San Juan Capistrano Greek Festival
September 25th – 27th

The three-day festival, sponsored by Saint Basil Greek Orthodox Church, returns to San Juan Capistrano on Friday, September 25 and runs through Sunday, September 27. Guests will enjoy authentic Greek cuisine, live Greek music, traditional Greek dancing, specialty shopping at the bazaar and kid-friendly activities.

The menu will feature various Greek delicacies including gyros, souvlaki, lamb chops, spanakopita and Greek salad, as well as delicious pastries like baklava and kourambiethes (powdered sugar butter cookies) to accompany a delicious Greek coffee or iced coffee frappe. The festival also offers a Taverna with a sports bar twist – equipped with big screen TVs where guests can enjoy domestic favorites as well as Greek beer, wine and ouzo.

The Greek word “Kefi” means the spirit of joy, fun and a passion for life. You will have the opportunity to experience this part of Greek culture at the festival as you dance to live music. Don’t worry; lessons are provided and within seconds you will be expressing your Kefi with shouts of “Opa!” The Saint Basil dance troupe will also perform traditional dances in costume representing different regions of Greece.

This year’s exhibits will showcase costumed dolls from the many areas of Greece as well as a chance to win some great raffle prizes. For those interested in art, iconographer Father Michael Courey will unveil and discuss two Byzantine icons to be used for Saint Basil’s Church. These icons were recently featured at the Getty Museum in Los Angeles as part of his lecture and demonstration.

Festival hours are 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Friday, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. on Saturday, and 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Sunday. Admission and parking are free. Saint Basil’s Church is located at 27129 Calle Arroyo, near the 74 Ortega Highway exit in San Juan Capistrano.

For more information on the Greek Festival, please visit sjcgreekfest.org.

Discovery Cube Orange County’s Newest Exhibit!

All roads lead to Santa Ana as Discovery Cube Orange County opens Hot Wheels™: Race to Win™. This new family exhibit will get you revved up with immersive activities for three generations of Hot Wheels® fans. Hot Wheels: Race to Win debuts on September 19, 2015 and the pit stop continues through January 3, 2016.

Be part of a dynamic race team working together to build and test the fastest (and safest) speed machines on the planet, using Hot Wheels die-cast cars to experiment and play. This behind-the-scenes look at the thrilling world of racing investigates the scientific process for designing super-fast cars and helps families who have the need for speed understand how it is achieved.

“Generations of children have enjoyed the thrill and speed of racing with Hot Wheels, and this new interactive exhibit now brings families together to learn what brings racing to life in a fun and memorable way,” shares Julie Freeland, Senior Director, Global Live Events & Attractions, Mattel.

Children and Families will love the Pit Stop Challenge in which they can race the clock – and their family and friends – to change tires and refuel the car. A 6-lane downhill speed track, booster power track, adjustable angles track, and timing track are just a few of the ways visitors will be able to test their theories regarding the science of racing and cause and effect. Real race car parts, authentic artifacts, and captivating memorabilia will round out the experience.

Introduced by Mattel in 1968, the “tricked-out” toy cars have come a long way (both in the die-cast and life-size varieties). More than 800 models and 11,000 variations of Hot Wheels cars have been created and more than 4 billion Hot Wheels die-cast cars have been sold.

Don’t miss the opportunity to push the limits of your imagination and learn about the world of racing in this all-new exhibit.

Discovery Cube Orange County
2500 N Main Street, Santa Ana
714.542.2823 • DiscoveryCube.org

Dana Point State Barbeque Championships
Friday, October 3rd

If you are the wizard of your backyard grill, then it’s time for you to head down to Dana Point and meet your masters. The 4th Annual City of Dana Point State Barbeque Championships returns October 3 to beautiful Sea Terrace Park. This event will offer melt-in-your-mouth delights with a smorgasbord of meats barbequed to perfection. BBQ teams will spend tremendous time preparing and creating dishes that will whet your appetite and satisfy your palate. Fans of hops and barley will be happy to know they can quench their thirst at the returning Beer Festival, a special section full of craft beers from independent breweries.

The City of Dana Point continues to do its part to support local charities. This year, a portion of the proceeds from the event will benefit the Dana Point 5th Regiment Marines Support Group, the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life and The VFW(Veterans of Foreign War). The Dana Point State BBQ Championship will also kick-off the holiday toy collection effort for Toys for Tots. Attendees are encouraged to bring an unwrapped toy to the BBQ to help underprivileged children this holiday season.

The City of Dana Point State Barbeque Championship serves as the West Coast’s biggest BBQ competition, with over 100 of the top teams from California, Oregon, Utah, Nevada, and Arizona competing for a slice of $30,000 in prize money. USA Today boasts that this competition is “one of the 6 must-attend BBQ events in the nation.” With reputation and cash on the line, patrons are sure to reap the delicious benefits of this heated rivalry. Start your engines BBQ enthusiasts, and be there to witness an epic battle in the categories of chicken, ribs, brisket, and pork. Not to mention, a special “Dessert” category is now part of the competition to sweeten your culinary experience.

