NBINDY 04.12.24

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City Officials Celebrate Opening of Newport Harbor’s Newest and Largest Public Dock

Officials from the City of Newport Beach, the County of Orange, the Irvine Company and State Assembly celebrated the grand opening of Newport Harbor’s largest public dock on Friday, March 29. Following a ceremonial ribbon cutting, the Balboa Marina Public Pier was officially opened for public use. The new pier can accommodate up to 12 small vessels or several larger vessels. It is free for day use by the public for up to three hours.

The dock is located at 151 E. Coast Highway, on the site of the old Reuben E. Lee restaurant/steamship.

The pier greatly expands public access and recreational opportunities in a previously underserved area of the harbor.

The project is a partnership between the City, County and Irvine Company.

“We are really excited—this has been a long time coming. We know this will not only increase the opportunities people have to access the harbor but also open up a new gateway to our city,” said Newport Beach Mayor Will O’Neill, who arrived at the event via a boat that dropped him off at the new dock. “We have the largest recreational harbor west of the Mississippi. This new dock will allow more folks to come here, enjoy themselves, and eat and shop local.”

According to information from the City of Newport Beach, the City will own, maintain and operate the pier. The pier is ADA compliant and includes the opportunity to use the “human lift” device

Newport Beach City Manager Update

Beginning this week, the Newport Beach Police Department will broadcast emergency messages exclusively through our new public notification system, Newport Notified.

If you have not yet signed up for Newport Notified, I encourage you to register today.

As of Friday, April 12, the Police Department will no longer send messages through Nixle, the previous platform. Current Nixle subscribers will need to subscribe to Newport Notified to

Newport Beach Police Department Crime Alerts

Residential Burglary in Ocean Heights Community: appx. 8:40 p.m. on April 5. While the victim was away, an unknown suspect accessed the backyard of the property and then climbed up to the second story balcony using the barbeque, wall and some wooden beams. The suspect shattered a window on the balcony to get into the master bedroom. Inside, the suspect went through drawers in the nightstand, dresser and closet. During the course of the burglary, the alarm was activated. The suspect fled the scene before police arrived a few minutes later.

Loss: Wallet (recovered at the scene), purse. Suspect Info: None available at this time.

Residential Burglary in the 2500 block of First Ave. in the Corna del Mar Village Community: Occurred between approximately 11:45 p.m. on April 4 and 7:15 a.m. on April 5. While the victims were sleeping, an unknown suspect accessed the side of the house and pried open a window. Inside, the suspect went through a cabinet in the office and then fled the scene through a door.

Loss: U.S. currency. Suspect Info: None available at this time.

already in use at Marina Park.

Part of the dock is located on tidelands property controlled by the County of Orange. The County Board of Supervisors granted the City long-term access in 2022 with a 45-year, no-cost lease.

“After voting to approve much-needed improvements to the Balboa Marina on County tidelands in 2022, I am happy to see the vision for the Pier completed,” said Orange County Supervisor Katrina Foley, Fifth District.

The new pier was constructed and financed by the Irvine Company as part of an agreement with the California Coastal Commission that allows for expansion of an adjacent private marina.

Residential Burglary in Pelican Ridge Community at appx. 9:15 a.m. on March 31 in Pelican Ridge Community. While the victim was upstairs, an unknown suspect accessed the backyard of the property from the hillside behind the home. The suspect used a rock to shattered a first floor sliding glass door that led to the kitchen. The victim heard the noise downstairs and yelled; the suspect fled the scene. The victim exited the house and called police; no suspect was located in the area when police arrived a few minutes later.

Loss: None. Suspect Info: Male subject wearing a black hoodie over his head, black face covering, black pants, black gloves and black shoes.

continue to receive alerts.

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 other hazards where public safety is at risk. It will also

Residential Burglary in Crystal Cove Community between appx. 8 a.m. on March 21, and 12 p.m. on March 26. While the victims were away, an unknown suspect accessed the backyard of the property and shattered a window to get inside the house. Inside, the suspect rummaged through

Grace Leung, Newport Beach City Manager
Assemblymember Diane Dixon, Council Member Lauren Kleiman, Supervisor Katrina Foley, Mayor Pro Tem Joe Stapleton, Mayor Will O’Neill, Council Member Robyn Grant, Council Member Erik Weigand. Photo by Chris Trela.

DAY CAMP & SPECIALTY CAMPS

Our summer weekday camp offers a variety of experiences including:

Sports • Outdoor Activities • STEAM Activities • Field Trips • Character Development • Community Service Projects & More!

Does your camper have a special talent, hobby, or interest? We offer specialty camps to foster their passions and give them opportunities to explore new things.

ymcaoc.org/camp

HEALTHY KIDS DAY

Saturday, April 20th

Bring the whole family along for our Healthy Kids Day & Summer Kick-Off Event - a day of fun activities that celebrate kids being kids!

Plus, get a jump on planning your child’s summer adventure! Each one of our 5 fitness centers will be hosting an event! Learn more at:

ymcaoc.org/hkd

OVERNIGHT CAMPS

Camp E.L.K. and Camp Oakes

Pack your bags for a week of fun at one of our overnight camps! Have fun with friends while exploring nature and engaging in

activities that are sure to have campers learning something new, and creating memories to last a lifetime!

ymcaoc.org/camp

ADVENTURE GUIDES

The Adventure Guides program provides opportunities for families to engage in activities that promote nature, family, fun, and community. Join a father/daughter or father/son program today!

