Dana Point Film Festival

The Dana Point Film Festival (DPFF) is excited to offer the community its first-annual Oceans Film Festival dedicated to filmmaking featuring marine life, ocean health, and the human relationship with this magnificent wonder. The inaugural DPFF will be held May 4 to 7 and features documentary films that focus on conservation, preservation, education, and ocean adventure, as well as surf films. In its inaugural year, the DPFF has 45 hours of screenings over four days. For the full event schedule and to purchase tickets, please visit DanaPointFilmFestival.org.

As a true community event, the DPFF will bring surf, ocean and film leaders to Dana Point for panel discussions. Through the DPFF Student Film Competition, students will be given an opportunity to grow as filmmakers while conveying captivating stories of the ocean.

Endless Summer Celebration at Salt Creek Beach
This year marks the 60th anniversary of The Endless Summer. To celebrate, the DPFF is hosting a party and The Endless Summer screening at Salt Creek Beach Park on Cinco De Mayo. Surf Legend and The Endless Summer II co-star, Robert “Wingnut” Weaver, will be the event MC.

Free The Endless Summer tickets are available to those that register in advance here: DanaPointFilmFestival.org/endless-summer. VIP tickets are also available for purchase.

“Film festivals are a great way to unite a community and bring attention to missions that truly count,” said DPFF founder Lloyd Bryan Molander. “We love and cherish our Pacific Ocean and coast and seeing our neighboring whales and our dolphins who continually bring magic and soul. We honor them as mascots, name parades after them, build statues, and commission institutes to study them. Now, we at DPFF, celebrate them in film in their precious and awe-inspiring environment.”

Acting Academy for Kids

Parents & Kids Rave That AA4K is The Best in The OC!

by Victoria Kertz

Looking for an engaging and entertaining summer camp for your creative kids? The Acting Academy for Kids in Mission Viejo is now open for summer camp registration. AA4K offers acting, dance, music and fusion (a blend of the three) in weeklong musical theatre camps that bring out the performer in your child. These fun and fast-moving programs create lasting memories and teach valuable life skills, such as public speaking, effective communication, and teamwork.

Summer camps take place at the Z Playhouse, AA4K’s main facility in Mission Viejo, and Lyceum Village, a youth educational center in Irvine. These two safe and convenient locations provide parents easy access and peace of mind. AA4K founder Stephen Zygo and his team are gearing up for a super spectacular summer, especially with the addition of two new musicals, Zombies 3 and Matilda. In keeping with tradition, the kids in Zygo’s year-round program choose new musicals for the summer camp repertoire. Other 2023 camps include those inspired by the music of Encanto, Harry Potter, The Little Mermaid, and more. Visit AA4K’s website for the complete list.

Each weeklong camp may feature a different musical, but the schedule remains similar for kids who favor a consistent routine. Kids are welcome to participate for one week, the entire summer session, or anywhere in between; no experience is necessary. Casting and rehearsals begin the Monday of each week, and by Friday, campers perform a fully costumed showcase for family and friends. It’s a whirlwind of indoor fun that kids enjoy so much that many of Zygo’s former students return as camp counselors during their summer break from college. The other instructors are industry professionals who bring joy and enthusiasm to help your child learn and thrive on stage.

If you’ve had the opportunity to catch a live performance at the Z Playhouse, you have a great reason to return. Zygo and his team gave the stage a $30,000 makeover this past season, raising the ceiling (a welcome update for taller teens) and installing a state-of-the-art lighting system that turns every production into a showstopper.

They’ve also rebooted their tv and film classes for ages seven through sixteen. Helmed by AA4K Studio Director Courtney Yamanishi, the program teaches students to become film actors instead of stage actors. It’s an excellent way for your budding star to engage with film and prepare for auditions. From music videos to producing short films, the classes allow students to earn IMDB credit without traveling to Los Angeles, which parents certainly appreciate.

Stephen says his original vision for AA4K Studios was to provide kids hands-on experience with technical equipment and have the opportunity to be both in front of and behind the camera. “We encourage kids to learn how everything works,” he says. If your young one aspires to become a director or a sound and audio engineer, AA4K Studios is a wonderful place to start.

Even if your child doesn’t plan to pursue a career in the arts, theatre camp fosters creativity, develops communication skills, and broadens imaginations in a safe space. As children work together on projects, they learn the value of teamwork, but most importantly, they’ll have fun and make friends.

With tons of rave reviews on Yelp, AA4K isn’t just loved and praised by parents; it inspires children to discover their passions. This longstanding theatre program is a unique alternative to organized sports, promoting an environment where kids focus on musical performance, while receiving a workout in a non-traditional way.

