Hutchins Consort announces May program

On Sunday, May 19, the Hutchins Consort will perform “Hawaiiana,” featuring Kunia Galdiera and Matt Akiona in a musical voyage celebrating the people and culture of Hawai’i with eight violins.

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Courtesy of Hutchins Consort

Members of the Hutchins Consort and Carleen Hutchins’ instruments

The concert takes place beginning at 3 p.m. at St. Mark’s Presbyterian Church located at 2200 San Joaquin Hills Road, Newport Beach. Tickets are $35 for adults, $20 for seniors/students and $60 for a family package (two adults and two children).

To purchase tickets, visit www.hutchinsconsort.org. Tickets will also be available for purchase at the door.

Pacific Symphony Ravel’s one-act opera comes to the Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall 

Unleash your inner child as Pacific Symphony offers another unique concert experience, with a double bill of both Prokofiev’s symphonic fairy tale Peter & The Wolf and Ravel’s one-act opera L’enfant et les sortilèges (The Child and the Magic Spells). No stranger to producing elaborate and magical stagings, Robert Neu is once again the stage director, returning after his work on The Magic Flute. (He will return next season to direct Verdi’s Otello.) Longtime artistic partner Pacific Chorale, led by Artistic Director Robert Istad, will join the Symphony on stage again, as well as the CSUF Singers and Southern California Children’s Chorus. Returning mezzo-soprano Tess Altiveros plays the lead role, The Child, in Ravel’s L’enfant.

Ravel’s magical opera is about a young boy who encounters magical forces, including dancing chairs, a grumpy grandfather clock, two amorous cats and a singing squirrel. It takes place May 16-18 on the Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall stage. Tickets start at $25. Doors open at 6:45 p.m. for a 7 p.m. preview talk by KUSC host Alan Chapman, for a show beginning at 8 p.m. The 2018-19 Classical series is sponsored by the Hal & Jeanette Segerstrom Family Foundation.

Courtesy of Pacific Symphony

Ravel’s “L’enfant et les sortilèges” is a magical one-act opera 

Peter and the Wolf, a symphonic fairy tale, is a musical composition written by Sergei Prokofiev in 1936. It is Prokofiev’s most frequently performed work, and one of the most frequently performed works in the entire classical repertoire. Peter and the Wolf opens the program and features unique performers – the Magic Circle Mime Company.

L’enfant et les sortilèges is an opera in one act, with music by Maurice Ravel to a libretto by Colette. It is Ravel’s second opera, his first being L’heure espagnole. Written from 1917-1925, L’enfant was first performed in Monte Carlo in 1925 under the baton of Victor de Sabata. Ravel said of the premiere production: “Our work requires an extraordinary production: the roles are numerous, and the phantasmagoria is constant. Following the principles of American operetta, dancing is continually and intimately intermingled with the action. Now the Monte Carlo Opera possesses a wonderful troupe of Russian dancers, marvelously directed by a prodigious ballet master, M. Balanchine…And let’s not forget an essential element, the orchestra.”

To purchase tickets or learn more, visit www.PacificSymphony.org or call the Box Office at 714.755.5799.

Segerstrom Center for the Arts is 600 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa.

First Orange County Report On Older Adults released

The first ever Orange County Report On Older Adults has been released, documenting and analyzing data about Orange County’s senior population and illustrating the growing and pressing needs to support and care for this demographic.

Launched by the Orange County Strategic Plan for Aging (“OCSPA”), the report is the first-of-its-kind, inaugural effort of local nonprofit organizations, governments and funders to gather and analyze the county’s data on older adults, address areas of need/concern, and identify opportunities and next steps for our community to collectively support the growing senior population.

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Staggering statistics presented in the report illustrate the issues that Orange County’s senior population faces:

–The population 65 and older is the only demographic that is increasing in Orange County

–1 out of 2 older adults in Orange County are at risk for malnutrition

–22 percent of adults 65 and older in Orange County live alone and may be at risk of social isolation

–In 2016-2017, Orange County’s Adult Protective Services responded to more than 12,000 reports of abuse or neglect

Despite the mounting evidence of Orange County’s older adults being at high risk for economic, social, health and lifestyle challenges as they age, Orange County currently is not in a position to provide adequate support and care to meet the needs and challenges of this inevitably growing aging population.

“This report shows that now more than ever, we need greater coordination, funding, information sharing and collaboration if we wish for Orange County to successfully support older adults,” said Jim McAleer, president/CEO of Alzheimer’s Orange County and chair of OCSPA. “We all must do more for those who have helped to build Orange County into the community it is today.”

The report was funded by Irvine Health Foundation, Orange County Community Foundation, Alzheimer’s Orange County, Easterseals Southern California, SeniorServ, CalOptima, the County of Orange, Alzheimer’s Association, Family Caregiver Resource Center Orange County, CalDuals, Senior Lifestyle and Oakmont Senior Living.

To view the full report, visit www.ocagingplan.org/agingreport.

Dancing doctor will warm up crowd at Saturday’s 10th Annual Epilepsy Walk OC 

Dr. Tony Adkins of CHOC Children’s in Orange will be the Grand Marshal of Dance and Joy and warm up the crowd prior to the 10th Annual Epilepsy Walk OC on Saturday, May 4 at TeWinkle Park in Costa Mesa.

The Epilepsy Walk, sponsored by Hoag Hospital in Newport Beach, CHOC and UC Irvine Medical Center in Orange, is an all-day extravaganza with a barbecue lunch, in which side foods are donated by Newport Rib Co. in Costa Mesa. There are opportunity drawing prizes, a silent auction, contests and games, as well as music and special guests, including firefighters and police officers from Costa Mesa and Huntington Beach.

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Dr. Tony Adkins (middle), dances in his tutu

“Dr. Tony,” a physician assistant at CHOC, is known as the “Dancing Doctor” who entertains sick kids in the neurosurgery department.

Hosted by the Epilepsy Support Network of Orange County (ESNOC), the Walk will be held for the first time on National Star Wars Day – May The Fourth Be With You! Darth Vader, Storm Troopers, R2D2 and many other Star Wars characters will be at the Walk.

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Racers break through the starting line at the Epilepsy Walk

It is the largest fundraiser of the year for the Epilepsy Support Network of Orange County and generates about $145,000 each year. ESNOC provides 26 different programs and organizes several free, educational events throughout the year.

For more information about the agency or Walk, or to volunteer, contact Executive Director Janna Moore at 714.916.0456 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

CdM Chamber Mingle & Mix event tonight

Tonight, Tuesday, April 30, don’t miss out on the opportunity to mingle and mix at the Corona del Mar Chamber of Commerce networking event from 5:30-7:30 p.m. at RockStars of Art Fine Art Gallery. Located just blocks from the ocean, this edgy contemporary gallery offers two levels of original painting, limited edition giclees, mixed media sculptures and aerial photography by bands of rockstar artists.

In addition to fine art and networking, enjoy cool live tunes, wine, beer and tasty bites. This event is open to the public and no RSVP is necessary, so feel free to invite a friend or colleague. This cost is free to Chamber members, guests are $10.

For speedy check-in, click here.

RockStars of Art Gallery is located at 3555 E. Coast Highway, Corona del Mar.

72nd Newport to Ensenada in the books with locals taking some top spots

Alive, an Australian-based Reichel Pugh 66, took home the NOSA Trophy for overall best elapsed time in the 72nd annual Newport to Ensenada International Yacht Race this past weekend. Luke Watkins accepted the award on behalf of skipper Duncan Hine and boat owner Phil Turner. 

“It was a great race – light winds – but we managed to find a few holes and had a strong finish,” Watkins said. “We are happy to have stayed in front of the TP 52’s.”

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Photo by Tom Walker

 “Alive,” (AUS on sail) fresh off arrival from her home in Australia, won the N2E with the fastest elapsed time

Alive also won the classic 2018 Rolex Sydney to Hobart race this past December.

Newport Beach-based Vesper, one of the TP 52’s that Alive managed to stay ahead of, won the Tommy Bahama Trophy for the Best Overall Corrected Time. 

Skipper David Team credited his navigator Chad Hough for making the right calls. “At one time it looked bad, but we stayed outside and stuck with the strategy,” Team said.

Although this was the team’s first N2E on Vesper, the crew sails and practices a lot together, said crew Paul Marshall. Many of the crew started sailing with junior programs and started racing with their Dads. They also won First in Class at the Long Beach Race Week last year.

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Photo by Laurie Morrison for NOSA

“Vesper” crew, overall corrected time winners, from NHYC

Jim Bailey’s Destroyer, another TP 52, placed second in the Maxi-Class and contributed to NHYC’s win of the Spirit of Ensenada Trophy for the yacht club for having the most winners, at five.

BCYC’s Dan Rosen, sailing the B32 Problem Child, won the Volvo Best Corrected – Double Handed Trophy for the eighth race in a row. Rosen sailed this year with Peter Heck.

Lux and A Bell A Boy, in the Unlimited Class, and Roy Disney’s Pyewacket, in the ULDB MAXI division, all pulled out of the race early for lack of winds and did not finish.

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Photo by Tom Walker

“Destroyer,” skippered by Jim Bailey from NHYC, finishes second overall corrected time

Blue Blazes, piloted by Dennis Pennell out of the San Diego Yacht Club, won the shorter Newport to San Diego race and Jock McGraw, from the Dana West Yacht Club skippering Tekeela, won the Newport to Dana Point course.

At a NOSA luncheon on Saturday following the race, Jared Gutierrez, International Press spokesperson for Ensenada Mayor Marco A. Novelo Osuna, spoke about being grateful.

“It all started with an idea; today is about being grateful for all the history and the work that those before us have done (to make the race successful) and being grateful for simply having the opportunity to be a part of this event and being grateful for the opportunities the future holds and our abilities to take action,” Gutierrez said.

Click here for PDF of full results…

Standup for the Cure hits the water this Saturday

The 8th Annual Standup for the Cure will take place this Saturday, May 4 at the Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort & Marina, beginning at 8 a.m.

More than 1,000 breast cancer awareness advocates, survivors and paddling enthusiasts wearing pink are expected to support the Orange County Affiliate of Susan G. Komen, the world’s largest breast cancer organization.

Submitted photo

The morning activities begin with a free standup paddleboard clinic, free breast and skin cancer screenings provided by Kaiser Permanente and the opportunity to win great prizes through the opportunity drawing and silent auction. A Hawaiian blessing of survivors and a white dove release will kick off the Sea of Pink, a ceremonial parade for all paddlers. Following the parade are optional races for kids and adults and happy hour on the beach accompanied by live music. Lunch will be served by Newport Dunes’ waterfront restaurant, Back Bay Bistro.

Having raised more than $1.2 million for the Susan G. Komen organization across the United States, Standup for the Cure donates 75 percent of the net proceeds to local life-saving education, screenings, diagnostics, treatment and survivorship programs. The remaining proceeds are invested in worldwide breast cancer research.

For more information about Standup for the Cure and to register, visit here.

Finalists for the Easterseals Disability Challenge announced at NB Film Festival

Easterseals, a leading disability services organization, announced the finalists of the 2019 Easterseals Disability Film Challenge on Saturday, April 27 at the Newport Beach Film Festival (NBFF), followed by a screening of the films and a Q&A with some of the finalists. Now in its sixth year, the Film Challenge empowers filmmakers with or without disabilities to collaborate and tell unique stories while providing opportunities for inclusion and representation for the world’s largest minority group.

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Courtesy of Easterseals

Getting ready to shoot a scene for “Take It Back”

Teams participating in the challenge had 55 hours to write, shoot and edit a three-to-five-minute short film based on an assigned genre. The competition took place April 5-7, during which more than 200 people with disabilities participated either in front of or behind the camera.

Excitement and participation in the annual challenge is growing as this year’s competition saw a 22 percent increase in submissions from the prior year, and entries from three different countries. “The goal is to expand the conversation surrounding disability inclusion and provide a platform for the many talented members of the disability community to create authentic content,” said Mark Whitley, CEO, Easterseals Southern California. “Through the Easterseals Disability Film Challenge, participants have a chance to showcase their talents, creating a pipeline that will directly lead to increased inclusion.”

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“Parents Inc.,” a finalist for Best Film and Best Director

The 2019 Easterseals Disability Film Challenge Finalists are:

–Best Film:

Carl Hansen, I/O

Cory Reeder, I Can

Amy Hopper, Parents Inc.

Daryn Simons, Take It Back 

Lori Saux, The Want

–Best Director:

Diana Elizabeth Jordan, I Can

Carl Hansen, I/O

Harald Zwart, Parents Inc. 

Tatiana Paris, Sound and Silence

–Best Actor:

Nicole Evans, Human Helper

Auti Angel, Only Human

Micah Fowler, Second Date

Marilee Talkington, The Call

–Best Awareness Campaign:

Perry Poussard Jr., Goodbye Dessa

John Lawson, Second Date

Angel Giuffrria, Synthesis

Rachel Handle, The Vanished

The winners of the annual competition will be announced at a red carpet ceremony at Sony Pictures Studios on May 9. Based on the category, winners will receive a mentorship opportunity with producer and President of SK Global John Penotti (Crazy Rich Asians), CBS Entertainment’s Tiffany Smith Anoa’i , Academy Award-winning writer, director and producer Phil Lord (Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse, The Lego Movie, 21 Jump Street), or Pam Dixon, casting director (Angels in the Outfield, City Slickers). Other prizes include the latest in computer technology from Dell, the opportunity to screen their film at the HollyShorts Film Festival, a $2,000 production grant provided by Universal Filmed Entertainment Group, a Sony a6400L camera kit and more.

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“Human Helper,” is nominated for Best Actor Nicole Evans

Judges for the Film Challenge included: RJ Mitte, actor (Breaking Bad); Kat Coiro, writer/director (Modern Family, It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia, Shameless, The Mick); Kevin Jordan, award-winning writer/director; Danny Woodburn, veteran actor (Seinfeld, Watchmen and the Ninja Turtles), among others.

“We could not be prouder of the amazing films we received this year. The stories our judges reviewed spoke volumes about inclusion and really showcased the power of collaboration at its finest,” said Nic Novicki, actor and founder, Easterseals Disability Film Challenge. “I personally cannot wait for the world to see the talent that the disability community has to offer in telling valued stories that open doors for us all.”

Sponsors and partners for the 2019 Challenge include: Adobe, CBS Entertainment Diversity & Inclusion, Deadline Hollywood, Dell, Film Independent, Heartland Film Festival, HollyShorts Film Festival, Molly & David Pyott Foundation, the Newport Beach Film Festival, SAG-AFTRA, Sony Pictures Entertainment, Universal Pictures and Variety.

As someone with a disability, actor, comedian and producer Nic Novicki launched the Disability Film Challenge in 2013 in response to the underrepresentation of talent with disabilities both in front of and behind the camera. Novicki created the challenge to give aspiring filmmakers the opportunity to showcase their work and provide them with meaningful exposure. In 2017, Novicki joined forces with Easterseals Southern California – the nation’s leading nonprofit supporting people and families with disabilities – to expand the event, now known as the Easterseals Disability Film Challenge.

To learn more, visit www.DisabilityFilmChallenge.com and join the conversation at www.Facebook.com/DisabilityFilmChallenge.

Newport to Ensenada weekend races

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Photo by Jason Berry (Instagram @its_jason_berry)

These boats were off to the races

Newport Beach Chamber of Commerce to hold blood drive on May 3

On Friday, May 3, the Newport Beach Chamber of Commerce is holding a blood drive from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. in the Chamber parking lot at 4343 Von Karman Ave., Newport Beach.

Every two seconds someone in the U.S. needs blood from a donation. Blood donations save lives and are essential for surgeries, cancer treatment and chronic illnesses.

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Courtesy of NewportBeach.com

One blood donation has the potential to save up to three lives

Donors must be 17 years or older, weight at least 114 lbs., be in general good health and feeling well (no active cold or flu-like symptoms), and bring a valid photo ID.

To sign up, click here.

Newport Beach – A Look Back

Photo series courtesy of Balboa Island Museum & Historical Society

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In the 1930s, there was all sorts of fun that could be had on Balboa Island, but the most popular type of fun was boating. Boats with various names and in many forms were available to rent or even buy for those interested in spending a day on the harbor.

 Balboa Island Museum and the Museum Store are located at 210 B Marine Ave., Balboa Island. They are open Monday - Thursday from 10 a.m. -  5 p.m. and Friday - Sunday from 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. For more information, call 949.675.3952, visit www.balboamuseum.org or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Basic Lifesaving Academy is underway

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Photo by Eric Hernandez (Instagram @pacificcoastsurf)

The Newport Beach Lifeguard 99-hour training program has begun off our breathtaking coast

Fair Game

By TOM JOHNSON

Things are “Bruin” in Trojan-land for Irrelevant Week

Gimme a U, gimme a C, gimme an L, gimme an A…what’s that spell? Well, it spells UCLA. It’s a cheer I promise Irrelevant Week founder Paul Salata has never learned or cared to for that matter. 

You see, Salata is a Trojan through and through. USC, cardinal and gold all the way. You know, the fight song and the two fingers.

So when the last draft choice of the NFL was announced Saturday afternoon, naming Caleb Wilson, tight end from UCLA, as the final draft choice, number 254, and hence Mr. Irrelevant 2019, it was laughable.

It’s like the Yankees honoring the Red Sox. The Lakers celebrating the Celtics. The Dodgers recognizing the Giants. It’s a party just never meant to be.

That being said, Irrelevant Week, a week-long celebration annually in Newport Beach celebrating the final draft choice of the NFL, will take place June 28 through July 2, working around a schedule allowed by Wilson and his new team, the Arizona Cardinals.

Caleb is a big guy at 6’4”, 235 pounds. So he’ll be able to handle the barbs. The fact is, this past year as a Bruin, Wilson caught 60 passes for 985 yards, leading all tight ends in the FBS in both categories. He was also named second-team All-America by Sporting News and CBS Sports.

Can he make the NFL come the fall?

Ryan Succop, Mr. Irrelevant 2009, did. And he was a kicker. 

Succop was on hand Saturday to announce the selection of Wilson because Salata has gotten up there in years and couldn’t make the trip to Nashville. But even Salata, now in his nineties, is probably writing Bruin jokes for his presentation at the Irrelevant Week banquet celebration.

Paul is going to need to get his blue and gold out because this party is going to be fun.

• • •

There will be a Memorial Service/Celebration of Life for Wendi Miller this Friday, May 3, at 2 p.m. at Mariners Church in the Community Center, 5001 Newport Coast Drive, Irvine.

Then Friday night, there will be a celebration called “A Night for Wendi” at the Harp Inn in Costa Mesa. Flashback Heart Attack will perform for the fundraiser. There’s also an auction planned, with all monies going to the family to help with expenses.

I’m told it was one of Wendi’s favorite places, especially when Flashback Heart Attack was performing.

The party starts at 8 p.m., the band goes on at 9.

She, of course, was murdered a little over a week ago, along with former minor league hockey player Darren Partch.

Newport Beach Police have identified Jamon Rayon Buggs, 44, of Huntington Beach, as the suspect and he’s behind bars. He’s now facing charges of two counts of murder with a special circumstance. He’ll potentially face life in prison without the possibility of parole or even the death penalty.

Buggs is being held without bail.

A celebration of life for Partch is scheduled for Saturday at the Harbor Lawn-Mt. Olive Memorial Park and Mortuary in Costa Mesa at 5:30 p.m.

• • •

Harley Rouda was elected Representative for the 48th District last November. He took office in January. He’s hardly had time to organize his office and already Michelle Steel has announced her opposition come 2020.

Speaking Thursday of last week in Los Angeles to Radio Korea, Steel said she’s “considering” a run. She’s currently a Supervisor for the 2nd District in OC.

Her decision is far past “considering,” she just hasn’t filed the paperwork yet. She wanted to get a jump on some of the other names who are also looking at the seat, including Janet Nguyen, a former state senator.

Steel said she’s planning to hold her first fundraising event in Los Angeles on June 4, with hopes to raise $5 million for next March’s primary.

Harley, if you want to change the paint color of your office, get to it. You probably want to give it a chance to dry.

• • •

The District 1 Town Hall meeting originally scheduled for this Monday, May 6 has been canceled. Mayor Dixon’s next town hall will be held on Monday, June 3 at 6:30 p.m. at Marina Park.

Local group blows away misconceptions about ladies who lunch

Forget about “ladies who lunch.”

The 40 women who make up “Chew for Charity,” a group that raises funds and awareness for nonprofit Waymakers has been meeting monthly since 2007 and has raised more than $80,000 for Waymakers, a nonprofit that provides counseling and support services to struggling OC children and families at their greatest time of need.

And every contribution collected, lunch organized, detail buttoned down is all volunteer driven.

Submitted photos

(L-R) Jean Broussard and Kaysene Miller gathered for the “Chew for Charity” monthly luncheon

On April 16, the latest Chew for Charity was held at guild member, Maile Busby and her husband Brian Lindley’s home in Corona del Mar and raised $1,240 for Waymakers. For nearly a decade, the guild has met monthly and has been known to raise up to $12,000-$15,000 a year for Waymakers. In addition to regular lunches, guild members also help to sell tickets for Waymakers fundraising events, and advocate on behalf of Waymakers throughout the Orange County community.

(L-R) Julianne Smith and Mary Sullivan are members of the “Chew for Charity” lunch guild

Funds benefit Waymakers and each of its programs. Waymakers’ youth shelter programs represent the largest, short-term shelter system for homeless, runaway and at-risk youth in Orange County. Waymakers has youth shelters in Laguna Beach (opened in 1979) and Huntington Beach (opened in 2006) and just last year opened a new shelter in Tustin. These youth shelters are part of Waymakers’ well-vetted Children’s Crisis Residential Program, designed to give youth ages 11-17 a safe alternative to living on the streets while receiving emergency services – including 24-hour supervision, counseling, tutoring and life-skills development – in a home-like and supportive group environment. With a total of 24 beds across all three locations, Waymakers serves as a 24-hour family crisis resource to parents and youths residing in Orange County, especially those who do not have the means to seek private help. 

Waymakers’ (formerly called Community Service Programs) eight model programs guide more than 120,000 abused children, crime victims, struggling families, acting-out adolescents and people needing mediation services annually. The organization has been sheltering children, supporting victims, counseling families, resolving conflicts and educating communities in Orange County since 1972. Learn more at www.WaymakersOC.org.

Newport Beach DeMolay holds “Packards and Pancakes” fundraiser

On Saturday, April 20, Newport Beach DeMolay partnered with the Southern California chapter of the Packards International Motor Car Club to host a “Packards and Pancakes” breakfast fundraiser. The event featured a tasty breakfast and beautiful classic Packard cars on display.

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Photo by Rebecca Lane

The Southern California chapter of Packards International displayed some of their automobiles at Newport DeMolay’s fundraising event

“Packards and Pancakes” was the first fundraiser for the recently reopened Newport Beach DeMolay Chapter. The event was held at the Seafaring Masonic Center, 1401 E. 15th St., Newport Beach (across the street from Newport Harbor High School). Pancakes, eggs, bacon and sausage were served.

It was a great turnout for the chapter’s first fundraising event.

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Photo by Karen Hallsman

Classic cars lined up in front of the recently reopened Newport Beach DeMolay Chapter on East 15th Street

DeMolay International is a community-based organization for young men, ages 12-21. DeMolay members learn life skills, responsibility and cooperation by working together to plan and carry out their customized program of social, sports and community service activities. Adult volunteers act as role models and advisors. Since 1919, DeMolay International has encouraged more than a million young men to become leaders of character, including many successful businessmen, public servants, entertainers and athletes.

For more information about Newport Beach DeMolay, call 949.522.5330, email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. and visit www.nbdemolay.org.

Newport Harbor High presents “Evening of the Arts”

On Wednesday, May 15, locals are invited to attend the 25th anniversary of “Evening of the Arts” taking place 6-9 p.m.

Hosted by the Newport Harbor High School Visual and Performing Arts Departments and Culinary Art Department, attendees will enjoy visual arts from Art, IB, Photography, Digital Art and Ceramics in addition to performances from dance, theater, instrumental & vocal music and the Color Guard. 

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Submitted photo

Food will be available for purchase from the Culinary Arts Program. Admission is free. Enter at the Bell Tower.

For more information, click here. 

Newport Harbor High School is located at 600 Irvine Ave., Newport Beach.

OC Fair announces three more shows at The Hangar during summer run

Three more shows are headed to The Hangar this summer during the OC Fair. This week it was announced that Average White Band will perform Sunday, Aug. 4, Bee Gees Gold, a tribute to the Bee Gees, will perform on Wednesday, Aug. 7 and Aeromyth, the ultimate Aerosmith tribute experience, will perform on Thursday, Aug. 8.

All performances begin at 8:30 p.m.

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Photos courtesy of OC Fair & Event Center

Average White Band to perform August 4

Tickets to all these shows will go on sale tomorrow (Saturday, April 27) at 10 a.m. via Ticketmaster and will include same-day admission to the 2019 OC Fair.

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Bee Gees Gold takes the stage on August 7

Super Pass holders can purchase tickets to select Pacific Amphitheatre, The Hangar and Action Sports Arena performances at a two-for-one discount. The 2019 Super Pass is a season pass that includes admission to all 23 days of the OC Fair, as well as several exclusive discounts, and is on sale now at www.ocfair.com/superpass. 

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Aeromyth comes to The Hangar on August 8

The 2019 OC Fair, themed “Acres of Fun,” runs July 12-August 11 and is open Wednesday through Sunday. For more information, visit www.ocfair.com

Segerstrom Center announces 2019-20120 International Dance Series

Segerstrom Center for the Arts has announced its diverse and culturally rich 2019-2020 International Dance Series, a season marked with presentations from several of the world’s greatest ballet companies. 

Starting on October 16-20, 2019, the series opens with a lavish production of the timeless epic La Bayadère performed by the Mariinsky Ballet and Orchestra. 

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Photo by Natasha Razina © State Academic Mariinsky Theatre

Courtesy scfta.org

Viktoria Tereshkina & Vladimir Shklyarov perform in the epic “La Bayadère”

Amid the sweeping vistas and grand temples of mystical India, Petipa’s great Russian classic is a glorious epic of eternal love and godly revenge. One of the most popular ballets in the classical legacy, La Bayadère offers tour de force performances by the Mariinsky’s legendary ballet stars as the tale’s doomed temple dancer Nikiya, the warrior who betrays her, Solor, and her archrival, Gamzatti. This timeless masterpiece also features the mesmerizing “Kingdom of the Shades,” a showcase for the corps de ballet in gossamer white tutus, floating in perfect synchronicity across the stage.

Then, American Ballet Theatre presents the World Premiere of a new work by ABT Artist in Residence Alexei Ratmansky from March 5-8, 2020. Recognized as “the world’s most sought-after choreographer” (The New York Times), Ratmansky draws from antiquity for a dramatic new ballet inspired by the Greek novel Callirhoe. Pacific Symphony will perform live with the company. 

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Photo by Fabrizio Ferri

Courtesy of scfta.org

ABT Artist in Residence Alexei Ratmansky

Inspired by the earliest romance novel from Greek antiquity, this World Premiere will be one of the dance world’s most important events of the year. Star-crossed lovers journey on the high seas in an enthralling tale of abductions, shipwrecks and mistaken identities as the exceptionally beautiful Callirhoe is reunited with her dashing hero. Drawing from the Greek ideals of beauty and harmony, the past connects to the present in a remarkable new production from “the most gifted choreographer in classical ballet today” (The New York Times).

