Barre3

Goodbye Limits. Hello Results.

by Veronica Badzey

If you’re looking for an exceptional workout in Orange County that is unintimidating and yet delivers visible results, then you’re overdue for a class at Barre3. Known for its philosophy of balancing mind and body, the classes combine the three disciplines of ballet, yoga, and Pilates to energize, strengthen muscles and improve flexibility. Far more than a gym, Barre3 is a community where people from all walks of life come to get fit, make connections and develop lasting friendships.

Co-owners Jessica Leonard and Nicki Insley opened their Laguna Niguel studio three years ago, adding a second location in San Clemente last year. Part of the national Barre3 network, both locations offer bright, clean workout rooms, a friendly staff, and a childcare center so that parents can attend a class even with kids in tow. The San Clemente studio has a soothing view of the ocean, enjoyed by participants as they cool down at the end of one of Barre3’s heart-pumping workouts.

Sadie Lincoln, a former executive for 24 Hour Fitness with 20 years of experience in the industry, developed Barre3 for those who were burned out on the traditional, hard core approach to exercise. With more than 100 locations across the country, Barre3’s growth can be attributed to an effective workout that generates proven results while being gentle on the body. Sixty minutes from start to finish, a typical Barre3 class is an intense, full body workout that builds strength, flexibility, and stamina, through a series of mindful, low-impact exercises designed to create long, lean muscles, a strong core and optimal postural alignment. The ultimate goal is to have you feeling strong and balanced – inside and out.

“I’m constantly humbled by it,” says Nicki, “It’s a crazy hard workout, and yet it’s kind on the body at the same time.” Self-proclaimed “gym rats,” Jessica and Nicki are no strangers to the fitness world. “I used to push through injury all the time,” Nicki explains, “I would beat my body up in the gym every day, then go home drained, exhausted, and feeling bad about myself.”

Jessica first found Barre3 through the company’s online workouts, one of the largest and most popular online platforms in the industry. Hundreds of workouts are available for streaming from an online video library, with weekly updates from instructors, master teachers, and studio owners across the country. The online community is also a valuable resource for recipes and motivational tools that help achieve a balanced, healthy lifestyle.

Barre3 takes its name from its innovative three-part formula: 1) The Hold – firing muscles through correct body alignment; 2) Move Small – bringing muscles to the point of fatigue and integrating the core; and 3) Move Big – large range movements that flush the body and increase heart rate. Most Barre-style workouts don’t include Step 3, which increases “functional strength” by mimicking movements used in daily life. This multi-layered approach produces stellar results in a remarkably short time; most clients who attend class consistently experience a positive change in as little as two weeks.

Instructors encourage modifications to the workout, providing personalized solutions for each client so they can achieve the ultimate burn, no matter their current fitness level. “You meet yourself where you are that day,” says Jessica. “We have people come in who have never worked out a day in their lives, and next to them is a 22-year-old marathon runner, and it is challenging for both of them.” Barre3 offers pre-natal and post-natal workouts, and often works with clients who are post-chemotherapy, post-cancer, or recovering from injuries or accidents.

The benefits of the method go far beyond the physical rewards of weight loss, increased muscle tone, and improved posture. “People walk out the door with so much energy,” Nicki enthuses, “ready to conquer their day. It creates a ripple effect that extends into the rest of their lives.”

Now is a great time to start. Barre3’s $99 new client special gives you unlimited classes for a month. For a smaller class sampling, the 3 for $40 deal offers an enticing incentive
to get moving. So what are you waiting for?

For more info, visit barre3.com.
23882 Aliso Creek Rd, Laguna Niguel  |   949.328.9633
638 Camino De Los Mares, San Clemente  |  949.429.1738

Gary Jolliff Insurance Services

Protecting What Matters Most

by Veronica Badzey

If you’ve ever had to shop for a new insurance policy, then you know it can be an overwhelming experience. Gary Jolliff and his team in Laguna Beach are committed to making these difficult decisions stress-free, while providing every client with the peace of mind of knowing that they’re covered when they need it most. 

