LOCAL FOCUS SCUBA Divers Make an Eco-Splash for Trash
Battery-Powered Patrol
I would like to recognize the late Assemblymember and Senator Marian Bergeson as the Upper Newport Bay Bridge is dedicated in her memory.
Bergeson (1925-2016) was a trailblazing leader whose career in public office has served as an inspiration for many women in politics.
Dedicating the bridge in Bergeson’s name was an idea championed by Assemblymember and former Newport Beach City Councilmember Diane Dixon, supported by both houses of the California Legislature as Assembly Concurrent Resolution 93. The dedication ceremony was attended by many former and current elected officials, longtime colleagues, staff members, family, friends and community members.
Bergeson was the first woman to serve in both the California State Assembly and California State Senate. She served in the State Legislature from 1978 to 1995, was a member of the Orange County Board of Supervisors from 1995 to 1996, and was the California State Secretary of Education from 1996 to 1999. She served two terms on the
NEWPORT BEACH CITY MANAGER UPDATE BY GRACE LEUNG/ NEWPORT BEACH CITY MANAGER
GRACE LEUNG
HARBOR MASTER PAUL BLANK IN THE HARBOR DEPARTMENT’S NEW ELECTRIC VESSEL AS IT CRUISES NEWPORT HARBOR. PHOTO BY CHRIS TRELA
New HD-EV Vessel ‘Sparky’ (cont.
BY RICHARD SIMON | NB INDY
In this 21st century, many of the world’s leading naval powers have chosen to propel some of their latest vessels via electric motors. When operating, these ships are quieter than a seagull feather floating to a soft landing on a beach towel.
Though hardly a naval power, Newport’s Harbor Department has now joined the ranks of the world’s “silent services” with their recent acquisition of the first “HD-EV,” the institutionally bland identifier that stands for Harbor DepartmentElectric Vessel. However, in keeping with nautical tradition, the 14 team members of the Harbor Department have nicknamed her Sparky, shared Harbor Master Paul Blank. Nicknames for ships float way back in nautical history; Sparky joins such famous nicknamed sisters as “Old Ironsides,” “The Big E,” “Mighty Mo” and “The Galloping Ghost of the Oahu Coast.”
With her delivery by builder VITA Power to the now four-vessel Harbor Master fleet, Sparky became “the first all-electric workboat delivered to any public agency in the United States,” Blank stated.
For the past five years (first as a harbor commissioner then as Harbor Master), Blank has been working with VITA’s sister company, AQUA Super Power, to introduce a universal, publicly accessible vessel charging station to Newport Harbor.
He expects to debut Newport’s first such station at Marina Park by the end of the year, to be available to the public
from page 1)
from 0800 to 2000 (okay, landlubbers, that’s 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.). During the overnight hours, however, that charging station belongs to Sparky, who will ingest all the electrons she’ll ever need for more than 10-hours of continuous patrol.
Although capable of speeds of up to 30 knots (about 34.5 miles per hour), Sparky will doubtlessly maintain patrol speed of five knots, the posted limit for all vessels piloting the harbor. In fact, at “speeds appropriate for the harbor, our experience shows that the boat is performing well above that requirement and may be capable of running for more than 20 hours,” Blank said.
Sparky has joined more than 2,000 other battery-powered sisters in the harbor, the first being introduced more than 50 years ago by Marshal “Duffy” Duffield. In total, Newport is home to more than 9,000 vessels either moored, tied up, dry stored or privately plugged in.
Uniquely, there are 51 live-aboard permits issued; that “live-aboard community is an important constituent in the harbor, and as extra eyes and ears they contribute greatly to the safety and enjoyment of the harbor,” Blank apprised.
Sparky didn’t come cheap: with options, including an “inclement weather enclosure,” she cost just short of $230,000. However, Blank said that the manufacturer received a voucher for $113,000 from the Clean Off-Road Equipment program, via the California Air Resources Board. This grant trimmed Newport’s cash
purchase to $116,000. Although City policy for small vessels under 30-feet is to amortize the costs over a 10-yearperiod, Blank feels that Sparky will operate for much longer—as much as 20 years.
Whereas the older gas-powered patrol boats each burn one gallon per hour at $5.00 a gallon, Sparky will consume but 46 cents per hour of electricity, “all the while producing zero emissions,” Blank claimed.
Despite the obvious fuel savings, Blank has no plans at this time to retire Sparky’s well-functioning elder siblings.
Whereas the Orange County Harbor Patrol is a law enforcement service of the Orange County Sheriff ’s Department, the Harbor Department is responsible for many of the harborrelated programs, according to the City website, which describes the staff as “ambassadors” of the harbor. They conduct daily patrols and provide services to the community and visitors, according to the city’s website. The team is entrusted with educating the community and coordinating the use of anchorages and mooring fields, as well as managing the city’s guest marina, its 15 public docks, Marina Park, and renting available slip space and moorings.
Because Newport Harbor is a major draw for the community and visitors alike, maintaining its world class quality is the raison d’être of the Harbor Master. It should come as no shock that Sparky (with her electric personality) has joined the team.
• CITY MANAGER
Cont. from page 1
California Transportation Commission from 2004 to 2012. She began her political career when she was elected to the Newport-Mesa Unified School District Board of Education in 1964, where she served for 12 years.
