Killer Dana Surf Shop

Legendary Surf Shop Celebrates 35 Years!

When it comes to gearing up for surfing and the beach, there’s been no better place in Dana Point to turn to over the past 35 years than Killer Dana Surf Shop. From sandals to boards, trunks to wax, the shop offers a full line of quality merchandise for the surf-and-sand lifestyle.

Killer Dana is celebrating its anniversary with a special block party on Saturday, June 13, from noon to 4 p.m. at its expanded store at Golden Lantern and Del Prado. The celebration will feature live music, giveaways and special offers from apparel brand partners. The shop has also released exclusive 35th anniversary T-shirts and gear available for purchase in-store only. From Friday, June 12, through Sunday, June 14, customers will receive a raffle ticket for every $20 spent in-store for a chance to win prizes from participating vendors.

Killer Dana partners Mike and Carrie Foster, along with Steve and Leigh Dunn, made the bold move in 2024 to relocate both the original Violet Lantern store and the harbor location to the former Rite Aid building. The partners also worked with Thrifty corporate to preserve the longtime Thrifty Ice Cream counter within the expanded shop, allowing local residents to continue enjoying their favorite flavors in a unique surf shop setting.

Gary “GW” Wright founded Killer Dana in 1991, naming the shop after the legendary local surf break. The notorious “Killer Dana” wave once posed a formidable challenge for surfers, breaking dangerously close to the rocks lining the Dana Point cliffs and shoreline. The break was largely destroyed following construction of the harbor and break wall in 1966.

Over the past 35 years, Killer Dana has become an internationally recognized brand and a favorite destination for local surfers and beachgoers alike. Visit the Killer Dana Facebook page or follow Killer Dana on Instagram for the full music lineup and additional details about the anniversary block party.

Killer Dana Surf Shop
24829 Del Prado Ave., Dana Point
949-503-1186
KillerDanaSurfShop.com

The Case for Sleeping on a Kluft: What Makes It Different and Where to Try One in Orange County

There is a small category of luxury mattresses that operates on a different set of principles than the rest of the market. Kluft is one of them. Made by hand in Rancho Cucamonga, each mattress is built to order and assembled by craftspeople who still hand-tuft every panel, a process most of the industry replaced long ago with machine quilting and adhesive-based construction.

The result is a mattress that is easier to understand in person than on paper.

What Goes Into a Kluft

Kluft’s materials are a major part of what sets it apart. The brand uses horsehair for its natural resilience and breathability, along with cashmere, silk, Talalay latex, organic wool, and organic cotton. Each component plays a role. Cashmere and silk help regulate temperature. Talalay latex provides responsive support and pressure relief. Wool serves as a natural fire barrier, eliminating the need for chemical treatments.

The hand-tufting is structural, not decorative. It holds the layers in place under compression without the use of glue or foam encasement, helping the mattress maintain its shape and consistency over time.

Kluft mattresses typically start around $5,000 and can exceed $30,000, depending on the materials and construction. For buyers familiar with the category, those differences are tangible.

The Kind of Buyer Kluft Attracts

Kluft customers tend to be deliberate. Many arrive after spending time researching materials, construction methods, and long-term performance. What they often find is that no amount of online research fully translates to how the mattress feels in person.

The interaction between materials like horsehair and latex, the breathability of the surface, and the firmness created by hand-tufting are all things that need to be experienced directly. For most buyers, the evaluation happens in a showroom.

Where to Find One in Orange County

For shoppers in South Orange County, Hadley Olivia Mattress Superstore in San Juan Capistrano offers one of the most complete Kluft selections in the region. The showroom carries a broad range of floor models, allowing customers to compare different constructions side by side.

The store spans more than 8,500 square feet and is built around one of the most comprehensive selections of mattresses in the region. In addition to Kluft, it carries a wide range of premium and emerging brands, including Aireloom, Avocado, Tempur-Pedic, Brooklyn Bedding, and Helix Sleep, giving shoppers the ability to compare different approaches to comfort and construction in one place.

Family-owned since 2005, Hadley Olivia is operated by second-generation owner Ronnie Lane and serves customers across South Orange County, including Mission Viejo, Laguna Beach, Dana Point, San Clemente, Laguna Niguel, and Irvine.

Purchases include a 120-day comfort trial, white-glove delivery, and a lowest price guarantee.

For anyone who has done the research and wants to experience the difference firsthand, the next step is simple: try one in person.

Hadley Olivia Mattress Superstore is located at 31896 Plaza Drive, Suite D1 in San Juan Capistrano. More information is available at hadleyolivia.com or by calling (949) 488-8000.

