Fair Game

By TOM JOHNSON

School District rights a wrong and reverses course to traditional schedule

Kudos to the leadership of the Newport-Mesa Unified School District, specifically interim Superintendent Russell Lee-Sung and, in my estimation, Board member Karen Yelsey, for listening to the concerns of students and parents alike on their issues with the previously approved 4x4 Model, and then working diligently to find an appropriate solution.

The 4x4 Model had a number of problems, from split class schedules to different semester lengths to potential AP testing issues to problems with scheduling yearlong electives. Let’s just say that it caused a lot of angst on all fronts.

Yet, following a number of meetings with all concerned parties, I’m happy to report that a wrong has been corrected. The District announced Tuesday, July 28, that “with the exception of Estancia High School, all high schools and middle schools will prepare for the start of the school year utilizing the structure from 2019-20, such as the traditional 8-period or 6-period day.”

Thanks also go to parent Kristen James for organizing Monday’s protest that lined Eastbluff Drive, from Jamboree Road to the front of Corona del Mar High School, with sign-carrying students and parents, and Gabi Gomes, an incoming senior at CdMHS, who created a petition on Change.org, that early on called for the reversal of the 4x4 Model decision. The petition garnered 2,156 community signatures.

They, among a number of others, made the difference.

• • •

Several weeks back, the Orange County Board of Education, not to be confused with Newport-Mesa Unified School District, voted to reopen schools. This decision caused outrage among many parents. However, we were reminded that the OC Board of Education has no power to enforce decisions because at the end of the day they are strictly “guidance.”

Now, that same group has sued Governor Gavin Newsom over California’s school reopening plans, or lack thereof. Even the County Superintendent of Schools for the O.C. Department of Education, Al Mijares, Ph.D. is concerned.

“I am disappointed by this latest legal action, but not surprised. This lawsuit continues the pattern of a highly litigious board majority that seems to have no qualms about diverting time, energy and financial resources from students and programs to satisfy their own ideological interests.

“Remember that locally elected school boards and superintendents will continue to approve and implement their own plans based on the guidance of state and local public health agencies and the needs of their communities. The Orange County Department of Education is working to support them every step of the way, and I am optimistic that we can unite as a county to return our students to safe and equitable learning environments,” said Mijares.

I agree with Mijares and concur that their action is a total waste of taxpayer money. 

• • •

On the local election front, Sean Johnston, who had pulled papers to run for the City Council seat currently occupied by Brad Avery in District 2, has apparently decided against those plans.

With his withdrawal, that leaves incumbent Avery against Nancy Scarbrough.

So far, they’ll join a ballot that includes incumbent Jeff Herdman and challengers Marshall Silberberg and Noah von Blom in District 5. Mayor Will O’Neill is so far unopposed in District 7.

• • •

Finally, if you’re like me, these days of COVID-19 lockup make me stir-crazy. I must not be the only one because my friends at Sherman Library & Gardens are extending their summer hours on Thursdays and Fridays from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. to try and get people OUT.

Sherman Library & Gardens Executive Director Scott LaFleur explains why: “Evenings in the garden are my favorite. As the cool breeze kicks up and the angle of the sun changes the light in the garden, night blooming flowers start to open and different creatures begin their pollinating shift. I want to share this special time in the Gardens with everyone.”

The nice thing also is that while you stroll you can easily practice physical distancing.

And, if you really want to make it a soecial evening, remember chef Pascal Olhats is offering his all new Dinner for Two Under the Stars menu at Café Jardin. It’s a four-course prix fixe menu with wine pairing every Thursday night at 6 p.m., 6:30 p.m. or 7 p.m., $130 per person, plus tax & tip. Reservations are required at 949.673.0034.

Garden admission is $5 to just tour the Gardens, but that’s included if you decide to dine.

Take Five: Meet Gabi Gomes, rising CdMHS senior and anti 4x4 organizer

By AMY SENK

As teachers, administrators and students began to look toward the new school year, wondering how to implement a plan that was safe and educationally sound, CdMHS rising senior Gabi Gomes was paying attention. A varsity volleyball player and ASB vice president, Gabi, 17, had been talking to other cabinet members (President Troy Tsubota and Secretary Treasurer Stephen Weinstock) about the situation, and they were dismayed when the board passed the so-called 4x4 model earlier this month. That plan would have limited students to half of a course load in the fall and the other half during the spring, but to students like Gabi the problems were glaring. She started an online petition that quickly gained more than 2,000 signatures, and she participated in a protest the day before the district withdrew the plan and decided to stick with last year’s structure. I caught up with Gabi to learn more.

Click on photo for a larger image

Courtesy of Gabi Gomes

Gabi Gomes

Q: What was your reaction when you heard about the district’s 4x4 plan, and what did you do next?

A: When I first heard about the 4x4 plan, I was extremely confused and convinced that it was not going to pass. I heard about it the day before the meeting from Troy Tsubota, the student (school board) representative for CdM, and didn’t see how this system could work for any high school student. Since I heard about the plan before it was voted on, all I could do was wait for the results. Once it passed, I and my two peers (Troy Tsubota and Stephen Weinstock) began discussing how flawed the plan was and how we could potentially make a difference. The three of us are a part of student leadership at CdM and even hold the three highest elected positions, so I felt that I couldn’t just sit by and accept a plan that would hinder so many students at my school and all the others of the district. 

Q: Who planned the Monday protest, and what was going through your mind as it unfolded?   

A: The protest was organized by CdM parent of four Kristen James. She worked alongside Troy and me and was our main support system for the entirety of the movement. She guided us in finding our exact message of what we wanted to convey to our community, board and press. She was so supportive of this from the beginning as a student-led movement and wanted to fight alongside us to ensure the best for not only her kids, but kids throughout the district. As the protest unfolded, I was excited and nervous. I was excited to see our community assemble peacefully and safely, but also nervous about the response that we were going to get from the NMUSD Board. The protest was amazing, the turnout was a lot bigger than I expected (roughly 300 people) and we all assembled to fight for a cause we all believed in. 

Q: What would you say if you had five uninterrupted minutes to talk to the superintendent or to board members? 

A: If I had five uninterrupted minutes with the NMUSD Board I would first thank them for trying to innovate the way we learn in school, but then would explain how although they had good intentions, the execution was flawed. It was flawed how they failed to acknowledge the plan’s hindrance to the performing arts, leadership programs, AP courses, and core classes that build on each other such as math and world languages. I would also mention how the semesters aren’t even, so second-semester students are put at a natural advantage over first-semester students, as they will have 20 extra days to retain information that is being taught at too fast a pace. The pacing is another big issue to address as students cannot miss a day where they can’t attend school, or they just don’t understand the information. Grasping a concept and understanding it fully does not happen overnight and is proven by many scientific studies that learning is more successful during longer periods. For a study, go here. 

Q: Had the plan gone through, how would your classes have worked, and what do you think your personal challenges would have been, and what was your reaction to the news that your efforts worked and that the district was not going forward with the 4x4 model?

A: If the plan were to go through (which as of July 28, it’s not) I genuinely wouldn’t know how my schedule would work. Next year, I’m taking five classes total (three APs and two electives). I would guess that I would have had three classes one semester and two classes the other. My main struggle would have been not only the fast pace of my AP classes but the lack of my electives. I have been in ASB since my freshman year, so to have it for only one semester of my senior year would have been heartbreaking. I also just recently joined yearbook, so I would have been bummed to miss out on a class that I’m so excited to contribute to in any way that I can. I was very relieved when the news that the board recalled the plan came out. Having our voices being heard was so impactful. There have been so many instances where efforts when trying to spark positive change have been ignored, so to have the district listen to us was an incredible feeling. To have started a student-led movement against this plan and have gained the support of the community was such an inspiring experience that I am very grateful for. As an incoming senior who will soon become a part of the adult world, this experience taught me the value of using your voice to leave an impact on your community. I feel as if anyone can spark change and leave an impact if they have the right intentions and a balanced plan moving forward. 

Q: What are your hopes for senior year, and your plans for the future, as well as what advice do you have for incoming freshmen?

