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Disney launches first-ever luxe residential community in California desert

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Disney launches first-ever luxe residential community in California desert


Disney is turning the dream of living in a magical world into reality.

The entertainment giant is unveiling its first-ever residential community, Cotino, a sprawling desert enclave in Rancho Mirage, California, near Palm Springs.

Cotino is part of Disney’s new Storyliving initiative, which will feature nearly 2,000 homes ranging from upscale condos to luxurious villa estates.

Prices are set to start at $1 million and will soar past $2 million for the most lavish properties.

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Disney is launching its first residential Storyliving community, Cotino, in Rancho Mirage, California, with a second planned near Raleigh, North Carolina. storylivingbydisney.com
The Melodia floor plan occupies nearly 3,000 square feet. Disney/Matt Beard Photography
Interior of Melodia. Disney/Matt Beard Photography

The homes will cater to a variety of buyers, including those 55 and older. Disney has already announced a second Storyliving development near Raleigh, North Carolina, with more locations being scouted.

Situated on 618 acres, Cotino will offer more than just homes. The community will boast a 24-acre lagoon with water sports like kayaking and paddleboarding, a beachfront hotel and a bustling district filled with dining, shopping and entertainment options.

The entire project is a nod to Disney’s signature flair for detail and immersive experiences, which the company says will be at the core of life in Cotino.

“These planned neighborhoods are intended to inspire residents to foster new friendships, pursue their interests, and write the next exciting chapter in their lives — all while enjoying the attention to detail, unique amenities, and special touches that are Disney hallmarks,” the company said in a statement when Storyliving was first announced in 2022.

Cotino, located near Palm Springs, will feature nearly 2,000 homes, including single-family houses, condos and villa estates priced from $1 million to more than $2 million. storylivingbydisney.com
Some homes will cater exclusively to those aged 55 and older. The community will offer amenities like a 24-acre lagoon, water sports, shopping, dining, entertainment venues and a beachfront hotel. storylivingbydisney.com

And Disney isn’t stopping at just building the homes.

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The company’s famous cast members, who are known for their customer service at its theme parks, will also be running Cotino’s community association, ensuring that residents experience Disney-level hospitality every day.

However, like all things Disney, the best perks will come at a cost.

Residents can opt into the Artisan Club, which grants access to a private clubhouse offering fitness classes, pickleball courts, a members-only beach and exclusive Disney-themed events, such as wellness seminars and live performances.

The Moderne exterior. Disney/Matt Beard Photography
The Moderne interior. Disney/Matt Beard Photography

Three model homes, which were recently completed, will open to the public for tours in November. These homes, built by Shea Homes, reflect Disney’s meticulous design sensibilities.

The “Melodia” model is a 2,935-square-foot, one-story home that offers three bedrooms, 3½ baths and a large kitchen with a walk-in pantry.

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The design, influenced by Disney’s “101 Dalmatians,” features neutral tones with sharp black accents. There’s also a flexible space that could serve as a home office or hobby room.

“Moderne,” another model in the 55-plus community of Longtable Park, is a two-story, 2,821-square-foot property. It includes two bedrooms, two full baths and two half-baths, with an open floor plan that connects living, dining, and cooking spaces.

The interior design takes its cues from Disneyland’s Adventureland, incorporating earthy tones and textures that evoke nature.

Atelier II exterior. Disney/Matt Beard Photography
Atelier II interior. Disney/Matt Beard Photography

“Atelier II” is the third model, also designed for senior living. It offers 2,275 square feet of space in a modern glass-and-metal structure. Bright, bold colors throughout the home pay homage to Disneyland’s 1960s-era poster art. A wraparound outdoor living space extends from the primary bedroom and great room, ideal for outdoor relaxation.

With Cotino, Disney is hoping to lure lifelong fans with the promise of living out their golden years in a Disney-themed community, complete with all the company’s signature amenities.

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And while the closest theme park may be two hours away in Anaheim, the company is banking on its iconic brand to attract Mouse House devotees to its newest venture in the California desert.

Disney previously dabbled in creating a town from scratch with Celebration, Florida, founded in 1996 and located about 20 miles outside of Orlando. It includes a retirement community called Windsor.

Residents say that while it started as slow-paced locale, it has since become a tourist trap.

“There’s not as much neighborhood kind of involvement or cohesiveness anymore,” longtime local Jim Siegal told the Orlando Sentinel in January 2022. “If I can put it bluntly, the town is overrun by tourists … and by people in the surrounding area looking for something to do.”

