California Republic Leadership Academy Capistrano, a tuition-free charter school deeply rooted in the classical liberal arts tradition, is dedicated to shaping scholars who embody excellence in soul, mind, and body. The school’s unwavering commitment to this purpose sets it apart as truly exceptional.

CRLA Capistrano’s academic program consistently produces scholars with outstanding achievements, instilling a focus on character excellence and virtue. Grounded in the classical liberal arts tradition, the school’s curriculum, culture, and purpose yield remarkable results based on timeless principles.

Through Classical Education, the school guides students to appreciate truth, goodness and beauty. Historical facts are presented to provide a natural understanding of how morality has shaped the world. Teachers deliver unbiased instruction, fostering curiosity and sparking a love for learning.

Critical thinking naturally evolves as students reflect on learned concepts and make connections to their lives. Subjects like math, Latin, and grammar contribute to their analytical skills. In contrast to postmodern ideology, Classical Education rejects relative truth, emphasizing the objective pursuit of knowledge.

The primary goal of Classical Education is to cultivate virtue and wisdom in students, instilling a deep appreciation for truth, beauty, and goodness. Recognizing the intrinsic curiosity of children, the curriculum focuses on moral development, promoting critical thinking through content-rich lessons.

Classical Education upholds language, mathematics, and the teacher as central, emphasizing critical thinking through thoughtful questioning. The objective is not just to instruct students on what to think but to teach them how to think. The school believes in education for its intrinsic value, valuing truth, beauty, and goodness above mere vocational training.

To embark on the transformative journey of classical education for your child, contact California Republic Leadership Academy Capistrano today at 949.298.6040 or visit CRLAcapo.org for more information. Discover how our commitment to excellence can shape the future of your scholar.

California Republic Leadership Academy
31711 San Juan Creek Road | San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675
949.298.6040 • crlacapo.org

Capistrano Unified School District is debuting a new kind of educational model in the fall of 2025, empowering families to design their own educational format. At Marblehead Flex Academy, families can choose a personalized, adaptable education starting in TK. Students can learn in inperson or online independent study environments, or choose a 50/50 flex schedule with online and in-person instruction.

The flex model is ideal for families who want more control of their educational framework, adaptable to the particular needs or outside interests of the student. Through online study, students can progress at their own pace, revisit challenging concepts, and explore topics of personal interest in greater depth. This individualized approach promotes self-discipline, responsibility, and confidence in learning—skills that are foundational for long-term academic success.

At the same time, access to in-person instruction and extracurricular activities ensures that students remain socially engaged and benefit from hands-on learning opportunities. Students have access to all of the opportunities of a CUSD student, including music, art, physical education and more. This hybrid approach balances the flexibility of online education with the community, structure, and enrichment of traditional schooling—supporting the whole child academically, socially, and emotionally.

The beautiful Marblehead Elementary campus in San Clemente is the home of the exciting new educational venture. Contact the front office today for more information or to enroll your student.

PUBLIC EDUCATION EXCELLENCE
• Academic, college and personal Counselors on all campuses
• 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
• Spanish and Mandarin Language Immersion Programs (K-12)

ELEMENTARY
• Full and Half-Day Preschool Programs (Ages 3-5)
• Transitional and Full-day Kindergarten
• Award-winning TK-12 general music, instrumental & choral instruction
• Gifted and Advanced Learners (GATE)

SECONDARY
• College & Career Advantage Partnership
• High School Specialized Academies
• College@Capo: College credit courses taught by Saddleback College faculty on high school campuses
• College and Career Counselors at all High Schools
• International Baccalaureate Programs
• Advanced Placement Courses
• FIRST® Robotics: FTC and FRC Competition Teams

Capistrano Unified School District (CUSD)
33122 Valle Road | San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675
949.234.9200 • capousd.org

Classic Car Show

Dana Point, CA

Every year, the seaside charm of Dana Point transforms into a haven for car enthusiasts and the community during the much-anticipated Dana Point Classic Car Show. Hosted along the scenic stretch of Del Prado Avenue in the Dana Point Lantern District, this vibrant event draws thousands of visitors and locals alike to enjoy more than 300 classic and custom cars—from Mustangs and Chevys to rare European collectibles and hot rods gleaming under the Southern California sun.

