SC_02_2026_ISSUU

San Clemente • Dana Point • SJC • Laguna Niguel • Laguna Hills • Rancho Mission Viejo + Ladera Ranch

FEBRUARY 2026

MAGAZINE

Owner Audra Lambert

WHERE STRATEGY MEETS HEART: The Luxury Advantage of the Lambert Group

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27136 Paseo Espada, Suite 1123, San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675

P: (949) 762-8414

E: info@callcefali.com

F: (949) 203-3332

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PRINT WORKS! ASK THESE LOCAL BUSINESS OWNERS ...

JAY MINOR

Assisted Living Locators • Advertising Partner since 2024 “I have been incredibly encouraged with the results I have gotten from advertising in South County Magazine! I wasn’t sure how print advertising was going to go, but it has far exceeded my expectations! Jody has been incredible to work with and so supportive of my new company. I feel like she cares more about my success than just getting my advertising business.

I recommend her to everyone I know.”

STEPHANIE FRISCH

Insurance Services 101 • Advertising Partner since 2011 The best business decision I ever made was to advertise in South County Magazine - I’m proud to say that I have been participating since the very first issue. I have gained several hundred clients over the last decade due to my ad, and several hundred more from the referrals of my ad clients. I have a steady flow of business all year long, and South County Magazine has a lot to do with that.

JON COLBURN

ReelTime Sight & Sound • Advertising partner since 2011 As a business here in South Orange County, we’re always looking at a variety of ways to market our business, our brand and the services we provide. It is always an amazing experience working with Jody and her team at Community Publications. They make the process extremely simple and easy for us to convey our message to our desired clientele. South County Magazine has been a great partner in growing our business and establishing ReelTime Sight & Sound in the community.

For Info on Advertising + Complimentary Editorial - Call Jody at (714) 469-3495

Elevated Senior Living.

Active Coastal Lifestyle.

Call us at 949-545-9918

or scan the QR code to schedule your tour today!

San Clemente Villas blends relaxed coastal living with thoughtful design, engaging experiences, and personalized support. Here, every day offers opportunities to connect, explore, and enjoy life at your own pace—all in a warm, welcoming community that feels like home.

Beautifully designed residences with supportive care options Chef-prepared dining with fresh, flavorful menus Enriching programs that support wellness and connection Compassionate team providing attentive, personalized care

Come Experience San Clemente Villas for yourself.

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660 Camino De Los Mares San Clemente, CA 92673

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Align Wealth Advisors Invites You

Turning Your Assets Into Income: Making the Most of What You’ve Built

JOIN US FOR A COMPLIMENTARY BREAKFAST AT

POLLY’S PIES LAGUNA HILLS We’ll chat about creating steady income from your savings, Social Security, and investments while keeping your lifestyle and peace of mind in balance.

Tuesday, February 10th | 10:00AM -12:00PM

You’ll learn how to: • Decide when (and how) to start Social Security • Manage taxes on your retirement income • Protect against inflation and outliving your money

(949) 715-8585 REGISTER HERE CA Insurance Lic. #0G80589. Securities offered through Registered Representatives of Cambridge Investment Research, Inc., a broker-dealer, member FINRA/SIPC to residents of the following states: CA, CO, DC, FL, GA, HI, IL, MA, MD, MN, MO, MT, NJ, NV, NC, NY, OH, OK, PA, SC, TX, VT, VA, WV, WY. Advisory services through Cambridge Investment Research Advisors, Inc., a Registered Investment Adviser.

Financial planning services through Align Wealth Advisors, a Registered Investment Adviser. Cambridge and Align Wealth Advisors are not affiliated. Cambridge does not offer tax or legal advice.

• Avoid common mistakes retirees make when switching from saving to spending

Aging in Place Is a Team Effort, Not a Solo Act

By Keyur Shah

For many older adults in South Orange County, staying at home isn’t just a preference. It’s personal.

H

ome is where routines live.

It’s the kitchen you can move through without thinking. The neighbor who waves during an evening walk. The dog who knows exactly when dinner should happen.

Aging in place is about holding on to the life that already feels familiar and comfortable.

But here’s something I’ve learned after years of working with older adults and their families.

Aging in place doesn’t mean doing everything by yourself.

You Don’t Have to Do It All Alone I’ve talked with many seniors who say the same thing: “I’m fine. I can still manage.”

And often, that’s true. But managing and thriving aren’t always the same thing.

Accepting a little help doesn’t mean giving up independence. In fact, it often protects it. When everyday tasks start taking more time or energy, having support can make life easier and more enjoyable, not smaller.

Yes to help with grocery shopping so heavy bags aren’t a strain.

Yes to a companion who stops by for lunch and friendly conversation.

Yes to someone who can drive to appointments or help keep the house comfortable and organized.

These aren’t big life changes. They’re practical ones. And they often bring a sense of relief people didn’t realize they were missing.

Professional caregivers bring steady support and time.

When everyone works together, staying at home feels manageable instead of stressful.

What Aging in Place Is Really About Aging in place isn’t about proving anything. It’s about protecting the life you’ve built. And it is rarely a solo effort.

The goal is to keep doing the things you enjoy, in the place you love, with a little help along the way.

From what I’ve seen, the people who do this best understand one simple truth: Strong independence is built with support. And while aging is certain, decline is not.

Why Waiting Can Make Things Harder One thing I often hear, “I’m just not there yet” or “I’m ok to take care of myself for now.”

What we’ve seen over the years is that waiting for a problem to force the issue can make everything feel overwhelming and rushed. A fall, an illness, or simple exhaustion can suddenly turn small concerns into big decisions.

Starting earlier gives everyone more breathing room. Seniors get to decide what kind of help they want and how it fits into their routine. Care feels supportive, not intrusive.

Care Usually Starts with Something Simple

Aging at Home Works Best as a Team

Most people don’t wake up one day and decide they need caregiving. I have seen that it usually starts with one small change. Sometimes with one small “yes.”

Aging well at home is rarely a oneperson job.

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Family members bring care and concern, often while juggling busy lives of their own.

Seniors bring their routines, preferences, and life experience.

Owner Keyur Shah

(949) 299-9997 SeniorHelpers.com All rights reserved. Senior Helpers locations are independently owned and operated. ©2025 SH Franchising, LLC."

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The Quiet Rise of Credit Card Costs

By Gary Williams

F

or many Orange County business owners, credit card processing lives firmly in the background— an automatic expense handled quietly while the real focus stays on customers, employees, and growth. Yet in recent years, those once-predictable processing costs have been steadily—and subtly—on the rise.

The increases haven’t been dramatic enough to set off alarms. Instead, they’ve crept in quietly, line by line, month by month, slowly eroding margins. According to Digital Transactions (September 2024), U.S. merchants paid an estimated $236 billion in card-acceptance fees in 2024, up from $224 billion the year before. That upward trend reflects a broader reality: credit card processing has become more expensive, more complex, and far less transparent.

WHY FEES RISE—EVEN WHEN NOTHING CHANGES Today’s processing costs are no longer tied to a single, easy-to-understand rate. Instead, they’re influenced by a web of factors happening well beyond a business owner’s line of sight. Chief among them: rewards credit cards.

In Orange County, premium cards offering travel perks, cash back, and luxury benefits are widely used. While consumers are drawn to the promise of “free” rewards, those benefits come at a cost—one passed directly to merchants. The richer the rewards, the higher the processing fee.

A transaction that may have cost 1.7 percent just a few years ago can now land well above 2.5 percent, even if nothing about your business, pricing, 8

or customer behavior has changed.

Multiply that difference across hundreds or thousands of transactions, and the effect becomes impossible to ignore. Restaurants, retailers, medical practices, contractors, and professional service firms all feel the squeeze.

THE CHANGES MOST OWNERS NEVER SEE Twice each year, major card networks like Visa and Mastercard quietly revise their fee structures. While these updates rarely make headlines, recent years have brought some of the most impactful changes in memory—especially for businesses serving affluent communities.

Among the most common shifts: higher costs for online and card-not-present transactions, new premium categories tied to high-end cards, increased network assessment fees, and stricter qualification rules that push more transactions into higher-cost tiers. Research shows rewards cards can cost 40 to 75 percent more to process than basic cards—an outsized hit for Orange County businesses where premium cards are the norm.

THE HIDDEN FEES BEHIND THE STATEMENT Beyond network fees, many processors have layered on additional charges— often buried deep within monthly statements. Labeled as “regulatory,” “data,” “risk,” or “compliance” fees, these line items can quietly add another 0.10 to 0.30 percent to total costs.

Some provide little measurable value, yet without a detailed review, they’re easy to overlook and accept as unavoidable.

Owner Gary Williams WHY A RATE QUOTE NO LONGER TELLS THE STORY In today’s environment, understanding your true processing cost requires more than comparing advertised rates.

A meaningful review examines how cards are categorized, where transactions are downgraded, what fees are processor-added, and—most importantly—your actual effective rate. In many cases, a careful audit uncovers 15 to 30 percent in avoidable costs.

That’s why more business owners are turning to independent advisors—professionals without quotas, preferred processors, or sales pressure—whose focus is clarity, transparency, and longterm savings.

Accepting credit cards is essential.

Overpaying for them doesn’t have to be. And in a competitive landscape, protecting your margins often starts with seeing what’s been hiding in plain sight.

As an Independent Merchant Services Partner, Ascension Consulting Puts Your Interests First Owner Gary Williams welcomes inquiries and offers a complimentary, no-obligation assessment of your current processing plan.

(949) 878-3505 www.ascension-imsc.com

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Where Vision Takes Root: The Mah Family Legacy of Medical Innovation With $53 million in transformational gifts, Adeline Yen Mah and Robert A. Mah have created a home for discovery that is reshaping the future of healthcare: the Falling Leaves Foundation Medical Innovation Building.

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Adeline Yen Mah, M.D., MRCP (London), and Robert A. Mah, Ph.D., long dreamed of conducting research together. Though their careers took different paths—she’s a physician and anesthesiologist, and he’s a professor of environmental microbiology— they shared a conviction that the breakthroughs of tomorrow would emerge from collaboration across disciplines.

That belief has found new life at the University of California, Irvine. With $53 million in philanthropic gifts since 2021, the Mah family has created the Falling Leaves Foundation Medical Innovation Building, a 215,000-square-foot research hub designed to foster discovery at the intersections of science, medicine and technology.