Gary has been providing consistent, quality insurance services to clients throughout California for over 25 years. Last year, he received Allstate’s prestigious Best in Company award, designating him the #1 insurance advisor in the country…quite an accomplishment when you consider the tens of thousands of agents that are affiliated with the company. He has also been a member of the Allstate Hall of Fame, the Circle of Champions, the Allstate Leader’s Forum, the Inner Circle Elite, and has received the National Conference Award and the Honor Ring for the last 12 and 14 years, respectively. 

Although Gary has the ability to shop many different companies as an independent broker, he and his agents ultimately insure about 80% of their clients with Allstate. “They have a history of paying claims,” Gary says of the well-respected company, “with superior customer service you can depend on. Every customer receives a direct line to a dedicated insurance advisor, so you won’t waste hours on the phone wading through endless phone prompts, or struggling to do it yourself online.”

Employing a “service matters” motto, Gary puts his customers first in every business dealing, and has worked hard over the years to build an office known for its professionalism, personalized customer service, and knowledgeable staff. “This is our home away from home,” says Sandra, an insurance advisor on Gary’s team, “Our clients are like family to us.” Every one of the office’s six advisors is dedicated to providing outstanding customer service. Going above and beyond, making themselves available 24/7 by providing cell numbers to clients is standard practice among the team.

Gary’s agency offers a wide range of insurance services, including home, condo, auto, motorcycle, life, business, flood, and renter’s insurance, as well as mortgage pay-off, loss of income, and personal policies. William, the office’s financial advisor, provides expertise in the areas of investments, annuities, legacies, and retirement products. When shopping for a new insurance or financial package, Gary recognizes that staying within a budget is often a concern. “Money is important,” he says, “but getting the correct coverage is even more important.” As a result, Gary and his staff go out of their way to educate their clientele about the specifics of a policy, making certain they understand exactly what they’re purchasing. 

Yet what makes Gary exceptional isn’t just his 30 years of experience as an agent, or his insistence on concierge-level service. Clients also benefit from his relationships with specialty companies who serve niche markets. Gary recently insured four new luxury homes in the Strand beachfront community of Dana Point. This particular insurance company guarantees to rebuild your home, which is virtually unheard of in the insurance business. “I have the ability to broker to companies that do things that are out of this world,” says Gary, “which most other agencies aren’t able to do. Customers can get things here that they can’t get anywhere else.”

Along with an exemplary work ethic and a unique breadth of product offerings, Gary brings a special brand of integrity to his profession. “This job is all about helping protect people’s lives,” he says, “protecting the things that matter most. It’s very gratifying and rewarding to be able to serve in that way. That’s our purpose in life…to be here to help somebody. And we get to do that all day long.”

Gary lives in San Juan Capistrano with his wife Eileen, who is also an insurance advisor, and their four children. Their office is located at 1475 Glenneyre Street, Laguna Beach, in the Hobbit Center, across the street from the Surf and Sand Hotel.

1475 Glenneyre St, Laguna Beach
Mobile: (949) 798-9269
Office: (949) 497-1861

Design to Sell

By OC Real Estate 411

It’s a brave new world of real estate. While staging a home for sale has become increasingly common, OC Real Estate 411 has taken it to the next level. Their Design to Sell model is giving home sellers astounding returns, setting home sale price records and making traditional real estate marketing an antiquated concept.

“Everyone needs Design to Sell,” states Robyn Webb, Owner and Broker of OC Real Estate 411. “The way we design our home to live is far different than how a home should be designed to sell.” Webb has an MBA from USC and is also a certified interior designer. “In traditional real estate, the agent encourages the homeowner to de-clutter and move some items into the garage. Then, the agent brings in a photographer and puts the photos on the Internet. In order to grab a buyer’s attention, the photos have to be stunning, and that must start with the design of the house itself.”

