy of Newport Beach Public Library/

Newport Beach City Arts Commission

The Newport Beach City Arts Commission will hold a grand opening celebration for the third phase of the Sculpture in the Civic Center Park Exhibition on Saturday, Oct. 28 from 1:30 to 4 p.m. at the Newport Beach Civic Center, 100 Civic Center Drive, Newport Beach.

The event will celebrate the addition of nine new sculptures to the Sculpture in the Civic Center Park Exhibition. A short program will be held in Council Chambers beginning at 2 p.m., with a reception following. Some of the artists will be on hand to talk about their artwork and visitors will be able to take a walking tour of the sculptures. Special art activities for children will be presented by the Chuck Jones Center for Creativity.

The 14-acre Newport Beach Civic Center Park was specially designed by renowned landscape architect Peter Walker as an intended sculpture garden. Arts Orange County provided professional services for the coordination of the artist selection and installation of the sculptures. The nine new sculptures were selected from submissions received by a national call for entries based on their artistic merit, durability, practicality and site appropriateness. They are being installed October 23 - 26 and will remain at the Civic Center Park until Summer 2019. The nine sculptures are as follows: Burnt Matchstick by Karl Unnasch, Flight by Steven Rieman, Popsicles by Craig Gray, Be Still and Know by John Merigian, No Swimming by Oleg Lobykin, Cosmic Glints by Patricia Vader, Getting Your Bearings by David Boyer, Cultural Pedestrians by Sue Quinlan, and Life is a Balancing Act by Cindy Debold.

For more information on the event or exhibition, go to www.newportbeachca.gov/culturalarts (under Sculpture in Civic Center Park) or contact the Cultural Arts Services Office at 949.717.3808.

Art and Artists:

Burnt Matchstick

Artist: Karl Unnasch

Physically inspired by radio tower design, this 40-foot sculpture, with its soft-glowing beacon and slow flicker, captures a fleeting moment in time: the split-second after a burning wooden matchstick has been extinguished by a gust of air. Varying combinations of amber, black, blue and white domestic opalescent glass aggregate in a multi-planar fashion in the construction of this larger-than-life, seemingly innocuous object.

Flight

Artist: Steven Rieman

The engaging stainless steel and bronze sculpture, Flight, captures an idea not a moment in time. According to the artist, the symbolic bird soaring through a ring of the sun represents a future of wonder with the random letters that cover its form questioning the human experience and how we impact our future.

Popsicles

Artist: Craig Gray

This whimsical sculpture stacks three giant colorful popsicles in a pop art creation with a “feel good” attitude that fulfills the artist’s goal, “to warm the creative soul and bring happiness to the heart.” Chosen as the favorite in a community survey, the steel, wood and stucco sculpture is covered in colorful epoxy that appears to be melting as it hits the warm concrete base.

Be Still and Know

Artist: John Merigian

The simplicity of this giant welded steel figure invites viewers to pause and reflect. It exudes a contemplative, soulful emotion that fits well with the peaceful surroundings of the park. Its complexity of form lies in the relationship between space, lines, shadows and silhouettes as the movement of the crossing sun through the day reveals constantly changing shadows and linear components.

No Swimming

Artist: Oleg Lobykin

This work was first seen at Burning Man 2008. According to the artist, this conceptual artwork represents deep concern about the impact of human activity and progress on nature. The massive shark’s dorsal fin is covered in shiny aluminum leaf and rises 12 feet out of the park landscape.

Cosmic Glints

Artist: Patricia Vader

This kinetic wind-driven metal sculpture utilizes mostly upcycled materiaIs in its structure, including bicycle wheels and reflectors. The wheel circle is held together by compression and the largest wheels are bolted to the central motorcycle rim. The smaller wheels spin freely. The colorful, playful sculpture captures the elements of its environment, utilizing the ocean breezes for movement and sparkling sunlight to create glints of light that bounce off the moving aluminum disks.

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Cosmic Glints by Patricia Vader

Getting Your Bearings

Artist: David Boyer

Inspired by antique industrial artifacts that can be found in the historic areas of the Western United States, Getting Your Bearings is a kinetic wind sculpture that is monumental in size, whimsical in style and antique in appearance. Three steel and stainless steel paddle wheels sit atop a massive steel base, trunk and branches, turn effortlessly to create an overhead kaleidoscope of light and shadow.

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Getting Your Bearings by David Boyer

Cultural Pedestrians

Artist: Sue Quinlan

Cultural Pedestrians is a series of freestanding concrete and steel pieces that visually represent different cultures of past and present people from our society and others. The pieces are human-sized, with diverse faces, hands and artifactual jewelry, illustrating the multifaceted compilation of smaller fragments of thoughts, experiences and aspirations.

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Cultural Pedestrians by Sue Quinlan

Life is a Balancing Act

Artist: Cindy Debold

Life is a Balancing Act, is a life-size bronze sculpture of a young girl balancing on one foot, with her eyes closed. Standing on a rock is symbolic of a solid foundation and the closed eyes convey that life continually demands a degree of trust for it is always changing and we need to readjust to keep our balance.

For more information on the event or exhibition, visit www.newportbeachca.gov/culturalarts, under Public Art, or contact the Newport Beach Cultural Arts Services office at 949.717.3801.

Spots still available at Newport Bay Conservancy Golf Tournament

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Submitted photo

Upper Newport Bay, one of the largest natural estuaries in Southern California

Spots are still available at the Newport Bay Conservancy’s (NBC) inaugural golf tournament, the Newport Bay Conservancy Classic, taking place this Saturday, Oct. 14, at Newport Beach Golf Course.

This event is part of the grand re-opening of the Newport Beach Golf Course and debut of the adjacent restaurant, The Emerald Kitchen.

Charity Tournament Chairman and Volunteer Naturalist David Waller, along with a group of local naturalists and volunteers, are looking to create an experience that is both fun and educational for the players. Waller explains, “Funds raised by the tournament will benefit the Conservancy’s ongoing efforts in education, restoration, research and advocacy. This year’s fundraising goal will help expand the Conservancy’s educational programs to schools that would otherwise not be able to afford them.”

The fundraising event begins at 3:30 p.m. with tee-off at 4 p.m. Players will enjoy “Nine 4 Nature” on the back half of the course. Prizes for a hole-in-one, longest drive and closest to the pin, in addition to other contests, entertainment and drinks/snacks will be at various holes.

Dinner, silent auction & awards at the Emerald Kitchen is open to the golfers, guests and anyone else interested in attending following play (approximately 7:30 p.m.).

Registration: Individual, $125; Foursome, $400; Dinner, silent auction and awards banquet only, $50.

The Conservancy welcomes any and all businesses and organizations to participate and sponsor the event. For more details visit www.newportbay.org or call 949.640.1751. Newport Bay Conservancy (NBC) is a non-profit 501 (c) (3) organization, Federal Tax ID # 33-0545786, dedicated to the protection and preservation of the Upper Newport Bay, one of the largest natural remaining estuaries in Southern California.

Newport Beach Golf Course is located at 3100 Irvine Ave., Newport Beach.

Shop Talk

By LANA JOHNSON

Come celebrate the Grand Opening of Scout & Molly’s in Westcliff Plaza

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Submitted photo

Charity Genaw is among the helpful staff to assist in putting together a great look

Scout & Molly’s Boutique in Westcliff Plaza is holding their grand opening celebration on Saturday, Oct. 14 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Check out their fashionable digs while enjoying opportunity drawings, gift cards, photo ops, and sips & snacks.

Scout & Molly’s is a women’s fashion boutique created by brother-sister duo Heather Halterman Wharton and Michael Halterman. Shop their array of stylish clothing and accessories with brands including Cupcakes and Cashmere, Sanctuary, Laila Jayde, and more.

Stop by for a unique personal shopping experience and meet their team who is ready to assist you in selecting apparel and accents that complement your individual style.

Scout & Molly’s is located at 1130 Irvine Ave., Newport Beach. Call 949.612.7599. www.shopirvinecompany.com.

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

Farm to Fork: A Foodie’s Point of View

By LANA JOHNSON

Farmhouse Owner, Executive chef and Author Rich Mead to host Amelia Saltsman

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Photo by Patricia Williams

Amelia Saltsman

On Thursday, Oct. 26 from 6 to 9 p.m., you’re invited to enjoy a special Autumn Harvest Dinner, presented by Farmhouse owner and Executive Chef Rich Mead. He will be collaborating with longtime friend and fellow farmers market lover, Amelia Saltsman, to celebrate her newest cookbook, The Seasonal Jewish Kitchen: A Fresh Take on Tradition.

The evening’s menu will feature inspiring dishes from Saltsman’s cookbook beginning with passed appetizers. The coursed dinner will feature dishes made with the freshest seasonal produce and locally sourced proteins, followed by a selection of desserts. Wine will be poured throughout.

Event proceeds will be donated to the Red Cross benefitting the tens of thousands of people still in need in the wake of all the hurricanes.

The Autumn Harvest Dinner Menu:

APPETIZERS

Green Olives with Za’atar and Citrus

Israeli Eggplant Caviar Wraps

Yemenite Pumpkin and Carrot Soup Shooter with cilantro pesto

SALAD

Arugula with golden Barhi dates, dried apricots, nectarines and sumac

ENTREES

Grilled Fish Three Ways with autumn slaw – beets, carrots, kohlrabi

Roasted Chicken with tangerines, green olives, and silan

Braised Lamb Shanks with Tehachapi Grain Project red fife and sonora, kale, butternut squash, cipollini onions and smoked salt

DESSERT

Roasted Autumn Fruit

Apple Pear Galette with Rye Pastry

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Submitted photo

The cost of the dinner is $150 per person, and each ticket purchase includes a copy of Amelia Saltsman’s newest cookbook. Dinner, wine, tax and gratuity are included. Space is limited. Visit www.farmhouserg.com/autumn-harvest-dinner or call 949.640.1415 to reserve your spot.

Ciao Vincenza!

For A Good Cause

From Golf to Galas: Supporting Our Community

Newport Harbor

Courtesy TripAdvisor

#CarterStrong Bucket List Book Drive | Continuing through Friday, December 8

Lido Village Books is partnering with the Glass Slipper Guild to donate new books for children at CHOC. Support this effort by purchasing children’s books at a 10 percent discount at Lido Village Books and dropping them in the donation box at the bookstore.

Contact: 949.673.2549 or www.lidovillagebooks.com.

Takes place at Lido Village Books, 3424 Via Oporto, Suite #102 North, Newport Beach.

Childrens Books

Hoag Hospital | 51st Annual Christmas Carol Ball, Saturday, December 9 beginning at 5 p.m. From its beginning in 1966, this has become a must-attend event which sells out every year. They anticipate more than 600 Hoag friends and supporters will join in the fun, fellowship and fabulous food, along with dancing and special holiday touches in a beautiful setting. This year’s event co-chairs are Joan and Andy Fimiano. Hoag Hospital Memorial Presbyterian has been a medical center of excellence in Newport Beach and surrounding communities. Attire: Formal black tie; hosted valet parking.

Contact: www.christmascarolball.org; www.monarchbeachresort.com.

Takes place at St. Regis Monarch Beach Resort, 1 Monarch Beach Resort N, Dana Point.

Editor’s Note: If you would like to reach out to Newport Beach non-profit organizations, visit https://greatnonprofits.org/city/newport-beach/CA.

Kick up your heels at Newport Dunes’ Boots on the Beach Country Pumpkin Patch

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Submitted photo

These kids found their favorite giant pumpkins

Bring the family out for a weekend of festive activities including picking the perfect pumpkin at the pumpkin patch, crafts, inflatables, and seasonal treats and drinks. On Saturday evening, there is a free country music concert featuring live performances by Urban Legend with Young Guns and The Kelly Boys line dancing and instruction. A full bar and country BBQ will be available for purchase.

On Sunday, come out and enjoy classic cars from movies and TV on display including the Batmobile and Back to the Future Delorean. A full bar and country BBQ will be available for purchase as well.

Hours: Saturday, Oct. 21: 11 a.m. - 6 p.m., Pumpkin Patch; 6 - 9 p.m., Free Country Music Concert; Sunday, Oct. 21: 11 a.m. - 5 p.m.; Pumpkin Patch and Classic Car Show.

Prescription drug take-back day coming up

Pills

Submitted photo

On Saturday, Oct. 28 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., the Newport Beach Police Department will be partnering with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) for National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day at two locations: OASIS Senior Center: 801 Narcissus Avenue, Corona del Mar (Main Entrance) and Hoag Hospital, Sunset View Parking Lot (lower campus, first left when entering from PCH), 1 Hoag Road, Newport Beach.

This event gives the public an opportunity to prevent pill abuse and theft by removing potentially dangerous expired, unused and unwanted prescription drugs from their homes. Anyone with medications to dispose of can bring them to either of the designated locations for quick and easy drop-off. The service is free and anonymous; no questions asked.

Medicines that are languishing in your cabinets are highly susceptible to diversion, misuse and abuse. The traditional methods of disposing of unused medicines – like flushing them down the toilet or throwing them in the trash – pose potential safety and health hazards, but National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day is a safe and straightforward solution.

School Notes

NMUSD

The Newport-Mesa Unified School District will present Next Steps College & Career Night on Wednesday, Oct. 18 at the Orange County Fair & Events Center.

The event is open to students from 7 - 12th grades, who are encouraged to “start planning their future.”

More than 200 colleges will be represented, with hands-on career technical demonstrations, along with college- and career-related workshops.

The event runs from 6:30 to 9 p.m. in the Costa Mesa Building at the OC Fair & Events Center located at 88 Fair Drive, Costa Mesa.

• • •

Newport Harbor High School

The Newport Harbor High School Drama Department presents “Deception, Deceit & Dessert” – three one-act plays to whet your appetite – in the NHHS Blackbox Theater tonight (Oct.12), Friday (Oct. 13) and Sunday (Oct. 15). Curtain time is 6 p.m. Thursday and Friday, and 2 p.m. Sunday.

Ticket prices are $15/students and $25 for adults 21+ and are available online at www.NHHSdrama.com.

Fair Game

By TOM JOHNSON

Recall is on; local church still can’t go home

TomJohnson Reading between the lines, the recall of City Councilmember Scott Peotter is on.

Yesterday, Joy Brenner, a community activist and a key part of the Recall Scott Peotter effort, announced her plans to run for Peotter’s seat (see Letter to the Editor in today’s edition).

She obviously knows the signature count in the recall effort otherwise it wouldn’t make sense for her to announce her candidacy plans.

Another claim made in her announcement is a “November validation” of the signatures.

Once validated the City Council then has a pre-determined window of dates to work with to call a special election.

In the election, registered Newport Beach voters would vote for or against the recall and then separately there would a candidate or candidates to select from in the event he is recalled.

So Brenner’s in, who else? I reached out to Mike Toerge to confirm his interest and he replied, “I’ve never gone out, unlike Joy. I’m all in.”

The “unlike Joy” reference was a comment made by Brenner where she initially vacillated on whether she should run or not. Again, see her letter.

Toerge ran against Peotter in 2014.

• • •

The second sale attempt of St. James the Great Church fell through this week according to The Rev. Canon John H. Taylor of the Diocese of Los Angeles.

Good news you might say for the Church’s previously displaced congregation. Not so.

Bishop Taylor wants the Church to be a “bishop’s chapel, with supply, or guest clergy invited to conduct Sunday services.”

That basically means no local lay people, hence, little connection to the community and probably no Sunday school and things like that.

The existing St. James the Great congregation, which by the way meets at the Newport Beach Civic Center on Sundays, wants to move home, as you might imagine. And, the national Episcopal Church also recommended the same to the Diocese of Los Angeles.

So far, however, absolutely no cooperation between the two sides.

Remember though, every time this story seems over it somehow seems to “rise from the dead” so to speak.

• • •

This is from Julie Hamilton, Balboa Island, “Just letting the (Balboa) Island know of the passing of Alex Kojoumjian last night (Tuesday, October 10). Alex passed away peacefully in his sleep. Alex and Rachael have owned Alex’s Fashion Center for nearly 50 years on the Island.”

ENC to hold Fall Faire this Sunday, Oct. 15

Fall Faire

Courtesy of ENC

Youngsters check out the pumpkins waiting to be turned into jack-o-lanterns

Join ENC for the 42nd Annual Fall Faire & Pumpkin Patch this Sunday, Oct. 15 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Pumpkins of all shapes and sizes will be available for sale. Children will participate in a variety of fun crafts and games. Face painters will paint spiders, bats and pumpkins on faces and Henna tattoo artists will create designs on hands and feet. The Fall Faire will also feature pony rides and a petting zoo. Laguna Beach DJs will provide lively music for guests to dance to. The OC Bird of Prey Center, the Young Singers of Orange County and Angela Vincent of Queen Green will also provide entertainment.

Food and beverages will be available for purchase at Savor OC, the ENC’s restaurant showcase. This year’s restaurant sponsors include Saltwater Catering, Bluewater Grill, Sensitive Sweets and The Pizza Bakery. The Newport Beach Fire Department will also be on hand grilling up hamburgers and hotdogs.

Editor’s Note: ENC needs your help to make this event successful! They are collecting the following items for the Fall Faire Craft Walk: toothpaste tubes, bottle caps, black buttons and corks. If you have any of these items, you can drop them off at the ENC this week. They are also seeking volunteers to help out at the Fall Faire. If you’d like to volunteer on Oct. 15, visit the website at www.encenter.org. If you can help them toss pumpkins on Oct.13, sometime between 9 a.m. - 12 p.m., email Lori Whalen at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

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

Christmas Boutique rings in the holidays at Roger’s Gardens

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Photos by Aimee Goodwin

Roger’s Gardens’ talented Creative Director Eric Cortina, Holiday Buyer Hedda Staines, and their Visual Design team have outdone themselves again this year by curating an elegant and beautiful Christmas boutique that’s open now.

All that is merry and bright sparkles in their Joyeux Noël Christmas Boutique. It celebrates the diversity and richness of European Christmas traditions while enhancing them with modern influences and themes.

Buyers have traveled over rooftops to bring you curated holiday gifts and decorations that showcase some of the oldest European craftsmanship, where families pass down traditional art forms from generation to generation. Glass ornaments are hand blown and hand decorated in family workshops in Poland and Nutcrackers made in Germany accompany seasonal dinnerware from Portugal and Italy.

Browse the 20 trees – with names such as Pinecones & Ice and Retro Santa – adorned with more than 600 different ornaments.

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Whether you stay up to watch the first star in the night sky on Christmas Eve or leave a stocking for Santa or a shoe for St. Nicholas, Christmas is a time to celebrate traditions and create new memories – so come experience the magic that’s a bit closer than going to the North Pole.

Roger’s Gardens is located at 2301 San Joaquin Hills Road, Corona del Mar. Visit www.rogersgardens.com.

Children’s Halloween Festival at Roger’s Gardens

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Courtesy of Roger’s Gardens

Adults – don’t forget to bring your cameras for unique photo opportunities.

Roger’s Gardens is located at 2301 San Joaquin Hills Road, Corona del Mar. Visit www.rogersgardens.com.

Villa Real Estate is honored at the Who’s Who in Luxury Real Estate Awards

awards

Submitted photo

Villa Real Estate was the only Southern California real estate firm to be honored at the Who’s Who in Luxury Real Estate Awards last week at the 22nd Annual Luxury Real Estate Fall Conference in Toronto, Canada.

Who’s Who in Luxury Real Estate’s Annual Fall Conference took place from October 1 - 4, with hundreds of luxury residential real estate brokers from across the globe connecting to share industry knowledge and honor the best of the best in the industry. Villa Real Estate was recognized for having the best marketing package for its listings.

“It is our mission to provide our clients with the best real estate experience and our agents with the best tools and technology they need to succeed,” said Brittney Champieux, Director of Marketing at Villa Real Estate. The company also recently unveiled a new website that allows clients and agents to collaborate throughout the home search process in real time, with detailed information and search functions.

Established in 2013, Villa Real Estate specializes in Orange County’s luxury properties along the coast.

For more information, visit www.villarealestate.com.

Chicago Symphony Orchestra to perform at Segerstrom

Riccardo Muti

Courtesy of the Chicago

Symphony Orchestrs

Opening night of the Philharmonic Society’s 2017-18 season features the multi-Grammy award-winning Chicago Symphony Orchestra on Oct. 16 at 8 p.m. Led by Conductor Riccardo Muti, performances include Mozart’s Clarinet Concerto, Schubert’s Symphony No. 8 and Schumann’s Symphony No. 2.

Named 2010 Musician of the Year by Musical America, Muti has enjoyed an extraordinary career. He first came to international attention in 1967, when he was unanimously awarded first place at the Guido Cantelli Competition for conductors in Milan. Since then, he has served as music director of the Philadelphia Orchestra as well as music director of the Teatro alla Scala. His numerous accolades include France’s Officer of the Legion of Honor, Russia’s Order of Friendship, the Birgit Nilsson Prize, and Spain’s prestigious Prince of Asturias Prize for the Arts. In May 2012, he was awarded the highest Papal honor: he was made a Knight of the Grand Cross of the First Class of the Order of St. Gregory the Great by Pope Benedict XVI.

The performance takes place at the Renee and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall, 600 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa. Tickets start at $58.

For more information, visit www.philharmonicsociety.org.

Burr White turns 50

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Submitted photo

The iconic Newport Beach real estate company Burr White Realty is celebrating 50 years of doing business in the same location on the Balboa Peninsula this month.

The five-decades long history of Burr White Realty begins with Burr White himself, a long-time Newport Beach resident, who established the eponymous business in 1967. The business opened in its current location at 2901 Newport Blvd. in Newport Beach 50 years ago and continues to be the seminal boutique real estate office specializing in sales, property management and vacation rentals on the Balboa Peninsula.

Burr White pioneered the vacation rental business in Newport Beach. The tradition of vacation accommodations started In Newport Beach at the turn of the 20th century with tents on the beach. Now – more than 100 years later – the tradition continues with thousands of families visiting the peninsula each year, mainly during the summer months with many families coming back year after year.

Joan Trout and Craig Batley bought Burr White Realty in 1997 starting their ownership with a staff of six people and 70 rental properties. They have continued to do business with the same name and at the same location through the years. They’ve twice quadrupled the number of rental properties they manage and have grown the staff to 23 team members.

The Burr White Realty building is most notable today because of the large mural depicting the world-renowned Wedge at the entrance to the harbor on the wall facing the parking lot.

Coming from a real estate background, Batley opened the very first RE/MAX office in California in 1978. As the broker/owner for four RE/MAX offices in Costa Mesa, Newport Beach, Irvine and Tustin, Batley hired Trout as a manager in the late ‘80s. Over the years, Batley sold theIrvine office, then Tustin and merged Costa Mesa into Newport Beach. Trout went on to manage his remaining Newport Beach RE/MAX office until it was sold in 1991.

“When Burr White opened its doors, you could buy an oceanfront home for $100,000; today many of these homes sell for $5,000,000 and in some cases, much more. The peninsula is visited by over one million beach goers every year, many of them renting vacation homes and coming back to the same property year after year. It’s their home away from home,” Batley commented with perspective.