Hadley Olivia Mattress Superstore
31896 Plaza Drive, Suite D1
San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675
(949) 488-8000
hadleyolivia.com

Why South Orange County Shoppers Are Choosing Avocado In-Store Over Buying Online

At a certain price point, buying a mattress online starts to feel like a leap of faith.

Many shoppers do the research. They read reviews, compare materials, and narrow down their options. But when it comes time to make the purchase, hesitation sets in. For many in South Orange County, that’s when they decide to see the product in person.

Avocado mattresses sit in a unique position in the market. The brand’s Green and Luxury collections typically range from around $2,000 to $6,000. The Grand Luxe collection, however, starts closer to $10,000 and can exceed $20,000. At that level, most customers want to experience the mattress before making a decision.

“At that price point, people want to feel it for themselves,” says Ronnie Lane, second-generation owner of Hadley Olivia. “They want to understand how it actually sleeps.”

Hadley Olivia Mattress Superstore, located in San Juan Capistrano, is designed for that kind of comparison. The 8,500-square-foot showroom carries a full range of Avocado models, from the Green mattress through the Grand Luxe collection, allowing customers to try each option side by side.

That in-person experience tends to matter more with Avocado than with many other brands. The mattresses are built using natural materials such as organic cotton, wool, and latex, without synthetic foam. The result is a feel that is noticeably different from traditional foam mattresses. It’s more responsive and supportive, but also something that is difficult to fully understand without trying it firsthand.

The showroom also features brands such as Kluft, Aireloom, Tempur-Pedic, and Helix, giving shoppers the ability to compare different approaches to comfort and construction in one place.

Family-owned since 2005, Hadley Olivia focuses on a more guided, low-pressure experience. Customers can spend time testing different models, with support from trained staff, rather than making a quick decision based on specifications alone. Purchases include a 120-day comfort trial, white-glove delivery, and a lowest price guarantee.

For shoppers across South Orange County, including Mission Viejo, Laguna Beach, Dana Point, San Clemente, Laguna Niguel, and Irvine, the store offers a local option for comparing high-end mattresses in person before committing to a purchase.

Hadley Olivia Mattress Superstore
31896 Plaza Drive, Suite D1
San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675
(949) 488-8000
hadleyolivia.com

Aireloom’s New “Reverie” Collection Arrives in South Orange County

A new luxury mattress collection has made its way to San Juan Capistrano — and for shoppers in South Orange County, it’s one worth seeing in person.

Aireloom, the California-based brand known for its handcrafted construction and use of natural materials, has introduced its latest collection, Reverie. The line builds on the company’s long-standing focus on layered comfort and traditional manufacturing techniques, with updates aimed at improving support, breathability, and overall feel.

Like all Aireloom mattresses, the Reverie collection uses a combination of natural fibers such as cotton and wool, along with hand-tufted construction designed to enhance durability and pressure relief. While product specs can be listed online, the differences between models—particularly in feel and support—are best experienced firsthand.

That’s where Hadley Olivia Mattress Superstore comes in.

Located on Plaza Drive in San Juan Capistrano, the showroom spans more than 8,500 square feet and offers one of the most extensive selections of luxury mattresses in the region. Rather than focusing on a high volume, quick turn retail model, the store is designed to give customers the time and space to compare options side by side.

Family-owned since 2005, Hadley Olivia is now operated by second-generation owner Ronnie Lane. The store has built its reputation on carrying a curated mix of premium brands and offering a more personalized approach to what is often a significant purchase.

In addition to the new Aireloom Reverie collection, the showroom features top national brands such as Kluft, Avocado, Tempur-Pedic, and Posh + Lavish to name a few.

Lane also owns and operates Vispring showrooms in Los Angeles and Corona del Mar, further enhancing the level of product knowledge and service customers encounter in San Juan Capistrano.

For shoppers across South Orange County, including Mission Viejo, Laguna Beach, Dana Point, and Irvine, the store has become a destination for comparing high-end mattresses in person rather than relying solely on online research.

Hadley Olivia offers a 120-day comfort trial, white-glove delivery, and a lowest price guarantee, helping make the process more straightforward for customers investing in a new mattress.

Hadley Olivia Mattress Superstore is located at 31896 Plaza Drive, Suite D1 in San Juan Capistrano. More information is available at hadleyolivia.com or by calling (949) 488-8000.

Welcome Beheshti Wellness To Dana Point!

