NBPD looking into possible relationship between NBA player and local minor

The Newport Beach Police Department  (NBPD) is aware of information being circulated online involving an alleged relationship between professional basketball player Josh Giddey and a local female minor. The department is actively seeking additional information related to the allegations and is pursuing all leads and evidence to obtain facts of the case.

Last week, allegations against Giddey, a 21-year-old player for the Oklahoma City Thunder, began surfacing on social media, reportedly also drawing attention from the NBA’s league office.

Giddey apparently posted videos and photographs thought to be a local high school junior on his social media, which have since been deleted.

The NBPD is working to ensure a fair and thorough investigative process while maintaining the privacy and dignity for those involved.

Anyone who may be able to provide additional information on the case is encouraged to contact Detective C. Carter at 949.644.3783, or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Reports are that Giddey has declined to comment concerning the allegations and he remains in Oklahoma City’s starting line-up.

Fair Game

By TOM JOHNSON

In today’s world, unfortunately, it’s more than just locking the front door to keep your home safe

Unfortunately, today residential burglaries seem too commonplace. We publish too often about residents heading out for an evening, leaving their homes unoccupied and whammo, they’re burglarized. And mind you, those trips out might just be for a quick dinner, a little shopping, or to run an errand involving the kids.

You almost get the sense that someone is watching you.

Well, that’s not so far-fetched. Homes are very often targeted when these burglars realize there’s no one home.

So, what can you do?

According to the Newport Beach Police, here are some ideas…and many of them seem so commonplace that we just often overlook them.

When you leave, for say a dinner or to head out for the evening, no matter if it’s just a quick trip to the corner store, consider leaving some lights on and maybe the TV to offer some sounds on the inside.

Do you remember Kevin McCallister of Home Alone fame? He leaves the TV on and the two bumbling burglars, Marv and Harry (Daniel Stern and Joe Pesci), come up and hear the TV on, “Hey, I’m gonna give you to the count of 10, to get your ugly, yella, no-good keister off my property, before I pump your guts full of lead!”

Then the machine-gun sound goes off and fills the air.

Okay, maybe that’s a little far-fetched, but you get my point. Anything to resemble someone actually being home improves your odds.

You can also call out to a fictitious family member or roommate (who is “staying home”) as you’re leaving and say, “Tom, don’t forget to let the dog out!” or “make sure you take the casserole out of the oven when the timer goes off.”

Any statement that implies to anyone who might be watching your home or overhearing you that someone is still inside while you’re venturing out may be the ideal deterrent.

If you’re going to be out for a while, consider using timers to turn on a radio and/or lights. Timers should be used daily (not just during vacations) to keep your home well-lit and to give the appearance, again, that someone is HOME.

I agree, it’s sad that we have to do these types of things, but, as they say, “Whatever works!”

None of this replaces the commonsense security of locking all doors and windows. Remember, these burglars have no problem getting into a second-story open window.

Other tricks include keeping your porch light on during the evenings, not letting deliveries pile up at the front door, and so on.

So what do you do if you see an unfamiliar vehicle, suspicious person, or anything out of the ordinary when leaving your home?

The simple answer is you call the police on their non-emergency line (949.644.3717) to report anything suspicious. Depending on other calls and activities, they’ll do their best to have a patrol car pass through the neighborhood to check things out.

It’s better than doing nothing and then finding out the hard way afterwards.

If you’re heading out for more than a short period of time, say a couple of days or so, have a trusted neighbor keep an eye on your home and pick up all of your newspapers, mail and packages.

And don’t, EVER, advertise that you are out of town on social media. You know the type, “We’re so excited to be heading to Hawaii for Christmas week.” You might as well just leave the front door open and put a sign in the front yard saying, “Enter here, we’re gone until the New Year!”

You also always want to secure the garage door with even a vacation bolt or padlock and disable the remote access.

Other important security measures are TV simulators – these devices make it look as though someone is inside watching TV; doorbell cameras and motion-activated security cameras that send an immediate notification to your smartphone.

And, finally, nothing says don’t pick this house like having a 125 lb. Rottweiler in the backyard. But I get it, this doesn’t work for everyone.

Wishing you a safe and secure holiday season.

• • •

Don’t forget that if you like local politics or even just rubbing elbows with the community’s who’s who, on Tuesday, Dec. 12, our City Council will select a Mayor from their seven members to serve for 2024, and a new Mayor Pro Tem, too, for that matter.

Two things related to this – both needing advanced planning. The first is a party that same evening following the Council session to celebrate the new (???) and outgoing (Noah Blom) mayors. It’ll take place at the Newport Dunes’ Back Bay Bistro. Tickets for this can be acquired through the Newport Beach Chamber of Commerce at www.newportbeach.com.

The other event is off into the new year. On Thursday, Feb. 29, 2024 (that’s right, it’s one of those weird years), Speak Up Newport invites the community to the 42nd Annual Mayor’s Dinner at the VEA Newport Beach.

Tables and tickets are now on sale at www.speakupnewport.com/annual-mayors-dinner-2023/.

Trust me, if you’re a fan of Will O’Neill, you’ll love these events!

• • •

It’s no secret that Visit Newport Beach is planning for a float entry into this year’s Rose Parade^®. It will be the longest float entry ever, with a spinoff from our famous Christmas Boat Parade. It’ll probably be an award winner! Just saying!

You know, years from now when you’re sitting around with your grandkids, here’s a story you could tell them: “I actually helped make that float!”

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Rendering courtesy of Phoenix Decorating Company

A rendering of the Newport Beach float entry into the Rose Parade^®

Okay, maybe not “make that float,” but certainly contribute to its “making.” Visit Newport Beach is seeking volunteers to join in with decorating the float. Available volunteer decoration dates include: 12/2, 12/9, 12/16, 12/23, 12/26, 12/27, 12/28, 12/29, 12/30 and 12/31. Please visit here to sign up for a volunteer time slot.

How’s about grabbing your friends or family and making a day of it!

• • •

The City of Newport Beach will continue is longstanding partnership with Operation Christmas this holiday season to collect gift donations for the families of military service members.

Residents are invited to bring unwrapped toys, sporting equipment and DVDs to City facilities during regular business hours now through Wednesday, Dec. 20 at 5:30 p.m.

Drop boxes are available at the Civic Center, Police Department, OASIS Senior Center, community centers and all library branches.

• • •

Perhaps you’re looking for a deal on something fun? Check out the Newport Beach Chamber of Commerce’s annual Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade Auction at christmasboatparade.com/auction. The auction opens today at 9 a.m. and includes hotels and getaways, dining opportunities, entertainment and shopping, activities on the bay and more.

I’m told that the value of items exceeds $100,000 and includes a seven-night European river cruise for two in a panorama suite.

The auction supports the costs of operating the Christmas Boat Parade and leaves just a little extra something for Chamber operations.

• • •

Sunday is the 44th Annual Corona del Mar Christmas Walk. This popular event, hosted by the Corona del Mar Chamber of Commerce, celebrates the merchants and restaurants in the CdM Village.

Find something to enjoy for people of all ages, including live entertainment from local bands to a visit from Santa Claus, enjoy the beer & wine garden, a fabulous opportunity drawing, unique vendor gift offerings, children’s activities and merchant & restaurant promotions.

It’s always fun and thousands of attendees will prove my point. It’s all free to enjoy the walk, from 11 a.m.-5 p.m.

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Courtesy of CdM Chamber of Commerce

Three merry elves feeling festive at a previous CdM Christmas Walk

Entertainment includes The Fabulous Nomads, Pinch Me!, Newport Beat, The Bill Doddridge Band, The Shenanigans, Oasis Senior Center Uke Strummers & Singer, Gregg Young & The 2nd Street Band, Flatland Mountain Rock Band, CdM Madrigals, St. Michael’s Church Choir Carolers, and Tubaloo Dixieland.

Bring a new, unwrapped toy for the Toys for Tots Drive!

It’s going to put you in the holiday spirit.

• • •

Finally, I absolutely abhor drinking and driving, so I’m doing this as a reminder to those that still haven’t gotten that through their heads. The Newport Beach Police Department will hold a DUI Checkpoint at an undisclosed location on Thursday, Dec. 7 from 7 p.m.-1 a.m.

So, please, please, when you’re drinking this holiday season either take an Uber or have a friend or family member that’s not drinking drive you.

Don’t let this December 7th be your “day that lives in infamy”!

Council OKs changes for short-term lodging aimed at moving use from residential to mixed-use zones

By SARA HALL

Newport Beach City Council this week unanimously approved an ordinance that changes local code in an effort to move short-term lodging units from residential zones to certain mixed-use zones.

Councilmembers voted 6-0 (Mayor Noah Blom recused himself due to a real property conflict) on Tuesday (Nov. 28) in support of several city code and Local Coastal Program amendments related to STLs that will establish regulations permitting the use within the MU-W2 (mixed-use water) and MU-CV/15th Street (mixed-use Cannery Village and 15th Street) zoning districts. The action will also change the maximum cap of STL permits from 1,550 citywide to 1,475 permits in residential districts and 75 permits within the MU-W2 and MU-CV/15th Street zones.

There was a lot of work on this issue several years ago, which accomplished what the city has now, and this refinement will support and add additional benefits to what’s already in place, said Councilmember Robyn Grant. The ordinance and code amendments meet “several critical milestones,” she said.

