When choosing your dermatologic surgeon, it all comes down to skill, knowledge, and training. Dr. W. James Tidwell has treated thousands of skin cancers and varicose veins. His skills, minimally invasive techniques, and expertise set him apart. Schedule an exam today.
Board
Board
Vein & Skin
Dr. W. James Tidwell has treated thousands of skin cancers and varicose veins. His
• Board Certified Dermatologist
• Board Certified Venous Medicine
minimally invasive techniques, and expertise set him apart. Schedule an exam today. Board Certified
• Fellowship Trained Mohs Surgeon
JOHN SCHRAB
Morena Tile & Stone
“Advertising in South County Magazine has been a total win! The response we have gotten over the last year with a fullpage ad and this past month’s cover have been outstanding. Our goal was to let South OC know we are here and where they could find us, and the results have been more than we could have hoped for. Customers are continually bringing in the magazine saying, “Wow, I did not know you guys were here, so glad we found you, your store is amazing with such great tile selections.” Jody is a pleasure to work with and her team does a fantastic job with our crazy cat ad ideas. A big thanks to Jody and her team for all their hard work and dedication to keeping it local!”
Is Your Group Health Insurance Plan &
Your Agent Working For You?
As a business owner, one thing that you can’t do is go to sleep on your group health insurance coverage and the annually increasing costs. Premiums go up every year in the form of higher premiums or lower benefits.
As a local group insurance agent, I know most businesses are making the tough financial decision on how to manage their rate increase with an unprecedented year of change and stress due to COVID 19. I want to share some guidance and answers on some of the questions I have been receiving from other business owners.
· Do you think my group benefits need to be reevaluated each year?
Yes. I meet annually with my clients prior to the renewal changes to discuss cost and benefits changes. Generally each year, benefits have been getting weaker with increasing deductibles and Annual Out-ofPocket Maximums but coupled with increasing cost to each employee and the employer. To counter this, I present you with different plan options to make sure that each year you are receiving the best care at the right price.
· What are ways that I can create savings?
Some ways that I have found to create savings is offer a different network as an alternative option. This can keep the benefit levels the same while creating some cost savings. As part of this review, I would want to run a provider search to make sure the employee doctors are still in-network. Another way is to help you create a budget, most employer contributions are based either off a set dollar amount per employee or a percentage of a base plan. It can be beneficial to look at different options and see which one best lines up with your current budget.
· How can I improve on the time I spend on benefit administration?
I believe the best way to maximize your employees time is to use your insurance agent to the fullest. I like to support my
office managers and business owners but making sure they are utilizing me throughout the year and the quarter before renewal. Not everyone is an insurance expert and your staff shouldn’t have to spend unnecessary time away from your business. As an outsourced benefits department, I supplement your staff and increase your employee’s productivity.
· What is the cost for working with an agent?
There is no cost for working with an insurance agent. The cost of agent service is built into all premium costs even if you are working directly with an insurance company or you have not heard from your agent in a long time. Changing agents can be done at any time and is effective the following month.
· How do you handle renewal meeting during the COVID-19 pandemic?
For my clients, I am offering a variety of options to meet their changing needs depending on the owner’s and their employee’s comfort level. I offer Zoom meetings, socially distant meetings and individualized phone or Zoom employee benefit reviews (not everyone’s questions can be answered in a group setting). Once presentations are done, I have the ability to collect employee changes via digital applications, minimizing contact time, errors and minimizing paperwork time. Ultimately, I want to make sure your employees and their family members are receiving and understanding their health benefits.
· How can I work with you?
You can work with me at any time. I can help you create a group benefit plan. If you qualify for group coverage, group rates and benefits are often better than individual plans. The fourth quarter of the calendar year is a great time to plan to start a group. I can also become broker of record and help you immediately with your current group. I find I can be of better service when I am brought in prior to the effective date of the renewal since it allows me to evaluate and provide more holistic benefit guidance (health/ dental/vision/life/workers compensation). Please reach out if you feel you are not getting the help and service you deserve.
If you have more personalized questions please reach out to Kyle Hatch at (949) 248-9815 extension 5 or via email at Kyle@Prescott500.com.
Choose MemorialCare.
Life is full of surprises. That’s why we’re here. Choose MemorialCare this open enrollment for leading healthcare when and where you need it. With access to virtual or in-person care from nationally renowned experts at more than 200 locations from the South Bay to San Clemente. After all, you can’t predict life’s surprises. But you can prepare for them.
Reduce Peripheral Neuropathy and Chronic Pain without Drugs or Surgery!
Are you or a loved one suffering from chronic pain caused by peripheral neuropathy? Do you experience pain, numbness, burning, tingling, or tightness in your hands and feet? Have you tried multiple therapies and medications (i.e. Gaba pentin, Cymbalta, Lyrica and Neurontin) only to experience side effects and with little to no relief? Would you like to try a natural treatment that is covered by insurance?
Call us to find out if you are cov ered. Most of our patients pay little to nothing and see a decrease in pain in only a few treatments.
We use a cutting-edge electrical cell signaling device called “Sanexas”
to increase blood flow and nutrient delivery to sites of pain. This helps give the nerve cells the nutrients they need to get you out of pain and remain healthy.
Depending on your coverage, YOUR TREATMENT COULD BE LITTLE TO NO COST TO YOU. The amount of treatment needed to allow the nerves to recover suffi-
ciently varies from person to person and can only be determined after a detailed physical exam.
Call to make an appointment to determine if your chronic pain and peripheral neuropathy can be successfully treated.
YOU DO NOT HAVE TO SUFFER ANOTHER MINUTE. CALL NOW!
We are extremely busy. If your call goes into voicemail, please leave a message. We will call you back ASAP.
Kristy
Fleming, MD, Board-Certified Dermatologist
FLEMING DERMATOLOGY & AESTHETIC CENTER 23141 Moulton Parkway, Suite 110, Laguna Hills | (949) 916-5956
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.
Look especially for change of any kind. 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.
ACTINIC KERATOSIS
An actinic keratosis (AK) is a crusty, scaly growth caused by damage from exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation. An AK is considered a precancer because if left alone, it could develop into a skin cancer. AKs are the product of a lifetime accumulation of UV damage and typically appear on areas most commonly exposed sun, such as the backs of the hands, forearms, face, neck, and scalp.
SQUAMOUS CELL CARCINOMA
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 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.
BASAL CELL CARCINOMA
Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most frequently occurring form of all cancers, with more than 4 million cases of 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
Melanoma is a very dangerous form of skin cancer. Melanoma 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 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 self-skin exam once a month.
2. Melanoma can appear anywhere on the skin, including the palms/soles, under your nails, and places...for 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 an ugly duckling
A - Asymmetry: If I 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 6mm, ie 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.
South Coast Shutter and Shades
Operating honestly and with integrity has served as the foundation for the continued success of the Laguna Niguel-based South Coast Shutter and Shades for over 32 years. Owners Tom and Donna Schuster launched their own company after realizing that “on our own we would be able to offer quality products in an honest environment to our customers, as well as servicing the products we sell.”
Specializing in custom shutters, blinds (mini, faux, wood, vertical), cellular shades, woven woods, plantation and security shutters and everything in between, Tom and Donna offer free in-home consultations for design as well as measuring, they always include free professional installation and prefer to bring all of the samples to each client’s home to go over the assorted styles and many color options to suit each home’s interior and its homeowner’s unique lifestyle.
