From (L): Barney Gibbs (Criminal Defense) Kevin Gibbs (Family Law) and F Eugene Gibbs (Intellectual Property/Patent Law)
ADVER TISER TESTIMONIALS
"Working with Newport Mesa Magazine has truly been a success With running a family owned business, they really help us bring out that aspect of our company Jody is always there to help us with the layout and we are so happy to be working with them!" - Ambiance Home Collection, Mission Viejo
Our market recognition and sales have multiplied faster than we ever expected since we began advertising in Newport Mesa Magazine and Orange Magazine The team of professionals that does the artwork, photography & editorial
contributions in these quality publications is amazing and Jody ‘ s assistance in helping us achieve our goals is indispensable We plan to continue advertising in both magazines and hope to expand our participation to their other OC publications (HB Magazine and South County Magazine) as well " - Elaine Watrous, Law Offices of Donald A. Hunsberger
"My first thought about Newport Mesa Magazine is that the magazine staff are the nicest, most thoughtful, professional business people you could meet Mix these attributes with the niche geographic demographics the magazine targets, makes Newport Mesa a must for any advertiser looking to grow and connect with the communities the magazine serves "
- Ivar E. Roth DPM/MPH, Concierge Podiatry
September / October 2013 Issue
Publisher Community Publications, LLC.
Editor Jody Robinson (714) 596-6611 jody@newportmesamag.com
Art Director David Perez
Managing Editor Heather Evans
Entertainment Editor Cherri Farah
Editorial Assistant Alex DeFelice
Account Executives
Anthony Arcurio • Michael Cupic • Marlo Andersen
Distribution Managers Rolando Ruiz • David Starr
Advertising Inquiries (714) 469-3495
Contributing Writers
Rene J Scheys • Don Stolsby Scott E West, DDS
"My participation has already far exceeded my expectations and has been better than any other magazine advertising I've done I feel the Community Publications team really cares about helping me grow my business They were extremely fast in creating my ad design, very easy to work with and I've found them to be people who do what they say they will which is exactly the type of business relationship I am looking for in a marketing partner " - Jonny Coates, Talega Window Washing
"We have been rewarded with significant new business thanks to being part of Newport Mesa Magazine We don't feel like advertisers - we feel like partners! There is always something wonderfully new with this publication that sets them apart from the others which allow us to meet fellow business owners and we all work together to strengthen our businesses and gain new quality clients Thank you, Newport Mesa Magazine!”
– Lana Farfan, Caught in the Moment Photography
I keep hearing that print media is going away, but I can t find any evidence of that based on my experience in advertising with Newport Mesa Magazine For my business, it's been phenomenal - every time the magazine goes out, I consistently receive calls that have resulted in a steady stream of new clients I couldn't be happier with my placement and encourage other local business owners looking for avenues to increase their customer base to look no further than Newport Mesa Magazine "
- Candice Lopez, Call in the Crew
"Simply put advertising in Newport Mesa Magazine works My participation has resulted in new customers and the process couldn't have been easier Not only did the magazine offer design ser vices at no charge, they created a great ad without needing much input from me because they took the time to really understand my business The resulting ad does a great job of getting my ' message ' out - I'm very pleased - Betty Darroch, Mission Wigs
Cover Photography
Lana Farfan, Caught in the Moment Photography
Mention
Newport Mesa Magazine Exp 10
Understanding SBA Loans: A Question of Eligibility 16
Spotlight On: Huntington Super Pawn 18 Dea th, Taxes & Esta te Planning 8
Pray for Mercy: Kevin and Camie Doyle, Legacy Family at Vanguard University 10
Business Showcase: Trusted, Tried and True: United American Mortga ge Co. 14
Back in OC 26
Death and Taxes
by Donald A. Hunsburger, Esq.
Will Rogers once said that the only difference between death and taxes is that death doesn't get worse every time Congress meets At the risk of contradicting an American icon, in some cases, Congress has allowed Death Taxes to get better, rather than worse
Ever since President Ronald Reagan signed the landmark Kemp-Roth Tax Cut (popularly known as the Economic Recovery Tax Act of 1981) into law, families have employed a common practice in their estate plans: The A-B Trust. This trust design allowed moms and dads to save their kids a bushel full of estate taxes by dividing the family treasure at the first death into one share for each parent, basically making sure that many estates that would otherwise have been taxed could go to the next generation without any payment to the government
When planners first began using the split involved with A-B Trusts, the “exemption” or “estate tax free” size of an estate was only $225,000. This meant that by using the A-B split, a couple could pass $450,000 to their children without additional tax planning- a fact that clearly pushed most people to the point of establishing a trust with this “divided house” approach; many people had estates larger than that amount and needed not only to maximize the benefits of their exemptions, they needed to employ other planning techniques as well to avoid taxes at death
By 1987, the tax exempt amount of an estate had risen to $600,000, which combined for a couple at $1.2 million, so that most Californians who owned any real estate still needed to “double down” on their trust plans to keep estate taxes at bay Over the years the value of our estates which could pass to our beneficiaries without taxes continued to rise, until the year 2011, when the tax free estate level rose to $5 million, or $10 million for a couple
For a couple with combined assets less than $5.25 million (the 2013 “Tax-Free” amount), there is a real need to consult their planning counsel. Simply put, while the benefits of having a “split” done on the estate of a family which has assets above $5 25 million at the first death are still significant, couples with assets unlikely to reach or surpass that amount should reconsider having the automatic or mandatory split built into their trusts Why? Simple– the process of dividing the estate at the first death is indispensable if there is a tax benefit (Since Estate Tax rates have floated between
35% and 65% since 1982) to be gained from the split, yet a family whose assets do not reach that amount may have no tax benefit from dividing an estate at the first death
If the couple’s estate amount is within the tax free levels (less than $5 25 million in 2013), they should think seriously about whether they desire to split their estate at the first death. Unless there is a nontax reason for the split, such as earmarking the first-dying spouse’s estate among the children of multiple marriages, the initial fees for the split should make most couples reconsider what they want their trusts to require at the first death.
