Visit Newport Beach Launches New Summer Campaign: ‘Newport Beach is Calling’
By Christopher Trela | NB Indy
“Newport Beach is calling.”
If Newport Beach is on the phone, you must answer the call. At least that’s that idea behind the new Visit Newport Beach campaign dubbed “Newport Beach is Calling.”
Launched on June 20 (the first day of summer), the campaign takes a nostalgic twist by transporting travelers back to the iconic 1990s, blending retro fun with modern luxury as it follows two friends on a glamorous adventure around Newport Beach.
With vintage fashion and equally vintage phones, along with a modern component – a new AI concierge named Marina – the campaign offers a fun and interactive way to plan the perfect summer getaway to Newport Beach.
The theme suggests people should put worries on hold and answer the call to luxury and relaxation. According to media information, Newport Beach is “on standby to connect you with the ultimate summer vacation. Newport Beach is calling—will you answer?”
According to Visit Newport Beach, the “Newport Beach is Calling” campaign visuals and commercial capture the spirit of the 1990s while showcasing the modern luxury of Newport Beach.
Perhaps the most interesting aspect of the campaign is Marina, an AI Concierge Extraordinaire, as Visit Newport Beach describes it. Call (800) 94-COAST to
Newport Beach City Manager Update
By Grace Leung, Newport Beach City Manager
The construction of Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) gives homeowners an opportunity to improve their properties while making a positive contribution to broader community goals. These secondary housing units, either attached to or detached from the primary residence, offer
a multitude of benefits that make them an attractive option for private property owners.
The City of Newport Beach has made it easier than ever for private property owners to construct new ADUs or legalize unpermitted ADUs that meet health and safety codes. Through the end of this year, the City is waiving all City-related fees associated with the construction of ADUs, such as plan check and building fees.
The City recently developed a comprehensive website, at www. newportbeachca.gov/adu, that gives interested property owners a step-by-step guide to building an ADU, from design and construction to permitting and renting. Constructing an ADU can increase property value and add rental income, provide housing solutions for aging family members, or give young adults a foothold in the housing market. It also helps meet statewide housing goals in a way that preserves the character of our neighborhoods.
If you are considering building an
ADU, or legalizing an unpermitted one, I encourage you to visit the website to get started. For questions, please call the City’s Community Development Department at (949) 644-3200.
City Kicks Off Balboa, Newport Blvd. Pavement Rehabilitation
City staff and contractors began working on a project to rehabilitate pavement at Balboa and Newport Boulevards and 32nd Street.
Phase 1 – Balboa Boulevard between 12th and 16th Streets – will be completed by mid-August, before the start of the new school year.
Improvements include repaving the asphalt roadway, replacing deteriorated sidewalks and curbs, and replacing curb access ramps. The project will include widening of sidewalks at the corners of 13th and 14th Streets on Balboa Boulevard, with new pedestrian crossing signs and flashing LED beacons to improve pedestrian access
Woman Dies During Robbery at Fashion Island
By NB Indy Staff
A 69-year-old woman was killed on Tuesday, July 2, in what Newport Beach Police are calling a botched robbery at Fashion Island.
According to Newport Beach Police Sgt. Steve Oberon during a press conference, around 3:30 p.m. on July 2, a husband and wife walking in front of Barnes and Noble were approached by two suspects. There was a struggle, and the couple were robbed.
A white Toyota Camry sedan then pulled up and the suspects tried to get into that vehicle to flee the scene. One of the suspects ran while the vehicle fled and struck the female victim.
The male suspect that ran got back into the vehicle, at which point rounds were fired from a handgun and the vehicle fled the scene. Fortunately, no one was struck by the handgun rounds. The victim’s husband had no visible injuries. The name of the woman who died was not immediately released.
“Unfortunately, and tragically, the female that was struck by the car was pronounced deceased,” said Sgt. Oberon. “Newport Beach police officers then ensued in a pursuit which took them into L.A. County. All three suspects have been captured.”
When asked how the victim was run over, Sgt. Oberon replied “There was a struggle, and we believe the suspects dragged her into the street.”
According to Sgt. Oberon, every available officer and detective responded to the area. The east side of Fashion Island was closed off for the investigation.
Newport Beach Mayor Will O’Neill was at the press conference and was visibly upset and angry about what occurred.
“Newport Beach is a safe community, and we are mourning the loss of someone today, a loss that never should have happened,” stated O’Neill. “They came into our city knowing that they were going to commit a crime, and a woman is dead today because of it. It’s heartbreaking, it’s a tragedy. I am so thankful for our overwhelming and immediate police response.”
Calling the suspects “thugs and creeps,” O’Neill said “Fashion Island does not experience crime like this. This is a staggering, stunning act that just doesn’t happen here.”
COASTAL
Grace Leung, Newport Beach City Manager
VISIT NEWPORT Page 3
Images from the ‘Newport Beach is Calling’ video
connect with the AI concierge and have Marina become your personal vacation guru.
Here’s how the Newport Beach Vacation Hotline can help:
1. Tailor-Made Itineraries: The AI concierge will ask you a few questions to get to know you and your preferences. Are you a thrill-seeker? Do you love gourmet dining? Marina will then create a custom Newport Beach itinerary for you.
