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, from Montage Laguna Beach to Catalina Island. This backdrop sets the scene for the unique educational experience St. Catherine of Siena provides, blending academic excellence, spiritual development and cultural enrichment.

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 an emphasis on cross-curricular, active learning that incorporates proven educational strategies and state-of-the-art technologies.

Originally opened in 1957, the school was completely reconstructed beginning in 2008. The new facility offers larger classrooms, separate elementary and middle school buildings, a science lab, cutting-edge computer facilities, art lab, library, music room and gymnasium.

Although St. Catherine comprises only about 200 students, Principal Mike Letourneau notes that alumni are represented at top universities throughout the nation.

Laguna Beach has long been known for its flourishing artistic environment, a heritage St. Catherine of Siena eagerly embraces. The school employs experts in visual arts, music and theater, and holds its own annual Pageant of the Masters, where students bring to life such paintings as “The Last Supper” by Leonardo da Vinci and “American Gothic” by Grant Wood.

St. Catherine of Siena is served by the Pacific Symphony’s Class Act program, introducing students to symphony musicians who lead classroom lessons, ensemble performances, assemblies and concert performances.

The arts are also incorporated into St. Catherine’s cross-curricular learning platform. For example, students studying California history demonstrate what they have learned through art projects, student-produced theatrical productions and more.

As a Catholic academic institution, St. Catherine of Siena nourishes each student’s faith journey while embracing a diversity of creeds. 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 is hosting an Open House on February 4 at 5:30 p.m., the same evening as its community wide Pasta Dinner hosted by the 6th grade class. Bring your child to look at the school, meet the teachers and sit down with the families. There isn’t a better time for prospective families to “Come and See” Saint Catherine of Siena Parish School.

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

San Juan Hills High School, nestled in the foothills along the eastern border of San Juan Capistrano, is Capistrano Unified School District’s 6th comprehensive high school. Opened in the Fall of 2007, San Juan Hills students and community enjoy a state-of-the-art facility which includes a 480-seat theater with flyway, a blackbox theater, video labs, dedicated dance rooms, and full athletic facilities highlighted by a 30-meter aquatics facility and on-campus “Stallion Stadium.” Brightened by natural light that shines from the many skylights, students are able to learn in modern classrooms equipped with LCD projectors, Wi-Fi, Chrome Books, and other technology-focused offerings.

Named one of “America’s top 500” high schools in 2013, 2014, and 2015 by Newsweek magazine, San Juan Hills is fully accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) and offers rich academic and extra-curricular opportunities for its students. Advanced Placement courses, 23 CIF sports teams participating in the highly respected South Coast and Sea View Leagues, Career and Technical courses through the South Coast Regional Occupation Program (ROP), comprehensive visual and performing arts programs, AVID, Two-Way Immersion Program, and the Saddleback College High School Partnership Program which includes a Medical Health Pathway and a Law Pathway are some of the offerings available to San Juan Hills students.

The most important resource at San Juan Hills are the people. Students are supported by a fully credentialed staff known for its commitment to helping all students discover and develop their talents. Reflecting the rich diversity of South Orange County, students learn to interact in an environment that generates trust, respect and appreciation for students of diverse faiths and cultural backgrounds.

In the last 9 years, San Juan Hills High School has established itself as one of the great secondary schools available to South Orange County families.

SJHHS Graduates are:
Successful: They meet or exceed academic expectations.
Just: They are tolerant, ethical and open-minded.
Healthy: They make self-disciplined, responsible choices that promote a sense of well-being.
Highly Competent: They think critically, solve problems, and make informed decisions.
Skillful: They communicate in effective and creative ways.

San Juan Hills High School
29211 Vista Montana,
San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675
949.234.5900 • www.sjhhs.org

pure. love. yoga.

One year ago, the founders of pure. love. yoga. opened a studio in San Clemente unique in its values and commitment. Fearlessly challenging the conventional methods in which yoga studios were conducting business, their hybrid model was a conscious balance of a structured approach, united with the tenets of yogic philosophy and collaborative leadership. “Love is greater than fear” is the ideology that set the foundation for what has proven to be a successful business strategy, path for individual growth and professional evolution.

