May 27, 2022

MAY 27-JUNE 2, 2022 | VOLUME 15, ISSUE 21

L O C A L

N E W S

Y O U

C A N

INSIDE: Special Section

U S E

E-Bike Education Municipalities Emphasize Education-First Approach to Electric Bicycles E Y E O N D P / PAG E 6

As electric bikes rise in popularity, the Orange County Sheriff’s Department, school resource officers, and cities are emphasizing an education-first approach to addressing reckless ridership. Photo: Jacqueline Garrett

danapointtimes.com

Girl Scouts Break Ground on Tot-Lot at Sea Canyon Park

License Plate Reader Cameras to Be Installed in Dana Point

Dawson, Markow Advance to State Track Meet

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SPORTS/PAGE 24

Dana Point Times May 27-June 2, 2022

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EYE ON DP

Girl Scouts of Troop 7574 celebrate their efforts to give younger kids a better place to play by breaking ground on the soon-to-be renovated tot-lot at Sea Canyon Park on May 18. Photo: Breeana Greenberg

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TOP NEWS DANA POINT SHOULD KNOW THIS WEEK

Girl Scouts Break Ground on Tot-Lot at Sea Canyon Park

BY BREEANA GREENBERG

Equipped with plastic, golden shovels, the Girl Scouts of Troop 7574 broke ground on the soon-to-be renovated totlot at Sea Canyon Park on May 18.

The park’s renovation is a culmination of Troop 7574’s efforts to give younger kids in Dana Point a better place to play, in partnership with the city’s Department of General Services.

Troop 7574 is made up of both Brownie and Junior Troops. Brownies are generally in second or third grade, and Junior Scouts are girls in fourth or fifth grade.

At the groundbreaking ceremony, the girls received a patch from the City of Dana Point, their Democracy for Brownies Badge, and their Bronze Award. Mayor Joe Muller spoke at the groundbreaking ceremony, congratulating the troop on their efforts at Sea Canyon Park.

“I want to congratulate Troop 7574 today on this big event,” Muller said.“They’re getting the Bronze Award today. That’s the highest award that a Girl Scouts Junior Troop can achieve, and they did that through a multi-level process.”

When the girls took on the Sea Canyon Park tot-lot project, they had been working toward their Bronze Award—given Dana Point Times May 27-June 2, 2022

to Junior Scouts, celebrating the culmination of their Junior Journey. To earn the Bronze Award, scouts must act on a project as a group to make a difference in the community, Troop 7574 co-leader Cambria Price explained.

The first project the troop took on was adopting a family for the holidays. The troop found families in need through Family Assistance Ministries and used their earnings from selling Girl Scout Cookies to help buy clothes and other household goods.

Then, the troop decided to write Valentine’s Day cards for the city’s seniors, completing another requirement of the Bronze Award. The troop had been in the process of writing cards when they learned that the park they often used for meetings and Scout celebrations had closed.

“As they were writing, they were like, ‘Hey, can we write cards for the park?’”

Troop 7574 co-leader Kayli Berutich said.

They used the extra construction paper, glitter and stickers to write letters to the Dana Point Department of General Services with suggestions for renovating the space. The tot-lot at Sea Canyon Park had been closed since last December after broken glass was found in the sand.

“They started writing cards about what they would like to see at the park placed in that area,” Berutich said. “They were worried that it would just be covered with a rubber top or cement and that the toddlers wouldn’t have an area to play.”

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The Girl Scouts Troop used the closed park as an opportunity to take on a new project to help the younger kids in Dana Point and work toward their Bronze Award in the process.

“So, they sent us letters on construction paper, lots of glitter that’s still on my desk right now,” Director of General Services James Shadle said at the groundbreaking ceremony. “It’s everywhere.”

Shadle, whose son was a Boy Scout, had some experience with Scouts, and thought it would be a perfect opportunity for the Brownie and Junior Scouts to earn the Democracy for Brownies Badge.

“They sent us letters, to give us some design ideas, and I thought,‘You know what, let’s host a Girl Scouts meeting, bring them in, and let’s talk to them about what they want to see in the park,’” Shadle said.

One of the requirements to earn the Democracy Badge is for Girl Scouts to talk with city leadership and learn how a city is run. The city set up a panel with the city manager, assistant city manager, public works director, the community development director, the police chief, the fire chief, and Shadle. The girls got to sit behind the dais and pose questions to the panel.

“They were very excited,” Berutich said.

“They thought it was so neat to be able to talk in the microphones and use their voices.”

Some of the girls were shy and afraid to speak in front of City Council, Price said, but they grew more confident during this project.

“To see that evolution of them being able to now use their voices and not being afraid to stand up and say what they feel, it’s been pretty amazing,” Price said. “We’ve seen some of the girls that are pretty quiet and introverted. Through this, they

have really made a change in themselves which, that’s Girl Scouts, that’s kind of what we wanted to see, too.”

Ahead of the meeting, Shadle reached out to playground equipment companies and asked for design proposals, using the Girl Scout letters as a reference. The city received six different designs, which the Brownie and Junior Scouts had the opportunity to vote on during their meeting.

“The city was so amazing,” Berutich said. “It makes me really proud to live in Dana Point, the way they have just taken this and how it’s just blown up.”

Troop leaders Berutich and Price asked the girls what their favorite aspect was of the process, working with the city to renovate the park.

“They were like, ‘It was knowing that our voices count and knowing that we can actually make a difference,’” Berutich said. “The moms were about to cry, they were so proud of their kids.”

“I think there’s a lot of lessons learned throughout the whole process,” Berutich added. “The partnership was wonderful and the girls have had exposure to just so many elements throughout this whole entire thing.”

At the groundbreaking ceremony, Junior Scout Ella Small said she was excited to be able to help younger kids in the community.

“I learned that it doesn’t matter if you get anything back, it’s still good to help people,” Ella said. “It just feels really amazing to know we made a difference.”

Junior Scout Lola Berutich agreed, adding that it was cool to get to choose what the city put in the park for little kids.

“Well, we have a park to play on, and I think it’s important that they get somewhere to play on, too,” Lola said.

Reflecting on the lessons learned throughout the project, together the troop wrote, “We learned to take action with our hearts and voices, to be brave and courageous, to work together to make a difference in our community.”

Shadle explained that construction on the park might take longer than usual because of shipping delays.

“We did order the playground system; it’s been ordered and being constructed right now,” Shadle said. “The first thing you’re going to see tomorrow, there will be a construction crew here removing these boulders. The boulders will go first, and then they’ll spend a couple of days taking the sand out and preparing the ground for the playground itself.”

Once the sand and boulders are removed, a fence will go back up around the lot until the playground gets delivered in August.

“Then, once the playground is in, they put what’s called ‘Pour-in-Place’; it’s almost like a liquid. It comes out as a liquid, but then it hardens up, and it’s that squishy stuff that you play on,” Shadle explained. “Then we’ll open it back up, and we’ll be ready to go.” danapointtimes.com

EYE ON DP

License Plate Reader Cameras to Be Installed in Dana Point

Monteleone added that these cameras could have provided an assist in the search for Noah Clare, the missing Tennessee boy, and his teen cousin, Amber Clare, last November.

“The Flock system can help locate license plates associated with AMBER Alerts,” Monteleone wrote in an email.

“Yes, it could’ve helped with the Noah and Amber Clare incident. They did, however, abandon their vehicle.”

The cameras are solar-powered, and data is encrypted and will be stored for up to a year. The data can also be shared across cities that contract with the Orange County Sheriff’s Department.

Huntington Beach, Laguna Beach, Seal Beach, Buena Park and Fullerton have all implemented an automated license plate reading system with Flock Safety, according to the city’s staff report, though they do not contract with OCSD. Stanton and Laguna Hills, which both contract with OCSD, currently use the ALPR program, with Lake Forest and Laguna Niguel in the process of installing the system as well, according to Monteleone.

According to the staff report, “the ALPR cameras would be positioned to capture the Objective data available through an image of the rear of the ve-

hicle only and not data or images of the occupant(s) of the vehicle.”

The cameras capture still images only and can only be accessed by trained OCSD personnel. The process to access data is “controlled and documented,” according to the staff report.

“It’s an investigative tool for us to use to solve crimes,” Monteleone said. “It’s not a database that is owned by Flock.

This information is strictly owned by the City of Dana Point.”

“The only people that can access this are staff members that are properly trained, that work for the Orange County Sheriff’s Department,” Monteleone continued.“Flock doesn’t own the information.

It is strictly a photograph that’s taken of either the front or back of the vehicle.”

The system does not connect with the California Department of Motor Vehicles or any third-party database, according to the staff report.

License plates captured by the ALPR system would be referenced against the Stolen Vehicle System list from the California Department of Justice and the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, and it would notify law enforcement for stolen vehicles, felony vehicles, and AMBER Alerts.

The sheriff’s department has a strict

policy regulating who can use the ALPR data, Monteleone stressed. Policy 463 regulates who has access to the data and how the information can be used.

“The only people that are allowed to use it are sworn personnel with the sheriff’s department,” Monteleone said. “You have to be properly trained; the tools that it’s used for, it’s only used for law enforcement business. We’re not going to be using it for expired tags or parking tickets.

It’s for stolen vehicles, major crimes, missing persons, things of that nature.”

Monteleone added that the ALPR data can be used “in conjunction with routine patrol operation for criminal investigations,” and reasonable suspicion or probable cause is not required before using the system.

Mayor Joe Muller asked how the ALPR system is different from the city-owned cameras currently operating throughout Dana Point. Monteleone answered that while existing cameras run video nonstop, the ALPR takes only still photos of the vehicle.

Muller clarified with Monteleone what data is captured and whether that data raises privacy concerns.

“All that data is just purely the backside of the car, (and) there’s no pictures of the passengers inside of it?” Muller asked. “So, we don’t really have privacy issues … we want to be able to track vehicles as they move throughout the city in case they’re involved in some issue.”

According to the staff report, the effectiveness of the placement of the initial 15 cameras will be evaluated after the first phase of the program is complete.

The contract allows for an additional 10 cameras to be installed if the evaluation deems Phase 1 a success and that additional cameras would improve the program. If results of Phase 1 are unsatisfactory, council can discontinue the program.

“This is an annual contract, right?

Should something go wrong with this, or we decide we don’t like either the way it’s managed, or the way it’s working, we can walk away from this, right?” Councilmember Jamey Federico asked.

Cameras will be installed throughout the city in six to eight weeks, Monteleone said.

Collins explained that the decision to close was made because he felt Waterman’s could not offer the same quality of service during the construction and revitalization process of the Dana Point Harbor.

“After evaluating our options and the impact the Harbor renovations would have on our staff, guests, business, and vendors, we felt the best solution was to accept the offer from the Marina developers to terminate our lease,” Collins

wrote.

In a separate media release, the Dana Point Harbor Partners wrote that it “had planned for Waterman’s to remain in the Revitalized Harbor, however, understand the decision. DPHP wishes the Collins family all the best and encourages the community to patronize their local bars.”

Collins also owns Sunsets Cap Beach and Stillwater Spirits & Sounds, and is currently developing a Mexican restau-

rant elsewhere in Dana Point.

“We are closing our doors in the Dana Point Harbor, but we will not be leaving the Dana Point community,” Collins said in the announcement. “We plan to open additional restaurants where we own the buildings to provide greater control over our destiny.”

While the new Mexican restaurant is still in development, Collins wrote that he will “provide additional information as we solidify our plans.”

