Corona del Mar Today: Harbor View takes 2015 Spirit Award trophy
Harbor View Elementary School won the 2015 Spirit Award trophy at the recent Newport Beach Youth Track and Field event, ending Eastbluff Elementary School’s nine-year run.
“Each year, we recognize the school that brings the most spirit by awarding a trophy to the winning school,” the city’s Recreation Department’s website states. “Winners are determined by adding up the scores of the finishing athletes who place (1st through 6th) from each school in the Newport-Harbor area. Congratulations to Harbor View for claiming the crown this year!”
The meet took place on April 17 at Corona del Mar High School.
Eastbluff claimed the trophy from 2007 through last year. In 2006, Andersen Elementary won.
Students received the trophy at a Flag Deck celebration Wednesday, when Molly Patience, a Newport Beach recreation coordinator, visited the campus.
“It is so wonderful when our students and parents are recognized for their hard work, commitment and enthusiasm,” said Principal Todd Schmidt. “I know how incredible they are … it’s nice when others get to see it as well.”
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Falling rocks lead to closed cave
Large rocks falling from the roof of a cave near Big Corona State Beach have closed a section of beach while city engineers make repairs.
Loose rocks, sand and vegetation, along with natural slough-off from roots through a sand vein above, caused the problems, said Tara Finnigan, a Newport Beach spokeswoman.
The condition is normal for a natural slope, she said, and city staff will pick up the debris and remove loose pieces.
Park Patrol officers alerted lifeguards, who informed city engineers about the problem earlier this week, and lifeguards cordoned off the area.
The cave is at Rocky Point, near a bay beach off the Big Corona beach, said Lifeguard Battalion Chief Mike Halphide.
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Francis-Orr stationers to sign off
The Francis-Orr stationery shop at 2823 East Coast Highway will close this summer, owner Harriet Malmon said.
“This is bittersweet,” she said. “I am happy to be retiring, something I’ve been considering for a couple of years. But, of course, closing the store is sad. I’ve loved every minute, but there are a few things I still want to do.”
Malmon bought the shop in 2000, but Francis-Orr has been in business since 1965. The shop specializes in stationery and gifts, including pens, desk sets, leather journals and wrapping paper. The shop also is known for Malmon’s two dogs, Dolly and Ruby, who are at the store every day — one in the front, and one in the office space in the back.
Signs in the shop’s front windows announce a retirement sale, and Malmon said she thinks the shop will be open through the end of June.
“It’s a special place, and the reaction has been touching,” she said.
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Rug shop planned for boutique site
The Eva Verra boutique at 3435 East Coast Highway, which opened in July 2013, will be replaced by a rug shop.
Eva Verra has two shops in Sherman Oaks and Santa Monica, a company website states.
The Corona del Mar shop could reopen at another location, possibly in Newport Beach, but for now the shop will close, an employee said.
Signs in front of the shop indicate that a moving sale is underway with 50% discounts.
Another sign indicates that Amir Rugs will be moving into the space. Currently, Amir Rugs is located on Red Hill Avenue in Costa Mesa. The Amir Rugs Facebook page indicates that the business has been holding clearance sales there earlier this month.
Before Eva Verra opened, the space was occupied by Ebanista interior design. Previously, it had been an Erica Dee clothing boutique.
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Grant Howald Landscaping will use less water
An area near the Grant Howald Park tennis courts was re-landscaped this spring with new, drought-friendly plants and equipment.
“Earlier this month, Park Maintenance crewmembers re-landscaped an area near Grant Howald tennis courts due to turf failure,” according to a city memo. “Drought-tolerant agaves and aloes were installed. The irrigation system was also updated to use less water and fit the watering needs of the new plantings.”
The City Council recently declared a Level Three Water Shortage, which means residents will have to reduce water usage and will be face restrictions on outdoor watering and filling pools and fountains.
City contractors also have worked on the Jamboree Road median south of Fairchild Road to update plants with drought-tolerant and low-growing varieties, the memo said.
Corona del Mar Today appears Sundays in the Daily Pilot. Read daily updates at coronadelmartoday.com.