So countymag(apr2014)

ADVER TISER TESTIMONIALS

"It is an absolute pleasure advertising with South County Magazine Wow! We were stunned by the overwhelming exposure and publicity from being on the front cover of South County Magazine It put our Assisted Living Community on the map for South County We felt special and like Rock Stars! - Aileen and Paul Brazeau, San Clemente Villas by the Sea

"We would like to thank South County Magazine for keeping us busy during this holiday season It has been our experience in the past that right after Thanksgiving our type of business really dies down This was our first time advertising with South County Magazine and we ran a November and December ad and that kept our phones ringing right up to the New Year Thank you South County Magazine - our investment paid off!!!!!"

- Donna Schuster, South Coast Shutter and Shades, Dana Point

"Being new to San Juan Capistrano, I wasn’t sure what would be the best avenue for advetising and marketing Thankfully I picked up a copy of South County Magazine at a restaurant and read the testimonials They were not like any I d seen – raving about the staff and Jody s way of being more like a partner in your business than just an advertising publication Jody met with me soon after I called She listened to my goals and concerns, and then shared her thoughts and expertise with regard to what might be most effective for my unique business

Several months later, she is still in easy contact, never seeming like she s trying to make a sale, but always wanting to be sure I don t miss an opportunity to grow Participating in South County Magazine has brought response from quality clientele who are interested in real life improvement Also, the calls are often from past issues, so the ads last more than just the month I cannot say enough about what an asset Jody and her magazines are to our communities and businesses "

- Catherine Darras, Catherine Darras Hypnotherapy, San Juan Capistrano

With many options when investing my advertising dollars, I decided to interview and research the local publications before I made a decision After several interviews, it was clear we would put our trust into Jody and South County Magazine Jody is a delight to work with, giving above and beyond professionalism and attention to detail I feel she truly cares about the success of my ad and my business Thank you Jody, South County Magazine is the best!" - Mary McPherson, Awoken Life Brain Wave Optimization, San Juan Capistrano

"After searching for the best bang for my marketing dollar, I thought I hit a wall until I found South County Magazine Great customer service is a priority to me, so when I met Jody and the staff, I was very pleased They are very organized with a family feel They want the best for your business and it shows The best part of South County Magazine - it works! I have received many amazing clients due to this magazine Thank you South County Magazineyou are the best! ! - Brittany De Anda, Bronze by Brittany, San Juan Capistrano

We have been in business for 9 years and we have always done advertising to reach new customers Recently, we started advertising with South County Magazine and the calls began flowing in right away! Jody was so helpful and didn t push us into a long-term contract We believe that positive results are the only contract we need We look forward to continuing to build our business even more with South County Magazine " - Scott & Suzie Sells, Spot Free Windows, San Juan Capistrano

"South County Magazine is a class act publication We are very pleased with the way they do what they do The writing, the business, the concept, the staff pure excellence We are impressed and pleased with the immediate response we ' ve received from the readers Our advertising investment has clearly paid off Thank you for being so nice and so good " - Dr. Boris del Cid, D.C. & Dr. Jeremy Sontag, D.C.,

Advertising in South County Magazine has truly been a blessing! As a one-woman show, it's a very secure feeling to know that I don’t need to find the time to “knock on doors” (to add more clients) because my ad placement generates enough for me to continually grow my business " - Stephanie Frisch, Insurance 101

Working with South County Magazine has truly been a success With running a family owned business, they really help us bring out that aspect of our company Jody is always there to help us with the layout and we are so happy to be working with them! - Ambiance Home Collection, Mission Viejo

April 2014

Clements

Editorial Assistant Alex DeFelice

Sales & Marketing

Marlo Andersen • Anthony Arcurio

Eric Bergstrom, Bergstrom Media

Kim Roberson

Distribution Managers

Rolando Ruiz • David Starr

Advertising Inquiries (714) 469-3495

Contributing Writers

Juris Bunkis, M D , FACS

Janeen Christoff

Heather Evans Cara Fraser

Stephanie Frisch

Nicole Howard

Mar y McPherson C Lawrence "Larr y" Thomas

Contributing

South County Magazine ser ves the communities of San Clemente, San Juan Capistrano, Dana Point, Laguna Niguel, Laguna Hills, Mission Viejo and Aliso Viejo

We will strive to continually improve with each edition and welcome feedback from our readers For questions or comments, please e-mail the editor at jody@southcountymag com

Apex Chiropractic & SCI Wellness Center, San Juan Capistrano

Camps around South County

Teen Entrepreneur Academy at Concordia University, Irvine

“It’s never too early to teach teens business,” according to Stephen Christensen, founder of the Teen Entrepreneur Academy (TEA) at Concordia University where he also serves as entrepreneurship instructor and dean of the business school. “Our local business leaders have acknowledged the relevance and importance of entrepreneurship as an educational and economic remedy, making the need for youth entrepreneurship programs more evident than ever With the recent recession creating a new standard

of employment, entrepreneurship has become not only popular, but essential for job creation And what better environment to host the Academy than entrepreneurial Orange County California, a hotbed of technology, innovation and business startups.” TEA fosters the development of an educated and business-savvy workforce that ultimately suppor ts the region’s and America’s economic vitality

A 2011 national Gallup survey of high schoolers found that:

• 86% of high school students wished they had more business classes

• Seven out of 10 said they want to start their own business

What do high school kids know about being entrepreneurs? Turns out their curiosity about the world around them, their natural creativity, willingness to take risks, and unbridled enthusiasm add up to the characteristics of our greatest entrepreneurs Concordia's TEA is a one-week residential summer camp academy for teenagers that encourages the next generation of entrepreneurs This program “sparks or fans the flame” of business ownership in young people whose inventiveness and drive can actually teach us something about being entrepreneurs. TEA empowers TeenPreneurs to kick-start their business startup dreams while writing their own practical business launch plans

Living in the university’s dorms on campus in Irvine, 75 participants get total immersion in entrepreneurial culture and business principles. The 2014 Academy occurs Sunday, July 13, 2014 to Saturday, July 19, 2014 We know that education is a key to improving a person and a changing a community Therefore, we take great satisfaction in introducing teenagers to the real world of business startups and opportunities presented by entrepreneurship

Young entrepreneurs at Concordia University's Teen Entrepreneur Academy

Ortega Animal Care Center

by Jody Robinson

You can’t tell us that your precious pet isn’t your baby When it comes to their health care provider, their treats, even their spot on the couch, you want your furry friend to have the very best.

You might have seen the signs announcing that the Ortega Animal Care Center (conveniently located on Ortega Hwy just off the 5 Fwy in San Juan Capistrano) is under new ownership What you can’t see from the outside are the significant changes that have been made under the direction of its new owners Dr. Matthew Brehmer and Dr. Lynlee Fluent – in the facility itself (with the addition of state-of-the-art diagnostic tools including digital dental radiology) and in the extensive scope of services

In addition to comprehensive veterinary services, Ortega Animal Care Center also features pet hotel suites, daycare and professional grooming, New Puppy and Kitten Care, Individualized Adult and Senior Pet Care, Nutrition, Dental Care and Diagnostic Laboratory Testing. You no longer have to Yelp away your day to figure out who you can trust to take care of your furry family member

Dr. Fluent also graduated from Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine (where she and Dr. Brehmer met) and their shared passion served as the starting point from which their career paths – and family life – would lead them back to Dr Fluent’s hometown in Southern California

The couple purchased OACC last November and couldn’t be happier about delivering the highest quality veterinary care and extensive scope of offerings to South County’s animal residents

Dr. Brehmer and Dr. Fluent are a husband and wife team with a passion for veterinary medicine and the experience and expertise to back it up. Dr. Brehmer grew up on a small hobby farm in western Minnesota, where his family raised cattle, ducks, chicken and geese and participated in 4H for many years before earning a degree in veterinary medicine from Ross University Dr Brehmer, who completed his clinical year at the University of Missouri School of Veterinary Medicine, practices all aspects of small animal medicine and surgery, with a special interest in internal medicine, preventative care and reproduction.

A Dana Point native, Dr Fluent didn’t grow up on a farm, but there was certainly no shortage of animal life to care for with childhood pets ranging from hamsters, iguanas, turtles and snakes to cats and dogs. Prior to attending veterinary school, Dr. Fluent spent seven years working in small animal hospitals in Orange County and Los Angeles – gaining invaluable experience familiarizing herself with every aspect of how a small animal hospital functions – skills that serve her well in her current role as OACC co-owner and manager.

“We will make sure all your pet's needs are exceeded,” says Dr. Fluent. “Your pet can receive a full physical exam by a veterinarian and any necessary medical and preventative care, stay in our 24-hour staffed pet hotel suites with television and room service, join our playgroup during the day to romp around and have fun socializing with other dogs their size, and leave looking and smelling fantastic after a visit to our professional and experienced groomers. There are not very many facilities in the immediate area that can say the same about the services they offer!”

Dr Brehmer adds that their “main focus right now is growing our veterinary hospital by expanding the hours and making ourselves available 7 days a week.’’

“You can trust your pet in our care because we will never give you the runaround or recommend unnecessary testing or treatment,” he says “We collaborate directly with local veterinary specialists to ensure that your pet receives the best possible care for our more difficult cases ”

Unreal Tax Stories

CoverLaw goes head to head with the IRS

by Janeen Christoff • photography by Lana Farfan, Caught in the Moment Photography

If you dread tax season and/or dealing with the IRS you have good reason! “Our tax code is wordy, about 4 million words It’s always changing, too Since 2001 alone, there have been more than 4,500 changes ” Robert W Wood, contributor for Forbes Magazine (March 2013)

Taxes can be intimidating and, sometimes, people find themselves in hot water with the IRS Does any of this sound familiar? You're making more money and were bumped into a much higher tax bracket and need a strategy to keep more of what you've earned? Have you been trying to buy a house but tax liens on your credit reports are keeping you from qualifying? Maybe you haven't filed tax returns in several years and are worried about the consequences and not sure what to do

Tax issues, like other legal problems, are rarely as straightforward as they seem and often have elusive solutions You need a committed legal team that can think outside the box and doesn' t hesitate to work with other professionals for your benefit to find the best resolution CoverLaw, a San Clemente-based boutique law practice founded by Jim Cover, Esq has helped resolve tax issues dealing with everything from tax liens preventing a couple from buying their dream home to small business audits, wage garnishments, levied bank accounts, and seized property due to delinquent taxes. After the dust settles CoverLaw will even help you restore your good credit; here are a few examples of real life tax nightmares:

Taxpayer Deafeats IRS

One client was audited by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and, after disallowing a significant portion of his business expenses, they assessed him with a heavy tax and penalty of $138,000 and threatened to file liens and seize his assets. The IRS

rejected his offer of proof and denied his request for administrative review. Cover filed an appeal with the U.S. tax court and, in tandem with enrolled agent Mark Dobrilovic of Eaton's Income Tax, they challenged the IRS The result: The client was completely exonerated and issued a "no-change" ruling on his tax return meaning the $138,000 was reduced to zero and saved his business

"A no-change determination is huge; it means that the taxpayer was right and the IRS was wrong - it is sort of like a 'get out of jail free card', so to speak" said Cover "If you’ve been audited on a particular issue and the result of that audit is little or no change to your tax return then the IRS administrative rules say you can’t be audited on that point again for two years.”