2. Get Your Newport-Beach Related Questions Answered: Wondering where to find the best fish tacos? Looking for the top spots to catch a sunset? Marina’s extensive knowledge of Newport Beach offers insider tips that will contribute to a memorable vacation.
“The launch of ‘Newport Beach is Calling’ is an exciting moment for us, as it brings a fresh, nostalgic energy to our summer offerings,” says Gary Sherwin, President & CEO of Visit Newport Beach. “This campaign not only highlights the luxurious experiences Newport Beach is known for, but also adds a fun, playful twist that we believe will captivate both new and returning visitors. We’re thrilled to invite everyone to explore the unique blend of glamour and relaxation that defines a Newport Beach summer.”
Dial into the “Newport Beach is Calling” landing page at www. NewportBeachisCalling.com to explore vacation options with thoughtfully curated itineraries.
Founded in January 2013, Newport Beach & Company is a non-profit organization established to serve as the official marketing agency for the city of Newport Beach. The agency brings together all of the marketing entities connected to the Newport Beach brand and is designed to oversee separate business units that include Visit Newport Beach, Celebrate Newport Beach, Enterprise Newport Beach and Newport Beach TV.
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 always at the top of its game.
Backing up the claim: the organization recently 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.
Visit Newport Beach was honored in the Convention & Visitors Bureau Secondary Market category, reaffirming its position as a leading destination marketing organization.
For more information, please go to www.VisitNewportBeach.com.
South Coast Plaza Welcomes New Flagship Stores for Iconic Brands
By NB Indy Staff
Fashion Island in Newport Beach is a lovely outdoor shopping center with noted restaurants and inviting boutiques—including the ever-popular Alo. And the new Pendry Newport Beach and VEA resort invite locals and visitors to indulge and be pampered with luxury amenities.
But for iconic global brands, take a short trip over to South Coast Plaza, which just announced the grand open-
ing of newly designed and expanded boutiques for Bvlgari, Cartier, and Gucci, as well a new boutique for Lanvin, the oldest operating French couture house.
The nearly simultaneous debut of these stores for iconic global brands makes this one of the most transformative times in the history of South Coast Plaza.
Did that painting just wink at you? Rub your eyes and lean closer, because at the Pageant of the Masters, the line between canvas and reality blurs in a breathtaking display of living art. Witness real people transform into iconic masterpieces, brought to life with stunning costumes, captivating storytelling, and a live musical score that will leave you breathless. Don’t miss it!
Discover your next piece of original art, listen to live music, chat with artists to learn firsthand about their art and grab a bite to eat. Elevate your art experience with fun and engaging art workshops, guided tours and more. *Closed July 4.
Bvlgari, courtesy of South Coast Plaza
STEPPING OUT
‘On Golden Pond’ Sails Along Strongly at Newport Theatre Arts Center
By Eric Marchese | Special to the NB Indy
It didn’t take long for Ernest Thompson’s 1979 play “On Golden Pond” to be adapted for the big screen. Thompson himself revamped his script in 1981 and it was filmed in short order and released in December.
Yet, check out Newport Theatre Arts Center’s production of the original stage version, directed by James Rice. and you’ll quickly surmise that the moviemakers literally missed the boat.
At NTAC, “On Golden Pond” sails along, a slice of life that captures both the pain and the ineffable joy of the human condition. Rice and company realize what they have, and they’ve taken great care to preserve the play’s strengths and downplay any potential flaws.
In the hands of director Rice and his cast, the tone of Thompson’s tale stays on an even keel, with understated acting. The play’s humor isn’t allowed to descend into being nasty or mean and its more heartfelt moments are honest and real, without risk of descending into bathos.
In this respect, NTAC’s “On Golden Pond” is imminently more accessible, and therefore more successful, than the Hollywood version. This “Golden Pond” is less emotionally overwrought than the film, and that’s a blessing. Overall, though, it’s the sense of art reflecting life that makes this production work so well.
For 47 consecutive years, from May through September, Norman and Ethel Thayer (Gary Williams and Harriet Whitmyer) have lived at their summer home on the shores of
Golden Pond in rural Maine.
The play depicts their 48th such visit, which has a different vibe for the couple. Norman, about to turn 80, has become physically and mentally slower, leading Ethel to suspect this might be their final time at the idyllic retreat.
Fearing the worst, she invites daughter Chelsea (Briana Donze) to the cabin in the hopes that Chelsea and Norman will somehow resolve the spiky, thorny interactions that have always plagued them.
A professor emeritus of the University of Penn., Norman obviously has a keen mind and enjoys using it as a cudgel against anyone he deals with. He’s also irascible, prickly, and exceedingly blunt. “Ornery” is just one word heard in the play to describe him.
Ethel’s sunny disposition is seemingly at odds with her husband’s.
this QR code to go to NewportBeachIndy.com to get all the news and lifestyle information in Newport Beach
Christopher Trela christopher@newportbeachindy.com
CREATIVE
Much of the fun in watching “On Golden Pond” is observing the interplay between even-tempered Ethel and cranky Norman.
Chelsea enjoys a naturally warm connection with mom Ethel and reveals the strain of her interactions with Norman – as Norman says, “I’m her father but not her dad.”
We can see that Norman has always been too much of an SOB to show his daughter even the most elemental kindness. As the gloves come off, Thompson has Norman deliver one of the play’s most brutal, and therefore memorable, lines: “I didn’t realize we were mad at each other. I just thought we didn’t like each other.”
