Photo Courtesy of Disneyland Disneyland and Legoland have made some improvements — for children of all abilities. New and Improved Mickey’s Toontown Mickey’s Toontown has reopened at Disneyland and while the land has been updated extensively in design, there’s one big focus underlying many of the changes: inclusivity. “We got...
(Photo by Ralph Palumbo) Adrienne Kessler Speech and Language Development Center in Buena Park Adrienne Kessler strives to help others do the right thing. She was first introduced to autism spectrum disorders in 1995. Her work in the special needs community has evolved over the years and she now serves...
(Photo Courtesy of Ralph Palumbo) Patty Fabian Vibrant Minds Charter School in Anaheim Just a few things Patty Fabian does for Vibrant Minds Charter School include answering phones, payroll, collaborating with the school district for homeless issues and the meal program, arranging transportation, translation at meetings, cleaning restrooms when needed,...
(Photo Courtesy of Ralph Palumbo) Acting Academy for Kids and Teens’ programs and summer camps teach OC kids a passion for performing arts along with lifelong skills. Stephen Zygo’s love of acting goes back to early childhood. He and his older brother, Mike, were lucky to have a robust arts...
(Photo Courtesy of Endless Sun Surf Camp) Mental health remains in view for camp directors as we head into summer camp season. In 2020, Camp James directors received emails or had parents coming in to say — often with tears in their eyes — that they had not seen their...
(Photo Courtesy of Talbert Middle School Forensic Program) Local schools find an innovative way to teach STEM through crime scene investigation and forensics programs. There’s just something about crime scene investigation that captivates people. Judging from the number of TV shows and films that incorporate CSI and forensics, it should...
(Photo Courtesy of Soka Performing Arts Center) Soka Performing Arts Center starts the year off with a children’s classic: puppets. Soka Performing Arts Center is starting the year off with puppets. Not just any puppets, either. The historic Bob Baker Marionettes lands on the Aliso Viejo stage on Sunday, Jan....
(Photo Courtesy of Ralph/Discovery Cube OC) Discovery Cube Orange County creates its first-ever STEM musical in time for the holiday season. It’s the night before the big science fair, and 17-year-old high school student Lumina is working feverishly in her makeshift Santa Ana garage lab amid storage bins and holiday...
(Photo Courtesy of Marcella De Anda) These busy OC moms share their insights on running their businesses while balancing family life. Marcella De Anda Family: Matteo, 14, Sebastian, 13 City: Yorba Linda Business: Taqueria De Anda headquartered in Fullerton How does Taqueria De Anda stand out? “Taqueria De Anda was...
(Photo Courtesy of Ralph Palumbo) Mompreneur Cristina Gamarnik saw a need in the community for a safe space for new moms, and The Mommy Center was born. Cristina Gamarnik had a tough time after the birth of her first son three years ago. “I struggled making mom friends and getting...
Cute Kid Cover winner Reign A. Morris and her brother, Ryan, having a pumpkin-filled time at Discovery Cube OC. (Photo Courtesy of Ralph Palumbo) Discovery Cube OC’s latest exhibit, Pumpkin Palooza features bumper cars, dancing, and of course, pumpkins. Right now it’s all about pumpkins at Discovery Cube Orange County. ...
Wyatt Stanley working on the Hatbox Ghost for the Haunted Mansion-themed yard display at his Aliso Viejo home. (Photo Courtesy of Ralph Palumbo) Younger generations of Halloween lovers are finding pathways to careers in theme parks, prop making and more. Jacob Larson was born into the haunting life. His dad,...
Best Amusement Park/Family Fun Center Boomers! Irvine Boomers maintains its top spot in the ranking, which is no surprise considering the variety of activities offered at the park. From miniature golf, Go Karts, rides, Lazer Tag and climbing walls to batting cages and arcade games, just about anyone can find...
Best Faith-Based School Covenant Christian School — Orange Covenant Christian School, which has been serving Orange County since 1985, makes the readers’ choice ranking again. The school offers education for children in kindergarten through middle school as well as academic coaching and enrichment programs, all done in a nurturing, secure...
