Spindrift June 30, 2022

PROGRAM

Duncan Forgey, our member from Kauai, HI, spoke to us largely about the key people who made Newport Beach the wonderful place. Instead of being taken in by the dollar and keeping up with the Jones’, this club knows the deep soul of Newport Beach, taking pride is being the largest small boat harbor in the West. Here are some of the key people in our history. William S. Collins was the one who had the idea of dredging the harbor, thereby creating Collins island and Castle Island. Then came James Cagney (1938-48) who, together with Bill acquired the property that became Hoag Hospital. The U.S. Navy was involved in Collins Island as well. Robert Beacham was our “friendly credit dentist.” Dana Point became a harbor. Then came anti-growth Jean Watt, leading the charge to prevent Newport Beach being ringed with high rises. She was the “soul for the City.” John and Donna Crean (member of our club, former Navy) was mechanically adapted, and created a better Venetian blind, got into motor homes and located in upper Newport Beach. He put on a TV cooking show, “At Home on the Range.” Henry Samuels created Broadcom, a success that involved Bill and Melinda Gates.

Then came Don Bren, the aggressive figure for the Irvine Company, creating thousands of homes in Mission Viejo and Newport Coast. Harbor island, and the home of John Wayne and the giant cars like Dennis Rodman’s.. Then the Beek family, running the ferry boat for 116 years, and the Robins Family, and the Warmington Family. The unforgettable Paul Salada, Dorothy Yardley and he Balboa Bay Club. Don’t forget Art Gronsky of the Pavilion, and Art’s Landing. Restauranteurs, clergy, and the loss of lifeguard Ben Carlson and Police Officer Bob Henry. The EXNH has Ed Romeo. Walter Crowell was the Postmaster of NB. Then Evelyn Hart and Oasis with 4000 to 6000 members. Are we the “City of the Year”? Thank you, Duncan, for your perception of our City’s history.