Fair Game

By TOM JOHNSON

Bose hits a homerun with his top harbor yachts list…more to come

Last week, our wonderful harbor/boating columnist, Len Bose, put together what I thought was a great read. He listed “Newport Beach’s 10 most interesting yachts.”

If you read it, you know what I mean. If you didn’t, you should. 

What followed is that I found out Newport Beach’s boat owners are a proud bunch. Although appreciative of Len’s effort, some floated their own ideas of some other yachts deserving of recognition.

Case in point, how can you argue against a 112’ Westport that’s docked at the Balboa Bay Club? Her name is M/Y TASIA.

When it’s not in Newport, I’m told it can frequently be seen in places like Avalon, the Sea of Cortez and even the Caribbean.

And who might own this beauty? It’s pretty easy to figure out based on its name of M/Y TASIA. Hint, think of a combination of Ted Jones (of Fletcher Jones Motorcars fame) and his wife Asia. Bingo!

B-t-w, Asia has a little spot of her own, Billy’s At The Beach. COVID hasn’t been kind to restaurants, but soon, Asia promises me she’s going to have a grand re-opening to show off the new digs. Stay tuned.

And talk about “keeping up with the Joneses!”

For those of you who want more, you’re in luck. Next Friday, Len will return with his picks for the top sailboats in the harbor. Can’t wait.

Let me know what you think.

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Courtesy of Capt. Jordon Weinmeier

M/Y TASIA in all its splendor

• • •

I’ve spoken to a number of people in recent days who have expressed some concern about whether or not they have COVID-19, or as comedian Kevin Hart so eloquently called it in a recent comedy special, “The Vid.” As in, “I got the Vid!”

But I digress.

With the holiday season enveloping us, we should all be concerned with interactions with family and friends. So what to do?

Well, just a reminder, the Orange County Health Care Agency is continuing to conduct a drive-thru testing super site at the OC Fair & Event Center through December 31.

Tests are by appointment only Monday through Friday from 7 a.m.-3 p.m. They are closed today (November 27) as part of the Thanksgiving holiday and on weekends. 

To make an appointment go to www.360clinic.md.

When you arrive at the fairgrounds, enter through Gate 4 and follow signs to Lots E and F.

For any other questions or concerns, visit https://covid19info.ocgov.com or contact the Orange County Health Care Agency.

Don’t take chances, it’s up to all of us to use common sense to try and stop the spread.

• • •

To get people in the mood for the holidays, here’s an effort to offer up some Christmas cheer…a peek at some places around town you might check out for the splendor of holiday lights.

First off, Fashion Island and South Coast Plaza both always offer up huge trees that are almost overwhelming, but always worth checking out.

The Newport Dunes also has their Lighting of the Bay that begins tonight, Friday, Nov. 27 at 5 p.m. 

Each night through New Year’s Eve they’ll light up the bay with festive lights on more than 40 LED holiday trees and floats.

The reflections in the water make the presentation even more spectacular.

And, not to be forgotten, the Nights of 1000 Lights at Sherman Library & Gardens.

For 10 evenings, between Thursday, Dec. 10 through Tuesday, Dec. 22, guests can stroll through their gardens and “experience a dazzling display of lights and entertainment.”

Here’s their pitch, “boogie through the Disco Inferno, strut down the technicolor light tunnel, add your wish to the wishing tree and discover surprises throughout the garden.”

Advance tickets are required at www.thesherman.org or call 949.673.2261.

Let’s get in the Christmas spirit. I know I could use it and I know others can too.

• • •

Finally, a local is up for the honor as Kid of the Year for Time magazine.

Chloe Mei Espinosa, 14, is being recognized for her efforts to educate the public on the dangers to the environment with the single-use of plastic straws.

Her efforts have moved multiple Orange County school districts to follow her call for a ban by eliminating use of plastic straws from their school cafeterias.

The Time Kid of the Year will be revealed on Friday, Dec. 4, in an hour-long Nickelodeon TV special.

According to Time, Chloe Mei got her inspiration from a video showing an ocean turtle with a plastic straw stuck in its nose.

Her movement is called Skip the Plastic Straw.

Group organizing to bring back this year’s Christmas Boat Parade

Earlier this month, the Newport Beach Chamber of Commerce announced that, due to increasing concerns with the coronavirus pandemic, the 112th Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade would be canceled this year. It was arguably a painful decision.

It didn’t take long for others in the community to begin organizing another effort to save the parade. 

Enter former Newport Beach Mayor and current City Councilman Kevin Muldoon who almost immediately stepped forward. “I’m hoping we can help keep the tradition alive in a safe and responsible manner.

“I get the feeling the majority of residents want to keep the tradition alive in some fashion. We’ve all been through a difficult year, and certainly could use some holiday cheer,” added Muldoon.

A group has formed behind the effort and is moving forward as “We The People,” with a parade theme of “Let Freedom Ring.”

“The unofficial boat parade in Newport Beach,” as they’re referring to it, will run Thursday through Saturday, Dec. 17-19. Many of the characteristics of past parades will continue, for example, boats will gather in the Lido Basin to line up and they’ll proceed around a similar route used in recent years.

Chamber President & CEO Steve Rosansky offered up the Chamber’s decision to cancel: “We made a decision to cancel out of concern for the health and welfare of the residents and visitors to our community. I would hope that any individual or entity thinking of organizing an alternative parade would be just as committed to public safety in light of the spiking coronavirus numbers. 

“I also am concerned as to their ability to safely conduct a nighttime boat parade on the water. We engage in months of planning involving many different entities to ensure that there are no on the water mishaps.”

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Photo by Bleu Cotton Photography

An entry from last year’s Chamber of Commerce Christmas Board Parade

Caroline Wetherington, who is one of the forces behind the parade, says that her group sees this as a one-time effort. “We hope the Chamber will resume next year but it is not out of the question for many of us to step up again, if necessary.”

In that light, Rosansky assured that the Chamber plans to return next year when they’ll hold the parade on Dec. 15-19, 2021.

As Rosansky said, organizational efforts have been a big part of the Chamber focus in the past on areas such as parade control, sponsors and recruiting boats.

According to Wetherington, a team of nine people are organizing, which includes “working with lifeguards and harbor personnel to get assistance with parade control.” 

They’re also hoping that Muldoon will use his clout at City Hall to secure support from the City and with Harbor Patrol for on-water assistance.

As far as health concerns, Wetherington says, “We are advising our vessel owners to limit the number of guests on the boats and we hope homeowners will also follow safety protocols. Most viewers will be outside which is typically safer than an indoor event.” 

While the Chamber uses the event and their follow-up awards dinner and auction as a fundraiser, Wetherington said that their effort won’t seek sponsors or charge an entry fee for participants.

Rosansky says that the Chamber covers the parade’s liability with a $4 million policy, Wetherington’s group will solely require vessel owners to sign a waiver to participate at their own risk.

The organizing group is operating under the thought that since this year’s parade is “not a commercial event, that no permits are necessary.”

City of Newport Beach spokesperson John Pope said that the city is working to put their thoughts and plans together by the end of next week. He did say that he believed they would hope to be supportive.

Rosansky says, “There has been much disappointment that the parade is being canceled this year. However, most of the response from boaters and residents is that they think we made the right decision under the circumstances.” 

Wetherington, on the other hand, says that all responses have been positive. “The residents of Newport Beach look forward to this parade all year. When it was announced that it would be canceled you could almost hear a collective sigh of sorrow throughout Newport Beach. Everyone wants to help and make sure it happens.” 

And while the Chamber usually attracts some 90-100 boats annually on a good year, Wetherington says, “We think this will be even larger than the usual Christmas parade. We expect at least 200 boats.”

People wishing to join the effort or enter the parade are encouraged to go to www.newportharborchristmasparade.com/ for more information.

When asked why the effort, Wetherington responded, “2020 has been a difficult year but this is still America, the land of the free. We want to bring a little joy to the season and celebrate with the time-honored tradition.”

The parade will begin, rain or shine, each evening at 6:30 p.m.

School Notes

While teachers’ union calls for immediate return to distance learning, District remains confident with current model

The Newport-Mesa Federation of Teachers has forwarded a letter of concern to the Newport-Mesa Unified School District Board of Education citing COVID-19 issues. The letter speaks to the “ill planned and experimental hybrid model (currently being used to return students to schools), its failed implementation and operation, and the imminent danger it has created.”

