Fair Game

By TOM JOHNSON

OCC’s Pacific Coast Highway training facility named in honor of Brad Avery

Former mayor and current Newport City Councilmember Brad Avery is receiving quite the honor this week by his longtime employer, Orange Coast College. The OCC building, connected by the skyway bridge across PCH to their waterfront campus, will be named the W. Bradley Avery Professional Mariner Training Center.

A formal dedication ceremony takes place at the facility this afternoon (Friday, Dec. 2).

OCC’s Professional Mariner Training Center serves as the home for the College’s Professional Mariner program, which prepares students for careers in the boating and maritime industry. The recently constructed building is two stories tall, and includes classroom and laboratory space, a radar training room, conference room, student lounge and a Full Mission Bridge simulator, valued at approximately $500,000. The $22 million project was funded through Measure M, a bond measure that was passed by voters in 2012.

Some might think that the naming is the result of Brad’s local political accomplishments, but in actuality it’s the result of his 42 years of employment at OCC and his legacy of building their sailing and boating programs at their unique waterfront facility…and his skills as a world-class sailor.

As an aside, friends and colleagues of Brad’s have privately given more than $1.6 million to establish an endowment to support the teaching mission of the Avery PMTC. 

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Courtesy of OCC

The newly named W. Bradley Avery Professional Mariner Training Center

It couldn’t happen to a nicer, more well deserving guy. Congrats, my friend!

• • •

Tuesday evening, VEA Newport Beach was ringing in the Christmas spirit with their exciting tree lighting celebration.

Hundreds gathered in the resort’s spectacular porte-cochére and the adjoining guest area to witness a stage performance which included dancers enjoying the holiday music, the arrival of Santa himself and, of course, the lighting of the resort’s beautiful Christmas tree and façade…all while snow magically fell from the rooftop above.

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Photo by Tom Johnson

Dancers dance, Santa waves and snow falls from above

It was certainly a reminder to me, again, that VEA’s local ownership group (Eagle Four Partners and Lyon Living) has a genuine interest in connecting to a community that they, too, are an integral part of every day.

B-t-w, the proof in the pudding was that several of their principals were on site enjoying the festivities themselves, along with their family members.

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Photo by Tom Johnson

The lighted Christmas tree fronting the VEA Newport Beach

• • •

This Sunday (Dec. 4) is the CdM Christmas Walk from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Guests can meander down PCH through the center of town, enjoying merchants and restaurants who will join in for a special holiday celebration.

The “walk” is free and the day is presented by the Corona del Mar Chamber of Commerce.

Festivities include live entertainment featuring local bands, street performers and character artists on virtually every corner from Avocado Ave. to Poppy Ave., a visit by Santa, a beer and wine garden, children’s activities, along with merchant and restaurant promotions along the way.

It’s fun!

We should also point out that the Christmas Walk benefits the United States Marines Toys for Tots Program. 

For questions and other information, including volunteer opportunities, visit www.cdmchamber.com.

• • •

Everyone also knows that the Christmas Boat Parade and the Ring of Lights is fast approaching. Both are presented by The Commodores Club and the Newport Beach Chamber of Commerce. The Parade is made up of the boats themselves, all sizes or shapes, while the Ring of Lights is comprised of homes, businesses and yacht clubs surrounding and lighting up the bayfront.

There are awards to be had for both, but you have to register to be eligible. 

The parade runs Wednesday through Sunday, Dec. 14-18, when obviously the boats will be judged. The homes/businesses are judged several days in advance so that winners’ banners can be distributed for display on the bayfront.

To register your boat or home/business, go to www.christmasboatparade.com/enter/.

• • •

In a good news/bad news scenario at the Sherman Library & Gardens…the good news for them is that the Nights of 1000 Lights, their spectacular holiday celebration, is completely sold out. The bad news, obviously, is that if you were planning to go and had not yet purchased tickets, you’re out of luck.

“We are so appreciative of the support of our members and the community, as well as our presenting sponsor South Coast Plaza,” said Scott LaFleur, executive director of Sherman Library & Gardens. “Our staff has been hard at work creating another magical holiday experience. This year’s theme is ‘Hooray for Hollywood!’ Attendees will feel like stars as they walk the red carpet upon arrival.” 

• • •

The Airport Working Group is hosting a dinner for community members Monday evening (Dec. 5) at the OASIS Senior Center followed by a report on the numerous initiatives they’re working on. Dinner is planned for 6 p.m., with the meeting beginning at 6:30 p.m.

The evening will include presentations and two guest speakers, including a senior operations manager of Frontier Airlines who has been working with AWG to reduce noise.

Seating is limited, so RSVP by email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., or call 949.873.5288 leaving a voice message with your name, name of your guest and contact information to confirm your reservation.

Council approves Superior Avenue bridge, park, parking lot $10.5M construction contract

By SARA HALL

City Council this week unanimously approved the next step in the Superior Avenue pedestrian and bicycle bridge project, which includes park improvements and parking lot expansion. 

Councilmembers voted 6-0 on Tuesday (Nov. 29) in favor of awarding a $10.5 million contract to Reyes Construction, Inc., to build the project. The action also included agreements for engineering and environmental monitoring services. Mayor Kevin Muldoon recused himself due to a potential business conflict.

The project includes the new pedestrian/bicycle bridge, aimed at improving safety and access to Sunset Ridge Park; expanding the park area at Sunset View Park and constructing a new, larger parking lot at the intersection of Superior Avenue and Pacific Coast Highway.

The number is a little daunting, Councilmember Brad Avery agreed with some of the concerns raised about the cost. But there are a lot of benefits with the project and they are getting grant money to cover a portion, he noted.

They need to be clear about the multiple benefits that will come out of the project, Avery said, including: The improved bicycle mobility, ADA accessibility, expanded parking, better usage of the fields and it will be a good access point to reach Banning Ranch.

“We’re taking care of a lot of things here,” said Avery, who’s been involved with the project for many years. 

That intersection is a “monster” and it’s dangerous to cross, Avery said. It takes a long time to get across and, in terms of the cars waiting, it adds to congestion. This will help improve traffic flow, he noted.

Avery also noted how the project plans for future improvements.

“I believe we should strike on this and look toward a future that’s going to be much better in this particular area for multiple reasons,” including better access and more parking, Avery said.

Based on the current construction bids, the total estimated all-in cost for this project (including an 8% construction contingency) is currently about $14.71 million, which includes about $3.35 million for soft costs (environmental, permitting, design, etc.).

The funding sources for construction will be comprised of $2.35 million from the Bicycle Corridor Improvement Program federal grant, $2.94 million from the city’s circulation and transportation fund, and $6.37 million from the Facilities Financing Plan for parks and community centers. The construction total is approximately $11.66 million.

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Courtesy City of Newport Beach

View rendering of the proposed pedestrian and bicycle bridge from Superior Avenue 

It’s a lot of money, noted Public Works Director Dave Webb, but the project has long been planned. He also compared it to other big projects completed in recent years in the city.

“Big numbers raise eyebrows,” he said. “I put that in perspective: This has been in our FFP for a long time.”

Although, through the concept and development phase, the specific scope of work was modified several times (such as the inclusion and later removal of active park components like a dog park) that may have not been fully accounted for within the FFP planning budget.

Overall, the project is roughly on task, budget-wise, although the early estimations didn’t take into account the increased inflation and recent supply chain issues, Webb said. 