A: My hopes for senior year is that I can make the most out of it. In an ideal world, I would want a senior volleyball season and especially Senior Night where we walk across the gym with our families and are celebrated for our dedication to the volleyball program. I’m hoping that since CIF moved our seasons back, I’ll be able to play and wear a CdM jersey for the last time as a senior. Above all else, I’m hoping for a safe and healthy senior year for me and all my peers. It’s not going to be what we imagined our last year of high school to be, but if we can all come out of it safely, it’ll be worth it. If there’s one thing that I’ve learned from quarantine it is that we have to let go of what we can’t control. When we resist change, we suffer more than adapting to our circumstances, so instead of being bummed and angry that our last year is going to be different, I hope I can embrace learning opportunities as they come my way. My plans for the future are to go to college and major in business and marketing. After graduating, I want to move to Japan for a year or two. My advice for incoming freshmen is to not be scared to try new things. High school is all about growth, whether it be in the classroom, physically, and in my opinion most importantly mentally. Embrace every opportunity that comes your way and give it your all. Create solid relationships with your teachers and be respectful to everyone around you. Your freshman year will be different, make sure to embrace it, but also look forward to the bright future you have ahead. If you find yourself feeling down, always remember that there is light at the end of the tunnel! 

~~~~~~~~

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

NMUSD announces distance learning plans and answers to other questions you’ll need to know

The Newport-Mesa Unified School District (NMUSD) announced Wednesday, July 29 through a memo, school guidelines that will start the 2020-21 year.

Will NMUSD schools have in-person instruction or distance learning for the beginning of the school year on August 24 (August 12 for Early College High School)?

Unfortunately with the elevated COVID-19 cases in Orange County, reopening our schools for in-person instruction is not possible at this time. In order to provide parents, teachers and staff adequate time to prepare for the start of the school year, we are announcing that all NMUSD schools will begin the school year with 100 percent Distance Learning. 

When will NMUSD schools begin in-person instruction or modified in-person with social distancing?

We cannot predict exactly when in-person instruction may resume, but here are the steps to begin in-person instruction:

–The first step, according to the state requirements*, is for our county to be removed from the State Monitoring List. Counties are placed on the list based on the number of new cases, positivity case rate, increase in hospitalization and availability of intensive care unit beds and ventilators. Orange County is currently on this list. 

–Once Orange County is removed from the State Monitoring List it must remain off the list for at least 14 consecutive days. 

–If both of these occur, the district will then notify parents and staff of the exact date of the start of in-person instruction, which will likely be a modified in-person instruction with social distancing (Level 2). The start date will be approximately 7-14 days after notice is given to allow for the preparation of the return of students to school campuses.

(*There is an option within the state requirements that allows school districts to submit a waiver of the rules described above for elementary schools only. We are currently awaiting further guidance and clarification from the state and county before our district considers a waiver.)

Will Distance Learning be the same as it was last spring?

It is important to recognize that last spring all schools had to shut down overnight and shift teaching and learning to a remote setting. This was a major challenge for every teacher, student and parent. 

For this coming school year, with more time to plan and new distance learning guidance from the state, there will be many enhancements and improvements to the learning experience for our students. More information about the instructional program will be provided to parents as we approach the start of the school year. 

How can I select the 100 percent Virtual School option? 

Parents will receive an Intent to Participate letter that allows

parents to select the 100 percent Virtual School option for their student(s). This option requires your student to remain in the Virtual School for the entire 2020-2021 school year but allows for the return to their current or home school for the 2021-2022 school year. 

Students who do not select the 100 percent Virtual School option will be included in the 3-Level Plan that allows for in-person instruction, in-person instruction with social distancing or 100 percent distance learning, depending on the conditions at the time. More information will be provided in the Intent to Participate letter.

Will I get more information about the start of the school year?

​​​​​​​Yes. As we get closer to the start of the school year you will be receiving more information from the district and your principal to prepare you and your student for the first day of school. Communication will also include information on how to ensure that your student has a Chromebook and internet connectivity.

Will meals be available?​​​​​​​

Yes. Student meals will continue to be provided even during distance learning. Parents will be notified of the days, hours and locations where meals will be available.   

We will continue to check the State Monitoring List, specifically for Orange County, to determine if we are able to safely return in-person according to the guidelines provided by the state. We are committed to prepare to meet the state safety and health guidelines for the return of students at our schools. Meanwhile, please stay safe and practice all safety guidelines so that our students can safely return to the classrooms, playgrounds and activities that they enjoy and where they thrive.

Guest Message

Russell Lee-Sung

School District returns to traditional school class structure for 2020/21

Courtesy of NMUSD

NMUSD interim Superintendent Russell Lee-Sung

With the exception of Estancia High School, all high schools and middle schools will prepare for the start of the school year utilizing the structure from 2019-20, such as the traditional 8-period or 6-period day. 

Since June we have been working to create the best instructional models for our students for the upcoming school year. Our guiding principles of safety, connections and relationships, mental health and quality instruction have always been our priority. We have gathered input and guidance from our focus groups and advisory committees to provide the best solutions for our students, teachers and families. Countless models have been explored and none come without major challenges.

Last week, on July 21, we made a recommendation to the Newport-Mesa Unified School District Board of Education to implement the 4x4 Model at our secondary schools for its benefits of safety, daily connections between students and teachers and a focus on fewer courses at one time. It was intended to limit the number of courses to reduce stress on students and allow for deeper learning for each course. This would also allow teachers to provide greater attention to fewer students per semester.

Unfortunately, throughout this crisis we have been required to address very complex challenges without the time to fully discuss proposals and options as we would normally do with our staff, parents and students, particularly important for a change of this significance. 

Since the 4x4 Model was announced, we have heard and received a large number of comments, some in support and many opposed to this model. While all of the features of the model are intended to support students during the COVID-19 pandemic, there are wide differences of opinions on the features and challenges that come with this model, and the necessary support for success is not evident at all school sites.

Therefore, in consultation with our principals and feedback received from teachers, counselors and community, we are taking the following actions: 

–The implementation of the 4x4 Model in our secondary schools will not move forward.

–With the exception of Estancia High School (EHS), all high schools and middle schools will prepare for the start of the school year utilizing the structure from 2019-20 such as the traditional 8-period or 6-period day.

–With the support of the principal, staff and parents, Estancia High School would continue to implement the 4x4 structure for the 2020-21 school year.   

Now more than ever we must dedicate our time and resources to the start of the school year and to keep our focus on re-opening, distance learning and implementing all safety guidelines. Specific schedules including distance learning or modified in-person instruction will be shared by principals once finalized. We appreciate your support and understanding as we continue to navigate through these difficult times.

2020/21 School Reopening Webpage 

854 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Newport Beach to date, eight deaths

Numbers released by the OC Health Care Agency today, August 3, reflect that there have been 854 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Newport Beach to date, resulting in the deaths of eight Newport Beach residents. This represents an increase of seven cases today.

The County reported 422 additional confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the County today.

Sadly, the County reports that 651 people have died due to COVID-19.

According to the County, OC is experiencing “elevated disease transmission,” “increasing hospitalization,” and “limited hospital capacity.” The County reports a total of 37,813 cumulative cases to date.

The County reports that 555 individuals are currently hospitalized with COVID-19 (includes ICU); 175 are in ICU.

Santa Ana has had 7,222 confirmed cases to date, a net increase of 103 cases today, and 175 deaths. Anaheim has had 6,461 confirmed cases to date, a net increase of 72 cases today, and 157 deaths. Huntington Beach has had 1,719 confirmed cases to date, a net increase of one case today, and 47 deaths. Costa Mesa has had 1,233 confirmed cases to date, a net increase of 12 cases today, and 11 deaths. Irvine has had 1,198 confirmed cases to date, a net increase of three cases today, and nine deaths. Laguna Beach has had 135 confirmed cases to date, a net increase of two cases today, and “less than five deaths” to date. 

The County estimates 25,248 “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

Beauty at the Pier

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Photo by Kevin Pellon (Instagram @socalsnapz) 

Talk about a golden glow over the pier

Police Files

Bike thefts are rampant in community

