Photo credit: City Cruises by Hornblower

Along the California Coast, the ultra-popular maritime activity of whale watching kicks off for the fall/winter season with a one-of-a-kind opportunity to see gray whales migrating through the waters for a limited time. In San Diego, City Cruises' seasonal winter whale watching experience returns, which will run through the spring, featuring the best sightseeing of the Bay paired with a professionally narrated tour of whale hot spots and not-to-be-missed San Diego sites. To guarantee a memorable experience for all guests, City Cruises will provide a pass to return for another whale watching or harbor cruise experience if some species of whale is not spotted.

Celebrate the Thanksgiving holiday with an unforgettable experience on the water. The two-hour Thanksgiving brunch cruise is available in Newport Beach, San Diego and Marina Del Rey, and includes a menu of freshly-prepared Thanksgiving staples as well as drinks, including unlimited champagne, live music, and unbeatable views.

For those who wish to skip the holiday meal preparation and spend more quality time with loved ones, the Thanksgiving Day Dinner Cruise offers an evening cruise complete with a decadent Thanksgiving dinner and entertainment. Dinner will be offered at the Newport Beach, Marina Del Rey, San Diego and Long Beach ports.

CItyExperiences.com
(800) 459-8105

The tastes emerging from downtown San Clemente’s new contemporary Mexican restaurant Gema are influenced by its chef’s childhood memories and high-level culinary techniques.

Partnering authentic ingredients straight from Mexico with locally sourced seasonal fare, Gema’s Executive Chef Juan Pablo Cruz takes tradition and gives it new life. His menu is scratch-made and inspired by authentic Mexican gastronomy which “supports local farmers markets, purveyors of naturally and humanely raised meats, sustainable seafood and the use of top-quality products and ingredients.”

Al pastor, birria, fish, shrimp, and wagyu take center stage at this seaside city’s newest upscale eatery, accompanied by quesillo cheese, habanero glazes, and tamarindo or jackfruit adobada.

I am a huge, huge fan of ceviche and always feel compelled to order the seafood specialty in the hopes of sampling the freshest of fish enhanced with each chef’s unique, flavorful spin on a traditional favorite. Gema’s iteration arrived with cuts of fresh fish (varies per the freshest available each day), mandarin habanero glaze, kumquot salad and blue watercress.

Remaining in keeping with my seafaring theme of the evening, I opted for another appetizer as my main course: the Camarones Flameados, crunchy shrimp with grasshopper creme, charred heirloom tomatoes, corn croutons, macadamia dust and sorrel mix.

If you’re a meat eater like my husband, menu options include the Wagyu steak - an MB-8 Australian filet accompanied by scalloped potatoes, the Birria de Res (tender prime short rib) and the grilled prime cut NY strip loin steak enhanced with bone marrow butter.

Other popular entrees include the Halibut Al Pastor (Alaskan halibut, achioto infusion, pineapple foam and serrano puree) and the Sea Bass Meztlapique (Mexican sea bass enhanced with a bergamot basil salsa macha).

Share a couple of sides, partake in a tostada de wagyu or Duranzo salad (elegante mix greens, blood orange vinaigrette, house hibiscus cheese, castilla walnut), and finish the night with a delectable dessert.

110 S. El Camino Real
San Clemente
(714) 640-9371
GemaRestaurant.com

The transformational gift was announced at the 2022 Hope Gala featuring Nick Jonas

Visionary philanthropist Julia A. Argyros surprised guests at City of Hope’s Hope Gala in Orange County by announcing a $25 million gift from Julia and George Argyros to City of Hope Orange County.

This transformational gift continues a decades-long legacy of extraordinary generosity and support from the Argyros family to City of Hope.

Now, in recognition of the generous gift, the Argyros name will grace the healing garden at City of Hope Orange County Lennar Foundation Cancer Center, furthering a shared commitment to healing mind, body and spirit.

The Argyros family has made deep investments in health care, education, childhood development and arts foundations across Southern California.

