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Kids and Pets! ENTERTAINMENT

L AGU N A N IGU EL' S SE A COU NTRY FESTIVAL IS BACK! H E A LTH + W E LLN E S S

M ENTAL H E ALTH BEN EFITS O F H AVIN G PETS EDUCATION

PACIFI C M ARI N E M AM M AL CENTER

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marketing approach, deploying multimedia assets of the highest caliber, along with effective messaging, to unite sellers of the finest homes in Laguna Niguel and Dana Point with premium buyers from across the globe. 2 Ritz Carlton Drive | Monarch Beach, CA 92629 | (714) 883-2943 © 2022 Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties is a member of the franchise system of BHH Affiliates LLC. BHHS and the BHHS symbol are registered service marks of Columbia Insurance Company, a Berkshire Hathaway affiliate. If your home is currently listed, this is not a solicitation for your listing. Equal Housing Opportunity.

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LIFESTYLE LETTER

August Already?

August 2022 PUBLISHER

Michael Gerard | michael.gerard@citylifestyle.com EDITOR IAL COOR DINATOR

Barbara Kimler

As August begins, and with the new school year right around the corner, the lazy days of summer are replaced with back-to-school shopping and sports schedules. Seems like the summers fly by quicker the older we get… The years do too. But the simple pleasures of summer never get old. Although the structure of the school year schedule is often a welcome friend by the time fall rolls around, the end of summer is generally bittersweet. That’s why we’re very excited to remind everyone that the Laguna Niguel Sea Country Festival is back! If you were living here during the summer of 2019, you’ll recall the City of Laguna Niguel hosted a wonder carnival event in celebration of Laguna Niguel’s 30th Anniversary. It was a huge success and The City’s Parks and Recreation Department is finally able to break through the chains of the pandemic to bring it back—complete with all the rides, games, musical entertainment, and family fun! You can read all about it on page 18. We’ll be there with a display booth, along with lots of other businesses, community organizations, and vendors… So come on out and say hello! Our August issue is dedicated to the cutest members of our community— kids and pets. They both have a way of making us feel special and their sense of wonder is refreshing. In this issue, we discuss the positive impact a pet can make on a growing child’s mental well-being. We also wanted to share a bit about some of our local marine wildlife. Specifically, we tell the story of a rescued elephant seal named Otto and several of his friends at the Pacific Mammal Marine Center in Laguna Canyon. If you have not visited PMMC and learned about the great work performed by its staff (and hundreds of volunteers), you should definitely go check it out. Finally, as summer comes to an end, we do hope you are able to take some extra time to relax with the ones you love. Happy August!

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Rachel Chrisman LAYOUT DESIGNER

Kelsi Southard CONTR IBUTING WR ITER S

Mike Gerard, Barbara Kimler, Dan Pittman, Jonathan Berg, Ashley Hudson CONTR IBUTING PHOTOGR APHER S

Karen Reuter, Ryan Schram, Heston Quan, Melicka Studio

Corporate Team CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt CHIEF SALES OFFICER Matthew Perry CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER DeLand Shore CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Randy Radosevich DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL MEDIA Mindy Hargesheimer ART DIRECTOR Sara Minor OPERATIONS DIRECTOR Janeane Thompson AD MANAGER Chad Jensen WEB APPLICATIONS Michael O’Connell

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Proverbs 3:5-6 Laguna Niguel Lifestyle™ is published monthly by Lifestyle Publications LLC. It is distributed via the US Postal Service to some of the Laguna Niguel area’s most affluent neighborhoods. Articles and advertisements do not necessarily reflect Lifestyle Publications’ opinions. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without written consent. Lifestyle Publications does not assume responsibility for statements made by advertisers or editorial contributors. Information in Laguna Niguel Lifestyle™ is gathered from sources considered to be reliable, but

L I F E ST Y LE LE T T E R

the accuracy of all information cannot be guaranteed.