BY BREEANA GREENBERG

To aid in public-safety efforts, the City of Dana Point will install automated license plate readers across the town that can identify stolen vehicles and automobiles involved in major crimes and AMBER Alerts.

The City Council voted unanimously on May 17 to approve a contract with Flock Safety for the installation and maintenance of the automated license plate readers (ALPR). The readers will be mounted at intersections across the city.

“Public safety is a key priority of this council and the community, that comes back every time we do a community survey,” Assistant City Manager Kelly Reenders said. “It’s been top of mind for all of our residents to have a safe environment to enhance and maintain public safety, and using innovations in technology to aid law enforcement and proactive crime prevention is important.”

If a stolen vehicle license is captured by the ALPR in Dana Point, police services would get a notification informing them of the stolen vehicle.

“It’s a tool that’s going to be invaluable for investigative purposes,” said Lt. Kirsten Monteleone, chief of Dana Point Police Services. “A couple of weeks ago, we had a stolen vehicle that was located in Baby Beach.”

By her own estimates, Monteleone said that about 90% of the stolen vehicles that come to Dana Point “are here to conduct vehicle burglaries, residential burglaries—things of that nature—or robberies.”

In the event of a crime, the police services can use the ALPR database to look for vehicles in the vicinity of the crime scene, Monteleone said.

“Let’s say, we have a crime that occurs in Dana Point and we don’t even have a license plate related to this vehicle—we have a truck with some ominous sticker on the back; we can actually enter that into the search database, and then it could pick out possible vehicles,” she explained.

Waterman’s to Close on June 1

BY BREEANA GREENBERG

After eight years in the Dana Point Harbor, Waterman’s Harbor will be closing its doors on June 1. Managing Partner Damian Collins announced on the restaurant’s website this week that Waterman’s will be terminating the lease at the end of the month.

Dana Point Times May 27-June 2, 2022

The Dana Point City Council voted this month to approve the citywide installation of automated license plate readers that can identify stolen vehicles and automobiles involved in major crimes and AMBER Alerts. Photo: Chelsie Rex

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Municipalities Emphasize Education-First Approach to E-Bikes

BY BREEANA GREENBERG, DANA POINT TIMES

A

s electric bikes rise in popularity, local state and city leaders, the Orange County Sheriff’s Department, along with school resource officers, are emphasizing an education-first approach to addressing community concerns of reckless ridership.

Assemblymember Laurie Davies, for instance, introduced legislation earlier this year that would further promote school districts to partner with law enforcement agencies to provide safe riding education for electric and motorized bikes.

In San Juan Capistrano, the city’s Police Services is working with school resource officers to develop a program requiring kids to verify that they’re wearing their helmets and riding an age-appropriate bike.

And in Dana Point, Mayor Joe Muller is spearheading a proposed program that looks to require kids 16 and younger to complete an e-bike safety course.

The ongoing education efforts come as the City of San Clemente’s e-bike ban on beaches, the Beach Trail, and the Municipal Pier recently went into effect.

When reached for comment on the latest details of the ban, San Clemente Assistant to the City Manager Jennifer Savage wrote in an email that the city has focused primarily on education, with enforcement beginning Memorial Day weekend.

To further promote such education and responsible riding, the City of San Clemente on Thursday, May 27, held another Bike Safety Rodeo for children 5 and older at the Vista Hermosa Sports Park.

Earlier this month, Davies hosted a separate bike and e-bike safety event at Dana Hills High School in partnership with California Highway Patrol, OCSD and the three South County cities of Dana Point, San Clemente and San Juan.

“It’s really about education,” Davies said. “I mean, this is a great way for kids to get around; it’s getting them out of the house, away from the video games, getting exercise, being able to be around others.”

Municipalities began to notice that a lack of education and awareness of rules on e-bikes arose during the COVID-19 pandemic—when e-bikes continued to rise in popularity.

Dana Point Times May 27-June 2, 2022

As electric bikes rise in popularity, the Orange County Sheriff’s Department, school resource officers and cities are emphasizing an education-first approach to addressing reckless ridership. Photo: Jacqueline Garrett

Incident data obtained from the Orange County Fire Authority show that there have been 84 e-bike-related incidents within its contract cities since 2021, when the agency started tracking such information.

Four e-bike-related incidents occurred in San Juan and nine in Dana Point, while San Clemente has seen 20 incidents occur.

As public safety officials saw accidents increase, Davies said she realized the problem was rooted in a lack of education.

“I don’t think there’s a consistency of what the rules of the road are,” Davies said. “Some are being told to be on the sidewalk, some are told they can’t be on the sidewalk.”

To address concerns in Dana Point, Muller has proposed a safety program, which he brought up during the Dana Point City Council’s May 3 meeting, that would require e-bike riders under 16 in the city to show proof of completing a safety course if pulled over by law enforcement.

Muller said that the overall problem of reckless riding likely won’t get any better until kids and parents start seeing consequences.

“If we are able to make it mandatory, and parents start seeing—off the top of

my head, this is totally off the wall—if we were to confiscate a bike, and they had to come back and pay a fine to get it . . . $500, $1,000 . . . that’s going to actually send a warning signal, get the kids in this class,” Muller said. “The classes, right now, they’re free. It’s a Saturday morning for a couple hours. Go through it, answer some questions, and get your certificate.

I think it’s worth doing.”

Ideally, he added, he’d like legislation to be passed at the state level with a program similar to how California law requires all boaters to complete a safety exam and carry a California Boater Card.

In late April, the Assembly voted unanimously to pass Davies’ legislation, Assembly Bill 2028. The measure amends existing law that authorizes school districts to partner with law enforcement and public agencies to provide bike safety education by revising the list of vehicles to also include e-bikes, motorized bikes and motorized scooters.

“We want to be able to make sure that everybody’s educated, and now that, hopefully, this bill will go through, we can work together with our partners at (the Orange County Transit Authority).

They’ve been fantastic, along with law Page 6

enforcement, our schools and our parents,” Davies said.

The measure is now over at the State Senate, where it awaits an Education Committee hearing on June 8. In the meantime, Davies has encouraged local jurisdictions to develop their own programs.

“Sometimes, we get a little tunnel vision in our own world here in our cities,” Muller said at the May 14 bike safety event. “(Davies) said you need to start talking to other cities, San Clemente, San Juan; make it consistent around South County, countywide.”

Though Muller hopes to require kids younger than 16 to attend an e-bike safety class and receive a certification, he is not in favor of requiring a license to operate e-bikes.

“It’s really more, making sure that parents understand that this is an important class,” he said. “You need to make sure your kids take it if you give them an e-bike.”

He added that he’s not sure yet what the penalty would be for not completing the safety program, whether there would be impounding of bicycles, what the grace period would look like to start, or even if he had the votes on his council to pass it. danapointtimes.com

EYE ON DP

“It’s just a discussion we’re having; we’ll probably put it on one of our June meetings, maybe July,” Muller said. “I’ve thought a lot about this; it’s the No. 1 complaint I get in the city.”

Rafael Reynosa, a public information officer for California Highway Patrol, said that it would be difficult to get all kids riding e-bikes under 16 to complete a safety course, but that “if we have some joint effort between the state, county, local municipalities, I think it can be done.”

Reynosa added that since e-bikes are relatively new, CHP has focused primarily on educating riders.

“We’re trying to focus more on education over giving them a citation, but when we see them, officers—and I’m sure deputies do as well—we stop them, educate them, tell them they can’t be doing this, whether they’re going too fast or riding without a helmet or riding with passengers when they’re not supposed to,” Reynosa said.

Passengers are not allowed on any bike unless it is a tandem bike or has a built-in seat.

Doheny Bike owner Jason Spates said he’s not in favor of a licensing or registration, but he agreed that the problem with reckless riders lies in a lack of education.

“There’s a lot of negligent circumstances where you see kids in turning lanes and things like that, and you wonder who’s telling you how to respect the right of way, the rules of the road, stay off the sidewalk, don’t be going 30 miles an hour when pedestrians are around,” Spates said. “Very common-sense things.”

“I don’t know if registering the e-bikes would regulate that, but there may be a way to get in contact more with parents and maintain that relationship with the adults, so that it eventually helps to solve problems before we have problems,” Spates continued.

Spates said Doheny Bike does not sell e-bikes to kids under 16.

“We, as a company, don’t cater to young riders of our bikes,” Spates said.

“We ask that riders be 16 years of age.”

He added that most of his clientele are older, using the bikes for mobility.

In reference to San Clemente’s ordinance restricting e-bikes on the Beach Trail, Spates said the city needed to address concerns of reckless e-bike riders without an all-out ban.

“We don’t want to go the way of San Clemente, where they start restricting access and mobility of the bikes,” Spates said.

Earlier this year, San Clemente City Council passed an ordinance prohibiting electric bicycles on the beach, Beach Trail, and the Municipal Pier. Enforcement of the ban will require a coordinated effort from the city’s Beaches, Parks, and Recreation Department, Park Dana Point Times May 27-June 2, 2022

ORANGE COUNTY E-BIKE INCIDENTS

According to incident data from the Orange County Fire Authority, there have been 84 e-bike-related incidents within its contract cities since 2021, which is when the agency started tracking such information. Among the three South County cities of Dana Point, San Clemente and San Juan Capistrano, San Clemente has seen the most incidents occur. Graphic: Chelsie Rex

Rangers, Code Enforcement and Marine Safety, as well as OCSD. “For me, it’s about safety education,” Spates said. “I’d rather be on the good side of the narrative than the bad side of the narrative, and as a company, you don’t see kids on our bikes, and that was done on purpose. I don’t want to be part of that narrative of the problem in town; I want to be part of the solution.”

Doheny Bike has offered helmet giveaways in order to promote safe riding and the importance of wearing a helmet.

During the bike safety event at Dana Hills High, Davies emphasized the need to involve kids, parents, public safety, OCTA and California Highway Patrol in addressing reckless riders.

“I think we should go by county, because one size doesn’t always fit all,” Davies said. “But what we need to do is we need to work together with OCTA, who does a lot of great bike safety. We need parents there, because we need to educate them as well.”

Dana Point School Resources Deputy Joy MacDonald is primarily assigned to Dana Hills High, as well as some of the elementary schools and private schools in the area. As e-bikes have boomed in popularity, OCSD has stressed bike safety education, holding information sessions and bike and e-bike rodeos.

“They’ve just grown so popular so quickly, so we’re kind of playing catchup, but we’ve done what we can to put the education out there,” MacDonald

said. “We definitely follow a model of education before enforcement, but at the end of the day, we need to make sure that people are staying safe and that people know the rules of the road.”

“Now, you’re giving kids these high-powered machines, and they don’t know the rules of the road,” MacDonald added. “Although it is a great thing to have and it’s a great resource, ultimately, they still need to be held accountable to making sure that they’re safe and others are safe.”

MacDonald also discussed some of the trends she’s seen with e-bike riders.

“What I’m seeing is people aren’t following the rules of the road,” MacDonald said. “If you buy your kid an e-bike, you want to make sure that they’re following the rules of the road and that they’re operating it safely.

“A lot of that is riding on the right side of the road, in the same direction as traffic, and using your hand signals and making eye contact when you approach intersections,” MacDonald continued. “A lot of times, otherwise, they’ll just kind of blow through intersections or make turns, and it startles cars, and that can cause accidents.”

She added that it’s important to always wear a helmet and make sure to wear reflective clothing when riding at night.

