Dana Point, CA Ranked No. 9 as America’s Happiest Seaside Towns 2017

Coastal Living has ranked Dana Point, California #9 as America’s Happiest Seaside Town 2017.

A once-sleepy town put on the map among the surf-minded set in the 1950s, Dana Point’s appeal has reached far beyond wave worshippers: A bustling harbor, locally owned restaurants, and more than 30 specialty shops attract thousands of visitors each year. Today, 35,000 people—a mix of everyone from retirees to young families—call Dana Point home. An 18-hole, Robert Trent Jones–designed golf course skirts the sea, and an emerging food scene has meant an influx of restaurants, and a $16 million rejuvenation project upgraded its historic Lantern Village district with outdoor seating, wider walkways, and coastal landscaping. It’s a Southern California gem.

+See the full Top Ten America’s Happiest Seaside Towns 2017 list here: http://bit.ly/2jdNorz 

+Watch Coastal Living editors announce the full list here

Twitter | Facebook | Instagram

The Coastal Living 2017 Top Ten Happiest Seaside Towns in America, in Ranked Order:

#1 Grand Haven, Michigan

#2 Orleans, Massachusetts

#3 Sarasota, Florida

#4 Fernandina Beach, Florida

#5 Langley, Washington

#6 Cape May, New Jersey

#7 Hilton Head, South Carolina

#8 Carmel-by-the-Sea, California

#9 Dana Point, California

#10 Camden, Maine

Design to Sell

By OC Real Estate 411

It’s a brave new world of real estate. While staging a home for sale has become increasingly common, OC Real Estate 411 has taken it to the next level. Their Design to Sell model is giving home sellers astounding returns, setting home sale price records and making traditional real estate marketing an antiquated concept.

“Everyone needs Design to Sell,” states Robyn Webb, Owner and Broker of OC Real Estate 411. “The way we design our home to live is far different than how a home should be designed to sell.” Webb has an MBA from USC and is also a certified interior designer. “In traditional real estate, the agent encourages the homeowner to de-clutter and move some items into the garage. Then, the agent brings in a photographer and puts the photos on the Internet. In order to grab a buyer’s attention, the photos have to be stunning, and that must start with the design of the house itself.”

Steve and Carolyn Fowle, of San Juan Capistrano, were blown away by the results. “After listing our home for 5 months with another broker, we decided to take the Design to Sell plunge and we called OC Real Estate 411. After a $31,000 investment, we sold our home for $400,000 higher than the best offer we received with the previous agent. What’s more incredible, Robyn sold our home in less than a week! We now know that what Robyn is doing with Design to Sell is truly a game changer and the only way a home should be sold.”

The Design to Sell concept is a value-added service that works for a wide range of homeowners, with varying goals, that may have a budget as low as $500 or as high as $50,000. This mini-makeover starts with an unbiased, third-party valuation of the home’s market value. The OC Real Estate 411 team then assesses the home and recommends changes that will have the greatest buyer emotional impact on the home’s sale value. From there, Robyn and her team execute the new design. The results are impressive. The majority of homeowners have sold their homes in 30 days or less, and for prices that well exceeded expectations. “Most of our clients get at least 3 times their return on investment,” Webb states. “We don’t take lightly that we are asking homeowners to make a big investment and permanently change their home — they need to be serious about selling and they need to trust the process.”

HGTV shows like Fixer Upper and Property Brothers have changed homebuyers’ expectations. For those buyers that don’t have the time or funds to take on these transformations, Design to Sell meets an unmet need, and makes the property stand out against the competition. For those that do want to try a fixer upper, OC Real Estate 411 does the reverse business model as well. Referred to as “Orange County’s Joanna Gaines” by her clients, Webb enjoys helping homebuyers purchase a fixer upper and transform it afterward into their dream home. “Our home appraised for $265,000 more than the purchase price after we invested a fraction of that with Robyn’s fixer upper program. We now have our dream home and are sitting on a pile of equity,” states Darlene Jones of Laguna Niguel.

Webb’s business is rooted in ethics and integrity, as evidenced by her Champion of Home Award, presented by the California Association of Realtors. Of approximately 500,000 real estate agents in California, only 1-3 are designated with this prestigious award each year, which recognizes ethics, professionalism and overall exemplary conduct of a Realtor^®. With over $200 million sold, Webb strives for every client experience to become a client for life. “This isn’t a job for me”, she says, “It’s a labor of true love.”

OC Real Estate 411
949.359.6572 | OCRealEstate411.com

read more

Sonny’s Pizza & Pasta

by Dina Scaglione

At a time when restaurants seemingly pop up one day and shut down the next, Sonny’s Pizza and Pasta, or more affectionately known as simply Sonny’s, has been serving up thin-crust pizzas and flavorful pasta dishes to devoted locals and curious tourists for more than 36 years. You can hardly mention the restaurant’s name without heads nodding in approval.

