All About Newport Beach

Toshiba Golf Classic Raises $900,000 for Hoag Hospital in Newport Beach

The Toshiba Golf Classic which was held at the Newport Beach Country Club raised $900,000 for Hoag Hospital in Newport Beach according to the Daily Pilot. The Toshiba Golf Classic is the main fund raiser for Hoag Hospital in Newport Beach and the money raised supports the Hoag Heart & Vascular Institute, the Hoag Cancer Center, Orthopedic Services, Neuroscience, and Women’s Health Services. 

The golf tournament which was held the first week of March (the week of March 1, 2010 to March 7, 2010) invites members of the tour to participate in the event. Over the past 13 years, this Toshiba Classic Golf Tournament has raised approximately $13 million dollars for Hoag Hospital.

This year, Fred Couples (a former Newport Beach resident) won the Toshiba Golf Classic. This was first time playing in the event. Ronnie Black finished second, and Tom Lehman finished third overall.

This golf tournament is for golfers who are 50 years of age or older.

Originally posted at NewportBeachRealEstateCafe.com

Huntington State Beach Lifeguard Requal – A Chilly Day

The Huntington State Beach Lifeguard try outs were yesterday at lifeguard headquarters yesterday morning. The air temperature was 55 degrees, and the water was in the high 50’s. My daughter Heather Thomson participated in the requalification swim yesterday.  I enjoy watching and encouraging these candidates who braved some less than optimal conditions yesterday. Not only was the air and water cold, there was a strong current, and choppy conditions. One of the candidates said because of the chop, it was difficult to get a rhythym while swimming.

There were two events. The returning guards requalify with a 1000 yard swim which must be completed within 20 minutes. They swim out around the buoys, back to shore and run to the finish line. Below the returning guards are lining up for their requalification swim. 

Getting a good start. Running into the water for the swim! Some of the candidates wear wetsuits, however  some think that it is more restrictive to swim with a wetsuit.

The second swim is for the new applicants trying out for one of the few spots at one of Californa’s State beaches. Then the new candidates must also complete a run swim run. The Huntington State Lifeguards were very prepared with the lifeguard boat, guards on paddle boards, and the personal water craft was utilized as well.

Definitely one of the highlights was there were dolphins during the requalification swim. One of the applicants apparently touched one during his swim. It always inspires me when I see dolphins so close to shore. 

 Mike Silvestri, a trainer for the Huntington Beach State Lifeguards said that some agencies are not testing at all due to cut backs.

Running to the finish line, every tenth of each second counts as most of these candidates are trying to beat their time.

Overall, this was a very good event, with lots of successes and some who may try it another day. The Huntington State Beach Lifeguards run a very organized and safe event.

If I can answer any questions, please contact me.

Phone or Text: 949.280.0681

Email: Spaxson@roadrunner.com

Originally posted at NewportBeachRealEstateCafe.com

2010 Toshiba Classic Golf Tournament – Newport Beach, CA

March 1, 2010 through March 7, 2010

The Toshiba Classic Golf Tournament began today at the Newport Beach Country Club. This is a tournament where Newport Beach welcomes the the PGA players at the Toshiba Classic. This tournament has been one of the most successful tournaments in the Champions Tour history. The Toshiba Classic has raised over $12 million in the past 12 years for Hoag Memorial Hospital in Newport Beach which is the main beneficiary. There are over 150 sponsors for this event, 1200 volunteers, and they are expecting 85,000 spectators at the Toshiba Classic in Newport Beach.

The schedule of event for the Toshiba Classic include the practice rounds for golf professionals. The Classic pro-am (professional - amateuer) begins on March 3, 2010. This is where amatuer four somes are paired with golf professionals. Some of the professionals who are playing at this tournaament in Newport Beach include Fred Couples, Lee Trevino, and rookie Corey Pavin. This is a good opportunity to get out and walk the course with the professionals and enjoy the game of golf. Tickets start at $20 for one day, and other packages are available as well.  

Look forward to seeing you at at the 2010 Toshiba Classic Golf Tournament at the Newport Beach Country Club. Please feel free to contact me with any questions.

Phone or Text: 949.280.0681

Email: Spaxson@roadrunner.com

Originally posted at NewportBeachRealEstateCafe.com

Newport Beach Junior Lifeguard Tryouts – Last Try Out Date This Weekend

February 28, 2010

9am to 12pm

The Newport Beach Junior Lifeguards final try out date will be held this weekend at Newport Harbor High School in Newport Beach, California. This is the final try out date for the 2010 Newport Beach Junior Lifeguard program which begins this summer.

