March 2026 – The Local Dish Magazine

SUMMER’S ON DECK .. .

bes t life outdoor s means having a space that 's durable, low maintenance and suit s your s t yle T imberTe ch® de ck ing br ings you all thre e – and it is a bet ter, more sus t ainable choice than wood Craf te d using propr iet ar y te chnolog y and a major it y of re c ycle d mater ials, T imberTe ch® de ck ing promises the beaut y and war mth of natural wood without the drawback s. It is de ck ing that will endure year af ter year.

Per formance -Eng i neered For Your Li fe O utdoor s™ Dixieline Lumber o er s a wide var iet y of Tre x ® de ck ing produc t s to help you trans f or m your outdoor space into a beautif ul oasis t f or rela xation and enter t ainment

These produc t s o er the highes t level of per f or mance with elevate d aes thetic s; outper f or ming wood while re quir ing ver y lit tle maintenance It ’s de ck ing that will provide de c ades of enjoy ment while s t anding up to the sun, s tor ms and ever y back yard par t y

Tre x ® de ck ing is sus t ainably made of 95% re claime d wood and re c ycle d plas tic in the USA render ing it gre en by design with produc t lines to t any home’s s t yle and prac tic ally any home owner ’s budget

✓ Full Renovations

✓ Custom Kitchens & Bathrooms

✓ Cabinets, Countertops & Tile

✓ Plumbing & Electrical

✓ Modern & Luxury Designs

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WINDOW TINTING

We do complete remodels. No project is too big or too small. Our promise to you is simple “peace of mind” working with our professionals while getting the best product and value. Our visionary designers will give you the attention you deserve to help you select material and a custom design to fit your taste and budget. You get the benefit of working with one of the most experienced project managers in the area with over 20 years of managing millions of dollars of public and private projects. He is a registered civil engineer and a licensed contractor. You will love working with our pleasant and skillful installers.

I had the pleasure recently of taking my daughter to a 3-day weekend volleyball tournament in Las Vegas. I believe it was my first stay in a casino in almost twenty-five years. My how my life has changed!

The usual 40-hour Vegas trip was out the window — recalling how my friends and I used to arrive in to town late Friday night ready to party and gamble, with our Vegas exit plan set for Sunday morning. Instead, on this trip, my daughter and I flew in early Friday evening, had a nice dinner, and were in bed by 9:30 p.m. I woke up searching for coffee at 6 a.m. instead of a headache remedy. That was a pleasant change!

The electronic sounds of bells from casino slot machines were replaced by referee whistles and screaming parents in a convention center filled with 75 volleyball courts. My daughter’s team played extremely well throughout her tournament, reaching the championship game. I was very proud of her effort and was happy I was able to be there to support her. I left Vegas after three days without emptying my wallet at the blackjack tables. Win-Win!

Thanks for reading and supporting the advertisers of The Local DISH!

PUBLISHER Matthew Vicelja

ART DIRECTOR Kim Lalla

—Matthew Vicelja, Publisher

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Veronica Badzey Dina Scaglione

COVER PHOTOGRAPHY BY: Matt Fukushima

100 years of collective experience. They lead a team of 18 employees who are more like extended family than staff members. In Dallas’s words, “Employee satisfaction is important to us, and that shows in the work they do every day.” It’s clear that this family business sees its team as the heartbeat of everything they do, well-compensated, well-trained and genuinely valued.

That same sense of connection extends beyond the showroom. Since moving to San Clemente, Dallas and Nichole have immersed themselves in the South Orange County community they love. They have hosted and participated in local healing events, from group sound baths to breathwork sessions. “We love the community vibe in San Clemente,” Dallas says. “We’re all about helping each other out.”

Founded in 1974 by an uncle and two brothers, California Windows began as a glass shop with a simple vision: to bring quality craftsmanship and genuine care to every project. Today, more than five decades later, the company stands as Orange County’s leading provider of high-end residential window and door installations.

Under the leadership of Dallas Conkle, the son of one of the original founders, the family legacy continues to thrive. Dallas says he runs the business the way he lives his life: intentionally, carefully and for the long term. Alongside his wife, Nichole, and their son, Wylder, he is building both a company and a community presence that reflect their deep-rooted values. For Dallas, every home they enhance is more than a project; it is a reflection of a family’s story, treated with the same care he would give his own.

From its Costa Mesa showroom, California Windows serves homeowners throughout Orange County, offering a curated selection of top-tier

BY VICTORIA BADZEY

brands including Milgard, Fleetwood, LaCantina and Therma-Tru entry doors. To builders and homeowners alike, these brands represent quality and timeless design for homes that deserve the best. What truly sets California Windows apart, however, is not only the products it represents but the way every detail is handled in-house. “We do all installations ourselves — no outsourcing, no subcontractors,” Dallas explains. “Every installer is an employee, trained, certified and constantly improving.”