Manager Gets Fresh Start

The manager of a retail shop came in with significant student loan debt in collection and owing back taxes for last seven years totaling over $74,000 CoverLaw discharged all but $2,600 of the tax debt through bankruptcy and negotiated a discounted settlement on the student loans. “In about 6 months, we can begin to assist her with restoring her credit for a true fresh start Cover said

Veteran’s Tax Debt Cleared

The team at CoverLaw helped a veteran who was the victim of a mistake made by the government. The client had received a check for $110,000 from the U.S. Treasury for what he thought was a settlement check related to a disability he endured from military service He spent the money on rehabilitation and living expenses Several years later, the federal government demanded the money back after informing the client that it was a mistake. The gov-

Members of CoverLaw and Eaton's Tax Ser vices from (L): George Aloupas, Shadee Duarte, Élan Dunaev, Natalie Kreowski, Brandon Marzett Jennifer Roskamp Ben Ayari Stefanie Cover

Attorney Jim Cover is as much a businessman as he is an attorney. He has taken ventures from concept to go-to-market stage, managed start-ups and helped increase the net worth of a multitude of clients. His background includes helping companies reorganize to regain market position and profits to prepare for an exit. He has turned around and repositioned hundreds of business clients in crisis.

ernment initiated collections and started garnishing the client's disability pay They even went so far as to deny his son, who is currently in the army and has the same name as his father, a security clearance. CoverLaw successfully discharged the governments claim, cleared the son for his security clearance and are now restoring the clients credit

Deceived Spouse Vindicated

Even when your situation seems impossible, CoverLaw is there to help. In one case, a client who married a U.S. immigrant who she believed to be a salesman, was actually taken by a con artist Unknown to her, he had been taking large sums of money from his clients, pretending to be an attorney, a CPA, a broker, an insurance agent, and a variety of other professionals The man then filed false tax returns, getting his new bride to sign them thinking that the documents were correct Two years into their marriage, the man disappeared and the IRS showed up and assessed the woman with a massive unpaid tax bill, alluding to tax fraud The woman filed an innocent spouse petition, which was denied by the IRS. CoverLaw filed an appeal with the U.S. Tax Court and proved that she was an innocent victim. The assessments, including taxes, penalties and interest were all reversed

"Our client was so elated -we not only eliminated her tax liability but paved the way for her to pursue U S Citizenship," said Cover

Couple Get Their Dream Home

A recently married professional was having his salary garnished by the State of California for back taxes owed This combined with the repor ting of the tax liens on his credit repor t made it all but impossible to qualify for the home the couple wanted to buy CoverLaw negotiated an extended payment program with the FTB along with the release of the tax liens.

“After getting the references to the tax liens off their credit reports they will be able to buy their dream home.”

CoverLaw - Covering your legal needs

With a devoted team, CoverLaw assists clients throughout Southern California with a plethora of legal matters in addition to tax planning and tax problem resolution The firm's services include part-time general counsel services, independent director services, strategic business consulting, business formation and organization, for profit, charitable, non-profit organizations, finance, immigration, employment matters, personal injury and wrongful death, business litigation, debtor/creditor matters, including debtor defense, foreclosure, bankruptcy, business reorganizations and credit restoration

Attorney Jim Cover is as much a businessman as he is an attorney. He has taken ventures from concept to go-to-market stage, managed start-ups and helped increase the net worth of a multitude of clients His background includes helping companies reorganize to regain market position and profits to prepare for an exit He has turned around and repositioned hundreds of business clients in crisis

Cover notes “We operate more like a legal concierge than a law firm in that we don’t hesitate to bring in appropriate professionals from other disciplines to assist our clients Often the advice we give them is to pursue non-legal solutions For example I can’t tell you how many clients have come in to me to file bankruptcy and I was able to help them with superior and far less-Draconian remedies ”

From (L): Katie Feher, Jennifer Roskamp, Scott EatonJim Cover, Rich Atkinson, Sara Naheedy and Vee Cee Crowe

The Three Hi-Tech Banking Features People Tell Us They Want Most

by C. Lawrence "Larry" Thomas

We get lots of input from our customers and prospective customers about what they want in terms of hi-tech, on-line, mobile, and other banking services.

Hi-tech means so many different things to so many different people For example, for old folks like me, hi-tech means buttons on the phone instead of a dial. For the youngest adults among us, hi-tech is doing all their banking from their smart phone

Speaking of “smart phones,” as an older person I really love the way my phone “corrects” my spelling to the point I have to send out another email to actually communicate what I meant to say. On the other side, I love “Siri,” she is now my “memory,” when my actual memory fails me. But I digress.

The three hi-tech personal banking features most requested are:

1. Forget checks, I want to pay bills on-line.

We have a growing number of customers who open accounts that don’t want to order checks. They don’t use them. No problem. Our online bill pay service is facilitated on a robust, easy to use platform – at no cost for personal banking payments. Plus it is easy to download into Quicken, QuickBooks, or Microsoft Money

2. I want to pay individual people with one shot payments.

That is called POP money, a convenient way to pay another person as opposed to a regular bill you pay monthly. POP actually means Pay Other People. The payment can be made to an email address, mobile phone number, or to a bank account using a bank routing number and an account number. Whoever is being paid is notified via email or text.

3. I don’t care about hi-tech, I want to come to the bank and I want everyone to know me. I want personal solutions to my problems, hi-tech or not.

Okay, we will give that to you too, six days a week (shor ter hours on Saturdays in some branches). There is nothing like personal contact to solve issues and make customers glad they are banking with you. We get that.

Plus, by phone, we have an ebanking department that will address your on-line issues quickly and efficiently They are very good at it

Community Banks are known, sought after actually, for their customer service. So, we need to say that we are not alone. Lots of banks offer these services. The differences always include the commitment of the bank to their customers and the cost of the services that are important, actually essential, to the customer

My advice is to shop, ask the questions about those services that are important to you and their cost. Understanding what is best for the customer, that’s really the Power of Independence. Please keep in mind that the foregoing is describing the features of personal, not business, accounts. For the latter, call me.

Co-owners Paul and Aileen Brazeau

San Clemente Villas by the Sea

n fact, Aileen and Paul have their ofices at The Villas Their daily, on-site working presence is what sets this community apar t from all others, which are most often "corporate" owned, not run by the owners, but by hired representatives. Additionally the couple can be regularly seen par ticipating n the activities at the Villas, much to the delight of all who live and work there Throughout the years, both Paul and Aileen have generously supported a number of local philanthropic organizations

Aileen shared, "We love San Clemente and its senior residents. The first thing that and our staff focused upon when ed our doors was that each resis a story to tell, as well as unique We are interested in their stories, care about their needs. If we are ul at providing superior senior lodging, it is for that reason - we osely to what the residents tell us "

Assisted Living for Seniors

by Bill Koelzer • photography by Lana Farfan, Caught In The Moment Photography

San Clemente Villas by the Sea (“The Villas”) is an Assisted Living Community in South Orange County which looks, inside and out, like a fine hotel But step inside, and it feels like home where the residents share the warm relationships of family and enjoy the comforts and amenities that abound

The Villas is located immediately adjacent to the Saddleback Memorial Medical Center on Camino de Los Mares in San Clemente, California. Directly across the street are office buildings containing scores of doctors The Villas is a Spanishstyle, four-story complex, offering its residents expansive city and ocean views, as well as amenities rivaling those of a private club

Built by Paul Brazeau and co-owned by his wife, Aileen, the community was com-

pleted in October of 2002, and it immediately became a very popular choice for seniors who desire the best in Assisted Living Paul, a Navy veteran, is an experienced builder and electrician For the past 40 years he has built shopping centers and senior communities, as well as having built, owned and sold Delta Electric, a Los Angeles-Orange Country electrical contracting firm with more than 100 employees

Paul, along with his wife and co-owner, Aileen, operate the fully-staffed community. She, her Executive Director, Karen Milroy, along with long-time Marketing Director, Stephanie Alter, work magic in the Public Relations, Networking and Marketing arena, often hosting events at The Villas that are open to local businesses and the community

ous that they are successful at ey do the moment you arrive at mente Villas by the Sea. You walk open living-room-like "grand hall" ring ceilings, and comfortable furThe room is usually full of smiling seniors, chatting amongst themselves or with visiting relatives or staff Stick around, and you're likely to become part of an event taking place that day. Every Tuesday and Thursday the room fills with laughter during "Happy Hour" featuring music, dancing, wine and hors d' oeuvres On another day you might just as likely walk right into the middle of a "Manly Mixer", a Karaoke Birthday Party, the annual "Villas' Got Talent" Show or even a grand Luau!

Passing through this room takes you to the lovely ocean-view, full-service dining room

Peer into the kitchen to see a team of chefs working hard to prepare several choices of entrees, side dishes and desserts for every meal Aileen says, "Our residents look forward to every meal! Both formal and casual "cafe-style" dining is available. Residents can even reserve a private dining room for family visits."

Villas' residents enjoy a level of care seldom seen in senior communities For example, the staff works with the resident and their loved ones to tailor care plans

Paul, along with his wife and co-owner, Aileen, operate the fully-staffed community. She, her Executive Director, Karen Milroy, along with long-time Marketing Director, Stephanie Alter, work magic in the Public Relations, Networking and Marketing arena, often hosting events at The Villas that are open to local businesses and the community.

that meet a resident's individual and daily needs There is 24-hour assistance every day of the year, as well as the finest, most comprehensive activities both on and off site, and memory care programs.

The Villa's Assisted Living Care Manager, Licensed Nurse and Executive Director, along with all of the caring and well-trained staff, are involved on a daily basis with the safety and well-being of each resident The community was designed to provide a healthy & comfortable environment for all of its residents, and to foster as much independence as possible.

