The Hurley US Open of Surfing contest will be finished today. The Hurley US Open is an amazing opportunity to view world class surfers.

Carissa Moore from Honolulu, Hawaii and is 17, 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. So if you plan on attending, I would recommend getting there early to secure parking, or if you are local, ride your bike.

This surf contest has been running for the past week, and the finals are being held this weekend.

I thought I would share some photos of these professional surfers at Huntington Beach.

Below are 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.

It really is a great opportunity to get out and enjoy the California climate. Enjoy meeting some new people and if you enjoy taking photos this is an amazing event.

If I can answer any questions about the US Open of Surfing, please contact me.

Phone or Text: 949.280.0681

Email: Spaxson@roadrunner.com

August 5-7, 2010

Professional Lifeguards from all over the country competed in the USLA National Championships this past weekend in Huntington State Beach. With more than 1000 participants, and they range in age from 16 to 75. There were also Junior Lifeguards events.  The events included run-swim-runs, relays, surf swims, buoy swims, dory boat competitions and paddle boarding, it was quite an event to watch. These lifeguards are in incredible shape and it was a great competition. Below are a 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. However, you would never know how cold it was, as these lifeguards charged into the water.

 The USLA Lifeguard National Championships is a unique athletic 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, which is located at Beach Boulevard and Coast Highway.

One of the events is the Dory Surf Boat Race, and there are two lifeguards in each boat and they paddle through the waves, and around buoys and back in sometimes riding the surf in. There was also a women’s division. That is impressive to watch!

The California State Lifeguards won this Dory boat race.

The USLA National Lifeguard Championships was a three day event, and there were many spectators. Next year it will be hosted in New Jersey. So it is an opportunity for these very talented lifeguards to compete in different conditions.

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

Phone or Text: 949.280.0681

Email: Spaxson@roadrunner.com

 July 16, 2010

The Orange County Fair is opening tomorrow, July 16, 2010 and will run through August 15, 2010.  The theme for th OC Fair is “The Beat Goes On!”. The tickets for the OC Fair are available now at ticketmaster. The prices for a single day admission is $10, there are group sales for 15 or more for $8 per person, and there is a Superpass whichc is $30. The Superpass grants you admission to the Orange County Fair EVERY Day of the 2010 OC Fair, July 16th through August 15th and it is open Wednesday through Sunday. The Orange County Fair is a great opportunity to enjoy the beach climate, see the exhibits, animals and go on some exciting rides. There are dance exhibitions, and food vendors to enjoy the fair atmosphere.

The OC Fair is located at:

 88 Fair Drive
Costa Mesa, CA

And tomorrow being the opening day – from Noon to 1:00 pm, there is free parking, free admission to the OC Fair. Also enjoy tomorrow . . .

The 36th Annual Speedway Fair Derby
      The Pink Floyd Experience in The Pacific Amphitheatre
            (First come, first served and subject to availability)
$1 Fair Food Tastings – From Noon to 4:00 p.m.
$1 Carnival Rides and Games – From Noon to 7:00 p.m.

And enjoy some of the rides. Below is a photo from a ride called Speed last year, I did not go on that one, but may try it this year!

Hope to see you at the OC Fair.

The Farmer’s Market opened yesterday in Lido Marina Village on the brick lined street of Via Oporto in Newport Beach. We arrived yesterday morning at around 10:15 and there was a good crowd, and most of the vendors had already sold out of many of their goods.

There was organic fruit and vegetables, flowers and orchids. Some of the vendors had samples and I must say the oranges and the berries were delicious – there were yellow rasperries, red rasperries, and blueberries.

The Farmer’s Market in Newport Beach was a great opportunity to meet and greet your friends and neighbors as well.

Next weekend, we will plan on arriving earlier so that the vendors are not sold out.

I really enjoyed the Farmer’s Market and hope to see you next Sunday morning.

The Fourth of July in Newport Beach is a pretty big event and this year was no different.  There were celebrations going on through out the city of Newport Beach and the city of Huntington Beach. People were out on bicycles, at the beach, playing volleyball, swimming in the ocean. And the weather cooperated and we actually had sunshine.

This year in Newport Beach, the city blocked off an entrance to not only vehicles, but to bicycles and pedestrians at Balboa Boulevard and Coast Highway. The idea was to control the crowd and number of people that swarm to the beach. People were still able to get to the Balboa Peninsula from Prospect Street or Newport Boulevard.

Rudy’s in Newport Beach had a burger – slider eating contest, and the man in the red shirt won. I believe he ate 13 sliders in 8 minutes. Not only did he have the honor of winning, he won $250.00! I bet he was pretty full, and didn’t want any more burgers on the 4th!

On the Balboa Peninsula in Newport Beach, the police were out in force to keep the activity to a minimum, and the crowds controlled.

People were still out partying and enjoying the day. We rode around the Peninsula on bikes, and just people watched, and went to the beach.

Hope you all had a safe and sane fourth of July!

Happy Fourth of July! July 4th is the 185th day of the year and today is a federal holiday (holiday to actually be observed on July 5, 2010) and this is the 234 year which celebrates the United States independence from Great Britain. The 4th of July Declaration of Independence was signed on July 4, 1776.

On the 4th of July in Newport Beach, families get together for parades, barbecues, and get togethers. There are some changes this year if you have intentions of visiting the beach. Make sure you arrive early. There are activities all over town including the Huntington Beach Parade in Huntington Beach, and a Fireworks Extravaganza at Newport Dunes in Newport Beach. Additionally, there is the 53rd Old Glory Boat Parade which begins today at 1 pm. Keep in mind that fireworks are illegal in the city of Newport Beach.