Receive

ymcaoc.org/ag

The 34th Annual Southern California Spring Garden Show Returns to South Coast Plaza April 25-28

The 34th Annual Southern California Spring Garden Show is a four-day garden event held April 25-28 in South Coast Plaza’s Crate & Barrel/Macy’s Home Store wings. Discover dozens of unique plant and garden vendors for your spring gardening needs and explore eight inspiring one-of-a-kind outdoor living spaces designed by top Southern California landscape designers in collaboration with South Coast Plaza home boutiques.

There will also be a dramatic 25-foot

natural centerpiece along with this year’s stunning Fleurs de Villes ARTISTE, a unique exhibit showcasing fresh floral installations inspired by art and artists.

Newport Beach connections include tours of South Coast Plaza’s collection of specimen palm trees by a horticulturalist from Sherman Library & Gardens in Corona del Mar, as well as a floral mannequin on display at Sherman Gardens.

Highlights of the Southern California Garden Show will include:

• A one-stop botanical bonanza with nurseries, horticultural societies, and

other vendors offering unique, hardto-find, and collectible plants for sale at more than competitive prices.

• A stunning floral centerpiece 25 feet high featuring lovely and whimsical depictions of an undersea reef with colorful fish and other creatures, all made with plant materials.

• Stylish and sustainable home and garden vignettes created by Southern California’s top design experts and South Coast Plaza’s home stores such as Williams-Sonoma, Crate & Barrel, Pottery Barn, Sur la Table, West Elm, and more.

• Fleurs de Villes ARTISTE will feature more than 15 fresh floral mannequins and spectacular installations throughout South Coast Plaza, with an additional mannequin at Sherman Library & Gardens in Corona del Mar. The displays will celebrate the art, artists, and creativity, and will be designed by some of Southern California’s favorite florists.

South Coast Plaza’s Crate & Barrel/ Macy’s Home Store wings are located at 3333 Bear St., Costa Mesa. Visit southcoastplaza.com/gardenshow for more information.

Garden design display by SoCal landscape designer at 2023 Southern California Spring Garden Show
A vendor at the 2023 Southern California Spring Garden Show at South Coast Plaza

CHARITY SPOTLIGHT

Napa in Newport Gala April 20 Celebrates 10 Years of Raising Funds for CureDuchenne

Orange County is home to hundreds of nonprofit organizations that host fundraising galas and luncheons attended by generous donors and patrons.

One of the local philanthropic highlights every year is the annual Napa in Newport charity event that raises funds for Newport Beach-based CureDuchenne, an organization that has a passionate pursuit to fund and find a cure for Duchenne muscular dystrophy, a genetic neuromuscular disease.

After several years down south at the Waldorf Astoria Monarch Beach Resort, Napa in Newport celebrates its 10th anniversary by returning to Newport Beach on April 20 at the new luxurious Pendry Newport Beach in Fashion Island.

Like its name suggests, Napa in Newport features dozens of Napa Valley vintners who host a Grand Tasting followed by a wine-pairing dinner. The event includes auction items highlighting rare wines, luxurious vacations, and one-of-a-kind experiences.

According to information from CureDuchenne, the evening is set to be more intimate than ever before, with limited attendance and new weekend ticket packages that include hotel accommodations and amenities.

Napa in Newport had its origins when Paul and Debra Miller, founders of CureDuchenne and parents of a young man with Duchenne muscular dystrophy, attended Auction Napa Valley, the wine growing region’s

Use this QR code to go to NewportBeachIndy.com to get all the news and lifestyle information in Newport Beach

extravagant annual wine auction.

There, a chance encounter with Vineyard 29 proprietors Chuck and Anne McMinn sparked the idea of bringing the best of Napa to Newport Beach for a charity event. This idea rapidly transformed into reality with the inaugural Napa in Newport in 2015, featuring 29 vintners and eventually growing to include 43 of the most prestigious Napa wineries.

This year Alpha Omega Winery is the Honorary Vintner Chair, while Chef Charles Phan, Executive Chef and Founder of Slanted Door in Napa

and San Francisco who was recognized as “Best Chef: California” by the prestigious James Beard Foundation, will curate a gourmet dinner.

CureDuchenne will also honor Douglas S. Ingram, president and Chief Executive Officer of Sarepta Therapeutics, for his dedication to advancing treatments and support for individuals with Duchenne muscular dystrophy.

To date, Napa in Newport has helped raise more than $10.6 million for CureDuchenne, which is renowned as a global leader in

SALES

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

research, patient care and innovation for improving and extending the lives of those living with Duchenne, one of the most common and severe forms of muscular dystrophy. It affects roughly 1 in 5,000 male births and is 100 percent fatal.

“Over the past decade, Napa in Newport has not just been an event; it’s been a movement that has had tremendous impact,” said Debra Miller, founder and CEO of CureDuchenne.

