2021 Summer Camps

949 VOLLEYBALL CLUB
949 Volleyball Club, celebrating 12 years in San Juan Capistrano, provides summer camps for both boys and girls, ages 9 to 18, at any ability level. The club has won 10 Junior Olympic medals, as well as 6 National Championships at the 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017 and 2018 Junior National Championships. The summer camp’s goal is to teach beginners the fundamentals of the game and to prepare juniors and seniors looking to compete in the NCAA. 949 Volleyball Club promotes sportsmanlike behavior inside and outside of the gym, instills the values of integrity, dedication and hard work, and focuses on having fun! Space is limited; please register early. For more information, contact Justin directly at 949.374.2890 or visit 949vb.com

ACTING ACADEMY FOR KIDS
Acting Academy for Kid’s Performing Arts Camp offers three family-friendly South OC locations this year — Z Playhouse in Mission Viejo, Lyceum Village in Irvine and Virtual Summer Camp from the convenience of your own home. Daily classes in music, acting, and dance immerse kids, ages 5 to 14, in an authentic performing arts experience. The week-long camps are each guided by professional educators and culminate in a student-centered production with sets, costumes, and lights. Ten distinct week-long programs run from June 8 to August 14. The “core camp” rate is $295 per week with early bird and after-camp enrichment options as well. Go to ActingAcademyforKids.com for details and production schedules.

AMERICAN BEACH VOLLEYBALL
At American Beach Volleyball, kids have the opportunity to make friends, push their limits and have fun. American Beach Volleyball offers sessions for youth through college age players, beginners to pros, and males and females. Fun, encouraging, high-level training is available for ages 12 to 24. Summer sessions are for ages 8 to 12. Professional and encouraging coaches teach hitting, passing, setting, defense, blocking and serving. All participants will learn new skills. No one sits — everyone plays! Are you an indoor player or athlete needing cross-training? The beach helps all athletes with strength, speed and agility. Indoor players will improve control skills and expand their digging range. ABVC plays on the beach all year long at Doheny State Beach in Dana Point. Register now for summer or fall at AmericanBeachVolleyballClub.com. For more information, call 949.485.0826 or email info@americanbeachvolleyballclub.com. See you at the beach!

BRAIN BUILDERS
Brain Builders puts the “STEAM” in education — science, technology, engineering, arts, and math. Weekly summer camps start in June and children, ages 5 to 14, will learn concepts such as energy, thermodynamics, gravity, coding and more in camps such as Engineering with LEGO, Robotics, Video Game Design and 3d Printing! Themed camps are structured, goal-oriented and are either a half or a full-day. Sign up for an in-person camp at the Laguna Niguel or Tustin location (COVID safety guidelines in place). Get fee info and registration details at BrainBuildersEd.org and put on your thinking cap. Use promo code “DISH21” to receive 10% off any camp.

CALIFORNIA JUNIOR LIFEGUARDS
California Junior Lifeguard Programs is celebrating 30 years in 2021. Certified instructors are dedicated to providing junior lifeguard participants with the best instruction in ocean safety, lifeguarding skills and surfing. The staff takes great care in planning each day’s activities to ensure that all participants enjoy their experience. With a beautiful and convenient location on the sandy beach at Salt Creek, participants have the option of selecting either a 3-week Junior Lifeguard Program or a 1-week Junior Lifeguard “Essentials” Program (ages 8 – 17). Children, ages 5 – 7, can enjoy a 1-week Mini Junior Guards Program. Programs start June 7 and run through mid-August. Visit JrLifeguards.com to register.

CSA CHEER & TUMBLING
Come be a part of the Summer Camps at CSA Cheer & Tumbling in San Juan Capistrano! Girls and boys, ages 5 to 14, will learn how to tumble, cheer and dance at CSA’s facility with competition-sized spring floors, a tumble track, and tumbling equipment. Have fun learning new Cheer and Tumbling skills while making new friends. Camps include a CSA T-shirt and morning snack. Sessions are of-ered Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m., during the weeks of June 21, July 12, July 26 and August 9. CSA’s 2021-22 All-Star Cheer tryouts are on May 1, with a clinic on April 30. Visit CoastSpirit.com to sign up for camps, classes, and teams, or call 949.248.7873 for more information.

DANMAN’S DANA POINT MUSIC
Celebrating 22 years! Danman’s Dana Point Music offers two weeks of kid’s Music/Rock/Vo-cal camps starting on June 21. Monday through Friday camps offer participants the opportunity to pick a band name, do a photoshoot, rehearse each day and receive instruction on their instruments. Each Friday, campers will perform their set list on stage for family and friends at StillWater. Instruction on guitar, piano, drums, bass, and vocals is provided by talented and inspiring professional music teachers. Bring in this ad or register before May 15 to receive $25 off. Camps are $299 per week and include snacks and drinks. Check out Danmans.com or call 949.496.6556 for more information.

