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🌱 Patch AM: Top Water Polo Athlete Embroiled In Abuse Scandal Says He Switched To Newport Harbor Due To Ban

And on the Newport Beach Patch calendar - Premier Showcase at Pacific View Memorial Park & Mortuary

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Wednesday August 26th Patch AM
Wednesday August 26th Patch AM (Patch graphic)

Hey hey Newport Beach! Your one-stop source for local news is here. Continue reading for all the updates. ☀️

In today's newsletter:

  • Star transfer to Newport Harbor sparks CIF eligibility scrutiny
  • Newport Beach officer's split-second decision saved five overheating dogs
  • How a Newport Beach break‑in helped end a regional burglary spree

Also on today's calendar: Premier Showcase at Pacific View Memorial Park & Mortuary and 9 more events.

Today's riddle: What did the wall say to the other wall. 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

  • Wednesday: Humid, with a high of 83 and low of 74 degrees.
  • Thursday: Partly sunny and very warm, temps: high: 85, low: 76.
  • Friday: Mostly sunny and very warm, with a high of 85 and low of 75 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. Top Water Polo Athlete Embroiled In Abuse Scandal Says He Switched To Newport Harbor Due To Ban (patch.com) — Newport Beach readers are learning that star water polo player Lucca Van Der Woude testified he transferred to Newport Harbor High after being banned from Harvard‑Westlake, raising questions about his eligibility under CIF rules. His admission, tied to a broader abuse lawsuit, could trigger new scrutiny of how he was cleared to compete while leading Newport Harbor to a CIF title.
   

2. Newport Beach officer saves five dogs trapped in hot car (usatoday.com) — A Newport Beach animal control officer smashed a car window to rescue five dogs suffering in a dangerously hot parked vehicle, after a tow truck couldn't arrive quickly enough. Veterinarians later found the dogs' temperatures had reached potentially deadly levels, prompting a renewed warning from Newport Beach police. Residents are urged never to leave pets unattended in cars, even briefly.
   

3. Escapee Linked To Newport Beach Burglary Crew Behind Bars Again (patch.com) — Newport Beach residents may recall a 2021 break‑in on Antigua Way that helped crack a regional burglary ring; the man convicted in that spree is now back behind bars after escaping a Northern California prison camp in February. Authorities say he previously admitted to multiple burglaries across several counties, with victims describing lasting trauma and unrecovered valuables.
   

4. California Man Bought Palantir Stock at pre-IPO price. Got Greedy and Blew It Away. (joehoft.com) — A Newport Beach investment adviser has agreed to a nearly $3 million SEC settlement after regulators said he misused money from investors he largely met through local social clubs. The fund was supposed to buy pre‑IPO Palantir shares, but authorities say he instead diverted much of the profit to his own accounts.
   

5. Meet the Winners of the 2026 Ocean Home Awards (oceanhomemag.com) — A Newport Beach home's kitchen has been honored in the 2026 Ocean Home Awards for its cleverly concealed appliances and calm, living-room feel. The project, by Tim Barber Architects, hides most equipment behind full-height panels and adds marble details, furniture-like islands, and a tucked-away bar. It's one of several standout coastal designs recognized across the country.
   

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • Please share & repost to help reunite this stray dog!
    FOUND on August 24, 2026 in Anaheim, CA 92805 near Wilhelmina Sharing for a neighbor. For the latest information or to contact the finder, view this… (Nextdoor The Bluffs Newport Beach)
  • BEWARE Coyote pack on Santiago Dr.
    between Westcliff and Galaxy!! My son was driving home from the gym and came across a pack of 5-7 coyotes…saw a neighbor walking his dog, gave him a… (Nextdoor Dover Shores)
  • Bloomingdale's, Inc. posted a job opening for Cosmetics Counter Manager - Shiseido/Laura Mercier, Full Time - Newport Beach in Newport Beach. Apply here.
  • Mother's Market & Kitchen posted a job opening for Assistant Store Manager for one of our locations in Newport Beach. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Newport Beach here.

Ok Newport Beach! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!

-- The Patch AM Team

P.S. The answer to today's riddle: Meet me at the corner. (Thank you Earlene M. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!

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