18th Annual Wag-A-Thon by Pet Project Foundation

“Bark” your calendars for the 18th annual Wag-A-Thon on Saturday, April 30th from 8:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. The Pet Project Foundation’s (PPF) “Waggin’ for a New Leash on Life” family event will be the biggest doggie social of the year.

Every dog has its day and this is your four-legged friend’s opportunity to have some tail waggin’ fun. You and your pooch can munch on treats, listen to the sounds of Martin Gerschwitz on keyboard and shop for cool doggie gear. Be sure to meet the celebrity dogs, Chloe and Papi, from Beverley Hills Chihuahua II and sign up for the pet contests that will include: Be a Rock Star, Best Costume and Best Pet Trick. Prizes will be awarded to the top three dogs in each category.

This year, Ted Ondrak of SoCal Herding (www.socalherding.com) will be giving demonstrations with his skillful border collies. These herding dogs are the main attraction at the Queen Mary Scottish Festival and have appeared on Animal Planet and National Geographic.

By participating in the event, you can gather pledges that will directly benefit The San Clemente/Dana Point Animal Shelter. With $75 in pledges, you will receive a Wag sweatshirt with the colorful 2011 logo. Buy My Bikes is donating a beach cruiser bike that will be given to the individual raising the most pledges. Participants collecting $100 or more will be eligible for the grand prize drawing — two nights at the St. Regis Resort & Spa. Visit www.PetProjectFoundation.com to download the pledge form or find it inside the Wag brochure that is distributed throughout the community.

Pet Project Foundation provides countless hours of volunteering and over $300,000 annually for medical care, food, a large percentage of dog trainer and kennel attendant salaries and community spay and neuter programs. Lost and abandoned animals have a second chance at a good life, thanks to the unique partnership between PPF and the Shelter.

All paid event participants will receive a pet themed t-shirt, designed by local artist Heather Ritts (www.abovethereefs.com), and a goodie bag brimming with treats and toys. Sign up by April 23rd and receive a free dog bandanna plus $5 off the admission price of $30.

For more information about the WAG-A-THON or Pet Project Foundation, please visit www.PetProjectFoundation.org or call 949.595.8899

What a Dish!

Walking into What a Dish Café in Dana Point is almost like taking a quick trip to France for lunch at a cool French bistro. The quaint, relaxed ambiance is just what you’d want in a café and if the delightful lunch menu doesn’t quickly make this your new favorite place, the irresistible desserts certainly will.

Executive Chef Cathy McKnight combines French bistro and California fresh cuisine that caters perfectly to Southern Californians looking for flavorful food made from simple, high-quality, locally-sourced and organic ingredients. Since freshness is a top priority at What a Dish, the menu changes seasonally to incorporate the best of what’s available.

During our lunch at the café, my friends and I enjoyed a few of the hot sandwiches, including the Croque Monsieur du Jour, the grilled vegetable with melted provolone and homemade pesto and the smoked turkey BLT, which came with house-roasted and shaved turkey breast. Each of the sandwiches arrived on perfectly baked Ciabatta bread alongside a remarkably tasty baby green salad with candied nuts in citrus vinaigrette. Though we polished off every morsel, we did find enough room to taste the truffle-dipped cupcakes, petit fours and ganache-frosted brownies, all of which were divine.

In addition to the café which serves lunch, weekend plated brunch and a Chef’s Thursday night dinner featuring a four-course menu, What a Dish is a full-service caterer. Whether you’re planning the grandest of weddings or an intimate dinner, they can create and execute the perfect menu. And no need to look elsewhere for your desserts, as their cake design studio – It’s All About the Cake – will bring your dessert dream to life. Specializing in smooth butter cream work, an exquisite and delicious cake of any shape or design is only limited by your imagination.

WHAT A DISH!
24921 Dana Point Harbor Dr. • Dana Point • 949.276.4884
WhataDish.com

IT’S ALL ABOUT THE CAKE
949.240.7100
ItsAllAbouttheCake.com

JSerra Catholic School

In only its eighth year, JSerra High School, San Juan Capistrano’s top-tier Catholic learning institution, has exceeded all measurable expectations of growth and excellence. The school’s Professional Magnet Program, implemented just last year, has been overwhelmingly successful and has garnered national attention from Ivy League educators. The music and theater programs have been significantly expanded. The athletic department has developed championship teams and nationally-ranked individual athletes in a variety of sports. The school has 23 international students from seven different countries. Graduates of JSerra earn a remarkable $24,311 on average in scholarship and have been accepted at 70 of the 100 top-ranked universities. Frank Talarico, JSerra’s President and CEO, views these achievements as examples of “good customer service.”

