CUSD is dedicated to preparing students from transitional kindergarten through high school to meet the challenges of a rapidly changing world. CUSD is steadfast in its goal of providing all students with meaningful, challenging, and innovative educational experiences to increase post-secondary options.

Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) programs support social, emotional, behavior, and academics to ensure that every learner can be successful. Counselors provide academic, college and personal counseling. Tools and resources enable principals, teachers, and staff to collaborate to ensure students will be college and career ready. CUSD schools received four of seven designations by the American School Counselor Association as Recognized Model Programs (RAMP).

The Family Resource Center provides information about interventions, reference materials, online and in-person resources to support the individual needs of every student.

PUBLIC EDUCATION EXCELLENCE

• Rigorous curriculum and collaborative learning ensures every student thrives
• California Distinguished and National Blue Ribbon Schools
• Best Communities for Music Education Designation from the NAMM Foundation for outstanding commitment to music education
• Visual & Performing Arts dedicated to artistic excellence
• Championship caliber Athletic programs

ELEMENTARY

• Seven #CapoForward schools: STEM/STEAM, Environmental Studies, Arts & Communication, Next-Generation Learning, Technology, College & Career Prep, Language & Science
• Full-day Kindergarten
• Spanish & Mandarin Language Immersion
• Gifted & Advanced Learners (GATE)

SECONDARY

• College & Career Advantage: 28 career pathways and over 500 partnerships
• High School Academies: Health and Medical Occupations, South OC School of the Arts, Monarch Beach Resort Culinary Arts, STEM, Automotive Technology, and Biotechnology
• Futureology helps students navigate the college and career track by providing 1:1 counseling, workshops, webinars and a resource library
• Annual College Fair with 150+ colleges & universities, technical & trade schools, art & film programs and military academies
• International Baccalaureate Programs
• Advanced Placement Courses in multiple subjects

CAPISTRANO UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT
33122 Valle Road
San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675
949.234.9200
www.CAPOUSD.org

17th Annual Two Stepping Under the Stars

Saturday, August 10

The San Juan Capistrano Equestrian Coalition, in conjunction with Blenheim EquiSports, is pleased to host the 17th Annual “Two Stepping Under the Stars” on Saturday, August 10th. This wonderful family event is held every year under the oak trees on the beautiful grass fields of the Rancho Mission Viejo Riding Park. Thanks to the generous support of Blenheim EquiSport, this event is free to everyone. Festivities kick off at 5 p.m. with free line-dance lessons from the beloved local country band, The Kelly Boyz.

The main event begins at 6 p.m., with dancing, an array of tasty eats from a caravan of food trucks with plenty of beverages for kids and adults (wine, beer & non-alcoholic). The little ones will kick up their heels and stay busy at the children’s area with games, face painting and more. Two Stepping Under the Stars is a dual-purpose event, not only a celebration of the cowboy heritage of San Juan Capistrano, but a fundraiser for the Equestrian Coalition. A silent auction and raffle will delight attendees with big prizes up for grabs. 100% of the proceeds from this event go directly back into the San Juan Capistrano equestrian community through charitable projects.

This year’s event promises to be the best ever, so please join in the festivities for another unforgettable evening. It’s a great night for all. Please no coolers or outside alcohol. The San Juan Capistrano Equestrian Coalition is devoted to maintaining the standards and infrastructure of San Juan Capistrano’s equestrian profile, activities and facilities. Please go online to www.sjcec.org for more information, including upcoming activities and events or to provide donations for auction items.

Rancho Mission Viejo Riding Park

27174 Ortega Hwy, San Juan Capistrano • sjcec.org

Dr. Mogavero – INBRACE… Are you in?

From Mammoth to Orange County, Dr. Frank Mogavero sets the standard in state-of-the-art orthodontics

by Victoria Kertz

Is it time for a trip to the orthodontist? Dr. Frank Mogavero offers everything from early childhood treatment to new invisible braces technology for adults.

Orthodontic work may fill you with dread, but Dr. Mogavero’s office will make you want to shred…on the slopes that is. His extreme sports-themed San Clemente office transports you to the slopes of Mammoth Mountain with authentic ski lift chairs, alpine murals and autographs from some of today’s hottest snow and skateboard athletes.

With a Mammoth office that he shares with a local dentist, he’s able to see area patients twice a month. Since the mountain is open until August this year, he’ll be snowboarding this summer, too. His favorite run? Upper Dry Creek.