For more information about Burr White Realty and its history, visit www.burrwhite.com.

Bring the family to Art in the Park this weekend

Art in the Park

Courtesy of NewportBeachArtinthePark.com

Don’t miss Art in the Park, this weekend on Saturday, Oct. 14 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The Newport Beach Arts Foundation hosts this 14th annual event with more than 100 Southern California artists and artisans displaying their unique works for sale.

Come talk to the artists, see their work, and purchase the finest in artwork and crafts in a variety of styles and media. Art activities for children will be provided by the Chuck Jones Center for Creativity. New this year: The Bungalow Restaurant in Corona del Mar will be on site, offering food for purchase. This is a free event with plenty of free parking.

For more information, call 949.644.3151 and visit www.newportbeachartinthepark.com

The fun takes place on the Civic Green, 100 Civic Center Drive, Newport Beach.

AlertOC Emergency Notification Callout

On Oct. 18 at 10 a.m., Newport Beach and more than two million other Orange County residents will receive a call to test the AlertOC emergency notification system. This is a test to replicate a large scale, multi-jurisdictional emergency requiring thousands of phone numbers to be called simultaneously across the Orange County region. This is the eighth annual regional test of the system and will include 24 participating cities as well as the County’s unincorporated areas.

Residents can do their part to prepare for emergencies by registering for AlertOC. The time is now to self-register cell phone numbers and e-mail addresses to be included in the notification system. For more information or to register alternate phone numbers or e-mail addresses, visit www.AlertOC.com or call 949.644.3620.

Stump the Stu

What’s up Dock?

We thought this one would be a tough one. Not quite…Doug Cavanaugh (Ruby’s fame), Jim Drayton, Mike Oviatt and, of course, Centennial Mayor Don Webb all correctly guessed. As usual, Webb gives us full details: “Today’s picture is the side gate to The Dock at 2816 Lafayette Ave. next to the Schock Boat’s storage yard in Cannery Village. The Dock has waterfront alfresco patio dining with an infused continental menu and an outstanding wine list according to their webpage.” Thanks Mayor!

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

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12th Annual Night of Miracles Gala raises nearly $1.2 million

On Saturday, Sept. 30, more than 500 people gathered at Monarch Beach Resort in Dana Point for “Imagine a Miracle - the 2017 Miracles for Kids (MFK) Night of Miracles Gala” to raise nearly $1.2 million to benefit families whose children are facing life-threatening illnesses.

The 12th annual Night of Miracles Gala was an immersive event that not only raised awareness of the many challenges families with critically ill children face, but also honored their fearless spirit and determination while raising funds to forward the mission of Miracles for Kids to provide financial aid, health, wellness and advocacy services to these families.

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(L-R): Ken Gerdau of Newport Beach receives the 2017 Miracle Maker for Miracles for Kids award, pictured here with Autumn Strier and Curtis Green

During the event, Ken Gerdau of Newport Beach was honored as the 2017 Miracle Maker for Miracles for Kids in recognition to his tireless commitment to the organization and the efforts of his company, Pacifica Foods, to provide nutritious foods to families in need.

Miracles for Kids also honored the Gonzalez family, whose story embodies the many challenges faced by so many others whose children received a life-threatening diagnosis. With the help of Miracles for Kids, the Gonzalezes have been able to overcome extreme circumstances and are now a symbol of the hope that MFK provides.

“We are extremely grateful for all the generous support of everyone who attended the 2017 Night of Miracles Gala,” said Autumn Strier, co-founder and CEO of Miracles for Kids. “To watch so many in the community come together to share their strength and love for these families who are facing so many challenges and often feel isolated and forgotten is truly heartwarming.”

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This adorable Yellow Lab pup found a loving home with Jessica Nieto

During the course of the evening, guests enjoyed an exquisite evening filled with dinner, cocktails and live and silent auctions where three yellow lab puppies found new homes and a lucky guest won the opportunity to be a driver and judge at Robb Report’s VIP Car of the Year Experience and Getaway while another won a six-day luxury getaway to Casa Entra Rocas.

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(L - R): Maya and Lyla Fischbein

The gala was filled with vibrant sounds, sights and spectacles including musical performances by Composer Stephan Moccio; The Tenors; soloist Maya Fischbein, who is a fourth grader at Harbor Day School; and the MONTAGE! Ensemble Choir.

Newport Beach Public Library Hosts
Events, Workshops

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Upcoming Events & Workshops

Chip Fesko, Continuing through January 5, 1018. The exhibit includes 14 watercolors created using up to 10,000 quarter-inch squares per painting, all bursting with pixel-like squares of color. The series on exhibit took five years to complete. Inspiration for Fesko’s artwork comes from many different directions. Awarded second place in the Watercolor Category at the 2017 Newport Beach Art Exhibition, Fesko’s “The Power of Gold,” was inspired by the accomplishments of Olympic athletes from the Summer Olympics. Another work on display, “Tibetan Prayer Flags,” is an abstract depiction of flags flying in the wind, representing the five elements: blue for sky, white for air, red for fire, green for water and yellow, symbolizing the earth. The artwork is on display at Central Library, 1000 Avocado Ave., Newport Beach.

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Mixed Media Collages by Phyllis Paxton, January 8 - March 2, 2018. Newport Beach City Arts Commission presents an exhibition by mixed media artist Phyllis Paxton. While living in Paris in the 1980s, Paxton was working in watercolors and acrylics, showing her works through group shows. While this was interesting, her graphic arts background and work with ad agencies had kindled a desire to blend traditional art with the calls to action and emotional appeals of advertising posters. As Paxton explored Paris, she became fascinated with these peeling posters on the corners and walls of the city. Their artists were free from restricted academic boundaries and could explore colors and themes chosen in the hope of attracting viewers. Weather had worn them into peeling layers, exposing fragments advertising everything from nightclubs and theater to sports. They seemed almost to breed in layers that made Paxton feel like an archeologist as she peeled off strips and fragments to use in her paintings. After photographing the walls, the artist took pieces of paper to her studio where she soaked and separated them, revealing previously hidden layers that sparked fresh directions for her. The artwork is on display at Central Library, 1000 Avocado Ave., Newport Beach.

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Courtesy of Newport Beach Public Library

The Charlotte “Charlie” Alexander Book Discussion Group: Wind/Pinball, January 10, 1018 at 9:15 a.m. Wind/Pinball, a unique two-in-one volume by Haruki Murakami, includes on one side, Murakami’s first novel, “Hear the Wind Sing,” and when you flip the book over. You can read the second novel, “Pinball, 1973.” Each book has its own stunning cover. Both of these books launched the career of one of the most acclaimed authors of our time. This discussion group is hosted by the Newport Beach Public Library Foundation. Takes place in the Central Library Friends Room, 1000 Avocado Ave., Newport Beach.

Wind Pinball

Snowy Cookies and Crafts, January 11, 2018 from 4 - 5:30 p.m. It may not be snowing in Newport Beach, but youngsters can create a little bit of winter cheer during this fun craft time. Make crafts, decorate cookies, and enjoy some hot chocolate and marshmallows. For all ages. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Takes place in the Central Library’s Children’s Room, 1000 Avocado Ave., Newport Beach.

Family Game Day, January 13, 2018 from 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. Drop by to play family board games. Takes place at the Balboa Library Branch, 100 E. Balboa Blvd., Newport Beach.

Dragon Crafts

Appreciate a Dragon Day Crafts, January 16, 2018 from 4 - 5 p.m. Join the fun in celebrating Appreciate a Dragon Day by making fun dragon crafts. Recommended for ages 3 - 8. Children must be accompanied by an adult. No registration required. Takes place at the Mariners Library Branch, 1300 Irvine Ave., Newport Beach.

Introduction to Ancestry Library Edition and HeritageQuest Databases, January 17, 2018 from 7 - 8:30 p.m. Become familiar with and learn how to navigate the record collections available through the Ancestry Library Edition and HeritageQuest databases. Through this class, participants will learn to perform basic and advanced searches in these two powerful genealogy databases to learn how to start or grow their family tree. Participants will use Media Lab computers to facilitate hands-on learning. Takes place in the Central Library Media Lab, 1000 Avocado Ave., Newport Beach.

Chilly Crafts, January 18, 2018 from 3 - 4 p.m. Come make cool crafts for this wintry time of year. Recommended for ages 3 - 8. Children must be accompanied by an adult. No registration required. First come, first served. Limited by room capacity. Takes place at the Corona del Mar Library Branch, 420 Marigold Ave., Corona del Mar.

Medicine in Our Backyard: Precision Medicine & Neurodegenerative Diseases January 22, 2018 from 7 - 8:30 p.m. This lecture features Leslie Thompson, Ph.D., who is a professor of Psychiatry & Human Behavior and Biological Chemistry in the UC Irvine School of Medicine, and is a professor of Neurobiology & Behavior in the UCI Ayala School of Biological Sciences. Dr. Thompson is an expert in neurodegenerative disorders and is a leading researcher into the cause and treatment of Huntington’s Disease, an inherited, incurable and fatal neurodegenerative disorder. Her research, including the potential use of stem cells for treatment, has received funding from the California Institute for Regenerative Medicine and the National Institutes for Health. Dr. Thompson is also a leader in UCI’s precision medicine initiatives. Doors open at 6 p.m.; 7 - 8:30 p.m., lecture and Q&A. There is no charge to attend and no reservations are required.

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Jack and the Beanstalk: The Puppet Musical, January 24, 2018 from 3:30 - 4:30 p.m. Noteworthy Puppets presents Jack and the Beanstalk. The classic tale of friendship, forgiveness and following your dreams comes to life with original songs and beautiful handmade puppets! Funded by generous contributions from the Friends of the Library. For kids of all ages. Takes place at the Balboa Library Branch, 100 E. Balboa Blvd., Newport Beach.

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Courtesy of dalipaintings.com

Beyond the Canvas – Surrealism: Salvador Dalí, January 24, 2018 from 7 - 8 p.m. Award-winning professor Jacqueline Hahn will continue this fascinating art lecture series on legendary artists’ lives and artistic movements. Salvador Dalí was a prominent Spanish surrealist artist born in Figueres, Catalonia, Spain. He was a skilled draftsman, best known for the striking and bizarre images in his surrealist work. His painterly skills are often attributed to the influence of Renaissance masters. Dalí’s expansive artistic repertoire included film, sculpture, and photography, in collaboration with a range of artists in a variety of media. Learn more about the great masters of art in a fascinating visual presentation. Free to the public; seating is first come, first served. Takes place in the Central Library Friends Room, 1000 Avocado Ave., Newport Beach. (Pictured above is “The Melting Watch” by Salvador Dalí.)

Organizing Genealogical Information and Setting Research Goals, January 31, 2018 from 7 - 8:30 p.m. The amount of information a genealogy researcher compiles can be overwhelming, having the ability to cloud the big picture, cause haphazard approaches to searching and side-track research goals. This class will explore a variety of tips and techniques that will help participants create focused, efficient research plans and strategies as well as organize the information that they find in formats such as charts, timelines, and tables, allowing participants to identify patterns and contradictions in information as well as determine the most effective path forward for furthering their research. This class will not include the use of Media Lab computers. Takes place in the Central Library Media Lab, 1000 Avocado Ave., Newport Beach.

Flotsam book cover

Let’s Read! Kids’ Storytimes

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

Toddler Storytime – Start building a love of reading early with fun stories and songs for toddlers from 24-36 months. Please arrive on time and do not bring older siblings. Central on Wednesdays at 10:30 a.m.; Mariners on Thursdays at 9:30 and 10:30 a.m.

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

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

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

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

Branches

Central Library

1000 Avocado Ave., Newport Beach. 949.717.3800

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

Sunday, Noon-5 p.m.

Mariners Branch

1300 Irvine Ave., Newport Beach. 949.717.3838

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

Sunday, Noon - 5 p.m.

Balboa Branch

100 E. Balboa Blvd., Newport Beach. 949.644.3076

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

9 a.m.-6 p.m.; Closed Sundays

Corona del Mar Branch

420 Marigold Ave., Corona del Mar. 949.644.3075

Hours: Tuesday and Thursday, 9 a.m.-9 p.m.; Wednesday, Friday and Saturday,

9 a.m.-6 p.m.; Closed Sundays and Mondays.

www.newportbeachlibrary.org

Newport Beach Public Library Hosts
Events, Workshops

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Upcoming Events & Workshops

LEGO Block Party, June 5 from 3-4 p.m. Design, build and invent with LEGOs at this fun, creative program! No registration required. Takes place at Mariners Branch Library, 1300 Irvine Ave., Newport Beach.

Wake Up! Newport, June 6 from 7:15-8:45 a.m. Acres of Fun at the OC Fair: Update from CEO Kathy Kramer. Topics will include the upcoming 2019 OC Fair, Centennial Farm happenings and other community programs. Hosted by the Newport Beach Chamber of Commerce, this is a free opportunity to meet one on one with legislative and government officials and stay updated on current local, state and federal issues. Breakfast treats will be provided. This event is free to the public, but please make reservations so we can plan for food and seating. Contact: Pam Smith at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., or call 949.729.4411. Takes place in the Central Library’s Friends Room, 1000 Avocado Lane, Newport Beach.

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Courtesy of OC Fair & Event Center

Study Hall for College Students, June 8 from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. and June 9 from 12-4 p.m. They’re opening the Central Library Friends Room as a study space exclusively for college students. You bring your schoolwork and study pals, they’ll provide WiFi and snacks. Space is limited. First come, first served. Age Level: College students. Takes place in the Central Library’s Friends Room, 1000 Avocado Lane, Newport Beach.

LEGO Saturdays, June 8 from 12-3 p.m. From buildings to action figures, design, build and invent with LEGOs at this casual, but creative program for elementary age children. No registration required. (Not held the first Saturday of the month.) Takes place in Central Library’s Stahr Storytime Room, 1000 Avocado Ave., Newport Beach.

NBPL LEGOS

Book Discussion Group, June 12 from 9:15-11 a.m. The Charlotte “Charlie” Alexander Book Discussion Group will be discussing, The Believers by Zoë Heller. Synopsis: Zoë Heller has written a comic, tragic tale about one family’s struggles with the consolations of faith and the trials of doubt. When Joel Litvinoff is felled by a stroke, his wife, Audrey, uncovers a secret that forces her to re-examine her ideas about their 40‐year marriage. In the course of battling their own demons, every member of the family is called upon to decide what they still believe in. Doors open at 9 a.m.; Free; no reserved seating and registration isn’t necessary. If you haven’t finished or read the book, come anyway. Presented by the Newport Beach Public Library Foundation. Takes place in Central Library’s Friends Room, 1000 Avocado Ave., Newport Beach.

Summer Youth Volunteer Training, June 12 from 6-7 p.m., June 13 from 4-5 p.m. and June 15 from 11 a.m.-12 p.m. This mandatory training is for teen volunteers who have been accepted to volunteer during summer 2019. You must have submitted a volunteer application and received an email verification stating your acceptance into the volunteer program prior to attending the training. The training reviews your duties as a Summer Reading Program and Children’s Department volunteer and is approximately one hour. You only need to attend one training session. Please register for a training session at the Children’s desk or by emailing This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Takes place in the Central Library’s Friends Room, 1000 Avocado Lane, Newport Beach.

Secrets of College Admission, June 13 from 7-8 p.m., Collegewise shares secrets on how to stand out from the crowd and discusses what colleges are looking for beyond good grades and scores. Age level: High school juniors and seniors & parents. This is a free event, but registration is required. Registration for Secrets of College Admission.

Newport Beach Art Exhibition, June 15 from 1-6 p.m. The Newport Beach City Arts Commission presents the 55th Annual Newport Beach Art Exhibition. The one-day juried event features more than 250 works of art, including painting, mixed media, sculpture and photography. This is an opportunity for art lovers to view and purchase quality original artwork, and enjoy an afternoon with food and live entertainment.

The event is free and open to the public. Takes place in the Civic Center Community Room, 100 Civic Center Drive, Newport Beach.

Let’s Talk Tech, June 16 from 3-5 p.m. Bring your iOS or Android tablet or phone and learn how to download apps available from the library to use eBooks, downloadable magazines, movies, and online learning software. Please be sure to bring your library card and any devices. Just look for the “Let’s Talk Tech” sign at the Concert on the Green. Takes place on the Civic Green, 100 Civic Center Drive, Newport Beach.

Concerts on the Green: The SIDE DEAL, June 16 from 6-7:30 p.m. The City of Newport Beach presents The SIDE DEAL in a Father’s Day concert that kicks off the 2019 Concerts on the Green summer series. Visitors are encouraged to bring their beach chairs and blankets for an evening of fun. Picnics are welcome (alcohol is prohibited), and gourmet food trucks Chef TLC’s Sidewalk Cafe and Scooter’s Italian Ice will be on site. After years of independent successful music careers and admiration for one another, Charlie Colin (Train), Stan Frazier (Sugar Ray), and Joel & Scott Owen (PawnShop kings), brought their talents and passion for great music together in a band called The SIDE DEAL. They will kick off the Concerts on the Green series with a rock performance that includes familiar and revamped renditions of their global hits such as Train’s “Drops of Jupiter,” “Calling All Angels,” & “Meet Virginia,” and Sugar Ray’s “Fly,” “Someday,” and “Every Morning” and brand new Side Deal originals. Admission and parking are free, on a first come, first served basis. Takes place on the Civic Green, 100 Civic Center Green, Newport Beach.

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Courtesy of NBPL

Summer Reading Program Begins, June 22. The annual Summer Reading Program starts today! This year’s theme is “It’s Showtime at Your Library.” Kids through 6th grade can participate in the Children’s Program, where they spend time reading to earn prizes. Check out the weekly fun events at each NBPL Branch and make sure to pick up your Summer Reading game sheet. There are also separate reading programs for Teens and Adults.

Summer Reading Kick Off with Author Kim Hooper, June 22 from 3-4 p.m. Newport Beach Public Library will kick off the 2019 Adult Summer Reading Program with a program featuring local author Kim Hooper introducing her new book, Tiny. The Dana Point author, who received a B.A. in communications from the University of California, San Diego and a master’s degree in professional writing from the University of Southern California, is the author of People who Knew Me, hailed as “refreshingly raw and honest” by The Wall Street Journal, and Cherry Blossoms, described as “fresh and inviting” by Publishers Weekly. She will talk about her third novel, Tiny, which will be published by Turner Publishing in June 2019. Tiny follows the journeys of three people, unwillingly tied together by tragedy, as a couple faces every parent’s worst nightmare when their 3-year-old daughter is hit by a car right before their eyes. The event will kick off Newport Beach Public Library’s Adult Summer Reading Program, which begins June 22 and goes through August 10. The program encourages adults to read and share book reviews with fellow book lovers throughout the summer. Admission to the event is free, but online registration is recommended. Seating is on a first-come, first-served basis; no reserved seating. Seating is limited by room capacity. Attendees will have the opportunity to purchase books and have them signed by the author. To reserve your space – Register to save a seat!

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Courtesy of NBPL

Grand Opening: Sculpture Exhibition in Civic Center Park, June 22 from 1-5 p.m. The Newport Beach City Arts Commission will hold a grand opening celebration for Phase IV of the Sculpture Exhibition in the Civic Center Park on Saturday, June 22 from at the Newport Beach Civic Center, 100 Civic Center Drive, Newport Beach. The event will celebrate the addition of ten new sculptures to the Sculpture Exhibition in the Civic Center Park. A special presentation will be held in Council Chambers with refreshments following. Some of the artists will be on hand to talk about their artwork and visitors will be able to take a walking tour of the sculptures. The 10 new sculptures were selected from submissions received by a national call for entries based on their artistic merit, durability, practicality and site appropriateness. They are being installed in early June and will remain at the Civic Center Park for two years. The 10 sculptures are as follows: “Spy Boy” by David Buckingham, “Hurricane” by Ray Katz, “The Tot” by Richard Becker, “Windswept” by Lake Daffner, “START Now” by Scott Froschauer, “Contender” by John Merigian, “Feathers in the Wind” by Alex G., “Chairman of the Board” by Steven Rieman, “Slices of Heaven” by Craig Gray and “Pinnacle” by Stephanie Bachiero.

For more information on the event or exhibition, go to

www.newportbeachca.gov/culturalarts, under Sculpture in Civic Center Park or contact the Cultural Arts Services Office at 949.717.3802.

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Pacific Animal Productions, June 27 from 11 a.m.-12 p.m. It’s showtime! Come on a learning safari as local trainers share animals from around the world. Don’t miss this interactive and educational experience for all ages. Also, remember to pick up your Summer Reading game sheet and start your reading extravaganza. Funding for all summer programs is generously donated by the Friends of the Library. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Space is first come, first seated, and is limited by room capacity. Takes place at the Balboa Branch Library, 100 E. Balboa Blvd., Newport Beach.

Community Workshop on Vote Centers, June 28 from 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Orange County is transitioning from the traditional polling place model to the vote center model in 2020, and it will involve significant changes to the voting and elections process. In the vote center model, all registered voters will receive a vote-by-mail ballot. For voters who prefer to vote in person, they will be able to vote at any vote center which may be open up to 10 days before election day. More information can be found at www.ocvote.com/votecenter. The Registrar of Voters is planning extensive efforts to educate and outreach to the public on the changes to voting and elections, including community workshops, which will provide opportunity for community feedback into our vote center planning. Takes place in the Central Library’s Friends Room, 1000 Avocado Lane, Newport Beach.

Pacific Animal Productions, June 29 from 10-11 a.m., and from 12-1 p.m. It’s showtime! Come on a learning safari as local trainers share animals from around the world. Don’t miss this interactive and educational experience for all ages. Also, remember to pick up your Summer Reading game sheet and start your reading extravaganza. Funding for all summer programs is generously donated by the Friends of the Library. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Space is first come, first seated, and is limited by room capacity. Takes place at the Mariners Branch Library, 1300 Irvine Ave., Newport Beach.

Newport Beach.

Let’s Read! Kids’ Storytimes

Books & Babies – It’s never too early for storytime. Introduce language and reading to the littlest lap-sitters, 6-24 months. Central on Mondays at 9:30 and 10:30 a.m.; Grant Howald Park’s Community Room on Tuesdays at 10:30 a.m. and Thursdays at 11:45 a.m. Mariners on Wednesdays at 9:30 and 10:30 a.m.; Balboa on Wednesdays at 10:30 a.m.

Songs & Stories – Children 2-5 years of age will enjoy stories and music, while being introduced to guided movement, yoga and instruments. Grant Howald Park’s Community Room on Tuesdays at 10:30 a.m. and Thursdays at 11:45 a.m..

Preschool Storytime – Stories, poems and songs will inspire literary, dramatic and musical fun for kids 3-5 years of age. Balboa on Tuesdays at 10:30 a.m.; Mariners on Tuesdays at 10:30 a.m.; Grant Howald Park’s Community Room on Tuesdays at 10:30 a.m. and Thursdays at 11:45 a.m.. Central on Thursdays at 10:30 a.m.