The Newport Beach Police Department (NBPD) has processed 28 separate bike thefts since July 1. About half of the bikes had been left unsecured. Of the bikes that were locked, many were taken because the suspect was able to easily cut the lock. 

Please review the tips below to help reduce bike thefts in our community.

–When possible, secure your bike to a fixed object in a LOCKED garage or storage area.

–When you take your bike out, to the beach, shopping or to go to dinner, always lock it. If possible, also park your bike where you can see it.

–Use a high quality lock (for example: hardened steel U-lock or hardened steel chain and padlock) to secure your bike to a fixed object. When using a U-lock, position the lock so that the keyhole faces down towards the ground.

–Register your bike at www.Project529.com. Having your bike registered can help with locating your bike and having it returned to you if it is lost or stolen.

–If your bike is stolen, report the theft to police as soon as possible by calling 949.644.3717 or make a police report online at: www.nbpd.org.

The map below shows that the incidents are a citywide issue.

Courtesy NBPD

What’s on the Docket

Misty Touchard & Ronald Touchard – Today, July 31 at 8:30 a.m. (Harbor Court 1)

This is a Pre-Trial Hearing.

Between June 13, 2016 and July 1, 2016, Ronald Touchard is accused of taking over the titles of three residences in the City of Newport Beach he did not own or have claims to by submitting paperwork to the State of Delaware indicating he was the sole officer of Capital Win Corporation and Gainquick LLC (CWCG), an investment  company based in Laguna Beach.

Touchard is accused of convincing “hard” money lenders that as the president of CWCG, he held the deed of trust for each residence, although he did not. He is further accused of taking $5.9 million in equity out of the three residences for his and his wife’s financial benefit.

Ronald and Misty Touchard are accused of using the stolen funds to make numerous large purchases including a Land Rover, and moving the money between various bank accounts in a pattern consistent with money laundering.

The Orange County District Attorney’s Office investigated this case and arrested the defendants with the assistance of the Newport Beach Police Department.

James Rayon Buggs, 44, Huntington Beach – Today, July 31 at 9 a.m. (Harbor Court 2)

This morning is a Preliminary Hearing & Hearing Bail Review.

Buggs faces a minimum sentence of life without the possibility of parole and a maximum sentence of the death penalty for the murders of Darren Donald Partch, 38, of Newport Beach, and Wendi Sue Miller, 48, of Costa Mesa. Both were found deceased inside a residence in the 2100 block of East 15th Street in Newport Beach on the evening of April 21, 2019.

There is no evidence that Miller had any interaction with Buggs prior to the homicide. Miller and Partch were acquaintances. 

Buggs has a prior strike for an assault on a police officer in San Diego County in 1995.

Buggs will also be charged with one count of possession of a firearm by a felon, one count of attempted first degree burglary, and a sentencing enhancement of personal discharge of a firearm causing death.

Information is gathered from the Orange County District Attorney’s court file bank.

Hoag recognized as top hospital in Orange County by U.S News & World Report

Hoag Memorial Hospital Presbyterian has been named the highest ranked hospital in Orange County, the fourth-best hospital in the Los Angeles metro area and eighth-best in California, by U.S. News & World Report on Tuesday with their annual ranking. Hoag additionally was recognized with high performance in 13 specialty categories.

The rankings recognize hospitals that excel in treating the most challenging patients and conditions. For the 2020-21 rankings and ratings, U.S. News evaluated more than 4,500 medical centers nationwide in 25 specialties, procedures and conditions.

Joining Hoag on the list from Southern California were UCLA Health hospitals, which placed No. 1 in both Los Angeles and California and No. 4 nationally in the annual rankings, and UCI Medical Center, which is ranked No. 5 in the Los Angeles metropolitan region. 

Courtesy of Hoag Hospital

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Hoag Memorial Hospital Presbyterian

Hoag’s rankings also included national recognition for specialty services, including No. 27 in neurology and neurosurgery, No. 29 in diabetes and endocrinology, No. 33 in pulmonology and lung surgery, No. 35 in orthopedics, No. 37 in gynecology, No. 38 in gastroenterology and GI surgery and No. 40 in geriatrics.

“News that Hoag is once again the only hospital in Orange County to secure a top 10 spot on U.S. News & World Report’s 2020-2021 Best Hospital Rankings in California, and that we increased from four nationally ranked specialties to seven this year, has filled the Hoag community with pride,” said Hoag Memorial Presbyterian Hospital President & CEO Robert Braithwaite. “We are so proud of the efforts our dedicated team has contributed to building a culture of innovation and excellence which has elevated Hoag alongside the best hospitals in the nation.”

This year’s 2020-21 Best Hospitals was U.S. News & World Report’s 31st edition.

The top two ranked hospitals in the nationally were the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn., as #1, and the Cleveland Clinic, #2. California hospitals in the Top 10 nationwide, besides UCLA, include Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles at #7 and UCSF Medical Center, San Francisco at #8.

For a full ranking of the Best Hospitals go here.

Herdman announces run for re-election to Council

On Monday, July 13th I pulled papers to run for re-election. Today (Tuesday, July 28), I filed completed forms and will be a candidate in November, again, for Newport Beach City Council. 

I look forward to continuing to represent and serve you. I ask for your vote so we can continue to work together on the crisis at hand, issues of homelessness, state mandated housing requirements, the General Plan Update, and revitalizing our economy. 

Click on photo for an image

Courtesy of Jeff Herdman

Jeff Herdman

Election issues this year certainly evolve around this pandemic and include economic recovery efforts for businesses, as well as the City. Also, John Wayne Airport mitigation, and water quality continue to be areas of my particular priority, and I look forward to continuing to provide the leadership needed in both of these areas. 

I am particularly proud of having completed the Bayside Drive Traffic Calming Project and the Park Avenue Bridge, water main replacement on Balboa Island, Grand Canal dredging, the Balboa Island seawall extension, the Big Canyon Habitat Restoration Project, Short Term Lodging ordinance revisions, and the start of election reform measures in our City. An Infrastructure Master Plan for the Balboa Islands has also been developed under my watch. 

Your support of my decision to seek another term of the Newport Beach City Council will be most appreciated! 

Jeff Herdman

Candidate for Reelection District 5

Newport Beach

Selling middle seats just doesn’t fly

By GARY SHERWIN

After having to cancel her wedding twice due to COVID-19, my oldest daughter is getting married in a much scaled down ceremony this Sunday. It’s been heartbreaking for her and her fiancé who have been riding this emotional roller coaster since March.

It will be a particularly difficult day since my other daughter, who would like to attend the event but lives in Kansas City, isn’t comfortable getting on an airplane. She is a hardy soul and not usually fearful, but flying right now has got her scared.

I totally get it and it will be heartbreaking not to have her there. But her concerns are representative of the larger challenges facing the airline industry.

For years, airlines have endured the wrath of customers who have spent the last several years getting squeezed with ever smaller seats and nickel and dime fees. Have a bag? Ching! Want to change a flight? Ching! Want to sit in somewhere other than a middle seat? Ching!

I think pretzels might still be included in your fare, but nowadays that’s about it. Except for Southwest, if there is a fee they can charge you, it seems they will. I’m waiting for the oxygen surcharge next.

Click on photo for a larger image

Courtesy of Visit Newport Beach

Gary Sherwin

It’s no wonder that few are sympathetic to the hemorrhaging balance sheets that the airlines are facing right now. Recently Delta Air Lines reported a quarterly loss of $2.8 billion and the rest of the major carriers are not far behind.

The satisfied customer experience has had a slow painful death on most of the U.S. legacy airlines as they find ways to prop up their stock price.

Traditionally, the business traveler is the one who pays the bills. They make up to 70 percent of an airline’s revenue according to the trade group Airlines for America. These have historically been the “road warriors” who fly regularly on a company’s dime and often pay full fare and book at the last minute.

But those rich days may be gone. Half of respondents in a survey of Fortune 500 CEOs said trips at their companies will never return to where they were pre- COVID-19.

“I don’t think we’ll ever get back entirely to where we were in 2019 on the volume of business traffic,” said Ed Bastian, the chief executive at Delta. Forecasters said that even in two years after the pandemic recedes, business travel will remain at least 25 percent down and that figure may be even larger.

Even Warren Buffet cashed out his airline holdings earlier this year saying, “The world has changed for the airlines.” 

I’ve said before in this column that I think people want to travel for business and really want to get out there again and I still believe it. But they may not do it as often as people rely more on home-based technology.

Even Wall Street agrees. The six largest airlines ended last week with a combined market value that’s less than the $70 billion of Zoom Video Communications. That is an unimaginable fall from grace.

Back in March and April, passenger counts dropped more than 95 percent and while they have been slowly rebounding, it is a far cry from any profitability as they rely on leisure passengers and not the affluent business types.

Which brings me back to my youngest daughter and her fear of flying now. While the airlines could show some empathy for the condition we find ourselves in, instead several of them are using it to do a cash grab.

While Southwest and Delta are not selling middle seats right now, other carriers like United and American are packing planes and promising alleged new standards of cleanliness. While the airlines took $25 billion in federal payroll aid to stay aloft, they’ve decided to put money over their customer’s health.