Best After-School Program Lyceum Village The nonprofit helps parents of children in kindergarten through eighth grade, and the parents continue appreciating their efforts. Lyceum Village staff picks up kids from school and helps them with homework. The kids can also participate in a variety of extracurricular classes, such as music,...
Best Cosmetic Surgeon Terry Dubrow, MD You might recognize Dr. Terry Dubrow from his multiple TV shows, including “Real Housewives of Orange County,” “Botched” and “Botched by Nature,” or his books — but long before Hollywood fame, he was already known for his cosmetic and reconstructive surgery skills. As passionate...
Best Girls Softball League Mission Viejo Girls Softball The USA-affiliated Junior Olympic fast-pitch softball league wins the top spot again. The nonprofit’s program centers around good sportsmanship, loyalty, honesty and courage — qualities young girls ages 5 to 15 from cities around South Orange County get to learn as they...
(Photo Courtesy of The Mommy Center) Best Mommy & Me The Mommy Center The Mommy Center is a no-judgment zone for all things motherhood. It’s where moms can go to socialize, find support and make new friends for themselves and their little ones. The Mommy Center also offers a variety...
(Photo Courtesy of Ruby's Diner) Best “Kids Eat Free” Restaurant Ruby’s Diner Ruby’s Diner wins for the 18th time. The retro restaurant started out as a small shack on Balboa Pier in Newport Beach and is now serving up burgers, fries and shakes throughout America. The menu includes kids’ classics...
(Q&A with Orange County Superintendent of Schools Al Mijares) The superintendent talks mental health, resources and the school year ahead. The new school year is upon us. How do you see the 2022/23 school year playing out? I think the last few years have presented us with valuable lessons about...
(Photo Courtesy of Dana Point Marina Inn) From north to south Orange County, here’s your guide to fun family travel while staying local. North Buena Park From Knott’s Berry Farm and Soak City to Medieval Times and Pirates Dinner Adventure, there’s no lack of things to do in this busy...
Costa Mesa residents Jessie and Jacob Boeckmann with their children (Photo Courtesy of Ralph Palumbo) An Orange County couple shares their story on their trip to Ukraine to bring home their newborn in the midst of the Russian invasion. Costa Mesa residents Jessie and Jacob Boeckmann’s surrogacy journey began in...
(Photo Courtesy of Wild Rivers) Wild Rivers is back in Irvine to create new lasting memories for families. It’s been 11 years since Orange County waterpark Wild Rivers made a splash in Irvine. This summer, locals and visitors can make their way back for a new wave of memories as...
(Photo Courtesy of Discovery Cube) Discovery Cube OC offers science, fun and bubbles this spring for all ages and abilities. Discovery Cube Orange County’s staff is always ready to help meet the needs of all abilities. One year, during Bubblefest, a family with a child with special needs needed a...
(Photo Courtesy of Leo Rivas/Unsplash) With spring in full bloom, here’s what families should know about this year’s OC allergy season. Watery eyes, itchy skin, sniffly nose … sounds like allergy season is here. But in a time when a scratchy throat and the sniffles can mean something more than...
Seth Britton Red Hill Lutheran School “I believe leadership and learning are integral to a life well-lived. To be recognized in this way affirms this truth, and serves as a reminder that true leadership is guiding others toward a greater understanding of what is right and true, all for the...
Francheska Anderson Loma Ridge Elementary School “I feel lucky to work with an incredible team who supports me in so many ways. … Working with students and a supportive staff makes work something I always look forward to.” Library/media technician Francheska Anderson has positively affected the growth of hundreds of...
Augustine Cheung Heritage Oak Private School “This nomination is an honor. It means that hard work and dedication does not go unnoticed. I am thankful to my directors and peers for believing in me.” Lynda Donovan Our Lady Queen of Angels School “I am humbled to be...
Jeff Baldo Servite High School “It is a blessing to be part of a community that allows its teachers to make their classrooms their own unique learning environment for students. … This nomination is truly a celebration of all of the amazing people in my life.” After a stint in...
