Happenings

 

The Diamond Ball

Get ready to sparkle, shine and give back to some treasured friends. The Diamond Ball, to be held Saturday, November 9th at The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel, is a gala evening with the special mission of raising funds and awareness for animal-related charities. The emotional ties that connect us to the animals we love can oftentimes make the difference in our lives and this wonderful event takes that sentiment to heart.

The 2013 Diamond Ball will support charities whose purpose is to change lives through the assistance of animals. The beneficiaries of this year’s gala are the Wounded Veteran Initiative of Canine Companions for Independence (CCI) and Friends of Orange County’s Homeless Pets (FOCHP).

Veteran’s Day weekend was intentionally selected as the date for The Ball because it’s a time to honor and reflect on those who’ve served our country proudly. Both CCI and FOCHP support the residents of our local community through their work. Having FOCHP and CCI together as beneficiaries solidifies The Diamond’s Ball’s vision that it’s not just about people saving animal’s lives; it’s about how animals save people’s lives, too.

CCI helps injured veterans put their lives back together by providing assistance dogs that play an integral role in a veteran’s ability to regain independence. Established in 1975, CCI has five regional training centers across the country and is recognized worldwide for the excellence of its dogs, and the quality and longevity of the matches it makes between dogs and people. Through CCI’s Wounded Veterans Initiative, veterans with physical disabilities such as hearing loss, limb amputations and spinal cord injuries receive services that may not otherwise be available.

FOCHP aids homeless and unwanted pets by making them more adoptable. Their mission is accomplished through training, veterinary services, and spay and neuter assistance. FOCHP is operated solely by volunteers and 100 percent of donations received go directly back to the needs of their rescued animals.

This extraordinary evening to honor veterans and The Ritz-Carlton’s charity partners will be a night to remember. Tickets are $250 per person and the evening includes a silent and live auction and a four-course dinner presented by Executive Chef Pedro Contreras. The evening also includes The Diamond Drop Extravaganza, an opportunity for guests to donate gems and jewelry in support of the cause. For more information about The Diamond Ball and to purchase tickets, please visit TheDiamondBall.org.

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Casa Romantica

Casa Romantica Cultural Center and Gardens has always been a jewel in the heart of San Clemente. This year ushers in a new Executive Director, Berenika Schmitz, along with an array of new programs for the community to enjoy.

“Berenika is the ideal Executive Director to lead Casa Romantica due to her Harvard, Oxford, Juilliard and Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts training and background. Her energy to engage artists, performers, guest speakers, and arts and science educators is remarkable. She will continue the Center’s dedication to history and California culture, while also broadening its reach and engaging the community. The Board and I are tremendously happy to welcome her,” says Ruth DeNault, Casa Romantica’s Board President.

“This 2013-14 season will have extraordinary programming with something for everyone – a season that will bring the very best artists, speakers and performers to the Casa,” shares Berenika, “We can be a premiere Southern California Cultural Center.”

Highlights of the season include the performance of the acclaimed Christ Church Cathedral Choir from the University of Oxford in England. The Luminario Ballet of Los Angeles will lead the audience through site specific choreography that will make the Casa location become as much a part of the performance as the dancer’s bodies. A Casa Nutcracker will also be presented during the holiday season.

The Casa has always hosted a variety of guest speakers and lectures which will expand to include Malcolm Warner, director of the Laguna Art Museum, and Timothy J. Clark, world-renowned California artist. A new Casa Wellness Wednesdays program will present UCI Medical Health speakers, as well as guest yoga classes from Asana Fit and Pure Yoga. A Casa Cool Jazz series will feature a salsa dance lesson and Latin Jazz. Open Casa will highlight visual artists, starting with Rick J. Delanty, celebrated San Clemente fine visual artist, who will present “The Color of San Clemente: A Collection of Original Paintings of San Clemente and its Surroundings.” These visual art openings will be free to the public.

