OCWineFest

Saturday – March 10, 2018, 1-5pm
Sunday – March 11, 2018, 1-5pm

A STONES THROW WINERY
29943 Camino Capistrano
San Juan Capistrano

The OCWineFest brings wines and brews from around the world to your doorstep in a fun, relaxed environment. (Yes, we’re the WineFest. But turns out even wine lovers need a break to sip something else new and noteworthy too.)  The Fest also serves up boutiques to browse, artisan merchandise to buy and more!

Educational Seminars* (separate entry ticket – visit ticket site for more details):

Saturday, March 10th
2:30 – Michael Pavidis – Old World Vines: An Introduction to the Wines of Greece
3:30 – Maurice Wedell – Wedell Cellars

Sunday, March 11th
1:30 – Victor Schoenfeld, Golan Heights Winery/Yarden – “Getting High: Exploring the Terroir of the Golan Heights”
3:30 – Bill Wilson, Wilson Creek Winery: The Making of a Brand – Almond Champagne

* Speakers and schedule subject to change.

For more information, go to OCWineFest.com

Buy tickets

Estelle & Kennedy

A Professional Law Corporation

BY VERONICA BADZEY

Estelle & Kennedy, A Professional Law Corporation (APLC), is a boutique, full-service law firm offering strong advocacy and aggressive representation to Orange County residents, families, small businesses, political officials, and corporations. Led by attorneys Michael Kennedy and Brandy Estelle, the firm’s accomplished team of 11 attorneys are deeply committed to delivering exceptional legal service across a wide range of practice areas, including family law, civil litigation, criminal defense, employment/labor law, probate, wills/trusts, and business law, to name just a few.

“Whether you are a homeowner who has a conflict with a contractor, a spouse who needs assistance in a divorce case, or a child who has an issue with his or her school and needs an advocate,” relates Mr. Kennedy, “we have the skills, tenacity, and experience to bring your case to a successful resolution.”

While the Mission Viejo office of Estelle & Kennedy APLC opened in mid-2016, the firm has been serving Los Angeles and the Inland Empire since 2012. Before joining forces, Mr. Kennedy and Ms. Estelle had each owned their own successful practices; they merged in order to provide a broader spectrum of legal services for their clients.

After running several profitable small businesses and serving eight years as a Peace Officer for the California Youth Authority, Mr. Kennedy founded Child Support Liberation, Inc., a father’s rights paralegal firm that helped fathers achieve legal equity through the court system. He noticed a strong need for legal representation among his clients and returned to school to earn his Juris Doctor degree from Newport University College of Law. Michael also holds a Bachelor degree in Economics from UC Riverside and serves as General Counsel for the Rancho Cucamonga Chamber of Commerce.

A Laguna Hills native, Brandy earned a BA degree in Political Science and Rhetoric from UC Berkeley, and a Juris Doctorate from Loyola Law School. Recognized as one of the top probate attorneys in the state, Brandy has over 16 years of experience in both public law and private practice. Her extensive background includes work for CVI Realty, Public Counsel, and the Western Law Center for Disability Rights. She is also a member of the Beverly Hills Greater Los Angeles Association of Realtors and serves on the Loyola Law School Board of Governors.

Estelle & Kennedy APLC’s team of attorneys has decades of combined experience in a diverse range of fields, such as Economics, Communications, English, Criminology, and Political Science, and they hold Juris Doctors degrees in law from prestigious universities across the country. The firm’s attorneys are trained to expertly handle every case from intake to appeals, whether that requires a jury trial, bench trial or negotiating a settlement.

“We wanted to make sure we have competent attorneys in a wide range of practice areas,” explains Michael. “Oftentimes, we’ll have a client that comes in with an issue such as family law, but after doing the legal analysis you realize they have other related issues that need to be addressed. If you don’t have competent attorneys experienced in those areas, you can end up underserving the client.”

Estelle & Kennedy, APLC is also deeply committed to community engagement. Attorneys take time out of their busy schedules to participate in education panels for small businesses and groups, hold monthly legal clinics at the James L. Brulte Senior Center, Nu Philadelphia Church, and take on pro bono work for local clients whenever possible. It’s one of the main reasons Brandy entered law in the first place. “I wanted to serve the underprivileged,” she relates, “and to be in a position to help those in a very complex legal system, where if you don’t have a certain expertise, you can really get lost in it.”

While they have significant trial experience and will not hesitate to take a case to litigation, Estelle & Kennedy, APLC remains solution-focused. They will seek settlement as long as it doesn’t compromise their client’s position; however, Brandy asserts that they are always ready to aggressively litigate a case. “The client always comes first for us…always,” she says firmly. “We fight for them.”

