U.S. Reclaimed

Vintage Lumber & Woodworks

by Victoria Kertz

Inside the Laguna Niguel headquarters of U.S. Reclaimed, Ben and Bethany Bonin are surrounded by future works of art. Slabs of reclaimed cedar, live oak, walnut and other wood species tower toward the ceiling, while smaller beams are neatly displayed for customers to view. The Bonin’s 40,000 square feet of material is a wonderland of untold treasures for designers, contractors and discerning homeowners to peruse. “Every single piece is hand-selected,” Ben says. But it’s not just a huge selection of lumber that makes U.S. Reclaimed so special, it’s the customer service offered to each person and the unparalleled craftsmanship that goes into every piece.

The Bonins, both born and raised in Orange County, opened the Camino Capistrano location a mere five years ago, and they have already made their mark in the emerging sustainable goods industry. Ben is the lumber artisan whose creations become furniture, flooring and ceiling beams, all 100 percent handmade. Having worked as a finish carpenter 23 years ago, Ben discovered his talent with reclaimed materials. “I fell in love with the product and the story behind it,” he says. “It’s a challenge to work with this type of material. To do things properly, you need experience. Many contractors either don’t know how to or don’t want to work with reclaimed wood,” he says. While he does the actual woodworking on-site, installers in his vast network of contractors do the in-home work. He only refers his clients to installers who are trained in working with reclaimed materials.

Designers visit U.S. Reclaimed when they need a custom, one-of-a-kind creation and when only vintage timber will do. No other retailer in Orange County offers as much inventory of lumber that contains the type of character found in his warehouse. Far from the mass produced, monochromatic beams found at home improvement stores, clients can’t help but be inspired by the sheer beauty of the wood at U.S. Reclaimed.

“Customers will come in,” the Bonins say, “and fall in love with a piece of lumber, but don’t know what to do with it.” Ben takes the time to sit down with them and hand-sketch ideas based on their needs or from an inspiration photo, and then they finalize a design. He’s as comfortable collaborating with a designer on a new project as he is replicating a must-have dream piece for a homeowner.

“We’re happy to walk customers through the entire process, from start to finish,” Bethany says. “They can bring in their own designers or we can work with the homeowner directly. And, whatever material we don’t have, we can get.” Clients can also order metal hardware and stonework to coordinate with a reclaimed wood project at the showroom, so the process is one-stop and convenient.

When they’re not working in the showroom, the Bonins travel the country, collecting pieces and scheduling shipments of large beams from places as far as Michigan. Their lumber typically hails from old, abandoned structures outside of California, although some of it is recycled from the occasional barge or dock. Sports fans can even have a unique piece created from basketball court flooring or bowling alley lanes. No matter the source, every stick has a storied past that can often make the final product an interesting topic of conversation.

In one of their current projects, sections of a Kentucky tobacco farm are getting new life in an Alaskan custom home. Locally, Ben’s masterful work can be found at The Cellar in San Clemente, the historic Chapel in Orange and The Ranch in Laguna Beach. Whether the aesthetic is modern, traditional, coastal or eclectic, his creations possess a timeless quality that give a space new life.

Imagine what vintage ceiling box beams or a new mantle could do for your living room? Wake up a tired room with a one-of-a-kind showstopper. Stop by the showroom with your family, designer, or contractor and let Ben and Bethany transform your idea into reality.

U.S. Reclaimed
Vintage Lumber & Woodworks
28052 Camino Capistrano, #103, Laguna Niguel
949.374.6902 • USreclaimed.com

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AWG Bakery

“So many people across the country have told me that our bread is life changing. Mothers are also saying how much their kids love it,” shares Hanna Lane, founder of AWG Bakery, a new handmade artisan bakery that makes gluten-free, grain-free, organic, Non-GMO, Vegan, and Paleo bread.

A few years ago, Hanna was diagnosed with hypothyroidism and autoimmune issues. She decided to put her energy into learning about the healing powers of anti-inflammatory foods and embracing a Paleo lifestyle.

