“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.

For more information, email Grant Waggoner, Director of Admission at gwaggoner@svcschools.org

Saddleback Valley Christian School
26333 Oso Road
San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675
949.443.4050
www.TheChristianSchoolForAll.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

Nurture with care. Teach with creativity. Embrace life. Treasure faith. These are the guiding principles that shape St. Anne School, an independent Catholic school in Laguna Niguel.

St. Anne School stirs a passion for learning with stimulating, engaging, and rigorous academics. The learning environment for Preschool through grade 8 students is intimate with ideal student/teacher ratios and a commitment to fully developing each child in mind, body, and spirit. The school uses the latest, proven teaching methods, curricula, and technology—combining techniques that make learning fun with a sweeping range of academic studies. St. Anne School students become curious, confident and well–prepared for a life of learning and leadership.

Students of all faiths develop their talents through a wealth of extracurricular and scholastic activities. Starting with two–year–old students, imaginations are sparked through hands–on collaboration solving real–world problems. There’s something to engage every inquisitive mind both in and outside the classroom. St. Anne believes children who explore their interests are more comfortable with themselves and the world around them. Children who are well–rounded become adults who are well–informed. Ultimately, they are more successful in life. For St. Anne School, that’s the purpose of education.

A National Blue Ribbon School, St. Anne is also accredited by the California Association of Independent Schools (CAIS), the Western Catholic Educational Association (WCEA), the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) and the National Association of the Education of Young Children (NAEYC).

The school experience at St. Anne promotes a love of learning through academic, artistic, and athletic programs. With the guidance and dedication of faculty, students gain a solid foundation rooted in problem solving, collaboration, creative expression, leadership, faith, technology, and global citizenship.

To schedule a private tour and learn more about St. Anne School, please contact:

Lil Ray Reed, Kindergarten – Grade 8 Office of Admission
949.276.6753, LRay@st–anne.org

LuAnn Wilson, Preschool Pre–K Admission
949.276.6783, LWilson@st–anne.org

St. Anne School
32451 Bear Brand Road
Laguna Niguel, CA 92677

www.st-anne.org

Some describe it as a hidden jewel by the sea. Perched hillside along Coast Highway; Saint Catherine of Siena Parish School overlooks a panorama of the Pacific Ocean. This backdrop sets the scene for a unique educational experience, blending academic excellence, spiritual development and a focus on the arts.

When an Emerald Bay family moved from Los Angeles four years ago, they were looking for an easy school transition for their two children. “St. Catherine has the academics, arts, music and small classroom environment that made us feel welcomed and comfortable,” the family says. Whether it is the speech competition, talent show, Christmas or spring concert, sports teams or academic decathlon, the school allows students to identify their talents and shine. St. Catherine is not just a school but also a community where children learn and build character.

Serving students from transitional kindergarten through eighth grade, this tightly knit academic community offers a well–rounded curriculum designed to educate the whole child — mind, body and spirit. This is achieved through a rigorous academic program with an emphasis on cross–curricular, active learning that incorporates state–of–the–art technologies.

Originally opened in 1957, the school was completely reconstructed in 2008. The facility offers larger classrooms, separate elementary and middle school buildings, a science lab, cutting–edge computer facilities, art lab, library, music room and gymnasium with a stage for performing arts.

Laguna Beach is known for its flourishing artistic environment, a heritage St. Catherine of Siena eagerly embraces. The school employs experts in visual arts, music and theater, holds its own annual Pageant of the Masters, and partners with the Pacific Symphony Class Act Program.

As a Catholic institution, St. Catherine of Siena nourishes each student’s spiritual journey while embracing a diversity of faiths. The inclusive community makes catechesis and faith formation part of daily learning, developing students into responsible citizens ready to serve the global community.

Saint Catherine of Siena welcomes prospective families to schedule a campus tour. The school is hosting an Open House on February 1, 2018 at 5:30 p.m., the same evening as its community–wide Pasta Dinner. Come take a look at the beautiful campus, meet the teachers and sit down with the families.

