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Month: November 2024

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Billings Corner

CdMRA News – Billings’ Corner

CdMRA Board Member (CdMSW) Janice Billings is one very busy volunteer.  In addition to representing CdM residents in the Southwest quadrant of the Flower Streets on CdMRA’s Board, Janice is a volunteer for the Newport Beach Public Library’s Project Adult Literacy, a volunteer on CdMRA’s Historical  Resources Committee, AND also manages to find time to investigate local human interest stories and write about them. As a matter of fact, Janice has been so prolific that we have dedicated space for her on our website.

“Happy House” by Mary Everett Burton is once again available to enjoy

True to its mission of preserving and sharing Corona del Mar’s past, the History Resources Committee of CdMRA has re-printed a delightful recounting of one of the village’s first residents. 

“Happy House” by Mary Everett Burton had been reprinted in a short booklet form by the Committee to enlighten residents and others about Mary’s Pasadena family and her mother’s bold move to build a home here in 1909. Bold, because at that time, CdM was basically inaccessible except by boat and a hike up what was the original Bayside Drive. The early beach town of CdM was isolated and vacant except for the Hotel Del Mar. But the views were great, and it was an ideal place to escape the summer heat of Pasadena. 

This delightful retelling of what it was like to live on Ocean Blvd. over 100 years ago is not for sale but can be checked out at the Newport Beach Central Library, the OASIS Senior Center or by contacting the Sherman Library.

 

** PREVIOUSLY PUBLISHED STORIES **

 

February 2023: Award-Winning Harbor Department of Newport Beach

The Newport Beach Harbor Department won the “Innovative Program of the Year” award from the California Association of Code Enforcement Officers. The program is unique since Newport Beach is one of the few jurisdictions with dedicated code enforcement staff specifically hired, trained, and assigned to patrol a harbor or similar body of water on a daily basis. They were recognized for their efforts in developing an exemplary program with unique and successful systems, policies, and procedures. The awards committee was especially impressed with the focus on education and collaboration with various stakeholders to create effective…read the full story here … 

 

November 2022: Girl Scouts Monarch Butterfly Project

Four local 12 year-olds in Scout Troop 4288 embarked on a project that will have a positive and lasting effect on our community’s environment. Noting that the Monarch butterfly is an endangered population, they set about with the zeal and motivation of researchers to do something about it. Read the full story here …

October 2022:  Jill Thrasher, Sherman Library Director, Advocate & Steward
When asked what she would like her legacy to be, the ew director of Sherman Library, Jill Thrasher, said, “When I walk away one day, I want to be remembered as … read the full story here …

 

 

September 2022: Newport’s Project Adult Literacy Proves that Citizen Involvement Matters
If Corona del Mar is “the Crown of the Sea,” then Project Adult Literacy, an offering of our Newport Beach Central Library, is one of the gems in that crown. “Since its inception in 1986, Project Adult Literacy has offered free, one-on-one tutoring and small group classes in basic literacy, to adults who live or work in the Newport Beach area. The program is open to … the read the full story here … 

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In and Around CdM


News … In and Around CdM  …

CdMRA’ s Billings’ Corner

CdMRA Board Member (CdMSW) Janice Billings is one very busy volunteer.  In addition to representing CdM residents in the Southwest quadrant of the Flower Streets on CdMRA’s Board, Janice is a volunteer on CdMRA’s Historical Resources Committee, AND also manages to find time to investigate local human interest stories and write about them. 


Janice’s most recent story is about Mary Everett Burton’s “Happy House” booklet reprint chronicling her Pasadena family and mother’s bold move to build a home here in 1909.  

This story and Jan’s previous reports are all available here.

Flower Power – Floral Magic in CdM’s Flower Streets!

 CdMRA’s “Flower Power” Project brought a touch of floral magic to the charming streets of Corona del Mar in 2024! Program Partners CdMRA, Roger’s Gardens, Sherman Gardens, and Greet Corona del Mar magazine collaborated on this fun project that brought added beauty and charm to the CdM Village. 

Aptly named the “Flower Power” project, this project encouraged residents to plant their street’s namesake flowers, turning the community into a captivating tapestry of colors and scents.  

For more details and the “Who Did It Best 2024” Gallery, click here.  What’s in store for 2025? Stay tuned.  

Ocean Blvd Bluff Walk Improvement Project

Update December 2024:  This project is still under review and is on the PB&R Commission’s agenda for their December 3, 2024 meeting.  Stay tuned.  

Background: The Ocean Blvd. Bluff Walk is a unique resource for the City that is shared by those who live on Ocean Boulevard, nearby village residents as well as many visitors. It is a place to walk, reflect, exercise and enjoy the wonderful ocean, harbor and sunset views, but it can be so much more.

The “public realm” along Ocean Blvd. is in need of upgrading. CdMRA’s Beautification Committee started studying this bluff walk back in November 2020. At the June 8, 2021, City Council meeting, Council unanimously approved the concept and directed the Parks Beaches and Recreation Commission (PB&R) to agendize an Ocean Boulevard Bluff Walk presentation from the resident’s community group proposing to enhance the walkways and viewpoints with an emphasis on the pedestrian experience.  PB&R was also directed to forward a recommendation to City Council for consideration of an action plan.

The City held several community walks and public outreach workshops to review the project and obtain the public’s comments and feedback.  The City also conducted an online survey which allowed residents to comment on this proposed project.  

