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

19th Annual Wagathon

If you’ve missed your favorite Chinese restaurant in Dana Point, you’re in luck! After eight years in the former Hollywood Video center on Coast Highway, Helena Ha’s Kaleyard has moved to a new location on Niguel Road in the Clubhouse Plaza. Helena and chef/business partner Kelly offer generous portions of authentic Chinese cuisine at family-friendly prices. They’ve kept all the local favorites on the extensive menu, including fifty “lite and lowfat” items, delivering a healthy and tasty Chinese option to the local area.

On my recent visit, my friend and I sampled a variety of Kaleyard’s most popular dishes. Our appetizer sampler included Vegetable Egg Rolls, Chicken Dumplings, Scallion Pancakes and Aromatic Shrimp. The crispy shelled egg rolls were packed with fresh, crunchy vegetables. The dumplings were as light as air and stuffed with perfectly seasoned chicken, accompanied by a sweet, tangy sauce for dipping. The scallion pancakes were a more substantial choice and served with a very spicy hot mustard sauce. We enjoyed the Aromatic Shrimp appetizer as well, which was sautéed in a sweet and spicy reduction and lightly fried. One bite, and I understood why this is a Kaleyard signature dish.

My companion’s entrée was a hearty serving of Mongolian Beef. His squeaky-clean plate was an obvious signal that the tender strips of beef sautéed with grilled onions and scallions in a piquant brown sauce was a hit. The Mixed Vegetables with Tofu was my choice for lunch – and it did not disappoint. After indulging in such a decadent variety of starters, I relished the lighter fare. The seasonal vegetables were cross-cut into bite-sized pieces and sautéed in a feather-light sauce with soft tofu. At only 150 calories and ½ gram of fat, this well-portioned dish is a dieter’s dream!

The lunch specials at Kaleyard are an exceptional value. Most entrées come in at around $8 and include salad, choice of soup, egg roll, dumpling and rice. From 4 – 6 p.m. on weekdays, an early bird special offering 20% off the entire menu is easy on the wallet and a terrific excuse for an early dinner. If you’re interested in eating Kaleyard’s cuisine at home, take out and free delivery (on $30 minimum orders) are also available.

For more information please visit
www.PetProjectFoundation.org

by Shelley T. Hudson

Just when you’ve finally pulled the last remnants of plastic grass from your carpet and worked off last year’s Peeps, Easter comes hippity-hopping down the bunny trail all over again. This year, treat your entire family to good, sweet fun throughout South Orange County at these holiday events.

Dana Point
The City of Dana Point’s Egg Hunts are jelly bean-packed with activities—and free! The simultaneous celebrations start at 9:00 a.m. on Saturday, April 7th at Pines Park (34941 Camino Capistrano) and Sea Canyon Park (33101 Trinidad Drive). Kids ten and younger are welcome to enjoy the petting zoos, games and visits with Mr. Cottontail himself. The egg hunts start at 10:00 a.m. sharp, so bring baskets to gather your loot and cameras to capture the fun.

If you’re an early riser, join parishioners of Coast Bible Church at Lantern Bay Park Amphitheater (25111 Park Lantern Road) for Sunrise Service on Sunday, April 8th at 6:30 a.m. An uplifting message and live music will inspire and entertain.

Laguna Beach
The American Legion continues its 50-plus-year tradition with the popular Annual Easter Egg Hunt. Kids nine years and younger are invited to bring empty baskets and participate in free activities. The festivities start at 1:00 p.m. on Sunday, April 8th at Laguna Beach High’s baseball field (625 Park Avenue), but you can arrive early to pose with the Easter Bunny.

Laguna Niguel
Laguna Niguel Parks & Rec is sponsoring its annual Bunny Blast on Saturday, April 7th from 9:00 a.m. till 12:30 p.m. at Chapparosa Park (25191 Chapparosa Park Road). Kid-sized fun includes face painting, pony rides, a bounce house, shows, a petting zoo and crafts. Remember to bring cash for snacks and entry; admission is $7 for ages 3 – 12 and $1 for ages 13 and up. Please leave your pets at home and call the hotline for updates in the event of rain—949.425.5100.