According to CureDuchenne, they have leveraged the funds raised at Napa in Newport to make strategic investments in promising research and significantly drive scientific progress. There is more hope and progress toward a cure than ever before, including the first gene therapy for Duchenne developed by Sarepta Therapeutics and approved by the FDA, and multiple treatments with potential to delay progression of the disease in the FDA drug approval pipeline.

Event sponsors include Porsche Newport Beach, Porsche Irvine, South Coast Plaza, MWA Luxury, and Caviar Company.

Limited sponsorships and tickets are still available. The event’s silent auction will be online and open for public bidding. For more information on tickets, sponsorships, participating vintners, and silent auction, please visit www.napainnewport.org.

For more information on how to help raise awareness and funds needed for research, please visit www. cureduchenne.org.

EDITORIAL

PRESIDENT

DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS Tiffany Thompson

BE PART OF THE CONVERSATION

The Newport Beach Independent wants to hear from you about the issues affecting us all. Send letters to:info@NewportBeachIndy.com

CureDuchenne Founders Paul and Debra Miller with son Hawken

LOCAL FOCUS

Community Invited to Check Out New Animal Shelter ‘Digs’ April 20

The community is invited to check out the new “digs” at the Newport Beach Animal Shelter “Adopt a Shelter Pet Day” on Saturday, April 20 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

No appointment is needed, just show up for an opportunity to see the new animal shelter and meet the terrific staff and available animals. There will be short tours and an opportunity to provide a forever home to a pet in need.

Thanks to Friends of Newport Beach Animal Shelter and their fiveyear fundraising campaign, Newport Beach has a brand-new, state-ofthe-art, city-run shelter to care for animals in our community.

The shelter is mindfully operated by the Animal Control Unit of the Newport Beach Police Department.

Animal Control Supervisor Valerie Schomburg and her team take care of the day-to-day needs of hundreds of lost or displaced pets that come to the shelter each year.

Many of the animals are temporarily lost and soon reunited with their

owners, but most of the animals that arrive at the shelter are truly homeless, with no one to claim them. That is where the real work starts, finding “forever homes” for the displaced animals.

There are lots of great reasons to adopt a pet. The unconditional love of an animal does more than keep you

company. Just walking a dog daily can improve your overall physical and mental health. A loving pet adds a tremendous dynamic to a home.

At the Newport Beach Animal Shelter, there are dogs, cats, rabbits, reptiles, birds and other animals, ready for adoption.

For example, Midnight is a

six-year-old domestic short hair black cat who loves treats and gets along great with other cats. He is a big boy at seventeen pounds, with an amiable personality and heartwarming purr. Or there’s the team of Mr. Gray, a tan pit bull, and his best friend Billy, a ten-pound chihuahua. This duo came to the shelter together and are inseparable—even at night when Billy sleeps on top of Mr. Gray. And then there is Benji, a dainty five-year-old mixed breed who would thrive in a quiet home with an older owner.

The Newport Beach Animal Shelter is located at 20282 Riverside Dr. in Newport Beach and can be reached at (949) 718-3454. Please visit www.fonbas.org or @friendsofnbanimalshelter for more information or to support the Newport Beach Animal Shelter, and make sure to pop in on Saturday April 20.

Robyn Grant is a member of the Newport Beach City Council. First elected in 2022, she represents the 4th District. She can be reached at rgrant@newportbeachca.com or @ robynbgrant.

• ROOFING REPLACEMENTS/REPAIRS

• BALCONY DECK STRUCTURAL RECONSTRUCTION

• ROOFING WATERPROOFING

• EXTENSIVE DRY ROT/TERMITE REPAIRS

• SHEET METAL FOR HARSH COASTAL ENVIRONMENTS

• IN DEPTH SPECIFICATION/STRUCTURAL ENGINEERING

• INTERIOR DAMAGE REPAIRS

• BALCONY RAIL SYSTEM DESIGNS/GLASS/CABLE

• PROFESSIONAL PAINTING SERVICES

• DOOR & WINDOW REPLACEMENT

• STUCCO/PLASTER RECONSTRUCTION

• RAIN GUTTERS/CHIMNEY CAPS

• SKYLIGHTS/ATTIC VENTING SYSTEMS

City Council Member Robyn Grant volunteers as a board member for Friends of Newport Beach Animal Shelter.

Lighthouse Café Sails into Spring with New Happy Hour and Patio Expansion

Lighthouse Café at Marina Park on Balboa Peninsula opened at the end of 2015, and it’s been delighting locals and visitors with fun menus for brunch/lunch (served 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.) and dinner (4 p.m. to 9 p.m.).

One of the many features of Lighthouse Café is its wrap-around, dog-friendly patio, a perfect spot to dine while watching boats cruise past the park.

Lighthouse Café just announced that it has unveiled an expanded patio with 28 additional seats and a trio of firepits.

The restaurant has also added a new Happy Hour available from 2 to 6 p.m. on weekdays. Shareable appetizers are $7.99 to $12.99 and include Buffalo Chicken Sliders, spicy Ahi Nachos over wonton chips, and citrus-cured shrimp Ceviche with cucumber and avocado.

Even better for Happy Hour: a selection of $10 signature cocktails including a Grey Goose Espresso Martini, a Tequila Ocho Paloma with Fever Tree tonic, and a light rumbased Marina Mai-Tai with a float of

Goslings Black Seal rum.

