Covenant Hills Living - February 2019

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living Fe b r ua r y 2 019

OVENANT HILLS A Social Publication for and by the Residents of Covenant Hills

Meet Your Covenant Hills Neighbors:Â THE PERLSTEIN FAMILY

YOUR STORIES, YOUR PHOTOS. YOUR COMMUNITY

Last month they were freezing.

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HEALTHY LIVING INSIDE AND OUT

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February 2019 • Covenant Hills Living

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I M P O RTA N T

PH O NE NU M BE R S City Directory OC Animal Services

3/31/19

www.n2pub.com © 2019 Neighborhood Networks Publishing, Inc.

PUBLISHER / AREA DIRECTOR

949-378-6515 | Greg.Schnieders@n2pub.com

714-935-6848

Fire / Police Emergency

911 Emergency

Library

949-234-5940

Police (Front Desk)

949-770-6011

Sheriff’s non-Emergency

949-770-6011

Tax Assessor

714-834-3411

Schools

949-234-5349

Chaparral Elementary School

949-234-9200

Capistrano Unified School District

949-234-5915

Ladera Ranch Elementary School

949-234-5922

Ladera Ranch Middle School

949-234-5966

Oso Grande Elementary School

949-234-5900

San Juan Hills High School

949-234-5310

Greg Schnieders

PUBLISHER / EDITOR / AREA DIRECTOR COVER PHOTOGRAPHER

Julie Schnieders 949-218-3465 | Julie.Schnieders@n2publishing.com Steve Lopushinsky 949-292-5857 | Turville Photography

ADVERTISING AND MARKETING

Greg Schnieders 949-378-6515

CREATIVE TEAM

N2 Publishing Design Department

Tesoro High School 800-777-0133 Other Agencies

949-388-8300

DMV

949-218-0900

LARCS

800-428-5588

LARMAC

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First Service Residential

949-470-3045

Property Management

949-364-1400

Mission Viejo Animal Shelter

800-222-1222

Mission Hospital

949-582-2414

Poison Control Sports Field Use Conditions

800-494-4388 Utilities

800-333-3474

Cox Communications

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DISCLAIMER: Any articles included in this publication and/or opinions expressed therein do not necessarily reflect the views of N2 Publishing but remain solely those of the author(s). The paid advertisements contained within the Covenant Hills Living magazine are not endorsed or recommended by N2 Publishing or the publisher. Therefore, neither N2 Publishing nor the publisher may be held liable or responsible for business practices of these companies.

NOTE: When community events take place, photographers may be present to take photos for that event and they may be used in this publication.

February 2019 • Covenant Hills Living

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This section has been created to give you easier access when searching for a trusted neighborhood vendor to use. Take a minute to familiarize yourself with the businesses sponsoring Covenant Hills Living.

These local businesses are proud to partner with you and make this magazine possible. Please support these businesses and thank them for supporting Covenant Hills Living!

AIR CONDITIONING White Mechanical (949) 716-8379 WhiteMechanical.com ARTIFICIAL TURF & PUTTING GREENS Replicated Grass (916) 837-0653 www. replicatedgrasssystems.com BANKING & MORTGAGE SERVICES US Bank Scott Glass (949) 556-5238 www.usbank.com BARRE STUDIO barre3 Ladera Ranch (949) 218-1255 www.barre3.com

CARPET CLEANING & GROUT Professional Cleaning Service (949) 463-5824 www.occarpetwindow.com CHARITY / FUND RAISING Goodwill Orange County (714) 547-6308 www.OCGoodwill.org CLEANING & HOUSEKEEPING SERVICES Real Estate Cleaning (949) 481-6926 www.rehousecleaning.com CLOTHING BOUTIQUE WOMENS A Touch of Jane Katherine Harbinson (949) 677-8537 atouchofjane.com

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COMPLETE DESIGN & REMODELING SERVICES James Remodeling Inc. Armin Demehri (949) 266-1282 www.jamesremodelinginc. com CRUISE TRAVEL SPECIALISTS Cruise Navigators Kim Johnson (949) 716-4408 DENTAL CARE / FAMILY & COSMETIC Sendero Dental (949) 371-8533 www.senderodental.com DENTIST / GENERAL / COSMETIC / IMPLANTS Beautiful Smilez Dentistry (949) 496-2930 www.beautifulsmilez.com

FAMILY LAW Law Office Of Kevin L Qualls (714) 988-4781 localorangecalawyer.com FIREPLACE SPECIALTIES Capo Fireside 26401 Via De Anza San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675 (949) 364-5118 www.capofireside.com FITNESS / PERSONAL TRAINING F45 Rancho Mission Viejo 30595 Gateway Pl Rancho Mission Viejo, CA 92694 (714) 714-6001 F45Training. com/RanchoMissionViejo

FLOORING KITCHENS BATHS Flooring Kitchen and Bath Design (949) 481-6100 www.fkbdesign.com

MORTAGE BANKER Wells Fargo Home Mortgage David Walters (949) 282-4027 www.davidhwalters.com

