Blog
Christine Brennan to Speak at 27th Witte Lectures
02.19.25
The Newport Beach Public Library Foundation presents the 27th Witte Lectures, featuring award-winning sports journalist Christine Brennan.
Brennan’s talk, “Today Is the Greatest Day for Women in Sports – Until Tomorrow: The Story of Title IX and the Empowerment of Women in Sports,” will explore the impact of Title IX and the evolution of women’s sports.
The lecture will take place at the Friends Room at the Central Library, located at 1000 Avocado Ave., Newport Beach on the following dates:
- Friday, Feb. 21, 7–9 p.m. (includes a light supper and wine)
- Saturday, Feb. 22, 2–4 p.m. (includes refreshments)
Brennan is a national sports columnist for USA TODAY, a commentator for ABC News, CNN, and PBS NewsHour, and a nationally known speaker. She is the bestselling author of Inside Edge, which was named one of the top 100 sports books of all time by Sports Illustrated. A veteran of 21 Olympic Games, she has been recognized multiple times as one of the country’s top 10 sports columnists by the Associated Press Sports Editors.
Her upcoming book on Caitlin Clark is highly anticipated and expected to be a compelling read for sports fans and those interested in resilience and achievement.
Event details:
Lecture, book sale, and signing
Friends Room, Central Library
Friday, Feb. 21, 7 p.m. | Saturday, Feb. 22, 2 p.m.
Seating is limited. Individual tickets are on sale now here.
Blog
Napa in Newport: An Evening of Fine Wine, Dining, and Giving
02.18.25
Renowned for its exceptional showcase of Napa Valley’s finest wines, Napa in Newport returns for its 11th annual gala on March 1, 2025, at the luxurious Pendry Newport Beach. This highly anticipated event promises an unforgettable evening, seamlessly blending world-class wine, gourmet cuisine, and a steadfast commitment to philanthropy.
Guests will experience an exclusive Grand Tasting featuring limited-production wines from Napa’s most sought-after vintners, with Morlet Family Vineyards serving as the Honorary Vintner Chair. The evening will include a meticulously curated dinner by Chef Philip Tessier of PRESS restaurant in St. Helena, followed by an exhilarating live auction featuring rare wines, luxury getaways, and once-in-a-lifetime experiences.
The celebration continues with an exclusive afterparty at the members-only Elwood Club, where elevated cocktails, soulful performances by The Dave Stephens Band, and a sophisticated ambiance will provide the perfect finale to an extraordinary night. With limited attendance and exclusive weekend packages that include premium accommodations, this gala is set to redefine luxury and intimacy.
This year’s event shines a spotlight on Morlet Family Vineyards, led by Luc and Jodie Morlet, who craft vins de terroir and unique cuvées that marry classic French winemaking traditions with California’s distinct terroirs. Known for their intensity, richness, and refinement, each small-production wine is designed to showcase complexity and aging potential.
Adding to the evening’s prestige, Chef Philip Tessier, a Michelin-starred chef, author, and mentor, will present a gourmet dining experience. As Chef/Partner at PRESS, a World’s 50 Best Discovery restaurant, he is celebrated for his modern, refined approach to American cuisine. His expertise will bring an unparalleled culinary dimension to the gala, perfectly complementing Napa Valley’s finest wines.
"Napa in Newport has become more than just a gala—it’s a symbol of hope, progress, and community,” shared Debra Miller, Founder and CEO of CureDuchenne. “For over a decade, this extraordinary event has united wine enthusiasts and philanthropists in our shared mission to transform the future for those living with Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Each glass raised and every dollar donated brings us closer to life-changing treatments and, ultimately, a cure. This year’s gala promises to be our most inspiring yet, and I am deeply grateful to our vintners, sponsors, and supporters for their unwavering dedication to our cause."
Benefiting CureDuchenne, a global leader in research, patient care, and innovation, the event supports efforts to improve and extend the lives of individuals affected by Duchenne muscular dystrophy—a devastating disease impacting approximately 1 in 5,000 male births. To date, Napa in Newport has raised over $11 million to advance critical research and treatment.
Event sponsors include South Coast Plaza and The Caviar Company.