Dr. Beheshti is proud to join the Dana Point community, bringing her expertise to South Orange County residents who are committed to prioritizing their mental and emotional well-being. With more than two decades of experience in psychiatry, she works with individuals from diverse backgrounds and across a wide spectrum of wellness goals—from those navigating anxiety, depression and trauma to high-functioning individuals who may feel overwhelmed, stuck or disconnected.

Recognizing that mental wellness is deeply personal, Dr. Beheshti takes an integrative, individualized approach to care. At Beheshti Wellness, treatment plans are thoughtfully tailored to each client and may include a combination of medication management, psychotherapy, lifestyle modifications and innovative therapies at the forefront of modern mental health care.

Among these offerings is ExoMind TMS, a noninvasive, FDA-cleared brain stimulation treatment designed to support emotional balance and resilience to stress. By using targeted magnetic pulses, ExoMind activates key brain networks associated with mood, attention and motivation. Many clients report enhanced clarity, improved emotional regulation and a renewed sense of energy and engagement after just a few sessions.

To introduce this innovative treatment to the community, Dr. Beheshti will host a live ExoMind Wellness Lounge on May 2, 2026. Guests are invited to learn more about this exciting advancement in mental health care and experience the welcoming environment of Beheshti Wellness. Scan the QR code below to register for the event.

Beheshti Wellness Collective
24681 La Plaza, Ste. 220, Dana Point
949.677.2928
doctorbeheshti.com

Hadley Olivia

Takes A More Curated Approach To Sleep Wellness

Most mattress stores sell mattresses. Hadley Olivia Mattress Superstore, on Plaza Drive in San Juan Capistrano, takes a more curated approach.

The showroom spans more than 8,500 square feet, making it one of the largest luxury mattress showrooms in Southern California. With over $1 million in inventory on the floor, the store focuses on offering a depth of selection that’s difficult to find in traditional chain retail environments.

Founded in 2005 as a family business, Hadley Olivia was built around a simple idea: bring high-end sleep products to South Orange County and pair them with knowledgeable guidance. Today, that approach continues under owner Ronnie Lane. The store’s namesake, inspired by Lane’s eldest daughter, reflects the personal nature of the business and the long-term relationships it has developed with customers.

Over the years, the store has established partnerships with a range of premium mattress brands. It was among the first authorized Tempur-Pedic retailers in South Orange County and now carries an extensive selection including Kluft, Aireloom, Avocado, Posh + Lavish, and Heirloom.

Lane also owns and operates Vispring showrooms in both Los Angeles and Corona del Mar, focused on the brand’s handcrafted mattresses. That experience informs the level of product knowledge and customer service offered at Hadley Olivia.

The in-store experience is designed to make what can be an overwhelming purchase more approachable. Customers can compare a wide range of options in person, with guidance from trained staff, along with services like white-glove delivery and a 120-day comfort trial.

Hadley Olivia draws customers from across South Orange County, including Mission Viejo, Laguna Beach, Dana Point, and Irvine — many of whom are looking for a more personalized approach to buying a mattress.

Hadley Olivia Mattress Superstore is located at 31896 Plaza Drive, Suite D1 in San Juan Capistrano. More information is available at HadleyOlivia.com or by calling (949) 488-8000.

Jerry Seiner Honda

Celebrating One Year of Progress, People, and Purpose

One year ago, Jerry Seiner Honda of San Juan Capistrano opened its doors with a clear purpose: to bring a fresh, customer-first experience to the community while honoring the deep roots already established within the dealership. Today, as the team celebrates its first anniversary, that vision has not only taken shape, but it has exceeded expectations.

Over the past twelve months, the dealership has undergone meaningful transformation. From facility upgrades and operational enhancements to expanded inventory and improved customer processes, every change has been made with one goal in mind: delivering a better experience for every guest who walks through the doors.

But while the improvements are easy to see, what truly defines the success of Jerry Seiner Honda San Juan Capistrano is something far more enduring—its people. At the heart of this dealership is a group of dedicated team members whose commitment spans decades. These individuals represent the foundation of trust, knowledge, and consistency that customers have relied on for years. Their continued presence is not just a testament to their professionalism, but also to the culture that has carried forward into this new chapter.

Among them is Antonio Farias, Lot Manager, who brings an incredible 39 years of experience. His deep understanding of operations and unwavering work ethic have made him a cornerstone of the dealership’s daily success.

In sales, Nora Kelley (not pictured) stands out with 30 years of experience. Known for her ability to build lasting relationships, she embodies what it means to guide customers through one of life’s most important purchases with honesty and care.

Diane Thayer, who has welcomed customers as a receptionist for 28 years, is often the first smile guests encounter. Her warmth and professionalism set the tone for every visit, reinforcing the dealership’s commitment to hospitality.