(Shawna Rhebergen/Photo Courtesy of Ralph Palumbo) Shawna Rhebergen Heritage Oak Private Education in Yorba Linda For prospective families of Heritage Oak Private Education in Yorba Linda, their journey begins with Shawna Rhebergen. As director of admission, Rhebergen manages the entire enrollment process — from inquiry to enrollment. But her work...
(Chad Jackson, Fairmont Schools in Orange County) Chad Jackson Fairmont Schools in Orange County Working at Fairmont Schools is in Chad Jackson’s DNA. His grandfather founded the school in 1953 and his father took over in 1979. “I always wanted to follow in their footsteps,” said Jackson, who is now...
(Elizabeth Zoellner/Photo Courtesy of Ralph Palumbo) Elizabeth Zoellner, Commonwealth Elementary School in Fullerton Elizabeth Zoellner’s son was only 2 when she first became a teacher. Last year, her son graduated from law school. “My teaching has definitely evolved over the years as I helped my own child navigate the educational...
Orange County Superintendent of Schools Al Mijares, Ph.D., talks Top Teachers, Employees and Leaders, and how they continue going above and beyond no matter what the challenge. Parenting OC: How has the 2021-2022 school year gone so far? Al Mijares: It has become something of a cliche to say that...
Meet the judges for the Top Teacher & Employee Awards of 2022... From Parenting OC Publisher Randall Tierney Editor Jessica Peralta Marketing & Events Coordinator Madison Amirehteshami Top Teacher Philip Chow, Beckman High School Top 10 Teacher Sara Hosseini, Aliso Viejo Middle School Jesus Silva, Teacher, Nicolas Junior High School, Fullerton...
(Photo Courtesy of Ralph Palumbo) Reality TV star and OC mom Ashley Wahler talks about helping others feel beautiful through hair, and raising awareness about mental health and addiction. For as long as Ashley Wahler can remember, she’s always had a passion for hair. “My great-grandfather was a hair stylist...
(Photo Courtesy of Jessica Peralta/Disneyland) Knott’s Berry Farm and Disneyland Resort are back in full holiday swing for 2021. Orange County’s theme parks are back this holiday season with lights, charismatic characters and lots of festive food. Both Knott’s Berry Farm and Disneyland Resort have returned for the 2021 holidays...
(Dr. Behnaz Motlagh/Photo Curtesy of Ralph Palumbo) Local mompreneurs talk about their passions for business and family — and how they’ve overcome challenges. Dr. Behnaz Motlagh Family: Husband, Omid Nazeri; daughter, Moneli Nazeri, 13, son, Keon Nazeri, 7 City: Laguna Niguel Business: Health Solution Medical Corporation (healthsolutionsmedical.com) in Laguna Niguel ...
We bring you the best of the best in Orange County food, fun for families, education and a host of services you won’t want to miss — selected by our readers. By Magda Hernandez, Jessica Peralta and Shawn Price Editor's Choice Awards Winners 2021 Featured in the October Issue...
Best Faith-Based K-12 School The Hebrew Academy Orange County The private school has been providing education for Orange County students for more than 50 years. Children from preschool through 12th grade engage in general and Judaic studies in a challenging but nurturing environment. The curriculum includes STEAM, project-based learning, cutting-edge...
(Photo Courtesy of Boomers) Best Amusement Park/Family Fun Center Boomers! Irvine On a mission to unleash fun, Boomers has been the readers’ favorite for more than a decade. The locations in Irvine and Fountain Valley offer miniature golf, Go Karts, rides, Lazer Tag, climbing walls, batting cages and arcade games,...
Best Cosmetic Surgeon Terry Dubrow, M.D. Dr. Terry Dubrow was known in Southern California for his cosmetic and reconstructive plastic surgery long before TV cameras made him famous nationwide. You might recognize him from shows such as “The Swan,” ”Botched” and “Real Housewives of Orange County.” Dr. Dubrow’s passion is...