FAIRMONT SCHOOLS SUMMER PROGRAMS
Looking for a way to keep your kids curious, challenged, and connected this summer? Then look no further than Fairmont Schools, Orange County’s oldest and largest secular, co-educational preschool through 12th grade private school. Fairmont’s award-winning summer programs offer a full line-up of educational programming—all within a safe environment which follows rigorous COVID protocols. CAMP (Preschool-8th Grade): high energy ACA-accredited camp experience combining education and recreation keeps kids engaged all summer long. Summer School (Kindergarten-8th Grade): reading, writing, and math taught by Fairmont teachers and individualized to meet students where they are so students can get ahead or stay ahead when they start school in the fall. High School: dozens of for-credit, UC-approved courses for high school students. Enroll by April 30 for 10% off all summer programming. Visit FairmontSchools.com/SJC for more info.

THE JOHNSON ACADEMY
Did you know that one out of every five children struggle in reading? Children who receive intervention before 3rd grade have a 90% chance of increasing their reading skills to meet their intellectual abilities. This year, there’s a huge impact in learning loss from the negative effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. Due to the high demands of literacy, reading is more important than ever. The Johnson Academy, located in San Juan Cap-istrano, offers evidence-based reading and math intervention programs to improve phonemic awareness, comprehension, vocabulary knowledge and cognitive abilities. If your child struggles with keeping up in school, please contact the academy to receive more information. Call 949.487.5251 or visit thejohnsonacademy.com.

KG BEACH CAMPS
KG Beach Camps has been a part of the Dana Point Harbor since 1987. Children, ages 4 to 13, will enjoy a variety of activities offered from three different camps based out of Baby Beach near the Ocean Institute. Age appropriate camps range from the Mini Minnows (ages 4 to 6) to Beach Safari (ages 6 to 9), and H20 Adventures (ages 9 to 13). Campers will participate in activities such as trips to the local tide pools, bean bag toss, crab hunting, stand-up paddle boarding, sail-ing, kayaking, rowing, whale watching on Dolphin Dave’s Catamaran Safari, beach games, crafts and so much more. Camps fill up fast, so book early. Camps run from June 21 through August 13. Call 949.842.5211, email SummerBeachCamps@gmail.com or visit kgbeachcamps.com for more information.

LOS RIOS ROCK SCHOOL
Beginner/Intermediate and Advanced Rock Camps are available at Los Rios Rock School in San Juan Capistrano! Pick from 5 fun, full-week camps offering hands-on, live music training and playing with the best instructors and facility in Orange County. Parents, friends and family are invited to see campers live in concert on a professional stage on the last day of camp. Camp tuition is $399 for new students and is due 2 weeks before camp starts. When enrolling, be sure to ask about the “multiple camper” discount! Camps run Monday through Friday from 9:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. Weekly Beginner & Intermediate camps start on July 12 and run through August 13. Advanced Camp takes place from June 21 to 25. To enroll, please visit LosRiosRockSchool.com/SummerCamps. For details, call 949.456.1081 x700 or email Schedule@LosRiosRockSchool.com.

MARINA VIEW PRESCHOOL AND KINDERGARTEN
Summer camp at Marina View Preschool and Kindergarten is all about learning and fun! Full and half-day camps run weekdays, June 17 through August 12. Students are welcome to join for one week or all eight weeks. Children, ages 12 months to 6, are invited to participate in weekly, adventure-based camps such as The Wild Wild West, Reptile Week, Let’s Go Camping, Safari Week, and Exploring Oceans. Let curious minds explore topics in-depth through reading and art projects. Call 949.249.8687 or visit MarinaViewPreschool.com for enrollment and tuition information. Let the fun begin!

NELLIE GAIL RANCH TENNIS AND SWIM SUMMER CAMP
For the past 27 years, the Nellie Gail Ranch Summer Tennis and Swim Camp has introduced the great game of tennis to over 12,000 of South Orange County’s youth. The camp staff provide a safe and secure environment where your kids will have a fan-tastic day on the courts and in the pool. The camp staff is dedicated to giving your children, ages 5 – 13, the best experience possible while they learn the great game of tennis. New to this year’s camp is pickleball. The popular, mini-court paddle sport will give youngsters another fun, daily activity. Camps run Monday through Thurs-day, June through August. Bring a friend and receive a $25 discount. For more information, go to NellieGailTennis.com or call 949.831.6660.

PRIME VOLLEYBALL CLUB
Prime Volleyball Club’s All Skills Camps are for all ages and experience levels. Athletes are separated onto courts by level of play, making it perfect for first-timers or returning players. Sessions focus on individual skills training including hitting and defensive footwork, passing technique, serving, defensive eyework and reading, arm swing mechanics, setting and overhand passing, as well as game strategies and tactics with game-like play each day. Prime coaches teach fundamental volleyball skills using the same training methods and techniques as the USA Olympic teams, as multiple Prime coaches have worked with Team USA! Prime helps athletes make key technical adjustments to bring their game to the next level. Prime Volleyball training is fast-paced, competitive, and fun. Go to PrimeVolleyballClub.com for more information and registration.

