Author Archives: the local dish

Michelle Hure, MD, MS

Michelle Hure, MD, MS

ORANGE COUNTY SKINLAB

Michelle Hure, MD, MS

OC SkinLab continues to receive top reviews and accolades across Orange County, recognized for its innovative, integrative approach to medical and cosmetic dermatology. Founded by Dr. Michelle Hure, the clinic is known for its warm, patientcentered environment, where the focus is on education, holistic skin health, cancer prevention, and tailored, conservative cosmetic enhancements.

Dr. Hure trained at Yale-New Haven Health System and the University of Massachusetts and is double board-certified with advanced subspecialty training in dermatopathology. This rare combination allows her to both diagnose and treat complex skin conditions, including challenging cases sent by other dermatologists for expert second opinions.

Beyond the clinic, Dr. Hure is a sought-after educator and mentor, serving as faculty at national dermatology conferences and mentoring women in medicine from medical school through fellowship. She is also a frequent expert contributor in the beauty, health, and wellness space.

Her dedication has earned her numerous honors, including being named Orange County’s only “Physician of Excellence” in her specialty, as well as “Top Cosmetic Physician” in the LA Times Best of Southland awards.

Dr. Hure has been voted “Best Overall Healthcare Provider” multiple times and recognized as “Business Leader of the Year” by the city of San Juan Capistrano. Dr. Hure founded OC SkinLab to provide personalized, unhurried care, moving away from high-volume models to offer thorough consultations and meaningful patient relationships. She personally performs all cosmetic treatments, from microneedling and PRP to injectables and chemical peels, ensuring natural, balanced results.

As a dedicated local business leader, Dr. Hure provides free skin cancer screenings for first responders and participates in community events like the Swallow’s Day Parade, where she distributes sunscreen to promote sun safety and skin cancer prevention.

Michelle Hure, MD, MS
31899 Del Obispo St., Ste. 130
San Juan Capistrano
949.359.6400
OCSkinLab.com

Michelle Hure, MD, MS

Nhu Q. Tran Pediatric Dentistry

Nhu Q. Tran Pediatric Dentistry

DR. NHU TRAN

Nhu Q. Tran Pediatric Dentistry

Dr. Nhu Q. Tran has been taking care of infants, children, and young adults in her San Clemente pediatric dental practice for over 20 years. Dr. Tran enjoys establishing lifelong relationships with her patients and their families. Her patients come from nearby neighborhoods and cities, and some come back to her practice even after they have moved away, like from Tustin and Temecula, or even states like Hawaii and Texas. Moreover, Dr. Tran is now excited to be seeing a second generation of patients in her practice, her patients’ children!

Dr. Tran enjoys treating a wide age range of patients who visit her pediatric dental practice. As a pediatric dental specialist, she sees patients for the first time at 1 year old. She has fun tickling the teeth of infants and toddlers who visit her for their first check up and cleaning. She also takes pride and care guiding a fearful child or teenager through a treatment and helping them overcome their dental fears. And because Dr. Tran is one of a very few pediatric dentist that has full time dental hygienists in her practice, she is able to continue providing optimal dental care to her older patients who want to continue seeing her into their late teens. So, whether a child is excited to have their teeth “counted and brushed” or they are nervous about seeing the “tickle toothbrush” or “Mr. Slurpy”, Dr. Tran and her team work to provide every patient with a fun and educational experience that they enjoy and look forward to each and every time.

A native of Southern California, Dr. Tran went to UC Berkeley for her undergraduate education, then relocated to the Midwest and attended Case Western Reserve University School of Dentistry in Cleveland, Ohio. Having graduated among the top of her class, she became a recipient of the Pierre Fauchard Scholarship, and earned a membership into the National Dental Honor Society, Omicron Kappa Upsilon. Following dental school, Dr. Tran returned to Southern California to pursue two years of additional post-doctorate training in pediatric dentistry, at the University of Southern California. After receiving her Advanced Pediatric Dental Certificate from USC, Dr. Tran pursued further advancement in her specialty by achieving the status of Diplomate of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry. Aside from taking care of her private patients, Dr. Tran has given back to her Trojan roots by being a part of the USC Advanced Pediatric Dentistry Faculty since 2006.