Norman is especially caustic toward Chelsea’s new boyfriend, Bill (Lee Samuel Tanng). Playwright Thompson has Bill endure Norman’s verbal bullying only so long before standing
ADVERTISING SALES TEAM Carol Josepher, Chris Mattingley, Adrienne Kruse, Mara Hertel
PRODUCTION MANAGER Tina Leydecker tina@firebrandmediainc.com
up to him, foreshadowing Chelsea’s attempts to get her and Norman’s conflicts out in the open to force him to acknowledge them.
At NTAC, technical director Jim Huffman’s scenic design creates a sufficiently rustic yet cozy and comfy looking cabin that offers us a gorgeous view of the lake from the ceiling-tofloor porch windows. We see the lake surfaces, the shore, lush trees and greenery, bright sunlight and puffy clouds.
The cabin is realistically furnished with modest furniture, books, a clock and various nick-nacks, and Joshua Serrano’s lighting goes from the bright sunlight of daytime to the deep blues of twilight.
Rice’s cast – notably Williams and Whitmyer – bring NTAC’s staging its share of appealing warmth. The way Williams’s voice bobs up and down defines much of Norman’s personality. More crucially, even as Norman admits his increasing senility, Williams keeps the brakes on overdoing the character’s emotions. Norman could be exceedingly caustic, but not here, as Williams tempers Norman’s dour persona with a restrained, natural delivery. By the play’s end, the character is more at ease with those around him and therefore more recognizably human. Whitmyer, by the same token, avoids readings we’d recognize as oversentimental. Just as thankfully, the duo don’t trot out Fonda and Katharine Hepburn personas in attempts to re-create the film version.
Throughout NTAC’s staging,
NEWPORT THEATRE Page 10
PRESIDENT
DIRECTOR
Harriet Whitmyer, Lee Samuel Tanng, Briana Donze. Photo credit to Sarah Whitwell
My Quest for the Best Burgers in Newport Beach
By Christopher Trela | NB Indy
I have been on a quest to find the best hamburgers – or cheeseburgers –in Newport Beach.
I do have my favorites, but I solicited burger suggestions from friends. The result was a lengthy list that I am eating my way through. Here are several of my favorites so far.
A Restaurant I was invited to A Restaurant to sample a new Paso Robles Cabernet Sauvignon from winemaker
Andrew Jones and blended by Jordan Otterbein, managing partner of River Jetty Restaurant Group (owner of A Restaurant), Steven Ackad (A Restaurant’s manager and
beverage director,) and others from A Restaurant.
“We went through several incarnations and finally settled on the one that is in the bottle,” explained Ackad. “We were not trying to make a Bordeaux, we were trying to make a good reserve Paso cab, and that’s what we came up with. It is roughly 85 percent cabernet from a couple of different vineyards, five percent merlot, five percent petite verdot, and five percent petit sirah. Because it is a 2022 vintage, it’s a little young so we added the petit sirah to give it more structure and body. It is blended to make it more approachable early. I think it is drinking pretty well.”
I thought the cab would pair well with a hamburger, but the A Restaurant menu does not list one.
“It’s an off-menu item made with a lot of love,” said Ackad. “It’s an amazing burger.”
According to Ackad, the restaurant does its own butchering, and the beef used in the burger comes from the filet and ribeye scraps. That’s why only 10 burgers are available each night.
In addition to the beef patties, the A burger adds arugula, caramelized onions, applewood-smoked bacon, your choice of bleu cheese or four-year aged cheddar, proprietary secret sauce, and a brioche bun. It comes with twice-fried skin on fries. I opted for cheddar cheese and was happy with the result. This is a damn fine cheeseburger. Ordered just under medium, the meat was slightly pink and juicy, the thick bacon paired well with the other burger ingredients, and the bun held up well.
The wine was a perfect pairing with the burger. This is an easydrinking wine that would go well with a variety of beef and poultry dishes.
Visit www.riverjettyrg.com/ a-restaurant.
Olea
Olea in Newport Beach has plenty of excellent menu options, yet every time I grab a seat at the bar I tend to order the same thing: the American Wagyu Burger with extra sharp white cheddar, applewood bacon, pickled
Brian Krinsky, Jared McLenigan, and Lauren Weinberg. Photo by Aaron Rumley.
A Restaurant cheeseburger and fries with the new A cabernet in the background.
Photo by Chris Trela BURGERS
BIZ BUZZ
John Phelan Announced as New Board Chair for Segerstrom Center for the Arts
By NB Indy Staff
Segerstrom Center for the Arts has named John Phelan the new Chair of its Board of Directors. He took over for the outgoing Chairwoman, Jane Fujishige Yada, on July 1.
Phelan has served as a dedicated board
member since 2018 and is Chair of the Board Development Committee and serves on both Finance and Long-Range Planning committees. He has helped to shape the Center’s strategic direction and growth while fostering meaningful collaborations with the artistic Orange County community.
“I am honored and excited to take on this role as Chair of Segerstrom Center for the Arts,” said Phelan. “I am deeply committed to our mission, and my passion for the arts stems from a strong belief that experiencing top-notch performing arts enriches the fabric of our community by enhancing lives and cultivating shared moments through artistic exploration. I look forward to working closely with our talented artists, staff, volunteers, and students and leading our Board of Directors to further impact and reach our Orange County community.”
