(Doug Freeman on the far right/ Photo Courtesy of Sarah Delgado) Learn how Orange County Music & Dance has served both children and veterans with the healing powers of music throughout the pandemic. Doug Freeman has done a lot in his life that would classify him as a hero. The...
(Photo Courtesy of Kelly Sikkema/Unsplash) Ease some of the stress of this school year’s return to campus with these expert tips on getting your kids back to class. Parents and professionals agree, the best place for children to learn is in the classroom. “We want to recommend kids start socializing...
(Photo by A Future Superhero And Friends) Local juvenile correctional officer spends his free time bringing superheroes to life to put smiles on faces of all ages. Not all heroes wear capes. Some, like Yuri Williams, wear a Deadpool costume. Williams is the founder of A Future Superhero And Friends,...
(Photo Courtesy of Olivia Engelsman) Irvine mom battling cancer is on a mission to pay-it-forward while moving forward with her 10-year-old daughter by her side. Irvine resident Eden Feeley has spent the last few years battling stage IV cancer with her 10-year-old daughter, London, at her side. However, hers is...
OC teens and founders of The Give Back Group find inspiration and community in donating face masks and food in a time of great need. Three hundred pounds of pasta may seem like a lot, even by COVID-hoarding standards. But for Sage Hill High School sophomores Ingrid Luo and Eleni...
(Lona Cooking/Photo Courtesy of April Swerdfeger) The pandemic has had a real impact on special needs families and programs. Here’s how they adapted and what they’ve learned. Chinh Tuong Nguyen’s son, Patrick, was born on July 5. He rarely cried during his first 8 months, even when he had the...
Chef John Park pays it forward with donations to charities and jobs to veterans, addicts and the homeless. Toast Kitchen + Bakery is a new-age diner known for culinary creations like Orange Fried Chicken with Black Sesame Waffle and Taro Blueberry Pie. The Costa Mesa eatery opened in 2018 and...
Local mom creates book systems teaching kids that success is built on character. Being a mother doesn’t come with a handbook. So Danielle LaBriola, mother of two, decided to write her own book. A series of them, actually. Her book series, Crafting Character, is a five-trait system of books with...
Making the best of the 2020 season, local camps now look ahead to continue offering kids much-needed socialization with health and safety in mind. Each quarter at the Acting Academy for Kids & Teens, kids produce a musical theater experience complete with singing and dancing. “The crown jewel at AA4K...
A 16-year-old Irvine resident endeavors to help save the planet through her video work at the Environmental Nature Center. Emma Zebrowski is passionate about two things: filmmaking and the environment. So when the 16-year-old Irvine resident heard about a video internship with the Environmental Nature Center in Newport Beach, she...
The Rise of Alternative Learning However, not all students returned to school. Some districts brought students back in phases, or chose to bring back elementary school students, but not middle and high school students. And if families were not sending their students back to school, they were seeking out learning...
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...
With a new year comes hope for a better tomorrow. This has never been more true. Here, we reflect on 2020 and anticipate the year ahead in education. In mid-March, Orange County students were sent home for what many parents and teachers assumed would be a two-week period, just until...
How Maria Montessori’s system transitions well for current educational needs brought about by the pandemic. The Montessori method isn’t a new educational philosophy. It was developed by Italian physician Maria Montessori in the early 1900s. But that doesn’t make it any less relevant. “So far, Montessori has proven to be...
Wrap things up with variations of the pita found in Orange County. This Mediterranean-style sandwich can be stuffed with spit-roasted lamb, chicken shawarma or falafel. We’ve rounded up a few of our favorites here and even included a recipe for shawarma you can make at home. Daphne’s California Greek Daphne’s...
Local pastor, diagnosed with brain cancer, completes Ironman for his daughter, Hero. On a warm Friday morning in October, 39-year-old Jay Hewitt is at the starting line for the Ironman Triathlon. Organized by the World Triathlon Competition, Ironman consists of a 2.4-mile swim, a 112-mile bicycle ride and a 26.2-mile...
Oh my gourd, it’s hard to believe that PSL (pumpkin spice latte) season is already upon us. But there are plenty of ways to enjoy the unmistakable taste of autumn that don’t involve a latte. Hello Kitty Grand Cafe The Hello Kitty Grand Cafe has you covered when it comes...
A 17-year-old Anaheim resident and crocheter balances her desire for change with her passion for entrepreneurship. Sometimes, when Graciela Grande is crocheting, her hands get tired and start to hurt. She doesn’t mind. “I like the results,” says Grande. “I like the fulfillment you feel when [you] can see the...
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 preschoolers and kindergartners are dealing with the unique challenges of COVID-19. Theo Stasch is 4 years old and, like a lot of kids his age, a little shy. He attended preschool last year and his mother, Lauren Stasch, said the experience was helping to bring him out of his...
Gone Virtual: Orange County distance learning experts share advice for helping students thrive. Gov. Gavin Newsom had not yet finished his July 17 briefing when Corinne Mosqueda, a teacher in the Fullerton School District, got the first text message. Newsom’s announcement that counties on California’s COVID-19 watch list — including...
Given the circumstances, we could all use a little comfort food right about now. Fried chicken to the rescue! Buttermilk Fried Chicken Fried chicken has been among Chef Ryan Adams’ signature dishes for years. We’re lucky he decided to base an entire restaurant concept around his crispy creation. Buttermilk Fried...
Stay hydrated and refreshed during the hot season with one or more of these frozen drinks you can enjoy with your family. Cha Cha’s Latin Kitchen Cha Cha’s Platinum Mojito is our favorite version of the white rum cocktail. Platinum rum, fresh lime juice, cane sugar and plenty of mint...
