2015 San Clemente Ocean Festival
July 18th & 19th

The San Clemente Ocean Festival is celebrating 39 years of lifeguard competitions and fun in the sun on July 18th & 19th.

“The Greatest Show on Surf” is an opportunity to compete in or cheer on your favorite athletes in the American and International Ironman competitions, One Mile Swim, 5K Beach Run, Rescue Relay, Biathlon and ever-popular Dory Boat races. Back by popular demand, the Sport of Kings SUP Race takes place on Saturday. Witness this exciting competition as stand-up paddlers race from the beach to outside buoys, then catch waves back to the finish.

As you head down the hill, stop by the Ocean Art Show in Parque Del Mar, featuring a variety of artwork created by local artisans. Stroll along the wooden planks above the rolling surf on San Clemente Pier and check out the 23rd Annual Woody Car Exhibit, displaying 15 different cars each day of the event. Fishermen of all ages are welcome to register for the Fishing Clinic and Derby at the end of the Pier on Saturday.

South of the Pier, the younger crowd can make their way to the Youth Pavilion where loads of entertainment happens on both event days. The lineup includes hula dancers, jiu-jitsu demonstrations, musical performances and more! Complimentary Kid ID’s are available, plus crafts and games for a nominal fee. Don’t forget to sign up for the Dolphin Dash Kids Beach Run (ages 4-12) on Saturday or the Groms Rule Surf Contest (boys 14 and under and girls 17 and under) on Sunday morning. Both of these events fill up quickly so you’re encouraged to pre-register at EventBrite.com.

New this year, the 1st sto p of the Special Olympics Torch Run takes place on Sunday, when runners head to the end of San Clemente Pier for a brief ceremony before moving north on their journey up the coast to Disneyland.

Saturday evening, pull up a towel or beach chair with friends and family to enjoy a free concert featuring The Cholulas. Watch the sun set over Dana Point while you listen to this local San Clemente band’s outlaw country-inspired rock.

The fun continues to pile up with sand sculpting competitions on Sunday. Categories include Creatures, Castles and Things, Family, and Open categories for those who wish to let their creativity run wild. Bodysurfing clinics, to help swimmers of all ages learn more about the ocean, how to watch for rip currents, and how to ride the waves, are also offered just south of the Youth Pavilion. The weekend’s activities come to a close with The Great Rubber Duck race. For only $5, you can “sponsor” a duck and cheer it on to be one of the lucky ducks to win a prize if yours swims ashore.

There’s no need to eat breakfast or pack a meal before heading down to The Ocean Festival. San Clemente lifeguards will be grillin’ up pancake breakfasts from 7 to 11 a.m. on both days of the event. Bring your appetite for plenty of other tasty items from corn on the cob, hamburgers, and turkey legs, to strawberry shortcake and shaved ice.

To register for athletic events and to view course maps and rules, please visit OceanFestival.org or call 949-440-6141 for more info.

Complimentary parking and shuttles from San Clemente High School run from 6:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. on Saturday, and 6:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. on Sunday. The Metrolink train also stops right at the San Clemente Pier.

Juice It Up – San Clemente
By Shelley Hudson

When Sandy Elliott set out to explore health-minded career opportunities, she made a list of interests and passions. She wanted to start her own business and began investigating juice companies as a potential franchise opportunity. Her due diligence and impeccable timing led her to a prime Juice It Up location that had just become available in San Clemente.

In November 2013, Sandy purchased the thriving Juice It Up store that had been open for ten years near San Clemente High School. The built-in customer base, a growing awareness of the benefits of fresh fruit and vegetable juices and the ideal location were just what Sandy was looking for in her new venture. With the brand new gym next door, San Clemente High School across the street, a bustling school catering schedule and a loyal following of local surfers and other athletes, the biggest challenge for Sandy has been keeping up!

Sandy has made it her goal to educate the community about the fresh fare she offers. Her Juice It Up store serves up much more than just fruit smoothies. Raw juice combinations, ginger and wheat grass shots, fruit and veggie fusions (blended with ice to retain all the cruciferous fiber) and “super fruit” acai and pitaya-based bowls of crunchy, fruity, nutty goodness are a mere sampling of what you’ll find there. At the request of her customers, Sandy successfully lobbied corporate headquarters to add chia seeds and almond milk to the ingredient options as well. Juice It Up smoothies, fusions and bowls are hearty and 100% fresh—healthy enough for breakfast or post-workout, but yummy enough to replace dessert!

Juice It Up’s catering program makes it easy to offer refreshing smoothies at corporate functions, sporting events, summer camps and private parties of all kinds with only a phone call or email. Fundraising opportunities—even in-house events—allows guests to enjoy fresh, healthy treats while the organization or team raises money. Portable party boxes are a breeze to pick up and transport, or customers can even have a catering order delivered right to the front door (or soccer field!).

Sandy’s commitment to the local community shines through partnerships with Relay For Life, Casa Romantica, the San Clemente Chamber of Commerce and a multitude of area schools. Her on-site programs at nine elementary and middle schools bring healthy choices to students, and a 25% share of proceeds goes back to the school.

Check out Juice It Up’s daily deals and monthly specials on Facebook and Instagram @juiceitupsanclemente and its VIP treatment for military, seniors, Yelp users and students.

