Orange County Brief | Innovation, Growth & What's New
New wildfire protection, Orange County's growing tech economy, a new South OC steakhouse, and Lake Forest's first Costco.
Did you know?
Irvine Launches AI Powered Wildfire Detection Network: The City of Irvine has partnered with SensoRy AI to deploy an advanced wildfire detection system throughout the Irvine Open Space Preserve. Designed to identify fire ignitions in their earliest stages, the network gives first responders valuable time to act before fires spread. As wildfire resilience becomes increasingly important across Southern California, Irvine continues investing in technology that helps protect residents, open space, and property.
Orange County's Innovation Economy Continues to Expand: Costa Mesa based defense technology company Anduril recently announced a major Southern California expansion that is expected to create approximately 5,500 new jobs over the coming years. While the new campus will be located in Long Beach, the company will retain its headquarters in Costa Mesa, further strengthening OC’s position as a leader in aerospace, artificial intelligence, and advanced manufacturing. Continued growth in these high paying industries supports the region's long term economic outlook.
A New Steakhouse Is Coming to Laguna Niguel: Ocean Ranch Village will soon welcome Good Boy, a new steakhouse from Specialty Restaurants Corp., the team behind Orange Hill Restaurant. Scheduled to open in early 2027, the concept aims to deliver an upscale yet approachable dining experience, adding another quality restaurant to South Orange County's growing culinary scene.
Lake Forest Is Getting Its First Costco: Construction is moving forward on Lake Forest's first Costco, a 165,000 square foot warehouse that will anchor a new mixed use commercial development. Beyond the store itself, projects of this scale often attract additional restaurants, retail, and services, making them meaningful investments in the surrounding community and improving convenience for local residents.
Watson Team Listings
21 Rose Trellis | Open House
Ledges plan two sits on the view side of the street and offers four bedrooms, including a generous master suite, four and one half baths and more than 2,800 square feet of interior living space
28 Blue Summit | Open House
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
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.
22 Crest Ter | In Escrow
22 Crest Terrace is a newly renovated five bedroom home sited on a single loaded street, featuring two main level bedrooms, including the grand primary suite and an office with its own retreat. Open Saturday and Sunday 1-4PM
26 View Ter | Open House
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.
51 Ashbrook | Just Leased
Welcome to 51 Ashbrook, a beautifully updated 3-bedroom, 2.5-bathroom home located in the highly sought-after Woodbridge community of Irvine. This move-in-ready residence showcases extensive renovations throughout, offering modern comfort, style, and peace of mind. Extensively renovated and thoughtfully upgraded throughout. Open Saturday and Sunday
Available Lease | Newport Coast
Wake up to panoramic ocean, Catalina, and city-light views from this stunning European-inspired residence in the guard-gated enclave of Belcara at Pacific Ridge.
Available Lease | Irvine
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.