“We are honored to be in the position to support City of Hope, which is saving lives and expanding access to its advanced cancer care. We believe it is our privilege to give back to the community. We hope that this gift helps people get the care they need and that everyone who walks through the healing gardens at the new cancer center is filled with peace and hope,” Julia Argyros said.

The Sept. 10 gala raised $2.3 million in addition to the announcement of the Argyros family’s transformational $25 million gift to City of Hope Orange County. The gala brought together leaders and luminaries to honor Julia Argyros and celebrate the partnership of City of Hope’s many philanthropic supporters in Orange County and nationally. The gala featured a performance by Grammy-nominated recording artist Nick Jonas.

“City of Hope came to Orange County to answer a pressing need in the community, and we are grateful for those foresighted supporters who help us ignite a movement that is changing the health care landscape,” said Annette Walker, president, City of Hope Orange County. “Supporters like Julia and George Argyros, and everyone whose contributions are helping to make this vision possible, are evidence of the incredible support for City of Hope in Orange County. Together, we can achieve our goal of making our communities cancer free.”

City of Hope Provides Orange County’s Most Advanced Cancer Care

Patients at the cancer center receive fully integrated, multidisciplinary care — from prevention through survivorship — in one convenient location where every physician and staff member is solely focused on treating and curing cancer. They have access to City of Hope’s 575 physicians and more than 1,000 researchers and scientists, and nearly 1,000 Phase 1-3 clinical trials conducted at City of Hope each year.

The outpatient cancer center features a suite of market-leading technology, 67 spacious exam and treatment rooms, an infusion center and a design developed around patient preferences. It will be seamlessly connected to Orange County’s only specialty cancer hospital, opening in 2025.

City of Hope’s Orange County cancer care network currently includes four regional clinical network sites — two in Newport Beach, one in Huntington Beach and one in Irvine. The cancer center, the regional sites and the planned hospital will create Orange County’s largest network dedicated exclusively to cancer treatment and cures.

Patients can make an appointment at any of the Orange County locations by calling 888-333-HOPE.

In the 1950s, Bobbie Riddell loved to play volleyball on Laguna Beach. Every chance she got, Bobbie was down by the water, sand in her toes, digging for balls and spiking winners. “It was a different time back then,” Bobbie says, “and so was the beach.”

Less crowded and not so developed, there was room to breathe and a sense of freedom for a generation only a decade removed from World War II. The Big Bopper was on the radio, Rebel Without a Cause was in movie halls and Elvis was everywhere, defining the decade’s youthful exuberance.

One beautiful, sun-kissed day in 1957, Bobbie and friends were playing volleyball when another young woman approached. Her name was Marion Sandell. Marion said she had not played much volleyball before and was not particularly good, but asked if she could join in. Bobbie being Bobbie, immediately said Yes. True to her word,

Marion was not particularly good, but she had a determination that Bobbie admired. Such are the moments that beget life-long friendships.

Bobbie and Marion quickly became a fearsome two-person volleyball team and played together for over a decade. As loyal teammates on the beach they had each other’s back, but off the sand, their friendship and commitment ran even deeper.

In 1963, when Bobbie was pregnant with her second child, Marion accompanied her to the hospital. “She was more nervous than I was,” Bobbie says. Together, they celebrated birthdays, anniversaries, and graduations while providing support during life’s challenging moments. “We were always there for each other,” Marion says.

After a dozen years as the volleyball queens of Laguna Beach, Marion and Bobbie started playing tennis. “We could get quite competitive sometimes,” Marion says. To this day the women still debate who had the better serve. “I did,” Bobbie laughs.

Eventually these natural athletes decided to take up biking. Both bought brand new bicycles and for the next 15 years did a twice weekly 20-mile ride. “Staying active kept us healthy, but it was also just plain fun,” Marion says.

Later in life, Marion’s first husband passed. A few years later Marion met new husband Bob and she settled into a new life. Then Bobbie lost her husband. Through it all, the women continued to remain close friends but for Bobbie, loneliness began to creep in, and she found her house too much for her.