During Happy Hour, guests can also enjoy half-off beers on draft and select wines by

“Boasting one of the best views of Newport Beach, our patio presents the ideal setting to enjoy a taste of California coastal cuisine while watching boats sail by or the sun sink into the Pacific,” said General Manager Travis LeCompte.

But wait, there’s more—Lighthouse Café has also added seasonal updates to its dinner menu for spring, including build-your-own Skirt Steak Tacos served with a trio of sauces, Pan Roasted Sea Bass in a miso fish broth, and a Gourmet Burger featuring Wagyu Bee with bourbon bacon jam. For more information about Lighthouse Café, visit https://lighthousenb. com.

Famous authentic pizzas. 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.

We have been serving the flavors of Italy in Newport Beach since 1989.

Our eclectic wine menu offers many great Italian and California choices to pair with your meal.

A genuine Mediterranean setting coupled with experienced and knowledgeable waiters add to Sapori’s authenticity.

Lighthouse Café patio dining.
Lighthouse Café cuisine.

Not Your Granny’s Garden Club

Admit it: you hear “garden club” and you think of grannies who gather only to chat about begonias... snooze. Shattering that cliche, the Laguna Beach Garden Club (LBGC) is a vibrant, energetic organization with over 225 members, male and female of all ages that are focused on giving to the Laguna Beach community and having fun socializing with one another.

Monthly club meetings feature topnotch speakers on a range of topics from vermiculture and vegetables, to ikebana and hybridization techniques with offerings of best-selling books or exotic plants for purchase. We also organize trips to specialty nurseries and historic gardens and offer craft and jewelry making classes for members only. Meetings are held on the second Friday of the month from September - May in Tankersley Hall at Laguna Presbyterian Church, 415 Forest Avenue, Laguna Beach.

Did you know that:

• The LBGC awards scholarships to Saddleback College horticulture students and to college-bound seniors from Laguna Beach High School who are interested in horticulture and related fields.

• The club provides donations and

volunteers to share knowledge and garden with students at the educational school gardens in El Morro and Top of the World Elementary Schools and Thurston Middle School.

• Club members maintain the “Pocket Park” on Forest Avenue in downtown Laguna Beach and the Rose Garden at Laguna Presbyterian Church and are benefactors of the Hortense Miller Garden.

CHARITY SPOTLIGHT

• Our most recent accomplishment is bringing muralist Matt Willey to Laguna Beach to paint a mural at the Laguna Beach County Water District for engaging citizens in the movement to save pollinators.

The annual Gate & Garden Tour is our most important fundraising event that makes possible the scholarships, support of school gardens and other initiatives. The popular tour gives

the public opportunities to view several delightful gardens that Laguna Beach residents lovingly share. We anticipate this year’s tour, which is set for Saturday, May 4, 2024, will sell out quickly as it has in the last three years. After May 1 and subject to availability, tickets will be $65 plus handling fee.

For more information contact lagunabeachgardenclub.org

Laguna Playhouse Raises $370K at its Annual Gala

‘Oh

What a Night’ March 3

Laguna Playhouse held its annual gala on Sunday, March 3 with the theme of “Oh What a Night! Celebrating Songs from Jersey Boys & The Sensational 60s.”

Courter Simmons, Christopher Kale Jones, Shonn Wiley, Ryan Williams from the Broadway, Chicago and Los Angeles companies of the Broadway musical “Jersey Boys” performed many of the hit songs from the show including “Sherry,” “Walk Like a Man,” and “Can’t Take My Eyes Off You.”

The Gala raised $370,000 to support Laguna Playhouse’s Youth Theatre programs, funding for actors and designers for its live theatrical productions, as well as technical equipment required for both backstage and onstage.

Artistic Director David Ellenstein welcomed the donors and their guests and provided an update on the renewed success of the Playhouse. He also shared a sneak preview of the 2024-2025 season which kicks off in September with the comedy hit “Don’t

Dress for Dinner.”

Cast members from the Laguna Playhouse Youth Conservatory displayed their talents by presenting a montage of Broadway songs from their upcoming production of “The Addams Family,” which performs May 10 – 12 at the Laguna Playhouse.

“What a fantastic evening filled with good feelings, wonderful spirits, and great entertainment,” said Ellenstein. “It was a night to celebrate Laguna Playhouse and the energy at the Playhouse was high as our loyal patrons and donors joined together in supporting live theatre in Laguna Beach.”

Added Board of Trustees Co-Chair Lisa Hale, “This annual fundraiser supports our extraordinary work with young people in Laguna Beach and Orange County, as well as the great theatre we produce on our stage. The success of the evening is evident when we witness year-round how live theatre engages people of all ages and proves that theatre matters to everyone.”

For more information, visit www.

lagunaplayhouse.com.

Founded in 1920, the historic Laguna Playhouse is one of the oldest continuously-operating not-for-profit theatres on the West Coast and is proud to be an active participant in the celebrated Laguna Beach arts community. From classic plays and musical comedies to current offBroadway hits, cutting edge and traditional music exhibitions, dance

festivals and stand-up comedy performances, Laguna Playhouse brings the magical experience of the performing arts direct to over 80,000 patrons each season.