(Photo Courtesy of Gymboree Play & Music) Best Mommy & Me Gymboree Play & Music Gymboree Play & Music is out to build confident learners in a safe, fun atmosphere. The 45-minute classes cater to babies through preschoolers with opportunities to explore, play and learn new physical and social skills....
(Photo Courtesy of Lyceum Village) Best After-School Program Lyceum Village Lyceum Village is offering help for parents of kids in kindergarten through eighth grade with their individualized academic management plans. The kids not only do their homework, but can take part in exciting extracurricular activities, including music, sports, fitness and...
(Photo Courtesy of Mission Viejo Girls Softball) Best Girls Softball League Mission Viejo Girls Softball Mission Viejo Girls Softball is a USA-affiliated Junior Olympic fast-pitch softball league. It’s one of Orange County’s premier recreational leagues that puts instilling good sportsmanship, honesty, loyalty and courage at the center of their program....
(Molly Ringwald) Eighties icon Molly Ringwald partners with campaign urging parents to vaccinate their teens, and it’s not for COVID-19. It was 2005 and Jonathan DeGuzman was just a regular college student. “The thing I remember is I was turning in my psychology paper for our final exam. And at...
(Photo Courtesy of Ralph Palumbo/Dr. Arian Fartash and her daughter Isabella) A local optometrist helps educate parents and protect their children’s eyes with OC-based GlamBaby. When Dr. Arian Fartash became a new mom, one of her favorite pastimes became shopping for her baby girl. But the local optometrist soon found...
(Photo Courtesy of CUSD Palisades) County Superintendent of Schools Al Mijares answers Parenting OC’s questions about what families can expect for this fall’s return to campus. Parenting OC: What do you want all OC families to know about starting school this fall? Al Mijares: In many ways, I believe the...
(Photo Courtesy of OC Fair & Event Center) Looking for places to go and things to do this summer? We got you covered. Summer of 2021 is unleashing a world of fun in Orange County. Knott’s Berry Farm has reopened to celebrate 100 years. Disneyland Resort is back with Disney...
Find out how these social-media-influencing OC moms are using their platforms to give back. (Photo Courtesy of Irma Lomidze) Tina Sadri Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist Family: Husband, Ehsan; Sofia, 9, Siena, 5 City: Newport Beach Handle: @tinasadri on Instagram and TikTok Website: tinasadri.com Follower Count: 195K on Instagram What...
(J.F. Shea Therapeutic Riding Center) We profile some local families with special needs and the challenges they’ve faced through the pandemic. J.F. Shea Therapeutic Riding Center San Juan Capistrano Parents: Krysti and Brendan Crafts Kids: Olivia Griffin, 7, Brooklyn Griffin, 5, Juliette Crafts, 3, Savannah Crafts, 20 months City: San...
Top Teacher of Orange County 2021 Phillip Chow Beckman High School in Irvine At the beginning of the year, during Phillip Chow’s five-minute meeting with each student, he lets them ask him three questions of their choice. The top question is usually: “Why are you so happy?” “My answer is...
Top Teacher of Orange County 2021 Phillip Chow Beckman High School in Irvine At the beginning of the year, during Phillip Chow’s five-minute meeting with each student, he lets them ask him three questions of their choice. The top question is usually: “Why are you so happy?” “My answer is...
Top Employee of Orange County 2021 Shawnna Sharrar San Joaquin Elementary School in Laguna Hills Multitasker really doesn’t fully capture Shawnna Sharrar’s unique skillset. “If the saying about wearing many hats was applied to Mrs. Sharrar, she could open her own boutique,” states the essay nominating Sharrar for Parenting OC’s...
Top Leader of Orange County 2021 Paul Marquardt Red Hill Lutheran School in Tustin There’s a very long list of leadership skills that Red Hill Lutheran School Principal Paul Marquardt embodies. “Personable, humble, spontaneous, daring, funny, sociable, approachable and fearless leader … unifying, available, visible, involved, devoted, smart, supportive, encouraging,...
