It was a wicked night at the Pacific Symphony gala on Saturday, May 2, as the “Wicked” themed evening at the Hyatt Regency Huntington Beach Resort and Spa was transformed into an enchanting “Wicked” inspired wonderland.

The theatrically immersive evening transported more than 300 guests into a lush world dripping in mossy greens, radiant pinks, fresh florals, shimmering bubbles and whimsical details from ceiling to floor that captured the magic and mystique of Oz.

Hosted by Pacific Symphony’s Principal Pops Conductor Enrico Lopez-Yañez, the Gala was chaired by Board Member Arthur Ong and Ginger Sun, who expressed their gratitude and shared a video showcasing the impact of Pacific Symphony’s youth education programs.

Pacific Symphony President John Forsyte welcomed guests, noting that “There’s a beautiful lyric in ‘Wicked’ that says, because I knew you, I’ve been changed for good, and that captures what your support makes possible. Because of you, a child hears a live orchestra for the first time. Because of you, music brings comfort, joy, and connection across our community. Because of you, Pacific Symphony is not just an orchestra, it is a force for good, and that impact begins with extraordinary leadership. To our lead sponsor, Sandy Segerstrom Daniels, your generosity, your spirit, and your deep belief in the orchestra truly sets the tone for everything we do.”

Guests also enjoyed a performance by Lopez-Yañez, his fiancée and soprano, Cassandra Pinataro, Ty Taylor and Pacific Symphony musicians, during which they embraced “Wicked” hits like “Defying Gravity.”

“I want to thank you all for being here, for supporting the Pacific Symphony,” Lopez-Yañez told guests. “You should know that I’ve had the great fortune of traveling and working with many, many of the greatest orchestras, not just in this country, but around the world. And we are truly lucky and blessed to have the Pacific Symphony in our backyards. They are one of the most exceptional orchestras on the planet, they’re some of the most eager, enthusiastic, and talented players I get the privilege to work with, but not only that, they are also incredibly giving of their time, of their talent, not only on stage but throughout our community, in the education initiatives they do, and in the community outreach initiatives that they do.”

The evening began at 5 p.m. in the Hyatt foyer, where dramatic décor included “Wicked” characters Glinda and Elphaba, who posed for photos with guests, many attired in the “Wicked” theme. There was also a 360-degree video activation that transported guests through the Wizard of Oz’s tornado scene.

When chimes rang, guests followed the yellow brick road into the ballroom, where tables on opposite sides reflected the personalities of Oz’s beloved characters. One was adorned in shades of pink and the other in rich greens.

The culinary experience, courtesy of noted Knife Pleat chef Tony Esnault, began with a cold pea soup, followed by salmon with fresh vegetables. The meal concluded with a refreshing strawberry sorbet (a la the sweetness of Glinda).

A live auction included exclusive trips and experiences, including the opportunity to conduct one piece at a Pacific Symphony Pops concert (won by NB Indy editor Christopher Trela). The evening concluded with live music by JT & Friends.

“This year’s gala was truly an evening to remember,” said John Forsyte, president and CEO of Pacific Symphony. “We extend our sincerest gratitude to our many sponsors, donors, gala committee members, event co-chairs, Board of Directors, and guests for their remarkable efforts and support of Pacific Symphony. The spectacular event supports our continued mission of uplifting our renowned orchestra, music education initiatives and community programs across Orange County and beyond.”

“It is an honor and a privilege to dedicate our time to Pacific Symphony and its mission of enriching our community with the beauty and power of live orchestral music,” said Ong. “The outpouring of support at this year’s gala was remarkable in that the $2 million in funding will not only support the orchestra but will significantly uplift its youth and community engagement programs, instilling a lifelong love of music and support for the art form.”

The Wicked Celebration sponsors included Sandy Segerstrom Daniels of Newport Beach, Susie and Steve Perry, Sally Segerstrom of Newport Beach, Yassmin Sarmadi and Tony Esnault of Knife Pleat, David and Darrellyn Melilli, Anoosheh and Alan Oskouian, Desforges Vineyard, Park Club, Delta, South Coast Plaza and Regency Air.