After all, creative people always have a solution! Let the Acting Academy for Kids be the answer to your summer camp conundrum. Camps fill up quickly, so register at ActingAcademyForKids.com or call 949.427.0072 to secure your child’s spot.

SIGN UP NOW FOR SUMMER CAMPS
ActingAcademyForKids.com

NOTE: Film and TV classes are part of the year-long program and the evening summer series, but are not summer camp programs at this time.

ACTING ACADEMY FOR KIDS | AGES 5-17 | ActingAcademyForKids.com | 949.427.0072

G. Love

Returns to San Juan Capistrano

G. LOVE & SPECIAL SAUCE kicked off their “Sauce Up! 23 Tour” in February and will be performing Friday, April 7 at The Coach House. The national tour features special guest and Blues legend Nat Myers.

“I’ve been in the game a long time, but I’ve always considered myself a student,” says G. Love. “Finishing this album with Keb’ Mo’ felt like graduation.” Recorded in Nashville, G. Love’s The Juice album is indeed diploma-worthy. Co-produced and co-written with GRAMMY-winning icon Keb’ Mo’, it’s an electrifying collection, one that tips its cap to more than a century of blues greats, even as it offers its own distinctly modern pop spin on the genre.

Born Garrett Dutton in Philadelphia, G. Love grew up equally enthralled with folk, blues, and rap, devouring everything from Lead Belly and Run D.M.C. to John Hammond and the Beastie Boys. After migrating to Boston, he and his band, Special Sauce, broke out in 1994 with their Gold-selling, self-titled debut, which earned widespread critical acclaim for its bold vision and adventurous production. Over the next twenty-five years, G. Love & Special Sauce would go on to release seven more studio albums.

“I’ve never been the kind of guy who thinks he’s going to change the world with his guitar,” reflects G. Love. “But maybe I can write the kind of songs that give strength and encouragement to the people who are out there doing the work to make this planet a better place.”

Life is good for G. Love these days, and he’s not taking a moment of it for granted. In just the past few years, he’s launched his own beer collaboration with Oregon’s Good Life Brewery (The Juice IPA), started his own festival in Massachusetts (The Cape Cod Roots & Blues Festival), and founded his own record label, Philadelphonic.

“I’m more inspired right now than I’ve ever been before,” G. Love reflects. “I feel more thoughtful, seasoned, marinated, confident. I’m making the records I’ve always wanted to make.”

The Coach House
33157 Camino Capistrano
San Juan Capistrano
949.496.8930
thecoachhouse.com

Money Saving Tips

Rick Hackett at Farmer’s Insurance

When shopping for insurance, you may be tempted to reduce your coverage or drop important coverages altogether with the goal of saving money. But be careful, you could end up being dangerously underinsured and have to pay a substantial amount in the event of a disaster. In the end, you didn’t save money, you lost money. Here are some common mistakes people make when it comes to insurance.

THE MISTAKE:
Insuring a home for its real estate value rather than for the cost of rebuilding.

WHY YOU SHOULDN’T:
When real estate prices go down, some homeowners may think they can reduce the amount of insurance on their homes. But insurance is designed to cover the cost of rebuilding, not the sales price of the home. You should make sure that you have enough coverage to completely rebuild your home and replace your belongings— no matter what the real estate market is doing.

A BETTER WAY TO SAVE:
Raise your deductible. An increase from $500 to $2,500 could save up to 10% on your premium payments.

THE MISTAKE:
Only purchasing the legally required amount of liability for your car.

WHY YOU SHOULDN’T:
The minimum is just that—the least you can get away with by law. So buying only the minimum amount of liability means you are likely to pay more out-of-pocket later. And if you are sued, those costs can jeopardize your financial well-being.

A BETTER WAY TO SAVE:
Consider dropping collision and/or comprehensive coverage on older cars worth less than $5,000. The insurance industry and consumer groups generally recommend a minimum of $100,000 of bodily injury protection per person and $300,000 per accident.

THE MISTAKE:
Neglecting to buy renters insurance.

WHY YOU SHOULD BUY IT:
A renters insurance policy covers your possessions and additional living expenses if you have to move out due to an insured disaster, such as a fire or hurricane. Equally important, it provides liability protection in the event someone is injured in your home and decides to sue.

A BETTER WAY TO SAVE:
Look into multi-policy discounts. Buying several policies with the same insurer, such as renters, auto, and life will generally provide savings.

