Corona del Mar Today: Buck Gully project underway

Crews have begun preparing for a Buck Gully erosion project, setting up fences near the Little Corona restrooms in advance of heavy construction that will begin next week, city staff said.

The project involves placing wire-mesh baskets filled with river rock in the lower part of Buck Gully and installing rock structures in the upper bend of the creek. The effort will divert run-off and could prevent homes from sliding down the hillside if a major storm caused serious erosion.

The project also will restore the area's natural habitat, which has undergone major changes since the 1990s when construction in Newport Coast changed the gully from mostly dry to mostly wet.

Construction will take about four months, plus another six months to replant vegetation. The work includes building a temporary road from the restroom area down to the gully, then replanting the road when work is complete. The restrooms will be closed during construction with temporary facilities planned.

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CdM Home Tour To Feature Boutique, Sea King Ornaments

This year's Corona del Mar Home Tour — a high school PTA fundraiser — will feature its first-ever boutique with a limited edition Sea King holiday ornament, organizers told parents at the year's first PTA meeting held Thursday.

The ornaments were designed and donated by Roger's Gardens and will cost $34 each, said Michele Caston, co-chairwoman of the 38th annual Home Tour.

Only 300 ornaments will be sold, she said.

The boutique will be part of the tour's luncheon and will feature 10 vendors selling jewelry, household accessories and gift items, including Corona del Mar High School merchandise. All vendors will contribute 20% of their sales to the PTA.

The tour will take place Oct. 25, and tickets are now on sale for $65 on the tour's website. In the next few days, tickets also will be sold at local merchants including at Roger's Gardens, which is a major contributor to the tour.

Six homes will be featured on this year's tour, including homes in the Port Streets, Shore Cliffs, Irvine Terrace and Harbor View Hills South.

More than 75 parents attended the PTA meeting, which included principals' reports. Principal Tim Bryan said the first day of school went well, noting that there appeared to be plenty of parking and lockers for students.

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386,500 visitors flock beach for surf, holiday