Laguna Playhouse educational programming includes year-round classes, productions by and for children and teens (Youth Theatre) and GALA Page 11

Left: Roderick and Kathy Reed, Christine Scheuneman, Annee Della Donna and Eric Alcouloumre; right: Joan Riach-Gayner and Laguna Playhouse Emeritus Trustee Otis Healy

the master bedroom and master closet. The suspect fled the scene back through the broken window. Loss: Handbags. Suspect Info: None available.

NBPD Tips

If you see suspicious activity within

Public Dock

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According to information provided by the city of Newport Beach, discussions of a public pier date back to 2011, when the Irvine Company initiated a new phase of its marina expansion project. A public-private partnership was formed, in which the City agreed to pay the entitlement costs and the Irvine Company agreed to construct the dock.

Newport Beach Harbor

Commissioner Chairman Steve Scully noted that a 2013 study by the

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.

Always lock your windows and doors when you go out, even if for only NBPD PAGE 1

Commission identified this location as one of the harbor areas where a public pier was most needed. It was No. 2 after Central Avenue (where a new pier was built in 2016).

“There’s nothing like Newport Harbor in the western United States, if not the country,” noted Scully.

“We have such an incredible history of saltwater recreation. Through significant improvements like this new public dock, our city continues to build opportunities for more access to our harbor and for everyone to enjoy this crown jewel which we call Newport Harbor.”

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 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.

toward the bay. The home was yellow-tagged by City inspectors, along with the two adjacent properties, to limit access as a safety precaution while the slope stability is further assessed.

Fortunately, there were no injuries and no apparent damage to the homes’ structures.

The Galaxy Drive neighborhood experienced a landslide previously in March 2023, which resulted in the eventual demolition of one home.

Newport Harbor’s Newest and Largest Public Dock is Now Open for Boaters.

On Friday, March 29 I had the pleasure of joining Newport Beach City Council members along with officials from the County of Orange, the Irvine Company and State Assembly to celebrate the Balboa Marina Public Pier grand opening.

The project is a partnership between the City, County and Irvine Company.

The new pier can accommodate up to 12 small vessels or several larger vessels. It is free for day use by the public for up to three hours. The pier greatly expands public access and recreational opportunities in a previously underserved area of the harbor.

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).

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.

The new pier was constructed and financed by the Irvine Company as part of an agreement with the California Coastal Commission that allows for expansion of an adjacent private marina. The City of Newport Beach will own, maintain and operate the pier. It is ADA compliant and includes the opportunity to use the “human lift” device already in use at Marina Park.

Part of the dock is located on tidelands property controlled by the County of Orange. The County Board of Supervisors granted the City long-term access in 2022 with a 45-year, no-cost lease.

City Manager

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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.

You can sign up for Newport Notified at this link: newportbeach. genasys.com/portal/en.

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

City Inspects Property Following Back Bay Landslide

Discussions of a public pier date back to 2011, when the Irvine Company initiated a new phase of its marina expansion project. A publicprivate partnership was formed, in which the City agreed to pay the entitlement costs and the Irvine Company agreed to construct the dock.

A 2013 study by the Commission identified this location as one of the harbor areas where a public pier was most needed. It was No. 2 after Central Avenue (where a new pier was built in 2016).

I encourage residents and visitors to use and enjoy this wonderful new addition to the harbor!

Newport Beach Students Invited to Apply for College Scholarships

City building inspectors responded to a landslide that occurred on Thursday, April 4 at about 4 a.m. in the 1400 block of Galaxy Drive near the Upper Newport Bay Nature Preserve.

Most of the backyard of one property slid down the hillside

The City is accepting scholarship applications from college-bound seniors and transfer students by Monday, May 6, at 5 p.m. to earn up to $700 for educational expenses.

The City’s Ackerman Scholarship

The new public dock in Newport Beach. Photo by Chris Trela.

Visit Newport Beach Launches Spring Campaign: Land in Lux

Spring has sprung in Newport Beach, a perfect time for Visit Newport Beach to launch its new campaign: “Land in Lux.”

According to information from Visit Newport Beach, “Land in Lux” is tailored to affluent travelers seeking a luxurious experience and showcases the epitome of Newport Beach luxury for the sophisticated traveler highlighting the most lavish resorts, award-winning dining experiences, one-of-a-kind activities, renowned retail destinations and more in our coastal paradise.

From helicopter tours and private yacht rentals to spa experiences and decadent dinners on the bay, Visit Newport Beach is inviting travelers to live the suite life this season.

Visit Newport Beach has created a new commercial that follows a couple’s journey to their coastal haven of Newport Beach. The commercial follows the duo as they immerse themselves in a world of firstclass hospitality, where every moment in Newport Beach is filled with sensational experiences.

From arriving in a vintage Rolls Royce to indulging in lavish offerings throughout their day, the duo’s adventure takes flight as they board a helicopter to take them to a mega yacht in Newport Harbor. The commercial’s goal is to capture the essence of a luxury experience, tailored

for prestigious travelers seeking the ultimate vacation.

“In Newport Beach, leisure seamlessly intertwines with luxury,” says Gary Sherwin, President & CEO of Visit Newport Beach. “As spring officially kicks off, Newport Beach invites visitors seeking an extravagant vacation to bask in the sun aboard a private yacht, or indulge in a luxurious spa treatment. The possibilities for revelry and relaxation in our destination are truly endless.”