“Our city has grappled with the short-term lodging and its impact on our residential communities for a lot of years and there have been revisions over the years to how we address this,” Grant said. “This particular revision, I think, accomplishes a lot in advancing what I think is the primary responsibility of this body and that is to protect the quality of life of our residents and to make sure that we have proper business administration in our city.”

There are a lot of very well-managed properties throughout the city, she noted, and they welcome those. But there are properties that negatively affect the residents, with respect to the parking, trash and noise.

“This is a constant give and take and struggle to manage properly and make sure that the residents and the businesses are working together effectively,” she said.

Although he wasn’t involved in the earlier discussion of STLs, he’s on “the same team” as the residents, added Councilmember Joe Stapleton.

“The reality is that I’m all in favor of removing short-term lodging from residential areas and stopping the commercialization of our neighborhoods,” he said. “There’s got to be a balance.”

There has to be an opportunity for people to come visit, especially in areas like District 1 with visitor-attractive uses like easy ocean access, but there also needs to be opportunities to remove some of the units and place them where they fit better, Stapleton said.

The use is appropriate for the mixed-use zones, agreed Councilmember Lauren Kleiman.

“This is a completely compatible use in these zoning areas, which invites reinvestment – much needed – and offers some relief for the residential zones,” she said.

It also allows for better and more accountable operators, which the city is also in need of, she added.

In concept, these changes are great in terms of trying to gradually move these into more commercial areas and mixed-use areas and give some relief to homeowners who are being impacted by this, commented Councilmember Brad Avery. Everybody is in support of protecting neighborhoods, he added, echoing the comments about balance.

“We have a real obligation to not oversaturate the city with STLs, I believe, but everyone’s got a different opinion of what oversaturation would be,” he said.

The new zones are particularly active areas, Avery pointed out. There’s virtually no parking, so it’s probably going to increase some of those issues, but that’s what all beach communities are faced with, he added. It will increase the impacts of having a lot of visitors in a very concentrated area, which Newport Beach already has, so it’s just “stepping up” in that sense, he commented.

A notable downside is that a number of small apartments that were more or less affordable housing, where people have lived for many years, are being turned into short-term lodging units, Avery said.

“It would just be nice to keep that mix of people who are living there as permanent renters, if you will, as opposed to all of it being STL,” he said.

Stapleton likened the ordinance changes to a pilot program.

“I see this as an opportunity to see how this works, see how we can remove these units from residential neighborhoods, put them in mixed-use and review,” he said.

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Newport Beach is doing what no other city in America has done by celebrating “50 Days of Festive Fun”

By GARY SHERWIN

Now that Thanksgiving is behind us, and if you are like the rest of humanity, you’ve probably seen the promotions for all the old holiday movies that are available on streaming services and even that old chestnut – broadcast TV.

The formula is usually the same, with some kind of conflict between friends, family, spouses, or strangers that is ultimately wrapped up in some kind of positive life-affirming way. And given all the conflict our world is seeing right now, that isn’t a bad thing even for the most cynical among us.

But what all the films share is the immersive holiday décor that seems to populate every inch of the screen. Just look at a typical Hallmark movie; there is literally a piece of Christmas in every shot, even if it’s in the background.

Just look at their characters walking down a public street where multiple decorated Christmas trees are placed five feet apart on every sidewalk. I guess some Hallmark cities are so safe that they aren’t worried about a Grinch walking off with one of those beauties during the night.

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Courtesy of Visit Newport Beach

Gary Sherwin

Which brings me to Newport Beach. For years, I’ve been amazed at this city’s sheer number of holiday events. From the truly magical Roger’s Gardens Christmas Boutique to the hotel tree lightings, this city has taken the holiday season super seriously for many years.

Of course, the Christmas Boat Parade is the flagship of these celebrations and this year we are bringing that Hallmark Channel pixie dust to town when two of their stars, Andrew Walker and Nikki DeLoach, will serve as Grand Marshals. (Hopefully, they won’t be too disappointed at the lack of Christmas trees on every street corner).

But as a destination, we also offer so much more and many of these events have been independently produced by various businesses and organizations. So, this year, Visit Newport Beach decided to change that.

While many cities are creating holiday events, we took stock of everything our little holiday hamlet already has and decided to pull it all together and collectively celebrate it. Thus was the creation of “50 Days of Festive Fun,” a special marketing campaign to promote us as the ultimate holiday destination in the country.

Yes, the entire country.

Ashley Johnson, Visit Newport Beach’s Senior VP and Chief Marketing Officer, looked at all the cities in America to see how others did it. She found out that the largest holiday celebration by sheer number of days was in Puerto Rico at 45 days.

So, we decided to top that and go for 50, a really nice round number.

It also made sense, too. The local celebrations officially kicked off at the Fashion Island Tree Lighting just before Thanksgiving on November 17 and will end on January 5, 2024.

A large part of this promotion is to generate hotel and retail business during what could be a soft period. While retail is usually pretty strong, these days you can’t assume anything given the sour attitude people have of the economy. Hotels in December are almost always slow businesswise since there is natural slowdown in meetings and unless people are visiting relatives, occupancy is usually low.

What is so inspiring is that when you look at the calendar for December, there are things already going on nearly every night for the next month or so. Just go to our 50 Days of Festive Fun calendar and check it out: www.visitnewportbeach.com/50daysoffestivefun.

Our goal was not to create holiday events since the city already has so many of them, but to bring all of them together and, well, put a bow on them. Rather than have everybody out there doing their own promotion, we wanted to create synergies between all the events so that the visitor can access the wide variety of things to see and do and hopefully participate in several of them while they are here.

We also wanted to extend the length of stay with folks coming in to see the Boat Parade. Our goal is to invite people to enjoy the parade and go to Sherman Library & Gardens with their wonderful Nights of a 1000 Lights, or see the displays of brightly lit trees in the bay at the Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort & Marina.

For the last few years, we have been working with our partners at the Newport Beach Chamber of Commerce to create a community celebration on the first night of the Boat Parade. On the parade’s first night, we will again have a kick-off festival at Marina Park, where everybody can gather on the lawn to honor our Grand Marshals and enjoy a Christmas Marketplace with small business merchants and food and beverages, including hot cocoa, of course. That will start at 4:30 p.m. with a formal ceremony featuring our new mayor at 5:30 p.m. before the Marshals board their boat to start the parade. It will be a fun, family-oriented event.

Many of our hotels are upping their game too. The tree lightings at VEA and Pelican Hill, for example, are gloriously produced events with live entertainment and, in some cases, snow cascading down. In addition to their wonderfully elaborate tree lighting, the Balboa Bay Resort will even decorate your room to get you even more in the spirit if you stay there, and best of all, you can even take it all home with you.

View the 50 Days of Festive Fun commercial here.

Courtesy of Visit Newport Beach

This year, we are also excited about the Rose Parade and our city’s first entry into the iconic event in 18 years. We are thrilled to invite the community to help decorate the float at the construction headquarters in Irwindale and there are several dates you can choose from. If you want to go, sign up here. Kids are welcome.

If you can’t make it to the float, the Rose Parade will be coming to us when the 2024 Rose Queen and her Court will be Boat Parade Grand Marshals on Saturday, Dec. 16.

And if you need something to wear while attending all these events or just need some Newport Beach holiday swag for gifts, you can also check out the new Visit Newport Beach apparel line “Newport Beach: The Label.” It includes our local version of the ugly sweater, which, honestly, I don’t think is ugly at all, but you get the point. You can find it here: https://newportbeachthelabel.com/.

We’re taking this holiday seriously with the goal of taking the title of “The Most Festive Coastal Destination in America.” Summertime is great, but in Newport Beach, this is really the best time of the year.

Gary Sherwin is President & CEO of Visit Newport Beach and Newport Beach & Company.

Balboa Island Museum Newport Beach’s “Denim & Diamonds” event raises more than $100,000

On Friday evening (Nov. 17), under the threat of stormy coastal skies, some 250 patrons and friends of Balboa Island Museum Newport Beach, turned out for their annual party and fundraiser on the grounds of the Fun Zone at the Pavilion.

The 3rd annual community gathering at the Iconic Balboa Peninsula Fun Zone took on a western theme, raising more than $100,000 to support museum programs year-round.

In a nod to modern-day Biblical lore, the skies parted revealing a foot stompin’ western roundup, artfully designed and executed by the talented team at Elite O.C. Productions led by Linda Young and produced by the creative and talented museum executive director, Tiffany Pepys Hoey.

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Photos by John Watkins

(L-R) Kathy Belsby, Keri Dugan, Danielle Rivas, Tiffany Viale, Renee Pepys Lowe, Kim Day, RexAnn Hill and Molly Davin all front and center for “Denim & Diamonds” 2023, benefitting Balboa Island Museum Newport Beach

Guests arrived primarily via the Balboa Island Ferry entering the party under the glow of the brightly lit Fun Zone Ferris Wheel on the Newport bayfront. Donors including museum Board President John Conners and his wife Diana, Cynthia Shafer, F&M Bank, Scott Sibley, Laguna Beach community leader Heidi Miller, Balboa Island’s Diane Mondini, Newport Beach VIPs Keith Curry and his wife Pamela, Seymour Beek, Bobbie Daniel, Dick and Eleanor Dixon, and museum board member and local artist Barbara Abbott with her husband Daniel Abbott. All were greeted with “high five” western hospitality by museum founder Shirly Pepys with beau Matt Leonetti.

