The Pacific Ridge, Moro Canyon and Boomer Ridge Trail is a terrific place to explore this spring. This 10.2-mile trail winds its way through Newport Coast. You will see wildflowers blooming throughout the springtime. This specific trail is rated at difficult.  This is a year-round trail, that is accessible to both dogs and horses. The elevation gain is 1,374 feet. There is parking at the trailhead at 8471 North Coast Highway in Laguna Beach. For more information about this trail or the many others throughout this area, see their website at: https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/california/pacific-ridge-moro-canyon-and-boomer-ridge-trail-loop.

Costa Mesa is an Orange County city which was incorporated in 1953. This city slogan is “The City of Arts.” The South Coast Repertory Theater, Orange County Performing Arts Center, the Segerstrom Concert Hall and Samueli theater are all located here. Located at 269 Bowling Green Drive, this 2,000 square foot home is part of the College Park development in Central Costa Mesa.This four-bedroom, three-bathroom home was built in 1957. Attention to detail can be seen in the high-volume ceilings, recessed lighting and natural stone floors. The gourmet kitchen features all white cabinetry, stainless steel appliances and concrete countertops. This home sits on a 7,600 square foot piece of property. The backyard features an in-ground spa, built-in granite bar with a barbeque and custom cabana and is filled with tropical landscaping. College Park was the first master planned community in Costa Mesa, situated between Fairview Avenue and Harbor Boulevard. Central Costa Mesa is bordered by Baker Street, Wilson Boulevard, the 55 Freeway and Harbor Boulevard. 

Corona del Mar is a part of Newport Beach and encompasses all the land of the seaside of the San Joaquin Hills and south Avocado Avenue to the city limits. The Irvine Terrace development although north of Avocado Avenue is part Corona del Mar. Located at 608 Orchid, this 1,700 square foot home is part of the North PCH neighborhood. This three-bedroom, four-bathroom home was built in 2019. Attention to detail can be seen in the wide plank flooring, stonework and metal work.  This home sits on a 3,500 square foot piece of property.  Outdoors, homeowners will enjoy a gas fire pit, water features roof top deck and two patios. North CdM is just a short distance from the state beach and the Villages of the Corona del Mar. 

The Corona del Mar State Beach is a great place for swimmers, with its calm surf. There is half mile long beach, perfect for soaking up some rays and people watching. Photographers will love the towering cliffs that skirt the beach. There are volleyball nets set up and fire pits for public use. Overlooking the beach, there is a grassy area for picnics and watching the sunset. In the area surrounding the beach there are several restaurants to choose from. Dogs are allowed on Corona del Mar State Beach. For more information, see their website at: http://parks.ca.gov/?page_id=652.

Irvine is a 66 square mile city in Orange County. Irvine is surrounded by Tustin, Santa Ana, Lake Forest, Laguna Hills, Costa Mesa and Newport Beach. Located at 62 Interstellar, this 5,800 square foot home is part of the Altair development in theOC Great Park Village. This five-bedroom, six-bathroom home was built in 2019. Attention to detail can be seen in the use of stacking doors, coffered ceilings and high-volume ceilings. The chef’s kitchen features a center island, walk-in pantry and breakfast bar. This home sits on a 7,000 square foot piece of property. Altair is a 24-hour guard gated community. Homes in this community have views of the surrounding hills and canyons and the city night lights. Altair was built by the Toll Brothers. Among the amenities offered in OC Great Park are a clubhouse, swimming pools, spa, covered cabanas and an outdoor fireplace.

Corona del Mar is a section of Newport Beach.This section of the city encompasses all the land on the seaside of the San Joaquin Hills and south Avocado Avenue to the city limits. Located at 3601 Catamaran Drive, this 3,300 square foot home is part of the Harbor View Hills development. This four-bedroom, five-bathroom home was built in 2015. The open floor plan home is just one level and filled with natural light. The kitchen features stainless steel appliances, center island and a walk-in pantry. There is a temperature-controlled wine wall, central waterfall bar seating and steel bi-fold doors to the backyard. The home sits on a large 12,600 square foot piece of property with a corner lot setting. Outdoors, homeowners will enjoy a barbeque pavilion with a stainless-steel barbecue and a fire pit. Students living in Harbor View Hills attend Newport Elementary School and Corona del Mar Intermediate and High School.

The Balboa Island Museum and Historical Society is a wonderful way to learn about the history Balboa Island. The museum is offering a series of different 10-minute videos on History Talks with Celeste, which you can view from home.  The museum is currently open Monday through Thursday from 10am to 5pm and Friday through Saturday from 10am to 6pm. Admission is free, donations are accepted. At the museum, they offer a kid’s scavenger hunt, Boy Scout and Girl Scout programs and school programs. The Balboa Island Museum is located at the 210 B Marine Avenue on Balboa Island. For more information, see their website at: https://www.balboaislandmuseum.org/.

