Talega Life - December 2016

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COVER PHOTO BY KATIE MORROW PHOTOGRAPHY

Meet the Mettler Family Plus: Talega’s newest Performing Arts School Transportation Solutions for OC Can Your Child’s Boredom Be a Good Thing?

2  TALEGA LIFE

EXPERT CONTRIBUTORS Attorney: Susan Dallas Hattan, Esq

Real Estate: Doug Echelberger

As an attorney specializing in estate planning and financial education, Susie Hattan’s mission is to help families achieve peace of mind through financial independence and protection of their hard-earned assets. A mother of three children and an active member of the community, Susie and her husband feel blessed to have lived in Talega for 12 years.

A lifelong resident of San Clemente, Doug’s contributions in the San Clemente real estate industry span nearly four decades. He is ranked in the top 1% of agents in Orange County, the premier agent in Talega since 2001 and the leading agent of San Clemente’s #1 real estate team – the Echelberger Group.

Orthodontics: Dr. Taylor Olsen

Plastic Surgery: Dr. Kyle Song A board-certified plastic surgeon specializing in aesthetic surgery for the face, body and breasts, Dr. Song opened his practice in Irvine in 2012. Whether your goal is to look younger, or feel more beautiful and confident, Dr. Song has the artistic vision, thoughtful touch, and surgical talent to deliver the highest level of care. He and his wife, Sara, live in Talega with their two young children.

Dr. Olsen completed both his undergraduate degree and dental school at UCLA, then studied orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedics at University of Washington. He is Board Certified in Orthodontics. He has practices in San Clemente and San Juan Capistrano. Dr. Olsen and his family have enjoyed living in Talega since 2008. Olsen Orthodontics offers the highest quality orthodontics, a fun atmosphere and fair fees.

Toll Roads: Michael A. Kraman

Financial Advisor: Colin P Smith, CFP®

With over 30 years experience in major civil and transportation infrastructure projects, Mike is the CEO for the Transportation Corridor Agencies. TCA operates a 51-mile toll road network in Orange County. He is a graduate of the Coast Guard Academy, with a BS in civil engineering and holds an MS in civil engineering from the University of Illinois at Champaign-Urbana.

Mike is a registered professional engineer in California and numerous other states.

A financial advisor for Edward Jones, Colin has relocated his practice to San Clemente. He is focused on serving individual investors, just like you. Colin began his career with Edward Jones in 2007 as a financial advisor and is now a limited partner in the firm. Colin and his wife Brooke recently purchased a home in the community of Talega. They identified our community as the ideal environment to raise their young family.

Retail: Paul Durant A local legend in the surf, skate and snowboard industry, Paul rode as a professional snowboarder for Sims, coached the USASA Junior National snowboard team for the 1988 Olympics, and served as head of product development for Vans. Now his expertise is here in Talega as co-owner of SoCal Surf Shop with his wife, Elizabeth. His aim is to promote surf sports and family values while enjoying being the local “coach” for kids and adults in San Clemente.

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DECEMBER 2016 3

Dear Talega Residents, Christmas is my favorite time of the year. My family puts up with my over-decorating and rolls their eyes at the extent of my love for everything Christmas: lights, red and green everywhere, glittery things, a live tree (always!) You can hardly see for all the ornaments, festive dinners, carols and the spirit of the season. Secretly, I know they love it. I collect ornaments as I travel, to remember the towns I have visited and the experiences there as I hang each one. I have kept some we have had since the children were little. Now we have some for each grandchild.

PUBLICATION TEAM PUBLISHER Lani Wilson CONTENT COORDINATOR Joanna Larson DESIGN Lindsy Hemmersbach COVER STORY Paulette Britton CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER Katie Morrow Photography

ADVERTISING FOR INFORMATION REGARDING ADVERTISING IN THIS PUBLICATION, CONTACT: Lani Wilson – Phone: (310) 560-6525 Email: lwilson@bestversionmedia.com

COMMUNITY SUBMISSION INFORMATION Are you part of a local organization? Contact us for information on how you can submit articles, updates, reminders, events and more to reach the residents of Talega.

I come from a large family. Before each of our own families grew too big and the grandchildren wanted to celebrate in their own homes, we used to gather together as a big gang at Christmastime and go caroling. My father, a professor of music and wonderful trombone player, would bring his horn. We distributed antique sleigh bells, kazoos and other noise makers to the children as we descended on the neighborhoods. Some folks invited our marauding band of good cheer inside for refreshments or offered us cookies on the porch. Most came outside and just smiled or sang along.

The funniest time was when I was living in a neighborhood that turned out to have few Christians (or good sports) and some of the neighbors actually turned out their lights or drew the curtains as we approached. We all thought that was hilarious and still talk about it.

During the Christmas season, I am often the last one to bed because I love to turn out the overhead lights and gaze at the fire and the Christmas tree and count my blessings. This is the wish I have for each of you— that you count your blessings, cherish the sweet memories and be grateful for all the wonder still visible in the world.

Happy Holidays!