San Clemente
The Springtacular is one of San Clemente’s signature events. Starting with a pancake breakfast (for a nominal fee) hosted by the Kiwanis Club at 7:30 a.m. and culminating with a Great Big Egg Hunt at 11:00 a.m. for newborns through age ten, this free festival is a can’t-miss. The party will be held at Vista Hermosa Sports Park (987 Avenida Vista Hermosa) on Saturday, April 7th. Roaming entertainers, games and Easter Bunny visits will surprise and delight the young ones. Yummy snacks will be available for purchase. For more information, contact the Recreation Division at 949.361.8264.

The City of San Clemente has teamed with Family Assistance Ministries once again for the Community Easter Brunch at Our Lady of Fatima (105 N. La Esperanza) on Saturday, April 7th at 10:00 a.m. This event provides a wonderful opportunity to enjoy fellowship with needy individuals and families in our community. Stop by FAM at 929 Calle Negocio to pick up an invitation for someone who could use a helping hand (walk-ups also accepted). Volunteers and donations are welcome. For information, call 949.492.8477.

Talega Village Center and Radio Disney will host an Easter party from noon until 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, April 1st. The Radio Disney Road Crew will lead bunny dances and contests and an Easter Egg Scavenger Hunt right in front of Spoon Deep Yogurt. The Easter Bunny also will be on hand for photos and fuzzy little hugs.

Nancy Pellegrino, N.P.

For Nancy Pellegrino, N.P., skin care is serious business. As the face behind some of Orange County’s most prominent and most recognizable men and women (including some you may have seen on a certain TV reality series featuring OC housewives), she’s sought out by a loyal following of moms and movers and shakers for her well-honed expertise in aesthetic medicine.

With Nancy Pellegrino’s 13 plus years of experience as a Nurse Practitioner specializing in skin care treatments and procedures, she’s one of the go-to-gurus in Orange County. Pellegrino has performed over 10,000 injections of Botox® and Juvederm® since 1999 and offers the full spectrum of skin care procedures and products at her practice.

Nancy’s results-oriented approach to achieving a natural, more youthful you, starts with the basics – having the best skin possible. She believes strongly that fabulous looking skin is the foundation from which a beautiful face evolves. “I offer my client’s visible results; it’s really that simple. It’s not necessary to overwork skin with an abundance of lotions, potions, scrubs and rubs…selecting the right products for your skin care regimen, a diligent use of sunscreen and addressing the inevitable signs of aging are the essential components.” She adds, “Many patients that I consult with for the first time are unaware of the tools and technology that are now available for skin care issues that were formerly untreatable. Patients who once believed that surgical procedures were the only solution are now thrilled with the alternatives I can offer.”

Nancy’s years of experience, advanced education and professional training give her patients a certain peace of mind when sitting in her chair. “It takes more than a medical license and knowledge of facial anatomy to be successful in my field. Injecting Botox®, for example, is a skillful art; the ability to understand optimal placement and appropriate dosage are paramount to achieving a natural look and safe outcome. This type of expertise is only acquired through hands-on experience over an extended period of time,” says Nancy.

Nancy is known for implementing a “less is more” philosophy when treating patients. “I strive to deliver consistent, natural results that appear subtle and unnoticeable. I know I’ve done my job well when the outcome makes my client look well-rested, refreshed and underdone. The best compliment is when others comment on how great a client looks after visiting my office, but they can’t quite pinpoint what’s different,” confides Nancy.

Drawing on her experience as a makeup artist for models and actresses in print, commercials and film, Nancy brings an artistic understanding of highlights and shadows that enable her to effectively camouflage or emphasize facial features with fillers like Juvederm® and Restylane®. “My approach merges art and science, which allows me to fight aging with a comprehensive set of tools and a discerning eye,” shares Nancy.

Industry professionals have also recognized Nancy as top-notch among her peers. She’s been selected as an A.C.E. speaker and trainer for Allergan, Inc. – the makers of Botox®, Juvederm® and Latisse®. As one of only 32 A.C.E. trainers in the United States, she educates physicians and other medical professionals on technique and use of the company’s products. Additionally, she’s a Medicis, Corp. National Trainer for Restylane®. Nancy also lectures at the UCLA and CSULB Schools of Nursing.