A wide variety of beer stands will be positioned throughout the venue with beer by the glass served for just $6. Beer sampling opportunities will also be available in the Beer Festival area where enthusiasts can choose between the finest ales, lagers and stouts to wash down all of the BBQ competitors’ savory creations. Ask for the brewmaster’s recommendations to create a perfect pairing for the sweet, spicy and smoky meats available at the competition. Or, throw caution to the wind and conjure up your own coupling of food and drink to satisfy your individual penchant.

If you’re feeling a little weighty after all those barbeque tasters and ales, live musical entertainment will allow you to dance off all of those extra calories consumed at the festival. Stroll through the Vendor Village, or let your little ones explore the many kid-friendly activities and attractions.

Admission as always is free. You can purchase full plates of food directly from a variety of vendors or you may opt for $2 samples, if you’d prefer to fill your belly nibbling on a host of BBQ delights.

There will be free shuttle service for you and your group from Dana Hills High School starting at 9 a.m. and ending at 6 p.m. Complimentary parking will also be available along Stonehill Drive and Niguel Road, as well as at Salt Creek Beach. Circle your calendar for the first Saturday in October and check out DanaPointBBQChampionships.com for all the details.

MemorialCare Medical Group

MemorialCare Medical Group’s San Juan Capistrano office was recently relocated to the beautiful new San Juan Health Center at 31001 Rancho Viejo Road, Suite 200 near Marbella Plaza. The brand new 25,000 square-foot office offers internal medicine, family medicine and pediatrics and serves as a “one-stop-shop” for the families in San Juan Capistrano and its surrounding communities. Lab, digital imaging services, and a Coumadin Clinic are available onsite.

“With San Juan Capistrano’s and the area’s continued growth, it was imperative for us to relocate to a new state-of-the-art facility that meets the health care needs of the community,” says George Karapetian, MD, medical director of MemorialCare Medical Group-San Juan Capistrano. “With our dedicated team of medical professionals and onsite lab and imaging services, we can efficiently and effectively deliver high quality health care to local residents.”

Fall is when many companies hold open enrollment and Medicare Annual Election Period starts October 15 and runs through December 7. This is the optimal time to choose your doctor and to consider a health plan that includes MemorialCare Medical Group.

Choose Well, Choose MemorialCare Medical Group
Choosing the right doctor is one of the most important healthcare decisions you will make. The quality of health care you receive can depend largely on the doctor you choose. So how do you go about choosing the right doctor for you? Take into account the following to make the most informed decision for you and your family:

“They All Say They’re Good Doctors, So How Do I Know Who Is The Best For Me?”
As with anything new, you should research and ask questions about the doctor you’re considering. Recommendations from family and friends are a good place to start. For objective fact-based information, look to unbiased sources.

Independent, third-party organizations such as Integrated Healthcare Association (IHA) and the Office of the Patient Advocate (OPA) of California, among others, routinely survey patients, publishing service and quality of care ratings on physicians and physician groups. Visit their websites to investigate the scores and grades given to the physicians.

The MemorialCare Medical Group Difference
MemorialCare Medical Group doctors take time with you and listen to you while offering all of the services and conveniences you should expect from your provider. Most HMO and PPO insurance plans are accepted. To schedule an appointment, call (949) 661-9600.

MemorialCare Medical Group, an affiliate of MemorialCare Health System, is comprised of nearly 220 physicians specializing in internal medicine, family medicine, pediatrics, select specialists, surgeons and urgent care. Caring for patients of all ages, MemorialCare Medical Group has 30 locations in Orange County and the Greater Long Beach area. Year after year, MemorialCare Medical Group has been honored as one of the Top Performing Medical Groups in California by Integrated Healthcare Association (IHA) and has been designated as “Elite” Status by the California Association of Physician Groups (CAPG).

For a physician referral,
call (866) 276-3627 or visit
MemorialCare.org/MedicalGroup

MemorialCare Medical Group
31001 Rancho Viejo Rd, Suite 200
San Juan Capistrano

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180blũ – Decked Out
By Shelley Hudson

Perched above Salt Creek Beach at The Ritz-Carlton Laguna Niguel is an oceanfront paradise that’s difficult to beat in South Orange County. Named for the 180° view of the Pacific, 180blũ is the summer spot for locals, jetsetters, families, and tourists alike. Although you may come across the occasional begowned bride traipsing through the hotel lobby, you don’t need to wait for a special occasion to visit. 180blu is an any-day-of-the-week destination for business meetings, leisurely lunches, relaxing happy hours or romantic dinners. As you drink in the multi-million dollar view and a beverage or two, it’s evident that life rarely gets much better.

180blu’s creative slate of craft cocktails, extensive wine list and mouth-watering menu options add to the lounge’s already near-perfect vibe and spectacular views. It’s easy to get swept away by the surf and sun while casually chatting with friends on a comfy sofa or as you gaze out at the coastline with that special someone. Before you know it, you’re clearing your calendar for the rest of the day and watching a breathtaking sunset while listening to live music.