For information or to schedule a campus tour, please call the school office at (949) 494–7339.

St. Catherine of Siena Parish School
30516 S Coast Hwy.
Laguna Beach, CA 92651
949.494.7339
www.StCathSchool.org

St. Junipero Serra Catholic School is valued as a leading Diocesan Catholic Parish Elementary School located in South Orange County. Motivated by the teachings of Saint Junipero Serra, it nurtures students to live and model their Catholic faith as servant leaders of Christ, living the Schoolwide Learning Expectations on a daily basis:

• A Catholic Faith–filled Life and Missionary Spirit
• A Life–long Love of Learning
• A Reverence for One’s Own Physical Being
• A Positive and Realistic Self–Image
• A Willingness to Share One’s God–Given Gifts

ACADEMIC PROGRAM
St. Junipero Serra Catholic School inspires its students from preschool through eighth grade to become the innovative thinkers and ethical leaders of tomorrow. The school’s Catholic faith–based education aligns with the Common Core Standards and offers students a diverse curriculum, using technology as a tool for learning and educating students to meet the spiritual, academic, and moral challenges of the future. In the spirit of the Gospel, its qualified, credentialed teachers use innovative teaching strategies to meet the diverse learning needs of students and develop the unique potential of each student.

SERRA CATHOLIC PRESCHOOL
St. Junipero Serra Catholic School offers preschool programs for three and four–year olds. Now located on the main campus, the school days are filled with a variety of activities to engage children developmentally and academically in a rich Catholic environment.

CHAPEL & STUDENT CREATIVE CENTER – CONSTRUCTION UNDERWAY
St. Junipero Serra Chapel – Scheduled to open late Spring 2018, this 175–seat chapel will not only bring the Blessed Sacrament to the campus, but will also offer a quiet place of prayer and reflection for students, staff and parents, along with regular grade–level liturgies. This sacred space will also include a beautiful outdoor Rosary Walk and Stations of the Cross, promoting a richer practice of its Catholic rituals.

Student Creativity Center (SCC)
Commitment to STEAM Education –
The school’s Student Creative Center will be a place for students to think, research, design, produce, build and perform. With flexible learning spaces inside and outside the building, students will be able to move throughout the space as it pertains to their learning needs. Just a few highlights of the Student Creativity Center include:

• THINK space to share ideas by writing on walls and projecting images
• PRODUCTION studio with video equipment and green screens
• PERFORM and PRACTICE rooms to support music and theater programs
• BUILD space for creating prototypes and art projects

Administrative Building/Parent Hub –
The second floor of the Student Creativity Center will house the new Administrative Offices and Parent Hub. Parent leadership and volunteerism are keys to the overall success of SJSC. Parents will have their own area to work, collaborate, plan and build community as they aid SJSC in accomplishing its goals.

Grades offered: Preschool – Eighth Grade

Accreditations:
St. Junipero Serra Catholic School is a WCEA/ASC WASC fully accredited school

For information on enrollment, please contact Shirley Merchant, Admissions Director, (949) 888–1990 ext. 123 or smerchant@serraschool.org.

St. Junipero Serra Catholic School
23652 Antonio Parkway
Rancho Santa Margarita, CA 92688
(949) 888-1990
www.SerraSchool.org

Temple Beth El’s acclaimed Early Childhood Center has been enlightening children for over 15 illustrious years. The school has forged a strong reputation within the local community for its loving, experienced and long–term staff who are dedicated to each and every child in the program.

Temple Beth El offers a multitude of classes including Parent/Toddler classes for 7–24 months, Preschool for 2–4 years and a Pre–K program. In addition, Temple Beth El offers dynamic after school enrichment classes and before and after school care.

Each year, Temple Beth El has been able to provide early education for children with varying special needs in a traditional classroom setting. For example, a child in need of a support facilitator would be welcomed and immersed in the program.

