Lincoln Elementary Students Gain Arts Education Performing in ‘The Lion King Jr.’
By Christopher Trela | NB Indy
The state of arts education in California is appalling, especially considering a state law that requires all students receive sequential, standards-based visual and performing arts education.
Sadly, only 11 percent of schools meet that requirement.
SRI Education’s latest study, “Creativity
Challenge: The State of Arts Education in California,” was commissioned by the William and Flora Hewlett Foundation in 2022 as a follow-up to the 2007 “An Unfinished Canvas: Arts Education in California.”
The report reveals that a majority of California schools continue to fail to meet the state’s arts education mandate
of offering all California students dance, music, theater, and visual arts instruction.
Insufficient funding and a lack of training for teachers remain the biggest barriers to providing excellent arts education throughout the state.
Those statistics are true even in Newport Beach, but help has arrived thanks to a partnership with Costa Mesa-based Arts & Learning Conservatory and Vanguard University.
On January 16, 30 students from Lincoln Elementary in Corona del Mar (part of the Newport-Mesa School District) presented a half-hour, kidfriendly musical version of “The Lion King” for parents and friends. This fullycostumed and choreographed production was the first time most of those students had been exposed to theater.
The production came about through a grant program called #CaliforniansForAll College Corps, which places student fellows with nonprofits working to overcome societal challenges related to three areas: food insecurity, climate action, and in this case, K-12 education. College students receive a stipend of up to $10,000 (helping with college debt) and an opportunity to give back to others while taking what they learn in the college classroom out into the community.
LION KING Page 5
Newport Beach City Manager Update
By Grace Leung, Newport Beach City Manager
As the New Year gets underway, I’m pleased to report that construction of the Superior Avenue pedestrian and bicycle bridge at Pacific Coast Highway is nearly complete. The last major step (pouring concrete for the arch that spans Superior Avenue) was recently finished, using about 253,000 pounds of reinforced steel and about 60 truckloads of concrete.
The City’s contractor, Reyes Construction,
is now removing the temporary wooden framework used to support the concrete pours. A few final items, such as the bridge’s lighting and railings, will be installed in the coming weeks. The bridge is expected to be finished by March, with the remainder of the project (retaining walls, storm drains, parking lot and landscape improvements) completed by August.
The $14.7 million project will provide a significant community benefit, with improved safety for pedestrians and bicyclists across a busy intersection, and increased accessibility and use of Sunset Ridge Park through the expanded parking lot.
NBPD MOUNTED UNIT JOINS
PASADENA ROSE PARADE
The Newport Beach Police Department (NBPD) Mounted Unit joined the Orange County Mounted Officers Association on January 1 for the 135th Annual Rose Parade in Pasadena, marking the Department’s inaugural appearance at the event.
Three NBPD mounted unit members,
including two police officers and one volunteer, proudly represented Newport Beach at this iconic New Year’s Day celebration as they trotted through the parade route on horseback.
This year’s parade coincided with the 20th anniversary of the Orange County Mounted Officers Association. Joining forces with agencies across Orange County, the NBPD Mounted Unit celebrated two decades of equestrian excellence and community service. A total of 27 officers and their horses participated from several public safety agencies, including the Orange County Sheriff ’s Department and the cities of Anaheim, Buena Park, Garden Grove, Huntington Beach, Newport Beach and Santa Ana.
Clarita, the low bidder. The amended agreement with the Foundation updates funding conditions and terms of use under a 50/50 cost-sharing agreement.
The 9,814-square-foot building is designed
By NB Indy Staff
The Federal Housing and Community Development Act of 1974, as amended, provides Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds to the City of Newport Beach for projects that promote the development of viable urban communities by providing decent housing, suitable living environments, and expanded economic opportunities, particularly for low- and moderate-income persons.
The City anticipates receiving an allocation of approximately $399,000 and may use up to 15 percent of the allocation to provide public services.
The City of Newport Beach is currently accepting applications from non-profit organizations requesting funds to provide public services to low- and moderate-income residents. Prioritization will be given to organizations that demonstrate the capacity to implement the program in accordance with the requirements established by the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), and whose services will help revitalize neighborhoods, promote economic development, and improve community facilities and services in Newport Beach.
Additional information about the City’s prior years’ strategic plans and performance reports are available for viewing online at: http:// www.newportbeachca.gov/CDBGreports . Applications must demonstrate that the service to be provided will principally benefit persons of low- and moderate-income (households earning less than 80 percent of Orange County’s median income).
Examples of eligible services include housing and/or support programs for victims of domestic violence, abused children/youth, the disabled, seniors, or the homeless. Additionally, services addressing unemployment, inadequate healthcare, crime prevention, or substance abuse rehabilitation are eligible.
WEEK’S QUESTION: Which New Year’s Resolutions most resonates with you in 2024?