The bridge dedication is a fitting tribute that will serve as a visible reminder of Bergeson’s remarkable legacy of public service to Newport Beach, Orange County and the State of California.
STAY INFORMED ABOUT UPCOMING GENERAL PLAN UPDATE EVENTS
For the past six months, the City has worked with the General Plan Advisory Committee and General Plan Update Steering Committee to conduct community outreach and engagement toward development of a comprehensive update of the City’s General Plan.
This initial effort is documented in a report, the phase one outreach summary, now available for public review. Nearly 6,000 community members stopped by one of the popup event booths or engaged through visiting and navigating the website.
The City is now preparing for phase two of the outreach effort. In the coming months, the City will be asking residents for additional participation and input in person and online through www.newportbeachca.gov/gpupdate.
Any questions or feedback can also be submitted to GPUpdate@ newportbeachca.gov.
• see CITY MANAGER page 8
City Council Candidates Sign Code of Conduct
BY FORMER NEWPORT BEACH
MAYOR NANCY GARDNER
Good Neighbor Newport, a volunteer group of residents who are involved and passionate about the City of Newport Beach, is pleased to report that five of the six Newport Beach City Council candidates who will be on the ballot this November have signed its Election Code of Conduct.
They are for District 2 (Michelle Barto and Nancy Scarbrough); for District 5 (Jeff Herdman); and for District 7 (Miles Patircola and Sara Weber).
In signing the Code, candidates agree to present their records and policy ideas frankly and ensure that any criticism of their opponents is fair and accurate.
“We were troubled that so much campaigning is in a negative vein. We think people want to hear about issues, not insults,” said Chace Warmington, GNN member.
Independent groups and fervent supporters can be a source of misinformation.
Understanding that this is sometimes
outside the control of candidates, the Code asks that they repudiate misrepresentations and misstatements from such sources quickly and firmly.
“The less time candidates have to spend denying lies and clearing up misinformation, the more time they can devote to telling voters exactly what they will try to accomplish if elected,” said Paul Watkins, another GNN member.
“Running a clean and respectful campaign is a great way for them to demonstrate their values and show that they will put the best interests of the
city and community first,” said Keith Curry, former Newport Beach mayor. Good Neighbor Newport is a volunteer group of residents who are involved and passionate about the City of Newport Beach. Members include former mayors; former and current members of city boards, commissions and committees; leaders of local environmental and other non-profit groups; and three citizens of the year. It is a diverse group in terms of age, expertise and politics. This diversity is fundamental to its mission: to preserve and protect the quality of life of Newport Beach.
BY NB INDY STAFF
$25 Million Gift to Hoag Will Establish Comprehensive Substance Use Treatment Facility
District 1
Joe Stapleton (2026) Councilmember jstapleton@newportbeachca.gov
District 2
Brad Avery (2024) Councilmember BAvery@NewportBeachCa.gov
District 3
Eric Weigand (2026) Councilmember eweigand@newportbeachca.gov
District 4
Robyn Grant (2026) Councilmember rgrant@newportbeachca.gov
Hoag has announced a $25 million gift that will establish the CareMar Recovery Center, a new comprehensive addiction treatment powerhouse unlike any other in Orange County, on Hoag’s campus. The facility will deliver wraparound services for people seeking recovery and families impacted by the related challenges.
The gift was made by members of the Martin and Pickup families, Newport Beach philanthropists who have long supported Hoag in ways that shaped its services and programs.
Carole Pickup, mother of Devon Martin and Todd Pickup, was the inspiration behind the contribution made by her family, honoring her decades of advocacy for substance use recovery resources across Orange County.
Together, Carole Pickup, Devon Martin and her husband Kevin Martin, along with Todd Pickup and his wife Natalie Pickup, made the generous gift to create a new, multi-level facility on the south campus of Hoag Hospital Newport Beach, facing the Pacific Coast Highway.
“It’s been a longtime goal of our family to work with Hoag to create a facility that people know they can turn to with the resources to change their lives for
• see HOAG page 12
* indicates term limit
District 5
Noah Blom (2024) Mayor nblom@newportbeachca.gov
District 6
Lauren Kleiman (2026) Councilmember lkleiman@newportbeachca.gov
District 7
Will O’Neill (2024) Mayor Pro Tem woneill@newportbeachca.gov
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LOCAL FOCUS
SCUBA Divers Make an Eco-Splash at the Newport Harbor Underwater Cleanup Oct. 21
It’s surprising what you can find at the bottom of Newport Harbor.
Bicycles, toolboxes, traffic cones, even a boat. There’s lots of plastic and things that have fallen off boats—not that boaters are dumping stuff deliberately; they just wind up in the harbor.
On one memorable occasion, a diver found a gun. “We informed the police and they said don’t touch it,” explained boatman Guy Harden. “Two divers stayed there until the police showed up, saying the gun was part of an investigation. We never heard anything about it after that, sorry to say.”
Newport Harbor got an aquatic boost on Saturday, Oct. 21 after the fourth annual Newport Harbor Underwater Cleanup arrived at Marina Park on Balboa Peninsula to seek out and collect underwater trash.
