It's no secret, most of us would like to stay in our own home as we age. Yet, sometimes our loved ones just need a little extra help to remain comfortable at home. That's where Always Best Care can help....we are dedicated to exceeding expectations....always.
They say that your golden years are the best years of your life. For most older Americans, that's how it should be - a time to relax, reflect, and live life in a familiar place. After all, senior citizens in the U.S. have worked tirelessly to build a better economy, serve their communities, and raise families.
However, as seniors grow older, completing daily tasks like showering and enjoying activities such as visiting Los Rios Street Historic District in San Juan Capistrano, CA gets harder without someone by their side. Unfortunately, many older Americans aren't able to rely on their adult children for help. The reality in today's world is that family members do not have the skills or time to dedicate to caring for their parents. That's where Always Best Care Senior Services comes in.
Our in-home care services are for people who prefer to stay at home as they grow older but need ongoing care that family or friends cannot provide. More and more older adults prefer to live far away from long-term, institutionalized facilities and closer to the place where they feel most comfortable - their home. Home care in San Juan Capistrano, CA is a safe, effective way to give your loved ones the care they need when they need it the most.
Home Care Services
Service AreasSince 1996, Always Best Care has provided non-medical in-home care for seniors to help them maintain a healthy lifestyle as they get older. We are proud to have helped more than 25,000 seniors maintain higher levels of dignity and respect. We focus on providing seniors with the highest level of in-home care available so that they may live happily and independently.
Unlike some senior care companies, we genuinely want to be included in our clients' lives. We believe that personalized care is always the better option over a "one size fits all" approach. To make sure our senior clients receive the best care possible, we pair them with compassionate caregivers who understand their unique needs. That way, they may provide care accordingly without compromising their wellbeing.
The Always Best Care difference lies in life's little moments - where compassionate care and trustworthy experience come together to help seniors live a fruitful, healthy life. Whether you are an aging adult that can't quite keep up with life's daily tasks or the child of a senior who needs regular in-home services, Always Best Care is here to help.
Home is where the heart is. While that saying can sound a tad cliche, it is especially true for many seniors living in America. When given a choice, older adults most often prefer to grow older at home. An AARP study found that three out of four adults over the age of 50 want to stay in their homes and communities as they age.
When you begin to think about why, it makes sense. Home offers a sense of security, comfort, and familiarity.
The truth is, as we age, we begin to rely on others for help. When a family is too busy or lives too far away to fulfill this role, in-home senior care is often the best solution. Home care services allow seniors to enjoy personal independence while also receiving trustworthy assistance from a trained caregiver.
At Always Best Care, we offer a comprehensive range of home care services to help seniors stay healthy while they get the help they need to remain independent. As your senior loved one gets older, giving them the gift of senior care is one of the best ways to show your love, even if you live far away.
To give our senior clients the best care possible, we offer a full spectrum of in-home care services:
If your senior loved one has specific care needs, our personal care services are a great choice to consider. Personal care includes the standard caregiving duties associated with companion care and includes help with tasks such as dressing and grooming. Personal care can also help individuals with chronic conditions like diabetes.
Common personal care services include assistance with:
Sometimes, seniors need helpful reminders to maintain a high quality of life at home. If you or your senior has trouble with everyday tasks like cooking, our home helper services will be very beneficial.
Common home helper care services include assistance with:
Using this kind of care is a fantastic way to make life easier for you or your senior loved one. At Always Best Care, our talented caregivers often fill the role of a companion for seniors. That way, older adults can enjoy their favorite local activities, such as visiting Los Rios Park in San Juan Capistrano, CA with friends while also receiving the care they need daily or weekly.
Common companionship services include:
According to AARP, more than 53 million adults living in the U.S. provide care to someone over 50 years old. Unfortunately, these caregivers experience stress, exhaustion, and even depression. Our respite care services help family caregivers address urgent obligations, spend time with their children, and enjoy nearby activities. Perhaps more importantly, respite care gives family members time to recharge and regroup. Taking personal time to de-stress reduces the risk of caregiver burnout. So, if you've always wanted to eat at the local L'Hirondelle Restaurant or visit Don Juan Avila Adobe, don't feel bad. Doing so is great for both you and your loved one.
At the end of the day, our goal is to become a valuable part of your senior's daily routine. That way, we may help give them the highest quality of life possible. We know that staying at home is important for your loved one, and we are here to help make sure that is possible.
If you have been on the fence about non-medical home care, there has never been a better time than now to give your senior the care, assistance, and companionship they deserve.