In 2019, Marion and husband Bob moved into The Covington. Then, in 2021, Bobbie decided it may be time for her to consider making a change too. “Within one month I sold my house and moved in,” says Bobbie. “I miss my house, but it was absolutely the right decision; one I probably should have made sooner.”

Now the women are together again, sharing their life-long friendship – and they are as busy as ever. The Covington’s approach to proactive health and wellness ensures the women have numerous ways to stay active. “I especially enjoy our exercise sessions with Neal, the trainer at our community,” Bobbie says.

Physical activity is just one aspect of living well and The Covington ensures residents have a variety of ways to stay sharp and be at their best. Since arriving, Marion has taken up ceramics and enjoys the many live-music concerts put on by the community. “Honestly, I do more here than I ever did at home,” she says.

The community spirit of The Covington is strong and both women have never shied away from trying something new. “We both play bridge but another resident, our friend Jade, invited us to try Mah Jong,” say Bobbie. “It’s my new thing, I love it.”

At this stage of her journey, Marion says she is grateful for the wellness, well-being, and peace of mind The Covington provides her. “I never thought I would be this happy at this age.” Bobbie concurs and says that being able to spend time with her best friend is the icing on the cake. “I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else.”

The Covington is a member of the ECS family of communities for active seniors. Founded on four commitments – choice, creativity, confidence, and connection, ECS has been at the forefront of nonprofit senior living in Southern California since 1923.

Choice

At The Covington, your journey can be as adventurous or easy-going as you want. A maintenance-free lifestyle means freedom to create your future, pursue your passions and enjoy active independence. Our residences, villas, and cottages offer floor plans for all needs, freeing you from the worry of having to move again. With services to ensure your comfort and mobility, and amenities to keep you active and inspire learning, here, life is what you make it.

Like most ECS campuses, The Covington is a Life Plan Community. Choosing a community like ours ensures a plan for your care needs — now and in the future – with a focus on proactive wellness and a continuum of care. Making your home here also provides peace of mind, knowing you do not have to move should your needs change.

Creativity

Our Creative Living philosophy drives life-long learning, growth, and social and cultural connections. Here, you will find the settings, services, and amenities that support fun, fresh opportunities for self-expression and discovery. Choose from fitness for all levels, theater and singing groups, and art and dance classes – all available on campus. If you need more inspiration, our communities are conveniently located near many of Southern California’s celebrated cultural destinations.

Confidence

Confidence is everything. As a nonprofit organization, ECS is continually reinvesting to improve infrastructure, services, and programs. No matter which Life Plan community you choose, you will experience relaxed, maintenance-free, sophisticated retirement living. With one of the highest credit ratings in the industry, ECS offers the security, services, and peace-of-mind that allows you to enjoy all life has to offer.

Connection

The strength of a community is the strength of its people. Relax over morning coffee with friends, take a class, attend a lecture, and delight in live entertainment. Here, your social life is as vibrant as you are. Or contribute by serving on a resident club or leadership committee. Our “Resident Centered, Staff Supported” approach means you enjoy the full spectrum of quality-of-life benefits that comes from calling a Life Plan Community home. It is an environment that allows you to flourish and be your very best.

About Us

The Covington offers exceptional continuing care, retirement community living in a secure, gated neighborhood in Aliso Viejo, Southern California. Our relaxed, maintenance-free, resort-style accommodations, and active campus environment offer the perfect place to continue your journey, on your terms.

We would love to hear from you. Please visit thecovington.org or phone (949) 209-3829 to learn more.

From its scenic South Orange County hilltop location, Rancho Mission Viejo offers a wide variety of new homes, designed for a wide-range of lifestyles, including Gavilán neighborhoods, The Ranch’s brand for the unique 55+ lifestyle.

Gavilán residents enjoy single-level living and exclusive access to resort-style amenities, events, and activities designed for those who enjoy a vibrant lifestyle. Gavilán exclusive recreational amenities and indoor/outdoor spaces are located throughout The Ranch including:

• The signature Clubhouse;
• The Hacienda, nestled in Sendero featuring a saltwater pool, spa, fitness center/massage room and the Palomino Great Room and Event Bar;
• The Outlook, an indoor/outdoor retreat complete with a resort-style lap pool and spa;
• The Getaway, which includes an indoor club room and meetup space;
• Among other exclusive and intergenerational amenities to explore.

