Montego Restaurant & Bar in San Juan Capistrano
By Cathy Villafana

Located in San Juan Capistrano, on the corner of Ortega Highway and Rancho Viejo Road, Montego Restaurant & Bar offers a stylish, yet relaxed atmosphere where great food and live entertainment converge. Owner Chad Dickey hopes that customers indulge in all that Montego has to offer—top-notch food, service and ambiance.

My friend and I feasted on a number of items from their menu. First, we tried the Ahi Ceviche comprised of layers of pico de gallo, guacamole, then sushi-grade yellowfin tuna. We followed with the Rib Fingers (a must from the Happy Hour menu), offering fall-off-the-bone meat and a sweet barbeque sauce reminiscent of my days living in Texas.

From the gourmet burger selection on the Burger Madness Menu, we sunk our teeth into the “Black & Blue.” Amazingly, the smoked applewood bacon, blue cheese, caramelized onions and baby arugula were not overwhelmed by the half-pound of beef. Kudos to Chef Dennis for this achievement!

Moving to the lighter side of things, we enjoyed the Spinach Salad where cayenne-spiced walnuts provided the perfect balance to the raspberry vinaigrette. We also sampled the beautifully cooked Thai-influenced Salmon Filet marinated in a tamarind soy chili glaze, served with sticky rice and vegetables.

In addition to the delicious food, Montego serves up live music throughout the week. On Tuesdays and Wednesdays, you can enjoy your meal accompanied by the soothing sounds of live jazz. Of particular note is Tom Morey, creator of the Boogie board, who plays jazz regularly on Wednesday evenings. Plan for a late dinner on Friday or Saturday night, then stick around and get moving to the fun and familiar sounds of various retro cover bands until midnight.

Montego is open from 4 p.m. to 11 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday and 4 p.m. to midnight on Friday and Saturday. Don’t miss the daily Happy Hour specials from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Live jazz starts at 6 p.m. on Tuesdays and Wednesdays and live bands kick off at 9 p.m. on weekends.

Montego Restaurant & Bar
27211 Ortega Hwy., Ste. B
San Juan Capistrano
949. 481.2723
montegorestaurant.com

2012 San Clemente Ocean Festival

Don’t miss the 36th annual San Clemente Ocean Festival happening Saturday, July 21st and Sunday, July 22nd. “The Greatest Show on Surf” promises fun for the entire family and an opportunity to test your skills in an array of contests.

Feeling competitive? Take your pick from a variety of events: the American and International Ironman competitions, the 1 Mile Swim, the 5K Beach Run, the Biathlon, or the popular Dory Boat races. For you stand-up paddlers, check out the newest match-up — the Surf Race to Victory SUPCross. Visit www.OceanFestival.org for details on all athletic competitions, course maps and rules.

Kids can get in on the action too! The Ocean Festival offers a Dolphin Dash Kid’s Beach Runon Saturday (fun run for ages 4 to 12) and the “Groms Rule” Surf Contest on Sunday (ages 14 and under). Space fills up quickly, so register early.

For those budding anglers, check out the kids-only fishing clinic and derby on Saturday. On Sunday, all ages are invited to participate in the fishing derby where there’s an opportunity to win great prizes as well.

Hula dancers, Jiu-Jitsu demonstrations, Zumba, yoga, music, plus more can be found at the Children’s Pavilion. Additional crafts and games will be available for a nominal fee.

Can San Clemente’s lifeguards make pancakes as well as they save lives on the beach? See for yourself when they cook breakfast from 7 to 11 a.m. both mornings. Bring your appetite and enjoy a healthy serving of cakes and sausages to start your day.

Other areas to visit at the festival include the Ocean Art Show and the vendor booths in Parque Del Mar. Brush up on your bodysurfing skills at a clinic that teaches you how to spot rip currents and ride the waves. Then go back in time at the 20th annual Woody Car Exhibit on the pier.

Looking for a totally tripendicular time? Set out your beach chair or towel and enjoy the sunset and a free concert by the 80’s tribute band,“Flock of 80’s,” on Saturday evening.

