Enjoy this first concert of the Family Musical Mornings series performed by the Pacific Symphony and led by the Symphony's new assistant conductor, Maxim Eshkenazy. The performances are specially designed for children but families are encouraged to attend. The wonderful music of Mussorgsky's "Night on Bald Mountain" (used in Disney's "Fantasia"), excerpts from Beethoven's Ninth Symphone, Bach's ominous Toccata and Fugue, and John William's main theme from "Star Wars" round out this Saturday's musical offerings. Children are invited to attend the concert in costume and to participate in the Musical Carnival either before the 10:00am performance (from 9-10am), or after the 11:00am performance (from 12:15-1:15pm) which will feature mask making, a chance to meet the musicians, and the opportunity to see real organ pipes up close.

For tickets ($18-$35) and information, call (714) 755-5799. http://www.pacificsymphony.org.

Blue Whales are the largest animal to ever live on earth and they can be seen along the Southern California Pacific Coast making this area ideal for whale watching enthusiasts. The Long Beach area hosts hundreds of blue whales annually who come to the region to feed on krill. These animals are highly mobile and they move regularly through the coast visiting the Los Angeles County and Orange County regions and other feeding grounds near Palos Verdes, Newport Beach and the Channel Islands. Blue Whale watching season begins in May and they can be seen through December.

October 11th and 12th Blue Whales were sighted on the Harbor Breeze whale watching cruises. Harbor Breeze runs two whale watching cruises on both Saturday and Sunday. One cruise at 11:30am and another at 3:00pm.

Call to make reservation or for more information 562-983-6880.

Purchase Whale Watching Tickets Online: http://tickets.harbor-cruises.com

Blue Whale Information: http://www.californiabluewhales.com/bluewhaleinfo.html

Blue Whale Count: http://www.californiabluewhales.com/index.html

Blue Whale Cruises: www.2seewhales.com

For more information on Industrial Space in Los Angeles, visit our commercial real estate listing page.

People wrongfully assume that owning a mobile home park is just like owning an apartment building -- you own the land, the units, and charge rent, and the tenants pay for some or all of the tenant-generated expenses. Indeed, some parks are in fact run that way -- where the park itself owns the units, but these parks charge much higher rent, and end up being less profitable.

Why? Because mobile home units tend to be cheaper construction, with shorter usable lives, and steep costs for demolition, removal, purchasing of new units, and installing them. The best comparison for how most parks are typically run are much more like a mini-housing development, where the individual owners are on leased land from the park.

Ideally, the park itself does not own any units -- the units are instead owned by the tenants, who either come in with the unit already paid off, or else have it financed by the bank, or the park owner (current interest rates on mobile home mortages are 12%.) They are ideally separately metered for gas and electric, and pay a prorated share of the additional non-global expenses. The park when charges a "ground rent", which is the basis for most of their income (though additional income may come in from laundry services, or the owner-carried loans.) The new units may be either brought on by the tenant, a mobile home park maunfacturer (who will pay rent), or by the park itself (who will initially own the unit until it is "sold" to a tenant.)

The reason most parks are run this way is several-fold. For one, the fact that the tenants own the units mean that they will likely keep better care of it, and increase the usable life and appearance of the unit. If the park carries a loan for the unit, it also gives the park leverage over the tenant who is behind on payments to get his act together, or get foreclosed and lose his equity in the unit.

The big reason, though, it that 90% of the time, mobile-home ownership is illusionary. The concept is that in 10-15 years, they will "own" their own unit, which they can then move to any other place they may want to move. The problem with that logic, however, is that the costs of removal, transport, and reinstallation will often be greater than the remaining value in the unit after 10-15 years, and they will end up doing better to just walk away, and (if it is still habitable) try to sell it back to the park owner at a steep discount. Plus, if a person stays in a unit long enough to have spent a decade there, they are likely to have developed roots in the area, and become a rather captive tenant base, that will less likely to leave in the case of rent increases.

Certainly mobile home parks can be a lucrative investment. But if it sounds a little underhanded and capital intensive, it is. I will continue on this in part 3 -- the downside.

