The Laguna Art Museum is presenting the exhibit Travels in Mexico. The exhibition highlights the Crain collection of 20^th century California Watercolors. The paintings were done in Mexico between 1930 and the 1980’s. Featured artists include: Rex Brandt, Phil Dike, Emil Kosa, Phil Paradise, Millard Sheets and Milford Zornes. Advanced ticket purchase is required. General admission tickets are $7. The Laguna Art Museum is located at 307 Cliff Drive in Laguna Beach. For more information or to purchase tickets, see their website at: https://lagunaartmuseum.org/exhibitions/travels-in-mexico-watercolors-from-the-diane-and-e-gene-crain-collection/.

Costa Mesa is a 16 square mile city surrounded by Huntington Beach, Irvine and Newport Beach. Costa Mesa was incorporated in 1953 and has a population of 110,000 residents. Located at 68 Hanover Drive, this 2,000 square foot home is part of the College Park Collection. This four bedroom, two bathroom home was built in 1957.  This single level home has been completely remodeled with an open floor plan. The kitchen features a subway tile backsplash, quartz countertops, and stainless-steel appliances. This home sits on a 6,300 square foot piece of property. The large backyard is perfect for barbecues. College Park is one of the first master planned communities in Costa Mesa. Residents are within a short drive to South Coast Plaza, The Camp, and The Orange County Performing Arts Center. 

Laguna Beach is situated just south of Newport Beach in Orange County. This popular beachside town has a population of approximately 23,000 residents. Located at 31012 Aliso Circle, this 2,300 square foot home is part of the Aliso Laguna development. This three bedroom, three bathroom home was built in 1979.  The home has been completely rebuilt from the ground up. The kitchen features granite countertops, stainless appliances and custom cabinetry. This home sits on a 3,700 square foot piece of property. The home has wonderful views of the Pacific Ocean, white water, city night lights and brilliant colored sunsets. Homeowners are next to the pedestrian bridge to Aliso Beach.  Aliso Laguna is in the heart of Laguna Beach and is home to one of Laguna Beach’s most famous streets, “Ocean Vista Street.” Residents are within walking distance to South Laguna Beach for shopping and dining. 

The Promenade on Forest is open. There is shopping, outdoor dining, and art. There is space for both display art and performance space. This is a pedestrian only area on Forest Avenue; from Coast Highway to Glenneyre Street.  This space will remain pedestrian only through the summer of 2020. The Promenade was designed to support local businesses by creating additional outdoor seating and outdoor merchandise displays. Spaces are designed to meet social distancing requirement.  Hours of operation are from 9am to 10pm daily, through September. Check their website for more information and for live performances; http://lagunabeachcity.net/news/displaynews.htm?NewsID=2215&TargetID=20.

Shady Canyon is an 800 acre development in the Turtle Rock section of Irvine. Shady Canyon is made up of three developments: Master’s Collection, Sycamore and Villas of Shady Canyon. Located at 24 Watercress, this 4,200 square foot home is part of the Shady Canyon Custom community.  This five bedroom, six bathroom home was built in 2006. This single-story home has a Modern Spanish architectural style. Enter the home through a private courtyard with a hand painted fireplace. Attention to detail can be seen in the vaulted and beamed ceilings wrought iron chandeliers and hand-crafted tile floors.  This home sits on a very large 22,000 square foot piece of property, with a cul-de-sac setting. Outdoors there is a Baja Resort style swimming pool, TV. Pet area, outdoor shower, cabana and putting green. Homeowners are within walking distance to the clubhouse. The Turtle Rock Nature Center is nearby with outdoor classrooms, outdoor classes and lots of local wildlife. 

Laguna Beach is a luxurious seaside community which is home to approximately 23,000 residents.  Laguna Beach has seven miles of pristine sandy beaches, canyons and coastal hills. Located at 1060 Flamingo Road, this 3,800 square foot home is part of the Lower Bluebird. This four bedroom, five bathroom home was built in 2020. The home was designed by Brion Jeannette and built by KAZ Luxury Homes. The chef’s kitchen features a granite island, quartz counter and Thermador appliances. Attention to detail can be seen in the wine wall, limestone flooring and elevator to all levels.  There are near panoramic views from nearly every room and the property of the Pacific Ocean, white water, surrounding canyons, Catalina Island, city night lights and vibrant evening sunsets.  This home sits on a large 10,000 square foot piece of property.  The Lower Bluebird area situated at the beginning of Bluebird Canyon Drive near Bluebird Park. 