One of the biggest changes from last year is that a main entrance to the Balboa Peninsula at West Balboa Boulevard and West Coast Highway will be closed not only to vehicles (as in the past years) but this year to bikes and pedestrians as well. That means all traffic going onto the Balboa Peninsula will be from Newport Boulevard.

Have a safe and Happy Fourth of July!

The Fourth of July in Newport Beach is a pretty big event. There are lots of celebrations going on through out the city of Newport Beach and the city of Huntington Beach.

There is the Annual Huntington Beach Fourth of July parade which is held on Main Street in Huntington Beach. Huntington Beach has sponsored the famous Surf City Fourth of July Parade and Celebration since July 4, 1904. The parade was celebrating the arrival of the first electric passenger train. The Surf City Fourth of July parade is the largest parade west of the Mississippi. Huntington Beach also has a fireworks show in the evening, and it is visible by sitting on the beach in Huntington Beach. The residents of west Newport usually can view it as well . . .

Newport Shores in Newport Beach has a local parade for the residents of Newport Shores. Decorate your bikes, skate boards, children, dogs, etc and meet at the community clubhouse at 8:30 for some coffee and donuts on the 4th of July. The parade begins at 9am and goes around the neighborhood. The Newport Beach Fire Department has shown up in the past at the summation of the parade. It is a great time for kids and their families alike. There are activities all day long in the Newport Shores community for the kids to celebrate the 4th!

On July 3, 2010, the City of Newport Beach and Mariners Elementary School Foundation will have the 38th annual Independence Day Parade and Celebration. The parade will begin at the corner of Mariners and Commodore in Newport Beach. The address for is Mariners Park, 1300 Irvine Avenue, Newport Beach.

On July 4, 2010, there is the 53rd  Old Glory Boat Parade. The Old Glory Boat Parade is sponsored by the American Legion Yacht Club and the American Legion Post 291.  The parade will begin at 1 p.m. And there are some who are incredibly patriotic! Look at this boat below – beautiful!

The City of Newport  Beach along with the Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort is co-sponsoring a Fireworks Extravaganza.  The Fireworks Extravaganza will be at the Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort: 1131 Back Bay Drive, Newport Beach. The fireworks show will begin at 9 p.m. on Sunday, July 4, 2010.

Just so you know, the possession and use of fireworks are illegal in the City of Newport Beach. So be on the safe side, and just come and watch the professional shows – they really are amazing.

And if you are planning on coming to the beach in Newport Beach on the 4th, get here early. I have been up at 5:30 am looking for parking spaces without success. Parking is limited, and many of the streets on the Peninsula are closed. The parking lots at Huntington State Beach also fill up, so once again, I recommend arriving as early as possible.

Another suggestion – be careful where you park . . . or you could end up getting towed!

So, that is what is happening here in Newport for the 4th of July. Hope you have a wonderful and safe 4th of July!

Newport Shores is a community of approximately 440 homes located on the west side of Newport Beach. With a community club house, tennis court, basketball court, and heated pool, Newport Shores is a desirable community. Newport Shores has become more affordable with the decline in home values, and now it is possible to obtain a single family residence in Newport Shores at a very reasonable price.

Currently, there are 10 active listings on the market ranging in price from $739,000 to $1,349,000.  Three of these properties are short sales. There are four in back up/pending status ranging in price from $650,000 to $1,350,000.  One of these pending properties is an REO and the other at 3 Canal Circle is a short sale.  There have been three sales since March 1, 2010 ranging in price from $650,000 to $775,000.

If I can answer any questions about the Newport Shores community, please contact me.

Phone or Text: 949.280.0681

Email: Spaxson@roadrunner.com

The Orange County Fair is beginning on July 16, 2010 and will run through August 15, 2010. Tickets for the OC Fair are available now at ticketmaster. Prices for a single day admission is $10, there are group sales for 15 or more for $8 per person, and there is a Superpass whichc is $30. The Superpass allows you admission to the Orange County Fair EVERY Day of the 2010 OC Fair, July 16th through August 15th and it is open Wednesday through Sunday. The theme for this year’s fair is “The Beat Goes On!”

The Orange County Fair is a great opportunity to enjoy the beach climate, view the exhibits, animals and go on some exciting rides. There are dance exhibitions, and food vendors to enjoy the fair atmosphere.

Some of the events include the Pink Floyd experience on July 16, 2010, Bad Company, Train and Jeff Dunham to name a few.

The Orange County Fair is located at:

88 Fair Drive
Costa Mesa, CA

I have been to many live events in the past at the OC Fairgrounds, and it really is a great venue. With outdoor seating, and being a fairly small venue, it is easy to see the performers on stage, additionally there are large projection screens to be sure that everyone can see the performers.

Subscribe to the special offers and presale for additional value here at the OC Fair.

There is the Barret Jackson auction which is coming up June 25-27, 2010 at the OC Fairgrounds if you are a car buff. There are events all summer long, and hope to see you there.

Barret Jackson Auction Company is an auction company which has been in business for over 48 years. Barret Jackson is considered the world’s most prestigious collector car auctions and events. 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 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 that are being consigned or auctioned.  This is great news as many will be travelling to Orange County and boosting the local economy with filling up hotels, and 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. Prices range from $10 for Friday and Sunday, and $15 for Saturday for adults for early purchase. I suggest viewing their website for ticket information.

Hope to see you at the Barret Jackson auction. I intend to go just to look and the amazing automobiles!