Steve and Carolyn Fowle, of San Juan Capistrano, were blown away by the results. “After listing our home for 5 months with another broker, we decided to take the Design to Sell plunge and we called OC Real Estate 411. After a $31,000 investment, we sold our home for $400,000 higher than the best offer we received with the previous agent. What’s more incredible, Robyn sold our home in less than a week! We now know that what Robyn is doing with Design to Sell is truly a game changer and the only way a home should be sold.”

The Design to Sell concept is a value-added service that works for a wide range of homeowners, with varying goals, that may have a budget as low as $500 or as high as $50,000. This mini-makeover starts with an unbiased, third-party valuation of the home’s market value. The OC Real Estate 411 team then assesses the home and recommends changes that will have the greatest buyer emotional impact on the home’s sale value. From there, Robyn and her team execute the new design. The results are impressive. The majority of homeowners have sold their homes in 30 days or less, and for prices that well exceeded expectations. “Most of our clients get at least 3 times their return on investment,” Webb states. “We don’t take lightly that we are asking homeowners to make a big investment and permanently change their home — they need to be serious about selling and they need to trust the process.”

HGTV shows like Fixer Upper and Property Brothers have changed homebuyers’ expectations. For those buyers that don’t have the time or funds to take on these transformations, Design to Sell meets an unmet need, and makes the property stand out against the competition. For those that do want to try a fixer upper, OC Real Estate 411 does the reverse business model as well. Referred to as “Orange County’s Joanna Gaines” by her clients, Webb enjoys helping homebuyers purchase a fixer upper and transform it afterward into their dream home. “Our home appraised for $265,000 more than the purchase price after we invested a fraction of that with Robyn’s fixer upper program. We now have our dream home and are sitting on a pile of equity,” states Darlene Jones of Laguna Niguel.

Webb’s business is rooted in ethics and integrity, as evidenced by her Champion of Home Award, presented by the California Association of Realtors. Of approximately 500,000 real estate agents in California, only 1-3 are designated with this prestigious award each year, which recognizes ethics, professionalism and overall exemplary conduct of a Realtor^®. With over $200 million sold, Webb strives for every client experience to become a client for life. “This isn’t a job for me”, she says, “It’s a labor of true love.”

OC Real Estate 411
949.359.6572 | OCRealEstate411.com

Ross Legacy Medical Group

Modern Medicine. Traditional Care.

When Dr. Karl Gebhard, the founder of Ross Legacy Medical Group, was a young boy, Little House on the Prairie was filmed on a horse property near his house in the L.A. area. “It was fascinating to watch famous actors play their roles, but what struck me most was Doc Baker and his vintage doctor’s bag. I wondered if actual physicians still used those doctor’s bags and if they were as much a part of their town and families as the Doc Baker character was on the show,” says Dr. Gebhard.

Many years later, Gebhard was talking to an older physician and noticed he carried a black bag almost identical to Doc Baker’s. He pondered if he had finally met a real life “Doc Baker.” It turned out that he had, and that man was Dr. Ross.

After graduating from medical school and working in several corporate-owned clinics, Dr. Gebhard formed a partnership with Dr. Ross. He wanted to practice family medicine that cares for an entire community, focusing on traditional ideals and a strong work ethic while being innovative and technologically current. When Dr. Ross passed in 2008, Dr. Gebhard promised himself that he would continue that same mission.

Dr. Gebhard feels fortunate to be back at the Mission Viejo location that Dr. Ross founded over forty years ago. He and the team at Ross Legacy Medical Group are proud to serve the families of south Orange County. To schedule an appointment, please call 949.305.0110 or visit RossLegacy.net. Walk-ins are always welcome.