Pure. love. yoga. has created a meaningful culture that seeks to actively engage, motivate, inspire, and elevate its members. The emotional connection to the students and to the studio’s purpose is bound by the overriding philosophy of LOVE…love for the students, for the community, and for the teachers. The relationships that have been cultivated between team members and students have created authentic connections, fulfillment, and loyalty that has enriched lives and the bottom line.

The concept behind pure. love. yoga. was born from Studio Director Angela Treaster’s life-altering personal experience that fueled her to create a place and experience like no other. “Having spent years as a fully committed caregiver and devoted wife to my late husband, Ken Treaster, I experienced a significant loss of connection due to the demands of his terminal illness. Arising from the ashes of isolation and despair over losing the love of my life, I was desperate to feel connected to love and support in some way—to remedy what had been lost in my life. My asana yoga practice was no longer enough to sooth the loneliness. It was out of this dark place that my desire to create a community began to emerge,” shares Angela.

Angela had a vision for a space where people of all walks of life and experience could be embraced. This mission proved to be incredibly laborious and could only be shared among like-minded and talented leaders within the yoga community. With assistance from Laura Love, Marjorie Woodbridge, Elissa Strutton, Jamie Hanson, and others, the group recruited talented professional teachers, a diverse community of practitioners and acquired the financial backing to make their collective vision a reality. What Angela lost when her spouse passed became the catalyst for the sacred space where Ken Treaster’s legacy of loving leadership and genuine kindness to all beings is now being honored. “Pure. love. yoga. is the manifestation of a place of love and healing in all of our lives,” explains Angela.

“When Angela approached me with the offer to be her partner in the studio, we had the same goal — to create a sacred space where not only a physical practice happened but one where a ‘yoga family’ would grow,” says Creative Director Laura Love. “It is important to us to display love to our community and we show that in many ways: through open-attendance events, by offering a weekly SEVA (selfless service) class that supports local nonprofits, merchandising works by local artists, and employing eco-friendly practices. We do our very best to practice yoga ‘off the mat’ as well as on the mat,” enthuses Laura.

Media Director Marjorie Woodbridge emphasizes that pure. love. yoga. operates differently from other yoga studios. “We made the decision, from the beginning, to combine the best of what we had seen in how businesses and communities were run and how they interact. We chose to foster an environment of honest communication and responsive listening throughout the leadership team and staff. We have a strong emotional commitment to the students and the business. We are proud of our standard of respect for our teachers. One of the most direct ways we show this value is through support for their professional endeavors and an above-standard financial compensation.”

Visit pure. love. yoga. and experience the difference for yourself. Through January, the studio is sharing the love by offering new students unlimited yoga for 30 days for only $30. Join the community of devotees who practice yoga on and off the mat.

pure. love. yoga.
415 East Avenida Pico
San Clemente
(949) 492-5048
PureLoveYogaSC.com

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Our excuses are behind us (literally). The calendar has turned over. There are no more tempting holiday parties on the horizon. The time is now to shape up, get fit, and work out a path to a healthy lifestyle in 2016 and beyond.

9ROUND
9Round is a 30-minute full-body kickboxing workout that is circuit-based. Not only will you punch and kick bags at each of the 3-minute rounds, but this effective workout incorporates strength and core training as well. All fitness levels are welcome at 9Round and every workout includes a trainer to guide you along. The state-of-the-art heart rate monitoring system ensures that you maintain an optimal target heart rate to achieve maximum fat loss. 9Round’s unlimited circuit-based workouts (with trainer included) are convenient for those with busy lives since there are no set class times or schedules to navigate. Visit the Laguna Niguel or San Juan Capistrano location or call 949.648.7731 to learn how you can lose weight and get fit at 9Round.