These costs and extra work at the first death include asset appraisals, accounting, legal work, the ongoing costs for separate income tax returns for the deceased spouse’s “B” trust, along with ongoing accounting issues and unnecessary restrictions on the survivor’s access to funds in the “B” trust All these issues combine to make many people hope to avoid the division if there is not a tax motive for it at the time of the first death.
In spite of all these concerns, most planners still advise caution in dealing with the changes in a couple’s estate plan. Some planners recommend leaving an option to elect at the first death not to divide the estate at the first death This approach makes sense if the trust also includes language allowing the surviving spouse to take advantage of the deceased spouse’s exemption amount later on. This optional process is called “Portability,” and it makes it possible at the first death for the survivor to elect not to do a division of the trust at that time, but instead for the survivor to file an estate tax return at the first death and claim the deceased spouse’s exemption amount (his or her $5 25 million tax free amount) for later use in the surviving spouse’s tax planning.
(continued on page 21)
Pray For Mercy
by Rene J. Scheys
If you visit Kevin and Camie Doyle’s home in Henderson, NV, you will have what is in many respects a typical family encounter: Kevin’s happy welcome at the door will draw you further in, where Camie will tell you to make yourself comfortable and then offer you something to drink. Selah, their eleven-year-old daughter, will politely look up from her work on the computer, while the couple’s two-year-old son Ayin might use the occasion to introduce his tricycle to your toes Finally, Mercy Doyle will greet you with all the warmth and curiosity of a usual seven-year-old, and – though her words will come slowly, and though you will not fail to notice the foot that she has been unable to keep from shaking for two years, and though the miniature, sticker-covered walker next to her may give you pause you will be touched by the sweetness of her smile. In that moment, you will come closer to understanding the difficult journey the Doyle family has travelled for the past five years
Kevin and Camie Doyle are a Legacy Family at Vanguard University Camie says that she was destined to attend. Her mother and father Paul and Norma met at the school, and her sister Corie and brother Caylen also followed in their footsteps. When Camie decided to attend, Kevin’s destiny was set too; he and Camie have been together since junior high, and they speak to each other with the easy familiarity of young people who have loved each other for a long time Their story is tied to Vanguard forever in a number of ways one of them is the fact that in the summer when Kevin was serving on the Delivery Boys camp team, he proposed to Camie during one of his comedy sketches. When spending time with Kevin and Camie, you can see that the memory still gives them joy, and you will decide that it is fitting that the provenance of their marriage is a moment of happiness and humor.
It would take all of Kevin’s and Camie’s strength to face the morning five years ago when, on a family vacation, their two-year old daughter Mercy began to have trouble walking Up until that point, Mercy was a perfectly healthy toddler ; seemingly overnight, she lost many of her basic motor skills. Normally she was physically precocious and active; suddenly she had trouble putting her thumb in her mouth After numerous tests, doctors discovered that a virus that ordinarily should have been defeated by her body’s defenses had reached and attacked Mercy’s brain
They told Kevin and Camie there was nothing to do but wait for the virus to run its course.
It did, and a year later Mercy seemed to have made a recovery That’s when the symptoms returned, and worsened In addition to not being able to walk again, Mercy began to experience tremors, uncontrollable shaking, and seizures Her eyes crossed Endless doctors and endless tests resulted in the news that a part of Mercy’s brain had atrophied, damage that the doctors claimed
Kevin now serves as the Worship and Arts Pastor at Green Valley Christian Center in Henderson, NV, pastored by Gary Morefeld Camie supports him in this role, and they are passionate about how heir time at Vanguard prepared them for their lives now. Kevin was a pastoral ministry major and cites professor Bill Dogterom as influential in helping him powerfully confirm the call to ministry. More than anything, he and Camie learned about the importance of relationships. “It became clear to me that we as Christians are not meant to do life alone,” says Kevin He tells a story about how he and a group of close friends took the bunks out of one room and jammed them into another on their floor of Huntington Hall The bed removal resulted in an empty space they referred to as “The Upper Room ” Their intentions for the space were admirable; they used the room as a place to seek God, alone and together “We built friendships that will last a lifetime because they are built on Jesus,” says Camie. “Ministry is about interacting with and loving people, and we learned that at Vanguard.”
was permanent Still, a specific diagnosis was not found Kevin and Camie fought their feelings of fear and helplessness in the face of an illness that they could not define beyond the devastating effects it was having on their precious daughter
“We were so scared,” says Camie. “We were confused. We didn’t know what it was. We didn’t know if it was life-threatening We wanted the tests to come back with something ” In the meantime, Kevin and Camie tried everything. They spent their time, energy, and money, looking for
(continued on page 22)
Gibbs, Esq.3
Kevin Gibbs, Esq.
