Fair Game

By TOM JOHNSON

Those wounded warriors, who fought to protect us, come to Newport Beach this weekend to fish our waters and heal

Earlier this year it was announced that the 2023 War Heroes on Water (WHOW), a one-of-a-kind fishing tournament, would return to Newport Beach this weekend, Sept. 23-26. It’s referred to as “the transformative sportfishing tournament that helps combat-wounded veterans recover from the physical and emotional wounds of war.”

The 2023 WHOW tournament plans to build off of last year’s highly successful event that saw 125 veterans board 50 of the best sportfishing vessels around on the water for three days of world-class angling.

Tournament organizers hope that this event allows veterans the ability to “harness the healing powers of the ocean and the thrill of team-based competition, reeling in thousands of pounds of fish including some incredible big game catches.”

They’ll head out to the waters off Catalina Island to do so.

Last year, more than 225 corporate and private donors and sponsors took part. The hope for this year is to do even more, with the expectation being to raise some $1.5 million to support the event and the year-round services provided by its philanthropic partner, Freedom Alliance.

Freedom Alliance provides help and support to wounded troops and military families, having previously awarded more than $20 million in college scholarships to the children of military heroes killed or disabled in service and millions more towards helping injured veterans and military families with outdoor recreational therapy trips, Heroes Vacations, care packages for deployed troops, mortgage-free homes, all-terrain wheelchairs and more. To learn more, visit www.freedomalliance.org.

“Each year, WHOW changes the lives of veterans who have sacrificed so much for our country,” said WHOW Founder Anthony Hsieh. “The connections our heroes make with each other – as well as the fleet captains and crews and the entire WHOW community – form a lifelong support system and allow them to heal on the open ocean while having the adventure of a lifetime. The generous support of the SoCal sportfishing community who donate their time and some of the greatest vessels on the west coast, as well as our corporate sponsors and private donors, plays a critical role in the tournament.”

WHOW was founded by Hsieh in 2018 and throughout its five-year history has enabled the tournament to directly serve 300 veterans on the water and raise more than $5 million to support thousands of others.

Find out how you might get engaged at https://warheroesonwater.com, or better yet, check out the auction and the fabulous items here. But please note, the auction does close at 6 p.m. tomorrow (Saturday, Sept. 23).

You may also check out the unbelievable vessels involved this year by going to https://warheroesonwater.com/fleet/.

• • •

This is definitely one of those full circle of life events. On July 20, 2000, Erin Toughill made her pro boxing debut in the Battle in the Ballroom at the Irvine Marriott, a Roy Englebrecht Promotion.

Now, 23 years later, Englebrecht, a Newport Beach resident and CEO of Englebrecht Promotions & Events, has announced the hiring of Toughill as the company’s new Vice President of Fighter Relations and Matchmaking.

Click on photo for a larger image

Courtesy of Roy Englebrecht Promotions & Events

Roy Englebrecht Promotions & Events new fight matchmaker Erin Toughill

She will take over for boxing matchmaker Chuck Bosecker who is taking some time off, and current Englebrecht Promotions & Events MMA matchmaker Mel Valenzuela, who will continue his matchmaking work for BYB Bare Knuckle and A1 Combat.

“Talk about coming full circle,” said Englebrecht. “Erin has been a friend since she debuted for me and she has attended many of our Fight Club OC shows over the years. What makes this hiring unique is that Erin will be the only boxing and MMA matchmaker that was a pro fighter herself and will be able to speak to fighters on their level.

Now, if you think for a minute that she might be a pushover, consider this: Toughill has been involved in combat sports for nearly 30 years, having competed in three disciplines: boxing, mixed martial arts and bareknuckle boxing. And, she is the first and only woman to be ranked in the top five in both MMA and boxing, simultaneously.

The next Fight Club OC show is Thursday, Oct. 26 with tickets and show information at www.socafights.com.

• • •

Mark your calendars:

–The 3rd Annual Rooftop Soiree, hosted by the Newport Beach Foundation, takes place next Wednesday, Sept. 27 at Lido House Topside.

The evening unites alumni from their Distinguished Citizens Program, business leaders and Newport Beach friends to this influential event that takes place from 5:30-7:30 p.m. For tickets, go here.

Proceeds from the event will benefit their chosen charity partner, The Literacy Project.

–The Newport Beach Fire Department will be hosting Fire Service Day at Station 7 (20401 SW Acacia St.) on Sunday, Oct. 8 from 11 a.m.-2 p.m.

The day will include fire station tours, a live rescue demonstration, an auto extrication and a live structure fire. There will also be fire, paramedic and lifeguard apparatus displays, a bounce house, face painting, a fire extinguisher demo, fire helmets and stickers, and a complimentary lunch and refreshments.

–The Newport-Mesa Unified School District and the Newport Mesa Schools Foundation will conduct their State of the Schools Breakfast on Tuesday, Oct. 10, beginning at 7 a.m. The breakfast, which will celebrate the highlights and accomplishments of the District and provide a glimpse into exciting initiatives, will take place at Costa Mesa High School, 2650 Fairview Road in Costa Mesa.

Those wanting to attend need to RSVP and purchase a ticket online ($33) here. 

–New Directions for Women will host their 16th Annual Circle of Life Breakfast on Thursday, Feb. 29 in Newport Beach.

 By supporting New Directions, you contribute to the stories of countless women who have found their strength, reclaimed their lives and rebuilt their families. Join us in making a difference that echoes for generations to come.

Ben Did Go, and so did 111 of his friends and supporters

Photos by Eric Hernandez

Last Saturday, Sept. 16, 111 paddlers left Catalina Island in the earlier morning hours to head back to Newport Beach for the Ben Did Go 8.0 fundraising effort. When all was said and done, more than $200,000 was raised by those involved for the Ben Carlson Foundation, which provides educational scholarships to students across the United States and water lifesaving equipment to needy areas around the world.

Here are some of the day’s snapshots capturing the paddle out.

Click on photo for a larger image

Paddlers begin the long journey home, putting Catalina Island in the rearview mirror

Click on photo for a larger image

Participants following lead white boat, are surrounded by many supporting vessels

Click on photo for a larger image

One might imagine the wonderful conversation and tremendous encouragement of others while out seemingly in the middle of nowhere

Click on photo for a larger image

Spencer Pirdy, in foreground, has plenty of reasons to smile. He founded this fundraising effort in Ben’s name back in 2014.

Click on photo for a larger image

Christian Comet was there…

Click on photo for a larger image

…as was Foster Hoose

Click on photo for a larger image

Noah Mayne was all in…

Click on photo for a larger image

…as was Tyler Gunter

Click on photo for a larger image

Anything about Ben seems to draw a crowd as supporters gather on the Newport Pier to welcome paddlers home

Click on photo for a larger image

…and still more await on the beach fronting the Benjamin M. Carlson Lifeguard Headquarters, which serves as a fitting end

Actor Jason Momoa stops by Gelson’s

Actor Jason Momoa, best known for starring in Aquaman and playing Khal Drogo in Game of Thrones, stopped by Gelson’s in Newport Beach on Tuesday, Sept. 19 from 2-3 p.m., to sign bottles of Meili Vodka, the new sustainably produced craft spirit.

Click on photo for a larger image

Photos by Lana Johnson

Jason Momoa (left) poses with business partner Blake Halvorson and a fan at Gelson’s Newport Beach

Click on photo for a larger image

Fans lined up early to get their bottles of Meili Vodka signed by Momoa

Click on photo for a larger image

(L-R) Dee and Moe Hernandez make it to the front of the line to enter Gelson’s to have Momoa autograph their vodka bottles

Fans lined up early with Meili Vodka bottles in hand, to enter Gelson’s and have their bottles autographed by Momoa, who appeared with his business partner, fashion designer Blake Halvorson.

Meili is bottled in 100% recycled glass with no two bottles being identical. Produced from natural Montana springs, the grains are sourced from local farms and the finished product is left to “rest and breathe” in the mountain air before bottling.

If you enjoy fine dining, get ready to love the offerings at the new Pendry Newport Beach

By GARY SHERWIN

If you are casually passing by the new Pendry Newport Beach, it may look a lot like the former Fashion Island Hotel on the outside, except for the huge new event lawn next to the driveway and the Pendry flag on top of the building along with the new crown lighting glowing at night. But looks are deceiving.

