DPT 12/22/2023 by Dana Point Times

DECEMBER 22 - 28, 2023 | VOLUME 16, ISSUE 51

L O C A L

N E W S

Y O U

C A N

INSIDE: A NEW YOU

U S E

Inside:

Gain a Th oughtful, Sustaina ble Appro ach to Eating

Also inside:

Saving Mo ne A Disciplin y— ed Path to Managin g Finance s

Dana Point

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2023

Learning

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Anyone Can danapointtimes.

Dana Point

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Community Chords

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Locals Eve to Bring Out South County Bands E Y E O N D P / PA G E 3

(From left) Locals Eve organizers Lazaro Alberto, Zöe Zehran and Bryce Hansen are bringing out a slew of South County bands to perform at Stillwater Spirits & Sounds on Dec. 30, as a part of a celebration of the local music community. Photo: Breeana Greenberg

DP Harbor Partners Gets Green Light Revitalization Financing EYE ON DP / PAGE 5

danapointtimes.com

Ocean Institute Giving ‘Spirit’ Restoration Tour

DHHS Football Enters New League Next Season

GETTING OUT/ PAGE 8

SPORTS / PAGE 21

SALES 2023

Wishing you and your loved ones a Very Merry Christmas and a Blessed New Year!

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Medicare options are complicated. Understanding them shouldn’t be. Medicare Part B Costs Increase in 2024 The majority of Medicare beneficiaries don’t’ pay a premium each month for Part A, but they do for Part B. Their Part B premium will be automatically deducted from their social security check and if they aren’t taking social security yet then they get a bill from the Medicare (aka the government). The standard premium for Medicare Part B (outpatient and doctor services) in 2023 was $164.90. In 2024 it will increase to $174.70. So, the reprieve you had last year with the Part B premium decrease has gone away, and once again there is an increase in your Medicare Part B premium.

out for that to avoid any surprises in the new year. There are 5 higher income brackets that cause a person to pay more for their Medicare Part B and an added assessment to their Part D (drug) coverage. In 2024 IRMAA will be assessed when an individual’s MAGI is above $103,000 and a married couple’s MAGI is above $206,000. I do not offer every plan available in your area. Any information I provide is limited to those plans I do offer in your area. Please contact Medicare.gov or 1-800-MEDICARE to get information on all of your options.

The Medicare Part B deductible also increased; from $226 in 2023 to $240 in 2024. If your modified adjusted gross income (MAGI) is above a certain amount, you will pay an Income Related Adjustment Amount (IRMAA). Medicare uses the modified adjusted gross income reported on your IRS tax return from 2 years ago. The IRS provides this information to Social Security. Notices for your IRMAA amounts have begun to arrive in the mail for 2024, so keep an eye Dana Point Times December 22 - 28, 2023

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EYE ON DP

Locals Eve to Bring Out South County Bands BY BREEANA GREENBERG

tillwater Spirits & Sounds will collaborate with Danman’s Music School to host a night packed with local tunes, spirits and shopping small on Dec. 30 as organizers look to celebrate South County’s music community. Locals Eve will be a “celebration of local artists and the community here in Dana Point and San Clemente,” said Lazaro Alberto, Stillwater sound engineer and music instructor at Danman’s. “We have a lot of locals who support the bands here at Stillwater and support the artists here in the community, and so we wanted to get back to the community by putting together an event that showcases talented artists who are local to the area,” Alberto said. Arts for All Chief Marketing Officer and Danman’s Music instructor Zöe Zehran added that there will be a new band starting on every hour from 8-11 p.m at the free event. “It’s going to be super cool, moving really quick,” Zehran said. “You’re going to see all the local favorites of all the best bands in Orange County coming together, playing and doing it for free, because, just music appreciation.” Before bands hit the stage at 8 p.m., small businesses and vendors will set up tables on the corner of Del Prado and Golden Lantern, and local artists Neil Levin, Alberto and Bianca Brandi will perform solo-acoustic sets outside. Bryce Hansen, the chief executive of the nonprofit Arts for All, explained that the event will feature “a full-day fun vendor event … it’s like a community found event.” “We’re going to have a few musicians busking outside, so just playing solo, a lot of their own originals, as well as some covers,” Hansen continued. “Then, if you come on inside of Stillwater, we are doing an open mic for local talented artists, singer-songwriters to perform.” While this will be the first Locals Eve, Alberto said he hopes this becomes a regular event. The event will be a fun environment to support local musicians, businesses and the Arts for All, Zehran added “Everything you’re going to be participating in and engaging with is local,” Zehran said. “So the shops, the businesses, the bands, the people, everything is your neighbors; everyone and everything is done by and brought to you by your neighbors.” Locals Eve will feature Zehran’s band Pun Intentions, Violet Iris and Viridian Lights, with Alberto’s band, The Brightsiders, headlining. Zehran explained that she started a band with her best friends, many of Dana Point Times December 22 - 28, 2023

whom had never played an instrument until eight months ago, “and here we are.” Pun Intentions performs mostly pop covers, she added. “We’ve just been supported by so many people in the community,” Zehran said. “We’re an all-girl band; it’s really fun. We have a violin, a guitar, a drummer, two singers. We switch instruments, so me and the drummer will switch, and she’ll lead-sing and play guitar.” Pun Intentions’ violinist also teaches the violin curriculum for Arts for All, Zehran added. Violet Iris plays original music and some covers, and performs regularly at Stillwater, Alberto said. Veridian Lights will follow Violet Iris, performing ’80s-style classic rock. “Their lead singer, Charlotte, is one of the best singers I’ve ever heard, genuinely,” Alberto said. “She’s going to join for some of my band’s songs.” “Headlining is my band Brightsiders,” Alberto continued. “We are a ’90s and 2000s cover band. So if you grew up listening to Blink-182, Jimmy Eat World, Panic at the Disco, then you’re going to have a good time with the Brightsiders.” Alberto lives in San Juan Capistrano, while some of his band mates live in San Clemente, he said. Zehran lives in San Juan Capistrano, with band members hailing from Dana Point, San Juan Capistrano and San Clemente.

“Many of the artists who are going to be participating in the event, performing at the event, are a part of this community and are also teachers next door, including myself,” Alberto said. Zehran added that many of the performers also volunteer lessons with underprivileged students as a part of the Arts for All nonprofit, which seeks to make music education accessible to all. “It’s really like the music community, Danman’s community, the Arts for All nonprofit community, and just all the local legend bands and the music fans coming together,” Zehran said. The event will also feature a raffle, with proceeds supporting Arts for All, which offers discount music lessons to participating families through its partnership with Danman’s Music School. “We give free, one-on-one music classes to underprivileged children, and then at the end of 20 courses, we give them their instrument,” Zehran said. “So that’s what the money goes towards.” “We’re going to be raffling off lessons with the performing artists that you’ll see that very night, so you can watch the artists that you love and raffle off for a free lesson with the person that you’re watching singing, with a beer in your hand,” Zehran continued. Stillwater offers its stage to Arts for All students throughout the year, giving students a chance to showcase their new Page 3

talents to the community. “Not only do they always bring in some of the best music around this area, but they also use that stage and their resources to allow these kids to go out there, too,” Zehran said. Hansen added that performing live encourages the students to learn a complete song and helps them get more comfortable on stage and thinking on their feet. Students will also have the opportunity to perform at Danman’s, as well. The event on Dec. 30 will be an opportunity for “all of Dana Point’s local artists, local musicians, local talent and having one jam-packed day of musical fun,” Hansen said. Zehran added that the free event will be a great way to support “local musicians and supporting children in need who have dreams about pursuing fine arts. It’s also supporting all of your local shops, businesses, brands … there’s something there for literally everyone, from foodies to people who like to shop local to music to people who like beer.” “Think of every favorite local band at the bar that you love to go to, coming together for one big concert for free,” Zehran continued. Before bands hit the stage, the event will feature a locals’ open mic from 6-8 p.m. Those interested in performing during the open mic portion should email biancabrandi@gmail.com. danapointtimes.com

EYE ON DP

San Juan Planning Commission Moves Needle on Skatepark Project BY BREEANA GREENBERG

ooking back on her childhood in San Juan Capistrano, Jenny Buchhagen remembers the days when Creekside Park was just a dirt lot with bike jumps. When it came time to build a park on the lot, Buchhagen said she recalled the city discussing the idea of constructing a skatepark. “No city had a skatepark, and it was this big exciting thing,” Buchhagen said during the Planning Commission’s meeting on Dec. 13. “Everyone was so excited they were going to put a real skatepark in our town, and it got denied.” “It got denied because of noise, it got denied because of lights, and they put a park there,” Buchhagen continued. She added that she goes to parks all the time with her kid now and never understood the difference in noise between a park and skatepark. Buchhagen added that skateparks create a community space. “There are older guys helping the younger kids learn new tricks,” Buchhagen said. “There’s the teens that have nowhere to go because they have a broken home; they go to the skatepark, and they come together as family.” “Give them a place where they can feel comfortable and be themselves,” Buchhagen continued. San Juan Capistrano has been working toward building a skatepark in the city since residents identified such a facility as a priority in a citywide recreation needs assessment in 2007. Since then, the city and stakeholders have searched for the appropriate site to

house a skatepark, most recently landing on the 28-acre, city-owned Kinoshita Farm property. The roughly 42,575-square-foot skatepark and trail project would be situated at the southwest corner of the farm. The skatepark and trail would feature a playground structure, restroom and shaded setting areas, as well as a roughly 20,000-square-foot, all-wheel skatepark. The skatepark would include a flow bowl area, a pool bowl area and a street-skating area with rails, stairs and banks. “The skatepark has all the street features you could ask for in a skatepark,” Brett Johnson with Grindline Skateparks said. “Perfect for beginners up to intermediate and advanced.” The public trail would connect Via Positiva to the skatepark and Camino Del Avion. Before the Planning Commission or City Council could move forward with the project, the city completed an Environmental Impact Report. The EIR was released on Aug. 17 and was circulated for public review. The public-comment period on the Environmental Impact Report closed on Oct. 2. During the most recent meeting, commissioners voted unanimously, with Chair Matt Gaffney absent, to recommend that the City Council certify the skatepark’s EIR, approve a code amendment and rezone the project site. The Kinoshita Farm property is currently zoned as an agriculture/specific plan

Planning commissioners voted unanimously on Dec. 13, to recommend that the City Council certify the EIR for the long-standing skatepark plans, approve a code amendment and rezone the site for the project. Photo: Shawn Raymundo

and would require a rezoning so that it would be zoned as specific plan only. The specific plan amendment looks to add the skatepark, trail and related facilities as an allowed use. As part of certification of the EIR, the council may decide to override the agriculture resource mitigation by stating that the benefit of the skatepark to the community overweighs the loss of the agricultural land. Since the Kinoshita Farm property is also designated as Prime Farmland per the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), the city would need to deposit the purchase price of a replacement into its agricultural preservation fund. As for any noise-related issues, the EIR does not anticipate an increase in ambient sound once the skatepark is active.

on Jan. 31, and artists who enter the contest automatically agree to allow necessary changes and to grant exclusive use of the artwork to the San Clemente Ocean Festival. The festival’s board and Design Selection Committee will choose the winning designs, with the winner expected to be announced in early 2024. The winner for both the white and color shirts will receive $1,000 and a choice of three pieces of event merchandise. Visit oceanfestival.org for more details.

