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Food & Drink Issue F O O D + B E V E R AG E

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SHOULD YOU SELF-MANAGE? From: Delayne Sander delaynesander@gmail.com Subject: QR Code Date: May 14, 2026 at 12:24 PM To: Real Property Management Optimal leo@rpmoptimal.com

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LIFESTYLE LETTER

One Remarkable Year Beneath the Saddleback Mountain

October 2026 PUBLISHER

It’s been a year of community, connection, and gratitude! One year ago, I had the privilege of launching Saddleback City Lifestyle with a simple vision—to celebrate the people, businesses, and stories that make our corner of South Orange County so special. This October marks our very first anniversary, and as I reflect on the past year, my heart is filled with gratitude. What began as a dream has grown into a publication built on relationships, trust, and a genuine love for our community. Over the past 12 months, I’ve had the pleasure of meeting inspiring business owners, nonprofit leaders, physicians, educators, artists, and entrepreneurs who pour their hearts into serving others. Every coffee meeting, business tour, community event, and conversation has reinforced that behind every business is a story worth sharing. Watching those connections grow into friendships has been the most rewarding part of this journey. As I travel through Laguna Hills, Laguna Niguel, Mission Viejo, and Aliso Viejo, I’m continually reminded how fortunate we are to call this place home. With the beautiful Saddleback Mountains as our backdrop, thriving local businesses, and neighbors who genuinely support one another, our community is truly something special. This publication has never been just about beautiful pages. It’s about connecting people, celebrating local businesses, and strengthening the sense of community that makes South Orange County such an incredible place to live. Our October Food & Drink issue celebrates the experiences that bring us together around the table. We’re proud to spotlight our wonderful partner, The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel, featuring the breathtaking beauty of the resort and its exceptional dining experiences. Among them is Kahani, meaning story in Hindi, where Chef Sandeep presents modern Indian cuisine inspired by traditional flavors and elegantly crafted contemporary specialties. We’re also delighted to feature Chef Weeda Aman of Weeda’s Afghan Food & Catering, showcasing her exceptional catering and private dining experiences, as well as Tatiana of The Empanada Maker and her handcrafted gourmet South American-style empanadas and signature homemade dipping sauces. We’re also proud to feature Sacred Strength Sanctuary, which helps people build strength and improve their health through personalized strength therapy. As we begin our second year, my promise remains the same: to continue celebrating the people, places, and businesses that make our community extraordinary. Thank you for being part of this journey. The best is yet to come. With gratitude, T O R A L PA R M A R , P U B L I S H E R @ S A D D L E B A C KC I T Y L I F E S T Y L E

Toral Parmar | toral.parmar@citylifestyle.com P U B L I CAT I O N D I R E C TO R

Nick Parmar | nick.parmar@citylifestyle.com E D I TO R

Paige Candee | paige.candee@citylifestyle.com CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Heather Holmes Whitsitt, Toral Parmar, Paige Candee C O N T R I B U T I N G P H OTO G R AP H E R S

Noah McPherson, Autumn Rickett, Justin Tarkeshian, Makenzie Romano

Corporate Team CEO Steven Schowengerdt President Matthew Perry CRO Jamie Pentz CoS Janeane Thompson AD DESIGNER Rachel Kolich LAYOUT DESIGNER Amanda Schilling QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Hannah Leimkuhler

Learn how to start your own publication at citylifestyle.com//franchise. Proverbs 3:5-6 Saddleback City Lifestyle™ is published monthly by Lifestyle Publications LLC. It is distributed via the US Postal Service to some of the Saddleback area’s most affluent neighborhoods. Articles and advertisements do not necessarily reflect Lifestyle

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L I F E ST Y LE LE T T E R

Publications’ opinions. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without written consent. Lifestyle Publications does not assume responsibility for statements made by advertisers or editorial contributors. Information in Saddleback City Lifestyle™ is gathered from sources considered to be reliable, but the accuracy of all information cannot be guaranteed.