When the hotel opens this Wednesday, Sept. 27, people who are unfamiliar with the brand will see a lot of surprises at the completely reimagined property when they walk in.

The Pendry may not have the consumer awareness of a Hyatt or Marriott, but many would be surprised to find that it is the fastest-growing luxury cosmopolitan hotel brand in the U.S. right now, with several properties throughout the country opening this year. The company will also expand internationally and recently announced a new resort in Barbados, which will open in 2026.

It carries the DNA of Montage Resorts, probably one of the best-run hotel companies out there in terms of guest experience.

Click on photo for a larger image

Courtesy of Visit Newport Beach

Gary Sherwin

Pendry Newport Beach will not only be the tallest in the chain, but it will probably become its flagship. The brand’s motto is “Know thyself,” a nod to stoic Greek philosophy. And one thing that they know is that elevated food and beverage will be a hallmark of this hotel and is, in fact, central to all Pendrys.

If there is a guiding principle with this property, it is about intentionality and curation. Everything is well thought out and considered, including the food.

In Newport Beach, the flagship dining spot will be Set Steak & Sushi and I was wonderfully surprised to see former Fleming’s Steak House General Manager Sangiv Gupta as its new manager. Gupta did an amazing job when he was the long-tenured leader at the Fashion Island restaurant. He was always Newport Beach-focused and I’m thrilled to see him at the Pendry bringing his talents to what was the former Oak Grill. It’s another way Eagle Four ownership is trying to keep a local focus on this project.

Click on photo for a larger image

Courtesy of Pendry Newport Beach

Set Steak & Sushi

Gupta was busy handling a host of pre-opening details when I saw him last week, and we discussed the challenges of opening a new upscale restaurant in a city that is notoriously finicky. We have a lot of great places to eat, after all.

He pointed out that the interior of the restaurant is designed to mimic the interior of a luxury yacht with soft blue paneling inside restored oak millwork. Fortunately, the wonderful outdoor patio area, which was a recent update of the property when it was owned by the Irvine Company, remains. It has been refinished and will have upholstered banquettes as well as tables when it opens.

Where the old bar was located is a new sushi station because seafood, as well as steak, will be key here. Just behind the sushi station is the redesigned private dining area that has been opened up, making it more airy, perfect for a group of 28 people.

“I’ve been in the city of many years, and I know there are a lot of great places in Newport Beach to dine. The standards are high, but we are committed to being the absolute best in upscale dining, especially in steak and seafood. Count on it,” Gupta said.

OK, Mastros. I guess it’s game on.

In addition to Gupta, a great restaurant always has a great chef behind it and in this case, he is JoJo Ruiz, a personable James Beard Award Winner for Sustainable Seafood.

Ruiz, who is from San Diego and worked at the well-regarded Lionfish, has built his reputation on the sustainability movement and plans to offer New Zealand salmon, Blue Fin Tuna and Thai Snapper. He is also fond of no-kill caviar, in which a chef massages the eggs out of a fish rather than collecting them and disposing of the fish. It’s a practice he discovered that was pioneered in the Ukraine.

While Ruiz loves the seafood, he is also taking aim at the best steakhouses in the city and is getting creative, including offering a Peking Duck with Italian influences.

Now that’s a first for Newport Beach.

The steaks come from gourmet provider Flannery Beef, which will be dry aged on the bone and come from Brawley. Another signature item will be an eight-ounce ribeye steak.

While the food sounds tony, the overall vibe will be “approachable,” according to Ruiz, who knows he is appealing to a crowd with high expectations and sophisticated palates. He expects as many locals to dine there as guests at the hotel.

Just outside Set, adjacent to the patio, will be The Tree Shack, an outdoor restaurant catering to lite bites and casual fare perfect for the new pool area.

And, it doesn’t stop there, with a couple of other options to dine, including a breakfast restaurant called The Pavilion, offering everything from smoothies to full entrées.

Click on photo for a larger image

Courtesy of Pendry Newport Beach

Viamara at the Elwood Club

For locals who are members of the Pendry’s new, private Elwood Club, there will be a formal pub to enjoy a pint with some fish and chips as well as other options in front of a roaring fireplace. Nearby, the fashionably designed Viamara at the Elwood Club will feature all-day dining. To accommodate the club, a new kitchen was built to service it.

One of the things that distinguished the old Fashion Island Hotel was the lobby bar, which featured a very lively and, at times, boisterous late-night scene.

Click on photo for a larger image

Courtesy of Pendry Newport Beach

Bar Pendry

Bar Pendry will offer a more stylish and civilized approach, but will still be attracting the locals and visitors who want a pre- or post-dinner drink and some fun nightlife in a city that sorely lacks it.

Most of our hotels in Newport Beach embrace a coastal chic aesthetic, embracing a resort-style ambience. The Pendry is a different animal altogether and plays to a more fashionable, sophisticated cosmopolitan vibe. Yet I felt it fits right into our community with its design and food components and is a nice complement to its neighbor down the street, VEA.

To make all of this come together takes a strong and experienced hand to lead its operation, so next week, I’ll introduce you to Pendry’s charismatic General Manager David Hoffman, a person who is no stranger to Newport Beach or even the property he is now working in.

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

NHHS student presents AI creation that “detects and prevents fires” at United Nations event

On the heels of winning a full $3,000 Global Youth Action Fund grant from the International Baccalaureate and starting his own nonprofit organization, Newport Harbor High School sophomore Ryan Honary gave a presentation on engaging youth in AI/STEM-based environmental projects at the United Nations’ headquarters in New York during its Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Weekend.

Honary earned the $3,000 grant for his work in creating an open AI-based digital platform for the early detection and growth prediction of wildfires. He was one of only 10 winners from the United States; 101 grants were awarded worldwide to students whose projects support one or more of the UN’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals.

Click on photo for a larger image

Courtesy of NMUSD

NHHS sophomore Ryan Honary poses with UN headquarters in background

In January, Honary debuted his nonprofit organization, Climate Solutions Society (CSS) at the Learning Planet Festival, an event created by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) and Learning Planet Institute in Paris. He also hosted a panel discussion and global showcase on “The Future of Artificial Intelligence-Driven Environmental Solutions,” where he shared his award-winning open AI-based digital platform for early detection and growth prediction of wildfires that has since evolved for use in addressing a variety of additional environmental issues.

“Ryan is brave and open to being teachable. It’s a joy to work with him on his presentations and videos and be able to guide him on his passion and commitment to protecting and preserving the environment,” said IB Diploma Coordinator Alma Di Giorgio.

As part of the UN’s SDG Action Weekend, Honary presented his contribution to capturing youth perspectives and strengthening the meaningful engagement of future generations to further sustainable development. Through CSS, he wants to turn the platform he created to detect wildfires into an open platform that can be used by others to develop solutions for additional environmental issues.

Honary’s early wildfire detection platform is a network of solar-powered heat detectors that communicate wirelessly with a weather station that transmits data to a computer that then reports an analysis of the situation to a cellphone app. It is currently being employed by the Irvine Ranch Conservancy (IRC) in a variety of environmental management and protection applications. IRC has partnered with the company Honary started, SensoRy AI, to advance the practical applications of his invention.

At NHHS, Honary is working with Di Giorgio to start an on-campus club based on the goals of CSS, where interested students with a passion for STEM and the environment would come together to share solutions and take steps to combat climate change.

Honary intends to use the funds to create multiple hardware versions of his invention that can be shared with other youth at no cost. To build his network, he has been working with the Delhi Center in Santa Ana and other high schools in an effort to engage youth throughout the county. Through this engagement, he plans to host workshops at these places with instructors from throughout the technology sector. Another goal is to work with the Orange County Department of Education to develop curriculum for the workshops.

In addition to the $3,000 grant, Ryan will receive online training on social entrepreneurship and entrepreneurial mentorship from members of the UN’s Sustainable Development Solutions Network.

“Ryan has been very dedicated and focused on things that really matter. We are so proud of him,” said his father, Hooman Honary.

When he is not speaking about science-based solutions to environmental challenges around the globe, Honary enjoys playing competitive tennis and teaching the sport to kids with special needs.