Jane Fujishige Yada, exiting Chairwoman, said “As I proudly pass the baton of leadership to our esteemed new chair, I am confident that his creative vision, dedication, and passion for the arts will steer our Center towards new heights of artistic excellence and innovation. It has
Degeneration
been an honor to serve as Chairwoman for these past 3 years. As I step down from my role, I do so with a heart full of gratitude for the opportunity to serve this extraordinary Center. It has been a privilege to witness the transformative power of art in our community and I leave with the satisfaction of knowing that our collective efforts have enriched the lives, sparked inspiration, fostered a deep appreciation for creativity, and have grown immensely a community of art lovers. I’m excited to see the new chair build upon our foundation and lead the Center into a vibrant exciting future.”
Casey Reitz, President and CEO of Segerstrom Center for the Arts, expressed gratitude for Yada’s unwavering commitment and visionary guidance, particularly during challenging times such as the pandemic.
“Jane’s remarkable leadership has been pivotal in sustaining the Center’s artistic community and ensuring its ongoing impact on Orange County. While she will be sincerely missed in her role as Chairwoman, her legacy will endure at the Center,” said Reitz.
About John Phelan: Phelan has served on the Center Board for the past six years as the chair of the Board Development Committee, as well as a member of the Finance Committee and the LongRange Planning Committee. He was also a member of the search committee that hired President and CEO Casey Reitz. Phelan worked in finance for over 45 years with roles as an associate partner at Andersen Consulting and various leadership roles in general management, information technology and customer service at Capital Group Companies, Inc. including Vice President of Capital Research and Management.
- Tamara W.
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Bvlgari has debuted a dramatic 5,000-square-foot boutique. Its modern design concept pays tribute to Rome’s rich heritage. Inside, guests will discover a dedicated men’s watches section, private shopping salons, and an array of Bvlgari handbags.
The South Coast Plaza flagship introduces the first-ever Bvlgari Lounge in North America—a chic bar and café offering light refreshments.
the boutique. The overall design pairs modern shapes with the Maison’s timeless design codes and a touch of whimsical details, including references to Orange County’s beach culture.
“We are thrilled to reopen our doors and invite new and familiar faces to visit Cartier South Coast Plaza,” says Walter Bolognino, President & CEO of Cartier North America. “The boutique feels like an extension of the stunning Orange County landscape and is reflective of the casual elegance of its community.”
Gucci has unveiled a newly expanded boutique spanning two floors, offering a wider selection from the House’s collections. The 17,500-square-foot flagship store’s interior design features custom marble flooring with geometric shapes drawing inspiration from designs found in historic buildings. Clean lines and understated tones are complemented by soft rich fabrics adorning the walls, along with ivory boiserie acting as a delicate backdrop to the items on display, including dedicated areas for the Gucci Valigeria travel collection on both levels. The boutique will also feature exclusive items only available at South Coast Plaza, including precious leather handbags.
Lanvin has also opened a new boutique at South Coast Plaza which follows the architectural concept by Bernard Dubois that debuted last summer with the opening of a Madison Avenue flagship on New York City’s Upper East Side. After Madison Avenue, Shenzhen, Hangzhou, Seoul and Riyadh, South Coast Plaza is the sixth boutique to open with Dubois’ bold vision of a retail architecture for Lanvin.
Drawing inspiration from the Neoclassical and Art Deco movements — two periods integral to the house’s heritage – Dubois has established a new vocabulary for the architecture and interiors of Lanvin. Elements of classical architecture including enfilades, symmetries, columns and architraves are carefully interpreted throughout. Ornamentation is spare and precise. The result is a majestic context for the renewed exuberance and chic of France’s oldest continually operating couture house.
The new South Coast Plaza boutique, spanning 1,540 square feet, showcases environmentally friendly elements, including a natural claybased material, marmorino, that recalls the landscapes of southern France. The boutique is entirely framed by it, transmitting a striking organic modernity to the space. Embracing principles of circular economy and energy conservation, recyclable aluminum panels and next generation lighting feature throughout.
“I think there is a Bvlgari before and a Bvlgari after South Coast Plaza,” CEO of Bvlgari North America, Herve Perrot, said about the new boutique. “You will see that when you visit the store. This is quite impressive.”
Cartier has completed the expansion of its newly-designed boutique. The 8,000-square-foot flagship has been thoroughly re-imagined from the exterior to the lush salons inside
‘Lanvin’s retail approach is purposeful: we are focused on identifying opportunities to showcase the new universe of the house uniquely and dynamically across womenswear, menswear, all product categories,” said Siddhartha Shukla, Lanvin Deputy General Manager.
For more information, visit www.
New Segerstrom Center Board President John Phelan. Photo courtesy of Segerstrom Center.
Actual patient
LOCAL FOCUS
When the Spine is Fine You Probably Are Too
By Richard Simon | NB Indy
“Sit Up Straight!”
As a parent, you’ve probably said that to your children—more than once.
And if those children were to have listened, Newport Beach Chiropractor Dr. Lisa Parissi most certainly would be far less busy than she is now.