That unwavering commitment to craftsmanship and accountability has earned the company dozens of five-star reviews on Yelp, Google and Expertise.com. It also allows them to offer something few others can: a lifetime guarantee on all installation work. “There are no surprises,” Dallas says. “We know it all.”

With Dallas, his father, and his cousin Joshua each managing different aspects of the business, California Windows draws on more than

This blend of technical expertise, intentional leadership and heartfelt community involvement sets California Windows apart in every sense. It is a living expression of what happens when family values and professional excellence align. Their work enhances some of the county’s most beautiful homes, helping families create lasting spaces of comfort, style and belonging.

California Windows replaces existing windows and collaborates with professionals on custom home builds in the beach cities and beyond. Whether you are a homeowner, developer or builder, a visit to the Costa Mesa showroom is the perfect place to begin. As the largest window and door showcase in the area, it offers fully installed displays and knowledgeable professionals ready to guide clients from design inspiration to detailed estimates.

As Dallas puts it, “Since we’ve been in business as long as we have, we’ve seen and installed everything under the sun. We know what works and what doesn’t for every home in Orange County.”

To learn more or begin your project, visit the California Windows showroom and experience the craftsmanship firsthand.

eep your kids curious, challenged, and connected this summer. Fairmont’s award-winning summer programs offer a full line-up of educational programming. CAMP (Preschool-8th Grade): High energy ACA-accredited camp experience combining education, recreation, and field trips keeps kids engaged all summer long! SUMMER SCHOOL (Kindergarten-8th Grade): reading, writing, and math taught by Fairmont teachers and individualized to meet students where they are so they can get ahead or stay ahead when school starts this fall. HIGH SCHOOL: Wide range of for-credit UC-approved courses for high school students

Q: Why am I so hard on myself, even when I’m doing well? I constantly compare myself to others and feel like I’m not enough.

A: You’re not alone. A lot of highachieving people have an inner voice that says, “Do more. Be better. Don’t fall behind.” From the outside it can look like drive or ambition, but on the inside it can feel tiring and never quite good enough.

That voice usually learned its job early on. Maybe you grew up in a competitive environment, or maybe you felt like love or approval depended on how well you performed. Over time, comparing yourself to others can start to feel like the only way to measure your worth.

Therapy can help you understand that voice instead of fighting it and how to be kinder to yourself. You can still grow and succeed, just without being so hard on yourself along the way.

MARCH 2026

KIDS EAT FREE

w/Entrée Purchase

Sundried Tomato

4:30 – 9 p.m. (see p. 34)

Specials by Chef Aron Shorecliffs Golf Club

5 – 8 p.m. (see p. 35) OPENING NIGHT I Love My Wife

p. 32)

SJC 250 Celebration "Juan Bautista de Anza Demo"

& Girls Club

3:30 – 4:30 p.m.

Bunny Bonanza

Consultation,

One

Consultation,

One

Consultation,

MASSAGE

Consultation,

One

EXPERT JEWELRY REPAIR, CUSTOM DESIGNS

*T&Cs

PALOMA MEDICAL GROUP

DR. HALEH KHOSHREZA:

A Trusted Partner in Your Health Dr. Haleh Khoshreza continues to make a meaningful impact at Paloma Medical Group, building lasting relationships with patients through thoughtful, personalized care. As a dedicated primary care physician and family practitioner, she brings both clinical expertise and heartfelt compassion to every patient relationship.

“I embrace the privilege of guiding my patients on their journey to better health,” Dr. Khoshreza shares. “I believe in the power of preventive medicine and take great joy in helping individuals manage chronic diseases.”

Her approach is rooted in partnership, listening closely, educating thoughtfully and empowering patients to take an active role in their well-being. Whether navigating a new diagnosis, managing a chronic condition or transitioning from hospital to home, patients can feel confident knowing they have a steady, experienced advocate by their side.

At Paloma Medical Group, care is never rushed or transactional. It is personal, intentional and centered around building long-term relationships that support healthier futures.

EXPANDING CARE FOR OUR COMMUNITY

Paloma Medical Group is also preparing for thoughtful growth in the months ahead. Several new primary care physicians will be joining the practice, further expanding access to high-quality, patient-centered care.

As the community continues to grow, so does the team, ensuring that more individuals and families have access to compassionate providers who prioritize prevention, continuity of care and whole-person wellness.

With a commitment to excellence and a heart for service, Paloma Medical Group remains focused on delivering the kind of care every patient deserves: attentive, accessible and rooted in trust.