Since 1993, Kevin has operated his own family law practice, and has been a Certified Family Law Specialist since 2001. He is certified by the State Bar of California Board of Legal Specialization and has been a divorce mediator for 13 years, which is his passion
Kevin has a unique, approachable demeanor and humble, helpful way of dealing with family law issues
“There is a tremendous need for a nonadversarial, equitable, less traumatic and less costly resolutions for families going through the transition of a divorce,’’ he says. ‘’Mediation meets that need The legal process of getting divorced is, at its very core, a lawsuit It is an adversarial proceeding The adversarial process has never been well suited for people trying to resolve very intimate and personal family matters, but most people don’t realize there’s a better option ”
Yby Heather Evans photography by Lana Farfan, Caught in the Moment Photography
ou wouldn’t think that working as a lawyer means working in the service industry, but did you know that’s exactly what it means? Lawyers fight the good fight for two reasons: justice and you This task involves listening, caring, preparation, brilliance, determination, and above all: representing you when you might be at your worst. That being said, we’d like to introduce you to the Gibbs brothers, three local, respected attorneys who set the bar (pun intended) in providing exceptional legal services
Meet Kevin Gibbs (family law), Gene Gibbs (intellectual property law), and Barney Gibbs (criminal defense) Combined, these Orange County natives have over 80 years of experience of successfully representing people in the OC. Orange Magazine interviewed each of the Gibbs’ brothers to find out what truly makes them so different from the competition What we learned was pretty cool
That’s why Kevin specializes in the art and science of mediation.
“Having been a divorce litigator for 20 years, I have seen many matters proceed to trial that never should have been in court to begin with,’’ he says ‘’The overwhelming majority of divorce matters can be resolved between two people with the help of a competent and experienced mediator Our mediations can accommodate all divorce matters, ranging from the simplest to the most complicated and our fees reflect that range. We have the flexibility to bring in outside exper ts that may be necessary to assist us with issues such as valuing a business, cash flow analysis, appraising real estate or valuing pensions All of those decisions are made by our clients, with my assistance,” Kevin says. “And although here in Orange County we have a very good panel of family law judges and commissioners, our family cour ts today are understaffed and overburdened The financial cost and emotional toll of litigating a divorce matter is staggering. It is almost always ill-advised for anyone to trust the most important decisions in their lives to judge or commissioner whom
From (L): Barney Gibbs (Criminal Defense), Kevin Gibbs (Family Law) and F Eugene Gibbs (Intellectual Property/Patent Law)
Lawyers fight the good
fight
for
two
reasons:
justice and you. This task involves listening, caring, preparation, brilliance, determination, and above all: representing you when you might be at your worst.
they have never met before A court may only have a couple of hours with you before they make orders that will have far reaching and long lasting consequences for a family Court proceedings are also public proceedings, whereas, mediation is a private and confidential process,” he continues.
With over 20 years of experience, Kevin attributes his success to his impeccable customer service Because he doesn’t approach each mediation with the standard one-size-fits-all like most litigators do, his clients feel listened to, respected and above all: trust their situation is in the best hands.
“Without question, the most rewarding part of my practice is being able to help couples arrive at solutions that work best for them and their families. I chose to practice family law because it was the area where I could have the greatest impact on helping families,” he adds.
Barney Gibbs
Kevin’s brother, Barney shares a similar passion for helping people Barney Gibbs has been a practicing criminal defense lawyer for over thirty years We asked him why he chose this line of work in particular and this is what he had to say: “I chose to become a criminal defense attorney to make sure people’s lives are not ruined by an unforeseen event that could happen to us all ”
Barney’s approach to law is humble and caring. “I understand that my clients are going through a rough time so I spend that little extra time with them I listen to what their fears and concerns are Only by understanding these things can an attorney chart a roadmap for a successful defense ” In fact, Barney’s says that the reason why he became a criminal defense lawyer was because he believes that’s when people need help the most. “I think of my feet and I pride myself on my ability with personal interactions. I believe my credibility is my calling card,” he comments
Barney believes that the most satisfying part of his job is that he’s working to save his client’s lives. His commitment to becoming better every day is apparent in his work in and out of the courtroom.
“I believe communication is key,” he says I try to communicate by phone directly with my clients and set aside time each day to receive calls. My clients appreciate that I am generally available to speak with them. While I consider this part of the service aspect that is law, most of my counterparts no longer consider this I want my clients to feel they are being represented by the best ”
Franklin Eugene (Gene) Gibbs, Esq.
