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June 2009 / Vol 11 No 6 

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THE BUNGEE MAN

 

When it comes to work, Rich Baranoski is just a kid at heart.

Rich Baranoski first started in the  bungee jump business working for Mike Hogan at the same location he is at today. Rich says, "I was young dumb and stupid. I was 21, jumping on one [trampoline] and loved it. It's one of the few things you can have fun on and not get hurt."
After nine years, Rich and his wife Carrie, bought out Hogan. rich recalls, "Carrie's dad helped us out, we paid him back in the first year, plus interest." Rich says it was, "Mainly me and Carrie at first." Now Rich has 6 employees and Carrie stays home taking care of their 19 month old twins, Glen and Sage.

Click To Enlarge
Rich has fun with 9 year old
Hannah Boll on the Bungee Jump

If you take the time to stop and watch the action, you can see that Rich has as much with the kids as the kids do on the bungee jump. Maybe that's why he named the business, "Kids at Heart."
Today Rich has 3 portable trampolines and a portable rock climbing wall for special events.
Kids at Heart is available for almost any event, birthdays, carnivals and school events to name a few.
Rich says his fondest memory is when he did an event for Orangewood, a care facility for kids from troubled homes. He says, "It was nice to put a smile on their faces."
Kids at Heart is located in the Newport Harbor Nautical Museum, and can reached by phone for special events at 949.677.3134



Time Capsule

OUR THREE LEGGED FRIEND 

From TalesOfBalboa the Book

You may have seen Stevie the three-legged dog in one of Balboa's bars, looking for his pa. Jeane Aufdenberg in New York adopted Stevie, a three-year-old black Lab mix, when he was only three months old.  Due to a liver condition, Stevie was blind and epileptic, but with three months of "TLC" he returned to full health. When Stevie was two years old, he was given to a family in Missouri who had a huge farm. Shortly after he arrived on the farm a car hit him. The veterinarian recommended Stevie be put to sleep. But Jeane decided to pay for the surgery to remove one of Stevie's front legs and have him brought to Balboa. Jeane says Stevie adapted instantly to his new tripod stance, but "It took him the longest to learn to swim," and now he loves the water. "He's friends with everybody," Jeane adds. 


Old Photo of
the Month

The demise of Bayside Villa

Click To Enlarge

The sign said, "Bayside Villa," but the locals called them, "The Sheds." When they were finally leveled in 1989 they were last place in Newport Beach with outside toilets. It was the end of an era.

Got an old photo you would like to share?  Email it with its information to:
Jim@TalesOfBalboa.com


 Swine
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And we all know who gave it to him...


 


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Mike "Peg Leg" Juneau, Balboa's only one legged jackhammer operator at work.


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Events
Calendar

Sundays 10 AM - 2 PM
Sunday Champagne Brunch
Harborside Restaurant
·
Mondays thru Thursdays
Pole Dancing Classes
Balboa Pilates

204 Washington St.
949-675-5888
·
Taco Tuesdays, All Day
$1.00 Tacos, No Limit,
Eat In/Take Out
Great Mex
703 E. Balboa Blvd.
675-0808
·
Tuesdays Thru Thursdays
4 - 6:30 PM  Happy Hour
Free Cuban Coffee
$4 Off Any Cigar
La Habana Cigar Company
107 Palm Street.
·
Wednesdays 7 PM - Closing
Rat Pack & Ladies Night
Humidor Specials
Tunes of the Boys
Sinatra, Sammy & Dean
La Habana Cigar Company

107 Palm Street.
·
1st Wednesday of the Month
 10 Am - 11AM
 Fun at Pirates Cove,
 2 - 5 year olds

Newport Harbor Nautical Museum
949-673-7863 X 105
Carol Davis
·
First Friday of the Month
6 PM - 9 PM
Balboa Island Stroll
·
2nd Wednesday of the Month, 1 PM
 Book Club Luncheon
675-2373