SAN CLEMENTE CHRISTIAN SCHOOL
The 2021 San Clemente Christian School’s Summer School Fun Pro-gram carries a camp feel with a focus on keeping minds sharp through the summer. Head of School, Dr. Nicky Magnuson, pointed out that studies have shown that without the active engagement of creativity and learning, a student will lose 30% of his/her acquired knowledge base from the school year. The full-day program runs from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. SCCS Summer School Fun includes both learning sessions with math and summer reading, as well as, on-campus themed projects, enrichment classes like cooking and music, and off-campus activities such as trips to the beach, pool, parks and more (based on available activities and CDC recommendations). Weekly programs run $225 per week with a one-time $50 registration. The Summer School Fun Program runs June 21 through August 13. Visit SanClementeChristianSchool.com/summer to sign up today!

SAN CLEMENTE DANCE
Join San Clemente Dance & Performing Arts Center’s 25th Commemorative summer of fun and exciting camps and workshops! Beginners or advanced participants, from ages 3 to adults, can choose from a wide range of options. A 7-week summer session with once-a-week class-es and week-long dance camps are available. Young dancers, ages 3 – 7, can join in week-long camps filled with arts & crafts, story time, snacks, fun and games. Intensive workshops for beginning, intermediate, and advanced dancers featuring hip hop, jazz, ballet, tap, musical theater and tumbling, are also offered at SCDPAC and taught by some of California’s top instructors. For information on week-long Dance Intensives, and additional camp and class registrations, please go to SanClementeDance.com or call 949.498.7571.

SAN CLEMENTE JUNIOR LIFEGUARDS
The San Clemente Junior Lifeguard Pro-gram is an ocean and beach safety pro-gram for young people ages 9 to 17. Participants receive education and experience in ocean safety, first aid, rescue techniques, body surfing, board surfing, physical fitness, and Marine Safety operations. This fun-filled, three-week program meets just north of the San Clemente Pier. Parents can choose from one of six sessions beginning in June and ending in August. New participants must first pass a mandatory swim test to be eligible to register for the Junior Lifeguard Program. Swim tests are held at the Ole Hanson Beach Club (Saturday) or the San Clemente Aquatic Center (Sunday) on select weekends in April. Visit the JG website at San-Clemente.org/jg or call 949.361.8261 to learn more.

ST. ANNE SUMMER KNIGHTS DAY CAMP
Summer is just around the corner, and St. Anne School in Laguna Niguel is excited to welcome back campers from preschool through middle school to its Summer Knights Day Camp! This fun-filled camp runs for seven weeks, from June 14 through July 30 from 7:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. With health and safety protocols in place, each camp day is filled with fun and educational activities. From arts and crafts, gardening and games, to beach days and water play, campers will enjoy reconnecting with friends and mak-ing new ones. Each week has a different theme, with activities planned to complement the theme. Camp costs: Tuesday/Thursday: $160, Monday/Wednesday/Friday: $230, M-F: $335. Activity Fee: $50 one-time non-refund-able. Registration is now open. Visit St-Anne.org/summercamp for more de-tails and to sign up.

TSTREET VOLLEYBALL CLUB
Ranked as the #1 Volleyball Club in Orange County, Tstreet is centrally located in the Irvine Spectrum area. Tstreet offers a full range of position-specific, general skills, sand camps and clinics throughout the summer. Training is open to boys and girls and the program caters to elite as well as introductory level athletes. Tstreet is owned by two-time Olympic Gold Medalist coach and player Troy Tanner who brings his philosophy of “achieving one’s highest potential” to the club. Proper movement patterns and mechanics, repetitions, feedback, and fun are emphasized in all camps! Indoor training takes place at the club’s gym in Irvine. Sand training takes place at the brand-new sand courts in San Juan Capistrano on the Fairmont campus. Sign up online at TstreetVolleyball.com.

WESTWIND SAILING
Welcome aboard! Westwind has been providing educational boating programs for the community since 1987. Programs include sailing camps, SUP camps, and boating classes for all ages and skill levels. Camps are offered during Spring Break and all summer. Westwind has been awarded the “Best Camp for Kids” in Dana Point for the past 2 years and it’s a sanctioned US Sailing, Community Sailing Center and STEM Hub. Scholarships are available from Cal Boating and the Dana Point Aquatic Foundation (contact the company directly for details). West-wind’s COVID Prevention and Reopen Plan was approved by the County of Orange in May, 2020 and will continue to be the standard through 2021. Find Westwind at the OC Sailing & Events Center in the Dana Point Harbor. Call 949.492.3035 or visit westwindsailing.com for more information.