While both Kevin and Barney knew they were on the law track from the beginning, brother Gene didn’t He began as an engineer, but was continually inspired and intrigued to know more by speaking to his brothers Ultimately, he decided to attend law school and in addition to classes worked full time to support his family. He successfully graduated and has been running Gibbs & White P.C. where he works as an intellectual property lawyer
Gene’s firm focuses a wide diversity of civil matters in business law, including contracts, regulatory compliance, labor, employment and civil litigation They also specialize in securing patents, trademarks, copyrights, trade secret rights and intellectual proper ty litigation
“(With par tner Victoria White), We opened Gibbs & White P C with the vision of practicing law with a passion and providing needed legal services in an ever advancing technological society. We have a unique blend of legal and scientific backgrounds that we believe are rarely found in any firm We believe a reason for our success is that we identify and promote the goals of our clients We believe in keeping the line of communications open with clients and working closely with our clients to achieve success We know that often a business operates on a balance of legal and commercial considerations that must both be present in the decision making process. Gibbs & White P C strives to work with its clients for optimal results,” Gene states
Knowing they’ve hired top-notch attorneys might just be another secret to their success Victoria has over 31 years of litigation and transactional civil and business law experience She graduated from Stanford University with a Bachelors and Masters Degrees in Economics and also graduated from Cornell University Law School in New York with her Juris Doctorate. Gene received a Bachelor’s Degree in Physics from CSUF, a Master’s Degree in Physics from CSULB, and his Juris Doctorate from Western State University
Like his brothers, Gene found that helping people is what ignites his passion most “The most rewarding aspect of my job is a job well done for a client,” he says. “Whether its obtaining a patent, or winning a motion, or helping a client to implement an intellectual property plan for their business, helping a client to succeed is very rewarding.”
In this technology forward, money-first, people last era we live in, the Gibbs brothers are a testament to the real meaning of servitude and justice: doing the right thing and always fighting the good fight
Trusted, Tried and True: United American Mortgage
by Heather Evans
Trusted, tried and true That’s the reason why Irvine’s United American Mortgage has been successful for over 20 years Since 1993, UAMC specializes in providing mortgage-financing solutions to homeowners and homebuyers
You’re almost tired of reading about it but it’s true: the mortgage meltdown hurt more than a few and people are still trying to recover It’s hard to know whom to trust With many mor tgage companies competing and failing, UAMC has found itself expanding into 9 states Originally formed to provide for the specific needs of Southern California borrowers seeking mor tgage products tailored for them, UAMC has made it their personalized business to get to know and help you.
And since so many of these mortgage companies are failing, what is UAMC doing different? “What it boils down to is that we’ve grown substantially because we have the ability to adapt to the ever-changing marketplace,” says UAMC President Al W Hensling “We are in the home business, the helping-people business Yes, it requires us to at times work around the clock Yes, we have to keep up-to-date on the latest products and regulations We take our clients and what we do seriously because at the end of the day, everyone should either be in the home of their dreams or keep the one they love so much To some people, it’s just paperwork and numbers But to us, it’s personal It’s home,” he continues
say we just want to help how we can. Since our business is referral based, we truly get to know your family and friends
UAMC continues to evolve with new products and financing solutions to the ever-changing Southern California real estate market. While many have given up the idea of owning a home or even refinancing, UAMC holds to the knowledge that today’s new and innovative programs are making it easier than ever to purchase or refinance.
“The ‘Mor tgage Meltdown’ created a great deal of uncertainty in the marketplace and made it difficult for so many to secure financing We understand that a lot of people are scared to see where they stand and that’s ok We just want you to know that it doesn’t have to be this way Most of our clients feel the same way Some people tell us they didn’t even want to find out about their options in the first place because they didn’t understand the jargon Well, we aren’t the company that just explains things once. We’re with you step by step, no matter what,” Al adds.
Want to put your toe in the water? Visit their website: www uamco com to view their mortgage calculators to get a head-start. You can also apply online, get a custom quote and read more about the loan programs they offer. If you’ve never had a loan before, consider their handy ‘Loan Process’ tool. They take you step-bystep through what you can expect when applying for and receiving a loan
“If you’re considering anything in our sector then consider us the right team for the job,” Al says. “Call us, visit us online, or stop by the office anytime We’re always on standby to see how we can help you Don’t let the mortgage meltdown of yesterday affect where you’re at today We’ve got the cutting edge techniques and knowledge to help your unique situation We’re ready to meet your challenges and assist you into getting or keeping your home!”
Their incredibly impressive, rare, referral-only business model may also be the key to understanding their success, as customers flock just to see if UAMC truly walks the walk To them, offering you efficient, cost-effect and timely service is just a day’s business These days, most companies feel the need to plaster those words all over their advertisements UAMC doesn’t need to express that they go above and beyond, they just think that it should come standard. “I guess you could United American Mortgage Company is located at 19782 MacArthur Blvd #250 Ir vine, CA 92612. Connect with Al and his team by calling (949) 250-1300, Ext. 110 or visit www.uamco.com
Understand SBA Loans: A Question of Eligibility
by Don Solsby
Don
The Small Business Administration (SBA) offers many programs designed to assist small business owners. One of the most popular is the Guaranteed Loan Program. This program offers small businesses debt financing for a wide range of purposes
The SBA does not make direct loans to small businesses Rather, the agency sets the guidelines for loans, which are then made by its lending partners.
Under this program, the SBA guarantees that these loans, or a large portion of them, will be repaid, thus eliminating some of the risk to the lending partners So an SBA loan is actually a commercial loan, structured according to SBA requirements with an SBA repayment guarantee.
SBA loan guarantee requirements and practices can change as the Government alters its fiscal policy and priorities to meet current economic conditions Therefore, you can’t rely on past policy when seeking assistance in today's market.
Independence Bank has recently become an SBA lending partner, offering SBA loans to local businesses Before applying for an SBA loan, it is impor tant to understand the eligibility guidelines
Solsby is Senior Vice President, Director of Business Banking of Independence
Bank.