Residents of the 55+ neighborhoods on The Ranch enjoy a robust calendar of RanchLife community events, more than 40 resident-led Gavilán clubs, exclusive dining events, happy hours and more.

Additionally, Gavilán residents have access to all amenities throughout The Ranch including clubhouses, pools, spas, parks and open-air retreats, and an extensive list of programs and events while ‘Gavilán-exclusive’ amenities and programs are open only to those who reside in The Ranch’s 55+ neighborhoods.

The Ranch’s intergenerational focus nurtures neighborliness among all ages and life stages, utilizing award-winning amenities and thoughtful programming to create a vibrant social life in neighborhoods that are part of a historic ranch featuring thousands of acres of permanently protected open space. Extended families reside throughout The Ranch, providing a wonderful opportunity for grandparents to live close to their children and grandchildren. No other planned community in Orange County can match Rancho Mission Viejo’s rich offering of amenities and family-oriented activities, which include workshops, classes, health and wellness programs, happy hours and resident-led clubs, among many others.

The last working ranch in Orange County, residents enjoy a unique lifestyle found only at The Ranch, including acres of citrus groves, miles of protected creeks, nearby beaches, jobs, cultural amenities and outstanding dining and retail. Upon completion, The Ranch will occupy approximately 6,000 acres, or 25%, of the historic 23,000-acre Rancho Mission Viejo, Orange County’s last working ranch, which has been held in the O’Neill/Moiso/Avery family since 1882. About 17,000 acres, or 75%, of The Ranch will be preserved for ranching, farming and the phased formation of a large habitat conservation area known as The Nature Reserve at Rancho Mission Viejo.

Two new Gavilán neighborhoods exclusively for 55+ residents will be opening in the next phase of the Village of Rienda, coming in late 2022.

To learn more, visit www.RanchoMissionVIejo.com visit the Discovery House in person at Ranch Camp or call (949) 768-1882.

The Irvine cancer center is home to a team of cancer-fighting physician-scientists assembled from across the country

City of Hope has opened the most advanced comprehensive cancer center in Orange County, ushering in a new era of hope for people with cancer.

At City of Hope Orange County Lennar Foundation Cancer Center, a team of some of the world’s most acclaimed physician-scientists with expertise in lung, breast, gastrointestinal, gynecological, genitourinary, blood cancers and more — leads next-level cancer treatment and research.

Patients receive fully integrated, multidisciplinary cancer care — from prevention through survivorship — in one convenient location where every physician and staff member is solely focused on treating and curing cancer.

“With the opening of City of Hope Orange County Lennar Foundation Cancer Center, we are delivering on our promise to the people of Orange County and changing cancer care for our family, friends and neighbors,” said Annette M. Walker, president, City of Hope Orange County. “Four years ago, we pledged to bring the most advanced cancer care to Orange County, home to 3.2 million people. Hope is truly here in Orange County.”

Distinguishing clinical services include:

• Acclaimed cancer expertise: Access to City of Hope’s 575 physicians and more than 1,000 researchers and scientists who only focus on cancer.
• Lifesaving clinical trials: Access to nearly 1,000 innovative Phase 1-3 clinical trials being conducted at City of Hope each year — more cancer-focused clinical trials than anywhere in the area.
• Breakthrough treatments: Targeted immunotherapies, including CAR T cell therapy, as well as bone marrow transplants, robotic minimally invasive surgeries and MRI-guided radiation oncology.
• Leading-edge technology: The latest and most comprehensive suite of market-leading radiology, interventional radiology and radiation oncology equipment.
• Integrative medicine: A trailblazing integrative medicine program combining the best of Western medicine and evidence-based complementary therapies, such as acupuncture, massage and meditation.

The outpatient cancer center will be seamlessly connected to Orange County’s only specialty cancer hospital exclusively focused on treating and curing cancer, opening in 2025.