Whether you see Dr. Tran in the office or on the baseball field rooting on her boys, be sure to say hello! And whether your child is one or 16, excited or nervous, healthy or has special health care needs, Dr. Tran and her team are trained and ready to provide the best care for your children.

Nhu Q. Tran Pediatric Dentistry
1171 Puerta del Sol, Suite A
San Clemente
949.481.5437 (KIDS)
SCKidsDentist.com

Nhu Q. Tran Pediatric Dentistry

Laguna Heights Dental

Laguna Heights Dental

NAZITA GAFF, DDS

Laguna Heights Dental

Choosing the Right Dentist…
When it comes to choosing the right dentist, you deserve someone who provides personalized care and embraces the latest technology. That’s exactly what you’ll find with Dr. Nazita Gaff at Laguna Heights Dental in Marina Hills.

With her philosophy rooted in gentle dentistry, biological dental principles, and a true patient-first mindset, Dr. Gaff has built one of South Orange County’s most trusted destinations for comprehensive oral health. Her practice is about more than insurance-based dentistry—it’s about wellness, technology, and care that makes a difference.

Dr. Gaff incorporates advanced dental lasers and modern techniques to provide restorative, cosmetic, periodontal, and endodontic treatments. Her expertis includes smile design with dental veneers and zirconia crowns, dental implant placement to restore function, professional teeth whitening, and Invisalign® for straighter, healthier smiles. No matter your treatment goals, you’ll receive world-class care tailored to you.

At Laguna Heights Dental, the entire team is committed to helping patients understand their care options. Flexible financing plans, advanced technology that shortens treatment and recovery time, and a focus on comfort all make your visits stress-free and effective.

More than a clinic, Laguna Heights Dental is a community-focused practice with a warm, welcoming environment. Dr. Gaff and her team take time to listen, explain treatment choices, and involve you in every step of your oral health journey.

With her dedication to advanced procedures and compassionate, comprehensive care, Dr. Gaff has earned Laguna Heights Dental a reputation as a skilled, trusted, and patient-centered practice.

Laguna Heights Dental
30231 Golden Lantern St., Suite D
Laguna Niguel
949.363.1200
LagunaHeightsDental.com

Laguna Heights Dental

Howard Optometry

Howard Optometry

MARSHA HOWARD, O.D.

Howard Optometry

The team at Howard Optometry strives to give their patients the best quality optometry services available. With their highly trained team of doctors and staff, they provide each patient with comprehensive eye evaluations in a warm and friendly environment.

Patients visiting Howard Optometry have access to advanced technology, including the latest in retinal imaging and dry eye treatments. Their retinal camera and Optovue OCT scanner takes just a few minutes and provides their doctors with powerful diagnostic data. In addition to checking retinal health and structures in the eye, their doctors not only find the best glasses or contact prescription, but also screen for dry eye, glaucoma, cataracts, and other eye issues. Patients visiting the office experience the highest level of care.

Howard Optometry is especially excited to have added Lumenis’ revolutionary Optilight and Optiplus technology to the practice. “It’s an amazing, gentle pulsating light treatment that has helped so many patients suffering from Dry Eye Disease,” explains Dr. Howard. “My patients with MGD (Meibomian Gland Dysfunction) have been thrilled with their treatments and results.” The new technology avoids lasers and delivers results in as little as four visits.

Dr. Marsha Howard grew up in a medical family, realizing her passion for eye care while studying as an undergraduate at UC Berkeley. In the years between finishing her residency in 1994 and opening her own practice in the Signal Hill Costco in 1997, Dr. Howard taught at her alma mater, as well as worked in other optometry and ophthalmology practices. One of the first independent Doctors of Optometry hired by Costco nationwide, Dr. Howard loves treating all types of patients, and was thrilled when offered a second office in Laguna Niguel.