GOLD EXCHANGE Crown Gold Exchange Cesar Meyer (949) 709-1457 crowngoldexchange.com

ORTHODONTICS Ben White Orthodontics (949) 496-4522 www.BenWhiteSmiles.com

HAIR SALON Aveda Botanique Hair (949) 701-6699 www.botaniquehair.com HEATING COMPANY White Mechanical (949) 716-8379 WhiteMechanical.com HEATING / AIR CONDITIONING SoCal Airflow Pros (949) 303-5525 www.scairflow.com JACUZZI / SPAS Jacuzzi Outdoor Living (949) 432-9330 www.jacuzzioutdoorliving. com LANDSCAPING / HARDSCAPING & DESIGN Tulip Landcare Corp.

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PATIO & OUTDOOR FURNITURE California Patio 339 N El Camino Real Encinitas, CA 92024 (760) 943-6282 californiapatio.com California Patio 32601 Calle Perfecto San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675 (949) 496-9600 californiapatio.com PHOTOGRAPHER Turville Photography (714) 633-6980 www.TurvillePhotography. com PLASTIC SURGEON, BOARD CERTIFIED Orange County Plastic Surgery (949) 888-9700 www.ocps.com

PRIVATE SCHOOL St. Marys School (949) 448-9027 www.smaa.org REAL ESTATE SERVICES CaLee McManus - Ladera Realty CaLee McManus (949) 608-2133 www.laderarealty.com Compass Real Estate Brian Sperry Brian Sperry (949) 981-9020 www.compass.com Front Street Realty (949) 310-2672 www.frontstrealty.com Haimes Group - Coldwell Banker Gabriela Haimes (949) 795-1054 www.gab4re.com Surterre Properties McDaniel Gilmore Group (661) 312-6952 www. mcdanielgilmoregroup.com

RESTAURANT / MEXICAN GRILLE CASA RANCHERO 25606 Crown Valley Parkway Suite B-9 Lader, CA 92694 (949) 276-7800 www.casaranchero.com/ SOLAR RESIDENTIAL Barnes Solar (949) 652-5445 www.barnessolar.com SOLAR SPECIALIST / SOLAR & MORE Eco Force Solutions (949) 292-1493 www.EcoForce-Solutions. com

When you are making purchasing decisions, please refer to this page and consider the business sponsors that make Covenant Hills Living possible.

thank you!!

REAL ESTATE TEAM The Dina & Dede Team (949) 433-2332 www.liveinladeraranch.com

February 2019 • Covenant Hills Living

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HAPPY VALENTINE’S DAY, COVENANT HILLS FAMILIES! Thinking about the month of February has me thinking about love! Whether or not Valentine’s Day is a man-made holiday, it is a wonderful excuse to celebrate love. The mere words evoke so many feelings that it is hard to define or even express in words. Love can mean a dizzying array of things to each of us... words that come to mind are acceptance, giving, gratitude, openness, joy, excitement, purpose, we could go on and on.

Perhaps it’s best summarized in Gandhi’s quote: “Where there is love, there is life.”

With the holiday season behind us, everyone is getting into the groove of the New Year. We have worked hard to bring you another addition of Covenant Hills Living magazine in which you can get to know your neighbors a bit better. In this issue, we have featured the Perlstein family. Take a look at their article and get to know why they make such great neighbors.

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OVENANT HILLS

publisher’s notes

This month, let’s practice showing love as we go about our day and experience the joy it will bring to you and others. The loves in my life ... my wife Julie, our four children, my extended family and my closest friends! I am so blessed by them!

C O N T R I B U T O R S

Want to Join The Fun? We are Always Looking for Residents to be Involved!

Greg Schnieders Publisher/Advertising Sales

Julie Schnieders Publisher/Editor

Christine Tehrani Junior Writer

Katie Parker Content Contributor

Isabella Mashour Junior Writer

Jim May Content Contributor

Semiramis Tehrani Content Contributor

Do you have a creative side? Everyone is invited to contribute stories and ideas.

Let’s celebrate the great things happening in the community. No contribution is too small. Email Greg. schnieders@n2pub. com with your pictures, suggestions or ideas.

I hope that in the months to come you will continue to share with us, your families, pets, athletes, homes, charities, events and inspirations! Keep the pictures of your community’s events and ideas coming. They are so very welcomed and they are what makes this publication so special.

As a reminder, please remember to support the sponsors who make this publication possible. Most sponsors are referred and recommended by other residents, so you can trust in them to provide a superior experience when using them or their products. Please be sure to let our sponsors know that you learned about them from Covenant Hills Living.

Sincerely,

When we think of love we may think of only romantic love. How about the idea to look for ways to express love in all aspects of our life? How can we truly come from a place of love in our daily activities? Would doing so contribute to more joy in your life? I would say a resounding yes!