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 (L-R) Matt Leonetti and Museum founder Shirley Pepys helped raise $100,000 for Balboa Island Museum Newport Beach programs

Busy Producer Tiffany Pepys put the emphasis on “Fun.” The crowd arrived to the western sound of the James Kelly Band, later in the evening fronting a big-time turn out for line dancing, only interrupted for fast refills at the adjacent Margarita Bar. Multiple rooms, all open to the outside terrace, featured carnival games galore all designed to give away a maximum number of prizes. Balloons popped and balls tossed as prize-winning guests yelled out with every win.

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(L-R) Former Newport Beach Mayor Keith Curry and his wife Pamela

Event guest emcee Chef Jamie Gwen of culinary TV and radio fame wandered the various games and party rooms chatting with guests Kim Day, RexAnn Hill, Catherine Lowe, Jack Callahan, Alyssa Norwood, MaryJo Winkelman and Kendra Puryear with the Orangewood Foundation. Also turned out in their “Levi-best” were friends of the museum John Scudder, Heather James, Balboa Bay Club’s Denise Schuler, Sue Sibley and Kathy Tierney.

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Museum Board President John Conners and Diana Conners

Generous donors including many local members of the museum collected amazing silent auction items on display for the crowd to peruse. “Big Ranch” support came from principal underwriters of the event Julia and George Argyros and daughter Lisa Argyros. Lugano Diamonds offered a diamond bracelet for auction valued at $15,000 and made a significant donation to the museum fund.  Also, up for bid was a legendary Newport fire boat, Old #9, which came with lots of local history and sold to a local boat enthusiast. Super sponsors of the museum deserving thanks include Paula Castanon, Richard G. Castanon, Don and Gwen Abrams, Jack and Joan Northrup, John Scudder, Lorraine Leavitt, Jeff Gehl, Jack and Kingsley Croul, David Pyle, James and Marleen Quandt, The City of Newport Bach and Supervisor Katrina Foley representing the County of Orange, to name only a few.

Between bidding on auction items, line dancing, prize winning in the game booths and stepping up to the bar for refreshment, the best western BBQ dinner was prepared and served by the Naples Rib Company. The crowd raved over the food, displayed and served at checkered red/white covered tables in the “chuck wagon” room. Perfect BBQ brisket, grilled filet bites over mashed potato martinis, smoked sausage, BBQ chicken kabobs, fabulous sides and salads were served a-plenty by Naples Rib Company owners Dave and Krista Ursini. Enjoying the spread were Pepys family members Renee Pepys Lowe, Noel and Liz Pepys, joining Linda and Burton Young, Glenna McKeown, Jane Chizmas, Annette Gierman and Laurie Sloan.

For more information on Balboa Island Museum Newport Beach, visit www.balboaislandmuseum.org.

USC alums take the “Cheers For Literacy” crown at celebrity mixologist bar battle

It was a packed house with more than 150 guests attending The Literacy Project’s “Cheers For Literacy” celebrity mixologist battle at the Lounge Group’s Country Club in Costa Mesa. USC’s Alexandra Taylor (ATeam Agency), Frostee Rucker (Fortuna Investments) and Jacob Ullman (FOX Sports) competed for the coveted crown against UCLA’s John and Kathy Ursini (Newport Rib Company) and Jodi Salerno (Tudaloo) in a fierce battle collecting the most tips from their signature craft cocktails, fondly named, “I miss the 9-0,” “Happy Dad Happy Trojan” and “Gutty Lil Bruin.” Cocktails were generously sponsored by Happy Dad Hard Seltzer, Bushwood Spirits, Celaya Tequila, and Proper Whiskey, thanks to Taylor’s lead for the cause.

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Photos by Trenton Aschoff

The Winning Mixologist USC Team – (L-R): Frostee Rucker, Alexandra Taylor and Jacob Ullman

Returning champs USC took the coveted crown again and together both teams helped raise $6,365 for The Literacy Project that serves struggling readers in Orange County school districts.

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UCLA Mixologist Team – (L-R): Kathy and John Ursini with Jodi Salerno

The underserved children from low-income families are the true benefactors of this event with proceeds affording them the opportunity to participate in The Literacy Project’s reading program at “no-cost” to the student and the school. To date, The Literacy Project has served more than 10,500 struggling readers with increased critical phonetic skills which significantly improve academics and self-confidence in reading.

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(L-R) Alexandra Taylor with The Literacy Project CEO/President Sue Grant

Newport Beach legend Bob Miller served as the emcee for the event, narrating each round of competition. In the crowd was Lounge Group Owner/Founder Mario Marovic, who also popped behind the bar to show some skill. Newport Beach City Councilmember Joe Stapleton, Celebrity litigator Bobby Samini, Mayor Pro-Tem Will O’Neill, JDRF’s Co-Chair Marie and Roger Hogan, Mark Burkhart of Burkhart Bros Construction, Code Four/Pacific Airshow’s Eric Schmidtz, Tiny Tooth Founder and USC Dentistry board member Dr. Andrew Vo, FOX LA’s Christina Pascucci, Former “Cheers for Literacy” celebrity bartender and USC football Alum Craig Gibson and Chuck Finley popped in for a toast.

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(L-R) Newport Beach Councilmember Joe Stapleton, Alexandra Taylor, Craig Medici, Jacque Sparks and Bobby Samini

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Lounge Group Owner/Founder Mario Marovic shows his bartending skills with Alexandra Taylor

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Emcee Bob Miller with Alexandra Taylor pouring a cocktail

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(L-R) Roger and Marie Hogan, Christine Penkwitz-Taylor, Craig Medici, Jacque Sparks, Robert Penkwitz, Bobby Samini and Bob Miller

The Literacy Project’s mission is to serve under-resourced second and third grade students from low-income families who are functionally illiterate. The organization accesses and enhances key phonic skills among struggling readers; promotes learning in a fun, social and interactive environment; uses proven methods to maximize the learning experience, and fosters self-sufficiency and economic success through academic and attitudinal achievement. Founded in 2009, The Literacy Project has changed the lives of 10,500 struggling readers throughout California, Utah and Arizona by providing their effective reading program, at no-cost to our most vulnerable children and impoverished elementary schools. For more information, visit www.literacyproj.org and Instagram @theliteracyproj.

Newport Beach Chamber of Commerce Young Professionals enjoy NHLBC event

Navigate is a committee within the Newport Beach Chamber of Commerce dedicated to giving young professionals the opportunity to meet like-minded business owners.

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Photos courtesy of NBCC

Young Professionals Mike Schmitt, co-chair and Samantha Dalby, chair

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Ben Beeri getting ready to throw a bowl

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Nick Pardini checks out his roll

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On the lawn – (L-R): Newport Harbor Lawn Bowling Club VP Steven Glyer, Aubrey Antvioch, Mike Schmitt, John Patton and Krystal Yu

Newport Harbor Lawn Bowling was an outstanding event highlighted by the many young professionals in attendance. TK Burger provided delicious catered food that helped keep those in attendance energized for the intense competition. The fantastic staff at Newport Harbor Lawn Bowling Club made it a wonderful gathering.

Newport Harbor Lawn Bowling Club is open to families, kids and anyone who wants a great time. It is located at 1550 Crown Drive N, Corona del Mar. For more information, visit www.newportharborlbc.com.

The Sacramento Chronicles

By ASSEMBLYMEMBER DIANE DIXON

December 1, 2023

Hello Newport Beach!

I hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving! It is one of many life blessings to live in Assembly District 72 and especially to enjoy the many new friendships I have made this past year.

The days are passing quickly and we are already preparing to begin the Legislative Session on January 3, 2024. I will be introducing new bills to address key platform issues related to public safety and the environment. I will continue to keep you updated on my legislative journey.

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Courtesy of Diane Dixon

Assemblywoman Diane Dixon (R-Newport Beach)

During the fall recess, I have been traveling around Assembly District 72 to meet with constituents and local elected officials. It is a top priority of mine to engage with community and civic leaders of each of the eight cities that I represent. I’ve enjoyed learning about the key issues that concern these cities and how I can be helpful.

I have also had the pleasure to attend many community events that are held across the district nearly every weekend. I have met many great community volunteers and residents who enjoy giving back to their communities or simply attending an information session on current issues and programs offered by the state of California. I’ve learned so much about our cities and am proud to be your Assembly representative.

This month, I was honored to be recognized by the Orange County Business Council as OCBC’s 2023 Legislator of the Year. Additionally, I proudly received a 100% score from the California Chamber of Commerce for my voting record throughout the year on pro-business policy priorities. I am committed to protecting businesses large and small throughout the state from over-regulation by Sacramento that limits innovation and economic growth and drives up the cost of doing business.

In fact, I recently interviewed with California Insider regarding two proposed Constitutional Amendments on the November 2024 General Election ballot. The measures will, if passed, increase taxes and make it easier to do so in the future. You will be hearing about these measures in the months ahead. To learn more, watch a segment of the interview here.

As the proud daughter of a Purple Heart World War II U.S. Army veteran, and in support of the large veteran population who live in my Assembly District, I was honored to join with the Veterans Resource Center in bringing a Veterans Resource Fair to constituents this month. Additionally, in November, I had the distinct pleasure of honoring Michael Seeley as our 72nd Assembly District 2023 Veteran of the Year. Seeley is a proud United States Marine who served from August 1964 to August 1993 and is a Vietnam veteran who received two Purple Hearts, a National Defense Medal and a Vietnam Service Medal. Congratulations and thank you for your brave service and sacrifice to America.