Temple Beth El’s preschool curriculum is built with a balance between academic and developmental philosophies of education, with an emphasis on the whole child. It is designed to create an environment that encourages a love for learning, with a focus on the social, emotional, cognitive and physical development of each child.

Pre–K students prepare for Kindergarten by utilizing the “Get Set for School/Handwriting Without Tears” curriculum. All Pre–K teachers have been trained in this program to best implement the curriculum.

The Temple Beth El facility is clean, bright and cheerful and has large playground–facing windows in each room. The school goes the extra mile to help create not just a vivid and cheerful atmosphere, but a splendid learning environment.

Check the Temple Beth El website at tbesoc.org/childhoodcenter.htm for registration forms and to learn all about programs being offered. Registration is now open. The school welcomes prospective families to schedule a tour of Temple Beth El Early Childhood Center. You can contact the admissions office at (949) 362–3999 ext. 317 for more information or to schedule an appointment.

Temple Beth El
2A Liberty
Aliso Viejo, CA 92656
(949) 362-3999
www.tbesoc.org

2017 San Clemente Ocean Festival

July 15-16

Summer is here, and the San Clemente Ocean Festival is ramping up for its 41st year — celebrating ocean and beach activities, lifeguarding, entertainment and events for everyone to enjoy at the San Clemente Pier on July 15th and 16th.

Come hungry and have a hot-off-the-griddle pancake breakfast prepared by our very own San Clemente lifeguards from 7 to 11 a.m. on both days. Fisherman’s Restaurant will offer delicious fare, from corn on the cob and turkey legs, to strawberry shortcake, shaved ice and more near the Pier.

Stop by the Ocean Art Show in Parque Del Mar, overlooking the Festival, to find that something special. Car enthusiasts can walk onto San Clemente Pier to check out the 25th Annual Woody Car Exhibit, displaying 15 different cars each day of the event. There will also be a Fishing Clinic and Derby on Saturday at the end of the Pier for all ages.

Saturday hosts an action-packed day of lifeguard competitions that include the ever-popular National Doryman Association’s 2-man lifeguard boat races, Rescue Relays, International and American Ironman competitions, and Stand-Up Paddleboard contest. Love to run? Join the 5k Beach Run on Sunday, or if you prefer swimming, check out the 1-mile ocean swim. The “Groms Rule” Surf Contest also takes place on Sunday for boys and girls (14 and under) and includes a new push-in division. For a description of all athletic events, course maps and rules, please visit OceanFestival.org. Don’t miss the surf lifesaving competitors from the Sunshine Coast of Australia, Santa Barbara Swim Club, and local S.C.A.T. members, joining many other athletes competing at the event.

Looking for family activities? Head south of the Pier to the Youth Pavilion, packed with crafts, face painting and games, as well as demonstrations and performances for all ages to enjoy. Saturday’s events include a Dolphin Dash kid’s beach run for ages 12 and under (all participants will receive an Ocean Festival medallion!) and Body Surfing clinics just south of the Youth Pavilion where kids can learn about rip currents and the how-to’s of body surfing.

As the sun sets Saturday evening, drop your towel on the sand, grab some grub, and enjoy a free concert on the beach, featuring Soul to Soul, a Stevie Ray Vaughan tribute band. On Sunday, head south of the Pier for the sand sculpting competition. The weekend’s finale will be the always anticipated and never duplicated Great Rubber Duck race. For a mere $5, you can “sponsor” a duck and cheer it on as the entire flock is released and heads back to shore to win a prize!

The San Clemente Ocean Festival is a 501(c)(4) non-profit organization, working in partnership with the City of Clemente, that has become a “tradition” for many within the community, the inland empire, and as far reaching as the East Coast, Hawaii, and Australia. Funds are raised through product sales, and the generosity and support from sponsors. Net proceeds from the Festival provide support for worthy local organizations such as San Clemente Lifeguards, Ocean Institute Adopt-A-Class program, Summer Beach Concerts, and scholarships for local students.