In the service department, Christian DiLauro has spent 26 years helping customers keep their vehicles running at their best. His expertise and dedication ensure that every service experience is handled with precision and trust.

And behind the scenes, Mike Mirando, a service technician with 24 years of experience, plays a critical role in maintaining the quality and reliability customers expect from the Honda brand.

Together, these team members represent more than 149 years of combined experience, a remarkable legacy that continues to shape the dealership’s future. As Jerry Seiner Honda San Juan Capistrano reflects on its first year, there is a strong sense of momentum. The dealership has not only grown in performance but has strengthened its connection to the community. Customers have responded to a renewed focus on transparency, efficiency, and genuine care. Values that align with the broader philosophy of the Jerry Seiner organization: making friends that last a lifetime. Looking ahead, the future is bright. With a solid foundation built on experience, a commitment to continuous improvement, and a team that blends legacy with innovation, Jerry Seiner Honda San Juan Capistrano is poised for even greater success in the years to come.

This anniversary is more than a milestone; it’s a celebration of progress, people, and the promise of what’s still to come.

Jerry Seiner Honda
33555 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano
949.899.9223
JerrySeinerHonda.com

Barnoa Wine & Beer Bistro

by Dina Scaglione

Locally known as a hidden gem, Barnoa Wine & Beer Bistro in Talega offers a truly unique culinary experience. Rarely do you find a wine bar and taphouse sharing space, each with an impressive menu for connoisseurs on both sides. A thoughtfully curated selection of starters and entrees delivers more diversity than many local eateries. The ambiance strikes a balance between upscale and comfortably stylish, with a well-appointed bar anchoring the space and a large wraparound patio perfect for lively conversation, great wine and delicious fare. Think Cheers with a modern twist.

Owner Kim Norris curated the wine list with intention, offering enough variety for seasoned enthusiasts while still appealing to those looking to explore. The selection of Old World wines stands out, featuring hard-to-find varietals. Food is often where wine bars fall short, but not at Barnoa. The menu is thoughtfully designed to pair naturally with the wine. Each dish feels deliberate, well-executed and portioned for sharing. For starters, the Nutty Goat is a must—goat cheese coated in roasted peanuts, drizzled with chipotle brown sugar sauce and served with sliced French baguette. The Burrata Crostini is crisp and flavorful, topped with diced tomato, fresh basil, balsamic glaze and pesto. The Blackened Salmon Tacos arrive as a trio, layered with chipotle aioli, tangy slaw, pickled red onions and cilantro. Additional offerings include the Stuffed Acorn Squash, Pesto Penne Pasta, Barnoa Chicken Sandwich, Wagyu Beef Burger and Flat Iron Steak.

Join the Wine Club to receive two hand-selected wines each quarter, with the option of two reds or a red and a white. Happy hour runs Wednesday– Saturday from 3–5 p.m. and all day Sunday. Monthly events include themed dinners, wine tastings and educational classes. The space is also available for private events of up to 120 guests.

Whether you’re in the mood to explore or enjoy a favorite, Barnoa offers something for every palate. Open daily, hours are 3–9 p.m. Sunday and Monday, until 10 p.m. Tuesday–Thursday and until 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday. It’s the kind of spot for a relaxed yet elevated night out—great wine, genuinely delicious food and a welcoming atmosphere that never tries too hard.

Barnoa Wine & Beer Bistro
831 Via Suerte 106, San Clemente
949.388.4378
Barnoa.com

Acting Academy for Kids & Teens

If you have a child with a flair for the dramatic, a love of music, or a dream of seeing themselves on the big screen, the Z Playhouse, home of Acting Academy for Kids & Teens in Mission Viejo, might be exactly what your family has been looking for. Founded with a passion for youth arts education, the Acting Academy for Kids (AA4K) has evolved into a thriving hub for young performers. With new programs in everything from musical theater to filmmaking, local directors and founders, Stephen & Maggie Zygo, are building something special for the next generation of artists.

Weeklong summer camps are an Orange County tradition, and AA4K’s start on June 8 at the Z Playhouse in Mission Viejo, the Lyceum Village in Irvine/Tustin, and for the second year, the scenic Newport Theatre Arts Center overlooking Newport Harbor. The Newport Beach location has two adjacent parks so kids get to run and play outside, too. This year, campers will sing and dance to junior arrangements inspired by K-Pop Demon Hunters, Wicked 1 and 2, Harry Potter, and Tangled, the beloved fairy tale musical that is getting a live action movie next summer. Spots fill up quickly, so register early.

