Comforts of Home and The Sofa Shop

Jim Leontas

Since 2000, owners Jim and Monica Leontas’ vision has been to offer a different kind of furniture buying experience—one without pushy salespeople, cheap furniture, misleading pricing and endless sales tricks. With this goal in mind, they decided to open Comforts of Home and The Sofa Shop.

Jim and Monica have created a home funishings environment where the items are on-trend, available, and at great prices every day. They pride themselves on providing superior customer service—before, during, and after your purchase.

At Comforts of Home and The Sofa Shop, customers are provided with quality, custom furnishings at 40 to 60% off the prices found at national furniture retailers. Customers are able to design the room of their dreams in a comfortable showroom setting, where they can touch fabrics and sample furniture pieces. Rather than purchasing furniture online and hoping a product lives up to your expectation, their showrooms allow customers to see items firsthand. Friendly, non-commission design consultants guide you throughout the furniture buying process, without high-pressure sales tactics.

Customize your very own cozy sectional, a bedroom that soothes the soul, an intimate dining room for gatherings, or a posh room for the kids. The design team strives to help make your furniture wishes come true. The words “custom” and “value” are typically incompatible, but at Comforts of Home and The Sofa Shop, they pride themselves at providing quality furniture at extremely competitive prices.

Don’t settle for a mass-produced, “everybody-has-that” sofa. The Sofa Shop and Comforts of Home sofas are made locally in the U.S.A. Their product is handcrafted and built your way with solid wood frames, upgraded cushions, springs, and many extras.

Comforts of Home’s success has allowed for continued expansion. They now cover all of Orange County with four beautiful locations in Laguna Hills, San Juan Capistrano, Yorba Linda and their brand new store in Costa Mesa. With over twenty years of custom sofa-making experience, Jim and his team welcome the opportunity to serve you.

Comforts of Home and The Sofa Shop
23170 Del Lago Dr
Laguna Hills • 949.770.8888
ComfortsOfHome.net

Capistrano Hardwoods

Dave Smith

When veteran carpenter Dave Smith decided to open his own supply house, he searched for a location that was in desperate need of a quality lumber and specialty hardwood warehouse. He discovered San Juan Capistrano, a city located far south in the county. Tradesmen were accustomed to driving up to Anaheim to locate the exact moldings and custom woodworking solutions for their customers. In 1989, Dave opened Capistrano Hardwoods, off of Avenida Aeropuerto, where he and his team of experienced professionals have been delivering quality, hard-to-find woodworking solutions ever since.

The business serves homeowners, do-it-yourselfers and tradesman with prices that beat the big box home improvement stores for moldings, windows and doors. “I’m thrilled to have been able to build a quality reputation for Capistrano Hardwoods these past thirty-two years,” states Dave, “Our amazing employees continue to provide excellent customer service and our customers are the most loyal clientele I’ve ever seen.”

When you need quality interior finish design services, visit Capistrano Hardwoods. The friendly staff has the knowledge and experience to answer all of your questions and concerns. Since the showroom is open 6 days a week, they are able to serve weekend DIY-ers. They pride themselves on answering all their customers’ questions in order to provide the best choice for their project.

As the staff often conveys to new customers on the phone, “We’re just down the street from The Coach House.” That’s a landmark with which most Orange County residents are familiar.

From moldings to hardwood lumber and custom windows to barnwood doors, Capistrano Hardwoods prides itself on its extensive inventory. They also have a huge variety of cabinet hardware, staircase and banister options. Save yourself the time of driving to a big box hardware store with elusive customer service, or traveling 45 minutes on the freeway to central Orange County. Simply stop by to speak with Ken, Zack, Izzy and the team for your next project, big or small.

Capistrano Hardwoods
26131 Avenida Aeropuerto #A
San Juan Capistrano
949.661.6244
CapistranoHardwoods.com

Enlightened Solar

San Clemente’s Power Specialists

by Victoria Kertz

There’s never been a better time to go solar. With California poised to reduce incentives for future solar panel installations, homeowners are rushing to install rooftop systems to beat the clock. The environmental benefits of solar are evident, but proposed legislation to increase electric bill rates and fees is a game changer for customers. If you’ve ever contemplated residential solar, now’s the opportune time to act.  

In an analysis published last year, Morgan Stanley wrote that the proposed changes by the California Public Utilities Commission would “largely to completely eliminate the economic benefits of rooftop solar in California.” Fortunately, a grace period of about 90 to 120 days, during which customers can install solar panels and enjoy the financial benefits of previous years, goes into effect after the changes are approved in Sacramento. 

