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Phil Sansone left behind a legacy of service to his community and countless fond memories among
friends and admirers.
Phil entered public life in Corona del Mar after retiring from long and successful careers in
business and the military. He was born in 1919 in Malone, N.Y.; attended Clarkson University on a
baseball scholarship where he met his future wife, Nadine; entered the military service in 1940
where he served in six combat campaigns and earned the Bronze Star along with other medals and
commendations. After he retired from the military in 1960, Sansone worked in management
positions with RCA, Collins Radio and the SAN/BAR Corp. In 1966, the couple moved from Texas to
Corona del Mar -- a move that would change them and the community forever. It wasn't until after
Sansone retired from business in 1980 that he found new life in civic service.
Sansone was elected to the Newport Beach City Council in 1986 as a dark horse who quickly won
the respect of colleagues and constituents. He became mayor pro tem in 1989 and served as mayor
in 1991 and 1992. He left the City Council in 1994.
One of Sansone's most important accomplishments was to unify a disparate group of small
homeowners' associations and hold monthly meetings that helped build a voice for all of Corona
del Mar (what we know today as Corona del Mar Residents Association – CdMRA). "He represented
his district probably better than any council member in the city before him and probably after, as
well," said Dennis O'Neil, former mayor and Corona del Mar's immediate successor to Sansone on
the council. "He distinguished himself in representing the district so well that he was thought of as
the Mayor of Corona del Mar."
Sansone also helped win funding for improvements at Corona del Mar State Beach, an
accomplishment commemorated by a bench at Big Corona that bears his name. Sansone was also
instrumental in negotiating the Circulation Improvement and Open Space Agreement (CIOSA) with
the Irvine Co.; the new central library; the Balboa Bay Club modernization plan; two Fashion Island
expansion plans; preserving the John Wayne Airport Settlement agreement; and fighting for
commercial use of the El Toro Marine base.
Sansone moved to Hawaii to be with his children in 1999 after his wife died, where he passed away
at the age of 83 in 2005.
"He was kind of a one-of-a-kind type of guy," O'Neil said. "He had real integrity and he was a fine
fellow." It would seem that many of CdM’s residents feel the same way. Phil’s presence is missed,
but his legacy lives on.
The above information about Phil Sansone was extracted by several Daily Pilot articles that were published in August 2005.
friends and admirers.
Phil entered public life in Corona del Mar after retiring from long and successful careers in
business and the military. He was born in 1919 in Malone, N.Y.; attended Clarkson University on a
baseball scholarship where he met his future wife, Nadine; entered the military service in 1940
where he served in six combat campaigns and earned the Bronze Star along with other medals and
commendations. After he retired from the military in 1960, Sansone worked in management
positions with RCA, Collins Radio and the SAN/BAR Corp. In 1966, the couple moved from Texas to
Corona del Mar -- a move that would change them and the community forever. It wasn't until after
Sansone retired from business in 1980 that he found new life in civic service.
Sansone was elected to the Newport Beach City Council in 1986 as a dark horse who quickly won
the respect of colleagues and constituents. He became mayor pro tem in 1989 and served as mayor
in 1991 and 1992. He left the City Council in 1994.
One of Sansone's most important accomplishments was to unify a disparate group of small
homeowners' associations and hold monthly meetings that helped build a voice for all of Corona
del Mar (what we know today as Corona del Mar Residents Association – CdMRA). "He represented
his district probably better than any council member in the city before him and probably after, as
well," said Dennis O'Neil, former mayor and Corona del Mar's immediate successor to Sansone on
the council. "He distinguished himself in representing the district so well that he was thought of as
the Mayor of Corona del Mar."
Sansone also helped win funding for improvements at Corona del Mar State Beach, an
accomplishment commemorated by a bench at Big Corona that bears his name. Sansone was also
instrumental in negotiating the Circulation Improvement and Open Space Agreement (CIOSA) with
the Irvine Co.; the new central library; the Balboa Bay Club modernization plan; two Fashion Island
expansion plans; preserving the John Wayne Airport Settlement agreement; and fighting for
commercial use of the El Toro Marine base.
