The Laguna Playhouse is hosting a very special evening of music live from Florence, Italy.  This will be the world premiere production of Hershey Felder Puccini. On Sunday, March 14^th, 2021, at 5pm pst, the show will air virtually. Puccini is the story of the composer, his scandalous life, his female characters, and the real women in his life.  It will all be filmed live in the locations where these events occurred. Music from La Boheme, Tosca and Turandot will be included. Guests will have access to the recording until Sunday, March 21^st. Tickets are $55. For more information or to purchase trickers, see their website at: https://lagunaplayhouse.com/2020-2021-special-performances/hershey-felder-puccini-live-from-florence/.

Crystal Cove is part of the Newport Coast section of Newport Beach.  In addition to several residential areas, Crystal Cove is home to the Crystal Cove State Park with hiking, swimming, horseback riding and the Historical District of 1930’s beach cottages. 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 first floor suite. The gourmet kitchen features stainless steel appliances, custom cabinets and natural stone countertops. The home has views of the Pacific Ocean, whitewater, and city night lights.  This home sits on a 7,800 square foot piece of property. Outdoors, homeowners will enjoy a spa, fire pit, mature and lush landscaping. Nautilus is a 24-hour guard gated development. The Canyon Club Recreational Center is available to all Crystal Cove residents and is the social hub of the area. 

Laguna Beach is one of the oldest beach front cities in Orange County. Laguna Beach is dedicated to the arts with over 80 art galleries, weekly art gallery walks, three large art shows and over 180 artists in residence. Located at 1333 Moorea Way, this 10,000 square foot home is part of the Mystic Hills development. This six-bedroom, seven-bathroom home was built in 2020, by architect James Conrad. The home has a five-car garage and elevator access to all levels. The house and property have incredible views of the Pacific Ocean, whitewater, surrounding canyons, Catalina Island and spectacular sunsets. This home sits on a very large 34,000 square foot home with a cul-de-sac setting. This property is street to street, Moorea to Skyline. Outdoors, homeowners will enjoy manicured grounds, swimming pool and spa. Mystic Hills is in the hills in the heart of Laguna Beach, near Laguna Village. Residents are close to the beach, restaurants, art galleries and shops. 

The Hortense Miller Garden is offering an outdoor workshop experience. The Meditating in the Garden Workshop is a three guided mindfulness meditation retreat. The quiet beauty of the garden is the perfect place to begin mindfulness. Hortense Miller Garden was begun in 1959 and is one- and one-half acres in the Boat Canyon area of Laguna Beach. The garden features the large range of plants which grow in Southern California coastal zones. There is information throughout the garden about how to use these techniques in your own garden. The garden focuses encouraging diversity of the plant and animal life. For more information or to sign up, see their website at: https://www.ocparks.com/parks/irvine.

Corona del Mar is known locally as the CDM and is Spanish for “Crown of the Sea.” Corona del Mar has pristine beaches, tide pools, cliffside views and quaint village shops. Located at 1107 Dolphin, this 4,400 square foot home is part of the Irvine Terrace development. This six-bedroom, six-bathroom home was built in 2004, by RDM Construction. Attention to detail can be seen in the limestone floors, Venetian plaster walls skylights. The gourmet kitchen features white quartzite waterfall island, mahogany cabinetry and Dacor appliances. The home and property have wonderful views of the Pacific Ocean, Newport Harbor, city night lights and incredible sunsets. This home sits on a large 16,000 square foot piece of property. Outdoors, homeowners will enjoy an infinity edge pool, spa and an outdoor kitchen. Irvine Terrace has 390 homes. All homes in Irvine Terrace are single level, to ensure everyone’s views. 

Laguna Beach is one the oldest beachside communities in Orange County. Laguna Beach has a large commitment to the arts with over 180 artists in residents, 80 plus art galleries, weekly art walks and three large scale art shows. Located at 91 Blue Lagoon, this 1,700 square foot home is part of the Blue Lagoon development.  This two-bedroom, three-bathroom home was built in 1964. The gourmet kitchen features a Sub-Zero refrigerator, Viking stove, Bosch dishwasher and custom cabinets. The condo has recently been renovated and is one of only 16 units located on the seawall. This Blue Lagoon has 119 condo units and is on the oceanside of the Pacific Coast Highway. Blue Lagoon offers two swimming pools, fitness center, tennis court and community rooms.