Always Best Care in-home services are for older adults who prefer to stay at home but need ongoing care that friends and family cannot provide. In-home care is a safe, effective way for seniors to age gracefully in a familiar place and live independent, non-institutionalized lives. The benefits of non-medical home care are numerous. Here are just a few reasons to consider senior care services from Always Best Care:
According to AARP, 9 out of 10 seniors prefer to age in place within the comfort of their own home. With in-home care, seniors have a way to stay at home, receive the care they need, and maintain a sense of independence, improving overall wellness.
If you or a member of your family have assumed the role of caregiver for your senior loved one, you know how stressful the job can be. Between caregiver burnout and constant worry, being a family caregiver is hard. In-home care relieves your burden and gives you peace of mind knowing that your older family member is in expert hands.
Unlike nursing homes, where the staff and residents rotate frequently, seniors can foster new friendships and build bonds with their caregiver. Seniors who socialize on a regular basis are often happier, which fosters positivity and leads to increased wellbeing.
No two seniors need the same kind of in-home care assistance. That is why each of our Care Plans is tailored to meet our client's individual needs. We offer plans that cover everything from light housekeeping to more involved duties like transportation to doctor's appointments. Our Care Coordinators will work closely with you to develop a personalized plan to ensure your senior's needs are exceeded.
Always Best Care offers a full array of care options for patients at all levels of health. With our trusted elderly care services, your loved one will receive the level of care necessary for them to enjoy the highest possible quality of life.
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While it's true that some seniors have complicated medical needs that prevent them from staying at home, aging in place is often the best arrangement for seniors and their families. With a trusted caregiver, seniors have the opportunity to live with a sense of dignity and do so as they see fit - something that is unavailable to many older people today.
In-home care makes it possible for millions of seniors to age in place every year. Rather than moving to a strange nursing home, seniors have the chance to stay at home where they feel the happiest and most comfortable.
How much does a senior's home truly mean to them?
A study published by the American Society on Aging found that more than half of seniors say their home's emotional value means more than how much their home is worth in monetary value. It stands to reason, then, that a senior's home is where they want to grow old.
With the help of elderly care in San Juan Capistrano, CA, seniors don't have to age in a sterilized care facility. Instead, they can age gracefully in the place they want to be most: their home. In contrast, seniors who move to a long-term care facility must adapt to new environments, new people, and new systems that the facility implements. At this stage in life, this kind of drastic change can be more harmful than helpful.
Institutional care facilities like nursing homes often put large groups of people together to live in one location. On any given day, dozens of staff members and caregivers run in and out of these facilities. Being around so many new people in a relatively small living environment can be dangerous for a seniors' health and wellbeing. When you consider that thousands of seniors passed away in nursing homes during the COVID-19 pandemic, opting for in-home care is often a safer, healthier choice for seniors.
Aging in place has been shown to improve seniors' quality of life, which helps boost physical health and also helps insulate them from viral and bacterial risks found in elderly living facilities.
For many seniors, the ability to live independently with assistance from a caregiver is a priceless option. With in-home care, seniors experience a higher level of independence and freedom - much more so than in other settings like a nursing home. When a senior has the chance to age in place, they get to live life on their own terms, inside the house that they helped make into a home. More independence means more control over their personal lives, too, which leads to increased levels of fulfillment, happiness, and personal gratification. Over time, these positive feelings can manifest into a healthier, longer life.
More independence, a healthier life, and increased comfort are only a few benefits of aging in place. You have to take into consideration the role of cost and convenience. Simply put, it's usually easier and more affordable to help seniors age in place than it is to move them into an institutional care facility. According to the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, seniors who age in the comfort of their homes can save thousands of dollars per month.
In-home care services from Always Best Care, for instance, are often less expensive than long-term solutions, which can cost upwards of six figures per year. To make matters worse, many residential care facilities are reluctant to accept long-term care insurance and other types of payment assistance.
With Always Best Care's home care services, seniors and their families have a greater level of control over their care plans. In-home care gives seniors the chance to form a bond with a trusted caregiver and also receive unmatched care that is catered to their needs. In long-term care facilities, seniors and their loved ones have much less control over their care plan and have less of a say in who provides their care.
In-home care is a valuable resource that empowers seniors to age in place on their own terms. However, a big concern for many families and their loved ones is how much in-home care costs. If you're worried that in-home care is too expensive, you may be pleasantly surprised to learn that it is one of the most affordable senior care arrangements available.