Newport Landing Restaurant

·
March, April and May
A bright, colorful exhibition
“Birds and Flora,” by local artist Chip Fesko

Newport Beach City Hall
3300 Newport Blvd.
·

Saturday, June 6
28th Annual Corona del Mar
Scenic 5K Race

·
Sunday June 7
Balboa Island Parade

Marine Ave, Balboa Island
·
Saturday, June 13, 11 AM
Family Concert at the
 Newport Beach Public Library
Triada Trio
Newport Beach Central Library
Friends Meeting Room
1000 Avocado Avenue
·
Saturday July 4 - 1 PM
Old Glory Boat Parade

Newport Harbor
·
Sunday, July 26 - 1 PM
Flight of the Lasers
Balboa Bay
949-673-7730
·
September 11 - 14
Lido Yacht Expo

Lido Marina Village
·

September 18 - 20
Taste of Newport

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Viewer Email & Memories

EDITORS NOTE
Viewer Email & Memories are published as soon as they are received.
 Keep checking back for new messages.
 

 

Hi Jim,
My husband and I are working on a documentary-- the centerpiece being the '60s surf scene in Newport Beach.  We are trying to find photos from '50s '60s era of Balweek--parties, groups of people having a good time, the traffic and such.  Do you, by chance,  have any we could purchase?  (we could scan and return)
Thanks!
Ann Chatillon
annchat@sbcglobal.net
 

Hi Jim!
Our family here in hot, hot, Phoenix have enjoyed your website. We have vacationed in Balboa every summer for one week for the last 15 years with our three children.
We have always rented from "old-timers" who are the original owners of their property.
The first 12 years we rented from Dortha and Jesse Sell at 1009 E. Balboa.
The last 3 years we rented from Lorranie and Don Morrison at 1005 E. Balboa.
Now both of landlords have become elderly and are unable to rent on a weekly basis so...
we need to find a new place to stay.
I saw that you have listed Burr-White on your website so I contacted them but they ONLY rent Saturday-Saturday and we need a place Monday July 27 - Monday, August 3.
What's a desert-dweller to do?
Please advise... is there any body or any business you recommend besides Burr-White?
G. M. Klees
Phoenix, AZ
gklees@cox.net

Hi Jim,
I have a real good question this time. A very good friend of mine tells me she saw railroad cars on the campus of Newport Harbor high when she was a kid. She graduated from high school in 1968 so no later than early 60s for the rr cars. Do you recall this at all?
We have an idea that one of the cars might be the one some well off fun loving guys took to Catalina on a barge so they could claim to have ridden the train to Catalina. Any possibility in that?
And one for me as I am running out of ideas and I may just have to write the ex-wife who knows all and sees all! Does anyone recall a restaurant in the Airport area that was designed to look like we were all dining in a New York tenement house alley with laundry hanging from clothes lines well above the diners? It sounds weird but I swear it existed. I can find no references to it at all.
I am still always looking for anything on the old Rendezvous as well. From the surf music days 1960-1966 only, not the grand old big band era.
I went to school with guys from Dave Myers and the Surftones and The Centurions…it was a fun time to be a high schooler! Thank so much,
Barry Kazmer CMHS 1965
bkazmer39@aim.com

Just read an article in Sunset about Balboa and so many memories came back to me.  I spent many Easter week vacations as a kid in Newport and on the Island.  I am now back in California; high desert and would love to stay a couple of night somewhere near the ferry.  Everything has really changed!!!!  Any ideas???  B&B maybe?  I am 62 now, and haven't been there since I was 17!  thanks!
Annie
Brqanne@aol.com

Jim
My name is Beau Boise, I live in Boise Idaho .I am looking for my cousins, Gennie and Jimmy Jones. They are the children of Evan Jones the ferry man. Evan was my grandmothers brother. Anyway I have not seen or heard from them sense there Mom died. If you could give Jeannie, Gennies my email or email me back an address I would appreciate it. Any INFO would be greatly welcomed.
Thanks
Beau Boise,421 So. Walnut St. Boise Idaho
reuben4beau@yahoo.com
 

what was the restaurant named that was where the shore house cafe is now? they used to serve exotic fare.
the good life in virginia
in2vintagecloths@ntelos.net