Brett Jarman, co-founder of San Clemente-based Enlightened Solar, says the state’s proposed changes are generating a flurry of activity, but he and his team are ready for the rush. For 13 years, family-owned Enlightened Solar has led the way in professional and clean rooftop installations throughout Southern California. If you’ve ever noticed an unattractive solar panel setup, it wasn’t done by Enlightened. They’re known for creating some of the most beautiful rooftop systems under the sun, at equally attractive prices. 

“Orange County is one of the best solar climates in the U.S.,” Brett says. “The location is almost always sunny and panels can be installed on any roof material and face any direction.” Brett is working diligently to meet with interested homeowners prior to when the new legislation goes into effect. “As long as a contract is signed before the state’s grace period ends, they can enjoy the environmental and financial benefits of solar,” he adds. 

Brett wants customers to understand that solar installation isn’t exactly a weekend project. The entire process takes between 6 to 10 weeks, from signing a contract and drawing up engineering plans to getting permits and connecting the panels.

Enlightened’s team completes each stage of the project in-house, including the construction. Brett does not use subcontracted labor, and his busy team of 16 dedicated professionals is quickly growing. His team is committed to installing customized systems to suit the needs of each and every homeowner he serves. 

“Solar is not a commodity,” Brett emphasizes. “The components that capture sunlight are, but who installs it, and how it’s installed are what matter most. Some installs cost the same,” he says, “but the finished product may look radically different based on the company that performed the work.”

“Solar is a complex, energy-generating home improvement,” Brett adds, and one that everyone sees when they pass by. He says it’s difficult to convey the importance of workmanship before an installation, but at the end of the day, homeowners generally don’t want to skimp on a large, roof-mounted design that, if done improperly, is something they could regret for the next 25 years. 

No matter which solar company a homeowner chooses, Brett advises everyone to ask this difficult questions, especially when it comes to appearance. The educated sales team at Enlightened has detailed information, mock-ups, and more to give customers the peace of mind they need to move forward. Whether it’s financial or technical, the Enlightened team provides honest answers about what to expect with a solar system. 

The natural benefits of solar, like pollution-free energy from a renewable source, are clear, but if you’re interested in panels for your house, call Brett and his trusted team at 949.426.7096. 

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

Triton Air

Leaders in Service and Community

by Victoria Kertz

It’s safe to say that Triton Air is a company that stands out. Whether it’s their eye-catching Pacific blue service vans or the more than 1200 5-star Google reviews, this San Clemente-based heating and air service company simply blows the competition away. Known for excellent service, generous work with families in need, and campaigns like Lennox’s “Feel the Love,” Triton Air is unique. 

In 2021, a year that didn’t exactly go as planned, Triton Air beat revenue projections, increased the number of employees, and acquired Ocean Air from the Kopp family in Laguna Niguel. But if you ask Mike Nicolai, founder of Triton Air, he’d say the highlight was his July trip to Malawi, Africa. In a remote part of the country, he and his wife Kim are working to fund a unique all-terrain, 4×4 ambulance used to transport expectant mothers and other women to the hospital. This area suffers from heavy rains, washed out dirt roads, and a high infant mortality rate due to the lack of dependable transportation. As a result, mothers often walk for miles or take an ox cart to the hospital in Livingstonia. 

Working with the non-profit company Y-Malawi, Mike and Kim met with local hospital association leaders and residents who will benefit from the vehicle. “What’s so mind-blowing is the lack of funding for medicine and everyday items like bandages that we’re able to readily purchase,” says Mike. “It’s a whole different story in Malawi, a land-locked country that receives goods much slower than other African countries. They can teach us a lot about patience and gratitude.”

Here in Orange County, Triton Air has provided free services to nonprofits and families in need for years, but the Nicolai’s were still surprised to be recognized for their efforts when the company was named San Clemente Business of the Year. This is an honor that Mike attributes to his team’s consistent community involvement and dedication to clients during the lockdowns of 2020. His staff even volunteered to go grocery shopping for some of their customers. Mike calls the recognition a “lifetime achievement award; it really is an honor and we are blessed and so proud.” Triton Air was also named Most Popular in Orange County by the Los Angeles Times, ranked #1 in South County companies on Google, and was recently nominated for a Spire award.