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By Malena Gordon | Special to the NB Indy

Few restaurants on the West Coast have reminded me of my family’s cooking quite like Il Barone. As someone who grew up outside of Boston, surrounded by homemade Italian cooking, I was looking forward to how Il Barone’s traditional Sicilian approach would compare.

Chef Franco Barone and his wife, Donatella, have built Il Barone around authentic Northern Italian cooking, bringing the techniques Franco learned in Milan to Newport Beach.

Now in its second year on West Coast Highway (after three other Newport Beach locations), Il Barone refined its menu last year to better serve neighborhood families while continuing to cater to longtime business clientele.

Guests can enjoy a balance of handmade pastas, pizzas, and fresh seafood alongside signature specialties, creating the best of both worlds for families and business professionals alike.

For a relaxing Friday brunch, fellow food writer Christopher Trela and I visited the longtime local favorite, excited to experience a cuisine so familiar to me.

Chef Franco’s story began in Sicily, where he grew up before moving to Milan at just 14 years old. There, he learned the foundations of traditional Italian cooking, from baking

bread and making fresh pasta to preparing classic sauces. After opening the acclaimed La Scala in San Diego and later working alongside fellow Sicilian restaurateurs, Franco has remained committed to the methods he learned as a young apprentice.

“We’re going back to basics,” Donatella said. “He won’t change his ways, won’t take shortcuts. If you can’t do it the right way, don’t do it.”

Nearly everything at Il Barone is made in-house. Guests can even get a taste of Chef Franco’s prized 100-year-old sourdough starter passed from his grandmother to his mother before eventually reaching him.

“It’s like his baby,” Donatella laughed. “If he’s away, he’ll say, ‘I hope they fed the starter.’ He worries about it constantly.”

To begin our meal, Donatella recommended a true Il Barone specialty that is everything I could ask for to start our visit: the Facci ri Veccia, a pizza-like dish with imported crescenza cheese, finished with delicate Parma prosciutto, and topped with fragrant truffle oil. The dish immediately showed the restaurant’s quality ingredients and approach.

For entrées, the squid-ink pasta immediately caught my eye, while Chris indulged in the ragu di cinghiale, a hearty wild boar ragù that reflected Northern Italy’s rustic traditions. Donatella also pointed to the Sicilian Meatloaf burger, which I also got, along with the restaurant’s famous pork chop.

“The pork chop is a beast,” she said. “People come from all over. We always run out.”

Nearly every plate arrived garnished with a delicate red-and-green leaf crafted from spinach and rice flour, symbolizing the love Chef puts into every dish.

No meal feels complete without dessert. We concluded our Milan-inspired lunch with two classic Italian desserts: a house-made tiramisu and baba al rum, a Neapolitan sponge cake soaked in rum and filled with silky zabaione cream.

My favorite thing about Il Barone is their true commitment to tradition. Don’t expect to order anything with a list of modifications because the answer will most likely be no, and that’s what makes the restaurant so refreshing. In an era of endless customization, Chef Franco remains committed to serving each dish the way it was meant to be enjoyed.

Hospitality also influenced Il Barone’s expanded happy hour which is offered from 5 to 8 p.m. in the bar only after Donatella realized many neighborhood residents couldn’t make traditional early-evening specials.

“People here work, so by the time they got home, happy hour was already over,” Donatella explained.

Il Barone serves lunch Wednesday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., and dinner Tuesday through Sunday nights. Visit https://www.baroneoc.com for more information and to see the menus.

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Kennedy Contemporary gallery opened its doors in January 2021, when the pandemic was still a concern and many people remained reluctant to go out in public.

According to owner Victoria Kennedy, she had no idea when to expect but she did have a 50-page business plan and an intuition that contemporary art was needed in Newport Beach.

“I wasn’t sure whether there would be enough support to sustain a small business,” said Kennedy, especially a new art gallery tucked within a strip mall on Westcliff Drive in Newport Beach.