Even had her more youthful patients paid attention, all that discipline may have gone out the proverbial window thanks to the inventors and marketers of smart phones, tablets and other devices whose continual and constant use have created what is widely termed “tech neck,” a condition caused by looking down at the hand-held screen for hours on end.
One could argue that Johann Gutenberg, inventor of moveable type and printer of the famous Gutenberg Bible in 1450, might have been responsible for early tech neck (Print Posture?), but, Parissi opines, readers most always look up, put their books and magazines down, then move about, thereby giving muscles and ligaments a needed break.
Today, seldom do you see someone reading a book as they amble down the street, while seemingly everybody walks, drives or rides their bikes while looking down at the smart phone screens — all potential Parissi patients. if not from tech neck then from sprains, strains and spinal misalignment.
Chiropractic is much more than crack-a-back treatment for body aches.
“The function of chiropractic is to remove interference and blockages that prevent the nervous system from working properly,” Parissi shared.
Parissi is among the one percent of chiropractors who practice “chiropractic physics,” which, she explains, is engineering of the spine.
“We look at optimal angles of the spines. Years of research have shown that anything outside of those angles will cause dysfunction of organs and muscles, often causing pain,” explained Parissi.
The beauty of chiropractic, she says, is that “We don’t chase pain, we don’t treat systems…we treat structure, fix the posture allowing functions to improve. We remold the spine into better posture to allow the biomechanics to function.” Proper posture is the goal, she emphasized.
Beyond smart phones, posture can be affected by poor sleeping positions, or slouching at one’s desk at the workplace for too many hours (“Desk Ergonomics”). The obvious solution: quit going to work!
When the head droops and the chin nears contact with one’s chest, Parissi informs that oxygen to the brain is reduced by 300 percent. Merely looking down (hello, smart phones), the
lungs receive 40 percent less oxygen. The result is “oxygen starvation” to the organs, and to the immune system… just a “heads-up” warning from the chiropractor.
Fortunately, this article is not a scientific paper, but we can share a weighty anatomical fact.
“When the head leans forward in front of the gravity line, 10 pounds
of apparent head weight is added,” Parissi said. She cites the recent case of a 90-year-old male patient who was literally warped (not a medical term) forward, down and sideways, virtually unable to stand without aids. His head was so bent forward that he could not look up; his leaned-over head weight measured 86.4 pounds. After six months of weekly treatments to “reform the ligaments,” the gentleman now stands nearly vertically and on his own; and his head has a reduced weight of 54 pounds predicated on the angle to the ground.
When positioned atop the neck correctly in line with the ideal curve of the spine, the average adult head (not counting IQ) will weigh between 11 and 12 pounds. If one’s head sits significantly forward a minuscule three inches, the forces acting on the neck increase significantly, as if the head weighed 41 pounds. The tension on the neck and shoulder muscles appreciates accordingly, pain being one side effect.
Being round-shouldered also can lead to a shorter life span, Parissi observes, because nerves become com-
CHARITY SPOTLIGHT
25th Annual Eric Marienthal & Friends Concert in Newport Beach on July 14 Raises Funds for High Hopes
By Christopher Trela | NB Indy
A musical milestone comes to Newport Beach this month to raise funds for a nonprofit organization that is changing lives.
The 25th anniversary Eric Marienthal & Friends Concert at the Hyatt Regency Newport Beach
pressed, resulting in diminished lung and heart performance and thereby causing a measurable reduction of oxygen to all the vital organs.
Parissi admits that she can’t take all of the credit for her patients’ improvements, for “75 percent of healing is patient caused,” she said. “One of my goals is to empower patients to take control of their health rather than having to visit a doctor.”
“A patient should feel at least a modicum of relief after the first treatment, showing that we’re on the right track,” Parissi claims.
Researchers in Chiropractic Biophysics over the years have concluded that 36 to 72 visits are the magic numbers in the chiropractic-aiding process, providing that the patient follows prescribed self-help regiment. In Newport Beach, she observes that most individuals are proactive in their pain management, with many coming to the office for “evaluation” rather than emergencies.
So what does a preemptive evaluation include? This aged feature writer went in to find out.
First, wear your specs, for the multipage health review is very complete — but in tiny type. It asks about current ailments, pains, site of the pain, and past and present major health issues. Parissi explains that this helps her to correlate pain (if there is any) in relation to possible organ dysfunction, which again relates to posture.
Next comes a 360-degree series of posture photos of the patient standing in front of a wall grid. The photos, when presented on a computer screen, show the patient with a green line descending from head to toe, juxtaposed to a red line indicating how the patient should be ideally standing. In my case…well, it revealed a life of contact sports, multiple bike accidents, gymnastic face plants, falling off a New Guinea jungle trail to collide with a boulder 20-yards down, 49-years of sea kayaking and slouchy TV viewing. Oh, if I could only go back to my original back.
Then come the X-rays. Those weren’t pretty, either, revealing a scoliotic spine whose misaligned vertebrae and compressed discs clearly showed from where some of my aches emanate.
Finally comes the education: enlightening. Then it’s decision time: stay as you are, consider treatment, or limp and shuffle on your merry way out.
on Sunday, July 14 is a fundraising benefit for High Hopes Brain Injury Program, a local nonprofit organization celebrating its 50th anniversary that works with people who have suffered traumatic head injuries.