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inside the issue The Kids and Pets Issue

F E ATU R E D

D E PA RTM E NTS

16 The Mental Health Benefits of Having Pets

Lifestyle Letter

City Scene

Business Monthly

Local Experiences

Travel Journal

Mental Wellbeing

Hometown Hero

Inspired By

Local Limelight

Events

Pet Friendly

How Unconditional Love and Companionship Bring Happiness and Hope to Pet Owners Of All Ages

18 Laguna Niguel's 2022 Sea Country Festival! The Festivities are Back!

22 Fun and Learning at the Pacific Marine Mammal Center

PMMC Contributes to Ocean Science and Conservation by Rescuing, Rehabilitating and Releasing Marine Mammals.

26 Community Roots Academy Celebrates 10 Years in Laguna Niguel Creating a New Paradigm in Preschool through Eighth Grade Education

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AUGUST 2022

city scene

Where neighbors can see and be seen. 1

7 5

@PHOTOGRAPHERINSTA

1-7: The Mission Preservation Foundation kicked off its annual Romance of the Mission gala at an underwriting event on June 1. Longtime San Juan Capistrano residents Joan and Bill Cvengros will be honored for their extensive support of the Mission and sponsorships and opportunity drawing tickets are available by visiting missionsjc.com.

Photography by Melicka Studio

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C I T Y SC E N E

2022

St. Anne School An Independent Catholic School in Laguna Niguel

www.st-anne.org | @stanneknights 32451 Bear Brand Road, Laguna Niguel, CA 92677 | Phone: 949-371-9932

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AUGUST 2022

business monthly A round-up of exciting news from local businesses. Children's Book Release: Piggie Bear’s Power of Happiness Award-winning author and Extraordinary Lives Founder Mara James announces her newest book, Piggie Bear’s Power of Happiness. Targeted for younger children, “Piggie Bear” helps identify complicated feelings such as anxiety, sadness, fear, anger, and uncertainty, while managing them in a healthy way. Now more than ever, it's integral to provide resources to help children as they cope with a new reality. Piggie Bear’s Power of Happiness is available at Amazon.com or visit elfempowers.org.

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Laguna Niguel Military Support Committee: Operation Baby Shower a Success! The City of Laguna Niguel Military Support Committee would like to thank all who supported Operation Baby Shower by donating baby items for our adopted troops recently at Walmart. The Committee, facilitated by the non-profit Laguna Niguel Military Support Foundation, supports the USS Stockdale (home-ported in San Diego), The 1st Assault Helicopter Battalion, 140th Aviation Regiment (based in Los Alamitos), and The 1st Battalion, 4th Regiment of the U.S. Marines (based at Camp Pendleton). lnmilitarysupportfoundation.org

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"Summer Soul-Stice" Event at The Drake Exceeds Fundraising Goal The Drake Restaurant in Laguna Beach, The Drake Gives, and Save The Music Foundation, teamed up on a fundraiser in June to help underserved kids, schools, and communities discover the power of making music. Save The Music Foundation has already helped over 2,000 schools start and sustain music programs. Through the sold-out Summer Soul-Stice event, the organizations exceeded their goal of providing instruments, music instruction, and education for 10,000 students in Southern California. thedrakelaguna.com

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AUGUST 2022

local experiences The best places and things to do in our area.

As the end of summer approaches, cool off and satisfy your tastebuds at these go-to spots around town. Treat yourself, your kids, or your fur-kids to a frozen treat that bids adieu to summer.

Sweet Treats HANDEL’S HOMEMADE ICE CR EAM: Handel’s Homemade Ice Cream is happy

to be in Orange County! Serving only the best ice cream, made daily in store. Over 50 flavors available! 28121 Crown Valley Parkway Laguna Niguel, CA CR UMBL COOKIES: Each week, our menu rotates to give you 4-5 different specialty flavors to enjoy. But don’t worry, our famous Milk Chocolate Chip are always available! 24032 Aliso Creek Road Laguna Niguel, CA R ITA'S ITALIAN ICE & FR OZEN CUSTAR D: Rita's is an ultimate treat destination for families. Whether Italian ice, frozen custard, or Gelati, we're committed to providing happiness with every visit. 24845 Del Prado Avenue Dana Point, CA COFFEE IMPOR TER S SCOOP DECK & DELI: Family-owned local business serving Dana Point for 40+ years at the water's edge in the Dana Point Harbor. 34531 Golden Lantern Dana Point, CA BASKIN-R OBBNS: Baskin-Robbins, the world's largest chain of ice cream shops, has created more than 1,000 different flavors and a variety of treats. More flavors, more fun. 33621 Del Obispo Street Dana Point, CA