It is a very expensive bridge, added Councilmember Diane Dixon. 

“Fortunately, it is a bridge to somewhere,” Dixon said, referencing the “bridge to nowhere” nickname given to the walkway that spans San Miguel Drive and overlooks the civic center grounds. 

Although this project is more than just a bridge, Webb emphasized, it’s also the park improvements and parking expansion. The bridge portion is $3.1 million of the entire project, he pointed out. 

This area receives a significant amount of pedestrian and bicycle traffic, city staff confirmed. 

This project has been long in the making and is the culmination of a lot of work over the years, Webb said. 

In 1988, Caltrans widened PCH and removed on-street parking. As a mitigation measure, the current lot with 64 metered parking spaces was constructed in 1989. 

The 2010 EIR identified needing 97 parking spaces to serve park visitors. 

Ideally, the city should provide 161 parking spaces (64 + 97) to serve both the park and beach visitors, explained Senior Engineer and Project Manager Andy Tran.

Sunset Ridge Park, located on the west side of Superior Avenue, was constructed in December 2014. This 13.7-acre park features a baseball field, two soccer fields, a children’s playground and a butterfly garden. 

Due to California Coastal Commission permitting constraints and conditions, Sunset Ridge Park was constructed without the proposed on-site parking area. Initially they had a parking lot and a road going to the park to allow use of the park and full programming, Webb explained. CCC approved the park, but not the road and parking. 

“We built a park and no one could come,” Dixon said, a riff on the “build it and they will come” phrase.

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FONBAS gifts City of Newport Beach with new, permanent animal shelter

For the first time in Newport Beach’s history, the city has a permanent municipal animal shelter. 

The City Council on Tuesday, Nov. 29 formally accepted the donation of a newly constructed animal shelter from Friends of Newport Beach Animal Shelter (FONBAS), a local nonprofit organization. 

FONBAS has spent about five years raising $2.9 million in private donations to purchase property at 20282 Riverside Drive and construct a new animal care and shelter facility. Under the donation agreement, the City of Newport Beach will now manage, operate and maintain the shelter. 

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Renderings courtesy of City of Newport Beach

Renderings of the new Newport Beach Animal Shelter

“On behalf of the City Council, I’d like to thank FONBAS and all the private donors who contributed to make this new shelter a reality,” said Newport Beach Mayor Kevin Muldoon. “This was a tremendous effort and will make a big difference for animals under the city’s care.”

For decades, the city contracted with private companies to provide veterinary care and shelter services for stray and abandoned animals. However, in 2017 the Police Department began managing operations at a temporary shelter at 20302 Riverside Drive. That same year, FONBAS became the officially recognized nonprofit to assist with shelter activities and raise funds for future capital projects.

Following the launch of a successful fundraising drive, FONBAS purchased the Riverside Drive property in April 2020 for $1 million. After raising an additional $1.9 million for construction, FONBAS broke ground on the new shelter in January 2022. The facility is nearing completion, and the city plans to begin operations at the new shelter in early 2023. 

The 1,500-square-foot shelter includes a 750-square-foot kennel, a front-yard greeting area and a rear-yard animal exercise area. 

For more information on shelter operations, visit the NBPD website.

A change is a comin’ to the Fashion Island area and it is going to be very, very nice

By GARY SHERWIN

If you drive around the Newport Center Drive circle these days, you’ll see something you don’t see often. A lot, and I mean a lot, of heavy construction.

At Fashion Island, considerable work is already underway in tearing down a large section of the shopping center which will become the new Restoration Hardware Gallery. That space will be transformed into an 80,000-square-foot luxury shopping experience with a signature rooftop restaurant when it opens in Spring 2024. 

A company statement said the new store will be “blurring the lines between residential and retail, indoors and outdoors, physical and digital, as we create spaces that are more home than store and inspire a new way of living.”

Just down the parking lot, work is underway on new upscale steak and seafood restaurant called Oceans 48 that will replace the old Fig and Olive and will open next year. Keep driving and you’ll see another new restaurant from Canada called JOEY Newport Beach which will be opening shortly and replaces Roy’s.

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Courtesy of Visit Newport Beach

Gary Sherwin

Inside Fashion Island near Whole Foods, more construction is underway for the new jewelry concept and private club Privé, from locally based Lugano Diamonds. It will serve as both a store as well as an exclusive membership club described by company officials as “a home away from home” for its high-end clients in a comfortable setting that feels “like an extension of our clients’ homes.”

This is from a company whose unique rings, necklaces, earrings, bracelets and brooches cost an average price of around $115,000 per item and often top the $1 million mark.

Keep driving around Newport Center Drive and you’ll see the old Fashion Island Hotel, which looks unchanged from the outside, but looks are deceiving. Inside the hotel, massive construction is underway to become Pendry Newport Beach, the new boutique luxury brand from Montage Hotels and Resorts which will open late next summer.

And just a few blocks away from that is the newly completed VEA Newport Beach which will be starting the final phase of its transformation with its meeting room renovation in the next few weeks. But what was the three-story part of the hotel with about 100 rooms near the old self-parking lot is no more. A huge excavator has been knocking it down for a few weeks now.

Next year on that space, construction will begin on the new 22-story Ritz Carlton Residences, which will open in 2025 and will complete the new integrated luxury campus with VEA.

For any community, this type of massive transformation would be huge news. Few cities get any of these new developments and we’re getting them all. Tally it all up and it is a collective investment of more than $500 million and that is a conservative estimate.

A humorist would say that for a city that is well known for its medical facelifts, no wonder our city loves change so much. However, this is truly big news. I know communities that would be thrilled with the opening of a new Hilton Garden Inn and TGI Fridays.

What unites all these projects is that they won’t necessarily appeal to the middle market, especially the Lugano Diamonds or Ritz Carlton projects. No, all of these will be aiming at the luxury consumer, both locally as well as our visitors.

That means Newport Beach must recalibrate its approach to bringing in travelers who will be integral to all of these projects’ success. While the city has always appealed to the more upscale visitor, these new developments will elevate us to the uber luxury category.

It’s interesting to note that while Newport Beach was always seen as a luxury destination, its only true luxury hotel for many years was a Four Seasons, which became Fashion Island Hotel. All of that changed in 2008 with the opening of the Resort at Pelican Hill, the city’s first Five Star property, which attracted well-heeled people from around the world who had never visited the city previously. 

Now most of the other hotels have completed sizable investments to upgrade and stay competitive. Even the Hyatt Regency John Wayne Airport completed a $50 million renovation a few years ago which, considering the size of the property, was eye popping.

Investments like these demand that we care and support them so that they can succeed in a competitive luxury marketplace. Newport Beach is certainly not the only luxury option in Southern California or even in Orange County. And to take a “build it and they will come” attitude is plain irresponsible.

We are going to have to be aggressive in telling our story to the luxury travel market which buys travel differently than the average visitor. Because they are more discerning in their travel tastes, we will need to reach them through different marketing channels. And none of it comes cheap.

Consider that the biggest buyers of Rolls Royces these days are amazingly, in their 20s and 30s. With an average sticker price of $350,000, these buyers don’t buy cars like their parents. Rolls knows this and their marketing approach is vastly different than Nissan or Honda. They invest in high-end experiences and brand partnerships that attract their core audiences. You won’t see Memorial Day weekend sales at their showrooms and their customer acquisition costs per car are pretty high.