City of Hope, one of only 52 National Cancer Institute-designated comprehensive cancer centers in the country, is answering the call to extend its personalized care, outstanding research and lifesaving treatments closer to home. Despite its reputation for healthy living, Orange County is not immune to the national 1 in 3 statistic for cancer incidence. Nearly 20% of Orange County residents have left the area for advanced cancer care, many traveling up to two hours each way to City of Hope in Duarte.

Built For and With the Community

City of Hope Orange County Lennar Foundation Cancer Center was designed with input from more than 500 patients, their families and community members. Every feature of the cancer center — from the design of its gathering spaces to its lighting, its wall color, even its artwork selection — was intentionally chosen to promote healing and comfort and ensure patients and their families have the best care experience.

Features include:

• 67 spacious exam and treatment rooms and 15 consultation rooms
• An infusion center designed around patient preferences with 43 infusion bays and 10 private infusion treatment rooms with panoramic views of the Saddleback mountains.
• Hope Boutique, a full-service salon and specialty shopping experience with oncology-trained cosmetologists.
• A retail and specialty pharmacy that dispenses traditional, specialty, and over-the-counter medications, alleviating the travel burden on patients for their medication needs.
• A full range of state-of-the-art laboratory services in one location, making it convenient for patients to get routine blood draws.
• Feng Shui design, art galleries, a healing garden, dedicated space for family members to gather or work, and programs to care for the whole patient — mind, body, and spirit.

“I've been waiting for this day ever since City of Hope announced its plans for an Orange County campus. Whenever I connect with people navigating a cancer diagnosis, my first piece of advice is always to find a cancer-specific research center for the most advanced care. Now, right here in our community, people with cancer have the highly specialized and compassionate care they need — all in one place,” says Leslie Bruce Amin, a grateful patient.

City of Hope Orange County’s cancer care network currently includes four regional clinics — two in Newport Beach, one in Huntington Beach and one in Irvine. The cancer center, the regional clinics and the planned hospital will create Orange County’s largest network dedicated exclusively to cancer treatment and cures.

To make an appointment, call 888-333 HOPE (4673).
For more information, visit, CityofHope.org/OC.

For the majority of seniors living in California, quality of life equates to living at home. A recent AARP survey reports that 77 percent of seniors want to remain in their home for the long term.

The advantages of aging in place are numerous. As we age we want to maintain the highest degree of independence possible. Our home is familiar and comforting to us, it’s where we feel safe.

Throughout the pandemic we have seen our homes become a safe-haven, a place where we can heal and stay healthy. Our home is filled with memories and it’s what we’ve created over the years with our loved-ones.

Often times in order to keep seniors living at home in comfort and safety, services and help are needed. Many seniors have opted for home care services when they need help and want to remain at home.

As the senior population increases, so has the home care industry. We spoke to Kyle Warner, co-owner of Your Home Care Inc. about what they do and the benefits of home care services.

Question: Tell us a little bit about Your Home Care and what it is that you do.

Answer: At Your Home Care, our mission is to enrich the quality of life for seniors by providing compassionate caregiving services at home. The agency was created in 2003 and is family owned and operated.

Our agency is licensed, insured and bonded, all our amazing caregivers are vetted, trained and background checked. We service most areas of Orange County, CA with a concentration in Laguna Woods and the surrounding cities. And we also work seamlessly with all Long-Term Care Insurance plans.

Q: What is the biggest gift or or blessing that you see while providing care for seniors?

A: The culture we have created here at Your Home Care is that of kindness and compassion. The most important thing we can offer families is that we honor the people we are entrusted to care for. It is indeed a blessing to see our services make a positive impact in people’s lives. It is humbling to know that we get to provide a vital service that enriches and prolongs people’s lives.

Q: How many hours does a typical home care client start with?

A: The hours vary based on the needs of the client. Some clients like to start with a four-hour, or a six-hour shift. Others know they will need more care than that and schedule full days. We try to be as accommodating as possible to meet the scheduling needs of our clients.

We work with many clients coming home from the hospital, or skilled nursing facility and they require 24 hour care as they rehab and regain their strength.

