Fair Game
By TOM JOHNSON
Local students organizing a fundraiser with a record goal in mind…they need your help
I found out about a local fundraiser last week involving a group of students from Newport Harbor High School. The fundraiser and awareness builder is for The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) of Orange County and the Inland Empire.
Murphy Malouf, 15, Luca Curci, 15 and Julian Knott, 16, are the NHHS student leaders of Team Cancer Crushers who have set out with a target of trying to break the overall fundraising record for this annual LLS Student of the Year campaign.
The current record is $122,000 and the team is well on their way I’m told. That being said, the boys tell me there’s still a long ways to go and they need the community’s support to help get them there.
This is where you come in. There are several ways to get involved. First, you can simply click here and make a donation in whatever amount you’re comfortable with.
The second way to participate is in a cycling fundraising event planned by the Crushers at MOXI3 on Sunday, March 7 at 12 noon. MOXI3 is a cycling fitness center located at 125 Rochester in Costa Mesa, right behind El Matador restaurant. You can check them out here at https://moxi3.com/cycle/.
So, other than feeling good about helping others, the winning team will also earn 2021 Student of the Year recognition (wouldn’t that look good on a college application) and have the opportunity to win scholarships.
This annual fundraiser has become a legacy event for NHHS, going on I’m told some 6+ years. Last year, a team led by NHHS student Aiden Brutman was the inspiration for this year’s participants. In fact, Knott said, “My friends did it last year and had a good time, and besides it’s doing something good for others.”
Curci says he was inspired because an immediate family member experienced cancer, while Malouf watched his sister successfully participate last year.
The boys reminded me that the research by LLS benefits all cancer studies, so really everyone benefits, and the fact that LLS is one of the largest nonprofit organizations in the world doesn’t hurt either.
(L-R) Team Cancer Crushers student leaders Murphy Malouf, Luca Curci and Julian Knott
Here’s what I really want you to know: these are good kids from good families. So let’s help make this happen. Fundraising officially closes March 20th.
B-t-w, you should also know that the Cancer Crushers’ other teammates include Brady Hatfield, Race Barton, McKenzie Greer, Kate Bashore, Juliane Kwong, Max Berkenfield, Dylan Li, Noah Foigelman, Noah Wickett, Jillian Schlom, Oliver Ayala and Lucy Shannon.
You can follow Team Cancer Crushers’ fundraising progress on Instagram at @cancercrusherlls.
If you’re not familiar with LLS, their work is changing the lives of 1.2 million Americans living with blood cancer and supports many facets from investing in groundbreaking research, providing education and support to patients, and advocating at the state and federal level for legislation to help those living with cancer.
• • •
My dad and I use to go to the race track often. In fact, at one point we owned three thoroughbreds together and actually took two to the track.
He was always working on betting systems and would say, “You’ve gotta watch who the late money is coming in on.”
Yesterday, I took a look at the latest 497 Disclosure Forms filed by the candidates for the upcoming Special Election in the race for the Orange County Board of Supervisor seat for the Second District. Former State Senator John Moorlach, Costa Mesa Mayor Katrina Foley, Newport Beach Mayor Pro Tem Kevin Muldoon, Fountain Valley Mayor Michael Vo and Corona del Mar attorney Janet Rappaport are the candidates vying for Michelle Steel’s vacated seat.
So, as my dad would say, “Who’s the late money coming in on?”
Checking the totals for each candidate’s forms filed between February 1 and February 22, here’s what I found. Foley brought in the most money with $100,400; Moorlach received $65,300; Muldoon banked $32,600; Vo received $30,200, discounting the $140,000 he “bet” on himself out of his own pockets; and Rappaport received $5,200.
Now, having all of this information, what does that tell us? Well, I never remember my dad winning often at the track, so probably nothing. But it does seem to be a two-horse race (trying to keep to the theme) between Foley and Moorlach, with Muldoon running for the show.
Oh, and one other thing I should probably toss in, with Vo betting a huge chunk on himself, it reminds me that my dad did the same thing on our horses and I don’t ever remember him winning a dime.
The Special Election is underway through Election Day on March 9.
• • •
I’m excited today to announce that Sara Hall is joining the Stu News team. Those of you around Newport Beach City Hall know Sara. She worked for the Newport Beach Independent and covered the local political scene.
Click on photo for a larger image
Photo by Charles Weinberg
Sara Hall
Sara comes to us with 14 years as a reporter and editor at several daily and weekly community newspapers, including The Record Searchlight in Redding, Calif., and the The Daily Advocate in Greenville, Ohio. Her work has included photography, design and layout, in addition to her writing.
My business partners and I have been eyeing Sara for several years just waiting for the right time to bring her aboard. Well, that time is now!
If you have a story idea or want to reach Sara, find her at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
Police Files
PCH closed following pursuit, suspect arrested for alleged vehicle theft
Coast Highway was closed in Newport Coast early Friday (Feb. 19) afternoon following a police chase that had come to a conclusion there.
The suspect, William Joey Bennett, 29, of Los Angeles, was spotted near Ruby’s Diner in Laguna Beach in a vehicle reported stolen out of Los Angeles. Laguna Beach police pursued the vehicle as it headed north into Newport Beach where Newport Beach Police also joined in the pursuit.
The suspect was stopped near Crystal Heights Road but then refused to exit the vehicle. SWAT teams from Newport Beach and Irvine PDs arrived on the scene and eventually forced the man to finally surrender.
Laguna Beach Police arrested the suspect, and he was later booked into Orange County Jail. He was arrested for allegedly taking a vehicle without the owner’s consent/vehicle theft and on an outstanding warrant. He was also under Post Release Community Supervision (PRCS) for carjacking, according to Laguna Beach Police.
Editor’s Note: An arrest contains allegations that a suspect has committed a crime. Every defendant is presumed to be innocent until and unless proven guilty in court.
Body of deceased female found inside vehicle near Newport Pier
Newport Beach Police discovered the body of a deceased 22-year-old female inside a vehicle in the parking lot adjacent to Newport Pier on Friday (Feb. 19). The vehicle was parked with a windshield cover inside the vehicle obstructing the front view. There reportedly were previous parking tickets on the windshield inserted under the driver’s side windshield wiper, according to an eyewitness.
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Courtesy of a Stu News Newport reader
Police tape surrounds vehicle in the Newport Pier parking lot where a deceased 22-year-old female was discovered
The identification of the decedent has yet to be released by the Orange County Coroner’s office.
A Newport Beach Police spokesperson said that “there is nothing suspicious” about the death.
Virtual workshop to discuss the city’s future on housing
The City of Newport Beach will host a workshop and discussion session on Wednesday, Feb. 24, from 6-8 p.m., to gather community input on proposed housing sites and policy strategies to help meet the Regional Housing Needs Allocation (RHNA) state mandate.
The city is anticipating zoning for an additional 4,834 housing units to comply with the state-mandated RHNA planning. The workshop will update the community on the General Plan Housing Element and gather input on the proposed housing opportunity sites.
The housing workshop is a continuation of a series of virtual workshops, online activities and educational videos to engage Newport Beach residents in the General Plan update. The housing workshop will be hosted on Zoom. It will be discussion-based, with polls and surveys incorporated. Click here to register.