Located in the heart of UC Irvine’s health sciences district, the facility is among the largest translational research centers on the West Coast.

Its laboratories and meeting spaces are built to dissolve silos and connect diverse thinkers pursuing solutions to the world’s most pressing health challenges, from cancer to neurodegenerative disease to vaccine development.

“The Falling Leaves Foundation Medical Innovation Building is the ideal venue for bold, crossdisciplinary collaborations that redefine what is possible in science and medicine,” said Steve Goldstein, M.D., Ph.D., vice chancellor for health affairs. “With their remarkable generosity, the Drs. Mah are accelerating the translation of discoveries from the laboratory to the clinic.”

environments, with one genus and two species named in his honor. Adeline Yen Mah, after a distinguished medical career, became a bestselling author with Falling Leaves: The True Story of an Unwanted Chinese Daughter, motivating millions with her message of perseverance through hardship.

I am overcome by hope, by the brilliance and dedication of those who labor here.

— Adeline Yen Mah In 2007, they founded the Falling Leaves Foundation, inspired by the Chinese proverb “Falling leaves return to their roots.” It reflects their belief that giving is both gratitude and renewal, a return to the values that shaped them: learning, compassion and the quiet joy of giving back.

“As I walk through these laboratories,” said Adeline Yen Mah, “I am overcome by hope, by the brilliance and dedication of those who labor here to create a future for medicine that once belonged only in dreams.”

Through their philanthropy, the Mahs have not only strengthened UC Irvine’s research enterprise but also sown new seeds of healing for generations to come.

The Mahs’ gifts extend beyond the building itself.

They have endowed two pioneering centers within the facility: the Adeline Yen Mah Vaccine Center, which unites experts advancing next-generation mRNA, DNA and protein vaccines, and the Robert A. Mah Molecular Innovation Center, where researchers apply chemistry, biology and molecular engineering to pursue new treatments for cancer, infection and neurodegenerative disease.

Scientific excellence has long defined the couple’s lives. Robert A. Mah, professor emeritus at UCLA, studied bacteria that thrive in oxygen-free

Scan to learn more

Adeline Yen Mah and Robert A. Mah

To learn how you can make a transformational impact like the Mah family, contact Brian Hervey, vice chancellor for university advancement and alumni relations, at bhervey@uci.edu or Roland Ho, associate vice chancellor for strategic philanthropy, at roland.ho@uci.edu.

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A Strategy-Driven, Heart-Forward Approach to Real Estate: How Audra Lambert and Lambert Group Homes Elevate the South County Experience

By Jody Robinson. Photography by Bob Ortiz. Photo editing by Fernando Cortez.

In a region where luxury real estate, postcard-perfect neighborhoods, and lifestyle-driven communities shape our daily rhythm, it takes a rare combination of skill, strategy, and sincerity to stand out.

Y

et for more than twenty years, Audra Lambert—founder of Lambert Group Homes—has done exactly that. Known for her polished professionalism, conciergestyle client experience, and deeprooted commitment to community, Audra has cultivated a reputation not only as a trusted real estate advisor, but as a steady, authentic voice in a fast-moving industry.

certainly reflect a seasoned expert.

But—as she’s quick to note—they’re far from the heart of her story. “Those numbers matter, but what matters even more to me are the people, families, and futures behind every single home.”

“Lambert Group Homes has had the privilege of serving South Orange County for over twenty years,” Audra says. “I’m incredibly grateful for the relationships and trust built along the way.”

Real estate is a field where many backgrounds converge, but Audra’s path offers a uniquely compelling advantage to the buyers and sellers she serves. Before becoming a full-time agent, she built a high-performing corporate career at Ingram Micro, a Fortune 50 global leader where she directed sales, marketing, and purchasing for major accounts.

With over 375 completed transactions and more than $400 million in total sales volume, Audra’s numbers 12

That blend of strategic acumen and genuine care is woven through every facet of her business.

“Working at a Fortune 50 company shaped how I advocate for my clients when it comes to pricing, positioning, and deal structure,” she says. “I approach real estate as a true professional business supported by years of experience in design, negotiation, and high-level operations.”

What many don’t know is that she simultaneously owned an interior design firm and staging company— ventures that would later become invaluable to her real estate toolkit.

Understanding how design influences emotion, value perception, and buyer psychology allows Audra to position homes with a level of sophistication rarely found outside luxury markets.

“Design has the power to change how someone feels the moment they walk

into a home,” says Audra. “I’ve seen firsthand how strategic staging and thoughtful presentation elevate value and create emotional connection.”

The result is a listing experience that feels curated, intentional, and far beyond the industry norm. For buyers, her negotiation strength and market fluency provide the same level of elevated service.

Specializing exclusively in South Orange County—San Juan Capistrano, San Clemente, Dana Point, Laguna Niguel, Ladera Ranch and beyond— Audra prides herself on the combination of neighborhood insight and strategic expertise that only decades in one region can create.

“My approach is rooted in transparency, data-driven decisions, and a true concierge-level experience,” she says. “That combination of strategy and heart is what has allowed me to build one of the most trusted and highly reviewed brands in the region.”

She believes that a real estate transaction is far more than a sale. It’s a transition, a moment of life change, a pivot point for families and individuals. And it deserves to be treated with that level of respect.

That client-centered philosophy is the thread that connects every element of her practice—how she communicates, the way she structures timelines, the care she invests in market evaluations, the thoughtfulness behind negotiations, and the clarity she brings to each decision point.

While Audra’s work is deeply rooted in South County, her reach extends far beyond it. In an industry where many agents rely solely on traditional marketing, Audra took a leap several years ago and launched a YouTube channel focused on educating homeowners and buyers with straightforward insight and real-world perspective. Today, she has surpassed 100,000 subscribers and more than 10.7 million total views.

“I’m incredibly excited and grateful to have reached that milestone,” she says. “What began as a passion project to help educate buyers and sellers has grown into a community where I share honest market insight, highlight

South County living, and talk openly about the realities of real estate.”

What many followers don’t see are the behind-the-scenes realities—the long hours, the critiques, the steep learning curve.

“I was not a natural on camera and had no editing skills when I started,” she says.“In the beginning it took weeks to create a single video. Even now it’s still difficult at times. I sacrifice weekends, early mornings, and late nights while others are relaxing.

But I keep going because I see the impact the content has on people’s lives.”

Her steady presence on YouTube has also given her clients a distinct advantage: reach, visibility, and credibility that extend well beyond the South County bubble because “today, as a real estate educator on YouTube, I’m able to reach people far beyond our local community while still giving my clients a powerful platform and maximum exposure.”

Audra’s entry into real estate wasn’t glamorous. It wasn’t quick. And it wasn’t what she planned. After years in the corporate world, she assumed real estate might offer more flexibility for raising her son. Instead, she found herself pouring more time, passion, and energy into her work than ever before.

“It took me two years to get my first client,” she says. “Those early years were incredibly challenging. Looking back, that period shaped who I am

as an agent. I learned resilience, discipline, and the importance of staying committed even when the results weren’t immediate.”

That perseverance—and her unwavering commitment to education, excellence, and client service—are what define Lambert Group Homes today.

“I care about doing things the right way,” she says. “Serving with transparency, strategy, and heart.”

After two decades, dozens of neighborhoods, hundreds of transactions, and more than 10 million viewers, Audra Lambert has become something rare in the crowded world of real estate—an advisor who blends corporate-level skill with concierge-level care, and an educator who believes in empowering others with knowledge.

In a community that values authenticity, expertise, and trust, Audra stands out not because she’s louder—but because she’s consistent, committed, and relentlessly dedicated to the people she serves.

And in South Orange County, that’s exactly the kind of leader people want guiding them home.

Audra Lambert

DRE #01909872 (949) 697-2232 LambertGroupHomes.com 13

Love, Safety, and the Hardest Decisions We Make

By Jay Minor

February is often associated with love - Valentine’s cards, flowers, and expressions of care for the people who matter most to us.

B

ut for many families, love shows up in a quieter, heavier way: worrying about a parent’s safety, making difficult decisions, and carrying the emotional weight of wanting to do the right thing.

One of the most heart-wrenching things I hear from families is this: “We promised we’d never put Mom in a home.”

That promise is almost always rooted in love. But as care needs change, families often find themselves trapped between honoring a promise and facing a new reality - one where love alone can’t provide 24-hour supervision, medical oversight, or protection from falls, medication errors, or wandering.

When Love Isn’t Enough

by Itself Most families don’t wake up one day and suddenly decide to explore assisted living or memory care. The decision unfolds slowly, often after a series of small but concerning moments: • A fall that “wasn’t that bad”… but could have been • Missed medications or double dosing • Burnt pots on the stove • Increased confusion or isolation • Caregivers feeling exhausted, shorttempered, or constantly on edge These moments don’t mean you’ve failed. They mean the situation has changed.

I’ve walked this road myself. When my brothers and I were caring for my dad, we struggled deeply with the emotional weight of transitioning him into a board & care home. Even though we knew it was necessary, the guilt and 14

second-guessing were intense. Looking back now, I see that our decision wasn’t a lack of love. It was an act of love shaped by reality.

Safety Is One of the Greatest Expressions of Love Assisted living and memory care are not about replacing family. They’re about supporting family. These communities are designed to meet needs that are nearly impossible for one person, or even a whole family, to manage alone.

Residents benefit from: • Staff available around the clock • Purpose-built environments that reduce fall risk and confusion • Consistent routines that support memory and emotional well-being • Social connection and meaningful daily engagement

You Don’t Have to Decide Everything at Once Exploring senior living options doesn’t mean you’re committing to a move tomorrow. It means you’re gathering information, understanding what support looks like, and giving yourself permission to ask, “What would make life safer—and more peaceful—for all of us?”

As a local senior living advisor, my role is to walk alongside families through this process at no cost, helping you understand options, tour communities, and make informed decisions without pressure.

This February, as we reflect on love, it may help to remember: sometimes the most loving choice isn’t the easiest one, but it’s the one that keeps everyone safe, supported, and connected.

Families benefit too. I often see relationships soften after the move - less tension, fewer arguments, more laughter. When the responsibility of constant caregiving lifts, love has room to breathe again.