Handel’s Homemade Ice Cream

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LOCA L E X P E R IE N C E S

THIS IS A PLACE OF ROMANCE

Juan Capistrano's graceful arches, bubbling fountains and exotic gardens. Our hotel celebrates this rich history and artistry with a tapestry of visuals to serve as the backdrop for your dream wedding. Paintings, artifacts and venue, you'll discover a deeper meaning of union, tradition and connection. Hear the carillon bells sing your story through the olive grove and courtyards and commemorate your day with an olive branch of your own. 31692 El Camino Real, San Juan Capistrano, C A 92675 949.503.5700|inna hemissionsjc.com

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ALISO VIEJO

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ARTICLE BY MIKE GERARD PHOTOGRAPHY BY MELICKA STUDIO

A Storied

INN AT THE MISSION SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO CELEBRATES NATIONAL OLIVE DAY IN ITS OUTDOOR OLIVE GROVE VENUE

Olive

While the olive has its origins in Mediterranean cuisine, its distinct flavor is enjoyed worldwide. To celebrate the olive and its numerous varieties, National Olive Day is held each year on June 1st. For local residents, there is no better venue to celebrate the joy this little fruit provides than the outdoor Olive Grove at the Inn at the Mission San Juan Capistrano. We had the pleasure of attending this year’s event, entitled “A Storied Olive” featuring the Inn’s very own private label EVOO, Reverence. Inspired by the 72 Mission olive trees located throughout the property, the Mission olive was a staple for the Spanish Missionaries diet at the neighboring Mission San Juan Capistrano. The Inn at the Mission San Juan Capistrano holds olive oil tasting events, open to the public, on the second Thursday of each month. To learn more, visit innatthemissionsjc.com

T R AV E L J OU R N A L | ARTS + CULTURE

AUGUST 2 0 2 2 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/L AG UN A N I G UE L

The Mental Health Benefits of Having Pets HOW UNCONDITIONAL LOVE AND COMPANIONSHIP BRING HAPPINESS AND HOPE TO PET OWNERS OF ALL AGES

ARTICLE BY ASHLEY HUDSON, LMFT Pets have long been a part of people’s lives as companions. Having pets, especially dogs and cats, creates companionship which can relieve feelings of loneliness and enhance connection. Coming home after a long day to meet your dog, wagging its tail, excited to see you, can instantly perk up your mood and wipe worries away. Typically, the relationship between a pet and child is one of the first relationships a child navigates outside of their parents and siblings. The child begins to understand what it means to have purpose and responsibility. Setting up a routine of daily tasks such as feeding and walking their pet gives children the opportunity to learn how to take care of something. This installs the confidence they need to take care of themselves.

M EN TA L WE LLB E IN G | H E ALTH + W E LLNE S S

As a teen therapist, I work with teenagers who struggle with anxiety and grief. I often ask teenagers, “What things in your life give you joy and calmness?” Half of the teenagers say their pet gives them happiness and hope. Digging deeper, I usually find that kids, especially teens, struggle with feeling judged and accepted by their peers or family. It can be isolating and lonely when you feel misunderstood or judged by others— especially for teenagers who are figuring out who they are. They often feel the need to be accepted no matter where they are in their adolescent journey. Feeling a dog’s unconditional love can be a perfect remedy. A pet simply laying his or her head on your lap or just sitting next to you, brings love and warmth. A child is reminded that their pet does not

care what they look like or what they have done during the day. A pet's love and acceptance might be exactly what a child needs. There are several emotional and relational benefits that pets provide for kids. Having a dog can be a great motivator to get kids outside and exercising. The benefits of getting outdoors, moving your body, and being mindful of your surroundings are great for reducing stress and anxiety. Owning pets, especially dogs, is a great way for kids to learn and navigate companionship, ease worries, and increase their feelings of acceptance and security. Ashley Hudson is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist practicing based in Yorba Linda. ashleyhudsontherapy.com