Lani Lani Wilson

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DEC. 11 - CAL BAPTIST UNIVERSITY D E C . 1 1 - WO M E N ’ S C H R I S T M A S B R U N C H WITH DEC. 18 - CHARLIE CAMPELL DEC. 24 - CHRISTMAS EVE TOGETHER D E C . 2 5 - F A M I LY C H R I S T M A S S E R V I C E

4 TALEGA LIFE

CHERYL BRODERSEN

BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT

A Change for the Better PRESENTED BY THE ECHELBERGER GROUP

I

t is with great pleasure that we announce our new home at Keller Williams Luxury Homes International!

Who you are in business with matters. That is why the vision of Keller Williams Luxury Homes International is a perfect match for The Echelberger Group – to be the real estate company of choice. To better serve our community of clients and affiliates, we have chosen this as our new home.

It is truly a change for the better. Our office will be centrally located to offer greater buyer reach to all South Orange County. Our full-service team will join forces with a network of over 139,000 Keller Williams Associates across the globe. And, our expert marketing strategy will gain exposure within international real estate markets across 790+ Market Centers worldwide.

It is one thing to claim to be an international real estate company and it is another to have locations throughout the world. We realize that international is more than just an online presence, and forward-thinking is more than just marketing. That is why we are proud to partner with Keller Williams Luxury Homes International as a growing international presence and forward-thinking organization within the real estate industry.

We are excited to better service both buyers and sellers across South Orange County as we partner with a company that is equipped to handle today’s growing real estate. San Clemente marks the south end of this expanding market, and it is our goal to make the supply and demand more accessible. Under Keller Williams Luxury Homes International, The Echelberger Group will bring more buyers to local sellers and assist more buyers in entering the local market.

This is especially important in light of the newly opened La Pata Extension. As we know, the extension has opened doors to a whole new pool of buyers that would not have otherwise considered South Orange County as a viable option. With a practical solution for commutes from San Clemente to North Orange County, it is time to breathe new life into how we serve our local community.

Rest assured that how we do business will not change. The principles by which we operate will only be strengthened. Keller Williams Luxury Homes International is home to a company culture that is second to none.

It’s a win-win, or no deal; doing business is doing the right thing, and the customer always comes first. What will change is how we do real estate. The network and resources at Keller Williams Luxury Homes International will place The Echelberger Group in the best possible position to focus on what we are best known for: sterling personalized service.

You can expect the same level of commitment and dedication from us, as we grow to better serve you. Please feel free to contact us with any questions you may have, our updated contact information is below, and let us know if we can assist you with any of your real estate needs now or in the future.

Cheers!

The Echelberger Group info@echelberger.com • www.Echelberger.com T 949.498.7711 • F 949.629.3704 Temporary Mailing Address 23807 Aliso Creek Road, Suite 100A, Laguna Niguel, CA 92677

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DECEMBER 2016 5

Philanthropy & Community News

Boys 2003 team and families stuffing stockings at Tierra Grande Park

Girls 2004 team at Tierra Grande Park.

Stockings for Soldiers

Cynthia Martinez - Director of Words of Comfort, Hope & Promise with Stephanie Gretzema - Head of Community Service for San Clemente Surf Soccer Club

The San Clemente Surf Soccer Club gathered at the San Clemente Community Center on November 2nd to complete our fall community service project, “Stockings for Soldiers”. Over 200 volunteers from the club donated items and stuffed holiday stockings to be sent to our troops overseas, fighting the war on terrorism. Partnering with Words of Comfort, Hope & Promise, a local nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting our military, the club was able to provide 9,500 items, which can fill about 630 stockings.

San Clemente Surf 's Community Service Program was designed to offer players a variety of opportunities to cultivate a strong sense of connection to the community of San Clemente and foster a sense of belonging. We want to thank the City of San Clemente as well as Ball Park Pizza (Talega Location) for supporting this event.

CHOC Los Ninos Group Save the Date:

Thursday, March 9th 11:00am-3:00pm We Thrive Pediatric Therapy Group celebrating their grand opening on October 14th.

1031 Avenida Pico, Ste 201 San Clemente, CA 92673

(949) 388-8788

CHOC Los Ninos Guild Annual Fundraiser “Time To Play” @ Bella Collina Golf Club.

This year the Los Ninos Guild has pledged $45,000 for CHOC@ Mission Hospital to purchase a transport machine for premature newborns in the neonatal unit.

www.weethrivetherapy.com

San Clemente Women’s Club: Tuesday, January 3rd San Clemente Woman’s Club • General Meeting 10:30 am @Talega Swim & Athletic Club - Fireside Room 100 Calle Altea, San Clemente 92673 Come join us to see what we’re all about! No cost to attend Visit our NEW website at www.sanclementewomansclub.org

The San Clemente Junior Woman’s Club Presents San Clemente Community Angel Tree 2016 Benefitting underprivileged children, seniors, victims of domestic abuse and special needs adults in the San Clemente community.

How you can help: 1. Choose an ornament from the Angel Tree located at the SC Community Center (100 North Calle Seville at Del Mar Avenue) or SC Aquatics Center (987 Vista Hermosa.)