Paloma Medical Group is more than primary care. The practice includes specialists in concierge medicine, pulmonology, sleep medicine and hospital medicine, all working together to deliver coordinated, patient-centered care with warmth and expertise.

MARCH 6 – 8, 2026 • DANA POINT HARBOR

The Dana Point Festival of Whales returns March 6–8, continuing a proud coastal tradition that began more than five decades ago. Founded by local visionary Don Hansen, whose passion for whale watching helped put Dana Point on the map, the Festival has grown into one of the longest-running celebrations of its kind in the country. This year’s milestone anniversary will be especially meaningful with the longawaited return of the Festival’s beloved “Magical Migration” Parade.

Set against the stunning backdrop of Dana Point Harbor, the Festival honors our city’s identity as the Dolphin & Whale Watching Capital of the World. Each year, thousands gather to witness gray whales traveling along our coastline during one of the longest migrations of any mammal on the planet. Whale watching excursions, marine education programs, and hands-on ocean experiences allow visitors of all ages to connect with the marine environment in unforgettable ways.

The return of the Parade brings an extra spark of excitement to this year’s celebration. Families will gather along the Harbor as marching bands fill the air with music and colorful floats created by local schools, nonprofits, and community groups make their way down the route. It’s the kind of joyful hometown tradition that brings generations together — grandparents, parents, and kids all sharing in the moment — and creates the memories that keep families coming back year after year.

Festival weekend will also feature signature favorites including the Blessing of the Whales kick-off event at the Ocean Institute, Clam Chowder Cook-Off, Dinghy Dash, Concert on the Water, Festival of Whales Carnival, live entertainment, educational lecture series, and family-friendly activities throughout the Harbor. These events create lasting memories while supporting local nonprofit organizations that serve our community year-round.

Whether you’re a longtime resident or first-time visitor, this year’s Festival is a chance to celebrate our ocean heritage and experience Dana Point at its very best.

Mark your calendars for March 6–8, 2026 - and join us for a weekend of whales, waves, and community.

Visit FestivalOfWhales.com for the full schedule and details!

Food Happy Hour

BACON WRAPPED SHRIMP

(3) Shrimp wrapped in smoked applewood bacon, cilantro chili glaze

(2) PETITE LAMB CHOPS

Served with roasted red potatoes

TUSCAN FLAT BREAD

Portobello mushroom, caramelized onions, tomato, goat cheese and balsamic reduction

(4) COCONUT SHRIMP

Served with french fries and plum mango sauce

GRILLED CHICKEN QUESADILLA

Cheddar and mozzarella cheese with grilled chicken, topped with pico de gallo and sour cream.

GRILLED SALMON TACOS

Pico de Gallo, romaine lettuce with a side of Abe’s sauce

SPINACH ARTICHOKE DIP

Spinach, artichoke, white cheddar, Parmesan cream dip

MINI PIZZA

Choice of two toppings

Additional toppings

MINI BAKED PASTA

Housemade Bolognese sauce, penne pasta, mozzarella cheese blend.

HALF-POUND HAPPY HOUR BURGER

Spread only. Additional toppings $2

Wine

HOUSE Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Cabernet, Pinot Noir

RED SANGRIA

De la Costa Red Sangria from Paso Robles iced with fruit

$13

$13

$10

$10

$10

$10

$10

$10

$2

$10

$11

Cocktails

$8

$8

Absolut, Cuervo, Jack Daniel’s, Tanqueray

LEMON DROP MARTINI

360 Lemon Vodka with fresh lemon, triple sec, and simple syrup

JACK MANHATTAN

Jack Daniel’s, sweet vermouth, dash of bitters and a cherry with orange peel twist

COSMOPOLITAN

Lemon Vodka with cranberry juice, triple sec and fresh squeezed lime

Lemon Vodka with fresh POM juice, splash of lemon and triple sec

TOM CAT ESPRESSO

Barrel aged Tom Cat Gin adds a bold, enticing twist on the classic Espresso Martini

THE COACH HOUSE

3/11 TOM BAGLEY’S DUELING PIANOS

3/1 DEBBY BOONE ‘A SONG FOR YOU’ WITH SPECIAL GUEST PAT BOONE

3/5 WILD NIGHT (VAN MORRISON TRIBUTE)

3/6 LED ZEPAGAIN (LED ZEPPELIN TRIBUTE)

3/7 THE GLENN MILLER ORCHESTRA

3/8 WALTER TROUT

3/11 TOM BAGLEY’S DUELING PIANOS FT. ADAM J EROS AND BILL POMERLEAU

3/12 TINSLEY ELLIS & DENNIS JONES

3/13 PRINCE AGAIN (TRIBUTE TO PRINCE)