“We listen to you and then incorporate your ideas with ours to design your custom shutters, blinds or shades,” says Tom. “Our portfolios and samples are very extensive, so you will be able to envision how your windows are going to look when complete."
Tom and Donna, credit their success to date to the quality of customer service they and their team give their customers, which in turn creates a wonderful repeat and referral business. “Although there may be providers of similar products, there is no one that can match our superior customer service – from showing up on time, making precise measurements and flawless installations - and with a professional ‘can do’ attitude,” says Donna.
Tom adds that “our pricing with unbeatable discounts, sales support and the fact that we offer our customers an in-house design team at no additional charge is the first step in setting us apart from our competition. I am proud to say that we have built a reputation in the business for having the highest quality, best beauty, fit and finish and value available. All of our products come with a lifetime warranty.”
A 5-Star Yelp rated company, South Coast Shutter and Shades boasts scores of glowing testimonials online, including Debora R of Laguna Niguel who writes "Donna and Tom are amazing! Great products, great prices, great service.I've used them twice for two different businesses and I could not be happier. Donna makes suggestions based on what I tell her
my needs are and she has been spot on with her recommendations. Installations by Tom are quick and easy. Highly recommended!"
Another reviewer, Doug W. of Mission Viejo posted that "From the first call, I knew I was dealing with a reputable, experienced, HONEST company. Donna and Tom are absolute PROS and obviously take pride in their work … Their price was very competitive. Also, what they quote is what you pay - keep that in mind when talking to the "other guys" whose price seems to go up and up. All appointments including install were FAST. The installation was flawless. I had a question later that evening about my motorized shades and they called me back IMMEDIATELY. My impression is that I could call them 5 or 10 years from now and they would just as helpful."
SOUTH COAST SHUTTER AND SHADES
virtually every design concept imaginable - from Coastal Living, Tropical, Asian or Desert Living to Contemporary/ Urban, Mediterranean/Spanish and more. And the company also works closely with designers and their clients.
But beyond the physical product however, is the intangible and invaluable aspect to California Silk’s continued success over the years: customer connection.
“Our people have been with the company since the beginning, or close to it, and are true artisans,” says Mattie. “Known for their creativity, they do everything from residential and office renovations to major showroom displays for suppliers throughout the world.”
Bringing the Beauty of Nature Inside California Silk Plant Co.
By Jody Robinson
Things change. It’s inevitable. But some things simply evolve from good to great. Better to best. It can be hard to find a business that weathers change in such a way, especially through recessions, divestments, and change in leadership. California Silk Plant Company is just such a business. Founded in the mid 1980’s, it has since seen a few different storefronts. Settled now in its present location on La Paz Road in Laguna Niguel, the business profits from its membership in the Laguna Niguel Chamber of Commerce, especially through the recent upheaval from COVID-19 and its fallout. But from the very beginning, its emphasis has been on providing topline quality: both in their product offerings and their customer service. After all, as Co-owner Mattie Seiwert says, “only happy customers come back.”
California Silk Plant Co. offers only the finest, most natural and lifelike artificial replica trees, botanicals, floral arrangements and unique accessories for the most elegant and admired upscale home and commercial interiors. An unmatched design team offers creative design assistance or customized products as needed for stunning results in
Mattie and her husband Joe aren’t strangers to hard work. After corporate careers (Mattie in Aerospace Facilities Management and Joe in the Chemical and Environmental Control industries), they sought to find a new endeavor that would capitalize on Mattie’s degree in Fine Arts and Interior Design coupled with Joe’s engineering background and Midwestern work ethic. Both proved invaluable when the pair landed at the crux of plant-based landscaping and design.
“We didn’t want to just retire and sit in front of the television all day,” says Joe. “A smaller, niche market was the ticket, and when the opportunity came along in 2005 to acquire ownership of California Silk Plant Co. from its original (and very successful!) founders, we jumped at it.”
On a personal level, owning and operating California Silk Plant Co. is both an escape and an opportunity. “Unique days and the opportunity to create in a family atmosphere” as a couple are among the ways in which the Seiwerts keep the work interesting. So it isn’t a surprise that the fun and creativity haven’t stopped in the last fifteen years. Needless to say, knowing that their orchids, palms, fiddle-leaf figs and other trees, succulents, and more bring everyday happiness to their clients also helps drive their success. It’s no small feat to “bring the beauty of nature inside”: and Mattie and Joe are up to the challenge. After all, everything they’ve done up till now has led them to make your home, office, and commercial interiors as stylish and elegant as you’ve always wanted.
Make Money from Your Property with Point Design, Inc.
By Jody Robinson
As we look ahead to our retirement years, my husband has long touted the importance of creating passive revenue streamsin short, it’s money that requires almost no effort to earn, and moreso, even less effort to maintain.
Which is why when friends and family who have the space in their back or side yard ask him for advice, he will invariably steer them to consider the idea of building an accessory dwelling unit (ADU) on their property.
Haven’t heard of ADUs? They’re the most innovative and frankly, affordable, option to add housing and create additional income for homeowners right here in already crowded SoCal. By using land that you already own, you can create a passive income.
Accessory Dwelling Units are a specialty of Point Design, Inc., a structural engineering and construction firm that has been helping homeowners maximize their home and land’s value since 2013. Providing efficient, valuable additions and new construction with an emphasis on aesthetics and budgetary restrictions isn’t necessar-
ily easy, but it’s one thing Company Founder Jay Hosseinzadeh and his team of professionals do exceedingly well. They will design and build an ADU (rental unit, office, granny unit, casita) on your lot that you can then rent out. What’s that worth? Well, let’s do the math: the average monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Orange County and Los Angeles is $1,800.
If you were to spend $150,000 to build a 600 s.f., one bedroom ADU and collect $1,800 per month rent, it would take about 7.5 years to recoup
the cost. Not bad! If you were going to finance an ADU, it will take longer to recoup the cost of your investment (please consult your loan broker).
With a background in structural engineering and construction for over thirty years, Jay has been the engineer of record for a large number of commercial, retail, hospitality, institutional, industrial and residential buildings and government projects throughout California and across the nation.
“Everything I’ve learned since my early days at California State University, Los Angeles adds up to responsible, tailored, communicative solutions,” he says. “No two markets are the same, be it retail or residential, and so we strive to do more with less, building open and honest relationships along the way with our clients.”
Point Design’s mission is pretty simple, and all points lead to adding value to their building projects. Being client-centered means they communicate to and remain with their customer the entire length of the project, from design, to development, to scheduling, to project completion.
Though ADUs have been called by many names; granny flats, in-law units, cottages; Jay’s expertise lies in developing cost-effective, structurally sound, earthquake resistant designs which don’t require additional land, major infrastructure, extra parking spots, or elevators. Keep your family close, let your parents age in place comfortably, or rent it out: however you slice it, Point Design Inc. is here to help. Regardless of whether your goal is to share space independently from others or increase your monthly revenue, ADUs will maximize your property’s value.
Making the Right Connections with Steve Carter Electric
By Jody Robinson
The average American household has 45 lights in it. Cup lighting, recessed, portraiture; indoor, outdoor. Incandescent, CFL, LED. There are likely as many types of fixtures and functions in the residential electrical world as years Steve Carter Electric has been in business.
Astaple in south Orange County for the last thirty years, it isn’t hard to imagine why someone might call in the professionals at Steve Carter Electric for help wiring and all things electrical.
Dedicated to providing the best quality on every job, and investing in long-term service is the backbone of the business, and what Steve Carter himself carries into every job.