Council to consider water, sewer rate increases, study session on CdM land use and parking, purchase of modern fire station alert systems

By SARA HALL

Newport Beach City Council has a short, but varied agenda next week.

At the Tuesday (Sept. 26) meeting, council will consider or hear: 2023 water and sewer rate studies, which are proposed to increase; a study session about the Corona del Mar Village commercial corridor land use and parking study; the 2022-23 Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation Report and purchasing seven modern fire station alerting systems.

During regular business, council will consider the 2023 water and sewer rate studies, which are proposed to increase.

If approved, the action will also direct staff to send a notice of proposed water and sewer rates to property owners and customers in compliance with state law and set the date of November 14 for the tabulation of protests and conduct a public hearing of proposed rates pending the results of the protest.

Council held a study session on the studies on August 22 following a review by the Finance Committee. The completed studies analyze the cost of services, revenues and reserves, and recommend increases to the water and sewer rates.

According to the staff report, increases are needed to operate the system and to fund the increased Capital Improvement Program to rehabilitate and maintain the city’s water and sewer infrastructure for the long term. The increased replacement and rehabilitation of the water and sewer system pipes and components are estimated to cost $45 million over the next five years. Current and future inflationary costs are also impacting the CIP, as well as all operational costs for materials, supplies, labor and electricity. The cost of pumping groundwater and purchasing imported water also continues to increase.

If approved, water and sewer rate adjustments will commence on January 1, 2024, and will adjust annually on January 1 of each subsequent year. The total amount of a customer’s bill will depend on the amount of water consumed. Based on the typical single-family residential customer with a 5/8-inch metered connection and consuming 10 HCF per month, the bills will increase approximately $4.77 per month for water and $2.20 per month for sewer services, per household, for the first year. After that the average rate increase for water will be $5.50 in 2025, and $6 for the next three years. For sewer, the average rate increase will be $2.50 in 2025, $3 in 2026 and $3.50 in 2027 and 2028.

Rate studies were previously completed in 2017 for sewer and 2019 for water.

Click on photo for a larger image

Photo by Sara Hall

During a study session next week, City Council will hear about the Corona del Mar Village commercial corridor land use and parking study

During the earlier study session, council will hear about the Corona del Mar Village commercial corridor land use and parking study. City staff will provide a presentation on studying ways to revitalize the CdM commercial corridor, which aims to breathe new life into the area by supporting existing businesses and attracting new ones.

According to the agenda report, the study may include measures to address regional parking issues, alleviating strain on residential neighborhoods and individual businesses. The goal of a study will be to provide future recommendations that may transform the area into a thriving, accessible and vibrant community hub.

This is a study session item for the purpose gaining feedback and further direction from the City Council on a potential study.

Also during the study session, council will discuss operational hours of the city’s public restroom hours and consider possibly closing the facilities at night.

During the only public hearing of the night, council will consider approving the 2022-23 Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation Report.

The action will also authorize the city manager or her designee to submit the Program Year 2022-23 CAPER to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.

According to the staff report, under the annual Community Development Block Grant program, after the close of every fiscal year, HUD requires the city to prepare and submit a CAPER. The report is an explanation of the funding issued to CDBG program subrecipients, and describes the progress in meeting the goals established in the 2022-23 Annual Action Plan that was approved by Council on April 26, 2022.

Click open story button to continue reading…

Hoag Classic to return to Newport Beach Country Club in 2024 for 28th year

The Hoag Classic announced Tuesday (Sept. 19) that the annual PGA TOUR Champions event will be played March 18-24, 2024 at Newport Beach Country Club. The 2024 tournament will mark the 28th year of Orange County’s only PGA TOUR Champions event and will once again feature Hoag Health System as the title sponsor.

In addition, the tournament announced, a three-year extension with its host venue, Newport Beach Country Club. Newport Beach has served as home to the Classic since Hoag became involved and remains a player favorite on the PGA TOUR Champions.

“Hoag is elated to announce this extension, which continues the fantastic partnership we have with Newport Beach Country Club, Newport Beach and the surrounding Orange County Communities,” said Andrew Guarni, CEO of Hoag Charity Sports.

Click on photo for a larger image

Courtesy of Hoag Classic

Ernie Els, often referred to as “The Big Easy,” holds the winner’s trophy at the 2023 Hoag Classic, making him a two-time winner after also taking home the top prize in 2020

“Newport Beach Country Club is proud to be the home of the Hoag Classic,” said Kevin Martin, CEO of Newport Beach Country Club. “We’re excited to continue our club’s legacy of hosting professional golf and look forward to extending our relationship with Hoag and PGA TOUR Champions as we have a shared vision to support the Newport Beach Community.”

Also, new this year, Hoag Charity Sports, a 501(c)(3) subsidiary of Hoag and owner of the Hoag Classic has partnered with HNS Sports Group, a full-service event management company headquartered in Dublin, Ohio to manage the day-to-day operations and business development for the Hoag Classic. HNS has named Scott Easton as Executive Director for the tournament, replacing longtime Executive Director Jeff Purser, who retired after the conclusion of the 2023 Hoag Classic.

As one of the largest philanthropic events in PGA TOUR Champions history, the Hoag Classic has raised more than $25 million in total proceeds for Hoag’s programs and services, as well as other local educational and military charities.

Click on photo for a larger image

Photo by Lana Johnson

Steve Stricker and his caddie-wife Nicki walk up the 18th fairway at the 2023 Hoag Classic, where he finished second, one stroke behind Els

“This tournament has been a standout on our schedule thanks to the tremendous support that we have received from the Newport Beach community,” said PGA TOUR Champions President Miller Brady. “Newport Beach Country Club has served as a wonderful host for this event, and we’re thrilled to continue our long-standing partnership and support the incredible work the event does for charitable causes in the region.”

Attracting a field of professional players that rival any major championship in golf, the Hoag Classic boasts a Hall of Fame list of past champions which include Hale Irwin, Bernhard Langer, Fred Couples, Nick Price, Vijay Singh, Retief Goosen and defending champion, Ernie Els.

For current tournament information, visit https://hoagclassic.com, or follow their social media channels @HoagClassic.

Guest Column

Katrina Foley

Fifth District, Supervisor

County of Orange

Updates on older adults survey, Balboa Island Ferry, Community Town Hall and nominating a Veteran of the Year

This month, my office continues to make progress towards our priorities for the Fifth District.

Orange County includes more than 650,000 older Americans living in our communities with projections to double by 2060. As of 2020, 27,058 older adults live in Newport Beach, a 15% increase of older adults. With an aging population, we expect a rising need for caregivers.

A recent report in a regional publication discussed the lack of collected, systemic data needed by the county to better serve residents as they grow older. We began the Master Plan for Aging process to collect input to plan for future housing, healthcare, walkability, accessibility, caregivers, transportation, employment, recreation and other needs at all phases of life. The community survey is available to any Orange County resident 55 years and older at www.olderadultssurvey.com.

I invite everyone to participate in our Senior Summit on October 27 at Soka University as an attendee, or if your organization serves seniors, as a vendor for our resource fair. The summit includes speakers related to health, fitness, caregiving, mental health and technology workshops. We will also host public stakeholder events in the district at local senior centers and other community centers to collect information through our county’s survey for the Master Plan for Aging.

An update on the Balboa Island Ferry: My office started a working group alongside Assemblywoman Diane Dixon, the Balboa Island Preservation Association, the City of Newport Beach and the Balboa Island Ferry owners and operators – the Beeks. The Beeks continue to explore funding opportunities that will allow the ferries to convert from diesel to zero emission before December 31, 2025, a deadline set by the California Air Resources Board.

The Balboa Island Ferry is a privately owned ferry that provides low cost ($1.50) transportation for residents, visitors, vehicles and pedestrians. The ferry annually transports approximately 350,000 vehicles and 1.6 million passengers while reducing 4.2 million vehicles miles traveled.

By working alongside OCTA, my office helped identify two funding programs from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to improve and expand ferry service in communities. However, we also identified a gap in the eligibility requirements for these programs.

About 90% of passenger ferries are privately operated in the U.S., yet privately operated ferries are excluded from receiving the grant funding. This prevents the funds intended to decarbonize the ferry systems from getting into the hands of ferry operators. We’ve asked Senator Alex Padilla to close that loophole and expand the qualifications for grant funding to include privately operated ferry systems.