Howard Optometry
27220 Heather Ridge
Laguna Niguel
949.328.9303
HowardOptometry.com

Howard Optometry

Hawkley Orthodontics

Hawkley Orthodontics

PEHRSON HAWKLEY, DDS

Hawkley Orthodontics

At Hawkley Orthodontics, every smile has a story—and they’re here to make it shine. Led by Dr. Pehrson Hawkley, DDS, a board-certified orthodontist, the practice is built around the idea that orthodontic care should be as unique as the people they serve.

No two patients are the same, which is why Dr. Hawkley takes the time to truly get to know each person who walks through the doors. From children getting their first set of braces to adults looking for clear aligners, every treatment plan is carefully customized to fit each patient’s needs, lifestyle and goals.

The practice proudly uses the latest technology to make treatment more precise, comfortable and efficient. From advanced digital imaging to modern braces and
aligner systems, their tools are designed to create amazing results while making the journey as smooth as possible.

Dr. Hawkley’s background includes years of specialized training at the University of Southern California and experience serving as an orthodontist in the United States Air Force. That combination of expertise, discipline and compassion shapes the way the practice cares for patients every day.

Located at 655 Camino De Los Mares, Suite 119 in San Clemente, the Hawkley Orthodontics office is a welcoming space where patients of all ages feel at ease. The team believes orthodontics isn’t just about straight teeth—it’s about building confidence and creating smiles that last a lifetime.

Those ready to discover a personalized, technology-driven approach to orthodontic care are invited to join the Hawkley Orthodontics family—where they’ll work together to make their best smile a reality.

Hawkley Orthodontics
655 Camino De Los Mares, #119
San Clemente
949.488.0600
HawkleyOrtho.com

Hawkley Orthodontics

Foudy Chiropractic

Foudy Chiropractic

MICHAEL FOUDY, DC

Foudy ChiropracticDr. Michael Foudy of Foudy Chiropractic in Mission Viejo has been caring for his patients and practicing chiropractic for 30 years. He was the team chiropractor for U.S. Women’s Soccer from 1996 to 2004, including their 1999 World Cup Championship. Foudy Chiropractic is a thriving family business, as Dr. Mike is joined by his wife, Melanie, who is a Clinical Exercise Physiologist with 36 years of expertise in Sports Medicine and Integrative Corrective Exercise.

“Our Mission is to provide the best chiropractic care to all in an ethical and professional environment,” states Dr. Mike. The practice emphasizes that chiropractic adjustments are a safe, natural, noninvasive procedure when administered by experienced, licensed chiropractors. Dr. Foudy was awarded as one of 2025’s “BEST Spinal Decompression Doctors” in America by the International Medical Advisory Board on Spinal Decompression.

SPINAL DECOMPRESSION AVOIDS SURGERY
Dr. Foudy is extremely excited with the results he is seeing from his new Spinal Decompression treatments. Many patients that would have had to endure surgery have opted for Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression. He offers second opinions for patients with MRIs considering back surgery. The modality effectively treats Spinal Stenosis, lower back pain and sciatica resulting from herniated or deteriorated discs. Spinal Decompression has been proven effective in relieving the pain associated with bulging discs, degenerative disc disease and even relapse or failed back surgery. Since its release, clinical studies have revealed an amazing success rate in treating lumbar disc related problems.

Patients rave about Dr. Foudy. Melissa N. commented, “I am very grateful for Dr. Foudy and his staff. I highly recommend Dr. Foudy to anyone that is suffering from pain. I am feeling better than I have in years.”

Dr. Foudy sees patients of all ages and uses a variety of techniques in his practice to ensure maximum results to relieve pain. In addition to chiropractic care and spinal decompression, the practice offers massage therapy, examination and diagnostic equipment, therapeutic modalities and integrative exercise. Foudy Chiropractic is freeway close at Avery Parkway and Marguerite by Capo Valley High School.

Foudy Chiropractic
28892 Marguerite Parkway #150
Mission Viejo
949.365.0403
Foudy-Chiropractic.com

Foudy Chiropractic

Advanced Dermatology

Advanced Dermatology

GENERAL • COSMETIC • SURGICAL

Advanced DermatologyWhere do doctors and their families in South Orange County turn for dermatology and cosmetic care? They choose Advanced Dermatology in Dana Point—its one and only location.