NEWS NEXT DOOR:

Ocean Festival Seeks T-Shirt Design Submissions BY C. JAYDEN SMITH

mid preparations for the return of the San Clemente Ocean Festival in July 2024, organizers are seeking submissions for a T-shirt design from the community. Submissions must include text referencing the event, which will take place on July 20-21, and include a focus on factors relevant to the event, such as lifeguards or the lifeguard competitions. Artists may use a maximum of six colors, should create designs using a platform where layers can be accessed by the screenprinter, and should use Dana Point Times December 22 - 28, 2023

a high-resolution or vector file for the final design, filed at actual print size with a minimum of 12 inches on the shortest side. Factors open to artists’ discretion are text and font style, text placement and arrangement, whether the designs have borders or frames, and color, although the Ocean Festival organizers indicated a preference for Pantone solid-coated colors for graphics. All artwork must be an original creation. Designs must be emailed to cbannamiller@gmail.com by midnight Page 4

The Planning Commission noted that it did receive letters opposed to the construction of the skatepark ahead of the meeting. Local skateboarders spoke in favor of the construction of the project. Speakers noted that the park would give area youths a safe place to gather and skate, as opposed to skating in the streets. “I know a lot of people have been wanting this for a long time, since they were children and now they’re adults,” roller skater Jenna Green said. “All of us are getting older, and the kids are getting older, so it’s exciting to see that we’ve come to a point where hopefully everybody is happy with what’s been planned here.” “There’s a lot of thought and consideration for what works for skateboarders and skaters in this plan, but also for the community, also for families,” Green continued. If the council approves the final EIR at its Jan. 16 meeting, construction is anticipated to begin in March, with the skatepark expected to be completed by September 2024.

COMMUNITY MEETINGS SATURDAY, DEC. 23

Challenging Cancer 10-11:30 a.m. The Challenging Cancer group is conducting weekly meetings through Zoom video conferences. The meetings are open to caregivers, people who have a compromised immune system, and people dealing with cancer. To join, email donnavigil2@gmail.com or linda_crdv@yahoo.com. heritagesc.org.

The San Clemente Ocean Festival is seeking T-shirt designs for the upcoming event in 2024. Photo: Courtesy of San Clemente Ocean Festival

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EYE ON DP

Harbor Partners Gets Green Light to Move Forward with Financing for Revitalization BY BREEANA GREENBERG

s the Dana Point Harbor Partners (DPHP) works toward commencing construction on the landside portion of the $610 million harbor revitalization project, the Orange County Board of Supervisors voted on Tuesday, Dec. 19, to approve documents necessary for the partners to enter into a loan agreement for the project. The approval, granted as a consent calendar item voted on in one fell motion with other routine items, allows DPHP to acquire a $60 million loan to move forward with phases five through seven of the marina revitalization, build the harbor parking structure and extend Golden Lantern Street. “This past year, we’ve made more progress on the Harbor revitalization than in decades prior,” Orange County Fifth District Supervisor Katrina Foley said in an email. “We’ve opened three new phases in our marina, with the fourth completing this month,” Foley continued.“This Board’s action today allows us to commence a new landmark and officially begin construction on the commercial core in January.” Bryon Ward, president of Burnham Ward Properties—a member of the DP Harbor Partners—noted that the revitalization was already well underway on the waterside;

however, this approval allows DPHP to move forward with the landside construction. “To date, we’ve replaced about 580 docks,” Ward said. “What this does, is it really clears the path forward for us to start on the landside. “What this estoppel allows us to do is we put into place, basically, a loan that we’re going to tap into to accelerate the development of the landside and also to keep the waterside construction moving forward as well,” Ward continued. The loan agreement with Citizens Business Bank states that DPHP is “not in breach or default of any of the terms, conditions, or provisions of the ground lease,” is not in default, and that the DPHP “does not have any claims, causes of action, judgments, liabilities or demands of any kind,” against the County about the harbor ground lease. With the agreement in place, DPHP can begin on the first two phases of the landside construction: the parking structure and extension of Golden Lantern. “We’re not just going to be building the parking structure, but we’re also going to be reworking the extension of Golden Lantern down into the project based upon the final development plan for the commercial core,” Ward said. “There will be a surface parking

The Orange County Board of Supervisors on Tuesday, Dec. 19, voted to allow the Dana Point Harbor Partners to acquire a $60 million loan for the construction of the landside portion of the revitalization project. Photo: Shawn Raymundo

NEWS NEXT DOOR:

Construction Begins on San Clemente Shoreline Project BY C. JAYDEN SMITH

multitude of local officials, project crew members and others on Monday, Dec. 18, gathered at a spot overlooking the San Clemente Pier to recognize the beginning of the long-awaited San Clemente Shoreline Project. The project, which officially started on Friday, Dec. 15, will place 251,000 cubic yards of sand over a footprint of more than a half-mile, between Linda Lane and T-Street. However, sand placement activities won’t begin until after a part for the hopper dredge arrives, according to Col. Andrew Baker, commander of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ Los Angeles District. “What you’ll see is the (bulldozers) pumping out what (is) almost a levy parallel to the beach, and the pipe will pump sand into the area, and the sand will Dana Point Times December 22 - 28, 2023

Local elected officials this week recognized the beginning of the San Clemente Shoreline Project, as construction officially began late last week. Photo: C. Jayden Smith

basically fall out of the water and renourish the beach,” Baker said of the project. He added that the pipeline will move up and down the project footprint, and heavy equipment will move the sand to create a 50-foot-wide berm. Construction is expected to last roughly 50 days, according to the city, with post-construction demobilization beginning in January and February. “What could shut us down is a storm event that would create a wave climate that would be too difficult for the ship Page 5

lot at the end of the entrance road, a small surface parking lot that we call, a sort of, our valet drop point area. All of that will be completed, as well.” The Golden Lantern extension looks to expand the road down into the revitalized harbor, into the parking structure, featuring a pedestrian pathway and landscaping. The harbor revitalization is now anticipated to cost roughly $610 million, which Ward explained reflected upgrades to the architecture, design and open space, as well as rising construction costs. Construction on the parking structure is expected to begin in January and will take roughly 12 months to complete. Ward noted that while he’d love to have

the harbor revitalization completed by the 2028 Olympics, a lot of the timeline is impacted by outside agencies like the California Coastal Commission, which voted in April to give itself a one-year extension to discuss the two proposed hotel developments. “I love the target; I think it’s a meaningful and important target,” Ward said. “We will have a lot of, most of, the harbor done by that time frame. That is our objective that is based upon our schedule, but a lot of our future phases of the harbor do rely on entitlements and things that are outside of our control.” “But we remain committed to pushing the project forward as quickly as we can,” Ward said. “We’re just excited to finally be starting the landside.”

to connect to the hose (pipeline),” Baker continued. Speaking for the first time as mayor of San Clemente, Victor Cabral noted the 20 years preceding the project’s beginning and thanked the countless people, including current Rep. Mike Levin, who worked to bring Monday’s event to fruition. He also talked about the need to find funding to pay for future phases of the 50year project, as subsequent dredgings will require an evenly split cost share between the local and federal governments. The $14 million tab for Phase I was divided at a ratio of 65% from the federal government and 35% from the city, as $9.3 million came through the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2022, an earmark Levin secured. The city itself contributed roughly $700,000 and received more than $4.4 million in grant funding from the California Department of Boating and Waterways to pay the local share. New Mayor Pro Tem Mark Enmeier mentioned Cotton’s Point, at the southern tip of the city’s coastline, as a reminder that inaction in addressing areas that need sand replenishment could have perma-

nent consequences. Attributing the loss of sand at Cotton’s Point to global warming, the placement of concrete at flowing riverbeds and the placement of riprap along the railroad tracks—all “man-made causes”—Enmeier opined that the beach in the area where he grew up could never return. “We need help financially to cover this (50-year project),” he said.“We need help from our state legislature, (we need to) make use of our federal government, (and) we need support to make this a reality over the next 50 years.” Regarding the city’s efforts to bring sand to other impacted areas, Councilmember Steve Knoblock spoke to previous council discussion of working with private businesses to dredge sand either 100 yards off the San Clemente shoreline or from other borrow sites and place it on the beaches. “I’m sure we’ll be considering that in the future,” he said. More information about the project can be found on the city’s website at san-clemente.org/beachsand.

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SOAPBOX

LETTER FROM THE EDITOR | By Managing Editor Shawn Raymundo

Onward and Upward

hen I got the job offer in late 2018 to report down here in South Orange County, I really didn’t know what I was getting myself into. I assumed I’d be reporting on small, quiet towns with laid-back, beach-city vibes. I thought I’d struggle to find stories to write about on the daily. But to put it as one of my favorite sitcom characters would: Could I have been any more wrong? For the past five years, I’ve covered a myriad of issues. There were controversial development proposals, natural disasters, contentious elections, devastating deaths of impactful community figures (RIP, Fred Swegles), passionate protests, legal battles, a pandemic and, of course, cantankerous councilmembers. From the late-night meetings where residents fervently expressed their feelings to the early-morning coffee chats on Fridays—where more residents aired their thoughts—these not-so-quiet towns certainly kept me busy, to say the least. But what’s arguably most important is that they perfectly encapsulated how much people care about their surrounding environment and the communities in which they’ve chosen to plant their roots. I got to report on fun, family-friendly events where people’s faces lit up for the

chance to have their quotes or photo appear in their local newspaper. I was able to capture the joy in the faces of high school graduates, their whole SHAWN RAYMUNDO future in front of them, as they accepted their diplomas. I witnessed the unwavering determination and grit of athletes competing in the Ocean Festival; hiked with locals who just wanted to learn more about their area’s natural habitats; and listened to children anxiously describe their innovation to help disabled people. There’s so much more I’m sure I’m completely forgetting—it’s been five years, after all—but I’m certain I’ll later recall more of these powerful and impactful moments that have helped shape me to become a better reporter, photographer and editor. As some of you have already heard, or have simply surmised just by reading this far into my letter, this is my last month at Picket Fence Media. After the New Year, I’ll be relocating back to my old stomping grounds of Phoenix, where I’ll report for The Arizona Republic. I’m truly going to miss these towns that I’ve called home for half a decade. I’ll miss the quick walks to the beach, the afterhours beers with the staff at our favorite billiards bar, the always immaculate weather and, most of all, the friendly faces of those who greeted me warmly. While there’s more I wish I could’ve

accomplished during my tenure, I’m proud of the work I produced or had a hand in producing. I, along with my incredibly hardworking staff over the years, earned major accomplishments and awards, highlighting our commitment to quality journalism. As an editor, I’m only successful because of my reporters’ talents and the skills that they brought to the newsroom. I’m eternally grateful for my co-workers, both past and present, with whom I had the privilege of working. They challenged and made me better along the way. I also want to thank Norb and Alyssa Garrett, PFM’s former publishers, for giving me this opportunity to report in South County and entrusting me with running the newsroom. They recognized the importance of an informed community and built a reputable media company that has served these towns for more than 15 years now. While I didn’t get to spend a lot of time under the current ownership, I’m hopeful that Times Media Group will build on what we’ve accomplished, taking the San Clemente Times, Dana Point Times, and The Capistrano Dispatch to new heights. There are more people who deserve my gratitude and more anecdotes I’d love to share, but as I continue looking back at these fond memories, I recognize that life has only given us one direction, and that’s forward. So, with a tear in my eye and a lump in my throat, all that’s really left to say is farewell and thank you for letting me call this area home. DP

re you one of those folks who gifts thoughtful items of clothing? Good for you, although your family asked us to tell you they don’t need more socks or another tie. While we’re on the subject, Mother Earth also asked us to warn you that if your choices are often based on price, you may be a victim of “fast fashion.” The “fast” in that catchphrase refers to the constant manufacturing cycles and the intentionally short lifespans of some articles of clothing. Fast fashion manufacturers churn out multiple new styles of inexpensive items every month, resulting in skyrocketing brand sales during the holiday season. Flash or cyber-sales aren’t always a good deal—our chase after the latest trend may blind us to the shoddy construction and cheap fabrics that enable bargain prices for something we’ll throw away in a few months. Here’s what the data tells us: Dana Point Times December 22 - 28, 2023

HOW TO REACH US PUBLISHER Steve Strickbine DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS Nadine Johnson • 480.898.5645 nadine@timeslocalmedia.com MANAGING EDITOR Shawn Raymundo • 949.388.7700, x7 sraymundo@picketfencemedia.com SPORTS Zach Cavanagh • 949.388.7700, x6 zcavanagh@picketfencemedia.com ADVERTISING Lauralyn Loynes • 949.388.7700, x2 lloynes@picketfencemedia.com DISTRIBUTION Racks, Driveways, Subscriptions Inna Cazares • 949.229.2821 icazares@picketfencemedia.com

TIMES MEDIA GROUP EDITORIAL Executive Editor Christina Fuoco-Karasinki Managing Editor Shawn Raymundo City Reporter, SC Times C. Jayden Smith City Reporter, DP Times Breeana Greenberg Sports Editor Zach Cavanagh

GUEST OPINION | Citizens’ Climate Education by Judith Anderson & Patti Maw

Fast Fashion— Bah, Humbug!