Teatro alla Scala Ballet Company takes center stage July 31-August 2, 2020 with Onegin, performed to live music by the Mikhailovsky Orchestra. La Scala star Roberto Bolle and guest artist Marianela Nuñez, principal dancer of The Royal Ballet, will perform on select dates. 

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Photo by Brescia-Amisano

Courtesy of scfta.org

Marianela Nunez and Roberto Bolle in “Onegin”

Pushkin’s great 19th century verse-novel, Eugene Onegin, is interpreted with flawless storytelling skill by master choreographer, John Cranko. With a wealth of magical moments, this compelling tale features an unusual twist of double unrequited love – while the high-handed Onegin at first spurns the young, naive Tatiana, she blooms to become a sophisticated St. Petersburg aristocrat who, in turn, rejects his subsequent advances in a final crushing blow. Tchaikovsky’s vivid music brings alive the world of Imperial Russia with beauty, drama and passion.

In addition to the International Dance Series, the Center also announces the annual engagement of Tchaikovsky’s beloved The Nutcracker, performed by American Ballet Theatre with choreography by Alexei Ratmansky. The Nutcracker will be performed from December 13-22, 2019 with live music by Pacific Symphony.

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Photo by Doug Gifford

Courtesy of  scfta.org

A scene from “The Nutcracker”

ABT’s delectable production has become a cherished holiday tradition each December for all families at Segerstrom Center for the Arts. As the lights dim and Tchaikovsky’s score fills the air, young Clara enters a dreamlike journey amid magical toy soldiers, mischievous mice, sparkling snowflakes and a glittering Christmas tree. With an impressive cast of more than 100 performers, it’s no wonder The New York Times praised it: “A production like no other, made with complete theatrical authority from first to last.” 

The 2019-2020 Dance Series subscription packages are available. Visit the Center’s website, www.scfta.org, or contact 714.556.2787 for complete series information. 

The Center has specially priced season packages that are available for students and seniors. For inquiries about group ticket discounts for 10 or more individuals, call the Group Services office at 714.755.0236. 

As always, free Preview Talks prior to each performance will offer insight, information and context. 

Saddle up for Back Bay Therapeutic Riding Club’s fundraiser

The Back Bay Therapeutic Riding Club’s annual fundraiser is set for Sunday, May 19 from 3-7 p.m. The event will include music by local country rock performer Scott Helmer, who will help rock the event at the Merrell Estate, nestled in stunningly picturesque Newport Beach Back Bay Cliffs. 

This outdoor affair will be jam-packed with festivities including silent and live auctions, music entertainment, food and drinks including hors d’oeuvres, dinner & dancing and desserts. The purpose is to bring needed awareness and support for the merits of therapeutic riding.

For the club’s students with disabilities, this form of therapy goes a long way to bring self-confidence and pride back into their lives. “Horses truly heal,” said Bernadette Olsen, founder and PATH certified instructor. “Equine students are empowered as they work with their instructor’s individualized therapeutic plan while riding on a horse’s back.”

Courtesy of backbaytrc.org

The organization needs to raise money for therapeutic riding and the necessary repairs and improvements required for the aging stable and arena. The rescued horses are also in need of care, landing at Back Bay Therapeutic Club from various cities and states. Some were abused while others needed a new home. Despite the circumstances of their past, the horses and the other rescued animals all share in common a loving kindness towards humans that is part of the therapy. 

Tickets are available for $150 per person and at a limited amount due to the space available (open table seating). To learn more about the Back Bay Therapeutic Riding Club, make donations and purchase tickets to the event call 949.474.7329 or go to www.backbaytrc.org. Valet parking is available. Sponsorships are available.

The Back Bay Therapeutic Riding Club is dedicated to providing an avenue for improving the quality of life for children, youth and adults with physical and developmental disabilities through recreational and structured horseback riding and other unique therapeutic activities. 

Merrell Estate is located at 2182 Mesa Drive, Newport Beach.

Hit the Crystal Cove trails with snake safety knowledge

Warm and sunny weather has finally made its way to Crystal Cove State Park, and it’s the perfect time to hit the trails. Our reptilian residents have also been getting out to soak up the sunshine, and prime snake spotting season is just beginning. While the thought of running into a snake on trail can be a frightening prospect for some, most snake species in Crystal Cove are harmless, and none will bother humans unless provoked.

Some of the most common species found in the park are California Kingsnakes, Pacific Gopher Snakes, Striped Racers and Southern Pacific Rattlesnakes.

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Courtesy of Crystal Cove Conservancy

Rattlesnakes are the only venomous species of snake in Crystal Cove State Park

Rattlesnakes are the only venomous species of snake in Crystal Cove State Park, and can be distinguished from other non-venomous snakes by their diamond shaped head, thicker body, and of course a rattle at the end of their tail.

With mild weather year-round, there is a chance of encountering snakes whenever you visit Crystal Cove. Snakes are however much more active in the warmer months from April through October, and snake sightings in the park have been picking up every day now.

Because snakes are cold blooded, they often enter a state called brumation in the winter time, similar to hibernation. Their metabolism slows down and they become less active, making them much less likely to be seen out and about.

While venomous snakes such as rattlesnakes can pose some threat to humans, it’s important to remember that they are an important part of the ecosystem at Crystal Cove. They act as nature’s pest control, keeping small mammal populations in check, and provide a food source for higher predators such as bobcats and birds of prey.

So, how can you safely share the park with snakes? The number one thing you can do to avoid a negative encounter is to stay on trail so you can see upcoming snakes well in advance. If you see a snake up ahead sunning itself on the trail, simply give it time to escape before continuing on. If you leave them alone, they will leave you alone. Rattlesnakes are much more likely to flee than attack if given ample opportunity to get away.

GritCycle fundraisers taking place at Newport’s Lido House to benefit John Wayne Cancer Foundation

GritCycle, owner and operator of Orange County’s popular, community-based boutique indoor cycling centers, continues to experience exponential growth. Today, GritCycle founders Marisa Wayne and Matt Bourne and business partner Joe Pham announced that the company will open its sixth studio in May in Ladera Ranch. This new location will join GritCycle’s other locations in Costa Mesa, Monarch Beach, Long Beach, Anaheim Hills and Huntington Beach. To celebrate its continued success, GritCycle plans to make its 6th Annual Gritty Up fundraiser for the John Wayne Cancer Foundation the biggest to date.

On Friday, May 31, the 6th Annual Gritty Up Auction + Party at the Lido House Hotel, Newport Beach will unite all of the fundraising event’s participants, sponsors, volunteers, family and friends for an evening of cocktails, dancing and live and silent auctions. There will also be a performance by musical guest Jerrod Niemann to kick off the evening, followed by DJ Trust to close out the night.

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Courtesy of GritCycle

GritCycle’s Gritty Up fundraiser includes a party and auction and a three-hour indoor cycling ride to support the John Wayne Cancer Foundation in its mission to improve outcomes for cancer patients and save lives through cancer research, education, awareness and support. This year’s event falls just after what would have been John Wayne’s 112th birthday (May 26) and just before the 40th anniversary of his passing (June 11).

“We at GritCycle are thankful to be a part of the passionate and dynamic fitness community in Orange County,” said Marisa Wayne, co-founder and co-owner of GritCycle (and youngest daughter of iconic actor John Wayne). “This year’s Gritty Up fundraiser is going to be extra special and we are looking forward to raising more funds than ever before for the John Wayne Cancer Foundation.”

Sponsors of this year’s Gritty Up fundraiser include Charles Schwab, As One LLC, John Wayne Enterprises, the Argyros Family Foundation/Arnel & Affiliates, RD Olson, Pelagic Gear, Spieker Company, OC Monster Cart, L*SPACE, Emerald Hare and Duke Bourbon.

Then, on Saturday, June 1, GRIT Cycle will host the Gritty Up Ride (also at the Lido House Hotel) where 100 teams of cyclists – who have been raising funds for more than one month prior to the Ride – will complete a three-hour indoor cycling class. After last year’s impressive $373,000 raised, the goal for 2019 is $400,000.

“The passion that our riders, friends, family and sponsors demonstrate by participating in and supporting the Gritty Up fundraiser embodies the incredible spirit of the GritCycle community,” said Matt Bourne, co-founder and co-owner of GRIT Cycle. “It’s what has allowed us to not only raise a total of $1.2 million for the John Wayne Cancer Foundation over the past five years, but what also has fueled GritCycle’s success and the fitness and wellness of our community overall.”

Lido House is located at 3300 Newport Blvd., Newport Beach.

Bank of America provides free financial education to Newport Harbor seniors

Think Together, a statewide nonprofit organization that partners with schools to provide early learning, afterschool, college and career readiness, and student support programs, welcomed financial education providers from local Bank of America to its Shalimar Teen Center on Monday, April 22. Bank of America’s Diana Anderson, Secretary Treasurer of Better Money Habits Orange County, and Melissa Bui, Relationship Manager, presented a Better Money Habits workshop to 10 students in Think Together’s Workforce Readiness & Education Program (WREP).

Students in Shalimar’s WREP attend Newport Harbor High School and are from low-income families. The seniors requested financial professionals to present on money habits and Think Together’s partnership with Bank of America provided the perfect opportunity. Discussing the impact of Better Money Habits for high school seniors, Diana Anderson said, “It’s important because this is the time when they’re stepping out into the world and gaining independence from their family. They need to understand the importance of good credit.”

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Submitted photo

(L-R) Newport Harbor High seniors Eduardo Perez, Alexis Rodriguez and John Espana discuss budgeting with Bank of America Relationship Manager Melissa Bui (standing) at Shalimar Teen Center

The workshop included information on banking basics, smart credit moves, managing money and keeping financial information safe. The financial education providers helped students create their own budgets and answered all their questions about credit cards, savings accounts and preparing for the future.

After the presentation, Newport Harbor senior Irene Antonio said, “I’ve always had confusion with credit cards but I feel like I have a better understanding today.” The workshop went so well that students requested for the financial education providers to come back and host an additional workshop. Of course, Bank of America kindly obliged.

Think Together Program Development Specialist Viviana Altamirano said, “Bank of America has supported our Workforce Readiness Education Program through grants, and this was the perfect next step to build a connection between the students and the very institution that supports their program. The students were so engaged and the presenters answered every question they were asked with expertise and in a very relatable way. We can’t wait to host Bank of America again!”

20th annual Newport Beach Film Festival celebrates Irish cinema and culture

The 20th annual Newport Beach Film Festival (NBFF) presented by Pacific Sales, will present the largest celebration of Irish Cinema in North America during its eight-day run (April 25-May 2) in Southern California. Highlights include an Irish Showcase event, red carpet premieres, Breakthrough Artist Award presentation to Moe Dunford, 11 Irish feature length films, 20 Irish short films, and the participation of Irish filmmakers and talent.

On Sunday, April 28, the Festival will present its Irish Showcase, an evening celebration of Celtic cinema and culture. The event will feature the premiere of the three highly anticipated Irish films, Metal Heart, The Belly of the Whale and Rosie followed by a festive post-screening reception.

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Photos courtesy of NBFF

 “Belly of the Whale” premieres on Sunday, April 28

The Irish Showcase films will screen at Edwards Big Newport, 300 Newport Center Drive, Newport Beach. The post-screening celebration will take place at Muldoon’s Irish Pub, 202 Newport Center Drive, Newport Beach and will feature music by Cillian’s Bridge and hosted hors d’oeuvres.

Directed by Hugh O’Conor, Metal Heart makes its Regional Premiere at 6:30 p.m., and stars Jordanne Jones, Leah McNamara, Moe Dunford, Seán Doyle and Aaron Heffernan. Home alone for their last summer together before adulthood beckons, two estranged twin sisters find their way back to one another.

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 “Metal Heart,” directed by Hugh O’Conor, makes its Regional Premiere

Directed by Morgan Bushe, The Belly of the Whale,makes its US Premiere at 6:45 p.m., and stars Art Parkinson, Pat Shortt, Lauren Kinsella, Michael Smiley, Lewis MacDougall and Peter Coonan. Two down-and-outs bonded together in misfortune devise a plan to rob a small-town amusement arcade.

Directed by Paddy Breathnach and written by award-winning Irish novelist Roddy Doyle, Rosie makes its US Premiere at 7 p.m., and stars Sarah Greene, Moe Dunford, Ellie O’Halloran and Ruby Dunne. After their landlord sells their rented home, a young mother tries to protect her family from homelessness.

The Newport Beach Film Festival Irish Showcase is presented by Aer Lingus – LAX to DUB Direct and Guinness and supported by Culture Ireland and Screen Ireland in partnership with the Irish Herald, Irish Arts & Entertainment, Irish Film and Television Academy, Irish Film Institute, Galway Film Fleadh, Irish American Magazine, Kerrygold, Cork Film Festival, The Ireland Funds, Irish Screen America, Richard Harris International Film Festival, Virgin Media Dublin International Film Festival, Irish Fair Foundation, Consulate General of Ireland and Muldoon’s Irish Pub. Admission to an Irish Spotlight film and the post party is $25.

“Culture Ireland wishes everyone involved in the Newport Beach Film Festival every success in its 20th year and is delighted to be able to support the Irish filmmakers presenting at the Irish Showcase,” said Christine Sisk, director of Culture Ireland.

On Saturday, April 28, the Festival will honor Irish Actor Moe Dunford with the Breakthrough Artist Award at the 2019 Festival Honors reception, co-hosted by Variety Magazine at the Balboa Bay Resort, 1221 West Coast Highway, Newport Beach.

Dunford, who stars in three of the Festival’s Irish films (Metal Heart, Rosie, The Dig) and is best known for Vikings, Patrick’s Day and Michael Inside (a 2018 NBFF official selection), has emerged as one of Ireland’s most talented and versatile actors with a robust slate of films in the works, on the festival circuit and in theatrical release.

“The Dig,” stars Moe Dunford

“We are delighted to partner with the Newport Beach Film Festival to present a host of exciting new Irish films to audiences in Southern California. It’s a very exciting time for the Irish film industry, which has seen huge growth and international acclaim in recent years. This showcase of Irish films features a wide range of films from new and established directors, telling a variety of Irish stories covering issues of cultural identity, friendship and homelessness,” said James Hickey CEO, Screen Ireland.

The Newport Beach Film Festival will present three curated Irish Shorts programs. The slate features several North American Premieres and represents some of the strongest narrative, documentary and animated short films available on the international festival circuit.

On Saturday, April 27, the Festival will present the short program Irish Lads and Lassie Shorts at 1 p.m. at Triangle​ Cinema, 1870 Harbor Blvd., Costa Mesa. Films in the program include All in Good Time, First Disco, Low Tide, Honest, Cry Rosa and The Wireman.

On Sunday, April 28, two Irish short film programs will screen at Edwards Big Newport, 300 Newport Center Drive, Newport Beach. Irish Love, Luck and Lore Shorts​ program will screen at 2 p.m. Films in the program include Ruby, Heart Overheard, Q41 (Quest For Love), My Future Self, Procession and The Overcoat.

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 “Rosie” graces the screen at Edwards Big Newport on April 28

Irish Strong Eire Shorts​ will screen at 4:15 p.m. Films in the program include Taking Stock, Psychic, Johnny, Back Water, Bending Glass and The Vasectomy Doctor. Admission to each of the Irish Shorts programs is $16.

Other Irish feature length narrative films screening at the Newport Beach Film Festival include the international premiere of acclaimed Irish Director, Alexandra McGuinness’ film, She’s Missing as well as John Butler’s, Papi Chulo making its Regional Premiere and Carmel Winters’, Float Like A Butterfly making its U.S. Premiere. The Irish animated feature Captain Morten and the Spider Queen making its U.S. Premiere will screen in the Festival’s Family Film Series. The Irish short film Breastfriends will screen as part of the Festival’s Growing up Shortly program.

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A scene from “Float Like a Butterfly”

Irish feature length documentary films in the lineup include Loopers: The Caddie’s Long Walk and The Man Who Wanted to Fly (U.S. Premiere). Two Irish feature length documentaries An Engineer Imagines (U.S. Premiere), Citizen Lane (U.S. Premiere) and the short Irish documentary Bordalo II: A Life of Waste will screen as part of the Festival’s Art, Architecture + Design Film Series.

“The Festival is extremely proud to showcase outstanding Irish Cinema. We are honored to host the most comprehensive collection of Irish film in the history of the Festival and the largest in North America. This year’s program reflects the exceptionally strong creative talent in Ireland,” said Gregg Schwenk, CEO of the Newport Beach Film Festival.

 For ticket information and updates, visit www.NewportBeachFilmFest.com.

Hoag Hospital among Epilepsy Walk sponsors

Anastacia Bean is sweet, kind and humble, and the three days each year in which her heart truly reaches out, she marks on the calendar: Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur and the Epilepsy Walk Orange County.

Nine years ago, Bean lost her mother, Sharyl. Prior to her passing, however, they attended the Epilepsy Walk together and it was an event Bean will always cherish.

In honor of her mother, Bean, 32, participates in the Epilepsy Walk each year and is expected to be the first person in line at the walk-up registration for the 10th Annual Epilepsy Walk on May 4, a Star Wars-themed, noncompetitive Walk – “May The Fourth Be With You!”

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Submitted photo

Anastacia Bean

Bean, who does not drive a car, takes two buses from her residence in Anaheim to be present at the Walk at TeWinkle Park in Costa Mesa. Each year Anastacia’s goal is to arrive early enough to be first in line to confirm her registration, and she has accomplished it three years in a row.

“I just want to make sure my name (is on the registration list),” Bean said. “My mom had epilepsy before she passed in 2010, and we went to these walks together. Epilepsy Support Network of Orange County (ESNOC) was a huge help to her, so I am not only paying them back, but helping them to move forward for future generations.”

The Epilepsy Walk, sponsored by Hoag Hospital in Newport Beach, CHOC Children’s in Orange and UC Irvine Medical Center in Orange, is an all-day extravaganza with a sizzling, tasty barbecue lunch, in which side foods are donated by Newport Rib Co. in Costa Mesa. 

There are opportunity drawing prizes, a silent auction, contests and games, as well as music and special guests. Darth Vader, Storm Troopers, R2D2 and many other Star Wars characters participate in the Walk.

It is the largest fundraiser of the year for ESNOC and generates about $145,000 each year. ESNOC provides 26 different programs and organizes several free, educational events throughout the year.

For more information about the Epilepsy Walk and ESNOC or to volunteer, call 714.916.0456 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

2019 Point in Time count reveals homelessness stats in Newport Beach and across Orange County

On April 24, the County of Orange released the results of the 2019 Point In Time count. “The data collected during the Point in Time contains valuable information that the County and our community stakeholders will use to ensure resources are distributed to best serve those experiencing homelessness,” said Chairwoman Lisa Bartlett, Fifth District Supervisor. 

Orange County’s 2019 Sheltered Point In Time Count took place the night of Tuesday, January 22, 2019. Emergency Shelters and Transitional Housing Programs collected client-level demographic information from individuals and families staying the night in each program. The 2019 Unsheltered Count process took place over two days, Wednesday, January 23 and Thursday, January 24, to ensure the 800 square mile County jurisdiction was canvassed effectively. 

More than 1,000 volunteers across Orange County counted 6,860 individuals experiencing homelessness. According to the report, 2,765 are in North OC, 3,332 in Central OC, and 763 in South OC.

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Photos courtesy of County of Orange

2019 Point in Time data map showing “data points” throughout Orange County; Northern County – pink, Central County – yellow, Southern County – blue

Individuals experiencing homelessness were broken into different demographic groups including sheltered and unsheltered, veterans, transitional aged youth, seniors and families. In addition, those surveyed were also able to self-report if they had substance abuse issues, serious mental health issues as well as if they had a physical disability amongst other demographic factors. 

Of the 6,860 homeless, 2,899 were reported sheltered; 1,169 were in North OC, 1,505 in Central OC, and 225 in Southern OC. The sheltered subpopulations included 99 veterans, 117 transitional aged youth (18-24) and 255 seniors. 

Of the 6,860 homeless, 3,961 were unsheltered, 1,596 in North OC, 1,827 in Central OC, and 538 in Southern OC. The unsheltered subpopulation includes 212 veterans, 154 transitional aged youth (18-24), and 422 seniors.

Although some may fit into more than one category, of 3,717 unsheltered, it breaks down as follows: 1,932 suffer chronic homelessness, 1,223 substance use issues, 1,145 physical disability, 984 mental health issues, 510 developmental disabilities, 356 domestic violence, and 38 HIV/Aids. 

The average occupancy of emergency shelters in 2019 was 79.2 percent, and from 2017 to 2019, the percent change was +120.97.

The average occupancy of transitional housing was 78.2 percent in 2019, percent change from 2017 was -2.65 percent.

The results of “reported city” where most time was spent while homeless indicated 92 percent of the time was spent in OC, and the last reported city of permanent address was 73 percent in OC. As for community ties, 51.63 percent have family in OC, 51.72 percent are attending or have attended school in OC, and 72.08 percent currently were working or (have ever) worked in OC.

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2019 Point in Time sheltered homeless statistics

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2019 Point in Time sheltered unsheltered homeless statistics

 “The work conducted by the County in accordance with the U.S. Department Housing and Urban Development (HUD) guidelines provides a more accurate snapshot of where homeless individuals are in the county,” said Vice Chair Michelle Steel, Second District Supervisor. 

The 2019 Orange County Point In Time count used a new methodology and tools to gather real-time data using a secure mobile app, as opposed to previous years when an extrapolation method was used. The 2019 Orange County Point In Time Count also included a survey for those willing to participate.   

“Tackling one of the most challenging public policy issues the County of Orange has ever faced takes the efforts of not only the County, but also our city and nonprofit partners,” said Supervisor Andrew Do, First District. “These robust data sets will assist the County and its partners in better understanding and addressing the needs of those experiencing homelessness within Orange County.” 

 “I appreciate the work of County staff, our nonprofit partners, and the volunteers whose diligence provided us with an accurate count. This information serves as a baseline for the County as we all work together to provide help to our homeless population,” said Supervisor Donald P. Wagner, Third District. 

Of note, Orange County saw a 121 percent increase in the number of emergency shelter beds from 2017 to 2019. This was an increase in 1,390 beds in total. “The County, along with our city and nonprofit partners, have been working diligently to increase the number of emergency shelters within the System of Care and that cooperation is commendable,” said Supervisor Doug Chaffee, Fourth District.   

The final report on the 2019 Point in Time count will be submitted to HUD on April 30, 2019.

Miracles for Kids springs into action for critically ill children and families in need

On Saturday, April 13, Miracles for Kids hosted its annual Spring Baskets of Miracles – a delivery program that provides household cleaning supplies, toiletries and seasonal gifts to entire families, who as a result of their critically ill child, are in financial and emotional crisis. The majority of items have been collected through donations and drives.

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Photos by Askari Photography 

(L-R) Autumn Strier, co-founder and CEO of Miracles for Kids with Sapphira Ha and Betsy Rovzar, who rolled up their sleeves to fill Easter baskets

In the morning, the volunteers and Miracles for Kids staff members came together to sort through a variety of items and assemble the Spring Cleaning packages for nearly 200 families. Then, in the early afternoon, volunteers hand delivered the packages to the families’ homes throughout Orange and LA counties. Packages were also shipped for those families located beyond these areas, thanks to Airlink Distribution who underwrote the shipping costs.

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Happy Easter bags, filled with gifts, waiting to be delivered to families in need

This year, Miracles for Kids partnered with ECOS Earth Friendly Products, who provided safe and eco-friendly cleaning supplies, along with necessary toiletries, food and seasonal gifts, which were included in the baskets.

With the help of volunteers, Perricone Farms of Newport Beach, Pacifica Foods, Rockview Farms and many other sponsors, Miracles for Kids was able to help so many families enjoy a very special Easter.

Chamber to honor top scholastic students from local high schools Thursday

Students from Newport Harbor High School, Corona del Mar High School and Sage Hill School will be honored for their scholastic achievements and community involvement at the Newport Beach Chamber of Commerce’s 58th Annual Scholarship Awards Dinner. The dinner takes place at the Renaissance Newport Beach Hotel on Thursday, May 2, from 6-8:30 p.m.

“The Chamber believes encouraging these future leaders is vital to Newport Beach and this event is a chance for local businesses to show their support of their academic efforts,” said Chamber President & CEO Steve Rosansky.

Submitted photo

Guest speaker Ladan Davia is founder & CEO of Beeya

The Teacher of the Year from each school will also be honored.

Students will hear from special guest speaker Ladan Davia, founder and CEO of Beeya and a graduate of Chapman University. Beeya is a unique metasearch engine for jobs benefitting students, professionals and employers.

Sponsorship opportunities and individual tickets are on sale. For more information, go here.

Renaissance Newport Beach Hotel is located at 4500 MacArthur Blvd., New port Beach.

On the Harbor: A devout appreciation for the N2E

By LEN BOSE

Today, Friday, April 26, is the start of the 72nd annual Newport to Ensenada International Yacht Race. Over this last year, I have volunteered as a director of the Newport Ocean Sailing Association, NOSA, the organizing authority of the race. The race was first sailed in 1947 and had its hay days in the 1980s, when 675 boats entered the race in 1983. Today, with the participation numbers at an all-time low, many observers place the blame on the violence at the border, NOSA and the downturn in participation in the sport of sailing.

Now, I am not even going down that road to explain the decreasing numbers of participants in sailing events. What I will be trying to illustrate is the history of the Newport to Ensenada International Yacht Race, by acknowledging what goes on behind the scenes and the connection between the city of Newport Beach, Ensenada and the sport of sailing. In addition, recognizing the volunteers of NOSA who make this event unique to our sport.

I participate in most, if not all, of the west coast offshore sailing events. What I have noticed is that most of these events have become more and more distant from the destination ports. In the early years of the Cabo San Lucas race, most of the town greeted the arrival of the fleet. Today, the marina operators were unable to provide slips for the fleet. Present day Trans Pac finishes are not recognized by Hawaiian news outlets, while greeting parties are becoming more difficult to find after each race.

Courtesy of Len Bose

Team Horizon winning the 2016 Race Overall

I was pleasantly surprised in the efforts that NOSA continuously exerts year after year in keeping the original connection between the two cities. For example, for the last 20 years, Toni Baiunco, a NOSA director, has been in charge of all public relations with the city of Ensenada and has again organized the annual Mayor’s Reception where 16  Ensenada dignitaries will be attending a dinner aboard a Hornblower dinner cruiser with our local officials. Ensenada dignitaries include Marco Antonio Novelo Osuna, the Mayor of Ensenada; Carlos Manuel Luna Herrera, Delegate of Immigration in Ensenada; Captain Daniel A. Maass Michel, Ensenada Harbormaster; David Perez Tejada Padilla, Customs and Port Administrator of Ensenada; Oscar Escobedo Carignan, Secretary of Tourism, Baja California, ALMT; C.G. Dem Jose Luis Cruz Ballado, Commander; and Naval Region 2a International Affairs Director Jared Gutierrez Lopez.

It should also be noted that since 2015, NOSA has hosted an annual fundraiser, which raises $7,000 - $10,000 for Centro de Atencion Especializada Para Autistas, or CAEPA, a school in Ensenada for autistic children being operated on with a microscopic budget. Funds raised have paid for teacher and therapist salaries, allowing them to attend specialized educational conferences. They’ve fixed the roof, repaired the beat-up van, purchased office supplies and installed their own safe water system. Today, the school’s capacity has grown from seven kids to 28, with many on a waiting list.