Ross Legacy Medical Group
26922 Oso Parkway, Ste. 380, Mission Viejo
949.305.0110 | RossLegacy.net

U.S. Reclaimed

Vintage Lumber & Wood Works

by Veronica Badzey

Ben Bonin spent 15 years as a contractor before opening U.S. Reclaimed Vintage Lumber and Wood Works in Laguna Niguel. Traveling throughout the U.S., from Mississippi to New York, Ben and his team repurpose pre-1900s barns, houses and old buildings, saving them from being demolished, burned down or winding up in landfills. Ben’s passion for reusing timeworn materials and artifacts in contemporary ways is expressed in the creative designs, quality products and one-of-a-kind treasures he creates.

Ben’s vision for starting his own company was inspired by his experiences with other reclaimed wood companies. “I wanted a store that was super customer friendly,” Ben says, “where people could walk in, find what they were looking for and talk with an expert without getting the run around.” Ben’s commitment to his customers is paramount and he often develops personal, lasting relationships with many of them.

Ben loves the process and outcomes of working with reclaimed wood because of its beauty, history, and superior quality. In the beginning, Ben and his wife, Bethany, hunted for wooden gems themselves; now they receive calls on a weekly basis from owners who have heard of U.S. Reclaimed and want to sell their old structures. These unique pieces of history are built using, as Ben says, “just about every kind of hardwood that grew in America.” As Ben explains, “The wood we retrieve is first generation lumber from some of the first trees cut down in America. It’s just solid, good wood. Today, everything is farmed, and the trees have lost the natural defenses that keep out bugs and diseases that cause rot.”

Recycled materials from deconstructed buildings provide a seemingly inexhaustible supply of high quality lumber. Newer lumber from farmed trees can’t compare to the beauty and quality of reclaimed wood. “It’s a joy to work with,” states Ben. “It’s more beautiful; you don’t get the same grains, density, and colors from farmed trees that have been cut down six or seven times since the country has started logging.”

U.S. Reclaimed Vintage Lumber offers a design store, lumber yard, and woodworking shop all in one, providing clients with design services, construction, and raw materials for any DIY project. The company has created everything from furniture to flooring, wall paneling, ceiling beams, fireplace mantles and tabletops – even shelving, frames, and sliding barn doors. Ben’s expertise and the shop’s wide range of unique, raw materials ensure that every customer walks away with a truly one-of-a-kind piece no matter the scope of the project.

Many customers will even research the back-story behind their lumber, discovering details of American history from the time when the structure was originally built. “My favorite part of this business,” says Ben, “is traveling and meeting the characters from all these different towns in areas of the U.S. where people don’t normally want to go. Jumping into their way of life for a couple of days is fun and then I get to bring a piece of that back with me.”

Some of his more memorable projects include historical renovations, like the old grain mill tower on Alicia Parkway that was constructed in the early 1900s, or rebuilding the floors of a 19th century church in Santa Ana. Projects like these often require Ben to use the relationships he’s developed to source out reclaimed materials that match those used in the initial construction. He has also designed and outfitted many popular businesses around town. The Cellar restaurant in San Clemente, for example, commissioned Ben to build its bar from reclaimed wine barrels and to create custom wine racks. His newest project, Water Grill in Costa Mesa, features impressive wood beamed ceilings, pillars, and a stunning herringbone patterned floor.

To customize your own unique piece of history, stop by U.S. Reclaimed Vintage Lumber &
Wood Works, located on Camino Capistrano in Laguna Niguel, just off Avery Parkway and the 5 Freeway. For a glimpse of U.S. Reclaimed’s extensive gallery of work, visit USreclaimed.com.

U.S. Reclaimed Vintage Lumber & Wood Works
28052 Camino Capistrano Ste. 103, Laguna Niguel
(949) 364-1207 • USreclaimed.com

Dana Point Oktoberfest

Free Admission  |  October 15th  |  12 – 7 p.m. |  Sea Terrace Park

Dana Point’s 3rd annual Oktoberfest captures the true spirit of the season, combining German food, music and dancing with a bit of fun in the sun. This time-honored folk festival, which originated in Munich in 1810, delivers the Bavarian traditions you’d expect with a California-style twist!