Typically, hiring an Always Best Care in-home caregiver for a few hours a week is more affordable than sending your loved one to a long-term care facility. This is true even for seniors with more complex care needs.
At Always Best Care, we will work closely with you and your family to develop a Care Plan that not only meets your care needs, but your budget requirements, too. Once we discover the level of care that you or your senior need, we develop an in-home care plan that you can afford.
In addition to our flexible care options, families should also consider the following resources to help offset potential home care costs:
When you or your senior loved one needs assistance managing daily tasks at home, finding a qualified caregiver can be challenging. It takes a special kind of person to provide reliable care for your senior loved one. However, a caregiver's role involves more than meal preparation and medication reminders. Many seniors rely on their caregivers for companionship, too.
Our companion care services give seniors the chance to socialize in a safe environment and engage in activities at home. These important efforts boost morale and provide much-needed relief from repetitive daily routines. A one-on-one, engaging conversation can sharpen seniors' minds and give them something in which to be excited.
At Always Best Care, we only hire care providers that we would trust to care for our own loved ones. Our senior caregivers in San Juan Capistrano, CA understand how important it is to listen and communicate with their seniors. A seemingly small interaction, like a short hug goodbye, can make a major difference in a senior's day. Instead of battling against feelings of isolation, seniors begin to look forward to seeing their caregiver each week.
Understanding the nuances of senior care is just one of the reasons why our care providers are so great at their job.
Unlike some senior care companies, our caregivers must undergo extensive training before they work for Always Best Care. In addition, our caregivers receive ongoing training throughout the year. This training ensures that their standard of care matches up to the high standards we've come to expect. During this training, they will brush up on their communication skills, safety awareness, and symptom spotting. That way, your loved one receives the highest level of non-medical home care from day one.
While it's true that many seniors prefer to age at home, sometimes in-home care isn't the best fit. For those seniors and their families, choosing an assisted living facility makes more sense. Unfortunately, finding the optimal care facility is easier said than done in today's day and age. That's when Always Best Care's assisted living referral services begin to make a lot of sense.
Assisted living is a form of housing intended for seniors who require varying degrees of medical and personal attention. Accommodations may include single rooms, apartments, or shared living arrangements. Assisted living communities are typically designed to resemble a home-like environment and are physically constructed to encourage the independence of residents.
At assisted living communities, seniors receive help with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and eating. They may also benefit from coordination of services with outside healthcare providers, and monitoring of resident activities to ensure their health, safety, and well-being. Caregivers who work at assisted living communities can also provide medication administration and personal care services for older adults.
Other services offered within assisted living communities can include some or all of the following:
At Always Best Care, our representatives can match your senior's emotional, physical, and financial needs with viable assisted living communities nearby. Results are based on comparative data, so you can select the best choice for you or your loved one.
Always Best Care works closely with local senior living communities to gain valuable knowledge that we then use to help seniors and their loved ones make informed decisions. This information can include basic care and rent, resident availability, and services provided. Because Always Best Care is compensated by these communities, we provide senior living referral services at no extra cost to you.
Some of the most popular assisted living communities to consider in our area include the following:
For many seniors, moving into a senior living community revolves around how and when they want to make a transition to more involved care. Some seniors are more proactive about transitioning to independent living. Others choose to remain home until their care needs or other requirements are satisfied. Remember - our staff is here to help. Contact our office today to learn more about assisted living communities and how we can find a facility that exceeds your expectations.
The first step in getting quality in-home care starts with a personal consultation with an experienced Always Best Care Care Coordinator. This initial consultation is crucial for our team to learn more about you or your elderly loved one to discover the level of care required. Topics of this consultation typically include:
A discussion of your needs and how our trained caregivers can offer assistance in the most effective way
A draft of your care plan, which includes highly detailed notes and a framework for the care that you or your senior will receive
Discuss payment options and help coordinate billing with your insurance provider
Our caregivers are trained to spot changes that clients exhibit, like mental and physical decline. As your trusted senior care company, we will constantly assess and update your Care Plan to meet any new emotional, intellectual, physical, and emotional needs.
If you have never considered in-home care before, we understand that you and your family may have concerns about your Care Plan and its Care Coordinator. To help give you peace of mind, know that every team member and caregiver must undergo comprehensive training before being assigned to a Care Plan.
At the end of the day, we only hire the best of the best at Always Best Care. Whether you need home care in San Juan Capistrano, CA 24-hours a day or only need a respite for a couple of hours, we are here to serve you.
