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March 2009 Volume 11 Issue 1

BALBOA ISLAND CALENDAR
MARCH 13—APR. 28 VOTING ON UNDERGROUND UTILITIES—EVERY VOTE COUNTS!!!
MARCH 31 SECOND PROPERTY OWNERS MEETING—CITY COUNCIL
APRIL 28 CITY COUNCIL—VOTE TABULATION
MAY 2, 2009 ALL ISLAND GARAGE SALE 7:30 am—3:00 pm
SUN. MAY 3, 2009 WARNING—WARNING—WARNING THE OC MARATHON—WILL CLOSE THE ISLAND BRIDGE DURING THE MORNING FROM 6:45—7:45am.



SHOOTING THE BREEZE.  . . . . . . . . .  . . Carolyn Carr.

First and foremost I want to give a belated thank you to the people who generously donated to the Garage Sale when the City was giving us a bit of trouble.  In the end the City Attorney determined that they could not make us have a permit for a Garage Sale—no matter how large.  Thanks to Sally Getzelman, Debbie Day, and Lee Gale for their generous donations.  Thanks to them our back up fund for the Garage Sale is now $1054.67. ( This money will go to the BIIA in case of my demise if you are wondering).

The All Island Garage Sale will be one day this year—Saturday May 2nd because the OC Marathon has decided to run by our Island on Sunday May 3, complicating our traffic issues.  The Island Bridge will be closed from 6:45 until 7:45 am.  Go to http://www.ocmarathon.com/course.php for further information.

I am grateful the Garage Sale will soldier on for another year. Even if it is a slightly abbreviated one. Would all those who called and volunteered to help please call again.  I would like to have a meeting to get organized. 

“TIMING IS EVERYTHING”, said Leonard Malthin.  And we are certainly seeing that here on Balboa Island.  Four years ago we all voted to have Underground Utilities installed, at a cost of $10,000.00.  In a BOOM economy.  It was pretty much a no brainer. 

Now the issue is up for vote again since the cost has risen to $16,782.14 plus $9,167.86 Interest (the amount of the COST four years ago), or $1,730.00 per year for 15 years for most single lots.  WOW—and in a DOWN economy. 
This job was bid last November—to start at the height of tourist season (July/August) - should that not say something about the sensitivity of our council persons to our Island’s issues!!!  Assess us—and take our income!!

The main point this time is the older people.  The long time residents.  The mainstay of our Island.  Those who had enough foresight to buy these lots when Balboa Island was little more than a sandbar.  These are the people who are going to be affected the most.  People on fixed incomes. The reason I lovingly call Balboa Island “Leisure World By The Sea.” Those and others with no chance, in this economy, of taking equity out of their house except for a DISASTEROUS reverse mortgage.  For those of you who do not know much about them—Google “Reverse Mortgage”.  Look at the high costs and the fact that the mortgage is only good as long as you, the mortgagee, remain in the house.

The second option offered, which caused Harvey, my loan broker, to laugh, is a loan from a company that , for loaning you the money, will take 1/2 the equity of your house when you sell.  Harvey is working with large banks to reduce mortgages to 90% of the assessed value of properties in distress.  For this concession the banks are asking 10—20% of the home appreciation.  And these are our big, bad banks!!

I also talked to my good friend John McShane, vice president of our local office of Union Bank.  John told me he could offer a Home Equity Line of Credit to qualified individuals for 4.75% (variable loan) or 7.35% (fixed loan).  The benefit would be that it could be paid monthly, however in the end the cost would be slightly more than if you paid it with your tax bill.  This would be for single family homes, not Commercial or Mixed-use property.

Now for the cost of hooking the house up to the grid.  Several years ago one of my friends got our wonderful Balboa Island electrician Bob Pollack to estimate the cost of hooking up her small cottage in the event of under grounding.  At a discount, because of her antiquated system, it will be $10,000, not $5,000.  And yes, her fuse box system should be updated, but that costs money too.  And yes, there WILL be places that cost less.  Right now they haven’t given us enough time to properly evaluate what our individual costs will be.  We need time to evaluate this—and for some reason we aren’t being given that time.