3/14 THE FENIANS (A ST. PATRICK’S DAY CELEBRATION)

3/15 ANTHONY GOMES

3/19 VANESSA COLLIER

3/20 DEAD MAN’S PARTY (OINGO BOINGO TRIBUTE)

3/21 SUPER DIAMOND (NEIL DIAMOND TRIBUTE)

3/22 DOUG STARK’S HIGHER GROUND (TRIBUTE TO STEVIE WONDER)

3/25 LOUDNESS

3/26 DRAKE BELL

3/27 BUCKCHERRY

3/28 JACKYL WITH SPECIAL GUESTS BULLETS & OCTANE AND GILBY CLARKE

4/2 SPONGE

4/3 DOOBIE DOUBLES

4/9 HERMAN’S HERMITS

4/10 HERMAN’S HERMITS

4/11 ULI JON ROTH: PICTURES OF DESTINY

4/17 WINEHOUSE EXPERIENCE (A MY W INEHOUSE T RIBUTE )

4/18 YYNOT (TRIBUTE TO RUSH)

4/23 RHINO BUCKET

4/24 CHAMBER NIGHT AT THE COACH HOUSE FT. BLONDE AMBITION (TRIBUTE TO MADONNA) 4/25 THE HIGHWAYMAN SHOW

4/26 SHEMEKIA COPELAND

4/30 LANDON MCNAMARA

5/1 TURN THE PAGE (TRIBUTE TO BOB SEGER)

5/2 GARY PUCKETT & THE UNION GAP

5/3 JIM MESSINA

5/7 ERIC JOHNSON

5/8 MISSING PERSONS

5/12 VINCEN GARCIA

5/14 THE KINGSTON TRIO

5/15 FAN HALEN (VAN HALEN TRIBUTE)

5/21 PAM TILLIS

5/22 COLDPLAY USA & THE U2 EXPERIENCE

5/24 JERRY’S MIDDLE FINGER 5/29 DESPERADO (PREMIERE EAGLE TRIBUTE)

5/30 DESPERADO (PREMIERE EAGLE TRIBUTE)

6/5 ABBAFAB (ABBA TRIBUTE)

6/13 THE SMITHEREENS

6/18 STEWART COPELAND (AN EVENING OF CONVERSATION)

7/3 WILD CHILD (DOORS TRIBUTE)

7/24 NEW ROMANTICS (TAYLOR SWIFT TRIBUTE)

7/25 BOBBY GRAY

8/2 THE CREAM OF CLAPTON BAND 8/22 JOURNEY USA

WEDNESDAY

The 66th Annual Swallows Day Parade and Mercado Street Faire returns in all its glory on Saturday, March 21 to Downtown San Juan Capistrano. The Street Faire runs from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. with the parade starting at 11 a.m. This year’s Swallows Day theme, "Trails, Tails & Traditions –250 Years!,” relates to The Mission San Juan Capistrano’s celebration of 250 years here in 2026. The parade will feature equestrian groups from all over the state, with wagons, carriages, floats, re-enactment troupes and marching bands — a fun-filled family-friendly event!

Since 1960, the Annual Swallows Day Parade has been one of the largest non-motorized parades in the nation. The festivities are a reminder of the city’s equestrian heritage and pays homage to the swallows and their annual return to San Juan Capistrano. The Parade, Fiesta Grande, Hoos' Gow Day and related events are produced by the all-volunteer organization, the San Juan Capistrano Fiesta Association. All funding comes from the community in the form of sponsorships, donations, fundraisers and merchandise sales. The week of Swallows Day offers a trough of happenings. On Wednesday, March 18 from 6 to 10 p.m., the festivities kick-off with the Fiesta Grande at Swallows Inn. Cowboys can compete in a variety of competitions including Best Moustache, Hairiest Man, and Best Beard, while cowgirls vie for Best Outlaw Woman, Best Prairie Girl and other categories. Friday of Swallows Day week includes Hoos’ Gow Day throughout the downtown area. The sheriff and his deputies will be rounding up city slickers not wearing Western gear as well as clean-shaven men, requiring a donation to the Fiesta Association to cover their bail. Come down and check out the hilarious antics. Afterwards at 4 p.m., head over to Los Rios Park with the kids for the 9th Annual Frog-Jumping contest.

The Mercado Street Faire will be happening all day long during Swallows Day, boasting some incredible vendors, live country music, a kid’s zone and plenty of food! The Fiesta Association would like to thank the food vendors who will be serving their delights in the Mercado and the multiple sponsors who helped to support the faire.

For more information on all Swallows Day festivities, please visit www.SwallowsParade.com.