Included in their monthly rental fee, every resident receives a long list of services and amenities that you can see on our info-packed web site Because seniors have varying levels of proficiency performing the activities of daily living, a comprehensive list of additional services and care programs is available for additional fees according to the services requested.

To learn far more about us and our history, founding, beginnings, and review a completem discussion of our services, be sure to visit our web site at www SanClementeVillas com

Connect with Aileen, Paul and the San Clemente Villas by the Sea team by stopping by 660 Camino de Los Mares in San Clemente, calling (949) 489-3400 or visit www.sanclementevillas.com.

Our goal is to help our patients achieve their weight loss goal and STAY THERE! Many people have lost weight only to regain it back over time Losing weight may seem like an individual problem to tackle on your own, but having strong social and professional support is one of the most important factors in losing and maintaining a healthy weight. Weight loss is sustainable only if accompanied by long-term lifestyle changes that become the foundation for long-term health and wellness

Polo Cleaners

by Jody Robinson • photography by Melisa

Ihave to admit, I had often pointed to the staggering volume of laundry our family of four seems to generate each week as an excuse for why my poor husband’s shir ts were rarely without wrinkles But truth be told, even before the arrival of our children, doing a good job of pressing his shirts (or my own for that matter) was a skill that simply eluded me. Ironing involved little more than a quick pass to make the clothes a bit more presentable

But that was before I discovered the ease and convenience of having our better attire (and anything we’d prefer to wear without creases that weren’t meant to be there) professionally laundered. And for someone who doesn’t own a sewing machine but often buys pants or skirts that need to be hemmed or dresses that could be taken in (or let out), having easy (and affordable) access to alterations is invaluable

For these reasons and more, it’s great to have a “go to” local professional like Polo Cleaners Located in the Marbella Plaza in San Juan Capistrano, Polo Cleaners has been around since 1992 so they obviously know what they’re doing when it comes to handling their clients’ everyday drycleaning, laundry, household and alterations needs with an emphasis on couture items and specialty items that require special care.

“We take extra care in every garment from inspection, cleaning, finishing and packaging to ensure that our customer’s clothes are restored as close to new every cleaning,” says Riaz Chauthani, a second generation dry cleaner with over 30 years of dry cleaning ownership experience who purchased Polo Cleaners from its original owner last April. “All of our work is done on premises, with our new state-of-the-art green equipment and cleaning solutions.”

Since he took over ownership, Riaz has made significant changes to expand services and continually improve upon the customer service experience for his clients Polo Cleaners physical location has been remodeled (including the aforementioned green equipment and new pointof-sale systems) and the call region, vans and drivers have been upgraded and increased to “double the route service” area.

All dry cleaning and laundry services are not the same A fact not lost on San Juan Capistrano residents, who have bestowed upon Polo Cleaners its annual Golden Horseshoe Award for “Best Dry Cleaner” for the past seven consecutive years

“We inspect each garment, clean them with the best care and solution possible, re-inspect them and mend any minor repairs and buttons for free and finally package them with tissue, by gender and type of article to make it easy on the customer when they get home.”

Chandler, Chandler Photography

Owner Riaz Chauthani

Some people are fortunate enough to be on no medication, so they don’t think twice about selecting a Medicare Part D plan They pick the least expensive plan and pay it (sometimes begrudgingly because they “feel” they don’t need it)

So, if you were to apply that line of thinking to auto insurance and fire insurance, would the fact that being REQUIRED to have that insurance make more sense? When was the last time you actually USED your auto or fire insurance? Have you ever? If you have used it, were you glad you had it then?

Medicare Prescription Drug Coverage

by Stephanie Frisch

So, you may not need it now, and it may make you upset when you turn 65 and you must enroll in a RX plan whether “you need it” or not or else incur a late enrollment penalty. However, you don’t have a crystal ball and you don’t know what life holds for you.

I just finished researching a client’s wife’s medications on Medicare gov to see what plan would cover her best when she enrolls in a Part D plan this fall She developed a serious medical condition later in life and if she didn’t have RX coverage she’d be paying over $17,000 a year for her medications

Luckily she will be able to save $9,000 a year by just enrolling in a prescription drug plan That’s a lot of money to save by having a RX plan with only a $100 a month premium isn’t it? Well, that’s because the Federal Government subsidizes Medicare drug coverage And, that helps off set the out of pocket costs for people who rely on prescription drug coverage to live as close to “normal” and as “long” as possible.

So, you may not need it now, and it may make you upset when you turn 65 and you must enroll in a RX plan whether “you need it” or not or else incur a late enrollment penalty. However, you don’t have a crystal ball and you don’t know what life holds for you. So, enroll in a plan that fits your needs for the stage of life that you’re in. Every year you can change plans if needed. (RX plan “lock-in” happens and you can switch plans every year 10/15 – 12/ 7 if needed)

Also, don’t enroll blindly into the least expensive plan if you do take medications You can utilize my services for free to help you determine what plan covers all your medications at the lowest annual out of pocket cost, or, you can go to Medicare gov to try it out on your own

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, Long-Term Care Planning, The Health Insurance Marketplace-Covered California and Life Insurance. For answers to your questions, or an in-home, no-fee consultation, call (949) 351-2443.

"Randy Rose is the consummate professional who is experienced, knowledgeable, passionate, patient and caring He easily beats the competition by knowing more, caring more, spending more time and doing what it takes to assure complete customer/client satisfaction. He short-changes no one because he possesses deep professional pride and cares about ‘getting it right’."

- B. Raymond, San Diego

Chasing History and Memories

A whirlwind East Coast family road trip

by Betsy Sanz

Ihad been looking forward to the 2013-2014 school year for over a decade It was the year that our three children would be in 5th, 8th and 11th grades – all the years in which California students study American history. I had visions of showing them the places where all that crazy rebellion, revolution and nation-forming happened; places I had visited in a distant past and which I was eager to see again myself through the new lens of older eyes

As the magical school year approached my husband and I had no plans to follow that particular dream Fly five people to Boston? Please Where would that money come from?

But then something more profound than a star-aligned school year happened In the summer, on a shoestring, we took a bus and a train down to Mexico to tour the Copper Canyon It was a family adventure, and it was one of the best experiences of our lives It hit my husband and me the same way. We realized that we are in the midst of a very special window in time, wherein all of our children are old enough to really appreciate and understand what they see, and wherein all of them are still at home and, yes, wherein they are all still subject to our schedule and our whim That window is a narrow one We have to make the most of it

So as autumn drew near and the anticipated school year began, we started dreaming about the east coast again Maybe we could do it Maybe we could beg, borrow or steal the money Who needs airplanes anyway? We have a minivan, and a minivan is almost all a family needs for making memories

Three weeks passed between the time we made the decision to go for it and the day we pulled out of our driveway We took the kids out of school, pleading the educational value of the trip, and we decided we would drive straight through; no hotels until Williamsburg, Virginia, our first destination. The only two regrets were that we only had a couple of hours in Memphis (where we stopped to spit in the Mississippi for good luck) and we missed a lot of scenery as we drove through the nights

There is nothing like a no-holds-barred, non-stop cross-country road trip to give you a sense of the great natural diversity of the United States If man is in any measure a product of his environment, then it is a marvel that our country has stayed united as long as it has Arid coasts turn into dry deserts that turn into rocky mountains that turn into humid plains that turn into forests that turn into mountains again, this time lush and touched with the brilliance of autumn, before they deliver you, richly, to a new coast that is riddled with rivers and inlets of every size. Driving is so much better than flying.

Day 1: Revolutionary Inklings

Our first encounter with history was in Colonial Williamsburg, Virginia. Known as the Revolutionary City, Colonial Williamsburg is in the heart of modern Williamsburg, preserved as a national landmark The entire town is a reenactment of the Revolutionary era We were taken on a tour of the Capitol Hall (where the House of Burgesses debated the prospect of independence and crafted the foundations of our nation) and my 8th grade son’s eyes lit up as the guide walked us through revolutionary proceedings that he had just been learning about the week before, all of which happened in the room we were standing in We visited the wig maker and the stocks; we witnessed live cannons fired and got a glimpse of George Washington on horseback (spoiler: he was just an actor). Our daughter was flirted with by a gentlemanly militiaman who gave her his arm for the duration of two colonial blocks

Day 2: Surprising Gettysburg

Colonial Williamsburg was always on the wish list, but Gettysburg, Pennsylvania was an afterthought When we ended up with a one-day gap in our schedule, we decided to make a visit, even though it was out of our way. For me, it ended up being the highlight of our trip. The entire battlefield is now a national park. You can walk the grounds and see it as the soldiers saw it. There are monuments on site from just about every state, because sons of just about every state bled there on that field I cannot express with enough enthusiasm the experience of letting an expert historian and tour guide drive us around the battlefield in our own car, unfolding for us as he drove the events of those three heartbreaking days The new museum at Gettysburg is one of the best I’ve ever visited, and that part of the country is unspeakably beautiful

Days 3 & 4: Capitol Wanderings

Washington, D C was our next destination, our first big city For having only a day and a half to see all we could, we packed it in. We toured the Capitol building, got a glimpse of researchers working at the (stunning) Library of Congress, looked up the soaring walls of the Washington monument (scaffold-covered for repairs to damages caused by, of all things, an ear thquake!), walked by the World War 2 memorial, touched the Vietnam Wall, stood in awe of Lincoln’s much larger than life (in reality and in spirit) marble figure, visited the Smithsonian Air and Space Museum, strolled the National Gallery of Ar t and encountered Picasso, van Gogh, Rembrandt, Dali and others through works we had no idea were housed there

We ended the day by tracking down the office of our representative, Loretta Sanchez. We stuck out like five sore thumbs in the network of government buildings trying to find the little office. It was staffer after staffer taking double takes at us as we walked through the halls Ms Sanchez wasn’t in, but her assistant, an Anaheim native, was very nice My kids will remember it as an aggravating hike through endless corridors for nothing. I will remember doing my duty and showing my kids what Washington “really” looks like. There may or may not have been tears at the end of that very full day Fortunately, we had a killer hotel room at Hotel Rouge awaiting our Washington-weary feet

Days 5, 6 & 7: The Big Apple

From D.C. we were N.Y.C.-bound and the kids were

(continued on page 50)

Hearing all of Harvard's juicy secrets with Cambridge Historical Tours - Cambridge, MA

numerous occasions from trade and industry associations. In 2012, Pacific Paradise Pools won one of only four Pinnacle Awards from Luxury Pools While they appreciate the accolades and feel the awards “validate our business strategy,” Linette adds that the best testament to the quality of our work and dedication to customer service come s from “ the referrals from loyal, happy customers who truly endorse what we do ”

The fact of the matter is, Pacific Paradise Pools doesn’t just provide you with a beautiful backyard, they give you relaxing weekends and enjoyable evenings after a long day at work. Rich and Linette may not serve drinks poolside, but then again, with their 5-star customer service, maybe you just need to ask And, if you’re looking to sell in the near future, transformed backyards are rated among the top requested home improvements for increasing value. Pacific Paradise Pools works quickly, efficiently, on time and on budget.

by Heather Evans and Jody Robinson a photography by Lana Farfan, Caught in the Moment Photography

Let’s talk about reasons to install a pool or update an outdated backyard I don’t mean how incredible swimming pools are for increasing the value of your home or in the case of updating your pool, for energy savings … I’m talking about the cer tain kind of admiration from your kids and their friends I’m talking about a vanity-free personalized water park or a day at the spa Think of the possibilities – all because you made the decision to turn your backyard into the kind of relaxing place you’ve always dreamed of.