802 Avenida Pico, Suite J • San Clemente • 949.542.7979 • JuiceItUp.com

Dana Point Food, Wine & Music Festival
June 27th from 12:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.

Bring your appetite and your friends to Sea Terrace Park in Dana Point on Saturday, June 27th from noon until 7 p.m. for the 3rd annual Dana Point Food, Wine & Music Festival. Sip and nosh your way through offerings from local restaurants, California wineries and craft breweries while savoring the sights and sounds. The ingredients for a perfect day are right at your fingertips!

Sponsored by the City of Dana Point and produced by Southern California-based EventWerks, the festival has gained a robust following in a short time to become one of the most highly anticipated happenings of the year. This annual free event attracted more than 15,000 attendees last year and owes its rapid success to the perfect mixture of good times with great taste. The event delivers on all levels: delicious food, unique musical performances, thirst-quenching craft brews, a variety of wines, mixed drink creations and more.

Last year’s success prompted organizers to “up the ante” in 2015. This year, guests will enjoy nearly double the number of participating restaurants, a major expansion to the wine festival and the addition of over 30 craft breweries. A portion of the festival’s proceeds will also benefit the Dana Point 5th Marine Regiment Support Group.

Equally important to delectable food and libations, the festival serves up a bevy of musical talent. Priding itself on doing the unexpected, performers are sprinkled throughout the venue so that entertainment is felt at every turn. It’s not uncommon to see a fiddler strolling through the crowd, to find a saxophone player jamming in a corner, or a band playing right in the middle of the festival.

“People just want to be entertained and they want to see and hear things that are unique. We are not interested in name recognition or drawing power. We are only interested in providing a great musical experience,” shares Forrest Melton of EventWerks.

This year’s musical lineup will not disappoint. The event has secured the legendary L.A. Blues Band, The Delgado Brothers, Orange County Blues icon Papa J and a number of acts including Spanish guitarists, DJ’s and off-the-wall brilliant performers such as Crosby Tyler who plays drums, guitar and harmonica as a one-man band.

Admission is free. Patrons can select from a variety of food and drink options to customize their experience at the event. To learn more about the 2015 Dana Point Food, Wine and Music Festival, visit FoodWineandMusicFestival.com.

The Cuban Kitchen & Coffee – Capistrano Beach
By Krissy V.

As we embark on a new era of U.S. – Cuba relations, it seems fitting that South Orange County has an opportunity to enjoy a cuisine that may still be unfamiliar to many of us on the West Coast. You may not expect that journey to lead you to a restaurant in the heart of Capistrano Beach, but that’s precisely where you’ll find The Cuban Kitchen & Coffee.

Located on Doheny Park Road inside The Surfin Cowboy (known by locals for its d-lish burgers), the unlikely pairing may feel more like like an Oscar and Felix mismatch than a match made in heaven. To the contrary, the combination has worked well and The Cuban Kitchen has been dishing out fare to rave reviews for the past few months.

I popped in for a weekday lunch and was greeted by my welcoming and knowledgeable server Sarah. She explained that The Cuban Kitchen’s menu, created by award-winning Executive Chef Seth King, emphasizes premium-quality meats and simple, fresh ingredients.

I started with the house-made Empanadas de Cuba — delectably flaky dough pockets stuffed with a combination of beef, pork, and charred corn — accompanied by a side of chimichurri sauce for dipping. I wouldn’t have done the restaurant justice without having a few bites of the World Famous Cuban Sandwich. This grilled and pressed classic consists of thinly sliced pork tenderloin, ham, provolone, dill pickle, peppered mayo and whole grain mustard — creating a simple, yet tasty sandwich that has understandably become the most popular menu item. Sarah shared that it recently outsold The Surfin Cowboy’s renowned OG Burger, which is a testament to its fantastic reception!

To get a sense of The Cuban Kitchen’s range, Sarah brought out a selection of entrées for me to sample. My two fast favorites were the Lomo Cubano and the Ropa Vieja, both traditional Cuban dishes with deep and layered flavors. The Lomo Cubano is a citrus marinated grilled skirt steak that was deliciously tender and had me wanting more. The Ropa Vieja is braised beef or pork in a tomato, red pepper and garlic-based mojo sauce that is a fusion of both Mexican and Cuban-inspired styles. Both dishes are chock-full-of-flavor and are served with rice and beans (which can be eaten separately or mixed together in Cuban fashion) and plantains. Of course, I had to cap off lunch with a kickin’ Cuban Coffee in the comfortable lounge area (with complimentary Wi-Fi) to jumpstart the rest of my day.

Visit The Cuban Kitchen on Friday nights for dinner and stay for the free Salsa dance class at 9 p.m. so that you can work off dinner while learning some spicy moves. Also make a point to stop by for Sunday breakfast, served from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m.

The Cuban Kitchen & Coffee
34235 Doheny Park Rd., Suite A
Capistrano Beach • 949.272.5957
TheCubanKitchenAndCoffee.com

Reata Glen – Expect more from retirement

The full-service retirement community approved last fall in San Juan Capistrano has relocated to a new site across from the City’s Reata Park. The new location provides sweeping views of the area’s protected ridgelines and more direct access to Ladera Ranch and San Clemente (once La Pata Avenue opens in 2016). Located just minutes from the historic Mission San Juan Capistrano, the project’s change in name from “Laguna Glen” to “Reata Glen” accompanies the move to Reata Road. The master-planned community’s layout and amenities, however, remain largely unchanged.