Listen, I get it. Even in a spaced-out cabin, you are still in a pretty tight area. But how about providing some psychological comfort by not selling seats where people are constantly looking over their shoulder at the coughing person jammed into the middle seat next to them? How about acknowledging that money will not be the driving factor in their business after taking a load of government cash and perhaps they need to provide a service during a national crisis? 

Now we are supposed to feel sorry for the airlines as their business gets gutted. I certainly feel for the thousands of industry employees who are getting pink slipped in the weeks ahead. But it’s hard to be sorry for the carriers who have generated no feeling of goodwill among their customers over the last several years. 

Listen, we need a healthy airlines and so does Newport Beach tourism. But the industry is too well versed in a boom and bust cycle that puts the customer dead last.

Why should someone worry that they could get on a plane and infect themselves and others upon arrival and risk death because the airline had to sell an additional 15 seats on that flight?

My daughter had to make that decision quite correctly and we as a family are worse off because of it.

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

COVID-19: 37,813 cases in OC to date, 651 deaths

OC Health Care Agency reported 422 additional confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the County today, August 3.

Sadly, the County reports that 651 people have died due to COVID-19. There have been eight deaths of Newport Beach residents.

According to the County, OC is experiencing “elevated disease transmission,” “increasing hospitalization,” and “limited hospital capacity.” The County reports a total of 37,813 cumulative cases to date.

The County reports that 555 individuals are currently hospitalized with COVID-19 (includes ICU); 175 are in ICU.

Newport Beach has had 854 confirmed cases to date including seven new cases reported today, a per capita rate of 9.796 cases per thousand residents.

Santa Ana has had 7,222 confirmed cases to date, a net increase of 103 cases today, and 175 deaths. Anaheim has had 6,461 confirmed cases to date, a net increase of 72 cases today, and 157 deaths. Huntington Beach has had 1,719 confirmed cases to date, a net increase of one case today, and 47 deaths. Costa Mesa has had 1,233 confirmed cases to date, a net increase of 12 cases today, and 11 deaths. Irvine has had 1,198 confirmed cases to date, a net increase of three cases today, and nine deaths. Laguna Beach has had 135 confirmed cases to date, a net increase of two cases today, and “less than five deaths” to date. 

The County estimates 25,248 “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 August 3, as reported by the County; click here to visit page that is updated daily

Corona del Mar glow

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Photo by Jason Berry (Instagram @its_jason_berry) 

The golden glow that stole the show

Jazz is the Ph.D. of music whether from the streets or a university

By DUNCAN FORGEY

Many residents are unaware of our city’s rich history. So wrapped up in lifestyle, family and profession, they fail to understand how Newport came to be the city it is today.

Thinking of areas with unique musical history – New Orleans, Nashville, Austin, San Francisco and Chicago usually come to mind. Unbeknownst to most, music has had an influence on Newport Beach’s attitude, attraction and expansion.

At the turn of the 20th century, homes and businesses were built along the peninsula to McFadden’s Wharf. Abbott’s Landing, renamed Balboa, was first to attract visitors. McFadden’s Landing swarmed with wharf workers and Sharp’s Hotel brought tourists, so there was a desire for entertainment.

Early hot spots were the Pavilion Building, the Dragon Restaurant and the Rendezvous Bar. Newport Beach with its gondola rides, beaches, boating and entertainment slowly became competitive with Long Beach, Venice Beach and Redondo Beach.

Early musicians were college kids like the Trojan Tooters and the Oregon Aggravators. Professional bands showed up playing a wilder version of jazz ranging anywhere from 30 beats per minute to 300 beats per minute. Dancing and drinking went hand in hand and Newport/Balboa provided both.     

Because it was an openly “wet” township in dry Orange County, prominent residents from Anaheim, Santa Ana, Los Angeles and Riverside came to the Newport Bay for hunting, fishing, libations and a good time. Youngsters converged in droves for Easter and summer to enjoy the unrestricted fun of the beach. Local historian, Judge Robert Gardner, appropriately dubbed the peninsula “Bawdy Balboa” in his book on local history. Speakeasies and illegal liquor kept Newport “wet” during Prohibition from 1920-1933. The Blue Beet, Newport’s oldest existing restaurant, was one such location.

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Courtesy of Sherman Library

The Pacific Red Car transported inland visitors down to Newport Beach, while the Balboa Pavilion served as a popular attraction

At The Balboa (famous for fast footwork and its chest to chest positioning), the Balboa Hop and the Balboa Swing were popular dances that worked their way up the coast. Local bars, saloons and the two ballrooms brought in bands playing the Charleston and the Black Bottom. In the Roaring Twenties and the Depression Thirties, Balboa and McFadden’s Wharf provided gambling, bowling and bathing beauty contests to be enjoyed. The results were Red Car Trolleys full of tourists and homebuyers.

In 1928, the larger Rendezvous Ballroom with its 12,000-square-foot dance floor was built and run by promoters Harry “Pops” Tudor and Ray Burlingame for the cost of $200,000. Tickets sold for 10-50 cents. Great music and dancing was the draw. Highly successful, it burned and was rebuilt in 1935 and then was totally destroyed by another fire in 1966. The only thing that remains today is a small historic plaque, despite the Rendezvous Ballroom being one of music’s greatest historical sites.

Performers were The Andrew Sisters, Les Brown, Nat King Cole, Bing Crosby, The Dorsey Brothers, Benny Goodman, Lionel Hampton, Woody Herman, Harry James, Stan Kenton, Gene Krupa, Guy Lombardo and Artie Shaw, among many others. The Rendezvous was one of the most desirable venues for both patrons and musicians in the pre-and post-World War II eras.

By 1955, a transformation started as baby boomers began looking for their own kind of music. It was named rock and roll by DJ Alan Freed in Cleveland. Radio and television were growing and constantly improving technology was being gobbled up by a new wave of younger fans. Rock and roll, surf music and the blues hit beaches like dynamite and the Rendezvous was there to set it off. Boys needed a tie and girls wore dresses in an attempt to keep the mores of their parents.

But groups like The Beach Boys, Righteous Brothers, Newport Nomads, Challengers, Surfaris, Dick Dale and the Deltones and many others created music totally unique to Southern California. This sound soon went national. Virtual unknowns, Barry and Butch Rillera played the Rendezvous, bringing a totally new style of rock and roll along with southern blues. As this was playing out on the oceanfront, Freddy Martin was across town in the Newporter Inn, trying to keep the old Big Band sound alive.    

Local Vincent DeRosa (French horn) was a high demand studio musician who played for Henry Mancini (Newport Beach yachtsman), Frank Zappa and Ella Fitzgerald. Bass Hutchinson and his famous jazz guitar technique, moved with his wife, Helen, from the intensity of the Hollywood scene to the quiet streets of Newport. He became the city’s prominent music teacher and mentored young artists for more than a generation. David Rose, composer of the song, “The Stripper” and many TV sitcoms, could often be seen sipping coffee at the Blue Dolphin. Harry Babbitt, a high baritone singer and entertainer, was a community leader and strong advocate of the Newport lifestyle.   

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Courtesy of Chris Babbitt

(L-R) Harry Babbitt, John Wayne, Ronnie Brown and Sonny Burke on piano

Noted jazz arranger Jack Marshall, opened his home for jams with greats like Shelly Manne and Jack Sheldon. Johnny Mercer, founder of Capital Records, who wrote “Moon River,” “Old Black Magic” and “Autumn Leaves,” was seen driving his golf cart on the stradas of Lido Isle. Vocal coach Hope Chambers taught piano and the art of song to local youngsters.

Meade Lux Lewis played his iconic brand of jazz in Newport’s bars and restaurants until his tragic death in 1964. Tim Morgon became legendary at the Prison of Socrates, Rick Faugbi played the piano bar at Villa Nova, Enzo entertained at Woodie’s, Mary Lou O’Toole was a regular at Five Crowns, Rick Sherman was a fixture at Village Inn and JJ Mack rocked the Lucky Lion. Larger venues like Windows on the Bay, the Devil’s Triangle near the airport, Bobby McGee’s and the Warehouse in Lido Marina Village brought in a new brand of loud music both live and electronic. Jose Feliciano built his own restaurant on Dover Drive and Toni Tennille’s (Captain and Tennille) family lived in the Heights. Mark McGrath took alternative rock band Sugar Ray to fame and returned home to open A Restaurant in the location once occupied by The Arches. 

Out of all the musicians of the mid-1900s, the heart and soul of Newport Beach is best represented by the album Balboa Blues. This 1960s six-song vinyl record features the jazz trio of Edgar “Stardust” Hayes, Cass Arpke and Jimmie Lane. Listening to their sound, it is easy to visualize dark rooms filled with blue cigarette smoke and talented artists playing music they truly love. Newport artists did not just put on a show, but gave their audiences a chance to celebrate the music which runs deep within Newport’s DNA.

Brothers Phil, Frank and Matt Marshall are creative and talented as a result of growing up with their father, Jack. Chris Babbitt plays drums; a gift from his father, Harry. Buster Olsen and Bucky Moore are steady performers that carry on the traditions of old Newport with the sound of blues. Chris Wall, a transplanted country western singer still remembers Newport sand in his cuffs as a kid. At a recent Newport Harbor High School reunion, generational classic Anna Fellhauer Hamilton, stage performer Nancy Celeste Walker, horn player extraordinary Craig Buhler, jazz guitarist Mark Turnbull and Chris Babbitt provided a look at the current generation of Newport musicians...now lifelong friends. 

Photo by Duncan Forgey

Guitarist Anna Fellhauer Hamilton

In 1972, Newport Harbor High School graduate Greg McGillivray and partner Jim Freeman set out to create a new type of surf movie. In the process, they hired local Band, Honk. Acting like Disney artists creating Fantasia, Freeman and MacGillivray overlaid Honk’s jazzy and contemporary score with tube rides at the Pipeline, nose rides on lonely beaches north of Santa Barbara and Buhler’s song “Made My Statement” paying homage to Barry Kanaiapuni ripping on medium-size Honolua Bay waves on Maui.

All of this is pure magic from the hearts and minds of musicians born of our bay. 