Dr. Mogavero (pronounced Mo-GAH-ver-oh) can talk sports with his patients and knows many local athletes (six members of the 2020 U.S. Olympic skateboarding team are former patients), but what sets him apart is his determination to solve patients’ orthodontic problems. Last year, he was one of the first Orthodontists to offer InBrace, a brilliant new form of braces that are positioned behind teeth for a truly invisible treatment for teens and adults. Today, his office is one of the largest InBrace practices in the country. “People are beginning to hear about InBrace and are asking for it,” says Dr. Mogavero.

The Irvine-based InBrace system is revolutionary, not only for its hidden “smartwires,” but because procedures that previously took two years, have now been reduced to just seven to eight months. Dr. Mogavero says InBrace can be used on anyone with all of their permanent teeth and that he’s placed it on patients between the ages of 13 – 78. They’ve all been thrilled with the results, as well as the unexpected ease of treatment.

Orange County mom Kristi Milius says she feels amazing and the treatment itself was a breeze. “It comes down to being a time saver. I have three kids and this was fast! I love it!”

Everyday use is easy, too, which is important for adults who travel for a living. Additionally, InBrace won’t get lost or left behind at a restaurant since it’s not necessary to remove it when eating like tray aligners. “There’s nothing to take out,” Dr. Mogavero says, unlike plastic, invisible aligner products, which must be removed before a meal. “Nothing has to be placed on a table when you’re out to dinner. In my 29 years of practice, this is the greatest innovation I’ve seen in my career.”

New advances in orthodontic technology, like InBrace, have meant an increase in adult patients for many orthodontists. Dr. Mogavero says the bulk of his patients are children, but about 30 percent of them are adults. Some older patients declined to have braces put on as teens and others have experienced shifts that required later-in-life dental work.

“I’m glad I waited,” says retired Boeing 777 pilot Gary Pacheco, “I would give it 10 stars! I’m glad I waited 50 years for the technology.” Pacheco says it took about a month to get used to having InBrace behind his teeth, but he’s happy he did it. The treatment is one thing, he says, but Dr. Mogavero’s accommodating and efficient staff really made the difference for him. “Everyone you meet is just outstanding,” he says.

While new technology is great news for adults who have waited to improve their smiles, Dr. Mogavero says that the American Association of Orthodontists recommends children have their first orthodontic visit by age 7 at the latest, and earlier if orthodontic problems are suspected. Some breathing disorders, like snoring, in young children can be alleviated with orthodontic work.

No matter your age, Dr. Mogavero’s decades of experience and cutting-edge technology means a healthy smile could be in your future. Call for a consultation today.

San Clemente Ocean Festival

July 20-21

Join the excitement with a weekend of activities on and around San Clemente Pier, July 20th and 21st at “The Greatest Show on Surf!”

This year’s Ocean Festival has a treasure trove of new and exciting events. Joining the Ocean Fest’s fun-in-the-sun lineup are the Tandem Boogie Bodyboarding Contest (sure to be a crowd pleaser), Pier Bowl Surf Classic (both long and short boards welcome) and Junior Lifeguard competitions (including the action-packed return of beach flags).

Head down to the end of the Pier on Saturday for an all ages Fishing Clinic and Derby and the Push-In Division of the “Groms Rule” Surf contest for ages 7 and under who will ride waves north of the Pier. The 11th Annual Dolphin Dash Kid’s Beach Run, with nearly 200 children from ages 4 to 12, will take place south of the Pier.

Ocean lifeguards will compete for cash prizes and awards in multiple events that include the Surf Race, Rescue Relay, Surf Ski, Paddleboard Rescue Relay, International & American Ironman’s and 10’6” Paddleboard Sprint. Don’t miss the super exciting thrills and spills of the National Doryman Association Races — where two person teams paddle 300lb. dory boats in and out of the crashing surf!

Learn about ocean safety and how to ride waves at the bodysurfing and new tandem bodyboarding clinics south of the Pier, just beyond the event’s entertainment, games and family fun at the Youth Pavilion. Check out 15 different Woody cars being displayed on the Pier each day, and Saturday evening you can pull up your beach blanket as the sun sets over Dana Point to enjoy a barbeque and free concert featuring Dead Men Don’t Surf – the ideal way to end an amazing day of surf and sun.

