Newport Beach Santa Pub Crawl on Saturday to benefit Project Access
The Newport Beach Santa Pub Crawl, a holiday fundraising and friend-raising event presented by the Givsum Foundation and Yelp Orange County, takes place Saturday, Dec. 14 from 8 p.m.-2 a.m.
This annual event is in its 14th year of raising money for Project Access. Project Access strives to be the leading provider of vital on-site health, education and employment services for families, children and seniors living in affordable housing communities. One hundred percent of the proceeds raised from the Santa Pub Crawl will support Project Access.

Submitted photo
Participants can purchase a wristband for drink specials at select bars. Wristbands can be picked up at Woody’s Wharf from 8-10 p.m. on the night of the event. Bring a copy of your pre-sale receipt or buy your tickets at the event.
The Santa Pub Crawl stops include Woody’s Wharf for wristband pick-up, Stag Bar and Kitchen, Blue Beet, Baja Sharkeez and Malarky’s.
Wristbands are available for $15 before December 8 and $20 on December 14. To purchase a wristband, click here.
To find out more about Project Access, visit www.project-access.org.
City invites community to support Operation Christmas for our troops & their families
The City of Newport Beach is supporting Operation Christmas for our troops and their families this year to make the holidays brighter for military personnel and their loved ones. Interested community members may drop off new, unwrapped toys and sports equipment, new or used DVDs and gift cards at the following locations:
–Newport Beach City Hall, 100 Civic Center Drive, Newport Beach - Revenue (1A), Community Development (1C), City Clerk’s Office (2E)
–OASIS Senior Center, 801 Narcissus Ave., Corona del Mar
–Newport Coast Community Center, 6401 San Joaquin Hills Road, Newport Coast
–Marina Park Community & Sailing Center, 1600 W. Balboa Blvd., Balboa
–Newport Beach Police Department, 870 Santa Barbara Drive, Newport Beach

Click on photo for a larger image
Courtesy of City of Newport Beach
–Balboa Peninsula Fire Station #1, 110 E. Balboa Blvd., Balboa
–Lido Fire Station #2, 475 32nd St., Newport Beach
–Fashion Island Fire Station #3, 868 Santa Barbara Drive, Newport Beach
–Balboa Island Fire Station #4, 124 Marine Ave., Balboa Island
–Corona del Mar Fire Station #5, 410 Marigold Ave., Corona del Mar
–Mariners Fire Station #6, 1348 Irvine Ave., Newport Beach
–Santa Ana Heights Fire Station #7, 20401 Acacia St., Newport Beach
–Newport Coast Fire Station #8, 6502 Ridge Park Road, Newport Coast
–Newport Beach Central Library, 1000 Avocado Ave., Newport Beach
–Balboa Library, 100 E. Balboa Blvd., Balboa
–Crean Mariners Library, 1300 Irvine Ave., Newport Beach
–Corona del Mar Library, 410 Marigold Ave., Corona del Mar
Donations will be accepted now through 12 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 23. Military personnel pick up donations take place on the afternoon of Monday, Dec. 23.
Operation Christmas, a program organized by Yellow Ribbon America (www.yellowribbonamerica.com), has supported members of the armed services and their families during the holidays for 15 years. For more information on Operation Christmas, contact the City Clerk’s Office at 949.644.3005.
NB City Arts Commission seeks entries for Sculpture Exhibition Phase V
The Newport Beach City Arts Commission invites artists, private collectors, galleries and museums/nonprofit institutions to submit entries by January 15, 2020 for Phase V of the invitational Sculpture Exhibition in Civic Center Park.
Phase V sculptures will be displayed from May 2020 to June 2022. Arts Orange County is coordinating the application process using the online platform www.Slideroom.com. Interested artists will find a link on the City website at https://newportbeachca.gov/culturalarts under Sculpture Exhibition.