RICK HACKETT
Your Local Agent
CA License # 0832675
949.943.3610
rhackett@farmersagent.com
agents.farmers.com/rhackett

■ HOME
■ AUTO
■ LIFE
■ BUSINESS
■ WORKERS COMPENSATION

Farmer’s Insurance
33161 Camino Capistrano, Suite K2
San Juan Capistrano

Seaside Skin Care

New Wellness Center

by Victoria Kertz

Seaside Skin Care, San Clemente’s go-to med-spa for non-invasive aesthetic procedures and treatments, is taking beauty and wellness to the next level… literally. With the addition of an entirely new wellness space at the ultra-spacious North Beach facility, a full suite of body-contouring treatments and IV infusions await. When you want to look and feel your best, Seaside now offers a complete menu of skin care, health and wellness options to achieve your desired beauty goals.

Seaside Skin Care is truly a family-owned business success story. Founded in 2010 by Dr. Scot Jones, Josh and Kiara Jones, and Kiley DiLeo (Jones), the startup opened as a skin-focused medical spa at the top of Avenida Del Mar on El Camino Real. Overseen by Dr. Scot Jones, the burgeoning practice moved into the current North Beach building to alleviate growing pains and accommodate an ever-expanding clientele. In 2022, Seaside debuted its wellness center, featuring luxe, spa-inspired surroundings, state-of-the-art equipment, artwork from local artists, and a separate entrance on the ground floor.

“The wellness center delivers on the trend toward healthier living, which grew tremendously during the pandemic,” says Michele Westendorf NP-C, the site’s CEO and clinical director. For inner wellness, Seaside offers a range of all-natural IV infusions to suit the needs and health of each patient. From skin-boosting and acne-fighting formulas to fitness enhancing vitamin replenishment, the infusions have brought in a diverse, new group of clients, including men, surfers and athletes. Clients say the treatments bring newfound energy and are fans of the IV infusions. “We’ve never seen this kind of age range — our IV patients now span from age 18 to 90!”

Michele’s especially pleased with the NAD+ infusion results. This 3-session infusion series recharges cells over a ten day period to reduce pain and inflammation and promotes weight loss by boosting metabolism. She adds that NAD+ infusions may assist with banishing “brain fog” and improving cognitive function for those suffering lasting effects from COVID or other illnesses. “It’s life-changing,” enthuses Michele.

Want a facial and IV infusion, but can’t find the time to fit both treatments into your busy schedule? Seaside has you covered. Many clients save time by receiving an IV infusion during their facial appointment. The knowledgeable staff is ready to assist with making your experience both convenient and efficient.

“We invest in the training and education of our staff,” Michele says. “We focus on a client’s happiness, of course, but safety is our number one priority.” Seaside boasts a team of 27 employees and utilizes licensed professionals and nurses to perform and administer all treatments, including, facials, lasers, Ultherapy (a terrific way to tighten the skin on your neck and chest), Radio Frequency microneedling, IV infusions, and injectables like Botox and fillers. At Seaside’s Body Studio, on the lower level, clients can experience the latest methods for muscle-building and toning, without additional workouts or downtime. Ask about Emsella, Emtone, and Emsculpt Neo to feel your best and achieve your beach-ready body.

With skin care and facial aesthetics at its roots, Botox, facial fillers, and HydraFacials are still the most popular treatments. Loyal customers return regularly for refreshed skin and Michele and her team say that when it comes to fillers and other injections, Seaside’s motto is “restoration, not alteration.” Nurses will ask to see a photo of the client from 5 to 7 years ago to inspire their work. The result is a natural, rejuvenated appearance, without looking overdone.

Ready to start looking and feeling your best? Here are 3 easy ways to schedule your next IV treatment!

1. BOOK ONLINE at SeasideSkinCare.com.

2. TEXT 949.276.2777 with your preferred treatment, times and dates

3. CALL the Front Desk at 949.276.2777

Seaside Skin Care
1401 N. El Camino Real, Suite 100B, San Clemente
949.276.2777
SeasideSkinCare.com

63rd Annual Swallows Day Parade

On March 25, the 63rd Annual Swallows Day Parade returns in all its glory, with Grand Marshal, actor Dennis Quaid. The 2020 and 2021 festivities saw the pandemic curtail large events. In 2022, the State enacted an equine quarantine because of a deadly horse virus. Last year, the 62nd Annual Swallows Day Parade became a motorized parade for the first time in its history. This year the Swallows Day Parade will have horses on the street for the first time since 2019. The theme is “Back in the Saddle Again!” The parade will feature equestrian groups from all over the state, with wagons, carriages, floats, re-enactment troupes and marching bands — a fun-filled family-friendly event!