34932 Calle del Sol, Suite B, Capistrano Beach, CA 92624 phone 949.388.7700 fax 949.388.9977 danapointtimes.com

Textiles occupy more than 5% of total U.S. landfill space, adding 25 billion pounds of waste annually, or about 82 pounds per person. Only 15% of the textiles manufactured annually are donated or recycled, as the other 85% become unwanted garbage at the end of a village stream in Africa or the Philippines. The fashion industry generates 8% to 10% of global carbon emissions and nearly 20% of industrial wastewater. There are rivers in China, India, and Bangladesh (centers of fast fashion manufacturing) that are biologically dead because of factory wastewater discharges. Synthetic fibers such as polyester use PET, the same petroleum-based thermoplastic polymer found in water bottles. These synthetics can take over 200 years to break down while generating methane and leaching toxic chemicals and dyes into the soil and groundwater. Fast Fashion is a shortcut for turning money into trash. So, what’s a savvy shopper to do? Make fewer purchases of high-quality items designed in timeless style. Consider trending, eco-conscious brands, often with “vintage” styling and made

of durable plant-based fabrics (wool, silk, cotton, bamboo and hemp blends) or forward-thinking 100% recycled polyester. These choices have a longer wearable life and decompose quickly when finally worn out and thrown out. Fashion-conscious Gen Z seeks out similar comfy treasures from grandpa’s attic or grandma’s closet with glee. To stock that closet, some manufacturers such as Patagonia will assist you in repairing their items and even take them back when worn out. Their business model is to sell you one good jacket that lasts a lifetime rather than a cheap new one every year. I still have my mom’s London Fog raincoat. It is 60 years old, yet its neutral color and classic silhouette suggest that I can wear it into 2024 to face our promised El Niño rains in style. Thanks, Mom—great gift! Judith Anderson and Patti Maw are both members of the South Orange County chapter of Citizens’ Climate Education, and dedicated “slow fashion” wearers. DP

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Columnists Tom Blake Megan Bianco, Jake Howard Special Projects Editor Andrea PapagianisCamacho Copy Editor Randy Youngman

ADVERTISING Associate Publisher Lauralyn Loynes (SC + DP) Advertising Sales Debra Wells (CD) ART + DESIGN Group Art Director Courtney Oldham GRAPHIC DESIGN Amber Johnson Group Operations & Production Coordinator Inna Cazares Local Distribution Tim Trent PFM FOUNDER Norb Garrett

Dana Point Times, Vol. 16 Issue 31. The DP Times (danapointtimes.com) is published weekly by Picket Fence Media, publishers of the SC Times (sanclementetimes.com) and The Capistrano Dispatch (thecapistranodispatch.com). Copyright: No articles, illustrations, photographs or other editorial matter or advertisements herein may be reproduced without written permission of the publisher. The publisher assumes no responsibility for return of unsolicited manuscripts, art, photos or negatives. Copyright 2023. All rights reserved. Printed in the USA.

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SOAPBOX

GUEST OPINION | Food for Thought by Gina Cousineau

All I Want for Christmas Is for You to Optimize Your Health

often say I have the hardest job in the world. On the other hand, I do love what I do, seeing how quickly lives can change with a little education and shift in one’s nutrition approach. The issue remains with the bright and shiny object we are all chasing, aka fast weight loss at any cost. During the holidays, we have lots of distractions to get in our way of thinking clearly. So my advice this holiday season is to simply hold on. Eat all your regular meals, don’t hoard calories for the special event, fill your plate with more plants, and then join me in the month of January for “Mama G’s Quickstart Guide to Health and Weight Loss.” Too often, even well-meaning dietitians don’t have the skills to help their clients put the science of evidence-based nutrition on their plates. A “healthy”-looking recipe that tastes great doesn’t mean that it contains the calories and nutrients necessary

to reach one’s goal(s). The January experience will help you dial in your food preferences along with being able to see what FOOD FOR THOUGHT appropriate porBY GINA COUSINEAU tion sizes can look like, focusing on food inclusion rather than exclusion– the opposite of most diets with their restrictive and punitive approaches. Not only will you be given a printable guide chock-full of recipes with international flair, but I plan to help you navigate your own kitchen. We will tour a local grocery store; yes, you actually can go into the middle isles rather than staying around the perimeter, but understanding how to read a label is paramount to your success. Being drawn to all the colorful labels with the right buzzwords,

picture walking down the cereal aisle with your kids, is not how we should choose our food stuff, but rather understanding how to read the nutrition label along with the ingredient list. I will also take you on a virtual tour of my kitchen and pantry, as a wellstocked pantry and refrigerator/freezer is of great importance in setting yourself up for success in the New Year. Donating food stuff that is not needed to your local food pantry, then stocking your shelves with necessary items will make pulling together your favorite meals much easier. I will teach you how long fresh food lasts, the importance of food safety, how to avoid food waste, and most importantly, I hope to change your attitude about leftovers, realizing the benefit of quick and delicious bonus meals from the refrigerator and freezer. You might have heard about the functionality of the “kitchen triangle,” including easy access to the sink,

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refrigerator and stove, and while you can’t necessarily remodel your kitchen, together we can set the stage for more productivity and fun. We will chat about “must haves,” like a good set of knives, understanding what pots, pans and other cooking supplies will aid in your success, as well as the kitchen items you just can’t live without. Looking forward to giving you the tools needed to optimize your health. Happy holidays from Mama G. Gina Cousineau, aka Mama G, is a local nutritionist and trained chef. She provides science- and evidence-based nutrition education, along with teaching basic cooking skills to help her clients embrace a healthy eating pattern to reach weight goals and improved health. You can reach her at mamagslifestyle.com, mamag@mamagslifestyle.com, or 949.842.8875. Gina offers a complimentary 30-minute session to talk about your goals and how she can help you achieve them for a lifetime. DP

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GETTING OUT

Editor’s Pick

The List What’s going on in and around town this week DANA POINT TIMES

FRIDAY | DEC. 22 FARMERS MARKET IN SAN JUAN 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Enjoy the farmers market in town every Friday. Check out the produce, breads, cheeses, artisan craft vendors, and more. Farmakis Farms, 29932 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano. 949.364.1270. farmakisfarms.com. OCEAN INSTITUTE CHRISTMAS CRUISE 9:30 a.m. Come aboard the Ocean Institute’s RV Sea Explorer for a 2½-hour holiday cruise that takes attendees beyond the harbor jetty in search of marine mammals. Naturalists on board will share information about the lifestyles of the ocean creatures that frequent the waters off Dana Point. The cruise will feature holiday music and hot cocoa while exploring the marine mammals in town for the holidays. Tickets are $10 for those under 2 years old and $40 per person over 2 years of age. The Ocean Institute, 24200 Dana Point Harbor Drive, Dana Point. 949.496.2274. oceaninstitute.org. LINE DANCING FRIDAYS 10-11 a.m. Join Age Well Senior Services for line dancing every Friday at San Clemente’s senior center. No partner required. For a $5 donation, learn some easy and fun line dances to get you moving. Carrie Wojo teaches all over South Orange County and makes it easy to stay active and have fun. Dorothy Visser Senior Center, 117 Avenida Victoria, San Clemente. 949.498.3322. YOUTH PROGRAMMING AT THE NOBLE PATH FOUNDATION 4:30 p.m. The Noble Path Foundation hosts events multiple times a week to get youth and young adults out and about and participating in safe, productive activities. There will be an improv lesson from 4:30-5:30 p.m., and TGIF Night starting at 6 p.m.—the Dana Point Times December 22 - 28, 2023

Photo: Breeana Greenberg

WEDNESDAY | DEC. 27 : BEHIND THE SCENES SPIRIT RESTORATION TOUR 1-2 p.m. Join the Ocean Institute aboard the Spirit of Dana Point and learn all about the ship’s history along with the restoration process. The dockside guided tour will tell the stories of those who work hard to keep the ship seaworthy. Tickets are $25. The Ocean Institute, 24200 Dana Point Harbor Drive, Dana Point. 949.496.2274. oceaninstitute.org. 9-11 a.m. South OC Cars and Coffee, dubbed the world’s biggest weekly car meet, attracts a mix of 500-1,000 hypercars, supercars, exotics, vintage, classic, muscle and sports cars, hot rods, rat rods, pickups, 4x4s and motorcycles. No cars in before 8:30 a.m. Cars should enter and leave slowly and quietly—no revving, speeding or burnouts. The Outlets at San Clemente, 101 West Avenida Vista Hermosa, San Clemente. southoccarsandcoffee.com.

theme being video games on numerous consoles. The Noble Path Foundation, 420 N. El Camino Real, San Clemente. 949.234.7259. thenoblepathfoundation.org. LIVE MUSIC AT LOST WINDS BREWING 5:30-8:30 p.m. Live music is featured at this popular San Clemente brewery. Will Heard will perform. Lost Winds Brewing Co., 924 Calle Negocio, Suite C, San Clemente. 949.361.5922. lostwindsbrewing.com.

DANA POINT FARMERS MARKET 9 a.m.-1 p.m. California farmers bring fresh produce to sell at the Dana Point Farmers Market, and craft vendors provide a large selection of art, jewelry, clothing, handbags, candles, handmade soaps and unique, one-of-a-kind gifts. It is strongly recommended that customers bring their own reusable bags. La Plaza Park, 34111 La Plaza, Dana Point.

HOLIDAY LIGHTS HARBOR CRUISE 6-7 p.m. Join Dana Wharf for a 60-minute evening cruise around the Dana Point Harbor and enjoy all of the light displays from the land and sea. Dana Wharf Sportfishing & Whale Watching, 34675 Golden Lantern, Dana Point. 888.224.0603. danawharf.com.

TIDE POOL HIKE, SAIL ON ‘SPIRIT OF DANA POINT’ AND SQUID DISSECTION 10 a.m.-noon. Join the Ocean Institute for a tide pool hike along the rocky Marine Conservation Area led by one of their expert naturalists. The hike is rated moderately difficult at a 1- to 1½-mile round trip. Attendees should be prepared for rocky, uneven and slick terrain for the entire hike. Admission is $15 for those 3 and older. Set sail

LIVE MUSIC AT IVA LEE’S 7 p.m. Live music is featured at this San Clemente lounge known for its entertainment. Chris Anderson will perform. Iva Lee’s Restaurant & Lounge, 555 N. El Camino Real, San Clemente. 949.361.8255. ivalees.com.