“As most entrepreneurs know, opening a business is an emotional roller coaster,” said Kennedy. “The best highs are often met with painful lows, but the past years have proven that we opened our doors in the right place and at the right time. We’ve sold nearly 800 artworks, worked with hundreds of wonderful collectors and visionary interior designers, and held thirty exhibitions. On a personal note, we’ve had two beautiful children, celebrated six years of marriage, and moved homes.”

Now, Kennedy Contemporary is ready to paint the gallery’s next chapter—or picture.

This month, Kennedy Contemporary opens a new gallery space on Balboa Island at 323 Marine Ave. As Kennedy noted, “Balboa Island has long been a gathering place for both locals and visitors, and we are thrilled to become part of its vibrant community.”

“Recently, Marine Avenue has welcomed a growing collection of thoughtfully curated shops, restaurants, and businesses, creating an exciting environment that aligns with our vision for the gallery,” added Kennedy. “We look forward to bringing exceptional contemporary art into this dynamic setting and creating new opportunities for connection, collecting, and discovery.”

While the new gallery will open in July, Kennedy Contemporary’s Westcliff location will remain open by appointment through the end of the year.

The initial exhibition in the new Kennedy Contemporary space on Balboa Island is “Boundless Palette: Three Voices, which brings together a harmonious trio of Sausalito-based artists: Leslie Allen, Terri Froelich, and Sharon Paster.

The Kennedy Contemporary website offers an enticing description of the exhibition: “Like the three notes of a musical triad, each artist contributes a distinct voice while collectively creating a rich visual harmony through color, light, and atmosphere inspired by the California landscape. Together, Allen, Froelich, and Paster present three distinct yet complementary perspectives on abstraction and landscape. Their work celebrates the boundless possibilities of color and mark-making while revealing the emotional, sensory, and spiritual dimensions of place. Boundless Palette: Three Voices invites viewers into a visual conversation where movement, memory, and atmosphere converge, creating a resonant dialogue between artist, landscape, and observer.”

The exhibition will be on view in the new gallery space from July 6 through August 15, Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., or by appointment. An opening night celebration takes place July 17 from 5 to 8 p.m.

For more information, visit https://kennedycontemporary.com.

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Outshine Public Relations, a nationally recognized agency dedicated exclusively to the culinary and hospitality industries, has been named agency of record for two highly anticipated dining destinations at Downtown Disney District at the Disneyland Resort: Gordon Ramsay at The Carnaby and Earl of Sandwich.

Both concepts operate under the Earl Enterprises portfolio, an international leader in restaurants, hotels, and entertainment, founded by hospitality magnate Robert Earl. Through the partnership, Outshine PR will lead strategic public relations efforts for the brands, including media relations, grand opening communications, brand storytelling, and ongoing visibility campaigns.

The appointment strengthens Outshine PR’s roster of nationally recognized hospitality clients and solidifies the agency’s position as a leading public relations partner for restaurants, chefs, hotels, and hospitality groups.

“Gordon Ramsay at The Carnaby and Earl of Sandwich each represent a distinct chapter in the evolution of dining at Downtown Disney District,” said Talia Samuels, founder and president of Outshine Public Relations. “We’re honored that Robert Earl and the Earl Enterprises team have entrusted Outshine to help tell the stories behind both concepts as they enter this exciting new era.”

Within the Downtown Disney District, Earl Enterprises will debut Gordon Ramsay at The Carnaby, a vibrant British restaurant inspired by the energy, style, and culture of 1960s London, alongside Earl of Sandwich, the beloved fast-casual concept known for its hot sandwiches served on freshly baked artisan bread.

“At Earl Enterprises, we believe that every great concept has a story worth telling,” said Robert Earl, Founder and Chairman of Earl Enterprises. “As we introduce Gordon Ramsay at The Carnaby and celebrate the next chapter of Earl of Sandwich at Downtown Disney District, we’re pleased to partner with Outshine Public Relations to introduce these concepts to Southern California and build anticipation around what makes each experience unique. Their passion for hospitality and understanding of the restaurant industry made them a natural fit for our team.”

