NBINDY 05.10.24 by Times Media Group

Exchange Club of Newport Harbor Presents Annual Field of Honor May 17 – 27

By Christopher Trela | NB Indy

The Exchange Club of Newport Harbor presents the 15th Annual Field of Honor May 17 through 27. The event commemorates Armed Forces Day (May 18) and Memorial Day (May 27).

The event features the posting of 1,776 large (3 feet by 5 feet) American flags, displayed along the paths of Castaways Park overlooking Newport Harbor. It honors armed forces members, past and present, and first responders who have served or are serving our country and communities.

A Field of Honor flag may be dedicated in honor of an armed forces member or

first responder, past or present, in any branch of service. For more information about how to dedicate a flag, please visit exchangeclubofnewportharbor.com. The $50 fee includes the flag, pole, and ribbon with label.

At the end of the 11-day event, each dedicated flag with its dedication ribbon may be claimed by the donor for private display.

The Exchange Club is also seeking Field of Honor sponsorships at the levels of $250 to $20,000 and up. Various benefits depending on the donor level include donor recognition, a special VIP luncheon and other perks. The Exchange Club’s goal is to raise $100,000

through sponsorships.

Half of the net proceeds from the Field of Honor is distributed to organizations that support military members and their families. The remainder is allocated to programs which promote the prevention of child abuse, primary and secondary school programs within the Newport Mesa Unified School District, educational scholarships, and other charitable organizations in our community.

Admission to Castaways Park and to the display is free; donations are welcome.

Castaways Park is on the corner of 16th and Dover Drive in Newport Beach.

Newport Beach City Manager Update

By Grace Leung, Newport Beach City Manager

On Friday, April 26, the Newport Beach Police Department celebrated and honored sworn and civilian staff for exceptional service and acts of heroism during the 2023 calendar year. The 51st Annual Police Appreciation Luncheon event, a moving and inspiring ceremony held at the Pendry Hotel, was attended by more than 500 community members, elected officials, and families of

NBPD officers and staff.

Each year, award nominations are submitted to committees in each award category. Nominees are evaluated by the committees and recommendations are submitted to the Chief of Police for consideration.

Please join me in congratulating the officers and civilian staff recognized for outstanding service:

Residential Burglaries in Pelican Hill and Pelican Crest Communities

By NB Indy Staff

A residential burglary recently occurred in the Pelican Crest II Community between approximately 11 a.m. on April 25 and 5 p.m. on May 1.

While the victims were away, an unknown suspect accessed the backyard of the property and used a patio table to climb to a second story balcony. From the balcony, the suspect shattered a rear glass door pane and crawled inside to get into a guest bedroom. The suspect rummaged through a closet, and then left the room through the broken glass door.

The suspect also used the barbeque to climb to another second story balcony on the other side of the backyard. The suspect again shattered a rear glass door pane and crawled into the master bedroom. Inside, the suspect rummaged through a dresser, pried open a closet door, ransacked the closet, forcibly removed the safe from a wall then used power tools to partially open the back of the safe.

The suspect fled the scene through the same shattered glass door pane used to enter the master bedroom. Loss was unnamed amount of currency. No information on the suspect is available.

A separate residential burglary recently occurred in the Pelican Hill Community around 10 p.m. on April 27. While the house was unoccupied, an unknown suspect accessed the backyard of the property and used a rock to shatter a first floor glass door leading to the living room.

BURGLARIES Page 6

CITY MANAGER

Grace Leung, Newport Beach City Manager

Flags on display at the 2023 Field of Honor photo by Lawrence Sherwin

STEPPING OUT

Newport Theatre Arts Center Reveals New Season

By Eric Marchese | Special to the NB Indy

If you’re a fan of local live theater in general or Newport Theatre Arts Center in particular, you’ll want to mark your calendars for the 2024-2025 season, which was just announced at a live event at the Newport Beach venue.

The theater company’s annual season announcement event was held Saturday May 4 as a combination celebration and thank-you to those who provide financial support of Newport Theatre Arts Center.

But the main event – and the reason most were in attendance that day –was a reveal of the upcoming season.

A total of 70 patrons, supporters, board members and volunteers enjoyed a catered reception in the lobby, where they were invited to bid on numerous silent auction items.

The main event took place inside the Rae A. Cohen Theater, as board president Michelle Bendetti welcomed everyone and introduced her fellow board members.

She also pointed out the presence of Cohen in the audience, noting she’s “one of our charter members, was our president for 37 years” and that she’s still an active NTAC participant.

Bendetti announced that the program for sponsorships of specific seats within the theater has been put on hold due to ongoing dealings with the City of Newport Beach regarding NTAC’s future.

She said the theater “will continue to make improvements” such as to rehearsal and storage areas in the building’s basement, “just nothing major until we know our future.”

Thanking everyone who made the

gala possible and acknowledging the many volunteers involved, Bendetti said “We couldn’t do it without all of you. This has been one of the most successful seasons we’ve ever had.”

Surrounding the upcoming season, Bendetti said she anticipates “excitement and energy.” She prepped us for the season reveal by saying that before announcing each show, the audience would be given hints and clues by various board members,

volunteers and actors.

Bendetti introduced board member Rebecca Rubino, assistant director and dramaturg for “The Drowsy Chaperone,” and NTAC managing director Bob Fetes, lauding Fetes by saying “Everybody needs a miracle worker, and Bob is ours.”

Rubino and Fetes performed the song “Show People,” whose lyrics describe the excitement of being part of the glitter and glamor of Broadway musicals.

The hint given, the first show of the new season was revealed as “Curtains!,” a musical comedy mystery by Kander and Ebb and Rupert Holmes that premiered in 2006. The show, described by NTAC’s announcer as “celebrating and satirizing the quirks of backstage Broadway,” opens September 20 and closes October 20.

Board vice president Andrew Kelley and board member Bill Peters greeted each other on stage, one holding a Christmas tree and the other, a menorah, suggesting next season’s holiday show “Greetings!”

Tom Dudzick’s 1990s play transcends more ordinary examples of the holiday genre, layering

• 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

Suzy Cachero (box office manager) and Floyd Harden (board member) participating in a scene from “Rumours” by Neil Simon for the NTAC season reveal. Photo by Sarah Whitwell.

