Springtime is a great time to get out and experience everything the Orange County Great Park has to offer. The OC Great Park offers over 1,300 acres of the green space, play areas, amenities, and attractions, such as the Great Park Balloon.  The nearly 5,000 square foot visitors center is part of the former Marine Corps Air State El Toro. In addition, to the Great Park Balloon attraction, families will enjoy riding the Great Park Carousel. The 194-acre Sports complex features a 25 tennis courts, 24 lacrosse and soccer fields, a sand volleyball court and 12 baseball and softball fields and stadium with seating for 2,500 people. The Palm Arts Complex offers rotating art exhibits and is shaded by 54 Canary Island date palms. Historic hanger 233 has World War II planes on display, a memorial, historic room, and information on how Irvine’s agricultural land became an active military base. Finally, the Farm and Food Lab, is a 2-acre urban demonstration garden with hands-on experiences for ages. For more information, or to see the wide range of events held at the park, see their website: https://www.cityofirvine.org/orange-county-great-park/current-great-park-features. 

Lido Isle is part of the city of Newport Beach and sits in Newport Harbor.Lido Isle is one of California’s oldest master planned communities having had is start in the 1920’s. There are approximately 850 residences and one yacht club on Lido Isle. Located at 642 Via Lido Nord, this 2,500 square foot home has two bedrooms and three bathrooms. This home was built in 1936 and designed by modernist architect Donald Knorr. Attention to detail can be seen in use of natural wood, high volume ceilings and skylights. There are views of the bay, and the city night lights. This home sits on a 2,800 square foot piece of bayfront property. Outdoors, the dock was re-built in 2019 and can accommodate a 40-foot vessel and a Duffy boat. Among the many amenities offered on Lido Isle are tennis courts, a clubhouse, private beach, and play area.

Irvine is a large master planned city in Orange County.  Irvine is a 66 square mile city surrounded by Tustin, Santa Ana, Lake Forest, Laguna Hills, Costa Mesa, and Newport Beach. Located at 13 Orchard, this 1,100 square foot home is part of the Patio Homes development in the Orangetree Village. This two-bedroom, two-bathroom home was built in 1977. This one level home has just been remodeled. The kitchen features Calcutta quartz countertops, Shaker cabinets, and stainless-steel appliances. There is a two-car garage with a laundry. This home sits on a 2,700 square foot piece of property.  Orangetree is made up of five tracts of homes with approximately 1,360 residences. There are no Mello Roos fees in the Patio Homes development. Patio Homes was built by Presley Homes and there are 272 detached single-family homes in the development. Residents of Orangetree are within walking distance of Oak Creek Golf Course. Among the many amenities are two swimming pools, two spas, a fitness center, six tennis courts, and a clubhouse. 

Jammin in the Palm Court will take place on Sunday, March 13^th. To showcase the current art exhibit 52^ndStreet: Jazz and the Photography of William Gottlieb, the OC Great Park Palm Arts Complex is hosting a three-part series of live jazz performances. The three-part series will highlight the music of Dizzy Gillespie, Thelonious Monk, Ella Fitzgerald, and other jazz musicians of that era performed by The Earl Gordon Trio. The concert begins at 1pm and continues until 3pm. Bring chairs and blankets. The performances and parking are free, no pre-registration is required.  For more information about this event, or the many other things taking place in OC Great Park, see their website at: 

https://www.cityofirvine.org/news-media/calendar-of-events/event/jammin-palm-court-march-13.

Crystal Cove is a group of exclusive developments in the Newport Coast section of Newport Beach. Crystal Cove is between the Pacific Ocean and the Pacific Coast Highway, just north of Laguna Beach. Located at 6 Water Port, this 3,800 square foot home is part of the Coral Canyon development. This four-bedroom, five-bathroom home was built in 2017. Attention to detail can be seen in the use of plantation shutters, wood beamed ceilings and European oak plank flooring.The chef’s kitchen features a walk-in pantry, an oversized island, Wolf and Sub-Zero appliances. This home has views of the Pacific Ocean, white water, city night lights and spectacular evening sunsets.This home sits on a large 12,300 square foot piece of property with a cul-de-sac setting. Outdoors, homeowners will enjoy a separate guest casita, courtyard, covered loggia, saltwater spa, and barbeque island.Residents are within walking distance to the clubhouse. Residents have easy access to the Crystal Cove Promenade and the Crystal Cove State Park and Beach. 