2. Purchase and wrap the gift requested on the back of the ornament.

3. Return the gift, with the ornament attached, to the gift bin in the lobby of the Community Center or SC Aquatics Center by Friday, December 9th, 2016.

For more information, contact Amber Holcomb @ (949) 412-8860 or amber@ballparksc.com To learn how you can become a part of San Clemente Junior Woman’s Club visit us at scjwc.com

6 TALEGA LIFE

SAN CLEMENTE POLICE SERVICES Non-Emergency (949) 770-6011 SAN CLEMENTE FIRE SERVICES Non-Emergency (714) 573-6000 San Clemente Records (949) 361-8200 San Clemente Crime Prevention (949) 361-8386 San Clemente Graffiti Removal (949) 361-8385

TELEPHONE AT&T (800) 288-2020

City & Local Contacts San Clemente Code Enforcement (949) 361-6173 City of San Clemente (949) 361-8200 TELEPHONE, CABLE & INTERNET Cox Communications (949) 240-1212

ELECTRICITY San Diego Gas & Electric (800) 411-7343 TRASH PICK-UP CR&R (877) 728-0446 WATER Santa Margarita Water District (949) 459-6400 Animal Control (949) 492-1617

NEW HOME SCHOOL EXTENSION PROGRAM • Rigorous Academics • Cutting Edge Technology • Mission Trips and Community Service • Greek, Latin and Spanish Programs

• Surf Team • Extended Field Study Trips • Extracurricular Programs

949-496-3513 • www.sanclementechristianschool.com

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DECEMBER 2016 7

BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT

Singers in Disguise

BY KATRINA MURPHY

A

s owners of the internationally successful entertainment company Singers in Disguise, Katrina Murphy and Shaun Turner are currently putting their extensive performance experience into opening The Spotlight Performing Arts Academy, with classes opening in January in Talega, San Clemente and San Juan Capistrano. At Spotlight Performing Arts Academy, children will have the rare opportunity to be taught personally by a leading lady from major theater productions.

Katrina has been a professional singer in musical theater, opera and operetta since the age of 14 when she first appeared in London's West End, singing with the English National Opera. One of her most famous roles was as “Christine” in The Phantom of the Opera in London’s West End. In addition, Katrina attended one of the UK's top full-time theatre schools from the age of 13, the Arts Educational School, also attended

by Hollywood favorites Julie Andrews and Jayne Seymour.

Having moved to California from London this summer, she has already performed in her first musical theatre show, Sweeney Todd, and she has forthcoming performances in San Diego and L.A. with Singers in Disguise.

Katrina has taught at a number of respected performing arts schools in the UK as well as at her own, the Singing Studio.

She has taught a number of musical theater workshops and master classes and is very excited to be living in Talega and opening her first academy there, followed closely with two more in San Clemente and San Juan Capistrano.

The classes will run for children and teenagers ages 8-16, and private singing lessons for all ages.

This Business Spotlight is provided to welcome Spotlight Performing Arts Academy as a new sponsor to Talega Life. For further details on how to enroll your child, call (949) 558-1534 or email spotlightperformingartsinfo@ gmail or visit spotlightperformingartsacademy.net.

At Spotlight Performing Arts Academy, children will have the rare opportunity to be taught personally by a leading lady from major theater productions.

Now right here in TALEGA! San Clemente and San Juan Capistrano.

“SPOTLIGHT” Performing Arts Academy FOR CHILDREN AGES 8 TO 18

Have your children dreamed of being in a Broadway Musical like Billy Elliott or Annie?

Would you like them to be taught by a current, successful Leading Lady whose credits include playing Christine in Broadway's Phantom of the Opera?

Learn how to Sing, Dance and Act at Spotlight Performing Arts!

Next Course starts January 2017 at Talega Swim and Athletic Club and San Clemente Community Centre Numbers strictly limited - Reserve your place NOW to avoid disappointment!

Contact Katrina or Shaun on 949 558 1534 or email spotlightperformingartsinfo@gmail.com for more details.

www.spotlightperformingartsacademy.net

8 TALEGA LIFE

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DECEMBER 2016 9

FEATURE STORY

The Mettler Family:

Unwrapped

BY PAULETTE BRITTON PHOTOS BY KATIE MORROW PHOTOGRAPHY

Y

ou’ve likely heard of The Untouchables, The Incredibles and The Expendables. Meet The Originals: Darren and Joy Mettler and their kids, Sarina, Caleb, Rylee and Sky.

Joy was born in Pasadena but moved to San Clemente in 1972 when she was two years old. She graduated from San Clemente High School, attended Saddleback College, and became a licensed hair stylist. She opened and ran her own salon, JesSarine, for eight years before selling it when their third child came along. She still satisfies her creativity by working in a local salon, having served some of the same clients for over 25 years.

