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STROLL Balboa Island is a monthly social publication for the residents of Balboa Island.

18/09/2025

🏖️✨ Balboa Island’s Ruby Beach turned into a sandy art gallery this weekend! Families and friends gathered bright and early for the 8:00 AM registration, then spent the morning stacking, carving, and building incredible sand creations.

From hippo cookies by Dad’s Donuts to prizes from The Golden Rabbit, Balboa Island Baking Co., and SandcastleKit.com, the community spirit was strong — and the smiles even stronger. 🌞👨‍👩‍👧‍👦

A huge thank you to Chris Crosson and his daughter Stephanie, who continue to bring this beloved event to life with the support of the Balboa Island Improvement Association.

Want to create your own masterpiece? Chris also offers sandcastle-building lessons and parties (949-735-6203). 🏰

11/09/2025

Today, we pause to remember the lives lost on September 11, 2001, and honor the bravery of the first responders, service members, and everyday heroes who showed extraordinary courage in the face of tragedy. 🤍🇺🇸

We will never forget.

09/09/2025

Balboa Island Salmon Bites

INGREDIENTS
1 – 1½ salmon skin off, cut into 1-inch pieces
2 Tablespoons olive oil
½ teaspoon salt
Sesame seeds (optional)

Sweet chili soy glaze:
1 Tablespoon olive oil
1 clove of garlic chopped fine
⅓ cup sweet chili sauce
2 Tablespoons light soy sauce
2 green scallions, chopped for garnish

INSTRUCTIONS
1. Cut the fish, sprinkle lightly with salt.

2. Heat a grill pan over medium heat. Once the pan is heated, cook the fish for one minute over medium heat. Cover the pan with a lid. Cook 2 minutes.

3. Remove the lid and turn the pieces. Cook for one more minute. (I don't like it dried out; it will still continue to cook.) Add sesame seeds if you want.

4. For the glaze, I like to use a clean pan for the sauce, but you can use the same pan you cooked in. Heat a tablespoon of oil over medium heat. Add the garlic and cook one minute, stirring until slightly brown.

5. Add ⅓ cup chili sauce and 2 tablespoons of light soy sauce. Mix and cook 1 minute or so, stirring until bubbly.

6. Once it's ready, mix the salmon with the sauce. Warm up slightly. Remove from heat, put in a fancy bowl, and sprinkle with scallions.

05/09/2025

✨ Save the Date ✨ The 27th Annual Balboa Island Holiday Home Walking Tour returns on Saturday, December 13, 2025 from 11 AM – 4 PM! 🎄🏝️

This beloved tradition, hosted by the Balboa Island Improvement Association, invites you to step inside a stunning selection of island homes—each dressed in its holiday best, blending coastal sophistication with festive whimsy. 🌊✨

Tickets are $50 and go on sale September 1st at select Marine Avenue shops, Newport Beach locations, and online at biia.org. Proceeds support the beautification projects and events that make our island so special year-round. 💙

Don’t miss this magical day of holiday cheer, community spirit, and Balboa charm!

03/09/2025

🏝️ Nearly three decades ago, Jim and Sandy Lindberg traded Mission Viejo for the charm of Balboa Island—and never looked back. For 27 years, they’ve built a life filled with family, community, and timeless memories, from raising four children and welcoming eight grandchildren to cruising Marine Avenue in Sandy’s classic 1955 Thunderbird. Whether serving as Mr. & Mrs. Claus at Snow Day, sharing stories on their porch, or simply soaking in the island’s everyday magic, Jim and Sandy embody everything we love about life on Balboa Island: connection, tradition, and joy across generations. 💛

28/08/2025

Through the lens with Don Abrams.

24/08/2025

What happens when wines from South Africa and Australia go head-to-head? Peace, friendship, and a night to remember. 🍷✨

At a recent wine dinner, neighbors gathered for a five-course feast prepared by Chef Jonathan and his team, perfectly paired with standout wines from both countries. From a crisp Boschendal Sparkling to elegant Chardonnays, bold Shiraz, and Stellenbosch Cabernets, every glass told a story—and every dish elevated the evening.

The highlight? A tie! Both nations’ wines shined, proving that when great food, fine wine, and good company come together, everyone wins.

Read more in this month’s issue of Stroll Balboa Island. 🥂

22/08/2025

From parades to painting nights, June was full of celebration and community at the Balboa Island Museum! 🎉✨

On June 1, the museum proudly joined the 30th Annual Balboa Island Parade, honoring first responders with a banner atop the Island’s own fire truck—an unforgettable ride for our members and volunteers. 🚒 The streets were alive with golf carts, dancers, musicians, and of course, the beloved parade dogs.

Later in the month, creativity took center stage at our Sip & Paint Class with TamsArt. With Tamara Jean’s guidance, neighbors tapped into their inner artists and went home with canvases (and plenty of laughs) to remember the night. 🎨🍷

And behind it all, our volunteers remain the heart of the museum. We recently celebrated them with a special dinner at the Royal Hen Restaurant, a heartfelt evening honoring the passion and dedication that make our work possible.

Interested in joining our volunteer family? Visit balboaislandmuseum.org/volunteer-docent—we’d love to have you! 💙

Read more in this month’s issue of Stroll Balboa Island.

19/08/2025

🌸 Remembering Andrea Donahue 🌸

Beloved Balboa Island resident Andrea Donahue passed away peacefully on April 27, 2025. Married for 52 years to the late UCLA football coach Terry Donahue, Andrea was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and friend. After Terry’s passing, she faithfully attended daily mass at Saint John Vianney Chapel—always saving a seat for him. Now, neighbors lovingly reflect that Andrea is reunited with Terry in heaven.

Andrea will be remembered for her kindness, her daily walks around the Island with a bright smile and warm hello, and the love she shared with family and community. Her life was honored in a beautiful celebration filled with yellow roses, heartfelt tributes, and even a sandcastle memorial created in her memory. She reminded us all that kindness is essential—and she truly lived by that. 💛

Andrea’s presence will be deeply missed on the Island, but her legacy of warmth and love remains.

13/08/2025

We’re thrilled to welcome Hawkes & Smythe to Stroll Balboa Island! 🛋️✨ Located on East Coast Highway in Corona del Mar, they offer a curated selection of traditional and contemporary fine furniture. Whether you’re looking for a single statement piece or designing your entire home, their expert team is ready to help you bring your interior dreams to life.

Visit their showroom seven days a week for luxurious brands, endless inspiration, and personalized guidance to create spaces that reflect your style. 🏡💛

📍 2846 E Coast Hwy., Corona del Mar
📞 949-200-9878
🌐 hawkesandsmythe.com

09/08/2025

A night of generosity and community spirit lit up the Balboa Bay Resort as the Glass Slipper Guild celebrated its 31st anniversary gala. More than 350 guests came together to support the Thompson Autism and Neurodevelopmental Center at CHOC—raising an incredible $750,000 for life-changing care and programs for children and families affected by Autism Spectrum Disorder. From heartfelt stories shared by patients and parents to honoring community leaders, the evening was a moving reminder of what’s possible when neighbors unite for a cause. ✨💙

04/08/2025

Meet Cruiser—the 55-year-old tortoise who’s been a beloved Balboa Island resident for 46 years! 🐢 Alongside his talkative African Grey parrot Genie and their lively companion Grace, a 14-year-old black Labrador, this unlikely trio brings a little extra magic to island life. Their unique friendship is a beautiful reminder that harmony and connection can blossom in the most unexpected ways—right here on Balboa Island.

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