Click on photo for a larger image
Courtesy of Newport Beach Arts Commission and NBPL
“Hurricane” by Ray Katz is part of the Sculpture Exhibition in Civic Center Park, Phase IV
After evaluation and public input, a special committee will select up to 10 artworks for installation in the Newport Beach Civic Center Park. Selected artists will receive an honorarium of between $2,500 and $6,000 in exchange for a two-year loan of their artwork. The Newport Beach City Arts Commission will host an opening reception luncheon for the exhibition on June 6, 2020.
City Hall
Council, Boards, Commissions, Committee Meetings – Etc.
• • •
Saturday, December 14
Town Hall with Council Member Jeff Herdman
Balboa Island Fire Station
124 Marine Ave. – 9 a.m.
• • •
Monday, December 16
Board of Library Trustees Meeting
(CHANGE OF VENUE)
Corona del Mar Library
410 Marigold Ave. – 5 p.m.
Aviation Committee
Civic Center Community Room
100 Civic Center Drive – 5:30-7 p.m.
Canceled
• • •
Tuesday, December 17
Homeless Task Force Meeting
Crystal Cove Conference Room
100 Civic Center Drive – 4-6 p.m.
• • •
Wednesday, December 18
Balboa Village Advisory Committee Meeting
Marina Park Sailing Center
1600 W. Balboa Blvd. – 4-5:30 p.m.
• • •
Thursday, December 19
Planning Commission Meeting
City Council Chambers
100 Civic Center Drive – 6:30 p.m.
Canceled
• • •
Friday, December 20
Marina Park Family Fun Night
Marina Park Sailing Center
1600 W. Balboa Blvd. – 5:30-8 p.m.
• • •
Tuesday, December 24
Civic Center and select City Facilities
Closed
City Libraries
Open 9 a.m.-1 p.m.
• • •
Wednesday, December 25
Civic Center and select City Facilities
Closed
Libraries closed
• • •
Thursday, December 26
Civic Center and select City Facilities
Closed
City Libraries
Open 9 a.m.-6 p.m.
Corona del Mar BID Board Meeting
Corona del Mar Conference Room 1E
100 Civic Center Drive – 7:30-9 a.m.
Canceled
Zoning Administrator Hearing
Corona del Mar Conference Room, 1E
100 Civic Center Drive – 6:30 p.m.
Canceled
• • •
Friday, December 27
Civic Center and select City Facilities
Closed
City Libraries
Open 9 a.m.-6 p.m.
• • •
Saturday, December 28
Civic Center and select City Facilities
Closed
City Libraries
Open 9 a.m.-6 p.m.
• • •
Sunday, December 29
Civic Center and select City Facilities
Closed
City Library (not including CdM or Balboa branches)
12 p.m.-5 p.m.
• • •
Monday, December 30
Civic Center and select City Facilities
Closed
City Libraries
Open 9 a.m.-6 p.m.
• • •
Tuesday, December 31
Civic Center and select City Facilities
Closed
City Libraries
Open 9 a.m.-1 p.m.
• • •
Wednesday, January 1
Civic Center and select City Facilities
Closed
Libraries closed
• • •
City Council Meetings 101 – FAQs about City Council Meetings (copies are available in the City Clerk’s office at 100 Civic Center Drive, Bay E, 2nd Floor; or call 949.644.3005).
www.newportbeachca.gov
•••
CLICK HERE for agendas, meeting minutes and more info
OC high schools bring live holiday music to JWA
‘Tis the season at John Wayne Airport, with musical groups from 20 Orange County high schools welcoming passengers and guests with festive sounds of the season as they bring live holiday music to the Thomas F. Riley Terminal from December 13-20. All performances take place in Baggage Claim located on the Arrival (lower) Level of Terminals A, B and C.