Lincoln elementary students Jacob Kaiser, Milla Hamilton, Ava Keiser rehearsing “The Lion King Jr.” Photo by Chris Trela
Grace Leung, Newport Beach City Manager
THE COACH HOUSE
2/9
2/15 KARLA BONOFF
2/16
2/17 THE MOTELS
2/18 ALBERT CUMMINGS
2/22 SHAWN PHILLIPS
2/23 BEATLES VS STONES
2/24 DADA
2/25 KEN GARCIA
2/29 FOOZ FIGHTERS / PEARL JAMMED
3/1 G. LOVE & SPECIAL SAUCE
3/2 “2 E nglishm E n A bro A d ” A n
ROBERT FRIPP & DAVID SINGLETON
3/3 WALTER TROUT
3/7 THE BODEANS
3/8 THE TUBES
3/9 SUPER DIAMOND
3/13 REVEREND HORTON HEAT
3/14 COLIN JAMES
3/15 THE FENIANS S
3/16 ARMAGEDDON (D ef l e PPA r D T
MOTLEY 2
3/23 THE HIGHWAYMAN SHOW
3/24 NELSON
3/28 HERMAN’S HERMITS
starring Peter Noone
3/29 HERMAN’S HERMITS
starring Peter Noone
3/30 WAYNE NEWTON
3/31 LYNCH MOB – The Final Ride
4/4 THE KINGSTON TRIO
4/5 ULI JON ROTH
4/6 RONSTADT REVIVAL
4/7 CINDERELLA’S TOM KEIFER
4/10 JOAN OSBORNE ACOUSTIC TRIO
4/11 JIMMIE VAUGHAN
4/12 ROGER CLYNE
& THE PEACEMAKERS
4/13 TINSLEY ELLIS
4/14 THE FABULOUS THUNDERBIRDS
4/18 SPONGE
4/19 RICHIE FURAY
4/20 GEOFF TATE
4/21 VONDA SHEPARD
4/25 ISRAEL VIBRATION & Roots Radics
4/26 FIVE FOR FIGHTING
4/27 KIDS OF CHARLEMAGNE
5/5 OINGO BOINGO FORMER MEMBERS
5/7 BLUES TRAVELER
5/9 CALIFORNIA GUITAR TRIO
5/15 MR BIG - T he b ig f ini S h T our
5/17 JOHN CRUZ
5/19 THE LETTERMEN
5/24 DSB (J ourney T ribu T e )
5/31 YACHTY BY NATURE
6/14 AMBROSIA
6/16 ELVIN BISHOP Big Fun Trio
6/21 DESPERADO ( e A gle S T ribu T e )
6/22 DESPERADO ( e A gle S T ribu T e )
6/29 SKELETON CREW ( g r AT eful D e AD T ribu T e )
7/6 SHINE ON (P ink f loy D T ribu T e )
7/20 Y&T 50th Anniversary
7/27 BOB SCHNEIDER
Visit Newport Beach Rose Parade Float Wins Extraordinaire Award LOCAL FOCUS
By Christopher Trela | NB Indy
Visit Newport Beach has been winning accolades for its creative tourism campaigns, but the city’s destination marketing organization has attained an even more prestigious achievement.
The Visit Newport Beach recordbreaking float entry, “Jingle on the Waves,” won the coveted Extraordinaire Award at the 135th Tournament of Roses Parade in Pasadena on January 1.
At 165 feet, “Jingle on the Waves” is the longest float in the parade’s storied history. The float is comprised of five separate and distinct sections resembling boats connected to each other.
All together the float featured more than 57,000 floral elements including mums, statice, strawflower, lentils, iris, carnations, seaweed, and various other creative touches representing the Newport Beach spirit.
Millions of viewers nationwide and around the world watched the parade and were no doubt impressed by the float, which was in essence a tribute to the Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade and to various elements that make Newport Beach an iconic destination.
The first float section was adorned with a pink flamingo, a festive polar bear, lights, toys, and gifts accompanied by an oversized group of trees.
The second section featured Newport Beach’s Balboa Pavilion and a lighthouse from the community’s Marina Park.
The third section was a special Rose Parade Queen tribute which included
four former Tournament of Roses Rose Queens who currently reside in Newport Beach.
The fourth section featured the iconic Fun Zone Ferris Wheel illuminated with celebratory rockets.
The fifth section showcased a snowman wearing a top hat, extending warm wishes for a Happy New Year to everyone.
“Our winning float, ‘Jingle on the Waves,’ not only reflects the vibrant spirit of Newport Beach but also harmonizes with the universal language of music celebrated in the 2024 Rose Parade,” said Gary Sherwin, President & CEO of Visit Newport Beach. “Winning the Extraordinaire Award is a testament to the dedication of the Phoenix Decorating team and an incredible honor for our community, and it marks the resounding success of Newport Beach’s grand return to the global stage. We are so grateful to the countless volunteers who spent more than 10,000 hours decorating our float and bringing our vision to life.”
According to Visit Newport Beach, the historic ties between Newport Beach and the Rose Parade run deep. For many years, parade officials would bring Rose Queen candidates to Newport Beach’s Balboa Bay Club to assess their poise and grace in interacting with people. The Rose Parade has also served as a source of inspiration for Newport Beach’s own Christmas Boat Parade.
For more information, please go to www.VisitNewportBeach.com.
