ON THE WATER -- They can raise funds

June Casagrande

If you build it, they will can. That was the idea that turned an empty

space on the water in Newport Beach into a bustling fish-processing

plant.

Today, developers have a new philosophy: if you build it, they will

help. That’s the idea behind next week’s fund-raiser at the new Cannery

Seafood of the Pacific restaurant, whose long-awaited reopening is

scheduled for Dec. 3.

In addition to food, music and educational displays, attendees at

Friday’s event can become part of history at the cannery by helping build

the dock at the already-historic site.

“We’re going to give people a screw gun and let them drive a screw

restoring the dock, so anyone who wants will get to say, ‘I helped build

the Cannery,”’ said Walter Gayner of the Orange County Technology

Foundation.

Proceeds from the event will go to the foundation, which buys

computers for local schools.

“It was a great way to reintroduce the Cannery into the community and

benefit a worthwhile cause at the same time,” Cannery co-owner Steve

Herbert said.

The new restaurant, with an opening date that has been pushed back

several times, will mix the rustic feel of the original interior with

sleek modern appointments. An upstairs section that once drew ire from

some neighbors by featuring live music, leading to the restaurant’s close

two years ago, will be home to a new sushi bar -- “a restaurant within a

restaurant,” Herbert said.

The main floor will offer seafood creations of Chef Felix Salcedo,

with entree prices starting at about $16. Two waterfalls will add the

finishing touches to a marine theme throughout the restaurant.

Herbert, who is co-owner with restaurateur Ron Salisbury, said they

wanted to preserve the Cannery’s historic charm. The site was home to a

working fish cannery from 1919 until 1966.

The building now on the site was built about 30 years ago, and for

much of that time was a restaurant. Since owner Bill Hamilton closed its

doors, the site has sat dormant. But after the $3-million face-lift now

underway, Herbert said he hopes the Cannery will be a Newport Beach

landmark for years to come.

FYI

WHAT: Fund-raiser and restoration of the Cannery restaurant

WHEN: Friday, 5 to 8 p.m.

WHERE: Cannery Seafood of the Pacific, 310 La Fayette Road, Newport

Beach

COST: $50 per person; $75 per couple. Proceeds benefit the Orange

County Technology Foundation

CONTACT: RSVP by today to (949) 597-8285 or e-mail o7

wgayner@octf.orgf7