Sawdust Art & Craft Festival

Winter Fantasy

Winter Fantasy is a one-of-a-kind holiday art festival that offers a festive shopping experience. Visitors are invited to peruse unique, handcrafted gifts of art from 150 local and international artists and makers. Open every Saturday and Sunday from November 19th until December 18th, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., including Black Friday, November 25th and Friday, December 16th. 

Opening Day began with the annual tree-lighting ceremony and a musical performance by the Top of the World Elementary Honor Choir, followed by an observance honoring 18 community trees, decorated by local non-profits. Laguna Beach residents receive free admission after 3 p.m. with a valid ID. 

Winter Fantasy delivers a festive entertainment schedule every day of the show! Three stages showcase live music by local musicians and community performances, and additional entertainment includes complimentary photos with Santa daily, marionette puppet shows, glassblowing, a petting zoo, balloon artistry, magic acts and much more! 

Three demo booths offer free hands-on festival art classes each day. Studio One and the Children’s Art Spot features painting, mixed media, and crafts for all ages, while the Ceramic Center provides a complimentary pottery wheel and hand-building experience. 

Winter Fantasy boasts six outdoor food concessions serving up a variety of Mediterranean, Mexican, American/Deli, vegan and vegetarian fare. A coffee shop and saloon provide a satisfying array of hot and cold beverages. 

Admission is $10 for adults, $7 for seniors (65+), $5 for children (6–12) and $20 for a Season Pass. Veterans and children, ages 5 and under, enter free of charge. Advance tickets may be purchased online at SawdustArtFestival.org or in-person at the Box Office. 

WINTER FANTASY
935 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach
949.494.3030 • SawdustArtFestival.org 

FTC Kitchen

Healthcare Catering Service

Nourishment for Recovery

by Victoria Kertz

“We need a vegan! And we need a gluten-free meal!” Mary Carter’s voice carries to every corner of her bustling San Juan Capistrano kitchen. A flurry of cooks move through the space in quick, but graceful movements, while the most delightful aromas waft outside. Another team swiftly scoops hot food into takeout-style containers, snapped shut, stacked, and loaded into waiting vans with mesmerizing speed. No, this isn’t a new cooking show; it’s your average weekday morning at FTC Kitchen, a top supplier of delicious, healthy meals to over 900 group home residents from Los Angeles to San Diego. 

For Mary, cooking for people in recovery isn’t just a job; it’s a passion. Before founding FTC Kitchen with her husband Bruce in 2008, she was an educator in the food packaging industry. When a friend in the rehab/treatment business needed assistance with meals to a group home client, she saw firsthand how the residents were eating. Locations were serving pizzas and fast food, day after day. Mary immediately realized the need for a nutritional, cost-effective, and convenient meal service provider that would benefit both clients and staff. “These residents really need something healthy, cooked, and fresh,” she shares. “Clients are trying to change their lives and you can’t do that on Pop-Tarts and fast food.” 

Inspired to fill the obvious void, Mary began preparing and delivering healthy meals, while learning to accommodate the unique needs of group homes in Southern California. Her work ethic, integrity, and desire to give back to the local community have allowed her to expand business rapidly. Today, her service provides nourishment to dozens of facilities and allows operators to focus more on the treatment and recovery process. “We make it easy, and we make it affordable. And every meal comes from the heart,” she says. 

FTC Kitchen creates delicious meals that make you feel good and comfort your soul. Each meal is prepared fresh, nutritionally balanced, and tailored to individual needs. They offer a variety of cost-effective menus designed to fit a range of dietary needs within this industry, plus festive food for group home holidays and special in-house events. 

Mary adds that FTC Kitchen also offers ordering flexibility as occupancy may vary dramatically from day to day. “We’re here for the clients,” Mary says, “and we understand what a group home needs.” 

If you operate or manage a group home and would like to sample FTC Kitchen’s menu offerings, Mary and her team welcome the opportunity to schedule a consultation and complimentary tasting. They are proud to deliver fresh meals throughout Los Angeles, Orange, and San Diego counties. 