Irvine is a large mastered planned city in Orange County. This 66 square mile city is divided in 34 individual villages, with residential developments, shopping, dining, schools, and parks. Located at 171 Stellar, this 1,900 square foot home is part of the Julep development in the Woodbury Village. This three-bedroom, three-bathroom home was built in 2018.  Attention to detail can be seen in the use of Plantation Shutters, hardwood floors and high ceilings. The gourmet kitchen features Caesarstone countertops, tile backsplash, large island, and stainless-steel appliances.  This home sits on a 3,000 square foot piece of property with a corner lot setting. Outdoors, homeowners will enjoy three balconies and front and rear patios.  This home has wonderful views of the surrounding mountains and greenbelt.  Julep was built in Shea Homes. Residents are very close to the community swimming pool and park. Woodbury is between Jaffrey Canyon and Sand Canyon on Trabuco Road.

The Irvine Fine Arts Center is hosting the exhibition Mirror in the Main Gallery and Gallery 2. This exhibit begins on January 29^th and runs through April 16^th. The Mirror will feature works that have “anecdotal and personal narratives as points of departure toward exploring ideas of fragmentation and ambivalence.” The participating artists are Gretchen Batcheller, Perin Mahler, and Kaitlynn Redell. Admission to the gallery and parking are free to the public. Irvine Fine Arts Center is located inside Heritage Community Park at 14321 Yale Avenue. For more information, see their website at: https://www.cityofirvine.org/irvine-fine-arts-center/current-exhibitions.

Crystal Cove is a group of luxury developments in the Newport Coast section of Newport Beach. Crystal Cove is also home to the Crystal Cove State Park and Beach, which has 2,400 acres of canyons, 18 miles of trails, and marine park. Located at 18 Swimmers Point, this 11,400 square foot home is part of theCrystal Cove Estate Collection. This six-bedroom, eleven-bathroom home was built in 2022. This home was designed by Robert Hidey Associates and was built by Weeks Falcone Construction, Inc.The home and property have astounding views of the Abalone Point, Pacific Ocean, white water, city night lights and stunning sunsets. This home sits on a very large 20,400 square foot piece of property, with a cul-de-sac setting. Residents have direct access to the regional trails of the area. Crystal Cove Estate Collection is a 24-hour guard gated community. Estate Collection residents are invited to join in all the resort style recreational activities offered at the Canyon Club Recreational Center, as are all residents on Crystal Cove. The Canyon Club is the social hub of Crystal Cove.

Irvine is a large mastered planned community in Orange County. This 66 square mile city is made-up of mostly flat valley land between Loma Ridge and San Joaquin Hills. Located at 126 Lemon Grove, this 660 square foot condo is part of Lake Condos in  Orangetree Village. This one bedroom, one bathroom condo was built in 1977. This is a lower-level unit which is one story. The condo has recently been remodeled with an open floor plan; large sliding glass doors lead to the private patio surrounded by lush landscaping. The kitchen features white cabinetry, quartz countertops and stainless-steel appliances.  Orangetree is bordered by Irvine Center Drive, Valley Oak Drive and Barranca Parkway. Among the many amenities offered in Orangetree are two swimming pools, a basketball court, and six tennis courts. Lake Condos has 421 attached condos built by Presley Homes.