Darren grew up in Mission Viejo and his parents still live in his childhood home. After high school he went to Westmont College and majored in music. He soon switched his major and completed his degree with a B.A. in Biblical Studies. After college, he moved home and started working in a church. He was approached by some old high school buddies who had formed a band and needed a trumpet player. “Well, I hadn’t played in a while but I thought ‘What the heck!’ At least I could say I was on a CD!” he says.

According to Darren, in the late 1990s the band exploded, selling hundreds of thousands of albums and touring nationally and internationally. He recalls going back to his church, knowing he couldn’t do both well and thinking, ‘How long can this band thing really last?’

His one-time album gig turned into a ten-year career with the Christian band, the Orange County Supertones. In 2004, he stepped out of the band and back into ministry as youth pastor for Pacific Coast Church in San Clemente and he’s been there ever since.

Joy and Darren met through their group of mutual friends. Joy was

dating a friend of Darren’s from high school who also worked with the band. “We knew it wasn’t really going anywhere so that ended,” states Joy. Joy had been married briefly when she was younger and had her daughter Sarina to consider so she was always careful about dating.

After being on the road, Darren would come back and the group of friends would often get together to surf, play golf or just hang out. They all got to know each other’s families and Joy became close with Darren’s parents. “Everybody kept saying, ‘What about you and Joy?’” says Darren.

Apparently everyone around them saw something the two themselves didn’t yet see. “We were like, ‘No, no, no! We’re so different and are just good friends. We didn’t want to ruin that.”

But one Fourth of July, Joy and Sarina were at the beach and Joy recalls, “Jason, the drummer from The Supertones, came over and I had a big hat on so he didn’t recognize me at first. He asked if I had a match to light the fire for their barbecue.” Jason then recognized her and invited her and Sarina to join them. And that’s when Darren thought, ‘Here she is again!’

The next day at the salon one of her friends said, “Hey, I’ve heard some talk that maybe something might be up with you and Darren.”

The next day Darren left for a tour and was on the road for weeks.

He recalls, “The word among my friends was that there might be some interest on both sides.” And I thought, “Oh really?” He called Joy from the road and said, “I think the cat is out of the bag a little bit here. I’m interested in you and it looks like you’re interested in me and I’ll be home in about a week. Maybe we can see what happens.”

Joy adds, “At that point we had been friends a long while. We decided we would still be friends at 80 or sitting in rocking chairs together and married at 80. That’s how important the relationship itself was.”

10 TALEGA LIFE

That was in August and by January Darren proposed, and in March the two were married in Darren’s church in Mission Viejo. “We had only dated seven months, but really it was like marrying an old friend. Sarina and I had prayed for a long time for a dad for her and husband for me.

God blessed us with a man who would love us, care for us, protect us and lead us. And I knew he would always be there,” Joy beams.

Before they were married, Darren bought the house in Solana that they still live in today. “It was a stretch for me at the time but I rented out two of the rooms to my buddies. It has been a great investment, but the real claim to fame is that it is the smallest detached home in all of Talega!”

The friends were soon kicked out and replaced by Joy and Sarina.

Sarina graduated from San Clemente High and headed to New Zealand for disciple training school through YWAM (Youth With a Mission). She served in in Calcutta, India, with Mother Teresa, working with special needs women, and ended up at an orphanage with hundreds of orphaned kids and barely ten workers. She came home for a while and finished her Associates of Art degree, and now she’s going back to work with YWAM in January, training students to do what she did two years ago. “Sarina is so well grounded, she is such a good person and has such a great heart for people,” says Joy. Fourteen-year-old Caleb is a history buff, artist, and loves his church youth group. He likes to draw and sketch and has devoured history books since he could read. Darren recalls, “The OC Supertones played in Switzerland last year. We’ve done a handful of reunion shows since 2010.

We visited a few other countries and asked Caleb what we should see in Italy. For a week he just poured it out: gothic, renaissance, baroque, and we took notes! He totally educated us.”

Caleb is also quite a runner, averaging a six-minute mile these days. “He had never raced before,” says Mom. “Caleb and Joy ran a half marathon together last March and that’s when they realized he was a runner, adds Darren.” Currently, he’s on the Cross Country team at San Clemente High School.

Rylee is 11 years old and the soccer player of the family. “She’s really gifted and currently is playing a division up. She’s a natural. She’s also our inquisitive one; always asking questions. She’s a thinker and you can tell that the wheels are always turning in that brain of hers,” says Dad. “She’s is also really sensitive to others around her. She just has that kind of radar. It

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is sweet to watch,” adds Mom. And then there is nine-yearold Sky. “She’s our Sky-Sky. Our social one. She can wake up in the morning and go, go, go all day.

When she finally comes in, she’s done,” says Dad. Sky also loves swimming and is an entrepreneur. “One day she just announced that she wanted to make five tie-dye shirts and sell them. $45 later she walked in the door. She’s rad,” chimes Mom.

The Mettlers with their newest addition.

TL: How the Mettlers Do Family?

Joy: It’s my theory you can’t make a fish climb a tree. Certain things are in your wheelhouse and certain things aren’t. When you find it, run with it. You are going to do amazing things if you do. And we feel like it is our responsibility as parents to help our children find that thing and nurture it.