Visit Newport Beach Float “Jingle on the Waves” / Photo courtesy of Pasadena Tournament of Roses
Make-a-Wish Gala at Balboa Bay Resort Raises $800K to Grant Children’s Wishes CHARITY SPOTLIGHT
By NB Indy Staff
Make-A-Wish Orange County and the Inland Empire hosted its annual gala, “The Make-A-Wish Gala: An Evening in Monaco,” at the beautiful Balboa Bay Resort in October in Newport Beach.
More than 300 guests attended the gala, which raised more than $800,000 for local wishes.
Attendees were part of the magic as the chapter shared a magnificent milestone in its 40-year history by granting what represents its 8,000th wish. Guests witnessed the wish experience from beginning to end, gaining a deeper understanding of how a child’s one true wish is discovered and the integral roles who bring it to life.
The milestone wish was granted to 10-year-old Xayden, who bravely completed his treatment for leukemia and had been on his wish journey for over a year. He was stunned to see his story come to life as the community behind his medical treatment and those involved in discovering his wish were sitting among the crowd. The real surprise for everyone came as a crate sporting a large lime green bow approached the stage revealing Xayden’s granted wish—a puppy!
Xayden’s wish was brought to life with the help of the Orange County Sherriff ’s Department, Orange County Fire Department, John Wayne Airport, Southwest Airlines and Harbor Patrol.
“This year’s gala was monumental for our chapter as we commemorated 40 years of granting hope-filled wishes and celebrated the milestone representing our 8,000th wish among our community of partners, donors, volunteers and wish families,” said Gloria Jetter Crockett, President and CEO of Make-A-Wish Orange County and the Inland Empire. “The wish experience is incredibly powerful for our wish kids, and we wanted our guests to feel the profound impact they help create with their continued support. We are so grateful for generosity of our supporters to raise more than $800,000 to fulfill wishes
for children across Orange, Riverside, and San Bernardino Counties.”
Upon arrival to the Balboa Bay Resort, guests were transported to Monaco, one of the world’s most elite destinations through an elegant cocktail reception.
Attendees enjoyed a delicious dinner followed by the evening’s program emceed by KTLA Midday Anchor and Reporter Glen Walker. The “Wish Wednesday” host was also joined by Linda Pauling, the mother of Chris Grecious, whose granted wish to be a police officer inspired the founding of the Make-A-Wish organization. Sharing Chris’ story, Linda also spoke about the impact of the first official wish granted by the Make-A-Wish Foundation to Frank “Bopsy” Salazar, which was fulfilled right here in Orange County.
During cocktail hour, guests enjoyed the musical stylings of wish alum “Shane the DJ” for the second year in a row. Shane knows the power of a wish firsthand as his wish for professional DJ equipment was granted through Make-A-Wish Orange County and the Inland Empire.
During the evening, a beautiful pair of flower stud diamond earrings at $25,000 donated by Lugano Diamonds was raffled off to one lucky winner.
Guests also bid on auction items like a Saint Laurent crossbody bag, a 4-night stay in Mexico City, sports tickets and other items.
“What an honor to spend the evening with so many supporters celebrating the power of a wish! As a volunteer wish granter myself, I know firsthand how the community has come together to make wishes come true,” said Shari Simmons, event cochair.
The Make-A-Wish Gala: An Evening In Monaco was presented by the Anthony and Carie Ferry Foundation and sponsored by the Disneyland Resort along with contributions of many more local supporters to help make wishes come true every day.
A wish makes a lasting impact, bringing hope and strength to families
who need it most. According to the Wish Impact Study, 90 percent of medical providers saw an increase in compliance with treatment from children after learning they would receive a wish. Make-A-Wish Orange County and the Inland Empire is making strides to grant the wishes of the over 500 kids in waiting.
To learn more about Make-A-Wish Orange County and the Inland Empire, visit www.wish.org/ocie.
Carry Ferry (presenting sponsor), RJ and Adrienne Brandes Rachel and Brandon Holdridge
Mark Carlos and Joone Kim-Lopez
Gloria Jetter Crockett, Make-A-Wish President and CEO with wish alum Addison
Featuring the music of Joni Mitchell, David Crosby, Neil Young, Linda Ronstadt, The Mamas & The Papas, The Eagles, and more!
Jessica Vosk Sings the Songwriters of Laurel Canyon at Segerstrom Center January 26 STEPPING OUT
By Christopher Trela | NB Indy
The last time Jessica Vosk was at Segerstrom Center for the Arts, she performed a cabaret show for three nights in the Samueli Theatre. Now, Vosk – known for her star turn as Elphaba in “Wicked” – returns to Segerstrom Center but this time she’s in the Segerstrom Concert Hall
EDITORIAL
on Friday, Jan. 26 for a very different evening of music.
“California Dreamin: Jessica Vosk Sings the Songwriters of Laurel Canyon” highlights Vosk’s love of the inspiring California songwriters of the 1960s and 70s who lived and created memorable music in the Laurel Canyon community of Hollywood Hills.