If you’re an artist and don’t mind getting sand in your pants, the sand-sculpting competition on Sunday is just the place for you. Select your teammates, choose a category and sign up at the Ocean Festival’s website.

The weekend’s festivities will close with the Great Rubber Duck Race. Sponsor a duck for a mere $5 and if it swims ashore from the surf line, you’ll win a prize.

Free parking and shuttle service will be available at San Clemente High School (700 Avenida Pico) from 6:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. on Saturday and from 6:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. on Sunday. You can also get to the festival via the Metrolink which stops right at the San Clemente Pier.

For a complete schedule of events, to register for a competition or to volunteer or become a sponsor, visit www.OceanFestival.org
or call 949.440.6141.

Sawdust Art Festival — Keeping Art Real
By Shelley T. Hudson

With the reemergence of Little League, pool parties and the jingle of the ice cream truck comes another local summer tradition. The Sawdust Festival’s 46th Annual Summer Show is already in full swing and better than ever. You’ll find all the familiar family-friendly fare as in years past, but several new elements have been added to this year’s packed line up of activities.

As one of the centerpieces of Laguna Beach’s busy summer arts scene, the Summer Show welcomes over 200,000 visitors annually to the grounds. Art enthusiasts from all over flock to this mini artist colony to appreciate art in a most unusual way. The 200-plus artists—all Laguna Beach residents—create, display and demonstrate their talents as passers by stop and look on. Guests are encouraged to interact with artists, providing an especially intimate experience for both. This collaboration gives the artists an opportunity to use the real-time feedback of the daily roaming audience as inspiration. Since the art pieces are available for sale, spectators can become art patrons on the spot—without the stuffy and sometimes intimidating setting of a gallery. The Summer Show isn’t juried, so accomplished, seasoned artists display their talents alongside rising stars.

With an impressive variety of art forms including sculpture, painting, leather work, photography, glass-blowing, ceramics and jewelry making, the show offers something for everyone. This event is more than a feast for the eyes, however. Themed days, live entertainment on three stages, an array of food and beverage options and a full calendar of activities designed for both kids and adults all enhance the experience as well. The charming artist-built booths and sawdust-lined paths create an idyllic setting in which to enjoy a perfect summer afternoon and evening.

The Sawdust Festival’s mission is to educate the public about local artists and the art they create. In support of this goal, promotions focus on fundraising, year-round classes and workshops and collaboration with other art events. This year’s fundraising efforts include the raffle of a 2012 Honda Civic Natural Gas, the 2012 Original Collectors Panels auction, the Artists Benevolence Fund auction and Art Supplies Donation Day. Revenue generated from these charity drives will benefit art education, needy artists and their families and CHOC.

Studio Art Classes are held year-round at the Sawdust Festival grounds, and the Summer Show is no exception. Classes are offered on Fridays and Saturdays at 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. Just check out the schedule at www.sawduststudioartclasses.com to reserve a spot, and you can walk away with your own hand-made work of art. Once you’ve ignited your inner artist, you can come back in April for Sawdust’s more intensive two-day workshops, Spring Into Art.

A wide range of hands-on classes and demonstrations aimed at kids will also engage the imaginations of the little ones. The Children’s Art Spot and Sawdust Studio One will host classes on a first-come, first-served basis throughout the Summer Show. Maybe your little Picasso or Renoir will finally get their chance to shine!

Local Fourth of July Festivities
By Shelley T. Hudson

San Juan Capistrano
The city of SJC’s annual Celebration and Fireworks Display will once again be held at the Sports Park on Camino del Avion. The festivities begin at 3 p.m. and include children’s games, mechanical rides, local exhibitors, a variety of food and a beer garden. Live entertainment and dancing start at 6 p.m., and the evening concludes with an extensive fireworks show at 9 p.m. Park in the Sports Complex or on neighboring streets, or better yet, ride your bike! The event is free, but you can purchase tickets for the mechanical rides for a nominal cost.

San Clemente
San Clemente’s Municipal Pier will be the stage for the big fireworks show again this year. Game booths and live music starting at dusk will precede the ever-popular 9 p.m. pyrotechnic display. Come early with your beach chairs and blankets to get a good viewing spot.

