Newport Beach Library’s E Branch is always open. The E Branch has databases, eBooks, eAudiobooks, streaming videos and eMagazines. Databases are accessible online that allow you to search genealogical records, homework help, test prep, investment information, career tools and research statistics. There are thousands of books available to read on your computer or mobile device ranging from children’s books, to fiction, non-fiction and in foreign languages. Streaming video has a large number of films, documentaries, family classics and travel shows available from OverDrive or Kanopy.  Finally, eMagazines are available for reading on your mobile device. For more information or use the eBranch, see their website at; https://www.newportbeachlibrary.org/ebranch.

Newport Coast is in the south end of Newport Beach, just north of Laguna Beach. Newport Coast is ideally situated between Los Angeles and San Diego. Located at 25 Overlook Drive, this 5,500 square foot home is part of the Cassis development. This five-bedroom, five-bathroom home was built in 2002. Attention to detail can be seen in the high-volume ceilings, fireplace and paneled library. The chef’s kitchen features a Calibur range and custom hood.

Recently remodeled, this Villa type home has wonderful views of the Pacific Ocean, Catalina Island, Newport Harbor and city night lights. This home sits on a 12,000 square foot piece of property. Outdoors, homeowners will enjoy a swimming pool, spa, firepit, and two covered loggias. Cassis was built by Brookfield Homes and is a 24-hour guard gated community. Among the many amenities offered in Cassis are a swimming pool, tennis courts and a clubhouse.

Pelican Hill is a group of luxury developments in the Newport Coast section of Newport beach. The five developments; Pelican Coast, Pelican Hill, Pelican Ridge, Pelican Point, Pelican Ridge Estates, surround the world class Pelican Hill Resort, Spa and Golf Courses. Located at 6 Kingsport Drive, this 5,100 square foot home is part of the Pelican Ridge community. This five-bedroom, six-bathroom home was built in 1996. Attention to detail can be seen in the vaulted ceilings, costume woodwork and fireplace. The chef’s kitchen has two islands, double ovens and a Sub-Zero refrigerator. There are views of the surrounding hills and canyons. This home sits on a large 11,700 square foot piece of property. Outdoors, homeowners will enjoy a swimming pool, waterfall, and spa. Pelican Ridge is a 24-hour guard gated neighborhood developed by the Irvine Company. 

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.

The Edible Gardening Series at Roger’s Gardens is back and currently is being done virtually. On Friday, December 11^th, the Edible Gardening Series will feature Christine Rasmussen with an installment on Citrus Maintenance.  This will air at 4pm. This is the perfect time of year for citrus pruning, care and maintenance to ensure a successful harvest. On Saturday, December 19^th, the Edible Gardening Series with Lauren Anderson will take place live on Instagram and Facebook at 9am. Lauren will speak about vegetables that can be harvested in approximately six weeks during the winter season. This installment will focus on Cool Season Salad Gardens. For more information, see their website at: https://www.rogersgardens.com/blogs/live-streams.

Laguna Beach is situated just south of Newport Beach and has a population of approximately 23,000 residents.Laguna Beach has seven miles of pristine sandy beach. Located at 675 Nyes Place, this 4,600 square foot home is part of the Portafina community. This six-bedroom, five-bathroom home was built in 2000. This home was designed by Gregg Abel and designed to have ocean views from nearly every room. Attention to detail can be seen in the hand carved fireplace, Mahogany entry door and Cherry wood flooring. In addition, the home has a theater room, wine cellar and lounge. This home sits on a large 16,000 square foot piece of property. Outdoors, homeowners will find multiple decks and well-maintained gardens. Portafina is in the hills of South Laguna off of Nyes Place road. Due to its high bluff setting, Portafina has amazing views of the Pacific Ocean.

Pelican Hillis one of the most sought-after communities in Newport Beach.This community has five unique developments surrounding the Pelican Hill Resort, Spa and Golf Courses. Located at 7 Harbor Light, this 10,000 square foot home is part of the Pelican Hill development.This six-bedroom, ten-bathroom home was built in 2020. This estate was designed by Barclay Butera. Attention to detail can be seen in the use fine stone surfaces, use of hardwood and open-air entry courtyard. There is a secondary caterer’s kitchen for easy entertaining. In addition, the home has a library, gym and theater.The home and property have endless views of the surrounding hills, canyons, the Pacific Ocean, Catalina Island, and evening sunsets. This home sits on a very large 25,000 square foot piece of property with a corner lot setting. Pelican Hill has 140 custom built estates. This is a 24-hour guard gated community. 

