Visitors to the Newport Beach and Balboa piers on summer weekends see an ever-changing array of street performers. On a recent Saturday morning, Muddy Frog Watters was playing original banjo and harmonica tunes. The Flying Tortillas drew a large crowd for an afternoon show. And Rich, Warren and their dog were playing a Donovan tune.

Newport Beach lifeguards were busy Saturday keeping swimmers out of harm's way as large waves came on shore. Swimmers were warned by lifeguards to swim in safe areas as a rescue boat cruised outside the breakers to backup the shore-based lifeguards.

Mothers of professional athletes—along with a handful of their famous sons—were in Newport Beach on Saturday to raise money for a group that provides services for people with autism and their families. The 14th Annual Pre-Season Conference and Gala held Saturday evening at the Newport Beach Hyatt Regency Hotel was hosted by the Professional Football Players Mothers Association. Each year the association chooses a charitable organization to honor. This year, Talk About Curing Autism was the beneficiary of the event. The group provides support, education, information and resources to over 26,…

Summer has returned to Balboa Island, judging from the traffic creeping along Marine Avenue earlier this week.

Teams took to the water at Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort and Marina in boats made of cardboard and duct tape during a Father's Day event Saturday. Participants built their own boats and then saw how far they could float, competing for a $500 prize. Father and son team Mark and Jafta Hower won.

Hundreds of people arrived at the Orange County Museum of Art  to take advantage of free admission, which the popular Newport Beach museum offers on the second Sunday of every month.

The 3rd Annual Evening For Autism was held Saturday at the Newport Beach home of Barry Saywitz, a real estate entrepreneur whose seven-year-old son was diagnosed with autism at the age of two.  The event raised $170,000. Saywitz's palatial home was turned into a tropical wonderland. Some 600 guests were entertained by live music, enjoyed dinner and dessert from event sponsors Cheesecake Factory, Wildfish and Ruth's Chris Steakhouse and bid on items and trips in silent and live auctions.   The live auction, moderated by Kyle and Chris Massey, included a Big Bear Vacation, A Chippendale …

Blue skies, blue water and just the right amount of wind called to the members of the Oasis Sailing Club as they sailed out of Newport Harbor on a recent afternoon. The club members embarked on a four-hour cruise along the Orange County coastline aboard the Oasis V, a 34-foot Catalina yacht. Those interested in sailing aboard the Cat 34 may do so by paying a one time $10 fee to the OASIS Senior Center in Corona del Mar. After that, quarterly dues of $45.00 are required of members. Members of the Oasis Sailing Club attend monthly meetings and sign up for sailing trips at the Oasis Senior …

The bike brigade was out in full force on West Oceanfront on a recent Sunday.

The 18th Annual Balboa Island Parade, the theme of which was "Spirit of America," drew a crowd Sunday.  The parade up Marine Avenue included a Giant Santa Clause baloon advocating the use of dog poop bags, the Balboa Island Patio Chair Drill Team, some local Keystone Cops school bands and a lot more.     .

Giant waves roared on shore at the Wedge on Thursday afternoon.

Newport Beach paddlers tried out the latest in kayaks and stand-up paddle boards Saturday at the Southwind Kayak Center's Discover Paddlesports event in Newport Harbor.

The American Legion Newport Harbor Post 291 held a Memorial Day observance today at Pacific View Memorial Park. In addition to a color guard, rifle salute and the playing of Taps, the Mountain Fifes and Drums and Catch the Spirit groups performed.

Friday was a beautiful night in Newport Beach as the 8th Annual Newport Beach Wine Festival kicked off on the lawn of the Balboa Bay Club.  There were more than 50 wines being poured from 14 vendors. Stations were set up with culinary delights from the world class chefs of the Balboa Bay Club. The theme was Wines and Cuisine from the Rivers of Europe.  Featured wines from the Loire, Rhine, Rhone and Danube Rivers were poured and there were perfectly paired imported cheeses and petite desserts. In addition to wine, glasses of champagne were being enjoyed, including the popular Perrier Jouet.  …

No need to go to Venice (or Vegas) to take that special someone on a romantic gondola ride. Let the Gondola Co. of Newport take you on a sunset cruise through Newport Harbor.

Visitors and residents alike enjoy leisurely strolls past the cottages and boats that line the Grand Canal on Balboa Island.  Real estate promoter William Collins originally sold lots on the island for as little as $25 in the early 1900's. Today the homes are valued  in the millions.

Hundreds of community members dug deep into their pockets to help support Corona del Mar High School. On Friday, the Corona del Mar High School Foundation held its Neptune's Ball at the Balboa Bay Club. The soiree had a World Series theme and attracted nearly 400 supporters. Robin Hook, event chair, said families, friends and businesses helped raised about $250,000, which will be used to help fund counseling positions, infrastructure, technology and several other programs at Corona del Mar High School. "Our children need for us to fund programs that have been cut from the budget," Andrea Fine…

For visitors from around the country, John Wayne Airport is the gateway to Orange County.

Dig It! SandCastles sand sculptor Marc Africano was on the beach in Newport recently building a magnificent sand castle.