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Happy Holidays
As the holiday season approaches, we find ourselves reminiscing about the magic of our youth and striving to recreate those cherished moments for our own families. Whether it's the familiar scents, festive lights, joyful activities, or a combination of these, our traditions reflect what makes this time of year so special.
In this spirit, our annual City Lifestyle Giving Campaign begins with the November issue. Last year, nearly $500,000 was distributed to individuals and families in need, and we encourage you to check out the campaign article to confidentially nominate someone who could use support this season.
This year, my children are scattered across the United States—in Oklahoma, Texas, North Carolina, and California. While we won't all be together physically, we're planning a memorable Zoom gathering filled with food, gifts, and the warmth of family love.
Amidst the beauty of the holidays, it's important to recognize that this time can also be difficult for those who have experienced loss or find themselves alone. Let's embody the true spirit of the season by reaching out to support and care for those in our community who may need it most. May your holiday season be filled with love, peace, and moments of connection, as we remember to extend grace, empathy, and kindness to one another.
As we approach the end of the year, we at Yorba Linda, N. Orange County Lifestyle are deeply grateful to you, our readers, for sharing your stories and being a part of ours. We wish you a heartwarming holiday season surrounded by family, friends, neighbors, and our vibrant communities. May you inspire and be inspired by those you hold dear. Blessings to you and yours, and here's to a joyful and fulfilling holiday season.
Happy Holidays! I hope to see you around town!
December 2024
PUBLISHER
Brian Patchett | brian.patchett@citylifestyle.com
EDITORIAL COORDINATOR
Tawanna Cullen | tawanna.cullen@citylifestyle.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITER
Heather Whitsitt
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Art Cordero, CoreMedia Photography
Corporate Team
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt
CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Matthew Perry
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF HR Janeane Thompson
AD DESIGNER Matthew Endersbe
LAYOUT DESIGNER Antanette Ray
Proverbs 3:5-6
Holiday Joy: Luxury Limo Travel
Make
ABT’s Nutcracker: Holiday Magic Returns
Experience the timeless holiday tradition with American Ballet Theatre’s enchanting production of The Nutcracker, featuring stunning choreography and a magical score at Segerstrom Center.
Mandel Jewelers
Discover Timeless Jewelry That Sparks Joy This Holiday Season Debut
Life is Better At Home
When your loved one needs extra care at home, choosing the right caregiver agency can be tough. Let BrightStar Care® make it easier.
• Whether they just need someone checking in a few times a week or round-the-clock care, we can help. No minimum hours required.
• We offer companion and personal care, including bathing, meal prep, medication reminders, mobility assistance and more.
Learn more at brightstarcare.com/anaheim-yorba-linda
Care Independently Owned and Operated
Red Cross: Donors Vital in response to recent Hurricane’s
The American Red Cross continues to work to restock critically needed blood due to the recent hurricanes in the Southeast. The Red Cross operates through a national inventory with the ability to move blood wherever it is needed most. The time to give blood or platelets is now. The Red Cross teams are also on the ground providing vital relief like food, water, shelter, and support where needed. Please visit https://www.redcrossblood.org/ and schedule your blood donation.
Total Wellness, Feel The Difference
Due to a sudden stroke, she found herself in a health crisis and required post-acute rehabilitation. She needed 24-hour nursing care, assistance with eating and physical, occupational and speech therapy. For her post-acute needs, we chose Park Vista Skilled Nursing – an established facility located in Fullerton. We had a great experience!” – Fullerton family member businesses throughout the greater Brea area. Shopping local keeps $68 out of every $100 spent in the local community, compared to $43 at non-local businesses. This creates jobs and boosts the local tax base, funding our firefighters and police officers keeping our community safe, and protecting our overall quality of life. To get discounts on local business products and services, go to https://www.discoverbrea.com
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“My wife has always been active and enjoyed being outdoors.
HOLIDAY JOY: LUXURY LIMO TRAVEL
Make a sleek, sophisticated splash when you pull up to your destination in a regal, reliable, always stylish ride from Classique Worldwide Transportation.
ARTICLE BY HEATHER WHITSITT
Make this holiday season unforgettable with Classique Worldwide Transportation's luxurious limousine services for every occasion.
Classique Worldwide Transportation offers top-of-theline vehicles to transport you to and from every exciting event this holiday season, including Christmas parties, elegant date nights, concerts/plays, a holiday dinner for the family, and much more.
