Before she could walk, April found herself in the ocean, having fallen from the deck of her family home in China Cove. Although an accident, she loved the ocean and it’s been part of her life ever since. This beautiful home has been the Thompson family residence for 62 years. Surrounded on three sides by Newport Bay, the views are amazing, whether looking out the walls of glass to the bay and ocean, or down through the glass floor that peers into the sea.

 

At their home in China Cove, April and her sons have caught Calico Bass and halibut right off their back patio. Deep sea fishing and camping out in the wilderness were ingrained in April from childhood.

 

April inherited the energy and work ethic she witnessed in her parents. She delivered newspapers at a young age and worked at the snack bar at Big Corona state beach. When it was time for college, she attended the University of Colorado at Boulder and graduated in 3 ½ years. Why? To save money and get going. She worked throughout her college years. After graduating, she backpacked around Europe for three months.

 

Back in Newport Beach, she worked at Martin Advertising for two years before getting that call to the outdoors she grew up with. Off to Mammoth Mountain, where she became a ski instructor during the day and a bartender at Whiskey Creek at night. After a season of doing that, she moved to Japan where she taught English during the day and worked at a restaurant at night. While there, she managed to climb Mt. Fuji, a 12,500-foot trek. After 6 months of living in Japan, April returned to the United States and landed in Austin, Texas where she learned the escrow business. After 2 years in Austin, April became homesick and moved back to Corona Del Mar. She worked at Orange Coast Title and was also the Banquet Coordinator at the Newport Landing Restaurant. After two years, she was offered a position at First American Title, where she worked her way up over a 25-year career span.

 

Always on the lookout for a new adventure, April climbed Mt. Whitney in California with friends in 2013. This climb was to the top, the tallest mountain in California at 14,500 feet. In 2014, she did the highest switchback climb in California – Mt. San Jacinto – 11,000 feet. Then, in 2015, she and a group of friends ventured to Mt. Everest, where they did the climb to the base camp and a little beyond – up to 18,500 feet to “see the view!” Just before their climb, there was a devastating 8.9 level earthquake there, so April and her group spent time before the climb assisting with delivering medical supplies and food to those in need.

 

April is currently Vice President of Marketing & Sales at the Patriot Seal Heritage Foundation. Their mission is to promote art depicting American patriotism; support veteran artists; preserve the past, present, and future history of America; promote service to our nation; and prepare youths for entry into the US military and Navy Seals by promoting fitness and health.

 

April has two sons. Spencer, 23, who graduated with a degree in business from Chico State University, is in the process of moving to San Diego (Pacific Beach). He already has his real estate license and plans to work in that field in the San Diego area. Son Pierce, 21, attends Full Sail University and will get a degree in Cinematography Graphic Design. After that, he plans to attend the University of Utah to further his education. April’s sons mirror her core beliefs: “stay humble, be kind, be respectful, and be responsible.”

 

April’s family home in in China Cove, Corona del Mar, is an original. Still decorated the way her parents wanted it, the home exudes 1940s, 1950s charm. Wallpapers, furniture, pictures all reflect the family history. Pictures of China Cove before their home was built, hang on the wall. When April was a child, and before the home was reinforced with rocks from Catalina Island to block the waves, the home was almost flooded by the storm of ’79 and then again in 1982. When there were parties at the house, and there were many, the kids would jump from the second story balconies into the ocean when it was high tide.

 

That is how April grew up, and it’s why she’s called Corona del Mar’s mermaid.