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Hoag, again, named Orange County’s Best Hospital along with other top honors 

For the fifth consecutive year, U.S. News & World Report’s 2021-2022 Best Hospitals Rankings named Hoag Memorial Hospital Presbyterian the highest ranked hospital in Orange County, the fourth-best hospital in the Los Angeles metro area and ninth best in California. The rankings also included national rankings in five specialty areas and recognition for Hoag’s high performance in all 17 specialty procedures and conditions.

After an unprecedented year through the COVID-19 pandemic, the annual Best Hospital rankings and ratings serve as an important resource to assist patients and their doctors in making informed decisions about where to receive care for challenging health conditions and common elective procedures.

Hoag again Braithwaite

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Photos courtesy of Hoag Hospital

Robert T. Braithwaite, Hoag president and CEO

“Receiving this prestigious national designation is a huge honor, especially as we reflect upon the quality care we have been able to provide throughout this past year. We are so grateful for the dedication of our employees, medical staff, volunteers and our board, who demonstrate the compassion and courage to provide unsurpassed personalized care,” said Robert T. Braithwaite, Hoag president and CEO. “This recognition is a tribute to Hoag’s commitment to delivering the highest quality, patient-centered care to the Orange County community – no matter what challenges we may be facing together.”

Hoag’s 2021-2022 rankings included national recognition for specialty services, including:

–#22 in Diabetes & Endocrinology

–#27 in Orthopedics

–#32 in Pulmonology & Lung Surgery

–#44 in Gastroenterology & GI Surgery

–#50 in Geriatrics

–High Performing in Cancer

–High Performing in Neurology & Neurosurgery

Additional rankings included high performing in all 17 common adult procedures and conditions, including Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Repair, Aortic Valve Surgery, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), Colon Cancer Surgery, Diabetes, Heart Attack, Heart Bypass Surgery, Heart Failure, Hip Fracture, Hip Replacement, Kidney Failure, Knee Replacement, Lung Cancer Surgery, Pneumonia, Stroke and Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR).

Hoag again Hoag Hospital

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Hoag Hospital Newport Beach

“At Hoag, our culture of innovation inspires our physician leaders to continually seek the most advanced treatments, state-of-the-art technologies and access to clinical trials for our patients. This forward-thinking vision is why Hoag has remained the highest ranked hospital in Orange County,” Braithwaite said. 

The U.S. News Best Hospitals methodologies in most areas of care are based largely on objective measures such as risk-adjusted survival and discharge-to-home rates, volume and quality of nursing, among other care-related indicators. To view the full rankings of U.S. News & World Report, visit Best Hospitals

Hoag is a nonprofit, regional health care delivery network that treats more than 30,000 inpatients and 480,000 outpatients annually. Hoag consists of two acute care hospitals – Hoag Hospital Newport Beach, which opened in 1952, and Hoag Hospital Irvine, which opened in 2010 – in addition to nine health centers and 14 urgent care centers. 

Hoag has invested $261 million in programs and services to support the underserved community within the past five years, including areas like mental health, homelessness, transportation for seniors, education and support for single mothers. 

Visit www.hoag.org for more information.

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Helmsman Duffy is aboard first yacht to arrive in Honolulu for 2021 Transpac

Transpac 2021 is in the books. The 2,225-mile race began off Pt. Fermin on Tuesday, July 13, with different classes starting on subsequent days through Saturday, July 17.

The first yacht to arrive in Honolulu was the Ho’okolohe, a Farr 57, skippered by Cecil and Alyson Rossi from the St. Francis Yacht Club and the Waikiki Yacht Club. A local connection to the Ho’okolohe was that former mayor and current city councilman Duffy Duffield was aboard as the helmsman.

The Ho’okolohe began on July 13 and finished on Friday, July 23. They won the Division 8 race. With overall corrected time, they finished 25th.

Helmsman Duffy Transpac

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Courtesy of Steve Rossi

The “Ho’okolohe,” with Helmsman “Duffy” Duffield aboard, is first to arrive in Honolulu

The yacht with the best corrected time was Warrior Won sailing out of the Larchmont Yacht Club and skippered by Chris Sheehan. Warrior Won is a Pac52 and finished the race in seven days and just over 17 hours.

Vitesse, an RP 52 skippered by Thomas Furlong out of the San Francisco Yacht Club, finished second in corrected time, followed in third by a Santa Cruz 70 named Pied Piper, skippered by Jack Jennings out of the Transpac Yacht Club.

Top local finishing boats included in Division 1: Compadres, an Andrews 77 out of the Balboa Yacht Club and Newport Harbor Yacht Club; in Division 3: Fast Exit II, a Ker 51, that finished fourth from BYC; in Division 4: Grand Illusion, a Santa Cruz 70, out of the NHYC in second and Bolt, a Nelson Marek 68 in third out of the BYC; and in Division 6: Bahia Corinthian Yacht Club’s Horizon, a Santa Cruz 50, finished first, followed in second by Triumph, a Santa Cruz 52, out of the NHYC.

Race Results

2021 Transpac

Division 1 (Start Date: July 17)

1. BadPak – Botin 56 - Tom Holthus, SDYC (7)

Elapsed 6:17:55:29, Corrected 08:02:56:28

2. Pyewacket 70 – Volvo 70. Modified - Roy Disney, SDYC (16)

Elapsed 5:16:53:20, Corrected 08:09:18:32

3. GoodEnergy – R/P 63 - George Hershman/Mark Comings, CBYC/ABYC (18)

Elapsed 6:16:41:09, Corrected 08:12:00:24

4. Compadres – Andrews 77 - El Hefe, BYC/NHYC (33)

Elapsed 7:23: 22:36, Corrected 09:23:23:35

Division 2 (Start Date: July 17)

1. Peligroso – Kernan 68 - Doug Baker, LBYC (8)

Elapsed 6:23:12:22, Corrected 08:03:14:48

2. Artemis – Botin 65 - Raymond Paul, SFYC (21)

Elapsed 7:07:51:03, Corrected 08:13:55:17

3. Medicine Man – Andrews 63 - Bob Lane, LBYC (23)

Elapsed 7:11:19:38, Corrected 08:18:49:01

4. Zvi – RP 55 - Alan Lubner, Seattle YC (26)

Elapsed 7:17:50:48, Corrected 08:23:03:42

Division 3 (Start Date: July 17)

1. Warrior Won – Pac52 - Chris Sheehan, Larchmont YC (1)

Elapsed 6:16:18:14, Corrected 07:17:19:38

2. Vitesse – RP 52 - Thomas Furlong, SFYC (2)

Elapsed 7:03:37:42, Corrected 07:20:46:26

3. Calisto – Pac 52 - Kate and Jim Murray, CYC/SYC/STC (5)

Elapsed 6:22:37:55, Corrected 08:00:36:36

4. Fast Exit II – Ker 51 - John Raymont, BYC (11)

Elapsed 7:08:07:10, Corrected 08:06:18:38

Division 4 (Start Date: July 17)

1. Pied Piper – Santa Cruz 70 - Jack Jennings, Transpac YC (3)

Elapsed 7:12:14:38, Corrected 07:23:45:41

2. Grand Illusion – Santa Cruz 70 - David H. Clark, NHYC (4)

Elapsed 7:14:07:41, Corrected 08:00:08:42

3. Bolt – Nelson Marek 68 - Craig Reynolds, BYC (9)

Elapsed 7:18:14:27, Corrected 08:04:03:21

4. Rock ‘n Roll – Andrews - Justin Smart/John Sangmeister, RORC/NYYC/LBYC/ABYC (13)

Elapsed 7:20:41:40, Corrected 08:07:45:07

Division 5 (Start Date: July 16)

1. Bretwalda 3 – Rogers 46 - Bob Pethick, Waikiki YC (6)

Elapsed 8:03:51:03, Corrected 08:02:38:12

2. Lucky Duck – Rogers 46 - Dave MacEwen, StFYC/MPYC (10)

Elapsed 8:07:39:33, Corrected 08:06:13:18

3. Nereid – J/125 - Standish Fleming, CRA (14)

Elapsed 8:22:42:14, Corrected 08:07:57:13

4. Rufless– J/125 - Rufus Sjoberg/Jason Crowson, Richmond YC (15)

Elapsed 9:06:29:40, Corrected 08:09:04:06

Division 6 (Start Date: July 16)

1. Horizon – Santa Cruz 50 - John Shulze, BCYC (12)

Elapsed 8:23:25:50, Corrected 08:07:31:54

2. Triumph – Santa Cruz 52 - Steve Sellinger, NHYC (17)

Elapsed 8:23:46:45, Corrected 08:09:34:51

3. Oaxaca – Santa Cruz 50 - Michael Moradzadeh, StFYC/CYC/CCA (20)

Elapsed 9:06:29:09, Corrected 08:13:02:35

4. Trouble – Santa Cruz 50 - Tom Camp, LBYC (24)

Elapsed 9:11:28:52, Corrected 08:21:10:21

Division 7 (Start Date: July 16)

1. Favonius – Dehler 46 - Greg Dorn, SFYC (22)

(no other Division 7 finishers were recorded by presstime)

Division 8 (Start Date: July 13)

1. Ho’okolohe – Farr 57 - Cecil/Alyson Rossi, StFYC/LTYC (25)

Elapsed 9:22:39:36, Corrected 08:21:28:53

2. Spindrift V – Express 37 - Andy Schwenk, Richmond (28)

Elapsed 12:04:56:14, Corrected 09:03:17:34

3. Macondo – Beneteau First 47.7 - Mike Sudo, Del Rey YC (30)

Elapsed 11:10:10:36, Corrected 09:08:31:24

4. Juno – Express 37 - Dan Merino, SWYC (32)

Elapsed 12:14:54:32, Corrected 09:12:12:42

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OCCF’s ImpACT Anaheim Giving Day to support underserved youth

Tomorrow (Wednesday, July 28), the Orange County Community Foundation (OCCF), based in Newport Beach, will host “ImpACT Anaheim” – a collaborative Giving Day to support underserved youth and teens in Anaheim. The 24-hour online effort aims to raise $90,000 for 10 nonprofits offering a range of programs in STEM education, arts, recreation, leadership development and more.

The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted the lives of millions of Americans and has added more significant challenges to youth than ever before. Per a 2019 U.S. Census report, Orange County boasts more than 689,000 youth aged 17 and younger. Of that number, 84,000 live in Anaheim, equating to 24 percent of the city’s population. Like many across the U.S., Anaheim youth and teens found themselves dissociated from school and isolated from friends and older family members during the peak of the virus.

ImpACT Anaheim will raise funds for 10 nonprofits which provide supportive services to youth. The Giving Day participants include Anaheim Ballet, Anaheim Community Foundation, Anaheim Family YMCA, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Orange County, Chance Theater, Girls Inc. of Orange County, Higher Ground Youth & Family Services, Love Anaheim, Pure Game and Voice of Refugees.

OCCF's adult and child

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Submitted photo

OCCF, working with donors, strengthens the local nonprofit sector and works to find solutions to community needs

“Orange County’s youth have faced greater challenges than ever before throughout the pandemic as it altered the way they learn and communicate,” said Shelley Hoss, president and CEO, OCCF. “OCCF is proud to support nonprofits providing our leaders of tomorrow the vital resources they need as we recover from the pandemic and plan to turn barriers into bridges for our underserved Anaheim youth and teenagers.”

ImpACT Anaheim is part of OCCF’s iheartOC Collaborative Giving Days, an annual initiative that designates cause-specific giving days focused on critical community issues. The online giving model matches OC nonprofits with shared missions – from homelessness and workforce development to preserving ecosystems and supporting local veterans – to create momentum on one shared day and leverage a combined outreach effort for collective success. In 2020, the 10 days secured support from nearly 6,500 donors and raised a record $3.2 million for 98 nonprofits. Since its start in 2015, OCCF’s Collaborative Giving Days have raised more than $13 million for Orange County nonprofits.

To give online during the 24-hour Giving Day, visit https://impact-anaheim-giving-day.ocnonprofitcentral.org/. For more information about Orange County Community Foundation Collaborative Giving Days, visit www.oc-cf.org/givingdays.

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CdM Chamber holds mingle & mix networking event, ribbon cutting at Seven Gables

On Thursday, July 22, the Corona del Mar Chamber of Commerce and Seven Gables Real Estate held a mingle & mix sunset networking event, bringing together the community for its first “live” celebration in 18 months.

Highlighting the festivities was a welcome ceremony for the Seven Gables’ Isley/Tapie Luxury Group of CdM, complete with a ribbon cutting. Attendees enjoyed appetizers and libations, with plenty of smiles to go around.

CdM Chamber holds ribbon cutting

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Photos courtesy of CdM Chamber of Commerce

The CdM Chamber welcomes Seven Gables with a ribbon cutting

CdM Chamber holds Hickman

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Seven Gables owner Mike Hickman (center) mingles at the networking event

CdM Chamber holds Isley

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Jason Isley (center) of the Seven Gables’ Isley/Tapie Luxury Group celebrates with friends

CdM Chamber holds Leonhard

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Linda Leonhard, president/CEO of the CdM Chamber with members of the Seven Gables team

CdM Chamber holds Tapie

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Kathryn Tapie (in pink dress) of the Seven Gables’ Isley/Tapie Luxury Group networks with friends

CdM Chamber holds Digrado

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Jim Digrado, CdM Chamber executive board chair (center), is among the attendees at the welcoming party

Seven Gables Real Estate is located at 2737 E. Coast Highway (near Bruegger’s Bagels), Corona del Mar.

For more information, visit www.CdmChamber.com or call 949.673.4050.

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California Fresh Exhibit debuts at the 2021 OC Fair celebrating specialty crops

The OC Fair is presenting the California Fresh Exhibit: Celebrating the Bounty of Our Counties. This special exhibit, debuting at this year’s fair, was created by OC Fair staff and is aimed at educating consumers and highlighting the state’s diverse specialty crops. The exhibit was developed as part of the California Specialty Crop Block Grant Program. At the end of the Fair, the California Fresh exhibit will be on tour educating the public.

California Fresh kids and truck

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Photos courtesy of the OC Fair & Event Center

The California Fresh Exhibit is aimed at educating consumers and highlighting the state’s diverse specialty crops

What guests can do in the exhibit:

–Learn about everything from almonds and strawberries to ornamental plants.

–Play the County Bounty Treasure Hunt augmented reality (AR) game to discover the state’s varied array of agriculture. Just look for the signs with the California Bear and use the QR code to get started or download the app (Apple or Google).

–Coloring sheet for kids. Dress the California Bear for a trip to the OC Fair. The special app also brings the bear to life, and he shares information about the state’s many specialty crops.

–There are recipe cards located throughout the exhibit to help fairgoers discover delicious ways to enjoy the bounty of specialty crops available.

–A special map in the center of the exhibit illustrates the diversity of the state’s specialty crops by showcasing each county’s key commodity crop.

–Selfie spots! Find all the different and colorful areas to snap pics with your friends, and tag #ocfairfun to be featured.

Stage demonstrations:

The exhibit will feature chef demonstrations and culinary experts sharing information on the benefits of these healthy and tasty crops grown in the state’s 58 counties, along with preparation tips.

Michael Marks, aka “Your Produce Man,” will hold demonstrations on stage and introduce culinary guests. He will discuss California crops and the benefits of eating healthy.

More about specialty crops:

Would you guess that Orange County is known for its variety of ornamental plants? California is called the Golden State for many reasons, one being the bountiful specialty crops produced here. These crops include fruit and tree nuts, vegetables, herbs and spices, floriculture and horticulture crops.

Specialty crops are grown and used for food, medicinal purposes and/or aesthetics or beautification in landscaping and more. These crops include the nutritionally delicious almonds and celery in school lunches, olives on your pizza, garlic and ginger that flavors your dinner, cut flowers in holiday centerpieces, trees in the park and herbs in your medicine.

California produces more than 400 different commodities, many of which are specialty crops and they’re all around us. The goal of the exhibit is to educate consumers about the many benefits of these amazing crops, to promote healthy eating habits and to teach fairgoers about finding locally sourced produce and more. 

California Fresh exhibit sign

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California produces more than 400 different commodities, many of which are specialty crops, so come find out what each county grows

Key things to know about the 2021 OC Fair:

–A limited number of tickets are available each day.

–Advance online ticket sales only – no transaction fees.

–Tickets are good only for the date purchased; please choose dates carefully as there are no refunds.

–Same-day Fair admission is included with tickets to concerts during the Fair.

–OC Fair is not currently planning to increase capacity which is capped at 45,000 daily.

–Masks are required indoors for unvaccinated guests.

Tickets are $12 for weekday general admission (Wednesday, Thursday) and $14 for weekend general admission (Friday, Saturday, Sunday). Admission for seniors (60+) and youth (ages 6-12) is $7 every day and children 5 and younger are free.

The 2021 OC Fair mobile app is now available with information on daily activities as well as a map, news and information and tickets. Search for “ocfair 2021” in your app store.

The Fair will open each day at 10 a.m. and close at 11 p.m. on Wednesdays and Thursdays and midnight on weekends.

General parking is still $10, $20 for buses and limos, credit card only. The free shuttle from Experian and OCTA’s OC Fair Express bus service will not be available this year. Carnival tickets are also on sale now so fairgoers can skip the ticket booths, and tickets for concerts in The Hangar and Pacific Amphitheatre can be found at www.ocfair.com/entertainment.

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City Manager’s Updates

From the desk of Grace Leung

Grace Leung

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Courtesy of City of Newport Beach

Newport Beach City Manager Grace Leung

Community members, 

With the number of COVID-19 cases increasing rapidly in Orange County, health officials are advising residents to take adequate safety precautions. The county’s average daily case rate doubled between July 13 and July 20, from 2.6 to 4.9 cases per 100,000 residents, in a spike attributed to the highly infectious Delta variant.

There are no plans to implement a new mask mandate in Orange County. However, in alignment with guidance from the California Department of Public Health, those who are not fully vaccinated must continue wearing a mask indoors and are strongly encouraged to get vaccinated as soon as possible. 

Based on guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), county health officials are advising residents to avoid large crowds and poorly ventilated spaces, especially those who are not fully vaccinated. According to the Orange County Health Care Agency (HCA), more than 90 percent of the new positive cases are among people who are not fully vaccinated, and more than 95 percent of those hospitalized with COVID-19 had not been fully vaccinated.

Officials encourage testing for those experiencing COVID-19 symptoms, regardless of vaccination status. Self-collection, at home COVID-19 test kits are available at no cost by visiting www.ochealthinfo.com/covidtest

For those seeking vaccination options, visit the HCA page at this link. The county has returned to daily weekday updates of COVID-19 cases, with reports available at this link

COVID-19 Vaccine Clinic at OASIS July 30 

The Orange County Health Care Agency is hosting a vaccine clinic in Newport Beach on Friday, July 30 from 9 a.m.-noon at the OASIS Senior Center, 801 Narcissus Ave., Corona del Mar.

The two-dose Pfizer vaccine and the single-dose Johnson & Johnson vaccine will be available. The vaccine is free. Walk-ins are welcome, and appointments can be made in advance by calling the county’s COVID line at 714.834.2000. Please bring identification and proof of age for minors (the Pfizer vaccine is authorized for those 12 and older; minors must be accompanied by a legal guardian). 

COVID-19 Cases in Newport Beach 

As of July 22, the total number of COVID-19 cases in Newport Beach was 4,108 and the total cases in Orange County was 260,289. The number of recovered COVID-19 patients countywide as of July 22 was 250,825. These figures are provided to Orange County by the California Department of Public Health. 

Homelessness Update 

–17 people who had been experiencing homelessness in Newport Beach are now sheltered in the Costa Mesa Bridge Shelter. 

–Staff assisted a formerly homeless Newport Beach client with a move to a senior living apartment in Rancho Santa Margarita. The nonprofit group Furnishing Hope provided household items. Furnishing Hope operates a retail store in Tustin, with proceeds supporting military families, survivors of domestic violence and seniors. 

–A couple experiencing homelessness in Newport Beach was placed in the Yale Navigation Center in Santa Ana. They received a housing voucher from the County of Orange and are touring rental units. The Yale Navigation Center provides shelter for as many as 425 people experiencing homelessness and provides case managers who locate appropriate housing, assist with job searches and provide other on-site services. 

City Net’s licensed clinical social worker met with a client sheltered in a motel to complete disability paperwork. 

–City Net staff ordered housing documents for two clients, including birth certificates and new Social Security cards. 

For a comprehensive look at the city’s ongoing efforts to address homelessness, visit our web site at this link. To donate, visit our Good Giving Program webpage

Concerts on the Green

The Newport Beach City Arts Commission (has) kicked off its annual Concerts on the Green summer series. (You’re encouraged to) bring your low-slung beach chairs and blankets, and enjoy an evening in a fun atmosphere. Pack a picnic dinner or purchase from on-site gourmet food trucks. No alcohol is permitted. 

All concerts are held on the Newport Beach Civic Center Green, 100 Civic Center Drive, Newport Beach. Admission and parking are free, on a first-come, first-served basis. 

This year’s (coming up) lineup includes: 

DSB - August 22 from 6-7:30 p.m. 

DSB (Don’t Stop Believin’) has been highly revered as one of the world’s greatest tributes to Journey. They have captured the signature sound of renowned vocalist Steve Perry and Journey in their prime. Complete with a band of world-class musicians, DSB remains true to Journey’s musical legacy and delivers a nostalgic concert experience. 

SantanaWays - September 26 from 6-7:30 p.m. 

SantanaWays is an electrifying Latin and blues rock band that has inspired audiences in Southern California since its formation in 2012. SantanaWays pays homage to the music of Santana in the purest manner by bringing out the heart and soul of the music. 

Insider’s Guide for the Newport Beach City Council Meeting on July 27, 2021 

Our next City Council meeting is Tuesday, July 27, 2021. Items that may be of interest are highlighted below. The entire agenda, and all reports, can be viewed here

The Regular Meeting begins at 4 p.m. with a closed session. The council will reconvene at 5 p.m. for the open session, with the following items of note: 

–At 5 p.m. the Council will conduct a public hearing on the formation of an assessment district that would underground utility poles and lines in a 50-block area of central Balboa Island. The public hearing will be followed by the tabulation of voting ballots submitted by property owners within the proposed assessment district. All assessment ballots must be submitted by the close of the public hearing; any received after the deadline will not be valid. Assessment District 124 was proposed by residents to improve neighborhood aesthetics, safety and system reliability by converting existing overhead utilities to underground locations. The property owners within the boundaries of the proposed assessment district would pay $32.8 million in construction and financing costs, with varying costs to each property owner depending on parcel size. Ballots were previously mailed to property owners in the proposed district and can be returned by mail or in person before the close of the public hearing. 

–A study session will outline the public process and timeline for council area redistricting. The city is required to conduct an analysis of its council districts every 10 years, following the national census, to reflect changes in population and ensure that all districts have an equal number of residents. 

–The council will conduct a second public hearing to review a February decision by the city’s Planning Commission to approve a mixed-use development project at 2510 and 2530 W. Coast Highway in the Mariners’ Mile area. After an initial public hearing in April, the council voted to continue the project to accommodate a request by the developer to modify the project and address input from the public and councilmembers. The updated project proposes a mixed-use development of 36 residential housing units and a 5,096-square-foot office. Three of the units would be provided as workforce housing and made affordable to very low-income households. The updated project eliminates a boutique auto showroom and significantly changes the architecture, orientation and design style proposed in the original plans.

Editor’s Note: Stu News Newport received the City Manager’s Updates on Friday, July 23 and it is subject to editing.

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OC officials urge residents to stay safe to keep county open

As Orange County continues to experience increasing COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations, the Orange County Board of Supervisors and the OC Health Care Agency (HCA) leadership are encouraging residents to stay vigilant with prevention measures, testing and vaccinations in order to keep our residents safe and businesses open.

“Our County has been doing a tremendous job in getting the vaccines out into our community,” said Chairman Andrew Do, First District. “It’s safe, effective, free and the surest way to help bring us out of this pandemic. We need our residents to continue with the preventative steps that allow us to draw closer together as a community.”

Current data in Orange County shows that unvaccinated individuals are over six times more likely to become infected with COVID-19 than those who are fully vaccinated.

“Getting vaccinated doesn’t just mean we are protecting ourselves – we are also protecting our family members, friends and coworkers,” said Vice Chairman Doug Chaffee, Fourth District. “We are all part of the same community. We’re asking residents to encourage loved ones to get vaccinated.”

Between July 15 and July 21, the county experienced an increase in the seven-day average case rate, from 2.95 to 6.1 per 100,000 people, with the average number of daily COVID-19 cases increasing from 121 to 209. The positivity rate also increased from 2.2 percent to 4 percent, and hospitalizations jumped from 119 to 149 per day.

“We are still seeing an uptick in COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations, especially among those who are not yet fully vaccinated,” said Dr. Regina Chinsio-Kwong, deputy county health officer. “We expected to see an increase when mask requirements were lifted and physical distancing was reduced, but we want to take every opportunity we can to reduce the spread of infection. This means staying focused on preventive measures to protect those who are unable to be vaccinated.”

Prevention continues to be a critical piece of the agency’s message for county residents.

“We are strongly encouraging everyone to avoid large crowds, where it is easy for the virus to pass from person to person,” said Dr. Clayton Chau, HCA director and county health officer. “Regardless of your vaccination status, wear a mask if you’re around someone at risk, with people whose vaccination status is unknown especially indoors, or have unvaccinated children or other loved ones at home. If you are not fully vaccinated, you must wear a mask indoors in accordance with guidelines from the California Department of Public Health (CDPH).”

The agency also reminds those who experience COVID-19 symptoms to get tested, regardless of their vaccination status. Self-collection, at-home COVID-19 test kits can be ordered at no cost by visiting www.ochealthinfo.com/covidtest.

Individuals seeking information about the COVID-19 vaccines are encouraged to follow credible sources to learn more about their benefits, safety and effectiveness. The World Health Organization, for example, recently updated a list of questions and answers (Q&A) to address COVID-19 vaccine safety. Other sources include the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the CDPH, the Food and Drug Administration and the American Academy of Pediatrics

Orange County COVID-19 case counts and testing figures are updated daily, Monday through Friday, at https://occovid19.ochealthinfo.com/coronavirus-in-oc. Individuals interested in receiving a COVID-19 vaccine can schedule an appointment by visiting www.Othena.com, or calling the OC COVID-19 Hotline at 714.834.2000.

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Newport Beach – A Look Back

Photo series courtesy of Balboa Island Museum Newport Beach

Newport Beach A Look Back 7.27.21

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The S/S Wheeler at 1115 E. Balboa Blvd., circa 1950s. Hotels like this functioned as “apartments” available at daily, weekly and monthly rates and started to appear all over Newport Beach in the 1940s-1960s. 

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

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Wondrous waves

Wondrous waves ocean

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Stan Sievers (Instagram @stansievers/stansieversphoto.com)

“Every drop in the ocean counts.” –Yoko Ono

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Summer from the pier

Summer from the pier

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Photo by Photo by Kevin Pellon (Instagram @socalsnapz)

Another iconic summer day from the Newport Pier

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School Notes

With the start of school in sight, new COVID guidelines updated

The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) recently issued updated guidance for all California K-12 schools. While issues are continually reviewed to seek clarification on the new guidance, below are highlights of the COVID-19 safety protocols and operations required for all California schools.

–Students and staff will not be required to wear masks or physically distance while outdoors. 

–In-person instruction can occur without physical distancing when universal masking is in place.

–Students are required to wear masks while indoors, regardless of vaccination status.

–When in the presence of students, staff is required to wear masks while indoors at schools, regardless of vaccination status. 

–School bus: Masks are required for students and staff, regardless of vaccination status.

–Allowable face mask exemptions in place last school year will continue.

While California school districts must follow the state guidance, CDPH states it will reassess conditions and determine whether to change mask guidelines by November 1. For questions or concerns related to the mandated CDPH health directives, contact the CDPH directly.    

COVID-19 vaccines are available for anyone age 12 and older. This vaccine is not required for participation in our schools, although public health authorities encourage the vaccine as an additional layer of safety. Parental consent is required for minors and people under 18 must be accompanied by a parent/guardian to receive the vaccine. 

Vaccines are available through medical providers, clinics and local pharmacies. Find details at COVID-19 Vaccine Distribution Channels. For additional information, visit the OC Healthcare Agency Vaccine Resource webpage or call the COVID-19 hotline at 714.834.2000 (Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.). 

Children should continue to follow all of the good hygiene practices and stay home when sick. 

Students will return to full-time, in-person instruction on Monday, Aug. 23 (or Wednesday, Aug. 11 for Early College High School). 

Updates and revisions from the California Department of Public Health will be regularly provided to keep the public informed.

Local registers perfect 4.0 at Hofstra University

Natalie Denver, of Newport Beach, achieved a perfect 4.0 GPA during the Spring 2021 semester, earning a spot on the Provost’s List at Hofstra University.

Hofstra University is a nationally ranked and recognized private university in Hempstead, N.Y., that is the only school to ever host three consecutive presidential debates (2008, 2012 and 2016). 

The campus is a leafy oasis just a quick train ride away from New York City and all its cultural, recreational and professional opportunities. They offer small classes and personal attention, with the resources, technology and facilities of a large university. Students can choose from more than 165 undergraduate program options and 175 graduate program options.

Lown graduates with honors from Miami University

Benjamin Lown, of Newport Coast, was among more than 4,000 students from Miami University, in Oxford, Ohio, who received degrees during their in-person spring commencement May 14-16, 2021.

Lown graduated Cum Laude with a B.S. in Business degree, majoring in Finance.

Miami University is a nationally recognized public university with a student body of 19,000. Miami combines a wide range of strong academic programs with faculty who love to teach and offer the personal attention ordinarily found only at a much smaller institution.

Have your son or daughter register at their respective school so the information can be forwarded to Stu News Newport at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

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City’s Concerts on the Green and at Marina Park keep the sounds coming

The City of Newport Beach Arts Commission’s summer and fall Concerts on the Green and at Marina Park continue pumping out the tunes.

 DSB (Don’t Stop Believin’) comes to the Civic Center Green on Sunday, Aug. 22 from 6-7:30 p.m.

City's Concerts DSB

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DSB (Don’t Stop Believin’), highly revered as one of the world’s greatest tributes to Journey, takes the stage August 22

DSB (Don’t Stop Believin’) has been highly revered as one of the world’s greatest tributes to Journey. They have captured the signature sound of renowned vocalist Steve Perry and Journey in their prime. Complete with a band of world-class musicians, DSB remains true to Journey’s musical legacy and delivers a nostalgic concert experience.

Then, on Sunday, Sept. 26 from 6-7:30 p.m., don’t miss SantanaWays on stage at the Civic Center Green.

City's Concerts SantanaWays

SantanaWays brings its Latin and blues rock to Concerts on the Green on September 26

SantanaWays is an electrifying Latin and blues rock band that has inspired audiences in Southern California since its formation in 2012. SantanaWays pays homage to the music of Santana in the purest manner by bringing out the heart and soul of the music.

City's Concerts Shelley Rusk

Vocalist/pianist Shelley Rusk will perform some of Broadway’s greatest musicals in Marina Park on October 17

Finally, Shelley Rusk will present the 2021 Concert at Marina Park on Sunday, Oct. 17 from 4-5:30 p.m. Rusk will be performing songs from some of Broadway’s greatest musicals of all time.

As a professional singer, Rusk has worked for music artists such as Johnny Mathis, Dolly Parton, Donna Summer, Sandi Patty, Ray Boltz and Bill Gaither both in the recording studio and in concert.

All concerts offer free admission and free parking. Attendees are encouraged to bring blankets, low beach chairs and a picnic dinner, or perhaps purchase from food trucks on-site. No alcohol is allowed.

Participating food trucks include SOHO TACO on July 25 and September 26; Barcelona OntheGo on August 22; and The Coconut Truck on October 17.

Local favorite Sugar ‘n Spice, the Original Frozen Banana since 1945, will be on hand for all performances.

For more information, visit www.newportbeachca.gov/culturalarts.

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Decorative Arts Society announces speaker series of renowned interior designers

Decorative Arts Society (DARTS), a Newport Beach-based philanthropic organization dedicated to arts appreciation and supporting local nonprofits that primarily benefit women, families and children in need, has announced its 2021-22 Speaker Series. 

Featuring a lineup of renowned interior designers, authors and photojournalists, the annual speaker series returns after a pause due to the pandemic. The series kicks off October 12 at Regal Edwards Big Newport. Attendance is free for DARTS members and $75 for non-members.

“We’re excited for our speaker series to return, and to present a respected array of experts in art and interior design,” said DARTS president Laraine Eggleston. “These inspiring speakers are nationally and even internationally known for their style and design, and we look forward to hearing their stories and insights.”

Membership fees for DARTS helps fund their grants program, which has provided more than $3 million to women’s, families’ and children’s charities in Orange County since its inception more than 25 years ago. During the pandemic, DARTS gave $325,000 in grants to Orange County non-profits.

DARTS 2021-22 Speaker Series:

Tuesday, Oct. 12: Renowned New York City decorator Ashley Whittaker, author of The Well-Loved House, is described as the neo-traditionalist. She reveals her fresh and modern perspective on traditional design and architecture in all her work, offering distinctly classic taste and chic sophistication to residential decoration and interior design. Characterized by tailored rooms that incorporate charming detail and engaging play on color and pattern, Whittaker’s signature style is immediately evident. Whittaker has also worked as a special events director at Ralph Lauren in New York and credits her training to legendary decorator Markham Roberts where she worked before starting out on her own. 

Decorative Arts Whittaker

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Photos courtesy of DARTS 

Renowned New York City decorator Ashley Whittaker, author of “The Well-Loved House,” kicks off the Decorative Arts Society speaker series in October

Tuesday, November 9: Amy Meier, an interior designer and retailer with an eponymous shop in Rancho Santa Fe, specializes in custom home and estate projects, from concept through completion. Meier prides herself on unequaled service and attention to detail, combining a deep passion for classic design and an insatiable craving for the new to create beautiful, unique spaces that seamlessly blend tradition and innovation. Amy Meier Design’s retail shop is the physical manifestation of the firm’s design ethos, not only serving as a retail boutique, but also as an active gallery and design library, featuring meticulously selected, exclusive and ever-changing collections of art, antiques, accessories, books and more. 

 –Tuesday, February 8, 2022: James Farmer is a professional garden, floral and interior designer as well as the author of four best-selling books. His most recent publication, Arriving Home, features design projects from the farmlands of Georgia to the rolling countryside of Connecticut. Farmer’s work, described as classic with a twist, has been published in various magazines including Southern Living, House Beautiful, Traditional Home, Southern Home, FLOWER and more. His design interiors combine the rich traditions of the past with the sensibilities of contemporary life, for a welcome balance of comfort and effortless elegance.

Decorative Arts Farmer

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James Farmer, a professional garden, floral and interior designer, combines the rich traditions of the past with the sensibilities of contemporary life in his projects

Tuesday, March 8, 2022: Margot Shaw, the founder/editor-in-chief of FLOWER magazine and author of the book Living Floral, studied both art history and interior design. Shaw reached a watershed moment when planning her daughter’s home wedding. Working alongside the floral and event designer, she recognized the artistry and inspiration involved in “flowering” and soon began apprenticing with the same designer. Shaw later created FLOWER magazine, a floral lifestyle magazine that inspires, entertains and educates readers. From private and historic houses and gardens to stylish parties to tastemakers in the floral, event and interiors world, FLOWER brims with people, places and things that enrich us all.

Tuesday, April 12, 2022: Miguel Flores-Vianna is an international photographer, writer and producer whose work has been featured in Architectural Digest, Cabana, and other top interior design and architectural magazines. Flores-Vianna has also authored and photographed two books, A Wandering Eye: Travels with My Phone, which features beautiful architecture and design images shot entirely on his phone during his travels and Haute Bohemians, named the Design Book of the Year in 2017.