Certainly, good health in large part begins with proper posture (and fewer accidents). In other words…listen to mommy, be careful and SIT UP STRAIGHT!
Dr. Parissi can be reached at (949) 387-1333, or via her website at wellnesschoice.com
Newport Beach Chiropractor Dr. Lisa Parissi working on a patient.
Lee Ritenour and Eric Marienthal at the High Hopes concert in 2023. Photo by Jim Collins.
Every year, Marienthal – a longtime Newport Beach resident and a Grammy-nominated sax player –brings together talented smooth jazz musicians for an unforgettable evening of music.
There’s also a pre-concert VIP dinner which includes reserved seating for the concert, a dessert bar, a no-host bar, and silent and live auctions.
The proceeds from the concert help economically disadvantaged individuals to receive much-needed rehabilitation services.
With the help of many guest artists who have donated their time to perform, these concerts to date have raised well over $2 million for High Hopes.
This year, Marienthal has invited jazz pianist David Benoit, who has charted more than 25 albums since 1980, and Grammy Award-winning singer Patti Austin. Marienthal has played and recorded with Benoit and Austin many times, so the concert will be special for them as well as the audience.
Marienthal first learned of High Hopes through swimming.
Mark Desmond, the visionary behind the High Hopes program’s development and High Hopes director/instructor, coached swimming for many years in Newport
Beach. In addition to training lifeguards and water polo players, Desmond coached Eric’s children, and eventually Marienthal himself. When Marienthal learned about High Hopes, he visited the High Hopes facility to see what the organization was all about.
“It sounds dramatic to say it changed my life, but in fact it did change my life,” recalled Marienthal.
“I went and saw what Mark and his staff were doing, and the people they were helping with every possible head related injury. I heard their stories. It was an emotional experience. I realized this could happen to anyone—my wife or a friend. At that point it became more personal.”
Marienthal decided to host a benefit concert for High Hopes. That first concert was held at the Costa Mesa Community Center, and based on that initial success, Marienthal held another one the following year but was able to move to the concert’s current location, that Hyatt Regency’s beautiful outdoor amphitheater.
Every year Marienthal has been able to coax his noted musician friends and special guests to perform at the concert, although it doesn’t take much coaxing when they learn of the organization the concert benefits.
“We currently help 60 people a day,” said Desmond. “Concert proceeds
help offset the costs of the program. Without the community’s help we could not serve as many people. We only have one person that pays the full fee, the others pay what they can afford, so the difference is what has to be raised every month. The concert allows us to offset the bad months where we do not make it. It’s the lifeblood of our program.”
“High Hopes is always here to help people from around the country,” added Desmond. We take those that the rest of the world gives up on. We
are here for them, and because of this concert, this provides that High Hopes will be here for generations to come.”
Tickets for the concert and sponsorships are still available. Tickets are $175 for VIPs and $75 for General Admission and are available at www.HighHopes.ws or by calling (949) 733-0044. The VIP Party starts at 3:45 p.m., with the general admission starting at 5 p.m. The music will begin at 5:30 p.m.
PIZZERIA SAPORI NOW OPEN NEXT DOOR!
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.
Guests peruse the silent auction items at the High Hopes concert in 2023.
Photo by Jim Collins.
City Manager
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adjacent to Newport Elementary School.
The City appreciates the community’s patience and understanding as we work to enhance the Peninsula infrastructure. Phase 2 of the project is scheduled to begin after Labor Day.
NBPD Assists With Junior Lifeguards Program Safety
This summer, the Newport Beach Police Department’s Traffic Division and dedicated volunteers are assisting the Newport Beach Junior Lifeguard Program to ensure that all participants arrive safely at their destination.
The program began on June 18, bringing in NBPD volunteers and officers from different divisions to assist with the busy morning and afternoon sessions. We are committed to the safety and well-being of our community, especially our young lifeguards in training. The NBPD team will be out in full force this summer managing pedestrian traffic at the ferry, providing assistance, and ensuring a smooth and secure environment for all.
Sign Up Today! Summer Reading Program Runs through July 27
The Newport Beach Public Library’s popular Summer Reading Program
runs through July 27. Sign up today for a summer of great books, prizes, free family activities, science programs, entertaining performances and more!
Stop by any library location or visit www.newportbeachlibrary.org to learn how you can join the fun. The Summer Reading Program is for all ages, from children and teens to adults.
The Summer Reading Program is generously funded by the Friends of the Library and the Newport Beach Public Library Foundation.
Ride the Peninsula Trolley for Free
The Balboa Peninsula Trolley is a free service to get you moving around the Peninsula easily, without having to pay for parking or finding a place to park.
The trolley operates on Saturdays and Sundays from 10 a.m. until 9:30 p.m. during the summer and will be in service during the summer’s major holidays.
Join Us July 12 for ‘Kung Fu Panda 4’ at Marina Park
Bring your family and friends to Marina Park and enjoy a screening of the animated movie “Kung Fu Panda 4” on Friday, July 12. The event begins at 7 p.m.; showtime is at sunset. There will be fun activities, free popcorn, and food available for
purchase. Remember to bring a chair and blanket for comfortable seating during the movie.
Visit the Marina Park Sailing and Boating Center for Summer Fun
The hot days of summer have finally arrived! If you feel like cooling off on the water, visit the Marina Park Sailing and Boating Center.