Rose Donuts & Café

BY DINA SCAGLIONE

Every once in a while, you find an unassuming eatery that delivers an unexpected dining experience. That’s precisely what happened when I visited Rose Donuts & Café in San Clemente. When you come to Rose’s, you’ll be pleasantly surprised by its vast menu of culinary delights, from hearty breakfast burritos to deli sandwiches to freshly made to order salads and delicious grilled burgers.

Don’t let the name fool you. Yes, there are donuts. In fact, more than 5,000 are served up fresh each year on National Donut Day. But we’re not talking about your typical everyday cake donuts, glazed bars and jam-filled treats. Rose’s also serves gourmet donuts, designed to celebrate every holiday of the year. For those seeking something a bit naughty, you must try the bacon and maple glazed donut. It’s both sweet and savory and worth every indulgent bite. Bagel lovers are not overlooked at Rose’s; there are a variety of flavors to enjoy with a schmear of cream cheese or decked out with smoked salmon and jalapeño.

Looking for a healthy way to start your day? I highly recommend Rose’s Breakfast Burrito. A tasty combination of egg whites, avocado, Swiss cheese and red skinned potatoes wrapped in a large flour tortilla with a side of fresh salsa. The deliciously grilled chicken wrap is generously sized, loaded with flavorful grilled chicken, lettuce, spinach, sprouts, chopped tomatoes, red onions and chunks of avocado. The marinated steak sandwich is loaded with tender, seasoned grilled sirloin, bell peppers, and onions served on a grilled roll with lettuce, tomatoes and Swiss cheese. For a twist on an American classic, try Rose’s yummy Donut Burger.

Owner Susan Lim has been working in the family business since she was a young teen and is now ushering in the next generation with her 4 daughters lending a hand. Their warmth and hospitality are just the icing on the cake (or donut in this case) to round out your palette pleasing dining experience.

Rose’s also serves gourmet coffee and teas, smoothies and even a Vietnamese iced coffee, with just the right amount of sweet and creamy. Open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, Rose’s offers a jam-packed menu that would take months to eat through. Challenge accepted.

Rose Donuts & Café
624 Camino De Los Mares, San Clemente
949.493.9200 | RoseCafeSanClemente.com

DINNER. DRINKS. DANA POINT.

SUNSETS BAR & GRILL • STILLWATER • WATERMAN’S HARBOR

BY VERONICA BADZEY

When Damian Collins opened Sunsets Bar and Grill ten years ago, he was looking to fill a void in the Dana Point restaurant scene. With breathtaking views of the Pacific, it’s become a popular local hangout known for its upscale, yet unpretentious atmosphere, award-winning cocktails, and delicious Hawaiian cuisine. “I started Sunsets because I wanted a local spot where I could feel comfortable hanging out with friends and having a great drink,” he relates. “My goal has always been to bring things to the community that I was really passionate about, and that we didn’t have.”

In 2012, Damian built on his success by opening StillWater in the Dana Point Lantern District, followed a few years later by Waterman’s Harbor in the Dana Point Harbor. Though each restaurant features its own unique menu, ambiance, and entertainment, they all share a commitment to excellent food, exemplary customer service, and support for the local community. “We’re always looking to improve,” says Frank Perreira, Director of Operations for all three restaurants, “which is why we’ve made a real effort to elevate the food and enhance our customers’ experience in every way we can.”

SUNSETS BAR AND GRILL
Sunsets Bar and Grill got a boost last year with a new chef and revamped Hawaiian-themed menu that features popular items such as Bacon Bombs, Kahlua Pork Sliders, and Seared Ahi Tacos. In addition to a tantalizing array of cocktails like the Pineapple Margarita, Pono, and Mango Whiskey Sour, it also offers a full range of quality draft beer and wine. Sunsets showcases live music three nights a week, along with Happy Hour specials (all day on Wednesdays), and an incredible ocean view with its location on Pacific Coast Highway, directly across the street from Doheny State Beach.

STILLWATER
Approaching its 5-year anniversary, StillWater evokes a pre-prohibition vibe that honors its status as a local historic site, and the first building to be constructed in the City of Dana Point. Chef Steve Kling has created a tempting menu of classic American fare, utilizing sustainable, locally-sourced produce, meat, and fish, augmented by the restaurant’s new Farm to Table garden. The bar offers an impressive selection of 54 foreign and domestic beers on tap, along with craft cocktails based on the libations from the 1920s, ‘30s and ‘40s.