Tuesday, May 10, 2022: Internationally renowned interior designer Michelle Nussbaumer has an interior design firm; dinnerware, textile and furniture lines; a beautiful retail shop in Dallas – Ceylon et Cie; and authored Wanderlust: Interiors That Bring the World Home. Her rooms are said to be like pieces of art, with a signature style that combines a fearless use of color while reflecting an eclectic yet timeless mix of bold patterns and influences from around the world. Nussbaumer’s work has been featured in the pages of leading national and international publications, including ELLE Decor, Architectural Digest, Veranda, House Beautiful and Marie Claire. In 2009, she was named one of ELLE Décor’s “Five Leading Women in Design.”

For more information on the Decorative Arts Society and membership opportunities, visit www.decorativeartssociety.net and follow the organization on Instagram or Facebook at @decorativeartssociety.

The Decorative Arts Society (DARTS), established in 1995, is a membership organization that offers an annual lecture series by nationally and internationally renowned experts in the decorative arts, including interior design, architecture, landscape, fashion and other aspects of the arts. Through subscriptions, donations and other fundraising, the Decorative Arts Society provides grants to Orange County charities serving women, children and families.

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ENC acquires Tucker Wildlife Sanctuary in Modjeska Canyon

The Environmental Nature Center (ENC) has acquired Tucker Wildlife Sanctuary, a 12-acre sanctuary located in Modjeska Canyon. The property includes a natural history museum, trails and bird observation deck. The ENC will steward the facility and provide opportunities similar to those at the ENC – field trips for school and scout groups, Nature Camps, service learning, community programs and more. The webpage at www.encenter.org/tucker will be updated as more info becomes available.

Tucker Wildlife Sanctuary began in 1929 when Benjamin and Dorothy Tucker welcomed visitors to their bird observation porch in the Santa Ana Mountains. The site was dedicated as a wildlife sanctuary by the Tucker Family in 1939 and deeded to the California Audubon. Since 1968, the property has been under the supervision of California State University, Fullerton until being closed in January 2021. The ENC was chosen to be the new stewards by the San Fernando Valley Audubon Society.

ENC acquires Tucker nature trail

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Photos courtesy of ENC

A nature trail in the Tucker Wildlife Sanctuary

“We are committed to Benjamin and Dorothy Tucker’s legacy and excited for this opportunity,” said Bo Glover, executive director of the Environmental Nature Center. “The Tuckers wanted their property to be conserved as a wild bird sanctuary, refuge and preserve, and that is how we will manage it. We look forward to welcoming students and other visitors interested in learning about and enjoying the canyon’s native flora and fauna.”

The ENC will spend the summer making upgrades to the facility – including installing ADA compliant restrooms and making repairs to some structures before opening to the public once again. Some non-native plants will be removed in anticipation of planting locally native, wildlife-friendly plants in the fall. 

ENC acquires Tucker creek

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This seasonal creek runs through the wilderness

“Our educational programs at Tucker will focus on the importance of providing habitat for birds and other wildlife,” said ENC Assistant Director Lori Whalen. “There is already an abundance of habitat at Tucker and we look forward to improving it even more with additional native shrubs, trees and grasses that native animals depend on for food and shelter. Visitors will see examples of beautiful native plants that produce berries and seeds, or that host caterpillars and other insects, or provide abundant nectar for native nectarivorous birds.”

Community members interested in learning more about Tucker should keep an eye out for updates at www.encenter.org/tucker or sign up on the ENC’s Tucker email list to be informed of future programs, volunteer and employment opportunities.

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SCR presents American Mariachi in an outdoor setting

South Coast Repertory (SCR) presents American Mariachi at Mission San Juan Capistrano continuing through July 31, alternating performances with You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown.

Back by popular demand, in this big-hearted comedy with live music, Lucha spends her days caring for her mother and yearning for more. But it’s the 1970s and women can’t be mariachis…or can they? Defying tradition, Lucha and her spunky cousin hunt for bandmates and take up instruments. A loving gesture for a mother becomes much more as the young women dream big and embrace the transcendent power of music.

SCR presents Mariachi

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Courtesy of SCR

“American Mariachi” takes the stage this summer as part of Outside SCR at Mission San Juan Capistrano

This production is part of the Outside SCR series. It is geared for ages 12 and above with a running time of one hour and 40 minutes with no intermission.

For tickets and information, visit www.scr.org or call South Coast Repertory’s ticket services office at 714.708.5555.

Mission San Juan Capistrano is located at 26801 Ortega Highway, San Juan Capistrano.

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Fair Game

By TOM JOHNSON

As tonight’s 2510 W. Coast Highway Project discussion nears, tempers flare

Tom new picLast issue I took a stand. One that didn’t come lightly. The fact is that in recent months, Stu News Newport has spent month after month running residents’ letters in opposition of the 2510 W. Coast Highway Mixed-Use Project.

A project that I might add comes before City Council tonight.

We’ve also run personal columns, including several under my signature expressing my own concerns.

It’s also worth noting that because nothing was submitted from those supporting and/or representing the project, nothing ran on their behalf.

Now I get that the project is controversial. Residents in the neighborhood behind it have major traffic concerns. They also worry about the loss of view lines from the park, they hate the idea of low-income housing and the congestion the apartments overall will potentially bring, but probably the single biggest concern is what will come next along the Mariners’ Mile corridor. 

If I lived there, I’d have those concerns, too!

Fast forward to last week. I saw an updated project plan that included new architectural drawings. Included in the design were two new lighthouse entryways and a new green wall with landscaping for the front area.

But did it answer all of the residents’ concerns? Absolutely not. 

Here’s the unfortunate part. Residents in opposition cried foul! Several generated mean-spirited emails stating their concerns. 

However, it was one, in particular, that trumped all the others. And it reminded me of my youth when the kid on the school playground loses and then wants to take his ball and go home.

I thought I’d share the letter with you:

Tom,

You made an unfair call today with an uneducated an (sic) inferior editorial in your column with regard to the 2510 W. PCH project. 

As a journalist you should be fair and tonight‘s edition is very very clear that you’ve been bought off, with your friend Ed Selich. 

It is evident that there is no true journalism anymore.

The one sided Aerial view towards Mark Moshayedi is completely incorrect. 

Tom, you should be discredited by displaying gross negligence with regard to the truth ….which makes your fake assertions even more obvious. 

In my opinion, our community should boycott your news source since it’s fake news.

Maybe before you cast aspersions, behind your digital cloud, you should report on the front line.

Peggy V.  Palmer

Now normally I’d get a letter like this, read it and move on. However, I subsequently found out that Peggy decided to send her barrage on me out on a mass citywide email. 

It’s unfortunate, in my estimation, that Peggy couldn’t have just written the letter and said, “I hated your column and here are the reasons why.” I would have respected that.

The tact she took in her fit of anger, however, was to suggest that if Stu News didn’t agree with her then she wanted to bring it down for everyone else.

Let me explain my regular Fair Game column and tell you why I think she was wrong. First off, it’s a column. It’s written under the pen of Tom Johnson. My word is not the be all end all, it’s just an opinion.

What Peggy seems to discount with her comments are all the other areas that Stu News brings to this community. We cover news that is happening throughout Newport Beach, we bring close-ups of personalities that make our community special, we write about stores and events, we talk about our schools and the successes of our students, we offer up fun things to do to make your days better, we include stories on places to dine and other places to visit. And, if you’re a reader, I’m sure you’ll agree that, at times, we even bring a lot more.

I started Stu News with my team/partners to make certain that our community offered a voice for all of that listed above. I also wanted to offer a voice where people like Peggy Palmer and others could shout their concerns about troubling issues to the rooftops.

As I said, tonight’s City Council will undertake the issue of the 2510 W. Coast Highway Project. They’re not, I promise you, going to vote one way or the other on the issue because of “what Tom said.”

They’re going to make their decision based on community feedback, the design of the project, the answering of inherent concerns from residents, and they’re going to follow rules and regulations as the city and state allow.

That’s the tricky part. The state makes it difficult for our council members to wholly assume the decision-making. Because of this, it’s going to be unfortunate if residents don’t understand this going in and then make threats and accusations afterward if their opinion isn’t honored.

Trust me, I know.

Whatever way this project ends up heading, I promise the residents impacted by Mariners’ Mile that Stu News stands ready to share their concerns in future issues…Peggy’s too.

And might I remind you that many, if not most, of those concerns will be my concerns too.

Just to reassure them, yesterday I ventured down to ground zero to meet with project activists Nancy Barfield and Kathy Shaw. We discussed all of the issues related to the project, walked the area and bemoaned state regulations.

We did, however, collectively agree that an overall traffic study absolutely needs to be completed for the entire area. 

Personally, I believe it’s something the City should in fact take ownership of and complete before any other projects, following 2510, are considered.

• • •

A message was distributed yesterday afternoon from the President of the Balboa Island Improvement Association regarding the undergrounding of utilities.

“A lawsuit has been filed by Bob McCaffrey that is scheduled to be heard this morning (Tuesday, July 27) in Superior Court Central Justice Center in Santa Ana. If successful, the City may be required to destroy all ballots and begin the election process over again. 

The City has a closed session listed on the agenda (this evening) with their legal staff prior to the election.”

Once again McCaffrey is the rash that just won’t go away!

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SOCALPAPA this weekend at Upper Newport Bay featuring artist demonstrations 

Southern California Plein Air Painters Association (SOCALPAPA) artists will be on hand throughout this weekend as part of the SOCALPAPA gallery show in Upper Newport Bay, demonstrating different mediums and ways they create the masterpieces on display.

Feel free to join any one of the artists (at the designated times listed below) in the newly renovated outdoor amphitheater of the Peter and Mary Muth Interpretive Center as they share the knowledge, strategy and experience of painting in the outdoors with you. Parking and admission are free. The trails are open from sunrise to sunset.

The gallery show runs through Sunday, July 25 in the Ray and Elsa Watson Theater of the Muth Interpretive Center.

SOCALPAPA continues Back Bay Egret

Courtesy of Newport Bay Conservancy

“Back Bay Egret” by artist Kevin Davidson

Art demonstration schedule:

Friday, July 23

~10-11 a.m.: Randi Moran, Painting the Majesty of the Clouds (Oil)

~11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.: Sue Miano, Bringing Trees to Life (Oil), @duranmianoartist

Saturday, July 24

~10-11 a.m.: John Taylor, Using Line and Wash in Landscapes (Watercolor), @johnwtaylorart 

~3-4 p.m.: Steve Kell, Importance of a Good Start to a Painting (Oil), www.stevekell.com 

Sunday, July 25

~1-2 p.m.: Leslie Hamilton, Watercolor underpainting with pastel over (Watercolor/Pastel), www.lesliehamiltonart.com

The Top 60 paintings selected will be displayed at the Muth Center and open to the public now through July 25. A portion of the sale proceeds will go to the Newport Bay Conservancy (NBC), resulting in a partial charitable tax write-off for the art purchaser. The show will also be displayed online at www.socalpapagallery.com

This gallery show of fine art is a collaborative event organized by SOCALPAPA in conjunction with the NBC and OC Parks. SOCALPAPA’s member association dedicates itself to painting outdoors from life.

Newport Bay Conservancy protects and preserves the Upper Newport Bay and its watershed through education, restoration, research and advocacy.

For more information about NBC, visit www.newportbay.org.

For more information about SOCALPAPA, visit the association’s website at www.socalpapa.com.

The OC Park’s Peter and Mary Muth Interpretive Center is located at 2301 University Drive, Newport Beach.

OC Parks encompasses regional, wilderness and historical facilities, as well as coastal areas throughout the County of Orange. Featuring 60,000 acres of parkland, open space and shoreline, OC Parks preserves and enhances these natural and cultural resources for recreation, education and exploration. For more information about OC Parks, visit www.ocparks.com.

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The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf is now brewing at JWA

The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf® (CBTL) brings more food and beverage options to John Wayne Airport (JWA), with three new locations now open in Terminal A (Gate 5), B (pre-security, lower level) and C (Gate 16). Known for their signature Ice Blended® beverages and freshly brewed coffee and tea, CBTL also offers a variety of on-the-go food items, including baked goods, breakfast and lunch sandwiches, and snacks.

“John Wayne Airport is known for providing a superior guest experience, and we are excited to welcome the Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf® to the Thomas F. Riley Terminal to provide even more food and beverage options to guests as they take to the skies during the busy summer travel season,” said Barry Rondinella, airport director.

The Coffee Bean Terminal A

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Courtesy of JWA

The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf® in Terminal A at Gate 5

The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf® is recognized as one of the world’s leading roasters and retailers of specialty coffee and tea sourced worldwide. Visit www.coffeebean.com to learn more or download the free CBTL app to place a mobile order for pickup in the terminal.

Guests traveling through JWA can expect to experience several measures designed to keep guests safe and are encouraged to review the Airport’s Healthy Travels practices before arriving at the terminal. Face masks are required across all U.S. transportation networks, including airports under federal law.

For more dining options and additional information about John Wayne Airport, visit www.ocair.com.

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Take Five: Meet Amber Semrow of the OC Mosquito and Vector Control District

By AMY SENK

Some of us love everything about summer – the hot days on the beach, the evenings cool enough to dine outside, the break from the pressures of homework and school carpools. Then there are the realists who see summer for what it is – a season with lots of extra traffic and crowds and of course, the ever-present mosquitoes. I heard there was a new director of Scientific Tech Services for the county Mosquito and Vector Control District, Amber Semrow, so I caught up with her to learn more.

Take Five Amber Semrow

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Photos courtesy of Orange County Mosquito and Vector Control District

Amber Semrow

Q: Newport Beach City Councilman Joy Brenner recently told some residents that last summer’s mosquitoes were the worst in years, including a type of invasive species that people are calling the aggressive ankle-biters. What factors contributed to that situation?    

A: The invasive Aedes mosquitoes started to appear in Orange County in the fall of 2015. They prefer to bite people. They are commonly referred to as ankle-biters, and the females will bite multiple times leaving itchy welts on ankles, legs and other extremities. Invasive Aedes have become established in nearly a dozen areas of the city and continue to spread. These mosquitoes are container breeders and will stick their eggs to the sides of pots and buckets or containers that are periodically filled with water. The eggs can dry out for a period of time and yet remain viable when saturated again. 

Take Five Meet Semrow microscope

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Semrow observing “Aedes” under a microscope

Q: How many different species of mosquitoes do we have in Newport Beach?

A: The [vector] district has documented 15 different species of mosquitoes in Newport Beach. The most common mosquito in the urban areas is the southern house mosquito (Culex quinquefasciatus), which is the primary vector of West Nile virus in Orange County. Invasive species appear periodically. Some factors that influence or drive this include globalization, including the movement of goods and people and climate change. The yellow fever mosquito is native to Africa, and the Asian tiger mosquito in native to southeast Asia, each are from mostly tropical and subtropical climates.

Q: What steps are being taken to alleviate the issue? 

A: To combat invasive Aedes mosquitoes, the district has enlisted the help of residents and the community at large. Since Aedes mosquitoes prefer to bite people and they are container breeders, they are most often associated with backyard sources. They will readily follow you inside your home and can live their entire life cycle in your house. Conventional mosquito control treatments only work temporarily. The best solution is for residents is to be vigilant about eliminating standing water sources from their yards and encouraging their neighbors to do the same. Looking to the future, the district is considering a strategy called Sterile Insect Technique or SIT. There are three types of SIT used in mosquito control – Wolbachia infected, genetically modified and irradiation. In general terms, each method involves the release of sterile (or sterilizing) laboratory-reared male mosquitoes into the infestation area. These lab-reared sterile males are released in high numbers to out-compete wild males for mating opportunities with the wild females. It’s important to note that male mosquitoes don’t bite. When the sterile male mosquitoes mate with the wild female mosquitoes, the eggs do not hatch, or the larvae die. This drives down the population of invasive mosquitoes. So, SIT uses mosquitoes to fight mosquitoes.

Take Five Meet Aedes

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A closeup of the “Aedes Aegypti” mosquito

Q: I understand from a recent hike in the Back Bay that that area is one of the biggest breeding grounds for mosquitoes in the county. Is that true, and are there steps being taken to combat that? 

A: Yes, the area at Big Canyon Pond produces a high abundance of the tule mosquitoes (Culex erythrothorax). We work in conjunction with the landowner to try and minimize the problem. One effective solution would be to clear out the overgrown emergent vegetation and restore it to open-water habitat. There are plans to remediate the site which should greatly improve the situation once implemented. Our inspectors monitor multiple locations throughout the Back Bay every seven to 10 days and inspect for the presence of mosquito breeding. 

Q: Besides itchy bug bites, are mosquitoes really that big of a problem?

A: Not everyone gets the itchy bumps or welts after being bitten by mosquitoes. You may, in fact, get bites but you are not reacting to them and therefore don’t notice them. Other people react to proteins in the mosquito saliva that causes an immune response which forms those itchy bumps. Mosquito vector diseases can make humans and animals sick, and in some cases can be fatal. Mosquitoes are recognized by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the CDC (U.S. Centers for Disease Control) as the world’s deadliest animal, causing more than 500,000 deaths annually across the globe.

Editor’s note: Residents can call 714.971.2421 or submit an online service request to report an issue at www.ocvector.org/report-an-issue. An inspector will come out to do a property inspection. They are experts at finding those hidden cryptic mosquito breeding sources and will advise the residents of steps they can take to protect themselves and their families.

~~~~~~~~

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

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Segerstrom Center for the Arts continues outdoor performances at Argyros Plaza

Segerstrom Center for the Arts (SCFTA) welcomes guests back to the Center for more live outdoor summer performances at the Julianne and George Argyros Plaza.

On Friday, July 23 from 8-9:30 p.m., Mariachi Arcoiris de Los Angeles performs at the penultimate Summer Sounds concert. Billed as the world’s first mariachi band comprised entirely of LGBTQ musicians, Mariachi Arcoiris treats audiences to the highest level of musicality in mariachi and Mexican folklore. Tickets start at $10.

To close their Summer Sounds series, Dengue Fever hits the stage on Friday, July 30 from 7-8:30pm. Famous for their one-of-a-kind cross pollination of Khmer rock, garage rock, psychedelic rock and British Invasion sound, Dengue Fever is set to electrify the Argyros Stage. Tickets start at $15.

Segerstrom Center The Lucky Band 7.23

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Courtesy of SCFTA.org

The Lucky Band

The Center’s first ever Family Outdoor Concert Series is kicking off with The Lucky Band on Saturday, Aug. 7 at 1 p.m. Formerly known as Lucky Diaz and the Family Jam Band, The Lucky Band have won multiple Grammy and Emmy awards for their smart crafty lyrics with irresistibly fresh pop beats. They’ve been called “bilingual pop joy” by NPR, “THE face of kindie music” by the Washington Post and “the children’s Beatles” by Entertainment Weekly. Led by married couple Lucky Diaz and Alisha Gaddis and based in Los Angeles, their songs in both Spanish and English are rooted in their whimsical child-friendly imaginations and offer a musical and topical range aimed at exploring all of the wonder and joy of a young person’s life. After 11 years and 11 albums, they’re fresher than ever with a new name and new album, Paseo Lunar. Tickets start at $15, and activities and food trucks are available from 12-3 p.m. 

Segerstrom Center Silent Disco 7.23

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Photo by Stan Sholik

Silent Disco on Argyros Plaza

To celebrate the end of summer, Argyros Plaza gets its groove back with Silent Disco. Come dance the night away on Saturday, Aug. 28 from 7-10 p.m. Silent DJs will return to the outdoor stage with everyone’s favorite tunes, times three. With three channels to choose from on your light up headphones, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Whether you love party classics, or EDM, the Silent DJs will have you up and moving on the dance floor. Tickets start at $25.

Tickets are available for purchase online at www.scfta.org, at the Box Office at 600 Town Center Drive in Costa Mesa, or by calling 714.556.2787. For inquiries about group ticket savings of 10 or more, call the Group Services office at 714.755.0236.

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Council agrees to wait 30 days to submit draft Housing Element update to state

By SARA HALL

Following City Council direction from a study session last week, the city will wait 30 days before submitting the draft Housing Element update to the state.

Council heard a presentation on July 13 of recent revisions and additions to the document.

The study session was an overview of what they’ve been working on over the last 18 months, explained Community Development Director Seimone Jurjis. They incorporated the feedback from council and the community, he said.

“This is not the final version,” Jurjis emphasized. “This is just a new draft version.”

Discussion mostly revolved around delaying the submittal, accessory dwelling units and the inclusionary policy. A number of locals spoke up during public comment at the meeting.

Mayor Brad Avery thanked the residents for their input and hoped more would get involved.

“Everyone in this room understands how important this is to our future,” Avery said. “We may not agree on things, certain elements of this, but we all are in agreement of what we’re trying to do: Protect as much as we can, our city, from the impacts of what is, essentially, a total takeover by the state in this realm. It’s a frightening thing to see.”

Councilmember Will O’Neill suggested submitting the draft in 30 days, noting that the council could call a special meeting in the meantime to review something, if needed, if staff finds something that “dramatically alters” their analysis. They can keep rolling forward once they get feedback from HCD. 

“That doesn’t mean we have to adopt it exactly as it is, and we can continue to have this discussion and debate, and we 100 percent will,” O’Neill said. 

Nobody likes this process or being put in this position by the state, he added. 

“But, at some point, we need to get to a point where we’re not studying and we’re submitting and, at least on a draft side, putting it in,” O’Neill said. “I think we’re at that point where we should probably be putting this in, in about 30 days, (and) holding our nose the whole time.”

There was unanimous agreement on the dais with O’Neill’s suggestion. 

He was also inclined to include the inclusionary zoning reference. It should be kept in, studied, and likely later adopted.

“It’s a matter of timing on it,” and a decision would likely need to be made before adopting the Housing Element, he said.

But increasing the ADUs to 1,500 (as suggested during public comment) is unrealistic and might get rejected. The assumption of 1,000 ADUs is already a stretch, considering the average number of ADUs currently submitted to the city is closer to a couple dozen. If they try for 1,500 and it’s rejected, they’ll have to come back down to where it’s at now, O’Neill said. 

Council agrees houses

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Photo by Sara Hall

The city will submit the draft Housing Element update to the state in 30 days

The Housing Element is a mandatory element of the City of Newport Beach General Plan that requires periodic review and updating. It is a comprehensive statement of housing goals and policies that are closely correlated with other elements of the General Plan. 

The Housing Element describes how the city will provide for policies and programs to accommodate the city’s 4,845-unit allocation of the 6th Cycle of the Regional Housing Needs Assessment. RHNA is a state mandate which identifies the forecasted growth need for housing units in the city for the 2021-29 planning period.

The 2021-29 Housing Element Update is statutorily required to be adopted by October 15. State law provides for a 120-day grace period, requiring the Housing Element to be adopted no later than Feb. 15, 2022 without facing penalties. 

For the past 18 months, city staff has worked alongside the Housing Element Update Advisory Committee, the consultant team, the community, Planning Commission and City Council to prepare the draft document.

An initial draft was released in March for community review. It was presented to the Planning Commission and twice to City Council for review. The city also hosted virtual community workshops to discuss the updated housing scenarios to accommodate RHNA growth need and possible policy solutions. 

Based on all feedback provided, staff returned last week with an updated draft Housing Element, which includes a revised housing production scenario, updated inclusionary housing policy, and a new policy regarding senior housing. Additional editorial changes to the document address a variety of statutory requirements necessary to comply with state law. 

At the June 8 study session, staff presented three updated housing production options for consideration and feedback. Based on direction received at this study session, staff returned to council on June 22 to present a revised housing production scenario. This new scenario meets the following directives provided by council:

–Includes an increased assumption of 1,000 accessory dwelling units;

–Increases assumed housing unit yields at Banning Ranch and Coyote Canyon;

–Deconcentrates affordable housing units from the Airport Area and presents a more equitable distribution into the various focus areas citywide;

–Includes or excludes properties where letters of interest or disinterest were received from property owners;

–Provides a revised assumed buffer to accommodate no net loss considerations; and

–Reduces the overall planning assumptions.

Since they also discussed the inclusionary housing policies, the updated draft includes an interim inclusionary policy at 15 percent, but they would study that and follow it up with a more robust ordinance within 36 months of adoption, said Deputy Director of Community Development Jim Campbell.

In policy action 1K, an inclusionary housing program is proposed to require the production of affordable housing for new residential development projects. This policy is seen as imperative to meeting the higher affordability required in the RHNA allocation, according to the staff report. 

The inclusionary zoning policy needs to be in place immediately, several public speakers emphasized. 

Resident Nancy Scarborough, representing Good Neighbor Newport, said the density bonuses and the incentives for developers who want to take advantage of the legislative entitlements for building affordable housing has been largely ignored. State law details exactly what percentage of additional market rate units a developer is entitled to build if they provide the prescribed number of affordable units. 

Sharing her own chart based on the Housing Element data and recent provisions, Scarborough said the numbers are daunting, thousands of units if all projects used the same inclusionary rate and density bonus. According to her calculations, the “worst case scenario” could be as many as 39,764 units if all projects in the city were built at the lowest proportion needed to require for a density bonus, at 5 percent affordable and 95 percent market rate, with no inclusionary requirement.

“Obviously we do not have enough land in Newport Beach to build 40,000 apartments in the next eight years, even if we started converting office buildings and hotels to high-density mixed-income apartments,” she said. 

The point is, Scarborough concluded, if the city doesn’t get in front of this with an immediate interim inclusionary policy, they could be overwhelmed with a lot of high-density luxury apartments and still not enough affordable housing.

They need to fully understand the density bonuses allowed by state law and design the policies in the city’s Housing Element accordingly before they “stamp the envelope and mail it to HCD.”

“This is our collective legacy,” Scarborough said. “Residents may not know this is coming, but they will certainly notice when these projects start to be entitled and be built.

Overall, the majority of council members agreed on the inclusionary policy.

There’s no way to get to the affordable housing numbers required unless there is an inclusionary policy, said Councilmember Joy Brenner. 

“It’s sort of critical, not that we like it,” she said. 

Council agrees Back Bay and Newport Center

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Photo by Sara Hall

The city is working on updating its Housing Element to accommodate state mandates for affordable housing

There was also a lot of discussion about ADUs.

A new appendix was also added to the draft document related to Accessory Dwelling Units.

The new “appendix D” provides expanded discussion in support of the city’s desire to assume 1,000 accessory dwelling units, which is well above the “Safe Harbor” provisions described in the HCD’s guidance document. It describes ADU legislation and regional actions and an overview of local factors to increase ADU production over the next eight years. 

Staff, in general, isn’t in favor of an overlay idea that has different requirements in different neighborhoods because it’s difficult to enforce. The city already has an adopted ADU policy, the update is meant to be more permissive, he said. 

But they can have the different requirements if council so chooses and can discuss the idea with the Planning Commission at a study session.

“It seems like some places in our community can handle much larger ADUs than other areas can,” Brenner said. “It seems like we can’t do a blanket approach to the ADUs in Newport Beach.”

The size of the ADUs could be adjusted depending on the area, Brenner said, explaining her suggestion for the city to consider overlays.

It’s a good point, O’Neill agreed, although an overlay regarding the sizing may not need to be included in the Housing Element.

A few residents suggested increasing the ADU count to 1,500. That’s an opportunity for affordable housing they shouldn’t overlook, said longtime resident Nancy Skinner.

Housing Element Update Committee member Susan DeSantis said there is a “good chance” the increased ADU suggestion would be approved. 

The council was split on whether increasing the ADUs would realistically be approved. 

Ultimately, O’Neill said in his suggested direction for city staff that the 1,500 number would be a stretch and recommended keeping it at 1,000.

DeSantis also commented that the inclusionary policy is appropriate and agreed with the other speakers about waiting to submit to HCD a little longer.

“There can be a delay in submitting,” she said. “We don’t need to be the first ones in the door.”

DeSantis said the policies and strategies in the latest draft will go a significant way to addressing the concerns of HCD. There’s been a lot of hard work put into the document and they revised according to feedback from the council and community, she added, but it still needs some final revisions.

“I do think that we would all agree that there are very real housing needs that members of our community have,” DeSantis said. “I would like to see us succeed and think that the draft that you have in front of you is almost there, there are just some tweaks that need to be made before it can be submitted.”

A few new policies staff added more recently reflect the council policy K-4 adopted in March, including policy actions to “review mixed-use zones” and “establish mixed-use resort opportunities.”

Although this new policy wasn’t adopted without some concern from the community.

Policy K-4, “Reducing the Barriers to the Creation of Housing,” includes “interpreting ambiguities” in the city’s General Plan, as well as other local regulating plans and code, and “directs city staff to develop, modify as necessary, and aggressively implement various strategies and action plans that are designed to accelerate housing production consistent with the policy, including encouraging and incentivizing the development of mixed-use hotels.”

Community Development Director Seimone Jurjis issued a determination on April 30 that residential uses are allowable as an “accessory use” to resort hotels under certain parameters. 

Still Protecting Our Newport (aka Stop Polluting Our Newport), a nonprofit public education organization, filed an appeal on May 14 to the Planning Commission of the director’s determination. 

In the group’s appeal, SPON does not oppose or support the conversion of hotel rooms to dwelling units in general, but objects specifically to the process, which organization officials argue would essentially allow “a staff person to effectively amend the city’s general plan ahead of the larger update to meet RHNA [Regional Housing Needs Allocation] that is in progress, and improperly avoid the Greenlight tracking required by our voter-enacted city charter.”

On July 8, the commission unanimously denied SPON’s appeal.

There is also a new policy to encourage senior housing, which would collaborate with local seniors and senior service organizations, he added. It’s fairly flexible and allows for implementation in a variety of ways. It’s also reflective of Newport Beach’s aging population, Campbell noted. 

Other concerns from public speakers included the site plan ordinance, objective design standards impact on affordable housing, public review and availability, some contradictory language, focusing on more affordable housing and ADUs, traffic impacts, and the assumption in the document that development projects will actually build a high percentage of affordable units.

The public comments are indicative of why the state’s housing policies are bad, O’Neill said, and encouraged residents to speak to their district representatives as well.

Several speakers commented that they shouldn’t rush this though and that it should be put in as late as possible. 

“The bottom line is, I really think we do need to take as much time as we possibly can for a number of unanswered questions,” said Debra Allen, president of the Harbor Hills Community Association.

~~~~~~~~

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

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Regattas and Races…

Regattas and Races...two yachts

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Photo by Bronny Daniels | Joysailing.com

BYC

2021 Twilights 

July 21

Harbor 20 A Fleet (12 races scored)

1 Jubilee – Patrick Kincaid, BCYC

2 Blue Skies – Gary Thorne, BYC

3 Fortunatelee – Walter Johnson, BYC

Harbor 20 B Fleet (12 races scored)

1 Summer Dream – Tucker Cheadle, BYC

2 Dragon Lady – Ed Kimball, ABYC

3 Chloe – Matt Campbell, BYC

Harbor 20 C Fleet (12 races scored)

1 Ruthless – Ryan Tolsma, BCYC

2 Shazam – David LaMontange, BYC

3 Lucky Puff – Peter Bretschger, BYC

Thistle Fleet (6 races scored)

1 Chuck Simmons, BYC

2 Bob Larzelere, BYC

3 Robert Maxwell, BYC

Laser Fleet (6 races scored)

1 Michael Arrigo, NHYC

2 Martin Bonsager, BYC

3 Alan Andrews, BYC

Lido 14 A Fleet (6 races scored)

1 John Papadopoulos, WSA-OC

2 Kim McRae/Judi Gorski, ABYC/BYC

3 Jim Sears, BYC

Lido 14 B Fleet (4 races scored)

1 Tony Lange, ALYC

2 Ryan Long, BYC

Adult Sabot A Fleet (6 races scored)

1 Susan K. Jennings, BYC/NHYC

2 Lanny Coon, MBYC

3 Karen Luttrell, BYC

Adult Sabot B Fleet (6 races scored)

1 Carol Harmon, BYC

2 Linda Ungerland, BYC

3 Sandra Lindsey, BYC

ALYC

2021 Sundowner Series

Monday Nights

July 19 

Harbor 20 B (10 races scored)

1 Tiki – Gregg Kelly/Devon Kelly, NHYC

Harbor 20 C (10 races scored)

1 Whim – Hubie Laugharn, NHYC

2 Ping – Anne Wiese, NHYC

3 Whit’s End – Kim Whitney/John Whitney, NHYC

PHRF A (10 races scored)

1 Kaizen – David Camerini/Don Logan, UCISA/TPYC

2 Violetta – Jane Hartley/Tomidan Jordan, BCYC

3 Buena Vista II – Berkeley Green, ALYC

PHRF B (10 races scored)

1 Whisper – Bob Dodds, ALYC

2 Holokai – Ross McElfresh/Bonnie McElfresh, ALYC

3 Bravura – William Miller, OCC

PHRF C (10 races scored)

1 Jack – Chris Hill, BCYC/Oasis

2 CELIA – Jim O’Connor/Ron Costabile, ALYC

3 Carioca – Bob Wine, ALYC

PHRF D (10 races scored)

1 Mystery II – Any Club Member, ALYC

2 Mystery – Any Club Member, ALYC

3 No Ka Oi – Lorin Romano,WSA OC

Beercans – Pilsner (July) Series

July 15

Race #3 – PHRF 1 Division

1 It’s OK – Andrews 49.9 - Andy Rose/Tom Purcell, BYC

2 TNT – 1D48 - Wes Selby, BYC

Race #3 – PHRF 2 Division

1 Marisol – J124 - Seth Hall, CRA

2 Red Bull – Open 6.50 - Tracey Kennedy, BYC

3 Amante – Choate 48 - Richley Family, NHYC/LIYC

Race #3 – PHRF 3 Division

1 Man-O-War – J29 - Aidan Malm, NHYC

2 Violetta – Davidson34 - Jane Hartley, BCYC

3 Pussycat – Pet 34 - John Szalay, BCYC

Race #3 – PHRF 4 Division

1 Iconoclast – J22 - Min Choi/Don Gordon, OSC

2 Hayden’s Havoc – Ericson - Michael Hayden, ALYC

3 Daydream – Pearson - Rich Fischbeck, BYC

News relating to racing in or around Newport Harbor should be forwarded to Tom Johnson at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

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OCCF’s ImpACT Anaheim Giving Day to support underserved youth

On July 28, the Orange County Community Foundation (OCCF), based in Newport Beach, will host “ImpACT Anaheim” – a collaborative Giving Day to support underserved youth and teens in Anaheim. The 24-hour online effort aims to raise $90,000 for 10 nonprofits offering a range of programs in STEM education, arts, recreation, leadership development and more.

The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted the lives of millions of Americans and has added more significant challenges to youth than ever before. Per a 2019 U.S. Census report, Orange County boasts more than 689,000 youth aged 17 and younger. Of that number, 84,000 live in Anaheim, equating to 24 percent of the city’s population. Like many across the U.S., Anaheim youth and teens found themselves dissociated from school and isolated from friends and older family members during the peak of the virus.

ImpACT Anaheim will raise funds for 10 nonprofits which provide supportive services to youth. The Giving Day participants include Anaheim Ballet, Anaheim Community Foundation, Anaheim Family YMCA, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Orange County, Chance Theater, Girls Inc. of Orange County, Higher Ground Youth & Family Services, Love Anaheim, Pure Game and Voice of Refugees.

OCCF's adult and child

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Submitted photo

OCCF, working with donors, strengthens the local nonprofit sector and works to find solutions to community needs

“Orange County’s youth have faced greater challenges than ever before throughout the pandemic as it altered the way they learn and communicate,” said Shelley Hoss, president and CEO, OCCF. “OCCF is proud to support nonprofits providing our leaders of tomorrow the vital resources they need as we recover from the pandemic and plan to turn barriers into bridges for our underserved Anaheim youth and teenagers.”