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

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

Branches

Central Library

1000 Avocado Ave., Newport Beach. 949.717.3800

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

Sunday, Noon - 5 p.m.

Mariners Branch

1300 Irvine Ave., Newport Beach. 949.717.3838

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

Sunday, Noon – 5 p.m.

Balboa Branch

100 E. Balboa Blvd., Newport Beach. 949.644.3076

Hours: Monday and Wednesday, 9 a.m. – 9 p.m.; Tuesday, Thursday through Saturday,

9 a.m. – 6 p.m.; Closed Sundays

Corona del Mar Branch

420 Marigold Ave., Corona del Mar. 949.644.3075

Closed for reconstruction. Scheduled to re-open in Spring 2019. Customers will be able to use services at the Central Library or concierge services at OASIS Senior Center for pickup and return of materials. Existing holds set for pickup at Corona del Mar have been re-routed to the Central Library. Customers can change their desired pickup location by accessing their account online or by contacting the Library.

www.newportbeachlibrary.org

Stump the Stu

Knock knock…who’s there?

Sometimes they say doors open new opportunities…so, where’s this one located?

Take the challenge, and submit your answers to: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. The correct answers will be in Thursday’s edition.

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

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Single tickets now on sale for Segerstrom’s MOTOWN THE MUSICAL

MOTOWN

Courtesy of SCFTA

Segerstrom Center for the Arts and producers Kevin McCollum, Doug Morris and Motown Founder Berry Gordy are proud to announce that single tickets for MOTOWN THE MUSICAL are on sale now.

MOTOWN THE MUSICAL returns to the Segerstrom Hall stage for one week only December 19 - 24, 2017. Single tickets start at $29 and may be purchased online at www.SCFTA.org, the Box Office at 600 Town Center Drive in Costa Mesa, or by calling 714.556.2787.

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Photo by Michael Pool

Kenneth Mosley as Berry Gordy and Trencye as Diana Ross star in this hit musical

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

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

For more information, visit www.MotownTheMusical.com.

Pet of the Week

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Courtesy of Newport Beach

Animal Shelter

MEET SHEENA

Sheena is seeking a loving home

Sheena is a 4-month-old Dilute Tortie/British Shirt Hair mix. She is spayed, microchipped, feLv/Fiv negative and up to date on vaccines.

Adoption costs at the shelter:

Dogs - $130

Puppies - $150

Cats - $90

Kittens - $110

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

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

Who needs an Arts Commission (or the public)…when you have Mayor Muldoon?

By AMY SNIDER SENK

Ronald Regan statue

Photo by Amy Snider Senk

Ronald Reagan statue at its new “home” in Civic Center Park

The city’s Ronald Reagan statue was quietly moved last month to the Civic Center Park, without the benefit of a healthy, open public conversation. Mayor Kevin Muldoon and the city attorney say this move was done legally and properly, and that the public did in fact have a chance to weigh in. And that’s true, if one squints one’s eyes. It’s definitely a 180 from the way previous councilmembers looked at the issue.

The current City Council did not put the matter on any public agenda before an April vote to relocate the statue from Bonita Canyon Sports Park. The city attorney said this summer that the public would be able to weigh in at a future City Council meeting – but it didn’t ever come up. The mayor took over, with very little input from the public, or from any parks or arts commissioners, and chose a place near the bunnies along Avocado Avenue.

This may not be a big deal if you love Reagan, or if you don’t mind a lack of public participation or a non-transparent city government. Even so, the contrast of this decision to the one six years ago shows a stunning change in the way local politics are conducted.

Back in 2010 and 2011, when a park named after Reagan or a statue were proposed, there were many public meetings and discussions with crowds of residents who protested both a Reagan statue in general and placing it near City Hall in particular. The council voted down two attempts in one meeting to name a park after Reagan. They later voted against placing the statue at the Civic Center, which at the time was under construction. One councilman said that while he supported the statue, he didn’t support it being “railroaded through” the process. There were council questions about whether the proper procedures had been followed, and why the city would even have an Arts Commission if the council didn’t seek its guidance. Council members listened to dozens of public comments, and described emails and letters from residents of all political backgrounds – all against a Civic Center Reagan statue.

Maybe the mayor is right and it was time for Reagan to be moved. Maybe the public ultimately would have supported it. But why not make sure by letting residents have ample time to weigh in? One wonders what the mayor and the current council would do if private funds were raised for a statue of another president – maybe Barack Obama, who once visited Corona del Mar. What are the chances that the City Council would approve its placement in a city park? Maybe it could be placed next to the smiling, waving Reagan? What, if any, public discourse would be involved?

• • •

Real Estate Wars

Courtesy of Bravo TV

(L-R): Eliisa Stowell, Spyro Kemble, Kylie McCollough and Kacey Taormina star in “Real Estate Wars”

Meanwhile, there’s some fun news for Corona del Mar. A new television show debuted last week on Bravo featuring one of CdM’s best-known Realtors, Eliisa Stowell.

The show, Real Estate Wars, “follows two top rival real estate teams, The McMonigle Team and Relegance Group, as they fight for supremacy in this distinct and wealthy enclave,” according to a Bravo Media news release. It airs at 10 p.m. on Thursdays on Bravo. “With 10 agents, eccentric clients, multi-million-dollar deals, old vendettas, and one common goal of winning, all is fair in real estate and war,” the release stated.

Stowell said they filmed the show last year, and the eight episodes feature several notable coastal properties that local viewers may recognize. She declined to give details about the specific properties or episodes of the show, but she did say it was a “very authentic portray of what happens” in the life of a high-end Realtor.