YMCA OF ORANGE COUNTY CAMPS
Igniting Passion, Purpose, and Potential all summer! This sum-mer, the Y is igniting the best in every camper. Through exciting educational and recreational activities, field trips, challenges, art, and more, campers will learn some of life’s most necessary skills, like resiliency, positivity, adaptability, relationship-building, and caring for others. Offered at 50+ locations throughout Orange County, the camp is sure to offer all kids, Kindergarten through 8th grade, a summer filled with adventure, fun and friends. Financial aid is available. Sign up today at YMCAoc.org/summer.

The Coach House Concert Hall

by Dina Scaglione

It was 1980. The music scene was going strong. Disco had fallen out of favor and music was undergoing a transformation. The Golden Bear Music Hall in Huntington Beach would soon close its doors, giving way to a new kind of unpretentious concert hall in South Orange County. Owner Gary Folgner opened The Coach House in San Juan Capistrano which began as a country Western music venue, and soon morphed into a destination featuring a newer form of jazz fusion with iconic saxophonist stylings.

Over the next few years, The Coach House evolved into a popular and eclectic setting where both timeless classics and contemporary music are found. The now-famous venue highlights national and international acts, ranging from well-loved artists like America and Berlin, along with our favorite rock and roll tribute bands. As a launching pad for aspiring artists and a welcome destination for well-established groups, the intoxicating vibe and state-of-art sound system set the stage for a pulsating energy that takes place four nights a week.

Due to indoor entertainment closures resulting from the pandemic, The Coach House sat quiet and unsung for well over a year. Thankfully, the long awaited return of live music performances is in full swing and the venue has now re-opened its doors to full capacity, showcasing musical acts from every genre. Guests are now able to enjoy great music alongside a fullservice restaurant and bar, every Thursday through Sunday evening. Check out the concert schedule at TheCoachHouse.com or call the box office at 949.496.8930 for more information. I highly recommend making dinner reservations, giving you priority seating and a great vantage point from which to view a show.

The return of live performances at The Coach House is music to all of our ears! Purchase your tickets to see upcoming shows from The Smithereens, Young Dubliners, Mission Persons, The Motels and many more.

The Coach House Concert Hall
33157 Camino Capistrano
San Juan Capistrano
TheCoachHouse.com

1LAW

Partnering with the Community

by Victoria Kertz

Scott McDonald and Jason Velez believe that a law firm should provide more than just a resolution to your legal issues. The pair founded 1LAW, in San Clemente, to advise Orange County residents on personal injury claims and to give back to the community they love. Goodwill may not be the first thing that comes to mind when considering law firms, but for 1LAW, it’s an integral part of a broader mission.

Since opening doors to their practice in 2014, Scott and Jason have established themselves as advocates who go the extra mile for their clients. The firm’s branded Sprinter van near its Camino de Los Mares office is a visual reminder that driving up to Los Angeles or even Irvine is no longer necessary to receive best-in-class legal services. While 1LAW specializes in personal injury and accident claims, the firm also provides counsel on family, immigration, bankruptcy, and intellectual property matters.

“We share the same values as our clients,” Jason says. “It’s part of what drives me. We believe that a personalized approach translates into better results.” With over 80% of the firm’s business derived from referrals; clients couldn’t agree more. After all, when overwhelmed with the stress and suffering from an accident or injury, an unresponsive lawyer is counterproductive to achieving a positive outcome.

In addition to connecting clients with trusted medical or chiropractic treatment, 1LAW works directly with insurance agencies to prevent delays in reimbursement. One of the firm’s attorneys remains involved with each case throughout the entire process, and the initial consultation is always complimentary. “A lot can go wrong with a personal injury case,” Scott says. “At the end of the day, we look out for our clients until the final resolution.”

This client-first mentality is a cornerstone of Jason and Scott’s business philosophy. In addition, 1LAW’s staff is tasked with familiarizing themselves with the needs and priorities of each client, enabling them to deliver more specialized attention. When all parties are working in unison, it creates an environment where the attorneys are more effective. Clients aren’t simply a case file at 1LAW, they’re neighbors, fellow parents and local business owners who need both empathy and expert legal representation.

1LAW takes the support of local clubs and athletic teams seriously. Since 2014, the firm has sponsored the San Clemente High School Triton softball team. Both Scott and Jason have coached their fair share of youth sports and they believe it’s their responsibility to contribute to the community spirit that makes San Clemente such a special place.

They also understand that accidents don’t always happen during normal business hours and clients have urgent questions or concerns that may keep them awake at night. That’s why 1LAW created an online chat feature, providing clients with 24/7 access to legal support. Jason and Scott launched the Free Legal Chat app on their website in early 2020. Clients, new and existing, have the opportunity to receive legal advice without needing to visit the office and schedule an appointment with an attorney. “Technology can make legal services so much more accessible,” Jason says.

What can 1LAW do for you? Take advantage of a free initial consultation to determine if you have a case. An attorney will provide a realistic, honest assessment of your situation and help you make the best choice in moving forward. Jason and Scott are passionate about making South County a better place to live, one case at a time. As Jason says, “Let us earn your business.”