Another important aspect of scheduling is establishing consistency and dependability for the families we serve. We work hard to have the same caregivers work with our clients whenever possible in order to build rapport and strong relationships.

Q: Tell us about the staff at Your Home Care.

A: Employees and clients say they appreciate working with us because they get to deal directly with the owners. They like working with the decision makers because it tends to make things run more smoothly and the process is more streamlined. Owners Segal Ronen and Kyle Warner oversee everything from client acquisition, employee operations to office administration.

But the real magic behind what we do is the talented, experienced team of caregivers we have the pleasure of working alongside. Our team is filled with special people and it’s apparent they genuinely love what they do and have “a calling” for this work. They are service-minded, kind people, who love to care for seniors as though they are family.

Q: What types of services does home care typically cover?

A: We offer a wide range of non-medical home care services and customize a care plan for every client. These services include personal care related services such as bathing, dressing, bathroom assistance and other personal hygiene needs. We prepare meals, provide transportation and help with housekeeping duties. We help with mobility and fall prevention. We basically help with all the activities of normal daily living that seniors might need a hand with.

Companionship and social engagement is another key aspect of caregiving. Some of our seniors feel isolated and lonely, so a caregiver becomes a friend to talk to and their bond is lasting.

Seniors with a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s or Dementia can benefit greatly from a caregiver because they are experienced in working with people with cognitive impairments. They are trained on the techniques used to manage behavior, keeping them safe and well supervised.

Q: What makes Your home care stand out above the other home care agencies?

A: The senior home care industry is growing and changing. The trend we are seeing is an increase in rates, add-on fees and lengthy minimum hour requirements.

At Your Home Care we don’t have lengthy minimum hour requirements, nor do we up-charge. We make every effort to be as accommodating and flexible as possible to meet the needs of our clients. We are responsive and available to our clients and caregivers when they need us. We act quickly to address and resolve any issue or concern.

Going back to our mission…to provide compassionate home care services that enrich families’ lives… with this in mind we are always looking for ways we can exceed our clients’ expectations.

Your Home Care is a company with heart, we care about our clients, and we care about our employees. If you are considering home care for you or your loved one, you can call Kyle Warner directly at (949) 424-9322 and let us show you how much we care.

This all-new park is sure to be the must-visit destination for any time of the year with a perfect mixture of water slides and attractions, rides, shows, a parade and so much more in one experience.

Sesame Place offers 18 Sesame Street-themed rides and exciting water attractions, including a family-friendly rollercoaster, wave pool and lazy river, plus rides and waters slides, all included with park admission.

Conveniently located just 20 minutes from San Diego and 2.5 hours from Los Angeles, park-goers on the West Coast will finally be able to easily hug their favorite furry friends and take a stroll through the beloved Sesame Street neighborhood. Kids will get the chance to play in a world that plays back through immersive physical and digital character experiences.

With exciting surprises on every corner, kids and parents alike will have never-ending adventures waiting for them including a Sesame Street parade, an engaging musical play area, one-of-a-kind photo opportunities and a never-before-seen live character show.

With a sunny forecast year-round in San Diego, guests will splash through 11 water attractions including Big Bird’s Beach with a 500,000-gallon wave pool – one of the largest in Southern California. The little ones will splish and splash in areas made just for their size at Elmo’s Silly Sand Slides, a colorful, hands-on water adventure with 6 slippery slides and lots of splashy fun, or spend endless time at The Count’s Splash Castle, a multi-level, interactive, water-play attraction with a 500-gallon water bucket drop.

From a child’s first roller coaster ride to an imaginary trip to outer space in an Elmo-themed rocket ship, the rides at Sesame Place are designed with everyone’s favorite furry friends in mind. The fun continues throughout the year at Sesame Place with family-friendly events such as The Count’s Halloween Spooktacular and A Very Furry Christmas.

Sesame Place is located at 2052 Entertainment Circle. For more information visit SesamePlaceSanDiego.com and follow Sesame Place San Diego on Facebook and @SesamePlaceCa on Instagram.