Talarico describes his approach to managing the development of the school and its students as “customer focused.” That commitment to his customers, in this case the parents and students, has driven him to take the job of college prep to the next level and beyond. In fact, Talarico’s exhaustive discussions with both JSerra parents and parents of students in other area high schools led to the evolution of much of JSerra’s innovative curriculum.

The Professional Magnet Program is one such innovation. JSerra students may apply to either the medical or business track and get a jumpstart on a higher education and possibly a future vocation. Hands-on demonstrations in an actual hospital or business setting combined with the practical application of classroom concepts provide students a foundation from which to start a professional trajectory.

Talarico credits the school’s close relationship with its corporate partners for much of the magnet program’s success. Mission Hospital’s CEO, Peter Bastone, “has been an extraordinary partner” in the medical track, according to Talarico. The business track, which was just introduced this school year, is co-facilitated by UCI’s Paul Merage School of Business, headed by Dean Andy Policano and Denise Patrick. “Without their vision and confidence, this program never would have happened,” insists Talarico. The corporate partners work alongside the school to offer students a unique first-hand insight into their respective fields.

The magnet programs offer significant academic advantages in addition to professional exposure. Business students can earn UC credits through JSerra’s program, and students in both tracks receive a distinctive certificate with their diplomas upon graduation. In the highly competitive climate of college admissions, participation in the Professional Magnet Program may give students the competitive edge they need. Future magnet programs in the works include law, engineering, technology and performing and fine arts. Talarico intends that these tracks will follow the model of the existing programs: real world experience coupled with a strong corporate partner.

JSerra has an eye on globalization as well. The science department is currently adding a second college-caliber laboratory and classroom and the liberal arts program is looking to expand its foreign language offerings to include Chinese. Students routinely earn perfect scores on Advanced Placement exams, which speaks well to both the quality of the curriculum and faculty.

In addition to academic excellence, JSerra is committed to providing students with a well-rounded high school experience. The school’s South Campus is dedicated to 22 sports and its training facilities rival any in the country. The Aquatics Center has one of only two pools west of the Mississippi that can host an Olympic Qualifier—the other is at Stanford. JSerra’s soccer and cross-country teams are defending CIF State Champions and the baseball team has sent more players to Division 1 teams than any other in Orange County in the last three years. ESPN featured student Juan Gutierrez on its cover and named him the top soccer player in his position in the nation. If that’s not enough, JSerra even has a successful ice hockey team!

The JSerra Choir was recently selected to travel to Rome and perform for the Pope. The black box theatre has been expanded and upgraded to accomodate a wider variety of performance art. In conjunction with the school’s Community Relations Committee, many JSerra students are involved with local non-profit organizations, including The Mission in San Juan Capistrano. This commitment to nurturing well-rounded young women and men is as important to the administration as test scores in determining long-term success.

JSerra is just getting started. Talarico promises “very exciting and progressive academic announcements” in the next few months. He says he simply “wants kids to be curious about the world.” In doing so, he’s piqued the curiosity of the academic world about JSerra. Visit www.jserra.org for more information on the school.

A Taste of San Juan

One of the highlights of the Fiesta de las Golondrinas season is the annual Taste of San Juan. This festive event will be held on Wednesday, February 16th from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. at the historic El Adobe Restaurant in downtown San Juan Capistrano. Billed as the kick-off celebration of the return of the swallows, the Taste of San Juan is the first of many events leading up to the Swallows Day Parade and Mercado Street Fair.

Delightful dishes from over twenty local restaurants and dancing to live country music will make for an evening of great food and fun. Some of the local restaurants featured at this year’s event include L’Hirondelle, Ricardo’s Place, Sundried Tomato Café, The Vintage Steakhouse, Marbella Farmers Market, Sarducci’s Café, Thai Juan On, Simply Fondue, O’Neill’s Bar and Grill, NYC Café and Catering, Donna B’s Bakery and Akioni’s Catering. Under one roof, tastes from these and other area establishments will tempt guests with their signature fare.

The Taste of San Juan is an important fundraiser for the nonprofit San Juan Capistrano Fiesta Association. Proceeds support a variety of community events throughout the year including the annual Swallows Day Parade that will take place on Saturday, March 26th. Other upcoming 2011 Fiesta Association events are the Kids Pet Parade, El Presidente Ball, Fiesta Grande and Hoos’gow Day.