The Center offers drop-in rentals of single and double kayaks, as well as stand-up paddleboards. To schedule a group rental, please call ahead to (949) 270-8160.
The Sailing and Boating Center also provides public access to Newport Harbor with its large fleet of sailboats for rent.
If a sailor has learned to sail in City classes or comes with previous experience, they can rent J22 keelboats or 16-foot RS Quest dinghies through the City’s Sail Pass program.
All sailors must be at least 18 years of age to participate.
New Swing Set Installed at W. Newport Park
The City recently installed a new swing set in West Newport Park, located at Seashore Drive and Prospect Street.
The new double-bay swing set includes bucket swings for ages 2-5
and belt swings for ages 5-12.
West Newport Park is one of 30 parks in the City that provides public playground equipment.
Be Well Mobile Crisis Response
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.
Last week, the Be Well team:
• Transported three people to the Costa Mesa Bridge Shelter.
• Transported three people to crisis stabilization units for treatment.
• Transported three people to the Be Well sobering station.
• Transported six people to homeless service providers.
• Transported a person home to family after he experienced a mental health crisis.
• Transported a person to a train station to return home.
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.
• 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
Newport Theatre
PAGE 4
Donze’s Chelsea maintains a brittle façade of good cheer even in the face of dealing with the crusty Norman’s withering remarks. That nonchalant demeanor ultimately cracks as Chelsea releases pent-up bitterness over her father’s making her feel “like a little fat girl.”
Even while well-educated and wellspoken, Tanng’s Bill is a bit decorous, even nerdy, and alongside Williams’s blunt, confrontational smart-mouth, he seems even more civil. Ethan Horner is endearingly ingenuous as Bill’s young son Billy, and Tevin C. Phelps is cheerful and easygoing as Charlie, the local postman who was Chelsea’s teen boyfriend and still possibly carries a torch for her.
Overall, Thompson knows these characters well and has taken the care to write credible dialogue for them.
Whitmyer and Donze have notably affecting moments, and their scenes, and those where Norman develops a pleasing rapport with Horner’s Billy, will put a smile on your face.
At its core, this is a drama about family issues, connections and interactions. It’s also about mortality and the ways we deal with that imminent aspect of human existence.
“On Golden Pond” isn’t, by any means, the great American play, but as NTAC’s fine production shows us, it’s certainly a good one.
Newport Theatre Arts Center, 2501 Cliff Drive, Newport Beach. Through
Burgers
PAGE 5
onion, roasted tomato, butter lettuce, secret sauce and a challah bun, accompanied by a mound of herb fries. I usually pair this with a glass of Opolo zinfandel or sometimes a smoked old fashioned cocktail.
I asked Chef Jared Cook why his Olea burger is so damn good. His answer: the burger patty is 100 percent American wagyu chuck, coarse ground.
“I tried 30 different blends until I found the best one,” explained Cook. “We add Lolla Rosa lettuce, which is red and kind of bitter, smoked onion and mushroom, Worcestershire sauce, taleggio cheese, and whole grain mustard.”
His fries are also notable—crisp on the outside, soft inside.
“We soak the fries then fry them once, cool them, and fry them again,” said Cook.
This is an excellent burger and takes two hands to handle. The fries are amazing, and this does pair perfectly with the zinfandel.
The only time you won’t see me wolfing down an Olea burger is if
Festival of Chefs Charity Event at Newport Beach Country Club July 14 Will Benefit Kidworks
By NB Indy Staff
The Orange County culinary community has become known for its participation in charity events, including several held in Newport Beach.
The Festival of Chefs is one of those events. It was launched in 2021 to benefit Kidworks, a nonprofit organization that serves youth and families in several neighborhoods of central Santa Ana through a licensed preschool, after-school programs, tutoring, mentoring, college and career readiness, family services, and leadership development.
This year’s Festival of Chefs takes place on Sunday, July 14 from 5 to 9 p.m. at the Newport Beach Country Club event lawn. More than 40 chefs and restaurants are participating this year, including many from Newport Beach.
The Host Chef is Graeme Blair from Newport Beach Country Club. More than a dozen local chefs and restaurants from Newport Beach and Laguna Beach are participating, including:
• A Restaurant & CDM Restaurant
– Elvis Morales
• Balboa Bay Resort & Club –Prabeen Prathapan
• Cannery Seafood of the Pacific –Kevin Jones
• C’est la Vie – Enrique Valenzuela
• Marriott Newport Beach – Jonathan Stanley
• Nirvana Kirchen & Pantry – Lindsay Smith
• Pacific Club – David Martin
• Pendry Newport Beach – Ben Martinek
• SET at Pendry Newport Beach –James Jung
• Renaissance Newport Beach –Paul Bauer
• Surf & Sand Resort – Ron Fougeray
• The Lido House – Riley Huddleston
• The Pelican Hill Resort – Kyung Carroll
• Vivante Newport Center – Michael Nirtaut
Guests can savor the chefs’ creations and enjoy a fabulous wine tasting before a special KidWorks presentation.
Sponsorships and single tickets are available on the Kidworks website at https://kidworksoc.org/chefs.
Olea cheeseburger. Photo by Chris Trela
Burgers
I am dining with an Olea newbie— then I make them order the burger. They are never disappointed.