(Photo by Deleece Cook/Unsplash) District officials, educators and families navigate their way back to school for fall on a road paved with uncertainty. It’s normal to be nervous about the first day of school, but back-to-school jitters are amplified this year, as an unparalleled pandemic creates uncertainty surrounding the 2020/21...
Summertime is synonymous with grilling burgers. But if you can’t take the heat, try one of these beefy bites in Orange County. If you are looking to fire up your own burger, we’ve got VaKA Burger’s recipe for their OG burger. And don’t forget to check out Orange County Restaurant...
The fall school year will be like no other. What can families expect from OC public schools for the 2020-21 school year? Back to school is typically a time of preparing and planning. This academic year was unexpectedly interrupted when COVID-19 pushed Southern California schools into distance learning indefinitely. Now...
We can all admit there are things we’ve been missing while sheltering in place. Adult beverages doesn’t have to be one of them. Plenty of local restaurants are offering beer, wine and cocktails for delivery and takeout along with your favorite dishes — just in time for Father’s Day. Stowaway...
During my time running a restaurant, I learned that the work is stressful and profit margins are slim. It’s still some of the most rewarding work I’ve ever done. Guests became friends and employees became family. During this pandemic, local restaurants need our help — as they help us. We’ve...
Don’t miss these valuable expert tips for adapting to the new home environment for both learning and working. Orange County families have probably heard “education starts at home.” Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, however, this adage takes on new meaning. Some parents are working from home while also taking the lead...
We all need some extra TLC these days. Is there anything more comforting than a soft, gooey peanut butter and jelly sandwich? Whether you’re 4 or 40, it’s always a treat to find this classic on your plate. Check out how these local restaurants are putting a spin on PB&J,...
Charles M. Schulz gave us some of the most recognized and beloved characters through his comic strip, “Peanuts.” You and your family can celebrate Snoopy, Linus, Lucy and good ol’ Charlie Brown at Knott’s Berry Farm’s Peanuts Celebration each weekend now through March 1. Look out for unique photo opportunities...
For many people, boarding schools are shrouded in mystery. Here, we lift the veil to explore this educational option. The concept of boarding school comes to most with some preconceived notions. Thanks to Hollywood, some imaginative types may picture boarding schools as places where children learn how to become wizards....
In-N-Out That’s right, OC’s favorite burger chain serves hot cocoa. In-N-Out’s tightly edited menu includes a cup of hot cocoa reportedly made with Ghirardelli Chocolate and freeze-dried marshmallows. Honesty, drinking hot cocoa out of a palm tree-adorned cup is about as California as it gets. Bonus points if you are...
Get your fill of holiday food at Knott’s for the merry season. One of the best parts of the holiday season is the special treats that only come but once a year. This year, Knott’s Merry Farm has plenty of festive ways you and your family can indulge for the...
Seaside Bakery Situated near the Newport Beach pier for more than 25 years, Seaside Bakery is an OC classic. Open 24 hours, you’ll find cake doughnuts, puffy yeast doughnuts and even crullers and old fashions. But they haven’t been open all these years without learning some new tricks, too. Cronuts...
We bring you the best of the best in Orange County food, fun for kids and adults, education and a host of services you won’t want to miss. Compiled by Sarah Mosqueda, Shawn Price and Jessica Peralta Best of OC Categories
Slater’s 50/50 Slater’s 50/50 is known for their burgers (comprised of 50 percent ground beef and 50 percent bacon) but they are also frying up some pretty tasty chicken wings, too. Available in classic or boneless, Slater’s wings are hand-breaded and fried twice. Choose from Nashville Hot, Thai Sriracha, Honey...
Teenager Conor Quill began volunteering with Orange County-based Miracles for Kids in first grade, and he shows no signs of stopping. Christmas. Back to School. These are all times of excitement for families with young children. But they can also be times of stress, especially for families with young children...
Dig In The fast-casual Cultivation Kitchen, is now open at Farmers Park, next door to the Anaheim Packing District. The restaurant, located within a greenhouse, aims to introduce “shovel-to-fork cuisine” to the community. Menus by Executive Chef Joshua Korn are dedicated to healthy, organic options that accommodate gluten-free, vegetarian and...
Ways & Means Oyster House Serve Mom an ocean view with her bottomless mimosa at Ways & Means Oyster House. Tucked inside Pacific City in Huntington Beach, Ways & Means serves a seafood-studded brunch with Maine lobster Benedict, shrimp avocado toast and crab huevos rancheros. Mother’s Day Brunch will be...
This beauty pageant competitor is on a mission to educate the world about seizure first aid. When Miss California High School America, Grace Edwards, was just 7 years old she already had a couple beauty pageants under her belt. The La Palma Christian School student also had a pretty comprehensive...
Coloring and hiding Easter eggs is a fun family activity, but these family-friendly restaurants will have you on the hunt for a different kind of egg. Deviled eggs are deliciously easy to enjoy (and make with all those leftover Easter eggs). Take a cue from these inspired deviled eggs served...
St. Patrick’s Day may have started as a religious festival day in Ireland, but cultures all over the world have adopted traditions and customs to celebrate the day. Nearly all of them involve the color green. Here are some green treats you can find in Orange County that are a...
Valentine’s Day is the perfect day to show the sweeties in your life how sweet they are. And there are plenty of places in Orange County to help you get your sugar fix. Treat your kids (or spouse) to any of these unique desserts for a happy heart day. Honey...