NTAC Page 7

LOCAL FOCUS

Police Department Bestows Employee Awards

By NB Indy Staff

On Friday, April 26, the 51st Annual Newport Beach Police Appreciation Luncheon was held at the Pendry, Newport Beach. The event was hosted by the Newport Beach Chamber of Commerce and the Commodores Club, and sponsored by Balboa Fun Zone, Julie Laughton Design Build, and the Chase-Fainbarg and Feuerstein Families. Members of the Police Department were honored at the luncheon, which was also attended by city staff, community leaders, and local business community members.

Each year, nominations for the Police Department Awards are collected by committees for each award category. Members of the Police Department who receive award nominations are discussed by those committees, and then recommendations are submitted to the Chief of Police for consideration.

The following members of the Newport Beach Police Department received recognition at the luncheon: Lieutenant Gary Clemente, 2023 Sworn Supervisor of the Year; Officer Austin Laverty, 2023 Officer of the Year; Records Manager Megan Schilf, 2023 Civilian Supervisor of the Year; Community Services Officer Thu Do, 2023 Civilian of the Year; Volunteer Judy Johnson, 2023 Volunteer of the Year.

Additional awards presented: Lifesaving Award: presented to Officers Jared Edwards, Michael Querry, Mitchell Rivas and Matthew Wong.

Details: On October 8, 2023, Officers Jared Edwards, Michael Querry, Mitchell Rivas, and Matthew Wong were dispatched in an emergency response to a Newport Beach residence reference a male subject who was not breathing and unresponsive. Officers located the victim, who was lying in bed unconscious, not breathing, and had

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no pulse. Officers Edwards, Querry, Rivas, and Wong immediately began to perform Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) for several minutes while also deploying the Automatic External Defibrillator (AED) in an attempt to save the victim’s life. Officers continued to perform life-saving measures until Newport Beach paramedics arrived and transported the male to a local area hospital, where he was able to make a full recovery.

Lifesaving Award presented to Officer

Sean Esswein

Details: On June 22, 2023, Officer Sean Esswein was dispatched in an emergency response to a Newport Beach residence reference a call of a female who had collapsed and was not breathing. Officer Esswein was the first on scene and was directed to the female victim, who was not breathing and was unresponsive. Officer Esswein immediately began performing Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) on the female and continued by himself for several minutes until Newport Beach paramedics arrived to assist. The Newport Beach Fire Department Paramedics were able to transport the female to a local hospital, where she was able to make a full recovery.

Lifesaving Award presented to Officer

Mark C. Hamilton

Details: On November 17, 2023, Officer Mark C. Hamilton was dispatched in an emergency response to the area of West Coast Highway and Prospect Street reference a serious traffic collision with injuries. The first responders on scene found that a female motorcyclist was injured in the collision and was in critical condition, unresponsive, with a faint pulse.

Complicating the situation, a major fire at a nearby hospital limited the availability of officers and medical resources to respond. Due to a shortage of personnel,

paramedics requested Officer Hamilton’s assistance in helping the victim to breathe with a bag valve mask. As the paramedics transported her to a local hospital, Officer Hamilton rode with them in the back of the medic van and continued assisting with life-saving efforts, while in full gear, including his motorcycle helmet. The victim, initially believed to have less than a day to live, has since been able to make a remarkable recovery.

Lifesaving Award presented to Officers Guy Hufford and Lina You

Details: On July 19, 2023, Officers Guy Hufford and Lina You were dispatched in an emergency response to a residence in Newport Beach reference a female subject with a self-inflicted gunshot wound. Officers Hufford and You arrived at the scene and located a female victim lying in her bedroom, bleeding profusely from a gunshot wound fired point-blank to her chest near her heart. As the victim began to lose consciousness due to the significant loss of blood, officers You and Hufford rendered

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medical aid, which included the application of an occlusive chest seal over the wound. Paramedics soon arrived and were able to transport the victim to a local hospital, where she underwent emergency surgery and eventually made a full recovery.

Lifesaving Award presented to Officers Tyler Knox and Zachary Michael Details: On April 3, 2023, Officers Tyler Knox and Zachary Michael were dispatched to a residence in Newport Beach regarding a welfare check on a suicidal subject. Officers arrived and located the subject hiding in the bushes. The man held a large knife against his throat and threatened to kill himself. While attempting to negotiate with the subject, officers observed blood coming from the subject’s neck as he further pressed the knife against his own throat. Officers Knox and Michael continued to peacefully talk with the subject for over fifteen minutes, eventually convincing him to set down the knife and

AWARDS Page 9

EDITOR Christopher Trela christopher@newportbeachindy.com DESIGN/PRODUCTION

CREATIVE & MARKETING DIRECTOR Tracy Powell PUBLISHER

PRODUCTION MANAGER Tina Leydecker tina@firebrandmediainc.com

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

EDITORIAL DIRECTOR Steve Zepezauer

PRESIDENT OF SALES & MARKETING Scott Sanchez

DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS Tiﬀany Thompson

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

Pictured left to right: Austin Laverty, Thu Do, Chief Joe Cartwright, Megan Schilf, Judy Johnson, Gary Clemente

Newport Beach Wine Festival Returns to Balboa Bay Resort Memorial Weekend

By Christopher Trela | NB Indy

Memorial Weekend is often a busy travel time with clogged roads and busy airports. Here’s a tip: stay in town and take in the annual Newport Beach Wine Festival at the Balboa Bay Resort that runs May 24 through 26. This is the 19th annual wine festival hosted by the Balboa Bay Resort and will offer an impressive lineup of

premium wineries and distributors, a Veuve Clicquot Champagne Brunch, a Justin Winery Limited Release Wine Dinner, fabulous cuisine, live music, and other wine-centric events over the three-day weekend.

“We look forward to this weekend all year long,” said Cindy Racco, managing director at Balboa Bay Resort and Club. “With our picturesque sur-

roundings, it’s the ultimate destination to unwind with a glass of wine or explore a variety of spirits. We’re thrilled to host this extraordinary event once again.”