10 Covenant Hills Living • February 2019

Greg and Julie Schnieders

Publishers, Covenant Hills Living

February 2019 • Covenant Hills Living

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covenant hills athlete of the month

Name: Jordan Lesko Age: 10 School: St. Junipero Serra

Catholic School Sport/Activity: Aerial Arts – Cal

Elite Performance Athletic Team Position: Aerialist on the Aerial 2 Team How long have you participated in this sport/activity? I started tak-

ing aerial classes about a year and a half ago. I started in gymnastics at Cal Elite five years ago. I would watch other kids in aerial classes and I told my parents that’s what I want to do. Eventually, they let me move over to aerial.

What is your favorite teacher/mentor’s name? I have many different

coaches and I like training with them all.

Who do you idolize in this sport/ activity? I have been to Cirque du

Soleil and I love watching them perform. I would like to be as flexible as a contortionist.

Where do you normally practice? Cal Elite

Gym in RSM. Have you traveled anywhere related to this sport/activity? Not yet, but

aerialist

JORDAN LESKO

Could Cirque du Soleil be in her Future?

12 Covenant Hills Living • February 2019

I will be competing at VIVA FEST in Las Vegas in April as part of a team from Cal Elite. It is a circus acts competition and I will be performing a solo aerial silk routine. I will be working hard to improve and perfect my routine over the upcoming months. This will be the first time I have ever been in a competition and I am very excited.

What events have you participated in? I am part of a performance team

at Cal Elite. We participate in our gym

shows four times a year as well as some community events like Dove Dash and Relay for Life.

What have you learned from participating in this sport/activity? I have learned that this sport is more than just doing a skill.

It’s about making everything you do look like a performance, which is something I will continue to work towards.

What do you like the most about the sport/activity? I love that

I can train and perform on many different apparatuses including silks, lyra, hammock, dance trapeze, triple trapeze, swinging trapeze, Spanish web and the cube.

What is your favorite moment? Making the Aerial 2 Team and

POWER YOUR LIFE. STRONG BODY, CENTERED MIND, GAME CHANGING RESULTS.

getting to compete at VIVA FEST. What do you plan on doing after graduating? I’m not sure yet since that is eight years away but I hope to be involved in aerial arts for a very long time.

One tip for someone looking to get into this sport/activity: I

would tell them that it is a lot of fun and it helps you to get stronger and more flexible. In the beginning, it might be challenging, but the longer you do it, the easier it will get and you will learn more difficult skills.

Do you have a young athlete in your life you would like to be featured here? We would love to share their story; email CovenantHillsLiving@ n2pub.com.com.

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February 2019 • Covenant Hills Living

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and celebrate these values through creative play, educational activities and socializing during the events and at Campfire, an entertaining part of Saturday nights when camping out.

making a difference with families

As a result of involving my daughter in the Adventure Guides, she grew from a timid 5-year-old to a confident young teenager, courageously going on stage in front of 200 people, not the least bit shy to grab the microphone and say her lines, even improvising some. The exposure to the many events, adventures and different people has greatly increased her level of social savvy (often referred to as emotional intelligence or EQ), and I am confident she now has the necessary tools to make smart decisions, take calculated risks, and pick excellent friends, wherever her journey takes her in life.

Colorful Dads & Daughters!!

Please do check out this all-volunteer, dad-driven organization, you may find it creates some of the most special memories which you will treasure forever. Give me a call at 949.444.9694. As we always say in our group: It’s gonna be AWESOME! Do you have a family memory or program to share with your community? Please email Greg at greg.schnieders@n2pub.com.

Dads&Daughter

Time

Developing Deep Bonds and Lifetime Memories

Seven years ago, having just moved to Covenant Hills, we walked by a YMCA booth during an Oso Grande School event. Two fathers were promoting the Adventure Guide’s program, a way for dads and daughters/sons to spend quality time while developing deep bonds and lifetime memories. I was intrigued, but ultimately, it was my wife who signed us up. I am certain the idea of a few quiet weekends a year without kids and husband was as appealing to her as much as the program was to us. I believe it is her little secret, but she’ll never tell.

Now, fast forward to today, and I freely admit it was one of the better things she has ever done for our family (among many).

14 Covenant Hills Living • February 2019

By Urs Britschgi Covenant Hills Resident and Proud Adventure Guide Dad.

We have since created uncountable memories and have experienced incredible adventures, with many more just around the corner. Be it camping on Catalina island amongst the tame buffaloes, climbing rocks in Joshua Tree National Park, sleeping in the tiny bunks of the USS Midway, launching rockets on a dry lake bed near the ghost town of Calico, or participating in an Amazing Race on the shores of Lake Hemet, we always look forward to these incredible weekends together with other amazing dads and daughters. Of course, dads and sons have equally awesome adventures in their program, too.

The Adventure Guides are based on four core values: Caring, Honesty, Respect, and Responsibility. Dads are encouraged to model, teach and demonstrate these values as well as give their children the opportunity to practice February 2019 • Covenant Hills Living

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covenant hills precious pets

By Covenant Hills resident Sean Patrick

Bella meet

the English Bulldog Family member names: Sean, Lena, Quinn Pet’s name: Bella Type of breed: English Bulldog Male or female: Female Pet’s age: 12 Where/why did you get your pet?