Around 60 SCUBA divers and 125 “above-water” volunteers answered the call to make the bottom of the harbor a cleaner place. The event was part of the larger Coastal Cleanup Day along the OC shore.
Explained dive safety officer David Mansfield, “There’ll be divers on multiple boats all over Newport Harbor plus others diving off the beaches. Then there are the above-water people: their job is to clean the beaches and beach heads.
And all trash isn’t of equal importance.
“I’ve personally collected up to 10 pounds, but the entire event collects hundreds of pounds,” said diver Amy Meier. “Some of the most important stuff doesn’t weigh very much: plastic scraps that get eaten and become part of the food chain. They look like sea life, so if you can see them and get them out of the water before they break down any further and get eaten, that makes a difference. A beer bottle in the ocean doesn’t do much harm but plastic does.”
The cleanup began at 9 a.m. as a dozen boats loaded up with divers and headed for prechosen spots in the harbor, each diver equipped with a mesh collecting bag. While the subaquatic searching was random in some places, other target areas had been scoped out a week before, yielding a bigger return
on the divers’ efforts.
The harbor is no more than 20 feet deep, meaning that divers had to avoid passing boats whose propellers would stir up sediment and obscure vision.
In addition, the divers wore powerful flashlights on their wrists and were careful not to stir up sediment with their foot-long flippers.
Wearing SCUBA outfits costing anywhere from $2,500 to $10,000, the volunteer divers expressed their commitment to the project.
“It’s a new experience and we expect to find all sorts of stuff,” said diver Claire Brown. “We love the ocean and want to give back some of the joy we get from it. We know other people do too.”
Noelle Daniels echoed the sentiment:
“The ocean brings me so much peace and joy. It’s my way of giving back and taking care of the ocean. I love the ocean, and a lot of people don’t realize how much trash there is out there. We need the ocean to have everything on earth.”
By 11 a.m., the dive boats were returning to Marina Park with their loads of recovered refuse. After being unloaded on the pier, the trash was piled on a boat owned by Apex Diving who in turn transferred it to a C.R. & R. dumpster for final disposal.
David Mansfield pronounced it a good haul.
“We didn’t get the big stuff this year but we got plenty all the same. I’m grateful to the volunteers who made it such a successful event.”
Newport Resident’s Themed Playhouse from HomeAid OC Brings Joy
BY JASMINE JENKINS | SPECIAL TO THE NB INDY
For the first time since 2012, the Project Playhouse fundraiser returns to Orange County through Saturday, Oct. 5, at the Irvine Spectrum. This event, which took place annually from 1992 to 2012, supports HomeAid Orange County in addressing homelessness.
Gina Cunningham, executive
director of HomeAid Orange County, explained that HomeAid’s mission is to “build a future without homelessness” through their programs. Project Playhouse assists in achieving this vision by raising funds through ticket sales, sponsorships, donations, and the playhouse auction.
“As HomeAid celebrates 35 years in our community,” continued
Cunningham, “the time felt right to bring back this crowd favorite.”
Though Project Playhouse took a hiatus 12 years ago, one playhouse in particular continues to brighten days and touch hearts.
Newport Beach resident Susan Doan owns the last playhouse ever auctioned, built by Shea Homes. The house, made to look like the house in “A Christmas Story,” has all of the details a playhouse could offer, complete with fake food, a pink bunny suit, a Red Ryder rifle, and even running water and electricity.
The “Christmas Story” playhouse isn’t the only one Susan owns. She bought a Seaside Cottage-themed playhouse 20 years ago, which remains at her former house in Silverado. She also joined the Project Playhouse committee, contributing to HomeAid’s mission.
According to Susan, HomeAid is “one of the best charities in Orange County because they don’t just collect money…they build stuff, they do stuff.”
In 2012, Project Playhouse came to
BY SPENCER GRANT | SPECIAL TO THE NB INDY
Classic Albums Live in concert.
Diver Jessica Larson passes newly-found trash to Guy Harden. / Photo by Spencer Grant
Barbie Dreamhouse by City Ventures, one of the playhouses in the 2024 Project Playhouse benefiting HomeAid Orange County
(And Donald Tr ump should never, ever be P President again.)
By Bob Mister
I am an 80-year-old Laguna Beach resident who has lived in town for 46 years. The first time I could vote for president, I voted for Barry Goldwater in 1964. I graduated from college and was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant in the U.S. Army in 1966. I happily voted for Richard Nixon twice because, back then, Republicans supported the military. I received an honorable discharge in 1969 with the rank of Captain.
I point this out so that the former Republican Party, now the Trump Party, will not label me as a Communistor a crazy San Francisco liberal.
The President of the United States is the Commander-in-Chief of the largest and most powerful military in the world. Donald Trump is not even close to being fit to lead our military. Let's talk about the Trump family's commitment to military service – Trump's father could have served in WWII but his claim to fame was being arrested at a Ku Klux Klan rally in New York. As most of you know, Donald Trump received 4 deferments during the Vietnam War for bone spurs from a doctor who was renting office space from Trump's father.
which foot.
When asked years later, young Donald couldn't remember Donald Trumps's two oldest sons could have served in the Iraq-Afghan war but were busy shooting big game animals in Africa (which the former president still brags about their being such great marksmen). If he and his family's lack of service isn't enough, Trump proudly claims he is smarter than career military generals.
