Meet Great Neighbor Michele Caston
By: Andrea Fine
If you are a Newport Beach resident and watch the news, you most likely know who Michele Gile is. Michele was born in San Mateo, CA, and raised in nearby Los Altos. She graduated from Los Altos High School in 1978. After spending two years at UCLA, Michele transferred to USC, where in 1983, she earned her bachelor’s degree in Broadcast Journalism.
Michele’s first on-air job upon graduation was in Palm Springs. She later made the move to Santa Barbara where, while working on a story, for NBC, she met Dan Caston, a photo journalist for ABC. They
were married in 1993. Dan and Michele welcomed their first daughter Robin in 1996. The young family moved to Newport in 1997 and in 2001 daughter Katharine completed their family.
While continuing to pursue her career and earn praise and recognition as a news reporter locally (CBS2 and KCAL9), Michele began volunteering for the Lincoln PTA. She donated twelve years of her time and passion as either a room mom, co-chair of their auction/dinner dance or as co-producer of two 6th grade plays.
Michele continued volunteering while her girls were at CDM. She co-chaired the PTAs only fundraiser of the year, the Home Tour for a most generous, six years. Throughout her almost 20 years of
volunteering Michele helped to raise more than $1 million for the two local schools.
Michele has also donated her talents to several community events. She has lent her support as a moderator or emcee to the Newport Beach Police Department, the Orange County Fire Authority’s “Best
and Bravest” ceremony, the Newport Beach Fire and Lifeguard awards, the Orange County Vision Walk, Making Strides Breast Cancer Walk and has served as the grand marshal for the annual Balboa Island Fourth of June parade.
Michele is one of Newport’s busiest and most giving neighbors.
When asked what her favorite part of volunteering is, she said, “It’s in my nature to give back. We are big supporters of education, and I need to do my part to contribute. Besides, it’s how you meet all of the
great parents and community members.”
“Michele is amazing with what she has done for our community. She is dedicated to helping others and making a difference.”
"I first met Michele when our oldest daughters attended the same preschool. Later, I saw her up close and personal on the Corona Del Mar High School PTA Board and watched her intense commitment to our school and to our community. Her gifts of leadership and relationship-building led the way as she worked tirelessly to benefit the students at our school. Michele always says YES when I ask her to emcee a non-profit event and she is a constant cheerleader for the kids in our community. She is trusted by Police, Sheriff, and Fire Departments throughout Orange County because of her professionalism and integrity. She is trusted by her community because of her willingness to always say YES to making a difference." Ruth Kobayashi, Former VP, CDMHS PTA Board Current Secretary, Newport Beach Police Foundation Board