From Caregiver Back to Son, Daughter, or Spouse One of the most meaningful moments I witness is when a family member realizes they can simply be present again.

Visits become about conversation instead of chores. About connection instead of correction. About love instead of logistics.

That shift can feel both relieving and bittersweet. It’s okay to hold both feelings at once.

Jay Minor (949) 444-9055 E-mail: jay@assistedlivinglocators.com

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Navigating the Cost of In-Home Care with Home Helpers of Orange Coast

By Jody Robinson

When a loved one needs in-home support, most families know what they want—safety, comfort, compassion, and dignity. What they often don’t know is how to pay for it.

B

etween private insurance, longterm care policies, out-of-pocket options, and even Veterans Affairs (VA) benefits, navigating the financial side of caregiving can feel as stressful as the care needs themselves.

That’s exactly where Home Helpers of Orange Coast excels. Under the leadership of owner Dwight Brown, the agency has become not just a trusted provider of in-home care for the past 15 years, but a guiding force for families overwhelmed by the complexity of coverage and payment options.

“About 75 percent of my calls are from people just looking for information,” says Dwight. “Caregiving is emotional enough. People shouldn’t also have to struggle to understand what help they qualify for.”

• Reviews long-term care insurance policies with families • Handles required documentation and billing • Communicates with insurance carriers directly • Coordinates with fiduciaries, financial planners, and extended family members

The Hidden Resource Many Veterans Don’t Know They Have

care—with respected organizations like CareMore and SCAN Health Plan—gave him deep insight into how insurOne of the most signifiance systems work. He cant—and most misunbrought that expertise Owner Dwight Brown derstood—sources of with him when founding support is the VA’s inHome Helpers, making his agency a home care benefits. Many veterans rare blend of compassionate care and and their families don’t realize the VA administrative know-how. may fully cover non-medical in-home care services, including help with bathing, dressing, meal preparation, mobility, medication reminders, and companionship.

“I can’t tell you how many veterans or their children have no idea these benefits exist,” he says. “When we explain that the VA may pay for the care they need, the relief is immediate. They go from stressed to hopeful in minutes.”

Home Helpers works directly with the VA, coordinating benefits and ensuring eligible veterans receive the support they earned through their service.

For families already navigating complex health needs, this guidance is invaluable.

While VA benefits are lifechanging for many clients, Home Helpers is equally adept at working with private insurance, long-term care insurance, and families paying privately.

Dwight’s earlier career in health-

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Home Helpers routinely:

“We’ve seen every type of care imaginable,” Dwight says. “Because of that experience, we know how to make the process easier, faster, and far less overwhelming.”

Payment options matter—but so does the care itself. Home Helpers of Orange Coast maintains one of the largest caregiver networks in the region, allowing Dwight’s team to match each client with someone whose personality, experience, and style align perfectly with their needs because as Dwight shares “caregiving is deeply personal.

A great match feels like family—not a formal arrangement.”

For families searching for reliable, compassionate, and financially accessible in-home support, Home Helpers of Orange Coast stands ready to guide the way—with heart, expertise, and a commitment to serving those who served us.

of Laguna Hills and Orange Coast (949) 482-CARE (2273) HomeHelpersHomeCare.com

 Call us today to schedule your tour!

(949) 449-1257

So Cal Classic Car Storage:

A Decade of Care, Craft, and Car Culture

By Jody Robinson

For most people, a car is a way to get from point A to point B. But for a certain kind of driver—the collector, the investor, the enthusiast—a car is art. It’s a story, a memory, a piece of design worth preserving.

A

nd for the past decade, So Cal Classic Car Storage in Laguna Hills has been the trusted home for some of Southern California’s most extraordinary vehicles.

Celebrating ten years in business, So Cal Classic Car Storage has become a cornerstone for Orange County’s collector community. Founded in 2015

by lifelong enthusiast and late-life entrepreneur Dean Morash, the operation specializes in concierge-level care for investment-grade classic and exotic cars. “Our customers trust us with some of the finest European and American vehicles in Southern California,” says Morash. “We take that responsibility seriously.”

A CONCIERGE APPROACH TO CAR STEWARDSHIP From the moment a car arrives at their secure Laguna Hills facility, the So Cal Classic Car Storage team handles every detail. The service isn’t simply about parking cars; it’s about preserving them—maintaining battery health, keeping tires properly supported, monitoring fluids, and ensuring every vehicle is ready to roll at a moment’s notice. Their climatecontrolled environment and rigorous check-in protocols help prevent the 18

kind of long-term damage that can occur when a high-value vehicle sits idle.

But what truly distinguishes So Cal Classic Car Storage isn’t just its premium facility—it’s the people behind it. “We treat our clients as if they were an extended part of our family,” Morash explains. “That philosophy has shaped a real car-enthusiast community here.” With a dedicated staff who know every vehicle and every owner by name, the team approaches each collection with the same pride and precision they give their own cars.

In addition to storage, the company offers a full suite of consignment services, helping owners receive topdollar for their vehicles. And because they’ve spent a decade cultivating relationships with the area’s most reputable service providers, clients gain access to a curated network of

specialists in maintenance, fabrication, customization, restoration, and detailing. As Morash puts it with a smile, “We’re guys who know a guy.”

A PASSION YEARS IN THE MAKING Morash’s journey to becoming one of Orange County’s most trusted caretakers of collector cars wasn’t linear. Prior to launching the business, he worked in high-tech marketing.

When offered an exit package that opened the door to reinvention, he decided to invest in something he’d loved since he was a teenager—cars.

“I wanted the next chapter of my life to revolve around something I was truly passionate about,” he says.

“Starting So Cal Classic Car Storage allowed me to combine my love of cars with the kind of service culture I believe in.”

It’s also become a family affair. His son Jay joined the business six years ago and has been instrumental in shaping its growth, expanding its services, and cultivating its now-massive

online presence across Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, and YouTube.

Today, the brand have nearly 100k followers each on instagram and facebook—fans drawn in by behindthe-scenes videos, featured vehicles, and glimpses into the day-to-day life of the shop.

In 2025, the company earned Yelp’s coveted “People Love Us on Yelp” recognition—an accolade that re-

flects the loyalty and enthusiasm of the community they’ve built.

A THANK-YOU TO THE COMMUNITY As they look toward their next decade in business, gratitude remains at the heart of the operation. “We are incredibly grateful to the Southern California car community for their trust and support over the last ten years,” Morash says. “This journey has been possible because of them.”

Whether safeguarding a multimilliondollar exotic, preserving a cherished family classic, or helping a collector find a new home for a treasured vehicle, So Cal Classic Car Storage continues to set the standard for excellence in Orange County.

In a region where car culture runs deep, So Cal Car Storage isn’t just a place to keep cars—it’s a place that keeps passion alive.

23522 Commerce Center Drive Laguna Hills (949) 305-4818 SoCalCarStorage.com 19

THE ART OF THE EXIT: How The Deal Firm Is Redefining Business Brokerage in Southern California

By Jody Robinson

In Southern California, where ambition is as much a lifestyle choice as surfboards and sunrise walks, owning a business is often deeply personal.

T

hese are not just balance sheets and profit margins—they’re decades of early mornings, late nights, family sacrifices, and hardearned pride. And eventually, for every owner, the same quiet but monumental question arrives: What’s next?

That moment of reckoning is where The Deal Firm comes in.

A client-centered business brokerage and M&A firm with a distinctly human approach, The Deal Firm has built its reputation by rethinking an industry long plagued by inefficiency and detachment. Selling a business, after all, is rarely just a transaction. It’s a turning point. And according to the firm’s leadership, it deserves to be treated that way.

At the heart of The Deal Firm’s Southern California presence is Tom Burns, a broker whose credibility comes not from theory, but from lived experience. Burns joined The Deal Firm in 2008, but his story began long before brokerage. For 19 years, he owned and operated a garment manufacturing company in the Los Angeles apparel industry, managing 70 employees across five departments and working closely with banks, accountants, factors, and major retailers.

Along the way, he also owned and sold three restaurants—one in Dana Point, one in Palm Springs, and another in Laguna Beach.

“That experience gave me the confidence to sit across the table from business owners and truly understand what they’re dealing with,” Burns says.

“Their problems, their successes, the pressure— it’s familiar territory.”

Burns’ path into brokerage was sparked by frustration. While searching online for a restaurant to purchase—at the same time he was running his manufacturing business— he found himself disappointed by the brokers he encountered. “I thought I could do a better job than these people,” he recalls. That dissatisfaction became motivation, and eventually, a calling.

Today, Burns has sold a remarkably diverse range of businesses, from mainstreet operations to mid-tier companies valued between $250,000 and $10 million. Restaurants, small manufacturing firms, fashion boutiques, law offices, hair salons, laundromats— even a fishing resort near Mammoth— each transaction different, each owner’s story deeply personal.

The Deal Firm’s strength lies in that diversity, and in the team behind it.

Burns is quick to emphasize that he doesn’t work alone. The firm is intentionally small, made up of seasoned

The sale of a business can be challenging. We guide business owners every step of the way, so that they can arrive at a successful sale and enjoy the next phase of life.

20

brokers with decades of experience across multiple industries. “If one of us hasn’t sold a certain type of business before, you can be sure someone else on the team has,” he says.

That collaborative approach allows clients to benefit from collective wisdom while still receiving individualized attention.

And attention is the point.

The Deal Firm prides itself on creating an environment where clients feel comfortable sharing the “little secrets” of their businesses—the nuances that don’t show up on spreadsheets but can make or break a deal.

That level of trust is essential when helping owners prepare for what is often the most significant financial deTom Burns cision of their lives.

Burns holds a B.S. in Business Management from Miami University in Oxford, Ohio, and an MBA from Long Island University, but he’ll tell you education only goes so far. What matters most is empathy. “I love talking to business owners,” he says. “Listening to their stories and helping them prepare an exit strategy—now or even years down the road.”

In a region defined by reinvention, The Deal Firm stands out by honoring what came before. With modern tools, transparent processes, and a deeply personal approach, the firm is redefining what it means to sell a business in Southern California— helping owners close one chapter with clarity, confidence, and the respect their life’s work deserves.

Interested in knowing what your business is worth?

Call for a free consultation.