For more information on mobile home park investment or to search Los Angeles commercial real estate listings, please visit our website.

1. Everyone Else is Doing It.

Mobile home park investing has been in an absolute bust over the last few years, primarily due to the otherwise low cap rates that the rest of the commercial real estate market has been traditing at. Common investment knowledge is that "when eveyone zigs, you zag." More interested buyers means higher competition, and higher prices at lower rates of return. And considering the risky nature of mobile home park investment, those numbers can be worrisome if there is no security blanket for a bad stretch of ownership.

2. It takes lots of money:

Besides the purchasing of the park, consider that you will have to demolish, remove, move in, purchase, and sell new units on a fairly regular frequency. And while ultimately you will (hopefully) see that money back once you sell the units, and with a heathy return, it all requires a lot of additional capital on hand.

3. Would you lend $20 to a mobile home park tenant?

Now there are many good, honest, hard-working people in mobile home parks, so I do not want to generalize, but I will say this: in general, mobile home park tenants are the lowest level of income-producers that are not homeless, and mobile home parks are notorious for delinquent renters, frequent evictions, and sometimes very ugly eviction battles. And a large park of your economic model is based upon lending them the money to buy a mobile home park unit, with the hope that if you have to evict them and foreclose on their home, they won't burn it to the ground.

The problem is that unlike major corporations, high-income individuals, or small businesses, your tenants in a mobile home park have very little, and even less to lose. There is a reason why mobile home parks trade on higher cap rates on average than other forms of commercial real estate investment: the ability to collect your rent is far riskier.

Now, that's not to say that money cannot be made on mobile home parks -- many have done so, and will continue to do so for many years. However, given the current frenzy over it, and the very high prices, I would advice you to employ a bit of caveat emptor when looking to buy.

Still want to buy a mobile home park? We have agents who specialize in mobile home park sales in California, and would be happy to guide you to finding the right investment for you. Just viist our Los Angeles commercial real estate page, and clikc on the "contact" page.

For more information on this, and many other listings in South Orange county, Visit our Orange County commercial real estate site.

 Holga

15-25 mins

Newport Beach, Ca

Midnight

The falls months are something of a gem when it comes to California surf. Santa Ana winds turn to blow off shore and bring with it a warm and relaxing calm. The surf here has been great these past few weeks and looks to only be getting better in the following weeks. Went to Newport Beach this past weekend to snap a few and came out with some good ones. Check the Flickr account for a few more to the right but hopefully everyone is getting surf wherever they might be. See you in the water-

Daniel Franks

I understand that a lot of industries reward their top salespeople and performers with incentive trips to high-end resorts, and I personally don't see anything wrong with that.  Pay for performance, right?  But in AIG's case, for a company (subsidiary or not) to use taxpayer money in such a manner just days after a financial bailout seems down right disrespectful to the American public.  

However, it appears that AIG has learned its lesson and put its tail between its legs after all the recent public scrutiny.  The conference scheduled at the Ritz-Carlton Half Moon Bay was canceled yesterday "after a re-evaluation of the costs under the new circumstances,'' said a company spokesman.

Even Obama got on AIG's case.  "The Treasury should demand that money back and those executives should be fired,'' Obama said.  AIG even considered purchasing media advertisements to explain its side of the story on what happened at the St. Regis Monarch Beach, but the company was eventually consulted on what a poor decision that would have been.  As part of the loan agreement, AIG agreed to give roughly an 80% stake of the company to the federal government (meaning Americans are partly shareholders).  

"To spend the taxpayer's money on an expensive ad campaign to apologize for how you used taxpayer money leaves you open to further attacks," said a PR consultant for AIG.

Source: Bloomberg

2008 Green Travel Summit

December 8 - 9, 2008

Fairmont

Newport Beach, CA

www.greentravelsummit.com

G2G not B2B

Oh man, not another acronym! We don't need that! The ad simply brushes the topics. The event web site doesn't elaborate at all on the concept. But folks, it looks like we have a new one coming around the corner.

Ad verses Web Copy

This also caught my eye. The event was promoted differently in the periodical that I reviewed for my clients then the web site I researched to find out more about the event, it sponsors, and who should attend.