Since 1960, the Annual Swallows Day Parade has been one of the largest non-motorized parades in the nation. The festivities remind us of our equestrian heritage and pays homage to the Swallows and their return to San Juan Capistrano. The Parade, Fiesta Grande, Hoos’Gow Day and related events are produced by the all-volunteer organization, the San Juan Capistrano Fiesta Association. All funding comes from the community in the form of sponsorships, donations, fundraisers and merchandise sales.

The Mercado Street Faire will be happening all day long during Swallows Day, boasting some incredible vendors, live country music, a kid’s zone and plenty of food! The Fiesta Association would like to thank the food vendors who will be serving their delights in the Mercado, including:

• B. Food International
• Barrett’s Lemonade and Burgers
• Bred’s Nashville Hot Chicken
• Chick-Fil-A
• Cocos Catering
• Cruisin Juice
• Keith’s Kettle Corn
• Love to Snack (aka Dippin’ Dots)
• Mario’s Tacos
• Nieves El Paraiso & Concessions
• Rosales Mexican Food
• Snowie California Shaved Ice
• SR Thai BBQ
• Taco Bar Catering
• Tacos Before Vatos

COME FOR THE PARADE AND STAY FOR THE MERCADO!

For more information on the day’s festivities and all other events please visit www.SwallowsParade.com.

Enlightened Solar

by Victoria Kertz

There are two kinds of homeowners in California — those who have already installed solar panels and those who are contemplating it. If you’re in the latter group, San Clemente’s Enlightened Solar is your local source to guide you through the process. Now’s an ideal time to get started because the financial benefits will change dramatically as of April 14, 2023. 

Enlightened Solar has the experience to know exactly what needs to be done so that you’ll be grandfathered into receiving current solar incentives. The urgency comes from the California Public Utilities Commission’s decision to end net energy metering 2.0 (NEM 2.0) on April 14. Presently, most residential and commercial solar customers receive a dollar-for-dollar credit on power not utilized, which is sent back to the utility company. It’s one of the best solar incentive structures in the country, but under NEM 3.0, the credit will decrease so significantly that solar customers will have to wait even longer to see a return on their investment. 

“We believe more solar will be sold in the next 90 days than at any other time in history,” Enlightened co-founder Brett Jarman says, and with good reason. To be grandfathered into NEM 2.0 for the next 20 years, solar customers must sign a contract for the installation, have a system e-diagram created, and open a file for interconnection. 

The entire process takes roughly a week. The first step is easy; simply provide a single page of your current electric bill which shows the last 12 months of power usage in your home. Enlightened’s expert team will evaluate your current and future energy consumption, discuss the aesthetic changes to your home’s exterior, and factor in the age of your roof. 

Wondering if your house can accommodate solar? Systems can be installed onto any roof material that faces the sun, regardless of the direction. If you’re not sure whether you need solar or not, Brett suggests envisioning how much energy you’ll need in the future. Will you be charging an e-vehicle? Will you require a dialysis machine or other medical device that uses extra power? 

For over 14 years, family-owned Enlightened Solar has wowed homeowners with its professional and clean rooftop installations throughout Southern California. The company prides itself on delivering the most refined rooftop systems under the sun, all at an affordable price. They’re ready to assist customers with navigating through the new solar guidelines and are excited to introduce them to the advantages of incorporating clean energy into their homes. 

Potential customers should know that solar is not a weekend project. The first steps are completed within a week or two, but with a backlog of up to six months, the actual panel installation may be months down the road. There’s considerable engineering and manpower involved, but once you become your own power plant, the benefits are well worth the wait. 

Enlightened’s team completes everything in-house, including the construction. No step of an Enlightened install uses subcontracted labor. They’re committed to providing superior systems, matching the lifestyle and personality of each home. 

“Solar is a complex, energy-generating home improvement,” Brett says, and one that’s constantly on public display. He says it’s difficult to convey the importance of workmanship before an installation. Thankfully, homeowners generally don’t want to skimp on a large, roof-mounted design that, if done improperly, is something they could regret for the next 25 years. 

The natural benefits of solar, like pollution-free energy from a renewable source, are clear, but the financial perks are disappearing soon. If you’re interested in panels for your home, call Brett and his team at (949) 426-7096 to take advantage of current solar incentives before the deadline arrives. 

