NBINDY 03.01.24 by Times Media Group

City of Newport Beach and Newport Beach Library Foundation Break Ground on Lecture Hall

By Christopher Trela | NB Indy

Let the lectures commence!

Well, not quite yet, but the City of Newport Beach took the first step in building a new Library Lecture Hall when City Officials and the Newport Beach Public Library Foundation hosted a groundbreaking ceremony on Tuesday, Feb. 27 at the Central Library on Avocado Avenue to kick off construction

of the lecture hall.

Members of the Newport Beach City Council were there, shovels in hand, to symbolically turn the dirt where the new Lecture Hall will be built adjacent to the main library.

The Lecture Hall, which will be named Witte Hall in recognition of a donation from Bill Witte and Keiko Sakamoto, is reported to cost $23.4 million and is

being financed through a cost-sharing agreement between the City and the Foundation.

According to information from the city of Newport Beach, the 9,814-squarefoot building is designed to complement the existing Central Library and City Hall architecture and will include tiered,

LECTURE HALL Page 6

Newport Beach Has a Lot in Store for 2024

By Joe Stapleton, Newport Beach Mayor Pro Tem

My main priority as Mayor Pro Tem of Newport Beach is to maintain and improve the quality of life that Newport Beach has provided for all of us.

I recently traveled to Washington, D.C. with our city’s Public Works Director, Dave Webb. We met with our federal representatives to discuss coastal resiliency, harbor dredging, sand replenishment, and bolstering anti-sand erosion projects.

I also met with representatives from the Environmental Protection Agency, Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Energy and Water, the Army Corps, and others. This was part of the city’s efforts to shore up federal support to protect our coastal areas.

We have also prioritized rehabilitating or replacing aging public infrastructure and facilities with new improvements to better serve the needs of our community. This includes encouraging private redevelopment and undergrounding our overhead utilities, such as electric lines.

We are also improving our tidelands management, including enhancing our boating and visitor-supporting facilities along the coast. Water safety and personal

Newport Beach City Manager Update INDYPOLL the

Grace Leung, Newport Beach City Manager

By Grace Leung, Newport Beach City Manager

After many years of drought, our second year of healthy rainfall is a welcomed relief.

Orange County has recorded more than 15 inches of rainfall this season (since July 1, the beginning of the water year), compared to an average of about 13 inches.

The Orange County Water District reports that it successfully captured 25,500 acre-feet of water as of mid-February,

equivalent to 8.3 billion gallons, which is enough water for 204,000 people for a year. This remarkable feat is accomplished through a network of percolation basins, pumps, inflatable dams, and management of assets such as the Prado Dam.

Orange County’s groundwater system is a vital resource for Newport Beach and surrounding cities. The amount of water Newport Beach draws from the groundwater basin is increasing to 85

CITY MANAGER Page 10

THIS WEEK’S QUESTION:

This year marks the 35th anniversary of the Pacific Symphony’s Music Director, Carl St.Clair.

Do you plan on attending a concert this special season?  Yes  No

Where Professionalism Meets Personal Touch in Real Estate

“Carol

- Buyer & Seller

2024 Page 6

(L to R) Newport Beach Mayor Pro Tem Joe Stapleton, City Council Members Brad Avery, Robyn Grant, Noah Blom, Lauren Kleiman, and Erik Weigand break ground on the new Library Lecture Hall. Photo courtesy of City of Newport Beach.

CHARITY SPOTLIGHT

Newport Beach Resident is a Tailor-Made Volunteer for Working Wardrobes

By Richard Simon | NB Indy

At some point in life, you’ll need help. It might be solving your first math problem, adjusting to the psychological uncertainties of early teen hood, or coping with the extremes of acute unemployment, homelessness, and food insecurity.

Among the many Orange County nonprofits devoted to helping the temporarily down- and-out is Working Wardrobes, whose institutional theme line is “The Power of a Paycheck.” Further, their mission states that “We help people overcome barriers to gainful employment.”

In its 25 years of service to individuals from diverse sets of backgrounds including military, those impacted by the justice system, and survivors of domestic violence, Working Wardrobes has helped 125,000 members of our community with the resources, confidence, and skills they need to find and maintain gainful employment and achieve lasting emotional and economic stability.

Last year, the Working Wardrobes surpassed its impact goal of helping 5,000 by assisting a total of 5,579 individuals.

It’s a marketing truism that if the name of a company (or charity) along with its theme clearly defines an entity’s product or purpose, the first challenge of that company’s identity has been met.

Working Wardrobes’ moniker couldn’t be clearer. Their “The Hanger” retail clothing outlets located in Costa Mesa, Garden Grove and Laguna Niguel demonstrate that as well. To that end, the outlets received more than 600,000 new and “gently

(L to R): Christine Ragos, Board member Chris Little, Alexa Medrano and Bonni Pomush (Director of Working Wardrobes)

used” clothing and accessory donations. Obviously, the community atlarge knows and supports Working Wardrobes, and its purpose.

Management, along with 2,249 dedicated volunteers, makes the Working Wardrobes- gears spin. Helping to “oil” those gears is an equally devoted board consisting of 22 members from leading corporations throughout Orange County.

Newport Beach resident Greg Little, 47, is one of that group. A vice president and managing director of Newport-based Pacific Life (a Fortune 500 company), Little learned of Working Wardrobes from a neighbor who also served on the board.