Click on photo for a larger image

Courtesy of Office of OC Supervisor Katrina Foley

Orange County Supervisor Katrina Foley addresses residents at her Coffee & Conversations event at the Balboa Island Museum Newport Beach

As we prepare our fall programming, my team continues to focus on community engagement. Last week, I enjoyed my morning coffee with Newport Beach residents at my Coffee & Conversations series. The Balboa Island Museum Newport Beach welcomed us for discussions about the Balboa Island Ferry, John Wayne Airport, the Balboa Marina, the Boy Scouts Newport Sea Base and more. If you’d like to chat with me regarding an issue you care about, I hope to meet you at our next Coffee & Conversations on October 6 at 10 a.m. at the Tea House on Los Rios in San Juan Capistrano.

Click open story button to continue reading…

NBFD Fire Service Day takes place October 8

  The Newport Beach Fire Department (NBFD) and the Newport Beach Firefighters Association are hosting a Fire Service Day on Sunday, Oct. 8 from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. at Newport Beach Fire Station #7 (20401 SW Acacia St., Newport Beach) in Santa Ana Heights.

Click on photo for a larger image

Photos courtesy of NBFD

High-fiving an NBFD firefighter at a previous Fire Service Day

Click on photo for a larger image

At a past Fire Service Day, a “junior firefighter” gets some assistance squirting a fire hose

The event provides the public with an opportunity to learn more about fire safety and view live demonstrations of vehicle extrications and fire scenarios. Fire and lifeguard apparatus will be on display along with the department’s antique fire engine.

This fun-filled day includes:

–Fire station tours

–Live rescue demonstration

–Auto extrication

–Live structure fire

–Fire, Paramedic and Lifeguard apparatus displays

–Bounce house

–Face painting

–Fire extinguisher demo

–Fire helmets and stickers

–Complimentary lunch and refreshments

This free, community event coincides with Fire Prevention Week.

Disaster preparedness: plan for pets

September is National Preparedness Month, serving as a critical reminder that we must be ready year-round to protect our homes, communities, businesses and loved ones from the devastation caused by disasters of all types.

The Newport Beach Police Department (NBPD) encourages all community members to get prepared for disasters, and they have launched the Newport Beach Ready campaign, which offers great resources and guidance. They also recommend starting with these five easy steps to get prepared.

–Step 1: Get a kit

–Step 2: Sign-up for alerts

–Step 3: Earthquake awareness

–Step 4: Plan for pets

–Step 5: Get trained

Each Friday this month, the NBPD will focus on one of the steps. This week’s step is: plan for pets.

Click on photo for a larger image

Courtesy of NBPD

A helpful guide for pet preparedness during a disaster

If you would like additional information, visit the City of Newport Beach’s Disaster Preparedness website, or contact Emergency Services Coordinator Katie Eing at 949.644.3670.

Stay tuned next Friday for how to get trained for these types of emergencies.

Editor’s Note: This is an ongoing series of community information provided by the Newport Beach Police Department.

Student members from local high schools selected to participate with Board of Education

Every year, one student from each Newport-Mesa Unified School District (NMUSD) high school is chosen to represent their peers as a Student Board Member of the Board of Education. During their one-year term, Student Board Members have a responsibility to create a connection between students, staff and the district.

These Student Board Members learn about local school governance and build important communication skills, rotating turns sitting at the dais alongside the board members and reporting on the activities taking place on their campuses. Though Student Board Member votes are preferential, thus non-binding, they are recorded in the board meeting minutes.

Board Vice President Carol Crane, who oversees the Student Board Members, gathered the group together this summer for an orientation meeting, during which the students toured the conference and board rooms, discussed official meeting protocols and participated in team-building exercises. Prior to each board meeting, Crane will meet with the Student Board Members and answer any questions relating to the current agenda.

Click on photo for a larger image

Courtesy of NMUSD

NMUSD Student Board Members: (L-R) Jose Gomez, Peyton Vovan, Victor Jimenez, Brianna Garcia and India Howerton

“We cannot emphasize enough to our Student Board Members their value and importance in representing the numerous voices of their campus and student body. The board has been heartened by the insightful nature of our Student Board Members. They provide us valuable feedback as we formulate decisions to support their respective high schools,” Crane said.

The 2023-24 Student Board Members representing Newport Beach high schools are:

Brianna Garcia, junior, Newport Harbor High School who, as a Student Board Member, aims to project the voices of her entire student body in an effort to provide a positive environment for students across the district. She believes the role will also allow her to further develop her public speaking skills, which will be valuable in school presentations as well as in her future career opportunities. In addition to being a part of Newport Harbor’s Associated Student Body and member of the field hockey team, Link Crew and National Honor Society, Garcia volunteers with the Project Kidz Connect program at Whittier Elementary School, where she helps younger students with their homework. After graduation, she intends to pursue a career as a social worker.

Peyton Vovan, senior, Corona del Mar (CdM) High School, knows what it takes to bring ideas to fruition. As the founder of CdM’s Girls Flag Football Club, she helped to grow the sport, which is now an official part of the California Interscholastic Federation (CIF), the governing body for all high school sports in the state. She intends to bring the same focus and tenacity to her role as a Student Board Member. In addition to having a platform to inform the larger community about events on her campus, she wants to bring to CdM new ideas as a result of collaborating with her peers from other schools. Vovan is a part of CdM’s Academy of Global Studies, volunteers with various community groups and plays club soccer.

The selection process for these students includes the submission of an application, resumé, transcript and letters of recommendation.

They must be in good academic standing and demonstrate active involvement in their school community and with their social peers. All candidates are interviewed by members of the NMUSD Board of Education prior to selection.

Letters to the Editor

Difficult times and issues facing our public schools

It seems that the “parental rights” issue popping up in recent months is not only being embraced by the far right, but by some people with a bit more mainstream mindset. Fortunately, so far, it has only taken hold in a few school districts where pockets of ultra-conservatives are using it to take over local school boards, my former district being one.

But this is evidently being more widely discussed than just among right wing school boards because yesterday I got a survey from a (local) California lawmaker and nearly every question dealt with some ramification of the transgender issue. I had to ask, is this what is being discussed to a great extent in Sacramento? One of the first parental rights issues was the selection of reading material, but that has taken a back seat now to the transgender issue.

As a former secondary teacher who was in the classroom for 37 years, I just don’t get it. Obviously, these people think that teachers who often see up to 150 students a day have enough time to plan five daily lessons, write letters of recommendations for their college-bound students (sometimes multiple), correct papers and tests and, on top of all that, they must now try to observe and decide if any of their students are showing transgender tendencies?

Do they really want us to violate their child’s privacy and perhaps theirs?

They don’t train teachers to ascertain the sexual orientation of their students. If students do go to teachers to discuss private issues, the best thing a teacher can do is to show compassion and then refer them to their counselor who is better equipped to handle such situations. Current literature tells us that the suicide rate for transgender students is of great concern.

According to one study in March 2022 entitled “Suicidality among Transgender Youth: Elucidating the Role of Interpersonal Risk Factors,” these students are very fragile. “Data indicates that 82% of transgender individuals have considered killing themselves and 40% have attempted suicide.”

Adolescents must be dealt with very carefully and by personnel
who are trained in such issues. It is a very transformative time for children.

Many are experimenting with different roles, peer groups, styles and different ways of thinking. They might go through several transitions in junior high and high school before they discover their true identity. That must be taken into consideration by parents.

As a teacher who retired before the divisive school issues, I try to imagine how I would respond. I would have great compassion for any student whom I felt was facing an identity problem, but my first reaction would not have been to call a parent and divulge that I thought his/her child was having transgender identity issues. Nor would I confront a student who did not come to me.

I highly value privacy rights and would discuss this with someone who has the delicacy to contact the parents of a troubled child, someone who has been trained to do so.

So I would have to say that the solution to this issue, whether it is being greatly exaggerated for political reasons or is truly a problem, is for schools to hire more specialized counselors who have been trained to deal with adolescent identity issues. But most of all, I would expect PARENTS to take more responsibility for the psychological health of their children. They should not leave it up to others to try to solve this problem for them.

To re-iterate, it is a parental responsibility issue, not a parental rights one.