In case you have forgotten, many of the distinguished officers who served under him in the White House, along with his Secretary of Defense and his National Security Advisor, have publicly stated that Trump is unfit to lead our military.
If that wasn't enough, Donald Trump has called dead and wounded soldiers
He also declared the late Senator John McCain wasn't a hero because he was captured and spent 5-plus years as a POW in North Vietnam. Medal of Freedom to his biggest campaign contributor and said it was more important than the Medal of Honor, which is given to our military heroes.
Lastly, you might recall Trump arranged a photo op at Arlington National Cemetery for political purposes. That "event" was roundly criticized by veterans organizations and military officers coast to coast.
Donald Trumps's two oldest sons could have served in the Iraq-Afghan war but were busy , many of the distinguished officers who served under him in the "losers and suckers." captured and spent 5-plus years as a POW in North Vietnam. More recently, Trump gave the political purposes. That "event" was roundly criticized by veterans organizations and which I will discuss in future opinion pieces; but suffice it to say, I hope this will
There are more reasons Donald Trump should not step foot in the White House again, which I will discuss in future opinion pieces; but suffice it to say, I hope this will register with current and former military personnel who are on the fence when it comes to November's presidential election.
As a former Army Captain, I have made up my mind.
THE COACH HOUSE
www.thecoachhouse.com
TICKETS and DINNER RESERVATIONS: 949-496-8930
9/28 ORIANTHI
9/29 RICHARD STEKOL BENEFIT
ft Honk/Missiles/133’s/Funky Kings
10/1 DELVON LAMARR ORGAN TRIO
10/3 ZEBRA
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
10/13 JIMMY WEBB
10/15 MARIA MULDAUR - W ay P ast M idnight
10/16 JIMMIE VAUGHAN
10/17 GROUNDATION
10/18 GARY PUCKETT & THE UNION GAP
10/19 BRETT DENNEN - g olden s ate of M ind t our
10/20 THE YOUNG DUBLINERS
10/24 WAYWARDS SONS
10/25 MIRAGE ( f leet W ood M ac t ribute )
10/26 STRYPER 40th Anniversary Tour
10/27 FREDDY JONES BAND
10/30 THE MUSICAL BOX
10/31 OINGO BOINGO FORMER MEMBERS
11/1 OINGO BOINGO FORMER MEMBERS
11/2 VENICE
11/3 THE WINEHOUSE EXPERIENCE
11/7 MATTHEW SWEET Acoustic Trio
11/8 COMMON SENSE
11/9 TYRONE WELLS
11/13 JOHN HIATT
11/14 THE SWEET
11/15 RONSTADT REVIVAL
11/16 JOSHUA RADIN & RON POPE
11/22 SPACE ODDITY ( d avid b o W ie t ribute )
11/23 RUFUS WAINWRIGHT
11/24 CRTL + Z ft M arc b onilla , t ho M as l ang , r ic f ierabracci , a lex M achacek & J onathan s indel M an
11/26 LEONID & FRIENDS ( c hicago t ribute )
11/27 LEONID & FRIENDS ( c hicago t ribute )
11/29 THE PLATTERS
11/30 LEE ROCKER of the Stray Cats
12/4 LIVINGSTON TAYLOR and LOUDON WAINWRIGHT III
12/6 WHICH ONE’S PINK? (P ink f loyd t ribute )
12/7 WHICH ONE’S PINK? (P ink f loyd t ribute )
12/8 SANDRA BERNHARD
12/11 DAVID BENOIT
12/12 KY-MANI MARLEY
12/13 ABBA Holly Jolly Christmas
12/14 THE HIGHWAYMAN
12/15 GLENN MILLER ORCHESTRA
12/19 A VERY WHITNEY CHRISTMAS
12/20 FLOCK OF SEAGULLS 12/21 AMBROSIA
12/22 GARY HO-HO-HOEY
12/27 BEATLES VS STONES
12/28 DRAMARAMA
12/29 L.A. GUNS
12/31 THE ENGLISH BEAT
1/10 TOMMY CASTRO
1/11 AC/DC vs OZZY
1/12 BURTON CUMMINGS
1/17 DADA
1/18 DSB (J ourney t ribute )
1/23 PAT TRAVERS
1/24 GENE LOVES JEZEBEL
/ BOW WOW WOW
1/26 WHAT’S NEW PUSSY
CAT? ( t o M J ones t ribute )
1/30 CANNED HEAT
1/31 DESPERADO ( e agles )
2/1 DESPERADO ( e agles )
2/8 LED ZEPAGAIN
2/16 INCENDIO
3/6 ALTAN
3/13 SONS OF CREAM
3/28 KIDS OF CHARLEMAGNE
3/29 SUPER DIAMOND
4/06 HERMAN’S HERMITS
Starring Peter Noone
4/06 HERMAN’S HERMITS
Starring Peter Noone
• PLAYHOUSE
Cont. from page 6
an end. Despite already owning the Seaside Cottage, Susan felt compelled to bring the last playhouse home with her.
“It was the very, very, very last house up for auction, and I knew I wanted another playhouse, and the only way to get another playhouse is to buy this one.”