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inside the issue OC TOB E R 2 02 6 | FOOD & D R I N K

18 Featured

Print Prestige Meets Digital Power.

WHY CHOOSE BETWEEN PRESTIGE AND PLACEMENT?

Departments

Storytelling Through Fine Dining Elevated Indian traditions meet coastal dining at The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel

Styled & Served

Baked to Perfection

Stepping into Weeda Aman's world of catering

Lifestyle Letter

City Scene

Business Monthly

Must See FOOD + BEVERAGE

How To FOOD + BEVERAGE

Chef ’s Selection FOOD + BEVERAGE

Healthy Lifestyle HEALTH + WELLNESS

Local Limelight LIFE + CULTURE

Events

How Tatiana Friderici is growing a Mission Viejo neighborhood staple

On the Cover Dramatic flames capture the high-heat passion behind storytelling through fine dining. This fiery culinary spirit comes to life at Kahani inside The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel, blending elevated Indian traditions with California coastal luxury.

With City Lifestyle’s co-branded print + digital packages, your business captures attention wherever our community is looking. Build unmatched local credibility on the page, and drive immediate action online. Ready to double your local reach? Contact your local publisher by scanning below.

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OCTOBER 2026

city scene WHERE NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN

FIT BODY BOOT CAMP MISSION VIEJO

1: Fit Body Boot Camp Mission Viejo celebrated Linda’s first Fit Body Forever workout. 2: McMackin Psychotherapy Laguna Niguel held its ribbon cutting ceremony. 3: Cali Curry House in Mission Viejo celebrated its official ribbon-cutting ceremony. 4: A colorful food spread celebrated the bold, aromatic flavors of Indian cuisine. 5: An officer joined the festivities with a giant pumpkin aboard after "Decorating with Deputies." 6: Pumpkin City's Laguna Hills pumpkin patch is open October 1 through 31. 7: The festive Pumpkin City's Laguna Hills Oktoberfest Beer Garden serves up cold brews.

Want to be seen in the magazine? TA G Y O U R I N S TA G R A M P H O T O S W I T H @ S A D D L E B A C K C I T Y L I F E S T Y L E

C I T Y SC E N E

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OCTOBER 2026

business monthly A R O U N D U P O F N E W S F R O M LO C A L B U S I N E S S E S

Learning, Laughter, and a Little Parenting Support Fairmont San Juan Capistrano has launched Little Warriors: Play, Learn & Grow, a free, ongoing Mommy & Me-type series for families of preschool-age to pre-K children. Events pair expert-led parenting workshops with fun, hands-on activities for kids, creating meaningful opportunities to learn, play, and connect. From developmental milestones to school readiness, Little Warriors offers trusted guidance in Fairmont's warm, nurturing early childhood environment.

Scan to read more Photography by Juanita Espinoza

Contractor Shares Essential Maintenance Advice Ahead of Winter Storms The Brothers That Just Do Gutters released maintenance recommendations to protect homes from potential water damage during heavy winter rainstorms. The company emphasized that clearing debris and verifying proper roofline slope prevent structural decay, mold, and foundation erosion caused by severe downpours. Property owners were advised to conduct visual inspections or secure professional evaluations for cleanings, repairs, or full system upgrades prior to seasonal rainfall.

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Alzheimer’s Support Group Offers Connection, Guidance Every month, Watermark Laguna Niguel hosts the Alzheimer’s Orange County Support Group, which offers a quiet setting for participants to connect with others facing similar challenges. The small group gathering provides emotional support, practical guidance, and open conversation designed to help attendees feel heard, understood, and informed. It takes place every second Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. at 27762 Forbes Road in Laguna Niguel. To RSVP one day in advance, call 949-529-1028.

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Inspiration for your best local life.

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C & C Plumbing has built a reputation in the Orange County area by providing unparalleled service to our customers.

Inside scoop on all things local.