“Limousines offer unparalleled comfort and luxury for travel to any event. Professional chauffeurs ensure a stressfree and reliable transportation experience.
Read on for four reasons to rent a limo during the most wonderful time of the year.
1. ENJOY WORRY-FREE FESTIVITIES
Booking limousine transportation ensures that your ride will be handled by a highly skilled professional, eliminating stress for you and your guests.
“Enjoying yourself at a holiday party will create great memories, and ensuring everyone has a safe, ride home is imperative. If people know they have a reliable ride home, they can enjoy their evening with family, friends, or co-workers knowing their chariot awaits”.
2. ELIMINATE DISTRACTED DRIVING
Providing professional transportation also eliminates distracted driving, a major concern during the hustle and bustle of holiday traffic.
“A chauffeur isn’t going to check their phone to see whether they missed a turn. Passengers can spend their time chatting, playing music, or
drinking an adult beverage. Guests will also find it beneficial to have a chauffeur who can give them pointers and advice when they’re in a new area. The chauffeur will likely know the local area and all the hotspots to visit next time.”
3. CREATE A CLASSY, MEMORABLE EVENT
Add an extra dash of panache to your elegant event by renting a luxury limo for your guests.
“Hiring a limousine is a fantastic way to show your guests how much you care about them. The limo whisks them away to their selected location in style and luxury. They sit back, relax, and enjoy the company of others.”
Limos also make great backdrops for party photos and can accommodate a larger party size to make sure everyone is included in the festive fun.
4. PARKING
The parking situation is the last thing you want to worry about when coordinating or planning to attend a special event.
When you hire a limo service, you’ll be dropped off right at the front door of your destination, which is especially convenient.
Any event is a good reason to rent a limo. Eliminate stress and enjoy the journey. Take your wife or husband on that special holiday date night that will be remembered for years to come.
Whether its great conversation, enjoying a glass of wine, singing along to the music, or having a stress-free ride your journey to and from the holiday event will create memories for all.
Book your luxury limo just in time for the holidays at https://www.classiquelimo.com/
“OUR ATTENTION TO DETAIL ENSURES THAT YOU CAN SIMPLY SIT BACK, RELAX, AND ENJOY THE RIDE.”
Bill McIntosh
ABT’S NUTCRACKER: HOLIDAY MAGIC RETURNS
EXPERIENCE THE TIMELESS HOLIDAY TRADITION WITH AMERICAN BALLET THEATRE’S ENCHANTING PRODUCTION OF THE NUTCRACKER, FEATURING STUNNING CHOREOGRAPHY AND A MAGICAL SCORE AT SEGERSTROM CENTE R .
Segerstrom Center for the Arts announces the return of its popular tradition - American Ballet Theatre’s captivating production of The Nutcracker. Co-presented by the Center and ABT with choreography by Alexei Ratmansky, The Nutcracker is the beloved holiday story based on The Nutcracker and the King of Mice written by E.T.A. Hoffmann and set to a magical score by Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky performed by the Pacific Symphony.
In its annual holiday engagement, the American Ballet Theatre will give 13 performances from December 12 through December 22, 2024,
The Los Angeles Times said, “Choreographer Alexei Ratmansky has made his own Christmas Miracle: a joyful “Nutcracker” ballet that is ravishing and clever.
in Segerstrom Hall. This year marks the 9th time that The Center has presented ABT’s The Nutcracker, Southern California’s grandest production of this beloved holiday tradition. This Nutcracker features ABT’s international all-star cast and marks the second year of the production under new ABT Artistic Director Susan Jaffe, appointed in 2022.
The scenery and costumes for The Nutcracker are by Tony Award® winning designer Richard Hudson (Disney’s The Lion King). Lighting for the production is by Tony Award® winner Jennifer Tipton.
Nutcracker is the perfect way to introduce children to dance and inspire them to study dance and become a little Clara or Nutcracker Prince.