Sansone moved to Hawaii to be with his children in 1999 after his wife died, where he passed away
at the age of 83 in 2005.
"He was kind of a one-of-a-kind type of guy," O'Neil said. "He had real integrity and he was a fine
fellow." It would seem that many of CdM’s residents feel the same way. Phil’s presence is missed,
but his legacy lives on.
The above information about Phil Sansone was extracted by several Daily Pilot articles that were published in August 2005.
If you would like to submit the name of someone who should be considered for this feature, please send an email with your
outline and reasons for consideration to: Info@cdmra.org
Return to CdMRA Website
 |
Luvena was born in Alabama and arrived in Newport Beach in 1952. She and Don opened Hayton's
Bay Window in Corona del Mar after living here for several years. All three children attended
schools in Corona del Mar.
Luvena was a tireless booster of her beloved Corona del Mar, and was a member of a number of
community organizations:
Luvena was one of the greatest advocates of fostering cooperation and mutual aid between the
residents and business community in Corona del Mar. She was a devoted resident and activist.
Luvena was always armed for action to protect Corona del Mar, and was in many ways Corona del
Mar's very own "First Lady".
She approached the City Council many times over the years. She always had a smile on her face
and was not afraid to call it as she saw it and speak her mind.
She had the grace of a lady and the strength of a lion.
Our thanks to Luvena's son for submitting this writeup.
Bay Window in Corona del Mar after living here for several years. All three children attended
schools in Corona del Mar.
Luvena was a tireless booster of her beloved Corona del Mar, and was a member of a number of
community organizations:
- Member of the Corona del Mar Community Church
- First woman president of the Corona del Mar Chamber of Commerce
- Long time member of the Corona del Mar Residents Association
Luvena was one of the greatest advocates of fostering cooperation and mutual aid between the
residents and business community in Corona del Mar. She was a devoted resident and activist.
Luvena was always armed for action to protect Corona del Mar, and was in many ways Corona del
Mar's very own "First Lady".
She approached the City Council many times over the years. She always had a smile on her face
and was not afraid to call it as she saw it and speak her mind.
She had the grace of a lady and the strength of a lion.
Our thanks to Luvena's son for submitting this writeup.
 |
If you would like to submit the name of someone who should be considered for this feature, please send an email with your
outline and reasons for consideration to: Info@cdmra.org
Return to CdMRA Website
outline and reasons for consideration to: Info@cdmra.org
Return to CdMRA Website
 |
Judge Robert Gardner came to Newport Beach as an eight-year-old in 1920, living with his sister
Jesse and her husband, Dick Whitson.
He worked at the Green Dragon Cafe in Balboa as a boy, chipping ice, and later at the Rendezvous
Ballroom as a ticket taker for the dance floor.
Judge Gardner went to USC for his undergraduate degree, and then on to USC law school. He
served for a period of time as a Municipal Court judge.
During World War II, Robert was in the Office of Naval Intelligence, and spent time in the Pacific as
a press censor.
He later became a Superior Court Judge, the youngest in the country at that time, and eventually
moved up to the Appellate Court where he was known for his highly readable opinions.
After his retirement from the Appellate Court, he became the Presiding Justice of the Supreme
Court of American Samoa where he and his wife, Kathryn, lived for three years.
When they returned stateside, Judge Gardner went on assignment for the Superior Court and
served in this position until he finally retired at the age of 88.
He is the author of Bawdy Balboa, a lighthearted look at the early years of the city, and The Art of
Body Surfing.
For many years he wrote The Verdict, a column for the Daily Pilot, which the Daily Pilot is currently
re-running posthumously. He died in 2005.