“I discovered that other Pacific Life members had been board members. I looked into the charity’s mission, and it really resonated with me. I knew if I joined the board, not only would it be fulfilling for me, but it would be a

Op/ed: Look For The Helpers

By Will O/Neill, Newport Beach Mayor

Newport Beach remains a vibrant American Riviera mixed with community hospitality. Our coastal beauty, wide array of locally owned shops and restaurants, strong schools, clean environment, and world-class public safety has ensured that our little city endures as a desirable place to live, work, and play. Like a great baseball umpire, our City Council focuses on unnoticed excellence. We treat tax dollars as if they were earned by hard work, because each and every dollar was. Our largest tax revenue comes from property taxes, followed by sales tax and transient occupancy tax (hotels, etc.). These resources are then used primarily to provide core services and infrastructure that facilitate our city’s flourishing.

The largest amounts spent go to our Police and Fire Departments. We commit more than half of our general fund budget to these departments because they are and will continue to be our biggest priorities.

Not only do we invest in hiring, training, and retaining, but we have also invested in public safety infrastructure as well. Over the past six years, we have replaced Fire Stations in Corona del Mar and Lido Village and will complete the last phase of replacements this coming year on the Balboa Peninsula. We also purchased property to replace our Police Station to bring the department even more into their modern demands.

This year, as Mayor, I also get the chance to celebrate people and groups who bind our community together. Using a famous quote from our childhood teacher, Mr. Rogers,

NB INDY: Why did you align with Working Wardrobes?

LITTLE: I wanted to make a direct contribution to my own community. Working Wardrobes’ mission of offering a range of resources to help people overcome barriers to gainful employment is especially important in a place like Orange County where the cost of living is extremely high. Targeting people who are selfmotivated to make a better life for themselves and their families aligns particularly well with my own values.

NB INDY: Are there other Newport residents that you know of that contribute time or money to Working Wardrobes?

great example to set for my children,” said Little.

Little took time recently to answer questions about his involvement with Working Wardrobes:

NB INDY: What responsibilities come with your board position?

Little: As a board member, I work collectively with the rest of the group to uplift Working Wardrobes as ambassadors/advocates, and we are responsible for the fiscal health and governance of the organization. That means I help open doors, make connections, provide oversight, and enhance Working Wardrobes ability to fulfill its mission.

NB INDY: How much time monthly do you spend with Working Wardrobes:

LITTLE: Five hours

I’m encouraging people to “Look For The Helpers.” We have been celebrating these Helpers with certificates and proclamations and other recognitions at our City Council and other community meetings.

We are a blessed community. Thank you for the honor to serve as your Mayor.

LITTLE: Yes, Working Wardrobes has several current and former board members and volunteers who reside in Newport Beach.

NB INDY: Are there any Newport businesses that actively support Working Wardrobes?

LITTLE: Absolutely! Pacific Life, Pimco, Capital Group, and BNY Mellon Wealth Management are examples of Newport businesses actively supporting Working Wardrobes.

NB INDY: How do you feel you’ve contributed to WW in the time that you’ve spent with the charity?

LITTLE: As a board member, we each serve on subcommittees to contribute to different areas of the organization. I serve on the Development Committee which is focused on fundraising. In this capacity I have reignited Pacific Life’s annual contributions to Working Wardrobes, which has been highly supportive of the organization over the years. I also led a fundraising campaign from my personal network to support Working Wardrobes’ semi-annual Power Up for Success event at the Camp Pendleton Marine Base. This is one of Working Wardrobes’ hallmark events, offering a full day of job search resources to hundreds of Marines embarking on their transition to civilian life.

NB INDY: What do you feel is so remarkable about Working Wardrobes?

LITTLE: The impact the organization’s services have on their clients is truly incredible. I was able to attend one of Working Wardrobes’ Power Up For Success events at Camp Pendleton and it was eye- opening and inspiring to see the impact they’re making with clients directly.

NB INDY: What do you think the strong “suit” of this charity is. LITTLE: I am in awe and humbled

Mayor Will O’Neill

Pacific Symphony’s 2024-25 Classical Series Honors Music Director Carl St.Clair’s 35 Years of Leadership ARTSCAPE

By Christopher Trela | NB Indy

Pacific

Symphony Music Direc-

tor Carl St.Clair arrived in Orange County in 1990 to take over the artistic leadership of the Pacific Symphony, which had been formed in 1978.

The Symphony had gone from performing in a high school gymnasium to becoming the resident orchestra at the new Orange County Performing Arts Center.

St.Clair’s goal – make that his mission – was to take this relatively new musical ensemble and mold it into a world-class symphony orchestra.

Honoring the classics yet skillfully adding the works of new composers, St.Clair brought audiences on a musical journey that elevated listeners while at the same time challenging musicians to rise to the occasion.

In 2006 the Pacific Symphony became the resident orchestra of the newly opened Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall. Since that time the orchestra garnered numerous accolades including a debut concert at Carnegie Hall in 2018 as part of composer Philip Glass. 80th

birthday.

The Pacific Symphony now is the largest orchestra formed in the U.S. in the last 50 years. Even more impressive: the 2024-2025 Classics Season marks Music Director Carl St.Clair’s 35th anniversary. He holds the distinction of being the longesttenured American-born conductor of a major American orchestra. Highlights of his tenure include

launching the American Composers Festival, which explores a different aspect of American music each year, and the annual Symphonic Voices performance of a staged opera in concert.