She loves bread but was unable to find one that tasted good and met her dietary restrictions. With her background in nutrition and associations with health food startup companies, she wanted to create a new kind of bread using clean, organic ingredients.

After working on the recipe for over a year, Hanna created the Everyday Bread that can be enjoyed at every meal. She decided to test the market and, in March, started selling it through her Instagram @airwaterandgreens, a health and wellness account. The response was tremendous.

In June, Hanna partnered with a close relative, Noel Busby, to create AWG Bakery. Utilizing Noel’s background in sales, marketing, and graphic design, they launched the company’s offerings online. “We come from generations of entrepreneurs. I love that Hanna’s bread is meeting the needs of so many people,” enthuses Noel.

“I can’t believe how fast we’re growing. I’m so excited to share a bread that you will actually feel good about eating, has beneficial nutrients, and tastes fantastic. We’re also proud that our bags and labels are 100% compostable,” Hanna adds.

With a new corporate office in Laguna Hills, off Cabot Road between Oso and Crown Valley, you can now pick up your Everyday Bread locally, with a second pick-up location at Holistic Nutrition Center in Newport Beach. The company also ships to customers across the United States. For the holiday season, AWG Bakery has introduced Everyday Minis, Rosemary Bread, and Gift Boxes.

“We are so grateful for all the support and encouragement. It has been my dream to share my love of healthy living with the world. We hope you enjoy your delicious freedom,” Hanna commented.

AWG also offers a convenient, subscription-based Bread Club so that you’ll never be without your new, favorite bread! Learn more by visiting AWGBakery.com and Instagram @AWGBakery.

“AWG has given my clients an opportunity to eat bread and enjoy it in a variety of combinations without interrupting their personalized natural healthcare program. This bread is out-of-this-world tasty and organic! It’s the best medicine for my clients on their natural health journey with us!”

—KRISTI ACUNA, OWNER OF HOLISTIC NUTRITION CENTER IN NEWPORT BEACH

AWG Bakery | awgbakery.com | @awgbakery
27075 Cabot Road, Ste. 109 | Laguna Hills | 949.354.6550

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MemorialCare

Breaking Ground at Sendero Marketplace

MemorialCare Medical Group
If you are looking for top-rated physicians to keep your family healthy, MemorialCare Medical Group delivers. In addition to top-ranked physicians, MemorialCare Medical Group will open a brand-new health center in Rancho Mission Viejo in November 2019. This two-story, 26,000 square-foot, health center will provide primary and specialty care to residents of south Orange County, including:

• Primary Care
• Pediatric Care
• Specialty Care
• OB/GYN
• X-Ray Services
• Breast Center
• Lab Draw Services

MemorialCare Medical Group strives to offer top-notch, personalized healthcare options to each and every community within the MCMG network. Mark Schafer, MD, CEO of MemorialCare Medical Group says, “Physicians at MemorialCare Medical Group are dedicated to delivering high-quality health care to patients. We also want to make accessing care as convenient as possible. That is our primary goal when planning new health centers.”

In order to develop long-lasting relationships with their patients, many MemorialCare Medical Group providers choose to live near the areas where they serve, so they can participate in community events and activities on a regular basis. The following primary care physicians and specialists will be relocating their practice to the new Rancho Mission Viejo health center.

• Ian Bare, M.D. (Family Medicine)
• Candace Basich, M.D. (Family Medicine)
• Anthony Cho, M.D. (Family Medicine)
• Maryam Yazdanshenas, M.D. (Family Medicine)
• Trung Truong, M.D. (Pediatrics)
• Patricia Faraz, M.D. (OB/GYN)
• Arnold Cuenca, D.O. (Sports Medicine)

A Proud Member of MemorialCare
MemorialCare is a nonprofit integrated healthcare delivery system which includes four hospitals, two medical groups, a health plan and numerous outpatient health centers, imaging centers, surgery centers and dialysis centers.