The General Plan update effort builds upon the Newport Together process launched in the Fall of 2019. At this time, the primary focus is on the Housing and Circulation Elements to comply with state law.
The city’s Housing Element details the city’s strategy for enhancing and preserving community character and identifies strategies for expanding housing. The Circulation Element governs how cars and people move through the city on local roadways, buses, ferries and trails. Over the next few months, the city will host additional opportunities to provide input into the Housing and Circulation Elements, as well as environmental justice policies for the General Plan Update.
Over the past few months, Newport Beach has been in the process of identifying housing opportunity sites to meet the state RNHA mandate.
For more Information, visit www.NewportTogether.com.
Birthday surprise on Balboa Island
Click on photo for a larger image
Photo by Chris Crosson (Instagram @sandcastlekit)
According to local sandcastle artist Chris Crosson, who created this piece, “Sue surprised her good friend Kim for her 60th birthday with a bottle of champagne, vintage 1961. The back label of the bottle included a personal message.”
Are you doing your fair share?
Philanthropy is the lifeblood of nonprofits throughout our community and across the country. Kindness funds help to the homeless and downtrodden; children, who in many cases, would have to do without; medical and health support for so many who are out of other options; and so much more.
Our Spotlight on Philanthropy is designed to show you the inner workings of programs touching our community and, hopefully, encourage you to take a closer look.
Featured Charitable Organization:
What does the Hoag Hospital Foundation do?
Hoag Hospital Foundation advances the mission of Hoag through meaningful and inspirational philanthropic partnerships.
What programs does the Foundation’s work support at Hoag?
Hoag Hospital Foundation’s fundraising efforts support every area of Hoag.
Why should people donate to the Foundation?
Donor support helps Hoag provide exceptional health care to our community and beyond. Philanthropy ensures Hoag remains on the leading edge of medical innovation, maintains the most advanced facilities and technology, and attracts the world’s top clinicians.
What support opportunities are available?
Donors may direct their gift of any amount to a specific institute or fund supporting a Hoag initiative that best matches their area of interest. Donors also have the opportunity to give to the area of greatest need.
In response to the COVID-19 crisis, Hoag Hospital Foundation established the COVID-19 Support Fund in the Spring of 2020. The fund supports Hoag in caring for community members affected by the virus as well as the caregivers and staff who are working tirelessly to treat them. To date, generous donors and companies have collectively given more than $7 million to the fund. Thanks to this support, Hoag has been well-prepared to meet the challenges of the pandemic and has been a national leader in clinical research efforts to advance treatments and a vaccine.
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Photos courtesy of Hoag Hospital
Robert T. Braithwaite, president and CEO, Hoag
How do people give?
Gifts can be made online at www.hoaghospitalfoundation.org, or sent to the Hoag Hospital Foundation at 330 Placentia Ave., Suite 100, Newport Beach, CA 92663. Donors can also connect personally with a Hoag Hospital Foundation staff member by calling 949.764.7217.
What are the Foundation’s major fundraisers and when do they take place?
Hoag’s Christmas Carol Ball is a beloved and time-honored tradition, bringing together Hoag donors and friends in festive celebration of the holiday, raising millions of dollars to further Hoag’s mission. Save the date for the 55th Annual Christmas Carol Ball on December 11, 2021.
Hoag Summer Fest draws approximately 1,500 guests each year to the Newport Dunes for food and beverage tastings from more than 40 of Orange County’s best restaurants with fabulous live entertainment.
Circle 1000 was founded by Newport Beach resident and breast cancer survivor Sandy Sewell in 1987. She gathered a group of friends and asked them each to contribute $1,000. She also tasked them with asking their own circle of friends to participate. From the powerful bonds of friendship, Circle 1000 has grown to more than 1,000 friends who gather in celebration and support of those affected by cancer at the annual Circle 1000 Founders’ Celebration Brunch. Circle 1000 Meals on Wheels participates in online fundraisers: Giving Tuesday in November, and a collaborative fundraiser called Preserving Dignity which usually happens in July.
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The waiting room at Hoag’s nationally recognized Breast Care Center
What the community needs to know.
Hoag Hospital Foundation recently completed its first-ever comprehensive fundraising campaign. Hoag Promise, Our Campaign to Lead, Innovate & Transform raised more than $760 million, far exceeding the original goal of $627 million. The Hoag Promise Campaign was comprehensive in the truest sense of the word – every Institute, every center, every program and every area of Hoag was touched. Through the Hoag Promise Campaign, generous donors established 19 endowed chairs, funded thousands of employee scholarships, launched new programs and centers, accelerated clinical research, supported the acquisition of groundbreaking technology and equipment, and led to innovative advances in care.
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Hoag Promise, Our Campaign to Lead, Innovate & Transform raised more than $760 million, far exceeding the original goal of $627 million
Names of the Foundation leadership group
Flynn Andrizzi, Ph.D. – President
Greg Gissendanner – Senior Vice President, Development
Nicole Balsamo – Vice President, Development
Danna Grant – Vice President, Donor Relations
Christy Ward – Vice President, Principal Gifts
Adam Gafke – Vice President, Development Operations & Campaigns
Hoag Hospital Foundation Board
Executive Committee
Kathleen Armstrong – Chair
Rick Taketa – Vice Chair
Jerry Jones – Treasurer
Debbie Margolis – Secretary
Flynn Andrizzi, Ph.D. – President, Hoag Hospital Foundation
Directors
Anthony Allen
Victor Assad
Trish Berchtold
Robert T. Braithwaite, President and CEO, Hoag
James O. Buckingham
Benjamin Du
Andy Fimiano
Gary Fudge
Mark A. Hardtke Sr.
Carolyn McKitterick
Steve Muzzy
Aidan A. Raney, M.D., F.A.C.C.
Robert S. Roth
Katherine Shen
Sandi Simon
Diana Sun
Kyle Wescoat
Daniel H. Young
Hoag Hospital Foundation
Coufas Family Center for Philanthropy
330 Placentia Ave., Suite 100
Newport Beach, CA 92663
949.764.7217
949.764.7201 (F)
www.hoaghospitalfoundation.org
Spotlight on Philanthropy is underwritten by
COVID-19: 250 new cases reported in OC, 1 new case reported Newport Beach
OC Health Care Agency reported 250 new cases of COVID-19 in Orange County today (February 23). There have been 245,135 cumulative cases to date.
Sadly, the county reports that 3,848 people have died due to COVID-19 in OC. There have been 67 deaths of Newport Beach residents to date.
The percentage of adult ICU beds currently available in OC is 18.9 percent. 61 percent of ventilators are currently available countywide.
The county reports that 539 individuals are currently hospitalized with COVID-19 (-17 since yesterday’s report – includes ICU); 152 are in ICU (-27 since yesterday’s report).
The county reports that there have been 3,576 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Newport Beach to date, including one new case reported today and 48 new cases reported since last Tuesday’s report.
The county estimates 226,386 “recovered cases” according to its data criteria.
For questions about the data presented by the county, call (714) 834-2000 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
To view the data dashboard, click here.
COVID-19 numbers are updated daily by Stu News Newport and reported on our social media pages @StuNewsNewport.