The celebration commences on Friday, May 24 with a Justin Winery Limited Release Wine Dinner. This Paso Robles winery is known for its stellar red blends and single varietals,

as well as wonderful white wines. At this seated event, the resort’s Master Sommelier Joseph Spellman will guide guests through a tasting of Justin wines including for the first time new Justin wines from outside of Paso Robles—Sonoma County Chardonnay and Russian River Valley

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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.

Left to right: Wine being poured at the Newport Beach Wine Festival 2023; The bayside setting for the Newport Beach Wine Festival

Burglaries

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Visit Newport Beach Sales Team Wins ConferenceDirect CVB of the Year Award

Christopher Trela | NB Indy

Visit Newport Beach is two for two!

As the nonprofit marketing and sales program under contract with destination hotel partners to position Newport Beach as a top choice for meetings, Visit Newport Beach is

Scott Durkin, Vice President, Marketing Programs, ConferenceDirect; J.J. Wills, SVP, Marketing Programs & Business Development, ConferenceDirect; Jennifer Brannon, National Account Director, Visit Newport Beach; Amanda Kliem, Director of Sales, Visit Newport Beach; Chris Baum, SVP & Publisher, ConferenceDirect

always at the top of its game.

Whether it’s promoting a new themed marketing initiative to out-of-town visitors or representing the city at conferences and special events, the Visit Newport Beach team is there in force to make sure everyone knows about the many attributes of Newport Beach.

Backing up the claim that Visit Newport Beach is second to none: the organization has nabbed its second consecutive win of the ConferenceDirect CVB of the Year Award. This prestigious recognition underscores Visit Newport Beach’s unwavering commitment to excellence and dedication to providing exceptional service to its clients. The esteemed award was presented during the ConferenceDirect Annual Partner Meeting held at Loews Arlington in Arlington, Texas, on April 7 through 11.

Visit Newport Beach was honored in the Convention & Visitors Bureau Secondary Market category, reaffirming its position as a leading destination marketing organization.

According to Visit Newport Beach, the award was determined by write-in ballots from ConferenceDirect associates and highlights Visit Newport Beach’s exceptional efforts in engaging and supporting thirdparty meeting and event planners.

The team’s proactive approach and commitment to delivering unparalleled experiences in the destination have earned accolades from meeting industry peers. A sample: “This DMO has so many incentives, too many to name! They are great at using all their resources to engage Team Retreats, Client Events, Site Visits, etc...to help in closing the business.” And “they are best in class with helping us make our customer’s programs work in Newport Beach.”

“We are thrilled to receive the ConferenceDirect CVB of the Year Award for the second time,” said Michelle Donahue, Senior Vice President of Sales at Visit Newport Beach. “This recognition is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our group sales team, our outstanding hotel partners, and our unwavering commitment to going above and beyond in serving our clients. We are immensely proud of our team and grateful for the opportunity to showcase Newport Beach as a premier destination for meetings and events.”

For more information on Visit Newport Beach, please visit www. visitnewportbeach.com.

Inside, the suspect rummaged through drawers in various pieces of furniture in the living room, laundry room, office, master bedroom, master bathroom, master closet and guest bedroom. The suspect fled the scene in an unknown direction. The burglary was discovered and reported the police on April 30.

The Newport Beach Police Department advises that if you see suspicious activity within your neighborhood (especially at a home where you know your neighbors are on vacation, have gone out for the evening, or their home is for sale), please call the Newport Beach Police Department immediately at (949) 644-3717.

Wine Festival

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Pinot Noir.

The wines are paired with an exquisite four-course dinner hosted by Balboa Bay Resort’s Executive Chef Prabeen Prathapan within the resort’s Lighthouse Room, which offers sweeping views of Newport Harbor. Tickets begin at $215.

On Saturday, May 25, the Newport Beach Wine & Spirits Festival will showcase a Grand Tasting of more than 40 wine and spirits vendors, along with live music, bountiful buffet stations, and bay views. Participating vendors include DAOU, Whispering Angel, Flecha Azul, Macallan, and more. The festival runs from 1 to 5 p.m. and will unfold in the Lighthouse Room and extend onto the boardwalk and Bayfront Lawn overlooking the marina, yachts, and Lido Island. Tickets start at $150.

A Veuve Clicquot Champagne Brunch will conclude the weekend events on May 26. Held in the Lighthouse Room, the extravagant buffet will feature fresh seafood and caviar along with traditional brunch favorites, a carving station, an omelet station, and live music while Veuve Clicquot champagne flows. Tickets start at $145.

Guests reserving a room for the Wine Festival over Memorial Day Weekend will enjoy a 10 percent discount on guest room rates and a 10 percent discount on festival tickets. Balboa Bay Resort has partnered with luxury electric vehicle brand Lucid Motors to offer complimentary chauffeur rides from its Fashion Island studio. To RSVP for this service, please visit this link. Due to limited parking, guests are encouraged to utilize this service as well as ride-sharing services.

For tickets and more information on the Newport Beach Wine & Spirits Festival at Balboa Bay Resort, visit balboabayresort.com/nbwinefestival.

LOCAL FOCUS

Retired Marine is the Big Shot When He Trains Newport Cops

By Richard Simon | NB Indy

In the past six years, retired U. S. Marine Gunner Chief Warrant Officer 5 Vince Kyzer has written, directed and produced more scenes than Edward Albee, Woody Allen, Truman Capote and Neil Simon combined.

All of his creations — whose singular theme is survival — have played out in a “theater” in the basement of the Newport Beach Police Department.

Kyzer’s actors really aren’t performers; they’re the city’s sworn officers who every other month undergo stringent survival scenario and shooting training designed by Kyzer to greatly enhance the chances that all the cops go home at night should they encounter life-threatening dramas in real life.

In Newport, that could include confrontations in foggy conditions; or low- light encounters, plus equipment malfunction in any number of potential situations. Kyzer studies real life police action reports from around the nation to make sure he covers the training bases.

If there’s laughter to be had in any of his productions, it’s mostly due to relief at finishing Kyzer’s oft-stressful, real-life-based rehearsals in the department firing range.

“Realistic training produces realistic results,” the department’s Range Master emphasized. He brought that mantra to the NBPD in 2018 after retiring from a 30 year military career; he finished as one of only five CWO5s in the 175,000-member Corps — an almost impossible rank to achieve. That comes with years of lauded and dedicated service, and training in everything from marching basics “as a dumb grunt” to advanced leadership training courses for both peace and war; and, of course, lessons in the use, care and deployment of “ad-

vanced infantry weapons.”