The Carnaby marks Gordon Ramsay Restaurants’ newest Southern California restaurant and will offer a distinctly British dining experience inspired by the energy and culture of 1960s London. The menu will showcase Ramsay’s iconic dishes, including Beef Wellington and Sticky Toffee Pudding, alongside tableside moments and a cocktail program influenced by the spirit of Swinging London. The restaurant is slated to open this summer, directly above the new Earl of Sandwich in the Downtown Disney District.

Earl of Sandwich is also entering an exciting new chapter at the Downtown Disney District. The reimagined location will introduce an expanded culinary program, highlighted by a dedicated carvery station featuring hand-carved pastrami, new signature sandwiches, and an elevated pastry program. The enhancements build upon the concept’s longstanding reputation for premium sandwiches, offered at a value-oriented price.

For Outshine PR, the partnership further reinforces its reputation as one of the hospitality industry’s leading boutique public relations firms. Over the past decade, the agency has represented a diverse roster of acclaimed restaurants, chefs, hotels, hospitality groups, and culinary brands throughout California and beyond.

Founded in 2015, Outshine Public Relations is a nationally recognized agency dedicated exclusively to the culinary and hospitality industries. The agency partners with restaurants, chefs, hotels, hospitality groups, and food and beverage brands to tell compelling stories that drive awareness, build reputation, and create meaningful connections with guests.

Headquartered in Newport Beach, Outshine Public Relations was recognized by Forbes as one of America’s Best PR Agencies in 2021.

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Newport Beach Independent writers won several awards at the annual Orange County Press Club’s Excellence in Journalism Awards during the awards dinner on June 17, 2026, at the Anaheim Hills Country Club. Awards were given in a variety of categories for articles and photos published in 2025.

Newport Beach Independent editor and writer Christopher Trela was awarded the Sky Dunlap Award, the Press Club’s highest honor, recognizing lifetime achievement and community service. The award is named for John William “Sky” Dunlap, 1912-68, who owned and published the Globe, an independent newspaper.

According to the OC Press Club, Trela is an award-winning journalist, photographer, public relations professional, and educator whose work has helped shape Orange County’s media, arts, and cultural landscape for more than three decades.

A former president of the Orange County Press Club, he has earned numerous honors through the club’s annual Excellence in Journalism Awards and has published more than 3,000 articles and columns covering arts, culture, business, food, travel, and community issues. He currently serves as Lifestyle Editor for the Newport Beach Independent and Executive Dining Columnist for the Orange County Business Journal.

Beyond journalism, Trela has made significant contributions to the community through arts advocacy, education, and nonprofit leadership.

He teaches public relations at Chapman University’s Dodge College of Film and Media Arts; leads ArtsPR, a consulting firm serving arts organizations; and serves on several local nonprofit boards, including the Newport Beach Film Festival and Culture OC.

A former Newport Beach Arts Commissioner and co-founder of New Voices Playwrights Workshop, Trela has dedicated his career to supporting the arts, mentoring future communicators, and strengthening Orange County’s cultural community.

Newport Beach Independent contributing writer Zoe Luczaj won two awards at the event. She was awarded first place for Best Arts/Culture Review for her article “Art Imitates Art: An Enchanting Evening at the Pageant of the Masters,” and third place for Best Music/Entertainment Review for “A Time Capsule of Rock and Roll: South Coast Repertory’s Electrifying ‘Million Dollar Quartet’,”

Contributing writer Richard Simon received second place in the Best News Feature Story category for “Newport Beach Fire Department Strike Team Spends Two Weeks Battling Pacific Palisades Fire,”

And finally, in the Best Food/Restaurant Story category, editor Christopher Trela received honorable mention for “Harvest at The Ranch: Laguna’s Hidden Culinary Gem Rooted in Farm-to-Table Flavors.”

For more information, visit https://orangecountypressclub.com.

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On Sunday, July 5, the City of Newport Beach posted the following information on its Facebook Page:

Last night, our City faced a rapidly evolving public safety incident on the Balboa Peninsula. We want to begin by thanking the dedicated police officers, firefighters and first responders who worked through the night to keep our community safe.