EDITOR Christopher Trela christopher@newportbeachindy.com
DESIGN/PRODUCTION
CREATIVE & MARKETING DIRECTOR Tracy Powell
Joni Mitchell, Neil Young, David Crosby, Stephen Stills, Graham Nash, Chris Hillman, Jim Morrison and many other now-famous singer-songwriters lived in Laurel Canyon. They hung out together and played music together.
“As a kid I grew up with parents who really loved being in the living room with records, and a lot of records were
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Carol Josepher, Chris Mattingley, Dawn Lindeman , Mara Hertel
PRODUCTION MANAGER Tina Leydecker tina@firebrandmediainc.com
ADVERTISING & CIRCULATION: Tel: 949-715-4100
Laurel Canyon artists,” explained Vosk. “They passed that love to me. It’s the soundtrack of my life.”
Vosk created her “California Dreamin’” show for New York’s 92nd Street Y as part of the Lyrics & Lyricists series.
“Usually they do the Great American Songbook—Gershwin, Rodgers and Hart. I said if you’d be up for it, I would like to do my version of the Great American Songbook, which is Laurel Canyon. They agreed,” said Vosk. “My goal of the evening has to do with the education of the music and tell incredible stories, some of which people know and some they don’t know, to give people a different lens into Laurel Canyon and how it became iconic. Some of the best music ever written came out of there.”
One challenge Vosk had was narrowing down her choice of songs that made sense story wise with what she was trying to portray with Laurel Canyon. The result, said Vosk, “is this fantastic piece. It’s my favorite concert so far because I get to be the storyteller and talk about the songs. The stories are incredible. Laurel Canyon was a time of such comradery, with artists helping each other.”
Vosk, who said that she’s thrilled to be doing her concert just a few miles south of Laurel Canyon where it all happened, will have a backing band including piano, drums, bass, guitar, percussion, cello, and backup singers. And stick around after the concert—Vosk will be available to meet fans and sign autographs.
For tickets, visit www.scfta.org.
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EDITORIAL DIRECTOR Steve Zepezauer
PRESIDENT OF SALES & MARKETING Scott Sanchez
DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS Tiffany Thompson
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Jessica Vosk / photo by Matthew Murphy
1
Vanguard sophomore Montana Leyva (double major in technical theater and business) is a College Corps fellow with Arts & Learning Conservatory, where she spent three months mentoring youth while helping with choreography and rehearsals for “The Lion King” production.
According to Katie Hennen, ALC’s Director of Education, her organization has built relationships with seven schools in the NewportMesa school district. The district paid for the arts programming so students could participate for free.
“Prop 28 funding from the state is going to all schools so they can use it to invest in arts programming, which in this case is an investment in Arts & Learning Conservatory,” explained Hennen. “Schools do not have the resources to hire someone full time to provide an arts focused education, so we come in and bring the arts to the students.”
“Lincoln does not have a theater program, nobody is trained to do it. Most kids have never done this before,” added Hennen. “The students in ‘The Lion King’ are in third through sixth grade. They spend over 60 hours of free arts education over 12 weeks. The kids have a safe place to go, they can have fun and interact with their peers.”
Hennen quoted statistics from the Orange County Department of Education that show a student in elementary school that is involve with arts programming is five times less likely to drop out of school before they are 18, and they are four times more likely to earn a bachelor’s degree and four times more likely during middle school to earn some sort of academic acknowledgement.
“Arts programming in the school is incredibly important, it’s a place where students can learn how to communicate and to express themselves, and learn how to understand and process their own emotions through their characters,” said Hennen. “It helps build vocabulary because they’re working with scripts and learning new words. They are learning skills with the music as well
as dance, which has been proven to help with mathematics and general coordination. There is so much that can help them.”
And with “The Lion King,” Hennen noted that the students are getting exposed to the world and different cultures.
Leyva is a sophomore at Vanguard University who loves the behindthe-scenes approach to theater. She was raised in the service world—her parents are both first responders. One
of the pillars of Vanguard is service, and Leyva loves doing meaningful work in the community, so as Leyva stated, “it’s a match made in heaven.”
One of the most remarkable things about working with the Lincoln students on “The Lion King,” said Leyva, is to see the growth in the students over the course of 12 weeks.
“Performing in the spotlight is not for everybody, but we wanted to find out what their passion is so I suggested some of the kids might
enjoy tech and backstage work, and it was their perfect spot,” said Leyva.
“Other kids found their passion. I gave them the mentorship and guidance that they need to express themselves properly. Kids who would not talk the first couple of weeks are now our most vivacious people on stage. It warms my heart to see that. These kids are going to carry this experience for a long time.”
For more information, visit artsandlearning.org.
BY
Murray Horwitz & Richard Maltby Jr.
Katie Hennen, ALC’s Director of Education, at a rehearsal for “The Lion King Jr.” photo by Chris Trela
Visit Newport Beach New Tourism Campaign Tells Travelers to Trade Skis for Après Sea BIZ BUZZ
By Christopher Trela | NB Indy
After winning accolades for its creative tourism campaigns – including an award-winning float in this year’s Rose Parade – Visit Newport Beach kicks off 2024 with another new campaign called Après Sea.