Come on people - didn’t your mom teach you to evaluate priorities with a little compassion.  Losing a home could be LIFE THREATENING to older people.  As they said in a recent issue of AARP Magazine—older people “depend on their neighbors and it is traumatic to move.” Are those telephone poles life threatening?  Ugly, yes, but I don ‘t even see them anymore.

SCE admits its HARDER to repair underground utilities and actually does not want to go forward with this project because of safety issues for their employees. Why is the city so afraid of a rebid.  Where have the city council people been who say our economy is the same as it was at the end of last year—LOOK AT YOUR STOCKS— Don’t you wish you could sell at November prices!!!

This is certainly not the normal fiscally conservative line I get from everyone on Balboa Island .  We are getting “Chicken Little” here- it can never happen again!! Can these people see into the future??? Are they afraid of the possibility of new wireless technology—it isn’t so far fetched—who would have ever thought you could have TV on your watch?

Finally, my favorite quote, which pushed me firmly into the NO category and spurred this article—our own “Marie Antoinette” , who stood up at the City Council Meeting and said, “If you cannot afford the underground utilities, you shouldn’t live on Balboa Island.” Words cannot describe how I feel about this!!



BALBOA ISLAND ICONS. . . . . . Doris Lee

An “Island Icon”? someone whose years of being here has helped make Balboa Island the desirable place it is! Pam Hubbard, proprietor of the “Persimmon Tree” for 30 years has offered quality swimwear for the entire family.

In addition to being ever present to serve customers with professional grace, she has been an information booth to constant foot traffic, active in the Business Improvement District, and on the Island Parade Committees.

A native Californian, Pam was born in San Diego, where her Father, in the Navy, miraculously survived extensive deep sea dives on old long lifeline equipment! Relocating to Burbank, CA, Pam as a 7th grader recalls living across from Ronald Reagan (not famous then)

Her Fathers love of water/boats took them to North Bayfront on Balboa Island. Then Pam began Community service as a teenager, when 1one of the lit Christmas trees on the bridge light poles blew into the Bay! Pam and her sister chased it in a dinghy & took it to a Christmas decorator at the Jolly Roger.

The family then enjoyed a home in Irvine Terrace( Pam had 4 siblings), a Metcalf boat, the Balboa Yacht Club & Boat races. Sunday was church & breakfast at The “Galley”, where often the movie trade came to eat.

Pam’s parents sent her to Arizona State University with hopes she would become a teacher, when she really wanted to be a homemaker. Perhaps as a trade off she married Ed Hubbard, a Corona del Mar teacher, and they raised their family in their current home on Grand Canal Home.

Pam recalls on Marine there was a “Bob’s Big Boy” Restaurant, Pharmacy, Hardware store and of course “The Jolly Roger” Restaurant where all Islanders went!  Stop by 229 Marine Ave and say “hello” to Pam! You’ll see why Island charm lasted with an Icon like her being such a dedicated part of it.

If you would like to be an “Island Icon” please contact Doris Lee for more information 949.280.0607 Cell


NEWPORT HARBOR REPUBLICAN WOMEN

Speaker : Larry Greenfield, VP Claremont Institute
Thursday, March26, 2009
Social Hour 11:30 am Lunch 11:45 am
The Pacific Club—4110 MacArthur Blvd.  Newport Beach, 92660
$26.00 Check must be received by Sue Bennitt by March 23, 2009
Call Sue at 949.644.0539 for Address and Information.

Larry Greenfield recently joined the Claremont Institute as Vice President in 2009, to assist with all aspects of resource development, academic scholarship, projects, programs, and media & communications. With a background in business, law, the military, politics, and policy, Mr. Greenfield most recently served on the senior staff of the Republican Jewish Coalition as Western Regional Director. He is a Fellow of the Wexner Heritage Foundation.


BALBOA ISLAND HISTORICAL SOCIETY

Due to an ongoing interest in our historic dwellings, the Balboa Island Museum and Historical Society, is developing a self-guided, curb-side, walking tour of the Island’s plaque bearing historic homes.  There are now 110 of these homes on Balboa Island.

