April 4^th through April 10^th is a National Library Week! Newport Beach Public Library is celebrating with many online events. There will be audiobooks, virtual story times and educational programs for people to enjoy. Some of the story times will be read by local leaders. April is also National Poetry Month. The Newport Beach Library will be hosting a virtual poetry contest, all month long. For more information or join in all the virtual reading, see their website at: https://www.newportbeachlibrary.org/Home/Components/Calendar/Event/65991/11906?curm=4&cury=2021.

Lido Isle is a residential only island in Newport Harbor. Lido Isle has approximately 850 homes and one yacht club, which is the social hub for island. Located at 408 Via Lido Nord, this 2,800 square foot home has four bedrooms and five bathrooms. This bay front home features high volume ceilings, is filled with natural light and personal, private sandy beach. The home was built in 1955.  This home sits on a 3,100 square foot piece of property. Outside, in addition to the beach, waterside patio and board walk. It is very rare that board walk residences come on the real estate market. Among the many amenities offered on Lido Isle are tennis courts, beaches and parks. Residents are close to Lido Marina Village.

Crystal Cove is a group of exclusive developments in the Newport Coast section of Newport beach. Crystal Cove is home to the Crystal Cove State Park which has 400 acres of bluffs, 2,400 acres of canyons and 18 miles of trails. Located at 19 High Water, this 12,000 square foot home is part of the Crystal Cove Custom Home Collection. This seven-bedroom, eleven-bedroom home was built in 2012. Attention to detail can be seen in the wood beamed ceilings, circular staircase and use of Venetian Plaster. The chef’s kitchen features a center island and butler’s pantry. This home has incredible views of the Pacific Ocean, white water, Newport Harbor, Catalina Island, Palos Verdes and stunning evening sunsets. This home sits on a 21,000 square foot piece of property, with a cul-de-sac and corner lot setting. Outdoors, homeowners will enjoy a guest casita, swimming pool, spa, barbeque area and fire pit. Crystal Cove is a 24-hour guard gated development. All Crystal Cove residents are invited into join in all the resort style activities offered at the Canyon Club Recreational Center, which acts as the social hub for Crystal Cove.

The Wedge is open. Whether you are a surfer, bodyboarder, want to just watch or read a book on the beach, The Wedge is a just the place to be. The Wedge was created in the early 1900’s. The Wedge is home to some of California’s largest waves, some upwards of 30 feet. While there enjoy looking at the beautiful surroundings. The Wedge is located near the harbor entrance at the end of Balboa Peninsula. You can access the beach for free from Balboa beach. For more information, see their website at: https://www.visitnewportbeach.com/beaches-and-parks/the-wedge/.

Costa Mesa is an Orange County city ideally situated 37 miles south of Los Angles and 88 miles north of San Diego. This 16 square mile city was incorporated in 1953. Located at 435 Bryson Springs, this 1,200 square foot home is part of the Brighton Springs community in Central Costa Mesa. This two-bedroom, three-bathroom home was built in 1980. The roof has recently been replaced. Each unit has a two-car tandem garage. This unit has a 1,000 square foot piece of property with a cul-de-sac setting.Brighton Springs is a complex filled with streams and waterfalls. There is a community pool and spa. Tewinkle Park and Costa Mesa Farm Sports Complex are both in Central Costa Mesa. 

Crystal Cove is a part of the Newport Coast section of Newport Beach. Crystal Cove is made up of several residential areas and the Crystal Cove State Park, which offers 3.2 miles of coastline, canyons, trails and bike paths. Located at 14 Sandy Cove, this 4,800 square foot home is part of the Seabourn community. This five-bedroom, eight-bathroom home was built in 2019. Attention to detail can be seen in the use of La Cantina doors, European oak flooring and dining room fireplace framed by Silver Crocodile quartzite. The gourmet kitchen has quartzite countertops and professional grade appliance. This home sits on a 9,400 square foot piece of property with a cul-de-sac setting. Outdoors, homeowners will enjoy a full outdoor kitchen swimming pool, spa, outdoor shower and gas fire pit. Residents are within walking distance to the beach access trail. Seabourn residents, as are all Crystal Cove residents, invited to join in all the resort style activities offered at the Canyon Club Recreational Center, which acts as the social hub of the area.