Accolades aside, Mike says his customers always come first. As we head into cooler weather, he stressed the importance of scheduling a safety inspection of your furnace to prevent potential carbon monoxide issues. “You would never leave your car running in the garage because of the dangerous fumes,” he says, “but a very similar, and deadly, situation may result if gas fumes from your furnace leak into your house.” Triton Air technicians attend weekly training sessions that focus on the details of furnace safety and thorough inspections, thus ensuring that your system is running efficiently and safely. 

For those who want to avoid carbon emissions of any kind, Mike explains that Triton Air offers new zero-emission heat pumps that both heat and cool your home without using gas. These pumps are powered by electricity and, for homes with solar panels installed, can heat and cool with power generated from the sun. These systems also offer a financial benefit by avoiding future local or state taxes on gas or fossil fuel-dependent appliances.

Ready to schedule an inspection? Call Triton Air today to create a healthier, safer, and cleaner environment for your family. Partner with a company that puts people first, both locally and internationally. Call 949-482-2492 or visit TritonAir.com.

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. Due to the high demands of literacy, reading is more important than ever! The Johnson Academy and Speech, Language & Learning Center (SLLC), located in San Juan Capistrano, offers evidence-based reading and math intervention programs to improve phonemic awareness, comprehension, vocabulary knowledge and cognitive abilities.

About The Founder
Cathy Johnson became a licensed Speech/Language Pathologist in 1991 after completing a B.A. and M.A. in Communication Disorders, with a minor in Child Development. She initially focused on treating young children with speech and language disorders, but broadened her scope of practice when those same young children returned to her for help in reading. Additionally, Cathy’s own daughter was diagnosed with dyslexia and her mission to help children became her passion.

For the past four years, she and the University of La Verne have been building an Orton-Gillingham Based Dyslexia Teacher Training Program at the University of La Verne under the guidance of Drs. Mary Farrell and Nancy Cushen-White. They have created a rigorous reading intervention curriculum based on the Science of Reading. The Orton-Gillingham methodology is the gold standard of interventions and is transforming the literacy abilities of children which we know can change their academic trajectory.

The Johnson Academy and SLLC, offer a variety of programs to help children with reading and learning differences. The individualized approach in teaching allows the school to adapt to the unique learning style of each child. The Johnson Academy services families who are looking for an all-day school experience. With the low teacher to student ratio, the children are able to excel in a hands-on
learning environment.

Programs
The Speech, Language & Learning Center offers a comprehensive assessment battery consisting of diagnostic tests designed to identify your child’s strengths and weaknesses. After the assessment, a consultation is scheduled to explain the results and discuss an individualized intervention tailored to specifically address areas of concern.

If your child struggles with keeping up in school, please contact us to find out more information! Call 949.487.5251 or visit scheduling@ocsllcinc.com.

the johnson academy
27127 Calle Arroyo, Ste. 1920
San Juan Capistrano
949.487.5251
SpeechLanguageAndLearningCenter.net

At Stratford School, high expectations yield extraordinary results. Our advanced yet intentionally balanced curriculum starts as early as Preschool to inspire and nurture the minds and hearts of every student. From the outset, we simplify challenging concepts, then accelerate learning to enable our students to study ahead of grade level, develop a love of learning, and prepare for the future.

From Preschool through Grade 8, Stratford’s curriculum is infused with sequential instruction in science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics — “STEAM” — to help students develop a diverse set of problem-solving skills and talents they’ll need in today’s world. We accomplish this through a unique cross-disciplinary approach that enhances critical thinking, integrates ideas from multiple subjects, and ultimately expands student learning.

Beginning in Preschool, Stratford’s curriculum is designed to develop the cognitive, social, emotional, and physical building blocks. Hands-on, multi-sensory activities, including our Imaginative STEAM Play, encourage preschoolers to play and share with others, while developing their self-confidence, so each child discovers the joy and excitement of learning.

In Elementary, our accelerated core curriculum exceeds the National Standardized ERB Results and motivates students to become critical thinkers and proficient writers. This balanced approach imparts students with not only a well-rounded education; it fosters the development of strong friendships, effective study skills, and blossoming self-confidence.

Middle School continues the Stratford tradition of excellence. We prepare and mentor students for placement in honors and advanced courses at top-tier private and public high schools. Stratford’s intentional approach to educating the whole child results in young adults who are gifted communicators, skilled, generous collaborators, creative problem-solvers, and confident, insightful leaders.