SATURDAY | DEC. 23 SOUTH OC CARS AND COFFEE Page 8

aboard the schooner Spirit of Dana Point and experience California from the perspective of an early tallship explorer. Join the crew to help raise sail, handle lines and steer the ship, or simply sit back, relax and enjoy the majesty of sailing the seas aboard a tallship. Must be 4 years or older to sail. Tickets are $65. For a limited time during the holiday season, people can dive into the hands-on experience of dissecting a squid. An expert guide will lead participants through an exploration of anatomy and adaptations. Dissections are 30 minutes long and cost $5. The Ocean Institute, 24200 Dana Point Harbor Drive, Dana Point. 949.496.2274. oceaninstitute.org. PHOTOS WITH SANTA Noon-6 p.m. Bring your children to the Outlets at San Clemente to take photos with Santa on various dates throughout the holiday season. The Outlets at San Clemente, 101 W. Avenida Vista Hermosa, San Clemente. 949.535.2323. outletsatsanclemente.com. SNOWY NIGHTS AT THE OUTLETS 5 p.m. Bring your family to experience a 15-minute Snowy Nights Snow Show at Center Court. The show will take place at 5 p.m., 6 p.m., and 7 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays going forward this December. The Outlets at San Clemente, 101 W. Avenida Vista Hermosa, San Clemente. 949.535.2323. outletsatsanclemente.com. LIVE MUSIC AT LOS MOLINOS BEER (Cont. on page 17) danapointtimes.com

Inside:

Gain a Thoughtful, Sustainable Approach to Eating

Also inside:

Saving Money— A Disciplined Path to Managing Finances

Learning Something New

Anyone Can Pick Up an Instrument in 2024 DanaPoint PointTimes TimesDecember December22 22--28, 28,2023 2023 Dana

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Dana Point Times December 22 - 28, 2023

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Welcome

to Your New Self With the New Year on the horizon, now is the chance to look inward. It’s an opportunity to push out any bad habits or rid ourselves of all the setbacks that have kept us from achieving our goals. It’s a time to not be complacent and make those changes you’ve wanted (or needed) to make for some time. To help inspire our readers to make that push, we’ve put together our annual A New You special section, lining it up to coincide with the ringing in of a New Year. In this year’s edition of A New You, we talk to local health and nutrition experts who share tips on getting healthy and in shape for the New Year. They also offer advice on what kinds of foods we should be eating (and enjoying) for better gut health to help maintain our weight-loss goals. What better way to improve yourself in 2024 than picking up some new skills such as learning a new language or picking up an instrument? With that in mind, local music instructors give their thoughts on the benefits of learning how to read and play music. For those whose resolution is to save more money, we talk to one local financial expert to get

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the lowdown on best practices when it comes to setting aside rainy-day funds and retirement savings, as well as managing overall finances. So dive into this year’s A New You, which we hope helps lead readers to new discoveries about themselves in the coming year and helps them conquer new heights.

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a New Instrument in 2024

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o matter one’s age or ability, instructors at Danman’s Music School say anyone can pick up an instrument. Dispelling the misconception that one needs to learn an instrument when they’re a child or be naturally gifted at music, Arts for All CEO Bryce Hansen says he picked up his first instrument at 20. “I was not musical at all until I was 20 years old, so I wasn’t a kid; I was entering my adult years,” Hansen says. “My dad came home with a piano one day for my sister, and I sat there and pressed one note on the piano, felt the vibrations resonate through my bones, and then I just absolutely loved it. … It gave me a sense of bliss.” Playing music, Hansen adds, takes his mind off the world and anxieties, allowing him to focus on playing the instrument. Born with Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease, Hansen explains that the neurological disease causes his brain to not send proper signals through his spine, affecting his mobility in his hands and feet. “I was told my entire childhood that I wasn’t able to play,” Hansen says. “It took me—just me alone, no instruction, not talking to parents or anything, just pressing notes to figure it out on my own—to realize I can play and then proceed to the next level, and get into some instructions and theory.” “It’s possible for literally everyone,” Hansen continues. Zöe Zehran, Arts for All’s Chief Marketing Officer and Danman’s Music Instructor, adds that “it really isn’t that hard.” “Most pop songs have the same six chords,” Zehran says. “It doesn’t have to be perfect. Honestly, jamming is just fun, and as long as you’re just accepting and nice and having a good time with it, it really is easy.” When Zehran started teaching at Danman’s, she says it inspired her to teach more, so she pulled in her friends to give them lessons. “They’re all adults; some of them are in their 30s, and they’ve never held an instrument in their entire lives,” Zehran says. “I just started teaching them, and now we’re in a band together and we play shows and play music together … half of them have never held an instrument before, and now See INSTRUMENT on page 13

Dana Point Times December 22 - 28, 2023 Dana Point Times December 22 - 28, 2023

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Nutrition Experts Emphasize Thoughtful, Sustainable Approach to Eating By C. Jayden Smith

ow, more than ever, the internet and social media provide unmitigated access to information about what to eat and how to lose weight, furthering the pervasive diet culture that has long existed in the United States. Staying on the right track and maintaining a healthy outlook on how to eat can be difficult, which is why Picket Fence Media reached out to local registered practitioners on how to approach nutrition this holiday season and beyond. Gina Cousineau, the face of Mama G’s Lifestyle and a regular PFM columnist, says the No. 1 rule during this time of year is to eat at home when time allows. People sometimes think to avoid eating until they go to office parties and other events, according to Cousineau, where they’ll consume a large amount of calories at once. “It’s really a recipe for disaster, because by the time you get to that event, you’re so ravenous that you lose all self-control,” she says. “If you add alcohol into the mix, that lowers your inhibitions, (and) now it’s a literal food fest.” To provide yourself with the best chance for success heading into such events, try to fill up your plates where it makes sense. For example, at breakfast, you can add in fruits, eggs or egg whites for protein, or healthy fats via avocados or Greek yogurt. Cousineau called it “paramount” to avoid skipping meals and suggested approaching buffet-setting meals with thoughtfulness. “Take a walk around (the buffet) to see what’s being provided, and really think mindfully of how I’m going to fill (my) plate with lower-calorie, more wholesome foods,” she says. “Then, fill it with a little bit of your treats and other foods that you enjoy that you’re not getting the rest of the year.” James Marin, co-founder of nutrition practice Married to Health along with his wife, Dahlia, emphasizes “mindful eating” this time of year. Whether through meditation, prayer or taking a breath, Marin says it was important to understand the why behind your eating habits, which he often attributed to stress and other emotions. “We’re of the mindset that you can eat anything you want; it’s just how much,” he says. “You don’t have to have that whole piece of pie; you can have half or a bite, to taste it.” Married to Health operates with an integrative approach to nutrition, in which parts of the body are connected to each other and impact overall health. By determining what’s at the root of health problems such as aches or obesity, they can find how to reach clients’ eventual goals. Cousineau and her business, Mama G’s Lifestyle, focus on “optimal aging” and helping people get into a healthy eating pattern that increases longevity. A plant-forward approach is key, as plants are high in nutritional elements such as antioxidants, minerals and vitamins. “The fact is, most people don’t eat that way, especially in the United States, where we have what we consider the standard American diet, where the acronym is SAD, because it is pretty sad,” says Cousineau. “It’s between understanding and incorporating more plants into our life, and lean proteins and healthy fats.” She added that she likes the word “intact” when it comes to eating habits. It’s better to eat apples as close to whole as possible, rather than stripping away the fiber on the skin when pureeing or devolving the food in other ways that decimate the nutritional value. With diet approaches that center on losing weight, the result is people are malnourished, Cousineau says. Instead, her practice creates a game plan that takes time and effort to educate people to make a healthy plate, allowing them to enjoy the foods they prefer.

Local nutrition experts share their perspectives on how to maintain healthy dieting habits for this holiday season and the year to come. Photo: Courtesy of Gina Cousineau

Dana Point Times December 22 - 28, 2023 Dana Point Times December 22 - 28, 2023

Marin says he sees a “lack of probiotics in the human microbiome,” equivalent to an epidemic. He cites preliminary studies that stated 90% of people don’t have lactobacillus in their gut—a bacteria that can break down food and fight off organisms that may cause problems to the body, according to MedlinePlus. “The No. 1 food is fermented foods,” says Marin, referencing any food that can be pickled, including kimchi, kombucha and sauerkraut. “Ideally, you want to get about six servings a day, but really any amount is excellent.” The culture around dieting has slightly improved over the years, he continues, but remains confusing through the number of misconceptions pushed online by people who aren’t properly educated. Cousineau took the question a step further, calling the space “problematic” and claiming that many people are bullies who scare people without being educated on the topic. “I work in conjunction with health care providers like medical doctors, (nurse practitioners and physician assistants) … they will be the first to admit that they have little interest in education,” she says. “So, they partner with individuals like myself who are a registered dietitian or nutritionist, who have a very strong nutrition education,” she continues, “because we are the people that can help those patients with their nutrition game plan.” In terms of basic principles to use for eating, Marin suggests adding the right foods to people’s diets, especially non-starchy fruits and vegetables that can be consumed in abundance. “Add more of that to whatever you’re eating, and that is a great first step,” he says.

Habla! Parle! Sprechen! How and Why to Start Learning a New Language

By Zach Cavanagh

ne of the most useful methods of personal edification and expansion is learning a new language. While English is the default language of the United States, as well as international business and most of the internet, there are plenty of benefits to learning a second language. It allows you to connect with other cultures, think more globally and simply keep your mind active. Numerous studies have shown that learning and actively using more than one language can help stave off early onset dementia and improve memory later in life. Additionally, the United States is becoming more and more bilingual. The number of people in the United States who speak a language other than English at home nearly tripled from 1980 to 2019, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. The United States alone has more Spanish-English bilingual speakers than the rest of the Western Hemisphere combined, according to Ethnologue. So, you want to join those growing numbers and learn a second language, whether it’s for business, travel or just a fun party trick. But where to start? It can seem so daunting. However, there are plenty of easy resources to do so. The most easily accessible starting points are the multitude of language learning apps available on your smartphone. The big two leading apps are Duolingo and Babbel. Duolingo is free and is a great way to casually start learning words or building your vocabulary. Babbel is a paid subscription that expands its offerings, including grammar lessons and a variety of learning options. The apps are a good initiation, but if you’re looking to truly learn how to implement a language, you’ll have to go a few steps further, either with classes or your own immersion. Saddleback College has a trove of language classes at different points of the year. The community college offers 10 different languages from all parts of the globe, including Spanish, German, Japanese, Chinese, Persian, Arabic and others. There are also classes for American Sign Language, English as a second language, as well as emeritus classes for older adults. Whether you start with the mobile apps or learn the basics through a class, the key to increasing fluency in any language is immersion. You have to fully throw yourself into it. Once you have some fundamental basics, try watching movies or television shows in that different language. You can attempt reading books in that language, but most suggest starting from a lower level, such as children’s books or comic books in that language. Additionally, you just have to go out and try. The only true way to improve on speaking a second language is to go out and speak it. Reach out to a native speaker and have conversations. Sure, you will mess up, but we all messed up when we were learning English as children. Repetition and practice are the best way to learn anything, but particularly a second language. That’s what takes you from simply memorizing vocabulary to implementing it into a real-time conversation. So, go out there and aprender un segundo idioma!