Happy Holidays! Please mark your calendars: I will be hosting a Holiday Open House on Thursday, Dec.14 at my District Office, located at 4100 MacArthur Blvd. Suite 340 in Newport Beach from 8-10 a.m. Please join us. There will be coffee and light breakfast, as well as an opportunity to write a letter thanking a serviceman or servicewoman for protecting our country at home and abroad.

For more information or details on upcoming events, please watch your emails. If you would like to sign up to receive Sacramento legislative and district updates, check out my website: Diane Dixon website link. I am active on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter, so please follow for updates on legislation and upcoming events.

Thank you Stu News! I am honored to reach Stu News readers with highlights about my life and times serving you in Sacramento.

And, lastly, Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to all for a safe and wondrous holiday season.

Until next month.

Diane Dixon is a two-term Newport Beach City Councilmember and two-time mayor. She is currently serving her first term in Sacramento.

Christmas tree lights up the night at VEA Newport holiday festivities

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Submitted photo

The beautiful Christmas tree lit up the front lawn of the VEA Newport Beach

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Submitted photo

In anticipation of the evening ahead, (L-R) City Councilmember Joe Stapleton joins Devon Martin and Kevin Martin, founding partner of Eagle Four Partners, the ownership group of the VEA Newport Beach

City of Hope Orange County patients receive gifts of thanks from Rotary Club

Patients with cancer marked the season of thanks when the Rotary Club of Orange County L.A. visited City of Hope Orange County Lennar Foundation Cancer Center with a gift of 100 blankets made by the service club’s members.

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Photos courtesy of The Rotary Club of OC

Five patients receive blankets from the Rotary Club of OC

The Rotarians joined City of Hope Orange County leaders, patients and their family members, and Orange County community leaders at the advanced cancer center in Irvine for the presentation, themed “Grateful for Hope.”

Each patient in attendance received a blanket as a personal gift and an expression of gratitude on behalf of other patients who will receive one of the blankets in the future.

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The Rotary Club of Orange County L.A. gifts City of Hope Orange County with 100 blankets as a symbol of hope and warmth from the community

“We want you to know you’re not alone in this fight, we’re behind you 100 percent, and as you go through treatment you are warmed by the care of others,” said Beth Fujishige, president, Rotary Club Orange County L.A., to the patients.

The lovingly created blankets will be distributed to patients receiving chemotherapy at City of Hope’s advanced cancer center in Irvine and its Orange County regional network of advanced cancer care.

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Newport Beach resident Bob Brookes, a lung cancer patient, receives a blanket

“What a beautiful way to begin this holiday season,” said Annette M. Walker, president, City of Hope Orange County. “Our patients come to us for the science that will defeat cancer, but what they talk about most with family and friends is the compassion and humanity they have found here. On behalf of all of us – our City of Hope Orange County staff, physicians and patients – thank you for being our partner in bringing warmth, compassion and hope to Orange County.”

Chemotherapy can be difficult, and the blankets represent a thoughtful, practical way to offer comfort and ease stress during or after infusion.

“I will fondly think of the kindness and effort that went into making these lovely blankets each time I use mine,” said Fran Troy, a grateful patient of City of Hope Orange County who attended the ceremony.”

The significance of the blankets in providing comfort and warmth to patients that are fighting cancer is heartwarming. Thank you, Rotary Club of Orange County!”

Orange County United Way’s Alexis de Tocqueville Philanthropic celebration raises more than $250,000, honors Newport Beach resident

Orange County United Way’s Alexis de Tocqueville Society hosted their “It’s Showtime” red carpet philanthropic event on Saturday, Nov. 4, raising more than $250,000.

Funds raised will support Orange County United Way’s key initiatives and services aimed at ensuring local students succeed, struggling local families gain financial security, the unhoused find a place to call home, and Orange County’s most vulnerable residents are connected with health and human service resources.

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Photos courtesy of Orange County United Way

Cindy Canale with Newport Beach resident Mike Johnson, Taking Action Medal awardee

The eventful evening consisted of music, a live auction and recognized honorees who have continually exemplified “The OC Way” by caring for the Orange County community.

Medals were presented to these honorees:

–Taking Action Medal was bestowed upon Newport Beach resident Mike Johnson, Orange County United Way board member, for his leadership role at Auto Club to build widespread employee engagement while also lending his expertise to 2-1-1 OC.

–Legacy Medal was given to Melinda Masson and Masson Family Foundation, member of Orange County United Way’s Million Dollar Roundtable, for her deep commitment to their community and being a catalyst for instilling in her children the importance of giving back.

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(L-R) Max and Artyn Gardner (Newport Beach residents and President’s Circle co-chairs), Melinda Masson, Pierre Masson and Susan B. Parks

–Inspiration Medal was awarded to Ken and JoAnn Lickel, who are inspirational in their support of Orange County United Way’s Endowment Fund, as well as the Journey to 100 Campaign. Ken also serves as an Orange County United Way board member.

The evening also recognized the Million Dollar Roundtable, a group of individuals and family foundations that have donated a million dollars or more over the years to support the impactful work of our organization and our community.

“Orange County’s philanthropic spirit certainly took the spotlight at this year’s Alexis de Tocqueville Society celebration. I continue to be amazed by the generosity of this community and the passion displayed to make positive changes in the lives of those residents who need a helping hand,” said Susan B. Parks, president and CEO of Orange County United Way.

“It is an honor to be a part of Tocqueville Society and to aid in the wonderful work being done in the community. It warms my heart to be a part of this amazing group of leaders who are all working to ensure Orange County residents have the support they need to thrive,” said Shirin Behzadi, CEO, Shirin Behzadi, LLC, and the 2023-2024 Alexis de Tocqueville Society co-chair.

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Greg Backley, COO, Automobile Club of Southern California, 2023-2024 Alexis de Tocqueville Society co-chair

“I’m proud to be a part of this tradition of philanthropy. It’s remarkable how Orange County United Way is not only focused on advancing its mission in the community, but also provides opportunities for donors and partners to contribute their talents and passion for doing good,” said Greg Backley, COO, Automobile Club of Southern California, 2023-2024 Alexis de Tocqueville Society co-chair.

During the evening’s live auction, a video of several former foster youth shared the impact of having a place to call home thanks to the support from Orange County United Way’s United to End Homelessness initiative and its housing navigation program, WelcomeHomeOC. Among them was a single mom who grew up in foster care and struggled to provide a safe place to call home for her and her son. Now, she has a solid foundation and stability where she can pursue her dreams. “Having a home makes me feal peaceful and safe, with a stable place to be and to sleep. It feels really nice,” she said.

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(L-R) Newport Beach residents and Muse Sponsors Steve Churm and Cinda Churm with Dula Cheruvatath and Nanda Kumar

Benefactor Sponsors included AAA Automobile Club Southern California and Tarsadia Foundation. Director Sponsors were Disneyland Resort, The Masson Family Foundation and Reed Smith. Muse Sponsors included Alcon, Banc of California, BMO, Cinda and Steve Churm, Eaton Aerospace, KCOMM, Pacific Life, Shirley and Steve Quackenbush and Ware Malcomb.

To learn more about the Alexis de Tocqueville Society, go here.

For more information about Orange County United Way, visit www.unitedwayoc.org.

On the Harbor: Catching up with Harbormaster Paul Blank

By LEN BOSE

As winter approaches, I start to look back on the year, and to prepare for the new year. Very similar to looking aft while sailing downwind in a sailboat race. Doing this will keep you aware of the changing conditions. With this in mind, I checked back in with Harbormaster Paul Blank this last week.

This is Part 1 in a two-part series.

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Photo by Len Bose

Harbormaster Paul Blank

Q: From a distance it seemed like a quiet year, no oil spills, tsunamis, down aircraft. So what did I miss?

A: There were a couple of severe weather (wind and rain) events this year. We revived the technology we use to notify mooring permittees of approaching weather and urge them to verify their mooring equipment and lines to ensure all are secure. You may recall, there was considerable attention and communication in anticipation of Hurricane Hilary arriving in August. One other of the severe weather events was a strong Santa Ana which stresses the mooring equipment from a different direction than usual, so we have significant concern about boats staying in place when faced with unusual conditions. All in all, things were fine and we greatly appreciated everyone’s preparedness in the face of these severe events.

A couple of other extraordinary emergencies we dealt with this year included two vessels taking on significant amounts of water and in serious danger of sinking.

Both vessels were wooden and both were of “vintage” age. Because they were in serious danger of sinking, we brought them to Marina Park where we could use shore power to operate pumps that kept them afloat while assessments and plans were made for their disposition. In one case, we were dealing with a less-than-responsible owner and the eventual outcome was that the boat was removed from the harbor and destroyed. In the other case, I am pleased to report a much happier ending. That boat was repaired while at Marina Park sufficiently to return to its mooring a couple of days later. That boat has gone on to pass a full inspection with the Harbor Department permitting the owner to live aboard.

Another emergency response involved an alert – Harbor Department team members identifying a significant amount of discharge into the harbor coming from upland.

The location was near the BCYC and was not bound to the surface, so a containment boom would not have been effective. We contacted the water quality team who promptly came for an inspection and then began an investigation trying to find the source. After more than an hour of searching the water, the quality team identified the source as a broken landscape irrigation pipe on Newport Center Drive which was subsequently staunched when the responsible party was contacted. Fortunately, the runoff was nothing more serious than sediment from some landscaping.

