Irvine News Blog | Category Archives: Beaches

Someone is shooting birds in Newport Beach with arrow-like projectiles

Posted on February 13, 2016 by Editor Posted in Beaches, Crime, Nature, Newport Beach, News Leave a comment

Newport Beach Police Department

Community Alert: Press Release: Multiple Birds Injured by Projectiles

Over the past weeks, the Newport Beach Police Department has received several calls regarding birds that have been injured by arrow-like projectiles. We have documented four individual birds – three Heermann’s gulls and one Mallard duck – that have been shot through the neck, although there may be more injured birds in the area.

All of the projectiles are orange in color, approximately 8” in length. Follow-up investigation has determined that the projectiles are most likely blow darts, used in conjunction with a blowgun. Images of two of the injured birds and a sample image of a blowgun set and are attached for reference. Continue reading→

O.C. tsunami alert canceled and beaches are reopened

Posted on September 17, 2015 by Editor Posted in Beaches, Earthquakes, News, Orange County, Public Safety Leave a comment

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE, PRESS RELEASE

Date: 9/17/15, Time: 5:45 A.M.

ORANGE COUNTY BEACHES TO REOPEN

COUNTY EMERGENCY OPERATIONS CENTER AND HOTLINE TO DEACTIVATE

All beaches, harbors, piers, and marinas in the Cities of Seal Beach, Huntington Beach, Newport Beach, Laguna Beach, Dana Point and San Clemente, including County and State beaches will reopen as of 6:00 a.m.

Although no significant coastal flooding occurred there is a high likelihood of strong currents and waves dangerous to persons in or near the water. These strong currents may be hazardous to swimmers, boaters and coastal structures and may continue for several hours. Continue reading→

Tsunami warning issued for all Orange County coastal areas

Posted on September 16, 2015 by Editor Posted in Beaches, Earthquakes, News, Orange County Leave a comment

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE, PRESS RELEASE: September 16, 2015

Tsunami Advisory

A Tsunami Advisory has been issued by the National Tsunami Warning Center for all of Orange County Coastal areas.

The first waves are expected to arrive in Orange County at approximately 4:45 a.m. Although no significant coastal flooding is expected, some areas could experience dangerous currents and tidal surges due to this tsunami along beaches and in harbors and marinas. Continue reading→

Teachers convicted of having sex and drinks with students on an O.C. beach

Posted on June 7, 2015 by Editor Posted in Beaches, Crime, News, OCDA, San Clemente 1 Comment

ORANGE COUNTY DISTRICT ATTORNEY PRESS RELEASE

Case # 15HF0219

Date: June 5, 2015

TWO FORMER FEMALE TEACHERS SENTENCED FOR UNLAWFUL SEXUAL INTERCOURSE WITH AN UNDERAGE MALE STUDENT DURING BEACH CAMPING TRIP

*Ghirelli was also convicted of furnishing a controlled substance

NEWPORT BEACH – Two former female high school teachers were convicted and sentenced today for unlawful sexual intercourse with an underage male student during an alcohol and drug fueled camping trip at San Clemente State Beach. Melody Suzanne Lippert, 38, Covina, pleaded guilty to one felony count of unlawful sexual intercourse. She was sentenced to three years formal probation and three months in jail stayed pending completion of 15 days of CalTrans.

Co-defendant Michelle Louise Ghirelli, 30, West Covina, pleaded guilty to one felony count of unlawful sexual intercourse and one felony count of furnishing a controlled substance. She was sentenced to three years formal probation and 180 days in jail stayed pending completion of 180 days in a lock-down rehabilitation facility. The defendants’ conviction in this case qualifies them, under the California Education Code, to have their teaching credentials revoked for life in the State of California. Continue reading→

Teachers now accused of sex, booze and drugs on the beach with students

Posted on March 3, 2015 by Editor Posted in Beaches, Crime, Education, News, OCDA, Orange County Leave a comment