The Newport Beach branch is located at 4525 MacArthur Blvd. in Newport Beach. Don can be reached by calling (949) 266-6023 or visit www.independence-bank.net. Independence Bank is a Member FDIC and Equal Housing Lender.
To be eligible, the small business applicant must:
■ Be an operating business with three years of history
■ Be organized for profit
■ Be located in the United States or its territories and possessions
■ Be small (as defined by the SBA)
■ Demonstrate a need for the loan.
■ Must be a permanent resident of the United States (U S Passpor t or permanent Green Card).
Proceeds from SBA loans may be used for:
■ Business or business property acquisition.
■ In property acquisition, the applicant’s business must occupy at least 51% or more of the usable space
■ Refinance business or business proper ty loans
■ Construction
■ Machinery and equipment purchases.
■ Inventory purchase
■ Working Capital
Like other forms of commercial lending, the SBA Loan applicant must have a history (generally two to three years at a minimum, with tax returns) and a reliable source of repayment. This type of SBA lending is not intended for start up businesses with weak or under-established management, inadequate capital, weak collateral or lack of documentation to support income projections
Business expansions are generally viewed more favorably for SBA loans, as the borrower is often better able to meet the ‘5C’s’ of credit (capacity, capital, collateral, conditions and credit) A good example of this type of potential SBA borrower may be an existing and established business with the goal of opening additional locations
While the underwriting for SBA lending is similar to commercial lending, there are several advantages to SBA loans. For example, since the government is guaranteeing the loan under SBA guidelines, the lending par tner assumes less risk and, and thus may be more flexible and better able to do the loan. Also, the down payment or borrower’s cash requirement on an SBA loan is generally less and therefore, more favorable to the borrower.
There are many specific requirements regarding the size of the company, the type of organization, the nature of the business, and so forth To determine eligibility, interested parties can go to the SBA website or, better yet, contact an SBA lending partner such as Independence Bank
HPawn it
Huntington Super Pawn
by Heather Evans
ave you been watching those cash for gold commercials and wondering if there’s a better life for your old jewelry?
Do you have a huge pile of awesome stuff you want to get rid of but don’t just want to give to thrift?
t i i ’t j t f V l t
elry Their super-clean, polished and expansive jewelry cases have become ultra popular for those who know who to smartly shop “We realized customers wanted luxury items, but didn’t want to spend luxury prices,” says Randy “Our jewelry inventory grew so large, we decided to start focusing more on this aspect of business. We now have a Tiffany case. We have vintage jewelry, engagement/wedding rings, diamond earrings, men’s jewelry and a huge selection of necklaces ” he continues
pawn shops all over the OC but I’ll make it easy for you and tell you the best pawn shop to visit: Huntington Beach Pawn
I know the stigmas pawnshops have but come on people! Do you think I’d lead you astray? We give only the best to our readers and that’s Huntington Super Pawn They are the place people have been shopping for top-of-the line (though smartly discounted) diamonds, musical equipment, electronics, tools, and so much more Make no mistake: everything is clean, in excellent working order, and above all it’s priced to sell. They are always in the market for ently used goods, whether to pawn or sell. aps their 13 year long success is largely ated to the fact that they offer better prices, or otherwise) on their goods than anyone area They strive for premium customer ction in everything they do
lso becoming a well-known fact that Huntington Super Pawn is the mecca for jew-
, y g g g loan on the item’s wor th Typically, if you decide to sell it to the shop, they will offer you a higher amount of worth. If a loan is what you really need, they will give you 120 days to repay the amount (plus interest). Graciously, Huntington Super Pawn does not increase interest until the third month If this is a process you are interested in, we urge you to speak to any of their highly educated staff If all of this wasn’t incredible enough, Huntington Super Pawn also offers layaway! With 20% down, make a few payments and within shor t period of time you own what you need! Although new merchandise is constantly hitting the shelves, Randy and his team tirelessly update their website: www huntingtonpawn com and facebook page with the latest in arrivals and discounts Got gold? They offer top dollar for all of your unwanted and mismatched gold
You can spend a lot of time hunting around for the perfect gift or solution to sell something you don’t need anymore, or you can make it easy on yourself with one-stop shopping and selling at Huntington Super Pawn.
Different by Design
You can get anything you want in life if you'll just help enough other people get what they want " - Zig Ziglar, author and motivational speaker
This is the underlying philosophy upon which David and Julie Allen built their Lake Forest-based business At Preferred Kitchen and Bath, the Allens and their team “ think like homeowners” asking themselves "Knowing what we know, what would we do if we were spending our own hard earned money on this project?" and "If we were the client, what would we want to know and how would we want to be treated?"
“We don' t think like contractors or salespeople even though we are both, says David. “It star ts with the attitud of the owners, which becomes the com pany culture and inevitably guides the day to day actions We have attracted to our small firm a wonderful family of designers and craftsmen which in turn help our clients imagine what they want and then make it a reality. Are we perfect? Hardly, but you don' t need to be perfect to be "Best in Show.”
we could do better, which would improve people's remodeling experience and provide us a good living.”
In 2003, David and his wife Julie saw an opportunity to bring their interests and skills together in interior design and renovation David brought over 40 years of experience in construction to the business, while his wife had worked for years in clothing design and manufacturing.