“There are so many agents in Orange County, and we’re all competing,” Stowell said. “It really is a lot of hard work. It is sometimes a little cut throat. There are a lot of real estate shows out there, but people love competition TV shows.” Stay tuned to see which team wins.

~~~~~~~~

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

For A Good Cause

From Golf to Galas: Supporting Our Community

Newport Harbor

Courtesy TripAdvisor

Children’s Hospitals in Cairo | Saturday, October 21 with the reception beginning at 5 p.m. Telemed Foundation hosts this event to raise funds for Cairo, Egypt-based Abu El-Reesh, the most prominent Children’s Hospitals of its kind in the Middle East, that treats approximately one million children annually in their outpatient clinic alone. With the original hospital established in 1928, funds will be raised to upgrade aging infrastructure and medical equipment, increase the number of nurseries and beds in the Intensive Care Unit and train quality nursing staff to continue providing the best care possible to their young patients. The keynote speaker is Dr. Zahi Hawass, former Egyptian Minister of Antiquities, National Geographic Explorer in Residence, Archaeologis. Tickets can be purchased online at www.telemedfoundationevents.com/events.

Contact: Dr. Adel Eldahmy, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., or 714.390.6859, www.telemedfoundation.org.

Takes place at The Duke Hotel Newport Beach, 4500 MacArthur Blvd., Newport Beach.

SAVE THE DATE!

HomeAid of Orange County | Doorways for Hope Gala, “Denim and Diamonds”, Saturday, November 4 from 6 - 10 p.m. For 28 years, HomeAid Orange County has worked with the Orange County community to provide housing as the first step for those who suddenly find they have no place to call home. By building these doorways, HomeAid, along with those who provide their support, offers hope to those who are experiencing homelessness and starts them on their journey of rebuilding their lives. Sponsorship opportunities are available.

Contact: www.HomeAidOC.org/gala

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

Crystal Cove Conservancy | 21st Annual Crystal Cove Tree Lighting, Saturday, December 2 from 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. with the tree lighting at 5 p.m. Ring in the season at California’s only coastal tree display. The all-day family event includes a festive bazaar, local plein air art, artisan gifts, a visit from St. Nick, strolling carolers and more. Complimentary cookies, cider and cocoa provided by The Beachcomber at Crystal Cove café. Free; parking is $15 maximum.

Contact: Kate Wheeler, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., or 949.376.6200, www.crystalcoveconservancy.org.

Takes place at Crystal Cove Historic District, 5 Crystal Cove, Newport Coast.

Contact: www.christmascarolball.org; www.monarchbeachresort.com.

Takes place at St. Regis Monarch Beach Resort, 1 Monarch Beach Resort N, Dana Point.

Guest Column

Dave Kiff

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

Dave Kiff

Newport Beach City Manager Dave Kiff

Here’s what might be of interest to you that’s on the agenda for the Newport Beach City Council meeting planned for Tuesday, October 10, 2017. I don’t summarize every item, so make sure you look at the City Clerk’s agenda page to read the whole agenda if you’d like.

The study session begins at 4 p.m. with a couple of interesting items.

Debt Policies and Procedures. We have a formal policy on debt management, but Mayor Muldoon and others have asked that we take a new look at it, along with considering whether there should be additional procedures in place in case the City planned on issuing new debt such as Certificates of Participation (COPs).

The goal of this study session is to have the Council provide some direction to the Finance Committee, and have the Finance Committee work on it for a bit. Then it would return to the Council for a more formal discussion and adoption.

Recall that the Civic Center and Park project was funded with COPs back in 2010. COPs, unlike “general obligation” bonds, do not currently require approval by the voters.

Another type of debt – a “revenue bond” – also doesn’t require voter approval. An example of a revenue bond is debt to build a parking structure, or a water reservoir. In these cases, the debt is not a “general obligation” of the taxpayers but is funded from the proceeds from, say, parking or water rates.

The Council could direct that these and other types of debt have greater visibility with the electorate and/or would go before the electorate for formal approval prior to the debt being incurred.

Drones. The PD will summarize the latest information on drone use and regulation – thus far, the City generally defaults to the FAA on local drone use.

Crosswalks on the Balboa Peninsula. Public Works has been formulating ideas (following some studies) about ways to improve pedestrian visibility at the many crosswalks and intersections along Balboa Boulevard and parts of Newport Boulevard. Our staff gave a presentation at Council Member Dixon’s September Town Hall, and generally the ideas were welcomed. This will be a repeat of that presentation, this time for the whole City Council.

Following closed session items, the evening’s Regular Session will start at 7 p.m. Here are the items that may be of interest to you:

We’ll ask to award a contract to improve the landscaping (currently it’s a mustard weed-scape) along the right side of MacArthur Boulevard (assume you’re driving towards the coast from Ford/Bonita Canyon but before San Joaquin Hills Road) – this project has been in design phase for a while, and is a fairly modest plan that would spruce it up just a bit.

Now that the Council has provided firm direction on how to cap and improve sea walls along Balboa Island, the contract award is up for consideration at this meeting. The low bid on this project (with contingencies and construction management) is about $1.7 million. When done, the project adds a 9” cap all along the sea walls of “big” Balboa Island (Little Island’s sea walls are already at the right height). Even with the 9” cap, the sea wall will have a slightly different height when you compare the coast/south side to the north side. The north side is not subject to as much wave action when there is a storm, so it can stay a bit lower. Construction on this project will roll out pretty soon, as this contract award starts a short clock running.

Some community notes:

For you pickleball fans, the new courts are open. They’re at the end of Old Ford Road, in the Bonita Canyon Sports Park. It was fun to see them open for business starting Friday.

While as I was walking to the ribbon cutting, I overheard a group of ladies wondering what pickleball was, and one said, “I think you have to be over 60 to play it.”

Very funny. Yet so untrue. I was able to politely explain that pickleball is fun for all ages.

For all of our John Wayne Airport issue watchers (and there are many of us), the FAA still seems to be planning on implementing a change to the HHERO departure pattern on Thursday, October 12. We will all be watching that day.

The NB Fire Department has its annual Open House on Sunday, October 8, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Santa Ana Heights Fire Station. It’s a great time to bring kids and grandkids to see the fire trucks, fire engines, and ambulances.

Sincerely,

Dave Kiff

City Manager

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

949-644-3001

Halloween Spooktacular comes to Grant Howald Park

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In celebration of Halloween, bring the entire family to the inaugural Halloween Spooktacular at Grant Howald Park on Saturday, Oct. 28 from 4 to 7 p.m.

Festivities planned include a Trunk or Treat, two Haunted Mazes, Games, Bounce Houses, Food Trucks, Costume Prizes, and fun for all!

This event is free.

For more information, call 949.644.3151 and visit www.newportbeachca.gov/recreation

Grant Howald Park is located at 3000 5th Ave., Corona del Mar.

Healthy pumpkin creations debut at Project Juice

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Pumpkin spiced protein oats is made-to-order

Pumpkin time has arrived!

Board certified nutritional consultant and long-time Newport Beach resident Marra St. Clair is taking pumpkin up a notch with a healthy twist.

Her Project Juice in Laguna Beach is offering new made-to-order menu items with all healthy ingredients.

Among the offerings are pumpkin butter toast and pumpkin spiced protein oats. Pumpkin is a tasty source of vitamin A and is rich in beta-carotene, which aids in eye health, and it’s also loaded with antioxidants.

For health and wellness news, visit www.ritualwellness.projectjuice.com.

Hoag announces two major gifts for endowed chairs

Hoag 1

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Hoag Hospital Foundation officials have announced two major philanthropic gifts that will be used to establish endowed chairs in developmental cancer therapeutics and aortic care. These important gifts bring Hoag’s total number of endowed chairs to 13, underscoring both its national leadership in innovative treatment and clinical research, and the vital role community philanthropy plays in making them possible.

In her last of many significant gifts to Hoag before her passing in August 2017, Margaret Larkin, a long-time Hoag supporter and director on the Hoag Hospital Foundation Board, established an endowed chair in developmental therapeutics at Hoag Family Cancer Institute. The chair will be named the Margaret Givan Larkin Endowed Chair in Developmental Cancer Therapeutics in her honor.

Decades-long friends and long-time supporters of Hoag, Martha and Jim Newkirk gave $3 million to establish the Newkirk Family Endowed Chair in Aortic Care.

“Through the extraordinary generosity of people like the Larkins and the Newkirks, endowed chairs at Hoag are providing an important source of funding for physician leaders to bring medical advances to our community,” Hoag President and Chief Executive Officer Robert T. Braithwaite said.

“While common in academia, endowed chairs are still fairly rare in a community health care setting,” Braithwaite added. “Our endowed chair holders have responsibilities above and beyond providing excellent patient care. In addition to acting as leaders among their peers, they stay continually apprised of the latest advances in their fields, and encourage and participate in clinical research and other academic pursuits. They understand the needs of patients from an organizational perspective in a much deeper and more profound way than they would as individual providers. These are lofty goals and our clinical leaders are meeting them thanks to the generous support of our endowed chair donors.”

The gift from the Larkins to establish the Margaret Givan Larkin Endowed Chair in Developmental Cancer Therapeutics highlights Hoag’s aggressive pursuit to provide early phase clinical research trials to patients locally, expanding access to the newest and most promising cancer treatments available. Hoag is recruiting a physician to officially hold the chair and direct the research that will take place supported by the funds it generates.

Developmental Therapeutics is the term used to describe an area of cancer research and treatment in which newly developed drugs are tested to treat patients not responding to standard treatments for advanced cancer. Traditionally, these early-phase “developmental therapeutic agents” have been available only through clinical research trials in specialized cancer centers.

But generous support from Hoag donors has enabled Hoag Family Cancer Institute to expand its Developmental Therapeutics program from one clinical trial to 11 – and the Larkins’ major financial gift is expected to help the program grow exponentially.

The Newkirks’ connection to Hoag goes back to its earliest days. Martha was a nurse at Hoag and Jim’s mother, Alta Newkirk, joined the first group of hospital employees as a nurse’s aide in 1952. All of the couple’s children and grandchildren were born at Hoag. To celebrate the family’s long affiliation with and affinity for Hoag, Martha and Jim made a legacy gift of $3 million to create an endowed chair to support aortic care, research and treatment.

Anthony D. Caffarelli, M.D., F.A.C.C., director of Hoag’s Aortic Center and Hoag Cardiovascular Surgery, has been appointed the first physician to hold the Newkirk Family Endowed Chair in Aortic Care, which recognizes his leadership in treating cardiac and vascular diseases. With this endowed chair, Dr. Caffarelli and his team will ensure that Hoag’s patients continue to have access to the most advanced treatment options and quality care for generations to come.

“I had bypass surgery 15 years ago and that spurred our interest in making a gift to support cardiac care at Hoag,” Jim Newkirk shared. “When we met Dr. Caffarelli, we were both so impressed with the level of care he is able to give. We realized that a gift to create this endowed chair in aortic care had the potential for helping many people get extremely high quality care.”

Making Memories for Children with BARK! Reading program

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Youngsters can practice their reading skills while enjoying a truly unique experience, when they read to a specially trained dog during “Making Memories for Children: BARK! Kids Read to Dogs.”

Taking place on Oct. 22 from 2 to 3 p.m. at Mariners Branch Library, kids ages 5 - 12 will read to an attentive furry friend in a special one-on-one session.

There is no charge for this event, but reading slots are limited and fill up quickly.

To make a reservation, register at www.nbplfoundation.org.

Mariners Branch Library is located at 1300 Irvine Ave., Newport Beach.

NBPD receives grant for public safety

NB police car

Submitted photo

The Newport Beach Police Department has been awarded a $300,000 grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) for a year-long program of special enforcements and public awareness efforts to prevent traffic-related deaths and injuries. The NBPD will use the funding as part of the city’s ongoing commitment to keep our roadways safe and improve the quality of life through both enforcement and education.

“Our department is always working to make the streets of Newport Beach as safe as possible. This grant allows us to target a wide range of concerns, from pedestrian safety to distracted driving to DUI. These aren’t new issues, but as long as they continue to affect the people who live, work and play in Newport Beach, we are dedicated to addressing them head-on,” said Sergeant Michael Schiavi. “The goal is to intervene before tragedy strikes. These funds from the Office of Traffic Safety allow us to allocate more officers to educating the public and to patrolling our roadways.”

After falling to a 10-year low in 2010, the number of persons killed in traffic collisions has climbed nearly 17 percent across the state of California, with 3,429 persons killed in 2015. Particularly alarming is the six-year rise in pedestrian and bicycle fatalities (which now comprise nearly 25 percent of all traffic deaths), the growing dangers of distracting technologies, and the emergence of drug-impaired driving as a significant and increasingly relevant problem. This grant funding will provide opportunities to combat these and other devastating problems such as drunk driving, speeding and crashes at intersections.

“Unsafe behaviors account for 94 percent of traffic crashes,” said OTS Director Rhonda Craft. “This grant emphasizes the two most effective ways to change behaviors – education and enforcement. The NBPD, with assistance from the Office of Traffic Safety, will use these tools to help keep Newport Beach streets safe.”

Activities that the grant will fund include:

Educational presentations

DUI checkpoints

DUI saturation patrols

Bicycle and pedestrian safety enforcement

Motorcycle safety enforcement

Distracted driving enforcement

Speed, red light and stop sign enforcement

While alcohol remains the worst offender for DUI crashes, the NBPD supports the new effort from OTS to raise awareness that “DUI Doesn’t Just Mean Booze.” Prescription medications and marijuana can impair drivers on their own, or in combination with alcohol, and can result in a DUI arrest.

Funding for this program is from the California Office of Traffic Safety through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Newport Beach – A Look Back

Photo series courtesy of Balboa Island Museum & Historical Society

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Check out this 1946 photo detailing the construction of 204 Grand Canal. Times and codes have certainly changed.

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

Fair Game

By TOM JOHNSON

Could a recall election be in the air?

TomJohnson Are we getting closer to having the signatures delivered to Newport Beach City Hall calling for a recall against City Councilmember Scott Peotter. Sources say “yes.”

Here’s what I do know. There has been correspondence between City Clerk Lelani Brown and Lynn Swain from the Recall Scott Peotter committee concerning a “special election” cost in Newport Beach.

The Peotter side and the Recall side quote varying costs. According to the Peotter side the costs will be “$500,000.” The Recall side says “$300,000.”

So what is it?

The official costs will be between “$242,584 - $273,385, with an additional $30,000 for production of a sample ballot.”

How are those costs calculated? According to the Clerk’s office, “The calculation of estimates is based upon a projection of total jurisdictional participation and an average cost per voter. The total jurisdictional participation is calculated by taking the number of registered voters, 56,001 as of 4/18/17, and projecting a 10 percent increase in voter registration.”

So, if the recall does go to a vote, here are several more pieces to that puzzle. Candidates to potentially replace Peotter would also have to qualify for the ballot and a date would need to be selected for the election. That’ll make three elections in Newport Beach in a roughly six-month period of time.

And lastly, don’t count out Peotter. Peotter works with political consultant Dave Ellis. If you check out Ellis’ record you’ll see his candidates win.

Stay tuned.

• • •

The question of the week around City Hall has to be is Mike Glenn courting Diane Dixon, or is Dixon courting Glenn.

You might remember over the last number of weeks or so that Glenn and City Councilmember Dixon continue to disagree on what Glenn “owes” the City for a number of Public Records Requests.

Glenn took offense to comments directed to him by Dixon from the dais. He “requested an apology.”

That never came.

What eventually followed was a suit filed in Small Claims Court by Glenn. Dixon countered by working with City Attorney Aaron Harp in an attempt to have the case re-adjudicated to Superior Court. Last week the Superior Court judge rejected the attempt and sent it back to Small Claims.

This can’t really go to court, can it?

This issue is only one of a number of lightening rods between Glenn and Dixon. They seem to heartedly disagree on the unofficial Dog Beach, the Balboa Peninsula Trolley, the new Welcome to Balboa sign, the Balboa Theater and, now, crosswalk lighting. Those disagreements have been apparent from both sides.

My advice, let’s figure out how to “kiss and make-up,” so to speak, and move forward on issues more important to this City.

That being said, I expect these two to remain at odds moving forward.

• • •

If you like barbeque, you have to check out the Orange County Fairgrounds this Saturday, Oct. 14. Newport Beach resident Steve Bender will once again host the Orange County BBQ Championship, a sanctioned Kansas City Barbeque Society event.

The competition runs from noon - 7 p.m. in the Orange County Marketplace at the Orange County Fairgrounds.

There will be pro teams, amateur and kid teams. Go out and have fun. For more info, go to www.ocbbqcompetition.com.

Creatures of the Night invade Sherman Library & Gardens

Bat

Submitted photo

Come explore your wild side on Saturday, Oct. 14 during “Creatures of the Night” at Sherman Library & Gardens.

Back by popular demand, this evening will have the entire family interacting, observing and learning about many of the plants and animals most active at night. Receive a “passport” to explore live animal presentations and interactive stations that spark the imagination and create a greater understanding of a world covered in darkness. Get up close with Project Wildsong’s Ambassador Wolves, weave your way through the Gardens’ Forbidden Jungle and get a close look at carnivorous plants. Visit Bug Country where Adventures in Living Science will dispel myths of creepy crawlers, take a look at scorpions under the black light, and if you dare, stick your hand in the worm pit!

To accommodate all visitors, tickets are available for a 6 or 7:30 p.m. adventure time. Your experience will take approximately 1.5 hours. This event is always a sell-out!

Cost: Members, $10; Non-members, $15; and $5 for youngsters ages 6-17. Kids 5 and under are free.

For tickets, visit www.slgardens.org.

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

Corona del Mar Chamber Networking Luncheon

Pasquale Talarico

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Pasquale Talarico is the featured luncheon speaker

Come and join the Corona del Mar Chamber of Commerce during their networking and speaker luncheon on Tuesday, Oct. 17 at Bayside Restaurant. The topic discussed will be the collection and use of online date in the marketplace. What comprises online data? How is it collected? Google ad sense? Marketing pixels? Grocery rewards cards? How do you best market to your customers? Come find out how you can use online data to strengthen your business message and build your organization.

The featured speaker is Pasquale Talarico, deputy chief of staff for State Senator John Moorlach and CEO of HashtagPinpoint™.

Enjoy a delicious lunch as you mingle & mix. Check-in and networking: 11:30 a.m. to 12 p.m.; lunch and program: 12 to 1:15 p.m.

To make your reservation, visit www.cdmchamber.com, email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call 949.673.4050.

Bayside Restaurant is located at 900 Bayside Drive, Newport Beach.

Children’s Halloween Festival at Roger’s Gardens

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Courtesy of Roger’s Gardens

Adults – don’t forget to bring your cameras for unique photo opportunities.

Roger’s Gardens is located at 2301 San Joaquin Hills Road, Corona del Mar. Visit www.rogersgardens.com.

Balboa Bay Resort’s Jose Mendoza receives Rosalind Williams Service Excellence Award

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(L - R): Rick John, award presenter; Jose Mendoza, recipient of the prestigious service excellence award; and Gary C. Sherwin, president and CEO of Newport Beach & Company

Newport Beach & Company, the city’s tourism marketing agency, held its annual “state of the city tourism and travel review” over a gala dinner attended by some 230 local business leaders at the Newport Beach Country Club recently.

Among the important business and financial items discussed relating to tourism in Newport Beach, the program also selects and pays tribute to individuals working in the community whose contribution provides the engine that propels the tourist trade and brings in guests to experience all that Newport Beach offers.

This year, top honors were bestowed upon Jose Mendoza, an invaluable team member of Balboa Bay Resort’s dining department. Mendoza started his career with Balboa Bay Resort in 2008 taking a job as a cook in the hotel kitchen. He moved from cook to banquet server, and currently serves in the resort’s premier dining room, Waterline and additional dining venues such as the hotel’s pub A&O Kitchen+Bar on the harbor.

Mendoza was praised by officials, guests and fellow staff attending the annual dinner event. Sam El-Rabaa, General Manager for Balboa Bay Resort commented, “Jose is a special man, truly a family man. He supports children in college, one at Stanford and another at Cal Berkeley and family means everything to him. It’s that spirit of family he conveys to guests at the hotel, as well as members of Balboa Bay Club who frequent Balboa Bay Resort dining rooms.”

The Rosalind Williams Service Excellence Award recognizes the very best front-line talent that Newport Beach has to offer its guests and patrons. The award is named for Williams who served as the former president of what was previously known as the Newport Beach Conference and Visitors Bureau. Williams’ husband Rick John presented the award to Jose Mendoza.

Joining in the awards presentation were local dignitaries including Gary C. Sherwin, president and CEO of Newport Beach & Company; Don Welsh, president of Destinations International; Chris Thompson, event keynote speaker and CEO of Brand USA; and Newport Beach Mayor Kevin Muldoon.

Around the Harbor with Larry Tenney

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Photos by Larry Tenney

(Insta @LTenney1)

Sails up in Newport Beach on Thursday

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“Windward Passage” is a legendary 73’ sailing yacht that makes its home in Newport Beach. The one-time TransPac winner built close to 50 years ago has raced in nearly every major regatta.

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Newport Harbor is for the pinnipeds too!

A costume party that’s going to the dogs

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Friends of Newport Beach Animal Shelter (FONBAS) is hosting its first event – a costume party for dogs! The “Howl-O-Ween” party is Saturday, Oct. 28, 10 a.m. - 12 p.m., at Marina Park, 1600 West Balboa Blvd., Newport Beach.

Prizes will be awarded for Scariest, Prettiest and Most Newport Beach costumes, Best owner/pet ensemble, Best Trick and Most Personality.

This free event features Vlad Roypate, the Russian Dog Wizard, who will offer tips on pet obedience as well as answer owners’ questions. There will also be adoption opportunities on-site featuring dogs from the Newport Beach Animal Shelter as well as a pick-a-prize opportunity drawing.

For more information on the Newport Beach Animal Shelter, visit www.nbpd.org.

2017 Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade Awards Dinner & Auction announced

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All lit up, this boat took honors in the 2016 Christmas Boat Parade

Save the Date! The 2017 Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade Awards Dinner & Auction has been scheduled for Friday, Jan. 26, 2018 at the Island Hotel Newport Beach, presented by the Newport Beach Chamber of Commerce.

Open to the public, the gala will honor the winners of the 2017 Christmas Boat Parade and Ring of Lights competitions and raise funds for next year’s Parade. All award winners will receive two complimentary tickets to the event.

In addition to the awards ceremony, guests will have the opportunity to take part in incredible live and silent auctions. There will be hundreds of unique items to choose from including travel excursions, weekend getaways, fine dining, rare jewelry, art, hotel stays and more. Whether you are a seasoned bidder or a novice, there will surely be an item you’ll want to take home. And once the auction is over, step into your dancing shoes as you enjoy the fabulous live entertainment.

Island Hotel Newport Beach is located at 690 Newport Center Drive, Newport Beach.

For more information and auction donations, visit www.christmasboatparade.com.

Fair Game

By TOM JOHNSON

Vice President Pence is back in town

TomJohnson

As promised, Mike Pence, Vice President of the United States, comes to The Resort at Pelican Hill Monday, October 9, at 1:30 p.m. Pence was scheduled to come to Newport Beach and other Southern California cities for fundraising opportunities prior to the devastating hurricanes that recently hit Houston and Florida.

Pence will be joined by House Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy.

Luncheon tickets are priced at $2,700, with a VIP photo opportunity priced at $10,000.

• • •

Now, after everything that has happened in recent months, Speak Up Newport is presenting a must-attend meeting next Wednesday, October 11.

Matt Brisbois, Life Safety Specialist with the Newport Beach Fire Department is going to talk about preparing for disasters. Matt oversees the Newport Beach Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) so arguably nobody knows this stuff better. He has trained or mentored 1,800 residents, business and community leaders and educators.

Some of the things he’ll cover include how to prepare now, tips on a disaster preparedness kit, registering your cell phone into the county Alert OC system and more.

My friend Jim Walker of The Bungalow fame sets up a reception spread of food to kick things off in the Community Room of the Civic Center at 5:15 p.m. The program runs from 6-7 p.m.

The whole thing is free.

B-t-w, Matt will not be charging $10,000 for a VIP photo opportunity.

And, speaking of the Newport Beach Fire Department, there will be an Open House this Sunday, October 8 from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. at Fire Station #7 in Santa Ana Heights.

• • •

You may have read this from the New York Daily News yesterday, but a package supposedly sent from Newport Beach evidently arrived to the home of a woman in South Carolina.

She met the postman expecting a package that would include a yoga mat she had ordered. However, the package she received supposedly contained 20,000 oxycodone pills with a value of $400,000.

She apparently contacted local authorities and was told that the package was sent to the wrong address.

If the package did indeed come from Newport Beach, someone’s out a good chunk of money.

• • •

Thomas Gunderson, a Las Vegas shooting victim from Newport Beach, appeared on NBC News Wednesday night climbing out of his hospital bed to shake the hand of President Donald Trump.

On Twitter, Gunderson said, “I will never lie down when the President of this great country comes in to shake my hand.”

Prayers to all…Las Vegas seemed to touch us all.

Newport Beach Chamber to hold business luncheon

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Come enjoy a delicious lunch while making connections with other business professionals during the Newport Beach Chamber of Commerce’s Business Luncheon Series on Wednesday, Oct. 18 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at Bayside Restaurant.

To register, visit www.NewportBeach.com or call 949.729.4411. Members with reservation: $30; Members at the door, $35; Potential members, $40. Includes lunch and complimentary parking.

Bayside Restaurant is located at 900 Bayside Drive, Newport Beach.

Knock out Diabetes at Fight for a Cure

Fight for a Cure

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The 11th annual Fight for a Cure to eradicate diabetes is slated for Thursday, Oct. 19 at the Newport Beach Country Club from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Come celebrate the UCI Diabetes Center and fundraiser with an evening of heavy hors d’oeuvres, beer and wine, a research update, opportunity drawing, and wheel and silent auction.

Honorees include Tariq and Uzma Chaundray, with a special tribute to S. Paul and Marybelle Musco.

RSVP by October 7 to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. For more information, call 714.509.2010.

Newport Beach Country Club is located at 1 Clubhouse Drive, Newport Beach.

Good Morning Corona del Mar!

The Corona del Mar Chamber of Commerce Monthly Government & Community Affairs Discussion Group will meet Thursday, Oct. 12 from 7:30 to 9 a.m. at the Bahia Corinthian Yacht Club.

Learn from county and NBPD officials about how they are dealing with the issue of homelessness in our community and what they are doing to assist. Featured speakers will represent the Orange County and Newport Beach Police Departments.

Also on the agenda will be legislative updates from the following official representatives:

Newport Beach Councilman, Scott Peotter

Congressman Dana Rohrabacher

Senator John Moorlach

Assemblyman Matthew Harper

Orange County Supervisor Michelle Steel

This discussion is open to the community at large and no RSVP is necessary. The event is free of charge and complimentary refreshments will be provided.

For more information, visit www.CdMChamber.com. Call 949.673.4050 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

The Bahia Corinthian Yacht Club is located at 1601 Bayside Drive, Corona del Mar.

Tourism Matters

Gary Sherwin

Go Beyond/September 2017/Annual Marketing Outlook

Gary Sherwin

Newport Beach & Co. President & CEO

Each year we challenge ourselves to bring forth new and exciting initiatives to the destination, and each year we are thrilled to share our collective success at the Annual Marketing Outlook Dinner and in our Annual Report.

This past Thursday, Sept. 28, was a fantastic evening that brought together travel and tourism professionals, destination partners, and community members to celebrate the past year’s successes as well as look at initiatives to promote Newport Beach in the year ahead. In addition to looking at the wins of Newport Beach & Company, I also had the pleasure of sharing the latest statistics from our bi-annual visitor profile study.

I’m happy to tell you, Newport Beach continued its historic visitation growth, setting another new record of welcoming 7.3 million visitors for the first time. This breaks the previous high of seven million, which is a 4 percent increase. Additionally, the increased visitation led to a 20 percent increase of $1.2 billion in economic impact.

Visit Newport Beach, Inc. efforts also garnered an all-time record high of 182,620 room nights booked, which was a 13 percent increase year-over-year, and generated $93.6 million in overall economic impact to the city. The group sales team exceeded its annual goal and booked 84,520 room nights, resulting in $21.3 million in direct revenue for Newport Beach hotels and resorts, and a total economic impact of $56.7 million. Leisure advertising campaigns garnered 98,100 visitor room nights, with an economic value exceeding $36.9 million, including the spend on hotel and resort stays, shopping, dining and in-market activities.

As you can see, tourism is an economic engine for Newport Beach. It’s the city’s third largest revenue source and this income benefits residents who would have to pay over $1,000 more per household on property taxes each year to maintain the exceptional infrastructure expected in the community. Additionally, to keep the city’s economy churning at the same levels that tourism generates, each household would have to spend over $43,000 more locally each year. Furthermore, visitors to our beautiful city play a vital role in supporting local businesses and creating more than 16,000 jobs for our residents.

Finally, the evening also recognized two outstanding community members for their dedication to Newport Beach and serving its guests. For his commitment to Newport Beach & Company, as well as the community via his many public and civic roles, the late Dennis O’Neil was honored with the prestigious Partner in Progress Award, which was also renamed the Dennis O’Neil Partner in Progress Award. Additionally, Jose Mendoza of Balboa Bay Resort received the Rosalind Williams Service Excellence Award for his remarkable customer service that creates a welcoming environment for locals and visitors alike.

So, to the entire destination – Thank you! You’ve pushed and inspired us to achieve more.

Journey Well,

Gary C. Sherwin, CDME
President & CEO
Newport Beach & Co.

Grand Opening of C2 Education in CdM

sharpened pencils

Submitted photo

Better grades and test scores start here!

Come to the grand opening festivities and ribbon cutting at C2 Education, 2121 E. Coast Highway, Suite 180 on Wednesday, Oct. 11.

You will have the opportunity to see the center and meet tutors and the center director from 3 to 5 p.m. A ribbon cutting ceremony will take place at 3:30 p.m., and at 4 p.m. you will discover 10 tips to get into the college of your dreams, by learning how to set yourself up for success and be a master of your college application. Space is limited, so register today.

For more information, visit www.C2educate.com and call 949.478.1256.

CdM Home Tour tickets on sale now

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Submitted photo

The 44th Annual Corona del Mar Home Tour takes place Tuesday, Oct. 24, offering the public a unique opportunity to view beautiful homes throughout Corona del Mar and Newport Beach.

Your ticket (passport to visit the homes) for $80 entitles you to the following:

8 - 10 a.m., Light breakfast at Le Pain Quotidien, Fashion Island (also Will Call pickup)

10 a.m. - 4 p.m., Home Tour

11 a.m. - 2 p.m., Luncheon by Pascal at Sherman Library & Gardens, Corona del Mar

11 a.m. - 3 p.m., Boutique at Sherman Library & Gardens, Corona del Mar

4 - 6 p.m., Afternoon reception at Bliss Home & Design, Corona del Mar

For more information, visit www.cdmhometour.com.

Fire Service Day slated for Sunday, Oct. 8

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Photos courtesy of NBFD

On Sunday, Oct. 8 the Newport Beach Fire Department will host a Fire Service Day Open House from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Fire Station #7 (20401 SW Acacia, Newport Beach). The Open House is a free family friendly event and everyone is welcome to stop by to watch the live demonstrations, check out all of the displays and learn more about what the Newport Beach Fire and Lifeguard departments do on a daily basis to serve Newport Beach residents.

The Open House will include fire station tours throughout the day, a live rescue demonstration, a live simulated structure fire response and automobile extrications. There will also be fire, paramedic and lifeguard display booths with all of their equipment in tow.

CERT (Community Emergency Response Team) volunteers will also be there promoting community preparedness, and ready to answer any of your disaster preparedness questions. There will also be a bounce house and interactive activities for children.

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The Fire Department will also be selling their department T-shirts to benefit breast cancer awareness. The T-shirts are $20 and come in sizes for men, women and children. All proceeds from the t-shirt sales will go directly to the Susan G. Komen Foundation. Come learn about the Newport Beach Fire Department and help fight breast cancer with your purchase of a “Pinktober” t-shirt.

For additional information on the Fire Service Day Open House, call 949.644.3355.

Renowned local stylist Louis Orozco coifs the Los Angeles Charger Girls for their 2017-2018 Swimsuit Calendar Unveiling Party

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Courtesy of Los Angeles Chargers

Last Wednesday night, Sept. 27, high atop the famed Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel in Los Angeles, the entire Los Angeles Charger Girls squad celebrated its 2017-18 Swimwear calendar unveiling, with each member of the team finding out for the first time their featured month in the popular calendar.

The calendar, shot over a five-day period at the Roosevelt, featured swimwear provided by Dollstreet. In addition, all Charger Girls’ styling was provided by Madison Salon by Louis Orozco and MAC Cosmetics.

“It was an honor for my team and me to do the onsite styling for the Charger Girls Swimsuit Calendar at the iconic Roosevelt Hotel. They’re an incredible group of beautiful, hard working women and we’re thrilled to be working with them,” said renowned stylist Louis Orozco.

Michelle Stafford and James Patrick Stuart, who star as on-screen couple Nina Clay and Valentin Cassadine in ABC’s Emmy Award-winning daytime drama “General Hospital” served as emcees for the unveiling party on the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel’s rooftop.

Proceeds from sales of the calendar, which was shot at the Roosevelt by long-time Team Photographer Mike Nowak, will be donated to GlobalGiving – the largest global crowdfunding community connecting nonprofits, donors and companies in nearly every country.

The Charger Girls perform at all Los Angeles Chargers home games and serve as ambassadors for the organization at business, community and charity events. Formed in 1990, they are widely recognized as one of the premier dance teams in the National Football League; having performed at Super Bowls and internationally in cities such as Berlin, Tokyo and Sydney.

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Photo by David Jakle

Louis Orozco is the owner/operator of two prestigious styling salons located in Newport Beach and Costa Mesa. As a veteran Oribe Educator, Orozco keeps a clean aesthetic and close-knit crew at the core of his life’s passion. Working side by side with Oribe he styled for music videos, couture shows and the cover of Vanity Fair, as well as soloed for a Vogue cover with Rihanna.

He just returned from New York Fashion Week, styling models’ hair for 11 shows. On Orlando Pita’s team, he worked with Tom Ford, Oscar de la Renta, Rosie Assoulin and Michael Kors. On Oribe Haircare’s team, he lent his creative talents to Cinq A Sept, Brandon Maxwell, Chromat, Eckahaus Latta, Rochambeau, Baja East and The Blonds.

After attending beauty school to hone his craft, Orozco traveled to Europe for six months, where he was introduced to hairdressers in Florence, Italy. He was hired at Jean Louis David without speaking a word of Italian. While there, he had the opportunity to travel to Paris and Milan.

Upon moving back to California, he worked for Allen Edwards salon in Newport Beach. A few years passed by when Orozco knew he wanted to open up his own salon. He took the plunge and was one of the first in Orange County to open with Bumble and bumble. They recruited him to be one of their U.S. educators, which eventually led to his role as art director for Shu Uemura.