Late in the evening, social media posts drew a large influx of juveniles and young adults to the Newport Pier area within a matter of minutes. As the crowd quickly grew into the thousands, dangerous and unlawful behavior escalated, blocking roadways, preventing emergency access and putting families, visitors and first responders at risk.

Thanks to months of planning, increased staffing and strong partnerships with 17 regional law enforcement agencies, more than 350 officers responded quickly to restore order, reopen emergency access routes and protect the community.

From July 3 through the morning of July 5, officers made 402 arrests. Those responsible for violent and criminal behavior will be held accountable.

Newport Beach Fire Department personnel also responded to 102 emergency incidents, including 10 fires, while continuing to provide emergency medical care across the city.

We are deeply grateful to the men and women of the Newport Beach Police Department, Newport Beach Fire Department and our regional law enforcement partners whose professionalism, teamwork and unwavering commitment helped protect our community throughout the night. We also want to thank our Municipal Operations crews, who worked through the early morning hours to restore the Peninsula so residents and visitors could safely enjoy the rest of the holiday weekend.

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The world’s seas and oceans total 139 million square miles. Of that incomprehensible, undulating mass, 25-square miles belong to Newport Beach, where up to 100,000 visitors on a summer’s day come to swim, surf, and frolic on the city’s eight miles of beaches.

Unfortunately, even on those placid days, too many misunderstand the ocean’s oft-hidden dynamics. Newport’s lifeguards will attest to that.

Whether one simply wishes to dip the tootsies or risk their skeletal integrity on the killer breakers slamming into Newport’s notorious Wedge, it’s a sure bet that few bother to check the day’s ocean conditions.

Basically, there are five major factors affecting the surf of the day, according to Scienceinsights.org: temperature, salinity, currents, atmospheric interactions and human activity.

The ocean absorbs and stores heat, affecting local climate. Ocean currents redistribute heat and nutrients—the classic example being today’s La Niña that oceanographers and meteorologists are monitoring with trepidation and warnings. Simultaneously, scientists from assorted disciplines are measuring the pollution and climate changes that affect ecosystems and marine life. One might unscientifically conclude that Newport’s surfers, swimmers, boaters, toe-dippers and partiers are an integral part of that life system.

Newport’s lifeguards definitely come under the category of necessary marine life. According to Wikipedia, the city’s lifeguard department is recognized as one of the top such services in the United States, backed up in U.S. Lifesaving Association rankings.

This summer, “Newport Beach Lifeguards are fully staffed, with 96 lifeguards assigned across towers, truck patrols and rescue boats,” said NB Fire Department Chief Lifeguard Brian O’Rourke. Additionally, he said, 53 are assigned weekly to the Junior Lifeguard Program. With 75 reserve guards, the total count is 224 lifeguards supporting beach and ocean safety this year.”

It takes a lot more than simply putting on a red bathing suit with a city emblem to become a lifeguard. New employees must undergo 109 hours of training at the city’s Lifeguard Academy before qualifying; returning lifeguards must re-certify. Coursework includes ocean lifeguard skills, leadership skills, customer service, municipal codes, CPR, first aid, and physical fitness requirements.

Returning guards must complete 16 hours of recertification training, including a 1,100-yard ocean swim.

In 2025, Lifeguards rescued 3,911 people of all ages and sizes. During high surf days, according to David Gibson, the fire department’s public information officer, “Our lifeguards usually rescue between 50 and 300 people in a single day…so we urge everyone to swim near a lifeguard, stay at least 100 feet away from piers and jetties, and learn how to escape a rip current.”

A rip current is aptly named: a swimmer literally is ripped away from shore and carried out to sea in a powerful channel of water whose speed has been measured up to eight feet per second.

According to the U.S. Lifesaving Association, rip currents account for the majority of sea rescues. If caught in a powerful rip current, even the strongest of swimmers probably will not prevail in their efforts to return to safety. However, to survive without exhaustion, literally “go with the flow,” swimming parallel to the beach until the rip subsides, then (as the lifeguards advise), swim diagonally back to the beach when out of the rip’s influence.