StillWater has also added a new lunch menu, focusing on fast and affordable grab ‘n go options for $10 and under, including a delicious Chicken Bowl, Drive Thru Burger, and Veggie Wrap. Guests will enjoy live entertainment Wednesday through Sunday (with no cover charge), and other nightly events like Taco Tuesday Karaoke, Wednesday Country Night, and Tribute Thursday, which features local Tribute Bands. With an open floor plan, expansive outdoor bar, and HDTVs to catch your favorite game, StillWater has become the go-to Dana Point spot for live entertainment, dancing, great grub and the perfect place to catch up with old friends and to meet new ones.

WATERMAN’S HARBOR
Named “Seafood Restaurant of the Year” in 2016 by the Orange County Register, and winner of the prestigious “Golden Foodie Award” for Seafood in 2016, Waterman’s Harbor has already earned a solid reputation for delivering excellent cuisine created from locally-sourced, sustainable seafood. Having recently acquired a seafood processing license, it has the ability to serve fish purchased directly from local harbor fisherman, which translates into the freshest offerings possible – like the Baja Taco Style Shrimp and Macadamia Crusted Sea Bass. If lobster’s your weakness, then you won’t be able to resist the 3-course Maine Lobster meal on Thursdays for a mere $29.95.

Waterman’s newly-designed upstairs lounge offers guests a relaxing and comfy spot from which to enjoy gorgeous views of Dana Point Harbor while sipping on their favorite drinks. The exclusive bar menu with generous half-off Happy Hour specials on delectable appetizers, beer, wine, and cocktails is a compelling excuse to gather with friends and co-workers at the end of the day. Be sure to drop in for the family-friendly, all-you-can-eat, $20 Sunday Brunch Buffet, featuring an omelet bar, $10 bottomless Mimosas, and plenty of treats for the kids, which can be enjoyed anywhere in the restaurant, including the open-air patio with expansive views of the water.

Be sure to make your reservation at Waterman’s Harbor during Orange County Restaurant Week, taking place March 4 to 10. Specially created two-course lunch and three-course dinner menus, including complimentary cocktail, are offered at $15 and $30, respectively.

“Our hope is that as we focus on the food and keep improving,” enthuses Damian, “we’ll bring more good restaurants into town. We want to create a synergy that everyone in Dana Point can enjoy.”

CHECK OUT OUR BEHIND THE SCENES COVER SHOOT ON YOUTUBE!

Inka Mama’s

AUTHENTIC PERUVIAN CUISINE

BY DINA SCAGLIONE

If bold and exotic flavors are something you crave, look no further than Inka Mama’s in San Clemente. Beyond your typical Orange County fare, the restaurant’s abundant menu features influences from Asia and Spain with one-of-a-kind exotic dishes. Explore new and exciting finds without having to pack a bag and catch a flight.

Founded in 2001 by sisters Angela Kisijara and Martha White, Inka Mama’s has become a local favorite. It’s an ideal dining destination for those seeking a bit of a culinary adventure and a taste for authentic Peruvian dishes flavored with aromatic cilantro, citrus-y lime and spicy peppers. Inka Mama’s diverse menu and warm atmosphere instantly transports you to South America without ever crossing the border.

Once inside, you’ll be struck by the unobtrusive charm of the restaurant’s Latin-Asian fusion ambiance. I looked forward to the arrival of a small jar, filled with my favorite bright green sauce called Aji — the traditional Peruvian staple made with pureed serrano peppers, romaine lettuce and cilantro. It’s a delicious drizzle over your main entrée or as a to-die-for dip with soft bread.

For starters, try Inka Mama’s ceviche, made with fresh sea bass, marinated in a spicy chile-lime juice with sliced onions and chopped cilantro. Another flavorful and unique appetizer is the Papa a la Huancaina, a large egg-size fried yucca filled with spicy yellow chile ricotta cheese sauce. Looking for something to beat the winter chill? Then, you must try the comforting Aquadito de Pollo chicken soup, made with cilantro, rice, vegetables and potatoes. It will warm you from your nose to your toes.

Inka Mama’s is known for its Saltado, a Peruvian stir-fry made with sautéed vegetables, potatoes, onions, peppers, spices and served with rice. Whether you prefer vegetarian, chicken, seasoned top sirloin or rib-eye steak, the savory spices and harmonious flavors will make your taste buds sing.

Inka Mama’s has 3 other locations in Foothill Ranch, Aliso Viejo and Santa Ana. Stop by for daily Happy Hour, Monday through Saturday from 4 to 7 p.m. and all day on Sundays. On Mondays, kids eat free with the purchase of a regular priced entrée and adults will enjoy half-price bottles of select wine. Wednesday Nights serve up $5 draft beers all night.