Enlightened Solar
927 Calle Negocio Unit D, San Clemente
949.427.8400
EnlightenedSolar.com 

Home Improvement Spotlight

Capistrano Hardwoods

DC Plumbing, Heating, and Air Conditioning

Doheny Builders Supply

Lantern Bay

Morena Tile & Stones

Outdoor Lighting Perspectives

ReelTime

Reynold’s Termite Control

Rohan & Sons

Sofas by Design

South Coast Shutter and Shades

South County Restoration

The Kitchen Lady

The Window Guys

Triton Air

True American Grain Reclaimed Lumber

ZeroRez

South County Restoration

Casey McCants

Facing a slab leak or plumbing disaster? Let South County Restoration in San Clemente come to your rescue. From the second you see water damage, call owner Casey McCants, before you contact your insurance provider. Casey’s team is your one-stop resource to close the leak, repipe your home, repair the drywall and paint. Many mitigation companies offer services to address only one component in the process, but South County Restoration offers a comprehensive solution, from the moment you notice a leak to the last restoration detail. 

Since 2008, this dedicated team of professionals has been providing emergency water remediation and restoration throughout South Orange County. In addition to being a general contractor, Casey is also a trained homeowner advocate, so he is well-equipped to address insurance claim issues on your behalf. Casey has the knowledge and experience to answer insurance provider questions, file the claim, and recover the compensation you deserve. In some cases, insurance may even pay for a portion of your repipe. 

“Insurance companies want you to use their approved vendors and do the least amount of work to restore your home,” says Casey. That’s where South Country Restoration stands out. His team conducts a thorough investigation of the damage and suggests a long-term solution. 

Casey and his dedicated staff will initiate your claim, schedule the repipe, and work with your insurance company to get the best possible settlement. The team will arrive at your home at 8 a.m. on the day of repiping, cover everything in plastic, execute the repairs, and provide you with running water that very night. 

South County Restoration utilizes cross-linked polyethylene, better known as PEX, to bypass or replace existing pipes. PEX tubing is flexible and can be directly routed to where it needs to go. The product’s flexibility reduces the need to make joints and turns, while improving water pressure. A PEX repipe prevents future leaks and is designed to last a lifetime. 

After the repipe is completed, a second team arrives to repair the drywall, typically two days later. They also perform mitigation services, thoroughly clean and abate the area, conduct mold and asbestos testing. Only South County Restoration can repipe your home and repair the walls in as little as three days. 

South County Restoration has and always will be a customer-centric, community-based company. Helping neighbors recover from water damage, so they receive prompt compensation from their insurer, is what Casey’s team does best. 

With a 24/7 Rapid Response Team standing by, and a 49-minute arrival time, call on South County Restoration when trouble arises. Check out SouthCountyRestoration.com and remember to call Casey, before you call your insurance company. 

South County Restoration
1064 Calle Negocio, Ste. B
San Clemente
949.536.8204
SouthCountyRestoration.com

Rohan & Sons

Dean Rohan

Rohan & Sons, Inc., is a trusted, family-owned and operated company that has been in business in San Clemente for over 46 years. After leaving his family’s Refrigeration, Heating and A/C business in Los Angeles (and a successful childhood show business career, too), John Rohan started his own company in 1973. Following a brief stint in Arizona, John, his wife Sally and their 5 children planted roots in beautiful San Clemente in 1976. After John’s passing in 2020, his son Dean Rohan, son-in-law Tom Medina, daughter Kelly Rohan Medina and grandson Breyden Rohan have continued the family business and have kept John’s legacy alive. Rohan and Sons, Inc. is now in its 4th generation as a family business. 

Rohan and Sons’ team of family-like employees have built a huge clientele of over 1000 commercial and residential customers throughout Orange, L.A and San Diego Counties. Services include residential heating and air-conditioning installation, maintenance and repair. The company also offers years of experience in commercial HVAC. They continually strive to exceed expectations by ensuring that each client receives the very best service to fits their needs. 

Rohan and Sons provides a variety of money-saving solutions, including ductless mini-split heating and air systems. With advances in technology, some smaller properties can bypass the need for large, central HVAC systems. Ductless mini-split installations often provide all the power needed to heat or cool homes and businesses. Wall-mounted mini-split units help customers save time and money with easy installations and increased energy efficiency. 

Yelp reviews continue to rave about Rohan and Sons. 

“We love Dean and his crew. We just had a whole new HVAC system replaced by Rohan and Sons and it works great. Everything about the experience has been easy. From the free quote to the installation, it was all a breeze. We got several quotes from other companies and Rohan’s price was good as well as the service. I had a follow up question, and they were easy to get a hold of and answered my question promptly. I highly recommend!” — L.M., San Clemente 

CEO Dean Rohan commented, “We’re a family business and we would like you to be a part of it.” 

Rohan & Sons
244 Calle Pintoresco
San Clemente
949.492.1361
RohanAndSonsInc.com