September 28, 2018

LO C A L

September 28-October 4, 2018 N EWS

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INSIDE: Aging Well for the Young At Heart SPECIAL SECTION VOLUME 11, ISSUE 39

Riding to Raise

Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride benefitting men’s health rolls up to Monarch Beach Resort on Sept. 30 E Y E O N D P/ PAG E 3

Motorcyclists unite globally as the Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride shines the spotlight on men’s health in more than 650 cities across 95 countries on Sunday Sept. 30. The Orange County ride will travel south on PCH from Triumph Newport Beach before ending at the Monarch Beach Resort. Photo: Courtesy

UPDATE: Harbor Revitalization EYE ON DP/PAGE 3

Former CUSD Foundation Director Sued EYE ON DP/PAGE 3

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Business Beat: Bear Coast Coffee Grand Opening DP LIVING/PAGE 26

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somewhere along the line, the foundation alleges, she had misappropriated at least $50,000 of the foundation’s money funds for herself.

WHAT’S NEXT: The lawsuit against Hart was filed Sept. 10, but no hearing dates have been scheduled at this time. —Eric Heinz

should know this week

Dana Point Chamber of Commerce Candidate Forum

Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride to End at Monarch Beach Resort on Sunday, Sept. 30 THE LATEST: Monarch Beach Resort in Dana Point, will act as the finish line for the Orange County 2018 Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride – a global event taking place worldwide on September 30, 2018.

The Distinguished Gentlemen’s Ride was founded in 2012 with the original goal of countering negative perceptions of motorcyclists and has since changed focus to tackle health issues including prostate cancer and depression. Last year alone, the OC chapter raised $45,000 during the event, and all chapters combined worldwide raised four million dollars.

Aaron Klink, sales manager of Triumph Newport Beach, said he expects this year’s race to be even better attended than last year’s. He said that last year the OC chapter had about 400 riders, and this year he is hoping for close to 1,000.

The OC chapter of this global event will attract thousands of dapper motorcyclists who will ride from Triumph Newport Beach and conclude at Monarch Beach Resort, with the purpose of raising donations and awareness for men’s health. With more than 600 rides world-wide, the OC chapter is expected to be in one of the top three fundraising regions and will certainly be an unforgettable event.

“Monarch Beach Resort has partnered on several programs with Nobleman Magazine and Editor-in-Chief Doug McLaughlin. Doug is serving as the Grand Marshal for Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride and introduced us to the event’s producers,” Denise Chapman of Monarch Beach Resort said.

The Grand Lawn of Monarch Beach Resort will be the celebration backdrop after the ride is complete. Riders, family and friends, and donators will be treated to a special menu crafted by Executive Chef Collin Thornton while enjoying the tunes of musician Kid Ramos performing on the main stage.

WHAT’S NEXT: Donations and registration for the event can be made at www.gentlemansride.com. —Daniel Ritz Dana Point Times September 28-October 4, 2018

Dana Point Harbor Partners updated Dana Point residents, boaters and merchants on the Harbor’s upcoming revitalization during a Dana Point Harbor Advisory Board meeting on Monday, Sept. 24. Photo: Daniel Ritz

Dana Point Harbor Partners and County Reveal Revitalization Plans THE LATEST: On Sept. 24, more than 100 Dana Point boaters, merchants and residents gathered at the Ocean Institute for a Dana Point Harbor Advisory Board (DPHAB) meeting, where the County of Orange and the Dana Point Harbor Partners (DPHP) development group released a variety of updates on progress of the Dana Point Harbor revitalization.

Bryon Ward is the manager of Burnham Ward, the development partner company responsible for the revitalization of the commercial aspect of the Harbor.

Ward discussed and shared visual elements displaying that once ground is broken, the Harbor revitalization is expected to take place over a seven-year span and will include five phases.

“It is more expensive and more work, but our ultimate goal is to disrupt and displace as much as we can,” Ward said. For instance, a parking structure to include more than 900 parking spaces, more than what currently exists in the entirety of the Harbor, would be a portion of the initial stage in order to house vehicles and visitors during subsequent construction phases.

R.D. Olson Development will be overseeing the hotel portion of the Harbor’s revitalization. The company explained that there are two new hotels slated, one 130room boutique hotel open near the current entrance to the Harbor, with another hotel to be supplemented, as required by the California Coastal Commission (CCC), to be a more affordable “select service” hotel. If Local Coastal Amendment permits are granted by the City of Dana Point and the CCC, hotel room availability within the Harbor is expected to rise from its current 220 rooms to more than 260.

R.D. Olson said that hotel construc-

tion could take as little as 24 months to complete. The company also stated that moving forward, the hotels will be managed by third-party vendors, but that they are investing in the current Marina Inn through the acceptance of their lease until the changes are finalized.

Bellwether Financial took the stage last, explaining that the water-side portion of the revitalization efforts could be the most time-consuming, with an estimated 4- to 5-year construction period.

WHAT’S NEXT: The Orange County Board of Supervisors approved entering into the public-private partnership with the DPHP in late July and the 90-120 day option period is little more than halfway through. DPHP and the County did express multiple times that there are options to extend the period if necessary. To see the most current information regarding option period documentation, visit www.dphadvisory.org. — DR

CUSD Foundation Sues Former Director, Accuses Her of $50,000 Embezzlement THE LATEST: Orange County Superior Court documents show that the Capistrano Unified School Foundation, a nonprofit organization that helps fund needs of the local school district, has filed suit against its former director, accusing her of embezzling more than $50,000 from the foundation.

The lawsuit documents state Michelle Hart, who was director from mid-2014 to 2017, was given substantial raises to her monthly compensation during that time.

Court documents state Hart during that time was promised $1,500 a month plus a 20 percent commission on all money raised for the foundation in exchange for 20 hours a week of work.

By 2017, her compensation had risen to $5,000 a month with no commission. But

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THE LATEST: On Tuesday, Sept. 25, the Dana Point Chamber of Commerce held a City Council candidate forum at the Ocean Institute. All eight Dana Point candidates participated.

The forum, which repeatedly was emphasized was not a debate, was moderated

by Duane Cave. All candidates answered the same questions, in rotating but no sequential order. Only once was now-mayor Richard A. Viczorek accidentally asked the same question twice.

Candidates answered questions on major Dana Point issues including the effectiveness of 2016’s Measure H initiative, homelessness, Dana Point’s recent conversion to district voting and Short Term Rentals (STR’s.)

Only one candidate was reprimanded for violating the forum’s procedure as District 1 candidate Joseph Jager turned to and began speaking directly to fellow District 1 candidate and current mayor-pro-tem Joe Muller and current mayor Viczorek.

WHAT’S NEXT: To watch the forum in its entirety, visit Dana Point Times on Facebook for a video streamed live from the event. —DR

NRC Finishes Visit to SONGS; Holtec Moves Forward with Temporary Storage Facility THE LATEST: The Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) recently wrapped up its interviews and site investigation at San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station (SONGS), with a report coming in the next few weeks.

The investigation was prompted after a whistleblower announced at a Community Engagement Panel (CEP) meeting in August that a canister with spent nuclear fuel in it was improperly loaded into one of the storage units, and that it took more than 20 minutes to correct.

Although there was no increase to radiation levels, members of the public were not happy with it and called on the commission to do something about it.

WHAT’S NEXT: The NRC is expected to finish its report sometime in October regarding the canister incident. To read this story in its entirety, please visit www. danapointtimes.com. —EH www.danapointtimes.com

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News Next Door

WHAT’S GOING ON IN OUR NEIGHBORING TOWNS

SAN CLEMENTE

One of Southern California’s most soughtafter delicacies is open for taking on Sept. 29 There’s something about the California spiny lobster that draws people out by the dozens the eve of the fishing season’s beginning.

Spiny lobsters (also known as panulirus interruptus in biology) are distinctly different than lobsters from the East Coast.

The first contrast is that they don’t have claws; their main defense mechanism is their hard exoskeleton.

They’re long-lived as a healthy lobster can live more than 30 years.

In 2016, the California Fish and Game Commission set harvesting rules for the California spiny lobsters that mandates they can only be harvested during certain parts of the year. Spiny lobster season begins at 6 a.m. on Saturday, Sept. 29 and ends March 20.

Eric Martin, the owner of Lost Winds Spearfishing & Freediving in San Clemente, said for people who want to dive for the spiny lobsters, they should speak with their local dive shop or Department of Fish and Wildlife marshals before venturing into the spokes.

Martin said people should dive with a buoy and a flag for visibility for other boaters.

“You have to have a light and wetsuit, especially as it’s getting colder,” Martin said.

The lobsters can be found around 5 to 10 feet deep in water and as far down as about 150 to 200 feet. Martin said there are also boat regulations that limit the hoop nets to five per person but 10 per boat each taking. People can take no more than seven lobsters.

Allowable equipment for harvesting the lobsters includes hoop nets, which can be used on shore or boats. You can’t spear them or use any device to get them out of a hole when diving. Divers are only allowed to use their bare or gloved hand.

Anyone who fishes for spiny lobsters must have a device that accurately measures the species, or “lobster gauge,” according to

The California spiny lobster season begins at midnight on Sept. 29. The season runs through March 20. Photo: Courtesy of Julianne Steers

the Fish and Wildlife website. Lobsters that are taken from the ocean must be at least three-and-a-quarter inches in length.

Julianne Steers, a marine biologist and the director of Living Collections at the Ocean Institute in Dana Point, said she goes diving just about every day to study marine life.

Steers said spiny lobsters will forage on a wide variety of foliage, sea urchins and even some fish that come their way, if they’re lucky.

“They’re primarily scavengers,” Steers said. “They’re relatively straightforward and have a hard exterior shell that protects the interior. They do shed their exoskeleton to grow larger, which happens in the summer months (during offseason).”

A cursory search on Google shows several coastal restaurants as carrying the spiny lobster.

Locally, the lobsters are typically found around the San Clemente Pier and anywhere around Wheeler North Reef, the artificial reef that is being expanded 100 yards north toward Dana Point.

“Any rocky outcropping, they will find habitat,” Steers said, adding people can view spiny lobsters for themselves at the Ocean Institute.

For more information on the biology and regulations of fishing for spiny lobsters, visit www.wildlife.ca.gov/conservation/marine/invertebrates/lobster. —Eric Heinz DP

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NEWS BITES

Community Meetings

COMPILED BY STAFF

DP Businesses to Discuss Homelessness on Oct. 2

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 29

FARMERS MARKET 9 a.m. -1 p.m. Each Saturday, California farmers bring fresh produce to sell at the Dana Point Farmers Market. Craft vendors join in on the fun every first Saturday of the month as well. The Dana Point Farmers Market is located in La Plaza Park on Pacific Coast Highway near the Clock Tower.

On Tuesday, Oct. 2, from 8:30-11 a.m. the City of Dana Point is hosting an event at City Hall in Council Chambers aimed to empower businesses and their employees with the tools to deal with impacts related to homelessness. Businesses will discuss responsible compassion, staff training tips, property safety tips, food disposal and what is defined as an arrestable offense. Please email your RSVP to econdev@danapoint. org. 949.248.3553. Dana Point City Hall Council Chamber. 33282 Golden Lantern.

Miracles for Kids Announces Night of Miracles Gala on Saturday, Oct. 20 Every October, Miracles for Kids hosts its Night of Miracles Gala – a night that brings together Orange County’s philanthropists, business leaders and civic leaders to raise money to assist in improving the lives of critically ill kids and their families. This year, the gala will be held on Saturday, Oct. 20 at the Monarch Beach Resort in Dana Point. The night will include a live auction as well as plenty of entertainment such as acclaimed illusionist Shimshi and musical performer Crystal Starr. To donate, sponsor or get involved, please contact Miracles for Kids at 714.730.3040 or by email at info@miraclesforkids.org. All donations are tax-deductible to the extent of the law. Miracles for Kids is a registered 501(c) (3) organization. Tax ID #91-2160616.

Registration is Open for the 2018 Dana Point Turkey Trot Produced by the Dana Point Chamber of Commerce, the Dana Point Turkey Trot is the nation’s sixth- largest turkey trot. Located in the Dana Point Harbor, the flat, scenic race attracts more than 17,000 runners, walkers, volunteers, spectators, and sponsors. The Dana Point Turkey Trot is a USA Track & Field (USATF) sanctioned and certified event featuring a 10k, 5k, Combo 10k/5k, Kids’ Gobble Wobble, and two-day Health & Wellness Expo. Celebrating 40 years, this Thanksgiving Day event is a tradition for Orange County families. Register now at www.danapointchamber.com.