Berenika is particularly excited about an expanded Casa Kids program. The Casa has always encouraged a love of reading through its Wednesday morning StoryTime at 10 a.m. for ages 3 to 5. This year, the Casa will offer programs in music and theater from the Arts and Learning Conservatory. A Visual Arts class for toddlers taught by local artist and teacher Fery Khadivi and STEM based science programs by Mad Science will be new additions for children in the community. “I cannot think of a more inspiring and pleasant place for parents to spend time with their children. The programming is of incredibly high standards, and we hope that it will also give parents an opportunity to socialize and enjoy the magnificent gardens and grounds of the Casa,” remarks Berenika.

“Sustaining arts in our communities is of fundamental importance to me, and I have a fantastic board, staff and volunteers to help make this year at the Casa truly special,” says Berenika. The Casa Captivating 2013-14 Season is ready to begin, and reservations are open as is the Casa: a warm welcoming San Clemente home and Cultural Center, open to everyone.

For more information about Casa Romantica Cultural Center and Gardens, call 949.498.2139 or visit CasaRomantica.org.

Sawdust Art & Craft Festival
By Shelley Hudson

he 47th Annual Sawdust Festival’s Summer Show is underway. Drawing over 200,000 visitors from around the world, this Laguna Beach tradition is designed to both entertain and educate. Take in the sights throughout this charming hand-crafted village from now until September 1st.

This season’s theme, “Enter a Whole New World of Art,” brings with it a few interesting changes. Marketing Director Cynthia Fung explains, “Local artists have learned to embrace the digital world and some have explored new mediums. New artists bring in new audiences, so every show is different.” With a slew of first-time exhibitors and several new live entertainment groups, the Summer Show is ever-evolving and promises to be a hot ticket.

The Sawdust Art Festival’s primary mission is to educate the public about the Laguna Beach art community at large and to promote and preserve the creative processes and methods of the artists. The Festival hosts workshops and classes year round and organizes fundraisers in coordination with other groups to benefit artists in need and their families. The Summer Show is the Festival’s signature event and is no exception. Key sponsor Subaru has donated a 2014 Forester for a raffle benefitting the art education programs and a live art auction will be held on the grounds on August 11th for the Artists’ Benevolence Fund.

Providing opportunities for artists to contribute their talents to charitable endeavors in the surrounding community is another significant function of the Sawdust Art Festival. This year’s major undertaking is the Artist Video Project—a series of 12 snippets that profile artists and their methods. The project was made possible through a partnership with the Laguna Beach Visitors & Conference Bureau for the A La Carte Festival in March. Artists designed stemware, serving ware and flatware for the March 10th event. Visitors can enjoy the resulting video series at the Festival grounds daily between live entertainment acts by the Greek Grille stage.

Since the Summer Show is not juried, the variety of art exhibited is of particular interest. Established, popular artists display and demonstrate their work alongside newcomers—each in unique, hand-crafted booths lined up along sawdust-strewn paths. Guests can amble along and watch sculpture, wood crafts, paintings, leather work, glass-blowing, ceramics, textiles, and jewelry being created right there. Over 200 artists—all Laguna Beach residents—operate booths at the event, and all art created on the grounds is offered for sale. Visitors are encouraged to ask the artists questions, sign up for on-site workshops, and attend live art demonstrations.

Activities for kids, including demonstrations and hands-on workshops, are offered daily on a first come, first served basis. This is an ideal opportunity to expose curious youngsters to the art world in a non-intimidating, fun and casual setting. Several themed days are peppered over the schedule, including Hawaiian Surf Day, Green Day, Beatles Day and Country Western Day. Check out
www.sawdustartfestival.org for details.

The Festival’s live entertainment calendar is packed with bands all summer. Music is performed from open to close daily on three stages, covering all genres. A wide variety of food and beverage options are available as well, so plan to bring the whole family and make a day of it.

The Summer Show runs from June 28th through September 1st from 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. every day. Ticket prices are $7.75 for adults, $6.25 for seniors, $3.25 for kids up to age 12 and free for kids five and younger. Season passes are $15, but a more impressive bargain is the $21.50 Passport to the Arts. The Passport also gets you into the Festival of the Arts and Art-A-Fair. Freebies are offered to locals, too. Visit the website for your Orange County zip code’s free entry after 5:00 p.m. Laguna Beach residents can enter for free every Thursday evening after 5:00 p.m.