Admission to the Taste of San Juan is $20 per person and includes food and live entertainment. Tickets may be purchased at the door or at the San Juan Capistrano Chamber office. For more information, please call 949.493.4700 or visit:www.swallowsparade.org.

Here is the local lowdown on South County hot spots!

Bringing you American cuisine in a relaxed environment, Sundried Tomato simulates the complete gameday experience with prime viewing, tasty food and drinks and fantastic cash prizes. Equipped with four flat-screen TVs and a 46 incher on the patio, Sundried Tomato San Clemente party-goers won’t miss a moment of the action. Feeling lucky? Then rush over for their cash prize raffle of $250 at each quarter and a $500 cash prize at the end of the game.

San Juan’s Sundried Tomato is also getting in on the action, offering $250 at halftime and $250 at the end of the game. Fans will score on fare that ranges from filet of beef tacos to braised beef sliders.

If you’re looking for unique ambiance in which to watch the game, you will find it in the form of a swanky, fully-restored 1927 Pullman Car at The Vintage Steakhouse. Located adjacent to the train station in downtown San Juan Capistrano, the art deco-styled restaurant will be offering their happy hour menu throughout Super Bowl Sunday. Consisting of half-priced Lounge Menu items, $4.95 martinis and well drinks, $2.50 select beers and $5 wines, you can’t afford not to hop aboard!

We’ve got a line on big fun in Laguna Beach. At The House of Big Fish, five large HD flat-screens, sumptuous seafood, more than 40 different beers, a complimentary nacho bar and a new Bloody Mar bar are the name of the game. Raffle prizes will be given away every quarter and a grand prize giveaway for a one night stay at La Casa del Camino in Laguna and Hotel Menage in Anaheim, along with gift certificates to House of Big Fish, The Rooftop Lounge and K’ya Bistro are yours to win.

For serious football fanatics, Renaissance Café is broadcasting the game on a giant 12 foot screen and on four additional LCD TVs. A $15 all-you-can-eat buffet and $5 beers will ensure that your appetite will be satisfied and your thirst will be well-quenched. The festivities will start at 2 p.m. with prizes being awarded at the end of each quarter.

At The Next Door in San Clemente, you’ll be greeted by an upscale, yet casual viewing experience and a unique menu reflecting the regional fare of the competing Super Bowl teams. Don’t miss their 25 cent wings, eight homemade beers and over forty wines from which to choose.

Super Bowl XLV watchers will be cheering Luxe’s happy hour specials, delish tapas-style small plates and generous giveaways. Located in Dana Point on Del Prado Avenue in the former space of the Purple Feet restaurant, this newly-opened spot will not only feature the game, but an appearance by the Bud Girls. Drink specials include: $3 draft beers, $4 cocktails, $6 martinis and $5 wines by the glass.

Sunsets in Capo Beach will offer up a spirited Super Bowl Sunday along with superior scenery. With a hard-to-beat ocean view, this island-style bar offers an interesting approach to catching all the gridiron. The bar will literally be split down the middle into two sections right down to the décor, food and beverages representing each team’s region. Wear your favorite team’s colors and you’ll receive $1 beers each time they score.

Ross Medical Associates

When the late Dr. T.A. Ross realized his vision of combining quality, personalized medicine with easy-access urgent care, he was onto something big…and that vision has inspired Ross Medical Associates every step of the way.

Dr. Ross was one of the first doctors to set up shop in the area in the 1970’s. What started as a small clinic in Mission Viejo has expanded into the largest family medical group in South Orange County. Locations in Rancho Santa Margarita, Ladera Ranch and most recently San Juan Capistrano are open 365 days a year and provide a wide range of family-oriented medical services as well as urgent care—all with the utmost in convenience.

Ross believed in providing convenient care for patients when they needed it, without the hassle of scheduling appointments days or weeks in advance. His philosophy of seeing patients the same day, even if it’s closing time or there’s a wait, seems like a simple, straightforward idea, but in practice, it’s been a revolutionary one.

The Ross formula relies fundamentally on patient satisfaction. Without the bureaucracy found at larger facilities, patients enjoy personalized attention and a modern approach to medical care. All four facilities share the same business infrastructure and are set up to be interchangeable for patients, making it easy for them to see the same doctor at each visit.

Since all Ross offices are tethered with electronic medical records, patients can be assured that medical files are complete and up-to-date. Exam rooms are equipped with computers from which physicians can access a patient’s entire medical history in just a few clicks. This high level of efficiency leads to more thorough examinations, sharper diagnoses and easier-to-manage preventative care. When a patient walks in to a Ross facility with flu symptoms, the treating physician will be automatically alerted if a routine screening such as a colonoscopy or cholesterol test is due. Tracking and utilizing this data helps both patients and doctors stay ahead of conditions that might otherwise have gone unchecked.