Another option is to watch the fireworks from Park Semper Fi. A family-style potluck dinner honoring the U.S. Marines starts at 6 p.m., so bring your neighbors and your favorite dish and dine al fresco. You’ll enjoy a great view of the show and avoid the large crowd. The potluck is free, but you’ll need a ticket. Call (949) 498 – 4958 for ticket info and other details.

Laguna Beach
A full day of fun for the whole family is scheduled in Laguna Beach. Start off with the Laguna Concert Band’s Patriotic Show from
10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on the Sawdust Festival grounds. This volunteer band of local performers will ignite your national pride as they play all the popular anthems. After the show, check out the Festival’s art demonstrations and grab lunch at one of the many food booths.

City trolleys will operate under a modified schedule all day on the 4th in anticipation of Laguna Beach’s fireworks presentation that evening. The Monument Point area of Heisler Park will be closed for preparations until 5 p.m. Bring your snacks and chairs (but not alcohol or pets, sorry!) and prepare yourself for an awesome display of light and color at 9 p.m. Expect heavy traffic leaving the event, however. Your safest bet is to walk, bike or shuttle to Heisler Park.

Dana Point
Independence Day is the busiest day of the year at Doheny State Beach, with families driving in from all over Southern California to picnic and frolic in the waves all day. Doheny opens bright and early at 6 a.m. for automobile traffic. Early birds will definitely get the best spots for the evening’s festivities.

Dana Point’s annual Fireworks Extravaganza is one of the most anticipated events of the year. The impressive spectacle can be seen from anywhere in the city with a view of the harbor. Two popular locations for sky-gazing are Lantern Bay Park and Heritage Park, but harbor-area restaurants and beaches provide ideal views also. The city manages traffic and crowds by providing a free shuttle service with a fleet of nine vehicles around the harbor area running to and from Dana Hills High School from 10 a.m. to 11:30 p.m.

Patrick Cantlay
By Matthew Vicelja

Golf is the most humbling of sports. Even the world’s best athletes have their abilities tested when they’re handed a bent stick and a little white ball that they must drive down a narrow fairway and into a tiny cup. As an avid fan with an unfortunate 20 handicap, I have tremendous respect for top tier players who consistently make the game appear effortless.

Players like Tiger Woods & Phil Michelson are well-known to even those who may not follow the sport closely. In my circle, however, Patrick Cantlay is the big name in the game. The twenty-year-old Cantlay may not be a household name just yet, but stay tuned. The “future of golf,” as he was referred to by broadcaster Mike Tirico during the 2011 U.S. Open, is just getting started.

Even though he picked up the game at the age of three, this emerging star is just beginning to shine in the world of golf. Perhaps I’m a tad biased when it comes to Cantlay because he happens to be my second cousin, twice removed (according to my mom’s analysis of our sprouting family tree). This Servite High School graduate has earned the respect of seasoned PGA players on the course while also receiving high marks in the classroom at UCLA.

Last year’s U.S. Open was Cantlay’s debut in a PGA event and he gave golf fans a phenomenal first showing. He posted the best amateur score at the Open and tied for 21st overall. If that weren’t enough, his back nine 30 was the lowest in the tournament.

Patrick was invited to play in the Travelers Championship in Hartford, Connecticut the following weekend. During his second round, he managed a feat that had never been accomplished by another amateur golfer during a PGA event. Patrick shot 60, setting a course record! He also led the tournament after the first two rounds and finished the weekend tied for 24th.

In 2011, Patrick Cantlay was listed as the number one amateur in both the World Amateur Golf Rankings and the Scratch Players World Amateur Rankings. He’s also been recognized as the Jack Nicklaus Player of the Year, the Phil Mickelson National Freshman of the Year and the Pac 10 Player of the Year. In May 2012, Patrick was presented with The Ben Hogan award that’s bestowed upon the nation’s top college golfer.

The sophomore standout from UCLA continues to create a buzz in professional golf. This past April, Patrick played in The Masters and again achieved the low amateur score and finished in a tie for 47th. It was an absolute rush seeing my cousin sitting in Butler Cabin fielding questions from legendary commentator Jim Nance alongside tournament champion Bubba Watson.

