The UCCE Master Gardeners of Orange County have two upcoming events at the Orange County Great Park. On May 6^th, they are offering a Raised Vegetable Gardening class.  This class will be in zoom format and is free to attend. The class begins at 10am and lasts for one hour.  The focus of this online workshop will be making the most of the garden space you have. This class is appropriate for people with limited gardening space. On May 15^th, the Master Gardeners will host a workshop on Creating an Urban Food Forest. This class is free, but registration is required. It is being held in conjunction with the Farm + Food Lab staff. It is for people ages 12 and above. Learn to grow food in interesting spots, a driveway, backyard or balcony. The class begins at 10am. For more information or to register for either of these classes, see their website at: 

https://www.cityofirvine.org/orange-county-great-park/great-park-community-events or

http://mgorange.ucanr.edu/.

Crystal Cove is home to several exclusive residential developments and the Crystal Cove State Park. The Crystal Cove State Park is home to 3.2 miles of coastline, 400 acres of bluffs, 2,400 acres of canyons, 18 miles of trails and a 1,400-acre Marine Park. Located at 19 South Sur, this 7,000 square foot home is part of the Crystal Cove Custom community. This six-bedroom, seven-bathroom home was built in 2016. The home and property have wonderful views of the Pacific Ocean, white water, Catalina Island, city night lights and amazing evening sunsets. This home sits on a large 25,000 square foot piece of property with a cul-de-sac setting. There is a fully detached guest casita with ocean views. In addition, outdoors, there is a swimming pool for homeowners to enjoy. Residents of Crystal Cove are all invited to join in all the resort style activities offered at the Canyon Club Recreational Center.

Irvine is a 66 square mile master planned city in the Orange County. The city was begun by the Irvine Company in the 1960’s and was incorporated in 1971. Located at 78 Harrison, this 4,900 square foot home is part of the Lambert Ranch development in the Portola Springs Village. This five-bedroom, six-bathroom home was built in 2012. The home features a great room, loggia, and bonus room. The kitchen is an Asian style Wok kitchen, with a large island, multiple ovens and dishwashers. This home sits on a 6,800 square foot piece of property. There are 25 home tracts in Portola Springs. Lambert Ranch is a 24-hour guard gated community, with 169 homes. There are no Mello Roos fees in Lambert Ranch. Residents are very near Woodbury Town Center. 

The Irvine Spectrum center is hosting a drive-in movie series. Stay in your car, safely social distanced and enjoy a drive-in movie.  Bring your popcorn and have a fun night out. On Thursday, April 1^st, Grease will be the feature. Every week there will be more movies to choose from. The venue opens at 5pm and the movie starts at 7:30pm. Admission is $40 per vehicle. The audio for the movies the is played on a FM radio, either your car radio or a portable radio. For more information, see their website at: https://www.irvinespectrumcenter.com/events-promotions/drive-inmovies.

Crystal Cove is a group of exclusive neighborhoods in Newport Coast. Newport Coast is in part of the Newport Beach and is just north of Laguna Beach. Located at 6 Waves End, this 13,000 square foot home is part of the Coral Canyon development. This eight-bedroom, eleven-bathroom home will be finished in 2022. This home will be three levels with an Italian Villa architectural style. The home will feature a movie theater, caretaker suite and music room. The home and the property will have views of the Pacific Ocean, white water, Catalina Island, city night lights and colorful evening sunsets. This home sits on a very large 29,000 square foot piece of property, which will be professionally designed with both hard scape and soft scape. Outdoors, homeowners will enjoy an infinity edge pool. Crystal Cove is a 24-hour guard gated community. Coral Canyon is home to just 28 luxury homes designed by Bob White architects and built by The New Home Company. 