The concept is simple: Trade in your skis for the world of Après Sea in Newport Beach, where the only thing that’s frosty this time of year is a glass of champagne.
According to information from Visit Newport Beach, the new campaign redefines the traditional winter adventure, seamlessly offering “an elevated and luxe coastal chateau experience with the warmth of a luxurious escape, all while steering clear of the cold.”
Running through February 28, the digital marketing campaign offers new après inspiration for escaping to Newport Beach with luxury accommodations, elevated dining, social hour every hour, sumptuous spas, and different types of experiences on the water.
The Visit Newport Beach website StayAtSeaLevel.com offers a look into the campaign commercial and related experiences including where to hibernate (at local resorts) and various
activities only available in our coastal
such as culinary events and shopping excursions.
“Our ‘Après Sea’ campaign beckons visitors to trade the slopes for the sea this season and encourages a shift in the winter getaway paradigm,” says Gary Sherwin, President & CEO of Visit Newport Beach. “As a luxury coastal destination with year-round sunshine and world-class accommodations, there are so many ways to ‘seas’ the day, from soaking up the sun on a private yacht and browsing the boutiques to wining and dining by the bay. Newport Beach is not just a destination, it’s a white sand wonderland waiting to be explored.”
Visit Newport Beach is a business unit of Newport Beach & Company, the nonprofit organization established to serve as the official marketing agency for the city of Newport Beach. The agency brings together all of the marketing entities connected to the Newport Beach brand and is designed to oversee separate business units that include Visit Newport Beach, Celebrate Newport Beach, Enterprise Newport Beach and Newport Beach TV.
For more information, go to VisitNewportBeach.com.
Scene from the Visit Newport Beach digital campaign for Après Sea
enclave
CHARITY SPOTLIGHT
Friends of CASA Nets $640k at Annual Holiday Luncheon
By NB Indy Staff
Friends of CASA, a membership auxiliary of Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) of Orange County, hosted its annual Holiday Luncheon on Friday, Dec. 1 at the Waldorf Astoria Monarch Beach Resort in Dana Point.
The Luncheon that began as a Holiday Tea 28 years ago has brought in over $6.6 million dollars since 1995. This year’s Luncheon had a record-breaking net for the tenth year in a row, with over $640k that will go directly to supporting CASA’s mission of providing a powerful voice and a meaningful connection for children who have experienced abuse, neglect and abandonment.
The Luncheon was chaired by Newport Beach resident Colleen Masterson and Holly Joseph, who were assisted by a volunteer committee of 70 members from the Friends of CASA (FOCASA) auxiliary group, which is led by FOCASA President Dana Strader of Newport Beach.
Nearly 500 guests arrived to a beautiful reception with tray passed champagne and 161 auction packages elegantly displayed. Guests were able to fulfill a wish for a child in foster care through purchasing ornaments placed on the Barclay Butera Interiors sponsored “Starfish Wish Trees.”
Ornaments designed by local artist Timree Gold of Newport Beach featured diverse wishes from 282 children served by CASA. Starfish Wishes included items like a new bicycle, jiu-jitsu lessons, Barbie dolls, and day trips to Disneyland, Adventure City, and the Aquarium of the Pacific in Long Beach.
The reception area and ballroom were exquisitely decorated by Elite OC Productions and Paul Fenner Florals. This year’s captivating fashion presentation was presented by world renowned fashion house, Givenchy, and South Coast Plaza, and meticu-
lously produced by Shannon Davidson Productions.
This year’s keynote speaker was national poverty and child welfare expert and advocate, David Ambroz, who recently published a memoir entitled “A Place Called Home” that was gifted to all guests of the Luncheon, courtesy of Entertainment Sponsor Dana & Patrick Strader. David currently serves as the Head of Community Engagement (West) for Amazon.
The opportunity drawing was provided by Exclusive Jewelry Partner,
Lugano Diamonds of Newport Beach, who generously donated a Floating Rose Cut Diamond Chain with nearly seven carats of exquisite rose-cut diamonds, glistening from every angle and valued at $25,000. CASA supporter, Andrea Stewart, of the Harry Bronson and Edith Knapp Foundation, was the lucky winner.
A 501(c)3 nonprofit organization founded in 1985, Court Appointed Special Advocates of Orange County (CASA OC) provides a powerful voice and a meaningful connection
for children who have experienced abuse, neglect and abandonment. CASA volunteers provide critical support and important advocacy that focuses on the child’s safety, the efficiency of placement in permanent homes, their educational needs and the child’s overall health and wellbeing. A CASA volunteer is often the only consistent adult in a child or youth’s life who is not paid to support and advocate for them.
Please visit www.casaoc.org to learn more.
Newport Beach Resident Mark Abbasi Joins Families Forward Board of Directors BIZ BUZZ
Mark Abbasi
By Christopher Trela | NB Indy
Families Forward, an Orange County-based nonprofit committed to helping local families who are facing a housing crisis, has welcomed Newport Beach resident Mark Abbasi to its board of directors.