Red Ribbon Week Chairperson Needed The Palisades Elementary Parent Dana Point Times September 28-October 4, 2018

The Ritz Carlton, Laguna Niguel’s annual Yappy Howl-O-Ween returns to Dana Point on Thursday, Oct. 25.

Photo: Courtesy

Teacher Association (PTA) is searching for a volunteer to oversee Red Ribbon Week, which is from Monday, Oct. 22nd to Friday, Oct. 26th. The focus of Red Ribbon Week is to remind students to lead a healthy lifestyle and to “say ‘no’ to drugs!” A PTA coordinator is needed to organize fun Red Ribbon Week activities for students, such as signing a Red Ribbon Week banner during recess (pledging to be yourself and be drug-free) and having crazy hair day (‘hair’s’ to making the right choices’). The PTA has flyer templates and ideas from past years to help our Red Ribbon Week volunteer! E-mail PTA President Destiny Meli at PalisadesPTAmom@ yahoo.com if you have any questions.

Ritz Carlton, Laguna Niguel’s Yappy HowlO-Ween Announced for Thursday, Oct. 25 With Halloween just around the corner, the Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel recently announced its annual Yappy Howl-O-Ween, a canine and companion cocktail party and costume contest, to take place on Thursday, Oct. 25 from 4-7 p.m. Proceeds from the event (and all of the resort’s Yappy Hour events) are donated to Canine Companions for Independence, a non-profit that enhances the lives of people with disabilities by providing highly trained assistance dogs. The contest begins at 5 p.m. and features four categories: Best Individual, Dynamic Duo, Best Themed Group, and Best in Show, with a $10 registration fee per dog, per category to participate.

Owners can register their dog on-site at the event. The event is complimentary to attend, with the exception of food and beverage. The Dana Lawn at The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel, Dana Point.

‘The Secrets of Selling’ The city of San Clemente will host the fourth installment of the South Orange County Entrepreneurs Academy Series on Thursday, Oct. 4, titled “The Secrets of Selling.” This free business training will teach tips to closing sales and negotiations, discuss how to develop an exciting sales presentation, and share other sales techniques. It will be held in the San Clemente Community Center Auditorium from 6-8 p.m. Check-in begins at 5:30 p.m., and light refreshments will be provided.

The seminar will be presented by Barry McKinley of SCORE, a non-profit organization that helps small businesses through education and mentorship.

Space is limited. Attendees may register online at www.orangecounty.score.org/. The seminar is offered through the city’s Community Development Department’s Business Liaison Program. Business liaisons are assigned to specific areas of San Clemente and are available to answer questions related to city development regulations, zoning and building permits, and application procedures. Additional information is available on the city’s website, www.san-clemente.org.

Water Conservation Rebates Now Available Turf removal rebates are no longer offered for artificial turf retrofits, only for projects involving drought-tolerant landscaping and a sustainable rainwater harvesting feature.

Rebates are also available for public agency and commercial customers. To apply, visit www.mwdoc.com/water-use-efficiency.

For general information about current water conservation rebates and incentives available for residential and commercial customers, or to apply, please contact the Municipal

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SAND DOLLAR GUILD BATTLE OF THE BANDS 5-9 p.m. Enjoy food from local restaurants, sip beer, wine and spirits, and win great prizes during this event supporting education programs for children at the Ocean Institute. Tickets are $55. www. sanddollarguild.org.

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 2

CITY COUNCIL MEETING 6 p.m. The Dana Point City Council will hold a regularly scheduled meeting at City Hall in Council’s chambers. 33282 Golden Lantern. www.danapoint.org.

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 3

MONARCH BEACH SUNRISE ROTARY CLUB 7 a.m. Every Wednesday, the Monarch Beach Sunrise Rotary Club welcomes anyone interested in making a difference in the local community and changing the world to join them at their weekly meeting. Doors open and breakfast begins at 7 a.m. Laguna Cliffs Marriott Resort & Spa, 25135 Park Lantern. www.monarchbeachsunriserotary.org.

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 4

COASTMASTERS (TOASTMASTERS) 7-8:30 p.m. Join the members of the Coastmasters every Thursday to improve speaking and leadership skills. 34451 Ensenada Place. Adjacent to Baby Beach at OC Sailing & Events center. www.coastmasters.org.

Water District of Orange County (MWDOC) at (888) 376-3314 or visit www.mwdoc.com.

For Turf Removal specific questions, please contact MWDOC at 714.593.5036 or by email at turfremoval@mwdoc.com.

Have something interesting for the community? Tell us about awards, events, happenings, accomplishments and more.

We’ll put your submissions into “News Bites.” Send your information to editorial@danapointtimes.com. www.danapointtimes.com

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2018 City Council Election Coverage DANA POINT TIMES

L

eading up to the Dana Point City Council election on Nov. 6, the Dana Point Times is publishing six questions, one each week, that we’ve asked each individual who qualified for the ballot. Be sure to look for next week’s edition when we publish our fifth question. The list of candidates is published according to a random alphabet the California Secretary of State recently drew. DP

WEEK 4

If elected, what will you do to solve homelessness in Dana Point?

DISTRICT 1

JOE MULLER We have been addressing this issue since I have been in office. Over the last year we have increased our efforts, because we are truly compassionate to the homeless and their struggles. We contract with FAM and Mercy House to put a full-time liaison on the street. We are doing everything we can locally, but this is a regional issue, and we will continue to work with the County and our neighboring Cities to find a regional solution.

JOSEPH “JOE” JAEGER The solution is to find permanent supportive housing that delivers wrap-around care to the homeless. This needs to be done at the county level. I support Assembly Bill 448, which will create the Orange County Housing Finance Trust, and will finance the development of 2,700 permanent housing units. At the same time, siting those housing units on the coast in Dana Point is not a practical option.

AMY FOELL Kudos to our Homeless Task Force! Best practices indicate that people experiencing homelessness must be placed in supportive housing equipped to provide the needed care for their safety and the safety of others. Living close to services is critical to maintaining stability. We can achieve this through policies and partnerships with agencies and neighboring cities with the necessary resources nearby. Modular homes and creating a Hope Team (officer and social worker) would be worth exploring.

DISTRICT 2

MARK L. MCGINN The Homeless Task Force was a good start, and I would re-charge this group while addressing barriers: the lack of affordable housing, approaching this problem as a region rather than as individual communities, convincing decisionmakers that Orange County homelessness deserves a greater share of funds. Finally, I would support Dana Point’s outreach personnel but also reach out to our neighbors in San Clemente and Laguna Beach to foster collaboration and sharing of best practices.

J. SCOTT SCHOEFFEL Homelessness is a very complex issue. We need to distinguish the truly homeless, who need services, from the problematic transients and panhandlers who burden our City’s resources. We made great strides addressing those problems when I chaired the City’s Homeless Task Force, but I think we need to do more. Informed and thoughtful policies to meet these challenges is desperately needed now, more than ever. I would begin by reactivating the Homeless Task Force.

RICHARD A. VICZOREK We have done much and will continue to do more.

We now have in place a community work plan and have increased our contract with Mercy House to offer full-time assistance to individuals to get off the street. We have also contracted with Family Assistance Ministries to reconnect homeless people with family and support groups, sometimes in other states. We also have strengthened our laws, applicable regardless of status, regarding nuisance behavior.

DISTRICT 3

CHARLES PAYNE

JAMEY FEDERICO

In my 20 years in law enforcement, I haven’t seen anyone “solve” homelessness yet.

We need to recognize that we have an obligation to craft humane responses to this issue, which include help for those who will accept it, and policies to dis-incentivize behavior that negatively impacts our community. It is not illegal to be poor or homeless, but it is illegal to aggressively panhandle, trespass, or be intoxicated in public. Join me at www.

JoinCharlesPayne.com.

Dana Point Times September 28-October 4, 2018

We need to eliminate the feed at Doheny and enforce city ordinances. Because our Homeless Task Force was dissolved, we need to capitalize on their hard work, and I would advocate for an ad hoc committee to evaluate and assess progress and be proactive with the community work plan that identifies best practices for getting people off the streets.

Ultimately, collaboration with outside agencies is the long-term solution for this regional problem.

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DP SOAPBOX Dana Point

VIEWS, OPINIONS AND INSIGHTS GUEST OPINION: Bartlett Bulletin by OC Supervisor Lisa Bartlett

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

HOW TO REACH US CITY EDITOR Daniel Ritz, 949.388.7700, x113 dritz@picketfencemedia.com SPORTS Zach Cavanagh, 949.388.7700, x110 zcavanagh@picketfencemedia.com ADVERTISING PRINT AND ONLINE

Lauralyn Loynes, 949.388.7700, x102 lloynes@picketfencemedia.com DISTRIBUTION RACKS, DRIVEWAYS, SUBSCRIPTIONS

Tricia Zines, 949.388.7700, x107 tzines@picketfencemedia.com GENERAL MANAGER Alyssa Garrett, 949.388.7700, x100 agarrett@picketfencemedia.com

PICKET FENCE MEDIA PUBLISHER Norb Garrett

Real Estate Sales Executive > Jennifer Guy

EDITORIAL City Editor, DP Times > Daniel Ritz Senior City Editor, SC Times > Eric Heinz City Editor, The Capistrano Dispatch > Alex Groves Sports Editor > Zach Cavanagh Special Projects Editor > Andrea PapagianisCamacho ADVERTISING/MULTIMEDIA MARKETING Associate Publisher > Lauralyn Loynes > Susie Lantz (San Clemente)

ART/DESIGN Art Director > Jasmine Smith

Are You Prepared for When Disaster Strikes?

I

n the wake of the destruction caused

by Hurricane Florence on the East Coast, it is time for South County residents to consider their plan for when disaster strikes.

With the risks posed to Orange County in the form of wildfires, earthquakes, flooding, landslides and tsunamis, every member of our community must understand the importance of being prepared for disaster.

Ask yourself, how often is your entire family all in one place at one time? Odds are your children may be at school, your pet will be at home and you might be at work when disaster strikes. Do you have a plan to contact one another, get back together or handle the disaster in your individual locations? If not, making a family emergency plan will help you think about these questions and answer them before a disaster strikes.

To help residents craft their emergency plan, the county of Orange provides two services that will prepare your family for a disaster, ReadyOC and AlertOC.

ReadyOC.org is a one-stop shop for information on how to prepare for a disaster, what to expect when disaster strikes and information related to the risks facing Orange County. You can also find a guide for creating your own emergency kit, a necessary component of any disaster preparedness plan.

AlertOC.org is a countywide, massnotification system designed to keep Orange County residents and businesses informed of emergencies as they develop.

The difference between life and death in a disaster can come down to minutes. During an emergency, make sure you have access to the most up-to-date information by signing up for the disaster and safety alerts provided by AlertOC. As part of ongoing efforts to encourage more South County residents to prepare for a disaster, Orange County Sheriff Department, Orange County Fire Authority, the city of Mission Viejo and I will be hosting the 11th Annual South County Disaster Preparedness Expo on Oct. 20 from 9 a.m.-noon at the Norman P. Murray

Letters to the Editor

could survive on sweets alone. Just look at my shape. I just have to look at it and my curves get accentuated. If only it would give me height instead of width! Still, I do what I must to support the economy—one pumpkin treat at a time. As the seasons begin, I wish you sweet moments!

Community Center, 24932 Veterans Way in Mission Viejo. The expo is free to the public and will feature disaster preparedness kits, free giveaways and information on how to prepare your family, home and business for when disaster strikes.

The family-friendly event will have great food, THE BARTLETT music, entertainment and BULLETIN fun activities for all ages.

By Lisa Bartlett Thank you to all of Orange County’s first responders who always stand ready to our residents. We are blessed to have truly world-class emergency response personnel who are prepared to provide any services we might need. Help support their efforts by ensuring that your family is well-prepared for any disaster we might face.