(WEB COPY) Why You Should Attend:

• Determine how climate neutral travel products fit into your company’s strategic operating goals.
• Learn how to calculate your corporate travel environmental footprint.
• Examine carbon offset strategies vs. travel provider selection strategies.
• Learn how to communicate and get support for your Green Travel Initiatives to employees
  and other stake holders.
• Examine real life case studies of successful corporate environmental leaders.
• Determine your costs of going Green. Can you be green AND save money?

(Ad Copy) No Title - just placed in a gray box

• Hear best practice overviews and successfull case studies
• Identify the real costs associated with going green
• Learn how to communicate green travel initiatives (and ROI) to your management and other stake holders
• Examine carbon offset strategies vs. travel provider selection strategies
• be "versed and ready" with a sustainable green travel plan
• Meet suppliers who can help build your green plan

So can anyone else see the difference? I would love to hear your thoughts on this and also like to know if this is a type of event you would find useful for your vocation or business.

Good Hunting!

For morei nformation on this proeprty, of others like it, please search Orange County commercial real estate with our search page.

She is so sweet to have bestowed this upon The Princess, gratiās, merci, gracias, thank you! Here are the rules of the A+ Blogger Award:

1. You should pay it forward to 2 other bloggers and let them know they won
2. You should give them a compliment
3. You should thank your giver. Miss Muffy Martini, you are much too kind!
4. You should post your award for the world to see!

TP is ever-so-excited to share this with Miss Jewish Girl in WASP's Clothing, an amazing  writer whose blog touches on brilliance more than she realizes; and Miss I Pick Pretty, possessed of an oh-so-sharp legal mind evident from her delightfully witty posts!

If it is October it must be time for the annual Needless Markup Neiman Marcus Chistmas Book, that wacky collection of insane and imaginative holiday gifts one won't find anywhere else. Like this:

Now this one starts at $1.3 million, but as we're not planning a wedding it's a non-starter. However, *if* there is a wedding in your future and you are thinking west coast, then the Luxury Wedding Experience at The Resort at Pelican Hill (Newport Beach) is something to consider.

"A personal engagement coach to take care of every detail, a couture wedding gown and bridesmaid dresses custom designed by Carolina Herrera, up to 40 private ocean-view guest villas and every detail exquisitely executed from the magical cake to the perfect flowers to the private celebrity entertainment at the reception."

The life-sized LEGO Sculpture is also an option at only $60,000, but do keep in mind the extra shipping charges.

Does this sort of extravagance make sense in light of the current economic conditions?  Ginger Reeder, the Neiman Marcus spokeswoman for their Direct division, told Reuters:

“In the midst of all this dark and dreary news that’s got us all so sad and down, I’d like to think that somebody could open this book up and smile … I mean they’re fantasies. We’re not saying: ‘You’ve got to rush out and have yourself made in Legos.’ It’s like, wouldn’t that be fun?”

Frankly, TP couldn't agree more. Besides, as with every Christmas Book from Neiman's there are loads of far more down-to-earth and reasonable gifts.

Oh, you were wondering what to do for TP this year?

Yes, TP wants to make a fool of herself playing basketball with the Harlem Globetrotters. We realize it is $110,000, but honestly, you know we'll appreciate it. (Heh-heh-heh.) If this is just a bit over the top there is the always-incredible array of jewelry, furs, clothing and accessories to select from. The Princess isn't choosy. Well, she is choosy. But not insanely so!

In our ongoing presentation of ways everyone can save some of those trust fund $$$, here are a few more current "deals."  Polo Ralph Lauren is wisely jumping in to the discounting frenzy with their Create Your Own line of merchandise.

Our favorites from this entire group have to be the infant pieces.

How cute are these kids? The Create Your Own Overall and the CYO Classic Polo shirt are simply precious.

And this doesn't even begin to touch on the continued sales online and at their retail stores. Naturally Eddie Bauer doesn't want to be left out of the fun.

And Vera Bradley has some marvelous items on sale.