Similar to other award-winning Continuing Life® retirement communities (such as La Costa Glen Carlsbad), Reata Glen residents will enjoy more than simply a new home and attractive clubhouse. A broad range of recreation venues and convenient services are included—as well as access to a neighboring health center should residents’ needs change over time.

Plans for the new community incorporate a variety of housing options including spacious single story homes, townhouse-style plans referred to as “Garden Terraces,” as well as more traditional apartment-style homes. With nearly two dozen floor plans available, the community is designed to be attractive and accessible to a broad range of South Orange County’s seniors.

Regardless of which home new residents select, all come complete with housekeeping services, landscape and home maintenance and access to a wide array of amenities throughout the community. Several restaurant venues, a health spa, movie and performing arts theaters, an art studio, gardening center and more are provided within walking distance in an effort to make life’s best moments more convenient.

One of the unique aspects of the new community is the health care center being constructed next door. There, Reata Glen residents will have access to assisted living, memory support and a skilled nursing facility, if ever needed, without leaving the neighborhood, and without being exposed to the rising and otherwise unpredictable costs of long-term care.

Construction of the new community is expected to begin this year with a grand opening planned for the beginning of 2018. According to Troy Bourne, Project Manager at Reata Glen, hundreds of local seniors have already joined a pre-construction waitlist in anticipation of new homes being offered for reservation in the next few months. “After nearly ten years of planning, we’re excited to be able to bring this community to South Orange County. The initial response from local seniors has been unprecedented and we look forward to working with future residents to build a community we can all be really proud of.” To find out more about Reata Glen, visit ReataGlen.com.

2015 Doheny Blues Festival
May 16th & 17th

Celebrating 18 years of Blues On The Beach, the Doheny Blues Festival delivers another stellar lineup of talent for its upcoming weekend of music. Slated for Saturday and Sunday, May 16th and 17th, the nationally recognized festival is headlined by 10-time GRAMMY Award winner Bonnie Raitt, the voice of Bad Company, Paul Rodgers, the incomparable Boz Scaggs and many others. Tickets are on sale now for the festival’s three stages of performances at the beachfront venue of Doheny State Beach in Dana Point.

Doheny Blues Festival takes pride in its introduction of new artists, and this year is no exception as it welcomes Tennessee folk artist Valerie June, as well as 12-year-old guitar wonderkid Brandon “Taz” Niederauer, who will join Otis Taylor and his band. First time performers also include Mud Morganfield, the eldest son of Muddy Waters (performing with Kim Wilson), fiery vocalist Beth Hart, The Mavericks, The Rebirth Brass Band, Carolyn Wonderland and Lurrie Bell. Continuing the tradition of importing musicians for the festival, Nico Wayne Toussaint will travel from France to Dana Point, Brazilian guitarist Igor Prado will present a blues revue on the intimate Backporch Stage, and Trickbag from Sweden will host the Official After-Party on Saturday night, May 16, at Stillwater Spirits & Sounds in Dana Point.

Doheny State Beach, a 62-acre California State Park, has been home to the Doheny Blues Festival for eighteen consecutive years and has an expansive beach, breathtaking harbor views, overnight camping and a spacious, grass park where three stages are erected. The intimate Backporch Stage allows fans to sit up close to the artists at picnic tables while enjoying a tasty selection of microbrews. Guests can also enjoy the International Food Court, eclectic Vendor Village with 50+ unique booths, Wine Lounge, and free Bike Valet.

Tickets for the 2015 Doheny Blues Festival are selling quickly, so visit DohenyBluesFestival.com for more information or call 949.360.7800.

Board & Brew – Ocean Ranch in Laguna Niguel
By Shelley Hudson

Board & Brew’s newest location is off and running in Laguna Niguel’s Ocean Ranch Village Center, and not a minute too soon. The eighth restaurant in the growing San Diego-OC chain started shredding and slicing in late March for a built-in following—namely, the overflow from the line-out-the-door at its San Clemente shop.

Founder Tom Powers started Board & Brew in 1979 in Del Mar with a simple idea—to provide the freshest, highest-quality food at the best value. Staying true to Tom’s formula of never cutting corners has paid off. The low-key vibe and menu of classics-with-a-twist entices customers looking for good food fast. The open-air patio, curated slate of local artisanal beers and the Baja-reggae-surf setting encourages diners to hang out for a while. The restaurant is outfitted with skateboard decks, surfboards of all shapes, coastal art and a sweet fiberglass-topped bar that faces the open kitchen. The atmosphere is busy, but laid-back and fun.

I stopped in for a quick lunch and to get The Local Dish from Zen, one of Board & Brew’s owners. “We have a full-service kitchen that only prepares sandwiches,” he explains, “We’re ‘prepping’ all day because everything is fresh. Our bread is delivered every morning—in fact, we sometimes sell out of a bread option late in the day. Our roast beef is certified, grass-fed angus; we even rotate vendors throughout the year to ensure absolute freshness.” He said Board & Brew’s typical customer is difficult to identify. “We have families grabbing dinner before seeing a movie next door, businesspeople coming in for weekday lunches, kids meeting up after school, and everyone in between.”