Top Leader of Orange County Schools 2021 Paul Marquardt Red Hill Lutheran School in Tustin There’s a very long list of leadership skills that Red Hill Lutheran School Principal Paul Marquardt embodies. “Personable, humble, spontaneous, daring, funny, sociable, approachable and fearless leader … unifying, available, visible, involved, devoted, smart, supportive,...
Courtesy of Camp James We interview the Camp James executive director about how the camp stayed open through 2020 to return this summer. Summer camps, like most of the world, were turned upside down in 2020. Despite the quick pivoting that was required when California locked down last spring, some...
Top Teachers Nominees 2021 Judging Criteria for Teachers Creativity in teaching methodTeaches other teachersPassion/personally involvedCommunity service/nonprofit workMultiple school dutiesHeads up and starts up other school programsYears of serviceWrites grants or raises funds for schoolStudent and/or parent favorite Top 25 Teachers Miriam BernardHeritage OakSara BridgmanRed Hill Lutheran SchoolKenton BuckTarbut V'TorahPhillip ChowBeckman...
It’s a new year, but things are still far from normal. We get some perspective from the Orange County Superintendent of Schools Al Mijares on what to expect in the year ahead. Parenting OC: What is the state of education in Orange County for 2021? Al Mijares: In many ways...
How educators and parents can help students — and themselves — emotionally cope with pandemic and socio-political stress. A pandemic. Political divisiveness. A storming of the United States Capitol. It sounds like the makings of a political thriller, but it’s the reality Americans have been living for the past year....
Best Mommy & Me My Gym A fifth-year winner, My Gym in Yorba Linda is the perfect place to get kids and babies moving. Arts and crafts, music and games help keep kids engaged and active. From tumbling to handstands, classes grow with your kids, and drop-off programs and pay-by-day...
Best Auto Dealer Irvine Auto Center Having choices is everything with this auto center, where 14 dealerships — with more than 5,000 vehicles available — provide new and used cars from Chevrolet, Chrysler, Dodge, Ford, Honda, Hyundai, Jeep, Kia, Lincoln, Ram, Mazda, Nissan and Volkswagen. irvineautocenter.com | Irvine Best Children’s...
Best Cosmetic Surgeon CosmetiCare CosmetiCare is not only a recognized name in Southern California but throughout the nation. Offering treatments ranging from non-surgical to surgical treatments, CosmetiCare prides itself on its top-of-the-line MedSpa treatments and results for every patient. CosmetiCare’s social media is a fan favorite, with videos from beauty...
Best “Kids Eat Free” Restaurant Ruby’s Diner A 16th-year winner, Ruby’s Diner offers the best in breakfast, lunch and dinner in a comfortable, fun atmosphere. On Tuesday nights, kids under 12 years old eat free from 4 pm until closing. This promotion will often run on holidays like the Fourth...
Best After-School Program Lyceum Village Sometimes parents don’t have the time to drive students to all their extracurricular activities. However, at Lyceum Village students get the chance to do their homework and other exciting extracurricular activities that they enjoy all in one place. Whether it be activities that help students...
Best Faith-Based School & Preschool Abiding Savior Lutheran Church, School & Preschool Abiding Savior Lutheran Church, School & Preschool’s mission is to joyfully and intentionally nurture disciples. This Lake Forest school emphasizes all facets of student development by providing a variety of opportunities for children to reach their potential. abidingsavior.com...
Best Girls Softball League Mission Viejo Girls Softball Mission Viejo Girls Softball puts instilling good sportsmanship, honesty, loyalty and courage at the center of their program. With the goal of creating well adjusted, stronger and happier children, young girls between the ages 4.5 to 14 get the chance to bond...
*Disclaimer: businesses may be subject to temporary or permanent closure due to COVID-19* Best Amusement Park/Family Fun Center Boomers! Irvine With locations in Irvine and Fountain Valley, a whole day of miniature golf, Go Karts, rides, climbing walls, batting cages and arcade games are never far away. It has made...