Our thanks to Nancy Gardner, Judge Gardner's daughter, resident of Corona del Mar, and member in good standing of CdMRA,
for submitting this writeup.
Jesse and her husband, Dick Whitson.
He worked at the Green Dragon Cafe in Balboa as a boy, chipping ice, and later at the Rendezvous
Ballroom as a ticket taker for the dance floor.
Judge Gardner went to USC for his undergraduate degree, and then on to USC law school. He
served for a period of time as a Municipal Court judge.
During World War II, Robert was in the Office of Naval Intelligence, and spent time in the Pacific as
a press censor.
He later became a Superior Court Judge, the youngest in the country at that time, and eventually
moved up to the Appellate Court where he was known for his highly readable opinions.
After his retirement from the Appellate Court, he became the Presiding Justice of the Supreme
Court of American Samoa where he and his wife, Kathryn, lived for three years.
When they returned stateside, Judge Gardner went on assignment for the Superior Court and
served in this position until he finally retired at the age of 88.
He is the author of Bawdy Balboa, a lighthearted look at the early years of the city, and The Art of
Body Surfing.
For many years he wrote The Verdict, a column for the Daily Pilot, which the Daily Pilot is currently
re-running posthumously. He died in 2005.
Our thanks to Nancy Gardner, Judge Gardner's daughter, resident of Corona del Mar, and member in good standing of CdMRA,
for submitting this writeup.
In 1907, Mary's mother built their home on Ocean Blvd where Mary spent her summers.
In 1953 Mary and her husband, Philip, moved to Corona del Mar full time. Mary practiced law and
was very involved in the civic affairs of Newport Beach. Her efforts on behalf of the Newport Beach
Parks, Beaches and Recreation Commission helped make the Corona del Mar State Beach what it is
today.
Mary's husband discovered some very valuable information, leading Mary and Isabel Pease to
expose a land swap involving a conflict of interest. Had they not taken the time and effort to
pursue this issue, we would be looking at a development of homes instead of our beautiful state
beach.
Mary was a lady who didn't just talk about history - she made history. She believed the beaches
were for everyone and fought to make it so.
Mary died, at the age of 99, on March 14, 2003 of heart failure. Her contributions to the residents of
Corona del Mar live on.
The above information about Mary Burton was compiled by Beverley "BJ" Johnson.
In 1953 Mary and her husband, Philip, moved to Corona del Mar full time. Mary practiced law and
was very involved in the civic affairs of Newport Beach. Her efforts on behalf of the Newport Beach
Parks, Beaches and Recreation Commission helped make the Corona del Mar State Beach what it is
today.
Mary's husband discovered some very valuable information, leading Mary and Isabel Pease to
expose a land swap involving a conflict of interest. Had they not taken the time and effort to
pursue this issue, we would be looking at a development of homes instead of our beautiful state
beach.
Mary was a lady who didn't just talk about history - she made history. She believed the beaches
were for everyone and fought to make it so.
Mary died, at the age of 99, on March 14, 2003 of heart failure. Her contributions to the residents of
Corona del Mar live on.
The above information about Mary Burton was compiled by Beverley "BJ" Johnson.
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Born in Santa Ana in 1896, Isabel grew to be an Orange County civic and social leader. Her
exhaustive campaign to assure beautification of Newport Beach and its environs for future
generations earned her the nickname "Big Trees" Pease.
Isabel reached out to hundreds of folks in her capacity as a leader in city beautification, civil
defense, boating activities, and education. Her community efforts reached their height in 1964 and
1965 when she was successively elected chairman of the Newport Beach Parks, Beaches &
Recreation Commission and then was selected as Citizen of the Year.
After World War II (in which she was an active volunteer for the Red Cross, Ration Board and Air
Watch, she spearheaded group efforts for the state to buy and preserve what is now Corona del
Mar City and State Beach (ie: Big Corona).
"If people live and work in a beautiful community then they will act like beautiful people" she said in
a newspaper interview.