I met a girlfriend at 180blũ to enjoy a long-overdue chatfest over cocktails and crashing waves. We sipped a fresh Peach Bellini and an Ultimate Margarita (served iced-cold and straight up) while we decided on a few small plates to sample. We took our delightful server Niki’s recommendation and went with Lobster Tacos, Spicy Tuna and Wild Mushroom Huarache.

The tacos were as adorable as they were delicious. Served in little tortilla envelopes secured with tiny clothespins and generously stuffed with fresh lobster, black bean purée, chile salsa, avocado and cilantro, the serving of four was easily shareable and hearty. The Spicy Tuna was also a hit. The ahi was drizzled with wasabi-pea aioli and eel sauce and served atop a crispy sushi rice round. The result was crunchy, spicy and salty goodness.

My hands-down favorite was the Wild Mushroom Huarache, which took the form of a decadent flatbread. The cornmeal crust was layered with a variety of nutty, earthy mushrooms, caramelized onions, black beans, creamy goat cheese and truffle oil. The combination blended seamlessly, but each flavor was distinct. This one is sized for sharing, too, if you can stand it.

180blũ is the perfect place to be on Friday and Saturday evenings, with high-quality, rolled-to-order sushi on the deck with acoustic guitar to sweeten the scene. Taco Tuesday is just plain better here, too. Chef Steve Wan elevates the classic street taco to a gourmet level—think tequila chicken, cojita cheese and pumpkin seed pesto. Add Partida tequila flights to the mix, and what could go wrong?

180blũ even caters to your canines! A monthly Yappy Hour cocktail party for dogs and their best friends on the Dana Lawn benefits theWounded Veterans Initiative of Canine Companions. Be sure to watch The Local Dish calendar for doggie-friendly holiday events at 180blũ also.

One Ritz-Carlton Drive, Dana Point
949.240.2000
RitzCarlton.com/Laguna180blu

Faith. Intellect. Character.

Founded in 2003 and coming into the 10th anniversary of its first graduating class, JSerra has established itself within South Orange County as an exceptional academic institution. Each year JSerra’s dedicated staff and faculty look for new ways to innovate the learning process, continually increasing its competitive edge in the classroom, out on the field, and after graduation.

Starting this fall, JSerra’s Artist-in-Residence program will officially join the already impressive collection of professional magnet programs, bringing the total to five: Medical, Business,Engineering, Law, and now Arts. Students can choose either the Visual or Performing Arts track and specialize in their respective area of interest, such as theater, dance, choir,instrumental, and more. The new status as a magnet will help grow the arts program even further, especially after such a successful 2014 -15 year full of awards and recognitions, including seven Gold Key Awards, two national 2015 Scholastic Arts & Writing Awards, top 10 vocalist for OC’s Artist of the Year, and 121 winning pieces in the Imagination Celebration and the Laguna Beach Art Festival (the most in the county).

This summer also saw the launch of a brand new middle school program called Lion Engage, a hands-on summer camp that allowed students entering grades 6-8 to dive into experiential learning. Participants had the option of choosing up to four different camps over the course of two weeks, such as medical and engineering, business, law, guitar, studio art, film/TV, vocal performance, theater, and more. The program was a huge success with over 120 campers from more than 30 different middle schools.

JSerra’s Athletic Department has earned its own reputation for excellence. The impressive on-campus facilities are among the best in the country and feature a 2,000-seat gym, an Olympic-class aquatics center, lacrosse, baseball, soccer, softball, and football fields, tennis courts, track, sand volleyball courts, and an expansive, multi-use fitness center. Student athletes can compete at the top of their game with access to first-rate equipment and the support of a dedicated coaching staff. Varsity football coach Jim Hartigan and girls swim coach Kevin Clements both earned titles as 2015 Coach of the Year. Varsity baseball was ranked number one in the state and number three in the country, and athletics as a whole made several CIF play off appearances, won Trinity League championships, and made school history in various sports.

The academic, athletic, and artistic achievements are something to applaud, and JSerra attributes its success to its core values. “All of our efforts are geared toward nurturing the character and cultivating the faith of our young women and men,” asserts Headmaster Rich Meyer. “Our ultimate success will be measured by the kinds of fathers, mothers, and citizens they become.” With an impressive 85% AP pass rate for 2015, rising SAT and ACT scores, and 80% of students playing a sport, it might be difficult to imagine your typical JSerra student having time for much else. However, the school offered two additional mission trips to Peru because of demand (approximately 85 students served abroad), the campus ministry office offered ten retreats which had the most participants in school history, and teachers and students came together to form discipleship groups and identity formation discussions in order to meet the growing demand for character-building in our society.

Needless to say, JSerra Catholic High School has much to celebrate this year. To top it off, the patron of the school, Junipero Serra – a Franciscan friar, supporter of education, and founder of California – will be canonized a saint by Pope Francis during his visit to the U.S. in September. As the school continues to provide the very best in Catholic high school education, it will be exciting to see where it goes next.

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

 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.