Latest Features

OC Real Estate 411
By Shelley Hudson

Readers might remember Matt and Robyn Webb from a Local Dish feature last year detailing their bustling business called OC Short Sale 411. The Webbs answered a desperate need in the marketplace for homeowners who were tethered to bad mortgages or who owed more than their home was worth. What a difference a year makes! As the housing sector recovers, the Webbs are getting back to the methods that set them apart when they started their real estate company in 2004: bringing a business approach to real estate, with an elevated level of professionalism and intense focus on the homeowner’s profitability.

Recent reports have shown a dramatic change in the South Orange County real estate market, and with it has come an acute inventory shortage. In fact, inventory levels are so low that once a home is in the MLS, and priced at fair market value, it’s as good as sold. So how does one choose an agent in a market where an agent is a commodity?

Enter Robyn and Matt Webb of OC Real Estate 411. They understand all too well that public perception is that hiring a real estate agent to sell your home is a “necessary evil.” Matt and Robyn utilize a powerful “Design To Sell” business concept to take your real estate commission dollars and put them to work in a definitive, profitable manner.

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 from as low as $200, up to $30,000. This “mini-makeover” starts with an unbiased, third party valuation of the home’s market value. The Webb team then assesses the home and recommends changes that increase visual appeal for the home’s sale value. The Webbs can take a seller’s small investment and apply it to upgrades, typically resulting in a nearly 1,000 percent return. That’s not a typo. The average investment a client makes is $3,769, and the average return – based on sales price – is $42,900. Matt and Robyn retain and manage all subcontractors at no charge – that’s like getting the services of a general contractor for free!

On top of these smart design concepts, Robyn and Matt stage the home with the homeowner’s existing furniture and some of their own added pieces. The end result is a dramatic makeover, with mass buyer appeal, bidding wars, and a final sale price that exceeds the homeowner’s expectations. The Webbs even guarantee their work and structure commissions based on actual results.

Having closed over $100 million in real estate, with MBA’s in Marketing from USC, Matt and Robyn have expertise in understanding the dynamics of showing a home to prospective buyers. “Despite their many different preferences and personalities, there are some common threads amongst all buyers, and we know them well,” Robyn adds.

In addition to running this multi-million dollar operation and raising a family, the Webbs are heavily involved in the business development side of real estate. Both Matt and Robyn travel all over the country teaching credentialed real estate courses. “We learn a lot from teaching,” says Robyn, “and we hope to raise the bar of professionalism in this industry.” She has been recognized by OC Metro and the Orange County Register and is a regular guest on AM 870’s “The Home Show.” Matt also sits on the Board of Directors of the Pediatric Cancer Research Foundation, which raises millions for kids with the disease. “Despite having healthy kids ourselves, this organization has touched me and I’m happy to help families who aren’t so lucky,” he says.

Robyn and Matt bring the same level of dedication and determination to everything they do. Robyn insists, “We don’t want satisfied clients. We want them dazzled!”

Take a behind the scenes look of OC Real Estate 411’s photo shoot!

By Shelley Hudson

As San Juan Capistrano’s JSerra Catholic High School celebrates ten years of pioneering in education, its new leadership looks with pride to the foundation upon which it was built and with a sharp focus on an ambitious blueprint for the future.

Newly minted President Richard Meyer and first-year Principal Dr. John Freeh were drawn to JSerra not only because of the school’s high scholastic ranking and college admission rates, but also by its independent operating model and entrepreneurial spirit. President Meyer admits that he’s still “in learning mode,” but says he’s happy to let JSerra’s existing culture shape his vision for future progress. “The solid infrastructure allows for easy adaptation in changing times,” Meyer says, “Our independence allows us to experience growth with no molds or boundaries.”

One example of JSerra’s untethered potential for growth is its online learning program. Students who have unique learning styles, medical conditions or travel for athletics or work can take advantage of the extensive menu of virtual classes and other resources. The online offerings can also supplement a campus-based schedule, allowing for maximum flexibility and curriculum customization. Last year, 40% of the student body took advantage of online classes.