“We know that your home is more than a tangle of wires: its not the fixtures, its the connections made inside and out.” Specializing in whole house fans, lighting and electrical upgrades, repairs, back-up power, panel upgrades, landscape lighting, E.V charger installs and general
troubleshooting, there isn’t a job too complex to take on.
One of the perks of publishing South County Magazine is being able to give testimonials for local businesses that our family has personally utilized.
As a San Juan Capistrano resident blessed to live in coastal OC, I realize it’s ridiculous to refer to the unseasonable warm weather we experienced in September and October as uncomfortably “hot.” But warm air rises and our bedrooms are upstairswhere the temperature would get to the mid-80s, which would make it a little warmer than we’d like when trying to get to sleep at night.
My husband had been hankering to have a whole house fan installed after
we experienced the benefits for ourselves while visiting family friends in Northern California. With 10 minutes of turning the whole house fan on, all of the warm air had been evacuated from the home, replaced with the cooler ambient air from outside - dropping the temperature in the house by 10 degrees! He was sold. In researching local companies, we came across the Yelp 5-Star rated San Clemente-based family-owned Steve Carter Electric. We couldn’t be happier with the QuietCool whole house fan we had installed - and equally importantly, the service provided by Steve and his team of professionals and are now all set to make quick work of the warm air during our next “hot” spell.
“I knew back in high school that I wanted to learn the trade and become an electrician,” says Steve. “My Dad taught me to take pride in my workmanship, and I’ve carried that through until today. We don’t cut corners because we’d like to be your electricians for life.”
PERFECT CUT
"Whatever your hair needs, I desire and appreciate the opportunity to make your hair dreams come true.”
Some people are born great; some people create their own greatness.
For Victoria Vannini, creating with hair and giving her clients a style that reflects their personality and ‘true self ’ is more than just a “cut and color.”
“It begins with the consultation,” says Victoria. “I want to know about your lifestyle and career. [About] the hair products and tools you use. This is essential in evaluating the condition and texture of your hair and helps us to come to a place that is realistic - at the beginning and where we want to go for the future.”
Education is an important element to Victoria’s career. After graduating from cosmetology school, Victoria continued at the Vidal Sassoon Academy in Los Angeles. While apprenticing at the Carlton Hair Salon at Crystal Court for one year, she honed her skills with creative color and hair cutting. From there, she went on to be an educator for Paul Mitchell. She currently takes classes at the Unite Academy in Carlsbad.
a color.
Howard Jones Salon
31271 Niguel Road
Howard Salon 32545 Golden Lantern
Laguna Niguel
newest best products that are on the market that will keep their hair in BEAUTIFUL condition. Schwartzkopf's new color line 'Essensity' will do just that with 100% coverage without ammonia, odor, preservatives or alcohol! Also, all my highlights are done WITHOUT bleach!! Using Scrupples oil-based highlighing system ensures the quality of your hair stays intact."
“I want to stay current with color trends, foil placement, new haircutting techniques and strategies,” says Victoria, who sees her education as a hair stylist as ongoing. “The industry is currently on the cusp of using ammonia-free color. I want to give my clients the newest and best products that are on the market that will keep their hair in BEAUTIFUL condition Schwartzkopf's new color line 'Essensity' will do just that with 100% coverage without ammonia, odor, preservatives or alcohol! Also, all my highlights are done WITHOUT bleach!! Using Scrupples oil-based highlighing system ensures the quality of your hair stays intact."
Like surfers in pursuit of the perfect wave, who hasn’t taken part in the endless search for the perfect cut for their unique face and hair type?
Victoria Vannini is here to tell you that your perfect cut is closer than you think; right in her styling chair.
With over 12 years of experience with innovative color, corrective color and highlights, lowlights and glazing, Victoria is an award-winning colorist who prides herself in helping her clients "recharge" their hair with vibrant, pure color and luscious shine - all the beautiful hues with none of the harmful ingredients.“I've seen to many clients come in with over processed hai r, in need of an 'In Salon' protein treatment to restore their damaged hair."
With over 12 years of experience with innovative color, corrective color and highlights, lowlights and glazing, Victoria is an award-winning colorist who prides herself in helping her clients "recharge" their hair with vibrant, pure color and luscious shine - all the beautiful hues with none of the harmful ingredients.“I've seen to many clients come in with over processed hair, in need of an 'In Salon' protein treatment to restore their damaged hair."
“Every hairstyle has to be approached differently and requires thought. Just because a style works for Jennifer Aniston doesn’t mean it will work for every client’s hair texture and facial structure. Everyone is unique and it’s important to take the time to feel the hair to see how it moves, determine the best, most complementary hues and utilize top-of-the-line products that will enhance and strengthen the hair without any of the damaging ingredients."
“Every hairstyle has to be approached differently and requires thought. Just because a style works for Jennifer Aniston doesn’t mean it will work for every client’s hair texture and facial structure. Everyone is unique and it’s important to take the time to feel the hair to see how it moves, determine the best, most complementary hues and utilize top-of-the-line products that will enhance and strengthen the hair without any of the damaging ingredients."
1. Get frequent trims - Yes REALLY... Split ends leads to your hair losing length and strength !!!
2. Resist the urge to go Blonde (unless you are a Natural). When the cuticle of the hair is damaged from bleach, you can have more breakage or split ends.
3. Distribute the Natural Oils in your Hair... Don’t overwash, once to three times a week depending on condition and age of hair. Use a Boar bristle brush to distribute your scalp’s natural oils evenly to keep hair naturally moistened.
4. Finish your Shampoo and Conditioner with a cool rinse to seal the cuticle and strengthen your hair.
5. Avoid frequent Heat (styling tools) but when you do, use a heat protectant.
6. Eat the right foods. Feed your hair from the inside by increasing your protein intake with fish, beans and nuts.
7. Take a Good Multi Vitamin Supplement and 10,000 mg. of Biotin LOOK FOR
DELIGHTFUL CONVENIENCE AT THE
Laguna Niguel Promenade
By Jody Robinson
Myriad opinions about even one of the social or global events that have taken place so far. But what hasn’t changed is the calendar year, and as this one goes, we are rapidly approaching the holiday season.
October already, somehow, and as everyone gears up for whatever the last two and a half months of the year might bring, there’s really only one place that should make your must-go destination list: the Laguna Niguel Promenade. An expansive retail center in the heart of Laguna Niguel, the promenade brings together a hit list of services and dealers to brighten up any weekend or make checking off your early holiday shopping easy. Even this year. Start by letting Seabreeze Cleaners launder your garment worries away with their state of the art dry cleaning technology. Lost a pound or two with all the stress of the last few months? Let Owner/Operator Andrew Jung alter that favorite pair of pants while you head on over to Elements Massage for an hour or two of self-care. Offering Gift Certificate stocking stuffers, owners Michael and Jamie O’Keefe are gearing up for November and December with a stunning buy one get one half-off deal. Stroll down through the prom-
enade’s red roofed arcades for a bite at Avilas El Ranchito, named “Best Mexican Restaurant” by the Orange County Register’s 2020 Readers. Lovingly established in 2006 by a thirdgeneration Avila family member, there isn’t a better place for making family memories or grabbing some delicious chips, guacamole, and a margarita. Taste the family heritage with original recipes from Mama Avila, a nod to her ancestors in Guanajuato, Mexico.