Nancy Pellegrino, N.P.
180 Newport Center Drive, Suite 160
Newport Beach, CA 92660
(949) 706-9919
npaesthetics.com

OC Short Sale 411
By Shelley T. Hudson

The real estate roller coaster has taken Orange County on a wild ride – leaving many upside down, searching for a way to get back on track. Distressed homeowners unable to make mortgage payments or facing the loss of their homes are in desperate need of experienced professionals equipped with the knowledge and industry connections to ease them through an often emotionally and financially draining process.

In late 2007, Robyn Webb was studying local and national economic markers when she noticed some alarming trends. Having owned and operated a real estate business for several years, she began researching foreclosure laws in preparation for what she believed to be an impending market decline. Her husband and business partner, Matt Webb, supported her efforts to launch OC Short Sale 411. Robyn utilized her MBA and her corporate background to begin establishing high-level executive relationships with the largest banks in the mortgage industry: Bank of America, Wells Fargo and Chase.

The mission of OC Short Sale 411 was simple; for those wanting to avoid foreclosure, the company provided homeowners a graceful and proactive exit from an oppressive mortgage, with the quickest financial recovery possible. “The first couple of years were rough,” Robyn explains, “The banks didn’t have established processes, employee turnover was high and the volume of short sale requests was unmanageable.” Having been one of the first to tread through the complicated and arduous process of obtaining a short sale approval, Robyn collaborated with banks to streamline and improve transactions.

Robyn and Matt describe their clients as “regular people who suffer from frugal fatigue.” OC Short Sale 411 primarily services homeowners who are 10% or more “underwater.” “Our clients are not enjoying their lives and have become slaves to mortgages. They are using retirement savings to pay bills and can’t even afford to go out to dinner.” Robyn and Matt are seeing a shift in the attitudes of Orange County homeowners. “People are tired of keeping up the appearance that everything is okay. We have been amazed at how many homeowners come to us embarrassed and afraid to miss mortgage payments, but after the process is complete, are ready to shout from the mountaintops how much better their lives are.” Robyn adds, “Giving people their lives back, and the appreciation that our clients share with us, has been the most rewarding accomplishment in my career.”

Robyn has successfully negotiated over 100 short sales and has obtained an approval on every short sale attempted. Webb attributes her impressive record to carefully screening her clients, cultivating relationships with banks and not “passing clients off” to an attorney or third party negotiator. Robyn was recognized in OC Metro’s 2011 “40 Under 40,” top, young professionals in Orange County. She has also recently been selected as an Instructor for the Distressed Property Institute, home of the prestigious CDPE (Certified Distress Property Expert) designation. She is now one of only 13 instructors nationwide, and the only one in Southern California, teaching real estate agents how to properly and ethically complete short sales.

In 2011, California anti-deficiency laws (580e and SB 458) passed, making California a very “short sale-friendly” state. Between the Mortgage Forgiveness Debt Relief Act and the anti-deficiency laws, a vast majority of California homeowners can short sell their homes with no deficiencies and no tax consequences.

The emergence of this new “distress homeowner” industry has created a boom for attorneys, loan modification companies and real estate agents. Unfortunately, not all of these professionals have the experience, expertise and industry connections necessary to achieve the most favorable outcomes. The result has been a lot of conflicting information for homeowners, which has left many feeling confused and frustrated.

Eager to give homeowners a place to get accurate and unbiased information, the Webbs launched the non-profit organization, Under Water Home 411, last Fall. The mission of the organization is to reduce foreclosures through homeowner education about foreclosure alternatives. Under Water Home 411 hosts complimentary seminars every other month featuring an impressive speaker panel of industry experts from the credit, bankruptcy, short sale and loan modification fields. Recent attendee Deanne M. of San Clemente shared, “I liked that I could trust what I was being told. It was obvious all the presenters were extremely knowledgeable in their area.”

While Robyn is proud of her professional recognition, she is most enthusiastic about offering effective resources for homeowners in need. “We’re helping people enjoy their lives again,” she says, “and that’s the highest priority.”