The “Land in Lux” landing page is reported to be a digital haven showcasing

exclusive offerings that provide visitors with a glimpse into Newport Beach’s most decadent pleasures: exclusive wellness rituals, culinary experiences featuring world-renowned chefs, exhilarating recreational pursuits, and glamorous shopping sprees.

For more information about the “Land in Lux” campaign, please visit www. LandInLux.com.

For more information about Visit Newport Beach, please go to www.VisitNewportBeach.com.

City of Newport Beach Accepting Applications for Special Events Grants

The City of Newport Beach is now accepting applications from organizations that provide community programs available to Newport Beach residents, and from qualified event organizers seeking financial support for Newport Beachbased events.

To qualify for the special events grant, the events must take place between July 1, 2024 and June 30, 2025.

The application deadline for both grant programs is Tuesday, April 23, at 5 p.m.

COMMUNITY PROGRAMS GRANT

The City will provide a total of $60,000 in grants to qualifying organizations to enhance services or programs offered for residents. To qualify for the grants, organizations must offer programs or services to Newport Beach residents.

Submitting an application does not guarantee a grant award. Applications are evaluated based on the eligibility, qualifications, evaluation criteria and requirements as outlined for the program.

GRANTS Page 11

Libby’s success with The Smart Fit Method has her thinking about her health in terms of her longevity and vitality

Libby Carstensen thought she was living life at her baseline. Her hormones, her weight, and her fitness levels were all changing naturally with age. As a woman over 40, she knew she couldn’t expect the same energy levels she had at 20.

That thinking changed when she was diagnosed with both Epstein Barr Virus and hyperthyroidism.

The combination of EBV and hyperthyroidism explained Libby’s chronic fatigue, her weight gain, her depression, and a host of related symptoms. Her functional medicine doctor encouraged her to make changes to her lifestyle to help manage her symptoms, but the gyms she joined didn’t impress her, and the programs she tried failed to address her unique challenges.

Then, she joined The Smart Fit Method in November of 2022.

The biggest difference Libby noticed between The Smart Fit Method and other programs was the quality of the technology. Her personal trainer wasn’t using measuring tape to track her body’s progress, he was using a 3D Smart

Scan. She wasn’t worried about injuring herself while strength training thanks to the AI-robotics and her trainer’s posture cues. And she was using a machine that used cooling therapy to actually improve her body’s hormonal responses.

For the first time in her adult life, Libby feels energized.

And it isn’t just the exercise, either. The social connections she’s made in the studio with fellow clients on healthfocused fitness journeys keep her motivated and elevates her mood. Her depression has all but

subsided, and she’s feeling even better now than she did in her 20s

Libby’s advice for people who think they can’t exercise is to give themselves a chance. She’s thinking about her health now in terms of her longevity and vitality as she moves through life’s transitions. Every time she comes into the studio and completes a workout or a recovery session, she’s making a deposit into the “Bank of Libby” and building a Physical Retirement Plan as she ages.

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Libby's now thinking about her health in terms of longevity and vitality.
Scene from the Visit Newport Beach commercial for Land in Lux

City Manager

8

Program was established to assist qualified students in obtaining a higher education. Funds for the program are provided through an endowment from the Ackerman Trust. Scholarships may be used for tuition, books, laboratory and/or academic fees.

This year there will be seven $700 scholarships awarded.

Students must meet both criteria A and B:

A. Be a child residing in Newport Beach OR be a child of a regular, fulltime Newport Beach City employee.

B. Graduate from a high school in 2024 and are accepted to attend an accredited two-year community college or four-year college or university OR are transferring from a two-year community college to an accredited four-year college or university in Fall 2024; AND have maintained a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or better.

The criteria used for selection includes financial need, scholastic standing, school or community leadership, school and/or extracurricular activities, and career and life plans.

The deadline to apply is Monday, May 6 at 5 p.m. Apply at newportbeachca.gov/government/ departments/human-resources/2023scholarship-program.

City Aquatics Staff Recognized for Academic Excellence

Three senior lifeguards in the Recreation & Senior Services Department received student scholarships from the California Parks and Recreation Society this month.

Michael Leathers (CSU Fullerton), Lola Sinacori (CSU Long Beach)

and Sydni White (CSU Long Beach) were recognized for their academic achievements and serving the recreational needs of Newport Beach for five or more years.

This summer you can find these shining stars taking a break from their studies and overseeing swim lessons at the Marian Bergeson Aquatics Center and Newport Harbor High School.

OASIS Volunteers Invited to Annual Recognition Luncheon

April 17

The OASIS Senior Center will host its annual Volunteer Recognition Luncheon on Wednesday, April 17 at noon.

If you have volunteered at OASIS within the past year, you are invited to attend and enjoy a delicious catered lunch. Please RSVP by April 11 by calling (949) 644-3244.

The lunch will be held at the OASIS Senior Center, 801 Narcissus Ave.

Teens 13-16 Invited to Apply for Summer Leadership Program

The City is offering a Teen Leader Program for teens ages 13-16. The program gives teens an opportunity to work side by side with City recreation staff in the two youth summer camps, three ACTIVE Kids after school programs and other special events.