AUGUST 2 0 2 2 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/L AG UN A N I G UE L

ARTICLE BY MIKE GERARD

Photo: Heston Quan

2022 SEA COUNTRY FESTIVAL! THE END-OF-SUMMER FESTIVITIES RETURN TO LAGUNA NIGUEL

H OM E TOWN H E R O | ENT E RTAI NME NT

After the wildly successful carnival event hosted by the City of Laguna Niguel in 2019 to celebrate its 30th Anniversary, the Laguna Niguel Parks and Recreation Department is bringing the festivities back! The 2022 Sea Country Festival will span three fun-filled days from Friday, August 26th through Sunday, August 28th! Anyone who attended the 2019 event can tell you this was a community gathering like no other. Laguna Niguel Lifestyle had a booth on display and we cannot wait to return again in August. For the adults, this event brings back all of the memories of county fairs gone by—complete with the smell of popcorn in the air, the sounds of the carnival rides mixed

SE A COUNTRY FESTIVAL

with music, screams, and laughter. It’s amazing how all the senses come back to life and the memories of childhood come rushing back. This is the kind of event you’ll want to share with your children and grandchildren. The Sea Country Festival is something they will remember for years to come. The Sea Country Festival is a family-friendly end-of-summer celebration event complete with incredible music acts, rides, games, food, and much more! While the event is free to enter, there are nominal fees for attractions and games. Food and beverages will be available for purchase. The 2022 Sea Country Festival will take place at the same site as 2019—an ideal, spacious, and easy-to-access setting on Dorine and El Lazo, in between the Laguna Niguel Design Center and the Chet Holifield Federal Building. Pre-sale wristbands will go on sale starting Monday, August 1st through Thursday, August 25th, at $35 each per day and can be purchased at Crown Valley Community Center’s front desk. Wristbands will available for purchase at the festival for $40 each per day. Wristbands include rides only and are good for only one person, single-day use. Food will be available for purchase and game participation to be purchased separately. This year’s festival will also feature a “Taste of Laguna Niguel” element, which will include a traditional beer and wine garden spearheaded by the Laguna Niguel Chamber of Commerce. In addition to a wide selection of businesses and vendors on display, you can also meet-and-greet with several of our community service organizations including: The Rotary Club, Laguna Niguel Military Support Committee, Laguna Niguel Historical Society, and others. We look forward to seeing you there! And please stop by the Laguna Niguel Lifestyle booth to say hello. To learn more about the event, visit cityof lagunaniguel.org/festival

Photo: Ryan Schram AUGUST 2 0 2 2 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/L AG UN A N I G UE L

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Fun and Learning at the Pacific Marine Mammal Center ARTICLE BY JONATHAN BERG | PHOTOGRAPHY BY PACIFIC MARINE MAMMAL CENTER

PMMC Contributes to Ocean Science and Conservation by Rescuing, Rehabilitating and Releasing Marine Mammals.

I NSP IR E D BY | ED U CATION

Otto

Otto is only a few months old, but he is already bigger than many human adults. Yet, by elephant seal standards, Otto is still quite small. That’s why he’s here, in an enclosure at the Pacific Marine Mammal Center (PMMC) in Laguna Beach. Like most of the beautiful animals here at the center, Otto was rescued from right here in Orange County, and brought here to be rehabilitated. Under the careful watch of the veterinary team, he was able to put on weight, learn to catch fish, and be social with other elephant seal pups. Now, only a few months later, he is on the cusp of being released back into the Pacific Ocean to live a normal and healthy life. In the wild, elephant seal pups nearly quadruple their weight in about four weeks. By the end of that first month, fed solely on a diet of milk rich in fats, they will weigh about 300 pounds! Otto is older than that, and not yet at that goal weight. Once he is, he will return home. His stay here has been smooth, just a few months, and his progression has been remarkable according to the staff. But I don’t see Otto as a patient of a unique animal hospital and shelter. All I see is the cutest creature with the biggest and most beautiful eyes ever. Otto is not the only animal currently in the care of PMMC. On this Saturday in June, he is joined by more than thirty others: elephant seals, California sea lions, and harbor seals. He also has a staff of more than thirty, hundreds of volunteers, and a constant stream of visitors to keep him company. Those visitors come from all over Southern California to watch adorable animals, learn about the work of the center, and find out how they can help save these beautiful creatures. PMMC has been operating in Laguna Beach for 51 years. Its building is a former equestrian barn tucked into the