Supervisor Lisa Bartlett represents the 5th District on the Orange County Board of Supervisors, which includes the cities of Aliso Viejo, Dana Point, (portions of) Irvine, Laguna Beach, Laguna Hills, Laguna Niguel, Laguna Woods, Lake Forest, Mission Viejo, Rancho Santa Margarita, San Clemente and San Juan Capistrano. DP PLEASE NOTE: In an effort to provide our readers with a wide variety of opinions from our community, Dana Point Times provides Guest Opinion opportunities in which selected columnists’ opinions are shared. The opinions expressed in these columns are entirely those of the columnist alone and do not reflect those of the Dana Point Times or Picket Fence Media. If you would like to respond to this column, please email us at editorial@danapointtimes.com

Graphic Designer > Chelsie Rex OPERATIONS Finance Director > Mike Reed General Manager > Alyssa Garrett Accounting & Distribution Manager > Tricia Zines SPECIAL THANKS Robert Miller CONTRIBUTORS Megan Bianco, Jake Howard, Tim Trent

> Debra Wells (San Juan Capistrano) Dana Point Times, Vol. 11, Issue 39. The DP Times (www. danapointtimes.com) is published weekly by Picket Fence Media, publishers of the SC Times (www.sanclementetimes. com) and The Capistrano Dispatch (www.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 2018. All rights reserved. Printed in the USA.

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Dana Point Times September 28-October 4, 2018

ONE AT A TIME

THINK BEFORE YOU VOTE

MARIA WILSON, San Clemente

KURT SIPOLSKI, Palm Desert

Can you believe that it’s October already?

Me, neither. From the way things are in the stores these days, you’d think it was almost Christmas. What’s with that? Can’t businesses let us enjoy one holiday at the time? Each one of them has its own feel, color, smells, and tastes. This month I just want to think about candy. Next month, turkey, cranberries and pumpkin pie. In December, pine trees, candy canes, eggnog, and my family’s traditional holiday meal. Instead, pumpkin is already creeping up everywhere. Pumpkin cereal, pumpkin pancake, pumpkin cookies, pumpkin spice, pumpkin coffee, pumpkin creamer, pumpkin spread, pumpkin bread, just to name a few. And let’s not forget the originator of it all, pumpkin pie. Not that I mind. I love pumpkin. I just wish that they waited until November to make all of those items irresistible to people like me who

About the same time Diane Harkey decided to go into politics, her husband, Dan, decided to start a Ponzi scheme.

Within a few years, they were both wildly successful.

Ultimately, the house they shared in Dana Point was paid for by investors in Dan’s company Point Center Financial, according to the Orange County Register, and she went from mayor of Dana Point to Board of Equalization to now running for Congress.

Dan could not brag as much. His company was valued at hundreds of millions of dollars and went belly-up, even though the investments were theoretically secured by real estate. Some of his investors sued for elder financial abuse five years ago. He lost and was ordered to pay about $14 million.

Still, a healthy difference.

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Nevertheless, he refused the court order, saying he had no money to pay anybody anything (except his lawyers), even while knowing he had ruined hundreds of seniors.

Sadly, some have passed while waiting.

I can’t comment on how Diane felt about the tactic.

According to the Orange Juice Blog, Dan owned a Ferrari, two Porsches and a BMW. I am not sure of the disposition of those and other trappings. He doesn’t talk much.

But Diane stood by his side throughout the bad publicity and enmity. It speaks volumes for her faithfulness and allegiance to Dan Harkey, not her constituents.

I believe they still share their stunning, ocean-view home.

For more information, please visit www. truthaboutharkey.com.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR POLICY To submit a letter to the editor for possible inclusion in the paper, e-mail us at letters@ danapointtimes.com or send it to 34932 Calle del Sol, Suite B, Capistrano Beach, CA 92624. Dana Point Times reserves the right to edit reader-submitted letters for length and is not responsible for the claims made or the information written by the writers. www.danapointtimes.com

DP GETTING OUT Dana Point

YOUR SEVEN-DAY EVENT PLANNER

The List

What’s going on in and around town this week

EDITOR’S PICK

COMPILED BY STAFF

HAVE AN EVENT? Submit it to Dana Point Times by going to www.danapointtimes.com, and clicking “Submit an Event” under the “Getting Out” tab.

Friday | 28 WHALE & DOLPHIN WATCHING: AN EVENING TRIP FROM DANA POINT 5 p.m. Explore the waters of Dana Point during a two-hour excursion with Dana Wharf cruises. The area is home to several varieties of dolphins, sea lions, sharks and whales—including the majestic blue whale. Additional fees may apply. For events with a discounted price, no coupon or promo code is necessary to purchase tickets. www.danawharf.com.

UNDERCOVER 6 PIECE LIVE AT STILLWATER SPIRIT AND SOUNDS 9 p.m. Get your grub on and then dance it off with Undercover 6 Piece playing live at Stillwater Spirit and Sounds. 24701 Del Prado Ave. www.danapoinststillwater.com.

TV on the Radio (pictured) performing during the 2017 Ohana Fest at Doheny State Beach. The 2018 Ohana Fest begins Friday, Sept. 28 featuring headlines acts such as Eric Church, Eddie Vedder and Mumford and Sons. Photo: File

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 28- SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 30: OHANA FEST In addition to offering a full day in the sun with a diverse music lineup, Ohana will donate a portion of proceeds to the San Onofre Parks Foundation, a California non-profit that cooperatively works with the California State Parks to develop, preserve and enhance the recreation and experience of California’s unique coastal parks. A limited number of VIP passes will also be available. For details, visit www. ohanafest.com.

DHARMA YOGA HOUSE DONATION BASED YOGA 6-7 a.m. Join for a donation based morning Vinyasa yoga class every Friday at Dharma Yoga House. All levels welcome.

Recommended donation of $5-$10.

Dharma Yoga House. 34207 PCH. www.dharmayogahouse.com.

Left Coast Brewing Co., 1245 Puerta Del Sol, San Clemente. 949.276.2699. www.leftcoastbrewing.com.

Saturday | 29

Monday | 01

SOUTH OC CARS AND COFFEE: SPECIAL EVENT 9-11 a.m. Do you own an International Scout, Ford Bronco or Chevy Blazer? Or are you a fan of these classic trucks? If so, check out the Scouts, Broncos and Blazers at South OC Cars and Coffee. The car show attracts hundreds of car enthusiasts each week. No registration is required and spectators are welcome. Outlets at San Clemente, 101 W. Avenida Vista Hermosa, San Clemente. www.southoccarsandcoffee.com

LAUGHS FOR LEATHERNECKS 5:30 p.m. “Laughs for Leathernecks” is the annual Fundraiser night of comedy, dinner, and silent auction at The Improv in the Irvine Spectrum. 31 Fortune Drive, Suite #216, Irvine, CA. Cost is $40 (includes dinner & show) or to buy or sponsor a Marine(s). Proceeds for this event will be used to provide support and outreach to the Fighting Fifth Marines and their families. For more information, please visit www.danapoint5thmarines.com.

Sunday | 30

BINGO AT GOODY’S TAVERN: PIERPRIDE BENEFIT 7 p.m. Every Monday, Goody’s hosts a bingo night for a charity of the month. Cards are $1 per sleeve, and raffle prizes are offered.

Goody’s Tavern. 206 S. El Camino Real.

949.492.3400. www.goodystavern.com.

YOGA ON TAP SERIES 11 a.m.-Noon. Get to know your fellow yogis and beer drinkers at Yoga on Tap. $10 for an hour of yoga and pint of beer.

Dana Point Times September 28-October 4, 2018

Tuesday | 02

Bay Park. 25111 Park Lantern, Dana Point. www.iheartyoga.org.

TINY TOTS: PARENT & ME PROGRAM 9:30 a.m. You and your child are invited to join the Ocean Institute for this sixweek adventure exploring shapes, colors, textures and more with everyone’s favorite tide pool animal, the sea star! Each Tuesday session includes exploration, an animal encounter, and an activity. Suitable for 2- and 3-year-olds. $30 per class. For more information and to purchase tickets visit www.ocean-institute.org.

Thursday | 04

Wednesday | 03 IHEARTYOGA IN THE PARK 10 a.m. Donation-based outdoor yoga for everyone. A variety of classes and styles are offered every day at 10 a.m. in front of the Marriott Dana Point in Lantern Bay Park. Come join hundreds of yogis weekly at this beautiful ocean-front class.

Bring your dog, kids, and friends to Dana Point’s most popular yoga class. Lantern

Page 10

‘THE BRIDGES OF MADISON COUNTY’ Thursday, Friday and Saturday shows are at 7:30 p.m., Sunday at 2 p.m. In this musical based on the book of the same name, Francesca Johnson, a beautiful Italian woman who married an American soldier to flee war-ravaged Italy, looks forward to a rare four days alone on her Iowa farm as her family heads to the 1965 State Fair.

Tickets are $25. The show runs until Oct. 7. Cabrillo Playhouse. 202 Avenida Cabrillo, San Clemente. 949.492.0465. www.cabrilloplayhouse.org.

WHISKEY THURSDAY AT CRAFT HOUSE All day. Enjoy 50 percent off featured whiskeys, 20 percent off all whiskey and for only an additional $2, you can make your drink a prohibition-style Old Fashioned, a perfect Manhattan or Sazerac. 34094 Pacific Coast Hwy. 949.481.7734. www.eatatcrafthouse.com. www.danapointtimes.com

AGING WELL

S AGING

WELL

for the Young at Heart

for the Young at Heart

outh Orange County is a great place for an individual to approach their golden years with its sunny skies, ocean breezes and myriad of recreational opportunities. In this edition of our biannual guide for seniors, Aging Well, we’ve assembled a litany of stories on what the tri-city area of San Clemente, Dana Point and San Juan Capistrano has to offer as well as important and vital information needed on financial planning, insurance and staying healthy.

Our readers will be able to learn about each city’s senior center and what that senior center has to offer in terms of amenities and programs; they’ll learn about the sport of pickleball and why it’s become so popular among some South County residents; and they’ll learn about seniors that use the card game bridge to stay sharp.

This special section also seeks to answer questions on some of life’s complicated issues, including what to eat (or eat less of), how to utilize tax breaks when buying another home and how to make sense of Medicare and supplemental insurance.

Most people don’t relish the thought of growing older, but South Orange County offers many senior-specific activities that will leave a person feeling fulfilled and happy. There’s also more information than ever on how seniors can live their best life.

We hope this edition of Aging Well can help readers learn something new and also help them make the most of living in beautiful, sunny South Orange County.

Ask an Expert

5 Steps to Ensure your Legacy

I

BY JAN ALCIDE

ncapacity is unpredictable and often cannot be anticipated. A drunk person does not have capacity while drunk but will regain capacity, albeit with a nasty hangover, in the morning. In the world of trusts and estates, we plan for moments of sudden or unexpected incapacity, such as a person being on life-support following illness or a terrible accident as well as the incapacity that can nebulously creep up on someone. Many of us have watched the mental decline of a family member or a close friend. Uncertainty abounds as to whether this person has everyday forgetfulness or is showing signs of something more sinister, the beginning decline of his/her mental health.

Diagnoses aren’t exact science and can come when capacity is gone, at which point it is too late to be proactive. Of course, families still have options; conservatorships for example, but none as attractive as a well thought out plan that your family can follow.

Here are 5 tips to help make things easier.

1 / Make Your Medical Wishes Known.

Have the conversation with your friends

5 / Leave Instructions for Your Personal Care.

and family; decide how you want your care to proceed such as “removal from life-support,” “doing everything medically necessary” or “designating you as DNR.” Appoint the right agent to execute your wishes. And remember, when it comes to healthcare decisions, the power is in the writing, so get a properly executed Advance Health Care Directive.

2 / Ensure That Your Financial “House” Can Continue to Run.

You currently manage all the money coming in and going out of your home. Think about it; meetings with your financial advisor, getting your taxes filed, paying your grandchildren’s college tuition, or making your annual charitable gifts. You want this to continue and unless your savings account is stuffed beneath your mat-

tress, your agent needs to have access to your accounts so that these financial obligations can continue to be met.

3 / Get an Estate Plan and If You Already Have One, Have It Reviewed and Make Any Necessary Amendments.

A properly executed estate plan can serve a variety of purposes. It can keep an estate out of probate, provide a successor to manage your affairs and ensure that your heirs are cared for in the manner you choose.

4 / When It Comes to Organ Donations-Make A Decision.

Donation choices are legally binding and cannot be overturned by anyone else, not even your family.

How you want to be treated or cared for is important. Also important is where you want to live as you enter the last stages of your life.