This Father’s Day weekend, Patrick will once again compete in the U.S. Open in San Francisco. He will play in his third major of the year in The Open Championship this July in Britain. The pros on tour have taken notice of Patrick. Phil Mickelson, possibly the most famous of all past amateurs and the last one to win a PGA tournament, said of Cantlay, “I’ve obviously seen what he’s been doing on the golf course. It’s impressive, from Hartford to the U.S. Open to the U.S. Amateur. He’s one of the top amateurs in the country and has done a lot for UCLA golf.”

As golf’s next wave, Patrick Cantlay is enjoying the ride. For now, he continues to jump back and forth between amateur and professional events. Last month, he and his UCLA team advanced through the regionals in pursuit of an NCAA Championship. This summer, Patrick will focus on winning his first U.S. Amateur Championship. In the meantime, he’ll continue to swing with the pros when and where he can. When asked about his performance in PGA events, Patrick replied, “It just reaffirmed my belief that I think I can play out here eventually and right now I can compete. It just makes me feel good about the future.”

Go get ’em cuz!

2012 U.S. OPEN CHAMPIONSHIP
June 14th – 17th
Olympic Club
San Francicso, CA

Renaissance Home Furnishings… Movin’ on up for “Furniture Row”
By Shelley T. Hudson

Renaissance Home Furnishings in San Juan Capistrano has just enjoyed a renaissance of its own. This long time local favorite has moved on up the 5 Freeway to “Furniture Row” in Laguna Hills, bringing an even greater number of South OC families its signature brand of fantastic furniture at competitive prices with bend-over-backwards customer service.

After a Caltrans project was approved to install a sound wall between the already hidden gem and its main source of exposure—the busy 5 Freeway—owner Dennis Penman decided it was time to pack up his sofas, cabinets and rugs and head to greener pastures. The showroom’s new location in Laguna Hills promises to deliver customers increased accessibility and a more pleasurable shopping experience. Penman and his team of designers are excited about the transition and relish the opportunity to introduce themselves and their vast array of products to an even larger slice of Orange County.

Despite his enthusiasm about this exciting undertaking, Penman’s optimistic forecast for Renaissance Home Furnishings is a tad bittersweet. His almost 14 years in San Juan Capistrano have earned him lifelong friends and fiercely loyal clients. In fact, when news of the Caltrans project first broke, he searched without success in San Juan and San Clemente for a suitable commercial space for his relocation. “I’m thrilled with our new location and that it’s only a few miles away. My goal was to stay local to continue to service the customers who have helped build this business,” Penman shares.

Dennis hopes to maintain these relationships as well as to develop even more with families in the ten additional communities by which he’s now surrounded. The new Avenida de la Carlota location positions Renaissance among other furniture retailers in what has become known as a destination point for home shoppers from all over the county. “We’re just eight minutes and two turns up the freeway,” he says, “and everything about the new store is more convenient.”

Although the environment has changed, the same friendly and talented staff Renaissance’s patrons have come to rely on are along for the ride. Complimentary in-home design consultations will continue to provide discerning clients with a professional opinion and a style direction. Penman asserts, “We help our customers complete their homes. Our designers can fill an empty room from rug to chandelier or help update a dated décor. We get involved in customers’ profiles so we can learn how they want their homes to function and make the best use of their space.”

Dennis Penman attributes Renaissance’s longevity to his fundamental business philosophy—”High volume equals big discounts from our vendors and we pass that savings along to our customers,” he says. The variety of merchandise, both ready-made and custom, make it easy for clients to add to, update or re-do. Penman emphasizes that all of his upholstered furniture is made in the U.S.A. and the average lead time is only two to five weeks. Customers can also select from hundreds of chairs, sofas, tables, cabinets, art, lamps, mirrors, rugs and accessories right off the showroom floor. Renaissance’s typical customer comes in to browse at sofas and leaves with inspiration for their entire home.

Penman’s dedicated clientele sing praises on Yelp and demonstrate their support year after year through repeat business. “The whole staff is just so helpful,” says client Terry Roy, “they have my business for life.”