Zen recommended I try B&B’s most popular sandwich, the Turkado. This creation was piled high with smoked turkey and topped with sliced tomato, shredded lettuce, sweet red onion, jack cheese and creamy avocado. It was served with a side of “secret sauce,” which beautifully enhanced the flavors of the whole stack. Zen said the sauce recipe was adapted from Tom’s mother’s macaroni salad dressing recipe—a sauce with a story! The sandwich was hearty and delicious. I washed it down with passionberry iced tea from the self-serve station, but next time I’ll go for an ice cold Artifex Honey Blonde. I’m also eager to try one of the daily soup specials like the lentil-vegetable or fire-roasted tomato.

Take a ride through the menu at BoardAndBrew.com and be sure to check out Board & Brew’s daily happy hour specials!

Board & Brew – Ocean Ranch
32371 Golden Lantern, Laguna Niguel
949.207.1007
BoardAndBrew.com

San Clemente Christian School
By Shelley Hudson

Parents and students in South Orange County will soon have another option for private education—right in their own backyards! Capo Beach Christian School is expanding and moving to a brand new campus in the heart of San Clemente, filling the need for a rigorously academic and spiritually-grounded curriculum that spans TK through 12. The school will be renamed San Clemente Christian School and will remain a small, family-based private school dedicated to motivating and nurturing each and every child.

Founded in 2009 by parents, the school’s first enrollment was 41 students. In a few short years, that number has tripled; many grade levels are operating at maximum capacity and the demand for the type of programming offered is increasing. “Moving to San Clemente is such an exciting development,” says Principal Dr. Nicky Magnuson, “So many indicators confirm that this move is part of God’s plan. We received a generous donation in inventory from Southern California Edison, including essential equipment for a complete school. Since 70% of our families live in San Clemente, it’s an ideal scenario. We’ve had an unbelievable response—we have a waiting list for a few grades already!”

The 2015-2016 academic year will open the new campus. Each year a new grade level will be added, culminating with the first high school graduating class in 2018. As the only private school offering kindergarten through high school in the city, San Clemente Christian will become a fundamental part of the infrastructure for this rapidly-growing area. The school’s plan will roll out in three phases. Phase I will involve relocating all existing classes and programs from transitional kindergarten through 9th grade to the new facility; Phase II will be implemented as high school classes are added over the next three years; Phase III will include a full build-out of the playground and outfitting of outdoor athletic training grounds. “It’s a privilege and an honor to be a part of this organization every day,” enthuses Dr. Magnuson, “We have so much to offer this community.”

San Clemente Christian’s philosophy brings the “boutique school” concept to life. Offering only one small class of students for each grade level and a student-to-staff ratio of 1:3 ensures that each child’s needs are recognized. Dr. Magnuson explains, “We meet each student at his or her level; we don’t believe in ‘one size fits all,’ and we don’t let kids fall through the cracks. Our focus is to nurture our pupils spiritually and academically and imbue a strong sense of leadership within each child. One of my favorite comments from a parent was that every student gets to be a star here—that’s exactly the point!”

Magnuson summarizes San Clemente Christian’s academic approach as “full STEAM ahead—science, technology, engineering, arts and math.” The school promises a rich, balanced experience with weekly student-led chapel services, a surf team, field trips to Science Camp, Catalina Island and Washington, D.C. and mission trips for all middle and high schoolers. In addition, the whole student body is exposed to Greek, Latin and Spanish language classes, starting in kindergarten. Dr. Magnuson asserts, “We are part of an academic movement. We are committed to the Common Core initiative, from the ACSI standpoint of using Common Core as our floor not the ceiling. This provides building blocks for learning—it’s not just about test-taking and memorizing facts; it’s about meeting every student where they are.”

The leadership component is a key principle built into the curriculum at every level as well. The school provides project-based, age-appropriate opportunities for students to demonstrate organizational leadership, with many off-site options. “We’ve had a student-initiated recycling program, a sustainable garden, and so much more,” gushes Magnuson, “The creativity of the students is boundless.”

The future of San Clemente Christian School includes “smart boards” in every classroom, video editing and computer graphics capabilities, a university-level chemistry lab, an aquaponics cultivation program and a hands-on internship program for all seniors. “Our previous expansion was made possible through the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and many donations,” relates Magnuson, “We hope to repeat this collaboration on a larger scale and develop a close partnership with our new community.”

Learn more about San Clemente Christian School’s mission, staff, academic curriculum and programs at CapoBeachChristianSchool.org.

San Clemente Christian School
180 Avenida La Pata, San Clemente
949.496.3513
CapoBeachChristianSchool.org

Check out our May 2015 Cover Shoot of San Clemente Christian School!

2015 Summer Camp Guide
A tidal wave of summer camps are getting ready to make a splash this summer. Gear up, get on board and dive in to an adventurous, active & exciting break from school. Our 2015 Summer Camp Guide provides parents with a handy resource on loads of local fun throughout south OC. Register now to take advantage of early sign-up discounts… before your camper’s fave sells out!