Now, over a decade later, the playhouse still brings joy to children and adults alike.
Susan’s children and grandchildren may have outgrown it, but her neighbors’ kids visit often, continuing the playhouse’s legacy.
The playhouse proves especially useful during Susan’s annual Christmas party.
Attendees with children can enjoy themselves knowing their kids are safe and having a great time in the backyard. The playhouse even fits the Christmas theme perfectly.
Susan’s neighbor, Dana Quebbeman, spoke of her experience with the playhouse and the importance of creative play in childhood development as her children, Taryn and Dane, played with 2-year-old Enrique, Susan’s friend’s son.
“I think that’s so important, from a teacher’s perspective and a mom’s perspective, to model play and have them free play like that” shared Dana. For her kids, the playhouse helps them develop important skills like turntaking, creativity, and conversational skills.
Susan’s history with playhouses goes much further back than Project Playhouse. As a child, she and her twin sister loved playhouses, even converting a neighbor’s chicken coop into a playhouse of their own.
“I’ve always kind of had a passion for these darling little playhouses,” shared Susan, reminiscing about her childhood.
This passion followed her into adulthood, when she built an entire playhouse for her children. Now, her love of playhouses brings joy not only to herself, but to her community.
This year’s playhouses include a Barbie dream house, a doghouse, a surf shack, a “charm house,” and a modern cottage. The auction party will be on October 5.
For more information, or to purchase tickets for a walkthrough of Project Playhouse, visit homeaidoc.org/events/ pp2024.
• CITY MANAGER
Cont. from page 3
What will Newport Beach look like in 2050? Your participation is critical to guiding and shaping the General Plan update.
FIRE, LIFEGUARD APPRECIATION DINNER CELEBRATES LIFESAVING WORK
The Newport Beach Chamber of Commerce hosted the Annual Newport Beach Fire and Lifeguard Appreciation Dinner on September 11 at the VEA Hotel. The event highlighted stories of courage, heroism and the lifesaving work performed by the Newport Beach Fire Department and other first responders over the past year.
The evening celebrated the exceptional actions of our firefighters and lifeguards who put themselves in harm’s way to protect our community. From water rescues to emergency medical responses and wildfire support, these first responders play an invaluable role in keeping Newport Beach safe.
The Newport Beach Fire Department would like to thank the Chamber of Commerce for hosting the event and the community for its support.
NBPD LEADS DECOY OPERATION TARGETING UNDERAGE ALCOHOL SALES
Earlier this month, detectives from the Newport Beach Police Department (NBPD), in cooperation with the California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC), conducted a decoy operation aimed at clerks who sell alcohol to people under 21 years of age.
The operation involved adult decoys who attempted to purchase alcohol under the supervision of law enforcement officers. The decoys attempted to purchase alcohol from six liquor stores in Newport Beach. Of these businesses, one clerk sold alcohol to the decoy. The other five businesses correctly carded the underage decoys and refused to sell alcohol to them.
Selling alcoholic beverages to those under 21 may result in fines of up to $1,000 and/or community service for a first violation. In addition, ABC will take administrative action against the alcoholic beverage license belonging to the businesses where the illegal sales occurred. Possible repercussions include fines, suspension of the establishment’s liquor license or permanent revocation of the license.
STEPPING OUT / SOUNDCHECK
BY SIMONE GOLDSTONE, NB INDY SOUNDCHECK COLUMNIST
Musical Version of ‘Mrs. Doubtfire’ at Segerstrom Center Celebrates Unconventional Families
It doesn’t matter what a family looks like as long as there’s love.
That’s the message of the musical “Mrs. Doubtfire” starring Tony Award nominated Rob McClure as Daniel Hillard/Mrs. Doubtfire. The play is currently touring the country, electrifying the original story by setting it in modern times.
A perfect balance of hilarity and heartfelt moments, “Mrs. Doubtfire” is coming to Segerstrom September 24 through October 6.
McClure talked to the Newport Beach Indy about the nationwide run of this spectacular Broadway musical.
NB INDY: Prior to Catherine Brunell (Broadway: “Mean Girls,” “Something Rotten,” “Les Mis”) joining the cast as Miranda Hillard, your real-life wife, Maggie Lakis, played the role of your on-stage divorced wife. Getting to work with your spouse, especially on a music about the bonds of family, is a once-in-alifetime experience. How was it working with Maggie?
MCCLURE: It’s the best. Maggie just finished her run when my daughter started kindergarten, and I’ll be right behind Maggie. After the six-year journey with this show, I only have three weeks left but I’m soaking up
every second. Getting to work with Maggie was one of the great pleasures of my life. We’ve been together 20 years and it’s the seventh time we have worked together. Seeing her working with legends like Jerry Zaks (the Tony Award winning director) is like seeing your friend playing major league baseball.
NB INDY: What is your favorite part of the musical being set in the 21st century?
MCCLURE: I would say that taking what they did in 1993 and having it set in modern times really removes the stigma of the divorced family. The movie was revolutionary in how it handled divorce. The happy moment wasn’t the parents getting back together. Unlike “The Parent Trap,” it was the first movie suggesting that the couple was better off apart, and what the musical has done is that it has further expanded that notion of unconventional families. A family can look like anything as long as there’s love.