1LAW
629 Camino De Los Mares #104A
San Clemente • 949.245.6171
1LAW.com

Gemmell’s Restaurant

Bon Appétit!

by Dina Scaglione

Say “bonjour” to the delectable French cuisine you’d expect to find at some of Paris’ best eateries, without traveling abroad. Imaginatively healthy, freshly prepared, made-when-you-order meals await at Gemmell’s Restaurant. For more than 20 years, this Dana Point Harbor gem has transported diners to a time and place where quality food and deliberate meal preparation was both fashionable and personal.

Long-time restauranteur Byron Gemmell has found a way to elevate fine dining without any of the pretense you might expect. Bringing more than 50 years to the table, chef-owner Gemmell delivers a full menu complete with traditional, Old World fare and a few surprising twists. After two decades, Gemmell’s continues to create artful masterpieces for locals and visitors, with a hint of the French countryside.

Walking through the menu is a delicious adventure, whether you relish classic French fare or something a bit more daring. Must-try dishes include the housesmoked wild salmon, pâté de canard, creamy lobster bisque and the hearts of romaine salad with roasted walnuts, crumbled blue cheese and diced tomatoes. Whether you prefer fresh fish or exotic game, Gemmell’s offerings will not disappoint. Savor the poached salmon, embellished with a champagne lemon dill cream sauce, Sand Dabs Meniere with white wine, butter, parsley, lemon and butter sauce, or Shrimp Provençale with delicately sautéed Gulf shrimp, diced Roma tomatoes, basil, parsley, and caper sauce, all served with rice and vegetables. Carnivores will appreciate Gemmell’s succulent and slow roasted duck in a banana liquor reduction or the roasted lamb with fragrant thyme and garlic demi-glace, or sirloin steak, seared to perfection and finished in a bordelaise sauce. Of course, one’s meal is never complete without dessert; whether you choose the decadent flourless chocólat cake, fresh lemon tart with shortbread crust, or the soufflé served with a rich crème anglaise sauce; each one is worth every sinful bite.

There’s no need to travel to France when culinary masterpieces are available right in Dana Point. Make your reservation for lunch, dinner or Sunday brunch, served from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at GemmellRestaurant.com.

Gemmell’s Restaurant
34471 Golden Lantern
Dana Point • 949.234.0063
GemmellRestaurant.com

Eden and London Move Onward

Here’s Something To Talk About. What would you do if you were told you have a terminal disease without a cure?

MEET EDEN + LONDON

Mother-Daughter Survivors On A Mission… Moving Onward.

“You know all those things you always wanted to do? You should go do them.”

Eden and London have been living by this mantra ever since Eden was diagnosed with stage IV cancer in February of 2019. With a prognosis of a year left to live, this single Mom and her 10-year-old daughter decided to move ONWARD. Eden and London’s accomplishments through their own battle is a true representation of survivors with a mission. Over the past two years, Eden has endured traumatic cancer treatment and the medical bills that follow. Being immune compromised, she was homebound through the pandemic. Putting safety first, she chose to homeschool London, and with a lot of time for reflection, Eden and London put forth a plan to make their bucket list dreams come true. As the world slowly moves forward, it’s time for this Mother-Daughter team (A.K.A “The Unicorns”) to make their dreams a reality and move . . . ONWARD.

Sometimes London and I laugh about what was worse, homeschooling fourth grade math, or chemotherapy.” – Eden

Eden Pays It Forward To The Cancer Community

Eden Feeley and her daughter, London Feeley, photographed a month after her diagnosis of Stage IV triple-negative breast cancer in March 2019. Photo: Courtesy of Optimistic Expressions

Eden is on mission to give back to the cancer community by providing a pay it forward photography service called, Optimistic Expressions. For every portrait session purchased, an additional portrait session is donated to a woman living with cancer. Born a third generation model and stylist, Eden inherited a strong foundation in the fashion industry for being innovative and highly detailed. For over 25 years she has dedicated her passion on set, conceptualizing and directing behind the scenes embracing the limitless creativity a photo shoot can offer. Eden’s art direction through her photographer’s lens is positively engaging and comforting. She presents an encouraging energy for each individual’s life experience to be captured.

“The heart of Optimistic Expressions is in the name; we bring an optimistic, loving feeling to the women we photograph living with cancer.” – Eden

“Today was a day I will never forget. Thank you Optimistic Expressions from the bottom of my heart for making it possible for me.” – Dorianna – (Stage IV Cancer Survivor)

London Writes A Book For Children With Cancer Fighting Mommies.

London is currently writing an uplifting children’s book featuring Mr. Sour Puss (a very grumpy cat), Mommy, London, and their dog CoCo. The book is a refreshing outlook through London’s eyes encouraging children and their cancer fighting Mommies to find humor during a not so funny time. When London was asked what she wanted to do for her summer break she said, “Travel in a van with my Mommy, while writing my book.” With only 5 weeks left of homeschooling, Eden and London quickly put together their creative minds and launched a FUNdraiser. Their goal is to raise money to publish London’s book and to buy a van so London can document their Mother-Daughter roadtrip adventures.

