50 People Who Create Happiness In Newport and Costa Mesa 2021

The Daily Pilot used to publish something called "103 Most Influential People" every year. Everyone was pretty cool about it even though some strange people were on the list sometimes. I felt that it was a little like Time Magazine's Person of the Year when occasionally you just wanted to yell "WHAT?" Like the time when I heard that they (Time, not the Daily Pilot) chose Hitler In 1938, Stalin in 1939 and 1942, and oddly Newt Gingrich in 1995.

The DP was definitely on to something though. We all learned so much about our community through all those wonderful people. Everyone looked forward to it.
The Daily Pilot's Most Influential has now morphed into "Unsung Heroes". Although great, I still miss "Most Influential"

I have always felt that there are literally hundreds of people who may not be "influential" but make our lives better just by being here. Most of the time we don't even notice and maybe don't even know their names, but they really need to be recognized.

Here is my "People Who Create Happiness List"

1. Beni (Ralphs), Makes customers at Ralphs so happy

2/3. Irish & Judy Kane, Bring their kindness and love to elderly in nursing homes

4. Katie (Pavilions), Is an inspiring employee at Pavilions

5. Kym Berry, She brings love and care of dogs all over the country. She loves them.

6. Sheri Dreary, She makes everyone who goes to Wilma's feel special

7. Chris Carson, His unique and creative sand sculptors make everyone who sees them happy

8/9. Ted & Peggy Engard, Their masks, and their generosity has not only made Costa Mesa proud, but has made thousands of dollars for Feeding America

10. Tina Bentley, Tina makes Alta a place of happiness

11. Ashley Anderson, Has represented the West Side of Costa Mesa with love and care as a Board of Education Trustee

12. Costa Mesa Brief (Someone Cares Soup Kitchen), This video one of the finest representations of this important place in Costa Mesa

13. Cynthia Blackwell, Cynthia works tirelessly for Mental Health for kids in the school district and beyond

14. Pat Burns, Pat is The Orange County Book Festival, and it could not be more important

15/16 . Oliver & Bonnie Williams, They make Vacancy Coffee a wonderful place to be. Always big smiles

17.Anita Driessen (MsMysterioso), so creative, writer, art, imagination, friend to everyone

18. Karen Everts, Smart and generous with knowledge, has always worked hard for Newport Beach in so many ways

19. Karen Muscatell, Unbelievably helpful to anyone who needs help

20. Kennedy Givens, A seventeen year old Harbor High student who makes her whole neighborhood happy by singing, with her gorgeous voice, from her front steps

21. John (Sprouts) Welcomes people with unfailing joy "Isn't this a beautiful day?" and says goodbye with "Have a blessed day!"

22. Diane Ensley, Great cook and a person who helps so many people, basically anyone who needs it

23. John Craft, Makes the Pizza Bakery a happy place

24. Andre Roberson, Brings the all-important "Power of One" to Costa Mesa

25. Lynn Cathcart , Funny, giving, caring, a star worker for Oasis

26, Andrea Marr, Costa Mesa Councilwoman who doesn't know how to say no, and also volunteers for Power of One

27. Annie Tangie, Helped organize each spectacular event at the IKEA parking lot

28. Scott Fitzpatrick, Encourager, Educator, Partnership builder, loves teaching, and the arts

29. Sarah Heath, Pastor who thinks "outside of church" to connect the community together with joy and love

30. Dennis Ashendorf, Teacher of the Year, creative teaching under difficult circumstances, listens and makes virtual classroom a safe space.

31. Bob Kelly, There could never be a person who worked harder for kids and teachers

32. Jim Erickson, "Get out and ride your bike"

33. Lexie Kelly, The world-class swimmer and world class swim teacher who the kids love...she's too much fun

34. Charlene Ashendorf's (Cul de Sac), They are a happy generous group of people who make everyone in that space completely happy.

35. Julie Mattson, The happy dog-loving, kid loving, neighborhood loving artist who will help anyone anytime

36. Shar Liebengood, A super generous teacher, loved by kids, loved by fellow teachers and her friends

37. Marcus Brooks, Future leader, actor and organizer of awesome large parades

38. Pat McLaughlin, Teacher who never quits, retired but constantly doing good in the world

39. Carrie Slayback, The energizer bunny of Newport Beach, friend, writer, beyond cheerful runner

40. Tess Willey, Generous, kind, hardworking happy, NHHS Student

41. John Ursini (Newport Rib Company), In many ways the heart of Costa Mesa, so generous with the restaurant and all things Costa Mesa and Newport

42/43/44 Balboa Library; Mike Paine, Evelyn Rogers, Debbie Williams Lopez, They carry on the great tradition of the Balboa Library 45. Deirdre Egan Edwards (Renewed Creative), fun, great friend, art, inspiring

46. Dr. Zaihleen Keller (Hoag Hospital), Amazing Radiologist, smart, kind, real

47. Sheri Lara (Hoag Hospital) In the great tradition of Hoag's Women's Pavilion, Sheri is kind, understanding, gentle, efficient, honest

48. Alyssa Hensley (Hoag Hospital) Ultra Sound specialist who is unfailing informative, very kind, understanding and kind of funny

49. Bob Yant, Mr. Newport, has worked unceasingly for all of Newport's citizens.

50. Candace Leuthold, The great principal that Newport Mesa lost, funny, great teacher, brave

51-1,000+!!!!! ALL NEWPORT-MESA TEACHERS (all are listed here) FOR THEIR COURAGE, TALENT , LOYALTY AND LOVE OF STUDENTS. YOU ARE THE TRUE PEOPLE WHO CREATE HAPPINESS FOR OUR KIDS.