We are going to Balboa for father's Day.  We like to be on the graay area by "A" street.  Can we bring our puppy if we keep him off the sand?
Michelle
michelle@cutsfitnessoc.com

Hi Jim,   what has happened to the site?     I miss seeing my beautiful Balboa,    especially when it is 96 degrees and  83% humidity here in Tampa Bay.   Hope to see June issue soon.   
Ann
zanetta@juno.com

Hey Jim!  Last month you had an article on Shannon Wellborn and Bay Front Cafe.  Do you still have the article?  I would love a copy.
Jann Rowe
jann@clever-mktg.com

did breeze die?  how?
jeff coyle
jikml@yahoo.com

My husband Bill and I lived in Balboa in 1968-69 and I worked on Balboa Island at Dad's Donut's for Dad Anderson, the original owner (I think) who was from Sweden, a wonderful man to work for. He made delicious fruit cakes and donuts, and I stood up there in the window and sold hundreds of frozen bananas,which I can prove because I have a picture of me standing in that window and one of  Dad and I taken standing in that shop in 1968. I would dearly love to have a recipe for their frozen bananas. I would send them a picture of their shop in 1968 if they would send me a recipe for a frozen banana. I can tell you that John Wayne 'The Duke' loved Dad's donuts as he stopped by many times for donuts to take to the studio with him, and his wife Pilar did business at the shop next door at times. Also I rode my bicycle past Buddy Epsen's house twice a day going to and from work, as I rode the ferry back across to Balboa. I loved the Newport Beach area very much and have many happy memories of it.    
Barbara Wills
Cityslicker8956@yahoo.com

Are you still looking for pictures of Joe Beek?  He developed realestte in Northern California and my parents worked for him.  I have lots!
Anita
inliiibld@sbcglobal.net

This from Bruce Elliott (Ret US Marines) who used to live in Balboa.
I didn't know Kieth but maybe you folks did. I knew they moved from
Balboa to the desert.
 In case you run into anybody that knows Kieth Caroselli..
 he died of cancer on 5/6/09
 The Celebration of Life is this Saturday... 5 June @ PDCC @ 5PM
 18 July there will be a burial at sea... NBYC 11AM Bay & Jamboree
 fyi
 Kieth's wife name is Dawn..
 Kieth's sister's name is Lee

Jim, thanks for the article about Rich. We really appreciate it! I just wanted to let you know that the phone number for us at the bottom of the article is incorrect. To reach us, you would call 949 677 3134 Is it possible to change it?
 Thanks again,
Carrie
cbaranoski@att.net

Jim, I enjoyed your web page. I am the son of Frank Kiech who built and operated the Leading Lady out of the Balboa Pavilion. If you would like some photos of the boat, let me know. I have my dad's photo album of The Leading Lady. I live in Costa Mesa.
Jim Kiech
jjkiech@gmail.com

Thanks Jim
I often direct people to your site because they don't know the difference between the Island  and the Peninsula.  Yours is the best Peninsula information.
Carolyn Carr
www.balboa-island.com

Hi Jim:
Bonnie and I are relatively new residents on the Peninsula, owned for
5 years...full time residents since January 2008. Our daughters preceeded
us.
I am trying to find the starting time of the Balboa Parade this Sunday...
on www.talesofbalboa.com it seems unspecified.
If anyone should know...it would be you.
Don Gerber
flowblueman@aol.com