Feeling savory instead of salty? Swing through Dickey’s Barbeque Pit, and
host a family feast over slow cooked meats and delectable sides. Whatever your individual needs might be this holiday season, the hospitable crew over at Dickey’s has the perfect solution. A heat & eat complete feast, or simply some a la carte holiday meats and sides to round out your timehonored family favorites. New this year to the lineup is Dickey’s readyto-eat Holiday Big Yellow Box, available for pickup or delivery to keep you rolling.
New to the center is Billups Insurance Services, bringing Allstate
agent William Billups and his impeccable ability to find the best solution for his client’s lifestyle and budget. Joining a robust community allows him to build local relationships, and offer the best variety of coverage and services one could ask for. “Laguna Niguel residents are discerning about their home, car(s), and financial futures. I’m ready to review your coverage or speak with you about the necessary adjustments to fit your changing needs.”
Haircuts, cell phone repair, tanning, and dental services are all within reach at Laguna Niguel’s one-stop destination. Great Clips offers online appointment booking, putting customer’s safety at a priority during these uncertain times. And The Art of Hair boasts a newly remodeled space that rivals the most modern studios. Both having taken advantage of the unfortunate Covid-19 restrictions, the salons, like many other businesses out there have come back stronger than ever, and decidedly ready to help you look your best heading into
2021. Rockstar Tan, founded in Orange County, has expanded from its very first location in Cypress. Offering the premier experience tanning in the area leaves nothing to the imagination, from the tanning equipment itself to the radiant glow you’ll see. Give the gift of membership and your loved one can tan at any one of the three locations in the county.
In a rush? Drop your phone off curbside, or mail it into CPR: Cell Phone Repair, Laguna Niguel. Bring your dead phone back to life just in time for recording all the best holiday moments with the stellar team of industry experts on call. Why let a broken phone, tablet, or laptop bring you down? Free estimates get you on your way quickly, and if there simply isn’t any life left, the experts will get you set up with a used and freshly refurbished cell. Frame some of those holiday photos with Art + Frame Warehouse, where two decades of service bring to life some of the family’s best work. Offering shadow boxes, frame repairs, custom mirrors, glass replacement and more, there isn’t much you can’t accomplish, especially with expert design consult-
ing and pick up and delivery services all over Orange County.
Get the festivities started with OC Sparkle, the county’s largest retailer of party dresses, now open by appointment. Ready to fulfill all of your special occasion demands, you can find nearly any designer at the highest quality. Dresses for Prom, Homecoming, Cocktail or Evening events and weddings: no event is out of reach. Pair up with Planet Beauty for the perfect holiday gift, or simply to upgrade your self-care experience. Gifts for men and women, and more beauty tools than you could dream of round out their expansive list of offerings.
Need some practical assistance at your new home school? Sylvan Learning hasn’t stopped giving the most in-depth personalized tutoring, test prep, and homework help to those stuck at home in front of yet another Zoom call. Certified teachers take the lead, and give every satisfied student a leg up in the confusion of this past school year. Whatever feels right for your family, Sylvan is open online and in-person to accommodate the full range of schooling needs. Use that open tablet or smartphone to book your next appointment at the Laguna Niguel Dental Group, and keep your pearly whites smiling into the new year. With new teledentistry appointments now available, you can talk to a dentist from the comfort of your own home, and take care of any nagging questions keeping you up at night. After all, who needs more to worry about this year?
Laguna Niguel Promenade 27891 La Paz Road
D. Yoder Family Sundays
Casa Romantica
Al Fresco Dining on Patio
CALENDAR NOVEMBER 2020
Locals Night Out
Irish Owned and Operated Paddy’s Station
By Jody Robinson
My husband and I have a soft spot in our hearts for Irish Pubs. When we were on our honeymoon, we stumbled upon one in the Gothic Quarter of Barcelona, tucked in next to a crumbling wall from the Roman age. We discovered that it, like so many other pubs we’d frequented during our courtship, boasted the same cozy, calm, family-friendly atmosphere we felt familiar in, and loved. European Premier Soccer on every screen, delicious pints on well-worn taps, and a decent, warm meal.
David Woodnutt discovered he wanted to replicate those features in his hometown of San Juan Capistrano not long after he retired from British Airways. A Captain flying long haul around the world on a B747 Jumbo Fleet, he found there wasn’t an open door in the area that served up some solid fish and chips with a dose of “Craic” (fun) on the side.
“I owned a house in the Pier Bowl, and thought I’d try my hand at the business,” he says. “There was nowhere for an expat to hang his hat on any given weeknight, so Paddy’s Station was born.” Housed in the historic
Capistrano Depot, Paddy’s includes seating in a cozy 1927 Pullman rail car.
Featuring live music six days a week, and a full menu that boasts “Irish pub grub” - cottage pie, Irish stew, and the best bangers and mash around, Paddy’s is definitely your new local community hub. Irish and hip-hop dance classes, Irish-themed films featured in the carriage areas and a dog-friendly outside deck round out David’s vision for keeping the family spirit deeply engrained in his pub.
“I must have been mad to get involved,” he grins wryly, “but our heart is to let local folk have fun and enjoy a night out.”
PADDY’S STATION
26701 Verdugo St, Ste. B San Juan Capistrano (949) 661-3400
www.paddysstation.com
HAPPY THANKSGIVING
Celebrate the 43rd Annual Turkey Trot with friends and family for a delicious dinner, craft cocktail or fine wine at Dana Point’s Favorite Italian Restaurant!
HAPPY HOUR SPECIALS EVERYDAY FROM 3:30-6:00P.M. NOW ACCEPTING RESERVATIONS FOR THE SEASON! BOOK YOUR HOLIDAY PARTY NOW!
Live From the West Side: Women of Broadway A Livestream Concert Series
Segerstrom Center for the Arts has announced three new livestream concert events that are part of the Live from the West Side series which began last month with a performance by Christopher Jackson. Live from the West Side: Women of Broadway features Tony Award winner Laura Benanti on November 14, and critically acclaimed actress and singer Vanessa Williams on December 5. All performances are at 5 pm, Pacific Time. The Center is one of a select group of not-for-profit arts organizations participating and the only arts center in Southern California to offer these events. The livestreams are a co-production of Dallas
Summer Musicals and Entertainment Benefits Group. Proceeds from ticket sales made through the Center’s Box Office directly benefit Segerstrom Center for the Arts.
Each show, transmitted live in HD with professional sound mixing, will
feature a mix of Broadway showtunes, pop songs, and personal stories from the life of each headliner. Performances will take place at The Shubert Virtual Studios on Manhattan’s West Side. At-home audience members will be invited to email in questions to be answered during the livestream.
Tickets will be available online at the Center’s website, SCFTA.org, or by calling (714) 556-2787, Monday – Friday between the hours of 10 am and 2 pm. The Box Office at Segerstrom Hall is currently closed for walk-up purchases.
Laura Benanti
Vanessa Williams
Glorietta Bay Inn
Glorietta Bay Inn
A family favorite for a fun and sun “stay-cation” on Coronado Island
BY JODY ROBINSON
Travel for our family has always been an exciting opportunity to explore both far-flung destinations and closer-to-home hidden gems. During these unprecedented times defined by shelter-in-place and safer-at-home, we - like many families - pressed pause on several planned summer vacations and weekend getaways to destinations farther than an easy driving distance. For Southern Californians, the beaches are open, and the weather is bright and warm well into the fall and few places are as idyllic as Coronado Island to while away a couple of days in the surf and sand.