Participants can earn service credits, get involved in the community, develop and enhance life and work skills and gain valuable job experience.

For more information or to apply, click here: newportbeachca. gov/government/departments/ recreation-senior-services/youth-

teen-programs.

Celebrate National Library Week Ready. Set. Library! Join us April 6 - 14 as we celebrate National Library Week with events including the launch of our new Seed Library, special story time guest readers, a magic show, musicale and much more. Complete details on our website at www.newportbeachlibrary. org.

Little Library Reconstructed at Mariners Park

The “Little Library” community book exchange at Mariner’s Park, 1300 Irvine Ave., was recently rebuilt and rededicated following an act of vandalism.

Last year, the City’s Public Works Department assisted with the installation of the lending library, which was donated by a local Girl Scout troop. Sadly, it was recently vandalized.

However, the “Little Library” was then reconstructed with materials donated by Heather Ignatin of the City’s Parks, Beaches and Recreation Commission. The Girl Scout Troop painted it and handed it off to City staff to assist with the re-installation. Troop members planted daisies around the base.

Goldenrod Footbridge Makeover Completed

The City recently completed a series of improvements to the historic Goldenrod Footbridge in Corona del Mar.

The upgrades were completed in two phases: In the first phase, in October 2023, the City replaced the planters, irrigation system, and wooden arches and installed new

International Boat Show Returns to Lido Marina Village April 18-21

The Newport Beach International Boat Show will take place April 18 through 21 at Lido Marina Village, 3434 Via Oporto, with both on-water and on-land exhibitions, activations and entertainment.

The reimagined show will transform Lido Marina into a beautiful European coastal experience for everyone to enjoy.

The show includes more than 200 vessels to see and tour, and more than 40 builders and brokerages.

More than 5,000 visitors are expected every day of the boat show.

Boat Show hours are Thurs. April 18 invite only pre-show; Friday April 19 and Saturday, April 20 from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Sunday, April 21 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

lighting. A fresh coat of paint last week was the last step to prepare the iconic bridge for its centennial celebration in 2028.

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 a person to a hospital for treatment and a shelter intake appointment.

• Transported a person to a medical detox facility.

• Transported a person to the Yale Navigation Center for an intake.

• Transported two people to the Be Well sobering station for treatment.

• Transported two people to homeless services providers.

• Collaborated with the Newport Beach Police Department to place a person into psychiatric care.

• Collaborated with the City of Huntington Beach’s Be Well team to locate and return a person to an assisted living facility.

• Collaborated with a medical facility to provide a rideshare home to another county after the person was discharged.

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.

CITY MANAGER Page 11

Show admission varies. General admission $25 - $40 per day, with free entry for those 12 and under. VIP tickets are $195 per day and include post-event parties.

Military and first responder discounts with valid ID/credentials on-site.

Free parking is available at the Hoag Hospital parking lot, 540 Superior Ave. A complimentary shuttle service runs to and form the boat show from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Overflow paid parking will be at the Avon lot located at 208 Tustin Ave. Shuttle service will shift to this location should the Hoag Hospital lot reach capacity.

For more information and to purchase advance tickets, visit https:// www.nbibs.com.

Newport Beach International Boat Show. NB Indy file photo.

City

Manager PAGE 10

Homelessness Update

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

• Placed a veteran in housing at Mesa Vista Apartments after a stay at the Costa Mesa Bridge Shelter. The veteran had experienced homelessness for one year.

• Placed three people in permanent housing from the Costa Mesa Bridge Shelter. They had experienced homelessness for 1-4 years.

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

Updated Draft Housing Element Documents Available for Public Review

The City is seeking public input on draft documents related to implementation of the General Plan 6th Cycle Housing Element, which will guide residential development in Newport Beach through 2029.

In August 2023 and January 2024, the City released the draft Land Use Element revisions, the draft Housing Opportunity Overlay Zoning Districts, and the draft Objective Design Standards for public review and comment. Based on input received, these drafts have been revised and are now available for public review. In addition, initial drafts of the required Local Coastal Program amendments are also available for review.

Residents are invited to provide comments and feedback on the updated and new draft documents, which are available online here: https://www.newportbeachca. gov/government/departments/ community-development/ planning-division/general-plancodes-and-regulations/generalplan-update/6th-cycle-housingelement-implementation. Written comments can be submitted to GPUpdate@newportbeachca.gov.

City Seeks Resident Input on General Plan Update

The City’s General Plan is being updated to reflect the community’s current needs and future aspirations. The General Plan contains goals that establish values and direction, policies that guide decision-making, and programs that carry out the actions needed to achieve these goals. The last comprehensive update of Newport Beach’s General Plan was in 2006.

A core part of updating the General Plan is engaging with residents and other stakeholders to capture and articulate a shared vision for the city for the next 20 years. You are encouraged to visit the project’s website at www. newportbeachca.gov/gpupdate to learn more.

Grants

PAGE 9

For more information and the online application, visit www.newportbeachca. gov/grants. Applications submitted after the deadline of Tuesday, April 23 at 5 p.m. will not be accepted.