Like so many kids upon graduation from high school, 18-year-old Kyzer had no idea what he wanted to do. A buddy of his dad’s, who had served in the Marines and who lived down the street in Medford, Oregon, told Kyzer “You’ll never make it as a Marine.”

“That was all l needed,” recalled Kyzer.

For the first 16 years, Kyzer served in the Infantry, the ground-fighting element of that service, advancing ultimately to the rank of Gunner — of which there are only 100 within the Corps at any one time.

As Gunner, “You’d be the eyes of the fighting unit commander, because simply they just couldn’t be everywhere,” he explained. “A Gunner’s observations increased the survivability on the battlefield.” Gunner Kyzer provided that field expertise in several Middle Eastern conflicts.

During peacetime, CWO5 Kyzer would be the “‘advance guy’ during training exercises to lay out the groundwork to make sure no round, bullet or grenade would land in someone’s backyard. As proof of his successes in both peace and war, Kyzer proudly proclaimed, “I never got my boss fired.”

While many ex-military men sit back on the porch to reminisce and spin yarns, Kyzer had no such intention when retirement approached: “I wanted to continue to train men and women in something. That opportunity came about when a friend told me about the Range Master position at Newport. My application took longer to vet because of my complex Marine history,” Kyzer recounted. It wasn’t just military service that qualified Kyzer for the position, it was his academic achievements, as well: a BA in Forensics and an MA in Criminal Justice from American

Military University. Besides his work at NBPD, Kyzer is an adjunct professor of Forensics and Criminal Justice at Park University, an online institution focused on the law enforcement profession.

“As range master, safety-based training is my primary responsibility,” Kyzer said. “In my six years here, no officer has seen the same scenario twice. I always try to bring a live, immersive and ever-changing environment to training. My goal is for them to make a mistake with me, and not out on patrol.”

The real world dictates some of the curriculum. Kyzer and or his team members train in “a couple of things first: first aid and CPR. Another is defensive tactics (control and arrest), followed by training on all the tools they wear around the belt.”

A fully loaded duty belt can weigh between 20 and 25-pounds, certainly not welcome during a foot chase but appreciated come apprehension. That’s a heavy reason why Newport officers are such a well-conditioned bunch.

A typical duty belt includes firearm and holster, spare ammo magazines, handcuffs and case, radio and holster, flashlight and holster, Taser and holder, pepper spray (OC) and holster. Of course, that doesn’t include additional “tools” in uniform pockets, from personal phones to pocketknives to vitamin-packed energy bars.

In addition to training and management of the range facility, Kyzer is responsible for the “function, serviceability and maintenance of every weapon platform that the city owns,” plus the annual audit to make sure all weapons are accounted for.

The duty belt is light compared to the heavy responsibility every cop carries with them. According to Kyzer, police officers operate according to what is called the priority of life: Victims, innocent bystanders, other responders (fire and ambulance), themselves and lastly a dangerous suspect.

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family drama with light humor and metaphysical concerns. Summarized at NTAC as “a warmhearted holiday story about the virtues of acceptance and religious understanding,” it runs in the holiday timeslot from November 15 through December 8.

Board member (and frequent NTAC director) Floyd Harden and box office co-manager Suzy Cachero acted out a comedic scene about a couple making a frantic phone call to a doctor with their host in the next room trying to recover from a self-inflicted gunshot wound to his earlobe, a scene from the 1988 Neil Simon comedy “Rumors.” The season’s

only comedy, the show runs January 17 to February 9, 2025.

Actor Kyra Alvarez performed “Right-Hand Man,” singing the lyrics to board member (and set designer and builder par excellence) Jim Huffman. The number is from the 2015 musical “Something Rotten,” alternately billed as “a very new musical” and “a hilarious musical smash.”

Set in England in 1595, the show by Karey and Wayne Kirkpatrick and John O’Farrell depicts two showbiz crazy brothers competing with Shakespeare for attention by and recognition from the theater-going

public and being frustrated and thwarted at every turn.

NTAC synopsizes “Something Rotten” as “a clever and hilarious satire of musical theater and an exuberant celebration of the arts, creativity and the sheer joy of musicals” and is running it from March 14 to April 13.

Bendetti and fellow board member Lori Kelley acted out a scene between wives and moms Mrs. Webb and Mrs. Gibbs, whose names tipped off next season’s fifth show as “Our Town.” The show was described as “the

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Obviously, being a Newport cop (or any cop) is a profession requiring inordinate training, conditioning, and the ability to make split-second decisions that hold up under legal and political scrutiny.

In fact, said Kyzer, California is second only to New York in terms of restrictions placed on law enforcement.

Kyzer obviously takes immense pride in having served the country as a U. S. Marine.

But he also takes great pride in helping to train Newport’s police officers in those skills necessary for both their personal safety, and the well-being of the community.

Newport Beach PD Range Master Vince Kyzer (right) trains a Newport Beach Police Officer. Photo courtesy NBPD.

In Loving Memory: Marvin

Lawrence (Larry) Allison Jr.

1955 - 2024

Larry Allison Jr., a 22-year resident of Laguna Beach, passed away peacefully at home with his loving wife, Louise, at his side on April 18, 2024, after a courageous battle with cancer.

Larry was a devoted husband, respected and loved psychologist, loyal friend, loving uncle and brother-in-law and lifelong explorer of wisdom.

Born on February 17, 1955, in Los Angeles, Larry was the only child of Patricia and Larry Allison. He grew up in Long Beach and attended St. Bartholomew’s Elementary School and Woodrow Wilson High School. His childhood was filled with adventures that could make a riveting novel about life in Belmont Shore with his boyhood friend Chilt, Grandma Dorothy, Uncle Jack and many dear friends and family.

Larry graduated from Cal State, Long Beach, with a psychology degree and received his master’s and doctorate degrees in clinical psychology from the American University in Washington, D.C. Larry was creative, musically gifted, a good writer and a compassionate listener - he could have become a musician, a screenplay writer, an author, or an architect (he designed our home), but he chose a career in clinical psychology because of an overriding desire to help others find their gifts and lead meaningful, fulfilling lives. Meanwhile, in his spare time, he could be found playing his 12-string guitar or writing music or screenplays, and he always wanted to create together with his wife.