Holiday gift ideas for all those furry members of the family. West Paw Toys Pets-, people- and planet-minded toy and accessories manufacturer, West Paw, has an extensive line of durable dog toys for all chew and snuggle levels. This year, the company also launched a line of holiday-themed toys to...
Find out how these OC mompreneurs have adjusted and adapted throughout 2020. Jasmine Roth Age: 36 Family: Husband, Brett; daughter, Hazel, 5.5 months City: Huntington Beach Star of: HGTV’s “Help! I Wrecked My House”; previously on “Hidden Potential” How did your passion for home construction and design begin? “By accident!...
Let the Spooky Festivities Begin. Even with a pandemic, local Halloween events are popping up throughout the county. Businesses and individuals are rising to the challenge and are finding innovative ways to celebrate Halloween while social distancing and adhering to health and safety guidelines. Here are just a few examples:...
How to make Halloween a scream in a socially distanced world. Halloween may seem a little sad this year. But for Halloween lovers, COVID-19 safety restrictions doesn’t mean the spooky holiday season is cancelled. “We have received calls and inquiries from many parents on what to do this year,” said...
Putting Together Creative Halloween Looks. At the center of any Halloween event or activity is costumes, of course. This year, families can turn their Halloween costumes into a fun DIY project. “It certainly is going to be a different kind of Halloween this year, but that doesn’t mean we need...
Get in the Halloween spirit with creative home decorations. When it comes to decorations, options are limitless — but there are some things you can do to turn an ordinary, commercial prop into a unique, pro-level decor item. Dave Larson — founder of long-running home haunt Pirate’s Cave in Orange...
Dia de los Muertos is a Mexican holiday honoring those loved ones who have passed on. Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) is a Mexican holiday celebrated Oct. 31 through Nov. 2. It honors the souls of deceased relatives through offerings of food and other items, celebration, costumes and...
How to make Halloween a scream in a socially distanced world. Halloween may seem a little sad this year. But for Halloween lovers, COVID-19 safety restrictions doesn’t mean the spooky holiday season is cancelled. “We have received calls and inquiries from many parents on what to do this year,” said...
In a COVID-19 world parents are now forming ‘pandemic pods’ for their kids. When her 7-year-old twins’ Los Alamitos school shut down in March — along with the rest of the state — Eunice Shin started thinking about alternatives. “I've been talking to two other families that are from my...
(Kid's Soccer/Courtesy of YMCA) After-school sports and activities are changing, but kids can still reap their many benefits. In a typical week, an Orange County family can spend a significant amount of time participating in after-school sports — going to soccer practice, attending a basketball game, Little League tryouts or...
All the time at home may create some separation anxiety issues for pets in the future. We’ve been spending a lot of time at home. And for pet owners that also means more time with our pets — a good thing. But this can also potentially lead to some distress...
(Photo Courtesy of Vitolda Klein/Unsplash) Take this unusual summer and turn it into a fun and enlightening family adventure into the outdoors. We’re entering a summer like no other. Orange County businesses and venues have started re-opening, but things are still in a state of flux. Kids are done with...
Irvine mom and artist writes children’s book to help spread compassion and understanding of dogs. When Desiree Udell-Nguyen was 10, she didn’t like school much. “I was bullied and felt terrible when I was at school,” says Udell-Nguyen, of Irvine. “What got me through the day was knowing my dog,...
COVID-19 and stay-home orders have impacted all people and industries — including baseball. In time for Father’s Day, we spoke with Los Angeles Angels baseball outfielder Justin Upton to get a glimpse of a professional athlete and father living life in the age of coronavirus. Justin Upton Los Angeles Angels...
Even pet therapy groups are changing the way they do things in the COVID-19 world. We are all adapting to our new world of sheltering-in-place and social distancing in an effort to stop the spread of COVID-19. That includes therapy dog teams like those with Orange County Animal Allies, formerly...