The fantasy is easy enough - but where do you begin? How do you know where to start?

That’s where Rich and Linette Tonti, owners of Pacific Paradise Pools, come in They’ve been transforming people’s lives for over 25 years They do everything from elegant Romanesque to the rock scape resort that families would vacation for

“Our mission is to help homeowners enjoy their pools and to maximize the fun in their backyards,” says Rich “I am proud to say that we have some of the most professional, experienced and polite customer service staff in the pool and spa industry ”

If you’ve got a worn out swimming pool that's been neglected or ready for a makeover, don’t worry, they also do major pool renovations. Rich, Linette and the Pacific Paradise Pools team strive to go above and beyond to ensure their customers are satisfied. They also work with professional designers and landscape architects to ensure you get the full HGTV effect

“We aim to please and make sure that we develop an outdoor living space that will compliment your home’s personality as well as provide years of enjoyment,” says Rich They’re not the bragging type, but the truth is the Huntington Beach-founded and Fountain Valley-based business is an international award-winning builder, and has been honored on

’d hate to make them blush, but we’ve got to get word out about what Rich and Linette do when y aren’t creating the backyard dreams for oth. Since 1994, this husband-and-wife team have en part of “Men and Women of Action,” a volunr construction and disaster organization. While l managing the family business, they’ve helped build homes, build schools, churches and medclinics all over the world – from domestic locales like New Orleans after Katrina to Zambia, Brazil, Romania, Honduras and the Philippines

“This is our meaningful passion,” says Rich, who recently completed a couple of projects closer to home: A school in Fresno, church in Ontario and rebuilt the home of a pastor in McFarland, California whose home burned down due to arson

“We decided when we met the pastor to help his family,” says Rich. “He ministers to a poor agricultural community, and we felt there was a great need "

Together, the couple volunteer 10 to 20 hours a week stateside, and spend at least two weeks a year volunteering overseas.

“We were both raised in Huntington Beach,” says Linette “I graduated from Marina High School and Rich from Huntington Beach High School so it’s also especially nice when we have the opportunity to give back in our own community We now have roots with our home church, Living Waters, in Fountain Valley and our youngest daughter is now a Baron at Fountain Valley High School so we see old friends almost every day in the community we serve.”

To learn more about Men and Women of Action visit www.cogmwoa.org. If interested in their pool-related ser vices, read unedited testimonials and experience their unparalleled customer ser vice by visiting www.pacificparadisepools.com or call Rich and Linette directly at (714) 437-POOL (7665)

Pets of the Month

Gus is a real sweethear t of a cat who is looking for a person to call his own. At only 5 years old, Gus is a very curious kitty who is always ready to greet you at the door. He loves to play with his toys and loves to walk on a leash too! Gus would make a great companion for almost anyone and even likes other cats

Meet little Miss Daisy, a 3 month old Jack Russell Terrier Though she may be tiny, Daisy can compete with the big dogs when it comes to fun and liveliness! When she isn’t running around, she is the ultimate cuddle bug and loves to be held. You’ll never be short on excitement with Daisy around!

Excalibur is big luffy ball of bunny love. Approximately 3 years old, he is an active and curious Rabbit Excalibur is alwalys ots of fun to watch because e o es to oom around and get into everything! He has great litter box habits and will make an awesome bunny for a happy home

This happy mug belongs to none other than the famous Vasco! A real favorite amongst his walkers, 2 year old Vasco is a real bundle of energy. When he’s not busy running around with his friends, he’s hopping into your lap to shower you with kisses His happy personality makes him easy to manage and a great companion!

Astudy, involving over 150,000 people and published in the journal, Sleep, was designed to show that the quality of sleep declines in old age, explained Dr Michael Grander But the shocking results conducted by the Center for Sleep and Circadian Neurobiology at the University of Pennsylvania turns this conventional wisdom on its head and reveals that

Are You Having Trouble Sleeping?

Learn a new way to put your brain to rest by

Mary McPherson

aging isn’t the primary cause of poor sleep. So much so that one british sleep researcher commented it was a “myth” that aging is the root of sleep deprivation

The study has researchers convinced that complaints about poor sleep lessen as people move beyond the middle years, with the lowest number of complaints among the over70s--likely because they have adjusted to a more relaxed lifestyle by this time in life

Mar y McPherson is the founder of the San Juan Capistrano-based Awoken Life Brainwave Optimization™, where she helps adults and children achieve brain balance and harmony in order to live healthier, happier, and more abundant lives. Neurotechnology “Brainwave Optimization” helps the brain to reconnect the neural pathways after an injur y. Connect with Mar y and Awoken Life by calling (949) 661-6909 or visit www.awokenlife.com.

Sleep deprivation is at its peak in the 40s because by then people’s brain patterns are often in a state of severe disarray as a result of the buildup of trauma and stress that come with living in our complex, modern world.

So why do people in the middle years--especially their 40s, when they ought to be performing at their peak in all areas of life, suffer the most severe sleep deprivation, whereas many even in their 80s report sleeping well?

Sleep deprivation is at its peak in the 40s because by then people’s brain patterns are often in a state of severe disarray as a result of the buildup of trauma and stress that come with living in our complex, modern world Along with these stresses, are the habits we develop to cope with life, like drinking alcohol and eating desserts in the evenings to relax-not realizing that alcohol also turns to sugar in the blood stream, acting as a stimulant The over taxed brain becomes “stuck” in a mode designed for coping with these challenging situations, unable to return to its normal state.

The common approach to treating sleep maladies is chemical--with $150 billion spent by United States companies to address sleep-related issues Use of sedatives has soared as stress-out Americans seek to feel more relaxed. The problem is that the underlying sleep architecture remains abnormal because of the continuing imbalance in the individual’s brainwaves Chemicals such as sleep aids simply mask what’s really going on inside us

Brain State, our parent company, continues to demonstrate that the brain drives body chemistry When brainwave patterns are balanced left-to-right and front-to-back, with low and high frequencies in optimal proportion to one another throughout the brain, clients find themselves sleeping well, often for the first time in years. Having assessed the brainwave patterns of over 50,000 clients worldwide, we know that when the brain is agitated, as measured by EEG, the individual’s sleep tends to suffer By addressing these imbalances with our advanced noninvasive technology, we’ve shown that not sleeping well isn’t merely a symptom of physical and emotional health problems, but the source of many of these problems

At any age, sleep can be improved by balancing and harmonizing the brain using Brainwave Optimization™. If you are in your career and family years, you want to function at your best. Changing your sleep patterns with Brainwave Optimization® can be life-changing--like being released from shackles

by Jody Robinson

Within five minutes of meeting Ingrid Trenton, it’s immediately evident that this woman has found her true calling in her career as daycare director at St. Anne School in Laguna Niguel.

On the day of the interview for this editorial feature, the Brazilian-born mother of three grown children (John, 29, Christina, 26 and Gabriella, 22) is surrounded by coloring books, candy, stuffed rabbits and other goodies being assembled into Easter baskets (all materials donated by the school’s parents and staff) to be distributed to 300 needy children in Orange County – just one of many such extracurricular programs Trenton has implemented at the school that serves a dual purpose of giving St Anne students an opportunity to get involved and give back while benefiting those less fortunate

Trenton, who holds a nursing degree in her native country, immigrated to the United States in 1985. It was while serving as a parent volunteer at her children’s preschool that she discovered a passion for working with children

After earning her early childhood education credentials, Ingrid applied for and was hired at St. Anne School.

As one of the first people to join the staff at the then-brand new independent Catholic school (preschool through 8th grade), Trenton started out with seven students under her care in 1992 and that number has grown to over 100 children today

“It was extremely clear that we had someone very special in Ingrid,” says LuAnn Wilson, St. Anne School Preschool Admissions Officer, who interviewed Trenton nearly two decades ago. “She has a genuine passion and love for children and it shows in every aspect of what she does

– from working in the daycare and developing dozens of charitable projects to running the schools’ Summer Camp program.”

Trenton runs the daycare program, which provides before and afterschool care for students of all grade levels (during which Trenton, a credentialed teacher and teaching assistant coordinates help with homework and class projects, organized sports, arts and craft activities, dance classes, cheer, etc.), supervises students during the lunch hour and continually comes up with more opportunities for community outreach

With regard to the latter, in addition to the Easter basket program, Trenton coordinates a holiday food drive that generates 5,000 lbs. given to Second Harvest Food Bank, a non-profit dedicated to providing food for people in need and a “shoe drive” that provides footwear to needy teenagers who otherwise might not have the proper shoes to participate in sporting activities

Fellow staff members call her a “superstar” and parents trust her to serve as a “surrogate parent” in their stead during the day. Scores of past students think so highly of her that they come back to visit, and many volunteer to help with her charitable projects One past student, the daughter of an administrator at St Anne, couldn’t think of anyone more qualified than Ingrid to provide guidance, feedback and information for a college paper she was working on the topic of daycare

“I love my job,” says Trenton, who routinely spends upwards of 11 hours a day on campus. “I love the children. It’s all about the kids. Just when I think I’ve learned everything there is to learn about my job, the children teach me something new every day I’m blessed with a wonderful staff – I couldn’t do what I do without them Everyone here is like my extended family and there’s no place else I’d rather be ”

Scott E. West, DDS

Offering Alternative Treatment of Snoring, Sleep Apnea and CPAP Intolerance

By Heather Evans

II bet you didn’t know you could sleep your way to a better life That’s exactly what Scott E West, DDS, helps his patients do Specializing in Snoring, Sleep Apnea and CPAP intolerance, Dr West has been the premier expert for treating sleep problems with highly customized treatments, designed exclusively on a case-by-case basis.