“We didn’t even fully realize what a burden that home was in our lives until we were granted freedom from the oppressive debt it represented. We were slaves to it. To say our lives are improved is an understatement. You’ve given us a clean slate. What a gift”
— Kurt & Jennifer Witt

OC Short Sale 411
855.696.2411 • OCshortsale411.com

Got Camp? Your guide to Summer Camps around the county.
By Cathy Villafana

2012 Youth Summer Football Camp
Looking for some gridiron fun? Then check out the 2012 Youth Summer Football Camp in San Juan Capistrano. JSerra Catholic High School’s head football coach, Jim Hartigan, will be hosting this camp at the high school for 3rd through 8th graders of all skill levels. As the former coach to Oakland Raiders quarterback Carson Palmer, Hartigan is well-equipped to teach your youngster a move or two. Running from June 25th to July 5th from 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. daily (no camp on July 4th), players will learn flag and tackle football skills, participate in flag football tournaments, and can win prizes from daily contests. For more inf ormation and to register, email theearlyedge@gmail.com or call 949.276.2800 x4213.

Danman’s Rock Camp
Band members wanted! Danman’s Music School in Dana Point is getting an early jump on summer by offering its weekly Rock Camp this spring break from April 9th to the 13th. The camp starts back up again on June 25th and runs through August 3rd. Give your kids that extra boost of confidence in their musical skills as well as the ability to play in a real live band. Each camp week wraps up with a live performance. Just imagine the lasting memories your child will have when they get a standing ovation from their greatest fans — their family and friends. Go towww.danmans.com or call 949.496.6556 to learn more.

BrainStorm
With the amazing and versatile LEGO® MINDSTORMS® system, kids learn how to program and build custom robots, while problem solving at the same time. San Juan Capistrano’s BrainStorm takes the fun to a whole new level by adding filmmaking to the mix. Using the latest technology, kids will also explore storytelling and creative thinking by making amazing animated and live-action films. It’s tinkering and technology at its best! Visitwww.brainstormkidsstudios.com or call 949.607.8676 for more information.

St. Anne’s Summer Knights Day Camp
Preschoolers through middle-schoolers are in for a treat at St. Anne’s Summer Knights Day Camp. Kids will be immersed in a fun-filled program designed around weekly themes from June 19th through August 10th. Activities include light academics, arts and crafts, water play, special guests, cooking, and field trips to some of the area’s most exciting destinations! Have peace of mind knowing that your child is in a comfortable, well-supervised and safe environment. Working parents will also appreciate the camp’s flexible schedule and can select from several program options to suit their needs. Visit www.st-anne.org or phone 949.276.6700 for more information.

St. Mary’s Summer Resort
Offering a wide array of summer camp activities, there’s something for every preschooler to eighth grader at St. Mary’s Summer Resort. Beginning June 18th, your child can partake in camps offering art, music, academics and a variety of sports (lacrosse, basketball, soccer, track, football, volleyball and cheer). Specialty programs are also available where kids can even become an Iron Chef for the week. Check out www.smaa.org or call 949.448.9027 for information.

Zen Dojos Karate Camps
This summer, Zen Dojos Martial Arts Academy in San Juan Capistrano will keep your kids on the move with an action-packed schedule of activities. With 3,000 square feet dedicated to camps, kids will practice martial arts each day, participate in Bully Buster classes and safety talks, enjoy cool field trips, play fun and active games, watch movies, take part in dance competitions, arts and crafts and more. Zen Dojos also has game systems, including the interactive Kung-Fu LIVE. Are you tired yet? Your kids will certainly be! Pre-register by March 31st for only $199 per week, with 9 weeks to choose from. Call 949.240.6574 or visitwww.TheKarateClub.com for more information.

REUSE Jeans… Clothes with a Conscience
By Shelley T. Hudson

A trip to the local recycling center with his four-year-old son shifted George Powell’s focus from easing into retirement to launching a new business venture. George explained the concept of recycling while they inserted aluminum cans into the appropriate slots. His son asked, “Why don’t we just recycle everything?” That simple question triggered George to rethink the business in which he’d spent 30 years of his life—the garment industry.