“We believed the Orange County market was ready for a remodeling company that thought and behaved differently,” says David “Many companies had operated here for a long time and had become complacent regarding the way they served homeowners. We believed
far, the couple’s concept seems to have ved them well. Their full service inter design and remodeling firm, specialng in kitchen and bathroom remodels, s not only survived, but thrived in day’s challenging economic climate
s you work with us you will see that we e committed to helping you get what ill make you happy and not just selling ou a bunch of stuff to make a buck,” ays David “We have invested extenively in computers, software and dislays so that you can get as clear a picture as possible what your kitchen or bath will look like before you spend one ed cent.”
David and his team of professionals understand that when you decide to remodel your kitchen or bathroom, you are paying for more than just cabinets, counters, and fixtures You are paying for designing, planning, scheduling, communicating and installing - a total remodeling experience culminating in a rewarding outcome or finished product.
Happy customers like Joe and Sheri DiPrima of Mission Viejo attest to the “Preferred” experience by saying that "I could tell after meeting you, Julie, that Preferred Kitchen & Bath was the way to go You were very helpful in some decisions we weren't sure about but you were never pushy I have to say the whole process could not have gone more smoothly. Also, we found the workers were polite, knowledgeable and best of all - cleaned up every night before they left. We would definitely recommend Preferred Kitchen & Bath to anyone thinking of a kitchen remodel Thanks again for all your help Our kitchen is perfect & I love cooking in it "
by Jody Robinson
in spite of all these concerns, most planners still advise caution in dealing with the changes in a couple’s estate plan. Some planners recommend leaving an option to elect at the first death not to divide the estate at the first death. This approach makes sense if the trust also includes language allowing the surviving spouse to take advantage of the deceased spouse’s exemption amount later on
What does this amount mean for couples? Basically, the question of whether to cause a trust to include a division of assets at the first death is an issue which is, in some cases, a matter that involves more than just tax or financial issues. For example, two couples, each with an estate of exactly $5.25 million at the time of doing their trusts could come to different conclusions about whether to require a split of the estate at the first death or whether to simply allow the surviving spouse to make an election at the first death whether or not to divide the estate
The first couple might be young, with each in work areas where they expect the estate to grow significantly every year. This husband and wife might be concerned that an early death of one spouse after the estate has grown even just slightly might give the surviving spouse too much oppor tunity to share an estate with a future spouse, perhaps to the detriment of the couple’s children This concern has motivated many spouses over the years to require a split of the trust at the first death even when the estate tax could be avoided without dividing the estate in two.
Another couple with the same size estate might be more advanced in age and might have little concern for growth of their estate since their assets are focused on income producing investments for their retirement. These two might also share a goal of keeping the post retirement, post first-death costs down for the surviving spouse. This, along with the concern of avoiding administrative costs for the surviving spouse, might allow them to decide to allow the surviving spouse to file an Estate Tax Return at the first death, which elects to claim the deceased spouse’s Estate Tax Exemption for use later on. These older couples often know that which ever one survives, the primary concern will be for the trust assets to go to the couple’s children, so that post first death control issues seem less relevant in the decision making process
Another five or ten couples of similarly sized estates might come to even different conclusions about how to adjust their trusts in light of the increase in the Estate Tax Exemption amounts. This is because the issues which each estate needs to consider will change from one household to the next for reasons completely unrelated to the tax dollar limits involved, such as concerns for special needs family members, grandchildren issues, and a host of other concerns Families of larger and smaller means also need to revisit their trusts because the tax free estate numbers have shifted the consequences of trust language which has not kept up with the changes in the tax law
One thing is true for all families who have trusts: the failure to examine your estate distribution language now can cause your families to endure problems later that could be removed with simple document changes that would allow the use of improved provisions of Estate Tax Law.
any treatment, from diets to vitamins to medications, that might mitigate the effects of Mercy’s illness. Nothing worked. “As a parent, you do whatever you can to provide an atmosphere of safety and protection for your kids,” says Kevin “But we didn’t know what was hur ting her, and we couldn’t do anything about it.” They never stopped praying. Finally, after the blessing of having been connected to the Los Angeles Children’s Hospital, Mercy was officially diagnosed with the autoimmune disease Opsoclonus Myoclonus Syndrome It’s a disorder that affects 1 in 10 million people, and the specific manifestation of Mercy’s illness is one-of-a-kind. She is being treated by one of the top specialists in the world, and while Kevin and Camie are thankful for this, the regimen has resulted in exorbitant medical costs
Early in 2012, during Homecoming festivities, Vanguard University organized a 5K called Run For Mercy in order to raise funds to help pay the costs of Mercy’s treatment All of the proceeds were designated for the Doyle family’s benefit The alumni, current students, staff, and friends who participated helped raise money to contribute to Mercy’s current medical bills The monies raised have helped to provide a safe and stable environment for Mercy to thrive in. Her insomnia and high blood pressure are gone, she’s off her aggressive medications, her
emotional stability has become more regulated, and if you happen to be sitting at the picnic table in her family’s backyard, Mercy is able to walk out there and have a seat right next to you. Kevin and Camie were overwhelmed by the response of the Vanguard community to the 5K “It was terribly humbling to be the recipient of so many others’ giving,” says Kevin. Camie adds that the hand of God was evident in every part of the event “We always felt that what happened to Mercy was not fair, to her or to us,” she says “But the event helped us remember that grace isn’t fair either. We don’t deserve grace, but God freely gives it.”