“As we herald the 2024–25 season, it’s not just a celebration of the music we’ve cherished over the years, but a heartfelt homage to the enduring relationship I’ve shared with Pacific

Symphony,” said St.Clair, a longtime resident of Laguna Beach. “This landmark 35th anniversary season is a testament to our collective journey— a tapestry of our shared experiences, our growth, and our unyielding commitment to excellence.”

According to Pacific Symphony President and CEO John Forsyte,

Carl St.Clair conducts the Pacific Symphony

Carl St.Clair

Burnham Ward Properties of Newport Beach Adds Four New Concepts to Paseo 17

By NB Indy staff

Burnham Ward Properties of Newport Beach has added four concepts to Paseo 17, the newly transformed property formerly known as Plaza Sereno.

Slow Goods, Pürre Boutique, French Buckets and Parlour 17 have recently opened their doors at Paseo 17, enriching the dynamic mix of boutiques, shops and restaurants within the community.

Nestled at 243 East 17th St. in Costa Mesa. Paseo 17 stands in the heart of the 17th Street shopping corridor, serving the vibrant communities of both Costa Mesa and Newport Beach. The property underwent an extensive remodel under the ownership and management of Burnham Ward Properties, resulting in a fresh, classic look that maintains its Spanish roots.

“The revitalization of Paseo 17 reflects our commitment to creating a hub that resonates with the local communities of Costa Mesa and Newport Beach,” said Bryon Ward, President of Burnham Ward Properties. “The recent remodel not only enhances the property’s old Costa Mesa charm but also sets the stage for a diverse blend of boutiques and shops.”

The newly added tenants offer a boutique experience for all shopping, dining and service needs, including home goods, beauty, wellness, jewelry, clothing and more.

“Witnessing the transformation of the property through the recent remodel has been truly inspiring,” said Scott Burnham, CEO of Burnham Ward Properties. “We’re excited

about the positive response and look forward to announcing additional exciting new businesses that will contribute to the vibrancy of our evolving tenant mix soon.”

Meet the New Tenants

Slow Goods is a retail concept space celebrating handmade, intentional and timeless homewares, Australian womenswear, California designers and bespoke accessories. A love letter to artisans around the world, Slow Goods invites visitors to join in the ethos of slow, coastal living.

Pürre Boutique is founded on offering organic, clean products and sustainable goods. From natural apothecary products to linen silhouettes, fun prints, timeless home goods and adornments from local jewelry makers, Pürre Boutique covers all bases for those seeking eco-friendly and stylish options.

French Buckets, a floral artistry shop, is a destination for exquisite blooms and botanical creations capturing natural, artistic beauty. With over two decades of floral expertise, founder Sussanna Davidson infuses

CREATIVE & MARKETING DIRECTOR Tracy Powell SALES

EDITORIAL

EDITOR Christopher Trela christopher@newportbeachindy.com

DESIGN/PRODUCTION

ADVERTISING SALES TEAM Carol Josepher, Chris Mattingley, Dawn Lindeman , Mara Hertel

PRODUCTION MANAGER Tina Leydecker tina@firebrandmediainc.com

ADVERTISING & CIRCULATION: Tel: 949-715-4100 | Fax: 949-715-4106

every arrangement with an artistic, organic and feminine touch. Specializing in custom arrangements for weddings, events, workshops and installations, French Buckets is the go-to source for bringing natural elegance to any occasion.

Parlour 17 provides a stylish retro coworking venue for conferences, Zoom meetings and events. Fully equipped with perfect lighting for virtual training/tutorial videos, guests can enjoy a delicious cocktail while hosting their gatherings in this PASEO 17 Page 6

PUBLISHER

EDITORIAL DIRECTOR Steve Zepezauer

PRESIDENT OF SALES & MARKETING Scott Sanchez

DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS Tiﬀany Thompson

INDY LETTER POLICY

Please limit topics to local concerns, and try to keep to 500 words or less. Letters may be edited for clarity, length, or appropriateness; we reserve the right to not run a letter. Please supply name and contact info, although only name and city will be printed. Opinions expressed do not necessarily reﬂect those of Firebrand Media or its employees.

Paseo 17

by the extraordinary people that keep Working Wardrobes running. The positive energy of their leadership team and the dedication of their staff, volunteers and other board members is truly remarkable.

NB INDY: How do you see this charity expanding, or has it reached its limits of operation?

LITTLE: As a board member, I am able to see firsthand the need the organization is experiencing. Every day we see in the news mass layoffs from organizations and frankly, Working Wardrobes will always need financial support to help service clients. They currently have three brick-and-mortar locations that provide additional income, so furthering that part of their business may increase income efforts and expand the work they’re doing. It is also important to note the difference a few meaningful corporate donations can make since they are a smaller nonprofit. If we’re going to continue serving clients who rely on Working Wardrobes to find gainful employment, they will need to continue to grow – which will provide more opportunities to further their budget and resources.

NB INDY: How does Working Wardrobes reach out to those in need?

LITTLE: Working Wardrobes reaches out to people on military bases, college campuses, jails, probationary meetings, at job/ career resource fairs, through referrals from other service organizations, and of course online or walking into the Career Success Center in Santa Ana.

NB INDY: Is there a common demographic denominator?

LITTLE: The only common denominator for Working Wardrobes clients is that they are people seeking gainful employment. These folks are actively reaching out for help to build stability for themselves and their families.

NB INDY: Anything else you wish add?

