Happy Holidays from the Balboa Island Improvement Association!
As another sparkling season settles over our little slice of paradise, we want to send warm wishes to all who make Balboa Island the extraordinary community we love.
This year, we extend appreciation to five outgoing BIIA board members—Larry Kallestad, Penny Rodheim, Sue Sibley, Terry Janssen, and our outgoing President Dan Abbott. Their dedication, countless hours, and deep care for the Island have helped preserve the charm and spirit that make this place so special. Thank you for everything you’ve done—you’ve left the Island better and brighter.
We are also happy to welcome our new BIIA President, Sue Pearl, whose energy, community passion, marque magic words at the bridge and years of volunteering truly set her apart as a leader. Also, congratulations to Georgie Fenton another great longtime volunteer on her re-election as director.
Happy Holidays, Balboa Island and a very happy Thanksgiving.
HOLIDAY HOME TOUR
Tickets on Sale for the 27th Annual Balboa Island Holiday Home Walking Tour!
Join us on Saturday, December 13th, 2025, from 11:00 am to 4:00 pm, as the Island transforms into a wonderland of holiday cheer. This event offers a rare opportunity to explore eight island homes, each decked in its finest seasonal décor—blending coastal sophistication with classic holiday whimsy.
Tickets are $50.00 and are available for purchase at the following stores on Balboa Island, Crush Clothing, The Museum, and Sunny Days. Off-Island tickets are available at Bliss Home Design on PCH in Corona del Mar, Seaside Gallery & Goods on Tustin Avenue in Newport Beach and Where’s the Party on 17th Street in Costa Mesa.
You may also purchase tickets online at biia.org. Make the most of your visit—explore our stores on Marine and Agate Avenues, visit the Holiday Market at the Royal Hen and don’t forget to buy raffle tickets at 205 Garnet Avenue.
For more information, please call 949 384-8580.
Presented by the Balboa Island Improvement Association as a fundraiser to help pay for Island beautification and many of the great programs and projects.
THE HOLIDAY HOME DECORATIONS CONTEST
Registration deadline is December 5th. Holiday Home Decorating Contest – Balboa Island Improvement Association.
The holiday season is nearly here and our annual Home Holiday Decorations will soon begin. If you would like to participate in this year’s contest the entry form is available on the Balboa Island Improvement Association website.biia.org. If you would to be a judge, please contact me Larry Friday at akula1313@aol.com or by calling (760) 220-2751. The time needed to complete the judging is minimal and is lots of fun while enjoying the festive decorations.
Contestant Guidelines
Entry application period is 11/15/205 through 12/05/205 closing at 5 pm.
Judging begin Thursday 12/11/20205 13 through Saturday 12/13/2025
Final Judging will Sunday 12/14/2025
Winners announced Monday 12/15/202
MEMBERSHIP
This is the time to renew your 2026 membership. Thanks for your support. Join at: B.I.I.A. | Membership also you can mail a check to BIIA PO Box 64 Newport Beach CA 92662
GOLF CART PARADE
Island residents will once again roll into the season with the annual Holiday Golf Cart Parade on Sunday, Dec. 7th—and this year, my tuk tuk will be leading the charge in all its three-wheeled and patchwork paint glory.
We’ll start lining up along North Bay Front Alley and Park Avenue at 1:30 PM, where the carts will gather. The parade officially kicks off at 2 PM, at which point my tuk tuk will attempt a heroic, slow-but-confident launch worthy of its parade-marshal status.
Volunteers are needed to help direct traffic—because as we all know, herding golf carts is basically like herding cats, only shinier and with more tinsel. If you can lend a hand or have questions, please email: smartpearl1@hotmail.com
TREE LIGHTING AND SNOW DAY
Sunday, December 7th at 4:00. This will be bigger and better than ever with the co-sponsorship of the Balboa Island Improvement Association, and the Balboa Island Merchants Association. The event will include the All-American Boy’s Chorus, Santa and much more. Bring your neighbors, friends and kids for this hallmark moment.
THE LIGHT POLE CHALLENGE
Time to start decorating the light poles. The garland is up, feel free to decorate a pole. Let’s make this the best year ever. Awards will be given in five categories: “Best Kids,” “Best Block,” “Traditional,” “Whimsical,” and “Most Creative.” It is not necessary to sign up, just choose a pole and decorate it. Happy Decorating!
SAD NOTE ANNETTE GIERMANN
It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Annette Giermann, a beloved Island resident, and Director of the Balboa Island Improvement Association. Annette’s warmth and commitment have touched the lives of so many. We extend our heartfelt condolences to Annette’s family and friends during this difficult time.
THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW FROM LEE PEARL (smartpearl1@hotmail.com)
I am pleased to report that the major construction has only two more alleys left before completion—yes, you heard that right, only two! Sure, there’s still plenty of work to tackle before those poles finally come down, but let’s take a moment to appreciate that we’ve made it this far without losing our sanity, or any residents or small pets to open trenches. We did it!
The final vault on Balboa Avenue was installed yesterday—a moment that felt a little like watching the last puzzle piece snap into place, except with more dust, louder noises, and a crew wearing neon vests. We even had a small picture opportunity with the original team that started our $30 million project back in 2020. Thanks to Dave Webb and Mike Sinacori and the Newport Beach City Council for the support and oversight during the construction of our Island project.
SCE will continue installing conduit under the bridge for the next couple of weeks.
The underground information on the City website can be found on this link Assessment District Status | City of Newport Beach (newportbeachca.gov). Questions Mike Sinacori msinacori@newportbeachca.gov
KRISTINE TAFT, NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH/CRIME QUESTIONS CONTACT KTAFT1018@YAHOO.COM
biia.org
Larry Kallestad is the Membership Director for the BIIA. His contact information is below:
Membership Levels:
- Crystal: $100
- Jade: $150
- Sapphire: $250
- Ruby: $500 diamond: $1000
Payment Instructions:
- After clicking on your preferred donation amount above, you will be re-directed to the payment page.
- It is very important to fill out all of the fields completely so we get your address to send out letters & decals.
- Any questions can be directed to me; Larry Kallestad balislelarry31@gmail.com
– THANK YOU FOR YOUR CONTINUED SUPPORT! –