A few years before Camie gave birth to Mercy, she received a word from the Lord about Mercy’s name It came to Camie in a prayer, and the significance is not lost on Camie or Kevin “When we first dedicated Mercy to God,” recalls Kevin “we knew that she was God’s child before she was our child. And her name gives us comfort. We believe God will heal her on this earth, and that he will release his mercy on her and make her an example of his mercy ” During this time, Philippians 1:6 spoke to the Doyles The verse states “ he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion ”
The Doyles look to Mercy’s healing as the completion of the good work that is already started in her.
If you would like to make a donation to help offset Mercy’s continuing medical costs, please visit ethosmInIstrIes.org, or prayformercy.org for more information.
Awoken Life
There’s something to be said about seeking a better life for yourself Some find solace from stress in simple things, like taking a walk or bubble bath Others seek wisdom through therapy and medicine But can you honestly say these avenues ever really help? Or do you just hang on until the next appointment with your therapist, until the next time you can take a refreshing walk?
I had never considered the art of getting back to life and dare I say living it until I met Mary McPherson from the San Juan Capistranobased Awoken Life. Awoken Life specializes in Brainwave Optimization (something you might have heard about on Oprah, read from the pages of People magazine or in science journals) “Brainwave Optimization is about getting you, back to you,” says Mary, a Certified Optimization Specialist “Some people spend tens of thousands of dollars and endless years on therapy and medications, that might work for them. Others want to get back to living happily and balanced right away with a natural, holistic approach. Brainwave Optimization is a week-long intensive program which leaves you centered, balanced, and recharged Some of the things we help people with are anxiety, ADD/ADHD, addictions, anger, depression, brain injuries, panic attacks, PTSD, and Insomnia or sleep disorders ”
Brainwave Optimization is a unique highly scientific, yet holistic approach Over 80,000 people have successfully participated, and the number grows every day What are they experiencing? ”We star t with an intensive scientific evaluation of your brainwaves, using a very advanced computer program in the initial assessment,” Mary comments. “We determine where the imbalances and frequency levels are in the initial assessment. The program is so advanced we are able to tell if you’ve experienced trauma, sadness, or have anxiety whatever is causing your brainwaves to function at an improper level We can then create a treatment plan customized to your specific needs Over the next 5 days, you can relax in our zero gravity chair while listening to audio feedback being created by your own brainwave frequencies and mirrored back through this advanced technology This clinically proven process can be viewed on our website, www awokenlife com, under “What is Brainwave Optimization?”
Some people spend tens of thousands of dollars and endless years on therapy and medications, and that works for them. Others want to get back to living happily and balanced right away with a natural, holistic approach. We’ve created a weeklong, intensive optimization program that leaves you centered, balanced, and recharged
Awoken Life is dedicated to helping people achieve their potential, through Brainwave Optimization, guided visualization and even hypnotherapy
“Wellness is first a state of mind. From there the body will follow.” - Lee Gerdes, Brainwave Optimization Founder
Awoken Life has changed the lives of so many people who can’t wait to share their stories. Read about local Dana Point resident Vince’s experience: “I cannot put into words how much Awoken Life has changed my life Struggles of alcohol dependency, depression, spelling and even my fear of heights suddenly became manageable I went in to this a total skeptic and was made in to a believer Thank you for giving me a life I never thought possible ”
Another happy client, Dawn from Temecula, echoes Vince's sentiment and adds “Awoken Life Brainwave Optimization has changed my life I have been able to stop taking my depression medicine that I took for over 10 years I am no longer tired, sad, or depressed I have stopped my anxiety compulsive picking. I no longer drink 3 cans of Coke a day. I am learning more about myself than ever before. I am a new and improved person, able to cope with life, and stressors that happen daily Thank you for renewing my life!”
Awoken Life is an all-natural, responsive, holistic approach to total wellness. It’s an intensive week-long session in which you spend nearly 24 hours (in a week’s timespan) with Mary’s directed care Join the revolution of people that are experiencing what it’s like to live again.
giving back in OC
by Cherri Farah
The Orangewood 44 Women Scholarship Luncheon
Guest speaker Olympic Gold Medal Swimmer Janet Evans mesmerized a crowd of over 300 guests in attendance at the Westin South Coast Plaza for "The 44 Women for Children 9th Annual Scholarship Luncheon."
Event co-chairs Andrea Casaw, Erika Clemons and Jaynine Warner were the dynamic trio who helped coordinate the event benefiting Orange County's abused and neglected children. Founded in 1999 by Susan Samueli as an auxiliary of Orangewood Children's Foundation, the group was a natural extension of Susan's interest in the cause of child abuse.
“I have children and I can’t image someone abusing a child Orangewood has opened my heart; I’m happy to help,” she said in a May 2000 interview. For the 44 group, she continued, “We wanted women who would work hard and are passionate about the cause ” 44 Women for Children contributes to Orangewood Children’s Foundation by nurturing, supporting and inspiring teens who are required to leave (or “emancipate” from) the foster care system on their 18th birthdays.