No luxury business can be successful without knowingly reaching their targeted audiences which can be allusive and finicky. And so, it is with Newport Beach.

During the recent city council election, I met with most of the candidates, and I know all the victors are aware of this opportunity to reinvent our approach and commitment to supporting these new businesses. They will demand considerably more support than a new mid-range hotel and a fast casual restaurant.

Newport Beach is in the midst of a generational product change that has the potential to bring in more people who can bring greater economic benefit to our city. For Newport Center, this is a renaissance. And it’s important to note, we’re not necessarily talking about more visitor volume, just people who have more spending power.

We need to take it seriously and work hard collectively to capitalize on these opportunities. It will take the new city council and the hospitality community to work even more closely in the years ahead to build an even stronger partnership to help these new businesses succeed.

To put it bluntly, let’s not screw up this very special opportunity that just about any other city in America would be salivating over.

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

Obituary

Evelyn Reese Hart

January 24, 1931 – November 23, 2022

Courtesy of Friends of OASIS

Born Willie Evelyn Reese on January 24, 1931 in Phoenix, Ariz., Evelyn Hart died on November 23, 2022 at age 91. Her youth took her and her family from Oklahoma to Eugene, Ore. and then to Pomona, Calif. before settling in Newport Beach in the 1950s. She passed peacefully on her own terms without medical aid after trying to recover from a stroke. A wife, mother, sister, aunt, grandmother, great-grandmother and great-great grandmother; she is survived by many, especially her beloved husband of 65 years, John Lynn Hart.

Evelyn was also a wise and spiritual woman and a devoted member of the Citizen Band Potawatomi Nation-People of the Place of the Fire.

Evelyn lived her life to its fullest, and her positive energy ensured a good time for herself and all those around her. From working at Newport Beach Police Department, to joining her husband’s family business at Hart’s Sporting Goods, to serving on the city’s park and recreation department, to city councilmember, to mayor of Newport Beach, she never lost her drive and energy to serve her city.

She had a personal and professional commitment to keep the City of Newport Beach prosperous while respectively keeping intact its beautiful environment. One of her proudest accomplishments is forever preserving the view from development of the Back Bay at the intersection of Coast Highway and Jamboree. 

Her love and care for homeless animals is surpassed only by her support for Newport’s elderly. “Newport’s Sweetheart,” The Honorable Evelyn Hart, was a hard-working member of OASIS Senior Services, Youth Employment Services, Newport Beach Animal Shelter, Stop Polluting Our Newport, AIRFARE, The Blind Institute of California, Water Board of California and the Coastline College board.

Evelyn was also proudly named The Citizen of the Year and dignitary of sister cities Osaka, Japan and Antibes, France. 

Her personal contributions to society are endless, and those memories are left to the people who know her best. Evelyn was loyal, encouraging and always had her friends’ backs. Her infectious smile was beautiful. She loved entertaining, boating and gardening. Evelyn was a master bridge player, a Native American beader and a slayer of books. She was a leader who never stopped challenging to better herself and her community. Evelyn Hart was truly a grand lady.

There are no services planned at this time. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Newport Beach Animal Shelter. 20302 Riverside Drive, Newport Beach, Calif. 92660.

Corona del Mar Christmas Walk this weekend rings in the holiday season

The much-anticipated 43rd Annual Corona del Mar Christmas Walk will take place this Sunday, Dec. 4 in Corona del Mar Village, kicking off the holiday season with much fanfare.

Presented by the Corona del Mar Chamber of Commerce, the day expects to attract generations of families, friends and neighbors strolling throughout charming Corona del Mar Village from 11 a.m.-4 p.m.

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Courtesy of the CdM Chamber of Commerce

Corona del Mar with be filled with holiday cheer during the CdM Christmas Walk on December 4

Every street corner from Avocado Avenue to Poppy Avenue will include talented musical entertainers, street performers, character artists, Santa visits, a beer & wine garden, unique vendor gifts, restaurant parties, and merchant celebrations both small and large.

The event, free and open to the public, supports local business, CdM marketing projects, events and community spirit. A special thanks to their sponsoring partners including Presenting Sponsor Casey Lesher, volunteer teams and the Newport Beach Police Department for their generous assistance.

For more information and to purchase tickets to the Opportunity Drawing for fabulous prizes, visit www.cdmchamber.com.

Take Five: Meet Balboa Island Home Tour participant Joan Rooten

By AMY SENK

After a two-year pandemic-related hiatus, the 24th Annual Balboa Island Holiday Home Walking Tour will return from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 11. This year’s tour will feature eight homes and cottages, each decorated for the holidays, inside and out, along with a new Holiday Market at the Royal Hen on Marine Avenue from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. After spending a COVID-era Christmas on the Island not too long ago, I always knew it was one of the most Christmas-y places in town. But what is it like to be part of the holiday tour? I reached out to participant Joan Rooten who lives on North Bay Front to find out more.

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Photos courtesy of Gail Vasterling

Joan Rooten in her Balboa Island residence decorated for the Home Walking Tour

Q: How did you come to have your home be part of the Balboa Island Holiday Home Tour?

A: I’ve only been a spectator over many years, but I have a sister who lives on the Island also. She has great friends that work very hard for Balboa Island events and fundraising. Her friends are running this home tour, and they all came over to visit me one day and did their magic and talked me into it. I didn’t think my husband would be in favor of it, so I said yes and didn’t tell him. I was happy to share our historical house. 

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Welcome to the Rootens’ historical home, built in the early 1950s

Q: Can you tell me about your home and its history? 

A: We’ve lived in a few houses on the Island, but this one is pretty old and has a good story that I had learned. We recently met the grandson of the original owner of this property. The back house was built in the 1940s during World War II. The front house, where we live, was built by the son of the original owners as a rental to help support his mom after she became a widow in the early 1950s. It was originally a large front yard on the waterfront. The best part of this house is the view. It’s on the corner of Grand Canal and North Bay Front, and it’s a single-story older home. It’s a cottage, and the ceilings inside are stained, knotty pine wood. It’s kind of neat. And when you walk in from the front door, all you see are windows and the water and the boats. That’s what makes this house special.

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A mini-toy train awaits the grandchildren

Q: Did you decorate any differently this year because of the tour?

A: My husband and I have lived here for five years, and I have spent many hours and days landscaping and enjoying every minute of it. I love working in the garden and changing things around. Most of our decorating is outside where it’s enjoyed by walkers and people from all over the world that have discovered Balboa Island. Pretty much I do similar things from year to year, but I update each year if things start looking old. We have a big window box in the front of the house. For fall, we had it full of pumpkins, and I always get a ton of compliments on that because it’s different. And I try to be different for Christmas too, and I will be filling it with plants and decorations. I’m pretty good at decorating. I have these reindeer fence posts that I’ve had for 20 years that light up, and they hang on our front fence, all the way around. We are on a corner with a short fence that goes all the way around. People always compliment me on those. They are sort of cutesy and lit up. My theme is a happy theme. And I decorate the dock out in front.

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Police Files

Keeping you and your family safe during the holidays with helpful tips from your NBPD

The Newport Beach Police Department (NBPD) wishes you and your family a safe and happy holiday season. At the same time, they encourage residents as they go about their holiday preparations and celebrations, to please keep the following crime prevention tips in mind. 

At home for the holidays:

–Always lock all doors and windows whenever you leave your home. Burglars often operate during the day, so don’t forget to secure your home and set your alarm when you make a quick trip to the store or take the dog for a walk. 