The Upper Newport Bay Nature Preserve and Ecological Reserve is open with many outdoor experiences to enjoy. Known as the “Back Bay,” has over 1,000 acres of wetlands which are home to over 200 endangered species and 35,000 migratory birds. Visitors can bike, hike or walk a 10.5 mile loop trail with multiple exhibits, displays and the Peter and Mary Muth Interpretive Center. Rent a kayak or paddle board to enjoy the marine life in Back Bay. The Newport Dunes Water Park offers entertainment for the entire family. Currently, only outdoor activities are open to visitors. For more information about the loop trail and Back Bay, see their website at: https://newportbay.org/facilities/muth-interpretive-center/the-ic/.

Lido Isle is a residential only island in Newport Harbor and is part of Newport Beach. Lido Isle is modeled after a Mediterranean Island and had its beginning in the 1920’s. Located at 111 Via Florence, this 3,500 square foot building has five units. It was built in 1948.  There are four, one-bedroom units and one two-bedroom unit. All units have one bathroom, a fireplace and separate dining room. Kitchens have granite countertops, new cabinets and crown moldings. Each has a garage. There is a private large courtyard for residents to use.  This building sits on a 4,200 square foot piece of property. Lido Isle has many amenities including a clubhouse, yacht club, private beach and tennis courts.

Crystal Cove is a part of the Newport Coast section of Newport Beach. A large percentage of Crystal Cove is the Crystal Cove State Park with over 3,2 miles of coastline, the Historical District and 18 acres of trails. Located at 6 Sea Glass, this 7,100 square foot home is part of The Tides development. This four-bedroom, eight-bathroom home was built in 2007. Attention to detail can be seen in the wood beamed ceilings, stone walls and hand carved wood and cedar doors. The gourmet kitchen features marble countertops, large center island with seating and Shaker cabinetry. There is a wine cellar with an attached tasting room. The home has views of the Pacific Ocean, Newport Beach coastline and Catalina Island.  This home sits on a 14,700 square foot piece of property.  Outdoors, homeowners will enjoy a swimming pool, loggia with a fireplace and a veranda. The Tides is a 24-hour guard gated development. The Tides is part of the Estate Collection at Crystal Cove and is next door to the Sea Crest development. The Tides was built by Standard Pacific Homes. 

The Newport Beach Library is hosting the Winter Wonderland Grab and Go Crafts class.  This class will have several installments between January 11^th and January 23^rd. Class kits are available for pick up through curbside pickup. The kit includes snow inspired craft supplies and hot cocoa mix.  For teens, there is winter book bingo. Download a bingo card, complete the five squares in a row to earn a free paperback. Each bingo card is filled with reading challenges and winter activities. For more information or reserve your spot, see their website at: 

https://www.newportbeachlibrary.org/Home/Components/Calendar/Event/64715/11906?curm=1&cury=2021.

Lido Isle is part of Newport Beach in Newport Harbor.  Lido Isle is home to approximately 850 homes and one yacht club. Located at 124 Via Havre, this 4,300 square foot home has four bedrooms and six bathrooms. This custom home was built in 2020. Attention to detail can be seen in the use of white oak flooring, stunning chandeliers and fireplaces. The gourmet kitchen features a Sub-Zero refrigerator, large center island and Quartzsite countertops. There is elevator access to all floors. This home sits on a 3,900 square foot piece of property, which is 45 foot wide. The roof top deck has views of the Pacific Ocean and the city night lights. A golf cart is included in the purchase. 

