This page was written and reviewed by Michael J. Cefali, Esq. Attorney Cefali is a founding partner of Cefali & Cefali, APC, based in San Juan Capistrano, CA. He holds a Juris Doctor from Chapman University Fowler School of Law and a B.A. in Global Studies & Maritime Affairs from the California Maritime Academy. Widely recognized for his advocacy in personal injury law, he has secured multi-hundred-thousand-dollar settlements in motorcycle accidents, hit-and-runs, and red-light collision cases. He maintains a perfect 10.0 “Superb” rating on Avvo.
Beyond his legal practice, Mr. Cefali actively supports his community through the Rotary Club of San Juan Capistrano, contributes to housing and meal programs for those in need, and enjoys fishing and spending time with his rescue dogs.
The date below reflects when this page was last reviewed for accuracy. Please see our Editorial Guidelines.
The Malaspina family has lived in San Juan Capistrano, California since 1921. They have owned two grocery stores and two delicatessens.
Malaspina Vineyards & Winery is located near San Juan Capistrano and is a family-owned company, which was founded in 1994. With over 50 award-winning wines to choose from, we are one of the top wineries in Orange County.
Malaspina is a superb Mediterranean restaurant located in this central Orange County coastal city. The menu focuses on Italian and Greek specialties, with a wood-burning grill as the centerpiece of the dining room. The wine list has plenty of selections to pair with your meal.
The ship was originally built in France in 1854 as a scientific exploration vessel and named the Corvee. It was purchased by the U.S. Navy during the Civil War in 1861 and renamed the USS Malaspina after an Italian explorer who surveyed Alaska's coast. The Malaspina conducted harbor surveys in California ports and escorted supply ships to San Francisco during the war.
The Navy decommissioned the Malaspina in 1869 and sold it to private interests. The ship was eventually acquired by Pacific Fruit Express, a shipping line that operated across the Pacific Ocean between California and Australia, which renamed it the SS President Coolidge.
The Malaspina family has been in San Juan Capistrano since the early 1800s, when Don José Malaspina, a marine explorer from Spain, arrived here with his wife, María del Carmen Paterna Muñoz de Guzmán y Navarro. They settled on the rancho land grant called Rancho Los Trabuquillos and ran sheep there.
The first child born on the ranch was Cristóbal Malaspina, who was granted Rancho Trabuquillo by Governor Pablo Vicente de Solá in 1813. Cristóbal was the great-great grandfather of Frank and Esther Malaspina.
This is a cute, local restaurant in San Juan Capistrano, but more importantly, it's the best pizza I've ever tasted. The pizzas are huge, and one is enough for two people to share. They have a great selection of toppings to choose from and the cheese is so fresh you can taste it. The prices are very reasonable for the quality of food you get.
The pizza itself is good enough that I don't really care about the atmosphere or decor. The service is also good and efficient, which is nice to experience nowadays. Definitely recommended!
Michael Cefali is a dedicated accident attorney based in San Juan Capistrano, California, committed to securing justice and fair compensation for accident victims.
A graduate of Newport Harbor High School, he went on to earn his Bachelor’s degree in Global Studies and Maritime Affairs from the California Maritime Academy, followed by his Juris Doctor from Chapman University School of Law.
Deeply invested in his community, Michael is an active member of the Rotary Club of San Juan Capistrano, contributing to efforts that provide meals, housing, and support to those in need. Outside of his legal work and volunteer service, he enjoys fishing in Dana Point and spending time with his three rescue dogs—a Chihuahua, a Spaniel mix, and a Shepherd mix.
Driven by his strong belief in justice and fairness, Michael remains steadfast in advocating for individuals harmed by the negligence or inaction of others.