For the swim try outs, the child must be 9 years old by June 28, 2010 (per the Newport Beach Lifeguards).  You must present valid identification (for example a birth certificate or passport). Also, you must provide valid proof of Newport Beach residency (for example – driver’s license, car registration, utility bill, or car registration). Three different items for proof of residence are required.

Each group is categorized A, B, C, D by their age. The swim consists of two complete laps (four lengths in a pool) and they must be completed in the following times. The following are the required swim times for each individual age group:

 ”A” (14-15 year olds): 1:35 (one minute, 35 seconds)

“B” (12-13 year olds): 1:40 (one minute, 40 seconds)

“C” (10-11 year olds): 1:45 (one minute, 45 seconds)

“D” ( 9 year olds): 1:55 (one minute, 55 seconds)

If your child is interested in the Newport Beach Junior Lifeguard program, take them to the final try out date which is Sunday, February 28, 2010 from 9am to 12pm.

Good luck with the swim test!

If I can answer any questions, please contact me:

Phone or Text: 949.280.0681

Email: Spaxson@roadrunner.com

Originally posted at NewportBeachRealEstateCafe.com

Huntington State Beach Lifeguard Try-Outs

begin on

March 6, 2010

The Huntington State Beach Lifeguard Try-Outs are beginning next month at March 7, 2010. For those of you who want to consider a position as a state lifeguard, this is your opportunity to try out for this event. The try outs will be held rain or shine, and despite the weather conditions, so make sure you are prepared!

The 2010 Ocean Testing Dates and Locations are as follows:

Huntington State Beach Saturday, March 6, 2010  – 9:00 am
Ventura (San Buenaventura) State Beach Sunday, March 7, 2010  – 9:00 am
Silver Strand State Beach Saturday, March 13, 2010  – 9:00 am
Rio Del Mar State Beach Saturday, March 13, 2010  – 9:00 am
South Carlsbad State Beach Sunday, March 14, 2010 – 9:00 am
Leo Carrillo State Park Saturday, March 20, 2010 – 9:00 am
Monterey State Beach Saturday, March 27, 2010 - 9:00 am
San Clemente State Beach Saturday, March 27, 2010 - 9:00 am
Refugio State Beach Sunday, March 28, 2010 - 9:00 am
Crystal Cove State Park Saturday, April 10, 2010 - 9:00 am

If you trying out for the Huntington State Beach Lifeguard program, make sure you show up at least 30 minutes before the event. The swim starts promptly at 9am, so I would recommend arriving no later than 8:30 am.You will want to bring something warm to put on after the swim, as the water is cool this time of year. Many swimmers do not wear wet suits as seen in the photo below. This photo was taken a couple of years ago.

The following is the description of events which must be passed in order to be considered for a State Lifeguard position.

• Pass a COMPETITIVE 1000 yard open water swim. Time limit of 20 minutes.
• Pass a COMPETITIVE [200 yard run - 400 yard swim - 200 yard run] event. Time limit of 10 minutes.

In addition to the physical events stated above, the candidates must also:

• Pass a qualification appraisal interview.

In order to be hired as a California State Lifeguard, the candidate must demonstrate successful completion of the above mentioned items and successfully compete the training as outlined below:

• Successful completion of the California State Park Lifeguard Training Program. (8 days)
•  Successful completion of work location Field Training Program.

If I can answer any questions about the Huntington State Beach Lifeguard  Try-Outs, please contact me.

Phone or Text: 949.280.0681

Email: Spaxson@roadrunner.com

Originally posted at NewportBeachRealEstateCafe.com.

Chino Airport – Planes of Fame Airshow

The Planes of Fame Airshow is coming up on May 15-16, 2010 at Chino Airport.  Chino Airport  is located in Chino, California and is approximately 35 miles from the Newport Beach area. Chino Airport is located at :

Chino Airport
7000 Merrill Ave
Chino, CA 91710
(909) 597-3910

Chino Airport which is previously known as Cal Aero Field, is a general aviation airport. Chino Airport serves the general aviation community, as well as for business and corporate travel. The runways line up with the compass. Also, there are two directions of each runway depending upon which way the wind is blowing. Planes typically land into the wind, and if you are landing on Runway 26, then the other direction would be Runway 8.  