Corona del Mar residents owe Isabel a debt of thanks for the wonderful legacy she has left behind
for us to enjoy.
The following story was shared by Nancy Gardner, from her father's journal:
Section.
exhaustive campaign to assure beautification of Newport Beach and its environs for future
generations earned her the nickname "Big Trees" Pease.
Isabel reached out to hundreds of folks in her capacity as a leader in city beautification, civil
defense, boating activities, and education. Her community efforts reached their height in 1964 and
1965 when she was successively elected chairman of the Newport Beach Parks, Beaches &
Recreation Commission and then was selected as Citizen of the Year.
After World War II (in which she was an active volunteer for the Red Cross, Ration Board and Air
Watch, she spearheaded group efforts for the state to buy and preserve what is now Corona del
Mar City and State Beach (ie: Big Corona).
"If people live and work in a beautiful community then they will act like beautiful people" she said in
a newspaper interview.
Corona del Mar residents owe Isabel a debt of thanks for the wonderful legacy she has left behind
for us to enjoy.
The following story was shared by Nancy Gardner, from her father's journal:
- According to a manuscript of my father's, Izzy Pease was the Johnny Appleseed of CdM.
In the early days of CdM, it was pretty bleak, just roads and lots, no trees, no shrubbery. Izzy
Pease decided to do something about it (this would have been in the 1940s). Whenever
someone began to build a house, she would visit and ask what kind of trees they were going
to plant, and she was quite insistent that something would be planted.
"One man was building a house. Izzy arrived one morning and in her brisk manner demanded
to know what kind of trees he was going to plant. He was a grouchy guy who didn't take kindly
to a rather chunky woman with bright blue eyes telling him what to do. He told her so.
The blue eyes became steely. 'you'd better plant some trees,' she warned him.
He told her to shove off.
That night there was quite a severe earthquake, and first thing the next morning Izzy was
back at his house. 'See what happens when you try to fight me?' she asked.
The man surrendered and planted a tree, and now many streets of CdM are noted for their
trees."
Section.
Rex Brandt was an extremely talented and renowned water color artist who lived on Goldenrod
next to the footbridge for many years. Several of his noted local contributions include painting the
grand mural that used to be displayed above the tellers at the Union Bank Bayside Branch, and
designing the official Newport Beach City Seal in 1957, still in use today.
It was in the spring of 1940 when Rex and Joan (also a very talented artist) purchased a summer
home, which they admit was really just a “shack” for $250 in Corona del Mar. They later transformed
the home into an estate spanning four lots and appropriately dubbed “Blue Sky.” It was the last lot
on this block and overhung Bayside Drive. Some will remember his sign in his front yard that said
Blue Sky. This same year, their first daughter, Joan was born, and in 1944, their second daughter,
Shelley, was born.
Teaching art was an important aspect of Brandt’s career. After World War II, he and Phil Dike
formed the Brandt-Dike Summer School of Painting in Corona Del Mar on Goldenrod. This
charming little art school was next to the footbridge (last house next to the bridge on the inland
side, now the site of townhomes). It became one of the most successful watercolor schools in
California during the 1950s. It was through classes at his art school and his eleven instructional
books on watercolor painting that Brandt educated and inspired a large number of professional
watercolor artists.
Rex produced murals, made six educational films and painted a number of architectural renderings.
His watercolors have been printed on a variety of magazine covers and his story illustrations have
appeared in Fortune, Life and Westways magazines. Rex is considered one of California’s most
important and influential watercolor artists.
Those of us that are old enough to remember old Corona del Mar (sweet little cottages with big
gardens in front) will remember Rex Brandt fondly. Rex was a gentle and humble man that very
much enjoyed simple pleasures such as a beautiful sunny day, a walk by the ocean, and stopping to
chat on the footbridge or appreciate a sunset. After replanting the footbridge with some of his
neighbors, he and his lovely wife Joan brought over cookies and a signed copy of his latest book
"Sun, Sails and Salt Water" as a thanks for helping replant Bayside Bridge.