Bruce and Mary’s understanding and knowledge, established over 14 years of hands-on experience, has inspired FTC Kitchen to launch franchise opportunities in 2022. With a trusted brand and the resources to train new franchise owners across the country, the business model can be easily scaled to reach residents nationwide. “As of today, there are over 23 million people in recovery,” Mary says. “Our one kitchen can only serve a fraction of them. Food is the one thing that keeps us together.” The first franchises will open soon in Georgia, Massachusetts, Texas, Arizona, and Orange County. 

Mary’s mission is to replicate the efforts of her San Juan Capistrano team from coast to coast. She wants prospective franchisees to understand that it’s not only a highly profitable business, but one that’s also gratifying. “We started with very little and built our company month by month and year by year, and it has truly flourished. We love what we do!” 

FTC Kitchen
31214 Paseo Adelanto #6
San Juan Capistrano
949.374.6190
FTCKitchen.com

45th Annual Dana Point Turkey Trot

The Dana Point Turkey Trot, owned and produced by the Dana Point Chamber of Commerce, will celebrate 45 years this Thanksgiving Day in the Dana Point Harbor. Nearly 10,000 participants will burn off those pre-Thanksgiving meal calories with a run or walk, including a 5K, 10K, or Kids’ 1-mile Gobble Wobble. 

Known for its scenic coastal routes and family-friendly activities, the Dana Point Turkey Trot has become an Orange County institution and was voted #1 Best Run/Race in the Orange County Register’s 2022 Best Of Orange County. 

Since its inception, the Dana Point Turkey Trot has raised more than half a million dollars for local nonprofit organizations. The Dana Point Chamber of Commerce is a big believer in giving back and supporting fellow nonprofit organizations. 

This year, a portion of the race’s proceeds will benefit the Dana Point 5th Marine Regiment Support Group and South County Outreach. Participants can also elect to make an additional donation to these deserving organizations during online registration checkout or take part in the Food & Toy Drive. 

The Chamber will host a Food & Toy Drive at the two-day Health & Fitness Expo and Packet Pick-Up. The public can drop off their donations during the hours below. Pre-packaged food and items will be donated to South County Outreach. Toys and gift cards will be donated to Dana Point 5th Marine Regiment Support Group. For a complete list of suggested donations, please visit TurkeyTrot.com/Food-Toy-Drive. 

Expo, Packet Pick-up, and Food & Toy Drive Hours: 

– Wednesday, November 23, 2022 at 12:00-6:00 p.m. 

– Thanksgiving Day / Race Day at 6:00-11:00 a.m. 

– Location: Dana Marina Plaza – 25001 Dana Point Harbor Dr., Dana Point 

Race participants can pick up their race packet (t-shirt and bib) at the two-day Expo & Packet Pick-up during the hours above. Visit event sponsors and vendors within the Expo for giveaways, special offers, and more. 

One of the largest turkey trots in the nation, this race is a USA Track & Field (USATF) sanctioned and certified event. Prize money is awarded to the first, second, and third place male and female finishers in the 10K race. There will also be a costume contest with awards for Best Kid, Best Adult, and Best Group Costumes. Participants are encouraged to dress up in their favorite costume to be eligible to win amazing prizes courtesy of event partners. For more information or to register for this year’s race, please visit TurkeyTrot.com. 

