MID-SUMMER UPDATE OF THE UPDATE FROM THE BALBOA ISLAND IMPROVEMENT ASSOCIATION
Note by the Editor
After writing these monthly messages for nearly 10 years, I’ve come to accept a hard truth: my memory isn’t getting better with age. In my last email, I confidently hit “Send” to my 12 loyal readers, leaned back in my chair, and immediately remembered… I forgot two of the most important items.
First—and I know this is everyone’s favorite section—the Crime Report! Some of you probably scroll past everything else just to get there. Well, you’ll be thrilled to know that July’s report is short… really short.
Crime Report for July
None reported.
That’s right. No burglaries, no mysterious late-night shenanigans, no rogue golf cart chases, and thankfully no reports of anyone stealing dinosaurs or Ronald Reagan statues from front yards.
We did have one e-bike battery fire, which provided some excitement for our Fire Department and a reminder that lithium batteries deserve a healthy amount of respect. Other than that, there were the usual Fourth of July parties, illegal fireworks, noise, traffic gridlock, block parties, and summer fun.
As many of you noticed, police response on the Fourth was limited. That’s because officers were busy handling incidents throughout the rest of the city. We appreciate everyone’s patience, and we’ll cross our fingers for a little more availability next Independence Day.
The second thing I forgot is that the Annual Sandcastle Contest is this Saturday at Ruby Beach North (Kids Beach).
While the contest is officially for kids and grandkids, it has evolved over the years into an event where some adults provide a little “assistance.” Apparently, holding the bucket steady, carving the moat, engineering the drawbridge, and directing construction is now part of the event.
So bring the kids, bring the grandkids, bring your creativity, and maybe bring a little sunscreen. There will be plenty of impressive creations and a few funky entries. Sponsored by the BIIA and hosted by the Crossen family and sandcastle master Chris.
Hope to see many of you there, and thanks for continuing to read these updates—all 12 of you—even when the editor occasionally forgets to include some of them!
Lee Pearl
smartpearl1@hotmail.com
Summer Concert in the Park Tomorrow
6:00 P.M. at Balboa Island Park
The James Kelly Band, paid for by our membership fund. Country music was added to our concerts and is a big hit!
Annual Sandcastle Event
Join us on Saturday at Ruby Beach North.
President’s Letter
What a fantastic way to kick off our Summer Concert series! Our first concert was last Friday, and the park was filled with great music, lots of dancing, and neighbors enjoying another wonderful Balboa Island evening together.
Our first BIIA Members Appreciation Reception was a big hit! A huge thank you to Mysa Tran, owner of Sugar and Spice, for generously providing her famous Balboa Bars and frozen bananas. Along with plenty of savory and sweet treats, it made for a fun celebration and a great opportunity for members to visit with one another.
The good news is—we’re doing it again! Join us at the Summer Concerts on August 14 and August 28 for two more Members Appreciation Receptions.
If you’ve been thinking about joining the BIIA, there’s no better time. We were excited to welcome seven new members at our first concert, and we’d love to welcome you, too. Better yet, invite a neighbor or friend to join you!
The BIIA is at its best when more of our community gets involved, and introducing someone to the organization is one of the easiest ways to help keep Balboa Island the special place we all love.
Your membership helps us continue working to preserve and enhance the unique character of Balboa Island while bringing neighbors together through events like these.
I hope to see you at the next concert. Be sure to stop by, say hello, enjoy a treat with us, and bring a neighbor along!
Sue Pearl
Concert in the Church
Encore Saxophone Quartet
Date: August 18
Time: 7:00 P.M.–8:00 P.M.
Tickets: $20 at the Newport Beach Museum or BIIA.org
Underground Utilities Update
The underground utility project continues to make steady progress. AT&T will be in our alleys installing its fiber system.
This phase requires approximately 250 individual homes to be connected to the new underground electrical system. Homeowners must hire qualified electrical contractors to complete the connection from their homes to the new Edison underground facilities.
The City and Island leaders recognize that the availability of electrical contractors has been a challenge. However, additional contractors are becoming available, and connections are continuing.
We encourage homeowners who have not yet selected a contractor to begin planning now so the transition can move forward as efficiently as possible. Some blocks are joining together to obtain the most competitive bids possible.
The City maintains a current list of contractors. Contact:
Anna Baldenegro
City of Newport Beach
ABaldenegro@newportbeachca.gov
Any electrical contractor with the proper license may be used to connect a home to the system. Once homes are connected, the remaining overhead electrical lines can be removed, and the project can move toward completion.
Street Restoration Begins in August
The next major milestone is street and alley restoration.
Beginning in August, crews will start restoring Balboa Island streets and alleys. This will include reconstruction of all streets affected during construction.
Alleys on the south bayfront, two Marine Avenue alleys, and Park Avenue are the next areas scheduled for restoration.
While this phase will create temporary inconvenience, it marks the beginning of the final improvements that residents have been waiting for. We appreciate everyone’s patience as we reach the finish line on this project.
Summer Concerts in the Park
The second Concert in the Park is tomorrow, and we hope everyone will come out and enjoy a wonderful evening with neighbors and friends.
Enjoy country music from the James Kelly Band. Cowboy hats and boots are optional.
Bring your low-back chairs, blankets, and picnic baskets, and enjoy one of Balboa Island’s favorite summer traditions.
2026 Summer Concert Schedule
| Date | Performer |
|---|---|
| Friday, July 24 | Vintage Vinyl |
| Friday, July 31 | James Kelly Band |
| Friday, August 7 | New Originals |
| Friday, August 14 | Bobby Gray Band |
| Friday, August 21 | “M” Street Band |
| Friday, August 28 | Kenny Hale Band |
Please visit BIIA.org for additional concert information.
Junior Lifeguard Program
Ends Today
NBJG Graduation Ceremony:
Thursday, July 30, from 5:30 P.M. to 7:00 P.M.
Neighborhood Watch and Crime Questions
Please contact:
Kristine Taft
Ktaft1018@yahoo.com
Official BIIA Communications Notice
The BIIA will only send official Association communications from our authorized email addresses. If you receive unsolicited commercial emails that appear to use BIIA membership information or claim an affiliation with the BIIA, please know they are not authorized by the Association. As with any unsolicited email, you should use your own judgment in deciding whether to delete it, block the sender, or mark it as spam.
Online Membership Payments
Visit BIIA.org to select your preferred membership level.
Membership Levels
| Crystal | $100 |
| Jade | $150 |
| Sapphire | $250 |
| Ruby | $500 |
| Diamond | $1,000 |
Business Memberships
Diamond and Ruby Members: Your business logo will be featured on the back cover of The Island Bridge, our Association newsletter.
All Other Levels: Your business name will be listed on the back cover.
Member Benefits by Level
Diamond Members Receive:
- Two tickets to the Holiday Home Tour
- Two tickets to a Classical Concert
- BIIA flag
- Two windshield decals
Ruby Members Receive:
- Two tickets to a Classical Concert
- BIIA flag
- Two windshield decals
Sapphire Members Receive:
- BIIA flag
- Two windshield decals
Jade Members Receive:
- Two windshield decals
Crystal Members Receive:
- Two windshield decals
Payment Instructions
Mail checks to: B.I.I.A.
P.O. Box 64
Newport Beach, CA 92662
You may also make a web payment through the BIIA Membership page .
1. Click your preferred donation or membership amount to be redirected to the payment page.
2. Fill out all required fields completely so we receive the correct address for sending letters and decals.
3. After submitting the required information, a receipt will automatically be emailed to you.
Questions:
Paul Fiore
paul.fiore@yahoo.com\
Thank you for your continued support!