JSerra’s internationally-recognized Magnet program is one of the few opportunities of its kind where students receive in-depth, hands-on experience in a specific profession. Law, business, and medical programs all offer college-accredited classes and field work. Medical Magnet students, for example, attend college-level anatomy and physiology classes and work in a hospital alongside clinicians and patients. JSerra’s Engineering Magnet launches in Fall 2013 and the coursework will also be integrated with real-world applications.

JSerra’s Artist in Residence program approaches visual and performance art much like the Magnet curriculum. Classes in painting, sculpture, photography, writing, and broadcast journalism are all taught by industry professionals and students are encouraged to submit their work for consideration in galleries and community art shows.

President Meyer insists that, although academic excellence is one of the pillars of a JSerra education, the institution places equal emphasis on spiritual and character development. “We are committed to imparting to all of our students the truths and beauty of the Catholic faith. We also encourage our non-Catholic students to embrace their own faith – whatever it may be – and practice it well.” Meyer continues, “Principal Freeh and I saw an opportunity at JSerra to shape our students from the inside out—to imbue each student with a vision for the future to become the best version of himself or herself.” To that end, JSerra’s extracurricular programming is as rich and rigorous as its academic side. The choir performs locally and nationally (including a recent gig at Carnegie Hall!), and a tour of Spain is in the works for next year. The girls cross-country team won the State Championship three years in a row—the first three-peat in CIF history. Varsity girls soccer is in the middle of an unprecedented winning streak, and the JV football team just celebrated the first undefeated season in school history.

“Remember Your Story” is JSerra’s theme for the 2012 – 2013 school year, inspiring students and faculty to commemorate the school’s impressive journey and legacy. “This vision was created by parents and built from the ground up – we started with 150 students and a handful of devoted staff members,” Meyer says. “Now we have over 1,000 students, 70 faculty, and a tremendous support system of additional staff, parents, and community members.” As part of its 10-year celebration, the school releases a weekly video featuring an alumni or teacher who describes his or her experience at JSerra and how it has translated into success. The inspirational videos can be found on JSerra’s YouTube channel and as part of the broadcast journalism group’s weekly production.

President Meyer looks forward to JSerra’s next decade with hope and a clear vision. “While it’s important to continually stay abreast of innovations in the field of education, our focus is not to “keep up with the Joneses” here at JSerra. Our mission, truth be told, is singular and timeless – to fully integrate faith and character formation with a rich academic experience in order to assist parents in raising their children to become men and women of integrity and virtue.”

JSerra Catholic High School
26351 Junipero Serra Road • San Juan Capistrano • 949.493.9307 • JSerra.org

Ross Medical Associates
By Shelley T. Hudson

Ross Medical Associates’ long and storied history as a community healthcare resource in Southern California just added a few more chapters. With its most recently opened clinic in San Juan Capistrano going strong and approaching its three-year anniversary, executives at Ross have made plans to take an already-impressive philanthropic record a step further—and this time, it’s personal. A new program aptly named “Ross Medical’s Heroes” has been instituted to support South Orange County’s partnership with our military neighbors. The doctors at all four locations have treated veterans and their families for years and many members of the Ross team have close personal military connections as well—including founder Dr. T.A. Ross, who came to California as a naval physician. Dr. Monica Harms of Ross’s Rancho Santa Margarita office is a navy reserves veteran, and Dr. Jeff Globus of the Mission Viejo clinic was a naval officer. CEO Samantha Jefferies’s sister and brother-in-law are both active duty soldiers in Afghanistan and her father and brothers are retired from the Air Force. These ties and others provide Ross Medical’s staff with a keen awareness of the unique circumstances and specific needs of military families. This sense of appreciation has motivated the Ross group for its own call to action.

For all of 2013, Ross Medical Associates will hold a fundraiser for military-related charities and support groups. The staff will accept tax-deductible monetary donations on behalf of the military charity of the donor’s choice. In addition, Ross offices will donate a portion of patients’ copayments to military organizations as part of their “CoPay It Forward” initiative.

This type of community commitment is nothing new to Ross Medical. The foundation upon which the business model is built is Dr. Ross’s philosophy that high-quality, family-based healthcare should be accessible and convenient. Dr. Ross also believed strongly in reinvesting into the local area in which he served. Dozens of schools, sports leagues and booster clubs—including AYSO, J Serra, Niguel Hills, San Juan Hills, Saddleback Valley Christian, Capo Valley Christian, San Clemente High and Dana Hills, to name a few—have received the generous support of Ross Medical Associates. In fact, Jefferies encourages students to bring in their sponsorship forms for consideration. “We want to participate in everything,” she says, “We want to be a true community partner.” Ross Medical will also continue to provide no-charge sports physicals to student athletes in 2013.

