All About Newport Beach

Hurley US Open of Surfing 2010

The Hurley US Open of Surfing contest will conclude today. The men's finals are being held today in Huntington Beach right at the Huntington Beach Pier. The Hurley US Open is a great opportunity to view world class surfers.

Carissa Moore from Honolulu, Hawaii and is 17 years old, won the Association of Surfing Professionals 6-Star Women’s US Open of Surfing yesterday. Moore won the first place prize of $50,000. 

Other events today include the men’s final, and it really is an amazing event. The Hurley US Open was packed with spectators, and photographers to capture some of the events. Some of the other activities include BMX, and live music. Yesterday Weezer played to a crowd of approximately 50,000 people.  Throughout the day, there were crowds of up to 150,000 people. If you plan on attending, I would recommend getting there early to secure parking, or if you are local, ride your bike or walk.

This surf contest has been running for this past week, and the finals are being held this weekend. These are some photos I took yesterday from the Huntington Beach Pier.

Below are some photos of professional surfers at Huntington Beach.

The tents and spectator viewing area. There were lots of people who came to Huntington Beach to view not only this event, but the USLA National Lifeguard Championships which was being held right at Beach Boulevard and Coast Highway.

It really is a great opportunity to get out and enjoy the California climate (the sun finally came out). Enjoy meeting some new friends, and if you enjoy taking photos this is an amazing event.

If I can answer any questions about this surf contest, or other events in the area of Huntington Beach or Newport Beach, please contact me.

Phone or Text: 949.280.0681

Originally posted at NewportBeachRealEstateCafe.com

USLA National Championships Held at Huntington State Beach

August 5-7, 2010

Professional Lifeguards from all over the country competed in the USLA National Championships this past weekend in Huntington State Beach. There were more than 1000 participants. Additionally, there were also Junior Lifeguards events as well.  The events included run-swim-runs, relays, surf swims, buoy swims, dory boat competitions and paddle boarding, it was a great event. These lifeguards are in incredible shape and it was a great competition. Below are photos of the swim final for the men.

The water temperature was in the range of 60 to 63 degrees which is pretty cold for this time of year. You would never know the temperature based on how these lifeguards ran into the water.  

 The USLA Lifeguard National Championships is a unique event and allows the participants to demonstrate their techniques for lifesaving, and their water safety.

This three-day competition was hosted this year by the Huntington State Beach Lifeguard Association (HSBLA) and was held at Huntington State Beach,  located at Beach Boulevard and Coast Highway in Huntington Beach. This event was held concurrently with the Hurley US Open in Huntington Beach, so there were many people out.

Another event is the Dory Surf Boat Race, and there are two lifeguards in each boat and they paddle through the waves, around buoys and paddle back in sometimes riding the surf in. There was also a women’s division.

The California State Lifeguards won this Dory boat race. The California State Lifeguards compete as a team for the entire state.

The USLA National Lifeguard Championships was a three day event from August 5-7, 2010, and there were many spectators, and sponsors as well. Next year it will be hosted in Cape May, New Jersey. So it is an opportunity for these very talented lifeguards to compete in different conditions. Each year it is held on different coast. Last year, the event was held in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

If you have any questions about Huntington State lifeguard try-outs, please contact me.

Phone or Text: 949.280.0681

Email: Spaxson@roadrunner.com

Originally posted at NewportBeachRealEstateCafe.com

Farmer’s Market Debuts in Newport Beach

The Farmer’s Market opened yesterday July 11, 2010 at theLido Marina Village on the brick lined street of Via Oporto in Newport Beach. We arrived yesterday morning at around 10:15 and they were giving out recyclable bags. There was a good crowd, and most of the vendors had already sold out of many of their goods. The Farmer's Market in Newport Beach will run every Sunday morning.

The vendors had organic fruit and vegetables, flowers arrangements and orchids available for purchase. A number of the vendors had samples and I must say the oranges and the berries were delicious – there were cherries, peaches, yellow rasperries, red rasperries, and blueberries just to name a few.

The Farmer’s Market in Newport Beach was a great opportunity to meet and greet your friends and neighbors as well. Love the flower arrangement below with the CA Grown!

Next Sunday, we will plan on arriving earlier so that the vendors are not sold out of some of their goods.