Click on photo for a larger image
Courtesy of JWA
“Musical performances are a wonderful way to share the holiday spirit with travelers and bring cheer to guests during the busy holiday travel season at John Wayne Airport,” said Orange County Board of Supervisors Chairwoman Lisa Bartlett. “Passengers are encouraged to take a moment to enjoy the musical talent of these young musicians.”
As a proud member of the community, John Wayne Airport is excited to showcase the musical talents of Orange County students and invites high school choirs, orchestras and bands to participate in the annual Holiday Music Program.
To learn more about the program and view videos of past performances, visit www.ocair.com/terminal/jwalive/holiday-music.
CdM Chamber holiday networking luncheon features a visit from Santa
The Corona del Mar Chamber of Commerce invites the community to its festive Networking Luncheon on Tuesday, Dec. 17. It has been an annual tradition to hold it at the legendary Five Crowns restaurant.
The event includes networking opportunities and self-introductions, with a gourmet lunch of traditional rock salt roasted prime rib, mashed potatoes, creamed spinach, Yorkshire pudding and dessert. A vegetarian alternative is available.
Adding to the festivities, enjoy a holiday guitar performance, a Santa Gift Exchange with a visit from Jolly Old Saint Nick and a cash wine bar. Check-in and networking are from 11:15 a.m.-12 p.m.; the Program and lunch are from 12-1:30 p.m. Valet parking is available for $6; street parking is also available.
The cost is $40 for Corona del Mar Chamber members, $45 nfor on-members. Attendance is by advance reservations only, prior to Thursday, Dec. 11. To reserve your space, RSVP here. If you would like to participate in the Santa Gift Exchange (maximum value is $20), please bring a wrapped gift, or gift certificate or card.
Five Crowns restaurant is located at 3801 E. Coast Highway, Corona del Mar. For more information, call 949.673.4050 or Info@Cdmchamber.com.
Newport-Mesa Unified School District Board Meetings
Regular Board Meetings are held the second and fourth Tuesday of each month (with certain exceptions), with Public Input and Consent Calendar items beginning at 6 p.m. in the Newport-Mesa Unified School District Roderick H. MacMillan Board Room, 2985-A Bear St., Costa Mesa.
Scheduled Meetings:
January 14, 2020
January 28, 2020 Study Session
February 11, 2020
February 25, 2020 Study Session
March 11, 2020
March 31, 2020
April 14, 2020 Study Session
April 28, 2020
May 19, 2020
June 9, 2020
June 23, 2020
The NMUSD School Board Meeting Agenda is posted the Friday prior to the meeting. To view the full agenda, click here.
Contact: Sherri Snyder, Coordinator of Administrative Services, 714.424.5031; ssnyder@nmusd.us
New assistant principal named for Mariners and Newport Heights
Newport-Mesa Unified School District (NMUSD) announces the addition of Dr. Anthony Mercado as the assistant principal of Mariners and Newport Heights elementary schools.
Mercado has worked in public education for 14 years, most recently serving as a special education program administrator for the Downey Unified School District. While at Downey Unified, he worked with district leaders and school staff to provide support and guidance for both general and special education students in the areas of behavior and emotional support, as well as educational support such as reading interventions, technology and English Language Development.
Prior to his role at Downey Unified, Mercado was a school psychologist on special assignment for the Norwalk-La Mirada Unified School District, where he developed and coordinated the district-wide Achieving Success through Positive Intervention and Resiliency Education program, to support students’ well-being that fosters improved academic growth. He also was deeply involved in the development of Multi-Tiered Systems of Supports (MTSS) for mental health services, crisis response and risk assessment.
“We are excited to have Dr. Mercado join our team and feel that his varied background in education will be a great fit for our schools,” said Assistant Superintendent, Chief Human Resources Officer Leona Olson.
Mercado obtained his Doctor of Education and his Master of Arts in Educational Psychology from California State University, Long Beach, and his Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from California State University, Fullerton.
It is anticipated that Mercado will begin his assistant principal position at Mariners and Newport Heights Elementary Schools after the winter break.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

This is as close as we can come to actually singing to our readers on their birthdays!
We’d love to include yours – and/or your friends and children’s birthdays here.
Just email to:
lana@stunewsnewport.com
Celebrate and enjoy your
birthday!
December 10
Chris Szechenyi
Jeff Boyles
Joycelyn Valentine
Katie Shapiro
Lisa Benedetti
Lorna Mills
Mert Wallen
December 12
Byron de Arakal
Kathy Dadras
Marisa Bellisimo-Unvert
December 13
Al Korn
Gianne de Genevraye
Melissa Salinas
Mina Chae
Sam Dattola
Scott Ables
December 14
Cheryl Ketner
Didi Ariola
John Metcalfe
Kim DeBroux
Lee Williams
Nathan Dewey
Rudy Baron
December 15
Chris Wynkoop
Missy Camp Anderson
December 16
April Dauzat
Jean Watt
Kelly Cline
Mark Peacock
HOAG HEALTH
COMMUNITY EDUCATION CLASSES/SUPPORT GROUPS
844.810.2933
Register online at www.hoag.org
Please Note: Classes fill quickly.

New Cancer Patient & Family Orientation
Wednesday, Dec. 18 | 11 a.m. | Receiving a cancer diagnosis can feel overwhelming for many individuals. Not knowing what to expect or where to gain answers can be common challenges during treatment. The patient and family orientation is available to provide information, support and address questions to help you better prepare for your cancer journey. Register online. Takes place at Patty & George Hoag Cancer Center, One Hoag Drive, Newport Beach.
Gentle Meditation
Tuesdays | 6:45-7:45 p.m. | $15 | Join this gentle meditation class that can help you set your priorities and focus on the health of your body, mind and spirit. You will participate in simple, yet effective exercises that are pleasant. Takes place at Hoag for Her Center for Wellness, 500 Superior Ave., Ste. 315, Newport Beach.
Gentle Yoga
Tuesdays | 5:30-6:30 p.m. | $15 | Join this gentle yoga class where everyone feels welcome and supported. The class is structured to help participants find inner peace and calm while providing gentle exercise to help the body-mind rewind and recharge. Instructor Dr. Milka Gronlund, Ph.D., PsyD, specializes in wellness and has been practicing internationally for more than 20 years. Note: This class is not for pregnant women. (See Prenatal Yoga). Takes place at Hoag for Her Center for Wellness, 500 Superior Ave., Ste. 315 in the Pilates Room, Newport Beach.