LITTLE: If you’re interested in helping someone achieve gainful employment, donate your time, treasure and talent today. Don’t wait – I wish I hadn’t! Go to workingwardrobes.org to make a one-time or recurring donation, to sign up for volunteer opportunities, to get information on hosting a clothing or gift card drive, or sharing your expertise as a workshop facilitator or hiring Working Wardrobes clients. For more information on Working Wardrobes, visit workingwardrobes. org.

VANGUARD BASKETBALL CAMPS

BOYS & GIRLS • AGES 5-14

LOCAL FOCUS Summer Camp Signups in Newport Beach

By NB Indy staff

For locals and visitors, Newport Beach is nature’s classroom, offering an amazing array of experiences to stimulate children during the summer months. From catching their first wave to learning how to cook, Newport Beach offers the best summer camps to kids who love to learn and play under the sun.

Here are five options courtesy of Visit Newport Beach that will make incredible summer memories, and they’re open for registration.

CAMP JAMES

For over 25 years, Camp James has remained Orange County’s most trusted and popular camp for kids aged four to 13 years old. Awarded Parenting OC Magazine’s coveted Reader’s Choice Award for Day Camp of the Year in 2018, the camp remains dedicated to providing kids with innovative, inspiring summer activities that foster learning and fun. Located at The Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort and Marina, kids will enjoy plenty of waterplay, and camp directors are both seasoned supervisors

TRIFECTA CAMP: June 11-13

WEEK 1: June 17-21

WEEK 2: August 5-9

WEEK 3: August 12-16

UP NOW!

and educated professionals. This means you can rest assured your kids are in a safe, supportive environment. Visit https://campjames.com.

ENDLESS SUN SURF SCHOOL

Newport Beach’s original surf training facility, Endless Sun Surf School was founded in 1963. Since that time, they’ve helped thousands of people, of all ages and abilities, experience the thrill of surfing firsthand. All instructors are professional surfers with CPR certifications. What’s more, they teach lessons at one of California’s best learning

• Top-notch individual and team instruction

• Daily Leadership Training exercises

• Insightful/Inspirational handouts

• 7-to-1 camper to coach ratio

• Camp t-shirt

• Daily lunch

• 3-on-3 competition and 5-on-5 games

$295 SCAN FOR MORE INFO: 9:00 AM TO 4:00 PM DAILY 9:00 AM TO 4:00 PM DAILY (FRIDAY FUNDAY AVAILABLE FOR A FEE)

• Information for all campers about Vanguard University as a college choice

• Season passes to Vanguard home basketball games

CAMPS INCLUDE: (949) 293-7379

TO: bit.ly/lions-basketball-camp

Kids enjoying Camp James SUMMER CAMPS Page 7

PAGE 1

stadium seating for 299 people. The new auditorium will host a variety of authors, speakers, lecturers and other events.

Newport Beach Mayor Will O’Neill noted that the project took shape from a “push and pull of ideas” and “the hall itself will host views expressing nuance and wisdom.”

Jill Johnson-Tucker, chair of the lecture hall design committee and chair of the “Beyond Books” fundraising campaign for the lecture hall, said the new facility will “reflect the pride that this community holds for the library and Civic Center complex,” and will fulfill the Library’s mission as the cultural, educational and informational heart of our city.

In early January the City approved a $19-million contract with AMG & Associates Inc., of Santa Clarita, to build the facility.

Construction of the lecture hall is expected to take about 21 months (depending on weather and other factors). Completion date is anticipated to be early 2026.

The City is advising Central Library patrons that parking will be significantly reduced for the duration of construction. If parking is not available in the lot in front of the main entrance, patrons are Lecture Hall

encouraged to utilize the Civic Center parking structure at 100 Civic Center Dr., with convenient access to the library’s north-facing entrance near City Hall.

2024

PAGE 1

growth will be enhanced this summer with the opening of our new Junior Lifeguard building.

We will also devote resources to update our bicycle master plan, which will improve the quality of bicycle paths for our residents and visitors. This plan will both enhance the cycling experience in our beautiful city and improve the safety of our cyclists.

I am also looking forward to creating a City Council committee to envision a public-facing development for Lower Castaways Park. As many of you know, this is the original landing spot for the settlers who discovered Newport Beach. Its current use as a storage yard underutilizes this historical landmark.

I also serve on a City Council committee to ensure that our Newport Beach Police Department is equipped with everything they need to protect the community we all love from criminal activity. These improvements include utilizing drones to surveil areas prone to criminal activity to better

track down crime when it happens. We are also looking at equipping our oﬃcers with state-of-the-art license plate readers to track criminals when they are in a motor vehicle.

As always, the Newport Beach City Council wants to ensure that robust law enforcement is coupled with Constitutional protections, so we always ensure that any measure empowering our law enforcement is done with the utmost care and assurances that these good policies are not abused.

At the same time, our leaders in Sacramento continue to chip away at law enforcement’s ability to enforce the most fundamental law enforcement measures, which makes our communities less safe. That is why it is imperative that we do everything we can at the local level to give our oﬃcers everything they need to protect our city.

The Newport Beach City Council is united in our vision to not only keep Newport Beach the wonderful city it has always been but to make it even better. These improvements are paramount to my pledge to “Keep Newport, Newport,” and in my new role as Mayor Pro Tem, I look forward to working with all my colleagues to do just that.

Editor’s Note: is is one in a series of Op/Eds by Newport Beach City Council Members on their goals for 2024.