“We’re here to celebrate!” enthuses Master of Ceremonies Peter Melton, or the “Pieter Meister,” as he is affectionately called throughout the event. “Plan to come early and stay late. We always have a rockin’ good time!” 

The free, family-friendly event is produced by Eventwerks in conjunction with the City of Dana Point, and has been growing in popularity since its inception three years ago. Last year, thousands attended the festival, partying until the end of the day and drinking up every last bit of tasty German beer. This year, the same tempting array of authentic German Bratwurst, Knockwurst, German potatoes, sauerkraut, sweet treats, pretzels (the Pieter Meister’s favorite), and of course, plenty of beer – including at least 15 varieties of premium German and American brew, plus wine and non-alcoholic beverages for the kids will be on hand. Munich’s famous Spaten beer takes center stage, along with favorites from Franziskaner, Beck’s and Hoegaarden. Enjoy your favorite brew in a 16.9 oz. commemorative Dana Point Oktoberfest mug  that comes with party beads and your first beer for only $20. Refills are only $8.

It wouldn’t be Oktoberfest without festive music! The Bavarian BeerGarden Band will provide traditional and fun German music starting at noon and the Warsaw Poland Bros. will liven things up with their unique Oktoberfest Polka-Billy musical style starting at 4 p.m. Games include musical chairs for the kids, the hilarious and now-famous sausage toss, the ever-popular chicken dance, a sauerkraut eating contest, stein holding, and beer chugging. The festivities also feature sing-a-long songs and a dance party, lending this traditional German folk festival a distinctly American flavor.

“Part of what’s made our Oktoberfest event such a success,” shares Peter, “is how we’ve combined German tradition with good, old American fun. I’ve had people come up to me, even traditional people who’ve been to Oktoberfest celebrations for years, and tell me they prefer ours greatly.”

Sea Terrace Park in Dana Point provides a stunning venue, with gorgeous ocean views of Salt Creek Beach, fresh sea breezes, grassy park areas where the kids can run around and play, and an abundance of picnic tables. For a close-up view of the stage and the Pieter Meister’s crazy brand of German-American fun, arrive early to get the best table. Many attendees come dressed in costume, but if you happen to forget your lederhosen, vendors will be selling gear and souvenirs on-site. 

Most of all, come prepared to have a good time. Whether you’re German or American, have attended Oktoberfest every year or if this is your first one, you will find something to enjoy. Starting with the playful opening ceremony and tapping of the keg, the day promises a boisterous good time with family and friends, and hilarity as revelers dance, sing, and toast to the bounty of the harvest season. As the Pieter Meister says, “The dance party at the end, as it’s getting dark, is worth the trip alone!”

Dana Point’s Oktoberfest runs from 12 p.m. until 7 p.m. on Saturday, October 15th. Free parking and a free shuttle to and from the event can be found at Dana Hills High School (33333 Golden Lantern Road). The first shuttle starts from Dana Hills High School at 11:30 a.m. and runs every half hour thereafter until 7:30 p.m. Additional parking is easily accessible on Niguel Road and Stonehill Drive, and entrances to the event can be found behind the Dana Point Library walking path and through the underground Pacific Coast Highway tunnel adjacent to the Salt Creek Beach parking lot. For more information on parking visit the website at DanaPointOktoberfest.com.

MemorialCare Medical Group & Urgent Care

By Veronica Bradzey

For 20 years, MemorialCare Medical Group and Urgent Care has been an integral part of San Juan Capistrano and its surrounding communities, providing outpatient services to thousands in Orange County and beyond. Marking the one-year anniversary in its new location on Rancho Viejo Road, local residents also have cause to celebrate their access to premier patient care — 365 days a year — at this beautiful, one-stop-shop health center.

When MemorialCare Medical Group moved into its newly constructed, 25,000 square foot building last year, the doctors and staff were excited to offer the highest level of care, with the added convenience of an ultra-modern, well-equipped health center.