DRE# 01859915 (949) 280-4272 TheDealFirm.com

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Your Prescott Tax & Wealth Management team

Prescott Tax & Wealth Management

A multi-disciplinary team overseeing your complete financial picture If you are tired of playing middleman between your CPA, financial advisor, and insurance agent, you are not alone. Most people have their tax, investment, and planning conversations in different places, with professionals who rarely see the full picture.

At Prescott Tax & Wealth Management (PTWM), we do things differently.

We are a multi-generational, familyrun firm that has intentionally grown into a larger, multi-disciplinary team.

You get the depth of a bigger bench of CPAs, CFP professionals, and advisors, while still knowing that your family is being cared for by a closeknit boutique firm that knows you by name.

For more than 30 years, PTWM has served individuals, families, and 22

business owners who want a more coordinated, thoughtful approach to their financial lives. Our one-stop, family office style model brings tax, wealth management, financial planning, benefits, and insurance together under one roof so your strategies actually work together instead of against each other.

matters down to what is relevant for your specific situation. At our core, we are CPA financial advisors who review every recommendation with a keen eye toward tax planning.

What we help with We help individuals business owners with:

and

small

Making sense of a more complex world

• Tax preparation and proactive tax planning

As life evolves, so do your interests, goals, and responsibilities. The tax code changes, markets shift, new planning strategies emerge, and the number of decisions you are asked to make keeps growing. In a world where you can Google or ask AI about anything, it is hard to know which answers apply to you.

• Investment management retirement planning

We believe you deserve a coordinated team that stays current on tax and financial laws and then filters what

and

• Business retirement plans and employee benefits • Insurance and risk management strategies • Coordination with estate and legacy planning professionals Many clients first meet us as a tax client or through a comprehensive financial review. Both are natural entry points

that allow us to look for tax savings and planning opportunities (what we call “tax alpha”) and to understand what matters most to you beyond the numbers. Unlike most CPAs, we are extroverted, people-focused advisors who are looking to build long-term relationships with you and your family.

Agents, and dedicated client service professionals who collaborate across tax, wealth management, financial and estate planning, insurance, and benefits.

How we serve you

Peter has spent over 30 years helping clients integrate tax, investments, and planning. Before founding PTWM, he worked at Price Waterhouse and has taught, trained, and mentored countless professionals in the field.

Outside of work, Peter enjoys spending time with his wife, Margie, and their family, attending CAL football games, traveling, and playing golf.

Our mission is to provide you, your family, and your business with: 1. Organization We help bring order to your financial life today, so you know where everything is, who is doing what, and why. That same structure helps your spouse and family clearly understand, manage, and carry out your wishes in the future.

2. Proactivity Our team works with you to anticipate life transitions and tax law changes so we can plan ahead instead of reacting after the fact. Time spent in preparation avoids time spent in reparation.

Our leadership Peter Prescott, CPA, PFS – Founder

Grant Prescott, CPA, CFP® – Partner Grant leads financial planning and investments at PTWM. He blends

his CPA background and prior investment banking experience in the technology sector to help families and business owners make smart, tax-aware financial decisions. He is passionate about serving clients’ short- and long-term goals. In his free time, Grant enjoys traveling, exercising, golfing, taking his son to the park, and attending concerts with his wife, Natasha, and friends.

Ready to see if we are the right fit?

If you think you would benefit from a coordinated tax and wealth management team, we invite you to start as a tax client or with a comprehensive financial review. Both give us the opportunity to understand your goals, look for tax savings and efficiencies, and determine whether we are the right long-term partner for you and your family.

3. Objectivity We provide an outside perspective to help you avoid emotionally driven decisions in important tax and money matters.

4. Education We explain the “why” behind our recommendations so you feel informed and confident, not pressured or confused.

5. Partnership We strive to be your family’s longterm financial home base, working in concert with you, not just for you.

Meet our multi-generational team PTWM is a true multi-generational firm, committed to helping you and your family through every stage of life. We are investing in our people and our technology so that you have a larger, specialized team supporting you, while still enjoying the access and familiarity of a boutique family office.

Our close-knit team includes CPAs, CFP® professionals, Enrolled

Prescott Tax & Wealth Management www.Prescott500.com Call (949) 248-9815, Ext. 1 to schedule a tax appointment or financial review.

Securities and advisory services offered through Independent Financial Group, LLC (IFG), a registered broker-dealer and investment advisor. Member FINRA/SIPC. PTWM and IFG are unaffiliated entities. Independent Financial Group (IFG) does not give tax advice. IFG Registered Representatives (RR) do not give tax advice while acting as an RR. These matters should be discussed with your tax professional. Peter D. Prescott CA Insurance License #0733213. Grant Prescott CA Insurance License #4291820.

23

HOME CARE WITH HEART Trusted Care for the People You Love Most

By Segal Ronen, President of Your Home Care

F

inding care for someone you love is one of the most personal decisions you’ll ever make. It’s rarely just about logistics — it’s about trust, dignity, and wanting to do the right thing by the people who matter most.

At Your Home Care, we understand that deeply — and we’ve built our entire agency model around honoring it.

Families come to us when they want to be sure their mom or dad is safe, being cared for, and not alone, all while balancing their own lives and responsibilities. And typically, there is one desire at the center of it all:

Home is where life makes sense. It’s where routines live, where memories are held, and where seniors feel most like themselves.

“I just want them to stay in their home, as long as possible.”

Why does staying at home matter so much for seniors?

We see it every day: seniors who remain at home tend to be happier, healthier, and more engaged. They sleep better. They eat better. They

feel calmer. And just as importantly, they feel respected.

Our goal is not to take over a senior’s life — it’s to support it. We help preserve independence for as long as possible, while offering just the right level of care when it’s needed.

How do you balance safety with dignity and autonomy?

This is one of the most important questions families ask us.

We believe care should add to someone’s life, not take it away. That means honoring routines, offering choices, encouraging independence where possible, and stepping in gently when support is needed.

Whether it’s helping with daily activities, providing mobility support, or simply being present, our caregivers are trained to lead with respect. Seniors aren’t just being “helped” — they’re being seen and cared for with intention.

What truly sets Your Home Care apart?

Great care starts with heart — and the right people.

We have been serving Orange County families since 2012 and have had the privilege of supporting hundreds of seniors and their loved ones dur24

How do families get started?

It begins with a conversation. ing some of life’s most tender transitions. Our caregivers are chosen not only for their experience, but for who they are and how they care.

create care plans that are thoughtful, flexible, and sustainable, while maintaining the level of quality and consistency families deserve.

They are compassionate, dependable, and genuinely invested in the relationships they build. Over time, they become familiar faces, trusted companions, and a steady presence families can rely on.

Home care is an investment in wellbeing — in stability, familiarity, and the kind of daily support that allows seniors to continue living life on their own terms. Families often tell us that the peace of mind, continuity, and relationships their loved ones receive make all the difference.

Care isn’t just about tasks. It’s about companionship that feels like friendship. Conversations that matter. And having something meaningful to look forward to each day.

We are a fully licensed, bonded, and insured home care agency. Every caregiver on our team is registered with the State of California, fingerprinted, background-checked, and carefully vetted. Just as importantly, they love what they do — and it shows in the way they care.

We’re always transparent, and we take time to walk families through their options so they can make decisions that feel right for them.

From there, we create a personalized care plan that can grow and adapt as needs change. Whether you’re just beginning to explore support or are ready to put care in place, we will be with you every step of the way as you navigate this new stage.

At the heart of everything we do is a simple belief: seniors deserve to feel safe, respected, and cared for — in the place they call home.

Let’s talk. I’d be honored to support you and your family.

Call me directly at

Thoughtful Care, Designed With Your Needs in Mind

(949) 424-9322

Visit www.yourhomecare.com

Every family’s situation is different, and we believe care should be designed to meet people where they are — practically and emotionally.

We work with many long-term care insurance providers and also offer private-pay options. Our goal is to

We offer a complimentary consultation where we take the time to truly listen — to understand your loved one, your family dynamics, and what matters most to you during this season.

Segal Ronen

President segal@yourhomecare.com www.YourHomeCare.com President Segal Ronen

949-732-1389

25

FLEMING DERMATOLOGY & AESTHETIC CENTER 23141 Moulton Parkway, Suite 110, Laguna Hills (949) 916-5956

Kristy Fleming, MD, Double Board-Certified in Dermatology and Micrographic Dermatologic Surgery

L

How Can I Tell If I Have Skin Cancer?

ook especially for any kind of change. Do not ignore a suspicious spot simply because it does not hurt. Skin cancers may be painless but dangerous all the same. If you notice one or more of the warning signs, see a board-certified dermatologist right away, preferably one who specializes in diseases of the skin.

26

There are three main types of skin cancer: basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma. Because each has many different appearances, it is important to know the early warning signs.

ACTINIC KERATOSIS

An actinic keratosis (AK) is a crusty, scaly growth caused by damage from exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation. An AK is considered precancerous because, if left alone, it could develop into skin cancer. AKs are the product of a lifetime accumulation of UV damage and typically appear on areas most commonly exposed to the sun, such as the backs of the hands, forearms, face, neck, and scalp.

SQUAMOUS CELL CARCINOMA

BASAL CELL CARCINOMA

Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most frequently occurring form of all cancers, with more than 4 million cases diagnosed in the U.S. each year. BCCs may look like open sores, red patches, pink growths, shiny bumps, or scars. Any skin lesion that doesn’t heal or bleeds with even gentle trauma, such as drying with a towel, is concerning for a BCC.

MELANOMA

Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is an uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells arising in the epidermis, the skin’s outermost layer. SCCs often look like scaly red patches, crusty bumps, warts, or elevated growths with a central depression.

SCCs may appear suddenly, and some forms are tender to the touch. They can become disfiguring and sometimes deadly if allowed to grow. More than 1 million cases of SCC are diagnosed each year in the U.S., which translates to about 115 cases diagnosed every hour. Incidence has increased by 200 percent in the past three decades in the U.S., and more than 15,000 Americans die each year from this type of skin cancer.

Melanoma is a very dangerous form of skin cancer. It is caused mainly by intense, occasional UV exposure (frequently leading to sunburn), especially in those who are genetically predisposed to the disease. An estimated 178,560 cases of melanoma are diagnosed in the U.S. each year, and it is fatal for an estimated 9,320 of these patients. Fortunately, if melanoma is recognized and treated early, it is almost always curable.