As George remembers, “I came home from the recycling center and told my wife, ‘I’m going to China tomorrow.’ And I did.” His instincts led him to combine his knowledge of premium denim fabrication with key contacts in textile mills overseas to redevelop the processes that go into manufacturing denim apparel. From the belief that environmental awareness can coexist with fashion, REUSE Jeans (R.E.U.S.E.- Recycle. Environment. U. Save. Earth) was born.

George and his Chinese counterpart started by focusing on the tons of discarded scrap denim that resulted after patterns were cut. Without an existing system to rework the scraps of raw material, George commissioned the mill to develop one. Four months later, he returned to see the newly engineered machinery capable of a “soft opening of the yarns,” allowing denim scraps to be cleaned, shredded and spun into new yarn. This innovation was the first of its kind in the industry, but George didn’t stop there.

An article Powell read while getting a haircut in Hong Kong inspired him to do more. He learned how inherently “thirsty” cotton is and calculated that a staggering 3200 gallons of water were being used to manufacture a single pair of jeans. The same story went for dyes used to color the yarns. Once the yarns were “bathed,” the dye was literally dumped down the drain. George tackled both problems and overhauled the processes so that 80% of water and 90% of dye can be recycled.

George realized that without great-fitting, fashion-forward designs, his idea of manufacturing sustainable clothing would be futile. He teamed with seasoned technical and merchant designer Mandie Slayman to develop the line and her designs were a hit with customers from the start. Mandie calls the distinctive shape “a form-fitting rise” and has designed the pieces with subtle, but deliberate detailing. REUSE offers jeans for both men and women in a mix of washes, colors and cuts – from skinnys to bell bottoms. The company’s entire collection of jeans, jackets, tops, skirts and shorts are all made from 80% recycled materials.

REUSE Jeans are sold at 450 retail locations throughout the country. In an effort to maintain a close dialogue with customers, Powell opened the company’s flagship store in Laguna Beach in 2011. Since then, the company has opened locations in Dallas and Beverly Hills to enthusiastic crowds and Powell has ambitious plans for a rapid expansion.

Powell hopes to retire in five years and says until then, “It’s about managing exponential growth.” This father of six continues to streamline every aspect of the business and has set his sights on eliminating packaging waste and lowering shipping costs next. He’s developed private label lines using his eco-conscious manufacturing practices, including one with country singer Randy Travis, and hopes that other companies follow his lead.

Stop by the flagship store on South Coast Highway in Laguna Beach and “step into a smaller carbon footprint one leg at a time.”

REUSE Jeans
Laguna Beach • 949.715.0473 • www.ReuseJeans.com

Watermarc Restaurant
By Cathy Villafana

Once you set foot inside the Watermarc Restaurant located in downtown Laguna Beach, you are immediately transported into a tranquil yet chic setting that’s perfect for all occasions: date night, meeting up with friends or a private party upstairs.

Nearing its third anniversary, chef/owner Marc A. Cohen set out to give Watermarc’s diners more options. And that he did. You can select dishes from the Grazing Plates if you are in the mood to sample from a fresh and eclectic selection for your entire meal. I was lucky to do just that.

Fragrant and succulent, the Sizzling Garlic Shrimp was prepared with sweet onions and topped with slices of peeled citrus. Be sure to spoon the extra sauce over your shrimp. Simple ingredients make up the Ahi Watermelon Skewers, but don’t be fooled. These are incredible, and I had to call dibs on the third and final skewer — strictly for “writing” purposes, of course!

The velvety texture of the Foie Gras Brûlée, served over brioche toasts drizzled with balsamic vinaigrette, melted in our mouths. If you are a cheese lover, I strongly recommend the Warm Blue Cheese Pear Tarts. Served with burgundy-poached pears and a red wine syrup, this is a delicious starter or dessert.

From the rest of the menu, we tried the Filet Three Ways. Yet again, the recurring theme of choices stood out as the platter delivered to our table showcased a trio of filet creations. The creamy Artichoke Risotto with a hint of lemon was a perfect counterpart to the meat.