Bella came into our lives while we lived in Seattle, Washington.

At first, I was afraid to get a Bulldog because when we visited the breeder, the snorting noises in the house were overwhelming.

Anything special or unusual about them (talents/quirks)?

Bella specializes in sleeping. She gets about 18–20 hours of sleep a day. She is also a sucker for attention and loves it when you scratch her backside

Is there a story behind its name?

Bella, meaning beautiful, seemed extremely fitting for a wrinkly-faced Bulldog.

What do you like best about your pet?

Bella is an amazing fun-loving dog. She is sweet and loves nothing more than lying in bed with us.

Do you have a favorite groomer?

Molly Grooms Dogs, www.mollygroomsdogs.com Any funny stories?

Ron & Susan Luna Ladera Ranch Agents & Residents Since 2003.

When Bella was a puppy, she loved to chase things that ran away from her. One day I was getting her out of the car and she locked eyes with a little boy. I could see in his eyes he was scared and knew he was about to run. I begged him not to but he took off and so did she. I chased her straight into his house.

When I entered, I found the entire family standing on the back of the couch screaming. Little did they know she is the sweetest dog on earth.

How spoiled is your pet?

Bella specializes in lying on cushions. Beds, couches, you name it, and if it’s soft and cushy, she claims it.

Specializing in Covenant Hills & Ladera Ranch Empty Nesters Relocating to Beach and Desert Cities.

Call Ron & Susan Today to Discuss Your Next Move!

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16 Covenant Hills Living • February 2019

What else should we know about Bella and how has she enriched your family?

Bella is our life and since the day she entered she has brought joy and love. Even when she chewed through 15 DVDs and countless pairs of shoes. Oh, and there was that one time she actually chewed the wall of the house.

Do you have a precious pet that you would like featured in Covenant Hills Living? Email us at Greg.Schnieders@n2pub.com.

February 2019 • Covenant Hills Living

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financial fitness

By N2 Staff Writer, Elizabeth McCabe

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Are you paying monthly on insurance? Consider switching to lump-sum payments to save valuable money. It’s a simple switch that will pay off.

To save on your auto insurance, be a savvy shopper. After all, a penny saved is a penny earned.

Get the most for your Gold, Silver, Diamonds and Coins!

Save money by bundling your insurance. Most insurance companies offer discounts for those who get both home and auto insurance. If you have multiple items to insure (motorcycles, boats, or condos), it makes sense to bundle too.

SELL YOUR GOLD

Increase Your Deductible As a general rule of thumb, if you want to pay less for your auto insurance, increase your deductible. The higher your deductible is, the less your premium will be.

Some auto insurance companies offer a discount to those who keep their car in a garage at night. Not only will your car be protected from the elements, but it is also safe and sound from thieves. Vehicles in garages are less likely to be stolen.

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rate a short stay in Boston, where we can catch a Red Sox game and walk around our favorite town.

Sports teams: Red Sox, Patriots and anything UCLA Family dinner: There are many things that we just don’t accomplish in any given day. We are very busy and pulled in a lot of different directions. The one thing that we insist on is a sit-down, napkins-in-your-lap, elbows-off-thetable, tell-me-about-your-day family dinner. Logan can’t be home often, so when she graces the table, it is much like a celebrity sighting.

Do you have any family traditions? Highs and Lows. At the dinner table each night we go around the table and each person gives their “high” for the day and their “low” for the day. It forces the kids to each share and listen to their siblings.

meet your neighbors

the

PERLSTEIN FAMILY JOHN, MEAGAN, LOGAN, ALEX, JANE, KATIE & JACK

Family member names: John, Meagan, Logan (23, not pictured), Alex (14), Jane (10), Katie (4) and Jack (2) Street: Michael Road

22 Covenant Hills Living • February 2019

Pets: Daisy (Golden Retriever), Oreo (Guinea Pig) and Beta fish Profession(s): John is an attorney specializing in litigation. He enjoys, and wins, any great argument so his wife refuses to give him one. Meagan is a fulltime mom. I would like to emphasize “full time.”

Favorites Activities/Hobbies: John enjoys any activity where he can throw a ball. Meagan loves her tennis, loves.

Alex is on the Gators swim team and LOVES gaming…ugh. Jane is an avid horseback rider.

Katie is a professional makeup artist. Jack is a professional parkgoer.

Park/Play area/Hang out: We love our local park. I don’t know if it has an official name but it is five houses away and you can find us there

most days. I love that the dog can run, the kids can play and the adults can enjoy each other or catch up with neighbors. When we first moved in, we used to see deer on the hills, which was absolutely breathtaking.

Restaurants: Locally, we love Sol Agave, Forte and The Sports Grill is always great for an impromptu night out with friends and kids.

Vacation destination: Every summer we go to Kauai. It has become increasingly more interesting on the airplane as our family grows. Our absolute favorite thing to do is to wake up early and hit the beach before 7am. There is nobody out there but us and it is simply magical.