WHAT PATIENTS NEED TO KNOW 1. Everyone needs to perform a selfskin exam once a month.

2. Melanoma can appear anywhere on the skin, including the palms, soles, under your nails, and places most have never seen the light of day (genitalia). For this reason, it is important to look everywhere.

Lock the bathroom door, get out a hand mirror, and check—it could save your life.

3. What to look for: ABCDEs and the Ugly Duckling

A - Asymmetry: If you draw a line down the middle, do the sides match?

B - Border: Is there a nice, crisp border, or does the mole melt into the surrounding skin?

C - Color: Moles should be one color, one shade of brown. Is there a variety of shades or additional colors, such as black, red, white, or blue?

D - Diameter: Any mole larger than 6 mm, i.e., the head of a pencil eraser, has a higher risk of becoming melanoma.

E - Evolution: Has it changed?

F - The Ugly Duckling Sign: Most people have a “signature mole,” their own personal mole appearance and architecture. Is there a mole that seems different from all the others?

4. Everyone needs a full-body skin exam by a board-certified dermatologist once a year, more frequently if you have a family history of skin cancer, a personal history of skin cancer, or live in an area with substantial sunshine.

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DINING & ENTERTAINMENT

MONTHLY EVENTS FEBR H Y P E R LO CA L , TA R G E T E D R E A D E R S H I P

1

SUNDAY

2

Andrew Zimmern

Barclay Theatre • 4242 Campus Dr. Irvine • 5 pm

8

San Clemente Farmer’s Market

249 Avenida Del Mar SC • 9 am (every Sun.)

15

ALBERT CUMMINGS

MONDAY Happy Hour

Casanova Ristorante 33585 Del Obispo DP • 3:30 pm - 6 pm

TUESDAY

3

Taco Tuesday

32082 Camino Capistrano SJC

WEDNE

4

4242 Campus D

9

Booze and Bites Happy Hour

26860 Old Mission Road SJC

10

17

16

Empanada Tuesdays

Villa Roma Argentine 25454 La Paz Road Laguna Hills

Monty Python’s Spamalot

11

Jaz

17

18

Patti LuPone

22

33157 Camino Capistrano SJC • 7 pm

The Man in Black

The Coach House • 33157 Camino Capistrano SJC • 7 pm

23

Segerstrom Hall • 600 Anton CM • 7:30 pm

HAPPY HOURS

The Winston’s Club Cigar Lounge + Non-Smoking Sports Bar 27129 Calle Arroyo, Ste. 1803 SJC • 4 pm – 6 pm

24

Industry Night 30% OFF food

Tavern at the Mission 26860 Old Mission Road SJC • 4 pm – 8 pm

Segerstrom Ha CM •

25

Ma

26860 O

VillaRomaRest

www.VillaRomaRest.com 25254 La Paz Road Laguna Hills

Live Music Thursday - Sunday

Restaurant

949.454.8585 Market

949.454.8880

ESDAY JOSS STONE: Less is More Tour

THURSDAY

5

Cowboy Night

(wear a hat for 50% drinks) Tavern at the Mission 26860 Old Mission Road SJC

Ivan’z House at Mozambique 740 S. Coast Hwy. LB • 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm

e

all • 600 Anton 8 pm

artini Madness

(every Weds) Old Mission Road SJC

12

6

The Coach House • 33157 Camino Capistrano SJC • 8 pm

Dr. Irvine • 8 pm

zz Wednesdays

FRIDAY

Fitness Hike

(register lagunacanyon.org)

James Dilley Preserve LB • 8:30 am – 11 am

13

TIM BURTON Segerstrom Hall • 600 Anton CM • 8 pm

20

19

7

SATURDAY TREVOR HALL presented by Kali Mandir

Soka Performing Arts Center • 1 University Drive AV • 8 pm

14

Michael Feinstein

Segerstrom Hall • 600 Anton CM • 7:30 pm

21

Lunar New Year

Leo Kottke

The Coach House

DSB

33157 Camino Capistrano SJC • 8 pm

26

Happy Hour

Brio Tuscany Grill 24050 Camino Del DP

The Coach House • 33157 Camino Capistrano SJC • 8 pm

27

Joshua Bell

Soka Performing Arts Center • 1 University Drive AV • 8 pm

Segerstrom Hall • 600 Anton CM • 8 pm

28

Peter and the Wolf

Segerstrom Hall • 600 Anton CM • 10 am

DINING & ENTERTAINMENT

RUARY 2026

OPEN FOR TAKEOUT & DELIVERY

OC'S PREMIER CONCERT VENUE TICKETS + RESERVATIONS:

(949) 496-8930 FEBRUARY 15TH 2/13 MIRAGE

2/14 OTTMAR LIEBERT

3/7 GLENN MILLER ORCHESTRA

3/13 PRINCE AGAIN

3/14 THE FENIANS

3/21 SUPER DIAMOND

FEBRUARY FEB 6 SONS OF CREAM FEB 7 BEATLES VS. STONES FEB 13 MIRAGE - A TRIBUTE TO FLEETWOOD MAC FEB 14 OTTMAR LIEBERT & LUNA NEGRA FEB 15 ALBERT CUMMINGS FEB 19 LEO KOTTKE FEB 20 DSB FEB 21 COCO MONTOYA AND RONNIE BAKER BROOKS FEB 22 THE MAN IN BLACK - A TRIBUTE TO JOHNNY

FEBRUARY 19TH

LEO KOTTKE Revered for his intricate, percussive 12-string guitar work and unmistakable baritone voice, Leo Kottke has spent more than five decades quietly redefining what American acoustic music can be—rooted in folk and blues, yet endlessly curious and unclassifiable. There is an unpretentious warmth to his presence, a sense that the music is less a performance and more a conversation, one that invites listeners to slow down and really hear what’s being played.

FEBRUARY 21ST

CASH FEB 27 MADELEINE PEYROUX FEB 28 KIDS OF CHARLEMAGNE - STEELY DAN TRIBUTE

MARCH MARCH 1 DEBBY BOONE FEAT. PAT BOONE MARCH 7 GLENN MILLER ORCHESTRA MARCH 8 WALTER TROUT MARCH 13 PRINCE AGAIN MARCH 14 THE FENIANS MARCH 15 ANTHONY GOMES MARCH 19 VANESSA COLLIER MARCH 20 DEAD MAN’S PARTY MARCH 21 SUPER DIAMOND MARCH 22 HIGHER GROUND - CELEBRATING THE MUSIC OF STEVIE WONDER MARCH 25 LOUDNESS MARCH 28 JACKYL 33157 Camino Capistrano | San Juan Capistrano  coachhouseconcerthall  @coach_house  www.TheCoachHouse.com

 (949) 496-8930 30

ALBERT CUMMINGS Albert Cummings is a distinguished American blues guitarist, singer, and songwriter whose commanding guitar work and soulful voice have made him a standout figure in the contemporary blues scene. Drawing inspiration from blues legends like Stevie Ray Vaughan and B.B. King, Cummings blends traditional blues with a modern edge. His powerful performances and impressive technique have earned him a dedicated following of blues enthusiasts around the world. Known for his fiery guitar solos and emotionally charged vocals, Cummings has become a dynamic force in contemporary blues, captivating listeners with his ability to connect deeply with his audience through both his music and his storytelling.

COCO MONTOYA Born in Santa Monica and raised on rock & roll, Montoya’s journey didn’t begin with a guitar slung low, but behind a drum kit, grinding it out in Southern California clubs. Fate—and a little nerve—changed everything when he caught the attention of blues legend Albert Collins, who took the young musician under his wing and quietly reshaped his future. From there came an improbable call from John Mayall, an invitation to step into the storied Bluesbreakers legacy, and a master class in restraint, fire, and soul.

By the time Montoya finally stepped into the spotlight as a solo artist, this was a bluesman fully formed, with stories in every note and grit to spare.

MARCH 1ST

DEBBY BOONE FEAT. PAT BOONE Few voices are as instantly recognizable—or as warmly remembered—as Debby Boone’s. Catapulted into the cultural spotlight with her record-breaking 1977 debut You Light Up My Life, Boone’s artistry shines with seasoned grace in A Song For You, a heartfelt musical journey that moves from Broadway and jazz to classic pop, woven together with personal stories of a life spent among music legends. From growing up in the glow of Las Vegas showrooms where her father Pat Boone headlined, to sharing stages with icons like Frank Sinatra and Sammy Davis Jr., Boone brings both polish and intimacy to every performance—an entertainer whose legacy continues to evolve with elegance and soul.

 33157 Camino Capistrano | San Juan Capistrano  www.TheCoachHouse.com

 (949) 496-8930

LUNCH

E V E RY D AY

I

DINNER

I

HAPPY HOUR

I

S U N D AY B R U N C H

HAPPY HOUR _

T U E S D AY

S U N D AY

INDUSTRY NITE _

BRUNCH _

NIGHTLY 4 - 5:30 pm in

+ VIP Club

$9 Cocktails

Tumbleweed Bar & Patio

50 % OFF All Food Become a VIP online

Bloody Marys • Mimosas Espresso Martinis

Community Publications’ Ringing in the

New Year Party

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he most recent Community Publications magazine party felt less like an industry gathering and more like a warm, well-appointed house party – if that house happened to belong to someone with impeccable taste in technology and entertaining. Hosted at ReelTime Sight and Sound in San Juan Capistrano, the evening unfolded inside a showroom that reads like an elegant estate home, where every room invites you to linger. Local business owners and professionals moved easily from space to space, cocktail in hand, pausing to admire thoughtfully designed media rooms and living spaces that felt both aspirational and entirely livable.

Each month we at Community Publications strive to create moments where relationships form naturally, business blends seamlessly with friendship, and the South County community shows up to support one another – stylishly, sincerely, and with just the right amount of sparkle.

32

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33

NIGHTLY HAPPENINGS What truly sets Tavern at the Mission apart is its weekly rotation of lively offerings, turning casual nights into cherished traditions: D’s Honey Buttermilk Fried Chicken

Tavern at the Mission

Buddha Bowl

A TOAST TO TIMELESS CHARM AND CULINARY CREATIVITY

By Jody Robinson

S

troll down Old Mission Road on a golden SoCal afternoon and there it is: a place where historic allure dances with modern flair, where oak-shaded patios beckon and the mission bells faintly echo in the distance.