Entry is free. Avoid parking hassles and take the Metrolink. If you’re diving to the event, take advantage of the complimentary parking and shuttle service to and from The Outlets at San Clemente from 6:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.  on Saturday and 6:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. on Sunday. Visit OceanFestival.org for schedules, athletic event registration and for information on how to volunteer or become a sponsor.

Coastal Kitchen

by Dina Scaglione

Enjoy the weekend every day of the week at Coastal Kitchen. Open just over a year now, its warm and welcoming vibe, floor to ceiling windows and hip ocean elegance, draws you in from the moment you enter. Well-located at the corner of Pacific Coast Highway and Blue Lantern in Dana Point’s burgeoning Lantern District, this eatery’s deliciously diverse, made-from-scratch fare and coastal chic atmosphere delivers a California casual dining experience with a sleek nautical twist. Savor the full-service menu in the open dining room or sip a handcrafted cocktail, a glass of well-chosen wine or draft beer as you sit back in Adirondack chairs in front of crystal fire-pit tables on the relaxing patio.

Give your taste buds a real treat and start with the spicy, sweet-glazed Pork Belly Bites or the palate-perking Spicy Hummus and chips. For a main entrée, I highly recommend the Grilled Trout. Make no mistake; this is far from the oily, strong-tasting variety you may remember growing up. Coastal Kitchen’s is wonderfully flakey and light, tarragon-herb crusted and topped with lightly salted Marcona almonds. Die-hard crab cake fans, look no further. The Jumbo Lump Crab cakes are far beyond what you typically find at most California restaurants. Paired beautifully with a tangy, crunchy coleslaw, these hamburger size cakes are generously stuffed with so much succulent crab you will think you’ve been transported to a New England seafood joint.

Be sure to leave room for dessert. The custard-textured Crème Brule serves up a decadent ending to your meal. For those who fancy a good old-fashioned sundae — dive into this one any day of the week, complete with crunchy caramelized pecans, warmed Ghirardelli chocolate sauce and topped with a signature marshmallow whipped topping.

Open daily 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. during the summer with Happy Hour from 3 to 6 p.m., Monday through Friday. The adventuresome “SIPS Happy Hour” menu includes specialty cocktails, IPA’s from nearby San Diego breweries and California select wines. 

Next time you head into the harbor for a boat gazing stroll, be sure to stop by!

34091 Pacific Coast Hwy, Dana Point
949.449.2822  •  CoastalKitchenDanaPoint.com

Celebrate Independence Day at Dana Point Harbor

(Dana Point, Calif.) – OC Parks invites the community to spend Independence Day at Dana Point Harbor. Enjoy waterfront dining, ocean activities, boating, sailing, and experience south Orange County’s best aerial fireworks display, the July 4^th Fireworks Extravaganza.

The July 4^th Fireworks Extravaganza will light up Dana Point Harbor. Visitors can enjoy fantastic views from the harbor, Baby Beach, the Island, and the many waterfront eateries located within the harbor. The display begins at 9 p.m. on Tuesday, July 4 and early arrival is recommended. Visitors are encouraged to bring a personal FM radio to tune into KSBR 88.5FM and listen to the patriotic music accompanying the fireworks display.

Spend the week of Independence Day enjoying Dana Point Harbor’s many waterfront restaurants and ocean activities, or take a cruise in the harbor on July 4^th to view the fireworks display. The Ocean Institute, Dana Wharf Sportfishing & Whale Watching, and Capt. Dave’s Dolphin & Whale Watching Safari are all offering 4^th of July Fireworks cruises.

Visitors are encouraged to take advantage of the free shuttle services on July 4^th to avoid traffic jams. The shuttles will make round trips from Dana Hills High School to Dana Point Harbor from 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. Shuttle service will suspend at 9 p.m. until after the fireworks and will resume until 11 p.m.