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INSTRUMENT from page 11 we’re experiencing our friendship in a whole new way.” Zehran adds that people often surprise themselves with how easy it can be to pick up an instrument. The two instructors note that they look to show their students that they won’t need to overcome giant hurdles to learn a new instrument. “It’s nice to be with musicians who know how to include people in jamming, so I might have someone just keep hitting the middle C, keeping that rhythm, and I’m, like, ‘OK, don’t move,’ and then I’ll add a guitar riff,” Zehran says. “Then they’re like, ‘Oh, my gosh, I’m playing a song.’ ” Hansen says the instructors look to make things “as simple as possible, give each student on their first lesson instant gratification so they start believing in themselves. Once you believe in yourself, anything’s possible.” The biggest advantage children have in learning a new instrument over adults, Zehran says, is they tend to be more open and unafraid to make mistakes. “The only real aggressive advantage kids have over adults when learning music is the fact that they’re not afraid,” Zehran says, adding: “Because adults have better dexterity, they are better at learning and paying attention, way better attention span, and they’re better at doing their homework.” When teaching how to read sheet music, Zehran says she uses a color system to make it easier to learn. As someone who is dyslexic, she notes that reading music when she was learning drums was difficult. To overcome this, Zehran color codes each drum, assigning each note on the sheet to the drum’s respective color. When teaching, she says it helps to start by reading the color, but eventually she takes away the colors on the drums and sheet music, “and then they’re reading music and they’re playing.” Learning an instrument does not need to start with learning how to read music or learn music theory, Hansen says. Instead, Danman’s instructors seek to meet students where they are and what they need to learn. “We can teach you strictly off just feel if you just want to improvise,” Hansen says. “You don’t need to have any real music background to pick up an instrument.” Zehran says she had a student come in with the hopes of learning a handful of songs so she could pull out a guitar to jam with her friends around the campfire. Rather than teach her how to read sheet music, Zehran started by teaching her the common chords among the few songs she was interested in learning. “I think there’s a lot of adults that want or see or have music in their lives, and they’re just wanting to enhance it by coming here,” Zehran says.

Kaylin Lopez, an instructor at Danman’s Music, takes her student, Jonathan Charay, through an exercise on the violin as she looks to build the student’s confidence in his ability to play. Danman’s instructors say anyone can pick up a new instrument at any stage in life. Photo: Breeana Greenberg

Hansen and Zehran note they’ve had students in their 60s and 70s take lessons to hone their vocal skills for karaoke or to learn a new instrument in order to form a band with friends. Zehran adds that picking up an instrument when you’re older can help with memory and cognition on top of the added social benefit to meeting regularly with an instructor and building a community around music. For those interested in learning a new instrument who might be on the fence, Zehran says, “If you come in a couple of times, you’re going to have enough stuff to work on and build off of for a really long time.” “So, even if you want to come in for just a couple classes,” Zehran continues, “it’s going to be so beneficial to have that start.”

Local Knowledge Discover the Magic of DermFx Medical Spa In the spirit of “New You, New You,” rejuvenation and self-improvement, let’s delve into the world of DermFx, a medical spa that’s redefining aesthetic care with its unique brand promise: You will receive the very best treatment, at the very best price. At DermFx, the term “treatment” extends far beyond the execution of procedures. It encapsulates the holistic experience of being in their care – from the initial point of contact to the completion of your journey with them. This encompasses a commitment to exceptional care and service, ensuring that every patient feels valued, understood, and thoroughly cared for. Central to DermFx’s ethos is the cultivation of trust. This isn’t just a business objective; it’s a guiding principle. Trust is built through transparency, expert care and a genuDana Point Times December 22 - 28, 2023 Dana Point Times December 22 - 28, 2023

ine commitment to the well-being of their clients. DermFx empowers its staff to exceed expectations, not just meet them, fostering an environment where quality care and superior service are the norms. The array of services offered at DermFx is both comprehensive and

cutting-edge. Catering to a wide range of needs, they provide treatments like wrinkle relaxers, facial fillers, laser treatments, skin tightening, and bodysculpting. The diversity in their services is intentional – DermFx aims to be a one-stop shop for all aesthetic needs, eliminating the hassle of visiting multiple specialists for different treatments. Understanding the busy schedules of their clients, DermFx stands out with its exceptional availability. Open seven days a week and offering walk-in appointments, they ensure that taking care of your skin and body fits seamlessly into your lifestyle. As you step into the New Year, consider embracing the opportunity to redefine yourself. Whether it’s smoothing out a few wrinkles, rejuvenating your skin or sculpting your body, DermFx is equipped to assist you in this journey of transformation.

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Their promise of delivering the best treatment at the best price isn’t just a tagline; it’s a commitment they live by every day. Embrace the “A New You” philosophy this New Year with DermFx, where every treatment is a step towards a more confident and revitalized you. Let the experts at DermFx be your partners in this journey of self-improvement and schedule a complimentary consultation. Hours: Mon - Sat 9am-6pm; Sun 10am-5pm Walk-ins Welcome

34184 Pacific Coast Hwy, Ste A Dana Point • 949-487-5180 www.dermfx.com Instagram: @dermfx

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Saving Money: A Disciplined Approach to Managing Finances By Shawn Raymundo

s many of us get set to consider our New Year’s resolutions, one that’s often listed is getting better at saving money and managing finances. For 2024, in particular, a survey from Forbes Health/OnePoll found that 38% of people are looking to improve their finances. That’s just behind the 48% of respondents who said their resolution for the New Year was to improve their fitness. The concept of putting away cash on a regular basis seems so simple, yet clearly, for many, it’s something we struggle to accomplish, and therefore have to make these annual declarations of doing so—whether we’ve stuck to it by year’s end or not. Corrine Enmeier-LaFollette, CFP®, is the director of Financial Operations at Securities America in Downtown San Clemente. Simply put, better financial management takes discipline, she explains. Saving $6,000 a year—which was the contribution limit toward an IRA in 2022—for a period of 40 years with a conservative 6% return would likely yield more than $1 million, according to Enmeier-LaFollette. “So, it is not that hard to become a millionaire,” she says. “It just takes discipline.” Part of the discipline, she notes, is getting away from bad spending habits. First and foremost, she advises, is monitoring your credit cards, particularly if you’re the type of person who’s tempted to overspend. “If you are managing your credit cards well and you’re paying them off each month, then you’ve proven yourself worthy,” she says. “But if you are carrying any credit card balance from month to month,” she adds, “you should cut that card up or at least lock it away in a drawer so that you’re not tempted to use, it because you are paying an exorbitant amount in fees for borrowing that money.” According to Forbes Advisor’s weekly credit card rates report this month, the average credit card interest rate is 27.82%. “You are paying to borrow money from the credit card company, so they are winning; you are losing,” she says. Another habit to drop or rein in is overspending online. “If you’re tempted to do a lot of online shopping,” she says, “tell yourself you always have to wait 24 hours before making that purchase. … ‘If you still want it in 24 hours, we’ll revisit this, but you don’t get to do anything impulsively on the internet.’ ” Thirdly, and the most effective way of adjusting spending habits, she continues, is keeping track of every dollar you spend. “If you write down every single thing that you spend money on, that exercise alone will help you,” she says. “There’s something about having to put it on paper; put it on an Excel spreadsheet,

some type of an accountability (method) that will cause one … tiny little amount of delay, and hopefully keep you from overspending.” Some apps and programs she recommends to help budget your spending include YNAB, EveryDollar and NerdWallet. In terms of actually putting money away, Enmeier-LaFollette says the first thing you want to have saved is a stash of emergency funds. “The general rule of thumb is about three months’ worth of your expenses,” she says. “So, if you look at what you’re going through on a monthly basis, and multiply that by three, that’s the benchmark for what you should have in cash in a savings account–totally liquid, readily available at any time … we call it a false floor.” Having those three months saved in an account, she explains, could help offset the risk that if something were to go wrong, you wouldn’t have to rely on credit cards, or dip into your investment accounts or a retirement account. After you’ve saved up enough money to fill your emergency fund, the next bucket to fill should go toward your retirement funds, making sure you’re taking advantage of any tax breaks through either a 401K at work or an IRA. According to Enmeier-LaFollette, the contribution limit to an IRA this year for people under 50 was $6,500, but it will be $7,000 next year. Typically, she notes, the limit goes up a bit yearly to reflect the cost of living and to account for the fact that people are generally living longer. For a 401K, Enmeier-LaFollette stresses the importance of taking advantage of your company’s contribution match. “If your employer offers a match, make sure you’re putting at least that amount in; otherwise, you’re just leaving money on the table,” she says. “So, you don’t want to do that.” As for those who are looking to save up for something specific—not related to retirement or emergency savings—like a vacation or a car, Enmeier-LaFollette says that “if we don’t have something that we’re shooting for, as with anything in life, we’re not going to be highly motivated.” She suggests keeping around a vision board or picture of the thing you’re looking to save toward. In that vein, she also recommends setting up a separate account for that goal and labeling it as such. Noting that many people may be getting raises on the horizon with the New Year, Enmeier-LaFollette offers one more piece of advice. “If you could trick yourself and only give yourself half of what you just increased by and put the other half directly into savings, it will still feel like you’ve got a little bump,” she says. “(And) then you’re increasing your savings rate.”

Taking Time to Breathe with Meditation Apps By C. Jayden Smith

ife can be full of seemingly unending stressors, whether related to work, relationships or family, and it can all be too much to bear sometimes. Barring an actual appointment with a certified therapist, one of the better ways to cope with ongoing issues is through meditation. Picket Fence Media compiled some of the more reputable phone apps that will encourage you to slow down and take a deep breath, and can push you through a rough stretch. Headspace: Sleep & Meditation focuses on everyday practices that aim to result in more happiness, better sleep and reduced tension. The app offers daily meditations at varying lengths of time, exercises to boost productivity, guided workouts and sleep sounds. Headspace offers a monthly and yearly subscription option. Smiling Mind is a free app, developed in Australia, that provides meditation programs for a wide range of contributing factors, features for children and families, and exercises that positively affect mental fitness factors, such as anxiety and calm. The tool is recommended by Harvard University. Calm is ranked No. 16 on Apple’s list for health and fitness apps, and encourages users to invest in mental health by adding its sessions to a daily routine. In addition to features typical of a Picket Fence Media has compiled a few of the highly respected meditation apps on meditation app, Calm offers Sleep Stories designed to produce a the market today. Photo: Courtesy of MikhailNilov/Pexels (Left); SHVETSProduction/ Pexels (above) successful rest. Dana Point Times December 22 - 28, 2023 Dana Point Times December 22 - 28, 2023

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Mastering the Court: Top 5 Pickleball Tactics to Reign Supreme By Bahman Mody

ickleball is beloved by beginners for its quick learning curve. It’s why millions of Americans are flocking to the sport, earning it the title of “the fastest-growing sport in America.” But things are changing. As the sport matures, the competition is becoming more fierce. As a pickleball coach and competitor, I’ve seen this shift firsthand. Don’t worry— with just a few clever tactics, you can start outplaying your opponents and dominating

the courts.

Strategic Serve Placement The serve is your opportunity to take control of the point from the very beginning. Instead of simply pushing for power, focus on strategic serve placement. A deep serve (ideally the back 5 feet) is much more valuable than a hard serve right to the returner’s paddle. A serve that pushes your opponent behind the baseline is going to be much harder for them to return deep to you, and will make it easier to get up to the kitchen fast. Target the “weak” side of your opponents (usually backhand), exploit their vulnerabilities (lazy players usually stand in the same place for every serve and don’t move till the last second to get to a serve if you move it around), and force them into defensive positions. Vary your serves by mixing up the speed, spin and placement to keep your opponents guessing. A well-placed serve out wide or right down the center line can immediately put you on the offensive, giving you the upper hand in the rally. Bahman Mody, a pickleball instructor based out of Los Angeles, dives into the growing sport of pickleball and highlights ways that players can reign supreme on the court. Photo: C. Jayden Smith

Master the Dink Game Develop precision and finesse in your dinks to frustrate your opponents and gain control of the game. Like with the serve, targeting opponents’ weaknesses (often backhand side and out wide) can often lead to mistakes into the net or pop-ups that will create easy put-aways for you.

One of the defining features of pickleball is the “dink”—a soft, controlled shot that clears the net and lands delicately in the non-volley zone (the kitchen). Mastering the dink game is crucial for dictating the pace of play and setting up strategic opportunities. By keeping the ball soft and close to the net, you force your opponents into difficult positions, making it challenging for them to launch aggressive shots.