Click on photo for a larger image
Prenatal Yoga
Wednesdays and Fridays at 12:30 p.m. | $20 | Instructor Dolly Lai is a Certified Yoga Therapist. Her holistic approach guides participants through an integrated practice of asana, pranayama and Yoga Nidra meditation. Takes place at Hoag for Her Center for Wellness, 500 Superior Ave., Ste. 315 in the Pilates Studio, Newport Beach.
Restorative Yoga with Meditation
Wednesdays | 12-1 p.m. | $15 | Takes place at Hoag for Her Center for Wellness, 500 Superior Ave., Ste. 315, Newport Beach.
Mommy N’ Me Yoga
Wednesdays | 1:15-2:15 p.m. | $20 | Takes place at Hoag for Her Center for Wellness, 500 Superior Ave., Ste. 315, Newport Beach.
Healthy Eating: Global Recipes
Join us a for a special cooking class that focuses on Japanese, Korean and Middle Eastern recipes, including a cooking demonstration, tasters and take-home recipes, to learn about healthy cooking for cancer survivors. Wednesday, November 20 | 11 a.m.-1 p.m. | Free | Takes place at Patty & George Hoag Cancer Center Irvine I Canyon Conference Room I 16105 Sand Canyon Ave., Irvine
Sweet Life Cooking Demonstration
Dec. 17: Winter Wonderland with healthy holiday recipes. | 5:30-7:30 p.m. | Free. | Takes place in the Mary & Dick Allen Diabetes Center, 520 Superior Ave., Conference Room 5, Newport Beach. Parking is available in front of the 520 building or in parking structure B. To join the waitlist, call 800.400.4624.

Click on photo for a larger image
SUPPORT GROUPS
Gestational Diabetes Support Group
Second and Fourth Tuesday of every month from 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. | Takes place at the Mary & Dick Allen Diabetes Center, 520 Superior Ave., Classroom 6, Newport Beach.
Type 2 Diabetes Wellness Group
Third Thursday of every month | 2 p.m. | Free | Meet other people who understand what you are going through. The group focus is to share experiences, tips and create new networks to expand your support system. Learn new tools from the group facilitator to help you manage stress and further assist you in reaching your health and well-being goals. Come experience encouragement, understanding, and the opportunity to empower not only yourself, but others as well. Takes place at the Mary & Dick Allen Diabetes Center, 520 Superior Ave., Classroom 6, Newport Beach.
Type 1 Diabetes Wellness Group
Third Thursday of every month | 5:30-6:30 p.m. | Free | Managing the day to day demands of diabetes and juggling the different aspects that come with young adulthood can be stressful. Join the T1D Young Adult group to meet others who are going through similar experiences and to receive emotional and educational support. Different group themes will include stress management, enhancing your relationships through better communication, mindfulness, and how to set attainable health and well-being goals. Come meet new people, share experiences, realistic tips and new tools to assist you in living a balanced life. Takes place at the Mary & Dick Allen Diabetes Center, 520 Superior Ave., Classroom 6, Newport Beach.
ONGOING HEART HEALTHY CLASSES
with the JEFFREY M. CARLTON HEART AND VASCULAR INSTITUTE
Low Sodium Eating
Second Wednesday of every month | 1-2 p.m. | Free | Join their Registered Dietician to learn about low sodium eating. You will discuss the role sodium plays in congestive heart failure and the importance of following a low sodium diet to include: sources of sodium, label reading and how to maintain a low sodium diet. You will also learn strategies to modify recipes at home while keeping them healthy and delicious. Takes place at Hoag Hospital Newport Beach, 520 Superior Ave., Conference Room 2 (1st floor), Newport Beach.