Click on photos for larger images
Courtesy of OC Health Care Agency
Orange County COVID-19 case data posted on February 23, as reported by the county; click here to visit page that is updated daily
City Manager’s Updates
From the desk of Grace Leung
Courtesy of City of Newport Beach
Newport Beach City Manager Grace Leung
Community members,
Orange County moved a bit closer to the Red Tier of the state’s Blueprint for a Safer Economy as this week’s COVID-19 metrics continued to move in an encouraging direction.
The county’s positivity rate (the percentage of positive tests among those tested) dropped to 7.8 percent, which is within the Red Tier threshold. The health equity metric decreased to 10.7 percent – still in the Purple Tier, but closer to the 8 percent needed to move into Red. And the seven-day average case number is down to 21.0 – higher than the 7.0 needed for Red Tier status, but a vast improvement from recent weeks. Last week’s case count was 29.7, and in mid-January, it reached a high of 67.8. If these trends continue, Orange County may be able to move into the less restrictive Red Tier in a matter of weeks. It is important to note that the county must maintain the metrics for two weeks in order to be placed in the Red Tier.
There was more good news this week regarding youth and adult sports. The California Department of Public Health released updated guidelines that will allow organized and recreational outdoor sports such as baseball, soccer and football to be played competitively (with protective measures) in Purple Tier counties when the case counts fall below 14. This will take effect February 26.
Unfortunately, the vaccine rollout experienced delays last week because of distribution challenges related to the snowstorms and cold weather across much of the U.S. The delays are expected to be temporary, but the county was forced to halt vaccinations of Moderna doses at the Disneyland vaccination site until the beginning of this week.
Here is updated vaccine information and resources:
–The county’s Disneyland Super POD vaccine distribution site is currently closed at least through Monday, Feb. 22, pending delivery of additional vaccine supply. Those who have appointments scheduled will receive a notification of their rescheduled appointment date through the Othena portal.
–Last week, the county announced the opening of a third super site at the Anaheim Convention Center, which would focus on delivering second doses of the Moderna vaccine. The scheduled opening of Wednesday, Feb. 24, may be postponed because of the Moderna vaccine delays.
–The Soka University Super POD remains open to provide a second-dose Pfizer vaccine, dependent on vaccine supply.
–If you missed it, Mayor Brad Avery recently sat down for an interview with Dr. Martin Fee of Hoag Hospital, who gave an informative update on COVID-19. The discussion included the impacts of the pandemic on Hoag, the outlook for vaccinations and more. You can watch the video on NBTV government access cable channels or on the city’s YouTube channel at this link.
–The county has developed a weekly e-newsletter dedicated to vaccine information. You can sign up to receive the OC COVID-19 Vaccine Facts newsletter at this link. Scroll down until you see the subscribe button and enter your email.
COVID-19 Cases in Newport Beach
As of February 18, the total number of COVID-19 cases in Newport Beach was 3,544 and the total cases in Orange County was 243,665. The number of recovered COVID-19 patients countywide as of February 18 was 220,609. These figures are provided to Orange County by the California Department of Public Health.
Circulation Element Visioning Workshop Held February 10
On Wednesday, Feb. 10, the city hosted a workshop related to the Circulation Element update. If you were unable to make it, don’t worry. The recording and all activities are posted here.
By way of a quick recap, the workshop was attended by approximately 30 people and it focused on presenting areas of little to no policy change and areas for planned policy change. At many points throughout the workshop, community members were encouraged to join the discussion and present what is important to capture in the update.
To get the conversation started, city staff discussed the importance of maintaining consistency with the Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA) Master Plan of Arterial Highways, as well as the process to amend it. The concept of “complete streets” and what that means for the community was also discussed, including a potential refresh of the 2014 Bicycle Master Plan.
Additional topics of discussion were encouraging alternative transportation, such as bicycles and the enhancement of public transit (i.e. shuttles) to connect the various villages and neighborhoods. The community also took an interest in enhanced parking management through emerging technologies and improved curbside management for rideshare and valet services to help protect residential neighborhoods from excess commercial parking intrusion. Ideas for change included encouraging dedicated spaces for rideshare services, such as Uber and Lyft, and introducing new technologies to better manage existing parking lots.
Check out www.newporttogether.com and sign up to stay informed.
Homelessness Update
Addressing homelessness continues to be a priority in the city’s ongoing COVID-19 response, working closely with contractor City Net and regional partners throughout the county and state. The City Net hotline number is 714.451.6198. Those who call the hotline may leave a detailed voicemail message for themselves or others in need and City Net staff will respond within 48 hours. For immediate assistance call the county’s Crisis Prevention Hotline at 877.7.CRISIS or 877.727.4747.
Success Stories
–City Net and American Family Housing continued to assist a formerly homeless man as he transitions into permanent housing. The man has been living in a motel since May as part of the state’s Project Roomkey program. Prior to that, he had been staying by the Newport Transportation Center for several months. City Net provided kitchen appliances and American Family Housing provided furniture for his new home. American Family Housing, founded in Santa Ana in 1985, provides housing assistance and an array of services for those in need.
–The Homeless Liaison Officer and City Net placed an elderly man into a motel. The man had been staying by the Newport Pier and he is on the waiting list to enter the new Yale Transitional Center in early March. The Yale Transitional Center, located in Santa Ana, will serve 425 people with on-site services for case management, housing navigation and job resources.
–The Homeless Liaison Officer and City Net assisted a military veteran with applying for the Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT). The EBT service provides $125 a month per person to purchase food. The man now has a case manager with the Veterans Affairs office to assist him with securing housing.
–City Net helped a man complete a housing assessment to locate appropriate living arrangements. City Net built rapport with the man for two months to earn his trust.
–A woman who has periodically experienced homelessness by the Newport Pier for 10 years extended her stay in a sober living home. The Homeless Liaison Officer located the program, assisted the woman with the intake process and provided her with new clothing. The woman extended her stay from 30 days to 90 days to help ensure success in the program.
–City Net staff continues to provide food gift cards, support and case management to several people sheltering in motels while they await placement into permanent, supportive housing.
Insider’s Guide for the Newport Beach City Council Meeting on February 23
Our next City Council meeting is today, February 23. Items that may be of interest are highlighted below. The entire agenda, and all reports, can be viewed here.
There will be a Study Session at 4 p.m.:
–The council will receive an update from city staff on efforts to reduce homelessness in Newport Beach. The city has developed a comprehensive approach to assist individuals experiencing homelessness and connect them to appropriate county, state and federal resources. Staff will provide an update on the city’s efforts, which include a temporary shelter partnership with the City of Costa Mesa and a proposal to develop permanent, supportive housing in Newport Beach.
The Regular Meeting begins at 5:30 p.m. The following are items of note:
On the Consent Calendar:
–The council will vote on preliminary steps to create an underground utility assessment district for a 50-block area of central Balboa Island. The request was submitted by residents in the area and met the 60 percent or greater approval necessary for council consideration. The council action would authorize city staff to prepare an engineering report and cost estimates for the project and prepare for a formal vote of approval by the property owners within the district.
–Council will also consider advancing an underground utility assessment district request by residents of Cliff Drive and Santa Ana Avenue between Old Newport Boulevard and Cliff Drive. The council action on this item would approve assessments and financing for the project, approve an engineering report and set a public hearing.