OMG! I just came across this website. Standing at my kitchen sink in Tucson, Arizona I had a thought of Balboa and when I lived there on the peninsula as a child in the '60's, pre-Beatles era. I lived and played over by the Morgan House. Next to the Morgan house lived a family with their grandfather who sat out in front watching the children play in the street. He gave us pennies that we took over to the Fun Zone Penny Arcades. A penny bought so much then.
I attended third and fourth grades at the Newport Elementary school on the beach. My third grade teacher, whose name I don't remember, was a tall slender thin lipped and heavy eye lidded French looking woman who wore her hair pulled back tight in a bun. Her favorite phrase when making a point was "it should behoove you". My fourth grade teacher was Mr. Katnip...not sure about the spelling, he would perform 'The Soupy Shuffle' in class from time to time.
I also remember a boyfriend, tall, tanned and cute, who befriended me when I needed a friend. I'm sorry to say I don't remember his name. He gave me a pair of cut-off jeans to wear because I didn't have much in the way of play clothes. I loved those cut-off's. Some mornings before catching the bus for school, we would run over to the bakery at the south end of the Fun Zone filling up on jelly filled donuts. His mother worked at the Balboa Market.
He and I would sit on top of the bait store roof at the end of Balboa pier watching the sun set. I can still feel the cool early evening breeze coming off the salty water brushing my face and how it felt to have his hand holding mine. Ah, young love.
I would love to hear about from others about the Morgan House, the Balboa Market, and my young boyfriend.
Thank you for your response. I did have fun recalling those old childhood memories....writing them even brought a few tears to my eyes.
I'm so glad I found your site. I will be a regular visitor.
Virginia
info@zebradezign.com

Do you have any pictures of Marine Avenue Businesses? We are making a postcard for the Marine Avenue Business Improvement District, but we need pictures of the Marine Avenue. Nancy Burroughs is making us a postcard but we need pictures. Can you help?
Kathy Wales
marthasbookstore@roadrunner.com

Hi Jim..
Lived and ran around Balboa Peninsula late 70's, early 80's. Saw your article which mentioned Ron White and Max Dillman. Happened to know them both. Just wondered what happened to other people that were there in that time frame. Some names that come to mind are "Tree Top", Breeze (bartender at Class of 47), Patti Culvyhous, Daryl (Ron White's roommate at one time). I know that Ron Ballard, Pat Riley and Jim Cherry are gone. Not looking to contact anyone. Just curious to see who's around. What happened to Dillman's? Micasa?
Thanks Jim. Appreciate the info, as gruesome as it is... but hey, age is getting to us all. Breeze was fairly young.. do you know what he died of? It's hard to be believe that anyone got fired from the NC..
Again, thanks.
Debbie Cherry
debcherry@msn.com

Hi, I am doing research on the old Snug Harbor Bar, and I haven't had a whole lot of luck. Could you possibly point me in the right direction? I am looking for old pics, bios, stories, anything!!!!!
Thanks
Frank McNaughton
FrankMc9999@aol.com

Jim- I love your site....WOW-lot's of great info! I do not think you are missing a thing! I appreciate your support of local business's and have a request: would it be possible to change the photo of Island Marine Fuel on your site. It stills shows the Ol' "76" Ball which has been gone for almost 6 years now. We are an official "Valvtect Marine Fuel" Marina which pumps only "Premium Valvtect Marine Diesel Fuel and Gasolines". Also we have a web site: www.Islandmarinefuel.com Thanks in advance Jim and thanks again for your support!
David Beek
davidbeek@earthlink.net

Jim: I am a mate with the Oasis Sailing Club, and I use the Tide website for each time that I sail. Yesterday, when I checked the site, it was down. The wind site went down about six months ago and never did come back. Is the Tide website fated for the same demise? Please let me know as I use it a lot. Thanks a lot. Out sailing today.
Later,
Linda Ignatius
lignatius@ca.rr.com