The Philharmonic Society of Orange County and the Irvine Barclay Theatre is presenting a performance by the Orpheus Chamber Orchestra with Branford Marsalis. The concert will take place on Saturday, January 15^th, and will begin at 8pm. This performance is part of the inaugural season of the Distinctive Experiences series. Branford Marsalis will be featured on saxophone. The pieces that will be performed include Rossini, Overture to The Barber of Seville, Ibert, Concertino da camera and Bryan, Carmen, Jazz Suite on Themes by Bizet and much more. For more information or to purchase tickets, see their website at: https://www.thebarclay.org/buy-tickets/2021-2022-season-events/orpheus-chamber-orchestra-with-branford-marsalis.html.

Crystal Cove is a collection of luxury communities in the Newport Coast section of Newport Beach. Crystal Cove is just north of Laguna Beach. Located at 22 Baffin, this 3,900 square foot home is part of the Crystal Cove Custom Collection. This four-bedroom, six-bathroom home was built in 2000. The home is built around a central courtyard. Attention to detail can be seen in the cast stone fireplace, custom built-ins and sweeping staircase. The gourmet kitchen features white cabinetry, granite countertops and Viking appliances. There are gorgeous views of the Pacific Ocean, Catalina Island, Palos Verdes, white water, city night lights and picture-perfect sunsets. This home sits on a 7,000 square foot piece of property with a cul-de-sac setting. Outdoors, homeowners will enjoy a spa, built-uyin barbeque area, and outdoor dining area. Residents are within walking distance to the Crystal Cove Beach and the Crystal Cove Promenade. 

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. Located at 4 Palos 67, this 1,800 square foot home is part of theRancho San Joaquin Townhouses in Rancho San Joaquin Village. This three-bedroom, three-bathroom home was built in 1975. This two-story townhouse is situated on a quiet cul-de-sac. Attention to detail can be seen in the high-volume ceilings, large sliding doors and large dressing area. The eat-in kitchen features recessed lighting, and stainless-steel appliances. The townhouse has a private front yard and a gated courtyard. There is a direct access garage. Rancho San Joaquin Village offers many amenities including two swimming pools, spas, and tennis courts. The San Joaquin Golf Course is a short drive away, this was the first golf course in Irvine. William Mason Regional Park is across the street from the development.

The Irvine Spectrum Center is offering Skating Under the Stars and the sun. The ice rink is located in the Giant Wheel Court. The ice rink is open November 5^th through January 2^nd. Each day the ice rink opens at 3pm. The ice rink is open at intervals from 3pm to 4:30pm, 5pm to 6:30pm, 7pm to 8:30pm and 9pm to 10:30pm. Seasons passes are available, and tickets can be pre-purchased online. or more information, see their website at: https://www.irvinespectrumcenter.com/events-promotions/ice-skating.  

Lido Isle is situated in Newport Harbor and is part of the city of Newport Beach. There are 850 homes and a one yacht club on the island. Located at 105 Via Yella, this 2,100 square foot home has three bedrooms and three bathrooms. The home was built in 1958.  This home has been completely remodeled and features travertine flooring, high volume ceilings and a custom staircase. The galley kitchen has granite countertops, bar seating and stainless-steel appliances.  This home sits on a 2,600 square foot piece of property. Outdoors, homeowners will enjoy a wraparound patio, built-in seating, and an outdoor fireplace. Among the many amenities offered on Lido Isle are tennis courts, a private beach and a clubhouse. 

Irvine is a large mastered planned community in Orange County. Irvine is 66 square mile city made up of mostly flat valley land between the Loma Ridge and San Joaquin Hills. Located at 25 New Dawn, this 4,900 square foot home is part of the Rosegate development in Northwood Pointe Village. This five-bedroom, six-bathroom home was built in 1998. The grand entry is two stories and open onto the formal living room complete with a fireplace. The chef’s kitchen features stainless steel appliances, and a center island with a breakfast bar. This home sits on an 8,000 square foot piece of property. Outdoors, homeowners will enjoy a putting green, built-in barbeque area and in-ground spa in a courtyard garden.  Northwood Pointe is in East Irvine, between Portola Parkway, Jeffrey Road and Culver Drive. Homeowners are within walking distance to local schools, trails and the community swimming pool and sports courts. There are 54 detached homes in Rosegate.