Public Hearings include:
–A proposed ordinance to eliminate an amortization period for non-conforming business signs. The proposed action would allow 327 existing signs that do not meet current municipal code standards to remain in place, under certain conditions. Non-conforming signs are those that were legally installed, but because of municipal code changes, no longer meet current standards. In a 2005 council action, businesses were given 15 years, until October 2020, to modify or remove non-conforming signs.
–A proposed zoning code amendment that would allow wine tasting rooms within an industrial zone located in the southwest area of the city, near 16th Street and Placentia Avenue. The current zoning limits eating and drinking establishments to takeout service and caps indoor seating at six people. The amendment would allow businesses to sell and serve wine, and allow expanded seating capacity based on parking availability and building and fire codes.
Current Business includes:
–The council will receive an update on potential measures to increase safety on the Oceanfront Boardwalk. In September 2020, the council approved the Oceanfront Boardwalk Safety Program that increased fines for speeding, among other measures. The council also directed staff to study additional traffic-calming measures. Staff will report on the results of those studies. Additionally, staff will discuss the Boardwalk Ambassador Pilot Program that has recently begun.
The effects of online school
By Ben Lawson
CNN Business reported a shortage in grape nuts. What’s next? It has been almost a year now since COVID-19 erupted into a global pandemic. Schools and businesses were shut down and travel came to a halt. Many students thought we would get some much-needed time off of school and the world would get back to normal soon enough. We were very mistaken; normal isn’t in most students’ vocabulary after this year. School hasn’t been the same and most likely won’t be for a while longer. The transition from in-person learning to online has posed challenges for both students and faculty members and will continue to do so. It’s an odd feeling to want to go to school.
It’s a place many students rely on for social interaction and learning what they need to know in order to be successful in the future. Looking into a screen for a large portion of my day is unsettling. How is this new aspect of school affecting both the students’ learning and their mental health? Eric Bettinger, an economics professor at Stanford University, says that online classes not only produce worse grades, but also reduce a student’s potential to succeed. Online classes don’t provide the same opportunities as in-person classes do, like collaboration, in-depth discussion and even humor. This is why we are seeing the negative effects Bettinger discusses. It has been extremely difficult to go from interactive in-person classes to online classes where many teachers and students are still learning how to adapt to the changes in technology and method.
Students’ grades and learning potential are not the only aspects suffering from this transition. More concerning is students, parents and teachers report that their mental health is at risk from completely online school, due to lack of social interaction, increased screen time and staying up later on average. Mental illness should be addressed first before anything else. If a student’s mental state isn’t in the right place, then they won’t be able to perform as expected in any school environment, especially when it is online.
Even now, with the vaccine being distributed and the world beginning to return to normal again, mental illness is still an issue. People are recovering, but will continue to struggle long after COVID-19 has been resolved. So, what can be done to help students’, parents’ and teachers’ mental health? Activities shown to boost our moods are exercise, especially with others and laughing. Using humor and learning to laugh both reduce stress levels and help us be more creative. However, community is the most important thing; being there for one another is how we have persevered through this and will continue to do so amidst future challenges. Continue to call your loved ones, Zoom with friends, move and laugh!
Editor’s Note: Ben Lawson is a senior at Newport Harbor High School and a member of the National League of Young Men, a nonprofit organization for youths in grades 9-12. This structured program for mothers and their sons promotes the development of young men into community leaders through leadership involvement, charitable and community service, cultural experiences and protocol education.
Lido Paddle Project to serve our frontline protectors
On Friday, March 13, 2020, our lives changed in one way or another. In an instant, our perspectives shifted, humility arrived, and, for more than a moment, we felt unified to battle a national pandemic. It was shortly after the arrival of this surreal time, Norman Rest found himself pondering his role and purpose here on earth.
With Hoag Hospital standing tall in his field of vision, Rest was reminded of his wife Debra Kottke’s vision to promote wellness through her favorite new sport – stand-up paddle. Over a decade ago, she felt a calling to provide aid to those in need, for those feeling challenged or off balance.
In that moment of gratitude for the many protectors out on the front lines, Rest knew that they must begin a nonprofit to serve and honor our first responders and Veterans by providing recreation, wellness, balance and strength through stand-up paddle, kayak and other related offerings. And, naturally, Kottke felt peace in this decision that a dream she paved over a decade ago would finally be realized.
Lido Paddle Project was born in Newport Beach this past summer and immediately began serving protectors in Lido Bay, including Newport Beach’s outstanding lifeguards.
Click on photo for a larger image
Courtesy of Lido Paddle Project
Newport Beach lifeguard Lucas Heydorft
To meet the increased demand of larger groups, the organization also operates from the Back Bay, as well as Dana Point Harbor. For the more experienced, ocean ventures are offered out of Laguna Beach.
The nonprofit is here to uplift our leaders, heal our healers, protect our protectors and turn the focus back to health and immunity.
A dreamer and builder from birth, Rest grew up considering that anything he could imagine, he could make happen.
His father served in WWll, while his entrepreneurial mom started her own hair salon business on Rodeo Drive at age 19, the same year she co-authored The Modern Encyclopedia of Cooking. His parents taught him great values, a strong work ethic, respect and honor. They always encouraged him to do what he loved and to follow his dreams – which grew and blossomed while spending childhood summers in his family’s modest second home in Newport Beach.
After being a teenage “treehouse master,” Rest, at age 21, set out to build a three-story home for his young family. This venture launched him into an illustrious lifelong career of building several homes in Laguna Beach, shortly followed by larger developments throughout Orange County. Today, his projects and properties are visible in many regions, states and several countries.
In addition to his wife and two children, Rest’s greatest passions include playing and restoring stringed instruments, surfing, downhill skiing, E-biking and paddling.
Co-founder Kottke is a brilliant force of nature to all who know her. A world traveler, real estate investor and joyful adventurer, she has always been an advocate for health and fitness. She fell in love with stand-up paddling 13 years ago in Colorado, years before this ancient Peruvian fishing activity gained mass popularity in California.
It was Kottke who inspired Rest to feature this new form of SUP recreation at their Newport Beach sailing club which ultimately transitioned to Lido Paddle Sports. The impeccable timing of this business pivot proved successful and well-suited for the Newport Beach community.
Kottke grew up in the Midwest with a family who inspired physical activity for balance, strength and health every day. As an avid hiker and expansive thinker who loves to conquer new heights, she understands the value of solitude in nature to recharge and regroup. Mountain biking, downhill skiing, hiking, yoga, paddle boarding and conquering new heights – including Mt. Kilimanjaro at almost 20,000 feet – all keep Kottke intrigued and fulfilled when she is not focused on her successful business as an independent court deposition reporter.
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Photo by Mary Hurlbut
Norman Rest and Debra Kottke, Lido Paddle Project co-founders
The family’s current philanthropic involvements include ocean stewardship, water preservation, wind energy, holistic healing, music, education and Veteran-related causes.
Knowing that it takes a strong team to succeed, Lido Paddle Project’s board of directors’ talents span from Western medicine to holistic healing, with PTSD specialists and innovative practitioners. Since the onset of the pandemic, Veterans and first responders are among the most vulnerable and severely impacted communities. In addition to our first responders facing unforeseen levels of mental and physical stress, our Veterans are facing isolation-related challenges to their health.