Parking can be tricky, but a little patience and planning will go a long way. A limited number of metered parking spaces are available on the Sawdust Festival grounds, but it’s best to walk down Laguna Canyon Road from downtown or park in the Act V lot and hop on a free shuttle.

See you at the Sawdust!

Sawdust Art Festival • 935 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach, CA • 949.494.3030 • sawdustartfestival.org

 

 

Summer Camp Guide 2013

Acting Academy for Kids
AA4K’s Performing Arts Camp is offered in two South OC locations this year—Camino Real Playhouse in San Juan Capistrano and Cabrillo Playhouse in San Clemente. Daily classes in music, art, acting, and dance immerse kids aged 4 to 13 in an authentic performing experience. The weeklong camps are each guided by professional educators and culminate in a student-centered production with sets, costumes, and lights. Ten distinct weeklong programs run from June 24th to August 30th. The “core camp” rate is $250 per week with early-bird and after-camp enrichment options as well. Go to ActingAcademyforKids.com for details and production schedules.

Brain Builders
Brain Builders puts the “STEAM” in education—science, technology, engineering, arts, and math. Weekly camps starting June 18th introduce children ages 5 to 14 to concepts including energy, thermodynamics, gravity, robotics, hydraulics, animation, and story-writing. Young builders test their skills and projects against equipment like the Bridge Crusher, Earthquake Simulator, and the 20′ Gravity Race Track. The camps are set up like classes and half-day and full-day options are offered. Get fee info and registration details at BrainBuildersEd.org and put on your thinking cap! Use promo code “thelocaldish” to receive 10% off any camp.

Capo Beach Christian School
Summer Quest is Capo Beach Christian School’s answer to the dreaded, “I’m bored!” This faith-based camp is run by the school’s faculty, with a low child-teacher ratio in a safe and loving environment. Outdoor fun like jaunts to the beach, pool, or park and field trips to Legoland, county fairs, and water parks keep the youngsters busy all summer long. Character building, new friendships, and creative play are emphasized. Summer Quest offers camps from June 24th to August 23rd. At only $190 per week, this is one of OC’s most affordable camps. Half-day and drop-in rates are also a great value. To register your child, visitCapoBeachChristianSchool.org.

City of Dana Point
Dana Point’s Recreation Department has filled its calendar with every camp under the sun. Future artists, engineers, gymnasts, singers, dancers, and athletes can sign up for one or more programs through the City’s website at DanaPoint.org. Sessions for ages 3 – 14 start June 17th and include Ceramics, Young Rembrandts, LEGO Engineering, Soccer, Basketball, Golf, Gymnastics, Multi-Sport, and Musical Theater. Professional instructors show your little phenom the ropes of the pottery wheel, soccer field, basketball court, and theater. Weekly rates range from $120 to $170 per week and locations vary.

City of Laguna Niguel
From June 17th to August 16th, campers from 3½ to 14 can participate in the City of Laguna Niguel’s age group camps in the pristine Crown Valley Community Park. The youngest participants learn through dramatic play, traditional camp songs, and nature exploration while making new friends. Children who’ve completed kindergarten experience activities like dancing, swimming, group games, and crafts. With older students (4th – 8th grade), the emphasis is on cooperation, arts, strategy games, and fun Thursday excursions. Trained camp counselors supervise and facilitate. Younger kids attend camp half-days and school-agers participate all day. Fees are extremely reasonable and depend on the camper’s age and number of days in attendance. Check outCityofLagunaNiguel.org for more.

DanMan’s Music School
Not your father’s band camp! DanMan’s five-day intensive workshops let campers create and name their own rock bands and put on a real show for family and friends. Instruction on guitar, piano, drums, bass, and vocals is provided by inspiring professional music teachers. Exercises include creating set lists, making band posters, and rehearsing for the big gig. The cost is $225 per camp, but if you register before June 30th, you can get in for $199. The jamming begins July 8th at DanMan’s Music School. Bring in Danman’s ad from this issue before April 30th to receive $25 off. Check out Danmans.com or call 949.496.6556 for more information.