The UCCE Masters Gardeners of Orange County are offering a workshop on succulent holiday arrangements. On Saturday, November 13^th, learn everything you need to know about sustainable home gardening practices. You will learn to create your own succulent centerpiece, how to start new succulent plants from cuttings and which plants work best for centerpieces. This is a demonstration only workshop, no supplies will be needed or provided. This is a free workshop for learners ages 12 and up. For more information, to see a full list of their offerings or register for this workshop, see either of these websites: https://www.cityofirvine.org/news-media/calendar-of-events/event/garden-workshop-succulent-arrangements-holidays or https://mgorange.ucanr.edu/. 

Crystal Cove is group of exclusive developments in the Newport Coast section of Newport Beach.  Crystal Cove is also home to the Crystal Cove State Park and Historical District. Located at 84 Archipelago, this 4,300 square foot home is part of the Oceana development. This five-bedroom, five-bathroom home was built in 2004. Attention to detail can be seen in the use of arched windows and doorways, use of timber beams, and whole house audio. The chef’s kitchen features three ovens, Viking six-burner stove and granite topped center island. The home has a 210 linear foot Pacific Ocean view. There are panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean, white water, city nights and colorful evening sunsets. This home sits on a large 15,000 square foot piece of property, with a corner lot and high bluff setting.  Outdoors, there are two guest casitas, courtyard, reflecting pool, fountain, wet bar, built-in barbeque kitchen and cabana with a firepit. Oceana residents are near the Crystal Cove Promenade with many shopping and dining options.   

Irvine is large master planned community in Orange County. This 66 square mile city is made up mostly flat landed between the Loma Ridge and San Joaquin Hills. The city was begun in the 1960’s and was incorporated in 1971. Located at 100 Headwaters, this 5,100 square foot home is part of The Groves development in Orchard Hills Village. This five-bedroom, six-bathroom home was built in 2019. Attention to detail can be seen in the floating fireplace, three-car finished garage and the butler’s area in the formal dining room. The chef’s kitchen features Quartzite countertops, Sub-Zero and Wolf appliances and large center island. This home has wonderful views of the Pacific Ocean, Catalina Island, city night lights and beautiful evening sunsets. This home sits on a large 15,000 square foot piece of property with views. The Groves was built by Toll Brothers and is a gated community. Among the many amenities offered in The Groves are a swimming pool, playground, and barbeque area. Orchard Hills is bordered by 241 Toll Road, the 261 Toll Road and Portola Parkway.

The Orange County Great Park is presenting the 2021 Irvine Global Village Festival on Saturday, October 9^th. The hours of the Global Village Festival are from 10am to 7pm.  There will be food, art, music all celebrating Irvine’s diverse community. The festival includes a Kids Village, local and global cuisine, an artisan marketplace, and multiple exhibits. The Kids Village will have hands on activities and petting zoo. This is the 20^th year anniversary for the festival. For more information, see their website at: https://www.cityofirvine.org/irvine-global-village-festival.

Pelican Hill is a group of five luxury developments in the Newport Coast section of the city of Newport Beach.The five developments are: Pelican Crest, Pelican Hill, Pelican Point, Pelican Ridge, and Pelican Ridge Estates. Located at 15 Shoreline, this 6,800 square foot home is part of the Pelican Point development. This four-bedroom, five-bathroom home was built in 1998. This home was designed by architect, Brion Jeanette. Attention to detail can be seen in the hand painted murals, wood cravings and use of limestone, marble, and hardwood. There are near panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean, white water, Catalina Island, city night lights and vibrant evening sunsets. This home sits on a 13,300 square foot piece of property, with a golf course setting. Pelican Point is a 24-hour guard gated community made-up of 48 custom built homes. Residents are just steps away from Crystal Cove Beach via a private access. 