Lynn Lorenz

Newport Beach

Susan G. Komen^® hosts annual MORE THAN PINK Walk this Sunday

Susan G. Komen^®, the world’s leading breast cancer organization, will be hosting the return of the 2023 Orange County MORE THAN PINK Walk this Sunday, Sept. 24 at Pacific Life at Fashion Island. This year, the organization’s goal is to raise $589,000.

Thousands of individuals including family and friends will come together to celebrate breast cancer survivors and those living with metastatic breast cancer, honor those who have passed away from the disease, and raise critical funds that support research and critical support services for breast cancer patients, including research, Helpline, financial assistance, screening and diagnostics and patient navigation services.

Click on photo for a larger image

Courtesy of Susan G. Komen Foundation

Walkers participating in a previous MORE THAN PINK WALK

“We are excited to bring back the MORE THAN PINK Walk to the community and welcome walkers to this event to make a difference in our fight against breast cancer,” said Megan Klink, vice president, West Region at Susan G. Komen. “Continuing to support individuals going through breast cancer in our community is a critical mission and the demand for our services continues to increase.”

Breast cancer survivors and those living with metastatic disease, caregivers, family members and loved ones will come together at the annual walk. Registration begins at 7 a.m., the opening ceremony kicks off at 8:30 a.m. and the walk starts at 9 a.m.

The presenting sponsor for the Orange County MORE THAN PINK Walk is Pacific Life.

To register for the walk, visit www.komen.org/orangecountywalk.

On the Harbor: Our Alaskan cruise, part 2

By LEN BOSE

(Tuesday) September 5, Glacier Bay

The only comparison to a Duffy cruise is looking for the scoop in the BCYC ice machine. Glacier Bay is simply explained with one word – “WOW”! The Park Rangers had boarded the boat earlier that morning as we entered the bay. Our weather window was the best of the season, explained by the captain over the load speaker, while releasing all of his crew to take turns coming on deck for a view. The Eurodam had been repeating this route every week since April, with this being the first time the crew had been at ease. The sea lion pups had dispersed the ice bergs in front of the glacier, which allowed the ship to come within 2,000 feet of the glacier. The diamond blue colors of the glacier were memorizing; the history of the area haunts me, while at the same time it’s so embracing. Our cabana is paying high dividends while taking in both views from the port and starboard side while breakfast is being served. The glacial calving has some resemblance to our kids jumping from the Lido Bridge, just not the same size wake. When chunks of ice break off the glacier there is a pulsating crack, with the sea birds moving towards the pulse as the ice falls into the bay. Kind of like emptying your ice from the cooler into the harbor after a Duffy cruise. The panoramic view is never-ending with each cove grabbing your attention and ahh…We spent more than two hours in front of the glacier with the calving accruing every 10 minutes. Traveling in and out of Glacier Bay lasted most of the day, while the next cruise ship took its turn in front of the glacier.

Click on photo for a larger image

Photos by Len Bose

Capturing Glacier Bay aboard the “MS Eurodam” cruise ship

(Wednesday) September 6 – Sitka, Alaska

We arrived at port at 8 a.m. with a water excursion of sea otters and whale watching. I’ve seen my share of most mammal sea creatures, so this excursion was for my wife Jennifer, and I had better show interest. While waiting to board our excursion boat, I wandered over to the information stand just located off our gangway. A lady with a big smile was working the berth when I approached and asked if she could answer a couple of silly questions for me. “There are no silly questions,” she replied. I didn’t catch her name, but asked: “Do you feel that there should be fewer cruise ships, and how do the locals feel about the cruise fleet being in town? Do the locals have concerns about the cruise ships affecting the environment?” “Okay, those are interesting questions that I have never been asked before.” She went on to say, “Most of the locals understand the trade-offs for employment and the environment. The people that live in Sitka are fishermen and the cruise ships don’t really bother us. We have all seen the whales and other marine life come into port wrapped around the bulb of the cruise ships, which always seem to make the headlines. There has been a large increase in the amount of cruise ships passing through our port, especially since we have added a pier rather than ships anchoring them and shuttling passages ashore, and it has become overwhelming. There should be something done about the larger ships. I’m just not sure how these changes could be enforced,” she said.

We then headed down the gangway to our excursion vessel and quickly headed out of the channel and around the local islands. The first stop was a bell buoy to check out the sea lions. I thought to myself, “just slap me across my head now…this is going to be so exciting (sarcastically).” That’s when Ellena, our guide, was above and beyond qualified with her presentation of the sea life and wildlife in Alaska. She caught my attention when she introduced the sea lions on the bell buoy as Steller sea lions and went on to explain that they do not belch or bark. My mind raced on how to bring these sea lions home and blend in with ours. We were fortunate to have another clear day and smooth seas. With many whale, bald eagle and sea otter sightings, we worked our way back into port. I was able to pull Ellena aside and ask her, “What is your opinion about the number of cruise ships in the area, and should the amount of ships be reduced?” “It’s highly dependent as to which area they are in, especially in southeast Alaska and Sitka in particular. We don’t get many independent travelers in order to supplement the community itself, a lot of that is going to be tourist based. I am a big believer in that people won’t care about what they don’t witness first-hand, so if we don’t let people view the humpback whales and other marine life and how emissions and plastics affect them, people will not care. There is a big part of what I feel people need to witness. At one time, there were many ferries that would take people out to view the marine life with far fewer whale sightings. So should we have one area that the cruise ship would go into and take the ferries out of, which might have less impact on marine life? At the same time, with all the ships going into one port, you will have a lot more noise which confuses the whales. The underwater noise is a big problem, so when you have these huge ships and more need to stop, there should be an inclination to move towards smaller vessels that can maneuver easier. I will say that fewer cruise ships are better for the wildlife itself,” she shared. Then she went on to say, “Water quality is also a major concern, with diesel leaks, discharge from the water makers. Higher regulation is needed, but not everyone is being accountable, even though the Coast Guard is doing all that it can. Underwater noise pollution is having the latest negative impact on marine life.”

So should any of you take this cruise, be sure to take the time to go into the town of Sitka. Jen and I felt we were too short on time and didn’t go, but it turned out that was the wrong call.

Click on photo for a larger image

Courtesy of Len Bose

Jennifer and Len on the cruise deck

(Thursday) September 7 – Ketchickan, Alaska

Ketchikan was one of our last stops after coming ashore, we walked backed into the outskirts of town and found a local diner. Picture walking into a western bar with a Reyn Spooner and shorts on, the whole diner goes quiet and those eating give you a long stare. Something tells me they knew I was from California. I spent most of the day people-watching while realizing the cruise was approaching the finish line.

(Thursday) September 21 – Home again

Jennifer and I have been home for over a week now and our suitcases are still in the middle of the living room. My gut feeling is that these huge cruise ships shouldn’t be allowed to run these routes, as it is just wrong in so many ways. It reminded me of the flight pattern coming into LAX. Ellena’s concept of ferries and small excursion boats is one option. If an Alaska cruise is on your bucket list, I recommend going sooner rather than later. Be sure to add a second week to your vacation, because you might catch COVID – all of us did. I came away from the cruise recognizing that the time spent with Jennifer was priceless. For years, Jennifer joined us after the Mexico, Hawaii and Bay Area races, but I took this as vacation time with her while I was chasing the crew around. The one-on-one time with her is something I will strive to achieve in the future. I’m thinking of Four Seasons Resorts now, rather than cruise ships.

Harbor 20 fleet championships this weekend, so wish us luck!