BEACHFIT
BeachFit strength and conditioning offers programs instructed by skilled, caring coaches that are designed to meet your fitness needs. New BodyFit classes offer high intensity interval training that quickly sculpts your body and increases your endurance. Traditional CrossFit classes provide a strength component along with metabolic conditioning 6 days a week, and Yoga class caters to those who work out hard and want to focus on mobility and stretching. Children can now get in on the fun with the new KidFit classes for ages 7 to 14 that emphasize skill, strength and endurance, and Body Balance in each class. In January, new members can join BeachFit’s 90-day fitness plan for $299, all classes included! Call Kim at 949.939.3130 to learn more.

BELLA PILATES
Bella Pilates is one of the only studios offering small group classes with highly skilled teachers and a very personalized experience for clients of all levels and abilities. Bella Pilates is a results-driven studio that focuses on your ability to see and feel results immediately. The class schedule includes private and semi-private sessions. Individually customized programs are also created specifically for each client. Try two weeks of unlimited classes for $49 or experience your first private session for $45. They look forward to seeing you in the new year!

BIKRAM YOGA SC
Bikram Yoga is the 26 posture sequence selected and developed by Bikram Choudhury from Hatha Yoga. Millions have experienced how these 26 postures systematically work every part of the body to give internal organs, veins, ligaments, and muscles what they need to maintain optimum health and maximum function. Along with a healthy diet, this method of yoga practice will enable you to get in excellent shape and feel great, mentally, physically and spiritually. Bikram Yoga San Clemente offers a 30-day challenge, posture clinics, workshops, and retreats. It has recently finished a tasteful remodel and added new yoga flooring, paint, décor, and lockers. Now is the perfect time to usher in the new year and meet its motivated instructors!

FIGHT STRONG MMA
Fight Strong MMA is a family-friendly premier martial arts academy catering to all levels and all ages. Whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned professional, they have numerous classes for all skill levels and abilities. Offering disciplines such as Boxing, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Muay Thai, MMA, Cardio classes, and Kids classes, each offers beginner on ramp classes that focus on technique, cardiovascular development, and muscular endurance first. The academy’s custom workouts are designed to get you into the fat burning zone in less than five minutes. New members that sign up before January 31st will receive half-off the first month’s rate. For more info about Fight Strong MMA, go to SCFightStrong.com or call 949.218-5222.

FIT PILATES
FIT Pilates invites you to check out Orange County’s hottest workout! Using the Lagree method, FIT Pilates is the only licensed studio in San Clemente and Mission Viejo to offer the Megaformer. Providing constant resistance, the Megaformer is the only workout that effectively combines strength, endurance, cardio, balance, core, and flexibility not only in one session, but in each and every move. In a 50-minute workout, you will shake, you will sweat, and you will quiver, but most importantly, you will get strong, toned, and FIT! Try one of these new client specials: first class free, 2 weeks unlimited for only $49, or one month unlimited for $99 until January 31st. Experience for yourself why celebrities and athletes around the world are addicted and just can’t get enough of Lagree Fitness. Email info@fitpilatesstudiosanclemente.com or visit FitPilatesStudio.com for more info.

ORANGETHEORY FITNESS
Orangetheory Fitness is group personal training at its best. It combines heart rate based, high-intensity interval training (HIIT) with resistance training for a complete, full-body workout in one hour. The professionally coached and expertly created workout templates take the guesswork out of getting stronger, more fit, and burning more calories. Although the workout changes daily, it is the same throughout each day so that you can take any of the many classes according to your schedule. Orangetheory Fitness has combined known, proven techniques in such a way to get the most out of an hour. Each member has their own heart rate monitor and their efforts are based on the 5 heart rate zones. It also targets specific amounts of times in each zone to induce EPOC, a biological state in which your body will increase calorie burn for up to 36 hours after the workout. Visit san-clemente.orangetheoryfitness.com or call 949.485.4885 to learn more.