Nestled directly across from Mission San Juan Capistrano — the jewel of Orange County’s heritage — Tavern at the Mission is more than a restaurant; it’s a community hub, a neighborhood tavern with a heart as warm as its famed buttermilk fried chicken.

Owned and operated by local restaurateur David Wilhelm and partner Gregg Solomon, Tavern blends old-world comfort and contemporary vibrance.

The chandelier-lit dining room, centered around a welcoming fireplace, exudes an inviting glow, perfect for cozy dinners or celebratory gatherings.

Outside, the tree-covered, pet-friendly patio offers arguably one of the most captivating alfresco dining settings in South County, resplendent with views of the iconic Mission and the hint of Spanish colonial charm in the air.

Artfully designed to echo San Juan Capistrano’s equestrian and vaquero traditions, the Tumbleweed Bar is a standout — where handcrafted cock34

tails and local wines pair perfectly with the restaurant’s rustic-meets-refined aesthetic.

At its core, Tavern at the Mission serves up elevated comfort food with a chef’s touch: signature classics like the Famous Buttermilk Fried Chicken, French 75’s Onion Soup with its rich Gruyère glaze, and Whiskey Shrimp Dijon deliver depth of flavor and nostalgia. Our family’s personal faves? The prime rib dip sandwich, artisanal flatbreads, salmon tacos, and generous cuts like the 16-ounce boneless ribeye topped with spicy butter and crispy onions — each plate a testament to the kitchen’s creativity and quality.

Whether you’re seeking a relaxed lunch in the sunshine or a refined dinner under the Mission’s glow, the menu’s breadth — from seafood to hearty tavern favorites — ensures there’s something for every palate.

More than a place to dine, Tavern at the Mission has earned its place in the rhythm of local life. Whether it’s the clink of glasses on industry night, the laughter drifting from the patio under twinkling lights, or the laid-back Sunday serenade, it captures the essence of this historic town — spirited, warm, and full of character.

• Industry Night Tuesdays — From 4–8 pm, hospitality pros and VIP E-club members enjoy 30% off all food menu items, a heartfelt nod to the hardworking folks behind the scenes in South County’s vibrant service scene.

• Martini Madness Wednesdays — Shake up midweek blues with a lineup of creative martinis — from classic Dirty Bleu to seasonal twists like lavender lemon drop — all at a spirited price point.

• Cowboy Night Thursdays — This is where Western charm truly comes alive. Don your favorite cowboy hat and mosey into the Tumbleweed Bar & Patio for halfprice select beers, well drinks and wines by the glass. Country and western tunes set the soundtrack while Tavern’s famed Cowboy Burger takes center stage.

• Jazzy Sunday Brunch — One of the most cherished weekend rituals: brunch on the sun-dappled patio with smooth jazz by local legend Mike Hamilton, paired with $9 Bloody Marys, mimosas and indulgent brunch classics like Fried Chicken & Waffles or Prime Rib Hash.

In a region brimming with culinary options, Tavern at the Mission stands out as a destination where history, hospitality, and superb cuisine come together, inviting both locals and visitors to pull up a chair and stay awhile.

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ILYA

A Mediterranean Love Letter on the San Clemente Coast

By Jody Robinson

T

here’s a particular kind of evening that lingers long after the last bite – when service feels intuitive, the room hums just enough, and each course seems to arrive with purpose. That was my experience dining at ILYA, San Clemente’s newest Mediterranean destination from acclaimed chef and restaurateur Charbel Hayek, whose culinary point of view feels both worldly and warmly personal.

From the moment we stepped inside on a recent date night, my husband Tim and I felt that ILYA sets a tone of relaxed sophistication. Inspired by the Cycladic islands, the space is washed in airy whites and coastal blues, with natural textures that soften the modern lines. An open kitchen anchors the room, where wood fire flickers like a heartbeat, offering a quiet reminder that this is a restaurant grounded in craft. Service was excellent throughout the evening – polished but never stiff, with staff genuinely invested in guiding the experience.

We began, as one should here, with appetizers designed for sharing. The meatballs, deeply savory and perfectly tender, arrived bathed in a rich, herb-forward sauce that hinted at Hayek’s Lebanese roots without leaning heavily on nostalgia. The mezze platter was a standout – house36

made hummus, muhammara, and (my personal fave) babaghanouj, each vibrant and distinct, accompanied by warm, freshly baked pita. It was the kind of opening that invites conversation and slows the pace of the table in the best way.

Seafood plays a starring role at ILYA, and for good reason. The branzino was delicately cooked, its crisped skin giving way to moist, flaky flesh, accented by bright Mediterranean flavors that felt clean and confident.

The Dover sole, a dish that leaves little room for error, was executed with restraint and precision – elegant, buttery, and deeply satisfying without being heavy. Both dishes reflected Hayek’s Western Mediterranean focus, drawing inspiration from the coasts of France, Italy, and Spain while allowing the quality of the ingredients to speak first.

For those leaning landward, the chicken entrée proved equally thoughtful – juicy, well-seasoned, and elevated by subtle spice and flame-kissed depth. It was comfort food refined,

the kind of dish that appeals across palates without sacrificing personality.

Dessert arrived with a sense of ceremony. The lemon tarte was a perfect finale – bright, balanced, and not overly sweet, with a silky citrus filling and crisp crust that echoed the coastal theme of the menu. It cleansed the palate while still feeling indulgent, a rare and welcome combination.

Chef Charbel Hayek, known for his celebrated Los Angeles restaurants Ladyhawk and Laya – and his appearances on Top Chef – has created something special with ILYA. This is not simply a new restaurant for San Clemente; it’s a thoughtful evolution of his culinary journey, from Beirut to Los Angeles and now to one of Orange County’s most beloved coastal towns.

ILYA feels destined to become a gathering place – where the rhythm of fire, sea, and season comes together with grace. It’s a restaurant that invites you to linger, to share, and to return – again and again.

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Pan Seared, Jumbo capers, fresh parsley, a delicate meyer lemon chardonnay over spaghetti al dente butter sauce Fettuccine Toscana Tossed with greilled chicken breast, zucchini, baby sweet peas, roma Paul's Spagetti tomatoes, touch of garlic, and a white wine reduction House-made large meatballs slow cooked in our famous bolognese sauce over Risotto ai Vegetali spaghetti al dente Italian arborio rice served with a fresh vegetable medley, sweet butter and parmiggiano

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The Massage Associates CELEBRATING 25 YEARS IN SOUTH ORANGE COUNTY

By Jody Robinson

There is a quietly beautiful book by Haruki Murakami titled What I Talk About When I Talk About Running.

O

n the surface, it appears to be about miles logged and roads traveled. In reality, it’s a meditation on discipline, intention, and the art of achieving results so seamless you barely notice the work behind them. It’s about process as much as outcome—and that same philosophy lives at the heart of The Massage Associates in San Juan Capistrano.

Michelle Bryant, owner and founder, understands the power of doing one thing exceptionally well. Born and raised in Southern California, Bryant earned her degree in Biology from UC San Diego before settling in Orange County. In February, she celebrates a milestone worth pausing for: the 25th anniversary of The Massage Associates. Since opening its doors in February 2001, the practice has quietly built a reputation not on trends or indulgence, but on trust, consistency, and results.

What began as a two-person operation has grown thoughtfully over time. “At the start, it was me and one

other therapist,” says Michelle. “As our clientele expanded, so did our team.” Today, The Massage Associates is home to six highly skilled massage therapists specializing in deep tissue and therapeutic massage. But like Murakami writing about running while really writing about life, Bryant isn’t just talking about massage. She’s talking about relationships.

At The Massage Associates, massage is a vehicle for long-term wellness and community-based pain management. “The only way to help someone feel better is to truly know their needs,” Bryant says. “Once we understand that, we can tailor each session.” Detailed client notes ensure continuity of care, so even when a regular therapist isn’t available, the experience remains seamless, personal, and effective.

Unlike many wellness spaces that offer an extensive menu of spa services, The Massage Associates has chosen a singular focus. There are no facials or steam rooms here—just massage, done exceptionally well. Whether a

Michelle Bryant

client needs focused deep tissue work on tight shoulders, reflexology for tired feet, hot stones for relaxation, or targeted care with CBD cream for a lingering sports injury, each session is customized with intention. The philosophy is simple: specialize deeply, rather than broadly.

After 25 years, the true hallmark of The Massage Associates isn’t just longevity—it’s loyalty. Clients return not out of habit, but because they feel seen, heard, and cared for. The work is disciplined, deliberate, and deeply human. Like Murakami’s miles on the road, the effort is steady and often unseen—but the results are undeniable.

An end to pain, and the thoughtful work that gets you there. That’s what The Massage Associates has been offering South Orange County for a quarter of a century.

31952 Camino Capistrano San Juan Capistrano (949) 489-7924 TheMassageAssociates.com 38

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Ask a SOMM

By Jody Robinson

A good sommelier is a helper, a guide to finding the best wine for your food and experience. For this month’s installment, we again approached South County-based sommelier Micah Sampson to address a few frequently asked questions.

Q Should I pay attention to

wine ratings? What do they mean?

A At the end of the day all wine rat-

ings really are are opinions and scores from people who drink and know a lot about wine.

So if you need some help picking out a wine from a region you know nothing about, then sure, take a look at an online magazine and see what some of the ratings say. Generally, 88-90 points and higher mean the wine is going to be good. But once you get to the high 90’s you’re likely going to be paying a lot more for them, mainly because they have the high rating.

But I can let you in on a little secret, many amazing producers out there don’t even get their wines rated! The best way to find these is to look for wines with high ratings, remember the areas they come from, and then look for other producers in the same areas. You can often find killer wines for a fraction of the price when doing it this way. Another secret… this is exactly the way Somm’s Stash wines are made

��

Sommelier Micah Sampson

Q How long do wines stay

good after opening?

A This is an easy one, but still important. In general, wines will still be good for a day or two after you open them, but will start to degrade a bit from the moment you open them.

Usually by day three you’ll notice the wines aren’t as good as they were when first opened, and by days four and beyond the wines just don’t taste right.

A little hint to get an extra day or two out of opened red wine is to seal the bottle with a cork or rubber stopper and store the half empty bottle in the fridge! The low temp in the fridge helps slow the degradation process.

