Home Instead

To us, it’s personal

by Victoria Kertz

In south Orange County, former Army Captain Jim Kordenbrock is leading a mission unlike anything he did as a helicopter pilot. As the owner of Home Instead’s local franchise, he’s helping seniors maintain their independence and dignity by enabling them to age in place—right where they feel most comfortable. All Home Instead CAREGivers are bonded, insured, registered with the State of California, and undergo extensive DOJ/FBI background screening, drug screening, DMV checks, and personal and professional references checks relieving you from that burden and providing peace of mind.

Following the loss of his parents, Jim found himself wondering how he could make an impact in elder care. This soul-searching led him to purchase a Home Instead franchise in Southern California, but he didn’t stop there. Committed to understanding the complexities of aging, he pursued and earned a master’s degree in Gerontology from the University of Southern California Leonard Davis School of Gerontology, earning the 2023 Master’s Student Award.

In the US alone, nearly 59 million people are 65 or older, a number that’s projected to surge to 90 million by 2050. “The need for what we do is going to grow and grow and grow,” he says. Assisted living facilities are necessary for some older people, but others are happy to stay at home — they just need a little help from a kind, patient professional who makes their lives much easier.

If you’ve ever looked for a caregiver in any field, you know how challenging it can be to find good help that shows up. Home Instead only hires caregivers who see their work as more than a job. “The best caregivers do this because they have kindness in their heart,” he explains. His team includes a diverse array of professionals—from retired doctors and nurses to a former car dealership service manager who has proven to be one of his best caregivers. This variety of backgrounds united by compassion ensures that each client receives personalized care. Some of his employees have seen their clients daily for over four years.

The services offered by Home Instead are as varied as the needs of their clients. From personal care assistance to meal preparation, housekeeping, and even pet care, their support can be tailored to any schedule—a few hours a week or every day. This flexibility makes them ideal for families looking to supplement existing care arrangements or those needing comprehensive support.

After all, family caregivers juggling multiple responsibilities know that caregiver burnout is all too real. Home Instead offers a vital lifeline, providing professional support that allows family members to take necessary breaks while ensuring their loved ones receive consistent, quality care.

If you have a loved one in South Orange County, including San Clemente, Dana Point, San Juan Capistrano, Mission Viejo, Laguna Woods, Aliso Viejo, or Ladera Ranch who needs help to keep living happily and independently at home, veteran-owned Home Instead offers free consultations to discuss your family’s specific needs and create a personalized care plan. Contact them at 949.347.6767 or visit HomeInstead.com/301 for more information.

Jim’s passion for helping seniors remain healthy and at home shines through in every aspect of Home Instead’s service. His military background brings discipline and dedication to the organization, and his experience with aging parents adds a layer of empathy and understanding that you can only find from someone who’s been through it. “As a society,” Jim says, “we have to do something.”

Home Instead
33161 Camino Capistrano, Suite G
San Juan Capistrano
949.347.6767
HomeInstead.com/301

Merry Holidays

As the holiday season approaches, the coastal communities of San Clemente, Dana Point, and San Juan Capistrano are preparing a variety of festive events to delight residents and visitors alike.

SAN CLEMENTE

In San Clemente, the annual Santa’s Village by the Sea is Saturday, December 7 from 4 – 9 p.m. This family-friendly celebration transforms the area around the community center into a winter wonderland, featuring live music, food, hot chocolate, popcorn, games, and even a sledding hill. Coinciding with Santa’s Village is Puttin’ on the Glitz, a fun and festive evening of late-hours holiday shopping and dining, carolers, sweet treats, street musicians, and community vendor booths on Avenida Del Mar. Rock out at the Silent Disco, but don’t miss Santa’s arrival! He’ll drive down Avenida Del Mar—starting at the top at 4:30 p.m. The festivities culminate with the lighting of the community Christmas Tree, bringing holiday cheer to all attendees.