Just over the bridge from San Diego, Coronado is a small, quaint, tree-lined retreat characterized by beautiful, rarely
crowded white sand beaches, a rich, romantic history and laid-back, small town atmosphere. Although locals refer to it as “the island,” Coronado is really a peninsula connected to the mainland by a finger of land called the Silver Strand. With wide leafy streets lined with Victorian homes and Southern California beach bungalows, the island is small enough to walk almost anywhere (it’s only a mile from the San Diego Bay side of the peninsula to the Pacific Ocean). Once we parked upon arrival for a recent stay at the lovely Glorietta Bay Inn, we discovered that Coronado truly is a “car-optional” environment and were able to easily navigate the relatively flat paths on foot and by bicycle.
We chose the Glorietta Bay Inn (www. gloriettabayinn.com), a beautiful
boutique hotel and historic landmark famous for its grandeur architecture, as “home base.” The former private residence of sugar baron John D. Spreckels, the hotel (which features 11 historic mansion rooms in the main original building circa 1908 and 89 contemporary rooms and suites in structures added to the property in later years) is situated across the street from Coronado Beach and a short walking distance from an array of retail shops and restaurants.
Defined by an artful blend of Old World charm and contemporary coastal comfort, the Inn features a scenic outdoor verandah, a storied music room complete with a baby grand piano and a sun warmed lobby that once served as the grand foyer to Spreckels’ home.
Glorietta Bay Inn
Photo credit: Brett Shoaf
Each of the historic mansion rooms are uniquely styled: the Sugar Baron Room, originally the private bedroom of Mrs. Spreckels, features king-bedded room with a large balcony and a spectacular view of Glorietta Bay; the Spreckels Suite the private bedroom of John D. Spreckels, this beautiful room has a living room area with a convenient kitchenette, and a separate bedroom with a king size bed. French doors off the living room open up to a spacious balcony with an equally gorgeous view of Glorietta Bay. Amenities for all accommodations include the complimentary use of beach chairs, towels, and sand toys for Coronado Beach.
As our family discovered on similar sojourns to “the island,” it doesn’t take much planning to have a perfect day in Coronado. We had brought our bicycles and started off along Coronado Beach - a picturesque stretch of sand and surf that stretches for over a mile along Ocean Boulevard in front of historic
Fans of author L. Frank Baum’s iconic classic “The Wizard of Oz” will enjoy pedaling past the quaint yellow Cape Cod-style home (located right across from Star Park) that he rented during his stays and the place where he penned three of the books in the Oz series.
We spent the better part of an afternoon tooling around town, along the Bayshore Bikeway, past Glorietta Bay and the Coronado Golf Course and under the Coronado Bridge (if you continue following the well-marked bike path, you’ll end up at the Coronado Ferry Landing, where a ten-minute ride would bring you to downtown San Diego.)
After our bike ride, we strolled Orange Avenue, a beautiful commercial boulevard that curves back to the Glorietta
We kept the “enjoy the outdoors” theme going through the end of the day, spending the afternoon and early evening playing in the waves and soaking up the sun on Coronado Beach. The kids spent the entire trip outside and active - and much to their parent’s pleasure, off their respective electronic devices. My husband and I thoroughly enjoyed kicking back on the balcony with a glass of wine each evening and even managed to finish a couple of books we’d been wanting to get to for weeks (you’d think we would have found the time at home, but it seems as though there’s been no shortage of home improvement projects to focus on).
Our weekend away in Coronado was just what we all needed - a change of scenery and experience - at a destination fast becoming one of our favorites. Given its ideal location central to literally everything, its unparalleled amenity and service and laid-back charm, the Glorietta Bay Inn will undoubtedly be our family’s first choice for future visits.
Glorietta Bay Inn is the ideal location for an Orange County Staycation. For our readers, use code ORANGE at www.gloriettabayinn.com for an Exclusive Staycation Offer with discounted room rate and free parking until January 31, 2021. With extra hygiene measures in place for the safety of guests and staff and flexible cancellation up to the day before arrival, feel confident in booking. and glamorous houses. Voted in the top 10 beaches in the USA by the Travel Channel, this long and wide beach is great for walks, runs, beach volleyball or sandcastle building. If you bring along a furry friend, there is a leash-free dog zone at the far end of the beach where pups chase each other in the waves.
Bay Inn, and stopped in Bay Books where staff members leave heartfelt handwritten recommendations under their favorite reads and stumbled upon MooTime Creamery - where locals and tourists alike were lined up for what they all (accurately) claimed was “the best handcrafted ice cream and hand-rolled cones” in town.
Calling all existing Medicare Beneficiaries, are you looking to save some money on either your monthly premiums, your co-pays, your prescription drug co-pays or perhaps a trifecta and you get all three!
The biggest way to save money is to see if a Medicare Advantage plan would work for you. If it does work, you cancel your Medicare Supplement and Medicare Drug plan for 2021 because the Medicare Advantage plan gives you that type of coverage and financial protection from medical bills. These plans in Orange county typically have no premium. The savings can be life changing to some people, especially married couples over the age of 70. Medicare supplement plan premiums go up as you get older AND they can also have random increases related to their cost of care. Also, some people don’t realize when their Medicare prescription drug plan premiums increase because if they’re taking social security, the premium is usually being directly deducted from their s.s. check. Many of the insurance companies have either increased their monthly rx plan premiums or their annual deductible. Some plans used to not have a name brand drug deductible and now they do. Have your prescriptions changed since you enrolled in your current Medicare rx plan? If they’re expensive medications (in the $40-$100 range when you fill them) then it’s time for a review.
If you’re on several of these types of medications, and maybe started taking them mid-year, you won’t hit the donut hole more than likely this year, but you certainly have a good chance of it next year, so you need to make sure that you’re on the best plan in terms of co-pays and trying to avoid the coverage gap. There is even a Medicare Advantage plan that covers insulin at a $0 copay, even through the coverage gap! No standalone drug plan does that.
Another way to save money is to compare Medicare drug plan premiums for your standalone drug plan. Like I said earlier, many plans have been increasing their premiums year after year. It starts to add up after awhile! Also, while AEP is NOT the time to change your Medicare supplement plan. (the month of your birthday and 2 months after that is, it’s called the “birthday rule”) it could be that your birthday falls around the same time as the annual enrollment period (October – December) or, it could be a time to get educated about what other carriers premiums are for the Medicare supplement plan that you’re on. Medicare Supplement plans are all standardized by the government. A
Plan F, Plan G or Plan N, for example, are all the same, no matter what insurance company you have. However, some insurance carriers have upped their game, adding additional benefits such as routine vision and hearing, acupuncture and more to their Medicare supplement plan for a more “value added” experience. The additional premium for these embedded plan extras are minimal.
The Medicare annual enrollment period (aka AEP) ends December 7th, if you’d like to schedule a no cost Medicare options review contact me soon as my calendar is filling up!
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) 351-2443.
Pets of the Month
Two year old Anders is quite the handsome pup. He has lots of energy and just loves to run and play in the yard. Anders would likely make a great jogging buddy and wouldn’t mind the company of another similarly active dog. With his sweet face and happy disposition, this loveable canine is sure to win your heart.
Lianney is a laid back kitty looking for a new roommate. She is an independent lady who doesn’t mind being on her own during the day, but is also very affectionate and sweet when you visit with her. Lianney is very clean and promises not to hog the remote control. She would make a great roomie for someone seeking an easygoing feline friend.