949 Volleyball Club
949 Volleyball Club in San Juan Capistrano is now in its 6th year of operation. The club has won 6 Junior Olympic medals, as well as two National Championships at the 2013 and 2014 Junior National Championships. 949 provides summer camps for both boys and girls ages 9 to 18 and all ability levels. The club’s goal is to teach beginners the fundamentals of the game and to prepare juniors and seniors looking to compete in the NCAA. 949 Volleyball Club promotes sportsmanlike behavior inside and outside of the gym, instills the values of integrity, dedication and hard work, and focuses on having fun! Space is limited; please register early. Log on to 949vb.com for more information or contact Justin directly at 949.374.2890 or Justin@949vb.com.

Acting Academy for Kids
Acting Academy for Kids’s Performing Arts Camp is offered in two South OC locations this year—Camino Real Playhouse in San Juan Capistrano and Cabrillo Playhouse in San Clemente. Daily classes in music, art, acting, and dance immerse kids aged 4 to 13 in an authentic performing experience. The week-long camps are each guided by professional educators and culminate in a student-centered production with sets, costumes, and lights. Ten distinct week-long programs run from June 22nd to August 28th. The “core camp” rate is $275 per week with early-bird and after-camp enrichment options as well. Go to ActingAcademyforKids.com for details and production schedules.

The Arts Project of Orange County
TAPOC is your one-stop shop for arts education and training! Whether your child is a serious artist-performer or is interested in trying something new this summer, The Arts Project OC presents inspiring and fresh performing and visual arts summer camps taught by talented instructors. An 8-week summer session and/or week-long Arts camps are available for ages 3 and up in San Clemente’s Talega Business Park. Your aspiring musician can make music with friends at The Sound Studio’s vocal and instrumental camps. The Art Studio camps explore mediums such as painting, drawing, mixed media and more. In The Black Box, become a triple threat in singing, acting, and dancing! Summer Production: Into The Woods. All students cast. Go to TheArtsProjectOC.com for fees, schedules and registration.

Basics of Skateboarding
Basics of Skateboarding (BOS) offers Summer Skate Camps for kids ages 3 to12 in San Clemente, Ladera Ranch and Costa Mesa. Whether you’re a three-year-old who’s never been on a skateboard, or an intermediate 12-year-old, BOS provides the guidance and instruction necessary to take your skateboarding to the next level. All campers receive direct instruction from an experienced skateboard teacher and are grouped according to ability and age. The camp focuses on basic skills that are acquired in a skatepark, ranging from skating bowls and making transitions, to proper safety and confidence building. Children develop and enhance their skateboarding skills while creating new friendships with other campers. BOS camps run year round and increase in availability and times June through August. Visit BasicsofSkateboarding.com, call 949.922.9922 or email mattsheridan@BasicsofSkateboarding.com for more info.

Bella Collina
Bella Collina San Clemente’s popular Junior Golf Camp is back! Each week-long session includes instruction lead by experienced, nurturing golf professionals. Campers aged 5 to 14 of all skill levels enjoy confidence-building clinics, on-course play, instruction on rules and etiquette, and fun golf games and activities. Golf achievement medals are awarded at the end of each week. Camps run from June 22nd to August 14th from 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Golf clubs, lunch and a snack are included; member rates are $275/week and guests are $215/week. For more information, call 949.498.3771 or visit BellaCollinaSanClemente.com.

Brain Builders
Brain Builders puts the “STEAM” in education — science, technology, engineering, arts, and math. Weekly Engineering with LEGO® camps start in June and children, ages 5 to 14, will learn concepts such as energy, thermodynamics, gravity, robotics, animation, and more! Young builders test their skills and projects against equipment like the Bridge Crusher, Earthquake Simulator, and the 20’ Gravity Race Track. Themed camps are structured and goal-oriented and are either a half or a full-day. Get fee info and registration details at BrainBuildersEd.org and put on your thinking cap. Use promo code “thelocaldish” to receive 10% off any camp.

Camp James
Located near the scenic Back Bay at Newport Dunes in Newport Beach, Camp James has been an Orange County Tradition for 27 years and was awarded “Best Day Camp” for 2013 by Parenting OC Magazine. Ages 4 to 17 will enjoy adventures and make happy memories through a variety of activities: archery, Stand-up-paddleboards, STEM, watersports, zip line, drama, a climbing wall, an inflatable water park, mini-golf, laser-tag, dance, karate, fishing, crafts and more. Children love Camp James’ caring, award-winning staff, theme weeks, and crazy special events. Parents love the flexible scheduling, outstanding reputation, extended hours, and the ACA Accreditation. Camp starts June 23rd and ends August 29th. A Summer Camp Open House will be held April 19th (11 a.m. – 2 p.m.). Go to CampJames.com or call 949.729.1098 for more info.

Club Literacy
Club Literacy is offering its dynamic “Learning Luau” in Dana Point! Club Literacy has inspired thousands of students to improve their reading and writing skills. Classes are designed to fan the flames of your scholar’s budding and burning desire to learn! Pre-K to 3rd graders will enjoy one-of a-kind programs such as Books & Cooks, Bugs & Books, All About Me (Scrapbooking & Journaling), Book Publishing, Connecting Cursive, and Math Journals. The K Smart Start and First Grade Smart Start classes are summer staples. Classes and camps run from June 22nd to August 21st. Camps are 2 hours long, 4 days per week, ranging from $133 to $250. To learn more, visit ClubLiteracy.com or call 949.717.6624.