Paseo 17

PAGE 4

unique space.

Along with these additions, Paseo 17 continues to offer services, shopping and dining experiences from businesses such as Beauty With A Mission, Harry Little Things, Mama Bijoux, Milligram Coffee + Kitchen, Pilates on Purpose, Pure Barre, Sage Hair Salon, and others.

For more information, visit http:// burnham-ward.com.

Based in Newport Beach, Burnham-Ward Properties, LLC (BWP) have developed and acquired millions of square feet of commercial property including retail, professional oﬃce, medical and industrial properties throughout the United States.

Helmed by industry veterans, BWP has created some of Southern California’s most distinctive and unique commercial projects. BWP approaches each project with an artful eye and with an emphasis on thoughtfully curating projects. It is the partners’ belief that through property the company can provide the backdrop for people to interact, work, and experience a better life through community.

BWP believe their projects positively influence people’s lives while doing so in an environmentally conscious and constructive manner. The result is a creative asset base that provides long-term value to BWP’s portfolio.

Summer Camps

beaches, the Newport Pier. Surfboards and wetsuits come with enrollment fees, and the school offers a variety of summer camps. So, your kids (and maybe even you) will be catching epic waves before summer’s end.

Visit https://www.endlesssunsurf. com.

ENVIRONMENTAL NATURE CENTER CAMP

Since 1977, the Environmental Nature Center has been combining quality science education with the joys of camping. The result? Kids get introduced to a variety of scientific concepts in the ultimate hands-on lab, the great outdoors. The ENC is located in the Back Bay neighborhood of Newport Beach, conveniently landscaped with marshes and trails. ENC offers many summer nature adventure camps for kids of all ages, from preschoolers through 8th graders. Camps are divided by age for the optimal learning experience. Interactive activities include exploration using magnifying lenses, microscopes, and binoculars, with games and crafts abound, too.

Visit https://encenter.org.

NEWPORT SEA BASE SUMMER CAMPS

For a custom-tailored approach to summer camp, check out Newport Sea Base’s wide selection of summer classes. This camp is located on Newport Harbor, off of Pacific Coast Highway. Kid-friendly classes such as “Medieval Pirate Fishing” and “Stomp Rocket Beach Blast Off ” will keep school-aged kids intrigued while having a blast. From sailing to rowing, woodworking to fishing, kids aged six to 17 will find non-stop fun while honing new skills. Camps are divided into three age levels: Squid Camp (ages 5-7), Junior Aquatics Camp (ages 8-10), and Paddle Sports Aquatics Camp (ages 11-17).

Visit https://www.newportseabase. org.

CULINARY KIDS CAMP

Do your kids have a penchant for pastries? Or, perhaps a passion for pasta? Then, why not enroll them in Newport Beach’s Culinary Kids Camp? They’ll learn the essentials of crafting delicious, healthy cuisine while developing core values like independence, teamwork, and learning. The summer camp is located on the Newport Coast Elementary School campus, near the San Joaquin Hills. The welcoming, imaginative environment urges children to make new friends while strengthening reading comprehension and math skills through food knowledge. Kids are encouraged to create and collaborate in the kitchen, cultivating new talents outside of their usual day-to-day routine. The result? Little chefs blossom.

Visit https://www.culinarykids.biz/ newport-beach.html.

OFF THE MENU

Balboa Fun Zone Welcomes New Irv’s Burgers Location

Christopher Trela | NB Indy

Irv is coming to Balboa Fun Zone.

Let me explain: Irv’s Burgers is opening its doors on Friday, March 1 at 600 East Bay Ave, where a pizza purveyor once served giant slices of west coast style pies.

This prime location near the Balboa Ferry will be a grab-and-go destination, offering the same signature dishes that have made other Irv’s locations a beloved burger joint.

Food Entrepreneur Lawrence Longo (owner of Irv’s Burgers, Prince Street Pizza, and several other concepts) and his team at Irv’s are bringing iconic dishes from their Los Angeles locations to Orange County, including the famous Irv’s Double and Just For You cheeseburgers, as well as the Irv’s Dog, Tuna Melt, Chili Cheese Fries and soft serve Milkshakes.

Irv’s Burgers held a grand opening party on Thursday, Feb. 29 that included free burgers, fries and milkshakes.

According to information from Irv’s, the restaurant space is 600 square feet and offers standing counters perfect for quick bites and those seeking a delicious on-the-go option. Early risers will be happy—Irv’s plans to unveil their breakfast menu in the near future.

Curious about Irv’s? Here’s the scoop: Irv’s Burgers originally opened as Queen’s Burgers in 1946. It has become an iconic brand because it was one of the first roadside burger stands on the famous Route 66. The burger stand captured the attention of passersby with a sign that said, “No Lobster, Just Burgers.”

Over the decades, the name changed to Irv’s Burgers, but it always

BIZ BUZZ

served a classic California roadside style cheeseburger. The burger stand itself drew in the likes of Frank Sinatra and The Rat Pack, Jim Morrison, Jimi Hendrix, and Janis Joplin. It was even featured on Linda Ronstadt’s album cover, “Living in the USA.”

Ready to order? Try Irv’s Original Roadside Double Burger: two pressed to order patties, toasted bun, American cheese, Irv’s sauce, lettuce, tomato, onion, and pickle.