Larry was always a seeker after higher knowledge. He learned Transcendental Meditation (TM) at a young age with his parents and meditated throughout his life. Enjoying the inspiration of the ancient wisdom of the Vedas, Larry attended an advanced course on Maharishi Mahesh Yogi’s translation and commentary of the Bhagavad

Gita at the Washington D.C. TM center and quickly became the teacher’s “pet.” The teacher would become his future wife.

Larry’s career in clinical psychology began with his studies in D.C. and took him to positions at the University of Virginia, Charlottesville, to a mid-west regional counseling center in Iowa, to the Claremont Colleges’ Monsour Counseling Center, to a Newport group practice, and, finally, to private practice in Newport Beach. In 2002, the Allisons settled down in the town Larry always loved, and a town that Louise quickly learned to love, Laguna Beach.

Larry loved being in nature, surfing, being adventurous, telling stories and jokes, and was known to roar with laughter from head to toe with his closest friends.

Larry was a deep thinker with a tender, sensitive heart - a man of silence whose words were measured carefully to support and uplift. He always rooted for the underdog and cared deeply about his family and his closest friends. He was a kid at heart and loved to play with his nieces and nephews and take them (or anyone) to Disneyland. As the kids got older, he always took time to sit together, reflect and offer insight.

Above all, Larry was a devoted husband who championed and supported his wife. He felt that her work of teaching Transcendental Meditation was of the highest importance. Everywhere the Allisons lived—from the East Coast to the Midwest to the West Coast— their home became a TM center. Such was Larry’s patience, flexibility and support of what he felt was a cause of immeasurable value.

Larry’s generosity, kindness, love, laughter and wisdom has left its mark on all he came in contact with. He left the world a better place and will be missed dearly.

Larry is preceded in death by his parents and is survived by his devoted wife, Louise. Larry would be honored by any donations to a charity that promotes World Peace, to Maharishi International University (www.miu.edu), to Mother Theresa’s Missionaries of Charity, (https://missionariesofcharity.org/our-works-of-love.html) or to the charity of your choice.

A memorial service will be held at St. Catherine of Sienna Church in Laguna Beach on Saturday, May 18, at 10:30 a.m.

City Manager PAGE 1

• Lt. Gary Clemente, 2023 Sworn Supervisor of the Year

• Officer Austin Laverty, 2023 Officer of the Year

• Records Manager Megan Schilf, 2023 Civilian Supervisor of the Year

• Community Services Officer Thu Do, 2023 Civilian of the Year

• Volunteer Judy Johnson, 2023 Volunteer of the Year

Lifesaving awards, for exceptional rescue actions, were presented to the following police officers: Jared Edwards; Sean Esswein; Mark C. Hamilton; Gary Hufford; Tyler Knox; Zachary Michael; Michael Querry; Mitchell Rivas; Matthew Wong; and Lina You.

Awards of merit, for acts of bravery and exceptional service to the community, were presented to the following police officers: Gary Abrahamyan; Joseph Azucena; Tony Gallegos; Joshua Granger; Nicklas Haring; Kyle Markwald; Michael Querry; Beau Rains; Mitchell Rivas; Matthew Wong; and Lina You.

Thank you to our event hosts, the Newport Beach Chamber of Commerce and the Commodores Club, and event sponsors, the Balboa Fun Zone, Julie Laughton Design Build, and the ChaseFainbarg and Feuerstein families.

Congratulations to all those recognized at this year’s ceremony – and thank to you all members of our Police Department team for your ongoing service and commitment to community safety!

To read about the officers’ actions that led to the lifesaving and merit awards, visit this link on the NBPD’s website: nbpd.org/ what-s-new/press-releases.

Come “Touch a Truck” May 18 at the Balboa Pier Parking Lot

In celebration of National Public Works Week, please join us for this year’s “Touch a Truck” event on Saturday, May 18 from 9 a.m. to noon at the Balboa Pier parking lot. It will be a hands-on opportunity to get up close to heavy trucks and equipment -- and learn how they are used to keep Newport Beach well maintained.

There will be trash trucks, backhoes, loaders, street sweepers and more, along with informational booths from City staff and contractors.

The first hour, from 9 to 10 a.m., will be quiet with no honking or lights for those with sensitive ears or eyes.

Irv’s Burgers and Kona Ice trucks are joining the fun with food and beverages for purchase!

City,

Elementary Students Celebrate Arbor Day

On April 26, the City of Newport Beach celebrated Arbor Day with the third-grade class of Newport Coast Elementary School at the Newport Coast Community Center. This year marks Newport Beach’s 34th year as a “Tree City USA” and our 21st year receiving the “Growth Award” from the Arbor Day Foundation.

Members of the City Council, Parks, Beaches and Recreation Commission, City staff, and parents joined the celebration. The event included the presentation of a proclamation from the Mayor, tree planting, a discussion about the

City’s urban forestry program and the significance of Arbor Day, and a student display of art and poetry. The students planted five trees at the community center.

New Landscaping Brightens Entry to Castaways Park

The City recently hosted a California native planting event at the Dover Drive frontage of Lower Castaways Park.

The City partnered with Stanbridge University students to plant three California Sycamores, 10 Toyon shrubs, and dozens of Berkley Sedge, Matilija Poppy, Black Sage, Buckwheat and Encelia. Fortunately, the soil provided easy work for volunteers and over 200 plants were planted in about four hours.

City Representatives Advocate for Improved Community Engagement on Federal Aviation Matters

City Councilmembers Noah Blom and Lauren Kleiman led a City of Newport Beach advocacy trip to Washington, D.C. earlier this week to talk with Congressional offices and federal agencies about aviation-related matters.

Joined by City Attorney Aaron Harp and Assistant City Manager Tara Finnigan, the Councilmembers advocated for greater community engagement from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the Department of Transportation on aviation matters affecting communities.

The Newport Beach delegation’s timing coincided with the Senate beginning discussions on H.R. 3935, the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024, which proposes a community collaboration program, a concept advanced by the City representatives when they visited the Capitol last year.

