Life + Culture

Mission San Juan Capistrano's Preservation Foundation Celebrates Annual Benefit Gala

High Profile Event Raises Funds and Honors Joan and Bill Cvengros During Spectacular Evening Article by Barbara Kimler | Photography by Lisa Renee Photography The theme Love Endures was evident throughout Mission Preservation Foundation’s incredible Romance of the Mission gala with close to 400 guests at historic Mission San Juan Capistrano on September 16. San Juan Capistrano residents Joan and Bill Cvengros were honored for their longtime commitment to Mission San Juan at the coveted...

Life + Culture

Harnessing Holiday Cheer

Survival Guide For a Stress-Free Holiday Season Article by Kimberly Blaker Do you dread the hustle and bustle of another holiday season? Between shopping, wrapping, baking, holiday cards, parties, etc., surviving the season can be a challenge! This year, why not eliminate stress by following these tips? Early planning First, close your eyes and reflect on how hectic this season can be. How many activities can you eliminate to make the season more enjoyable and stress-free?  Next, make a...

Entertainment

Zach Churchill: Heartbreak, Hope, and Gratitude

Local Rising Star Recording Artist Overcomes Adversity and Lives a Life of Gratitude Article by Mike Gerard | Photography by Arina B Photography Local singer-songwriter, Zach Churchill is a rising star you will want to keep on your radar. A frequent performer at Inn at the Mission SJC, Trevor's at the Tracks, and The Ranch in Laguna Beach, he is quickly growing a substantial following throughout the West Coast music scene.   With an expressively vulnerable voice, he breathes life, love, and...

Arts + Culture

Festival of OC Chefs Benefiting KidWorks a Sell-Out!

The Second Annual Festival of OC Chefs, benefiting KidWorks, was held Sunday, July 17 at Newport Beach Country Club. Article by Donna Bunce   The popular food festival, which featured 34 chefs , drew 400 guests to mingle and sample the scrumptious fare. Renowned wineries, such as Duckhorn, Crown Point, Schramsberg, Three Sticks, and Chateau Montelena, were also a part of the mix. Guests were later seated on the lawn to sample desserts and be introduced to the chefs by emcee DawnMarie...

Food + Beverage

Wine Tour

Exploring the Napa Valley Wine Country Article by Mike Gerard When you are ready for your next wine adventure, we have you covered. Here's the inside scoop on some of our favorite places to eat, drink, and stay in one of the world's premier wine regions. Salute! NAPA VALLEY Deemed a wine lover’s paradise, Napa Valley, just 30 miles long and five miles wide, is made up of the perfect topography, climate and soil to harvest renowned Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon wines. With great wine...

Food + Beverage

Chefs of Influence

Local Chefs making an impact on the OC Food Scene Article by Mike Gerard As this is our annual Food Issue, it's only appropriate we connect with a few of our favorite local chefs and share a little bit about their background. Bon appétit!  CHEF PASCAL OLHATS OWNER OF PASCAL CUISINE If you know the Orange County food scene, you know Chef Pascal Olhats. Born in France, Chef Pascal learned to cook in his mother’s kitchen and moved to Orange County in 1984. Pascal is an extraordinary Executive...

Finance + Legal Services

Stephanie Winstead

Estate Planning Lawyer Discusses Work and Family Life in Laguna Niguel Article by Mike Gerard | Photography by Karen Reuter HOW LONG HAVE YOU LIVED IN LAGUNA NIGUEL AND WHAT DO YOU LIKE MOST ABOUT IT? My husband and I moved to Laguna Niguel in 2009. Laguna Niguel instantly felt like “home” and that this is where we belong. Even with over 66,000 residents, Laguna Niguel has that small-town vibe where people look out for each other.  TELL US ABOUT YOUR BUSINESS, WINSTEAD LAW GROUP, APC...

Food + Beverage

Dining Fine

La Chaîne des Rôtisseurs offers members unique and exclusive culinary experiences showcasing world-renowned cuisine and wine Article by Barbara Kimler | Photography by La Chaîne des Rôtisseurs Orange County is home to three chapters of a little-known culinary society with a very rich history. Dedicated to the art and camaraderie of fine dining, La Chaîne des Rotisseurs is an international food and wine organization that dates back to 1248 under Saint Louis, King of France and the Guild of...

Food + Beverage

Campesino Café: The Future is Abundant

The Ecology Center Continues to Inspire through Healthy Nourishment, Education, and Cultural Enrichment Article by Barbara Kimler | Photography by The Ecology Center Farm-to-Table comes to life at The Ecology Center with the opening of Campesino Café this month. Since its founding in 2008, the San Juan Capistrano nonprofit has been on a mission to nourish and inspire the community with the vision of an ecological food future. Planned for a September opening, Campesino Café will be at the...

Life + Culture

Jeff von Waldburg

Panoramic Software President and CEO Discusses Work and Family Life in Laguna Niguel Article by Mike Gerard | Photography by Karen Reuter We recently caught up with long-time Laguna Niguel resident, Jeff von Waldburg . Jeff is President and CEO of Panoramic Software, Inc. --a technology company that helps government agencies operate more efficiently.   HOW LONG HAVE YOU LIVED IN LAGUNA NIGUEL AND WHAT DO YOU LIKE MOST ABOUT IT? I moved to Laguna Niguel in 1999, so 23 years now. I grew up...