~~~~~~~~

Duncan Forgey, a lifelong resident of Newport Beach, now makes his home in Hawaii. He is a regular contributor to Stu News Newport.

Back Bay Bash at Upper Newport Bay

In the late 1960s, the Friends of Newport Bay organized Back Bay Bashes to raise awareness and financial support to save the bay from pending development. Many obstacles were faced along the way, but they always found a way to keep moving forward.

This year, the obstacles are much different.

Upper Newport Bay is holding its Back Bay Bash, a virtual FUNdraiser, on Saturday, Aug. 1. It takes only $10 to register on Eventbrite, which gives you access to the virtual launch party from 6-7 p.m.

Courtesy of Newport Bay Conservancy

Those who register for the launch party will receive a virtual package that evening with a variety of activities & games, kids crafts, recipes and more. If you can’t join the virtual event on Saturday, you can still register to receive everything to create your Back Bay Bash another day.

In addition, Upper Newport Bay has put together one-of-a-kind experiences via an Online Auction with items donated by local merchants and friends. There is no cost to sign up. Register here to be able to start bidding on Saturday, Aug. 1 through Saturday, Aug. 15.

Raise your awareness of lung cancer on World Lung Cancer Day

By Tingting Tan, M.D., Ph.D., City of Hope Newport Beach

Saturday is World Lung Cancer Day, an ideal time to celebrate survivors, call attention to the need for more research funding, and raise awareness about the impact of this disease.

There’s a lot to be optimistic about. The number of new lung cancer cases in the U.S. continues to drop. Fewer people are smoking, which obviously plays a critical role. And lung cancer deaths are also declining, thanks to the decrease in smoking and advances in early detection and treatment.

We’re making breakthroughs in immunotherapy, genetic research and better-targeted drugs. We are optimistic that a cure is within our grasp.

Yet, lung cancer kills more people than breast, colon and prostate cancer combined, but receives only a 10th of the research dollars. And the 228,000 estimated new lung cancer cases in the U.S. for 2020 are still far too many.

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Courtesy of City of Hope

Tingting Tan, M.D., Ph.D.

Lung cancer has long been stereotyped as a smoker’s disease but as a medical oncologist specializing in lung cancer, I’m here to dispel that myth. You may be surprised to learn that nearly 80 percent of patients with lung cancer are not active smokers. (About 60 percent have quit; 15 percent never started).

In fact, the truth is that anyone with lungs can develop lung cancer. We’ve seen patients in their 30s and 40s who have never smoked who have been diagnosed with this disease.

The major risk factors for lung cancer include:

–Smoking - far and away the No.1 risk factor.

–Having other lung diseases.

–Exposure to toxic materials like radon or asbestos.

Most lung cancers do not cause symptoms until the disease has spread but some people with early lung cancer do have symptoms.

Symptoms of lung cancer can include a persistent cough, shortness of breath and loss of appetite.

Consult with your doctor if you have these symptoms. If you need expert lung cancer care or a second opinion, know City of Hope Newport Beach is here for you.

So, on this World Lung Cancer Day, take a moment to appreciate your lungs and all they do for you. Stop smoking, and if you don’t smoke, don’t start. Safely continue all of your checkups and screenings. And breathe easier by living a healthy lifestyle that includes a nutritious diet and regular exercise.

Tingting Tan, M.D., Ph.D., is a thoracic cancer specialist at City of Hope Newport Beach, a safe place to receive world-class cancer care. Visit www.cityofhope.org/OC for more information.

Letters to the Editor

Harley does not walk on water

Despite what Ms. Lorenz would have you believe in the Tuesday, July 28 edition of Stu News Newport, liberal Congressman Harley Rouda does not walk on water – far from it.

–Does someone who takes $4.3 million from billionaire Michael Bloomberg (and then – shock of all shocks – endorses Bloomberg for President) walk on water?

–Does someone who with great hubris proclaims on December 19, 2019, “Last night I cast my vote to defend the Constitution and impeach the President of the United States” in a phony baloney, contrived impeachment disaster walk on water?

–Does someone who participated at the University of Kentucky Delta Tau Delta “Mekong Delta” racist fraternity parties mocking hundreds of thousands of dead Vietnamese walk on water?

–Does someone who claims he’ll fight special interests but gladly accepts Bloomberg’s largess and votes with socialist Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez 93 percent of the time walk on water?

–Does someone who neglects to disclose to his franchisees a $1.85 million settlement to a fired female cancer victim (as well as three other separate legal cases) and makes other unfulfilled promises to business franchisees walk on water?

–Does someone who was spotted on the Emerald Bay beach while the rest of us were forbidden from setting foot on a beach (and who denounced opening OC beaches as “reckless”) walk on water?

–Does someone who criticizes his opponent for wearing a face mask while a glut of PPE existed for essential workers walk on water?

Ms. Lorenz haughtily puts Mr. Rouda on a liberal pedestal and ends her piece with the inspirational words of JFK which quite rightly stir the reader’s emotions as to a liberal’s view of unchecked government. I see liberal tenets in a different light, a more realistic light, as perhaps rightly described in the following words:

“Liberals have created, and the minority leadership has exploited, a community of dependent people, unaware of the true route to prosperity and happiness: self-reliance and self-investment. Instead, people are told that America is unjust, unfair, and full of disadvantages. They are told that their only hope is for government to fix their problems. What has happened is that generations of people have bought into this nonsense and as a result have remained hopelessly mired in poverty and despair – because the promised solutions don’t work. And they never will work – they never have.” (Rush Limbaugh)

Paul Watkins

Newport Beach

Another young man loses his life, changes need to be made

There was a massive paddle out July 10 for an amazing young man, Johnny Von Der Ahe (14), who lost his life right by his house in Dover Shores. Struck by a woman [allegedly] speeding through the neighborhood. 

This is horrific. As everyone was enjoying the 4th of July, thousands of friends and family in Newport were mourning the loss of a wonderful child. Johnny was loved by so many in the community. I attended the paddle out by the Newport Pier. It was a touching event, and I could not possibly count the number of people in attendance. 

There is no official report in the public domain, but some of the circumstances around this unspeakable tragedy point to more work that needs to be done in our neighborhoods to protect our pedestrians, bikers, and skateboarders. Also, we all need to be careful when driving around our neighborhoods. There are tens of thousands of people who walk and ride around just Dover Shores and Newport Heights alone. 

I hope the City finds a way to make the necessary roadway changes in Dover Shores to mitigate the rampant speeding that residents see in their neighborhood daily. There are challenges though. There are policies that the City uses to vet and implement roadway changes, and these policies are rather onerous. For instance, they require 70 percent of people to petition for many permanent changes to be made. Volunteers in the community are required to do the legwork to gather the support. It is very difficult. 

At the same time it seems counter-productive. When it comes to safety, there should not be minimal debate or red tape. We need to recognize that cars, phones, and other aspects of our lives have changed, and our roads need to be made safer as a result. We cannot continue to pin people against our aged infrastructure and their need to move around the neighborhoods. Dover Shores, the Heights, and potentially other neighborhoods have issues and need fixes. 

The policies at the City have certain merits, one being that the desire of the few doesn’t create unnecessary problems for the many. However, when you are talking about the safety of pedestrians, bikers, and the like, you are talking about a majority of the people and therefore there should be no red tape. The time taken to push things through could be better used to spend time with our kids, walking our dogs, etc. 

Please drive safely and support the City to make our roads safer.    

Murphy McCann

Cliffhaven

Short Term Lodging is a Newport Beach tradition…let’s continue the legacy

After months of public debate, the City Council passed “Phase One” of the Short-term Lodging (STL) ordinance on July 14, 2020. This ordinance includes a few new good neighbor policies providing protection for the neighbors, encouraging owners and operators to screen STL guests to assure that they are neighborhood friendly.

The City Council recognizes the long tradition of STL in Newport Beach. STL has been part of the city’s landscape and economic engine for nearly 100 years beginning when Balboa was promoted as a holiday destination. This STL tradition continues in Newport Beach today generating income for the City, owners and businesses generated from rentals primarily on the Peninsula and Balboa Island.   

During the summer months 8 to 10 million people visit Newport Beach, most of them for day trips. During the summer, these day visitors strain City resources and take up most of the available street parking. At the same time, overnight STL guests contribute to the vibrancy of the neighborhood, frequent local businesses, restaurants, rent bikes, boogie boards, paddle boards, surfboards, Segway, canoes, Seadoos, jet skis, and buy mementos. STL guests generate millions of dollars, translating into sales tax and Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) for the City. 

The city Police Department and Lifeguards do a remarkable job of policing, navigating traffic, watching over beachgoers and people enjoying the ocean. Most residents who live on Balboa Island and the Peninsula beach community understand and know summer is a busy time and there are impacts on street parking. However, all STL properties must have at least one parking space on site.

Newport Beach is one of the most highly regulated cities in the country for STL. All STLs are licensed via a permit process and are mandated to pay TOT just like hotels. TOT collected by the city from STL exceeds $4,000,000. Most “rental home” owners hire management companies responsible for the balance between the visiting guests and residents; assuring owners that guests adhere to the noise ordinances and abide by policies stipulated in the contracts all visitors sign. Each visiting STL guest is given information including owner and management company contact information, city ordinances related to gatherings and noise, street sweeping schedules and other pertinent material. Guests can call a 24-hour emergency contact who will respond within 30 minutes. 

Residents and visitors have the same goal: to enjoy the beach, the Bay and all inherent recreational opportunities, while taking care to be good neighbors. 

Short Term Lodging continues to be a popular choice for generations of families as a way to include children, grandparents, aunts and uncles all together in one domicile to enjoy our Newport Beach Paradise.