“Lastly, one thing that we’ve been dealing with at the high school that’s really caused some problems, there’s these new electric dirt bikes that came out, Page 7

and you actually need an M1 motorcycle license to ride them,” MacDonald said.

“So, you go to these bike shops and you see all these cool bikes, and you go, ‘Oh, I want that one,’ but you want to make sure you know what kind of bike you’re buying.”

There are three classes of e-bikes.

Class 1 e-bikes are pedal-assisted only and reach a maximum speed of 20 mph.

Class 2 e-bikes also can only reach a maximum speed of 20 mph; however, they have a throttle that can boost a rider’s speed even when they are not pedaling.

Class 3 e-bikes, which are also pedal-assisted but do not have a throttle, stop providing motor assistance when the bike reaches 28 mph. Kids under 16 are not allowed to ride Class 3 e-bikes.

San Juan Capistrano Police Services noted that it has seen kids under 16 illegally riding a Class 3 e-bike to school.

Officers noted at the bike safety event that their plan is to promote education first over the summer, make sure kids are riding safely and enforce as needed.

They also discussed a program in development, in coordination with school resource officers, that would require kids to have their bikes inspected by OCSD and receive an educational pamphlet on the rules of the road in order to park their bikes on campus. The inspection would also ensure that kids under 16 are not riding Class 3 e-bikes.

The police services hope to have this program running by next school year. DP danapointtimes.com

Dana Point Times May 27-June 2, 2022

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Dana Point Times May 27-June 2, 2022

GUEST OPINION | Climate Education

by Julianne E. Steers

Plant the Sea? S

ubmerge beneath the sea, look up, and you may think you are enveloped by trees. Kelp, the sea’s equivalent to trees.

More than a mere seaweed, giant kelp (Macrocystis pyrifera) is the foundation for an entire ocean ecosystem, towering up from the seafloor to tangled canopies on the surface, offering nutrients and shelter to fish, lobsters, and marine mammals.

Kelp forests are highly productive foundation species along much of the Orange County coastline. As a result, kelp is crucial to the ecological, social, and economic well-being of coastal communities.

This brown alga has an alter ego.

Face value displays a beautiful habitat for those undersea CLIMATE EDUCATION denizens of the

BY JULIANNE E. STEERS deep, while this kelp is working overtime absorbing carbon dioxide and nitrogen compounds, helping clean the atmosphere. Those terrestrial trees are great, but kelp captures up to 20 times more carbon per acre than land forests.

Removing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere will play a necessary role in

Photo: Julianne Steers

preventing rising temperatures and future climate catastrophe. We need more kelp to multiply these positive effects.

Our coastline is no stranger to artificial reefs. Just look to the east and west off San Clemente Pier and you will see the canopy generated by the foundation of Wheeler North Reef. We have made great strides over the years toward encouraging kelp growth through the establishment of artificial reefs and, in some cases, a sprinkling of kelp spores helps those barren reefs.

Yet, because of a combination of stressors, kelp forests are under threat and have declined close to home.

Recently, the robust El Niño event produced a “Blob” of warm ocean water that disrupted the West Coast marine ecosystem and declined growth of our

Letter to The Editor

A special thanks to San Clemente Mayor Pro Tem Chris Duncan for spearheading this issue. It is significant, because the U.S. Department of Energy claims it will not store nuclear waste in areas where there is no local consent.

Thanks also need to be extended to our own Congressman Mike Levin (CA49), who recently helped get legislation passed in Congress and signed by the President, which is intended to fund the National Academy of Sciences proposal for research on cancer streaks for those who live within 50 kilometers of a nuclear power plant.

The epidemiological study looks to examine cancer incidents for those living between Huntington Beach and Solana Beach.

Studies in Europe have reported such a link, but there has been no research in the United States on this for over 30 years, partly because the NRC refused to fund the

CONGRATULATIONS TO THE SAN CLEMENTE CITY COUNCIL AND TO MIKE LEVIN ROGER JOHNSON, San Clemente Congratulations are in order for the San Clemente City Council, who voted, 5-0, that the city does not give consent to store nuclear waste from SONGS in San Clemente.

Many don’t realize that, according to the U.S. government, San Clemente is the official home of the 1,609 metric tons of highly radioactive uranium now stored here, nuclear waste which will be lethal for hundreds of thousands of years.

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undersea forests.

Active restoration of kelp ecosystems is an emerging field that aims to reverse these declines by mitigating negative stressors. Just as we plant more trees, our underwater forests may be “seeded” as well.

Planting and protecting our coastal ecosystem will strengthen our future.

Julianne Steers is a marine biologist and conservation photographer. She has an extensive background in ecology, and has been researching, diving, and exploring the local ecosystem and beyond to sustain the natural world. DP PLEASE NOTE: In an effort to provide our readers with a wide variety of opinions from our community, the DP 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 DP Times or Picket Fence Media. If you would like to respond to this column, please email us at editorial@danapointtimes.com.

National Academy of Sciences’ proposal.

EDITOR’S NOTE: Based on a review of the legislation, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has only been encouraged by lawmakers to contract with the National Academy of Sciences to carry out the pilot study.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR POLICY Have something you’d like to say? Email your letter to sraymundo@picketfencemedia. com no later than 8 a.m. on Monday morning.

Dana Point Times reserves the right to edit reader-submitted letters for length and is not responsible for the claims made or information written by the writers. Limit your letters to 350 words or less. Please send with your valid email, phone number and address for verification by staff. Your address and phone number will not be published. The Dana Point Times and Picket Fence Media do not publish content that is defamatory.

danapointtimes.com

GETTING OUT

low-cost vaccinations for all dogs and cats every month. All veterinary services are provided by Vet Care Vaccination Services, Inc. Vaccination packages, microchips, physical exams, prescription flea control, fecal exams, and diagnostic testing available on-site. 638 Camino de los Mares, San Clemente. 1.800.988.8387. vetcarepetclinic.com.

The List

MONDAY | 30

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

Editor’s Pick Get a curated list of the weekend’s best events sent straight to your inbox every Friday! Sign up for The Weekender at danapointtimes.com/weekender

FRIDAY | 27 HORSE SHOW AT RMV RIDING PARK 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Equestrian enthusiasts and local community members can check out horses in action during a hunter/ jumper show in town, hosted by the Southern California Horseman’s Council.

The show runs through Sunday, May 29.

The Rancho Mission Viejo Riding Park, 30753 Avenida La Pata, San Juan Capistrano. 760.525.8933. theridingpark.com.

FIELD OF HONOR 9 a.m-4 p.m. Mission San Juan Capistrano is again partnering with Homefront of America to display American flags in the Mission courtyard in celebration of Memorial Day. More than 400 flags, each standing at 7 feet, will be available to view. Active-duty service members, veterans, first responders and Mission Preservation Society members will receive free admission to the Mission during the Field of Honor display, which runs through May 30. Mission San Juan Capistrano, 26801 Ortega Highway, San Juan Capistrano. 949.234.1300. missionsjc.com.

DANA POINT TROLLEY HOP 3-7 p.m. Help the Dana Point Chamber of Commerce welcome and kick off the arrival of the Dana Point Trolley by visiting participating restaurants for exclusive drink offers. Trolley Hop riders (21 years or older) must purchase a $10 wristband to access the exclusive drink specials. Trolley riders will pick up their wristbands at the Dana Point Chamber of Commerce leading up to the Trolley Dana Point Times May 27-June 2, 2022

Photo: Lillian Boyd/File

MONDAY | 30 DANA POINT MEMORIAL DAY CEREMONY 10-11 a.m. Join the City of Dana Point in honoring fallen veterans. A special presentation of the Marine Corps’ traditional Empty Boots Ceremony will be held. Presented

by Dana Point VFW Post 9934 and the City of Dana Point. Pines Park, 34941 Camino Capistrano, Dana Point. vfwpost9934.org. 949.248.1419. vfwpost9934@cox.net.

Hop day. Dana Point Chamber of Commerce, 34183 Pacific Coast Highway, Suite A, Dana Point. 949.496.1555. info@danapointchamber.com.

LIVE THEATER AT CAMINO REAL PLAYHOUSE 7:30 p.m. Have some laughs and watch actors perform in Downtown San Juan Capistrano. Camino Real Playhouse is staging Young Frankenstein, an adaptation of the Mel Brooks comedy. The show runs through June 5. Camino Real Playhouse, 31776 El Camino Real, San Juan Capistrano. 949.489.8082. caminorealplayhouse.org.

THE ‘FUTURE IS FEMALE’ COMEDY SHOW 8-10 p.m. Enjoy a night of laughter and libations at Knuckleheads. See the most talented comedians you never knew existed from L.A., Orange County and Las Vegas. This free, star-studded show has one of the most diverse comedy lineups. Knuckleheads Sports Bar, 1717 North El Camino Real, San Clemente.

949.492.2410. knuckleheadsmusic.com.

SATURDAY | 28 SOUTH OC CARS AND COFFEE 9-11 a.m. South OC Cars and Coffee, dubbed the world’s biggest weekly car meet, attracts a mix of 500-1,000 hypercars, supercars, exotics, vintage, classic, muscle and sports cars, hot rods, rat rods, pickups, 4x4s and motorcycles.

Those attending are encouraged to practice responsible social distancing.

Face masks are not mandatory but are recommended. No cars in before 8:30 a.m. Cars should enter and leave slowly and quietly—no revving, speeding or burnouts. The Outlets at San Clemente, 101 West Avenida Vista Hermosa, San Clemente. southoccarsandcoffee.com.

SEED CONNECTION 9-10 a.m. The Ecology Center is providing this hands-on lab about soil and seeds, so people can learn about gardening, saving seeds, and which food is appropriate to grow in a given season.

The event is open to all ages, so you can learn something whether you have a kid just developing a green thumb or you are an adult looking to grow more plants in the backyard. The event is free. The Ecology Center, 32701 Alipaz Street, San Juan Capistrano. 949.443.4223. theecologycenter.org.

OPEN HOUSE ABOARD ‘COROSSOL’ 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Join Aventura Sailing aboard the Lagood 42 Catamaran Corossol. Sip on champagne and enjoy light snacks and experience what luxury feels like. Call for reservations and to receive your parking pass. Every registration receives a chance to win a free Social Sail valued at $50. Aventura Sailing, 24707 Dana Drive, Dana Point. 949.493.9493. aventurasailing.com.

LOW-COST PET VACCINE CLINIC 3:30-5 p.m. Pets Plus San Clemente offers

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SAN CLEMENTE MEMORIAL DAY REMEMBRANCE AND PLAQUE DEDICATION 2-3 p.m. The Heritage of San Clemente Foundation will hold a ceremony at the Marine Monument at Park Semper Fi to dedicate a bronze plaque in honor of the 13 Americans—including 11 from the 2nd Battalion, 1st Marines based at Camp Pendleton—who were killed in the August 2021 attack on an airport in Afghanistan. All active and retired armed service members are invited, as is the general public. Park Semper Fi, 622 Avenida Del Mar, San Clemente.

949.280.7752. marinemonument.com.

TUESDAY | 31 DANCE AND MOVEMENT FOR TOTS 10:15-11 a.m. Enjoy a fun dance class series made for tots outdoors in Casa Romantica’s seaside Redmond Amphitheater. The price is $50 for the public (free for Family Household Members). Casa Romantica Cultural Center and Gardens, 415 Avenida Granada, San Clemente.

949.498.2139. casaromantica.org.