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FINE DINING

STORYTELLING THROUGH

E L E VAT E D I N D I A N T R A D I T I O N S M E E T C O A S TA L D I N I N G AT T H E R I T Z- C A R LT O N , L A G U N A N I G U E L

ARTICLE BY PAIGE CANDEE PHOTOGRAPHY BY NOAH MCPHERSON

M UST SE E | FO O D + BEVERAGE

“MODERN TECHNIQUES SHOULD ENHANCE A DISH RATHER THAN OVERSHADOW THE FLAVORS THAT MAKE IT AUTHENTIC.”

Perched along the scenic coastline at The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel, Kahani is reshaping how guests experience elevated Indian gastronomy within California’s luxury dining space. Translating to "story" in Hindi, Kahani offers a contemporary interpretation of Indian fine dining— one that honors centuries of rich culinary heritage while seamlessly embracing the local, seasonal ingredients of Southern California. At the helm of Kahani’s kitchen is chef de cuisine Sandeep Basrur, whose passion for cooking began in India. Basrur developed a deep respect for hospitality early in life, leading him to pursue formal studies at the Institute of Hotel Management in Mumbai and begin his career with the Taj Group. He later graduated with honors from Johnson & Wales University, refining his craft at esteemed establishments, including Amber India Restaurant Group and ADYA in Orange County. “One of the most rewarding parts of my journey has been finding ways to honor the food and traditions I grew up with while presenting them in a way that feels relevant and exciting to today's guests," Chef Basrur explains. "That philosophy continues to guide me at Kahani.” What draws discerning diners to Kahani is its rare positioning as one of the few Indian fine-dining destinations situated inside a luxury CONTINUED > OCTOB ER 2 0 2 6 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/SA D D L E BAC K

“IT IS AN EXCITING OPPORTUNITY TO SHARE A DEEPER CONNECTION TO INDIAN CULTURE THROUGH FOOD, HOSPITALITY, AND CELEBRATION.”

property in California. Sandeep views this setting as a unique opportunity to introduce more guests to the incredible depth, complexity, and regional diversity of Indian food. To balance classic flavor profiles with contemporary presentation, he relies on a principle of deliberate culinary restraint. “For me, the key to balancing tradition with modern techniques is simplicity,” Chef Basrur shares. “Modern techniques should enhance a dish rather than overshadow the flavors that make it authentic. If a dish becomes too modern or complicated, it can sometimes move too far away from its original character.” This balanced approach is complemented by Southern California's agricultural abundance. Local, high-quality produce elevates traditional recipes without compromising their character. For first-time diners looking to explore this harmony, Chef Basrur strongly suggests ordering the restaurant's signature curry sampler. “I would recommend the curry sampler because it gives guests the opportunity to experience a variety of flavors, ingredients, and cooking techniques in one dish,” Chef Basrur says. “It is a wonderful introduction to the diversity of Indian cuisine and allows our chefs to showcase several different preparations in one experience.”

M UST SE E | FO O D + BEVERAGE

Looking ahead, the vision for Kahani centers on continuous exploration and introducing guests to new facets of the cuisine. The team is especially eager to deepen this connection through celebratory cultural events, including an upcoming Diwali celebration featuring a specially curated menu. “We are especially looking forward to celebrating Diwali at Kahani,” Chef Basrur notes. “We have created a special menu for our Diwali celebration that allows us to showcase the flavors and traditions associated with this meaningful festival while creating a memorable experience for our guests. It is an exciting opportunity to share a deeper connection to Indian culture through food, hospitality, and celebration.” The dining experience at Kahani extends beyond what is served on the plate. Framed by sweeping ocean vistas and defined by the signature hospitality of the resort staff, the restaurant creates an atmosphere rooted in tradition yet open to discovery. “Kahani is a reflection of the passion and dedication of our entire team,” Basrur emphasizes. “From the kitchen to the dining room, everyone plays an important role in creating the experience we want our guests to have.”