According to Orozco, “One thing I learned early on is that every person has their own look, so it’s about custom styling and coloring, regardless of what’s happening in the world. I’ve also been fortunate enough to take my team around the world from New York and Miami to London. I have been lucky to have been able to build a team for the future.”

Elements of his salon that are standouts are the beautiful communal table from fallen trees in Thailand, a faux living wall in the floor’s center and the perfect kelvin to create the best natural light in the evenings. The next step – partnering with Oribe Beauty and Smith & Cult to introduce makeup.

Madison Salon by Louis Orozco has two locations: 502 30th St., Newport Beach, and 445 E. 17th St., Suite B, Costa Mesa. Call 949.270.6240. www.madisonsalon.com

Pumpkin Day at Little Lido Kids Club!

Halloween

You’re invited to the Lido Marina Village Kids Club on Thursday, Oct. 19 from 10 to 11 a.m. at Lido Village Books. Bring your children and enjoy a reading of “It’s Pumpkin Day, Mouse!” by Laura Numeroff and Felicia Bond.

Kids will enjoy creating a special craft hosted by Art + Soul Collective and moms will love the opportunity drawings and specials from participating Lido Marina Village retailers including Sugarfina candy bags and $25 off your purchase at Eberjay and 10 percent off your book purchase at Lido Village Books.

This event is free and open to the public, but it is requested that you RSVP by visiting bit.ly/LLalphabet. Each person who RSVPs will receive one entry for a drawing for a $25 gift certificate to Lido Village Books. You must register before 8 p.m. on Oct. 18, 2017 and be present to win.

Please Note: Little Lido Kids Club now meets monthly.

Lido Village Books is located at 3424 Via Oporto, Suite 102, Newport Beach.

Best-selling author to visit Newport Beach Public Library

Tad Hills

Photo by Elinor Hills

Tad Hills

The Newport Beach Public Library welcomes children’s author Tad Hills at the Newport Beach Central Library for a special presentation and book signing on Tuesday, Oct. 17 at 4 p.m. The event will be held in the Central Library Children’s Room, 1000 Avocado Ave., Newport Beach.

Author and illustrator Tad Hills will be introducing his newest book, “Duck and Goose: Honk! Quack! Boo!” featuring his popular bird duo in a Halloween adventure story. Hills is also the creator of the bestselling picture book series about Rocket the dog (“How Rocket Learned to Read” and “Rocket Writes a Story”), which inspires and encourages children to read and write their own stories.

Duck and Goose

Submitted photo

The event is free and no reservations are required. Seating is on a first-come, first-serve basis. Books will be available for purchase and signing, courtesy of Whale of a Tale Children’s Bookshoppe.

The Newport Beach Public Library presents a variety of programs that foster cultural arts enrichment. For more information, contact the Library at 949.717.3830, or visit the website at www.newportbeachlibrary.org.

Art in the Park coming to our Civic Center

Art in the Park

Submitted photo

The 14th Annual Art in the Park takes place Saturday, Oct. 14, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Newport Beach Civic Center.

Enjoy a festive day with the arts, have a bite to eat, and mingle with the artists and craftspeople who will be exhibiting and selling their original art and fine crafts. View and purchase works by more than 100 artists working in oil paintings, watercolors, pastels, acrylics, mixed media, sculpture, glass art, textiles, jewelry, woodcrafts and photography.

Art activities for children will be provided by the Chuck Jones Center for Creativity.

Children and pets are welcome.

The one-day event is held on the green at the new Newport Beach Civic Center adjacent to the Newport Beach Library, 100 Civic Center Drive, Newport Beach.

Free admission and parking in the adjacent parking structure.

For more information, visit www.newportbeachartinthepark.com.

“Pirates” converge on Big Corona Beach

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Photos courtesy of Newport Beach

Chamber of Commerce

(L-R): Newport Beach City Manager Dave Kiff, Dorothy Larson, Marie Case and Newport Beach City Councilmember Diane Dixon with “Captain Jack Sparrow”

The annual Sandcastle Contest that took place at Big Corona State Beach on Sunday, Oct. 1 drew hundreds of spectators to view sand creations with this year’s theme, “Pirates of the Pacific.”

Presented by the Newport Beach Chamber of Commerce, sandcastle building teams from novice to professional came out to carve amazing sculptures from sand.

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K-Wave Radio won the Commodores Award for Overall Best Creation

This year’s winners included:

Commodores Award - Overall Best Creation: K-Wave Radio

People’s Choice Award - Best Creation: Imperial Beach Posse

Best Display of Theme: Imperial Beach Posse

Most Humorous Creation: Sandcrabs Too (Pie-rats)

Junior Division - 1st Place: Aviators (Girl Scout Troop 3159)

Most Unique Sandcastle - 1st Place: Sand and Deliver

Most Unique Sandcastle - 2nd Place: The South Coast Educational Primadonnas

Most Unique Sandcastle - 3rd Place: Robert Hindey Associates

Most Unique Sandsculpture - 1st Place: Doggie Walk Bags

Most Unique Sandsculpture - 2nd Place: Commercial Fire Protection

Most Unique Sandsculpture - 3rd Place: Sandcrabs

Best Schools - OLQA (Our Lady Queen of Angels) Cub Scout Pack 375

Honorable Mention - Girl Scout Troop 731

Honorable Mention – Newport Care Medical Group

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Each of the winners received a Sandcastle Trophy for their talents! Congratulations to all the participants.

NMUSD presents College & Career Night

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On Wednesday, Oct. 18, the Newport-Mesa Unified School District presents “Next Steps – College & Career Night,” from 6:30 to 9 p.m. at the O.C. Fair & Events Center in the Costa Mesa Building.

The evening is open to students in 7th - 12th grade. More than 200 colleges will be represented along with hands-on career technical demonstrations, and college & career related workshops.

If you need a ride, transportation permission slips are available at the community facilitator’s office at your school. Free shuttle buses will pick-up at these schools: Whitter School at 6:45 p.m.; REA School at 6:30 p.m.; and Estancia High School at 6:45 p.m.

For more information, call 714.424.5044 and visit www.nmusd-ca.schoolloop.com.

The O.C. Fair & Events Center is located at 88 Fair Drive, Costa Mesa.

You Must Remember This: Blind Mullet

By NANCY GARDNER

It was said that Esther Williams swam the backstroke because her ambitious mother wanted people to see her pretty face. When my father learned to swim, he was taught the breaststroke so that his face was also out of the water – but not so that people could admire his beauty. In those early days, if you swam around here, you learned the breaststroke instead of the more effective Australian crawl (now freestyle) so that you could see what was in front of you. At that point, the toilets from the homes surrounding the bay didn’t discharge into some sewer system. They discharged directly into the bay. In swimming the crawl, you breathed to the side with no clue as to what was ahead. Taking that side breath, you might take in something besides air. You might take in something that came from someone’s toilet. With the breaststroke, this unpleasantness was eliminated. You could see what was ahead and thus avoid contact with what was called, euphemistically, blind mullet.

While the normal habitat of blind mullet was the bay, that habitat did extend somewhat. Even in those days the city had its share of tourists. Visitors could not be expected to spend an entire day here without relieving themselves, and so public restrooms were established for their comfort. If they were on the Balboa Pier and felt the urge, they walked back down the pier, walked another block or two, and there they found the thoughtfully provided rest station. The Newport Pier was a different story. It was a working pier. Those on it were not tourists admiring the view. They were employees providing a day’s labor, and to have such workers leaving the pier and walking a block or two to a restroom…time is money and that was a waste of both. To make things more efficient, an outhouse was installed at the end of the pier. Like residents’ toilets, this was not hooked up to anything. It discharged directly into the ocean beneath it, meaning that those frolicking in the water nearby would encounter the occasional ocean-going blind mullet.

Eventually health and aesthetic concerns forced change. Residents’ toilets were hooked up to a sewer system, and all that had formerly gone into the bay went to the treatment plant in Huntington Beach – thus the demise of blind mullet. We spend a great deal of time and money trying to save various populations from dying out. The disappearance of blind mullet is one extinction for which we can all be grateful.

As an added note, for many years the sewage sent to the Huntington Beach plant was given primary treatment – essentially straining out the solids before being discharged offshore. Today, the sewage is treated to the much higher secondary level. Some of it is discharged into the ocean, and some of it goes to the groundwater replenishment system where it undergoes further purification as it slowly infiltrates through the subsoil into the aquifer where it is eventually pumped out for us to drink.

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

Wake Up! Newport welcomes you

Eric Woolery

Courtesy of Newport Beach

Chamber of Commerce

Don’t miss out on an Orange County Financial Update during Wake Up! Newport today, Thursday, Oct. 5 at the Newport Beach Public Library.

The featured speaker is Eric H. Woolery, CPA, Auditor-Controller, County of Orange. Discussion topics will include: Financial State of Orange County, How You Can be a Taxpayer Watchdog and What’s on the Horizon for Orange County.

This is a free opportunity to meet one-on-one with legislative and government officials and stay current on local, state and federal issues.

A complimentary breakfast begins at 7:15 a.m. followed by the program from 7:45 - 8:30 a.m.

To register for seating and food considerations, email Pam Smith at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call 949.729.4411. Walkups are welcome on a space available basis. www.newportbrach.com

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

The Elks National Hoop Shoot at Harbor High

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Submitted photo

Kids, ages 8 – 13…if you love basketball, come compete in a free throw program, presented by the Newport Harbor Elks.

Contestants will compete in one of six divisions: Boys or Girls, ages 8 - 9; Boys or Girls, ages 10 - 11; and Boys or Girls, ages 12 - 13.

The hoop shoot builds grit by setting goals, working hard to achieve goals, failing and trying again, and working even harder next year!

The contest will take place on Saturday, Oct. 21 at Newport Harbor High School in the Large Boys Gymnasium from 8 to 10 a.m., 600 Irvine Ave., Newport Beach.

To compete in the contest, contact Jeff Ruzicka, Newport Harbor Elks Shoot Chairman, at 949.302.2260, or email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., no later than Oct. 10, 2017.

Stump the Stu

Excuse me, is that perhaps Sherman Library & Gardens?

So for all of you who think you know it all, follow the lead of Ellen Trujillo and Mary Ann Hemphill – they both guessed the tile wall inset at Sherman Library & Gardens. Kudos for knowing your Newport Beach, ladies!

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

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Police Files

Man steals boat, but doesn’t get away

Jerret Mlagenovich, 32, Santa Ana, was arrested Tuesday evening, September 26, in the 3400 block of Via Oporto for multiple charges, including grand theft of boat/vessel.

Mlagenovich was also charged with battery, receiving stolen property, refusal to provide blood/saliva test and obstruction/resisting a peace officer.

His bail was set at $20,000.

Stalker breaks court order

Wesley Michael Lowe, 26, from Riverside, was arrested early Wednesday morning, September 27, at 18th Street and the beach for contempt of court and several outstanding warrants.

The contempt of court charged was related to Penal Code 166(A)4 “willful disobedience of the terms as written of any process or court order or out-of-state court order, lawfully issued by a court, including orders pending trial.”

Lowe does have a warrant related to stalking and PC646.9 “where a person willfully, maliciously and repeatedly harasses another person and makes credible threats.”

Additionally, Lowe had a warrant related to possession of methamphetamines.

He was also cited for using the beach after hours.

Bail was set at $266,500.

Three women arrested on Harbor Island Drive for auto theft

Three Riverside women were arrested at 4:27 a.m. Thursday morning, September 28, in the 100 block of Harbor Island Road for auto theft, possession of burglary tools, possession of controlled substances and unlawful paraphernalia.

Dina Marie Gomez, 42, Ranette Doreen Sanchez, 40, and Monica Perez, 40, were each arrested.

Gomez was additionally charged with open container, Sanchez with fictitious checks and false impersonation of another.

Gomez and Sanchez were held on $20,000 bail, while no bail was set for Perez.

Scroll down to Police Beat for all arrests & crime reports

Assessment levels up across the School District

Students in Newport-Mesa Unified School District (NMUSD) show growth from 2015 to 2017 in statewide English Language Arts (ELA) and math assessments. NMUSD students also remain above the Orange County and California averages in ELA and math.

The Smarter Balanced assessments are part of the California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress (CAASPP), which tests ELA and math standards for students in grades three through eight and grade 11. The Smarter Balanced assessments are computer adaptive tests that adjust the difficulty of the test items based on how a test taker responds. This provides a more precise measure of student performance.

The Smarter Balanced assessments, now in the third year, show an increase of 4.57 percentage points in NMUSD students having met or exceeded ELA standards, and an increase of 3.99 percentage points in students having met or exceeded math standards, when compared to the 2015 baseline assessments.

Many NMUSD schools have shown impressive growth during the three-year period. Ensign Intermediate School maintained growth all three years in both ELA (9.0 percentage point growth) and math standards (8.50 percentage point growth). Nine schools have shown a growth of more than 10 percent in ELA standards, with Adams Elementary showing a growth of 19.23 percentage points. Five schools have shown double-digit growth in math standards, again with Adams topping the list at 17.13 percentage point growth.

Specific to Title I schools, nearly all have shown growth in ELA and math standards. Adams, Sonora and Paularino Elementary Schools have shown double digit growth in both ELA and math standards.

“It is encouraging to see our Title I schools performing well,” said Deputy Superintendent and Chief Academic Officer Russell Lee-Sung. “This is a testament to the focus of our teachers, and principals to improve our instructional program for all our students,” he said.

The district has been focused on providing support for classroom intervention systems to better implement differentiation of instructional strategies. This allows teachers and instructional assistants to provide targeted support to struggling students and additional enrichment opportunities for high achieving students, such as small group instruction with specifically tailored instructional materials.

ELA and math results for English Learners have remained relatively flat throughout the three-year assessments. Our district is focused on improving English Learner proficiency by providing additional supports, such as the adoption of new elementary English Language Arts, English Language Development and math instructional materials. Our district has added two Instructional Specialists in 2017/18, for a total of three that are solely dedicated to improving English Learner proficiency in all subject areas.

Looking at grade levels, third and sixth grade students have shown consistent growth in both ELA and math, throughout the three years of the assessments. While the district looks at improvement at all grade levels, there has been a strong focus on the third grade foundational skills. It is widely known that if students are not reading at grade level by third grade, it is increasingly more difficult for them to meet future grade level performance.

Comparing results from 2016 to 2017 assessments, NMUSD students showed a slight growth of .57 percentage points in ELA standards and a decline of 1.01 percentage points in math standards.

“We are confident that the selection of new elementary math and ELA/ELD instructional materials being implemented this school year will improve student proficiency,” said Deputy Superintendent and Chief Academic Officer Russell Lee-Sung.

The current statewide assessments only focus on ELA and math standards, however it is anticipated that the California Science Test (CAST) will be included in the state testing program in 2019. In the meantime, NMUSD teachers continue to work on the next generation Science Standards (NGSS) to prepare for the CAST.

Individual student 2017 assessments were mailed to parents. The NMUSD Smarter Balanced testing schedule for 2018 is anticipated for March 20 through June 15.

While statewide assessments provide valuable information about overall student progress and areas for improvement, they do not provide a holistic view of student achievement. The new California School Dashboard is expected to provide a more detailed view of performance, based on multiple factors, beyond state testing results. These factors include graduation rates, suspension rates, chronic absenteeism and college and career readiness. However, the State is not expected to provide this data until December 2017.

Tangos Buenos Aires returns to Segerstrom Center

Direct from Argentina, Tango Buenos Aires returns to Segerstrom Center for the Arts in a passionate and soulful program of music and dance in the new show, The Spirit of Argentina. The company of dancers, vocalists and musicians pay homage to one of tango’s leading superstars, French-Argentine singer, songwriter and composer Carlos Gardel. There will be four performances November 18 - 19, 2017 in the Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall.

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

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Photos courtesy of scfta.org

An undisputed hero of Latin American music and dance, Gardel composed and recorded hundreds of classic tangos, many written with his lyricist and longtime collaborator, Alfredo Le Pera. Many of those seductive compositions are featured in this spectacular performance, which is also set to music by the legendary Astor Piazzolla and other heroes of tango.

Single tickets start at $39 and are now available online at www.scfta.org, at the Box Office at 600 Town Center Drive in Costa Mesa or by calling 714.556.2787. For inquiries about group ticket savings for 10 or more, call the Group Services office at 714.755.0236.

The Elks National Hoop Shoot

Basketball and hoop

Submitted photo

Kids…ages 8 – 13…if you love basketball, come compete in a free throw program, presented by the Newport Harbor Elks.

Contestants will compete in one of six divisions: Boys or Girls, ages 8 - 9; Boys or Girls, ages 10 - 11; and Boys or Girls, ages 12 - 13.

The hoop shoot builds grit by setting goals, working hard to achieve goals, failing and trying again, and working even harder next year!

The contest will take place on Saturday, Oct. 21 at Newport Harbor High School in the Large Boys Gymnasium from 8 - 10 a.m., 600 Irvine Ave., Newport Beach.

Letter to the Editor:

“Art has won”

Barry Allen is a great guy. He is someone that I consider a friend and a person I respect as having contributed significantly to our community. His lovely wife, Debbie, is also a class act.

Unfortunately, Barry’s taste in, and appreciation for, contemporary art is on par with my appreciation and understanding of lacrosse.

Paraphrasing Councilman (Brad) Avery, art is subjective and is designed to, at a minimum, foster conversation among the viewing audience. And, when you add a beautiful environment and exquisite ocean view as the setting for that conversation, you realize why art is such an integral part of the human experience. Art encourages civilized discourse.

Councilman (Scott) Peotter hates the rabbits but he is still, to this day, talking about them. They are an essential part of his political essence. And therefore, in that context, the art in the park has served its purpose: it has stimulated conversation and become a substantial part of our community’s political dialogue. Art has won.

Mr. Allen might not like some of the pieces chosen by the Arts Commission and their consultants, but he is publically talking about them and his comments will, if nothing else, encourage people to go and see for themselves what he is talking about. And then, based upon each visitor’s subjective taste, that each visitor will either agree with, or disagree with, my friend Barry. But the very fact that they are visiting the garden, and then stopping at Ruby’s or Sprinkles or Gulfstream to discuss what they have experienced, contributes to our community in both a tangible and intangible manner.

We can quantify the tangible impact on the community by the revenues generated at our local businesses. We can quantify the intangible impact by simply looking at the diversity and number of the people who are enjoying their walks through the garden.

The Arts Commission, the consultants and the City Council all did their job and all should be commended. They have, at a very nominal cost, enhanced the soul of our community by creating a unique respite, like the tide pools and Buck Gully or Marina Park and Fashion Island, where residents and visitors alike can relax, recreate and converse. Our community has reaffirmed the importance of public art in public life. The City Arts Commission, the City Council and Barry Allen should all be thanked.

And, just for the record, it should be noted that since President Reagan has been relocated to Rabbit Hill, his smile seems a little bigger.

Phil Greer

Newport Beach

NB Wine & Food Festival celebrates the best food, vintages

By LANA JOHNSON

Taking it all in and enjoying all the chef demos, food samplings and varietal offerings, the Newport Beach Wine & Food Festival was so fun and exhilarating! Just wanted to share some highlights: Chef demo by Top Chef gals Brooke Williamson, Shirley Chung and Casey Thompson was so upbeat; Lorena Garcia and Art Smith teaming up for their demo of Cazuela with prawns, beluga lentils and quinoa filled the space with delightful aromas; Brian Malarkey’s demo on charring carrots and cauliflower and hitting it with lemon acid and nut Dakkah for umami flavor is now the “new clean cuisine”; and Richard Blais rocking it with his Tacos Al Pastor and then a surprise presentation of Fried Chicken Oysters (with his infamous liquid nitrogen that froze pure tequila in front of my eyes). Look forward to Blais’ new restaurant opening of The Crack Shack in our neighboring Costa Mesa on November 13. Got him to sign his new book, “So Good.”

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Photos by Lana Johnson

(L-R): Chef Allan Greeley, Golden Truffle; Stefanie Salem, founder and CEO of the Newport Beach Wine & Food Festival; Steve Brown, GM of Jaguar, Land Rover Newport Beach and Aston Martin, the presenting festival sponsor

And for the samplings, my favorites were Amar Santana’s spiced confit leg of lamb with watercress puree and candied citrus, from Broadway by Amar Santana; Pelican Grill’s diver scallops with forbidden black rice, toasted almond and orange segments; and The Winery’s crispy pork belly with caramelized ginger and risotto, just to name a few.

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(L-R): Renowned chefs – Art Smith, Lorena Garcia and Hubert Keller shared their enthusiasm during the chef demonstrations

What I came away with was umami and acid are what elevates food to greatness.

I would welcome what you most enjoyed about this culinary celebration, so email me at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. and I’ll share your comments in an upcoming Farm to Fork.

Enjoy a slideshow of more great photos from this year’s Newport Beach Wine & Food Festival

Click on the left hand photo to see them all

NBFD supports Susan G. Komen with Pinktober

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Submitted photo

The Newport Beach Fire Department, through its Fire Association, supports the work of the American Cancer Society and the Susan G. Komen Foundation. Each year, Fire Department personnel have supported research and awareness in two key areas: spreading awareness through the display of “Pinktober” T-shirts and research through proceeds from the sale of these T-shirts to the public.

Every October, Newport Beach Fire personnel wear the pink T-shirts as part of their daily uniform. Pink T-shirts, underneath their uniforms, have been a positive step towards spreading awareness throughout the community. The “Pinktober” season officially began with the annual Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure that was held for the 26th straight year on Sunday, Sept. 24 at Newport Beach’s Fashion Island. The theme for this year’s race was “Be More Than Pink” to encourage more participants to get involved. The T-shirts were developed with other local fire departments as a way to bring more awareness and support for breast cancer awareness. Breast cancer is a major concern for women and families throughout the world. In 2017, there were approximately 300,000 new diagnosed cases.

The Newport Beach Fire Association has set a goal to donate $5,000 through the sale of their “Pinktober” shirts with all proceeds directly donated to the Susan G. Komen Foundation.

The Fire Department will be selling the T-shirts are their annual Fire Service Open House on Sunday, Oct. 8 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Newport Beach Fire Station #7 (20401 Acacia). The t-shirts are available for sale at $20. The family friendly event is open to all. Come learn about the Newport Beach Fire Department and help fight breast cancer with your purchase of a “Pinktober” T- shirt.

Pet of the Week

Tanner

Courtesy of Newport Beach

Animal Shelter

MEET TANNER

Tanner is shy but loves meeting people

Tanner is a 3 – 4-year-old Spaniel mix. He is shy but loves everyone he meets. He is neutered, microchipped and up to date on all vaccines.

Adoption costs at the shelter:

Dogs - $130

Puppies - $150

Cats - $90

Kittens - $110

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

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

JWA earns Best Large Airport Award

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Submitted photo

On Sept. 21, J.D. Power announced that John Wayne Airport was selected as the recipient of the Best Large Airport Award in the 2017 North America Airport Satisfaction Study. Now in its 12th year, the study is based on responses from 34,695 North American travelers.

The 2017 North America Airport Satisfaction Study measures overall traveler satisfaction by examining six factors (in order of importance): terminal facilities; airport accessibility; security check; baggage claim; check-in/baggage check; food, beverage and retail. When compared to last year’s results, John Wayne Airport significantly improved in every category – an exceptional achievement.

Providing a superior guest experience has been a primary focus at JWA for the past 22 months. The Airport is in the midst of a $102 million Improvement Project in Terminals A and B, that include upgraded guest facilities and new amenities like a nursing mother’s lounge and post-security animal relief area. Additional improvements in the near future will include enhanced Wi-Fi in the Terminal, more outlets for electronic devices, and price reduction strategies for Airport concessions.

Newport Beach – A Look Back

Photo series courtesy of Balboa Island Museum & Historical Society

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Sometimes it’s as simple as cruising down the boardwalk on a three-wheeler. Ah…the good old days.

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

Stump the Stu

Sure you’ve seen it, but where?

Okay, so maybe this “window” doesn’t provide the greatest view…but here, it’s what’s inside that speaks “volumes.” Where is it?

Take the challenge, and submit your answers to: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. The correct answers will be in Thursday’s edition.

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

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FIRE 101 at ENC

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Courtesy of ENC

ENC Executive Director Bo Glover

Join Environmental Nature Center Executive Director Bo Glover for FIRE 101 to learn about the basics of fire starting on November 11 from 2 to 6 p.m.

Participants will make their own fires to cook with (dinner is included!). This program is for individuals, couples and families with kids nine years of age or older. Bring a fixed blade knife and come dressed for the weather – the program will occur outside, and it is rain or shine!

Cost: $20 for ENC members, $30 for non-members. To register and pre-pay, visit www.encenter.org.

Environmental Nature Center is located at 1601 E. 16th St., Newport Beach. Call 949.645.8489.

Fair Game

By TOM JOHNSON

Rams let Chargers know they’re fighting for Orange County

TomJohnson Remember six to eight months ago when everyone in town was excited that the Chargers were going to be our “local” NFL team. Upon relocating to Costa Mesa, the Chargers seemed to do almost everything right. They got involved in the community, supported local youth sports programs and seemed to underwrite just about every local event presented to them. You really couldn’t ask for more.

All of that, however, has not yet translated in winning over Southern California fans. The Charger product on the field has let’s say fallen short…or maybe wide right. The crowds at the Stub Hub Center, their temporary 27,000 seat home stadium, remain underwhelming. There are rumblings that the NFL is actually concerned.

Then, into town roll the Rams, the Los Angeles Rams. At first I thought it was a typo by the Newport Beach Chamber of Commerce flier promoting this past weekend’s Sandcastle Contest. But no, it was the Rams underwriting the event along with UPS.

The Rams obviously are not giving up on years of history in LA or in Orange County.

It’s great to see our professional teams reaching out and supporting local events that are done for the “community good” and not to necessarily make thousands of dollars (although it helps there, too).

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Photo Courtesy of Art Alderete

B-t-w, after Sunday’s games, the Chargers are 0-4, the Rams are in first place at 3-1. Who woulda thunk? Count on Newport Beach to follow a front-runner.

• • •

Newport Beach didn’t seem to show any reaction to their prodigal son’s (O.J. Simpson) release from prison yesterday. No word yet from Trojan for life Paul Salata on whether the Juice will join him at his 50-yard line seats at an upcoming SC game, but if anyone could pull that off, it would be Salata.

• • •

No news is good news as far as I’m concerned for Scott Peotter. We now are in October with less than a month left for the signature gathering efforts to finish for the recall against him. For the side to Recall, should there be concern…folks say no, but time is running. I’m hearing stories that signature gatherers from both sides of the recall are going door-to-door to cause confusion amongst the voters.

It’s politics as usual in Newport Beach.

Balboa Island Veterans seeking those who served

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The Balboa Island Veterans are on a quest! They are seeking every veteran or service person who lives, works or has had any direct connection to Balboa Island.

To date they have found 78 veterans, 13 from WW II, 17 from the Korean Conflict and even have one from the first WAVEs!

They are collecting military history forms WE 53 or 55, or DD 214 along with photos of those who have served in uniform, as well as audio or video tapes of military histories. This data will be stored in the Balboa Island Museum and Historical Society to be accessible online as well as at the Museum, located at 331 Marine Ave.

Among famous veterans who have been associated with Newport Beach is Audie Murphy, one of America’s most decorated veterans who kept his boat here at one time.

So, please help them find you and share your service history with the close-knit community of Balboa Island. Contact Bill Stewart at 949.673.3588 or by email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. with your information.

Back Bay Bistro to host legendary musician, French gourmet chef

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Courtesy of Back Bay Bistro

Bunny Brunel

Back Bay Bistro will welcome legendary musician and French gourmet chef, Bunny Brunel, for a special evening of jazz fusion and a feast inspired by the South of France on Saturday, Oct. 14. Doors/Dinner at 6 p.m.; Concert at 7:30 p.m. All ages welcome.

The dinner concert will feature an all-star band of highly acclaimed jazz performers, Brunel’s signature seafood main course with a curated wine pairing, and the panoramic view of the Back Bay.

The menu will feature:

Starter - Choice of Pumpkin Spice Soup with Crème Fraiche or Bistro Salad with

Mixed Greens, Candied Pecans, Dried Cranberries, Feta, and Champagne Vinaigrette

Entrée - Choice of Bunny Brunel Gambas À L’armoricaine or Jumbo Shrimp Sautéed in a Tomato Cognac Sauce served over Ratatouille; Coffee Crusted Prime New York served with Fresh Baby Arugula, Heirloom Tomatoes and Pointe Reyes Bleu Cheese; or Polenta Portobello Stack Pan Seared Vegan Polenta, Portobello Mushrooms and Heirloom Tomato Stacks over Grilled Vegetables

Dessert - Choice of Pumpkin Spice Crème Brûlée or Chocolate Molten Cake

Cost: Bar seating: $20; Floor seating: $30; VIP Package: $50; Dinner with Seating Combined: $75. (VIP includes signed CD by Bunny Brunel, band meet & greet and photo opportunity. Dinner with Seating includes table reservation, reserved seating, and 3-course meal)

Notes: Two-drink minimum per person, unless a dinner reservation is made. Dinner reservations guarantee priority seating, in front of general admission seating and with priority stage viewing. There is no additional cost for making a dinner reservation, but you are required to purchase a dinner entree, per person, excluding any beverage services.

Free validated parking when you enter the second gate on Back Bay Drive. Back Bay Bistro is located at 1131 Back Bay Drive, Newport Beach.

To purchase tickets, visit http://bit.ly/2f9PmIA. For dinner reservations, call 949.999.3121. For additional event information, visit www.newportdunes.com/event.

Balboa Blues: Music, Magic and Memories

By DUNCAN FORGEY

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Submitted photos

The infamous Rendezvous Ballroom, welcoming Dick Dale and the Deltones

When people talk about music, cities like New Orleans, Nashville, New York City, Austin and San Francisco are thought to be centers for song writing and musical careers. The underlying influence of “Los Angeles-Hollywood” is a given because of its gigantic music industry.

One place that is not brought up often is Balboa. Newport Beach, now a fancy world-famous cosmopolitan city, is more well known for its yachting, wealth, harbor and real estate industry than its music. However, if you look a little deeper, Newport Beach has a musical style that has been exported worldwide.

In the early years of Newport Harbor, the town of Balboa was a Mecca for fun and partying throughout SoCal. Always wet when other towns prohibited alcohol, horses, automobiles and Red Cars brought many to Balboa. Noted for its gambling and its music, almost anything went on in Balboa. The Balboa Peninsula was the “Wild West of Old Orange County.”

After 1906, the Balboa Pavilion became a magnet for band leaders during the raucous ‘20s and ‘30s. Paul Whitman and Abe Lyman pounded out sounds of the latest dance crazes, the Charleston and Black Bottom. The “Roaring Twenties” lived in Balboa with gambling tables, a bowling alley, beaches and bathing beauties. The Pavilion attracted tourists to the town in droves.

The original Rendezvous Dancehall opened on Central Avenue to the sounds of the Trojan Tooters. These musicians were exploring and pushing the limits of then contemporary music. Balboa was a small center for entertainment during those wild times. Owners soon realized that the harbor area could become a music hub of SoCal.

In 1928, a much larger Rendezvous Ballroom was built at 608 East Oceanfront under the watchful eyes of Harry “Pops” Tudor and Ray Burlingame. The cost was $200,000. Admission tickets sold for 10-50 cents. Dancing was the name of the game for this one-of-a-kind venue. Young people came from all corners of Southern California to hear their favorite entertainers. The list of performers reads like a Whoʻs Who of mid-century artists. The Andrews Sisters, Les Brown, Nat King Cole, Bing Crosby, the Dorsey Brothers, Benny Goodman, Lionel Hampton, Woody Herman, Harry James, Stan Kenton, Gene Krupa, Guy Lombardo, Artie Shaw, Dick Dale, The Beach Boys, The Righteous Brothers and the Challengers were all headliners from 1928 until the Rendezvous burnt down in 1966.

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Crowded downtown Balboa in the early 1930s

There were always alcoholic drinks available somewhere in Balboa despite restrictions elsewhere. During prohibition, a local speakeasy The Dragon was the place to imbibe. After the ban was repealed with the passing of the 23rd Amendment, restaurants once again jumped on alcohol sales to create a constant stream of tourists. After prohibition the introduction of the “Ban-Rum-Boa”, a five shot drink, became a town craze at the Bamboo Room and the precursor of the Adios Matha at the Studio Cafe.

Newport Beachʻs influence on the music industry dates back to one of its earliest residents, the unbelievably talented actor and musician Helena Modjeska. Henry Mancini was often seen pleasure boating in the harbor and the founder of Capitol Records, the extraordinary songwriter and singer Johnny Mercer drove his golf cart around Lido Isle while conversing with the kids.

Johnny Mercer

Johnny Mercer, American lyricist and songwriter

Jack Marshall, one of the top jazz arrangers of the post WWII era brought top musicians like Shelley Manne and Jack Sheldon to town. The Marshall clan also includes sons Phil, Matt and Frank all noted entertainers.

With the end of World War II and the huge population shift to our beloved beach town, new musical heroes and venues popped up all around town. Whether it was a drinking bar like The Village Inn or a fine dining restaurant like Berkshires, high quality musicians popped up throughout town. Musicians entertained both diners and dancers. Hundreds of restaurants over many years supported large numbers of entertainers from one man shows to larger many piece bands.

Old Newporters frequented Karemʻs in Lido Village, the piano bar at Villa Nova, the Prison of Socrates with Tim Morgan, Jose Felicianoʻs own Felicianoʻs, The Blue Beet, and Windows on the Bay to wine, dine and hear some great music.

Do not forget Newportʻs truly original musician/teacher Bass Hutchinson. A superb Jazz guitarist, composer and musical teacher, this Hollywood transplant chose Newport for its ideal environment to raise children. Bass and his beautiful wife Helen (The Honeybees) were a fixture in the Newport music scene for half a decade. He spawned dozens of student musicians such as the incredibly talented Anna Hamilton, Mark Turnbull and Craig Buhler.

Local band Honk made a name for itself with Tris Imboden, Steve Wood, Richard Stekol, Beth Fitchet, Craig Buhler and Don Whaley by composing and performing a complete score for the Five Summer Stories in 1972 (A film by locals Jim Freeman/ Greg MacGillivray). Still playing today to large and faithful crowds, Honk is a signature band originating from the Newport/Laguna beach culture.

More modern musicians hailing from Newport Beach are saxophonist Mark McGrath and Rodney Sheppard, founding members of the group Sugar Ray. Eric Marienthal, a classic jazz saxophone player, refined his music skills at Corona del Mar High School and Berklee College of Music.

A musical ride through Newport Beach has to include major events like the previous “Taste of Newport,” The Newport Beach Jazz Festival and the Music in the Park sessions. These venues bring outside talent into town to entertain residents, a reminiscence of old town Balboa in the 20th century.

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(L-R): The Downbeats: Craig Buhler, Anna Hamilton, Chris Babbit, Robin Field and John LaMontagne playing in the Richard’s Lido Market parking lot

So, next time you and friends are sipping chardonnay while cruising Newportʻs beloved bay, take time to travel back through the century. Imagine changes in the homes, the cars and the clothing. Understand the tremendous growth this once tiny blue-collar port has experienced.

Prison of Socrates

The Prison of Socrates

As you do this, listen to a band of horns blowing the fabulously fun Charleston or the Andrew Sisters singing Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy, Johnny Mercerʻs That Old Black Magic, Light my Fire by Jose Feliciano, Honkʻs Tunnel of Love or Bing Crosbyʻs White Christmas. These sounds are forever etched into the winds of Newport representing good times in old Newport. And todayʻs haze is not that of too many cars but rather stale smoke of the burnt down Rendezvous hanging in honor of all of our forgotten musicians.