What won't you see at Vera Bradley as a markdown, but actually is until October 12th? The Riviera Blue collection, 25% off with coupon code RIVIERA25BLUE; this includes pieces like the Weekender.

And finally, word that Linens & Things will be closing all of their stores.

They will not bother trying to reorganize themselves, so the "Going Out of Business" sales appear to be underway at all of the stores.

We do hope you enjoy the rest of your day!

Sunday, October 12th

1 to 4 pm

320 Poinsettia

Corona Del Mar, CA

(Click on the photo below to see a virtual tour of this elegant home)

This beautiful Cape Cod inspired home was built in 2006 by Jack Herron, a popular local builder.  This home is just steps from the beach, has a bright and airy interior with top of the line details.  Situated on one of the most popular streets in the village, this Corona Del Mar dreamhome has just had a price reduction to $3,000,000.

• Single family residence
• 3 Bedrooms / 4 Baths
• 1 Ensuite bedroom on main level
• Main level has open floor plan with large family entertaining room
• Large gourmet kitchen with antique center island and Carrera marble countertop
• Formal dining room with French doors to the front yard
• 3 Fireplaces
• 4 Decks and balconies, including ocean-view rooftop deck
• 1.5 short blocks to world famous Corona Del Mar beaches

You will love living in Corona Del Mar!  For additional information on this home or community, please contact me or just stop by my open house. 

For more information on Corona Del Mar real estate or Newport Beach real estate, please visit my website at www.terrycrisler.com or call my at 949-219-2463

"GREEN" QUALIFIED HOME features include:
Vinyl-clad dual pane windows 
Dual zone F/A furnace and dual zone A/C systems 
Dual zone whole house fan systems 
Programmable thermostats 
Mid-height ceilings for low heat/cool bills 
Skylights for natural sunlight and low electric bills 
Children's bathroom on separate electric circuit 
Numerous dimmer switches and several programmable light switches 
Natural materials including Porcelain and Travertine floor tiles 
Natural wood kitchen cabinets 
Lo-flow shower heads and lo-flush Toto toilets 
Reduced and water-conserving landscaping 
CFB light bulbs (compact fluorescent bulbs)
Wall and attic insulation 
Dual His-and-Hers 2-car garages

Offered at $1,629,000. For appointment to view, call or text Stacy McCullough, Realtor,CRS,CIPS,PHN at (949) 887-1199 (Stacy@coastaloclink.com),

The village encompasses the homes from Avocado to Hazel, with Pacific Coast Highway running right through the center.  Approximately 75% of the lots in the village are zoned R2, and have "gone condo", but that's a slightly different thing here in CDM.  Most condos are only 2 units - a front unit and a back unit.  There are a few multi-unit complexes in town, but not many.  The rest of the village is made up of original cottages, and the large single family homes that are replacing the cottages.  It's not unusual to drive down one of the flower streets and see an original cottage, two or three front and back unit condos, a single family home built within the last few years, and a construction site (or two). 

I have the opportunity to talk to people new to the community all the time (I'm a realtor, and hold open house almost every weekend) and they ask a lot of the same questions.  Depending on where people come from, they may be surprised by how close the homes are to each other - unless they are from Manhattan.  I always tell them we are a close community, and neighbors talk to each other here.  We are a community that has to be considerate of each other...we pull to the side when driving down narrow streets so oncoming traffic can pass, we meet our neighbors on their front patio's and walking their dogs, and we are considerate about noise pollution, light pollution, and keeping our homes and alleys neat.  One of the things I appreciate most is being able to walk everywhere.  You can park your car on a Friday after work and not get in it again until Monday.  In the morning I like to walk to Starbucks and read the paper, stop by the grocery store or pick up flowers from the corner stand.  Our friends walk to the local restaurants for dinner, and I really enjoy walking down to Ocean Blvd. in the late afternoon to watch the sunset over the Pacific Ocean and Newport Harbor.