I was thinking about Newport Beach when I was in high school and Mearle's Drive-in and googled, got this site. Ran across a name I have not thought of in years, Dick Stahler and if he is the same guy I knew he grew up on the peninsula, B Street and his dad was a dentist. We were also pals with Jack Stoneback who lived across the street from me on Seville? Me and wife and daughter live in Grass Valley, Calif. in the Sierra Foothills, 60 miles north of Sacramento. Traded surf boards and Hobie Cats for Mustangs (wild horses), donkeys and mules on 5 acres.
Always thought I would miss the ocean view, how great September in Newport was when the tourists went home, Blackie's, the Snug (Snug Harbor) etc.
Passed thru Newport in April last year on the way to Hotel Del and cruised the pier and the peninsula. Not much different then in 1959 / 1960's when Skip Crane and I sailed around the bay in a Rhodes 33 his dad let us use for cleaning docks, etc. at South Coast Boat Company by the Crab Cooker. If any of you guys remember me feel free to contact me. I had a 54 chevy, white with a small block vette motor and running gear, cruised Mearle's all the time.
Tim Gore
ctgore@msn.ccom

Hi, Jim, it's Annabelle.
I'm the blind young woman who once went sailing on the M.V. Phoenix when it was on Catalina Island. Now, when I click on that link to hear the whistle, I hear nothing! Same thing goes with those other sound links. Is there a possibility that you could at least send the Phoenix whistle to me in an MP3 attachment via Email? I would kindly appreciate it.
Annabelle Morison
foristnights@comcast.net

This is the most wonderful place to visit (your Tales of Balboa).  As a child, I lived in Balboa on Miramar Drive from 1941-1946.  My father was in the army and my mother worked for Southern County Gas Company.  Although it was a difficult time (WWII) for adults, for the children it was a marvelous fun place to live.  I remember swimming out about half way in the bay to a boat called Four Winds which was kept there.  I also knew a little girl named Donna Fournier and wondered if she is a relative of your.  I was able to visit about five years ago and it was like "coming home" even though I have spent the rest of my life in Northern California.
jancastro36@yahoo.com

Hi Jim,
I was on Balboa the other day and did not see your store. Are you still located there? I remember when you moved out of the fun zone area.....
Thanks, I'd love to come down and look at your work again. I just found your card!
Jon B. Patton
jon.patton@pacificnewport.com

hi, wanted to know about parking at the peer. is it metered or do you pay as you enter and how much. also what time does the peer open and close. it has been many years since i was down there, just want to be prepared.
thanks pat
patrick mcconnell
dadixie@msn.com

Hey Jim,
 It was very nice meeting another Fine Arts professional photographer in action at the start of the 2009 Newport to Ensenada race just the other day. I appreciate the exchange of business cards which allowed me to log onto this sight and enjoy your wonderful photo gallery. You have a great artistic style that I hope the Locals at Balboa appreciate. I got my one shot of the Race start that I was looking for. You can see it at my Website: www.ILovePacificPiers.com
 I think a lot of your admirers may also enjoy my website, also. I would have liked to have chatted more at the Race, but it was work for me. I'll give you a call when I'm in Town for a leisurely visit. Thanks!
Larry Brambles, Agoura Hills
PacificPiers@aol.com

Hi There!
I'm new to the area.  Wondering if anyone knows who I can contact about bringing a weekly Farmer's Market to the Peninsula. 
Thank you!
bkrparis@yahoo.com

Dear Jim:
Thanks so much for your portal to Balboa. I lived on the peninsula from 1993 to 1996. A place on I Street and Balboa Blvd, and another on Bay Street. Got to taste both flavors - the ocean front, and the bay side.
I had grown up on the east coast, but took a marketing job in Santa Ana. Young single lad I was. I flew into John Wayne for my interview, and was offered the job on the spot. The president of the company asked where I was thinking of living. I wasn't familiar with NB, so I said I wasn't sure. He recommended getting a studio apartment in a place called Balboa. Said I'd love it. He was so right.  I actually ended up getting a three bedroom house with a couple of other guys who had been advertising for a room mate in the Pilot. We had great fun. Professional by day and cocktails on the beach at night. I think they enjoyed showing the newbie around. Used to love coming home after a long day. My wife and I went on our first date on Balboa. It was a blind date. She came over to my place. We hung out and tanned on the beach, BBQ'ed, went to Studio for an Adios. Got married three years later.
Oh, how times change. We moved inland to buy a house and start a family in Temecula. Which is a nice place, but it surely ain't Balboa. Couple of years ago we had to move to West Lafayette, Indiana for family reasons. From palm trees to corn... It's OK here. MISS MY BALBOA!! Maybe one day we'll move back. Would so love to buy a place on the peninsula and live ocean life. Become a local again. Unfortunately, I cannot afford a house on the Peninsula. So, I thank you for the Portal. I write this after looking at the 6:38 AM web cam images. A tear of longing running down my cheek. Enjoy Balboa for me. I will always feel Balboa is my true home.
Jon Light
ifpm@comcast.net