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Amber Alert issued for 3-year-old out of California City in Kern County

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Amber Alert issued for 3-year-old out of California City in Kern County


CALIFORNIA CITY, Calif. (KABC) — An Amber Alert was issued Friday by the California Highway Patrol for a 3-year-old child out of California City believed to be in imminent danger.

Emaria Peel, 3, was last seen Friday at about 7:17 p.m. in the area of Redwood Boulevard and 83rd Street in California City, according to police.

Authorities believe 31-year-old Charnay Mclin took Emaria. Investigators have not yet said what relationship, if any, Mclin has to the child.

The suspect was described as being 5 feet 9 inches tall, 185 pounds, with black hair and brown eyes.

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The child was described as being 1 foot 6 inches, 20 pounds, with black hair and brown eyes.

Police believe they’re traveling in a gold-colored 2021 Kia Sorento with the California license plate: 36095DV

Mclin is considered armed and dangerous. Authorities wants anyone who sees them to call 911.

No further details were immediately known.

Copyright © 2026 KABC Television, LLC. All rights reserved.

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Northern California high school graduation shooting suspect arrested in Texas

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Northern California high school graduation shooting suspect arrested in Texas



A 17-year-old suspect has been arrested in Texas in connection with the deadly shooting after a high school graduation ceremony in Fairfield, California last month, police said.

Fairfield police said U.S. Marshals, accompanied by department detectives, served search and arrest warrants Friday morning at a home in the greater Dallas-Fort Worth area.

The teen was taken into custody without incident on suspicion of murder and related offenses.

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Investigators said the suspect fled California and traveled to Texas within days of the June 3 shooting. He will remain in custody while awaiting extradition to Solano County.

The shooting happened after Sem Yeto Continuation High School’s graduation ceremony, which was held on the Fairfield High School campus.

Police said 18-year-old graduate Jamario Baker died at the scene. Three others – an 11-year-old child and two adults, ages 20 and 25 – were wounded.

Authorities have not released the suspect’s name because he is a minor.

Although an arrest has been made, police said the investigation remains active and detectives continue to pursue additional leads.

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“While today’s announcement may provide a measure of relief to some, it does not lessen the pain felt by our community,” the Fairfield-Suisun Unified School District said in a statement.

Police plan to hold a news conference Monday at 4 p.m. to discuss the case and arrest. 

Fairfield is a Northern California city about 40 miles northwest of San Francisco. 



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California bill would let insurers monitor driving data for discounts

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California bill would let insurers monitor driving data for discounts


A California bill would let insurers monitor customers’ driving data in exchange for discounted premiums.

Assemblymember Tina McKinnor, the author of AB 311, said the digital monitoring, known as telematics, rewards good driving and would improve safety. In real time, telematics technology would track data such as speed, location and how a vehicle is being driven.

“We have to slow people down,” McKinnor said. “That is the whole purpose for this bill, is driver safety.”

A voter-approved law from 1988, Prop 103, required insurance rates to be based mainly on driving record, miles driven and experience. It made California the only state in the country to prohibit telematics. 

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McKinnor believes the law is outdated. She argued that her bill would also help good drivers who pay higher rates because of where they live. 

“Where I live definitely brings my insurance up,” McKinnor said. “If we both drive the same way, we’ll get charged the same way, instead of by our ZIP code.”

California’s Department of Insurance and consumer groups oppose the bill, citing privacy concerns. 

“We can’t look behind the algorithm and see what weight it’s giving to different criteria, which is a big problem,” said Jamie Court, president of Consumer Watchdog. “Auto insurance, otherwise, is transparent. This is why the Department of Insurance is opposed, because of the lack of transparency in the algorithm.”

The proposed savings in exchange for good driving might not be guaranteed. Telematics data from the Maryland Insurance Administration showed that 31% of drivers who opted into the program saw a drop in rates, 24% saw an increase and 45% saw no change to their premiums. 

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“This collects an awful lot of data about people, more than they know, and it’s like having Big Brother in your back seat,” Court said. 

McKinnor insisted that drivers will not be forced to enroll in the program. 

“It’s still opt-in in the other 49 states,” she said. “We’re not going to make this mandatory. It’ll be a per-volunteer situation.”

McKinnor’s bill passed through the legislature’s insurance committee. It’s expected to be presented to the full Senate in August.

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