Darren: We don’t want to try to force our kids to be anything. It’s really fun to be home with them and know their character, personalities, strengths and gifting and be able to pour into that. We didn’t put our kids in a lot of sports right away. Rylee was eight when she started soccer. We didn’t even know Caleb was a runner until he was 14. We haven’t really thrown Sky into anything. We saw that she loves swimming and she will do Junior Guards like Rylee and Caleb did. It’s a mandatory thing in our home to be safe around water.

TL: What is the Mettler rally cry?

Darren: Purity at every level. You know in the Beatitudes it says ‘Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.’ That’s always in our thoughts.

It’s hard but we strive for that in every area: education, finances and our relationships with each other and with the Lord. We live debt free and believe it is important to live within our means. continued»»

DECEMBER 2016 11

{ Feature story continued }

Joy: I would say family. We live in such a performance-based culture and time. We always try to tell our kids that it’s your heart and your character that matter, not what you can do for us. We don’t want to feel like we need to be in everything and at everything all the time. The culture has cultivated busyness for us but we have decided to not let the culture dictate what is important to us. We like to have dinner together every night and ask the kids, ‘What was your high today and what was your low?’ Great family conversations come from this.

Darren: It ultimately doesn’t matter how our stocks are performing or how we compare to the next guy. That’s all surface stuff. Character is going to carry you through the rest of your life. Being a youth pastor for so many years, we saw kids who were just exhausted trying to perform for their parents and their peers. God doesn’t look at us that way.

Darren and Joy do a lot of ministry work together, speaking at MOPS and counseling couples. Joy has partnered with a long-time friend and business partner to start JoyCharee. They bring their hair styling services to you. It can be for weddings or parties but also for people who are too ill to make a trip to the salon. Primarily, she is called to care for her family and to homeschool their kids through the local Independent Learning Academy. “Homeschooling is not for everyone and it’s definitely a calling,” says Joy. Darren spent many years as a youth pastor and now works

12 TALEGA LIFE

"It ultimately doesn’t matter how our stocks are performing or how we compare to the next guy. That’s all surface stuff. Character is going to carry you through the rest of your life."

Talega is now and watch meteor showers. It was so dark. We did our hiking and took our dogs here and rode mountain bikes. These were beautiful raw hills, wilderness. I was living in Capo Beach at the time when everything was being built. Little San Clemente has grown so much.

The outlet mall used to be the tomato fields we walked through. I really can’t talk about that. It breaks my heart. San Clemente was such a quiet sleepy beach town, the way Ole Hanson envisioned it.”

Joy hopes to one day work in women’s prison ministry. She did not come from a Christian home so she understands walking with people with messy lives. “You never know when things happen in life how you will be able to use it later. I wondered about those dark days and now 30 years later, I can see that I can help counsel and support women or couples whose marriage is broken in a way I could not have without first going through it myself.”

Still, they enjoy their neighborhood and down-to-earth neighbors, describing them as the best people you would ever want to live by. The holidays are filled with cookie exchanges, block parties and they get pretty festive with the Christmas lights. The Mettlers have most of their family living nearby so Christmas can be louder than a mob scene. Their family tradition is making Jesus a birthday cake and also hiding a star somewhere in the house so that on Christmas morning, the kids act as wise men and “follow the star” to find where baby Jesus lays in his manger. Joy’s mother has recently begun passing down her kitchen secrets, having her kids and grandkids make traditional Lebanese cuisine at Christmas.

Darren added, “God has positioned us uniquely in that I have a stepdaughter, as well. Raising and adopting Sarina has made it possible for me to really understand what families experience.”

And a seventh Mettler just joined the family— a white golden retriever rescue pup named Prim. She was an unexpected gift that happened to show up at just the right time.

The Mettler family can’t imagine living anywhere but San Clemente.

The whole family enjoys chasing the sun— surfing, swimming, golfing and hiking. Since the 1970s when Joy first put down roots here, much of that local outdoor scene has changed. “We used to come out here where

As you unwrap your holiday and Christmas season, consider letting some of the busyness go, reunite with family and friends or maybe establish or partake in a family tradition and if you see the Mettler family, say hello.

as an associate pastor, sometimes counseling or marrying the “kids” from his youth pastor days.

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Kim Forsyth Ins Agcy Inc

KimAgent Forsyth, Agent Chris Dolkas,

Lic#: 0H00451 InsuranceInsurance Lic#: : 0588346 802Pico Avenida Talega 800 E Avenida San Clemente, CA 92673 San Clemente, CA 92673 949-492-5900 • chris@chrisdolkas.com www.chrisdolkas.com SERVICE TIMES SATURDAY | 5:00 PM SUNDAY | 9:00 & 11:00 AM

1311 CALLE BATIDO SAN CLEMENTE, CA 92673

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Chris Dolkas, Agent

0588346 KimInsurance Forsyth,Lic#: Agent

800 E Avenida Kim Forsyth Ins AgcyPico Inc San Clemente, CA 92673 Insurance Lic#: : 0H00451 Bus: 949-492-5900 802 Avenida Talega, Suite 106 San Clemente, CA 92673 949-366-0320 • kim@kimforsyth.com www.kimforsyth.com