The Newport Beach delegation also advocated for communities to be recognized as stakeholders in the FAA’s planning process for the future implementation of emerging technologies, known as Advanced Air Mobility.

New Playground Installed at Peninsula Park

The new Peninsula Park Playground is now open to the public following renovations. The existing playground had deteriorated due to the harsh marine environment and outdated playground equipment.

The renovations included the installation of new lifeguard themed playground equipment, including a rescue board, rescue boat and rescue truck. Flexible rubber surfacing was also installed. The existing climber and swing set remain.

One of the City’s top priorities is to keep our beautiful public parks well maintained and, when possible, add improvements to maximize use and reduce environmental impacts. One such improvement was completed this week at Arroyo Park, 1141 Bayswater Dr., near MacArthur Boulevard and Bison Avenue.

The $2.7 million project installed new synthetic turf for the soccer field and softball diamond and upgraded the lighting system to energy-efficient LED lights.

The project will help accommodate high demand for the use of Arroyo

Annual Newport to Ensenada Race Results

By NB Indy Staff

The 76th annual Newport to Ensenada International Yacht Race is in the books with sailors enjoying excellent sailing conditions over the three-day event, which started off the Balboa Pier on Friday morning, April 26 and ended in Ensenada, Mexico.

The weather forecasts correctly predicted mostly consistent winds in the high teens to low 20 knots and choppy seas.

Defending ORCA A -class and overall champion Taniwha, a 32-foot Ferrier, pulled into the lead by Dana Point Harbor and crossed into Mexican waters just after 4 p.m.

On approach to Todos Santos Bay before dark, the four-person crew was preparing to jibe, when Mat Bryant slipped, line in hand, and fell off the side of the boat. Bryant reported they may have hit a wave while setting up, and that he tried to hold onto rope but had to let go.

Helmsman Pete Melvin did a quick stop maneuver then tacked to sail over to him. A thrown heaving line helped him back aboard via the low transom.

“The whole thing took about five minutes,” said Bryant. “It was very fortunate to have Pete (renowned yacht designer and multiple racewinner) at the helm. He has great

decision-making skills on the water.”

The highly experienced sailing professional knows the importance of being safety-conscious and runs safety briefings on other boats he sails with.

Taniwha continued racing to claim first to finish with an elapsed time of 10:05:54 but placed second in class to

surrender. The man then voluntarily agreed to receive additional medical and psychological treatment.

Award of Merit presented to Officer Gary Abrahamyan

On July 29, 2023, Officer Gary Abrahamyan was dispatched in an emergency response to a traffic collision on Jamboree Road. Officer Abrahamyan was the first to arrive and observed a single vehicle had crashed into a tree, causing the vehicle to become engulfed in flames. Officer Abrahamyan immediately ran to the vehicle and observed an unconscious male subject who was still in the driver’s seat of the burning vehicle. Despite warnings from bystanders that the driver’s door was stuck shut, Officer Abrahamyan wrestled with the door until he was able to break it open. While the fire continued to spread into the interior of the vehicle, Officer Abrahamyan used his pocketknife to cut the driver’s seatbelt and pull the man from the vehicle. Officer Abrahamyan and good Samaritans then pulled the unconscious driver to a safe location away from the vehicle, where responding paramedics attempted in vain to save the man’s life.

Award of Merit presented to Officers Joseph Azucena, Tony Gallegos, Joshua Granger, Nicklas Haring, and Mitchell Rivas

On October 8, 2023, Officers Joseph Azucena, Tony Gallegos, Joshua Granger, Nicklas Haring, and Mitchell Rivas were dispatched to an emergency call for a major traffic collision near the intersection of

Jamboree Road and Bison Avenue. Officers arrived to find that a single vehicle had crashed into a large tree, causing the tree to collapse onto the vehicle. The collision caused the vehicle to catch fire, which posed an immediate threat to the incapacitated occupants and to responding officers. As the fire quickly spread inside the vehicle and onto the attached tree limbs, officers ran to the burning car and observed two unconscious male subjects inside the vehicle. Despite the growing fire, billowing smoke, and obstructing tree limbs, the officers worked heroically to cut the unconscious passengers from the burning vehicle and drag them a safe distance away, where responding paramedics could render medical aid. Through the selfless and heroic efforts of these officers, both occupants were transported to local hospitals, where they made full recoveries.

Award of Merit presented to Officer Kyle Markwald

In January 2020, Officer Kyle Markwald was working uniformed patrol in Newport Beach when he observed suspicious behavior outside a hotel, which his experience as a Human Trafficking investigator led him to recognize as prostitution-related activity. These observations led Officer Markwald to begin an extensive investigation in which he obtained additional evidence to write and serve multiple search warrants for phone records and lease agreements. The information Officer Markwald obtained revealed that one female was likely the victim of human trafficking at the hands of one of the men from his initial observations.

After an exhaustive investigation, Officer Markwald arrested the male suspect and

newcomer Bottle Rocket, a Sea Cart 30 in ORCA A. But they still took home two trophies.

Melvin reported this was the fastest N2E he’d ever done.

Jerry Poprawski’s Kaster Pollux was a big winner for Anacapa Yacht Club on his 20th N2E. The Moorings

served search warrants inside the man’s apartment, where evidence confirmed the female subject had been sexually trafficked and abused by the suspect for over six years. Officer Markwald’s arduous, tenacious, and professional investigation eventually led to the suspect pleading guilty to Human Trafficking and Pimping and Pandering, resulting in a six-year sentence in state prison.

Award of Merit presented to Officers Michael Querry, Mitchell Rivas, and Matthew Wong

On October 23, 2023, at 2:24 a.m., Officers Michael Querry, Mitchell Rivas, and Matthew Wong were dispatched to an emergency call for a major structure fire at a residence in Newport Beach in which arson was suspected. Officers arrived to find a couch on the patio fully engulfed in flames, with the fire spreading inside the home and to the second floor of the residence. Not knowing if anyone was inside the residence, officers forced entry by breaking through a glass door and began to search the home as the fire grew around them. Officers Querry and Wong climbed to the second floor and rooftop patio in search of potential victims but soon began to feel the debilitating effects of smoke inhalation and realized they were no longer able to access the stairs due to the billowing smoke and growing fire and were now trapped on the roof.

