Today on July 6th– two years after his final save– Ben Carlson’s statue will be unveiled at the base of Newport Pier, in McFadden Square. Thousands of people donated and tens of thousands participated in the movement– this will mean a lot to everyone, and serve as a lasting memory of his sacrifice as the first lifeguard to lose his life in Newport Beach. …

Are you a kid, a kid-at-heart, a fisherman, or a cook?  One of the big annual Grunion Runs is happening this weekend! Grunion are a species of fish that spawn on the beaches after new or full moons during the summertime, and joining in to watch or participate in the grunion run is a famous pasttime for our long history of Southern …

This week, city officials sent letters to Balboa Island residents demanding that they remove over-the-street decorations from their homes and businesses.  The demand letter was triggered by a complaint from an unknown resident.  Balboa Island residents responded in the same independent spirit that has set Newport away from others since the start… they said they were simply going to do what they wanted to. …

Newport has a lot of great dogs in need of great homes and great owners… And we’ve got the perfect pup for you to rescue who desperately needs a forever home. From the shelter: “Ricky’s a pit bull, approx 2 years old.  Neutered, microchipped, dewormed and up-to-date on shots. He’s a little guy, under 50lbs now, still very  skinny, but he will fill out …

SECTION 1: Events What: Old Glory Boat Parade (American Legion) Where: Newport Harbor When: 1 to 3:30 p.m. Monday Admission: Free Details: This patriotic-themed parade will start off Collins Island and proceed throughout Newport Harbor. A Harbor Patrol fire boat will lead close to 100 decorated boats through the harbor. The event sponsor is the American Legion Yacht Club. Participate! Decorate your own boat …

It has been almost two years since we lost Ben Carlson, a lifeguard who made countless saves right here in Newport Beach.  That day, the news of search and rescue efforts for him spread quickly amongst the waterfront community after Ben made his last dive at 5:18pm on July 6th, 2014.  Everyone felt a moment of timelessness as the minutes ticked …

Last year, the good folks at Toddland along with their friends and family (me included!) raised enough money in just $20 donations to buy and raise a monster flag at the start of Balboa Peninsula, right between Malarky’s and Newport BrewCo.  Monday morning, it was raised for the second time of many more to come, just in time for the 4th of July. …

Saturday at about 4pm, with 20ft waves powering through the water at the Wedge, a couple on a rented Jetski decided that they wanted a closer look– a very bad decision on their part.  This was no accident, either.  Lifeguards had warned the couple earlier in the day to stay away from the wedge, said Newport Beach Marine Safety Capt. Skeeter Leeper.  Our …

Many of you know what Newport’s Greenlight Voter Initiative is, but for those who don’t, a quick recap: Greenlight is a citizen-initiated restriction on building that prohibits more than 100 homes (“units”) to be added to any statistical area (like, say, Newport Center) every 10 years– unless they get voter approval.  It was put in place by activists who wanted to …

As you know, I have spent years fighting back bad policies, overreaching government, and irresponsible spending by our city council.  I’ve spent countless amounts of my own money and endless hours of time as a citizen fighting for us.  Now, I am bringing that fight to the dais.  I’m running for Newport Beach City Council, and all of you are invited to my first fundraiser.  It …