Ross Medical Associates has found that healthy patients are good for business, too. The opening of each new facility has brought this unique brand of medicine to a growing number of South Orange County households. In fact, the San Juan Capistrano location is celebrating its first year in business and is the fastest growing location yet. Dr. Gebhard, a partner in the enterprise and a Ross physician, says that a satisfied, healthy community is the best form of advertising. He thinks that the shift away from specialists and back to family medicine and preventative care is better for long-term health management.

Gebhard emphasizes that in addition to cutting-edge technology and a progressive business model, Ross Medical is committed to the tradition of its founder. It was important to Dr. Ross that he give back to the community that supported his business. Ross’ legacy is alive today through the group’s outreach efforts that serve to address the needs of the entire community, with a focus on youth. Ross Medical supports youth participation in athletic endeavors by offering no-cost sports physicals, sponsoring teams and volunteering medical services at local tournaments. This early interaction with the student athlete lays the groundwork for a lifetime of good health practices and gives parents peace of mind.

The physicians and staff at Ross Medical Associates know that the holidays may be over, but a new year brings a new opportunity to give. Through their “Get a Shot, Help a Lot” program, Ross Medical is offering free flu shots with a new toy donation to benefit Olive Crest’s children in need. No appointment is necessary and new patients are welcome.

Our community has the good fortune of knowing that a Ross Medical Associates clinic is right around the corner – when you need it. Dr. Ross wouldn’t have had it any other way.

FAMILY PRACTICE HOURS: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
URGENT CARE HOURS: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 8 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
HOLIDAYS: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
FOR MORE INFORMATION VISIT: www.RossMedical.net

The Laguna Playhouse: Featuring Hershey Felder in Maestro

Riptide Rockin’ Sushi & Teppan Grills

For early risers, there’s no better way to start off a Sunday than to have a big beautiful breakfast, but if sleeping in is your idea of starting the day off right, then brunch is your meal. Riptide Rockin’ Sushi has put together some new twists on brunch that will have you coming back for more (and more).

Located in Kaleidoscope Center and convenient from any South OC locale, Riptide is serving up their “Champagne & Punch Family Brunch” every Sunday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. You’ve never seen so many options before noon. The Eggs Benedict, Applewood smoked bacon, house-made corned beef hash and biscuits & gravy are all go-to favorites. Make a stop at the omelet bar for eggs your way, or to customize some pancakes, French toast, or Belgian waffles to fit your mood.

Carnivores will be immediately drawn to the prime rib carving station where the perfectly roasted beef is sliced to your liking and served with horseradish and au jus. The tasty chicken enchiladas were also a hit at our table.

From here the buffet goes a whole other direction with an entire section devoted to the sushi and cut rolls that Riptide is famous for. My favorite were tiger shrimp lettuce wraps – a soft leaf of Bibb lettuce wrapped around sushi rice, tempura shrimp and other goodies. Don’t forget to sample the spicy tuna on crisp wonton chips – yum!

Riptide takes good care of the youngsters in the crowd with pizza slices, mini-corndogs, tater tots and their famous PB&J pizza. To entertain the little tykes while they enjoy their meal, the amazing “balloon engineer” and his mesmerizing creations will do just the trick!

As the name implies, brunch includes champagne (or fruit punch for the kids). Enjoy the bubbly, but definitely save room for the chocolate fondue with marshmallows and picture-perfect strawberries for dipping!

RIPTIDE ROCKIN’ SUSHI & TEPPAN GRILLS
Kaleidoscope Center
27741 Crown Valley Parkway * Mission Viejo * 949.282.0182
www.riptidesushi.com

Activities in South Orange County
By Shelley T. Hudson

Dana Point:
Harbor The Holidays
What’s better than a fruitcake? Dana Point’s jam-packed holiday calendar, starting with Holiday in the Harbor on December 3rd. This event has everything—photos with Frosty and Santa, holiday crafts, face painting, a puppet show, carolers, balloon artists, live music and comedy! The activities take place at Mariner’s Village, Mariner’s Alley and Dana Wharf beginning at 4:00 p.m. Visit www.danapoint.org for the full schedule of events.