Officer Rivas, who was able to safely exit the residence, coordinated with responding Fire Department personnel to develop a plan to safely evacuate Officers Querry and Wong.

It was later determined the residence was

4300 finished with a corrected time of 12:34:12. On corrected time, three of the four boats in ORCA B finished within 11 minutes of each other, except Some Tuesday, a Lagoon450S, that lost time replacing a shredded spinnaker.

in fact occupied by a family at the time the fire had started, but all occupants had safely evacuated and that there were no significant injuries. After being treated for smoke inhalation, Officer Querry immediately returned to duty and quickly located and arrested the suspect believed to be involved in the arson. His investigation revealed evidence that the subject had, in fact, purposely set the fire.

Award of Merit presented to Officers Beau Rains and Lina You

On December 20, 2022, Officers Beau Rains and Lina You were dispatched to an emergency call for a structure fire on Lido Island. While responding to the fire, a second witness reported the home was possibly occupied by three small children who were unable to escape. Officers arrived to observe the residence on fire with heavy smoke billowing out of the windows of the house. Believing the home was occupied by three children, the officers forced entry and began to search the home as the fire grew around them. Despite being overcome with smoke inhalation, officers took the time to remove the family dog they had located inside its locked kennel. After finishing their search for additional occupants, the officers safely evacuated the building with the family dog as the fire quickly grew and engulfed the entire home. The officers reunited the family dog with the scared and distraught children, who had successfully escaped the fire before the officers arrived. After being treated at the scene, Officers Rains and You immediately returned to duty to assist with crowd control and witness interviews.

Boats set sail off the Balboa Pier in the 2024 Newport to Ensenada Yacht Race / photo by Jim Collins

City Manager

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Park by local sports groups. The switch from natural to artificial turf will allow for a 30 percent increase in field use by eliminating downtime for wet conditions and grass maintenance. The new field will reduce water use and maintenance costs by about $60,000 a year and save about one million gallons of water every year. The new lights will cut electricity costs by about 50 percent.

Please join me in thanking the members of the City Council (pictured on the new field below), the Parks, Beaches and Recreation Commission, Public Works Department, Recreation and Senior Services Department, and contractor Byrom-Davey Inc., which completed the project ahead of schedule.

City Staff Trains for Earthquake Preparedness, Disaster Readiness

On Tuesday, April 23, City staff held a training exercise to prepare for an earthquake.

The drill simulated a 6.2 magnitude earthquake on the Newport-Inglewood Earthquake Fault Zone, which would have catastrophic impacts to much of Southern California. The last major earthquake on the Newport-Inglewood Fault was a 6.25 magnitude quake on March 10, 1933, which killed 120 people.

During the drill, the City’s Police, Fire, Community Development, Public Works and Library departments simulated an activation of emergency response plans,

discussed how to prioritize emergency calls, staffing, inter-departmental coordination and other issues.

Being prepared for earthquakes or any other disasters is a top priority for the City of Newport Beach. The drill was held in April as part of National Earthquake Preparedness Month.

New Superior Avenue Bridge On Track for Fall Completion

Construction work on the Superior Avenue Pedestrian and Bicycle Bridge project at Pacific Coast Highway continues to make significant progress toward an expected September completion.

The temporary bridge falsework –wooden framework built to support the concrete pouring phase – was removed in early April. The bridge is now free standing and nearly complete, with some interior work, railings and lighting still to be installed. Temporary lane closures on Superior Avenue will still be needed for the next few months for construction of a small retaining wall and the installation of electrical and landscape improvements.

A large retaining wall on the north side of the proposed parking lot is also nearly complete. With this wall in place, the contractor will fill in dirt behind the walls and complete the rough grading. A significant part of the storm drain system was also completed earlier this month, which was a challenging task due to unexpected groundwater encountered at the site.

When completed, the project will expand access to Sunset Ridge Park

and improve safety for pedestrians and bicyclists.

Maintenance Work Completed at Balboa Pier

The City’s Public Works Department has completed maintenance work at the Balboa Pier.

During heavy surf in 2023, a pier support pile became disconnected. In addition, several cross braces were damaged because of the waves and deterioration through exposure to the marine environment.

The maintenance work consisted of driving a new 70-foot pier pile, replacing six damaged cross braces and associated hardware.

Commission Approves Housing Element Implementation Program Amendments

The City’s Planning Commission reviewed and approved General Plan Housing Element Implementation Program Amendments at an April 18 public hearing. The John Wayne Airport Land Use Commission will conduct a review in May, followed by a City Council public hearing this summer.

Updates to the General Plan Land Use Element will also require a vote of the electorate under the City Charter. The item is expected to be on the November ballot to comply with a State of California deadline.

By February 2025, under state law, the City must update its land use regulations to provide opportunities for the land identified in the Housing Element to be developed with housing units. These include critical updates to the City’s Land Use Element, Zoning Code and Local Coastal Program.

Any questions or comments can be submitted to gpupdate@newportbeachca. gov. The City appreciates the community’s continued participation.

City Invites Residents to Serve on Commissions, Committees

Looking for a way to serve your community?

The City of Newport Beach is seeking residents to fill vacancies on the following commissions and committees. Meetings are held at the Newport Beach Civic Center, 100 Civic Center Drive, unless otherwise specified.

• Board of Library Trustees. One seat is open for a 4-year term expiring June 30, 2028. Meetings are at 5 p.m. on the third Monday of each month, at the Central Library, 1000 Avocado Ave.

• Building and Fire Board of Appeals. Two seats are open for 4-year terms expiring June 30, 2028. Meetings are as needed on Tuesday or Wednesday afternoons.

• City Arts Commission. Two seats are open for 4-year terms expiring June 30, 2028. Meetings are at 5 p.m. on the second Thursday of each month at the Newport Beach Central Library, 1000 Avocado Ave.

for a 4-year term expiring June 30, 2028. Meetings are at 5 p.m. on the second Wednesday of each month.

• Parks, Beaches & Recreation Commission. One seat is open for a 4-year term expiring June 30, 2028. Meetings are at 5 p.m. on the first Tuesday of each month.

• Planning Commission. Two seats are open for 4-year terms expiring June 30, 2028. Meetings are at 6 p.m. on the Thursday preceding the second and fourth Tuesdays of each month.