ImpACT Anaheim is part of OCCF’s iheartOC Collaborative Giving Days, an annual initiative that designates cause-specific giving days focused on critical community issues. The online giving model matches OC nonprofits with shared missions – from homelessness and workforce development to preserving ecosystems and supporting local veterans – to create momentum on one shared day and leverage a combined outreach effort for collective success. In 2020, the 10 days secured support from nearly 6,500 donors and raised a record $3.2 million for 98 nonprofits. Since its start in 2015, OCCF’s Collaborative Giving Days have raised more than $13 million for Orange County nonprofits.

To give online during the 24-hour Giving Day, visit https://impact-anaheim-giving-day.ocnonprofitcentral.org/. For more information about Orange County Community Foundation Collaborative Giving Days, visit www.oc-cf.org/givingdays.

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What, no soap? Something’s gotta give!

By GARY SHERWIN

As the peak vacation time of August approaches with its lazy days, people already traveling are discovering that it isn’t exactly the summer of love out there.

It’s more like the Wild West.

If you’ve been on vacation recently, you probably found the experience completely unpredictable depending on where you went. While many places are technically open, many cities and businesses aren’t operating normally with the service standards you might expect.

Last week, I was attending a travel industry conference in Baltimore. After checking into the Renaissance Hotel and paying full rate, I was informed, with a memo handed to me at the front desk, that there would be no housekeeping, including clean towels, during my entire stay.

I was going to be there for nearly a week.

Gary Sherwin

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Courtesy of Visit Newport Beach

Gary Sherwin

There also would be no food service anywhere in the hotel except for a morning coffee bar and a small refrigerator near the front desk featuring what looked like very unappetizing sandwiches for sale.

I was luckier than others. One of my colleagues never got a bar of soap in his room the entire stay and even tried to raid a housekeeper’s cart, when vacated rooms were being cleaned, to no avail.

While you could justify the cutbacks as another example of a labor shortage, it also struck me as possibly a hotel owner trying to squeeze out a few more dollars after a financially devastating year. I mean, no housekeeping for a guest staying a week?

Renaissance is a Marriott brand, and they usually adhere to strict brand service standards, but this hotel was likely a franchised property where such standards sometimes are not as enforced as they should be.

As I’ve mentioned before, hotels are charging sometimes astronomical rates out there this summer, but many properties are clearly not the full-service experiences that people are expecting.

Hotels are enjoying a bit of a sugar high right now given how badly people want to travel and enjoy what are supposed to be these carefree months. What’s concerning is what people are anticipating this experience to be and what they end up receiving. 

Hilton recently announced that at it non-luxury brands, housekeeping will now be by request only and that you will automatically get your room cleaned only after the fifth day. At least they are upfront about it.

I believe most people are fairly tolerant of hotels and restaurants trying to get back on their feet after being shuttered, at least sporadically, for over a year. Visitors are willing to be inconvenienced to a certain degree during this time but gaping service levels are another thing entirely.

My suggestion is: How about being upfront with what the guest can expect at the time of booking? If you can’t offer clean towels and shampoo every day and your restaurant is closed, make it very clear that is what the experience is going to be and what your stay will be like before you arrive.

If I know that I can’t get soap, maybe I would plan to bring my own but having to scramble once I arrive is not something I want to do after a five-hour flight.

Already you are seeing people getting aggravated with these kinds of scenarios. And restaurants are ground zero. According to a recent survey by the Food Labor Research Center, 39 percent of respondents listed “hostility and harassment” of customers as reasons they are leaving their restaurant-related jobs right now.

One restaurant on the East Coast closed recently to offer a “Kindness Day” for its employees after a customer berated servers and threatened to call their attorney because they didn’t get the table they wanted. Whether this is an example of aggregation or arrogance, who knows.

It seems that the hospitality industry is in a difficult squeeze right now. Even with a surge in summer travel, many businesses are not operating normally with a shortage in qualified labor, huge swings in food and goods pricing and an overwhelming pressure for owners to extract profits with a minimal amount of overhead.

During my hotel checkout, the associate at the front desk asked about my stay. When I told him about the lack of services and my disappointment, all he offered was a curt one word “sorry” and no further explanation. Not exactly a warm farewell.

After I got home from my Baltimore adventure, I wondered if I was an average vacationer right now, how would I feel about this trip? I would probably think it was great to get out and see colleagues and a new city, but that the price vs. the actual experience probably wouldn’t be worth repeating.

We need to be clear with visitors when we can’t meet their expectations and find other means to accommodate them and to give them something memorable. People are understanding to a degree but surprising them with unpleasant news just as they arrive is not the way to do it.

After the year we’ve had, we don’t need to give people another reason to stay home.

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

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Farmhouse Restaurant at Roger’s Gardens and Olea help raise funds for Illumination Foundation

With the support of the popular Farmhouse Restaurant at Roger’s Gardens in Corona del Mar and Olea in Newport Beach, which showcased the culinary skills of their talented chefs, the eighth edition of the annual “Elite Gala of Orange County” Chef’s Table fundraiser presented by the nonprofit Illumination Foundation served up $1,332,409.

This is the largest amount the event has earned in support of the nonprofit’s targeted, interdisciplinary services designed to disrupt the cycle of homelessness.

The event moved this year from the iconic Disneyland® Hotel to be held outdoors at the private San Juan Capistrano estate of Marc Carlson and Jacqueline DuPont-Carlson in keeping with COVID-19 safety protocols. 

Karen Jordan of Newport Coast and Dr. DuPont-Carlson were the event’s co-chairs.

The estate’s two and one-half meandering acres provided a picturesque outdoor backdrop for a kitchen full of renowned local chefs to bring their extensive culinary chops to life, much to the delighted senses of guests.

Farmhouse Restaurant Chef Mead

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Photo by Scott Sporleder@spoart

 

Farmhouse Restaurant at Roger’s Gardens Owner/Executive Chef Rich Mead

Farmhouse Owner/Executive Chef Rich Mead’s passion for cooking, local farming and the nonprofit community brought him to Illumination Foundation’s Chef’s Table, where he served chicken meatball albondigas soup with tomatillo broth, radish, cabbage, cilantro, crispy tortilla chips and lime.

Fellow Newport Beach culinary star Chef Jared Cook of Olea served jumbo lump crab and heirloom beets with Star Ruby grapefruit, filbert crumble, capers, avocado and charred lemon shallot gastrique.

This year’s event also featured the skills of world-class chef Amar Santana of Vaca, Broadway and The Hall Global Eatery at South Coast Plaza, an auction and plenty of surprises.

Farmhouse Restaurant Olea

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Photo by Werkit Photo

(L-R) Olea Operating Partner Kyle Simpson and Owner Russ Bendel at the Chef Table’s fundraiser

Proceeds from the evening will support the nonprofit’s targeted, interdisciplinary services designed to disrupt the cycle of homelessness in Southern California, including the Plumeria Family Emergency House which is being updated to accommodate homeless children and families with chronic illnesses and physical disabilities. 

“Thank you to our co-chairs, sponsors, guests, chefs, volunteers and staff for helping us return to having an in-person spectacular evening of good food, good cheer and most importantly, raising record funds for a good cause,” said Illumination Foundation CEO Paul Leon. “We are forever thankful for your support of our mission. You are illuminating the darkness for so many struggling with the challenges of homelessness. You are changing lives.”

Illumination Foundation is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) that provides targeted, interdisciplinary services for the most vulnerable homeless adults and children in order to disrupt the cycle of homelessness. The organization assesses clients in order to identify needs and provide immediate relief when necessary, followed by care that combines housing assistance, case management, medical care, mental health services and workforce connections to decrease community dependency.

For more information, visit www.ifhomeless.org.

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DISC Sports & Spine Center is title sponsor of 2021 Governor’s Cup

DISC Sports & Spine Center (“DISC”) will be the title sponsor of the 2021 Governor’s Cup regatta, teaming with the Balboa Yacht Club (BYC) to support the International Youth Match Racing Championship for the second time in three years. Additionally, DISC founding director Dr. Robert S. Bray Jr. continues his role as “fleet surgeon,” assisting with member health and advising BYC on COVID safety and other protocols making the event possible.

DISC Sports Takahashi

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Courtesy of DISC Sports & Spine Center

DISC Sports & Spine Center, which was title sponsor of the 2019 Governor’s Cup regatta, renews its commitment for next week’s event

Taking place July 26-31 off the coast of Newport Beach, the Governor’s Cup (known affectionately as the “GovCup”) is the oldest and most prestigious youth match racing regatta in the world, with its inaugural event held in 1967. GovCup alumni, who hail from 16 countries and five continents, are among the most famous and successful international sailors.

DISC, based in Newport Beach, has long been a champion of competitive sailing and its notable skippers and strategists, counting such prestigious names as America’s Cup winners Jimmy Spithill and Tom Slingsby among the patients the center has helped return to sport.

“We are proud to support such a wonderful event with the distinction of having started the careers of so many top sailors around the world,” Dr. Bray said. “Sailing is also a personal passion of mine, and I enjoy being able to give back to a sport that has given so much to me.”

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Commodore Mary Bacon inducted at NOSA’s annual meeting

The Newport Ocean Sailing Association (NOSA) held its annual meeting on July 18, installing the 2022 board of directors and welcoming Mary Bacon as Commodore. It’s only the second time in the organization’s esteemed history that a woman has taken the helm and guided the success of its signature sailing event.

Bacon hopes to capitalize on the momentum created by the 2021 Newport to Ensenada International Yacht Race (N2E) when more than 170 competitors stepped up to race while other events were sidelined and sailors were nervous coming out of the pandemic. Her goal is to increase participation, improve each competitor’s experience, and reaffirm the ideals that racing N2E is for fun, for camaraderie and the love of sailing – ideals that the founders built the organization upon in 1947.

The prestigious nonprofit will celebrate N2E’s historic 75th running in 2023.

Commodore Mary Bacon headshot

Courtesy of NOSA

Mary Bacon

“The best part of serving on the NOSA board has been working with an incredible group of knowledgeable racers and the amazing people in the yachting community,” said Bacon. “And, of course, simply being part of this legendary race.”

Accomplishing the goals and driving entries to near peak levels in time for the anniversary is no easy task. But it’s not like Bacon to walk away from a challenge.

“We have had a great number of challenges in the past year, but we need to celebrate that we’re on the other side of the pandemic,” Bacon said. “The challenge now is to maintain enthusiasm into the celebratory 75th year and race. Sailors need to sign up and get raring to go; to bring friends; challenge other racers to get others out on the water; challenge organizers to stay busy, and challenge our yacht clubs to get fleets ready for 2022.”

In her 30-plus years of service to the sailing community, Bacon has repeatedly stepped up and contributed, as evidenced by her 2013 win of the Peggy Slater Memorial Award. Presented by the Southern California Yachting Association, the honor is given to a female who has made outstanding contributions to the enhancement of women’s sailing or individual achievement in the sport. She joined the SCYA board in 2003 becoming Commodore in 2006.

NOSA Staff Commodore Jerry Shandera (2001) recommended Bacon for a seat on the board back in 2015. The fellow Bahia Corinthian Yacht Club Staff Commodore felt the board could use a woman’s voice and was confident that her experience could make a difference.

“Mary is customer-oriented and totally understands that the N2E is all about the racer,” said Shandera. “And, she’ll inspire all the NOSA volunteers with her can-do approach.”

Bacon and her husband Bob Bacon became members of BCYC in 1989. She became the second female commodore in 1999 and helped the club navigate and close the financing and purchase and of its land and marina. The club awarded her “Woman of the Year” honors in 1992, 2012 and 2013 in part for her mentorship of other women into leadership positions.

In her first act as Commodore, Bacon officially announced that N2E 74 will race on April 22, 2022. She also thanked Staff Commodore William Gibbs for his stellar job and for “setting the gold standard of leadership.” In his last act as Commodore 2020-2021, Gibbs presented Staff Commodore Paul DeCapua (2005) the Joseph R Baiunco Memorial Trophy for distinguished service to NOSA.

JoAnn Sedgwick of Silver Gate Yacht Club will remain as Vice Commodore – Race, while Phil Herzfeld of Dana Point Yacht Club will step up from his role as a board member to Vice Commodore – Administration. Board members serve three-year terms with flag officers serving two-year terms in leadership roles.

For more information about Mary Bacon’s legendary record of service to Southern California’s sailing community, see the full article at www.nosa.org.

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Peaceful afternoons

Peaceful afternoons

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Photo by Stacia Stabler

Another serene summer day on Balboa Island

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Vintage Market today at Lido Marina Village

Vintage Market Lido Deck

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Courtesy of Lido Marina Village

Vintage Market is sailing into Lido Marina Village today, Friday, July 23 from 12-5 p.m. and every fourth Friday of the month. Hosted by Retro Blades, you’ll find hand-picked vintage items from around the world including clothing, jewelry, shoes, bags and more. Stop by to shop all things vintage. Lido Marina Village is located at 3434 Via Lido, Newport Beach.

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You Must Remember This: The red light

By NANCY GARDNER

One of the ongoing complaints the city council faces is code enforcement, particularly when it involves loud parties. Irate neighbors call the police. If they’re lucky, it’s a slow night, and the police respond promptly, but it could be a busy night with the police dealing with assaults, thefts, whatever, in which case it takes them a while to respond. The party continues, the irate neighbor becomes more irate, and the next morning the city council receives a blistering email about the lack of concern for residents’ quality of life. The council might temper some of that anger with a little history lesson on how such things were handled in the past.

When my father was a young man living in Balboa, there were lots of parties, lots of noise and certainly plenty of complaints. However, this was before police radios, so even if there weren’t other matters to deal with, response could be slow, if there was any at all. When a resident called the police station, the policeman took the complaint and then pushed a button. This switched on a red light which sat atop a pole at the Balboa fire station. Now, if a policeman – and there were only a few – happened to be in the vicinity of the fire station and happened to notice the light, he would then find a telephone, call the station, get the information and proceed to the offending house. However, if, as often happened, no policeman was in the vicinity of the fire station, the red light gleamed in vain. The party went on until everyone passed out or went home, while the complaining neighbor fumed helplessly.

The bright spot for those who objected to loud parties was Officer George Callihan. If he was on duty, more often than not he responded to the light. In fact, it is suspected that on duty nights he actually loitered in the vicinity of the fire station on the chance he could break up a party which he had a novel way of doing. He would go to the front door of the party house, bang on it with his night stick and yell, “Police!” He would then dart around to the back door where everyone was trying to escape, and with his stick whack the rear end of each and every one of those fleeing. According to my father, the resulting welts were a badge of honor. Attitudes have obviously changed. If a cop whacked anyone’s rear end today, the welt would not be a badge of honor but prime evidence in the lawsuit brought against the city. The point, however, is that people who feel the police have not responded quickly enough should remember the red light and be thankful they respond at all.

My father experienced the vagaries of the red light from the other side as well. He started his law practice during the Depression, and to supplement his meager earnings as an attorney he took a job with the city as a policeman working the occasional night shift. One night when he was manning the desk, Mr. Jones rushed in and said that a man was committing suicide on the Newport Pier. My father pushed the red light and waited for an officer to respond. Agonizing minutes passed as he pictured some despondent person throwing himself off the pier in the interim. Finally unable to stand the suspense, he hurried out to the pier himself. There he found a man hovering at the edge of the pier.

“Stop! Stop!” he cried. The man paid no heed, so my father ran over and grabbed him. The man looked at him in surprise, then handed him a note: “I am going to commit suicide.”

As my father quickly discovered, the man was a deaf mute, so he took the note and scribbled, “You can’t.” The man scribbled, “Why not?” My father scribbled: “It’s against the law.” The man: “What law?” The notes went back and forth while my father waited in vain for a more experienced officer to arrive, but no officer ever did, so eventually he took the man to the jail where they spent the next few hours exchanging notes about the legal and moral aspects of suicide. Finally, a more experienced officer arrived. He heard my father’s tale, looked at all the notes, and unmoved by either the legal or moral aspects of suicide or the man’s threat sent him on his way. In those days I guess they didn’t worry about mental health counseling any more than they worried about the cops responding to the red light.

~~~~~~~~

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

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COVID-19: 62 new cases and no new deaths reported in Newport Beach this past week

Stu News Newport is now reporting COVID-19 numbers on a weekly basis, as reported by the OC Health Care Agency.

This week, July 14-20, there have been 62 new cases in Newport Beach and no new deaths, bringing the overall totals to 4,084 cases reported to date and 76 overall deaths. 

During the past week, the county reported a total of 1,869 new cases, raising the total to 259,695 to date. The death totals for the county were three for the week, bringing the overall total number of deaths to 5,136.

As of Tuesday, July 20, Orange County has performed a cumulative of 4,239,575 tests to date. There are 126 current cases of hospitalized patients in Orange County, of which 59 are in ICU.

For questions about the data presented by the county, call 714.834.2000 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

To view the county’s data dashboard, click here.

COVID-19 numbers are updated weekly by Stu News Newport in Friday’s edition.

COVID 19 7.23.21 1

COVID 19 7.23.21 2

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Data courtesy of OC Health Care Agency

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Capturing iconic Newport Beach and beyond: Laguna Beach Lifeguard Tower

Capturing iconic Newport Beach 7.23.21

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Artwork by Don Krotee

The Lifeguard Tower is an iconic landmark of Main Beach in Laguna. Bathers and residents have passed by it since the tower was moved from Broadway and Coast Highway, essentially across the street in 1937, into its now recognizable location. This is a semi-transparent watercolor where only the white of the paper can produce the lightest value. The work is painted on a 22” x 30” 300# Fabriano rough cotton paper.

~~~~~~~~

Artist Don Krotee was selected as the “Painter of the Year” by Coachella Valley Watercolor Society for his submission of this work. Krotee is a 35-year resident of Newport Beach, a member of the 2000 GPAC, a Corona del Mar Residents Association member, the founder of the Newport Heights Improvement Association, a Board Member of SPON and lives in Corona del Mar. He is an architect, a sailor and a fine artist who has been drawing and painting from an early age. He provides Stu News drawings and paintings from iconic Newport Beach the world. Find more art by Don Krotee on Instagram @donkrotee.art.

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Blooming on Balboa

Blooming on flowers

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Photo by Stacia Stabler

Looking up at the beauty on Balboa Island this week

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Fair Game

By TOM JOHNSON

Two big projects headed to the Council’s chamber for Tuesday night showdowns

Tom new picThis Tuesday is a busy date for Newport Beach decision-makers. Two issues will highlight action in the City Council chambers. The first is the Public Hearing scheduled on the 2510 West Coast Highway Mixed-Use Project, and the second being the vote tabulation for the Balboa Island Undergrounding Project.

Both have elicited lots of community input.

For the 2510 Project you have the residents group The Coalition to Protect Mariners’ Mile (PMM) in a fight against property owner/developer Mark Moshayedi

Some would say, no, it’s not a fight, but it seems that Moshayedi has been working within the allotted guidelines and he’s shown a willingness to return to the drawing board seeking compromise in design and more. But, when it comes to the PMM it seems like nothing will work.

As you might know, the PMM has had major concerns over traffic, in, around and through their adjoining neighborhood; they’re concerned about the loss of public views; they didn’t like the drab initial designs; they didn’t like the roof appearance with the presence of vents, AC units and elevator shafts; they don’t like the project density and they don’t like the “low income” component. 

It’s a lot.

Moshayedi, on the other hand, has spent the last several months completing an overall redesign of the entire project, meeting some of those complaints. Unfortunately for residents, many of the others are allowed under State guidelines and Moshayedi is simply working within them. 

But, I have to be honest, I’m impressed with what I’ve seen from Moshayedi.

If you watch the presentation Tuesday (make sure you have a comfortable seat because you’re going to be there awhile) here’s what you’ll see: 

–A much more agreeable Newport Beach design, complete with front and rear entries through lighthouses. In fact, the look will make you think “Lido House” and contrasting colors that bring out highlights.

–The sides of the building, instead of being flat and abruptly boxed, they now have long-running angles, allowing for much softer, more wide-open, eye-pleasing views. 

–Walking decks and outside areas for residents that seem to invite a friendly, interactive, neighborhood feel. 

–A green wall and landscaping in the building’s front area. 

–A dark or patinaed roof design that is not only good looking, but hides all visible concerns related to venting and elevator shaft issues.

Moshayedi is even reportedly working on a very small property exchange with the City that would allow over time the opportunity to slightly widen Avon in the rear of the property. This would allow for better traffic flow through to the City parking lot and it aligns Avon more directly with its cross street at Tustin Avenue.

Residents still claim they want story poles to define view lines, yet I’m told that completed computer concepts are much more accurate and realistic. Those have been done and provided.

They also want a traffic study, but realistically, the traffic issue is much bigger than just the 2510 Project. And while I agree it should take place, I don’t think this development should be dependent on it.

I continually ask myself if there’s anything the residents would ever approve and embrace that Moshayedi could bring to the table? 

My answer is “no.” But I think that really means they’re truly concerned about following projects, including the MX3 Project. That one will incorporate the old Cano’s and Ardell properties. It will certainly be bigger and more controversial.

Opposition/residents need to remember that come Tuesday night, when they make their pleas to City Council, that Council’s hands are tied in many cases by rules and regulations coming down from the state level. It’s unfortunate, but it is what it is.

Trust me, nobody is going to enjoy Tuesday’s process, but I have to admit that it’s going to be hard to deny the 2510 W. PCH Project. And I commend Moshayedi for returning to the drawing board and dramatically improving what he originally brought to the table.

The other part of Tuesday will be counting the votes for the BI Undergrounding Project. And while I expect it to pass, and hope it does for a variety of reasons, I don’t think the issue ends Tuesday night.

Expect a legal battle as the next round.

• • •

If you’re involved in any art-related nonprofit, maybe a city or school-supported program, perhaps a dance studio, maybe even an after-school or other program that attracts visitors such as museums, art galleries or cultural and heritage sites, you need to listen up.

Orange County Supervisor Katrina Foley is offering up grants, as in plural, valued at up to $20,000 for the District Two Arts Related Small Business & Non-Profit Grant Relief Program.

Applications just opened earlier this week and remain open until 11:59 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 6. But you need to get busy. Eligibility requirements, FAQs and an application link can be found at https://artsoc.org/district2grant/.

If you can’t figure it out there, call 714.556.5160 (ext. 10) or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

• • •

An interesting concept: The Orange County Transportation Authority has approved a new initiative allowing all passengers ages 18 and under to ride the local buses for free.

It’s a six-month promotional program funded with a state grant that will begin in September and run through February 2022.

Here’s the idea: “Allowing our youth in Orange County to ride the OC Bus for free will encourage a new generation of riders to discover how convenient and affordable the bus system is,” said OCTA Chairman & OC Supervisor (First District) Andrew Do

As for me, I’d probably stay in the camp of driving my own kids if I had them to the places they need to go, but it’s nice to know it’s there for those who need it.

• • •

Congrats to The Wee Loft, “a European toy shop” located in Corona del Mar for more than 37 years. CdM Chamber President & CEO Linda Leonhard joined Assemblywoman Cottie Petrie-Norris at the store on Monday, July 19 to recognize them as part of Assembly District 74’s Small Business Spotlight.

The release said The Wee Loft “has been dedicated to sparking happiness for kids in Orange County.” 

It looks like a fun place; check it out at 3331 E. Coast Highway.

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Pet of the Week Dog and Cat print

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.”

Meet Hank…a 7-month-old Basenji mix. If you know Basenji, you know Basenji. They’re energetic, smart, medium in stature and have a voice all their own. This shelter boy requests your company, and if you’re not going to spend time with him exploring and having fun, he has no problem letting you know if he has a qualm with your lack of understanding, as he is a priority. Hank is a silly boy that has a lot on his list of to-dos in this life.

Pet of the Week Hank

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Courtesy of Newport Beach Animal Shelter

Meet Hank

The shelter is actively taking appointments to do meet and greets, so feel free to reach out on their landline at 949.718.3454. They do require completed application forms for their animals, so please feel free to print one up from their nonprofit’s webpage at www.FONBAS.org. After it is completed, you can email it to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., and after review, they’ll call you to schedule an appointment. They truly look forward to meeting you and introducing you to Hank, who wants to be your busy buddy.

Newport Beach Animal Shelter adoption fees:

–Adult Dogs - $150

–Puppies - $225

–Adult Cats - $90

–Kittens - $110

–Rabbits - $45

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

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National Night Out scheduled for August 3

The Newport Beach Police Department (NBPD) invites you to join in celebrating National Night Out scheduled for Tuesday, Aug. 3 from 4-7 p.m. at Bonita Canyon Sports Park.

There will be information on crime and drug prevention, home security, child safety, the Citizens’ Police Academy and Volunteers In Policing. The event will have displays from CSI, SWAT, their K-9 Officers, Animal Control, Horse Mounted Unit, CERT and more.

National Night Out police car

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Courtesy of NBPD

There will also be games, balloon animals and plenty of activities for the kids. McGruff “The Crime Fighting Dog” will be in attendance. There will be photo opportunities and food, so don’t forget to bring your camera and your appetite. 

Bring your family and friends to spend the evening with the NBPD as together we “Give Crime & Drugs A Going Away Party!” The event is suitable for all ages.

Bonita Canyon Sports Park is located at 1990 Ford Road, Newport Beach. The park is located east of MacArthur Boulevard between Bonita Canyon Drive and Ford Road.

For more information, visit www.nbpd.org/community/crimeprevention/nno.asp or call the Crime Prevention Unit at 949.644.3699.

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Mayor’s Summer Reception celebrates the community coming together…again

On Wednesday, July 21, the Mayor’s Summer Reception presented by Speak Up Newport was held on the event lawn at Newport Beach Country Club – during a perfect balmy evening – whereby the community gathered to celebrate the “reopening of Newport Beach.” The attire, dubbed as “business casual,” ran the gamut from suits and ties to Hawaiian print shirts and shorts…and it was apparent attendees enjoyed the outdoor laid-back vibe. The standup reception afforded people the opportunity to chat and catch up, while enjoying wine and live entertainment.

Mayor's Summer Selich and Avery

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Photo by Lana Johnson

(L-R) Ed Selich, president, Speak Up Newport with Newport Beach Mayor Brad Avery during the reception

“Due to the COVID-19 restrictions in February, the traditional Mayor’s Dinner had to be canceled,” said Ed Selich, president, Speak Up Newport. “In order to keep the 40-year tradition alive, Speak Up Newport scheduled this first-time Mayor’s Summer Reception at the Newport Beach Country Club. It’s acceptance by the community was overwhelming with 426 people signing up to attend. The response from those attending was enthusiastic with many saying it should be an annual event. Speak Up Newport appreciates the community support for this event.”

Mayor's Summer Lewis, Gile, Lewis

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Photo by Ed Olen

(L-R) Newport Beach Police Chief Jon Lewis, Mistress of Ceremonies Michele Gile and Darcy Lewis

The program followed with Michele Gile, a seasoned newscaster with KCAL 9 and CBS 2 TV, serving as Mistress of Ceremonies. Mayor Avery shared an encouraging message to “the crowd,” touching on both the housing and homelessness issues in our community. He made a special reference to the important work that has been accomplished by Natalie Basmaciyan, our city’s homeless coordinator.

Mayor's Summer Yelsey, Weigand, Crane

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Photo by Lana Johnson

NMUSD School Board members (L-R) Karen Yelsey, president; Krista Weigand, trustee Area 6 and Carol Crane, trustee Area 3

Selich presented scholarships to four recent high school graduates: Wiktoria Garbowiec, a graduate from Corona del Mar High School, who will be attending the University of California, Santa Barbara and majoring in pre-economics and accounting; Kendall Kelly, a graduate from Newport Harbor High School, who will be matriculating to the University of Georgia and studying journalism in hopes of giving a voice to the voiceless-like girls in the Teen Project; Jackson Swain, a graduate from Newport Harbor High School, who will be furthering his education at Boise State University, majoring in construction management; and Julia Wong, a graduate of Corona del Mar High School, who will be attending UCLA to major in environmental biology with a minor in public health. 

Mayor's Summer Jim Walker and Gary Sherwin

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Photo by Lana Johnson

(L-R) Jim Walker, The Bungalow Restaurant and Gary Sherwin, president & CEO, Visit Newport Beach and Newport Beach & Company

“Each year, thanks to the generosity of our sponsors and an anonymous donor, Speak Up Newport is able to award four $3,000 scholarships to deserving students at Newport Harbor and Corona del Mar high schools,” said Selich. “This year’s winners exemplified the tradition of these scholarships going to students with outstanding academic achievements and community involvement.”

Mayor's Summer students

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Photo by Ed Olen

Ed Selich with the four high school scholarship recipients: (L-R) Wiktoria Garbowiec, Kendall Kelly, Jackson Swain and Julia Wong

A highlight of the program was the recognition of our City of Newport Beach mayors. In addition to Mayor Avery (2020-present), in attendance were past mayors Will O’Neill (2019-2020), Diane Dixon (2018-2019), Kevin Muldoon (2016-2017), Ed Selich (2014-2015 and 2007-2009), Keith Curry (2012-2013) and (2009-2010), Nancy Gardner (2011-2012), Steve Rosansky (2006-2007), Don Webb (2005-2006), John Heffernan (2005), and Tod Ridgeway (2003-2004 and 2001-2002).

Mayor's Summer mayors

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Photo by Ed Olen

Recognizing our Newport Beach mayors, past and present

Mayor's Summer Rosanskys

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Photo by Lana Johnson

Gina Rosansky and Newport Beach Chamber of Commerce President & CEO Steve Rosansky

Mayor's Summer Averys

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Photo by Ed Olen

Mayor Brad Avery and his wife, Julie

Check out more photos by Lana Johnson of the Mayor’s Summer Reception below

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Inflationary fears vs. the wind in our backs

By Morgan Christen, CEO, Spinnaker Investment Group

Since our inception, clients have asked us, what is a Spinnaker? To get technical, it is a large, usually triangular sail flown by a boat as a headsail when running before the wind. In other words, a sail to use when the wind is at your back. After a bit of choppy weather a few weeks ago when Chairman Powell admitted the Fed may need to move rates a year sooner, seas have calmed, and the market is flying the spinnaker proudly.   

Inflationary Morgan Christen 

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Courtesy of Spinnaker Investment Group

Morgan Christen, CEO, Spinnaker Investment Group

The powerful wind at our back includes strong economic growth, solid earnings, low interest rates and a bond market that is not reacting to the “threats” of inflation. We are currently in the inflation is “transitory” camp. Meaning, we do not think the high levels will persist. Already we are seeing a pullback in commodities as the chart below illustrates. 

Inflationary Futures performance chart

Charts courtesy of Spinnaker Investment Group

Futures performance chart shows two-month and two-year returns

There are areas such as wages that will not be transitory; once those move up, they will not move down. There is a bit of push and pull regarding wages as we saw a record high number of job openings at the end of April, sitting at 9.3 million. Companies are offering higher wages and additional compensation to lure in employees, but with all the stimulus, many are not taking the bait (as indicated in the job opening numbers). Additionally, more Americans quit in April than any other month on record. Many quit for higher wages, while some quit for flexible work hours (office vs. home). 

We are not ready for higher prices and companies know that, so they resort to trickery. Welcome to more shrinkflation, when companies reduce the size or quantity of their products while charging the same price or even more. 

Inflationary Q2 Price Changes

Q2 price changes chart

There have been many negatives to wash crypto currency’s gains away. Bitcoin has been touted as a “store of value” – we are not sure if that is true as there are now thousands of coins and they are extremely volatile. 

As the chart below may show, Bitcoin has been pulling funds from gold investors for some time. Gold usually spikes when investors are concerned with inflation, but it has not moved, until recently. 

Inflationary 3 Month comparison of Bitcoin versus Gold

Chart shows three-month comparison of Bitcoin versus Gold

Are investors realizing Bitcoin is not a store of value? Are they realizing that gold, while boring, may be the best store of value if you are concerned with inflation? Not sure of the answer yet, but it is a developing story. Could it be time to initiate a gold hedge? Maybe, but as the chart below shows, stocks perform quite well in a low to rising interest rate world with commodities coming in a strong third. 

Inflationary Fighting Inflation chart

Fighting inflation chart

Bond yields dropped modestly, as most market participants are not concerned with inflation at the present time. After flirting with 2 percent on the 10-year note, the quarter saw rates drop roughly 28 basis points, from 1.74 percent to 1.46 percent. Rates were still higher than they stood a year ago June.  As of this writing, interest rates have continued their move downward. 

While we enjoy the wind at our back, it could get “nautical.” As we head into the final quarter of the year, we will see the moratorium on mortgages and rent lifted along with all the unemployment stimuli. Time to go back to work and fill the nine million open positions! If the Fed talks of tapering (stopping their bond buying), supply chain bottlenecks continue or the Delta variant shuts things down, the wind at our backs could die.

Interest rates in the bond markets continue to move lower, implying the bond market not only believes inflation is transitory, but maybe some of the recent economic growth is transitory. 

In summary, this is more like a game of poker than a game of chess. We highly recommend that you and your financial adviser develop a plan that is based on your needs and your risk tolerance and stick to the plan. 

Morgan Christen is CEO, CIO, Co-Founder of Spinnaker Investment Group which serves a broad customer base throughout Southern California, as well as many clients based across the United States. An independent firm that does not represent a specific company, bank or Wall Street institution, Spinnaker confidently and autonomously advises clients with individually tailored financial strategies designed to achieve financial independence. The firm’s services include Financial Planning, Wealth Planning, Retirement Planning, Asset Management, Securities and Insurance. For more information, visit www.SpinnInvest.com.

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Women’s Democratic Club features successful candidates and the stories of how they did it

The Newport Beach Women’s Democratic Club (NBWDC) will hold its monthly virtual meeting on Thursday, July 22 via Zoom. 

The program will feature some of the graduates of Democratic candidate training programs, who then successfully ran for office and won. Featured speakers will include Farrah N. Khan (Mayor of Irvine), Andrea Marr (Mayor Pro Tem of Costa Mesa), Arlis Reynolds (Costa Mesa City Council) and Natalie Moser (Huntington Beach City Council). 

Women's Farrah Khan Women's Andrea Marr Women's Arlis Reynolds Women's Natalie Moser

Photos courtesy of NBWDC

(L-R) Farrah Khan, Andrea Marr, Arlis Reynolds and Natalie Moser

The speakers will share stories about how they decided to run for office, what their training program experiences were like and the importance of women preparing to run for office.

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

NBWDC’s Zoom room opens on Thursday, July 22 at 5:30 p.m. for networking and socializing. The speaker program and business meeting runs from 6-7 p.m.

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The Assistance League® of Newport-Mesa honors graduating seniors for years of service

The Assistance League® of Newport-Mesa honored its graduating seniors at the Medallion Recognition Ball, held at Sherman Library and Gardens in Corona del Mar on June 13.

This elegant tradition marks the end of the debutantes’ years of community service as members of the Assisteens® Auxiliary, a group that focuses on encouraging philanthropy and social responsibility within the community through volunteerism, personal responsibility, self-reliance and leadership.

The Assistance League debutantes

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Photo by Darnall Photography

(L-R) Brook Wood (NHHS), Jean Wanlass (NHHS), Sara Edwards (CdMHS), Willa Rath (NHHS) and Madison Browning (NHHS)

The formal ceremony celebrates new beginnings for the graduates while recognizing their many accomplishments. The 2021 class includes valedictorians, Advanced Placement Scholars, leaders in youth and government, and highly competitive athletes participating in lacrosse, golf, field hockey, basketball and sailing. Over the past six years, these young women have collectively volunteered close to 1,600 hours for the Newport-Mesa chapter. Especially during the recent COVID-19 pandemic, these debutantes stepped up to support the chapter’s programs and address the overwhelming needs of children and families in our community.

Since last year’s Ball was canceled, the honorees and their families were grateful to resume gathering in person, this time at a beautiful outdoor venue. Each debutante wore a traditional long white gown and gloves and carried a floral pomander. After the reception and ceremony, the Medallion presentation concluded with a toast to the debutantes, followed by dinner and dancing. The following morning, younger Assisteens and adult chapter members worked together to create individual floral arrangements from the table centerpieces and delivered them to two local senior care homes for the residents to enjoy. 