Start off both days from 7 to 11 a.m. with a hot and tasty pancake breakfast prepared by the San Clemente Lifeguards and Cadets. Monies raised will support the San Clemente Surf Lifesaving Association for lifeguard equipment and programs.

Sunday brings mouth-watering corn-on-the-cob, sweet and delicious strawberry shortcake, juicy watermelon, and more. Stroll along both sides of the San Clemente Pier to check out the Sand Sculpting competitions, family entertainment and activities. Don’t forget to stop by the ocean art show just above the beach in Parque del Mar for that something special to take home.

To the north side of the historic San Clemente Pier, check out a 5K beach run, 1-mile ocean swim (separate competitions for men and women), Biathlon, and Splash & Dash Relay. The first-ever Tandem Boogie Bodyboarding Contest will feature two-person teams riding oversized bodyboards in the surf. The Pier Bowl Surf Classic, showcasing the speed, athleticism and style of open surfing competition is open to all and is fiercely competitive among the many high-level surfers who hail from Orange & San Diego counties. You can also check out the next generation of surf stars with the continuation of the Groms Rule Surf Contest, a hotly contested surf competition for local kids (boys & girls, 14 and under).

There’s something for everyone to enjoy at San Clemente’s Ocean Festival. To avoid traffic and parking hassles, park at the Outlets at San Clemente and grab the complimentary shuttle from the Outlets at San Clemente or take the train right to the festival.

ADMISSION IS FREE.

For more information about the different activities, a complete schedule of events, to register for competitions and contests, or to volunteer, please visit the website at oceanfestival.org.

The San Clemente Ocean Festival is a 501(c) non-profit organization that works in partnership with the City of San Clemente. Monies raised from the Ocean Festival help fund many worthwhile local community organizations and provide scholarships to local high schools.

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SC Furniture and Mattress

Family-Owned in San Clemente for 60 Years

SC Furniture and Mattress is a family company to its core. While serving in the U.S. Navy in 1943, Richard Ross traveled through the idyllic seaside town of San Clemente. Eleven years after World War II ended, he relocated his family from Minnesota and set up roots in the tiny beach town. In 1957, Richard opened the doors of The Second Hand Store, in a building he constructed in the Los Molinos Business District, where it remains today.

Five years later, his wife Alma and her sister, Elsie, opened The Sleep Shop in downtown San Clemente, where they sold mattresses and new furniture. A few years later, they relocated the business to its permanent home next to The Second Hand Store. When the couple was ready to retire, they passed the business on to their son, Richard Jr. and his wife Nancy.

During their tenure, Richard Jr. and Nancy further expanded the family business. As its success grew, a need for additional space eventually led to a third neighboring building. In 2000, they passed the business on to Richard’s brother, Dale, and his wife, Mary. Today, it’s owned and operated by the founder’s grandson, Eric, and his wife Sophia, making them the third generation of Ross’s to take the reins. “It was my grandpa’s dream to have the business continue in the family,” says Eric Ross proudly. “We’re one of the oldest businesses in town and that drives me to continue the legacy.”

Ross began working in the shop when he was just ten years old, helping his father sweep and accompanying him on deliveries. He acquired the business from his uncle in 2018 and now his three kids help him in the shop, just like he had done more than thirty years ago.

When you step through the doors at SC Furniture and Mattress, the past and present collide. The shop consists of three buildings: one housing a mattress store, another with new furniture, and a third offering secondhand merchandise. Between the three, SC Furniture and Mattress has everything you could possibly need to outfit your home, from brand-new, oversized couches, to rustic centerpieces, and everything in between. “Our hope is to be San Clemente’s go-to place for all your home furnishing needs,” says Ross. “We focus on supplying items at an affordable price and offer personalized service that is being lost in today’s big box store mentality.”

The mattress shop showcases a variety of mattresses and frames, available in all sizes, and ready for pickup or delivery. The furniture business offers customers a curated collection of furniture, lamps, art, and accessories—the style is mostly coastal modern, but it carries mid-century and traditional items as well. Most of the pieces on display are on the smaller side to accommodate condo and apartment dwellers, but can be customized in any size.

The Second Hand Store is located in the original building and is a treasure hunt of hidden gems. It carries retro, revamped pieces of furniture, inexpensive, previously loved items looking to be restored, potted plants, funky signs, an array of books, antiques, appliances, art, and patio furniture. Secondhand inventory is acquired from private parties or from customers trading in old pieces for new ones.