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STYLED & SERVED ARTICLE BY HEATHER WHITSITT | PHOTOGRAPHY BY AUTUMN RICKETTS

STEPPING INTO WEEDA AMAN'S WORLD OF CATERING EXPERIENCES CENTERED ON GENUINE CONNECTION

H OW TO | FO O D + BEVERAGE

“The table can be an expression of the food, the culture, the fashion...” There’s a moment before guests take their first bite when a table has already begun telling its story. For Weeda Aman, founder and creative director of Weeda’s Afghan Catering, that moment matters. A sweep of richly colored food. The glint of serving pieces against layered textiles. Florals, candlelight, texture, and detail. Then, at the center of it all, the unmistakable aromas of Afghan cooking— saffron, cardamom, grilled meats, slow-cooked vegetables, and fragrant rice. For Weeda, entertaining is about how people are made to feel. Her approach brings together two worlds that have shaped her: a background in interior design and a deeply personal connection to the traditions of Afghan hospitality. The result is an experience in which cuisine, fashion, culture, and design become part of the same composition.

“My appreciation for beauty, elegance and hospitality is deeply personal,” Weeda says. “Much of it was inspired by the women in my family, especially my mother and grandmother.” Her mother has always been known not only for her cooking, but also for her innate sense of elegance. “She is an exceptionally elegant woman, admired by family, friends and beyond for her beauty, her sense of fashion and style, and her incredible cooking.” These influences are visible in Weeda’s work today. Her tables are abundant without feeling excessive and polished without becoming overly formal. Traditional Afghan dishes such as Qabuli Palaw, saffron rice, kabobs and Badenjan Burani are presented with a distinctly contemporary sensibility. Her training in interior design informs nearly every decision. Color, scale, texture, and composition matter on a dining table as much as they do in a beautifully designed room. But Weeda has also resisted the idea that the person creating the experience should remain invisible. “I’ve never been interested in doing something simply because everyone else is doing it,” she says. “I’ve always wanted to create in my own way.” To her, personal style is part of that creative expression. “The table can be an expression of the food, the culture, the fashion—and the woman behind it,” she says. CONTINUED >

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That philosophy is now taking shape in her latest concept, Luqma, a word evoking a bite or morsel. An Afghan-inspired grazing experience, Luqma transforms beloved flavors into elegant small bites and finger foods, presented in abundant, highly stylized displays designed to stimulate conversation and discovery. But Weeda’s vision for Luqma extends beyond a new catering offering. She hopes to introduce Afghan grazing as a recognizable style of eating and entertaining—much as Turkish mezze and Spanish tapas have become. Her goal is to bring beautifully presented Afghan small bites to homes, parties, events, and businesses, while making the concept accessible and appealing well beyond the Afghan community. The concept reflects a larger ambition: introducing Afghan cuisine to people who may never have experienced it before, while allowing its traditions to evolve in unexpected ways. Afghanistan is often presented to the world through a narrow lens. Through her work, Weeda hopes to reveal a broader one. “There is another Afghanistan,” she explains. “The Afghanistan of extraordinary hospitality, beautiful traditions, family gatherings, art, food, color, elegance, generosity, and incredibly strong women. That is also part of our story.” In Southern California, where entertaining, design and culinary experiences increasingly intersect, Weeda is building something distinctly her own: a modern expression of Afghan hospitality and a new way of experiencing Afghan food. At its heart, she hopes the experience leaves an impression that goes beyond what can be photographed. “Ultimately, I want people to remember not only what they ate or what the table looked like, but how the experience made them feel,” she says. “That, to me, is hospitality.”

H OW TO | FO O D + BEVERAGE

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BAKED TO

ARTICLE BY HEATHER WHITSITT PHOTOGRAPHY BY AUTUMN RICKETTS

PERFECTION How Tatiana Friderici is growing a Mission

Viejo neighborhood staple into its next chapter

In a food culture increasingly shaped by speed and convenience, The Empanada Maker has chosen to do things differently. The appeal is in the detail: thoughtfully prepared food, familiar flavors and a commitment to getting it right. Since opening in Mission Viejo in 2013, the Southern California favorite has earned a devoted following for its gourmet baked empanadas, each one generously filled and freshly prepared. From breakfast varieties to savory classics, sweet offerings, and house-made sides, the menu reflects that attention to detail. Now, under Tatiana Friderici’s leadership, the restaurant is entering an ambitious new era, building on what has kept customers coming back. Tatiana's journey to The Empanada Maker reflects both business experience and a lifelong appreciation for hospitality. After spending more than 15 years owning and operating nine Subway franchise locations, she decided it was time to pursue a different path. Encouraged by founder Cameron Davis, she joined the company in 2018, eventually purchasing the restaurant in 2024.