45th Annual Dana Point Turkey Trot
949.496.1555
Twitter: @turkeytrot
Facebook: @danapointturkeytrot
TurkeyTrot.com

Top Docs 2022

Advanced Center For Sports & Musculoskeletal Medicine

Advanced Dermatology

Cold Rush Wellness

DermFx

Elite Vein Institute

Griffin Optometric Group

Howard Optometry

Hydration Room

Monarch Veterinary Hospital

OC Skin Lab

Pediatric Dentistry

Platinum Dental

Riviera Laser Studios

San Clemente Oral & Facial Surgery

San Clemente Smiles

Sea View Pharmacy

Sendero Dental

South Coast Plastic Surgery

Trestles Chiropractic

OC Tavern

Grill + Concert Hall

by Dina Scaglione

There are few places in South OC where you can enjoy a dining experience and an adventure under one roof. At OC Tavern, savor a delicious meal with family or a craft beer at the bar with friends, a cocktail while taking in spectacular ocean views from the patio or catch a live game on one of the 60 HD TVs in the main room. You can even wager on live satellite horse racing, hear live music or host a private event. OC Tavern is far from your average sports bar or pub; it’s a comfortable and welcoming staple where locals have gathered for years. 

As you ease into the menu, choose from a large variety of traditional appetizers, including homemade rolled chicken taquitos, served with guacamole, pico de gallo and sour cream. The spicy San Clemente chicken wings consist of drums and wings, with your choice of sauces from buffalo, BBQ, or a tavern blend dressing. A must-have is the fried calamari — lightly fried and tender, paired with a zesty house-made chipotle marinara sauce. The fish and chips are understandably popular with generously portioned beer battered cod accompanied by a heaping scoop of tangy cole slaw, complemented with tartar sauce and steak fries. One of my faves is the Tavern Tacos, with your choice of grilled chicken, carne asada, carnitas, ground beef, beer-battered shrimp, served on corn tortillas and served with rice, black beans, house-made guacamole, and sour cream. OC Tavern’s tri tip beef is one of the most flavorful and tender around, as an entrée or atop a bed of chopped romaine and spinach, layered with diced tomatoes, mushrooms, avocado, and a house-made Italian dressing. 

Happy Hour features a wide assortment of craft beers and fun specialty cocktails and takes place Monday through Friday, from 3 to 7 p.m. and all-day Monday. Planning a corporate or private event Reserve your date now for the holidays and secure your choice of private rooms that seat 40 to 200. OC Tavern has it all, a distinct and laid-back venue to fit every mood and a menu to appease every palette. 

OC Tavern
2369 South El Camino Real
San Clemente
949.542.8877
OCTavern.com

MemorialCare

From Past to Present

MemorialCare Medical Group San Juan Capistrano Focused on Family, Community and Wellness 

An Enriched Past — Investing in the Community
MemorialCare is rich in the modern-day history of San Juan Capistrano. In fact, MemorialCare Medical Group San Juan Capistrano has served this community for more than 20 years. Dr. Craig Albert and Dr. George Karapetian – who worked out of the first, much smaller MemorialCare Medical Group San Juan Capistrano site — are retiring after serving this community for more than 20+ years. 

These same physicians and their staff, along with MemorialCare leadership, knew the residents of San Juan Capistrano needed expanded access to health care. In 2015, the team at MemorialCare Medical Group San Juan Capistrano moved into a 2-story, 25,000 square-foot space, nestled between the 5 Freeway and Marbella Country Club. 

“We knew we needed to do more for the health care needs of the community,” said George Karapetian, M.D., past medical director, MemorialCare Medical Group San Juan Capistrano. “We were determined to give this community the ease of access to general care, along with specialized services.” 

This once small, but mighty practice turned into a one-stop shop for complete health care for the entire family – and opened with an on-site lab, digital imaging services and a Coumadin Clinic. It also offered access to care focused on improving health outcomes, including health promotion, disease prevention, health maintenance, counseling, patient education, and diagnosis and treatment of acute and chronic illnesses. 

A Bright Future – Healthcare Advances Woven into Primary Care
Although it was just seven years ago since the re-investment in healthcare for the community of San Juan Capistrano, MemorialCare Medical Group San Juan Capistrano is at it again. Even before the growth of the need for mental health services due to the pandemic, the team at MemorialCare Medical Group San Juan Capistrano saw the need and brought on behavioral health as a service to the community. 