“We don’t have a one-size-fits-all approach to our patients,” says Dr West “For this reason, we have a very high success rate I also have a very skilled and caring staff We make sure to follow up, get to know you, and we want you to feel welcome when you walk through the door Our patients love the friendly and relaxed environment, and we love working for them!”

Dr West began his career as a general dental practitioner in Mission Viejo, where he worked for over 30 years doing cosmetic, biologic and family dentistry Five years ago, Dr West began a new direction when he decided to limit his practice exclusively to sleep issues. While most dentists use only one type of sleep aid appliance, Dr. West is trained on several different sleep aid appliances and is widely recognized as a talented specialist in his field He is also one of only a few Southern California-based Medicare Providers for Sleep Appliances

“I can’t tell you how good it feels to hear a patient tell me they’ve had the best sleep in years, or that they’ve been able to sleep in the same room as their partner again,” he says. “I’ve seen a patient’s entire life change simply because they were able to get a good night’s sleep!”

Dr West offers complimentary consultations, and many of his patients claim they learned more about sleep studies from his free consultations then they did from their Sleep Specialist M D

If you think you might have a sleeping issue, let Dr West treat you today Better sleep is truly the key to a better life

To connect with Dr. West, call (949) 829-6700 or visit www.cannotusecpap.com. Questions about your insurance plan? Not a problem. His staff is ready to find the best options for you.

SOUTH COUNTYCALEN

Life Transitions: The most excitingand often very scary places to be

by Genene Dunn

Many of life’s milestones are wonderful, exciting events (high school or college graduation, marriages, births, etc.), but often little forethought is given to the stress that can accompany these momentous moments

One of the most effective ways to balance the celebration of each occasion with the pressures that can come along with them is to have a plan in place to help with the financial side of things

Among the most celebratory and positive experiences in life are the transitions between earning your degree and entering the workforce, getting married and starting a family.

This is the point I find myself today I will be completing law school in a few months and although I have been working in the law profession for over five years, I will be entering an entirely new aspect of the industry Over the course of the past year, I got married, bought a house, and will be planning to start a family in the near future.

While all these things are greatly rewarding, what comes with them is an entirely new sphere of fear and stress that does not get discussed as much as the celebration of everything It’s expensive to start a family, purchase a home, obtain stability, and keep your debt under control during these transitional points in life - and having a plan for how to handle the financial side of things can greatly help you keep perspective on the personal side of things.

The best way to alleviate the financial stress that invariably comes with life’s transitions to seek advice from a trusted professional who help can shed some light on the reality of your specific financial situation In my case, my husband and I are planning to start a family, but I am feeling burdened by student loans, a mortgage and increasing bills and the thought of adding the expense of a child becomes almost more intimidating than exciting.

A financial professional can help you understand how to best navigate your financial future - how much income you’re bringing in, how that income should be invested or spent, and how to ensure that all debts and bills are paid in a timely manner will allow you to prepare for each new phase in life

If you own a home or have any substantial assets, a good attorney will suggest you also prepare a trust to ensure your assets are protected from probate. In that case, you may also want to consider advice on what types of people you should choose to serve as the guardians to take care of your children and what types of people you should choose as your trustee to handle your assets in the best way possible.

Once you have received the proper advice from a professional who has made you feel confident in your life situation and how to reach your goals, the next step thing to think about is how to best protect your new family or assets.

The main thing to consider in protecting your new family is what guardians you should choose to appoint should something happen to you and your partner The best way to appoint guardians and ensure your choice is legally binding is to prepare a will. A will allows you to outline who will serve as the guardian(s) of your children and estate, as well as backups to those guardians in the event that something should happen to the individuals you have chosen. The best way to ensure you have a properly constructed will is to seek the advice of an attorney to make sure the guardians are adequately and legally secured, and to see if there is anything else you should be doing to protect your children in addition to preparing a will

If you own a home or have any substantial assets, a good attorney will suggest you also prepare a trust to ensure your assets are protected from probate In that case, you may also want to consider advice on what types of people you should choose to serve as the guardians to take care of your children and what types of people you should choose as your trustee to handle your assets in the best way possible It may be that these two types of people are one in the same, or it may be that they are different individuals to ensure a balance you believe is necessary to handle all of your affairs

WGood Grooming

by Heather Evans

come in every 8 weeks as opposed to 4-6 weeks with regular grooming. It’s been fun to see people’s reactions to the adorable transformation.”

ig-Wag Dog Grooming has quickly become a San Juan Capistrano favorite, and it’s no surprise why Is it because groomer Alma makes the cutest handmade custom bows for each dog? Maybe Is it because owner Liana makes absolutely sure that your dog is the only star of the show while its being groomed? Perhaps. But see, now they’ve gone and expanded their types of grooming and are now offering techniques that nobody else is.

“We are now offering Japanese grooming styles, which is so much fun for us, the pet, and the owner!” says Alma “Japanese grooming styles focuses on the cute-factor of the dog, so we can get pretty creative It’s a great idea for senior dogs, and we recommend if they get a Japanese style they

with Liana and Alma by

“We are so happy to be offering new carding echniques for spor ting breeds and terriers,” says Liana “The benefit of this leads o a polished, natural look for your pet. It might mean more time and concentration on our par t, but it’s a service absolutely wor th your time One of the most exciting nd interesting aspects about carding is that t removes the dead undercoat, and the reult is a beautiful shine. The fur doesn’t mat, whereas it can when it s only been clipped. You know, there are so many super talented groomers who are well known for speedy service, but that’s not what we do We will always offer the traditional styles of grooming, but for those pet owners who are looking for more, we’re happy to showcase our new talents! We think it’s imperative to stay on top of trends and looks for pets ”

Mom-preneur: Kathy Dahl Crifasi

How this San Clemente mom solved her own problem and discovered a business along the way

BY HEATHER EVANS • PHOTOGRAPHY BY SHERI GEOFFREYS

Kathy Dahl Crifasi is a mom-preneur She’s not just the amazing woman that created a hugely successful product, she’s also an inspiring mother that changed the way people store their goods on the go.

Her invention? Hipzbag®: the trendy, fashion-forward incarnation of the fanny pack popularized in the 1980s - a functional accessory worn with a waist-

looped strap or attached to your pants’ belt loops with patent-pending swivel hooks. The zippered pouch can hold anything you need for a day at the amusement park, gym, store or club It also has a deep-pocketed back pouch for any of your additional must-have items These sassy little bags were launched at the 2010 Oscars Gifting Suite and quickly gained the attention of national media and celebrities It has been featured in OK! Magazine, the Kids Choice Awards, the Emmy Gifting Suites, and scores of print publications and websites

Kathy’s inspiration to create the Hipzbag® came about when realized a mom-on-the-go such as herself needed something to help make her phone easily accessible when she was out and about. “I looked for over a year and could not find anything that would suit my needs. I almost bought a fanny pack, but was just too cool for that! So, I created Hipzbags,” says Kathy. Featured on QVC in 2011 and known as a 5-Star best seller/rating, the Hipzbag® is quickly be-

coming a household name. “Our patents have also helped us get this far It’s a product that once someone learns about it, they tell their friends who tells their friends Word of mouth has been great for us,” she adds

When Kathy star ted out, she had no idea how huge Hipzbag® would become She was primarily trying to solve a problem for herself. Little did

she know what a tremendous inspiration she would become for others. She quickly sought out opportunities to build her business by attending trade shows, business networking events, diversity groups, the Oscars Gifting Suites, marketing/social media seminars and trademark/ patent meetings. “I did everything I could to get out into the business world. I gained so much more in the conversations I had and people I met that would launch me into the next thing I would be doing. I had incredible friends to remind me how much they loved Hipzbags whenever I had a bad day. They always inspired me to keep going,” Kathy says

Kathy’s success has continued to grow, and she’s recently added a larger “Passport” bag to accommodate larger phones, cameras, passports and more The Passport size measures 5.5” by 5.5”, while the Original Hipzbag® measures 4.5” by 4.5”. There is also high demand for her to expand her brand internationally.

Those close to Kathy claim she is a force to be reckoned with and she encourages friends and colleagues to chase their dreams. “When people ask me why I am doing this, I ask why not? It really is true that if you are passionate about your work, it is not work,” she says.

But how does she manage to juggle being a full-time mother, business owner, wife and friend? “Shifting when things are not working is important,” Kathy advises. “I am always conscious of Hipzbag® as a business – not so much if things right or wrong or my opinion of how it should be, but truly how things are really working. If something is not working smoothly, then I need to shift my way of being. I have the most supportive family and circle of friends anyone could ask for They are always coming to me with fresh ideas and to lend an ear after a hard day. That’s key.”

One thing’s for sure: Hipzbag®is a successful business built on the courage of one and the support and love of many. Kathy is always eager to share things she’s learned along the way “If something is not working in my life or business, I take it as a learning opportunity. I ask myself, what is the lesson? What’s to learn? This helps me grow ”

To connect with Kathy or to view the Hipzbag® online, visit www hipzbag com

downright giddy Isaac and I had both been to New York previously, but driving ourselves into the city via New Jersey was entirely unlike our previous experiences As you drive up along the Hudson the city grows in your view as it grows in your anticipation. As parents, it was more precious to watch the excitement and wonder the kids felt as they took in that storied city for the first time. Literal squeals of delight turned to gasps of awe as we emerged from the Lincoln Tunnel into Midtown Manhattan

A couple of days is not nearly enough to do New York City justice, but you take what you can get – and the city will give it to you. Two days of watching our kids have one first after another – first subway ride, first New York pizza slice, first Broadway show, first sight of the Statue of Liber ty from the top of the Empire State Building, first stroll through Central Park, first visit to the Met, first glimpse at the bedlam that is Times Square, and a first confrontation with the reality of 9/11 at the in-progress memorial site in Lower Manhattan. NYCgo, the visitors’ resource, helped us make sense of the madness and the Omni Berkshire Place, built in 1926, offered a perfect “home base” to rest our sight-worn bones while keeping us connected to the city’s history (See sidebar )

Days 8, 9 & 10: The Cradle of Liber ty

After New York City, Boston feels like a small town where you can’t turn around without bumping into a gravestone of a Son of Liberty, running into an historical landmark or stumbling upon a legendary building It’s the Cradle of Liberty full of lessons from history; it’s Beantown, heavy with cultural significance; it’s America’s Walking City, full of pedestrians who dig their rickety old subway cars because they’re the oldest and the coolest.