The letter points to the county’s recent move back into the Purple Tier, followed by the now impending holiday gatherings, that will also include student and family travel, both out of state and out of country. The letter calls for an immediate return to distance learning for secondary schools.

“The hybrid model is a literal accident waiting to happen. (The District has) set our students up for failure, sickness, and heartache by characterizing the return to campus as being a safe place both physically and emotionally. How can we expect students to navigate this mixed message when the hybrid plan was touted as a reprieve from isolation and yet expect them to resist normal impulses – putting them in an environment ripe with temptation?”

Teachers over the last weeks are reportedly becoming “increasingly alarmed at the inability of the school district to make good on its promise of maintaining a clean, safe, and secure environment.”

The union closes the missive by demanding that District leaders “return to distance learning” for secondary schools following the Thanksgiving break.

A NMUSD spokesperson responds saying that the District is “committed to providing our students the opportunity to attend class in person, while maintaining a safe environment. Having students on campus in a hybrid model provides the social emotional connection and academic support that is limited in distance learning.

“Multiple safety precautions and procedures have been implemented in alignment with California Department Public Health (CDPH) guidance. However, as with any new system there will be some challenges. As these arise, we work together as a staff to modify the procedures or processes that need improvement.”

The spokesperson also says that ongoing informal and formal meeting with the NMFT’s Executive Board and the District are regularly taking place to address any concerns.

While the NMFT has made a request for an immediate return to distance learning for secondary schools, the spokesperson for the District says that “Newport-Mesa Unified School District and other Orange County districts are not required to move to distance learning, per state guidance. We will continue to closely monitor the situation and adhere to all state and county directives.”

Facility project update at Newport Beach schools

The following is an update of current projects and recently completed projects at Newport Beach schools in the Newport-Mesa Unified School District.

Corona del Mar High School

Security Fence

This project consists of the replacement of the existing six-foot chain-link fence along Mar Vista Drive and Vista Del Oro with a new, permanent eight-foot chain-link fence. Trees along this section will also be removed, however they will be replaced upon completion of construction. 

Additional enhancements include: 

–Installation of permanent fencing along the perimeter of the school. 

–The front entrance to the high school, student parking lot (adjacent to the pool and Learning Resource Center (LRC)) and parts of the fencing near the baseball field/middle school entrance will have ornamental fencing, while other sections will remain chain-link.

–Construction of new sidewalks throughout the campus to allow for pedestrian traffic within the interior and exterior of fence perimeter. 

–Reconfiguration of the school bus pick-up/drop-off along Mar Vista Drive to allow construction of additional sidewalks.

–Reconfiguration of the student parking lot near the pool and LRC for accessibility enhancements.

–Construction of a new entry structure at the athletic entrance adjacent to the pool and LRC.

Completion is anticipated by the end of 2020.

Sports Fields

This project consists of two lighted synthetic sports fields, one with a rubber track. It also includes bleachers and scoreboards as well as fencing, gates and pathways.

Completion is anticipated by the end of 2020.

Ensign Intermediate

Security Fence and Parking 

This project includes a variety of upgrades, including:

–Replacement of temporary fencing with permanent fencing.

–Reconfiguration of the existing parking lot.

–Construction of an additional parking lot along Irvine Avenue to accommodate approximately 45 parking spaces.

–Construction of a new drop-off zone at the front of the school. The drop-off zone, as some have called the “banana lot,” includes a one-way drop-off/pick-up lane which minimizes traffic congestion on city streets, and approximately 20 parking spaces.

–Remodel of the front office to improve visibility and access. 

Construction began in March 2020 and included the following additional enhancements:

–Maintain the existing memorial tree in the entry plaza.

–Replace removed trees at a ratio of at least one-to-one.

–Create additional enhanced outdoor student gathering areas within the campus.

–Offer to plant additional trees and shrubs in the city right-of-way along Cliff Drive to help to shield parking lot view from nearby residents.

Completion is anticipated by the end of 2020.

Newport Harbor High School Home Arts 

This project includes modernization of the existing courtyard in the middle of the Home Arts Building at Newport Harbor High School. This includes improvement in accessibility, drainage, landscaping as well as the kiln yard, equipment and roof structure.

The project is currently in the design phase.

Visit the Facility Project Webpage for additional information and updates on facility projects.

District offers free flu vaccine clinic

NMUSD is offering a free Flu Clinic Vaccine on Wednesday, Dec. 2. The by-appointment-only times can be scheduled between either 8:30-11:30 a.m. or 1-3:30 p.m. by calling 949.515.6725.

Vaccines are available at no cost for non-pregnant adults and children four years of age and older. 

Participants are asked to wear short sleeves or a sleeveless top and a mask, while also using physical distancing. 

A wellness check is also required. Individuals who become sick on their appointment day are encouraged to remain at home and reschedule their appointment.

Only individuals with appointments will be permitted into the vaccine staging area. Children receiving vaccines must be accompanied by one parent or guardian.

The clinic is conducted in conjunction with HOPE Clinic/BESST Center and will be held at 2045 Meyer Place, Costa Mesa.

Take Five: Meet David McKenna, screenwriter and producer

By AMY SENK

At the age of 26, David McKenna wrote and sold a screenplay – American History X – and the Newport Beach resident hasn’t stopped. He followed up with screenplays for the film Blow in 2001 and S.W.A.T. in 2003, and his latest film, Embattled, was released last week. Described as “an intense family drama set against the backdrop of the MMA fighting world,” the movie also features McKenna’s son, Colin, in a lead role. I reached out to McKenna to find out more about his son, who was born with a rare genetic abnormality, and what it was like to work together.

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Courtesy of David McKenna

David McKenna

Q: Congratulations on the release of your latest film. Can you tell me more about it?

A: Thank you, Amy. It’s always nice to have a movie to be proud of. I’ve been on both sides, and a solid flick is always better. Embattled is the classic father/son tale taken to the furthest extreme, where they actually fight each other in a violent MMA bout. People might roll their eyes at this notion, but nothing is out of the realm these days, and I think everybody associated with the film sold it beautifully. The father, played by Stephen Dorff in a remarkable performance, is battling some serious demons, and unfortunately his two sons are forced to bear the brunt of it.

Q: One of the leads is played by your son, Colin, who was born with Williams syndrome. Can you tell me more about Colin’s role in the film and how he handled the pressures of acting?

A: My son, Colin, plays the younger son, Quinn. The older son, Jett, beautifully portrayed by Darren Mann, is front and center in everything that transpires, whereas Colin is the third male lead. Colin was born with Williams syndrome, a rare genetic disorder where he’s missing part of his seventh chromosome. I truly believe Colin’s role in the movie turned it from a really good movie to a fairly awesome one. Darren’s character is dealing with a lot of stuff, and for him to take care of his little brother with special needs only adds that much more pressure on him. And Colin handled all of it like the true master he is. He knew his lines, he listened, he told off his screenwriter father like all great actors do. He was the consummate pro. 

Q: What project in your career are you most proud of and why?

A: This movie, without question. I mean, American History X was pretty life changing. But I think this movie is pretty damn close to AHX, and my son is one of the stars in it! How does it get any better?

Q: What is your favorite movie of all time, and who is your favorite actor or director and why? 

A: My favorite movie of all time is Ordinary People. I cry pools of tears every time I watch it. It’s the perfect movie. Cast, screenplay, direction, storyline and setting – there’s never been anything quite like it from a dramatic sense. My two favorite actors for a long time were always Pacino and Daniel Day-Lewis. But these guys lately – Bale, Leo, Dorff, Norton, Damon and Cooper with his performance in A Star Is Born – these guys beat the page every time out.

Q: Besides writing, how do you spend your time, and what advice do you have for an aspiring actor or screenwriter?