Not only is this Center complete with primary care physicians, but it includes specialists in pediatrics, podiatry and pulmonary medicine. Dr. Wong, a pediatrician at the Center, is a passionate advocate of pediatric healthcare – and strives to ensure a child’s needs are met first, specializing in understanding how to communicate and connect with children. In addition, an urgent care is available with the ability to check in online, provide virtual care visits and offer a virtual exam kit for the home. 

“What is truly remarkable about our Center is the ability for us to take care of the entire family,” says Mimi Trinh, M.D., current medical director, MemorialCare Medical Group San Juan Capistrano. “From the working mom, who gets her primary care as well as her child’s well checks here, to someone in the sandwich generation, who has herself, her parent and her child’s care to coordinate — we have specialized care exclusive to each patient’s unique needs all under one roof.” 

Much like the City of San Juan Capistrano has adapted with changes through the years, so has MemorialCare Medical Group San Juan Capistrano. New clinicians are joining to meet those growing needs of the community, including Dr. Sandy Serna, Dr. Vincent Zheng and nurse practitioner, Elizabeth Upson. 

More than 38 percent of the city of San Juan Capistrano’s population is Hispanic and Spanish speaking. Dr. Serna’s second language is Spanish, offering our community the comfort of knowing they can receive care in their family’s native language. Dr. Zheng is also passionate about healthcare equity and chose a career in medicine after experiencing his family’s difficult access to healthcare and health insurance. While he watched his father have to work through an injury, he wants to be the change for his patients. 

Finally, addressing the need for female care providers in the area, a new nurse practitioner is joining the group, giving women of South Orange County another female practitioner to turn to. 

Become a Part of the MCMG San Juan Capistrano Community
While MemorialCare Medical Group San Juan Capistrano has an illuminating past, the future too is bright for this Center as well as those who call MemorialCare Medical Group their medical home. 

MemorialCare Medical Group accepts most major HMO, PPO, EPO, POS and some Covered California plans, as well as Medicare, Tricare, Medicare Advantage and Supplemental plans. Visit memorialcare.org/SJC or call (877) 696-3622 for more information. 

MemorialCare
31001 Rancho Viejo Rd., Suite 200
San Juan Capistrano
877.696.3622
MemorialCare.org/SJC

The Rooftop Kitchen + Bar

by Dina Scaglione

It doesn’t get much better than a tasty craft cocktail, perched on a rooftop with a view of a fiery orange sunset. If that sounds appealing, then say hello to the area’s newest dining destination, Rooftop Kitchen and Bar in historic San Juan Capistrano. The tasty craft cocktails, farm-to-table specialties and hip, comfortable motif will keep you coming back for more. 

Longtime partners Marc Resnick and Archie Hami found this gem of a location, the former Ruby’s, amid the height of the pandemic and set their sights on creating something fresh and novel. Opening on Swallow’s Day in March 2022, RTK+B is delivering on that promise, complete with spectacular views, a California-coastal-meets-comfort-food menu, and artfully created craft cocktail libations. 

Enjoy a craft beer, glass of wine or one of several signature cocktails like Ring of Fire, with smokey mezcal, passion fruit, citrus and Aperol. Margarita lovers will delight as they sip the Gran Torino, infused with Patron Silver. Popular shareables include ahi and chips, stacked with ahi, avocado, tomato, and cucumber, swimming in a tangy dressing. The must-have fresh shrimp ceviche is loaded with shrimp, cucumber, carrot, tomato, red onion, jalapeno, and Tajin in a citrusy lime marinade. By far, the pulled pork sandwich with honey mustard barbeque sauce, classic cole slaw, pickles, and cilantro is the best handheld around. Generously portioned, yet price conscious entrees include the Capistrano Chicken with grilled chicken and fresh veggies, layered in a cream corn sauce. The savory short rib pappardelle pasta features braised short ribs, mushrooms, caramelized onion, and arugula, languishing in a flavorful stroganoff sauce. Meat lovers will appreciate the Ribeye Fillet, a hefty 8-ounce cut, accompanied by garlic, spinach, cherry tomatoes, and potatoes topped with a spicy gorgonzola sauce. Definitely check out the daily fresh-made desserts prepared by a local pastry chef. 

