The Balboa Ferris Wheel is open and ready for riders. The Ferris Wheel offers views of Newport Harbor and the Pacific Ocean. The Ferris Wheel is open every day from 11am to 9pm.  The staff at the Balboa Ferris Wheel is keeping it clean by sanitizing between each rider, wearing face masks, hand sanitizing. “clean” cash for change and re-routing their line to accommodate social distance. The cost is $5 per rider, tickets have no expiration date. The Ferris Wheel is on the boardwalk, which is always has no admission costs. The Fun Zone at Balboa Village has been there since 1936. For more information, see their website at: https://www.balboaferriswheel.com/hours.

Newport Beach was incorporated in 1906. Newport Beach is home Pelican Hill, Corona del Mar, Crystal Cove and Dover Shores. Located at 5 Long Bay Drive, this 3,100 square foot home is part of the One Ford Road development. This four bedroom, four bathroom home was built in 1999. Attention to detail can be seen in the custom moldings, white paneled walls and walnut wood floors. The gourmet kitchen features double ovens, limestone backsplash and white quartz countertops. This home sits on a 4,100 square foot piece of property, which is within walking distance to the clubhouse. One Ford Road is in the East Bluff- Harbor View area, between Ford Road and Jamboree. One Ford Road is a 24-guard gated community and was named a National Community of the Year in 1999.

Newport Coast is situated in the southernmost tip of Newport Beach, just north of Laguna Beach. Newport Coast is home to Pelican Hill, Crystal Cove and the Crystal Cove State Park and Beach. Located at 15 Calvados, this 1,750 square foot home is part of the Sancerre community. This three bedroom, three bathroom home was built in 1994. This recently updated condo is a detached end unit. The chef’s kitchen features stainless steel appliances, marble backsplash and quartz countertops. Attention to detail can be seen in the hardwood floors, plantation shutters and high-volume ceilings.  This home sits on a 4,000 square foot piece of property with a corner lot setting. Among the many amenities offered in Sancerre are a community pool, spa, barbeques areas, large green belt with a dog park and a clubhouse. The Sancerre community was built by the Irvine Company and has 144 townhomes.

The new building at Orange County Museum of Art will open in 2021. Architect Thom Mayne debuted his plans for the new building in October of 2019. The new building will be 52,000 square feet with 25,000 square feet dedicated at exhibition space. There will be a roof top sculpture terrace with space 1,000 guests. The new building will connect with the Argyros Plaza and the sculpture terrace. The architect has received the Merit Award in the Next LA Category in 2019 at the AIA|LA Design Awards. In February of 2019, the OCMA was honored at the 66^th Annual Progressive Architecture Awards at MoMA in New York City.   For more information about all the happenings at OCMA, see their website at: https://www.ocmaexpand.org/new-building.

Newport Beach is the oldest beach front city in Orange County, having been incorporated in 1906.  The city is home to Pelican Hill, Fashion Island, Balboa Peninsula and much, much more. Located at 2751 Bayshore Drive, this 3,900 square foot home is part of the Bayshores community. This five bedroom, four bathroom home was built in 2013. Attention to detail can be seen in the walnut flooring, white wainscoting and use of Calacatta marble.  This home sits on a 4,000 square foot piece of property. The rooftop deck offers an entertaining space with gorgeous views of the Newport Harbor, city night lights and beautiful evening sunsets. The rooftop deck has a spa, lounge seating, barbeque area and a fire feature. Homeowners are within walking distance to the private swim beach, with sand volleyball, guest dock and Newport Harbor views. Bayshores is a 24 hour guard gated development.  Bayshores has two private beaches and a private access gate to Balboa Bay Club Resort.

Newport Coast is a master planned community in the southern section of Newport Beach.  Newport Coast is home to the Crystal Cove State Park and Beach, a perfect recreational area for residents. Located at 39 Clermont, this 2,600 square foot home is part of the St. Michel development. This four bedroom, three bathroom home was built in 1995. The recently remodeled home has crown molding, hardwood floors and shutters throughout the home. The chef’s kitchen has stainless steel appliances and granite countertops. There are views of the surrounding hillsides and city night lights.  This home sits on a 4,300 square foot piece of property.  The local park is within walking distance. St. Michel is in the Newport Ridge community. This is 24 hour guard gated community with 92 single family homes.