A: Doing dishes, cleaning and raising three kids. I also fold laundry on Sundays while watching football. I’ve also become a pretty good cook. Cooking is a great break from writing, and a solid excuse not to write. I do love golf, but I probably won’t take it up again seriously until my 14-year-old daughter leaves the house. Actually, she’s already getting sick of me, so probably sooner. For advice – get up early. Early risers, more times than not, find success. 

~~~~~~~~

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

COVID-19: 1,943 new cases and 18 new deaths reported in OC, 19 new cases in Newport Beach (November 26 and 27)

OC Health Care Agency’s COVID-19 report released today (November 27) reflects a two-day increase of 1,943 new cases of COVID-19 in OC, 18 new deaths countywide, and 19 new cases in Newport Beach. The report includes new cases and deaths from both today and yesterday, since the agency did not release a report yesterday due to the Thanksgiving holiday.

Sadly, the county that 1,577 people have died due to COVID-19 in Orange County, including 18 new deaths reported today (11 deaths on Thursday, seven deaths today). There have been 26 deaths of Newport Beach residents to date.

The county reports a two-day increase of 1,943 new cases of COVID-19 in OC (935 cases on Thursday, 1,008 cases today).

The county reports that there have been 1,452 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Newport Beach to date, an increase of 19 cases since Wednesday’s report and 75 cases since last Friday’s report.

The county reports that 25 percent of ICU beds and 65 percent of ventilators are currently available countywide.

The county reports that 506 individuals are currently hospitalized with COVID-19 (+27 since Wednesday’s report – includes ICU); 139 are in ICU (+24 since Wednesday’s report).

The county estimates 59,080 “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.

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 as of November 27, as reported by the county; click here to visit page that is updated daily

In spite of a difficult year, there’s still a lot to be thankful for

By GARY SHERWIN

With a divisive election behind us but the pandemic still raging, an economy still struggling and a local tourism industry in a holding pattern, you could easily write off 2020 as just a forgettable, horrible year.

That would be the easy route, but perhaps very justifiable. Yes, there is plenty to lament, but a week like Thanksgiving gives a chance to step back and gather a little perspective, especially here in Newport Beach.

With so much loss this year, maybe the lesson here is gratefulness for the true blessings that we enjoy and perhaps take for granted each day, which sometimes happens when you live in a beautiful community like ours.

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Courtesy of Visit Newport Beach

Gary Sherwin

While it seems like the world has been shifting beneath our feet, here in town we have many things to appreciate. So, in no particular order, here’s my blessings list for this Thanksgiving Week:

1) Newport Beach is economically resilient: There is no doubt the pandemic has played havoc with our community. We’ve lost restaurants and stores. Small businesses are struggling. The City faced a $33 million deficit. But the City Council pivoted and filled the hole while also starting construction on a new fire station. Many of the businesses that I’ve spoken with have changed course as well. They’ve adapted and realigned their priorities. Many other communities, especially big cities like New York, suffered widespread economic devastation, with people relocating in mass. Downtowns look like ghost towns with people working at home and the businesses serving them boarded up. While you can see some empty storefronts, Newport Beach retains its vibrant character even with COVID-19 restrictions. If you drive around, things remarkably look normal.

2) Newport Beach is a safe place: Thank you to Police Chief Jon Lewis and his officers who managed this summer’s social protests with skill and diplomacy. People came and made their voices heard but the impact on the community, even with five protests on one day, was minimal. Chief Jeff Boyles and his fire and lifeguard squads were on the frontlines in controlling crowds on the beaches this summer and responding to emergency calls that risked their health. They did it without complaining and exhibited the best in service.

3) Newport Beach is a healthy place: Yes, there are COVID-19 infections here. But we have wonderful beaches to walk on, parks to relax in, clean air to breathe, trails to walk and plenty of healthy places to eat. And of course, Hoag Hospital and its superb medical care. Part of our culture is based on wellness and that has likely kept our infection rates relatively low.

4) Newport Beach has a beautiful harbor: One of the industries that has blossomed during the pandemic has been boat sales. People want to get out of their homes and get out on the water and breathe. Cruising around our harbor is a complete escape and depending how many people are on your vessel, pretty COVID-19 friendly. You cruise our harbor and nearly always return to the dock more relaxed than when you left.

5) Newport Beach’s community cares: Throughout the pandemic, we’ve heard many stories of free toilet paper delivery to others during the shortages, food delivered to shut-ins and kindness and support to restaurants who are hurting. Not every community cares as much as we do about each other and our local businesses.

6) Newport Beach is a beautiful place: Just drive around and take it in. This place is a manicured coastal fantasyland, and we are fortunate to see and work in it every day. We peddled this line to visitors for years; we are a taste of the perfect life.

7) Newport Beach is the best of both business worlds: Successful cities need large and high-profile employers and creative small businesses working side by side. We have companies like PIMCO, Pacific Life and a recent addition, Chipotle as well as many ad agencies, consulting firms and boutique retail all in a wonderful economic cocktail that keeps us vibrant and balanced.

8) Newport Beach has a collaborative hospitality community: In many cities, you get a group of hoteliers together and it becomes a slugfest for who can get the most business especially from each other. Our hotels are competitive but when they gather, they put their Newport Beach-first hat on. If this community has a secret sauce for tourism marketing, that is it.

No doubt that this Thanksgiving holiday will be different but the chance to honestly look to our abundance of blessings should not be. Step back and truly appreciate what we’re privileged to enjoy as a Newport Beach community and you’ll never see a truer meaning of this Thanksgiving holiday.

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

Sunset bodyboarding

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Photo by Todd Walker (Instgram @twalkerphotograph)

 Riding into the sunset on another amazing night in Newport

You Must Remember This: Two Harbor High standouts, but only one aura

By NANCY GARDNER

For some people, home soil is the most nourishing environment. Others have to leave home to flourish. For the first category, a prime example is DAVE EMMES. Now you may wonder why his name is in all caps. It’s because that’s the way I think of him. It’s simple: He was a senior at Harbor when I was a freshman. That alone made him pretty substantial. Seniors were these lofty creatures, practically adults. We freshmen? Mere children with nothing lofty about us.

Photos courtesy of Nancy Gardner

Dave Emmes, who as a teenager cast an aura at Harbor High, went on to co-found the award-winning South Coast Repertory

DAVE EMMES was more than just a senior, however. He was a CHEERLEADER. I went to several football games as a freshman, and since I didn’t have a clue as to what was going on in the field of play, I focused on the cheerleaders, song leaders and flag twirlers, and of those, DAVE EMMES was the most prominent. When he exhorted us to yell “Hold that line!” or “First and 10, do it again!” I yelled as loud as I could, even though I could have been yelling in Cantonese for all the words meant to me. But there was more. Early on in that momentous year, the drama department put on a revue in which DAVE EMMES had a major role. He was not only a CHEERLEADER, he was an ACTOR! And I truly looked on him and the others on stage as full-fledged actors. The following year, as a more mature sophomore, when seniors took the stage, I thought of them as student actors, but not that first year. So, there he was – DAVE EMMES, like some sort of Richard Cory but with a happy ending. With that kind of aura, anything might happen, and anything did. He went off to college, but eventually he returned to his old stomping grounds and established a theater. Of course.  That’s just what DAVE EMMES would do.

He and Martin Benson started South Coast Repertory. It was very much a shoe-string operation at first, renting a place in Balboa before moving to Newport Boulevard, everyone involved working full-time outside jobs, but that was just in the beginning because the theater thrived. Soon, people were paid salaries.  Then funds were raised to erect a theater on land donated by the Segerstroms. More funds were raised for various expansions, national awards were won, important new playwrights introduced – one triumph after another, but of course.  It was DAVE EMMES. In his return to his home turf, he and co-founder Benson created a hugely successful institution and helped spark a whole cultural wave in the area. How’s that for the value of home turf?

John Gage, a Harbor High academic and sports standout, found success in politics and the business sector

The other case – having to go away to succeed – is epitomized by John Gage. You may wonder why John’s name isn’t in caps. Not only were we in the same high school class, we went out a few times. It would be hard enough for an aura to attach to someone in the same class, but for someone you dated? Impossible. Despite the lack of an aura, John made a prominent place for himself at Harbor. His senior year he was student body president, a role he performed “with a drive that has been equalled by very few,” according to the yearbook. He swam breaststroke for Ted Newland, helping the IM relay team to innumerable first places as well as racking up any number of wins in his individual events, and he also played water polo. In addition to his athletic prowess, he was one of the brains of our class, a National Merit Award semifinalist. It would seem from all this that home soil was pretty nurturing, but these were the merest baby steps. Looking back, it was more than just that he was smart. There were other smart kids, but he seemed to have another quality – gravity? Prescience? I don’t know the exact term, but he seemed attuned to things outside Newport’s comfortable confines, things the rest of us weren’t even aware existed, and as soon as he left for college, it all opened for him.

He went to Berkeley and soon was hanging with Mario Savio and deeply involved in the free speech movement. This began a long involvement in politics on the left, playing significant roles in campaigns from the campus to the national level. When it came time to select a career, he eschewed the traditional law/finance/real estate to which most of his former Harbor classmates gravitated. He joined Sun Microsystems right after its founding, helping grow that into what it is today while continuing his political activities including serving on various presidential commissions. He finally left Sun, and the last I heard was bringing infrastructure projects to remote and impoverished parts of the world. None of that would have happened in Newport in the 60s and 70s. 

So – two people, two paths, two successes – but sorry, John, only one aura. 