Another incident that started out with potentially disastrous consequences resolved without serious damage or injuries: As one of our patrol boats was exiting the harbor entrance they witnessed a few jet skis driving in circles in front of other larger vessels. One larger vessel honked at the jet skier and kept moving. Five minutes later, we were notified and saw the same jet ski stuck underneath a large catamaran. The jet ski operator was safe with no injuries and the vessel also had limited marks from the incident. After assessing the damage, the jet skier hopped back on his vessel after it was dislodged and both went back to their respective storage locations.

Q: How about an update on dredging?

A. Three different suits involving two defendants (Army Corp of Engineers and City of Newport Beach) are making their way through the courts. The ACE Colonel was here for a tour recently, which we provided. He seemed committed to resolving the suits and moving forward with the project ASAP. There is some optimism the suits will be resolved early in 2024 and the project can get underway in the spring.

Q: And an update on the Pilot Mooring program?

A: I am currently working on responses to the 14 questions or requests for more information the Coastal Commission made based on their initial read through of the application.  he documentation I am preparing will amount to more than 1,000 pages and is taking a considerable amount of my time to compile.

It is hoped the application will get a second review with the Coastal Commission staff early in 2024. The have indicated they want to come for a site visit soon, which we will provide.

Q: Earlier this year you talked about training programs, and working with many different agencies. Has everything gone as planned, what have you learned?

A: The Harbor Department has engaged in a significant amount of training in 2023, both as a team here in Newport and with some team members attending training in other locations. Here locally we engaged in our own spill response drill right after Labor Day. The drill was a surprise that took place during a scheduled “All Hands” meeting and was very successful. We also did a joint training session and preparedness assessment with the California National Guard Marine Command (MARCOM) that proved very beneficial for all involved.

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Courtesy of Harbormaster Paul Blank

Harbor Service worker Charles Lebano and Code Enforcement Officer Jeffrey Goldfarb are bringing the spill boom off the dock onto the patrol boat to deploy

The Harbor Department was also well represented at the following conferences and training sessions:

–California Association of Code Enforcement Officers

–California Association of Marine Safety Officers

–Recreational Marina Association

–Association of Marina Industries (National Trade Group)