This year’s event will take place Sunday, August 24, 2025, from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. on Del Prado Avenue and is free for spectators and is perfect for families and friends of all ages, including well-behaved, leashed dogs.

Organized by the Dana Point Chamber of Commerce, the show is a community celebration that reflects the city’s unique blend of coastal elegance and small-town spirit. Music sets the tone, while local restaurants and vendors serve up flavorful bites and craft brews, turning the event into a full-day experience for attendees of all ages. Adults 21 years and older can fuel up at Pit Stop Stations and sip on craft beer, wine, and spirits throughout the four-block radius of the event. Spectators can also shop from more than 40 local artists, makers, and vendors.

What sets the Dana Point Classic Car Show apart is its mix of nostalgia and laid-back sophistication. It’s a chance for longtime collectors, casual fans, and curious visitors alike to immerse themselves in automotive history while enjoying one of Orange County’s most picturesque coastal towns. Judges award top honors in several categories, but for many, the true prize is simply the opportunity to connect—car to car, neighbor to neighbor.

With stunning cars, great food and drink, entertainment, vendors, and a welcoming community vibe, the Dana Point Classic Car Show is more than an event—it’s a reminder of what makes this coastal town such a special place to live, visit, and celebrate.

For more information about the event, visit DanaPointCarShow.com. Have a Classic Day in Dana Point!

DANA POINT CLASSIC CAR SHOW
Del Prado Avenue in Dana Point
DanaPointCarShow.com

Sanctuary Home & Patio

End of An Era

by Victoria Kertz

Showroom & Warehouse Liquidation — EVERYTHING MUST GO!
After 26 and a half years of serving South Orange County, Sanctuary Home & Patio is closing its doors—and liquidating everything in its showroom and warehouse. Now through September 30, shoppers will find deep discounts on all indoor and outdoor furniture, décor, art, lighting and custom upholstery. With the business officially closing this fall, this is a rare opportunity to take home quality furnishings at once-in-a-lifetime prices.

Sanctuary, formerly known as Renaissance Home Furnishings, has been a trusted resource for everything from cozy family room sectionals and custom dining sets to high-end patio furniture and outdoor accessories. Their 11,000-square-foot showroom is filled with pieces from top brands like Sunset West, Polywood and Telescope Casual, alongside custom upholstery handmade in a Los Angeles facility. They also have a warehouse packed with additional inventory—all of which is being liquidated.

“People know us for our outdoor collections,” says owner Dennis Penman, “but we’ve always been a complete home showroom. Living rooms, dining rooms, media consoles, home offices—you name it. It’s all going now.”

Sanctuary has been a staple in the local design community, known for offering not just stylish furnishings but exceptional service. Their custom upholstery department has long been a favorite among local designers and returning customers. “We’ve done hundreds of custom sectionals for South County homes,” Dennis says. “California layouts practically demand them. We help customers find the right size, shape and style to fit their space and their family’s lifestyle.”

And if you’ve shopped at Sanctuary before, chances are you’ve seen the same smiling faces every time. “We’re a true mom-and-pop store,” Dennis says. “We’ve had the same staff for over 20 years and our delivery driver has been with us since day one. Customers remember that. We’ve even had kids who used to watch cartoons in our showroom come back years later to buy furniture for their own homes.”

The community has certainly taken notice. From local families and long-time regulars to designers and decorators, Sanctuary built a loyal following over the decades. But now, as Dennis prepares to close the current chapter, the focus is on offering customers one last chance to save big on high-quality pieces before the doors close for good.

All inventory is marked down, with the final day of business set for September 30, 2025. Custom upholstery orders will be accepted through mid-August, so if you’ve been putting off a reupholstery project or are considering a new sofa, now’s the time.

Whether you need a new sectional, a statement dining table, a few accent pieces, or a fresh outdoor setup for summer, everything must go—and it’s priced to move.

As Dennis reflects on this farewell chapter, he shares this heartfelt message, “Thank you to all of our customers for your love and support over the last 26 years. We’ll miss you!”