In August we take off for Coastal Maine. Meagan’s family has a summer home that has been in the family for 100 years! Maine is a special place for us. It is a glimpse into simpler times where there is no TV, lots of family, outdoor play all day and the local store is a three-minute walk down a dirt road. We try to incorpoFebruary 2019 • Covenant Hills Living

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What college/university did you attend? John spent his freshman year at The Air Force Academy before deciding he was sick of marching in the snow. He transferred to UCI and finished his undergrad degree there.

He then went on to receive his law degree from Whittier Law School.

Meagan attended UCLA where she played water polo her freshman year before deciding, with all her youthful wisdom, that her time would be better spent as a Pi Phi. Logan attended USC (which makes us a house divided, fun on game day) and is now living in Walnut Creek.

Where are you originally from? John was born just outside of Boston in a town called Ayer. His family moved to Downey when he was in grade school and John attended St. John Bosco for High School. Meagan was born and raised in Newport Beach and went to Corona Del Mar High School.

How long have you lived in this neighborhood? We have lived in Covenant now for a little over five years.

What do you like to do to relax? We are total homebodies. We are absolutely OK with hanging around the house with the kids and doing nothing. Which, as you all know, entails a lot when you have a house full of kids.

If you have kids, what activities are they involved with? Logan is busy figuring out the working world.

Alex is working hard to become a stronger swimmer as he is looking to swim and begin playing water polo (if his mom has any say) in high school. Jane is lucky enough to own a horse named Ranger. This means she spends at least four days a week down at her stables. She rides western so she can be found barrel racing, sorting cattle and buried up to her knees in dirt. She loves it

24 Covenant Hills Living • February 2019

and has truly found her passion. Katie is ready to start with activities and has requested “ballerina class” and soccer.

What is your favorite part about living in your neighborhood? We really like that our neighborhood is at the border of the community. It’s a little quieter in our neck of the woods and we like it that way. We love our next door neighbors. The park down the street is a great place to hang and there are plenty of kids to play with at any age. Ladera is a gift when you have a young family and we are blessed to call this home.

Would you like to nominate a family to introduce to the community? Email us at CovenantHillsLiving@n2pub.com.

February 2019 • Covenant Hills Living

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SAILING CHARTERS WITH COVENANT HILLS CAPTAIN

Jim’s other nautical offerings include burials at sea as a California Funeral Bureau Certified Cremated Remains Disposer for a few of the local mortuaries. About 50% of Orange County funerals are cremations, and Jim conducts well-known and respected memorial events for families which include sailing out to a marker one mile offshore and performing a meaningful multi-faceted service very highly appreciated by his clients. He does about forty burials per year. He performs a few marriages annually, engagements, birthdays, anniversaries, champagne sunset tours, and three-day trips to Catalina.

He’s available 24/7 all days year-round, and welcomes any inquiries through all of the Dana Point Harbor yacht companies, or directly in Ladera Ranch at 949-981-0776.

Do you have a business you would like to feature?

Email Greg at CovenantHillsLiving@n2pub.com.

covenant hills business beat

Covenant Hills resident and U.S. Coast Guard Captain Jim May.

Sharing His Love of the Sea through Whale Watching, Personal Charters & Burials at Sea ust minutes away from Ladera Ranch, Dana Point Harbor beckons us all to enjoy its seaside riches, including beautiful beach sites, walking trails, campsites, great restaurants, the Ocean Institute, and boating activities of all kinds. Ladera Ranch resident US Coast Guard Captain Jim May pilots his stateof-the-art 37-foot Beneteau sailing yacht for a wide range of clients and friends there year-round. Jim has been sailing since boyhood, and soon after moving here from Pennsylvania in 2007 when he divested of his businesses he completed the commercial maritime requirements for an upgraded Coast Guard certification, allowing him to carry charter passengers. His re-certifications are due every five years and include complete medical, Homeland Security review, random drug testing, and liability insurance continuation. He teaches sailing and navigation and conducts charter trips for a sailing academy and the yacht companies in the harbor, including corporate team-building racing regattas for event organizers.

Jim’s Beneteau sailboat shown in these photos has all the amenities of home and can be sailed anywhere with complete freedom.

26 Covenant Hills Living • February 2019

His sailing tours include three-hour and four-hour offshore excursions looking for sea life including seals, dolphins, and a parade of whales passing by the Dana Point headlands throughout the year.

The whales, in particular, are very exciting to see – close-up and usually very active, diving and surfacing about every ten minutes or so. They are constantly migrating between Baja Mexico where they birth their young and Alaska where they seek their preferred krill food sources. Different whale species migrate at different times of the year. So the whale show is constant for the most part here at Dana Point, although some seasons are more active than others. For visitors staying at the shore hotels, it’s a part of the activities many of them most appreciate about south Orange County.

