BALBOA
WEATHER EYE

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 WEB CAMS

Mike the Pharmacist 

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

In response to Bill's email about the Buster Keaton flick:
Today for a college film class I watched another one of Buster Keaton's movies, "The Cameraman," which also shows him boating around the bay with the Balboa Pavilion in the background. I was pretty surprised to see it and found my way here to mention it. Perhaps he or the production company was a fan of the area!
C. Morgan

My Mom used to live down in Balboa during the 70's. My parents were separated at the time and I lived in Northern California. I would always come down to visit her. My aunt also lived down there and met her husband, Robbie Robins. He was the bartender at Dillman's during the 70's. I remember going to visit and we would always go to Dillman's for dinner. I remember the daughter, Diane. I remember her having a daughter. I also remember "Uncle Herbert's Royal Caboose" I'm pretty sure that was the name. It was right across the street from Dillman's. They had the train that would go around at the top of the circular bar and if it stopped over you, you would get a free drink. My uncle is still around. They now live by Bullhead City, AZ. My fondest memory is when for Christmas one year he got me an autographed picture of John Wayne. He was my idol growing up and that was the best present I have ever gotten. He wrote "To Mike, my best. John Wayne 1978" It was his last Christmas. I was supposed to go and visit him, but he got ill and passed away. But I have always cherished that picture and even got to see him once while riding the Balboa Queen and passing by his house. He was standing outside and waved to all of us. Memories are awesome.
Michael Williams
mikew480@aol.com

Hello - do you know where I can find any oil paintings FOR SALE by artist Shirley Piha of Balboa? She passed away 3 years ago and lived in Balboa
Vicki
victory898@aol.com
 

The web cams are very cool.  Is the CdM Xmas walk on Monday or Sunday this year? (per your home page)
Jenecca
jenecca@cox.net
 

The two new updated web cams are awesome!!!  So clear.  Keep up the good work. 
Bob in Phoenix
Bob Borg
rborg@cox.net
 

This is great site.  Makes me relive my childhood.  I was born at Hoag Hospital  the first year it opened and lived at the end  of the peninsula until graduating from Newport Harbor High in 1971.  The memories of walking to town with the quarter to go to the Sat. matinee and making sure we hit Gundersons beforehand to get candy.  Having the beach and basically the town to yourself in the winter since most of the homes were summer beach houses.  Sneaking down to the Fun Zone, since we weren't suppose to go there.  Stopping in at the 5 and dime (I forget the name),  the dory fleet coming in at the Newport Pier.  The memories are really alive and Balboa was a wonderful place to grow up - the beach and the bay.
krohn@bresnan.net
 

Hi, I used to go to the "Prison of Socrates" to hear a folk singer there.  I can't recall his name for sure, but I do believe, after reading a couple of e-mails on your Balboa site, that it might well have been Tim Morgan.  If so, he did the best version of "Viva La Quinta Brigada" that I have ever heard. Would it be possible to contact him?  It looks like he has continued to record and I'm interested in seeing if he has and, if so, if I might be able to get some of those recordings. Appreciate any help you could give. By the way, my memories of Balboa are just wonderful.  And sipping coffee and listening to folk music at the "Prison of Socrates", simple pleasure that it was, highlights my memories.
Thanks,
Mike Suarez
mangotea@frontiernet.net

Hi Jim!  We have named the showcase rooms at the upcoming Folk Alliance Region - West conference in Irvine after OC folk clubs, including The Prison of Socrates. Do you happen to have a photo of this? I'd love to be able to use it on our signage and/or program book?
Steve Dulson
tinkersown@ca.rr.com
 

How can I get on the link exchange?
Renee
rgiraldy@msn.com

Wow - nice site.  I grew up on Balboa Island (moved to BI in 3rd grade @ Corona del Mar Elementary onto Lincoln Middle School and through high school in '79 from Corona Del Mar HS and a couple of years at O.C. Jr. College before I moved away!).  Worked at the Orange Julius on the peninsula down from the pier in high school for a bit (never could get a job on the ferry - but had friends who did - so I got to cross to work at OJ for free sometimes! :)  Spent many a found nickels, dimes and quarters at the fun zone!  Seemingly spent whole summers in the ocean at ... was it Big and Little Corona beaches (coast guard side of the jetty) (is that "cave" accessible - last time I was through there with my son years ago, it had bars across the entrances and we couldn't get through it).  Lots of fun memories...if I could only afford to live there now :(
KB