Irvine is large master planned city in Orange County, California. Irvine is surrounded by the cities of Tustin, Santa Ana, Lake Forest, Laguna Hills, Costa Mesa and Newport Beach. Located at 15361 Nimes Circle, this 2,300 square foot home is part of The Ranch community in the El Camino Real Village. This four-bedroom, three-bathroom home was built in 1969. The home has been completely remodeled. Attention to detail can be seen in the use of French doors, beautiful fireplace and bay window. This home sits on an 8,450 square piece of property, with a cul-de-sac setting abutting the greenbelt. Outdoors, homeowners will enjoy a swimming pool and entertaining space. This property does not Mello Roos or HOA fees. The Ranch was built by Pacesetter, Ayres and Presley Homes. There are approximately 625 homes in The Ranch. El Camino Real is bordered by I5 Freeway, Culver Drive, Jeffrey Road and Irvine Center Drive. This area is 1,179 acres with 21 home tracts. 

Corona del Mar is part of Newport Beach. Corona del Mar encompasses all the land on the seaside of the San Joaquin Hills from South Avocado Avenue to the city limits, including the Irvine Terrace community. Located at 2525 Ocean Boulevard, this 1,100 square foot condo home is part of the Channel Reef community. This two-bedroom, two-bathroom home was built in 1963. This is a one level unit. The condo has been completely remodeled. The gourmet kitchen features marble countertops, a large island and a steam oven. This unit has wonderful views of the Harbor, Back Bay, the Pacific Ocean and city night lights. Each unit has reserved, covered parking. Channel Reef is a small condo community with just 47 units, with 24-hour security. The association offers many amenities including a swimming pool, spa, barbeque area and a deep-water marina.

The Newport Beach Library is hosting an Ask A Children’s Author session starting on Monday, January 4^th. Librarian, Ms. Liz, will be talking with her friend, author Nick Eliopulos. Nick Eliopulos is children’s fantasy book author. He has written several Spirit Animal books, Minecraft Woodsword Chronicles, and The Adventurers Guild.  Submit your questions online. Starting on January 4^th, Ms. Liz will discuss writing with Nick and answer your questions.  This discussion will continue in segments through January 17^th. Everything is online for safety. For more information, see their website at: https://www.newportbeachlibrary.org/Home/Components/Calendar/Event/64713/11906?curm=1&cury=2021.

Laguna Beach is an Orange County beach side city which is just south of Newport Beach. Laguna Beach has over 180 artists in residence, 80 art galleries and a weekly art gallery walk. Located at 1179 Katella Street, this 4,200 square foot home is part of the Arch Beach Heights community.  This five bedroom, four bathroom home was built in 1975. Among the amazing views from this home are the Pacific Ocean, Main Beach, Catalina Island, Laguna Village, Hotel Laguna, on clear days the views stretch to Palos Verdes. This home sits on a 7,500 square foot piece of property, with a cul-de-sac setting. Outdoors, homeowners will enjoy several views decks and a large swimming pool. Arch Beach Heights is at the top of Laguna Beach in the hills above Laguna Beach Village. Moulton Meadows Park is within walking distance with tennis courts, hiking, tot lot, soccer fields and par training course. 

Corona del Mar is part of the city of Newport Beach.  Corona del Mar encompasses all the land from the seaside of the San Joaquin Hills to South Avocado Avenue to the city limits. Although, north of the Avocado, Irvine Terrace is part of Corona del Mar. Located at 721 Narcissus Avenue, this 4,700 square foot home is part of the North CDM community. This four bedroom, five bathroom home was built in 2014. This custom home was built by Patterson Homes. Attention to detail can be seen in the disappearing doors, elevator and entertainer’s tech hub. This home sits on a 5,300 square foot piece of property, with a corner lot setting. The roof top deck has wonderful Pacific Ocean and city night views.  North CDM is on the north side of the Pacific Coast Highway. Students living in this area, attend the Harbor View Elementary School and Corona del Mar Intermediate and High School. The Villages of Corona del Mar are very nearby. 

California Proposition #19 passed in November election, with 8,534,173 or 51.1% of the vote. This proposition will allow eligible homeowners to transfer their tax assessments anywhere in the state. Tax assessments can be transferred to more expensive homes with an upward adjustment. Persons 55 and older, with disabilities or victims of natural disaster or hazardous waste contamination can now transfer their tax assessments from one to three. Secondary properties, such as vacation homes or rentals, inherited from parents to children or from grandparents to grandchildren can be reassessed at market value when transferred, with the first one million dollars being exempt from reassessment. On inherited primary properties, the parent or grandparent can transfer the property without the property’s tax assessment resetting to market value. The additional revenue from generated from this proposition will be used by schools and wildlife agencies through the California Fire Response Fund and the County Revenue Protection Fund.