–Use timers to turn on a radio and lights. Timers are not just for vacation time, but should be used daily to keep your home well-lit and to give the appearance that someone is there.

–If you decorate a live tree, always turn off tree lights when you are away to prevent a fire.

–Avoid displaying holiday gifts and other valuables in places where they will be easily seen from your windows or doors.

–Always keep your porch lights on from dusk to dawn using photocells and/or timers.

–Don’t let home deliveries pile-up at your front door as they can attract a package thief or home burglar. Remember you have options to consider when ordering online or shipping packages: UPS and FedEx both offer customers the ability to customize the time and date of their delivery for when they will be home and to track your delivery online. Check your package’s delivery status for an estimated delivery time and try to be home when it arrives.

When you leave for dinner or to go out for the evening:

–Consider leaving some lights and the TV on and calling out to a fictitious family member or roommate (who will “stay home”). For example: “Tom, don’t forget to let the dog out!”, or “make sure you take the casserole out of the oven when the timer goes off,” or any other statement that would imply (to anyone who might be watching your home) that someone is still inside while you are gone.

–Call the police to report anything suspicious. If you see an unfamiliar vehicle, suspicious person, or anything out of the ordinary when leaving your home, call NBPD’s non-emergency line at 949.644.3717.

If you go away for the holidays: 

–Have a trusted neighbor keep an eye on your home and pick-up your newspapers and mail.

–Don’t advertise that you are out of town on social media.

–Secure your garage door with a vacation bolt or pad lock and disable the remote access.

If you’re looking for holiday gift ideas, consider one of these devices for increased home security:

–TV simulators: These devices make it look as though someone is inside watching TV.

–Doorbell camera.

–Motion activated security cameras that send an immediate notification to your smartphone.

–Smart home timers, lights and lightbulbs.

Virtual meeting set for Tuesday to view and discuss Mariners’ Mile development

There is a virtual community meeting for Newport Village on Tuesday, Dec. 6 at 6 p.m. The meeting will update the proposed project of a mixed-use development that will encompass 9.4 acres on West Coast Highway in the Mariners’ Mile corridor. The proposed housing development project requests a 20% density bonus in exchange for the inclusion of affordable dwelling units.

Courtesy of City of Newport Beach

The discussion will focus on the parcels outlined in red

Overall, the project would include 198 dwelling units (181 apartment (rental) units on the north parcel, with nine units affordable to very-low-income households and 17 condominium units on the south parcel); 63,285 square feet of commercial floor area (20,310 sq ft of office space, 20,690 sq ft of retail and 22,285 sq ft of restaurant space); a new publicly accessible plaza and boardwalk along the waterfront; and 848 surface, structured, and subterranean parking spaces.

All existing bulkheads would be reinforced and capped along the waterfront.

The maximum height of buildings on both parcels is proposed at 35 ft. measured from established grade. The existing structures at 2241 West Coast Highway (Amaree’s building) and 2244 West Coast Highway (office building) would remain, while other structures will be demolished as part of the project.

During the virtual meeting, your valued feedback will be welcome.

For more project information, visit www.newportbeachc.gov/newportvillage.

To attend the meeting, go to https://tinyurl.com/y4ercx3n.

The Nutcracker returns with its holiday magic

Segerstrom Center for the Arts announces the return of SoCal’s favorite holiday tradition – American Ballet Theatre’s captivating production of The Nutcracker. Co-presented by the Center and ABT with choreography by ABT Artist in Residence Alexei Ratmansky, The Nutcracker is the beloved holiday story based on The Nutcracker and the King of Mice written by E.T.A. Hoffmann and set to a magical score by Peter Ilyitch Tchaikovsky that will be performed live by Pacific Symphony.

In its annual holiday engagement, American Ballet Theatre will give 12 performances between December 9 through December 18, in Segerstrom Hall. This year marks the seventh time that The Center has presented ABT’s The Nutcracker, Southern California’s grandest production of this beloved holiday tradition, featuring ABT’s international all-star cast. 

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Courtesy of scfta.org

A scene from “The Nutcracker”

This engagement will mark ABT’s last performances with Kevin McKenzie as artistic director, who is retiring after three decades at the helm. McKenzie was a leading dancer with both The Joffrey Ballet and the National Ballet of Washington before joining American Ballet Theatre as a soloist in March 1979. He was appointed a principal dancer the following December and danced with the company until 1991. McKenzie, 68, was appointed ABT’s artistic director in October 1992.

American Ballet Theatre has a long, storied history of producing several critically acclaimed productions of this annual family-friendly classic tale of Clara and the Nutcracker over the years. The Nutcracker, with its timeless music by Tchaikovsky and splendid costumes and scenery, is the perfect way to introduce children to ballet and even inspire them to study dance and become a little Clara or Nutcracker Prince. This production, with choreography by Alexei Ratmansky, scenery and costumes by Tony Award^®-winner Richard Hudson (Disney’s The Lion King) and lighting by Tony Award^®-winner Jennifer Tipton, received its World Premiere in 2010. 

Single tickets for American Ballet Theatre’s The Nutcracker start at $29 and are now available online at www.scfta.org, at the Box office at 600 Town Center Drive in Costa Mesa, or by calling 714.556.2787.

Letters to the Editor

Time to tell the Supervisors that it’s “No” on the vaccine passport

It’s time to stand up for our rights!

The Orange County Board of Supervisors will be voting on December 6 (Tuesday) whether to approve $3.4M towards a vaccine passport system for county residents. This is not about health safety. This is about controlling us. It is not about being vaccinated or unvaccinated at all. It is about controlling our behavior by limiting where we can go and what we can do. They seek to divide us.

It should be very clear that the vaccines do not deliver what we were told they would. Instituting a vaccine passport at this juncture is ridiculous and a huge overreach of power. 

This, coupled with their continuance of a health emergency in the county, proves they are trying to lock us down again. Do not let them.

–Doug Chaffee Chairman – 714.834.3440 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 

–Donald P. Wagner, Vice Chairman – 714.834.3330 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

–Andrew Do – 714.834.3110 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

–Katrina Foley – 714.834.3220 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

–Lisa Bartlett – 714.834.3550 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Sincerely,

Karen Hinton

Newport Beach

On the Harbor: holiday gift ideas for boaters

By LEN BOSE

With Christmas quickly approaching, you might be considering gift ideas for your crew or captain. If you are new to boating, the best gift you can receive is a slip in Newport Harbor, but we all understand that’s not going to happen very easily. For those of you fortunate enough to have a boat and even a slip in town, let’s talk about some Christmas gifts that are available in a short period of time.

For all of my Duffy boat owners, if you don’t already have Duffy Care, then this is the golden ticket of Duffy presents. Duffy Care is an annual maintenance service that has the Duffy crew come to your boat monthly to clean the boat – top to bottom – along with maintaining your batteries. And at the end of the year, they’ll haul the boat, apply bottom paint and detail it. This is a huge value. Other ideas are underwater lights or maybe new teak and holly matting for your cabin sole.

I stopped by Basin Marine (829 Harbor Island Drive #A, Newport Beach) this week and talked to owner, Derek New. New had many good ideas. One of my favorites was a mooring sand line hauler. This item makes it easy to pick up the sand lines by passing the sand line through a stainless-steel open loop which has a tether attached on the other end of the loop allowing you to easily bring the sand line from bow to stern. This is especially helpful if you have the type of boat that makes it difficult to walk down the side or if you just don’t want to get your hands murky.