C HE F ’S SE LE CT ION | FOOD + BE VE RAGE

gourmet empanadas packed with generous fillings—delivering more flavor, better quality, and a lighter alternative to traditional fried empanadas," Tatiana explains. The restaurant’s mission extends beyond the food itself. Hospitality, integrity, and commitment to customers shape the way the business operates. A commitment to listening to customers and refining the business over time has strengthened those relationships. That kind of steady progress, however, has required determination, as it does for many independent restaurants. Tatiana acknowledges that expansion demands significant investment, but she has continued to reinvest in the business while preparing for future growth. Navigating the challenges of the pandemic and CONTINUED >

"Proudly carrying on a family tradition of restaurant ownership, I've always had a passion for cooking and bringing people together through great food," Tatiana says. "There's nothing more rewarding to me than seeing people enjoy a meal I've prepared." The Empanada Maker has built its reputation on consistency. Generous portions and attentive hospitality have remained at the center of the restaurant from the very beginning. It’s a place where familiar flavors and a warm welcome make even a quick meal feel more personal. The menu puts a contemporary spin on a familiar favorite, with recipes designed to be both comforting and satisfying. "We serve handcrafted, baked

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Even as new opportunities emerge, Tatiana finds the greatest satisfaction in the daily connections made inside the restaurant. As The Empanada Maker prepares for the future, the focus remains much the same: serving memorable food, making people feel welcome, and giving them one more reason to gather around the table. Success isn't simply measured by how much the brand grows, but by whether every empanada still delivers the same sense of care that first made Mission Viejo take notice. After more than a decade, The Empanada Maker continues to prove that it does.

continually improving operations have strengthened the company and clarified its long-term direction. That direction is beginning to take shape. “We’re entering an exciting new chapter,” she says. “After years of building a strong foundation, we’re preparing to expand through wholesale partnerships and franchising, bringing our baked, generously filled empanadas to more customers than ever before.” The brand has also gained national exposure through its appearance on the first season of “America’s Real Deal,” which introduced The Empanada Maker to audiences across the country and expanded its reach beyond Southern California.

C HE F ’S SE LE CT ION | FOOD + BE VE RAGE

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Strength and Nourishment for Life Joe Bando’s personalized approach fuels complete physical health, vitality, and lasting everyday wellness In Laguna Niguel, Sacred Strength Sanctuary takes a different approach to what personal training can look like: private, highly individualized, and tailored to each client rather than the typical gym experience. Founded by Joe Bando, director of operations and master strength therapist, and Amanda Gale-Bando, Ph.D., clinical director, the studio serves adults of all ages. Its focus is on helping active adults and seniors build and maintain strength, confidence, and independence. That mission reflects the couple’s own experiences, shaped by vastly different professional backgrounds and personal journeys. Joe’s own transformation, including a 110pound weight loss, ultimately led him into professional strength training, while Amanda’s background as a clinical psychologist brought decades of expertise in resilience, emotional well-being, and human performance. Together, they saw an opportunity to combine those perspectives in a setting where clients receive undivided attention. “Sacred Strength was built to be more than a gym. It is a sanctuary where people are known by name, where relationships matter, and becoming physically stronger can become part of something much larger: living a stronger, healthier, more capable life.”