Coast Spirit Athletics
Come be a part of the summer camps at CSA Cheer & Tumbling in San Juan Capistrano! Girls and boys, ages 4 to 14, will learn how to tumble, cheer and dance at Coast Spirit Athletics’ 11,000 square foot facility with competition-sized spring floors, a tumble track, and tumbling equipment. Have fun learning a routine to show your parents while making new friends and memories. Camps include lunch, snacks, a t-shirt and a Thursday performance for parents and friends. Sessions are offered Monday through Thursday, 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., during the weeks of July 13th to 16th, July 27th to 30th and August 10th to 13th. For registration and additional information regarding camps, teams and classes, please call 949.248.7873 or visit CoastSpirit.com.

Teen Entrepreneur Academy: Concordia University
“It’s never too early to teach kids and teens business,” explains Stephen Christensen, dean of Concordia’s business school and founder of the Teen Entrepreneur Academy (TEA) & Kid Entrepreneur Academy (KEA). Today’s global economy has created a new standard of employment making entrepreneurship popular with children and young adults preparing for their future careers. TEA provides a one-week residential summer academy open to high school students interested in learning real-world business principles from successful entrepreneurs. This fun, activity-packed experience allows participants to work in small groups and write actual business plans — with the best one winning a $1,000 prize! KEA is open to 5th through 8th graders and offers hands-on instruction in business principles and entrepreneurship. TEA runs July 12th to 19th and KEA runs July 13th to 17th at Concordia University’s Irvine campus. Contact Stephen.Christensen@cui.edu or visit cui.edu/tea or cui.edu/kea for more information.

Dana Wharf Kids Fishing Camp
At Dana Wharf Sportfishing, your child will experience local fishing on a private boat each day at this one-of-a-kind camp. An expert crew and instructor will teach the fundamentals of fishing and offer pointers to those already familiar with the sport. Trips include fishing equipment and instruction, lunch, snacks, and a raffle at the end of the clinic. The camp is open to ages 9 to 14 and limited to 25 children! Sessions are $489 per child and run from July 6th to 10th and July 20th to 24th. Call 949.496.5794 or visit DanaWharf.com to learn more.

DanMan’s Music School
Not your father’s band camp! DanMan’s five-day intensive workshops let campers create and name their own rock bands and put on a real show for family and friends. Instruction on guitar, piano, drums, bass, and vocals is provided by inspiring professional music teachers. Exercises include creating set lists, making band posters, T-Shirts, a photo shoot and rehearsing for the Friday Show. The cost is $250 per camp, but if you register before June 15th, you can get in for $225. The jamming begins July 6th at DanMan’s Music School with five 1-week sessions. Bring in Danman’s ad from this issue before June 15th to receive $25 off. Check out Danmans.com or call 949.496.6556 for more information.

Endless Summer Surf Camp
Celebrating its 23rd anniversary, Endless Summer is the longest running surf camp in south OC and caters to first timers wanting to learn the basics of surfing and ocean safety, as well as experienced surfers looking to improve their skills. Offering a new camp every Monday from June through September, the fun in the sun continues for 15 weeks at San Onofre State Beach. Day camps (10 & older) run Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. and include equipment, lessons, lunch, snacks, drinks, and a t-shirt for $495. Week-long overnight camps are $895 and include accommodations, surf equipment, surf lessons, all meals, snacks, drinks, and a camp t-shirt. Surf & Turf (surfing & golf) camps, private lessons, group lessons and adult camps are also available. Visit EndlessSummerSurfCamp.com or call 949.498.7862 to register early; all camps sell out every summer!

JSerra Catholic High School
JSerra Catholic High School is excited to announce its brand new summer program for middle school students – Lion Engage! Designed for students entering grades 6 to 8, Lion Engage is a great opportunity to dive into experiential learning. You will learn hands-on from passionate and engaging instructors, interact with high school student mentors, and have fun while doing it! You may choose between morning and afternoon sessions, and each session will be one week long. For more information, visit JSerra.org/lionengage or call Emma Moran at 949.493.9307 x1107.

KinderCare
In search of a fun and educational environment for the kids this summer? KinderCare Learning Centers offers six, two-week units for children in preschool, pre-kindergarten and elementary school (3 to 12-year-olds). Summer programs include superheroes among us, school-age store, all about jungles and rainforests, puzzling puzzles, mixed-up fairy tales, and clash of the colors. You can sign your child up for one program or all six! KinderCare’s curriculum is rich in educational value with a focus on fun. School-age children will have the opportunity to participate in weekly off-site field trips. All field trips have a low teacher to child ratio. Please call 888.523.6765 or visit KinderCare.com to learn more about the 18 centers in Orange County. Mention The Local Dish Magazine to receive a free day of learning and free registration for summer!

City of Laguna Niguel
Your camper will run and play like a Squirrel or a Coyote at Crown Valley Park! Squirrels will participate in dramatic play stations, science & nature exploration, construction toy activities, hand-ball, board games, large group games on the soccer field, the slip-n-slide, camp sing a-longs, hiking in the botanical preserve, and arts & crafts. Squirrels will visit the new splash pad and have lunch by the new nature playground. Daily, campers will swim and enjoy weekly themed visitors! Coyotes will participate in board and card games, creating friendship bracelets, ball games, icebreaker activities, low and high intensity group games, team-building activities, arts & crafts, daily swimming, food crafts, nature hikes, scavenger hunts, dramatic challenge games, karaoke, Wii games, and “minute to win-it” contests. Campers will enjoy two weekly trips; to the Main Beach in Laguna on Tuesdays and then to an amusement park on Thursdays. To register, visit CityofLagunaNiguel.org/recreation or call 949.425.5100 for more details.

