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Free Photo Calendar
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End of an Era
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Workers starting to move the Bay Street power
lines underground before the poles are removed. |
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Time Capsule
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THE CORONA DEL MAR TUNNEL |
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From TalesOfBalboa the Book
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On June 12, 1931, after almost 15 years of delays,
construction was finally started on the on again off
again Corona Del Mar Tunnel, a lifelong dream of city
founder Fredric Newport, in spite of the serious
reservations of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. The
tunnel was to run beneath Newport Bay from the end of
the Balboa Peninsula to what is now the Corona Del Mar
State Beach. With a funding of only $834,000, there
was very little room for error in design or
construction costs. Even with this knowledge, corrupt
officials couldn't keep their hands out of the cookie
jar, and sand was substituted for cement whenever an
inspector's head was turned for a few dollars. By the
beginning of 1933, it looked like the tunnel would be
finished by early summer. Fees would be 15 cents for
car and driver, plus five-cents for each passenger.
Trucks would have to be banned, because secret
knowledge of the weakened concrete caused fears that
their vibrations could cause damage to the tunnel.
Then on March 10, 1933, the Long Beach earthquake hit.
The Corona Del Mar Tunnel crumbled like dry cake and
vanished. Officials jumped on this chance to cover up
their actions. The few remains of the tunnel were
immediately destroyed, and the matter was written off
as an act of God. There was a weak attempt at a Grand
Jury Investigation, which blew over quickly, mainly
due to the ever-increasing interest in the war clouds
growing over Europe. The Corona Del Mar Tunnel, then
quietly faded from history.
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I would love to see some inside photos of th Rendevous Ballroom in
the years 1963-1966. I went there as a teenager then to hear surf music. I
remember The Rhythm Rockers had their album Soul Surfin in the window in
1962.(which I still have.)
Harold Dieckman
deekmon13@yahoo.com
Hi... I used to live on Balboa Island, 208 Collins Avenue, and recall a tiny
boat rental company across the bay. I'd like to bring my two sons, 4 and 8,
down over the upcoming weekend, and wonder if you could provide the contact
info for a company from which I might rent a small motorboat. I'd like to
take the boys on short tour of the area. Thanks!
TJ
legitcrit@aol.com
Hi Jim, I just clicked on to the tales of Balboa for the
first time. Do you remember Clancy Arnold? He was my father and built the
last three ferries. Also in 1918 my great-grand-mother owned a lot of lots
on Balboa Island but traded them off for a chicken, goose, or whatever,
Shucks. I was raised here at the beach and there is no place on earth like
it. Thanks for your articles
Connie Arnold-Ruske
hgr38@aol.com
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Feature Cartoon
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From London's Times
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Pop Quiz
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Business Phone Directory
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Take a Ride on the
Balboa Island Ferry |
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A Really
Big Show
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On March 22nd the Newport Pier area
was packed with filmmaking equipment to shoot a Mervin's commercial.
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Hi,
I am looking for my cousin Randy. He and his wife Linda own
several large charter (party) boats in Newport Beach. His mother
is Ennis Bratt. We need to contact him with regard to his aunt
Eileen Morris. I'm sorry this is unorthodox but I can't remember
his last name and need to contact him. If you know him please give
him my email.
Thanks
Judy Peterson
judyp@shaw.ca
Hi Jim,
I made my first visit to you site today after reading about it. We
live on Opal Ave and love this place! Your website is a real
asset. Thanks for doing it. I am sending it to my children hoping
they will move back.
Phyllis
Beaconservice@aol.com
Hi Jim,
We were just catcing up with your site. Long time no talk. Hope
all is well.
Varujan and Tina
The Noize Music
Varujan@thenoizemusic.com
Hello, my name is Todd Patience. I'm a friend of Art Connor..Arts
rents a home nearby and rides around in the handicap cart...I'm
helping him install cameras back at his bed-n-breakfast in Helen,
GA. What cameras/system are you using for the cameras on your
website. Let me know.
GREAT WEBSITE
tpatience@bellsouth.net
Hey Jim!
I love your site and pictures; I'm really intrested in photography
too. I look up to you, and I've been wondering how did you get
into this buisness, and when did you decide that this was what you
wanted to do?
Katie
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Words Of Wisdom
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