The Sawdust Art Festival is hosting an Outdoor Market Place. The Outdoor Market Place offers a safe way to shop your favorite artists and art, in Sawdust’s three-acre eucalyptus grove. In addition, there will be live entertainment and outdoor dining for visitors to enjoy. Buy your tickets early, maximum capacity is limited to 250 guests at a time. The Market Place is open from 10am to 5pm, on weekends. Each weekend, there are over 48 booths open, over 100 artists rotate through these booths, so the inventory is everchanging. Admission is $5 for adults, kids twelve and under are free. The Sawdust Art Festival is located at 935 Laguna Canyon Road in Laguna Beach. For more information, see their website at: https://sawdustartfestival.org/.

Irvine is a large Orange County city which is surrounded by Tustin, Santa Ana, Lake Forest, Laguna Hills, Costa Mesa and Newport Beach. Irvine is situated 36 miles south of Los Angeles and 76 miles north of San Diego. Located at 6 Japonica, this 3,600 square foot home is part of the Kenwood development in the Oak Creek Village. This five-bedroom, three-bathroom home was built in 1999. Attention to detail can be seen in the fireplace, wet-bar and vaulted ceilings. The gourmet kitchen features granite countertops, center island and stainless-steel appliances. This home sits on an 8,400 square foot piece of property with a cul-de-sac setting. Kenwood is a gated community, with 95 single family homes. Oak Creek is a mid-sized village bordered by Jeffrey Road, Sandy Canyon Road and Irvine Center Drive. Students living in this village attend Oak Creek Elementary School, Lakeside Middle School and Woodbridge High School.

Laguna Beach is seaside community in Orange County.  Laguna Beach is dedicated to their arts culture, with 80 art galleries, weekly art galleries, 180 artists in residence and three large scale art shows. Located at 908 Quivera Street, this 3,600 square foot home is part of the Arch Beach Heights development. This four-bedroom, four-bathroom home was built in 2018. Attention to detail can be seen in the use of fold away glass walls, multiple fireplaces and white oak wood flooring. The gourmet kitchen features, Carrara marble countertops, Thermador appliances and large center island. The home has been designed to take advantage of the views of the Pacific Ocean, Catalina Island and the city night lights.  This home sits on a 3,600 square foot piece of property, with a corner lot setting. Outdoors, homeowners will enjoy 800 square feet of decks and patios. Arch Beach Heights is at the top of Laguna Beach above Laguna Beach Village. Due to its high bluff setting, the views are amazing from Arch Beach.

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 Promenade on Forest is ready for the holiday season. The holiday edition of The Promenade of Forest will begin on November 30 and run through January 3, 2021. There will be a virtual visit with Santa, letters to Santa, and the first annual Holiday Window Decorating Contest. The tree lighting will take place on Friday, December 4^th at 7pm with a Santa parade featuring Santa in a Marine Safety Jeep and a Trolley with the Mayor and Carolers. Families can add an ornament to the community tree. The Promenade on Forest is open from 9am to 10pm daily and a great way to dine and shop outdoors. For more information, see their website at:

http://lagunabeachcity.net/business/the_promenade_on_forest.html.

Irvine is a large master planned city in Orange County. Irvine is made-up of 34 individual villages, each with residential areas, schools, shopping and dining and green spaces. Located at 40 Malibu, this 4,200 square foot home is part of the Northpark Square Village.  This five-bedroom, five-bathroom home was built in 2001. The sits on a 6,700 square foot piece of property with a corner lot setting. Attention to detail can be seen in the glass front door, wrought iron staircase, and crystal globe chandelier. The chef’s kitchen features a Sub-Zero refrigerator, white cabinetry and quartz center island. This home is in a 24-hour guard gated community. Homeowners can walk to shopping, dining and the Hicks Canyon Elementary School. Northpark Square is west of Culver Drive, north of 5 Freeway, south of Irvine Boulevard between Irvine Boulevard, Bryan Avenue and the 261 Tollway. The amenities offered include swimming pool, spa, basketball court, outdoor amphitheater and parks. 

Laguna Beach is one of the oldest cities in Orange County. This is an art centered city.  The city has over 180 artists in residence, three large scale art festivals and weekly art walks. Located at 900 Gainsborough Drive, this 4,000 square foot home is part of the Upper Diamond development. This four-bedroom, five-bathroom home was built in 1981. Attention to detail can be seen in the use of exotic stone, vaulted ceilings and European cabinetry. The master suite offers a private balcony and a lounge with a dual sided fireplace. There is elevator access to all levels. The home has unobstructed views of the Pacific Ocean, Laguna Beach coastline and evening sunsets.  This home sits on very large 17,000 square foot piece of property with a cul-de-sac setting. Upper Diamond is just south of Woods Cove and Summit Ridge. Upper Diamond has a population of approximately 250 residents. 