As a member of MemorialCare, MemorialCare Medical Group is dedicated to providing quality, compassionate care to patients in Orange and Los Angeles Counties.

With healthcare locations across the Southland, MemorialCare Medical Group serves over 660,000 patients annually. Overall, the group includes roughly 250 physicians practicing in areas such as: internal medicine, family medicine, pediatrics, pulmonology, gastroenterology, neurology and more.

When you are weighing your health care options, look to MemorialCare Medical Group. You can trust our family to take care of yours.

30492 Gateway Place, Rancho Mission Viejo
MemorialCare.org/RMV

Advance Laser & Cosmetic Surgery

By Victoria Kertz

Are you considering cosmetic surgery? What was once a private topic of conversation amongst only your best girlfriends is now the subject of reality shows and open discussions at the water cooler. Tummy tucks and nose jobs have become routine procedures, but modern definitions of beauty have redefined cosmetic surgery to meet the desires of today’s clientele.

Advance Laser & Cosmetic Surgery offers the latest in surgical and non-invasive facial rejuvenation procedures to keep OC housewives and their husbands looking great. Dr. Ali Roham combines medicine and art, bringing his surgical expertise to both Advance Laser & Cosmetic Surgery locations: in the South Coast Plaza-area, and in San Clemente, where Dr. Roham calls home. “I love San Clemente,” he says, “The beach lifestyle is very laid back.” What are the most requested procedures? Dr. Roham says that breast augmentations and liposuction are common at his San Clemente practice and that tummy tucks and Brazilian butt lifts are popular at the South Coast-area office. A large portion of his practice is also focused on rhinoplasty, various facial enhancements and both cosmetic and reconstructive breast procedures.

The proliferation of social media and selfies have created demand from those seeking to diminish their perceived flaws. In the age of quick fixes, however, Dr. Roham cautions against claims made by those without the experience or expertise to deliver realistic results. Exaggerated claims and miracle cures should be met with a healthy dose of skepticism. In contrast, Dr. Roham prides himself on offering patients an honest, thoughtful assessment of expectations.

Patients appreciate the time Dr. Roham takes during consultations… listening to their concerns and addressing surgical options to achieve a tailored approach. Dr. Roham is very honest with his patients, and it’s important to him that his results appear balanced and natural. He believes that being conservative creates a more appealing aesthetic, instead of what he describes as a wind-swept look, that sometimes results from being overly aggressive.

To maintain a fresh and rested appearance, Dr. Roham’s practice also offers all of the newest options in non-invasive therapies, including injectables, lasers and topical treatments. The reduction of fine lines, a more even skin tone, the removal of veins and unwanted hair are all within reach and with minimal to no down time.

Dr. Roham has an undergraduate degree from the University of California at Irvine and a medical degree from Midwestern University in Arizona. Having completed five years of comprehensive general surgery at Michigan’s Henry Ford Health System and three years in the Plastic and Reconstructive Residency at Beaumont Health System, he has a wealth of knowledge that lends to his area of expertise. He also served as administrative chief of the residency in his final year on both campuses. Dr. Roham also spent time on a mission in India, performing cleft palate surgeries and reconstructive procedures on burn victims.

If you’re contemplating cosmetic/plastic surgery or a non-invasive procedure, then contact the offices of Advance Laser & Cosmetic Surgery — open six days a week, including Saturday hours at the South Coast Plaza location. Dr. Roham says his staff works hard to make sure the doctors are scheduled when their patients need them. “We always strive to see patients quickly,” he says. With that kind of customer service and Dr. Roham’s expertise, you have every reason to call for a complimentary consultation.

Sweat House OC

By Victoria Kertz

Fit Pilates changed their name to Sweat House OC, but they’ve got the same owners, trainers and heart-pumping workouts on the renown Megaformer.

Pilates is one serious exercise and some of the best bodies you’ll ever see are the result of it. Traditionally conducted on a machine called a reformer, Pilates uses resistance-based movements to create a full-body workout combining strength and cardio. But that’s so last year.