narrow space between a creek and the hills of Laguna Canyon. It isn’t exactly the space one would imagine housing the preeminent marine rescue organization in Orange County. And yet, here they are, using their small space as efficiently as possible. The original barn holds the more sick, newly rescued animals, and isn’t open to the general public. But inside, you can easily imagine an ICU unit at any top hospital. There are separate rooms for the animals – and they are all given names as soon as they come in – white boards with treatment plans and busy staff moving in and out. The only difference is the floor here is wet. These are marine mammals, after all. Outside the barn are a number of enclosures with pools. Animals are separated by species, as well as by how far along they are in their treatment. A group of sea lion pups is taught to compete for food, as they would in the wild. They flop all over each other and run-up to the gate as they see me, hoping I’m coming with lunch. In another pool, a single harbor seal pup is playing with a fish that his medical team hopes he eats. But he seems to find more joy in pushing it around the pool with his nose. Fun fact: seals and sea lions only eat fish head first, so that the scales and fins don’t choke them. Visitors to PMMC are able to watch the animals from outside the fences, and from a small platform that leads up to the second-story educational center. Tour guides explain that humans aren’t allowed to touch the animals – no matter how much we might want to kiss, pet, or snuggle them – so that they won’t see humans as approachable in the wild. It is also important to remember that the beautiful pups here are still sick and malnourished, and any contact with us can make their fragile health situations worse. CONTINUED >

AUGUST 2 0 2 2 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/L AG UN A N I G UE L

Nothing is more joyful than watching PMMC patients return to the sea.

So what can we do to help? Most importantly, we can visit. The more people who learn about the beautiful native marine mammals, the more likely we humans are to protect them. Beyond that, we can help feed them. It takes about 150,000 pounds of fish to feed the animals at PMMC, and it costs about $1 per pound. So for as little as a single dollar, we can help provide the food that Otto and his friends need to gain weight and strength before being released. I sponsor a sea lion pup’s food for a week, which the center tells me is fifty pounds. $50 is a small price to pay for such a noble mission.

If you want to be involved even further, there are always slots for volunteers, ranging from helping to rescue animals – adults only – to beach cleanups here in Orange County. The more trash we remove, the less trash there is for a sea lion pup to choke on. PMMC is small, but its work is certainly not. Over the years, thousands of beautiful animals like Otto have been rescued, nurtured back to health, and released back into the ocean to live. It is a place we should be very proud to have right here in Laguna Beach. pacificmmc.org

L E A R N M O R E : Jonathan Berg is the founder and editor of The Royal Tour, a travel blog for deeper thinkers (theroyaltourblog.com)

I NSP IR E D BY | ED U CATION

ACCEPTING NEW MEMBERS! Join Today and Serve our Community Dictionaries

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LOCA L LIM E LIGH T | L IFE + CULTURE