February 2019 • Covenant Hills Living

27

covenant hills home of the month

residential - commercial - designers - contract - hospitalit y

Enjoy even more...

ilez Dentistr y Sm l fu i t u Bea

Photos Courtesy of developer, The "New Home Company"

Caring Family and Cosmetic Dentistry

28

new studio collection by:

CATALINA VISTA ROAD

The New Sky Ranch at Covenant Hills Development

Set on the most sought-after lots within Covenant Hills is the new Sky Ranch development, by The New Home Company, a limited collection of 28 residences featuring exceptional architecture and dramatic coastal and city light views. The architecture is inspired by a new definition of contemporary ranch living with modern farmhouse designs that frame open floor plans and scenic views with natural elements of wood and stone. The home sites average 10,000 square feet with ample room for homeowners to add gazebos and pools viewing the Pacific coast and surrounding rolling hills. The on-site Design Studio will collaborate with Sky Ranch buyers on selecting options and amenities to tailor every aspect of their home and lifestyle needs. Features include: Furnished Model Home Priced from the High $2 Millions Colonial Revival Elevation 4,914 Square Feet 6 Bedrooms, 6.5 Baths Central Courtyard Loggia off Great Room Upstairs Bonus Room Three-Car Garage Two-Story Floor Plan Options Available

California Patio fine outdoor furnishings & accessories since 1981

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"One of the Best Dentist I have gone to, I Highly Recommend Dr. Nadia and Already Referred my Friends to her" Pat N. - Local Resident

Hardscape & Landscape Construction and Design Sustainable Landscaping Garden Designs and Installations

· $89/Year Plan Covers: Exam, X-rays, Dental Cleaning and Hygiene · Ask about our Specials for Patients without Insurance Tulip Landcare did a great job!

They were a full service operation handling every aspect of the hardscape of our backyard CHRIS & LINDSAY, LADERA RANCH

Ask about Cash Discounts For Seniors and Veterans Visit us at www.beautifulsmilez.com for our Specials Weekend Hours Available Dr. Rezaiamiri, DDS

949-929-0697 www.tuliplandcare.com 28 Covenant Hills Living • February 2019

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31734 Rancho Viejo Road, Suite D San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675

949.496.2930 February 2019 • Covenant Hills Living

29

sponsor spotlight How many homes have you sold in Ladera Ranch?

Our team has sold close to 200 homes in Ladera Ranch during the past 19 years. This includes both resale homes and representing buyers with the purchase of new homes in the community.

Given your business expertise and the nature of what you do, what advice can you offer to the residents of Covenant Hills and Ladera Ranch?

Dede and I love to help homeowners with advice on the types of upgrades or improvements that will be the best investment, whether they have plans to sell soon or years down the road.

We’ve built many long-term relationships with clients just by visiting with them, helping select paint colors and giving suggestions, with no strings attached. We are happy to share our home improvement and repair resources with residents as well. We have an extensive list of painters, flooring companies, electricians, handymen, landscapers, carpet cleaners, window washers, etc. that we or our clients have personal experience with. Sort of like our own “Angie’s List” for Ladera Ranch. Dede and I also offer staging services to our clients, with a fabulous staging company, who can provide everything from partial staging to full staging, depending on the client’s needs.

How did you decide on this industry?

Dina: Dede and I grew up in real

THE

Dina & Dede TEAM

COVENANT HILLS & LADERA RANCH SPECIALISTS Dina Williams & Dede Engelbrecht Your position: Broker DRE # 01018982 Realtor DRE # 00843276 Company name: Pacific Sotheby's International Realty Website: www.LiveInLaderaRanch.com Phone number: Dina: 949-433-2332 | Dede: 949-322-2177 Business address: 27702 Crown Valley Parkway, D4-105,

Ladera Ranch, CA 92694 Industry: Real Estate

30 Covenant Hills Living • February 2019

How long have you been selling real estate in Ladera Ranch?

We have been selling real estate in Ladera Ranch for 19 years, since its’ inception. Dina and her family are part of the original Ladera Ranch residents, living and working here since 2000.

Dede and her family have lived in South Mission Viejo for over 20 years as well. We each have over 30 years’ real estate experience, primarily representing sellers and buyers in South Orange County and specializing in Ladera Ranch.

estate families with both of our fathers owning successful real estate brokerages in Huntington Beach and Long Beach, respectively. I guess you could say real estate is in our blood! I began my real estate career in new home marketing and sales, selling close to 350 Dina Williams new homes in the late 1980’s – early-1990’s, prior to getting married and starting a family.Fast forward to 2000, when we moved to Ladera Ranch, with four young children, I found the flexibility of resale real estate gave me the opportunity to continue my career and be home with our children as much as possible. Transitioning to resale came naturally, as many of my new home clients were wanting to resell their homes and move up to larger homes, so I was able to start my resale career with a great base of clients, many of them who are now lifelong friends. I am also able to use my new home marketing background to offer our clients unique and high-end marketing, so their homes stand out among the rest. Living and working in the community of Ladera Ranch, which has given our family so many amazing memories and friendships, has been a dream come true. Even after almost 20 years, it is still exciting for me to help a new family find a home here, knowing firsthand how special this community really is. Plus, having personal experience with children attending the top-rated Ladera Ranch schools is a great advantage when working with clients relocating here.