The Coast Film Festival is a four-day event taking place throughout Laguna Beach from Thursday, November 12^th through Sunday, November 15^th. This is an outdoor city-wide event. The event brings together the mountains, ocean and coastline conservation through film, photograph, art and music. There will also be speaker panels, meet and greets and interactive outdoor activities. This is a family friendly event.  The goal is to increase awareness of the ocean and coastline and how to care for it. For more information, see their website at: https://www.coastfilmfestival.com/.

Newport Coast is situated at the south end of Newport Beach, just north of Laguna Beach. Newport Beach has real estate options for everyone, from condos to one of a kind ocean front estates. Located at 22 Vernon, this 2,900 square foot home is part of the Rivage development. This four bedroom, four bathroom home was built in 1997. This is a rare opportunity to own a single level home in this community. Attention to detail can be seen in the high-volume ceilings and entry courtyard. The open plan kitchen has top of the line appliances and opens onto the formal dining room and family room. There are wonderful views of the Pacific Ocean, white water, city night lights and stunning sunsets. This home sits on a 7,200 square foot piece of property. Outdoors, there is plenty of room for al fresco dining, mature landscaping and professional hardscaping. Rivage is a 24-guard gated neighborhood of single-family homes. Homeowner Association amenities include a swimming pool, spa, basketball court and volleyball court. 

Laguna Beach is one of the oldest beach front cities’ in Orange County.  The city offers seven miles of beaches and coastline, and an extensive arts community. Located at 943 Gaviota, this 1,500 square foot home is part of The Village development. This three bedroom, three bathroom home was built in 1919.The remodeled kitchen has an open floor plan and overlooks the ocean. There are views of the Pacific Ocean, white water, city night lights and vibrant sunsets.  The home sits on a 5,100 square foot piece of ocean front property. Outdoors, homeowners will enjoy multiple decks and terraces, an outdoor fireplace and spa. Residents have private beach access. Homeowners are within walking distance of local restaurants, boutiques and art galleries. The Village is in the heart of Laguna Beach with a mix of older homes and new construction. 

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.

The Laguna Beach Virtual Plein Air Painting Invitational is will held October 3^rd through October 11^th.  This is the 22^nd Annual Laguna Plein Air Painting Invitational, this year due to Covid, the events will be all done virtually. Due to the event being virtual, more people than ever can participate in the event. All artwork will be exhibited online, there will be special LPAPA pricing and there will be an auction. Twenty-five artists have been invited to participate and preserve Laguna Beach’s, 100 plus year-old art tradition. For more information or to purchase tickets to participate in the virtual event, see their website at: https://lpapa.org/laguna-plein-air-invitational/.

Irvine is a large master planned city designed by the Irvine Company in the 1960’s.  The city was incorporated in 1971.  The 66 square mile city is made up of 34 unique villages. Located at 2 Connecticut, this 2,800 square foot piece of property is part of the Cambridge development in the  Walnut Village. This five bedroom, three bathroom home was built in 1997. The home has an open floor plan, with a formal living room, dining room and a family room with a fireplace. The chef’s kitchen features a walk-in pantry, granite countertops and new paint.  This home sits on a 6,000 square foot piece of property, with a cul-de-sac setting. Cambridge is a gated community. Among the many amenities offered in Cambridge are a swimming pool and sports court. The Walnut Village is bordered by Walnut Avenue, Culver Drive and I-5 Freeway. Walnut Village has approximately 400 attached townhomes and 1,200 single family homes. 

Laguna Beach is one of the oldest seaside communities in Orange County, California. Laguna Beach is known for their dedication to the arts with three large scale art festivals each year, 80 plus art galleries, weekly art walks and over 180 artists in residence. Located at 530 Emerald Bay, this 4,500 square foot home is part of the Emerald Bay community. This five-bedroom, five-bathroom home was built in 1991. Designed for entertaining, this home has a media/game room, family room and al fresco dining space. Attention to detail can be seen in the winding glass staircase and the multiple skylights. There are beautiful views of the Pacific Ocean, Catalina Island, whitewater, city night lights and vibrant evening sunsets. This home sits on a 11,700 square foot piece of property, with a cul-de-sac setting. Emerald Bay is gated community. Emerald Bay offers many amenities including a private sandy beach, tennis courts and a swim center.

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.