Sponsorships, tables and tickets are available. For more information on tickets, sponsorships, participating vintners, and silent auction, please visit napainnewport.org.
Follow Greer on Pinterest
from the blog
- 04.20.25 – Burger Boss Introduces Halal Poultry, Salmon and Meal Deals
- 04.18.25 – Floral Park’s 32nd Annual Home & Garden Tour Returns April 26–27
- 04.17.25 – Avila’s El Ranchito in Newport Beach Celebrates 50 Years
- 04.17.25 – Easter Fun at VEA Newport Beach
- 04.16.25 – VIP Garden at LAWineFest – A Premier Tasting Experience!
- 04.15.25 – Don’t Miss the First 3rd Thursday in CdM
- 04.13.25 – Bar Becky Hosts Bougie Easter Brunch in Long Beach
- 04.10.25 – Experience a Little Part of Cuba This Easter at Habana
- 04.09.25 – Easter Brunch, Egg Hunts and More at Hyatt Regency Huntington Beach
- 04.08.25 – Final Days to Experience Bowers Museum’s Dazzling Titanium Garden
- 04.08.25 – Spring Fun in Full Bloom at 2ND & PCH
- 04.07.25 – NEP Café Redefines Modern Vietnamese Dining with a Bold New Chapter
- 04.04.25 – Book Club with Bruce Cook Featuring Born in OC Rescheduled for April 10
- 04.04.25 – NOBLE Wine & Dine Weekend Returns to Newport Beach April 12–13
- 04.04.25 – Segerstrom Center for the Arts Celebrates Broadway’s Legendary 50th Season
- 04.04.25 – SAJJ Mediterranean Rolls Out New “Mediterranean Refresh” Menu in Irvine
- 04.01.25 – Gary Howard to Be Honored at Casa Youth Shelter’s 2025 Bootstrap Ball
- 03.31.25 – Free Outdoor Movies and More This Spring at Irvine Spectrum Center
- 03.31.25 – Puesto Welcomes Spring With Seasonal Dishes From Creative Chef Raul Casillas
- 03.30.25 – Saijo, a New Japanese Dining Experience, Opens in Culver City
More Daily Doses
- 04.20.25 – The District at Tustin Legacy Hosts Earth Day Celebration
- 04.17.25 – California Wine Festival Returns to Dana Point
- 04.15.25 – Easter Hoppenings in Orange County
- 04.11.25 – Fashion Island Welcomes a New Season of Style
- 04.10.25 – Celebrate Easter Sunday with Brunch at Top Orange County Resorts
- 04.09.25 – Savor Easter Sunday at These South Coast Plaza Restaurants
- 04.07.25 – Now Open: Vox Kitchen & Bar at South Coast Plaza
- 04.06.25 – Pacific Symphony Premieres Wagner’s “Das Rheingold” in St.Clair’s Final Season
- 04.04.25 – Cozy Earth Opens Flagship Store in Corona del Mar
- 04.01.25 – Chef’s Table Friendship Dinner Returns to Tanaka Farms – May 3, 2025
- 03.31.25 – Festival Ballet Theatre Presents The Sleeping Beauty at Irvine Barclay Theatre
- 03.30.25 – Pasta Sisters Expands to Costa Mesa Kitchens
- 03.28.25 – Roger’s Gardens Celebrates 50 Years in Corona del Mar with Spring Events
- 03.25.25 – Dr. Jennifer Armstrong: Subtle, Beautiful Results That Make All the Difference
- 03.21.25 – Legendary Ramen Nagi Arrives at South Coast Plaza
- 03.20.25 – Escape to Relaxation: A Spa Day at Pacific Waters Spa
- 03.19.25 – Spring Dining Experiences at Patina Restaurant Group in Downtown Disney
- 03.16.25 – Graze Craze Expands to Costa Mesa with Charcuterie Boards & Boxes
- 03.13.25 – Executive Chef Jeffrey Boullt Unveils Flavor-Packed New Dinner Menu at SOCIAL Kitchen + Craft Bar
- 03.11.25 – Spring at Irvine Barclay Theatre: A Season of Music, Dance, and Conversation