The Assistance League of Newport-Mesa began in 1940 in Newport Beach with a small group of women wanting to make a difference in the lives of
children. Today, the four philanthropic programs, Cheri Harris Dental Center, Operation School Bell®, High School Scholarship Program and The Kids on the Block, are completely self-funded through grants, endowments, fundraising events, private donations and proceeds from the on-site Thrift and Consignment shops staffed by member volunteers.

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Steamers JAZz at JAX features Teryn Ré Big Band this Thursday

Steamers JAZz at JAX is featuring the Teryn Ré Big Band on Thursday, July 22 from 7-8:30 p.m. Doors open at 5:30 p.m.

Teryn Ré is originally from Laguna Niguel, and has been fortunate to learn from some of the best jazz artists in Los Angeles including Kristin Korb, John Proulx, Joey Sellers and others. She regularly gigs in the Los Angeles and Orange County areas. Her charts can be heard on her Teryn Ré Big Band album available on iTunes, CDBaby and Spotify. Her most recent album, the Teryn Ré Trio Album, can be found on Apple Music as well.

Steamers JAZz Teryn Re

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Courtesy of terynremusic.net

Teryn Ré

Ré’s usual group of guys include Bryan Taylor (drums), Brandon Shaw (bass) and Gary Lee (guitar).

Tickets: Ultra VIP section ($35/person tables for 2 or 4); VIP section ($25/person tables for 2 or 4; $20 single barstool seats); General Seating section ($15/person tables for 2 or 4; $15 single barstool seats); and Booths for 4 People, $100.

Go to www.campusjax.com/events for tickets.

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

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SOCALPAPA continues at Upper Newport Bay, features artist demonstrations 

Southern California Plein Air Painters Association (SOCALPAPA) artists will be on hand throughout the week of the SOCALPAPA gallery show in Upper Newport Bay which started on Saturday, July 17, to demonstrate different mediums and ways they create the masterpieces on display.

Feel free to join any one of the artists (at the designated times listed below) in the newly renovated outdoor amphitheater of the Peter and Mary Muth Interpretive Center as they share the knowledge, strategy and experience of painting in the outdoors with you. Parking and admission are free. The trails are open from sunrise to sunset.

Muth Interpretive Center is home to a variety of nature-themed hands-on exhibits, displays and live animals, and is open Tuesday through Sunday from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. The gallery show runs through Sunday, July 25 in the Ray and Elsa Watson Theater of the Muth Center.

SOCALPAPA continues Back Bay Egret

Courtesy of Newport Bay Conservancy

“Back Bay Egret” by artist Kevin Davidson

Tuesday, July 20

~10-11 a.m.: Jeff Preston, Palette Knife Painting (Oil), https://jeffprestonart.weebly.com 

Wednesday, July 21

~11 a.m.-12 p.m.: Patricia Matranga, Painting Clouds (Oil), www.matrangafineart.com

Thursday, July 22

~10-11 a.m.: Denise Busony, Creating Atmospheric Perspective (Oil), @denisebusony

Friday, July 23

~10-11 a.m.: Randi Moran, Painting the Majesty of the Clouds (Oil)

~11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.: Sue Miano, Bringing Trees to Life (Oil), @duranmianoartist

Saturday, July 24

~10-11 a.m.: John Taylor, Using Line and Wash in Landscapes (Watercolor), @johnwtaylorart 

~3-4 p.m.: Steve Kell, Importance of a Good Start to a Painting (Oil), www.stevekell.com 

Sunday, July 25

~1-2 p.m.: Leslie Hamilton, Watercolor underpainting with pastel over (Watercolor/Pastel), www.lesliehamiltonart.com

The Top 60 paintings selected will be displayed at the Muth Center and open to the public now through July 25. A portion of the sale proceeds will go to the Newport Bay Conservancy (NBC), resulting in a partial charitable tax write-off for the art purchaser. The show will also be displayed online at www.socalpapagallery.com

This gallery show of fine art is a collaborative event organized by SOCALPAPA in conjunction with the NBC and OC Parks. SOCALPAPA’s member association dedicates itself to painting outdoors from life.

Newport Bay Conservancy protects and preserves the Upper Newport Bay and its watershed through education, restoration, research and advocacy.

For more information about NBC, visit www.newportbay.org.

For more information about SOCALPAPA, visit the association’s website at www.socalpapa.com.

The OC Park’s Peter and Mary Muth Interpretive Center is located at 2301 University Drive, Newport Beach.

OC Parks encompasses regional, wilderness and historical facilities, as well as coastal areas throughout the County of Orange. Featuring 60,000 acres of parkland, open space and shoreline, OC Parks preserves and enhances these natural and cultural resources for recreation, education and exploration. For more information about OC Parks, visit www.ocparks.com.

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Segerstrom Center for the Arts’ upcoming indoor performances not to be missed

Segerstrom Center for the Arts (SCFTA) continues its indoor performances in the Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall and Samueli Theater with a not-to-be-missed lineup.

Segerstrom Christian James Hand

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Photos courtesy of SCFTA.org

Christian James Hand

Christian James Hand. Christian James Hand returns to Segerstrom Center for the Arts to break down each track of Queen’s hit song “Bohemian Rhapsody” and explain the brilliance behind the song in “The Genius of Queen’s Bohemian Rhapsody.” He’ll take audiences on a deep dive into the elements that make up the musical masterpiece. The audience will listen to the individual tracks of Queen’s actual studio recording “solo’d” in a way they’ve never heard them before: the drums, bass, myriad guitars, piano and finally the wonder that is Freddie Mercury’s vocals. The event takes place in Samueli Theater on July 24 and August 14 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets begin at $39.

Segerstrom Ann Hampton Callaway

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Ann Hampton Callaway

Ann Hampton Callaway. Tony Award® nominee Ann Hampton Callaway will be performing the Linda Ronstadt Songbook to celebrate the return of live music to the Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall. Her performance will celebrate the many faces of love in Ronstadt’s iconic songs, from her Stone Poneys days of “Different Drum” and “Long Long Time” to pop/rock classics like “You’re No Good” and “Desperado,” along with unforgettable classics from her three Nelson Riddle albums like “What’s New” and “Am I Blue.” For Ronstadt’s iconic duets, Callaway will be joined in song by her Music Director, Billy Stritch. The performance takes place on July 25 at 3 p.m. Tickets begin at $39.

Segerstrom Piff the Magic Dragon

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Piff the Magic Dragon and Mr. Piffles

Piff the Magic Dragon. For one night only, Piff the Magic Dragon is coming back to Segerstrom Center with his hilarious show filled with incredible magic and side-splitting comedy! Having earned national acclaim as the standout star of NBC’s America’s Got Talent and the CW’s Penn & Teller: Fool Us, Piff continues to win over audiences across the globe. Don’t miss this chance to experience Piff, along with his trusty sidekick Mr. Piffles – The World’s Only Magic Performing Chihuahua™ – and Showgirl Jade Simone, as he brings his unique brand of wizardry, wit and charm to the Concert Hall stage. The show takes place in Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall on July 30 at 8 p.m. Tickets begin at $29.

Tickets are available for purchase online at www.SCFTA.org, at the Box Office at 600 Town Center Drive in Costa Mesa, or by calling 714.556.2787. For inquiries about group ticket savings of 10 or more, call the Group Services office at 714.755.0236.

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OC Fair sells out for first time, advance ticket buy required due to limited capacity

For the first time ever, the OC Fair sold out on Saturday, July 17. With limited daily capacity this year, advance ticket purchase is required. Other days are also on track to sell out, so fairgoers are encouraged to plan ahead and buy their admission tickets at www.ocfair.com, or on the 2021 OC Fair mobile app – there are no service fees.

Concerts and shows in the Pacific Amphitheatre and The Hangar include same-day Fair admission for performances taking place during the OC Fair, which ends its run on August 15.

OC Fair sells out welcome

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Photos courtesy of the OC Fair & Event Center

Fairgoers of all ages will find something memorable this year

Key things to know about the 2021 OC Fair:

–A limited number of tickets are available each day.

–Advance online ticket sales only – no transaction fees.

–Tickets are good only for the date purchased; please choose dates carefully as there are no refunds.

–Same-day Fair admission is included with tickets to concerts during the Fair.

–OC Fair is not currently planning to increase capacity which is capped at 45,000 daily.

–Masks are required indoors for unvaccinated guests.

Tickets are $12 for weekday general admission (Wednesday, Thursday) and $14 for weekend general admission (Friday, Saturday, Sunday). Admission for seniors (60+) and youth (ages 6-12) is $7 every day and children 5 and younger are free.

OC Fair sells out llama

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This llama is making a new friend

The 2021 OC Fair mobile app is now available with information on daily activities as well as a map, news & information and tickets. Search for “ocfair 2021” in your app store.

The Fair will open each day at 10 a.m. and close at 11 p.m. on Wednesdays and Thursdays and midnight on weekends.

General parking is still $10, $20 for buses and limos, credit card only. The free shuttle from Experian and OCTA’s OC Fair Express bus service will not be available this year. Carnival tickets are also on sale now so fairgoers can skip the ticket booths, and tickets for concerts in The Hangar and Pacific Amphitheatre can be found at www.ocfair.com/entertainment.

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Newport Harbor YC sailors are big winners of a day on the Bay

Three fleets of the Flight of Newport sailed through Newport Harbor on Sunday afternoon, July 18. 

In the Harbor 20 Fleet, Shana’s Secret earned the top honors with Philip Thompson at the helm, along with Mark Conzelman aboard as crew. The team represented three different yacht clubs, Newport Harbor, Bahia Corinthian and Lido Isle.

Tyler McDonald teamed with Michael Sabourin sailing out of Newport Harbor for second, followed by Jake LaDow with Kayla LaDow and Haley Dahl in third, also from NHYC.

Newport Harbor YC young sailors

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Photos by Joysailing.com

Two young sailors representing NHYC

In the Laser Fleet, Steve Rados from the NHYC finished first, followed by Davis Hanscom in second and Michael Arrigo in third, both also from NHYC.

In the Open Skiff Fleet, Katharine Stone from BCYC crossed the line first, followed by Paige Fallon in another BCYC skiff in second and Nevin & Aila Elliott from the Balboa Yacht Club in third.

Among the day’s other recognitions, in the Laser Fleet, Seymour Beek won the youngest participant award a number of years back, showing longevity is the name of the game; he came back this year to be recognized as the oldest, finishing 17th.

Newport Harbor YC laser fleet

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Enjoying the harbor, while competing in the Laser Fleet

The race was hosted by the Commodores Club of the Newport Beach Chamber of Commerce.

Complete results:

Harbor 20 Fleet

1. Philip Thompson/Mark Conzelman, NHYC/BCYC/LIYC

2. Tyler McDonald/Michael Sabourin, NHYC 

3. Jake LaDow/Kayla LaDow/Haley Dahl, NHYC

4. Alex Curtiss/Campbell Moore, NHYC

5. Jack Thompson/Carter Cameron/Kristina Miller, NHYC

6. Brian Bissell/and Friends, NHYC 

7. Kurt Wiese/Diane Knight, NHYC 

8. Charlie Boukather/Nicole Boukather, NHYC

9. Carolyn Smith/Lauren Hampton, NHYC

10. Steve Schupak/Anne Schupak, NHYC

11. Peter Haynes/Debra Haynes, BCYC

12. Don Hause/Randy Hause Jr./and family, NHYC

13. Bayley Davidson/Erin L’Huillier/Gary Davidson, BYC

14. Chuck Simmons/Carley Simmons, BYC

15. Patrick Kincaid/Colin Kincaid, BCYC

16. Ross Watanabe/Hollie Sutherland, UCISA

17. Andrew Tosh/Mike Dalessandro, SBYC

18. Robinson

19. Tom Dessel, BYC

20. Stephen Alfano/Janet Solis, ALYC

21. Bill Brooks/Katie Cannon, NHYC

22. Helen Duncan/Wii & Austin, NHYC

23. Jane Hoffner Horst/Susan Jennings, BYC

24. Argyle Campbell, NHYC

24. Willis Cook/Andrew Person, NHYC

24. Anne Kinney/Jake Reynolds/Reagan Clemens, NHYC

24. Walter Johnson, BYC

24. Terry Duffield/Heidi Hall, NHYC

24. Steven Schock/Ruth Schock, BCYC

Laser Fleet

1. Steve Rados, NHYC 

2. Davis Hanscom, NHYC

3. Michael Arrigo, NHYC

4. Rob Vandervort, BYC

5. Buddy Richley, NHYC

6. Andrew Mather, LIYC

7. Jim Otis, NHYC

8. Matt McKinlay/Madilyn McKinlay, BCYC

9. Lynn Acosta, DPYC 

10. Gator Cook, BYC

11. Philip Gautschi, LIYC

12. Brett Hemphill, BYC

13. Tom Doyle, LIYC

14. Brooke Sharp, LIYC

15. Michelle Fuller Drever, NHYC

16. James Mather, LIYC

17. Seymour Beek, NHYC

18. n/a

19. Linden Acevedo, BIYC

20. Cooper Blackband/Sidney Morales, BIYC

21. Steve Mather LIYC

22. Bennett Zemke/Samantha Hardy, LIYC

23. n/a

24. Jack Leslie, BYC

25. Jack Luttrell/Karen Luttrell, BYC

26. Elizabeth Decker, LIYC

27. Douglas Raff/Beth Raff, BIYC

28. Dave Tingler, LIYC

DNC - Tucker Strasser, DRYC

DNC - Dylan Shaw, BIYC

DNC - Martin Bonsager, BYC

DNC - Bennett Yonkers, BIYC

DNC - Harper Morgan/Campbell Morgan

DNC - Lauren Parrett, LIYC

DNC - Sidney Morales, BIYC

DNC - n/a, BCYC

Open Skiff Fleet

1. Katharine Stone, BCYC

2. Paige Fallon, BCYC

3. Nevin Ellitt/Aila Elliott, BYC

4. Preston Decker, LIYC/BCYC

5. McCall & Katie

6. William McCubbin, BCYC

DNF - Chloe Goodman, BCYC

DNF - Theo Goodman, BCYC

DNC - Allison Schock, BCYC

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Lido Paddle Project invites community to fundraiser

On Saturday, Aug. 28, Lido Paddle Project is having its first Newport Beach fundraiser at the American Legion Yacht Club. The backdrop for this event is beautiful Newport Harbor. Guests can walk, drive, or bring their boats to the dock by 15th Street. The event will run from 4-9 p.m. with limited ticket sales for this in-person fundraiser.

Guests are invited to wear red, white & blue cruise attire as they join this festive celebration in support of our veterans and first responders.

Lido Paddle Project group

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Courtesy of Lido Paddle Project

Since its inception in September 2020, Lido Paddle Project has been serving veterans and first responders out of Newport Beach

There will be an outdoor cocktail hour with fun raffle items and some surprise entertainment, followed by seated dinner with a magic show during dessert featuring Magic Castle Magician John Guastaferro. Chris Amadeo and the Moderns will be playing tunes after dinner for dancing and camaraderie. Both performers were well received at the nonprofit’s first sold-out event earlier this year at The Ranch at Laguna Beach on March 27. 

Since its inception in September 2020, Lido Paddle Project has been serving veterans and first responders out of Newport Beach. The organization promotes mental wellness to our protectors by offering respite, recreation and mindfulness in an organically social distanced event, Stand Up Paddle. In addition to providing complimentary paddling and kayaking to clients and families, Lido Paddle Project has three levels of programming: PLAY, DEEPER and TRANSCEND to customize to each individual based upon their needs.

Lido Paddle Project founders

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Photo by Tony Lattimore

Lido Paddle Project founders Debra Kottke and Norman Rest

To learn more about Lido Paddle Project, visit www.lidopaddle.org. There are many ways for the community to get involved, as a guest, in-kind donor, underwriter, volunteer, or sponsor. For more information or business partnership opportunities, contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

The American Legion Yacht Club is located at 215 15th St., Newport Beach.

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Fair Game

By TOM JOHNSON

Balboa undergrounding issue enters its final days as misinformation becomes the major concern of supporters

Tom new picAs the Balboa Island undergrounding issue enters its final week of voting, there appears to be a lot of misinformation circulating by a very vocal minority group of disgruntled Islanders. Their efforts appear to be an attempt to confuse residents with accusations of monies being misspent, lack of proper ballot counting oversight, unsubstantiated potential conflicts of interest, lack of eventual system reliability and more.

The group supporting the undergrounding says these claims are factually untrue. In fact, former City Councilmember Jeff Herdman attempts to clarify many of the issues with a lengthy Letter to the Editor in today’s Stu News. Jeff moves through point-by-point on each issue stating what’s being said, or in his mind fabricated, and what the actual truth, as he understands it, is.

Lee Pearl, who has been instrumental in leading the undergrounding committee’s efforts along with a team of three others, flat out says that he’s received fewer than five negative emails over the past year-and-a-half and says that residents, by-and-large, have been more than supportive of the overall issue.

Residents who have not voted as of yet are encouraged to do so and then drop off their ballots directly in-person to City Hall to make certain they are properly counted. They should be directed to the City Clerk’s office.

Ballots are planned to be open as part of the Newport Beach City Council Meeting next Tuesday, July 27.

• • •

Speak Up Newport, a non-partisan group of Newport Beach residents and business leaders, annually hosts the Mayor’s Dinner. In normal years, it always takes place at the Newport Beach Marriott Hotel and features as its highlight the new mayor’s State of the City address.

Well, as you might imagine, the last two years have been anything but normal. The event for 2021 was canceled earlier this year as the community still struggled with the pandemic.

Finally, a decision was made recently to do an outside event during the summer at Newport Beach Country Club. That time is now, and the event is scheduled for tomorrow, Wednesday, July 21.

It’s typically one of those who’s who events that draws so many notable people out for a night of fun. This year instead of suits & ties, it’ll be casual business attire. It also draws former mayors, who will at some point throughout the evening gather for a reunion photo.

Mayor Brad Avery will finally have his time in the sun, or should we say “setting sun,” as the reception begins at 6 p.m. followed by the program at 7:15 p.m.

And, if you think you can just walk up, buy a ticket and attend, you are WRONG my friend. The event is officially SOLD OUT.

It should be a good time.

• • •

Things were definitely “Breaking Bad” last Saturday, July 17 at Avila’s El Ranchito at the Peninsula location, when Emmy Award-winning actor Bryan Cranston arrived on scene as celebrity guest bartender and poured some of his Dos Hombres Mezcal

Fair Game Bryan Cranston

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Photo by Patty Mitchell, Culinary Promotions

Actor Bryan Cranston mixing Dos Hombres margaritas

Cranston and fellow Breaking Bad actor Aaron Paul are collaborators in the Dos Hombres brand that is being called “the hottest new brand of Mezcal.”

Here’s what Cranston and Paul are saying on the Dos Hombres website about it: “We found the best Mezcal we’re ever tasted. We started Dos Hombres to create a Mezcal that we thought was perfect. A unique blend of the finest Espadin agave, hand-selected from the hillsides of a small village in Oaxaca, Mexico.”

• • •

Orange County Board of Supervisor Katrina Foley last week offered up the highlights of District 2 accomplishments following her first 100 days in office.

Total District 2 funding for nutrition, art programs, nonprofits and businesses, $3M; number of vaccines administered, 182,146; number of COVID clinics held, 51.

The staff and she were responsible for handling 2,670+ constituent concerns and city needs; 36 workshops and chamber of commerce updates; 44 ribbon cuttings, parades, high school graduations and townhalls; and 5,560 certificates and commendations presented.

Not a bad start.

She’ll need to keep busy and performing well. Waiting in the wings are potential challengers to her office who include Diane Dixon (Newport Beach City Council), Kevin Muldoon (Newport Beach Mayor Pro-Tem) and Mike Posey (Huntington Beach City Council).

That race gets more serious as 2022 approaches with first a runoff election to decide the top two for a fall runoff.

And in case you’re thinking these are your only choices, don’t bet on it. More names regularly make their way through the political circles.

• • •

Finally, if you’re like me and drive to San Diego on occasion down the 5 Freeway, you have to wonder how effective the U.S. Border Patrol stop in Oceanside is. After all, it seems like every time I come through, the agents are just waving car after car on their way.

So do they ever actually get anyone?

The answer is yes, a firm “yes.”

Last Tuesday, at approximately 3 p.m., agents observed a suspicious vehicle. They initiated a stop to question the 46-year-old female driver and subsequently requested to search her 2012 Toyota Prius.

While searching the back seat area, agents found dozens of cellophane-wrapped bundles of currency inside the doors.

They arrested the woman and seized the car. The total currency amounted to $414,000. 

I know that that’s more than my ATM allows for withdrawal.

She now faces criminal prosecution for currency smuggling.

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Human Options appoints new board member

Human Options, an Orange County-based nonprofit dedicated to ending the cycle of relationship violence, announces the appointment of a new board member to its board of directors, Clay Richardson. A resident of Newport Beach with his wife Linda and their two-year-old daughter, Richardson has been a member of Human Options’ Technology Task Force since 2020 and joined the board of directors in late-June.

“Our new board member, Mr. Richardson, exemplifies the knowledge and innovation of the leadership at Human Options as we continue our mission of educating Orange County residents about relationship violence,” said Human Options CEO Maricela Rios-Faust. “We are extremely fortunate to add him to our team as we continue to build partnerships which help us advocate for those affected by abuse.”

Human Options Richardson

Courtesy of Human Options

Clay Richardson

Richardson is the co-founder, CEO and “Chief Excelerator” of Digital FastForward, a leading digital innovation consultancy focused on helping companies learn, grow and accelerate innovation through the application of design thinking. With a career spent helping corporate and public-sector leaders build and execute strategies around new and disruptive technologies, Richardson brings more than two decades of experience in entrepreneurship, business design, disruptive innovation, tech market research and analysis and public speaking to Human Options’ board of directors.

“The work that Human Options has been undertaking in our community for 40 years has been vital to helping survivors on their journey of healing,” said Richardson. “It is my hope that my insights as a board member will bring a new dimension to thought leadership and digital innovation, which will help strengthen Human Options’ commitment to the prevention of relationship violence.”

Last year, Human Options reached more than 8,000 community members through education and prevention, provided nearly 500 individuals and families with a safe home through the emergency shelter and transitional housing program, served more than 1,400 individuals through community-based programs and responded to more than 4,800 callers providing immediate crisis support, information and referrals.

Human Options continues to encourage victims to call their 24-hour hotline at 1.877.854.3594 to access shelters and other supportive services, including therapists and counselors. If anyone is in imminent danger or has a physical emergency, call 911. Additionally, Human Options provides immediate assistance and supportive services at several walk-in Family Resource Centers located throughout Orange County.

For a list of locations and contact information, click here. For more information about Human Options, visit www.humanoptions.org.

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Everything Airport

New dashboard to be introduced by City of Newport Beach

The City of Newport Beach has announced the development of a new John Wayne Airport (JWA) Flight Data Dashboard to help share airport noise data with the community. 

The dashboard is designed to display commercial flight data in an easy-to-view manner and enable community members to narrow in on certain aspects of departures that include airline, aircraft type, weight, noise levels and the number of flights in order to find specific information, identify trends and analyze data. The information is updated shortly after the city receives the monthly data from JWA’s Access and Noise Office, generally about 2-3 weeks into a new month. 

The city is welcoming ideas on how to further improve the new dashboard, encouraging suggestions to Tara Finnigan at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

The dashboard is presently in a “soft launch” here, according to City of Newport Beach Public Information Manager John Pope. “We’re asking for feedback and may tweak it a bit as we go,” added Pope.

City enters litigation filed by JSX against County of Orange

 On July 13, the Newport Beach City Council authorized the City Attorney to intervene in the litigation filed by JSX Air and JetsuiteX, Inc. (JSX) against the County of Orange. This action is important for our community because JSX has alleged in its amended complaint that the Phase 2 Commercial Airline Access Plan & Regulation (Access Plan), which implements the 1985 Settlement Agreement, violates federal law, including the Airport Noise and Capacity Act.

Given the significance of this lawsuit, the city has retained the law firm of Kaplan Kirsch & Rockwell, LLP, who are recognized experts in this area of law.

The city will continue to update the public regarding any significant developments related to this important matter.

Passenger and operation counts still under pre-pandemic levels

The total number of passengers traveling through JWA in May 2021 rose significantly as compared to May 2020 but remained below pre-pandemic levels according to recently posted JWA passenger count and operations data. 

Everything Airport United Express jet

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Courtesy of JWA

Monthly year-over-year statistics are as follows: 

–Total passengers: May 2019 - 942,680; May 2020 - 82,341; May 2021 - 585,735.

–Commercial operations: May 2019 - 7,926; May 2020 - 1,742; May 2021 - 5,626.

–Commuter operations: May 2019 - 500; May 2020 - 134; May 2021 - 486.

–General Aviation operations: May 2019 - 18,000; May 2020 - 15,392; May 2021 - 21,428.

–Military operations: May 2019 - 83; May 2020 - 84; May 2021 - 51.

–Total Aircraft operations: May 2019 - 26,509; May 2020 - 17,352; May 2021 - 27,591.

In May 2021, the top three airlines serving JWA, based on passenger count, were Southwest Airlines (235,802), American Airlines (121,249) and Alaska Airlines (76,385). 

Court finds FAA violated federal laws when changing LAX arrival flight patterns

Last week, the United States District Court of Appeals issued a decision in the lawsuit filed against the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) related to the flight patterns for aircraft landing at LAX. In the decision, the court held that the FAA violated the National Environmental Policy Act, the National Historic Preservation Act and a section of the Department of Transportation Act. 

The city is analyzing what impacts this decision may have, if any, on Newport Beach and will keep the community updated. 

On January 19, 2018, the City of Newport Beach and the County of Orange entered into a settlement agreement with the FAA resolving the litigation between the parties related to the SoCal Metroplex project. Substantively, the settlement agreement required: (1) Departing flights to stay between the existing noise monitors (the FAA’s original plan had no boundaries and could have resulted in flight paths anywhere over Newport Beach); (2) The FAA to design a curved departure procedure intended to allow planes to follow the bends of Upper Newport Bay and avoid as many residential areas as possible; (3) The FAA to ensure all future changes to flight paths are fully analyzed under the National Environmental Policy Act; and (4) The FAA to limit early offshore turns, which, if allowed, would bring departures closer to Corona del Mar and Newport Coast. 

2021 Aviation Committee priorities & assignments

The city’s Aviation Committee continues to make progress on its agenda of addressing 16 priorities in 2021. The priorities are divided into four focus areas: 

1. Airport Operations and Relations. 

2. Community Outreach/Communication. 

3. Government Relations.

4. Quieter Departures. 

At each Aviation Committee meeting, members provide reports on any action made toward achieving their respective priorities. The reports are summarized on a tracking sheet.

The city’s Aviation Committee is comprised of two City Council members and 13 citizen volunteers. The City Council structured the committee to include a representative of each Council District; a representative from each of the local aviation-focused community groups – Airport Working Group (AWG), Citizens Against Airport Noise and Pollution (CAANP) and Stop Polluting Our Newport (SPON); a general aviation representative; a Newport Coast representative and a member-at-large. 

The Aviation Committee is comprised of Councilmember Diane Dixon, Chair; Hugh Logan - District 7; Councilmember Noah Blom, Vice Chair; Stephen Livingston - General Aviation; Alan Guenther - District 1; Roger Ham - Newport Coast; Sharon Ray - District 2; Jack Stranberg - Member at Large; Bonnie O’Neil - District 3; Tony Khoury - AWG; Vacant - District 4; Julie Johnson - CAANP; Cameron Verdi - District 5; Nancy Alston - SPON; and Jeffrey Cole - District 6. 

Each committee member is assigned to an Ad Hoc committee or works with city staff and officials on advancing one or more of the annual priorities. 

The Aviation Committee is supported by city staff members including City Manager Grace Leung, City Attorney Aaron Harp, Deputy City Manager Tara Finnigan and Executive Assistant Shirley Oborny. 

The committee also works closely with the city’s aviation consultant team comprised of Kevin Karpe, Diverse Vector Aviation (airspace and air traffic); Justin Cook, HMMH (aviation noise consulting); Channon Hanna, Carpi & Clay (federal lobbyist); and Cori Takkinen, Townsend Public Affairs (local government affairs). 

Federal grant rules thwart local incentives

The question of whether JWA can financially incentivize air carriers to bring quieter equipment into Orange County has been raised several times at recent Aviation Committee meetings. The question is generally posed as, “Can John Wayne Airport provide a financial incentive, such as reduced landing fees, to those air carriers that use quieter aircraft for their Orange County routes?” 

The answer is “no.” The FAA has authorized airports to offer promotional incentives for certain things, such as to attract new air carrier service; however, incentives may not be based on aircraft type since the FAA believes this could unreasonably exclude certain carriers that do not operate the type of aircraft for which the incentive is offered. 

However, the city continues to lobby for a different type of incentive. For several years, the city has advanced the concept of using federal tax incentives or credits to encourage air carriers to purchase newer generation aircraft which are quieter and less polluting. 

Former Congressman Harley Rouda used the city’s tax incentive idea as a platform when developing the vouchers-based program contained in the Cleaner and Quieter Skies amendment included in last year’s H.R.2. The bill never made it to the Senate. 

However, the city is now working with Congresswoman Michelle Steel on identifying opportunities to incentivize carriers to invest in new equipment. You can find more information about grant assurances on the FAA’s website at www.faa.gov/airports/aip/grant_assurances/.

This document lists the “assurances” – www.faa.gov/airports/aip/grant_assurances/media/airport.

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Coming out of COVID has been “quite a ride” according to the mayor…and I agree

By AMY SENK

The Corona del Mar Residents Association met in person at the OASIS Senior Center last week for the first time since Spring 2020, and Newport Beach Mayor Brad Avery – the guest speaker – said that as mayor during and outside of COVID restrictions has been “quite a ride.”

Tourists have been flocking to the city, meaning hotel taxes and other revenue streams are strong, and city projects like the new Junior Guards headquarters building and library lecture hall are on track in partnerships with the community.

“We’re doing very well,” Avery said. “Newport Beach is an incredible destination.”

Coming Out Brad Avery

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Photos by Amy Senk

Newport Beach Mayor Brad Avery addresses the CdM Residents Association Meeting attendees at the OASIS Senior Center

The meeting also included an update from board member Ron Yeo, who described a new project that would create self-guided walking tours of Corona del Mar, possibly by teaming with the city’s existing MyNB smart phone app.

“It should be really fun,” he said.

Earlier this month, I attended another in-person meeting when Good Morning Corona del Mar held its monthly event at the Bahia Corinthian Yacht Club.

The Corona del Mar Chamber of Commerce hosts the meetings, which occur monthly and will be part of my regular routine, replacing the CdM Business Improvement District monthly meetings that have concluded with the sunsetting of that group. The Good Morning CdM meetings begin at 7:30 a.m. and feature coffee and muffins, along with a chance to hear updates from our elected leaders. Councilwoman Joy Brenner and Orange County Supervisor Katrina Foley attended the July meeting, along with representatives for Congresswoman Michelle Steel, State Sen. Dave Min and Assemblywoman Cottie Petrie-Norris.

The July meeting’s guest speaker was Jacob Sanchez, public information officer for the California Highway Patrol, who discussed the danger of distracted driving, including talking or texting while behind the wheel.

Coming out Jacob Sanchez

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Jacob Sanchez, public information officer for the California Highway Patrol

He also discussed the May 21 shooting that killed 6-year-old Aiden Leos on the 55 freeway. Two people have been arrested and charged in the case, apparently the result of road rage.

Generally, he said that road rage seems to be at a higher level than ever, and he made some suggestions to avoid problems, and what to do if things escalate.

First, he said, if you cut someone off or maybe change lanes and have a close call, use the “Sorry, my bad” wave to apologize. “Ninety-five percent will flip you off and keep going,” he said.

If the person continues to drive in an aggressive or threatening way, he said, call 911 and take the first exit off the freeway. If you know of a nearby police or fire station, head there, but otherwise drive to a business that is almost always busy, like a Starbucks.

The chances are low that the person would continue to bother you at that point, he said, but if they are – don’t stop and confront them.

He added that if you can, get license plate information, even in a situation where it blows over. You can call the CHP after you get home and report the information, and officers can run the plates and get registration information and sometimes send a warning letter to the driver. 

• • •

Meanwhile, summer is in full swing in Newport Beach. The city calendar has weekend events for a movie in the park and a concert on the Civic Center Green – events that we all missed last year. I’ve been living in the Flower Streets, and this weekend I had several people ask me for advice on where to park because the Big Corona beach lot was full.