Jim,
i have enjoyed visiting your pages often, as i have friends that are frequently in the area, and it keeps me abreast with what is going on there.
I have watched your web cams from time to time and have even downloaded some archived pictures. Question, is there anyplace to get pictures older than 24 hours? I missed some that I wanted on Sunday, i was not home and wanted ones of the pavillion from about 15:45 to about 17:00. Is there any place to find them? or do you  know of someone that may have downloaded them and would be willing to share them?
thanks Jim,

I kinda of figured that was the truth of it. i didn't find out untill late Monday that I wanted pictures from arround 4-5PM. I do have several up untill 3:45. Oh well, my patients gave out. I also had most of Saturdays, but have deleted them too. Thanks again and keep up the good work. BTW any chance that the Arcade camera will come back? Sorry if you have already answered that, i didn't look too deep into comments
Tom Scriven
tscriven@kvoa.com

loving the site!!!
Shelia Aubrey

Hi Jim,
I run a printing company at the base of the Balboa Pier above the Cannery VIllage real estate building (no production on site).  As a new guy in town I have NO CLUE where anything is, and I was looking into creating a business directory/map of Balboa peninsula/island businesses that could be left in stores for people to easily navigate the area.  It sounds like you've been around the area for a long time.  Have you seen anything like this before?  Do you have any kind of business listing or arial map of the area that I could use as a starting point for my design? I would really appreciate the help in this, I'd like to do it more as a way to get to know other businesses locally but also I really need to figure out where to eat!!! haha.
Zack Gaskins
Zack@Vividcolor.com


Hey Jim,
What happened to the Main Street camera it was my favorite?
Steve Dull
nitro.dull@verizon.net

Hi,  this is a long shot...
Wondering if you know the folks who operate the live cameras viewing the pavilion?
I have included a link so you will know which camera sets I am referencing.
http://www.croul.com/newportharbor/gallery.html
Love  the angle, was hoping to convince the folks to sharpen the image by adjusting focus?
If you know how I can find them or contact that would be great.
Thank you,
 Wayne Powell
wpowell7@cox.net

Hi Jim:
Thanks for the webcam on Balboa Island Ferry. I''ll watch it every evening (i.e. your morning). Coming back to Newport Beach for a month at the end of April for the third time.
Harri Oittinen Kuopio

Hi, Jim:
Any hope of restoring the old or installing a new camera on the Pavillion so we can see the true center of Balboa once again?   Loved being able to see part of the sign of my dad's Balboa Pharmacy, Balboa Inn and sometimes glimpsing Catalina in the background.
I check out your site every day to give me a feeling of still being anchored to my home town.
Regards,
Tita (Vincent) Yost
gramcrakr@comcast.net

Lived and worked in the Newport Beach area off and on for many years but moved away for good in 1984.  Was a good buddy of Art Larson and did a lot of sailing with him on his black hulled schooner the "Wanderlure'  Heard that Art died in 1994 but would love to know about his final years in Balboa.
Bill Wagner
Jim.  Thanks for your reply regarding Art Larson.I could relate many
tales regarding Art as he was a one of a kind character.  I did not
know you had a book.  Where and how can I purchase a copy?
BillCWagner@gmail.com