Boston famously offers its Freedom Trail, a path of bricks that takes a walker throughout the city past its most significant sites Along the

Freedom Trail are the most politically significant landmarks but also several “oldests” and “firsts” such as the Omni Parker House (see sibebar) and the Union Oyster House, the longest continuously running hotel and restaurant in the country, respectively. The Freedom Trail makes it easy to discover your nation’s history on your own, but there are also excellent tours that are educational and entertaining The Boston CVB helped us identify two walking tours that brought the history alive for the kids The Freedom Trail Tour took us from Boston Common to Faneuil Hall, past the Granary Burying Ground where Paul Revere, Samuel Adams, John Hancock and others are buried, including all five victims of the Boston Massacre; and past the Old State House where those five were slain and where the Declaration of Independence was first read aloud to the public

Our second tour was a walking tour of Cambridge – mostly Harvard A guide from Cambridge Historical Walking Tours, in top hat and in character, shared one juicy Harvard secret after another as he led us through town and campus. My favorite? Standing next to the vent at the back of Widener Library, which blew up warm air laced with the scent of old books from the depths of its basement The kids’ favorite? The statue of John Harvard, also known as the Statue of Three Lies, the bronze left foot of which is shiny from all the good-luck rubbing it gets. Right after the guide told us that mischievous Harvard students like to crawl up on that statue and pee on that left foot, a family of tourists walked up unawares and rubbed it for good luck We all snickered behind our sleeves Then, like any good parents would do, Isaac and I made our kids take a photo rubbing the foot for good luck, assuring them that because it had been raining, it wasn’t gross

As silly a highlight as that might be, that’s rather what became the point for us We star ted out chasing history but ended up chasing memories We were lucky enough to get both It only required a little over 80 hours of drive time and a realization that the window is open now, but won’t always be

RE VOLUTIONARY NE W FOOT SUPPOR T

E VERYONE CAN BENEFIT FROM

Just like the technological advances in electronics, where the iPhone changed the way we think about and use phones, there has been a significant technological leap forward in custom orthotics

It is estimated that 95% of the population suffers from mechanical foot imbalances These are primarily seen as over pronation of the feet. Pronation is where the feet/arches collapse or the ankles tend to fall inward. Abnormal pronation is certainly seen with all flat feet, but people with high arches can also have pronation problems

While the average person might not be able to identify abnormal pronation and determine if these new orthotics could be of benefit to them. If you have any of these problems, you are a candidate for the new Perfect Posture orthotics.

• BUNIONS

• HAMMERTOES

• NEUROMAS

• HEEL SPUR OR PLANTAR FASCIITIS

• ACHILLES PROBLEMS

• KNEE, HIP or BACK PAIN

• TIRED FEET OR LEGS AFTER ACTIVITIES

This list encompasses about 95% of the U.S. population.

You may ask, "What is so new about these Perfect Posture arch supports?" These orthotics utilize a new casting method that puts the foot into its best position. When the cast is made, the mold produced is actually the shape of the new orthotic. This new casting process results in a full contact orthotic which supports your foot so that there is a contact with all the parts of the foot in its optimal position

Another improvement from the old technology is the orthotic device is made of materials that is calibrated to YOUR weight. Utilizing this new material and process results in an orthotic which will act as a spring for your arch, as it will flex just the right amount when walking, standing or exercising based on your weight Should you gain or lose 15% of your weight, the orthotic should be recalibrated

From a long-term perspective, you will walk and stand with better posture. This results in less deformity of the foot and body or the elimination of deformity if these are worn during childhood. These orthotics will provide you with a life that is more productive with fewer problems related to your feet, knees, hips and lower back

For patients who say I already have orthotics, this situation is analogous to having an old cellular phone. Yes you have a phone, but you get so much more function and convenience with smart phones. So discard those old orthotics and come in! You'll benefit form the latest advances - while you get the most out of your feet - and your life!

CONCIERGE PODIATRY

Ivar E. Roth, DPM, MPH

Diplomate American Board of Podiatric Surgery

Located 28 years in Newport Beach. Hoag Hospital's

How many times have you wished there were a top quality, personalized and medical-grade foot spa near you? Ever wished you could not only pamper your feet, but also work with trained Podiacurists™ who could offer supervision by a renowned podiatrist?

Look no further! Podiacare™ - offered exclusively at Concierge Podiatry and Spa, Newport Beach, is finally here!

Under the direction of renowned podiatrist for 33 years, Dr. Ivar Roth, we offer a one-of-a-kind, one stop shop for all your foot care needs. Podiacare

Finallly . . . A Luxury Foot Spa With Medical Expertise

is offered only by Concierge Podiatry, a leading podiatry office based in Newport Beach for 28years. Come benefit from Dr. Ivar Roth’s onsite supervision along with the best foot care specialists, at a fraction of what a podiatrist would charge.

Treat Your Feet – You Deserve It

Our mission is to make your feet look as beautiful as possible We manage the full gamut of your nail care, from corns and calluses to offering elegant pedicures, manicures, nail artistry and now, Minx, a solid nail coating that extends fashion to your nails Our staff includes Podiacurists Gina Reich and Rachel Stewart - topnotch, experienced professionals who understand your individual needs Our certified trainer Minx trainer, Crystal Rice is among the very best you’ll find.

We’ll Come to You!

Want top care in the privacy of your own home? No problem! We’re proud to announce our new mobile office Call for details!

We look for ward to ser ving you in our expanded full ser vice spa, opening just after the New Year. CALL NOW to book an appointment: 949-650-1147. Concierge Podiatr y and Spa. • 351 Hospital Road #407 • Newport beach, Ca 92663

"I decided to have brainwave optimization because I was suffering from depression and insomnia Little did I know that my troubles were much deeper then that At my assessment, it was uncovered that I was suffering from abandonment issues and the aftermath of a severe head injury 6 years previous The injury visibly had healed, but the evaluation said that my lobes were no longer talking After 6 years of being off, I needed help Thank God for Awoken Life and Brainwave Optimization - I feel more confident than ever and my depression is completely gone, Im sleeping better and have an overall sense of calm I am amazed that this process worked with only 5 days of treatment " - Catherine C , Dana Point

Because getting to treatment should be the easy part You can give back by volunteering to drive cancer patients to treatment. Every day, hundreds of cancer patients need a ride to and from treatment, and some don’t have a way to get there

Volunteer drivers of the Road to Recovery program give cancer patients encouragement and suppor t while donating their time and the use of their vehicles. The American Cancer Society coordinates the free program from recruitment to screening to training volunteer drivers

American Cancer Society “Road to Recovery” Program

No one should be alone for the ride

The Road to Recovery program saved my job,” Christine Payette, cancer urvivor and Relay For Life par ticipant of La Palma said “When my mother was diagnosed with cancer, I had just started my job,” she added.

Because Chris was new at her job and unable to take days off, she turned o the American Cancer Society’s Road to Recovery® program to help drive her mother to cancer treatment

To become a volunteer driver, you must have a valid California driver’s license. You must also have a safe, reliable vehicle, proof of automobile insurance, good driving history and be in good health.

Funds raised for the American Cancer Society save lives and create more birth-

days in your community by helping people stay well, by helping people get well, by finding cures and by fighting back

"With Good Feet, you

Mary Lou Retton, Olympic

Medalist

CAMPS!

A-Z GUIDE: 2014

ACTING ACADEMY FOR KIDS

Ages 4-13 • Camino Real Playhouse, San Juan Capistrano / Cabrillo Playhouse, San Clemente • 714-747-4915 • actingacademyforkids com • Your child can create lasting summer memories, become more confident, and grow their repertoire of skills at the same time Campers are guided through the production of a popular musical theme from start to finish via daily classes (music, acting, and dance) and the culminating event a Friday sho wcase on the main sta ge! Participa te for one week, the entire summer, or anywhere in between! No experience necessar y!

AZARIAN GYMNASTICS TRAINING CENTER

1 Argonaut, Aliso Viejo • 949.455.1020 • azariangymnastics.com • These camps are a great way to enjoy time with old and new friends Azarian incorporates many exciting exercises and educational activities to ensure a fun-filled program for all campers

BOLD GIRLZ FASHIONISTA FUN CAMP

Ages 6-12 • The Kaleidoscope, Mission Viejo • 949-764-0098 (Costa Mesa), 949348-1300 (Mission Viejo) • boldgirlz com • Five-day summer camps cover fashion outfit selection and coordination, runway modeling poses and routines, skin care techniques, t-shirt decorating, a charitable fashion project, hair and make-up techniques and a fashion photo shoot finale

BRAIN BUILDERS EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS

Ages 6-14 • 26041 Cape Drive Ste 223, Laguna Niguel• 714-360-1101 • brainbuildersed org • Brain Builders offers programs that build off of the STEM and use Lego robotics to make a fun and enriching experience for children.