High school teens can join the once weekly summer production of Mamma Mia! This program meets one day a week and performs for family and friends at the end of the summer.

Year-Round Programs
During the academic year, the Z Playhouse in Mission Viejo shifts to a trimester-style schedule with three full-scale teen musicals each year. Main Stage Musical performers ages 5-14 will keep their quarterly schedule, and both kids and teens have after-school programs year-round.

Safety You Can Count On
For parents, knowing their children are in safe, capable hands is non-negotiable. AA4K takes this seriously: all staff members are CPR/First Aid-certified and have passed thorough background checks. It’s the kind of peace of mind that lets kids focus on performing, and lets parents relax in the audience.

Lights, Camera, Action: Film Programs Come to Life
Stage acting isn’t the only avenue for young talent at AA4K. The organization has expanded into film-acting education into AA4K Studios, a distinct discipline from traditional theater, giving kids the chance to explore the nuances of performing on camera. Last year, numerous kids starred in a short film that screened at the
Regal Theater in Laguna Niguel and as an added bonus, earned IMDb credit to launch their film careers.

Bringing the Magic to School
Not every family can make it to a dedicated theater campus, so AA4K is coming to them. Through after-school musical partnerships, AA4K is a full-service provider of theatre programs at public schools, Charter Schools, private schools and home school co-ops. These programs give students a complete musical theater experience right in their own school community, removing barriers and bringing arts education to more kids than ever.

Competing on the Big Stage: Junior Theater Festival
For students 7-14 ready to take their skills to the next level, AA4K participates in the Junior Theater Festival (JTF) in Sacramento, one of the most prestigious youth musical theater competitions in the country. This year, over 4,000 kids from across the region performed 15-minute musical excerpts, judged by three industry professionals who evaluated choreography, performance quality, and overall execution. This year, the AA4K team came home with a Best Choreography award, a testament to the quality of instruction and the dedication of its young performers. There are also master classes, educator workshops, and detailed feedback from adjudicators, making the festival as much a learning experience as a competition.

And, Scene!
Whether your child dreams of performing on Broadway, starring in a film, or simply discovering a love of storytelling, Acting Academy for Kids offers a nurturing, professional, and fun environment to grow. With programs for all ages and skill levels, and a team that genuinely cares about every child’s experience, it’s one of Orange County’s most exciting destinations for young artists.

For more information or to register for summer programming, visit ActingAcademyForKids.com

Acting Academy for Kids & Teens
Ages 5-17
ActingAcademyForKids.com
949.427.0072

California Wine Festival

$10 off tickets
Use CODE: LOCALDISH

photos by Luis Esparza

Wine lovers and food enthusiasts will have plenty to savor when the California Wine Festival returns to Dana Point April 24–25, launching its 2026 season with a weekend of coastal tastings, culinary bites and live entertainment.

The popular event unfolds at the oceanfront Laguna Cliffs Marriott Resort & Spa and the palm-lined lawns of Sea Terrace Park, creating a relaxed Southern California setting for two days celebrating the state’s acclaimed wine and food culture.

Festivities begin Friday evening with the Sunset Rare & Reserve Tasting on the Del Mar Lawn at Laguna Cliffs Marriott Resort & Spa. Guests are welcomed with a sparkling wine reception before sampling limited-production and reserve wines from notable producers including Aperture Cellars, Bouchaine Vineyards, Cuvaison, Rombauer Vineyards and Trefethen Family Vineyards. The evening pairs these exceptional wines with gourmet hors d’oeuvres while offering guests the chance to meet winemakers and learn more about the stories behind the bottles. A silent auction featuring rare wines and exclusive tasting experiences will benefit the Sandy Feet Initiative, which supports siblings of children with special needs through beach-based programs.

Saturday afternoon continues the celebration at Sea Terrace Park, where white tasting tents dot the grassy park for an afternoon of wine, food and music. Guests can sample hundreds of wines alongside craft brews and artisan foods from regional restaurants and specialty purveyors.

Participating culinary partners include Glasspar, Bluewater Grill,
BeachFire Bar & Grill, Trevor’s at the Track and Brio Tuscany Grille, serving sample-sized bites designed to pair with wines from California producers such as Alma Rosa Winery, Bernardus Winery, Goldschmidt Vineyards and Navarro Vineyards.

Live music adds to the festive atmosphere as guests sip, sample and celebrate California’s vibrant wine culture under sunny coastal skies.

The 21-and-over event includes all wine and food tastings, live entertainment and a commemorative wine glass. For tickets and event details, visit CaliforniaWineFestival.com.