~~~~~~~~

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

16-time Grammy winner David Foster kicks off Pops

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Submitted Photo

Pacific Symphony’s 2017-18 Pops season bursts out of the gate when the Symphony welcomes for the first time one of the most successful music producers/entertainers in history – 16-time Grammy Award winner David Foster.

This grand Pops Opening, led by Symphony favorite Albert-George Schram, features Foster performing hit songs, along with special hand-picked guests from his unparalleled catalog. Among his popular hits (written for artists that include Andrea Bocelli, Michael Bublé, Josh Groban, Barbra Streisand and many, many others) are “You’re the Inspiration,” “The Prayer,” “The Glory of Love” and “St. Elmo’s Fire.” In addition to his numerous Grammy Awards, which include three for Producer of the Year, plus 47 additional nominations, Foster has won an Emmy Award, a Golden Globe and garnered three Oscar nominations for “Best Original Song.”

“I have never had the opportunity to work with David Foster before, so I am eagerly looking forward to doing so,” said Maestro Schram. “He’s sort of the Big Cheese, the Grand Poobah, the Impresario, The Godfather to a few generations of musicians. He is truly respected, and has coached and produced recordings and performances for more artists than God. He’s also a gifted pianist, raconteur and gracious host. And he will be opening Pacific Symphony’s Pops Season. What a coup! Plus, he will have some unexpected, impromptu guests who will perform with us – so it promises to be an exciting weekend, indeed.”

The Symphony’s Pops Opening concert, “David Foster with Special Guests,” takes place Friday - Saturday, Oct. 13 - 14, at 8 p.m., in the Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall.

Seven-concert subscriptions for Pops range from $245-$1,099. Single tickets are $35-$159. For more information or to purchase tickets, call 714.755.5799 or visit www.PacificSymphony.org.

Okazaki students begin visit today to Newport Beach

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Submitted photo

Friendship Statue donated by the City of Okazaki, Japan

Students from Okazaki, Japan, one of Newport Beach’s sister cities, begin their visit today, Thursday, Sept. 28 to our city. Let’s help welcome them!

Here’s their itinerary:

Thursday, Sept. 28:

4 p.m. Okazaki delegation arrives in Newport Beach from Los Angeles welcomed by host families at the Newport Beach Central Library. Bring welcome signs, flowers and balloons to welcome the delegation. Students/chaperones will spend the evening with host families.

Friday, September 29:

Delegates attend school assembly at Ensign Intermediate at 10:45 a.m. in the gymnasium with an Okazaki delegation performance. Following, chaperones will visit Newport Harbor High School, and then enjoy lunch with Ensign staff and visit Ensign classes in the afternoon. An evening beach party is planned from 5:30 - 8 p.m. at the fire ring left of Balboa Pier.

Saturday, September 30:

Family Day

Sunday, October 1:

Family Day

Monday, October 2:

Delegates attend school. Chaperones visit Newport Heights Elementary School and Roger’s Gardens in Corona del Mar for lunch. At 1 p.m., chaperones visit classrooms at Corona del Mar High School, then go shopping.

Famous Pumpkin Carving party and barbecue, hosted by the Newport Balboa Rotary Club at 5 p.m. Performances by the Okazaki and Newport Beach delegation.

Tuesday, October 3:

Delegates enjoy the morning with families and meet at Central Library at 9:30 a.m., then depart for San Francisco.

Sayonara!

For more information, contact Liddy Paulsen, president of the Newport Beach Sister City Association at 949.717.3801 and visit www.nbsca.org.

Komen Orange County celebrates 26 years of fighting cancer at Race for the Cure

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Photos by Barbara Berg

About 15,000 breast cancer survivors, supporters and volunteers from Orange County and beyond gathered in Newport Beach’s Fashion Island on Sunday, Sept. 24 for the Susan G. Komen Orange County Race for the Cure®. In its 26th year, this year’s Race called for supporters to “Be More Than Pink,” to get more involved, to build more awareness and to raise more funds for the breast cancer movement.

A day of hope, celebration and courage, the race brought the local community together to inspire hope for those fighting breast cancer, celebrate survivors and honor those who have lost their battle with the disease. This year, a special tribute was paid to Robin Pollok, a recognizable voice at the annual fundraiser, who performed every year at the Race since 2000. Pollock lost her third battle to the debilitating disease in June and on Sunday, her 17-year-old daughter, Emily, performed a poignant rendition of Celine Dion’s classic hit “My Heart Will Go On” in her mother’s memory.

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During the program, Komen Orange County Executive Director Lisa Wolter announced that the national Komen organization will focus its 2017 research grants portfolio on metastatic breast cancer, investing $30.7 million in new research grants. Additionally, in 2018, 100 percent of new grants for Komen’s Young Investigators Program, which invites young researchers to focus on breast cancer issues, will be focused on metastatic breast cancer and treatment resistance that leads to it.

“Every year, we are uplifted seeing the community come together to step up and take action against breast cancer,” Wolter said. “We are a movement that will not stop until our mission to end breast cancer is achieved. Komen’s new focus on the most lethal forms and stages of breast cancer is exactly what we need to reach our bold goal of reducing deaths from breast cancer by 50 percent by 2026.”

The first 5K kicked off with a 7:15 a.m. start time for early risers or those who chose to run. The Kids One-Mile Fun Run & Walk with Snoopy and friends, presented by Knott’s Berry Farm, began at 8 a.m. and the last, and largest, wave of runners/walkers participated at 9:45 a.m.

The hallmark moment of the event was the Survivor Tribute ceremony, which united more than 800 breast cancer survivors on the steps of the Pacific Life building. The tribute is a memorable and moving ceremony highlighted by inspiring speeches from survivors and advocates, and the release of white doves to recognize survivors and pay tribute to those who lost their battle to the disease.

Among the breast cancer warriors sharing their inspiring stories during the ceremony were:

Angelique Fong, a Rancho Santa Margarita resident, is a four-year breast cancer survivor who has been a dedicated Komen supporter and volunteer since the late 1990s. She had no symptoms when she received her breast cancer diagnosis at age 39. Luckily, Fong’s prognosis was positive due to being diagnosed early and she wants others to be able to say the same. With more than a decade of Races for the Cure under her belt, Fong continues to walk/run for breast cancer survivors like herself, and for their families.

Veronica Mora, a Lake Forest resident, credits Komen Orange County for her surviving the battle against breast cancer after her diagnosis at the young age of 26. At the time, she was a student without insurance. Mora is now a survivor with more determination than ever and a proud graduate of Cal State Fullerton.

“Through our long-standing relationship with the Susan G. Komen Foundation and Komen Orange County, Pacific Life and its employees are inspired to help to make a difference in the fight against breast cancer,” said Tennyson Oyler, vice president of brand management and public affairs, Pacific Life, Race for the Cure’s Home of the Race sponsor. “As the home of the race for the last 26 years and a sponsor, we are proud to be a part of helping make the race a success.”

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Other sponsors of the Race include: The Allergan Foundation, Chevron and Knott’s Berry Farm (presenting sponsors); ABC 7, Ralphs and Food4Less, and Pacific Life Insurance Company (platinum sponsors); 100.3 The Sound, Fashion Island, First American Title Insurance Company, Hot Ticket Racing Carol & Becky Burch (diamond sponsors); Kaiser Permanente, Macy’s, Park Newport Apartment Communities and Spa Gregories (gold sponsors); Cox Communications, Myriad Genetics, Orora Packaging Solutions, Smart Levels, Sparkling Ice (silver sponsors) and founding sponsor the Orange County Register.

The 26th Annual Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure by the numbers:

As the largest and most successful breast cancer fundraiser in California, the Susan G. Komen Orange County Race for the Cure is expected to raise more than $2 million this year for the organization.

There were more than 420 teams, the largest being First American Caring for Our community with 6,981 members.

More than 1,600 volunteers assisted in preparation for the event, at booths, water stations, on the course and clean-up.

Doug McKay, who was Komen Orange County’s first male chair and is community grant and giving chair for Macy’s Orange County, served as Race Chair for the fourth consecutive year.

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Seventy-five percent of the funds raised through Komen Orange County events and initiatives support local breast cancer awareness and education programs, and diagnostic and treatment services for uninsured and underinsured women. The other 25 percent is allocated for the Komen Award and Research Grant Program to fund groundbreaking breast cancer research, and to support Komen researchers in their quest for a breast cancer cure.

For more information, visit www.komenoc.org/race.

Editor’s Note: October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, so the community is encouraged to fundraise and donate through October 31 to reach this year’s goal of $2 million.

Guest Column

Dave Kiff

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

Dave Kiff

Newport Beach City Manager Dave Kiff

I’m sorry to do this to you for the third time this month, but I had a couple of quick community notes.

1 – The annual Huntington Beach Breitling Air Show is this coming weekend – Sept. 29, Sept. 30 and Oct. 1. According to our PD (and in light of what we saw and heard last year), we anticipate that there will be significant – and very different – air traffic over the waters at the western edge of Newport Beach. You can expect increased noise from the Show and its training flights between the hours of noon and 4 p.m. Training is likely to affect us on Thursday (today), too. Noise from the planes may be very loud. While that’s not new to us in the JWA departure path, it is new to the western edge of town. And these are different types of planes, sometimes flying very acrobatic patterns. Please be sure to make accommodations for anyone who may be disturbed, including pets. Residents and visitors to the city may also be impacted by increased traffic along Pacific Coast Highway during the event (approximately 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday-Sunday). Please use alternate routes when possible to avoid delay. Additional information about the air show can be found at www.hbairshow.com. To receive live updates, text HBAirshow to 888777. I swear I am not smiling as I write this, but any complaints or concerns can be filed via the City of Huntington Beach’s website at www.hungtingbeachca.gov. You may also call 714.536.5985 to leave a message for Huntington Beach city staff.

2 – It’s sandcastle time at CDM State Beach. That’s this coming Sunday, Oct. 1 at Big Corona Beach in Corona del Mar. The theme is Pirates of the Pacific. In addition to one-eyed scurvy dawgs, there will be a custom built sand sculpture sponsored by The UPS Store and the Los Angeles Rams, a Capt. Jack Sparrow look-a-like and the return of the Bubble Lady. Teams will compete for cash prizes and trophies. The Chamber will be cooking food and serving beverages as well. Registration starts at 9 a.m. Competition is from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and awards will be handed out approximately at 3:30 p.m. More information can be found at www.newportbeach.com/events/56th-annual-sandcastle-contest.

3 – The Civic Center will be busy as well, hosting the Newport Beach Wine and Food Festival. That’s also Sept. 29 – Oct. 1. More information for the Festival is at www.newportwineandfood.com. While this is not an official City event, it does impact the Civic Center and the Green, so folks should be aware of it should they use the Central Library or City Hall starting today (set up is going on now) through Sunday.

4 – Lastly, the City Council spent a good bit of time on the John Wayne Airport and NextGen issues at its meeting (Tuesday). It might be worth watching if you missed it. Click here to navigate to the video of the Study Session. Once you get to our Calendar, look at the “City Council – 9-26-17” item, and click on the video button way to the right. Then you’ll want to advance to where the video’s timer says 22:05, or click on the item below the video screen that says “SS4…”

Again, sorry for the additional Insider’s Guide in your inbox – I really wanted to make you aware of the air show before you heard it or saw it.

Dave Kiff

City Manager

City of Newport Beach

949-644-3001

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

Farm to Fork: A Foodie’s Point of View

By LANA JOHNSON

Newport Beach Wine & Food Festival arrives tomorrow!

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Photo by PencilBoxPhoto.com

Sweet treats that pair perfectly with wines await

I have been waiting eagerly for this weekend, and it’s going to be a wonderful celebration of wine and food. Come out to one of Southern California’s most exclusive and acclaimed culinary events – the Newport Beach Wine & Food Festival, presented by Land Rover, Jaguar, Aston Martin of Newport Beach. The festival takes place at the Newport Beach Civic Center on Sept, 30 – Oct. 1, with special events kicking off on Friday, Sept. 29.

Purchase your tickets now for a weekend of festivities, which will include tastings from 40 top Orange County restaurants and their executive chefs; 250 varieties of world-class wine, spirits and brews; celebrity chef cooking demos and dinners; Master Sommelier tasting panels; VIP events; live music; and a new “Havana Nights” after party on Saturday night.

On Friday, from 6 to 10 p.m., there is a Waterline Top Chef Women’s Dinner with Brooke Williamson, Shirley Chung, Casey Thompson and Rachel Haggstrom with Master Sommelier Reggie Narito. There will also be The Winery dinner with Hubert Keller, Yvon Goetz, Jean-Pierre Dubray and Rainer Schwartz, hosted by Master Sommelier Michael Jordan.

On Saturday, enjoy a VIP Top Chef Women All Star cooking demo with Brooke Williamson, Shirley Chung and Casey Thompson, hosted by Hubert Keller; VIP Champagne and Caviar with Alan Greeley and Christopher Klapp; and a Hedonistic History of Wine and Fermented Beverages.

On Sunday, don’t miss the VIP Top Chef All Stars winner Richard Blais demo; a VIP Riedel Glass and Hundred Acre Tasting; a Master Sommelier tasting panel; and Dinner with Nobu Matsushisa at Nobu Newport Beach.

As promised, here are more recipes from some of the celebrated chefs who will be appearing at the Festival. Enjoy!

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Photo by Pasagraphy

Top Chef All-Star winner, Richard Blais, will demonstrate his special taco recipe

Chef Richard Blais’ Tacos al Pastor

Ingredients:

25 dried guajillo chiles, seeded and torn into pieces

7 cloves garlic peeled, chopped

1 Tbsp. achiote paste

½ Tbsp. ground cumin

1 ¾ cups white vinegar

¾ cup cider vinegar

salt to taste

6 ¼ lbs. pork shoulder

1 cup pineapple, small diced

50 3 - 4-inch corn tortillas

1 quart pickled red pearl onion petals

2 quarts picked fresh cilantro, shocked in ice water

1 clamshell cilantro, onion or radish flowers (for demo)

Preparation:

Soak chiles in a bowl with boiling hot water until chiles are softened, about 10 minutes; drain, but reserve some liquid. Blend chiles, garlic, achiote and cumin; add some reserved water back into mixture if needed to form a paste-like texture.

Pour vinegar and chile mixture into sauce pan and bring to a boil; cook and stir until mixture becomes a thick paste. Season with salt. Slice pork thin (on slicer is easiest) and rub slices liberally with chile paste. Stack marinated pork slices into a log shape, evenly distributing the fat throughout the slices. Wrap the pork slices tightly with plastic wrap maintaining the uniform log shape (you can truss if necessary) and seal in a cryo vac bag. (similar to a roulade). Refrigerate overnight.

Sous Vide pork at 68C for 8 hours. Remove from water when finished and cool pork in bags, using an ice bath.

When ready to serve, grill tortillas lightly on both sides. Place pork on spit or in oven and char all sides. Slice pork into thin slices. Divide pork onto corn tortillas and serve with onion, cilantro, flowers and pineapple.

Serves 50.