Community Roots Academy Celebrates 10 Years in Laguna Niguel CREATING A NEW PARADIGM IN PRESCHOOL THROUGH EIGHTH GRADE EDUCATION ARTICLE BY DAN PITTMAN What began as the seed of an idea for a new kind of public charter school shared by two dedicated educators who believed that students could learn by doing as they actively explored complex real-world problems and challenges around them, has in just 10 years blossomed into a fullfledged learning community, Community Roots Academy (CRA). As a public charter school, CRA provides a tuition-free educational choice for parents with students in kindergarten through eighth grade who choose to have their children educated in an innovative learning environment. While the Capistrano Unified School District is CRA’s charter authorizer the school is governed by its own dedicated board of trustees. Under the visionary leadership of co-founders, Executive Director of Operations and Resource Development Eve Fine and Executive Director of Education Jeremy Cavallaro, CRA has evolved into an innovative and close-knit charter school located at 29292 Crown Valley Pkwy in Laguna Niguel. The pair was well prepared academically. Jeremy completed Harvard University’s Principal’s Institute. He earned his master’s degree in Educational Leadership at New York City’s exclusive Bank Street College. He is a doctoral degree candidate at the University of La Verne. Eve holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree from UCLA and a master’s degree in Education Leadership from

Hebrew Union College. Both worked in elementary education before joining forces. As they labored to design what kind of school CRA would become, Eve and Jeremy determined that project-based learning would be at the center of this model learning community. There would also be a complementary emphasis placed on the mastery of fundamental academic skills, problem-solving, critical thinking, collaboration, initiative, effective communications, adaptability, evaluating information and imagination. Semester-long projects are now used as frameworks to simultaneously teach students multiple, fundamental disciplines and essential 21st Century skills. At CRA, students learn by doing as they actively explore complex real-world problems and challenges that promote environmental awareness and stewardship. Over the past 10 years, CRA students have advocated for endangered species, raised awareness of local water pollution and health concerns, designed, and operated a pop-up restaurant and an ecofriendly student store. They have created art galleries, designed, and installed a rainwater catchment system at school, published books, created short films, and even sent a vessel into outer space. Throughout these projects, they have developed deep connections to the academic content, discovered the power of their voices, and ultimately inspired change. CONTINUED >

AUGUST 2 0 2 2 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/L AG UN A N I G UE L

Co-founders Jeremy Cavallaro and Eve Fine

LOCA L LIM E LIGH T | L IFE + CULTURE

They have become independent thinkers, responsible citizens and active community members who understand the connections between academic disciplines and their practical applications in the real world. CRA also values and promotes the arts. Over the last 10 years, a robust performing arts program has been developed. An award-winning orchestra with opportunities for beginners and advanced players has been established. In addition, the school also sponsors a full-scale afterschool musical each semester for interested students. CRA offers a weekly visual arts course for elementary students and middle school students have the opportunity to continue their art education through the visual art electives. Guiding students through their education at CRA depends upon the faculty members. Fortunately, they are well-educated, certified teaching professionals who are devoted to providing quality education to their students. They are driven first and foremost by their desire to help them to succeed and strive to create a tangible difference in their lives. The school’s administrative staff also has a wealth of experience to draw upon. Under the Learning Communities brand, Community Seedlings Preschool was established in accordance with the acclaimed Reggio Emilia philosophy of teaching, learning and advocacy for children that originated in Northern Italy. Educators at Community Seedlings’ San Clemente campus have created a learning environment where children ages two and one-half to five years grow based upon their natural curiosity and innate ability to learn from experience. CRA’s Community Care Club (CCC) keeps students engaged and learning before and after school and during breaks. CCC’s licensed program provides everything from engaging projects, enrichment clubs that teach art, science, sports, cooking, gardening, and technology skills to name a few, plus special events and field days, child-initiated discovery centers, playtime and homework assistance – all conducted on CRA’s safe campus.

CRA parents are also invited to participate as volunteers and donate to the school as tuition is not charged, resulting in an annual funding shortfall that needs to be made up to keep it operating at the highest levels. While scholars are members of the CRA family for many years, they will be members of the greater community for a lifetime. The guiding values they learn here as children will serve them and the world around them as they grow into responsible adults. So recently, Eve and Jeremy launched the Roots and Wings values initiative. They are planting the roots of responsibility during children’s formative years that they hope will lead them to reach new heights on their wings of responsibility while strengthening the CRA community. Going forward, they will continue to evaluate services that would enhance the educational offerings of this comprehensive learning community where the goal is to offer a new paradigm in preschool through eighth-grade education. For more about CRA, including enrollment information, visit learningcommunities.org

Introducing

Dr. Jessica Kim Board Certified Dermatologist

MEDICAL | SURGICAL | COSMETIC | VARICOSE VEINS “At CRA, students learn by doing as they actively explore complex real-world problems and challenges that promote environmental awareness and stewardship.”