Evolution Sports Camp
Two-time Olympian Felipe Delgado designed Evolution’s multi-sport camps to give kids a chance to play a variety of sports each day, including archery, swimming, basketball, soccer, volleyball, and field sports. In this active-all-day concept, campers learn the fundamentals of each activity and are inspired to join organized leagues during the school year. The weekday camps are for children ages 5 – 12 with both full-day and half-day programs available. The weekly costs are $225 and $175 respectively, but discounts are offered until May 15th. Register at EvoSportsCamps.com or call 949.388.4545.

Marina View Preschool
Summer camp at Marina View Preschool and Kindergarten is all about learning and fun! Full and half-day programs run weekdays, July 1st to August 29th. Children as young as 12 months and up to age 6 participate in activities such as Pajama Day, Sundae Party, Face Painting, and Movie Day. Two monthlong themes—”Under the Ocean” and “Land of the Dinosaurs”—let curious little minds explore topics in-depth through reading and art projects. Stop by the school to learn more and to pick up a registration packet. Stop by the school and pick up a registeration packet or visit MarinaViewPreschool.com to learn more.

MV Dance & Performing Arts
A wide range of camps and workshops for children and teens is offered by MV Dance and Performing Arts. The littlest tots (beginning at age 3) can enjoy Princess or American Girl get-togethers and older kids can try their twinkly toes at Hip Hop, Ballet, or Dance Team Camp. Intense workshops are available for intermediate and advanced students and a series of two-day Broadway Boot Camps include acting, singing, and dancing. A two-week Musical Theater camp features a performance on the last day. To sign up or get tuition rates, drop by the studio or go online to mvdpac.com. Mention MV Dance & Performing Art’s ad in The Local Dish Magazine to receive a 10% discount.

San Clemente Preschool
A summer jam-packed with field trips, shows, and play time is lined up at San Clemente Preschool. Children ages 2 to 6 are invited to participate in weekly themed adventure camps like Dance Party, Under the Sea, Science, Little Chefs, Community Heros, and Sweet Treats Carnival. Camp SCP operates June through August on weekdays and enrollment is $25 for current students or $125 for new students. Call 949.498.1025 or visit SanClementePreschool.com for tuition and sign up info. Let the play begin!

San Juan Sea Lions
Spending summer time at the local pool is what memories are made of! The San Juan Sea Lions offer both youth and high school swim camps, where swimmers learn techniques including diving, breaststroke, backstroke, butterfly, and free style. Monday through Thursday classes begin June 24th for kids aged 4 to 13 and all start at 9 a.m. The cost is $275 for the entire summer swim season and you can sign up atSanJuanSeaLions.com.

St. Anne School
The Summer Knights Day Camp is the perfect combination of fun and education for kids plus convenience and flexibility for parents. The seven-week camp starts June 24th with full-day, half-day, and extended hours options. Students from preschool through middle school are welcome to join for one week or all seven. Field trips, arts and crafts, and light academics are packed into weekly themes like Get Fit, Hollywood Knights, Surf’s Up, and Wild West. The full-day camp is $300 per week and the half-day option is $200 per week. Contact Ingrid Trenton at itrenton@st-anne.org to get on board.

Endless Summer Surf Camp
Celebrating its 20th anniversary, Endless Summer is the longest running surf camp in south OC and caters to first timers wanting to learn the basics of surfing and ocean safety as well as experienced surfers looking to improve their skills. Offering a new camp every Monday from June through September, the fun in the sun continues for 15 weeks at San Onofre State Beach. Day camps (10 & older) run Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. and include equipment, lessons, lunch, snacks, drinks, and a t-shirt for $495. Weeklong overnight camps are $895 and include accommodations, surf equipment, surf lessons, all meals, snacks, drinks, and a camp t-shirt. Surf & Turf (surfing & golf) camps, private lessons, group lessons and adult camps are also available. VisitEndlessSummerSurfCamp.com or call 949.498.7862 to register early; all of their camps sell out every summer!