You could also go for a Hebrew national hot dog or a chili dog, but Irv’s also has a pastrami sandwich, tuna melt, patty melt, BLT, and a good-old grilled cheese sandwich on the menu. Did I mention the shakes, or the floats? There, I mentioned them.

Irv’s Burgers is open Wednesday through Sunday 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. and will be open daily starting in April.

Visit https://irvsburgers.com.

The NOW Massage Opens First Orange County Boutique in Corona del Mar

By NB Indy Staff

The NOW Massage, a growing franchise disrupting the wellness space with high quality, affordable massage services in an inspired setting, has opened its first Orange County location in Corona del Mar.

Located at 2600 East Coast Highway, Now Massage is owned and operated by Orange County residents Jamie Fox and Mike Nash.

“After building a loyal following of guests and Ritual Members at our Long Beach boutique, we are excited to be bringing The NOW’s next-level massages and nourishing products

to Corona del Mar,” said Franchise Owner Jamie Fox.

Jamie and her husband Mike bring decades of sales, marketing, finance and business experience to their franchise journey with The NOW Massage.

In addition to NOW boutiques in Long Beach and Corona del Mar, the husband and wife duo plan to bring four additional locations to the Orange County area.

The NOW’s Ritual Membership offers guests an opportunity to make massage a part of their monthly or bimonthly self-care routine with pack-

ages that include savings on massages, roll over credits, perks and more.

The NOW Massage was designed as an oasis to disconnect from the outside world and reconnect within.

The NOW Massage’s goal is to offer high-quality, customizable massage services without the time commitment and cost of a traditional spa. The NOW Massage’s interiors have been recognized for its elevated aesthetic, inspired by exotic destinations from around the world.

For more information, please visit thenowmassage.com.

Irv’s Burger times two / Photo by Emma Gabay, Guiscene Studio

BUSINESS OF THE WEEK

Sapori Restaurant

Serving Authentic Italian Food in Newport Beach

We have been serving the flavors of Italy in Newport Beach for 35 years.

Established in 1989, Sapori Ristorante is a culinary experience unique from any other. Owner and chef, Sal Maniaci, has brought his firsthand knowledge of Italian cuisine to Newport Beach. A genuine Mediterranean setting coupled with experienced and knowledgeable waiters add to Sapori’s authenticity.

The remodeled patio featuring a fireplace and outdoor heaters creates an intimate atmosphere perfect for romantic and warm outdoor dining. Signature dishes include penne otero, farfalle salmone, scalloppine gorgonzola, and several other original pasta and meat dishes. There are also traditional Italian appetizers and desserts such as calamari fritti and tiramisu. And, our excellent, eclectic wine menu offers many great Italian and California choices to pair with your meal.

PIZZERIA SAPORI

Pizzeria Sapori is now open next door to Sapori Restaurant! The pizzeria has a unique menu featuring famous authentic pizzas as well as anitpasti caldi and antipasti freddi, insalate, and pizze.

We stay true to pizza’s Neapolitan roots and traditions, creating the most authentic pizza possible. Our ingredients are second to none. We use simple natural ingredients which are imported from the best sources in Italy.

Simplicity. Authentic Neapolitan pizza uses very few ingredients and light toppings. You won’t see us adding “extra cheese” here.

Your pizza is not burned. Charring is normal and this is a key feature of Neapolitan pizza. Your pie will be a bit charred with a high border “cornicione” or “frame of the pizza.” It won’t come sliced either. True Neapolitan pizza is served whole to prevent sogginess and to maintain the integrity of the dough we spend a lot of time making for you.

Come visit Sapori Restaurant and Pizzeria Sapori now and experience the most authentic Italian flavors in Newport Beach!

949.644.4220

1080 Bayside Drive, Newport Beach

Sapori Ristorante & Pizzeria Sapori Hours: Monday - Sunday Dinner: 4:30pm - 10pm

Sherman Library & Gardens Unveils New Visitor Center LOCAL FOCUS

By NB Indy Staff

Visitors to Sherman Library & Gardens are always greeted warmly and with a smile, but now visitors will get the VIP treatment thanks to The Sherman’s new Visitor Service Center.

Located inside the reimagined Garden Shop, full-service Visitor Service Center is staffed by helpful and friendly volunteers who are knowledgeable about the library and gardens, and can help guests sign up for classes and events, join as Sherman Library & Gardens members, and help with membership renewals.

Staff is available daily from 10:30 a.m. until 4 p.m. to answer any questions in person, on the phone, or via the Contact Us page on www. thesherman.org website.

According to information from Sherman Library & Gardens, the Volunteers serve as Garden Ambassadors in the Visitor Service Center to help direct guests through the gardens as well as answer any questions, and they’re armed with helpful hints regarding the everchanging garden scavenger hunts enjoyed by kids of all ages.

“I think of our Garden Ambassadors and Visitor Service staff as

brand ambassadors and concierge for Sherman Library & Gardens”

said Scott LaFleur, Executive Director of Sherman Library & Gardens.

“I want to invite the community to come in, meet the team, and experience firsthand what it is that makes Sherman Library & Gardens such a standout gem in Corona del Mar.”

Visitors can also shop new offerings of sustainable garden-inspired products from local makers, and check out the dedicated Artist’s Corner of The Garden Shop. Each season features a different local artist. Fine art photography by Irvine resident Yulia Naganova is currently on display through March.

For more information, visit www. thesherman.org or call (949) 6732261. Sherman Library & Gardens is located at 2647 E. Coast Hwy. in Corona del Mar.