Marina View Preschool & Kindergarten
Summer camp at Marina View Preschool and Kindergarten is all about learning and fun! Full and half-day camps run weekdays, July 1st through August 28th. Students are welcome to join for one week or all nine weeks. Children, ages 2 to 6, are invited to participate in weekly adventure-based camps such as Mad Science, Photography, The Great Outdoors, Little Chefs, Music, and Woodworking. Let curious minds explore topics in-depth through reading and art projects. Call 949.249.8687 or visit MarinaViewPreschool.com for enrollment and tuition information. Let the fun begin!

Olympica Gymnastics Academy
Olympica Gymnastics Academy has brought South OC its fun, high-energy “Summer Fun Gymnastics Camp” for over two decades. The camp is chock-full of recreational gymnastics, athletic games, arts & crafts, music, special events and special guests. Flexibility is as important to your schedule as is gymnastics, so you can pick and choose half or full days all summer long and receive great discounts for week-long bookings and for siblings. Ages 3 to 13 are welcome and camps run from June 22nd to August 21st. Every child is a champion this summer! For more information, visit OlympicaGymnastics.com or call 949.582.3329.

San Clemente Christian School
Summer Quest is San Clemente Christian School’s answer to the dreaded, “I’m bored!” This faith-based camp is run by the school’s faculty, with a low child to teacher ratio in a safe and loving environment. Outdoor fun like jaunts to the beach, pool, or park and field trips to Legoland, Knotts Berry Farm, county fairs, and water parks keep the youngsters busy all summer long. Character building, new friendships, and creative play are emphasized. Summer Quest offers camps from June 29th to August 21st from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. At only $185 per week, this is one of OC’s most affordable camps. Half-day and drop-in rates ($50 field trip cost not included) are also a great value. Convenient extended care is available for busy and working parents from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. at a mere $210 per week. To register, visit CapoBeachChristianSchool.org.

City of San Clemente
Incredible adventures are now open with sizzling early bird savings lasting until May 5th! The City of San Clemente is offering over 300 courses and camps this summer. Explore sports, surfing, science, performing arts featuring Into the Woods, Jr., live action film, preschool exploration camps, dance & cheer, cooking, day camps with field trips and more to guarantee your best summer ever! Not sure what camp to sign up for? Come to CAMP PALOOZA at the San Clemente Aquatics Center on Saturday, May 9th to meet instructors, earn free giveaways, discover camp discounts, and enjoy recreational swimming. For information and registration visit San-Clemente.org/recreation or call 949.429.8797. Don’t forget to Like Us on Facebook at facebook.com/SanClementeRecreation for all the latest news and recreation updates.

San Clemente Dance & Performing Arts Center
San Clemente Dance & Performing Arts Center is celebrating its 20th anniversary with fun and exciting summer camps and workshops! Beginners to advanced participants, from ages 3 to adults, can choose from a wide range of options. An 8-week summer session with once-a-week classes and week-long dance camps are available. Young dancers can “Let it Go” at Princess Dance Camps with themes like Frozen, Cinderella and Rapunzel. Junior and Teen Dance Camps feature hip hop, jazz, ballet, tap, musical theater and tumbling. Intensive Workshops for intermediate and advanced dancers are also offered at SCDPAC and taught by some of California’s top instructors. For information on week-long Hip Hop and Ballet Intensives, Adult Fitness, open auditions for The Nutcracker (no experience necessary), and additional camp and class registrations, go to SanClementeDance.com or call 949.498.7571.

South Coast Conservatory
South Coast Conservatory in San Clemente and Laguna Niguel offers a wide range of Camps and Dance Intensives for children and teens. The littlest dancers (4-7) can enjoy Fairytale Ballerina, Mini Hip Hop, Song & Dance, or “Cheernastics” camps. Older kids (7-11) will have a blast learning Jazz, Ballet, Hip Hop, Tumbling, Musical Theatre & the new “Jedi” Hip Hop camp for boys. Dance Intensives are available for intermediate and advanced students. Audition for South Coast’s nationally ranked dance teams or join the internationally acclaimed Ballet Conservatory Intensive, a two-week training program with international master instructors. For registration and rates, drop by one of the two studios or visit SCConservatory.com. Mention the ad in The Local Dish Magazine to receive a 10% discount.

St. Anne Summer Knights Day Camp
The Summer Knights Day Camp in Laguna Niguel is the ideal combination of fun and education for kids with convenience and flexibility for parents. Camp days will be filled with a balance of light academics, arts and crafts, water play, weekly themes, special guests, cooking, and field trips with a flexible schedule for working parents or for kids who are just looking for some fun this summer. The eight week-long camps start June 22nd with full-day, half-day, and extended hour options. Students from preschool through middle school are welcome to join for one week or all eight. Older kids will love the new middle school “Club.” Visit St-Anne.org for pricing and more detailed information or contact Ingrid Trenton at itrenton@st-anne.org.