Since 1980, owner Sonny Genovese has prepared his family’s recipes from scratch each day, perfectly balanced with aromatic seasonings and flavorful spices. The restaurant’s unpretentious vibe and relaxed atmosphere welcomes families, friends and couples alike. Just bring a hearty appetite and let them handle the rest.

Though San Clemente is largely known for its cool, coastal climate, Spanish feel and chill vibe, the city and its surrounding areas have no shortage of Italian food aficionados who’ve made Sonny’s their go-to spot for a delicious bowl of savory Baked Rigatoni or the new Badda Bing pizza with spicy Calabrese salami, fresh mozzarella and fresh basil. Another favorite is the Rigatoni Pomodoro with ricotta cheese and spinach. Steeped in a classic pink sauce – a combination of Sonny’s signature red and Alfredo sauces, and topped with sliced sausage, this blissful marriage of melt-in-your mouth flavors and textures is a testament to the restaurant’s mass appeal. With a dizzying array of generously portioned entrées, from fresh seafood to meatless dishes, Sonny’s offers something to suit every palette.

As far as appetizers go, nothing beats the Spicy Calamari. Unlike most other renditions, Sonny’s tender calamari steak (not the typical chewy, rubber band-like rings) is cut into strips and sautéed in a spicy, garlic tomato sauce. Magnifico! The Tomato Basil Bruschetta also tops the list, served with crunchy garlic toast and sweet tomatoes, seasoned with basil, capers and chunks of Pecorino Romano.

With gondola muralled walls and the scent of roasted garlic hanging in the air, Sonny’s inviting atmosphere draws you inside and keeps you coming back for more. The spacious outside patio adorned with red and white-checkered tablecloths accommodates those who prefer to dine al fresco. Although Sonny’s can be quite popular on weekends, don’t let the appendage of outside gatherers dissuade you. Sonny’s is one of those can’t-miss local gems, and like so many good things in life, is well worth the wait!

Sonny’s Pizza & Pasta
429 N. El Camino Real, San Clemente
949.498.2540 • Sonnys.com

JSerra is an independent Roman Catholic high school that encourages students to pursue personal and professional excellence in life. Guided by the teachings of the Catholic Church, JSerra works in partnership with committed parents and inspirational teachers to form the faith, intellect, and character of its young men and women with a Christ-centered, sacrament-based learning environment.

Core Values
JSerra strives to form students who are:

Academic Achievers demonstrating a higher order of thinking skills; solving problems creatively and analytically; utilizing the appropriate technology to support learning.

Lifelong Learners who manage and direct their own learning; value and pursue postsecondary education; establish personal priorities and achievable goals; develop an appreciation of varying world views.

Responsible Christian Citizens who demonstrate knowledge of the Catholic Church; perform Christian service in their community; practice respect of self, others, and community.

Collaborative Workers who use effective leadership and interpersonal skills to foster, develop, and maintain relationships within a diverse setting.

Campus Life
Founded in 2003, JSerra has established itself within South Orange County as an exceptional academic institution. Each year at JSerra, new clubs are formed, athletic teams become stronger, and dedicated staff and faculty look for new ways to innovate the learning process.

JSerra also offers dynamic and highly successful magnet programs in arts, business, engineering, law, and medicine. These programs help prepare students for further study and professional careers in their respective areas of interest.

Through these programs and more, JSerra students are formed in faith, intellect, and character. Come learn more about joining the JSerra family at the January 19th Open House event from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.

JSerra Catholic High School
26351 Junipero Serra Road
San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675
949.493.9307 • www.JSerra.org

“Unlike his roommates, the young man didn’t go to college to ‘find’ himself. He was never lost. In fact, he wanted to build a company. He studied Finance and International Law. He interned at a start-up near his university to become more expert in Technology. He launched his company after graduating. It monitored water supply networks in developing countries to minimize pollutants. It thrived. It also improved the lives of millions of people. On long flights overseas, the man thinks back to his high school… to ‘The Tree,’ Friday night football, and inspiring teachers. He knows he found confidence there. He knows he found character. But more than anything, he knows he has found his purpose.”

Preschool through High School

• Independent Christian School
• WASC-Accredited
• UC-approved college prep program
• Small classroom sizes/low student to teacher ratio
• 1 to 1 technology program
• Abundant athletic, arts, mission and service opportunities
• Serving all of South Orange County since 1997

Mission
To educate and disciple all students as they discover their purpose in the work of God’s Kingdom.

Values Kingdom-Minded:

• The advancement of the cause of Christ in the world.
• Model and emulate Christ while seeking to disciple students.
• Worship God in every way possible.

Student-Centered:

• Believes that every student is fearfully and wonderfully made.
• Understands that every decision should be made through the lens of student experience.
• Affirms that diversity and accessibility are central to the development of Christian community.

