INSIDE SCOOPS

When first lady Hillary Clinton visited Lido Isle on Thursday,

Republicans and Democrats alike had something to say about it.

But Newport Beach police Officer Todd Bush had no political agenda as he

helped stand guard. Plenty of people got a good laugh about his last

name, but Bush wouldn’t give any hint as to his party affiliation.

“I’m just here doing my detail,” Bush said with a smile. “That’s all the

comment I have.”

CRASHING THE SCHOOL BOND BASH

Eyes bulged and jaws dropped late Tuesday night at the Citizens to

Rebuild Our Schools campaign party at Avila’s El Ranchito Restaurant in

Costa Mesa.

It wasn’t the final favorable results that had the Measure A supporters

gaping as they sipped their margaritas. It was the cameo appearance of

Steve Smith, a Daily Pilot columnist who had staunchly opposed the $110

million school bond. Crowds parted like the Red Sea as he walked by --

but Smith wasn’t there to ruin the fun. He had simply made the appearance

in an attempt to “bury the hatchet.”

A MODEL RESCUE OPERATION

Santa Ana Heights resident John Crean inadvertently landed his model

airplane in a tree in Fairview Park during a recent weekend, allowing the

Costa Mesa Fire Department to practice a high-structure rescue.

Crean and roughly 50 other members of the Society of Antique Modelers

applauded the heroic firefighters, who had been training when Crean

called for help.

The 30-inch-wide tissue and balsa wood plane -- which Crean, a model

flier for 65 years, had just put together -- survived without injury.

A PENNY FOR THEIR THOUGHTS

Residents are getting to know their neighbors Carl and Julie McMackin

because of the Tiki-style gate they recently installed on the front of

their Del Mar Avenue home.

But the McMackins are already familiar to many people in the area because

of the efforts of their son, Byron. He’s the drummer in the popular rock

band Pennywise.

No word yet on whether he shares his parents’ passion for Tiki.

-- compiled by the Daily Pilot staff