Lido Paddle Project’s mission is that together we do more, and that service heals. One of the few safe distanced sports, many Newport Beach citizens have stepped up to be harbor tour leaders, corporate partners, donors, event committee volunteers and community ambassadors. LLP is coordinating “Stand Up To Clean the Harbor” events with Surfrider, and plans are underway for a larger outdoor launch party with partners at Newport Dunes this spring.
To learn more or get involved, visit www.lidopaddleproject.org, email Chief Development Officer Michelle Highberg at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., or call 949.813.7681.
City to begin state-mandated organic waste recycling in 2022 that could mean fee increases
The city is updating its trash and recycling service contracts to meet new state mandates for organics recycling because new California state law requires that every household, business and multi-family property recycle their organic waste by Jan. 1, 2022. Organic waste includes food waste, landscape trimmings such as leaves, grass and branches, and compostable paper products. These requirements are mandated for all California cities.
The state law requiring organics recycling was signed into law in 2016 by then-Gov. Jerry Brown with SB 1383, which established a series of targets to divert organic waste from landfills. SB 1383 set a goal of 50 percent reduction in statewide organics disposal by 2020 and a 75 percent reduction by 2025. The bill also set goals aimed at reducing the amount of edible food disposed into trash and landfills. SB 1383 regulations go into effect in 2022.
This change helps the environment because organic waste can be recycled into compost and mulch and used to produce renewable natural gas. Diverting green waste also reduces greenhouse gas emissions that contribute to climate change.
According to state studies, organic waste in landfills emits 20 percent of California’s methane gas, a climate super pollutant 84 times more potent than carbon dioxide, and air pollutants like PM 2.5, which contributes to health conditions like asthma.
Diverting organic waste significantly reduces the volume of waste being transported to landfills.
Moving forward, Newport Beach residents will have to separate their trash, recycling and organic waste. So, in order to meet the state requirements, Newport Beach’s contractor, CR&R, will need to utilize separate trash, recycling and organic waste collection containers. Residents will be asked to separate trash, recycling and organic waste into three different carts.
This could pose challenges for some neighborhoods because of constrained street and curb space which may pose difficulties for the three-can system. The city and CR&R will be developing specialized solutions for these neighborhoods, such as smaller cart sizes where applicable, and specialized collection trucks to better accommodate the organics program.
The city will strive to make the program as convenient for residents as possible, but it will require some behavioral changes to be successful.
Concerning increases in costs for recycling services, residents currently do not pay directly for trash pickup. However, residents do pay a recycling fee to partially offset costs for state-mandated recycling programs. On March 23, the city will host a public hearing to give residents an opportunity to comment on a proposed fee increase to partially offset the additional costs of organic recycling.
Under the proposal, most recycling fees per household would increase from $3 a month to $6.28 a month. Households in the Newport Coast area, which do not currently pay a recycling fee, would pay $5.86 per month.
Newport Coast residents currently do not pay a recycling service fee because when the area was annexed to the City of Newport Beach in 2002 a recycling service fee was not included in the agreement.
Since the 2002 annexation, the city has been absorbing the added state recycling cost for the Newport Coast area. As recycling requirements from the state became more stringent, recycling costs to the city increased significantly. As a result, the City Council is now considering a recycling fee of $5.86 a month for Newport Coast households to partially offset these increased costs to the city’s general fund.
The proposed difference in pricing between Newport Coast and the rest of Newport Beach is because with the annexation the residential refuse contract was negotiated separately, thus establishing two different contracts.
The city is now looking to combine these two collection contracts so as to have one contract (and contractor) responsible for all the residential refuse collection.
It is likely that in the future, the recycling fee will be revised to be consistent throughout Newport Beach.
An analysis of the proposed recycling fee increase has been conducted by MGT Financial Services, a city consultant. A copy of the report can be found on the city’s website or by clicking here.
The City Council will hear public input on the proposal on March 23 in the council chambers. Residents will have the opportunity to speak on the proposal, however, an official protest must be made in writing and must state specifically that the protest is in opposition to the increased recycling service fee rate. It must also provide the location of the residence (by address or assessor’s parcel number) and include the name and signature of the property owner.
All protests must be submitted to the City Clerk prior to the close of the Public Hearing at 6:30 p.m. on March 23 at City Hall or sent to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
Some question why now are residents being asked to separate recycling materials with that market declining in recent years? The reason is that separation of recyclable materials provides cleaner material and is a preferred method to achieve compliance with state regulations. This type of program directly diverts the material from landfills, and the cleaner material has a better chance of being sold as a commodity with a stronger market value.
Although the price of some materials has declined slightly in recent years, the recycling market has been on an upswing at the start of 2021. Domestic mills have made greater investments into paper and cardboard recycling, due to changes in China’s environmental policies, and are purchasing more cardboard and paper material.
Also, as the commercial waste stream has been reduced because of COVID-19 restrictions, the residential waste stream has increased in importance. There has been a renewed interest in #5 polypropylene (plastic) material, as higher oil prices have increased the cost of virgin plastic material used to produce new plastic bottles.
While the market for recyclables fluctuates, the separation of recyclable materials helps ensure that the materials are clean, resold for the highest possible price in the current market and diverted from landfills.
Please click here for more information on residential recycling.
Letter to the Editor
District elections make for better representation
I did my research on district elections a little over a year ago and since that time, the idea of district elections in Newport Beach seems more relevant than ever. In the latest City Council election, we saw very few challengers to council seats (two to be exact) compared to surrounding cities which attracted significantly more.
We saw the indisputable role that outside money played in the election, leading to the loss of one incumbent and one challenger who in many opinions, were more in tune with community values than the winners. One need only examine the “Campaign Disclosure Statements” available through the City Clerk and online County Records, Forms 460 and 497, to see the money from developers and PACs taken in by the Team. These contributions from outside sources need to be mitigated to give more people the opportunity to run for office. To be truly competitive with these candidates, someone wanting to challenge an incumbent needs approximately $100,000, or if running against a Team member that drags other Team members along by their collective shirttails, perhaps even more.
The Planning Commission meeting that took place on February 18th which involved a development in the Mariner’s Mile area is another example of a disconnect between community aspirations and those of developers and commissioners. Contributions by the community in written and oral form are often discounted and not all are politely accepted, nor are residents’ written and oral questions frequently answered. City Council members who are sensitive to community concerns would in turn appoint Planning Commissioners of like mind.
Another reform that should take place in Newport Beach that would eliminate the cat and mouse games currently used by council members to appoint a new mayor and mayor pro tem would be to have residents directly elect the mayor, again giving residents more say in city government.
What opportunities are available to city residents who want more input into city issues but cannot continue to afford the hefty price tags required for at-large elections? One solution that more than 100 of California’s cities (1/5th) currently have turned to is district elections. Once only common in larger cities like Los Angeles, San Diego and Long Beach, district voting has been gaining in popularity in middle and small-sized cities as well. Cities in Orange County such as Costa Mesa, Dana Point, Fullerton, Lake Forest, Placentia, Stanton and Buena Park now have district elections. It is expected that one-third of California cities will have switched to them in the near future.
While some cities have changed from at-large to district elections because of lawsuits challenging at-large elections’ failure to represent all citizens and neighborhoods fairly, Newport Beach would benefit from district elections by empowering long-term residents to get better representation on the City Council. Generally speaking, the wealthy donors who back council members do not want the same thing for our cities that long-term residents do.
