The Sherman Library and Gardens is offering a Koi Fish and Lilypond painting class.  On August 10^th, from 10am to 12:30pm, local artist Helen Plehn will teach this acrylic painting class. You will go home with colorful Koi and Waterlily pond, 8” by 10” canvas painting. The instructor will guide you through how to do a fifteen-minute Waterlily and Koi meditation while waiting for the acrylic paint layers to dry.  All materials will be provided. This class is designed for all levels of ability from beginner to accomplished. The cost is $110 for members and $120 for non-members. For more information, see their website at: https://thesherman.org/event/painting-class-koi-fish-lilypond/. 

Irvine is a large master planned city bordered by Tustin, Santa Ana, Lake Forest, Laguna Hills, Costa Mesa and Newport Beach. Irvine was begun in the 1960’s by the Irvine Company and incorporated in 1971. Located at 2 Sunpeak, this 6,100 square foot home is part of the Crest development in the Turtle Rock Village. This five-bedroom, four-bathroom home was built in 2010. Attention to detail can be seen in the high-volume ceilings, custom fireplace, and bay style windows. The chef’s kitchen features a refrigerator, large center island and dual oven. This home sits on a 10,500 square foot piece of property, with a corner lot setting. Turtle Rock is in the south section of Irvine, near Newport Beach. Among the many amenities offered in Turtle Rock are a clubhouse, swimming pools, tennis courts and five acres of outdoor spaces. 

Pelican Hill is part of the Newport Coast section of Newport Beach. The population of Newport Beach is 85,000 while the population of Newport Coast is 10,000 residents giving it a close-knit feel. Located at 7 Shoreview, this 11,000 square foot home is part of the Pelican Point development.This six-bedroom, ten-bathroom home was built in 2003. Attention to detail can be seen in the use of walnut, stone and ebony floors, paneled office and use of artisan lanterns. There is elevator access to all levels. The home has a gym, second entertaining kitchen, and luxurious master suite. The home sits on a large 24,000 piece of property, with views of the 13^th hole of the Pelican Hill Golf Course. Outdoors, homeowners will enjoy a mosaic tiles swimming pool, spa, outdoor fireplace, barbeque station, and detached casita. Pelican Point is a 24-hour guard gated with 48 custom built estates.

Fourth of July on Back Bay is back!  On Sunday, July 4^th, at Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort and Marina, enjoy a day packed with fun and celebratory activities.  The event gets under way at 8am and goes all day and evening. Arrive early to set-up your beach chairs and umbrella. There will be water activities including the inflatable water park, rental kayaks, paddle boards, pedal boats, and Duffy boats. The Newport Dunes restaurant will be open and there will a Food Truck Feast, featuring nine different food trucks. Newport Dunes is located at 1131 Back Bay Drive in Newport Beach. There will be two live entertainment locations with full bar set-ups. Life size lawn games will include Jenga, Connect 4, and a bean bag toss. Cap off the end of the evening with fireworks sponsored by the City of Newport Beach. For more information, see their website at: NewportDunes.com/event/independence-day-on-the-back-bay/.

Corona del Mar is a part of the Newport Coast in the city of Newport Beach. Corona del Mar is locally known as the CDM which is Spanish for “Crown of the Sea.” Located at 4700 Surrey Drive, this 12,000 square foot home is part of the Cameo Highlands community. This five-bedroom, ten-bathroom estate was built in 2011.  Attention to detail can be seen in the floor to ceiling windows, Italian lava rock stone flooring a Baccarat chandelier. The home features a underground disco with 69 hidden subwoofers, home theater, subterranean garage. The gourmet kitchen has marble countertops, custom cabinetry, and a Miele coffee system.  The home and the property have wonderful views of the Pacific Ocean, white water, coastline, and spectacular evening sunsets. This custom-built estate sits on a 47,000 square foot piece of property, with a golf course setting. Outdoors, homeowners will enjoy a swimming pool, spa, sauna, koi pond, cabana, outdoor kitchen, and barbeque with a refrigerator. In addition, there is a large roof top deck. Cameo Highlands has 142 single family homes. Cameo Highlands homes are single leveled and terraced, so everyone’s view is ensured. Residents enjoy access to a private beach. 

Pelican Hill is a part of the Newport Coast section of Newport Beach.  Newport Beach has population of approximately 85,000 residents, while Newport Coast has a population of only 10,000 residents giving it close-knit feel. Located at 7 Shoreview, this 11,000 square foot home is part of the Pelican Point community. This six-bedroom, ten-bathroom home was built in 2003.  Attention to detail can be seen in the custom stonework, artisan lanterns and walnut and ebony floors. The gourmet kitchen features a large center island. There is also gym, elevator and second entertaining kitchen off the pool side terrace. There is elevator access to all levels. This home sits on a large 24,000 square foot piece of property, set on the 13^th hole of the Pelican Hill Golf Course. Outdoors, homeowners will enjoy mosaic lined swimming pool, spa, fireplace, built in barbeque station and a casita. Pelican Point is a 24-hour guard gated neighborhood with 48 custom built estates.