Abbasi is the Senior Vice President of Finance responsible for Edwards Lifesciences’ global critical care and vascular business. Having served on the Finance Committee and Data Ad Hoc Task Force for Families Forward, Abbasi has gained deep understanding into the organization’s impact in Orange County. His extensive and broad business background across multiple industries and job functions is a great asset to the board.
Other new Families Forward board members include Carissa Bechtloff, Mark E. Engstrom, Jacqueline Erickson, Nickeya Hannah, Danni Remington Smithson and Kate Starr. They all bring their diverse expertise to assist Families Forward in its mission to prevent and end family homelessness by providing access to housing and resources that create lasting stability.
“We love seeing our board of directors grow and evolve – with new leaders from various industries and personal passions to help us further
our mission of preventing and ending family homelessness,” said Madelynn Hirneise, CEO of Families Forward.
“We are thankful for our incredible team, volunteers, donors and board members who come to the table with valuable insight and perspectives. On behalf of Families Forward, we welcome these unique individuals to our board and are deeply appreciative of their commitment to our cause.”
For nearly 40 years, Families Forward has become a county leader in family housing navigation and the administration of safety-net services to at-risk and homeless families. What began with two farmhouses and five rented apartments has now evolved into more than 90 affordable housing units that Families Forward owns or has access to.
For more information about Families Forward and to donate, visit www. families-forward.org.
Newport Beach resident Dana Strader (Friends of CASA President), Newport Beach resident Colleen Masterson (Luncheon Co Chair), Regan Dean Phillips (CASA CEO), Holly Joseph (Luncheon Co Chair), David Ambroz (keynote speaker). John Watkins Photography
Lourdes Nark, Anoosheh Oskouian, Catherine Frandsen, Cyd Swerdlow, Wendy Tenebaum. John Watkins Photography
Attempted Residential Burglary in Park Newport Community
By NB Indy Staff
An attempted residential burglary recently occurred in the Park Newport Community on Friday, Jan. 12 around 6 p.m.
While the victim was home in bed, two unknown suspects accessed the patio of the apartment. The victim heard noise coming from the patio and observed the suspects attempting to pry open the sliding glass door.
When the victim approached the door, the suspects fled the scene.
Suspects were two males wearing all black clothing and face coverings.
If you see suspicious activity within your neighborhood (especially at a home where you know your neighbors are on vacation, have gone out for the evening, or their home is for sale), please call the Newport Beach Police Department immediately at
(949) 644-3717.
The Newport Beach Police Department offers the following home security tips:
• Always lock your windows and doors when you go out, even if for only a few minutes. Second story windows and doors should be secured as if they were on the first story.
• Use timers on indoor lamps to give the appearance that you are
PIMCO Managing Director Joins Working Wardrobes Board of Directors BIZ BUZZ
John Murray
By Christopher Trela | NB Indy
Working Wardrobes, a leading nonprofit organization that helps individuals overcome barriers to gainful employment, has added seven stellar community leaders to its esteemed board of directors, includ-
ing John Murray, who leads Newport Beach-based PIMCO’s global private commercial real estate team as a managing director and portfolio manager in its Newport Beach office.
Murray is a U.S. Army Veteran with over two decades of investment and commercial real estate experience and holds degrees from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania, MIT and Lehigh University.
Other new board members include Erica Hansen, Lynn Herrick, Wendy Nicoson, Carlos Oregon, Sherrie Simmons and Ivo Tjan. They each bring executive-level leadership, unique talents and strategic vision to the Orange County-based organization.
“We are grateful to the community leaders who are willing to share their time and talents with Working Wardrobes, helping further our mission to help people overcome barriers to not just employment but rather, gainful
home. If you’re going out for the evening, leave a television or a radio on in the home.
• If your home is equipped with an alarm, always activate it even if you’re only going out for a short walk.
• Consider adding a motion sensor in your master bedroom/bathroom, which will activate the alarm if someone comes in through a glass window or door without opening it.
• Always keep your front and rear porch lights on from dusk to dawn and use motion detector lighting along the sides of your home or areas with little foot traffic.
• Make sure your utility box is secured with a padlock.
• Adjust window coverings for optimal privacy while maintaining good visibility outside.
• Assess whether or not a window can be easily accessed from a tree, balcony, roof, wall, or with patio furniture and adjust your security plan accordingly. Ladders should be stored inside or locked to a stationary object.
• If your garage door has a remote shutoff button on the wall-mounted control, located in the garage, consider locking the door nightly. This will prevent your garage door from being opened remotely.
• If you have a safe, make sure that it is properly bolted to concrete so that it cannot be easily removed.
• Always close and lock your safe and never leave a key or combination out or in an easy to find location (i.e. office, nightstand, etc).
• If you return home and find your pedestrian door that leads into your home locked, and you are certain that you left it unlocked, do not go inside! Call 9-1-1. Burglars often lock this door to slow down a victim, allowing the burglar extra time to get out of the home before the resident enters.
employment,” said Bonni Pomush, CEO of Working Wardrobes. “It is such a joy to see our board of directors grow and evolve. Each of these new members bring valuable insight and perspective to our organization and we are deeply appreciative of their commitment to our cause.”