Another great gift is the Cheater bar from Top Shelf Marine that allows you to free up those thru-hulls you need to add some leverage to. If you’re looking for something to really get the attention of other boaters in Catalina at 5 p.m., or on your Duffy, look up or ask New about Kahlenberg pleasure craft and yacht horns. If you want to blow the socks off someone, this is it.

Basin Marine has a large selection of underwater lights to consider that can be installed during your next haul out. Speaking of haul outs, they also offer gift certificates that would be deeply appreciated by your skippers. I’d recommend you schedule your spring haul out now, because the yard was jammed packet while I was there.

If you are considering a new sound system for your boat, I couldn’t be more pleased with the service from Hendersons Car Audio at 2137 Harbor Blvd. in Costa Mesa. I have been sending customers to them for years and I always receive good reviews of their work.

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Photo by Len Bose

Kathy Hill, owner of Crews Quarters Newport

By now you might be saying well that’s all well and good Len, but I don’t own a boat of my own nor do I have a slip. Well, if you are looking for a boat parade gift or yachting apparel, then you have to go by and visit Crews Quarters Newport, located at 333 E. 17th St., Ste. 4 in Costa Mesa. I stopped by and visited with owner Kathy Hill this week. The store is full of great ideas for the boat owner that has everything. Plates, cups, pillows, the ideas are endless…with all kinds of different personalized items. Hill mentioned that many of these have very quick turnaround times. There was yachting attire for kids, women and men that caught my attention. Hill also showed me items for the galley or heads with different towels and soaps along with many grab-and-go items, as well as personalized stationery. If you are not sure what your favorite crew or skipper might want, there are always gift certificates available. Crews Quarters Newport is a must-see for many of your holiday gifts, and the best part is that it’s easy to get in and out of the parking lot. Hill will take care of you with old-fashioned personalized customer service, which these days can be almost as difficult to find as a slip.

My last recommendation for personalized fender covers, hats, shirts, crew bags or a custom boat flag is to head to Sunset Printing and Graphics at 8580 Hamilton Ave. in Huntington Beach. Denise and Will Hawes have done a fantastic work for me over the years from personalizing boat names to embroidering, trophy ideas and banners. I give Denise an overview of what I am looking for and let her go from there. I have never been disappointed with their work.

I am reminding all of you, the Christmas Boat Parade runs December 14-18, so it is always a good idea to run the parade route during the day before the parade begins to look for any hazards.

Sea yak! 

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Len Bose is a yachting enthusiast, yacht broker and harbor columnist for Stu News Newport.

Orange County Community Foundation receives $500,000 to support their Workforce Development Initiative

The Orange County Community Foundation (OCCF), based in Newport Beach, announced a $400,000 award from The James Irvine Foundation and a $100,000 award from The Nicholas Endowment to support the Community Foundation’s Workforce Development Initiative (WDI). These grants will allow OCCF to create formal pipelines for community college students to acquire credentials and secure employment in career-oriented, living-wage, middle-skill jobs in Orange County.

Launched in September 2019 in response to community data indicating a dire need to connect low-income youth and young adults to unfilled middle-skill jobs in the region, OCCF utilized an initial cohort of four collaborative projects to ensure a more educated and trained workforce. Skilled jobs were prioritized within the health, IT and advanced manufacturing industries. According to the 2019 OC Indicators Report, these jobs accounted for 48% of the county’s middle-skill job openings. The goal of the OCCF’s Workforce Development Initiative is to increase the number of community college students who secure middle-skill jobs by partnering with educational institutions, employers, and nonprofits to eliminate barriers for students wanting to achieve their educational and career goals.

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Submitted photo

OCCF receives grants to support community college students’ endeavors to acquire credentials and secure employment in career-oriented, living-wage, middle-skill jobs in Orange County

While OCCF has continued its work to build an inclusive and sustainable local economy by supporting the creation of quality jobs with equitable access, in September 2021, Governor Gavin Newsom signed Senate Bill (SB) 162, which established the Community Economic Resilience Fund (CERF) to do the same across 13 California regions, including Orange County. OCCF has partnered with the Orange County Business Council, Charitable Ventures, and Orange County Grantmakers to join as a High Road Transition Collaborative (HRTC) philanthropic sector co-lead member that will ensure a fair governance structure, effective planning and implementation and engage private funding to expand CERF efforts. OCCF will utilize its newly awarded grants to incorporate CERF information and explore opportunities to leverage its work on the WDI.

“Our Workforce Development Initiative is a promise to the Orange County community that we’ll continue to prioritize initiatives that give residents equitable access to opportunities so that they can thrive,” said Shelley Hoss, president and CEO of the Orange County Community Foundation. “We’re thankful to the James Irvine Foundation and The Nicholas Endowment for supporting this initiative and partnering with us to develop a stronger and more resilient workforce.”

OCCF is recognized as the center of gravity for Orange County philanthropy, acting as an unparalleled resource for local philanthropists and their families for more than 30 years by offering unique insights, deep knowledge, and a diverse array of tools to support both lifetime and legacy giving. To learn more about the Orange County Community Foundation, visit www.oc-cf.org.

Chita Rivera to grace the Segerstrom Center stage on December 11

Come celebrate the one and only Chita Rivera in a unique concert event, CHITA: THE RHYTHM OF MY LIFE, for a single performance only on Sunday, Dec. 11 at 2 p.m., presented by Segerstrom Center for the Arts at the Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall. Rivera’s special guests will be Broadway favorite George Dvorsky and her daughter, Lisa Mordente. 

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Photo by Laura Marie Duncan

Chita Rivera

This incomparable Tony Award winner will recreate signature moments from her legendary Broadway career from West Side Story, Sweet Charity and Bye Bye Birdie to Chicago, Kiss of the Spider Woman, The Visit and more. In addition to a tribute to her dear friends John Kander and Fred Ebb, the timeless music of Leonard Bernstein, Charles Strouse & Lee Adams, Jerry Herman and Stephen Sondheim will also be featured, accompanied by Rivera’s long-time trio.

A theatrical icon and one of Broadway’s greatest triple-threat talents, Rivera is one of the most nominated performers in Tony Award history having earned 10 nominations, and won twice and received the 2018 Special Tony Award for Lifetime Achievement in the Theatre. A versatile actress/singer/dancer, her most recent starring roles include The Visit, the final John Kander/Fred Ebb/Terrence McNally musical directed by John Doyle and choreographed by Graciela Daniele on Broadway; the Broadway revival of The Mystery of Edwin Drood; the Broadway and touring productions of The Dancer’s Life, a dazzling musical celebrating her spectacular career, written by Terrence McNally and directed by Graciela Daniele and the revival of the Broadway musical Nine with Antonio Banderas. 

Her long-awaited book CHITA: A MEMOIR will be published by HarperOne in April 2023.

Tickets are now on sale at www.scfta.org.

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

Community invited to complimentary AWG dinner for updates on airport noise and pollution

The Airport Working Group of Orange County invites residents and community members to their dinner meeting on Monday, Dec. 5. The event will be held from 5:45-7:30 p.m. at the OASIS Senior Center, with the complimentary dinner served at 6 p.m., followed with the meeting beginning at 6:30 p.m.

AWG has been working on numerous initiatives in 2022 to help members, neighbors and friends. And, although they acknowledge that much has been accomplished, they continue to develop programs to mitigate the sources of noise and pollution from aviation operations at John Wayne Airport (JWA). 