~~~~~~~~

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

It’s official, Moorlach is running for Second District Supervisorial seat

Senator John M. W. Moorlach officially announced Wednesday that he is running for the soon-to-be-open Orange County Board of Supervisors Second District, currently held by Congresswoman-elect Michelle Steel. Moorlach has already gained the early endorsements of New Majority, the Orange County Lincoln Club and Family Action PAC.

“These are turbulent times, and Orange County must take steps to prepare for what could be a very difficult financial picture in 2021,” said Senator Moorlach. “I’ve helped our county maneuver to withstand several past financial storms, and I’m looking forward to rejoining the Board of Supervisors to help protect our county and promote a high quality of life for Orange County families.”

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Courtesy of Moorlach for Supervisor

State Senator John Moorlach to make another run for Orange County Supervisor

In a statement announcing their support, Family Action PAC President Kim Bengard said, “Moorlach is a man of faith, principle and courage – exactly the kind of person we need right now on the Board of Supervisors.” 

Lincoln Club President John Warner added, “John Moorlach has a track record of accomplishments for Orange County families few others can hold a candle to. He is the clear choice for the Supervisor’s seat.”

Moorlach represented District 2 for eight years and prior to that served as the Orange County Treasurer-Tax Collector for 12 years. Moorlach is known for helping lead the County out of bankruptcy 25 years ago. 

For the past six years Moorlach has served in Sacramento where he is the Legislature’s only CPA. 

The special election for the Second District Supervisorial seat is expected to be held in spring 2021. The highest vote-getter, even without a clear majority, will be awarded the seat.

Chamber continues efforts to educate businesses and residents

In an effort to push awareness for the need to wear masks in public, the Newport Beach Chamber of Commerce continues with its free sign campaign encompassing the entire city.

“There are very few actions that business owners and residents can do to combat the exponential rise in coronavirus cases. However wearing a mask in public, along with physical distancing and hand washing, is known to curtail the community spread of the coronavirus from person to person,” commented Chamber President Steve Rosansky.

The Chamber’s campaign offers a series of signs that business owners can place in their windows to get the message across that mask wearing in public is critical to stop the spread. The signs will feature messages like “Save Our Economy,” “Save Our Business” and “Save A Life” coupled with the words “Wear A Mask.” 

“With all the challenges facing businesses currently, the Chamber is trying to make it as easy as possible for them to get the message out,” Rosansky added.

Any business that would like to receive a sign can contact the Chamber to request a sign at 949.729.4400 or reach out to the Chamber at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. The Chamber will be happy to deliver your sign to your business. The Chamber will even tailor a custom message as long it ends with “Wear A Mask.”

To download the PDFs for either the 8.5” x 11” signs or larger 11” x 17” signs so you can print them out on your own, visit www.newportbeach.com and click on the sign buttons.

The Chamber’s effort is particularly important in the face of recent announcements by Governor Gavin Newsom. Rosansky added, “As long as the case counts continue their steep rise, he will continue to use his business ‘dimmer switch’ to scale back person to person interactions. Awareness campaigns like the Chamber’s are critical to stopping the spread.”

JWA control tower to operate at limited basis

According to the FAA, due to a COVID case and possible COVID exposure among its air traffic control workforce, the control tower at John Wayne Airport (JWA) will be operating on a limited basis and closing early through approximately November 29. Every air traffic control facility in the country has a contingency plan to keep air traffic moving safely when events impede normal operations, and the FAA remains positioned to quickly address the effects of the COVID-19 public health emergency.

Reduced controller staffing at JWA will reduce the maximum hourly arrival rate, but the airport does not expect to see significant delays and/or cancellations of commercial flights because demand is already lower than normal due to the COVID-19 public health emergency.

Southern California TRACON (SCT), the airport’s consolidated approach control in San Diego, will handle arrivals into and departures out of JWA when the tower is closed. In normal circumstances, the John Wayne tower is closed from 11 p.m.-6:15 a.m., and SCT handles traffic into and out of the airport during those hours.

According to Ian Gregor, public affairs specialist for the FAA, “The safety of our staff and the traveling public is the FAA’s top priority, and we may require controllers to quarantine themselves if they are exposed to a coworker who tests positive for COVID-19. Should these measures result in a lack of available staffing at a particular facility, the FAA will take steps to maintain safety.”

Police Files

Community storage locker opened leading to multiple losses

A residential burglary occurred in the Park Newport Community between 12 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 21 and 5:30 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 22 in the 2200 block of Park Newport Drive.

On Sunday, a community storage closet door was found pried open and a number of storage lockers appeared to have been forced open. Property was missing from some of the lockers.

Losses included a golf bag, golf clubs, luggage, roller blades, decorative items and household items.

No suspect information was available.

Burglar breaks into home and detached guesthouse

Newport Beach Police received a report of a residential burglary in the Port Streets Community sometime between Saturday, Nov. 21 and 5:30 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 23. The incident occurred in the 1800 block of Newport Hills Drive East.

While the victims were gone, an unknown suspect removed a window screen near the back of the house and broke part of the window. The suspect was then able to reach through the broken window to unlock it and enter the residence.

Once inside, the suspect went through cabinets and drawers in the living room, dining room, guest room, master bedroom and master bathroom. 

The suspect was also able to get into the detached guesthouse by removing that window screen and entering through an unlocked window. The guesthouse was ransacked.

The loss is undetermined at this time. 

No suspect information is available.

Sure it’s a happy time of the year, but watch out for the crooks

The Newport Beach Police Department (NBPD) reminds residents that during this wonderful and festive time of the year that it’s also busy. And because of that, sometimes we need to be reminded while shopping to protect information and packages.

Here are some guidelines to protect personal and financial information: 

–Before you jump on the internet, secure your personal computers by updating your security software. Everyone’s computer should have anti-virus, anti-spyware and anti-spam software, as well as a good firewall installed.

–Keep your personal information private and your password secure. Do not respond to requests to “verify” your password or credit card information unless you initiated the contact. Legitimate businesses will not contact you in this manner.

–Beware of “bargains” (especially in the form of popups or links) from companies with whom you are unfamiliar – if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is!

–Shop with companies you know and trust. Check for background and customer service information if you plan to buy from a new or unfamiliar company. Companies with customer service phone numbers or emails and clearly stated return and exchange polices are more likely to be legitimate. A quick Google search can also tell you if someone else has discovered that website to be a scam.

–Use secure websites for purchases. Look for the icon of a locked padlock next to the URL address or “https” in the URL address.

–Save all receipts and confirmations from your online purchases. Start a file folder to keep all receipts together and to help you verify credit card or bank statements as they come in.

–Consider using alternate options to pay for your merchandise, such as PayPal, at online stores.

NBPD also tends to see an increase in reports of stolen packages during this time of year. Avoid becoming a victim of package theft by considering the following tips:

–Have packages sent to your office or the home of a friend or family member who will be home for the delivery.

–Use local pick-up options if available – in-store pick-up, Amazon locker, etc.

–Consider adding a doorbell camera near your front door.

–Track your delivery online. Check your package’s deliver status for an estimated delivery time and try to be home when it arrives.

–UPS and FedEx both offer customers the ability to customize the time and date of the delivery for a time when they will be home.

Finally, if you observe someone doing the following, call the Newport Beach Police:

–An individual taking packages from a doorstep.

–Someone following a delivery truck and then going up to a porch after a delivery has been made. 

NBPD’s non-emergency line is 949.644.3717.

Usher in the holidays at Fashion Island

The holidays might look a little different this year, but that doesn’t mean we can’t still safely make memorable moments with friends and family. Usher in the 2020 holiday season with festive lights and exclusive activities at Fashion Island.

Signature holiday events have been reimagined to create safe spaces.

Schedule of Holiday Events:

–Virtual Santa Experience continuing through December 24: Delight your children and family with a personal virtual visit from Santa Claus! It’s safe, convenient and fun. Connect with Santa via a video call for only $25. For details and to book your appointment, go here.

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Photos courtesy of Fashion Island

This Santa sign in front of Neiman Marcus is how visitors can access the new Santa & Friends Augmented Reality Experience

–Augmented Reality Experience with Santa & Friends continuing through January 1, 2021: Keep an eye out for the NEW Santa & Friends photo experiences throughout Fashion Island to take fun photos with their augmented reality holiday characters, activated by QR codes. 