Just let the wine slowly warm up in a glass when you want one, cupping your hands around the glass will speed this up a bit.

Q What are sulfites and are

they bad?

A We’ve all heard it… “Do you have any wines without sulfites? They give me headaches.” This is when the som-

melier mentally puts his or her palm to their face.

In the recent social-media-driven years, the word “sulfites” has become the new bad word in wine. But why?

When did we become so focused on this one component in wine, treating it like a poison? It’s mentioned with an almost villainous undertone now, like some evil wizard is adding it to wine when no one is looking.

In reality, sulfites have been a known part of wine making for a thousand years. They are harmless to almost everyone and occur naturally in all wines.

Yes… I said naturally in all wines.

Sulfites occur as part of the fermentation process, a natural byproduct of yeast metabolism during the conversion of sugar to alcohol. They are completely harmless to over 99% of all people.

In fact, the human body produces sulfites, a whole bunch of it, there’s already about 10 times more sulfites in you on a daily basis than a bottle of wine.

The thought of sulfites being a synthetic chemical added to wine is just a misguided fear. Winemakers might add additional small quantities near the end of fermentation to halt the process, but that’s the natural way to do it, like turning on the lights at the end of a dance party.

It’s also added during bottling as an antioxidant to help prevent spoilage.

But, they only use what is needed to complete those stages, usually using amounts far within acceptable boundaries.

Sulfites do two things really well: they bond with oxygen molecules, keeping the wine from oxidizing into vinegar, and they push bacteria out of the wine to keep it from spoiling. Sulfites are like bouncers at the door of a bar, keeping the bad people out without ruining the party.

Micah is happy to connect personally His cell is (562) 241-1699 or Micah@SampsonFamilyWines.com SommStash.com 40

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are still working. For this reason the “IRMAA” discussion is a part of my Medicare options consultation upon first meeting them. Let’s say a client then retires, and then their income drops. Instead of needing to wait two years before Social Se‑ curity sees that their income is now lower, there is a little‑known form called, “SSA‑44” it’s the “Medicare Income Related Monthly Adjustment Amount Life Changing Event” form.

The wording on the form explains it as such.

Sticker Shock for High Income Earners

By Stephanie Frisch

Did you recently open your statement from Social Security to find that you’re paying more than last year for your Medicare Part B premium?

I

f that’s the case, then you must have made more money 2 years ago and you have “IRMAA” my friend.

IRMAA is an extra monthly sur‑ charge added to Medicare Part B and Part D premiums for people with higher incomes, calculated from your tax return two years earlier. It increases your standard premium in income-based tiers and is reassessed each year.

IRMAA stands for Income‑Related Monthly Adjustment Amount. It’s based on your modified adjusted gross income (MAGI) from your tax return two years ago.

There are 5 income tiers above the “Standard” income bracket.

In 2026 the Medicare Part B premium is $202.90 a month. If your tax filing is single, and your income was $109,000 or less, then this is what you’ll pay for Medicare Part B. (This covers outpatient and doctor services). If your tax filing is a married/joint 42

status, then your income needs to be $218,000 or less.

These amounts are national amounts.

This amount of income may allow many in other states or counties to live comfortably, but here in Orange County it’s tough. Unless you have your house and car paid off.

“If you had a major life-changing event and your income has gone down, you may use this form to request a reduction in your incomerelated monthly adjustment amount.

If you prefer to schedule an interview with your local Social Security office, call 1-800-772-1213.”

So, let’s say that if someone does that, they get the reduction in their premium and life is good and fair again. A few years later they sell rental property to fund travel and to put away money for their older years when they may need custodial care.

The memory has a funny way of forgetting bad news. Guess what’s going to happen in two years?

Yes, you named it! They’re going to get that shocking notice from Social Security advising them of a much higher premium for the up‑ coming year for Part B and Part D.

According to the Medicare Trustees Report, about 5.1 million Medicare beneficiaries paid IRMAA surcharg‑ es in 2025, which is about 7% of all Medicare enrollees.

I get panicked calls annually in this type of situation. There is nothing you can do about it because there is no negative life‑changing event, you made a lot of money from that one time sale and you’ll pay for it for 12 long months.

I would say that at least 50% of my clients have IRMAA, at least when I first meet them and they

So my advice is to not forget about IRMAA when you’re planning out your Medicare years.

Stephanie Frisch is the owner of Insurance 101 and is an independent insurance broker dedicated to helping others make “educated decisions” about their insurance choices when it comes to Medicare. For answers to your questions, or no-fee consultation, call 949-292-4958.

When Love Lingers:

NAVIGATING LIFE AFTER THE LOSS OF A SPOUSE

By Carla DiCandia

F

or many older adults, grief first reveals itself not at home, but in a hospital setting. It may surface during a routine follow-up appointment, a medication review, or a conversation with a nurse who notices changes that don’t appear on a chart—missed meals, disrupted sleep, a sudden withdrawal from once-familiar routines. Hospitals and health systems increasingly understand that the loss of a spouse is not just an emotional event; it is a profound life disruption that can quietly affect physical health, cognitive function, and overall well-being.

Grief rarely announces itself dramatically. More often, it arrives softly and lingers—showing up as persistent fatigue, difficulty concentrating, or

or hope feels distant, grief may be edging into depression—even if only temporarily. Recognizing that shift is critical, and it’s often healthcare providers who are first positioned to see it, ask the right questions, and help connect patients with support before suffering deepens in silence.

a loss of interest in daily activities. For those who Since 2012, Ocean View have shared decades with has specialized in stabia partner, the absence relizing acute psychiatric shapes every hour of the symptoms for adults aged day. The empty side of 18 and up—always putting the bed. The second cofchoice, privacy and heartfee cup untouched. The felt care front and center. silence where conversaWith 40 voluntary beds— Carla DiCandia, MPA most in private rooms— tion once lived. What bepatients at Ocean View degins as natural mourning cide when and how they begin their can, for some, gradually cross a line journey to better health. into something more concerning.

Knowing when grief has begun to affect day-to-day living is not always easy. Feeling sad, lonely, or disoriented after losing a spouse is expected.

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Cefali & Cefali, APC Trusted Accident Attorneys for the Most Serious Injuries

By Jody Robinson

It’s a remarkable feeling when you find someone who truly takes your side. Whether in life, love, or even the courtroom—having a trusted partner who believes in you can make all the difference.

F

or attorneys Michael and Courtney Cefali, that partnership began long before law school. The two met years before earning their law degrees—Michael from Chapman University and Courtney from California Western—and their shared drive and devotion have since evolved into a thriving professional collaboration. In 2019, they launched Cefali & Cefali, APC, a San Juan Capistrano-based personal injury law firm built on passion, honesty, and advocacy for the everyday individual.

The Cefalis’ spirit of giving extends beyond the courtroom.

Deeply rooted in the San Juan Capistrano community, they actively support organizations such as The Boys and Girls Club of Capistrano Valley (where Courtney serves on the Board of Directors), San Juan Capistrano Friends of the Library (Courtney is also a board member), CREER, the Pacific Marine Mammal Foundation, and Project Coyote. Michael, a proud member of the San Juan Capistrano Rotary Club, has been honored as a Paul Harris Fellow for his service.

From helping clients find top-tier medical specialists to negotiating fair settlements, the Cefalis and their dedicated fivemember team handle every case from start to finish with one goal in mind: the client’s well-being. “The insurance companies would like you to think they get to determine the value of your injuries or your suffering,” says Michael. “We’ll fight for every last penny because we know what our clients deserve.”

At the heart of Cefali & Cefali, APC, is an unshakable belief in doing what’s right—advocating fiercely, communicating openly, and standing shoulder to shoulder with their clients every step of the way.

Because when someone truly takes your side—remarkable things can happen.

That fight—and the heart behind it—has earned the firm millions in recoveries each year and something equally valuable: trust. As of this writing, Cefali & Cefali boasts a perfect record of positive client reviews online.

Client Jamie shared her experience: “I am so grateful for everything that Mike and his team did for me! He was so responsive, so kind, and it was clear from the start that he genuinely cared about me and my case. He’s not only a great lawyer but a great person—and that made all the difference. I’ve already recommended him to all of my friends.”

Another client, Carrie, echoed that sentiment after she and her husband were injured in a freeway accident: “We felt bad about calling a lawyer, but after months of pain and medical treatment, a friend recommended Michael. From the beginning, he lived up to his core values of integrity, loyalty, and advocacy. He treated us like family and worked tirelessly to get us the outcome we deserved.

We don’t trust many people—but we trust Michael and his team completely.”

That combination of empathy, accessibility, and relentless advocacy defines the firm’s culture. “We craft each case personally, build every one for trial, and stay accessible to our clients,” says Michael. “Personal injury attorneys get a bad rap, but we’re really the good guys. I like to think of our firm as a pirate ship—nimble, clever, and tenacious. We pry money from greedy insurance companies and give it back to the people who deserve it.”

44

Michael and Courtney Cefali

Cefali & Cefali, APC Personal Injury Attorneys 27136 Paseo Espada, Suite 107, San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675 (949) 284-8277 | www.cefalilawapc.com

KEEP YOUR MIND IN MOTION Curiosity Never Retires.

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Finding Our Way in the New Year:

How Community Care Hospice Helps Families Heal & Connect

By Jody Robinson

T

he quieter weeks of early winter often arrive with a mix of resolve and reflection. As routines return and the calendar turns forward, many families find themselves navigating one of life’s most tender chapters—caring for a loved one in their final season. Without the distractions of gatherings and celebrations, the emotional realities of caregiving, grief, and uncertainty can feel more pronounced. It’s a time when the need for connection, compassion, and steady support becomes especially meaningful, even as those needs are not always easily voiced.

That is precisely where Community Care Hospice Orange County, founded by Cristina Allen, steps in. With a philosophy rooted in compassion, connection, and holistic healing, Cristina and her team are redefining what it means to support families—before, during, and long after a loved one’s final chapter.

Whether someone is grieving a recent loss or preparing for one, these groups help transform isolation into connection—something Cristina believes is essential for healing.

46

More Than Hospice—A Community Network One of the most defining qualities of Community Care Hospice OC is its outreach. Cristina and her team actively participate in local events— from Veteran Stand Down gatherings to wellness screenings and block parties—ensuring they remain visible, approachable community partners.