This summer a historic home tour map will be available at the Museum, as well as a few local establishments.  To purchase a plaque, your house must be at least 60 years old. 

The Museum needs a new computer system—ours is extremely antiquated!!  If you are updating your current system and would like to donate your old one—please call Angela Glasser @723.0653 or Peggy Marotta @723.4226.  We also need a Cordless Phone with Caller ID and Voice Mail capability. 

The Museum is located at 502A South Bayfront.  Open From 10am—2pm on Wednesday and Saturday. 949.675.3952.
Questions—call Peggy Marotta 949.723.4226.


TICKETS ON AGATE—ODD HOLIDAYS
Beware the Meter Maid—these are the Holidays the Newport Beach Police will come around and ticket for 3 hour parking.
New Year’s Day—Jan 1
Martin Luther King Jr., Day—Jan 19
Lincoln’s Birthday—Feb 12
Washington’s Birthday—Monday Feb 16
Memorial Day—Monday May 25
4th of July
Labor Day—Monday September 7
Admissions Day— Wednesday September 9
Veterans Day—Wednesday, November 11
Thanksgiving Day—Thursday, November 26
Christmas Day—Friday December 25


BALBOA ISLAND BULLETIN BOARD
LITTLE ISLAND BAY FRONT
3 Story—3 Bedroom—3 Bath
Pier w/Boat Mooring Available
Yearly Lease $5,500/month
323.876.2723
BALBOA ISLAND SHORT TERM RENTAL
Bright, Airy, Quiet Studio Apartment w/Sleeping Loft. 
Queen Sized Bed– Super Comfortable!!
DirecTv in Living and Sleeping Areas. Wireless Internet Access.
Kitchenette. We Supply the Linens and the Coffee!!!
Parking.
$950.00/week. 
949.422.8570. 



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BALBOA BABY

Did you know we had a manufacturer on Balboa Island?  In the back of Teddy Bears and Tea Cups is a small office which is the headquarters of Balboa Baby.  Welcome to the world of baby slings.  I had never heard of them.  Now I wish they had been around 40 years ago when my children were little. 

Balboa Baby was founded by our own Shirley Pepys and her son Noel Pepys.  Shirley is the leading innovator of infant bedding and accessories.  She was the co-founder of “No-Jo”, a juvenile bedding and accessory company and also best know as the creator of the Balboa Baby Dr. Sears Adjustable Sling.

These wonderful adjustable slings are patented and endorsed by Dr. William Sears.  They are adjustable and grow with the baby. The unique padded strap evenly distributes the baby’s weight.  The covered elastic trim ensures that baby is safe and positioned close to the parent and allows the parent to move freely.

The sling comes in five different sizes and can be used for babies from 6 lbs to 25 lbs.  It retails for $59.99.  For more information visit http://www.balboa-baby.com or call 866.465.7075.


CERT TRAINING
The Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) program, sponsored in Newport Beach by the Fire Department, is designed to prepare you to help yourself, your family, and your neighbors in the event of a catastrophic disaster. Because emergency services personnel will not be able to help everyone immediately, you can make a difference by using CERT training to save lives and protect property.
The Newport Beach Fire department recognizes the responsibility to provide emergency services to protect the lives and property of our residents. But with only 38 firefighters and 6-8 permanent lifeguards available to address the needs of nearly 100,000 residents, everyone in Newport Beach should be prepared to be self-sufficient for a minimum of 72 hours following a catastrophic disaster. The CERT organization utilizes the willingness and expertise of our residents to care for themselves and their neighbors.
Learn more about the CERT program, meet our Big and Little Island CERT volunteers, and find out how you too can get involved on Saturday, March 21 at 11:00AM at Beek Center. Matt Brisbois, Newport Beach Fire Department CERT coordinator, will also meet with Island CERT members to help us get organized, designate emergency Command Post and First Aid locations, etc. All interested parties are welcome to attend. CERT members are requested to wear their CERT vests.
For additional information, contact Debra Boelkes at 949-673-2953 ( ) or visit http://nbcert.org/ProgramSummary.htm. 