The 30^th Annual Lighting of the Bay will be taking place on Sunday, November 29^th. The Lighting event begins at 3pm and continues until 7pm. This is a great beginning for your holiday staycation. The Newport Dunes Resort is kicking off the holiday season with lighting more than 40 LED holiday trees and floats. The lighting will remain up and lite through New Year’s Day.  There will also be a Movie of the Beach for visitors to enjoy. This event is appropriate for all ages. The Lighting event is free to the public and parking is $10 per vehicle. For more information about the Annual Lighting event, see their website at: 

https://www.newportdunes.com/event/lighting-of-the-bay/.

Crystal Cove is a home to several luxury residential developments and The Crystal Cove State Park.  The Crystal Cove State Park has 3.2 miles of coastline, 400 acres of bluffs, 2,400 acres of canyons, 1,400 acre marine park and 18 miles of trails. 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, fireplace and all en suite bedrooms. The gourmet kitchen features custom cabinetry, natural stone countertops and stainless-steel appliances. There are views from the home and property of the Pacific Ocean, white water, city night lights and evening sunsets.  This home sits on a 7,800 square foot piece of property. Outdoors, homeowners will enjoy a spa, fire pit and mature landscaping. Residents can use a private trail to access the beach. Nautilus is a 24-hour guard gated development. Nautilus residents, as are all Crystal Cove residents, are invited to join in all the resort style recreational activities at the Canyon Club Recreational Center. 

Pelican Hill is home to five exclusive residential communities and the Pelican Hill Resort, Spa and Golf Courses.  The developments include Pelican Crest, Pelican Hill, Pelican Point, Pelican Ridge and Pelican Ridge Estates. Located 4 Seastar Court, this 5,500 square foot home is part of Pelican Ridge Estates. This five bedroom, six bathroom home was built in 1998. Attention to detail can be seen in the use of driftwood hued floors, Carrara porcelain and high-volume ceilings. The gourmet kitchen features a large center island, slab quartz countertops and a breakfast room with a fireplace. This home sits on a large 13,000 square foot piece of property with a cul-de-sac setting. Outdoors, homeowners will enjoy a swimming pool, spa, water features and putting green. Pelican Ridge Estates is a 24 hour guard gated community planned and developed by the Irvine Company. The homeowner’s association provides a guard gate, clubhouse, swimming pool and tennis courts. 

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.

Surfing is open at “The Wedge.” “The Wedge” is Newport Beach’s hottest surf spot.  The waves at this spot are shore-breaking waves, with some of the biggest swells in Southern California. Waves here have the potential to reach thirty feet. In addition to surfing and body surfing, “The Wedge” offers a great place for photography, boat watching, and people watching. This is one of the best places in Newport Beach to watch the sunset. “The Wedge” is located in the east end of Balboa Peninsula. For more information about “The Wedge” or the latest surfing conditions, see their website at: https://www.surfline.com/surf-report/the-wedge/5842041f4e65fad6a770882b.

Laguna Beach is exclusive beachside community, which is one of the oldest cities in Orange County. Smaller, than neighboring Newport Beach, Laguna Beach has a population of 23,000 residents. Located at 261 Highland Road, this 5,100 square foot home is part of the Upper Victoria Beach community. This five bedroom, five bathroom home was built in 2007. The gourmet kitchen features a stainless steel Gaggenau 5 burner stove, vegetable sink, dual dishwashers and a large center island. Attention to detail can be seen in the hard wood floors, fireplace and travertine floors. The home has floor to ceiling views of Victoria beach, white water, Pacific Ocean, city night lights and the coastline. This home sits on a 5,900 square foot piece of property, with a cul-de-sac setting. Upper Victoria beach is on the eastside of the Pacific Coast Highway in South Laguna Beach. Residents are within walking distance to Victoria Beach, with private access under the highway.  

Pelican Hill is part of the Newport Coast section of Newport Beach. Pelican Hill is one of the most exclusive real estate enclaves in Orange County. Located at 5 Avalon Vista, this 14,000 square foot home is part of the Pelican Crest development. This six bedroom home, nine bathroom estate was built in 2006. Attention to detail can be seen in the high-volume ceilings, the first-class home theater and game room. The near panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean, Newport Harbor, Catalina Island, Palos Verdes, city night lights and picture-perfect sunsets. The home sits on a 35,000 square foot piece of property. Outdoors, homeowners will enjoy mature gardens, a swimming pool, spa and built-in barbeque. Pelican Crest is a 24-hour guard gated community with just 158 custom built estates. Pelican Crest sits just above the Crystal State Park.