Local Knowledge We invite you to be intentional in 2024. You might want better health, more money, or better relationships. Everything is possible if you work on yourself, as well as the goals you want to achieve. We often find that a lack of clarity and motivation prevents people from reaching their dreams and then resigns themselves to living an “easy” life. If you want more out of life, keep reading. With the start of the year in January, we have the perfect opportunity to review last year, to celebrate our successes, and be intentional in improving our life condition. We know it is important to be adaptable to what life brings. We also know that with the right mindset and action plan, we can attract positive opportunities to our reality and move us toward our ideal life. Dr. Burton Wagner and Dr.

Dana Point Times December 22 - 28, 2023 Dana Point Times December 22 - 28, 2023

See PICKLEBALL on page 16

Be Intentional this New Year! Emma Wagner, DCs, have over 25 years of experience in health, personal growth, energy healing and wellness. This January, we will be guiding a small group in looking at the different aspects of oneself to create goals for the year with increased clarity and the energy to make them successful: • On a physical level: Releasing trauma from the body that limits us in moving forward. Our body keeps the score of all the stresses we’ve encountered through our life. Self-care (e.g., diet, exercise, stress management) is important to keep a body vital and dynamic. • On an energetic level: Our bodies are made and sustained by energy. Releasing stagnant life energy to flow within your own body energizes you and you share energy with the world.

We will use our unique bodywork and breath work to flow energy. • On an emotional level: We use emotions as energy to fuel change. We will release held emotions and trauma, to build a better emotional reality where we can be happy, healthy and successful. • On a mental level: To attract and manifest with clarity using a positive mindset. The mind is our GPS, so what we focus our attention and emotion on is what we attract and manifest in our lives. We will release fears to create congruence between thought and actions. • On a soul level: We are body – mind – soul in nature. Having a rich spiritual life nourishes this part of ourselves and gives us a feeling of connection to ourselves and the world around us.

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We use this holistic approach with our clients to assist them in living with Vitality. Learn more about New Year New You on 1/10/24 on our website: www.sanclementevitality.com. Give us a call or stop by to discover the Center; we would be happy to give you a tour. San Clemente Vitality Center Drs. Burton & Emma Wagner, DC’s 647 Camino de Los Mares #218 San Clemente • 949-441-7755

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PICKLEBALL from page 15

Utilize the Lob The lob is a versatile shot that can be a game-changer when used strategically. A well-executed lob can catch your opponents off guard, forcing them to retreat and creating opportunities for you to control the net. Use lobs to reset the point, change the tempo, and disrupt your opponents’ rhythm. Timing and precision are crucial when employing the lob, so practice this shot to perfection and deploy it wisely to keep your opponents on their toes. Similarly, a well-practiced lob will also help with consistency for your third-shot drop.

Stay Agile at the Net Success in pickleball often comes down to control at the net. As the game is played within a smaller court, agility and quick reflexes are essential. Stay close to the net, ready to intercept and counter your opponents’ shots. Develop quick lateral movements and practice your reaction time to become a formidable presence at the kitchen line. A solid net game not only gives you the advantage in volleys, but also puts pressure on your opponents to play with precision. Having your paddle ready for the toughest shots will help you get your paddle on the toughest balls, so keep it nice and high (chest to face level) when up at the net. It’ll be easier to pull it down for a soft dink in front of you than it will be to yank it up and angle it in time for a hard volley or speed-up.

Communication and Coordination Pickleball is not only a physically demanding sport, but it also requires strong communication and coordination with your partner, especially in doubles play. Effective teamwork can be a game-changer, allowing you to cover the court more efficiently and capitalize on your opponents’ weaknesses. For example, if your partner is forced outside, you should always slide toward the middle of the court until they can regain position. The more you move as a unit, the harder it will be for the

opponent to get past or around you. Develop a system of signals and strategies with your partner to create a seamless and cohesive partnership on the court. Becoming the king of the pickleball courts requires a combination of skill, strategy, and mental acuity. By mastering the dink game, strategically placing serves, utilizing lobs, staying agile at the net, and fostering effective communication with your partner, you can elevate your pickleball game to new heights. Incorporate these tactics into your training regimen, and soon you’ll find yourself reigning supreme on the pickleball courts. Bahman Mody is a five-star “TeachMe.To” pickleball instructor based in Los Angeles.

Local Knowledge Why We Launched The Aesthetic Journey in San Clemente! United by a shared commitment to excellence in aesthetic enhancements, three master injectors recognized the potential for a synergistic collaboration to better support patients. Our collective expertise, diverse skill sets, and a mutual dedication to delivering exceptional results led us to join forces and establish a business that elevates the art of aesthetic injectables. Combined with the efforts of Portrait, a company that oversees all the business aspects of the practice, and under the guidance of Dr. Robert Gray, the three registered nurses were able to continue their careers in the field of aesthetics. Maggie Richard, Maureen Garrett, and Billie Jo Yost have a combined aesthetic experience of over 18 years, and each has over 20 years of registered nurse experience working in hospitals. Nurse Maggie still works in the neurosurgery stepdown unit at Scripps Green Hospital. Nurse Maureen remains a neonatal ICU nurse at the Children’s Hospital of Orange County at Mission Viejo. Nurse Billie Jo is an adult ICU nurse at UC Irvine Medical Center, a Level 1 trauma Dana Point Times December 22 - 28, 2023 Dana Point Times December 22 - 28, 2023

center. Our shared expertise, commitment to patient satisfaction, and personalized approach ensure your aesthetic goals are understood and met with precision and care. Your confidence in our skills and passion for aesthetic excellence are our top priority. As a woman-owned business, we are deeply rooted in the community, and our

commitment goes beyond aesthetics. We seek to build lasting relationships within our community. With a blend of expertise, local understanding, and a welcoming atmosphere, we’re here not only to enhance your beauty and confidence, but to educate you on skincare and the latest techniques in the aesthetic field. We enjoy volunteering in our community, supporting our military, and donating to local events and philanthropic efforts. Did you know that we are exposed to blue light and harmful infrared radiation from our digital screens, cell phones and other electronic devices? Prolonged exposure to blue light contributes to skin aging and degrades collagen. You can limit these adverse effects using a sunblock that not only protects against ultraviolet light (UVA/UVB) but also from blue light and infrared radiation. The Aesthetic Journey offers medical grade sunscreen, tinted and non-tinted, that provides the protection you need. Two of our favorite skincare brands include Skin Better and Alastin, which are both mineral-based sunblocks.

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Are you experiencing dry skin during these winter months? Try these tips and tricks. Use a gentle cleanser, hydrating serum such as a hyaluronic acid, and a moisturizer that locks in the moisture. Consider adding exfoliation once or twice a week, chemical peels, or dermaplaning to remove dead skin cells. Don’t forget to use a nourishing sunblock lip balm and stay hydrated. Using a humidifier can also add moisture to the air in your home. Book your free consultation so you can start your journey with us. We look forward to seeing you!

The Aesthetic Journey 647 Camino de Los Mares, Suite 224 San Clemente • 949-776-2899 www.aestheticjourneyoc.com @aestheticjourneyoc

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GETTING OUT

AT THE MOVIES:

‘Poor Things’ BY MEGAN BIANCO

mma Stone—who we can now safely say has graduated from cute matinee starlet to versatile lead—reunites with Yorgos Lanthimos five years following their critical period hit The Favourite (2018) in one of the most anticipated films this month, Poor Things. The plot is very much James Whale’s Frankenstein (1931) and Bride of Frankenstein (1935), but as a character study with social commentary rather than straight horror. In late 19th century Europe, crackpot surgeon/scientist Dr. Godwin Baxter’s (Willem Dafoe) latest experiment is reanimating a woman’s corpse by using an infant brain for a brand-new person he’s coined Bella (Stone). While Bella mentally develops from ages 2 to 20 with the body of a 30-yearold at rapid speed, she catches the attention of four different men.

(Cont. on page 8) 5-8 p.m. Live music is featured at this popular San Clemente brewery. The Anthony Cullins Band will perform. Los Molinos Beer, 151 Calle de Los Molinos, San Clemente. 949.599.5029. losmolinosbeer.com. LIVE MUSIC AT IVA LEE’S 7 p.m. Live music is featured at this San Clemente lounge known for its entertainment. Chapter One will perform. Iva Lee’s Restaurant & Lounge, 555 N. El Camino Real, San Clemente. 949.361.8255. ivalees.com. GEEKS WHO DRINK TRIVIA NIGHT 7-9 p.m. Left Coast Brewing presents trivia modeled after pub quizzes in Ireland and the United Kingdom, covering everything from Hungary to the Hunger Games. Teams can include up to six people. Winning teams earn bar cash and other prizes. Left Coast Tasting Room, 1251 Puerta Del Sol, San Clemente. eventvesta.com.

SUNDAY | DEC. 24 SAN CLEMENTE FARMERS MARKET 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Shop for a wide selection of fruits, vegetables and artisanal goods from organic growers along Avenida Del Mar. 949 361 8200. san-clemente.org.

Dana Point Times December 22 - 28, 2023

Godwin’s assistant, Dr. Max McCandless (Ramy Youseff), is kind and concerned for Bella’s well-being; womanizing lawyer Duncan Wedderburn (Mark Ruffalo) is only interested in her body; nihilist Harry Astley (Jerrod Carmichael) wants to intellectually enlighten her; and controlling and boorish Alfie Blessington (Christopher Abbott) is the husband of her body’s previous persona. Poor Things is based on Alasdair Gray’s 1992 novel and adapted by Tony McNamara, who also worked with Lanthimos and Stone on The Favourite. To channel the Frankenstein theme, Lanthimos shoots the entire first act in black-andwhite until Bella insists on discovering what lies outside her creator’s estate, and we are suddenly in a vibrant, colorful universe. Stone is eerily spot on with her toddler mannerisms and reactions in the early portion of the film, no doubt from her own, real experience raising a toddler. Her transition into confident, mature woman by the end is seamless, and, unsurprisingly, is leading the calls as one of the best performances of 2023. All the supporting men are solid, but Ruffalo performing as a deplorable snake is rather memorable in itself. Poor Things has been getting a lot of attention for its graphic sexual content, and there are a lot of sex scenes—to the point where I wondered if this movie was

MONDAY | DEC. 25 MERRY CHRISTMAS!