Live music happens Thursday through Saturday, from 6 to 9 p.m., and all afternoon on Sunday. Tunes run the gamut from light jazz to pop to country, certain to get you swaying to the rhythm, whether you are looking for a fun date night, a cozy family meal, or enjoying drinks with a group of friends. Planning your holiday party or sports banquet? RTK+B offers private banquet facilities for parties of 50 to 100. Open Tuesday through Saturday from 12 p.m. to 10 p.m. (dinner only Tuesday – Wednesday) and Sunday from 12 to 5 p.m. Stay tuned for more details on their Sunday brunch! 

The Rooftop Kitchen + Bar
31781 Camino Capistrano Ste. 301
San Juan Capistrano
949.503.3358
RooftopOC.com

Trestles Chiropractic

RYAN ANDERSON, DC & ASHLEY DAVIES, DC

Since 2013, Trestles Chiropractic has provided the ultimate modern chiropractic care. Dr. Ryan Anderson and his team of professionals are focused on delivering pain relief, but they ultimately want to see you thrive. They believe the first step in the treatment process is listening to their patients in order to determine the origin of each ache and pain.

Life events, traumas, and past injuries can all wreak havoc on a body, so open communication helps to formulate the most impactful treatments and suggest realistic lifestyle changes to prevent further pain. After a complimentary consultation, patients can sign up for an initial examination, which includes a set of fully digital x-Rays, performed on-site. The practice saves patients time and money by eliminating the drive to an imaging center. Trestles Chiropractic has the ability to offer test results within just a few minutes. Once Dr. Ryan or Dr. Ashley, who joined the team in early 2022, have reviewed the x-Rays, their hands-on work can safely begin.

Treatments offered by the physicians at Trestles are as varied and unique as the conditions they address. When it comes to spinal adjustments, Trestles utilizes the diversified technique, which involves using manual pressure to restore proper movement. Traditional and state-of-the-art chiropractic devices provide lower force techniques for patients with conditions like osteoporosis. Laser therapy is also available for those suffering from joint and soft tissue injuries.

Dr. Ryan says massage therapy is one of the most effective treatments for repetitive stress disorders, pelvic instability, and shoulder injuries resulting from vehicle collisions. He has a team of three massage therapists with 60 years of combined experience to specifically treat these patients. Dr. Ryan feels that true therapeutic massage with a doctor’s input lets two sets of hands diagnose or track an injury, even if that injury resulted from an incident that took place years ago. “Pain is the last symptom to show up. If you just threw out your back, that didn’t just happen. That was the ‘last straw’ that resulted from something else,” he says. If you want to avoid future pain, consider chiropractic treatment as a preventative measure, before symptoms arise.

Athletes flock to Dr. Ryan’s office for pre-competition adjustments or post-injury healing. “We see a lot of golfers,” he says. They also treat many youth soccer and water polo players, as well as new pickle-ball enthusiasts suffering from sprains, strains, and shoulder impingement.

Whether you want to improve your golf swing, or just want relief from pain and discomfort, Trestles Chiropractic has a treatment solution for you. Call today to schedule a complimentary consultation at 949-284-6620 or visit TrestlesChiropractic.com.

Trestles Chiropractic
653 Camino De Los Mares, Ste. 100
San Clemente
949.284.6620
TrestlesChiropractic.com

South Coast Plastic Surgery

DR. KYLE SONG, MD

The team at South Coast Plastic Surgery is focused on providing a superior patient experience. They have chosen to create a place where your journey is something you look forward to. You can expect a warm, friendly, family-like atmosphere, where you are treated as a friend – not a patient. 

The board-certified medical professionals have each achieved acclaim for their outstanding skills and talents. The office is friendly, warm, and caring. World-class surgical and non-surgical enhancements are performed in a comfortable, professional setting. There is no better clinic than what you will discover at South Coast Plastic Surgery in Ladera Ranch and Irvine. Don’t expect white coats and badges — South Coast Plastic Surgery believes you deserve comfort above all, and that includes how to interact with you throughout your journey. 