DANA POINT

Dana Point’s holiday season kicks off with Holidays at the Harbor, running through January 12, 2025. Visitors can enjoy strolling through the harbor’s holiday lights, boat rides, pictures with Santa, a Menorah lighting and live music. The harbor transforms into a Southern California winter wonderland. On November 30, Dana Point will also host its Jolly Trolley event, where Santa and his elves will visit various parks to distribute pre-packaged treats, with the final stop at La Plaza Park for the tree lighting ceremony and holiday celebration. The Jolly Trolley will travel to Sunset Park, Dana Woods Park, Sea Canyon Park, and La Plaza Park from 1:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. Mark your calendar for the annual Boat Parade of Lights taking place December 13 to 15 at 6:30 p.m. Boaters from all around Orange County decorate their boats and vie for awards, creating a dazzling display on the water.

SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO

The city will host their annual Christmas Tree Lighting Celebration on Saturday, December 7 at Historic Town Center Park. Beginning at 4 p.m., attendees will enjoy pre-show entertainment, a holiday stage production, and the tree lighting countdown set to begin at approximately 5:45 p.m. Afterwards, visitors can stroll over to Los Rios Street and meet costumed characters and enjoy free family activities, including pictures with Santa. The historic Mission San Juan Capistrano simultaneously kicks off Capistrano Lights on December 7. Visitors will enjoy holiday performances, including Dickens-era carolers and marionette shows, with opportunities to take selfies with Santa and view the beautiful light displays. Capistrano Lights will run on select evenings through December 29, with a nightly tree lighting at 5:05 p.m., musical performances, and opportunities for holiday shopping.

December 2024 Calendar of Events and Local Happenings for South Orange County
Featuring the cities of Aliso Viejo, Capo Beach, Dana Point, Laguna Beach, Laguna Niguel, Mission Viejo, San Clemente, San Juan Capistrano and surrounding areas! The Local Dish Magazine’s two-page calendar is the centerfold of our monthly magazine. Many of our magazine readers pull the calendar out of the magazine itself and post it to their refrigerators at home! Web users can simply “mouse over” the image below to enlarge their choice of calendar square/date. Also, make sure to scroll to the bottom area of this page where you can click around until you find an event that you may be interested in. Remember, if you or your business has a “local” event that you think is post worthy, please forward it to our webmaster.

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Help Our Veterans Find Their Way Home

Support our Veterans Today They Deserve our Help!

2nd Annual Banquet and Fundraiser for Homeward Bound Vets this Monday, Veterans Day, November 11 at The Hills Hotel in Laguna Hills

TICKETS

Enjoy a delicious dinner and dessert featuring a specially curated menu.

Experience special appearances by actor Jeff Kober, known for his roles in The Walking Dead and Sons of Anarchy, and J.J. Mohr, actor and comedian, famous for his performances in Ghost Whisperer, Gary Unmarried, Saturday Night Live, and the always funny comedian Pebbles.

Hear inspirational words from Colonel Bob Sulier Colonel, Battalion Commander.

Host and MC: “Shotgun Tom” Kelly, a renowned radio personality.

This event is more than a banquet; it is a call to action. Please help us raise the funds needed to establish a new veteran housing facility to offer homeless veterans the support they need to thrive. With your help, we can give back to the heroes who have protected our freedom.

Help Our Veterans Find Their Way Home
TICKETS
HBvets.org

Wunderli Injury Law

Advocating for Injury Victims

by Victoria Kertz

When it comes to fathers and sons, it’s often said that the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree. But for Kyle Wunderli, a personal injury attorney in San Clemente, the apple fell on the opposite side of the orchard.

Kyle’s father was an attorney who defended insurance companies, some of whom Kyle now faces off against as a personal injury lawyer at Wunderli Injury Law, PC.

“My earliest memories are of my dad coming home from work and asking us kids for our opinions on what he was working on,” he says. “It was always something different.” These dinner table discussions sparked a passion for law in young Kyle, but with a crucial difference—he knew he wanted to be a plaintiff’s attorney, and he knew that he never wanted to work for anyone but himself. “It has always been in me,” he says.