We really enjoyed the Farmer’s Market and wish them much success. I hope to see you next Sunday morning.

Originally posted at NewportBeachRealEstateCafe.com

Barret Jackson Comes to Orange County, CA

Barret Jackson Auction Company is an auction company which has been in business for over 48 years. Barret Jackson is considered one of the world’s most prestigious car collector auctions. If you are a car buff, then this is an event just to come and view the amazing automobiles.

The Barret Jackson Auction Company has added Orange County, CA to their auction line up. The other auction venues are located in Scottsdale, Arizona; Palm Beach, Florida; and Las Vegas, Nevada. Now with Orange County being added to the list, many visitors will travel to Orange County, CA to peruse the cars, or consign a car, or even purchase a car. This is great news as many will be travelling to Orange County and boosting the local economy by filling up hotels, and visiting restaurants.

The Barret Jackson Auction event is going to be held on June 25-27, 2010 and it will be held at the Orange County Fair Grounds. The Orange County Fairgrounds are located at:

88 Fair Drive
Costa Mesa, CA

  Ticket information may be found on the Barret Jackson website. Ticket prices range from $10 for Friday and Sunday, and $15 for Saturday for adults with early purchase. I suggest viewing their website for specific ticket information.

Hope to see you at the Barret Jackson auction in Orange County!

Originally posted at NewportBeachRealEstateCafe.com

Farmer’s Market to Debut in Lido Village in Newport Beach

July 11, 2010

A farmers market won the approval from the city of Newport Beach  and will officially debut on July 11, 2010 on Via Oporto in Newport Beach. Via Oporto is a brick lined street in Lido Marina Village. Lido Marina Village is also the site of the Newport Beach Boat Show which is held annually.

This weekly event could drive additional visitors into this Newport Beach neighborhood, and increase business not only for the vendors of the Farmer's market, but the local businesses located in that area as well. Visitors to farmers markets have  more interactions with other people when compared with traditional grocery stores according to Councilman Nancy Gardner who represents Corona del Mar.

The Farmer’s market will be certified which means the vendors will be genuine farmers selling their items directly to the public. The Farmer’s Market will operate  every Sunday from 9 am to 1 pm every Sunday.  

Hope to see you at the Farmers Market in Newport Beach.

Originally posted at NewportBeachRealEstateCafe.com

The 2010 Balboa Island Parade – Family, Friends and FUN!

The annual Balboa Island Parade is going to be held Sunday, June 6, 2010 from 11am to 2pm. The bridge getting onto the island will be closing at 10:00 am so be sure to arrive early. The annual Balboa Island Parade is the Island’s way of welcoming summer to everyone!

The theme this year for the Balboa Island Parade is Family, Friends and FUN. This is an annual tradition and there will be many participants inclduing residents and children on bicycles, Island dogs, floats, vintage cars, marching band and decorated golf carts. This is a great opportunity to participate in the Balboa Island lifestyle.

Make sure to arrive early as parking will be limited, and the bridge is closing at 10:00 am. However, you can also take the ferry across. If you are local, a great way to go and watch the parade is by riding your bike.

Hope to see you at the Balboa Island Parade!

Originally posted at NewportBeachRealEstateCafe.com.

The OC Marathon -  May 2, 2010

The OC Marathon is being held this weekend, Sunday, May 1, 2010. The goal and mission of the OC Marathon is to provide education, and implement programs for obesity prevention in children. These programs aim to promote improved fitness and nutritional habits among children.

The marathon/half marathon will begin promptly at 6:30 am on Saturday. I would suggest arriving early for parking and road closures. In addition to the marathon and half marathon, there is also a 5K which will begin at 7:30 am. The OC Marathon course is from the Fashion Island area and finishes near the OC Fairgrounds. There will be an expo for kids and great opportunity to support those participating in the event.

As a result of the OC Marathon, there will also be  road closures in and around Newport Beach to accomodate the race.

Good luck to all those participating in the OC Marathon!

Originally posted at NewportBeachRealEstateCafe.com

37th Newport Boat Show at Lido Marina Village

The 37th annual Newport Boat Show was held last weekend at the Lido Marina Village in Newport Beach. This is always an enjoyable  event and a great opportunity to view and tour the beautiful yachts. It is possible to board and tour the beautiful yachts, however some of the salesman may prefer that you board with them. Before visiting the Newport Beach boat show, we had a delicious lunch at the Lido Deck restaurant which is in Lido Marina Village.