When you're ready, we encourage you to contact your local Always Best Care representative to set up a Care Consultation. Our Care Coordinators would be happy to meet with you in person to get to know you better, discuss your needs, and help put together a personalized Care Plan specific to your needs.
Southern California, or SoCal in local parlance, is known for its pleasant year-round weather, surf culture, and unique towns. These are nine of the most charming town squares in Southern California, each with unique finds, historical sites, and an agreeable atmosphere. Strolling through these districts is the best way to experience the community and the heritage that makes each so distinctive.Town squares are the town's epicenter, where local shops, restaurants, and a family-friendly atmosphere greet visitors. The region is also a fo...
Southern California, or SoCal in local parlance, is known for its pleasant year-round weather, surf culture, and unique towns. These are nine of the most charming town squares in Southern California, each with unique finds, historical sites, and an agreeable atmosphere. Strolling through these districts is the best way to experience the community and the heritage that makes each so distinctive.
Town squares are the town's epicenter, where local shops, restaurants, and a family-friendly atmosphere greet visitors. The region is also a foodie hub, packed with award-winning restaurants and casual bistros that help visitors fuel up for the day or unwind in the evening with an elevated pairing of local ingredients and Napa Valley wine. From beach towns to artistic districts, these town square areas help people travel with purpose, inspiring them to expand their horizons and escape the modern distractions often associated with traveling.
Carlsbad's downtown, known as Carlsbad Village, is the preeminent district in the region, known for everything from beaches to tacos. The distinctive elements that make up the fabric of the community can be seen at the Carlsbad Barrio & Museum, which tracks the development of the original Barrio CARLOS into what it is today. Then, head to a fun live event like the annual Taste of Carlsbad Village, which showcases the culinary prowess that makes the small town a culinary haven.
Another signature of this tight-knit group is the newly minted Hearts of Carlsbad Village. What began as an event to help small businesses get through the pandemic has evolved into a cherished festival. Glass hearts, supplied by Barrio Glassworks, are hidden throughout downtown for a fun treasure hunt, making this one of the most charming town square areas in SoCal.
The Dutch village of Solvang has one of the most interesting town squares in Southern California. Ambling through the charming village is the best way to soak in its fun and creative atmosphere, with unique attractions like the Little Mermaid Fountain and Danish-inspired windmills. Of course, no trip is complete without visiting an authentic bakery such as the Danish Mill Bakery, where the village comes alive through its fascinating culinary creations.
Spanish architecture is another captivating aspect of Solvang, particularly the Old Mission Santa Ines. The mission was the 19th of 21 built between 1769 and 1836, and captures a moment in time with a superb view of the Santa Ynez River Valley and the Santa Ynez and San Rafael mountain ranges. Natural vistas, architecture, and Dutch heritage come together in this small village, giving it a distinctive flair that is hard to resist when visiting the area.
Laguna Beach's Downtown Village is a fascinating blend of hipness and color, making it an exemplary choice for a shopping adventure. After a day of exploring the many shops and boutiques, grab a glass of wine at one of the three signature wineries that have left an indelible mark on the small village. Laguna Canyon Winery, McClain Cellars, and the Bianchi tasting rooms all provide a perfect ending to the day, where guests are invited to sip local wines while relaxing in the cool breezes.
The artistic nature of the community is another trademark of the town square area, and Kush Fine Art is among the best galleries to explore. The idea behind the quintessential California gallery is to help visitors embark on a metaphysical voyage through its original paintings and sculptures for a singular experience in the village. Art is noticeable virtually everywhere in this remarkable district, which is sure to leave an impression on any visitor.
Ojai's downtown area is a compact district with enthralling Spanish Revival architecture, art galleries, and New Age shops. The entrance to the district is marked by Cluff Vista Park, an open area that was once desolate until the community stepped in to make it something unique. Look for statues like the West End Guardian Spirit that stands sentinel at the park's entrance. Several other attractive landmarks tell of the essence of the small area, notably the Ojai Valley Museum Courtyard.
The Ojai Valley Museum was once a church, and it and its surrounding property were classified as an Ojai National Historic Landmark in 1993. The Mission Revival style structure features notable elements of the town's past, such as the side gates, which echo the "river of life" motif found on the carved wooden entrance doors. The Arcade Plaza is also notable, designed by an award-winning artist Sandra Kay Johnson, who highlights the creative characteristics of one of the most charming districts to visit in this region.