Saddleback Valley Christian School
26333 Oso Road
San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675
949.443.4050 • www.TheChristianSchoolForAll.org
Grant Waggoner, Director of Admission:
gwaggoner@svcschools.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

Our Lady of Fatima Parish School is a 21st Century learning community founded in 1965 that has educated students in South Orange County for over 50 years. Nestled among the rolling hills with a view of the Pacific, OLF is the only Catholic School in San Clemente. The school is fully accredited and staffed by an outstanding team of credentialed, nurturing, and dedicated faculty. The secured campus offers a welcoming learning environment for all students centered on the value of “family.” OLF is a dynamic, technology-driven learning institution that prides itself on spirituality, academic rigor and high student expectations amid small class sizes that “empower today’s children to promote tomorrow’s leaders.” The school’s robust Community Service Program ensures that OLF students value and live their faith-filled educational experiences.

OLF’s students are committed learners who demonstrate excellence in academic expectations, technology acquisition, and service to their community. With a cross-curricular and cross-cultural approach to instruction, OLF offers each student differentiated opportunities to explore, investigate, and demonstrate understanding by means of a hands-on approach to learning that integrates 1:1 technology opportunities. By complementing the academic rigor with the offerings of innovative electives, the OLF faith-filled student cultivates a zest for life-long learning, develops into an effective communicator and advances as a globally responsible citizen. Proudly, 100% of OLF graduates are accepted into local Catholic High Schools. Most of OLF’s graduates place into Honors/Advanced Placement courses and/or Magnet Programs. OLF students are recognized within the local and regional contests of various competitions including Chapman University’s Holocaust Art, Writing, Poetry and Film Contest, Orange County Science Fair, Jr. High Academic Decathlon, Knight’s of Columbus’ Writing Contest, and OC Catholic Charities Poster Contest.

OLF’s Early Education Center’s Transitional Kindergarten program is the first year of a two-year academic Kindergarten program that is specifically designed to give four-year-olds and young fives the “gift of time” to develop socially, emotionally, and cognitively. All students participate weekly in the enrichment classes of Spanish, Music, Piano, Art, Choir and PE. K-2, 3-5, and Middle School Musical Productions are a highlight of the school year along with the annual all-school Christmas Program and 5th Grade Passion Play. The extended field studies programs for 4-8th graders include Sacramento day trip, The Pilgrim, Catalina Ecology Safari, ECOS Science Camp, Channel Islands, and Philadelphia/Gettysburg/Washington D.C. OLF School enthusiastically hosts upwards of 30 community-building events for students and parents throughout the school year.

Our Lady of Fatima Parish School
105 N. La Esperanza, San Clemente, CA 92672
949.492.7320 • www.olfschool.net

Mission Basilica School embraces a rich heritage from its founding in 1928 as part of the Mission community founded by Saint Junipero Serra in 1776. The school honors Saint Serra’s mission by preparing every student for a life of leadership and Catholic values. The beautiful campus, uniquely located in the historic setting of the grounds of Mission San Juan Capistrano, has a student body of 250 in grades Pre-K to 8th. Mission Basilica School is a WCEA/WASC accredited, National Blue Ribbon School, staffed with highly skilled and credentialed teachers. Mission Basilica School continues to foster faith formation and academic excellence through its highly acclaimed programs.

Faith

• Strong Catholic Identity
• Christ-Centered Learning
• Weekly Mass in the Basilica
• Ongoing Christian Service
• Spiritual Retreats

Academics

• Popular TK Program
• Accredited by the WCEA
• National Blue Ribbon School
• Rigorous Academic Curriculum
• Student-centered classrooms
• 1-to-1 iPads
• STEM Laboratories
• Fitness, Sports and Health Education
• Rich Fine Arts Program
• Spanish Language Program
• After School Clubs and Programs
• Extended Day Care

Mission Basilica School
31641 El Camino Real
San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675
949.234.1385 x2 • www.MissionBasilicaSchool.org

The investment you make in your children’s education is one of the most important decisions you will make in their lives. You want to invest in an institution that is strong, stable, and qualified to deliver outstanding preparation for 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 ranks #14 on the 2016 list of top 100 Christian schools in California – no other non-denominational Christian School in Orange County is found near the top of this list
• College acceptances at elite institutions, including Stanford, UC Berkeley, UCLA, Duke, Cornell, NYU, West Point, and the best Christian colleges including Wheaton, Westmont, and Biola
• Highly qualified, fully credentialed teachers, including an OC Parenting Magazine Top 25 Teacher of the Year

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—one recent and current scholar athletes to schools like UCLA and Florida State
• Girls’ volleyball CIF Finalist and State Southern Section Finalist, ranked #1 in Maxpreps
• 2014 CIF Champions in baseball
• CIF semi-finals past three years in boys’ basketball
• Incredible coaches are role models who develop the hearts and skills of their athletes
• Robust 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