Another important component of Ross’s community-minded approach to healthcare is the senior outreach program. Jefferies, who also is aGerontologist, states, “When a senior becomes established as a patient, we can provide them with so much information regarding diet, exercise and disease prevention.” As a special incentive, Ross is offering free tetanus boosters to seniors throughout the month of January.

With Ross Medical’s fully-integrated state-of-the-art electronic record sharing, clinicians can address treatment for each patient holistically. All locations are connected on the same system, so follow-up care and diagnostic testing are more streamlined and comprehensive. For example, a student athlete with a sprained ankle might come to urgent care for an x-ray and a splint and learn that she’s due for an immunization. A heart patient might visit the office for a check-up and receive a dose of nutritional counseling.

Now that a federal healthcare overhaul is afoot, it’s even more important than ever to know the facts. More people will become eligible for covered preventative care early this year and insurance exchanges will become effective later in 2013. Ross Medical accepts most forms of insurance as well as Tricare, Medicare and Medicare Senior Advantage. Samantha Jefferies encourages patients to call with questions. “We’ll guide you to resources and help you through the process,” she offers, “We are your medical home. We see patients from one to 100 years of age and we want to help.”

Ross Medical Associates has offices in San Juan Capistrano, Ladera Ranch, Rancho Santa Margarita and Mission Viejo—all of which are open 365 days a year. The combination of a personalized family practice and an easily accessible urgent care is the realization of Dr. Ross’s vision. Visit a Ross Medical location soon and get a jump start on YOU for 2013!

For more information please vist: RossMedicalAssociates.com

Take a behind the scenes look of the Ross Medical Associates photo shoot!

Capistrano Toyota
By Shelley T. Hudson

In ith the help of Capistrano Toyota’s familiar “Oh, Baby!” license plates and billboards, Orange County has watched owner Roger Hogan’s family grow from one grandchild to four. An expansion of a different variety is about to get underway and the timing couldn’t be better. Hogan is doubling the size of his operation just as Toyota unveils its most significant style overhaul in company history.

Capistrano Toyota’s sterling reputation for family-friendly service and no-stress sales was built one car at a time by Roger Hogan and his sons Roger, Jr., Stephen and Kyle. Although their strategic expansion into the neighboring property will add 60% more service capacity and double new and pre-owned car inventories, Hogan promises that his commitment to the highest levels of service will remain Capistrano Toyota’s core value. “What once was a small town family business is becoming a big-inventory dealership,” Hogan boasts, “and we’ll be able to offer even faster service and a greater selection for our customers.”

A major renovation of both the existing and new properties will coincide with Toyota’s rollout of several redesigned models, including the Avalon, RAV4 and Highlander. Among these, the fully reengineered Avalon is the most highly anticipated model by far. Toyota’s Chairman of the Board Akio Toyoda, whose wildly successful Scion models brought a youthful, edgy vibe to the brand, has led the Avalon’s transformation. This stylish, more sophisticated full-sized sedan will appeal to technophiles and car enthusiasts alike. An electric hybrid version of the Avalon is planned for release – a move which is sure to further solidify Toyota as the preeminent leader in eco-friendly automobiles.

The addition of overhauled RAV4s and Highlanders makes Toyota’s 2013 lineup the one to watch. Hogan’s enthusiasm is obvious. “This is truly a style departure for Toyota going forward,” he says, “Our vehicles have always been known for quality, reliability, and fuel efficiency. Now design is a reason to choose Toyota. It’s an exciting time to be in the business.” Roger also notes that he’s ordered a new Avalon for himself.