At this point, you are probably asking yourself how does that help my rating and the division I have been placed in? Well, it’s keeping the ball rolling down the court in difficult times. I don’t want to just play in my own backyard, so the Baja races and cruises are some of the best sailing events we have on the West Coast. “Dude, I’ve caught some really great waves down the Baja coast...I don’t want to stop now!”

While attending the NOSA meetings this year, there are many more volunteers that stand out in addition to Toni Baiunco. Almost from the start of the Ensenada Race, there was Carlos Avila who was a past Mayor of Ensenada, who took great effort for over numerous years to make this event happen. Today, Avila’s wife Dolores continues to host a Sunday night dinner for the NOSA volunteers at her house and her family still plays a big part in the race. Another person that has donated more than 10 years of their time is Tom Kennedy. Kennedy is known as the ambassador to NOSA and has been involved with keeping the line of communication open between the two cities for a long time. Then, there is Susan Heinz, who runs the starting line logistics. From finding the 30 volunteers to support all the race committee boats, to orchestrating the starting sequence, it’s an amazing and thankless job. There are many more volunteers who have all poured their hearts into this event over the years. What is so often missed behind the scenes is what keeps an event alive during low tides.

The Newport to Ensenada International Yacht Race will continue with its low and high tides of participation with more notice and attention needing to be focused on the volunteers who continue to make it happen. Please take notice of its great historical and help contribute to its success, and you too, will be noticed in the annals of history. 