Note: Tacos al Pastor is inspired by shawarma. Lebanese immigrants moved to Mexico in the early 1900s and they brought their famous technique of spit-roasted meat, primarily lamb, with them. Tacos al Pastor are made from thin strips of pork that have been marinated in spices and chiles, and then stacked onto a long spit called a trompo

Viviani

Courtesy of NBW&F Festival

Fabio Viviani, a Top Chef fan favorite, will be demonstrating his gnocchi dish

Chef Fabio Viviani’s Home Friendly Gnocchi Recipe

Ingredients:

4 lbs. of russet baked potatoes to equal 2.5 lbs. of clean dried potato (smashed through a fryer basket or ground through a meat grinder)

1 3/4 lbs. all purpose-flour

1 lb. grated parmesan cheese (Must be Imported Grana Padano)

2 tsp. fresh ground nutmeg

4 tsp. sea salt

3 Tbsp. fresh ground pepper

Preparation:

Bake the sheet tray of potatoes at 350F about 45 mins. or until fork tender. Remove from the oven and make a slit down the middle to release the steam. Push the ends together like you would a regular baked potato. Once the potatoes are cool enough to touch you can push them through a fryer basket or baking rack onto a clean sheet tray. Place the potatoes in the walk in and let dry for 2 - 3 days uncovered.

In a large mixer with a paddle attachment, mix ¾ of the flour, parmesan, nutmeg, salt and pepper together well, and then add potato. Mix about 4 mins. on slow until the dough comes together. The dough will look dry in the first few minutes. Give it time to combine and come together. Turn the machine off every 1 min. to scrap down the paddle. Give this dough a good 4 - 5 min to mix. At this point you can test the dough.

Roll a piece like a snake the thickness of your middle finger and cut it about the size of your finger tip. If the dough is collapsing in the middle than it needs to be mixed more and a little more flour needs to be added. Keep in mind this dough does not need bench flour until you’re about to cut it into the pieces. Test a couple of pieces in a pot of boiling water. Remove them immediately once they float to the top. Test for firmness; if they are too soft and fall apart than add more flour and mixing time. If they seem to dry than add more potato, once the dough is complete you can roll the dough into long threads.

Dust the gnocchi with flour and cut into pieces no bigger than your thumb tip. Place on a well-floured sheet tray and place into the walk in.

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Courtesy of NBW&F Festival

Top Chef finalist, Melissa King, shares her Asian-influenced chicken creation

Chef Melissa King’s Coconut-Miso Chicken

Ingredients:

4-6 pieces of chicken thigh, boneless, skinless, large dices

1 onion, diced

2 cloves garlic, minced

3 slices fresh ginger

3 slices galangal (Asian root similar to ginger but with a citrusy, piney flavor)

¼ cup white wine

3 stalks lemongrass, remove end, smash

¾ can - coconut milk (regular)

¾ cup - chicken broth, low sodium

1 Tbsp. white miso paste

1 pound carrots, peeled, large diced

1 daikon, peeled, large diced (substitution: diced potatoes)

6 - 8 each shiitake mushrooms, remove stem, slice

1 Tbsp. fish sauce

1 Tbsp. sugar

1 Tbsp. soy sauce (or tamari)

2 Tbsp. lime juice

Salt and black pepper to taste

cilantro, chopped

Thai basil leaves (optional)

lime wedges

steamed rice

Preparation:

Season diced chicken with kosher salt and black pepper on all sides. Heat a shallow pan on high heat and add oil. Sear pieces of chicken until golden brown on both sides. Add onions, garlic, ginger and galangal and sauté until translucent, about 2 minutes.

Deglaze with white wine until evaporated and use a wooden spoon to scrape the brown bits from the pan. Add lemongrass, coconut milk, chicken broth, miso paste, carrots and daikon. Simmer for 15 minutes then add shiitake mushrooms, fish sauce, sugar and soy sauce. Simmer for additional 5 minutes.

Finish the dish with fresh herbs and lime juice. Serve with steamed rice and extra lime wedges. Serves: 4 people. Prep time: 20 mins. Cook time: 20 mins.

To purchase tickets for the various events and more information on the culinary talent and offerings, visit www.NewportWineandFood.com.

Ciao Vincenza!

Conservancy to present inaugural golf tournament

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Submitted photo

Upper Newport Bay, one of the largest natural estuaries in Southern California

Newport Bay Conservancy (NBC) will present its inaugural golf tournament, the Newport Bay Conservancy Classic, on Saturday, Oct. 14 at Newport Beach Golf Course.

This event is part of the grand re-opening of the Newport Beach Golf Course and debut of the adjacent restaurant, The Emerald Kitchen.

Dinner, silent auction and awards at the Emerald Kitchen is open to the golfers, guests and anyone else interested in attending following play (approximately 7:30 p.m.).

Registration: Individual, $125; Foursome, $400; Dinner, silent auction and awards banquet only, $50.

Newport Beach Golf Course is located at 3100 Irvine Ave., Newport Beach.

Join the NBPD for “Coffee with a Cop”

Coffee with a Cop

Courtesy of NBPD

You’re invited to enjoy “Coffee with a Cop” with the Newport Beach Police Department on Wednesday, Oct. 4.

NBPD will be at the Starbucks, located at 3465 Via Lido, Newport Beach from 4 to 6 p.m., so stop by, grab a drink and chat with an officer or two.

They hope to see you there!

A day of sailing for the visually impaired

Submitted photos

A wonderful day of sailing awaits

On Saturday, Oct. 7, approximately 250 visually impaired adults, including Veterans along with their sighted escorts and guide dogs, will meet up with 40 - 45 volunteer sailors for a day of sailing around Newport Harbor and offshore. The 28th Annual Sail for the Blind and Visually Impaired is co-hosted by the Women’s Sailing Association - Orange County (WSA-OC) and the American Legion Yacht Club along with American Legion Post 291 at their Newport Beach facility. This annual event provides an opportunity for blind and visually impaired adults to spend a day sailing on local waters. Participants will have the opportunity to take the helm and steer the boat under supervision as well as try their hand at handling lines aboard the boat.

happy pup

This pup gets pampered at doggy day care while its owner sets sail

The day includes breakfast, lunch, entertainment, an opportunity drawing and even doggy daycare for the guide dogs in attendance. Several hundred members of the Orange County community volunteer in this all-day event including skippers with their boats, members of other yacht clubs, Seal Beach Lions Club, Navy Sea Cadets and Harbor Patrol Explorer Scouts, along with dozens of WSA-OC and American Legion volunteers.

group shot

Happy participants took the helm and steered the boat under supervision

WSA-OC is a co-ed group dedicated to supporting women sailors throughout the Orange County area through land-based educational programs and on-the-water activities. The group’s mission includes a focus on serving the community through sailing-related activities. WSA-OC was originally founded in 1979 and was known for many years as the Women’s Ocean Racing Sailing Association (WORSA). The group relaunched in early 2015 as the Women’s Sailing Association - Orange County with an active membership and year-round activities.

Since 1991, the American Legion Family, comprised of AL Post 291 members and the American Legion Yacht Club, have provided facilities, boats, and volunteers to make this special day a reality. Numerous Orange County businesses have been supportive by donating goods and services for an afternoon opportunity drawing. The annual Sail for the Blind and Visually Impaired experience has truly become a community event.

For information on WSA-OC or to learn how to participate in this year’s event, visit www.wsaoc.org, www.facebook.com/wsaoc or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to learn more.

Laura’s House Groovy Gala raises $530,000

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Photos courtesy of Laura’s House

(L-R): Cheryl Osborn, president of Casco Contractors/Corporate Crystal Award honoree with NBC 4 Emmy-winning reporter Hetty Chang, who served as the evening’s emcee

Wearing disco fashions and boogying to the groovy sounds of the ‘70s, more than 300domestic violence advocates gathered on Sept. 16 at the Island Hotel Newport Beach to celebrate Laura’s House 23rd annual gala themed “Saturday Night Fever at Club Laura’s House.” Emceed by NBC 4 Emmy-winning reporter Hetty Chang, the successful soirée raised more than $530,000 for services benefiting domestic violence victims, including the Laura’s House emergency shelter, community programs, legal advocacy services, prevention, and education outreach programs and more.

The evening began with a cocktail reception that included a silent auction filled with unique experiences and luxury items such as a three-night stay at the Grand Wailea in Maui, Anaheim Ducks tickets, Kendra Scott jewelry, an Urban Decay beauty basket and Caribbean adventures. Setting the tone for the evening, guests were welcomed with a fun photo opportunity, followed by nostalgic performances of pop hits such as “Boogie Fever” and “Staying Alive.”

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(L-R): Mike Hayde; Lauri Khouri, Laura’s House board member and gala chair; Margaret Bayston, Laura’s House CEO/executive director; and Richard Bayston

“This event is critical in raising funds to support victims of domestic violence and their families, and to offer them a chance at a better life,” said Laura’s House Board Member and Gala Chair Laura Khouri. “It is also eye-opening and helps us realize that abuse affects so many people in our community, including people close to us – family members, neighbors, coworkers and others we would not necessarily suspect. More than ever, it is vital that we end the silence of domestic violence to educate and empower victims with the resources available to them.”

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(L-R): Erik Cadle and Adrian Vasquez, 2017 Crystal Heart Award honorees

Laura’s House awarded its 2017 Crystal Heart Award to Erik Cadle and Adrian Vasquez from Irvine-based Western National Group, for their dedication and help in remodeling Laura’s House newest site, the 2,200-square-foot Domestic Violence Advocacy Center (DVAC) accommodating the Laura’s House fast-growing legal team, and offering therapeutic services, workshops and groups. Cadle and Vasquez mobilized their network and donated countless hours and weekend time to transform the office into a beautiful, safe and peaceful haven for Laura’s House clients to address their issues with therapists and legal advocates.

Casco Contractors, a company run by Laura’s House board member Cheryl Osborn, was honored with the 2017 Corporate Crystal Heart Award for unwavering and generous support of the nonprofit. Throughout the years, under Osborn’s leadership, Casco Contractors conducted major improvement projects at Laura’s House’s emergency shelter, transitional living facility and at its San Juan Capistrano and Lake Forest resale stores.

“We are grateful for our supporters who go above and beyond to help us in our mission of ending domestic violence,” said Margaret Bayston, Laura’s House CEO and executive director. “With their help, we have served nearly 55,000 people in need of shelter, counseling or legal assistance. Domestic violence does not discriminate and can happen to anyone, regardless of income, education, ethnicity, religion and sexual orientation. Our goal is to empower domestic violence survivors, but also to change once and for all the social beliefs, attitudes and the behaviors that perpetuate domestic violence.”

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Karen and Wayne Pinnell, Laura’s House board member

During the program, three emotional recordings of survivors calling 911 for assistance, one from a woman and two from children, were played for the audience, a reminder that domestic violence remains a prevalent issue for the entire family within our community. Attendees also heard a first-hand testimony from a survivor who shared her personal story of survival and experience working with the Laura’s House legal team. Bayston, Adam Dodge, legal director, and Jennifer Ponce, prevention education manager, also highlighted the areas of rapid expansion and the need for additional support in these areas, as Laura’s House continues to meet the needs of our community.

The program also included a live auction with fabulous prizes such as box seats to Enrique Iglesias, Pitbull and Janet Jackson concerts at the Honda Center, luxurious Maui getaways, and a special appeal ‘Rebuild a Life,’ directly funding programs and services provided by Laura’s House. The opportunity drawing winner captured a weekend getaway in a Tesla. Following the program, the fabulous disco Sensation Showband started the dance party with guests onstage for a fun rendition of the “YMCA.”

Presenting sponsors for the 2017 gala are Laura Khouri and Michael K. Hayde. I Will Survive sponsors are Nancy and Geoffrey Stack. Night Fever sponsors are the Julia and George Argyros/Argyros Family Foundation and the Lisa Argyros/Argyros Family Foundation. Dancing Queen sponsors are The Jacqueline Glass Family, Haskell & White LLP, The Joe MacPherson Foundation, David Stone & Aileen Karstofsky, The Thompson Foundation and Verizon Wireless. How Deep Is Your Love sponsors include

The David Ball Family, Norman & Sadie Lee Foundation, Neudesic, Park Newport Apartments, and Donna and Dick Pickup. Celebration sponsors are Patty Cyr, Laura and Mark Feld, Frome Family Foundation, Hittelman Strunk Law Group LLP, Pat & Rick McAuley, Rutan & Tucker LLP, US Bank and Casey & Tim Wolin,

Throughout October – domestic violence awareness month – Laura’s House is inviting advocates to become involved in various initiatives and fundraisers by visiting www.laurashourse.org.

SideDoor welcomes Oktoberfest, Five Crowns holds Porkerfest

Oktoberfest

Submitted photo

Corona del Mar’s autumn tradition of pork, beer and merriment returns as SideDoor and Five Crowns welcome the Fall season.

Beginning today, Sept. 28, SideDoor’s taps will be taken over by select German beers including Weihenstephaner Pils, Hofbräu München Hefe Weizen, Grevensteiner lager and Erdinger Weissbier Dunkel.

Then on Wednesday, Oct. 18, the 6th annual Porkerfest returns to the Five Crowns Greenhouse and Garden. A six-course meal will be paired with Firestone Walker beers and hosted by David Walker, himself.

Cost: During Oktoberfest, beer prices vary. Porkerfest, $115 per person (includes tax and gratuity).

To make reservations, call 949.717.4322 or viaEventBrite.

Five Crowns and SideDoor are located at 3801 E. Coast Highway, Corona del Mar.

Can you tell fact from fiction? NBPD presents REALITY CHECK to challenge you

The Newport Beach Police Department is presenting REALITY CHECK – the game where you try to tell fact from fiction.

Ready to play? Okay. They have three stories about their Canines, Kajo and Hondo, and only ONE of them is true. Which do you think is the correct answer?

The video with all the options is posted on YouTube here: https://youtu.be/dMFguh0zyyY.

You can also make guesses count by entering their giveaway. One lucky NBPD fan will win a four-pack to the Orange County Police Canine Associations Annual K9 Show, PLUS a personal meet-and-greet with K9 Kajo (and his partner, Officer Wilson) at the show.

You can only play once, but there are options to qualify for additional entries through social media activity. You can see all the details at: www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/c41b6d3117/?.

NBPD will reveal the true story – and the giveaway winner – during their Canine Virtual Ride-Along on Twitter (@newportbeachpd) on Friday, Sept. 29.

Time is running out, so enter today! If you are interested in more details about the Canine Show, visit the Orange County Police Canine Association website at https://ocpca.org/show.

Good luck!

Segerstrom Center kicks off Family Series

Segerstrom Center’s Family Series opens with two tales of adventure brought to life in Samueli Theater: Sing Along with The Muppet Movie, created by Heather Henson and IBEX Puppetry, on Oct. 14 and 15 and The Secret Life of Suitcases, co-produced by Ailie Cohen Puppet Maker and London’s Unicorn Theatre, on Oct. 28 and 29.

The Center’s popular Family Series engages, enchants and inspires the young and the young at heart with captivating stories brought to life through the magic of live performance. Extraordinary performers combine music, dance and theater that will be enjoyed by the entire family and create experiences that inspire an appreciation for the arts and create lifelong memories.

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Photos courtesy of scfta.org

Everyone will find a rainbow connection with the irresistible Muppets in Sing Along with The Muppet Movie, an interactive film experience. The Muppet Movie (1979) is a film classic that follows Kermit the Frog on a cross-country trip to Hollywood. Along the way, he meets many other misfit Muppets who join him to overcome danger, discover their true selves and build a future of friendship together. This totally “gonzo” interactive screening is full of surprises, including bubbles, streamers, kites, confetti pops and characters coming right out of the screen into the audience. Children and adults alike are urged to yell out famous lines, dance in the aisles, and, of course, sing along as they discover or rediscover this beloved film.

Admission is free with the purchase of a goodie bag. They are available at www.scfta.org, or at the Box Office at 600 Town Center Drive in Costa Mesa, or by calling 714.556.2787. Goodie bag must be purchased to reserve a seat. The 1 p.m. performance on Sunday, Oct. 15 will be ASL interpreted.

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Packed with wit and whimsy, The Secret Life of Suitcases takes Larry, an office worker, and audiences on a wild journey as his routine world gets turned upside down by a fantastical flying suitcase. Join Larry and discover the thrill of adventure and the joy of coming home again. This funny and enchanting puppet show is the first ever co-production between Ailie Cohen Puppet Maker, one of Scotland’s leading puppetry companies, and the Unicorn Theatre, the UK’s leading theater for young audience.

Tickets are $20 and available at www.scfta.org, or at the Box Office at 600 Town Center Drive in Costa Mesa, or by calling 714.556.2787. The 1 p.m. performance on Sunday, Oct. 29 will be ASL interpreted.

Segerstrom Center for the Arts will celebrate the opening of its new Julianne and George Argyros Plaza on October 28 starting at 11 a.m. Audiences for The Secret Life of Suitcases are invited to enjoy the free performances and events on the Argyros Plaza before and after the show.

School Notes

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Photo by Lana Johnson

Manny Morales, President of Costa Mesa High School ASB, is joined on stage by ASB student ambassadors from all six NMUSD high schools

The Newport-Mesa Schools Foundation and Newport-Mesa Unified School District (NMUSD) welcomed a sold-out crowd filled with guests, sponsors and volunteers on Wednesday, Sept. 27 at the Costa Mesa High School gymnasium for the State of the Schools Breakfast.

The morning’s program included: a welcome by NMUSD Board of Education President Karen Yelsey and Newport-Mesa Schools Foundation President Pat Courter; Color Guard/National Anthem by Boy Scout Troop Number 339 along with the Costa Mesa High School Madrigal Choir under the direction of Jon Lindfors; a school welcome by Costa Mesa High School Principal Jake Haley; a student performance by the Costa Mesa High School Jazz band under the direction of Sandy Gilboe; State-of-the-Schools address by NMUSD Deputy Superintendent Russell Lee-Sung; and parting words from Manny Morales, Costa Mesa High School ASB President.

What a great way to start the day! Some of the highlights of Lee-Sung’s speech included:

NMUSD’s commitment to the “support of the whole child” and creating a Positive School Climate (PBIS), where 16 schools were recognized with bronze, silver and gold accolades, and Newport Coast Elementary was honored with platinum – one of only 12 schools in the state of California.

Mental Health and Wellness to include Suicide Prevention training for both certified and classified school employees. To date, 25 are trained responders; by the end of this year, they are striving for 70. In addition, the district has added two social workers.

Facilities: In recent years, NMUSD has built two performing arts centers, modernized the Costa Mesa and Newport Harbor high schools’ fields, built new playground equipment at some elementary schools, and the current construction of a new aquatic center at Estancia High School.

Moody’s California School Finance Authority Credit Rating assigned NMUSD a AAA, 2017.

Gold Ribbons in NMUSD were bestowed upon 14 schools: 12 elementary, one high school and TeWinkle Middle School. Eight schools were added to the Honor Roll based on high achievement, improvement and reduction of achievement gap.

According to the Washington Post, two of America’s most challenging high schools are Estancia and Corona del Mar.

NMUSD was the recipient of three CSBA (California School Boards Association) Golden Bell Awards in 2016: Accountability/Assessment: Data Dashboards that Drive Strategic Decision Making (offering real time, interactive visualizations of the most import data district leaders need to make critical and timely decisions); Student Services: Bus in the Classroom (safety and life skills to students with special needs); and Wellness: Psychological Support Services Program.

(Schools and PTAs, please submit pertinent school news and photos to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.)

On the Harbor: Pitchin’ in for harbor cleanup and interesting tidbits from the Harbor Commission meeting

By LEN BOSE

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Courtesy of Joysailing.com

The Bose family participating in BCYC Family Championships

Fall is upon us and quite frankly this time of year just confuses me. I wake up, it is sunny. I put on my jacket, go out onto the harbor, and I am sweating like an engine mechanic in a bilge, then the wind goes up…I’m cold what are you gonna do?

I’ll tell you what I am gonna do, I plan on doing my mechanic impression Saturday, September 30 and take part in the “The Harbor Cleanup Event.” Registration is at 9 a.m. at the Balboa Yacht Club, Trash Collection from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., with a BBQ from 12:30 to 2 p.m. BYC in association with the Ben Carlson Foundation is conducting a harbor cleanup day. The event is BYOV (Bring Your Own Vessel). You will need to have access to a dinghy, kayak, paddle board or other vessel to participate. If you need a kayak, contact the sailing center at Marina Park. I am sure they will be glad to rent you one. Nets will be provided. Not sure who’s idea this is, but WELL DONE! The chairperson of the event is Carrie Robertson, so odds are good it was her idea. If the Harbor Master gave out awards, at the end of the year each year, this one would have to be a favorite.

Speaking of favorites, the Harbor 20 fleet championships are on the same weekend as “The Harbor Cleanup Event,” September 30 and October 1. The early favorites in C Fleet are PJ and Mike Kohl, B fleet is anyone’s call. I am going to go with Gretchen and Richard Loufek. A fleet is much easier to pick: Diane and Bill Menninger are the heavy favorites, although there will probably be 17 other sailors bringing their best game. My gut tells me it is going to be a memorable weekend.

I attended the Harbor Commission meeting on September 13 with a couple of items on the agenda catching my attention. Because it is fall already, the discussion regarding standup paddle boards (SUP) might be forgotten until next summer, but with the drowning of a SUP user in Huntington Harbour last month this item could not be overlooked. Topics included quick safety lessons and mandatory lifejackets. This seemed like a wasted effort because who is going to listen or comprehend a quick safety lesson then place on a lifejacket on a hot sunny Newport day? In my opinion, the best idea came from Harbormaster Dennis Durgan when he asked, “Why don’t we require SUPs to wear a leash?” Key word here is wear and it seems to be an easily obtainable solution.

Next up, was the harbormaster report with most of it passing through one ear and out the other although two items took hold. Sea Lion Abatement was one item. I cannot think of anything that looks worse, on the harbor, than boat owners placing random netting and gallon buckets from Home Depot around their boats in an effort to deter sea lions. Nothing makes the phone ring more at the harbormaster’s office than when we have a large group of sea lions that are barking all night, what are you gonna do? The answer right now is coyote models, works like a charm. I first noticed them at the San Diego Yacht club about two years ago and finally figured out what they are for. If I had a boat on a mooring or a waterfront home, I would not hesitate to purchase a coyote model as a sea lion deterrent.

The next item that has been barking for attention for years, is harbor code enforcement. While showing a boat this week, I watched Newport Beach code enforcement officers place notices on nearby boats notifying them that they must cease and desist their Airbnb ads. Harbor operations workers have also been attaching courtesy notices on the dinghies that have been staying on the public docks too long. I have also watched code enforcement officers joining harbor operations on ride alongs. It’s all good and long overdue in my opinion.

Talking about public docks, next time you are over at Lido Park, next to the Elks Club, notice the new public dock off of Central Avenue. The concept for this dock is for 35’ foot or smaller vessels to tie up for up to three hours and go to West Marine or the local restaurants.

My “Silly” Idea of the Week: Lets re-consider disregarding fishing line canisters that we see in other harbors for fishermen on our public docks and highly used fishing areas like along the railing across from the new public dock to dispose of their line rather than throw it into the water.

For me, I am hoping I still have my mojo after winning the BCYC club championships sailed in Harbor 20’s last Sunday. This weekend is the two warm regattas with the fleet champs at the end of the month, wish me luck!