Real estate values in CDM village are based on many things, but as everyone knows "location, location, location" is paramount.  Locals divide the village into several categories: 

• North of Pacific Coast Hwy vs. South of Pacific Coast Hwy
• Single family residence vs. condo
• With condos, it's front unit vs. back unit
• Ocean view's (full, "peek-a-boo", or none) 
• Square feet, bedrooms & baths (the usual)
• Lot size (typically they are 30' x 118', but occasionally there are 45' lot-and-a-halfs, and a few 60' double lots)

I also meet a lot of people who ask about how the current financial problems have affected our area.  I'm happy to report that, while we have seen some price decreasing and more inventory, for the most part, Corona Del Mar has not seen the kind of real estate issues plagued by much of the country.  This is a wonderful community, and is home to affluent and professional residents.  The charm of the village is it's tree lined streets, beautiful homes, great restaurants and shops, sandy beaches, and the relaxed lifestyle we live here.  This is the place where visitors dream of moving to someday.  I meet so many people who call me looking for their Corona Del Mar dreamhome.  It's no wonder that CDM has become one of the most recession proof communities in California!

This 5-Star, 5-Diamond exclusive beach resort has room rates that average well over $400 per night.  Many higher category room types and suites sell well above $1,000 per night.  To give you an idea of what the St. Regis Monarch Beach grounds look like, take a glimpse at the video below.  Pictures hardly do this property any justice.

While these executives wined and dined throughout the week, many Americans lost their jobs and now struggle to provide for their families.  Did these AIG executives somehow miss the whole controversy over executive compensation, benefits, and perquisites?  Did they forget that the tax-paying American is essentially a shareholder of AIG (thanks to the bailout), and that the average American is actually paying for their retreat?  

So how did these AIG execs rack up such a huge bill?  The St. Regis Monarch Beach provided invoices to Chairman Waxman of the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform.  You ready for what they dug up?  AIG's charges at the St. Regis totaled over $440,000, including almost $200,000 in room charges, over $150,000 for catered banquets, and $23,000 in spa charges.  Wow.  Thanks to the Committee for letting the general public see the execs' bill with our own eyes.  I wonder how other corporate executives will end up using our $700 billion bailout funds. 

For more details on the investigation, check out this ABC News link.

If you want to experience a fraction of what the AIG execs did (and I'm not talking about guilt), the St. Regis Monarch Beach resort is offering a special family package through the end of the year that includes $100 daily resort credit and reasonable perks for the little ones.  At least you deserve it.  

Source: USA Today, ABC, Committee on Oversight and Govt Reform

In trying economic times it’s easy to get caught up in media hype and feel the pressure of the world’s financial woes on your shoulders.  I prefer to do something productive instead.  Why not take this opportunity to evaluate if you are living the life of your dreams.  Are you happy, does your lifestyle promote happiness and security or does it promote stress and strife?  What are the things you are working for?  Are they truly the things that matter to you?

I believe in being passionate about what you are doing.  I love my work but more important than that I love my lifestyle.  When you live in a coastal community there is a constant reminder that life is to be enjoyed not survived.  No matter how stressful the day may get, there is always a decompress at the end of the day.  I enjoy working hard, and I treasure living in a community that understands how to appreciate living when the work is done.

If your life is full of stress with no time to celebrate all the little moments that make a life, maybe it’s time to reconsider where you are living.  Maybe its time you looked at a beach community.  Give me a call and I’ll show you all the pleasures of a stress reduced life.

Hey - I just got some freebies in the mail for being a VIP cardholder at Muttropolis, a chain of boutigue high end pet stores (mainly for dogs and cats) in California. It seems I have a VIP card for every kind of store these days - not just supermarkets (I have 3 of those).

Muttropolis has benefits and they have sent me free stuff before, but this time I just got two $10. gift cards. One for me and one for a friend!

Now that times are tough (economy wise) we need to be frugal... money is to be carefully watched and not frivolously spent - this ten dollars will come in handy. It's not one of those hokey offers with strings... it's a $10. off the purchase card on any purchase over TEN BUCKS. Free money! I love it! And so will my dog as he always gets good stuff from Muttropolis.

I go to the one in Newport Beach at the Fashion Island outdoor mall. By the way - that place is one of the biggest hot spots for dog walkers. People come there just to walk their dogs through the outdoor mall!