Sea ya.

~~~~~~~~

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

Stu News Newport.

Chapman University President to Wake Up! Newport Beach on Thursday

Dr. Daniele Struppa, the 13th president of Chapman University, is the guest speaker at the Newport Beach Chamber of Commerce’s Wake Up! Newport breakfast on Thursday, May 2, from 7:15-8:30 a.m. in the Friends Room at the Newport Beach Central Library.

Dr. Struppa, who assumed the position in September 2016, will take on the topic of Freedom of Speech.

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Chapman University President Dr. Daniele Struppa is Thursday's breakfast speaker

With a Ph.D. in mathematics from the University of Maryland (1981), Dr. Struppa joined Chapman University as Provost in 2006, before assuming the position of Chancellor in July 2007.

He has authored more than 200 refereed publications, including 10 books and is the editor of several volumes. Dr. Struppa is a member of the National Academy of Inventors, is the recipient of the Ellis Island Medal of Honor (2018) and has received several awards for his mathematical work, including the 2016 Cozzarelli Prize from the National Academy of Sciences.

Wake Up! Newport is the chamber’s monthly program, featuring a complimentary continental breakfast. Although the program is free to the public, the chamber does request reservations to allow for seating requirements. To make reservations or request additional information, call 949.729.4411 or go here.

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

Dory Deli presents Beach Clean-Up on Saturday

Tomorrow, Saturday, April 27 from 9 a.m.-12 p.m., the community is invited to meet in front of Dory Deli at Tower 22, grab some free coffee and cocoa and help clean up our beautiful shore.

This is a great opportunity to get the family together for a fun day at the beach while giving back to the community. 

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Photo by Eric Goodman

This picture taken last weekend at the Newport Beach Pier is a reminder of the need to keep our beaches clean

If you have a bucket or garden gloves handy, bring them out. If not, Dory Deli will provide bags and gloves for participants. 

The Dory Deli Beach Clean-Up is in partnership with Surfrider Foundation, Ben Carlson, The Board Club, Newport Harbor High School, Big Brothers Big Sisters, Boy Scouts of America, Newport Beach Chamber of Commerce, GT’s Kombucha, Newport Elementary Foundation, Pau Maui Vodka, Vibes Hot Yoga and Newport Heights Foundation.

Dory Deli is located at 2108 3/4 West Oceanfront Drive, Newport Beach.

The many colors of Corona del Mar

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Photo by Kevin Pellon (Instagram @socalsnapz) 

www.socalsnapz.com

Checking out the scene from the top of CdM

Mesmerizing beauty at the Jetty

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Photo by Jason Berry (Instagram @its_jason_berry)

Jaw-dropping scenery in Newport Beach

Fair Game

By TOM JOHNSON

Scholarships, restaurants and more nudity…need we say more?

Orange County Youth Sports Foundation is arguably one of the best kept secrets in the OC. It’s a group of business and community leaders who raise money for scholarships and local youth sports programs.

They’re mostly noted for their annual banquets highlighting the Orange County Sportsman of the Year. Honorees have been many, and most recently added Angel great Rod Carew.

Anyway, the group just announced their scholarship award winners for 2019. Two are from our local schools. 

Alina Aguirre is from Newport Harbor High School. Credentials include varsity wrestler, 4.4 GPA, Valedictorian for 2019, involved in theater and wants to head off to college to major in Criminal Justice and Psychology.

Then, across town is Gianna Finnear from Corona del Mar High School, state individual golf champion, 4.6 GPA, 500 hours of community service and looks forward to studying computer engineering at the next level.

Both students will be celebrated, along with their parents, at OCYSF’s upcoming scholarship banquet at the Newport Rib Company on Wednesday, May 15.

Congrats to both!

• • •

The restaurant 3-Thirty-3 Waterfront will be undergoing some changes. Noted restaurateur David Wilhelm, along with his biz partner Gregg Solomon, have plans for the opening of the Tavern House.

It includes an update of the space by Jeff Hatch of the Hatch Design Group. We’re hearing that some $500,000 plus will be spent.

Expect the restaurant to close and then re-open in late June.

Speaking of restaurants, Newport Beach native Michael Gaines has headed just south and offers up a complete update to Las Brisas in Laguna Beach. They’re calling it “Coastal California, experience California Cuisine infused with flavors of Mexico.”

• • •

So, how did you enjoy your day in Newport Beach? Kim Khoi Thai Tran, 46, from Garden Grove, made some bad decisions on his recent venture out and about town. Early Monday morning, April 22, at 3:23 a.m. to be exact, Tran was picked up by Newport Beach Police for being under the influence of a controlled substance.

They say that stuff can do bad things to your brain. Well, perhaps that’s the case here. Later that same day, after he squared away the earlier $1,000 bail, Tran was again encountered by the police. This time for trespassing and public nudity.

Now, I have to believe that when you’re a cop and someone is naked, you hope they’ll go quietly. Not so in this case. Tran reportedly resisted two different officers in their arrest attempt.

They obviously didn’t like that. After counts of trespassing, nudity, resisting and obstructing a police officer and an executive officer, Tran’s bail jumped to $20,000.

Seems like he could have bought a nice outfit with $20,000.

• • •

Don’t be fooled. Twice on Wednesday, my phone lit up with an 888 number, then a message telling me my social security number had been suspended.

The second time they called, I decided to play along. It was obviously a scam. They were trying to get me to supply them with my social security number. Then who knows what they would have done?

Don’t do it. Just hang up and then block the number.

• • •

Following the two murders last weekend in Newport Beach, a GoFundMe account has been set up titled “Wendi Miller…Celebration of Life…Memorial Fund.” It lists a goal to raise $15,000. Lots of donations, thoughts and prayers are shared on the site.

• • •

Don’t forget, it’s Newport Beach Film Festival week. Lots of great programming planned all around town. Check it out at www.newportbeachfilmfest.com and get out there and enjoy.

Guest Column

Emily Eckert

Corona del Mar High School senior

AP English Literature senior project paper

“The Hidden Epidemic: Sexual Abuse of People with Intellectual Disabilities”

Submitted photo

Emily Eckert, CdM High School senior

There’s a hidden epidemic lurking in our community that is attacking the most vulnerable among us. It’s neither the measles nor the mumps. It’s the nightmare of sexual abuse of people with intellectual disabilities.

Sadly, people with intellectual disabilities – characterized by significant limitations in both intellectual functioning and adaptive behaviors – are easy victims of sexual misconduct. They are generally taught from an early age to be obedient, they often have underdeveloped speech, and what they are able to articulate is most of the time discredited. This puts them at heightened risk throughout their day of both sexual assault and sexual abuse.

The statistics are sobering. For women without disabilities, their attackers are a stranger 24 percent of the time. But for a woman with an intellectual disability, it is less than 14 percent of the time. That means there is an 86 percent chance that the attacker is someone she knows rather than a stranger – maybe a caregiver or attendant in a group home or other sheltered setting.

Fortunately, this situation is beginning to attract much-needed publicity. The #MeToo movement, originally started by activist Tarana Burke about a decade ago, went viral in October of 2017. People started sharing their personal stories of assault and harassment on social media, or simply posting “Me, too,” so that others could understand the extent and magnitude of the issue. Just a day after attendees at the 2018 Golden Globe Awards wore all black in protest of sexual misconduct, National Public Radio (NPR) aired the first segments of “Abused and Betrayed,” a new series centered around a year-long investigation into the sexual abuse of people with intellectual disabilities.

Debra Marsteller, president and CEO of nonprofit Project Independence, a group that helps people with developmental disabilities live independently, reasons that police should have more training on working and understanding police procedures as they relate to people with disabilities. She believes It is important for police force members not to dismiss someone simply because their communication style is different from their own.

Stronger regulations for group homes and institutions serving these individuals should also be implemented. That includes punishment for maltreatment of residents, disclosure requirements so any abusive incidents are exposed to the public, thorough background checks for all staff members, and a raise in salary for caregivers in order to maintain a highly functioning workforce. Both the caregivers at these establishments and members of the police force should know how to react to the sexual abuse of persons with intellectual disabilities.

Finally, to create a platform for these individuals to speak about their experience with abuse, every member of the community can spread awareness and provide support to these victims. Sexual violence has harmful effects on any individual. Public awareness should expand and a demand for change should arise in order to help these vulnerable individuals live without victimization. 

Emily Eckert relocated to Newport Beach, Calif. from Annapolis, Md. in 2014. She attends Corona del Mar High School with her sister, Amanda, who is currently a sophomore. While in Maryland, she began her training as a dancer and has since danced in many professional productions at The Barclay as well as other theaters, while maintaining the highest-level academic classes. She has received multiple awards not just for dance but also involving her artwork and writing. She will be attending UC Santa Barbara in the fall where she will study both dance and psychology. This editorial stemmed from a weeklong story on National Public Radio concerning the subject as well as from Emily’s interest in her father’s work at Project Independence, an Orange County based nonprofit that has served adults with developmental disabilities for more than 40 years.

Lincoln Elementary students “dig getting dirty,” as part of the Roger’s Gardens’ Eat-Live-Learn school garden program

Students at Lincoln Elementary School in Corona del Mar have been celebrating for an entire week with activities honoring Earth Day. Lincoln’s Earth Week has been a tradition at the school for six years now, with each day devoted to a different focus area: healthy eating for our planet, organic gardening and waste reduction. On Wednesday, April 24, Lincoln’s student Garden Club celebrated the annual Garden Day with an exciting Earth Week activity led by professionals from Roger’s Gardens in Corona del Mar.

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Photos by Nava Rezvan, Roger’s Gardens

The “Eat-Live-Learn” school garden program energizes Lincoln School students

Lincoln has been grateful to collaborate with neighborhood business Roger’s Gardens by participating in their “Eat-Live-Learn” school garden program. Roger’s Gardens has led the Garden Day activity at Lincoln for the third year in a row. The school’s budding gardeners were educated with a lesson taught by Roger’s lead horticulturist Suzanne Hetrick, focusing on the importance of pollinators for our environment. They assisted in planting pollinator plants donated by Roger’s for the school’s Hummingbird and Butterfly Gardens. It was a valuable day of learning and planting for all the participants. Hetrick educated the students on the importance of gardening and the role of pollinator plants.

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Students planting herbs and flowers in the above ground wooden beds

 “Lincoln is grateful for the support from Roger’s Gardens and looks forward to continuing this valuable partnership for the school gardens in the future,” said Cherie Hemphill, a parent of two boys who are actively involved in Lincoln’s gardening programs.

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Youngsters work with organic soil to amend the gardens 

The “Eat-Live-Learn” school garden program donates all plants including vegetable and herb starts, a variety of seed packets, fruit and berry plants, pollinator plants, organic soils, soil amendments and fertilizers. Supplies are made available at no cost for school garden use.

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Garden Club meetings make lunch on Wednesdays fun for 4th-6th graders

“Roger’s Gardens believes in helping our young generation understand the importance of fresh, healthy home-grown vegetables, herbs, fruits and the importance of habitat and pollinator gardens,” said Ron Vanderhoff, vice president of Roger’s Gardens. “Living sustainably is our future and it is our responsibility to teach future generations. Roger’s Gardens is happy to support healthy, thriving gardens at our public schools.” 

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Suzanne Hetrick, lead horticulturist with Roger’s Gardens, engages students in a discussion on the benefits of biodynamic compost

In addition, Roger’s Gardens believes in reducing single use plastic in the retail Nursery & Garden Center industry. To encourage and incentivize their customers to return their plastic plant containers for reuse, Roger’s Gardens will contribute a small donation to an environmental stewardship organization for each plastic container returned.

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Lincoln students participate in Roger’s Gardens’ “Plants Not Plastics” program by recycling plastic gallon containers

Currently, Roger’s Gardens is partnering with the Surfrider Foundation and their Rise Above Plastics campaign. Rise Above Plastics is designed to eliminate the impacts of plastics in the marine environment by raising awareness about the dangers of plastic pollution and by advocating for a reduction of single-use plastics and the recycling of all plastics.

Donations are made by the size of the returned plastic pot:

–1, 2 or 3 gallon: 25 cent donation to Surfrider per pot

–5, 7 or 10 gallon: 25 cent donation to Surfrider per pot

–15+ gallon: 50 cent donation to Surfrider per pot

Lincoln Elementary students recycled seven 1, 2 or 3 gallon pots...way to go!

Take Five: Robert Santana, chief executive officer of Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Orange Coast

By AMY SENK

The Newport Beach Boys & Girls Club, tucked beside Eastbluff Elementary School, is one of four branches in Orange County that is about to undergo a major transformation as part of a $6 million Pursuing Greatness campaign. I caught up with Robert Santana, the CEO of Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Orange Coast, to ask what’s in store for the facility at 2555 Vista del Oro.

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Courtesy of Boys & Girls Clubs

Q: Boys & Girls Clubs are about much more than childcare – what are some of the programs featured in Newport Beach?

A: At the core of our Club, we believe in the power of mentors that build relationships and offer children experiences that will help shape the adults they will become. We provide a host of resources to kids and families at the Boys & Girls Club of Newport that focus on making sure every child has access to daily academic support and homework help, physical fitness and health education, and enrichment curriculum such as robotics, coding, eSports, public speaking, the arts and many more.

Q: The Pursuing Greatness campaign (with a $6 million goal) will upgrade four club facilities in Orange County. What upgrades are in store for the Newport Beach location?

A: Boys & Girls Club of Newport Beach will be able to serve 40 to 60 more kids than it can today; we will maximize the space to add two additional learning labs, improved network connectivity and access to 21st century technology (robotics, 3D printers and more), a completely renovated gym, great functionality and renewed focus on safety for everyone in the building. Our vision is that the City of Newport Beach is proud of their Boys & Girls Club and excited for what this campaign will mean for generations of kids to come.

Q: When will groundbreaking begin, and where will programs take place during construction?

A: Our plan is to begin construction in May or June and progress over the summer months. Our goal is to reopen the Club by late August or early September. We are grateful to our partners at the Newport-Mesa School District, who are allowing the Club to operate all summer programs at Eastbluff Elementary while our facility is under construction.

Q: How is fundraising going so far, and how can people help?

A: So far, fundraising has been wonderful as the community has responded very positively to this project and the vision for a true 21st century Boys & Girls Club experience. To date, we have raised $5 million of our $6.5 million goal.  We also have a donor who has made a $250,000 challenge match and will double any donation in support of the campaign from today through October 31 up to $25,000 per gift. This is a great way for the community to get involved, support the project and have their gift doubled.

Q: What’s a typical after-school experience like for a Newport Beach Boys & Girls Club kid?

A: The typical experience for our Club members in Newport Beach ensures that each and every one has access to mentors and positive role models in an environment that is safe and inclusive to all while providing access to a variety of programs that are fun, engaging and age appropriate, and help provide a broad range of experiences every day.

GuacAmigos grand opening this Saturday features Tony Hawk skate demo

The community is invited to celebrate the grand opening of new Mexican eatery GuacAmigos Tequila & Tacos at a free event this Saturday, April 27 from 1-5 p.m. with a Tony Hawk skate demo, silent auction, street tacos, nachos, guacamole and margarita specials, and a kid’s area with face painting, balloon animals and an art activity. DJ entertainment and a ribbon cutting ceremony will add to the festivities. Ridesharing is encouraged with street parking and limited valet at 2630 Avon St. All proceeds from the grand opening to benefit the Tony Hawk Foundation. 

Nicole Dahm Kelly, a former Playboy Playmate (as part of the famous Dahm Triplets), has teamed up with legendary skateboarder Tony Hawk to create GuacAmigos, a hip haven featuring handmade margaritas, local beer and connoisseur-grade tequila. At once airy and intimate, this waterfront experience is designed to attract locals and visitors alike.

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Courtesy of Tony Hawk Foundation Facebook

Tony Hawk teaching a youngster how to enjoy a skatepark

In addition to being the world’s most famous skateboarder, Hawk has developed a genuine appreciation for good food and craft cocktails. His love of authentic cuisine has enabled him to find success in the restaurant industry – he has invested in several successful eateries. When he’s not on the road or supporting the Tony Hawk Foundation – his namesake charity that helps to build public skateparks in low-income communities – he plans to dine often at GuacAmigos.

GuacAmigos Tequila & Tacos is located at 2607 Pacific Coast Highway, Newport Beach. Business Hours: Sunday-Thursday, 11 a.m.-10:30 p.m., and Friday-Saturday, 11a.m.-11:30 p.m. Happy hour is Monday-Friday, 3-6 p.m. Tuesdays features all-day Taco & Tequila specials.

For more information, visit www.guacamigos.com.

Miracles for Kids, Perricone Juices and the Los Angeles Angels team up for a great cause

Miracles for Kids, an Orange County-based nonprofit organization benefiting critically ill children and their families in need by providing financial and emotional support, has partnered with one of the nation’s leading premium craft juice companies – Perricone Juices – and Angels Baseball for the 2nd Annual Home Runs for Kids Program. Through this exciting program, Perricone Juices will be donating $250 to Miracles for Kids for every home run the Angels hit this season.

“We are incredibly thankful for this partnership and for the continued generosity of both Perricone Juices and the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim,” said Autumn Strier, co-founder and CEO of Miracles for Kids. “The Home Runs for Kids Program has made a significant difference in the lives of our families facing unimaginable obstacles who truly need our support. With the help of this partnership, we look forward to changing even more lives this season.”

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Submitted photo

(L-R) Bob Rovzar, Karen Perricone, Joe Perricone, Autumn Strier, Jason Pendergist, Curtis Green, Troy Medley and Gary Standel

Last year’s Home Runs for Kids Program resulted in a total of $50,000 donated by Perricone Juices which directly benefitted Miracles for Kids and their patient families. Perricone Juices has remained a longtime supporter and advocate of the organization. Joe Perricone, chairman of Perricone Juices, was named the Miracle Maker Honoree at the 2018 Night of Miracles Gala. With executive offices located in Newport Beach, Perricone Farms Inc. is also headed by Bob Rovzar, CEO & partner, who serves on the board of directors of Miracles for Kids. The company is a major contributor serving as a lead sponsor for Miracles for Kids’ 2019 Golf Invitational and playing a large role in the creation of Miracle Manor, Miracles for Kids’ multi-unit apartment community that provides subsidized housing to the families they serve.

“Miracles for Kids and its mission has been near and dear to myself and the whole Perricone Juices Family for quite some time,” Perricone said. “We look forward to the Home Run for Kids Program every year and feel so fortunate to be able to offer these critically ill children and their families the support they so desperately need.”

The Los Angeles Angels are having a strong season thus far. They have made a total of 14 home runs to date – which is great news for not only the team and its fans, but also for Miracles for Kids and the families they serve.

“We are proud to be partnering with Miracles for Kids and our friends at Perricone Juices again this season,” noted Dennis Kuhl, chairman of Angels Baseball. “This partnership allows us to better serve the families and children in our community while also providing our players a rewarding reason to really give it their all.”

The final day of the 2019 regular season is on Sunday, Sept. 29. At that time, based on the final count of home runs by the Angels, Perricone Juices will present Miracles for Kids with a check to benefit the families supported by the organization.

For more information on Miracles for Kids, visit www.miracleforkids.org.

NMUSD to offer summer STEAM program

Newport-Mesa Unified School District (NMUSD) is excited to once again offer a Summer STEAM program. The Summer Engineering and Music programs will run from July 8-25, Monday through Thursday, at Rea Elementary School, 661 Hamilton St., Costa Mesa.

For summer programs fliers with more information about the programs and how to register, click on the links below.

–Summer Program Flier in English: click here

–Summer Program Flier in Spanish: click here 

–Summer Programs Website: click here 

If you have questions, email the Summer Academy Office at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Tickets are going fast for SOCO Spring Day of Design this Saturday

Tickets are going fast, but still available for the SOCO & OC Mix Spring Day of Design, taking place on Saturday, April 27 beginning at 10 a.m. Expect an impressive lineup of workshops and sessions that will introduce new products and collections, explore spring design trends and look ahead to the newest styles and concepts in home design, showcasing top industry professionals.

Among the designers appearing are these professionals from Newport Beach:

Anna-Marie Claassen, Anthology Interiors: Anna-Marie Claassen has had a passion for interior design since she received her first beloved dollhouse at age 9. Her other passions are family and travel; years of sightseeing abroad and a knowledge of designing around and for family life greatly inspire her design aesthetic and sensibility. Her studio is in Corona del Mar. www.anthologyinteriors.com/

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Photos courtesy of SOCO Day of Design

Anna-Marie Claassen, Anthology Interiors

Ashley Clark, Shop Skout: Ashley Clark spearheads Shop Skout on Pacific Coast Highway, specializing in vintage one-of-a-kind pillows and accessories, made from fabrics ranging from recycled denim to African mud cloth. She looks to her favorite color – white – to create high functioning spaces, and loves contrast in her designs. www.shopskout.com/

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Ashley Clark, Shop Skout

Corre Marie Larkin, Corre Marie: Corre Marie Larkin fell into interior design through the design and remodel of her own home. Her passion for interesting, eclectic and one-of-a-kind spaces was born through her travels and time living abroad in London. While there, she would spend weekends trolling through places like Portobello, Spitalfields and Camden markets, and she would make thrice yearly trips to Paris to visit the flea and antique markets there. She also has a vintage rug and home décor warehouse. She resides in Corona del Mar. www.corremarie.com/

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Corre Marie Larkin, Corre Marie

Denise Morrison, House of Morrison: Denise Morrison is the founder and principal of the Southern California-based design firm, Denise Morrison Interiors, and the newly launched retail showroom, House of Morrison, in Westcliff. Her trademark design principle is tension: such as a beautiful antique with a modern sofa, a vibrant painting in a cool, minimal living room. It’s this tension and balance between design elements that set the framework for unforgettable design. https://houseofmorrison.com/

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Denise Morrison, House of Morrison

Day of Design Schedule:

10-11 a.m.: Check-in | Breakfast at Pirch 

Welcome! Check-in opens at 10 a.m. and breakfast will be served buffet-style. Be sure to pick up your name badge, tote bag and event program at the check-in table before enjoying breakfast. Breakfast will include fresh fruit with blood-orange honey yogurt & house-made granola, a bagel & lox bar, avocado toast bar, and scratch-made blueberry muffins. Guests will also enjoy a live demonstration on how to build a stunning fruit platter for your next breakfast or brunch, led by Chef Jenny Messing.

11:10-11:50 a.m.: Session 1 at Cisco Home 

Founder and Owner Cisco Pinedo will be discussing how Cisco Home is redefining luxury through sustainability and comfort. This raises the more important question: What is the definition of luxury today?

12-12:40 p.m.: Session 2 at Design Within Reach (DWR)

Join in for coffee and mimosas while enjoying an introduction from Studio Lead Darren Carr to DWR’s exclusive Block Island Collection, designed by Jens Risom.

12:45-1:25 p.m.: Lunch and Panel Discussion at Hay

Gather for an unforgettable sit-down lunch and listen to an engaging panel discussion featuring Anna-Marie Claassen (Anthology Interiors), Corre Larkin (Corre Marie) and Ashley Clark (Shop Skout). Moderated by Miki Akil, Kitchen Table Marketing + PR.

1:30-2:10 p.m.: Session 3 at Timothy Oulton

Join Timothy Oulton for a special look into the company’s newest collection – Noble Souls. Designed to transform spaces by reconnecting people to its original ancient makers and natural materials through furniture, fixtures and fittings, attendees will have an opportunity to learn more about the unique collection during a private hands-on demonstration. One of the brand’s ambassadors will show guests how certain products are made, talk about the villages that each product comes from and discuss the inspiration behind each piece. The showroom will also be serving a buffet of cookies, sweet treats and coffee.

2:20-3 p.m.: Session 4 at Brown Jordan

Lisa McDennon, founder of Laguna Beach-based interiors firm, Lisa McDennon Design, will lead an interactive session at Brown Jordan on “Building & Designing the Perfect Outdoor Environment.” Attendees will have an opportunity to create their own personalized “checklist” of what elements to consider when building, designing, or refreshing an outdoor space. McDennon will provide expertise on how best to prep your outdoor space, things to consider when designing small vs. large spaces, tips on investment pieces and fresh ideas to give new life to your outdoor space. Refreshments will also be served.

3:10-4:10 p.m.: Session 5 at Ligne Roset

Join Ligne Roset for a special presentation of their new 2019 collection presented at IMM Germany. Designer Angelicque Pines will introduce the brand’s 2019 collection and highlight its new spring colors during a special exhibition of paintings made especially for Ligne Roset.

3:40-4:10 p.m.: Session 6 at Scavolini

Enjoy a special screening at Scavolini, where guests will get a behind-the-scenes look at the company’s factory in Italy, as well as a walk-through of its many kitchen displays.

Featured Speakers include:

–Anna-Marie Claassen, panelist

–Ashley Clark, panelist

–Mase Kazerian, guest speaker

–Corre Larkin, panelist

–Darren Carr, speaker

–Denise Morrison, panelist

–Cisco Pinedo, speaker

–Angelicque Pines, guest speaker

Tickets are $25 and can be purchased online here.

Spring Day of Design takes place at SOCO + The OC Mix, 3315 Hyland Ave., Costa Mesa. Parking is free.

Save now for the OC Fair with early bird specials

Before you know it, the Orange County Fair, which runs July 12 through August 11, will be here. Did you know that through a little advance planning you can save money now? Here’s how. 

Buying a Super Pass, on sale now, gets you into the OC Fair all 23 days, allows faster entry at every gate and gives you the ability to purchase discounted food and concert tickets. Prices go up on May 31. Find out more at www.ocfair.com/superpass. 

You can also purchase carnival ride and game tickets early and get more bang for your buck. You see, the earlier you buy, the more extra tickets you receive. You can purchase ride and games tickets online at www.ocfair.com/carnival.

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Courtesy of OC Fair

Concerts and action sports are aplenty at this year’s Fair. Buying tickets to shows at the Pacific Amphitheatre, The Hangar or the Action Sports Arena will also include free admission to the Fair. Check out the schedules and buy tickets at www.ocfair.com/entertainment.

And, if you’re a Fair-lover and you happen to attend either the San Bernardino County Fair, the Ventura County Fair or the San Diego County Fair, save your ticket sub and in exchange get one free admission into the OC Fair.

For more information on everything OC Fair, go to www.ocfair.com/fair.

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

Enjoy the magic of Crystal Cove from the “suite-est” cottage on the beach – the restored South Beach Suite – by entering this year’s opportunity drawing fundraiser. The winner of the drawing will spend three nights (Dec. 13-16, 2019) in this two-story, two-bedroom, two-bath oceanfront cottage – No. 14. Occupancy is six guests. All existing cottage rental rules apply.

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Photos courtesy of Crystal Cove Conservancy

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

This is the only Crystal Cove cottage with a king-sized bed, large, sunny living room and expansive private outdoor deck just steps from the sand.

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The large sunny living room

Tickets to the opportunity drawing are $200 per ticket or $2,000 for 12 tickets. 

To enter, contact Laura Morgan at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or by calling 949.376.6200, ext. 201.

Tickets will be accepted until close of business on Monday, July 1, 2019. The winner of the opportunity drawing will be notified by Monday, July 8, 2019.

Mesa Water offers workshop on water-efficient landscaping, turf removal

In recognition of Water Awareness Month, the Mesa Water District (Mesa Water®) board of directors invites customers and community members to learn about water-wise landscaping at Mesa Water’s springtime landscape workshop on Saturday, May 4 from 8:30 a.m.-12 p.m. The annual event will be taught by the District’s water use efficiency analyst and is free and open to the public.

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Courtesy of Mesa Water District

Participants will learn how to use water wisely outdoors through techniques that include: turf removal methods, garden design & maintenance, efficient sprinkler systems & drip irrigation, smart sprinkler timers, California native & California Friendly plants and water/money-saving rebate programs.

To RSVP for the workshop, go to www.MesaWater.org/save-water.

Mesa Water District serves Costa Mesa, parts of Newport Beach and the John Wayne Airport.

Fair Game

By TOM JOHNSON

City attorney takes the air out of NAC’s sails

Trouble looms for the Newport Aquatic Center. Stu News reported some months ago that the NAC was apparently in violation of a number of issues concerning their nonprofit status and their lease with the City.

The City was asked to investigate, and they have.

City Attorney Aaron Harp came out this week and said he, too, finds concerns regarding the management of the NAC. So much so, in fact, that the City has put the NAC on notice that they’re in default of their terms of the Ground Lease with the City.

Issues include board of directors problems, alleged misappropriations in spending and accounting problems, potential IRS questions and reported employee harassment issues, to name just a few. 

Let’s just say, things don’t look good.

That being said, an attorney for the NAC management and board doesn’t necessarily agree.

More, obviously, to come.

• • •

It’s race week for the Newport to Ensenada International Yacht Race. 

Here’s the calendar of events:

The Yachtsman’s Luncheon is Wednesday, April 24, at the Newport Harbor Yacht Club. Keynotes are Bruce Cooper and Keith Magnussen of Ullman Sails.

Then, the next evening is the annual Mayor’s Reception at the Newport Beach Marriot Hotel & Spa beginning at 5 p.m. Plenty of dignitaries from Mexico will be on hand, in addition to Ensenada’s mayor.

Racing then begins Friday and start times depend on class.

Then it’s 125 miles of sailing and, hopefully, good winds.

Best advice, get yourself some Wahoo’s Fish Tacos and an iced cold beverage, then find a spot on one of the bluffs or a seat at the end of the Balboa Pier and enjoy.

• • •

Shan Vincent contacted me this week and asked if I’d promote the upcoming 2019 Orange County Walk for PKD. PKD is short for Polycystic Kidney Disease. She reminded me that one in 400 people have the disease that potentially leads to kidney failure, although she really didn’t have to. You see, I have PKD and as a result had a kidney transplant back in 2004.

So, I told her I’d be happy to promote it. It takes place Saturday, May 4, at Mile Square Regional Park, Shelter #7, in Fountain Valley. Check-in and onsite registration is at 9 a.m., the walk begins at 10:30 a.m.

You can also register here.

Their goal is to raise some $10,000.

Sounds as if I need to dust off the old walking shoes and get involved. If you feel like donating to the cause let me know at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. I’ll figure it out from there and put you in touch with the right folks. And, thanks in advance.

• • •

Monday, May 6, at 6:30 p.m., the Newport Beach Historical Society and the City of Newport Beach will celebrate the 20th Anniversary of the CERT Program in Newport Beach.

The event takes place in the Friends Room of the Central Library. There will be a key note presentation of “The History of the Fire Department” by our chief, Chip Duncan.

• • •

Sixty participating dealers, over four days, featuring 200 new and brokerage boats of all types and price points – it’s the Newport Beach Boat Show returning this week, from April 25-28. 

Produced by the Duncan McIntosh Company, this in-water show is set against the picturesque Lido Marina Village. Check out everything from “trawlers, cruisers, sportfishers, sailboats, catamarans and motoryachts, along with booths offering the newest accessories and gadgets.”

“This is the largest yachting sales event on the West Coast, offering new and brokerage vessels,” said Duncan McIntosh, CEO of the Newport Beach Boat Show.

Admission: $15 for adults; 12 and under free; $5 discount to active and retired military with valid ID. Tickets can be purchased in advance at 

newportinwaterboatshow.com or day-of-event at the box office.

Show hours are Thursday, 12-7 p.m., Friday and Saturday, 10 a.m.-7 p.m. and Sunday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

A gorgeous Easter weekend

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Photo by Michelle Mar (Instagram @msmichellemar)

Reflecting on the good life in Newport Beach

City Manager’s Updates

From the desk of Grace Leung

Special Events Grant Deadline – The Community Special Events Grant program is currently open for applications. This is the last call for applications for “Community and Charitable” and “Signature Event” grants, as the deadline is Thursday, April 25 at 5 p.m. If you are an event organizer for events that occur in the City of Newport Beach, are a nonprofit organization, and pay city fees for your event, visit www.newportbeachca.gov to review guidelines and apply. Contact the Recreation & Senior Services Department for more information at 949.644.3151. 