Hi Jim-
I wrote to you a few years back about my short time living in Balboa- on the Penninsula- during 1967-68. I was one of the girls working at Dale and Irene's ice cream stand making frozen bananas in my bikini at age 14 and swimming across the bay on my breaks (illegal then and now!). I wondered if anyone remembered Daisy- the woman who would ride her bike around during that time- wore a straw hat with flowers around it- lots of make-up- almost the local version of Mini Pearls without the price tag? Also, the owner of the gas station not sure of his name- who was married to a beautiful woman-and the locals called them Beauty and the Beast? I wondered what year Bal Week came to an end- I had heard it was 1969. Those were the days of music on the sand played by visiting and idealistic college kids who were filled with a vision of peace instead of war- and I am not sure- but I believe that was also the summer of love, wasn't it?
Yes, thank you- it was George who owned the gas station- my brother, Richard, actually worked for George for about six months until getting sick (heart condition)- and sadly, passed away a couple of months later.
The times were very exciting- I remember so much about the area- so many good memories from that time- such a special place. It is difficult to describe what it was like to those not having spent that particular period of time there. In part, it was the 60's and too, it was my age at the time, It was also the area itself. Where else would you find teenagers who know how to sail a 30 foot boat, for example? Where else might you be able to work selling hamburgers at the end of a pier as I did when the Phoenix family held leases on it during that time? I don't think there could be a better place for teenagers to be- but not sure what it is like now. Parts of the Fun Zone seems the same (I live in Newport Heights now), but there are so many bits that have really changed. I appreciate the arcade- and took my children and now my grandsons there. I love that one can still spend that huge roll of tickets and get some weird little trinket- but it's all part of the magic. I love the look in my youngest grandson's eyes when his roll won't fit in his pocket any more- he is so proud of his achievements! Such simple pleasure (though expensive for his Nana!).
Anyway, it is good to have a place to talk about it again.
Thanks for remembering me!~
Elizabeth Gellatly
egellatl@earthlink.net

Hi Jim!
Ted and I are enjoying using your wonderful pelican photo on my Balboa Island Fudge label!
I am going to publish an online newsletter about Balboa Island soon, and am hoping it will be okay with you if I use the copy ability on my computer and feature some of your small photos in the article--with credit to you, of course.  Please say yes.
All the best!
Diana von Welanetz Wentworth
Diana@dianawentworth.com

Jim:
Were there any other Glass Bottom Boats in Balboa other than the Phoenix? If so do you know their names? This isn't a quiz. I don't know. :)
Stephen
scs@shacomm.com

I have many fond memories of Balboa. My aunt and uncle lived there in the 70's.  They used to have Christmas parties every year.  I remember the wonderfully decorated boats sailing by and that really got me in the Christmas spirit.  Sailing around the harbor in their small sail boat was a blast.  Eventually they moved away but the memories remained.   Several years ago I met a woman who lives in Balboa and dated her for a time.  It was not a match made in heaven but my time with her allowed me to rediscover the area.  I have lived in California all my life (Pasadena foothills) and feel that Balboa is one of the best spots there is.  Perhaps I will live there some day.  I really appreciate your site as it gives me a chance to experience that fantastic little corner of our state.  Thank you!
Eric

I love your site, especially the webcams, but when I click on the calendar to print it, it still shows the photo for January, and says JANUARY at the top.  Can you please fix this? 
Anonymous

Hello,
My husband and I spent many Sunday mornings listening to jazz and having brunch and "Adios Mother's" at a lovely cafe/bar on Balboa Island in the late 1970s. Sometimes we would park our car and roller skate around the island.
Does anyone remember the name of the cafe/bar? It's driving us nuts. Good memories...
Thank you,
Laura López
Laura.LOPEZ@cepal.org

The name of the bar you are thinking of is The Studio Cafe.
Miss that place every day
Marco Torre
marco@compu-tor.org

My daughter, Sarah, lives in Newport Beach and I live in Helena, Alabama (a suburb of Birmingham).  I miss her and being able to look at your site makes me feel a little closer.  Thank you so much!
Kathleen Leemhuis
kathleen3452@bellsouth.net