Zen Dojos
Zen Dojos’ Active Camps will keep your kids aged 4 to 12 on the move and motivated. Daily stretching, warm ups and strength drills enhance athletic ability and coordination while fun and practical Karate training sessions develop focus and concentration. Kids will also enjoy park days, movies, bowling, laser tag and field trips to venues like Jump ‘n Jammin and the Rainforest Cafe. Ten action-packed weeks of camp begin June 17th and run through August 23rd. Choose from either full-day camp or one of the two half-day options. Enroll by April 15th for a special $199 full-day weekly rate or $120 for the half-day rate (plus a $35 registration fee). Mention The Local Dish Magazine and receive a 35% discount! For more information, visit TheKarateClub.com or call 949.240.6574.

Whale of a Time

Festival of Whales
March 2nd – 3rd & 9th – 10th
The Dana Point Festival of Whales celebrates its 42nd anniversary with two action-packed weekends in March. Dana Point Harbor is the place to be, both on and off the water, on the 2nd, 3rd, 9th and 10th. In conjunction with the Festival, The Dana Point Chamber of Commerce hosts additional events throughout the city that you won’t want to miss!
For more info, visit FestivalofWhales.com

Street Fare
March 2nd
The Chamber welcomes you to enjoy the Annual Street Fare Festival on Saturday, March 2nd where over 80 vendors will descend upon La Plaza Park (34111 La Plaza, near the corner of PCH and Golden Latern). From 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., indulge in delicious food, a wine, beer and margarita garden, and family activities. Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) information, one-of-a-kind finds and an unforgettable day of food, music and entertainment awaits.

New this year, the Street Fare’s music and entertainment has expanded with a variety of bands including Jazz Quest, Family Style, Kenny Big Daddy Williams and Missiles of October. Music starts at noon and goes until 5:00 p.m. Don’t forget to bring a chair to sit in the park and enjoy the bands in comfort.

Interested in being a part of the Street Fare? Then contact The Dana Point Chamber of Commerce at 949.496.1555 for information on exhibiting or volunteering at the event.
To learn more, visit danapointchamber.com

Dana Point Restaurant Week
March 1st – 10th
Dana Point’s Restaurant Week is back! Treat yourself to this delicious event, taking place from Friday, March 1st through Sunday, March 10th. Twelve of Dana Point’s finest restaurants will participate and diners will have the opportunity to sample specialty dishes and prix fixe menus.

During the week, some of the city’s most talented chefs will personalize their menus to celebrate the Festival of Whales. Whether you’re a local or just visiting, Restaurant Week is the perfect time to explore new places, enjoy a romantic dinner, or gather with friends for a night out in Dana Point! Start arranging your week of great eats now. To see what your favorite restaurant is offering, visit DPRestaurantWeek.com.

 

The San Juan Capistrano Fiesta Association will proudly host its annual Taste of San Juan on Tuesday, February 12th from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. at the beautiful San Juan Hills Golf Club. More than twenty local restaurants will tempt you with tastes of their finest cuisine in a lively atmosphere with music and dancing.

Admission is $20 and includes tastings from participating restaurants such as RokPrime Steakhouse, Sundried Tomato Café, Ricardo’s Place, The Vintage Steakhouse, L’Hirondelle, 3:16 Bakery, Sarducci’s, Donna B’s, Mission Grill, El Adobe and San Juan Hills Golf Club to name just a few. There is a no host bar, but San Juan Hills Golf Club will honor its happy hour prices throughout the evening.

All Taste of San Juan participants will receive voting ballots to select their favorite restaurants in the following categories: Best Main Course; Best Original Dish; Best Appetizer and Best Dessert.

Event chair Stephanie Frisch says, “This year we have partnered with the recently resurrected San Juan Capistrano Restaurant and Tourism Council to give more exposure to participating restaurants at the Taste of San Juan.”

The Taste of San Juan is a fundraising event for the all-volunteer, nonprofit San Juan Capistrano Fiesta Association. Proceeds from the Taste will be used to present a variety of community events throughout the year – most notably – the 55th Swallows Day Parade on Saturday, March 23rd.

SAVE THE DATE…
The San Juan Capistrano Fiesta Association will also be sponsoring a variety of other events in the upcoming weeks. Mark your calendar for these fun-filled festivities that will take place throughout the city.