Experience
The board-certified dermatologists at Advanced Dermatology have been caring for South Orange County for more than 15 years. With over 45 years of combined clinical experience, the doctors have set the standard for excellence in medical, surgical, and cosmetic dermatology. Advanced Dermatology is widely regarded as the premier dermatology center in the region.

Team-Based Care
At Advanced Dermatology, patients don’t just get one provider—they get the expertise of the entire team. The practice includes two board-certified dermatologists and two certified physician assistants (PA-Cs) who specialize in dermatology. PA-Cs are highly trained and qualified to provide the same level of care as the doctors, and together, the team collaborates on diagnoses, develops customized treatment plans, and delivers the highest level of care.

Comprehensive Services
Advanced Dermatology cares for patients of all ages and offers complete medical, surgical, and cosmetic dermatology. From skin cancer prevention and treatment to advanced aesthetic procedures, the team provides expert care for the health and beauty of skin, hair, and nails.

Cutting-Edge Technologies
The office incorporates the latest breakthroughs in dermatology and aesthetics. Advanced Dermatology offers advanced treatments such as Mohs surgery, Image-Guided Superficial Radiation Therapy (the same technology patients may recognize from GentleCure® ads), CoolSculpting,® Emsculpt Neo,® and Silhouette InstaLift® thread lifts. These state-of-the-art options allow for effective treatment of skin cancers and deliver dramatic cosmetic and body-contouring results— with minimal risk and downtime.

Compassionate Care, Convenient Location
From the moment patients call or walk in, they are met with warmth and professionalism. The staff is committed to making the experience comfortable and seamless. The office is located on Pacific Coast Highway in Dana Point, with easy access and ample parking. The reception team answers calls directly and patients are provided 24-hour emergency access to their dermatologist.

Advanced Dermatology in Dana Point
Trusted by physicians. Chosen by families. Here for you.

Advanced Dermatology
34213 Pacific Coast Hwy.
Dana Point
949.248.4547
DermSC.com

Advanced Dermatology

Serving Up Aloha

L&L Hawaiian

Serving Up Aloha

L&L Hawaiian Barbecue

by Dina Scaglione

If you’re craving a taste of the islands without leaving South Orange County, this local takeout gem delivers an authentic Hawaiian experience, straight from the heart of the Pacific. From smoky grilled meats to sweet and savory marinades and island-style sides, every bite feels like a mini escape to your own lanai.

L&L Hawaiian Barbecue recently opened its doors in San Clemente, offering a full menu of island-inspired favorites. Crowd-pleasers like Loco Moco, Kalua Pork and seafood platters transport taste buds to Oahu and beyond. The family-size combination plates are hearty and satisfying, perfect for sharing or stocking up on leftovers.

The BBQ Mix includes tender barbecue beef, fall-off-the-bone short ribs and juicy barbecue chicken. Seafood lovers can dive into the Seafood Combo, featuring fried fish, shrimp and a choice of barbecue beef, barbecue chicken, chicken katsu or barbecue ribs. For a more traditional Hawaiian meal, the Kalua Pork and Lau Lau dish blends smoky pulled pork, fish and steamed taro leaves for rich, earthy flavor.

All combo plates are served with scoops of creamy macaroni salad and fluffy white rice. Classic sides like Portuguese sausage and Spam musubi — warm rice wrapped in nori—add even more island flair.

Open daily from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. for dine-in or takeout, L&L is an ideal weeknight solution for busy families or anyone craving something hearty, fast and flavorful. Whether you’re a transplant missing the taste of home or a newcomer eager to explore Polynesian cuisine, L&L Hawaiian Barbecue brings the islands to your plate—served with generous portions and the warm aloha spirit.