WEDNESDAY | 01 SAN ONOFRE PARKS FOUNDATION POP-UP SHOP 10 a.m.-4 p.m. The Historic Cottage and Visitor Center showcases local history, flora and fauna at this original 1934 ranger’s cottage. A rotating exhibit features the history of San Onofre. Stop in to the San Onofre Parks Foundation’s Pop-Up Shop to say hello, do a little shopping and learn more about the history of the local state parks at San Clemente and San Onofre State Beaches.

Historic Cottage and Visitor Center is located within the San Clemente State Beach Campground at 225 Avenida Calafia, San Clemente. 949.366.8599. admin@sanoparks.org. sanoparks.org.

TRIVIA NIGHT AT THE BREWHOUSE 6:30-8:30 p.m. The BrewHouse hosts a trivia night every Wednesday. Test your knowledge with friends, or show up solo and join a team. The BrewHouse, 31896 Plaza Drive, Suite D3, San Juan Capistrano. 949.481.6181. brewhousesjc.com.

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Dana Point Times May 27-June 2, 2022

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I

Welcome to ‘A New You’

f the past couple of years of living through a pandemic has taught us anything, it’s that we humans are resilient and are capable of adapting to even the worst of circumstances.

Our mental fortitude has been tested, our eating habits adjusted, and even our personal relationships have either been strained, put through the ringer, or—for those more fortunate—have thrived.

The world has forever been changed by the events of the past two years, and as a result, so have most of us—ideally, for the better.

And as more and more restrictions across the globe are lifted, we’re able to see things anew, with a fresh perspective.

For many, the pandemic-induced lockdowns were very isolating. So, for this year’s “A New You” special section—our annual guide to self-improvement—we speak with

area psychologists to tell us the best ways of easing back into society, reconnecting with old friends, and heading back into the office.

And regarding those strained relationships, our resident senior dating columnist Tom Blake provides some insight and advice on getting over an ex, or just moving on from heartbreak and bettering yourself.

Also, with more of us heading out for activities such as running, hiking, and going to the gym, we explore which sneakers, or kicks, are best to rock. And if you’re looking at more water-based activities, we’ve got you covered as well by highlighting some of the best spots to swim, paddleboard or even just hang out with friends.

After wrapping up those activities, what better way to relax than with a massage? Lastly, we look at the different types of massages that are available, outlining their benefits and explaining which ones are best suited for you.

Navigating the Post-Pandemic Life

By Andrea Clemett After a couple of years of being inside because of the waves of COVID-19 restrictions, individuals who were diligent about staying indoors are navigating their way through the new normal.

But the anticipation of getting into the swing of in-person living again can spark uncertain feelings and anxiety.

Erica Curtis, a licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT) and owner of a private practice in San Juan Capistrano, identified three categories for the reservations some have about returning to life post-pandemic.

The first, she said, relates to health concerns from individuals with medical issues, as they need to limit how much they’re around others. A second reservation relates to those with various types of anxieties, while the third category pertains to individuals who have adapted to finding contentment in their home, “doing my own thing.”

“If anybody, especially those who may have suffered from a little social anxiety or a kind of anxiety, getting back in the world has been really hard,” said Dianne Mason, a marriage and family therapist associate located in San Clemente. “There’s a lot of fear

Dana Point Times May 27-June 2, 2022

around it, perhaps paranoia about getting sick and just forgetting how to socialize.”

Mason also found that young people were widely affected, ranging from teenagers in middle school to college graduates. Additionally, individuals in transition during the pandemic were likely to feel an impact when returning to an immersive in-person lifestyle.

“A lot of people were really connected on social media, but that doesn’t really help,” Mason said. “It actually makes them sad, because they’re seeing that other people are back into their lives and they’re not, because they feel like they can’t.”

Mason identified that the individualistic culture of the U.S., combined with a few years of isolation, was a catalyst for many to feel lonely. Although other cultures have community-based societies that keep people interconnected, the pandemic may have disrupted that, leaving people longing for friendships.

“I try to get people to go outside, even if they’re not going in public,” Mason said. “I’ve been telling people to try to get on Meetup or places like that to learn to socialize again; reach out to old friends and try to connect in-person.”

Dr. Vived Gonzalez, doctor of psychology and an LMFT, said socialization is part of the

human biological makeup and a vital component of feeling connections and exchanging social reciprocity.

Studies have shown that people living in isolation or lacking interpersonal relationships will have weaker immune systems.

Gonzalez often suggests managing expectations when creating a new reality for ourselves in a “new norm.” Within her practice in San Juan Capistrano, therapists have encountered teens who have struggled to adjust to in-person or fully remote classes, expecting life to return to normal.

As routines frequently vary, individuals can benefit from understanding the change process while not letting others’ viewpoints determine one’s life or actions. Gonzalez uses the saying “what doesn’t break, bends” to establish flexibility in one’s thinking.

“If you want to wear a mask because it makes you feel safe, do it; it doesn’t matter what other people think,” Gonzalez said. “I encourage our patients to think about what they need and be OK with it and then integrate it slowly.”

Curtis said that learning how to cope with change is one of the biggest tasks of living. She suggests finding ways to get comfortable with the idea of change. She added that sometimes

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just naming it as such, “this is change,” can deeply validate feelings that something is off. By gaining an objective perspective, it can lead to accepting that change is hard.

When getting reacquainted with in-person gatherings or returning to the office, Curtis said, “We don’t want to push our sort of nervous system faster than it’s ready to go, and at the same time, we want to find that place of stretch.”

It’s about finding a place of growth where a person can benefit from engaging with community, friends, or family, whether it’s getting together with one friend, going to an outdoor restaurant or even a larger public area.

When offering support to someone diligent about staying inside, consider listening to their needs, Gonzalez said.

Common conflicts or distress among people, families in particular, can lie in the desire to control another person. Therefore, validating another person’s concerns can establish a safe support system.

“That social connection occurs when we feel really seen and understood,” Curtis said. “And so, once we feel connected, we feel safer.”

danapointtimes.com

A NEW YOU

Hit the Reset Button with a Massage

By Breeana Greenberg

cradle,” Pavlina said. “This is a really good option, because they can just lie on their side.”

The Massage Associates also offers an oncology massage from therapists who received specialized training to be able to safely work with cancer patients.

Massages offer a wide variety of benefits, such as pain relief, increased range of motion, increased circulation, and an immune system boost.

However, it can be hard to decide what massage is best for you. From Swedish and hot stone to prenatal and deep tissue, each type of massage offers its own unique benefits.

SWEDISH Swedish-style massages are more about relaxation, San Clemente Barefoot Bliss owner Aimee Phillips explained.

“It’s longer, broader strokes,” Phillips said.

“If you just want to come in and just relax. You don’t have any specific focus areas at all that you want, it’s just to kind of check out but get light to medium pressure.”

SIGNATURE THERAPEUTIC MASSAGE Similar to a Swedish massage is the Signature Therapeutic massage, which is what Michelle Bryant, owner of The Massage Associates in San Juan Capistrano, recommends for clients to start with initially.

“It’s what probably 75% of our clients get,” Bryant said. “It’s tailored to what each client needs. A little bit of relaxation combined with some deep-tissue work for extra tight areas.

It’s basically a customized massage with a little bit of deep-tissue work.”

DEEP TISSUE A deep-tissue massage is a great way to address specific areas of concern and target particular muscle groups. Masseurs typically do not recommend deep tissue as a first massage experience, as it can be an intense massage.

“Deep tissue is where the therapist uses forearms, elbows and more targeted work,” Phillips said. “So, if there are specific issues that need to be worked out, that they would work a little bit deeper.”

Bryant explained that The Massage Associates’ full-body, deep-tissue massage offers that deep tissue target work everywhere.

“This is somebody that says they want our elbows in their calves, their shoulders, their glutes and their lower back,” Bryant said.

“They want full-body, deep tissue, everywhere.”

HOT STONE Barefoot Bliss offers hot stone massages with basalt or Himalayan salt stones, said Meagan Pavlina, San Clemente Barefoot Bliss’ manager.

The basalt stones are heated by water, and are smooth and glide over the skin, Pavlina explained. The Himalayan sea salt stones are textured and full of minerals that sink into the Dana Point Times May 27-June 2, 2022

muscle tissue, Pavlina said.

“The body really absorbs the heat, and so it penetrates really deeply into the muscles and gets an instant release that helps us to not have to add too much pressure,” Pavlina said.

“It’s really good for tender areas and also just for general relaxation.”

Hot stones can be a great add-on to a massage to get even more benefits from the experience. The salt stone can also offer light exfoliation on top of the massage.

“It’s a combination of hands and then the stones are integrated into it,” Phillips said.

“It’s like an extension of the hands, so it’s going to be a lot of the same flowing movements.”

REFLEXOLOGY Reflexology is the idea that stimulating pressure points on the hands and feet during a massage can stimulate organs and relieve congestion in areas that might not be accessible through a traditional massage, Bryant explained.

“If you’re having stomach issues or respiratory issues, a lot of pressure points on the feet correspond to those areas that you can’t massage with traditional massage,” Bryant said.

ASHIATSU—BAREFOOT The barefoot or Ashiatsu massage is a specialized technique in which the therapist uses the foot as a tool instead of the hands or elbow.

“It provides a broader pressure; it’s long flowing movements,” Phillips said. “The benefit of that is that you get more myofascial work, so you’re able to work at a deeper level but more comfortably for the client because you’re using the padded sole of your foot to do the work.”

Ashiatsu massage targets the parasympathetic nervous system, as opposed to the

sympathetic nervous system, Pavlina said.

“It’s kind of like you get the relaxation of Swedish because it’s the slower, flowy strokes, but you also still get the benefit of the deeper, targeting, focus work,” Pavlina said. “The foot is, like, if I was to put a tennis ball over my elbow, that’s what my heel feels like. So, it’s really good for people who want that focus work but also still want a relaxing massage session.”

STRETCH COMBO MASSAGE The Massage Associates suggests the stretch-combo massage for people looking for a sports-type of massage. It involves more stretching to increase flexibility, improve posture, range of motion and circulation, Bryant said.

“So, we incorporate more stretching techniques in with the therapeutic massage,” Bryant said.

SPECIALIZED MASSAGES: PRENATAL & ONCOLOGY Prenatal massages are great for moms-tobe, Bryant said. A prenatal massage, wherein the customer lies on her side, consists of lighter pressure with broader, longer strokes like a Swedish massage.

“That one’s always really going to be lighter pressure, regardless of the focus work or anything, because their joints are going to be a little bit looser with all the hormones, that you really just want to keep things light and relaxing,” Pavlina said.

Barefoot Bliss can also offer side-lying massages to those who have trouble lying on their stomach or putting their face in the massage table’s cradle.

“We can do this for people who have contraindications to lay down, like if people don’t come in to get a massage because they have a hard time putting their face in the face

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WHAT TO LOOK FOR WHEN BOOKING A MASSAGE Professionals recommend clients look at reviews, make sure that the masseur is licensed and certified. It’s also important that the massage therapist does a thorough intake when you come in, starts and ends the session on time, and respects your time, Phillips said.

It’s also important to see if the facility is clean and that you feel comfortable communicating with the therapist.

With all types of massages, it’s important to let the masseur know of any target areas you want addressed or avoided, communicate if you want them to increase or decrease pressure, and tell them if anything is painful.

“You want to feel like they’re seeing you as an individual and as your specific needs and they’re willing to meet you there,” Pavlina continued.

Massages are not supposed to be uncomfortable; even a sport or injury massage can be enjoyable, Pavlina said.

“It’s supposed to be a hurt-so-good kind of feeling,” Phillips said.