The Crystal Cove State Park Backcountry Trails are open for recreational activity. There are 18 miles of hiking trails, 2,400 acres of canyons, and sandy beaches to enjoy. The higher trails offer views of the mountain backcountry, geological formations and the Pacific Ocean. The lower trails run along Moro Creek through Oak and Sycamore trees. The easy rated trail is from the ranger station to the back of Moro Canyon. The Moderate Loop Trail is a mid-grade uphill trail through Moro Canyon and West Cut Across trails. The difficult rated trail includes Moro Canyon. East Cut Across and Moro Ridge. The Strenuous Loop trail follows the perimeter of the park. Parking is also open 100%. Crystal Cove State Park is located just off the Pacific Coast Highway between Corona del Mar and Laguna Beach. For more information, see their website at: http://www.crystalcovestatepark.org/.

Irvine is a large master planned, 66 square mile city.  The city was begun in the 1960’s and was incorporated in 1971.  The city is made-up of 34 unique villages. Located at 113 Heather Mist, this 5,400 square foot home is part of the Irvine Business District in the Airport Area of Irvine. This five bedroom, six bathroom was built in 2016. Attention to detail can be seen in the use of the hardwood floors, porcelain tile floors and custom-made window treatments. The chef’s kitchen features an oversized island, dual built-in refrigerators, and stainless steel appliances.  There are views of the city night lights and surrounding hillside views. This home sits on an 8,100 square foot piece of property. Outdoors, homeowners will enjoy a beach pool with a waterfall spa and a built-in barbeque. The Airport Area is west of the 405 Freeway to the Newport Beach city limits.

Newport Coast is a mastered planned section of Newport Beach. Newport Coast offers a wide range of residences from one of the kind custom estates to single family homes. Located at 34 Coral Reef, this 3,800 square foot home is part of the Civita development. This four bedroom, four bathroom home was built in 1996. The gourmet kitchen features an oversized island, granite countertops and a six-burner range. There are amazing views of the Pacific Ocean, white water, city night lights and spectacular sunsets. This home sits on a 7,200 square foot piece of property, with a cul-de-sac setting. Outdoors, homeowners will enjoy custom swimming pool, spa, bar area, mature gardens, large side yard.  Civita is part of the Pelican Ridge community. Civita is a gated community.

Just Sold: Villa del Mare in Pelican Point

Just Sold!  Villa del Mare in Pelican Point, located at 30 Pelican Drive was just sold by Michael Franco of MWA Luxury real estate. Pelican Point is a development in the Pelican Hill section of Newport Coast in Newport Beach. Villa del Mare sold for 9 million dollars.  This 7,100 square foot home has four bedrooms and seven bathrooms. The home was built in 2005. The master suite features his and her closets, a sitting area, and a private terrace with a fireplace. The open floor plan kitchen has pocket doors which allows for seamless indoor to outdoor entertaining. The home has a 400-bottle wine cellar, media lounge, an elevator to all levels and a Savant Smart home System. There is a seven-car subterranean garage.  Among the wonderful views from this custom-built estate and property include the Pacific Ocean, whitewater, city night lights, gorgeous evening sunsets and the 11^th green of the Pelican Hill Golf Course. Outdoors homeowners will enjoy a custom glass mosaic swimming pool, spa, built-in barbeque area and multiple outdoor fireplaces. Students in this area attend harbor View Elementary School and Corona del Mar Intermediate and High School. Pelican Point is a 24-hour guard gated community of just 48 custom built homes.

Sherman Gardens and Library is back open and hosting workshops. On Wednesday, June 10^th, join in the Mosaic: Agave Mandala workshops. The workshop is taught by mosaic artist and instructor David Jarcinen. Class participants will learn mandala layout principles, patterns and repetition and create their own Mandela design.  Students will be using porcelain tile and glass tiles. The workshop begins at 9:30am and continues until 3:30pm. Bring a lunch or snack, there will be no formal breaks. This will be an outdoor class in the Tea Garden. All materials are included with the class fee.  The class costs $120 for non-members and $110 for members. Registration is required.  For more information about this class or others, see their website at: https://thesherman.org/event/mosaic-agave-mandala/.

Corona del Mar is a section of the city of the Newport Beach.  Corona del Mar is Spanish for “Crown of the Sea.” Located at 55 Montecito Drive, this 5,100 square foot home is part of the Spyglass Hill community. This five bedroom, six bathroom home was built in 1973.Attention to detail can be seen in the use of French doors, the sweeping staircase and fireplaces. The gourmet kitchen features modern wood cabinets, top of the line appliances and breakfast nook.  The home has views of the Pacific Ocean, Catalina Island, Newport Harbor and city night lights. The home sits on a large 13,000 square foot piece of property. Outside, homeowners will enjoy a swimming pool, spa, and barbeque area. The local park is within walking distance. Spyglass Hill is near the San Joaquin reservoir. There are 325 homes in Spyglass Hill.