Follow Sanctuary Home & Patio on Facebook and Instagram: @sanctuaryhomefurnishings

Stay updated on new markdowns, store closing events and hours.

Call 949-248-9772 or Shop online at SanctuaryHF.com

Sanctuary Home & Patio
31896 Plaza Drive
San Juan Capistrano
949.248.9772
SanctuaryHF.com

San Clemente Ocean Festival

The Original “The Greatest Show on Surf” Returns

Before the Olympics land on our sand, experience the original coastal showdown that’s been making waves for nearly five decades. The San Clemente Ocean Festival is back for its 47th year and this one’s set to shine brighter than ever.

Join us July 19–20, 2025 at the iconic San Clemente Pier for a weekend packed with athletic feats, beachside beats and sun-drenched fun for the whole crew. From lifeguard legends and groms to dory teams and bodysurfers, watch as wave warriors compete for glory, medallions and local bragging rights.

SATURDAY HIGHLIGHTS:
– National Doryman Association Races (cue the splash zone)
– Groms Rule^® Surf Contest: Push-In Division
– 12th Annual Dolphin Dash Kid’s Beach Run
– FREE sunset concert featuring A Bunch of Guys (not Creedence, but close enough)
– BBQ dinner on the sand, blankets encouraged
– Woodies on the Pier—vintage rides + salty vibes

SUNDAY STOKE:
– More grom action in the surf
– 2nd Annual Bodysurfing Invitational
– Sand Sculpting Competitions
– The legendary Great Rubber Duck Race
– VWs Buses on the Pier—good vibes + classic rides

ALL WEEKEND LONG:
– Youth Pavilion packed with crafts, games & beachside fun
– Ocean-inspired Art Show in Parque del Mar
– Pancake breakfast by the SC Lifeguards (stack ‘em high, support the tribe)

Admission is FREE and getting there is easy; ride the train or hop on our complimentary shuttle from San Clemente High School.

Judge Brewery

A Hoppy Place to Gather and Raise a Glass

by Dina Scaglione

Few things satisfy quite like an ice-cold beer on a warm summer day. Add in a friendly staff, the soft clink of pint glasses and the low hum of good conversation around high-top tables and every sip becomes just a little more enjoyable. Perched above Pico in San Clemente, Judge Brewery opened last fall and has quickly earned a loyal following—not just for its expertly crafted IPAs, but for creating a space where community and craft intersect.

After years of perfecting their signature ale for restaurant distribution, founders and homebrewing experts Chris and Ashley took things a step further. They enlisted a seasoned brewmaster to expand their original recipes and help bring their vision of an elevated, community-first brewery to life.

The result? A menu of cleverly named, small-batch beers that are as fun to drink as they are to order. The Lady Justice Kölsch is crisp and easy-drinking. The Under Oath IPA brings bold, West Coast flavor with zesty, woodsy notes, while Run! It’s the Hops! layers citrus and pine into a sharp pale ale. The Red Ale delivers smooth, toffee-toned depth. For those who like it light and tropical, Jury Juice IPA blends Mosaic, Zappa and Motueka hops with pineapple, mango and passionfruit. The Last-Straw-Kiwi Seltzer tastes like summer in a glass and the Bad Boyz, Bad Boyz Sour finishes with sweet-tart flair and a cheerful magenta hue.

Judge Brewery has also become a local go-to for community events. Pints & Pistons, held the 2nd and 4th Saturdays of each month from 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., puts a craft beer twist on the classic cars-and-coffee meetup. With food trucks and a parade of hot rods, muscle cars, sportscars and vintage rides, it’s a social scene you won’t want to miss. The brewery is kid and pet-friendly and offers game nights every Thursday at 6 p.m., plus rotating events like cooking classes.

Judge Brewery is open Wednesday and Thursday from 12 to 8 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 12 to 10 p.m. and Sundays from 12 to 8 p.m. On Pints & Pistons Saturdays, doors open early at 10:30 a.m. The open-concept space is also available for private events.

Whether you’re into hop-forward brews or just looking for a laid-back spot to hang, Judge Brewery makes its case clear. As their slogan says, “You be the Judge!”