As part of its showroom-to-service-bay remodel and expansion, Capistrano Toyota has strengthened its commitment to the community as well. Hogan’s untethered support for charitable causes large and small seems to motivate him. “We just have to have these close local partnerships. Less money [is available] to go around than in the past and it’s important for the private sector to step it up.” Capistrano Animal Rescue Effort (CARE), the Festival of Whales, the San Clemente Ocean Festival, Meals on Wheels, and the C.A.R.E. Foundation have all benefitted from Capistrano Toyota’s generosity, as well as countless local schools and sports teams. Just last month, the dealership gave away it’s fourth Prius to the Ocean Institute, which educates kids from all over Southern California about the ocean’s delicate ecosystems. Hogan feels an especially strong personal connection with one particular group, however. He beams with pride when recounting his own boyhood days playing basketball at the Boys and Girls Clubs in Garden Grove and Buena Park. “My time at the Boys and Girls Clubs gave me purpose and had a major impact on me,” he recalls, “and I’m happy to do my part for them now.”

Roger Hogan recognizes this phase of his life as a growth spurt. With a new granddaughter—and billboard model—in his life, a retooled product line, an expanding showroom and service center, and his family by his side, he sees nothing but opportunity ahead. With lightning-fast service times and wallet-friendly offers like $10 Oil Change Tuesdays, he’s sure to bring his loyal following of customers on the journey right along with him. Visit Capistrano Toyota and you’ll see for yourself what drives their success.

Keeping San Juan Capistrano Beautiful
By Shelley T. Hudson

Located across from the Mission in the historic downtown area, Brush Salon’s sleek, yet inviting vibe puts clients in a relaxed and comfortable state-of-mind. Maureen remodeled the space which now projects a spa-like atmosphere – complete with fresh floral arrangements, an abundance of burning candles and soothing décor. Immediately, guests sense that this is a salon where they’ll be pampered and treated to cutting-edge style.

Maureen sets her establishment apart from others by providing highly personalized customer care from a staff of experienced professionals. As a Tony & Guy-trained stylist, she knows a thing or two about a winning formula. “You have to be established to work here. We offer a very involved consultation. We consider bone structure, hair characteristics and lifestyle. Listening to clients is extremely important in this business and we take that responsibility seriously,” she asserts. Maureen partnered with her sister, Annmarie, to coordinate Brush’s daily operations and ensure that guests receive the ultimate salon experience. Continuing education is also a top priority and Maureen hired Artistic Director Mucio Vidales, a platform stylist for L’Oreal with Tony & Guy training, to oversee that department. Mucio keeps Brush’s team current on industry trends and makes certain they’re knowledgeable about the latest products and techniques.

As Brush Salon’s client base grew, so did its menu of services, offering style and convenience under one roof. Make-up artist Deanna Rene was brought on board to provide everything from tips for updating your daily cosmetic routine to creating knock-’em-dead special event looks. Medical esthetician AnnRae Novak brings an extensive medical training in diagnosing and treating problem skin. The salon’s hair extension specialists offer five methods of application, giving clients options that range from subtle volume to glamorous locks.

The Brush Salon team has developed a gathering place where clients feel welcomed and appreciated. Maureen’s effusive personality, the talented and accommodating staff and the careful selection of exclusive product lines like Kerastase, Unite, L’Oreal Professional and Jane Iredale organic cosmetics have fused seamlessly to produce this distinctive salon. “We’re fresh; we’re different,” says Maureen. “I want to establish relationships with the mothers and daughters in this community and give them something they need. I’m a San Juan girl,” she adds. These relationships are a key component of the salon’s success as well. Brush has partnered with the National Charity League to raise funds for local projects and schools and recently brought eight stylists to a fashion show at the St. Regis benefitting St. Anne School. The team provided make-up lessons for the girls and it was so much fun that Maureen plans to offer similar workshops at the salon as part of a community outreach program.

For a personal consultation or to learn more about Brush Salon’s services, call 949.496.8800 or visit BrushSalon.com.

On The Record with Jim Cover
By Shelley T. Hudson

CoverLaw PC, a boutique law firm founded by San Clemente resident Jim Cover, is poised to serve the legal needs of residents and businesses of South Orange County.