Sea ya’

~~~~~~~~

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

NBPD issues community message on noise impact from Breitling Air Show

According to the Newport Beach Police Department, this Friday, Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 29 – Oct. 1, the 2nd Annual Breitling Huntington Beach Air Show will be held along the coastline in Huntington Beach.

NBPD anticipates that there will be air traffic over the waters at the western edge of our city as the aircraft for the show reposition for the day.

Newport Beach residents can expect increased audible impact from these aircraft between the hours of 12 to 4 p.m. Training exercise on Thursday, Sept. 29 may also affect Newport Beach.

Noise from the aircrafts may be very loud; please be sure to make accommodations for anyone who might be disturbed, including pets.

Residents and visitors to our city may also be impacted by increased traffic along Pacific Coast Highway during the event (approximately 8 a.m. - 6 p.m., Friday - Sunday.) Please use alternate routes when possible to avoid delay.

Additional information about the airshow is available at www.hbairshow.com. To receive live updates, text HBAirshow to 888777.

Any complaints or concerns can be filed on Huntington Beach’s website at www.huntingtonbeachca.gov, or leave a message for Huntington Beach city staff at 714.536.5985.

Little Lido Fresh Fruits at LMV

little girl eating watermelon

Submitted photo

Today, Thursday, Sept. 28, come use your imagination and get crafty for “Little Lido Fresh Fruits,” at Lido Marina Village from 10 to 11 a.m.,

Enjoy a story what might happen when you swallow a watermelon seed, then create your own one-of-a-kind watermelon slice.

Stores will also be offering discounts. Each person who RSVPs will receive one entry for a drawing of the Book of the Day at Lido Village Books, $30 off $100 at Sweaty Betty, a $10 gift card to Yolk and 10 free juices from Juices Served Here. You must be present to win.

Visit www.lidomarinavillage.com for complete details. Lido Marina Village is located at 3434 Via Lido, Newport Beach.

Vanguard University raises $225,000 to combat human trafficking

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Submitted photos

Dr. Sandra Morgan, director of the Global Center for Women and Justice, addresses the audience

On Saturday, Sept. 16, Vanguard University’s Global Center for Women and Justice (GCWJ) hosted Priceless, the University’s 5th annual luncheon to end human trafficking. More than 300 community leaders, supporters and anti-human trafficking advocates attended the luncheon at the Island Hotel in Newport Beach. The inspiring program honored victims and community members, and educated attendees about the startling issue of human trafficking here in Orange County and globally.

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(L-R): Gwyn Hoyt, event co-chair, Deborah Anderson and Helen Steinkamp, event co-chair

This year’s luncheon, co-chaired by Priceless committee members Helen Steinkamp and Gwyn Hoyt, featured keynote speaker John Cotton Richmond. Richmond, the founding director at the Human Trafficking Institute, has worked to decimate human trafficking throughout his lifetime. In honor of his efforts, Richmond was named Prosecutor of the Year by the Federal Law Enforcement Foundation. In addition, the Department of Homeland Security recognized Richmond with the Outstanding Investigative Accomplishment in Human Trafficking award. With Richmond’s diverse background, he has been able to help many victims of modern day slavery.

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(L-R): Ed Royce and John Cotton Richmond, featured keynote speaker

“Combating human trafficking confirms dignity, secures freedom and provides hope,” Richmond said. “I was honored to join the Global Center for Women and Justice at Priceless to affirm these principles and to remove people from the fear that nothing can be done to stop human trafficking.”

This year’s Priceless luncheon continued the tradition of recognizing individuals, businesses and organizations in the greater Orange County community who have gone above and beyond in the fight to protect and defend survivors of human trafficking with the presentation of the Diamond Awards.

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Patti Edwards, recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award, and Jim Edwards

Lifetime Achievement Award, Patti Edwards

Newport Beach resident Patti Edwards was presented with the Lifetime Achievement Award for her personal commitment to supporting vulnerable communities. Edwards has spent more than 30 years fighting child abuse, neglect and sex trafficking by promoting crisis intervention, treatment and prevention education with Childhelp. She has served as the chapter president for Childhelp Orange County, chair of the Childhelp California State Advisory Board and as a member of the Childhelp National Board of Directors.

Outstanding Individual Award, Joyce Capelle

The Outstanding Individual Award was presented to Buena Park resident Joyce Capelle, Crittenton Services for Children and Families CEO, for serving women and children at-risk of exploitation. Capelle has made it her life mission to apply her public policy and law degrees towards advocating for the health and well-being of system-involved girls.

Outstanding Organization Award, Orange County Human Trafficking Task Force

The Orange County Human Trafficking Task Force (OCHTTF) was presented with the Outstanding Organization Award during the luncheon. The OCHTTF is a collaboration of 80 law enforcement, victims’ service providers, nonprofit organizations, government entities, and community members who work to combat human trafficking and related crimes in Orange County.

Young Leader Award, Oree Freeman

The GCWJ recognized Westminster resident Oree Freedom, child sex trafficking survivor and advocate, with the Young Leader Award for her mission to be a voice for all victims of sex trafficking. Freeman currently serves on the Commercially Sexually Exploited Children State Advisory Board (CSEC) and travels across the state speaking and advocating for victims of human trafficking. She hopes to attend Vanguard University in the spring of 2018.

“This event was created to encourage our community to study the issues, be a voice and make a difference,” said Dr. Sandra Morgan, director of the Global Center for Women and Justice. “We are inspired by the outpouring of support we received from the community at Priceless 2017. With your support, we will generate hope and restore value to the millions of people trapped in modern-day slavery through education, prevention, advocacy and collaboration.”

Funds raised during the event will enable the GCWJ to provide scholarships to human trafficking survivors, host educational conferences and international trainings, engage organizations caring for survivors and more. To learn more about the GCWJ program visit www.vanguard.edu/gcwj.

The Winners of the 2017 Golden Foodies are announced

gfa awards

The 2017 Golden Foodie Awards was a night to remember as it celebrated the outstanding achievement of local culinary talent on Sunday, Sept. 24 at the Newport Beach Marriott Hotel & Spa. The sold out event played host to Orange County’s culinary elite who sipped on spectacular cocktails and delicious food. The red carpet affair awarded Golden Foodie Statues made out of pewter and plated in 14K Gold to the winners.

The event kicked off on the red carpet. Heads turned as the talented Who’s Who joined the affair including Simon Majumdar, known as the Food Network’s ‘toughest critic’ and Master of Ceremonies for the night’s event; Food Network Star Aarti Sequeira; Top Chef All-Star Marcel Vigneron; Master Sommelier Michael Jordan; and Wing Lam, co-owner of Wahoo’s, among others.

Drumroll please…

Here are the winners from Newport Beach!

2017 Best Cocktails in Orange County - Farmhouse at Roger’s Gardens

2017 Best Lunch Spot in Orange County - Sgt. Pepperoni’s

2017 Best Wine Program - The Winery Restaurant & Wine Bar

2017 Pastry Chef of the Year - Elyssa Fournier of Mixed Bakery

2017 Chef of the Year - Chef Rich Mead with Farmhouse at Roger’s Gardens

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Photos by Luis Esparza

Farmhouse at Roger’s Gardens was awarded Best Cocktails in Orange County

Guests indulged in an overwhelming array of food and drinks in the Rose Garden overlooking the golf course. Culinary stations were presented by: Angelina’s Pizzeria, Filomena’s, Pascal & Baja Shellfish Farms, Mozambique, Sol Agave, Pizzeria Ortica, Mix Mix Kitchen & Bar, Waterman’s, Hook & Spear, Red O, Legado Bar + Kitchen, House of Blues, Skyloft, Urbana, Puesto, Taco Rosa and Melissa’s Produce. Libations were by Ketel One Vodka, Patron, Maker’s Mark, Kean Coffee and wines by Bouchaine.

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The Winery Restaurant & Wine Bar garnered accolades as the Best Wine Program

The doors into the ballroom opened to reveal a fresh new Golden Foodie Awards stage, with a sophisticated style. Ballroom tables were decorated with edible art: Champagne by Nicolas Feuillatte, Moscato Grapes and Mixed Nuts by Melissa’s Produce, Fresh Baked Bread and Cheese by Sadie Rose Baking Co., Hand Painted Sugar and Chocolate cookies with “Words of Wisdom” by Ashley Guzman-Rose, and Classic Red Velvet Cake by Julie Thomas from Sweet Surrender Specialty Desserts & Pastries. Betsy Thagard from B. Toffee had her Handcrafted Toffee’s and Elyssa Fournier from Mixed Bakery served her Chocolate Saucisson, a decadent chocolate dessert. Wines were overflowing by Noble Vines, Mt. Veeder and Hundred Acre.

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Elyssa Fournier of Mixed Bakery was named Pastry Chef of the Year

Ballroom guests bursted with laughter as Simon Majumdar warmed the crowd and and new Golden Foodie Awards Chef videos were shown. Celebrity guests, top chefs and food industry icons presented awards in 18 categories of culinary excellence. All winners took home extravagant prizes including the Golden Foodie Statue and gift bags from Chefs Toys with fun kitchen gadgets.

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Chef Rich Mead of Farmhouse at Roger’s Gardens was lauded as Best Chef of the Year

The extravagant evening ended in style as guests left the ballroom and into the Garden of Eden Lounge After Party. Sultry lounges by Sweet Salvage Rentals, music by DJ Miss Ninja, cocktails by Patron, Maker’s Mark Lounge, an outdoor Secret Garden lounge with Grilled Cocktails by DCS and Ketel One Vodka, Super Sexy PB&J Bar and Ice Cream Sammiches by Chunk N Chip. Guests, celebrities and winners celebrated the crisp autumn evening.

“Each year this event gets better and better, we are so honored to celebrate our talented and hard-working restaurant community,” said Pamela Waitt, creator and producer of the Golden Foodie Awards and President of the OC Restaurant Association Inc.

For a complete list of nominees and winners, visit www.goldenfoodieawards.com.

The Bluffs to hold semi-annual garage sale

garage sale

Submitted photo

The Bluffs Homeowners Association in Newport Beach is holding its semi-annual garage sale on Oct. 7 and 8 from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. The Bluffs is located at Eastbluff and Vista del Oro, Newport Beach (near Corona del Mar High School).

Various household items will be for sale from working TVs to patio umbrellas and everything in between. There are 647 condos in the association and various signs at
the streets where residents are participating.

For more information, contact association member Carol Strauss at 949.760.8508 or 949.280.8508. The association phone number is 949.759.1200.

Stump the Stu

Carmen Smith for the win!

Carmen Smith, go to the head of the class: “I believe this is a beautiful, but seldom seen kinetic sculptor by the artist George Rickey, who passed away in 2002. He was well known for is kinetic sculptures. Most (if not all) are abstract. This piece belongs to Mr. Donald Bren and is hidden between some large parking structures in Newport Center, behind The Irvine Company headquarters 500, 520, 550 Newport Center Drive. It really cannot be seen well from the street, but you can catch a glimpse of it as you drive down San Nicholas – if you know where to look.” Thanks Carmen.

B-T-W, Dominic Tucci, of Dominic Tucci fame, also sent in the correct location.

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

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Student Art Contest begins at JWA

Flying in the Future

Submitted photo

John Wayne Airport’s (JWA) 28th annual Student Art Contest is underway. All Orange County public and private school students, including home-schooled students, in grades kindergarten through grade 12 are encouraged to submit artwork inspired by this year’s theme, “Flying in the Future.”

Entries should be submitted to the Orange County Department of Education, any Orange County Public Library Branch or participating city libraries, no later than 4 p.m., Thursday, Nov. 9, 2017.

“John Wayne Airport’s Student Art Contest is an opportunity for the young artists of Orange County to be recognized for their creativity,” said Board of Supervisors Chairwoman Michelle Steel. “Airport guests will be able to view our community’s great talent at the Student Art Contest Exhibition from December to January.”

Selected by sponsors of the International Aviation Art Contest, the contest theme differs each year. Artworks that best depict this year’s contest theme are selected for exhibition and prizes. Winners and honorable mentions from grades K - 12 will be exhibited from December 6, 2017 until January 8, 2018, on the Arrival (lower) Level adjacent to Baggage Carousels 1 and 4.

Each entrant will receive a certificate of participation from the Airport, and select winners will be awarded prizes donated by sponsors.

For more information about entering the Student Art Contest, visit http://bit.ly/2wPlVmL or contact Art Program Coordinator Jeffrey Frisch at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Farm to Fork: A Foodie’s Point of View

By LANA JOHNSON

Wine & food aficionados: Newport Beach Wine & Food Festival this weekend is almost here

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Photos courtesy of Newport Beach

Wine & Food Festival

Sample your favorite vintages and some new varietals at Newport Beach Wine & Food Festival

One of Southern California’s most exclusive and acclaimed wine and food events, the Newport Beach Wine & Food Festival, presented by Land Rover, Jaguar, Aston Martin of Newport Beach, takes place at the Newport Beach Civic Center on Sept. 30 – Oct. 1.

Purchase your tickets now for a weekend of festivities, kicking off on Friday, Sept. 29, which will include tastings from 40 top Orange County restaurants and their executive chefs; 250 varieties of world-class wine, spirits and brews; celebrity chef cooking demos and dinners; Master Sommelier tasting panels; VIP events; live music; and a new “Havana Nights” after party.

I wouldn’t miss this “must attend” annual foodie event…so hope to see you out there, too!

StuNews was fortunate enough to have access to recipes that some of the celebrated chefs will be demonstrating at the Festival. You can view them today and in our Thursday edition, so hope you enjoy this sneak peek…it’s sure to whet your appetite!

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Inventive gastronomist and Bravo TV’s “Top Chef” celebrity, Brian Malarkey, hangs his chef coat at Herb & Wood in San Diego

Chef Brian Malarkey’s Carrot and Cauliflower Soup aka “Veggies Gone Wild”

Ingredients:

roasted carrots with Aleppo pepper yogurt

1bunch baby carrots with greens

½ cup Greek yogurt “Fage”

½ cup olive oil

1 Tbsp. lemon juice

1 Tbsp. minced shallots

½ Tbsp. Aleppo pepper

salt and black pepper to taste

Preparation:

Aleppo yogurt: Whisk together ½ tbsp. lemon juice, Aleppo pepper and salt to taste. Reserve until ready to use.

Carrot top pesto: In a blender, place blanched carrot tops, ½ tbsp. lemon juice, ¼ cup water, and turn on to blend. Add ¼ cup olive oil until blended, and season with salt and pepper. Fold in the brunoised (finely diced) shallot and reserve until plating.

Remove the greens from the carrots and cut the carrots in half. Pre-heat your oven to 400 degrees. In a medium hot pan roast your carrots in the pan until they start to brown and caramelize. Place in the oven for 5-6 minutes until tender and remove.

To plate the carrots put the Aleppo yogurt on the plate and place the carrots over the yogurt, top with the carrot top pesto and enjoy. Serves 2 - 3 people as a side.

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Latin America’s No. 1 celebrity chef, Lorena Garcia, will share her cuisine at the “Havana Nights” after party

Chef Lorena Garcia’s Beluga Lentils and Red Quinoa with Grilled Shrimp

Ingredients:

1 cup black lentils cooked (see recipe below)

1/3 cup purple potato sofrito (see recipe below)

½ cup red quinoa cooked (see recipe below)

½ tsp. parsley, finely chopped

½ tsp. cilantro, finely chopped

pinch of mint, chiffonade (slender ribbons)

2 ½ Tbsp. queso guayanese or queso panela cheese, in 4 pieces

2 each yellow and red cherry tomatoes), quartered

2 tsp. white balsamic dressing

micro greens (to garnish)

grilled shrimp (see recipe below)

Preparation:

In a mini serving cazuela (glazed ramekin) at low heat, add cooked lentils with its juice, bell pepper sofrito, and red quinoa and herbs. Mix together and cover.

In a separate container combine cheese pieces, cherry tomatoes and white balsamic dressing. Top the cazuela with the dressed tomatoes and guanayese cheese (for presentation, tomatoes should face flesh cut side up). Top with grilled shrimp and finish with microgreens.

White Balsamic Dressing:

yield: (almost ½ pint)

4 tsp. agave

3 tsp. lemon juice

1 tsp. Dijon mustard

4.5 Tbsp. white balsamic vinegar

3/4 cup olive oil

1 tsp. kosher salt

pinch fresh black pepper

In a bowl whisk together ingredients, while slowly drizzling olive oil as you whisk.

Red Quinoa:

yield: 2 quarts/800 grams

1.5 cups (1 pint) red quinoa

3 cups (1.5 pint) water

½ cup Spanish onion, brunoise (finely diced)

2 bay leaves

3 tsp. shaved garlic

¼ cup extra virgin olive oil

3 tsp. kosher salt

Rinse the quinoa, set aside. In a saute pan sweat the Spanish onion, bay leaves and shaved garlic. Season with salt. Add the red quinoa and cook for a few minutes, add the water bring to a boil. Cook until liquid absorbs and then turn off. Let rest for 15 minutes and then uncover and fluff.

Black Lentils:

yield: 2 quarts/1370 grams

2 cups black lentils, soak 1 hour

6 cups water

¼ cup celery, whole

½ cup Spanish onion, whole

1.5 Tbsp. garlic, whole

3.5 Tbsp. carrot, whole

1 Tbsp. kosher salt

Drain the soaked lentils, put in a large wide cooking vessel and cover with water. Add celery, Spanish onion, carrot, and garlic, salt and bring to a boil, then turn to a simmer. Cook and check at 30 minute intervals, until creamy. Let rest and come to room temperature, before refrigerating, before reserving.

Purple Potato Sofrito:

yield: 500 grams (1 pint)

¼ cup green bell pepper, brunoise

¼ cup red bell pepper, brunoise

¼ cup yellow bell pepper, brunoise

3/4 cup)Spanish onion, brunoise

3/4 cup purple potato, brunoise (rinsed to not stain)

¼ cup carrot, brunoise

¼ cup extra virgin olive oil

2 tsp. grams kosher salt

Saute the veggies for 5 minutes. Cool in a single flat layer, and reserve.

Grilled Shrimp:

Red Argentine jumbo shrimp

lemons

salt and pepper

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Bravo TV’s “Top Chef” All Star Amar Santana heads up the kitchens at Broadway by Amar Santana and Vaca

Chef Amar Santana’s Arroz con Pollo

Ingredients:

¼ cup olive oil

1 whole chicken, cut into pieces

1 Tbsp. sugar

1 onion, chopped

1 green bell pepper, chopped

4 piquillo peppers

4 cloves garlic, minced

2 cups chopped stewed tomatoes

2 cups long grain rice

2 tsp. salt or to taste

1 tsp. dried oregano

½ tsp. ground black pepper

2 tsp. turmeric

1 pinch saffron

3 bay leaves

3 cups chicken stock, or as needed to cover

1 cup green peas

½ cup sliced black olives

½ cup raisins

¼ cup chopped scallions

2 bananas

Preparation:

Heat olive oil in a Dutch oven pan, add sugar and cook the sugar until brown color is achieved, cook and stir in the chicken for about 10 minutes.

Remove chicken from the pan and add garlic, onion, green bell pepper, rice, tomatoes, oregano, bayleaf, saffron, turmeric, raisins and cook about 5 mins. Add the chicken back, rice, chicken stock, salt and peppers.

Cook until all the liquid is evaporated, cover and cook at low heat for about 20-25 mins. Garnish with sliced bananas, piquillo peppers, scallions and black olives.

To purchase tickets for the various events and more information, visit www.NewportWineandFood.com.

Ciao Vincenza!

Airline traffic slightly down across the board in August

Southwest plane

Submitted photo

Airline passenger traffic at John Wayne Airport decreased in August 2017 as compared with August 2016. In August 2017, the Airport served 934,515 passengers, a decrease of 0.2 percent when compared with the August 2016 passenger traffic count of 936,059.

Commercial aircraft operations decreased 3.3 percent and commuter aircraft operations decreased 55.3 percent when compared with August 2016 levels.

Total aircraft operations decreased in August 2017 as compared with the same month in 2016. In August 2017, there were 26,250 total aircraft operations (take-offs and landings), a 1.4 percent decrease compared to 26,632 total aircraft operations in August 2016.

General aviation activity, which accounted for 69.3 percent of the total aircraft operations during August 2017, decreased 0.5 percent when compared with August 2016.

The top three airlines in August 2017 based on passenger count were Southwest Airlines (352,813), American Airlines (159,704) and United Airlines (142,970).

Fair Game

By TOM JOHNSON

President and idols pose difficult questions for youth

TomJohnson

Wow, it’s been an interesting week listening to our President Donald Trump attack the sports world. First he tells the National Basketball League Champion Golden State Warriors to forget about his invite to the White House.

Second, he enters the fray primarily concerning the National Football League players who kneel during the National Anthem.

First of all, if I were ever invited to the White House, for whatever reason, even to wash the dishes, for this president or any other president, I’m there! Period!

I believe it’s been a nice tradition over the years that our top professional and amateur championship teams visit the White House. It’s too bad, like other things, that it all has become politicized instead of the honor it is.

That being said, Trump’s somewhat abrupt manner, and that’s being kind, is alienating a large portion of our professional athletes.

Now, I’m certainly not going to sit here, or excuse me, stand here, and denounce anything but respect for our country and flag. In fact, I was touched by the one player on the Pittsburgh Steelers…the Steelers had decided to stay in their locker room during the National Anthem…however, one player, offensive lineman Alejandro Villanueva, a former Army Ranger, came out and stood tall and proud as the anthem played.

To me, it was a great moment.

But here’s one to ponder: What happens in the discussions tomorrow in our schools. Or, are there even any? What do we tell the kids?

On one hand, we have the President of the United States denouncing our professional athletes, including those who stand at the top of the sports world, for their lack of respect toward the National Anthem. Now remember, these athletes are the same ones whose names don the T-shirts these same kids are wearing.

On the other side, those same athletes are showing unity by locking arms, some standing, most kneeling or sitting during the National Anthem at yesterday’s football games.

Our kids must have questions. Do they emulate their favorite athlete or respect their president and/or the flag?

It’s up to us to give them a good answer.

It’s something a lot of thought should go into.

For me it’s simple, on August 14, 1945, five days before the end of World War II, my uncle, Nathaniel Clifford Wolf, 21, gave his life in the Pacific so that others could have freedom. That freedom includes their right to be disrespectful.

• • •

Kudos to the 26th Annual Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure, 15,000 participants…some $2 million to be raised by October 31.

The Susan G. Komen Race for The Cure is the largest and most successful education and fundraising event for breast cancer.

• • •

My fun of the weekend: I play fantasy football in my daughter’s league. That’s right, she’s the commissioner and she knows her stuff. Oh, and I’m defending champion, with a trophy to prove it.

I had to go against her this past weekend, mano a mano. On paper her team looked strong. And in our league we play two quarterbacks. It’s an important part. She has Derek Carr and Matthew Stafford; I have Aaron Rodgers and, let me clear my throat, Case Keenum.

Forget Rodgers and his 30 points, Case brings me 38.56 points. Tom Johnson is back where he belongs…first place.

• • •

B-t-w, if you have any good stories or gossip of things happening around town, fill me in.

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