This pretty girl is Astrid, a five year old sweetheart who just can’t wait to meet you. While Astrid loves playing catch with the ball, her real favorite pastime is snuggling on the couch. She is mannerly and walks well on leash but would prefer to be the only pet in a home where she doesn’t have to share the spotlight.
If you are interested in adopting an animal listed here, please visit www.PetProjectFoundation.org/Adoptions/AdoptADog or www.PetProjectFoundation.org/Adoptions/AdoptACat to download an adoption application form. Completed forms can be emailed to AnimalServices@scdpanimalshelter.org and you will be contacted about making an interaction appointment.
Why Repipe when you can ?
By Jody Robinson
Lead-Free, Leak-Free Pipe Protection
It is safe to say that I know nothing about pipes. I know a little about drywall, and some about framing; my husband has his general contractor’s license so I’ve picked up a few nuggets of knowledge over the years - albeit in conversation, not in practice.
Pipes, however, are a complete mystery. I have family who live on the East Coast, where pipes seem to burst with some degree of frequency in the winter, but that is the extent of my experience via six degrees of separation. Since our family moved into our “new” home in San Juan Capistrano a few years ago, we have since become something of an expert on experts: those who do and don’t know anything about pipes. There are a bunch of things I can now catch you up on: leaks, sprinkler lines, lead testing. But truly, all you need to know is this: In many cases, ePIPE can have your pipes restored the same day without displacing you from your home.
Topping my list of folks I’d call expert, ePIPE has been in business since 1999. With over 40 international and US-based patents, the company has contracts with the US Department of Defense, several counties across the States, schools, HOA’s, and thousands of individual homeowners nationwide.
Jason Houck, National Sales Director notes “twenty years ago this process was developed to be more convenient, less destructive, longer lasting, and healthier. Now it’s a patented, proven process used around the globe.” Traditional systems wreak havoc on a home, tearing up floors, walls, and ceilings. To get to the pipe, you have to get everything else out of the way: and then to replace the pipe, you have to remove what is there. “Instead of re-piping, we restore pipes in place. Many homes can be completed in a day, with the water going back on in a number of hours.”
Pool piping, fire sprinkler systems, water lines - ePIPE deals with it all. They’ll even test for lead and remediate as a LeadSmart® Service provider. Any number of factors can lead to corrosion in a system, often in as little as two years after installation. Any number of factors can lead to pinhole or slab leaks. So what happens next? If your pipes were simply failing due to changing water chemistry, perhaps you’re wondering if there is a better pipe? Turns out the restoration of your pressurized system can be as simple as drying, cleaning and applying ePIPE's patented epoxy coating. “The cleaning process prepares the internal pipe surface for proper bonding,” says Jason. “A bit like sanding before you paint.”
In researching what ePIPE has to offer in terms of the process, I don’t see the word drilling, or destruction, or demolition anywhere. Taking care of
a problem once it begins is one thing, but ensuring that you won’t have that problem for years down the road is entirely different.
Restored piping protects against corroding and pitting, in turn reducing copper and lead leaching.
“Because there is no need to destroy walls, ceilings, or floors, you save a significant amount of money in reconstruction costs,” says Jason. “I’ll keep saying it: we do the work without the mess and expense.” Ranked in the top 1% of over 300,000 California contractors, ePIPE is here to ensure your pipes deliver the way they were made to. That’s really all I need to know.
To connect with Jason and his team, call (866) 567-5106 or visit www.restoremypipes.com
BE IN THE KNOW: Home Sellers Have Options
As the real estate industry continues to adapt to changes in the market, alternative methods of buying and selling homes are becoming more prevalent. Hiring an agent to list on the MLS is no longer the only way to sell a property, as “off-market selling” is becoming a real option for homeowners seeking a faster, more streamlined, and ‘safe’ sale.
The benefits of an off-market home sale include the convenience of not having to prepare the home for sale, no repair costs to the seller because the home is sold ‘as-is’, no failed escrows/shorter close, all cash/no financing offer, and little to no physical contact with buyers or others for showings or inspections. An off-market sale can also help eliminate the very real health risks and exposure concerns involved in a traditional listing.
Off-market buyers are typically smaller “mom and pop” investors looking for homes to either “fix and flip” or rent out, or more institutional iBuyers (instant Buyers) who make offers on homes online. Unlike the traditional process, these buyers purchase homes As-Is, directly from homeowners. The off-market buyer offers a lower price than the seller may be able to net with a listed sale but allows the seller to avoid the inconvenience and investment of time and money for repairs/prep costs, since the buyer is purchasing the property in ‘as-is’ condition.
With these alternative options now available, it is crucial for any home seller considering such a sale to understand how to navigate through the off-market process. An off-market buyer should clearly outline their process, answer any seller questions, and provide transparency throughout the transaction. Unwillingness of an off-market buyer to provide information about closing timeframes, proof of funds, contingencies, contracts, and other details, should be a red flag warning to a home seller.
Senior Home Purchase Program, based in San Diego since 2015, is a real estate investment company with a unique, niche service offering senior homeowners a transparent, streamlined, and guaranteed way to sell their home off-market. Siblings Rob Perkins and Corinne Ross created SHPP after a decade in real estate investing, and after experiencing the challenges involved in helping grandparents move. SHPP purchases homes directly from seniors transitioning into senior living communities, and “guarantees a certain sale, at a certain price.”
SHPP purchases the home in its current condition, allows the seller to leave behind clutter and unwanted furniture, and covers 100 percent of any costs associated with the sale. “In addition to saving the homeowner an incredible amount of time, and greatly reducing their stress, SHPP offers the best price possible to our senior home selling clients. We are transparent in illustrating how an SHPP offer differs from a traditional offer,” explains Perkins. “With no hidden costs or fees, our off-market offer is very compelling to the homeowner.”
“SHPP also provides a flexible timeline for moving,” adds Ross. “Our seniors are often in a position where they don’t know the exact date of their move into a community,” she shared. “This can be very stressful, so we provide flexibility with closing dates, as well as a leaseback option if needed.”
Transparency, integrity, and client comfort level are top priorities for SHPP. “Most of our customers are referrals, so the trust factor is big for us,” Ross explains. A former client shared, “Their honesty, transparency, and diligence made me feel completely comfortable with them. The process was exceptionally easy and stress-free.”
Perkins and Ross emphasize another benefit to sellers: “SHPP’s process can alleviate many of the concerns and stresses of selling that have arisen during the pandemic. Our goal is to offer a certain, safe, and stress-free solution to our clients during this very uncertain time, and we are thrilled to now be servicing Orange County, as well as other areas, as we continue to expand to help our senior customers.”
Donna Hunnicutt, Market Manager OC
(714) 923-7477 westviewSHPP.com
I
Insurance 101 Services
AEP- It’s About Saving you Money
Calling all existing Medicare Beneficiaries, are you looking to save some money on either your monthly premiums, your co-pays, or your prescription drug co-pays?
The biggest way to save money is to see if a Medicare Advantage plan would work for you. If it does work, you cancel your Medicare Supplement and Medicare Drug plan for 2021 because the Medicare Advantage plan gives you that type of coverage and financial protection from medical bills. These plans in Orange county typically have no premium. Some plans used to not have a name brand drug deductible and now they do. Have your prescriptions changed since you enrolled in your current Medicare rx plan? If they’re expensive medications (in the $40-$100 range when you fill them) then it’s time for a review. There is even a Medicare Advantage plan that covers insulin at a $0 co-pay, even through the coverage gap! No standalone drug plan does that. The Medicare annual enrollment period (aka AEP) ends December 7th, if you’d like to schedule a no cost Medicare options review contact me soon as my calendar is filling up!