Once again, American Ballet Theatre will cast students from the William J. Gillespie School at Segerstrom Center for the Arts to perform alongside these world-renowned dancers, offering aspiring professionals with unparalleled performing experience. The ABT Gillespie Ballet School offers unrivaled training, performing opportunities, Master Classes, lectures by visiting artists, and the highest quality of classical ballet training through the American Ballet Theatre National Training Curriculum. Forty students are featured annually in ABT’s production of The Nutcracker; and have performed alongside ABT dancers in the World Premiere productions of The Sleeping Beauty (2015), Whipped Cream (2017), and the West Coast premiere of ABT’s Harlequinade (2019). https://www.scfta.org/
MANDEL JEWELERS
Discover Timeless Jewelry That Sparks Joy This Holiday Season
ARTICLE BY HAETHER WHITSITT
PHOTOGRAPHY BY ART CORDERO, COREMEDIA PHOTOGRAPHY
‘Tis the season to sparkle and shine with a gorgeous piece of jewelry from Mandel Jewelers.
“If you really want to jingle that special someone’s bell, pop into Mandel’s for the surprise of your life!” says owner Linda Mandel.
Since opening its doors in 1969 and establishing a solid reputation as the area’s ultimate fine jeweler, Mandel’s has built a loyal customer base of both local and long-distance clients.
For over 55 years, Mandel Jewelers has been in the business of bringing joy into the world with a dazzling display of pieces that are perfect for everyday wear or festive occasions, including staples like engagement rings, fine jewelry, diamond studs, watches, gold hoops, diamond pendants, tennis bracelets, pearls, right-hand rings, earrings and more.
No matter what beautiful baubles are on your shopping list, the beloved Brea spot has just what you’re looking for, trending styles, must-haves, and exquisite, one-of-a-kind pieces that are just as exceptional as you are. We have items to fit any budget from $200 to $10,000.
At Mandel’s, it’s the one-of-a-kind pieces that make the most magic. “Almost without exception, I never stock the same piece twice,” she says.
“Custom orders are really the most fun. Your imagination and our expertise are key,” says Linda. “And here, they don’t take three months to complete. If you need it in a week, we will do our best for you to have it in a week! We want our friends to be speechless when they see the finished creation.”
Mandel’s gives back to the community whenever possible, including donating to Yorba Linda Littlest Angel Guild for over 20 years.
It’s not all work and no play at Mandel’s, where it’s impossible to leave without a smile on your face.
Undoubtedly, a key ingredient in their recipe for success and longevity is consistent, superior customer service–something that is evident from the moment you walk through the door.
“At Mandel’s, no sale is ever final. We pride ourselves on personalized service and custom creations ensuring every piece brings joy. Our goal is to leave you speechless with every visit!”
– Linda Mandel
“No sale is ever final at Mandel’s,” says Linda. “Your personal jewelry services just go on and on, and we’re always looking for feedback from our loyal customers. I absolutely love this business! Getting it right is what it’s all about!”
Eliminate regifting with a glamorous gift that’s guaranteed to make a lasting impression.
“If you’re looking to decorate something really special this holiday season, how about you?”
“He said he’d go to the ends of the earth for me–I told him Mandel’s is far enough!”
Stop by or visit https://www.mandeljewelers.com/ and get a head start on finding that perfect piece of simply stunning jewelry.
Transform your smile for the holidays with a personalized treatment plan developed by a trusted team of dental health professionals
ARTICLE BY HEATHER WHITSITT
Debut a dazzling smile this holiday season
This holiday season, give the gift of a beautiful, healthy smile.
Whether for yourself or a loved one, the talented team at Brightal Dental Group provides exceptional results for every patient through state-of-the-art digital dental treatments.
With locations in both Anaheim Hills and Fullerton, patients can reveal their best, brightest smiles just in time for the most magical season.
Innovative services like advanced imaging, digital impressions, and computer-guided treatment allow Brightal’s skilled practitioners to deliver customized care tailored to meet each individual’s unique needs.
With a gentle chairside manner and an eye for detail, Dr. Chung helps patients achieve optimal oral health.
"At Brightal Dental Group, now operated by top implant specialist Dr. Chung, we’re helping patients make the most of their remaining insurance benefits before the year ends, ensuring they receive all necessary dental treatments. For the convenience of our implant patients, we are equipped with the latest technology that allows CT scans to be done on-site. We also use surgical guides during procedures to enhance accuracy and reliability. You can trust Dr. Chung with your dental health."
Advanced imaging utilizes the most up-to-date CT scan and panoramic X-ray technology to capture the most highly detailed images of your teeth and jaw possible, allowing precise diagnosis and treatment planning.
Digital impressions allow the Brightal Dental Group team the ability to create accurate 3D models seamlessly, eliminating the need for messy physical impressions.
Computer-guided treatment makes an excellent solution for more complex procedures, like dental implants and bridges, integrating 3D printing to create custom surgical guides for enhanced patient comfort and precision.