WEDNESDAY | DEC. 27 BINGO AT THE SENIOR CENTER 1:30 p.m. Every Wednesday, the Dorothy Visser Senior Center will host Bingo. The center will begin selling cards at 1 p.m., with the game starting promptly at 1:30. The buy-in is $12 for 10 games with four cards and a special pick-yournumber game. For more information, contact the center at 949.498.3322. Dorothy Visser Senior Center, 117 Avenida Victoria, San Clemente. YOUTH PROGRAMMING AT THE NOBLE PATH FOUNDATION 4:30-7:30 p.m. The Noble Path Foundation hosts events multiple times a week to get youth and young adults out and about and participating in safe, productive activities. Guitar lessons start at 4:30 p.m., followed by a fitness class at 5:30 p.m., and Creative Collaboration at 6:30 p.m. The Noble Path Foundation, 420 N. El Camino Real, San Clemente. 949.234.7259. thenoblepathfoundation.org. COUNTRY WEDNESDAY AT STILLWATER

Photo: Courtesy of Searchlight Pictures

partially Lanthimos’ answer to the modern discourse on Hollywood’s regression of sex and romance in new releases. The token Lanthimos-isms (i.e., crass language and mixed with absurdist, childish slang) might turn off some viewers, as could some stylistic choices like the constant use of zooms, dolly shots,

wide angle lens and fish-eye shots. (I could have used less of the latter two.) But Lanthimos’ distinct direction, Robbie Ryan’s striking black-and-white and color cinematography, and the chemistry from the cast still help end the year on a memorable note. DP

6 p.m. Live music is featured at this popular South Orange County venue. During this Country Wednesday event, learn to dance along with country music for free and join Stillwater for some two-stepping and line-dancing fun. StillWater Spirits & Sounds, 24701 Del Prado, Dana Point. 949.661.6003. danapointstillwater.com.

spoken word, this is the place to be on Wednesday nights. So, come down, grab a drink and go for it. Knuckleheads Sports Bar, 1717 N. El Camino Real, San Clemente. 949.492.2410. knuckleheadsmusic.com. DP

TRIVIA NIGHT AT THE BREWHOUSE 6:30-8:30 p.m. The BrewHouse hosts a trivia night every Wednesday. Test your knowledge with friends or show up solo and join a team. The BrewHouse, 31896 Plaza Drive, Suite D3, San Juan Capistrano. 949.481.6181. brewhousesjc.com. SEA COAST SYMPHONY— MARK WOOD TRANS-SIBERIAN EXPERIENCE 7:30 p.m. Join the Sea Coast Symphony as it partners with world-famous electric violinist Mark Wood to present the Mark Wood Trans-Siberian Experience at the City National Grove in Anaheim. The event will feature a variety of holiday and rock classics. City National Grove, 2200 E. Katella Ave, Anaheim. 949.542.6282. citynationalgroveofanaheim.com. OPEN MIC NIGHT AT KNUCKLEHEADS 8-10 p.m. Knuckleheads is open for food, drinks and live music. Performers of all skill levels are welcome. If you are a musician, do stand-up comedy or the

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Getting Out

Calendar

Do you have or know of an event you’d like featured in our calendar? Send submissions to: sraymundo@picketfencemedia.com danapointtimes.com

PUBLIC NOTICES TO ADVERTISE: 949.388.7700, EXT. 111 • LEGALS@PICKETFENCEMEDIA.COM

NOTICE OF PETITION TO ADMINISTER ESTATE OF: JEREMY TREAT, aka JEREMY M. TREAT, aka JEREMY MARK TREAT Case Number: 30-2023-01361863-PR-PW-CMC To all heirs, beneficiaries, creditors, contingent creditors, and persons who may otherwise be interested in the will and or estate, or both, of JEREMY TREAT, aka JEREMY M. TREAT, aka JEREMY MARK TREAT A Petition for Probate has been filed by KATHLEEN TREAT in the Superior Court of California, County of ORANGE . The Petition for Probate requests that KATHLEEN TREAT be appointed as personal representative to administer the estate of the decedent. The petition requests the decedent’s will and codicils, if any, to be admitted to probate. The will and any codicils are available for examination in the file kept by the court. The petition requests authority to administer the estate under the Independent Administration of Estates Act. (This authority will allow the personal representative to take many actions without obtaining court approval. Before taking certain very important actions, however, the personal representative will be required to give notice to interested persons unless they have waived notice or consented to the proposed action.) The independent administration authority will be granted unless an interested person files an objection to the petition and shows good cause why the court should not grant the authority. A hearing on the petition will be held in this court as follows: a. Date: Feb 1, 2024 Time: 1:30 p.m. in Dept: CM06 b. Address of Court: Costa Mesa Justice Complex, 3390 Harbor Boulevard, Costa Mesa, CA 92626. The court is providing the convenience to appear for hearing by video using the court’s designated video platform. This is a no cost service to the public. Go to the Court’s website at The Superior Court of California - County of Orange (occourts.org) to appear remotely for Probate hearings and for remote hearing instructions. If you have difficulty connecting or are unable to connect to your remote hearing, call 657-622-8278 for assistance. If you prefer to appear in-person, you can appear in the department on the day/time set for your hearing. If you object to the granting of the petition, you should appear at the hearing and state your objections or file written objections with the court before the hearing. Your appearance may be in person or by your attorney. If you are a creditor or a contingent creditor of the decedent , you must file your claim with the court and mail a copy to the personal representative appointed by the court within the later of either (1) four months from the date of first issuance of letters to a general personal representative, as defined in section 58(b) of the California Probate Code, or (2) 60 days from the date of mailing or personal delivery to you of a notice under section 9052 of the California Probate Code . Other California Statutes and legal authority may affect your rights as a creditor. You may want to consult with an attorney knowledgeable in California law. You may examine the file kept by the court. If you are a person interested in the estate, you may file with the court a Request for Special Notice (Form DE-154) of the filing of an inventory and appraisal of estate assets or of any petition or account as provided in Probate Code section 1250. A Request for Special Notice form is available from the court clerk. Attorney for Petitioner: Ben Schwefel, Esq, Murtaugh Treglia Stern & Deily LLP, 2603 Main Street, Penthouse, Irvine, CA 92614 PH: (949) 794-4000 Published in: Dana Point Times, December 8, 15, 22, 2023 Dana Point Times December 22 - 28, 2023

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 20236678544 The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: CONNECT 4 PURPOSE 26961 AVENIDA LAS PALMAS #B DANA POINT, CA 92624 Full Name of Registrant(s): ANA MARIE ROTHWELL 26961 AVENIDA LAS PALMAS #B DANA POINT, CA 92624 This business is conducted by an Individual. The registrant commenced to transact business under the Fictitious Business Name or Names listed above on: n/a /s/ANA ROTHWELL This statement was filed with the County Clerk on 12/13/2023. Published in: Dana Point Times, December 22, 29, 2023, January 5, 12, 2024

This statement was filed with the County Clerk on 11/9/2023. Published in: Dana Point Times, December 1, 8, 15, 22, 2023

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 20236678241 The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: INSIGHTFUL INSURANCE 33407 PASEO EL LAZO SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO, CA 92675 Full Name of Registrant(s): ANDREAS VUCICEVIC 33407 PASEO EL LAZO SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO, CA 92675 This business is conducted by an Individual. The registrant commenced to transact business under the Fictitious Business Name or Names listed above on: n/a /s/ANDREAS VUCICEVIC This statement was filed with the County Clerk on 12/08/2023. Published in: Dana Point Times, December 22, 29, 2023, January 5, 12, 2024 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 20236676802 The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: ALTER MENTAL HEALTH - SAN JUAN 33522 AVENIDA CALITA SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO, CA 92675 Full Name of Registrant(s): ALTER MENTAL HEALTH - DANA POINT, LLC 34270 PACIFIC COAST HIGHWAY, SUITE C DANA POINT, CA 92629 This business is conducted by a Limited Liability Company. The registrant commenced to transact business under the Fictitious Business Name or Names listed above on: n/a ALTER MENTAL HEALTH - DANA POINT, LLC/s/ANDREW POLSKY, MANAGING MEMBER/ MANAGER This statement was filed with the County Clerk on 11/15/2023. Published in: Dana Point Times, December 8, 15, 22, 29, 2023 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 20236676408 The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: PIPPA’S SEASIDE PROOFREADING 32478 CROWN VALLEY PKWY., #101 DANA POINT, CA 92629 Full Name of Registrant(s): PHILIPPA LOUISE HARRIS 32478 CROWN VALLEY PARKWAY, #101 DANA POINT, CA 92620 This business is conducted by an Individual. The registrant commenced to transact business under the Fictitious Business Name or Names listed above on: n/a /s/PHILIPPA L. HARRIS Page 18

LEGAL NOTICES Place your notice today.

Email:legals@ timeslocalmedia.com

CLASSIFIEDS

SUBMIT YOUR CLASSIFIED AD AT CLASS@TIMESLOCALMEDIA.COM

EMPLOYMENT - GENERAL Global HR Manager sought by Awano Food Group Pte. Ltd. in Irvine, CA. Bachelor’s or equiv plus 2 yrs exp in rel field. $96,000/yr. Telecommuting permissible. Send resume to: Ryu Tanabe, CEO, Awano Food Group Pte. Ltd., 525 Technology Drive, Suite 230, Irvine, CA 92618 or ryu@awanofood.com.

FOR RENT

Studio Suite with Private Entrance in Dana Point $1750 Includes Utilities 949-303-3595

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BUSINESS DIRECTORY PLACE YOUR BUSINESS CARD HERE Call Lauralyn Loynes at 949.388.7700, ext. 102 or lloynes@timeslocalmedia.com

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Dana Point Times December 22 - 28, 2023

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DP LIVING

FROM THE ARCHIVES

ADOPTABLE PET OF THE WEEK

Sunny

Courtesy of the Dana Point Historical Society

Pictured is the Doheny House No. 1 on the bluff above the beach on Camino Capistrano at the end of Estrella. The house was completed in 1929, after Ned Doheny died in a murdersuicide that February. This photo is available for viewing and purchase at danapointhistorical.org. Every week, the Dana Point Times will showcase a historical photo from around the city. If you have a photo you would like to submit for consideration, send the photo, your name for credit as well as the date and location of the photo to sraymundo@timeslocalmedia.com.

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SA N C L E M E N T E

L AG U N A H I L L S

Dana Point Times December 22 - 28, 2023

I RV I N E

MISSION VIEJO

Photo: Courtesy of San Clemente/Dana Point Animal Shelter

DANA POINT TIMES

Meet Sunny, a 2-year-old mama cat now available for adoption. After raising five rambunctious kittens, it’s finally Sunny’s time to shine. She is an independent kitty, but still enjoys being petted and pampered. While she gets along with other like-minded cats, Sunny prefers to be Top Cat and wouldn’t mind living solo.

If you are interested in adopting Sunny, please visit petprojectfoundation.org/ adoptions/ to download an adoption application form. Completed forms can be emailed to animalservices@ scdpanimalshelter.org, and you will be contacted about making an interaction appointment. Sudoku medium by Myles Mellor

Sudoku

3 9

BY MYLES MELLOR

4 5

LAST WEEK’S SOLUTION:

Each Sudoku puzzle 7 1 3 2 4 9 6 8 5 consists of a 9x9 grid 5 8 9 7 6 1 4 3 2 that has been subdi2 4 6 8 3 5 7 1 9 vided into nine smaller 3 7 1 6 2 8 5 9 4 4 5 8 9 7 3 1 2 6 grids of 3x3 squares. 6 9 2 5 1 4 8 7 3 To solve the puzzle, 9 2 4 1 8 6 3 5 7 1 6 5 3 9 7 2 4 8 each row, column and 8 3 7 4 5 2 9 6 1 box must contain each of the numbers 1 to 9. Puzzles come in three grades: easy, medium and difficult. Level: Medium Page 20

7 6 9 4 7 1

4 8 4 1 5 7 9 1 7 3 3 6 4 8 See the solution in next week’s issue.

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SPORTS & OUTDOORS

For in-game updates, news and more for all the Dana Hills High School sports programs, follow us on Twitter @SouthOCSports and on Instagram @South_OC_Sports.