Claremont Village is the town's historic town square area that blends beautiful architecture, culture, and small-town friendliness. Notable stops include Rhino Records and exquisite dining at Bardot's. What is interesting about this district is that it does not resemble a typical Southern California hamlet, which adds to its appeal. Planning a trip around one of the annual festivals provides a way to get an authentic feel of the community and the characteristics that make the Village so exceptional.
The Claremont Art Walk is popular among locals and visitors on the first Saturday of the month. The event features local galleries and artists, introducing visitors to the area's resounding art scene. Shopping is another great reason to visit, as the Downtown area is loaded with chic boutiques and clothing stores like Chico's and many others. This is definitely a walkable town, and the slower pace enables people to absorb all the sights and events that make Claremont stand out.
The resort town of Palm Springs boasts a notable downtown area with fun venues to discover, as well as well-known restaurants and shops. The walkable area is filled with unique statues and fountains for photo ops, including the iconic Sonny Bono statue and fountain, which is a significant draw by itself. The brick-lined sidewalks are another fun aspect of the town square area. They lead to a Walk of Stars featuring the likes of Elvis Presley and Frank Sinatra, showcasing the town's admiration for the famous in true California style.
Among the chic boutiques and dining options lies Ruddy's General Store, designed to resemble a store from the 1930s. It is inspiring local attractions like this that lend a town its own signature and make it desirable to visit. Downtown Palm Springs has much to offer and is easily one of the best walkable areas around, a remarkable feat for a state filled with such exotic and individual towns.
Downtown San Juan Capistrano is notable for its many historic features, including being the oldest residential neighborhood in California and the Mission San Juan Capistrano. It is a delightfully walkable area near the San Rios Historic District and the Riverstreet Marketplace, featuring modern shops and restaurants. The mission is in the center of the historic district, within walking distance of many attractions. Booking a room at one of the luxury inns will keep you in the heart of the district without the need for a vehicle.
The Inn at the Mission San Juan Capistrano is a four-star hotel featuring elegant rooms and luxurious accommodations for an ideal stay in this charming town. One of its best features is its central location to the historic downtown and surrounding areas, so you can spend most of your time exploring the district. The culmination of vintage architecture and modern venues makes this one of the most inviting town square areas in the region, promising a memorable visit.
Downtown Julian is a warm and inviting community in San Diego that still looks the same as it did in its heyday as an Old West mining town. The charming community gets its artistic inspiration from its natural scenery, and much of this work is on display at the Julian Arts Guild Gallery, which is open to the public on weekends. One of the best ways to explore Julian is by taking a historic self-guided tour along Main Street to visit the preserved sites that put it on the map.
The tour winds through the downtown area and showcases historic sites such as Julian Town Hall and residences like the Bailey-King House. Experiencing both commercial and residential units on a landmark tour provides a rare glimpse into the town's past and explains how it came to be as it is today. Julian is the perfect place for this type of exploration, allowing visitors to walk back in time to when gold was king and working in the mines was a daily occurrence.
Old Town Monrovia is practically overflowing with historic structures and modern retailers that give the town a unique character. The affable community celebrates its love for the village with many downtown events, such as the Monrovia Street Fair and Market, which feature local vendors and live music. Signature events like this underscore the closeness of the residents and provide a way to glimpse an insider's view into the inner workings of the downtown area.
Downtown restaurants showcase another side of the community, offering a wide variety of options. Hop Secret Brewery and Bella Serra Trattoria are shining examples, offering inspired menu options and a cozy atmosphere, making them an excellent way to end a day of exploring downtown. The area blends traditional American themes with modern conveniences, making it one of the most charming and best places to visit around.
From laidback beach towns to Dutch villages, these nine town square areas are among the best in Southern California. The friendly communities, combined with historic sites and unique culture, make each of these hamlets distinctive, but they all share a warm and inviting allure. Art lovers, history buffs, and oenophiles will all find a home away from home in these charming downtown districts.
Architecture is one more reason to plan a trip to this area. The combination of Spanish-Colonial Revival and Mid-Century Modern architecture is enough to give anybody pause, and it only adds to the charm of these small villages. Each one is ideal for exploring on foot, with natural scenery meshing with public murals and multi-colored storefronts, giving each town a pleasant identity.
Small scale, big center. Southern California’s strongest downtowns aren’t built on height or hype; they simply have stories to tell, things to see, and experiences to remember.The filter is strict: intact blocks, active civic rooms (depots, theaters, museums), and independent places that open early and close late. What follows is a coast-to-canyons list where geography and daily life share an address, and where the landmark isn’t a backdrop, it’s the neighbor.Laguna Beach Laguna Beach was founde...