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The Fashion Island Christmas Tree illuminated at night

–Holiday Photo Stations including at the Giant Christmas Tree: In addition to multiple holiday photo stations placed throughout Fashion Island, bring your family to the Christmas tree in the Neiman Marcus - Bloomingdale’s Courtyard for complimentary photos. A digital copy of the photo will be emailed to you. 

–Black Friday on November 27: Enjoy the season’s best promotions. Plus, join in the surprises and delights throughout the day. Sponsored by See’s Candies and Garden of Flavor.

–CASA Toy Drive from November 27 - December 18: Share in the holiday spirit by donating an unwrapped toy or gift item for a child in the Orange County foster care system through Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA). Donations will be distributed by CASA and can be dropped off at the Guest Services Suite inside Atrium Court, Suite A204 near YellowKorner. For more information on CASA, visit www.casaoc.org.

–12 Days of Giveaways from December 1-12: Go to www.instagram.com/fashionisland/ to participate in this program and enter for a chance to win amazing prizes.

–Menorah Lighting Display from December 10-18: Celebrate Hanukkah with a daily lighting of the menorah. The menorah will be located in the Atrium Garden Courtyard, near Dick’s Sporting Goods and Wahoo’s Fish Taco. The event is in partnership with the Chabad Center for Jewish Life, Newport Beach.

City conducts survey for boaters’ thoughts on second anchorage

Recreational boaters utilizing Newport Harbor currently can set anchor in a designated public anchorage area located east of Lido Isle. This location allows boaters to anchor safely to relax and enjoy stationary time aboard their vessels outside of the harbor’s active navigational channels (where such anchoring is not permitted). 

Both day and short-term overnight use of the existing anchorage is allowed. Overnight use of the anchorage is limited to a maximum of three days in a 30-day period. Users of the anchorage must adhere to various safety rules, including the vessel’s skipper remaining aboard the vessel while in the anchorage, at almost all times.

This is currently the only designated public anchorage area in Newport Harbor. During the summer months, when recreational boating is typically most active, it is not unusual to find the anchorage congested and at full capacity with no room for additional recreational boaters to find safe anchorage. 

In an effort to provide Newport Harbor’s boating community an alternative anchorage location and reduce the potential of crowding and over-capacity use of the only existing designated anchorage, the City of Newport Beach established a trial anchorage west of Lido Isle, which was in place during 2015, 2016 and 2017. This trial was well received and has led to the city pursuing a request for consideration from the U.S. Coast Guard for a longer-term anchorage designation for the same general area.

The city is currently conducting a brief survey regarding this proposal through the end of the year.

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Courtesy of City of Newport Beach

The above diagram shows the entire harbor with the proposed West Anchorage in the top left quadrant

City of Hope launches leading-edge screenings and programs to counter lung cancer

Delivering on their promise to bring lifesaving cancer care to Orange County, City of Hope is launching early detection and prevention programs to fight lung cancer – the number one cause of cancer deaths in the United States. These services, provided by highly specialized cancer experts and introduced during November, Lung Cancer Awareness Month, are intended to save lives and provide local residents much-needed resources for combating this deadly disease.

Asking Orange County residents to “make your first shot against lung cancer your best shot,” City of Hope is stressing early intervention and expert care. The world-renowned cancer center is currently taking appointments for lung cancer screenings at its Newport Beach location, with screening taking place at Newport Diagnostic Center.

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Courtesy of City of Hope

Dr. Tingting Tan, a City of Hope medical oncologist specializing in thoracic cancer (right) with a patient

The painless and non-invasive exam uses low-dose spiral computed tomography (LDCT) and takes only seconds. Patients receive their results and consultation with City of Hope experts who specialize in the prevention and treatment of cancer. For those whose tests indicate cancer, there is immediate access to City of Hope’s world-renowned multispecialty team of lung cancer experts, along with outstanding compassionate care for patients and families.

“Orange County deserves its best shot against lung cancer,” said Ravi Salgia, M.D., Ph.D., the Arthur & Rosalie Kaplan Chair in Medical Oncology at City of Hope, and one of the world’s leading experts on lung cancer treatment. “That’s why we are introducing a screening program that detects lung cancers earlier and greatly enhances the odds of survival. And this is just the latest addition to our many breakthrough lung cancer research and treatment capabilities, including City of Hope’s pioneering use of targeted therapies and personalized medicine to determine the best treatment path for each patient.”

“One of the challenges with lung cancer is that it often doesn’t produce symptoms until it is well advanced,” said Dan J. Raz, M.D., M.A.S., co-director of the Lung Cancer and Thoracic Oncology Program and a thoracic surgeon at City of Hope. “However, we are highly encouraged because studies show that lung cancer detected by LDCT screening will be discovered at an early stage 64 percent to 85 percent of the time. It is cost-effective, causes no patient discomfort and is highly reliable. These factors can make all the difference and lead to a much more positive prognosis for patients. That’s why we are raising awareness among both patients and primary care physicians about the efficacy and accessibility of this life-saving test.”

In another move to help Orange Countians reverse lung cancer incidence, City of Hope offers an innovative virtual smoking cessation program. This social support program is open to people who smoke now or in the past and can be combined with City of Hope’s tobacco dependency program that includes medications to overcome withdrawal symptoms and behavioral strategies to break habits that trigger smoking. The emphasis is on getting better, not shaming or blaming those who have yet to rid cigarettes from their lives.

City of Hope physicians also stress that lung cancer can affect anyone with lungs, not just those who smoke. In fact, as many as 20 percent of people who die from lung cancer in the United States every year have never smoked or used any other form of tobacco.   

While researchers continue to explore what causes lung cancer in non-tobacco users, potential reasons include radon gas exposure, second-hand smoke, air pollution and certain hereditary factors.

“We want to make sure everyone remains vigilant about this disease, even when so many of us are focused on concerns such as COVID-19,” Dr. Salgia said. “People should pay attention to their risk factors, avoid situations that elevate risk and get early interventions if symptoms are present, including chronic coughing, coughing up blood and shortness of breath.”

For more information on the screening program, call 626.256.4673, ext. 89114.

For more information on smoking cessation, email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or visit www.cityofhope.org/smokingcessation.

For a second opinion for those diagnosed with lung cancer, go to the link here or call 800.826.4673.

The truths behind 10 lung cancer myths

Courtesy of City of Hope Orange County

Lung cancer is the second most common cancer in Orange County, but how much do you understand about this disease? There are some misconceptions surrounding lung cancer that may prevent people from getting the early diagnosis and treatment that improve the chances of a successful outcome. Here are the truths behind lung cancer that you should know.

Myth #1: Lung cancer only affects smokers.

Truth: Anyone with lungs can get lung cancer. While smoking is a risk factor, almost 80 percent of patients diagnosed with the disease are not current smokers (about 60 percent are former smokers and 15 percent never started). 

Myth #2: Not many people get lung cancer now that most of us don’t smoke anymore.

Truth: Lung cancer is the second most common cancer in America (not counting skin cancer). American Cancer Society estimated 228,820 cases of lung cancer would be diagnosed in 2020. Risk factors besides smoking include: a personal or family history of lung cancer; exposure to toxins.

Myth #3: The most effective lung cancer screening method is a chest X-ray.

Truth: The gold standard for screening is a low-dose computed tomography (CT) scan, which can reduce lung cancer mortality by as much as 20 percent.

Myth #4: Lung cancer screening is painful.

Truth: Low-dose CT scans don’t cause discomfort, unlike other cancer screening methods such as mammograms or colonoscopies.

Myth #5: Lung cancer screening is expensive.

Truth: Medicare and some private insurance plans cover screening for people who meet the criteria (between ages 55 and 80, with a history of smoking the equivalent of one pack of cigarettes a day for 30 years).

Myth #6: I’m too young to get lung cancer.

Truth: Although most lung cancers occur in people 65 or older, around 30,000 people younger than 50 are diagnosed each year. Genetics can play a role, as can environmental pollutants. 

Myth #7: You don’t need lung cancer screening unless you have symptoms.

Truth: Lung cancer symptoms typically don’t appear until the disease is at an advanced stage. Screening is designed for asymptomatic patients in order to detect cancer as early as possible.

Myth #8: It’s too late, and too difficult, to quit smoking.

Truth: Now is the perfect time to quit smoking. Damaged lungs can heal over time. Look for a lung cancer screening facility that also offers a smoking cessation program to provide you with crucial tools and support.