Sherman Library & Gardens is a nonprofit that has been deeply rooted in Orange County for 57 years, serving the community as a sanctuary and education beacon for history, horticulture, and the arts.

Founded in 1966 by Arnold Haskell, and named for his friend and mentor, M.H. Sherman, this iconic institution serves as a guardian of regional history and artifacts, a living library of plants both native and exotic, and a conservator of artistic works influenced by and produced in the Pacific Southwest.

Today, Sherman Library & Gardens is a monument to Haskell’s dream of an educational and cultural center including a premier botanical garden and outstanding research library.

Sherman Library & Gardens was recently recognized by the Newport Beach City Council with a proclamation, naming Sherman Library & Gardens as the “Cultural Hub” of Corona del Mar.

Sherman Library staff Karen Brooks, Kim Day Park, Megan Cordero at the new Visitor’s Center

SAL MANIACI, OWNER AND CHEF

City Manager

PAGE 1

percent (the rest is imported from the Colorado River). As of January, Orange County’s groundwater basin is at 90 percent capacity, an increase of 22.7 percent from this time last year.

Even with an abundance of rainfall, Newport Beach remains committed to promoting water conservation as an ongoing practice. We encourage residents to continue mindful water habits during wet weather, such as turning off automatic sprinklers before and after rain. Residents can also invest in water barrels -- with rebates from ocwatersmart.com -- to capture and store rainwater for later use.

Through conservation, strategic water management, and infrastructure investments, our region can become more resilient and help reduce the negative impacts of future dry spells.

New Data Dashboard Tracks Harbor Service Calls

The City’s Harbor Department launched an interactive digital map that tracks calls for service by location and type. The data is available to the public at this link: https:// nbgis.newportbeachca.gov/gispub/ Dashboards/HarborQuestDashPublic. htm.

Clicking the blue dots on the map reveals details on the calls for service. The map can also be filtered for specific types of service calls by selecting one or more of the categories.

Beginning in January, Harbor Department staff began capturing the latitude and longitude associated with received and initiated calls for service. The locations are mapped by a Geographic Information System (GIS). The initial data from January shows that service calls were concentrated heavily around Marina Park, public docks, and pump-out stations at 15th, 19th, Fernando and Washington streets.

The Harbor Department will use this new tool to help refine patrol assignments and areas of focus for the benefit of the harbor community.

Housing Element Draft EIR Available for Public Review

A draft report analyzing potential environmental impacts from the City’s General Plan Housing Element is available for public review and comment.

The draft environmental impact report (EIR) is required under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). The EIR analyzes potential environmental impacts that may result from implementation of the adopted 6th Cycle Housing Element (2021-2029) in areas such as air quality, aesthetics, public services and transportation.

Hard copy versions of the report are available at City Hall (Bay B, 1st Floor) and in all City library branches.

The draft EIR is available for public review and comment through March 28. Planning Commission and City Council public hearings on the EIR will be this spring.

For questions or to submit comments, please contact Principal Planner Ben Zdeba at (949) 644-3253 or bzdeba@newportbeachca.gov.

New Public Notification System

As we have seen in numerous regional and national incidents, effective communication between safety agencies and the public is critical during a crisis or emergency.

To improve these capabilities in Newport Beach, our Police Department has launched a new public notification system called Newport Notified. The new system will be used to alert subscribers about emergencies and other community safety issues such as traﬃc and crime advisories.

The system allows the Police Department to notify subscribers through their choice of text, email, and voicemail.

Newport Notified will be used for emergency notifications related to incidents such as power outages, fires, evacuations, tsunamis, and others hazards where public safety is at risk. It will also alert subscribers to major traﬃc accidents, neighborhood crimes and other community safety updates. Subscribers do not have to live or work in Newport Beach; visitors and those with family in the city are also invited to sign up.

This new system will replace Nixle, our current notification system. Current Nixle subscribers will need to subscribe to Newport Notified to continue to receive alerts. In about two months, the Police Department will no longer send alerts through Nixle.

I encourage you to sign up for

Newport Notified at this link and help spread the word to your friends and neighbors: https://newportbeach. genasys.com/portal/en.

For more information on the new system and FAQs, please visit www. nbpd.org/notified.

Police Dept. Celebrates Promotions, New Hires

The Newport Beach Police Department held a ceremony on February 12 to welcome new employees and celebrate the achievements and advancements of its current members. The event underscored the department’s ongoing commitment to excellence, community service and professional growth.

The recent promotions celebrated were Gary Clemente, to police lieutenant; Dennis Maisano, to police sergeant; Nick Ott, to senior animal control oﬃcer; and Matthew Kerman, to senior community services oﬃcer.

The newly sworn-in oﬃcers are Chad Robbins, Dominic Tedesco, Daniel Diaz and Zachary Duehring (lateral police oﬃcers); Miles Person, crime scene investigator; Shyler Chappell and Sara Stewart (dispatchers); Nathaniel Bonifay and

FORUM

Melissa Diego (community services oﬃcers).

Vote Today! Online Poll for Next Civic Center Sculptures Now Open

The City of Newport Beach Arts Commission invites residents to vote on the final selection of sculptures for Phase IX of the rotating exhibition in Civic Center Park.

A public poll facilitated by Arts Orange County will be available online through Monday, March 11. The top 10 selected sculptures, along with three to five alternates, will be recommended to the Newport Beach City Council for installation. Selected sculptures will be featured for two years.