Crystal Cove State Park has created some new programs both virtual and in-person. Among the programs are Junior Ranger videos, virtual hikes, and scavenger hunts. Kids will love “What Clues do Animals Leave?,” Animal Evidence Word Search,  and Animal Evidence Scavenger Hunt. Zooniverse is a way to help Crystal Cove Conservancy, study the health of their mammal population. There are also field guides available for Mammals and Reptiles, Birds and Insects.  Lots to look forward to for summer. For more information about any of these programs, see their website at: http://www.crystalcovestatepark.org/onlinesummeractivities/. 

Costa Mesa is an Orange County city, surrounded by Huntington Beach, Irvine and Newport Beach. This 16 square mile city is just one mile from the Pacific Ocean. Located at 217 Wake Forest Road, this 1,500 square foot home is part of Eastside Costa Mesa. This three-bedroom, two-bathroom home was built in 1958. This is your chance to own a vintage Costa Mesa cottage. The home has newly remolded bathrooms, new lighting, flooring and interior and exterior paint. Attention to detail can be seen in the custom barn door, custom roller shades and built-in wine refrigerator. This home sits on a 7,700 square foot piece of property. Eastside Costa Mesa is just a short distance from Upper Newport Bay Nature Preserve. 

Pelican Hill is group of five communities in the Newport Coast section of Newport Beach. The five communities are: Pelican Crest, Pelican Hill, Pelican Point, Pelican Ridge and Pelican Ridge Estates. Located at 2 Pelican Point Drive, this 6,900 square foot home is part of the Pelican Pointdevelopment. This five-bedroom, six-bathroom home was built in 2005. Attention to detail can be seen in the use chandeliers, grand entrance staircase and plantation shutters. There are far reaching views of the Pacific Ocean, Catalina Island, whitewater, city night lights and amazing sunsets. This home sits on a large, 11,600 square foot piece of property which sits on the golf course. Outdoors, homeowners will enjoy a tropical feeling yard and garden with a swimming pool, spa and entertaining terrace. Pelican Point is a 24-hour guard gated community with just 48 custom built estates.

The Sculpture Exhibit in Civic Center Park is in Phase VI. Ten new pieces were approved for installation in February, along with three alternate pieces. Installation of the new pieces is scheduled for June of 2021. Exhibits within this museum without walls, generally stay for two years. Pieces being installed this year are to remain in place until 2023. Admission is free.  For more information about the sculpture exhibit; see their website at: https://www.newportbeachca.gov/government/departments/library-services/cultural-arts/sculpture-in-civic-center-park-exhibition.

Lido Isle is an island in Newport Harbor and is part of the city of Newport Beach.  Lido Isle is one of the oldest master planned communities in California, having been begun in the 1920’s. Located at 318 Via Lido Soud, this 2,700 square foot home has three bedrooms and three bathrooms. This house features a view spa, roof-top deck and a pool with a translucent walk-over bridge stretching nearly the entire property. This home sits on an oversized corner lot.  There are near panoramic views of the Back Bay, Pacific Ocean, white water, city night lights and vibrant evening sunsets. Among the many amenities offered on Lido Isle are a sports court, clubhouse, tennis courts and a boat dock. 

Pelican Hill is a section of Newport Coast with five exclusive developments. Pelican Hill’s developments are: Pelican Crest, Pelican Hill, Pelican Point, Pelican Ridge and Pelican Ridge Estates. Located at 2 Pelican Point Drive, this 6,900 square foot home is part of the Pelican Point community. This five-bedroom, six-bathroom home was built in 2005. Attention to detail can be seen in the grand staircase, chandeliers and fireplaces. The master suite has a private balcony with ocean views.  There is elevator access to all levels. The home has a six-car subterranean garage. This home sits on a large 11,600 square foot piece of property, right on the golf course. There are awe-inspiring views of the Pacific Ocean, white water, city night lights, golf course and stunning sunsets. Outdoors, homeowners will enjoy a swimming pool, gardens and a large amount of entertaining space. Pelican Point is a 24-hour guard gated development with just 48 custom built estates.

Pirates Cove Beach is in Newport Beach and is one of the smaller beaches in the Corona Del Mara State Beach. It is on the west side of the parking lot. The beach sits at the entrance channel for Newport Bay which keeps the water calmer and more accessible. There are large cliffs and alcoves around the beach, which are fun for children and photographers. Pirates Cove is considered a city park and is just below the city park, Lookout Point Park.  Both parks have excellent views. There is a staircase which provides safe access from the park to the beach. 