Dede: I began my real estate

career in the mid-1980’s, selling homes in Long Beach and Belmont Shore, while managing my father’s successful real estate office. The economy was challenging when I got my license in 1983. As a young agent just starting out, I had to work very Dede Engelbrecht hard to break into the business and earn a living. By the time I was 24, I had purchased my first home, a duplex in Long Beach, and within a few years, I had a thriving real estate career. In the early 1990’s I got married and moved to South Mission Viejo, where I still reside and have raised three children. Real estate has proven to be not only a great career, but has allowed me to work close to home, selling in the community I have lived in and loved for over 20 years. Dina and I met in a mom’s group in 2000 and became fast friends. It wasn’t long before we realized we both shared the same dedication to customer service and had a passion for helping others.

We decided to join forces and we became a team in 2008. By combining our many years of experience, strengths and topnotch negotiating skills, we have become the most experienced and successful real estate team in Ladera Ranch.

Anything extraordinary unique that your company does:

Dede and I handle each transaction as if it were our own, and many of our clients are now our friends. The majority of our business is by referral from past or present clients, where we’ve represented many of their friends, family members and extended family members as well. We treat each client, whether it’s an entry-level condo or a multi-million-dollar luxury home, with the same level of service and professionalism.

We are also both certified relocation specialists with extensive training and experience working with many of the large corporations and relocation companies who are moving their employees to Ladera Ranch. Dede and I pride ourselves on offering our clients some of the best marketing tools available.

The marketing tools for all of our listings include high-end professional photography and videography, high-quality color brochures, a comprehensive market analysis and a strong online presence including extensive social media advertising and targeted social media campaigns. Because we work for the most exclusive, luxury brand real estate company, Pacific Sotheby’s International Realty, we are able to offer these benefits to our clients, at no additional cost. This affiliation gives our client’s homes the best possible exposure, which we feel is very important when marketing a luxury home in Covenant Hills.We are proud to have received many awards for sales volume and outstanding customer service and would welcome the opportunity to assist you, our Covenant Hills neighbors, with all of your real estate needs.

February 2019 • Covenant Hills Living

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Happy 2019 - last year to save BIG on your solar The information contained herein has been obtained through sources deemed reliable

by Neighborhood Networks Publishing, Inc., but cannot be guaranteed for its accuracy.

Any information of special interest should be obtained through independent verification.

Time is running out if you want to save thousands on your solar system.

With many utility rates doubling over the last 5 years and with the 30% tax credits scheduled to be reduced at the end of 2019, this is your year to go solar! What other investment will give you a 100% return in as little as four years and keep producing free cash flow for decades? Talk about a no-brainer!

Address

List Price

DOM

Beds

Baths

SqFt

Status

8 Salvatore

$780,000

13

3

2.5

2,084

Active

2 Cloister CT

$3,595,000

5

6

9

10,925

Active

4 Tango LN

$1,100,000

7

5

3.5

2,902

Active

23 Portalon CT

$1,450,000

6

4

3.5

3,101

Active

3 Fox Hole RD

$2,975,000

2

4

7

5,700

Active

Homeowners and businesses installing solar systems are eligible to receive a tax credit in the amount of 30% off the total system cost. Unlike tax deductions, this tax credit can be used to directly offset the tax liability dollar for dollar. The 30% tax credit is scheduled to be reduced by the end of 2019, and will disappear completely in 2022 for residential solar systems while remaining at 10% for businesses.

10 Becker DR

$1,475,000

20

5

5.5

4,176

Sold

The EcoForce Advantage

1 Drackert LN

$922,000

276

3

3.5

2,751

Sold

37 Tuscany

$727,786

218

3

2

2,179

Sold

30 Bower LN

$915,000

2

5

3.5

2,556

Sold

30 Pisano ST

$1,825,000

2

6

5.5

4,886

Sold

9 Starlight Isle

$2,050,000

36

5

5.5

6,000

In Escrow

17 Tuscany

$775,000

177

4

3

2,567

In Escrow

21 Pisano ST

$1,499,900

41

5

4.5

4,818

In Escrow

7 Bower LN

$849,900

68

5

3.5

2,556

In Escrow

1 Stellar Isle

$2,195,000

63

6

6.5

5,312

In Escrow

Tax credits are going away

We make it easy! We start with a free energy assessment for your home to show you where your energy is going and provide you with a custom solution to lower your bill. EcoForce Solutions is your local solar installer that will take care of you from beginning to end of the install and beyond. Our knowledgeable local sales rep Lisa Rhodes has been living in Ladera Ranch for 14 years and understands the unique challenge in your area and will help you reduce or even zero out your electric bills. Lisa will walk you through your options and will help you get the most out of efficiencies before adding solar.

Once we agree on a plan, we will hold your hand through the whole process with permits, utility company, HOA, tax credits etc.