ORANGE COUNTY DISTRICT ATTORNEY PRESS RELEASE

Case # 15HF0219

Date: March 2, 2015

ADDITIONAL CHARGES FILED AGAINST TWO TEACHERS FOR UNLAWFUL SEXUAL INTERCOURSE AND ILLEGALLY PROVIDING ALCOHOL AND COCAINE TO UNDERAGE STUDENTS DURING CAMPING TRIP AT SAN CLEMENTE BEACH

NEWPORT BEACH – Additional charges were filed today against two high school teachers for unlawful sexual intercourse and illegally providing alcohol and cocaine to a group of underage students after organizing a camping trip at San Clemente Beach. Melody Suzanne Lippert, 38, Covina, is facing additional charges of one felony count of unlawful sexual intercourse, one felony count of furnishing a controlled substance to a minor, and a sentencing enhancement for being four years or older than the minor, in addition to the original previous charge of one misdemeanor count of contributing to the delinquency of a minor.

Co-defendant Michelle Louise Ghirelli, 30, West Covina, is facing additional charges of one felony count of unlawful sexual intercourse, one felony count of furnishing a controlled substance to a minor, one felony count of oral copulation of a minor, and a sentencing enhancement for being four years or older than the minor, in addition to the original previous charge of one misdemeanor count of contributing to the delinquency of a minor. Continue reading→

Public assistance sought in identifying a dead man found in Crystal Cove

Posted on February 19, 2015 by Editor Posted in Beaches, Crime, Crystal Cove, Newport Beach, Orange County, Orange County Sheriff Leave a comment

NEWS, FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contacts: Lt. Jeff Hallock, 714.904.7042, JHallock@ocsd.org; Emily Osterberg, 714.647.1840, EOsterberg@ocsd.org

Investigators Seeking Public’s Assistance Identifying John Doe

SANTA ANA, Calif. (February 19, 2015) – Investigators have recently compiled the sketch of a John Doe missing since Tuesday, December 24, 2013. Investigators have determined the person had been deceased for as long as several weeks prior to discovery.

At that time, the body of a male was found floating approximately one mile off of the Newport Beach Coastline in the Crystal Cove area. The victim may have suffered unknown head trauma and had been weighted down with a 35lb iron dumbbell. The subject was wearing a dark colored ‘Champion’ nylon sweatpants with zippered legs, size 11 black ‘Asics’ tennis shoes and a black ‘Timex’ watch with a black plastic band. While his age is unknown, it is believed he is older than 30 and as old as 50, height of 5’8”-5’9”, approximately 165 lbs with dark hair. Continue reading→

Teachers charged with illegally providing alcohol to teens at San Clemente Beach

Posted on February 4, 2015 by Editor Posted in Beaches, Crime, News, OCDA, Orange County Sheriff, San Clemente Leave a comment

ORANGE COUNTY DISTRICT ATTORNEY PRESS RELEASE

TONY RACKAUCKAS, District Attorney

Case # TBA

Date: February 4, 2015

TWO TEACHERS CHARGED FOR ILLEGALLY PROVIDING ALCOHOL TO UNDERAGE STUDENTS DURING CAMPING TRIP AT SAN CLEMENTE BEACH

NEWPORT BEACH – Two high school teachers have been charged with contributing to the delinquency of a minor by illegally providing alcohol to a group of underage students after organizing an unapproved school camping trip at San Clemente Beach. Melody Suzanne Lippert, 38, Covina, and Michelle Louise Ghirelli, 30, West Covina, were each charged today with one misdemeanor count of contributing to the delinquency of a minor. If convicted, both defendants face a maximum sentence of one year in jail. They are scheduled to be arraigned on Friday, Feb. 6, 2014, at 8:30 a.m. in Department H-7, Harbor Justice Center, Newport Beach.