Myth #9: Screening doesn’t benefit older people.

Truth: Lung cancer screening targets people ages 55 to 80. The average age for a lung cancer diagnosis is around 70 years old.

Myth #10: Lung cancer isn’t survivable.

Truth: There have been many recent advances in lung cancer treatment, giving patients a range of symptom-reducing and life-extending options such as surgery, immunotherapy, radiation therapy, chemotherapy and targeted therapy. The key to survival is early discovery.

When you know the truth about lung cancer, you have the information you need to take charge of your health. Talk with your doctor about your risk factors, schedule a screening if you meet the guidelines and get the help you need to quit smoking once and for all.

City of Hope Newport Beach offers state-of-the-art lung cancer services, including early detection screenings and innovative prevention programs.  Services include low-dose CT screenings, a smoking cessation program and access to world-renowned experts in lung cancer research, diagnosis and treatment. 

For more information:

Screenings: Call 626.256.4673, extension 89114.

Smoking cessation program: Email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or visit www.cityofhope.org/smokingcessation. 

Second opinion on a lung cancer diagnosis: Call 800.826.4673 or click here.

This is a paid advertorial.

Letter to the Editor

Reader offers thanks

Thank you, Tom, Lana, Shaena, Michael, Sean and Amy, and everyone at Stu News Newport.

I’d just like to thank all of you who publish, contribute and report at Stu News Newport for providing our community with smart, mindful and balanced reporting. You never fail to afford us with news that’s relevant to all of our citizens in a respectful and objective way. In doing so, you’ve made us all more aware and observant.

I hope you and your families have a wonderful Thanksgiving and just know that your efforts are appreciated and counted on as we move through both trying times and good. You are a breath of fresh air.

Thank you.

Carol Tomlinson

Newport Beach

Feeling thankful

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Photo by Kevin Pellon (Instagram @socalsnapz)

 We have so much to be thankful for living in Newport Beach

ENC intern receives Everyday Young Hero award

Last week, Youth Service America (YSA) recognized Environmental Nature Center (ENC) intern Emma Zebrowski of Irvine as an Everyday Young Hero for the work she’s done as the ENC’s Video Intern. Zebrowski filmed and edited an informational video about the ENC Nature Preschool – a video to teach about the importance of native plants and help the ENC’s Nature Campers be “Zero Waste” when they come to Camp and more.

“Emma’s work motivates people to be less wasteful and damaging to the environment,” said ENC Assistant Director Lori Whalen. “She hopes that by creating awareness she will inspire others to live more sustainably.”

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Courtesy of ENC

Emma Zebrowski

Zebrowski became interested in climate change after attending a three‐day leadership training program led by Al Gore and his Climate Reality Project in Seattle, Wash. in June 2017, when she was 13. At the conference, she learned that climate change causes more than just high temperatures and was inspired to teach others that climate change causes extreme weather, catastrophic fires, droughts, harm to animal habitats and loss of land mass. She has been using her videography and editing skills to educate people about the many issues related to climate change.

“We know that young people are uniquely suited to help solve problems – if given the opportunity,” said Steven A. Culbertson, president of YSA. “Today’s social and environmental problems are immense; we need youth in this country to be leaders and problem solvers today, not just the leaders of a distant tomorrow.”

The Everyday Young Hero award recognizes young people who are actively engaged in serving their communities and acting as a role model to other potential change makers. It is a chance to shine a spotlight on Everyday Young Heroes in our communities who may otherwise go unnoticed.

To learn about YSA’s Everyday Young Heroes, visit www.YSA.org/awards/eyh.

Mesa Water District receives top honor in government accounting, financial reporting

Mesa Water District^® has received a Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting by the Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada (GFOA) for its comprehensive annual financial report (CAFR). The Certificate of Achievement is the highest form of recognition in the area of governmental accounting and financial reporting, and its attainment represents a significant accomplishment by a government agency and its management.

Mesa Water was recognized for its CAFR, which provides an overview of the District’s financial performance and activities, for the fiscal year that ended June 30, 2019.

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Courtesy of Mesa Water District

Mesa Water District serves parts of Newport Beach

“Mesa Water’s Board of Directors and staff are dedicated to achieving the highest level of excellence in all operations of the District, including financial reporting,” said Shawn Dewane, Mesa Water Board President. “Mesa Water goes above and beyond the requirements of the generally accepted accounting principles to provide a wide variety of information that is useful to the public in evaluating the District’s financial condition. This outstanding recognition further illustrates Mesa Water as an industry leader in transparency and excellent financial management practices.”

The CAFR is judged by an impartial panel to meet the high standards of the GFOA program, which includes demonstrating a constructive spirit of full disclosure to clearly communicate its financial story and motivate potential stakeholders to read the CAFR.

In addition, Mesa Water’s Financial Services Department will receive an Award of Financial Reporting Achievement (AFRA), for earning the Certificate of Achievement.

The GFOA advances excellence in government finance by providing best practices, professional development, resources and practical research for more than 21,000 members and the communities they serve.

For a copy of Mesa Water’s CAFR, visit www.mesawater.org/images/zdocs/2019-MW-CAFR.pdf.

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

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 Meals on Wheels Orange County do?

Meals on Wheels Orange County has been the largest nonprofit senior nutrition and supportive service provider in Orange County for more than 50 years. Currently serving 200,000 meals to more than 7,600 at-risk older adults per month, Meals on Wheels Orange County delivers programs and services that reduce hunger and improve wellness so that seniors may live independently in the homes and communities they love. The nonprofit’s mission is to nourish the wellness, purpose and dignity of seniors and their families in our community.

How do adults qualify for services?

Traditionally, home-delivered meals are intended for homebound older adults age 60-plus who are not able to cook for themselves and meet some additional criteria. Interested individuals should submit an inquiry form online at www.mealsonwheelsoc.org/covid-19-mow-form/ and will then be contacted by a Meals on Wheels OC representative to assess eligibility.

Grab & Go meals are available for pick-up at many local senior and community centers for anyone age 60 and over with proper identification. If individuals are unable to pick up meals on-site themselves, they may have someone pick up meals on their behalf as long as that person has the ID for the individual for whom the meals are intended.

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Photos courtesy of Meals on Wheels

Due to COVID-19, Meals on Wheels has delivered 200,000 meals to more than 7,600 vulnerable seniors each month

How many adults/kids does Meals on Wheels impact annually?

Meals on Wheels Orange County previously served nearly one million meals to more than 10,000 at-risk older adults each year. However, due to COVID-19 that number has skyrocketed to 200,000 meals to more than 7,600 vulnerable seniors each month.

What services are available?

Meals on Wheels Orange County currently offers two meal programs in Central and North Orange County. Traditional home-delivered Meals on Wheels are delivered to the homes of older adults age 60 and over who are not able to cook for themselves and meet additional criteria. Grab & Go frozen meals are available to anyone age 60 and over for pick-up at local senior and community centers.

Adult Day Services are community-based services that support both the medical and social needs of individuals who are living at home but need daytime assistance for their health and safety. Meals on Wheels Orange County’s two adult day health care centers welcome adults facing challenges with their daily life and physical or mental health that comes with aging, managing a health condition, or a physical limitation. Their person-centered care means they are prepared to handle a range of complex medical conditions and offer nursing care, medication management, physical occupational or speech therapy, counseling, eating assistance and more.

The Buena Park center welcomes those with dementia or with behavioral conditions needing assistance and care in a supervised, caring environment. As a “social program,” this center is primarily aimed at providing social opportunities, recreation, meals and friendship in a safe environment.

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Grab & Go frozen meals are available to anyone age 60 and over for pick-up at local senior and community centers

Why donate to Meals on Wheels?

Thousands of older adults in Orange County have become newly vulnerable due to the COVID-19 pandemic and are unable to safely leave their homes. In September alone, Meals on Wheels served nearly 200,000 meals – the same amount typically served over seven months. Meeting this unprecedented surge in need is only possible through donations. 

How to give to Meals on Wheels?

Donations can be made online at www.mealsonwheelsoc.org, or by mailing a check to 1200 N. Knollwood Circle, Anaheim, CA 92801.

Can I volunteer? If so, how? What opportunities are there?

Volunteer needs are very dynamic and change weekly. They always accept interest forms and will reach out to prospective volunteers as opportunities arise. If you are interested in volunteering, please submit an application at www.mealsonwheelsoc.org/volunteer-sign-up/.