No one knows you better than yourself, not even your spouse. And unfortunately for most, the conversations held at the breakfast table or whispered in bed do not hold weight against competing ideas when you can no longer speak for yourself. When your loved ones cannot agree or when access is barred to your financial resources, a third party, often the court, steps in as the final arbiter. Documenting your wishes not only helps to avoid conflict between family members, it also empowers your decision maker with the necessary tools to execute those wishes but also the confidence that he she is making YOUR right decision.

Jan Alcide is the proprietor at the Law Office of Jan A. Meyer, a boutique estate planning practice. Her planning philosophy is to help people protect that which matters most to them, their families. Jan works, lives and is raising her family in Dana Point. She can be reached at 949.607.9412.

AGING WELL

for the Young at Heart

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO

A few things to determine before becoming a Road Scholar Where Do You Want to Learn?

We offer adventures in all 50 states and 150 countries. Is there a part of the world you’ve always wanted to see? We’ve done all the legwork for you, just search our roster of programs by region.

What Do You Love?

ON THE GOLDEN ROAD

O

BY DANIEL RITZ

Move your body and your mind by becoming a Road Scholar

lder adults interested in checking off their bucket list as well as continuing their education may be excited to learn there are services to allow them to flex their muscles as well as their minds.

For instance, Road Scholar, founded in 1975 as “Elderhostel” by friends Marty nowlton and David ianco in New Hampshire, is a not-for-profit education organization that has guided generations of knowledge seekers on transformative learning adventures from Alberta to Zimbabwe and nearly every destination in between.

Road Scholar says their participants are most often life-long learners typically over the age of 50 from diverse cultural and professional backgrounds. Students of the world, they describe their guests as the type of company you might hope to sit next to at a dinner party. “(Road Scholars) have led interesting lives because they’re interested in everything. And they are exactly the kind of people you want to be learning with as you explore the globe,” a spokesperson for Road Scholars said when asked to describe their usual participants.

“Road Scholar inspires adults to learn, discover and travel. Our learning adventures open minds to new ideas and deepen understanding of oneself and of the world’s peoples, places, cultures, history and environments. A true university of the world, not-for-profit Road Scholar’s meaningful often transformational educational adventures engage people for whom learning is the journey of a lifetime,” the spokesperson read from Road Scholar’s mission statement.

Although aimed at those older than 50-years-old, Road Scholar assuredly has a program for everyone. Whether you are a baby-boomer wanting to have a deeper understanding of their own backyard, a retiree wanting to fulfill that life-long dream of gallivanting through the streets of a oroccan bazaar or a grandparent that wants to paddle the entral alifornia coast with their grandchild, one of Road Scholars more than 5,500 educational travel programs will likely hit the mark.

For each one of their listed trips, which can viewed on their interactive online calendar, usually up

to a year in advance, interested parties are able to see their qualified group travel leader. roup leaders are generally highly qualified with verifiable transparent resumes that help to ease the mind of a first time user.

“Pack less things, and more money,” is a common phrase amongst seasoned travelers. For short multiple-day trips to extended international trips, Road Scholar is adamant to encompass all costs of their trips in the initially advertised price. There are trips for those for a wide range of budgets, with a variety of offerings for under $2,000. The Road Scholar website makes enrolling a snap. All the information you could ask for is right there. Once you’ve picked the date of the program you want, they will ask for all the necessary details — whether you want airfare or a single room or have special meal requests. For what they call “Intergenerational” and “family” adventures and other special types of programs, they ask that you call to enroll.

In addition to financial transparency, Road Scholar assists its participants in the necessary step-by-step process to ensure they have a smooth trip. A wide variety of resources are

Maybe your passion for certain interests, hobbies, or activities is what drives you around the globe. Do you love art museums, language study, film festivals, train treks, riverboats, biking, birding, beer? Explore our learning adventures by interest.

Don’t Want to Climb a Mountain?

Every Road Scholar learning adventure is rated for level of activity. If you’re not interested in physical challenges, we offer a broad selection of “easy pace” experiences. If you live for hiking, biking, or kayaking, we offer a wide range of “high activity” adventures, too. Search our trips by activity level. These include: Easy oing, On our Feet , eep the ace , Let’s o , Outdoor: No Sweat, Outdoor: Spirited, Outdoor: hallenging and much more.

available on their website, as well as processing of Visa’s needed for travel and assisting patrons in meeting their future fellow travelers.

In case their comprehensive package presentation still seems like a financial hurdle, Road Scholars offers a variety of financial assistance programs and grants. Road Scholar offers enrichment grants to those who otherwise could not afford a Road Scholar trip, bestowing 300 such grants every year. Included in these are aregiver rants which provide a much-needed respite from the emotional and physical demands inherent in caregiver service.

Road Scholar has committed for those that have grants awarded, to helping offset the costs of arranging substitute care while you attend a Road Scholar learning adventure.

In addition to various grants, another 300 scholarships are offered to life-long learners without the financial means to participate in Road Scholar learning adventures. Each year, more than 300 scholarships are made possible through the generosity of Road Scholar donors.

For more information, call 800.454.5768 or visit www.roadscholar.org.

AGING WELL

for the Young at Heart

A BALANCED DIET FOR AGING

Protein-rich foods and balanced diet help keep body in shape

A

BY ALEX GROVES

s people age, it’s important for them to stay active—by exercising, meeting with friends or learning new things, which have all been shown to have positive effects on their health and longevity.

Possibly just as important is the everyday fuel a person puts in their body. Eating the right kinds of food can provide necessary energy and protection from chronic illnesses.

Lisa Gibson, a dietician for Age Well Senior Services, said that as people get older they want to eat foods that will give them more “bang for their buck.”

“One of the things I emphasize for seniors is to choose nutrient-dense foods,” Gibson said.

“That’s food that gives you a lot of nutrition for the calories you’re eating, because as we age we need fewer calories (but) we need the same amount of nutrients.”

Gibson recommends foods that are high in protein including lean cuts of chicken, fish, red meat and pork; dairy; eggs; and tofu, beans and nuts.

She says she sees seniors who often don’t get enough of these high-protein foods for a variety of reasons—they take extra time to prepare and cook, and can also be hard to swallow.

Gibson said high-protein foods can help slow muscle mass loss that occurs as a person ages. Having that muscle mass can make a big difference in the person’s welfare.

“If you lose your muscle mass you’re at risk for a fall,” Gibson said. “And if you fall, sometimes a broken hip can lead to consequences like death.”

Fruits and veggies should be an integral part

of any diet, including a senior’s, she said.

Gibson said she frequently refers people to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s “Choose My Plate” chart, which shows people should dedicate half of a plate to fruits and vegetables when they’re eating a meal. She encourages eating a wide variety of fruits and vegetables.

“Go for all the different colors of fruits and vegetables because each color represents a different type of an antioxidant or a phytochemical that’s going to be beneficial in fighting chronic diseases,” she said.

Gibson said it’s important not to buy into fads that advocate cutting something out of a diet completely.

“I really believe that there’s such a fear of food these days,” she said. “There’s so much negative press about ‘don’t eat this or don’t eat that’. And I think that is not helpful in a senior’s diet.”

For example, she said some seniors have cut out real milk in favor of alternatives such as almond milk.

According to nutritional labels, a roughly 8-ounce cup of milk has about 8 grams of protein, whereas the same size cup of almond milk only has 1 gram.

Gibson said that as people get older, their sweet tooth tends to intensify, but it’s important to be cognizant of just how much sugar they’re consuming. Excess amounts of sugar have not only been linked to weight gain, but also negative impacts to heart health.

But that doesn’t mean that a person should give up that piece of cake, slice of pie or scoop of ice cream; they just shouldn’t eat those things in excess.

“Life is too short to not enjoy some sweets,” Gibson said.

AGING WELL

for the Young at Heart

BRIDGE TO A BETTER BRAIN Living a healthy lifestyle, learning and interacting a have positive impacts on the brain

A

BY ALEX GROVES

lmost every day of the week, dozens of people pack a room in a business park off Ortega Highway; a look of concentration is etched on most of their faces and their voices

are low.

This group, mostly retirees, are playing bridge at the South Orange County Bridge Center. It’s a card game that has four players pair up in partnerships against each other and try to score points by making bids or defeating the other team’s bid.

If there’s one thing for certain, it’s that bridge is a mentally challenging game and that’s just what the players in attendance are looking for.

“The lion’s share of our people are retired but they’re very, very sharp retirees because this is not an easy game,” said Janie Matlaf, who’s in charge of publicity for the center. “This is a game that’s very challenging so people that are playing bridge are really staving off all the different mental challenges that we face as we age.”

Matlaf may be right on that point.

Kim Bailey, Program and Education Specialist for Alzheimer’s Orange County, said her organization emphasizes four pillars for successful aging and those are cognitive stimulation, physical exercise, a healthy diet and social engagement.

Bailey said that there is a growing body of evidence that suggests that those four pillars together not only help to keep a person healthy, but could help prevent Alzheimer’s disease

Ask an Expert

T

BY STEPHANIE FRISCH

She said that cognitive stimulation can be something like attending classes, doing computer games or learning a new language. She said that’s because those things stimulate new connections in the brain that might not have previously been there.

Physical exercise, another pillar, is something that doesn’t need to necessarily be strenuous to have an impact, Bailey said. She noted that even small adjustments like walking around the block a couple times a week or doing chair exercises can be enough to make an impact.

Food is another important component, with Bailey noting that heart-healthy diets are ultimately brain-healthy diets. She recommends that seniors make sure they’re eating adequate amounts of fruits, vegetable and healthy proteins.

Bailey said social engagement is also a key to health but it’s not something that a lot of seniors think about as they age.

“With some seniors they become isolated over time and that’s not good and there are a lot of negative outcomes that come with being isolated,” she said.

Bailey said that something like bridge is exactly the kind of thing that can help keep a senior sharp.

“That’s an excellent way for well seniors to prevent Alzheimer’s because that’s a complex game so they’re really going to use their brains in ways that they haven’t and the added plus is there’s going to be social engagement as well,” she said.

Visitors pack the South Orange County Bridge Center during a weekday. The game is not only fun, but also educational and a good brain exercise, a spokeswoman says. Photo: Alex Groves

Bailey cautioned that taking these actions don’t necessarily prevent a person from getting Alzheimer’s. It’s entirely possible that a person can do everything right and still end up with the condition.

However, she said that taking those steps are still important for a person’s physical and emotional well-being.

Matlaf said she’s still getting a lot of value out of playing bridge and plans to make that one of her learning activities of choice for the forseeable future.

“I learn something new every single day,” she said. “It’s just so challenging. You never get over dealing with challenges and there are so many different styles of playing.”

The company of other people counts for a lot as well, she said.

“People that are beginning level players are having a wonderful time even though they don’t know a whole lot of things,” she said.

The center recently started two new classes for beginners, one on Tuesdays at 9:30 a.m. and one on Wednesdays at 9 a.m. People who would like to participate should sign up by contacting martimoss43@gmail.com for Tuesday classes and fleurpdlur@cox.net for Wednesday classes.

The South Orange County Bridge Center is located at 34161 Rancho Viejo Road. For more information, call 949.248.1268 or visit www.southorangecountybridge.center.

Medicare Open Enrollment Returns

What You Need to Know About Insurance after 65

he Medicare Open Enrollment Period is back.

Not to be confused with the Medicare Annual Election Period (AEP), Open Enrollment Period (OEP) was shelved a decade ago. Now, not only will edicare beneficiaries have the A to make Medicare plan choices, but they will also have an additional timeframe from January through March to make changes to their coverage.

On April 2, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services ( S) issued a final ruling that will result in some updates for Medicare Advantage (also known as MAPD) plans, as well as to the Medicare Part D prescription drug (also known as PDP) program.

Today, AEP is open from Oct. 15 to Dec. 7 each year. During this timeframe, those who are enrolled in Medicare are allowed to make

changes to their plans, which include switching from Medicare Advantage to Original Medicare or making a move from one Medicare Advantage plan to another.

The new rules include the introduction of a revised open enrollment period (OEP). This means, in 2019, the enrollment period will run from Jan. 1 to March 31, and during this timeframe, Medicare Advantage enrollees will be allowed to dis-enroll from their current plan and move to a different Medicare Advantage plan. Or, they can move back over to Original Medicare (Medicare Part A and B) essentially dropping their MAPD plan by enrolling in a Medicare Part D prescription drug plan (PDP).