Click on photo for a larger image
Healthy Eating for Your Heart
Fourth Wednesday of every month | 1-2 p.m. | Free | Join their Registered Dietician to discuss how nutrition impacts cholesterol, blood pressure and weight. Participants will learn label reading and strategies for reducing fat, sodium and sugar intake while still enjoying what you eat. Takes place at Hoag Hospital Newport Beach, 520 Superior Ave., Conference Room 2 (1st floor), Newport Beach.
Dining Out the Heart Healthy Way
Fourth Wednesday of every other month | 1-2 p.m. | Free | Join the Registered Dietician to discuss strategies for making healthy choices when dining out and tips for eating out at various types of restaurants. Takes place at Hoag Hospital Newport Beach, 520 Superior Ave., Conference Room 2 (1st floor), Newport Beach.
Breast Cancer Orientation Class
Learn about support and resources available, followed by an educational presentation on breast cancer and an opportunity to meet with the Breast Cancer Nurse Navigator. The class will provide guidance on medical concerns, such as: how to understand your diagnosis or treatment, management of side effects, and ways to navigate the healthcare system.
Thursday, Dec. 19, 2 p.m.-3.p.m. Patty & George Hoag Cancer Center, Conference Room A.
Orange County United Way offers free tax prep
Orange County United Way will be hosting free tax preparation at the Melinda Hoag Smith Center for Healthy Living in Newport Beach that will help low-income families prepare their tax returns. The tax services will be available in January 2020.
Participants whose household income was less than $60,000 in 2019 may be eligible to file their taxes for free. If a participant worked in 2019 and whose household earned income was less than $56,000, he or she may qualify for cash-back tax credits that can increase a refund.
Simply schedule an appointment and this is what you will need to bring with you:
–Picture Identification
–Social Security Card or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) Letter for all individuals listed on the return
–W-2s, 1099s and all other tax-related documents for 2019
–Form 1095-A, B or C health insurance coverage statement for state return
–All 1098-E and T forms for educational expenses
–Childcare provider name, address, phone number and Tax ID Number
–Account number for direct deposit refund
–Copy of your 2018 income tax return
–For joint returns, both spouses must be present to sign the required forms.
How you may receive cash back:
–The expanded California Earned Income Tax Credit (CaIEITC), the new Young Child Tax Credit (YCTC), and the federal EITC can combine to put hundreds or even thousands of extra dollars in your pocket.
–The amount of CaIEITC you may be eligible for depends on how much money you earn from work. You may be eligible if you:
~Are 18 years or older
~Work for an employer or are self-employed
~Have a Social Security Number valid for work
~Lived in California for at least half the tax year
~If you qualify for CaIEITC and have a child under the age of 6, you may also be eligible for YCTC. You may also be eligible for the federal EITC if you earn less than $56,000.
To receive helpful tips on your phone, text MONEYBACK to 50503. www.OCFreeTaxPrep.com.
The Melinda Hoag Smith Center for Healthy Living is located at 307 Placentia Ave., Newport Beach. For more information, call 888.434.8248.
Service Organizations Meetings
What’s on the Calendar?
American Legion Post 291
And American Legion Yacht Club (ALYC). The lodge is located at 215 15th St., Newport Beach.
949.386.0489
www.alyc.com
Elks
Newport Harbor Elks # 1767
The lodge is located at 3456 Via Oporto, Newport Beach.
www.newportelks.com
Exchange Club of Newport Harbor
Meets on Thursdays at 12:15 p.m. at the Bahia Corinthian Yacht Club, 1601 Bayside Drive, Corona del Mar.
Call 949.543.7628.
https://exchangeclubofnewportharbor.com
Kiwanis
Kiwanis Club of Newport Beach/Corona del Mar
Meets Thursdays at noon and the second Wednesday of each month at 6 p.m. at the Bahia Corinthian Yacht Club, 1601 Bayside Drive, Corona del Mar. For more information, call 949.371.9802. For calendar info., contact Program Chair Jeff Hallin at Jeffrey.hallin@gmail.com
Lions
Costa Mesa-Newport Harbor Lions Club
Known as the Fish Fry Club, they began this community tradition of frying fish 72 years ago. Meets the first and third Tuesdays at 6:45 p.m. at The Chicken Coop, 414 Old Newport Blvd., Newport Beach
Harbor Mesa Lions Club (all women)
Meets the first and third Mondays of the month at 6:30 p.m. in the Staples Meeting Room, 241 E. 17th St., Costa Mesa. For information, call Jennifer Kelder at 714.345.6232.
www.harbormesalionsclub.com
Newport Beach Hawaiian Lions Club
Meets the third Wednesday with dinner at 6 p.m.; Club meeting at 7:15 p.m. at Newport Beach Yacht Club, 1099 Bayside Drive, Newport Beach.
Tom Hollister, president, 714.964.7226. email: bertntom@aol.com
Masonic Lodge
Seafaring Masonic Lodge of Newport Mesa #604
Meets for the Stated Dinner on the first Wednesday at 6 p.m. which is free of charge and open to the public. It is followed by the Stated Meeting from 7-9 p.m.
1401 E. 15th St., Newport Beach.
949.515.8788.
www.nm604.org
Rotary
Newport Beach Sunrise Rotary
Meets Tuesdays at 7:30 a.m. at Five Crowns Restaurant, 3801 E. Coast Highway, Corona del Mar.
949.612.0992.
Newportbeachsunriserotary.org