My great aunt and her husband, Bob Murphy, owned and ran the Rendezvous during the years of the big bands.  They also owned the Bamboo Room.  I am looking for any photos, memories, histories of both places.  Nothing was kept by my family. I was always told the Bob Murphy was the first (now i cannot remember the original title) Balboa Man of the Year.  Also, I am looking for information about using the Bamboo Room to aide in 'rum running' during prohibition . Anyone who knew him, my Aunt Jay, and memories and photos of the Rendezvous Ball Room and /or the Bamboo Room please contact me.
Paige Conrad Boles
pboles@yahoo.com

The old breakfast place in Cannery Village was called Snug Harbor. It was torn down around 2000 and I think the lot is still bare today. Nobody ever developed it. It was on the corner of Villa and Lafeyette or maybe on the corner of 29th and Lafeyette The Snug Tradition lives on at Malarky's - you'll see them post an ad for a "snug" breakfast on their ad board still.
Aaron Batley


Found a copy of Lord Love a Duck -- a movie made in 1966 with Tuesday Weld and Roddie McDowell and Joan Collins-- and my parents had just bought a house in 1966 on Balboa Peninsula. They filmed part of that film in the old fun zone and I remember hanging around that day watching them film a beach scene on the beach that used to be in front of the Ferris Wheel. In the extra scenes on the DVD they actually show the filming in Balboa on that day in the summer of 1966 and you can see the Ferry going by and the homes on Balboa Island as well. They pulled that old blue floating whale for a scene in the movie and anchored a Baglietto - -which was the Rolls Royce of Italian 70' luxury yachts in that era for some scenes in the movie as well. If anyone wants to see the old fun zone on film get a copy of this DVD. I bought mine from EBay-- and Amazon has it as well. I was 14 years old and remember that day like it was yesterday.
Jeffrey Kilpatrick
jeff@newportsecurities.com

Can anyone confirm the tale I heard involving John Wayne.  So the story goes, John Wayne was playing football at USC and during that time was hurt while surfing the Wedge.  It's said that this injury ended his ability to continue playing college football??? 
bcoombs@glendaleaz.com

Hey Jim,
Is there an October pumpkin event of some kind that is held each year, if so do you know when that event happens?
Steve Dull
nitro.dull@verizon.net


recipe for jolly roger special ice cream dish - circa mid fifties?
Sterling
lndtrice@yahoo.com

Does anyone remember the name of the local band that played weekly @ the Cannery for several years in the mid 70's?
Anonymous

I am looking for Neil Mancinelli. I am his Cousin and I have lost touch with him in the last couple of years. When I Googled him I got his picture here on this website. If anyone knows his whereabouts, I would really appreciate it. Besides the fact that I would just like ro reconnect, I have some medical question that I need anwsered and I need some info regarding his Mother, my Aunt.
Juliana Lozze
jtinseltown@aol.com

Hi I am a fan of your Weather Eye. When the program starts up in the background you have the "Thunder" sound. Now the sound plays thru the speakers even tho your site is not up and active probably because it is update itself. Have I got this right? Are there settings on that page to mute the sound? Your technical help will be appreciated.
Doug NB and BYC
surfindoug@pacbell.net

Jim -  we have temporarily mounted a 20' X 4' mural on a wall in our office.  It is by Rex Brandt and was commissioned in 1965 for the bank that is now Union Bank on Bayside and Jamboree.    The original mural was 80' X 4', painted in acrylic on dried plaster.  The part we have is signed by Rex Brandt.  It depicts the area of the Newport Pier and dory fleet.  The bank remodeled in 2006 and the part of the mural we have was to be demolished.  We saved it for a future donation to a public building.  The project has been submitted to the Newport Beach Arts Commission for review. It would fit well in a part of the New Civic Center being discussed.  As you may know, Rex is the most well-known painter of scenes in Newport Beach, from the Jetty, to the Pavilion, to the ferries, to the piers, to Promontory Point, and many other points of interest.    We thought perhaps your readers might have an interest.  We can provide more information if you need it. Jim Newkirk (NHHS, 1955), Diane Crain
newk@cox.net

In answer to some of the questions on the site: the blue plastic whales started at Newport Shores by the Newporter Inn. They were featured being towed down the Bay in "Lord Love a Duck". The best old movies showing a lot of Newport were Disney's "The Boatnicks" and "Love in a Goldfish Bowl". There have been many others, beginning with several silents starring Harold Lloyd. I looked at the picture of the dory boats, and I think it was more like 1960; the lifeguard headquarters are there, as is the little concrete walk. It looks just like it did when I was going to Newport Harbor High (1961-1965)
Bob Shaw
shaw_305@msn.com