Visit www.oleanewportbeach.com.
The Mayor’s Table at Lido House Hotel
In my ongoing quest to find the best burgers in Newport Beach, I headed to The Mayor’s Table at Lido House Hotel, where Executive Chef and Partner Riley Huddleston is serving a memorable cheeseburger and awardwinning fries.
The cheeseburger is a hefty half pound of American wagyu beef topped with cheddar cheese, heritage bacon, umami grilled onion, and garlic aioli, served with chef’s famous fries. Prior to coming to So Cal, Huddleston owned Boise Fry Company in Idaho, which won several Best Fries titles. Those are the fries served at the Mayor’s Table, and they are indeed amazing fries.
According to Huddleston, to make a perfect burger you can’t skimp on ingredients.
“Our bacon is pecan smoked and it’s thicker—you need that bite. It’s all about texture in a burger, and simplicity. If you put too much on a burger it loses what a burger is about.”
The Mayor’s Table cheeseburger holds up to the hype, and the fries are addicting—the seasoning is outstanding.
I returned to The Mayor’s Table a few weeks later when Huddleston launched a new dinner menu that includes experiential and tableside offerings. This overhaul marks the most significant change to the Mayor’s Table menu since its inception in 2018.
According to press information, the new menu is the collaborative efforts of Huddleston, Executive Chef Jonathan de la Cruz, and Chef de Cuisine
Nicholas Escobar and showcases their take on reimagined American cuisine.
Huddleston calls the new menu “exciting, experiential, and approachable as well as intentionally sourced and thoughtfully crafted. Our goal is to create unforgettable dining experiences that engage all the senses, while honoring local ingredients and the dedicated artisans behind them.”
Shareable starters include a Spring Onion Dip served with housemade pillow bread, and Banana & Caviar Service with sherry-roasted banana puree topped with Petrossian caviar and a side stack of banana blinis.
Tableside offerings range from Weiser Farms’ Beet Tartare (a vegetarian twist on the classic steak dish), a Charcoal-Grilled Tomahawk, and aromatic Lido Chowder served with bacon broth siphoned over grilled seafood.
The dish that tempted my palate was Charred Spanish Octopus with harrisa (chili pepper paste), torn potatoes and garlic aioli. It’s a hearty dish, and the octopus is tender and filling.
Another new option is a culinary journey called “Dine Like a Mayor,” a prix-fixe menu featuring Huddleston’s daily selection of starters, entrees, and desserts.
Mayor’s Table is open daily for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, as well as brunch on weekends. In addition to its patios and dining room, the restaurant also features a cozy fireplace lounge, a lively central bar area, and a 14-seat private dining Captain’s Table.
And for those who wonder about the name, The Mayor’s Table and Lido House Hotel are on the site of Newport’s old city hall. Visit www.lidohousehotel.com/ mayors-table-pacific-pub.html for more details.
9/13 RICHIE KOTZEN with Mark Daly 9/14 JOURNEY USA (J ourney T ribu T e ) 9/15 BENISE: Fiesta! 9/19 THE MAN IN BLACK (J ohnny C ash T ribu T e ) 9/20 WILD CHILD (T he doors T ribu T e ) 9/22 JANE MONHEIT 9/25 ANA POPOVIC 9/27 DAVE MASON 9/28 ORIANTHI 10/3 ZEBRA 10/4 DAVE MASON
10/5 KIMBERLY PERRY (of The Band Perry) 10/6 DAVE HAUSE
10/9 AL DiMEOLA The Electric Years 10/10 HENRY KAPONO 10/11 HENRY KAPONO 10/12 PABLO CRUISE
10/16 JIMMIE VAUGHAN 10/18 GARY PUCKETT & THE UNION GAP
10/20 THE YOUNG DUBLINERS 10/25 MIRAGE (F lee T wood m a C T ribu T e )
10/30 THE MUSICAL BOX 10/31 OINGO BOINGO FORMER MEMBERS UNTOUCHABLES 11/1 OINGO BOINGO FORMER MEMBERS UNTOUCHABLES 11/2 VENICE 11/3 THE WINEHOUSE EXPERIENCE ( a my w inehouse T ribu T e ) 11/8 COMMON SENSE 11/9 TYRONE WELLS 11/13 JOHN HIATT 11/15 RONSTADT REVIVAL 11/16 JOSHUA RADIN & RON POPE 11/22 SPACE ODDITY ( d avid b owie T ribu T e )
11/23 RUFUS WAINWRIGHT 11/26 LEONID & FRIENDS (C hi C a G o T ribu T e )
11/27 BEATLES VS STONES 11/29 THE PLATTERS
11/30 LEE ROCKER of the Stray Cats 12/4 LIVINGSTON TAYLOR and LOUDON WAINWRIGHT III
12/11 DAVID BENOIT
12/12 KY-MANI MARLEY
12/15 THE GLENN MILLER ORCHESTRA
12/21 AMBROSIA Holiday show
12/29 L.A. GUNS
12/31 THE ENGLISH BEAT 1/10 TOMMY CASTRO & The Painkillers 1/24 GENE LOVES JEZEBEL / BOW WOW WOW
2/16 INCENDIO w / a rdeshir F arah ( o F s T runz & F arah ) 3/6 ALTAN