Craig Batley

Owner of Burr White Realty

Peninsula

Reader encourages those naysayers to join in to find solutions

I have an idea for those in local government who have wanted to sue the Governor over beach closures, mask mandates and, now, school closures. Why don’t you do what other people do to get attention for their cause (because after all, that’s what you are seeking, isn’t it?)? Grab a sign and take to the streets in protest. 

 Do you know how effective it would be to see a bunch of suits and high-heels protesting on Jamboree Road and MacArthur Blvd. or South Coast Plaza?

Although you may certainly have followers among some people, many of us in Orange County are embarrassed and tired of the hypocritical, anti-humanist and anti-science gestures of some of the members of local government bodies.

Don’t get me wrong. I believe that protests and lawsuits play an important role in a democratic society. But right now we have a seemingly insurmountable enemy on which to focus our combined attention. 

So, if your cause is not going to help solve the calamitous effects of the pandemic, why don’t you save your legitimate, as well as petty complaints and political posturing, until this tragedy has passed and devote your time and energy to abating it.

Lynn Lorenz

Newport Beach

Tech tips to help stay connected during wildfire season

For Southern California residents, preparing and protecting your home or business in the event of a wildfire is a daily reality.

A top priority for Cox during a wildfire or other natural disaster is to keep customers connected so they can stay informed, check in with family and friends, and even access their shows and movies while away from home.

Cox also works hard to keep business customers, including hospitals and emergency responders, connected so they can continue to serve our communities.

Wildfire season now begins earlier and ends later than in years past, so Cox prepares all year long, reviewing its business continuity plan and running through various mock emergency events so employees in all parts of its operations will be prepared and know their role and responsibilities during a disaster.

When strong winds and other weather conditions create an increased risk for wildfires, the local power company may notify their residential customers, and business customers like Cox, that they’ll be implementing a Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS). (Check with your local power company to see if they utilize PSPS).

In the event of a PSPS, Cox services may be interrupted. Customers need power to run their devices and Cox needs commercial power for its network. During a wildfire or PSPS, Cox works closely with the power company and public safety agencies to monitor the situation and ensure the safety of its network and facilities to help keep residential and business customers connected. 

There are also some things customers can do to help better prepare for a natural disaster or Public Safety Power Shutoff.

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Submitted photo

Have a charged backup battery and corded phone

Most cordless home phones require electricity and won’t work in an outage. Make sure you keep a corded wireline phone available for use during a power outage.   

In addition, power is needed for your other telephone equipment to place and receive calls. In the event of an emergency, if Cox’s network is operating during a power outage, make sure you have a charged backup battery to help ensure you can receive a Reverse 911 call. You can purchase a backup battery by calling 855.324.7700 or visiting a nearby Cox Solutions Store.

Get updated on Cox’s Twitter handle

In the event of a Public Safety Power Shutoff, wildfire or other natural disaster, Cox will post service outage updates and other important information on Twitter. Customers can follow Cox at @coxcalifornia.

Download Cox apps before a wildfire or PSPS occurs

–Cox app – Manager your account; receive notifications from the app when there’s an outage in your area and when the outage is over.

–Cox Contour app – Turn your smartphone or tablet into a portable TV; access programming available with your Cox subscription while away from home.

–Cox Voice Everywhere app – your home phone away from home. Make or receive calls on up to four separate devices.

Consumer Disaster Protections

Customers whose residential telephone service is impacted during a state of emergency declared by the California Governor’s Office or the President of the United States may be eligible to receive disaster relief protections such as a waiver of onetime activation fee for establishing remote call forwarding, remote access to call forwarding, call forwarding features and messaging services. For information about these consumer disaster protections, click here.

For more helpful information and tips, visit www.cox.com/CaliforniaAssist. 

This is paid content by Cox Communications. Cox provides residents in the Newport Beach area with digital cable television, telecommunications and Home Automation services. Cox also provides scholarships to local high school students in its service area through its Cox Cares Foundation. For more information, visit www.cox.com.

Enjoy summertime at Sherman Gardens with extended hours, dining al fresco

The public is invited to enjoy summer evenings in Sherman Gardens. The Corona del Mar botanical oasis, open daily from 10:30 a.m.-4 p.m., is extending its summer hours and will remain open until 7 p.m. on Thursdays and Fridays, now through September 25.

“Evenings in the garden are my favorite. As the cool breeze kicks up and the angle of the sun changes the light in the garden, night blooming flowers start to open and different creatures begin their pollinating shift,” said Scott LaFleur, executive director of Sherman Library & Gardens. “I want to share this special time in the Gardens with everyone.”

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Courtesy of Sherman Library & Gardens

Dine al fresco on Thursday evenings in Sherman Gardens

Chef Pascal Olhats is back in the kitchen with his all new “Dinner for Two Under the Stars” menu at Café Jardin. The four-course prix fixe menu with wine pairing is available every Thursday night at 6 p.m., 6:30 p.m. or 7 p.m.

“What could be better than a date night with a leisurely dinner, listening to romantic music, sipping perfectly paired wines and degustating fresh, flavorful dishes with your loved one, spouse, partner, or best friend under the stars?” asks Chef Pascal. “Dinner for Two Under the Stars” is $130 per person plus tax and tip, and reservations are required. The menu is also available for takeout for $80 per person.

Dining is outside with tables placed six feet apart. Guests must wear a face covering at all times, except when eating or drinking, and practice physical distancing, for the safety of all guests and staff.

Garden admission is $5.00 and is included with dinner at Café Jardin.

Sherman Library & Gardens is located at 2647 E. Coast Highway, Corona del Mar. For more information, visit www.thesherman.org, or call 949.673.2261.  For dinner reservations, call 949.673.0034.

Welcome to JWA: a cleaner and safer than ever airport

John Wayne Airport (JWA) is ready to reconnect guests with family, friends, and business associates, and welcomes everyone back to a cleaner, safer and more secure environment.

“Healthy Travels” practices implemented throughout the terminal following County and State guidelines protect the health of all visitors and guests.

–Healthy Travels signage throughout the terminal.

–Physical distancing markers on flooring in high-traffic areas, queuing, elevators and escalators.

–Protective plastic barriers to protect employees and guests.

–Increased cleaning and disinfecting of heavy touchpoints, such as TSA security checkpoints, handrails, surfaces, buttons, shuttles and airport seating areas.

–Hand sanitizing dispensers installed throughout the terminal.

–Restaurant and retail employees wearing face coverings, maintaining physical distancing from customers and using plastic protective barriers.

–Dine-in restaurants have reconfigured seating areas to allow physical distancing.

Courtesy of JWA

JWA is offering free “Smile” face masks to all guests

–JWA “Smile” face masks are free to all guests and available at Information Booth B located in Baggage Claim on the Arrival (lower) Level.

Contactless food ordering and gate delivery is now available.

–Guests can use their mobile devices or digital wayfinding signage in Terminals A, B, or C to pre-purchase food and beverage items for pick-up or gate delivery free of charge. View menus and nutrition information for all restaurants, or scan QR codes to download the following free mobile device apps (available on iTunes and Google Play).

~HMS “Host2Coast”: View menus, pre-order a meal, pay and schedule a pick-up time, or request gate delivery from California Pizza Kitchen and Stella Artois Belgium Beer Bar in advance.

~ Jr. Now: Scan the QR code to pre-order, pay and schedule a pick-up time or request gate delivery. Enjoy a free drink with every gate delivery order.

~McDonald’s: Pre-order your meal from locations within the terminal (Gates 5 and 12), pay and schedule a pick-up time.

~Cocktails, beer, and wine are now available to take with you anywhere in the terminal from California Pizza Kitchen, Hobie’s Sand Bar, Vino Volo and Stella Belgium Beer Bar.

View the Healthy Travels video here to see all of the ways the airport has upgraded their clean and safe to cleaner and safer.

In addition, musicians from the JWAlive Music Program welcome passengers and guests back to the terminal with live performances, online livestream events via Facebook and Instagram, and the debut of the first JWAlive music video.

Guests without a boarding pass can access the secure areas of the Terminal from 6 a.m.-10 p.m. with an OC AirPASS (post-security pass) to shop, dine, watch planes, greet friends and relatives when they arrive at the gate or accompany them before their flight. To obtain a pass, check-in at Information Booth B in Terminal B (Lower Level, Baggage Claim) and present a valid government-issued ID. For more information, call Customer Relations at 949.252.5200.

For more information, visit www.ocair.com.

Pacific Symphony presents virtual series, “Summer Replay”

Pacific Symphony’s “Summer Replay,” a virtual summer symphonic series, is available for streaming now through September 10 at 7 p.m. Carl St.Clair, who conducts all the concerts in the series, enters his fourth decade as Pacific Symphony’s music director, re-imagining the orchestra’s contribution to the community and pivoting to an online presence on the worldwide web.

This continuing complimentary virtual series invites audiences to revisit Pacific Symphony performances of great masterworks featured in past seasons. The series host is Eileen Jeanette, the Symphony’s senior vice president of artistic planning. She welcomes audiences to each program and interviews Pacific Symphony musicians before each concert begins.