Born and raised in Sacramento, Kyle’s journey took him to San Clemente in 2014, then Utah, before returning to South Orange County. He earned his law degree in 2013 but started a business during law school and embraced the opportunity to spend more time at home as a father to his three daughters.

In 2022 Kyle put his law degree to work, founding Wunderli Injury Law in Dana Point. His practice gained swift momentum through networking with top rehabilitation specialists in the beach cities, which has been instrumental in building trust and credibility in the community. He already possesses a track record of successful settlements.

While Kyle handles a wide range of personal injury cases, from construction accidents to slip-and-falls and dog bites, his specialty lies in an area that demands both expertise and empathy: traumatic brain injuries (TBI). As a BIAA Certified Brain Injury Specialist, Kyle brings a unique set of skills to the table. This certification, awarded by the Brain Injury Association of America—the country’s oldest and largest nationwide brain injury advocacy organization— equips Kyle with the knowledge and understanding to effectively advocate for TBI victims. He can communicate the complex nature of these injuries and their profound impact on individuals in a way both juries and insurance companies understand.

Despite his success, Kyle says he’ll never be a “billboard attorney” who touts big winnings or dollar amounts. “Reputation is everything,” he says. “I just want happy clients.” His commitment to client satisfaction is clear in the 5-star reviews you can read on Google, including “Kyle at Wunderli Injury Law is beyond words amazing. Our experience was hands down the best, he’s professional, easygoing, straightforward and extremely knowledgeable in his field. Highly recommended.”

As you can imagine, Kyle’s dedication extends beyond the courtroom. He’s eager to give back to the community that has embraced him. Kyle recognizes and profoundly appreciates the significance of empowering our youth, ensuring they have opportunities to flourish in the future. He is actively supporting the Orangewood Children’s Shelter, the sole emergency shelter in all of Orange County. In addition, he will be contributing to local schools and youth sports organizations throughout the community.

If you need a personal injury attorney who combines legal acumen with genuine care for his clients, text or call (949) 866-3833 to schedule an appointment today. You’ll have no trouble finding him at his lighthouse-inspired office in Dana Point, a fitting symbol for his role as a beacon of hope for injury victims. Located at 34232 Pacific Coast Highway, Wunderli Injury Law stands ready to guide clients through the turbulent waters of personal injury claims.

Experience firsthand how his expertise and dedication can make a difference in your case today. Understanding the diverse needs of the greater SoCal community, Kyle has ensured his staff includes Spanish-speaking members.

Wonderli Injury Law
34232 Pacific Coast Hwy, Suite F
Dana Point, CA
949.866.3833
WinInjuryLaw.com

47th Annual Dana Point Turkey Trot

This Thanksgiving, families are invited to lace up their running shoes and take part in one of Southern California’s most cherished holiday traditions—the Dana Point Turkey Trot.

For over 40 years, this iconic event has brought together thousands of runners, walkers, and spectators to celebrate Thanksgiving with a fun, active start to the day. Known for its playful tagline, “Run the race before you stuff your face,” the Turkey Trot offers participants a chance to enjoy a scenic run along Dana Point’s beautiful coastline before indulging in their holiday feast.

The event caters to all ages and abilities, making it the perfect family-friendly outing. Participants can choose between two 5K races, a 10K, or opt for the 15K combo race, all offering breathtaking views of the harbor, beaches, and surrounding cliffs. Kids can get in on the action too, with the one mile Kids’ Gobble Wobble—a fun run for children 12 and under that lets the youngest racers enjoy the excitement of race day.

The Dana Point Turkey Trot is more than just a race—it’s a community tradition. Many families return year after year to spend their Thanksgiving morning together, creating lasting memories and enjoying the festive atmosphere. With live entertainment, a health and wellness expo, and plenty of post-race refreshments, the event offers a full day of fun for everyone.

Join the thousands of runners and walkers who make the Dana Point Turkey Trot part of their holiday tradition. Register today and spend Thanksgiving morning making memories at this beloved community event.

Want to save on registration? Use code TURKEYLD24 when signing up to receive $5 OFF per registration (exclusive to The Local Dish readers). This is the perfect opportunity to gather the whole family or invite friends to join in on this festive community event!