Irvine is a large master planned city in Orange County. Irvine is surrounded by Tustin, Santa Ana, Lake Forest, Laguna Hills, Costa Mesa and Newport Beach. This is a 66 square mile city. Located at 66 Wildvine, this 2,000 square foot home is part of the Jasmine development in the Cypress Village.  This three-bedroom, three-bathroom home was built in 2015. Attention to detail can be seen in the Travertine flooring, plantation shutters and roller shades. The gourmet kitchen features Caesarstone countertops and laminate Sonoma wood flooring. Outdoors, the yard has synthetic grass for easy maintenance and two irrigated planter boxes for gardening. The neighborhood amenities include tennis courts, biking trails and a clubhouse. Jasmine was built by Irvine Pacific Homes.

The Great Park Balloon in Orange County Great Park is open.  This very special attraction gives visitors a chance to soar 400 feet in the air.  Guests have a chance to observe 360 degree views for up to 40 miles.  The balloon is a helium, not a hot air balloon and is the first in the United States of its type. It is 118 feet tall, with a volume of 210,000 cubic feet and can hold up to 30 passengers.  The balloon is open Thursday through Sunday from 9am to 10am to 3pm and from 7pm to 10pm. For more information about the balloon or to make reservations, see their website at: https://www.cityofirvine.org/orange-county-great-park/great-park-balloon-carousel.

Newport Coast is situated between Laguna Beach and Newport Beach. Newport Coast is known for its far-reaching views and highly sought-after real estate. Located at 76 Lessay, this 1,900 square foot home is part of the Sancerrecommunity. This three-bedroom, three-bathroom detached town home was built in 1994. The recently renovated townhouse features Travertine, hardwood and limestone floors. Enter the home through a two-story foyer. The gourmet kitchen has stainless steel appliances, a large island and wet bar.  This unit has a corner lot setting. Outdoors, there is an enclosed tropical garden with room for outdoor entertaining. Among the many amenities offered a swimming pool, spa, tennis courts, sports courts and a private park. The Sancerre development is just off of Newport Ridge and Crestridge. This is a 24-hour guard gated community, with 144 townhouses. 

Irvine is large mastered planned city in Orange County.  This 66 square mile city is made up of 34 individual villages, each with residential developments, shopping, dining, schools and parks. Located at 24 Lamplighter, this 4,000 square foot home is part of the Juliet’s Balcony development in the Woodbury East Village. This five-bedroom, five-bathroom was built in 2005. Attention to detail can be seen in the use of crown moldings, wrought iron bannister and plantation shutters. The chef’s kitchen features dual sinks, double ovens, and a center island. This home sits on a 6,600 square foot piece of property with a corner lot setting. This home is on a single load street and just across from the park. Outdoors, the home has a built-in barbeque, covered local and olive trees. Woodbury East is just off the 5 Freeway, between Irvine Boulevard, Trabuco Road, Jeffrey Road and Sand Canyon Avenue. Woodbury students attend schools in the award-winning Irvine Unified School District, including Woodbury Elementary School, Sierra Vista Middle School and Irvine High School. 

The Irvine Regional Park is open with a multitude of outdoor activities for families to enjoy. The park is home to a grove of Oak and Sycamore trees, foothills and large variety of wildlife. Santiago Creek flows through the park, in addition there is a pond, waterfall and foot bridge. The Orange County Zoo is also located at Irvine Regional Park. The 491-acre park has barbecue areas and tables throughout to enjoy a picnic lunch or dinner. There is a three-mile equestrian trail with a horse trailer parking lot. Finish up a visit with a ride on the Irvine Park Railroad.  The parks winter hours are from 6am to 6pm daily. Parking is $3 to $5 per vehicle. The Irvine Regional Park is located at 1 Irvine Road in Orange, California.  For more information, see their website at: https://www.ocparks.com/parks/irvine.