Nights of 1,000 Lights is at Sherman Library and Gardens, a fabulous way to kick off the season. The Nights of 1,000 Lights show will begin on December 10^th and run through December 22^nd. This outdoor activity allows visitors to stroll through gardens doing the holiday season, while enjoying the lights. Take family photos in front of the Christmas tree. Kids will love walking down the technicolor light tunnel. There will be drinks and snacks available in the open-air café. A variety of music will be played. The show opens each at 5pm and closes at 9pm. Sherman Gardens is located at 2647 East Coast Highway in Corona del Mar. For more information or to advance purchase tickets, see their website at: https://thesherman.org/event/nights-of-1000-lights/.

Pelican Hill is one of the most luxurious real estate developments in Newport Beach.Pelican Hill is home to five developments; Pelican Crest, Pelican Hill, Pelican Hill, Pelican Ridge, and Pelican Ridge Estates, which surround the Pelican Hill Resort, Spa and Golf Courses. Located at 26 Pelican Point Drive, this this 5,000 square foot home is part of the Pelican Point community. This four-bedroom, six-bathroom home was built in 2000. Attention to detail can be seen in the custom cabinetry, multiple fireplaces and walnut lined library. The home is positioned on the 12^thhole of Pelican Hill Golf Course, on the ocean side.This home sits on a large 11,000 square foot piece of property. Outdoors, homeowners will enjoy a swimming pool, spa and built-in barbeque area. Pelican Point is south of Corona del Mar, off of the Pacific Coast Highway.This is a 24-hour guard gated community with just 48 custom built estates.

Corona del Mar is part of Newport Beach. Corona del Mar is known locally as the CDM and is Spanish for Crown of the Sea.” The area is well known for its tide pools, sandy beaches and forever views. Located at 735 Avocado Avenue, this 995 square foot home is part of the Sandcastle community. This two-bedroom, two-bathroom condo home was built in 1963. This unit has been completely remodeled and features disappearing doors and limestone flooring. The kitchen features Bosch appliances, marble quartz and center island. The outdoor living space includes a loggia, small backyard with a firepit and water feature. Among the many amenities offered in Sandcastle are a swimming pool, spa and barbeque area. Sandcastle is a mixed community of single-family homes, townhouses and condos. Sandcastle is on the beach side of the Pacific Coast Highway, with stunning views of the Pacific Ocean and the Harbor.

Roger’s Gardens Christmas Boutique is open and ready for guests. From October 9^th through the end of the year, the Our Home for the Holidays Christmas Boutique will be open each day from 9am to 6pm.  This year’s Christmas Boutique is created to evoke feelings of food, family and fireside chats. Among the many treasures you will find are hand painted ornaments from Europe, nutcrackers and Santa’s. Roger’s Gardens signature garlands and wreaths will be available for purchase. Roger’s Gardens is located at 2301 San Joaquin Hills Road in Corona del Mar. For more information, see their website at: https://www.rogersgardens.com/pages/christmas-boutique.

Pelican Hill is a group of luxury residential developments in the Newport Coast section of Newport Beach.  Among the developments are: Pelican Crest, Pelican Point, Pelican Hill, Pelican Ridge and Pelican Ridge Estates. Located at 26 Pelican Point Drive, this 5,000 square foot home is part of the Pelican Pointdevelopment. This four bedroom, six bedroom home was built in 2000. Attention to detail can be seen in the high-volume ceilings, custom cabinetry and use of hard woods. The home sits on the 12^th hole of the Pelican Hill Golf Course, it also has views of the Pacific Ocean, white water, city night lights, and colorful evening sunsets.  This home sits on a 11,500 square foot piece of property. Outdoors, homeowners will enjoy a swimming pool, spa and built-in barbeque. Pelican Point is a 24-hour guard community with just 48 custom built homes. 

Corona del Mar is a section of Newport Beach which occupies all the land from the sea side of the San Joaquin Hills to South Avocado Avenue to the city limits. Corona del Mar is known locally as the CDM and is Spanish for “Crown of the Sea.” Located at 307 Milford Drive, this 1,800 square foot home is part of the Cameo Shores development.  This three-bedroom, two-bathroom home was built in 1962. Enter this one-story home through a courtyard. The home is filled with natural light.  There are lovely views of the surrounding canyons. This home sits a very large, 14,200 square foot piece of property. Outdoors, homeowners will enjoy a swimming pool and spa. Residents have private beach access at Crystal Cove State Park. Cameo Shores is home to 170 homes. Students living in Cameo Shores attend Harbor View elementary School and Corona del Mar High School. 