Frank Hillard (the brother of Daniel/ Mrs. Doubtfire played by Aaron Kaburick) is this comic relief but in the play, him and Andre go on their own adoption journey and that runs parallel to Daniel as Mrs. Doubtfire. Watching
that come to fruition at the end of the play furthers the message that a family can look like anything. And that’s important to tell now.
I’ve gotten letters from over 300 people who saw the show and were surprised how much the musical moved them. It’s an incredible story. I have one letter from a nine-yearold boy who said that he wished his father fought as hard to be with him as much as Daniel did. I got a letter from grandparents who said they thought they got over their own parent’s divorce who realized after the show that they didn’t. My favorite was a letter from a couple who were waiting in line in the parking garage after the play and decided to adopt a child.
NB INDY: What number do you like to perform the most in the show?
MCCLURE: About Time” is the moment from the movie where Daniel is working as a janitor at the TV station and the guy running it is past his prime. Daniel as the janitor sneaks on stage and has this time to himself, and the TV guy running it is spying on him. Our composer asked how we can musicalize Daniel improvising by himself. The idea was to give me a loop machine, it’s a looper station and
I have a microphone and the machine can duplicate whatever sound I make with my mouth. So I build this huge end of Act One thrilling number alone with a loop machine. I’ve never done something that feels so dangerous. It’s just me and this machine and nobody can help me! It’s really exciting, and difficult, and challenging and I’m pushing all these buttons while I’m operating all these puppets.
“Just Pretend” is my other favorite number. It’s inspired by a deleted scene from the film where the eldest daughter, Lydia Hillard (played by Giselle Gutierrez) stops Daniel by the courthouse and says ‘you’re an actor, why couldn’t you and mom keep pretending for our sake?’ They wrote a number where she confesses how broken she is from the whole thing and the audience didn’t expect to be so taken aback by it.
NB INDY: How did you prepare for this role?
MCCLURE: I didn’t have to go back to watch the movie, I’ve watched it so much growing up that I can watch the whole movie on the back of my eyelids. My last name is McClure and
Cast of “Mrs. Doubtfire”
Rob McClure as Mrs. Doubtfire
25th Annual Newport Beach Film Festival 2024 Programming
BY CHRISTOPHER TRELA | NB INDY
The Newport Beach Film Festival has announced programming for its 25th annual Film Festival that runs October 17 through 24.
The Festival will screen 112 films from 19 countries including 16 World Premieres, 10 U.S. Premieres, 16 North American Premieres, 13 West Coast Premieres, and 10 Southern California Premieres.
The previously announced Opening Night screening will be the World Premiere of Simon West’s “Old Guy.” Closing Night will be a screening of Jesse Eisenberg’s “A Real Pain” starring Eisenberg and Kieran Culkin.
“This year’s programmed lineup unites exciting upcoming awards contenders with filmmakers from all over the world to create an incredible experience for our 25th-anniversary audience.” said Gregg Schwenk, CEO and Executive Director of NBFF. “We are honored to be sharing this selection of awe-inspiring storytelling with our loyal Orange County audience, and we are looking forward to announcing more events in the weeks approaching the Festival.”
The Newport Beach Film Festival has selected multiple Centerpiece films including Steve McQueen’s “Blitz,” an Apple Original Film starring Saoirse Ronan and Harris Dickinson; the World Premiere of “Lost & Found
In Cleveland” directed by Marisa Guterman and Keith Gerchak starring Martin Sheen, June Squibb, Liza Weil and Dennis Haysbert; “Nightbitch,” directed by Marielle Heller and starring Amy Adams, Scoot McNairy, Arleigh Snowden, Emmett Snowden; Joshua Oppenheimer’s “The End” starring Tilda Swinton, Michael Shannon & George MacKay; Tim Fehlbaum’s “September 5” with star Peter Sarsgaard in attendance; and “The Piano Lesson” directed by Malcolm Washington and starring John David Washington, Danielle Deadwyler and Samuel L Jackson.
Eight international films have been selected as part of the Festival’s Spotlight section from countries including Australia, Brazil, Czech Republic, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Mexico, Spain and The United Kingdom.
The Newport Beach Film Festival is the largest international cinema event in coastal Southern California, connecting its audience with the very best in independent and international films. In addition to the programmed selection of films, the Festival also presents nightly parties and events featuring more than 60 culinary partners.
For more information on the complete line-up and to purchase tickets, please visit https://newportbeachfilmfest.com.