Saving the World
Today may my prayers help me realize
I cannot control everything.
To put the world in order,
We must first put the nation in order;
To put the nation in order,
We must first put the family in order;
To put the family in order,
We must first set our hearts right.    -- Confucius



BALBOA ISLAND ENTERTAINMENT
RICK SHERMAN

The Rick Sherman Duo will be at the Village Inn on the First Friday of Each Month and on St. Patrick’s Day, Tuesday, March 17, 2009.
He will also be at the Villa Nova in Newport Beach every Saturday in March with the exception of March 28th when he will be entertaining in Indian Wells.
GREG TOPPER
Rock and Roll Revival Show.  Hilton Airport Hotel—March 20.  Radisson Airport Hotel—March 27.  $20.00 Dance Lessons 7—8pm. 
Buffet - 8– 9:30 pm.  Free Parking.  WHAT A GREAT DEAL!!
http://www.gregtopper.com


TIPS OF THE MONTH. . . . . . . . . .
Great New Books
”Outliers”—By Malcolm Gladwell.  This book will tell you why practice really DOES make perfect.  And why a birth date, independent of astrology, can influence the future—at least in the world of sports!!  Easy read—took me one night.
“The E-Myth Revisited” by Michael E. Gerber—If you own a small business—this is a MUST read.  Another quick read too.  There is a huge difference between being an “entrepreneur”, a “manager” and a“ technician”—the life of your business could depend on understanding these crucial delineations.



PEN ON FIRE .. . . Barbara DeMarco-Barrett

Last year I took several classes from Barbara through UCI Extension.  I enjoyed her classes and have followed her budding lecture series here in Newport Beach.  Her guest author this month will be Martin J. Smith and the event will take place on Monday evening, March 16, at 7 p.m. at the Newport Beach Tennis Club 2601 Eastbluff Drive, NB 92660. 949.644.0050.  Free Parking.

Marty is a journalist, novelist, and editor of Orange Coast magazine. His books include (with Patrick J. Kiger): "Oops: 20 Life Lessons from the Fiascoes That Shaped America" as well as "Poplorica: A Popular History of the Fads, Mavericks, Inventions, and Lore That Shaped Modern America." He is also the author of three crime novels, "Time Release," "Shadow Image," and "Straw Men." He also has served as senior editor of the Los Angeles Times Magazine.

Marty will talk about his writing process, and will also talk about writing
for Orange Coast. He will focus on the essay: what makes a good essay and
how to write "personal, yet universal."  He'll have handouts, as well.

Cost is $15, which includes light snacks. Seating is limited; NO WALK-INS PLEASE.  If you'd like to attend and want to mail a check, please email Barbara at to make arrangements.  Paypal is fine, too.  Choose the email address: , and send $16 (includes $1 for handling/fees).

Upcoming guests are Carolyn See ("Making a Literary Life," "Handy Man") on Tuesday, May 19, and Lisa See on June 6; locations still to be decided but will be in the Newport Beach/Laguna area.  If you would like a reservation for either one, please send $15 and indicate your preference


AND NOW A WORD FROM THE OUR SPONSOR .. . .  .
ISLAND FLOORING
118 Agate Avenue
Balboa Island, CA 92662
949.675.3456


COMING SOON . . . . . .

OUR FABULOUS SPRING OPEN HOUSE

YOU CAN ACTUALLY SEE THE PRODUCTS INSTALLED
IN OUR HOUSE ABOVE OUR SHOP!!!
SEE WORK DONE BY ISLAND BUSINESSES AND CONTRACTORS!!!
WATCH THIS SPACE FOR DATE AND TIME!!!

DO YOU KNOW OVER 400 OF YOUR BALBOA ISLAND NEIGHBORS HAVE USED
ISLAND FLOORING?

COME AND SEE US. . . . BECOME A SATISFIED, EDUCATED, CUSTOMER.

SHOP HERE—WE ARE WOMEN IN THE KNOW
WE KNOW WOMEN DO MOST OF THE BUYING—
THAT’S WHY CAROLYN AND PATTI ARE HERE TO HELP YOU!
WOMEN HELPING WOMEN!!