Briefly in the news

Dayna Pettit, community activist and strong supporter of building the

Balboa Theater, has been named Citizen of the Year by the Newport Harbor

Area Chamber of Commerce.

She was honored with the award Friday at a special reception.

According to Chamber officials, the award is “given annually to a citizen

who has been a tremendous asset to the community” and for “continuing

commitment to the community as well as hard work on challenges facing the

city and various civic organizations.”

Pettit has served as president of the Balboa Peninsula Point Assn.,

Civil Service Commission, Speak Up Newport and was a member of the

Airport Working Group. Pettit also helped to form the Balboa Merchants

and Owners Assn. and served as its president for three consecutive years

since its inception in 1993.

Pettit was chosen to receive the honor by a distinguished committee of

past winners of the Citizen of the Year honor.