Newport Coast is situated at the south end of Newport Beach, just north of Laguna Beach. The area is ideally located halfway between Los Angeles and San Diego.  Located at 39 Mandria, this 2,700 square foot home is part of the Ziani community. This three bedroom, four bathroom unit was built in 2003. The condo unit has a main level master suite. Attention to detail can be seen in the use of limestone, French doors and an abundance of windows. There are wonderful views of the Pacific Ocean, white water, city night lights and gorgeous evening sunsets. Outdoors, homeowners will enjoy a fountain, and an entertaining area with lighting. Ziani is a gated condo community with 168 units. Among the many amenities offered in Ziani are a clubhouse and swimming pool. The clubhouse is just a short distance from this unit.

The Newport Beach Art Exhibition 2020 dates have been announced: The 56^th Annual Newport Beach Art Exhibition will take place on Saturday, June 20^th. The exhibition will be open from 1pm to 6pm and it will be held at the Newport Beach Civic Center. The call for artists is now open and will  remain open until Friday, May 29^th, 2020. Among the many medium seen at last year’s show are: pen and ink, sculpture, photography, mixed media, oils, acrylics and watercolor.  There were over 300 pieces from 170 different artists on display last year.  In addition, the exhibition has food, wine and music. For more information about this event, see their website at: https://www.newportbeachca.gov/government/departments/library-services/cultural-arts/newport-beach-art-exhibition.

Irvine is a master planned city in Orange County, California.  The city is 66 square miles of mostly flat land between the Loma Ridge and San Joaquin Hills.  The city was incorporated in 1971. Located at 5157 Scholarship, this 4,300 square foot townhouse is part of The Plaza development in the Airport Area Village. This three bedroom, four bathroom home was built in 2007. This is a two-story corner penthouse unit. Attention to detail can be seen in the 20-foot floor to ceiling windows, Italian marble floors and wine room. The gourmet kitchen features Viking appliances, granite counter tops and custom cabinetry. The unit comes with a four-car assigned parking spaces and a private storage room. The townhouse has amazing views of the Palos Verdes, the Pacific Ocean, Catalina Island and Fashion Island. Among the many amenities offered at The Plaza are a swimming pool, fitness center, massage room and cabanas. The Airport Area is an urban style area with both the financial and business districts in Irvine. Students living in the area attend schools in the Santa Ana Unified School District, specifically Monroe Elementary School, McFaden Middle School and Century High School.

Newport Coast is an area in Newport Beach.  Newport Coast was annexed by Newport Beach in 2001. Located at 19 Coastal Oak, this 3,800 square foot home is part of the Pienza development. This four bedroom, five bathroom home was built in 2004. Attention to detail can be seen in the use of stone, hard wood and crown moldings The gourmet kitchen features stainless steel appliances, granite countertops and pullout cabinets. The home has wonderful views of the Pacific Ocean, surrounding canyons and hills. This home sits on a 7,800 square foot piece of property, with a cul-de-sac setting. Outdoors, homeowners will enjoy a covered patio with a T.V., a saltwater swimming pool, outdoor kitchen, and a spa. There is a pond with bronze statues in the backyard and a water feature in the front courtyard.  Pienza is part of the Pacific Ridge development. This is a 24-hour guard gated community built near Boomer Canyon Open Reserve. There are three home plans to choose from in Pienza and most homes have views of Pacific Ocean.

The Newport Theater Arts Center will be performing Chapter Two through April, 26, 2020.  Chapter Two is the story of novelist George Schneider, as he recovers from the death of his wife of twelve years. George embarks on a relationship with actress Jennie MacLaine, after one blind date. Jennie then begins to question the potential of being hurt if George is not ready to move on. This play is being directed by Gigi Fusco Meese. Performances will be on Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. NTAC is located at 2501 Cliff Drive in Newport Beach. For more information about all their events or to purchase tickets for this one; see their website at: http://www.ntaconline.com/chapter-two.

Costa Mesa is an Orange County city, which was incorporated in 1953, with a population of approximately 110,000.  There are five sections that make up Costa Mesa: Central Costa Mesa, Eastside Costa Mesa, Mesa Verde, South Coast Metro and Southwest Costa Mesa. Located at 2540 Cornerstone Lane, this 2,000 square foot home is part of the Cornerstone Lane development in  Central Costa Mesa community. This three bedroom, three bathroom home was built in 2006. Attention to detail can be seen in the use of recessed lighting, high volume ceilings and upstairs laundry room. The chef’s kitchen features granite countertops and stainless steel appliances. The home sits on a 3,500 square foot piece of property. Outdoors there is a hardscaped patio. Cornerstone Lane has 37 homes. It is just minutes away from Upper Newport Bay.  Central Costa Mesa is bordered by Baker Street, Wilson Boulevard, 55 Freeway and harbor Boulevard.