Coming out Bg Corona

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Big Corona has been crowded with a full parking lot, including this past Sunday when this photo was taken

Sure, summer traffic is as bad as it’s ever been, and it’s hard to find things like aloe vera at the local drug store, where tourists from places like Nashville are lining up for ice creams and sunscreens. But I’ll take it.

~~~~~~~~

Amy Senk has lived in Corona del Mar for 20+ years and was publisher of Corona del Mar Today, an online newspaper that ran daily for seven years. Senk, a graduate of the University of Missouri School of Journalism, is involved in the Corona del Mar Residents Association. She and her husband have two children attending college at the University of Missouri and Duke University. She is a regular contributor to Stu News Newport.

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City Manager’s Updates

From the desk of Grace Leung

Grace Leung

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Courtesy of City of Newport Beach

Newport Beach City Manager Grace Leung

Community members, 

Orange County is posting the strongest COVID-19 vaccination rates among our surrounding counties. As of July 14, 72 percent of Orange County residents aged 65 and older, and 73.2 percent of those aged 50-64, have been vaccinated. But there is much room for improvement. The vaccination rate drops considerably for the 18-49 age group at 54.5 percent and 38 percent for those 12-17 years old. 

If you or someone you know has not yet been vaccinated, the Newport Beach Fire Department is hosting a vaccine clinic on Wednesday, July 21 from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. The clinic will be held at the Civic Center Community Room, 100 Civic Center Drive. Newport Beach fire and lifeguard personnel will be administering the vaccinations. 

The NBFD has all three COVID vaccines available: 

–Pfizer vaccine, for anyone 12 years of age and older, which requires two doses 21 days apart. Anyone under the age of 18 receiving a vaccine needs to have a parent or guardian present. 

–Moderna vaccine, for anyone 18 years and older, which requires two doses 28 days apart. 

–Johnson & Johnson vaccine, for anyone 18 and older, which requires only one dose. 

You can make an appointment in advance at 949.644.3355 or walk in on the day of the clinic. 

COVID-19 Cases in Newport Beach 

As of July 14, the total number of COVID-19 cases in Newport Beach was 4,022 and the total cases in Orange County was 257,826. The number of recovered COVID-19 patients countywide as of July 14 was 250,407. These figures are provided to Orange County by the California Department of Public Health.

Concerts on the Green

The Newport Beach City Arts Commission kicks off its annual Concerts on the Green summer series on Sunday, July 25. Bring your low-slung beach chairs and blankets and enjoy an evening in a fun atmosphere. Pack a picnic dinner or purchase from on-site gourmet food trucks. No alcohol is permitted. 

All concerts are held on the Newport Beach Civic Center Green, 100 Civic Center Drive, Newport Beach. Admission and parking are free, on a first-come, first-served basis. 

This year’s lineup includes: 

The Sully Band: Sunday, July 25, 6-7:30 p.m. 

The Sully Band is a rhythm and blues band playing covers and originals with their unique 10-piece sound. They were recently named the 2020 San Diego Music Awards’ “Best Live Performer.” Select band members have garnered Grammy and Tony Awards nominations and have performed and recorded with industry notables such as Eric Clapton, Lionel Ritchie, Michael Jackson, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Cheap Trick, REO Speedwagon and others. 

DSB: Sunday, Aug. 22, 6-7:30 p.m. 

DSB (Don’t Stop Believin’) has been highly revered as one of the world’s greatest tributes to Journey. They have captured the signature sound of renowned vocalist Steve Perry and Journey in their prime. Complete with a band of world-class musicians, DSB remains true to Journey’s musical legacy and delivers a nostalgic concert experience. 

SantanaWays: Sunday, Sept. 26, 6-7:30 p.m. 

SantanaWays is an electrifying Latin and blues rock band that has inspired audiences in Southern California since its formation in 2012. SantanaWays pays homage to the music of Santana in the purest manner by bringing out the heart and soul of the music. 

Big Canyon Restoration Project Dedication 

On Tuesday, July 13, Councilmembers Diane Dixon and Noah Blom joined other dignitaries to unveil a commemorative plaque for the restoration of 17 acres within the Big Canyon Nature Park. 

The Phase 2 of the Big Canyon restoration project began construction in fall 2020 with construction just completed this year in May. The Phase 2 project design and permitting was led by Newport Bay Conservancy with assistance from the city. The Phase 1 restoration became a Capital Improvement project in 2014 with improvement and new plantings completed in FY 2017/18. Approximately 17 acres in Phases 1 and 2 have been replanted with native plants. 

Both projects are in active maintenance with Phase 1 landscaping expected to be fully restored by 2023 and Phase 2 fully restored by 2026. 

Homelessness Update 

–A couple experiencing homelessness in Newport Beach was placed in the Costa Mesa Bridge Shelter while awaiting a housing voucher from the County of Orange. 

–Three people experiencing homelessness in Newport Beach were enrolled into services provided under contract by City Net. One of them entered the Costa Mesa Bridge Shelter after receiving a negative COVID-19 test result. 

–City Net staff assisted a client with an apartment complex tour, and case managers completed the paperwork to secure the preferred unit. The client is sheltering in a motel until the unit becomes available. 

–The Homeless Liaison Officer transported a man to the new Be Well OC campus in Orange for treatment. Be Well OC provides coordinated mental health treatment, including the first adolescent crisis stabilization center in Orange County. 

–The city’s Homeless Liaison Officer and City Net staff provided a follow-up visit with an honorably discharged Army veteran who is now housed in Potter’s Lane, a Midway City facility for veterans. The man experienced homelessness in Newport Beach for more than four years after leaving the military. The effort to place him in a permanent home involved more than a year of coordinated activities, preparation and assistance from the city. Potter’s Lane is operated by American Family Housing, which provides on-site services such as Veterans Administration benefits and medical care through the Illumination Foundation. The City of Newport Beach may place qualified people into Potter’s Lane housing through the county’s system of care. 

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

For a comprehensive look at the city’s ongoing efforts to address homelessness, visit our website at this link. To donate, visit our Good Giving Program webpage.

Editor’s Note: Stu News Newport received the City Manager’s Updates on Friday, July 16 and it is subject to editing.

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Newport Beach – A Look Back

Photo series courtesy of Balboa Island Museum Newport Beach

Newport Beach A Look Back 7.20.21

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Where Taylor’s Café once stood, circa 1940, now you will find the Royal Hen at 311 Marine Avenue

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

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Patriotic Balboa Island

Patriotic Balboa Island flag

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Photo by Stacia Stabler

The flags soar proudly this summer on Balboa Island

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Summer in Newport

Summer in boats

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Photo by Stacia Stabler

Starting the week off right Balboa Island style

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Exchange Club of Newport Harbor assists Crime Survivors with $10,000 grant

Crime Survivors, a nonprofit organization whose mission is to assist victims of crime, was the recipient of a $10,000 grant from the Exchange Club of Newport Harbor (ECNH). George Lesley, immediate past president of ECNH, presented the award to Patricia Wenskunas, founder and CEO of Crime Survivors.

The Crime Survivors provide hope and healing to victims and survivors of crime through support of resources, information and empowerment. The organization facilitates communication and cooperation between and among various public service, government and nonprofit organizations to ensure that victims’ rights are understood and respected, and that they have access to the services which are available to them. 

Exchange Club check

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Courtesy of the Exchange Club of Newport Harbor

(L-R) Exchange Club’s George Lesley presents $10,000 check to Patricia Wenskunas of Crime Survivors

“Most of those who enter the system do so through local law enforcement,” said Wenskunas. “Once in the system, they are interviewed by a team of professionals and volunteers to assess an individual’s needs, and to help them to become aware and get the support to which they are entitled. This might include providing diapers for infants and toddlers, meal baskets, legal support, therapy and counseling.”

Wenskunas founded Crime Survivors 18 years ago after having been a victim of violent crime herself. She is dedicated and committed to providing hope, support and protection to those who have had similar experiences. 

For more information about Crime Survivors, visit www.crimesurvivors.org.

The Exchange Club of Newport Harbor is the local chapter of the oldest service organization in the country. Its goal is to make our community a better place. Its mission, which is aligned with the National Exchange Club, includes the prevention of child abuse, and also programs which assist people in need, including programs benefiting active and inactive military personnel and first responders, the hungry and the homeless. 

For more information about the Exchange Club of Newport Harbor, visit www.exchangeclubofnewportharbor.com.

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COVID numbers climbing, county returns to daily counts

Public health officials at the OC Health Care Agency (HCA) are encouraging residents to take adequate safety precautions in the wake of increasing COVID-19 cases in the county. Currently, there are no plans to implement a new mask mandate in Orange County; however, those who are not fully vaccinated must continue wearing a mask indoors in accordance with guidelines from the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) and are strongly encouraged to get vaccinated as soon as possible.

“With the recent reopening of the state’s economy, we had expected to see an increase in our COVID-19 cases and positivity rates,” said Dr. Clayton ChauCounty Health Officer and Agency Director of the HCA. “The average number of cases increased from 31 to more than 100 per day over the last month, and our total testing positivity increased from 0.6 percent to 2.5 percent. Hospitalizations also jumped from 54 to 119 patients per day and ICU admissions increased from 13 to 31 patients per day. This means we need to continue being proactive about protecting our loved ones and neighbors and taking the necessary steps to help reduce the risk of infection throughout our county.”

In line with guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the HCA is reminding individuals to avoid large crowds and poorly ventilated spaces, especially those who are not fully vaccinated or who live with others who are unvaccinated or have high health risk of contracting COVID-19. More than 90 percent of new positive cases are among people who are not fully vaccinated, and more than 95 percent of those hospitalized with COVID-19 had not been fully vaccinated. According to the CDC, all COVID-19 vaccines currently authorized in the United States are effective against COVID-19, including serious outcomes like severe disease, hospitalization and death.

Testing also remains a critical component of the county’s strategy to reduce viral transmission. “Testing helps support early detection and prevent the spread of possible variants,” said Dr. Margaret Bredehoft, Deputy Agency Director of HCA Public Health Services. “Self-collection, at-home COVID-19 test kits are available at no cost by visiting www.ochealthinfo.com/covidtest. If you are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms, please seek testing, regardless of your vaccination status.”

To keep the community informed, the HCA is now reporting Orange County COVID-19 case counts and testing figures daily, Monday through Friday, at https://occovid19.ochealthinfo.com/. Dr. Chau also encourages individuals who remain hesitant to receive the COVID-19 vaccine to learn more about the COVID-19 vaccine through credible sources including the CDC, the CDPH, the Food and Drug Administration, the World Health Organization and the American Academy of Pediatrics.

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Chamber offers business luncheon networking opportunity on Wednesday

The Newport Beach Chamber of Commerce’s Business Luncheon Series is on the move next week to Morton’s, The Steakhouse in Santa Ana. The meeting is Wednesday, July 21 from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. and is designed to introduce you to new business connections.

Come enjoy a delicious lunch from Morton’s while making connections with other business professionals as you network amid a “relaxed vibe.” 

Advanced reservations are required because of limited space. Go to www.NewportBeach.com or call 949.729.4400.

Morton’s is located at 1641 W. Sunflower Ave., Santa Ana, near South Coast Plaza. Free parking is available.

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Chamber hosts mid-summer mixer in new Lighthouse space at Balboa Bay Resort

The Newport Beach Chamber of Commerce will host its July 2021 Sunset Networking Mixer this Thursday, July 22 at the Balboa Bay Resort. Members and non-members are invited to “discover new business relationships while enjoying a great atmosphere.” 

The mixer takes place in the Resort’s new Lighthouse event space from 5:30-7:30 p.m.

Attendees will enjoy a no-host bar, complimentary hors d’oeuvres and raffle prizes. There will be free street parking or $15 valet available.

Chamber members can attend for free, while guests will be charged $35. There are no reservations required to attend.

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

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CdM Chamber to hold mingle & mix event on Thursday

The Corona del Mar Chamber of Commerce and Seven Gables Real Estate are holding a mingle & mix live event on Thursday, July 22 and all are invited.

Taking place at Seven Gables Real Estate from 5:30-7:30 p.m., come and join this community celebration where you will meet new people, network and enjoy wine and Champagne along with appetizers. The event is open to the public, so bring a friend or colleague along.

Highlighting the festivities will be a welcome ceremony for Seven Gables’ Isley/Tapie Luxury Group of CdM with a photo shoot.

CdM Chamber Isley Tapie team

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Courtesy of CdM Chamber of Commerce

Come meet the Seven Gables Real Estate Isley/Tapie team

Bring a gift if you would like to promote your business in the mixer drawing, which is optional.

No RSVP is necessary and street parking is available.

Seven Gables Real Estate is located at 2737 E. Coast Highway (near Bruegger’s Bagels), Corona del Mar.

For more information, visit www.CdmChamber.com or call 949.673.4050.

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CdM Chamber spotlights Wee Loft

Congratulations to Erin Kelly, owner of Wee Loft, for receiving Corona del Mar’s Small Business Appreciation Spotlight.

Assemblywoman Cottie Petrie-Norris teamed up with the Corona del Mar Chamber of Commerce to provide recognition to this unique family-owned small business in the Corona del Mar Village Business District.

CdM Chamber Wee Loft

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Courtesy of CdM Chamber of Commerce

(L-R) Assemblywoman Cottie Petrie-Norris, Wee Loft owner Erin Kelly and CdM Chamber President/CEO Linda Leonhard

Although CdM is home to a variety of unique small businesses who are all deserving of recognition, anyone who has visited the Wee Loft will understand the joy this small toy store brings to kids of all ages.

Store owner Erin Kelly will tell you that her 40-year background in toy stores derived from her upbringing in Germany and the lack of adorable quality toys available when she arrived in the U.S. Compelled to provide kids with whimsical toys became a lif-long passion for Kelly. From heirloom-quality dolls to the sweetest plush to the latest STEM toys, along with unique baby gifts, beautiful dress-up clothes and quality arts and crafts, the Wee Loft, located at 3331 E. Coast Highway, makes every moment of a child’s life just a little more magical.

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Summertime is reading time at the Newport Beach Public Library

The Summer Reading Program at the Newport Beach Public Library (NBPL) is underway now through July 31. This year’s theme is “Reading Colors Your World” with programs tailored for kids, teens and adults. 

So why summer reading? For kids, it helps to prevent summer slide – the loss of academic skills over the course of summer vacation. For teens, it’s an opportunity to get ahead on high school reading, as well as escape to a world of mystery, suspense and adventure. And for adults, it provides an ideal reason to catch up on the reading they’ve been hoping to get to all year long. 

Summertime is Library exterior

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Courtesy of NBPL

This summer’s theme is “Reading Colors Your World” with library programs tailored for kids, teens and adults

“The Summer Reading Program is a great excuse to read, read and read,” according to Debbie Walker, youth services coordinator. “Great for all ages, it’s simply fun and smart.” 

New to the Summer Reading Program for 2021 is Beanstack, the library’s online reading tracker. Beanstack allows patrons to track their minutes and activities, see upcoming events and receive weekly, personalized book recommendations. Go to http://newportbeachlibrary.beanstack.com/ to download the Beanstack Tracker app. 

Sign-ups for summer reading are on the library’s website at www.newportbeachlibrary.org. Funding for the Summer Reading Program is generously donated by the Friends of the Library.

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Arts Commission back with a summer schedule of Concerts on the Green and at Marina Park

The City of Newport Beach Arts Commission will once again present a summer and fall of Concerts on the Green. There will be four concerts – three scheduled for the Civic Center Green and one set for Marina Park.

The kickoff concert will feature The Sully Band on Sunday, July 25 from 6-7:30 p.m. on the Civic Center Green.

Arts Commission The Sully Band

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Photos courtesy of the City of Newport Beach

The Sully Band belts out its rhythm and blues on July 25

The Sully Band is a rhythm and blues band playing covers and originals with their unique 10-piece sound. They were recently named the 2020 San Diego Music Awards’ “Best Live Performer.” 

Select band members have garnered Grammy and Tony Award nominations and have performed and recorded with industry notables such as Eric Clapton, Lionel Ritchie, Michael Jackson, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Cheap Trick, REO Speedwagon and others.

Next up will be DSB on Sunday, Aug. 22 from 6-7:30 p.m., also on the Civic Center Green.

Arts Commission DSB

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DSB (Don’t Stop Believin’), highly revered as one of the world’s greatest tributes to Journey, takes the stage August 22

DSB (Don’t Stop Believin’) has been highly revered as one the world’s greatest tributes to Journey. They have captured the signature sound of renowned vocalist Steve Perry and Journey in their prime. Complete with a band of world-class musicians, DSB remains true to Journey’s musical legacy and delivers a nostalgic concert experience.

Then, Sunday, Sept. 26 from 6-7:30 p.m., SantanaWays will take the stage on the Civic Center Green.

Arts Commission SantanaWays

SantanaWays brings its Latin and blues rock to Concerts on the Green on September 26

SantanaWays is an electrifying Latin and blues rock band that has inspired audiences in Southern California since its formation in 2012. SantanaWays pays homage to the music of Santana in the purest manner by bringing out the heart and soul of the music.

Arts Commission Shelley Rusk

Vocalist/pianist Shelley Rusk will perform some of Broadway’s greatest musicals in Marina Park on October 17

Finally, Shelley Rusk will present the 2021 Concert at Marina Park on Sunday, Oct. 17 from 4-5:30 p.m. Rusk will be performing songs from some of Broadway’s greatest musicals of all time.

As a professional singer, Rusk has worked for music artists such as Johnny Mathis, Dolly Parton, Donna Summer, Sandi Patty, Ray Boltz and Bill Gaither both in the recording studio and in concert. 

All concerts offer free admission and free parking. Attendees are encouraged to bring blankets, low beach chairs and a picnic dinner, or perhaps purchase from food trucks on-site. No alcohol is allowed.

Participating food trucks include SOHO Taco Truck on July 25 and September 26; BARCELONAONTHEGO on August 22; and The COCONUT TRUCK on October 17.

Local favorite Sugar ‘n Spice, the Original Frozen Banana since 1945, will be on hand for all performances.

For more information, go to www.newportbeachca.gov/culturalarts.

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ENC seeks museum docent volunteers

The Environmental Nature Center (ENC) is seeking museum docent volunteers to staff the front desk, answer phones, greet visitors (on weekends) and provide basic information about the ENC.

Weekend Docents staff the front desk from 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m., or from 12:30-3 p.m. Weekend docents commit to at least one weekend day per month.

Weekday Docents staff the front desk from (approximately) 8 a.m.-12:30 p.m. and 12:30-5 p.m. (this is flexible). Weekday docents commit to one regular/consistent shift per week.

ENC seeks exterior

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Courtesy of ENC

What does docent volunteer training include? Training includes an overview of frequently asked questions, and a brief narrative of the ENC’s history and current programs. Docents will tour the building and grounds, and learn the phone system.

To register for the July 22 training from 3:30-4:30 p.m., click here. To register for the August 8 training from 11 a.m.-12 p.m., click here.

The Environmental Nature Center is located at 1601 E.16th St., Newport Beach. Visit www.encenter.org for more information.

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Final skippers named for this year’s GovCup youth match race scheduled for later this month

Wednesday, the Balboa Yacht Club (BYC) announced the final 10 skippers that will compete in this year’s 54th Governor’s Cup International Youth Match Racing Championship July 26-31 in Newport Beach. 

“While we regret that teams from Australia, New Zealand and the United Kingdom will be unable to join us, this has set up a great competition between the U.S. teams and Europe,” said regatta Chair Christine Robertson Gribben. “We are thrilled to be able to hold the event this year after last year’s cancellation and especially excited to see the racing between U.S. and European teams,” added Gribben. “Although the GovCup is an individual event, we are discussing putting up a prize of some sort to present to either Europe or the U.S. based on the top three finishers from each.”

The number of international teams is not unprecedented but having all of them from Europe is, with the first team from Metropolitan France joining teams from Denmark and Sweden. Both of those countries having participated in the Cup previously. 

Final skippers David Wood

Photo by Tom Walker

David Wood, shown edging Finn Tapper (AUS) at a start in the 2019 Governor’s Cup, is a former U.S. Youth Match Racing Champion who will be sailing in his fourth Cup this year, representing Balboa Yacht Club (CA)

Thimoté Polet, a successful sailor in fleet and ocean racing, in addition to his skills as a match racer, will represent France. Emil Kjaer from Denmark also joins the field having attained a podium finish in three separate Grade 2 match racing events in northern Europe and would have to be considered one of the favorites. Kjaer’s fellow Scandinavian Marius Westerlind (SWE) will skipper as the 2020 Swedish Youth Match Racing Champion and will undoubtedly keep up the tradition of strong Swedish teams.

Seven U.S. teams will compete, a record since before the Cup became an international event more than 30 years ago, that will include a number of natural rivalries among them. 

Two BYC entries have already received and accepted invitations. David Wood and Jeffrey Petersen, who both grew up sailing at BYC and then teamed up for their first big match racing event, winning the U.S. Youth Match Racing Championship for the Rose Cup in 2017. In that event Wood was steering and Petersen crewing. Then, Petersen turned the tables on Wood in June’s 2021 USYMRC by skippering the winning team with Wood third. 

Second place in the Rose Cup was San Diego Yacht Club’s Jack Egan who will have another chance at Wood and Petersen. Egan was undefeated in the double round robin, quarter and semi-finals at the Rose Cup but succumbed to the frequent “curse” of undefeated teams at that stage and lost to Petersen in the finals. 

Others accepting invitations to compete include Ansgar Jordan, representing Coronado YC and Porter Kavle, of Annapolis, Md., who is on the sailing team at Fordham University. 

Egan, Jordan and Kavle are all first-time Governor’s Cup skippers. 

“A few of us at BYC founded the Rose Cup 11 years ago and thanks to five-time U.S. Match Racing Champ Dave Perry, it became an official national championship in 2015,” said Andy Rose, two-time Governor’s Cup winner and steering committee chair. “Our goal from the beginning was to enable young U.S. match racers to better compete against the international teams that were to an extent dominating the podium at GovCup. I think the quality of match racing at this year’s USYMRC showed that we are close to achieving that goal.” 

As such, the fourth and fifth teams from the Rose Cup have also accepted GovCup invitations that include 16-tear-old Morgan Pinkney of Newport Harbor YC, who will be the youngest skipper, and Rose Cup semi-finalist Owen Lahr of Richmond YC. 

Final skippers Governor s Cup 22

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Photo by Tom Walker

“Governor’s Cup 22” sloops in action in 2018 between three-time runner up Leo Takahashi (NZL) and two-time winner Harry Price (AUS). The state-of-the-art Alan Andrews designed “GC22s” will be provided to each competitor and will be used two weeks later in the Youth Match Racing World Championship, also to be held at Balboa Yacht Club

Balboa Yacht Club and the presenting sponsor for the Cup, Disc Sports and Spine Center, intend to make the event safe for all participants. Among the many features of the safety protocols are on site complementary COVID testing before and after the Cup and the availability of vaccinations for those competitors that may not have been vaccinated by the regatta. 

Disc founder Dr. Robert Bray, a world-renown neurosurgeon with additional background in infectious diseases, said, “We will offer services and take every precaution we can to keep competitors, volunteers, club members and other spectators safe.” 

GovCup coverage can be found this year at www.facebook.com/bycgovcup/ and will include a new feature this year called the “Road to the GovCup.” It will feature short interviews with skippers during the Sailing Illustrated show, “TFE Live.

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Arts & Learning Conservatory returns with live musical theatre, features Newport Beach youth

Arts & Learning Conservatory announces its first production in more than 15 months at Concordia University’s outdoor amphitheater from July 16-25. ONCE ON THIS ISLAND Jr. is the Calypso tale of Ti Moune, a fearless peasant girl in search of her place in the world. The nonprofit’s creative team purposefully cast the production with actors of color in lead and support roles.

Among the cast are three Newport Beach youth: Simon Khan, Sebastian Khan and Cosette Smith. Sebastian and Simon Khan have been involved with the Arts & Learning Conservatory for many years. Older brother Sebastian has performed many lead roles including Beauty and the Beast, Hair Spray and Shrek. This time, 15-year-old Simon plays the lead role of Daniel in ONCE ON THIS ISLAND Jr. His favorite part of the play is when Ti Moune convinces the ballroom dancers (including him) to do an African dance.

Arts & Learning Khans

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Photos courtesy of Arts & Learning Conservatory

The ensemble from “ONCE ON THIS ISLAND Jr.,” with Simon Khan (front row, white shirt) and his brother Sebastian Khan (back row, Hawaiian shirt)

The Tony award-winning musical has a Caribbean-themed score based on an original adaptation of Hans Christian Andersen’s popular fairy tale with a storyline similar to The Little Mermaid. Ti Moune sets out on a remarkable journey to reunite with the boy who captured her heart, defying the social forces of prejudice and hate which demand their separation. Set to music of legendary writing team Lynn Ahrens and Stephen Flaherty, Ti Moune’s fate breaks down the walls that divide her society, ultimately uniting it.

“We are so excited to return to live theatre after a long hiatus and are committed more than ever to seeing that the arts remain in the lives of our youth which we believe is essential to a well-rounded education,” said Arts & Learning founder and CEO Debora Wondercheck. “Our newest production is a celebration of diversity which gives our BIPOC actors (Black, Indigenous and People of Color) a voice of empowerment through the creativity of the arts.”

Arts & Learning Cosette Smith

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Nine-year-old Cosette Smith of Newport Beach is also a part of the cast

Performed by a diverse group of youth and teens from throughout Southern Calif., ONCE ON THIS ISLAND Jr. will take place at Concordia University on the evenings of July 16-18 and 23-25 (doors open at 8 p.m.; show begins at 8:30 p.m.). Tickets are $18 for general admission and $25 for premier seating and can be purchased at www.artsandlearning.org.

“I am proud to be a part of the ALC community. As a mother of children that have participated in ALC programs, I know what a meaningful impact the arts can have on our children,” said ALC board member Carol R. Sudbeck, executive vice president and chief administrative officer for Pacific Life. “I am also thrilled to support the ALC founder, Debora Wondercheck, who is truly an inspiration to all those she supports.”

Concordia University is located at 1530 Concordia in Irvine. The outdoor amphitheater is concrete, so attendees are asked to bring low-back chairs, stadium seats or other padding for comfort. Concessions and opportunity baskets will be available and the July 17 performance features an ASL Interpreter.

Arts & Learning Conservatory is a nonprofit organization providing all youth with access to quality arts programs based on the values of accessibility, acceptance, confidence and creativity. Founded in 2004 by award-winning music educator Debora Wondercheck, Arts & Learning Conservatory partners with Orange County school districts providing more than 600 annual scholarships to students in need while offering no-cost musical theatre, band and string classes. During the pandemic, the nonprofit successfully transitioned its classes online including master classes, arts education resources and training. It also seeks partnerships with business and community leaders to sponsor underserved children to attend this live theatre experience.

For more information, visit www.artsandlearning.org or call 714.728.7100.

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Pets of the Week Dog and Cat print

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.”

The shelter has two of the sweetest female orange tabby kittens available. They are about 13 weeks in age and are looking for an incredible home together. They are beautiful. Their orange is very light in color. They are like sunshine on a perfect morning. If you’ve been wanting to add loveliness to your life, then Magoo and Cheese Puff are your girls.

Their names don’t really fit now, but when they arrived it was advised that they were boys, and when the shelter took them in for their “neuters,” poof! They were both the “rare” female orange tabby. It will be fun to see what the adoptive family will decide to name their girls.

Pets of the Week Magoo and Cheese Puff

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Courtesy of Newport Beach Animal Shelter

Meet Magoo and Cheese Puff

The shelter is actively taking appointments to do meet and greets, so feel free to reach out on their landline at 949.718.3454. They do require completed application forms for their animals, so please feel free to print one up from their nonprofit’s webpage at www.FONBAS.org. After it is completed, you can email it to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., and after review, they’ll call you to schedule an appointment. They truly look forward to meeting you and introducing you to Magoo and Cheese Puff.

Newport Beach Animal Shelter adoption fees:

–Adult Dogs - $150

–Puppies - $225

–Adult Cats - $90

–Kittens - $110

–Rabbits - $45

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

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CdM Chamber to hold mingle & mix event

The Corona del Mar Chamber of Commerce and Seven Gables Real Estate are holding a mingle & mix live event on Thursday, July 22 and all are invited.

Taking place at Seven Gables Real Estate from 5:30-7:30 p.m., come and join this community celebration where you will meet new people, network and enjoy wine and Champagne along with appetizers. The event is open to the public, so bring a friend or colleague along.

Highlighting the festivities will be a welcome ceremony for Seven Gables’ Isley/Tapie Luxury Group of CdM with a photo shoot.

CdM Chamber Isley Tapie team

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Courtesy of CdM Chamber of Commerce

Come meet the Seven Gables Real Estate Isley/Tapie team

Bring a gift if you would like to promote your business in the mixer drawing, which is optional.

No RSVP is necessary and street parking is available.

Seven Gables Real Estate is located at 2737 E. Coast Highway (near Bruegger’s Bagels), Corona del Mar.

For more information, visit www.CdmChamber.com or call 949.673.4050.

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Pacific Symphony welcomes back audiences with 2021-22 Classical Series

After more than a year of producing online education and performance content, Music Director Carl St.Clair and President John Forsyte announced the return of live music to the Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall with Pacific Symphony. The 2021-22 concert season begins September 30 with a festive opening night featuring internationally acclaimed pianist Emanuel Ax as soloist, kicking off the Hal and Jeanette Segerstrom Family Foundation Classical Series for the 2021-22 season.

Pacific Symphony Carl St.Clair

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Courtesy of Pacific Symphony

Pacific Symphony Music Director Carl St.Clair

Music Director Carl St.Clair commented, “Pacific Symphony musicians and I are so happy to be reuniting with our audiences. From the bottom of our hearts we welcome you all back and invite you into our musical home once again. The musicians have continued creating great art online during the pandemic, but nothing compares with performing for you live in our concert hall. Orange County audiences have come to appreciate a combination of innovative new works, neglected but not forgotten works of the past and classical favorites. In 2021-22, we will offer three new world premieres, first-time Pacific Symphony performances, and I am very excited to produce the ambitious opera, Verdi’s ‘Otello,’ which was the first opera I conducted. Lastly, I greatly look forward to partnering with David Ivers, artistic director of our beloved neighbor South Coast Repertory, on ‘The Mozart Project.’”

According to President John Forsyte, “Our patrons were amazing throughout this difficult year, offering encouragement, donating tickets and making financial contributions which enabled us to keep symphonic and chamber music alive. After a year’s hiatus from performing live concerts in the hall leading to streamed concerts online, Carl and I are thrilled to be able to announce the orchestra’s return to the acoustically pristine Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall.”

Board Chairman John Evans added, “On behalf of Pacific Symphony, I would like to thank the board members and donors for their generosity in helping the orchestra to continue to serve the community through digital offerings in spite of the unprecedented financial difficulties we experienced during the pandemic. We would also like to extend our gratitude to our loyal subscribers who allowed us to keep on account the money they paid for the 2020-21 season and apply it to the 2021-22 season.”

Pacific Symphony, Emanuel Ax photo by Lisa Marie Mazzucco

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Photo by Lisa Marie Mazzucco

Opening weekend features Emanuel Ax performing Mozart’s Piano Concerto No. 17

Pacific Symphony’s live concert reopening this September will be modified as needed based on conditions improving and vaccination levels rising. The symphony remains committed to the safety of the public and will continue collaborating closely with the Segerstrom Center for the Arts to align with evolving regulations set by the U.S. CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention), the California Department of Public Health, Orange County Health Department and University of California, Irvine public health experts. 

2021-22 Season Highlights at a Glance:

The 2021-22 classical season reflects the orchestra’s diverse repertoire –from core symphonic works, new commissions, full-length opera and cross-disciplinary collaborations.

–First Pacific Symphony Performances and World Premieres

The 2021-22 season holds a number of exciting works that are World Premieres and First Symphony Performances.

~September 30 and October 1 and 2. Maintaining his long-standing commitment to American composers, Carl St.Clair has programmed the first piece to be heard on opening night in the new season to be the world premiere of Wayne Oquin’s orchestral transcription, “Tower Ascending.” Oquin, who is one of today’s most performed American composers, wrote that this work “is my own depiction of an ongoing aspect of urban city life: the construction of modern skyscrapers. Just as skyscrapers are built laying stone upon stone, floor upon floor, so, too, is this music constructed from the bottom up: measure upon measure, phrase upon phrase, rhythm upon rhythm.”

~October 14-16. Frank Ticheli, who was Pacific Symphony’s first composer-in-residence (1991-1997), has written an all new work, “All the World’s A Stage” for audience and orchestra. Patrons will experience a completely immersive sonic experience that requires them to generate sounds that enrich and engage with the tonal production of the orchestra. The world premiere of this innovative new work commissioned by and dedicated to Carl St.Clair will be performed on a program that also includes Tchaikovsky’s Variations on a Rococo Theme and Beethoven’s “Eroica” Symphony.

Pacific Symphony Rachel Barton Pine by Lisa Marie Mazzucco

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Photo by Lisa Marie Mazzucco

Rachel Barton Pine, debuting with Pacific Symphony this season, performs Mendelssohn’s Violin Concerto, November 11-13

~January 27-29, 2022. First Pacific Symphony Performance: Lili Boulanger was the first female winner of the Prix de Rome for composition in 1913. She was the younger sister of Nadia Boulanger, the music mentor who influenced generations of young composers from Philip Glass, Astor Piazzolla and Quincy Jones to Burt Bacharach. Boulanger’s “D’un matin de printemps,” a symphonic tone poem that evokes a spring morning’s fresh beauty, was written during the last year of her life. Her promising career was cut short when she passed away from tuberculosis at only 24. 

~March 10-12, 2022. First Pacific Symphony Performance: American-born Michael Ippolito found inspiration in Joan Miro’s 1940 painting Nocturne. Ippolito commented about his Nocturne for Orchestra that he was “first drawn to the pure visual appeal of Miro’s fantastical figures and swirling lines, but I was also intrigued by the idea of a ‘nocturne’ with so much energy and whimsy.”

~April 28-30, 2022. First Pacific Symphony Performance: Innocente Carreño’s “Margariteña” captures the colorful spirit and folk music of popular tunes and lively rhythms from the island of Margarita off the coast of Venezuela where Carreño was born. Venezuelan-born conductor José Luis Gómez brings an authentic energy to the piece from his native country.

Pacific Symphony Conductor Teddy Abrams by (c) Christopher Briscoe

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Photo by (c)Christopher Briscoe

Conductor Teddy Abrams leads Pacific Symphony for Mendelssohn’s Violin Concerto, November 11-13

World Premiere of Pacific Symphony Commission from Sir James MacMillan

~February 17-19, 2022. Leading Scottish composer Sir James MacMillan’s major commission, entitled “Fiat Lux” (“Let There Be Light”), utilizes a text by Dana Gioia, the internationally acclaimed poet, California poet laureate and chairman of the National Endowment for the Arts. Carl St.Clair directs the performance, which opens with the English Renaissance motet “Spem in alium” by Thomas Tallis followed by Strauss’ eternal tone poem “Death and Transfiguration.” Pacific Chorale joins the Symphony on both the Tallis and the MacMillan world premiere for this “Cathedrals of Sound” program.

Metropolitan Opera Star Carl Tanner in Verdi’s “Otello”

~April 7, 9 and 12, 2022. “Otello” is the first Verdi opera that St.Clair ever conducted and remains a favorite of his. This great tragic opera presents the Symphony debut of Metropolitan Opera star tenor Carl Tanner. He has established his international career performing regularly in the world’s most prestigious opera houses. South African soprano Kelebogile Besong, who made her North American opera debut with Pacific Symphony as “Aida” in 2017, returns in the role of Desdemona.

“The Mozart Project,” an Original Collaboration with South Coast Repertory

~May 19-21, 2022. Pacific Symphony and South Coast Repertory come together for an original partnership inspired by the artistry of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. Joining the symphony will be South Coast Repertory’s Artistic Director David Ivers, who portrayed Antonio Salieri, to critical acclaim in the Utah Shakespeare Festival production of “Amadeus” in 2015 and James Sullivan as stage director.

Beethoven Immersion Weekend

~June 9-11, 2022. The capstone of the 2021-22 season will be a special immersion weekend presenting all five Beethoven piano concertos over three days. The soloist will be Alexander Romanovsky, who was praised by Gramophone magazine as a pianist who “can produce the thunderous sound and sharp-edge ringing bass that sends a tingle down the spine.” Sharing in the program for these three concerts will be the “Coriolan” overture (June 9, 2022), Romances Nos. 1 and 2 (June 10, 2022) with Concertmaster Dennis Kim as soloist and Symphony No. 8 (June 11, 2022).

Pacific Symphony Christina and Michelle Naughton

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Courtesy of Pacific Symphony

Duo pianists and identical twins, Christina and Michelle Naughton debut with Mozart’s Piano Concerto No. 10 for Two Pianos, January 6-8, 2022

Guest Soloists

~Pacific Symphony guest soloists during the 2020-21 season include Emanuel Ax performing Mozart’s Piano Concerto No. 17 (September 30, October 1 and 2); Rachel Barton Pine* performing Mendelssohn’s Violin Concerto (November 11-13); Haochen Zhang performing Rachmaninoff’s Piano Concerto No. 2 (December 2-4); duo pianists and identical twins Christina and Michelle Naughton* in Mozart’s Piano Concerto No. 10 for Two Pianos (January 6-8, 2022); Bomsori Kim* performing Tchaikovsky’s Violin Concerto (January 27-29, 2022); soprano Elissa Johnston performing in the world premiere of MacMillan’s “Let There Be Light” (“Fiat Lux”) commissioned by Pacific Symphony (February 17-19, 2022); James Ehnes performing Prokofiev’s Violin Concerto No. 2 (March 10-12, 2022); tenor Carl Tanner in the lead role of Verdi’s “Otello” (April 7, 9, 12); pianist Joyce Yang performing Rachmaninoff’s Variations on a Theme of Paganini (April 28-30, 2022) and Alexander Romanovsky in all five Beethoven Piano Concertos (June 9-12, 2022).

Pacific Symphony Bomsori by Harold Hoffmann

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Photo by Harold Hoffman

Bomsori Kim debuts performing Tchaikovsky’s Violin Concerto, January 27-29, 2022

*An asterisk indicates soloists who are making debuts with Pacific Symphony this season. 

Sunday Matinees

~St.Clair offers the audience an intimate and lively exploration of the classics. These informal concerts are just 90 minutes long and provide a perfect introduction to classical music. The series includes Tchaikovsky’s Fifth (October 3); Beethoven’s Heroic Symphony (October 17); Mahler Symphony No. 4 (January 9, 2022); and Beethoven’s “Emperor” Concerto (June 12, 2022).

Additional Programming

~Pacific Symphony presents four special concerts during the 2021-22 season: The holiday presentation of Handel’s Glorious “Messiah” (December 5, 2021) featuring the Pacific Chorale, led by guest conductor Robert Moody; and two concerts that reflect the Orange County community including “Lunar New Year” and “Nowruz” (Iranian New Year) celebrations led by Carl St.Clair (February 5, 2022 and March 26, 2022, respectively).

~The SummerFest season presents concerts beneath the stars, July 4 through the weekend after Labor Day weekend. Programming still to be announced includes the Pops series, Café Ludwig chamber music series and the Pedals and Pipes organ series.

Subscriptions are on sale and season tickets start at $25 per concert. For more information, visit www.pacificsymphony.org or call 714.755.5799.

The Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall is located at 600 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa.

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Newport Beach restaurants welcome summer during SoCal Burger Week, now through Saturday

Newport Beach restaurants are among the 50+ Orange County eateries welcoming summer during Southern California’s Burger Week, now through Saturday, July 17.

Presented by Old Forester Bourbon, the 3rd Annual Burger Week is produced by the Orange County Restaurant Association and will be encouraging diners throughout Orange County, Los Angeles and Long Beach to support their local restaurants.

“There’s so much to celebrate this summer with the reopening of restaurants to full capacity, so the timing of our annual Burger Week event couldn’t be better,” said Pamela Waitt, president of the OC Restaurant Association. “This is a great time for those who have spent the year away from family and friends to make plans to come together for ‘Burgers and Bourbon’ and support their local culinary community.”

Newport Beach restaurants Billy s

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Photos courtesy of OC Restaurant Association

Billy’s at the Beach is offering a special burger each day of OC Burger Week including the Cali Burger Texas Burger, Big Kahuna Burger, Black & Bleu Burger, Southwest Burger and All-American Burger. Each burger features a half-pound seasoned Angus beef patty on a sesame bun served with French fries and a pickle spear. The bar will feature a refreshing Herradura Margarita.

Newport Beach/Corona del Mar restaurants participating to date include Billy’s at the Beach; Champagnes Bistro & Deli; Cappy’s Café; Helsman Ale House; Lido Bottle Works; Malarky’s Irish Pub; Muldoon’s Irish Pub; Olea, Cellar. Craft. Cook; Sgt. Pepperoni’s Pizza Store; SideDoor; Stag Bar + Kitchen; Tavern House kitchen + bar; True Food Kitchen and Woody’s Wharf.

Newport Beach restaurants Sgt. Pepperoni s

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Inspired by a juicy cheeseburger, Sgt. Pepperoni’s All-American Pie features a house-made “spread” with cheddar cheese, sautéed onions, ground beef, diced tomatoes, iceberg lettuce and a Heinz ketchup drizzle. Created by Sgt. Pepperoni’s partner Stan Frazier, the nostalgic, All-American Pie is available for a limited time only.

This year, select restaurants will collaborate with Neil Saavedra, host of KFI AM 640’s foodie-favorite show, “The Fork Report.” Their co-created burger masterpieces will be highlighted among the Burger Week offerings for diners throughout SoCal to enjoy. Burger collaborations will be updated online at www.burgerweek.com/eat-these-burgers.

During the week-long event, diners will be able to explore a variety of burgers, ranging from classic to creative, featuring various proteins from beef to plant-based, on menus priced at $10, $15, $20 and $25. Many restaurants will also feature cocktails made with Old Forester Bourbon, Ford’s Gin, Herradura Tequila and Chambord. Restaurants, menus and featured cocktails will be updated at www.burgerweeks.com.

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Fair Game

By TOM JOHNSON

When a story is still a story

Tom new picBeing in the media biz, so much of the time you’re viewed as damned if you do and damned if you don’t. A great example of this transpired over the past several months.

You might remember the controversy we reported around the property line and fencing of Buck Johns’ property fronting the upper part of the Back Bay. Buck was seeking a return of some land that many years previously had been taken through eminent domain in an effort to potentially connect University Drive around the upper part of the Back Bay. 

Of course, the road never materialized, and enough time had lapsed that Buck decided to make a run back through the County seeking the return of the land back to the parcel he had since purchased.

At the time, I wrote and sided with Buck’s effort and took some major heat from the opposition for doing so.

The County, led by new Supervisor Katrina Foley, however, halted the attempt, instead pushing for opening it up for eventual use by the general public.

So, this past week a Cease-and-Desist Letter surfaced from attorney Patrick Munoz of Rutan & Tucker on behalf of the Johnses and was addressed to the County. In the letter, the Johnses were threatening “a lawsuit and hefty attorney’s fees,” all in an attempt to stop the County’s efforts to move the Johns’ fence line to allow public use of the adjacent dirt trail.

Buck didn’t like the idea of the issue garnering new media attention and sent me a note saying, “for the moment, we’d prefer to stay out of the limelight as much as possible.” His response was in reaction to a request from Stu News Newport reporter Sara Hall who called him for comment.

Well, like it or not, our responsibility is to continue to tell the story as it evolves, and as much as I like Buck, it didn’t feel right pulling Sara off the story.

In fact, it reminded me of what former Daily Pilot Editor Bill Lobdell taught me years ago, “You can’t have it both ways.” If you come to “us” initially attempting to get your story publicized, you can’t then decide not to cooperate when the tides of the story turn.

With that being said, on behalf of Stu News Newport, I’m encouraging our crack reporter Sara to continue to follow it. It’s Buck’s prerogative then to comment on the story or not, but not kill it.

It’s not always the fun way to ruffle feathers, but it’s the right way to proceed.

• • •

Local city stakeholders recently approached Rep. Michelle Steel (CA-48) seeking funding for the Surfside-Sunset Beach Nourishment Project.

Good news, Rep. Steel’s office this week released info that the sand erosion project has been submitted to the House Appropriations Committee for funding to the tune of $15.5 million. The next step will require the bill to pass both the House and Senate. The House vote should come up by the end of this month.

“Rep. Steel is the first person to secure direct funding for this type of a project in a bill since the mid-2000s,” according to the release.

Fair Game Steel

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Courtesy of Michelle Steel’s office

Newport Beach Public Works Director Dave Webb (right) discusses sand erosion issues with Rep. Michelle Steel (center) as Councilwoman Diane Dixon looks on

• • •

Sunday from 12:30-2 p.m. is the 2021 Annual Flight of Newport Beach sponsored in part by the Balboa Yacht Club. Open Skiffs, Lasers and H20s will compete on different harbor courses.

The open skiffs and lasers will race from the southside of Balboa Island, around a mark in the bay’s central turning basin, down the southside of Lido Isle while rounding a mark west of Newport Harbor Yacht Club, then up and around the other side of Lido down to the turning basin near The Winery and then all the way back to the finish line off the southside of Balboa Island.

The H20s follow a similar course to the above but add a final mark off the end of the Peninsula before heading back to the finish line. 

• • •

Staying on the sailing front, the 51st biennial Transpacific Yacht Race is presently underway between San Pedro and Hawaii. According to Laurie Morrison, a spokesperson for the Newport Ocean Sailing Association (NOSA), there are a number of local boats partaking in the race, including Triumph from the NHYC, “winners of a bunch of trophies in April’s N2E.”

One local vessel also included in this group is a Santa Cruz 50 Horizon with our own columnist Len Bose aboard.

If you’re interested in following the race, you can go to https://yb.tl/transpac2021# for the trackers.

• • •

Finally, when reporting about the Junior Lifeguard fundraiser earlier this week, I erred BIG TIME!

At the event, I ran into a lot of people, with one being Kim Bibb of Villa Real Estate, who’s also a member of Newport Beach’s royal family of real estate. I was even introduced to her daughter, Lauren Bibb, who’s also entering the biz. 

Anyway, when writing up the follow-up story Tuesday I mixed up my Bibbs. Kim has been a loyal reader and supporter of Stu News, so I need to sincerely apologize.

I thought to myself, what can I do to make it right?

Well, if there’s someone out there considering a sale of their multi-million dollar home and you could call Kim to give her the listing, I’d appreciate it. It would help ease the embarrassment. Tell her Tom asked you to do it.

It doesn’t hurt to ask.

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Camp Newport is in full swing

Camp Newport soccer

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Courtesy of Newport Beach Recreation & Senior Services Dept.

Kick it with the Newport Beach Recreation & Senior Services Department this summer in one of their many camps! From soccer, surfing and sailing to science, art, theater and more, there’s everything under the sun to keep your kids busy learning, making friends and having fun. Register now at www.campnewport.com.

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Corona del Mar Scenic 5K slated for October 2, race sponsors announced

The 39th Annual Corona del Mar Scenic 5K, presented by the Corona del Mar Chamber of Commerce, will take place Saturday, Oct. 2. This highly anticipated and attended race/walk takes place throughout the charming streets of Corona del Mar.

Whether you are a competitive runner or looking for an exhilarating and social activity to share with family and friends, consider registering for this legendary event.

Enjoy pristine ocean views and activities for all ages. Register for the 5K Run, 2-Mile Youth Race, 1K Dolphin Dash for the kids and the popular 2-Mile Celebration Walk. All registered participants will receive a commemorative runner’s shirt, a runner’s bib and a swag bag.

Participants will also be hosted to a complimentary Restaurant Row feast of local eateries. Don’t miss the festive post-event party complete with live entertainment, unique sponsor and vendors, the awards presentation ceremony and more.

Corona del Mar runners

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Courtesy of Corona del Mar Chamber of Commerce

Runners in a previous CdM Scenic 5K take off down the course through the streets of Corona del Mar

Race Times:

–6 a.m. Event Day Registration Begins

–7:30 a.m. Warm-up

–7:55 a.m. Men’s 5K Race

–8:20 a.m. Women’s 5K Race

–8:45 a.m. 2 Mile Fun Walk/Youth Run

–9 a.m. 1K Kid’s Dolphin Dash

The supporters of the CdM 5K this year have been announced and include the following:

–Presenting Sponsor: Casey Lesher, Coldwell Banker Global Luxury

–Corporate Sponsor: Hoag 

–Contributing Sponsor: Mariners Escrow Corporation

–Supporting Sponsor: Priestley Family Chiropractic

–Supporting Sponsor & Race Warm-Up: Rooted Soul Movement

–Official Pace Car Sponsor: Porsche Newport Beach

–Supporting Sponsor: Kurvana

–Supporting Sponsor: CR&R

–City Support Sponsor: City of Newport Beach

Stu News Newport is once again proud to be a Media Sponsor for this year’s CdM Scenic 5K.

If you are interested in becoming a sponsor, whereby your logo will be featured throughout the community in print media, online marketing, social media and at the event day showcase, the deadline has been extended to Saturday, July 24. To register online, go to www.cdmchamber.com/scenic-5k-sponsorship and to view and print the sponsorship packet, go here.

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Chamber offers business luncheon networking opportunity

The Newport Beach Chamber of Commerce’s Business Luncheon Series is on the move next week to Morton’s, The Steakhouse in Santa Ana. The meeting is Wednesday, July 21 from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. and is designed to introduce you to new business connections.

Come enjoy a delicious lunch from Morton’s while making connections with other business professionals as you network amid a “relaxed vibe.” 

Advanced reservations are required because of limited space. Go to www.NewportBeach.com or call 949.729.4400.

Morton’s is located at 1641 W. Sunflower Ave., Santa Ana, near South Coast Plaza. Free parking is available.

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Daring diners…this OC Fair is for you

The OC Fair concessionaires have been concocting tasty new treats to delight fairgoers who have been waiting for their favorite summer tradition to return – crazy Fair food!

This year’s OC Fair will run July 16-August 15, Wednesdays through Sundays, with limited attendance. The theme is “Time for Fun!”

With so much to choose from, here’s a handy guide to this year’s new food at the OC Fair:

Daring concessionaire

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Photos courtesy of the OC Fair & Event Center

A Biggy’s concessionaire welcomes you to try his spicy fare

Latin flavors

~Taco de Lengua – Pepe’s Mariscos Fresh Mexican Seafood

~Taco de Tripa – Pepe’s Mariscos Fresh Mexican Seafood

~Fresas y Lechera Churro – Big Dogs

~Watermelon Taco with Tajin – Cowboy Kettle Corn

~Sugar-Rimmed Lemonade with flavors including chamoy – Squeezers

Hot and spicy

~Waffle cone with buffalo chicken and mac & cheese – Chicken Charlie’s

~Hot Cheeto-n-Cheese Burger – Biggy’s

~Hot Cheeto-n-Cheese Pickles – Biggy’s

~Spicy Deep-Fried Hot Dog Bites – Pink’s Hot Dogs

Sweet stuff

~Banana Cream Funnel Cake – Dutchmen’s Funnel Cake

~Fried Ice Cream – Fried A Fair

~Chocolate Chip Nutella Ice Cream Sandwich – Totally Baked Cookie Joint

~Candy Apples: Mermaid, Unicorn or Baby Shark – Sweeties and Sweet Dreams

~Cotton Candy Taco - Sweeties and Sweet Dreams

~50/50 Brownie Parfait with Bavarian cream – Mom’s Bakeshoppe

Crazy combos

~Chicken Lumpia (you can top with ice cream) – Chicken Charlie’s

~Fried Chicken Funnel Cake – Dutchmen’s Funnel Cake

~Buffalo Brownies (you can top with ice cream) – Chicken Charlie’s

~Italian Nachos – Pignotti’s in the Wine Courtyard

–And so much more fun food on sticks, deep fried, wrapped in bacon and topped with whipped cream.

OC Fair classics and favorites will return, bringing fairgoers giant turkey legs, deep-fried sweets, bacon-wrapped corn dogs, great BBQ, cotton candy and ice cream galore.

Daring sweets

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A la mode makes this fried Fair food even tastier

Deal alert! $3 Taste of Fair Food on Thursdays is back. Guests can get a sampling of food and treats for only $3 every Thursday from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. (extended hours). Fun-sized samples include funnel cake, tri-tip, lemonade, cinnamon rolls, tacos, gelato, cotton candy and more. See the $3 Taste of Fair Menu (Thursdays only).

The Wine Courtyard will be open during the Fair. Hosted by the Orange County Wine Society, the courtyard features award-winning wines that are available for purchase by the glass as well as food and lighter fare.

The OC Fair has added more shaded tables and seating areas for dining and has increased sanitization procedures to help keep everyone safe.

Tickets to the Fair must be purchased in advance (no fees!) at www.ocfair.com. Fairgoers should make sure to get tickets for special days and group adventures now, since limited daily capacity days could sell out.

Key things to know about the 2021 OC Fair

–A limited number of tickets are available each day.

–Advance online ticket sales only – no transaction fees.

–Tickets are good only for the date purchased; choose dates carefully as there are no refunds.

–Same-day Fair admission is included with tickets to concerts during the Fair.

–OC Fair is not currently planning to increase capacity.

–Ticket prices will not increase.

–Sales are no longer restricted to California residents.

–Masks are required indoors for unvaccinated guests.

Tickets are $12 for weekday general admission (Wednesday, Thursday) and $14 for weekend general admission (Friday, Saturday, Sunday). Admission for seniors (60+) and youth (ages 6-12) is $7 every day and children 5 and younger are free. 

The 2021 OC Fair mobile app is now available with information on daily activities as well as a map, news and information and tickets. Search for the “ocfair 2021” in your app store.

The Fair will open each day at 10 a.m. and close at 11 p.m. on Wednesdays and Thursdays and midnight on weekends.

General parking is still $10, $20 for buses and limos, credit card only. The free shuttle from Experian and OCTA’s OC Fair Express bus service will not be available this year. Carnival tickets are also on sale now so fairgoers can skip the ticket booths, and tickets for concerts in The Hangar and Pacific Amphitheatre can be found at www.ocfair.com/entertainment.

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COVID-19: 41 new cases and no new deaths reported in Newport Beach this past week

Stu News Newport is now reporting COVID-19 numbers on a weekly basis, as reported by the OC Health Care Agency.

This week, July 7-13, there have been 41 new cases in Newport Beach and no new deaths, bringing the overall totals to 4,022 cases reported to date and 76 overall deaths. Moving forward, Orange County will only be updating numbers on Tuesdays of each week.

During the past week, the county reported a total of 1,050 new cases, raising the total to 257,826 cases to date. The death totals for the county were nine for the week, bringing the overall total number of deaths to 5,133.

As of Tuesday, July 13, Orange County has performed a cumulative of 4,193,271 tests to date. There are 119 current cases of hospitalized patients in Orange County, of which 25 are in ICU.

For questions about the data presented by the county, call 714.834.2000 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

To view the county’s data dashboard, click here.

COVID-19 numbers are updated weekly by Stu News Newport in Friday’s edition.

COVID 19 7.16.21 1

COVID 19 7.16.21 2

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Data courtesy of OC Health Care Agency

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Obituary

Herbert S. Ring 

October 4, 1928 – July 14, 2021

Herbert Ring, age 92, of Newport Beach, originally of Portland, Maine, and Boston, Mass., passed away peacefully on Wednesday, July 14, 2021. 

Herb was the former owner of Craft Tennis in Costa Mesa, once the largest racket-stringing concern in the western U.S., and of Custom Amusement, a Chicago-based vending business. 

A proud veteran of the Army of the Occupation following WWII and an avid world traveler, Herb actively volunteered with the OASIS Senior Center, Friends of the Newport Beach Library Bookstore and the Newport/Mesa ProLiteracy group. 

He is survived by his wife of 66 years, Anne; brother, Howard Ring; children Karen (Peter) Dakich and Laurence (Rachel) Ring; and grandchildren Julia Dakich, Jimmy Dakich, Anna Ring, Chloe Ring and Jonathan Ring. He was much beloved and will be missed. 

Funeral services for family and friends will be held at Pacific View Memorial Park on Tuesday, July 20, 2021, at 10 a.m.

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Newport Theatre Arts Center continues 2021 Readers Theatre Summer Festival

Newport Theatre Arts Center (NTAC) continues its 2021 Readers Theatre Summer Festival with Murder with Absolution this weekend.

Murder with Absolution by John Franceschini and directed by Beverly Crain will be performed on Friday, July 16 at 8 p.m., Saturday, July 17 at 8 p.m. and Sunday, July 18 at 2 p.m.

Newport Theatre Murder Without Absolution

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Photo by Arietta Goshtasby

Rehearsing a scene from “Murder with Absolution”

Synopsis: Lady Eleanor Prescott-Thornton, ruthless British matriarch and head of the family-held corporation, seeks vengeance for her daughter’s murder while fending off a hostile corporate takeover attempt. Lady Eleanor uses unlikely pawns and bishops in an attempt to checkmate her foe with murderous results.

Tickets are still available, so call the box office at 949.631.0288 to secure your seats.

Newport Theatre Arts Center is located at 2501 Cliff Drive, Newport Beach. For more information, visit www.ntaconline.com.

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School Notes

D’Agostino leaving to assume Assistant Superintendent role in Brea Olinda

Longtime Newport-Mesa Unified School District (NMUSD) employee Phil D’Agostino, Ed.D., is leaving to assume the role of Assistant Superintendent of Educational Services for Brea Olinda Unified School District.

D’Agostino most recently served the district office as Director of Student and Community Services.

Prior to that, he served NMUSD as a teacher at Newport Harbor High School, and principal at both Estancia and Costa Mesa high schools.

NMUSD fills multiple district roles with new hires and promotions

NMUSD has announced the hiring of several new special education employees, a new principal and a director of nutrition services.

Samantha Payne, with almost 20 years’ experience in the NMUSD, including 14 as a middle school teacher, four as an assistant principal at Corona del Mar High School (CdMHS) and one as assistant principal of Ensign Intermediate, has been elevated to principal at Ensign.

School Notes Payne

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Photos courtesy of NMUSD

Samantha Payne, Ensign Intermediate Principal

As assistant principal of CdMHS, Payne supported students beyond the educational program and fostered a positive school culture, and implemented sustainable programs, such as Positive Behavior Intervention and Supports and restorative practices, the Challenge Success program, and academic interventions and supports for students.

Payne not only understands the middle school child, she also has a strong instructional background. She has spearheaded staff professional development, overseen testing and curriculum, and served as an instructional coach and formal mentor for many teachers. Supporting the middle school and high school level for many years, she also recognizes the importance of school activities. Payne served as the coordinator of the Performing Arts and Multimedia Academy (PAMA) at CdMHS for five years. 

“Ms. Payne’s knowledge of the community and district, her belief in the importance of the middle school years, and her ability to listen and problem-solve to connect with students, staff and parents will provide strong leadership for the Ensign community,” said Assistant Superintendent of Secondary Education, Kerrie Torres.

Payne received her Bachelor of Arts in Education from Arizona State University and her Master of Science in Administration from Pepperdine University.

Other new hires include Elke Day and Carolyn Hunter as coordinators of Special Education.

School Notes Day

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Elke Day, Coordinator, Special Education

Day has more than 22 years of experience in special education joining NMUSD from the Garden Grove Unified School District. There she served as a program supervisor supporting programs in elementary, middle and secondary schools before taking on the role of program supervisor of their preschool assessment center. 

She obtained her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from George Washington University, and Master of Arts in Science in Education from Western Oregon University. 

School Notes Hunter

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Carolyn Hunter, Coordinator, Special Education

Hunter was selected with more than 15 years of experience in education, most recently serving the Westminster School District as director of student services for the past seven years. In that role, Hunter’s responsibilities included the coordination and guidance of the special education services throughout the district. She participated in due process hearings; mediation and monitored student placement procedures; assisted in developing and formulating district policy; coordinated and led parent training; and managed staff professional development activities. 

Hunter obtained her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from California State University, Long Beach, and Master of Arts in School Psychology from Alliant International University, Irvine. 

“We are thrilled to have Ms. Day and Ms. Hunter join our team,” said Assistant Superintendent of Student Support Services Dr. Sara Jocham. “Their collaborative leadership dedicated to supporting students with special needs, their families and school sites through their work in special education will serve our communities well,” she said.

Meanwhile, Todd Hatfield has been promoted to the role of Director of Nutrition Services. Hatfield has been with NMUSD for nearly 20 years, serving as an accounting supervisor and for the past eight years as coordinator of nutrition services.

School Notes Hatfield

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Todd Hatfield, Director of Nutrition Services

As coordinator of nutrition services, Hatfield was responsible for supervising and managing the elementary school cafeterias, central kitchen and nutrition services warehouse and summer meal programs. He is very knowledgeable in compliance with local, state and federal regulations and has provided leadership and guidance in the planning and development of menus and recipes to ensure compliance while also incorporating the desires of district students and families.

“We are excited to have Mr. Hatfield in this role,” said Assistant Superintendent of Elementary John Drake. “He is a proven leader that values collaboration and systems that focus on the best outcomes for the Newport-Mesa community,” he said.

Hatfield received his Bachelor of Science and his Master’s Degree in Business Administration from the University of California, Long Beach.

Finally, Dr. Jennifer Fox, interim Ensign principal, will be moving to the high school level and will serve as an assistant principal at Newport Harbor High School. Bonnie Hinton will continue in the role of assistant principal at Ensign.

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Newport Beach resident to head up Saddleback Medical Center Foundation

MemorialCare Saddleback Medical Center announced that Christy Ward has been appointed the new President of Saddleback Medical Center Foundation, the nonprofit organization that raises funds exclusively for Saddleback Medical Center. Ward began her role in June 2021.

In her role Ward will oversee the philanthropic foundation. She will help align strategic fundraising goals across the entire organization, by enhancing the culture of philanthropy and strengthening partnerships with physicians and the community. She will also focus on fundraising in areas that enrich the overall patient experience and increase technological advancements for the hospital. Additionally, she will help private donors maximize their philanthropic impact in areas meaningful to them, exploring the most tax-advantaged current and planned giving strategies that will benefit the donors and ensure excellent patient care for this community.

Newport Beach Christy Ward

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Courtesy of MemorialCare

Christy Ward

“I am moved by the warmth and personal approach to patient care by the MemorialCare Saddleback Medical Center nurses, physicians and staff, and I’m inspired by our visionary leadership to expand and grow our ability to care for this community,” said Ward. “It’s an honor to be in a position to help donors make an impact on this beloved hospital, by ensuring that the dedicated Saddleback staff are well-equipped to continue providing first-rate care with a personal touch.”

With more than 25 years in major and principal gift fundraising across health care and higher education, Ward is a seasoned fundraising leader who is dedicated to driving forward the mission of nonprofit organizations by building powerful and sustainable philanthropic partnerships.

In her most recent role as vice president of Hoag Hospital Foundation, Ward elevated the impact of major, principal and planned gifts by strategically engaging visionary philanthropists with clinical leaders during the successful $760 million Hoag Promise campaign. During her seven years at Hoag, she launched several successful and innovative initiatives, with highlights that include leading development for the Pickup Family Neurosciences Institute and launching the Hoag Innovators, a unique philanthropic platform to catalyze health care innovation.

Outside of the health care industry, Ward, a Newport Beach resident, has 14 years of experience in higher education with roles at the University of North Carolina Wilmington, Chapman University and University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. She is a well-respected voice and has consulted for banks and private wealth advisers seeking insight on the philanthropic plans of their clients. In addition to her numerous career achievements, in her community Ward sits on the Corona del Mar High School Foundation board, has served as a panelist for Girls Inc., and has volunteered for decades in youth sports. She received her bachelor’s degree in journalism and public relations from the University of North Carolina.

“We often hear from donors that their philanthropic journey with MemorialCare Saddleback Medical Center Foundation enriches their lives, just as much as it improves community relationships and patient experience,” said Marcia Manker, CEO MemorialCare Saddleback Medical Center. “With Christy taking the helm in this new role, we are excited for her to help us further strengthen community ties and foster engaging relationships with donors that will help ensure we continue providing the highest, most advanced level of care for our patients.”

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Magic in the air

Magic in the air

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

Soaring through summer with sunsets like this on our mind

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Fire Department offering COVID vaccinations today, with more coming in the weeks ahead

The Newport Beach Fire Department (NBFD) is hosting a COVID-19 vaccination clinic today, July 16 from 1-4 p.m. in the Civic Center Community Room, 100 Civic Center Drive. Newport Beach Fire and Lifeguard personnel will be administering the vaccinations.

The NBFD has all three COVID vaccines available, including the Pfizer vaccine, for anyone 12 years and older, that requires two doses 21 days apart; the Moderna vaccine, for anyone 18 years and older requiring two doses 28 days apart; and the Johnson & Johnson vaccine, for anyone 18 and older requiring only one dose.

Anyone under the age of 18 receiving a vaccine needs to have a parent or guardian present.

Appointments can be made by calling Fire Administration at 949.644.3355. Walk-ins will also be welcomed.

The NBFD will be hosting another clinic next week on Wednesday, July 21 from 10 a.m.-2 p.m., with more dates to be announced soon.

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SCR presents You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown in an outdoor setting

South Coast Repertory (SCR) is bringing You’re A Good Man, Charlie Brown to the Mission San Juan Capistrano from July 16-August 1, alternating performances with American Mariachi.

Good grief! The whole “Peanuts” gang is heading your way this summer – Lucy, Linus, Snoopy and of course, that wishy-washy blockhead, Charlie Brown.

SCR presents Peanuts

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Courtesy of SCR

The whole Peanuts gang takes the stage this summer as part of Outside SCR at Mission San Juan Capistrano

Charlie Brown’s never pitched a winning baseball game, and he can’t muster the courage to talk to the Little-Red Haired Girl, but all his best qualities – and those of his clever friends – get celebrated in this delightful musical filled with such gleeful tunes as “My Blanket and Me,” “Suppertime” and “Happiness.” Geared for ages 4+, the running time is one hour and 30 minutes with no intermission.

This production is part of the Outside SCR series. For tickets and information, visit www.scr.org or call South Coast Repertory’s ticket services office at 714.708.5555.

Mission San Juan Capistrano is located at 26801 Ortega Highway, San Juan Capistrano.

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Take Five: Meet Maddie Musselman, Olympic water polo gold medalist

By AMY SENK

The Summer Olympics in Tokyo – a year late because of COVID – will open Friday, July 23, with a Newport Beach resident and former Corona del Mar High School student waiting to participate in her second Olympics as a part of the women’s water polo team. I caught up with Maddie Musselman as she headed to Tokyo for the games, catching her between morning and afternoon training sessions, to learn more.

Take Five Maddie Musselman

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Photo by Jonathan Moore Photography

Maddie Musselman

Q: The Olympics were off and on and now they are happening. What was your reaction to hearing the news that you made the roster, and the games were actually going to take place?

A: Hearing my name be announced to the Olympic team was a whirlwind of emotions. I experienced so much excitement and happiness for the work that I put in up until that moment. This team has been training together for five years and to know that my growth and experience will help me at the Olympics is extremely motivating. I look forward to arriving in Tokyo and showing the world what this team can do.

Q: How are things different this year than in 2016?

A: In 2016, I was really young. I didn’t have as much experience as I do now on this team, and it’s extremely humbling and motivating to see my growth and leadership develop over the years. This team also has experienced change, lots of new athletes as well as returners playing together. It’s been super important to build those connections and get everyone on the same page before we play in the Olympics.

Tke Five Maddie water polo

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Photo by Catharyn Hayne Photography

Maddie playing water polo; she is Olympics-bound for the second time

Q: What is your favorite memory from Rio?

A: My favorite memory was standing on top of the podium with my teammates and hearing the national anthem.

Q: When you’re not in the pool, how do you spend your time?

A: I spend a majority of my time with my family. I also love to cook, bake and spend time with friends who have been supporting and following my journey since the beginning. It’s truly special for me to connect with those who mean so much to me.

Q: What advice would you offer an Olympics hopeful?

A: Don’t be afraid to fail along the journey. I have experienced failures and have learned to accept them as opportunities to get better. Every failure is an opportunity to grow and get closer to reaching your full potential.