We offer exceptional quality and customer support We are industry experts We offer affordable solutions & $0 out of pocket options We are with you every step of the way – during install and beyond.

When you choose EcoForce Solutions you can trust that you get the most reliable products in the industry, as well as extensive warranties on both material and workmanship, all completed with white glove service. We also offer great financing options, which can give you ownership with $0 out of pocket.

With the tax credits winding down, don’t miss the opportunity to save 30% on your solar system!

Contact Lisa Rhodes at (949) 973-7767 or Lisa@EcoForce-Solutions.com today

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949-218-8540 32 Covenant Hills Living • February 2019

February 2019 • Covenant Hills Living

33

Covenant Hills Living IS NOW ON

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Follow us and share your photos! @CovenantHillsLivingMagazine

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34 Covenant Hills Living • February 2019

WE DO IT ALL! • • • • • • • • •

Kitchen Bathroom Flooring Windows Doors Plumbing Electrical Painting HVAC

Visit Our Showroom

24481 Alicia Parkway Suite #4 Mission Viejo, CA 92691 (949) 266-1282 | (949) 266-1283 Mon-Fri 10-6:30 Sat 10-6 Sun 10-5 jamesremodelingoc@gmail.com jamesremodelinginc.com

FREE BASEBOARD

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February 2019 • Covenant Hills Living

35

C

living

OVENANT HILLS

Resident Business Guide

RE House Cleaning

Professional European Cleaning RESPONSIBLE AND RELIABLE THAT'S OUR SPECIALTY

BABY SITTER & DOG WALKER Baby Sitting & Dog Walking Sophia or Isabella (949) 633-1022 sopisa1234@gmail.com

HYPNOSIS FOR A BETTER LIFE May Group Inc. Jim May (949) 981-0776 jmay@maygroupinc.com www.maygroupinc.com

GOLD & DIAMOND BUYER Crown Gold Exchange Cesar Meyer (949) 709-1457 meyercesar@gmail.com crowngoldexchange.com

INSURANCE SERVICES Rosenstein Health Insurance Sandra Rosenstein (949) 424-9424 Sandra.Rosenstein@outlook. com

HAIR STYLIST Color by Soraya Soraya Kurz (949) 276-7524 soririg@yahoo.com

INTERIOR DESIGN Reflections Interior and Design Saroya Williamson (949) 276-2288 SaroyaW@ReflectionsOC.com ReflectionsInteriorsandDesign. com

Attention Covenant Hills Residents: Do you own or run a business? To have your business featured FREE in the resident business guide in an upcoming issue of Covenant Hills Living, please e-mail to CovenantHillsLiving@n2pub.com. This is open to residents of Covenant Hills Living only.

OPTOMETRY Excel Optometry Niloufar Hedayat, OD (949) 429-3333 info@exceloptometry.com www.exceloptometry.com PIANO LESSONS Brener Piano Deborah Brener (949) 633-1022 sopisa1234@gmail.com www.brenerpiano.com

SINGING LESSONS Singers Company Katie Parker (949) 212-4021 katie@singerscompany.com http:/ /www. singerscompany.com / SURFBOARD MFG. CO. Album Surfboards Matt Parker (888) 999-0003 matt@albumsurf.com https:/ /albumsurf.com /

REAL ESTATE SERVICES Urs Britschgi Real Estate Team Urs Britschgi (949) 444-9695 urs@goladera.com www.goladera.com

We Provide All Supplies and Equipment PROFESSIONAL HOUSE CLEANING - MOVE IN/OUT CLEANING - VACATIONS & RENTALS - OFFICE CLEANING ROOMS - Furniture Dusted and Polished - All Accessories Dusted - Mirrors Polished - Mini Blinds and Window Sills Dusted - Cobwebs and Fingerprints Removed - Baseboards, Doors and Light Switches Cleaned - Carpets Vacuumed - Floors Vacuumed and Washed

BATHROOMS - Basins, Tubs, Shower Tiles, Tracks and Doors Cleaned - Vanity Washed - Metal Fixtures Polished - De-Lime Faucets and Showers - Floors Vacuumed and Washed - Toilets Cleaned In and Out - Mirrors Polished

KITCHEN - Counter Tops, Sinks, Appliances - Stove – Top and Front - Refrigerator – Top and Front - Cabinets Maintained - Floor Vacuumed and Washed

Extra Items - Oven Cleaning - Inside Refrigerator - Fireplace

Pick One Service for Free Each Visit

Call Edita for Free Estimate Today!

Owner

Edita

Ceiling Fans Dusted – Clean Leather Furniture – Vacuum Furniture - Wash Sliding Glass Door – Vacuum Along Baseboards – Polish of Wax Kitchen Cabinets

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36 Covenant Hills Living • February 2019

February 2019 • Covenant Hills Living

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February 2019 • Covenant Hills Living

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OVENANT HILLS

CA_Ladera Ranch

C

PRSRT STD US POSTAGE PAID WILMINGTON NC PERMIT NO. 40