The online poll can be accessed at https://www.sparkoc.com/nb_ sculpture_poll/.

For more information, please call 949-717-3802 or email arts@ newportbeachca.gov.

City Responds to Rainstorm Impacts

The City’s Public Works Department removed six fallen City trees, cleared about 50 tons of debris

CITY MANAGER Page 11

Nikki Haley Represents a New Generation of American Leaders

As a child, I was inspired by John F. Kennedy. As a young adult, I was privileged to know and to work in the administration of President Ronald Reagan.

Recently we welcomed Ambassador Nikki Haley to Orange County and I saw once again the potential of an inspirational leader who appeals to the best of America, not our worst impulses.

Haley was a successful governor who created jobs, reduced crime and controlled spending. At the UN she stood up against America’s adversaries and was clear headed in her defense of Freedom and Democracy.

Haley will fix the mess at the border,

stop the importation of fentanyl, and keep America safe. She represents a new generation of American leaders and is exactly the type of President we need to bring our nation together.

The world is on fire because our adversaries see one candidate, driven by his ego and tied to the defendants table for the campaign, and the other past his intellectual prime and not up for the challenges facing our nation. We can do better. America deserves better.

Let’s pass the torch to a new generation. Nikki Haley would make a great president.

Keith Curry / Former Mayor, Newport Beach

In my district of Corona del Mar, and citywide, we will be examining ways in which we can energize our commercial corridors with initiatives that will encourage mobility and walkability, such as micro transit and centralized parking, with the goal of enhancing the neighborhood experience and supporting local businesses.

Lauren Kleiman / Newport Bach City Council Member

Note: this is one in a series of articles by Newport Beach City Council Members outlining their goals for 2024.

City Manager

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from the shoreline, and responded to a small mudslide that occurred during the recent rainstorms.

City crews quickly removed the six fallen trees and several windblown branches that landed in public rightsof-way. Fortunately, no property damage was reported.

The relatively small number of fallen trees -- from a total of about 35,000 under City jurisdiction -- can be credited to the City’s preventative maintenance program that includes regular trimming and inspections.

On the beaches, crews cleared large amounts of sand that blew onto the Oceanfront Boardwalk and street ends, from Adams to Orange, from the high winds.

The high tides that accompanied the storm system brought an abundance of debris and litter from the Santa Ana River jetty. City crews spent the week removing an estimated 50 tons (15 dump trucks) of debris from the shoreline. Volunteers from the Trellis Community Impact team assisted with the storm cleanup.

The City also responded to a small mudslide that occurred on an oversaturated hillside in the Spyglass community. City staff responded promptly to remove dirt and landscape debris that was partially blocking a roadway.

Be Well Mobile Crisis Response Update

The Be Well mobile crisis response team operates in Newport Beach 12 hours a day, 7 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.

This week, the Be Well team:

•Transported three people to the Costa Mesa Bridge Shelter.

• Transported a person to a substance use facility for treatment.

• Transported a person to a mental health facility for treatment.

• Transported a person to a homeless services provider.

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

This week, the City’s homeless outreach and response teams:

• Enrolled two people into services.

• Completed an application and referral to a family shelter.

• Completed a referral to the Yale Navigation Center.

• Continued to shelter people. Twenty-five people who had been experiencing homelessness in Newport Beach are sheltered in the Costa Mesa Bridge Shelter.

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“Carl St.Clair’s 35th Anniversary as the music director of Pacific Symphony will feature numerous exhilarating moments under his exceptional leadership. This is undoubtedly one of his most ambitious seasons and one that will generate great community excitement. Throughout his tenure, he has appointed the vast majority of musicians that occupy the tenured roster of this highly distinguished group of orchestral musicians. With the emotion of this season, they will undoubtedly add an extra dimension of energy to Carl’s musical choices that both reflect his artistic values and have animated his thrilling tenure.”

About The 2024-25 Classics Season

The Pacific Symphony’s 46th season, and opening of the Hal and Jeanette Segerstrom Family Foundation Classical Series, begins on Thursday, Sept. 26. Comprising 36 concerts as part of a 12-program subscription series, four Sunday Matinees, and four specials, the 2024-25 Classical Season presents wide-ranging selections of masterworks, treasured classics, and exciting new discoveries.

Over the course of the season, St.Clair leads works by composers he has championed at Pacific Symphony, and celebrates his relationship with the Symphony’s musicians by collaborating with gifted guest artists as soloists.

Pacific Symphony’s 2024-25 season begins in style with a celebratory opening performance on September 26. The program presents an eclectic mix of musical genius, beginning with the dynamic compositions of Frank Ticheli followed by Maurice Ravel’s “Alborada del gracioso” and pianist Claire Huangci performing her interpretation of Rachmaninoff’s “Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini.”

The concert culminates in a performance of Beethoven’s Seventh Symphony, which the composer considered “one of his best works.”

Season highlights include several new works, an opera in concert (“Das Rheingold,” the first part of Wagner’s Ring Cycle), and various themed concerts such as the “Classical Spooktacular” program in October.

Pacific Chorale partners with Pacific Symphony on two choral masterworks including “Carmina Burana,” and violinist Joshua Bell joins Pacific Symphony in February 2025.

The season concludes in June 2025 with Verdi’s monumental “Requiem.”

For a complete list of concerts and ticket information, visit www.PacificSymphony.org.