There were over 300 boats at the boat show this year, and we were able to view some amazing yachts. There were also other vendors including insurance, and other accompanying equipment and gear.

Below - is a site that you do not see too often, the Newport Harbor Patrol was racing towards the boat show area - typically it is a no wake zone in Newport Harbor. Apparently, two people fell off one of the ramps to get on the boat they were previewing, and unfortunately I believe one of the people were taken to the hospital.

 And another salesman told me that a swarm of bees came and landed and surrounded one of the boats on display. The entire section had to closed off to spectators so that no one would get stung. The salesman told me that they got the bees under control with a shop vac! I did see a few stragglers hanging around. Glad I missed that! 

And someone brought their regal little dog who posed for me.

Below – one of my favorite boat names of the show!

And this last vessel, although I do not think that it was officially in the boat show is kind of unique. Not sure about the power source for this boat, or if it just floats . . . kind of reminds me of pac man – think I’ll name it Blinky! 

 If I can answer any questions about Newport Beach real estate, please contact me.

Phone or Text: 949.280.0681

Email: Spaxson@roadrunner.com

Originally posted at NewportBeachRealEstateCafe.com

The 2010 Annual Toyota Long Beach Grand Prix

The 2010, 36th Annual Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach  will be held this weekend April 16-18, 2010 through out the the streets of Long Beach. Ticket prices are priced anywhere from $25 for one day general admission, to as high as $795 for a three day pit lane pass.

The Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach is an open-wheel race which is held on the streets in Long Beach. Christopher Pook is the founder of the Long Beach Grand Prix. The street event started as a Formula event in 1975, and then became a CART/Champ Car from 1984 to 2008. The Grand Prix of Long Beach merged with the Indy Racing League in 2008.  This Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach is the largest event in Long Beach, with expectations in attendance in the 200,000 range.

The schedule for this three day event in Long Beach includes Indy car practice, Indy Lights, American Le Mans Sesries, Indy car qualifying, Toyota Pro-Celebrity race, and one of the events is a fairly new event called Drifting. There will be demonstrations and competitions through out the weekend with the main event being held on Sunday at 1:15 and is the Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach - Race # 4 of the 2010 IZOD IndyCar Series. This is a great opportunity to view these spectacular race cars race through the streets of Long Beach. There is nothing like the sound!!! Also, there will be exhibitions and much to see and enjoy.  

If I can answer any questions about the Long Beach Grand Prix, please contact me.

Phone or Text: 949.280.0681

Email: Spaxson@roadrunner.com

Originally posted at NewportBeachRealEstateCafe.com

Biking for Breast Cancer at Chapman University

Today at Chapman University, the members of the Sigma Alpha Epsilon Fraternity are hosting their annual philanthropic event, which is the 4th annual Biking for Breast Cancer. This event is to raise money for breast cancer.

The Biking for Breast Cancer event will be held at Chapman University today, April 10, 2010. The students will meet at the Argyros Parking lot at 12:00pm today.

There will be a guest speaker at the Biking for Breast Cancer event, who is a breast cancer survivor from the Susan G. Komen Foundation. The speaker will talk about living with breast cancer, and the importance of detecting it early. Early detection is the cure. The speaker will also speak about  the importance of events such as Biking for Breast Cancer can make a difference.  In Orange County, the statistics are that 1 in 7 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer, as opposed to the national average which is 1 in 8. 

Today, at 1:00pm, the bikers their beach cruisers will be biking through the streets of Orange near Chapman Univeristy. The course will be two laps around the streets of Orange including Cambridge, Chapman, Glassell, and Walnut, and through the traffic circle in Orange.

Before to the ride, the  bikers will be able to have free Hooters hot wings, and Rockstar Energy Drinks. After the ride, t here will be Biking for Breast Cancer Tee shirts for sale, there will be silent auction which will have a variety of items. All proceeds for the Biking for Breast Cancer will go to the Susan G. Komen foundation.

After the bike ride, there will be a BMX team who will put on a demonstration.

This is a great event going towards an excellent cause.

Originally posted at NewportBeachRealEstateCafe.com