BRIDGES EQUESTRIAN HORSE CAMP

Ages 8-13 • 26282 Oso Road, San Juan Capistrano • 949-858-0970 • bridgestrainingstable com/camps • Each day, campers with groom their own horses, ride for at least 45 minutes in a group riding lesson, participate in clinics dealing with a variety of horsey subjects, and participate in other hands-on horse activities

MY 41 Chrisanta Ave , Mission Viejo • 949-458-1776 • cardenacaden Academy Summer Campers will experience a thrill as they icipate in a multitude of challenging, fun, and enriching activities ch week will have its own special theme with special culminating activities

CATALINA SEA CAMP

Ages 8-17 • Toyon Bay, Catalina Island • 800-645-1423 • californiasummercamps org • Catalina Sea Camp and Junior Sea Camp are dedica ted to marine biolog y and loca ted a t Toyon Bay on Catalina Island. Kids can spend their summer on a private beach learning about the wonders of the sea at Catalina Island Marine Institute (CIMI)

CENTER STAGE STUDIO MUSICAL THEATER SONG &

DANCE CAMPS

Ages 6-12 • 27101 Aliso Creek Rd , Suite 136, Aliso Viejo • 949305-9758 • thecentersta gestudio.com • Each week campers participate in a unique musical experience with an end of week esentation to family and friends Campers also sing camp songs, ticipate in team building exercises, arts, crafts and more

EVELOPMENT CENTER SUMMER CAMPS

ultiple locations • 949-553-4440 • cdicdc org • The CDC offers er camps from the traditional day camp to enrichment experiarn leadership skills, make jewelr y and art, learn to bake, take p

CONCORDIA TEEN ENTREPRENEUR ACADEMY (TEA)

High schoolers • Concordia University Ir vine • 949-214-3198 • cui edu • It’s never too early to teach young people the basic principles of business and entrepreneurship Concordia’s TEA is a one-week residential summer camp academy for teenagers that encourages the next generation of entrepreneurs This program “sparks or fans the flame” of business ownership in young people, with real-world business training that helps teenagers become leaders with ethics and integrity

CREATIVE KIDS PLAYHOUSE, CHILDREN’S THEATRE OF ORANGE COUNTY

Ages 3-14 • Various theaters around South County • 949-297-6257 • creativekidsplayhouse com • In ever y Creative Kids Playhouse production, children work with professionals in drama, dance and voice who work to crea te a fun, rewarding and accomplishment-filled experience

CRYSTAL COVER NATIVE AMERICAN SUMMER CAMP

Ages 5-11 • 31392 La Ma tanza St , San Juan Ca pistrano • 949-248-2558 • journeystothepast com • This camp engages, enlightens and educates for a whole week but most importantly children will have fun with hands on activities learning about the Indians and the environment They’ll weave baskets, make Indian games, make gourd rattles, paint rock art, car ve soapstone, make arrowheads, make shell necklaces, make and paint with yucca paint brushes and even make Indian rope

EVOLUTION SPORTS CAMPS

Ages 5-12 • San Juan Hills High School, 29211 Montana, San Juan Capistrano / Nellie Gail Tennis and Swim Club, 25281 Empty Saddle Drive, Laguna Hills • 949-388-454 • evosportscamps com • Evolution Sports Camps operates a fitness-based summer day camp for youths with an emphasis on physical activities that promote health, combat sedentar y lifestyles and keep children active

FASHION CAMP

Ages 7+ • The Shops at Mission Viejo • 949-478-0846 • fashioncampoc com • Fashion Camp is a creative learning space, where children and adults can learn the principles behind fashion, design and sewing

ID TECH CAMPS

Ages 7-18 • Multiple college campuses • 888-709-8324 • idtech.com • iD Tech camps foster learning environments that allow kids and teens of various backgrounds, skill levels, and learning styles to better understand computers and technology

LAZY W RANCH CAMP

Grades 3-12 • 23852 Hot Springs Canyon Road, P O Box 579, San Juan Capistrano • 949-728-0141 • lazywranch.org •This year’s summer camp experience will help campers of all ages get to know the real, historic, biblical Jesus--what he did, what he said, why he lived and why he died and rose again

MAD SCIENCE OF SOUTH ORANGE COUNTY

Ages 3-12 • Multiple locations throughout South County • 949-582-5071 • soorangecounty madscience org • Mad Science of South Orange County camps offer a daily combination of in-class discovery and exploration, outdoor games and physical activities, and hands-on applications of the scientific principles presented

RENAISSANCE SUMMER ART CAMP

Ages 5+ • Anaheim Hills, Laguna Niguel, Ir vine, Rancho Santa Margarita • 800-4304278 • fineartclasses com • Summer Art Camp provides a balance between learning how to draw and paint and exploring other various arts and crafts projects Kids will learn the fundamentals of drawing using The Gluck Method and then they’ll move on to pastels, watercolor, and even oils - artistic skills that will last a lifetime

OCEAN INSTITUTE SUMMER ADVENTURES

Ages 5-17 • 24200 Dana Point Harbor Dr Dana Point, CA • 949-496-2274 • ocean-institute org • Camps offer single-day, weeklong and multi-day overnight opportunities Family programs and special occasion Adventure at Sea programs are also available

OUR LADY OF FATIMA FALCON SUMMER FUN CAMP

Grades K-8 • 105 N La Esperanza, San Clemente • 949-492-7320 • olympicagymnastics com • Daily activities include light academics, themed activities, technology, quiet and outdoor play, with weekly themes of art, science, water and sports Field trips and extended hours too!

OLYMPICA GYMNASTICS

All ages • 26601 Cabot Rd , Laguna Hills • 949-582-3329 • olympicagymnastics com

• A dynamic camp for children of all ages focused on gymnastics as well as a variety of other sports

RAWHIDE RANCH

Ages 7-15 • 6987 W Lilac Rd , Bonsall • 760-758-0083 • rawhideranch com • Discover real ranch life at Rawhide Ranch overnight camps Learn to vault, rope, ride and more

SOUL SURFING SCHOOL

Ages 12-19 • Various loca tions, La guna Beach • 949-637-0463 • soulsurfingschool.com • All camps include exclusive loca tions, amazing surf spots, great for all levels, Super-fun time with friends, Focus on Jesus with Awesome worship, speakers, Bible studies and activities, Trips include missions and community ser vice projects

ST. ANNE SCHOOL SUMMER KNIGHTS DAY CAMP

Grades Pre-K - 8 • 32451 Bear Brand Road, La guna Niguel • 949-276-6700 • st-anne.org • St. Anne Summer Knights Day Camp is filled with a balance of light academics, arts and crafts, water play, weekly themes, special guests, cooking, and field trips with a flexible schedule for working parents or for kids who are just looking for some fun this summer

TALL SHIP SUMMER SAILINGT

Ages 10-18 • Channel Islands • 800-645-1423 • californiasummercamps org • Tall Ship Summer Sailing is a live aboard sailing camp that focuses on sail training, marine science, and island exploration It is designed to stimulate minds, encourage teamwork, develop self-esteem, and more

YMCA OF ORANGE COUNTY

Ages 5 -17 • Multiple locatios • 714-508-7616 • ymcaoc org • Summer camp at the YMCA is fun, action-packed experience with opportunities for sports, outdoor activities, field trips, specialty clubs and more.

ZOOMARS SUMMER ANIMAL CAMP

Ages 4-12 • 31392 La Ma tanza St , San Juan Ca pistrano • 949-248-2558 • journeystothepast com • Through crafts, games, songs and stor ytelling the children will be enriched and enlightened each day about the amazing world of animals

On Stage at Camino Real Playhouse in SJC

by Beverly Blake

STEPPING OUT of your comfor t zone is rarely your first choice, but often it is the best choice! You may choose to sky dive, bungee jump or snow board off of glaciers but it doesn’t have to be that death defying Speaking of death defying, did you know that the top three fears we have are…No. 3: Spiders or Arachnophobia, No. 2 Death or Necrophobia and No. 1: Glossophobia… the fear of public speaking!

The thing that may surprise most of us is that we actually have control over all of these fears. When you are next in your garden, take time to watch the artistry of the spider spinning its web rather than just running away from it Death must be accepted philosophically as part of the process of

Consider taking tap dance lessons…that’s what a group is doing in the production Stepping Out. They face their fears, build relationships and become stronger individuals as they prepare for their production number. See how this group of strangers overcomes their fears at this production of Stepping Out at Camino Real Playhouse

life But the number one fear is remarkably easy to overcome For example, when you have an opportunity in a public setting to discuss a friend’s or colleague’s accomplishments, you will be surprised how easy it is to share your passion for their achievements.

Another way to overcome the fear of public speaking is to take an improvisation class or join Toastmasters Both are supportive and nurturing environments as you gain your confidence to speak in public. Other ways to step out are to take classes in something that you’ve always wondered if you could do. Consider taking tap dance lessons…that’s what a group is doing in the production Stepping Out They face their fears, build relationships and become stronger individuals as they prepare for their production number See how this group of strangers overcomes their fears at this production of Stepping Outt at Camino Real Playhouse

It opens April 25th for three weekends - tickets at www.caminorealplayhouse.org. (Improv classes are also available)

SOUTH COUNTY DINING & ENTERTAINMENT

Community Spring Celebration & Pancake Breakfast April 12 9 am to 11:30 am

Annual celebration which includes Egg Hunts, Visits with Peter Rabbit, Face Painting, Bounce Houses, DJ Entertainment & Arts & Crafts. Pancake breakfast 9-11 in Town Center. Grand Park at Aliso Viejo Town Center. For more info, call (949) 243-7411.

Dana Point

Egg Hunts - Saturday, April 19 • 9 am to 10 am

Hop on down to Dana Point and enjoy a morning of fun spring time activities, which include: Children's Games, Petting Zoo, Easter Bunny Visits, Egg Hunt For ages up to 10 years Don't forget your cameras and empty basket to hunt for the goodies! Event begins at 9 am and Egg Hunt promptly begins at 10 am. Pines Park (34941 Camino Capistrano) and Sea Canyon Park (33093 Santiago Drive) For more info, call (949) 248-3530

Laguna Hills

Late Night Flashlight Egg Hunt - April 11 • 7:30 pm to 9 pm

Bring your flashlight and prize bag for an eventful evening of annual egg hunting! The Laguna Hills Sports Complex will become a hidden adventure filled with hundreds of eggs. Each participant will be entered into an exciting raffle to conclude the evening! Tickets must be purchased in advanced at the Laguna Hills Community Center - space is limited, so register early Ages: 7-14 Two separate hunts for 7-10 & 11-14 yr olds Fee: Resident $5, Non-Resident Children $10 LHCC (Soccer Fields) - 25555 Alicia Parkway For more info, (949) 707-2680

Mr. Bunny & Friends - April 12 • 10 am - 11 am

It is a morning of fun and adventure! Join us for springtime crafts, an egg hunt, and pictures with Mr Bunny Children will have a ball with all the springtime egg-citement! Space is limited Ages: 6 and under Resident $6, Non-Resident $11 Laguna Hills Community Center For more info, call (949) 707-2680

Laguna Niguel

Bunny Blast - April 19 • 9 am to 12:30 pm

Gear up for Easter and have a BLAST at this annual Spring event! Children's activities include, bounce house, crafts, games, face painting, petting zoo and pony rides The Easter Bunny will also be hopping around! Cost is $10 for participating children (ages 3-12) Purchase presale tickets in the Parks and Recreation Office April 7-18 and save $2 per ticket! No refunds PLEASE NOTE: THERE IS NO EGG HUNT AT THIS EVENT! Chapparosa Park - 25191 Chapparosa Park Rd. For more info, call (949) 362-4351.