Chris Dolkas, Agent Kim Forsyth Ins Agcy Inc Kim ForsythLic#: Ins Agcy Inc ChrisForsyth, Dolkas, Agent Insurance 0588346 Kim Chris Agent KimInsurance Forsyth Ins Agent Agcy Inc Kim Dolkas, Forsyth, Agent Lic#: 800 E Avenida Pico Insurance Lic#:0588346 0H00451 Insurance Lic#:0H00451 0588346 Kim Agent Insurance Lic#: 800Forsyth, E Avenida Pico ® statefarm.com San800 Clemente, CAPico 92673 802Clemente, Avenida 802 Talega San 92673 EAvenida Avenida Insurance Lic#:CATalega 0H00451 San Clemente, CA 92673 Bus: 949-492-5900 Bus: 949-492-5900 San Clemente, CA 92673 P077170.1 State Farm, Bloomington, IL San Clemente, CA 92673 802 Avenida Talega State Farm Life Insurance Company (Not San licensed in MA, NY or WI) Bus: 949-492-5900 Clemente, CA- 92673 1505053

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Chris Dolkas, Agent Insurance Lic#: 0588346 DECEMBER 2016 13 800 E Avenida Pico San Clemente, CA 92673 Bus: 949-492-5900

SCHOOL SPOTLIGHT

Important Dates: Winter Recess

Friday, Dec 23rd through Friday, Jan 6th

Martin Luther King Day Monday, January 16th No School

Lincoln’s Day Friday, February 17th No School

Vista Del Mar News:

“Giving Night” Friday, December 9th from 4:30-7:30pm.

Various stations and opportunities for students and their families to help serve members of our community. Activities include: putting together care packages for first responders, law enforcement, and the military; blanket making for children at CHOC; placemat decorating for the community living at Aegis; care packages for the homeless; Toys for Tots drive, and of course, Santa will make an appearance. All are welcome!

Winter Clothing Donation: Vista Del Mar is collecting winter clothing to donate to our sister school, Fremont Elementary in Anaheim. Each year the school sends their graduating class to science camp in January. This is often the first time these children are away from home and have an opportunity to make a lifetime of memories while at camp. However, many students cannot afford to buy winter clothing necessary for the trip. Vista Del Mar is collecting and donating gently used hats, gloves, long johns, boots, and jackets for the children to borrow. Fremont Elementary will store all clothes and loan out to children every year.

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You can help our local schools!

Please help Vista Del Mar and San Clemente High School by linking your Ralphs card electronically to raise money for our local schools. Last year Ralphs donated $30,000 to Vista del Mar from linked Ralphs cards!

This money was used to pay for music and art programs for our local elementary and middle schools. Without this money, these programs are in danger of being cut. You must link your Ralphs card electronically and it has to be re-linked every Fall. It only takes two minutes to link. Directions can be found at: https://vdmes-capousd-ca.schoolloop.com (under Fliers and Handouts on the right hand column.) Our schools appreciate your efforts!

Our schools appreciate your efforts!

The California Department of Education identified Vista del Mar Elementary School as a Gold Ribbon School and 2015 California Honor Roll School.

In addition, the Educational Results Partnership (ERP) and the Campaign for Business and Education Excellence (CBEE) has recognized Vista del Mar Elementary School as an Honor Roll school for the 2015 California Honor Roll.

Way to go Makos!

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DECEMBER 2016 15

FAMILY FOCUS

The Gift of

Boredom

BY DR. DUSTINE REY

Childhood experts assert that children need time to be bored so they can develop their innate ability to be creative and reflective.

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Holiday Ballet Fantasy Saturday, December 3

Three Shows 10am, 2pm, 6pm Pre-sale tickets are $10 $12 at the door ALONG WITH AN ALL DAY HOLIDAY BOUTIQUE

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sanclementedance.com • (949) 498-7571

I

t has become the norm in Southern California for children to be overscheduled and have very little downtime or opportunity to entertain themselves.

Childhood experts assert that children need time to be bored so they can develop their innate ability to be creative and reflective.

Children that are constantly active risk a delay in developing their imagination and the ability to self-regulate their emotions. Out of boredom, children learn to engage parts of their brain in creative development such as inventing new games, writing, daydreaming about their futures, creating fictional stories, and a host of other positive cognitive experiences.

Researchers have interviewed authors, artists and scientists to study the effects of boredom. Interestingly, they found that some of the most successful ones have something in common: very few distractions growing up. The absence of constantly being scheduled and entertained forced these individuals to talk, imagine possibilities, observe the world and question how things work. It allowed them the gift of creativity and reflection.

Dr. Susan Greenfield, neuroscientist and expert on brain deterioration, suggests that boredom could be an uncomfortable feeling for children.