One of London’s favorite quotes from her book is when she was learning about breast cancer awareness at school and she asked Eden…”Mommy, do you have BREATH cancer?”

Eden and London’s inspirational story as a courageous Mother and Daughter team has touched so many hearts, and what better way to create a legacy of memories for London to cherish forever? As Eden continues to fight the odds, her fuel for survival is mothering London and giving back to the cancer community. Their humbling journey should be a continued reminder to all of us how precious life is.

As the world slowly moves forward, it’s time for these Unicorns to make their dreams a reality and move ONWARD…IN A VAN.

To Contact Eden + London please email eden@enthehouse.com or call 310-625-2471

You can also follow their adventures on Instagram @onwardinavan

The Right Guy Real Estate Group

by Simon Guy

Article by Victoria Kertz

It’s a seller’s market and demand for Orange County real estate has reached a fever pitch. Simon Guy, one of the premier agents at Keller Williams OC Coastal Realty, has sold over 500 homes, but he’s never seen a market quite like this. One of Simon’s recent listings attracted 69 showings over a single weekend, received 15 offers, and sold for 10% more than the asking price. Like the last four properties Simon sold, it, too, required no appraisal contingency.

Competition for single family homes is fierce. Record low interest rates, coupled with pandemic demand and remote work opportunities, have created a market imbalance. In Orange County, there are typically 5,000 to 7,000 active listings in any given spring, but current inventory levels are approximately 2,300 – not seen since 2006. The work from anywhere culture is driving millennials and Gen-Xers out of the San Diego and Los Angeles areas toward the laid-back vibe of South OC. With excellent schools, charming beach towns, and safe neighborhoods, it’s a market that Simon, who grew up in Dana Point, knows well. The Dana Hills High School graduate now lives in San Juan Capistrano and works from his office in San Clemente, which provides him with a depth of knowledge about the local area. He realizes that while homes are getting snatched up quickly, today’s market conditions won’t last forever. If you have a property you’ve contemplated selling, there may never be a better time than now.

The first step, Simon says, is to hire a full-time professional. Selling property yourself, or listing it with an inexperienced friend, relative or part-time agent, may translate into unforeseen consequences. Simon warns that a lack of information regarding current legal requirements and best practices can result in long-term issues that might have been prevented. “Real estate has been my focus since I was 18,” said Simon. Since then, he’s become a top-selling, award-winning agent, and has built a customer-centric team who gets the job done right. When you work with Simon, you also have the benefit of five specialists, always available to assist. Simon makes certain his clients receive conciergelevel customer service, regardless of property value. His all-inclusive approach to real estate includes an administration and processing specialist, a sales guru, an expert in lead generation, and an escrow agent.

The team is headed by Simon’s wife Daisy, who in addition to developing gorgeous digital and print marketing for clients, also has the most important job: taking care of their two young sons, John and James. Simon’s signature marketing plan ensures that your property is only featured in its best light and is seen by as many potential buyers as possible.

Even in a white hot market, optimal positioning is essential to attract the most qualified buyers. Simon and his team will develop a comprehensive marketing campaign for your home, with a proven strategy that’s made him one of the most successful realtors in the county. He takes all of the guesswork and research off your plate and completes the entire transaction in a timely, professional manner.

Selling your home is likely the most important financial decision you’ll make. Simon believes in patience during the process; it’s not about taking the first offer, or even one of the first several. In this type of seller’s market, identifying the right offer and advising a client through the negotiation phase into the final closing is best left to an experienced agent.

If you’re looking to sell your home, call Simon Guy of Keller Williams OC Coastal Realty. Your time is now.

The Right Guy Real Estate Group
Simon & Daisy Guy
Call or Text Today! 949.283.9897
SellWithTheRightGuy.KW.com

Carlos Mexican Restaurant + Cantina

by Dina Scaglione

As we step out and about, dining with family and friends is high on the list of things to do. One of Dana Point’s best scenes for a casual, al fresco experience is Carlos Restaurant in Dana Point. With its sun-dappled Saltillo-paved patio, outdoor fire pit, ocean breezes and savory fare, we’re reminded of what we’ve been missing at this local gathering place.

For more than 50 years, Carlos’s has commanded the ample corner of Pacific Coast Highway and Alcazar Drive as the go-to locale for authentic Mexican food. Known for an incredible array of traditional dishes, including Fajitas, Pollo Ranchero, Chili Verde, Menudo and the hard-to-find Nopalitos – the latter two items are uncommonly served 7 days a week. What began as an intimate, family-owned coffee shop in the early 70’s quickly evolved into a beach city staple for authentic Mexican cuisine. Perhaps a bit lesser known, but every bit as delicious, is Carlos’s abundant and fresh selection of seafood options. Fish Tacos, stuffed Seafood Enchiladas and 7 Mares Soup, made with fish, crab, mussels, clams, octopus, calamari, shrimp and vegetables are just some of the popular offerings. My fave is the Camarones A la Diabla featuring spicy jumbo shrimp delicately sauteed in onions, garlic, tomatoes and bell peppers, served with rice, refried beans, and warm tortillas.