Crystal Cove is a group of exclusive developments in the Newport Coast section of Newport Beach. Crystal Cove is also home to the Crystal Cove State Park with 3.2 miles of coastline, 400 acres of bluffs, 2,400 acres of canyons and 1,800 miles of trails. Located at 1 Del Mar, this 11,000 square foot home is part of the Crystal Cove Estate Collection. This five-bedroom, ten-bathroom estate was built in 2020. This home and property have amazing views of the Pacific Ocean, Catalina Island, the Newport Beach Coastline and evening sunsets. This home sits on a very large 21,000 square foot piece of property with a cul-de-sac setting.  There is a separate guest house, exterior loggia, swimming pool and multiple decks. Crystal Cove is a 24-hour guard gated community. Estate Collection residents are invited to join in all the resort style activities offered at the Canyon Recreational Center, which is the social hub of Crystal Cove.

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.

Sherman Gardens and Library is hosting three outdoor floral classes in the month of December. On December 8^th, the class will be focus on Everlasting Winter Wreaths. The class will begin at 10 am and continue until 12 noon. The wreaths will be made from neutral-colored dried flowers and foliage. On December 15^th, the floral class will focus on Candlelight Christmas Centerpiece.  This will also be a 10am class. You have a centerpiece with Christmas greens and white flowers, with taper candles, when you finish. On December 22^nd, from 10am to 12 noon, there will be a Tiny Tannenbaum workshop. Participants will learn to create a mini-Christmas tree with a variety of conifer greenery. The mini trees will be decorated with fresh flowers, miniature ornaments and fairy lights. For more information or to register for the classes, see their website at: https://thesherman.org/event/.

Costa Mesa is an Orange County city which is 16 square miles.  Costa Mesa was incorporated in 1953 and has a population of approximately 110,000 residents. Located at 345 University Drive, Unit #F6 is 1,300 square foot condo and is part of the Woodstream Complex in the Eastside section of Costa Mesa. This three-bedroom, three-bathroom home was built in 1974. This is an end unit with a stack rock fireplace, skylight and a loft. The chef’s kitchen features stainless steel appliances, Corian countertops and engineered light cherrywood plank floors. The condo has an oversized garage with plenty of storage. Woodstream Condos has many amenities including a stream throughout the complex, swimming pool and clubhouse. Back Bay and Upper Newport Bay Nature Preserve is a one block walk from Woodstream Condos. 

Crystal Cove is a section of Newport Beach in the Newport Coast area. Crystal Cove is home to both residential developments and the Crystal Cove State Park.  The Crystal Cove State Park has 3.2 miles of coastline, 18 miles of trails and 2,400 acres of canyons. Located at 2 Cruisers Bluff, this 5,800 square foot home is part of the White Sails development. This six-bedroom, seven-bathroom home was built in 2004. Attention to detail can be seen in the vaulted ceilings, Travertine flooring and pocket doors.  The home has two kitchens and 306 bottle climate-controlled wine cellar. This home sits on a large 20,000 square foot piece of property, with a corner lot setting.  Outdoors, homeowners will enjoy a saltwater swimming pool, fire pit, sand volleyball court and built-in barbeque area. White Sails is a 24-hour guard gated neighborhood. White Sails homeowner’s association offers many amenities including a swimming pool, spa, tennis courts and clubhouse. 

Roger’s Gardens is hosting an Outdoor Workshop to create a Radko and Shiny Brite Wreath on Saturday, November 14^th.  The workshop is being led by Christopher Nichols and Hedda Staines.  The workshop begins at 9am. The cost for the workshop is $150, which includes artificial evergreens, 24-inch pinecone wreath, 4 Radko Ornaments, 3 Shiny ornaments, additional ornaments and berries. Space is limited, so reserve your spot early. For more information or to reserve your spot, see their website at: https://www.rogersgardens.com/collections/workshops/products/447687.