Corona del Mar is part of the city of Newport Beach.  Corona del Mar is locally known at CDM and it is Spanish for “Crown of the Sea.” Located at 2514 Bayside, this 2,400 square foot home is part of the South PCH neighborhood. This three-bedroom, three-bathroom home was built in 2010.  This home was designed by Robert McCarthy and Bill Guidero. The gourmet kitchen features a Viking Range, granite countertops, center island and opens onto the dining room. There is elevator access to all levels. Outdoors, homeowners will enjoy a large deck with views of the evening sunsets, Newport Bay and the Pacific Ocean. Residents are within walking distance to the Corona del Mar Village, with a variety of shops and restaurants. South PCH is a very quiet, family-oriented area. 

Pelican Hill is part of the Newport Coast section of Newport Beach. Newport Coast has approximately 10,000 residents giving a small town, close-knit feel. Located at 7 Harbor Light, this 11,000 square foot home is part of the Pelican Hilldevelopment. This seven-bedroom, eleven-bathroom home was built in 2020. The interior was designed by Barclay Butera. Attention to detail can be seen in the use of stone, wood and pocket doors. The estate features a library, gym and catering kitchen. The home and property have word-class views of the surrounding canyons, hills, Pacific Ocean, Catalina Island, city night lights and vibrant evening sunsets. This home sits on a very large 25,000 square foot piece of property, with a corner lot setting. Outdoors, homeowners will enjoy a swimming pool and loggia. Pelican Hill is a 24-hour guard gated community, with just 140 custom built home.

Newport Beach is a wonderful place for whaling watching throughout the year whales migrate through this area. In the early spring months, gray whales are predominantly seen. Besides seeing the whales from onshore, there are many whale watching cruises including Davey’s Locker and Newport Landing Whale Watching. Look at each individual cruise to see how large it is and how it best fits the experience you are looking for. Most cruises disembark at the end of Palm Street on the Balboa Peninsula, near the Balboa Fun Zone. This is a great away to experience many different things that Newport Beach has to offer. For more information, see their website at: https://www.visitnewportbeach.com/things-to-do/whale-watching/.

Newport Coast is part of the city of Newport Beach, in Orange County. Newport Coast is just north of Laguna Beach. Newport Coast is home to some of Orange County’s most sought-after real estate. 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 wrought iron staircase, crown moldings and wood flooring. The gourmet kitchen features stainless steel appliances, granite counter tops and pullouts in the cabinets.The home and property have long reaching 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 large, covered patio with a T.V., barbeque area, outdoor kitchen, swimming pool and spa. Pienza is part of the Pacific Ridge community, which is a 24-hour guard gated community.

Pelican Hill is a section of Newport Coast. Newport Coast has a population of 10,000, giving it a close-knit feel. Pelican Hill is a group of five luxury developments that surround the Pelican Hill Resort, Spa and Golf Courses. Located at 6 Shoreview, this eight-bedroom, nineteen-bathroom home is part of the Pelican Point development. This 19,000 square foot home was built in 2013.This estate was designed by architect David Ko and interior design by Thurston Boyd, and theater designed Theo Kalomirakis. The home features a gourmet kitchen, an Italian Bistro, nightclub and lounge with a bar. This home sits on a very large 31,000 square foot piece of property with a cul-de-sac setting. Outdoors, homeowners will enjoy a swimming pool, spa, outdoor kitchen, and pizza oven. There is subterranean parking for six cars. Pelican Point is home to 48 custom built estates, with 24-hour guard gated community.

Mariner’s Mile is a section of the Pacific Coast Highway home to million-dollar yachts, cruise companies and sailing adventures. This is the place to rent a Duffy boat to explore the harbor. You can even take a romantic gondola ride here. Located in the cliffs above Back Bay is Castaways Park, offering stunning views of the bay and harbor. Castaways Park is just minutes from the Pacific Coast Highway. This is a dog friendly park with exhibits of native plants and pet friendly restaurants. Walk the loop at the park, which is stroller friendly and has harbor views. For more information, see their website at: https://funorangecountyparks.com/castaways-park-newport-beach.html.

Shady Canyon is a group of three luxury communities in the Turtle Rock section of the city Irvine. Shady Canyon is an 800-acre community with 400 estate type homes and 1,000 residents. Located at 46 Copper Creek, this 7,400 square foot home is part of the Shady Canyon Custom community. This six-bedroom, eight-bathroom home was built in 2005. The home features a formal living room with a wet bar, formal dining room, elevator and eight car garage. The chef’s kitchen has built-in wine storage, butler’s pantry and opens onto the great room. This home sits on a very large 30,000 square foot piece of property. The homeowner’s association offers many amenities including parks and green space, clubhouses, fitness center, swimming pools, spas and tennis courts.  

Pelican Hill is coastal development in the Newport Coast section of Newport Beach. The neighborhoods of Pelican Hill surround the world class 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.  There is a primary kitchen and a secondary caterer’s kitchen. The home features library, gym and theater.  There are spectacular views of the Pacific Ocean, Catalina Island, city night lights and vibrant evening sunsets. This home sits on large 25,000 square foot piece of property with a corner lot setting. Outdoors homeowners will enjoy a loggia and deck. Pelican Hill is a 24-hour guard gated community with 140 custom built homes.

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.