12 Dunes Bluff in Newport Coast, was just sold by Michael Franco

Just recently, Michael Franco, of MWA Luxury Real Estate, sold the home at 12 Dunes Bluff in Newport Coast.  Whether you are buying or selling, Michael Franco offers professional and efficient service in Orange County. He recently handled the listing and sale of the property at 12 Dunes Bluff, which sold for 4.8 million dollars.  This home is 3,800 square feet with four bedrooms and 4.5 bathrooms. Attention to detail can be seen in the use of stone flooring, wood flooring and elegant moldings. Built in 2005, the home has 180-degree views of the Pacific Ocean, Catalina Island, coastline, whitewater, city night lights and vibrant sunsets.  This home is part of the Crystal Cove development which is located in Newport Coast. Outdoors, homeowners will enjoy an open-air courtyard, outdoor fireplace and guest casita. Crystal Cove is just north of Laguna Beach. Crystal Cove is 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. Although, this property has been sold, Michael has many others he can show throughout Crystal Cove and the greater Orange County area. Michael is always available at 949-200-2383 or at michael@mwaluxury.com.

Michael Franco sells 30 Pelican Point Drive in Newport Coast

Michael Franco of MWA Luxury Real Estate sold the estate at 30 Pelican Point Drive in May of 2020.  Michael Franco offers unparalleled real estate services, whether you are buying or selling property in Orange County. 30 Pelican Point sold for $9,000,000. This 7,100 square foot home is part of the Pelican Point development in Pelican Hill. Built in 2005, Villa Del Mare has the finest finishes, inside and out. This is a four-bedroom, seven-bathroom home with a seven-space subterranean garage. With panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean, white water, the Newport Coastline, and the Pelican Hill Golf Course, the property is ideal for entertaining. The custom-built estate has a 400-bottle wine cellar, theater lounge and a Savant Smart Home System. Pelican Point is a 24-hour guard community with just 48 custom built estates. Although, this property has been sold, Michael has many others ready to show you in Pelican Hill, Crystal Cove and Newport Coast. Michael is always available at 949-200-2383 or at michael@mwaluxury.com.

The Newport Beach Library is still closed but they are offering many online programs and curbside pick-up. The library staff has worked hard to put in a curb side pick-up program which meets current safety standards. Curbside pick-up is available at the Central Library, Corona del Mar Branch, Balboa Library and Crean Mariners Library. Pick-up is open Monday through Saturday from 9am to 5pm. The library is doing automatic renewals for eligible materials. The reference library is open by phone or email to answer questions. For more information about current services at the library, see their website at: https://www.newportbeachlibrary.org/about/library-closure-faq.

Laguna Beach is situated just south of Newport Beach in Orange County. This city is dedicated to the arts with over 180 artists in residence, 80 plus art galleries, a weekly art walk and three large scale art festivals each year. Located at 31151 Ceanothus Drive, this 4,600 square foot home is part of the Coast Royal development. This four bedroom, four bathroom home was built in 1948. The gourmet kitchen features custom cabinetry, leathered granite countertops, a Viking range and double oven and a Sub-Zero refrigerator. Attention to detail can be seen in the beamed ceilings, 2,000 bottle wine cabinet and infrared sauna. There are terrific views of the Pacific Ocean, the coastline, Palos Verdes, Catalina Island, city night lights and beautiful evening sunsets. This home sits on a 4,600 square foot piece of property. Outdoors, there is a built-in barbeque area and a large deck. Coast Royal is in the South Laguna area in the hills above Aliso Beach Park. Beaches are just a short walking distance. 

Pelican Hill is part of the Newport Coast section of Newport Beach.  The Pelican Hill development surrounds the World Class Pelican Hill Resort, Spa and Golf Courses. Located at 4 Seastar Court, this 5,500 square foot home is part of the Pelican Ridge Estates development. This five bedroom and six bathroom home was built in 1998. Attention to detail can be seen in the use of slab Carrara quartz countertops, high volume ceilings and porcelain flooring. The gourmet kitchen features a large center island, a breakfast room with a fireplace and quartz countertops. There are two main level bedrooms. This home sits on a large 13,000 square foot piece of property with a cul-de-sac setting. Outdoors, homeowners will enjoy a swimming pool, spa, fire pit, outdoor barbeque and kitchen and a putting green. This 24 hour guard gated neighborhood was developed by the Irvine Company. Pelican Ridge Estates is positioned in the bluffs above the Crystal Cove State Park and Beach.