Sweat House OC (formerly Fit Pilates) offers the ultra-modern Megaformer, a spring-based machine that can be modified for any exercise or body type. “The method is high intensity yet low impact, which means safe on your joints and bones,” says Sweat House owner Ashlyn Ritchie.

Besides being an amazing workout, Sweat House trainers know your time is precious, so no time is wasted. “We get our cardio through our quick transitions. There is no ‘breaking’ during this quick 50 minute workout. We maximize our time by providing a time-under-tension workout… which will guarantee some serious calories burned!” Ritchie emphasizes.

With locations in San Clemente and Mission Viejo, each class is kept to eight people. “We structured this intentionally so all of our clients get the attention they need. Because we have new clients in almost every class, we want to make sure they are safe, doing the moves correctly,” she explains.

Even better, all classes are all-levels, so a new client can hop in on any of them. Private classes are available, but not required.

“Sweat House OC opened with the dream of creating a space for clients to not only burn some serious calories, but a place where they can feel safe, confident, build friendships and gain a sense of a supportive community,” she says. “Our goal is to accept every-BODY and encourage them to be their best selves. Whatever we can do to encourage that and assist in that, we will.”

SWEAT HOUSE OC
1001 Avenida Pico, Suite H • San Clemente
24000 Alicia Parkway, Suite #30 • Mission Viejo
SweathouseOC.com

Prime Fabrication

By Victoria Kertz

You’ve likely seen Prime Fabrication’s metal magic in Southern California without even knowing it…from coastal estates in Orange County to the iconic Andaz West Hollywood hotel. Owner Trevor Streech has been known for taking steel to new heights, but now that he has acquired a 40 ton mobile crane, the sky’s literally the limit.

In the industrial district of San Juan Capistrano, Prime Fabrication’s facility is a beacon surrounded by the banal. Chic, metal awnings grace the building’s façade, a sleek stainless steel flagpole boasts a pristine American flag and even the mailbox gleams in the faintest light. A brushed steel railing, that any beachfront resort would envy, marks the entrance to your fabrication fantasy. Don’t let the impressive exterior fool you, however, there’s some serious metal work being done inside.

Founder Trevor Streech has been working with metal for as long as he can remember. The San Clemente native and Dana Hills High School graduate started young, watching his father grow premier yacht manufacturer Nordhavn, and learning steel fabrication in the marine business. In fact, when he opened Prime Fabrication in 2001, it catered almost exclusively to clientele in the boating industry. Today, the company’s workmanship is in high demand amongst discerning custom home builders, a multitude of restaurants and even luxury retail brands.

So how did Prime Fabrication become one of the most prominent structural steel contractors in Southern California? After the hard-hitting recession of 2008 impacted much of Orange County, homeowners were left scrambling as the real estate bubble burst. The economic downturn prompted Streech to expand his services to include structural steel fabrication.

Since steel fabrication was Prime’s core business, it made perfect sense to broaden the company’s scope to include residential and commercial real estate projects, supplying structural beams necessary in remodeling and construction. As a complement, Trevor tapped into his creative side and began designing timeless architectural features like deck railings, stairways and unique fireplaces. These jobs allowed Trevor to develop deeper relationships with custom builders and contractors, translating into greater opportunities as his reputation for quality craftsmanship grew throughout the industry.

“Trevor has a really good eye for design,” says his wife Morgan, who also works at Prime Fabrication. She says that Trevor’s artisanal skill with metal has opened new doors for the business, as homeowners seek to update homes built decades ago with small, but impactful additions. An entirely new home may be beyond the budget, but an updated stairway, open shelving or a modern fireplace will breathe life into a dated space. “It’s great to be able to build the structure and then come back and make it beautiful,” Morgan enthuses. “You don’t realize how many little custom touches you can add.”