Irvine is a large master planned city in Orange County, surrounded by the cities of Tustin, Santa Ana, Lake Forest, Laguna Hills, Costa Mesa and Newport Beach. This is a 66 square mile city designed by the Irvine Company in the 1960’s. Located at 19 Paso Robles, this 4,300 square foot home is part of the Northpark development in the Northpark Square Village. This five-bedroom, five-bathroom home was built in 2000. Attention to detail can be seen in the high-volume ceilings, fireplace, and direct access courtyard. The gourmet kitchen features a large center island, butler’s pantry, and breakfast nook.This home sits on an 8,900 square foot piece of property, with a corner lot setting.Outdoors, there was large patio trellis, mature landscaping, and built-in barbeque. Residents are within walking distance to the clubhouse. Northpark is a gated community. Northpark Square Village was designed and built by the Irvine Company in 2005. 

The University of California, Irvine is hosting an art show of the recent Master of Fine Arts Thesis works from the class of 2021.  This exhibition is titled A Lantern for Many Lives. This exhibit will feature works by Eugenia Barbuc, Andre Comtois, Ian Dolton-Thornton, Ivy Guild, Luis Moreno-Napoles and Laura Solomon. The exhibit will be held in the Room Gallery, University Art Gallery and Contemporary Arts Center. A Lantern for Many Lives looks at the “cohort’s preservation of itself as a group by choice more than circumstance, while in occupation of shifting ground.” Medium include pen and ink, music, steel, blueprints, animation, and painting. Look for three more exhibits in Fall, 2021. For more information, see their website at: https://www.arts.uci.edu/event/lantern-many-lives.

Newport Beach is one of the oldest beach front city’s in Orange County, having been incorporated in 1906.Newport Beach has approximately 85,000 residents. Located at 1736 Antigua Way, this 3,00 square foot home is part of the Dover Shore scommunity. This four-bedroom, four-bathroom home was built in 1965.This is a one level home. There is recreation room which can be changed into a fifth bedroom. The home has a three-car garage with ample storage. This home sits on a large 12,000 square foot piece of property, with a corner lot setting. Outdoors, homeowners will enjoy a swimming pool, spa, outdoor kitchen, built-in barbeque area and pizza oven. Dover Shores is in the Upper Newport Bay area of Newport Beach. There are 310 homes in this development. 

Irvine is a large master planned city in Orange County.  This 66 square mile city is made-up of mostly flat valley land between Loma Ridge and San Joaquin Hills.  Located at 294 Lemon Grove, this 1,000 square foot home is part of the Villas development in the Orangetree Village.  This two-bedroom, two-bathroom condo was built in 1983. This move-in ready, one level condo is on the ground level.  The condo features a living room, kitchen and dining area. This bathrooms have recently been remodeled. The eat-in kitchen has granite countertops and stainless steel appliances. Residents are across the street from Oak Creek Golf Course. Orangetree is bordered by Irvine Center Drive, Valley Oak Drive, and Barranca Parkway. Villas was built by Presley Hoes, there are 100 units in this complex.  There are many amenities in Orangetree including two swimming pools, a basketball court, and six tennis courts.

The Irvine Barclay Theatre is partnering with the City of Irvine to bring live music concerts to the Mike Ward Community Park. On Friday, August 13^th, Darcie Roberts will be performing Back To Broadway.  The concert begins at 6pm. Concerts are free to attend. All concerts are family friendly. There will be on site food trucks or bring your own picnic dinner. Also, bring your chairs and a blanket to enjoy the concert. General admission tickets are free and pre-registration is required. There are reserved tickets with preferred seating for $10, near the front of the stage. There are also VIP tickets available for $20 with front section seating. For more information, see their website at: https://www.thebarclay.org/buy-tickets/2021-2022-season-events/darcie-roberts.html.