“If escape seems impossible, float on your back and wave your hands to signal for help,” PIO Gibson advises. Perhaps the toughest challenge of all when ensnared by a rip is to remain calm; otherwise, that frightening and exhausting rip could become a tearful RIP.

Lifeguard towers in themselves are communications centers, flying colored flags that indicate ocean conditions: green means small waves, and possible rip currents; yellow indicates moderate conditions, larger waves and rip currents; red shouts a loud, waving warning of hazardous conditions, large waves and advises expert swimmers only!

A black ball dictates no surfboards or skim boards due to crowds; however body boards are okay except at the Wedge, where broken Styrofoam is not an uncommon sight.

Beach safety includes on-the-sand safety, as well, PIO Gibson shares. “All beachgoers should apply water-resistant, broad-spectrum sunscreen 15- to 30-minutes before going outdoors, then reapply every two hours. Everyone should drink plenty of water throughout the day and should avoid digging holes in the sand deeper than knee height. Those holes must be refilled upon leaving.”

Food, drink, coolers, frisbees, balls, sunscreen, proper clothing, chairs, blankets and family and friends are critical for that memorable Newport day at the beach. Just remember not to leave Awareness and Caution in the car.

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Every year for the past 12 years, Dotty MacDonald, 96, solicits her friends and neighbors for donations so she can purchase restaurant gift cards to donate to the Newport Beach Police Department. Ther gift cards are tokens of gratitude and appreciation to the officers and staff at NBPD for keeping our community safe.

This year, MacDonald presented gift cards totaling $48,000 to the NBPD on Tuesday, June 30. The gift cards are valid at one of four different local restaurants: In-N-Out Burger, Chipotle, Chick-fil-A and Sergeant Pepperoni’s Pizza.

“I started out with just a donation $1,000 and now we’re up to $48,000,” said MacDonald, who noted that the gift cards were for restaurants that were easy to get in and out of—and fast so the officers could dine and get back to keeping Newport Beach safe.

MacDonald, who turns 97 in August, is known as the Fairy Godmother of the NBPD. She is often seen dining out around town with officers in uniform. She is also well known at the Newport Harbor Yacht Club, where she still volunteers on the race committee during regattas.

“This is a good reminder of how supportive our community is of us, and that they value the services that we provide,” said Chief Miner. “We have a very unique situation here, where we have a very, very good police department, the men and women here, and it all is driven by the community support that we feel.”

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This Fourth of July marks our country’s 250^th Birthday, and a handful of local celebrations offer festive ways to commemorate the occasion.

Lido Marina Village (July 2-3): Kick off the holiday weekend at Newport Beach’s waterfront shopping and dining destination, where guests can enjoy live performances from a Patriotic Brass Quartet from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. while strolling the harbor front, shopping local boutiques and dining waterside. Lido Marina Village has also extended shopping hours, with retailers now open until 7 p.m., making it an ideal destination for a leisurely summer afternoon and evening by the bay. For more information, please visit https://www.lidomarinavillage.com/events.

Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort & Marina (July 3-5): For those looking to spend the holiday on the water, Newport Dunes is hosting its annual Independence Day on the Back Bay celebration featuring live music, food trucks, watersports, family activities and a spectacular fireworks display over the Back Bay on July 4. Visitors can kayak, paddleboard, cruise Newport Harbor in a Duffy boat, enjoy the Inflatable Aquatic Park and take in live entertainment throughout the weekend before the fireworks spectacular at 9 p.m. For information, please visit https://www.newportdunes.com.

Annual July 4 Old Glory Boat Parade: The American Legion Yacht Club in Newport Beach is once again setting sail around Newport Harbor for their annual Old Glory Boat Parade on Saturday, July 4, celebrating 250 Years of Freedom. The parade will begin at 1 p.m. off the east end of Lido Isle and follow a course throughout the harbor between the hours of 1 and 3:30 p.m. Viewing maps can be downloaded from ALYC website at www.alyc.com.