Open Budget Data Updated through March 31, 2019 – The City of Newport Beach makes financial information available to review the status of revenues and expenditures. The online Open-Budget Portal provides citizens an in-depth and friendly view of the City’s financial data including the City’s revenue sources, expenditures and the Capital Improvement Program (CIP). The site provides users the ability to view the financial data in a table, chart or graph format. Interactive features of the site allow for searching by departmental or other types of budget categories. The CIP portion of the site organizes information by funding category, funding source or by project. Users will also find project photos, the current phase of the project and a map showing the project’s location.

Through March 31, 2019, the City’s General Fund has received $146.2 million, or 66.0 percent, of the $221.5 million of budgeted general fund revenues.

The General Fund’s top three revenues sources (Property Taxes, Sales Taxes and Transient Occupancy Tax) account for approximately 75 percent of all General Fund revenues. The City expects to receive $167.1 million of revenue from these three sources in Fiscal Year 2019.

–Property Tax is the top source of revenue for the City and represents almost half of all General Fund revenues. Fiscal Year 2019 property taxes as a whole are budgeted to come in at $106.7 million. The City has collected about $67.4 million, or 63.2 percent, of budget through March 31, 2019.

–Sales Tax, the second largest revenue source for the City, is expected to finish Fiscal Year 2019 at $37.0 million. As of March 31, 2019, the City has received $23.4 million, or 63.3 percent, of the sales tax budget. 

–Transient Occupancy Taxes (TOT) are budgeted at $23.4 million for Fiscal Year 2019. The City has realized 72.2 percent, or $16.9 million, through March 31, 2019. 

As of March 31, 2019, General Fund expenditures totaled $144.5 million, which represents 67.7% of the $213.3 million revised budget. 

For more information including interactive budget snapshots, visit www.newportbeachca.gov/government/departments/finance.

Residential Development Standards Study Session – Community Development Department staff will provide an overview and seek City Council comment and direction on potential changes regarding two separate zoning code development standards on April 23. The first is a discussion of residential height and massing standards. The second will be a discussion on whether allowing greater additions to homes that do not provide code required parking will help the preservation of smaller cottages throughout the City.

Balboa Village Advisory Committee (BVAC) Walkabout – On Wednesday, April 17, the Balboa Village Advisory Committee (BVAC) met in the City’s Palm Street parking lot and walked through the Balboa Village area. The Community Development and Public Works Departments showcased the improvements that have been made to the streetscape and discussed refreshing wayfinding signage. BVAC Committee members and the public provided input on sign locations and identified additional areas for improvements, as well as some issues that may require the involvement of the City’s Code Enforcement Division. The BVAC meets on an as-needed basis the third Wednesday of each month. For more information, check out the BVAC webpage here.

Ford Road Residential Project at 4302 Ford Road – In late 2017, the City received an application to develop 21 residential dwelling units on a primarily vacant site located adjacent to the AT&T Switch Station on the southeastern corner of the MacArthur Boulevard and Bonita Canyon Drive intersection. The applicant, Hines, worked with City staff to refine the project description and design. The proposal includes two-, three- and four-bedroom condominium units with approximately 23,000 square feet of common area amenities. The building would be two to three stories over one level of subterranean parking with 55 parking spaces for residents and visitors. A tower element at the corner nearest the intersection would exceed the maximum allowable height limit up to 37 feet while the remainder of the building is compliant with the 33-foot maximum allowed. The project requires General Plan and Zoning Code amendments to rezone the site from Public Facilities (PF) to Multi-Unit Residential (RM). 

In order to address reasonably foreseeable environmental impacts resulting from the project’s implementation under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), an initial study/mitigated negative declaration (IS/MND) has been prepared. The draft IS/MND was released for public review and comment on Wednesday, April 17. An electronic copy is available on the City’s website. Hard copies are available at City Hall in Bay B on the first floor as well as in each library location. The comment period will run for 20 days and will conclude on Monday, May 6, 2019. 

The Planning Commission and members of the public were introduced to the project at a study session on Thursday, April 18, 2019. No action was taken at this meeting. Planning Commission and Airport Land Use Commission public hearings are anticipated late June/July 2019, with City Council action occurring in August 2019. 

For questions, contact Ben Zdeba, Associate Planner, at 949.644.3253 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. 

LCP Amendments Finalized by Coastal Commission – Final action on two City Local Coastal Program (LCP) amendments were on the California Coastal Commission (Coastal Commission) April 11, 2019 agenda in Salinas, California. The LCP “Clean-up” amendment corrected and clarified Implementation Plan regulations relating to shoreline protective devices, height limits, modifications and variances to make them consistent with the Zoning Code. The Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) LCP amendment added ADU regulations into the LCP. 

Coastal Commission Executive Director Jack Ainsworth determined that the City’s actions were legally adequate to satisfy the requirements of the Coastal Commission’s approval of these amendments. The Coastal Commission was in unanimous concurrence with the Executive Director determination, which is the final step in the LCP amendment process. 

Corona del Mar Town Hall Meeting and Community Expo – On April 17, City staff attended the Corona del Mar Annual Town Hall Meeting and Community Expo. This year’s theme was “Get Informed – Get Involved.” Representatives from Community Development, Library Services, Public Works, Recreation and Senior Services, NBPD, NBFD, Municipal Operations and a number of private organizations with a vested interest in specific concerns of the residents of Corona del Mar were present at the event. Code Enforcement Officer John Murray provided an update on the City’s Code Enforcement Operations and Community Development Director Seimone Jurjis and Chief Building Official Samir Ghosn discussed possible code changes to address residential street parking impacted by construction. Fire Marshal Kevin Bass spoke about fire marshal goals and vision and fuel modification in Buck Gully. The Town Hall Meeting provides a great opportunity for staff to interact with and educate the community on how they can stay informed on current City issues. 

Vivante Senior Housing Project at 850 and 856 San Clemente Drive – In August 2018, the City received an application to develop 90 senior residential dwelling units and a 27-bed memory care facility at the former Orange County Museum of Art and administrative office buildings located at 850 and 856 San Clemente Drive. The applicant, Nexus Development Companies, has worked with City staff to refine the project description and design. The proposal includes a six-story, 183,983 gross-square-foot building up to 77 feet, 10 inches (including appurtenances) and 118 surface level parking spaces. The development would include resident dining areas, a fitness room, yoga room, indoor pool, lounge with bowling alley, salon, art room, theater, library, golf simulator and support uses such as offices, mechanical and storage rooms, mailroom, laundry and housekeeping.

The project requires a General Plan amendment to change the land use from PI (Private Institutions) to MU-H2 (Mixed-Use Horizontal), PC-19 (San Joaquin Plaza Planned Community) text amendment, development agreement, conditional use permit, major site development review and lot merger. In order to address reasonably foreseeable environmental impacts resulting from the project’s implementation under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), an addendum to the Museum House EIR is being prepared and expected to be made available by the end of April 2019. An electronic copy will be made available on the City’s website. Hard copies will be available at City Hall in Bay B on the first floor, as well as in each library location. 

The Planning Commission and members of the public were introduced to the project at a study session on Thursday, April 18, 2019. No action was taken at this meeting. Planning Commission and Airport Land Use Commission public hearings are anticipated in late June/July 2019, with City Council action occurring in July/August 2019. 

For questions, contact Makana Nova, Associate Planner, at 949.644.3249 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Balboa Island Water Main Replacement – Phase II – Construction for the Balboa Island Water Main Replacement – Phase II project continues to progress. Since our last newsletter update in March, the contractor has completed water transmission main replacement on Park Avenue from the Collins Island bridge to Apolena Avenue. The next phase of work will be replacing the water transmission main up to the Marine Avenue area. Night work will be required on Sunday, May 5 for portions of work adjacent to the Marine Avenue business district in order to accommodate daytime business operating hours. The contractor is working very hard to make up for all those lost days due to rain. The scheduled completion date for the project is early June.

Fascinating sand art 

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Photo by Eric Goodman (Instagram @ericgoodmanphotos)

Newportbeachsunsets.com 

An intriguing display of art in the sand at the Newport Beach Pier over the weekend

Newport Beach – A Look Back

Photo series courtesy of Balboa Island Museum & Historical Society

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It’s hard to believe this Main Street was once so empty! However, in the 1930s, this was what the 300 block of Marine looked like! Most of the businesses were originally located on Agate where the Ferry and docks were. This trend changed later as traffic on Marine increased.

Balboa Island Museum and the Museum Store are located at 210 B Marine Ave., Balboa Island. They are open Monday - Thursday from 10 a.m. -  5 p.m. and Friday - Sunday from 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. For more information, call 949.675.3952, visit www.balboamuseum.org or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Special Event City grants available, applications due on Thursday

The City of Newport Beach recognizes the social and economic benefits associated with special events. The Special Event Support Program provides financial support to two categories of Newport Beach-based events. 

The first is Community and Charitable events that serve or benefit locally based organizations and causes and/or provide recreational, cultural or social benefits to Newport Beach residents. These are for Newport Beach-based organizations and events that serve the Newport Beach community specifically, and those that pay or incur City of Newport Beach fees. 

The second group are signature events, those large-scale events, based in Newport Beach, that promote Newport Beach regionally, attract visitors and provide measurable, economic benefits to the City. The signature events must demonstrate the following: the event does or can attract visitors from throughout Southern California (Los Angeles, San Diego, Riverside and San Bernardino) and ideally, the Southwestern United States; it must have at least 3,000 participants; the event organizers have a strategic, measurable marketing plan and can immediately produce the plan and metrics from past years (attach with application); the event organizers must clearly demonstrate how the event will provide substantive and measurable economic benefits to the City by supporting tourism, generating room nights, supporting local business and providing measurable exposure.

The application deadline to be considered for a financial support grant is Thursday, April 25 at 5 p.m.

For more information and to apply, go here.

Seasonal Career Fair at Balboa Bay Resort on Thursday

Newport Beach’s iconic Balboa Bay Resort and Balboa Bay Club will be hosting a Seasonal Career Fair on Thursday, April 25.

The job fair will include on-the-spot interviews and hiring for seasonal, part-time and full-time positions in the Food and Beverage, Engineering, Guest Services, Pool & Recreation and Culinary Departments, among others.

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Courtesy of Balboa Bay Resort

Balboa Bay Resort will host a Seasonal Career Fair on Thursday

As Newport Beach’s only Forbes Four-Star, AAA Four-Diamond waterfront Resort, Balboa Bay Resort prides itself on a culture of service to exceed guest expectations. Balboa Bay Club offers 70 years of rich history as Newport Beach’s iconic private club.

Balboa Bay Resort and Balboa Bay Club are EOE, offering a wide variety of benefits, including: medical, vision and dental insurance; hotel discounts; 401K programs; complimentary parking and meals; tuition reimbursement and competitive wages.

For more information on current positions, visit www.balboabayresort.com/careers. Job Fair attendees are encouraged to complete an online application in advance, and to bring their resumes and valid government issued identification to help expedite the process.

Newport Beach Film Festival announces 2019 Environmental Film Series

The 20th annual Newport Beach Film Festival (NBFF) presented by Pacific Sales announces its 2019 Environmental Film Series, a curated program of documentary films designed to raise awareness of important issues affecting the planet. The program explores a wide array of “eco” and “green” topics, including water quality, sustainability, natural resource preservation, animal protection, ecosystems, pollution, public health issues, citizen activism and the adverse effects of industrialized agricultural practices. Located along the pristine Orange County coastline celebrated for world-class beaches, bays, bird estuaries and nature preserves and home to several environmental organizations, the Newport Beach Film Festival serves as the ideal venue to present environmental films. 

The Festival takes place from April 25-May 2 and will spotlight more than 350 films from around the world. Films in the Environmental Film Series will screen at Edwards Big Newport (300 Newport Center Drive, Newport Beach), The LOT in Fashion Island (999 Newport Center Drive, Newport Beach), Regency Lido Theater (3459 Via Lido Drive, Newport Beach) and The Triangle (1870 Harbor Blvd., Costa Mesa).

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Courtesy of NBFF

A scene from “Anthropocene”

Three films in the Environment Film Series explore the negative impacts that industrialization, pesticides, and factory farming have on the quality of life of humans, animals and beneficial insects. The films depict how geological transforming activities and pollution generating corporate entities, such as mining, unsustainable animal and agricultural practices, pose a severe threat to our food system, water and air quality and precious natural resources. A cinematic meditation on humanity’s massive reengineering of the planet, the visually stunning documentary Anthropocene follows the research of an international body of scientists, the Anthropocene Working Group who, after nearly 10 years of research, are arguing that the evidence shows the Holocene Epoch gave way to the Anthropocene Epoch in the mid-20th century, as a result of profound and lasting human changes to the Earth. The Pollinators tells the story of how our very food system is under threat and rests on the wings of honey bees and the commercial beekeepers that move them from farm to orchard pollinating crops that native pollinators can no longer adequately accomplish. Right to Harm presents an exposé on the public health impact of factory farming across the United States, told through the eyes of residents in five rural communities. 

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Photo by Lynn Utesch

“Right to Harm” presents an exposé on the public health impact of factory farming in the United States

From Antarctic icebergs to the Indian Ocean and the Sea of Cortez, the Environmental Film Series spotlights two films about the international nonprofit, marine wildlife conservation organization Sea Shepherd Conservation Society and their quest to protect precious sea life from greedy and dangerous poachers. Winner of the Audience Award (World Cinema - Documentary) at the 2019 Sundance Film Festival, Sea of Shadows chronicles a group of brilliant scientists, high-tech activists, investigative journalists and courageous undercover agents in Mexico’s Sea of Cortez, who attempt to rescue the most endangered and elusive whale on Earth while battling the vicious Mexican drug cartels and Chinese traffickers whose destructive poaching methods are threatening the region’s marine life. Chasing the Thunder follows the unbelievable story of the activist organization Sea Shepherd’s 110-day pursuit of the world’s most notorious poaching vessel, The Thunder.

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Courtesy of NBFF

“Sea of Shadow” chronicles the attempt to rescue an endangered, elusive whale

From the mountain ranges of Yukon, Canada to the U.S.-Mexico border, two films in the Environmental Film Series take viewers on outdoor adventures into environmentally sensitive regions. Return to Mount Kennedy sits at the intersection of politics, human rights, environmentalism and adventure. Following the footsteps of Senator Robert Kennedy and mountaineer Jim Whittaker, an ambitious team of young, amateur mountain climbers embark on an expedition to tackle the remote Mountain Kennedy, one of the highest peaks in the world. The River and the Wall follows five friends on an immersive adventure through the unknown wilds of the Texas borderlands as they set out to document the borderlands and explore the potential impacts of a wall on the natural environment

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Courtesy of NBFF

“Chasing the Thunder” follows the pursuit of a notorious poaching vessel

2019 Newport Beach Film Festival Environmental Film Series Lineup:

–Anthropocene

Third in a trilogy that includes Manufactured Landscapes (2006) and Watermark (2013), the film follows the research of an international body of scientists, the Anthropocene Working Group who, after nearly 10 years of research, are arguing that the evidence shows the Holocene Epoch gave way to the Anthropocene Epoch in the mid-20th century, as a result of profound and lasting human changes to the Earth.

–Chasing the Thunder 

Follow the unbelievable story of the activist organization Sea Shepherd’s 110-day pursuit of the world’s most notorious poaching vessel, The Thunder.

–The Pollinators

Our very food system is under threat and rests on the wings of honey bees and the commercial beekeepers that move them from farm to orchard pollinating crops that native pollinators can no longer adequately accomplish.

–Return to Mount Kennedy

Following in the footsteps of Senator Robert Kennedy and mountaineer Jim Whittaker, an ambitious team of young, amateur mountain climbers embark on an expedition to tackle the remote Mountain Kennedy, one of the highest peaks in the world.

–Right to Harm 

An exposé on the public health impact of factory farming across the United States, told through the eyes of residents in five rural communities.

Click on photo for a larger image

Courtesy of NBFF

“The River and the Wall” follows friends through unknown wilds of the Texas borderlands

–The River and the Wall

Follow five friends on an immersive adventure through the unknown wilds of the Texas borderlands as they set out to document the borderlands and explore the potential impacts of a wall on the natural environment.

–Sea of Shadows

In Mexico’s Sea of Cortez, a group of brilliant scientists, high-tech activists, investigative journalists and courageous undercover agents attempt to rescue the most endangered and elusive whale on Earth while battling the vicious Mexican drug cartels and Chinese traffickers whose destructive poaching methods are threatening the region’s marine life.

The Environmental Film Series is supported by Community Partners including Sierra Club Angeles Chapter, Citizens’ Climate Lobby, Environmental Nature Center, Oceana, Ocean Institute, The Whale Sanctuary Project, SPON, Surfrider, Newport Bay Conservancy and Orange County Coastkeeper.

Tickets are available at www.NewportBeachFilmFest.com.

Passenger traffic marginally up at JWA year-over-year

Airline passenger traffic at John Wayne Airport increased in March 2019 as compared with March 2018. In March 2019, the airport served 923,469 passengers, an increase of 2.8 percent when compared with the March 2018 passenger traffic count of 898,418.

Commercial aircraft operations increased 1.4 percent and commuter aircraft operations increased 700 percent when compared with March 2018 levels.

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Total aircraft operations increased in March 2019 as compared with the same month in 2018. In March 2019, there were 26,107 total aircraft operations (takeoffs and landings), a 2.7 percent increase compared to 25,419 total aircraft operations in March 2018.

General aviation activity, which accounted for 68.6 percent of the total aircraft operations during March 2019, increased 1.5 percent when compared with March 2018.

The top three airlines in March 2019 based on passenger count were Southwest Airlines (326,163), American Airlines (150,598) and United Airlines (139,978).

Guest Column

Grace Leung

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

Newport Beach City Manager Grace Leung   

Our next City Council meeting is tonight, Tuesday, April 23. The following are items that may be of interest. As always, this is not a summary of the entire agenda, which can be viewed here.

 Study Session begins at 4 p.m. with discussion on several items: Potential changes to residential development standards to preserve cottages and address 3rd story massing – These items were brought forward by City Council to address concerns that have come up as neighborhoods redevelop. Staff will seek input and direction regarding two zoning code development standards: residential height and massing standards, and restrictions on residential additions when existing homes do not provide the required off-street parking. 

On-Street parking impacts due to construction activities – On February 26, 2019, staff brought for City Council consideration of several potential changes to address parking impacts from construction activity in the residential neighborhoods. Council moved forward to set time limits for one or two-unit residential homes (the second reading of this ordinance is on consent) and request further public outreach on the other items, which included construction site signage and construction management plan requirements. At this study session, staff will discuss input from the additional public outreach and seek Council direction on additional changes.

City Emergency Council update –  Staff will provide background on the City’s Emergency Council, in effect since 1939, and give an update on the City’s current disaster preparedness activities. Staff will also seek Council input on proposed recommendations to enhance communications with the City Council and the community regarding the City’s emergency plans and activities.

The Regular Session begins at 7 p.m. and the following are items of note: On the consent calendar is consideration for City Council to formally adopt an opposition position to a potential State Drinking Water Tax and support two alternative measures. The tax, which would be imposed on nearly 3,000 public water systems, is being proposed to assist small water providers with their costs to provide drinking water. The alternative measures focus on addressing the issues with the non-compliant small water systems. If the tax moves forward, there is also concern this will be a new mechanism to levy taxes.

For public hearing is the 2019-2020 Action Plan for Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds. The Action Plan appropriates approximately $358,000 of CDBG funds to community agencies serving seniors and homeless, program administration and loan repayment related to affordable housing. This Action Plan is the last year of the current 5-Year Consolidated Plan and staff will soon begin the process to develop this strategic planning document for the next 5-year timeframe.

The Orange County Housing Finance Trust, a joint powers authority for the County of Orange and Orange County cities who elect to join, has been created to provide a stronger voice for the region to secure our share of State and other funds to help address longer-term housing for persons formerly homeless. In developing solutions to address homelessness, one of the gaps identified is housing at the end of the continuum, when a homeless person has stabilized enough to live on his or her own but requires on-site services to do so. The Trust is envisioned to provide funds to supportive housing developers who come forward with a supportive city. The JPA was developed with input from cities and has many safeguards for cities: the JPA is limited to hiring only contract employees, there is a cap on our administrative costs, we are not required to commit our housing funds, housing projects within our city require our approval and we can withdraw at any time.

As our Local Coastal Program (LCP) is relatively young, potential amendments to Title 20, our Planning and Zoning Code and Title 21, the LCP Implementation Plan, arise as we work under these codes together. Staff is recommending Council consider initiating specific amendments related to minimum lot size and dimensions, overlay zoning districts, public hearing notification, corrections to setback maps, transfer of development rights, height measurement of accessory structures and residential off-street parking requirements in flood zone areas. Action at this meeting is whether or not to initiate these amendments; the actual amendments would be considered over the next year if the Council decides to move forward. 

Following an extensive procurement process, staff is bringing for Council approval the replacement of the City’s 25-year old land management software (LMS) system. LMS is a critical system for the City as it tracks development services permits, plans, inspections and processes fees related to these services. The selected system, Energov, will provide a more modernized and integrated system and enhance customer service with more online options and conveniences. Implementation will be phased in over 24 months. 

As a reminder, public comment is welcome at the City Council meeting. The public can comment on any item on the agenda. If you cannot attend the meeting and/or want to communicate with the City Council directly on an item, the following email address gets to all of them: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

The Week in Review is also provided this week. (See additional story in Stu News below.)

Thank you for reading. Feedback is appreciated so please don’t hesitate to ask a question or offer a comment.

Grace K. Leung

City Manager

City of Newport Beach

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

949.644.3001

BYC announces prestigious GovCup participants

The Selection Committee for Balboa Yacht Club’s Governor’s Cup International Youth Match Racing Championship, presented by Disc Sports and Spine Center, have named 10 skippers and a first alternate to compete in this year’s 53rd Annual “GovCup.” Based on the April World Sailing Open (non-age limited) match racing rankings of the invited skippers, the Club may again seek an upgrade from World Sailing to Grade 1 status, as was granted for the 2018 Governor’s Cup.

Three skippers from the Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron were selected – more evidence of the excellent RNZYS Youth Training Programme that has produced a number of international “rock star” sailors and is the current holder of the America’s Cup.

This year’s RNZYS skippers include 2017 and 2018 runner-up Leonard Takahashi, as well as Nick Egnot-Johnson, a rising match racing star with a win in the 2018 U.S. “Grand Slam” series and a 5th place finish in his first Congressional Cup last month. They will be joined by Jordan Stevenson, winner of Australia’s Harken youth match racing event and a podium finisher in two other major events in Australia and New Zealand.

United States skippers include Jack Parkin (Riverside YC/Stanford Sailing Team), a former U.S. Youth Match Racing Champion who finished just out of the semi-finals in his first GovCup last year, and Wade Waddell (American YC/Boston College Sailing Team), winner of the 2018 U.S. Intercollegiate Match Racing Championships. Frank Dair (California YC), who won Australia’s Musto Youth MR Championship and was a podium finisher at the Harken series in 2018, was also selected.

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Photos courtesy of BYC

There will be at least one additional USA skipper named at the conclusion of the U.S. Youth Match Racing Championship for the Rose Cup hosted by San Diego YC in late June. The Rose Cup winner receives an automatic invitation. In addition, Balboa Yacht Club, as host club, will also name a skipper. If a BYC skipper should win the Rose Cup, one of the alternate skippers named by the Selection Committee will receive an invitation.

In addition to NZL and USA, skippers from four other countries were selected. Sweden will be represented by Mans Holmberg, a World Sailing top-25 ranked skipper, based largely on his success on the professional World Match Racing Tour. 

Jeppe Borch of Denmark will also compete. He is a top Scandinavian match race skipper from a country that has an enviable record in the sport in general and in the match racing discipline in particular. 

Finn Tapper also received an invitation, representing the Cruising Yacht Club of Australia, a Club that has had consistent representation in the Governor’s Cup and that has produced a number of winners, most recently Harry Price who won for the second time in 2018. 

Matt Whitfield of the United Kingdom rounds out the international entries and will be competing in his third GovCup. Whitfield recently won his second straight British Universities Match Racing Championship which complements his two UK Youth Match Racing Championships.

The BYC selection committee appointed GovCup veteran Clare Costanzo, representing Australia’s Royal Prince Alfred YC, as the first alternate should any of the others be unable to participate.

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“We were pleased with the record number of requests for invitations and are impressed with the strength and experience of this year’s selected skippers from six different countries,” said BYC’s Regatta Chair Christine Robertson.

“We believe that last year’s GovCup was the first youth event to achieve World Sailing’s Grade 1 status – normally awarded only to open championships (no age limits) of mostly professional sailors, even though GovCup sailors must be under 23.” Robertson added, “The fact that at least based on the April WS rankings, we may achieve that two years in a row, is a tribute to the GovCup as a premier event, and to the immense talent of the invited skippers.”

The Governor’s Cup Committee also announced a new presenting sponsor, Disc Sports and Spine Institute, founded by BYC member Dr. Rob Bray. One of the top orthopedic surgeons in the United States, Dr. Bray and his wife, Tracey Kenney-Bray, are committed sailors and supporters at BYC and beyond. In 2013, Dr. Bray served as team doctor for the Oracle Team USA America’s Cup team.

“We are grateful and honored by Rob and Tracey’s willingness to help take the GovCup to an even higher level, and we look forward to a long relationship,” said Governor’s Cup Sponsorship Chair Andy Rose.

Identical “GovCup 22” sloops will again be provided to all competitors. First used in the 50 Anniversary regatta in 2016, they were designed by former BYC Commodore Alan Andrews and built by Westerly Marine in nearby Santa Ana. More than a few recent GovCup skippers have said that the GovCup 22s are among the best, if not the best, match racing boats in the world. They feature a “flat top” mainsail, masthead spinnaker, modern “T” keel and an “all up” weight of only 1,470 lbs. (666 kg).

The 53rd Annual Governor’s Cup will be held July 15-20. The traditional “Meet the Teams” kick-off dinner will take place Monday evening, July 15. A double round-robin of racing is scheduled Tuesday through Thursday with the top four teams advancing to knock-out Semi-Finals on Friday; the Finals are on Saturday, July 20.

Again this year, an all-volunteer “GovCup TV” team will live-stream via the internet the Monday evening festivities, the racing on Friday and Saturday, and the post-racing press conferences Friday and Saturday, including the Saturday afternoon prizegiving. Live “Pre-Race Shows” featuring a preview of the day’s racing, and interviews with competitors and officials, also will be aired Wednesday through Saturday mornings.

Balboa Island Museum presents “Bal Week” on Friday

The Balboa Island Museum invites locals to its Special Series, “Bal Week,” taking place on Friday, April 26 from 7-9 p.m. For those who may not be familiar with Bal Week, it was a Newport Beach Spring Break tradition where students from near and far converged on Balboa for a memorable good time from the late 1920s through the late 1950s. While here, youngsters would make trips over to Balboa Island, fondly known as “Bal.”

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Courtesy of Balboa Island Museum

Guest speakers for the evening will be longtime Balboa Island residents Seymour Beek and Cindy Houston. Come and enjoy some wine and cheese as you recall those bygone days of spring.

A $10 donation is requested at the door. To RSVP, call 949.675.3952.

Balboa Island Museum is located at 210B Marine Ave., Balboa Island.

Death in Old Newport

By DUNCAN FORGEY

Living in a small town is wonderful for many reasons. Everyone knows each other or they are friends with someone that knows others. The markets, movies and gas stations become social meeting places. In good times, this tightness spurs laughter and conversations about local politics and each other. In bad times, everyone gets affected. When death knocks on the door and someone dies or is killed, it is felt by the entire town.

Growing up in a smaller and more personal Newport Harbor, we joked about the “big one” and “earthquake weather” and one day, six of us rode our bikes to Blackies to watch a tsunami come in. We had no fear because for some reason, Newport Beach seemed protected from disaster. Even the Laguna firestorm stopped an hour before it would have raced down Buck Gully and burned much of CdM. 

In this not so distant past, Newport Beach took one tragedy at a time.

My first came at Newport Elementary School. Dr. Arthur Paris and his son, Arthur Jr., 11, died in a freak storm returning from Catalina. After high school, there were the Buffington Brothers. Jimmy was a casualty of the 1960s, while his older brother, Jack, drowned “screwing around” on the Colorado River. High School friend, Sean Moore, died alone in a small hotel room due to a ruptured appendix and Larry Powell crashed his car in Mexico. Writer Haraki Murakami puts it this way: “Death is not the opposite of life, but part of it.”

Submitted photo

Jack Buffington

Because we were surrounded by the sea, we have had our fair share of ocean-related deaths. Rick Marcellus and Boyd Reber were two young people never forgotten. Their stories are unique but showed us that life is fragile; here one day and gone the next.

The Marcellus family lived on the mid-streets of Lido Isle. Like all of us, Rick enjoyed life to its fullest. Using the ocean as a backdrop for freedom and exploration, his small town thinking allowed mischief to be a test of maturity. All of us were quite adept at testing limits as we grew. World War II parents didn’t understand and felt the “mean streets and alleys” of Newport were eroding parental values. Families looked for alternatives: Carlsbad’s Army-Navy Academy, out-of-area private schools or stricter Catholic schools. This fruitless attempt at reining in their kids was not that uncommon.

Christopher Sheldon’s Ocean Academy was perfect for a kid from Newport Beach. The marine-oriented school used discipline and vast ocean experiences to assist in a youngster’s maturing. Christopher and his wife, Alice, acquired the 92-foot brigantine Albatross, and manned it with a crew and students. The goal was to use extensive sailing voyages in the Caribbean and eastern Pacific Ocean as a training ground for their kid crews. It was a modern version of Rudyard Kipling’s Captains Courageous.

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Photo by Heritage Auctions, HA.com

Rudyard Kipling’s “Captains Courageous”

In fall of 1960, the two Sheldons, two instructors, a cook and 14 students boarded the Albatross ship. The Albatross’s voyage started in the Bahamas, crossed the Caribbean to the Panama Canal, on to the Galapagos Islands and back. Imagine the fantastic learning experience these youngsters were exposed to under sail for nearly a year. On May 1, heading toward Nassau, the ship stopped for fuel at one of the Florida Keys. The next day, 125 miles from the Dry Tortugas, the schooner was hit by a rare and unseen storm. A “white squall” is defined as a sudden violent gust of winds at sea, not accompanied by characteristic black clouds. They come out of nowhere quickly and can be deadly. The boat was hit at 8:30 a.m. on May 2, 1961. The Albatross sank almost instantly taking with it Alice Sheldon, the cook and three students including Newport’s Rick Marcellus. It was so sudden there was no time for an SOS; the remainder of the crew ended up in two lifeboats eventually found by a Dutch Freighter, Gran Rio. 