Don’t delay your dazzling smile another day! Whether you need a routine check-up or wish to discuss a specific dental concern, visit https://brightaldental.com/ to schedule an appointment today.
CT Scans advanced imaging, and digital impressions
Dr. Chung
Making Spirits
JOIN OUR MISSION TO SPREAD WARMTH AND COMPASSION BY NOMINATING SOMEONE WHO DESERVES A CHRISTMAS BLESSING
“We believe in giving back and serving the communities where we live in a real and tangible way.”
As the Christmas season approaches, we’re reminded of the power of community and kindness. This year, through City Lifestyle’s nonprofit, The Kingdom Building Foundation, we will help people who may be struggling quietly without the support they need. But we need your help to find them.
Over the past three years, this campaign has grown into something truly beautiful, touching the lives of more than 150 families nationwide last year alone. Each year, we’ve seen firsthand how generosity can bring relief, hope, and a renewed sense of faith in others.
One person we had the opportunity to help was an 11-year-old boy diagnosed with a rare eye cancer. After he had to undergo chemotherapy and surgery to remove his eye, his doctors recommended a prosthetic one, but insurance wouldn’t cover the cost, calling it “cosmetic.” When we heard his story, we knew we had to help. Because of this campaign, he got his prosthetic eye and a piece of his childhood back with it.
Another was a wife and mother of two who fought a yearlong health battle and was diagnosed with a brain tumor. Just days before Christmas, she underwent surgery but passed away due to complications. Before her surgery, she received one of our cards and, in tears, told us this gift gave her some peace, knowing her family would have help in the difficult times ahead. It wasn’t just about the financial support but knowing that someone cared.
These stories remind us why this campaign is so meaningful. It’s not just
about writing checks; it’s about telling people they aren’t forgotten and that someone is there to lend a hand. It’s about giving families a moment of relief when the world feels unbearable.
“We believe in giving back and serving the communities where we live in a real and tangible way,” says Steven Schowengerdt, CEO and founder of City Lifestyle. “This Giving Campaign is about personally impacting the lives of people we know with an unexpected check in the mail just to say that someone thought of them this holiday season.”
Together with Matthew Perry, President, Steven adds that the gratitude from recipients was overwhelming, affirming this tradition’s importance. “We believe God has blessed our company with success,” Matthew adds, “so we want to be a blessing to others.”
We know many more people could use a little help this Christmas, and that’s where you come in. Do you know someone who could use a blessing? We want to hear about them.
To nominate someone, scan the QR code or follow @CityLifestyle on Instagram, where you’ll find the form in our bio. Nominations are open from November 27 to December 10, 2024. Let’s bring hope to those who need it most.
The City Lifestyle Giving Campaign is completely confidential. No identities will be revealed or publicized. All entries will be read, and selections and the amount given to each recipient will be based on the severity of the need. For more information, visit KingdomBuildingFoundation.com
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CHOCOLATE and WINE
The Key to a Successful Wine and Chocolate Pairing Lies in Finding the Right Combination of Flavors and Characteristics.
Pairing wine and chocolate together can be a delightful sensory experience that can elevate the flavors of both. While the concept of pairing wine with food is well-known, pairing it with chocolate may seem unconventional at first. However, when done correctly, it can create a harmonious balance where the flavors of the wine and chocolate complement and enhance one another.
Wine and chocolate have a lot of similarities to each other. Both contain flavanols (antioxidants) and polyphenols (compounds found in plant-based food) that are good for you and have anti-inflammatory properties. These characteristics affect flavor so it’s somewhat challenging to pair wine and chocolate together. The more polyphenols, the more pronounced the bitter taste.
For example, if you sip a delicious dry red wine alongside a hunk of dark chocolate, the wine will start to taste bitter and sour. The taste imbalance is coming from the heightened levels of flavanols (different types of tannin) found in both chocolate and wine that end up clashing against each other on your tongue.
While it might sound counterintuitive, a good rule of thumb is to pair a wine that is “sweeter” than the chocolate itself. “Sweet” doesn’t refer to dessert wines alone. In the wine world, the term “sweet” is often used to denote ripe, fruit-forward flavors in a wine. These characteristics provide a nice balance to the bitter flavors of cocoa.
Both wine and chocolate can have intense, dry flavors. In order to find the right balance, it’s best to choose wines that are a little bit softer and juicier than the chocolate you’re pairing it with.
