UPDATE—UPDATE—UPDATE!!

We are all going to get a break from the Orange County Sanitation District project on Coast Highway.  When? . .  you ask. This summer!!
The turmoil we have been going through is Phase One of a Two Phase project. 
All traffic lanes are planned to be restored by Friday May 22 for Memorial Day!!! Hurrah!!
This important project is replacing 70 year old pipes that take sewage from Newport Beach to Huntington Beach for processing.
There have been several delays including the cutting of gas lines twice, the cutting of power to a traffic signal and the discovery of wood and concrete left from either a 100-year old train system or a bridge.
Phase two will start in September and the project should finish by the end of the year!


A FUNNY LOCAL STORY

One of my good friends from Balboa Island said she was in a local department store a few years ago.  She started speaking to the sales woman who discovered my friend was from Balboa Balboa Island.
They discussed the restaurants they both loved on the Island—especially Shanghai Pine Garden.  “I love Shanghai Pine Garden,” enthused the sales woman, “but don’t tell my son—he arrested the owners because of the ducks!”
I, too loved Shanghai Pine Garden and am glad it is still here—even in a slightly new form. 

The building itself is owned by Wing Lam of Wahoo’s Fish Taco fame.  We are very fortunate that Wing feels nostalgic about Shanghai Pine Garden. His parents owned the restaurant and he grew up there (back in the duck days).  When the former owners left, Wing decided to keep the same format and not to bring a Wahoo’s to Balboa Island.  We love the people and the food of Picante Martin’s—one great taco restaurant is just perfect on our little street! 
Thank you Wing!!


DEE’s TALK OF THE COAST . . . . Dee Dawson

Spring is here!   Time for a visit to longtime Island favorite “Persimmon Tree”.  I dropped in and spoke with owner ‘Pam’ who took me on a preview tour of Spring/Summer Swimwear and related accessories.  You have to check out the ‘Tommy Bahama’ Swimwear Collection - dreamy Tankini’s and 1-Piece suits starting @60.00! Great Cover-Ups, featuring signature prints!  And for the sun - Pam highly recommends their exclusive  ’Sun Bum’ ALL Natural Skincare/Sunblock line.  “This very popular brand flies off the shelf”. Get in & get your supply ASAP!  
Island Paddle Board Rentals are at Persimmon Tree - great fun for the entire family - boards may be Rented out by the WEEK including Delivery!  They cater to larger groups too. A big plus when you’re toting around family & friends - up to 40 boards!!!  
For those of you who haven’t heard, the ever-popular Coffee-Shop chain “Coco’s & Carrow’s” restaurants have been bought out by a Texas-Based food Co.  Many have had to shut their doors overnight all along the coast from San Diego to points North.  Long time patrons here in Newport Beach were saddened to lose 2 locations in the past few years. GOOD to know: I have it on strict word from the manager of Coco’s at @900 N. Bristol that it WILL remain open for business and is not included in this massive ‘sweep’ of closures.
Balboa Surf & Style  has replaced our favorite Sandpiper spot.  Fantastic collection of everything for ‘fun-in-the-sun!’  I stopped in to look over their Beach Apparel and got an interesting back-story from Owner/Developer ‘Damon’.  He comes from a long Surf-lineage and family in the business for years in L.A.  Introduced the ‘Quicksilver’ brand first, and many others!  Sunglasses, accessories, and hot collection of Urban-Surf apparel are featured in the store.  ’Olakai’, ‘Cobian’,  ‘Sanuk’ sandals are just a few top brands.  ’Lani’ and ‘O’Neill’ dresses hang throughout.  Great guys board-shorts too.  673.1003 
Finally, for all our Island gardening enthusiasts, get up to Roger’s Gardens in Corona del Mar!! Everything beautiful for your potting,  planting  and tilling needs! Bursts of fragrant blooms everywhere you walk as well as fab accessories to accent your Garden!!  Stop in soon....



NEWPORT WHALE WATCHING. . . . .

In the Fun Zone—next to the Balboa Island Ferry!
Great People—Fun and Educational for the whole Family



HONEY DO’S

I love seeing Mike McCluer of Island Lights. It reminds me of the prompt fabulous work he does with a smile on his face at Christmas time— hanging all the beautiful lights.
Now you can see him all year long doing
GENERAL HOME REPAIR—Electrical, Carpentry including (termite/wood rot, rough/finish, fence/gate repair), plumbing, concrete, general clean up/hauling and demo.
Let Mike help you!  Call him @949.903.9018



GERDA PILATES STUDIO

Living in Istanbul, Turkey, Gerda Ergul always dreamed of coming to America.  In 2014 Gerda and her family rented a house in Ladera Ranch for a vacation month.  Her girlfriend from Turkey had moved there with her American husband and loved California.  Gerda, Harun and their son 13 year old Tibet, loved it too!  They started looking at schools and Tibet was immediately accepted because he is fluent in English.  Tibet started school in August and will return to Turkey for the first time after school is out in June. 
And that was just the beginning.  Walking around Balboa Island, Gerda fell in love with our Island and fell into a business opportunity when the owner of Island Pilates decided to sell.  She loved the décor—the employees—and the location.  The decision was easy!!
Gerda was originally a championship runner in Albania.  She has been in the fitness industry for 23 years!  Gerda incurred injuries from her running and overuse of various muscles and body parts.  That is what brought her to Pilates.  After she was healed she trained at ‘Pilates on Fifth Avenue’ in New York City and then moved to Turkey where she met her husband and opened a Pilates studio.  She and Harun built the business into three large Pilates studios for upscale residents of Istanbul. 
Gerda also filmed many, many YouTube videos available for free for stay at home mothers in Turkey.  They are professional, beautiful and reflect Gerda’s energy and enthusiasm! Even though they are all in Turkish I love them!  Google “Gerda Pilates” and see for yourself.
Gerda specializes in Pilates for Golfers, Jungle Sports Sling Training and Special Conditioning for Seniors and those with Injuries.  My good friend Shawn Mastos works at Gerda Pilates teaching Yoga Classes. 
Gerda is Having a Grand Opening in conjunction with the Balboa Island Wine Walk on Saturday May 30!!!  There will be a reception center for the Wine Walk in the Courtyard in front of her business! 
The name ‘Gerda’ is from German and means ‘Protector’.  Help protect your body and make it feel stronger and happier—use her ‘Introductory Offer’ on the attached flier and see how fabulous you feel!  949.675.8400

CORNEY JOKES . . . . . Susan Sherbert

What are a cooks two favorite Flowers?
A BUTTERcup and a sweet PEA
What Flower is best seen with the naked eye?
The IRIS
What type of Flowers do you find at a car dealership?
CARnations!

SUSAN SHERBERT 714.850.9070
Author of ‘GROWN-UPS DON”T SKIP’ - available at Amazon.com
FunHappyEnjoy.com