Jim’s perspective is more “businessman with a law degree” than “attorney who knows business.” According to Cover, his firm has increased the net worth of multiple businesses and clients by over $250 million through business development and transactions, mergers and acquisitions, personal injury awards and business litigation, debtor/creditor negotiations, dispute resolution, and restructuring and operating improvements. His reputation as an innovative corporate strategist attracts clients going through a paradigm shift or whose companies have lost viability in the marketplace or are seeking to restructure or take advantage of partnerships in unconventional ways. Cover’s brand of “creative innovation,” as he calls it, assists clients by integrating unique legal solutions into business plans, transactions and contracts that best position clients and client organizations for a three-to five-year time frame. “This longer term outlook will serve the client’s goals and purposes,” Jim says, “Clarity is key—I consider how everyone will benefit and provide mechanisms for flexibility and early win-win dispute resolution.” The philosophy translates equally well for large corporations, small start-ups, and businesses that have reached a growth phase and need management.

Jim developed his approach to helping businesses flourish through an unlikely route—by representing clients in Chapter 11 bankruptcy cases. While discovering the circumstances under which businesses fail, Jim developed a sense for what creates a successful organization and what keeps it thriving. CoverLaw offers a range of tools for entrepreneurs including starting an enterprise, raising capital, managing growth, reorganizing, establishing strategic alliances, merging with or acquiring another business, and selling/exiting from a business; all targeted to increasing the client’s bottom line. In addition to its broad business and corporate practice, CoverLaw helps clients with personal injury, wrongful death, tax, debtor/creditor and bankruptcy (Chapters 7, 11 and 13) matters.

CoverLaw has extended its scope of business and corporate solutions by recently including immigration services. Silvina Tondini, an international attorney licensed in the United States and Argentina, has joined the firm to lead the expansion. “Jim has given me a great opportunity to work on corporate, business, and immigration law matters, and now we can offer legal representation to individual and corporate clients who wish to work, invest, do business and/or bring family members to the United States. We also offer full legal services to Spanish-speaking clients,” Tondini asserts. Her focus at CoverLaw will be business, employment, investor visas and family petitions, and she plans to provide seminars in these areas as a community service. Cover is enthusiastic about how the new additions will enhance his business practice and clients. “This area has a lot of synergy,” he says, “My clients will be able to take advantage of more human resources to invest into their projects.”

Cover relocated his practice and his family to San Clemente in 2009 and has since become personally and professionally involved within the community. One of Cover’s sons showed interest in studying Japanese at San Clemente High School, the other wanted to play baseball for Dana Point Pony, and while investigating these possibilities, it quickly became obvious that the area would become home. “I fell in love with San Clemente. It’s somewhat isolated, but wholesome. I like the Mid-West values. It just fits,” he enthuses. Cover praises the people, the climate, and pride that come along with living in San Clemente. “When you’re in this area, you feel the sense of involvement and caring,” he continues, “I love that the kids seem academic and civic-minded—my boys have great friends here. This is exactly where I want to live and work,” he says, “I can’t think of anywhere I’d rather be.”

Halstrom High School
By Shelley T. Hudson

As local public high schools face growing class sizes and slashed curriculums, Halstrom High School offers a unique program to parents seeking a more individualized approach to education. Personalized programs, flexible schedules and an emphasis on one-on-one instruction are the core philosophies that Halstrom provides each and every one of its students.

Halstrom’s campus features many elements of a traditional school: students and faculty coming and going, homework assignments, field trips, elective classes like art and journalism, but its academic approach sets it apart. Classes are taught one-on-one—that’s one teacher for one student. Programs are tailored to a student’s individual needs and each one moves through at their own pace.

Director Wendy Jones asserts that although Halstrom’s flexibility is ideal for traveling athletes, students in the entertainment industry and other working teens, the school’s singular approach to education is a viable option for any child. “We are inclusive here. We don’t have cliques, discipline issues or bullying. Our focus is on building the student’s self-esteem along with a high standard of learning. At Halstrom, failure is off the table. When self-esteem increases, academic achievement follows,” offers Jones.

The high academic standard to which Jones refers is built into Halstrom’s model. The Content Mastery Approach requires that each student achieves an 80% comprehension level in a subject before progressing. Lessons are retaught until this goal is attained. “Content Mastery challenges kids to do better and be accountable,” Jones says, “Our expectations are always the same—we want the student’s best effort.” Halstrom High sits among the top schools in Orange County in academic standing and prestigious universities like USC, UCLA, Penn, NYU and Berkley have all accepted Halstrom students into their ranks.