Submitted photo

The Albatross

In a fictionized version of the tragedy, the movie White Squall, directed by Ridley Scott, follows the boat’s tragic loss, including an ensuing court battle pitting Sheldon (Jeff Bridges) and his crew against angry parents and the Coast Guard bureaucracy.

Those of us that grew up with Boyd Reber have never forgotten him. Born to a lineage of country folks, Boyd grew up in Corona del Mar and was a rough and tumble youth. Rumored to be the original “Gerber Baby” he was the brunt of jokes for years. Physically, he was anything but a baby, and after years of fun in Newport Beach, he grew into a working fisherman. This was at a time when big and plentiful fish surrounded the Pacific around Newport Harbor. In February of 1986, he and shipmate Frank Germano outfitted the Cindy Fay for a fishing trip to catch soupfin sharks.

At 7:30 p.m. on February 23, 1986, Boyd called his wife, Cynthia, to tell her he loved her and would call with results of his catch. She never heard back. Boyd and Frank went missing. On March 2, Boyd’s body was found floating about 20 yards offshore near San Clemente Island’s Mail Point. Later, his crewman Frank Germano’s body was also found.

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Submitted photo

The Gargoyles Car Club with Boyd Reber, bottom right

San Clemente Island is an uninhabited island sitting on the horizon of southern Orange County. Owned and operated by the United States Navy, the island has been used for military operations in cooperation with Camp Pendleton. It was a well-known fact that the island received live shelling during some of these war games.

The original story circulated by the media was that Boyd had fallen asleep with the gas oven on and it exploded. A tragedy indeed, but one caused by a Captain’s negligence. Further information would indicate the explosion was far greater than what could be initiated by a stove. Additionally, Boyd was characterized as a “beyond competent” skipper. 

His family filed a multimillion dollar wrongful death lawsuit against the government. Family attorneys claimed “…the harm to Boyd Reber and the Cindy Fay was caused by one of two sources, both under the control of the United States. Either an unexploded ordnance or a live shell.” The family alleged that a misguided shell hit the boat or Cindy Fay dragged up live ammo with their nets. At the time of Reber’s death, Navy ships were firing five-inch shells with a 26,000-yard range. The Cindy Fay was 22,000 yards from the naval bombardment. The U.S. Attorney blamed it on negligence on Boyd’s part, adding that heavy surf broke up the boat not an explosion. It was not until August of 1991, that the courts and a federal court judge in San Diego turned the family down on appeal, “without added review, which is rarely granted, the case is over...”

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Submitted photo

Vietnam Veterans Memorial wall

Newport Beach’s most sensitive deaths came with the Vietnam War. Prior to 1962, we were all dirty-faced kids running around town: Surfing, playing war and having no idea that some of us would go to war and others of us would die. Whether it was in the air, jungles, highlands or rice paddies of Vietnam, Newport Beach sent some of its best warriors to die in the war. 

“Vietnam was what we had instead of happy childhoods.” –Michael Herr

Remembering:

–Lt. Kent Anderson: A multifaceted person and big brother of my oldest friend.

–Kris Perdomo: Short in stature and big of heart, he died a door gunner of a helicopter.

–Roger Brown: A hero before he died a Green Beret.

–Stephen Lucia: Listed on Panel 29W Row 38 of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington D.C.

–Robert Gengdron: Shot down while on a Med-Vac mission.

–Roland Troyceno, Jerry Edwards, Leonard Gurwitz, Mike Mangan, Loyd McBroom, Galen Moore, Dave Omstead, Bruce Poulson, John Roles, William Rowe, Jerry Shoemaker, Jim Spaw, Eric Speak, Roger Yamanka, Mike Young and Charles Lee.

All lost forever.

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Submitted photo

The Nomads with Kent Anderson, far left

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

Dory Deli presents Beach Clean-Up this Saturday

This Saturday, April 27 from 9 a.m.-12 p.m., the community is invited to meet in front of Dory Deli at Tower 22, grab some free coffee and cocoa and help clean up our beautiful shore.

This is a great opportunity to get the family together for a fun day at the beach while giving back to the community. 

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Photo by Eric Goodman

This picture taken over the weekend at the Newport Beach Pier is a reminder of the need to keep our beaches clean

If you have a bucket or garden gloves handy, bring them out. If not, Dory Deli will provide bags and gloves for participants. 

The Dory Deli Beach Clean-Up is in partnership with Surfrider Foundation, Ben Carlson, The Board Club, Newport Harbor High School, Big Brothers Big Sisters, Boy Scouts of America, Newport Beach Chamber of Commerce, GT’s Kombucha, Newport Elementary Foundation, Pau Maui Vodka, Vibes Hot Yoga and Newport Heights Foundation.

Dory Deli is located at 2108 3/4 West Oceanfront Drive, Newport Beach.

Student Winners of Congressional Art Competition announced

By LANA JOHNSON

On Monday evening, April 22, student winners of the 2019 Artistic Discovery Congressional Art Competition were celebrated during a private reception and awards ceremony held at Laguna Art Museum.

Spearheaded by Congressman Harley Rouda, representing CA District 48, this is the first time our district is participating in the nationwide contest that takes place each spring. Open to students in grades 9-12, the competition recognizes and encourages artistic talent in youth throughout the nation. Artwork was submitted in the following categories: painting (oils, acrylic or watercolor); drawing (pastels, colored pencil, pencil, charcoal, ink, and marker); collage (two-dimensional); print (lithograph, silkscreen or block); mixed media (use of two or more mediums such as pencil, ink, watercolor); computer-generated art and photography.

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Photos by Lana Johnson

(L-R) Master of Ceremonies Michele Gile, KCAL/CBS TV, with winning students Faith Riehm (third place), Charles Besso (second place) and Remi Frolichman (first place)

The winning students are:

First Place – Remi Frolichman, a student at the Orange Country School of the Arts, for her painting, Firenze. She received a prize of $750, a Certificate of Recognition and a trip for two to the Capitol in Washington, D.C. this June, where her artwork will be on display along with all the other first place student winners, representing their congressional district from throughout the country.

Second Place – Charles Besso, a student at Laguna Beach High School, for his mixed media art (colored pencil with digital media), Slumber Party. He received a prize of $100 and a Certificate of Recognition.

Third Place – Faith Riehm, a student at Edison High School, for her computer-generated art piece, The Painter of Flowers. She received a prize of $50 and a Certificate of Recognition.

Congressman Rouda, along with his wife, Kaira, presented the awards. Master of Ceremonies was KCAL 9/CBS 2 television reporter Michele Gile.

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(L-R) Congressman Harley Rouda, Beth Phillips, founder and executive director of Furnishing Hope and Kaira Rouda

The winning art was chosen from a field of 41 entries, submitted by students throughout CA-48 who attend Newport Harbor, Laguna Beach, Huntington Beach, Edison, Fountain Valley, Aliso Niguel, Westminster, La Quinta, Pacific Coast, Coast, Orange County School of the Arts and Drakain Academy. All participating students, their art teachers and families were invited to the Museum reception to view their art being displayed at the Museum, and find out who were the winning artists.

Judges included Malcolm Warner, executive director of the Laguna Art Museum; Jeannie Denholm, gallery owner of SCAPE in Corona del Mar and Ed Fosmire, professor of art at Santa Ana College.

Cash prizes were sponsored by AT&T, represented by Richard Porras, assistant vice president, external affairs and supported by Richard Stein, executive director of Arts Orange County.

Hors d’oeuvres and refreshments were coordinated by Kathleen Abel, Museum board member and donated by the MacGillivray, Robbins and Keller families.

Congressman Rouda invited all of the participating students to come and display their art at his office.

Prior to hanging on the Museum’s walls, the artwork was showcased at the gallery in Furnishing Hope (FH) during the week of April 16. Furnishing Hope provides home furnishings and supplies for families as they transition into independent living, reaching out to our wounded service heroes and women with children. All proceeds from FH, with their flagship retail store in Westciff Plaza, Newport Beach, go to serve families in need.

For additional information on the CA-48 Congressional Art Competition, visit https://rouda.house.gov/services/art-competition.

Save the Date: Fit Fest 2019 is coming May 18

On Saturday, May 18 from 8 a.m.-12 p.m., Fit Fest 2019 takes place at the Newport-Mesa Family YMCA.

The morning includes: free group exercise demos, new program offerings, health & wellness vendors, and youth sports demos & kids activities.

Fit Fest is open to the public so bring a friend and come find your fit.

Newport-Mesa Family YMCA is located at 2300 University Drive, Newport Beach. For more information, visit www.ymcaoc.org.

OCMA presents an evening with Shoshana Zuboff

The Orange County Museum of Art (OCMA) presents Shoshana Zuboff on Wednesday, May 1, for a talk about what she describes as the unprecedented form of power called “surveillance capitalism” and the quest by corporations to predict and control our behavior. 

In our current age of social media and smart devices, we are under 24-hour surveillance. From the time we wake up using our phone’s alarm to the dinner we eat based on a Yelp search, data on our private human experience is constantly being collected and sold – often with our consent. Zuboff shines a light on this invisible yet pervasive force that knows everything about us, while we know very little about it. 

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Courtesy of OCMA

Shoshana Zuboff to speak on May 1

If you tweet, post, shop, drive, sleep, or eat, this is an essential conversation that will likely change the way you think about these seemingly quotidian activities. After all, it’s not just our privacy that is threatened by surveillance capitalism, but democracy itself.

Zuboff is a professor emerita of the Harvard Business School and author of the influential books, The Age of Surveillance Capitalism: The Fight for a Human Future at the New Frontier of Power and In the Age of Smart Machine: The Future of Work and Power.

Doors will open at 6 p.m. for a complimentary wine reception and a chance to see OCMA’s new exhibitions featuring Pacific Rim-based artists whose work explores global issues of power, control and corporate influence. Zuboff’s talk will begin at 7 p.m., followed by a book signing.

The program is free and presented in partnership with the Creative and Cultural Industries program in the Wilkinson College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences at Chapman University.

Currently, OCMA is operating as OCMAEXPAND in South Coast Plaza Village at 1661 W. Sunflower Ave., Santa Ana. 

For more information, visit www.ocmaexpand.org.

Free preschool and Early Childhood Education enrolling now at NMUSD

Newport-Mesa Unified School District (NMUSD) is now accepting applications for free preschool for the 2019-2020 school year. Both half-day and full-day classes are available.

The programs begin Tuesday, Sept. 3 and are provided at these NMUSD schools: College Park, Killybrooke, Paularino, Pomona, Rea, Sonora, Whittier and Wilson Elementary, and are open to all Orange County residents. 

Students must be 3 years old by December 1, 2019; 4-year-olds are also welcome. A hot breakfast and/or lunch is served daily.

Courtesy of NMUSD

For requirements and other information, call 949.515.6716 or visit the District office at 2045 Meyer Place, Room 123, Costa Mesa.

NMUSD is also enrolling for the 2019-2020 Early Childhood Education Program for fully potty-trained 3- and 4-year-old preschoolers. The tuition-based programs are held at Newport Coast Elementary, Davis Magnet, Harbor View Elementary and Newport Elementary. Children can participate five days a week (M-F), three days a week (M, W, F) or two days a week (T, Th). 

To schedule a tour or obtain additional enrollment information, contact Tarek Houx, Preschool Office Assistant at 949.515.6622 or by email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. For additional information visit the Early Childhood Education website at www.nmusd.us.

Fiddler on the Roof coming to Segerstrom Center, cast announced and tickets on sale

Segerstrom Center for the Arts announces casting for the North American tour of the Tony Award®-nominated Broadway revival of Fiddler on the Roof, which will play Segerstrom Hall May 7-19. 

The beloved theatrical classic from Tony winner Joseph Stein and Pulitzer Prize winners Jerry Bock and Sheldon Harnick, Fiddler on the Roof is directed by Tony Award winner Bartlett Sher (South Pacific, The King and I) and choreographed by the acclaimed Israeli choreographer, Hofesh Shechter. 

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Photo by Joan Marcus

Courtesy of scfta.org

Yehezkel Lazarov plays the lead role of Tevye

The cast is led by Israeli theater, film and TV star, Yehezkel Lazarov who will take on the lead role of Tevye. The cast will also feature Maite Uzal as Golde, Jonathan von Mering as Lazar Wolf, Carol Beaugard as Yente, Mel Weyn as Tzeitel, Ruthy Froch as Hodel, Natalie Powers as Chava, Danielle Allen as Sphintze, Emerson Glick as Bielke, Jesse Weil as Motel, Ryne Nardecchia as Perchick, Joshua Logan Alexander as Fyedka and Jeffrey Brooks as Constable. 

The ensemble includes Danny Arnold, Eric Berey, Nicholas Berke, Eloise DeLuca, Derek Ege, David Ferguson, Olivia Gjurich, Michael Hegarty, Allegra Herman, Carolyn Keller, Paul Morland, Kelly Gabrielle Murphy, Jacob Nahor, Jack O’Brien, Honza Pelichovsky, Leah Platt, Lynda Senisi, Nick Siccone, Brian Silver, and Britte Steele. 

Fiddler on the Roof is the heartwarming story of fathers and daughters, husbands and wives, and life, love and laughter. This classic musical is rich with Broadway hits, including “To Life (L’Chaim!),” “If I Were A Rich Man,” “Sunrise Sunset,” “Matchmaker, Matchmaker” and “Tradition.” 

The original Broadway production of Fiddler on the Roof, which opened in 1964, was the first musical in history to surpass 3,000 performances. The show won the 1965 Tony Award for Best Musical in addition to eight other Tony Awards that year. This acclaimed revival proudly introduces a new generation to the iconic musical adored across the globe. 

Fiddler on the Roof has scenic design by Michael Yeargan (Tony Award nominee, The King and I), costume design by Catherine Zuber (Tony Award winner, The King and I), lighting design by Donald Holder (Tony Award nominee, The King and I), sound design by Scott Lehrer (Tony Award®winner, South Pacific), and hair and wig design by Tom Watson. 

Tickets start at $29 and are available for purchase at www.scfta.org, by calling 714.556.2787 and at the Box Office at 600 Town Center Drive in Costa Mesa. Orders for groups of 10 or more can be placed by calling 714.755.0236. The 2 p.m. performance on Saturday, May 18, will include audio description, open captioning and sign-language interpretation. The Center offers many services for patrons with disabilities including removable wheelchair locations, binoculars and assistive listening devices. To learn more, visit www.scfta.org/accessibilityinformation.

Seasonal Career Fair at Balboa Bay Resort, April 25

Newport Beach’s iconic Balboa Bay Resort and Balboa Bay Club will be hosting a Seasonal Career Fair on Thursday, April 25.

The job fair will include on-the-spot interviews and hiring for seasonal, part-time and full-time positions in the Food and Beverage, Engineering, Guest Services, Pool & Recreation and Culinary Departments, among others.

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Courtesy of Balboa Bay Resort

As Newport Beach’s only Forbes Four-Star, AAA Four-Diamond waterfront Resort, Balboa Bay Resort prides itself on a culture of service to exceed guest expectations. Balboa Bay Club offers 70 years of rich history as Newport Beach’s iconic private club.

Balboa Bay Resort and Balboa Bay Club are EOE, offering a wide variety of benefits, including: medical, vision and dental insurance; hotel discounts; 401K programs; complimentary parking and meals; tuition reimbursement and competitive wages.

For more information on current positions, visit www.balboabayresort.com/careers. Job Fair attendees are encouraged to complete an online application in advance, and to bring their resumes and valid government issued identification to help expedite the process.

Sand, sun and waves

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Photo by Stacia Stabler

Spring is in the air in Newport Beach

Newport Beach nonprofits invited to participate in Shopping Extravaganza at Outlets at San Clemente

Attention Newport Beach nonprofits...there’s a shopping day fundraiser that gives back to you.

Outlets at San Clemente is seeking nonprofit organizations to participate in its fifth annual Shopping Extravaganza charity fundraiser on Saturday, Oct. 5. During the event, consumers receive exclusive discounts at most stores, while Outlets at San Clemente donates $25 for every $35 ticket purchased to a local nonprofit organization of the shopper’s choice. Since the first event in 2015, Outlets at San Clemente’s Shopping Extravaganza has raised more than $189,000 for various South Orange County nonprofits.

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Photos by Kait McKay Photography

All new nonprofit applicants are required to attend a one-hour informational meeting on Thursday, May 16, at either 9 a.m. or 6 p.m. in the Outlets at San Clemente VIP Lounge. The meeting will cover the event details, clarify expectations of participating nonprofit partners and provide an opportunity to meet the Outlets at San Clemente team and ask questions. In addition to exclusive discounts, Shopping Extravaganza includes entertainment, prizes and opportunity drawings for more than $45,000 in gift cards, a catered lunch, and wine and cocktail tastings.

“By hosting events like Shopping Extravaganza, we’re able to support organizations that play a vital role in making our community a better place,” said Nicky See, marketing director at Outlets at San Clemente. “This full day of fun allows our customers to enjoy guilt-free shopping, while supporting a variety of important causes.”

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Outlets at San Clemente is dedicated to supporting its community through a variety of philanthropic efforts, including the annual Shopping Extravaganza. Outlets at San Clemente has positively impacted Orange County by increasing tax revenue, employing thousands of workers and donating more than $400,000 in goods and services to community nonprofits.

Steve Craig, managing partner of Craig Realty Group, began hosting the Shopping Extravaganza events at Craig Realty Group-owned and operated centers in 1998. Since then, there have been more than 85 Shopping Extravaganza events held at centers across the country, raising more than $3 million for local nonprofit organizations.

Outlets at San Clemente Shopping Extravaganza nonprofit applications are now available online at www.ShopOSC.com/2019ShopExApply. All applications must be turned in by Friday, May 31 to be considered for participation in this year’s event.

Collaborative Giving Day raises nearly $76,000

On April 10, the Orange County Community Foundation (OCCF) partnered with five local nonprofits to host Preserve and Protect, a Giving Day to sustain the ecosystems in Orange County. The 24-hour event raised $75,685 with participation from more than 194 donors.

OCCF launched its Collaborative Giving Day initiative in 2018 to bolster the capacity of local organizations. Nonprofits with shared missions are invited to come together to boost collective giving for their causes.

“Thanks to the work of our local nonprofits and our compassionate community, we are able to help increase environmental education and the conservation of our natural resources,” said Shelley Hoss, president, OCCF. “We are proud to support exemplary nonprofits in tackling the most important issues facing our county.”

Courtesy of OCCF

The five nonprofits that participated in the Protect and Preserve Giving Day included Pacific Marine Mammal Center, Crystal Cove Conservancy, Laguna Canyon Foundation, Huntington Beach Wetlands Conservancy and California Trout.

OCCF first challenged Orange County residents to “give where their heart lives” during the inaugural iheartoc Giving Day in 2015, raising more than $1.8 million through gifts to 347 participating nonprofits in just 30 hours. OCCF nearly doubled those results in 2016 during the second annual iheartoc Giving Day, receiving contributions totaling $3.2 million for 418 participating nonprofits. In 2017, OCCF re-envisioned iheartoc as an expanded opportunity for nonprofits to connect with one another in support of their shared missions. The seven collaborative Giving Days held in 2018 raised a total of $1.4 million for local organizations. 

Additional collaborative Giving Days will be announced next year. For more information, visit www.oc-cf.org/iheartoc.

You Must Remember This: the college experience

By NANCY GARDNER

College was a much different experience in my day. As far as getting in, a “B” average and you had your choice of UC campuses. Now, you can have better than a four point GPA and be turned down at every one of them. As far as the qualifying tests, nobody took special courses to prepare. You went in the day of the test, took it, and lived with the score, unlike today’s angst-filled process with tutoring and test classes, taking and retaking. The application experience was a walk in the park compared to today’s travail. However, when it comes to housing, today’s college student has it all over us.     

As a college freshman at a UC you were required to live in a dorm. You shared a room. You were required to sign out in the evening and be in by a certain hour. Everyone ate their meals in a single cafeteria that usually had a single entree. I hated it, and as soon as it was no longer required, I begged my parents for a different housing option. My doting father nodded agreeably. My ever-practical mother said I could leave the dorm if I could find a place that didn’t cost a penny more than the dorm. This was a challenge. Even then, things close to school (UCLA) were fairly pricey, but I had a car, and in those days, parking wasn’t an issue. You parked for free up and down Sunset and anywhere else around campus. As a result, I could look beyond the village, and I  eventually found a place in Ocean Park. Just north of Venice, Ocean Park was just like the Venice of those days, only more so. Both the population and buildings were old and decrepit, but I didn’t really notice that. Instead, I noticed that there was a place that was not only within my budget, but only a few houses from the beach. Like the area, the unit was old. It was small. It was dingy, but somehow none of that registered – until my parents came. I ushered them proudly into my tiny domain where my mother said she had to use the bathroom. I indicated the door; she went inside and immediately came out and demanded my father take her to the nearest gas station. I would say it really wasn’t that bad, except that when I went back a few years later, I found the whole area had been razed as part of an urban renewal effort. That does suggest a certain general grunge. 

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A college dorm room today with all the comforts of home quite differs from those recalled

The rest of my college housing never lived down to quite that level, but it tended to be interesting. I had one place with no kitchen or even kitchenette, and learned all the great things you could make on a hot plate (this was before the popularization of microwaves). Another was of such a size that when you pulled down the Murphy bed it took up all the space, which meant there was no other furniture. It also meant if someone came to visit, you sat on the floor or pulled down the bed. The latter could have given an ardent young man the wrong idea, but there were no ardent young men, at least not that semester, so nothing embarrassing occurred. Although not what I’d grown up with, I never felt unhappy about the situations. Anything was better than the dorm. Besides, everybody I knew was living in something similar. A six-foot fellow shambled around banging his head against the 5’8” ceilings of his place. Another came over occasionally to shower, because all he had was a sink. It was part of the college experience, preparing you for the vagaries of life. 

Flash forward a few decades and I look at my grandsons. The one at Santa Clara University started in a dorm, and I was curious if he would feel like I did. Not at all, and why would he? There’s no sign out, and although his room was small, the building itself contained innumerable cozy study areas, well-stocked rec and entertainment rooms, and a food court instead of a cafeteria. No single choice of entree for him. Pizza, burgers, tacos, sushi, poke, vegetarian, vegan, pressed juice, coffee bar – a foodie’s delight, let alone a student’s. 

As for my grandson at USC, he was settled in a place loaded with amenities, but roommate issues forced an emergency move. The only thing he could find, I was told, was in an abandoned house. An abandoned house? That was more like it. I insisted on an immediate visit, eager to have this shared experience of a depressed living standard. As my daughter and I drove up, I rehearsed various, “Well, you should have seen what I lived in” scenarios…until we turned onto fraternity row.

“I thought you said he lived in an abandoned house.”

“Yes. The fraternity was kicked off campus, so a company took the building over and rents the rooms.”

That is hardly the same thing! And as for his room, there was a bed, a desk, a refrigerator, a chest of drawers, a small couch, a coffee table – even if he’d had a Murphy bed, there would have been plenty of room for everything. If this is preparing them for the vagaries of life, the vagaries must all be very positive. 

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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 Stu News Newport.

Newport Beach Home Town Special Olympics celebration scheduled for May 9

The City of Newport Hometown Special Olympics Unity Torch Walk, Mini-Hoop Shoot Challenge & BBQ will take place on Thursday, May 9, from 6-9 p.m. at the Newport Beach Civic Center, 100 Civic Center Drive, Newport Beach.

Join Special Olympic athletes, Newport Beach Mayor Diane Dixon, Mayor Pro Tem Will O’Neill and City Councilmembers Kevin Muldoon and Jeff Herdman, as well as Newport Beach police, fire, city officials and community members in a show of unity, as they make the 3/4-mile loop through the art trails passing the torch to one another as a symbol of inclusion and diversity. The walk concludes at the Civic Center kicking off a night of celebration, emceed by KCAL 9/KCBS Emmy Award-winning news anchor Michele Gile.

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Photos courtesy of the City of Newport Beach

Newport Beach dignitaries and community members join Special Olympic athletes in a celebration of unity and inclusion

The evening’s festivities include live music from Madison Grove, craft beer by Barley Forge Brewing Company, fine wines by Rodney Strong and a BBQ provided by the Newport Beach Rib Company.

Following the Unity Torch Walk, more than 20 teams take to the hoops. Get ready to cheer on your favorite team in the Newport Beach Mini-Hoop Shoot Challenge with local city officials and community members partnered with Special Olympic athletes, as they battle it out to see which team will be named Kings of the Court and Hometown Heroes for Newport Beach Hometown Special Olympics. Or, come join the fun by entering your own team!

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The money raised supports the year-round training and competition events for the more than 652 Special Olympics athletes that call Newport Beach home. This is the celebration event for the Special Olympics area basketball tournament, which will be hosted by the City of Newport Beach on Saturday, April 20.

Here’s the schedule of the May 9 events – Registration and Bar Open: 5:30 p.m.; Unity Torch Walk Begins: 6 p.m.; and Hometown Hero Mini-Hoop Shoot & Celebration: 7-9 p.m.

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Newport Beach Police Officers join Special Olympics athlete friends in the Torch Walk through the art trails at the Civic Center

There are four ways you can participate:

–Nothing But Net Hoop Shoot Team: Register a Team of 4 for $375 (each player receives an entry to the Torch Walk and BBQ).

–Run & Gun Table & Hoop Shoot Team: Register a Team of 4 for $750 (10 entries to the Torch Walk and BBQ and 1 reserved table for 10 attendees).

–Torch Walk Participant: $70 per person (includes BBQ celebration and Hoop Shoot Challenge spectator).

–Alumni Supporter Torch Walk: $70 per person (if you can’t attend you can still purchase a ticket and donate it back, whereby additional athletes and family members from Special Olympics can participate in the event).

To register, visit www.sosc.org/newporthometown.

ENC offers up Ninth Annual Youth Art Showcase

The Ninth Annual Environmental Nature Center (ENC) Youth Art Showcase is planned for May 19. This year’s theme is Diversity in Nature.

Students ages 4-18 will have the opportunity to exhibit their art at the Spring Faire. Submissions of artwork should explore diverse ecosystems, plants, animals and people who care for and enjoy the diversity on our planet.

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Courtesy of ENC

Mimulus Aurantiacus or Sticky Monkey Flower, a local native plant

Participants will be judged in four age categories and the ENC promises “awesome awards.”

Sponsors for the contest are Lisa Albert Art Studio, Art Supply Warehouse, C’est Si Bon Bakery and Saddleback College Fashion Design and Merchandising.

For more information, how to enter with guidelines and prizes go here. The deadline for entries is May 12. All participants will receive a ribbon for entering. Sponsorship opportunities are still available.

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

Newport Beach Film Festival announces 2019 Art, Architecture + Design Film Series

The 20th annual Newport Beach Film Festival (NBFF) presented by Pacific Sales announces its 2019 Art, Architecture + Design (AA+D) Film Series, an international showcase of films celebrating art, architecture, design, modernism, photography, sculpture, painting, typography, advertising, publishing, urban planning, public and immersive art.

The series highlights emerging and prominent artists, visionaries and icons of the creative world whose achievements have influenced, intrigued and inspired a multitude of designers, curators, historians and independent filmmakers. The AA+D Film Series explores both historical and contemporary subjects, projects and concepts that have defined visual cultures, both past and present. The Art, Architecture + Design Film Series will spotlight nine independent feature-length and seven short documentary films from around the world. 

The NBFF takes place April 25-May 2. AA+D films will screen at The Lot in Fashion Island, Edwards Big Newport and Triangle Square Cinemas. Interactive Q&A’s with filmmakers and documentary subjects will follow select screenings.

The program features films about architects, artists, designers and projects that sparked movements and defined styles of the 20th century, including modernism, Bauhaus, American Craftsman and humanistic designs created in harmony with nature.

Filmed in Vienna, Berlin, Locarno, Palm Springs and Orange County, PJ Letofsky’s documentary Neutra-Survival Through Design provides a comprehensive, all-encompassing look into the life, work and times of iconic modern architect Richard Neutra. The film features Orange County buildings designed by Neutra, including the Huntington Beach Central Library and the Garden Grove Community Church.

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Courtesy of Icarus Films

A scene from “Bauhaus Spirit”

Bauhaus Spirit celebrates the 100th anniversary of Walter Gropius’ Bauhaus and explores the history and future of the influential utopian design and architecture school. 

The Sea Ranch: Architecture, Environment, and Idealism tells the story behind The Sea Ranch, a place where environment informs geometry and buildings embody ideals.

 I am Known as an Artist, Wharton Esherick recounts the life of a seemingly obscure artist who nevertheless influenced an entire art movement. 

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Courtesy of NBFF

“Carlos Almaraz: Playing with Fire” examines the Chicano Art Movement

Two films in the AA+D series examine the art, culture and politics of the Chicano Art Movement. Carlos Almaraz: Playing with Fire tells the story of artist Carlos Almaraz. After migrating from Mexico to America as a child, Almaraz became a distinguished leader of the Chicano Art Movement who created larger-than-life paintings filled with passion and commitment to East LA’s emerging civil rights movements. Dancing with the Sun: The Artwork of Manuel Hernandez-Trujillo tells the story of Manuel Hernandez-Trujillo’s art, how he helped restore a stolen culture during the Chicano Art Movement, and the resonating legacy he leaves behind as an artist, activist and educator.

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Photo by Suzanne Seed

Art Paul, founding art director of “Playboy” magazine, at work

The AA+D program spotlights films that celebrate art direction, graphic design and photography. Art Paul of Playboy: The Man Behind the Bunny explores the legacy of Art Paul, the founding art director of Playboy magazine who paved the way for graphic design as well as the magazine’s cultural force throughout the 1950s, ‘60s, and ‘70s. In Jay Myself, photographer Stephen Wilkes creates an intimate portrait of his mentor, Jay Maisel, as he leaves the 30,000- square-foot building in the Bowery that he’s inhabited and filled with his eccentric collection of beautiful random objects for the last 40 years – known as “The Bank.”

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Courtesy of Jay Myself

An intimate portrait of Jay Maisel in “Jay Myself”

The AA+D Film Series highlights women artists working in various mediums. From the cafés of Paris to the mountaintops of Samiland, Gloria’s Call chronicles how a scholar›s life is forever changed through her friendships with the women artists of Surrealism. After the success of artist Reine Paradis› breakout photo series “Jungle,” Queen of Paradis follows Paradis on a surreal journey across the United States as she works to complete her highly anticipated second series “Midnight.” Visions Not Previously Seen: Barbara Stauffacher Solomon is a portrait of Barbara Stauffacher Solomon, the ground-breaking designer who fused Swiss modernism with an iconic and bold California pop aesthetic.

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Courtesy of NBFF

 “An Engineer Imagines,” a tribute to Peter Rice, whose first job was to design the roof of the Sydney Opera House 

Three films from Ireland will screen in the AA+D Series. A cinematic tribute to Peter Rice, An Engineer Imagines celebrates the innovative creations of one of the most distinguished engineers who pushed the boundaries of art and science in the late 20th century. An innovative mix of documentary and drama, Citizen Lane delivers a vivid and compelling portrait of Hugh Lane, one of the most fascinating yet enigmatic figures in Irish art history. Bordalo II: A Life of Waste is an intimate portrait of Portuguese street artist Artur Bordalo as he aims to highlight the extent of our environmental wastefulness and the impact through sculptures of junk.

The AA+D series delves into the various realms of urban, street and public art, and examines how art creates community. Shot over 10 years in 17 countries, MEGALODEMOCRAT: The Public Art of Rafael Lozano-Hemmer follows acclaimed artist Rafael Lozano-Hemmer’s breakout career creating large-scale works that entice an increasingly isolated public into transforming their cities and reconnecting with one another. Painting the Town – The Street Art of Detroit explores Detroit’s surging independent movement of street art and graffiti art and how it brings people together in ways never been imagined a few short years ago. 

The AA+D program is supported by Community Partners including AIA Orange County, AIGA Orange County, Orange County Museum of Art, Laguna Art Museum, Arts Orange County and Emerging Arts Leaders.

Tickets are $16 and are available at the Festival box office or online at www.NewportBeachFilmFest.com.

Pet of the Week

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

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Courtesy of Newport Beach Animal Shelter

MEET SYDNEY

The Newport Beach Animal Shelter would like to introduce you to Sydney. She’s an approximately 11-month-old Labrador mix, who is high energy and will need her parent to lead an active lifestyle that includes her. Sydney enjoys chasing toys, companionship with humans and other dogs, walking, running, hiking, etc. She’s an adventurous girl. Medium in stature, she is perfect if you have been looking for a large dog but half the size.

Newport Beach Animal Shelter adoption costs:

–Dogs - $130

–Puppies - $150

–Cats - $90

–Kittens - $110