Since 1990, Working Wardrobes has made an indelible mark in the lives of its clients and in the community. The goal of the organization is to positively impact every client’s collective way of life, from economical, emotional, and environmental perspectives. Every year, Working Wardrobes serves approximately 5,000 job seekers by providing no-cost assessments, training and certifications, career coaching, individualized employment plans, and professional wardrobing services.
For more information about Working Wardrobes and its initiatives, please visit www.workingwardrobes.org.
• When you leave on vacation, remember to call the Police Department for a “Vacation Check” at (949) 644-3681. Also, ask a trusted friend or neighbor to pick up your newspaper and mail while you are away.
• When you get a knock at your door:
• Never open the door unless you know the person.
• Acknowledge you’re home without opening the door.
• If you have a doorbell camera with two-way audio, this is a great time to use this feature (whether you are home or not).
• If you are not home, use your doorbell camera to speak to the subject and let them know you are not able to come to the door- do not tell them no one is home.
• If the individual acts suspiciously, call the police department and provide them with a description of the subject and his/her actions.
Report all suspicious activity by calling the Newport Beach Police Department at (949) 644-3717.
NBPD vehicle
City
Manager
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to complement the existing Central Library and City Hall architecture. It will include tiered, stadium seating for 299 people and host a variety of authors, speakers and lecturers throughout the year.
The project costs are being shared evenly by the City and the Foundation, which committed $7 million received from community donations and has pledged an additional $4.7 million in donations toward the total project cost of $23.4 million.
Construction of the Lecture Hall is expected to take about 21 months and be completed by late 2025.
BE WELL MOBILE CRISIS RESPONSE UPDATE
The Be Well mobile crisis response team operates in Newport Beach 12 hours a day, seven days a week to respond to mental and behavioral health crises. The mobile unit is staffed with mental health specialists and works closely with the City’s police and fire departments.
Last week, the Be Well team:
• Reunified a person experiencing homelessness with family.
• Transported two people to the Costa Mesa Bridge Shelter.
• Transported a person to a crisis stabilization unit for treatment.
• Collaborated with the Newport Beach Fire Department for a hospital transport.
To reach Be Well: The mobile crisis team is dispatched through the Newport Beach Police Department. To request service, dial 911 or call the Police Department’s non-emergency line at (949) 644-3717.
HOMELESSNESS UPDATE
Last week, the City’s homeless outreach and response teams:
• Placed a man into an assisted living facility.
• Housed a man who stayed at the Costa Mesa Bridge Shelter.
• Continued to shelter people; 25 people who had been experiencing homelessness in Newport Beach are sheltered in the Costa Mesa Bridge Shelter.
Funding
Applications will also be accepted from organizations seeking to provide fair housing and landlord-tenant services in accordance with HUD requirements.
All interested applicants must complete and submit an application, available at http://www.newportbeachca.gov/CDBGapplication.
Applications will be accepted until 2 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 23, 2024, at the City of Newport Beach Community Development Department located at 100 Civic Center Dr.
Questions regarding this NOFA should be directed to Priscila Dávila, CDBG Consultant at (562) 673-3388.
Library Lecture Hall Approved at City Council Meeting
By Christopher Trela | NB Indy
At the Newport Beach City Council meeting on January 9 – the first one with newly-appointed mayor Will O’Neill – there were only two items on the current business calendar, and both concerned the proposed Newport Beach Library Lecture Hall.
The first was a vote for Approval of Third Amendment to the Memorandum of Understanding with the Newport Beach Public Library Foundation; and Adoption of Resolution No. 20243: Dissolving the Newport Beach Library
Lecture Hall Design Committee.
The second was the Lecture Hall Award of Contract, which involved increasing appropriations by $10,487,936 to fully fund the Library Lecture Hall Project and to award a contract to AMG & Associates, Inc. for the total bid price of $19,068,000 and authorize the Mayor and City Clerk to execute the contract contingent upon the Newport Beach Public Library Foundation depositing $7,100,000 in advanced contribution funds into the specified project escrow account.
PROJECT BACKGROUND BY CITY STAFF
At the November 14, 2023 City Council study session, the Council, staff and representatives of the Newport Beach Public Library Foundation discussed the recent bid opening for a new Lecture Hall (LH) building. After much discussion and review, the City Council directed staff to bring a revised Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Newport Beach Public Library Foundation (NBPLF) back to the Council for its review.
At the November 28, 2023 City Council Meeting, the City Council established the Library Lecture Hall MOU City Council Ad Hoc Committee, comprised of Councilmembers Noah Blom and Lauren Kleiman, to negotiate revised terms of a Third Amendment to the MOU (Third Amendment) with the NBPLF for the
funding and use of the new LH building. The City Council Ad Hoc Committee met with NBPLF representatives and the revised MOU is ready for the full Council’s consideration.
The significant changes to the existing MOU proposed in this Third Amendment include an update to Total Project Cost: the new project cost is $23.5 million.
OPINIONS
Dozens of emails were received by
ZAZZARA CONSTRUCTION
the City both in favor and against the proposed Lecture Hall. During the City Council meeting, community members spoke about the lecture hall, and council members also weighed in with their comments.