Does anyone remember a kiddie beach that had huge colorful whales you could wade to and climb on? I seem to remember this from the late 60's or early 70's. Did I dream this or did it really exist?
mhermanrn@yahoo.com

Does anyone remember a great breakfast place down the street from the Cannery near El Ranchito? Been trying to remember its' name. Thanks
Mike Novak

The picture of the dory fleet is long after 1938...note the lifeguard headquarters building. That was built in the 60's or later. Also the pier looks to be concrete...don't know for sure, though. Into the 50's it was wood. Love the "Tales". Yvonne Millard Mickey
david.d.mickey@verizon.net

Well, we're back to the furnace of Phoenix after 15 wonderful days in Newport.  For years we have been regulars at the Wedge, and now my son and two of his buddies are old enough and good enough to braves the sets that the Wedge puts out.  Well, they were there in the water at the Wedge the day the Gentlemen died (Friday July 24th)...What a tragedy!  I have never seen waves like that before.  My wife and I were eating Ruby's at the end of the Balboa Pier that evening and a couple supports from the pier were torn off by the waves rolling in...it was a little unnerving being at the end of that pier watching pieces of it floating away in the water!
On another note, does anyone know if the Birdman is still around.  We usually see him every year, but the past two years he has not been around McFadden Square like he normally is?    
Brent Coombs
bcoombs@glendaleaz.com

I have been trying to reach Bob St. John, leaving voice mail messages, but have been unsuccessful.  He did work for me in January of this year, and I was extremely pleased and would like to use him again.  He had been referred to me by Keith at the Light Bulb Store on Newport Blvd where he was their customer and Bob hasn't been seen by them in the past several months.  Have you any information?
Evelyn Bodden
ejbodden@earthlink.net

Re: the picture of the man standing by the large fish. He is Joe Beek, not Joe Beak.
Thanks.
Stan Cochran
shc2615@pacbell.net

Hi Jim,
LOVE what you have done with this sight!!!!
So many memories...
I was wondering if you knew or still know a man by the name of Patrick Calliouette,,that' s as close to the spelling as I can get..he was a custom Jeweler and he had a little shop in the lobby ...I think..of the arcade..I lived in the Balboa Inn for a time...we were friends.
Any news would be welcome.
Thank you,
Orlando girl...Robin
rich2424@bellsouth.net

On Saturday 7/11/09 my family and I will return to Newport Beach for fifteen glorious days out of the Phoenix Sun.  This is my 36th year straight to visit Newport, and I love it more and more each year.  The tradition began when I was ten and has carried on through my marriage, and now my children who are twenty and sixteen.  I'm nearing the end of my career, and God willing, we may very well relocate somewhere a few mile from the water.  Thank you so much for your site, which gives my family and I our fix while we wait each year for our return to the home that we stay in on 27th near McFadden Square.  Charlies Chili, Newport 24 hr Donuts, Perry's Pizza, Mutt Lynch's, and the Fun Zone here we come!!  
Coombs Family
bcoombs@glendaleaz.com

I have been trying to find the schedule for the open air trolley's that have signs posted on the regular bus stops-- do you know the link to their website -- I have never been able to catch one of these trolleys when it is stopped so far--
Thanks
Jeff
jeff@newportsecurities.com

Back in the late forties and early fifties my aunt Nanabelle ran the little hotel, the Bay View, across from the arcade and the ferry landing.  In the evenings we, my little brother and I would sit on the veranda overlooking the boardwalk and listen to the sounds of the tourists walking by below.  At high tide the water would come all the way up to the walk way and the lights of the docks shining on the surface of inky black water made the water appear bottomless.  My little brother, only around 5 or 6 years old at the time was so engaging the boat rental guys on the dock directly in front of the hotel and to the left of the ferry would give him the keys to one of the old mahogany Chris Crafts and we would tool all around the bay as long as we wanted.
I always thought Christians Hut was the most romantic place in the world.  With its palm fronds and dusty delapitation it certainly conjured up visions of south sea islands and half naked native girls.  My recollection was Humphrey Bogart had carved his initials in the bar.
rudy
 

Hi Jim,
     I love your site, I come to it often to look at the webcams of the beach and the boardwalk.  I just had a quick question I know I have heard people say there movies that have been filmed down in the Balboa area and wanted to know if you knew what the names of any of them are?  If could let me know of any that would be great.  Thanks So Much!  :)
Jaci
jacidbedont@hotmail.com

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,
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