47th Annual Dana Point Turkey Trot
Dana Point Harbor
949.496.1555
TurkeyTrot.com
X (Twitter): @turkeytrot
Facebook: @danapointturkeytrot

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and Plastic Surgery

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Kahuna Grip

Born from Surfing!

Little did the founders of Kahuna Grip, an adhesive traction for surfboards, know that a sticky solution would pave the way for a revolution in outdoor and bathroom safety. In 2007, Kahuna Grip gained traction among surfers as a more versatile alternative to traditional surf wax. Riding the wave of its initial success, the founders expanded and applied their expertise in adhesive technology to create step treads for pool areas and landscape stones, enhancing safety in slippery outdoor environments, calling it Versatraction.

CEO Harris Farber says it was a personal mishap that led to the company’s most significant pivot. When one of the founders suffered a fall in the bathtub, requiring months of recovery, the team realized the potential of their technology in the humble bathmat. This accident sparked the development of Versatraction’s innovative bathmats: clear, all-natural adhesive mats that stay put and contain no abrasive materials or glass, setting them apart from traditional non-slip solutions.

The absence of sticky residue makes them comfortable to touch and easy to clean. But the true magic lies in their water-activated properties – when wet, the mats become remarkably “grippy,” with optimal performance when fully submerged. When dry, it maintains a soft, rubbery feel that’s safe for bare feet.

Customers say that they like how the mats become part of the tub or shower floor. They sometimes forget that it’s there! There’s no risk of the mat shifting or bunching up, eliminating trip hazards. The mats also prevent water accumulation underneath, reducing the risk of mold and mildew growth found with removable mats.

From surfboards to bathtubs, Versatraction’s journey illustrates how innovation, adaptability, and a commitment to safety can transform a niche product into a versatile solution for everyday challenges.

You can shop all of Versatraction’s adhesives at Versatraction.com, Amazon, or QVC. If you’re curious to experience Versatraction’s products firsthand, call the company at 714-973-4589 to schedule an appointment at their Santa Ana warehouse. Products are not available in stores.

Kahuna Grip
KahunaGrip.com
714-973-4589

Advanced Center for Sports & Musculoskeletal Medicine

Dr. Eric Sickinger, DO and Dr. Shaun Wiebe-Bailey, DC, DACBSP®

Knee pain is commonly experienced by individuals across all age ranges and levels of activity. It is estimated that $27 billion dollars are spent annually on the management of knee pain in the USA.

In Western Medicine, current standards of care for acute and chronic knee pain often lead to increased surgical utilization with mixed long and short term benefits. Meniscal resection/debridement can lead to early onset degenerative bone changes; and partial/complete knee replacements carry risk of infection, a long/difficult recovery, and the potential for follow up revision surgeries.

However, a growing body of research is pointing to one simple conclusion with the management of knee pain/dysfunction — the needle is replacing the knife.

A new generation of injectables called Orthobiologics are compounds derived from the body to promote natural tissue repair/ regeneration. They are showing incredible promise in slowing and reversing the effects of knee degeneration.

The Advanced Center for Sports & Musculoskeletal Medicine is proud to offer their new SOAR (Sickinger Orthobiologics & Regeneration) program which combines Orthobiologics, rehabilitative biomechanical therapy, and diet/nutritional optimization. These services are on the cutting edge of Regenerative Medicine, and have allowed patients of all ages to return to their active lifestyle without the downtime or complications of surgery.

Dr. Eric Sickinger, DO and Dr. Shaun Wiebe-Bailey, DC, DACBSP® are both Board Certified in their respective fields for Sports Medicine, and bring a collaborative approach to helping patients move!

The Advanced Center for Sports & Musculoskeletal Medicine
665 Camino De Los Mares, Ste. 305
San Clemente
949.388.1060
SportsandMSKmedicine.com
Instagram: @sportsandmsk_medicine
Facebook: @sportsandmskmedicine
X (Twitter): @SportsandMSKmed