Crystal Cove is a group of luxury developments in Newport Coast. Crystal Cove is situated between the Pacific Ocean and the Pacific Coast Highway, just north of Laguna Beach. Located at 30 Timor Sea, this 4,700 square foot home is part of the Windward development. This five-bedroom, six-bathroom home was built in 2001. The chef’s kitchen has a center island, Viking appliances and a butler’s pantry. The home has forever views of the Pacific Ocean, white water, Catalina Island and city night lights. On clear days, views stretch to Palos Verdes. This home sits on a 9,900 square foot piece of property, with a cul-de-sac setting. Windward is a 24-hour guard gated neighborhood. The homeowner association offers many amenities including an Olympic size swimming pool, spa, tennis courts and clubhouse. Residents are within walking distance to the Crystal Cove Promenade and the beach.

Irvine is a large mastered planned community in Orange County. Irvine is made-up of 34 unique villages. Each village has residential developments, shopping and dining, schools and green spaces. Located at 26 Honey Locust, this 2,800 square foot home is part of the Alexandria development in Columbus Square Village. This four-bedroom, four-bathroom home was built in 2006. The open floor plan features plantation shutters, hardwood floors and is filled with natural light. The gourmet kitchen has granite countertops, stainless steel GE Monogram appliances and a built-in refrigerator. This home sits on a 5,200 square foot piece of property, with a cul-de-sac setting. Columbus Square is in Tustin on the former Marine Corp base. The homeowner’s association offers many amenities including a clubhouse, barbeque area and swimming pools.

The Orange County Great Park is hosting some unique gardening programs in the month of January. On January 9^th, The Growing a Strong Local Food Network, will teach you about sustainable home gardening practices. The workshop is taught by the UCCE Master Gardeners of Orange County. At the January 9^thworkshop, participants will go home with a few perennial plants. On January 17^th, the Children’s Garden Workshop will create a Micro Greenhouse for tomatoes, onions and peppers using recycled bottle to make the greenhouse. This workshop is free and being held outdoors. For more information or to register, see their website at: 

https://www.cityofirvine.org/news-media/calendar-of-events/event/garden-workshop-community-forum-growing-strong-local-food or https://www.cityofirvine.org/news-media/calendar-of-events/event/childrens-garden-workshop-micro-greenhouse-tomato-onions-peppers.

Crystal Cove is a group of luxury neighborhoods in the Newport Coast section of Newport Beach.  Crystal Cove is situated between the Pacific Ocean and the Pacific Coast Highway, just north of Laguna Beach. Located at 5 Clear Water, this 6,400 square foot home is part of the Crystal Cove Custom Community. This four-bedroom, five-bathroom home was built in 2015. The home has recently been updated. The home features a library, gym and entertainment room.   There are beautiful views of the surrounding canyons, the Newport Beach coastline, Pacific Ocean and city night lights. This home sits on a very large 18,000 square foot piece of property. Outdoors, homeowners will enjoy two loggias, an infinity walk-in pool, courtyard and walk-in spa.  Crystal Cove is a 24-hour guard gated development. Among the many amenities offered in Crystal Cove are private beaches, a clubhouse and swimming pools. 

Irvine is a large mastered planned city in Orange County. This 66 square mile city is made up 34 Villages, each with residential areas, schools, parks, and shopping and dining areas. Located at 117 Crosswinds, this 5,300 square foot home is part of the Trevi development in the Orchard Hills Village. This five-bedroom, six-bathroom home was built in 2016. This is a Plan Two model built by The New Home Company.  The gourmet kitchen opens onto a large great room. This home sits on an 8,600 square foot piece of property.  Outdoors, homeowners will enjoy an infinity black tile pool, spa, water features and a built-in barbeque area. Orchard Hills is bordered by the 241 Toll Road, the 261 Toll Road and Portola Parkway. Among the many amenities offered in Trevi are hiking trails, tennis courts and parks.

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.

Orange County Great Park is offering a holiday art classes for residents. Holiday Art on a Sock will be held on Saturday, December 5^th from 1pm to 3pm. Create your own stocking to hang on the chimney.  A local artist will provide step by step instructions to paint your stocking. The class is $50. This class is part of the Orange County Great Park’s Holidayz at the Park, which runs from November 21^st to December 27^th. Enjoy the park’s winter scape with music, art and lights. Orange County Great Park is located at 8000 Great Park Boulevard. For more information, or to register, see their website at: https://www.cityofirvine.org/news-media/calendar-of-events/event/holiday-art-sock or ocgp.org/holidayz.