She also contends that society has developed an expectation that we need to be constantly occupied and stimulated. When children are stimulated through games, sports, television and parental entertainment, the uncomfortable feeling is kept at a distance. However, when downtime is presented, children may feel distressed by their own ability to entertain themselves. When children have nothing to do, often they turn to television or video games, or engage in some kind of screen time. Where is the time to allow the brain to engage in something not scheduled?

While balanced screen time is not detrimental, and in many ways beneficial, Dr. Greenfield asserts that children need time when they are NOT entertained; time imagining and pursuing their own thinking processes or assimilating their experiences through play, or just observing the world around them.

It is suggested that parents should create moments for boredom in their child’s daily routines to allow them to be more creative and to develop emotional intelligence. This holiday season, while the kids are home from school, perhaps giving them the gift of boredom is the unexpected present. It doesn’t cost anything and can have lasting positive effects.

Dr. Rey is an adjunct professor at The Graduate School of Education and Psychology at Pepperdine University and the founder/executive director of The Gratitude Garden Preschool in San Clemente. Call (949) 572-4453 or visit www.gratitudegardenpreschool.com for more information.

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EVENT CALENDAR

THE RESERVE

AT RANCHO MISSION VIEJO

Visit www.rmvreserve.org/calendar for more information.

December

2016

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 3RD The City of San Clemente, Casa Romantica and Downtown Business Association Present Santa’s Village by the Sea 5:00-10:00pm A magical evening of Family Fun and Shopping.

Including: Christmas at the Casa 5:00-7:30pm @ Casa Romantica Photos with Santa, Holiday Entertainment, Children’s Crafts, Letters to Santa, Hot Cocoa & Cookies, Dickents Carolers Santa’s Village 5:30-8:00pm @ Community Center Snow Hill Sledding, Holiday Games, Visit Santa, Cookie Decorating, Hot Cocoa Factory, Tree Lighting (8pm)

Puttin’ on the Glitz’ 6:00-10:00pm @ Avenida Del Mar Live Holiday Music, Outdoor Movie, Train Rides, Stores Open Late, Cindarella’s Carriage, Food Trucks Free Shuttle between San Clemente High School and Avenida Del Mar 2-10pm

SUNDAYS, DECEMBER 4TH The Village Art Faire 9:00am-3:00pm Downtown San Clemente Join us on the first Sunday of every month along Avenida Del Mar in the heart of historical downtown San Clemente. You'll meet dozens of gifted artisans selling an array of exceptional hand-crafted work including fine art, photography, jewelry, ceramics, metal work, leather goods, textiles, home decor and much more.

FREE PARKING! SUNDAYS San Clemente Farmers Market 9:00am-3:00pm Opened in 1994, the market extends for a few blocks along the north side of Avenida del Mar between Ola Vista and Calle Seville. The wide selection of fruits and vegetables includes produce from organic growers. Fresh flowers, plant starts, honey, bread, and some prepared foods.

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 10TH Family Assistance Ministries Extra Help In addition to our normal Monday through Friday hours, we also open our doors on the second Saturday of every month. We provide food, and also a particular special need. Past events have included free backpacks for kids, medical supplies, and flu shots. Call today to see what’s happening this month! (949) 492-8477 at 1030 Calle Negocio.

Are you a member of a club?

Non-profit organization? Fundraising team? Neighborhood group?

We would love to help you publicize your event for free!

Please provide the information to Joanna Larson (jlarson@bestversionmedia.com).

No activity is too large or small! The format is: logo (high-resolution, sent as separate attachment), date, title of event, time, location, brief description of event, cost (if applicable) and web link for more information (if applicable).

www.bestversionmedia.com

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 3RD The Moon: A Brief History of Moon Exploration 5:30-7:30pm @The Reserve at Rancho Mission Viejo Headquarters In this informative presentation, volunteer astronomer Spencer Murray will answer questions you may have about the moon. After the presentation, our telescopes will be trained on the moon plus additional objects visible in our night sky.

(BRING: Warm clothing, flashlight, binoculars, optional beach chair.)

Adult: $10.00 Child: $5.00 Supporter: Free

MONDAY, DECEMBER 5TH Monday Trail Clearing and Weeding 7:30-9:30am @The Richard and Donna O'Neill Conservancy Join us for a Monday morning maintaining our trails!

Volunteers: Free

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 10TH Saturday Trail Clearing and Weeding 8:00-11:30am @The Richard and Donna O'Neill Conservancy Volunteers: Free

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 10TH Mistletoe and Winter Plant Walk 9:00-11:00am @The Richard and Donna O'Neill Conservancy Join us for a Saturday morning walk. We will be on the lookout for mistletoe and seasonal fruit such as the holly berry, beloved by birds. We will be walking on the Shady Canyon trail and learning about some of the native plants and animals of The Reserve.

Savor the smells, sights, sounds and breathtaking beauty of December in the wildlands. You will have the opportunity to decorate and take home your own mistletoe!

Adult: $10.00 Child: $5.00 Supporter: Free

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 11THTH Holiday Crafting 9:00-11:00am @The Reserve at Rancho Mission Viejo Headquarters Enjoy a cool, winter morning creating treasured keepsakes and personalized gifts made from natural and recycled materials.