A Holistic Vision Rooted in Community

“We want people to know we’re here as neighbors,” Cristina says. “Not just when there’s a crisis, but throughout the year.”

Cristina founded Community Care Hospice OC with a belief that endof-life care should never be one-sizefits-all. Every family served receives a tailored plan supported by nurses, physicians, social workers, chaplains, and trained volunteers. Holistic therapies—offered at no cost—provide comfort that goes beyond traditional medicine, touching the emotional and spiritual layers of the journey.

Their partnerships with universities, including UC Irvine’s Public Health programs, bring compassionate student interns into the hospice setting and out into the community. Chaplain interns offer support not only to hospice families but also to police departments, veterans’ organizations, and local groups that may struggle to find safe spaces for emotional and spiritual conversations.

This integrative approach becomes especially important after the holidays, when routines shift and emotions intensify. Families often turn to

This community-forward approach means families experiencing grief after the holidays aren’t left to navigate the emotional aftermath alone. Compassionate support is built into every branch of the organization.

While many hospice programs focus primarily on the medical aspects of end-of-life care, Cristina has always believed that families need far more than clinical resources. “Hospice isn’t just about easing physical pain,” she says. “It’s about caring for the whole person—and the whole family.”

This is especially vital after the bustle of the holidays fades. Community Care Hospice provides ongoing emotional and spiritual support that helps families process loss, make sense of the transition ahead, and regain stability. Support groups, led by trained social workers, chaplains, and volunteers, offer a compassionate space where individuals can share their stories, learn coping tools, and feel seen.

Community Care Hospice not just for end-of-life care, but for guidance in rebuilding daily rhythms, understanding grief, and connecting with others who truly understand the journey.

As families navigate questions, fear, or grief, Cristina offers a simple reassurance: they do not have to walk this path alone. Community Care Hospice OC provides care that extends well beyond clinical services—care that nurtures the soul, lifts the spirit, and rebuilds community one connection at a time. Because in the end, hospice isn’t about endings. It’s about compassion, presence, and the love that carries us forward.

Founder Cristina Allen

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2026 Medicare Part B Costs • Monthly Premium: $202.90 — an increase

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• New therapies: Weight-loss drugs and injectable treatments are adding strain to Medicare’s budget

47

A b solu

By Jody Robinson

Y

s u o l tely F a b u

Surf City’s Most Unique Gifts & Décor Boutique

ears ago, a friend had a birthday and her family threw her a surprise party. This is a woman I've always had the hardest time shopping for - she leans toward unique, one-of-a-kind items and decor and her tastes are always a little eclectic and a lot of fun. I called a mutual friend for some ideas and she told me something I haven’t forgotten to this day: there are two types of presents. One that means something to the receiver because it reflects what they love. The other means something to them because it reflects what you love.

Eighteen years ago, Diane Silverstein walked into an impulse buy like no other. (i.e. not your regular gift purchase) She came home with the deed to a retail space that would be- come Absolutely Fabulous - a supremely unique gift and decor destination that has evolved into a Surf City staple that folks from every corner of Orange County Flock to for every milestone that calls for an extra special gift.

Her eye for curating the most incredible selection of home accent offerings and unique gifts make it easy to find the perfect item without making a million stops or needlessly scouring the vast black hole of the internet. To surprise others with such a selection, you have to have a specific passion for hunting down curious items others 48

might have passed over, or never looked for in the first place.

The variety and uniqueness of products at Absolutely Fabulous is astounding: hand-made jewelry, Miche Bag purses (the ones where you just drop the “insides” of your into a new shell, rather than having to dump all of your stuff out!), $10 silk scarves, old-school shaving kits for men, a “Daddy’s Tool Bag” that includes diaper changing equipment, and instructional DVD, face mask and other funny items, rare paintings by successful artists, large crystal chandeliers, crystal perfume bottles, stuffed animal baby bottle covers, piggy banks for kids, “dorm survival kits” for new students, wedding party gifts, rare Disney art and collectibles, seasonal decor and gifts, Christmas decorations that range from very inexpensive bottle stoppers and tree decorations to 6-foot high collectible Santa dolls. Absolutely really does cover the gamut of gifts for anyone: “from birth to death and everything in-between is our moniker” Diane proudly states. I tend to agree.

Absolutely Fabulous 6026 Warner Avenue Huntington Beach (714) 842-1608 AbFabHB.com

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51

Ricardo’s Place: A San Juan Capistrano Standout

By Jody Robinson

When a family-owned restaurant lands on the Orange County Register’s list of Best Mexican Restaurants— ranked an impressive third—it’s not about trendiness.

I

t’s about heart, heritage, and getting it right, plate after plate. Ricardo’s Place in San Juan Capistrano has been doing just that for nearly two decades.

This beloved neighborhood gem has long been a gathering spot where locals linger over sizzling fajitas, craveworthy carnitas, and hand-shaken margaritas that feel like a reward at the end of a long day. The welcome is warm, the flavors are bold, and the vibe is unmistakably joyful.

Adding to the appeal is Ricardo’s “Crazy Happy Hour Menu,” featuring wine or margaritas on the rocks for under $5,

52

along with irresistible bites like nachos, street tacos, chile verde fries, quesadillas, and taquitos—available daily, with extended happy hour times that make spontaneity easy and affordable.

Then there are the famous Crazy Breakfast Burritos, served all day, every day.

Overstuffed and deeply satisfying, they’re filled with fluffy scrambled eggs, grilled vegetables, melted cheese, and your choice of chorizo, chicken, beef, or carnitas—finished with signature pico de gallo and optional salsa verde or guacamole for those who like a little extra kick. Breakfast for dinner never tasted so right.

More than the menu, Ricardo’s Place is about connection. The staff treats you like family, the décor celebrates Mexican culture, and every visit feels like a small celebration—whether you’re marking a milestone or simply craving comfort food done well.

Awards are gratifying, but what keeps guests coming back is simpler than that: authentic Mexican cuisine served with g e n u i n e c a re . A n d that’s a recipe that never goes out of style.

32082 Camino Capistrano San Juan Capistrano (949) 493-4941 www.ricardosplacesjc.com

St. Patrick’s Celebration!

Sunday, March 15th

Come join us for a fantastic day of wine and spirits at Giracci Vineyards and Farms! Get ready to indulge in a variety of exquisite wines and spirits from local and international producers. A great opportunity to discover new flavors, mingle with fellow enthusiasts, and enjoy the beautiful vineyard surroundings.

ocwsfest@gmail.com ocwineandspiritfest.com Sunday, March 15th | 12 pm - 4 pm Giracci Vineyards & Farms 16162 Jackson Ranch Rd Silverado, CA 92676

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53

When Smart Dental Care Knows No Borders:

A HebeDoc Experience

Before

By Jody Robinson

I

n a region where choice is abundant and expectations are high, healthcare decisions are no longer driven solely by proximity or tradition. At the heart of that conversation is a reality many struggle to reconcile: how treatment abroad can cost significantly less and still deliver exceptional quality. The answer, quite simply, is overhead—and HebeDoc exists precisely at that intersection.

Rather than positioning medical and dental care outside the U.S. as a gamble, HebeDoc reframes it as a guided experience grounded in economics as much as expertise. The company connects American patients with carefully vetted medical and dental providers abroad, handling every detail—from transportation and lodging to pricing and care coordination—so the focus remains on quality, not confusion.

Lower costs aren’t the result of cutting corners, but of dramatically lower monthly overhead compared to U.S. practices.

For Beverly Hills restaurateur Len Hayashi, the idea wasn’t born out of bargain-hunting, but discernment.

A seasoned traveler and thoughtful decision-maker, Hayashi has built his success by questioning assumptions— particularly the belief that higher price

Before

After 54

tags automatically signal better care.

Understanding that a Los Angeles dental office may carry $50,000 to $60,000 in monthly overhead, while a comparable practice in Mexico operates under $20,000, reframed the conversation entirely.

A Conversation with Len Hayashi South County Magazine: How did you first learn about HebeDoc? Len Hayashi: I heard about HebeDoc through another successful business owner in Beverly Hills who casually mentioned having dental work done in Mexico—and said he wouldn’t go back to the U.S. That stopped me.

I’m financially secure, but I’m careful about how I spend money. I’ve traveled extensively, and the truth is, the U.S. isn’t the best at everything—especially when it comes to dentistry.

SCM: Did you have reservations about having dental work done outside the U.S.?

Hayashi: Of course. We’re conditioned to assume healthcare abroad is inferior. But my experience in Los Angeles pushed me to question that.

After waiting weeks to see an endodontist, his diagnostic test was literally blowing air on my tooth and asking if it hurt. Then he quoted me $1,800 for a root canal that he would have performed naked eye, without the benefit of high-tech equipment. That felt excessive. HebeDoc addressed my concerns with transparency—clear credentials, clear pricing, and a process designed for Americans who expect professionalism.

SCM: What work did you have done, and how was the experience?

After

Hayashi: I initially had a root canal, and I’ve since returned for more extensive work for myself and family. The coordination was seamless. I knew the exact cost before crossing the border—no surprises. My Mexican endodontist – trained in Germany - spoke excellent English, didn’t talk down to me and prioritized comfort. His technology impressed me most: a $50,000 surgical microscope with 30X magnification, CT imaging—far more advanced than many U.S. offices I’ve seen.

SCM: How did the facility compare to U.S. clinics?

Hayashi: Better, honestly. The equipment was state-of-the-art, and unlike the U.S., crowns didn’t require multiple visits. In Molar City, where there are hundreds of dentists and labs, crowns can be made in hours instead of weeks.

SCM: How significant were the cost differences?

Hayashi: Dramatic. That $1,850 root canal in LA cost $400 through HebeDoc. My mother was quoted $37,000 in the U.S. for Emax crowns—$14,500 through HebeDoc. My father needed his upper arch replaced: $44,000 in Southern California versus $12,000 using Straumann implants, the global gold standard.

SCM: Anything else readers should know?

Hayashi: HebeDoc handled everything—car service to the Yuma border, a beautiful Airbnb, all included. Like many people, I worried about quality and safety. But HebeDoc guided us every step of the way, and the results were exceptional.

(858) 432-3227 | HebeDoc.com

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