~~~~~~~~

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

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Summertime delights

Summertime delights boats

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Photo by Kevin Pellon (Instagram @socalsnapz)

It’s sunshine, boats and beauty once again in Newport Beach

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Back Bay property owner to county: “cease” efforts to remove fence; county not “taking any action” on land or fence

By SARA HALL

Following the failure to purchase an adjacent parcel, a local property owner sent a cease-and-desist letter to the county last week to try and stop the removal and relocation of a bordering fence after officials announced that the approximate one-third of an acre of land in Upper Newport Bay would be opened up to the public.

Attorneys for Buck Johns, property owner at 2600 Mesa Drive, sent a letter to the Orange County Board of Supervisors on July 8 requesting the county “cease any efforts to remove the fence in order to allow settlement discussions to occur,” warning of potential litigation if the removal efforts continue. 

Earlier this year, Johns attempted to purchase the property for $13,000. The deal, which included declaring the land “abandoned” and no longer used by the public for park purposes, was halted by hundreds of petitions signed by OC voters before it made it through the approval process.

A. Patrick Munoz of the Irvine-based law firm Rutan & Tucker, LLP, authored Johns’ letter to the county. His company was retained after the Johns’ effort to purchase the property was unsuccessful and they wanted “to explore other options by which they may assert their rights to it.”

Johns declined to comment for this story. 

OC Public Information Manager Molly Nichelson confirmed receipt of the letter in an email to Stu News Newport on Monday and said the county is currently assessing the next steps.

There are no changes to the property at this time, she noted. 

On Wednesday, July 14, the county’s Chief Real Estate Officer Thomas Miller sent a letter to Johns confirming receipt of, but not responding to, the cease-and-desist letter.

According to the letter from Miller, the OC Board of Supervisors provided direction to county staff on the matter. 

“The county will not be taking any action related to the subject property or the fence that currently encloses the subject property,” Miller wrote.

An added closed session item on the board’s Tuesday agenda noted a conference with legal counsel regarding anticipated or significant exposure to litigation, but the county representatives did not disclose any information on whether the matter could possibly be related to the Upper Newport Bay property. Stu News Newport could not confirm what the anticipated litigation was related to prior to publication.

Back Bay Aerial Map

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Courtesy of the County of Orange

An aerial view of the disputed parcel and surrounding land

The property is still owned by the county and is “identified as open space,” Miller wrote in the county’s letter to Johns.

“As such, it should remain in that natural state and no inconsistent activities should take place thereon,” Miller said. 

It is currently enclosed by a fence as part of Johns’ adjacent property, Miller explained.

Supervisor Katrina Foley, whose district covers Newport Beach, said on Tuesday morning in a phone interview with Stu News Newport that the latest move by Johns after the county denied the purchase was unfortunate.

“It’s disappointing that Mr. Johns is trying to use his influence and wealth to threaten the county over what is an undisputable fact, that property line has been determined and the county is going to move the fence to the property line,” Foley said. 

She suggested moving the fence to the property line, which has been determined by the surveyor, unless the board decides otherwise.

Earlier this year, Foley pulled the purchase proposal from the April 13 board meeting and continued it until May 11. She didn’t think it was “right to give away land like this,” and was concerned that neighbors weren’t properly noticed, she said at the time.

The item was deleted from the May 11 agenda after about 1,300 petitions were sent to the county opposing the abandonment of the land.

The law states that if at least 200 voters sign a petition objecting to the abandonment, the board has to either terminate the proceedings or submit the question of abandonment to the voters at the next election.

Since more than 200 registered Orange County voters signed the petition, the land could not be declared abandoned and the sale was blocked. 

Petitioners argued that it’s a bad deal for the county, the open space is beneficial for the public, and that it’s part of the heritage and beauty of Orange County. Opponents to the sale have argued that the land was seriously undervalued considering the $13,000 price tag on the previously proposed purchase deal.

According to the Orange County Treasurer-Tax Collector, a similar adjacent parcel is assessed by the county at about $1.18 million.

Johns previously explained that the county offers an approved list of appraisers to choose from. A second appraiser, also with the county, has to sign off on the submitted amount. The company Johns chose, CBRE, Inc., noted in its January 2020 appraisal that the parcel is in a good location, but effectively landlocked, with no public street frontage or access available. 

Johns had additionally agreed to pay a $20,000 processing fee for the transaction, according to the county staff report on the deal.

Still Protecting Our Newport (aka Stop Polluting Our Newport) led the effort to prevent what it said would be a “below market value sale” and to get the fence relocated to the “true property line” or removed entirely.

SPON, a local nonprofit public education organization, shared the letter on its website, writing that Johns was “threatening a lawsuit and hefty attorney’s fees” if the county proceeded, “as well as a claim for compensation for the public’s use of a dirt trail on another part of his property.”

Back Bay fence and trail

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Photo by Jim Mosher

A fence runs along the edge of the disputed parcel of land in Upper Newport Bay

They are investigating the potential for a number of claims, including an inverse condemnation, Munoz said in Johns’ letter to the county. If successful, Munoz said the Johnses would be entitled to an award of litigation expenses including attorney’s fees. 

“This claim will be based on the dirt trail located on the Johns’ property, near its southerly property line, and the fact it is being used by the public as part of the county’s open space program on property adjoining the Johns’ property,” Munoz wrote.

If the dispute heads to court, the circumstances and title history of the property would entitle the Johns’ to, “at minimum, to an equitable easement, in perpetuity, over the subject property,” according to Munoz. 

During a January 7 OC Parks Commission meeting, OC Parks Director Stacy Blackwood said the “incredibly well-used” pedestrian and bicycle Bayview Trail runs along the perimeter of Upper Newport Bay.

“Upper Newport Bay is a jigsaw puzzle of property jurisdiction,” Blackwood said, with ownership between Newport Beach, Costa Mesa, Orange County and the state. “It can be incredibly confusing to try and unpack any of the real property transactional issues in and around Upper Newport Bay.”

Buck and Colleen Johns have owned their Mesa Drive property for more than four decades after buying it from the Holstein family. 

According to Johns, the triangular parcel of land at the middle of the dispute, which runs between the back of the Johns’ property and the Bayview Trail, was apparently taken through eminent domain for a proposed extension of University Drive through the area.

Although, some disagree with that account.

“It appears instead, that the previous owner subdivided his property – historically part of the Irvine Ranch – in 1969, selling the western part to create the present-day 2412 Mesa Drive, and then again in 1970 to deed the southern piece to the Irvine Company, before later selling the remaining piece to Mr. Johns,” SPON officials wrote on the organization’s website.

According to Johns, a fence has existed near the southern border of their property since before they purchased it in 1977. The fence line is partially on the property. 