All applicants must be residents who do not hold paid office or employment in City government. Applications and more information can be found at http://www. newportbeachca.gov/vacancy or picked up from the City Clerk’s Office at 100 Civic Center Drive, Bay E, 2nd Floor.

The application deadline is noon on Wednesday, May 8 or until the vacancies are filled.

Be Well Mobile Crisis Response Update

The Be Well mobile crisis response team operates in Newport Beach 12 hours a day, seven days a week to respond to mental and behavioral health crises. The mobile unit is staffed with mental health specialists and works closely with the City’s police and fire departments.

This week, the Be Well team:

• Collaborated with the County’s Crisis Assessment Team to place two people into psychiatric facilities.

• Transported a person to the Costa Mesa Bridge Shelter.

• Transported two people to crisis stabilization units.

• Transported a person to the Be Well sobering station.

The mobile crisis team is dispatched through the Newport Beach Police Department. To request service, dial 911 or call the Police Department’s nonemergency line at (949) 644-3717.

HOMELESSNESS UPDATE

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

• Transported a person to the Costa Mesa Bridge Shelter.

• Obtained a client’s birth certificate and coordinated benefits.

• Continued to shelter people: 23 people who had been experiencing homelessness in Newport Beach are sheltered in the Costa Mesa Bridge Shelter.

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.

• Civil Service Board. Two Fire and Police department nominee seats are open for 4-year terms expiring June 30, 2028. Meetings are at 5 p.m. on the first Monday of each month.

• Harbor Commission. One seat is open

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.

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timeless American play by Thornton Wilder” that covers “the universal themes of life, love and death and the transient nature of human existence.”

Referred to as “a simple yet powerful portrayal of ordinary life,” “Our Town” runs May 9 through June 1.

Board president emeritus Cohen has, surprisingly, never set foot on the NTAC stage – until last weekend when, during the reveal, she made her debut in the space bearing her name.

Cohen pulled on a pair of latex gloves, then sat at a desk and used a pencil to dial an old-fashioned rotary phone – enough to suggest Frederick Knott’s “Dial M for Murder.”

The classic murder mystery, we were told, deals with “betrayal, greed and the perfect crime” and is known for “its crisp dialogue, tight narrative and thrilling suspense.” Running June 27 to July 20, “Dial M” closes the new season.

After the reveal, board vicepresident Andrew Kelley noted that in selecting the six finalists, the board was “definitely trying to build on the momentum of the highly successful season we’re now in the middle of. If there’s a theme, it’s that we have something for all, whether you enjoy musicals or murder mysteries or slapstick farce.”

Kelley noted that as with the current season, both musicals slotted are fairly recent. Whereas NTAC opened this season with “The Addams Family” and just wrapped “The Drowsy Chaperone,” next season features “Curtains” (from 2006) and “Something Rotten” (from 2015). With these four, NTAC is showing a propensity for presenting contemporary musicals not widely seen in Orange County.

The success of “Inspecting Carol” this past Christmastime, Kelley explained, prompted the board to seek another holiday show for the second slot of the upcoming season – hence “Greetings.”

“Dial M” is cited by Kelley as “an old school murder mystery,” and he deems the Wilder masterpiece “Our Town” as “an absolute classic. Whether you’re a young or veteran theatergoer, it resonates today. It still plays. It still works.”

Kelley told the Indy that NTAC hasn’t yet released the names of the six directors slated for next season, but indicated all six are directing at NTAC for the first time and noted that most have worked extensively throughout Southern California and are well known to local audiences.

Newport Theatre Arts Center, 2501 Cliff Drive, Newport Beach. Purchase / information: 949-631-0288, ntactickets.com.

Ensenada Race

PAGE 9

But it was only 2 minutes and 8 seconds over Amanzi, a Lagoon 42 on its inaugural N2E that won Kaster Pollux the Best Corrected ORCA B, President of NOSA Trophy for best corrected ORCA, the Stern Choi Trophy for best-corrected catamaran as well as N2E’s highest honor, the Tommy Bahama Trophy for overall best corrected time.

Making calculated decisions landed John Raymont’s Fast Exit II a modified Ker52 as the first monohull to finish with an elapsed time of 10:24:08. It was a first for the Maxi for many of its crew, who all checked in to the Hotel Coral before midnight.

Navigator Damian Craig said that GRIB files reported more pressure on the inside route, but they decided to lean into the outside; but not too far.

“The goal is to find where the magic is,” said Craig. Finding the magical spot with consistent wind won them the President of Mexico Trophy for Best Corrected time UL Maxi, the Lahaina Yacht Club Trophy for best elapse monohull, and the Jack Bailee trophy for the best corrected of a Newport Beach Yacht Club.

The boat ran at 2.3 knots faster than true wind, said owner Raymont, whose first N2E was in 1983.

Three boats from Ensenada participated this year but one was the last to finish.

Speaking at a NOSA luncheon Saturday afternoon, the Mayor of Ensenada, Carlos Ibarra, joked that Mexican hospitality was behind the loss; that they stayed in the fleet’s wake to make sure that everyone else got in safe and sound.

The mayor, his wife Gabriella, and daughter also attended the Sunday afternoon for the trophy ceremony at the Hotel Coral and Marina. He presented awards to the racers, alongside NOSA Commodore Phil Herzfeld.

“One of the best N2E’s in recent memory,” proclaimed Herzfeld.

The Newport Ocean Sailing Association, organizers of the historic Newport to Ensenada International Yacht Race, was founded in 1947 to promote ocean racing off Newport Beach. The first 125-nautical mile race sailed on April 23, 1948, into the small fishing village of Ensenada, Mexico.

Mrs. Denny Barr claimed the top prize for skippering Mickey, a 46-foot sloop to best overall corrected time.

With an emphasis on camaraderie and competition, the N2E quickly attracted thousands of racers, becoming an event where fun-seeking novices could race alongside celebrities and world-class sailors.

A record 675 boats entered in 1983, earning N2E the title of “World’s Largest International Yacht Race.”

Trophies are awarded in more than 40 classes for the best in ultra-light and maxi-yachts and non-spinnaker and cruising classes, so the race remains inclusive, fun, and competitive for anyone who wants to race.