Kids Pet Parade
Be sure to check out the Kids Pet Parade on February 24th at Zoomars Petting Zoo from 10:00 a.m. to noon (rain date is Sunday, March 3rd). All children 12 and under are invited to bring their pets to enter in contests including the best team costume, most unusual pet, most obedient pet and more.

Restaurant Week
San Juan Capistrano’s Restaurant Week will run from February 17th to the 24th. Many participating Taste of San Juan restaurants will offer $10 lunch specials and $20 dinner specials during the week.

El Presidente Ball
The El Presidente Ball will be held on Saturday, March 16th at El Adobe Restaurant from 6:30 to 11:30 p.m. The Ball will be a wild western formal event in the spirit of the Swallow’s Parade’s theme “Happy Trails!”

Fiesta Grande
The lively Fiesta Grande is planned for March 20th from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. at The Swallow’s Inn. Don your finest Old West outfit and get set for a night of Wild West entertainment.

Hoos’Gow Day
Get decked out in your Western gear for Hoos’Gow Day taking place in downtown San Juan on Friday, March 22nd. The Fiesta Association Deputies will be on hand to “arrest” anyone not dressed in the appropriate attire (and some who are, but just look like they need time in the Hoosegow) or any man who is clean-shaven.

Swallows’ Day Parade
The 55th annual Swallows’ Day Parade will be held on Saturday, March 23rd – rain or shine. The Parade is part of the Fiesta de la Golondrinas, celebrating the legend of the return of the swallows to the San Juan Capistrano Mission on March 19th- St. Joseph’s Day. The Parade is the nation’s largest non-motorized parade.

Best places in South OC to get into shape
By Shelley T. Hudson

If you’ve opened every last present and did not get that new body you asked for, you’re in luck. With so many exercise options available in South OC, those toned arms and taut tummy are just a few weeks away. Get moving NOW, and be bootylicious by Spring Break!

BT FITNESS
BT Fitness is San Clemente’s premier private training studio and was voted in the top five for “best personal trainers” on the OC Hotlist. Through the combination of private personal training and challenging programming, including TRX Suspension, Fusion, and yoga, clients can achieve quicker results than with a single-exercise routine. BT is also the only studio in San Clemente to offer the revolutionary Proformer workout. Log on to www.bt-fit.com to take advantage of this month’s special offers. For more information please call 949.276.2706.

BELLA PILATES
With private and semi-private classes 7 days a week, Bella Pilates offers something for everyone, including children with special needs, seniors, high-level athletes and those in and out of shape. Bella Pilates provides individual, modified and safe workouts that will leave you energized, limber and lean. Pilates benefits those seeking injury rehabilitaion to those wanting overall improved health and quality of life. Get started in January with $99 per month unlimited group reformer classes or a 1-hour free private session for new clients. For more information please call 949.388.2747.

CB CYCLEBARN
This is the latest specialized studio to come to San Clemente, offering indoor cycling classes for all fitness levels. If you’re a little intimidated by large clubs or traditional spinning, check out CycleBarn’s non-impact classes and state-of-the-art Freemotion Carbon Drive bikes. Unlimited monthly memberships or 10 or 20-class packages are available, so it’s easy to add cycling to your existing regimen or become a dedicated CB cyclist. Hop on in January to take advantage of a “one month free” special offer. For more information please call 949.481.5438.

ANYTIME FITNESS
Convenience, round-the-clock access and individualized training from some of the most experienced and educated strength coaches in Orange County are the hallmarks of Anytime Fitness’s brand. Incentives like free zumba and yoga classes, 40 virtual classes, no enrollment fee, and two free personal training sessions have motivated even the most committed couch potatoes to jog right over. Nutritional counseling based on the “Precision Nutrition” program helps members develop a comprehensive approach to wellness—100,000 successful clients can’t be wrong! Reach Anytime Fitness in San Juan Capistrano: 949.481.2220 and San Clemente: 949.276.8888.

JAZZERCISE
The original dance workout is still one of the hottest workouts in town! Jazzercise classes overlooking the beautiful Dana Point Harbor are better than ever, with new routines and a powerful 60-minute total body workout. Burn up to 600 calories and change the shape and composition of your body while having fun with this jazz, strength training, Pilates, yoga, and kickboxing combo. Dance your way to the OC Sailing & Events Center and get ten classes for only $89 with no sign up fee for new customers. For more information please call 949.492.7817.