Stuff I get at Muttropilis include their own brand of healthy dog treats (Peanut Butter one is a fave - they discontinued an old favorite) and also nutritious food items and supplements. VItamins for skin care etc.

Well... that's where I am going today! To shop with my ten bucks at the Muttropolis store!!!

[caption id="attachment_204" align="alignnone" width="445" caption="Holiday Decorations Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade 2007"][/caption]

Please give us a call at (949) 675-0551 with any questions when planning your holiday cruise and/or check out our website: www.christmasparadeboats.com

The Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade is the premier Christmas event not only for Orange County and Los Angeles but Southern California. This year marks 100 years of history for the Newport Harbor Christmas Boat Parade and is viewed by over a million people each year, the Newport Beach Christmas Parade of Lights is not only the oldest but largest boat parade on the West Coast.

Newport Landing offers cruises in the parade which are very popular for company holiday parties. Along with the novelty of having a holiday party that is actually cruising in the Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade , a holiday cruise is a great choice for cost conscious groups. There are some important details to know when planning your holiday cruise.

[caption id="attachment_237" align="alignright" width="300" caption="Company Christmas Party 2007"][/caption]

While Friday and Saturday night of the Christmas Boat Parade are the most requested dates for company holiday parties, the other days of the parade offer some distinct advantages. Parking can be especially challenging during the Friday and Saturday nights of the Boat Parade. We always recommend prepaying with the Newport Landing parking structure for parking. Another great option is to rent a bus and come in as one group. Unlike Friday and Saturday, the other nights of the parade offer all of the décor and parade happenings with less of the congestion traveling to the Balboa peninsula. Once the parking has been solved for the rest is smooth sailing.

When planning your Newport Beach Holiday Cruise the topic of food and what format is the best for maximizing your experience. Sit down dinner options are popular, but we find that buffets or even hors d’ oeuvres allow for more mingling and the flexibility to move around the boat to view all of the festivities. An added plus with the buffet option or hors d’oeuvres is the cost per person is usually much lower than a full sit down dinner.

[caption id="attachment_195" align="alignnone" width="320" caption="Holiday Party Decor 2007"][/caption]

Along with the food come the drinks. A full service bar with bartender is included with every cruise. The question for many company holiday planners is how to structure the bar. An open bar or unlimited available drinks for your guests can sound like a very expensive proposition, but in reality rarely is. Most guests on a holiday cruise are not going to abuse complimentary drinks either for fear of later embarrassment or just as good form. The result is on average, open bars result in about 2 drinks per person. For guests that can push the drinking envelope we can provide a drink package with a fixed cost regardless of what is consumed. Other options include drink tickets or drink credit after which the guest pays or just a cash bar option. But for the added cost the open bar is a nice gesture and a good cost/benefit decision.

[caption id="attachment_264" align="alignleft" width="300" caption="One of hundreds of decorated boats in the parade 2007."][/caption]

A simple yet often overlooked detail that adds value during the holiday cruise and long after is pictures. There is nothing that creates more buzz than taking pictures of the parade, décor, and most importantly the guests. Pictures capture the moment and with all of the visuals and guests that are in a different element the resulting photographs take on a presence of there own. A number of companies that have come out with us were surprised and how long after the holiday season the pictures of their holiday party were the topic of discussion in the lunch room. And for those companies inviting key customers or vendors sending pictures to them even via email is a great way to tie the event into a long lasting memory. Nothing fancy is needed and sometimes is nice to have several individuals with digital cameras (recommended type) and you get a different flavor of photos from each individual.

We have several other suggestions to make the most of your holiday cruise event, but if you touch on the topics above when planning your holiday cruise you will be well on your way to a fun and memorable holiday company event.

Please give us a call at (949)-675-0551 with any questions when planning your holiday cruise our check out our website http://www.christmasparadeboats.com

Event Date: Wednesday, October 15, 2008
Event Location: Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort (1131 Back Bay Dr., Newport Beach)This will be the 11th year the Commodores Club of the Newport Beach Chamber of Commerce has recognized and celebrated the efforts of the Newport Beach Fire and Lifeguard Departments with a festive beach party. Everyone is invited and special awards of merit will be presented.