ARTICLE BY HEATHER WHITSITT PHOTOGRAPHY BY NOAH MCPHERSON

H EA LT H Y LIF E ST Y LE | H E ALT H + WE LLN E SS

That philosophy guides nearly every aspect of the studio. Sessions are conducted entirely one-on-one and typically last about 20 minutes, twice a week. Training prioritizes controlled movement, appropriate resistance, and recovery rather than lengthy workouts or volume for its own sake. “We are not trying to give people the maximum amount of exercise they can endure. We are trying to give them the precise amount their body needs to become stronger.” The studio’s specialized Imagine Strength equipment allows exercises to be adjusted to each client’s physical characteristics and needs. Trainers monitor movement throughout each session, while EverStrong software records performance details, including resistance and time under tension. This information allows training to be calibrated over time rather than delivered through a preset program.

For senior clients, that distinction can be particularly meaningful. Someone returning to exercise after years away may have different needs than an already active client looking to improve performance, yet Sacred Strength accommodates both, with the same level of personal supervision. “Every person needs strength throughout their life, and virtually everyone can become stronger.” The studio’s close-knit community has become another defining feature. Twelve members signed on before the doors opened, an early sign that the concept was resonating. Since then, referrals and personal relationships have driven much of the studio’s growth, with clients often lingering before or after appointments and forming connections that extend beyond training. The Bandos have chosen to grow their practice slowly and intentionally. Sacred Strength opened in February 2026 after an extensive search for the right location and equipment, and future plans include expanding the facility and potentially bringing on another trainer. A second South Orange County location may eventually follow, but for now, the focus remains close to home—and close to the client. “Without question, witnessing the transformation in our clients is the greatest reward, but entrepreneurship has given us something equally important: the freedom to serve people in the way we genuinely believe they deserve to be served.” At Sacred Strength, progress is about more than what happens in the gym. It’s about feeling stronger and more confident in everyday life while preserving the ability to enjoy the people, places, and passions that make life worthwhile.

OCTOB ER 2 0 2 6 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/SA D D L E BAC K

THE FUN PLACE TO PICK A PUMPKIN Open October 1st - 31st Celebrate the season at Pumpkin City’s Pumpkin Farm in Laguna Hills, Orange County’s Oldest and Largest Harvest Festival! Enjoy thousands of pumpkins, Amusement Rides, Games, Barnyard Animals, Professional Puppet Shows, Kettle Corn and Funnel Cakes. Visit the Beer Garden for Brewery X Beer, Oktoberfest favorites, an Oompah Band and Live Music—all while supporting Laguna Hills Team Darkhorse. Wholesome Family Fun All October Long!

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MY TOWN: JUSTIN TARKESHIAN ARTICLE BY TORAL PARMAR | PHOTOGRAPHY BY JUSTIN TARKESHIAN AND MAKENZIE ROMANO

ALISO VIEJO COUNTRY CLUB “Aliso Viejo Country Club has become one of my favorite places to stay active and unwind. The golf course is a lot of fun, but I also love having the gym, pool and restaurant all in one place. The staff is fantastic, the members are great and there’s a real sense of community here.”

FAMILY TIME AT SALT CREEK “One of our favorite ways to spend time together is also one of the simplest. We’ll grab takeout—usually pizza from Apizza Doho lately—and head down to Salt Creek Beach for a picnic on the hill. Great food, my family, and an ocean view…it doesn’t get much better than that.”

R.J.’S CAFÉ + SEVEN SEAS “For breakfast, R.J.’s Café in Dana Point is our family favorite. When it comes to coffee, I usually brew my own at home, but when I feel like treating myself, Seven Seas in Aliso Viejo is my go-to.”

LOCA L LIM E LIGH T | L I FE + CU LT U RE

FROM SKATEBOARDS TO GOLF CLUBS “Skateboarding will probably always be my first hobby, although my body isn’t quite as enthusiastic about it these days,” Justin jokes. “Over the last few years, golf has definitely taken its place, and I’ve really grown to love the game.”