Residents and the local small aircraft owner pilots have been loyal supporters of AWG for almost four decades. With the dinner meeting, AWG wants to take the opportunity to offer updates on their successes and critical plans going forward, particularly 2023. 

There will be presentations and two guest speakers, including a senior operations manager of Frontier Airlines who has been working with AWG to reduce noise.

Seating is limited, so RSVP by email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., or call 949.873.5288 leaving a voice message with your name, name of your guest and contact information to confirm your reservation. 

The OASIS Senior Center is located at 801 Narcissus Ave., Corona del Mar.

Remembering our local fallen veterans on National Wreaths Across America Day

Every December, National Wreaths Across America Day aims to lay holiday wreaths to remember and honor those who have served or are currently serving our country. Ceremonies take place at Arlington National Cemetery, as well as at more than 2,800 additional locations in the U.S., at sea and abroad.

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Photo by Doug Forde

Volunteers placing wreaths on veterans’ gravesites at Pacific View

Locally, on Saturday, Dec. 17 at Pacific View Mortuary & Memorial Park in Corona del Mar beginning at 9 a.m., the community is invited to help the Newport Beach Country Club Dewsweepers and friends honor our local heroes by volunteering to place remembrance wreaths on the graves of our country’s fallen heroes, sponsoring a wreath to be placed at a veteran’s gravesite and inviting friends and family to help. There are 8,000 veterans’ graves at Pacific View and the goal is to place wreaths on each of them.

For more information on how you can show your support by sponsoring a wreath and/or volunteering on Wreaths Day, visit www.wreathacrossamerica.org/CA0551.

Pacific View Mortuary & Memorial Park is located at 3500 Pacific View Drive, Corona del Mar.

CdM Chamber to hold festive Holiday Networking Luncheon

An annual tradition returns to the Five Crowns when the Corona del Mar Chamber of Commerce holds its festive Holiday Networking Luncheon on Wednesday, Dec. 14. You don’t want to miss this special event, so make your reservations early. This event will sell out. RSVP prior to November 30.

Festivities include check-in and networking from 11:15-11:45 a.m. with the program and lunch taking place from 11:46 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Entertainment will be provided by the CdM Madrigals. 

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Courtesy of CdM Chamber of Commerce

The menu includes Lawry’s Traditional Rock Salt Roasted Prime Rib, mashed potatoes, creamed spinach, Yorkshire pudding and dessert. (Vegetarian Alternative is available).

There will be a Santa gift exchange and a visit from Santa Claus! Bring a wrapped gift (maximum value $20 to participate, optional, but fun). There will be networking and self-introductions, and a cash bar is available.

Cost: Chamber members, $55; Guests, $65. Advance reservations only. To reserve your space, go here.

Street parking is available with valet parking at $7.

Five Crowns restaurant is located at 3801 E. Coast highway, Corona del Mar.

Celebrate the holiday season with the return of A Christmas Carol to South Coast Repertory

South Coast Repertory (SCR) celebrates the holiday season with their 42nd production of A Christmas Carol, a longtime Orange County favorite. The Charles Dickens classic, adapted by Jerry Patch, runs November 26-December 24 on the Segerstrom Stage.

SCR Founding Member Richard Doyle returns for his second year as Ebenezer Scrooge. His performances as the miserly curmudgeon in last year’s production drew critical praise. And Hisa Takakuwa returns to direct, along with Artistic Director David Ivers and Managing Director Paula Tomei.

“A Christmas Carol resonates deeply with me,” Ivers said. “It inspires me on a professional level and has become a beacon to me on a personal level. Everyone who saw Richard Doyle take the top hat and scarf and make it his own last year knew they were watching something special. When you combine that with Hisa Takakuwa’s knowledge and artistry, an outstanding cast and stellar creative team, you have a truly special holiday experience.”

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Photos by Jenny Graham/SCR

Richard Doyle as Scrooge

All in all, Doyle brings 37 years of A Christmas Carol experience to audiences. He has played many of the show’s characters, including the Ghosts of Christmas Past and Present, Fezziwig, Scrooge’s nephew Fred and both solicitors.

“This year will be slightly different, because this year, I will have an ownership of this amazing role I was charged with creating for the first-time last year,” Doyle said. “Now, rather than working to make it my own, it will be my story to tell. Actors are at heart storytellers and as stories go, this is a great one.”

Takakuwa relishes her role as director. She served as assistant director for 14 years and also appeared in the production for 14 more. Her experience with the production, her skill working with the 16 children who alternate performances and the level of trust she inspires among both returning actors and newcomers adds to the quality awaiting audiences.

“I am honored to both shepherd the cherished legacy of SCR’s A Christmas Carol and support beloved Founding Artist Richard Doyle as he continues to deepen and grow his Ebenezer Scrooge,” Takakuwa said. “I am especially excited to welcome several new cast members into the A Christmas Carol family this year, all of whom are SCR veterans. As always, there will be a bit of new to keep it fresh for audiences, but never at the cost of the heart-warming and comforting holiday classic that so many hold as a family tradition.”

Joining Doyle in A Christmas Carol’s cast are Preston Maybank (Bob Cratchit), Michael Manuel (Ghost of Marley), Richard Soto (Ghost of Christmas Present), Jennifer Parsons (Ghost of Christmas Past), Melody Butiu (Mrs. Fezziwig/Solicitor), Tommy Beck (Young Scrooge), Larry Bates (Fred/Gentleman), Kelsey Bray (Mrs. Shelley/Pursued Maiden), Eduardo Enrikez (Joe, Young Marley), Michael Reese Shald (Topper), Erika Schindele (Belle), Nick Slimmer (Thomas Shelley), William Francis McGuire (Mr. Fezziwig), Elyse Mirto (Mrs. Cratchit) and Alicia Coca (Sally).

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Richard Doyle as Scrooge and Julia Ner as Tiny Tim in the 2022 SCR production of “A Christmas Carol”

The cast is joined by 16 young performers, who are divided into two eight-person teams. The teams alternate performances. The child actors are students in the SCR Theatre Conservatory who auditioned for their roles after completing at least two years in the Conservatory.

The creative team includes Thomas Buderwitz, scenic design; Dwight Richard Odle, costume design; Donna & Tom Ruzika, lighting design; Dennis McCarthy, music arrangement/composer; Drew Dalzell, sound design; Dennis Castellano, vocal director; Kelly Todd, choreographer; Joanne DeNaut, CSA, casting and Talia Krispel, production stage manager.

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(L-R) William Francis McGuire, Alicia Coca, Tommy Beck, Jennifer Parsons and members of the cast in the “A Christmas Carol,” 2022

A Christmas Carol received generous support from Honorary Producers Julianne and George Argyros/Argyros Family Foundation. 

Tickets are now on sale and range in price from $35-$101, with additional discounts available for children under 12. Tickets may be purchased online at www.scr.org or by phone at 714.708.5555. 

Segerstrom Center for the Arts is located at 600 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa. For more information, visit www.scfta.org.

Tickets for Island Holiday Home Tour now on sale

Make plans to kick off the holiday season at the 24th Annual Balboa Island Holiday Home Walking Tour on Sunday, Dec. 11 from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. The tour includes eight tastefully decorated island homes and cottages at your leisure and all are sure to spark holiday cheer! 