9/27 @ 9:00 PM TIJUANA DOGS
9/28 @ 9:00 PM WEEZER TRIBUTE BY GEEZER
9/29 @ 12:30 PM TOM DANTE QUARTET JAZZ BRUNCH
9/29 @ 5:30 PM EINSTEIN BROWN FREE SHOW 9/29 @ 7:30 PM ERROL BONNICK AND THE LIONZ REGGAE
10/02 @ 7:30 PM ADELAIDE PILAR LATIN NIGHT
10/03 @ 7:30 PM KOKO & FRIENDS FEAT. BLONDIE CHAPLIN
10/04 @ 9:00 PM DONNA SUMMERS TRIBUTE BY ENDLESS SUMMERS
10/06 @ 12:30 PM THE SUNDAY GOSPEL BAND JAZZ BRUNCH
10/07 @ 7:30 PM 133 BAND FREE SHOW
10/09 @ 7:30 PM ADELAIDE PILAR LATIN NIGHT
10/10 @ 7:30 PM KOKO & FRIENDS FEAT. BLONDIE CHAPLIN
10/11 @ 9:00 PM 90'S ROCKSHOW
10/12 @ 9:00 PM AMY WINEHOUSE TRIBUTE BY MISSUS JONES
10/13 @ 12:30 PM TOM DANTE QUARTET JAZZ BRUNCH
10/16 @ 7:30 PM ADELAIDE PILAR LATIN NIGHT
Newport Beach Film Festival Marquee at the Lido Theater. Photo by Chris Trela
• HOAG
Cont. from page 4
the better,” said Devon Martin, who also serves on the Hoag Hospital Foundation Board of Directors. “We see this gift as a first step toward making that a reality for everyone, no matter where they are in their recovery journey,” she said.
The family’s gift will launch the development of the CareMar Recovery Center, and Hoag has committed financial support in addition to raising more funding to advance the project.
“We are immensely grateful to the Martin and Pickup families for their continued investment in Hoag and elevating our community’s health,” said Caroline A. Pereira, MBA, president of the Hoag Hospital Foundation. “Their shared objective to help those impacted by substance use will result in a one-ofa-kind center that will serve many.”
Main features of this state-ofthe-art center are the home-like residential quarters for residents, private consultation rooms, and indoor and outdoor communal spaces that promote wellness and collaboration. Expert staff, including physicians, therapists, drug and alcohol counselors,
and other specialists, are envisioned to be part of the comprehensive team.
Building a dedicated addiction treatment facility with a larger capacity has been a priority for Hoag, which has already been delivering recovery care and services to individuals in its existing clinical spaces.
“We see a major need for it in Orange County, and our vision is a first-in-class facility that expands Hoag’s ability to deliver our vital services for addiction support and care,” said Robert Braithwaite, president and CEO of Hoag. “This gift will put our plans into action, and with addiction, moving fast is paramount to saving lives.”
Hoag physician leader Michael Brant-Zawadzki, MD, FACR, vice president of clinical research administration, CATALiST, and addiction services, will be instrumental in the development of this center and is closely familiar with the growing need. “Our society is being overwhelmed by these disorders,” he said. “The 100,000 lives lost annually to overdose in the United States and the millions more
ruined because of addiction’s impacts are shocking. It demands that Hoag lead the way in addressing this crisis.”
Substance use and recovery is a passion area of the Martin and Pickup families. Bringing a center to Orange County with the ability to serve many people was a longstanding goal. Todd Pickup said: “The CareMar center at Hoag will fill a gap we have in our region for comprehensive care in all stages of treatment and recovery. Its location on a hospital campus will make sure that clinical safety and access to physicians and medical staff are always available. We are proud to make this investment for a next-level facility for all those in need.”
Major initiatives for this facility will center around increasing access to care and creating a robust roster of customized services. Part of the vision for this facility is to help alleviate financial obstacles to treatment by providing scholarships and other support to navigate care.
Tailoring programs to each patient will set apart the CareMar center at
Hoag, which emphasizes personalized patient-centered care across all areas. In addition to detox, clinical care, and treatment services, other offerings are planned, including those that serve family support systems, residents and outpatients, long-term success, group sessions, wellness activities, and focused tracks for women, people with trauma, and more.
Carole Pickup, the CareMar center’s namesake, has made it a personal mission to bring substance use services to people in need.
“It’s a blessing to be able to give to help others heal and live happier lives. It’s been rewarding for me to dedicate so much of my life to raising awareness and resources for people living with the challenges of addiction,” she said. “So many people need a safe place and compassionate experts around them to lift them up. I am grateful my family can join with Hoag to create this center for our community.”
For more information, visit www.boldlyhoag.org or www. hoaghospitalfoundation.org.
• 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
CHARITY SPOTLIGHT
BY
Susan G. Komen “More Than Pink” Walk Returns to Newport Beach Sunday, Sept. 29
Susan G. Komen, the world’s leading breast cancer organization, will host the Orange County More Than Pink Walk presented by Pacific Life on Sunday, Sep. 29 at Fashion Island.
The More Thank Pink Walk brings together survivors, supporters and advocates to raise critical funds to advance Komen’s mission and provide support for people facing this disease now.
Every 12 minutes, a woman in the U.S. dies from breast cancer. In 2024 alone, an estimated 32,660 women in California will be diagnosed with breast cancer and 4,570 will lose their lives to the disease.
Experts say one-third of breast cancer deaths in the U.S. could be prevented with universal access to modern treatments. Funds raised at the walk will allow Komen to meet the immediate needs of breast cancer
patients through its free Breast Care Helpline and offer services such as patient navigation, financial assistance and emotional support. It will also fund research breakthroughs that allow more lives to be saved from breast cancer and bring us closer to the cures for all breast cancers.
In fiscal year 2024, the Komen Financial Assistance program provided financial assistance totaling $754,000 to 1,332 people in California who are in breast cancer treatment or living with metastatic breast cancer.