Capistrano Unified School District’s community
makes all the difference in
supporting student education
By Ryan Burris, Chief Communications Officer,
Capistrano Unified School District
This past year has been difficult for many reasons. With the pandemic causing unexpected campus closures in the spring, the health and economic struggles faced by many, and an increased need for meals in our community, 2020 has provided a wealth of challenges.
Throughout all of this, however, the Capistrano Unified community has worked together to navigate the new terrain. And we’ve grown stronger together because of it.
Now, in this season of gratitude, we want to thank our wonderful community – our teachers, students, families, staff, and administrators – for supporting Capistrano Unified and helping us continue to provide our 47,000 students with a top-notch education that will help them meet the challenges of our rapidly changing world.
Our families worked collaboratively with school and district officials to provide input and support as we quickly implemented distance learning in the spring and developed and implemented a plan – over more than 26 meetings – for the fall semester that allows families to choose from online, in-person, and hybrid programs, as well as developed safety
guidelines for on-campus, in-person learning.
Our parents and students have been patient as our 4,500 teachers, administrators, and staff navigated a new way of teaching, trained to use our new, state-of-the-art online classroom software, and began introducing new and upgraded educational programs in our online classrooms.
Capistrano Unified distributed 6,700 Chromebooks to students in March and April, along with 1,100 hotspots, to keep our kids connected to their teachers and peers throughout the spring and summer months. We have ordered additional Chromebooks to begin our 1:1 student Chromebook program.
Capistrano Unified has provided ongoing COVID-19 pandemic support to staff, teachers, students, and families, starting with a FAQ page and a series of webinars on health and mental health with doctors from Kaiser Permanente and Hoag Hospital. While students were learning from their homes, we published free educational enrichment activities via social media, including “Capo Toon Time”, meditation sessions, dance lessons, musical singalongs, and an artist spotlight featuring celebrity musicians. Individual teachers
connected with their students virtually by sharing parts of their home life, and asking students to do the same, such as challenging kids to share pictures of their pets or a hobby they love. And that’s not all.
Capistrano Unified continued to provide meals to students, giving 184,028 breakfasts and lunches from March through July to children ages 0-18 in our community, with 182 of those meals delivered directly to family homes.
Capistrano Unified has also made several upgrades to its campuses while students were absent, including modernizing the Dana Hills High School kitchen, purchasing six new buses to replace aging models that serve students with special needs, updating the Tesoro High football field and volleyball court, building STEM/STEAM buildings at Aliso Niguel High and Newhart Middle School, and more.
We know our students and families have risen to the challenge also. We see it in the stories of students who used their 3-D printers to make masks during the early pandemic shortage, in the ASB students posting signs at their classmates’ homes, in the graduate who returned to provide uplifting messages in chalk, in the music students who gave virtual performances when their year-end concerts were cancelled, in all the schools that held car parades so they could connect with their families, and in the tearful reunions as students finally return to campus.
From us to you, we extend our heartfelt thanks. We are #CUSDAllTogether.
For more information, visit capousd.org
Thank Thankyou! you!
We are grateful for our Capistrano Unified community—our families, teachers, students, staff, and administrators—for your patience and your partnership in supporting our 47,000 students during this very challenging time. And to our amazing students, you have proven that you are incredibly resilient and will not let a pandemic get in the way of your curiosity for learning, or your ability to remain connected with each other. Thank you to our Capistrano Unified community for your incredible strength and grace during these unprecedented times.
Kirsten Vital Superintendent
Capistrano Unified School District #CUSDAllTogether
Coding for Kids
By Mark Freedkin, Southern California Regional Director, theCoderSchool
Technology plays an extremely important part in our everyday culture, and the complexity and sophistication of that technology is growing faster than any time in human history. Coding (also known as “computer programming”) is at the core of that technology, and it refers to converting a real-world problem or challenge into the equivalent logical step-by-step set of instructions that a computer needs to perform in order to solve that problem or challenge.
It is important to expose and encourage our next generation to learn the fundamentals of coding. Coding is becoming a standard offering at many public schools, with more advanced learning opportunities available at a number of private after-school programs. Learning to code helps prepare students for the coming onslaught of technology. It also helps them to develop logical thinking and problem solving skills, both of which will transfer into all other academic areas.
There are many after-school program choices available, and each of them have their own unique characteristics and price-points. As good parents, we want to ensure that we are giving our kids the skills and tools to be successful in their education and their life. However, we should not base our decisions solely on the price of those third-party programs. As the old saying goes, you get what you pay for. Of course, whichever program you choose must be affordable for your family.
theCoderSchool is a nationwide franchise that has nearly 50 locations around the country, with several locations in Orange County, including Irvine, Mission Viejo, Yorba Linda and Cerritos/La Palma. Of course, with the current COVD-19 pandemic, all of our classes are currently offered virtually on-line, so it doesn’t matter where you live. Your students can attend their weekly coding lessons from the safety and comfort of your own home. You only need a computer with Internet access.
We offer coding lessons with a very low ratio of only two-students-withone-instructor, which allows us to give very focused instruction. We employ a curriculum that is uniquely customized for each student, based on their experience, how they learn, and what they are most interested in learning. We used a combination of fun and engaging real-world projects as the vehicle for teaching, rather than any kind of self-paced on-line program with a fixed curriculum. All of our instructors are Computer Science experts, since they need to understand the technology in order to teach it.
To learn more about our coding lesson programs, you can register for a FREE 30-minute Remote Sample Lesson. It will give you an opportunity to meet our staff, get your questions answered, and see if your student enjoys our teaching methods. Visit our websites (shown below) to register for a free trial lesson.
WE ARE HIRING!
Substitute Teachers
Provide large and small group instruction in all subjects to maintain continuity in learning for all school grade levels
Para-Educators
Support elementary educational programs by assisting certificated staff with reinforcing classroom instruction during Extended Learning
Student Supervisors
Under the direction of site administration, supervise elementary students and facilities during lunch and recess; and related work as required
Credentialed & Non-credentialed Positions
Some Openings are Benefits-Eligible
Ode to Joy
Developing Memories with Accent Portraits by Diana and San Juan Photo & Digital
By Jody Robinson
I was at a retail store the other day, when a group of tourists asked me to take a photo of them in front of the window display - an incredible arch made solely out of the pages of reclaimed books from a library that had mostly burned down. An ode to what had been once. The photo? An ode to an ode. We’ve all heard the saying, “a picture is worth 1,000 words.” How many words are your memories worth?
Diana and Scott Schmitt believe that those photos, those
odes, are priceless. At the San Juan Capistrano-based Accent Portraits by Diana and San Juan Photo & Digital, the couple have devoted the last three decades to taking and developing memories for their customers.
“People ask us all the time what we specialize in,” says Diana. “‘Life’ is what we respond with. We want to be there for you and your family every step of the way, from preschool portraits, to beach days, to weddings and pets. Private homes, debutante balls and birthdays for ages 1-101!”
Giving clients the best quality covers much more than a simple photo. Using a lifetime of skills, Diana and Scott set out in 1989 to get each client the product they wanted. With each person’s shifting needs come the full range of services that Accent Portraits and San Juan Photo & Digital can provide: $30 specials, a birthday club, portrait memories in a fun, easy fashion. “We’re like a family here. We are taking photos now of kids whose parents came in to see me almost thirty years ago!”