Judge Brewery
924 Calle Negocio Ste C
San Clemente
949.361.5922
JudgeBrewery.com

South County Restoration

Your First Call to Restoring Peace of Mind

by Victoria Kertz

When disaster strikes your home, the last thing you need is more uncertainty. For years, South County Restoration has worked to ensure their clients have a smooth, stress-free clean-up from water and fire damage, but their latest move adds another level of service that homeowners will love.

The idea struck owners Casey and Annmarie McCants when they relocated to a 9,000-square-foot facility in the Rancho San Clemente area. The new warehouse provided so much extra space that they offered an often overlooked restoration need: storage.

After a major plumbing disaster, some families have to move to temporary housing while their homes are being repaired, and some of those restoration procedures are so large that every piece of furniture has to be moved out of the house. Those mobile or portable storage units won’t hold everything that needs to go, and the closest storage facility may be in Corona or even further away.

With 9,000 square feet, South County can provide clients with private, safe, temperature-controlled storage in its expansive new facility. They knew homeowners dreaded the hassle, cost, and time of finding places large enough for big furniture; now they can keep everything together with the same company performing the repairs and restoration. South County was already considered a one-stop shop, but now it truly is! And in a notable act of community service, owners Casey and Annmarie say that they’re storing items for victims of the Altadena and Pacific Palisades fires until their homes are rebuilt—a process expected to take approximately three years.

The new facility is also home to the team behind the scenes of South County Restoration’s expanding operations, led by Erika and Kelli. These two superstars handle the calls and claim process with your insurance company so you don’t have to. “They help facilitate everything around the claim process,” Annmarie McCants says, “They work so well with insurance companies. Between the two of them, they have extensive experience ensuring customers get as much money as they deserve after a flood or plumbing leak.” Erika and Kelli are a big reason South County was named a 2024 Neighborhood Fave from the Nextdoor app and have a 5-star rating on Google Reviews — they know what they’re doing and love helping customers in every possible way.

South County’s service offerings have evolved to include every step of the plumbing repair protocols, from leak detection to re-piping and repairs. Water and mold damage restoration has always been in their wheelhouse, so adding new services that the same clients would need for the same emergencies just made sense. They’re also expert fire restoration technicians and offer the same services for commercial buildings as they do for your home. Other restoration companies may say they’re full-service, but only South County provides full-service offerings from day one through resolution, plus private storage that they manage in-house. South County has no franchises; your family will work with the same crew from start to finish.

Friends of so many San Clemente charities and non-profits, South County recently announced they are a proud sponsor of the first annual San Clemente Home Tour, starting October 24, 2025. Much like the Corona del Mar and Newport home tours, this event will showcase several stunning properties in San Clemente, celebrate local architecture and design, and support San Clemente public schools.

Tickets for the inaugural San Clemente Home Tour will go on sale soon. See SCHomeTour.org for more details, pricing, and sponsorship opportunities.

WHAT TO DO FIRST IF YOU SUSPECT A LEAK OR MOLD

NOTICE A PLUMBING LEAK, WATER DAMAGE, OR POSSIBLE MOLD?

Call South County Restoration at 949-536-8204 before contacting anyone else.

CALL THEM BEFORE YOUR INSURANCE COMPANY.

Erika and Kelli can handle the frustrating claims process and fight to get you the maximum compensation you deserve.

FREE ESTIMATES AVAILABLE.

Schedule yours at SouthCountyRestoration.com. CA Lic #932600

South County Restoration
1031 Calle Trepadora, Suite D, San Clemente
949.536.8204
SouthCountyRestoration.com

Irvine Greek Fest

A Taste of Greece

45th Annual Irvine Greek Fest

Get ready to be Greek for a day—or an entire weekend—as the beloved Irvine Greek Fest returns for its 45th year at St. Paul’s Greek Orthodox Church. From June 20–22, the church campus at 4949 Alton Parkway transforms into a lively celebration of food, culture, music, and family fun. This long-running tradition has been a summer highlight since 1980, drawing crowds from across Orange County.

Festivalgoers can enjoy authentic Greek cuisine, boutique shopping, live entertainment, and cultural experiences. The “agora” marketplace features artisan vendors, a bookstore, and a kids’ zone with carnival rides. Live Greek music by the Takis Kokotas Band and folk dancing by the Agape and Zoi youth groups (Saturday & Sunday at 3 and 5 p.m.) keep the energy going all weekend.