“Art sculptures are also something we do,” Trevor adds, pointing to the stainless steel mailbox at Prime’s entry as an example of architectural metal that is as functional as it is artistic. There’s also a striking, lighted sign bearing the building’s address that would add a statement to any structure. Prime was subcontracted to provide the same impressive fixture at each of San Francisco’s BART stations. It looks ultra-modern, but the design was a pragmatic choice by the city. Stainless steel doesn’t rust and ages more gracefully when exposed to a variety of weather elements.

While structural steel fabrication currently represents the bulk of their work, an investment made in 2018 serves as the newest arm of the company: a 40 ton crane that Prime rents by the hour. “It’s practical for us to have so we can install our own steel, but there’s a surprising demand for large cranes. It’s just one more way to diversify the business,” explains Morgan. Pool companies utilize it for removing bulky old hot tubs from backyards. Landscapers, framers and other contractors frequently need one to unload a variety of oversized and heavy items. Prime even includes a certified crane operator to make certain the work is performed correctly and safely.

Whether you’re in the market for a custom spiral staircase, need to powder coat your tired patio furniture, or have a play structure to crane into the backyard, Trevor and his expert design and fabrication team are available to assist. If it can be created in steel, Prime Fabrication will gladly provide you with a quote for your next project, no matter how big or small.

Prime Fabrication
33081 Calle Perfecto
San Juan Capistrano
949.496.1348
PrimeFabrication.com

Dr. Mogavero – INBRACE… Are you in?

From Mammoth to Orange County, Dr. Frank Mogavero sets the standard in state-of-the-art orthodontics

by Victoria Kertz

Is it time for a trip to the orthodontist? Dr. Frank Mogavero offers everything from early childhood treatment to new invisible braces technology for adults.

Orthodontic work may fill you with dread, but Dr. Mogavero’s office will make you want to shred…on the slopes that is. His extreme sports-themed San Clemente office transports you to the slopes of Mammoth Mountain with authentic ski lift chairs, alpine murals and autographs from some of today’s hottest snow and skateboard athletes.

With a Mammoth office that he shares with a local dentist, he’s able to see area patients twice a month. Since the mountain is open until August this year, he’ll be snowboarding this summer, too. His favorite run? Upper Dry Creek.

Dr. Mogavero (pronounced Mo-GAH-ver-oh) can talk sports with his patients and knows many local athletes (six members of the 2020 U.S. Olympic skateboarding team are former patients), but what sets him apart is his determination to solve patients’ orthodontic problems. Last year, he was one of the first Orthodontists to offer InBrace, a brilliant new form of braces that are positioned behind teeth for a truly invisible treatment for teens and adults. Today, his office is one of the largest InBrace practices in the country. “People are beginning to hear about InBrace and are asking for it,” says Dr. Mogavero.

The Irvine-based InBrace system is revolutionary, not only for its hidden “smartwires,” but because procedures that previously took two years, have now been reduced to just seven to eight months. Dr. Mogavero says InBrace can be used on anyone with all of their permanent teeth and that he’s placed it on patients between the ages of 13 – 78. They’ve all been thrilled with the results, as well as the unexpected ease of treatment.

Orange County mom Kristi Milius says she feels amazing and the treatment itself was a breeze. “It comes down to being a time saver. I have three kids and this was fast! I love it!”

Everyday use is easy, too, which is important for adults who travel for a living. Additionally, InBrace won’t get lost or left behind at a restaurant since it’s not necessary to remove it when eating like tray aligners. “There’s nothing to take out,” Dr. Mogavero says, unlike plastic, invisible aligner products, which must be removed before a meal. “Nothing has to be placed on a table when you’re out to dinner. In my 29 years of practice, this is the greatest innovation I’ve seen in my career.”

New advances in orthodontic technology, like InBrace, have meant an increase in adult patients for many orthodontists. Dr. Mogavero says the bulk of his patients are children, but about 30 percent of them are adults. Some older patients declined to have braces put on as teens and others have experienced shifts that required later-in-life dental work.