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AUGUST 2022

events A curated selection of the most intriguing upcoming events in our area.

JU LY 3 0 T H AU G U ST 7 T H

2022 Vans US Open of Surfing

H UN TIN GTON BEACH PIER | 8 :0 0 A M The U.S. Open of Surfing in Huntington Beach is the world’s largest surf competition. The event will include world-class surfing and product demos and samples from your favorite action sport industry brands. If you can’t make it to the beach, tune in to the live webcast for all the action. vansusopenofsurfing.com

NOW T H RO UG H AU GUST 1 4 T H

OC Fair

88 FAIR DRIVE, COSTA MESA | 1 1 :0 0 A M The 2022 OC Fair continues through August 14! So be sure to get out to this annual celebration before it’s gone. Tickets are available online. Advance ticket purchase is required as the number of admission tickets available for each day are limited. Tickets will not be available for purchase at the gate. ocfair.com

NOW T HRO UG H SE PT E M BE R 2 N D

Festival of the Arts and Pageant of the Masters

650 LAG UN A CAN YON R OAD, L AG UNA B E AC H | 1 0 :0 0 A M 90th annual Festival of Arts Fine Art Show continues through September 2. The nationally acclaimed juried art show will highlight 120 Orange County artists in a wide variety of mediums including paintings, photography, printmaking, sculptures, jewelry, glass, and more. Also, watch art come to life in a star-lit amphitheater at the Pageant of the Masters. foapom.com

NOW T HRO UG H AU G U ST 2 8T H

AU GUST 5T H

2022 Sawdust Art & Craft Festival

935 LAG UN A CAN YON R OAD, L AG UNA B E AC H | 1 1 :0 0 A M The 56th Annual Sawdust Festival continues featuring the handcrafted art of 164 local Laguna Beach artists in an eclectic, artist village in the heart of Laguna Canyon. Shop unique artwork and enjoy live music, festival classes, daily art demonstrations, food, and drinks. Open 11 am - 7 pm, Sunday through Thursday and 11 am - 10 pm, Friday/Saturday. sawdustartfestival.org

Laguna Niguel Summer Concert: Stone Soul (Classic Soul & Motown)

AMPHITHEATER , 29751 CROW N VA L L E Y P K WY, L AG UNA NI G UE L | 6 :30 P M Come enjoy this year's "Sounds of Summer" Summer Concert Series! Ruby's Diner Food Truck, Fiesta Gourmet Food Truck, and Screamin' Ice Cream will have food available for purchase starting at 6pm. Please bring low back chairs or blankets. Pets, and glass containers are not permitted. cityoflagunaniguel.org AU GUST 7 T H

Cooking With Your Kid, Pizzeria - Cooking Class!

H EAT CULIN ARY, 30100 TOW N C E NT E R DR I V E , L AG UNA NI G UE L | 1 0 :0 0 A M Spend the morning making fresh pizza with your child in the HEAT kitchen! Knife skills, kitchen cleanliness, sanitation & sit-down lunch together included! In this class, we will create: Homemade Pizza Dough, Tomato Basil Pizza Sauce, BBQ Pizza Sauce, Margherita Pizza, Hawaiian Stuffed Crust. This is just one of many cooking classes offered, along with catering, events, and more! heatculinary.com

EVE N TS

AU G U ST 1 2 T H

Laguna Niguel Summer Concert: 4 Alarm Band (Top Hits/Variety)

AMPHITHEATER, 29751 CR OWN VA L L E Y P KWY, L AG UNA NI G UE L | 6 :30 P M Come enjoy this year's "Sounds of Summer" Summer Concert Series! Ruby's Diner Food Truck, Fiesta Gourmet Food Truck, and Screamin' Ice Cream will have food available for purchase starting at 6pm. Please bring low back chairs or blankets. Pets, and glass containers are not permitted. cityoflagunaniguel.org AU G U ST 1 7 T H