PURE BARRE
Pure Barre is the largest, most established barre workout in North America. The barre workout provides an extremely effective total body workout that lifts your seat, tones your thighs, abs and arms, and burns fat in record-breaking time. Pure Barre is excited to introduce its newest offering, Pure Barre Platform. Built on the foundation of a traditional Pure Barre class, this fast-paced class is designed to optimize cardiovascular results and increase total body strength. Combining quick bursts of high intensity, yet low impact, cardio work with periods of lower intensity muscle-sculpting movements, this 55 minutes of high-energy fun and intense interval training at the barre will help burn calories, jumpstart the metabolism and increase overall endurance. Visit PureBarre.com/CA-SanClemente to learn more and to view class schedules.

The Legendary Swallow’s Inn

TLD: How long have you been associated with Swallow’s Inn?
Grimes: I started out here as a doorman back in 1994. I love it here. I have poured my heart and soul into this place for more than 20 years and worked my way up to GM a few years back.

TLD: Congratulations on Swallow’s Inn being recognized as the “2015 Best Dive Bar in OC!” What sets you apart?
Grimes: It’s our atmosphere. Anyone who walks into Swallow’s can feel right at home. Our laid back bar appeals to such a wide variety of clientele, from cowboys to bikers, surfers to professionals. You never know who might walk in the door or be sitting on the next barstool. That keeps things interesting!

TLD: Live entertainment has always been a big draw for patrons of the Swallow’s Inn. How do you maintain a fresh and relevant lineup that appeals to varying musical tastes?
Grimes: We make sure our entertainment provides a bit of something for everyone. We feature a DJ and Country dancing on Mondays. On Tuesdays, we roll in an entirely different crowd with our Top 40 DJ. Wednesdays have been the Swallow’s Karaoke night for over 20 years now. Thursday and Friday nights we have Country bands playing live. Saturday afternoons from 2:30 – 6:30 p.m., we have live Rock and Roll bands and a Country Western band that hits the stage after 8:30 p.m.

TLD: Can you share a little about your food service options?
Grimes: Most people don’t know we offer Mexican fare for breakfast, lunch and dinner most days. On Monday nights, we feature a delicious $12, 8 oz. Top Sirloin steak dinner. Tuesday nights are Taco Tuesdays with $1 street tacos and $2 Macho Tacos. Lisa’s Burgers are served Thursday nights and Saturday afternoons.

TLD: What does being part of the iconic Swallow’s Inn mean to you?
Grimes: I love the people. I am still amazed by locals, many of whom are middle-aged, who walk into Swallow’s for the first time. Their eyes get big and their smile gets wide as they take in their first view of Swallow’s Inn. They’ll say, “I’ve lived here all of my life, but have never been in.” They’ll say,“I don’t know why I’ve waited so long.” It’s satisfying to watch people have such a good time at our place. It makes me feel grateful!

Swallow’s Inn
31786 Camino Capistrano
San Juan Capistrano, CA
949.493.3188 | SwallowsInn.com

3rd Annual
Big Kahuna Koncert For a Cause
In memory of Tubsteak Tracy, many local surfers, artists and supporters of his love of special needs kids, are coming together again and are excited to announce this year’s benefit concert at OC Tavern in San Clemente featuring performances by Common Sense and Missing Persons, the fine sounds of DJ Fluffy of Venice and art displayed by Roy Gonzalez.

* OC Tavern will be donating 20% of all food and drink purchases. If you would like to donate raffle or silent auction items, please call 949-370-1083

* Proceeds from ticket sales and silent auction will go to Tubesteak Tracy’s favorite local charities which include:

• Surfers Healing, surf camp for kids with autism (San Juan Capistrano)
• Rock the Autism, Music program for kids with autism (San Clemente)
• Therasurf, surf camp for all special needs kids (Malibu)
• Red Autismo, a non-profit organization which provides therapy services for children age 2-12 with Autism Spectrum Disorders (San Jose Del Cabo Mexico)
• Great Opportunities, helping disadvantage kids learn about the ocean (San Juan Capistrano)
• OC Autism, a local organization providing information and guidance for individuals with autism and their families, to access resources (Orange County)

When: Saturday January 30th 2016
Where: OC Tavern
2369 S. El Camino Real
San Clemente, CA. 92672

Concert Doors Open: 7pm to 12am
Tickets: $25.00 pre-sale at octavern.com or at the door

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