Near downtown earlier in the day? Watermarc offers a Lunch Menu from 11:00 to 3:30 p.m. daily which features a more laid-back set of offerings, including sandwiches, burgers and flat-bread pizzas. Watermarc also reflects its commitment to options in its wine program with wines served by the half glass and half carafe.

Watermarc Restaurant
448 South Coast Highway
Laguna Beach
949. 376.6272
WatermarcRestaurant.com

JSerra Catholic High School
By Shelley T. Hudson

Now in the midst of its ninth academic year, JSerra High School is no longer the new kid on the block. The administration’s focus on college admissions and preparation for success in a professional realm has delivered results beyond all expectations.

JSerra’s President, Frank Talarico, and former U.S. Congressman and Board member Chris Cox took JSerra on the road last summer—literally. They met with administration and admissions officials from Harvard, MIT, Princeton and Columbia and presented JSerra’s record of achievement. Talarico describes the visits as “an extraordinary whirlwind trip,” and says that all four institutions were familiar with JSerra’s outstanding track record and innovative magnet programs. “Convincing these Ivy League guys that JSerra’s students are special was the easy part,” Talarico says, “They made it clear that our students have an advantage because of the rigor of our programs.”

Talarico and Cox took the opportunity to meet with the prestigious universities a step further by inviting representatives from each institution to sit on JSerra’s Presidential Advisory Board. Talarico is enthusiastic about the collaboration and envisions that these partnerships will strengthen JSerra’s existing curriculum and underwrite programs in the works. He points to a recent visit by officials from Columbia as an example of how JSerra’s aggressive tack has garnered nationwide attention. “Columbia just doesn’t do school visits outside their region,” he says, “but we were proud to host Columbia’s representatives here in our Pavilion.”

This aggressive advocacy is all part of the job, according to Talarico. “I owe it to these families to give them an extra advantage,” he says. He strives to provide this competitive edge by ensuring that each element of the curriculum is the sharpest possible. “We are very deliberate about our roll out [of programs]. We hold back until we have it right.”

JSerra’s esteemed Professional Magnet program is a perfect example of the comprehensive, deliberate approach to a course of study. The Medical and Business Magnet programs were the first of their kind in the country and both have been overwhelming success stories. The Engineering and Law Magnet programs are in development now and Talarico promises that both will meet the same high standards and provide the same intensive hands-on experience that the initial programs have provided. Talarico measures success not only through test scores and college admissions, but also through individual results. One such “result” is Daniele Perazzo. As a first-year Medical Magnet student, Daniele interned with a local doctor who referred him to a subsequent internship with a neurosurgeon. With these contacts, Daniele was able to gain assistance with his admission to Yale University. These student-by-student success stories drive JSerra’s administration to “take the next step…or three,” according to Talarico.

The latest programs instituted at JSerra are no less ambitious. The Mandarin Chinese language courses are up and running and have been well-received. A fully-developed comprehensive online school has provided a variety of options—all of which take advantage of JSerra’s extensive resources. The program can serve as an alternative to home school or a school-away-from-home for elite athletes or other students who travel. A student can enroll as an online-only student or a hybrid. Full-time campus students can also use the online materials for remediation or enrichment. JSerra’s first-ever Study Abroad program debuts this summer with a three-week intensive course in Florence. The program will focus on culture, language and history and will be led by JSerra faculty.

Full-time Athletic Director Dave Lawn joined the team this year to oversee JSerra’s 22 sports teams, including Coach Brett Kay’s baseball team. Kay’s academic athletes have earned more NCAA Division I scholarships than any other program in OC. Stand-out pitcher Austin Hedges even signed with the Padres right out of high school. Cross Country Coach Martin Dugard still had time to defend a state championship, even after co-writing a New York Times Best Selling novel with Bill O’Reilly!

As if the magnet programs, exemplary college admissions record, stellar faculty, online school and impressive athletic department weren’t enough, Talarico off-handedly remarks, “Did I mention our music department? Our choir sung for the Pope last year at St. Peter’s Basilica and has been invited to sing at Carnegie Hall this April.”

JSERRA CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL
26351 Junipero Serra Road • San Juan Capistrano
949.493.9307
www.jserra.org