The Dana Point Trolley will drop off and pick up at stop #6 on July 4^th in the Harbor from 10 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. and the inter Harbor shuttle will pick up and drop off at the restaurants and retail area, Baby Beach, the Island, and Ocean Institute from 10 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.

Streets within Dana Point Harbor will have restricted left hand turn lanes and cars will be detoured to go right only (Dana Point Harbor Drive, Puerto Place & Island Way). Cove Road will be closed during the fireworks and re-opened after the fireworks.

Celebrate Independence Day at Dana Point Harbor and experience the spectacular July 4^thFireworks Extravaganza. For more information visit www.DanaPointHarbor.com.

Orange County Fire Watch Exercise Deployment June 24

Fire Watch volunteers embark on a full-scale mock deployment across the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks in preparation of wildfire season.

Orange County, Calif. (June 19, 2017) – The Orange County Fire Watch program will hold a full-scale deployment exercise on Saturday, June 24 on the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks. The deployment exercise aligns with the 10^th anniversary of the Santiago Canyon wildfires, and will give volunteers an opportunity to visit new Fire Watch locations and prepare for the coming dry season. Facilitated in partnership with OC Parks, City of Irvine, City of Newport Beach, Irvine Ranch Conservancy and Orange County Fire Authority, the Fire Watch volunteer program helps raise awareness on the risk of wildfires through education, early reporting, and deterrence.

Fire Watch staff have held emergency communications tests for volunteers in the past, but the upcoming deployment will be the first large-scale exercise for the program. The exercise is expected to include more than 100 Fire Watch volunteers and will be held across 34 Fire Watch locations on or near land managed by the Irvine Ranch Conservancy, including the new coastal zone that includes Buck Gully and Newport Coast Drive Lookout.

“This is our first full-scale deployment exercise,” commented Tony Pointer, Irvine Ranch Conservancy Program Coordinator for Fire Watch. “The deployment is designed to give volunteers access and encouragement to see Fire Watch locations they may not usually monitor. Considering this is the 10^th anniversary of the Santiago Canyon fires, it seems more appropriate than ever to take a proactive approach.”

Fire Watch program volunteers monitor the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks and beyond by observing the perimeters of high-risk areas throughout Orange County. They deploy to specific locations determined by fire spread research and historical ignition data, and are trained to report suspicious or dangerous activity. Volunteers also assist with early detection and public outreach, and Fire Watch staff created the upcoming deployment exercise to be as realistic as possible. Actual deployment of Fire Watch volunteers occurs on Red Flag Warning days, Santa Ana Wind events, and/or in other special circumstances.

The exercise comes following near-record rainfall this past winter, which Pointer noted has aided the growth of nonnative grasses and invasive weeds in the region, which could dry out and become fodder to fuel wildfires.

“The rain we received has assisted the vegetation that has not had the best conditions to sprout and grow the last few years,” Pointer said. “The potential will be a combination of the increased vegetation growth and how hot and how severe the Santa Ana wind conditions will be this year.”

The simulation will begin June 23, the day prior to the field exercise, when volunteers will receive a recorded phone message alerting them to the staged Fire Watch conditions. After the call, volunteers will sign up for shifts at various locations throughout Orange County. Once onsite, volunteers will arrive in full uniform with vest, Fire Watch car magnets, IDs, and data logs, and participate in a full test report. Two hour shifts begin at 9 a.m. and conclude at 3 p.m. on June 24, and volunteers will engage with the public and report any situations that may cause accidental or intentional ignitions.

“Holding a large-scale exercise like this will be hugely beneficial, designed to broaden the volunteers’ knowledge of the Fire Watch locations and strengthen their skill set,” Pointer said.

For more information on the Fire Watch program and volunteering opportunities visit www.letsgooutside.org/activities/fire-watch/. For more information on the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks visit www.LetsGoOutside.org.