Come in to the new store at 23301 Avenida de la Carlota in Laguna Hills for Renaissance Home Furnishing’s Grand Opening Sale through the month of May and start the summer with a fresh new look for your family room, bedroom or home office.

Renaissance Home Furnishings
23301 Avenida de la Carlota • Laguna Hills • 949.770.9772 • RenaissanceHomeFurnishings.com

Taste of OC 2012

The Taste of Orange County has it all: food, wine, beer, art and entertainment. After a 16 year hiatus, this two-day culinary festival will feature more than 50 restaurants and wineries, chef demos and signature events. Make your way to the Verizon Wireless Amphitheater on June 16th and 17th to sample what’s cooking.

The Taste of Orange County will also present singular experiences such as the Great OC Farm To Table Dinner where attendees will be treated to the best in local, organic and sustainable fare with premium wine pairings on the amphitheater stage. Some of the proceeds from this event will be donated to the Culinary Liberation Front (founded by chef Patrick Glennon of Santa Monica Seafood). This group of Orange County chefs come together to share their craft and to exchange industry ideas that leave the least environmental footprint possible while teaching nutritional education to those in need.

Be sure to check out the Father’s Day Feast – Carne-Palooza – on Sunday from 1 to 3 p.m. To mix things up, dads and their guests will enjoy a veritable feast from tables set on the main stage of the venue while music from front row center accompanies the meal. Before and after the feast, the Taste of Orange County will offer family-friendly art displays, projects, tastings, demos, music and entertainment.

For those wine lovers out there, here is your chance to taste wine like a master sommelier. During the OC Ultra Lounge event, master sommelier and certified wine educator, Michael Jordan from The Ranch, will lead a “blind tasting” adventure that focuses on recognizing the clues hidden within a glass of wine. Also inside the OC Ultra Lounge, you’ll find Executive Chef Jerrold-Jones of Cory Martin Events offering signature cooking demos, special wine seminars and pairings, Dos Armadillos tequila tastings, a Saturday night VIP party with DJ music to rock the house and exclusive gift bags.

The two-day event will also present Art á la Carte – where attendees will be able to view artwork from more than 75 fine OC artists exhibiting throughout the festival. Sponsored by LagunaART.com, discover some of the best artists in the county through artist displays, sculpture gardens and live model sketching. A silent auction with 100 percent of the proceeds benefitting the Orange County Food Bank will also take place at the event.

Last but definitely not least, Taste of Orange County patrons are invited to experience their favorite drink at The OC Cocktail Classic. Be sure to vote for your favorite!

GIVING BACK: Make a Difference for Maddie

As a parent, it’s the unthinkable. You’ve just been handed a diagnosis that your child is dying. One moment, the world makes sense and the next it’s an incomprehensible blur of shock, disbelief, anger and unfathomable grief. This is the reality for Collie and Kajsa James. On January 14th of this year, their healthy, vibrant 5-year- old daughter, Madeleine Reese James, was just like every other kindergartner at St. Anne School, laughing with her friends on the playground. Two days later, they were told their only child was going to die.

Maddie’s Story
After Maddie’s mother noticed that she appeared “more tired than usual” and that “her balance seemed a little off” she was taken to Children’s Hospital of Orange County (CHOC) where a CT scan uncovered a malignant, inoperable brain tumor known as Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma (DIPG). Located on the brain stem where the spinal cord meets the brain, it is the most feared pediatric brain tumor. Within weeks, the disease causes a deterioration in the ability to walk followed by a steady loss of motor control throughout the body. There is no cure. The survival rate is zero. Kajsa’s and Collie’s only solace was that the disease did not typically cause significant pain. The James’ had a mission to do something positive to properly honor Maddie’s memory. Knowing her love of the sea and everything under the waves, they immediately thought of The Ocean Institute in Dana Point. Maddie often referred to it as “the best place ever” and would stick the name tags she received daily at Sea Camp to her bedroom wall.After contacting the Ocean Institute with Maddie’s story, Kajsa and Collie learned of its expansion plans for an educational center that would cater to children, like Maddie, that have a passion for the ocean. Their mission became even more clear when Maddie saw Kajsa looking at the plans and she asked what they were. When Kajsa explained, Maddie said, “That’s so cool, mommy. Are we going to help them build it?” With all her heart, Kajsa responded, “Yes, Maddie, we are.”The Ocean Institute is currently in the final phase of it’s $4M Capital Campaign to build the new Seaside Learning Center. To be built right “on the water,” the facility will introduce thousands of K-12 students and public visitors to current and emerging issues in oceanography, environmental science and maritime history. A series of learning stations have been carefully designed for the Seaside Learning Center to provide immersion-style education.