General: $5.00

DECEMBER 2016 17

TRANSPORTATION SOLUTIONS

SuSan DallaS H attan, ESq.

Transportation Forum

Estate Pl anning

Draws Hundreds

BY MICHAEL KRAMAN

“The love of a single heart can make a world of difference.” ~ Immaculée Ilibagiza

Wishing you a Merry Christmas filled with love, peace, and joy!

As the holidays approach, our lives may be consumed with planning for celebrations, food, fun, and gifts of all kinds. Have you taken a few moments to give yourself the peace of mind that comes from planning for your future? What could be more important than making sure your family is protected?

Call your neighborhood estate planning attorney Susan Hattan to schedule a complimentary consultation now!

T

ransportation leaders from throughout the county came to San Clemente on October 5th to hear what the community had to say about potential traffic relief solutions in the city and the region.

The event was organized by the Transportation Corridor Agencies (TCA) in collaboration with elected and appointed leaders and staff from transportation agencies throughout the state including the California Transportation Commission, the California Department of Transportation, and the Orange County Transportation Authority, The event was held at St. Andrews by the Sea at Pico and the I-5 freeway.

Nearly 200 local residents attended and an additional 83 participated online. There were several stations, both inside and outside, that provided information about 14 different transportation solution ideas that were suggested by community members at the first forum that was held in Laguna Niguel on June 20th.

Residents had the opportunity to ask questions and provide comments, suggestions and other ideas. In addition to a comment box, there was a

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Check our website for more information on services offered by attorney Susan Dallas Hattan and upcoming workshops.

www.susanhattanlaw.com Susan Dallas Hattan, esq.

903 Calle Amanecer Suite 230 949-285-4270 sdhattanlaw@att.net

18 TALEGA LIFE

video production team available to take comments from the public.

There was also an opportunity for guests to put stickers on a map in areas where they would like to prioritize environmental protection.

Suggestions for transportation solutions ranged from the practical to the sublime. Some residents liked the traffic relief concepts that focused on mass transit, while others supported roadway solutions. Many indicated they’d like to see a combination of traffic relief options— multimodal solutions. One person even suggested giving free mopeds and bicycles to all residents. All of the community input will be reviewed and considered as transportation leaders work to develop a traffic relief plan for this area.

We understand that traffic in South Orange County is challenging and that’s why we plan to continue to work together toward a solution.

It is still early in the process and we encourage the community to get involved in suggesting traffic relief ideas and commenting on the alternatives that come out of those concepts.

More opportunities for public input will be available if you weren’t able to make the forum. If you have ideas or comments, log on to our website at www.getmovingOC.com. We value your input and want you and your neighbors to be partners in developing the future transportation solution alternatives for the region.

To learn more about what Transportation Corridor Agencies is doing to identify transportation solutions for South Orange County, please visit www.getmovingoc.com

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DECEMBER 2016 19

FAC E BREAST

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0129

TALEGA DAY SPA

JEWEL OF TALEGA

WISHES YOU HAPPY, HEALTH HOLIDAYS

A gift certificate for our spa services is a wonderful way to show you care!

Special Holiday discounts on couples getaway, wellness treatments, etc.

CHECK OUT OUR WEBSITE WWW.TALEGADAYSPA.COM

Celebrating 13 years in Talega

Discover what thousands already have: A wellness spa dedicated to promoting health and well-being through caring spa services, proven products and thoughtful in-house amenities.

WE’RE CLOSE TO HOME

One of OC’s top rated Day Spas is right in your own backyard.

We love our Talega Community.

Allow us to serve you!

1161 Puerta Del Sol • San Clemente, CA 92673 • (949) 429-5757 Open 7 Days: Mon.-Fri. 9am-9pm; Sat. & Sun. 10am-6pm

No matter where you are on your spiritual journey,

You are welcome here.

Special Events:

Sunday’s Celebration Service December topic is The Living Spirit Meditation ~ 10 a.m.

Service ~ 10:30 a.m.

Youth Program for infants to teens.

Wednesday’s Wisdom Service 7 p.m.

December 7, Community Potluck @ 5:45 with childcare during the service from 7 to 8 p.m.

Christmas Eve Service • Saturday, Dec. 24, 5 p.m.

A beautiful telling of the Christmas Story with holiday music featuring Michael Garamoni, AllenDale and congregational caroling.

Year-end Releasing Service • Wednesday, Dec. 28, 7 p.m.

Featuring a burning bowl ceremony and labyrinth walk

Holiday Boutique and Brunch Featuring artesian holiday gift sales and a delicious brunch

Sunday, Dec. 4, noon to 2 p.m.

Holiday Get-Away

A fun, activity-filled afternoon for kids from infant to pre-teen.

Saturday, Dec. 17, noon to 4 p.m. $10/child or $20/family

BRING THIS AD

949-240-6463

1201 Puerta Del Sol, Ste. 100, San Clemente, 92673

with you to one of our services or events and receive a gift from our bookstore.

For information about all upcoming services, events, small groups and classes, visit www.cslcv.org