The most important change that district voting will make is to lower the main barrier to candidacy. Right now, it takes a candidate too much money to run for election. Also, a candidate in our at-large elections has to make themselves known in every single district. This is an exhausting effort that prohibits new candidates while incumbents, as witnessed in the last election, have much less work to do.
A candidate in a district election can go around door-to-door in a neighborhood and acquaint herself/himself with constituents. In our at-large elections, council members do represent districts but do not necessarily need to please voters in their district to get re-elected.
Our council’s intractability in addressing residents’ concerns and the council members’ failure to enact real election reform creates the desire to investigate district elections. They will require more accountability and bring about a more democratic government.
Lynn Lorenz
Newport Beach
Low tide treasure
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Photo by Stan Sievers (Instagram @stansievers/stansieversphoto.com)
Sunsets and tide pools make for a magical night in Newport
Tickets are still available for the 47th Annual CdM Home Tour
Tickets are still available for the 47th Annual Home Tour, “Wake Me Up in Newport,” which can be viewed virtually this year. Featuring six unique and stunning homes located throughout Corona del Mar and Newport Beach neighborhoods, it has received rave reviews! This year’s Presenting Sponsors are Barclay Butera Interiors and VALIA Properties.
Each of the six residences has its own story and design, and they’re each representative of the neighborhoods they’re situated in. There’s the rooftop deck at Big Corona Beach, the subterranean spa in Cameo Shores, the hillside basketball court in Corona Highlands, the cozy family patio on Balboa Island, the gigantic kitchen island in Shore Cliffs, or the vintage skylights in Irvine Terrace. With truly something for everyone, it’s impossible to choose a favorite.
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Photos courtesy of CdM Home Tour
Multimedia painting by CdM freshman Mady Lubavin of the farmhouse-style Shore Cliffs residence inspired by classic Eastern Seaboard traditions
Highlights of the Virtual Home Tour: Drive the streets of Corona del Mar with CdM PTA President Julie Means as she travels to each of the homes on the Home Tour. Renowned designer Barclay Butera offers a rare glimpse into his home and shares his design expertise for adding interesting touches to any room, while prominent designers Wendy Blackband and Brooke Wagner share their custom designs and professional secrets for making any home a personal sanctuary.
Several tutorials from local experts are featured including personal chef Jimmy Stafford of Stafford Prime, beverage consultant Mike West and from Sherman Library & Gardens, Horticulture Director Erin Aguiar.
Chef Jimmy takes us through the steps to make Green Chile Chicken Tacos complemented deliciously by West’s refreshing Verde Fresca made beachside with pineapple, coconut and cucumber, while Aguiar provides the history of Sherman Library & Gardens and designs a door hanging with herbs from the garden.
Tickets: General Price - $60, which unlocks viewing access to the Home Tour program on one device (laptop, tablet or PC). You can upgrade to the VIP Bundle for $100, which includes one Home Tour ticket, one VIP gift box (exclusive event souvenirs from local merchants), one neighborhood ad listing on the Home Tour’s website and a keepsake hard copy of the Home Tour Resource Guide featuring photos and descriptions of each of the homes as well as student artists’ renderings of the homes, designers, the many generous and dedicated sponsors, recipes from Chef Jimmy and Mike West and so much more. Some of the most important members of the CdM family are featured in the Pet Pages proudly sponsored by The Bone Adventure specializing in dog daycare, boarding, grooming and a swim club.
In addition, VIPs receive a cookbook of teacher-contributed recipes, whereby each home “visit” shows a small handful of different recipes from the collection. VIPs also receive an eye shade sporting this year’s theme.
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Chef Pascal of Café Jardin at Sherman Library & Gardens is a dining partner of the CdM Home Tour
Take a pleasant break from home viewing and order a pick-up or eat lunch at Le Pain Quotidien in Fashion Island or Café Jardin at Sherman Library & Gardens. A percentage of the sales goes to the CdM schools. Enjoy entertainment from the CdM Drum Line and CdMMS Triton Cheer Team, and the sounds of student composer Lena Pham (junior) playing “Sunrise,” her original composition on the piano, and student vocalist Isabella Walsh (senior) singing “Home” by Phillip Phillips.
During the tour, check out CdM students Piper and Cooper Blackband featured at their Balboa Island home, as well as Jackson Jaha, Savannah Harper and Lucas Phillips who are featured at the Cameo Shores home representing the CdM Theatre Program.
The Virtual Boutique offers a variety of specialty shops donating a percentage of their sales to the Corona del Mar PTA. Check them out on the Home Tour website.
The Home Tour is offering an opportunity drawing with fabulous prizes including a $500 gift card to South Coast Plaza, a Fashion Island merchandise gift basket valued at $500, two Michael Aram candle holders from Neiman Marcus, a $500 gift card to Tiffany Hunter Home & Design in Fashion Island, a weekend rental from Exotic Car Collection, a two-hour Duffy Electric Boat Rental and more. Tickets for the opportunity drawing are available through February 24 at 5 p.m. and the winners will be announced on February 28.
Tickets for the virtual Home Tour and opportunity drawing can be purchased at the website at www.CDMHomeTour.org.
All ticket purchases support crucial CdM PTA programs such as teacher grants, student services and technology upgrades. The Home Tour is the only PTA fundraiser of the year, and they thank the Stu News community so much for the support.
Library Live Literary Series to feature author Jenny Offill
The Newport Beach Public Library Foundation (NBPLF) will host a Zoom meeting with author Jenny Offill on Friday, March 5 at 6:19 p.m. Offill, who penned the novel Weather, will be in conversation with Meg Linton, chief executive officer, NBPLF.
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Photo by Emily Tobey
Author Jenny Offill
Weather (2020) is a darkly funny tour de force about a family and nation in crisis. Protagonist Lizzie works in a university library and was a promising graduate student who dropped out of school to help her brother. One day a former mentor hires Lizzie to answer mail from her doom-laden Hell and High-Water podcast fans. As Lizzie fields questions about climate change from all sides, she wonders what it means to keep tending a garden when you’ve seen the flames beyond its walls. Weather was shortlisted for the UK’s Women’s Prize for Fiction. Like her other notable novels, Last Things (1999) and Dept. of Speculation (2014), Weather has received much critical acclaim. Tickets: General, $10; NBPLF members receive a 25 percent discount. Purchase tickets at https://nbplf.foundation/programs/library-live/.
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Courtesy of NBPLF
“Weather,” a novel by Jenny Offill
This event takes place in the NBPLF’s Zoom webinar room. Virtual doors open at 6:19 p.m. with a Q&A following the presentation. There will be an opportunity to buy a signed copy of Offill’s publications, made possible by Laguna Beach Books.
Library Live is for adventurous readers who enjoy hearing from established literary figures and emerging talent. Novelists, poets, historians, journalists, biographers, memoirists and more share their ideas firsthand with our community. Participate, engage and be challenged by presentations with today’s most gifted scribes.
Newport Beach – A Look Back
Photo series courtesy of Balboa Island Museum Newport Beach
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Bird’s-eye view of the bayfront, looking west from Balboa Pavilion, 1910
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..