So what is the difference between AEP and OEP? The OEP is not an extension of the AEP, which will still occur between Oct. 15 and Dec. 7 each year. Additionally, the OEP does not provide the same flexibility as the AEP where you can make any changes you want.

The new regulations will provide Medicare enrollees an additional timeframe to decide how and where to obtain their benefits. nder these new rules, however, enrollees may only move to a differing Medicare Advantage plan one time.

Confused? To clarify, during the 2019 OEP, you’re able to make “like-plan” changes between Jan. 1 and March 31 (The same plan change you made during AEP): • MAPD to MAPD • MAPD to Original Medicare and a Part D • Original Medicare and a Part D to MAPD The OEP limits people to just one change during the three-month window. Policy effective dates will be first of the following month after you sign.

Keep in mind that every year your prescription drug coverage can change. Insurance companies can raise your monthly premium, change the price of your medications, or stop

covering them all together.

Also, look for a notice in the mail every year in late September. That notice is referred to as the, “Annual Notice of Change”. If there are changes to your premium or coverage, the ANOC shows what the 2018 cost was, and then it shows you the 2019 cost. The same process happens with edicare Advantage plans. sing the help of a licensed insurance professional helps you make your way through the Medicare “maze” and make the right decision for your needs for the New Year.

Stephanie Frisch is the owner of Insurance 101 Services and is an independent Insurance broker dedicated to helping others make “educated decisions” about their insurance choices when it comes to Medicare. For answers to your questions, or an in-home, no-fee consultation, call (949) 351-2443.

AGING WELL

for the Young at Heart

Ask an Expert

How Can Your Home Lower Your Tax Liability?

S O

DD

TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THE CAPITAL-GAINS EXEMPTION Thinking of selling your home, perhaps to downsize, move closer to family, or retire to that vacation spot you’ve always loved? Once you’ve sold it, you can avoid paying 2018 federal taxes on the profits by using the capitalgains exemption.

This is a nice bonus if you sell your principal residence after living in it two out of the last five years. It lets you make up to 2 0,000 in non-taxable profit if you’re a single owner, and 00,000 if you’re married. These proceeds don’t have to be reinvested into real estate and there’s no limit on the number of times this exemption can be used. For any profits that exceed the ceiling for your filing status, you will typically pay the capital gains tax rate, generally 0, 1 , or 20 percent depending on your tax bracket as of 2018.

DON’T FORGET TO ITEMIZE AT TAX TIME For most people, home improvements even major ones won’t help their tax situation until after the home is sold. Nevertheless, keep track of what you paid in home improvements over the years for potential tax savings and to help justify your selling price.

If you’ve held on to your receipts and know where to access them, itemizing can be a breeze, especially if you’re using a program like TurboTax, which will walk you through the entire process.

The following items are usually eligible for a tax deduction: • Annual property taxes you paid on the home, such as county or city taxes.

• Deduction on interest for qualifying mortgages up to 0,000 ( ,000 if married filing separately) homes under agreement before 12 1 1 for purchase prior to 1 1 18 (provided purchase occurs by 1 18) grandfathered under previous 1,000,000 ( 00,000 if married filing separately) limits.

Interest on home equity lines of credit (H LO ) deductible in certain cases where proceeds are utilized to acquire or improve a property.

Loan fees you paid when you bought the house, or any you convinced the seller to pay for you.

Home improvements required for medical care.

If you have questions about the capital-gains exemption or deductions, consult with a tax professional.

Scott Kidd, a real estate agent in the Coastal Orange County market for over 30 years, is known for his intuition and easygoing demeanor. Scott is well-versed in real estate law, negotiations and client confidentiality. Scott is based in the San lemente office of erkshire Hathaway Home Services California Properties. 949.498.0487, skidd@ bhhscal.com, www.Scott idd.net. Lic 0101106 .

AGING WELL

for the Young at Heart

A water ďŹ tness class recently ta ght at the San lemente A atics enter. Photo ric Hein

TWO ACTIVITIES TO HELP KEEP YOU AGING WELL

S

Water aerobics, pickleba a eal to more than just seniors

BY ERIC HEINZ

taying active is key to living a longer and more fruitful life. Many activities that are beneďŹ cial not just to seniors but to all ages can be found around the local areas.

Pickleball

Making rapid expansion throughout the United States and internationally, pickleball has become one of the most popular and fastestgrowing sports, according to Manny Romero, the San Clemente representative for the USA Pickleball Association (USAPA).

Pickleball is a smaller version of tennis that typically involves using lighter paddles and a hardened whiffle ball. “It’s a good way to get exercise without exacerbating a lot of physical injuries,� said Romero, who was an avid tennis player for decades until his knees wore out. “Most of the seniors play doubles, and the good thing of the sport is you don’t have to move far.�

Romero said as long as you’re mobile, the key is to work on hand-eye coordination. He said that he’s seen people ages 13 to 82 play against one another, and they’ve had competitive games.

The time it takes to complete a match of pickleball can be signiďŹ cantly shorter than tennis matches or other sports, depending on how it’s played. The courts are also smaller, so you don’t have to exert quite as much energy, especially when playing doubles.

Romero said the sport is likely to have 12 million people playing by the year 2020. The USAPA has recently teamed up with the Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) and has competitive divisions for all ages and skills.

Water Fitness

eggy Hall, a water ďŹ tness instructor at the San Clemente Aquatics Center, said there are many health beneďŹ ts to water aerobics. “The water creates an environmental and constant resistance on your body, unlike weightlifting or exercise classes,â€? Hall said, adding that this is beneďŹ cial for all ages, but especially older people who may experience joint pain from dry-land exercises. “There’s something called hydrostatic pressure, and this has been measured at a constant 12.5 pounds of resistance on your body when you’re working out.â€?

Hall said because you’re in the water, perspiration is minimal and keeps you cool, which helps those who have high blood pressure and other ailments. It also reduces the risk of over-exertion or heatstroke. “ our joints are being cushioned by the water itself, and the pressure on your joints is minimized,� she said. “ ost people who are recovering from injury, the wear and tear on their body in the water is low-impact. That same pressure is gently massaging the pressure on your joints.�

Hall said there are also beneďŹ ts to the circulatory system. The lungs and heart function at a more efďŹ cient level in the water. “You have oxygenated every cell of your body,â€? she said.

Working out in the water can stimulate the mind, because of the effort to keep yourself afloat or at least above the waterline. “You’re constantly being challenged to use your mind.�

Regardless of conďŹ dence or lack thereof, a lifeguard is always on duty during the classes at the Aquatics Center. “You don’t need to be a swimmer, non-swimmers are welcome,â€? Hall said.

AGING WELL

for the Young at Heart

LOCAL KNOWLEDGE SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

Accessing Equity: It’s a new issue older Americans are facing today!

Housing wealth grew to nearly 7 trillion dollars for U.S. homeowners age 62 and older in the first quarter of 2018.

It would seem like a great time to access some of that equity to pay off stubborn debt, or do some home improvements. Sounds so easy, right? Just head on down to your friendly bank.

Hold your horse’s right there though! The old days of having good credit and home equity is no longer the norm; you now need to income qualify. Thousands of loan applications have been denied recently and banks are not making that known. To explore these new requirements, the first step is to go down to the bank and apply for a HELOC (home equity line of credit) or a cash out refinance (applying is normally free). The results could be eye opening and disappointing. The government passed the Ability to Repay Act in July 2010 that stopped certain Liar Loans but it came with unintended consequences on millions of older Americans in the process. You can no longer be approved for loans unless you can income qualify. Sadly, most American seniors are on a fixed income, typically Social Security and it is not enough.

Good news! There is hope and it can be found in the form of a government-insured program called a Reverse Mortgage. This senior American program has been upgraded and improved with many new safeguards and consumer protections. There are new choices including brand new Jumbo Loans that are helping many to enjoy retirement more

comfortably. “Safety, Security and Peace of Mind” are at the top of the list for retirement planning and we are here to help.

William Penn once famously wrote that “Truth never lost ground by inquiry.” In evaluating your retirement status, you will need to know all of the options and alternatives.

Although it may not be for everybody, it does call for your attention! It might be the vehicle you need to save money, extend the life of your investments and prepare you for a more secure retirement.

We encourage everyone to come to our free seminar and get the facts. We will be having a “straight talk” discussion about today’s needs and how you can retire with confidence.

We welcome everybody to bring their questions, thoughts or concerns. Let’s have a discussion and turn public opinion into life changing knowledge.

Come join us at our next “Learn While You Lunch Seminar” being held in San Clemente on October 24 at noon at the Community Center (Ole Hansen Fireside Room) located at 100 N Calle Seville, San Clemente.

Call Loretta to RSVP at 949.266.0900...

It’s Free!

Green Monarch Mortgage San Clemente, www.GreenMonarch.com PCorp NMLS 305906

A Smile That Lasts a Lifetime the first step in building a beautiful smile. In Gone are the days of three sets of teeth. many ways our gums and bone are much like Often in the past, many have the expectation the foundation of our homes. We can have the that they will have baby teeth, adult teeth and most beautiful home in the neighborhood but finally a set of fake teeth. However, as life if the foundation of our house is crumbling, expectancy has increased, and dental technolthen often the walls begin to crack and the ogy has evolved, we’ve seen a shift away from home takes on signs of wear and tear. the ideals of old to a new, healthier, long term, At Ocean View Dental Care, we treat our permanent adult smile. patients who are diagnosed with gum disease It is estimated by the year 2030, twenty with both traditional therapies and laser denpercent of the population in the United States tistry. Laser therapy has a numwill be 65 or older. This growing ber of benefits when fighting off age group is one of many that this chronic condition, including can benefit from the advances reducing the number of bacteria within the field of dentistry, in the gingival pockets, stimulatwhich helps preserve not just ing new blood vessels, collagen a healthy, esthetic smile, but and gum attachment, and contributes to a better overall reducing the amount of bacteria health for our patients.

Dr. Andrew Higgins, that travels into the bloodstream Implant dentistry is one area DDS which may affect patients with of treatment that serves to heart complications or artificial joints. replace single teeth or multiple teeth, comDentistry is an ever-changing field with plete arch restorations, and increased denture continued advances that are making treatment retention. This is a great solution for patients more predictable and comfortable for patients. who wish to have something permanently With longer life spans, it is our job to help placed and stay away from prosthetics such maintain and care for patients in a way that imas dentures and partials. proves the quality of life in their later decades.

A single or multi-tooth implant not only has Everyone deserves the smile they desire a lifespan that can last for decades, they look and a level of health that only adds to their and function just like our natural teeth. quality of life.

For those patients that already have existing denture, many times implants can be added to existing prosthetics to help retain these devices, thus reducing the need for messy adhesives or liners. This increased retention can give many patients more confidence in their prosthesis and help them function at a higher level.

Ocean View Dental Care Another area of concern for many patients 905 Calle Amanecer, Suite 265, San Clemente, is their gingiva or gums. I always explain to 949.388.0780, oceanviewdentist.com my patients that maintaining healthy gums is

Allergic to Everything I was an ER crasher. My throat would close and no Epipen would last long enough. Panic filled my eyes as the anaphylaxis kicked in.

Would I get to the ER in time?

Never was I considered an “allergic” person until then. I was too busy with my buddies, bicycling from my home near the San Clemente pier, past Trestles, through Camp Pendleton to Oceanside and back.

My health was slip slidin’ away. My wife was on chemo at Saddleback, so nothing I had seemed that significant until too many close calls.

Pipelining Starbucks kept me awake. My muscles ached in ways biking didn’t explain. I went from raconteur to withdrawing from my buddies. My eyes would swell shut. More and more classic allergic symptoms crept up.

Off I went to a top local allergist. Filling out his 20-page multiple choice questionnaire,

startled me. I had way too many checkmarks. I met him, and he reviewed it. He was clear that my case was very complex. Too many symptoms. Too many ER visits. Having to stay in hotels when my allergies were crippling at home.

He told me to come back in 3 weeks for skin testing and prescribed more Epipens.

I got to the parking lot of his office. Three weeks? I’d never make it. I had already waited way too long. I sat in my car desperately Googling away.

When I read Dr. Calabrese’s patient reviews, I related because these were patients who are more extreme. They were allergic to many foods, molds, pollens, chemicals. They had failed top academic allergists.

It was late. I drove directly to her office

anyway. She had just left five minutes before.

I scratched out a rather desperate note. We met the next morning. Dr. Calabrese explained more science than I could understand with my contractor background. T helper cells.