For Justin Tarkeshian, South Orange County is much more than the place where he lives and works—it’s home in every sense of the word. Having spent his life here, Justin has watched the community grow while holding onto the places, traditions, and experiences that make it special. Today, he’s raising his own family here, running local businesses, and helping others find a place to call home through his work as a real estate agent. “I’ve spent my entire life here, and somehow I appreciate it more the older I get,” Justin says. “There aren’t many places where you can start your morning on a trail, spend the afternoon by the ocean, grab dinner at a local spot, and still feel like you’re part of a real community.” From childhood summers at Salt Creek to favorite family restaurants and a newfound love of golf, Justin shares a few of the places and experiences that make South OC home.

SUMMERS AT SALT CREEK “Some of my favorite memories are the summers between middle school and the time my friends and I started driving. We’d skateboard to the bus stop at Crown Valley and Moulton first thing in the morning and take the bus down to Salt Creek, where we’d spend the entire day. Some of us would surf, bodysurf, or bodyboard, and whatever money we had left after bus fare went straight to the snack bar. Those summers were the best.”

A SOUTH OC HIDDEN GEM “When I’m in the mood for a little shopping, I’m admittedly biased toward The Fort Skate Shop in Laguna Niguel. As a co-founder, I’m proud that it’s become a true one-stop shop for the whole family, with men’s, women’s, and kids’ clothing, shoes, skateboards and more.”

WHY SOUTH OC WILL ALWAYS BE HOME “I get to raise my family here, run a business here, help people buy and sell homes here, and be part of a place that has shaped so much of who I am. The older I get, the more I realize how special that is.”

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OCTOBER 2026

events A S E L E C T I O N O F U P C O M I N G LO C A L E V E N T S

O C TOBE R 1 ST - 3 1 ST

Pumpkin City Fall Festival 24203 Avenida de la Carlota, Laguna Hills, CA 92653 | 12:30 PM Celebrate Halloween and fall traditions at Orange County's premier harvest festival, with pumpkins, rides, mining, activities, game booths, family photo moments, daily live entertainment, and the Oktoberfest Beer Garden. For more information, visit pumpkincity.com. O C TOBE R 1 0 T H

Harvest in the Hills Laguna Hills Town Green | 4:00 PM Join the City of Laguna Hills on the Town Green for an evening filled with fall fun and family-friendly activities, including a magic show, backyard games, crafts, face painting, pie eating contests, and more. Food will be available for purchase. For more information, visit lagunahillsca.gov. O C TOBE R 1 0 T H

Laura's House 32nd Annual Gala: The Velvet Royale Hyatt Regency Irvine | 5:30 PM Every year, the Laura's House Gala brings together community members for one unforgettable evening with a shared purpose: creating safer futures for individuals and families affected by domestic violence. Guests will enjoy exceptional dining, immersive casino-inspired entertainment, exciting auctions, and meaningful moments that reflect the heart of Laura's House. Get tickets at laurashouse.org. O C TOBE R 1 5T H

Barbara Hendricks: "Squeezed Out" Exhibit Opening Moulton Museum | 5:30 PM Join retired jeweler and collage artist Barbara Hendricks at the Moulton Museum for her collage art show, "Squeezed Out." Using oranges as both a subject and symbol of Orange County’s agricultural history, the exhibit invites contemplation on the region's growth through housing tracts. O C TOBE R 1 7 T H

Fall Harvest Festival by Aliso Viejo Community Association Grand Park | 4:00 PM The Fall Harvest Festival by Aliso Viejo Community Association (AVCA) will be held at Grand Park. This special event is open to ghosts and goblins of all ages and will feature a children’s costume parade, community booths, and a howling good time for everyone. For more information, visit avca.net. O C TOBE R 2 4 T H

MV at Sea - Wellness Cruise Sailing Out Of Los Angeles, California Embark on the FBBC × Virgin Voyages Wellness Cruise from October 24-29, 2026. Enjoy five days of FBBC workouts by Mission Viejo Fit Body Boot Camp Coach Maya and Jenny, VV fitness classes, and dining at 20+ Michelin-level restaurants. Visit Long Beach, Catalina, San Diego, and Ensenada. Receive $50 sailor loot, exclusive gear, WiFi, and drinks. No membership required!

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