“One of the great things about working in this office,” says Ian Bare, MD, Medical Director of MemorialCare Medical Group Urgent Care, “is that we’re not some little office on an island. As a member of MemorialCare Health System, we are connected to a broad medical community, giving us the ability to provide comprehensive rather than episodic care.”

The office staff includes dedicated urgent care physicians, primary care physicians specializing in family practice, internal medicine and pediatrics; plus an onsite podiatrist, pulmonologist, palliative specialist, and a Coumadin Clinic.

“It comes down to giving people what they need, right then and there,” says Dr. Bare, “whether it’s a Kleenex and cough medicine, or it’s stabilizing them and calling an ambulance.” Being part of MemorialCare Health System makes this level of care possible, connecting patients, doctors, imaging centers, hospitals, and specialists through its Electronic Medical Records System (EMR).

The advantages and opportunities that are recognized from the EMR allow providers to deliver patient-centered coordinated care. The EMR enables doctors to instantly share patients’ medical history, hospital notes, imaging notes and specialist consultations so that all providers are on the same page. Whether a patient comes in with a dislocated finger or chest pains, any doctor they see will have immediate access to their full medical history within the MemorialCare Health System.

Along with an incredibly friendly team and caring, highly-qualified doctors and nurses, the office boasts a wide array of advanced equipment, allowing most procedures to be completed in-house. Accessibility to a full-time laboratory, ultrasound, an EKG machine, cardiac monitoring, dedicated procedure rooms with surgical equipment, point of care testing for glucose, hemoglobin and urine studies, and IVs for medications and fluids enhances treatment and delivery of optimal results.

“We try to be ready for anything that’s reasonable to do in an outpatient setting,” Dr. Bare says. And for anything they can’t handle in-house? “We’re backed by the entire MemorialCare Health System,” adds Bare.  If a patient comes in with a condition that requires a fully-equipped hospital, the health care team calls Saddleback Memorial ahead to make arrangements for the patient before their arrival, apprising the caregivers of the situation through the EMR.

Popular amenities offered at the health center include free Wi-Fi, a health education center, a private consultation room, and a drive-up outpatient drop-off area where patients can call for assistance when entering or leaving the facility.

MemorialCare Medical Group is active in the community, sponsoring events such as the Sports Physical Workshop at San Juan Hills High School, where Urgent Care doctors perform 600-700 sports physicals in one afternoon. Many of the Primary Care doctors present health-related seminars at businesses and community centers throughout Orange County. 

“Most of all, we want you to realize that we’re here for you,” Dr. Bare says. “Even if it’s just that you’re concerned and don’t know what to do, we’re happy to see you and get you on the right track.”

Team Nikos Basketball Academy

At The Ladera Sports Center

by Veronica Bradzey

Steve Williams moved from Wyoming to California to play Division I basketball at UC Riverside, then stayed to develop one of the most comprehensive youth basketball programs in the state. The ball is now in his court to elevate the sport he loves to a new level for student athletes in Orange County.

Steve’s passion for the game started as a young boy, “Growing up, basketball was a family thing,” says Williams, “Everyone played — cousins, uncles, my mom. I’ve always loved it.” It comes as no surprise then that his club team shares a name with his five-year-old son — Nikos, meaning “victory,” in Greek.

With six national youth Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) championships under its belt, Team Nikos Basketball Academy stands poised to achieve even greater success with the Grand Opening of the Ladera Sports Center on August 6th, which will serve as its new permanent home. Most teams are forced to travel from school to school to practice, competing for limited courts — often at the mercy of last minute schedule changes and school events. “No one else has this,” Williams states. “It makes a huge difference in our ability to offer quality programs in one single location, as well as the convenience and consistency we can provide to our players and their families.”