If you are interested in finding out more about Sydney, or any other full-of-fun shelter pets up for adoption, the Newport Beach Animal Shelter is located at 20302 Riverside Drive, Newport Beach. It is open Tuesday through Sunday from 11 a.m. - 4 p.m., excluding major holidays. They look forward to seeing you soon and thank you for your interest in their wonderful furry guests. Call 949.644.3656. Email Valerie Schomburg at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

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

Farm to Fork: A Foodie’s Point of View

By LANA JOHNSON

Easter Brunch and more…enjoy the “hunt” for Springtime fare and some surprises, too!

Easter Sunday is April 21, and there’s still time to book your culinary adventure. Here’s a round-up of Newport Beach restaurants offering Easter dining, with a mélange of creative, fresh ingredients on the menu to savor with friends and family. Make your reservations now to secure seating. Some venues offer special happenings for the youngsters.

–Bayside’s Champagne Brunch on Sunday, April 21 with a three-course prix-fixe menu with bottomless Champagne and mimosas. Cost: $52 per person. There is also a three-course children’s menu for kids 12 years of age and younger. Cost: $22. 900 Bayside Drive, Newport Beach. For reservations, call 949.721.1222. www.baysiderestaurant.com

–Canaletto’s on Sunday, April 21 will be offering its regular menu in addition to multiple special dishes. Reservations available by calling 949.640.0900. 545 Newport Center Drive, Newport Beach.

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Submitted photo

Confectionery fun at the Fashion Island Hotel Easter Brunch Buffet

–Fashion Island Hotel Ballroom’s colorful Easter Buffet on Sunday, April 21 with seatings at 10:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. The Egg-cellent Bar offers omelettes made to order, scrambled eggs, Applewood smoked bacon, breakfast sausages, potatoes and classic brioche French toast. In addition, there are the Bagel Bar, Cheese Bar and a Kabob Bar. There will be a Seafood on Ice display and Sweets by Pastry Chef Andy de la Cruz. A selection of kid-friendly sweet and savory favorites will be available. Youngsters will stay busy with face painting, entertainment, an egg hunt on the outdoor lawn and photos with the Easter Bunny. Cost: $90 for adults, includes bottomless mimosas; $20 for kids ages five to 12 (kids four and under free), excluding tax and gratuity, Reservations available by calling 949.760.4913. 690 Newport Center Drive, Newport Beach. www.FashionIslandHotel.com

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Submitted photo

Roasted Jidori chicken is on the Easter dinner menu at Five Crowns

–Five Crowns for Brunch and Dinner on Sunday, April 21. Easter brunch is from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. and Easter dinner is served from 4-8 p.m. Indulge in a special three-course menu highlighting classic favorites and seasonal specials courtesy of Executive Chef Alejandra Padilla. Cost: Brunch: $26 - $102; Dinner: $38 - $102. Beverages, tax and tip are additional. 3801 E. Coast Highway, Corona del Mar. Call 949.760.0331 for reservations. www.lawrysonline.com

–Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar on Sunday, April 21 will serve a three-course brunch from 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. with kid-friendly entrée choices, too. Cost: Adults, $32-48; Children, 12 years of age and younger are $16. 455 Newport Center Drive, Newport Beach. Early reservations recommended. Call 949.720.9633. www.flemingsteakhouse.com

–Hornblower Cruise on Newport Harbor is awaiting those who enjoy the sweeter things in life. On Sunday, April 21, take Easter brunch up a notch with free-flowing Champagne, live entertainment and even a visit from the Easter Bunny himself.
Morning: Boards 10 a.m.; Cruises 10:30 a.m.-12 p.m. | Afternoon: Boards 2:30 p.m.; Cruises 3-5 p.m. Cost: $78pp. Celebrate Easter on the dinner cruise, where you’ll be greeted with a boarding glass of Champagne. Enjoy a lavish four-course seated dinner and an evening of live DJ entertainment. Even the Easter Bunny will be there for a photo opportunity. Boards 5:30 p.m.; Cruises 6-9 p.m. Cost: $99pp. Reservations are required. 2431 W. Coast Highway, Newport Beach. Call 949.646.2469. www.hornblower.com

–Newport Dunes Easter Weekend on the Beach, April 20-21. The beach at Newport Dunes is hopping with free activities all weekend long. On Saturday, activities include an Easter egg hunt, ducky dive, egg decorating/cotton candy & selfies with the Easter Bunny, potato sack races, an ice cream & bunny craft party and movies on the each. On Sunday, a sunrise service takes place from 7-9 a.m. with Easter brunch at Back Bay Bistro from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. (reservations required). Parking onsite is $10. For a complete schedule of events, visit www.newportdunes.com/event/easter-weekend/. Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort is located at 1131 Back Bay Drive, Newport Beach.

 –Oak Grill at the Fashion Island Hotel on Sunday, April 21, Oak Grill’s Executive Chef Brittany Valles has baskets packed with delicious Easter brunch dishes planned for guest enjoyment and holiday celebrating. On the Fireside Patio you’ll find live-action stations filled with traditional brunch favorites. The Cold Station features fruits, granola parfaits, assorted pastries, cheese and charcuterie platters, smoked salmon and spring vegetable salad, and an Omelette Station serving up scrambled eggs, crab cake benedict, smoked bacon, sausages and breakfast potatoes. There’s also a Pancake Bar with lots of add-ons as well as waffles with fried chicken. Everyone’s favorite sushi will be available and, for hearty appetites, the Carving Station will be serving Rack of Lamb, Herb Roasted Beef Tenderloin, Salmon Wellington and Grilled Chicken. Pastry Chef Andy de la Cruz will be whipping up desserts to satisfy every sweet tooth. Bottomless mimosas with Moët & Chandon, Bloody Mary’s with Ketel One and Don Julio margaritas will be poured to add to the holiday spirit. Cost: Adults: $190; Children ages 5 - 12, $29. Youngsters four years of age and under are free. Pricing excludes tax and gratuity. 690 Newport Center Drive, Newport Beach. Call 949.760.4920 for reservations or visit OpenTable.com. www.FashionIslandHotel.com

–Provenance with some bubbly when Chef Cathy Pavlos has taken her incredible garden to table Sunday brunch and transformed it for Easter Sunday, April 21 from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. for a prix-fixe Champagne brunch. Guests can look forward to a four-course menu including an amuse of their Provenance herbed yogurt iscuits with house honey butter. For the main course, choose between one of six brunch favorites, and make sure you save room for sweets, with a selection of Euro pastries. Meals for guests 12 and under are available, priced at $25.50. Complimentary glass of Champagne. Cost: $52.50 per person. Reservations are required and can be made by calling 949.718.0477. View the full Easter menu at www.provenanceoc.com/menu. 2531 Eastbluff Drive, Newport Beach.

–Sol Mexican Cocina where Easter brunch and live entertainment come together from 12-3 p.m. on Sunday, April 21. Enjoy mimosas, brunch cocktails and memorable huevos rancheros. Call 949.675.9800 for pricing and to make a reservation, or visit www.solcocina.com.

–The Bungalow and Easter Brunch is offering their Champagne brunch on Sunday, April 21 from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Start off with a basket of freshly baked assorted muffins and your choice of juice or coffee. Among the first course selections: lobster bisque, heirloom tomato salad, Bungalow salad or fresh fruit cup. Among the entrée selections are eggs benedict your way, grilled lime chicken salad, California chicken breast, grilled king salmon, grilled vegetable tart, or mixed berry waffle. For an additional $7, you can enjoy roasted prime rib of beef or New York strip & eggs. Cost: Adults, $30 for two courses. Bottomless mimosas or Bloody Marys for an additional $10 per guest. There is a menu for children under the age of 11 for $15. 2441 E. Coast Highway, Corona del Mar. Call 949.673.6585 for reservations. www.TheBungalowRestaurant.com

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Courtesy of Pelican Hill Resort

Youngsters delight in the Easter egg hunt and a visit from the Easter Bunny at Pelican Hill Resort, with panoramic Pacific Ocean vistas

–The Resort at Pelican Hill is offering myriad dining choices from brunch to dinner and a featured lounge menu in Sunday, April 21. The Easter egg hunt is open to locals and resort guests who enjoy Easter dining on the property. 22701 Pelican Hill Road South, Newport Coast. For reservations, call 877.563.5102. www.pelicanhill.com

Traditional Easter Brunch in Mar Vista’s Grand Ballroom from 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. Let the little ones partake in the Easter egg hunt, then visit with the Easter Bunny! Executive Chef Jean-Pierre Dubray presents traditional brunch favorites, accented with California and Tuscan flavors. Easter egg hunts begin at 9:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. Cost: Adults: $132; Children, ages 5 - 12, $60; Complimentary for children under age 5. Prices exclude tax and service charge. 

Easter at Andrea Ristorante presents a traditional Easter feast with a prix fixe tasting menu from Chef Simons. Enjoy his award-winning Northern Italian cuisine, along with fine wines from regions throughout Italy. Bring the whole family, and join in for a three-course lunch or a four-course dinner. Lunch: 12–3 p.m. for $95 per adult and $50 per child under 12; Dinner from 5-10 p.m. for $130 per adult and $65 per child under 12. Pricing excludes tax and service charge.

Easter at Coliseum Pool & Grill  from 7 a.m.-10 p.m. Chef Diego creates an extraordinary brunch buffet. All of your favorites will be on display for brunch from 7 a.m.-2 p.m., and then they’ll feature à la carte Easter dinner specials into the night.

Cost: $68 per adult and $30 per child ages 5-12 for breakfast buffet and complimentary for children under age 5. Pricing excludes tax and service charge.

Easter at Pelican Grill. Chef Marc always has a few tricks up his sleeve, and he’s creating a special selection of á la carte dishes for Easter at Pelican Grill from 10:30 a.m.-10 p.m., for Easter specials and a featured lounge menu. 

–The Winery Restaurant & Wine Bar on Mariner’s Mile with views of the harbor, will be hosting a very special brunch on Sunday, April 21 from 10:30 a.m.-2 p.m. They will be featuring a special spring-inspired three-course menu, courtesy of Executive Chef Yvon Goetz with dishes that are sure to satisfy. Partake in endless mimosas to make your day even more special. Cost: $48.95 per guest, excludes tax and gratuity. To make your reservation, call 949.999.6622. View the menu at www.thewinerynewport.com.

–True Food Kitchen Easter Brunch Chef’s Feature showcases strawberry quinoa pancakes made with organic strawberries and lemon coconut whipped cream ($12) served alongside the regular brunch menu on Sunday, April 21. 451 Newport Center Drive, Newport Beach. Call 949.644.2400 for reservations.

–Waterline Newport Beach at the Balboa Bay Resort where you can create your own perfect three-course brunch with a wide variety of delicious options of sweet and savory favorites from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. on Sunday, April 21. Enjoy classic brunch favorites like lemon ricotta pancakes and dark chocolate waffles, or try something new like the roast leg of lamb and burrata crostini. Call 949.630.4145 for reservations. 1221 W. Coast Highway, Newport Beach. www.balboabayresort.com

Happy Easter

Ciao Vincenza!

Decision on JWA’s General Aviation plans delayed until May

Orange County Supervisors and the Airport Commission have agreed to delay a decision on the General Aviation alternatives proposed for John Wayne Airport until next month.

The delay centers around the recent release of an environmental review. The ER, which was released initially on April 9, failed to include a health risk analysis that didn’t get released until this past Monday, April 15.

Concern over giving related parties enough time to review was the cause for the delay.

The commission will now address the matter on Wednesday, May 1, while the supervisors will discuss it at their next meeting on Tuesday, May 7.

Newport Beach residents and leaders are pushing for Alternative Plan #3, which would update the airport’s General Aviation facilities with potentially no increases in traffic. However, other alternatives are also on the table being considered that could have dramatic increases on flights over Newport Beach.

City leaders are encouraging residents to attend the upcoming meetings.

Fair Game

By TOM JOHNSON

Balboa Bay Resort offers up a touch of Vegas

Las Vegas came to Newport Beach Wednesday, or at least that was the attempt. The Balboa Bay Resort brought in a Vegas-styled event starring the Edwards Twins, who bill themselves as offering “The Best Impersonations of all of the Biggest Stars.” 

Eddie and Andrew Edwards didn’t disappoint, bringing to life Bette Midler, Billy Joel, Sonny and Cher, Kermit the Frog, Andrea Bocelli and Barbra Streisand. The mak-up and costuming, voices and mannerisms were nearly perfect. 

It was fun.

I particularly liked Sonny and Cher. First off, Anthony portrayed Sonny with the classic hairdo, teethy smile and goofy mannerisms toward Cher. Eddie, who actually performed Cher for five years in Las Vegas at the “La Cage aux Follies,” likewise, did a great Cher, not only in voice, but with her biting barbs back to Sonny.

Andrew also delighted the audience by performing a melody of some favorites, out of costume, including Rod Stewart, Englebert Humperdinck, Ray Charles, Tony Bennett, John Fogarty, Elvis, Joe Cocker AND Jennifer Warren, in a duet, Stevie Wonder, Roy Orbison, Tom Jones, Neil Diamond and Tina Turner.

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Photos by Ann Chatillon

Eddie Edwards as Barbra Streisand

Tina brought the room alive with clapping and Diamond with his “so good, so good, so good” melody.

It should be noted that if you haven’t heard of the Edwards Twins, you’re not from the East Coast, where they’re big. The brothers were born in Burbank and set off on individual careers. These days they perform up-and-down the East Coast.

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Andrew Edwards as Elvis

As the twins say, every show is different because they continually roll a multitude of celebrities in-and-out of their performances.

For the BBR, it appeared to be a trial attempt to maybe reconnect with the old days of a Hollywood feel.

I’m told that other similar acts may be on the horizon and open to the public.

We’ll keep you posted.

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(L-R) Natalie Pickup, Lisa Hallaian, Nancy Gree with Mark and Michelle Larson

• • •

I hope you’ll enjoy this Easter Weekend with family. It’s a nice time for Christians worldwide to give thanks to Jesus Christ for his sacrifice and crucifixion on the cross and his resurrection from the dead, offering us all hope for eternal life.

Easter is also linked to the Jewish Passover, which celebrates their liberation from slavery in ancient Egypt.

• • •

Tomorrow is Earth Day. If you want to be a part of the festivities, here are a couple of suggestions.

First off, Earth Day at Crystal Cove State Park, which runs from 9 a.m.-12 p.m. Projects include weeding, trimming, sanding and painting signs, waxing lifeguard towers, installing trash can lids, repairing wood rails and beach cleanup. Bring work gloves, water, sunscreen, a hat and lunch. After a morning of hard work, enjoy your lunch at one of the park’s picnic areas or on the beautiful beach. Meet at the Los Trancos lot. Day use fee is waived for volunteers.

Next, the 29th Annual Earth Day at Upper Newport Bay. “Enjoy environmental exhibits and live entertainment by Danny Maika, an (egg)cellent scavenger hunt for all ages, and science discovery & craft booths. Free admission. Bring some money for the opportunity drawing featuring great prizes from local merchants, and food will be available for purchase from local food trucks. Guests are encouraged to bring a bag of small, clean, hard plastic items (bottle caps, toy pieces, old pens and markers, etc.) from home so that you can help the Child Creativity Lab make an amazing creation and keep these plastics out of our Bay and ocean.”

So, one is work, one is fun. Your choice!

• • •

On a personal note, the Johnson family is very excited about the expected arrival of the second grandchild in the next few days. Here’s what we know. It’s a boy, our first grandson, and he’ll be named after his dad, Curt Dell III. So, I’m thinking his nickname will be something like CD4, but we’ll see. 

I can’t wait, I’ll have him out on the driving range sooner rather than later hitting balls. Good times ahead.

One thing is for sure, he won’t possibly be cuter than his older sister, Kate, who is 2 1/2, and my only other grandchild. B-t-w, she’ll also be on the range soon.

Special Event City grants available now

The City of Newport Beach recognizes the social and economic benefits associated with special events. The Special Event Support Program provides financial support to two categories of Newport Beach-based events. 

The first is Community and Charitable events that serve or benefit locally based organizations and causes and/or provide recreational, cultural or social benefits to Newport Beach residents. These are for Newport Beach-based organizations and events that serve the Newport Beach community specifically, and those that pay or incur City of Newport Beach fees. 

The second group are signature events, those large-scale events, based in Newport Beach, that promote Newport Beach regionally, attract visitors and provide measurable, economic benefits to the City. The signature events must demonstrate the following: the event does or can attract visitors from throughout Southern California (Los Angeles, San Diego, Riverside and San Bernardino) and ideally, the Southwestern United States; it must have at least 3,000 participants; the event organizers have a strategic, measurable marketing plan and can immediately produce the plan and metrics from past years (attach with application); the event organizers must clearly demonstrate how the event will provide substantive and measurable economic benefits to the City by supporting tourism, generating room nights, supporting local business and providing measurable exposure.

The application deadline to be considered for a financial support grant is Thursday, April 25 at 5 p.m.

For more information and to apply, go here.

Walking into the weekend 

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Photo by Diane Katz (Instagram @dlkatzdesigns)

Sand in the toes is in the forecast for this weekend

Take Five: Meet James Gapp, Harbor Day School director of technology, who brought Maker Faires to campus

By AMY SENK

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Photos courtesy of Harbor Day School

James Gapp

The first-ever Maker Faire – an event that celebrates invention and creativity in a family-friendly environment – was held in 2008 in the Bay Area and featured a human-size Mouse Trap game and a solar-powered chariot pulled by an Arnold Schwarzenegger robot. The idea caught on with other faires and mini-faires around the country, and a few years ago, Harbor Day School teacher and technology director James Gapp brought one to the Corona del Mar school. This year’s event will be held from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. on Saturday, April 27 in the gym at the school at 3443 Pacific View Dr. The event is free and open to the public. To attend, RSVP online at www.harborday.org. I caught up with Gapp to discuss the Maker Faire phenomenon. 

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Q: What exactly is a Maker Faire, or a Maker Space Faire?

A: A Maker Faire starts with making, a DIY movement which typically involves building one’s own tech-influenced products. Although this is a broad definition, it embraces the movement of making and building. The innovative technologies available to students and the public further enhance and improve what we can build. At our School Maker Faire, faculty and students alike come up with Maker ideas to share with those in attendance. This ranges from making bracelets and cardboard building to creating water-powered rockets to 3D printing and robotics. Simply put, people share how to make things and others make them. One of the most beautiful elements is that kids build and make with their parents and with other students. It can be a wonderful father/son/mother/daughter activity to take part in together.

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Q: When did you first hear about Maker Faires, and what made you want to bring one to Harbor Day School?

A: I first heard about them about six years ago when I met with some colleagues from private schools in L.A. We meet regularly throughout the year and when the first Raspberry Pi microcomputer came out, it spurred this new revolution in building with technology. I heard the word “Make” batted around, and when we brought it back to Harbor Day it was rather fortuitous in that we had some very interested students in the 8th grade. I soon discovered Make Magazine as I looked for ideas. I found the Maker Faire in there. It couldn’t have been a more exciting time in that it aligned perfectly with my engineering background and was exactly what I used to do with my dad as a kid: Build things out of whatever I could get my hands on. Why bring it to Harbor Day? What kid wouldn’t want to have a place to build things, to be an engineer and harness their creativity – I couldn’t think of a better event.

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Q: What kinds of projects, or stations, will be available for kids this year, and what is usually the most popular? Do students ever help develop the projects that are offered?

A: This year we are fortunate to have the Sage Hill prosthetics group coming down – they use 3D printers to help those that need prosthetics. We also have cardboard crafts, rockets, Scratch programming, bracelet making – it runs the gamut. There are 14 booths this year, and we have five hosted and designed by students. It is amazing. This year more students have come to me to have their own booths – the youngest is in second grade – with parental supervision, of course.

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Q: It almost seems as if Maker Faire activities trick kids into enjoying math and science by offering tasks that are creative and fun. Does it seem to spark an interest in kids they never knew they had before?

A: That certainly is my hope. We would love to have children show up not knowing too much about the event, but walk away with a new passion. Harbor Day already does a great job introducing the students to making, but sometimes the non-school setting helps kids enjoy it even more.

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Q: What is the most memorable moment from the previous Maker Faire event?

A: At the first Maker Faire we ever had, there was a station that was building small sailboats on wheels out of recycled water bottles, straws and a few other parts. In the middle of the busiest time of the Faire, I looked over and saw about 30 of these little things racing down the middle of the floor with kids laughing and chasing them. It came out of nowhere and was priceless to see, but I also saw the excitement in the children’s faces and the joy they received from making something. It was at that point I knew we might have something good.

SOCO Spring Day of Design set for April 27, features Newport Beach designers

Get inspired. Have fun. Make new connections. You will experience this and much more during the SOCO & OC Mix Spring Day of Design, taking place on Saturday, April 27 beginning at 10 a.m. Expect an impressive lineup of workshops and sessions that will introduce new products and collections, explore spring design trends and look ahead to the newest styles and concepts in home design, showcasing top industry professionals.

Among the designers appearing are these professionals from Newport Beach:

Anna-Marie Claassen, Anthology Interiors – Anna-Marie Claassen has had a passion for interior design since she received her first beloved dollhouse at age 9. Her other passions are family and travel; years of sightseeing abroad and a knowledge of designing around and for family life greatly inspire her design aesthetic and sensibility. Her studio is in Corona del Mar. www.anthologyinteriors.com/

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Photos courtesy of SOCO Day of Design

Anna-Marie Claassen, Anthology Interiors

Ashley Clark, Shop Skout – Ashley Clark spearheads Shop Skout on Pacific Coast Highway, specializing in vintage one-of-a-kind pillows and accessories, made from fabrics ranging from recycled denim to African mud cloth. She looks to her favorite color – white – to create high functioning spaces, and loves contrast in her designs. www.shopskout.com/

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Ashley Clark, Shop Skout

Corre Marie Larkin, Corre Marie – Corre Marie Larkin fell into interior design through the design and remodel of her own home. Her passion for interesting, eclectic and one-of-a-kind spaces was born through her travels and time living abroad in London. While there, she would spend weekends trolling through places like Portobello, Spitalfields and Camden markets, and she would make thrice yearly trips to Paris to visit the flea and antique markets there. She also has a vintage rug and home décor warehouse. She resides in Corona del Mar. https://www.corremarie.com/

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Corre Marie Larkin, Corre Marie

Denise Morrison, House of Morrison: Denise Morrison is the founder and principal of the Southern California-based design firm, Denise Morrison Interiors, and the newly launched retail showroom, House of Morrison, in Westcliff. Her trademark design principle is tension: such as a beautiful antique with a modern sofa, a vibrant painting in a cool, minimal living room. It’s this tension and balance between design elements that set the framework for unforgettable design. https://houseofmorrison.com/

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Denise Morrison, House of Morrison

Day of Design Schedule:

10-11 a.m.: Check-in | Breakfast at Pirch 

Welcome! Check-in opens at 10 a.m. and breakfast will be served buffet-style. Be sure to pick up your name badge, tote bag & event program at the check-in table before enjoying breakfast. Breakfast will include fresh fruit with blood-orange honey yogurt & house-made granola, a bagel & lox bar, avocado toast bar, and scratch-made blueberry muffins. Guests will also enjoy a live demonstration on how to build a stunning fruit platter for your next breakfast or brunch, led by Chef Jenny Messing.

11:10-11:50 a.m.: Session 1 at Cisco Home 

Founder and Owner, Cisco Pinedo, will be discussing how Cisco Home is redefining luxury through sustainability and comfort. This raises the more important question: What is the definition of luxury today?

12-12:40 p.m.: Session 2 at Design Within Reach (DWR)

Join in for coffee and mimosas while enjoying an introduction from Studio Lead Darren Carr to DWR’s exclusive Block Island Collection, designed by Jens Risom.

12:45-1:25 p.m.: Lunch and Panel Discussion at Hay

Gather for an unforgettable sit-down lunch and listen to an engaging panel discussion featuring Anna-Marie Claassen (Anthology Interiors), Corre Larkin (Corre Marie) and Ashley Clark (Shop Skout). Moderated by Miki Akil, Kitchen Table Marketing + PR.

1:30-2:10 p.m.: Session 3 at Timothy Oulton

Join Timothy Oulton for a special look into the company’s newest collection – Noble Souls. Designed to transform spaces by reconnecting people to its original ancient makers and natural materials through furniture, fixtures and fittings, attendees will have an opportunity to learn more about the unique collection during a private hands-on demonstration. One of the brand’s ambassadors will show guests how certain products are made, talk about the villages that each product comes from and discuss the inspiration behind each piece. The showroom will also be serving a buffet of cookies, sweet treats and coffee.

2:20-3 p.m.: Session 4 at Brown Jordan

Lisa McDennon, founder of Laguna Beach-based interiors firm, Lisa McDennon Design, will lead an interactive session at Brown Jordan on “Building & Designing the Perfect Outdoor Environment.” Attendees will have an opportunity to create their own personalized “checklist” of what elements to consider when building, designing, or refreshing an outdoor space. McDennon will provide expertise on how best to prep your outdoor space, things to consider when designing small vs. large spaces, tips on investment pieces and fresh ideas to give new life to your outdoor space. Refreshments will also be served.

3:10-4:10 p.m.: Session 5 at Ligne Roset

Join Ligne Roset for a special presentation of their new 2019 collection presented at IMM Germany. Designer Angelicque Pines will introduce the brand’s 2019 collection and highlight its new spring colors during a special exhibition of paintings made especially for Ligne Roset.

3:40-4:10 p.m.: Session 6 at Scavolini

Enjoy a special screening at Scavolini, where guests will get a behind-the-scenes look at the company’s factory in Italy, as well as a walk-through of its many kitchen displays.

Featured Speakers:

–Anna-Marie Claassen, panelist

–Ashley Clark, panelist

–Mase Kazerian, guest speaker

–Corre Larkin, panelist

–Darren Carr, speaker

–Denise Morrison, panelist

–Cisco Pinedo, speaker

–Angelicque Pines, guest speaker

Tickets are $25 and can be purchased online at link here.

Use special Code STUNEWS25 at checkout and receive 25 percent off! The Promo Code expires Monday evening, April 22, so register now.

Spring Day of Design takes place at SOCO + The OC Mix, 3315 Hyland Ave., Costa Mesa. Parking is free.

Lido Marina Village Art Walk this Thursday

On Thursday, April 18, Lido Marina will host Third Thursdays Art Walk from 5-7 p.m., a celebration of the arts. Among the participating artists are Tony Salvo, Laure-Lyne Cooke, Leslie Alsenz and Kathe Choate.

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Artwork by Tony Salvo

Capturing Newport Harbor on canvas by artist Tony Salvo

Make a night of it and experience one of Lido Marina Village’s five waterfront restaurants for a beverage and a bite to eat.

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Artwork by Laure-Lyne Cooke

A portrait of a dog by artist Laure-Lyne Cooke

Lido Marina Village is collaborating with nearby Cannery Village, where the local studios will open their doors to share their passion for art every Third Thursday from 5-7 p.m.

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Courtesy of Lido Marina Village

Stroll the boardwalk, complete with harbor vistas, at Lido Marina Village

NMUSD looking for Human Relations Task Force members

The Newport-Mesa Unified School District’s (NMUSD’s) Human Relations Task Force meeting will be held on Wednesday, April 17 from 6-8 p.m. in the Sanborn Assembly Room at the District’s headquarters on 2985 Bear St., Costa Mesa. 

The District is looking for willing participants to serve on the Task Force. A draft of the Commitment to Participate Form is available here and will be reviewed at the meeting to ensure that participants have a full understanding of member expectations.

Courtesy of NMUSD

NMUSD has partnered with Orange County Human Relations to lead the District’s Human Relations Task Force (HRTF). For updated information, visit the District’s newsfeed at www.nmusd.us.

Questions may be directed to Dr. Kirk Bauermeister, NMUSD executive director of secondary education at 714.424.7516 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Spanish interpretation and childcare will be available.

Hop on over to Seaside Gallery & Goods tomorrow for Wee One Wednesday

On Wednesday, April 17, Seaside Gallery & Goods will be hosting a Wee One Wednesday event in the Pelican Courtyard. Come join Jan Harvey, who will be reading If I Were a Bunny by Jellycat and leading a fun, age-appropriate craft project to coincide with the book.

There will also be a treasure hunt in the courtyard.

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Book reading schedule:

–Toddlers: 11-11:45 a.m.

–Preschool: 1-1:45 p.m.

This event is free of charge.

Seaside Gallery & Goods is located at 124 Tustin Ave., Newport Beach. For more information, visit www.seasidegalleryandgoods.com.

Kids fun coming this Thursday at Lido Village Books

What could be more fun than reading to the kids, live music and crafts? Well, that’s what Little Lido Kids Club has planned for their next event planned for this Thursday, April 18 at 10 a.m.

First off, youngsters will enjoy a cute story about believing in unicorns with the reading of Bethanie Deeney Murguia’s Do You Believe in Unicorns?

Courtesy of Lido Village Books

Next, kids will be offered the opportunity to get crafty by creating their own one-of-a kind unicorn.

They’ll do all of this while being entertained by musician Michael SG.

It all happens at Lido Village Books located in Lido Marina Village at 3434 Via Lido No. 2, Newport Beach.

Parents are asked to RSVP for their kids by 8 p.m. the night before (April 17). Doing so qualifies each attendee to receive one entry for a drawing of the book of the day and a gift card from Lido Village Books, plus one free gift bag from Aesop and two tickets to Pretend City. (Must be present to win.)

So, join the fun. RSVP to https://www.eventbrite.com/e/believe-tickets-57892494008.

Segerstrom Center announces 2019-2010 Music Series

Segerstrom Center for the Arts has announced its annual Jazz, Cabaret and Chamber Music Series for the 2019-2020 season. It’s another musically absorbing year of exceptional and adventurous music performed by some of the world’s top solo artists and musical ensembles, whose work will canvas a range of styles and traditions. 

Jazz Series subscriptions are $394 for the 7 p.m. performances and $356 for the 9 p.m. performances, with rear floor and loft seating at $237 for the 7 and 9 p.m. performances. All performances will be in Samueli Theater’s intimate club-style seating, except for the Lisa Fischer and SFJAZZ Collective performance, which will be in the Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall at 8 p.m. All subscribers will be seated in Orchestra Level. 

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Photo by Mathieu Bitton

Courtesy of scfta.org

Kandace Springs makes her Center debut in Samueli Theater

Cabaret Series subscriptions are $379. These, too, will be in the authentic ambience of a traditional cabaret club in Samueli Theater, with the exception of the one-night-only performance by Patti LuPone in the Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall at 8 p.m. 

Chamber Music Series subscriptions are available at price points of $156, $210, $318 and $414. All performances will take place in Samueli Theater at 8 p.m.

Subscriptions to the 2019-2020 Jazz, Cabaret and Chamber Music series are on sale now. Tickets to individual performances will be available for purchase at a later date. Visit the Center’s website, www.scfta.org for more information. For inquiries about discounts for group ticket discounts, call the Group Services office at 714.755.0236. 

Segerstrom Center for the Arts is located at 600 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa. 

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Courtesy of scfta.org

Clayton Brothers Quintet

2019-2020 Jazz Series Schedule:

–Vijay Iyer Trio: Center Debut on October 5 at 7 and 9 p.m. in Samueli Theater. A MacArthur “Genius” Fellow with a Ph.D. in physics from U.C. Berkeley, Iyer is considered one of today’s most vital young jazz pianists. His trio, at its core, is distinguished by a profound sense of pulse, seemingly effortless unity, and radiating groove with an intoxicating style.

–Lisa Fischer and SFJAZZ Collective: October 25 at 8 p.m. in the Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall.

–Spanish Harlem Orchestra: Salsa Navidad: Center Debut on December 21 at 7 and 9 p.m. in Samueli Theater. Celebrate the winter holidays with the two-time Grammy-winning salsa and Latin jazz band that will make you want to stand up and dance. 

–Kandace Springs: Center Debut on February 22, 2020 at 7 and 9 p.m. in Samueli Theater. Every so often a new singer emerges who assimilates multiple musical touchstones and still sounds remarkably fresh. The Nashville-based singer and pianist counts such stylists as Billie Holiday, Ella Fitzgerald, Nina Simone, Roberta Flack and Norah Jones as her heroes, but mimics none. With her smoky voice and sultry stage presence, Springs is a fresh force to be reckoned with and will undoubtedly leave audiences wanting more.

–Cécile McLorin Salvant & Aaron Diehl Trio: March 28, 2020 at 7 and 9 p.m. in Samueli Theater. The world first learned of the vocal artistry of Salvant when she won the prestigious 2010 Thelonious Monk International Jazz Competition. In just under the span of a decade, she has evolved into a multi-Grammy Award winner with a fearless approach to music that transcends the conventional. While he serves as musical director for Salvant, pianist Aaron Diehl and his trio will also come center stage as one of the preeminent interpreters of the Great American Songbook. 

–Clayton Brothers Quintet: Center Debut on April 18, 2020 at 7 and 9 p.m.
in Samueli Theater. Expect a jubilant joyride through a landscape of shifting tempos and mood from this consummate collection of jazz musicians. Bassist John and saxophonist Jeff Clayton prove conclusively that the brothers continue to share a common musical vision bristling with the kind of musical telepathy that could only come from tuned-in siblings. 

Season ticket prices for the Jazz Series: Front Floor and Loft Seating: $394 Series 1 at 7 p.m. and $356 Series 2 at 9 p.m.; Rear Floor and Loft Seating: $237 Series 1 at 7 p.m. and Series 2 at 9 p.m.

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Photo by Rahav

Courtesy of scfta.org

Two-time Tony and Olivier winner Patty LuPone performs March 28, 2020

2019-2020 Cabaret Series Schedule:

–Betty Buckley: October 17-19 at 7:30 p.m. in Samueli Theater. Buckley is a Tony-winning Broadway, film and television star, but when she takes the cabaret stage, her personal song favorites are undeniably in the hands of a master artist. Without fail, she knows when and where to let it ride, when to pull back or lean in. There are years of love poured into all of her song choices that come simply from a genuine admiration of music and storytelling.

–Laura Benanti: Center Debut on November 14-16 at 7:30 p.m. in Samueli Theater. Fresh from her acclaimed performance as Eliza Doolittle in Lincoln Center’s My Fair Lady, this Tony Award-winning star has also appeared on Broadway in She Loves Me, Into the Woods, and opposite Patti LuPone in Gypsy.

–Annaleigh Ashford: Center Debut on January 23-25, 2020 at 7:30 p.m. in Samueli Theater. Applauded for her sly comic genius and indefatigable pizzazz, Broadway favorite Annaleigh Ashford has thrilled audiences in Sunday in the Park with George, Kinky Boots and You Can’t Take It With You, for which she won a Tony Award. She also earned television fame with a critically acclaimed turn on American Crime Story. For this special engagement, Ashford lends her stunning vocals and deft sense of humor to bring ebullience and warmth to her appearance.

–Patti LuPone: March 28, 2020 at 8 p.m. in the Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall. In this intimate Broadway revue, LuPone takes us on a magical journey from her childhood home, where she sang along with her mother’s albums, to the powerhouse signature tunes of her iconic roles. Known for her dramatic range, the two-time Tony and Olivier winner uses her distinctive humor and storytelling abilities to make lyrics compelling, moving, surprising and amusing in ways never heard before.

–Megan Hilty: Cabaret Series Debut on April 23-25, 2020 at 7:30 p.m. in Samueli Theater. Most recognizable for her portrayal of seasoned triple-threat Ivy Lynn in NBC’s musical drama Smash, Hilty has triumphed on Broadway, too, earning Tony and Drama Desk nominations for her performance in the hilarious comedy, Noises Off.

Season ticket price for the Cabaret Series: $379.

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©Nikolaj Lund

Courtesy of scfta.org

Quartetto di Cremona kicks off the Chamber Music Series on October 24

2019-2020 Chamber Music Schedule:

–Quartetto di Cremona: October 24 at 8 p.m. in Samueli Theater. Cristiano Gualco, violin; Paolo Andreoli, violin; Simone Gramaglia, viola; Giovanni Scaglione, cello. “Absolutely of one voice,” praised Gramophone of this preeminent Italian quartet. With a tribute to fellow countryman, Giuseppe Verdi, the quartet brings the composer’s only surviving chamber music work to Costa Mesa along with a world premiere by Dr. Byron Adams, professor of music at U.C. Riverside. The program concludes with the beloved quartet reputed to be Beethoven’s own favorite from his late period. Program: Adams: Omaggio a Monteverdi, World Premiere; Verdi: Quartet in E minor; Beethoven String Quartet in C-sharp minor, Op. 131, No. 14.

–Brentano String Quartet: December 3 at 8 p.m. in Samueli Theater. Mark Steinberg, violin; Serena Canin, violin; Misha Amory, viola; Nina Lee, cello. Pulitzer Prize-winning poet Wallace Stevens is the inspiration for this multisensory, intimate concert experience. Readings and projections of Stevens’ poetry; the World Premiere commission by Martin Bresnick, Yale professor of composition; as well as Beethoven’s transcendent gift to us all from his final years combine for sublime effect. Program:
Martin Bresnick: String Quartet World premiere; Beethoven: String Quartet in A minor, Op. 132, No. 15.

–Doric String Quartet and Marc-André Hamelin: Center Debut on February 13, 2020 at 8 p.m. in Samueli Theater. Alex Redington, violin; Ying Xue, violin; Hélène Clément, viola; John Myerscough, cello; Marc-André Hamelin, pianist. When the thoughtful virtuosity of pianist Marc-André Hamelin blends with the acclaimed artistry of the Doric String Quartet, a rare alchemy occurs, especially in a program featuring Dvořák’s exuberant masterwork and the premiere of Hamelin’s newly imagined quintet. Sibelius’ quartet promises a profoundly intimate work to round out the program. Program: Hamelin: Piano Quintet (revised version), West Coast Premiere; Sibelius: Quartet in d minor, “Voces intimae” op. 56; Dvořák: Piano Quintet, Op. 81, No. 2.

–Vienna Piano Trio: February 29, 2020 at 8 p.m. in Samueli Theater. David McCarroll, violin; Clemens Hagen, cello; Stefan Mendl, piano. Celebrated for its finesse, exuberance, tonal allure and irresistible panache, the Vienna Piano Trio has been regarded as one of the world’s leading chamber ensembles. “Their performances reach heights of anguished ecstasy, relieved by a joyous abandon,” praised The Washington Post. Program: Haydn: Piano Trio in E minor, XV:12; Ravel: Piano Trio in A minor’; Mendelssohn: Piano Trio No. 2 in C minor, Op. 66.

–Sibelius Piano Trio: Center Debut on April 17, 2020 at 8 p.m. in Samueli Theater. Petteri Iivonen, violin; Juho Pohjonen, piano; Samuli Peltonen, cello. A folk-infused trio by Czech composer Bohuslav Martinu provides a beguiling opening by the Finnish trio, followed by the World Premiere of Ruminations from UCLA Professor David Lefkowitz. Beethoven’s majestic “Archduke” trio will take you on a journey from lyrical beauty to pure elation. Program: Martinu: Bergerettes; Lefkowitz: Ruminations, World Premiere; Beethoven: Piano Trio in B-flat major, Op. 97, No. 7. 

–Emerson String Quartet: May 7, 2020 at 8 p.m. in Samueli Theater. Eugene Drucker, violin; Philip Setzer, violin; Lawrence Dutton, viola; Paul Watkins, cello. “They are not for you, but for a later age!” So wrote Ludwig van Beethoven about his Op. 59 quartets, fondly called the “Razumovsky” quartets after a commission from the Russian Ambassador, Count Andreas Razumovsky. Through time, these quartets from Beethoven’s middle years have become renowned for their depth and ingenuity. Bartók’s fourth quartet complements this evening with a tour de force of fresh sonic effects, expression and powerful rhythms. Program: Beethoven: String Quartet in E minor, Op. 59, No. 2; Bartók: String Quartet No. 4 Beethoven: String Quartet in C major, Op. 59, No. 3.

Season ticket price for the Chamber Music Series: $414 Rows AA-K; $318 Rows L-M; $210 Rows N-R; $156 Rows S-T.

Segerstrom Center for the Arts is located at 600 Town Center Drive,, Costa Mesa.

For more information, visit www.scfta.org.

Applications now being accepted for Community Event Grants

The City of Newport Beach is accepting applications from community nonprofit event organizers seeking financial support for Newport Beach-based events occurring between July 1, 2019 and June 30, 2020. The application deadline is Thursday, April 25 at 5 p.m. 

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Submitted photo

This grant program enables special event organizers to apply for funding to cover some of the costs associated with hosting an event in Newport Beach. This is a competitive process. Submitting an application does not guarantee funding. Applicants should read the information and program overview to gain an understanding of the program’s eligibility, qualification and evaluation criteria and how the grants are funded.

To learn more about the Community Event Grants or to submit an application, visit 

www.newportbeachca.gov/government/departments/recreation-senior-services/grants.

Fair Game

By TOM JOHNSON

City functions, airport issues and a nude resort…it’s just Newport Beach

Get ready for the 46th Annual Newport Boat Show coming to Lido Marina Village April 25-28. The show is estimating some 200 boats will be on display, with many of them in the water allowing attendees the opportunity to board them.

One of the interesting new vessels in the lineup is the Soliner, a solar-powered 100 percent electric and zero noise catamaran. The Soliner is 20 feet in length, “seats a maximum of 10, has a sun-pad on the front, dual ice boxes, a center table with 8 cupholders and a retractable hard-top roof.”

Also on display, courtesy of the Hampton Yacht Group, will be a Hampton 76’ Skylounge Motor Yacht. “She features four Staterooms and five heads and is powered by Caterpillar C18s.”

The price, just in case you’re interested, is just $2,590,000.

• • •

Former city council candidate Tim Stoaks offers up a detailed letter in our Stu News Letters to the Editor today on the General Aviation issues at John Wayne Airport. 

Stoaks takes umbrage with our recent column. 

Just so we’re clear, Stu News supports only alternative #3 which calls for no expansion of current General Aviation facilities and simply updates what is currently there. We couldn’t agree more that Newport Beach has already taken its fair share of air traffic and any expansion is a no go.

• • •

Clark County, home to the city of Las Vegas, is suing a “nude luxury retreat” in town alleging that the owners are running an unlicensed business out of two adjacent homes.

But, here’s where it gets interesting. The owners for the properties say their inspiration came from Sherman Library & Gardens.

Interesting, however, last time we checked there were no nude sunbathers in Sherman Library & Gardens, but we’ll certainly let you know if that changes.

• • •

Congrats to Laura Detweiler and her staff at city hall on a wonderful Mayor’s Egg Roll Day last Sunday at the Civic Center. Detweiler is the director of recreation and senior services for the City of Newport Beach.

The celebration was over the top with bounce houses, face painting, a train, games and more.

I got to experience it firsthand with my grandchild, Kate. She’s 2 1/2 and certainly approved of the festivities with the train rising to the top of her favorites.

Good to see so many families enjoying the fun, including visits from Mayor Pro Tem Will O’Neill and family, our Mayor Diane Dixon and “Duffy” Duffield, to name a few.

B-t-w, grandchild number two arrives this week. It’s a “he,” so we’re all excited about his debut!

• • •

This week in town: Tonight, 5:30 p.m. at the Civic Center is Mingle with the Mayor, featuring guest speaker City Manager Grace Leung. The event is part of the Women in Newport Networking (WiNN) schedule.

Tomorrow night, April 17, at 7 p.m. in the Friends Meeting Room at the Central Library, local author Deborah Gaal will speak. Gaal is an award-winning fiction writer whose most recent novel is The Dream Stitcher. The book is written from a local angle.

Annual CdM Town Hall Meeting on Wednesday

The Corona del Mar Residents Association (CdMRA) and Corona del Mar Business Improvement District (CdM BID) will co-host this year’s Annual Town Meeting on Wednesday, April 17 from 5-7:30 p.m. at Sherman Library & Gardens, 2647 E. Coast Highway, Corona del Mar.

The Town Meeting is a unique forum which brings together Corona del Mar residents, businesses and Newport Beach officials to discuss issues, projects and opportunities which have a direct impact on Corona del Mar. 

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Gathering in the Sherman Library & Gardens courtyard

The very popular Community Social and Expo (5-6 p.m.) starts the event, and includes representatives from the City of Newport Beach and local community organizations who will be on hand to answer questions about a wide range of topics, including code enforcement, crime prevention, emergency planning, Recreation and Seniors’ programs, Public Works projects in business and residential areas, and so much more.

The Speakers’ Program (6-7:30 p.m.) will focus on both residential and business projects and issues. The Business Improvement District (BID) will provide an overview of city updates and projects in and around the business community. CdMRA will feature speakers on topics which include parking impacts caused by residential construction in our neighborhoods, code enforcement, protecting our homes against wild fires, the General Plan Update process and more.

Everyone who lives or operates a business in Corona del Mar is encouraged to attend. An RSVP is not required. Parking is available in the back of Sherman Library & Gardena off Dahlia and Pacific Coast Highway.

For more information, visit www.CdMRA.org and www.CdMVillage.com.

Furnishing Hope hosts art competition sponsored by Congressman Harley Rouda with coffee and croissants open house

By LANA JOHNSON

Furnishing Hope (FH) invites members of the community to view the inaugural 2019 Congressional Art Competition entries in their gallery located in Westcliff Plaza. The Artistic Discovery Congressional Art Competition (open to all students in grades 9-12) is held nationwide every spring to recognize and encourage artistic talent in students around the nation and in each congressional district. Spearheaded by Congressman Harley Rouda, representing CA-48, this is the first time our district is participating.

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Photos by Lana Johnson

Students’ artwork lines a wall in the Furnishing Hope gallery

The artwork that is on display in the gallery, from April 16-19 from 10 a.m.-6 p.m., was created by students attending the following high schools: Newport Harbor, Laguna Beach, Huntington Beach, Edison, Fountain Valley, Aliso Niguel, Westminster, La Quinta, Pacific Coast, Coast, Orange County School of the Arts and Drakain Academy.

Come enjoy coffee and croissants at the gallery this Saturday, April 20 from 10 a.m.-12 p.m. during an open house, to view the student artwork before it is taken down to be judged. The winning artwork of our district’s competition will be displayed for one year in the U.S. Capitol. The exhibit in Washington will include the winning artwork from all participating districts from around the country. The winning artwork will also be featured on House.gov’s Congressional Art Competition page here.

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 “Spring Has Sprung in Newport Beach,” a Newport Harbor High School student’s photography (in the Back Bay) 

Artwork was submitted in the following categories: painting (oils, acrylic or watercolor); drawing (pastels, colored pencil, pencil, charcoal, ink, and marker); collage (two-dimensional); print (lithograph, silkscreen or block); mixed media (use of two or more mediums such as pencil, ink, watercolor); computer-generated art and photography.

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 “Slumber Party,” a Laguna Beach High School student’s mixed media art (colored pencil with digital media) 

On Monday, April 22 at 6 p.m., a District Reception will be held at the Laguna Art Museum. All candidates, art teachers, faculty and families will be invited to an unveiling of artwork from students across the district. During the reception, a panel of judges from the 48th District will select the 1st place, 2nd place and 3rd place winners who will receive prize money. Judges will include: Malcolm Warner, executive director of the Laguna Art Museum; Jeannie Denholm, gallery owner of SCAPE in Corona del Mar and Ed Fosmire, professor of art at Santa Ana College. Please note: The District Reception is not open to the general public.

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 “Blemish,” a Huntington Beach High School student’s computer-generated art

On Monday, June 24, a Washington D.C. Ceremony will take place. The first place winner for our district is invited to attend the ceremony, along with other first place winners representing their respective district throughout the country.

Furnishing Hope’s mission is to provide home furnishings and supplies for families as they transition into independent living, reaching out to our wounded service heroes and women with children. All proceeds from FH Home, their flagship retail store in Newport Beach, go to serve families in need.

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(L-R) Furnishing Hope: Cindy Griesemer, public relations; Robyn Phillips, program director and Beth Phillips, founder and executive director

Furnishing Hope is located in Westcliff Plaza at 1062 Irvine Ave., Newport Beach. To learn more about Furnishing Hope, visitwww.furnishinghope.org.

Check out more photos from Furnishing Hope’s gallery below

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

The Newport Beach Women’s Democratic Club (NBWDC) will hold its monthly meeting tonight, Tuesday, April 16 at the OASIS Senior Center Room No. 1, 801 Narcissus Ave., Corona del Mar.

The meeting features the following guest speakers who will address issues facing the OC homeless population, medical and social services care for the underserved and helping the underserved through promoting government policy changes and personal support: Dave Kiff, Interim CEO Association of California Cities (OC); Susan Parks, CEO United Way, Orange County and Ada Briceño, Chair, Orange County Democratic Party.

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Submitted photos

(L-R) Dave Kiff, Susan Parks and Ada Briceño are among tonight’s featured speakers

In addition, Sandra Boodman, Director, Radiant Health will also be speaking.

Ample and convenient free parking is available. There is a nominal admission fee.

Items donated from Radiant Health’s Wish Lists will be gladly accepted (Family Items at https://bit.ly/2I59k4b and Pantry Items at https://bit.ly/2WTHUl6).

Doors open at 5:30 p.m. for a networking social and light refreshments. The meeting begins at 6 p.m. Seating is limited, so RSVPs are required.

Visit www.NBWDC.org to RSVP and for additional meeting information,

Newport Harbor from above

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Photo by Kevin Pellon (Instagram @socalsnapz)

Socalsnapz.com

Looking at our stunning city from a new angle

That golden morning glow

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Photo Stan Sievers (Instagram @stansievers)

Stansieversphoto.com 

Epic spring beach days at Tower 18

City investigating illegal trail off Buck Gully

On Sunday, March 30, City of Newport Beach (City) officials discovered an unauthorized trail cut into the southern canyon face of Buck Gully Reserve nearest the Poppy Avenue trailhead. The Buck Gully Reserve is owned and managed by the City and consists of more than 300 acres of lush wilderness and serves as home to numerous federally and state protected animals and plants. It is also part of the Natural Community Conservation Plan/Habitat Conservation Plan, which identifies and provides for the regional protection of plants, animals and their habitats.

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Courtesy of City of Newport Beach

The City has taken immediate action to secure the unauthorized trail and initiated an ongoing investigation. Given the protected designation of Buck Gully, multiple authorities have been notified including California Fish and Wildlife, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Natural Communities Coalition, the County of Orange and the California Coastal Commission. The area has been documented using drone footage and photographs, which are being analyzed to assess the damage. Once the investigation is complete, the City will work with each agency to discuss how to proceed with enforcement and restoration of this precious habitat. The community can assist in the City’s efforts by staying out of the unauthorized trail area for their safety and habitat preservation.

To learn more about the Buck Gully Reserve, the rules and regulations of use and how you can help protect this natural resource, visit the City’s website at www.newportbeachca.gov/buckgully.

For more information, contact the City of Newport Beach, Recreation and Senior Services Department at 949.644.3151.

Art Walk this Thursday in Cannery Village

Beginning this Thursday, April 18, Newport Cannery Village is presenting an Art Walk. Visitors will have the opportunity to stroll through the studios of Cannery Village artists. Enjoy the evening with nibbles and refreshments while visiting some 12 studios on a walking tour.

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Artwork by Wendy Johnson

“Shoreline” by artist Wendy Johnson

The event takes place from 5-7 p.m.

The studios included in the walk are Ethos Contemporary Art, Cannery Painters/Marilyn Poliquin, South of France/Wendy Johnson, Carole Akins Gallery, Janet Bludau Fine Art Gallery, Conserve Fine Art, Art and Treasures/Ilona Martin, 503found, G Galerie/Georgia Grogg, Diana Ridenhour Fine Art, Susan Nelson and Anthony Salvo Fine Art.

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Additional area walks are scheduled for May 16, June 20 and July 18.

For more information, call 949.283.7070 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. You can also check out their website at www.CanneryVillageArt.com.

Strange things are afoot at Newport Beach post offices

By AMY SENK

Earlier this spring, customers at Corona del Mar and Newport Beach post offices noticed signs announcing changes in lobby access after hours. “Due to recent theft and security concerns, our PO Box Lobby Hours will be reduced,” they said. No more 24-hour access, but rather 9-5 weekday hours, and 9-3 on Saturdays. The post office will be closed entirely on Sundays. Everyone with a box also received a notice with a few more details, including that there were “several incidents” of vandalism and mail theft, and that while locked lobbies were an inconvenience, security was the priority.

The details are difficult to pinpoint officially, but the anecdotes abound. At the CdM branch on Orchid Avenue, several boxes were pried open and at least four people later reported attempts to use their identity to buy a car or obtain credit cards. On the Nextdoor social media site, residents described similar incidents at the Camelback post office.

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Photo by Amy Senk

“Thieves pried open or drilled out the lock cylinders of several boxes and stole all the mail,” one person wrote. “Moreover, because it was the first of the month, our credit card bills, bank and investment statements, vendor invoices and two dozen customer checks got stolen as well, which created a huge hassle for everyone. Worst of all, I have already received letters from three different banks declining new applications for credit cards in my name from someone who has stolen my identity. I have frozen our accounts with the credit bureaus and I now wait each day for a new letter to arrive informing me about another new attempt to steal my identity.”

Others reported that the post office lobbies had become places for homeless people to sleep at night. In CdM, there were reports of someone defecating on the lobby floor.

The Newport Beach Police said they ahad no reports of incidents in CdM, and they said a postal inspector would be the person to comment on the situation. The postal inspector promised to look into it for Stu News, but she said she would have no comment on an ongoing investigation.

At least one victim said he hasn’t been able to learn much, either. Newport Beach police said it was a federal matter, and after making a report with the post office, he’s been able to get no information. Since then, he said, there’s been a fourth attempt to open credit in his name.

“The Postal Inspector’s office appears to act like some sort of secret agency that answers to no one and does its work behind the scenes, without involving branch managers or supervisors,” he said. “All in all, a pretty frustrating experience.”

Postal employees said CdM’s lobby used to have a security keypad, which box owners could use, punching in a code to gain access. But someone complained when they were locked in (briefly), so a former postmaster removed that keypad, and now it can’t be replaced. We will update when and if we get details from the postal inspector.

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Meanwhile, the Corona del Mar Annual Town Meeting – a free public event featuring refreshments, a chance to meet city leaders and gather information on local organizations and hear speakers – will take place from 5-7 p.m. Wednesday at Sherman Library & Gardens at 2647 E. Coast Highway. The Community Expo will run from 5-6, with booths and representatives from city departments including the library, arts, public works, recreation, fire, police and community development, as well as SPON, the Newport Beach Film Festival and more.

Following the expo, there will be speakers representing the Business Improvement District discussing the CdM dolphins and parking updates, and a CdM Residents Association portion featuring City Councilmember Joy Brenner, the new fire marshal, code enforcement updates and more. There also will be opportunity drawings. 

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Amy Senk has lived in Corona del Mar for 20 years and was publisher of Corona del Mar Today, an online newspaper that ran daily for seven years. Senk, a graduate of the University of Missouri School of Journalism, is involved in the Corona del Mar Residents Association and the Corona del Mar High School PTA. She and her husband have two children.

Newport Mesa Irvine Interfaith Council announces National Day of Prayer Breakfast

Newport Mesa Irvine Interfaith Council (NMIIC) is holding a National Day of Prayer Breakfast on Thursday, May 2 beginning at 7 a.m.

Themed “Religious Freedom, Tolerance & Our Response,” the morning will feature speaker Alison Edwards, CEO, OC Human Relations Commission.

Courtesy of NMIIC

Alison Edwards is the featured breakfast speaker

The event takes place at the Church of Jesus-Christ of Latter Day Saints in Newport Beach.

Tickets are $20 per person or $150 for a table of eight with reservations by Sunday, April 28, via check or online at www.NMIinterfaithcouncil.org. Tickets at the door are $25.

Church of Jesus-Christ of Latter Day Saints is located at 2150 Bonita Canyon, Newport Beach.

Registration closed, new sponsors announced for the N2E

The countdown to the 72nd annual Newport to Ensenada Yacht International Race (N2E) is officially on. Registration is now closed and official sailing instructions are now posted for the nearly 200 racers.

For the Newport Ocean Racing Association (NOSA), proud hosts of this epic sailboat competition, N2E is more than a race. In addition to being an iconic sailing event that’s a must for thousands of racers near and far, and is synonymous with the best of Southern California’s yachting community, the event has a widespread and positive economic impact for both its host cities.

So it’s exciting this year to welcome new sponsors from both sides of the border: Newport Beach-based Novamar Insurance, GrinGo App and Ensenada My Soulmate, three companies that help make it easy to race and maximize comfort and fun while exploring Mexico.

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Photo by Tom Walker

Courtesy of NOSA

Yachts line up readying for the N2E race 

Novamar is a marine insurance company that provides online Mexico insurance. GrinGo App offers services and traveler resources, so visitors can make the most of opportunities to explore all that Mexico has to offer, while Ensenada My Soulmate is the ultimate guide to the host city.

NOSA is again grateful for its seven-year relationship with Hotel Coral and Marina and the Ensenada support team led by electronics’ manufacturer B&G, Santo Tomas Winery, and of course, CANACO and the Proturismo Board.

“NOSA is pleased that our sponsors have offered our racers so much diversity in product choices,” said Mary Bacon, NOSA’s vice commodore. “We are so looking forward to our 72nd year of epic racing!”

Locally, N2E’s support system includes Ullman Sails, who will again be donating sails to Ensenada’s junior sailors via Sempra, and for a third year, the crew of Jazz has donated a week-long Caribbean cruise with Sail Windjammer to be auctioned during the after-race fiesta with proceeds going to the CAEPA, the school for autistic children.

As always, the City of Newport Beach and the Boating and Waterways department of California Parks have been quite generous in their ongoing support of NOSA, as have the Marriott Hotel that will accommodate dignitaries from Ensenada who arrive prior to the race to help NOSA celebrate the start and recognize all those who make the race happen, from the board to the multitude of volunteers.

Racing starts off the Balboa Pier, Friday, April 26 from 11 a.m.-12 p.m.

Additional race and event information, including the official Notice of Race and everything a sailor needs to register before midnight Thursday, April 11, can be found at www.nosa.org, so tack over now.

On the Harbor: April – from the Baldwin Cup to N2E

By LEN BOSE

Have you started feeling the warmth in the air and the blend of the cool sea breeze? It’s still light out at 7:30 p.m. and summer sailing will be just around the corner. Make sure you keep one hand on your tiller extension, because there has been a lot going on in the harbor this month with much more to come.

April brings in two of our harbor’s biggest events of the season with the Baldwin Cup and the Ensenada Race. Two different animals – so let’s start off with what happened at this year’s Baldwin Cup hosted by the Newport Harbor Yacht Club.

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Courtesy of Newport Harbor Yacht Club

Boats lined up for the Baldwin Cup, hosted by the Newport Harbor Yacht Club

For those of you, like me, that don’t understand what team racing is after spending a dollar on cold beverages and losing your concentration on the race in front of you, I defer to the NHYC website for its definition: “Team racing, like most traditional team sports, involves strategy, advanced skill, and teamwork. However, unlike other fleet racing, team racing pits a team of four against another team of four boats. This added dimension forces players to have tremendous boat-handling ability and quick reactions.

The key to watching these races and understanding if your team is winning the race is counting the place of each of your team’s boats and if that number is less than 18, your team is winning the race. This is why you will see leading boats turn around and try to slow down the opposing team’s boats making an effort to have their teammate pass an opponent.”

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Photo by Len Bose

I have written this before...the excitement level is increased tremendously while attending this event with your friends and informing the umpires of their bad calls. Yes, team racing has umpires on the water similar to an umpire on the baseball field. With 25-cent cold beverages, quite often you will hear from the gallery, “Come on, ump! Make a call!” This year reported spectator attendance was more than 300 sailing fanatics and the new clubhouse intensified the atmosphere...1,000 percent.

What I enjoy the most is just hanging out with friends trying to keep my attention on the races, while saying hello to the competitors and showing how cool you are to all your friends, who you have been drinking 25-cent beverages with all day, because you know some of the best sailors in the world. I think Newport Harbor Yacht Club won again, and yes, I Uber’d from the event on Saturday and stayed away from the NHYC’s famous Mai-Tais.

The Ensenada Race starts April 26 and the entry list is quickly approaching 200 boats. Now, we just have to hope that all this wind this week returns to the race course for the start of the race. Boats that I will be keeping my eye on are the Reynolds family’s “Team Bolt” NM 68 that just arrived in town. The real giant killer will be Ray Booth’s C&C 35 “Altheris”; he has been working on her over the last couple of years and his efforts might just get him the overall. John Raymount’s Andrews 40 “Fast Exit” found another gear in this year’s Cabo Race and I have to assume his Trans Pac crew will want more of those pickle dishes. Dave Clark’s Santa Cruz 70 “Grand Illusion” will be sailing with some of the NHYC best, and will be a team that will be looking for a podium finish. Roy Disney’s Andrews 70 “Pyewacket” is always the boat to beat if you want the overall. Rumor has it, there will be a new “Pyewacket” on the race course by Trans Pac. Then there’s Clark Team’s TP 52 “Vesper,” that will be able to handle the wishes for a big breeze. “Horizon” will not be sailing in this year’s race, so I have signed on with Jim Devling’s Rogers 46 “Carbon Footprint,” that can pull a rabbit out of the hat at any time. Should you wish us luck, it will not surprise me to carry some of that heavy hardware home from Ensenada.

Don’t forget that on May 4 and 5,  the Balboa Angling Club will be hosting the 56th annual Lily Call Bay Tournament. This event is limited to the first 75 anglers to sign up, and I have already seen some of our harbor’s best testing out their favorite spots. This is grueling stuff, with most of the anglers putting in 36 straight hours, rain or shine, on the harbor going after the Grand Slam, and we are not talking Denny’s here. We are talking the largest total weight of all four species Croaker, Corbina, Halibut and Bass caught on 4# test line max. Tight lines everyone!

Sea ya!

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

Stu News Newport.

Alzheimer’s Orange County raises $440,000 at gala

On Saturday, March 23, nearly 350 people, including the owners of Newport Beach-based Lugano Diamonds & Jewelry, gathered at the Marriott Irvine Spectrum hotel to dine, dance and donate funds to support the work of Alzheimer’s Orange County (AlzOC), a local nonprofit organization that provides services and support to individuals living with dementia and their family and loved ones. Through ticket sales, sponsorships, live and silent auctions, and fund-a-need donations, the event raised a total of $440,000.

The 20th annual gala, themed “100 Percent Local” and produced by Elite OC Productions, celebrated the organization’s long-rooted history in the community and highlighted a key fundraising aspect of the event: That 100 percent of the funds raised stay local, to fund programs and services and support for local families battling Alzheimer’s and dementia. 

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Submitted photo

 (L-R) Burton Young, Stuart Winston, Idit Feder and Moti Feder, founder and president/CEO of Lugano Diamonds & Jewelry, Newport Beach

The event started with a cocktail hour outside in the courtyard, where bar sponsor PAU Maui Vodka, playing off the “100 Percent Local” theme, served mixed drinks using freshly squeezed orange juice from locally grown oranges. Guests mingled while perusing silent auction items and sampling different spirits at an on-site whiskey tasting.

Guests were then invited into the ballroom just steps away, and seated at tables transformed into a rustic-chic farm setting, adorned with bright ranunculus and roses and towering orange trees as centerpieces. A group of young performers from the South County Performing Arts Center dazzled the crowd with singing and dancing numbers featuring popular Disney songs and favorite old-school hits. 

Throughout the program, AlzOC honored five individuals and/or institutions who have demonstrated ardent support and commitment to the organization throughout the years, including:

–Community Partner Honoree: Segerstrom Center for the Arts

–Philanthropy Partner Honoree: Judy Binder

–Volunteer Partner Honoree: Lawrence Hartley

–Corporate Partner Honoree: Monarch HealthCare

–Legacy Partner Honoree: Lew Webb (1934-2017)

The “fund-a-need” asks ignited with a $10,000 commitment from Charles Antis, founder and CEO of Antis Roofing and Waterproofing. During the live auction, highly coveted prize packages included Elton John’s Final Show experience, a Disneyland family vacation bundle, among the offerings.

The gala was chaired by Lia Iacocca Assad, Leriza Panem-Bacchus, Catherine Beaumont, Maria Dumatol, Jacqueline DuPont-Carlson, Ph.D., Alison Hahn, Nelly Harris, Diane Mondini, Debi Pavlik, Alaina Stamos and Mary Phillips. Lead sponsors included Lia and Victor Assad/The Iacocca Family Foundation and the Pavlik Family.

Alzheimer’s Orange County provides programs and services, many free of charge, to Orange County residents with Alzheimer’s and related dementia disorders, their families, caregivers and the community. Alzheimer’s Orange County began as an independent 501c3 nonprofit in 1982, became a chapter of a national association in 1984, and in December 2015, became an independent nonprofit again with all fundraising going toward care, support and research in Orange County, Calif. Alzheimer’s is a devastating neurodegenerative illness that weakens the memory and other cognitive and emotional functions.

For more information, visit www.alzoc.org.

Classic guitar and percussion duo featured at Sunday Musicale, May 19

On Sunday, May 19 from 3-4 p.m., Sunday Musicale features an eclectic and exciting program of rhythms and melodies performed by guitarist/composer Almer Imamovic and percussionist Till Richter.

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Photos courtesy of NBPL

(L-R) Guitarist/composer Almer Imamovic and percussionist Till Richter

This duo will take you on a musical journey from Spain to the Balkans with original compositions, arrangements of folk songs and their spin on tunes from the jazz, rock and classical genres.

Sunday Musicale, presented by the Friends of the Newport Beach Library, takes place at Central Library’s Friends Meeting Room, located at 1000 Avocado Ave., Newport Beach.

Independent Bookstore Day is Saturday, April 27

Bookworms unite! Celebrate at Lido Village Books, with an exclusive day of merchandise created especially for Independent Bookstore Day by major publishers and authors on Saturday, April 27.

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Courtesy of lidomarinavillage.com

Join Lido Village Books for a 10 percent discount on all books, morning pastries and coffee (while supplies last), a children’s book review contest and giveaways with purchase (while they last).

Come support your local independent bookstore.

Celebrate spring on the Lido Deck

On Saturday, April 13, bring the family for some fun at Lido Deck from 11 a.m.-2 p.m., during a special spring celebration.

Enjoy Kasey Blue Kids’ Spring Pop-Up, a custom French Buckets flower bouquet creation station and Dolly’s cotton candy cart. There will also be balloons for the little ones.

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Courtesy of Lido Marina Village

Be sure to hop from store to store to discover spring treats throughout the day.

Lido Marina Village is located at 3434 Via Lido, Newport Beach. There is plenty of parking in the structure.