Maddie passed on March 13th, 2011. Her ashes will be spread at sea, but her parents are determined to see her memory live on through the Maddie James Foundation.

The Seaside Learning Center project is shovel-ready with all permits in place. What’s needed are the necessary funds to make it happen. Depending upon success with fundraising, construction is planned for summer/fall of 2011.

How You Can Help
The Maddie James Seaside Learning Center would be possible with a donation of $1,000,000 from the Maddie James Foundation. Please support and contribute to the foundation’s goal. To make a tax deductible donation to the Maddie James Foundation, visit www.maddiejamesfoundation.org

Several upcoming fundraising events also offer opportunities for  you to make a difference:

April 3rd at LEGENDS SALON: $25 HAIRCUTS
(at any of their three locations)
All Proceeds to Benefit the Foundation

April 3rd at OC Tavern:
5 p.m. – 9 p.m.
20% of Your Entire Bill
Goes to the Foundation

April 15th – 17th at Ortega Car Wash:
Bring in this Article and $5 will be Donated From Each Car Wash
www.MaddieJamesFoundation.org

www.Ocean-Institute.org

World Premiere of Tickled Pink Starring Rita Rudner
by Anthony Small

Award-winning comedian Rita Rudner will return to her theatrical roots by joining the cast of The Laguna Playhouse’s production of Tickled Pink, making its world premiere on April 24th and running through May 20th. Written by Rudner and her longtime creative partner and husband, Martin Bergman, Tickled Pink is the stage adaptation of Rudner’s 2002 best-selling novel of the same name. Bergman, who has a thirty year track record of producing, writing and directing for stage, TV, and film, will direct the play. Rudner quips tongue-in-cheek, “I’m so looking forward to acting in a play again. It’s been a long time since I’ve been paid such little money.”

Tickled Pink tracks the journey of a youthfully spirited and Broadway bound Mindy Solomon who moves from Florida to New York dreaming of a dancing career. Unexpected events force her to rethink her grand plan. After hanging out night after night in a comedy club where her boyfriend was working, Mindy gathered up enough nerve to take the stage herself. When she gets her first laugh from the audience, she is immediately hooked. Rudner elaborated, “The play is about becoming a comedian, female friendships and is a celebration of the 80’s and there are no bad words! When the novel was written, it was like a different planet. No internet, no Facebook…and no Kardashians.”

Rudner and Bergman have been married for 23 years and met 25 years ago when she was cast in a play he was producing. “He hired me, he paid me, I married him. Go figure, I slept with the producer after I already got the job! I do love being married. It’s so great to find that one special person you want to annoy for the rest of your life,” says Rudner. They have written several screenplays together, including Peter’s Friends, in which Rudner also acted, and a play called Room 776 that premiered in Las Vegas in 2008.

Rudner is also the author of the best-selling I Still Have It…I Just Can’t Remember Where I Put It: Confessions of a Fiftysomething and Naked Beneath My Clothes. She’s also written two fiction novels: Tickled Pink and Turning The Tables.

This will be Rudner’s third artistic endeavor with The Laguna Playhouse which was founded in 1920 and is celebrating its 90th anniversary in 2011-2012. Rudner has previously done stand up at the theatre the last two summers. Rudner shares, “It is the perfect little theatre and usually has only three or four characters on stage. This is quite an ambitious production for that theatre. Our cast has thirteen people…and most play three parts! I play three parts for which I am appropriately cast: an overbearing mother, an over the hill dancer and a lady who’s not too bright.” Karen Wood, The Laguna Playhouse’s Executive Director, says, “We are extremely fortunate to call Rita and Martin neighbors and creative collaborators. They are delightful and savvy professionals and we couldn’t be more thrilled to offer their world class talent to the Orange County community.”