The Steve Johnson Tennis Academy
The Steve Johnson Tennis Academy offers the best summer program for juniors. Steve is recognized as one of the top developmental coaches in Southern California and leads a staff of qualified teaching professionals. Steve Johnson, Jr., is the most decorated player in the history of NCAA tennis and is a top 40 player on the ATP Tour. The Academy is located at the Rancho San Clemente Tennis & Fitness Club and offers a complete and challenging junior training center. Half and full-day (tennis and swimming) morning camps, for 4 to 12-year-olds, are perfect for kids seeking summer fun and who want to learn tennis from the best. Afternoon camps are geared toward competitive players of all ages that want to be challenged with drills and competitive play. Register before June 1st and receive a $25 discount on the full week of morning camp. Go to SJTennis.com or call 949.492.1515 to learn more.

Summer Soul Surf Camp
Summer Soul Surf Camp has been providing a summer experience unlike any other for over 10 years. The only Volcom sponsored surf camp, it offers well-rounded programs designed for boys and girls ages 9 to 16. Summer Soul Surf Camp is the only camp located at the legendary San Onofre Surf Beach, Southern California’s equivalent to the famous Waikiki Beach. With the gentle waves at Sano, Summer Soul Surf Camp promises that anyone can learn to surf. Week-long overnight and day camp programs are available June through August 2015. Campers surf, eat and play together — creating memories and friendships that last a lifetime. Visit SummerSoulSurfCamp.com, email info@SummerSoulSurfCamp.com or call 800.522.1352 to learn more.

Tstreet Volleyball Club
Ranked as the #1 Volleyball Club in Southern California by ClubRankings.com, Tstreet is centrally located in Irvine. Tstreet offers a full range of position specific, general skills, sand camps and clinics throughout the summer.  Training is open to boys and girls and our program caters to experienced as well as introductory level athletes.  Last summer, the improvement of our inexperienced ‘Day Campers’ was phenomenal.  Participants went from no volleyball experience to making school teams and earning roster spots on high-level club teams.  Owned by two-time Olympic Gold Medalist coach and player, Troy Tanner brings his philosophy of “achieving one’s highest potential” to the club.  Proper movement patterns & mechanics, repetitions, feedback and fun are emphasized in our state of the art gym.
Sign up online: TstreetVolleyball.com.

El Mariachi in San Clemente
By Shelley Hudson

As the farm-to-table renaissance changes the local restaurant scene, patrons at El Mariachi in San Clemente have discovered the difference that pasture-raised meats, organic vegetables, sustainable seafood and a thoughtful presentation can make.

Tucked away near the south end of town on El Camino Real, El Mariachi has been a local favorite since the Jimenez family opened the doors in 1996. The beach-close, family-friendly restaurant features a large outdoor patio, hand-carved chairs and elaborately painted Mexican murals. Although the setting is classic-Mexican-restaurant, the food is anything but. In an effort to bring “new” Mexican-style cooking to the kitchen, owner Rafael Jimenez recruited locally-famous chef Jose Colin (pronounced “ko-leen”) to reimagine the entire menu.

Chef Colin’s philosophy is simple, “My cooking is ‘comtemporano.’ Better, fresher ingredients, flavorful sauces, and the highest quality meats are the foundations of this menu. I use Jidori chicken, Kurobuta pork and skirt steak and complement them with market-fresh vegetables and seasonings.” Voted “Top Ten Chef” in 2014 by Orange Coast Magazine, Chef Colin has created an opportunity at El Mariachi for guests to enjoy a true culinary experience close to home.

My friend and I started our leisurely Saturday lunch with skinny margaritas as Javier, the General Manager, gave us the lowdown on the menu’s evolution under Chef Colin. The La Tampiquena is El Mariachi’s most popular dish. This selection is portioned for two and has all the hallmarks of Colin’s contemporano style. The flavorful and tender marinated and pan-seared skirt steak is presented on two enchiladas and topped with chunky guacamole, tri-colored tortilla ribbons and queso fresco. The enchilada sauce is light and zesty, and it doesn’t overpower the steak. The savory combination is a hearty, delicious indulgence. It’s evident why this is a hit with diners.

The outstanding Pollo a la Chipotle features Jidori chicken sautéed with Portobello mushrooms and onions, served over rice and drizzled with creamy, earthy chipotle mushroom sauce. The chicken’s robust flavor worked beautifully with the subtle, layered flavors of the sauce. This was perhaps my favorite.

Next we sampled another Jidori chicken dish—the Pollo en Mole Poblano. Since I’m a lover of all things chocolate, I was especially interested in tasting Chef Colin’s version that’s created from over 100 ingredients. The rich and smoky sauce is the ideal combination of spicy-sweet. Fresh sautéed vegetables, including wilted spinach, zucchini, squash and onion provide balance to this well-portioned dish.

Carne Asada fans rejoice—you no longer have to travel south of the border for your favorite Mexican specialty! El Mariachi’s secret is the marinade that’s soaked into the thinly-sliced skirt steak. Ingredients including dry mustard, pineapple juice and olive oil combine to enhance the meat’s flavor as it is char-grilled. The carne is topped with fresh pico de gallo and grilled bell peppers—mi gusta, and you will, too.