“You do not have to suffer through anything,” Pavlina added. “That’s a huge misconception that I think we hear a lot, so we try to re-teach our clients to prioritize enjoying the massage.”

That’s why a masseur should check in frequently during the massage and ensure that they’re hitting all of the spots you need addressed, applying the right level of pressure, and that nothing hurts.

In choosing the length of a massage, if you’re just looking to come and relax and do not have any specific areas of focus, 60 minutes is fine, Phillips said.

However, if you have any particular areas or concerns you want addressed through your massage, Barefoot Bliss recommends a 90-minute massage so that the masseur can address the whole body while also spending extra time on the spots that need special care.

“In today’s world, very rarely do you ever have an experience like that or just a moment to experience that and so, to be able to gift yourself, maybe once a month, that 90 minutes that’s just for you, can feel like a reset,” Pavlina said.

“That can just really keep you going, and I know that we have a lot of really hard-working people out here with lifestyles that just don’t quit,” Pavlina continued. “And so, it’s almost a necessity to hit that reset button, so that way they can continue with their life. It’s not just a luxury.” danapointtimes.com

A NEW YOU

If the Shoe Fits

Guide to finding the proper support for your feet to avoid exercise injury

By Zach Cavanagh hen you’re looking to change up your lifestyle and embark on the journey of “A New You,” the first step many will take is exercise, and the simplest workout anyone could start with is walking, running or hiking.

However, you probably just shouldn’t lace up your daily casual shoe for your exercise routine. Even the least strenuous exercise walks or runs could lead to an injury if your feet aren’t properly cushioned or protected, especially if the exercise becomes a regular part of your regimen.

While it’s still recommended to seek out a shoe sales professional if you’re going to get super serious about your footwear, there’s also nothing wrong with following some guidelines to help inform your search and help find what’s right for your upcoming journey. That’s where this feature comes in handy.

Generally speaking, most people will be walking, jogging or running on pavement or in the gym on a treadmill, and for this, you can stick with a typical road-running shoe.

While it’s the most widely used kind of exercise shoe and can be fairly simple to walk into a sporting goods store and just grab a pair of Nike or adidas shoes off the shelf, there are several things aspiring walkers and runners should consider.

The main factors to consider in a walking or running shoe are cushioning, stability and fit.

The most notable right way will be the cushioning of the shoe, which is probably the

W

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factor most reliant on personal preference.

You may think you want the most cushioning, especially if you’re a bigger body, but you may not love the squish underfoot of all that cushioning. Others may want to feel every bit of the ground they’re treading, and for that, there are thinner or even “barefoot” models of shoes.

The next and possibly most important factor is the stability of the shoe. Not everyone walks or lands on their feet the exact same way with every step. Some people might roll their foot inward on a step, or they may use too much of the outside of their foot. Finding out your pronation or supination—the way your foot rolls for impact distribution—for shoe selection is important for preventing injuries from the ankle to the back.

Stability is the step in which professional help is likely most needed, and some shoe stores have the ability to map out your foot and guide this process. This mapping will also help with insoles, which can round out the support for your foot that the shoe alone may be unable to provide.

Lastly is the fit, and this isn’t as much of a personal preference as someone might think.

Most people might actually give themselves too much space inside the shoe, even in your casual everyday shoe, and obviously, you shouldn’t be shoving your foot into something too small. Find that right middle zone.

Aside from your regular running shoes for the gym or pavement running, there are more heavy-duty options such as trail runners, hiking shoes and hiking boots. Each is more rugged than the last, with different sole options for the terrain you’ll be conquering and more stability on the outside or, in a boot, up the ankle.

Whichever path you choose, make sure to properly support your feet, ankles and legs to keep up this journey and protect yourself from injury. danapointtimes.com

A NEW YOU

5 Tips for Overcoming Heartbreak

By Tom Blake Growing old has many rewards: retirement, the opportunity to play lots of golf, and the likelihood that children are grown and usually married and have grandchildren. No more pressure from working 9-to-5.

The list is endless.

However, as we age, we also experience loss. We lose loved ones through divorce, breakups, misunderstandings, and death. And it’s not just losing a partner.

We lose parents, siblings, and dear friends. We are dealt personal hardships. Perhaps we’ve been diagnosed with a serious illness.

It’s life, it’s inevitable, and it’s hard. When these things happen, we face a new challenge: overcoming our heartbreak and finding a new direction.

How do we do that? How do we become an improved version of ourselves? How do we become “The New You”?

In writing about senior dating and relationships for 28 years, here are five tips I’ve learned from readers on how to overcome heartbreak.

1. It’s understandable and OK to be sad. It’s OK to cry. It’s OK to be alone (for a time, but not for too long).

2. Remind yourself that healing takes time. It will sting for a while. In an April 2022 interview on Good Morning America, Robin Roberts asked Magic Johnson how he overcame the news in 1991 that he had HIV. Magic said, “You realize you aren’t alone.” Being aware of this helped him become “a new you.”

The Bee Gees, the popular 1970s singing group, was made up of three close-knit brothers. They had many hits, none bigger than “How Do You Mend a Broken Heart?”

I saw an interview on TV recently with Barry Gibb, about that song and how he dealt with

Dana Point Times May 27-June 2, 2022

the loss of his three younger brothers Andy, Maurice, and Robin, when each one unexpectedly passed away.

Gibb was devastated. He said, “I moped around for months; there were highs and lows.”

I lost my brother Bill a year ago in January; it’s taken that long to not think about him every day. I’ve healed, I guess, because I no longer reach for my phone to call him, as I did for months after he passed.

Again, healing takes time.

And we will never forget.

3. Don’t try to go it alone.

Have a support group, if only one or two people. Confide in them and talk to friends; be out socially, if possible. Try not to isolate yourself. Be around people by attending church, volunteering, and going to senior centers.

4. Remind yourself that everything is going to be all right in due time. It may not seem like it when adversity happens. Be positive as best you can.

5. Look for a seed of opportunity that often sprouts from adversity. When I was dealt an unexpected divorce in 1994, I started a journal just to gather and organize my thoughts. Six months later, using the words from that journal, I became a newspaper columnist.

A seed of opportunity came along, and I grabbed it. I’m still writing 28 years later.

Overcoming heartbreak is one of the main themes of music. Singing group Pablo Cruise had a 1978 hit titled “Love Will Find A Way.” Words from that song include: “Oh, but it’s all right (all right) Once you get past the pain (Past the pain) You’ll learn to find your love again So keep your heart open ’Cause love will find a way” Remember Magic’s words: “You aren’t alone.”

South OC Provides

Water Therapy Through Various Forms

By C. Jayden Smith Dana Point, San Clemente, and San Juan Capistrano residents are all aware of their proximity to the glistening Pacific Ocean, but the business of everyday life can distract from taking advantage of the water nearby.

Stresses such as work, taking care of family, and outside factors including social media or major news headlines can mount up, placing too much pressure on one person, with that person needing an outlet or a place to escape for just a few relaxing hours.

That’s where the concept of “water therapy” comes in.

Hydrotherapy is a relative new concept, in which water is used in varying amounts of pressure and flow to treat temporary or chronic health conditions and ease physical and mental health symptoms, according to Medical News Today.

Hydrotherapy offers numerous benefits, including reducing pain and easing arthritis symptoms without heavily impacting joints, improving mental health, and helping relaxation efforts.

Another way to get into the water is by swimming, which is the fourthmost popular sports activity in the country, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Along with other aerobic activities such as bicycling or running, swimming for two and a half hours a week or more can reduce the risk of chronic illnesses.

“People report enjoying water-based exercise more than exercising on land,” the CDC’s page on the benefits of swimming reads. “They can also exercise longer in water than on land without increased effort or joint or muscle pain.”

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Swimming can also improve the moods of men and women, decrease anxiety in those with fibromyalgia, positively affect the mental health of pregnant women, and improve family connections within families that include children with developmental disabilities.

Locations such as physical therapy tanks, swimming pools, and saunas are all popular methods for people to get their water fix.

Fortunately, for South County residents looking for more, the sprawling coastline is at their doorstep.

We’ve identified some places within the area that will help take a load off, even for just a while.

DANA POINT HARBOR The landmark’s obvious claim to fame, which keeps thousands coming back year after year, is the beautiful blue water residing within and around the area.

Go for a swim or lay a towel down at Baby Beach, try paddleboarding, or simply take a stroll throughout the area while admiring the dozens of docked boats and making a stop or two inside the harbor’s many shopping and dining options.

EVOLUTION SWIM The newest year-round location under the Evolution Swim Academy name still provides the same quality indoor beginner swim lessons for children ages 3 months and older, Mondays through Sundays.

Additionally, Evolution Swim offers a spot for year-round pool parties, family swim time, a café and snack shop, a pro shop, and a play room, in addition to other programs.

28206 Airoso Street, Rancho Mission Viejo. 949.388.4545. evolutionswim.com.

SAN CLEMENTE PIER Another undeniable local hangout, the pier provides unparalleled views of the water throughout the day, and especially at sunset.

Take a dip in the Pacific Ocean on the pier’s south side to relax the mind and enjoy the beauty that the location has to offer. Surfing is another popular activity occurring on the northern end, where you’ll find plenty of other lovers of the sport waiting to find the right wave and get out in the water.

WESTWIND SAILING INSTITUTE People who are both experienced and new to being on the water altogether have received highly rated boating instruction from Westwind Sailing since its inception in 1987.

Westwind Sailing offers classes, private lessons, and programs with sailboats, kayaks, and paddleboards.

“We pretty much get everybody out on the water, because the benefits of our resources are amazing,” Executive Director Diane Wenzel says. “It’s not just being on the water and sailing or paddling; it’s very cathartic, it’s very cleansing, it’s very healing, and it’s just a really great place to be.”

Wenzel compares the feeling of success to a “fountain of youth,” as she enjoys seeing people smiling ear to ear and embracing the feeling that being near the ocean and the Dana Point Harbor brings.

The harbor’s legacy, in addition to the views of the nearby cliffs, Catalina Island, and other locations going both north and south along the coast, makes the resource of having water nearby valuable to residents and visitors alike.

Visit westwindsailing.com or call 949.492.3035 to learn more. danapointtimes.com

Skin’s In South County Medical Businesses Look After Patients’ Skin Care Needs

By Collin Breaux When it comes to taking care of your body and given the amount of sun exposure California residents might incur, one could say people in South Orange County have skin in the game when it comes to skin care.

Fortunately, specialty medical centers in the area have the experts, resources, and level of care to help keep patients looking their best.

Numerous places in South County are dedicated to ensuring skin issues are addressed— including those related to acne. The services available at Dana Point Acne Lab, for instance, are apparent in the name alone.

Sharon Loconsolo, an acne specialist and licensed esthetician who owns the business, has been treating patients for 30 years and decided to make treating acne a niche specialty five years ago.

“There is a need for it,” Loconsolo said.

“It’s extremely rewarding to help people clean up their acne.”

Dana Point Times May 27-June 2, 2022

A patient’s diet, what cosmetics they use, and other lifestyle factors are considered in acne cases, which are always specific to an individual. Loconsolo initially offers what she calls an “acne camp” when she first meets with clients, during which she analyzes the person’s skin and then comes up with a treatment program. Patients then usually go in for treatment every two weeks until the acne clears up.

“It’s all age groups that get acne,” Loconsolo said. “It really does take a toll on their self-esteem.”