In 1939 Mr. Brandt was selected as one of the premier California watercolorists to exhibit in the
New York World’s Fair art exhibition. In the 1940s-1960s he refined his skills and developed the
style of painting which would bring him international recognition.
To learn more about the amazing career of Rex Brandt, visit
http://www.californiawatercolor.com/customer/home.php?cat=263&type=original
And be sure to visit the Long Beach Museum of Art Exhibit which runs through January 2009 and
features preeminent California watercolor artists, including Rex Brand. For information on this
exhibit, please visit
http://www.lbma.org/exhibits.html
The above information about Rex Brandt was submitted by Kathy Sommer, a long-time CdM resident who grew up in a home
built by her grandparents on Goldenrod, only a few doors away from Rex and Joan. Many thanks to Kathy for sharing her
special memories of the Brandts.
next to the footbridge for many years. Several of his noted local contributions include painting the
grand mural that used to be displayed above the tellers at the Union Bank Bayside Branch, and
designing the official Newport Beach City Seal in 1957, still in use today.
It was in the spring of 1940 when Rex and Joan (also a very talented artist) purchased a summer
home, which they admit was really just a “shack” for $250 in Corona del Mar. They later transformed
the home into an estate spanning four lots and appropriately dubbed “Blue Sky.” It was the last lot
on this block and overhung Bayside Drive. Some will remember his sign in his front yard that said
Blue Sky. This same year, their first daughter, Joan was born, and in 1944, their second daughter,
Shelley, was born.
Teaching art was an important aspect of Brandt’s career. After World War II, he and Phil Dike
formed the Brandt-Dike Summer School of Painting in Corona Del Mar on Goldenrod. This
charming little art school was next to the footbridge (last house next to the bridge on the inland
side, now the site of townhomes). It became one of the most successful watercolor schools in
California during the 1950s. It was through classes at his art school and his eleven instructional
books on watercolor painting that Brandt educated and inspired a large number of professional
watercolor artists.
Rex produced murals, made six educational films and painted a number of architectural renderings.
His watercolors have been printed on a variety of magazine covers and his story illustrations have
appeared in Fortune, Life and Westways magazines. Rex is considered one of California’s most
important and influential watercolor artists.
Those of us that are old enough to remember old Corona del Mar (sweet little cottages with big
gardens in front) will remember Rex Brandt fondly. Rex was a gentle and humble man that very
much enjoyed simple pleasures such as a beautiful sunny day, a walk by the ocean, and stopping to
chat on the footbridge or appreciate a sunset. After replanting the footbridge with some of his
neighbors, he and his lovely wife Joan brought over cookies and a signed copy of his latest book
"Sun, Sails and Salt Water" as a thanks for helping replant Bayside Bridge.
In 1939 Mr. Brandt was selected as one of the premier California watercolorists to exhibit in the
New York World’s Fair art exhibition. In the 1940s-1960s he refined his skills and developed the
style of painting which would bring him international recognition.
To learn more about the amazing career of Rex Brandt, visit
http://www.californiawatercolor.com/customer/home.php?cat=263&type=original
And be sure to visit the Long Beach Museum of Art Exhibit which runs through January 2009 and
features preeminent California watercolor artists, including Rex Brand. For information on this
exhibit, please visit
http://www.lbma.org/exhibits.html
The above information about Rex Brandt was submitted by Kathy Sommer, a long-time CdM resident who grew up in a home
built by her grandparents on Goldenrod, only a few doors away from Rex and Joan. Many thanks to Kathy for sharing her
special memories of the Brandts.
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Wheeler J. North, professor of environmental science, emeritus, died on December 20, 2002, at the
age of 80. Born in San Francisco, North moved with his family soon afterward to San Diego, where
he began exploring tide pools at the age of seven. He also developed an early interest in kelp
beds, which would turn out to be his life’s work.