SPECIAL EVENTS GRANT

Grants are available in two categories of events:

1. Community and Charitable Events. Events that serve or benefit local organizations and causes, and/or provide recreational, cultural, social benefits to Newport Beach residents. Newport Beach-based organizations and events that serve the Newport Beach community specifically, and those that pay or incur City of Newport Beach fees, will be considered in this category.

2. Signature Events. Large-scale events of 3,000 or more people, based in Newport Beach, that promote Newport Beach regionally, attract visitors, and provide measurable, economic benefits to the City.

The grant program is designed to assist special event organizers with costs associated with hosting an event in Newport Beach. It is a competitive process, and submitting an application for the grants does not guarantee funding. Applicants are encouraged to review the information and program overview to gain an understanding of the program’s eligibility, qualification, and evaluation criteria and how the grants are funded.

For additional information on the Special Event Grants or to submit an application, visit: https://www.newportbeachca.gov/government/departments/ recreation-senior-services/grants.

Applications submitted after the deadline of Tuesday, April 23 at 5 p.m. will not be accepted.

PAGE 7

is one of the few companies in the region that offer a curriculum-based professional theatre-touring program called TheatreReach, which aligns with the California State Standards for literature, history and performing arts curriculum.

Laguna Playhouse has been recognized for the past five years as one of Orange County Register’s “Best of OC” in the category of Live Theatre. The Laguna Playhouse has featured many talented performers on its stage, including Ed Asner, Leslie Caron, Hershey Felder, Harrison Ford, Melanie Griffith, Val Kilmer, Gregory Harrison, Dan Lauria, Hal Linden, Wendie Malick, Rita Rudner, Peter Strauss, Jobeth Williams, Joely Fisher, Charles Shaughnessy, French Stewart, Loretta Swit, and Bette Davis.

4/12

4/14

4/18 SPONGE 4/19 RICHIE FURAY

4/26 FIVE

with S tring Q uartet 4/27 KIDS

CHARLEMAGNE (S teely D an t ribute )

4/28 BOB ANDERSON (F rank S inatra t ribute )

5/3 OZZY vs AC/DC

5/4 STEVE TYRELL

5/5 OINGO BOINGO FORMER MEMBERS

5/7 BLUES TRAVELER

5/8 JUDY COLLINS

5/9 CALIFORNIA GUITAR TRIO

5/10 TOMMY TUTONE / WHEN IN ROME

5/11 PAT BOONE

5/15 MR BIG - The Big Finish Tour

5/17 JOHN CRUZ

5/18 VENICE

5/19 THE LETTERMEN

5/22 THE WAILERS

5/23 LISSIE

5/24 DSB (J ourney t ribute )

5/25 IN THE AIR TONIGHT (P hil C ollin S & g ene S S t ribute )

5/26 BLACKHAWK

5/31 YACHTY BY NATURE

6/1 STEELHEART

6/2 CELEBRATING WHITNEY ( w hitney h ou S ton t ribute )

6/6 HOWIE DAY

6/7 ROBERT JON & The Wreck

6/8 THE ENGLISH BEAT

6/9 GARY HOEY

6/14 AMBROSIA

6/15 CHEST FEVER ( t he b an D t ribute )

6/16 ELVIN BISHOP - Big Fun Trio

6/21 DESPERADO ( e agle S t ribute )

6/22 DESPERADO ( e agle S t ribute )

6/28 THE BACON BROTHERS

6/29 SKELETON CREW ( g rate F ul D ea D t ribute )

7/3 IAN MOORE

7/5 WALTER MICHAELS BAND

7/6 SHINE ON (P ink F loy D t ribute )

7/12 YYNOT ( r u S h t ribute )

7/13 FAST TIMES - t he u ltimate 80 S t ribute !

7/14 THE CREAM OF CLAPTON BAND feat. Will Johns & Noah East

7/19 THE 5TH DIMENSION

7/20 Y&T

7/26 KEN GARCIA

7/27 BOB SCHNEIDER

7/28 BOBBY GRAY

8/1 CASH’D OUT (J ohnny C a S h t ribute )

8/3 CUBENSIS ( g rate F ul D ea D t ribute )

8/17 PIANO MEN: GENERATIONS ( b illy J oel an D e lton J ohn t ribute )

8/23 SUPER DIAMOND

8/24 SUPER DIAMOND

8/27 TAB BENOIT & ANDERS OSBORNE with Special Guest JD SIMO

8/29 THE PETTYBREAKERS

8/30 MIDGE URE

8/31 MICK ADAMS & THE STONES

9/8 An Evening with JOHN LYDON

9/14 JOURNEY USA (J ourney t ribute )

9/15 BENISE: Fiesta!

9/19 THE MAN IN BLACK (J ohnny C a S h t ribute )

9/22 JANE MONHEIT

9/25 ANA POPOVIC

9/27 DAVE MASON

10/3 ZEBRA

10/5 KIMBERLY PERRY (of The Band Perry) 10/16 JIMMIE VAUGHAN

10/18 GARY PUCKETT & THE UNION GAP

10/20 THE YOUNG DUBLINERS

11/8 COMMON SENSE

11/15 RONSTADT REVIVAL

11/23 RUFUS WAINWRIGHT

11/29 THE PLATTERS

12/15 THE GLENN MILLER ORCHESTRA 12/29 L.A. GUNS

Gala

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