Small scale, big center. Southern California’s strongest downtowns aren’t built on height or hype; they simply have stories to tell, things to see, and experiences to remember.
The filter is strict: intact blocks, active civic rooms (depots, theaters, museums), and independent places that open early and close late. What follows is a coast-to-canyons list where geography and daily life share an address, and where the landmark isn’t a backdrop, it’s the neighbor.
Laguna Beach was founded as an artists’ colony in the early 1900s, and traces of that identity remain deeply embedded in its downtown layout. The town has more than 100 public art installations within its city limits, murals, sculptures, reliefs, many of them concentrated within walking distance of the beach. Forest Avenue is its visual anchor: a brick-lined pedestrian-friendly street where galleries like Sue Greenwood Fine Art exhibit West Coast contemporary work in restored early 20th-century buildings. Just a few blocks west, the white façade of the Laguna Art Museum houses one of the state’s oldest collections of California-only art.
Across Pacific Coast Highway, Heisler Park runs along a bluff above the shoreline, offering direct access to tidepools, sculptures, and native gardens. North Gallery Row, Zinc Café serves as a longstanding local breakfast and lunch spot with shaded patio seating and a modest art bookstore inside. A short walk south, Main Beach marks the convergence of ocean and town with its curved boardwalk, volleyball courts, and historic lifeguard tower.
San Juan Capistrano is one of the oldest towns in California, first established around Mission San Juan Capistrano in 1776. It is the only mission in the state where swallows famously return each spring, a migration pattern that still draws visitors. The downtown core grew around the mission walls and preserved many of its early structures. Los Rios Street, considered the oldest residential street in California, runs just across the train tracks and contains original adobe and Victorian-era homes now operating as cafes, shops, and galleries. Ramos House Café, located in an 1881 cottage with a garden patio, serves a fixed brunch menu with dishes like crab hash and rosemary cornbread.
The mission itself remains the centerpiece. Its Great Stone Church, partially ruined by the 1812 earthquake, stands as a national historic landmark. Inside the compound, there are preserved gardens, fountains, and the original Serra Chapel. Within walking distance, The Tea House on Los Rios offers multi-course afternoon tea service inside a restored turn-of-the-century home. The town's compact train station, still in active use, adds to its scale and walkability. Capistrano Depot, a 19th-century building next door, now houses Trevor’s at the Tracks, a restaurant built into the station’s original waiting room.
Claremont was designed as a college town and remains centered around the seven Claremont Colleges, whose campuses sit within walking distance of downtown. This planning gives the town a consistent architectural character and a strong pedestrian orientation. The area known as Claremont Village contains brick storefronts, shaded sidewalks, and narrow alleys lined with bookstores, coffee shops, and small-scale theaters. Across the street, Some Crust Bakery operates out of a century-old building and is known for its custom ice cream sandwich counter.
The town has a strong horticultural identity. The California Botanic Garden, formerly Rancho Santa Ana Botanic Garden, spans 86 acres and holds the largest collection of native California plants in the state. Within the village, the Claremont Museum of Art is located inside the town’s Spanish Revival train depot. The town’s layout, preserved tree canopy, and low signage ordinance keep commercial development visually restrained.
Sierra Madre is one of the only towns in Los Angeles County without a single traffic light, a reflection of its scale and self-contained geography at the foot of the San Gabriel Mountains. The downtown forms a single compact loop along Sierra Madre Boulevard and Baldwin Avenue, anchored by Kersting Court, a central plaza with benches, a fountain, and unobstructed views of Mount Wilson. The Wistaria Vine, recognized as one of the largest flowering plants in the world, grows on a private residence a few blocks north and has been part of an annual festival since 1918.
Mary’s Market, located inside a canyon neighborhood, functions as both café and gathering spot and is reachable on foot via the Mount Wilson Trail. The trail begins just blocks from downtown and ascends directly into the foothills. Across the street, The Bottle Shop carries an extensive wine selection and hosts tasting events inside a wood-frame bungalow. Lizzie’s Trail Inn, preserved as a museum, sits at the edge of town and once operated as a boarding house for trail workers and summer visitors in the early 20th century.