Lido Isle is an island in the Newport Harbor.  The isle was begun in the 1920’s, making it one of the very first master planned communities in California. There are approximately 850 residences and one yacht club on Lido Isle. Located at 111 Via Lido Nord, Unit #B, this 1,300 square foot townhome has two bedrooms and two bathrooms. The complex was built in 2008. The kitchen features granite countertops and top of the line appliances. Attention to detail can be seen in the high-volume ceilings, use of French doors and fireplace. There are peek-a-boo views of the bay, from this second-floor unit. There is a private outdoor patio for entertaining. The unit has a one car garage. Among the many amenities offered on Lido Isle are tennis courts, playground and private beach. 

Crystal Cove is group of exclusive residential developments situated between the Pacific Ocean and the Pacific Coast Highway. Crystal Cove is also home to the Crystal Cove State Park with 3.2 miles of coastline, 400 acres of bluffs, 2,400 acres of canyons and 18 miles of trails. Located at 11 Clearwater, this 12,000 square foot home is part of the Coral Canyon community. This seven bedroom, eleven bathroom home was built in 2011 by Rodeo Homes. The chef’s kitchen features Thermador appliances and granite countertops. The home has a temperature-controlled wine cellar, private gym, subterranean garage and home theater. Among the endless views from the home and property are views of the Pacific Ocean, white water, city night lights and gorgeous evening sunsets. This home sits on a large 21,000 square foot piece of property.  Coral Canyon is a 24-hour guard gated community with just 28 custom built homes. Coral Canyon is in the upper northeast point of Crystal Cove. 

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 Sherman Library and Gardens is hosting a kids pumpkin paintorama class on Saturday, October 17^th.  The workshop begins at 9am and continues until 11am. Be sure kids dress to get crafty and messy. A large variety of squashes (pumpkins are part of the squash family) will be provided. There will be squash available to dissect and inspect. Supplies will be provided including natural stamps, pumpkins, paints and more. The cost is $35 per child for members and $45 per child for non-members. Register early because there are limited spots due to social distancing. Each spot is for a child and an accompanying adult. For more information or to make a reservation, see their website at: https://thesherman.org/event/kids-class-pumpkin-paintorama/.

Shady Canyon is a group of three luxury neighborhoods in the Turtle Rock Village in the city Irvine. This 800-acre community also has is a home to Shady Canyon Country Club and Golf Course and dedicated green space. Located at 19 Spike Moss, this 10,000 square foot home is part of the Shady Canyon Custom Community. This six-bedroom, eight-bathroom custom estate was built in 2010. Attention to detail can be seen in the limestone fireplaces, arched ceilings and custom wood floors. Designed for entertaining the home has an open floor plan, service kitchen, formal dining room, wine cellar and sunken bar. There are two motor courts and a five-car garage. This home sits on a very large 33,000 square foot piece of property. Shady Canyon is a 24-hour guard gated development. Among the many amenities offered in Shady Canyon are a private country club, fitness facilities, tennis courts and bike trails. Beaches are just a short drive away. 

Crystal Cove is part of the Newport Coast section of the Newport Beach. Crystal Cove is home to several residential developments and the Crystal Cove State Park, which has 3.2 miles of coastline, 18 miles of trails and the Crystal Cove Historical District. Located at 18 Rockshore Bluff, this 3,800 square foot home is part of the Oceana development. This four-bedroom, five-bathroom home was built in 2005. This single level home has been renovated in April 2019. Attention to detail can be seen in the porcelain tile, marble thresholds and custom interior painting. Steps outside the ocean facing master suite is a private covered loggia with a fireplace. The home has forever views of the Pacific Ocean, white water, Catalina Island, city night lights and spectacular sunsets.  This home sits on an 8,900 square foot piece of property piece of property, with a cul-de-sac setting. Outdoors, homeowners will enjoy a front entry courtyard, saltwater swimming pool, spa and built-in barbeque.  Oceana is 24-hour guard gated community.  Ocean residents are encouraged to participate in all the resort style activities offered at the Canyon Club Recreational Center, which acts as the social hub of Crystal Cove.