SC Furniture and Mattress is a business that has been sixty years in the making. In a world of online shopping and outlet malls, Ross hopes to maintain a sense of local pride and community through his decades-old business. When you step through the doors, you’re treated like family; the quality service and unique pieces have kept generations of customers coming back time and time again. Sixty years from now, Ross hopes the legacy of his family will continue, and his great-great-grandson will show customers the same quality, value, and customer service as his grandfather did so many years ago.

In honor of his grandfather and all the service men and women in our community, SC Furniture and Mattress is proud to extend its 10% Military Discount to all customers this June. Please stop by and see what’s kept this family tradition in business for generations.

Nordeck Memorial Golf Tournament

July 19, 2019

The community of San Juan Capistrano is proud to announce the inaugural “Nordeck Memorial Golf Tournament” coming this July. The tournament will honor Steve Nordeck who passed away last June after battling cancer. Steve was known as a San Juan Capistrano icon, a great man and a good friend. Arroyo Trabuco Golf Club will host the event on Friday, July 19. Event organizers are hoping to achieve two goals through the tournament: to remember and celebrate the profound and long-lasting impact Steve had on his friends and the community and to raise funds for The Swallows Inn Foundation which was near and dear to Steve’s heart. The foundation has assisted many local organizations, including the Shea Center for Therapeutic Riding, the San Juan Equestrian Coalition, 11 Marines, Boys & Girls Club, The San Juan Historical Society and The Open Space Foundation.

Steve attended Loyola Marymount University and earned a Business degree, followed by a Masters from USC. After an introductory stint in politics in Manhattan Beach in the 1970s, Steve headed south for the cowboy lifestyle. He entered the restaurant business in 1987, buying the Trabuco Oaks Steak House. In 1993, he and his partners decided to purchase The Swallows Inn in San Juan Capistrano. Steve became legendary for taking historic landmarks and making them earthquake safe while preserving their authenticity. Steve and his partners further developed the Mission Promenade in 1997 and eventually acquired and renovated El Adobe de Capistrano.

Since 1984, Steve had been a resident of Coto de Caza, San Juan Capistrano, and most recently Rancho Mission Viejo. He was passionate about his horses, golf and USC football. Most of all, Steve cherished the time spent with his nieces and nephews, and their children and extended family. Steve was a respected politician, entrepreneur, restaurateur and Swallow’s Day Grand Marshall; his generous spirit will continue on through “The Nordeck Golf Tournament.”

Foursomes, individual golfers and sponsors are welcome to participate in the tournament. If you don’t golf and would like to attend the event for lunch, the cost is only $30. Donations of all levels are appreciated. Contact Joe Chiquete at (949) 922-8704 or email thenordeckgolf@gmail.com for registration and additional information.

The Lobster Shack

San Clemente

by Dina Scaglione

Once upon a time, a ten-year-old boy from Venice Beach set out on a bonding trip with his father to the East Coast. This innocuous road trip became the stuff dreams are made of, a jaunt that introduced a young boy to lobster rolls, and planted a seed that grew into what is now The Lobster Shack. Most of us can recall those palpable moments that define our life’s calling. Moments frozen in time where we remember every smell, every taste. That’s the impetus for The Lobster Shack, the newest eatery in Old Town San Clemente that adds west coast flair to quintessential east coast fare.

New England transplants will be pleasantly surprised by brioche so light and lobster so sweet, they’ll swear they’re back in Cape Cod. The Lobster Shack’s brioche rolls are baked fresh daily with flour imported from back east to give it a light, airy texture. Fresh fish is flown in daily, mostly from the East Coast; nothing is ever frozen or reheated. Seafood is generously layered, without heavy, fussy dressing to over-complicate the experience. Your choice of chunky lobster, succulent crab or flavorful shrimp is piled high and held together with a light lemon butter aioli sauce. Share the ‘Trio for Two” where you can experience all three savory staples in a marriage of perfection — served with your choice of two sides: Blue Cheese Cole Slaw, New England Baked Beans, or Cape Cod Kettle Chips. Start your meal off with a cup of house-made Clam Chowder or Lobster Bisque, piping hot and richly flavored.