Crystal Cove is part of the Newport Coast section of Newport Beach. Crystal Cove is located between the Pacific Ocean and the Pacific Coast Highway. Located at 16 Baffin Bay, this 4,300 square foot home is part of the Nautilus community. This five-bedroom, six-bathroom home was built in 2001. Attention to detail can be seen in the wrought iron staircase, use of natural stone and fireplace. The gourmet kitchen features custom cabinets, center island and stainless-steel appliances. This home sits on a 7,800 square foot piece of property. Homeowners will enjoy a private spa, fire pit and gorgeous landscaping. Residents have access to a private trail leading to the beach. Nautilus was designed and built by The Irvine Company. This is a 24-hour guard gated community.

Irvine is a large master planned community in Orange County.Irvine is surrounded by Tustin, Santa Ana, Lake Forest, Laguna Hills, Costa Mesa and Newport Beach. Located at 109 Tranquil Heights, this 6,200 square foot home is part of the Lambert Ranch in the Portola Springs Village. This six-bedroom, seven-bathroom home was built in 2016. This home was built by Toll Brothers. Attention to detail can be seen in the use of French Doors, dual staircases, 19 custom chandeliers and wood floors. The gourmet kitchen features a large center island, top-of-the-line appliances, and secondary prep area. There are views of the surrounding canyons and city night lights. This home sits on a large 12,000 square foot piece of property with a cul-de-sac setting. Outdoors, homeowners will enjoy a built-in barbeque area, casita and fishpond. This is a 50-acre gated community with approximately 169 homes.

The Barclay Theatre is hosting a free virtual event: National Geographic Live Backstage. Through the Lens: Solastalgia is produced by the Nat Geo Museum. National Geographic Explorer and Photographer, Pete Muller, will hold an online conversation about solastalgia, the emotional and existential distress caused by climate change.  He will use current events, the pandemic and the Camp Fire, to examine these issues. Muller will be sharing his photography and clips from Rebuilding Paradise. National Geographic Live has been one of Barclay’s most popular virtual events. The show will take place on Tuesday, November 10^th, beginning at 4pm. It is free to participate, but you must pre-register. For more information or to reserve you spot; see their website at: 

https://www.thebarclay.org/buy-tickets/national-geographic-live-backstage/solastalgia.html.

Newport Beach is one of the oldest Orange County city’s being incorporated in 1906. The population of Newport Beach is approximately 85,000 residents. Located at 51 Balboa Coves, this 3,000 square foot home is part of the Balboa Coves development. This five bedroom, three bathroom home was built in 1962. There are lovely views of the Newport Bay from the home. This home sits on a 4,900 square foot piece of waterfront property. The home has a dock.  Outdoors, the home features a gated courtyard and mature landscaping.  Balboa Coves is a 24-hour guard gated community at the end of a private cul-de-sac. There are just 68 homes in this neighborhood. 

Irvine is was begun by The Irvine Company in the 1960’s and was incorporated in 1971.  This 66 square mile city is made-up of 34 unique Villages. Located at 52 Peacevine, this 3,900 square foot home is part of the Lambert Ranch development in the Portola Springs Village. This five bedroom, six bathroom home was built in 2013. There is a main level master suite. The gourmet kitchen features top of the line appliances, a large island and a butler’s pantry. The home has nearly panoramic views of Newport Beach, Fashion Island, Irvine Valley and the city night lights.  This home sits on a 5,700 square foot piece of property, with a cul-de-sac setting. There are not any Mello Roos taxes in Lambert Ranch. The homeowner’s association offers many amenities including a swimming pool, clubhouse and spa.  There are 25 home tracts in Portola Springs offering a mix of condos, townhomes, villas and single-family residences. 

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.