INKA MAMA’S
Talega Village Center • 821 Via Suerte #104, San Clemente
949.369.6262 • InkaMamas.com

The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel Contributes More Than $83,500 in Support of Veterans

The oceanfront resort continues to raise funds and awareness of The Veterans Initiative of Canine Companions for Independence.

Continuing its unwavering commitment to giving back to charities that change lives, The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel is pleased to announce that through the net proceeds from the 2017 Yappy Hour season and the support of several major donors, more than $83,500 has been donated to The Veterans Initiative of Canine Companions for Independence.

“It’s truly incredible seeing our community come together to raise vital funds and awareness for Canine Companions,” said Bruce Brainerd, general manager of The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel. “On behalf of the Ladies and Gentlemen of the resort, we are beyond thankful for the outpouring of support from our friends, neighbors and generous supporters year after year.”

Click here for a selection of photos from the 2017 Yappy Hour season.

Canine Companions recognizes the urgent and growing need for programs that provide support to veterans with disabilities. Many of the brave men and women returning home from combat with disabling injuries experience a litany of new challenges. Often, they face difficult transitions back to civilian life as well as uncertain futures with new disabilities. Canine Companions assistance dogs can help veterans regain independence, pride and hope. Beyond much-needed physical assistance, the love, loyalty and positivity of a canine partner can make a profound, lasting impact on someone dealing with difficult emotions that are hard to communicate. To date, Canine Companions has served 257 veterans, with 37 active teams from the Southwest Region.  Visit cci.org to learn more.

The investment you make in your children’s education is one of the most important decisions you will make in their lives. You have an incredible challenge on your hands; to prepare your children for a life of success and meaning.  It can feel daunting as a parent, but you can do it with the right partner. CVCS has a long history of helping young people to become the best version of themselves, prepared for success in life and leadership. Capistrano Valley Christian Schools (CVCS) embodies excellence in academic, spiritual, extracurricular, and cultural distinction. CVCS is a school on the rise with an exciting vision for the future. Above all, CVCS is marked by a deep sense of community where students and families are cared for in a way that delivers a more meaningful experience that will influence your child’s faith and character for the rest of their lives.

CVCS excels in:

ACADEMIC DISTINCTION:

• CVCS is ranked one of the top Christian schools in California
• College acceptances at elite institutions, including Stanford, UCLA, Duke, Cornell, NYU, West Point, and the best Christian colleges including Wheaton, Westmont, and Biola
• Highly qualified, fully credentialed teachers

SPIRITUAL FORMATION:

• Leading Biblical worldview department in Southern California, including world-famous apologetics author Dr. Sean McDowell
• Unique world and regional mission trips to Russia and Fiji, Berkeley, Salt Lake City, and Los Angeles
• Mentorship programs to foster deep relationships between teachers and students to build a lifelong walk with Jesus Christ

EXTRA-CURRICULAR QUALITY:

• 12 division 1 athletes in the past five years
• Back to Back Girls’ volleyball CIF Finalist and State Southern Section Finalist
• 2014 CIF Champions in baseball
• CIF semi-finals in three of the past four years in boys’ basketball
• Incredible coaches are role models who develop the hearts and skills of their athletes
• Performing arts department, with high-quality theatrical performances and musicals throughout the year

Capistrano Valley Christian Schools
32032 Del Obispo Street
San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675
949.493.5683 • www.cvcs.org

With academic tracks tailored to meet the needs of varied learners; more than 85 clubs and activities; competitive, character-building athletics and an award-winning arts program – all in a nurturing, Christ-centered environment – Santa Margarita students are empowered to grow spiritually, intellectually, socially and morally.

Be You

At Santa Margarita, the uniqueness of each individual is celebrated. Athlete? Great. Dancer? Super. Game designer? Perfect. Writer? Awesome. Straight-A student and Harvard’s your fallback? Understood. At SMCHS, students can stay true to themselves and discover their God-given talents.

Believe In Yourself

In addition to the academic foundation, critical thinking skills and character developed at SMCHS, the school provides a nurturing environment where self-confidence grows. All through college, in the big meeting on the job, and in millions of moments to come, there is no expiration date on the confidence gained at Santa Margarita.

Achieve More

Achievement matters at SMCHS, whether a “C” student striving for a “B” or a student-athlete pursuing a national high jump record while managing multiple AP courses, Santa Margarita students are supported by their classmates, teachers and coaches who expect them to succeed. This school-wide culture of positive peer pressure instills an enduring desire to excel – to do more and be more.

Love as Christ Loved

Inside and outside of the classroom, Santa Margarita students are encouraged to love as Christ loved. Empowered and inspired, SMCHS students become more thoughtful sons and daughters, act with greater compassion to friends and strangers alike, and harness the courage to consistently do what’s right, no matter the consequences.