Generally, cases of acne are related to lifestyle factors including the clothing and bed material they use—and, of course, puberty— but some other instances can be genetically inherited.

“It truly changes their life to get clear skin,” Loconsolo said of the clients she’s treated.

Social media is also influencing how people perceive their skin. There now can be an expectation that people should have flawless skin without any wrinkles—a perception that isn’t realistic, Loconsolo said.

Over in San Clemente, Seaside Skin Care is also ready to help patients with their skin care needs. Botox injections, microneedling, and laser treatments are some of the services available at the medical spa—which is clean, has a calming aura, and friendly staff ready to welcome patients to their appointments.

“We have our esthetician services, which do facials and peels,” said Michele Westen-

dorf, Seaside’s clinic director and injection specialist. “(Clients get) a customized approach to their skin and treatment goals. We have a discussion with them about their type of skin they have and what their treatment goals are (when they first come in).”

Those initial discussions cover whether their skin is overly dry, if they’re concerned about sunspots and aging, and other particular issues. The experts at Seaside then come up with a treatment plan based on what the client is seeking.

“Here in California, we get a lot of sun exposure—which causes damage to our skin,” Westerndorf said. “There’s factors we don’t see until we’re older, and this is all about the long-term and maintenance to keep you feeling and looking healthy and younger.”

How people feel on the inside is tied to their appearance on the outside, which Seaside can help with in terms of enhancing a client’s natural beauty, according to Seaside Marketing Director Kate Tomalas.

“It ties into the overall feeling and self-confidence people have moving forward. Your skin and your appearance is the first thing you present when you meet someone,” Tomalas said. “I think feeling confident in your skin is what makes the big difference.”

Page 17

danapointtimes.com

Dana Point Times May 27-June 2, 2022

Page 18

danapointtimes.com

GETTING OUT

ON STAGE AT THE COACH HOUSE

SHOW DETAILS

JANIVA MAGNESS

What: Janiva Magness When: Thursday, June 9. Doors open at 6 p.m.; concert starts at 8 p.m.

BY COLLIN BREAUX, DANA POINT TIMES

F

or concertgoers attending blues musician Janiva Magness’ show at The Coach House on June 9, they should know one thing: the event will be a mix of old and new.

Magness is releasing her album Hard to Kill— her 16th studio album—later in June after the concert, and plans to play songs from it during the San Juan Capistrano gig, along with older material from her extensive discography.

No matter what you want to hear, Magness guarantees the night will be a “blast.” She has plenty of material to draw from, given her long career in music.

Magness—whose work also includes the albums Humpty Dumpty and Lodi—attributes that longevity to “a lot of support” from fans, fellow music industry figures, and media coverage.

She’s picked up numerous awards along the way, including seven times as a Blues Music Award recipient.

“I need the music desperately,” Magness said.

“Musicians are all obsessed with music. Why else would you get into a horrible business?”

She calls music her “salvation” and is glad to be back on stage with her band following the temporary pause in live music brought about

(Cont. from page 10) OPEN MIC NIGHT AT KNUCKLEHEADS 8-10 p.m. Knuckleheads is open for food, drinks and live music. If you are a musician, do stand-up comedy or the spoken word, this is the place to be on Wednesday nights. Knuckleheads Sports Bar, 1717 North El Camino Real, San Clemente.

949.492.2410. knuckleheadsmusic.com.

THURSDAY | 02 LIVE MUSIC AT STILLWATER 7 p.m. Live music is featured at this popular South Orange County venue. U2 tribute band The U2Xperience will perform. StillWater Spirits & Sounds, 24701 Del Prado, Dana Point. 949.661.6003. danapointstillwater.com.

JAZZ WITH MELONEY COLLINS 7 p.m. Join Casino San Clemente for a night of jazz featuring songstress Meloney Collins and a catered buffet dinner. Collins, a star in the mold of yesteryear’s greats, is back at the Casino. The dinner menu includes Memphis rubbed tri-tip, or a vegetarian option of portobello stuffed with cheesy spinach artichoke. Tickets are $35 a person. Casino San Clemente, 140 West Avenida Pico, San Clemente. 949.369.6600. thecasinosanclemente.com.

Dana Point Times May 27-June 2, 2022

Where: 33157 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano For tickets or more info: thecoachhouse.com. Tickets are $25.

If you’re a blues fan looking for a fun night out, grab your ticket for Janiva Magness’ concert at The Coach House on June 9. Photo: Courtesy of Jay Gilbert

by the COVID-19 pandemic.

“I have really missed everyone and the exchange between myself and the band, and the band and the audience,” she said. “We’re really just getting started again.”

To those unfamiliar with her, Magness describes her sound as a mix of contemporary blues, soul, and Americana. There’s a rollicking, earthy, and gritty feel to songs such as “Lodi,” during which Magness reflects on the ups and downs of life.

Hard to Kill will be her first new album release in three years, and it is being put out through her own label, Fathead Records.

Given her extensive musical experience, it’s no surprise when Magness reveals she’s played at The Coach House before.

“I love that venue. It’s a great room. There’s not a bad seat in the house,” Magness said.

“The food is great. The vibe is great.”

That sunny disposition has been earned the hard way for Magness, who has gone through

trauma and struggles—including teenage pregnancy, addiction, and abuse. Magness detailed the harrowing experiences in her 2019 memoir, Weeds Like Us, the audiobook version of which will be released simultaneously with Hard to Kill.

In fact, the introspective angle of Hard to Kill came from when she read the book out loud to herself for the audiobook recording.

“They matched up really well,” Magness said.

She realized “hard to kill” is a resounding theme of her memoir, saying “fighting back” is something she’s done her whole life.

“I didn’t just survive,” Magness said. “I’m thriving. I have a beautiful life.”

She looks forward to sharing a night of that beautiful life in June with local fans.

“I hope people come out,” Magness said. DP

AT THE MOVIES

‘Men’ Will Be Men

BY MEGAN BIANCO, DANA POINT TIMES

A

lex Garland’s new film, titled simply Men, is the latest in what I guess we can categorize as “#metoo movies.”

Unlike Ridley Scott’s The Last Duel (2021) or Jay Roach’s Bombshell (2019), Men starts as a drama about a woman grieving, before turning into a psychological thriller and then ending with full-on body horror in the climax.

Garland, who started his film career strictly as a screenwriter, has carried his trademark themes and tones into his directorial work. As far as quality goes, Men is a doozy to say the least, even if you’re familiar with his previous work.

Needing some fresh air and peace of mind after witnessing her soon-to-be ex-husband James (Paapa Essiedu) commit suicide while they’re in the process of divorcing, Harper (Jessie Buckley) takes a short vacation in the countryside of England.

What she isn’t expecting to come with the nice, homey house she’s renting is an eerie and surreal atmosphere to linger throughout the visit.

Rory Kinnear plays the landlord of the place

Photo: Courtesy of A24

that Harper is renting, as well as all the other men she meets in the area.

Ex Machina was one of my favorite movies of 2015, and I enjoyed Garland’s scripts for Danny Boyle’s 28 Days Later and Pete Travis’ Dredd (2012). With Men, I feel as if this was a step back for the writer-director and misses the mark.

I don’t like to completely generalize, but many of these movies—where male directors with good intentions attempt to be self-aware on the power imbalance between sexes in society—feel surface-level and heavy-handed.

There’s potential with this kind of mes-

Page 19

sage through a male creator. But with Men, it seems as if this certain male filmmaker isn’t saying much besides “man bad, world unfair to woman.” It’s been almost five years since #metoo blew up; give us a little more substance beyond that.

Garland’s usual directing aesthetic and technique are visually pleasing, and there is some legitimate spookiness. But you can get that and better morally executed storytelling with his past efforts.

Unless you’re a big fan of Garland, Buckley and/or Kinnear, Men isn’t a must-see anytime soon. DP danapointtimes.com

DP LIVING

GUEST OPINION | On Life and Love After 50 by Tom Blake

The Stresses of International LongDistance Relationships

T

he pandemic has been hard on long-distance relationships for seniors. Travel restrictions made face-to-face meetings difficult.

And when the partners lived in different countries, getting together was almost impossible.

I heard of relationships in which one person lived in Canada while the other lived across the border in the U.S., but they were unable to see each other for one to two years because of border-crossing restrictions.

Now that restrictions are easing, what’s happening to these international long-distance relationships?

Larry, a former Dana Point neighbor from 30 years ago—he’s now 82—sent me an email last week regarding the status of his international long-distance relationship.

Larry wrote: “Many men have been interested in the (allure) of Asian women.

I started an online investigation of these women and their countries a dozen years ago. I discovered there are two common denominators. They all want love and financial security.

“I chatted with many women online throughout the entire world. Many come from countries with different religions than mine. One country stood out above all others (the Philippines) for Catholicism and an English-speaking populace.

“At first glance, it was obvious that Philippine dating sites were not the way to go! Full of money-scammers and

ADOPTABLE PET OF THE WEEK

Han

Dana Point Times May 27-June 2, 2022

women desperate to escape the poverty of the Philippines. So, I looked at other non-dating social sites. This is how I met Emy. We are now in our seventh happy year together.”

About five years ago, Larry moved to the Philippines to live with Emy. Just before the ON LIFE AND LOVE pandemic arrived,

BY TOM BLAKE he returned to the U.S. to attend to some personal matters.

Then, after the pandemic spread, his return flight to Manila was canceled.

During 2020 and 2021, he had eight more reservations to fly to Manila canceled. The Philippine government was strict about allowing people into the country.

He wrote: “Since March 2020 until recently, the Philippines and the USA governments have kept me from returning to the Philippines. The stress has been close to unbearable. It has taken a toll on my life, and I am now in a recuperative stage. It is going to take days, weeks and perhaps longer to recover.

“To get us back together, I investigated 35-45 countries where Emy might be able to get a visa. I found only two—Ecuador and Mexico. Ecuador seemed too far away in South America. And Mexico, which she chose, turned out to be difficult for Emy to enter. They required many documents and other severe travel restrictions for Filipinos! She endured a three-day delay in

DANA POINT TIMES

This handsome boy is Han, a 1-year-old sweetheart who just can’t wait to meet you. Han has a happy energy about him and loves to run and play in the yard. With his lovable demeanor and playful spirit, he would be a wonderful addition to just about any family.

If you are interested in adopting Han, please visit petprojectfoundation.org to download an adoption application form.

Completed forms can be emailed to animalservices@scdpanimalshelter.org, and you will be contacted about making an interaction appointment. DP

Pictured are Larry and Emy, who have recently been enjoying a stay in Mexico after enduring a two-year, long-distance relationship caused by pandemic-related travel restrictions. Photo: Courtesy of Larry McCook

Manila, but with help from friends, plus 34 hours of travel time, we have been together again in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico for over two weeks.

“What is it like here in Mexico with Emy? Life is better than good. She is the same lady who loved me in 2019: sweet, kind and caring. She never misses Mass, and it is great to hold hands together in Mass. She cooks three meals a day, made from fresh food from the local market.

Our apartment is so clean that a person could eat off the floor. She gives me a strong, full back massage every day, and we take long walks every day.

“We live in a nice updated fully furnished one-BR apartment including A/C and electricity for under $500 per

month. Buses run every 5-10 minutes, and it costs 50 U.S. cents to anywhere in the city. Supermarket pricing is close to the same in the U.S. The locals are friendly.”

Tom’s comment: I wonder what they will do. Remain in Mexico or return to the U.S. or the Philippines?