The 54^th Annual Sawdust Art Festival will be taking place this summer.  Watch their website for updates and news about how they are opening it up to visitors. There will be live demonstrations, local artists, classes and live music. The festival will feature over 200 local artists in a variety of areas including: glassblowing, ceramics, jewelry making, painting, mixed media, fused glass, and photography. The Artists’ Benevolence Fund Art Auction is scheduled for August 9^th, 2020. The Sawdust Art Festival is located in a three-acre eucalyptus grove in the heart of the Laguna Beach. For more information, see their website: https://sawdustartfestival.org/.

Shady Canyon is a group of three luxury communities in the Turtle Rock Village in Irvine. Shady Canyon is an 800 acre development with 400 luxury with approximately 1,000 residents.  Located at 89 Canyon Creek, this 11,000 square foot home is part of the Shady Canyon Custom Home Community. This six bedroom, eleven bathroom was built in 2006. The home features Feng Shui design. The home has a wine vault, cantina, a music room and elevator. Entertaining is a breeze with the large “Caterers” kitchen. The most special feature is a viewing room at the top of the four story tower, which offers views of the Palos Verdes Peninsula, the surrounding hills and the Pacific Ocean.  This home sits on an oversized 11,000 square foot piece of property with a corner lot setting. Outdoors, homeowners will enjoy the full outdoor kitchen, fireplace, swimming pool and spa, with a waterfall. Among the many amenities offered in Shady Canyon are tennis courts, the Shady Canyon Golf Club, clubhouse and exercise rooms.

Laguna Beach is a beachfront community in Orange County, with over seven miles of the sandy beaches, canyons and coastal hills. Laguna Beach is also dedicated to the local arts community with over 180 artists in residence, weekly art gallery walks and three large scale art shows per year. Located at 346 Y Place, this 2,500 square foot home is part of the Main Beach community. This three bedroom, three bathroom home was built in 2018. Attention to detail can be seen in the use of imported wood flooring, Porcenalosa tiles and elevator access to all levels. The chef’s kitchen features Dekton Quartz countertops, Hans Grohe faucet, and Thermador appliances. The home has wonderful views of the Pacific Ocean, whitewater, Catalina Island, city night lights and vibrant sunsets.  This home sits on a 9,400 square foot piece of property. Outdoors there is view roof top deck and patio. Main Beach is located in the middle of town at the intersection of Broadway and Ocean Avenues.

Just Sold: Villa del Mare in Pelican Point

Just Sold!  Villa del Mare in Pelican Point, located at 30 Pelican Drive was just sold by Michael Franco of MWA Luxury real estate. Pelican Point is a development in the Pelican Hill section of Newport Coast in Newport Beach. Villa del Mare sold for 9 million dollars.  This 7,100 square foot home has four bedrooms and seven bathrooms. The home was built in 2005. The master suite features his and her closets, a sitting area, and a private terrace with a fireplace. The open floor plan kitchen has pocket doors which allows for seamless indoor to outdoor entertaining. The home has a 400-bottle wine cellar, media lounge, an elevator to all levels and a Savant Smart home System. There is a seven-car subterranean garage.  Among the wonderful views from this custom-built estate and property include the Pacific Ocean, whitewater, city night lights, gorgeous evening sunsets and the 11^th green of the Pelican Hill Golf Course. Outdoors homeowners will enjoy a custom glass mosaic swimming pool, spa, built-in barbeque area and multiple outdoor fireplaces. Students in this area attend harbor View Elementary School and Corona del Mar Intermediate and High School. Pelican Point is a 24-hour guard gated community of just 48 custom built homes. 

The Hortense Miller Garden has something in bloom every month of the year.  Located in the upper slopes of Boat Canyon, in Laguna Beach, the garden was established in the 1959.  The two and half acre garden, shows the large array plants that can be grown in Southern California. The garden is specifically designed and maintained to encourage plant diversity and wildlife species. They offer Open House Saturdays, private tours and a variety of the classes, such as Meditation in the Garden and Sun Catcher workshops. For more information about the garden, see their website at: https://www.hortensemillergarden.org/.

Crystal Cove is a group of luxury developments in the Newport Coast section of Newport Beach, just north of Laguna Beach. Crystal Cove is also home to the Crystal Cove State Park, with is Historical District, canyons and marine park. Located at 9 Coral Ridge, this 11,000 square foot home is part of the Coral Crestdevelopment. This six bedroom, eight bathroom home was built in 2019. Named “Chateau de la Mar,” this estate has an open floor plan that is filled with natural light. Attention to detail can be seen in the high ceilings, oversize windows and disappearing sliding doors. The home has dual kitchens, an elevator and a library.  There are world class views of the Pacific Ocean, surrounding hills and canyons. This home sits on a large 22,000 square foot piece of property with a cul-de-sac setting. Outdoors, homeowners will enjoy a swimming pool, spa, barbeque pit, fire pit and putting green. Coral Crest is home to 27 custom built estates. Coral Crest residents, like all Crystal Cove residents, are invited to the join in all the resort style recreational activities offered at the Canyon Club. 