Craving a hearty breakfast? Carlos Restaurant is also home to a traditional Mexican and American-style breakfast, served each day from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. The expansive menu boasts all of your morning favorites, including homemade Chorizo and Scrambled Eggs, Huevos Rancheros, Carnitas and Eggs, a selection of freshly-made omelets, breakfast burritos and “choose your size” stack of fluffy pancakes.

Stop by for Happy Hour from 3 to 6 p.m., Monday through Friday, and check out Carlos’s weekly Taco Tuesdays, starting at 2 p.m. Treat yourself to Lobster Wednesdays from 4 to 9 p.m., where mouth-watering garlic, butter-basted whole or half lobsters are grilled to perfection. If you’re celebrating a birthday, baby shower or other special event, call to reserve a cozy corner inside or a tranquil spot on the patio.

Open daily from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m., Carlos Restaurant is your recipe for relaxation, so take a break from cooking and unwind with a tasty Margarita. Still owned and operated by the same family since 1972, Carlos’s remains a dedicated purveyor of delicious food, always accompanied by warm and friendly service.

Carlos Mexican Restaurant + Cantina
34224 Pacific Coast Hwy in Dana Point
949.496.4470
CarlosCantinaDP.com

First Team Real Estate

Brian Barney

AN ALASKAN IN OC

Born and raised in Fairbanks, Alaska, Brian Barney is a real estate agent with 22 years of construction and general contractor experience. He’s built custom homes in the rugged Alaskan landscape, crafted coastal estates in places like Laguna Beach, and even served as construction lead on a popular HGTV show. With over 300 new homes and over 3.5 million square feet of commercial and residential space under his belt, Brian is truly unique — a home expert, who’s also a realtor.

“I can walk into a house and know that if you invest $15,000 in a kitchen, within a specific period of time, you’ll receive a certain return on investment,” he says. “I can determine, just by looking at a house, where your money is best spent.”

Clients appreciate his eye for structural quality and ability to envision a home’s potential, but also his honesty. “I always ask my clients, ‘is this your short-term, 5-year, or forever home?’ Because if this is your forever home, then we should implement a new strategy.”

An outdoorsman since birth, Brian has a deep respect for nature. His childhood home was warmed by a wood-burning stove and he lived a genuinely sustainable lifestyle before anyone had coined the phrase. His Alaskan heritage inspired him to become LEED AP Building Design + Construction (LEED AP BD+C) certified, so he can help you build and maintain a healthy home, choose the most energy efficient appliances, and ensure that it’s well-insulated.

Now based in San Clemente, this father of three is ready to make his mark in the Orange County real estate market. “I pride myself on being a family man. I love showing my children all that California has to offer and help them appreciate this beautiful state.”

Ready to see where your money is best spent? Learn more about Brian at BrianBarney.FirstTeam. com and discover what a home expert can do for you.

First Team Real Estate
900 Glenneyre Street, Laguna Beach
949.705.8772
BrianBarney.FirstTeam.com
BrianBarney@FirstTeam.com

Acting Academy for Kids

Parents & Kids Rave that AA4K is the Best in the OC!

by Val Vanderpool

When the COVID-19 pandemic forced the world into lockdown last spring, Acting Academy for Kids (AA4K) immediately focused on how to safely operate its long-running theater and performing arts programs for kids and teens.

By July of 2020, AA4K co-founders Stephen and Maggie Zygo developed a way to host small, in-person summer camps, enabling students to continue acting, singing and dancing — while following CDC guidelines. During a time when the pandemic had all but decimated in-person events and most other youth activities, AA4K’s summer camps provided kids and teens with an opportunity to make new friends, create fun memories and build confidence — all in a safe environment.

“This year, we will continue to operate, rain or shine, following every required CDC and state protocol. We’ve always been leaders in youth safety, so we can confidently say that kids will be safe, and they will walk away from our camps with an awesome experience,” said Zygo, who founded AA4K with his wife Maggie in 2008. Stephen holds dual degrees in elementary education and musical theater, and both Stephen and Maggie hold Master’s Degrees in education.

The Academy’s flagship location in Mission Viejo features a state-of-the-art theater complete with LED lighting wall, professional sound, and plenty of space for students to safely perform and interact. AA4K’s virtual class component allows even more kids to participate in its performing arts program.

Like so many adapting to the new normal of online life in 2020, Zygo said it took days of research and experimentation to create a virtual solution, drawing on the expertise and experience of his team, the broader theater community, and his brother — an 8-time Tony Award winner. “In the process, we became a leader in virtual theater production,” he said. “Other groups were able to glean information and inspiration from us. We all were just trying to figure out how to make it work, and fortunately, our team created an experience that was phenomenal for so many kids!”