Newport Coast is part of Newport Beach, having been annexed in 2001.  Newport Coast is in the southern end of Newport Beach, just north of Laguna Beach. Located at 8 Riez, this 3,400 square foot home is part of the Provence development. This four bedroom, four bathroom home was built in 2001. Attention to detail can be seen in the beamed ceilings, custom built-in and stone floors. The gourmet kitchen features Bosch and Viking appliances, a wine cooler and glass front cabinetry.  This home sits on a 7,100 square foot piece of property with a cul-de-sac setting. Outdoors, homeowners will enjoy the lushly landscaped yard and built-in barbeque. Provence is a 24 hour guard gated community in Newport Ridge. Among the many amenities offered in Provence are a swimming pool, tennis courts and playground.

Michael Franco and the team at MWA Luxury real estate sold the home located at 32 Bargemon in the Newport Ridge development in Newport Coast.  The home sold on June 25^th, 2019 for $1,900,000. This four bedroom, two and half bathroom home is 2,900 square feet. The kitchen has a six-burner stove. This home was built in 2002. This home sits on a 5,900 square foot piece of property, with a cul-de-sac setting. Outdoors, homeowners will enjoy a swimming pool.

Newport Ridge is situated just off the Newport Ridge Drive and it is surrounded by Buck Gully and Coyote Canyon. There are just 38 homes in Newport Ridge.  Newport Ridge was built between 1993 and 1995. Among the amenities offered in Newport Ridge are s sports court, tennis courts and barbeque area. Students living in this area attend Newport Mesa Unified Schools, specifically Newport Coast Elementary School and Corona del Mar Intermediate and High School. Newport Coast is part of Newport Beach, having been annexed in 2001.  Newport Coast is just north of Laguna Beach.  The area of the city is home to the Pelican Hill Resort, Spa, and Golf Courses and the Crystal Cove State Park and Beach. Newport Coast has five-star restaurants and world-class shopping.

Michael Franco and MWA Luxury real estate recently sold the home at 607 8^th Street in Huntington Beach. The home sold on October 22, 2019 for $1,444,000. This three bedroom, five bathroom home is 2,500 square feet. This home was built in 1989. The open plan kitchen was recently remodeled with granite and stone countertops and pots and pans drawers. Attention to detail can be seen in the high-volume ceilings, fireplace and plantation shutters. The home has peek-a-bee ocean views and city night light views. Homeowners are a five minute walk to the beach and a ten minute walk to the downtown. Students living in this area attend Smith Elementary School, Dwyer Middle School and Huntington High School. Huntington Beach is the largest beach side city in Orange County. Known as HB and “Surf City, USA,”  Huntington Beach  has 8.5 miles of uninterrupted coastline and beach. The city has a population of approximately 190,000 residents and is surrounded by the Pacific Ocean, Seal Beach, Costa Mesa, Newport Beach, Westminster and Fountain Valley. The downtown area of Huntington Beach has over 250 downtown businesses, including restaurants, shopping and a large variety of services. The downtown area has street fairs and farmers markets, all while enjoying ocean views.

Located at 36 Marisol, Newport Coast, this Italianate Villa was just sold by Michael Franco and the team at MWA Luxury real estate. The home sold on November 26^th, 2019 for $1,775,000. This 2,200 square foot home has four bedrooms and three bathrooms and was built in 1998. The open floor plan features high ceilings, a neutral color palette and is filled with natural light. The recently remodeled kitchen has marble countertops, travertine floors and stainless-steel appliances. The family room has a fireplace and custom built-ins. The home sits on a 4,000 square foot piece of property with a cul-de-sac setting. Outdoors, homeowners will enjoy the built-in barbeque area, spa and an outdoor dining area. Tesoro Crest was built by Standard Pacific Homes, with four floor plans.  This is a 24-hour guard gated community. The homeowners’ association provides many amenities including a swimming pool, barbeque area, sports court and tennis courts. Students attend the award-winning Newport Mesa Unified Schools, Newport Coast Elementary and Corona del Mar Intermediate and High School. Newport Coast is situated at the south end of Newport Beach, just north of Laguna Beach. Newport Coast is home to the world-class Pelican Hill Resort, Spa and Golf Courses, Crystal Cove State Park, five-star restaurants and shopping.