Super POD opening this week at Anaheim Convention Center
The Orange County Health Care Agency plans to open a new Super POD site at the Anaheim Convention Center, increasing vaccine dispensing capacity as more people are due to receive a second dose of the COVID-19 vaccine.
Effective Wednesday, Feb. 24, everyone who received the first dose of the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine at the Disneyland Super POD site will receive the second dose at the Anaheim Convention Center Super POD site. After February 24, Disneyland will only dispense Pfizer, both first and second doses.
The Anaheim Convention Center site will only dispense Moderna, first and second doses.
The second dose appointment will remain at the same date and time; only the location will change. Othena will send a notification to everyone whose appointment location is affected by this change.
The Health Care Agency operates Super POD sites at the Disneyland Resort, Soka University and soon the Anaheim Convention Center.
Appointments for the county’s Super POD sites are scheduled through the www.Othena.com user platform.
Vaccination appointments are currently available to individuals classified under the “Phase 1a, all tiers” eligible vaccine distribution group as established by the California Department of Public Health (CDPH), as well as those who work as first responders in high-risk communities or who are 65 years of age or over. Proof of eligibility is required.
Vaccinations are by appointment only. Those scheduled for an appointment are encouraged to arrive no more than 30 minutes before their appointment time and dress appropriately for the weather. Individuals without an appointment will be turned away.
The county Super PODs and mobile clinics are not the only options to receive a vaccination. Other healthcare providers approved to dispense the vaccine, including hospitals, pharmacies and health clinics, play an essential role in vaccinating Orange County’s population.
For questions about Othena or the registration and appointment scheduling process, call 714.834.2000.
For the latest information about the COVID-19 vaccine in Orange County, go here.
CdM Village welcomes new headquarters for top community supporter
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Courtesy of CdM Chamber of Commerce
The Corona del Mar Chamber of Commerce hosted a recent ribbon cutting ceremony at the headquarters of billion-dollar luxury real estate producer Casey Lesher, Coldwell Banker. The new office is located at 2435 E. Coast Highway at MacArthur Boulevard. Recognized as one of the largest CdM agents, Lesher (pictured in the center) is getting ready to cut the ribbon.
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.”
The shelter has one of the nicest cats available. His name is Jinx and he’s solid at 5 years of age. He’s friendly, curious and, as you can see, looking out into the big, bright world for his wonderful future. As an easy-going guy, Jinx has let us know that he’s happy to be patient while his purrfect adopter finds him. A big boy that is beautiful both inside and out, if you’ve been waiting for a happy house cat, then schedule an appointment for a meet and greet.
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Courtesy of Newport Beach Animal Shelter
Meet Jinx
Please feel free to contact shelter staff on their landline at 949.718.3454 and/or by completing an adoption application, which can be found at the website at www.FONBAS.org and, after completed, please email it to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. A staff member will review your application and get back to you shortly to schedule an appointment to meet Jinx. The shelter staff, volunteers and Jinx all look forward to meeting you.
Newport Beach Animal Shelter adoption fees:
–Adult Dogs - $150
–Puppies - $225
–Adult Cats - $90
–Kittens - $110
Also, consider becoming a member of an incredible nonprofit that supports the city’s efforts with providing wonderful opportunities to stray, injured, ill and owner-surrendered domestic pets.
“Newport Beach in the Rearview Mirror” quiz by podcaster Bill Lobdell
Bill Lobdell, former Daily Pilot editor and Los Angeles Times journalist, has a podcast called “Newport Beach in the Rearview Mirror,” which looks at historical events and people – famous and forgotten – that shaped Newport Beach. You can listen and subscribe to all episodes of his podcast at http://newportbeach-podcast.com. You can also follow “Newport Beach in the Rearview Mirror” on Instagram (@newport_in_the_rearview_mirror) and Facebook (@NewportInTheRearviewMirror).
In his most recent podcast, “How well do you really know Newport? Pop quiz No. 1,” Lobdell tests your knowledge with a multiple-choice quiz to see how smart you really are about our town. To whet your scholarly appetite, here are the five questions that may determine if you have a Ph.D. in Newportology (no Googling allowed!).
Questions:
–What eyesore did the City Council nearly approve in 1956 that would have been just off the coast of Newport?
–What year were Corona del Mar’s parking issues first brought to City Hall?
–Who was Bob Henry, the namesake of the park on the Castaways bluff?
–What amazing find did workers uncover on the banks of the Back Bay during the construction of the Newporter Inn (now the Hyatt Regency)?
–What was Newport Center/Fashion Island’s working name during its planning?
To find out the answers, go here and click on 3: Pop quiz on Newport history (No.1).
Editor’s Note: Stay tuned for connecting to Bill Lobdell’s future podcasts in Stu News.
Cox shares tech trends that will continue to shape how we live, work and learn in 2021
This time last year, most of us had heard rumblings about COVID-19, but at the time, it seemed so far away. Little did we know it would become a global pandemic that would bring about broad-sweeping change in so many facets of life – technology included.
The pandemic has been a technology accelerator for businesses, municipalities, schools, healthcare and in homes. As such, Cox Communications, provider of voice, data and video services for 355,000-plus small and regional businesses nationwide, shares its perspective on five technology trends that will continue throughout 2021.
Smart Communities Keep Getting Smarter
From waste management and water meters to street lighting, parking and public safety, communities are getting smarter by the day.
Smart communities are increasingly becoming a priority nationwide – and worldwide. In fact, the pandemic has accelerated smart city tech, and citizens are more open to smart community tech than ever – which is unlocking doors to rapid growth that will continue. Going smart enables municipalities to make more effective data-driven decisions, decreases inefficiencies and streamlines and automates processes. It also enhances citizen and government engagement, improves infrastructure and provides new economic development opportunities.
And the trend toward just-about-everything-smart is taking place inside the home as well. According to Statista, North America in 2023 is expected to have 40 percent of the worldwide market of consumer spending on smart home systems like smart assistants, smart speakers and smart door locks and light switches.
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Courtesy of Cox Communications
School and Work Will Continue to Stay Home…Somewhat
Remote work and school are not going away anytime soon, making broadband connectivity essential. In fact, many employees who were forced to work from home last year may continue to do so permanently. Gartner found that 74 percent of CFOs expect at least 5 percent of their workforce who previously worked in company offices will become permanent work-from-home employees after the pandemic ends.
Although working from home might have had a rocky start, employees have mastered using real-time chat and video conferencing to stay connected. In fact, interactive video conferencing and chat have enabled teams to maintain cohesion and stay connected while working out of the office.
On the education front, Rand Corporation researchers found approximately 20 percent of public school district superintendents and charter school leaders said they plan to continue online schooling as an option once the pandemic subsides – or are considering the online option for families and students who want the choice.
Whether teaching or learning from home or in the classroom, data-driven insights improve the classroom experience. Apps empower teachers to digitally administer homework, quizzes, tests and have one-on-one face time with students and parents.
And through artificial intelligence and machine learning, automated technology allows teachers to monitor and evaluate the progress students are making and better understand their strengths and weaknesses. For students, apps enable learning through gamification, which creates a fun and positive learning environment and can make the most reticent student excited about his or her studies.