Cytokines. Interleukins.

I knew she was spot on in describing how I felt in ways that you would have had to have this problem yourself to understand.

Indeed she had become a terminal asthmatic shortly after completing her seven years of medical training at Columbia College of Physicians and Surgeons.

Dr. Calabrese explained the specialized immunotherapy (shots) that she prepared for each unique patient, which reverses the underlying illness. I stood and thanked her.

She sat me down and said “I need to explain

that coming here is hard work and tedious.” I said, “But you can get me well.” She nodded. I said: “What else matters?”

Dr. Calabrese got me well. My memory and other symptoms are better now than before I ever was sick. I can now eat foods I had been severely allergic to. I’m biking, swimming, BBQing and socializing with the best neighbors ever. And my wife, Robin, is cancer-free.

Gratefully, Roger Blackler Dorothy Calabrese M.D. Allergy & Immunology 2449 South El Camino Real, San Clemente 949.369.6679 enviromed@msn.com Member of the American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology MEDICARE ASSIGNMENT PROVIDER

AGING WELL

for the Young at Heart

MOVING, GROOVING AND LEARNING

South County Senior Centers Provide Wide Variety of Programs, Cla es

G

BY ALEX GROVES

etting older can sometimes be tough it can often mean increased doctor’s office visits, notable financial hurdles and feelings of loneliness. South Orange ounty’s senior centers can be a great resource for aging. They not only give elders a chance to be part of a community but also give them the opportunity to get great nutrition, exercise and educational opportunities. Here’s a look at the senior centers in San lemente, Dana oint and San Juan apistrano and some of the programs they offer.

DOROTHY VISSER SENIOR CENTER IN SAN CLEMENTE The Dorothy isser Senior enter in San lemente offers educational and assistance programs on edicare, Social Security, taxes, technology and even genealogy.

In addition to educational programs, the center has activities designed to benefit visitors’ physical and emotional health.

The center has a gym, the ary and ary West Wellness Fitness ym. eth Apodaca, director of the Dorothy isser Senior enter, said the gym is always monitored to make sure people are exercising properly and no one is injured. embership for the gym is 100 a year.

The center offers bingo games at 1 0 p.m. on Wednesdays with a 12 buy-in for 12 rounds.

There are four cards played for each round.

Apodaca said the senior center is always looking for volunteers for its programs.

She said she encourages anyone who would like to volunteer or learn more about the programs to call the senior center at . 8. 22.

The Dorothy isser Senior enter is located at 11 Avenida ictoria in San lemente.

DANA POINT SENIOR CENTER The Dana oint Senior enter offers edicare counseling, legal consultations, visual consultations, flu shots and also provides transportation to and from the center for residents.

The center provides regular food distribution around 10 a.m. on ondays through the organization Helping Hands Worldwide.

Site director ana urphy said seniors can pick up vegetables, fruits, bread and other ingredients that are donated to the organization from local supermarkets.

The items usually expire that day, so while the stores themselves may not be able to sell them, they can still be used by senior center visitors.

On Fridays around 10 0 a.m., the senior center also receives goods for distribution from Trader Joe’s, ostco and anera.

“It really helps the seniors supplement their income because a lot of their money goes to housing and medicine,” urphy said.

Dana oint’s Senior enter is also always looking for volunteers, urphy said. She encouraged people who would like to visit the senior center to pick up an application, then turn it in.

The Dana oint Senior enter is located at 0 2 Del Obispo in Dana oint.

SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO SENIOR CENTER San Jan apistrano’s Senior enter offers many of the same programs to older adults that the other senior centers do, including computer and technology classes, insurance counseling, tax assistance, free health and safety presentations and a support group for people suffering a loss. The center offers transportation to and from the center for residents.

They also offer many free classes such as hula dancing for beginners, stretch and tone exercises, card games and a “sit fit” chair exercise class.

Heidi Ivanoff, ommunity Services oordinator for the San Juan apistrano Senior enter, said that sit and fit classes are becoming increasingly popular with aging people because they can do beneficial exercises without undertaking the sometimes difficult tasks of standing or getting up from a seated position.

The center will also be partnering with emorial are to purchase a ping pong table as another avenue to keep people active.

The senior center also partners with ostco and Trader Joe’s to receive surplus baked goods, including breads, cookies, pastries, bagels and other items.

Food from Trader Joe’s arrives every onday, beginning at 8 a.m. and ostco items are distributed every Wednesday at 0 a.m. while supplies last. Seniors are asked to take only two packaged items.

The center also receives food for distribution from the federal government’s surplus food program every third Thursday of each month. It receives pallets with vegetables and fruit, peanut butter, pastas, cereals and other staples. eople interested in volunteering for the center can call . . 8.

The San Juan apistrano Senior enter is located 2 2 amino Del Avion.

CONGREGATE MEALS The senior centers in San lemente, Dana oint and San Juan apistrano all offer lunches as part of congregate meal program put together by Lisa ibson, a dietician with Age Well Senior Services.

The lunches are served daily onday through Friday, except for certain holidays.

They usually come with an entr e as well as servings of fruit and vegetables.

For example, one October menu lunch consists of Salisbury steak with onion gravy, a baked potato, russels sprouts, rye bread, and a mandarin, strawberry and banana dessert.

The meals are available to seniors 0 and older a . 0 donation is suggested. However, those who are unable to pay are not turned away.

The meals are not only a way for seniors to get some great nutrition but also a chance for socialization.

Ivanoff said she’s seen many seniors who live at home with younger family members have a chance to interact with people from their own age group.

Sometimes that can take some coaxing.

“Their kids are the ones that are pushing them to get outside the home and have some experiences during the day,” she said.

MEALS ON WHEELS Age Well also coordinates eals on Wheels through the area senior centers. The program has volunteers bring food to the homes of seniors with limited mobility or a lack of transportation.

Deliveries consist of three meals one hot and ready-to-eat meal, a cold meal to eat later in the day and a breakfast meal for the next morning.

There’s a suggested . 0 suggested donation associated with the eals on

Wheels programs at each of the three senior centers. urphy said bringing the meals to the seniors is not just a great way to make sure they get necessary nutrition, but also make sure they are doing okay.

She noted that there are times when a eals on Wheels volunteer might be the only person a senior sees all day “They go out to the home and they are able to see how that client is, and if there are any problems they can notify us,” she said. “We can call the police, or we can call a family member and let them know what is happening with that client.”

EDUCATIONAL CLASSES All three senior centers offer free educational classes through Saddleback College’s meritus Institute. The classes vary at each of the locations.

For fall 2018, the San lemente Senior enter is offering classes in intermediate oil and acrylic painting, beginning watercolor painting, balance and mobility, intermediate chair exercises, yoga fitness and a class on current issues in government.

The Dana oint Senior enter is offering classes in aerobics, art appreciation and issues in government.

The San Juan apistrano ommunity enter offers classes in beginning sketching and a health and wellness class specializing in yoga. eople can take classes at any of the senior centers and are not restricted to the senior center where they live. However, Apodaca notes that there’s an expectation that people take the class for the whole semester.

GETTING OUT

On Stage at The Coach House: Citizen Cope

ON THE MENU

CHICKEN KATSU

Chicken Katsu from Nalu’s. Photo: Eric Heinz DANA POINT TIMES

T

Musician Citizen Cope will be playing The Coach House on Thursday, Oct. 11. Photo: Courtesy of Danny Clinch and Michael Sterling Eaton

BY ALEX GROVES, DANA POINT TIMES

I

t’s been roughly eight years since musician Citizen Cope broke away from major music labels to start his own, and he said he was glad to escape the corporate atmosphere.

Cope in 2010 founded the company Rainwater Recordings and has released two albums under the label, his The Rainwater LP in 2010 and One Lovely Day in 2012.

The albums are not a far venture from what Cope has produced in the past; they’re the same blend of rock, folk, blues and soul that his fans have loved, but he said he feels more in control of the music and its fate than he’s ever been. He said it wasn’t always that way with bigger labels.

“I always tried to take different genres and I never really had a mold, musically, I don’t think…,” Cope said. “So it made it hard for (the record labels), unless they were willing to say, ‘hey this is a great song; let’s go after it,’ and I never really felt that commitment from any of the major companies.”

Cope will bring songs from those recent albums as well as earlier works to The Coach House on Thursday, Oct. 11.

Cope’s original sound comes from living all over the country, including Mississippi, Washington, D.C., Texas and New York.

His musical preferences are as varied as the locations he’s lived. He has been influenced by such bands and artists as Chuck Brown and the Soul Searchers, Stevie Wonder, Sly & The Family Stone, Bob Marley, The Beatles, Boogie Down Productions, A Tribe Called Quest and Outkast. Willie Nelson and Waylon Jennings gave him his penchant for lyricism.

Dana Point Times September 28-October 4

Cope has received much praise over the years, being called Washington D.C.’s “most soulful export since Marvin Gaye”

by The Washington Post. Rolling Stone spoke of the “unexpected flashes of beauty” in his sound.

Despite that, Cope said he doesn’t feel like a “press darling” and said that he has often been misunderstood by the media and been given bad reviews from people that don’t understand him. But none of that matters, he said, as long as he’s making music that both he and his audience enjoy.

“I’m still here and still do well on the road, and the records have done extremely well over time and have been part of people’s lives,” he said. “I think that’s really more of an indication of what you’ve done, is when people will come out and sing your songs or make it part of their lives or their weddings.”

Cope said he is looking forward to playing The Coach House and said in addition to his well-known hits and more recent works, he plans to play some music from his new album Heroin and Helicopters. The album is scheduled for release in March 2019.

“I named it that because Carlos Santana told me to watch out for the two H’s, and I asked him what the two H’s were and he said, ‘heroin and helicopters,’ ” Cope said.

“And I found that to be somewhat of a prophetic statement in terms of the times as well as what kind of ails creative types.”

The doors open for the show at 6 p.m., and it starts at 8 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 11 at The Coach House, located at 33157 Camino Capistrano. Tickets are $40.50 and can be bought by calling 949.496.8930 or online at www.thecoachhouse.com. DP

he latest culinary inspiration from the island state of Hawaii is Nalu’s Fish Grill & Tutu’s Kitchen, located in the Los Mares plaza where the Krikorian theater once operated.

The restaurant has a range of Hawaiian and American-inspired dishes for just about anybody’s palate.

Panko-breaded chicken, originating from Japan, was provided in a traditional display, with a choice of vegetables over a bed of rice.

The chicken’s texture was nicely blended with the shreds of bread and assorted vegetables.

There’s a somewhat indescribable flavor with this style of chicken, one that slips outside

Page 23

the norm, but still—no pun intended—tastes like chicken.

The chicken katsu is probably going to be popular, but it will likely pale in comparison to the diverse poke bowls and fish dishes offered by the grill; however, it’s a nice detour off the beaten path.

Nalu’s opened just weeks ago and has already breathed some new life into the north San Clemente plaza, with the help of incoming chains Jersey Mike’s and Dunkin’ Donuts also having arrived within the last year or so.

Nalu’s Hawaiian Fish Grill & Tutu’s Kitchen 641 Camino De Los Mares, San Clemente 949.877.8577 | www.nalusgrill.com

At the Movies: Blaze Is a Spark for Viewers

BY MEGAN BIANCO, DANA POINT TIMES

M

ovies with musicians as the main subjects seem to be in fashion this season, from the much-awaited fourth remake of A Star is Born in October to the glam-pop drama Vox Lux in December. Before either of those, though, actor Ethan Hawke stepped into the director’s chair to give us one of the best, yet low-key, music biopics and movies in general this year. Blaze is a film so quaint and introspective, it’s not a surprise that it’s being overshadowed by more showy productions.

From the late 1970s to mid-1980s, a local Texas musician known as Blaze Foley (Ben Dickey) and community theatre actress Sybil Rosen (Alia Shawkat) form a loving bond. They first live together in a run-down shack in the middle of the woods, until Sybil convinces Blaze he should take his music on the road. Their relationship

Photo: Courtesy of Sundance Film Festival

begins as sweet and romantic, only to take a turn when Blaze gains some popularity and is influenced in the wrong way.