FOOTBALL ENTERS NEW RANKINGS-BASED LEAGUE NEXT SEASON With the 2023 high school football season officially reaching its end with the CIF State Championship games on Dec. 8 and 9, the new Orange County football leagues for the 2024 and 2025 seasons have been solidified. Gone are the traditional geographic alignments, such as the South Coast and Sea View Leagues, with new computer rankings-based leagues taking their place in football only. After earning its first-ever outright league championship in the final Pacific Coast League season, Dana Hills has been slotted into the yet-to-be-named fifth

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CIF-Southern Section uses to create its playoff brackets. For these football leagues, its most recent season accounts for 65% of its rankings, with the previous season accounting for the other 35%. These calculations will be done every two seasons, with the league lineups changing to reflect the new rankings. After Dana Hills football captured its first outright league championship in the PacifFor next seaic Coast League this season, Orange County football teams move to new computer son, the top Alpha rankings-based leagues next season. Photo: Alan Gibby/Zone57 League will be San league of next season’s 12 Orange County Clemente, Mission football leagues. Viejo, Edison and Los Alamitos. In this new league, the Dolphins will The second league–the Bravo League– renew local rivalries with Aliso Niguel will consist of San Juan Hills, Tesoro, and Laguna Beach and keep league ties Yorba Linda, Corona del Mar, Villa Park with Northwood. Fountain Valley and Orand Newport Harbor. ange round out the lineup for the league. All other high school sports will reOrange County teams, excluding the main in their traditional league strucsix Trinity League schools, will be slotted tures, as voted on by the county’s athletic into 12 different leagues starting with directors and school principals. the four-team Alpha League, followed by 10 six-team leagues and the five lowBASKETBALL TEAMS est-ranked teams in the bottom league. ENTER HOLIDAY The leagues are put together through the CalPreps.com ratings, which are the TOURNAMENTS NEXT same computer-based rankings that the

With both the Dana Hills boys and girls basketball teams off to strong starts in the early season, both groups of Dolphins will test their mettle over the holiday break. Both enter the break after games on Thursday, Dec. 21. The Dana Hills boys hosted Laguna Beach, and the Dolphins’ girls traveled to Valencia of Placentia. Results were not available at press time. The Dana Hills boys (9-4) maintain a top 10 ranking in CIF-SS Division 2AA at No. 8 heading into their traditional trip to the Desert Holiday Classic in Palm Desert from Wednesday, Dec. 27, through next Saturday, Dec. 30. The Dolphins lock up with Highland, Simi Valley and Lodi in group play of the Jimmy John’s Division, with championship-round play on that Saturday. The Dana Hills girls (9-2) hold on to the No. 4 ranking in CIF-SS Division 3A as they stay relatively nearby for the Costa Mesa Tournament, also from Wednesday through next Saturday. The Dolphins are scheduled to take on Tustin, Norco and Costa Mesa in group play. Dana Hills’ boys open league play on Jan. 10 against Aliso Niguel, and the Dolphins’ girls open league against El Toro on Jan. 9. DP

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Dana Point Times December 22 - 28, 2023

Want your business to be featured here? Contact us: TJ Higgins at 949.229.1647 or Steve Insalaco at 949.229.1472

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DP SURF

SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL SURF SHOP THIS HOLIDAY SEASON If it’s a gift for the surfer in your life you seek, look no further than some of these epic businesses in San Clemente, Dana Point BY JAKE HOWARD, DANA POINT TIMES

f you haven’t started your holiday shopping by the time you read this (like me), no worries. You don’t have to pay for expedited shipping on Amazon or roll up to Fashion Island to find that perfect gift. As surf towns go, Dana Point and San Clemente are rich with small, local businesses, and if you’re looking for something for the surfer in your life, you’re stoked. If you’re not sure what you’re looking for, start at any one of our amazing locally owned surf shops. In Dana Point, take a dip into Killer Dana, Hobie, Infinity or Girl in the Curl. All of them offer a slightly different twist on how they merchandise their shops and are just a short drive apart. For example, if it’s stoking out the groms in the family, hit up Killer Dana; they’ve got all the best surf brands, latest shortboards and more. For the older, more mature surfer, try Hobie (if someone wants to get me one of the new Hobie/Velzy collab boards, I wouldn’t say no). And for the person who loves standup paddling as much as they do surfing, Infinity’s the jam. And, finally, it kind of goes without saying, but Girl in the Curl does an amazing job making sure all the women in the water have the gear that’s right for them. Scooting down Coast Highway a few clicks, there’s always something interesting to see at Brawner Boards near Poche. If nothing else, keep an eye on its Instagram for live music dates. In the Surf Ghetto zone, there is no shortage of options, from Timmy Patterson, to Dewy Weber, to Bashum’s, and then some. And for those on a budget, or perhaps the parents out there looking to get their kids their first surfboard, USEDSURF is a great option. Delving deeper into San Clemente, Lost’s Catalyst, Stewart and Hobie, they’re all apex surf shops. In addition, Jack’s and Rip Curl are in town, but neither is locally owned. For the waterman-types, dip into the Lost Winds Dana Point Times December 22 - 28, 2023

Dive Shop to gear up on spearfishing and diving needs. One thing I hear routinely is “the surf industry is dead.” Wrong. There are more surfers in the water today enjoying the ocean for more reasons than ever before. Surfing as a sport, culture and lifestyle is stronger than ever. And, collectively, we have the opportunity this holiday season to uplift our local surf businesses and give them the support they need to keep thriving. Beyond the doors of the surf shops, as surf-related gift ideas go, there is no shortage of world-class local shapers who would love to add another custom order to their stack. I can think of a half-dozen boards I’d order right now if anybody’s curious. And for the surfers interested in taking their talents to the next level, there are some fantastic surf coaches and trainers in both Dana Point and San Clemente. Whether it’s dialing in technique or physical conditioning, there are a lot of options, and a few introductory sessions may not be a bad idea.

GROM OF THE WEEK

PEYTON BREWSTER & WILLOW BRENNAN BY JAKE HOWARD

When Willow Brennan’s mom asked her what she wanted to get her bestie, Peyton Brewster, for Christmas, she said she wanted to nominate her for Grom of the Week. Well, Merry Christmas, girls! This holiday season you get to be groms of the week together. That love and stoke are what it’s all about. Hailing from Dana Point, Willow and Peyton are both 8 years old and started surfing together last summer. Keen to take their wave-riding to new heights, they’ve been putting the time in the water together and getting better and

A lot’s changed around Dana Point and San Clemente since Hobie Alter opened the doors of this shop in 1954, but one thing that remains the same is that this area is still one of the best places on the planet to shop for holiday gifts for the surfers in your life. Photo: Courtesy of Hobie Surf Shop

And at the end of the day, if nothing else seems like the right fit, there’s always a California State Park annual parking pass. From San Onofre to Doheny, these passes are worth their weight in gold around these parts, and you can pick one up at any of the area California State Parks. They’ll set you back about $200. Hopefully, you don’t need this article to help you finish your holiday shopping, but something tells me it’s going to come in handy for a few of you out there. Happy holidays to all, and cheers! DP Jake Howard is a local surfer and freelance writer who lives in San Clemente. A former editor at Surfer magazine, The Surfer’s Journal and ESPN, today he writes for several publications, including Picket Fence Media, Surfline and the World Surf League. He also works with philanthropic organizations such as the Surfing Heritage and Culture Center and the Positive Vibe Warriors Foundation.

SURF FORECAST Water Temperature: 61-62 Degrees F Water Visibility: San Clemente: 4-6’ Catalina: 15-20’ Outlook: Friday’s surf drops into the waist to chest high range, (3-4’), as the WNW swell fades. Waves then weaken to mainly knee to waist high, (2-3’), for the weekend. Offshore winds Friday morning, turn to a westerly sea breeze for the afternoon. Moderate SE winds through most of Saturday. Light/variable winds Sunday morning are followed by low-end moderate westerly onshores in the afternoon.

better every month. Competing in WSA events, Peyton recently took second place against a talented field of older girls and is currently ranked fifth in the Under 10 division. And while the contest success is all well and good, their friendship and the time they get to spend surfing together mean the world. Full-on little frothers, they’re out there every chance they get, always smiling, always sharing waves and having the time of their lives. And as we close out another lap around the sun, that’s what it’s all about, and we couldn’t be more stoked for Peyton and Willow. DP If you have a candidate for Grom of the Week, we want to know. Send an email to jakehoward1@gmail.com.

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(From left) Peyton Brewster and Willow Brennan. Photo: Courtesy of Brennan Family

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TICKETS and DINNER RESERVATIONS: 949-496-8930 12/22 AMBROSIA Holiday SHow 12/23 FLOCK OF SEAGULLS 12/28 L.A. GUNS 12/29 DONAVON FRANKENREITER 12/30 DONAVON FRANKENREITER 12/23 12/31 LOS LOBOS New Year’s Eve! FLOCK OF 1/5 QUEEN NATION SEAGULLS 1/6 QUEEN NATION 1/7 BOBBY GRAY 1/11 CANNED HEAT 1/12 TOMMY CASTRO 1/13 WILD CHILD (THE dooRS TRibuTE) 1/14 CUBENSIS (GRaTEful dEad TRibuTE) 1/18 ERIC SARDINAS w/ Special Guest Marco Mendoza 12/28 1/19 MARC COHN L A GUNS 1/20 MARC COHN 1/21 BIG MOUNTAIN 1/26 PETTY BREAKERS (Tom PETTy TRibuTE) 1/27 COMMON SENSE 1/28 THE FOUR FRESHMEN 2/2 ENGLISH BEAT 12/29 & 12/30 2/3 GLENN HUGHES Deep Purple Set DONAVON 2/6 RICKIE LEE JONES FRANKENREITER 2/9 FAST TIMES (80S ConCERT ExPERiEnCE) 2/10 JOURNEY USA New Years’ Eve! 2/14 OTTMAR LIEBERT & LUNA NEGRA 2/15 KARLA BONOFF 2/16 PRINCE AGAIN (PRinCE TRibuTE) 2/17 THE MOTELS 2/18 ALBERT CUMMINGS 12/31 2/22 SHAWN PHILLIPS LOS LOBOS 2/23 BEATLES VS STONES - A Musical Showdown 2/24 DADA 2/25 KEN GARCIA 2/29 FOOZ FIGHTERS / PEARL JAMMED 3/1 G. LOVE & SPECIAL SAUCE 3/2 “2 EnGliSHmEn abRoad” an EvEninG w/ ROBERT 1/11 FRIPP & DAVID SINGLETON CANNED HEAT 3/3 WALTER TROUT 3/7 THE BODEANS 3/9 SUPER DIAMOND 3/13 REVEREND HORTON HEAT 3/14 COLIN JAMES 3/15 THE FENIANS 1/12 3/23 THE HIGHWAYMAN SHOW TOMMY (CaSH, nElSon, JEnninGS, KRiSToffERSon TRibuTE) CASTRO 3/28 HERMAN’S HERMITS COMING SOON 3/29 HERMAN’S HERMITS 4/14 THE FABULOUS THUNDERBIRDS 3/31 LYNCH MOB 4/4 THE KINGSTON TRIO 4/18 SPONGE 4/5 ULI JON ROTH 4/19 RICHIE FURAY 4/6 RONSTADT REVIVAL 4/20 GEOFF TATE 4/7 CINDERELLA’S 4/21 VONDA SHEPARD TOM KEIFER 4/25 ISRAEL VIBRATION 4/10 JOAN OSBORNE & Roots Radics ACOUSTIC TRIO 4/27 KIDS OF 4/11 JIMMIE VAUGHAN CHARLEMAGNE 4/12 ROGER CLYNE 5/24 DSB (JouRnEy TRibuTE) & THE PEACEMAKERS 5/31 YACHTY BY NATURE 7/20 Y&T 50th Anniversary 4/13 TINSLEY ELLIS

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Dana Point Times December 22 - 28, 2023

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Semper FideliS In this beautiful season of generosity, we wish all our loyal Friends of the 5th the same abundance in your lives that you have so graciously shown our brave men and women, whether deployed or on the home front with their families at Camp Pendleton. The Dana Point Fifth Marine Regiment Support Group wishes to thank you for your unwavering commitment for our heartfelt missions. Warm holiday wishes to the City of Dana Point, Chamber, Business Community, patriotic supporters and volunteers for keeping us inspired to serve on behalf of those who wear our Country’s uniform. Thank you for being the force behind the force.

And our mission continues . . .

With much pride and respect, we thank our Marines, Sailors and families for teaching us the true meaning of giving.

Dana Point Times December 22 - 28, 2023

volunteer or donate! 949-373-5375 danapoint5thmarines.com

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