If that’s not enough, hop on a Free Boat Ride with Mr. Bowl-full-o-jelly on December 4th and 5th. Cruises run every 20 minutes from 10:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. from Dana Wharf. Bundle up and don’t forget your camera! For more information, log on to www.danawharf.com

A Boatload Of Fun
Mark your calendar for the 36th Annual Dana Point Harbor Boat Parade of Lights. This year’s theme is “Jingle Bell Rock,” so you can expect many creative musical tributes. You’ll get several chances to take in this local tradition: December 10, 11, 17 and 18 at 7:30 p.m.

Let It Snow!
Dana Point’s Winter Festival hits La Plaza Park again with merriment to spare. The fun starts on December 12th at noon with face painting, a crafts fair, carnival games, a petting zoo (with real reindeer!), cookie decorating, North Pole VIPs, a marionette show, balloon and caricature artists and a real snow play area! The Dana Point Police Departmentwill be onhand to fingerprint your child, and the Dana Point Fire Department will collect new, unwrapped toys for the Spark of Love Toy Drive. After the tree lighting at 5:15 p.m., enjoy cocoa and cookies and a screening of “How the Grinch Stole Christmas.” This extravaganza features live music throughout the day. Bring your camera, mittens, lawn chair and toy donation!

Deck Your Halls
If you like to keep up with the Joneses, then consider entering your home in the 11th Annual Holiday Home Decorating Contest on Dec. 17th from 5 – 7 pm. The Dana Point Youth Board judges this fun event and awards prizes for “creativity, spirit and overall enthusiasm.” Call 949.248.3514 to enter.

SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO
Get Your Ducks In A Row
ZOOMARS Petting Zoo will also be a bevy of activity on Los Rios Street on December 4th. Admission is free until 9:00 p.m. and you won’t want to miss Pathway to Hope’s Live Nativity Performances at 6:15 and 7:00 p.m. near the petting zoo. To sweeten the deal, SJC’s Downtown Shops will stay open late and offer special discounts!

Merriment At The Mission
Mission San Juan Capistrano continues its tradition with Christmas at the Mission. For a $2.00 admission, guests enjoy carolers, Santa photo ops and mariachi and choir performances. A Santa’s Workshop studio for kids will keep little fingers busy while grownups sip on mugs of Mexican hot chocolate. Please bring a canned food donation for Serra’s Pantry. The event immediately follows the Tree Lighting Ceremony on
December 4th and runs until 8:00 p.m.

Smiles For Miles
Bring the little ones to Del Obispo Terrace in San Juan Capistrano on December 5th from 10:00 – 11:30 for a special Smiles for Seniors event. Pack your holiday cheer and a camera, because Santa will be in the house to share the moment! The fun takes place at 32200 Del Obispo Street. For more information, call 949.496.8802.

SAN CLEMENTE:
Santa Claus Is Coming To Town
The city’s Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony takes place on December 2nd at the San Clemente Community Center at 5:30 p.m. Santa’s elves will serve cocoa and cookies (how do they find the time?) before a reading of “Twas the Night Before Christmas” by The Jolly One. The mayor will be on hand for the official tree-lighting at 6:30 p.m.

Gifts That Keep Giving...
Family Assistance Ministries is sponsoring a Gift Exchange Program on December 11th at 11:00 a.m., also at the Community Center. Lunch will be served. What a great opportunity to demonstrate your holiday spirit by making a donation for children in need. For details, contact FamilyAssistance Ministries at 949.492.8477.

Feeling Nutty?
Pacific Coast Dance Academy’s Youth America Ballet will perform The Nutcracker locally this year. This magical holiday show is a must-see for all ages. Performances are December 4th at 2:30 and 7:00 p.m. and December 5th at 2:30 p.m. at San Juan Hills High School’s Collaborative Arts Theatre. For the younger, attention span-challenged set, check out the Holiday Follies at the academy’s studio on December 15th from 6:30 – 8:00 p.m. Students will sing and dance, and Santa and The Nutcracker’s Mother Ginger will be available for photographs. For information on either event, call 949.361.9277.

LAGUNA BEACH
When The Sawdust Settles
Laguna Beach’s premiere holiday event is the Sawdust Festival’s Winter Fantasy—A Palette of Holiday Treasures. TheFestival is pulling out the stops for this 20th Annual celebration. Over 170 exhibitors will show and sell their creations on the grounds of this “winter wonderland.” Kids will enjoy craft projects and visits with Ole St. Nick. The Winter Fantasy is the perfect way to shop while enjoying live entertainment and food from four outdoor cafes. The event runs December 4, 5, 10, 11 and 12 from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Admission is $6 for adults and $3 for kids, but if you attend on a Sunday, bring a new, unwrapped toy for free admission!