Tom Blake is a retired Dana Point business owner and resident who has authored books on middle-aged dating. See his website at findingloveafter50.com. To comment: tompblake@gmail.com. DP PLEASE NOTE: In an effort to provide our readers with a wide variety of opinions from our community, the DP 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 DP Times or Picket Fence Media. If you would like to respond to this column, please email us at editorial@danapointtimes.com.

Sudoku

BY MYLES MELLOR LAST WEEK’S SOLUTION:

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 Page 20

See the solution in next week’s issue.

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GARAGE SALES

GARAGE SALE LISTINGS ARE FREE Email your listing to info@danapointtimes.com Deadline 12pm Monday.

HELP WANTED

AUTO REPAIR

SMOG TECHNICIAN Star Smog Station in San Clemente is looking for a full-time smog technician.

Please call Danny at 949-235-6366.

Dana Point Auto 34342 Coast Hwy., Unit B, 949.496.1086

MOVING SALE - SATURDAY, MAY 28 8:00 am, no early birds. 875 Calle Vallarta, San Clemente, CA 92673.

BODY MIND SPIRIT

HUGE GARAGE SALE! SUNDAY, MAY 29 Sunday, May 29. 9:00 - 1:00 p.m.

34041 Granada dr., Dana Point.

Designer clothes, shoes, accessories, etc.

All priced to sell!

ARE YOU HAPPY? Let us assist you in creating a life plan for the life & relationships you want & deserve. Body Mind Spirit, 949.248.7377, bodymindspirit.com

LOST & FOUND FOUND CARTIER BRACELET Found Cartier bracelet in HB by walkway near the pier. Call HBPD property department for information to claim at 714-536-5944. DR: 22-002472.

Dana Point Times May 27-June 2, 2022

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Then you need to be in the Dana Point Times!

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CAFE - DELI

Coffee Importers Espresso Bar 34531 Golden Lantern, 949.493.7773, coffeeimporters.com

Page 21

COFFEE SHOP

Coffee Importers Espresso Bar 34531 Golden Lantern, 949.493.7773, coffeeimporters.com

ICE CREAM

Coffee Importers Espresso Bar 34531 Golden Lantern, 949.493.7773, coffeeimporters.com

INSURANCE SERVICES

State Farm/Elaine LaVine 34080 Golden Lantern, 949.240.8944, elainelavine.net

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PUBLIC NOTICES TO ADVERTISE: 949.388.7700, EXT. 111 • LEGALS@PICKETFENCEMEDIA.COM PUBLIC NOTICE PUBLIC NOTICE OF ADOPTION OF ORDINANCE CITY OF DANA POINT NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that on May 17, 2022, the City Council of the City of Dana Point adopted Ordinance 22-02 entitled: AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DANA POINT, CALIFORNIA, ADDING SECTION 11.55 TO CHAPTER 11 OF THE DANA POINT MUNICIPAL CODE ESTABLISHING REGULATIONS PROHIBITING THE UNLAWFUL POSSESSION OF CATALYTIC CONVERTERS IN THE CITY The adopted Ordinance will add Chapter 11.55 to the Dana Point Zoning Code to establish regulations to prohibit the unlawful possession of catalytic converters and establish a zero-tolerance policy for catalytic converter thefts in Dana Point.

The adopted Ordinance is available for viewing in the City Clerk’s office located at 33282 Golden Lantern, Dana Point, California.

This adopted Ordinance was introduced by the City Council of the City of Dana Point, California, at a regular meeting thereof held on the 3rd day of May 2022, and adopted at a regular meeting thereof held on the 17th day of May 2022, by the following vote: AYES: Council Member Jamey M. Federico, Council Member Richard Viczorek, Council Member Michael Villar, Mayor Pro Tem Mike Frost, and Mayor Joseph L. Muller NOES:

None

ABSENT: None SHAYNA SHARKE, CITY CLERK Dated this 27th day of May, 2022.

PUBLIC NOTICE PUBLIC NOTICE OF INTRODUCTION OF ORDINANCE CITY OF DANA POINT NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that on May 17, 2022, the City Council of the City of Dana Point introduced an Ordinance entitled: AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DANA POINT, CALIFORNIA, APPROVING ZONE TEXT AMENDMENT ZTA22-0001 TO MODIFY AND ADD VARIOUS PROVISIONS TO THE ZONING ORDINANCE AND SUBMISSION AS PART OF LOCAL COASTAL PROGRAM AMENDMENT LCPA22-0002 FOR APPROVAL AND CERTIFICATION BY THE CALIFORNIA COASTAL COMMISSION The proposed Ordinance will update the Dana Point Zoning Ordinance by amending or adding various sections regarding clarifications, definitions, use classifications, development regulations, accessory structure regulations, landscaping requirements, and miscellaneous General Regulations and procedures and will be submitted as part of the local coastal program amendment LCPA220002 to the California Coastal Commission for approval and certification.

The proposed Ordinance is available for viewing in the City Clerk’s office located at 33282 Golden Dana Point Times May 27-June 2, 2022

Lantern, Dana Point, California.

This proposed Ordinance was introduced by the City Council of the City of Dana Point, California, at a regular meeting thereof held on the 17th day of May 2022, by the following vote: AYES: Council Member Jamey M. Federico, Council Member Richard Viczorek, Council Member Michael Villar, Mayor Pro Tem Mike Frost, and Mayor Joseph L. Muller NOES:

None

ABSENT: None SHAYNA SHARKE CITY CLERK Dated this 27th day of May 2022.

PUBLIC NOTICE NOTICE TO CREDITORS OF MARK PERDEW #30-2021-01187640-PR-LA-CJC SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA COUNTY OF ORANGE Notice is hereby given to the creditors and contingent of the above named decedent, that all persons having claims against the decedent are required to file them with the Superior Court at 700 Civic Center Drive West, Santa Ana, CA 92701, and mail or deliver a copy to Lily & Ernesto Olivas as Administrator of Estate of Mark Perdew dated May 5th, 2022, c/o Jared J. Miller, 10221 Slater Avenue, Suite 106, Fountain Valley, CA 92708, with the later of four months after May 2nd, 2022 or, if notice is mailed or personally deliver to you, 60 days after the date this notice is mailed or personally delivered to you, or you must petition to file a late claim as provided in Section 19103 of the Probate Code. A claim form may be obtained from the court clerk. For your protection, you are encouraged to file your claim by certified mail, with return receipt requested. Jerad J. Miller, Attorney for Lily & Ernesto Olivas, The Legacy Lawyers, Professional Corporation 10221 Slater Avenue, Suite 106, Fountain Valley, CA 92708 Dana Point Times, May 13, 20, 27, 2022 PUBLIC NOTICE ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME Case No. 30-2022-01260005 TO ALL INTERESTED PERSONS: Petitioner Berhanu T Zeleke filed a petition with this court for a decree changing names as follows: Present Name BERHANU TOBIAW ZELEKE Proposed Name BROOK TOBIAW ZELEKE THE COURT ORDERS that all persons 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: 07/20/2022 Time: 8:30 a.m. Dept: D100.

Room: Remote Hearing. The address of the court is Central Justice Center, 700 Civic Center Drive West, Santa Ana, CA 92701. Your hearing will be held REMOTELY via video at the date and time

indicated on the notice or order to which this message is attached. You are NOT to physically appear at the courthouse on the date of your hearing. To obtain instructions on how to appear remotely for your hearing, you MUST do the following no later than the day before the hearing (or no later than Friday, if the hearing is on Monday): 1. Go to the Court’s website at www.occourts.org; 2. Click on the “COVID-19” button; 3. Click on the “Civil” button; 4. Click on the “Remote Hearing Instructions – Civil & Small Claims” button; 5. Follow the instructions. IMPORTANT NOTE: If you or your witnesses, do not have the ability to access the court’s website above, or are unable to follow the instructions on the Court’s website, or are otherwise unable to appear remotely, you MUST call the courtroom or call (657) 622-8513, prior to your hearing, to request an alternate means to appear.

Failure to do so may result in your case being dismissed, or a ruling issued against you.

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 on the petition in the following newspaper of general circulation, printed in this county: Dana Point Times Date: 05/17/2022 JUDGE LAYNE H. MELZER, Judge of the Superior Court Published: Dana Point Times, May 27, June 3, 10, 17, 2022 PUBLIC NOTICE NOTICE OF PETITION TO ADMINISTER ESTATE OF: Beverly Ann Hill Case Number: 30-2022-01249117-PR-LA-CJC To all heirs, beneficiaries, creditors, contingent creditors, and persons who may otherwise be interested in the will and or estate, or both, of Beverly Ann Hill A Petition for Probate has been filed by Darrell Hill in the Superior Court of California, County of ORANGE. The Petition for Probate requests that Darrell Hill be appointed as personal representative to administer the estate of the decedent.

The Petition requests authority to administer the estate under the Independent Administration of Estates Act. (This authority will allow the personal representative to take many actions without obtaining court approval. Before taking certain very important actions, however, the personal representative will be required to give notice to interested persons unless they have waived notice or consented to the proposed action.) The independent administration authority will be granted unless an interested person files an objection to the petition and shows good cause why the court should not grant the authority.

A hearing on the petition will be held in this court as follows: a. Date: July 7, 2022 Time: 2:00 p.m. in Dept: C08 b. Address of Court: 700 Civic Center Drive West, Santa Ana, CA 92701. (1) The court is providing the convenience to appear for hearing by video using the court’s designated video platform.

This is a no cost service to the public. Go to the Court’s website at The Superior Court of California - County of Orange (occourts.org) to appear remotely for Probate hearings and for remote hearing instructions. If you have difficulty connecting or are unable to connect to your remote hearing, call 657-622-8278 for assistance. If you prefer to appear in-person, you can appear in the

Page 22

department on the day/time set for your hearing.

If you object to the granting of the petition, you should appear at the hearing and state your objections or file written objections with the court before the hearing. Your appearance may be in person or by your attorney.

If you are a creditor or a contingent creditor of the decedent, you must file your claim with the court and mail a copy to the personal representative appointed by the court within the later of either (1) four months from the date of first issuance of letters to a general personal representative, as defined in section 58(b) of the California Probate Code, or (2) 60 days from the date of mailing or personal delivery to you of a notice under section 9052 of the California Probate Code. Other California Statutes and legal authority may affect your rights as a creditor. You may want to consult with an attorney knowledgeable in California law.

You may examine the file kept by the court. If you are a person interested in the estate, you may file with the court a Request for Special Notice (Form DE-154) of the filing of an inventory and appraisal of estate assets or of any petition or account as provided in Probate Code section 1250. A Request for Special Notice form is available from the court clerk.

Attorney for Petitioner: DOMENIC SCIRE, ESQ. Address: 27281 LAS RAMBLAS SUITE 150, MISSION VIEJO, CA 92691 Telephone: (949) 639-0431 Published in: Dana Point Times, May 20, 27, June 3, 2022 PUBLIC NOTICE FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 20226633063 The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: BARNUMS SURF LESSONS 34316 CALLE PORTOLA CAPISTRANO BEACH, CA 92624 Full Name of Registrant(s): CHRIS BARNUM 34316 CALLE PORTOLA CAPISTRANO BEACH, CA 92624 This business is conducted by an individual.

The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on: n/a /s/CHRIS BARNUM This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Orange County on 04/25/2022.

Published in: Dana Point Times May 6, 13, 20, 27, 2022

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Page 23

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SPORTS & OUTDOORS

DOLPHIN REPORT

BY ZACH CAVANAGH, DANA POINT TIMES

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

Distance Runners Dawson, Markow Advance to State Track Championships Little by little, the competitive field gets whittled down over the course of the California track and field season.

