Steve Smith -- WHAT’S UP?

The Newport lockout, Day 12: While Newport Beach Mayor John Noyes

continues the lockout of his colleagues from “his” office, he may have

time to ponder my view of this childish behavior. The fact is, that

office is no more “his” than this column is “mine.” That office, the

furniture inside and the building in which it is all contained is the

property of the people of Newport Beach. The mayor is a guest of the

people of Newport Beach (or servant, if you so choose) and he would do

well to remember this and act accordingly. Actually, all politicians

would do well to remember this.

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Newport Beach resident Ann Watt took the time to write to tell me how

much she liked the idea of an “all ‘G,’ all the time” theater. I replied

that I have been hearing this from parents over and over again and asked

her for some suggestions as to how the community could convince the

Edwards family that the concept is worth a six-month test. Need

motivation? Just imagine the “Wizard of Oz” on the big screen with big

sound. Now all we have to do is convince the folks at Edwards Cinemas

here in Newport Beach before some other theater chain steals our local

thunder.

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Bermuda Triangle Square: What is it about the pie slice of land at

Newport, 19th and Harbor called “Triangle Square” that seems to be the

kiss of death for so many businesses? I have my theories, the most

probable of which is the lack of a compelling reason to visit. Even the

fabulous Whole Foods Market does not seem to be drawing people to the

mall’s lowest level to shop, at least not at the peak times when I’ve

made it a point to observe the store. Down there, I get the subterranean

homesick blues. And that’s a shame because Whole Foods is worth repeat

visits.

But the mall jinx theory, which has been supported by the departure of

Sfuzzi and the downsizing or closing of other businesses, has been put to

the test with the arrival of The Yard House.

Steve Reynolds, co-founder of the concept, said the Costa Mesa location

is performing well above projections. And why not? Cay and I had dinner

there a week ago with friends Kathy and Dave Miller and relatives Nancy

and Lewis Hines, and we’re pleased to report that we’ll be back soon.

Everything -- from the salmon spring rolls to the seared ahi to my “Dead

Guy” Ale was outstanding. So, too, is the leadership of Icon restaurants,

parent company of The Yard House. So successful is the concept that Icon

is opening four more locations in Southern California in the coming

months. They’re also opening for lunch starting March 15.

The Yard House aside, and barring any blame for poor planning by Bermuda

Triangle Square management, I can only conclude that the site is an

ancient burial ground.

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We love classical music in our home, but until recently we were slow to

embrace opera. The “recently” qualifier comes a month after Cay and her

sister, the aforementioned Nancy Hines, were delighted by the

presentation of Opera Pacific’s “The Marriage of Figaro” at the

Performing Arts Center. Now, five days after sitting up close to see

“Manon Lescaut,” we are ready to sign up for next season. The trick for

me is avoiding the English subtitles, which appear above the stage. I’m

not a big fan of the subtitles, but Nancy and Cay say it makes all the

difference for them. All I get from the subtitles sign is a stiff neck.

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So, whose bright idea was it to put our kids in harm’s way over at

Newport Coast Elementary School? It is hard to believe that with all of

the checks and balances and bureaucrats designing, adjusting and managing

this project, no one thought the location was a major safety hazard. I

keep thinking that some upright person is going to stand up and say,

“This is my fault. I was the one who was supposed to take care of this,

but I didn’t and I’m sorry.” Well, a person can dream.

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When I was a kid in the Los Angeles Unified School District, we took a

field trip to the opera at the Shrine Auditorium once a semester. The

performances were presented “kid style” and we enjoyed every minute, not

to mention the chance to get out of class. Now, it seems, there is no

money for opera field trips and what money we don’t have will be used to

fix neglected buildings, if it ever comes. Instead, we fill most of the

days with schoolwork -- as it should be if we’re not going to the opera

-- and much of the nights with homework. There is too much homework.

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It’s a good time to be Dennis Rodman. The Newport Beach resident not only

saved his “get out of jail free” card, he trumped it with a “never mind”

card, given to him by the Orange County District Attorney’s office,

which, despite his over-the-top blood-alcohol level two months ago, has

not prosecuted him. What a fine lesson this is for our children. We’ve

just added a fourth “R” to the lessons they need to learn to succeed --

rebounding.

* STEVE SMITH is a Costa Mesa resident and freelance writer. He can be

reached via e-mail at o7 [email protected] , or call our Readers

Hotline at (949) 642-6086.