Make a Difference

At every grade level, SMCHS opens students’ minds to social issues by providing opportunities to apply problem-solving abilities to real world troubles. By demonstrating a commitment to the global community, the school equips students to be far more than just bystanders when faced with exclusion and inequality.

Change the World

In prominent colleges and universities throughout the United States, and diverse organizations and companies around the globe, Santa Margarita graduates are making this world a better place –
learning, leading and thriving.

Find It Here

While some students already know what makes their hearts beat faster, it’s a journey of discovery for most. Whether it’s the daily rigor of the school’s International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme, mastering the choreography of a school musical production, assembling a robot, or simply enjoying new friendships at a club meeting, there is something for everyone at SMCHS.

Santa Margarita Catholic High School
22062 Antonio Parkway
Rancho Santa Margarita, CA 92688
949.766.6076 • www.smhs.org

San Clemente Presbyterian Church Preschool has been serving families in the community for over forty years. Perched atop the southwest side of San Clemente, SCPCP enjoys panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean that create a picturesque backdrop for the preschool. Caring for children ages 2.9-year-olds through 6 years, in a safe, loving, nurturing environment is how SCPCP believes children learn and develop best. At SCPCP, each child comes to know that they are a precious and uniquely made gift from God. The school provides an excellent educational experience in a Christian environment, while meeting the individual development of each child. 

SCPCP has small class sizes (15), with two teachers educated in early child development. Classrooms meet the individual needs of the children and are age appropriate. The SCPCP Pre-K program prepares children for success in kindergarten and the years to come. The curriculum provides for all learning domains and is designed to meet the developmental needs of the “whole child” (aesthetic, affective, cognitive, language, physical, social, and spiritual).

San Clemente Presbyterian Church Preschool provides many opportunities for children to learn through class instruction and personal discovery. Preschool teachers utilize children’s group activities, small-group lessons, one-on-one instruction, and free play to promote social awareness, personal responsibility, autonomy, language development and pre-reading skills, scientific, and mathematical concepts.

San Clemente Presbyterian Church Preschool understands that a child’s basic needs must be met before learning can occur. By using a guidance approach, children will learn while having fun, develop positive self-esteem, and build a foundation of fundamental life skills. A child’s learning develops through responsive adults, active hands-on participation, and meaningful experiences.

The school invites interested parents to join them for an upcoming Group Tour on Tuesday, January 23 from 12:30 – 2:30 p.m.

Request an individual tour by contacting preschool@scpres.org or call 949.218.7398.

San Clemente Presbyterian Church Preschool
119 Avenida De La Estrella
San Clemente, CA 92672
949.218.7398 • www.scpres.org

Think Independent

St. John’s cherishes independence. Unlike other private schools, independent schools are not subject to outside mandate. The school has the freedom to determine its own mission and values, thus creating an approach to education that best serves the students. This enables St. John’s to implement the highly-acclaimed STEAM program which integrates science, technology, engineering, arts, and math.

St. John’s serves students from 8 weeks old through 8th Grade and is committed to academic excellence, service, and leadership development.

A Leader in Innovative Education

STEAM is integrated into a wide spectrum of subject areas. Each discipline is interrelated to deepen understanding and engagement. Students participate in inquiry-based lessons, collaborative experiences, and project-based curricula focused on solving practical problems.

Recognized as the most effective preparation for success in higher education and the workplace, STEAM supports students to meet the ever-changing demands of our world. Small class sizes enables St. John’s teachers to maximize the potential of every student and facilitate more hands-on learning.

St. John’s ground-breaking facility dedicated to STEAM is equipped with innovative technology including:

Makers Lab

Creativity flourishes as students learn to implement modern technology through engineering projects. Students explore 3D design and printing, video production, repurpose old electronics, as well as make LED lights and circuit boards.

Robotics Lab

Students’ projects range from designing levers and gears to building robots that assist in real-world challenges, such as cleaning up after a nuclear meltdown. Utilizing the Vex Robotics Design System, the competitive robotics team constructs a robot according to each year’s challenge.

Science Lab

Incorporating Project Lead the Way, students learn to take risks and think creatively through an engineer’s lens. Students develop analytical skills in classes such as medical engineering and medical detectives.

Production Studio

Integrated into all grade levels, the studio houses a full production set, including studio lighting, green screen capabilities, professional quality HD studio cameras, editing equipment, teleprompters, audio and light boards.

St. John’s Episcopal School
30382 Via Con Dios
Rancho Santa Margarita
949.858.5144 • www.StJohns-ES.org