San Juan Summer Nites Concert

HISTOR IC TOWN CEN TER PA R K, 31 8 7 2 E L CA MI NO R E A L , SA N J UA N CA P I ST R A NO | 6 : 00 P M San Juan Summer Nights '22 Free Concerts in the Park presents country western music artist, Brent Payne. Come on down and enjoy food trucks, beer and wine, business expo, activities for children and more. Bring your own low back chair or blankets. No pets, please. sanjuancapistrano.org AUG U ST 2 6T H - 2 8T H

AUG U ST 2 7 T H - 2 8T H

AU G U ST 2 7 T H

2022 Sea Country Carnival!

DORIN E AN D EL LAZO, LAGUNA NI G UE L After the wildly success carnival event hosted by the City of Laguna Niguel in celebration of its 30th Anniversary, the Laguna Niguel Parks and Recreation Department is bringing the festivities back!

Rancho Mission Viejo Rodeo

30753 LA PATA ROAD, SAN J UA N CA P I ST R A NO This Annual Rancho Mission Viejo Rodeo is good ol' entertainment for the entire family, not to mention the richest 2-day rodeo in the nation. Proclaimed as the richest 2-day rodeo in the nation, this year's Rodeo features saddle bronc, bareback, steer wrestling, calf roping, tie down roping and bull riding. You won't want to miss this year's excitement. rmvrodeo.com

Pacific Symphony on the Go

DAN A CREST PARK, 24461 J O S I A H DR I V E , DA NA P O I NT | 7 :0 0 P M The Pacific Symphony’s mobile community concert experience is touring Orange County and coming to Dana Point for a FREE 45-minute pop-up concert held from 7:00pm to 7:45pm. Bring a blanket or lawn chair and enjoy! For more information, visit pacificsymphony.org/sotg AU G U ST 2 8T H

Dana Point Classic Car Show

DEL PRADO AVEN UE, DAN A P O I NT | 1 0 :0 0 A M Start your engines! The Dana Point Classic Car Show returns on Sunday, August 28! This outdoor event attracts thousands of spectators to enjoy hundreds of classic cars, awards, entertainment, vendors, food trucks, beer gardens, and more. This event is free for spectators and is perfect for families, friends, and dogs (leashed). danapointcarshow.com

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AUGUST 2 0 2 2 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/L AG UN A N I G UE L

ARTICLE BY MIKE GERARD

Cool Gadgets For Pets Lovers TREAT YOUR FURRY FRIEND TO THESE FUN AND UNIQUE PET PRODUCTS It goes without saying that Americans love their pets. According to a recent Harris poll, 90% of pet owners consider their animal companions as full-fledged members of the family… and many of them claim to get more emotional support from their pets than from even their spouses or their kids. It makes sense, then, that most pet owners would be willing to spoil their furry friends with the latest must-have gadgets and accessories. Here are a few useful and trendy items we found to help enrich the lives of you and your pets. Enjoy!

Whistle Go Explore Dog GPS Tracker. A must-have for dogs that like to make a break for it, or pet owners that just want some peace of mind. $112 Chewy.com

Wondurdog Quality Dog Washing Shower Kit. No more getting soaked! Everything you need to make bath time a breeze! $46.99 wondurdog.com

PetFusion Ambush Interactive Electronic Cat Toy. Bring your cat’s inner hunter to life. This automatic device gives your feline a moving target. $22.95 Chewy.com

Mighty Paw Smart Bell 2.0 Potty Training Dog Doorbell. Next time your four-legged friend needs to go outside, he can just ring for service. $34.99 mightypaw.com

PetSafe Seaside Stainless Dog & Cat Fountain. Encourages dogs and cats to drink by mirroring a natural water source instead of a stagnant bowl. $42.95 Chewy.com

THE SNUGGLY DOG Easy Wear Dog Towel. A versatile dog drying towel that wears like a warm plush dog robe. Keeps furniture clean and dry. $41.99 Amazon.com

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