Hi Jim,
I have two questions:
Do you have any old pictures of Glen Caldwell who use to play the piano at the bar back in the '80s?  And.. Do you know what happened to that old piano that was in the pub?
Thank you
Wayne Caldwell
mail4wayne@Verizon.net

DID YOU  KNOW THERE WAS A TV SHOW CALLED THE BAILEYS OF BALBOA? IT PREMIERED IN 1966 AND ONLY LASTED ONE SEASON.
ROCKY HANRAHAN
ROBERT01887@YAHOO.COM

Hi Jim!  Another question....remember when you gave us a copy of the DVD Dirty Feet?  I was talking with someone tonight who would like to be able to buy one for her aunt who is actually in the audience on the film!  Do you know of where she might be able to obtain one? 
Phyllis
pscheffler@city.newport-beach.ca.us

I'm so glad to have found this site. A huge Thank You to Jim for doing such a wonderful job!
I check this site out almost every day.  I grew up in Costa Mesa and from the time I was allowed to ride my bike to the beach on my own... I did. (In those days you could let your kids spend the whole day away from you without much of a thought!)
I, like many of you that have posted, moved away from the area some years ago. I have loved the adventures of my life, the places I've lived, friends I've made along the way, and the family that surrounds me. But I'm always drawn back to the beach, Balboa, Newport and Little Corona.  I can't explain it very well, this longing inside to walk on the shore, feel the sunsets, smell the salt air, and feel the freedom that watching the horizon and hearing the pounding of the surf sets deep in my soul.
The past few years I've had the wonderful experience of taking my kids and husband to the waves and teaching them to body surf, and showing them the wonders in the tide pools of Little Corona, snorkeling, cook outs in the fire pits etc. Fortunately, they love it and are willing to go along with my obsession! When I married and we took our first trip to Balboa, my new husband had trouble just laying on a towel, relaxing, feeling the heat of the sun and the cool breeze of the ocean sneak over you. He kept saying, "Is this all you do? What else do you want to see? How long will we be here?" So I began to teach him the art of the beach life. "Well, no this isn't all of it......" We can jump in the waves and play and then lie back on the towels to warm up again. Isn't it cool how you can still feel the ocean's heartbeat when you lay back on the towels? Watch the birds, especially the sand pipers, and watch for the seals and the dolphins swimming in the surf. Let's walk on the beach, or the board walk, go out to the end of the pier and eat, always with a keen eye on what the fishermen are bringing up. Go below the Newport Pier and see through the clear water beneath it, stealing a secret kiss while we are there. Rent a boat, (cause my family's one is long since gone)  and view the homes in the bay, pointing out all the famous that you remember.   The essentials are to ride the ferry, eat Balboa Bars, bring something home that say's, Balboa or Newport, CA, and take as many pictures as can fit on a 2 G card. The most important thing to do, though, is stay all day and then feel the sunset calm your thoughts and fill you with a quietness that only it's beauty can give you. Breath deeply.
Well, I'm happy to say that they all get it now.  We spent this Christmas visiting family and although my brother took us out on his boat for an afternoon, we didn't get much time at the beach. (not enough for me that is)  I was grumpy on the way back home, not getting my needed fix, when my kids piped up from the back seat...... We have to come back soon, cause we didn't get our personal family time at the  beach!...... We didn't get to ride the ferry or eat the Balboa Bars.... or see the sunset........or, or, or........... Oh, Yeah, I'm raising them right!
Barbara Mardock (Schmok)
casunset@acsol.net
 

Click To Visit Newport Harbor Nautical Museum

Click To Visit Balboa Theater

Click To Visit Newport Beach Film Festival

Click To Visit Newport Beach library

Click To Visit City of Newport Beach
 

TODAY'S ALMANAC


 

Editor and chief cook
 & bottle washer
Jim Fournier

I'd really love to hear from you.