 Chino Airport which is situated on approximately 1,100 acres and has three runways: There are two parallel runways  – Runway 26R and Runway 26L, and there is Runway 21 which crosses the parallel runways. Runway 8R-26L is 7000 feet long and 150 feet wide, and is the longest runway at Chino Airport. The parallel runway  is 4,838 feet long and 150 feet wide. Runway 3-21 is which is crosses both Runways 8R-26L and Runway 8L-26R and is 4919 feet long and 150 feet wide. Generally, what that means is that larger air craft can take off and land at the longer run ways. Aircraft have a minimum take off and landing distance.

Chino Airport has many hangars for pilots to house their aircraft. Chino Airport also has over 100 businesses, 2 aircraft museums including the Planes of Fame museum. Also, Chino Airport is home to Flo’s Cafe. This is a great place to fly in eat breakfast or lunch and fly out. Some of the hangars that have recently been constructed are amazing. Many of the hangars at Chino Airport have build outs inside them with kitchens, bedrooms and bathrooms. You can actually live in these build outs. Many of the occupants at Chino Airport have golf carts to travel around the airport. These  hangars house some pretty amazing aircraft.

Something else to consider when selecting an airport to have as your home base is weather. Chino Airport does have fairly consistent weather. With the exception of occassional fog, and winter weather, Chino Airport averages about 345 VFR (visual flight rules) days per year. Chino is also a great airport for pilots that are learning to fly. 

The airport identifier for Chino Airport is CNO and is a control tower operated airport.

Chino Airport has the Planes of Fame Air Show, and this year it is going to be held on May 15-16, 2010. The theme of this year's Airshow  is “A Salute To The Greatest Generation.” The theme of this year's airshow is in honor of the men and women whose provided service to the country during World War  II, and the the Museum will fly its aircraft. If you are interested in aviation, this is an air show not to be missed.

Below are photos of a Twin Cessna 340 – very nice airplane. I previously flew a 340. I still love to see them.

I always have enjoyed watching the planes take off and land. Yesterday, we were watching planes take off and land at Chino Airport. In the photos below, the plane has just rotated, and the pilot is raising the landing gear in the second photo.

I watched this plane fly into the sunset, and it was a very beautiful site.

Below is a close up of the same plane flying into the sunsest.

If I can answer any questions about Chino Airport, or the Planes of Fame Air Show, please contact me.

Phone or Text: 949.280.0681

Email: Spaxson@roadrunner.com

Originally posted at NewportBeachRealEstateCafe.com.

Newport Beach Junior Lifeguard Try-Outs Under Way!

The Newport Beach Junior Lifeguard Try-Outs are under way at Newport Harbor High School Pool. The dates of the try-outs are found below:

Sunday, February 7th – 9:00am – 12:00pm

Sunday, February 14th – 9:00am – 12:00pm

Tuesday, February 16th – 7:00pm – 8:30pm

Sunday, February 21st – 9:00am – 12:00pm

Tuesday, February 23rd – 7:00pm – 8:30pm

Sunday, February 28th – 9:00am – 12:00pm

There are still have several more opportunities to try out and this is a reminder of the dates. The try-outs are for the program which begins in June, 2010. Find more information about the Newport Beach Junior Lifeguard try-outs at the Newport Beach Junior Lifeguard website.  The time requirements for the swim try-outs are as follows:

“A” (14-15 year olds): 1:35 (one minute, 35 seconds)

“B” (12-13 year olds): 1:40 (one minute, 40 seconds)

“C” (10-11 year olds): 1:45 (one minute, 45 seconds)

“D” ( 9 year olds): 1:55 (one minute, 55 seconds)

Below is a photo from a previous activity the Junior Lifeguards participated in. The Junior Lifeguards were on paddle boards at the Balboa Pier.

If I can answer any questions about Newport Beach Junior Lifeguards, or the requirements, please contact me.

Phone or Text: 949.280.0681 

Email: Spaxson@roadrunner.com

Happy Superbowl Sunday Everyone – Go Saints!

Today, February 7, 2010 is Superbowl Sunday. This is a highly anticipated event every year, as family and friends get together to watch the game. This year it is even more exciting as this the first time the New Orleans’ Saints are playing in the Superbowl. 