Additionally, Komen’s Patient Care Center provided 2,578 services to 2,076 people living in California, working to address 1,872 barriers to care that may otherwise prevent someone from getting the breast health care or support they need.
• see WALK page 14
Walkers stroll through the archway at the start of the “More Than Pink” walk in 2022 / photo by Chris Trela
• MRS. DOUBTFIRE
Cont. from page 10
my grandfather’s side has a Scottish accent, so it was waiting to come out. Once you get in and design prosthetics that fit your face and teeth and you’re wearing someone else’s body, and you have heels on, your body starts to create the character and tells you what it
• WALK
Cont. from page 13
“We are thrilled to welcome the community to the MORE THAN PINK Walk this year, where together we can make a profound impact in the fight against breast cancer,” said Shannon Abeyta, executive director of Susan G. Komen Orange County. “Supporting individuals in our community who are facing breast cancer is essential to our mission, but we cannot do it alone. This year’s Walk is not just an event; it is a pivotal moment to secure vital funds that will make equitable care available to all. We hope you can join us as we take a powerful stand against this devastating disease.”
The event takes place at Pacific Life at Fashion Island, 700 Newport Center Dr. in Newport Beach.
EVENT DAY SCHEDULE
7 a.m. | Event site opens: Explore the four pillar zones (Research, Care, Community and Action), visit the “We Remember” tent, meet valued sponsors
needs. With hard work and time, these characters start to rear their heads. It was thrilling to see the transformation and do it 31 times a show [McClure has 31 quick changes from Daniel to Doubtfire]. The shortest is 18 seconds to transform. There’s something about
it happening in real time that makes it so much more intense. I do these changes on stage- it’s not like I can go to the trailer and yell “cut!” The audience is in the trenches sweating with me as I rush to transform before Miranda comes in.
NB INDY: What is the funniest moment in the show?
MCCLURE: When the social worker follows Daniel home to inspect his apartment, and Daniel is navigating trying to maintain both of those characters and personalities to be present for the social worker. [Director] Jerry Zaks is great--that’s when he thrives and shines and getting to execute his farce across the country has been amazing. It’s bulletproof—he knows exactly how to get the audience where he wants them. Getting to ride these waves of laughter from the audience is such a gift. Especially in this time and moment, to be in a room with people laughing uncontrollably is the best medicine. It’s an anecdote to this crazy moment we’re living.
NB INDY: You said the musical is about how any family can be a family if there’s love. What does that look like to you?
and more. Don’t forget to pick up your commemorative Komen Wrap for the Opening Ceremony.
8:15 a.m. | Survivors and those living with metastatic breast cancer meet at Hope Village. Don’t miss your chance to be in the group photo! While in Hope Village make sure you grab a postcard on ShareForCures, Komen’s breast cancer research registry focused on finding the cures for breast cancer. Learn how you can accelerate discoveries, make an impact, and be a catalyst for change!
8:30 a.m. | Opening Ceremony: Honor survivors, those currently in treatment and those living with metastatic breast cancer as they walk down the Pathway of Hope; celebrate the top fundraisers; and listen to inspiring stories of resilience.
9 a.m. | Walk begins: Two courses available, three miles and 1.5 miles. There will be activities for Survivors and Those Living with MBC, as well as activities for Top Fundraisers and
Teams.
There will be entertainment, water stations, first aid and course monitors.
For more information, visit http:// www.komen.org/orangecountywalk.
Bank of America is the national presenting sponsor and Walgreens, Novartis and Lily are national series sponsors for the More Than Pink Walk and Race for the Cure events.
This year’s Orange County More Than Pink Walk is locally presented by Pacific Life and made possible by the following sponsors: Natrelle, MemorialCare, Albertsons Vons Pavilions Foundation, Providence, Kaiser Permanente, City of Newport Beach, Mentor, Toyota of Orange, UCI Health, Hoag Hospital, Thales Avionics, Pathway Capital, Atabeck & Co., Orangetheory Fitness, and generous in-kind partners: ABC7, Cox Communications. Mother’s Market & Kitchen, Don Francisco’s Coffee, LaFonn, PepsiCo, VIP Transport, Pure Steel, Orange County Register.
MCCLURE: When the musical first approached my wife and I about going on tour, we had our 4-year-old daughter, Sadie, who is now about to turn six. Our kiddo had gone through the pandemic when live theater was shut down for 18 months. We knew we had to wait since theater was the first thing gone and the last thing back. Our kid had been through a lot and the notion that we had to uproot her and bring her to all these places on tour before she started kindergarten was a big one. So we said she’s gonna come to the theater everyday, and have a 50 person family that she travels the country with. She’ll be friends with the other kids in the show, and see the same 50 faces every day, and see more of this country than other kids will in their lifetime. And that’s the message— as long as we pour love into this kid, as long as you pour in love, your life can be anything and unconventional. As long as there’s love we’re gonna be okay. Sadie just went to her first day of kindergarten as a happy kid with great stories to tell.
This show has been one of the best and wildest rides of my life, and my final countdown of this show will be at the Segerstrom Center.
“Mrs. Doubtfire” runs Sept. 24 through Oct. 6. Visit www.SCFTA. org for tikets.
Cast of “Mrs. Doubtfire”