Pacific Symphony July 4 Concert: Celebrate America’s 250th anniversary with a star-spangled evening of music and fireworks featuring Air Supply and Pacific Symphony at Great Park Live in Irvine. This year’s “July 4 Spectacular” combines one of the world’s most beloved pop duos with one of Orange County’s premier Independence Day traditions. The symphony also performs patriotic favorites as guests enjoy wine, picnicking and music under the night sky for the perfect kick-off to summer!

Known for chart-topping classics such as “All Out of Love,” “Lost in Love” and “Making Love Out of Nothing at All,” Air Supply joins Pacific Symphony as part of the duo’s 50th-anniversary tour and the release of its new album, “A Matter of Time.” In a rare symphonic collaboration, Air Supply performs many of its greatest hits accompanied by the full symphony orchestra. Led by guest conductor Chad Goodman, the program also captures the spirit of the holiday celebration with “America the Beautiful,” “American Salute” and “Midway March.”

For tickets and information, visit www.PacificSymphony.org or call (714) 755-5799.

Community Events: The 15ty annual “4th of July is for Families” event includes a bike and dog parade starting at 9 a.m. at Balboa Blvd. and 36th Street, ending at Channel Place Park with carnival games, arts and crafts, and live music. The event runs through 11:30 a.m.

Balboa Peninsula Trolley: The Balboa Peninsula Trolley will be running on Friday, July 3 and Saturday, July 4. This free service will get you to where you want to go on the peninsula without having to worry about finding a parking spot or paying for parking! For more information including a route map, visit https://visitnewportbeach.com/balboa-peninsula-trolley.

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Last June, the Newport Beach Film Festival launched its inaugural TV Festival, held at the Lido Theater. That star-studded event included Kate Hudson, who would go on to be nominated for Best Actress at the Academy Awards.

As impressive as that event was, the Second Annual Newport TV Festival at the Lido Theater June 4-7 managed to outdo the first one thanks to a four-day roster of notable names that let to sold-out events.

According to information from the Newport Beach TV Fest, the event was expected to draw the largest gathering of Guild and Television Academy voters outside Los Angeles and New York.

Newport Beach Independent photographers Chris Ttrela and Jim Collins covered the red-carpet arrivals (actually blue carpets to signify the coastal setting) all four days.

TV Fest highlights:

• Thursday, June 4: Mindy Kaling received the Artist of Distinction Award in recognition of her work as creator, producer, and writer of Netflix’s “Running Point.” She also participated in a Hollywood Reporter Awards Chatter Live Podcast.
• Friday, June 5: Andy Cohen, executive producer of the Real Housewives franchise, received Variety’s Creative Impact in Television Award. He appeared along with the Rela Housewives of Orange County: Vicki Gunvalson, Tamra Judge, Shannon Storms Beador, Jenn Pedranti, Gina Kirschenheiter, and Emily Simpson.
• Saturday, June 6: “Survivor 50” cast members Aubrey Bracco, Dee Vallardes, Ozzy Lusth, Rick Devens, Rizo Velovic, and Tiffany Ervin were given special recognition, while the “Landman” ensemble panel featured Billy Bob Thornton, Andy Garcia, Ali Larter, and Michelle Randolph.
• Saturday, June 6: The Breakout Award Panel presented by Gold Derby honored , rising stars Shabana Azeez (“The Pitt”), Thomas Doherty (“Paradise”), Paul Anthony Kelly (“Love Story”), Ashley Padilla (“Saturday Night Live”), Owen Thiele (“Adults”), and Karolina Wydra (“Pluribus”).
• Sunday, June 7: “Shrinking” Ensemble Panel: Jason Segel, Christa Miller, Michael Urie, Jessica Williams, and others accepted the Outstanding Ensemble – Comedy Series Award, while Sebastian Maniscalco received the Comedy Special of the Year Award for his Hulu special “It Ain’t Right”
• Sunday, June 7: To close the TV Fest, Seth MacFarlane received the Maverick Award for his creation of “Family Guy,” “American Dad!,” “The Orville” and “Ted.” He also participated in an Awards Chatter Live Podcast.

For more information, visit www.nbtvfest.com.

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