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Courtesy of Pacific Symphony

Pacific Symphony’s “Summer Replay” features works by Mozart, Berlioz and Tchaikovsky

Upcoming “Summer Replay” lineup:

–Mozart: Piano Concerto No. 17 on Thursday, Aug. 13 with Carl St.Clair conductor and Pacific Symphony. Opening interview: Pianist Orli Shaham. From the concert performed on May 20, 2017 in the Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall.

–Berlioz: Symphonie Fantastique on Thursday, Aug. 27 with Carl St.Clair conductor and Pacific Symphony. Opening interview: Principal Bassoon, Rose Corrigan. From the concert performed on February 7, 2020 in the Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall.

–Tchaikovsky: 1812 Overture and Tchaikovsky, additional works to be announced on Thursday, Sept. 10 with Carl St.Clair conductor and Pacific Symphony. Opening interview: Pacific Symphony musician to be announced. From the concert performed on September 8, 2018 at Pacific Amphitheatre.

Sign in with an email address at www.PacificSymphony.org/SummerReplay beginning at 6:30 p.m. The concert begins at 7 p.m. and each program will be available on demand for 45 days after each performance premiere date. 

Pacific Symphony gratefully acknowledges the support of the Hal and Jeanette Segerstrom Family Foundation, Avenue of the Arts Hotel and KUSC.

For more information, visit www.pacificsymphony.org.

Note: Programs and artists are subject to change.

Mesa Water recognized for excellence in governance, transparency

Mesa Water District (Mesa Water^®) was recently reaccredited as a “District of Distinction” by the Special District Leadership Foundation (SDLF) for its sound fiscal management policies and practices in district operations. This is the seventh time Mesa Water has received the biannual accreditation – one of the most prestigious awards in local government in the state.

“This is a testament to the staff, management team, and Board members’ ongoing commitment to transparency and accountability, which guides our organization,” said Mesa Water Board President Shawn Dewane. “The entire staff is to be commended for these contributions that empower the public with information and facilitate engagement and oversight.”

A rigorous audit was performed of Mesa Water’s finances, operations and transparency over the past three years. Requirements for receiving the award include, but are not limited to regular financial audits with no major deficiencies; policies and procedures that conform to all state law statutes and regulations; and proof of training in the areas of ethics, governance and harassment prevention.

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Courtesy of Mesa Water District

Mesa Water District headquarters

Additionally, Mesa Water received the SDLF’s District Transparency Certificate of Excellence in recognition of its outstanding efforts to promote transparency and good governance.

This is the fourth time Mesa Water has received this award, where a special district must demonstrate the completion of essential governance transparency requirements, including but not limited to properly conducting open and public meetings; filing financial transactions and compensation reports to the State Controller in a timely manner; and, ensuring the District’s website includes election procedure and deadlines; a current District budget; a list of compensation of board members and staff; and outreach efforts.

Mesa Water’s strategic plan includes being financially responsible and transparent, and providing outstanding customer service among its key goals.

SDLF is an independent, nonprofit organization formed to promote good governance and best practices among California’s special districts through certification, accreditation and other recognition programs.

Mesa Water District serves the city of Costa Mesa, parts of Newport Beach and the John Wayne Airport area.

For more information, visit www.mesawater.org.

SCAPE gallery presents Esprit exhibition

SCAPE gallery in Corona del Mar is presenting Esprit, an exhibition featuring artworks by Scott McMillin, Pierce Meehan and Jeff Peters, now on view through August 8. Throughout art history, artists have incorporated flags into their compositions as an icon and symbol within their subject matter. The most noted artist in the modern era to explore this theme is Jasper Johns. In Johns’ now iconic flag paintings, he chose color and form to express ideas beyond the traditional and conventional.

Curated by Jeannie Denholm, Esprit presents a collection of artworks by Scott McMillin, Pierce Meehan and Jeff Peters exploring similar perspectives through their own individual, unique mediums.

This exhibit evolved from a series of studio visits by which Denholm discovered the commonality in theme running concurrently through these artists’ work. The month of July, with Independence Day celebrations and summer spirit, inspired the exhibition’s scheduling. What was unexpected, but became evident by the time of Esprit’s installation, is the larger conversation that is taking place of shifting perceptions around the subject matter – developing from different viewpoints and changing daily. Esprit exemplifies a portion of the current, creative dialogue among artists today who continue to use the flag as icon with its ever-expanding symbolism.

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Photos courtesy of SCAPE

Scott McMillin’s “Driver’s Seat #3,” created from car parts and automotive paint, 29 x 44 x 3 inches

Using raw materials and the process of transforming them is a key element throughout McMillin’s art. In his current work these two components, materials and process have become a primary focus. Using discarded car parts and scrap metal, he creates low relief artwork from society’s cast offs. McMillin currently lives and works in Tustin.

Pierce Meehan’s “Indivisible – Red,” made from recycled EPS, fiberglass, pigment, resin, 48 x 48 x 3 inches

“Indivisible series continues in the vein of my optimism and patriotism utilizing the flag as emblem and symbol; accepted without pre-conceived viewpoints and presented in various colors to serve as a visual love letter to our nation,” said Meehan. Born in Newport Beach, he currently resides in Laguna Beach and works in Santa Ana.

Click on photo for a larger image

Jeff Peters’ “Look for Me and I’ll Look for You,” acrylic on canvas on panel, 30 x 48 inches

“Relying on history for its value, my current work explores excavation, a literal digging through layers, reflecting collective consciousness, personal proximity to injustice, accountability and a responsibility to the community,” said Peters.

The Esprit exhibition catalog is available online here. View the exhibition virtually at www.scapesite.com.

SCAPE gallery is located at 2859 E. Coast Highway, Corona del Mar.

Breakers lose final two to miss playoffs

Wednesday afternoon, the Orange County Breakers lost to the New York Empire, eliminating them from moving on to this weekend’s World Team Tennis playoffs.

The Breakers led after the first three matches, 13-11, after winning both the women’s and men’s singles 5-3.

But in the fourth match, the newly acquired tandem of CoCo Vandeweghe and Nicole Melichar rolled to a 5-2 win over Orange County’s Jennifer Brady and Gabriela Dabrowski in the women’s doubles.

Vandeweghe and Melchar were just traded from San Diego to New York on Sunday night.

In the evening’s final match, The Empire’s Jack Sock and Neal Skupski edged Steve Johnson and Andreja Klepac, 5-4, for the win. 

The four teams making the playoffs are the top-seeded Philadelphia Freedoms, Orlando Storm, Chicago Smash and New York.

In tomorrow’s semifinals, Philadelphia will play New York and Orlando will play Chicago. The winners then move on to Sunday’s finals to play for the World Team Tennis championship.

All matches this year have been played at The Greenbrier, W.V.

Click on photo for a larger image

Courtesy of WTT

The Breakers men’s doubles team of (L-R) Luke Bambridge and Austin Krajicek won their final match of the year together against Springfield, 5-4

Last night, in a match with no meaning, the Breakers lost their season to Springfield, 21-19. 

Orange County ended the year with a record of 5-9.

Library presents Grammy-nominated cellist as part of new Sunday Musicales series

The Newport Beach Public Library is pleased to present Grammy-nominated cellist Aristides Rivas in a special concert recently filmed and recorded at the Central Library. 

This and other Sunday Musicales can be found on the Library website under Virtual Programming upon release.

Rivas is a cellist who was born to a low-income family, with illiterate parents in a small town in Venezuela. Music unlocked the doors for him as a talented young musician and led him into a magical world of opportunity. 

He now enjoys a versatile and international career as a multi-genre cellist, public speaker, lecturer and teacher. He was the principal cellist of the Rhode Island Philharmonic and the Springfield Symphony Orchestra.

Click on photo for a larger image

Courtesy of Newport Beach Public Library

Cellist Aristides Rivas

Rivas is a founding member of the fusion world music group Voci Angelica Trio, with which he tours internationally and has recorded two albums. 

He is also an active solo and chamber musician whose versatility in different music genres has brought him to some of the most prestigious international venues, including the Barbican, Carnegie Hall, Caramoor Music Festival, Tanglewood, Newport Jazz Festival, Montreal Jazz Festival and North Sea Jazz Festivals, among others.

In 2010, Rivas was nominated for a Grammy for best contemporary jazz album as part of the Julian Lage Group recording of Sounding Point.

This remarkable performance is part of the new series of Sunday Musicales contracted by the Newport Beach Public Library for Virtual Programming.

The Newport Beach Public Library presents a variety of programs that foster cultural arts enrichment. For more information, contact the Library at 949.717.3800, option 2, or visit the website at www.newportbeachlibrary.org.