Tickets are now on sale for $40. They may also be purchased online at www.balboaislandnb.org and at the following locations on Balboa Island: Balboa Island Museum Newport Beach, Crush Clothing and Sur Le Mer. Tickets purchased online can be picked up the morning of the tour after 9:30 a.m. at “Will Call” at the Balboa Island Museum Newport Beach located at 210 Marine Ave. #B, Balboa Island.

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Courtesy of BIIA

Tour Balboa Island homes decorated for the holidays on December 11

Tickets can also be purchased off the Island at Bliss Home Design on Pacific Coast Highway in Corona del Mar, Blue Springs Home on 17th Street in Costa Mesa and Seaside Gallery & Goods on Tustin Avenue in Newport Beach.

Come join in for a fun day on the island and ,as a bonus, be sure to visit all the shops on Marine and Agate avenues for holiday shopping and refreshments!

Also, new this year, please visit the Holiday Market at the Royal Hen Restaurant on Marine Ave. from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m.

The tour is sponsored by the Balboa Island Improvement Association.

Pet of the Week 

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

Let’s talk about one of their ABSOLUTELY favorite girls. Meet Mika Rose. At just about 1 year and 7 months in age, this ideal, medium-to-large breed Labrador/Terrier/Bully mix is so human friendly that she’s like honey. She takes a bit to get to know new people, but she loves, loves, LOVES humans. She’s probably totally fine with dogs too, because she is very non-reactive. Her personality is not alpha. Her true self has shown shelter staff and volunteers that she is gentle and has the most fantastic manners. She’s trained and loves to give you her paw. If you’ve been looking for a family house dog that you can get to know and will stand by your side with absolute loyalty, then Mika Rose is your dog. It would probably be best if children in the household are maybe a mature 9-12 years of age and older, only because it would be easier for Mika Rose to receive clear signals from them. If you are interested in meeting a truly beautiful shelter favorite, feel free to contact the Newport Beach Animal Shelter at either 949.718.3454 or at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. and they’ll go from there. 

Courtesy of the Newport Beach Animal Shelter

Meet Mika Rose

In addition, they have a great new professional photographer who is donating her time to help the shelter get the best out of their pet guests. They invite you to visit Andrea Domjan’s IG page at @andrea_domjan_photography to see all of her fabulous photography that she shares with the world. 

The shelter does require completed application forms for their animals, so simply print one up from their non-profit’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 upon review, they’ll call you to schedule an appointment. If you have any questions, call 949.718.3454.

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.

Shop local at the 2022 ENC Artisans Marketplace on December 4

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Courtesy of ENC

Shop for handmade and vintage gifts from 50+ local artisans at the 2022 Artisans Marketplace coming to the Environmental Nature Center (ENC) this Sunday, Dec. 4 from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Handmade and vintage gifts are from 50+ local artisans offering a variety of eco-friendly, sustainable, products. The $2 entry fee goes directly to their environmental education programs. Come hungry to enjoy great food vendors and bring your own reusable plates and utensils to receive a raffle ticket and be entered to win one of two fabulous prizes. Learn more here. Environmental Nature Center, 1601 E. 16th St., Newport Beach.

Grammy award-winning Pacific Chorale presents two holiday programs in December 

The Grammy award-winning Pacific Chorale, led by Artistic Director Robert Istad, presents two holiday programs in December.

The group begins with Carols by Candlelight on Saturday, Dec. 3 and Wednesday, Dec. 7, at Our Lady Queen of Angels Catholic Church at 8 p.m. They return to the Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall, Segerstrom Center for the Arts on Sunday, Dec. 18, at 5 p.m. and Monday, Dec. 19 at 7:30 p.m.

Carols by Candlelight spotlights timeless, traditional and contemporary holiday music, including a choir-commissioned world premiere by noted LA-based Filipino composer Saunder Choi, a tenor in the chorus whose work has been described as “fresh and earnest” (San Francisco Classical Voice).

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Courtesy of Pacific Chorale

Pacific Chorale presents “Tis the Season!,” a family-friendly program replete with festive carols, holiday favorites and even a visit from Santa Claus on December 18 and 19 at the Reneé and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall

Tis the Season! is a family-friendly program replete with festive carols, holiday favorites and a visit from The Man in Red – Santa Claus.

Tickets for Carols by Candlelight range from $25-$27 and tickets to Tis the Season! range from $30-$156.

For more information and tickets, visit www.pacificchorale.org, or call 714.662.2345.

Our Lady Queen of Angels Catholic Church is located at 2046 Mar Vista Drive, Newport Beach.

Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall at Segerstrom Center for the Arts is located at 600 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa.

ENC presents Reading in the Redwoods

Environmental Nature Center (ENC) is presenting “Reading in the Redwoods” during December. Join the fun with a morning nature exploration every month as they read a book, meet animals and engage in hands-on activities around a particular nature theme.

On Sunday, Dec. 11, ENC Early Childhood Education Specialist, Chandler Barger, will read the international bestseller, Bear Snores On by Karma Wilson and Jane Chapman. Enjoy a relaxing morning with your family while you read under the canopy of their tallest trees.

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Courtesy of ENC

ENC Early Childhood Education Specialist Chandler Barger will read “Bear Snores On”

After, children and their adults will participate in hands-on activities like creating their own bear den, exploring animals’ winter adaptations and enjoying native plant tea.

Bring your own towel or blanket to sit on. Parents are expected to remain with their children at all times. All ages are welcome.

Schedule: Check in from 9:45-10 a.m.; 10-11:30 a.m., Reading in the Redwoods and hands-on activities.

Cost: Child, Pre-registered member, $5; Child, Pre-registered non-member, $7; there is no charge for adults.

Participants can register via the link here.

Crown Ace Hardware holding Toy Drive to benefit CHOC

Crown Ace Hardware, with three locations in Newport Beach and Corona del Mar, is holding a Toy Drive to benefit children at CHOC Children’s Hospital. Children of all ages, from infants to teens, will be delivered toys this year with your contributions.

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Photo by Lana Johnson

The final collection day is December 15

Toys Wish List (All toys must be in new packaging):

–Infant/Toddler toys

–Dolls and accessories

–Arts & Crafts

–Sticker kits

–Puzzles

–Games

–Coloring books

They are not able to accept:

–Gift-wrapped toys

–Used items

–Stuffed animals

–Nerf guns or toys with weapons or violent themes

–Gifts that are religious in nature

Simply stop by a Crown Ace Hardware store and drop your new, unwrapped toy donation in the bin. Final collection day is Thursday, Dec. 15, when the last of the toys will be delivered to CHOC Children’s Hospital. You generous donations will help make miracles happen for very special children this year.

Crown Ace Hardware has three locations locally: 1024 Irvine Ave. (Westcliff Plaza), Newport Beach, 2644 San Miguel Drive (Newport Hills), Newport Beach and 3107 E. Coast Highway, Corona del Mar.

Coming to Segerstrom Center for the Arts is the most wonderful time of the year line-up

Nothing says the holidays like Segerstrom Center for the Arts and their incredible offering of performances, making it the most wonderful time of the year.

It doesn’t get any better than the Mannheim Steamroller Christmas; The Nutcracker; Silent Night Silent Disco; Holidays Around the World; The Broadway Hollywood Holiday Songbook; Alton Brown Live Beyond the Eats – the Holiday Variant; Johnny Mathis Christmas Concert; Fiesta Navidad and Salute to Vienna.