Hoag Hospital Foundation
Guests in attendance at the 26th Annual 552 Club Summer Movie Classic hosted by The Hoag Hospital Foundation enjoyed a private screening of the Hollywood classic "Casablanca" and sampled culinary creations from more than 30 of the region's finest restaurants
“This event has been one of Orange County’s largest and most anticipated community events each summer, thanks in large part to dedicated supporters,” Sheri Horn said, event co-chair with her husband Brian “This was a night to remember for all who attended in support of Hoag and the patients and communities they serve ”
WHAT IS MALE ANDROPAUSE?
M.D.
Once it was known as a man having a “Mid-Life Crisis’’. If you are a male over 40, you may be experiencing this condition which now has a medical nameandropause Approximately 25 million men experience this condition which can be defined by its nickname “ADAM’’, which stands for Androgen Decline in the Aging Male. Many men have been successfully treated fort andropause symptoms with Bio-Identical Hormone Replacement Therapy.
WHAT IS MENOPAUSE?
3,500 women enter menopause ever y day in the United States. Menopause is identified as no menstrual cycle for twelve months, but symptoms can be as long as fifteen years before the cessation of menses.
WHAT IS PERIMENOPAUSE?
Perimenopause is a highly individual experience When & how it begins, and how long it lasts, varies widely. Perimenopause, the five to seven years leading up to menopause, is a natural transition in a woman’s life between the ages of 40 and 55.
❍ Decreased “Enjoyment of Life’’
Decreased Work Performance ❍ Sad or Grumpy “Grumpy Old Man Syndrome’’
Depression
Irritability, Anger or Bad Temper
Decrease in Cognitive Function
Feelings of Being Over Stressed
Anxiety or Ner vousness
Loss of Memor y or Concentration
Weight Gain
Decrease in Sex Drive
Decrease in Endurance
Loss of Height
Lack of Energy
Erections Less Strong
Deterioration in Sports Ability
Falling Asleep After Dinner
Stiffness & Pain in Joints & Muscles
❍ Weird Dreams ❍ Dizzy Spells ❍ Mood Swings ❍ Panic Attacks
❍ Migraine Headaches
❍ Skin Feeling Crawly
❍ Memor y Lapses ❍ Bloating
❍ Depression ❍ Hot Flashes
❍ Anxiety & Irritability
❍ Insomnia & Night Sweats
❍ Snoring ❍ Indigestion ❍ Hair Growth on Face ❍ Weight Gain ❍ Osteoporosis ❍ Sore Breasts ❍ Palpitations ❍ Lower Back Pain ❍ Flatulence
❍ Frequent Urination
❍ Urinar y Leakage
❍ Urinar y Tract Infections
❍ Vaginal Dr yness ❍ Varicose Veins
❍ Loss of Sexual Interest
❍ Painful Intercourse
❍ Aching Ankles, Knees, Wrists, Shoulders or Heels
❍ Vaginal Itching
From (L): Sheri Horn (Event co-chair), Flynn Andrizzi (Hoag Hospital Foundation President and Hoag Sr Vice President) and Brian Horn (Event co-chair)
Guest speaker Janet Evans (2nd from left) with luncheon co-chairs (from L) Jaynine Warner, Andrea Casaw and Erika Clemons
Local Postal Customer
Opening Januar y 2014
Luxur y Podiatr y Spa
1. What’s the difference between what a doc tor of podiatr y does and what a pedicurist does?
Ivar Roth, DPM: There is a large gap in care between what a pedicurist does and a doctor of podiatry does. In the state of California a pedicurist cannot use a scalpel or any instrument that can result in the cutting or penetrating of the skin or work on any foot or toes that have an infection At least 50% of the population has a fungus nail infection or fungus infection of the feet. Warts, (which look like corns) are also a virus infection of the skin While a podiatrist can work on these conditions, the average person who seeks these services doesn’t want to make a doctor visit to have these problems taken care of. This is partly due to the fact that many of these services aren’t covered under insurance and this would be a very expensive way to handle corns, callouses or fungus nails Add to this the HMO environment and a doctor just does not have the time to effectively treat these problems because they are time consuming and thus a less than effective job is performed
2. If someone wants a pedicure, but has these common infections or viruses, what’s left for them to do?
Dr. Roth: Enter what I call the podiacuristTM This means becoming a Californian licensed pedicurist who has trained under me to develop their professional podiatry skills. I teach them to use a scalpel and other instruments to deal with infected or hardened nails and thick callouses Think dental hygienist for the feet The podiacuristTM is an employee of my podiatry office and can provide these services under my license To ensure the highest quality of work possible, all work is checked by a podiatrist at the conclusion of the service
3. Is there anything like this in existence?
Dr. Roth: Not until now This is a new concept that I’ve developed after dreaming and planning for over 20 years This is a self-realization that premium foot services are not offered anywhere, let alone in a safe, clean and supervised environment performed by specially trained personnel (pictured are Brian and Gina who have a combined 30 years experience).
PodiacuristTM services are half the cost of what you’d pay by going to a doctor It's the best of both worlds - a podiatrist will treat any conditions and the podiacuristTM will pamper your feet in a way that you can feel safe about, all in a luxury 5-star spa setting. We are currently offering these services - call to schedule an appointment with Brian or Gina
(across from Hoag Hospital)
C O N C I E R G E P O D I A C U R I S T