Blaze is based on the memoir Living in the Woods in a Tree by the real-life Sybil Rosen on her time with the real Blaze Foley. Foley was an obscure local music artist with a small following, here played

by Dickey, a fellow musician, in his first movie. It was a smart move by Hawke to direct primarily indie actors and indie musicians in this personal tale. Dickey and Shawkat naturally flow off each other creatively, and Hawke excels as a director. Even if you’re not familiar with Blaze’s story, it’s somber and bittersweet enough to be appreciated by most music fans. DP

www.danapointtimes.com

DP Dana Point

DP LIVING

PROFILES OF OUR COMMUNITY

GUEST OPINION: On Life and Love after 50 by Tom Blake

It’s Time to Go: Grand Asia & Pacific Cruise

R

eality hit me this week when a FedEx driver came to the front door of our Dana Point home and picked up two suitcases belonging to my life partner, Greta, and two suitcases belonging to me.

Those four suitcases will be waiting for us in our stateroom when we board the MS Amsterdam, a Holland America Line cruise ship, at the San Pedro (Port of Los Angeles) Cruise Terminal this Sunday. Before the FedEx driver arrived, this cruise, which Greta and I signed up for almost a year ago, seemed like a dream far into the future.

As seniors, we’ve cruised before. Our philosophy is to travel as often as we can, while we are physically able to do so.

We’ve been on three 30-day cruises and several shorter ones as well. Why is this cruise any different than previous ones we’ve taken?

This cruise is called the Grand Asia & Pacific Voyage. It’s duration: 82 days!

That’s two seniors living 82 days in a 297 square-feet stateroom.

People say to us: “Are you nuts?” And in the understatement of the year, they also say, “That’s a long time to be together.”

It appealed to us because there was no flying to get to the departure port or to return home. San Pedro is less than an hour from Dana Point.

For a cruise of 82 days, Holland America dangled quite a few perks, enticing people to sign up. Picking up the luggage ahead of time was one of the perks.

Greta and I are truly blessed in retirement to be able to travel to distant lands. We do not take that for granted. We realize there will come a day when we can’t. And we also realize that not all seniors can take a trip like this.

Many seniors tell me they enjoy traveling with us vicariously.

It seems events occur beforehand that make us think twice about going. In 2004, we were going to Madrid to take a train from the Atocha Train Station to visit other cities in Spain. Ten days before we were to board the train, Al-Qaeda had bombed Atocha in protest of Spain’s involvement in the Iraq War. I asked my newspaper readers if we should cancel.

The overwhelming response: if you cancel, you allow the terrorists to win. We went, but traveled by car instead.

Three years ago, we were going to France. The terrorists killed many people in Nice on a boulevard where Greta and I had walked a couple of years before.

Two years ago, same thing happened in Brussels, Belgium. A few days before we left the USA, terrorists attacked there. We were Dana Point Times September 28-October 4, 2018

scheduled to be on a train from Dusseldorf to Paris, passing through and stopping in Brussels. Again, we decided to go. And we did ride the train through Brussels.

Our itinerary includes eight stops in Japanese ports. On July 30, typhoon Jongdari hit Japan; thousands had to be evacuated. Then, on Sept. 5, typhoon Jebi hit Western Japan, including Kobe, where the ship is ON LIFE AND scheduled to stop.

LOVE AFTER 50 On Sept. 7, a 7.8

By Tom Blake magnitude earthquake struck Fiji, where our ship is scheduled to make two stops. Fiji is also on the Pacific Ring of Fire.

The same day, another earthquake, 6.7, struck Hokkaido Island, triggering a massive rescue effort.

So, yes, there are things to think about.

But, now that the luggage is on its way to the ship, we’re not turning back.

We will be stopping at 33 ports and cities, including Tokyo, Hong Kong, Beijing, Shanghai, Singapore, Cairns, Darwin, Sydney and even a place called Honolulu (on the return). Besides Japan and Indonesia, we will stop in Russia, China, Vietnam, Australia and many smaller countries. We had to get visas for those countries.

Greta and I usually go ashore and explore ports on our own. However, one ship’s tour we’ve scheduled is a day-trip to the Great Wall of China.

The Dana Point Times has asked me to send in some columns about the trip. And, somewhat tongue-in-cheek, the publication’s business manager suggested the final article be on how to hang in there with your partner for 82 days and still be walking down the gangway hand-in-hand when disembarking.

Wish us well. Your thoughts will help us complete our journey safely. It’s time to go.

Tom Blake is a Dana Point resident and a former Dana Point businessman who has authored several books on middle-aged dating.

See his websites www.findingloveafter50.com; www.vicsta.com and www.travelafter55.com.

To receive Tom’s weekly online newsletter, sign up at www.findingloveafter50.com.

Email: tompblake@gmail.com. DP PLEASE NOTE: In an effort to provide our readers with a wide variety of opinions from our community, Dana Point Times provides Guest Opinion opportunities in which selected columnists’ opinions are shared. The opinions expressed in these columns are entirely those of the columnist alone and do not reflect those of the Dana Point Times or Picket Fence Media. If you would like to respond to this column, please email us at editorial@danapointtimes.com

Photo: Courtesy of the Orange County Library Archives

FROM THE ARCHIVES Niguel Theater, Monarch Bay Plaza, Dana Point, 1967.

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 editorial@danapointtimes.com.

Pet of the Week: Dory DANA POINT TIMES

E Dory. Photo: Courtesy of the San Clemente/Dana Point Animal Shelter

leven-month-old Dory is a happy little cutie with a mellow disposition. Her favorite activities include birdwatching and sunbathing.

Dory would make a great companion for just about anyone and would do well with another friendly cat.

If you would like to know more about Dory, call the San Clemente/Dana Point Animal Shelter at 949.492.1617, or visit with her at 221 Avenida Fabricante, San Clemente. DP

Sudoku

BY MYLES MELLOR

Each Sudoku puzzle consists of a 9x9 grid that has been subdivided into nine smaller grids of 3x3 squares. To solve the puzzle, each row, column and box must contain each of the numbers 1 to 9. Puzzles come in three grades: easy, medium and difficult. Level: Medium Last week’s solution:

Page 24

See the solution in next week’s issue.

www.danapointtimes.com

CLASSIFIEDS Submit your classified ad online at www.danapointtimes.com

DP BUSINESS DIRECTORY

DSaan n Cl a em Poenintet

GARAGE SALES GARAGE SALE! Home Decor, Furniture and MUCH more…

Saturday, Sept 29th starting @ 7:00 AM 308 Avenida Santa Barbara, San Clemente

HELP WANTED MANUFACTURING WAREHOUSE WORKERS We have immediate openings for Warehouse workers in a fast pace manufacturing environment.

REQUIREMENTS: Manufacturing or Production Experience. Picking and packing experience a plus.

Some lifting and carrying required. Ability to work with little supervision. Ability to work in a fast pace environment. Dependable, excellent attendance.

M-F 7:00 am to 3:30 pm. BENEFITS OFFERED: Medical • Dental & Vision • Paid Holidays • Paid Time Off. APPLY IN PERSON- NO CALLS. 1131 VIA CALLEJON, SAN CLEMENTE, CA 92673

LEGAL NOTICES NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that on November 9, 2018, at 9:00 a.m. , or as soon thereafter as the matter may be heard, in Department C14 of the Orange County Superior Court – Central Justice Center, located at 700 Civic Center Drive West, Santa Ana, CA 92701, Petitioner Norb Garrett intends to apply for an order, pursuant to California Government Code §§ 6008 and 6020, declaring San Clemente Times to be a newspaper of general circulation for the City of San Clemente and County of Orange, State of California.

ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME Case Number 30-2018-01015176 CU-PT-CJC To all interested persons: Madelaine Leigh Weber on behalf of Paisley Jo Buckner, a minor, filed a petition with this court for a decree changing names as follows: PRESENT NAME: Paisley Jo Buckner PROPOSED NAME: Paisley Jo Weber This court orders that all interested in this matter appear before this court at the hearing indicated below to show cause, if any, why the petition for change of name should not be granted. Any person objecting to the name changes described above must file a written objection that includes the reasons for the objection at least two court days before the matter is scheduled to be heard and must appear at the hearing to show cause why the petition should not be granted. If no written objection is timely filed, the court may grant the petition without a hearing.

NOTICE OF HEARING Date: 10-16-2018 Time: 8:30 am Dept: D100 Window: 44 The address of the Superior Court of California, Count of Orange, is 700 Civic Center Drive West, Santa Ana, CA 92701. A copy of this Order to Show Cause shall be published at least once each week for four successive weeks prior to the date set for hearing of the petition in following newspaper of general circulation, printed in this county: Dana Point News, Dana Point Times, Date: Aug 20, 2018 Judge Robert J. Moss, Judge of the Superior Court, Publish: Dana Point Times, Sep 21, 28, Oct 5, Oct 12

Do you want to reach 10,000+ people in the Dana Point area every week?

Then you need to be in the Dana Point Times. Call us today!

949.388.7700 ext. 102 Dana Point Times September 28-October 4, 2018

Page 25

www.danapointtimes.com

DP LIVING

Photo: Courtesy

Business Beat News from Dana Point’s business community DANA POINT TIMES

New Business

LOCALS ONLY

BUSINESS LISTINGS ADDICTION RECOVERY TREATMENT

Body Mind Spirit Intensive Outpatient Program

665 Camino De Los Mares, Ste. 104, San Clemente, 949.485.4979, info@bodymindspiritiop.com, www.bodymindspiritiop.com

AUTO REPAIR

Dana Point Auto

34342 Coast Hwy., Unit B, 949.496.1086

CAFE - DELI

Coffee Importers Espresso Bar

34531 Golden Lantern, 949.493.7773, www.coffeeimporters.com

COFFEE SHOP

Coffee Importers Espresso Bar

34531 Golden Lantern, 949.493.7773, www.coffeeimporters.com

ICE CREAM

Coffee Importers Scoop Deck

34531 Golden Lantern, 949.493.7773, www.coffeeimporters.com

INSURANCE SERVICES

State Farm/Ted Bowersox

34085 Pacific Coast Hwy., Ste. 204, 949.661.3200, www.tedbowersox.com

State Farm/Elaine LaVine

34080 Golden Lantern, 949.240.8944, www.elainelavine.net

MUSIC INSTRUCTION

Danman’s Music School

24699 Del Prado, 949.496.6556, www.danmans.com

PLUMBING

A to Z Leak Detection

1001 Calle Recodo, San Clemente, 949.481.7013, www.atozleakdetection.com

Bill Metzger Plumbing

1001 Calle Recodo, San Clemente, 949.492.3558, www.billmetzerplumbing.com

SCHOOLS

Capistrano Valley Christian Schools 949.493.5683, 32032 Del Obispo Street, www.cvcs.org

SPECIALTY BEAUTY

Belant Studio

Monarch Bay Plaza, 949.520.1771, www.belantstudio.com

Patricia Powers

24551 Del Prado, Ste. 364, 949.496.1900, pat.powers@cox.net

Want to be featured here?

Email lloynes@picketfencemedia.com for pricing.

BEAR COAST COFFEE – DANA POINT 34053 La Plaza #103, Dana Point Hours: 6 a.m. - 6 p.m. www.bearcoastcoffee.com.

Bear Coast Coffee, a staple in San Clemente since 2014, recently opened its second location and is now serving the residents and visitors of Dana Point.

Over the last few years, Bear Coast Founder Jeff Clinard has built a cult-like following of morning java addicts and afternoon coffee connoisseurs with his coastal coffee shop across from the San Clemente Pier. Priding itself on its warm, welcoming and energetic staff, the San Clemente-based shop has made its mark on Clinard’s South Orange County hometown and become a staple of the community.

However, since the opening of the standalone San Clemente-based café in May of 2016, Clinard has been dreaming of a second location, where a cup of coffee could start a customer’s day in a positive way.

“At Bear Coast, we don’t just want to be the best cup of coffee,” Clinard said. “We really are focused on creating the best place to drink that cup of coffee.”

The Dana Point location offers exactly what the San Clemente location is lacking: space. The 700 square-foot establishment is not only a larger indoor footprint but also offers patio outdoor seating, something its San Clemente location is lacking due to limited space. When searching for the perfect sister location, Clinard said he took customer feedback and wishes into great account, and space was one of them.

The menu is consistent, simple and reliable, with Dana Point’s location also Page 26

offering quality pastries from Rye Goods, loaded avocado toast, breakfast bowls and gourmet bagels.

“I’d honestly call our new loaded avocado toast a piece of Spanish modern art,” Clinard said, laughing.