“Think globally and support locally” is owner Dan Naughton’s mission for The Lobster Shack. As a big believer in supporting the local community and preserving our oceans, anything left over at the end of the day is donated to a local food bank that feeds those in need. In his commitment to sustainable cooking methods, Dan abides by the United Nation’s sustainable development plan to reduce his global footprint and only sources from fisheries that adhere to the FAO’s Code of Conduct for Responsible Fishing.

Open daily from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. and on Sundays from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., the Lobster Shack delivers an experience you don’t often find in South OC and gladly one you won’t soon forget. Mention The Local DISH Magazine when you stop in and take $2.00 off your lobster roll.

The Lobster Shack
111 W Avenida Palizada #104, San Clemente
949.503.1119 • TheLobsterShack.us

Big West BPA Baseball

OC‘s Premier Baseball Camps & Club Teams

by Rebecca Parsons

Justin Bray hadn’t planned on starting a baseball club, but in the spring of 2016, his friend and local coach Greg Fielis of the Seadogs/Stars & Stripes (now currently part of Big West) needed help managing a few south Orange County teams and Bray was the man for the job. What began as a fun project to help out a buddy quickly turned into an extensive commitment to a travel baseball program. With investment in time and money, Bray eventually ventured out on his own with Big West, allowing him more control over his vision. In the summer of 2018, Big West merged with Jared Sandler of BPA Baseball, becoming Big West BPA.

Big West had always focused on youth baseball, while Sandler’s program was geared toward college development and placement. The merge has created a natural synergy, blending Big West’s roster of 200 plus youth players and BPA’s program where kids can train and elevate their game well into their teenage years and beyond. Although it’s still in early innings, the partnership has proven to be a winning combination.

What Makes Big West BPA Special?
Big West BPA has become South Orange County’s premier competitive travel baseball organization with a goal to provide professional developmental training and preparation for youth, high school, college, and even professional baseball players. Every year, double-digit numbers of kids, that have gone through BPA’s program, will go on to play college baseball.

The staff is stacked with experienced coaches or “developers” as Bray likes to call them. Guys like Coach Greg Posein (also an MLB scout), Steve Hendricks (ex-pro and ex-coach for numerous MLB teams), and Chris Doyle (who worked with the Texas Rangers) boast impressive track records and have been hand-picked for each age group. BPA’s very own Jared Sandler is also involved with Big West now.

In addition to superstar “developers,” Big West BPA is proud to have a number of experienced and talented coaches on board like Pac Gutierrez (manages the 11U showcase teams), Johnny Garcia (10U Director), and Greg Fielis (10+ years coaching youth baseball).

Throughout the year, Big West BPA offers a number of different programs that cater to a wide age range and skill level, including a train/practice only program called “KliniK,” 1-on-1 private lessons, and engaging and effective camps. Big West BPA is most well-known for its club baseball program, providing athletes with speed/agility/ conditioning classes, batting practice, outdoor field practice, and weekend games.

Big West BPA Summer Camps
During the summer months, Big West BPA provides three weeks of summer camps geared toward players aged 7 to 16. Each four-day camp consists of two indoor and two outdoor field sessions. Indoor training takes place at Big West BPA’s state-of-the-art facility in San Juan Capistrano, complete with ten batting cages, six bullpens, a gym/ weight room, and an open turf area where campers can work on hitting, pitching, and catching. The outdoor component takes place at a baseball field in Laguna Niguel where campers have the opportunity to work on repetition drills and experience live game situations.

Big West BPA’s summer camps are open to kids of all skill levels, from beginners to elite players, with no tryout required. Campers work with top-notch coaches to develop new skills or to hone already existing ones. At the end of the session, select campers will receive a “Golden Ticket” based on their performance during the week, which is a direct invitation to join the travel baseball team program.

Attitude, Effort and Resilience
While Big West BPA promotes a competitive environment, it also focuses on making baseball a fun, bonding experience for athletes, by organizing various clubwide outings and activities. Although striving to succeed is an important goal, there is a heavy emphasis on attitude and effort, which helps development occur more rapidly.

“Baseball is a game of failure; the game will chew you up and spit you out” says Bray. “We teach kids how to overcome adversity, be resilient, and develop to the point where they believe in themselves. That’s why our travel baseball team program is so successful.”

For more information, visit SouthOCBaseball.com or call (888) 328-0126.

BIG WEST BPA BASEBALL
32771 Calle Perfecto, San Juan Capistrano
SouthOCBaseball.com • 888.328.1026