At the time of the crimes, Lippert was a teacher at South Hills High School in West Covina and Ghirelli was an employee at the Covina-Valley Unified School District. Continue reading→

Teachers arrested following allegation of sexual relationship with students

Posted on January 18, 2015 by Editor Posted in Beaches, Crime, Orange County, Orange County Sheriff, San Clemente 1 Comment

Michelle Ghirelli

NEWS, FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contacts: Lt. Jeff Hallock, 714.904.7042, JHallock@ocsd.org; Emily Osterberg, 714.647.1840, EOsterberg@ocsd.org

Teachers Arrested Following Allegation of Sexual Relationship with Students

SAN CLEMENTE, Calif. – (January 18, 2014) – On Saturday, January 17, 2015, Orange County Sheriff’s Department Special Victims Unit investigators arrested South Hills High School teacher, Melody Lippert, 38, Covina and district teacher Michelle Ghirelli, 30, Covina; following allegations they engaged in sexual relations with students who attend the school. On the evening of Friday, January 16, 2015, the West Covina Police Department contacted the Orange County Sheriff’s Department after obtaining information about the inappropriate relationships and the alleged sexual relations that occurred in our jurisdiction.

In November 2014, Lippert is alleged to have met a group of male South Hills High School students at San Clemente State Beach. During the meeting at San Clemente State Beach, Lippert provided alcohol to the students and engaged in a sexual relationship with one of them. Several weeks later, Lippert orchestrated an overnight camping trip to the same location with Ghirelli and several of the same high school students. During the camping trip Lippert and Ghirelli are suspected of engaging in sexual relations with two students. The camping trip was not a school or district sponsored event. Continue reading→

Salt Creek Beach swimmer recovery dive set for Sep. 3

Posted on September 2, 2014 by Editor Posted in Accidents, Beaches, Dana Point, News, OC Lifeguards, Orange County Sheriff, Public Safety Leave a comment

NEWS, FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACTS: Lifeguard Chief Jason Young, OC Lifeguards at (949) 276-5050 or JYoung@oclg.org; Lieutenant Jeff Hallock, OC Sheriff’s Dept. at (714) 904-7042 or JHallock@ocsd.org

Salt Creek Beach Swimmer Recovery Dive

DANA POINT, Calif. – (September 2, 2014) – On Wednesday, September 3, 2014 at approximately 8:00 a.m., Dive Teams from Orange County Lifeguards and the Orange County Sheriff’s Department will deploy off the coast of Salt Creek Beach in an attempt to locate the body of the missing swimmer from August 24, 2014. The missing swimmer, a 60 year old male from out of state, went missing while body surfing in the water off Salt Creek during extreme “Red Flag” conditions that included large surf and strong currents.

The Lifeguard Dive Team will deploy off shore and conduct a search pattern up the coast towards Monarch Beach. Sheriff’s Dive Team personnel will deploy from a Harbor Patrol fire boat and will cover deeper waters, farther off shore. A cadaver dog and its handler will accompany the Sheriff’s Dive Team on the fire boat and attempt to identify specific dive areas. Continue reading→

Salt Creek Beach lost swimmer search/recovery effort terminated

Posted on August 24, 2014 by Editor Posted in Beaches, Dana Point, News, Orange County Sheriff Leave a comment

Orange County Sheriff

NEWS RELEASE, FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACTS: Lifeguard Chief Jason Young, OC Lifeguards at (949) 276-5050 or JYoung@oclg.org; Lieutenant Jeff Hallock, OC Sheriff’s Dept. at (714) 904-7042 or JHallock@ocsd.org

Salt Creek Beach Swimmer Search/Recovery Effort Terminated

DANA POINT, Calif. – (August 24, 2014) – On Saturday, August 23, 2014 at approximately 11:33 a.m. Orange County Lifeguards received a report of a missing swimmer off Salt Creek Beach. The missing swimmer is a 60 year old male who was last seen body surfing in the water, near Tower #2. An intense multi-agency search of the water and shoreline immediately ensued and has continued over the last approximately 30 hours.

Dive Teams from Orange County Lifeguards and the Orange County Sheriff’s Department have methodically searched the water but have been unable to locate any sign of the missing swimmer. Due to the current ocean conditions, visibility is poor and has hampered underwater search efforts. Sheriff’s Harbor Patrol and United States Coast Guard vessels have also searched throughout the day. Continue reading→