Ojai sits in a narrow valley encircled by the Topatopa Mountains and is one of the only towns in California where the entire skyline turns pink during sunset, a phenomenon known locally as the “Pink Moment.” The town has long attracted spiritual teachers, artists, and environmentalists, Jiddu Krishnamurti held annual talks here beginning in the 1920s, and his legacy remains present through the Krotona Institute and the Krishnamurti Library on McAndrew Road. The downtown core is organized along a single stretch of Ojai Avenue, marked by whitewashed arches and tilework installed after a fire in 1917 led to a complete redesign of the town center in Spanish Colonial Revival style.
Bart’s Books, an open-air bookstore built around a live oak tree, operates entirely without a front door and is located a few blocks off the main strip. Libbey Park, in the center of downtown, includes a shaded pergola, tennis courts, and the Libbey Bowl concert venue. The Ojai Valley Museum, housed in the town’s former Catholic church, displays local Chumash artifacts and rotating art exhibitions. Beacon Coffee, set inside an industrial space near Montgomery Street, roasts on-site and sources directly from family farms.
Carpinteria is one of the few beach towns in Southern California where working farms, surf breaks, and a one-street downtown coexist within walking distance. It’s also home to the world’s largest avocado processing facility and the annual California Avocado Festival. Linden Avenue functions as the town’s commercial spine, ending at the sand near Carpinteria State Beach. This stretch includes the Alcazar Theatre, a 1928 single-screen venue still in operation. Just inland, The Worker Bee Café serves breakfast and lunch inside a small Craftsman building with outdoor seating under ficus trees.
The Carpinteria Valley Museum of History, run by the local historical society, is located a block off Linden and includes exhibits on the Chumash people, early Spanish settlers, and the town’s agricultural past. At the far end of the beach, the Carpinteria Tar Pits, one of only five natural asphalt lakes in the world, remain partially exposed and marked by walking paths and interpretive signs. Island Brewing Company operates a tasting room just beside the train tracks with open views of the Santa Ynez Mountains.
Solvang was founded in 1911 by Danish-American educators seeking to establish a cultural enclave. Unlike towns that adopted themed architecture for tourism, Solvang’s Danish character was foundational and later expanded by civic design in the 1940s. The downtown area replicates the layout of a European village, with half-timbered façades, stork murals, and windmills installed along Copenhagen Drive and Alisal Road. Danish-language street signs remain in use. The town is also home to a full-scale replica of Copenhagen’s Round Tower, which stands near the Solvang Book Loft and Hans Christian Andersen Museum.
Olsen’s Danish Village Bakery has operated in the same location for over 50 years and continues to produce æbleskiver, kringles, and marzipan logs from family recipes. The Elverhøj Museum of History & Art occupies a former private home constructed in Scandinavian style and documents the settlement history and local arts movement. Solvang Festival Theater, an open-air venue set behind downtown, stages performances from June through September and draws regional talent. Bit O’ Denmark, one of the first restaurants in town, occupies a former Lutheran church built in 1911 and serves traditional smørrebrød, frikadeller, and pickled herring.
Coronado occupies a narrow peninsula connected to the mainland by a tombolo and accessed via the San Diego-Coronado Bridge or by ferry. The town is defined by its axial symmetry, with the Hotel del Coronado on the ocean side and the Ferry Landing Marketplace facing the bay. Orange Avenue runs through the center, lined with low buildings, mission-style banks, independent shops, and civic landmarks. Spreckels Park, in the middle of town, holds weekly concerts during summer and is bordered by historic residences built between 1900 and 1930.
The Hotel del Coronado, opened in 1888, is one of the last surviving examples of American wooden Victorian beach resorts and occupies an entire oceanfront block. It has hosted presidents, royalty, and film productions, including Some Like It Hot. Clayton’s Coffee Shop on Orange Avenue maintains a 1940s interior and curbside pie window. The Coronado Historical Association operates a museum and archive in a former bank building with rotating exhibitions on naval history, local architecture, and the bridge’s construction. Coronado Brewing Company runs a restaurant and tasting room on Orange, serving house-brewed beers since 1996.
Avalon is the only incorporated city on California’s Channel Islands and occupies a narrow coastal plain backed by steep ridgelines. The town’s harbor, Crescent Bay, is shaped in a near-perfect semicircle and forms a natural amphitheater facing east. For most of the 20th century, Avalon was controlled by the Wrigley family, who restricted automobile use and developed the town around pedestrian pathways and tiled staircases. Golf carts remain the dominant form of transportation. The harborfront promenade, Crescent Avenue, is lined with Mediterranean-style facades and contains open-air cafés, souvenir shops, and civic buildings trimmed with Catalina tile.