AA4K’s virtual summer camp option also made it more feasible for kids to sign up for multiple sessions, and it allowed those from outside Orange County to attend last year. “We had kids signing up from all over the country. We even had one kid from China, who got up at 4 a.m. to attend,” Zygo said. “The virtual crew became friends on TikTok, Instagram, and other platforms. They created all kinds of fun stuff together — and they all met at our camps.”

In the theater, Zygo and the AA4K staff had to determine how to facilitate in-person productions, where students could interact safely and have fun. The team designed a unique approach which allowed them to perform while social distancing. Students also received daily temperature checks and were required to wear masks. “Over the 9-week period last summer, we did not have a single COVID case,” Zygo said. “Our students and parents can trust us; we are following every CDC COVID guideline.”

From June 7 to August 13, AA4K will offer weeklong, in-person summer camps in Irvine/Tustin and Mission Viejo. To accommodate families who prefer to have their children participate from home, a virtual component will also be offered. This year’s performances will include Evil Descendants 2, Aladdin’s Magic Lamp, Matilda, Harry Potter, and several others. Until the guidelines change to be able to gather in front of a live audience again, AA4K’s final camp performances will be live-streamed and professionally filmed and edited, every Friday, for families to watch and share.

AA4K offers a $25 sibling discount, and a multiple camp discount when registering for more than one camp at a time. Register today, as space is limited!

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

Reata Glen

Moving Forward in 2021

Well-known Laguna Beach painter Karen Phelps has a new muse for her next masterpiece. The scene will take onlookers to the early-February COVID-19 vaccine clinic at her Reata Glen home where Karen’s neighbors were sporting big grins on their faces and Superman capes around their necks.

“This was a moment we’d all been waiting for,” Phelps said with a smile. “This vaccine clinic was like a big party at the community. We had balloons, pinatas, and live entertainment. It felt like the pandemic never happened. This painting will have a unifying theme behind it.”

With nearly all of Reata Glen’s residents vaccinated, the community looks forward to maintaining the strength, hope and resiliency in its residents and team members, and it has big plans to #MoveForward in 2021.

The Unforgettable Year
Reata Glen residents had so much looking forward as they rung in 2020. Like many holidays, the community celebrated with a large New Year’s Eve party.

“This is a lifestyle I always dreamed about,” laughed resident Jeanne Hankins.

Orange County’s newest Life Plan Community, located at 2 Las Estrellas Loop in Rancho Mission Viejo, opened its doors in 2019. The 60-acre campus has 480 residential living homes with dozens of unique floor plan options. Along with the more than 200 activities and amenities, residents enjoy a maintenance-free lifestyle.

In March 2020, as the pandemic escalated, the community quickly made enhancements to adhere to CDC, state and local guidelines to keep residents secure and safe while ensuring they stayed engaged and connected.

“Our team had to re-invent dining, activities and fitness programs overnight,” said Reata Glen Executive Director Suzanne Nasraty. “We strategized outdoor programming and worked to bring activities and parties to residents safely.”

Residents were encouraged to take advantage of the Southern California climate with outdoor fitness classes or to enjoy virtual fitness classes in their own homes. In addition, the community delivered chef-prepared meals, groceries and household supplies to residents.

“It was wonderful to see my neighbors outside on their balconies working out,” said Hankins. “I received so many more services living at Reata Glen than if I were still in my house by myself.”

“One day, the activities team passed out ice cream to everyone,” said resident Karen Rose. “The next day, they had a margarita machine and were handing out margaritas.”

Throughout the pandemic, Reata Glen team members continued providing the high-quality services the community’s residents are accustomed to receiving.

“Our community looked for additional roles and opportunities for staff,” said Nasraty. “Our residents appreciate our team members and vice versa.”

Reata Glen’s Plan to Move Forward
The community ushered in 2021 a little differently.

“We all stood outside on our balconies and did a toast,” Rose recalled. “It was nice to see everyone dressed up and still enjoying each other’s company, even though we were socially distanced.”

With the second vaccine clinic now complete, and nearly all their residents vaccinated, the community is working on plans to expand its programming to include additional in-person activities while following social distancing practices. The Orchards health center, adjacent to Reata Glen, opened its doors this year. Residents now have convenient access to assisted living, memory care, and long-term care in a skilled nursing center — if they ever need it.

“The Life Plan Community option was the most important factor in our decision to move to Reata Glen,” said resident Alan Rose. “If we ever need assisted living or memory care, we have it there.”

Residents say they’re excited to #MoveForward in 2021 and enjoy meals with friends in the community’s restaurants, along with spending more time with their neighbors face to face.

“I can’t wait to sit and play cards with my friends again in the card room,” said Karen. “It’s a small thing, but I’m grateful I have that here at Reata Glen.”

To learn about floor plan options, pricing and location, go to ReataGlen.com. Please call (949) 545-2200 for details.

Reata Glen
2 Las Estrellas Loop, Rancho Mission Viejo
949.545.2200
reataglen.com