On Tuesday, Dec. 5, Part 2 covers: What’s new at Marina Park, Harbor objectives and more on Harbor Code enforcement.

~~~~~~~~

Len Bose is a yachting enthusiast, yacht broker and harbor columnist for Stu News Newport.

Segerstrom presents Hopelessly Devoted: The Music of Olivia Newton-John from January 11-13, 2024

Segerstrom Center for the Arts announces Hopelessly Devoted: The Music of Olivia Newton-John, performing for three nights, January 11-13, 2024 at 7:30 p.m. in Samueli Theater.

A starry cast of Broadway veterans, Jessica Hendy, Kelli Rabke, David Burnham, Blaine Krauss and Scott Coulter, with accompanist John Boswell, team up to celebrate the life and career of the beloved singer and actress Olivia Newton-John who passed away in 2022. For this special engagement, this show-stopping cast will perform their favorite songs from Newton-John’s incredible catalogue in an emotional celebration of her life and legacy.

Courtesy of SCFTA

Grammy^® Award winner Olivia Newton-John

With a 60-year career as an entertainer, Newton-John was a celebrated artist whose work impacted and inspired so many people around the globe. It all started with music, of course. She was a four-time Grammy^® Award winner whose music career included 15 Top 10 songs, including five songs that made it to No. 1. Her enormous popularity carried over to the movies too, where she secured her legendary status by starring in such iconic roles as Sandy in Grease and Kira in Xanadu.

Jessica Hendy is a vocal powerhouse, who just closed the recent Broadway revival of CATS. She is the only person with the distinction of having been in the original Broadway production of CATS, the National tour and the Broadway revival. She recently made her Radio City Music Hall debut in The New York Spring Spectacular, alongside with the world-famous Rockettes.

Kelli Rabke has enjoyed a prolific career on the Great White Way, with a resume that can boast being one of the only Broadway stars to originate a role in both a Stephen Schwartz and an Andrew Lloyd Webber musical. Her success on the stage and on daytime TV in The Young and The Restless has made her an incredibly popular concert artist and a staple in the NYC cabaret world.

David Burnham was last seen on Broadway in the mega-hit musical Wicked, playing Fiyero, a role that he originated in the early workshops of the show. OC audiences might also fondly remember Burnham’s starring turn in the Light in the Piazza at South Coast Repertory – a show he appeared in on Broadway as well.

Blaine Krauss has been “blowing us all away” with his talents on the national tour of Hamilton. Before that, he got his big break playing Simba in The Lion King national tour and was a member of the original Broadway casts of The Cher Show and Natasha, Pierre and The Great Comet of 1812.

Center cabaret lovers will fondly remember Scott Coulter’s booming voice, wit and charisma from last season’s “The Broadway Hollywood Holiday” soundtrack and Segerstrom is truly delighted to have one of New York’s most honored vocalists back again. Coulter has won five MAC Awards, given by the Manhattan Association of Cabarets & Clubs.

Hopelessly Devoted plays January 11-13, 2024, and all performances start at 7:30 p.m. at Segerstrom Center for the Arts’ Samueli Theater located at 600 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa.

Tickets start at $79. To purchase tickets, go to www.scfta.org.

Holidays officially kicked off at the Balboa Bay Resort

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Photo by Lana Johnson

Retired, longtime St. Andrews Presbyterian Pastor John Huffman (right) leads off festivities at the Balboa Bay Resort/Club’s Christmas tree lighting event with a holiday prayer. He’s joined on stage by (L-R) BBC Board of Governor’s Chair John Wortmann and Devon & Kevin Martin, founding partner of Eagle Four Partners, the ownership group of BBR.

Passenger traffic is down at JWA, as numbers approach annual maximum allowed

John Wayne Airport (JWA) management is requiring airlines utilizing the airport to reduce flight capacities that will allow JWA to remain under the maximum annual passenger cap for 2023 of 11.8 million.

Recent trends showed that JWA was in jeopardy of exceeding the maximum number of passengers to finish the year, which would have violated the 1985 Airport Agreement. That agreement was crafted between the AWG (Airport Working Group), SPON (which at that time referred to themselves as Stop Polluting Our Newport versus today where they’re known at Still Protecting Our Newport), the City of Newport Beach and the County of Orange.

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Courtesy of JWA

As such, airline passenger counts at JWA decreased year-over-year comparing October 2023 with October 2022. In October 2023, the airport served 1,015,935 passengers, a decrease of 5.9% when compared with the October 2022 passenger traffic count of 1,079,792.

Commercial aircraft operations decreased 3.7% and commuter aircraft operations decreased 37.4% when compared with October 2022 levels.

Total aircraft operations decreased in October 2023 as compared with the same month in 2022. In October 2023, there were 25,252 total aircraft operations (take-offs and landings), a 2.9% decrease compared to 26,005 total aircraft operations in October 2022.

General aviation activity, which accounted for 66.2% of the total aircraft operations during October 2023, decreased 1.2% when compared with October 2022.

The top three airlines in October 2023 based on passenger count were Southwest Airlines (307,509), American Airlines (164,118) and Alaska Airlines (158,617).

It’s a kids’ world kicks off December with two fun events at Newport Beach Public Library

Hey kids! Check out what’s happening this weekend and next week at the Library!

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Photos courtesy of NBPL

Holiday Open House at the CdM Branch will feature sweet treats, crafts, games and live music

–Open House at the CdM Branch during the Annual Christmas Walk

Join us for a Holiday Open House at the Corona del Mar Library! Sweet treats, crafts, games and performances by the Newport-Mesa Unified School District’s musical ensembles will happen during the 44th Annual Corona del Mar Christmas Walk this Sunday, Dec. 3 from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Funding generously provided by the Friends of the Library.

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Nycole Freer, author of “Haisley’s Birthday Money” will share her new book followed by a Q&A and lead activities designed to teach kids how to successfully save and spend their money wisely

–Financial Literacy for Kids

Join the library as they welcome local author and certified financial planner Nycole Freer, author of Haisley’s Birthday Money. Freer will share her new book followed by a Q&A, and lead activities designed to teach kids how to successfully save and spend their money wisely. This takes place on Tuesday, Dec. 5 from 4-5 p.m. in the Central Library Friends Room. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Recommended for ages 4-9 years. Space is first come, first seated.

Stay tuned for more December activities and holiday happenings!

Library branches:

–Central Library, 1000 Avocado Ave., Newport Beach

–Balboa Branch, 100 E. Balboa Blvd., Balboa

–Corona del Mar, 410 Marigold Ave., Corona del Mar

–Crean Mariners Branch, 1300 Irvine Ave., Newport Beach

For more information, visit the NBPL calendar here.

NBPD offers helpful tips: Shop safely this holiday season

The holiday season is upon us, and the busiest shopping days of the year are here. Whether you are out and about hunting for gifts, grocery shopping for your holiday recipes or doing your shopping online, the NBPD encourages you to keep safety in mind. Remember that a little planning and preparation can save you from potential headaches and heartache later. Below are some tips that can help protect you, your loved ones and your property this holiday season.

Photos courtesy of NBPD

When out shopping, don’t buy more than you can carry. If you know you will be getting more that you can manage on your own, plan to take a family member with you or ask a store employee to help you carry your packages to the car.

Prevent crime when you hit the stores:

–Never leave your valuables unattended (phone, purse, wallet, etc.)

–Wait until asked before taking out your credit card or checkbook. An enterprising thief would love to shoulder surf to get your account information.

–Tell a security guard or store employee if you see an unattended bag or package. The same applies if you are using mass transit.

–Carry a purse with a zipper. Deter pickpockets by carrying your purse in front of your body and keeping it zipped closed.

–If you carry a wallet, keep it in an inner coat pocket or front pants pocket.

–Pickpockets utilize distraction to create an opportunity to snatch your property, so be aware when someone gets into your personal space. Always try to keep your property in your line of sight whenever you are out and about.

–Do not buy more than you can carry. If you know you will be getting more that you can manage on your own, plan to take a family member with you or ask a store employee to help you carry your packages to the car.

–Have your keys in hand when approaching your vehicle. Check the back seat and around the car before getting in.

–Do not leave anything in your car. If you must leave property in your car, place it in the trunk when you leave and before you get to your destination.

–Once you get home, do not park your car outside your home with shopping bags left inside.

When Shopping with small children:

–If you are shopping with children, make a plan in case you are separated from each other and select a central meeting place.

–Teach them to know they can ask mall personnel, security or store employees if they need help.

–Keep a current photo of your child in your phone.

Protect Your Personal and Financial Information while Shopping Online:

–Before you jump on the internet, secure your computer by updating your security software. Everyone’s computer should have anti-virus, anti-spyware and anti-spam software, as well as a good firewall installed. Also, make sure all your internet-connected devices – cell phones, tablets, etc. – are running the most updated versions of software and apps. These updates fix security issues and protect your device from vulnerabilities that hackers could take advantage of.

–Keep your personal information private and your password secure. Your passwords should be long and unique. Do not respond to requests to “verify” your password or credit card information unless you initiated the contact. Legitimate businesses will not contact you in this manner. Whenever possible, use multi-factor authentication (MFA). MFA provides additional security to your accounts using authentication tools (such as biometrics or one-time codes sent to your phone or other device) to help verify that the user is authorized to access the account.

–Do not use public Wi-Fi when making online purchases. When out and about, use a Virtual Private Network (VPN) or your phone as a hotspot. Another option would be to add the items you want to your cart, then wait until you get home and are on your own secure network before you checkout.

–Beware of “bargains” (especially in the form of email or text message links). If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is! If you get one of these promotional offers and are interested in it, go to the company’s website directly and confirm that deal is legitimate. If you can’t find it on the website, it is probably a phishing attempt and you can report it to your email provider.

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School Notes

NMUSD seeks businesses to take survey to show interest in providing workplace learning opportunities

According to the Newport-Mesa Unified School District (NMUSD), students benefit when they are able to connect classroom learning to the real world. Individuals and businesses benefit by cultivating skills that are lacking in the workforce and creating a pipeline of quality employees with needed skills and competencies. It’s also an excellent way to give back to the community.

NMUSD is looking for individuals and/or local businesses to provide work-based learning experiences. Those interested are encouraged take the Work-Based Learning Partnership Survey and indicate your level of partnership in support of NMUSD students.

If you seek more information, contact Lisa Snowden, coordinator, Work-Based Learning, at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., or call 714.424.5036.

Newport Beach Master Community Calendar

The following are calendar links for regularly scheduled meetings and events in Newport Beach:

City of Newport Beach meetings & events calendar

www.newportbeachca.gov/government/data-hub/city-calendar

Newport Beach Public Library – everything at the library calendar

www.newportbeachlibrary.org/calendar

Newport-Mesa Unified School District news & events calendar

https://web.nmusd.us

Newport Beach Chamber of Commerce community events calendar

www.newportbeach.com/events

Corona del Mar Chamber of Commerce community events calenda

www.cdmchamber.com/chamber-events

Celebrate the captivating melodies and theatrical brilliance of “Handel’s Glorious Messiah” with Pacific Symphony and Pacific Chorale