ZEN DOJO
Zen Dojo offers martial arts classes and fitness programs for all levels of interest and ages starting at 3 years old. Featuring Kempo Karate, Divas in Defense, Krav Maga Self-Defense Classes, a Children’s Life Skills Program, and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, there’s something for everyone in the family at San Juan Capistrono’s largest martial arts studio. Founder and Chief Instructor Paul Benavidez has been teaching martial arts in the area since 1991. Zen Dojo was voted “Best Martial Arts Studio” in San Juan Capistrano in 2012 and Lead Instructor Marco O’Campo was named “Best Coach in San Juan Capistrano” by the Capistrano Dispatch newspaper. January is an ideal time to get started. The studio’s 2 for 1 special offer on all programs (for new students with paid enrollment) ends on January 31st. For more information please call 949.240.6574.

Surfing Santa Competition Benefits Children with Autism

Every year, The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel celebrates the holidays in grand style. With surfing Santas, the Annual Holiday Tree Lighting celebration, and the festive Howl-iday Yappy Hour, the resort is the perfect place to ring in the season.

Santa Shreds
Get wet for a great cause at the 3rd annual Surfing Santa Competition on Saturday, November 17th at 7:30 a.m. Sport your best jelly belly and beard while riding the surf at Salt Creek Beach to benefit children with Autism.

This jolly competition raises funds for the non-profit organization – Surfers Healing. Founded by Izzy and Danielle Paskowitz, parents of an autistic son diagnosed at age three, Surfers Healing is dedicated to enriching the lives of people living with autism by exposing them to surfing.

The Competition features a $1,000 prize for first place in the Big Air “Flying Rudolph” category. Additional prizes will be awarded in each of the other categories: Santa’s Helpers (15 and under), Santa’s Elves (16 to 20-year-olds), Toymakers (ages 20+), and Yule Loggers (open long board). The entry fee is $40 per person in advance or $50 after November 15th. Surfers can register online at SurfingSantaContest.org.

Get on Board
In conjunction with the Surfing Santa Competition, The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel hosts the Annual Holiday Surfboard Auction with proceeds supporting Surfers Healing. The auction features a selection of boards from surf legends, talented artists, celebrities and renowned musicians. This year’s auction includes signed boards from Laird Hamilton, Donavon Frankenreiter, Mark Healy, Taylor Knox, Greg Long, and Josh Kerr, as well as art boards by Roy Gonzalez, Paul Bond, Eric Diamond and Damien Fulton. Celebrity boards include one autographed by the cast of Hawaii Five-O, a board signed by the cast of Sons of Anarchy, and boards from Flea and Anthony Kiedis of the Red Hot Chili Peppers. All auction surfboards will be on display at the resort from November 17th through December 31st. To place a bid, go to BiddingForGood.com/SurfersHealing.

See the Light
The Ritz-Carlton welcomes the community to the 28th Annual Holiday Tree Lighting on Sunday, November 18th at 4 p.m. The celebration includes flipping the switch to illuminate the 50-foot tree, holiday music performed by The Jeeps and, of course, a visit from Santa Claus himself. Children can have their photo taken with good ol’ Saint Nick while giving him the rundown on their wish lists. Guests are encouraged to bring canned or non-perishable food items, toys, books and stuffed animals that will be donated to local Orange County charities.

You’re in for a Treat
Guests will also enjoy a gingerbread display created by the resort’s pastry team. More than 400 hours will go in to making this year’s “FantaSea-Land” themed display. The amazing work is crafted from gingerbread, sugar cubes, waffles, pretzels, cream puffs, rolls, cookies, crackers, cereal, macaroons, dried fruit, chocolate shavings, candy, candy and more candy.

Happy Howl-idays!
Four-legged friends will also have a chance to celebrate at theHowl-iday Yappy Hour on Saturday, December 1st from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. This gathering of canines and their companions offers Fido the opportunity to snag a photo-op with the “Big Dog” himself–Mr. Claus. Photos with Santa are $10 per canine and guests are asked to bring unopened, canned or dry dog food, treats or dog toys to be donated to the Shelter. These items will provide support and comfort to canines at the Shelter that have not yet found forever families.