Thirty years ago, not many could predict that film photography would almost go extinct. The rise of the digital age overwhelmed analogue, nearly to the point of no
return. Yet, many amateur and professional photographers still swear by old-fashioned chemistry. The new problem? Almost nobody develops photos anymore. Short on your own dark room like the rest of us? Luckily, the wide range of services Diana and Scott offer covers everything from film to phones - and has been busy uniting the digital and analogue worlds for its customers in a fun, easy fashion. “We’re still the only lab that processes film,” says Scott, “and it’s making a huge comeback. Everyone has photos on their phones that would otherwise never be printed. San Juan Photo to the rescue!”
The last man standing, as it were, Accent Portraits and San Juan Photo & Digital are out to change the photography game entirely. Not just film, or portraits, or product development. “It isn’t just better services: it’s better service.” Cheryl Wayland, long-time employee and staple of the South County shop, knows the name and story behind almost every client Scott and Diana have.
“We take care of our own here,” says Diana. “That means free portraits for seniors at the community center each year, donated portrait certificates to each charity and school that asks, and free event coverage for animal rescue organizations. It’s good for everyone.” While Diana and Scott have plenty to do in their free time,
from walking the family dog to riding horses, the real hobby lies in the time they dedicate to each client that walks in their doors.
But being award-winning photographers and the developers of quality photos at an award winning custom lab isn’t where the fun stops with Diana and Scott. That joy you felt when you developed a roll of film after a family vacation? Could you describe that feeling, those memories with 1,000 words? You could certainly try. Or, you could make some new memories, and experience that feeling again and again and again, simply by walking into Accent Portraits and San Juan Digital Photo & Digital.
Connect with Diana and Scott by calling (949) 661-6465 or stop by their studio and lab located at 32281 Camino Capistrano in San Juan Capistrano. For more info, visit www.accentportraitsbydiana.com
Scott and Diana Schmitt
Home Safety Advisors: Helping Seniors Live Safely in Their Own Home Longer!
By Jody Robinson
By the time my friend’s grand- mother passed away at 92, she had fallen six times. Two of those falls resulted in broken bones - once, her hip. Horrifying, to find oneself in that position. Tripped up by your walker or the corner of a rug. Often, a wet bathroom or kitchen floor.
She was in a home for five out of the six falls, and still, it took some time to respond, get her stabilized, diagnosed, and fully recovered. Falls, my friend and herfamily quickly learned, are the leading cause of injury related deaths in Americans aged 65 and older. She didn’t end up passing because of a slip up directly, but her bones cer tainly didn’t give her a pass either, in those last days.
Home Safety Advisor’s President Dave Riggle has a similar story, as do so many around the country. His mother passed from a fall in her bathroom, and was the direct im petus for his business beginnings. “None of us five kids had any idea she struggled, or we would have fixed it immediately. I have skin in this game - I don’t want anyone else to suffer like my mother did.” While other home improvement companies may include walk-in tubs as a part of their overall offerings, safe bathrooms are the entire focus and area of specialization for Dave and his team of profession als. So much so that Dave
personally interviewed over 400 seniors about the difficulties they were experiencing in order to provide the best possible product to meet their needs.
While the business formally began in Indiana, the team at Home Safety Advisors expanded their operation into the Southern California market a year ago and are thrilled to have met with such a positive response and feedback to their scope of
services. Many clients come to them via word- of-mouth. And it’s not hard to see why. Installing something that could literally mean the difference between serious injury or not is no small feat. And something that Dave’s team takes extremely seriously. All of their walk-in tubs and showers are made in
Photo by Diana Schmitt, Accent Portraits by Diana
Company founder Dave Riggle and Krysania Lopez, title goes here
the U.S.A., come with a lifetime warranty, are great for health and easy to clean. But perhaps a lesser known perk is the luxurious spa experience available in the privacy of your home.
“Their (occupational therapists) confidence in referring us speaks volumes about our capability and their trust in us,” says Dave. “This is rarely done in our industry, and certainly not by any big company.” The showers and baths are crafted right here in California, providing clients a spa-like experience with a side door. Once inside, just re-
As
lax. Ergonomic faucets, a hand-held shower, and marine grade fiberglass combine to make your bathing experience relaxing, instead of stressful.
While most steps into a walk-in shower or bath are still 6-9” tall, Home Safety Advisors boast just a 2” threshold, low enough to greatly decrease - if not eliminate-your chances of spilling over the edge accidentally. Offering bench seats, grab bars and hand-held shower, HSA can even customize the threshold or seat to fit the client specifically.
Certified Aging-in-Place Specialists (CAPS),
Dave and his team understand the unique needs of older adults and will do everything they can to provide their clients and their families with a sense of confidence and safety in their own home.
As Certified Aging-in-Place Specialists (CAPS), Dave and his team understand the unique needs of older adults and will do everything they can to provide their clients and their families with a sense of confidence and safety in their own home. “We don’t want any slip ups: from the initial consultation to our single-day installation; we’re here to walk you through the unique experience of finding solutions to carry out your aging-inplace modifications.”
(949) 456-4717
The Perfect Workout: 20 Minutes to Reverse the Effects of Aging
By Jody Robinson
Recently, I, much like many Americans headed into their mid-50’s, realized that it was going to take much more than a brisk walk or a high intensity interval gym session to hold onto the muscle mass I’d worked so hard to attain, then maintain over the years. Also like many Americans, I spent too much time and money attempting to uncover the one magical combination of spinach salads, green smoothies, and exercise that would help me achieve that increasingly elusive goal.
Adults who don’t add a weight regimen into their weekly workout routine lose an average of a half pound of lean muscle each year after the age of 25. Women and men in their 50s, 60s, 70s and beyond who are striving to stay strong, avoid eventual falls, and keep up their energy levels sometimes need a little extra help. That's where LeAnne Fuller and The Perfect Workout comes in.
More than 20 years in practice, The Perfect Workout is LeAnne’s long-time purpose come to fruition.
“After taking pilates and yoga through my 30’s, I started the certification process to train them both," she says. "Going through the certification process led to some important realizations about my trajectory in life, and where I wanted to end up. Not one option included working just to work, or simply to bring home a paycheck. I needed to help people: to help them get healthy.”
Sometimes, slow is fast, and the road LeAnne was on led her straight to The Perfect Workout’s doorstep a week later. Taking a step from training to running studios was simple, and from there to hiring trainers and leading certifications a no brainer. “My capacity to educate grew and grew, and thrilled me as I saw clients get stronger with every class. Folks started avoiding falls, having more energy to play with their children and grandchildren. It has been unbelievably satisfying.”
From Facility Manager of Redondo Beach to Regional Manager of Dallas, Houston, LA, SF, Orange County and San Diego, LeAnne has seen a broad range of clients, and an even more amazing spectrum of results. Specializing in 1-1 personal training, The Perfect Workout takes participants through slow motion strength training, engaging more muscle fibers than a typical workout. Reducing momentum provides a bigger challenge in a smaller time frame: so you can get the results you want in two 20-minute workouts a week instead of hours in the gym day after day. “Each exercise is performed by lifting weights for approximately 10 seconds and lowering the weight for another 10 seconds. You reach ideal intensity quickly- and then move on!”
Practicing safe, efficient movement allows LeAnne to guarantee you’ll be stronger in 6 weeks. Built for men and women who don’t want a traditional gym experience, or have never worked out but want to be healthy and strong, The Perfect Workout is, well, the perfect workout.