North received his first BS (in electrical engineering) from Caltech in 1944, then returned to
Pasadena after the war to earn a second one, in biology, in 1950. His MS and PhD are from the
University of California (1953).
After several years at Scripps Oceanographic Institution, he returned to Caltech in 1962, first as
visiting professor of biology, then as associate professor of environmental health engineering, and
finally as professor of environmental science.
Although he taught a popular marine biology course (among others) on the Pasadena campus,
North spent much of his time working out of Caltech’s Kerckhoff Marine Laboratory right here in
Corona del Mar. He took up resident here, studying the complex ecosystem of the giant kelp
(Macrocystis pyrifera) off the California coast. He determined that the kelp beds were shrinking as
sewage fed the sea urchin population, which in turn fed on the kelp. He also studied the effect of
humans on kelp, in particular the warm-water discharge from the San Onofre nuclear power plant,
which deterred kelp development; and oil spills, an environment in which kelp thrive. He devised
techniques for restoring and farming kelp forests.
North was one of the pioneers of scuba diving for scientific research, making his first dive in 1949.
He purchased one of the first ten Aqua-Lungs sold in the U.S. Wet suits at that time did not yet
exist, so North would put on woolen underwear for his dives.
At the time of his death, the Southern California Academy of Sciences established the Wheeler
North Award for Scientific Excellence:
“The recipient of the Wheeler North Award will have demonstrated commitment to
research that emphasizes the Southern California area and a commitment to the
Southern California scientific community.”
For absolutely fascinating information about Wheeler and his first person history of early China
Cove follow the link below and search for Corona del Mar.
http://oralhistories.library.caltech.edu/34/00/OH_North_W.pdf
The above information about Wheeler North was submitted by Bud Rasner, a long-time CdM resident and neighbor of North's
in southwest area of Corona del Mar.
age of 80. Born in San Francisco, North moved with his family soon afterward to San Diego, where
he began exploring tide pools at the age of seven. He also developed an early interest in kelp
beds, which would turn out to be his life’s work.
North received his first BS (in electrical engineering) from Caltech in 1944, then returned to
Pasadena after the war to earn a second one, in biology, in 1950. His MS and PhD are from the
University of California (1953).
After several years at Scripps Oceanographic Institution, he returned to Caltech in 1962, first as
visiting professor of biology, then as associate professor of environmental health engineering, and
finally as professor of environmental science.
Although he taught a popular marine biology course (among others) on the Pasadena campus,
North spent much of his time working out of Caltech’s Kerckhoff Marine Laboratory right here in
Corona del Mar. He took up resident here, studying the complex ecosystem of the giant kelp
(Macrocystis pyrifera) off the California coast. He determined that the kelp beds were shrinking as
sewage fed the sea urchin population, which in turn fed on the kelp. He also studied the effect of
humans on kelp, in particular the warm-water discharge from the San Onofre nuclear power plant,
which deterred kelp development; and oil spills, an environment in which kelp thrive. He devised
techniques for restoring and farming kelp forests.
North was one of the pioneers of scuba diving for scientific research, making his first dive in 1949.
He purchased one of the first ten Aqua-Lungs sold in the U.S. Wet suits at that time did not yet
exist, so North would put on woolen underwear for his dives.
At the time of his death, the Southern California Academy of Sciences established the Wheeler
North Award for Scientific Excellence:
“The recipient of the Wheeler North Award will have demonstrated commitment to
research that emphasizes the Southern California area and a commitment to the
Southern California scientific community.”
For absolutely fascinating information about Wheeler and his first person history of early China
Cove follow the link below and search for Corona del Mar.
http://oralhistories.library.caltech.edu/34/00/OH_North_W.pdf
The above information about Wheeler North was submitted by Bud Rasner, a long-time CdM resident and neighbor of North's
in southwest area of Corona del Mar.