In a very detailed chronology of the property, city watchdog Jim Mosher includes photos and descriptions of the movement/replacement/additions to the fence over the years. 

Munoz also argues in the letter that, until recently, the Johnses and the county believed the property belonged to the Johnses.

Although, past documents related to the land identify it as currently being county-owned.

Munoz added that the county’s actions over the years have made it “crystal clear” that the only intended use for the land was for roadway purposes in the event University Drive was extended between Jamboree Road and Irvine Avenue.

After the county scrapped plans for the road extension in 1989, the OC Board of Supervisors accepted an “irrevocable offer of dedication for the Westbay and Bluff parcels” from the Irvine Company, which included the now-disputed 0.32 acres of land in Upper Newport Bay. 

The area was meant to allow for “public use and enjoyment of this property, with its unique natural resources and commanding vistas of the Upper Newport Ecological Preserve,” according to county records.

In the resolution the board was set to vote on earlier this year, county staff reference the 1989 dedication offer from TIC and noted that it was restricted for “passive recreation purposes only.” 

While no recreation amenities exist on the parcel at this time, as staff pointed out in the report, it is currently fenced off from any public access. County staff explained the parcel could be abandoned because it “will not be used by the public and it is not appropriate, convenient, or necessary for park purposes.” Munoz also noted in the letter that the Johnses “personally and financially assisted in the construction of a sediment catch basin and appurtenant facilities on and adjacent to the subject property.” 

They paid $25,000 toward the project to protect their property and the subject property from damage from erosion, flooding and sediment residue, according to the letter.

Opponents argue that the Johnses contributed to constructing the basin because water runoff was eroding their own private property and that the basin isn’t located on the disputed parcel of land.

Ultimately, it’s their desire to avoid litigation, Munoz concluded.

Munoz said they are hopeful the county “will respond in a favorable manner considering the county will suffer no harm by leaving the fence where it has been for as long as anyone can remember.”

“While a negotiated resolution that is mutually beneficial to both sides remains their very clear preference, recent events may leave them with no choice other than to pursue litigation,” Munoz wrote in the letter.

They are concerned about the “potential change to the status quo that has existed for over 35 years” if the county follows the intent as mentioned by Foley to remove/relocate the fence to the surveyor-determined property line.

“In as much as the county has no intent of ever pursuing the above noted roadway project, it is not harmed in any way by the grant of an equitable easement and the continuation of the status quo,” Munoz wrote in the letter. “In contrast, the loss of real property, as would be suffered by the Johns in the event of a change to the status quo, has consistently been held by courts to be irreparable.”

Supporters of unfencing the land claim that the fence is to the detriment of the public and the environment.

“This fence around public land not only prevents public access to and enjoyment of it, but impedes public conservation efforts and the ability of wildlife to traverse the natural corridor,” SPON officials wrote on the website. “It creates a pinch-point in the ecosystem.”

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Make summer nights at home an adventure with Cox Contour TV

Things are heating up, and everyone has more to do these days. But even if you don’t have any travel plans, it should be easy to relax and enjoy summer, no matter what you have going on in your life. Make every night at home an adventure with the shows, movies and music you want, with Cox Contour TV. 

Something for Everyone 

Whether you’re taking a staycation or want a relaxing night in, Cox Contour is your home and entertainment hub. Access hundreds of TV and music channels, plus your favorite streaming platforms, all in one place. From bumping Top 40 songs in the kitchen while your family tries a new recipe together to watching movies in the living room or streaming on your mobile device, Cox Contour lets you do it all.

This summer, take an adventure without conquering the airport or a long-distance road trip. With Contour TV, you can access some of these exciting, new family-friendly movies that are sure to please some of the toughest critics:

Vivo (Netflix)

In the Heights (HBO Max)

Wish Dragon (Netflix)

The Boss Baby: Family Business (Peacock)

Trollhunters: The Rise of the Titans (Netflix)

Space Jam: A New Legacy (HBO Max)

The Loud House Movie (Netflix)

Cinderella (Amazon Prime)

Grab the popcorn and get comfy on the sofa or take it outdoors with your projector. Cox makes family movie night an exciting time for everyone.

Make summer youth

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Courtesy of Cox Communications

Cox Contour lets you access hundreds of TV and music channels, plus your favorite streaming platforms, all in one place

Take it Easy

Say goodbye to fiddling with multiple remotes and wondering which button does what. With Cox Contour, you only need one to “say it and play it.” The Contour Voice Remote lets you use voice commands to easily search across live TV, streaming platforms and On Demand channels to watch or listen to what you want on the spot, from any device you have connected. No more freezing up during the height of the action, either – Cox Panoramic Wifi, when used with your Cox Contour account, powers a strong internet connection, giving you maximum Wifi coverage and performance.

Cox Contour TV makes it easy to find and watch special seasonal programming like Discovery Channel’s highly anticipated “Shark Week” and the 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo. Throughout the month of July, just say “Shark Week” into your Contour Voice Remote and choose from hours and hours of compelling programming about the fascinating shark species.

Sports fans can expect an 18-day Olympic experience like none other, as Cox Contour TV provides access to eight networks, 338 medal events, 200+ nations and more than 12,000 athletes participating in 41 different sports, including the newest additions of baseball, softball, basketball 3x3, climbing, karate, skateboarding and surfing. Use the Contour Voice Remote to easily find your favorite sports, athletes and teams by saying commands like “Tokyo 2020” and “show me the medal count.”

For nighttime summer TV viewing, you can dim the lights, adjust the AC and even see who’s at the door if you have cameras and smart home equipment with Cox Homelife. Using Contour TV and the Cox Homelife app, you can check your front porch for packages or unexpected visitors without even getting up from the couch. Just say “show me my cameras” into the Contour Voice Remote. This will pull up live HD camera feeds right onto your TV. And if you can’t find your remote or smartphone? No worries. The Cox Security touchscreen control panel offers the same options from within your home.

The best part? All the benefits of Cox Contour, Homelife and Panoramic Wifi are available thanks to Cox’s $10 billion investment in its network to power homes, businesses and communities now and in the future.

Learn more and get started at www.cox.com.

This is paid content by Cox Communications. Cox provides residents in the Newport Beach area with digital cable television, telecommunications and Home Automation services. Cox also provides scholarships to local high school students in its service area through its Cox Cares Foundation. For more information, visit www.cox.com.

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The Hatfields & McCoys and the Grand Canal

By DUNCAN FORGEY

One of America’s greatest feuds involved the Hatfields and McCoys. It was 1864, in the Appalachian Mountains, and the fighting lasted for nearly a decade.  There were accusations of a stolen hog, but the real reason for the hostility was the neighbor’s opposing allegiances during the Civil War.

You may wonder what this has to do with Newport Beach in 2021, and the honest answer is not much, however, for more than a century, Newport Beach has experienced a much different brand of feuding. Emotions of local residents have peaked in the 1960s over expansion of high rises on the Bayfront, in 2013 over the building of a $1.2 million city hall and levying dock taxes on the waterfront, in 2004 over the expansion of Saint Andrews Church in Newport Heights, plus ongoing fights against the number of flights at John Wayne Airport, placing of residential homeless shelters and most recently, commercial development regarding the Banning Ranch and The Fun Zone. During some City Council meetings, police were posted to control demonstrations.

There is yet another issue bouncing around neighborhoods creating a lot of unrest. The undergrounding of utility wires and elimination of poles on Balboa Island will be addressed in two weeks. It pits neighbor against neighbor and the City Council against voters over the future of some of Newport’s older neighborhoods. Central Balboa Island will soon find out the outcome of voting after the July 27th deadline. This is the third attempt by the City of Newport Beach to standardize Balboa Island on this issue.

The world-famous name of “Balboa Island” has temporarily been overshadowed by a new moniker: “AD 124.” AD 124 is the city designated district which is currently in line for undergrounding and the source for the latest quarreling.

The Hatfields Balboa Island

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Courtesy of Sherman Library & Gardens

A view of Balboa Island, looking south on Marine Avenue, circa 1930, shows the above-ground telephone poles

Balboa Island has always been a charming beach community, reflecting Newport’s past. With the island rapidly morphing into one of the most exclusive addresses along the harbor, some believe that undergrounding is the next logical course. Despite opposition by residents who like it the way it is, newcomers want to maximize the island’s potential. They believe that undergrounding will move the magical island into the 21st century and are willing to put up with the hassles, and noise and disruptions of the project, as well as city-imposed assessments in exchange for an increase in property values. Due to the current real estate values on Balboa Island, the cost of undergrounding is perceived as minimal by proponents.

Those in opposition of AD 124 are upset because it will take only one vote above 50 percent to ensure the project goes forward. This is far from a majority, and they question the accuracy of the voting because the parties conducting the balloting process have ties to the project. There is also a “sticker shock” for those that have owned for quite a while. Governmental inflation has driven up the cost of undergrounding significantly over previous proposals, which scares the retired and those on fixed incomes.

On July 27th, the mail-in vote will be counted. If passed, the City Council will proceed with the undergrounding process. AD 124 (central Balboa Island) will be the latest Balboa Island streets to be undergrounded. Little Island was completed over a decade ago and the west end is already on the city’s schedule.

From a historic perspective, Newport Beach was one of the earliest cities to underground utilities. In the 1920s, Architect William C. Crittenden was hired to design one of Newport’s most unique “resort” communities. After World War I, a sand island was designated to be a commercial wharf servicing submarines. This enterprise failed and it was purchased by A.K. Parkinson for a reported $45,000 in 1923. Its future use was changed to residential.

Lido Isle was born and developed as a high-end “European” resort. Most impressive was that Crittenden added additional sand to accommodate the undergrounding of all utilities. To this day, Lido’s below street level utilities have functioned well over these many years. Incredibly, this achievement was made possible with a government grant of $1,222,000.

The rest of “old Newport” was built with overhead wires. Newport’s Public Works Department has hopscotched neighborhoods over the years attempting to underground old wooden poles and unsightly wires. Newport Shores, on the westside, successfully went through this process. Wires were so thick they looked like Halloween spider webs and were so close that residents could touch them from their back decks. Feuding and fighting broke out with commercial property owners and old timers opposing the project vehemently. The costs were just as scary then as they are today. Sides fought furiously with the city, as well as with neighbors and friends. In the case of Newport Shores, the noise and inconvenience were very real, but in the years since it has shown to have been worth it. Newer residents take it for granted.

Residents of Newport Heights, Corona del Mar and the Balboa Peninsula have all faced this same issue. Homeowners have fought tooth and nail with mixed results. Five hundred residents affected in Newport Heights fought valiantly because some houses were hit with extra costs having to move access lines 90 feet to back alleys. This was extremely expensive and in a unified battle, they beat back the city and the project died in 2015.

Whichever side you may be on, there is no right answer. As the city of Newport Beach strives to be greater, these types of arguments will continue as more and more residents battle a more aggressive city government. Newport’s aging infrastructure is always the key target for the Public Works Department. As residents, you must vote only after educating yourself on the facts. Whatever the outcome, live with it. With fights like this there usually come solutions which are quickly forgotten.

When dealing with a government that is constantly justifying their existence, a powerful chess game is played with the people they serve. Newporters live in one of the greatest cities in the world, and Balboa Island is one of its cherished neighborhoods. It is important to look to the future, or like the Hatfields and McCoys, who fought decades over a missing hog, the benefits of life may be missed. Fight the fight and wait to see who gets to say “checkmate.”

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Duncan Forgey, a lifelong resident of Newport Beach, now makes his home in Hawaii. He is a regular contributor to Stu News Newport.

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Newport Beach Foundation hosts its fourth Distinguished Citizen Program

During the month of May 2021, the Newport Beach Foundation, a nonprofit focused on igniting the next generation of leaders, hosted its fourth Distinguished Citizen Program at the Back Bay Hyatt.

The Distinguished Citizen Program (DCP) was created to give civically motivated Newport Beach citizens access to current community leaders from the City (Mayor, Manager, City Attorney, City Clerk, Public Works), the business sector, and health and safety (police, fire and lifeguard). Each participant is hand-selected from a pool of applicants. The foundation prides itself in choosing people who have diverse backgrounds, but ultimately a commitment to the well-being and success of the City of Newport Beach and its residents.

Newport Beach Foundation DCP group

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Courtesy of the Newport Beach Foundation

Newport Beach Foundation’s Spring Distinguished Citizen Program class

This Spring’s DCP class was the first in-person event the foundation held in more than a year, and the four scholarship recipients participated in the class. These high school seniors were selected out of more than 50 other highly qualified applicants. The energy, inquisitive nature and appreciation for the city leaders and their fellow classmates was recognized and greatly appreciated.

The four high school seniors comprising the inaugural scholars are:

–Ryan Bartz (Corona del Mar High School)

–Tara Zadeh (Corona del Mar High School)

–Miles Marquez (Newport Harbor High School)

–Annie Somers (Newport Harbor High School)

The participants embody the future of Newport Beach, bring a lively spirit to the city and exemplify unique leadership qualities, all with the commitment to improving the community. To date, 106 individuals have graduated from the Distinguished Citizen Program. The goal is to have these DCP alumni take on leadership roles within the city, make valuable connections and continue to make Newport Beach a leader in excellence, community and business. The foundation hosts special behind-the-scenes events for the alumni, and they belong to an elite group of individuals recognized across the Newport Beach community.

The Newport Beach Foundation is a nonprofit philanthropic organization strengthening the current and future community leadership through education, research and advocacy thereby enhancing the quality of life for all residents and visitors. For more information and to get involved, visit www.nb-foundation.org.

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On the Harbor: Sailing in the Transpac

By LEN BOSE

By the time you are reading this, I will be aboard the Santa Cruz 50 Horizon approaching Catalina Island’s west end – next stop…Honolulu, Hawaii. The race is called Transpac (short for Transpacific Yacht Race) which dates back to 1906. The history book is full of information with the last updated version being completed in 1981. I am thinking I should join a Transpac history committee to update the history book when I retire from offshore sailing. The next questions are: When does one retire, and what keeps us coming back?

Years ago, a revered navigator Tom Leweck, the “curmudgeon,” wrote a story in an electronic sailing newsletter named Scuttlebutt called Transpac Anonymous (TPA), a nonprofit organization designed to protect yachtsmen from unscrupulous boat owners who make promises of Champagne-sailing voyages to Hawaii on the sparkly blue waters of the Pacific Ocean. It’s been years since I have read the story, with the bottom line being referred to what my father always told me, “You don’t get something for nothing.”

From my perspective, I could be wrong about this, but the curmudgeon had reached a point in his life where he still wanted to compete, yet the pounding of the first two or four days of the race, depending on what size boat you are on, is absolutely miserable. This is the point I feel the curmudgeon was disclosing to the crew of the competing boats.

On the Harbor Horizon

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Courtesy of Sharon Green/ultimatesailing.com

“Horizon” approaching the finish line in 2017

Let me set the scene for you: The start of the race is normally under the light breeze from the Catalina eddy. Once the boats are about 40 miles off the coast of California, they enter the offshore breeze which can easily be in the 30-knot range. This is quite often when the carnage takes place with several boats breaking down and returning to port with their tail between their legs. This happened to me in 2003, and normally starts at about three in the morning during your first night out. The crew struggles with the reduction of sail area with all hands on deck. With this task completed, the off watch heads back down below wet and cold trying to get some sleep within the hour and a half before their watch starts. At this point, picture yourself a little seasick living inside a drum on the drumline at the halftime show of a football game.

This goes on for four days with your body locking down asking you: Why do you do this to yourself? The crew has to learn quickly how to adapt, which includes going to the head while on a 20-degree angle, taking on and off our foul weather gear and learning how to make coffee with one hand for the boat. Can you picture me now after struggling to stay upright after pretending to get some sleep, putting on my gear now and trying to remember how to balance my coffee mug as I pour warm water into it? I learned years ago that boiling water is very hot and your first drink of coffee has a type of tsunami effect out of your canteen into your wide-open mouth. Still on a 20-degree angle mountain climbing expedition, you look for the easiest route up the companionway ladder onto the weather rail. Just then you get hit in the face by a large cold wave with the water dripping down your slightly exposed jacket. You quickly begin the countdown to your off watch. Just at about this time, I start getting upset, because I have to get back up and start figuring out how to make the boat sail faster by trimming the sails. Which is the start of another climbing expedition traveling down to the leeward side and back up again. I’m not going to lie, I do a lot of fingerpointing while asking the younger crew members to complete the trimming, while I never have gone to the bow of the boat since the turn of the century.

Day two and three are the same balancing act; you have to see me trying to take the casserole out of the oven, placing it on the stovetop, peeling back the aluminum foil and sticking my finger in the middle of it to see if the casserole is ready for dinner. If it is not ready, the juggling act starts over. The first few days go by with most of the crew laughing at how the old guy tries to stay on his two feet dancing around the galley while cursing at himself.

As we go into day four, this is when you receive the pleasure of living through four days of hell. The angle of the boat is less than five degrees, the crew has set one of the reaching spinnakers while the miles are clicking away towards the cold Mai Tais, yes, I am talking in the first person plural form. Morale on the boat can be severely damaged should the wrong route be taken in the early part of the race, as there are no passing lanes after day five. However, if you are one of the fortunate ones whose team has made the correct choices, then you are in the race of your lifetime.

I would think more than half of my readers remember the original Batman TV series. The first program would show you how Batman and Robbin got into trouble with the second episode showing how they got out of trouble. For the rest of the story remember – “Same Bat-time, same Bat-channel.” While I recall why I do this to myself, you can follow us via the trackers at https://yb.tl/transpac2021#.

Wish us luck!

Sea ya.

~~~~~~~~

Len Bose is a yachting enthusiast, yacht broker and harbor columnist for Stu News Newport.

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SOCALPAPA returns to Upper Newport Bay, adds artist demonstrations 

Southern California Plein Air Painters Association (SOCALPAPA) artists will be on hand throughout the week of the SOCALPAPA gallery show in Upper Newport Bay starting this Saturday, July 17 to demonstrate different mediums and ways they create the masterpieces on display.

Feel free to join any one of the artists (at the designated times listed below) in the newly renovated outdoor amphitheater of the Peter and Mary Muth Interpretive Center as they share the knowledge, strategy and experience of painting in the outdoors with you. Parking and admission are free. Trails are open from sunrise to sunset.

Muth Interpretive Center is home to a variety of nature-themed hands-on exhibits, displays and live animals, and is open Tuesday through Sunday from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. The gallery show runs through Sunday, July 25 in the Ray and Elsa Watson Theater of the Muth Center.

SOCALPAPA returns Back Bay Cliff

Courtesy of Newport Bay Conservancy

“Back Bay Cliff” by artist Joyce Snyder

Art demonstration schedule:

Saturday, July 17

~10-11 a.m.: Nora Koerber, Blocking in with Value (Oil), www.norakoerber.com 

~11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.: Sandra Morrison, Water Reflections (Watercolor), www.sandramorrison.com

Sunday, July 18

~10-11 a.m.: Jim Ellsberry, Clouds (Oil), www.jimellsberry.com 

~11:30 a.m.-12:30 pm: Dawn Buckingham, 20 Minute Quick Studies at the Back Bay (soft pastel), www.dawnbuckinghamfineart.com 

~1-2 p.m.: Eileen McCullough, Sketching Full Size (16 x 22) with Water Soluble Graphite (Watercolor), https://mccullwatercolors.blogspot.com 

Tuesday, July 20

~10-11 a.m.: Jeff Preston, Palette Knife Painting (Oil), https://jeffprestonart.weebly.com 

Wednesday, July 21

~11 a.m.-12 p.m.: Patricia Matranga, Painting Clouds (Oil), www.matrangafineart.com

Thursday, July 22

~10-11 a.m.: Denise Busony, Creating Atmospheric Perspective (Oil), @denisebusony

Friday, July 23

~10-11 a.m.: Randi Moran, Painting the Majesty of the Clouds (Oil)

~11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.: Sue Miano, Bringing Trees to Life (Oil), @duranmianoartist

Saturday, July 24

~10-11 a.m.: John Taylor, Using Line and Wash in Landscapes (Watercolor), @johnwtaylorart 

~3-4 p.m.: Steve Kell, Importance of a Good Start to a Painting (Oil), www.stevekell.com 

Sunday, July 25

~1-2 p.m.: Leslie Hamilton, Watercolor underpainting with pastel over (Watercolor/Pastel), www.lesliehamiltonart.com

The Top 60 paintings selected will be displayed at the Muth Center and open to the public from July 17 through July 25. A portion of the sale proceeds will go to the Newport Bay Conservancy (NBC), resulting in a partial charitable tax write-off for the art purchaser. The show will also be displayed online at www.socalpapagallery.com

This gallery show of fine art is a collaborative event organized by SOCALPAPA in conjunction with the NBC and OC Parks. SOCALPAPA’s member association dedicates itself to painting outdoors from life.

Newport Bay Conservancy protects and preserves the Upper Newport Bay and its watershed through education, restoration, research and advocacy.

For more information about NBC, visit www.newportbay.org.

For more information about SOCALPAPA, visit the association’s website at www.socalpapa.com.

The OC Park’s Peter and Mary Muth Interpretive Center is located at 2301 University Drive, Newport Beach.

OC Parks encompasses regional, wilderness and historical facilities, as well as coastal areas throughout the County of Orange. Featuring 60,000 acres of parkland, open space and shoreline, OC Parks preserves and enhances these natural and cultural resources for recreation, education and exploration. For more information about OC Parks, visit www.ocparks.com.

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Segerstrom Center for the Arts kicks off indoor, outdoor performances this weekend

Segerstrom Center for the Arts (SCFTA) welcomes guests back to the Center for more live indoor performances in the Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall and Samueli Theatre, as well as outdoors in Argyros Plaza, beginning this weekend.

Indoors:

Aditya Prakash Ensemble. Here to whisk you away to the magic of live performances, award-winning vocalist Aditya Prakash, known for his traditional classical style of South Indian music, will wow audiences with his powerful voice on Saturday, July 17 at 7:30 p.m. in Samueli Theatre. This Los Angeles native from a family richly immersed in South Indian arts and culture, known for his powerful and emotive voice, is one of the foremost young virtuosos of Carnatic music, the traditional classical style of South India. Prakash has performed at Carnegie Hall, the Hollywood Bowl and Disney Concert Hall. Tickets begin at $25.

Segerstrom Center Aditya Prakash

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Courtesy of SCFTA.org

Aditya Prakash Ensemble comes to Samueli Theatre on Friday, July 16

Outdoors:

Summer Sounds: Very Be Careful. Summer Sounds is a casual and welcoming series of sunset concerts reflecting the global communities and diverse musical influences found in Southern California. On Friday, July 16 head outdoors to Julianne and George Argyros Plaza from 6:30-8:30 p.m. to celebrate Colombian Independence Day with Summer Sounds music. A Caribbean soul and a California heart have incited thousands to boogie to Very Be Careful’s Colombian coastal beat. Before the show, celebrate Colombian Independence Day with DJ King Steady Beat, spinning cumbia, salsa, champeta, porro and other Colombian rhythms on vinyl for a rootsy, old school, Colombian-Caribbean party. Tickets are $10.

The Coollab Festival. The Coollab Festival, presented in partnership

with the Coollab Project in Santa Ana, returns to Argyros Stage this Sunday, July 18 from 4-9 p.m. In its second year, the festival showcases the hippest bands in Orange County and features local artists with spunky, soulful and blended beats. The show kicks off with DJ Daniel Jamezzz, one of OC’s hottest DJs with guaranteed good vibes. Marcellina will then take the stage with her signature multi-genre flair inspired by jazz, psychedelic rock, R&B, Gospel, punk and hip hop. Following Marcellina, Frosty, a young Mexican-American singer, poet and rapper based in Santa Ana, will captivate the audience with her organic sounds and ethereal flows. Multi-faceted artist, writer, rapper, producer, singer and free-stylist Rocky Angelini & The Sauce will follow Frosty. Next up is Sabir feat. Rhe, an award-winning emcee from the legendary music city of Macon, Ga., who will treat the crowd to tracks from his latest release “Lucidity.” The packed lineup also includes Undecided Future, recipients of the “2019 Young Entertainer’s Award.” Back by popular demand after placing in Segerstrom Center’s countywide talent competition, Undecided Future will bring fresh beats and lyrics with an old-school, retro groove twist.

Segerstrom Center Coollab

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Photo by Stan Sholik

The Coollab Festival in Argyros Plaza features local artists with spunky, soulful and blended beats

The festival also spotlights Coollab Project founder ALäZ, whose work has been featured by All Def Music, Sofar Sounds, FS1, National Geographic and the Final Call. He has opened for and worked with artists such as James Brown, Lailah Hathaway, Bootsy Collins, Bobby Brown, Erykah Badu and Snoop Dogg.

“The Coollab Festival is a much-needed live music oasis in what has felt like a desert of concerts and festivals over the last year. With a community spanning the country from Southern California to Georgia, the festival will feature a range of artists with a spectrum of complimentary styles that create a vibe that is truly one of a kind,” said ALäZ. To conclude the evening, Coollab Project’s house band, Apollo Bebop, hits the stage. Building off the likes of John Coltrane and A Tribe Called Quest, this Santa Ana-based jazz/hip-hop quintet is redefining and innovating hip hop as it’s known today. Since their formation in 2015, the group has completed two U.S. West Coast tours and headlined numerous shows throughout Los Angeles and Orange County in addition to opening for KRS-One, Aloe Blacc and Gavlyn. Tickets are $10 and can be purchased in advance online or in-person the day of event from 2-6:30 p.m.

Tickets are available for purchase online at www.SCFTA.org, at the Box Office at 600 Town Center Drive in Costa Mesa, or by calling 714.556.2787. For inquiries about group ticket savings of 10 or more, call the Group Services office at 714.755.0236.

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Toll roads to be the fare at Thursday’s Chamber Government Affairs Committee meeting

The Newport Beach Chamber of Commerce Government Affairs Committee will feature Jeff Bott, senior public affairs advisor for the Transportation Corridor Agencies (TCA), at its Thursday, July 15 Zoom meeting.

The meeting highlights local political and legislative issues impacting business and the community as a whole. With featured guest speakers and an interactive format allowing for Q&A, it’s a great place to stay in the know on local governmental happenings.

Toll roads Bott

Submitted photo

Jeff Bott

Bott will discuss topics related to TCA including the effects of COVID on Toll Road finances, ridership levels, the new flyway connecting 243 to 91 and the toll lane progress on the 405 freeway.

TCA is the public agency that built and operates the 73, 133, 241 and 261 Toll Roads. Bott is responsible for communicating to the public about the agency’s projects and initiatives. He graduated from Cal State Fullerton with a degree in Communications.

Additionally, representatives from local elected officials will be on hand to provide updates on current issues.

You must RSVP to attend by going here and then a link will be sent out upon registration.

The meeting begins at 8 a.m.

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Flight of Newport Beach races scheduled for Sunday

The 2021 Annual Flight of Newport Beach will set sail in the harbor on Sunday, July 18 and the Commodores Club of the Newport Beach Chamber of Commerce invites sailors of all ages to enter.

Separate starts will take place for three fleets: Harbor 20s, Lasers (Olympic Class racing boats) and Open Skiffs (primarily sailed by youth sailors) from 12:30-2 p.m.

The Balboa Yacht Club is the host club, with the races starting and finishing off the south side of Balboa Island.

Flight of Newport Beach sailboats

Click on photo for a larger image

Photo by Bronny Daniels

To register to participate, go to https://flightofnewportbeach.com/registration. It’s free! Registrants on a first-come, first-served basis may receive a limited availability regatta shirt.

Prizes will be given as follows: Lasers Grand Prize is a hiking bench, a Perpetual Trophy will be presented for the Full Rig Laser fleet, with awards for first Overall, first Female Overall, first Radial Overall, first Parent/Child, Youngest Female and Male Skipper Overall, Oldest Competitor and Best Costume.

Harbor 20 prizes include: Bob Yates Perpetual, first Overall for all groups and “odds-n-ends” from Philip Thompson.

Open Skiff offers: Perpetual and other open skiff sailing “stuff.”

Additional awards may be given.

Sponsors include the Balboa Yacht Club, Bunker A. Hill Marine Surveyor, The Commodores Club, Hemphill Rugs & Carpets, Hike Pro, Island Marine Fuel, Just Marine, Newport Beach Chamber of Commerce, NOVAMAR Insurance, Spinnaker Investment Group and Twin Rivers Marine Insurance Agency, Inc.

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The Crab Cooker: Toasting a Newport Beach landmark

Curt Lyon and his company Lyon Studios has been located next to The Crab Cooker since 1975. When the Balboa Peninsula eatery was torn down in 2018 due to a sinking foundation from adjacent construction, Lyon and his staff were heartbroken. 

The Crab Cooker building exterior

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Photos by John Noonan

The Crab Cooker, a local landmark, officially reopened July 12

Since original owner Bob Roubian passed away in 2017, his son-in-law Jim Wasko was left with the monumental task of rebuilding the restaurant. For the last few months, Lyon has asked Wasko if he could host a pre-opening party to commemorate the re-imagined landmark. Having been a neighbor for 46 years, it seemed only fitting to toast to the success of the new venture with Wasko and his family, clients and friends. He agreed and they scheduled the party for Friday evening, July 9, three days before the scheduled opening to the public (Monday, July 12). 

The Crab Cooker Homs and Woods

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(L-R) Joe and Haylee Homs with Jason Woods

Wasko and his son Jimmy and daughter Jessie were on hand to make sure the guests were given plenty of the traditional favorites like Boston clam chowder, smoked albacore and salmon, shrimp cocktails, crab cakes and more. 

The Crab Cooker Waskos

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Jimmy and Jessie Wasko, grandchildren of The Crab Cooker original owner Bob Roubian

Lyon told several stories about his history with The Crab Cooker. One occurred when he was recording Stevie Wonder’s album in 1979 and his entourage would barbecue in the courtyard behind the restaurant. Owner/composer Roubian would bring over Romano potatoes and coleslaw and join the party. 

The Crab Cooker Curt Lyon

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Curt Lyon with Jule and John Patterson

Scott and Jody Burnham; Bob Olson from the Lido House; Richard Reisman (OCBJ); Mark Foster, Lyon Air Museum; and Brian and Denice Mock were just a few of the local guests attending the party. 

The Crab Cooker Curt Rosenbrock group

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(L-R) (standing) Mike Rosenbrock, Richard Reisman, Jennifer Day Turner, Scott and Jody Burnham; (sitting) and Denice and Brian Mock

Now that The Crab Cooker is officially open, stop by once again to enjoy this Balboa landmark.

The Crab Cooker Patterson and Flick

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Conner Patterson and Lauren Flick sample The Crab Cooker’s traditional favorites

A few fun facts about The Crab Cooker:*

–The Crab Cooker was formerly a branch of the Bank of America, whose former logo could be seen embedded in the corner of the building.

–The restaurant was founded at 18th Street and Marina when original owner Bob Roubian was offered the opportunity to take over a local fish market in August 1951. It is considered a local landmark. 

In 1969, Venture Magazine rated it as one of the top two restaurants in the world.

–Roubian, a carpenter by trade, had helped remodel the market three years earlier and had an interest in fishing. The original 1,700-square-foot restaurant was adjoined by a 9,000-square-foot annex. 

–Roubian, who was born in Pasadena, served as a Seabee during WWll and in 1955, Roubian and Cliffie Stone wrote a rockabilly song called “The Popcorn Song,” proceeds from which helped pay off the restaurant’s debt.

–In 2019, The Crab Cooker’s original location was demolished after construction of an adjacent condominium complex undermined the restaurant’s foundations, causing major structural damage that resulted in the business’ insurers declaring the building to be “unsalvageable.” The last day of business in the original building was September 2, 2018. Construction problems delayed rebuilding by more than a year. The new building will retain many of the features and whimsy of the original building, including the iconic fish sign that says, “Don’t look up here!”

–It is common to see patrons waiting in lines in the street; these lines once elevated The Crab Cooker to national headlines when advance staff for President Richard Nixon asked Roubian to allow Nixon to be seated for dinner. Roubian informed them the President would have to wait along with the rest of the people, as would any President. 

*Source: Wikipedia

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Supervisor Foley celebrates grand opening for Upper Newport Bay new amphitheater

On Saturday, July 10, Orange County Supervisor Katrina Foley was joined by OC Parks, State Senator Dave Min (SD-37), Newport Beach Mayor Brad Avery, Newport Mesa School Board Member Carol Crane, Costa Mesa City Councilman Loren Gameros, Newport Bay Conservancy President Kim Bick and other community leaders for a ribbon cutting to commemorate the opening of the newly renovated amphitheater.

“I am thrilled that this amphitheater is open to our community as we begin to reopen our County and start to return to work, school and fun,” said Supervisor Foley. “I commend the work the Newport Bay Conservancy and OC Parks have put into this project and look forward to seeing our residents utilize this space for years to come.”

Supervisor Foley ribbon cutting

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Photos by Matt Fitt

Ribbon cutting celebrates Upper Newport Bay’s newly renovated amphitheater with community dignitaries on hand including Supervisor Katrina Foley (scissors in hands), State Senator Dave Min (third from left) and Newport Beach Mayor Brad Avery (fourth from left)

The ceremony was followed by a walking tour led by OC Parks to learn about the features of the new project and surrounding natural habitat, which include the following:

–The new and improved amphitheater was built in the midst of the pandemic.

–The project replaced wood log benches with concrete seating, swapped decomposed granite for flagstone, replaced shade sails, improved drainage, and improved ADA accessibility. Materials for the amphitheater were also chosen to match the surrounding coastal landscape.

–The new amphitheater will serve as a hub for dozens of public interpretive programs for people of all ages provided by OC Parks, such as the weekly Wild Tales program.

–The venue will also host school field trips from the Newport Bay Conservancy and Orange County Department of Education’s “Inside the Outdoors” environmental education program, which typically brings nearly 4,000 students each year to learn about the bay.

–The amphitheater will serve as a gathering place for the community and be a quiet spot to rest, picnic and enjoy the bay for the thousands of guests who visit the Muth Interpretive Center each year.

–Sustainable design features of the Muth Interpretive Center include a green roof designed to conserve energy, rebar made from recycled gun metal used to reinforce the center’s concrete walls, repurposed/upcycled wood in the center’s doors and window frames, carpeting made out of recycled plastic bottles and repurposed ceramic tile in the center’s restrooms.

–OC Parks hosts volunteer days the second Sunday of every month where you can help plant native plants, pick up trash or work on the butterfly garden. Visit www.OCParks.com for more information.

Supervisor Foley at podium

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Supervisor Foley addresses attendees

The office of Supervisor Foley and OC Parks will co-host a Back Bay cleanup on Saturday, Sept. 18 to remove trash that collects in the marsh in that region.

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Junior Lifeguards fundraiser at Arbor headquarters is a smashing hit 

Arbor Real Estate founder Chris Brigandi and agent Jake Janz hosted perhaps the best fundraiser since the reopening of Newport Beach following the COVID-19 pandemic. The reason was simple, to raise money to build a new headquarters building for the Newport Beach Junior Lifeguards with the “Make a Splash” event.

Some $1.5 million of a $1.75 million goal had been raised prior to last Saturday’s event. However, on this particular evening in Arbor’s 30th St. Peninsula location, a new enticement was offered. Donate a $1,000 and receive the opportunity to “legally” complete the pier jump similar to that offered up annually to the junior lifeguards during their summer training.

The crowd brought together many people past and present connected to the Junior Guards, particularly Reenie Boyer, the person responsible for beginning the program back in 1983. Boyer over the years has been legendary in her commitment to the success of the program. Her return Saturday brought perhaps the loudest ovation of the evening when introduced by emcee John Wortmann.

Junior Lifeguard Reenie Boyer Reenie Boyer

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Photos by Eric Hernandez

Junior Lifeguards founding organizer Reenie Boyer was all smiles Saturday night while flanked by Mike Halphide (left), Assistant Chief/Lifeguard Operations and husband Greg (right)

Wortmann announced several major gift presentations during the evening, including a $50,000 donation by Newport Beach City Councilman Will O’Neill and his wife Jenny, a $25,000 donation from Ethan Wayne on behalf of the John Wayne Cancer Foundation and a $10,000 donation on behalf of Chris Brigandi and Arbor Real Estate.

Junior Lifeguards Chris Brigandi

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Arbor Real Estate Founder Chris Brigandi (left) joins emcee John Wortmann on stage for one of several major gift donations

The organizer of the evening was Arbor Real Estate’s Jake Janz. Janz has been a catalyst for the entire lifeguard effort since the death of his brother-in-law Ben Carlson back on July 6, 2014.

Some of his major contributions over the years have included the design and creation of the Ben Carlson statue that overlooks the Pacific from the center of McFadden Square and as a major player in the Junior Guards building fundraising efforts.

When Janz announced in mid-June the plans for “Make a Splash,” the campaign according to Wortmann was “hundreds of thousands of dollars short.” However, he joined efforts with Graham Harvey, chair of the Newport Beach Junior Lifeguard Foundation, to collectively achieve overwhelming success in just four short weeks.

“Both Jake Janz and Graham Harvey worked tirelessly to make this happen,” said Wortmann. 

Junior Lifeguard Jake Janz Jake Janz

(L-R) Jake Janz and NBJG Foundation Chair Graham Harvey

As a result, Newport Beach will have a new building for their best of class junior lifeguard program.

To donate, go to https://nbjg.funraise.org/.

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Capturing iconic Newport Beach and beyond: Hagia Sophia

Capturing iconic Hagia Sophia

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Artwork by Don Krotee

Built in 537 in Constantinople, Hagia Sophia was the largest church of the eastern Roman-Byzantine Empire also containing the largest interior space. It is considered the epitome of Byzantine architecture. Following the fall of Constantinople to the Ottoman Empire, the church was converted into a mosque. The secular Turkish Republic established it as a museum in 1935. This work is categorized as a fully transparent, impressionistic watercolor. The work is painted on 16” x 20” sheet of 140# Fabriano cotton paper.