Food is a major highlight, with a menu full of time-tested favorites—lamb, gyros, saganaki, spanakopita, dolmathes, Greek salad, and pastichio— plus sweets like baklava and the crowd-favorite loukoumathes (honey-drenched doughnut holes). Stop by the kafenio for Greek coffee and frappés, or the taverna bar for Greek beer, wine, and a big screen showing weekend sports.

Guests can also tour the church’s stunning interior, featuring 20,000 square feet of handcrafted mosaic iconography—some of the most unique sacred artwork in Orange County. Church tours run throughout the weekend and offer insight into Orthodox Christianity’s rich heritage.

Festival hours are Friday 5 to 10 p.m., Saturday noon to 10 p.m. and Sunday noon to 9 p.m. Admission is $5 for adults; children under 12 are free. Seniors 65+ receive free admission Saturday from noon to 5 p.m., and veterans, military, and first responders are always free. Free parking and shuttle service are available from the Lake View Senior Center, and bike racks are on-site.

Proceeds benefit the ministries and outreach of St. Paul’s Greek Orthodox Church. For more info, visit IrvineGreekFest.com or follow @irvinegreekfest on social media.

ST. PAUL’S GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH
4949 Alton Pkwy, Irvine | 949.733.2366 | IrvineGreekFest.com

San Clemente Annual Car Show

Saturday, May 31 | 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Cruise on down this Saturday, May 31, as the 29th Annual San Clemente Car Show rolls into town on Del Mar from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. This beloved event, hosted by the San Clemente Downtown Business Association, promises a day filled with classic charm, beautiful cars and community spirit.

What began in 1995 as a few classic car enthusiasts gathered at the San Clemente Community Center has grown into a beloved annual car show, drawing thousands of spectators. Stroll along the 100 and 200 blocks of Avenida Del Mar, where over 250 meticulously restored vehicles—including classics, woodies, muscle cars, hot rods, exotics, and vintage trailers—will be on display. Enjoy live entertainment from COA (Community Outreach Alliance), The Chancers, Altar Billie’s and Ruby and the Barbwire Boys, while food trucks, slot car races, and vendor booths add to the festive atmosphere. Downtown shops and eateries will be open, offering unique finds and delicious bites. This is a wonderful community event for the whole family.

New this year, Parking Concepts will manage vehicle load-in, ensuring a smoother experience for participants. The SCDBA thanks South Orange County Rods & Customs for their years of outstanding volunteer service to the San Clemente Car Show. Attendees are encouraged to utilize the free San Clemente Trolley, with convenient pickups outside the Starbucks at The Outlets and other stops near the event venue. The trolley picks up every 15 minutes at stops along the Red Line route. For a map of all trolley stops and real-time trolley tracking, visit www.sctrolley.com.

The San Clemente Car Show is free to spectators and welcomes well-behaved dogs. With the large crowds, nervous or aggressive dogs may be uncomfortable in this setting. Proceeds support local businesses, nonprofits, and downtown initiatives. For more information or to register a vehicle, visit www.SCCarShow.com.

San Clemente Car Show
ON AVENIDA DEL MAR

Duane Betts & The Palmetto Motel Performing at The Coach House July 17

TICKETS

Duane Betts ignites and brings an evolution to the Southern rock tradition. With a fiery legacy forged by his father, the legendary Dickey Betts, the second-generation musician infuses it with his own soul-stirring blend of blues, raw passion, and six-string mastery. Backed by his band, Palmetto Motel, Betts delivers a dynamic live show filled with searing guitar solos, heartfelt storytelling, and a mix of classic influences with fresh energy. Fans can expect a blend of roots rock, blues, and some improvisational jamming, creating an electrifying yet deeply authentic experience. With top-tier musicianship, a connection to rock ‘n’ roll history, and the desire to make every performance a true experience, a Palmetto Motel show is an unforgettable journey that no music lover should miss.

For More Info: 949.496.8930 

The Coach House
949.496.8930
33157 Camino Capistrano
San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675
TheCoachHouse.com