These two Superbowl teams arrived at Superbowl 44: The Indianapolis Colts beat Baltimore Ravens, and  also beat the New York Jets in the AFC playoffs. The New Orleans Saints beat Arizona and also beat the Minnesota Vikings in the NFC playoffs (that was one awesome football game).

Whoever you are rooting for, have an awesome Superbowl Sunday and enjoy the game and your friends and family!

GO SAINTS!

Originally posted at NewportBeachRealEstateCafe.com

Run Surf City . . . . Run

The Surf City Marathon in Huntington Beach is tomorrow February 7, 2010. The marathon begins at 6:30 am. I have driven by there and they are set up, and there are many participants registering for this event.

The participation for the Surf City Marathon in Huntington Beach is one of the largest ever, with over 20,000 participants. Other events include the half marathon, and a 5K run. There is also a children's run. You can go out and cheer on the participants in this run! Hopefully, the weather will cooperate, as it has been raining all day, however there are some blue skies in the distance over in Huntington Beach.

If you want to  spectate at the Surf City Marathon in Huntington Beach, you can find the route information and street closure here. I suggest arriving early as there is a large turn out this year.

If I can answer any questions about this event, please contact me.

Phone or Text: 949-280-0681

Email: Spaxson@roadrunner.com

Newport Beach Junior Lifeguard  Try-Outs Approaching Quickly . . .

This is a reminder to you that the Newport Beach Junior Lifeguard Try-Outs are beginning this Sunday on February 7, 2010 – that’s right – on Superbowl Sunday! There is plenty of time to take your child for the Newport Beach Junior Lifeguard Try-outs then go and watch the game! Go Saints!

The Newport Beach Junior Lifeguard try-outs are going to be held at the Newport Harbor High School Pool deck. Make sure to bring:

• Your child’s proof of age.
• 3 forms of identification (i.e. driver’s license, a utility bill).

Be sure you are prepared! Hopefully, your child has been swimming and is ready to meet the requirements set by the Newport Beach Lifeguards. The requirements are to swim four laps – a total of 100 yards in the time set below:

“A” (14-15 year olds): 1:35 (one minute, 35 seconds)

“B” (12-13 year olds): 1:40 (one minute, 40 seconds)

“C” (10-11 year olds): 1:45 (one minute, 45 seconds)

“D” ( 9 year olds): 1:55 (one minute, 55 seconds)

The Newport Beach Junior Lifeguard program is an awesome program. My daughters both participated in the program and I cannot say enough good things about it. It is professional, organized, educational, competitive and definite fun for the kids. My older daughter Heather was competitive in the program, and today is a Huntington State Beach Lifeguard. Although my daughters are past this time frame, the program definitely was something they enjoyed and benefitted from.

The Newport Beach Junior Lifeguard Program is held at the Balboa Pier by A Street at the Junior Lifeguard headquarters on the Newport Beach Peninsula. The Newport Beach Junior Lifeguard Program begins on Monday, June 28th, 2010 and ends on Tuesday, August 17th.

I have three favorite events that I have enjoyed for the Newport Beach Junior Lifeguard Program:

• The Hot Dog Dinner – a tradition which is enjoyed by both the kids and their family and friends.
• The Pier Jump – where all the kids line up, and the lifeguards and their support staff are in the water, and the kids jump approximately 30′ into the water. This is NOT mandatory!
• The Monster Mile – this event is fun for both the kids and their parents alike. The kids show up on the day of the “Monster Mile” dressed up like “monsters“! After the parade, there is a competitive one mile run in the sand, followed by a one mile swim back. The kids are grouped according to their age, and they wear swim caps for each age group. It truly is an amazing site. You can see the kids swimming back in the photo below: 

So, this is your opportunity to take part in this awesome Newport Beach program. The try-outs are only in February. You can’t decide in June that you want to be in the program – does not work that way. The swim try-out dates are below:

Sunday, February 7th – 9:00am – 12:00pm

Sunday, February 14th – 9:00am – 12:00pm

Tuesday, February 16th – 7:00pm – 8:30pm

Sunday, February 21st – 9:00am – 12:00pm

Tuesday, February 23rd – 7:00pm – 8:30pm

Sunday, February 28th – 9:00am – 12:00pm

If I can answer any questions about Newport Beach Junior Lifeguards, or the requirements, please contact me.

Phone or Text: 949.280.0681 

Email: Spaxson@roadrunner.com