What are Meals on Wheels’ major fundraisers and when do they take place?

Meals on Wheels participates in online fundraisers: Giving Tuesday in November, and a collaborative fundraiser called Preserving Dignity, which usually happens in July. 

The major fundraiser is the annual Senior Care Hero Awards, an Academy Awards-style gala celebrating the organizations and individuals dedicated to serving older adults in the community. Due to COVID-19, the 10th anniversary event was postponed until October 16, 2021. 

As a replacement to the Senior Care Hero Awards this year, Meals on Wheels created a virtual event called Step Up to the Plate, which included a documentary about our community in action during the pandemic.

Locations

While Meals on Wheels operates out of their corporate office in Anaheim, Grab & Go services operate out of various senior and community centers throughout central and north Orange County. View list of locations here: www.mealsonwheelsoc.org/covid-19-lunch-cafe/.

Names of the leadership group

Management Team

Holly Hagler – President and CEO

Darla Olson – Vice President of Advancement

Jane Roth – Chief Financial and Administrative Officer

Gio Corzo – Vice President of Home & Care Services

Board of Directors

Earle Zucht – Board Chair

Scott Heinila – Vice Chair

Stuart M. Moss, MBA – Past Chair

Corey Saenz – Secretary

DeVon Wiens, CPA – Treasurer

Meals on Wheels Orange County

Main office:

1200 N. Knollwood Circle

Anaheim, CA 92801

714.220.0224

www.mealsonwheelsoc.org

Spotlight on Philanthropy is underwritten by

Celebrate the winter season at Newport Dunes

Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort is presenting the 30th Annual Lighting of the Bay beginning at dusk tonight, Friday, Nov. 27 and continuing through January 1, 2021. The bay is illuminated every evening at dusk and the event is free.

New this year, guests will have the opportunity to celebrate responsibly while dining fireside or hosting private holiday drive-in movies and events with the stunning backdrop of the bay adorned with festive floating lights. 

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Photos courtesy of Newport Dunes

The 30th Annual Lighting of the Bay illuminates Upper Newport Harbor from November 27 through January 1, 2021

Schedule of Newport Dunes Holiday Happenings:

–Christmas Tree Lot is now open and continues through December 21: As one of Southern California’s premier locations to pick top-of-the-line pines, Newport Dunes receives its trees from Salem, Ore. in five to six farm-to-lot deliveries before Christmas. The highest quality, fragrant trees are handpicked and delivered within 16 hours of being cut, given a second cut upon arrival and immediately placed in stands with fresh water. Choose from Noble, Nordman, Grand and Douglas firs. Christmas Tree Lot customers receive complimentary parking. Seek out your perfect evergreen and stay to view the Lighting of the Bay. In addition, you will find fresh wreaths, garlands and accessories including ornaments, hats, cards, lights and more. Open 10 a.m.-9 p.m. daily until trees are sold out. Prices vary. For more information, visit www.newportdunes.com/christmas-tree-lot/.

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Choose from a variety of fresh and fragrant firs at the Christmas Tree Lot

–30th Annual Lighting of the Bay from November 27 - January 1, 2021:

Upper Newport Bay is illuminated every night at dusk. The event is free of charge and open to public viewing. Parking rates apply. On-site parking starts at $10 per car. Limited street parking is available.

–Fireside Dining on December 4 and 5, December 11 and 12, and December 18 and 19. Two seatings: 5-7 p.m. and 7:30-9:30 p.m. Get cozy with the family or loved ones at a private fire pit. Enjoy food from Moe B’s Munchies that will be served to the firepit, and roast marshmallows for s’mores. Sip on seasonal beverages and be immersed in the holiday spirit as you take in the picturesque bay aglow with more than 40 electric Christmas trees and holiday decorations lighting up the bay. Firepits serve two to six people and include firewood and Adirondack chairs. Prices start at $26 for two. For more information and to view dinner package options, go here. A limited number of packages are available.

–Private Holiday Drive-in Events: For those looking for a way to responsibly gather this holiday season, Newport Dunes helps guests reimagine their personal or corporate holiday parties as physically distant drive-in celebrations. Complete with a large screen, a stage, a sound system which broadcasts through FM radios, and even food and beverage concessions, Newport Dunes’ helpful staff handles all set-up needs and day-of organization. To inquire about your private event, call the Newport Dunes Sales Office at 949.729.3800.

–Book a Stay: To get the full Lighting of the Bay experience, book a stay at the resort to view the enchanting display just steps from your accommodations. Rent a cozy, single-family, one-bedroom Beach Cottage, or reserve an RV campsite. For those who don’t own an RV or would like to try camping, Newport Dunes works with local RV rental companies that will deliver a sanitized luxury RV to your campsite set up and ready to enjoy.

Newport Dunes continues to monitor local, state and CDC guidelines. Guests are required to practice physical distancing and wear face coverings when they are unable to keep a six-foot distance from other guests.

For more information, visit www.NewportDunes.com, or call 949.729.3863.

Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort is located at 1131 Back Bay Drive, Newport Beach.

Capturing Corona del Mar

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 Artwork by Don Krotee 

The headlands of Little Corona rising above Newport Harbor provide the background for this painting. It was created from the artist’s sunrise reference photo, taken from the public dock at Coral Street, Balboa Island. The darker land mass on the right is the eastern edge of Newport Peninsula. This work can be categorized as a fully transparent, impressionistic watercolor. The work is painted on an 18” x 32”, 300#, extra white, Fabriano Artistico handmade cotton paper.

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Artist Don Krotee is a 35-year resident of Newport Beach, a member of the 2000 General Plan Advisory Committee, a Corona del Mar Residents Association member, the founder of the Newport Heights Improvement Association, a board member of SPON and lives in Corona del Mar. He is an architect, a sailor and a fine artist who has been drawing and painting from an early age. He provides Stu News drawings and paintings from iconic Newport Beach and the world.

JWA commercial traffic remains drastically down YOY 

October flight statistics out of John Wayne Airport (JWA) continue to show dramatic year-over-year declines in airline passenger traffic. Counts show that JWA served 307,865 passengers in 2020, a decrease of 65.7 percent compared to 2019’s passenger count of 897,873.

Commercial aircraft operations also show a 56 percent decrease, while commuter aircraft operations increased 11.1 percent compared to 2019.

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Courtesy of JWA

Total aircraft operations out of JWA in 2020 show 22,905 total aircraft operations (take-offs and landings), a 10.1 percent decrease compared to the 25,468 take-offs and landings in October 2019.

General aviation activity, which accounted for 82.8 percent of total aircraft operations during October 2020, increased 9.6 percent when compared with October 2019.

The top three commercial airlines based on passenger counts were Southwest Airlines (100,066), American Airlines (70,320) and United Airlines (47,266).

Hoag leadership to discuss optimizing care during these challenging times

The Newport Beach Chamber of Commerce is inviting the community to a special online program with two members of Hoag Hospital’s leadership to discuss optimizing care delivery. The virtual Zoom meeting will be held Friday, Dec. 4 from 9:30-10:30 a.m., with the program “Extended Reality Delivers ‘Real World’ Results.”

Featured presenters for the program will be Thomas Hutchinson, Executive Director of XR Health at Hoag and Robert Louis, M.D., F.A.A.N.S., a Hoag fellowship-trained neurosurgeon.

The program will offer a look into the impact of virtual reality applications in delivering positive patient outcomes.

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Photos courtesy of Newport Beach Chamber of Commerce

Thomas Hutchinson, Executive Director of XR Health at Hoag

Hutchinson oversees the development of clinical operations, strategic vision and physician alignment at Hoag. He has been with the hospital for more than a decade and progressed through finance, strategy and now administration with an eye on continued career advancement.

Thomas received his BA from the University of San Diego in economics and has received his MBA from the University of Redlands.

Robert Louis, M.D. and Hoag fellowship-trained neurosurgeon

Dr. Louis is director of the Skull Base and Pituitary Tumor Program at Pickup Family Neurosciences Institute at Hoag, and Empower360 Endowed Chair in Skull Base and Minimally Invasive Neurosurgery. He has particular expertise in endoscopic and minimally invasive treatment of benign and malignant brain tumors, sellar and parasellar tumors and skull base tumors. Through the use of cutting-edge neuroimaging and neuro-navigational equipment, he utilizes the concept of keyhole neurosurgery, minimizing the damage to surrounding brain, vascular and soft tissue structures.

Reservations are required to participate. To make reservations, click here and you will then receive a return confirmation email with meeting login instructions.