Sea ya.

~~~~~~~~

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

Hope lives here: City of Hope CAR T cell therapy trial targets advanced ovarian cancer

Recently published preclinical data by City of Hope scientists shows the immunotherapy is effective. Advanced ovarian cancer patients are now enrolling in a Phase 1 first-in-human trial.

Very few effective treatment options are available for patients with recurrent ovarian cancer and other solid tumors. City of Hope is trying to change that through pioneering research and breakthrough treatments like chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-engineered T cell therapy, a leading-edge type of cancer immunotherapy.

“City of Hope is a national leader in CAR T cell therapy and is at the forefront of incorporating CAR T cell therapy into ovarian cancer management,” said Joshua G. Cohen, M.D., F.A.C.O.G., F.A.C.S., a board-certified gynecologic oncologist and medical director of the gynecologic cancer program at City of Hope Orange County. “With our physician-scientists’ research and current clinical trials in this area, we hope to better understand which patients will benefit from CAR T cell therapy in the area of gynecologic cancer. Further study is needed, and City of Hope will play an important role in these developments.”

Click on photo for a larger image

Courtesy of City of Hope

Joshua G. Cohen, M.D., F.A.C.O.G., F.A.C.S.

Recently, scientists at City of Hope published preclinical research in the journal Nature Communications demonstrating that a CAR T cell therapy worked against ovarian cancer in the laboratory and in preclinical models. The therapy is currently part of a first-in-human Phase 1 trial at City of Hope for patients with advanced epithelial ovarian cancer who have already received platinum-based chemotherapy.

The trial, led by Lorna Rodriguez-Rodriguez, M.D., Ph.D., City of Hope professor in the Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Department of Surgery, is evaluating the therapy’s safety, side effects and activity of the therapy in patients. The ovarian cancer clinical trial is currently enrolling patients for treatment.

What is CAR T cell therapy?

CAR T cell therapy involves taking a patient’s T cells, a type of white blood cell that helps fight disease, from the bloodstream. T cells are then reprogrammed with a CAR, or chimeric antigen receptor, in a laboratory to recognize and attack a specific cancer-causing protein. The reprogrammed cells are then reintroduced into the patient’s bloodstream. CAR T cells should then eradicate cancer cells. Patients are closely monitored for any side effects.

To date, City of Hope has treated more than 1,200 patients with CAR T cell therapy, either in clinical trials, which may use CARs developed by City of Hope, or U.S. Food & Drug Administration-approved CAR T cell therapies.

“In the future, we hope we can use CAR T cell therapy to cure more patients with ovarian, endometrial, cervical, vaginal and vulvar cancer,” said Cohen. “CAR T cell therapy is one example of leading-edge research that Orange County patients with gynecologic cancer now have access to through City of Hope. We are excited to offer patients in Orange County the latest scientific advances in gynecologic cancer care.”

Orange County’s most advanced care for gynecologic cancers

City of Hope Orange County Lennar Foundation Cancer Center – the county’s most advanced comprehensive cancer center – is offering new hope for women with ovarian and other gynecologic cancers, along with world-renowned expertise in gynecologic cancer prevention, urogynecology and gynecologic specialty services.

City of Hope has developed Orange County’s most advanced and comprehensive program for gynecologic oncology and urogynecologic care. The program offers a broad range of expertise in cancer treatment, complex non-cancerous gynecologic disorders, urogynecology and pelvic floor dysfunction.

Patients have access to the latest in “previvorship” prevention, diagnosis, treatment, innovative Phase 1-3 clinical trials, and survivorship care – all of which provide the greatest hope for recovery and quality of life.

At City of Hope Orange County, a multidisciplinary team pursues an integrated approach to treating ovarian cancer by combining the latest research findings with specialized patient care. Patients have access to the most advanced specialized care from diagnosis through survivorship.

City of Hope is where cancer loses and life wins.

This is paid content by City of Hope Orange County. To make an appointment at any of City of Hope’s Orange County locations, call 888.333.HOPE (4673).

Award-winning American ballerina Tiler Peck returns to Segerstrom Center for the Arts

Segerstrom Center for the Arts is presenting award-winning New York City Ballet principal dancer, choreographer, actress, author, curator and designer, Tiler Peck, with her new self-directed show, Turn it Out with Tiler Peck and Friends. This breathtaking and highly anticipated performance will take Segerstrom Hall stage on Saturday, Nov. 4 at 7:30 p.m., and Sunday, Nov. 5, at 2 p.m. With her personal touches on every aspect of this performance, Peck has assembled some of today’s most exciting dance artists for a virtuosic and innovative program.

After a sold-out world premiere in New York City and a European debut in London, award-winning American ballerina Peck will bring her critically acclaimed show, Turn It Out with Tiler Peck and Friends, to her home state of California this fall.

Click on photo for a larger image

Courtesy of SCFTA

Tyler Peck

As dancer, choreographer and making her directorial debut, New York City Ballet’s award-winning principal dancer has gone above and beyond to craft an exquisite evening of exceptional performances, with pieces that blend styles and invite imaginative musical collaboration. Described by The New York Times as “the ballerina who can stop time (and restart it, too),” Peck’s integration of disciplines is part of what makes this innovative program so entertaining and accessible.

Though Peck’s storied career was already studded with pinnacle moments, her audience has expanded exponentially over the past few years due to her viral “Turn It Out with Tiler” classes. The class, which Peck started on her Instagram to provide community during the pandemic, reached up to 15,000 daily participants on Instagram Live and served in part as an inspiration for the Turn It Out with Tiler Peck and Friends tour. The opportunity to collaborate with fellow top-tier artists, celebrate the joy of live performance and continue to showcase the wide tapestry of art through dance has informed the electric production.

The show opens with “Thousandth Orange,” choreographed by Peck, set to music by Pulitzer Prize winner Caroline Shaw, and is followed by Alonzo King’s “Swift Arrow” with music by Jason Moran; “Time Spell,” choreographed by tap dancer Michelle Dorrance, Jillian Meyers and Tiler Peck with music by Aaron Marcellus and Penelope Wendtlandt, and closes with William Forsythe’s “The Barre Project, Blake Works II” with music by James Blake.

The cast of dancers also includes India Bradley, Chun Wai Chan, Michelle Dorrance, Jovani Furlan, Christopher Grant, Lex Ishimoto, Brooklyn Mack, Roman Mejia, Jillian Meyers, Mira Nadon, Quinn Starner and Byron Tittle.

Peck shared, “This program is a love letter to my craft as a dancer and the manifestation of my total freedom as an artist. I grew up doing all styles of dance and am grateful that I get to incorporate all of them alongside best-in-class multidisciplinary dancers in a show that will undeniably be more than what people are used to seeing at the ballet with tutus and tiaras!”

Tickets start at $29 and are available for purchase online at www.scfta.org, in person at the Box Office at 600 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa, or by phone at 714.556.2787. The Box Office is open, Monday, 10 a.m.-2 p.m., Tuesday through Friday,12-5 p.m. and closed on Saturday and Sunday.

Tijuana Dogs take the stage for next Summer Concert on the Green, Sunday, Sept. 24

On Sunday, Sept. 24, the Tijuana Dogs will light up the stage from 6-7:30 p.m. for a late-summer Concert on the Green at the Civic Center. This high-energy, multi-faceted rock/dance/party band is a local favorite, comprised of Southern California world-class musicians.

Click on photo for a larger image

Courtesy of NBPL

Tijuana Dogs headline the September 24 Concert on the Green

Bring your blankets, low-slung beach chairs and a picnic dinner (or purchase food from on-site food trucks). Admission and parking are free on a first come, first served basis. No alcoholic beverages are permitted.

Mark your calendar for the Marina Park concert on Sunday, Oct. 15 from 4-5:30 p.m. when singer/songwriter Tiffany Dennis and Cruise Control take the stage.

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

Newport Beach Central Library is located at 1000 Avocado Ave., Newport Beach. Civic Center Green is located at 100 Civic Center Drive, Newport Beach.

Art in the Park comes to the Civic Green on September 23

Art in the Park returns for the 18th year to the Newport Beach Civic Center Green on Saturday, Sept. 23 from 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

Featuring more than 120 artists and artisans, work for sale includes paintings, jewelry, leather work, photography, glass work, woodcraft, sculpture, mixed media, textiles and more.

Click on photo for a larger image

Photos courtesy of Newport Beach Arts Commission

“Let the Sun Shine In” by artist Jerry Clovis will be on display and for sale at Art in the Park

Click on photo for a larger image