Since 2000, Rudner has sold over one million tickets to her Las Vegas performances and in 2011 moved to her own theatre at The Venetian. “I feel fortunate because I’m not a natural fit for Las Vegas. I’m quiet, remained clothed onstage and don’t drink, smoke or swear,” remarks Rudner. She was recognized with the Gracie Allen Award from the American Women in Television for her syndicated improvisational comedy, Ask Rita, and in May 2009 performed for President Obama at Caesars Palace along with Bette Midler and Sheryl Crow. PBS will air Rita Rudner: Live From Las Vegas on May 31st at 7 p.m. locally on KOCE. For more information on TV airdates, her Las Vegas show and other performances, visit her hilarious website at www.RitaFunny.com.

Tickets For Tickled Pink Are On Sale Now!
For more information about showtimes and to purchase tickets,
go to www.LagunaPlayhouse.com or call 949.497.ARTS (2787).

San Clemente Villas by the Sea
By Shelley T. Hudson

Even as San Clemente Villas steams toward its ten-year anniversary this October, owners Paul and Aileen Brazeau show no signs of slowing down. The couple built this bustling retirement community from the ground up in 2002 on property adjacent to Saddleback Memorial Medical Center in hopes of bringing quality living and personalized care to South Orange County seniors. They spared no expense in creating their vision—San Clemente Villas boasts an 85˚ heated pool, fitness center, beauty salon and movie theater among its many amenities.

Paul Brazeau still wears his Boston accent, even after 55 years in SoCal, and he’s hung onto his strong work ethic as well. After World War II, Paul made his home here and used his naval training in electrical engineering to start a modest contracting business. After only a few years, he was running one of the largest electrical contracting businesses in Los Angeles and Orange Counties. Paul also started dabbling in commercial real estate and found himself caught up in a building boom. Brazeau capitalized on his fortunate timing and built 38 shopping centers in a mere nine years.

Brazeau invested in a continuing care facility for seniors in La Jolla in the early 1990’s and discovered a new passion. This was his first foray into this burgeoning industry and Paul immediately recognized the growth potential. His wife Aileen jumped in with both feet as well, learning everything she could about management and operations. When Hyatt Hotels bought the La Jolla business, the Brazeaus decided to take advantage of their experience and start their own brand of senior care.

Paul and Aileen learned a valuable business lesson from their years in La Jolla. “Getting older is recession-proof,” states Paul matter-of-factly. After a $14M investment and two and a half years of construction, the Brazeaus opened their three-acre facility to little fanfare, however. Aileen admits, “This business is tough. It’s labor-intensive. We had to be fully-staffed when we opened the doors and each employee required an extensive background check.” Despite stringent regulations from the Health Department, Coastal Commission and other agencies, the couple was determined to provide an unprecedented level of services and amenities to its residents without the typical resident buy-in.

San Clemente Villas’ 134 units are operated as monthly rentals, much like regular apartments. These units, however, come with three meals per day in a restaurant-style dining room, a calendar packed with activities and an ocean view. The casual setting and ideal location for easy-access shopping and medical care bring seniors to San Clemente Villas, but the gourmet food, amenities and socialization keep them here. The facility’s medical call system and proximity to emergency care—280 feet to the door of Saddleback Memorial’s ER—give residents and their families peace of mind unmatched by more traditional retirement centers. Activities like water therapy, happy hour, tai chi, movie nights, shuttle service for errands, live music and dancing provide opportunities for fun that might not be available to seniors who stay in the family homestead. The 22-unit Alzheimer’s wing features one-on-one 24-hour care, specialized programming, an expansive, secure outdoor recreation area and separate dining room.

According to Aileen, 85% of San Clemente Villas’ residents come from within a five-mile radius and they find it easy to stay involved in the community in which they raised their families and maintained their careers. Paul and Aileen run the facility day-to-day and they wouldn’t have it any other way. “These people are our family and we like to see them smile,” says Aileen, “They come here for easy living. We’re very proud of our business.”

San Clemente Villas
660 Camino de Los Mares, San Clemente * 949.489.3400
SanClementeVillas.com