Just Sold by Michael Franco in Pelican Crest

Michael Franco of MWA Luxury Real Estate just sold 5 Skycrest in Pelican Crest. Pelican Crest is part of the Pelican Hilldevelopment in Newport Coast. 5 Skycrest is a 9,500 square foot home has five bedrooms and seven bathrooms. This home sold for nearly eleven million dollars, which is approximately $1150 a square foot. The nearly panoramic views include the Pacific Ocean, surrounding mountains, city night lights and sunsets. The 30,000 square foot piece of property has swimming pool, spa, gazebo, built-in barbeque area and rose garden. This residence is the number one architecture design award winner in Newport Coast.  Newport Coast is home to Pelican Hill and its five developments, Crystal Cove and many other residential developments. Crystal Cove State Park and Beach and Pelican Hill Resort, Spa and Golf Courses are also part of the Newport Coast. Although this home is off the market, Michael has many more properties to inspire you, in Crystal Cove, Pelican Hill and Newport Coast. Michael is always available at 949-200-2383 or at michael@mwaluxury.com.

4 Baffin Bay in Crystal Cove was just sold by Michael Franco

Michael Franco of MWA Luxury Real Estate recently sold the home located at 4 Baffin Bay in the Crystal Cove in Newport Coast. Newport Coast has many wonderful areas such as Crystal Cove and Pelican Hill. Whether you are buying, selling, or both, Michael Franco will walk you smoothly through the process. This 3,500 square foot home sits on a 6,900 square foot piece of property.  This is a four bedroom, three and half bathroom home which was built in 2001. With views of the Pacific Ocean, white water, city night lights and gorgeous evening sunsets. Crystal Cove offers many amenities, including the Canyon Club Recreational Center, which acts as the social hub of the area. The home sold for 3.3 million dollars, approximately $985 per square foot. This property has been sold, however, Michael has many other properties ready to view in Crystal Cove, Pelican Hill and Newport Coast. To reach Michael, at any time, he is available at 949-200-2383 or at michael@mwaluxury.com.

The 3^rd Annual Grand Prix Newport Dunes Triathlon is returning to the Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort.  Cal Tri Events is hosting the race. The race begins with the swim portion in the Resort Bay. Then on to the closed course, eight-mile bike ride.  The bike course includes a portion of the Mountains to the Sea Trail and Bikeway, part of the Upper Newport Bay State Marine Conservation Area and the Upper Newport Bay Nature Preserve.  Finish up the event with either a 5K or 10K run within Newport Dunes and the Back Bay View Park.  There are aid stations at each mile.  There are 12 race options to choose from including distance options, Swim – Bike options, Swim – Run options and many others. For more information, see their website at: https://www.newportdunes.com/event/newport-dunes-triathlon/. 

Costa Mesa is an Orange County city which is surrounded by Huntington Beach, Irvine and Newport Beach.  This 16 square mile city is just one mile from the Pacific Ocean, at its southern tip. Located at 1847 Tahiti Drive, this 2,700 square foot home is part of Mesa Verde Neighborhoods in the Mesa Verde section of Costa Mesa. This four bedroom, three bathroom home was built in 1962. Attention to detail can be seen in the use of marble, multiple skylights and wood slat ceilings. This home sits on a 7,900 square foot piece of property. Outdoors, homeowners will enjoy a very large swimming pool with multiply waterfalls and water features. In addition, outdoors, there are several fire features, an outdoor kitchen and entertainment area. Mesa Verde was begun in the 1950’s and is very family centered. 

Corona del Mar is a section of Newport Beach, which encompasses all the land from the sea side of the San Joaquin Hills and south Avocado Avenue to the city limits. Irvine Terrace, although north of Avocado Avenue, is still part of Corona del Mar. Located at 2001 Sabrina Terrace, this 6,200 square foot home is part of the Irvine Terrace development. This three-bedroom, five-bathroom home was built in 2009. Enter the home through a private courtyard with a water feature. Attention to detail can be seen in the use of mahogany, stone and the motorized pocket doors. The lower level is dedicated entertaining space with a media room, bar and 1,000 bottle wine room. The views are terrific from this home of the Pacific Ocean, city night lights, Catalina Island, the Christmas Boat Parade and colorful sunsets. This home sits on a large 11,200 square foot piece of property, with eighty feet of view frontage. Outdoors, homeowners will enjoy an infinity edge spa, fire pit and barbeque island. Residents are within walking distance to Irvine Terrace Park.