“Birds of a Feather” by artist Lynn Beeler is among the artworks for sale at Art in the Park

This year there will be food and drink available for purchase. Also, there will be music through the afternoon. The Chuck Jones Center for Creativity will once again be offering free art projects for the children. One of the artists, Douglas Skarecky, has also offered to make quick, free sketches of children.

Art in the Park is presented by the Newport Beach Arts Foundation, a non-profit 501(c)(3). The foundation’s goal is to support and expand the role of the arts in Newport Beach. Their biggest job is to provide funding to help underwrite the Sculpture Exhibition in Civic Center Park, with the works of art changing out every two years. The Arts Commission is already thinking ahead to Phase IX.  Phase VIII was installed in June and will be up for two years. Phase VII will be coming down in June 2024 and replaced by the sculptures in Phase IX. So, the Sculpture Garden needs ongoing support and funding.

Admission and parking is free. For more information, visit www.newportbeachartsfoundation.org.

Newport Beach Civic Center Green is located at 100 Civic Center Drive, Newport Beach.

Get out and explore Buck Gully with three stunning hikes, assist with habitat restoration and learn about local flora

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

Click on photo for a larger image

Photos by Emily Spain

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

–Buck Gully Upper Loop Evening Hikes: Explore the richness of Buck Gully Reserve as you hike during the beautiful early evening hours on Tuesday, Oct. 10 from 4-6:30 p.m. The stream is running, and the rich plant and animal life are enjoying the cool, shady canyon making for an evening hike in a natural oasis amid the suburban surroundings. Walk along San Joaquin Hills Road, which overlooks Buck Gully for the first mile, then drop down into the canyon on the Bobcat Trail, looping back through the upper end of the gully along the Buck Gully Trail. This activity is conducted at a walking pace, approximately 3 miles per hour. The distance is 4 miles; duration, 2.5 hours with moderate difficulty. This hike is open to those 8 years and older. This hike is free, but registration is required. Staging area is the Newport Coast Community Center at 6401 San Joaquin Hills Road. Register at www.letsgooutside.org.

Click on photo for a larger image

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

–Bridges of Buck Gully Hike: Buck Gully is a natural, coastal canyon which opened up to the public in 2012 with the installation of four bridges to allow for safe public access. Discover the bridges on Tuesday, Oct. 24 from 8-11:30 a.m., which facilitate exploration of the Buck Gully Reserve, and also provide viewing platforms from which to pause and observe the abundant life in and around the stream. The guided program starts with a short walk from the OASIS Senior Center to the beginning of the Buck Gully trail, offering a visually dramatic entrance into this special canyon. Open to those 12 years and older. Conducted at a walking pace at approximately 3 miles per hour. Distance is 5 miles; duration is 3.5 hours with moderate difficulty. This hike is free, but registration is required. Meet at the OASIS Senior Center auxiliary lot at 5th and Marguerite in Corona del Mar. Register at www.letsgooutside.org.

Click on photo for a larger image

Several bridges provide vantage points for taking in reserve vistas

–Buck Gully Loop Hike: Come and explore the entire Buck Gully Reserve trail system on Tuesday, Nov. 7 and from 8-11:30 a.m. Beginning from the OASIS Senior Center, you’ll hike up through the almost three-mile length of the canyon, then along San Joaquin Hills Road for about a mile, stopping at Canyon Watch Park, where you will take in the panoramic view of the reserve and the Pacific coastline before descending back into the canyon along the Bobcat Trail. This hike is 6 miles; duration, 3.5 hours with high-moderate difficulty and conducted at a walking pace, approximately three miles per hour. It is geared to those 12+ years of age. This hike is free, but registration is required. Meet at the OASIS Senior Center auxiliary lot at 5th and Marguerite in Corona del Mar. Register at www.letsgooutside.org.

–Fourth Friday Habitat Restoration in Buck Gully on Fridays, Sept. 22 and Oct. 27 from 9 a.m.-12 p.m.. Birds and other wildlife need healthy habitat to thrive. Simple things like planting native plants or removing non-native plants can greatly improve habitat for wildlife. You can be part of that positive impact while enjoying the beauty of Buck Gully. Come help with a variety of activities ranging from seed collection to weeding invasive plants. This activity takes place on sloped terrain and sturdy hiking boots are highly recommended. All training, tools and gloves will be provided to ensure your safety and comfort. Rattlesnakes are occasionally seen here and generally avoid people, but protective gear will be provided. Walking pace is approximately 3 mph with a distance of one to five miles and a duration of three hours. The difficulty is moderate. This is geared to 18 years+. Register at www.letsgooutside.org.

–Plants Among Us: Learning About Plants at Buck Gully on Wednesday, Oct. 18 from 8-10:30 a.m. Curious to learn about the plants among us? Join a hike led by the Irvine Ranch Conservancy staff at Buck Gully Reserve, where you’ll look at local flora, talk about native and non-native species and learn how different plants impact our ecosystems. Learning to identify plants, both native and non-native, is a great way to cultivate knowledge about local flora and fauna. This activity is geared toward participants who are curious about our local plants and ecosystem. Bring water, a light trail snack, wear sturdy closed-toe shoes, sunscreen, a hat and supplies to keep you safe during the journey. Distance is six miles, the duration is 2.5 hours with moderate difficulty. This is geared to 8 years+. Meet at the OASIS Senior Center auxiliary lot at 5th and Marguerite in Corona del Mar. Register at www.letsgooutside.org.

Newport Beach Master Community Calendar

The following are calendar links for regularly scheduled meetings and events in Newport Beach:

City of Newport Beach meetings & events calendar

www.newportbeachca.gov/government/data-hub/city-calendar

Newport Beach Public Library – everything at the library calendar

www.newportbeachlibrary.org/calendar

Newport-Mesa Unified School District news & events calendar

https://web.nmusd.us

Newport Beach Chamber of Commerce community events calendar

www.newportbeach.com/events

Corona del Mar Chamber of Commerce community events calenda

www.cdmchamber.com/chamber-events

Roll up your sleeves for Coastal Cleanup Day at Upper Newport Bay

  Join OC Parks, Newport Bay Conservancy and volunteers around the world for Coastal Cleanup Day at Upper Newport Bay on Saturday, Sept. 23 from 9 a.m.-12 p.m. Lend a helping hand and make a positive impact on our coastlines as we work together to remove trash and recyclables from the marsh, waterway and beaches.

Every September, families, friends, co-workers, schools and scouts from across Orange County come together to volunteer their time cleaning up Upper Newport Bay. This year’s goal is to remove more than 10,000 pounds of trash, as waste items can harm wildlife, pollute waterways and impact public health.

Click on photo for a larger image

Courtesy of Maggie Batara

Volunteers buy cleaning up trash at a previous Coastal Cleanup Day at Upper Newport Bay

“I look forward to participating in Coastal Cleanup Day at the Upper Newport Bay every year,” said Supervisor Katrina Foley, Orange County Board of Supervisors. “Last year, we cleaned up thousands of tiny Styrofoam particles that washed into the bay. We must protect our beautiful Newport Bay for current and future generations to enjoy. I invite volunteers of all ages to participate in this great opportunity to clean our coast and get involved in your community.”

At least 800 volunteers are needed to clean up trash from the uplands and marsh areas of the bay, and remove invasive plant species. Volunteers will meet at various mini-cleanup sites around the 11-mile stretch of the bay. Exact meeting locations will be announced prior to September 23.

Participants are encouraged to wear old clothes, closed-toe shoes (tall/rubber boots are best) and bring a refillable water bottle, reusable mask, gloves and a trash bag or bucket. A commemorative T-shirt will be given to everyone volunteering. There is no cost to participate and parking is free.

The Peter and Mary Muth Interpretive Center is located at 2301 University Drive, Newport Beach. Register here.

NHHS alumni celebrate Homecoming Game with 3rd Annual Tailgate and special recognition of John Gust Football Award on September 29

The entire Newport Harbor High School (NHHS) community is invited to the 3rd Annual Homecoming Tailgate on Friday, Sept. 29 beginning at 5 p.m. at the Environmental Nature Center (ENC) next door to Davison Field.

Join the Sailor family for food, drink, old friends and football on the beautiful patio at the ENC for dinner from TK Burger and a full selection of beverages. Kick-off for the game is at 7 p.m., and everyone will head over to cheer on the Sailors against Huntington Beach and enjoy the homecoming fun.

Click on photo for a larger image

Photos courtesy of NHHS

All are invited to the NHHS 3rd Annual Homecoming Tailgate

There will be a reserved section of seats on the 50-yard line, and football alumni can stand in the endzone for the game. Parking is available in the NHHS 16th Street Junior lot.