The Catalina Casino, built in 1929 by William Wrigley Jr., occupies the northern tip of the bay and includes a circular ballroom and the Avalon Theatre, which retains its original Art Deco murals and ceiling stenciling. The Catalina Island Museum moved in 2016 to a purpose-built space on Metropole Avenue and displays materials from the Tongva people, early resort marketing, and Wrigley’s development plans. Pancake Cottage, located on Pebbly Beach Road, overlooks the harbor and has served breakfast since the 1970s. Wrigley Memorial and Botanic Garden, at the head of Avalon Canyon, preserves island-endemic plant species and includes a terraced memorial constructed from local rock, tile, and crushed seashell concrete.
Together, these nine centers show why Southern California’s strongest downtowns thrive at small scale: intact blocks, height limits, depots and theaters, and immediate contact with coast, canyon, or valley. Mission walls face rail platforms, tidepools sit beside galleries, college quads back bookstores, and a harbor serves as the promenade. They operate daily, linking civic rooms, independent businesses, and parks within a few blocks—places built for residents first, rewarding visitors year-round.
A new development is among the first in the nation to combine affordable housing with a city hall.Salida del Sol is a partnership between nonprofit developer Jamboree Housing Corp. and the city of San Juan Capistrano, California.Located on a 2.22-acre portion of San Juan Capistrano’s city hall site, the 50-unit Salida del Sol is designed around a large open courtyard with a 45,593-square-foot residential building. Forty units are designated for formerly unhoused individuals and veterans earning up to 30% of the area media...
A new development is among the first in the nation to combine affordable housing with a city hall.
Salida del Sol is a partnership between nonprofit developer Jamboree Housing Corp. and the city of San Juan Capistrano, California.
Located on a 2.22-acre portion of San Juan Capistrano’s city hall site, the 50-unit Salida del Sol is designed around a large open courtyard with a 45,593-square-foot residential building. Forty units are designated for formerly unhoused individuals and veterans earning up to 30% of the area median income (AMI) and nine additional units for households earning up to 50% of the AMI. Of the units designated for those coming from homelessness, 24 are set aside for those living with a mental health diagnosis who are referred by participating agencies.
The 40 households with project-based vouchers or Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing (VASH) vouchers will pay rent based on 30% of their income, not to exceed $887 to $1,479 per month, depending on unit size.
In front of the residential courtyard and community garden is a new city hall, which replaces a 50-year-old temporary structure.
The integration of housing in close proximity to city officials is part of the partnership’s effort to normalize support services within the urban civic context, closing gaps and strengthening community ties between vulnerable populations and middle- and upper-income households, according to project leaders, who recently celebrated the project’s grand opening.
“Salida del Sol represents the very best of what can be achieved through partnership,” said mayor Troy Bourne. “By working side by side with Jamboree, the San Juan Capistrano City Council has advanced its goals of reducing homelessness and expanding affordable housing while also providing our community with a new city hall. Salida del Sol is a model for what local government and nonprofit collaboration can deliver, and I hope other cities will follow San Juan Capistrano’s example by bringing similar developments into their own communities.”
Permanent supportive housing residents have access to Salida del Sol’s wraparound services coordinated by Jamboree’s community impact team, which are delivered in a trauma-informed, harm-reduction environment tailored to the unique needs of each individual. This includes medication management assistance, mental health counseling, life skills education, and opportunities for social connections and meaningful activities that will help them thrive in their local neighborhood.
Services are provided by organizations such as Telecare Home First Central, the Orange County Health Care Agency’s Full Service Partnership, and Orange County’s VASH team.
“Jamboree’s vision is more than building housing,” said Laura Archuleta, president and CEO of Jamboree Housing. “We look for ways to help cities meet multiple goals at once. With Salida del Sol, we delivered high-quality affordable housing, services that transform lives, and a beautiful city hall on the same site, proving that good partnerships can turn civic challenges into solutions that benefit the entire community.”
The total development cost for the residential development is about $30.75 million. Bank of America is a major partner, providing $17.1 million in 9% low-income housing tax credit equity, $19.6 million in construction financing, and $5.3 million in permanent financing.
Other funding partners include the city of San Juan Capistrano, Orange County, Orange County Housing Authority, Orange County Housing Finance Trust, California Energy Commission, and The Home Depot Foundation.
Project partners also include Architecture Design Collaborative, general contractor Quality Design and Construction, interior designer Dahlin, landscape architect EPTDESIGN, and property manager Quality Management Group.
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