Clinard also noted he is making an active effort to involve local and regional vendors from the famed Dana Point Farmers Market—held across from his new location on the La Plaza lawn—on the Bear Coast menu.

For instance, surprised by the foot-traffic during their soft opening on Sept. 22, Clinard said he began making those local connections by ad-libbing with the local Farmers Market.

“When one of the staff came out asking, ‘Jeff, we’re out of bread! What do we do?’ All I could do was laugh, and point,” Clinard said, laughing again while sitting outside on his new La Plaza patio. “ ‘I’d say go get some bread.’ ” Also new and exciting is the focus on the Bear Cub Menu. In an effort to support the growing community of parent customers, and as a father of two himself, Clinard says he is fully committed to children’s food and beverage offerings.

Philanthropy and sustainability will continue to be a major focus as Bear Coast is committed to the natural environment of South Orange County, particularly of coastal cities such as San Clemente and Dana Point.

All Bear Coast-branded bags and plastics are compostable with the lids being composed of corn oil-based materials. The goal is to work closely with organizations to help offset carbon footprint, making responsible eco choices to be carbon-neutral when possible Clinard hopes that the residents of Dana Point embrace this coffee lifestyle and accept the new establishment as one of their own.

Bear Coast-Dana Point will be holding a grand opening celebration on Saturday, Sept.

28. Customers that arrive wearing Bear Coast clothing or paraphernalia will receive discounts. Clinard encouraged checking in on Bear Coast’s various social media platforms for additional special offerings. DP www.danapointtimes.com

DP SPORTS & OUTDOORS Dana Point

STORIES, SCORES, SCHEDULES AND MORE

Dana Wharf Fish Count Schools of bonito arrive in local waters

BY ZACH CAVANAGH, DANA POINT TIMES

B

onito have swarmed in locally, and offshore, signs of dorado and a taste of yellowfin highlight the latest from Dana Wharf Sportfishing & Whale Watching.

In his weekly report, Captain Brian Woolley said schools of bonito filled in the half-day and three-quarter zones between Salt Creek and Laguna Beach. Anglers were getting great flyline action on healthy

live bait to pull in some four- to eightpound bonito.

A couple of cooler days and wind brought the water down to 68 degrees, but the calico bass fishing is still there to be had on the same trips catching bonito.

Offshore, boats continued to pull in dorado off the kelp beds. The longer trips were also pulling in skipjack in the same area, as well as a quick hit of yellowfin.

The Fury battled a windy two-day trip to bring home a haul of yellowtail and a couple of bluefin that each weighed in at around 50 lbs.

Sept. 25 • 3 boats, 76 anglers: 43 bonito, 7 calico bass, 3 sand bass, 1 sheephead, 1 whitefish, 82 bass released Sept. 24 • 4 boats, 115 anglers: 1 yellowtail, 442 bonito, 17 calico bass, 16 sand bass, 3 sheephead, 5 whitefish, 3 blue perch Sept. 23 • 8 boats, 217 anglers: 2 Bluefin Tuna, 36 yellowtail, 163 bonito, 84 calico bass, 7 sand bass, 28 sheephead, 117 whitefish, 20 rockfish, 1 blue perch, 20 mackerel, 179 bass released

Here is the latest fish count from Dana Wharf Sportfishing & Whale Watching:

Sept. 22 • 7 boats, 197 anglers: 251 bonito, 39 calico bass, 4 sand bass, 3 whitefish, 222 bass released

Sept. 26 • 6 boats, 111 anglers: 40 skipjack tuna, 16 yellowtail, 2 calico bass, 15 sheephead, 126 whitefish, 141 rockfish, 150 vermilion rockfish, 25 bocaccio, 40 bonito, 2 halibut, 83 bass released

Sept. 21 • 8 boats, 155 anglers: 96 calico bass, 18 sand bass, 19 sheephead, 18 whitefish, 9 rockfish, 1 barracuda, 5 bonito, 15 yellowtail, 21 dorado, 31 skipjack, 2 blue perch, 1 opal eye perch, 362 bass released

Dolphin Report

league win last season when the Dolphins shut out the Hawks, 10-0, in the league opener.

Cross Country Boys Win Home Invitational

BY ZACH CAVANAGH, DANA POINT TIMES

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

Volleyball Wins La Jolla Coastal Classic Dana Hills girls volleyball bounced back from an opening-match loss in pool play to sweep its way to the gold bracket championship in the La Jolla Coastal Classic tournament on Saturday, Sept. 22.

The Dolphins (21-4) lost their opener to Point Loma, 25-21, 17-25, 15-12, but posted two-set sweeps in the following six matches, including the final over South County rival San Clemente, 25-20, 25-18.

Dana Hills beat Palo Verde of Las Vegas and Ramona in the gold bracket playoffs to advance to the final.

Dana Hills now enters the second half of its South Coast League slate. The Dolphins split their first four matchups with sweep wins over Trabuco Hills and El Toro, a four-set loss to Aliso Niguel and a riveting five-set loss to reigning league champion San Juan Hills.

Dana Hills hosted Aliso Niguel on Thursday, Sept. 27, but results were not Dana Point Times September 28-October 4, 2018

A catch of yellowfin last week from aboard Sum Fun with Captain Shane Mansur. Photo Courtesy

Dana Hills football enters Sea View League play in what could be a safe haven at Laguna Hills on Friday. The Dolphins last win in league came over Laguna Hills last season in a shutout. Photo: Alan Gibby/Zone 57

available at press time. The Dolphins travel to Trabuco Hills on Monday, Oct. 1 and host El Toro on Wednesday, Oct. 3.

Football Enters Sea View League Play Dana Hills football could be entering a safe haven with its Sea View League opener at Laguna Hills on Friday, Sept. 28.

After a 2-1 start, the Dolphins have lost three in a row, scored a combined 17 points and are coming off a shutout at home against Ocean View.

However, Dana Hills (2-4) will be happy to see Laguna Hills (1-4). The Hawks have lost back-to-back games by a combined score of 88-10. Laguna Hills’ last win was a 17-6 squeaker over 1-5 Saddleback Valley Christian.

Laguna Hills was also Dana Hills’ only

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Dana Hills boys cross country defended their home turf on Saturday, Sept. 22 to win the senior/invitational and overall team titles at the Dana Hills Cross Country Invitational.

Senior Simon Fuller set the pace for the Dolphins with the event’s top time, 14:27.9, and first place in the Division 1 senior/invitational race. Junior Carrick Denker took ninth at 14:52.5, senior Hayden Stein finished 11th with a personal-record 14:54.1, and senior Garrett Hough finished right behind in 12th with a personalrecord 15:00.2.

As a team, the boys beat out Great Oak for the Division 1 senior/invitational team title, 43-85, and for the overall team title, 48-101.

On the girls side, the Dolphins finished third in the Division 1 senior/invitational team standings with 90 points. El Toro took the title with 49 points, and Great Oak finished second with 51 points.

Senior Sarah Meng led Dana Hills in 15th place at 17:56.2, and Marisa Gaitan finished in stride with Meng in 16th at 17:56.5.

The Dolphins will run next at the Central Park Invitational in Huntington Beach and at the site of November’s state championships at the Clovis Invitational in Fresno. Both races are on Oct. 6. DP www.danapointtimes.com

DP DP SURF Dana Point

SCOOP ON THE LOCAL SURF COMMUNITY

One-Two Punch

El Niño Expected to Return for 2018-2019 Winter

Samantha Sibley gets her first WSL victory, Kirra Pinkerton claims North America Pro Junior title

BY JAKE HOWARD, DANA POINT TIMES

I

t wasn’t a big weekend for surf, but it was a big weekend for inspired performances, as San Clemente’s Samantha Sibley earned her first World Surf League (WSL) victory at the inaugural RVCA Pro Junior in Newport Beach.

Facing fellow Lowers regular Kirra Pinkerton as well as Tiare Thompson and Makena Burke in the final, Sibley was sitting in fourth place with only 3 minutes left on the clock when she dug deep and found the wave she needed. Ripping her way to the inside, the judges awarded her a 7.43 for the effort to shoot from last to first and win the contest.

“It’s so insane, and I’m so excited to have this extra opportunity here, and I can’t believe it,” said Sibley said afterward.

“I’ve been working hard, and I’m glad to see it paid off like this. The waves were so fun, and the girls were surfing so well, this means a lot to me.”

Ultimately, Pinkerton finished runner-up, and while Sibley stopped her from winning three consecutive contests, Pinkerton’s second-place finish helped her clinch the women’s WSL North American Junior title.

“I’m so stoked for Sam; she worked

What is it? How does it happen?

What does it mean?

BY DANIEL RITZ, DANA POINT TIMES

N

Samantha Sibley nailing a buzzer-beating wave at the RVCA Pro Junior in Newport Beach to win her first WSL contest. Photo: WL

really hard for it, and we’ve both surfed here a lot growing up, so it’s great to see this event happen at the pro junior level,” Pinkerton said. “I’ll just have to focus on putting two waves together in a heat and work on wave selection in the next one.”

The next North America Pro Junior contest will be the Live Like Zander Junior Pro in Memory of Zander Venezia at Soup Bowl in Bathsheba, Barbados, from Nov. 6-11. Pinkerton doesn’t have to go to hold onto her title, but she may show up just for the experience.

“Knowing I got the title here feels so good, and I might still do Barbados anyway, but now I don’t have to wait to the last minute of a heat of the last contest, which is amazing,” said Pinkerton. “This year has been so crazy good, and I’m just so thankful. All these events are super fun, but they’re so hard, and this is the best feeling ever.”

On the men’s side, Tyler Gunter came away with the win, while San Clemente’s Cole Houshmand finished third. DP

OAA’s Climate Prediction Center (CPC) and the International Research Institute for Climate and Society (IRI) are calling for El Niño conditions to develop this fall or winter in the Northern Hemisphere.

Though currently ENSO-neutral, the next few months remain under an El Niño Watch, indicating conditions are favorable for El Niño over the next six months with 60 percent odds of occurrence from September-November and 70 percent odds later in the 2018-19 winter.

El Niño is a periodic natural warming of ocean water in the tropical Pacific that impacts weather in the U.S. and around

Although an El Niño year seems likely, no one can be quite sure what that will mean for winter surfing hotspots like Salt Creek. Photo: File

share that happiness with me.”

Family roots run deep for Baker. Her father perched her on the nose of his board when she was only 2 years old. By the time she was 7 she was stalking the lineup at Doheny all by herself.

“I look up to my dad and my aunt and uncle, Diina and Darren Eudaly. They have so much wisdom about surfing and they always support me,” she said. “They are all so good at surfing, and when I’m older I want to be like them, especially Diina because she was a pro surfer and is really inspiring to me.”

As far as plans for the future? The surfstoked 12-year-old wants to see, and surf, the world as she gets older.

“When I grow up, I want to be a pro surfer and inspire other young girls to go for their dreams,” Baker said. “I love the ocean very much, so I may also be a marine biologist and study the sea.” DP

GROM OF THE WEEK

RILYNN BAKER

BY JAKE HOWARD, DANA POINT TIMES

G

rom on a log. This week we’re shining some light on the beautiful surfing of Dana Point’s Rilynn Baker and her elegant act both in and out of the water.

Gliding through recent longboard competitions, she earned herself a third-place finish up in Malibu in July, a second-place at Oceanside in August, and finally, a breakout win at the 29th Annual Dale Velzy Memorial Classic at Doheny a couple of weeks ago.

“What I love about surfing is the fun you have while combining tricks and being graceful at the same time,” Baker said. “It just fills me with happiness every time. I’m in the water and I just love all the people who Dana Point Times September 28-October 4, 2018

the world.

El Niño conditions are typically associated with strong weather conditions in the eastern Pacific, including heavy rains and thunderstorms.

“But what does it mean for the surf?” you may ask.

As far as waves are concerned in the Pacific Northwest (Mexico to Western Canada), El Niño means there is a higher risk of a breakdown in the Eastern Pacific high-pressure system, which will totally expose Southern and Central California to Northern Pacific winter swells.

Additionally, El Niño also causes warm waters to strengthen the storms that generate powerful swells. Finally, the jet stream usually faces southward, sending all the storm and swell energy to the California coast.

Though an El Niño year doesn’t necessarily promise amazing surf, it increases the possibility for larger swells. Sounds good to us! DP

Rilynn Baker. Photo: Courtesy of Ridge BenBen

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