My name is Robin Sinclair. My family bought a beach house in 1961 on 34th St. in West Newport Beach. We would spend every summer and every holiday down at the beach. Fortunately, 11 years later, we made it our full-time home and I had the joy of attending Newport Harbor High School. I met my husband and thankfully he loved Newport as much as I did, and we were lucky enough to raise our four sons down at the beach. And for me and my family, it wasn’t just a place to relax and unwind; it was a way of life.
Q: Please tell us a little bit about your family.
Bob and I have been married for almost 45 years, and we have four amazing sons. Two of them also live in Newport Beach with their families. We are proud grandparents to 10 lovely and wild grandchildren who love swimming, surfing, and boogie boarding on 34th St. We are still in NB, however up by the Back Bay. We are grateful to still own our 34th St house, just eight houses down from my childhood beach home. It’s a cherished spot where we love to spend our free time.
Q: Please tell us about your current, past, or future career. What do you love most about what you do?
I started my career, providing college and career guidance at Newport Harbor High School. Later, I transitioned to the nonprofit sector, where I served as Executive Director for several organizations, including a group home and a teen crisis shelter. Currently I work at Fieldstone Leadership Network in Newport Beach, providing leadership development opportunities to nonprofit executives. I’m passionate about connecting people to resources and helping them be better at their jobs. The best part of my work is igniting a spark in the leaders I work with. I hope to continue this work forever!
Q: What are a couple of your favorite restaurants in our community?
When it comes to my favorite restaurants in Newport Beach, there are two that come to mind. The first is The Cannery, which was a special place in my heart, because it’s where I met my husband. I used to work there as a hostess, and he was a charming bartender. We continue to celebrate anniversaries there every year. My second favorite restaurant is Sabatino’s. I love the ambience, and the olive tapenade is my very favorite!
Q: How long have you lived or worked in our community?
I have lived here, part time since 1961, and full-time since 1971. I went to Santa Barbara to go to college, and there were a couple years early in our marriage that we lived in Eastside Costa Mesa. I love this community.
Q: Who is the most interesting person you’ve met here in our community?
I am most impressed with Sean Boulton, the principal at Newport Harbor High School. He continues to be a champion for all, and leads with humility, passion and grace.
Q: What is one of your favorite movies? TV shows?
We absolutely love our bingeing! Favorite movie of all time for sure is Parenthood with Steve Martin. We can almost recite the dialogue from memory. One of my favorite streaming series of all times is Six Feet Under.
Q: What advice would you give to people?
My friends will laugh at this because I say it so often…always keep your eyes on the prize! It is important to stay focused and set goals for yourself. I try to live it as well as share this philosophy.
Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world right now, where would it be and why?
When it comes to vacationing, Costa Rica is the ultimate destination for me. The warm water, friendly people, yummy food, and the laid-back Pura Vida lifestyle all add up to an unbelievable experience. I never feel more relaxed than when I am visiting Costa Rica.
Q: If you could choose anyone that is alive today and not a relative; with whom would you love to have lunch? Why? And where locally would y’all meet for this lunch?
I have a wonderful friend named Barby that I used to swim with when she felt well at the Newport YMCA. She embodies the most positive attitude of anyone I have met. I would love to sit down with her and hear all about her life stories- and there are so many! We would eat at Wild Strawberry near Fashion Island. She is the most inspirational person that I know.
Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique about our community?
What I love about Newport Beach is it diversity. Despite its growth and glamour, I can still ride my bike on the boardwalk and feel like I’m 15 again, riding with my best friend Lisa. To me, it still has that same old charm. Whether I’m walking through an upscale boutique, or taking a dip in the ocean, Newport Beach has a way of making me feel both nostalgic and at home.
Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
If I am fortunate enough, I hope to be living down at the beach. Nothing would make me happier than walking down the boardwalk every morning to see the sunrise, and every evening to watch the sunset.
Q: (Even for friends or family), what is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
I used to be a Doula. I have coached many women, and had the privilege of being by their side when they welcomed their babies into the world. It was one of the greatest joys of my life.
Q: What would you rate a 10 out of 10?
I would rate a magnificent sunset a 10 out of 10. You can have the mountains and the rivers and the lakes… give me a beach sunset anytime!
Q: Who inspires you to be better?
My family makes me want to be a better person. I strive to learn something new every day, and I want to be an exceptional role model for my sons and their children as well. I hope that I have inspired them to be lifelong learners.
Q: Finally, what 3 words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
Family. Beach. Love.