We’ve done the footwork to find several wines that partner well with chocolate. Here are our guidelines for matching chocolate with wine and a few of our favorite wine and chocolate pairings. We hope you’ll try them and then get inspired to experiment and create your own.
ARTICLE BY HALEY WILLIAMS PHOTOGRAPHY BY CASSANDRA CASTANEDA
CREATING THE PERFECT PAIR
DARK CHOCOLATE
Bitter to semi-sweet dark chocolates, that are 50 to 100% cacao, have intense, bitter flavors, and earthy to fruity undertones. Match the intensity without adding more dryness by pairing these chocolates with full-bodied, yet fruit-forward wines.
Pairs well with:
Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir, Port, Merlot, Shiraz, Barolo
MILK CHOCOLATE
Milk chocolate is typically creamier and sweeter with flavors of brown sugar, vanilla, and cream. It requires a wine that is light to medium in body, with a ripe fruit character.
Pairs well with:
Pinot Noir, Merlot, Sweet Riesling, Ice-Style Wine
WHITE CHOCOLATE
White chocolate has a sweet, buttery flavor with notes of cream and honey. Sweet white and rosè wines help cleanse the palate of the rich flavors from white chocolate, as does sparkling spumante like Moscato d’Asti.
Pairs well with:
Sweet Riesling, Moscato, Semi-Dry Sparkling Whites, Gewurztraminer
A SELECTION OF UPCOMING LOCAL EVENTS
DECEMBER 1ST
Brea Eagle Hills Christmas Lights Neighborhood
2960-2970 Primerose Ave, Brea, Ca. | 6:00 PM
Longstanding neighborhood Christmas light display with themed houses & a live nativity. Enjoy the lights all December long from 6 pm to 10 pm each evening. Parking at the adjacent sports park, located just east of the lights on Birch St., and walking is the move in our opinion. You can enjoy a nice walk throughout the neighborhood. 12/1 - 12/25.
DECEMBER 5TH
Tree Lighting Ceremony
1 Civic Center Circle Brea, CA 92821 | 6:30 PM - 8:00 PM
Light up the holiday at the City of Brea’s annual tree-lighting celebration. Live music and entertainment will put everyone in the holiday spirit and see children’s eyes sparkle when Mr. and Mrs. Claus drop in for a visit. Pictures with Santa are available for a fee. Cookies and hot chocolate will be served Admission is free! https://www.ci.brea.ca.us/448/Annual-Events
DECEMBER 6TH
Kids' Night Out
4701 Casa Loma Avenue Yorba Linda, CA 92886 | 6:00 PM - 9:30 PM
Need a break? Plan a date night or finish your holiday shopping while the kids have fun at Kid’s Night Out! They will have dinner, play games, make crafts, watch a movie, and have treats! Pre-registration is required. 6 pm-930 pm. $15 per child. https://www.yorbalindaca.gov/Calendar.
DECEMBER 7TH
Hangar Talk and Flying Demo of the Mitsubishi A6M5 Zero
14998 Cal Aero Drive Chino, CA 91710-9085 | 9:00 AM
Planes of Fame Air Museum presents a Hangar Talk event and Flying Demo. Doors open at 9:00 am, Hangar Talk at 10:30 am, and a Flying Demo at 12:15 pm. Enjoy food trucks, reenactors, and family activities. The museum is open until 4:00 pm, with regular admission. Members enjoy free entry and can enter a raffle for a flight. https://planesoffame.org/
DECEMBER 7TH
Holiday on Main Street
Main Street, Yorba Linda. 92886 | 4:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Join families and friends on Main Street to celebrate the holiday season! This Christmas event brings holiday joy with 70+ vendors, food, and fun activities! Enjoy festive live music, youth talent show, artisan shopping, crafts, photos with Santa, the holiday drink lounge & more! Don’t forget to bring an unwrapped toy for the toy drive!
DECEMBER 7TH
Breakfast with Santa 4501 Casa Loma Avenue Yorba Linda, CA 92886 | 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Kris Kringle loves a delicious breakfast before his magical night flight around the world, so join the holiday cheer and share a meal! This festive event features breakfast and photos with Santa. Just a friendly reminder: space is limited, all walk-ins will find themselves on the naughty list outside, so be nice and remember to register! Cost:$20 each. https://www.yorbalindaca.gov/Calendar.