It’s a magical roster of international music, dance, legendary recording artists and family holiday cheer making for a most remarkable holiday season at Segerstrom Center for the Arts. 

Celebrate all month long, beginning on Sunday, Dec. 4 with every family’s Christmas classic, Mannheim Steamroller Christmas and then continuing with fun outdoor events including Silent Night Silent Disco (Friday, Dec. 9) and Holidays Around the World (Saturday, Dec. 10). Next, Sugar plums and fairies grace the stage with the return of American Ballet Theatre’s The Nutcracker (December 9-18), followed by seasonal concerts The Broadway Hollywood Holiday Songbook (December 15-17), Johnny Mathis Christmas Concert (December 23), Fiesta Navidad (December 23) and the season culminates with Salute to Vienna (January 1, 2023). 

Taking a closer look:

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Courtesy of scfta.org

“Mannheim Steamroller Christmas” kicks off the holiday performances in Segerstrom Hall on December 4

Mannheim Steamroller Christmas by Chip Davis, Sunday, Dec. 4 at 7 p.m. in Segerstrom Hall. Tickets start at $59. This ultimate holiday tradition has been America’s favorite for more than 35 years. Grammy Award winner Chip Davis has created a show that features Christmas classics in the distinctive Mannheim sound. The program celebrates the group’s recent anniversary of 35 years since the first Christmas album. This year’s show will feature classic Christmas hits from the Mannheim Steamroller holiday albums along with multimedia effects in an intimate setting.

Silent Night Silent Disco, Friday, Dec. 9 in the Julianne and George Argyros Plaza. Tickets at $15.

Ring in the holiday season at Silent Night Silent Disco! with three upbeat channels to choose from on your own light-up wireless headphones. There’s something for everyone to enjoy – whether you love the holiday classics or Top 40, The Silent DJs will have you rockin’ around the dance floor all night long. 

Holidays Around the World, Saturday, Dec. 10 at the Julianne and George Argyros Plaza, and free with an RSVP. This festive family fun transforms the Plaza into a winter wonderland. Enjoy live performances from local music and dance groups that celebrate holiday traditions from around the world, create your own seasonal craft and keep an eye on the sky…you just might experience a little holiday magic with their spectacular snowfall on the Plaza.

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Courtesy of scfta.org

“American Ballet Theatre: The Nutcracker” is a dazzling holiday spectacle

American Ballet Theatre: The Nutcracker runs December 9-18 in Segerstrom Hall. Tickets start at $29. SoCal’s favorite holiday tradition returns with American Ballet Theatre’s critically acclaimed production of The Nutcracker. Created by one of today’s most celebrated choreographers, Alexei Ratmansky, this dazzling holiday treat features ABT’s roster of superstar dancers along with gorgeous sets and costumes by Tony award winner Richard Hudson and The Pacific Symphony playing Tchaikovsky’s timeless score.

The Nutcracker is the tale of a young girl, Clara, who receives the gift of a nutcracker doll at her family’s Christmas party. In her dreams that night, the nutcracker doll comes to life as a handsome prince who joins her on a magical journey. Together, they travel to lands filled with dancing snowflakes, waltzing flowers, a mouse army and other exotic characters, all brought to vivid life on stage by a cast of more than 100 performers.

The Broadway Hollywood Holiday Songbook runs December 15-17 at 7:30 p.m. in the Samueli Theater. Tickets start at $79. In a celebration of classic holiday music, The Broadway Hollywood Holiday Songbook is coming to the Center and spreading festive cheer this season. This delightful performance by Aaron Lazar and Kerry O’Malley features great holiday songs from Broadway shows and films.

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Courtesy of scfta.org

“Alton Brown Live Beyond the Eats – The Holiday Variant” where you can expect the unexpected from a Food Network icon

Alton Brown Live Beyond the Eats – The Holiday Variant is set for Tuesday, Dec. 20 at 7:30 p.m. in Segerstrom Hall. Tickets start at $39.

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Get out and explore Buck Gully this autumn

Taking a hike in the Buck Gully Reserve, which connects Corona del Mar and Newport Coast, is the perfect opportunity to enjoy the cooler weather. Explore this 300-acre natural habitat on foot, with three hikes led by the Irvine Ranch Conservancy staff.

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Photos by Emily Spain

Enjoy panoramic views as you take in the canyon’s natural beauty

–Bridges of Buck Gully Hikes: Buck Gully is a natural, coastal canyon which opened up to the public in 2012 with the installation of four bridges to allow for safe public access. Discover the bridges on Tuesday, Dec. 6, which facilitate exploration of the Buck Gully Reserve, and also provide unique vantages and viewing platforms from which to pause and observe the abundant life in and around the stream. The guided program starts with a short walk from the OASIS Senior Center to the beginning of the Buck Gully trail, offering a visually dramatic entrance into this special canyon. Open to those 12 years and older. Conducted at a walking pace at approximately 3 miles per hour. Distance is 5 miles; duration is 3.5 hours with moderate difficulty. This hike is free, but registration is required. Meet at the OASIS Senior Center auxiliary lot at 5th and Marguerite in Corona del Mar. Register at www.letsgooutside.org.

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Several bridges provide unique vantages and viewing platforms

–Buck Gully Loop Hikes: Come and explore the entire Buck Gully Reserve trail system on Tuesday, Dec. 13 from 8-11:30 a.m. Beginning from the OASIS Senior Center, you’ll hike up through the almost three-mile length of the canyon, then along San Joaquin Hills Road for about a mile, stopping at Canyon Watch Park, where you will take in the panoramic view of the reserve and the Pacific coastline before descending back into the canyon along the Bobcat Trail. This hike is 6 miles; duration, 3.5 hours with high-moderate difficulty and conducted at a walking pace, approximately three miles per hour. It is geared to those 12+ years of age. This hike is free, but registration is required. Meet at the OASIS Senior Center auxiliary lot at 5th and Marguerite in Corona del Mar Register at www.letsgooutside.org.

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The stream is running, making for a memorable late afternoon/early evening hike

–Buck Gully Upper Loop Evening Hikes: Explore the richness of Buck Gully Reserve as you hike during the beautiful early evening hours on Saturday, Dec. 20 from 3-5:30 p.m. The stream is running, and the rich plant and animal life are enjoying the cool, shady canyon making for an evening hike in a natural oasis amid the suburban surroundings. Walk along San Joaquin Hills Road, which overlooks Buck Gully for the first mile, then drop down into the canyon on the Bobcat Trail, looping back through the upper end of the gully along the Buck Gully Trail. This activity is conducted at a walking pace, approximately 3 miles per hour. The distance is 4 miles; duration, 2.5 hours with moderate difficulty. This hike is open to those 8 years and older. This hike is free, but registration is required. Staging area is the Newport Coast Community Center at 6401 San Joaquin Hills Road. Register at www.letsgooutside.org.

Police Beat Primer

Compiled by Tom Johnson 

Police Beat derives from information in the log maintained at the front counter by the Newport Beach Police Department and required under CA Government Code Section 6254 (f). The press does not have access to written police reports.

Information in the police department log is deemed reliable and StuNewsNewport is not responsible for mistakes made available as public record by the Newport Beach Police Department.

Any person arrested is innocent until found guilty in a court of law.

Abbreviations sometimes used in Police Beat:

647f – Public Intoxication; DUI – Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs; NFA – No fixed address; RP – Reporting/Responsible Party; UTL – Unable to locate