Experience the awe-inspiring sounds of praise as Pacific Symphony joins forces with Pacific Chorale for the triumphant annual holiday celebration, “Handel’s Glorious Messiah,” commemorating the birth of Christ. This timeless holiday tradition, celebrated worldwide for nearly three centuries, continues to evolve with each new conductor, orchestra and ensemble of soloists, offering a fresh and invigorating experience. In the capable hands of Cuban-born and raised conductor Josette Justo Valdes, the Grammy^® Award-winning Pacific Chorale and the Symphony, alongside soloists soprano Nola Richardson, countertenor Patrick Terry, tenor James Reese and baritone Jesse Blumberg, Messiah comes alive. Brimming with brilliant choral writing, thunderous timpani and resplendent trumpets, this performance will captivate and energize audiences, leaving them jubilantly echoing, “Hallelujah!”

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Photos courtesy of Pacific Symphony

Pacific Symphony joins forces with Pacific Chorale for the triumphant annual holiday celebration, “Handel’s Glorious Messiah” on December 3

Handel’s masterpiece takes place on Sunday, Dec. 3 at 3 p.m., at the Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall. The concert is sponsored by Mark Chapin Johnson. Tickets start at $50. For more information or to purchase tickets, call 714.755.5799, or visit www.pacificsymphony.org.

From the very beginning, listeners have found relevance in Messiah’s extraordinary music and message, but this year, perhaps more than ever – with so many natural and unnatural disasters taking place across the nation and globe – the comforting beauty of Handel’s glorious work serves to uplift and inspire. Although Handel, a native of Germany, was born in 1685, at the height of the Baroque era, the timeless quality of Messiah is one reason that the work has become by far the most popular oratorio in the world. Another reason, of course, is its stunning bounty of melody and drama.

Handel’s Messiah was completed within 24 days, a stunning achievement for such an expansive work. The text was provided by Charles Jennens, drawn mainly from the biblical books of Isaiah and the gospel of St. Matthew. At the most basic level, Messiah is an adaptation in music of the biblical accounts of the birth of Christ, a religious story sung by a chorus and/or soloists accompanied by an orchestra and/or organ. But Handel’s Messiah also serves as a conduit, a connection that reaches directly into the human heart. When Handel used his creative genius to combine the power of music with “The Greatest Story Ever Told,” history was made.

Handel was known as the “master of sacred and secular music,” and his talent of composing for voice and instruments shines in this most famous oratorio. With exceptional soloists, chorus and orchestra, it is always a moving experience to tell the ancient story of Jesus’ life, expressed in a most personal artistic statement by Handel, who had just recovered from a stroke when he set the words for Messiah to music; his gratitude for having regained his health again can perhaps be deeply felt in the music. His immense talent in this piece seems as if it is indeed divine inspiration, with a clear message of religion and exclamation of God’s glory.

There are many accounts of this “divine inspiration” taking place as Handel worked on Messiah. In one, his assistant walked into the room where Handel was composing and supposedly found him in tears, pen in hand. When asked what was wrong, the composer replied, “I thought I saw the face of God.”

As the composer was creating Messiah, it’s hard to imagine he could have foreseen the impact it would have over the centuries. This work has the great spiritual depth of a liturgical masterwork, but as Handel was also one of the most prominent opera composers of his time, it also contains the drama and excitement of a fascinating and thrilling story. It offers a uniquely moving experience as performers unite in one musical spirit. It’s one reason so many return year after year to behold the transformative experience of Handel’s glorious Messiah.

Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall at Segerstrom Center for the Arts is located at 600 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa.

Tickets on sale now for Disney’s The Lion King

Disney Theatrical Productions and Segerstrom Center for the Arts have announced the long-awaited return engagement of Disney’s The Lion King. Costa Mesa’s most eagerly awaited return will once again leap onto the Segerstrom Hall stage on Thursday, Feb. 1, 2024 for a limited engagement of four weeks through Sunday, Feb. 25, 2024. Opening night is scheduled for Thursday, Feb.1 at 7:30 p.m.

The Lion King will play Tuesdays through Fridays at 7:30 p.m., Saturdays at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., and Sundays at 1 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. There will also be a 2 p.m. matinee on Thursday, Feb. 1. Premium Ticket Packages, which include a prime seat location, a souvenir program and a cinch bag are also available.

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©Disney/Photo by Matthew Murphy

Darian Sanders as Simba and Khalifa White as Nala in “The Lion King”

For more than 20 years, the North American touring productions of The Lion King have been seen by more than 21 million theatergoers. Having already played more than 9,000 performances in more than 90 cities across North America, The Lion King now proudly returns to Costa Mesa at Segerstrom Center for the Arts.

Celebrating 25 landmark years on Broadway, The Lion King continues ascendant as one of the most popular stage musicals in the world. Since its premiere on November 13, 1997, 28 global productions have been seen by more than 112 million people. Produced by Disney Theatrical Productions, under the direction of Andrew Flatt, Anne Quart and Thomas Schumacher, The Lion King has made theatrical history with three productions worldwide running 20 or more years and two others running 25 or more years.

Performed over its lifetime in nine different languages (English, Japanese, German, Korean, French, Dutch, Spanish, Mandarin and Portuguese), productions of The Lion King can currently be seen on Broadway; London’s West End; Paris; Hamburg; Tokyo; Madrid; Sao Paulo and on tour across North America and the U.K. and Ireland for a total of nine productions running concurrently across the globe. Having played more than 100 cities in 24 countries on every continent except Antarctica, The Lion King’s worldwide gross exceeds that of any film, Broadway show or other entertainment title in box office history.

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©Disney/Photo by Matthew Murphy

Company of “The Lion King” on Broadway

The Lion King won six 1998 Tony Awards^®: Best Musical, Best Scenic Design (Richard Hudson), Best Costume Design (Julie Taymor), Best Lighting Design (Donald Holder), Best Choreography (Garth Fagan) and Best Direction of a Musical. The Lion King has also earned more than 70 major arts awards including the 1998 NY Drama Critics Circle Award for Best Musical, the 1999 Grammy^® for Best Musical Show Album, the 1999 Evening Standard Award for Theatrical Event of the Year and the 1999 Laurence Olivier Awards for Best Choreography and Best Costume Design.

Ticket buyers are reminded that scfta.org and the box office at Segerstrom Center for the Arts are the only official ticket outlets for all performances at Segerstrom Center for the Arts. Ticket buyers who purchase tickets from a ticket broker or any third party should be aware that Segerstrom Center for the Arts is unable to reprint or replace lost or stolen tickets and is unable to contact patrons with information regarding time changes or other pertinent updates regarding the performance. Additionally, third-party ticket brokers often impose substantial fees and markups well beyond the face value of tickets.

Tickets are available online at www.scfta.org, in person at 600 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa, or by phone at 714.556.2787. Orders for groups of 20 or more may be placed by calling 714.755.0236.

Segerstrom Center for the Arts is located at 600 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa. For more information, visit www.scfta.org.

Shop local at ENC’s Artisan Marketplace this Sunday

The holidays are here and you have a chance to be a positive part of our local economy.

Shop for handmade and vintage gifts from local artisans offering a variety of eco-friendly, sustainable products at the Environmental Nature Center’s (ENC) Artisan Marketplace on Sunday, Dec. 3 from 11 a.m.-4 p.m.

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Courtesy of ENC

This Sunday, Dec. 3, shop for handmade and vintage gifts from local artisans at ENC

Your friends and family will love that you cared enough about them to think about our planet when you purchased their unique gift. You’ll love spending the day in nature, instead of at a shopping mall.

The $2 entry fee goes directly to ENC’s environmental education programs.

Come hungry as they will have some great food vendors this year. Bring your reusable plates and utensils to help save the planet and receive a raffle ticket to be entered to win a fabulous prize.

For more information about the Artisan Marketplace, go here. To learn more about becoming an ENC member, go here.

Environmental Nature Center is located at 1601 E. 16th St., Newport Beach. Visit https://encenter.org for more information.

Pet of the Week 

Stu News Newport is delighted to be working with the Newport Beach Animal Shelter to help get the word out in search of loving homes for pets that deserve a warm, nurturing environment and a place to call “home.”

The shelter is thrilled to introduce Kiwi, a delightful 5-month-old cat, to the community. Kiwi is a charming grey and white feline, with a heart full of affection and a playful spirit that is sure to bring joy to any home.

Kiwi is described as exceptionally friendly and sociable. His vibrant personality shines through as he interacts with fellow feline friends and people alike. Kiwi is especially great with other cats, making him an ideal companion for those seeking to expand their fur family.

Courtesy of the Newport Beach Animal Shelter

Meet Kiwi

What makes Kiwi even more special is his unique bond with his brother, Mango, who is also available for adoption. The two make an adorable duo, sharing a close friendship. While Kiwi and Mango are best friends, it’s important to note that Kiwi can be adopted individually and does not require being adopted with Mango. However, for those considering adopting two cats, Kiwi and Mango make the perfect pair.

If you’re interested in making Kiwi a part of your family or would like to meet him in person, please contact the Newport Beach Animal Shelter at 949.718.3454, or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to schedule an appointment.

The shelter does require completed application forms for their animals, so simply print one up from their non-profit’s webpage at www.fonbas.org. After it is completed, you can email it to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., and upon review, they’ll call you to schedule an appointment. If you have any questions, call 949.718.3454.

Also, consider becoming a member of an incredible nonprofit that supports the city’s efforts with providing wonderful opportunities to stray, injured, ill and owner-surrendered domestic pets. Visit www.fonbas.org.

OC Supervisor Katrina Foley announces 15th Annual Holiday New Coats for Kids Drive

Orange County Supervisor Katrina Foley announced her 15th Annual Holiday New Coats for Kid Drive for the Fifth District starting on Wednesday, Nov. through Monday, Dec. 18. Supervisor Foley is seeking donations of new coats in kids and youth sizes to help children and teenagers across the Fifth District stay warm this winter. This year reflects her continued commitment to helping our most vulnerable populations during the holiday season.

“I invite the public to join me in the holiday spirit and donate new coats and jackets to keep our kids warm this winter season,” said Supervisor Foley. “After hosting this coat drive for the last 14 years, we hope to break records this year and collect the most donations yet to help as many Orange County families as possible, including nearly 200 identified kids in South County.”

In Newport Beach, drop off locations include:

–Upper Newport Bay Nature Preserve, 2301 University Drive

–Newport Beach City Hall, 100 Civic Center Drive

For questions, call 714.834.3550, or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Crystal Cove Tree Lighting and Holiday Bazaar brings in the holidays on December 2

There’s snow place like Crystal Cove during the holidays! Kick-off the holiday season with Crystal Cove Conservancy during the 2023 Tree Lighting & Holiday Bazaar on Saturday, Dec. 2 from 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m. The Crystal Cove Historic District (Los Trancos, Newport Coast) will be decked out from the trails to the sea with holiday décor and lights, plus the iconic beach tree.

Visitors can shop for gifts from local artisans during the Holiday Bazaar, meet Santa during a beachside photo op, munch on cookies and cocoa courtesy of The Beachcomber, make a special holiday craft and hear holiday tunes sung throughout the Cove by the Corona del Mar High School Madrigal Singers. The day will end as the Crystal Cove beach tree lights up as the sun sets.

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Courtesy of CCCF

Bring in the holidays with this wonderful tradition

A full schedule of events (which is subject to change) can be found by clicking here.

Parking is available at the Los Trancos Parking Lot located inland off Pacific Coast Highway. A $15 day use parking fee will apply.

To get to the Historic District, follow the trail located on the south side of the parking lot down to the beach. It is about a 15-minute walk. The Beachcomber shuttle (costs $2) runs between the Los Trancos Parking Lot and the Historic District every 15 minutes.