State-of-the-Art Surgical Center
Surgical procedures are performed at the private, accredited surgical center, which is equipped with advanced patient health and safety technology. Rather than undergoing surgery in an impersonal hospital setting, you have the option to be cared for personally by a team that genuinely cares about you, your experience, and achieving an outstanding outcome. 

Meet Dr. Song
Dr. Song’s approach is compassionate and supportive, but it doesn’t end there. His education, extensive experience, medical contributions, and local and national recognition make him an Orange County leader for both plastic and reconstructive surgeries. Dr. Song is a highly skilled and talented plastic surgeon who offers an impressive level of expertise in cosmetic and reconstructive breast, face, and body contouring procedures. He is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery under the American Board of Medical Specialties. 

The South Coast Plastic Surgery Difference
At South Coast Plastic Surgery, the focus is you, your experience, and your results. The plastic surgeons are among the most talented in the nation and have garnered respect and recognition for their achievements. 

You are invited you to discover the difference at South Coast, where it’s all about you — from your first consultation to your recovery.

South Coast Plastic Surgery
800 Corporate Drive, Suite 280
Ladera Ranch
949.701.4454
SoCoPlasticSurgery.com

Sendero Dental

DRS. JEFFREY BARRERA & TYLER KISLING

Discover this peaceful experience at Sendero Dental Studio in Rancho Mission Viejo — an escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life and a uniquely tranquil setting for your next dental appointment. It’s also home to one of the best-reviewed dentists in South Orange County. 

Dr. Jeffrey Barrera launched Sendero Dental in Rancho Mission Viejo as an intimate studio designed for maximum relaxation and comfort. Sendero’s minimalist décor, in neutral shades of white and grey, feels less like a scene for a root canal and more like the lobby of a luxury retreat. 

Dr. Barrera’s friendly and convenient practice values a patient’s time and his team ensures you’re in and out as efficiently as possible… with a smile. Dozens of 5-star Yelp and Google reviews offer testament to the exceptional level of care. 

Dr. Barrera approaches every patient as a member of the family, as does Dr. Tyler Kisling, who recently joined the Sendero Dental Studio. Hailing from Fresno, Dr. Kisling brings eight years of experience and a fresh perspective. After particularly work-intensive treatments, he’s known for calling patients at the end of the day to check in. “Dr. Kisling and I are on the same page,” Dr. Barrera says. 

For some, visiting a dentist, no matter how serene the atmosphere, generates feelings of apprehension. That’s why the office is equipped with state-of-the-art technology to deliver the best possible outcomes with the least amount of discomfort. Remember “impressions” created with unpalatable trays of green, goopy material? Well, you won’t find those at Dr. Barrera’s offices. He uses iTero, a laser scanner that creates a virtual model of your teeth in just five minutes, expediting the treatment process. If a crown is required, the fabrication time is reduced from more than two weeks to a mere three to five days. 

With iTero, Dr. Barrera has the capability to show you the interior of your mouth and the positioning of teeth, essentially in real time. The technology allows practitioners to treat patients more precisely and provides before-and-after video simulation of how corrective measures would improve the health of your teeth. 

Patients love the scan because it saves them time, but dentists love iTero’s ability to detect decay, minute chips in teeth, and gum recession. It also enables the office to maintain a chronological record of your oral health as a companion view to traditional x-rays. 

Technology aside, Dr. Barrera knows that superior care and personal interactions make a dentist visit successful, not the equipment. “If we build trusting relationships that last a lifetime, that’s what’s most rewarding to me,” he says. 

If you’re looking for a new dentist to care for your entire family, a second opinion, or referral, schedule a consultation at 949.371.8533. 

Sendero Dental
30901 Gateway Place, F-5
Rancho Mission Viejo
949.371.8533
SenderoDental.com