~~~~~~~~

Artist Don Krotee was selected as the “Painter of the Year’’ by Coachella Valley Watercolor Society for his submission of this work. Krotee is a 35-year resident of Newport Beach, a member of the 2000 GPAC, a Corona del Mar Residents Association member, the founder of the Newport Heights Improvement Association, a Board Member of SPON and lives in Corona del Mar. He is an architect, a sailor and a fine artist who has been drawing and painting from an early age. He provides Stu News drawings and paintings from iconic Newport Beach, California and the world. Find more art by Don Krotee on Instagram @donkrotee.art.

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Commission denies appeal, debates definitions, Greenlight triggers, General Plan amendments

By SARA HALL

Newport Beach Planning Commission last week denied a local group’s appeal of a director’s determination that allows the conversion of up to approximately a third of the rooms at certain hotels into residential units, with conditions. Although it may not be the end of the line for the appeal process. 

After about an hour of discussion on July 8, commissioners voted 6-0 (Sarah Klaustermeier was absent) to deny the appeal from Still Protecting Our Newport (aka Stop Polluting Our Newport) and uphold the Community Development Director’s determination issued interpreting accessory residential as an allowed use within resort hotels.

Due to the process, the group had to appeal to the Planning Commission first, explained SPON President Charles Klobe in an email to Stu News Newport on Monday. 

“In the simplest terms, the city is not playing by the rules,” Klobe said. “The City Charter does not allow a staff person to amend the General Plan.”

The group didn’t expect them to understand this or the ramifications of the directive from City Council, so the next step would be to appeal directly to the council. However, since it costs to appeal to council, SPON is also exploring the possibility of appealing the ruling to the California Coastal Commission (which does not charge a fee to appeal). 

The CCC might view this as an amendment to the Local Coastal Program, Klobe explained. 

“The city claims it is not, but the CCC may disagree,” Klobe said. “Since appeals to the City Council cost money the path through the Coastal Commission may be best.”

SPON, a nonprofit public education organization, filed an appeal on May 14. 

Community Development Director Seimone Jurjis issued a determination on April 30 that residential uses are allowable as an “accessory use” to resort hotels under certain parameters. 

The director’s determination stems from goals of the recently adopted (on the March 9 City Council consent calendar) council policy K-4, “Reducing the Barriers to the Creation of Housing.” 

Policy K-4 includes “interpreting ambiguities” in the city’s General Plan, as well as other local regulating plans and code, and “directs city staff to develop, modify as necessary, and aggressively implement various strategies and action plans that are designed to accelerate housing production consistent with the policy, including encouraging and incentivizing the development of mixed-use hotels.”

On Thursday, Jurjis emphasized the need to support the local hotel industry.

“We’ve all experienced COVID, and different industries felt the effects differently,” Jurjis said. “The hotel industry has suffered from COVID.”

The recovery time for the different groups of tourism could be a very long time, he said. 

Commission Newport Center

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Photo by Sara Hall

Newport Center includes two hotels that would qualify for the director’s determination

“Because we’re trying to support the hotel industry and, at the same time, there’s a huge need to plan for housing,” Jurjis explained. “It’s not a blanket interpretation, there are conditions, there are caveats to this.”

The director’s determination allows a single hotel unit to be converted into residential on a one-to-one basis. A maximum of 30 percent of the approved hotel rooms at a hotel can be converted. 

It has to be a specific type of hotel with amenities that are considered “resort-style” that have restaurant uses and meeting room spaces and are a self-contained destination, Jurjis said. 

It’s also only applicable to resort hotels outside the California Coastal Commission appeal area.

A Conditional Use Permit would be required, forcing any hotel that wants to utilize this determination would need to come before the Planning Commission for approval of the CUP for the project. A Coastal Development Permit would be required for the one hotel within the coastal zone. The development agreement would address public access, affordable housing and loss of TOT. Adequate parking must also be provided.

The residential units could have part-time occupants or could be rented out. There is no language dictating that they have to be occupied by permanent residents. 

It is tied to room count, but a hotel could demolish and rebuild units for residential use. The residential units could be sold or leased, but not timeshares.

There’s no doubt that there is a need to support the hotel industry, Commissioner Mark Rosene said.

“This is creative thinking on the part of council and on the part of staff,” Rosene said. 

They heard that their decision is a violation, but if there is no project there is no violation, Rosene said. 

Since there is no submitted project related to this determination, it could have been handled through the current General Plan update and SPON would have likely supported it, Klobe explained in the email.

“We are at a loss as to why this seems so urgent that it can’t wait until later this year or early 2022 when the Housing Element is adopted,” Klobe said. 

SPON does not oppose or support the conversion of hotel rooms to dwelling units in general, but objects specifically to the process, said Michelle Black of Chatten-Brown, Carstens & Minteer, speaking at the meeting Thursday on behalf of SPON. There is also concern about the integrity of the city’s zoning code, General Plan and other planning documents.

“SPON takes no position on whether residential units ultimately belong in these areas; this can and it should be studied,” Black said. 

The concern is that it would essentially allow a staff person to effectively amend the city’s General Plan ahead of the larger update to meet Regional Housing Needs Allocation that is currently in progress, and it will improperly avoid the Greenlight tracking required by city charter.

Black also pointed out that interpretation is permitted, but only necessarily where there is ambiguity. However, there is no ambiguity as to whether residential uses are permitted in hotels, she said, quoting titles 20 and 21 of the city municipal code that state hotels provide guest rooms for a fee to transient guests. Residential uses, on the other hand, are for permanent residents.

“The plain meaning of that is very clear,” Black said. “It is not interpreting an ambiguity to read the land use to include the opposite of that, it’s redefining it.”

The city’s authority to interpret its code is not absolute and it does not extend to changing definitions, she said. The plans are meaningless if the words can be interpreted in ways that conflict with their intended meanings, she added.

“That is exactly what is proposed here,” Black said. 

Commission NB Marriott

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Photo by Werner Segarra Photography

Newport Beach Marriott Hotel & Spa is one of four hotels that qualify for accessory residential use under the director’s determination

In a letter to the commission, Black outlined several key points that she reiterated on Thursday, including two points that seemed to be the biggest areas of disagreement: Conversion of hotel rooms into dwelling units requires a General Plan amendment, and that it would trigger Greenlight. 

Greenlight (city charter section 423) forces a public vote if a proposed new development adds in excess of 100 peak-hour auto trips or 100 dwelling units or 40,000 square feet of floor space, and requires amending the city’s General Plan.

Jurjis reiterated last week that he doesn’t view the policy as circumventing Greenlight. His determination is that it is not a general plan amendment, he said, so the Greenlight measure does not apply. It only encourages housing and does not waive any code requirements; projects will still go to the commission or council. It’s simply recognizing an accessory land use, he said.

Also, the trip rates for converting a hotel unit to residential are similar or reduced, according to city staff.

“It’s awash, it doesn’t go up,” Jurjis said.

A handful of public speakers commented on the issue, mostly opposed to the determination (supported the appeal). Comments included that it is circumventing Greenlight, CCC, other agencies and the proper process, and that it’s undermining city code/charter. Others said it is just bad policy. 

As the lone public speaker in support of the determination and opposed to the appeal, Newport Beach & Company President and CEO Gary Sherwin said mixed-use hotels are an established trend and that the tourism industry is in need of help.

Some of the most dynamic hotel projects in the country include some form of residential, Sherwin said. 

“Without these residential units, most hotel projects today would have difficulty being financed,” he said. “This is the way new hotels will be built in the future, and how they can remain fresh and modern in the years ahead. This trend has taken hold and there is no turning back.”

Following the eligibility requirements, four resort hotels would qualify for the interpretation, two in Newport Center and two in the airport area.

There are currently 22 hotels in the city, of which 10 would qualify as a resort hotel. Of those, just one is located in the coastal zone, but outside the CCC appeal jurisdiction area, and three hotels are located outside the coastal zone. Therefore, this interpretation would apply to the following four resort hotel properties in the city: Renaissance Newport Beach at 4500 MacArthur Blvd.; Fashion Island Hotel at 690 Newport Center Dr.; Hyatt Regency John Wayne Airport at 4545 MacArthur Blvd.; and Newport Beach Marriot at 900 Newport Center Dr.     

It’s unlikely the four hotels included in the determination will provide affordable housing at all, Klobe said.

“But they will pay a hefty in-lieu fee to the city for the right to build luxury condos or apartments,” he added.

When/if these projects would come forward, they might propose affordable housing or they might not, said Deputy Community Development Director Jim Campbell. Through the development agreement process, they would negotiate what they could contribute to the in-lieu funds that the city could use to create affordable housing elsewhere in the city.

They still have the opportunity to add this to the draft housing element document before its approved early next year, Campbell said.

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Orangewood Foundation raises $160,000+ for scholarships at fundraising luncheon

The 44 Women for Orangewood group recently hosted its 17th Annual Scholarship Luncheon on June 11, raising a total of $160,200 for college scholarships, benefiting foster youth who are pursuing their dream of higher education.

Founded by Susan Samueli in 1999, the 44 Women for Orangewood group has raised more than $4 million for the foundation through annual fundraising events to support Orangewood Foundation’s college scholarship and peer mentor programs. 

Orangewood Simonsen

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Submitted photos

Orangewood Foundation CEO Chris Simonsen and supporter Angie Stoecker at Newport Beach Country Club

This year’s event was offered in three different formats – virtually/via Zoom (from home) individually, virtually/at home with a group, or, for those who chose to sponsor a table, various restaurants in the Newport Beach/Orange County area hosted private rooms with A/V set-ups where people could “attend” from the restaurants with their group.

Orangewood Samueli and two

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(L-R) Robert Procop, jewelry sponsor; 44 Women Founder Susan Samueli and Samueli Academy Board Chair Sandi Jackson

Among the restaurant partners that provided a fun new way to attend the event after a year of being strictly virtual were Newport Beach Country Club, The Village Inn and 501 Park Avenue Bistro.

The luncheon included an online auction, a fun opportunity drawing, special commentary from Orangewood CEO Chris Simonsen, a youth testimonial, featured guest speaker Leigh Anne Tuohy – author and inspirational subject of The Blind Side – and moderator Michaela Pereia of Fox 11’s Good Day LA.

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Sandcastle tribute

Sandcastle tribute football

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Photo by Chris Crosson (Instagram @sandcastlekit) 

Chris Crosson sculpted this beautiful tribute to UCLA’s Terry Donahue who will be missed in Newport Beach

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City Manager’s Updates

From the desk of Grace Leung

Grace Leung

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Courtesy of City of Newport Beach

Newport Beach City Manager Grace Leung

Community members,

I hope you all had a wonderful July 4th weekend. It was great to see the resumption of our cherished Independence Day events and activities – from the bike parade to the Dunes fireworks – after such a challenging year. While no holiday weekend will be without incidents, the Newport Beach Police Department, with assistance from outside agencies, did an excellent job of managing crowds and responding quickly to calls for service. I’d also like to recognize our dedicated Recreation and Senior Services team, who coordinated many of the public events, and our Public Works Department for assisting with traffic management and efficient clean up throughout the weekend. 

Harbor Invasive Plant Removal Underway 

A coordinated effort to remove and eradicate an invasive algae species from Newport Harbor began on Wednesday, July 7. The invasive algae, scientifically known as Caulerpa Prolifera, was discovered in the China Cove beach area of Newport Harbor in March. Since then, the city has been working with multiple federal, state and local agencies to identify the extent of the algae growth and to develop a removal plan. The removal is expected to conclude on Saturday. 

Using a careful and deliberate method, divers have been extracting the invasive plant from the seafloor using vacuum pumps. The material is then pumped onshore into containers where the algae and other solids are separated from the harbor water. The discharged water is handled with great caution to prevent reintroduction of the algae to the bay environment. 

Caulerpa Prolifera is not dangerous to humans or wildlife, but is highly invasive and can spread easily, choking out native plants and critical marine habitats. If not eliminated, the algae could spread within Newport Harbor and to critical marine habitats outside the harbor. After the removal effort in Newport Harbor is complete, divers will conduct surveys to help ensure the species is completely eradicated and does not repopulate the area.

COVID-19 Cases in Newport Beach 

As of July 7, the total number of COVID-19 cases in Newport Beach was 3,981 and the total cases in Orange County was 256,775. The number of recovered COVID-19 patients countywide as of July 7 was 250,203. These figures are provided to Orange County by the California Department of Public Health. 

Updated Draft General Plan Housing Element Now Available! 

City staff and its consultant team have been working with the Housing Element Update Advisory Committee (HEUAC), Planning Commission, City Council and the community over the past 18 months to prepare a draft of the updated General Plan Housing Element. As a reminder, this effort is required by the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) in response to the 6th Cycle Regional Housing Needs Assessment (RHNA) allocation of 4,845 new housing units for Newport Beach. 

An updated draft of the Housing Element has been made available online. Please click here to download and view it. 

The City Council will be discussing this draft at its July 13, 2021, study session. Afterward, the city intends to transmit a progress draft to HCD for a preliminary 60-day review. 

This is an early draft of the document. There will be additional opportunities to help shape it before it is adopted. The entire community is encouraged to participate and review it. 

If you have any questions or to submit comments, reach out to city staff by emailing This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

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

Homelessness Update 

–A couple housed in November 2020 with city staff assistance now has full-time employment in Newport Beach. They both receive full employment benefits and consistent hours to maintain their housing. 

–A person experiencing homelessness in Newport Beach was enrolled into services provided under contract by City Net. He entered the Costa Mesa Bridge Shelter after receiving a negative COVID-19 test result. 

–City Net transported a couple to Orange County’s vital records department to complete housing voucher paperwork. 

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

For a comprehensive look at the city’s ongoing efforts to address homelessness, visit our web site at this link. To donate, visit our Good Giving Program webpage

Insider’s Guide for the Newport Beach City Council Meeting on July 13, 2021 

Our next City Council meeting is Tuesday, July 13. Items that may be of interest are highlighted below. The entire agenda, and all reports, can be viewed here

There will be a Study Session Meeting of the City Council at 4 p.m.: 

–The council will hear a presentation from Be Well OC, which provides a mobile crisis intervention program to assist community members struggling with mental health issues. CEO Marshall Moncrief will provide an overview of the organization’s programs and services. 

–As noted earlier, council members will review and discuss changes to the draft update of the city’s General Plan Housing Element, following recent council and community input. Staff will incorporate any additional feedback from the study session into the document before it is sent to the State Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) for a preliminary review. The latest draft is available online at this link

The Regular Meeting of the City Council will begin at 6:30 p.m.: 

–The council will hold a public hearing on a plan to spend additional funding from the 2020 federal stimulus plan known as the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act). Newport Beach will receive $741,079 in additional CARES Act funds through its participation in the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program. The resolution under consideration would update the city’s CDBG annual plan to accommodate the additional grants. Under the program guidelines, the funding must be allocated to projects and services that prevent, prepare for and respond to COVID-19.

Editor’s Note: Stu News Newport received the City Manager’s Updates on Friday, July 9.

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School Notes

NMUSD Board of Education meets tonight, agenda includes superintendent search update

The Newport-Mesa Unified School District (NMUSD) will meet this afternoon, July 13 at 3 p.m. for their closed session monthly Board of Education meeting, followed by the regular meeting at 6 p.m. The meetings will take place at the District Education Center, in the Roderick H. MacMillian Board Room, at 2985-A Bear St. in Costa Mesa.

Several issues highlight the regular meeting agenda, including: 

–An update from Leadership Associates on the district’s superintendent search. 

–A report on the district’s site security projects (includes projects at Costa Mesa High School, Davis Magnet School, Tewinkle Middle School, California Elementary, Back Bay/Monte Vista High Schools and Estancia High School.

–The approval of a budget increase to cover costs related to shade structures, sports lighting and bleachers at the Newport Harbor High School Aquatics Center.

–The approval of a budget for a home arts courtyard modernization at NHHS.

–A number of projects related to programs and services to the district.

–And, a number of other projects related to roofing, concrete, electrical, asbestos abatement, tree trimming and painting.

For a complete agenda, go here.

Bailey Allen makes Emerson College Dean’s List

Bailey Allen, a native of Newport Beach, has been named to Emerson College’s Dean’s List for the Spring 2021 semester. Allen is majoring in Journalism and is a member of the Class of 2024. The requirement to make Emerson’s Dean’s List is a grade point average of 3.7 or higher.

Emerson College is based in Boston, Mass., opposite the historic Boston Common and in the heart of the city’s Theatre District. The college has 3,700 undergraduates and 1,400 graduate students from across the United States and 50 countries. 

Alexa Bonanno recognized with honors at Bucknell University

Newport Beach’s Alexa Bonanno, Class of 2021, was named to the Dean’s List for outstanding academic achievement during the spring semester of the 2020-21 academic year at Bucknell University. A student must earn a grade point average of 3.5 or higher on a scale of 4.0 to receive dean’s list recognition.

Located in Lewisburg, Pa., Bucknell University is a highly selective private liberal arts university that offers majors in the arts, engineering, humanities, management, and social and natural sciences, along with broad opportunities outside of class, to its 3,600 undergraduates. Graduate programs are available in select disciplines.

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Newport Beach – A Look Back

Photo series courtesy of Balboa Island Museum Newport Beach

Newport Beach A Look Back 7.13.21

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Los Angeles High School Vogue Club with youth on the Peninsula beach near the Ferry during Easter vacation, 1951

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

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Endless summer beauty

Endless summer beauty

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

There’s something about a Newport Beach sunset that always leaves us in awe

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Fair Game

By TOM JOHNSON

The community comes together and “parties on” for the future of the Junior Lifeguards

Tom new picLast Saturday night, the Newport Beach Junior Lifeguard Foundation continued making big strides forward, thanks to a hugely successful and well-attended fundraising party at Arbor Real Estate.

The evening started with nearly $200,000 still needed to attain the new building goal of $1,750,000. It quickly received a large boost, as former mayor and current City Councilman Will O’Neill and wife Jenny, via video, made a $50,000 gift to the effort. 

Ethan Wayne, son of Newport Beach’s legendary actor/resident John Wayne, followed with a $25,000 gift on behalf of the John Wayne Cancer Foundation.

The evening rolled and rollicked, as emcee John Wortmann entertained and stirred the crowd into a giving mood.

The attendees were somewhat of a who’s who of Newport Beach, but with too many people to name. Those I was able to engage with throughout the evening were Citizen of Year and Mr. Everything Newport Beach, Joe Stapleton; Fire Chief Jeff Boyles; Mike Halphide, Assistant Chief, Lifeguard Operations; Reenie Boyer, whose service to Newport Beach Lifeguards dates back to 1983 when she launched the junior lifeguard program; Steve Rosansky, Newport Beach Chamber President & CEO; Arbor Real Estate founder Chris Brigandi; Graham Harvey, chair of the Junior Lifeguard Foundation; from the real estate world, Debi Bibb of Sotheby’s International and Jon Curci of Compass; Chris and Teri Carlson, the parents of Ben Carlson were, of course, on hand; the rest of the Wortmann clan, including John’s better-half Anne, and both son and daughter John and Devon, also agents with Arbor; Erik Weigand, chair of the Newport Beach Planning Commission; City Councilman Noah Blom; “Mr. Society” and Arbor’s Bruce Cook; Jake Klohs, also with Arbor; and last, but certainly not least, was Jake Janz (Jake is with Arbor and was the actual muscle behind the whole event, and he’s the brother-in-law of Ben Carlson).

I saw so many others who I’m sure I am forgetting. It was a great party, successful fundraiser and formal notice that the residents of Newport Beach are back out-and-about and ready to party.

The final fundraising totals as of yesterday while checks were still being counted was approaching the goal amount. Whether or not the final amount has formally been reached is simply just a matter of time. Particularly with people and groups like philanthropist Dave Pyle and his family’s OneRoot Foundation firmly behind the effort.

It’s a great time to live in Newport Beach and witness the difference so many people are making in our daily lives and securing our future.

• • •

The group behind the Protect Mariners’ Mile effort was preparing to circle the wagons at tonight’s Newport Beach City Council meeting with their opposition to the 2510 W. Pacific Coast Highway project.

Then, poof, the item was postponed until possibly later in July. It’s not the first time it’s changed.

In the meantime, applicant Mark Moshayedi and his team are attempting to put forth some design changes to calm the surrounding neighbors’ concerns that range from traffic to potential view obstructions, density and such.

To be honest, opposition to the project will probably never be totally satisfied with anything Moshayedi puts forward. But it’s worth noting, Moshayedi is working under protected state development regulations that allow him more flexibility as to what he can do and ties the hands of what local government can restrict without facing major legal implications.

One reason this project is also of particular importance is because with so many other developments in the area to follow, this one really sets the tone for Mariners’ Mile overall future.

• • •

Newport Beach doesn’t have their own community-focused amateur golf tournament. But our neighbors in Costa Mesa do, and it will be held at Costa Mesa Country Club on August 7-8.

It’s an amateur tournament that has earned a strong reputation in its 48 years as the Will Jordan Classic. Entrants will play both courses over the two days in either the open/championship division, one of the handicap flights or as a senior (50 and older).

Newport Beach is always well represented in the Championship Division as many of the area’s top golfers from the private clubs venture out for the strong competition. The field features one of the strongest in and around Southern California and has had over the years such PGA stars Mark O’Meara and Scott Simpson as former winners during their early amateur days. 

The field is limited to 320 players, 18 years of age & older, with a maximum index of 16.9.

To enter go here. The entry fee of $250 includes two days of green fees, a barbecue lunch on Sunday, tee prizes, and flight prizes and awards. 

B-t-w, if you haven’t played Costa Mesa in a while, the greens are arguably as good as any around in Orange County.

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Preparations for the 2021 OC Fair are underway

Rides, games, food – oh, my! The 2021 OC Fair will have so many of your favorite fair traditions.

To start, check out the competition winners on display in many of the buildings. There are also exhibits created by talented OC Fair staff, and lots of fun culinary events planned for the OC Promenade.

There will be live music every night in The Hangar, and tons of wonderful community performances across several stages throughout the day. Plus, some of your favorite roaming entertainers will be on the fairgrounds, including the Dragon Knights, Red Light Brass Band and Clown Patrol.

The livestock area will feature several different sets of animals, such as the Oasis Camel Dairy, 4-H competitions and bird barns – and you don’t want to miss the fun at Centennial Farm, OC Fair’s year-round three-acre working farm that will have piglets, goats and even oxen.

There’s so much more, so head over to www.ocfair.com/thefair – or download the OC Fair 2021 app on iTunes/Google Play – to check out the schedule and plan your day at the Fair.

Preparations pig races

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Photos courtesy of OC Fair & Event Center

The All-Alaskan Pig Races are not to be missed

Five things to know before you head to the Fair:

1. The 2021 OC Fair is July 16 through August 15, open Wednesdays through Sundays. Hours are 10 a.m.-11 p.m. on Wednesdays-Thursdays; 10 a.m.-midnight on Fridays-Sundays.

2. Advance tickets are required. Don’t show up empty-handed this year. Head over to www.ocfair.com/fairtickets, pick your dates and get your tickets before they sell out.

3. The Fair is committed to opening at 75 percent capacity this year, so you’ll have more elbow room.

4. Masks are required for unvaccinated guests inside the buildings. Proof of vaccination is not required. Please help keep each other safe.

5. Finally, the Fair hates to say no to its best guests, but unfortunately there are a few things they won’t be able to do this year. The free shuttle from Experian and OCTA’s OC Fair Express bus service will not be available this year, and they won’t have the same admission discounts that they’ve had in the past. Also, unlimited ride wristbands will not be available, and the Action Sports Arena will not host live performances during the Fair.

Still, expect great rides, games, exhibits, animals, live entertainment and, of course, food.

Five brand new rides are headed to this year’s OC Fair. RCS, the Fair’s longtime carnival provider, is introducing Liberty Wheel, Moonraker, New York New York, Windsurf and Winky the Whale. For the little ones, hop on over to Winky the Whale for a one-of-a-kind ride where your child will splash along on a whale of their very own.

Preparations Liberty Wheel

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The Liberty Wheel, an improved Ferris wheel featuring open-air buckets, is among the new rides

There are thrills to be had for those daredevils in your party. New rides including New York New York, Moonraker and Windsurf will zip, launch and spin you to dizzying new heights. The Liberty Wheel is an improved Ferris wheel featuring open-air buckets – the perfect complement to its larger sister wheel, La Grande Wheel XL. Which one will be your new favorite?

Carnival tickets will be available for purchase on the fairgrounds the day of your visit or to buy them in advance here or by using the FunPass app. Ticket prices range from $20 for 40 FunPass tickets, $50 for 100 and $100 for 200.

As a reminder, unlimited ride wristbands will not be available for purchase at the 2021 OC Fair. 

See a full list of rides and games (and how many tickets each will cost) at www.ocfair.com/oc-fair/things-to-do/carnival

The Hangar at the OC Fair hosts all different types of musical performances throughout the run of the Fair. It is the spot for nightly live entertainment.

Original band Mariachi Sol de Mexico de Jose Hernandez will perform on August 8 at 2:30 and 6:30 p.m. All other concerts at The Hangar during the Fair are the best tribute bands in town, and some days are featuring two showtimes.

Here’s a sampling of what’s in store: 

–Damage Inc./Noise Pollution - Tributes to Metallica and AC/DC (July 18).

–Twisted Gypsy - Fleetwood Mac with a Twist (July 25).

–24K Magic - The No. 1 Tribute to Bruno Mars (July 28).

–Arena/Substance - Tributes to Duran Duran and New Order (July 30).

–Flashback Heart Attack (August 1).

–The Heart of Rock & Roll - A Tribute to Huey Lewis & The News (August 11).

–Led Zepplica - The Led Zeppelin Experience (August 14).

–And many more!

Preparations The Heart of Rock and Roll

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The Heart of Rock & Roll – A Tribute to Huey Lewis & The News comes to The Hangar on August 11

The Toyota Summer Concert Series at Pacific Amphitheatre will begin its season of music under the stars starting July 29 and go into August and September. Some shows have been rescheduled from the 2020 season, but many are newly announced. Go to www.pacamp.com to see the full lineup and get your tickets.

Tickets for concerts in The Hangar and Pacific Amphitheatre can be found at www.ocfair.com/oc-fair/entertainment

Check out the list of food vendors, new foods and a menu for the first $3 “Taste of Fair Food” on Thursdays from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Get a sampling of food and treats for only $3 every Thursday. Fun-sized samples include funnel cake, tri-tip, lemonade, cinnamon rolls, tacos, gelato, cotton candy and more. For more information, go to www.ocfair.com/oc-fair/things-to-do/food.

Preparations Fair food

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A sweet treat with colorful sugared toppings – Fair food bliss

Tickets are $12 for weekday general admission (Wednesday, Thursday) and $14 for weekend general admission (Friday, Saturday, Sunday). Admission for seniors (60+) and youth (ages 6-12) is $7 every day and children 5 and younger are free. General parking is still $10, $20 for buses and limos, credit card only.

A note for 2020 OC Fair Super Pass holders: If you have not requested a refund, your new passes will be in your hands in time for the Fair. Super Passes purchased for the 2020 OC Fair will be honored any day of the 2021 OC Fair and no further action is required. 2021 Super Passes are not available for sale.

For additional information about the OC Fair, visit www.ocfair.com/thefair.

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River Jetty Restaurant Group partners announce A Crystal Cove, a modern-American eatery

Hollywood producer Joseph “McG” Nichol and Jordan Otterbein of River Jetty Restaurant Group, known for A Restaurant and A Market in Newport Beach and CdM Restaurant in Corona del Mar, announced their fourth Orange County dining concept coming to the Crystal Cove Shopping Center in Newport Beach in the fall of 2021. 

“After a year of uncertainty, we’re thrilled to come out the other side stronger than ever and with a beautiful new location for our guests to enjoy an incredible culinary experience,” said Otterbein, managing partner. 

River Jetty Otterbein and Nichol

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Courtesy of River Jetty Restaurant Group

(L-R) Jordan Otterbein and Joseph “McG” Nichol, River Jetty Restaurant Group partners

An all-new, modern-American eatery, A Crystal Cove will feature an exceptional bar program to complement a “greatest hits” menu of favorite dishes from A Restaurant and CdM Restaurant including the Spicy Yellowfin Tuna, Cacio e Pepe and Chicken Piccata. Familiar with the iconic dishes and creative plating for which the restaurants are known, Vartan Abgaryan returns to River Jetty Restaurant Group to lead the kitchen at A Crystal Cove as the new corporate executive chef.

River Jetty Abgaryan

Courtesy of Vartan Abgaryan

Vartan Abgaryan, corporate executive chef of River Jetty Restaurant Group

A former executive chef at A Restaurant from 2009-2012, Abgaryan spent the last several years perfecting his craft as executive chef at notable Los Angeles-based restaurants including Public Kitchen and Bar in the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel, Cliff’s Edge in Downtown LA, 71Above in Silverlake and Yours Truly in Venice as chef and owner.

“It’s great to be back in Orange County,” said Chef Abgaryan. “I’m grateful to have the opportunity to work with an amazing team and continue to raise the bar while doing what I love.”

A Crystal Cove’s ambience will be lively and welcoming with genuine hospitality and an elevated, contemporary take on the culinary experience. The stylish interior will nod to old Hollywood glamour and conjure chic New York City and San Francisco-style hotspots featuring an eye-catching bar, plush banquets and modern fixtures with a palette that embraces the seaside, SoCal setting. 

For more information about River Jetty Restaurant Group and to stay updated on A Crystal Cove’s opening, visit www.riverjettyrg.com and follow @ARestaurantNB.

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As travel levels resume and airlines attempt to catch back up, there are some things you need to know

By GARY SHERWIN

If you are like many people this summer, you’ve already hit the road to catch up with all the things you’ve missed during the pandemic. And if you’ve flown an airline to do it, you probably haven’t been too happy.

With travel quickly ramping up after a year and half of being in suspended animation, you’ve likely noticed how chaotic things seem out there. With load factors in planes at maximum capacity and thousands of flight cancellations and delays affecting nearly every airline, you have a very frustrated traveling public.

The anger is also manifesting itself on flights themselves, with a record number of incidents involving upset and unruly passengers, totaling more than 3,000 so far this year. Many of these incidents involve people not adhering to the federal mask mandate on flights which expires in September.

So, what gives? 

It turns out, it’s several factors including bad weather combined with a labor shortage and capacity problems.

Gary Sherwin

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Courtesy of Visit Newport Beach

Gary Sherwin

Particularly vexing has been the airlines’ difficulty in just getting their planes back in service. Many of the carriers mothballed many of their fleet during the pandemic and getting them flying again is a difficult proposition. Planes are complicated creatures. You just don’t go back into the storage lot and turn the proverbial key and take off.

The resurgence of air travel so quickly after COVID has caught many of the carriers off-guard since they anticipated a longer ramp-up to normalcy. This past July 4th weekend exceeded passenger numbers from the same period in 2019, which was a record year.

American Airlines has been one of the airlines most affected with canceled flights due to equipment and labor shortages. They also cited “unprecedented weather” impacting their largest hubs.

For the public, it has been hugely frustrating. Since the start of the pandemic, U.S. airlines received $54 billion in federal aid to help cover payroll expenses. In return, they were prohibited from furloughing or laying off workers. They were allowed, however, to persuade tens of thousands of employees to take buyouts, early retirement or leaves of absence. Those decisions were shortsighted and now they are finding they don’t have enough people in key roles, including pilots.

Southwest was so desperate to meet the demand this past weekend that they offered double pay for flight attendants and other employees to work extra shifts through last Wednesday.

While cabin crews are being stretched thin, any new hires need to get trained or certified before taking to the air, especially pilots and mechanics. It goes without saying that you can’t operate a plane without someone to fly it and you can’t operate it if you can’t service it.

It’s another perfect storm of factors and, unfortunately, don’t expect things to get better anytime soon. The sad news is that flying anywhere will be challenging for the next few months.

So as your unofficial Newport Beach travel expert, I have some suggestions on how to handle this mess.

There are some ways to minimize the risk of delays and cancellations. First, book early in the day. Many planes are already parked at the airport for the earliest flights which means your equipment is already often there. And if you do get delayed or canceled, you have more options for other flights to reroute you.

If you are traveling with your family, make sure you are all under one reservation so that if you are rebooked, you’ll still be together. Book your trip on a credit card that provides extra protection if you have it in case the airline is cagey about refunds.

Perhaps most of all, make sure you schedule buffer time. If you are attending an event, don’t arrive just in time. Plan to get there a day or so ahead in case of scheduling issues.

Trip insurance is helpful to a degree but read the fine print. Double check all the terms to see what happens if your trip is canceled or if plans change on your end. Insurance doesn’t always cover every type of cancellation and it sometimes is a bit expensive.

U.S. Department of Transportation mandates that if a flight is canceled or delayed and you don’t want to travel anymore, you are entitled to a refund if you ask for one. Airlines tend to game this mandate, so each carrier defines that a bit differently. But you can also ask them to compensate you in other ways including a hotel room for the night or a meal at the airport while you are waiting. You always need to ask since they won’t often just offer it.

Also, it helps to go to the airport expecting a delay, so bring snacks, reading material and a lot of patience.

Bryan Del Monte, president of the Aviation Agency, perhaps put it best: “Get to the airport early, be prepared for a lot of hassle and try to keep your cool because people are pretty freakin’ wound up.”

It’s not exactly the vacation of your dreams, but it beats the summer of 2020.

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

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Orange County Community Foundation names Vasquez to its board of governors

The Orange County Community Foundation (OCCF), based in Newport Beach, announced the addition of Ambassador Gaddi Vasquez to its board of governors. This leadership position is critical to OCCF’s Vision 2024 goals, including a bold aim to reach $1 billion in cumulative granting by 2024, becoming one of only 35 community foundations in the U.S. ever to reach that milestone.

Vazquez brings to the OCCF Board more than 25 years of leadership posts in local, state and federal government during a highly distinguished career of public service, in addi