Crystal Cove Conservancy works to protect the historic, natural and cultural resources of Crystal Cove State Park. Their unique public/private partnership with California State Parks means that all revenue raised is reinvested into programs that use the park as an outdoor classroom for STEM education. These programs will cultivate the planet’s next generation of environmental stewards, ensuring that Crystal Cove and places like it live on for generations.

For more information, visit www.crystalcove.org.

Celebrate the holidays at the historic Kerckhoff Marine Lab

On Friday, Dec. 15 from 6-8:30 p.m., join Kerckhoff Marine Lab (KML) for “front shore” seats to the 115th Annual Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade. In addition to getting in the holiday spirit, guests will have the opportunity to tour the facility and learn more about their history and research projects.

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Courtesy of KML

Get “front shore” seats for the NB Christmas Boat Parade at Kerckhoff Marine Lab

Guests will enjoy prime viewing for the boat parade and stay warm while enjoying festive food and beverages, or purchasing gifts through a silent auction. This is mostly an outdoor event, so they encourage all guests to dress warmly. Valet parking and shuttle services will be provided for guests on Ocean Boulevard at the top of the hill during the event.

The entry fee of $60, along with any other donations, directly supports lab programs. KML is part of a nonprofit organization and all donations made are tax deductible and greatly appreciated. Donations can be made in person at the event via cash/check or Venmo/PayPal.

RSVP by emailing This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., or call 949.675.2159.

National Wreaths Across America Day to honor veterans

On Saturday, Dec. 16, more than 2.5 million veterans will be honored during National Wreaths Across America Day, by having a holiday wreath placed at their gravesite in one of 3,700 participating locations across the United States. One of those places is Pacific View Mortuary & Memorial Park in Corona del Mar.

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Photos courtesy of Doug Forde

(L-R) Doug Forde (with the Newport Beach Country Club Dew Sweepers), Kathy Forde, John McGovern and Amy Forde Brick preparing to hang wreaths

At 9 a.m. on Saturday, join the Newport Beach Country Club Dew Sweepers and other volunteers at Pacific View to help honor the 4,000 veterans buried there by placing a wreath at their resting place, honoring each by saying the veteran’s name aloud and thanking them for their service. Placing of the wreaths immediately follows the ceremony.

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The ceremony at Pacific View Mortuary & Memorial Park honoring the 4,000 veterans buried there

For more information and to sponsor a wreath or volunteer, visit www.wreathsacrossamerica.org/ca0551.

Pacific Chorale’s family friendly Tis the Season! decks the hall at Segerstrom

Pacific Chorale adds joyous musical luster to the holidays with Tis the Season! on Sunday, Dec. 17 at 5 p.m., and Monday, Dec. 18 at 7:30 p.m., at the Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall in Costa Mesa. The delightful family program – one of Orange County’s beloved Yuletide traditions – features cherished carols and seasonal gems sung to glorious perfection by the Grammy-winning chorus, under the baton of Artistic Director Robert Istad. Joining the choir for the festivities are Southern California Children’s Chorus, led by founder Lori Loftus, members of Pacific Symphony and The Man in Red, Santa Claus!

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Photos by Don Gifford

Santa Claus will make an appearance during “Tis the Season!”

The musical chestnuts include “Deck the Hall,” “Silent Night,” “Sleigh Ride,” “The Chanukah Song (We Are Lights)” and “Wishing You a Merry Christmas.” Istad also conducts Paul Langford’s timeless arrangement of “Feliz Navidad” by Jose Feliciano; “Go, Tell It on the Mountain” arranged by Ryan Murphy; Franz Biebl’s “Ave Maria;” John Williams’ “Merry Christmas, Merry Christmas;” Vince Guaraldi’s “Christmas Time Is Here” arranged by John Alexander and much more.

“Tis the Season! balances all things holiday, Christmas, Hanukkah and classical music with a dash of silliness, and some new joyous tunes from the R&B and funk traditions,” said Istad. “It’s great fun for everyone! And a perfect way to celebrate the holidays.”

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The Grammy Award-winning Pacific Chorale

Program:

“A Carol Fantasy” - John Alexander

“Sing-Along: Sing the Carols of Christmas” - arr. Gary Fry

“Gaude et Laetere” - Cecilia McDowall

“Go, Tell It on the Mountain” - arr. Ryan Murphy

“Ave Maria” - Franz Biebl

“Mid-Winter” - Bob Chilcott

“Do You Hear What I Hear?” - Gloria Shain, orch. Riley

“Joy!” - arr. Gary Fry

“Merry Christmas, Merry Christmas” - John Williams

“Feliz Navidad” - Jose Feliciano, arr. Paul Langford

“The Christmas Waltz” - Jule Styne & Sammy Cahn/arr. Teena Chinn, Brass arr. Marc Riley

“Sleigh Ride” - arr. Leroy Anderson/Lawrence Goldberg

“Deck the Hall” - arr. John Rutter

“Rudolf on the Housetop” - arr. Kirby Shaw

“Christmas Time Is Here” - Vince Guaraldi, arr. John Alexander

“This Christmas” - Donnie Hathaway & Nadine McKinnor, arr. Roger Emerson

“The Chanukah Song (We Are Lights)” - Steve Young & Stephen Schwartz/arr. Ryan Nowlin

“Silent Night” - arr. Dan Forrest

“Wishing You a Merry Christmas” - arr. Gary Fry

Robert Istad, a Grammy Award-winning conductor, was appointed Pacific Chorale’s Artistic Director in 2017. Under his leadership, the chorus continues to expand its reputation for excellence for delivering fresh, thought-provoking interpretations of beloved masterworks, rarely performed gems and newly commissioned pieces.

The Grammy Award-winning Pacific Chorale, the resident choir at Segerstrom Center for the Arts, is noted for its artistic innovation and commitment to expanding the choral repertoire.

Pacific Chorale’s 2023-24 Season is made possible by generous support from Platinum Season Sponsor Phillip N. and Mary A. Lyons.

Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall is located at Segerstrom Center for the Arts, 600 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa.

For information and tickets to Tis the Season! ($30-$194), visit www.pacificchorale.org, or call 714.662.2345.

Corona del Mar Village kicks off the holiday season with 44th Annual Corona del Mar Christmas Walk

On Sunday, Dec. 3, the community at large will gather together to celebrate the joyous holiday season at the 44th Annual Corona del Mar Christmas Walk taking place from 11 a.m.-4 p.m.

The pioneer event presented by the Corona del Mar Chamber of Commerce expects to attract generations of families, friends and neighbors for a stroll throughout the charming village of Corona del Mar to celebrate local business and kick off the holiday season.

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Photos courtesy of CdM Chamber of Commerce

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Every street corner from Avocado Avenue to Poppy Avenue will include CdM Madrigals Christmas Carolers, award-winning OC bands, street performers, character artists, Santa visits and snapshots, a beer & wine garden, Newport Beach Fireman’s Grill, restaurant parties, merchant celebrations both small and large, bouncy houses and more.

The event is calling all elves! There are many volunteer opportunities where community members can participate at the lower Bandera Restaurant parking lot, located at 3201 E. Coast Highway, Corona del Mar. The CdM Chamber is looking to fill the following volunteer positions: event set-up; ushering and welcoming vendors and sponsors; beer & wine garden servers; I.D. checkers; chamber booth for welcoming, drawing and ticket sales; beer garden ticket sales and hotdog sales. For the online volunteer registration, go here. For a printable volunteer form, click here. For a youth community service volunteer form, click here.

The Christmas Walk, presented by Casey Lesher, Coldwell Banker Realty, is free and open to the public, supports local businesses, CdM marketing projects, events and community spirit.

To help local children this holiday season, please bring an unwrapped toy for the Marines Annual Toys for Tots Drive!

A special thanks to the sponsoring partners, volunteer teams and the Newport Beach Police Department for their kind assistance.

For more information, visit www.cdmchamber.com.

Get out and explore Buck Gully with three stunning hikes, assist with habitat restoration

Taking a trek in the Buck Gully Reserve, which connects Corona del Mar and Newport Coast, is the perfect opportunity to enjoy the cooler autumn weather. Explore this 300-acre natural habitat on foot, with three hikes led by the Irvine Ranch Conservancy staff and an opportunity to assist in habitat restoration.

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Enjoy panoramic views as you take in the canyon’s natural beauty

–Bridges of Buck Gully Hike: Buck Gully is a natural, coastal canyon which opened up to the public in 2012 with the installation of four bridges to allow for safe public access. Discover the bridges on Tuesdays, Dec. 5 and Jan. 23 and March 5, 2024 from 8-11:30 a.m., which facilitate exploration of the Buck Gully Reserve, and also provide viewing platforms from which to pause and observe the abundant life in and around the stream. The guided program starts with a short walk from the OASIS Senior Center to the beginning of the Buck Gully trail, offering a visually dramatic entrance into this special canyon. Open to those 12 years and older. Conducted at a walking pace at approximately 3 miles per hour. Distance is 5 miles; duration is 3.5 hours with moderate difficulty. This hike is free, but registration is required. Meet at the OASIS Senior Center auxiliary lot at 5th and Marguerite in Corona del Mar. Register at www.letsgooutside.org.

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Several bridges provide vantage points for taking in reserve vistas

–Buck Gully Loop Hike: Come and explore the entire Buck Gully Reserve trail system on Tuesdays, Dec. 12 and Feb. 6 and March 19, 2024 from 8-11:30 a.m. Beginning from the OASIS Senior Center, you’ll hike up through the almost three-mile length of the canyon, then along San Joaquin Hills Road for about a mile, stopping at Canyon Watch Park, where you will take in the panoramic view of the reserve and the Pacific coastline before descending back into the canyon along the Bobcat Trail. This hike is 6 miles; duration, 3.5 hours with high-moderate difficulty and conducted at a walking pace, approximately three miles per hour. It is geared to those 12+ years of age. This hike is free, but registration is required. Meet at the OASIS Senior Center auxiliary lot at 5th and Marguerite in Corona del Mar. Register at www.letsgooutside.org.

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Photos by Emily Spain

The stream is running, making for a memorable late afternoon/early evening hike

–Buck Gully Upper Loop Evening Hikes: Explore the richness of Buck Gully Reserve as you hike during the beautiful early evening hours on Tuesdays, Jan. 9 and Feb. 20, 2024 from 3-5:30 p.m. The stream is running, and the rich plant and animal life are enjoying the cool, shady canyon making for an evening hike in a natural oasis amid the suburban surroundings. Walk along San Joaquin Hills Road, which overlooks Buck Gully for the first mile, then drop down into the canyon on the Bobcat Trail, looping back through the upper end of the gully along the Buck Gully Trail. This activity is conducted at a walking pace, approximately 3 miles per hour. The distance is 4 miles; duration, 2.5 hours with moderate difficulty. This hike is open to those 8 years and older. This hike is free, but registration is required. Staging area is the Newport Coast Community Center at 6401 San Joaquin Hills Road. Register at www.letsgooutside.org.

–Fourth Friday Habitat Restoration in Buck Gully on Fridays, Dec.15 and Jan. 26, Feb. 23 and March 22, 2024 from 9 a.m.-12 p.m. Birds and other wildlife need healthy habitat to thrive. Simple things like planting native plants or removing non-native plants can greatly improve habitat for wildlife. You can be part of that positive impact while enjoying the beauty of Buck Gully. Come help with a variety of activities ranging from seed collection to weeding invasive plants. This activity takes place on sloped terrain and sturdy hiking boots are highly recommended. All training, tools and gloves will be provided to ensure your safety and comfort. Rattlesnakes are occasionally seen here and generally avoid people, but protective gear will be provided. Walking pace is approximately 3 mph with a distance of one to five miles and a duration of three hours. The difficulty is moderate. This is geared to 8 years+. Meet at the OASIS Senior Center auxiliary lot at 5th and Marguerite in Corona del Mar. Register at www.letsgooutside.org.

Police Beat Primer

Compiled by Tom Johnson 

Police Beat derives from information in the log maintained at the front counter by the Newport Beach Police Department and required under CA Government Code Section 6254 (f). The press does not have access to written police reports.

Information in the police department log is deemed reliable and StuNewsNewport is not responsible for mistakes made available as public record by the Newport Beach Police Department.

Any person arrested is innocent until found guilty in a court of law.

Abbreviations sometimes used in Police Beat:

647f – Public Intoxication; DUI – Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs; NFA – No fixed address; RP – Reporting/Responsible Party; UTL – Unable to locate