DUI Arrests

Joseph Daniel Molina, 24, La Verne – Wednesday, July 29

Eric Cocoletzi, 36, Santa Ana – Monday, July 27 

Robert Andre Gonzales, 64, Upland – Sunday, July 26

Alec McClelland Henkels, 19, Newport Beach – Sunday, July 26

Kevin Edward Mendoza, 23, Riverside – Saturday, July 25

Judith Gallegos, 26, San Bernardino – Saturday, July 25

Brittany Therese Houston, 31, Oceanside – Friday, July 24

Sheryl Panao Valentine, 42, Oceanside – Friday, July 24

Savahanna Sarah Kabir, 24, Huntington Beach – Friday, July 24

Jose Anthony Salazar, 44, Anaheim – Thursday, July 23 (with prior)

Incident Reports

Wednesday, July 29

Arrests for Being Drunk in Public

Francisco Fernandez, 42, Salt Lake City

17th St. & Newport Blvd. I Costa Mesa I Narcotics and Open Container

4:11 p.m. Paul Jason Franco, 42, Pomona, was arrested for possession of a narcotic controlled substance and being a driver in possession of an open container of alcohol. Bail was set at $2,500.

Fifth Ave. & Marguerite Ave. I Concealed Weapon and Felon in Possession of Firearm

12:59 p.m. Andrew Jason Zavala, 43, Buena Park, was arrested for carrying a concealed weapon in a vehicle and being a felon in possession of a firearm. Bail was set at $20,000.

Newport Pier I Battery & Obstructing/Resisting

11:18 a.m. Michael Robert Hofmann, 37, Brightwater, was arrested for battery and for obstructing or resisting a peace officer. Bail was set at $500.

23rd St. I 100 Block I Controlled Substance

3:51 a.m. Jacqueline Ivonne Martinez, 28, Riverside, was arrested for possession of a controlled substance without a prescription. Bail was set at $500.

Hilaria Way I 4200 Block I Controlled Substance, Narcotics and Paraphernalia

1:55 a.m. Spencer Addison Layman, 31, Newport Beach, was arrested for possession of a controlled substance, possession of a narcotic controlled substance and possession of unlawful paraphernalia. Bail was set at $10,000.

Tuesday, July 28

Arrests for Being Drunk in Public

None

Birch St. I 4800 Block I Narcotics

10:30 p.m. Joshua David Adams, 27, Santa Ana, was arrested for possession of a narcotic controlled substance. Bail was set at $2,500.

17th St. I 400 Block I Costa Mesa I Narcotics, Controlled Substance, Appropriating Lost Property and Paraphernalia

10:38 p.m. Sara Una Ruiz, 39, Orange, was arrested for appropriating lost property, possession of unlawful paraphernalia and possession of a controlled substance. Bail was set at $10,000.

10:32 p.m. Juan Jorge Cortez Jr., Santa Ana, was arrested for possession of a narcotic controlled substance and possession of a controlled substance. Bail was set at $2,500.

Bristol St. & Bayview Place I Tampering with Vehicle and Warrant

2:36 p.m. Mark Anthony Amaro Jr., 30, Moreno Valley, was arrested for tampering with a vehicle and on a warrant for a parole violation. Bail was set at $500.

15th St. I 800 Block I Controlled Substance, Narcotics and Marijuana

8:17 a.m. Aaron Wesley Reames, 30, Santa Ana, was arrested for possession of a controlled substance, possession of a narcotic controlled substance and for being over 18 years of age in possession of more than 1 oz. of marijuana. Bail was set at $10,000.

Santa Barbara Drive & San Clemente Drive I Narcotics

8:08 a.m. Julian Charles White, 38, Coto de Caza, was arrested for possession of a narcotic controlled substance. Bail was set at $10,000.

Monday, July 27

Arrests for Being Drunk in Public

None

Jamboree Road I 1500 Block I Drinking in Public

11:18 a.m. Richard John Campbell, 33, Costa Mesa, was arrested for drinking in public. Bail was set at $500.

Sunday, July 26

Arrests for Being Drunk in Public

Martin Rene Perez, 30, Costa Mesa

23rd St. & W. Ocean Front I Controlled Substance

10:35 p.m. Miguel Angel Albarran, 21, Santa Ana, was arrested for possession of a controlled substance. Bail was set at $2,500.

28th St. & Beach I Obstructing/Resisting

7:39 p.m. Arcadio Ernesto Vanegasnavarro, 40, Santa Ana, was arrested for obstructing or resisting a peace officer. Bail was set at $500.

Newport Center Drive & Santa Barbara Drive I Tear Gas

5:45 p.m. Nicole Monique Caldwell, 38, Costa Mesa, was arrested for being a felon in possession of tear gas. Bail was set at $500.

Dahlia Ave. & Fifth Ave. I Paraphernalia, Controlled Substance and Appropriating Lost Property

5:27 p.m. Harvey Slim Preza, 42, Santa Ana, was arrested for possession of unlawful paraphernalia, possession of a controlled substance and appropriating lost property. Bail was set at $2,500.

Newport Pier I Removal of Public Garbage and Warrants

11:55 a.m. Omar Alcalamares, 24, Santa Ana, was arrested for the removal of public garbage and on warrants for violating post release supervision requirements and for petty theft. Bail was set at $2,550.

Saturday, July 25

Arrests for Being Drunk in Public

None

Santa Barbara Drive I 880 Block I Grand Theft, Receiving Stolen Property and Tampering with Vehicle

11:24 p.m. Jeana Angela Ayala, 46, Los Angeles, was arrested for grand theft from a motor vehicle, receiving stolen property with a value greater than $950 and tampering with a vehicle. Bail was set at $20,000.

W. Coast Highway & Bay Shore Drive I Taking Auto and Driving while Suspended/Revoked

10 p.m. George Virgen, 38, Santa Ana, was arrested for taking an auto without the owner’s consent and driving while suspended or revoked. Bail was set at $20,000.

E. Balboa Blvd. I 500 Block I Trespassing

3:52 p.m. Jeana Angela Ayala, 46, Los Angeles, was arrested for trespassing for refusing to leave a property. Bail was set at $500.

Old Newport Blvd. I 400 Block I Obstructing/Resisting and Receiving Stolen Property

1:26 p.m. Carlos Alberto Gonsalez, 28, Downey, was arrested for obstructing or resisting a peace officer and for receiving stolen property with a value less than $950. Bail was set at $500.

McFadden Place I 00 Block I Petty Theft

5:13 a.m. Anthony Tyrone Roberts, 43, Costa Mesa, was arrested for petty theft. Bail was set at $500.

Friday, July 24

Arrests for Being Drunk in Public

None

E. Coast Highway & Bayside Drive I Driving while Suspended/Revoked and Warrant

11:15 p.m. Carlos Padillaserna, 30, Costa Mesa, was arrested for driving while suspended or revoked and on a warrant for DUI. Bail was set at $15,000.

58th St. & Seashore Drive I Parole Violation

9:31 p.m. Michael Andrew Age, 33, Garden Grove, was arrested for a parole violation. No bail was set.

Birch St. I 4800 Block I Narcotics and PRCS Violation

1:52 p.m. Brian Michael Vaught, 36, San Diego, was arrested for possession of a narcotic controlled substance and for a post release supervision violation. Bail was set at $2,500.

17th St. I 400 Block I Costa Mesa I Narcotics, Narcotics for Sale, Controlled Substance and Switchblade

11:57 a.m. Michael Anthony Rodriguez, 36, Lompoc, was arrested for possession of a narcotic controlled substance, possession of a narcotic controlled substance for sale, possession of an illegal controlled substance prescription and for possession of a switchblade in a vehicle. Bail was set at $25,000.

Jamboree Road I 1600 Block I Trespassing

8:20 a.m. Justin Lynn Haggard, 43, Irvine, was arrested for trespassing for refusing to leave a property. Bail was set at $500.

Dahlia Ave. & E. Coast Highway I Paraphernalia, Burglary Tools, Narcotics, Paraphernalia and Warrant

2:24 a.m. Ryan William Barnette, 30, Garden Grove, was arrested for possession of unlawful paraphernalia and possession of burglary tools. Bail was set at $500.

2:15 a.m. Dakota Daniel Dewees, 23, Garden Grove, was arrested for possession of a narcotic controlled substance and possession of unlawful paraphernalia. Bail was set at $2,500.

1:53 a.m. Tyler Keith Lajoie, 21, Garden Grove, was arrested for possession of burglary tools and on a warrant for assault with a deadly weapon. Bail was set at $15,500.

Thursday, July 23

Arrests for Being Drunk in Public

Nathaniel Monks Hutchinson, 55, Stanton

E. Coast Highway & Cameo Highlands Drive I Warrant

5:31 p.m. Jason Navarette, 24, Santa Ana, was arrested on a warrant for DUI. Bail was set at $1,000.

Newport Blvd. & Finley Ave. I Controlled Substance, Paraphernalia and Narcotics

2:36 a.m. Steven Casey Weeks, 39, Costa Mesa, was arrested for possession of a controlled substance, possession of unlawful paraphernalia, possession of a controlled substance without a prescription and possession of a narcotic controlled substance. Bail was set at $2,500.

E. Coast Highway & Newport Coast Drive I No Registration, Driving w/o License, Expired Tags, Operating Vehicle with Defective Windshield and Warrant

2:32 a.m. Dloren Sierra, 23, Chula Vista, was arrested for no vehicle registration, for expired tags, operating a vehicle with a defective windshield and on a warrant from the U.S. Marshal’s office. Bail was set at $500.

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.