Laguna Beach is beachside community in Orange County.  The population is approximately 23,000.  The city has seven miles of beaches. Located at 2101 Crestview Drive, this 3,600 square foot home is part of the Upper Diamond community. This four bedroom, four bathroom home was built in 1964. The living fireplace is finished with black leather slab granite. The gourmet kitchen features Calcutta Marble, Wolf appliances and a Sub-Zero refrigerator. There is elevator access to all levels. There are views from every level of the home and property of the Pacific Ocean, Catalina Island, city night lights and picture-perfect sunsets. The home sits on a 8,300 square was Upper Diamond is situated just south of Wood Cove and residents have easy access to the beach.

Laguna Beach Live! Is presenting a concert by Encore Saxophone Quartet. The performance will be held at the Laguna Art Museum on Thursday, May 14^th. Concerts begin at 7pm and end at 8pm. Concerts are free for museum members and regular admission prices for non-members.   Encore Saxophone Quartet is an award-winning musical group from Los Angeles. The group was founded in 1984 by renowned musician Douglas Masek. Their original compositions range from Classical to Modern Jazz. In addition to the quartet, members are educators at UCLA, Vanguard University, La Sierra University and California State University. Laguna Art Museum is located at 307 Cliff Drive. For more information about this event or learn more about the groups, see either of these websites; https://lagunabeachlive.squarespace.com/encore-saxophone-quartet or 

www.encoresaxophonequartet.com.

Crystal Cove is part of the Newport Coast section of Newport Beach.  Crystal Cove is made-up of several luxury residential developments and the Crystal Cove State Park. The Crystal Cove residential developments and the state park are situated between the Pacific Ocean and the Pacific Coast Highway, just north of Laguna Beach. Located at 18 Archipelago Drive, this 4,200 square foot home is part of the Windward community. This five bedroom, five bathroom home was built in 2005. The gourmet kitchen features professional grade Viking appliances. The home has breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean, white water, city night lights and vibrant evening sunsets, on clear days the views stretch to San Clemente Islands. This home sits on a large 14,000 square foot piece of property.  The professionally designed landscaping was done by Molly Wood. In addition, outdoors there is a saltwater swimming pool, spa and outdoor fireplace. Windward is a 24 hour guard gated neighborhood. As part of Crystal Cove, all Windward residents are invited to join in all the resort style recreational activities offered at the Canyon Club, which is also the social hub of the area. 

Laguna Beach is an Orange County city which is just south of Newport Beach. Laguna Beach is home to three large scale art festivals each year, has over 80 art galleries, and 180 artists in residence. Located at 1101 Balboa Avenue, this 4,300 square foot home is part of the Arch Beach Heights community. This five bedroom, six bathroom home was built in 1989 and designed by Mark Singer. This home has been used for many photo shoots over the last 30 years. The property has sweeping views from sky to ocean. With approximately 2 acres of property, this home epitomizes beach city living. Outdoors, there is a swimming pool, casita guest house and is extremely private.  Arch Beach Heights is at the top of Laguna Beach, above Laguna Beach Village. There are approximately 2,000 residents in Arch Beach Heights. 

Make art season, last year-round with weekly art walks. First Thursday Art Walk take place the first Thursday of each month in Laguna Beach. First Thursday Art Walks promote art education, local art and artists and Laguna Beach. Art walk works in cooperation with the city to provide trolley service for the weekly event. Art Walks begin at 6pm and it is free to the public. Upcoming art walks will be on April 2^nd, May 7^th and June 4^th. For more information about Thursday Art Walks, see their website at: http://firstthursdaysartwalk.com/.

Crystal Cove is a group of exclusive neighborhoods in the Newport Coast section of Newport Beach. Crystal Cove in situated between the Pacific Ocean and the Pacific Coast Highway, just north of Laguna Beach. Located at 2 Twilight Bluff, this 4,100 square foot is part of Nautilus community. This four bedroom, five bathroom home was built in 2004. There are wonderful views of the Pacific Ocean, white water, Catalina Island, city night lights and evening sunsets. This home sits on a 9,500 square foot piece of property, with a cul-de-sac setting. Outdoors, homeowners will enjoy the PebbleTec swimming pool, spa, a built-in barbeque area, and outdoor dining area. The home backs onto a greenbelt. Nautilus is a 24 hour guard gated community. Nautilus residents, like all Crystal Cove residents, are invited to join in all the resort style activities offered at the Canyon Club Recreational Center, which acts as the social hub of Crystal Cove. 