More Content Means More Bandwidth and Navigation Help
Due to stay-in-place restrictions, the entire world has been streaming more than ever. Internet service providers, such as Cox, have experienced the equivalent of two years of traffic growth in the first few months of the pandemic and it has remained constant at those new levels.
And high intensity applications aka “bandwidth hogs” like video streaming platforms that make online work and school possible are essential yet difficult to attain without the appropriate bandwidth. Therefore, ISPs have answered this increasingly streaming boom by offering affordable internet packages that take care of all streaming needs – voice, video, or otherwise.
Speaking of voice, whether folks are binge-watching Jeopardy! on Netflix or jamming to music from Spotify using their Alexa, the use of streaming services and voice assistants is on the rise. With so many great TV shows to watch, it’s challenging to remember what’s on Peacock, Hulu, Netflix, Amazon and so on. But voice remotes allow users to pull up a series, app, or movie with just a few words, such as “Find the Discovery channel” or “What should I watch?”
Provider Adoption and Investment in Telehealth Grows
Finding ways to connect virtually with your healthcare provider is getting easier, too. According to a Cox Business survey, only 28 percent of respondents said that their healthcare service provider offered telehealth prior to COVID-19. Now, 68 percent can access telehealth services through their healthcare providers.
McKinsey reports that more than three-quarters (76 percent) of patients said they are either likely or very likely to continue relying on telehealth. Providers, too, gave telehealth a thumbs up, with 57 percent viewing it more favorably than before the pandemic and 64 percent feeling more comfortable using the technology.
Further, the same report shows up to $250 billion of current U.S. healthcare spend could go virtual – up from $3 billion pre-COVID-19.
The Cloud Moves Closer to the Edge
Greater demands on bandwidth and latency issues have placed a greater spotlight on edge computing – or as Gartner defines it, when information processing is located close to the edge, where things and people produce or consume that information.
Analysts last year forecasted that edge computing would experience significant growth, especially since cloud vendors deployed more edge servers in local markets while telecom providers moved forward with 5G deployments.
Before COVID-19, Forrester predicted that the edge cloud service market would increase by a minimum of 50 percent. IDC’s worldwide IT predictions for this year include that the pandemic’s impact on workforce and operational practices will be the driving force behind most edge-driven investments and business model changes – well beyond 2021.
“There’s no doubt that the pandemic will subside at some point, but the technology trends that have come to the forefront will continue in 2021 – and long after as well,” said Jodi Duva, vice president for Cox Business in Orange County, Palos Verdes and Santa Barbara. “Because Cox is committed to making digital life easier, we’ll continue investing in ways to better connect people and bring these critical technologies to life.”
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.
Celebrate Lunar New Year at Fashion Island
Fashion Island is ushering in the Year of the Ox with special promotions from Orange County’s top retailers and restaurants, and one-of-a-kind photo moments throughout the center, continuing through February 28.
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Photos courtesy of Fashion Island
Take a photo at Fashion Island celebrating a Happy Lunar New Year and the Year of the Ox
Several merchants are offering special promotions to mark the Lunar New Year. From Neiman Marcus to Hyde Park Jewelers and Sushi Roku, there’s something for everyone.
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Visitors to this bubbling fountain near Neiman Marcus are scanning the poster for a special Lunar New Year surprise
Directions for free augmented reality experiences will be displayed in three premier areas of the center, offering guests a chance to celebrate with Lunar New Year characters including a cartoon ox, lanterns, or a cherry blossom tree.
For more information, visit www.FashionIsland.com.
Dance and wellness classes, along with movie nights return to Segerstrom Center for the Arts
They’re dancing again and watching iconic feature films on the Julianne and George Argyros Plaza at Segerstrom Center for the Arts. Government-mandated COVID-19 guidelines have been loosened and the Center is again presenting its popular Saturday Wellness Classes featuring African Dance taught by Dr. Jewel, Tuesday Night Dance Classes with Broadway, film and television extraordinaire Lauren Lim Jackson, and Movie Nights, with Hidden Figures (March 5), The LEGO Movie (March 6), Roman Holiday (March 12) and Hello, Dolly! (March 13).
Photos courtesy of Segerstrom Center for the Arts
Dr. Jewel and African Soul International provide vigorous dance workouts
There’s no better place to get physical than at the Center’s Agyros Plaza’s wellness classes. Dr. Jewel and African Soul International blend tradition, culture, history and music with these fun and vigorous dance workouts. The next class will take place on Saturday, Feb. 27 from 11 a.m.-12 p.m. Tickets: $10 per person and spaces are still available.
Tuesday Night Dance Classes return to Segerstrom Center
Broadway’s Lauren Lim Jackson will teach iconic moves seen on the Great White Way in such hit shows as Chicago, Memphis, Motown and Pretty Woman. Jackson, who hails from Orange County, has credits including Finian’s Rainbow, Wonderland, Memphis, Motown the Music and Pretty Woman the Musical (coming to the Center in the 2020-21 Broadway Season). No experience is necessary – the Argyros Plaza is strictly a no-judgement zone. Tickets: $10 per person and spaces are still available.
For Movie Nights, all movies will be closed captioned. Ticket prices: $20 for pods accommodating one to three people, $30 for pods accommodating up to four people and $40 for pods accommodating up to six people. Guests are advised to determine the maximum number of people they anticipate attending to ensure the pod can accommodate the entire party. The Center will call you prior to your event to verify the number attending in your pod. Set-up begins at 5:30 p.m., with the movie starting at 6:30 p.m.
For more information, visit www.scfta.org/events/calendar or call 714.556.2787.
Floral abstract oils on display at JWA
Professional oil painter Andrea Tarman brings an uplifting exhibit of realistic and abstract florals full of depth, color and texture to John Wayne Airport (JWA). Her work is on display in the Thomas F. Riley Terminal as part of the JWA Community Focus Space now through March 16.
Tarman uses an impasto painting technique, which builds thickly layered paint with loose and controlled knife-like brush strokes to add a varying mix of textures to her art. When dried, the paint presents a 3D effect making it appear to come out of the canvas. Used by renowned artists like Vincent Van Gogh and Rembrandt Van Rijn, this method showcases Tarman’s talent in combining artistic and realistic design to give her work a fresh and energetic quality.
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Photos courtesy of JWA
Andrea Tarman’s “Rapunzel’s Dream,” oil on canvas
“I want to capture the imagination of the viewer and give them a new way to look at nature and life, with the hope that they leave a bit more inspired and happier than before they came to view my paintings,” said Tarman.
Tarman exhibits her work in Los Angeles and throughout Orange County in private/corporate collections and galleries, including the Art Center Gallery, Bistango Restaurant, the law firm of Rutan & Tucker and Signature Gallery.
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Andrea Tarman’s “Sunny Day,” oil on birch panel
She studied art and design in college, worked as an illustrator and designer for several Southern California advertising agencies and operated her own design firm. Tarman also studied with several master painters to elevate her art and is now a full-time painter. To learn more about Andrea Tarman and view additional pieces of her artwork, visit www.tarmanart.com.
Tarman’s exhibition may be viewed (pre-security) on the Departure (upper) Level near security screening areas in Terminals A, B and C and on the Arrival (lower) Level adjacent to Baggage Carousels 1 and 4.
For more information about the John Wayne Airport Arts Program, visit www.ocair.com/terminal/artexhibits.
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
