Latest Features

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

Sport Your Smile Frank Mogavero, D.D.S.
By Shelley T. Hudson

One visit to Dr. Frank Mogavero’s San Clemente office and you’ll know it’s not the stuffy orthodontics practice you might remember from childhood. The waiting room is high-tech, with wi-fi, computer and homework rooms and even a Wii cave. The snow-surf-skate-themed décor is more than just a fun distraction; Dr. Mogavero is an avid snowboarder and sports enthusiast and he’s incorporated his passions into his practice.

Dr. Mogavero’s tricked-out office isn’t the only thing that keeps patients coming back. His 22 years in practice and his enthusiastic support of youth athletics have helped him acquire a loyal following in the community. Dr. Frank’s commitment and longevity have earned him the trust of an up-and-coming second generation of patients as well. Our cover mom, Lauren, perfected her smile with Dr. Mogavero when she was a student at Dana Hills High and now her daughter Taylor (pictured by her side) is enjoying the same personalized care.

The approach to children’s orthodontics at Dr. Mogavero’s office emphasizes early, pre-emptive treatment. According to the American Association of Orthodontists, an initial evaluation at age seven or eight is recommended. “Phase I or ‘interceptive treatment’ is often the most important phase,” asserts Mogavero. “By widening the jaws early for patients with crowding, an underbite, or a crossbite, growth can be modified to create a balanced profile and reduce the chance of extractions later.” Dr. Frank has treated countless patients with this type of problem and parents have seen the differences that early treatment can make. That’s why his biggest referral source is literally ‘word of mouth!’ The interceptive treatment phase lasts about a year; Phase II begins at about age 12. “It feels great knowing I helped create these great smiles and I see the confidence show through,” says Dr. Frank. One such happy patient is Chris Ashley, who was once teased for his overbite. His braces were removed just last month and his mom couldn’t be more pleased with the result. “I’ve never met someone more generous and loving,” Chris’s mom, Ida, says of Dr. Mogavero, “The change for my son has altered his whole perspective on life.”

Another primary focus of Dr. Mogavero’s work is the use of Invisalign appliances for the parents of his adolescent patients, along with other adults and teens who are seeking a more subtle approach to syncing their smiles. Dr. Mogavero is designated by Invisalign (invisalign.com) as the only Premier Preferred Provider and Teen Provider in the area. Invisalign products have revolutionized orthodontics and even those with complicated treatment plans can take advantage of the flexibility and aesthetic benefits offered by this modern alternative to metal braces. As the technology has advanced, costs have lowered and it has become the standard treatment for many patients. The Invisalign aligners are removable and don’t affect speech or cause inflamed gums like metal braces, so they are much more obscure and especially convenient. Adults who might never have considered orthodontics are now seeking treatment and are amazed with the results.

Community outreach has been an integral part of Dr. Mogavero’s business as well. His fifteen years of coaching youth soccer have kept him involved with kids for much of his adult life. His innovative mouth guard program for varsity football teams also helps carry on that tradition of local service. Dr. Mogavero is a supporter of the San Clemente Open Surf and Skate Contest and he sponsors 15 year-old pro skateboarder Mitchie Brusco, who is touted as a rising star in the sport. In fact, you can check out a video of Mitchie’s dare-devilish feats and clips of him receiving braces at Dr. Mogavero’s San Clemente office at www.syncyoursmile.com.

From the authentic Mammoth Mountain chair lifts to the doctor’s own photography capturing the drama of the X Games, Mogavero provides an experience like no other Orthodontist. You can schedule a complimentary consultation with Dr. Mogavero at his local offices in San Clemente or Laguna Niguel during the week and or catch him at his Mammoth Lakes location every other weekend.

San Clemente • 1031 Avenida Pico, Suite 101 • 949.373.3737
Laguna Niguel • 31371 Niguel Road, Suite F • 949.493.7300
Mammoth Lakes • 170 Mountain Blvd., P.O. Box 100, PMB 122 • 760.934.6699
www.SyncYourSmile.com

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

OC Short Sale 411
By Shelley T. Hudson

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

OC Short Sale 411
855.696.2411 • OCshortsale411.com

JSerra Catholic High School
By Shelley T. Hudson

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Keeping Your Family Health
By Shelley T. Hudson

Whether you’re a sleepy mom with a coughing toddler, an aching weekend warrior or you’re just due for a routine exam, Ross Medical Associates is your family’s healthcare solution 365 days a year. This all-encompassing medical center incorporates the personalized attention of a family practice and the state-of-the art equipment and extended hours of a hospital emergency room. Ross Medical’s comprehensive approach to healthcare services facilitates an open line of communication between clinician and patient at an unparalleled level of access and convenience. All four locations in South Orange County are at your service every day of the year, and each has a small in-house pharmacy and laboratory as well as on-site radiology.

Ross physician and partner Dr. Karl Gebhard describes the practice as a “modern approach to family medicine and disease prevention.” “We provide the whole spectrum of medical care,” he continues, “from broken bones to hypertension.” Dr. Gebhard points to Ross’s recent administration of the whooping cough vaccine to hundreds of school children as an example of how many local residents first learn about Ross. Students come in for a vaccine or physical, and parents are impressed with the quality of care and overall experience.

The San Juan Capistrano facility is the latest addition to the group, which was founded by the late Dr. T.A. Ross. The core staff of physicians, including Dr. Gebhard, Dr. Andrew Klein and Dr. Monina Geda recently brought Dr. Lizander Pandy on board to complete its group of providers. Dr. Pandy is board certified in Family Medicine and also has a Sports Medicine Fellowship.

Community-Oriented
Ross Medical Associates looks to expand its reach within South Orange County as well. The offices continue to provide sports physicals to student athletes free of charge as part of an ongoing community outreach. In fact, Dr. Gebhard was approached recently by a bike and board shop owner about sports physicals for his skateboarding team and the doctor gladly obliged. “This is how we see growth within a practice,” remarks Dr. Gebhard, “It seems that once a patient receives treatment from Ross, we see the rest of the family soon after.”

Maintaining a reputation as a reliable community resource is a key component to the Ross philosophy. Sponsoring local events like the Swallows Day Parade and partnering with charitable organizations for food drives has helped to perpetuate Dr. T.A. Ross’s mission: to provide high quality healthcare to the community at large where and when it is needed.

Grandkids to Grandparents
Dr. Gebhard says his patients range in age “from one to 100,” and come to his office for every type of treatment. Since all four locations share electronic records, a patient can expect the same high standard of care at all Ross Medical facilities. Each treatment room is equipped with a computer, so every aspect of a patient’s medical history can be recorded and promptly accessed. Routine testing and follow-up treatments can be tracked and monitored, and chronic conditions like hypertension and diabetes can be more easily managed with this precise type of quality control.

One Stop Care
With the convenience of an in-house pharmacy, laboratory and X-ray imaging, Ross Medical Associates is literally a one-stop shop for all things healthcare. Dr. Gebhard shared a story about a family for which he treated all three kids for earaches. Their exhausted mother was very grateful to have prescriptions dispensed on the spot, rather than having to face a long pharmacy line. Another young patient came to Dr. Gebhard complaining of a sprained ankle. After an X-ray indicated a fracture, the patient was fitted with a cast and was soon on her way. A little boy with a significant cut on his head from a scooter accident was stitched up and ready to ride again…all without the excruciating wait time at a hospital emergency room.

Ross Medical Associates: Solving life’s little problems–one headache, broken arm and cholesterol check at a time. With Ross’s four locations and extended evening, weekend and even holiday hours, easy access to high quality medical services is just minutes away.