Irvine is a large master planned city which is 66 square miles made up of mostly flat land between the Loma Ridge and the San Joaquin Hills. The city was developed by the Irvine Company and was incorporated in 1971. Located at 51 Dunmore, this 5,700 square foot home is part of the Stonegate Village. This five-bedroom, six-bathroom home was built in 2017. This home has a full basement, with one bedroom, one bathroom, entertainment room, game room and kitchen area. The gourmet kitchen has granite countertops, professional grade appliances and a separate prep kitchen. This home sits on a 7,600 square foot home. Stonegate Village is adjacent to Woodbury and Woodbury East. Residents are within a short drive to University Town Center and Orchard Hills Village Center. 

Corona del Mar is part of the Newport Beach.Corona del Mar is known locally as CDM and it is also Spanish for “Crown of the Sea.” Located at 322 Iris Avenue, this 2,800 square foot home is part of the South PCH community. This five-bedroom, four-bathroom home was built in 1970. This is a duplex property, perfect to live in one unit and rent one unit out. Both units were remodeled in 2012, with new kitchens and bathroom, windows, and wood floors. The updated kitchens have quartz countertops and stainless-steel appliances. This home sits on a 4,700 square foot piece of property with a corner lot setting.Residents are within walking distance to the beach. South CDM is a quiet neighborhood on the south side of the Pacific Coast Highway. 

The Orange County Great Park is hosting a new exhibit: “Chuck Jones: Season of Creativity.” This exhibit opens on Sunday, July 4^th and it runs through Sunday, September 12^th, 2021. The Exhibition Opening Event will be on Sunday, July 4^th from 1 to 3 pm. This exhibit is designed to explore animation from “script to screen through original art, writing, and other ephemera created by Chuck Jones.” Chuck Jones created more than 300 films with nine Oscar nominations, winning three and being awarded an honorary Oscar for Lifetime Achievement in 1996. The exhibit includes art, creative programs, educational lectures, and a film series. Admission is free. For more information, see their website at: https://www.cityofirvine.org/orange-county-great-park/exhibitions.

Newport Beach is one of the oldest cities in Orange County, having been incorporated in 1906. Newport Beach is home to Pelican Hill, Newport Coast, Balboa Peninsula and Newport Bay. Located at 1921 Windward Lane, this 5,200 Square foot home is part of the Dover Shores community. This five-bedroom, six-bathroom custom home was built in 2007. Attention to detail can be seen in the use of double Dutch French doors, the guest suite, and craft room. The chef’s kitchen professional grade appliances, opens onto the family room and the dining room.  This home sits on a large 12,000 square foot piece of property. Outdoors, homeowners will enjoy private, landscaped backyard with an outdoor living room with a fireplace and tv. There is a ten-foot-deep swimming pool and spa. The third-floor outdoor deck features an outdoor fire pit and fireplace.  Dover Shores is in the Upper Newport Bay with views of Upper Newport Back Bay. There are 310 single family homes in Dover Shores. Dover Shores has two private beaches for residents to use, North Star Beach and Larry’s Beach. 

Irvine is a large master planned city which is 66 square miles of mostly made-up of mostly flat valley land between the Loma Ridge and San Joaquin Hills. The city was begun by the Irvine Company in the 1960’s. Located at 101 Ambiance, this 3,700 square foot home is part of the Sienna Development in the Quail Hill Village. This four-bedroom, five-bathroom home was built in 2003. Recently renovated, this home has a two-story foyer, wide plank wood flooring and rounded archways. The gourmet kitchen features Stone countertops, stainless steel appliances and a custom backsplash. The home has beautiful views of the surrounding mountains and city night lights.  This home sits on a 10,000 square foot piece of property with a cul-de-sac setting. Outdoors, homeowners will enjoy a spa and waterfall, firepit, covered seating area and mature gardens. Quail Hill is in the foothills west of the 405 Freeway off San Canyon Road bordering Shady Canyon. Sienna was built by Standard Pacific Homes. Students living in this area attend Alderwood Elementary School, Rancho San Joaquin Middle School and University High School.