Online classes, iPad technology and scheduling flexibility fuel Halstrom’s “learn your way” philosophy and present many options for students and families. Both full-time and part-time programs are available and traveling students can even Skype with teachers for assistance. Halstrom is one of only two private schools in the 2011-2012 school year to introduce iPads into the classroom. It’s been instrumental in the daily lives of students. Having current technologies at their fingertips makes learning easier and prepares them for tomorrow’s world.

Administrators from Halstrom work closely with counselors from other private and public schools to provide one-to-one instruction, remedial or advanced coursework for their students should the need arise. Jones states that “children need nurturing in all areas and that’s what we do here. Our students receive immediate positive reaction from teachers and our teachers are invested in the success of each student.”

A close relationship with parents is also a fundamental component of Halstrom’s success. “We have an open door policy here—parents are encouraged to drop in or even attend class with their children. We let them know immediately if an assignment isn’t completed—so we avoid problems before they arise,” Jones says.

Halstrom High’s commitment to its students extends to the community as well. “We build well-rounded children,” Jones boasts, “and we emphasize socialization and extracurricular activity.” Drama, art, leadership electives and AP classes allow students to think beyond a math problem or science project. Partnerships with non-profit organizations like Mission Hospital Children’s Trauma Center and Second Harvest Food Bank challenge students to become active participants in the community and to see themselves as part of a larger society. Jones enthuses, “Our goal is to provide an exciting journey. An interesting journey. When you affect families the way we do, people talk about it.”

Click to check out some inspiring student videos!

Saddleback Memorial Medical Center
By Shelley T. Hudson

s the health care industry in the United States faces yet another wave of sweeping changes, hospital administrators and medical providers have been working diligently behind the scenes doing what they do best—adapting. Every aspect of health care has been transformed by fast-moving digital technology and the internet. Patients are better informed and can take more of an active role in wellness plans. Information can be gathered and communicated more efficiently. Physicians can spend more quality time with patients instead of sifting through paperwork. Saddleback Memorial Medical Center in San Clemente has embraced the sea of change and become a leader in the industry by answering each new challenge with an investment in the future.

The latest of these investments in patient care is Saddleback Memorial’s new Radiology and Fluoroscopy Suite. As digital imaging has improved exponentially in just the last few years, so have concerns of exposure to radiation. Saddleback Memorial’s new CT Scanner is equipped with the latest “low-dose technology” and promises 60% less radiation than the older models. Less radiation with each scan translates to a significant reduction in lifelong exposure—a very important factor in pediatric and geriatric populations. The image quality of the new scanner is sharper and clearer as well, so a radiologist can determine a diagnosis with greater accuracy.

The upgraded fluoroscopy equipment represents a 50% reduction in radiation as well. The operator can record the entire procedure so that it can be reviewed and repeated by the patient and physician. “We are able to acquire images with extraordinary quality at the lowest achievable dosage levels, even in the most challenging cases,” says Sue Murray, Saddleback Memorial’s Director of Imaging Services. Murray also notes that all data is transferred instantly to the Picture Archiving and Communication System as a permanent digital record.

With the addition of Saddleback Memorial’s new imaging suite, the hospital can now offer nearly every state-of-the-art imaging modality available in the country. The adjacent Memorial Care Imaging Center is an outpatient facility that offers a convenient alternative to the hospital setting. The MemorialCare Imaging Center is a great option for non-emergency patients who may require more frequent diagnostic services. The nearby Talega Breast Diagnostic and Imaging Center also offers a convenient and specialized option.

Saddleback Memorial’s Administrator at the San Clemente campus, Tony Struthers, is enthusiastic about the hospital’s growth and positive direction. “We can’t do it alone as a hospital,” he admits, “health care is evolving and becoming part of a network. Care will eventually be administered through a larger organization.” Although he laments the near disappearance of solo practitioners, Struthers sees the momentum toward coordinated care as a benefit to patients. He adds, “The single-doctor types of practices carry such large overhead and are more expensive for patients. We are headed toward more integrated care. Patients will have access to an extended system of clinicians and will have to endure fewer repeated procedures.”

Saddleback Memorial
654 Camino De Los Mares, San Clemente
949.496.1122
memorialcare.org

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

San Clemente Villas by the Sea
By Shelley T. Hudson

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

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

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

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

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

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

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