Mission Viejo

Easter Garden Party - April 19 • 12 pm - 2:30 pm

This free event is open to the public and will have something for everyone The celebration will include an “Eggstravaganza Hunt” (at noon), petting zoo, face painting, photos with the Easter bunny, and a “Basket Bonanza” for all ages. Kaleidoscope - 27741 Crown Valley Parkway

San Clemente

Easter Eggstravaganza - April 19 • 7 am - 11:30 am

It’s the great big event that you have been waiting for and you don’t want to miss! Start the morning with a delicious plate of pancakes, served by the Kiwanis Club (for a nominal fee) Visit the huggable bunny, play games and enjoy the day eating scrumptious snacks (for a nominal fee). Arrive on time for the FREE BIG hunt at 11:15am, from newborns up to 10 years! Vista Hermosa Park - 987 Avenida Vista Hermosa. For more info, call (949) 361-8264.

SOUTH COUNTY DINING & ENTERTAINMENT

South County Magazine Issue Release Party!

Here at South County Magazine, nothing gets us more excited than when each new issue comes fresh off the press! That's why we love throwing a release party every month for our editorial contributors and advertising partners as a "thank you" for their participation and support of our community publication For the March 2014 Issue release, it was standing room only at Savannah Chop House where guests sampled gourmet appetizers created by Chef Extraordinaire Chris Tzorin

Paired perfectly with the food wasn’t just the incredible wine- but Savannah Chop House’s private event space. It was hard to chew as your jaw continually dropped looking out at a panoramic ocean views with their floor to ceiling window room. Thank goodness they’ve begun to rent this space out to private parties thanks to high demand and people like us that shamefully begged But hey! It’s truly the perfect spot to party so sometimes you’ve gotta do what you‘ve gotta do

From

and Jim

Mar y McPherson (Awoken Life) with Stefani Co ver and Jim Co ver (Co verLa w)

Jonathan Zieger (ZGR Imports) and Cher yl Beck (BoldGirlz)

Antje Mills (Finess Web Works)

Far left: Brittan y De Anda (Bronze by Brittan y) and far right: Luisa Cuevas (Luisa Chocolatiere)

Debbie Robson (Hospice Care of the West) and Mark Montgomer y (Mark Montgomer y Photography)

Valerie Barrett (and Elaine Watrous (La w Offices of Donald A. Hunsberger)

From (L): Melisa Chandler (Chandler Photography), Jody Robinson and Marlo Andersen (South County Magazine) and Tim Chandler.

Natasha Darling (American Gothic Social) and Eddie Br yant (Prescott Wealth Management)

From (L): Mar y McPherson, Catherine Darras (Catherin Darras Hypnotherapy) and Eileen Gordon (Eileen Gordon, Personal Trainer)

With Jim Co ver, Debbie Robson and Branka Petric, M.D. (Olive Tree Wellness)

Mar y McPherson (Awoken Life) with Stefani Co ver

Co ver (Co verLa w)

Jonathan Zieger (ZGR Imports) and Cher yl Beck (BoldGirlz)

Antje Mills (Finess Web Works)

Far left: Brittan y De Anda (Bronze by Brittan y) and far right: Luisa Cuevas (Luisa Chocolatiere)

Debbie Robson (Hospice Care of the West) and Mark Montgomer y (Mark Montgomer y Photography)

Valerie Barrett (and Elaine Watrous (La w Offices of Donald A. Hunsberger)

From (L): Melisa Chandler (Chandler Photography), Jody Robinson and Marlo Andersen (South County Magazine) and Tim Chandler.

Natasha Darling (American Gothic Social) and Eddie Br yant (Prescott Wealth Management)

From (L): Mar y McPherson, Catherine Darras (Catherin Darras Hypnotherapy) and Eileen Gordon (Eileen Gordon, Personal Trainer)

With Jim Co ver, Debbie Robson and Branka Petric, M.D. (Olive Tree Wellness)

From (L): Robert Doll (South County Magazine), Robin Clow (Dohen y Builders Supply), Eric Bergstrom (Bergstrom Media)

(L): Robert Doll (South County Magazine), Robin Clow (Dohen y Builders Supply), Eric Bergstrom (Bergstrom Media)

Boris Del Cid, D.C. and Jeremy Sontag, D.C. (Apex Chiropractic)

Scott E. West, DDS and Morris Hasson, MD

Denis Weber (Gorilla Grass), Pat March (Mission SJC) and Bill Koelzer

Marlo Andersen and Lana Farfan (Caught in the Moment)

Branka Petric, MD (L)

Liana Brown (Wig Wag Dog Grooming) Johnn y Maravelis (Phoenix Afterglow)

Boris Del Cid, D.C. and Jeremy Sontag, D.C. (Apex Chiropractic)

Scott E. West, DDS and Morris Hasson, MD

Denis Weber (Gorilla Grass), Pat March (Mission SJC) and Bill Koelzer

Marlo Andersen and Lana Farfan (Caught in the Moment)

Branka Petric, MD (L)

Liana Brown (Wig Wag Dog Grooming) Johnn y Maravelis (Phoenix Afterglow)

(2nd From Left to Right) Scott E. West, DDS, David Allen (Preferred Kitchen and Bath) and Jeremy Sontag, D.C.

(2nd From Left to Right) Scott E. West, DDS, David Allen (Preferred Kitchen and Bath) and Jeremy Sontag, D.C.

SOUTH COUNTY DINING & ENTERTAINMENT

DINING OUT:

The (New and Improved) Hunter Steakhouse!

by Jody Robinson

Huge fans of live music, fine wine and small bites, my husband and I were excited to experience firsthand the changes the new ownership has made at Hunter Steakhouse in Laguna Niguel Unveiled last month, its newest incarnation is a significantand welcome - departure from ts somewhat stodgy past Gone are the "salad wheel" and traditional stereotypical steakhouse ambiance, replaced by a completely revamped - and significantly amped up bar and lounge that on this par ticular Saturday night was packed with patrons enjoying the smooth sounds of jazz and blues performed by sensational local singer Yvette Palmer and her band

From the look of things, every aspect of the restaurant operation - its more modern look and feel, management and staff, contemporary culinary offerings, extensive wine list and specialty cocktails - has been updated. The bar/lounge is characterized by rich wood and leather and defined by several distinct seating styles - tables and booths ideal for an intimate dinner for two, a "communal" table that proved to be the perfect gathering place for a group of women enjoying "girls night out" and comfortable leather sofas where guests gathered in front of a cozy fireplace.

"When the new owners initially took over, they left much of the existing operation in place so that they could determine what worked and what didn't, what el to keep and what was in need of change," says General Manager Allison McCarty We asked our customers for feedback and really listened to what they had to say As it turns out, we changed virtually everything about the establishment "

From the look of things, every aspect of the restaurant operation - its more modern look and feel, management and staff, contemporary culinary offerings, extensive wine list and specialty cocktails - has been updated.

These changes start with the concept (more fun, friendly, upbeat and high energy with a fresh look and feel and live entertainment nightly), the ambiance (modern and inviting) all the way through to the service (new chef de cuisine, new staff and new management team) and menu (the signature steaks and award-winning Prime Rib remain, but the rest of the menu reflects familiar appetizers and small bites (ar tichoke dip, crab cakes and jumbo shrimp cocktail) and inventive options (Gouda croquets, chipotle mac and cheese and lollipop lamb chops)

The "Hunter Trio" arrives with a little something for everyone - skewers of BBQ chicken, tender teriyaki steak and grilled shrimp while the "Appetizer Sampler" combines a heartier start - crabcakes (served with mixed greens, fresh Remoulade sauce and topped with green onions), potato skins and calamari.

There is lighter fare (six salad options including a traditional Cobb, Southwest Chicken and flat iron steak), pasta dishes (a popular pick is the lobster ravioli) to entrees designed to satisfy every palate - meat lovers (the prime rib starts with the finest Midwestern beef that is slow roasted and herb crusted) to seafood aficionados (Alaskan King Crab legs, battered shrimp) and everyone in between (signature burger, BBQ baby back ribs, grilled lamb chops)

Another big differentiator here is that there is plenty to par ty - literally. Guests can reserve the private room or rent out he entire restaurant for ny occasion imaginableir thdays, anniversaries, raduation par ties, family eunions and wedding reearsal dinners There is ven a projector screen vailable for presentations a much cooler alternative a hotel conference room r hosting a corporate nction. Come in anytime check out the environs d schedule a tasting to sample the fare when planning your next eventbe it an intimate family gathering or a party for 100 of your closest friends.

Soka University’s 13th Annual International Festival on May 3, 2014 celebrates many heritages

Indonesian satay? Thai meat balls? Takoyaki? Baklava? Boba tea? Tacos? Polish sausages? Organic coffee? Gyros? Grilled rice balls? Italian ice? Korean BBQ? Dosas? Yakitori? Turkish food? Musubi? These are just a few of the tempting international treats that will be served by student clubs and non-profit organizations at Soka University’s 13th Annual International Festival on May 3, 2014 from 10:30 am – 5 pm Admission is free Parking on campus is $10 and carpooling is encouraged The 103-acre Soka University campus is located at 1 University Drive in Aliso Viejo, CA off of Wood Canyon Drive

This year the International Festival will again feature over 900 musicians and dancers performing on three stages. Dancers from many different nations will share their cultures, and visitors will have the opportunity to enjoy performances in Soka Performing Arts Center, at Peace Lake stage and at the Recreation Center stage Music will range from Taiko drums and traditional instruments to full orchestras. 250 exhibitors will also offer a wide variety of ethnic clothing, jewelry, arts, crafts, home goods, information and demonstrations. The “California Fibers” art exhibition featuring the work of 22 artists will be open in Founders Hall Art Gallery and the much anticipated SUA student ceramic ar t sale will offer one-of-a-kind creations for bargain prices

Registration is still open for non-profit organizations, artists, crafters and businesses that would like to exhibit at the festival. For more information see www soka edu/festval 6500 people attended the festival last year

Soka University is a private, non-profit, four-year liberal arts college and graduate program SUA offers a 9:1 student/faculty ratio and an average class size of 12 The campus was rated in the Top 50 National Liberal Arts Colleges in US News and World Report’s “Best Colleges 2014.” All undergraduate students participate in a semester of study abroad during their junior year which is included in the tuition. Free tuition is available to eligible admitted students whose annual earned family income is $60,000 or less The university is open to top students of all nationalities and beliefs and was founded upon the Buddhist principles of peace, human rights and the sanctity of life About 60% of SUA’s students come from the US and 40% have come from 40 other countries.

For more information: www.soka.edu