First, there are the league meets, where the top nine advance from the preliminaries to the finals and only the event winners and second- and third-place finishers that hit qualifying standards advance further. Then, there are the section preliminaries, where heat winners and a total of nine competitors per event advance to the section finals.

Out of the section finals, only the nine best performances in an event across all of the section’s divisions move on to the Masters meet, where only the top six finishers move on to the biggest stage of the CIF State Championships.

Dana Hills’ track and field program qualified 12 entries out of the South Coast League to the CIF-SS preliminaries, only nine to the CIF-SS Division 1 Finals and just five to the CIF-SS Masters Meet.

Now, only two Dolphins remain: senior Jai Dawson and junior Allura Markow.

Dawson finished second in a photo-finish boys 800-meter run, and Markow claimed the final qualifying spot in the girls 1,600-meter run at CIF-SS Masters on Saturday, May 21, at Moorpark High School.

The two Dana Hills distance runners will compete in the CIF State Championships with the preliminaries on Friday, May 27, and finals on Saturday, May 28, at Buchanan High School in Clovis.

This is the first CIF State Championship held since 2019.

Dawson has been the top track star for the Dolphins all season, and while he easily qualified in the 800, the title of Masters champion came down to the finish. Dawson trailed the top spot coming around the final turn, and the New Zealand native turned it on for the home stretch. Dawson charged forward, but he was just edged out by Ellis Delvecchio of Thacher by 0.02 seconds for the Masters title.

Masters was just the third time all season that Dawson lost a heat of the 800.

Dawson finished second at the Arcadia Invitational to a runner from Utah, and he finished second in the preliminaries of the South Coast League Finals. Dawson won at the Orange County Championships, South Coast League Finals, Dana Point Times May 27-June 2, 2022

Dana Hills senior Jai Dawson, pictured on the left, was edged out of the CIF-SS Masters win in the boys 800-meter by just 0.02 seconds, but Dawson will still be the top seed in his heat at the CIF State Championships on Friday, May 27, in Clovis. Photo: Courtesy of Jeff Turner

CIF-SS preliminaries and CIF-SS Division 2 Finals.

Dawson is slated to be the top seed in his heat, and the No. 2 seed overall in the state preliminaries. Dawson is in the second of three heats, and the event will begin around 7:50 p.m. on Friday. The top three runners per heat and the next three best times overall will qualify for the state finals on Saturday.

Despite being the CIF-SS Division 2 champion in the 1,600-meter run, Dawson did not compete in the event at Masters. This is not the first time Dawson has chosen not to run in a postseason event for which he qualified. Dawson was the South Coast League champion in the 800 last year, but he did not run it at CIF. Dawson also qualified for the 3,200-meter CIF-SS Finals last season, but did not run in the final. He finished second in the 1,600 at CIF-SS last season.

On the girls side, Markow qualified in two events for the Masters Meet—the 1,600 and 3,200—but like Dawson, she chose to focus on one event instead of two. Ultimately, it worked out for Markow in the 1,600, as well, if just barely.

Despite posting a personal-record time by nearly three seconds, Markow just slid in to the sixth and final state-qualifying spot in the girls 1,600. Markow took the spot by 0.61 seconds with a time of 4:51.97.

Markow is the fifth seed in the second of two heats in the 1,600 at the state

preliminaries. The top four finishers in each heat plus the next four best times qualify for the finals. The prelims will be contested at 5:30 p.m. on Friday.

Markow won the South Coast League title in the 1,600 and finished second at the Orange County Championships.

Markow also finished fifth at the CIF-SS Division 5 Finals.

Boys Golf Plays at Program’s First State Regional The Dana Hills boys golf team has pushed its 2022 season further than any group of Dolphins before it.

Dana Hills finished with a team 15-over-par score of 375 to finish second at the CIF-SS SCGA Regional Qualifier on May 19 at River Ridge Golf Club in Oxnard. The top-four finish qualified the Dolphins for the program’s first trip to the CIF/SCGA Southern State Regional Championship on Thursday, May 26, at Brookside Golf Course in Pasadena.

Results were not available at press time, but if Dana Hills finished in the top three or any individual Dolphin finished in the top nine, they would advance to the CIF State Championships on Wednesday, June 1, at San Gabriel Country Club.

At the Regional Qualifier, the Dolphins compiled a team score of 375, with freshman Nick Davis pacing their efforts

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with a 1-under-par 71. Davis finished tied for ninth in the CIF-SS Individual Championship, which was run concurrently with the Regional Qualifier. The freshman would have been the only Dolphin to qualify for the Regional as an individual with a top-28 finish.

Sophomore Nick Fry hit a 3-over-par 75 and junior Alex Pain carded a 4-overpar 76. Along with Davis, Fry and Pain were the only other Dolphins eligible for placing in the CIF-SS Individual Championships based on their performances at the CIF-SS Individual Southern Regional on May 9 and the South Coast League Finals on May 2-3.

Beyond Dana Hills’ top three, Jonathan Shelton also hit a 76 and Matt Davis hit a 77 to round out the scoring five. Cade Hansen also shot an 81.

As a team, Dana Hills originally finished tied for third place, but after an Edison player self-reported an incorrect scorecard and was disqualified, Edison dropped from first to fourth in the team standings. The Chargers still qualified with their fourth-place 378, along with then-first-place Anaheim Discovery Christian (374), Dana Hills (375) and Sunny Hills (375).

Along with Dana Hills, two other local golfers qualified for the Regional. Capistrano Valley Christian’s Luke Powell tied for fourth with a 70, and San Juan Hills’ Brad Smolinski finished tied for 23rd with a 74. DP danapointtimes.com

Dana Point Times May 27-June 2, 2022

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DP SURF

Stars Come into Alignment for Cosmic Creek After 2-year hiatus, one-of-a-kind surf festival lands at Salt Creek in June

BY JAKE HOWARD, DANA POINT TIMES

“W

e are slowed-down sound and light waves, a walking bundle of frequencies tuned into the cosmos,” Albert Einstein once explained. “We are souls dressed up in sacred biochemical garments, and our bodies are the instruments through which our souls play their music.”

It was Einstein’s view that the universe and cosmos were governed by gravitational waves. In the years since, science has proven Einstein to be a pretty smart guy. But, perhaps, in the words of musician Jimmy Buffet, “Einstein Was a Surfer.”

Either way, skip ahead on the space-

Cosmic Creek Founder Eric Diamond on a 1980s Wave Tools. Photo: Courtesy of Tim McCaig

time continuum to the present day, and after two years in outer orbit, the Vissla Cosmic Creek Surf Festival is once again touching down on the sands of Salt Creek on June 4-5.

“This is one small step for Dana Point, and one giant leap for surfing kind,” jokes Eric Diamond, who’s been the mastermind behind the Cosmic Creek for nearly a quarter-century. “Unfortunately, we weren’t able to run the contest the last couple of years because of the pandemic, but that gave us some time to get extra-creative and have even more fun.”

The Cosmic Creek is part surf contest, part retro surfboard celebration, part music festival, and solely unique to Salt Creek.

Over the years, everyone from local legend Donavon Frankenreiter to Kelly Slater to Pamela Anderson have graced

the sand, and there’s plenty of talent already in the draw this year.

Soul master Rob Machado is set to compete in the Pro division, as well as the Creators & Innovators division, which will see surfer/shapers riding their own handmade craft. Also, in the Creators division are master craftsmen Donald Brink, Tyler Warren, Nic Melanson, Paul Naude and Justin Adams.

“The Creators is such a fun division.

The boards these guys bring down are amazing—so much talent. They’re a tribute to past designs, but still fully their own creation; it’s really rad to see the past and present collide like that,” Diamond says.

Besides the self-shaped Creators & Innovators boards, all other surfers will be riding either a single-fin or a twinfin, depending on which heat they’re in.

PROUDLY SPONSORED BY CAPISTRANO VALLEY TOYOTA

SURF FORECAST

GROM OF THE WEEK

SIYANDA HEWITT

BY JAKE HOWARD, DANA POINT TIMES

Siyanda Hewitt. Photo: Courtesy of the Hewitt Family

Dana Point Times May 27-June 2, 2022

There will be divisions for Pros, Locals and Women, as well as a body surfing expression session sponsored by DaFin. Over the years, Diamond has curated an incredible collection of classic, ’70s-era boards on which surfers will be competing. Heats will alternate between single-fin heats and twin-fin heats.

Before the start of each heat, surfers will draw numbers out of a hat and be able to choose their board accordingly.

Some of the boards are magic; some are complete dogs.

As of press time, the Surfline forecast was looking promising for the Cosmic Creek. Surfline’s calling for a playful combo of southwest swell and a touch of northwest swell to cross things up and create peaky conditions.

There could be a touch of south wind on Sunday, but Salt Creek handles those kinds of conditions better than anywhere in the area.

And adding to the entertainment in the water will be a slew of bands keeping the airwaves buzzing. On Saturday afternoon and evening, musical acts Vaguess, Toner and Widowspeak will all be playing at the Bluff Park overlooking Salt Creek Beach.

“Good surfing, good times, good music, a great community—that’s what the Cosmic is all about, and if you learn a little something about space and the universe in the process, well, that’s a win right there,” Diamond says.

Jake Howard is local surfer and freelance writer who lives in San Clemente. A former editor at Surfer Magazine, The Surfer’s Journal and ESPN, today he writes for a number of publications, including Picket Fence Media, Surfline and the World Surf League. He also works with philanthropic organizations such as the Surfing Heritage and Culture Center and the Positive Vibe Warriors Foundation. DP

A couple years ago, Siyanda Hewitt was planning a trip to California, but then the world was turned upside down, and he was stuck in England for most of the pandemic.

Undaunted, Siyanda this week turned his vision to reality, as he touched down in San Clemente for the first time. Accompanied by his father, Tom, who runs the organization Surfers Not Street Children, the two are here to surf and enjoy the wide array of opportunities up and down the West Coast.

Surfers Not Street Children is a nonprofit organization based in Durban, South Africa, which endeavors to use surfing as a means to get down-

and-out, otherwise-forgotten kids off the streets and into social programs, school and the water.

Alongside his dad, 15-year-old Siyanda has dedicated himself to making the world fairer and more equitable for those not blessed with an abundance of opportunity.

Not only is his heart in the right place, but Siyanda is a ripping goofy-footer. Over the past couple years, he spent a good portion of his time in England, where his dad is originally from, as well as back home in Durban.

Tough as nails, he’s all good with the cold, challenging UK conditions—but doesn’t mind the warm water of New Pier, Durban, either.

Over the next week, Siyanda and Tom will be kicking around the area, surfing and enjoying Trestles and Salt Creek. If you see them in the water, say hello, share a wave and make them feel at home. More than most, they understand the positive powers of surfing. DP

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Water Temperature: 62-64 Degrees F Water Visibility and Conditions: 6-8 Outlook: The swell blend maintains chest to head high waves, (4-5’) on Friday, then surf tapers off to waistshoulder high, (3-4’+), on Saturday.

Fresh Southwest swell moves in Sunday with waist-shoulder-head high waves, (3-4-5’). Light/variable breeze early Friday morning, is followed by moderate west wind for the remainder of the day. Light to moderate south winds most of Saturday. Mainly moderate south sea breeze for Sunday.

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Dana Point Times May 27-June 2, 2022

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Dana Point Times May 27-June 2, 2022

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