“I’m glad I waited,” says retired Boeing 777 pilot Gary Pacheco, “I would give it 10 stars! I’m glad I waited 50 years for the technology.” Pacheco says it took about a month to get used to having InBrace behind his teeth, but he’s happy he did it. The treatment is one thing, he says, but Dr. Mogavero’s accommodating and efficient staff really made the difference for him. “Everyone you meet is just outstanding,” he says.

While new technology is great news for adults who have waited to improve their smiles, Dr. Mogavero says that the American Association of Orthodontists recommends children have their first orthodontic visit by age 7 at the latest, and earlier if orthodontic problems are suspected. Some breathing disorders, like snoring, in young children can be alleviated with orthodontic work.

No matter your age, Dr. Mogavero’s decades of experience and cutting-edge technology means a healthy smile could be in your future. Call for a consultation today.

SC Furniture and Mattress

Family-Owned in San Clemente for 60 Years

SC Furniture and Mattress is a family company to its core. While serving in the U.S. Navy in 1943, Richard Ross traveled through the idyllic seaside town of San Clemente. Eleven years after World War II ended, he relocated his family from Minnesota and set up roots in the tiny beach town. In 1957, Richard opened the doors of The Second Hand Store, in a building he constructed in the Los Molinos Business District, where it remains today.

Five years later, his wife Alma and her sister, Elsie, opened The Sleep Shop in downtown San Clemente, where they sold mattresses and new furniture. A few years later, they relocated the business to its permanent home next to The Second Hand Store. When the couple was ready to retire, they passed the business on to their son, Richard Jr. and his wife Nancy.

During their tenure, Richard Jr. and Nancy further expanded the family business. As its success grew, a need for additional space eventually led to a third neighboring building. In 2000, they passed the business on to Richard’s brother, Dale, and his wife, Mary. Today, it’s owned and operated by the founder’s grandson, Eric, and his wife Sophia, making them the third generation of Ross’s to take the reins. “It was my grandpa’s dream to have the business continue in the family,” says Eric Ross proudly. “We’re one of the oldest businesses in town and that drives me to continue the legacy.”

Ross began working in the shop when he was just ten years old, helping his father sweep and accompanying him on deliveries. He acquired the business from his uncle in 2018 and now his three kids help him in the shop, just like he had done more than thirty years ago.

When you step through the doors at SC Furniture and Mattress, the past and present collide. The shop consists of three buildings: one housing a mattress store, another with new furniture, and a third offering secondhand merchandise. Between the three, SC Furniture and Mattress has everything you could possibly need to outfit your home, from brand-new, oversized couches, to rustic centerpieces, and everything in between. “Our hope is to be San Clemente’s go-to place for all your home furnishing needs,” says Ross. “We focus on supplying items at an affordable price and offer personalized service that is being lost in today’s big box store mentality.”

The mattress shop showcases a variety of mattresses and frames, available in all sizes, and ready for pickup or delivery. The furniture business offers customers a curated collection of furniture, lamps, art, and accessories—the style is mostly coastal modern, but it carries mid-century and traditional items as well. Most of the pieces on display are on the smaller side to accommodate condo and apartment dwellers, but can be customized in any size.

The Second Hand Store is located in the original building and is a treasure hunt of hidden gems. It carries retro, revamped pieces of furniture, inexpensive, previously loved items looking to be restored, potted plants, funky signs, an array of books, antiques, appliances, art, and patio furniture. Secondhand inventory is acquired from private parties or from customers trading in old pieces for new ones.

SC Furniture and Mattress is a business that has been sixty years in the making. In a world of online shopping and outlet malls, Ross hopes to maintain a sense of local pride and community through his decades-old business. When you step through the doors, you’re treated like family; the quality service and unique pieces have kept generations of customers coming back time and time again. Sixty years from now, Ross hopes the legacy of his family will continue, and his great-great-grandson will show customers the same quality, value, and customer service as his grandfather did so many years ago.

In honor of his grandfather and all the service men and women in our community, SC Furniture and Mattress is proud to extend its 10% Military Discount to all customers this June. Please stop by and see what’s kept this family tradition in business for generations.