Special Recognition for 2008:
Bryan Carter - Firefighter of the Year
Eric Bauer - Marine Safety Officer of the Year
Mike Campbell - Seasonal Lifeguard of the Year

Tickets are $35 each. Contact (949) 729-4400 or kgraves@newportbeach.com.

Fine Homes International is a SM of Prudential California Realty.  It represents a special designation reserved only for agents who have a proven track record of success with high end properties.  Prudential's Fine Homes International also publishes and distributes Fine Homes International magazine to bookstores, and high end hotels, resorts, and spas worldwide.

Fine Homes International Inc. is a company located in Austin Texas that provides local real estate services for the Austin Texas area.

Tom & Paula Pelton are Fine Homes International realtors with Prudential California Realty.  The specialize in luxury homes and estates in Newport Beach and other costal communities in southern california.

[caption id="attachment_71" align="aligncenter" width="449" caption="Giant Blue whale sighted Fall 2008."][/caption]

Looking for things to do checkout http://www.newportwhales.com/ for more information on whale watching in Southern California.

Newport Landing Whale Watching has served southern California for over 20 years providing whale watching and dolphin cruises. Year around cruises view many varieties of whales including the giant blue whale, which attains lengths over 80 feet, several types of dolphin, seals, and all sorts of other marine life. Each cruise is a unique experience; you may never know what you might encounter. A recent cruise encountered a huge pod of killer whales numbering over 30 killer whales including adults and young, definitely a trip of a life time.

[caption id="attachment_68" align="alignright" width="250" caption="Killer Whales Sighted Just Off Newport Beach"][/caption]

The waters surrounding Newport Harbor offer deep nutrient rich waters which attracts all types of marine creatures. The Laguna Beach coastline is just south of Newport Harbor and offers some of the most beautiful coastline of Southern California. The gray whales another whale very commonly seen on our cruises seem to enjoy the beauty of the Laguna Beach coastline as well with many whales spotted just a couple hundred yards off of the beach. Most of our whale watching cruises take in the scenic backdrops of Laguna Beach, Newport Beach, and Huntington Beach. Due to the geography of the orange county coastline and the protection of Catalina Island, the ocean conditions are incredible calm and comparable to a fresh water lake this allows whale watchers to fully enjoy the amazing viewing experiences.

Our primary whale watching ship is 65 feet in length with a large upstairs sundeck, wrap around outside seating, snack bar with food and beverages, indoor seating with large windows. Our whale watching ship was designed just for viewing marine life. Plenty of other amenities guartees to make for a very comfortable and exciting trip. Captains & crews have backgrounds in marine biology and are incredible knowledgeable providing details on marine creatures, environment, and eco systems.

[caption id="attachment_69" align="alignleft" width="250" caption="Bottlenose Dolphin numbering in the thousands."][/caption]

Newport Harbor is located in Newport Beach and only minutes from Los Angeles and Orange County. Whether for an individual looking to join one of the general admission whale watching cruises or a group wanting to reserve a private trip exclusively, Newport Landing takes great pride in sharing the magical experience of our whale and dolphin cruises.

For more information go to http://www.newportwhales.com/ or give us a call at (949)-675-0551.

On Sunday 10 of my family and friends walked with me in the 2008 OC Susan G. Koman Race for the Cure for Breast Cancer. I am a 18 1/2 year survivor and this is the 5th race that Kevin, Melissa and I have walked in. Some of my friends have also walked with us each year. It is mind boggling to see everyone there all in support of trying to find a cure for this disease that affects so many people. It's the one day of the year that walking 3.2 miles doesn't seem so bad. Thank you to everyone that made donations or walked with us or "Slept In For The Cure" this year. It was so great to have such wonderful support. Several of us are already planning on next years! We took lots of pictures that I have put on a photo website that you can visit and see how much fun we had.

http://picasaweb.google.com/MoqqiMurphy

The amount of banannas for the runners as they finished was crazy! Thank you to all the volunteers that helped put on such a great event!