What's new around Orange County this week?
A new hospital concept for Laguna Beach, a major Irvine headquarters, Newport Beach’s newest venue and more.
Did you know?
Laguna Beach Exploring a New Micro Hospital: Laguna Beach and Providence are studying whether a smaller-scale hospital could replace the existing Providence Mission Hospital facility while preserving local emergency care. The current hospital faces an estimated $300 million seismic retrofit ahead of a 2030 state deadline, putting its future in question. The proposed micro hospital could include an emergency department and acute care services at the existing South Laguna site. The current ER handles roughly 17,000 visits each year, making the outcome significant for Laguna Beach and surrounding coastal communities.
Taco Bell and Habit Burger Commit to a Major New Irvine Headquarters: Taco Bell and Habit Burger & Grill are moving their shared headquarters to a new 254,000 square foot campus on Alton Parkway in Irvine. The deal represents Orange County's largest new office lease in five years and expands the companies from their current 181,000 square foot headquarters. The two brands plan to move into the new Irvine Company campus in 2028, keeping their headquarters and employees in Irvine while significantly increasing their local footprint.
Newport Beach Opens Its New Witte Hall: After more than two years of construction, Newport Beach's new Witte Hall is opening at the Central Library. The nearly 300 seat auditorium was built to host concerts, lectures, community programs and cultural events, giving the city a new dedicated performance venue in the heart of the Civic Center. Its first fall Sunday Musicale takes place this weekend, kicking off a series of free performances scheduled through December.
High Surf Forces Another Closure of South OC's Coastal Rail Line: The Pacific Surfliner rail line through San Clemente remains closed after unusually large waves and high tides caused additional erosion and damage along the tracks. The closure affects service south of Laguna Niguel and Mission Viejo, with buses being used to connect passengers between Irvine and Oceanside. The latest damage comes as transportation officials continue evaluating longer term options for protecting or potentially relocating portions of the coastal rail corridor.
Watson Team Listings
8 Del Rey | Open House
Behind the gates of The Pointe in Turtle Rock, 8 Del Rey is a completely renovated three bedroom home, featuring more than 2,300 square feet of living space, a three car garage and a backyard overlooking scenes from Strawberry Farms Golf Club
28 Blue Summit | Turtle Ridge
28 Blue Summit is a tastefully updated estate that balances grand-scale entertaining with intimate everyday comfort. The home features a main-level suite and sizable office space. Open Saturday and Sunday from 1-4PM
118 Coral Rose | Irvine Condo
Welcome to 118 Coral Rose, a freshly updated 2-bedroom, 2.5-bath home offering approximately 1,280 sq. ft. of light-filled living space in Irvine’s coveted Turtle Ridge.
Coming Soon | Turtle Ridge
Coming Soon to the Summit at Turtle Ridge, five bedroom, four and one half bath home cited on an over 10,000 square foot lot. Please contact Jim for more information or to schedule a private showing
Lake Forest | Open House
A stunning single-family residence in the highly sought-after Baker Ranch community of Lake Forest. Designed for seamless indoor-outdoor living, five-bedroom, five-and-a-half-bath home centers around an inviting enclosed courtyard.
26 View Ter | In Escrow
Available in the Summit, featuring an oversized lot, cul-de-sac position and a permitted Junior ADU. It’s the perfect mix of high-end modern upgrades and a large private backyard, all just minutes from Irvine’s best schools and resort-style amenities.
Available Lease | $9,000/month
Peek-a-boo ocean and city light views. Spanning 2,900 square feet in size on a approximately 5,100 sq ft lot this home features 3 bedrooms and 3 bathroom to include a private casita and formal dining room.
Off-Market Opportunities
Exclusive Turtle Ridge Opportunities We currently have a high volume of qualified buyers looking specifically in the Irvine area for private sales. If you are considering a move but prefer a discreet transaction, or if you are looking for off-market listings not found on the MLS, contact us today to discuss our current inventory.
Available Lease | Crystal Cove
Experience premier coastal living in Crystal Cove’s exclusive Sea Crest enclave—this stunning estate offers unobstructed Pacific views, an infinity-edge pool, and luxurious indoor-outdoor living.
Questions on any of the above, or on a home that is not in it? Jim Watson reads every reply — call or text (714) 342-4040, or use the form on the home page and the team will come back within one business day.