Five steadfast and courageous Orange County moms, serving the community amid the coronavirus pandemic. The Paramedic Stephanie Maynard Job: Orange County Fire Authority firefighter/paramedic Residence: Central Orange County Family: “I’m a single mother of one boy who is 7 years old and is in first grade.” What inspired you...
Is your hair getting out of control? Check out these tips from a local stylist. There are a lot of big things going on right now. But many times, the little things can make a difference. Little things — like going to the hair salon — aren’t happening right now...
Staying home can provide some new avenues to bond and play with pets. We’re all home. Stress is high and a version of cabin fever may have started to set in. Our pets may be getting a little antsy too. But just because we’re at home doesn’t mean we can’t...
How to keep your routine while staying home. We’re all in it together. We’re facing a pandemic and need to do our part by staying home and staying healthy. It’s a new world for all of us. But with a highly developed digital landscape at our disposal, this doesn’t mean...
The pandemic is causing anxiety about the safety of all members of the family. There is a lot of anxiety about Coronavirus Disease 2019, aka COVID-19. For pet owners, that anxiety has undoubtedly extended to the safety of their companion animals. Can pets get sick from coronavirus? Though more information...
Parenting OC’s annual Top Teacher & Employee awards honors the top 25 teachers and employees selected by school administrators, teachers and students. Top Teacher of OC 2020 Kasia Givenrod Brea Olinda Unified School District Kasia Givenrod holds a very unique job title for the Brea Olinda Unified School District. As...
Parenting OC’s annual Top Teacher & Employee awards honors the top 25 teachers and employees selected by school administrators, teachers and students. Top Employee of OC Schools 2020 Alphonse Nguyen International School of Orange County Though Alphonse Nguyen is technically the International School of Orange County’s operation manager and IT...
Parenting OC’s annual Top Teacher & Employee awards honors the top 25 teachers and employees selected by school administrators, teachers and students. Top Employee of OC Schools 2020 Alphonse Nguyen International School of Orange County Though Alphonse Nguyen is technically the International School of Orange County’s operation manager and IT...
Readers share their favorite places to celebrate Valentine’s Day. Amber Waves Restaurant Buena Park “We went to Knott’s Amber Waves Restaurant for their Valentine’s deal … and it blew us away! The price: unbelievable. The service and food was amazing. They gave each woman a rose as you left. It...
Help make visits to the dentist a breeze for your kids with these expert tips. Dr. Azi Ardakani knows that fear of the dentist can become a significant challenge for children and their families. “I have a now 9-year-old girl that two years ago wouldn’t even sit in our dental...
It isn’t difficult to find fun places to spend quality time with your pets in Orange County. Spending time with pets is always a treat for everyone in the family. Who doesn’t get a little sad when you can’t take the pets somewhere? Lucky for us in Orange County, there...
Storymakery in Laguna Hills teaches children a passion for writing by giving them the tools to create stories. Camps and after-school programs can teach important academic and life skills while creating a memorable, enjoyable experience. Faith Vidal was only 6 when she started attending the Storymakery writing camp. And she...
Lil’ Chef School in Irvine celebrates 10 years of teaching local children a passion for cooking. Tracey Doty started cooking with her mom and grandma at a young age. When she was still in elementary school and around the holidays, they would spend the whole day cooking during a given...
Start the year off with some emergency preparedness and planning. The new year is a time for learning from the past and looking forward toward the future. Considering the recent fires and power outages that hit Southern California, it’s a good time to think about preparedness. “Orange County has multiple...
How children can benefit from pets in the classroom. Pets and kids seem like a natural match. Not always, but many times they are quite fond of each other. And there’s something to it. Research has been supporting the idea that animals can benefit children — even in the classroom....
Keep the environment in mind with these plastic-alternative products and tips. Most of us have nailed the reusable-bag habit for the supermarket, greatly reducing the number of flimsy plastic bags that find their way to the coastline and into the ocean. And at least some of us have stopped or...
The holidays are a time for family, giving and celebration. It can be a happy time for all members of the family — including pets. But there are also a host of new people, decorations and food in your pet’s environment that can put him at risk. “While the holidays...