BRIEFLY IN THE NEWS

Although land values in Newport Beach continue to soar, later this month

anyone will be able to purchase a home for prices beginning at just $200

-- that is if you don’t mind living in a house made of sugar, flour, eggs

and candy.

This “real estate” opportunity will take place in the heart of Newport

Center at the Four Seasons Hotel’s Gingerbread Village.

Each year, the hotel’s lobby is transformed into a Gingerbread wonderland

by executive chef Michel Peiton and award-winning pastry chef Sheldon

Millet.

The village is part of the hotels’s third annual fund-raiser to benefit

Toys for Tots. Houses, ornaments, bridges and trees are also available

for businesses and individuals to “purchase” and name for $75 to $600.

For more information, call (949) 759-0808.