The architecturally stunning and state-of-the-art complex is an undeniable game-changer for Team Nikos and Orange County athletics. The 60,000 square foot gymnasium boasts 48,750 square feet of court space with noise decibel reduction systems, beautiful maple flooring, and ceiling-mounted basketball hoops and volleyball nets. The fully air conditioned facility offers ample spectator seats at all 8 courts, large screen TVs, and an all-star cafe, making it an ideal venue for hosting tournaments with 24 already scheduled in the first year. Among its most impressive amenities is the center’s ability to live stream high definition content so that parents can watch games and practices on their choice of devices without having to miss a moment. The Sports Center also features a study room where players can catch up on homework or watch game films in between practices.

Members of Team Nikos will benefit from a fantastic new home, as well as a top-notch program, including two dedicated coaches for every practice, two 90-minute practices per week, two tournaments per month, and travel to out-of-state tournaments three times a year. Skill levels among the 200, second grade to high school-aged players range from beginners to the most highly competitive, and all have access to two group training sessions per week at Team Nikos Basketball Academy. Academy sessions are Mondays and Wednesdays from 5 to 7 p.m., focusing on drills and fundamentals to increase agility, speed, and stamina.

Unlike similar programs, Team Nikos has adopted an inclusive policy that welcomes multi-sport athletes, and is flexible when it comes to accommodating conflicting schedules. The club believes in giving equal time to boys and girls, and is holding tryouts for its first all-girls club team on September 1. Open tryouts for the Academy take place on August 30 at 6 p.m.

With a degree in Education and experience as a teacher and coach at Saddleback Valley Christian Schools and Saddleback College, Coach Steve is uniquely suited to run Team Nikos. He employs an individualized, hands-on approach, and hires coaches not just for their skills and experience, but also for their integrity, loyalty, and passion for teaching. “Kids learn about so much more than basketball,” says Steve. “That’s just the fun part. They also learn life-long lessons about commitment, teamwork, and the value of community.”

In addition to Team Nikos, Steve and his partner Jameel Mahmud run recreational National Junior Basketball (NJB) leagues that serve over 1,500 kids year-round in South OC and Long Beach. Both chapters are open to boys and girls from 2nd grade through high school, with an open draft process and volunteer coaches. Participants have the option to attend Monday sessions at the Basketball Academy as part of the league program.

For more information on team tryouts and season schedules, visit TeamNikos.com

Mogavero Orthodontics

Beautiful Smiles for Life

by Veronica Bradzey

Jack Witherspoon, Cambria Mogavero,
Cole Schamber, Payton Gillett, and
Jagger Eaton are all patients with
winning smiles of Dr. Frank Mogavero!

For 26 years, Dr. Frank Mogavero has been creating big, beautiful smiles. Specializing in orthodontics and facial orthopedics, Dr. Frank, as patients affectionately call him, sees himself as more than an orthodontist. Over the course of his career, he’s shaped the gorgeous smiles of over 10,000 patients, and has also witnessed the tremendous boost in confidence that often accompany his results.

Studies show that people with nicer smiles get better jobs, are thought of as more intelligent, and receive more opportunities in life,” shares Dr. Frank. He also emphasizes that, for him, it’s always been about the people he treats in his practice. “People are not a procedure,” he adds. 

Dr. Mogavero designed his fun, action sports-themed office in San Clemente to curb the apprehensiveness that can sometimes be associated with a trip to the orthodontist. Decked out with an authentic Mammoth Mountain chair lift, sports photography, and famous athletes’ autographs – many of whom are former patients, he’s captured a hip vibe that appeals to patients of all ages. Dr. Frank’s reputation has also attracted a high-profile clientele of young athletes and personalities who appreciate the value of a dazzling smile when they appear on TV and compete in the national and international X-Games.

Using the popular Invisalign^® system since 2000, Dr. Mogavero was one of its first providers to treat patients with this new technology. These “invisible braces” utilize clear plastic aligners to straighten teeth instead of traditional hardware.