Sharing is Caring
Throughout the season, the resort collects donations of canned goods, non-perishable food items, toys, books and stuffed animals that will be provided to local Orange County charities, including Miracles for Kids, Orange County Rescue Mission and Children’s Hospital of Orange County. In return for your donation, the Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel will present you with the gift of an Anniversary Card, offering a 15 percent value in its restaurants, spa and retail shop, as well as complimentary day valet parking.

Halloween 2012 South Orange County
By Shelley T. Hudson

DANA POINT
On Friday, October 26th from 5 to 8:30 p.m., bring the whole family to Dana Point’s Lantern Bay Park for the Halloween Spooktacular & Moonlight Movie, which features cupcake decorating, a costume parade and pumpkin contests (ages 3 – 10). A 6:15 p.m. screening of Monster House includes free popcorn and other refreshments for purchase. Bundle up your goblins and ghouls, bring plenty of warm blankets and your already-carved or decorated pumpkins.

The Ocean Institute’s annual Tidepool of Terrors is a terrific family day out. This elaborate event combines Halloween traditions with science and hands-on activities. On Sunday, October 28th from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., kids can trick-or-treat through the Institute, show off costumes, hear scary stories from a ghost pirate, make crafts and participate in a variety of spooky science labs. Exhibits including Vampires of the Deep and Ghastly Goo will expose kids to the wonders of our oceans. Prizes will be awarded for scariest, most eco-friendly and best ocean-themed costume. Admission is $6.50 for adults, $4.50 for kids, and FREE for members and kids in costume.

On Saturday, October 27th from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., a portion of Doheny State Beach will be transformed into a Haunted Campground. A variety of educational booths, crafts, spooky stuff, and fun zones will get kids into the Halloween spirit. Please bring a non-perishable food donation to this free event.

LAGUNA NIGUEL
Laguna Niguel is where the entire family can carve out some fun this Halloween. On Friday, October 5th from 7 to 9 p.m., sixth through eighth-graders can imagine themselves investigating X-files at Ghost Hunters Night. Teams explore the park and search for signs of “paranormal activity,” meet up to share their findings and enjoy pizza and a build-your-own-sundae bar. This unique evening is held at Crown Valley Community Park and is $5 per student.

Don’t be too scared to have a good time while you learn at the Ritz-Carlton’s Creatures of the Night experience. The Ritz has partnered with Jean-Michel Cousteau’s Ambassadors of the Environment for an exploration of the five senses through activities including the Shadow Game, a Ghoulish Smell, Bump in the Night, Monster Madness, Let Me Pick Your Brain and Candy Bar Taste Test. This event is part of a series of eco-tours by Cousteau’s organization with the mission of exposing the community to our delicate local ecosystems. Wear your costumes and prepare to be amazed! The party is held nightly, October 25th through 27th, from 6 to 9 p.m. Admission is $65 per person.

From October 25th through 27th, the ghoulish fun continues at the 11th Annual Haunted Trails event at Crown Valley Community Park. This year’s theme is “Hol-i-daze” and frights of all sorts are planned for the “victims.” From 6:30 to 10 p.m., small groups wander through tents and mazes encountering mad leprechauns, rabid rabbits and other monsters. Wear comfy shoes and street clothes and leave kids younger than eight with a sitter. Admission is $10 and tickets will be sold only at the event.

SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO
Zoomars gets into costume with its annual Pumpkinpalooza for the tiny tots. Zoomars leaves out the scary stuff and hosts a hay maze and crafts tables every day in October from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Pick the perfect pumpkin from a patch of more than 5,000 and stop by the petting zoo for a pony or train ride.

The SJC Historical Society’s Ghost Walk Tours will surely send a shiver down your spine. On a stroll down historical Los Rios Street, your guide will share eerie tales of headless monks, big scary dogs and more. Meet at the O’Neill Museum for the 6:30, 7:00 or 7:30 start on Saturday, October 27th. Reservations are a must and tickets are $5 for adults and $3 for children younger than twelve.