Our caring and passionate teachers cultivate a fun and nurturing classroom environment, where high expectations encourage students to try new things with confidence and enthusiasm. They present a broad spectrum of learning opportunities. They engage students. They invite questions. They encourage students to collaborate. Consequently, students laugh a lot, and learn even more.

Learn more about Stratford’s Mission Viejo campus by visiting online or scheduling a tour at www.StratfordMissionViejo.com.

Stratford School
24741 Chrisanta Drive
Mission Viejo, CA 92691
www.StratfordSchools.com

At Orange County Academy of Sciences and Arts (OCASA), students learn by doing. They are encouraged to ask questions, take risks, make discoveries, observe patterns, exhibit creativity, and reflect on their own work. OCASA offers two unique and innovative campuses designed to help students launch their bright future.

OCASA Elementary School (Kindergarten to 5th Grade) is a tuition-free, public K-5 charter school specializing in individual learning and small group instruction. With an emphasis on science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics, students apply real-world experiences to understand new concepts and gain knowledge. According to the California State Dashboard, OCASA students attained tremendous growth in 2018 with a 29.7 point increase in Math and an 18.5 point increase in English Language Arts. The campus features multiple hands-on labs, including a Maker Lab and Arts Lab, which encourage exploration and experimentation under the guidance of OCASA’s credentialed teachers and experienced staff.

OCASA College Prep (6th Grade to 12th Grade) serves the evolving needs of students in South Orange County and ensures that every child in attendance receives a rich, individualized, rigorous and joyful education that will prepare them to thrive. OCASA College Prep, currently enrolling Grades 6-11, is the only classroom-based, tuition-free public charter high school in South Orange County. The school’s curriculum places an emphasis on the academic, social and physical development of young adults in the areas of science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics. The innovative program allows students to master material and progress at their own pace.

Both OCASA campuses are fully accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges. OCASA is now enrolling for the 2022-23 school year. Visit ocasa.org to RSVP for an upcoming Parent Information Session or School Tour.

OCASA Elementary (Kindergarten to 5th Grade)
29292 Crown Valley Parkway, Laguna Niguel

OCASA College Prep (6th Grade to 12th Grade)
31522 El Camino Real, San Juan Capistrano

Capistrano Unified is dedicated to preparing students from preschool and transitional kindergarten through high school to meet the challenges of a rapidly changing world. CUSD has an unwavering commitment to excellence in curriculum and instruction, strong emphasis and integration of mental health and emotional support, social emotional learning, and cultural diversity, ensuring graduates have multiple opportunities for college, military, career readiness, and independent living. This school year and the next the district has been able to invest even more into classrooms because of state and federal COVID-19 funds and over 300 additional teachers, speech pathologists, psychologists, counselors, and classified staff have been hired.

School counselors and psychologists support social, emotional, behavior, and academics to ensure that every learner can be successful. Counselors provide academic, college and personal counseling and are available on
all campuses.

AWARD WINNING SCHOOLS
2021 Recognized American School Counselor Association (ASCA) Model Program (RAMP) designated schools. Awarded by ASCA for delivering an exceptional data-informed counseling program and an exemplary educational environment: Esencia K-7*, Aliso Viejo Middle School*, Vista Del Mar and Castille Elementary. (*) Denotes highest honor: School of Distinction for an exceptionally high-caliber school counseling program.

PUBLIC EDUCATION EXCELLENCE

• Rigorous and engaging curriculum and collaborative learning
• California Distinguished and National Blue-Ribbon Schools
• Best Communities for Music Education Designation from the NAMM Foundation for outstanding commitment to music education
• Visual & Performing Arts dedicated to artistic excellence
• Championship caliber Athletic programs

ELEMENTARY

• Class size reduction
• Paraprofessionals for classroom support
• Preschool and Transitional Kindergarten
• Full-day Kindergarten
• Spanish and Mandarin Language Immersion (Beginning in Preschool)
• Gifted & Advanced Learners (GATE)

SECONDARY

• College & Career Advantage: 30 career pathways and over 500 partnerships
• High School Specialize/Focused Academies
• Futureology helps students navigate the college & career track
• International Baccalaureate Programs
• Advanced Placement Courses
• Career Technical Education (CTE) Labs
• First Robotics: FTC and FRC Competition Teams

Capistrano Unified School District
33122 Valle Road
San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675
949.234.9200 • bit.ly/CUSDInfo