 

L&L Hawaiian Barbecue
622 Camino De Los Mares
San Clemente | (949) 503-1183

Dana Point Film Festival

Dana Point Film Festival

Dana Point Film Festival

Celebrating Oceans, Film and Community

The 3rd Annual Dana Point Film Festival (DPFF) returns October 9-12, 2025, to celebrate the beauty, wonder and importance of our oceans through the art of documentary filmmaking. Over four days, DPFF showcases films that promote education, conservation, preservation of marine environments, ocean sports and Surfing Films. DPFF is inspiring our audiences to become positive stewards of the sea.

This year’s 4-day festival features five internationally recognized feature documentaries, averaging sixty minutes each, along with twenty-eight compelling short films—including animated educational shorts and traditional documentaries from talented filmmakers around the world. The carefully curated selection highlights the critical issues facing our oceans and showcases stories of passion, science, conservation and adventure.

Family and Youth Engagement:
On Sunday, October 12 at 11 a.m., celebrate with kid-friendly programming at Craft House in Dana Point. Youth from The Boys and Girls Clubs of Capistrano Valley will debut their own films, exploring fascinating topics such as Orcas, the Great Barrier Reef, wave science and extinct ocean species.

Festival Events & Highlights:

  • Thursday, October 9: A Special Opening Night Event begins with “Meet the Filmmakers” at the Craft House, featuring food, music, culture and community.
  • Friday, October 10: Opening Night Film & After Party screening at 6 p.m. in the “Film House,” at OC Sailing Club next to Baby Beach. Immediately after, join us at El Caminante Bar & Bungalows for lite bites, music and libations.
  • Saturday & Sunday: Film screenings run from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., with various films screening throughout the day.
  • Saturday Night VIP Party: Following the feature film, the Killer Dana party is at 7:30 p.m.— a VIP Experience is available!
  • Sunday, October 12: The festival concludes with a stunning sunset free screening of Jaws on Baby Beach at 6:30 p.m., offering a perfect end to the weekend.

Tickets:
Secure your tickets now in October at the discounted price of $10 by visiting DanaPointFilmFestival.org and using the promo code (DPFFinSept).

About DPFF:
The Dana Point Film Festival is a Stand Up to Trash, Non-Profit event produced by Tenacity Entertainment with support from our OC Supervisor Katrina Foley, the City of Dana Point, Local Art & Culture Ambassador Maria Elena Banks, business and community members who are ocean advocates dedicated to celebrating and protecting our oceans. Join us for a wonderful weekend of inspiring storytelling, community engagement, ocean awareness, conservation and good ole fun.

Adventure Van Expo

Adventure Van Expo

Adventure Van Expo

OCT 4 & 5, 2025

Outdoor enthusiasts and van life dreamers will gather in San Juan Capistrano for a weekend of creativity, community and camper conversions at the Adventure Van Expo, returning October 4–5 to the Rancho Mission Viejo Riding Park.

Hosted in partnership with the Rotary Club of San Juan Capistrano and Adventure Van Expo, this event isn’t your average auto show. Instead of vintage vehicles and car polish, expect a showcase of rolling homes— custom Mercedes Sprinters, 4×4 overland rigs, solar-powered campers and off-grid trailers built for real-world adventure.

“This show features more than 100 companies sharing products and ideas for the mobile lifestyle,” says Rotary member Tom Hoon. “You’ll see everything from professional van builders to weekend DIYers.”

Attendees can step inside completed builds, ask questions, and learn directly from the craftspeople behind these mobile masterpieces. Vendors will showcase solar installations, water systems, space-saving storage and gear tested by full-time travelers.

Workshops run throughout the weekend, covering solar basics, construction techniques and recommendations for road-tested gear. Beyond the tech, the event highlights community spirit—many attendees camp on site, turning the event into a hub of shared stories and inspiration.

Food trucks, live music and a festival-style vibe make it fun for families, adventurers and curious newcomers alike.

EVENT DETAILS:

• Rancho Mission Viejo Riding Park 30753 Avenida La Pata, San Juan Capistrano

• October 4–5, 2025

• $15 Admission, $10 Dog Pass

SJCrotary.org

Adventure Van Expo

Whether you’re planning your next road trip or just love the spirit of van life, this weekend event offers a window into the art of traveling light—and living big.