Dr. Mogavero’s love for kids extends into the community, where he supports schools through his mouth guard program for local high school and youth football teams, sponsors major fundraisers, and can often be seen cheering on his patients at sporting events and the X Games. He even finds time to coach soccer!

Dr. Mogavero holds honors degrees in Biomedical Engineering and Dentistry from UCLA, is a Board Certified Orthodontist, and has taught for five years in the Orthodontics Department at USC. Dr. Frank, his wife Anna, and their five children reside in San Clemente.

The 4th Annual Orange County Food, Wine & Music Festival

by Mac McDonald

The 4th annual Orange County Food, Wine & Music Festival brings much more to the table than you might expect. On June 25th at Dana Point’s Sea Terrace Park, a mouthful of eats and treats awaits from noon to 7 p.m.

Event Director Rich Goodwin says, “We’re similar to a lot of food festivals out there, but what we tend to do is bring in more. We have a little bit of everything!” The festival features 50 wine varietals from all over the world, food from dozens of Orange County restaurants, caterers and bakeries and 80 different craft beers. Continuous live music and circus-like strolling entertainers, from jugglers and stilt walkers to magicians and contortionists will keep the party going all day.

“We have everything, from high-end chocolates and bakers to local restaurants,” says Goodwin, “That’s why this event is so popular, because we address all types of people and we have a bead on what people want.”

In addition to this festival, EventWerks partners with the City of Dana Point to bring Dana Point Summer Concerts, Dana Point State BBQ Championships (October 8), Dana Point Oktoberfest (October 15), as well as concerts, food festivals, craft brew festivals and Oktoberfet celebrations in Santa Barbara, San Diego, Lake Arrowhead and beyond.

The festival began rather modestly in 2013 as a free, family-oriented event and it’s now blossomed into a community-wide experience serving up higher-end offerings for foodies and wine and beer aficionados.

The VIP Grand Tasting Package is your ticket to the festival’s most exclusive amenities. VIP ticket-holders will have access to the Grand Tasting Pavilion, a private tented area featuring unlimited sampling from over 20 food purveyors, 50 craft breweries and tastes of more than 50 wine varietals. VIP participants will also enjoy shaded seating areas, private restrooms, and choice entertainment. VIP tickets are $100 in advance and are limited to the first 500 sold at FoodWineandMusicFestival.com.

The Unlimited Drink Sampling Package allows ticket holders unlimited samplings from 40 craft breweries (80 varieties of beer), 50 varietals of wine, live entertainment, and a commemorative glass. Tickets run $40 in advance online and $50 at the gate on the day of the event.

If you’d prefer to just stroll the grounds and nosh and sip a la carte, the General Admission option is the right one for you. A mere $10 at the event’s main box office provides entry, $8 per drink for beer, wine and cocktails, and food for purchase from an array of restaurants. Once you’re inside the event and you like what you taste, you’ll have the opportunity to upgrade to the Unlimited Drink Sampling Package for just $40.

Live entertainment at the Orange County Food, Wine & Music Festival will be provided by L.A.-based band Nutty, which takes classic rock and mixes it with jazz, a mashup where “Hendrix, Ozzie, Neil Young and The Who are sittin’ in with jazz cats like Miles, Dizzie, Mancini and the Duke.” DJ Peter G will be on hand to add to the mix, playing everything from classic rock to contemporary hits. Last but not least, everyone’s favorite 80’s Nerd Band, the Spazmatics, will also keep guests pumped.

Parking is available at the Salt Creek Beach parking lot and on nearby streets. For your convenience, a round-trip shuttle service will run from 11:30 a.m. to 8 p.m., to and from Dana Hills High School. You can also take the Laguna Beach and Dana Point free trolley to Salt Creek Beach where you may enter the event through the tunnel under PCH.

For more information about the event, go to FoodWineandMusicFestival.com.

Sea Terrace Park at 33401 Pacific Coast Hwy., Dana Point, CA 92629