Laguna Beach is an Orange County beachside city with a dedication to the arts. Laguna Beach has monthly art walks, three large scale art festivals each year and over 180 artists in residence. Located at 1101 Balboa Avenue, this 4,300 square foot home is part of the Arch Beach Heights community. This five bedroom, six bathroom home was built in 1989. This one level home was designed by architect Mark Singer. The home sits on nearly two acres of property. Outdoors, homeowners will enjoy a swimming pool with a separate guest casita.  Arch Beach Heights is at the top of Laguna Beach in the hills above Laguna Beach Village. The population of Arch Beach Heights is approximately 2,000 residents with many being families. 

Michael Franco and the team at MWA Luxury real estate sold the home located at 32 Bargemon in the Newport Ridge development in Newport Coast.  The home sold on June 25^th, 2019 for $1,900,000. This four bedroom, two and half bathroom home is 2,900 square feet. The kitchen has a six-burner stove. This home was built in 2002. This home sits on a 5,900 square foot piece of property, with a cul-de-sac setting. Outdoors, homeowners will enjoy a swimming pool. 

Newport Ridge is situated just off the Newport Ridge Drive and it is surrounded by Buck Gully and Coyote Canyon. There are just 38 homes in Newport Ridge.  Newport Ridge was built between 1993 and 1995. Among the amenities offered in Newport Ridge are s sports court, tennis courts and barbeque area. Students living in this area attend Newport Mesa Unified Schools, specifically Newport Coast Elementary School and Corona del Mar Intermediate and High School. Newport Coast is part of Newport Beach, having been annexed in 2001.  Newport Coast is just north of Laguna Beach.  The area of the city is home to the Pelican Hill Resort, Spa, and Golf Courses and the Crystal Cove State Park and Beach. Newport Coast has five-star restaurants and world-class shopping.

Michael Franco and MWA Luxury real estate recently sold the home at 607 8^th Street in Huntington Beach. The home sold on October 22, 2019 for $1,444,000. This three bedroom, five bathroom home is 2,500 square feet. This home was built in 1989. The open plan kitchen was recently remodeled with granite and stone countertops and pots and pans drawers. Attention to detail can be seen in the high-volume ceilings, fireplace and plantation shutters. The home has peek-a-bee ocean views and city night light views. Homeowners are a five minute walk to the beach and a ten minute walk to the downtown. Students living in this area attend Smith Elementary School, Dwyer Middle School and Huntington High School. Huntington Beach is the largest beach side city in Orange County. Known as HB and “Surf City, USA,”  Huntington Beach  has 8.5 miles of uninterrupted coastline and beach. The city has a population of approximately 190,000 residents and is surrounded by the Pacific Ocean, Seal Beach, Costa Mesa, Newport Beach, Westminster and Fountain Valley. The downtown area of Huntington Beach has over 250 downtown businesses, including restaurants, shopping and a large variety of services. The downtown area has street fairs and farmers markets, all while enjoying ocean views. 

Located at 36 Marisol, Newport Coast, this Italianate Villa was just sold by Michael Franco and the team at MWA Luxury real estate. The home sold on November 26^th, 2019 for $1,775,000. This 2,200 square foot home has four bedrooms and three bathrooms and was built in 1998. The open floor plan features high ceilings, a neutral color palette and is filled with natural light. The recently remodeled kitchen has marble countertops, travertine floors and stainless-steel appliances. The family room has a fireplace and custom built-ins. The home sits on a 4,000 square foot piece of property with a cul-de-sac setting. Outdoors, homeowners will enjoy the built-in barbeque area, spa and an outdoor dining area. Tesoro Crest was built by Standard Pacific Homes, with four floor plans.  This is a 24-hour guard gated community. The homeowners’ association provides many amenities including a swimming pool, barbeque area, sports court and tennis courts. Students attend the award-winning Newport Mesa Unified Schools, Newport Coast Elementary and Corona del Mar Intermediate and High School. Newport Coast is situated at the south end of Newport Beach, just north of Laguna Beach. Newport Coast is home to the world-class Pelican Hill Resort, Spa and Golf Courses, Crystal Cove State Park, five-star restaurants and shopping.