After the dust settled, a vote was taken on both agenda items. The motion passed each time 4-3, with councilmembers Blom, Avery, Grant and Weigand voting yes, and Mayor O’Neill, Mayor Pro Tem Joe Stapleton and councilmember Kleiman voting no.
Peter Zazzara, Owner
Rendering of Library Lecture Hall
Newport Beach Restaurants Getting Ready for Orange County Restaurant Week
By Christopher Trela | NB Indy
Newport Beach was known for its annual restaurant week, when dozens of local restaurants offered special menus for lunch and dinner to entice diners to sample their cuisine and hopefully return again and again.
Unfortunately, Newport Beach Restaurant Week (which had expanded to two weeks due to its popularity) fell victim to the pandemic and to a city council that decided to withdraw its support for local dining establishments.
Fortunately, Orange County Restaurant Week, the region’s most anticipated and celebrated culinary event, returns Sunday, March 3 through Saturday, March 9, with 29 Newport Beach restaurants participating this year.
For more than 15 years, the weeklong event has been dedicated to celebrating local restaurants, with more than 175 restaurants participating with uniquely creative menus and cocktails.
Orange County’s diverse dining options will be highlighted in a variety of Prix-Fixe Menus ranging from $15 to $25 for lunch and $25 to $45 for dinner, plus couple-worthy Date Night menus and thoughtfully curated Luxe Menus from
Restaurant Week collage: Clockwise from top left: Lighthouse Café, Rockin’ Baja Lobster date night bucket, Bungalow Restaurant sea bass, Muldoon’s in Fashion Island, Fish and Chips at Lighthouse Cafe.
$60 to $120 for indulgent experiences. Restaurant goers will be able to create their own Wine Lovers Week itinerary guided by the Copper Cane portfolio of wineries, and explore The Cocktails of OC Restaurant Week featuring Licor 43 and Herradura Tequila.
This year’s event highlights inclusivity as the OC Restaurant Week website showcases varied options, including Family Friendly and Vegetarian Dining. Diners will be able to find participating restaurants and search menus by price online at http://www.OCRestaurantWeek.com.
Newport Beach restaurants participating in OC Restaurant Week:
• Billy’s at the Beach - Newport Beach
• Blaze Pizza - Newport Beach
• Cappy’s Cafe - Newport Beach
• City Cruises Anchored by Hornblower
- Newport Beach
• CUCINA enoteca - Newport Beach
• Farmhouse at Roger’s Gardens- Corona Del Mar
• Five Crowns - Corona Del Mar
• Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse and Wine Bar - Newport Beach
• Fly N Fish Oyster Bar and GrillNewport Beach
• Gracias Madre - Newport Beach
• Great Maple - Newport Beach
• Harborside Restaurant - Newport Beach
• Lido Bottle Works - Newport Beach
• Lighthouse Cafe - Newport Beach
• Mayor’s Table at Lido House - Newport Beach
• Muldoon’s Irish Pub - Newport Beach
• Newport Landing - Newport Beach
• Olea, Cellar. Craft. Cook. - Newport Beach
• Pressed - Newport Beach
• Red O Restaurant - Newport Beach
• Rockin Baja Lobster - Newport Beach
• Scratch Bakery Cafe - Newport Beach
• SideDoor - Corona Del Mar
• Starfish - Newport Beach
• Taco Rosa - Newport Beach
• The Bungalow Restaurant - Corona Del Mar
• Woody’s Wharf - Newport Beach
• Zabb Thai Cuisine - Newport Beach
• ZOOD - Newport Beach
“This year, we see many new additions to our ever-growing list of participating restaurants, so I invite diners from near and far to come see what makes Orange
County’s culinary scene so exciting,” remarks Pamela Waitt, Founder of OC Restaurant Week and President of OC Restaurant Association, Inc. for more than 15 years. “Our ocrestaurantweek. com website includes guides to help diners plan that perfect Date Night, partake in Wine Lover Menus, explore Cocktail Specials, indulge in Luxe Restaurant Week Menus, and so much more to experience OC Restaurant Week in a new way!”
This year’s event kicks off with an exclusive Restaurant Week Masters VIP Launch Party at the Marriott Irvine Spectrum on Saturday, March 2 from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. A limited number of VIP guests will be the first to sample delicious bites from more than 30 OC Restaurant Week participants, along with premium wines, craft beer, and cocktails and mocktails.
OC Restaurant participating restau-
rants, menus, cocktails and more, and info on the kickoff party, can be found online at http://www.OCRestaurantWeek.com.
Many restaurants are still refining their menus so check back often for menu updates.
The Orange County Restaurant Association works to strengthen, support and promote the Orange County restaurant landscape.
With a mission to promote and market the Orange County restaurant industry as a whole, the association spotlights Orange County’s incredible talent as a premier dining destination while building the community and culinary family.
For more information, including sponsorship opportunities or membership in the Orange County Restaurant Association, please visit http://www.ocrestaurantassociation.org/.
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Interior of The Bungalow
Chef Rich Mead from Farmhouse at Rogers Gardens