The evening will also feature a meaningful tribute to 50 years of the John Gust Football Award. This award was established in December 1973 to honor John Gust, Class of 1974, an outstanding football player and wrestler who was killed in an auto accident on a skiing trip. As a junior, Gust played JV guard, but was determined to become a varsity starter his senior year.

Click on photo for a larger image

Senior John Gust in 1974

Through hard work and determination, he achieved his goal at center for the 1973 championship season and was selected as All-Sunset League, All-Coast, All-County as well as “Most Improved.” Following his example, each year this memorial award is given to the NHHS player who exemplifies perseverance, purpose and teamwork.

Click on photo for a larger image

John Gust in the 1973-1974 football team photo. Gust is #69 in the second to last row.

This season will recognize the 50th anniversary of this award, so the tailgate will include a special presentation to celebrate this milestone. All Gust Award winners, as well as John Gust’s family, friends and teammates will meet at Davidson Field at 4:45 p.m. before the tailgate for a group photo. Past winners are encouraged to fill in this form by clicking here.

Tailgate tickets can be purchased by clicking here.

Advance Price: $90 Adult, $45 Child and Student

Price at the Door: $100 Adult, $50 Child and Student

For more information about the event, contact Newport Harbor High School Alumni Association at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., or leave a message at 949.515.6376.

Make plans now to attend SPON’s 46th Annual Meeting

SPON’s 46th Annual Meeting and complimentary brunch will be held Saturday, Sept. 30 at 10 a.m. at the OASIS Senior Center.

Members and non-members are both welcome to attend, enjoy the brunch and beverages, at no cost to attend.

You’re asked to make reservations by emailing This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., or by texting to the membership committee at 949.683.6130.

Former Mayor Nancy Gardner will be the keynote speaker. She currently serves on the city’s General Plan Update Advisory Committee and will provide insight on that update and the next steps in that process.

Some of the many questions facing the residents:

–Will the new General Plan be the demise of Greenlight?

–How will the city accommodate the 1000’s of new residential units required by the state without sacrificing our small beach town atmosphere?

–How will the city’s infrastructure and public services be impacted by such a significant increase in population?

–What new and yet unknown technological advances could help or hinder Newport’s planning process?

The complimentary brunch is being provided by Balboa Lily’s.

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

Decorative Arts Society announces new season Speaker Series

  Decorative Arts Society (DARTS), a Newport Beach-based philanthropic organization dedicated to art appreciation and supporting local nonprofits that primarily benefit women, families and children, has announced its 2023-24 Speaker Series.

Featuring esteemed interior and fashion designers, landscape architects and authors, DARTS annual Speaker Series returns this fall on Tuesday, Oct. 10 at 9:15 a.m. at Regal Edwards Big Newport. Attendance is free for DARTS members and $75 for non-members.

Click on photo for a larger image

Photo by Christine Harris

The DARTS October 10 guest speaker is Mitchell Owens

On October 10, Mitchell Owens, the American Editor of The World of Interiors, will present a lecture on “The Rothschilds: A Family and its Houses.” A journalist and lecturer since the 1980s, Owens specializes in interiors, architecture, gardens and the history of style. Prior to joining The World of Interiors, he was the decorative arts editor of Architectural Digest, where he hosted The AD Aesthete podcast. Owens has been a reporter and columnist at The New York Times, was a founding editor of the LGTBQ magazine Out and has held editorial positions at Nest, ELLE Decor, Traditional Home and Travel + Leisure. He has co-authored several books, most recently architect John Ike’s 9 Houses/9 Stories (Vendome, 2023), Shingle and Stone: Thomas Kligerman Houses (Rizzoli, 2022) and interior decorator Alex Papachristidis’ monograph The Elegant Life (Rizzoli, 2022). A long-time project is A More Interesting Life, a biography of Pauline de Rothschild, which will be published by Rizzoli.

“This season’s Speaker Series includes a respected array of international experts in art, fashion, interior and landscape design,” said DARTS President Madeline Hayward. “These inspiring speakers and tastemakers are renowned for their style, design, and the books they’ve authored, so we look forward to them sharing their stories and insights with the community and our members.”

Membership fees for DARTS help fund their grants program, which has provided more than $4 million to women, families and children’s charities in Orange County since its inception 28 years ago. DARTS recently announced donations of $376,000 in grants to 14 Orange County nonprofits.

Future speakers:

November 14 – Danielle Rollins, an interior and lifestyle designer, will present a lecture on “Living Well is the Best Reward,” based on her book, A Home For All Seasons.

February 13, 2024 – Eric Groft, a landscape architect and principal of Oehme, van Sweden & Associates, will present a lecture on the book he co-authored, Beyond Bold: Inspiration, Collaboration, Evolution.

March 12, 2024 – Cathy Kincaid, an interior designer, will present a lecture on Livable Luxury and The Well-Adorned Home, her book by the same name. Kincaid’s enviable sense of color and intricate design detail has established her as one of the country’s top designers and an editorial favorite whose work is published internationally.

April 9, 2024 – Lela Rose, a fashion and entertainment designer, will present a lecture on Fresh Air Affairs: Entertaining with Style in the Great Outdoors, based on her book by the same name.

For more information on the Decorative Arts Society and membership opportunities, visit www.decorativeartssociety.net.

Regal Edwards Big Newport is located at 300 Newport Center Drive, Newport Beach.

BE GREAT Gala 2023 scheduled for October 7 at VEA Newport Beach

The BE GREAT Gala 2023, the premier annual fundraising event for the Boys & Girls Club of Orange Coast, is scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 7 from 5:30-10 p.m. at VEA Newport Beach. This fun-filled, mission-focused evening, complete with dinner, live and silent auctions and special entertainment, will celebrate the club’s mission and the impact it makes on the thousands of youth they serve.

Click on photo for a larger image

Photos by KLK Photography

The CHOC table at last year’s BE GREAT Gala

This year, the evening will honor and recognize The David A. Pyle Family as the 2023 DreamMaker. As philanthropic visionaries and beloved friends of the club, this year’s 2023 DreamMaker’s support has nurtured a legacy of empowerment and growth. The David A. Pyle Family (One Root Foundation) has impacted the lives of our youth, inspiring them to pursue greatness and achieve their greatest potential.

Click on photo for a larger image

Checking out the auction table at last year’s BE GREAT Gala

Evening’s schedule:

5:30 p.m. – Registration, reception and silent auction

7:15 p.m. – Welcome and dinner

8 p.m. – Program with mission video & impact moments, Sponsor a Youth, 2023 Corporate Champion (Pacific Life Foundation), live auction, DreamMaker and keynote

9:45 p.m. – Closing remarks, with a post-event reception to follow

RSVP by Friday, Sept. 22 to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., or call 714.543.5540, ext. 321.

For more information on the gala and to register, visit www.boysandgirlsclub.com/gala.

VEA Newport Beach is located at 900 Newport Center Drive, Newport Beach.

Orange County Chapter of Childhelp to hold fall gala on October 21

The Orange County Chapter of Childhelp will hold their “P.S. - I Love You!” gala on Saturday, Oct. 21, at Newport Beach Country Club from 6-11 p.m. Event committee members will transform the ballroom into a glamorous Palm Springs-themed venue, when Hollywood A-listers made their way to Palm Springs. Think of a ‘50s/‘60s kaftans and cocktails pool party for some inspiration. It will be an evening to remember with cocktails, dinner and dancing, silent and live auctions, and casino-style gambling, all to raise money toward stopping child abuse and neglect, and to support the children under Childhelp’s care.

Click on photo for a larger image

Photos by John Watkins

Mark and Julie Adams at the “Love Boat” Childhelp fall gala last year

Click on photo for a larger image

Photos by John Watkins

Mike Abel holds up his bid card at last year’s Childhelp fall gala

They will be honoring their own Kristen James with the Benevolent Heart Award. James embodies the meaning of benevolence. As a member of Childhelp, she is continuously thinking of ways to spread the word and raise funds for the organization. James donates a portion of sales from her Vintage shop, Good Bye James and spearheaded the Wings Program for children to volunteer and raise funds for Childhelp.

Event Sponsors include Jacquie & Michael Casey.

Tickets are $250 per person. For more information on sponsorships, donations or underwriting and to purchase tickets, visit www.bidpal.net/childhelpocfallgala2023.

Newport Beach Country Club is located at One Clubhouse Drive, Newport Beach.

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