SCAPE gallery extends Dawn Chorus exhibition

SCAPE gallery in Corona del Mar is extending its exhibition Dawn Chorus through December 15. On display are works by Lawrence Fodor and Marietta Patricia Leis.

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Photos courtesy of SCAPE gallery

Artists Lawrence Fodor and Marietta Patricia Leis

Fodor, born in Los Angeles, studied at Orange Coast College and Otis Art Institute. He has traveled the world extensively, drawing, painting and researching art history in museums on four continents, and believes strongly in the intellectual, intuitive and emotional power of mark-making. He approaches drawing and painting as a language – a vernacular he is consistently expanding and one through which he believes he communicates best. His studio practice includes painting with oil paint and watercolor on canvas, wood panels, cigar boxes and paper juxtaposing figurative, landscape and abstract idioms and is best described as resonant gestural abstraction. In addition to painting and drawing, he also has a lifelong interest in photography, which he pursues with equal commitment. His work is included in the permanent collections of the New Mexico Museum of Art, New Mexico History Museum and the Modern Museum of Art, Fort Worth, Texas, among others. He currently lives and works in Los Angeles and Santa Fe.

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Lawrence Fodor’s “Kôan Box,” Red/Alizarin/Paynes Grey oil, alkyd resin, wax and 23 kt. gold on a wood cigar box with embedded items, 10.5’ x 8.25”

Leis, born in East Orange, N.J., received her BA and MA from Antioch College, and her MA/MFA from the University of New Mexico. She is a visual artist from Albuquerque (where she lives and works), by route of New York City and Los Angeles. She works in several media including painting, photography, sculpture and video. Her art is concerned with the preservation of our planet; regardless of medium, it resonates with the beauty of our natural environment. “Color of place” is an element that she enlists to create a visceral recording of her travels. As travel informs her work, she has been awarded numerous artist residencies nationally and internationally including Connamara Conservancy, Dallas; Weir Farm Trust, Conn.; Schneider Museum/Crater Lake, Ore.; Gullkistan Center for Creativity, Iceland; Ionian Center for Arts and Culture, Greece; Fundacion Valpariso, Mojacar, Spain; and Cawdor Estate, Cawdor, Scotland. Her work can be found in many public collections including Museo Italo Americano, San Francisco; Albuquerque Art Museum, N.M.; Harwood Museum, Taos, N.M.; the Holtze Hotel, Denver; Ross Laboratories, Columbus, Ohio; and the State Capitol Building, Santa Fe, N.M. 

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Marietta Patricia Leis’ “Seed Series” Installation

For more information, visit www.scapesite.com. To view all the artworks in the exhibition and the catalog, go to https://scapesite.com/current-exhibit/.

NBPL presents a virtual guide to self-publishing

Newport Beach Public Library (NBPL) is offering a virtual self-paced workshop on publishing your own book using the KDP and Lulu platforms. The information provided will help you become familiar with internet based self-service publishers. In just a few steps you will learn how to upload a completed manuscript and make it available for sale in a variety of online marketplaces. You can also follow these steps if you just want to create your own book, even if you don’t plan on selling it (photobooks for your family and friends, magazines for your business, etc.).

This workshop assumes you already have completed your manuscript and focuses on the technical aspects of getting your work set for physical and digital distribution. If you need help writing your book, check out the Newport Beach Public Library’s other resources like the Chris Epting Memoir Writing series or the vast collection of books on the subject. 

Both of the slideshows below work as stand-alone lectures about their respective topic, and each platform provides a variety of options. For example, one printer may charge more for color pages, while the other might charge more for black and white, so take a look at both and experiment to find which platform best suits your needs. 

You can also supplement this workshop with the Great Courses series How to Publish Your Book available through Kanopy – a streaming service free to use with your NBPL library card.

Feel free to ask NBPL’s reference staff for help or contact the creator of this guide, Librarian Alex Jenkins, via email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Create an eBook using Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP):

Kindle Direct Publishing allows you to easily upload and sell your book through major online retailers. As the self-service publishing platform owned by Amazon, KDP offers many different options to market your book on Amazon.com that are unique to its platform.

This tutorial covers the basics of self-publishing and includes a step-by-step walkthrough of the eBook publication process using KDP. It also includes information about publishing print books using KDP and marketing books and eBooks through the Kindle store (Amazon.com). Go here to begin the video workshop with voiceover. View a PDF of the slideshow at your own pace here.

Create a physical book using Lulu.com:

Lulu is a self-service publishing platform that streamlines the process of self-publishing your book in a variety of formats. Lulu offers many different size dimensions for your book, paper options, ink colors and binding types that can be selected at the click of a mouse. It has robust pricing and distribution choices so that you can find the options that best fit your specific needs.

This tutorial discusses general self-publishing information and includes a step-by-step walkthrough of the book publication process using Lulu covering basic formatting, rights management, cover creation, pricing and distribution. Go here to begin the video workshop with voiceover. View a PDF of the slideshow at your own pace here.

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

DUI Arrests

Lesly A. Castrejonvelez, 31, Anaheim – Tuesday, November 24

Marcus Christopher Garcia, 26, El Centro – Sunday, November 22

Kathleen Ann Kirby, 35, Henderson – Sunday, November 22

Incident Reports

Tuesday, November 24

Arrests for Being Drunk in Public

None

Irvine Ave. & Sherington Place I Paraphernalia and Probation Violation

9:01 p.m. Robert Kenneth Berglund, 59, Newport Beach, was arrested for possession of unlawful paraphernalia and on a felony probation violation. No bail was set.

Douglas I 18800 Block I Irvine I Warrant

8:00 p.m. Charles Albert Major, 71, Irvine, was arrested on a warrant for filing false statements. Bail was set at $2,000,000.

Dove St. & Quail St. I Warrant

6:17 p.m. Robert Andrew Lotter, 63, Newport Beach, was arrested on a warrant for filing false statements. Bail was set at $4,000,000.

Newport Pier I 00 Block I Paraphernalia

4:43 p.m. Isaac Dominic Hirales, 25, Laguna Beach, was arrested for possession of unlawful paraphernalia. Bail was set at $500.

Jamboree Road I 1600 Block I Grand Theft, Conspiracy and Metal Knuckles

3:26 p.m. Donnica A. Johnson, 27, Newport Beach, was arrested for grand theft, conspiracy to commit a crime and possession of metal knuckles. Bail was set at $20,000.

W. Coast Highway & Hoag Drive I Disorderly Conduct

9:18 a.m. Mateusz Jakub Kotowski, 24, San Juan Capistrano, was arrested for disorderly conduct while being under the influence of drugs. Bail was set at $500.

Northampton Ct. I 00 Block I Vandalism

9:15 a.m. Sheila Anne Prato, 46, Newport Beach, was arrested for vandalism for damaging property. Bail was set at $20,000.

Monday, November 23

Arrests for Being Drunk in Public

None

McFadden Place I 100 Block I Warrants

8:05 p.m. Tyrus Daquan Washington, 26, Anaheim, was arrested on warrants for burglary and for a hit & run felony. Bail was set at $250,000.

Orangethorpe Ave. I 700 Block I Fullerton I Burglary

9:32 a.m. Zachary Evan Albright, 28, Garden Grove, was arrested for burglary from a motor vehicle. Bail was set at $20,000.

W. 15th St. & Nautical Mile Drive I Controlled Substance and Paraphernalia

8:37 a.m. Noel Martinez Sanchez, 39, San Clemente, was arrested for possession of a controlled substance and possession of unlawful paraphernalia. Bail was set at $2,500.

Hoag Drive I 00 Block I False Report of Emergency

1:43 a.m. Luis Antonio Hernandez, 38, Anaheim, was arrested for the false reporting of an emergency. Bail was set at $500.

Sunday, November 22

Arrests for Being Drunk in Public

Thomas Ladd McGregor, 48, Oceanside

Daylon Larry Lonian, 21, Victorville

Timothy John Yorga, 53, Santa Ana

Douglas Edwin Pogoda, 56, Los Angeles

Back Bay Drive & Eastbluff Drive I Obstructing/Resisting, Burglary Tools, Paraphernalia, Under the Influence and Narcotics

2:56 a.m. Patrick Michael Babayans, 34, Santa Ana, was arrested for obstructing or resisting a peace officer, possession of burglary tools, possession of unlawful paraphernalia, being under the influence of a controlled substance and possession of a narcotic controlled substance. Bail was set at $10,000.

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.