Below is a link to the City’s update which followed the first public workshop.  Presentation here:  Ocean Blvd & other CdM capital improvement projects (CIPs).

 

CdMRA’s Historical Resources Committee Update
Ron Yeo, Committee Chair

We are continuing to work with the Sherman Library and the CdM Historical Society to build awareness and understanding of our local history.

Update: We are pleased to announce that we have compiled a video collection and launched a new smartphone app which makes finding the gems of Corona del Mar easy and fun.

 

 A few of our current projects include:

        1. Working on developing several photo videos on historical sites that can be accessed with your smartphone with an app such as the existing MyNB app that explains the Civic Center Sculpture Garden Art.
        2. Working with the County Historical Commission on gaining historical recognition for local sites such as Five Crowns, Kerckhoff Lab, the DelMar Hotel and the China House.   
        3. Coordinating with Ed Olen on oral history recordings.

The OC Historic Commission is noted for saying “You can’t protect what you don’t know you have.”   As an example, the first house was built in Corona del  Mar in 1909, known as the Happy House.  It was located at 2920 Ocean Blvd. and torn down in 2004.  Following that Tom Heffernan, who lives in a 1930’s cottage in the Flower Streets, founded the CDM Historical Society.  

Recently, 100 homes homes in Corona del Mar were chosen for historic value, and an article was published in the Preserve Orange County blog about our efforts.  [Article here]  
 

You’ll also want to check out Sherman Library’s digital photo album of Corona del Mar cottages.  The album is quite extensive and available here.

We are also working on a YouTube video which highlights a few of these homes.  You can view our work-in-progress below.

One-Way Streets in CdM or “No Way!”?  What are your thoughts?

CdMRA has been addressing this issue in one form or another since CdMRA was formed in 1987.  But until recently, there never seemed to be an overwhelming interest in developing a formal study and plan of how one-way streets might work in CdM.

CdMRA is once again seeking your feedback and interest in a One-Way Street Concept Design for CdM’s Flower Streets.  We encourage you to share your thoughts with us.  Please do so here.

 

CdM Undergrounding Projects . . . 

At this time, there are two designated CdM Undergrounding Projects: Assessment District 117 and Assessment District 119. Here are a few links to information that you will find helpful:

A Walk Around CdM Village Slideshow . . . 

Ron Yeo, a CdMRA member and Chair of both CdMRA’s Reforestation Committee and Historical Committee, is an architect by trade and has an additional interest in landscape. Some of his local architectural works include Muth Center, Back Bay Science Center and numerous park structures. Ron has spearheaded many efforts over the years that create microenvironments in our community, like pocket parks and vista points, which we can all enjoy. Take a virtual tour of CdM Village from Ron’s POV.  

Your Street Trees . . . 

A message from CdMRA’s Reforestation Chair Ron Yeo: To insure that your street tree will be properly maintained and remain healthy, the following care should be provided by the property owner:

        • Depending on weather conditions, the tree should be deep-soaked weekly throughout the year.
        • The tree should be fertilized at least twice a year with a well-balanced plant food.  Fall and winter fertilizations are best.
        • Avoid use of weed killers, soil sterilizers or other poisonous substances near the tree.
        • Do not plant ivy or other shrubbery in the tree basin. This material will compete for vital resources (water and nutrients).
        • Be careful not to bruise the trunk with lawn mower or other garden implements. A plastic tree trunk guard can reduce this problem.
        • Please do not trim the tree. The City will trim the tree on a regular, two-year cycle.
        • The City will also treat street trees for insect or diseases. 

Thank you for your help in maintaining our Village Character. If you have any questions about your tree, please contact the City Arborist, John Nelson for more information. 

May 2023: CdM Clock Tower Restoration Project

After 18 years of wear and tear, the clock tower in Corona del Mar (CdM) commemorating CdM’s Centennial Anniversary was ready for some paint restoration work. Located on the busy corner of Marguerite and Coast Highway, a three-story scaffolding enclosure was constructed around the tower to protect the area from paint overspray and give the crew a controlled working environment. This project will be completed next week, just in time for summer events.  [Source Council Member Lauren Kleiman, District 6]

After 18 years of wear and tear, the clock tower in Corona del Mar (CdM) commemorating CdM’s Centennial Anniversary was ready for some paint restoration work. Located on the busy corner of Marguerite and Coast Highway, a three-story scaffolding enclosure was constructed around the tower to protect the area from paint overspray and give the crew a controlled working environment. This project will be completed next week, just in time for summer events.”

Corona del Mar’s Jetty 
The CdM jetty got a much-needed makeover in 2021. The 12-foot-wide boardwalk running from Pirate’s Cove to the rock section of the jetty is getting a new coat of cement, and more boulders are being added
so they’ll be at the same level as the boardwalk.  A podcast about this project is available here. 

NEWS SOURCE: NEWPORT BEACH IN THE REARVIEW MIRROR

Buck Gully History . . .  

If you are interested in a little history lesson about the deterioration and restoration of our Buck Gully, please read Amy Senk’s StuNews article. It is quite an informative piece and has several great photos as well. Besides, it’s always great to read Amy’s articles. We all miss her daily reporting of all things Corona del Mar!

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No information may be duplicated without permission from Corona del Mar Residents Association.
Corona del Mar Residents Assn (CdMRA) is a 501(c)(3) public charity (ID #83-0928052). Contributions to CdMRA are tax-deductible to the extent the law allows.

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